an act for the charitable reliefe and ordering of person infected with the plague laws, etc. england and wales. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an act for the charitable reliefe and ordering of person infected with the plague laws, etc. england and wales. leaves. printed by robert young, printer to the honorable citie of london, [london] : . caption title. imprint from colophon. arms at top of sheet contain initials "c r", however, above the title is the heading "anno primo iacobi regis". reproduction of original in: harvard university. library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion hone soit qvi mal y pense cr royal blazon or coat of arms anno primo iacobi regis . an act for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague . forasmuch as the inhabitants of diuers cities , boroughs , townes corporate , and of other parishes and places being visited with the plague , are found to be vnable to relieue the poorer sort of such people so infected , who of necessitie must be by some charitable course prouided for , lest they should wander abroad , and thereby infect others : and forasmuch as diuers persons infected with that disease , and others inhabiting in places infected , aswell poore people and vnable to relieue themselues , that are carefully prouided for , as other which of themselues are of abilitie , being commanded by the magistrate or officer , of or within the place where the infection shall bee , to keep their houses , or otherwise to separate themselues from company , for the auoiding of further infection , doe notwithstanding very dangerously and disorderly demeane themselues : be it therefore enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that the maior , bailiffes , head officers , and iustices of the peace , of euery citie , borough , towne corporate , and places priuiledged , where any maior , and baliffes , head officers , or iustices of peace are or shall be , or any two of them , shall haue power and authority from time to time , to taxe and assesse all and euery inhabitant , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements and hereditaments within the said city , borough , towne corporate , and places priuiledged , or the liberties or precincts thereof , at such reasonable taxes and paiments , as they shall thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of such persons infected , or inhabiting in houses and places infected in the same cities , boroughes , and townes corporate , and places priuiledged , and from time to time leuie the same taxes , of the goods of euery person refusing or neglecting to pay the said taxes , by warrant vnder the hand and seale of the maior and bailifs , and head officers aforesaid , or two such iustices of peace , to bee directed to any person or persons for the execution thereof . and if the party to whom such warrant is or shall be directed , shall not finde any goods to leuie the same , and the party taxed shall refuse to pay the same taxe , that then vpon returne thereof the said maior , bailifs , head officers or iustices of peace , or any two of them , shall by like warrant vnder their hands and seales , cause the same person so taxed to bee arrested and committed to the gaole , without baile or maineprise ▪ vntill he shall satisfie the same taxation , and the arrerages thereof . and if the inhabitants of any such citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , shall finde themselues vnable to relieue their said poore infected persons , and others as aforesaid , that then vpon certificate thereof by the maior , bailife , head officers , and other the said iustices of peace or any two of them , to the iustices of peace of the countie of or neere to the said city , borough , towne corporate , or priuiledged place so infected , or any two of them to be made , the said iustices of or neer the said county or any two of them shall or may taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the county within fiue miles of the said place infected , at such reasonable and weekely taxes and rates as they shall thinke fit to be leuied , by warrant from any such two iustices of peace , of or neer the county , by the sale of goods , and in default thereof , by imprisonment of the bodie of the party taxed , as aforesaid . and if any such infection shall be in any borough , towne corporate , or priuiledged place , where there are or shall be no iustices of peace , or in any village or hamlet within any county , that then it shall or may be lawfull for any two iustices of peace of the said county , wherein the said place infected is or shall be , to taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the said county , within fiue miles of the said place infected , at such reasonable weekely taxes and rates , as they shall thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of the said places infected , to be leuied by warrant from the said iustices of peace of the same county by sale of goods , and in default thereof , by imprisonment of the body of euery party so taxed , as aforesaid : the same taxes made by the said iustices of peace of the county , for the reliefe of such cities , boroughes , townes corporate , and places priuiledged , where there are no iustices of peace , to be disposed as they shall thinke fit . and where there are iustices of peace , then in such sort as to the maior , bailifs , head officers , and iustices of peace there , or any two of them shall seeme fit and conuenient . all which taxes and rates made within any such city , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , shall be certified at the next quarter sessions to be holden within the same city , borough . town corporate , or place priuiledged , and the said taxes and rates made within any part of the said county , shal in like sort be certified at the next quarter sessions to be holden in and for the said county , and that if the iustices of peace at such quarter sessions respectiuely , or the more part of them shall think fit the said taxe or rate should continue , or be enlarged , or extended to any other parts of the county , or otherwise determined , then the same to be so enlarged , extended or determined , increased , or taxed and leuied , in maner and forme aforesaid , as to the said iustices at the quarter sessions respectiuely shall be thought fit & conuenient , and euery constable , & other officer that shall wilfully make default in leuying such mony , as they shall be commanded by the said warrant or warrants , shal forfeit for euery such offence ten shillings , to be employed on the charitable vses aforesaid . and be it further enacted , that if any person or persons infected , or being or dwelling in any house infected , shal be by the maior , bailifs , constable , or other head officer of any city , borough , town corporate , priuiledged place , or market town , or by any iustice of peace , constable , headborough , or other officer of the county , ( if any such infection be out of any city , borough , towne corporate , priuiledged place , or market town ) commanded or appointed , as aforesaid , to keep his or their house , for auoyding of further infection , & shall not withstanding wilfully & contemptuously disobey such direction & appointment , offring & attempting to break & go abroad , & to resist , or going abroad , & resisting such keepers or watchmen as shall be appointed , as aforesaid , to see them kept in , that then it shall be lawfull for such watchmen , with violence to enforce them to keep their houses . and if any hurt come by such enforcement to such disobedient persons , that then the said keepers , watchmen , and any other their assistants , shall not be impeached therefore . and if any infected person as aforesaid , so commanded to keep house , shal contrary to such commandement , wilfully and contemptuously go abroad , & shal conuerse in company , hauing any infectious sore vpon him vncured , that then such person & persons shal be taken , deemed , & adiudged as a felon , & to suffer pains of death , as in case of felony . but if such person shall not haue any such sore found about him , then for his said offence , to be punished as a vagabond in all respects should , or ought to be , by the statute made in the nine and thirtieth yeere of the reigne of our late souereigne ladie queene elizabeth , for the punishment of rogues and vagabonds , and further to be bound to his or their good behauiour for one whole yeere . prouided , that no attainder of felonie by vertue of this act , shall extend to any attainder or corruption of blood , or forfeiture of any goods , chattels , lands , tenements , or hereditaments . and be it further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that it shall be lawfull for iustices of peace , maiors , bailifs , & other head officers aforesaid , to appoint within the seuerall limits , searchers , watchmen , examiners , keepers , & buriers for the persons & places respectiuely , infected as aforesaid , & to minister vnto them othes for the performance of their offices of searchers , examiners watchmen , keepers & buryers , & giue them other directions , as vnto them for the present necessity shall seeme good in their discretions . and this act to continue no longer then vntill the end of the first session of the next parliament . prouided alwaies , and be it enacted by authority of this present parliament , that no maior , bailifs , head officers , or any iustices of peace , shall by force or pretext of any thing in this act contained , doe or execute any thing before mentioned , within either the vniuersities of cambridge or oxford , or within any cathedrall church , or the liberties or precincts thereof , in this realme of england , or within the colledges of eaton or winchester , but that the vicechancellor of either of the vniuersities for the time being , within either of the same respectiuely , & the bishop & deane of euery such cathedrall church , or one of them , within such cathedrall church , & the prouost or warden of either of the said colledges within the same , shall haue all such power & authoritie , & shall doe & execute all & euery such act & acts , thing & things in this act before mentioned , within their seueral precincts & iurisdictions abouesaid , as wholly , absolutely , & fully to all intents & purposes , as any maior , bailifs , head offices , or iustices of peace within their seuerall precincts and iurisdictions , may elsewhere by force of this act doe and execute . god saue the king. printed by robert young , printer to the honourable citie of london , . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e taxing others for the reliefe of the sicke of the plague . the inhabitants vnable to reliefe the infected . an infected person commanded to keep his house , disobeyeth . infected persons , how felons . attendants appointed vpon the infected the vniuersities , cathedrall churches , eaton , winchester . by the king, a proclamation prohibiting the keeping of the fair at bristol, commonly called st. paul's fair england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king, a proclamation prohibiting the keeping of the fair at bristol, commonly called st. paul's fair england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) charles ii, king of england, - . broadside. printed by leonard lichfeild ... for john bill, and christopher barker ..., oxford: . "given at our court at oxford, the one and twentieth day of december, . in the seventeenth year of his majesties reign." reproduction of original in the cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england. great britain -- history -- charles ii, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion c r honi soit qvi mal y pense royal blazon or coat of arms by the king . a proclamation , prohibiting the keeping of the fair at bristol , commonly called st. paul's fair. charles rex , the kings most excellent majesty , out of his princely and christian care of his loving subjects , upon the petition of the major , citizens , and inhabitants of the city of bristol , praying , that the fair usually held in or near that city , on the five and twentieth day of ianuary , commonly called st. pauls fair , may be put off for this year , in regard it would be the occasion of great concourse or people from london , and several other parts of this kingdom , that have been infected with the plague ; which ( although the contagion be now in a very great measure ceased through gods mercy ) may be the occasion of danger , to that and other parts of the land , which have hitherto ( praised be god ) stood clear and free ; hath , with the advice of hi privy councel thought good ( accordingly ) by this open declaration of his pleasure , and necessary commandment , not onely to admonish and require all his loving subjects , to forbear to resort , for this time , unto the said fair kept at bristol , commonly called st. paul's fair ; but also to enjoyn the lord or lords of the said fair , and others interested therein , that he and they forbear to hold the same , or any thing appertaining thereunto , at the said time accustomed , or any other time for this present year , upon pain of such punishment , as for a contempt so much concerning the general safety of his people , they shall be adjudged to deserve , which they must expect to be inflicted with all severity : and to that purpose doth hereby charge and enjoyn , under like penalty , all citizens and inhabitants of the city of london , that none of them shall repair to the said fair , called st. paul's fair , this present year : his majesties intention being , and so hereby declaring himself , that no lord of the said fair , or other , interested in the profit thereof , shall by this necessary and temporary restraint , receive any prejudice in the right of his or their said fair , or liberties thereunto belonging , any thing before mentioned notwithstanding . given at our court at oxford , the one and twentieth day of december , . in the seventeenth year of his majesties reign . god save the king : oxford : printed by leonard lichfeild , printer to the university for john bill , and christopher barker , printers to his majesty , anno dom. . a sermon intended for paul's crosse, but preached in the church of st. paul's, london, the iii. of december, m.dc.xxv. vpon the late decrease and withdrawing of gods heauie visitation of the plague of pestilence from the said citie. by tho: fuller, master of arts in pembroke-hall in cambridge fuller, thomas, master of arts. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a sermon intended for paul's crosse, but preached in the church of st. paul's, london, the iii. of december, m.dc.xxv. vpon the late decrease and withdrawing of gods heauie visitation of the plague of pestilence from the said citie. by tho: fuller, master of arts in pembroke-hall in cambridge fuller, thomas, master of arts. [ ], p. printed by b. alsop and t. favvcet, for nathaniell butter, and are to bee sold at his shop at st. austines gate, london : . reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- great britain -- sermons. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - aptara rekeyed and resubmitted - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - jennifer kietzman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a sermon intended for pavl's crosse , bvt preached in the chvrch of st. pavl's , london , the iii. of december , m.dc.xxv . vpon the late decrease and withdrawing of gods heauie visitation of the plague of pestilence from the said citie . by tho : fvller , master of arts in pembroke-hall in cambridge . london , printed by b. alsop a●d t. favvcey , for nathaniell butter , and are to bee sold at his shop at st. austines gate . . to the right honble : allane cotton , lord major of the hon : citie of london , and to the right wor : sir iohn gore , his worthy predecessour : tho : fvller wisheth length of prosperous dayes here , and fruition of eternall prosperitie with the antient of dayes hereafter . right hon : and right wor ps●ll : this sermon not long since preached in your publique assemblie , is besides , though not against my will publisht : the seuere censure of the eare amazed me , but that more exquisite test of the eye , doth little lesse th●n confound me : euen manna in this kinde is distasted of our corrupt natures ; and but that i know there are stomackes , that will desire fruit when they refuse wholsommer dyet , i must not haue aduentured so ill a cook't dish to so various pallats ; some , i hope , will looke vpon this piece without any thought of the worthlesse author ; and if in it they finde ought either for information of judgement , which i dare not hope , or reformation of life , which is the all of my ambition , the whole neither to them , nor me may proue vnfruitfull . the subject of it being our late heauy affliction , with it's ill cause our transgressions , and it 's good effect our sorrow , together with gods gratious deliuerance and our heartie thanksgiuing for it , this citie , the stage of those scoenes may justly challenge it as her owne ; and to whom then within these walls doth it of right belong , but to your lordship the present , and that other worthy gent : the last principall magistrate therein ? whose sad eyes were witnesses of what this is onely a rude and vnpolisht draught ; he had the happinesse to out-liue those many deaths , to finish his course not more in safetie then honour : you haue the honour to enjoy the yeare of thankfulnesse , to rule in a cleare and faire skie , wherein it will bee your crowne to destroy the cockatrice in the egge , seuerely at first to punish these transgressions and iniquities , which like garden-weedes will spring vp in a sun-shine after a storme , and , if not preuented , will o're-runne the whole plot , and bring againe the like desolation ; god is the same yesterday , to day and for euer , the same to see , to hate , to punish malefactors ; hitherto onely the hands or toes of adonibezick haue beene cut off , his life spared ; worse things then what wee yet haue suffered , may befall vs : you are at the sterne , and may be a great meanes to preuent ship-wracke : good lucke haue you with your honour , ride on prosperously , and let the word of truth guide , and it will defend you . bee pleased to pardon his boldnesse that meanes and wishes well , and humbly offers not onely this but himselfe in all due respect : at your seruice , tho : fvller . faults escaped . page . line . reade 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. . l. . for foole , r. fooles . p. . l. . for these r. theirs . p. . l. . r. opera . p. . l. . r. ebriosorum . p. . l. . r. en. l. last , r. interimat . p. . l. . r. paruas . l. . for out the , r. out of the. p. . l. . for enfused , r. infused . p. . l. . after remembrance , put in of . p. . l. . for respects , r. expects . p. . l. . r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . l. . r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. . l. . for condicions , r. condition . p. . l. . r. longe . l. . for repented . r. reported . p. . l. . for against , r. to p. . l . r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . line . decursus . psal. . verse . &c. . fooles because of their transgressions , and because of their iniqu●ties are ( nou : trans : ) afflicted . ( vet : ) plagued . . their soule abhorreth all meate , and they drawe neere to the gates of death . . then they crye vnto the lord in their trouble , hee saueth them out of their distresses . . hee sent his word and healed them , and deliuered them from their destructions . . oh that men would therefore praise the lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . what euripides spake in hecub● concerning a noble and vulgar person deliuering the same speech , eadem oratio non aequè valet : the same doe i hold true of an antient and a younger diuine should they preach , for matter and forme totidem verbis , the same sermon ; it would finde a farre different acceptation . * no man when hee hath tasted old wine will desire new , for he saith the old is better . i freely acknowledge this chayre of moses should rather bee furnished with masters in our israel , men of such grauity and learning , whose awfull presence alone might stop the mouth of all , either censorious criticisme , or enuious detraction : but so heauy hath the hand of heauen beene vpon vs , as not onely the sheepe , but the shepheards themselues haue beene scattered ; those greater and more glorious luminaries are retired to their more priuate orbes , there praying and interceding with a abraham in the fields for threatned sodome ; wisely carefull , according to the aduise of salomon b not to expose their bodyes to these arrowes of god , which as if they had chosen this citie for their proper ayme , haue thus long , thus mortally wounded vs ; so that this night of our desolation hath beene inlightened onely with lesse and weaker constellations . and those reuerend and worthy ones that haue stayed , haue found their owne pastorall charges a double labour vnto them . so that young samuel , or none must supply the place of old eli , and in the absence of the prophets , their children of seruants must discharge this duty . it will be your charity to expect from children no more then what such weaklins , and nouices can produce ; to pardon weake if there be no wilfull aberrations ; st. paul a himselfe when he was a childe , spake as a childe , b and out of the mouthes of babes and sucklins is god often pleased to make his praises issue forth : what then the heathen were wont to proclaime in the beginning of their sacrifices 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so wee desire none but equall eares and milde censurers at our sermons . c good newes is good newes though from a leaper , and truth though vttered out of weake and vnworthy lips ought to lose nothing of it's worth and acceptation . the prophet in this psalme describes foure seuerall sorts of men that stand indebted to god for deliuerance from earthly and temporall dangers , and afflictions . the first whereof are they that haue suffered banishment , as the beloued disciple d iohn in pathm●s , are exiled from their natiue soyle , and may say with them in the poet , e nos patriae fines & dulcia linquim●s ar●● , their natiue country with all the pleasures thereof they forsake , and are driuen to liue among strangers , to seeke their bread in an vnknowne land , to conuerse with such people , whose language is riddles vnto them , yet there they crie vnto the lord , f whose eares as his eyes goe through the world , and hee heareth them and brings them home in safety . the second are they that haue with g peter bin lockt vp in prisons , and with h ieremy throwne into the dungeon , and fettered , not onely in chaines of iron , but which is worse , in fetters of darknesse , not hauing so much happinesse as to see themselues miserable , yet thence from those disconsolate places , they crying vnto the lord , he also heareth them and deliuereth them , breakes those bonds in sunder , and set● their 〈◊〉 ▪ in a larger r●●me . the third being the text which at this time i haue chosen to bee the subiect of my weake discourse , are they that haue beene brought so lowe , with the harbinger of death ; sicknesse , that their soules abhorred all meat , and all pleasure is as the gall of aspes vnto them , vnwelcome and vnsauorie , yet they also with i hezekiah , crying vnto the lord , their strength is renued , and there are dayes and yeares added to their liues . the fourth are they that goe downe to the sea in ships , and occupie their businesse in great waters , sea-faring men , that are neither inter vi●●s ●ec inter mor●uos , betweene the liuing nor the dead , and are ready to offer vp their soules to euery flaw of winde , and billow of water which assailes them , yet these at last are ioyfully deliuered , and safely brought to that hauen where they would bee . the a●●aebeum or burden of each one is this , oh that men would praise the lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . it was the saying of salomon k a word spoken in due time is like apples of gold with siluer pictures , whose outside is faire , but the inside glorious ; if euer text was seasonable , this is now at this time , being a liuely description to our eares , of what our eyes haue beene wofull witnesses and spectators , here is a reall narration , and a true demonstration of our owne lamentable estate , whether we consider our misery we haue beene plagued and afflicted , or the cause of those sorrows our transgressions and iniquity , or the effect of those disasters , our fasting and crying vnto the lord , or the happy euent of our humilia●ion and contrition . he heard vs in our distresses , hee sent his word and healed vs , hee hath spoken and wee haue escaped from the noysome pestilence . or lastly the good end and conclusion which we all should make our thankfulnesse , oh that men would , &c. l plus profic●tur , cùm in rem presentem venitur , when we see and feele the truth of what we heare , the words cannot but moue and proue eff●ctuall . m illi ●●bur & oes triplex c●ra pectus , his sinewes are of i●on , and his soule of marble , who , when he heares the sad relation of those miseries wherein himselfe and his brethren haue beene miserable sharers , shall not haue his heart pricked , as the n iewes had at peters sermon , t●lling them their sin past , and their iudgement to come , so againe , that heart is as 〈◊〉 as brawne , and himselfe not worthy the ayre hee breathes in , that is not taken with this great deliuerance of our gratious god , that hath not his soule rauisht with ioy , and indeauours not to expresse the fruites of his gratitude in his life and conuersation , in reall acts of charity and obedience : for if euer death triumphed , 't was this yeare in the streets of our forsaken city , and if euer mercy againe victoriously ouercame , it was now in this sudden and vnexpected declination from the deaths of so many thousands in one weeke , to so few hundreds within a few we●kes after , it was onely the * lords doing , and it ought to bee meruailous in our eyes . wherefore as tully spake of a booke which cran●or wrote , it was paruus , sed aureolus , & ad verbum ediscendus , with better reason may i say of this text of scripture , it deserues to bee engrauen vpon the palmes of our hands , or rather on the tables of our hearts , neuer to bee forgotten , to be worne as a bracelet vpon our armes , or rather as a ●ron●let betweene our eyes , still to bee thought vpon and still to magnifie god for it . but because a pleni sumus r●marum as hee in the comedie , and the thought both of sorrow and deliuerance equally slips out of our memories with the sense of them , giue me leaue to thrust my finger into an al-most-healed soare , to drawe fresh blood from our late wounds ; to discourse a while of our afflictions , that so our extremitie duly and often considered , our owne escape , and miraculous preseruation may bee more welcome to vs , and we more thankfull for it . and so i come to my text. fooles because of their transgressions , &c. b the subiect of dauids song mercy and iudgement , as of all holy writ in generall , so it is the chiefe matter of this text in particular , heere is iudgement in the punishing , and mercy in deliuering againe from that iudgement , or rather here is mercy , then iudgement then mercy againe ; for what was it that suffered these fooles so long to runne on in the wayes of their foolishnesse , till they added transgressions to their f●lly , and iniquitie to their transgressions , till they heaped one sinne vpon another , that their regions were forborne not onely till they were albae ad messem , but siccae ad ignem , white for haruest , but drye for the fire , till the measure fo their wickednesse was not onely full , but heaped vp , pressed downe , and running ouer , but those viscera misericordiae as they are tearmed , the bowels of his compassion , his long suffering patience , who wills not the destruction of any ; he could in the infancy of their sin ●aue throwne them not onely to the gates of death , but euen the belly of hell , but yet he stayed , and stayed , till there was no end of their rebellions , so that laes● patientia fit furor , patience too long , too much abused becomes fury : yet a little while and his bow will be bent , and his arrowes drawne to the head , and he is as it were compelled to strike . and yet see and wonder at mercy in the middest of iudgement , they are not swallowed vp quite of this deuourer , they are but at the gates of death , * he hath chastened them sore , but hee hath not giuen them ouer vnto death . hee plagues none ad destructionem sed ad correctionem , to amend , not to destroy vs ; loath to begin , and yet in the proceeding procuring our good and aduantage . o quam vellem nescire literas , q said nero in the beginning of his raigne , when he was to subscribe for the execution of a malefactor ; ten thousand times more loth is our gouernour , the father of all comfort , and god ●f all mercy to strike , much more to kill . r hee wills not the death of a sinner , but rather their conuersion and saluation . and because prosperity doth rather breed corruption then amendment , as f ges●urun waxing ●at will kicke , and wee see that standing waters will soone grow noysome . aduersity must then succeed , as when t absolom could not draw ioab vnto him by faire intreats , he fired his barley ●ieldes to make him come , so that here is the course , god blesseth , they sin , god strikes , they pray , and then he presently heares and helpes them . thus then my text falls in sunder : first , as all phisitians comming to their patients examine the cause of the disease ; so here wee haue the ground and the originall of all our sorrowes our transgressions and iniquities . . foole because of their transgressions , and because of their iniquities , are afflicted . then secondly we haue the nature of the disease , the new transl●tion saith in generall they are afflicted . the old hath it , they are plagued which by the symptomes of it may be thought to b●e the same disease vnder which wee haue thus long groaned ▪ . their soule abhorreth all meate , and they drawe neere to the gates of death . vomiting i am sure is one of the certainest signes of the plague . then thirdly the seeking to the phisi●ian . . then they cry vnto the lord in their trouble . f●u●●hly the cure intended in the same verse applyed in the next . hee saued them out of their distresses . . hee sent his word and healed them , and deliuered them from their destructions . and lastly the conclusion of all , the onely fee and gratification which our phisition expects for the cure . . oh that men would therefore praise the lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . these are the parts , the cause , the disease , the seeking to the phisition , the cure , and the discharge , or satisfaction . as the prodigall u when hee returned to his fathers house freely confessed hee had sinned against heauen and against him , and was no more worthy to be called his sonne , and so reduced all his delinquencyes to these two heads , god , and man ; so are all our sinnes wee can bee guilty of , included in these two , our transgressions and our iniquities ; our transgressions , as all interpreters doe agree , smiting against the first table , and our iniquities violating the second ; our sinnes of knowledge , our sinnes of ignorance , our sinnes of weaknesse , our sinnes of wilfulnesse , our secret , our open sinnes , of our thoughts , of our mouthes , of our hands , are all here comprised , whatsoeuer the diuell can suggest , or to which our hearts can consent , or our hands act are all here vnderstood . should i take vpon me to number the transgressions of our iudah , and reckon vp the particular iniquities of our israel , i might as easily call all the ●●arres by their names , and giue a true and exact accompt of the sand vpon the sea-shore ; not onely the ends of the world as * saint paul saith , but the ends of all goodnesse are met vpon this last and worst age of ours . the sinnes which in former ages were but in their infancy , are now in ours , growne to their full height and strength , those which whilome were but in the egge , are now come to be fiery flying serpents ; all these wee haue and more of our owne , more horrid ; euery new day almost brings in a new way of offending ; were salomon now aliue , he would recant , in that x he said , he saw no new thing vnder the sun , et dictum , & factum quod non prius , wee offend both in word and workes in such kindes , such fashions , as former ages were neuer guilty of the knowledge of , and non habet vlterius quod nostris moribus addat . posteritas — posterity will neuer be able to paralell our exorbitancies ; as in the time of the plague wee wondred not so much at those that dyed , as at those that escaped : so in this generall infection , they deserue no admiration that offend , but they that are found innocent , vt pueri iunonis au●m , are wondred at as a bird of diuerse colours . should euery leaper in this kinde be enforced as those other leapers in the old y law were , to go out of our cities , and rend their clothes , and cry i am vncleane , men would swarme in our fieldes like those grashoppers in aegypt , our townes and houses should onely be places for z zim and iim , owles and ostriches to inhabite in ; our streetes should bee left so desolate , that grasse might there grow , and a * man should bee more pretious then the purest gold of ophir . a not a man amongst vs but may cry as dauid did peccaui , nay stul●è seci , wee haue sinned and done very foolishly ; stocke and branch , cedar and shrubbe , prince and priest and people , all of vs are digged out of one and the same pit of adams disobedience , and hewen out of that rocke of infidelity . b the father of vs all was an ammorite , and our mother an hittite ; in sinne haue they begotten vs , and in iniquity haue they produced vs. and we our selues sucke not the ayre faster , nor behemoth drinkes downe iordane with more greedinesse then we c hale on sinne with cart-ropes , and pull it vnto vs euen by violence : the d whole head of man-kinde is sicke , and the whole heart faint of this malady . there is none that doth good , no not one , e saith dauid ; there is none that doth not cuill , say i , and very euill , no not one . salomon f at the dedication of the temple concluded vs all vnder sinne ; omnes aliquid , nemo nullum . all of vs offend in some things , and some of vs offend in all things ; g the most righteous in all the cluster of man-kinde falls in his happiest day seuen tim●s . hee hath breuia , leuiaque peccata , quam●is pauca , quamuis parua , non tamen nulla , so that omnes odit , qui malos odit , his sword must needs be against euery man that fights against wicked men . for our skin cleaues not faster to our flesh , nor our flesh to our bones , then transgressions and iniquities to the hearts and hands of vs all . but to reduce my in●ectiue into some method , as caesar comprised his victories in three words , veni , vidi , vici . so will i reduce all our extrauagancies to three other , corda , ora , opa ; our hearts , our tongues , our ▪ hands , are the three weapons with which we fight against our god , our neighbour , and our selues , with our hearts wee contemne , with our tongues we defie , with our hands we worke against the god of heauen . or if you please , because my text hath but two words , transgressions and iniquities ; i will confine my selfe also to two particulars , our transgressions against the first , and our iniquities against the second table . the former table briefely containes in it foure seuerall precepts , the first whereof commands internall pietie , that in our hearts we haue one , and but one god alone ; the second externall worship of that one god , and sorbids vs to bow our knees , or prostrate our selues to any grauen or carued image , or likenesse of any creature , but onely to himselfe : and because ex abundantia cordis os loquitur h as our sauiour saith , as wee conceiue in our hearts , our tongues will expresse , therfore the . commandement orders that , which is the principall member we haue , either to honour or dishonour our maker ; in it is both life and death i saith salomon ; that commands vs to exercise them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in blessing and praising his holy name , not in swearing , cursing , and blaspheming , but to speake reuerently as befits the seruants of so great a maiestie . and as at all times we ought to be busied in the celebration of his praises , so especially on that day which he hath set apart for his diuine worship , in the tabernacle and great congregation ; for which the fourth commandement takes order , which sets one day apart wherein we should meete and pray to him for things wanting , and praise him for benefites receiued at his hands . giue me a man that hath not transgrest against these foure words , and i will say and pronounce , that he needs no sauiour , nay himselfe shall become a kinde of a sauiour of his fellow-brethren . i may not be long in particulars , i shall but onely touch them leui digito , as k the . searchers of canaan brought some of the fruit of the land to their brethren , for a taste , so must i onely trouble you with a few , and in briefe of our rebellions in this kinde , yet so as ex vnguê leonem , yee may ghesse at the lyon by his clawes , wee shall see that , what the most are by act , all of vs are by nature . to taxe vs with the cōmon idolatry of bowing our selues as l the iewes to their golden calfe , to any carued or grauen image , it shall now be altogether vnnecessary , sith the glorious shine of the gospell hath quite dispeld all those mists of ignorance and superstition ; those idolatrous micha's that are , dare not , ( thrice blessed bee that power by which they dare not ) shew themselues abroad , but like owles and batts in obscuritie , or be●sts in their dennes , they bury themselues in their secret and vnknowne houses , and there more blinded , then the l syrians were when they were led into sa●aria , fall to their abominations ; but such order is happily taken , by direction from his sacred majestie to his iudges and principall officers of state , that these cacus-dennes shall bee more narrowly searched into , and these wooden ●riests , and wooden saints , together with their wooden gods , shall be excluded our israel , and sent to eate their bread in those places where first they suckt their contagious poyson , or liuing here , they shall be serued as the m gibeonites were , so kept vnder and supprest , as they shall neuer endanger our state and common-wealth . when the head hath thus well ordered and commanded , may those hands forget their cunning that shall either be carelesse , or negligent in the execution . cursed may he be , and may the curse cleaue to his seed , that shall doe this worke of his lord and master perfunctorily with a double heart , or a double eye , carrying fire in one hand , the authority and command of the king , and water in the other ; his owne timorous or ●upine conniuence . but there is another idolatry more common , no lesse dangerous then that other , if the n apostle deceiue vs not , couetousnesse is idolatry , and there are whose backes and o belly is their god. mammon is the god of the couetous , and belial of the voluptuous ; these are thy gods ô england , to which the greatest part of the inhabitants are votaries and idolaters ; in these respects wee may complaine as the prophet did of iudah and ierusalem , p according to the number of thy cities o iudah haue they set vp altars , and according to the number of thy streets o ierusalem haue they erected images , so according to the number of men are their idolatries . the heathen were justly taxed for burdening the poore shoulders of atlas with so many deities , for euery seuerall purpose they had one , for peace , for warre , for corne , for wine , houshold-gods , aud country-gods , and citie-gods , and field-gods ; ●ay , rome was so base in it , as to erect a god-head for their draught-houses , cloacina was the goddesse for that purpose . tantum religio potuit suadere malorum , wherein are we inferiour , and in what are they better that dei●ie their throates or bellyes ? that ob vnius horaehilarem insaniam , as drunkenesse is called , diuest themselues of all hope of eternall happinesse : whose temple is the tauerne , and the drawers their priests , the flaggons of wine their sacrifice , which they poure downe their throates , as the heathen did to their god bacchus , and so giue a drinke-offering to the deuill . that epicure that wished his necke as long as a cranes , that he might haue the longer pleasure of his meates and drinkes , compared to many a man in our times might bee thought temperate , and q di●es his dain●y fare ; or apitius dyet would be thought penurious . the diuells walke is vndertaken , r seas and lands are compassed for the satisfying our appetites in this kinde ; and as s dauid called the water of bethlehem fetcht with the hazzard of the liues of his men , the blood of those men , so the blood of many men is daily drunke , and drunke in excesse , that blood of the grape fetcht from farre alwayes with the hazzard , and many times with the losse of many a mans life . nor doth the variety so much offend , as the abominable superfluity in the abuse of them , making them indeed the liquors of blood , beginning them to the healths of ourrfriends , but often ending like tragedies in one anothers massacre . as seneca complained in his times , vidi ebrioserum sitim & v●mentium famem , haue we as much reason to complaine in ours , there being obiected daily to our eyes , as was to the blinde mans in the t gospell at the first recouery of his sight , men walking like trees , shaking like the tops of them in a winde , reeling like a vessell in a tempest at sea , cutting indentures with their inconstant feete without sense or shame , or controlement . i haue read that cleopatra beat a iewell valued at . pound to powder , and drunke it off at one draught to the health of marke anthony , such summes few of our drunkards are guilty of , but as christ said in the u gospell , that the widow in offering but two mites , offered more then the rich pharisees did , because she offered all she had , so in this respect wee haue among vs , that drinke more then that vaine woman did , ventring their whole estates through the ●●raytes of their throate , and haue lost it all in the bottome thereof their bellyes , themselues hauing beene after such shipwracke forced with belisarius in rome to beg a farthing , and glad , with the * prodigall , of huskes and acornes for want of other food . and for our tables , how are they surcharged with the weight of dishes vpon them ; one fowle is fed . times , that it may feed vs but once , aud x all the creatures groane vnder that burden , ha●d necessitatem deprecantes sed iniuriam , they willingly like those y quayles in the wildernesse , offering themselues to our slaughter for our necessity , onely desiring the excessiue abuse of them to be forborne . i know there must be feasts for the honour of kingdomes , of states , of magistracy , publike persons must haue such publike meetings as their worth and place requires , but for z nabal to feast like a king ; for homo quidam as diues was called , a certaine rich man , to fare daintily quotidie , he is the belly-god , and this is his idolatry ; whose kitchin is his temple , whose priest is the cooke , whose table is the altar , and whose meat his sacrifice which he daily offers vp to that god , as the babilonians sometime did to their idoll bel. so weighty is the idolatry of the backe , carrying thereon whole farmes and mannor-houses that clemens alexandrinus said , it was a a meruaile they were not killed , cùm tantum onus baiulent , augustus the emperour tearmed this vanity vexillum superbiae , nidumque luxuriae , they are tokens of a naked and a wanton minde , which because their soules want that inward clothing of grace and good workes must thus like sepulchers paint and beautifie their bodies for want of better ornaments ; * they are fruitlesse twigs that aspire aloft when the fertile bowes humbly descend to the earth . they who thus vainely set out their bodies as it were to sale , meerely discouer the pouerty of their spirits . it is a pretty picture that points out an english-man naked , with a taylor standing by with a paire of sheeres in his hand , ready to shape him into any dresse , sometimes he is french alone , then spanish , then dutch , then italian , then altogether like them all , and in all so vnlike himselfe , that when the true god that made him comes to see him , hee must needs say non novi , depart from me , you have so disguised and mishapen your selues , as i doe not know you . their faithfull taylors are the priests to these idolaters , and their bills their bibles , which sometime for want of discharging they keepe by them , but when they are payd , they profanely cut them in pieces , but yet so happy are their priests , that their tenths grow to a greater heape in the close , then all their patrons . parts besides . but there may bee some reasons for these idolatryes , the pleasing of our senses , and the satisfaction of our flesh , but the other that we should a say to a wedge of gold thou art my hope , or to siluer , thou are my confidence , that wee should make our selues seruants to that which euery beast treads vnder his feet , this , as it hath lesse shew of reason in it , so is it farre more hatefull ; an abomination which the indians themselues abhorred in christians , when holding vp a piece of gold , they cryed eh de●s c●ristianorum . i cannot but thinke how soone a couetous man would bee downe on his face , and ▪ vp with his hands to the diuells worship , should he but say to them , i will not say as the deuill did to christ , b omnia hac dabo , but the least mole-hill almost that it containes , which is not more base in it selfe , then vncertaine for the continuance ▪ the holy altars of god shall be sacrilegiously robd , and his sacred reuenews purloyned to fill full their coffers , the temples of their mammon . and so thrifty are these beads-men , as they will not be at the charge of a priest , themselues will doe that office , or at least they doe as micah , iudg. . consecrate one of their sonnes , who looking to their temples and golden gods , sometime play false with them , as micah with his mother , and they with others ; what they get with the sweat of their brow , and the sorrow of their heart , their sonnes like those of c eli , spend as merrily . the father grindes the faces , and grieues the heart of the poore , the sonne glads the heart , and decks the body of an harlot . what agrippina said of nero her sonne , interim at modò imperet , so the father hee will kill , burn , destroy , so he may but get d gaine , which is his godlinesse , and the sonne kills , burnes , destroyes , to satisfie his mistresse , which is his saint , and the onely matter of his religion . thus wee violate the two first commandements , now for the third and fourth , let our horred oathes , tearing god in pieces with blasphemy , with c thomas , putting our fingers into the wounds of our sauiour , making new blood thence to issue afresh , witnesse : words come not faster then oathes , and those newly coyned , old ones are scorned as obsolete , and the forge of our braines is still on worke for new ones , such as will make the eares of euery honest christian man to tingle and shake , if it were possible , the foundations of heauen and earth . so likewise our prophane violation of the sabaoth ; i will not strictly vrge a ceremoniall abstinence from all moderate and lawfull recreations at seasonable houres , but i onely could wish this day were as happy in its kinde as the other sixe are in theirs , then are the manuary trades exercised , euery man is busie in his vocation , buying or selling , or the like , few or none are idle , onely this day wherein our humane lawes ●orbid workes , and the diuine lawes command sanctity , men take more liberty to doe euill , being longer and with farre greater content in the tauerne , and sometime in worse houses then the temple of god. thus we multiply our transgressions as the hayres of our heads , and there is no end of our rebellions the euening of our carelesnesse , and the morning of our presumption makes the first and second and third , and all the dayes of our liues . and if we thus deale with our god , how doe wee vse our neighbour ? if the first table bee thus profaned , how is the second violated ? if we swallow downe these camels , surely what followes are but g●●ts , and while we with such facility passe ouer these mountaines , mole-hills will neuer keep vs in our bounds , and so i come to consider our iniquities against the second table . i will but run them ouer . . wee scornefully cast the cords of superiority from vs , and breake the b●nds of all subiection in sunder , our fathers that begat vs , our mothers that bore vs , our earthly gods are neglected and forsaken , should they but command ought contrary to our humours ; . nay , is life spared when anger and fury is prouoked ? caligula among the romans was called lutum sanguine maceratum , are there not many among vs that haue made blood touch blood ? a wry looke , a misplaced word , a mistake sometimes hath spilt the blood of him for whom christ dyed ; man was made at first to bee as f moses to aaron , a god , a friend , a helper , but now g our siluer is become drosse ; the beasts de●uour not one the other more fiercely then one man doth another . . so for the third , how are our bodyes that should be vessells of honour , h temples for the holy ghost to dwell in , giuen ouer to all vncleannesse , men i neighing with the horse after his female , and thinking no k waters so pleasant , nor any bread so sweet , as what in that sort is purloyned . . those pronounes meum and tuum are rased out of our grammers , many violently stealing , but more fraudulently cozening their neighbours of their estates ; * it is naught , saith the buyer , and comming to sell it , hee as much commends it , and in both equally deceiptfull . . how greedily doe our eares sucke in false reports of our brethren , and how are our mouthes with childe till againe they be deliuered of them to the detraction of their repu●es ; the diuels name comes from such practice diabolus is divulgator , a spreader abroad of euill reports , so that they that report them , haue the diuell in their tongues , and they that receiue and beleeue them , the diuell in their eares , both in their hearts . nay , are there not found among vs i sons of belial , such as iesabell procured to sweare against naboth , who for a small salary will sweare downe innocence it selfe , and condemne it ? the temple-walkes in the tearme-time are seldome vnfurnisht of such necessary mischiefes . . and whence come all these ? what is the ground of all these iniquities , but our owne concupiscence , the sinne against the last commandement , which as st. iohn m diuides it , is either carnis or occulorum , with n achan wee see a babilonish garment , and a wedge of gold , and so wee desire to be fine , or rich , or to enjoy such a beautie , or to be reuenged in such a kinde , for such an iniury , and loe all these actuall iniquities follow . these are in grosse our grosse transgressions and iniquities , against which being to declaime , i could wish i had stentors voyce , and more sand to runne out , but there are other things which call for my labour and your attention : but yet ere i leaue this verse , with the practice of which sinnes we so much please our selues , giue me leaue to doe as the finers of gold and siluer , who non solùm aurimassas , verum & bracteolas parvus tollunt , not onely make vse of the wedge it selfe , but euen of the smallest rayes or foyles which their mettall casteth , so heere giue mee leaue to note out the first word of the verse , the censure which the wisdome of god giues vpon men , when they are in their greatest ruffe , in the toppe of their pride , as nebuchadnezzar in his galleries , and say with o pharaoh , who is the lord that i should obey him , or with p rabsaketh to hesekiah , he shall not be able to deliuer thee out of my hands , i say though they like the dromedary weary themselues in the race of their abominations and yet triumph , thinking that wisedome shall onely liue and die with them : yet see what a blacke coale they are marked with by the finger of the spirit , the honourablest stile they can haue , is but fooles , that 's the best and most charitable construction can be giuen of all their actions , and the fayrest tytle they can deserue . one builds and thinkes to get him a name that way , another lades himselfe with thicke clay to vse the phrase q of the prophet , and hopes that way to get him a name , another ventures his life to get him a name after his death , and there are catilanary dispositions , who by mischiefe thinke to procure a name , as those inventors of the powder-treason , but see here what name they get , this is the denomination which they haue in their liues , and shall without repentance be written on their tombes , foole and vnwise to heart , and without vnderstanding shall each of them be called , and so recorded to posterity . as r abigal spake of her husband , nabal is his name , and folly is with him , so it is with vs all by nature , we are all bound vp in a bundle of folly together , were wee as wise as achitophell s whose counsell was thought as the oracles of god , or as * solomon who could dispute of euery thing , from the cedar to the shrubbe , or as z adam , who had the wisedome to impose names according to the seuerall natures of euery creature , yet is all t the wisdome in the world folly with god , who u sits in heauen and sees the actions of men , and laughs them to scorne , and will at last openly discouer their nakednesse to themselues , that they themselues shall bee enforced to acknowledge their folly , and bee ashamed of it . though the sword of gods vengeance long rests in the scabberd of ●his patience , as it did to these men here in my text , yet at last it will bee drawne forth , the heathen shall know themselues to bee but men , and these men to bee but fooles , the day of their pleasure is now past , and the night of their tribulation comes , they were well and in health and merry , but see now they are afflicted , nay , tarditatem supplitij gravitate compensat , for see the manner of it ; their soule abhorreth all meate , and they drawe neere to the gates of death , and so the second part comes in , the disease . the cause of our disasters you haue heard , our transgressions and our iniquities , hinc nostri fundi calamitas , hence is the source of all our sorrowes , the originall of all our afflictions . had our first parents continued in that innocency wherein they were created the name of affliction had beene a stranger vnto them , they had neuer suffered , had neuer dyed , but they starting aside like a brok●n bow , and falling from that integrity , haue not onely brought a death , and that a double one vpon themselues and their issue mori●nd● moriemini , but also encumbred that short life which was alotted them with a world of sorrow and vexation . hence come that infinite number of diseases which begirt and enuiron this body of ours , so that not one part from the sole of the foot to the top of the head may challenge any freedome and immunity , some whereof ambitiously aspire to the seate of maiesty the head , and there despightfully triumph ouer vs , while others more humble , no lesse cruell , content themselues with the iniury they offer vs in our more inferiour members ; others there are who as if they had receiued that commission of his * to his souldiers , fight neither against small nor great , saue the king onely , so these bend all their forces against the onely fountaine of our life , our heart , where yet more kindely cruell , they strike vs with present death , while others to shew the virulency of their disposition , are many yeeres in killing vs , during all which time , our whole life is but labour and sorrow , and the graue is more desired then all the treasures of the world ; one hee complaines of his head as a the shu●a●it●s son , another of his belly , b as the prophet , another is ●icke in his legges , c as asa , another of a soare , as d hezekiah , all of vs haue some way or other to bring vs to these gates of death here spoken of . i am not able to call all the seuerall arrowes of this quiuer by their proper names , but surely the least , and most gentle of them is sufficient to rob vs of the best of natures iewels our life . we haue all experience in this kinde of as much as i can relate , wee see that all the cities and townes of the earth , so farre as the line of them is stretched , are but humanarum cladium mis●randa consepta , and though there is but 〈…〉 , yet there are i●numeri exitus , but one way of comming into the world , yet there are a world of wayes of going out , and if any question the cause of these our maladies , let him at his leisure but reade ouer the . of d●ut . and there hee shall see that the sinne of his soule is the onely cause of the suffering of the body . it was the word of the sonne of syrach , let him that sinneth against his maker , fall into the hands of the phisition . and experience tells vs daily , that there are some diseases which grow vpon men meerely by their sinne and wickednesse ; our e sauiour bids vs take heed that our stomacks be not ouer-charged with surfeiting and drunkennesse . plures gulâ quàm gladi● , a true , though as olde prouerbe , the graue hath beene as much beholding to intemperance , as any other thing whatsoeuer . whence come our agues and feuers , and that other , which was once out-landish , but may now be called our natiue disease , not fit to bee named , which breedes corruption in the bones , and consumes the marrow in the loynes , but by excesse and voluptuousnesse ? for this cause f saith st. paul , speaking before of the neglect and abuse of the sacrament , many are weake and sicke among you , and many are fallen asleepe . g for vaine swearing the whole land mournes , and the heathen did obserue that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the israelites were discomfited for the offence of achan . but for this disease which thus long hath troubled vs , and which , if any , is particularly meant in this place , you shall obserue tha● that neuer came , but for some great and grieuous precedent sinne , in the . of numbers and . there the people were so plagued , the cause is set downe , their murmuring and impatience , one time against god , a second time against moses and aaron , so when dauid lost . of the same disease , the text saith , for his sinne in numbring the people . this is called x the arrow of the lord that flyes by day , and when this once comes , the text hath it , that wrath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is gone out from the lord , as moses said to aaron , as if all other diseases were but whipping with roddes ; light , and slight afflictions this whipping with scorpions , the worst , the terriblest , the most seuere of all other . it is not the infection of the ayre , nor distemperature of the body , nor the heape of inhabitants , nor the influence of the stars which phisitions could or would euer apply this disease vnto , but as the h aegyptians said of the plague of lice , digitus deiest hic , and that for some great some grieuous offence . wherefore let vs all strike our selues with amazement vpon the thigh , and say , what haue wee done , let vs resolue a christian alteration and reformation , otherwise though this bee remoued , yet a worse thing will befall vs , which surely must be in the other life , for heere naught worse can come , for see how it is described . their soule abhorreth all meate , and they draw neere to the gates of death . all pleasure , all delights proue hatefull to them , nay , their necessary foode which should preserue their being , keepe life and soule together is loathsome , and then no meruaile though they bee neere death , for can a fire continue without ●ewell , and nature bee sustained without its appointed food ? but they whom god hath deliuered out of it , can better expresse the nature of this disease then my selfe , onely thus much , it is in the most mortall , in all fearefull and vncomfortable , when a friend is barred from a friends visite , when hee shall haue none to close vp his dying eyes , nor to say to him leaue thy fatherlesse children to mee , when hee not onely suffers himselfe , but it any be so aduentrously kinde to come to see him , he may bee a pe●●iduct and an occasion of the like misery to him . but wee haue not changed the colour of our haire , not added one inch to our statures since our wet eyes and heauy hearts were witnesses of more then what my tongue is able to relate ; when naught was heard but crying and complaining in our streetes , no fights but some carrying others to their graues , and not many dayes after , others doing the like necessary office for them . gods arme is not yet shortned , nor his strength so much weakened , but that if wee still sinne , hee will surely smite againe . the onely way to make a perfect cure , is to humble our selues vnder the hand of heauen , who hath wounded vs , and who can heale vs , the soare is but skinned , not perfectly healed without that plaister be applyed , this did these in my text. then they cryed vnto the lord in their troubles . l a whippe for the horse , and a bridle for the asse , and the rod is for the backe of a foole. they haue sinned and smarted , and now they feele it and cry for helpe . the wilde asse vsed to the wildernesse snuffeth vp winde at her pleasure , who can turne her backe ? they that seeke after her will not weary themselues , but they will finde her in her moneth , ier. . god sees and obserues at all times the vntamednesse of the wicked , wearying themselues like an asse in the by-paths of vngodlinesse , but hee takes them in their moneth , and happy are they that are so taken . as st. austin of necessity , so say i of miserie , foelix qua in meliora cogit , happy misery that driues vs to eternall happinesse . aduersity makes them seeke to that god whom their prosperitie made them forget . in the time of their trouble they will say , arise and saue vs saith god , ier. . . binde manasses with chaines , and load him with irons , bow downe his nceke , and his backe with bonds , and hee will soone know himselfe ; pull the king of babilon also from his throne , lay his honour and insolency in the dust , banish him the company of men , turne him to eate grasse with the oxe in the field , and he will at last learne to praise the king of heauen : let moab settle her selfe vpon her lees , and not be emptyed from vessell to vessell , and her sent will remaine in her , ier. . doth the wilde asse bray when hee hath grasse , or the oxe low when hee hath fodder ? iob . giue but any of the sonnes of men , peace , plenty , and prosperity , all things at his hearts desire , let but the sunne of happinesse still shine vpon him , how like waxe will he melt into all pleasure , and cast off the yoake of all obedience , but let stormes and frownes seaze on him , then hee will say , m come and let vs returne vnto the lord , for he hath spoyled vs and he will heale vs , he hath wounded vs , and he will binde vs vp . i doubt not but there are many who heretofore haue beene wilde like the vntamed heifer , that the lord hath by this rod of chasti●ement reduced home , and made them his , who had they not thus suffered perierant nis● perijssent , had they not lost their liues or their healths , had lost their soules . and thrice woe to that soule that shall not make this vse of this his preseruation , and of gods correction . it is a fearefull complaint that god hath in the second of ier. i haue smitten their children and they haue receiued no correction , that heart must needs bee seared as with an hot iron , that is not sensible of these stripes , and wee cannot but iudge him , deliuered vp to a reprobate sense , that is not mollified at these afflictions . what can preuaile when neither mercy nor iudgement are auailable ? n they were wont to enq●ire of abel , saith that mother in israel to ioab , when hee besieged that citie , before they destroy it , so doth god , the grand captaine of heauen and earth , as tamberlaine was wont to doe , first hang out his white flagge to any citie hee enuironed , his proffer of peace and mercy if they will yeeld , then the red flagge of threatnings , yet so as if yet they would submit , there was hope , but lastly the blacke flagge was displayed , and then no way but death and destruction if he preuailed ; so doth god first offer mercy , which if abused , then he threatens , and long it is before hee strikes , hee was . yeares before he smote the old world , if those preuaile not , then he strikes , but so gently as it shall but bee a taste as it were of what hee can doe , which if that also be in vaine , immedicabile vulnus ense recidendum , that man is incurable , and must needs be cut off . wee haue had so long , so large , so flourishing a time of peace , as our g●shen hath beene as it were the enuy of all the nations of the world besides , this little fleece of ours hath beene dry , when all the earth round about vs hath beene ouerwhelmed with the deluge and inundation of warre ; germany groaning vnder persecution , france encumbred with her fatall infelicity , ciuil wars , italy burdened with the tyrannie of antichrist , spaine ambitiously desiring to ●athom all , like to keepe nothing ▪ the hollanders continually at warre , onely we , by the blessing of our god , and the happy meanes of our late soueraigne of euer blessed memory haue sit vnder our vines and fig-trees ; but yet this peace hauing bred corruption , we haue had light and small punishments many times inflicted , by water , by fire , and by the pestilence , and all but to reclaime vs , which if we doe not seriously lay to heart , the sable flagge will be displayed : our candle will bee extinguishe , a night will come , an eternall night of destruction both of body and soule . but such was our happinesse , as in the time of our generall sufferings , wee had a generall sorrow commanded , a fast was proclaimed by the king and his nobles o as it was at niniueh , and wee all wept and mourned , and prayed , and cryed vnto the lord , and , i hope and dare say by the happy effect , it was serious and in earnest , with these in my text we cryed , and wee are deliuered . p annah in a part of her song tells vs , that it is the wont of the wicked in the time of affliction , to lay their hands vpon their mouthes , and hearts too , they fret with indignation , and repine to themselues , letting neither voyce nor groane come forth , nor any token of submission to him that hath cast them downe . but saith st. gregory , tolerare & odisse non tam virtus mansuetudinis , quàm velamentum furoris , which because they dare not vtter , murmura tunc secum & ●abiosa silentia rodunt , they bite the lippe with an impatient silence , which comes from no other but from the diuell himselfe , as tertullian witnesseth , impatientiae natales inipso diabol● deprehendo , but here as there was outward smart and inward sorrow , so there was a vocall expression of it , no way giuing any discontent , as q that king said , this euill commeth of the lord , why should i waite any more vpon him ? but onely a vociseration and hearty inuocation for mercy . in the great famine of samaria , a woman came and cryed vnto the king , helpe r my lord ô king , the king wisely and soundly replyed , how should i helpe with the barne , or with the wine-presse , seeing the lord denies vs , in vaine shall we goe to gilead for balme , to the apothecaries for oyntment , to physitions for receipts , to any for helpe , vnlesse withall wee cry vnto the lord , it is not the plaister of figges , nor bathing in iordane , nor washing in the poole of bethesda , that will here cure , but onely seeking to the lord , and yet the other are not to be neglected : s asa was not condemned for seeking to phisitions , but because he neglected the lord. t phisitions are honourable , and the act of the apothecary is to bee made vse of . wherefore hath god infused vertue into plants and mettals , but to be vsed ? u did not he command hesekiah's plaister ? * and was not naman willed to wash ? they are onely here condemned , that altogether neglect the lord , and onely rely vpon these who can doe nothing without him , nec deus oratur nisi dignus vindice nodus , inciderit , x paul may plant , and apollos may in their kinde water , phisitions may prescribe , and apothecaries may apply , but our health onely comes from aboue . virtus est in herbis plus gemmis , maxima verbis , there may , and there is power and efficacie in herbes , and mettals , but prayer is the chiefe , and principall efficient . pray vnto the lord in thy sicknesse saith the son of syrach , and he will make thee whole , and it is a st. iames his counsell , if any bee sicke , let him send for the elders of the church , and let them pray ouer him , and so the prayer of the faithfull shall saue the sicke , and the lord shall raise him vp . a reall experience whereof these men had , for no sooner did they cry vnto the lord but he deliuereth them out of their distresse . hee sent his word , &c. i remember a certaine speech by bias vsed in iest in that earnest , when certaine marriners were in distresse , and were euery one like those in ionas crying vpon his god , sile●e ne audiant dij vos hac preterire , b the kings of israel , say the seruants of benhadad are mercifull kings . i am sure the god of israel is a mercifull god , who will heare the vnfeigned cry of the most wicked in their afflictions . as the cold of snow in the time of haruest , so is a faithfull messenger to him that sends him , for hee refresheth the soule of his master , saith salomon , prou. . . here is a faithfull mercury , a winged messenger , that in so short a space hath climbed vp into the highest heauen , and gotten audience . what manicles to the hands of gods iustice are the cryes of poore afflicted penitent men , that will not suffer him to proceed in his intended vengeance ! nay , rather then they shall faile , god himselfe shall seeme to bee mutable , who though he threatneth niniueh without any hope of escape , yet vpon those prayers is intreated to spare them . or rather how gratious is our god , and willing to be thus intreated , who vpon the first call answers and performes , hee in the c gospell when his friend did but knock at an vnseasonable time , answered , the doores were lockt , the children were in bed , & so did not satisfie his desire , but for a loafe of bread ; but no such thing here , no time in all our life is vnseasonable ; the first , the second , the third 〈◊〉 hee heares and opens . bis qui citò , the bene●●● is double , that is speedily performed . d the priests of baal prayed from morning till noone , and could get no answer , but the first word of elias fetcht fire . and indeed how should such suppliants praying to such deities be heard , for what taste is there in the white of an egge , or how can baal , or any other liuing or dead creature heare or helpe , when they cannot helpe themselues ? it is onely the infinite maker and creator of the eare that can heare all men , at all places , at all times altogether . no saint , no angell , no forged or feigned god-head can doe that , but onely the god of all power and might , the mightie god of heauen and earth . vna eademque manus vulnus opemque tulit , he that bruised can againe binde vp , hee that made the wound can , and onely did cure it , now the means which he vsed was his word . hee sent his word and healed them , &c. this is that delphian sword , or vniuersall instrument which hee vsed in framing the world with all that therein is ; hee said , let there bee light , and there was light ; let there be firmament , let the waters be gathered into one place , and let the drie land appeare , and all was fulfilled ; and hee still vpholdeth all things by the word of his power , heb. . what is his word now but the reall and effectuall performance of what hee intends , he but speakes , and all things in heauen and earth , and the great deepes presently are obedient . i see now as man e liues not by bread alone , but by euery word which proceedes out of the mouth of god , so hee is not cured by phisicke alone , but by the onely blessing of the omnipotent word of god. no meanes can preuaile without that , and that with , without , besides , yea , against all meanes can easily bee preualent . no god can deliuer as f the god of the three children can , as the king confessed , whose dicere is his facere . his onely word is able to bring mighty things to passe . whatsoeuer seeme impossibilities to man , are easily brought to passe by him that can doe all things . the sea will bee calme , diseases vanish , all the creatures are morigerous , yea diuels themselues are obedient to this word , onely man dares to rebell against it , but hee that will not bend at the word of his command , shall bee broken at the word of his power . they that allegorise this part of scripture , as hugo cardinalis , and lorinus , make this disease a farther proceeding in the wayes of impiety , a sitting downe in the chayre of vngodlinesse , a deliuering vp from one sinne to another , and are at last growne to that height , that they care no more for their soule , then if they had none , the word and sacraments , the onely food of their soules they neglect and despise , it is as wormewood to their taste , or smoake to their eyes , they so wholly deuote themselues to sensuality , as it might seeme to grieue them , non quadrupedes esse natos , that they might freely take their pleasure and delight , yet at last god hath a hooke to drawe these in , a meanes to enlighten and preserue them . though they bee dead in sinnes and trespasses , and with lazarus buried in the graue , yet if the lord doe but say , exi foras come forth of that mare mortuum , wherein like ionas in the belly of the whale , or rather of hell , as himselfe called it , they are entombed , their fetters fall presently from them , as they did from peter in the prison , they come to acknowledge themselues fooles , wicked and rebellious , to say with g pharaoh , i haue sinned against the lord. this is wrought by the power of his word , that cibus inconsumptibilis as ciprian called it , that immortall word which h st , iohn saith , was in the beginning , the onely begotten sonne of god our blessed sauiour . hee like the i brasen serpent cures all foule-diseased , that looke vp to him . i vrge not this interpretation to any , i know one sinne is oftentimes the punishment of another ; as when israel had k prouoked god , hee stirred vp dauid to number the people , and it is the fearefullest judgement that can bee , to heape more coales vpon the head of the delinquent by giuing them ouer to their owne hearts lust i know also , that there is a death of the soule as of the body , etiam viuens mortua est , saith l st. paul of a woman liuing in pleasure , there is a death spirituall as temporall , out of which god is able to deliuer . nay , his word , that is the second person in trinitie came for that end into the world , was made flesh and tooke our nature vpon him , not for the righteous but m to call sinners to repentance , yea , though they were twice dead , as hee was called twice a murtherer , semel consilio iterum spectaculo . once in the act , and a second time in the glorying in it . yet there is a blessing in this dead elme , though he be consumed as a sheepe in the mouth of a lyon to a legge or an eare , or as a blocke in the fire to a stumpe , yet the least breath of his mouth is able to reuiue him . but the context me thinkes giues no great warrant for this exposition , hauing both before and after spoken of temporall dangers and deliuerances from them . i see no reason why it should be thought , that herein onely he speakes of spirituall danger and a spirituall deliuerance . i haue hitherto shewed you this disease , with the cause and the effect of it , the phisition also i haue brought you acquainted with , together with his phisicke , that if euer there bee the like need againe , wee may with boldnesse approach the same throne of grace , and obtaine the like mercy , probatum est may be subscribed to this recipe ▪ so many sighes mingled with teares , and a quantity of faith enfused , taken in poculo charitatis , and the blessing of our doctor is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for all diseases , a ●ure antidote against all infection , all amulets and preseruatiues compared to this , are meere toyes of mountebankes . this neuer failes . many heere in this place haue experimentally tasted of the efficacy of this medicine , all of vs haue beene testes occulati , eye-witnesses of it , some haue smarted , and all i hope haue beene admonished . the like cause breeds againe the like disease , relapses are most dangerous , wee haue sinned , with dauid , wee with dauid haue smarted , with him wee haue sorrowed , and with him wee haue beene deliuered . n abyssus abyssum inuocat saith he , the depth of our misery i hope , caused the depth of our sorrow , and i hope it was according to the occasion , hearty and vnfeigned ; if like o ahabs , it were but feigned and temporary , and like the carelesse boy wee forget the rodde with the smart , and so returne to the vomite ; woe , woe to that man , the latter end of that man will bee worse then the beginning . none are now deliuered , but either to their greater happinesse , or greater miserie . they who are now spared , are either spared to redeeme the time that formerly they haue carelesly lost , or till their sinnes are more ripe for a seuerer iudgement . the israelites were kept out of the land of canaan so long , till the sins of those inhabitants were fulfilled . p our sauiour told the iewes , that they were not greater sinners vpon whom the tower of siloa fell then those that escaped , but vnlesse they repented , they should all likewise perish . de mortuis nil nisi bonum , saith the canon ; our predecessors sinnes haue not beene more great against god , but gods mercy hath been more towards vs ; many greene and fruitfull trees haue beene cut vp , when leauy and barren trees are let alone ; wee haue seene death like an vnskilfull archer shooting at rouers , hath hit our superiours aboue vs , our inferiours beneath vs , our friends on our right hand , our foes on our left . the cedars haue beene pluckt vp , and the shrubbes haue continued . nay , to make the remembrance this fatall yeare for euer weare a sable liuery , hee of whom wee may say as the israelites did of dauid , z hee is worth . of vs , our blessed peace-maker vnder whose branches we haue . yeares sate shadowed from the scorching heate of warre , which hath parcht and withered most of our neighbour● nations . yet now , though not of this , yet of another as violent a disease hath beene taken away , and but that reliquisset nobis semen , he hath left vs of his seed , the flourishing estate of our kingdome might haue dyed with him . wee haue also beene bereft within the space of two yeares of many of the principall peeres , and pillers of the state , two dukes , one marquesse , fiue or sixe earles , some barons , and most of them priuie counsellours , all which were , as if our armes had been cut from our bodyes , or our eyes pluckt out of our heads . and then so many thousands of inferior subiects , as the memorie of man cannot equalise it . and loe , all we that are aliue this day , are escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler . but let mee tell you , we may be deliuered in sixe troubles , and the seauenth may dispatch vs , we may escape the pit , and be taken in the snare , as ier. . . wee may flee from a lyon , and a beare shall ouertake vs , or leane our hand vpon a wall , and a serpent shall bite vs , amos . . him that escapeth the sword of hasael shall iehu slay , and him that escapes the sword of iehu , shall elisha slay , . reg. . though our master hath thus long deferred his comming to vs , yet at last the time of our audit will come , we must all reddere rationem , we must stand at the barre , and answer to what shall be obiected . q to whom much is giuen , of him much shall bee required . the longer life afforded , we must either performe more dutie , or expect more paine ; our lord will take an accompt of our talents bee they more or lesse , and in what kinde soeuer . wherefore seeing our sinnes are the cause of gods anger and our sufferings , and hauing had but the lappes of our garments in comparison r cut off , as dauid did to saul , to shew what he might haue done . as wee haue sorrowed outwardly , so let vs shew the fruits of it . it is not the wearing o● customary blackes , the absteining from one meale in the weeke , or the bowing of the head like a bulrush , that god respects , it is the absteyning from our transgressions and iniquities that he regards , oportet aliquid esse intus as he said of a dead body to make it stand ; so there must be a true sorrow attended with visible workes , which argue sound repentance . it is true , we did fast and pray , and mourne , and cry , while the rod was vpon vs , and did not god regard vs ? he beyond expectation spake to the destroying angell to desist . now therefore as the effect of iudgement was compunction , and sorrow , and wee did expresse that heartily and really in the liberall and freely relieuing the necessity of our brethren , for which double honour shall euer attend this honourable city , which may be a patterne and example to all the kingdome of liberall and charitable contribution : so now after mercy receiued , let us expresse the thankfulnesse of our hearts , in vocall thanks-giuing , and actuall obedience to his behests . and so i come to the last part of all the fee which the preseruer of men as iob called him , our god respects from vs. oh that men , &c. wherein wee haue qui , quem , quid , quarè , the partyes , who , men , the dutie what , praise , the obiect whom , the lord ; the reason why , for his goodnesse and wonderfull workes , endeared vnto vs by the mention of the partyes to whom this goodnesse , these wonderfull workes were extended , the children of men. i shall racke your patience but a very little while to runne ouer these , and i shall conclude . . the first who , men. they who erewhile when they thought themselues wise were called fooles , are now , being humbled at the sight of their sinne , and sense of their sorrow called men. they haue lost nothing by losing all they had , they haue gained now their true denomination . the nature of man in his fi●st creation , before that lumpe was soured with the leuin of sinne , was full of glory and grace , and as god said to dauid , i made thee king ouer israel , and if that had beene too a little for thee , i would haue done more ; so man was made king , and put in lord-like dominion ouer all the earth , not of some cantons or corners , but ouer it all ; nay , the ayre and the sea also were put vnder his dominion , with all the creatures in them all , all things were created for vs b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as aristo : wee are in a manner the end of all things . and if this be too little , god hath yet done more for vs , for our sakes were the heauens created , and for our sakes were the heauens bowed , and propter hominem deus homo factus est , god was made man to pleasure man. the wise men in the world , who could neuer looke so farre into the nature of man , as wee can , yet euermore commended that creature aboue all others ; one called him a little world , the world a great man , another a mortall god , god an immortall man , another all things , because he partakes the nature of plants , of beasts , and of spirituall creatures . phauorinus merueiled at nothing in the world besides man , in man at nothing but his minde . abdala the sarazen being asked what he most admired in the stage of the world , answered man ; and augustin saith , that a man is a greater miracle then all the miracles that euer haue beene wrought amongst men . when vedius pollio a romane at a supper prouided for the emperour augustus , would haue throwne a seruant of his into a fish-pond wherein hee kept his lampries , because he had broken a cup of christall , the emperour with-held him , & controld him with these words , homo cuiuscunque conditionis , &c. aman of whatsoeuer conditions , yet if for no other reason , yet because a man is more worth then all the cuppes and fish-ponds in the world . great reason then there is for the performance of this dutie , that man should praise and magnifie his maker , if for no other reason , yet because hee hath made him man ; he hath giuen him a soule to gouerne his body , and reason to rule his soule , and a religion to direct that reason , and he himselfe who is all good , all wise , all religious is the lord of that religion , and expects that homage and onely man can performe it , faile not then . other creatures haue bodyes but no soules , mouthes and tongues , but not the gift of speech , onely that is proper to man , and that is the instrument wherewith we are to praise him , and so the second ; the duty , praise . the word in the originall which signifies laudare is also confiteri , for that is a part of the praise which god requires , we must humble our selues at his presence , acknowledge our owne vnworthinesse , and that all his punishments are farre lesse then our deseruings . c ioshua wished achan to confesse his fault , and so to giue glory to god. we commend the proceeding of the almighty when wee condemne our selues , our falling low before him , exalts him the more ; and when we lay open our weaknes , is his power made more illustrious . d we must in all things giue thankes , saith st. paul , if in our aduersity , then much more in our prosperity , if like the beast we looke onely downward for what we receiue . os homini sublime dedit coelumque tueri iussit , when our faces are erect , & we should onely minde heauen , if we onely look to secondary causes & meanes for our blessings , and so neglect the god that gaue them , the earth it selfe will spue vs vs out as an vnworthy burden : but now it is not onely the e fruit of our lips as the author to the hebrews calls them , which is here expected ; f obedience saith samuel to saul is better then sacrifice . it is in thanks-giuing , the onely christian sacrifice , as in the old sacrifices , nunquàm in odoribus sacrificiorum delectatus est , dominus , nisi in fide & desiderio offerentis , saith st. augustine , the outward act neuer was acceptable without inward piety and deuotion , cain and abel both sacrificed and externally both alike ; but the soule of a sacrifice a faithfull heart was wanting in g caines which god saw who looks as with cresset-light into the closet of a mans heart , & so refused it , & accepted the other . they are men that may be deceiued with words , but god is a god of spirits , as of bodyes , and so will be magnified in both . mens cuiusque est quisque , & so the meaning and inward intention of an action is the reality of it . to blesse god with our lips , and blaspheme him in our ●hearts , is to honour him ex vsu magis quàm sensu , rather of custome then deuotion . god is weary of this lip-labour , it is as if you offered a dog in sacrifice . honorant me labijs h saith god in the prophet , cor autem eorum longi àme , god hath the tongue and mammon , or milchrom , or belial hath the heart , what is this but to mocke god ? but be not deceiued god will not bee mocked ; he searcheth the inward parts of man , and there findes the dissimulation of the heart which cries to the tongue , make a shew of piety , do something to get me credit among men . but alasse adam was not more naked when god called him after his fall , then the hipocrisie of these men shall be discouered . praise him with our tongues , and blesse him with our hearts , and serue him with our hands , this is the true praising of him ; for as hee made all these parts , so hee will be serued in them all , and he hath power of all , for he is lord of all , which is the third ; praise the lord. a lord that hath power ouer vs , as the potter ouer his vessell , if it distastes him ; hee challengeth duty and obseruance of vs , first by creation , then by preseruation ; he stil defends & prouides for vs , then by protection he keeps vs in all our wayes , so that no euill shall be●ide vs , but chiefly in our assured hope of glorification . him that honours me , i saith himselfe : i will honour . scipio repented that he had not a souldier in all his army , who if he commanded would not cast himselfe headlong from a steep tower to the sea ; a powerfull lord ▪ & an obedient army , no doubt we owe as much seruice ▪ to our lord as scipio's souldiers did him , and hee will as amply recompence it . when gedeon had deliuered the israelites out of the hands of mad●an , they came to him and said , thoushalt be lord ouer vs for thou hast deliuered vs. iudg. . . whether god hath mightily deliuered vs , let our selues be iudges , and whether euen by those deliuerances hee may not challenge superiority ouer vs ; nay , these deliuerances are but earnests and pledges of what he yet will doe , that glory that shall be reuealed to those that truly glorifie him , is farre beyond the shallow heart of man to conceiue , glory and immortality , and life , and ioy , and pleasure at his right hand for euermore . if these certaine hopes will not allure ; yet let feare stirre vs vp , the consideration of what is due to the neglect of it . what a reprehension did our sauiour giue those vnthankfull leapers , k were there not ten healed , where are the other nine ? a fearfull thing when the creator shall aske where the creature is , as god asked adam in the garden after his fall , where art thou ? l our sauiour saw nathaniell vnder the fig-tree ; so no doubt he knew where those nine ingratefull men were , but by their ingratitude they were lost in themselues , and so were quite out of his protection . he will be a lord no longer to defend and protect vs , then we are seruants to obey him ; not a seruant here below that will endure his masters disgrace , * ais aio , negas nego , saith hee in the comedy ! their masters word goes still for a lawe , and hee will be more iealous of his masters honour then his owne peace , shall earthly seruants be so obseruant of their earthly masters from whom time may release them , or distance of place secure them , and shall we dare to neglect our obeisance against him , against whom there is no priuiledge ? no place , nor any time can exempt vs from his dominion . m the vnprofitable seruant that gaue his master his owne talent , yet was condemned because hee did not increase it , where shall they then appeare that doe not giue him what of right belongs to him ? n when the pharisees tempted christ by asking him whether they should giue tribute to caesar or no , he called for a penny , and seeing cesars image and superscription vpon it , iudged it his , giue saith he to cesar the things which are cesars , and to god the things which are gods ; honour , and glory and praise , is that which of due belongs to him , and that which all the host of heauen , angells and saints , daily sing vnto him ; holy , holy , holy lord god of sabaoth , heauen and earth are full of thy glory , the glorious company of prophets praise thee , the noble army of martyrs praise thee , the holy church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee . o in the angels song there went gloria in excelsis , before pax in terris , no peace on earth , if no glory to heauen , and yeeld but that peace shall be within our walls , & plenteousnes within our dwellings . would yee yet know a farther reason wherfore yee should praise him , my text tels you ; for his goodnesse ▪ &c. meruailous are thy workes saith dauid , in wisdome hast tho● made them all , the earth is full of thy goodnesse , so is the broad sea also , not the least creature in the ayre , or the earth , or the water , but if we rightly consider , it is fearefully and wonderfully made , & the least part or member of them is more then the weake and shallow reach of man is able either duly to commend or to comprehend rightly . it is a true position in morality , nimia familiaritas parit contemptum , it is also true in diuinity , perseuerantia consuetudi●is amisit admirationem ; quàm multa vsitata caleantur , qua considerata stupent ? saith augustine , how many things doth custome make vile , which consideration would make admirable ? did wee but with dauid truly consider the creation of our selues , that wee are wonderfully made , and that our bones were not hidden from him , though they were formed in a secret place , it would enforce vs to giue acclamation to the workmanship of our maker , as that sweet singer of israell there did , meruailous are thy workes o lord , and that my soule knowes right-well . then haue the wondrous workes of god their true end , when we take them for wonders , when we tremble at the sight of them , and feare that mighty lord that hath wrought them , god doth not miracula propter miracula , but for our sakes , not caring so much himselfe to doe them , as that wee consider and beare them away . the gratious god saith dauid , hath made his wonderfull workes to bee had in remembrance . o lord how gratious art thou , thy workes are very deepe , an vnwise man knoweth it not , and a foole doth not vnderstand it ; so that all his goodnesse is extended to vs , and his meruailous workes are done for vs , which are the children of men . the last part of all . o that men , &c. tantus ille , tantilli nos , this addes to our engagement ; that he should so consider vs , and thinke vpon vs , that neuer thinke vpon him ; that he should regard vs that neuer minde him ; for vs that haue deserued so little at his hands , nay , rather so much , so much misery , & so many plagues , being non prius nati quàm damnati : that are not onely strangers but enemies , and that the most despightfully conditioned that can bee , vessells of wrath , and sonnes of perdition , that he should doe all these things for vs ; how are we honoured , that he will vouchsafe to be honoured by vs so vile , so vnworthy as we are ? all that we can doe is a thousand times lesse then a drop of raine to the ocea● , he is infinite of himselfe , and nothing can bee added to him , it is onely our happinesse , our welfare and aduantage . the wonder which dauid here instanceth in , is the recouery of vs out of sicknesse . wee little consider how daily and hourely wee stand beholding to god for our liues and healths , when wee haue such enemies within , the elements wherof we are composed , heate and cold , moisture and drought , which being brethren of one house , as one called them , but withall the fathers and founders of vs , as it were of our natures , if they but fall at variance within vs , how will they rend and teare vs like wilde boares , how many haue beene buryed aliue in the graue of their earthly and melancholike imaginations ? how many burnt in the flames of pestilent and hot diseases ? their bowels set on fire like an ouen , their blood dried vp , their inwards withered and wasted with the violence thereof ? the vapours and fumes of their owne vitious stomacks , like a contagious ayre how many haue they poysoned and choaked vp ? and finally how many haue been glutted and ouercharged with water betweene their owne skinne and bones ? and therefore we must conclude and cry with the prophet ; it is the wonderfull mercie of god , that we are not consumed . when a grape-gatherer comes , will he not leaue some grapes ! if ought in the opening of this scripture hath escaped me , as my ignorance & weaknes dare hope for no other , it wil be your charity to impute it to multitude of other priuate businesse , and breuitie of time , in which as agabus with the girdle of paul i am confined , these few sands are too little to expatiate my selfe in these many and various points which offer themselues to our consideration , though not all of some , yet somewhat , i hope i haue spoken of all ; i would gladly conclude with some short application . how many are there now in this city aliue , that haue beene summoned as hezekiah was , to set their house in order , for they thought no other but they must die ? that haue seene before them , the greedy and inexorable graue with open mouth ready to receiue them ; that friends and phisitions haue all forsaken , giuing them for dead , yet haue escaped , and are recouered , and many there are also , to whom god hath giuen continuance of health in this generall deluge of infection , when so many thousands haue fal●e round about vs ; to what shall we attribute this ? were we not in the same ayre ? did wee not conuerse with the same men ? are not our bodies equally subiect to the like diseases ? was it not onely as our sauiour saith , that the workes of the lord might be manifest ? who spake to this infection , as sometime to the sea , hitherto shalt thou goe and no farther , diuide in one house betweene brother and brother , in one bed betweene husband and wife , in one family betweene seruant and seruant ; these shalt thou absolutely take , these thou shalt but touch their bodyes and spare their liues , as he said to the di●ell concerning iob ; thus long shalt thou raigne and no longer ; if euer we liue to forget this goodnesse , this wondrous worke of god , ( i will sooner wish we should forget to take our daily food ) how iustly should god forget vs , when wee stand in the like need of mercy againe . as the emperour had his boy that cryed euery morning to him , remember thou art but a man ; so let vs still haue something or other to put vs in minde of this great deliuerance ; let euery man write it vpon the doores of his house , as the p israelites in aegipt sprinkled their posts with blood , that if euer god should againe strike , he againe may spare vs. i q know , saith god of abraham , that he will tell his children what great things i haue done . let it be our talke to our children , that they that are yet vnborne may know , though not by sight , yet by hearesay , what great things the lord hath done for vs. scipio africanus the elder hauing made the city of rome exanguem , & morituram , as himselfe called it , ready to giue vp the ghost , lady of affrik at length being banished into a base country-towne , his will was , that his tombe should haue this inscription , i●grata patria ne ossa quidem mea habes , let not the god of heauen complaine so of vs , that we should haue no thought , no memory , of our great preseruations , let him not bee exiled our thoughts , and buried in obliuion , but let some remnant and foot-print bee left , to witnesse to the world , that we haue beene deliuered . let him not haue cause to complaine as he sometime did , isa. . heare o heauens and hearken o earth , i haue brought vp and preserued children , and they haue despised me : can a mother forget her child saith god ; no childe so deare to the mother as wee haue beene to him , he hath tendred vs as the apple of his eye , and preserued vs , as the signet vpon his right hand . oh then let vs obserue and respect him . it is a good thing saith dauid , to praise the lord , and to sing vnto the name of the most high , to declare his louing kindenesse in the morning , and his truth in the night season . it is good touching the act it selfe , for it is better to blesse then to curse , and to giue thankes , then to giue out a voyce of grudging . it is good , because of the retribution , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 giue and thou shalt receiue , and all that wee can giue to him , is our thankes ( for can our goodnesse extend to him ? saith dauid ) and cessat de cursus gratiarum vbi non fuerit recursus , the course and descent of the graces of god ceaseth , and the spring is dryed vp , where there is not a recourse and tide of our thankfulnesse , wherefore let vs alwayes be thankfull to the lord , for it becommeth well the iust to bee thankfull . had i the power , i would doe as dauid did , begin aboue , and call the heauens , the sunne , and moone , and starres to praise the lord for this our deliuerance , then would i descend to the ayre , and call all those winged messengers of god , all birds and feathered fowles to beare a part with vs , then would i come to the earth , and haue mountaines and all hills , fruitfull trees and all cedars , beasts and cattell to ioyne with vs , then would i goe downe to the deepe , and there summon all those sea-citizens of those brinie regions to come with vs , and magnifie his great and glorious name . in a word , i would conclude as dauid doth , let euery thing that hath breath praise the lord. the lord whose goodnesse is without quality , whose greatnesse is without quantity , infinite in both ; but all of vs that are the sonnes of men , especially i would haue to learne , the song of the blessed before hand , that hereafter wee may bee able to sing it with more perfection , r praise , honour , and glory bee vnto him that sits vpon the throne , and to the lambe ▪ that immaculate lambe of god which once offered himselfe for vs , and at last will assume vs to himselfe in that place where he ●its and raignes for euer . to the which place hee bring vs , that onely bought vs , and can saue vs , iesvs christ the righteous . amen . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e heb. . . iudg. . . notes for div a -e * lue. . last . a gen. . b prou. . a cor. . . b psal. . . c kings . vers●● . d reuel . . . e virg ▪ ecclog . ● ▪ f zach. . . g act ▪ ▪ h ler. ▪ verse . i ● reg. . k pro. . ● . l ciprian . m horace . n act. . . * psal. . a 〈◊〉 b psa. . * psal. . ● . q sue● . in vita nero●is . r ez●k . . . f deu● . ● . t sam. . . u luc. . . * cor. . . x eccles. . . y num. . . z isa. . . * ibid. ver . ● a sam. . b ez●k . . . c isa. . . d isa. . . e ps●l . . . f king . g pro● . . . h luc. . . i prou. . . k num. . . l exod. . l ● king. . m iosh. . n col. . . o phil. . . p ier. . . q luc. . . r iob . s ● sa● . . . t mark. . . u m●●k . . . * luc. . x rom. . . y num. . z sam. . a luc. . . * tim. . a iob . . b mat. . . c sam. . d tim. . . c iohn . . f exod. . . g isa. . h cor. . . i ier. . ● . k prou. . . * prou. . . i king. . m ioh. . . n iosh. . . o exod. . . p ● king. . q hab. . . r sam. . s sam. . . * kings . . z gen. . . t cor. . . u psal. . * king. . . a king . b ier. . . c kings . ● . d kings . . ecelesiast . . . e luc. . . f cor. 〈◊〉 . g ier. . . sam . x psal. . . h exod. . . l prou. . . chron. . . dan. . m hos. . . . n sam. ● . . o ion. . p sam. . . q kings . . r ibid 〈◊〉 . . s king. . t eccle. . . u king. . * king. . x cor. . . chap. . . a iam. . . b king. . . c luc. . . d kings . . e mat. . f dan. . . g exod. . h ioh . i num. . . k sam. . l tim. . . m mat. . . n psal. ● . ● . o kings . p luc. . . z sam. . q luc. . . r kings ● . a sam. . b phisi● . c iosh. . . d 〈…〉 . e heb. . . f sam. . . g gen. . h isa. . . i sam. . . k luc. . . l ioh. . . * 〈◊〉 . m mat. . n mat. . . o luc. . . p exod. . q gen. . . psal. . psal. last . r reu. . . a learned treatise of the plague wherein the two questions, whether the plague be infectious or no, and , whether and how farr it may be shunned of christians by going aside, are resolved / written in latine by the famous theodore beza vezelian. bèze, théodore de, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing b estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a learned treatise of the plague wherein the two questions, whether the plague be infectious or no, and , whether and how farr it may be shunned of christians by going aside, are resolved / written in latine by the famous theodore beza vezelian. bèze, théodore de, - . [ ], p. printed by thomas ratcliffe and are to be sold by edward thomas ..., london : . imperfect: pages torn and cropped with some loss of print. reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a learned treatise of the plague : wherein , the two questions : whether the plague be infectious , or no : and whether , and how farr it may be shunned of christians , by going aside ? are resolved . written in latine by the famous theodore beza vezelian . london , printed by thomas ratcliffe , and are to be sold by edward thomas at the adam and eve in little britain to the honorable sir john robinson , lieutenant of his majestie 's principal fortress , the tower of london . honourable sir , the confidence of a stranger will ( i hope ) easily meet your pardon , when the worth of the author , and the occasional subject of the discourse ( in these contagious and calamitous times ) have given me too sad an opportunity of presenting it to your honour , whose concerns for the publick welfare , ( even in this great city ) are as eminently great as any others . the matter of the discourse is a confutation , and reconciling the onely two destructive opinions , that in all ages ( in contagious and infectious times ) have ever proved fatal to the world : the one too much presuming and relying upon this bold opinion , that the plague is not infectious : and the other , tum pavor sapientiam omnem mihi ex animo expectorat : out of a weak and unspirited precipitation , without exception , flye away from it ; both of which are so contrarie to humanity ; that as they are utter enemies to each other , so ( like the dis-agreeing brothers ) they are both in opposition to christian community and charity . to say more , were too great a wrong to the judicious beza , and to anticipate your honours judgement ; to whose noble approbation i commend the author ; and hope from your noble candour , you will easily censure this presumption in , honourable sir , your honours ( though unknown ) most devoted , and most humble servant , edward percivall . a learned treatise of the plague : wherein the two questions : whether the plague be infectious or no ? and whether , and how far it may be shunned of christians , by going aside ? are resolved . i confess my self to have been so unacquainted with this question , whether the plague be to be reckoned amongst infectious diseases ? that untill within these few years , i am of belief , that it was never doubted ; but that this sicknesse alone , amongst all others , was to be judged contagious ; for testimony whereof , before any man that is not given to quarrel , i refer my self to the judgement of * writers of all countries , who have treated of these things . but now in our times men have taken in hand to dispute this question upon this occasion , that many do so greatly fear this disease , and death which commonly followeth the same ▪ that forsaking all duties , not onely of christians , but also of humanity , they have greatly increased the very wrath of god , which is the chief cause of this sicknesse : and there hath in a manner been no * stay or lett in them ; but where this great misery hath happened , the bonds of man's fellowships being once broken , it is much to be wondered at , that all mankinde hath not perished and been destroyed . and these men being demanded what they can alledge for so impious a crime , for that they commonly bring nothing else for their excuse , but the fear of infection , wherof it hath come to pa●s , that those in whom there is a greater boldness , do think that they can no way more certainly finde a remedy for this evil , than by teaching that this sickness is falsly supposed to be infectious . but i , because i think that this paradox or strange opinion can no more be proved by good reason , then if a man with anaxagoras should hold the snow to be black , or out of the hypothesis of copernicus , labour to prove , that the earth doth really move , and the sun stand still , as the center of the world , do judge , that this so great fear , which bringeth with it a forgetfulness of all duty , both may , and also ought otherwise to be put away : neither will i believe this disease not to be infectious , untill some man shall teach me , either out of the word of god , or by evident and good reasons to the contrary ; for there are in the very course of nature certain and most sure grounds and proofs of this verity , so long as the order of necessary causes agree with themselves . for i deny , although it be agreed upon , that the plague , of all other diseases , is most infectious ; yea , and that unavoidable death for the most part doth presently follow : that therefore the standing , in which god hath placed every man , is to be forsaken . i deny , i say , that therefore that thing is not to be preferred before life it self , which we owe unto god , to our country , and which we owe unto men , either for some publick or private respect . and i had much more rather they would bestow their endeavours in perswasive disputes , to restrain mens flying away for fear of the plague , than that they should labor to prove their strange opinion of the plague not to be contagious . indeed , i had rather have the consequent ( according to the school-phrase ) in that same enthymeme to be denied , than the antecedent ; for by that means something might be brought to pass , not only by probable , but also by necessary arguments , according to their own desire , namely , that those do very greatly offend , who , for fear of any peril do offend against god , or against their neighbour . for what christian man dareth to call these things into controveisie ? or if he dare do it , shall not be reproved by the restimony of his own conscience , though all the world should be silent ? for i do not think that there are any , which do hold , that with a good conscience , the plague by all means without exception is to be fled from ; which notwithstanding , i see by some in such sort disputed against , as if it were by others maintained . yet , if there be any of that minde , i do no more favour their errour , than i allow of those men , which of a clean contrary opinion do think , that the plague is not to be fled from . but surely it is the part of a wise man to follow the golden mean , so that he fly not when he should tarry , neither when he should go aside ( for the term of flying away in this argument seemeth to me to be very improper ) by his rash tarrying , offend against the self-same charity , which seemed to counsel him to stay . these things i thought good in manner of a preface to set down , before i come to the handling of the matter : to the end , that all men at the first entrance may perceive , what i have undertaken to defend , and what to disprove . then for as much as there are some not wanting , which do think that this discourse of the plague to be fled from , or not to be fled from , doth depend upon the first question , whether the plague be infectious or no ? let us examine with what reasons and arguments they so boldly deny the plague to be infectious ; a thing which hitherto of all men without controversie hath been believed . for the better determining of this question , they would have it to be considered what the plague is , from whence it commeth , what is the cause of it , by what means it is sent unto us , what is the nature of it , and what the end ? i take their proposals , for it is most lawful and reasonable : but how shall we come to the knowledge of these things ? by no means ( say they ) from any reasons out of physick , but only by the word of god. then let all things disputed by physicians be blotted out ; and instead of the books of hypocrates , galen , and others , let physicians read only the bible ; and let there be no difference between them , and divines ; between the physick of the body , and the minde . nay , god forbid , will they say ; for we condemn no other reasons of physick , than such as are against the word of god. let us enquire then ( forasmuch as infection hath its beginning from natural causes , and therefore proceedeth from them , ) whether concerning natural causes of the plague , there be any thing taught in the word of god , contrary to the rules and judgement of physicians . they say that the plague is caled by the hebritians dener , of the word daner , which also signifieth to destroy , by sentence given by god : and that the grecians do render it thanaton , that is to say , death . be it so , it is not much to the matter ; ●or hereof it followeth not , that the plague proceedeth not of natural ●auses coming between , because it is sent by god , unless that we will ●ave therefore all natural causes of diseases taken away , because no man di●th , but god decreeing of what kinde and manner of death soever it be that he die . nay , ( say they ) it is a folly to call the sentence of god , whereby he appointeth unto every man , not only death it self , but also the kinde of death , and second causes , infections . but who i pray ever doted so much as to call the sentence it self , of god , infectious ? but that which we say is far otherwise , namely , that the infection it self is to be reckoned amongst second causes ; for who can deny that many diseases are gotten by handling and touching ? of the which some are deadly , and other some are less dangerous ; unless they will also contend that the sun shineth not at noon day ? sinne indeed , wherewith we are all born infected , and from which all this dying cometh , by a certain spiritual infection , not without the decree of god , it is conveyed and spread into all the posterity of adam : therefore there is no substance at all in this reason . but they also demand , if infection be reckoned amongst second causes appointed by god , how we can avoid that which is ordeined by god ? that hence they might gather , that if the plague be granted to be infectious , that in vain a remedy is sought against it , by flying away . but this is also a very dull reason ; for if this reason be good , shall it not be lawful to affirm the same of all second causes of death ? if so , let us neither eat , nor drink , nor seek any remedy against any diseases ; let souldiers go unarmed to battel , because death ordained by god cannot be avoided . but thus the case standeth , doubtless neither death , nor the time , or any kinde of death appointed by god , can be avoided : neither do we eat , or use remedies against diseases , or put on armor against our enemies , as if we meant to withstand god. but leaving those things , which god would have kept secret from us , we must use those things which god himself going before , nature telleth us to be ordained by him to prolong our life so long as it shall please him ; which if we do not , we shall worthily be deemed to tempt and most grievously to offend god ; so far off is it , that using the means set down by him to avoid death , we should sinne against him , although that sometimes we use them in vain , that is to say , when as the end doth plainly shew , that even then we must die , when as we thought our life should yet for a time have been prolonged . so is asa rebuked , not for that he sent for physicians , but for that he put his hope of life in the physicians : so that when experience hath taught us , that infection creepeth rather into things near , than afar off ; he is not to be accused , who leaving no part of christian duty undone , withdraweth himself and his family : nay , he shall be greatly blamed , who rashly casteth himself and his into the danger of infection ; when as the apostle beareth witness , he is worse than an infidel which hath not so great care over his , as with a pious safety and charity he ought to have . now let us see whether this following reason be of any more force . by those names , say they , which in the holy scripture are attributed to the plague , is sufficiently and thorowly expressed , what the quality and manner of the same is . now the plague is called the hand of god , sam. . the word of god , chron. . and is also signified by the name of arrows , ps . . & . therefore it cometh not of infection : when asneither hand , nor sword , nor arrow , woundeth by infection . but besides that , peradventure i might worthily call into doubt , whether all these testimonies alledged deny this argument also ; for in another place , as psalm . david calleth his enemies the hand of god , who by natural means assaulted him . and when as the hand of god is said to have made us , natural generation is not left out ; and it is manifest , that in the scripture all evils , and punishments whatsoever god sendeth unto mankinde , using either ordinary laws of nature only , or else using the service of angels , are called arrows . i demand moreover , what they call the quality and manner of the disease ? they will say , the nature thereof it self : but i say by those metaphorical terms of hand , sword , arrow , is no more signified of what manner or quality this disease is in it self , than what is hail or the scabb , when god is said with a stretched out hand to have smitten aegypt : and to be short , what is the force and nature of every disease , when as in the additions of the law , they are reckoned up amongst the curses which god would send upon them ? what then ? surely then it belongeth unto the physicians to search out the nature of diseases , so far as they depend upon the laws of nature ; which we often see by them performed with such good success and certainty , that they can foreshew both them , and what issue they are likely to come unto . but concerning supernatural and divine causes of sickness and other miseries , those do divines declare , teaching , that we must mount far above nature , and all things appertaining unto nature , when with our prayers we deal about the avoiding and removing of them far away from us ; for the true and principal cause of them is our sins , wherewith god being provoked , doth raise and stir up against us all these inferiour causes , to be revenged on mankinde with just punishments . i therefore say , that it is an absurd and fond thing , to confound these things , so far severed asunder , and distinguished by their most diverse , yet not contrary ends , but onely such as are placed , the one under the other . and because that in this argument they contend , that the plague therefore is not infectious , for that it is often called the hand , and sword , and arrow of god , i demand of them , whether the leprosie were not the hand of god ? and whether it were not therefore infectious ; and the rather , because it was infectious whether therefore the leprous were not commanded to depart aside from the rest that were clean ? i demand this also , if there be no evil in the city , which the lord doth not , whether at this day , notwithstanding , the foul black sporty and scurvy leprosie called the elephantiasis be not accounted infectious . and i would gladly ask of them which finde fault with our going aside in the plague time , whether they think that those which are infected with it , are to be suffered in the common company and society of men ? and if they suppose that they are to be suffered , why they declaim not , and cry out against them also by whom they are shut out ? if not , and think them to be avoided for fear of the infection , why without all exceptions do they blame those that shun the infections of the plague , as the most hurtful to all persons ? but they will peradventure deny that kinde of leprosie to be the hand of god : let us speak of the pox , whether it be the french , or the spanish , i would to god it were not also the english , that it is a punishment sent of god for whoredom , which in these times is accounted as a sportive recreation ; i think there is no man which dareth to deny that it is indeed the hand , sword , or arrow of god , which striketh whoremongers . but is it not therefore infectious ? and doth not a whore even infect many with this disease , who again bewray one another ? so that this most filthy sickness is gotten , not onely with lying together , but also by breathing and handling , and is sucked out by infants from their nurses breasts ; and the nurses get this disease by giving suck unto the infant , which is is either conceived by an unclean father , or born of an unclean mother : thsoe arguments also are therefore such , as do indeed need no confutation . without all question it is absurd and against all reason to think , that there are immediately ( as they say ) rather sent unto every several man so many several plagues , than the kinde it self of the disease , by the which one corrupteth another by infection : for whether god kill at one stroak , or whether , as it fell out unto the midianites , he strike them down by one wounding another , whomsoever he hath appointed to die , what difference is there ? neither concerning what we have in hand is there any difference , whether any man be slain with the dart of god himself , or the infection of another . let us now come unto that which they alledge concerning second causes , which they deny to be any certain placing of the stars , or corruption of the aire : neither will the physicians have any plague or infection to grow of those causes . but if we grant this , and imagine that all natural causes of the plague are by them rehearsed , they must tell me , why they shut out all these at once , insomuch that they will have them to have but small skill in scriptures , who impute the plague ( next after god ) to these causes ? because , say they , that the holy scriptures bear record , that the plague is sent by angels , as psalm . . chron . ezech. . also in the history of zennacherib , and in the revelation , where there is mention made of a most noysom ulcer ; for , say they , that which god sendeth by angels is not of natural causes . i grant that , so far as concerneth the angels themselves , who i yield are not reckoned among natural instruments : but what hinders , god so commanding , the natural causes themselves to be stirred up by the angels ? for surely it cannot be doubted that they , borh the good and the bad , do stir up the minde of man after a certain sort , what kinde of moving soever it be , when as satan is said to have entred into the heart of judas , ( unless we shall peradventure say , that the good angels have somewhat less power than the bad ) and that also is manifest by the story of achab , and by the efficacy and power of the spirits of errour . and who can deny that the will of man is to be reckoned amongst the very chiefest causes of mens actions ? but if the will of man be not debarred from the ministery of angels , why shall we think that other natural causes must needs by the same be taken away ? moses stretching forth his rod , raised up lice , and innumerable sorts of flyes , brought out upon the suddain fearful hayl , and struck the aegyptians with most noysom boyles and botches . and this ministry of moses was doubtless altogether as extraordinary , as the ministry of angels . but did not therefore the lice and flies come of rottenness , the hayl of vapours growing together on the sudden by restraint of the contrary , and the boyles and botches also of corruptions of the humors ? satan receiving a grant from god , by a suddain raising of the winde , and by throwing abroad the fire from heaven overthrew , and burnt the house of job , together with all his children . but doth it therefore follow that this came to pass without any natural causes stepping in between ? or shall we not rather say , that those princes of the air ( as the apostle , not without cause , calleth them ) made in a moment , those indeed natural impressions of the air ? the devil sendeth the godly to prison , revel . . . but by tyrants and persecutors of the church . in the same book , cap. . vers . . the pale horse on whom death the rider sitteth , receiveth power to kill with the sword , famine , and pestilence , and sending of wilde beasts : here , if we shall by that rider understand an angel , why shall we not aswell say , that he used natural matter to cause the plague and famine , as a sword and wilde beasts , when themselves are also natural instruments ? and afterterwards , cap. . v. . the angels are commanded to stand in the four quarters of the earth , and to keep back the windes , that they hurt not the sea and the land with blowing . whereof followeth , that at the commandment of god , the windes are in like manner sent forth by them ; from the which doubtless it is manifest , that many infections of the air , and chiefly infection , doth proceed . so that natural causes , whether they be moved by little and little of their own force planted in them by nature , or otherwise beyond order , god so commanding , they be in a moment carried to their effects , they are natural , and so far forth are their effects also worthily judged natural , which no man of reason can deny . for if there come in no natural causes in the plague , those whom the plague hath touched , doubtless they cannot be at all eased , much less be healed by natural remedies . and to prove this to be most false , experience and very sense doth demonstrate ; yet i profess my self to be one of those which doe so far detest the superstitious judicious astrology , of casters of nativities , and all other such like predictions , that i could wish the old statures of princes concerning those things were renewed , and streightly to be observed . but to take from the divers concourses of the stars , the natural constitutions of the air , and such effects as depend thereupon in our bodies ; as if the stars were onely placed in their spheres to be looked upon , or for difference of times , i think to be no sign of judgement , but rather of a perverse stubbornness , when as the husbandmen have a daily knowledge of this , and the tempests do speak the same ; and that the thing it self doth prove , that the temperature and distemperature , and even infection it self in some measure may before told by skilfull astrologers . but now should we grant , that those plagues , the example whereof are taken out of holy scripture , were sent by angels , and therefore to have been without infection ; why should it be less absurd and against reason to conjecture and resolve , that no plague is sent by angels , than to hold that no hayl , no showres , no lightning is made by the course of nature ? because that in many places of the scriptures we read , that by the ministry of angels it hath both hayled , and that most rough and blustring windes have blown , and that it hath horribly thundred . but , say they , those examples of the plague by angels are set forth unto us for example , that thereby we may learn rightly to judge of middle causes , and of the original of the plague . verily who will deny , that what things soever are written , are therefore written that by them we should be instructed , and that all things which are mentioned in the holy scriptures , of the ministry of angels not onely of the plague , but also of famine and other calamities , both to destroy the wicked , and also to correct and exercise the good , doth bring unto us great profit , that we may learn both to fear and love god , who is not tyed unto the laws of nature , as the sto●ck philosophers have thought and hath certain instruments of his judgements more fearful even that those which are perceived by our senses . but hereby is not concluded that which thou wouldst have , namely , that thus we are taught , that there are no natural causes used by angels in the performance of the commandments of god. the scripture affordeth us examples of plague sent upon men , making no mention of angels ; and those agains● whom i dispute , do grant , that it was the plague of which ezekias wa● sick , yet is he not said to have been stricken by angels . god doth ofte● by moses and other prophets threaten the plague unto sinners neither 〈◊〉 there any doubt but that these threatnings were not in vain ; yet doth he 〈◊〉 where recite that he will alwayes send them by angels . the psalmist seemeth in certain psalmes to shew that he was taken with the plague , whom notwithstanding we never read to have smitten with any sore , or wound given by the angels . all these things therefore , unless i be very much deceived , make nothing at all to the taking away of the contagious air , the second cause of this sickness . but this also which they set down , upon what reason i know not how grounded : they say , that the plague is sent unto men by the singular and especial providence of god ; and what is here which may not be affirmed of every thing which cometh to passe in the world ? for , as he saith , not so much as a sparrow falleth to the earth without the providence of god , and the hairs of our head are numbred ; which providence , if it be stretched unto singular things , doubtless it is in such sort universal in the general , that it is also singular in the singular . they say moreover , that so often as the plague reigneth in the world , that all those are kept from this infection whom god hath appointed to preserve alive ; and that unto the others all places are infectious , though they be never so far from those which are sick of the plague . and they adde further and say , why then do we fear infection ? is it not a fond thing to sear that which is not ? i for my part cannot d●scern how these things can hang together ; for how can all places be infectious to any man , if there be no infection ? unless peradventure they out it to be the case . but it cannot by any means be truly gathered by certainty of gods providence that the plague is not infectious ; therefore this argument runneth beyond the question propounded . besides , shall we think that the number of those which shall dye , is more certain as often as god sendeth the plague , than when he casteth other darts ? now if they offend not against the providence of god , ( who leaving , as it is meet , things unknown unto us , to the good will and pleasure of himself ) who do use remedies of physick both preservative and sanative , to keep away sickness , and also to heal when it cometh ; why shall we do the like also in the heat of the plague ? as therefore god hath appointed some which shall not die of the plague , so also hath he appointed remedies , by which , so far as in them lieth , men may avoid the plague . and it is one and the same providence of god in all kind of diseases with which he hath ordained by an unchangeable decree what shall come to pass , although the natures of the diseases differ never so much in themselves . now among the chief remedies and provisions in physick against infection , tha going aside in due season is worthily reckoned , the very nature and signification of the word contagion doth declare : although neither all be save which fly , neither all die which tarry . god without all doubt when h 〈◊〉 sent a famine into aegypt and the regions thereabouts , had determine 〈◊〉 who should die in that scarcity ; yet for all this joseph ceaseth not with 〈◊〉 best diligence and most wise counsel to provide for the aegyptians : the which things the churches in the time of claudius the emperour also did , when as they understood by agabus the prophet that a famine should shortly come . the lord also knew who should dye in that most cruel war of the assyrians in the dayes of ezekias , and yet both ezekias and the prophet esay himself secure themselves within the walls of the city : what should i say more ? when as paul knew assuredly , that neither he himself , neither any of those which were with him should perish in the shipwrack , yet said he to the mariners who were preparing to fly out of the ship , ye cannot be saved unless these tarry . christ also , though he well knew that his hour was not yet come , yet did he more than once withdraw himself when the jews sought to kill him . finally , that which they take for most certain , namely , that happening or chance is repugnant unto the sure and stedfast decree of god ; which notwithstanding it maketh not much to the matter , yet who will grant it them ? we call those happening or chancing causes , which of their own nature may fall out unto either part ; if any man should take them out of the nature of things , i know not whether he should have any man of a right judgment to hold with him . they say out of st. augustine , that the will of god is the necessity of things ; i grant so far as pertaineth unto the end and effects of the causes themselves : but as st. augustine saith very well , it followeth not , that though all things which god hath decreed shall come to pass , must needs come to pass , that therefore they come to pass of necessary causes ; like as the stoicks did falsely conclude , and the same may be proved by most certain and most plain examples : for do we not believe that christ had indeed man's bones ; and therefore such as of their own nature might at any time have been broken ; and yet indeed they could not be broken , for that it was otherwise decreed by god : therefore by hap and chance , concerning their own nature they were not broken ; when as notwithstanding they were such as might have been broken , and yet by god's decree they remained of necessity unbroken . again , that christ from the very time that he took upon him our human nature was indued with a mortal body , all christians do confesse ; therefore of his own nature he might have been slain by herod , with the other little children ; but by god's decree he could not : therefore that he was not then slain , fell out by hap and chance , if you consider the nature of his body , when as it might have chanced otherwise : but , by god's decree , he could no more be slain by herod , than the will of god could be changed . christ when he was carried to be crucified , was then undoubtedly of such health , that he needed not at that time to have died ; he died therefore by chance , if you do consider the cause of his natural death ; and yet be died of necessity , if you look to the unchangeable appointment of his father , because his hour was come : and withall he died willingly , because he laid down his life for us . thus far therefore is neither chance nor will repugnant unto the most certain decree of god. there remaineth one argument taken from experience , which in shew seemeth very strong , yet is it of no force to take away infection , i mean to prove the plague not to be infectious . if , say they , the plague come of natural causes , or of some certain constellation , or of corrupt air , then should all they doubtless be infected which dwell under the same constellation , or breath in the same corrupt air ; which is found to be false ; for even reason it self doth prove the falshood of this argument : for who is so unskilfull that knoweth not , that one and the same cause doth not always operate alike , much less equally ; nay , that the effects are divers , according unto the diversity ▪ of the matter it worketh upon ? one and the self-same north-winde doth not equally annoy men with cold ; every man therefore seeth how weak this reason is . but let us grant , that in some place every man of himself is apt to receive the corrupt air , yet may many things happen why the same effect in all would not follow ; as for example , one man taketh a preservative medicine , another doth not ; one forthwith useth a good medicine , another very late , or never . lastly , that which is the principal point is to be considered ; that almighty god doth govern natural causes and their effects , as it pleaseth him ; so that hence it cometh to pass , that infection toucheth not every one which is in danger of it , as it is written psal . . . neither yet is it deadly unto every one that it hath infected ; like as poyson also drunken is not , as it is written mark . . therefore this argument also is not of force to prove there is no infection in the plague , because that many which keep company with those that are sick of the plague are not taken ; and contrariwise , they that are absent are infected : as if the poyson of a viper were not deadly , because that paul being bitten of one felt no harm at all , acts . . and thus far concerning infection . now we must treat of going aside ; for so i had rather call it , than flying ; though i think it the part of a wise-man to fly peril with reason . there are some therefore , which do without exception finde fault with going aside for the plague , that they count it a very heynous offence , though they think that those which tarry ought not to use rashness . there are on the other side which hold that every man , so soon as the plague cometh , ought to provide for himself , having no regard , or but very small of the fellowship and duties which christian charity doth command . now i for my part do dissent from both these ▪ and especially from the latter , as having most lawful causes : but ere i set down my own judgement in this controversie , let us hear these disputing the one against the other . thus therefore they which think it not lawful to fly , do first of all philosophically dispute against those that hold it not lawfull to tarry at all , they alledge out of plato his gorgias , that it is foolishnesse to fear death ; and that he cannot seem to be a temperate person which flyeth death , because it proceedeth of too much delight in life ; nor yet to be a just man , for that he which in the time of the plague provideth for himself by running away , doth yield neither to god nor man his due . to these reasons they set down others taken out of the holy scriptures , as that they think not well of the providence of god , by whose unchangeable decree the course of man's life is limitted : that they distrust god , and believe not his promise , i will be thy god , and the god of thy seed : that they are void of all charity , nay , and more , of all natural pitty and affection : that they tempt god after the example of the israelites , exod. . . & psal . . . appointing god by what manner , time , and place , and by what means he may save them : that they love not god from their hearts ; for being enamoured and in love with earthly goods , they neglect and are careless of the heavenly : that they fear death too much , for that they set themselves against the will of god , which is always good : that they think themselves stronger than god , and that they can escape his hand : that they do openly break the law of christ , and of nature ; by which they are commanded to do unto others as they would be done unto themselves : that they do , and teach that which no christian hath done , but that which hath often been done by the heathens . and thus much say the first : unto whom these later have nothing to answer , who under pretence of saving their lives , perswade flying away without exception . wherefore if these things alledged against those which do in such sort fly the plague , so that they in any thing swerve from the rules and laws of godlinesse and charity ; i hold with their adversaries , and count them worthy of all blame , which fly from thence whither they should rather run , if they had but the least spark of humanity . but if these reasons be wrested against those , who being moved with just causes go aside , and keep that mean by which they let passe no part of their duty either towards god or their neighbours , ( which we say may oftentimes be done , ) we affirm , that all these arguments , in shew never so plausible and strong , to be of no force or value , if the matter it self be diligently weighed and considered . for answer to their first reason , albeit the decree of god be unchangeable , and that his eternal providence hath set the unremovable bounds of our lives ; yet doth not this take away the ordinary and lawful means to save our lives ; no , not although a man have received an answer from god of prolonging his life , as we have shewed by the manifest example of saint paul , acts . . and . much lesse that we may not use these means , when it is yet hid from us , what god from everlasting hath decreed concerning the prolonging and ending of our life . moreover , why should he be said to distrust the promises of god , who doth follow the wayes appointed by god , to avoid evils , that notwithstanding he dependeth wholly upon god ; unlesse peradventure we can any where finde in the holy scriptures this commandment expresly written , when the plague rageth , flye not away . and amongst them , preservative remedies are to be reckoned ; and amongst these , going aside in due time ; the like also , as the very name of contagion doth manifest . and this also is plain , that he doth not onely not offend against christian charity , neither yet tempt god , who in such manner by going aside doth avoid the plague , so that in the mean time he let passe no act of piety towards god , or of charity towards his neighbour ; that on the contrary , unlesse he perform these duties , he may be thought to provoke the wrath of god against himself , and to be worse than an infidel , as being one that rashly puts himself in danger of deadly infection , without any care of himself , or his . the fifth and sixth allegation is not any whit truer , they love not god , say they ; and , gaping after earthly things , they care not for heavenly ; because they which love god desire nothing more than to be with him , which falleth out unto us by death ; but they on the contrary fear nothing more . then truly he , who in loving hath onely his last end before another , for his own profit-sake to enjoy the thing he loveth , by what means soever it be , shall worthily be judged to love himself rather than his friends . therefore the self-same person which desireth to be loosed and to be with christ , wisheth also , for his brethrens sake , to be separated as a thing accursed , acts . . neither doth he deliver up his life into the hands of them that lay in wait for him , appealing unto caesar , acts . . and giveth thanks for his health restored unto him , cor. . . that david also doth not so much flye saul and absalon , as death , being notwithstanding a worshipper of god ; that he and ezekias do expresly pray against death ; therefore whosoever flyeth death is not rashly to be judged or censured not to love god : as contrariwise , whosoever desireth death is not to be thought to love god ; but he onely , who lawfully and with a good conscience , obeying the will of god , prepareth himself either to suffer or avoid death . the like also is to be judged of the fear of death , that is , if it be grounded upon good reason and moderately , it is not onely not to be condemned , but also to be allowed as a preserver of life grafted in us by god ; therefore that fear of evil is condemned by philosophers , which is contrary to fortitude , and calleth us from that which every one of us oweth unto each other , and out of holy scripture , that fear which is against faith and charity : for it is one thing to take clean away natural affections , ( which no man could ever possibly do ) and another to moderate and rule them ; the which the philosophers very well teach ought to be done , but how it may bedone , the word of god , by the holy ghost , doth onely declare . and concerning those things which they cite out of tertullian , they shoot partly beyond his mark , when as he speaketh of flying onely in persecution , and partly with the great consent of the church ▪ are reckoned amongst his blemishes , as one that in this argument was carried beyond the butt . no man questionless that is godly , and of right understanding , ever condemned the going aside of jacob ; no man ever condemned david flying the fury of saul , and conspiracy of absolon ; nor elias avoiding by his flight the rage of jezabel ; no man ever condemned the going aside of athanasius more than once : neither do we here fly either unto the agonie of christ , or unto that of matthew . . if they persecute you in one city , fly unto another : which places i confesse are of some not fitly alledged ; for as touching the fears of christ , they are grounded upon a peculiar consideration , and are not to be drawn into example ; when as there is handled of the mysterie of our salvation , the parts whereof christ alone both could and did take upon him , in the which he did see that fearful wrath of his father , and indeed felt it , bearing the punishment due unto our sins : we contrariwise are not at our death 's tryed with the same fears , because we have the father appeased with us , and , through faith , behold life in death it self . and that saying of christ is doubtlesse no command of flying away ; but on the contrary , admonisheth faithful pastors , that being feared with no threatnings , if they be driven out of one place , they hasten unto another ; the which afterwards we see diligently to have been done by the apostles . but let us hear something else of more weight peradventure ; there can be nothing sent of god ( say they ) but that which is good ; nay ; there is nothing good , but that which cometh of god : but the plague is sent of god , therefore it is good ; if not of its own nature , yet in respect of the good end ; namely , to punish our sins , to try our faith , to drive us to repentance , and to bring forth hypocrites to light . who therefore ( say they ) can deny , but that they fly the thing that is good , which fly the plague , by the which god bringeth all these things to passe ? again , that which god sendeth upon all , that is to say , upon any one church or kingdom ; as for example , the plague , the same he will have born of all ; how is it to be fled from ? therefore they set themselves against the will of god , which fly the plague ; nay , they fly in vain , because it is in vain to strive against the will of god ; but what could have been more vainly said than these things ; for to let passe the falshood that lieth in these words , good and evil , in this argument , to what end i pray you should they enter into this disputation concerning the nature of things ? there is no evil ( that is to say , no calamitie or punishment ) in the city , which the lord hath not done , saith the prophet . why therefore shall we call famine , pestilence , war , and such like , good ? because , say they , they fall out unto the good of the godly . i grant it , because the lord fetcheth light out of darkness : yea , but the godly are instructed by sinne it self . are sinnes i pray you therefore good , and doth he which resisteth them resist god ? to be short , who seeth not , that to pray unto god against things which of their own nature are hurtful unto us , and withall to use just and lawful remedies to avoid them , if it may be ; so that we commit the end to god , to be a far other thing than it is , or that we should hope to withstand god , or by any means to escape his judgements ? abraham himself , isaac and jacob did fly hunger , the which notwithstanding was sent of god ; who yet cannot be said to have fled the thing that was good , or to have sinned : as for that which they so greatly stand upon , namely , that those which fly the plague do break that immoveable precept which humanitie it self teacheth , whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you , do ye the same unto them ; as it is worthily turned upon them which do in such sort fly the plague , or any other danger , that then neglect the duties of a christian : so doth it in no case make against them who shun the plague by going aside , unlesse they may be judged to have neglected to perform those duties which they owe both unto their country and to their neighbour . and truly , i do marvel that those who without exception do condemn going aside , as being of it self repugnant unto charity , doe not consider , that charity doth less require that we provide for the whole , than that we help those that are taken with that sickness . finally , they say that as many as fly the plague , do that which no christian ever did , when as there is no example thereof in the holy histories . i answer , that this is too deceitful an argument , when as it is apparent that in the holy scriptures is not fet down what every one hath done ; and that in many the general rules of doctrine , there is sufficient to determine those things whereof we have no commandment , nor any particular example ; and that it is without doubt that it is not set down how often the people hath been visited with the plague , neither yet how every man behaved himself in the plague . but they say they have altogether contrarie counsel in the holy scriptures ; for that david doth call us back unto the tabernacle of the most highest , psal . . as though he fled not unto god , which lawfully useth going aside : but yet , say they , david did not fly that very sore plague whereof mention is made , sam. . neither removed his hcushold unto any other place . i grant this ; but how many peculiar circumstances do forbid us to make of that a general conclusion ? for he himself was the cause of that plague , and deservedly so far forth troubled , that he is ready even with his own destruction to redeem the publick calamitie ; further , when as this plague continued not above three daies at the most , what place was there left him to take advice or to fly unto ? whither should he have fled , when the plague was hot in all his dominion , and yet is said not at all , or very little , to have touched the chief citie it self ? again , they say esaias fled not from ezekias being sick of the plague : as if we held , that the shepherds with a good conscience , might willingly , and of their own accord , leave their sheep ; yea , and what if i should take exception that esaias came not to ezekias but by the special command of god ? for so doth the historie bear record . but , say they , jeremiah also and baruch , with other godly men , fled not out of the citie being besiedged of the chaldees , though a great part of the people died aswell of the plague as of famine ; neither do we say that we may worthily shun the plague by going aside , if we depart from that which we owe unto god , our country , and every of our neighbours : but i cannot but wonder , that those which alledge this example of jeremiah have forgotten that he was taken at the gate of the citie , when he assayed to get out , jer. . . last of all , they bring a notable example of the church of alexandria , out of the seventh book of eusebius , cap. . as though we did allow the going aside either of all , or in all places , and times , or do not teach that such constancy and charitie ought both to be praysed , and also followed , so that a general rule be not made thereof ; for eusebius doth not say that every one , but that very many of the christians did it . therefore to conclude these things , there hath been nothing yet alledged whereby the plague hath been proved either not to be infectious , or that going aside to avoid infection is without exception to be condemned ; for that going aside is one of the chief among natural remedies and provisions in infectious diseases , reason and experience it self doth teach ; for doubtlesse the word contagion in it self doth aloud speak this ▪ that those things which are less far off are more in danger of it ; and it is daily to be seen , that by removing in due time unto more healthful places , many have been preserved ; which if any man will except against , should have been saved if they had tarried still at home , because god had so decreed : what then shall he say , who agreeth not also unto the other shunnings and remedies of all perils ? therefore we ought to laugh at , as needless , not only physick , but also all prudence and wisedome , which is used in avoiding dangers of all sorts ; neither should there be any difference between rashness and discretion , between fortitude and boldness . but the matter is far otherwise , because like as god by his everlasting and unchangeable decree hath appointed the course of our life , so hath he also ordained middle causes , which we should use to preserve our lives withall . it now remaineth that i shew you when it may be convenient to go aaside ; for as in other indifferent things , so also may a man use going aside both well and ill : and so far am i from perswading the same to every man without exception , that on the contrary i confesse that they offend much lesse , who when they might otherwise , with a good conscience , withdraw themselves , had rather yet tarry ; and to venture and endanger their lives , rather than that they might seem to have forsaken their neighbour , or family . i confesse , i say , that these offend much lesse than those , who being carried away with too much distrust , or with unmeasurable fear of death , forgetting and neglecting all duties of humanitie , have this only before their eyes , away quickly , a far off , long ere you return again . men surely most worthy to be thrust out of all company of men , the bonds whereof they break all to pieces . now what in this point may be observed , i think may this way be determined . first of all i think it is to be proivded , that every man do summon himself unto the judgement ▪ seat of god , unto the plague as the coming of news of the wrath of god , condemning himself , that he may be acquitted by him , and that withall he weigh with himself , that he is called to stand forth and plead his own cause , and that this rod cannot be avoided by change of place , but of manners ; and that if he must die , that this is decreed for the good of them which die , forasmuch as they are blessed which die in the lord. another point is , that no man either go aside , or tarry with a doubtful conscience : but when as he shall have learned out of the word of god what his dutie is ; that commending himself unto god , he continue constantly therein . and although that in so great varietie of circumstances , rules for every singular thing cannot be set down ; yet is it no hard matter to give certain general precepts agreeable unto the word of god , by the which , as by a certain rule , singular cases may afterwards ( as they say ) be tried ; let them therefore which think to tarry , know , that it is the commandment of god , thou shalt not kill , and that therefore neither their own , nor the lives of any belonging or depending on them , are rashly to be put in danger of deadly infection . let them on the other side , which think to go away , know , that no man ought to have so great regard either of himself , or of his family , that he forget what one oweth unto his countrie , and fellow citizens . to be brief , what he oweth unto another , whether they be bound by the common bond of humanitie and societie , of by any other kinde of friendship ; for love seeketh not the things which are her own : wherefore , i confess , that i cannot see by what reason at all any man is forbid to depart , which either by reason of age , or of sickness , past hope of recovery , cannot help others ; and if they tarry , they may therefore seem onely to be stayed , that they may die , to the great losse of the common-wealth ; for as their crueltie can never enough be blamed , which thrust them out of their cities , especially if they be of the poor●● sort ; so both the pious natures of parents in time providing for the preservation and life of theirs , without prejudice or hurt to any man , seemeth unto me to be greatly commended ; and also the providence of the magistrates is much to be praysed , where their care shall be extended ( without dammage to the common-welfare ) to see that those weak ones , as seed-plots of citizens , be well looked unto . and here cometh in the way that general bond , wherewith man is especially bound unto man , and that without taking away of humanitie it self , cannot be broken ; there is also another bond binding every citizen unto his country and citie but both these bonds i affirm to be natural and universal , that every one must have regard of his estate , and calling ; for some serve in publick offices , either civil , or the ministry ; the rest are private persons ; and the bonds of private persons between themselves are manifold , the which nature it self knitteth , and christian godliness bindeth ; the which , unlesse they be discerned asunder , that every man may know what his dutie is in all things , it must needs follow that confusion shall bear the sway in all things , under a shew of order ; therefore let man help man ; citizen citizen , that needeth his help , according to his power , and let him not think of going aside , by which it may justly appear likely unto him to come to pass , that by this means some bodie shall be ill looked unto ; much more that through contempt of any man , or of an overthwart fear of death , he depart not any whit from the dutie of humanitie , but when as without the neglect of his dutie and publick offence , he may be careful both for himself , and his , by going aside . i see no cause why he may not onely not do it , but also why he is not bound to do it ; yet , lest in this case , any man by flattering of himself , might sinne against his neighbour , it is the dutie of a christian magistrate to provide , that those things which either breed or nourish the plague , so far as they may , be taken away , and that regard may be had of those that be visited with this sickness , that a●l benot driven to be careful for all. but how they that serve in any publick civil office may leave their charge in the time of the plague , i do not see ; and for faithful pastors to forsake but one poor sheep at that time when he most of all needeth heavenly comfort , it were too shameful , nay too wicked a part . as touching private persons , their bonds of f●iendship and amitie are divers and manifold ; among these , this is the chiefest , unto which also natural conjunction of blood ( as god witnesseth ) must g●ve place , i mean the bond and tye of wedlock ; so that in my judgement the husband cannot with a good conscience go 〈…〉 or the wife from the husband , especially if one of them be 〈…〉 the plague : and how much parents do owe unto their children , and children to their parents , kinsmen to kinsmen , the verie laws of nature declares , the which christian charitie is so far off from letting loose , that contrariwise it draweth them more and harder together : yea , and for servants to forsake their masters , or masters to look slenderly to their servants being sick ( which cometh too often to pass ) who have made use of their service when they were well , is crueltie . yet is not the bond of all these friendships alike or equal , and therefore that which is not so near must give place to the nearer , forasmuch as many cannot be discharged at once . furthermore , as there is place also for forsaking amongst those which are present , unless they which tarry do their dutie ; so heed is to be taken both of those that are sick , that they abuse not the love of their kindred and friends , whilst they are desirous to have themselves provided for : and also of those which continue in doing their duties , that they cast not themselves rashly into the danger of infection , which is used to be done by some of desperate boldness , rather than of true and christian judgement , who being wont to contemn those that are sick of other diseases , doe visit those that are taken with the plague , that they may seem to despise death . and this conrempt of god's judgements , i should less bear withall , than with the too much weakness of the fearful . but how others are affected and disposed in the craving of the presence of their friends i know not , when as my self being visited with the plague , and that divers of my friends offered unto me all kinde of courtesie , i suffered none to come unto me , lest i might have been thought to have provided for my self with the loss of my friends . but if in such calamities the magistrate do not in time provide , as much as may be , both by such lawful means as are not repugnant unto christian charitie , that the infection may be prevented , and also that the sick of the plague want nothing ; he shall doubtless do very well both for the sick & the whole , and shall take away many questions which in this argument are wont to be raised : but this especially must be agreed upon , that as our sinnes are the chief and true cause of the plague , so that this is the onely proper remedie against the same ; if the ministers dispute not of the infection ( which belongeth to physicians ) but by their life and doctrine stir up the people to earnest repentance , and love , and charitie one towards another . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * the plague is judged to be infectious by all that have written of the same . * the unnatural discourtesie of some towards their neighbors visited with the plague . answer to the former reasons if simply alledged against such who upon any manner of occasion go aside . the run-awyaes [sic] answer to a booke called, a rodde for runne-awayes. in vvhich are set downe a defense for their running, with some reasons perswading some of them neuer to come backe. the vsage of londoners by the countrey people; drawne in a picture, artificially looking two waies, (foorth-right, and a-squint:) with an other picture done in lant-skipp, in which the londoners and countrey-men dance a morris together. lastly, a runne-awaies speech to his fellow run-awaies, arming them to meete death within the listes, and not to shunne him. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the run-awyaes [sic] answer to a booke called, a rodde for runne-awayes. in vvhich are set downe a defense for their running, with some reasons perswading some of them neuer to come backe. the vsage of londoners by the countrey people; drawne in a picture, artificially looking two waies, (foorth-right, and a-squint:) with an other picture done in lant-skipp, in which the londoners and countrey-men dance a morris together. lastly, a runne-awaies speech to his fellow run-awaies, arming them to meete death within the listes, and not to shunne him. b. v., fl. . [ ] p. a. mathewes], [london : printed mdccxxv. [ ] dedication signed: b.v. s.o t.o. a.l. v.s. the first word in the title is printed xylographically. place of publication and printer's name from stc. answers: dekker, thomas. a rod for run-awayes (stc ). signatures: a-c⁴. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng dekker, thomas, ca. - . -- a rod for run awayes -- early works to . plague -- england -- london -- early works to . england -- social conditions -- th century -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jason colman sampled and proofread - jason colman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the run-awyaes answer , to a booke called , a rodde for runne-awayes . in vvhich are set downe a defence for their running , with some reasons perswading some of them neuer to come backe . the vsage of londoners by the countrey ▪ people ; drawne in a picture , artificially looking two waies , ( foorth-right , and a-squint : ) with an other picture done in lant-skipp , in which the londoners and countrey-men dance a morris together . lastly , a runne-awaies speech to his fellow run-awaies , arming them to meete death within the listes , and not to shunne him . printed mdcxxv . to ovr mvch respected and very worthy friend , mr. h. condell at his countrey-house in fvllam . sir , at our parting from london to vndertake our sadde peregrination into the countrey , ( amongst our friends who are hard to be found ) it pleased you to bestow vpon vs a free and noble farewell . we remember it with thanks , which cuts off the sinne of ingratitude ; yet because thankes , is but one word , and that your loue cannot receiue a requitall but in many , wee send you a little bundle of papers , full . for being abusde in a booke printed at london , in which we were called runne-awayes , wee in this our defence request you to be an arbiter , to iudge , whether we haue not iust cause , to stand then promisde . bid him therefore send all his paper-kites flying from his stall , quite through the citie , and from one eude to th' other to giue notice of this our answere . bid him likewise to tell all stationers , who haue any of those bookes ( called a rodde for run-awayes ) that it were good for 'em to sell them away as fast as they can , for when wee come to towne , they shall be all callde in . farewell . the runn-awayes answere . there hath of late come foorth a three-sheete-printed-pamphlet ( as if the rodde had but three twigges only ) written ( as the title seemes to promise ) by some schoole-maister , for he calles it , a rod for rvnne-awaies . but we , vpon whom those poore and wretched names are pinned , no way enduring so to be lash'd ouer the face in scorne , snatch the rodde out of his hand ; and to make him smart a little , thus print wee our answere to those bold affronts , by which he does challenge vs , vtterly disdayning to be called runne-awaies : and vtterly disclayming those offences , for which that london whipper is so ready to punish vs. first then for the name . hee is a runne-away , who rather then he will learne a trade ( with some paynes ) vnder a carefull maister , turnes roague , runnes into the countrey a padding ▪ keepes company with gipseys , and strowling pedlers , fatting himselfe with the lazy bread of sommer , tumbling ( during that season ) in a hay-cock with his dell ; and in winter , lying snug in a brick-k●ll with his doxy : if you wonder how we came by this language ? you must thinke , that in our trauailes we could not choose but meete with canters . agen : he is a runne-away , that being prest for a soldier , runnes away from his captaine ere he be sent a ship-bord , or from his cullors , before he comes to the fight . he is a runne-away , who hauing got loose from a sergeant , takes his heeles , and runnes away from him . they are runne-awaies , who in a tauerne roaring in for more wine then they are able to pay , giue a slippe out at the back doore , and so pawne a drawer to the barre for the reckoning . lastly , they are runne-awaies , who lay the key vnder the doore , and cry , good night land-lord . none of these base ginges are wee : wee scorne to sayle in such stinking dung-boates . so much therefore for the name of runne-awaies . now for the matter . the very beginning of the booke is able to make any coward runne away , for ther 's a sett-battaile , a field appoynted , the van comming vp , and london leading it : then shires and counties prest to martch in the reare ; the generall busy , trompets sounding the alarum , our enemies about vs , and the weapons brandished ouer our heads , which threaten to cutte our throates . hee would make vs beleeue he has been a soldado by his termes of warre : in the field dialect wee tell him , that true it is , when the armada of gods anger was preparing against vs , when the pestilence beate at our citty gates , and the arrowes of infection flew into our howses , when in the heate of the day the mayne-battayle gaue ground , and that many ( or most ) of our commanders left the field ; what should wee doe but flye ? it was not out of base feare , but safety : it was not out of a desire to safety only , but feare , least so many dropping downe euery hower before our faces , there would be found not officers nor ministers enow to fetch off the wounded , or bury the dead : had we not reason to flye ? before this tempestious weather beate vs , o! what glorious sun-beames of exultations , reioycings , hopes , and comforts were rising to shine vpon vs ? we swallowed vp nothing but the east and west-indies in our imaginations ; the golden-age was comming in agen : our english almanacks seem'd to speake of none but holy-daies : great-brittaine stood on the toppe of her white cliffes triumphing ; london on tiptoe , ouerlooking all other cities in the swelling pride of her approaching fortunes : for no sooner was the old king dead , but our gloomy noone was changed into the cleerest euening that euer our liuing eyes beheld . a golden sunne ( within a few howers ) lifted vp his head to reuiue vs ; a new king was proclaymed , a iames was lost , but a charles was found : a queene was to come from france , and that queene arriued in england : a parliament was at hand , the terme not farre off , triumphes approaching , pageants setting forward to meet our king and queene going to their coronation . no people could be fuller of ioy , no city prowder of happinesse : when loe ! a volley of thunder shootes , and batters down all these sumptuous buildings : and was it not time to flye ? heauen saw vs boasting in our owne strengths , and growing angry at it , hath turnd it into weakenesse : mirth hath shaken handes with mourning , riches with misery , brauery with a winding sheete , prosperity with the pestilence , health with sicknesse , and life with death : and what is he would encounter with these ? hereupon , the city fledde the city , and shun'd that enemy which fallowed her , and hath since mette her in euery corner : london was great with childe , and ( with a fright ) falling in labor ( her owne time being misreckoned ) was deliuered of none but still-borne children . neuer was such a sudden ioy changed into so sudden a lamentation : those belles which were ready to cleane the ayre with echoes at king charles his coronation , did nothing presently but ring out knelles for his subiects ; by which meanes , as there is no musicke so sweet as that of the churches , none for daies and nightes together hath bin so iarring , so that in weekes more then . haue falne dead to the ground at their dolefull tunes : and who would ( if he could choose ) make one in such dangerous peales ? had wee not iust cause therefore giuen vs to flye ? be not you then ( good maister runne-away-beater ) so sharpe , spare your rodde a little , and whippe vs not for going to see our * freinds in the countrey , we doe not thinke but you yourselfe ( could you haue gotte a horse ) would haue bin one of the tribe of gad , with one of your comerades ; for ther 's no dancing now to your theatrian poeticall piping : neither your frierians , nor cock pitterians , can for loue or money helpe you to a plaudity , we wish for their owne sakes ( and yours ) they could : but many of them ( that could get winges ) haue kept company with vs in our flight ; neyther are wee or they to be condemned ; flesh and bloud naturally abhorres dissolution : all desire to begett children , but none loue to see them buried : so mortally doe we hate the name of death , that though we lye in our last sheete , saue one ( which must winde vs , ) we hardly endure the name of dying . the very scriuener who makes our willes , as he is cunning in other thinges , so is he crafty in that conueyance , and knowing what word will fright vs , he goes about the bush , and writes thus : when it shall please god to call vs out of this transitory life : we must heere the string twang out life still , albeit deaths cold fingers pull vs by the noses . agen , ( to adde one handfull more of corne to this sheafe of defence , made vp by the run-awayes , ) know , that many of vs that haue shut vp shoppes & are gon , are yonger-brothers ; and are assur'de , that euen owne fathers , ( knightes by degrees , and great men in possessions , ) haue for sixe or seuen yeares together , suffred ( nay at this very hower doe suffer ) their owne sonnes , ( yea their only and eldest sonnes ) miserably to languish in coumpters , and other prisons , vpon two shillings a weeke maintenance : this is good pollicy to tame an vnthrift , but little charity to murder a man 's owne childe : it 's a safe locke to tye to a runne-awayes legge , but ther 's too much iron in 't : at this ward wee haue no great stomacks to lye ; wee find our fathers hard enough here , and are loath to tempt their affections , whether they will come to london , and cry to a iaylor , fellow turne the key , let me see in what nasty chamber lyes my sonne . wee are better as we are , and therfore fling away your rodde , and doe not whippe vs for flying . besides , had we all tarried at home that are fledde , in what miserable cases ( according to humane reason , not diuing into the deepe and insearchable iudgements of god ) had we all bin ? if the country loues vs not now that are amongst them in perfect health , how would they haue hated the city in her populous thronges , when ( perhaps ) foure times the number now departed , had then bin smitten downe by the contagion ? what markets would you haue had then ? where had meate bin found to fill so many millions of mouthes ? the casting out sometimes of merchandize into the sea in a storme saues the rich venture , and our being driuen from the fleete in so hideous a tempest , hath ( we hope ) giuen the rest of the wether-beaten nauy more sea-roome , and so aduantage to meete lesse danger . was it not hie time to take our heeles and be gon , when the doctors themselues playd the runne-awayes ? doctors for the soule , and doctors for the body , they both fledde : many of them that stood the battaile , ( and being worthy commanders , fought brauely , ) we heare are falne , and in their places ( who were to looke to the sicke and wounded souldier , ) are crept into your city , a crew of prating emperickes , cogging mowntibanckes , and cheating quacksaluers , who if they cure one , kill twenty ; it being more danger for an infected man to fall into their handes , then for a sound person to liue two dayes fasting in an infected house . but what talke we of the flight of these ? for phisick and chirurgery , ( those two diuine sisters sent from heauen ) are both of them puzzelld in their readings , and driuen a to stand in their owne practise . this sicknes turnes knowledge into ignorance , for experimented salues and medicines forfet their wonted vertues to astonishment and admiration . our flight then you see is warranted by ecclesiasticall , martiall , polyticall , and phisicall authority : let vs not therefore here-after be termed runne-awayes ; for though many of our fellow - londoners are in our absence turned into pine-trees , our hopes are at our comming home , to begett a new and prosperous plantation . well did the rodde-maker indeed condemne vs for not leauing our armor behind vs when we ran from the army , ( some peeces of siluer to mainteyne the poore : ) but whole troupes of vs haue bin so beaten in this country-leaguer , that we haue siluer little enough to mainteyne our selues : beside , numbers ( we are in feare ) will be so blind with the country dust flying vp into their eyes , they will hardly finde the right key-hole whilst they liue ( as they should doe ) to open shoppes agen ; the wardes of the lockes ( if not well oyld before ) will by that time ( t' is thought ) grow rusty . let the rich miserly runne-awaies , who fl●do● to saue their liues for their moneys sake , and to saue their golden idolls for their owne sake , let them ( in gods name ) pay soundly for their horse race ; who haue too much iuice may endure a squesing . if we left our houses , and no body to keepe them , t' is but the fashion of great-men , who reare vp huge buildings , in which well rattes and spiders more often then hospitable tennants . now whereas your qui mihi discipulus , ( with his birchen septer in his hand ) ●hreatens to fetch blood from vs , by telling what terrible frightes we are like to be put into at our comming back : alas ! he drawes a bowe too big for his strength , and shootes that arrow without any ayme . what did iob , who had seuen sonnes and three daughters , . sheepe , and . camells , . yoke of oxen , and shee asses : to him one messenger came , and told him the sabaeans had tooke away his oxen from the plough , and the asses , killing his seruants : an other came and sayd , that fire from heauen had burned vp his sheepe and shepheards : an other that the caldeans had seizd vpon his cammells , and slew the men : an other that all his children were slayne by the fall of the house , as they were banqueting at their eldest brothers . but what sayd job ? naked i came , and naked i must hence : the lord hath giuen , and the lord hath taken . doe you thinke we are cast-awaies , because counted run-awaies ? what should we feare ? say at our returne to london , our friends be departed , our kindred lost , or seruants dead , and our goods spent vpon whores in tauernes ; or say , that comming out of the fresh ayre , and falling sicke , none of you will come neere vs , because we fled from you : nay , say that ludgate or the compters must be our innes , where if infection setts her markes vpon vs , neither creditor , phisition , surgion nor apothecary will resort to comfort vs : yet haue we a helpe in all this extremity ; there is one anchor to ride at in the fowlest weather : one friend hath promised to stick to vs all ; and that friend , is the deere , louing and beloued earth : when sonne nor daughter will come neere our coffin , but shun our carcas as loathsome carion , yet euen then , that good grandame ( the aged earth ) will open her armes and hugge vs , and lay vs in beddes , to take our euerlasting sleepes , and shall we be affrayd to come back to london ? no : for albeit your whip-deedle was so bold to tell vs , that londoners in the en● of the last great s●cknes , comming nere the city , looked pale , like men going to execution , that comparison frights not vs ; we , ●n plaine & merry english bid the twigger , not ●o be in such feare of our comming backe : for an order will bee taken for some of vs , neuer to call at the counter for a freemans horse , to carry him on foot to ludgate . a many of our iouiall fraternitie are glad they haue this vnpolitike aduantage . they must haue been driuen to studie for a cleanly excuse , which heer● of it selfe ( without teaching ) is growne very mannerly . there bee men that dare eate spiders : monkeyes swallow them , and by them get sweet breaths ; why then should not many limbes of our estates bee made the sounder by this infectious fracture ? there is an ireland to flie to , and a low-countries to roare in , and a wales , to keepe the winde of lawyers from vs with her mountaines : wee can bee bankerupts on this side , and gentlemen of a company beyond-sea : bee burst at london , and piec'd vp in rotterdam . the sea is a purger , and at sea must our fortunes take phisicke . amongst many other euils , which might terrifie men from repayring to london , the griping hands of clarkes of churches , and their sextons , and the villanous doggednesse of vncharitable bearers , are two maine ones . too many crie out vpon their crueltie ; they flea the liuing , and dishonor the dead , by tearing money out of poore peoples throats , at the buriall of husbands , wiues , or children , when it were greater almes , to abate from such vulturous deuourers ( those currish coffin-tossers ) their vnconscionable racking demands , and to giue it to the suruiuing distressed creatures . wee fare better in the countrey ; for there wee pay neither for belles nor bearers , neither minister , vicar , sir domine , nor his clarke will take a penie for any of vs. and they deale noblier , then wee heare a citizen was dealt with , in a towne not aboue two miles from london , whose mayd-seruant there ending her life , the hatches of a ship are not so close , as the doores and windowes of that infidelian village were ; not one durst for money , digge a graue , no reward bribe the clunnicors to carry the body to church : insomuch that the master of this seruant was compelled with sixteene shillings ( for vnder they would not goe ) to hire foure london-bearers , to carry her to her graue , whose casting vp likewise cost a price extraordinary . this dreadfull season of so many gastly apparitions , should ( as wee thinke ) fright all wickednesse out of the citie : but wee heare it does not . for all the distance of miles betweene you and vs , the swearing and cursing amongst some of you , leaues a tingling in our eares . for , one woman hauing left egges in a roome at her going foorth , and missing them ( as forgetting where shee layd them ) at her comming in , wished that the plague might consume them that eate them . yet after her anger was past , and forgetting her curse , they were drest , and eaten by her children , all of them dying the next day after . you know this better then wee , and are neere to blacke-friers where the curse fell ; if you haue a minde to examine the truth . this was a rod for a curser : but this that is held vp next , was a rod to whip presumption . a young man hauing some place in a parish church in london , being ( as to vs it was reported ) to locke vp the church-yard , called to a man , who stood amazed at the deepe graues ; and looking into one that was not filled vp , the other called to him to come away , and ( after a scoffing manner ) told him , he were best stay there all night , and take vp his lodging . no , quoth the other , you may lye heere ( for ought i know ) before mee . i lye heere ( said hee : ) see , i can lye heere at my pleasure ; and so leaping into the graue , and spreading his body vpon the dead , out hee came presently in a iesting manner : but going home , sickened that night , and lay there the next day in earnest . we haue no such foule-mouthed women neere the villages wee incampe in : no such desperate youths so to tempt fate . no , no , giue the countrey people their due , and there are none like them liuing vpon the face of the earth . the true picture of the countrey people . it is reported , that the gates of innes , and doores of victualling-houses are lock'd against vs , and that we are vsed like dogges . wee stand vp for the countrey : this is false : t is an arrant lye : for all the countrey people take their houses of purpose for londoners : and for vsage , they make more of vs , then they can of their owne kinne . most deare are they to the worst citizen that comes within their doores : marry wee must tell you , those are not very many ; and the reason is , they will not ( in a dangerous time ) pester men together . so well-giuen are they , that continually they pray for vs : and when ( in the open fieldes , for ayre sake , or vnder a hedge for coolenesse ) wee sit downe to eate or drinke , they ( good soules ) will not touch so much as a bit of our bread ; it shall not be said , they turned vs out like staruelings . so mannerly are they ( now ) growne , that if two or three citizens walke through a towne , all the countrey people step presently in at doores , onely in modestie to giue them the wall. and so cleanly are they in euery paltry village , that if there bee but ten stragling houses , you shall not for your heart see a foule paire of sheets in any one of ' em . t is reported in london , that wee are lodged in barnes , in hay-lofts , hay-cocks , and stackes of straw : t is true , but why ? alas ! when londoners that haue trauaild hard , scramble to a towne ( all faint and weary ) the honest country people , point to such places , to the ende they may there lye soft , till their chambers bee prouiding . o! they are the louingest wormes earth euer sent forth : offer them money , they scorne to touch it : neither ( hauing so many gold-smiths amongst them ) doe they weigh gold. reach to take 'em by the hand , they will not doe it for an hundred pound . and why ? shall they and we be haile-fellow well met ? how grossely doe they wrong them , that report , how they stop their noses at vs , & would make bonfires in their townes to bee ridd of vs ? this is another lye : they neuer come neere any of vs , but they are ready ( kinde whorsons ) to fall downe at our feet : and for ridding vs away ; why , take your leaue of them neuer so often , any townesman thinkes himselfe halfe vndone , if he but see a londoner departing . much more could wee speake in their praises , but wee are afraid they le bee angry at this ; for they loue not to haue their good deedes proclaimed to the world. wee will therefore conceale , what they would haue hidden . and albeit wee cannot glew vp mens lippes , we know what we know of these people , and a good many of vs are sure to be bound to them for euer . leaue them , and now to our selues . now shall you vnderstand what we doe , and how we liue ▪ or , though your beadle who whippes runne-awaies saies , that we are merry in our countrey houses , and sitte safe ( as we thinke ) from the gun-shotte of this contagion , in our orchards and gardens : yet we would haue him know , that we looke back vpon our disconsolate mother ( the city , ) we sigh at her sorrowes , weepe for her distresse , and are heauy in soule , but to remember her lamentations . farre though she be from vs , yet doe her miseries flye into our bosomes : and albeit ( out of humane frailety ) we left her hoping thereby not to fall into deaths handes , ( o wretched and deceiaued men that we are ! ) death hath with his long arme , reacht vs and our families ; and therefore , scithence there is no corner in the kingdome ( were it as vast as the world ) to hide vs from his face , thus doe we arme one an other against him . in these and the like speeches ( now following ) doe's the absent londoner giue his fellow citizen a little consolation . a run-awaies speech to his fellow run-awaies , arming them ( though flying from death ) to meete death brauely , and face to face . o my deere brothers , and copartners in misery ! death is a cruell creditor , and will haue all that we owe him . man is an imperfect garden , and to keepe it from being ouer-run with weedes , it must be turn'd into a graue . as our birth brings the beginning of all things , so our death shewes vs the end of all things : for if thou hast liued but one day , thou hast seen all that all men before in the world euer saw ; the same light , the same night ; they came in as thou did'st , and went out as thou must . death then being a part of our selues , why should we flye our selues ? men , nor their liues are measur'd by the ell , but by the spanne : no matter how long life is , but how good : no matter how short , so the end be sweet : it is but once , and what happens but once can not be grieuous . nothing makes death dreadfull , but that which followes death : the after-reckoning troubles all our arithmetick how to cast it vp : if nothing were to be hoped for after this life , the basest creature were more happy then man. one intreated caesar that he might be put to death , because he was old ▪ and lame and c●●zed : but ( quoth caesar ) ar't sure to be dead then ? let vs all be caesars : whether we liue or dye , lett vs be like belles which at coronations and funeralls are one and the same ring : in health or sicknes , crosses or comforts , calmes or tempests , in countrey or in city , so tune our soules , that all the notes may be sett for heauen . for death hath his a b. c. printed on euery thing we looke vpon . to behold sheetes turnd downe ( at bedde-time ) puts vs in minde , that that 's the last garment which we shall euer weare . if a cloath be but layd on a table , thinke on a coarse , and ( in feeding ) say to thy selfe ; i fatten this body for wormes , which one day ( how soone j know not ) will fatten themselues on mee . our last day is the maister-day , looke to that well , and the calender of thy life goes well . as thus we were fortifying our selues against the batteries of death , into our company rushes a londoner , ( ore that fights vnder our countrey cullors , ) and hee in a passionate exclamation , cryes out , are you sending an answere to the rodde for runne-awayes ? and haue you written so fully in praise of our countrey-landlords ; i am a tennant as you are , let me pay them my rent too , and so intreated that in our packet , his letters of commendations might be inclosed , which begin thus . an other manner of picture , drawne in lant-skip , of the countrey , shewing as well as the other , and ( as some say that are trauaild into those places ) trewer . vt que erat impatiens irae — o ( quoth he ! ) wee that haue left london , ran from a storme to fall vpon a ship-wrack ; to saue our throates from cutting amongst lambes , we haue been bitten by serpents , stung by adders , worried by wolues , and sett vpon by lyons . that name ( of londoner ) which had wont to draw out a whole towne to stare vpon him , and a church-yeard full of people ( after seruice ) to gape vpon his fine cloathes , spruce silke-stockins , and neate steeletto-fied beard : that name , to be called by which , all the land ( from one end to the other ) sends her sonnes , here to sow their clownary , and to reape witte , out of that witte , to thrash wealth , and by that wealth to climbe to honor : that name is now so ill , that he is halfe hanged in the countrey that has it : as spanish women ( in sir francis drakes time ) had wont to still their ninnios ( their little children , ) with crying out , hush , the drake comes : so now , men , women and children , cry out , away , flye , a londoner comes . in rufus his reigne , an english-man durst not in his owne countrey say he was an english-man ; a londoner now is at the same passe . be a londoner neuer so reuerend for age , neuer so gallant , neuer so full of gold and siluer , neuer so sweet in behauiour , so bewitching in language , and but once come to be examined by ( those russet images of authority ) the countrey bill-men , he speakes to the north wind , courts a porpose at sea , seekes to soften a rocke , and stroakes a beare in the bayting : euery one of these tytiries is a case of rapiers to a single ponyard . it is no tickling thē like troutes , to make 'em turne vp their bellies ; no , he that makes himselfe a lambe amongst them is worried : feed a foole so long as he will cramme , and he bursts his belly : the more you fawne on them , the sooner they flye in your face : as heate makes a flea to skippe , so the warme breath of a londoners mouth is able to make a hay-gee gentleman ready to leape out of his skinne through feare . silly creatures ! their countrey spirits goe but with wherries , oares would drowne them ; but miserable animals are they to be so cowardly , for feare is a terrible hangman , and his halters doe they tye about their owne neckes . what can be more noble then to doe good ? and what more good then not to doe ill ? but here in the countrey ( amongst the barbarous sort ) he is counted a varlet that dares be mercifull , and he a good townse-man that dares turne diuell . to goe braue here , and for a clowne not to care a straw for you : nay , in a drincking-schoole to haue him in his sweate sitte aboue you , and giue you base language , which you dare not for your guttes but put vppe , is no more disgrace then to stand bare to a constable in england , goe lowzy in ireland , or to fare hard in spayne . to stand and ieere a londoner in scorne , as he passes along , is the countrey posture : to walke by , with an insinuating face , lifting vp the beauer , and crindging to a carter is our city-posture . if now you demand how amongst these heluetians , we weare out our wearisome time ; here 's one of the bottoms . of the kinges of macedon , who succeeded alexander the great , some were afterwards glad to become ioyners , scriueners , painters and such like : so dionisius king of sicily , kept a schoole in corinth : so aelfrede a saxon , king of england , was forced in extremity to dwell with a cow-herd in summerset-shire : and so , many citizens that haue been brauer fellowes then whifflers on simon and iudes day , are fayne ( in a number of shires through england ) to turne hay-makers , cock barley , and sweat with pitching the cart with corne , thereby to win the hearts of those , whose loues by no alurements can be won to them : for as pitty amongst the stoickes was held a vitious passion ; so our countrey gnoffes ( hob , dick , and hick ) are turnd stoickes , and hate pitty worse then a lawyer does a clyent in forma-pauperis , these are the sower plummes with which we haue bene fed in the countrey ; we send them to you for samples ; but if you should after dinner haue all these sorts of raw fruict set before you , which were gathred for vs , and that you were constrayned to eate them , as we were , it is impossible but to driue you into consumptions , for many of vs here are falne into that languishing disease and we feare it will follow vs to london . to london ! o best-beloued of cities , what sorrowes doe feele when we name thee , because euen then we can not see thee ? as children long banished from parents , at their first sight of them , teares on eythers side ( of ioy ) will seale vp all vtterance of language , so will it fare with vs when we behold thee . astonished shall we stand , too heare thee relate the tragicall ouerthrowes of thy sonnes and daughters , ( our brothers and sisters : ) and as sadly wilt thou sitte , listning to the stories of our peregrinations , in this wildernes of english wilde-men . nightes and dayes hast thou opened thy gates to receiue them into thy buildings : how often hast thou nourished them with the milke of thy brestes ? how often hast thou emptied thy coffers , to furnish them with money ? how many of their sonnes hast thou taken from the plough , and from their poore and rusticall parents , and plac'd those sonnes ( after thou hadst tutord them ) on the pinacles of honor ? not only to stand there with commanding eyes ouer thy inhabitants ( o now deiected london ! ) but from thence , thou hast prefer'd them , to ride in more glorious chariots , and to attend as councellors , on many of our english kinges . yet ( ingratefull as they are ! ) vs haue they in our sorest extremities , thrust out of doores , denyed vs house-roome , euen in their stables amongst their horses , refuzde for money to throw vs meate , ( as hunters doe to their dogges : ) and vsing vs , our wiues and children , ( numbers of vs being their owne naturall children ) with a more then turkish crueltie ; as if none els in this kingdome had deserued punishment from heauen , but thou only ( deerest mother , ) and that god were the god of a city alone , and not of the countrey . but stay , whither are wee caried ? why does this torrent of mourning and complaining breake in to ouerwhelme vs , when an arme from heauen hath stucke vp a land-marke to saue vs from drowning ? the weekely bills are come downe ( like the doue out of noahs arke , with her oliue-branch , a blessed signe that the waters are fallen ! ) o excellent musicke ! see fellow-citizens , death hath not cut off so many as he did in his foure last battails , by . persons and odde . god begins to repent him of his anger , albeit numbers of vs repent not of our sinnes . celestiall harmony played vpon strings ; the bells haue à desire to lessen their consort , they haue wearied themselues with playing sad lessons , and deafned the ayre to stay day and night to heare them . these are bankets vnlookt for ( therefore the sweeter ; these are comforts vndeserued , ( and therefore the welcomer . ) our hearts being not a little ( but wonderfully ) reuiued , we will with some tales of our owne misfortunes here in the countrey , bestow vpon you one half houres recreation . a londoner of great estate , riding at the beginning of the contagion , with his wife and two onely children ( hauing no more ) was for his money well receiud into a town , lodged in a faire house , the country-neighbors resorted to him , and were glad of welcomes , for their stomackes were not so subiect to qualmes , and watry spittings , as since they are fallen into . but in the end , god ( to shew how far-soeuer we flie , hath wings to ouer-take vs ) laid his hand vpon this londoners two children , strucke them with sicknesse first , and in a few dayes after with death . being dead , the londoner ( struck in yeares ) fell into consideration of his leauing the citie , & ( full of sorrow ) much lamented his departing from it , most peremptorily condemning him selfe , as guilty of pulling downe the wrath of heauen vpon his two sweet babes , for his hastie flying ( like adam ) out of gods reach , when at the holding vp of a finger , hee would finde him out . this added some heauy weights to his sorrow , yet this seemed nothing , to what was layd vpon him afterwards . for his two children lying dead vpon a table , the minister would not come neere him to bury them ; no clarke ( to get a parsons liuing ) would venture to church with them ; there was none to dig a graue for as much ground as the whole town stood vpon ; and for coffins ! had he bin owner of coffers filld with gold , hee could not with them haue hired a fellowe to make one . then came into his mind the happinesse of londoners at home : for all their miseries , for all the tedious marchings of threescore or fourscore in a day to one churchyard , yet there was a comfort , a blessing , a reioycing , to see those bodies receiue decent christian buriall . had his children bin snatchd from him in london , i could , said he ( his heart-strings being ready to crack with sighing ) haue had friends and kinred , to accompany them to their graues : no ceremonies should haue beene wanting due to the dead : but now ! and then he brake off ; recollecting his spirits , and resoluing to make a vertue of necessitie , he determined ( seeing no other remedy ) to bury his children himselfe . a graue herevpon he digged in the handsomest fashion he could , & then fetching first one child , and after , the other ( his wife being a partner in this tragicall passage ) he read seruice ouer them ; the mother , when he came to these words , earth to earth , ashes to ashes , performing that dutie . this is too sad ; here 's one more merry . a prentice of london being handsomly attired in one faire sute , and carrying another down with him , went to see his mother in the country miles from london ; with fetching a compasse ( for he knew what danger it was to fall into the hands of that english-spanish inquisition , ( the muster of billmen ) he gat into the backside of his mothers house ; to her , notice being giuen , that her sonne was come from london , shee was ready to fall into a swound ; shee could not hold a ioynt ; her cheekes lookd pale , & her eyes with feare almost setled in her head : in the end , affection conquering passion , she ventur'd to see him . he , as she was approching , falling on his knees for her blessing , the first word she vttered was this , god blesse thee , & god blesse me from comming neere thy company . and so charging him as yet not to come into the house , but to keepe himselfe in an out wood-pile , whither a bed should be sent him , with which the yong man was content , only it grieued him , that his mother ( all the time that shee talked with him ) stood not onely a great distance from him , but held her nose betweene her fingers . my yong master had brought a comrade with him , who was to leaue him the next morning : that night therfore they would be merry : good drinke was sent them by a mayd , who set it a farre off , and they must fetch it : then had they a ioynt of meat laid to the fire , which was likewise sent them , but with this cōdition , they were to eat it vp euery bit ; for not so much as the bones they left , should bee giuen to any dogge in the house or towne . night being come , & our trauailing caualiers hauing a desire to drinke tobacco , which they brought with them : a clowne of the house ( when the mother was in bed ) pluckt vp a good heart , rubbd his cheekes and forehead , gaue halfe a score hemmes , to fetch vp his spirit , which ran to his heeles , and lighting a candle , swore , come life , come death , he would to his yong master , he had but a breath to lose , knew he was grasse and hay ; but ( how mortall soeuer ) he would to master iohn , and drinke a whiffe with him . the valiant desper-view did so : but the watch walking the round ( when the pipes were discharging ) the candle plaid the tel-tale , & told them ; two londoners were there . vpon this , the towne was instantly in a hoobbub , the house beset with browne-bills , and authority in a base-organ-pipe-voice commanded the two dangerous londoners to bee tredging , there was no staying for them there . the mother arose , cursd tobacco that ere it came to light , stood stoutly for her son awhile ; yet the town-bullets of threats & perswasions thumping about her eares , in th' end she yeelded , they shold raise the siege , and depart with bag and baggage the next morning . in shew they did so , and marchd both away with small dishonor ; but the sonne secretly returnd agen at night , was lodged in some remote roome ( good for nothing but a londoner ) & there kept till a new suit was made him ; which done , hee was washed naked twice or thrice , his other clothes ayrd in a ouen , yet being smelt out , his mothers house was shut vp for a month after . in another place , a poore man dying in the fields ( as hundreds round about the country haue done the like ) none would come neere the body , none giue it christian ( nay any ) buriall : so that it lay so long aboue ground , that hounds or hoggs had eaten out his bowels , and so was left that beasts might end as they had begun , to make their bellies serue for his graue . and this hapned within few miles of kiddermaster . we could tel you dismal euents hapning in the country , & put by the people vpon vs , & all others that trauell : so wretchedly haue they handled men in some places , that when a shilling has bin offred for a can of faire water , it could not be had for money , because they durst not come neere the parties ; and in one poore village , a horse-smith , who neuer in his life was worth halfe a barre of iron , swore he would not shooe a londoners horse for ten pound . we could giue you a full picture of many others , drawn with infinite absurdities about them of their owne naturall committing . but in doing so , we shall but disgrace our owne nation , and leaue a discouery to the world how weakely mann'd their soules are with faith , and a confident resolution , in the omnipotent mercy of god. it is fitt to fly , and withstand this pestiferous enemy by all faire and lawful meanes , but these countrey people run backward ( with too much feare , but no wit ) so that at euery footes remouing , they are in danger to breake their owne neckes . o london ! how we hunger & thirst to be within thy walles : would to heauen the citie and countrey were diuorc'd , and we parted from them , away we determine to come , yet with many arguments are frighted from setting forward : wee lay seuerall plots , but build vpon none : sound euery little creeke , and riuer , and finde the water in some places too shallow , and in some too deepe , therefore too perrillous . scinditur incertum studia in contraria vulgus . we londoners a thousand questions make , which way to goe , yet know not which to take . if we put not in at london , god prosper vs in our next voyage , which is , that we may all meet in heauen . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e who are run-awaies . a run-away from his maister . a run-away from his captaine . a run-away from a sergeant . roaring run-awayes . good night land-lord run-awayes . he has seene finsbury fields mustering . flight not for feare , but safety , nor for safty , but on pollicy . a rough march turnd to a weeping aprill . all these castles were built in the ayre . earth leuels out the groūd , but heauen deuides the acres . folly to runne from that we can not shun . church-musick , best and worst . * they were gon abroad ere we came . if there were , you would giue ouer your trade of pamphletts . to flatter sick mens bodies may foole away their soules . young cockes loue no coopes . the more that run away whē a field is lost , the fewer fall . whē the leaders flye , shall the soldiers stand ▪ phisick and surgerie at a non plus in this sicknesse . if there fall good showers of money , els not . all our money in the cuntry is turnd into quick siluer . if the poore pine for all , let the rich pay for all . great-men , little-house-keepers . iobs estate . his losses . his patience . no cast-awaies , though run-awaies . well fare an old freind in a corner . we haue set vp our staffe already . o for a good winde ! t is but changing our copy these bearers are worse then beare-wards . a londoners money in the countrey is brasse . . s for foure london bearers . badd egges hatch no good chickens . a curse rebounded . no iesting with god. none but doues i' th countrey . we londoners dare sweare so much . and peepe out at loope-holes . haue they not reason ? exceeding deare . to bee gone . for feare it chokes ' em . a murren on their manners when they haue any . nor cleanes ones neither . can any man wish more ? t is pity they should . neuer , vnlesse it be at foot-ball . nay halfe-hangd . who can proclaime them ? we should be sorry else . where the treasure is the heart dwels . death is a nimble footeman and hath ouertaken vs. a run-awaies armour to be worne against death . an old souldiers sute to caesar . men should be like bells . death's a. b. c. the last scaene crownes the play. a hot-spurre londoner . here the morris begins here 's plaine dealing . the name of londoner hatefull , ninnio in spanish is a boy . a londoner a bugbeare . to bayte one of these beares in smithfield would make good sport . suttle gudgeons . a hay-gee gentleman . no disgrace in the country to haue a horse-fly play with your nose . this fashion will not hold long we trow . one king a a schoole-maister , an other a cow-heard . he must needs goe whom the diuell driues . we hope for better winter-fruite . we will st●ale in by owle-light but we 'le see her . and they reward thee well for it . the bills decreasing , are ioyes increasing . a caueat for run-awayes . a rich father sexton to his own children . a mother and her sonne . the conditions had bene good in a deare yeare . a valiant coward . more feard then hurt . a mans bowels eaten out by doggs or hoggs . the kings medicines for the plague prescribed for the yeare . by the whole colledge of physitians, both spirituall and temporall. and now most fitting for this dangerous time of infection, to be used all england over. royal college of physicians of london. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the kings medicines for the plague prescribed for the yeare . by the whole colledge of physitians, both spirituall and temporall. and now most fitting for this dangerous time of infection, to be used all england over. royal college of physicians of london. 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medicines for the plague , prescribed for the yeare . by the whole colledge of physitians , both spirituall and temporall . and now most fitting for this dangerous time of infection , to be used all england over . london , printed for henry gosson , and are to be sold by f. coules , at his shop in the upper end of the old bayly neere newgate . the kings medicine of the former yeare , against the plague of the body . the first part . take sage of vertue , rue , ( otherwise called herb-grace ) elder-leaves , red bramble leaves , and wormewood , of each of them a good ●andfull , stamp them all together , and then straine them thorow a fine linnen cloth : & put to the juice a quart of perfect good white wine , and a good quantity of white wine vinegar : mingle them all together , and put thereto a quarter of an ounce of white ginger , beaten to smal powder , use todrink this medicine every morning fasting ( for the space of nine dayes together ) the quantity of a spoonfull at a time , and this will ( by gods helpe ) preserve you 〈◊〉 the space of a whole yeare . the kings medicine for this present yeare against the plague of the soule , and the effect thereof . take the herb of uertue , ( the doing of good , psal . . . ) and the herb of patience ( otherwise called a wayting vpon the lord , psal . . . ) wherewith possesse your soules , luke . . in steed of herb-grace , take another , called christs grace : and in the place of elder-leaues , elders examples , following and imitating the elders of israel , chron. . prostrating your selues before the maiestie of god. let not two things be the ingredients of this spirituall kings medicine , which are in the corporall , the bramble and the wormewood . leaue out the proud bramble , and his leaves , for he would exalt himselfe above the other trees , iudges . . secondly leaue out also the hitter wormwood of hate , anger and envie : and according to the counsel of god ( the best physician ) deut. . . let there not be among you any root of bitternesse and wormewood . in steed of these two , take the humble figgetree and his leaves , who would not exalt himselfe above others , iudges . . mingle herein the broad figge-leaues of lowlinesse , humbling your selves under the mightie hand of god , . peter . . couering your good works ( as the figtrée his swéet fruit ) with the broad leaves of humility . take of each of those a good quantity , and be aboundant in good works , and in the work of the lord ( as the apostle speaketh ) being filled with all fulnesse of god , ephc. . . straine these through the fine strainer of uprightnesse and integritie , walking uprightly , psal . . avoyding all hypocrisie , and laying aside all guile and dissimulation , pet. . . in stéed of white ginger , out thereunto the hot ginger of loue towards god & thy neighbour : let it be white and pure , louing without dissimulation , rom. . . further , hot and feruent . aboue all things , hauing feruent loue among you , i pet. . . breake with the stamper of obedience and humility , the hardnesse of thy heart : let it smite thée as davids did , make as it were a small powder of it through humility : & if to day thou hearest the voyce of the lord , ●arden not thy heart , heb. . in stéed of white wine , put to the iuice of these : the perfect white and pure wine , that is , the blood of iesus christ : and the sowre uinegar of his death and passion : for , onely by the vertue of this , the medicine must operate . use to take in this medicine euery day fasting : sometime outwardly and corporally ( when in publique calamity it is appointed by the superiour power , to reproue a present iudgement ) but alwayes inwardly and spiritually , loosing the hands of wickednesse , taking off the heauie burthens , letting the oppressed goe frée : couering the naked , dealing thy bread to the hungry , esay . . use this ( i say ) not for the space of nine dayes together , but the whole yeare , yea all the dayes of thy life . so continuing in the lord , phil. . . and being not weary of well doing , thes . . . and this will ( by gods helpe ) preserue you from the plague of the soule , and the infection of the world . i say , not a whole yeare ; but all thy life time , till against the future resurrection , both with body and soule , thou mayest liue eternally . the kings bodily me dicine after infection . the second part . if it fortune , that one be striken with the plague before he have taken the former medicines : then take the things rehearsed and put thereto a spoonfull of bettony water , and as much scabious water , and a pretty quantity of fine treacle and temper them well together , and let the patient vse to drinke it often , and it will expell the venome or poyson forthwith . but if the botch doe happen to appeare , then take a good quantity of elder-leaves , red bramble leaves , and mustard-seed : stampe them well together , and make a plaister thereof : apply it to the sore , and it will draw forth all the venome and corruption . the second part of the spirituall medicine . if it fortune , that thou art striken with the plague , before thou hast taken in the former kings medicine of repentance , then take the things afore rehearsed : and lest in thy affliction thou wax impatient , put thereunto , not the balme of gilead , jerem. . . but the spirituall treacle and mithridate of the consideration of gods will and providence , psal . . . opening not thy mouth because hee doth it : and holding that , nothing can happen vnto thee without his appointment . further , that thou shouldest not distrust or despaire of the remission of thy sinnes , of the health of thy soule , and of the goodnesse and power of god the physician ; in steed of betony water , put thereunto a good quantity of that aqua benedicta , of that blessed water of gods mercy , praying with david , take away , o lord , the trespasse of thy servant , . sam. . . and wash me that i may be whiter than snow , psal . . this will coole the heat of thy conscience , and comfort thy weary bones . adde as much of the water of life , ioh. . . which is powred into our hearts by the holy ghost , unto everlasting life . fetch it by prayer , of christ the physician and doctor of our soules : for hee doth give it to quench our thirst , john . . put hereunto thy baptisme water , representing the blood of christ iesus : it is one of the three witnesses iohn . assuring thee of the remission of thy sins . leave out scabious water : i meane that scabby-holy-water , with the bulles and indulgences of the anti-christ : for it will make thee to get scabs and sores in thy soule , and bee vnto thee , not the water of life , but the water of death . adde also a good quantity of that comfortable treacle of hope , with the consideration of the future glory , being sure that thy redeemer liveth , and that thou shalt see him with thine eyes , iob . . mingle and temper thus well together , this patience , faith , confidence and hope , and let the patient that is infected with either of them both , vse to drink this kings medicine often : let all his life ( in health or in sicknesse ) be a continuall repentance and meditation of those things , & it will expell the venome of his sin , of impatience , distrustfulnesse , and immoderate feare . but if the filthy botch of impatience , distrustfulnesse , and immoderate feare doe happen to appeare : then in steed of elder-leaves , take a good quantity of elders examples : the faith of abraham , patience of iob , the hope of david , and take ( my brethren ) the prophets for an example of patience in suffering adversity , sam. . . further , take also the mustard-seed of gods word , math. . . with the excellent commandements , admonitions , promises , and comforts contained therein : mingle these together , consider upon them , make a plaister of them , apply it to thy sore , it will draw forth the venome and corruption of impatience , distrustfulnesse , and immoderate feare . the mustard seed , as plinie doth witnesse , is both purgativum , & curativum , it purgeth the body of ill humours , and cureth the venemous biting of a serpent : even so the spirituall mustard seed of the word , purgeth and avoydeth the evill humours of the soule , and healeth the venemous biting of that old serpent the devill . sundry medicines for the plague . those that feare the plague , and are not infected , let them take of this drinke hereafter following , which is twise in every weeke halfe a spoonfull at a time : it hath beene observed , that never any one dyed of the sicknesse , that did take it in time . take three pints of malmesie , a handfull of rue , as much of sage , boyle these to a quart : then strain out the herbs , & then take an ounce of long pepper , vinegar and nutmegs , all beaten small in a morter , and put into the wine , and boyle it a little , then take it off , and put into it one ounce of mithridate , two ounces of the best treacle , and a quarter of a pint of aqita-vitae , and put all into the wine and so keepe it . the vse of it . if any be infected , take one spoonefull of it as soone as the party doth presume himselfe infected , luke-warme , and so goe to bed , and sweat two or thrée houres , and then dry the body well , and keepe warme , and drinke no cold drink , but warme drinke and cawdels , and posset drinke with marigold leaues , and flowers , when the party hath sweat & is well dryed with warme cloathes , and so long as the party is ill , take a spoonfull morning and euening . these things ought duly to be looked unto , viz. it is very conuenient that you keepe your houses , streets , yards , backsides , sinks , and kennels sweet and cleane , from all standing puddels , dunghils , and corrupt moystures , which ingender stinking sauours that may bee noysome , or breed infection : nor suffer no dogges to come running into your houses : neither keepe any ( except it bee backward in same place of open ayre , for they are very dangerous , and not sufferable in time of sicknesse , by reason they runne from place to place , and from one house to another , feeding vpon the vncleanest things that are cast forth in the streets , and are a most apt cattell to take infection of any sicknesse , and then to bring it into the house . for ayring your roomes . ayre your seuerall roomes with charcole-fires , made in stone pans or chasing-dishes , and not in chimneyes : set your pannes in the middle of the roomes : ayre euery roome once a wéeke ( at the least ) and put into your fire a little quantity of francincense , iuniper , dried rosemary , or of bay-leaves . to smell to . the root of enula-campana , steeped in vinegar , and lapped in a handkercher , is a speciall thing to smell vnto , if you come where the sicknesse is . to taste or chew in the mouth . the root of angelica , setwall , gencian , valerian , or sinamon , is a speciall preseruasiue against the plague , being chewed in the mouth . to eat . eat sorrell stéeped in uinegar , in the morning fasting , with a little bread and butter : sorrell sauce is also very holesome against the same . to drinke . take rue , wormewood , and scabius , sleep't in ale a whole night , and drinke it fasting every morning . another . the root of enula-campana , beaten to powder , is a speciall remedie against the plague , being drunke fasting . another . if any feele themselves already infected , take angelica water mixt with mithridatum , drinke it off , then goe to bed and sweat thereon . another speciall preservative . take an egge , make a hole in the top of it , take out the white and the yolke , and fill the shell onely with saffron , rost the shell and saffron together , in embers of charcoles vntill the shell war yellow : then beat shell and all together in a morter , with halfe a spoonefull of mustard-seed : now so soone as any suspition is had of infection dissolue the weight of a french crowne in ten spoonfuls of posset ale , drinke it luke-warme , and sweat vpon it in your naked bed . drinke for ordinary dyet . so neere as you can , let the patients ordinary drinke be good small ale of eight dayes old . for vomiting . vomiting is better than bleeding in this ●ase , and therefore provoke to vomit so neere ●s you can . to provoke vomit . take three leaves of eastrabecca , stamp it , and drinke it in rhenish wine , ale , or posset ale. for purging . if the party be full of grosse humors , let him blood immediately vpon the right arme , on the liuer veine , or on the median veine , in the same arine : so as no sore appeare the first day . a very wholesome water to be distilled . steepe sorrell in vinegar foure and twenty houres , then take it out , and dry it with a linnen cloth , then still it in a limbeck , drink foure spoonfuls with a little sugar , then milke upon it till you sweat , if you may : if not , keepe your bed , and sweat upon it . use this before supper on any evening . if the patient happen to be troubled with any swellings , botches , carbuncles , let him sweat moderately now and then . outward medicines to ripen the sore . take the root of a white lilly , rost it in a good handfull of sorrell , stampe it , and apply it thereto very hot , let it lye foure and twenty houres , and it will breake the sore . another . take a small quantity of leauen , handfull of mallowes , a little quantity of scabias , cut a white onyon into pieces with halfe a dozen heads of garlick , boyl these together in running water , make poultus of it , and then lay it hot to the sore another . take a hot loafe , new taken forth of the oven , apply it to the sore , and it will doubtlesse breake the same : but afterward bury the same loafe deepe enough in the ground for feare of any infection : for if either dogge or any other thing doe feed thereon , it will infect a great many . for ayring apparell . let the apparell of the diseased person be well and often washed , be it linnen or woollen : or let it be ayred in the sunne , or ●uer pans of fire , or ouer a chasingdish of coales , and fume the same with frankin●ense , iuniper , or dried rosemary . to preserve from the infection of the plague . take garlick , and péele it , and mince it ●mall , put it into new milke , and eat it ●asting . to take the infection from a house infected . take large onyons , peele them , and lay three of foure of them upon the ground : let them lie ten dayes , and those peeled onyons will gather all the infection into them that is in one of those roomes : but bury those onyons afterward deepe in the ground . against the new burning feaver . if the patient be in great heat , as most commonly they will : take of faire running water a pretty quantity : put it on a chasingdish of coales , then put thereinto a good ●uantity of sunders beaten to powder , and let it boyle halfe an houre betwéen two dishes : that done , put a couple of soft linnen clothes into a dish , wet the clothes well in water and sunders , and apply the same so hot as you can suffer it to your belly . to procure sleepe to the sick persons that are diseased , either with the plague or the hot feaver . take of womans breast-milke a good quantity , put thereunto of the like quantity of aqua-vitae , stirre them well together , and moysten therewith the temples of the patient , and his nosethrils , lay it on with some feather , or some fine thin ragge . butter-milke in this contagious time is generally holsome to be eaten , and is a good preservative against either the plague or the pestilent feaver . a prayer for those that are not visited . oh most mighty and mercifull lord god , in whose hands are health and sicknesse , who at thy pleasure canst kill and comfort : i doe confesse that my sinnes call lowder for iustice , then i can cry for mercie , and i deserue all plagues and punishments in this life , and the plague of plagues in the life to come , damnation both of body and soule : but oh lord , bée thou more mercifull , then i can be sinfull , and in iesus christ bee reconciled vnto me , and purge mee , and cleanse mee from all my sinnes : and i beséech thée oh heauenly father , at whose commandement the angels passed ouer the houses of the israelites , when it struck the egyptians , ( if it be thy blessed will ) that this present sicknesse may passe ●uer me and my family . we doe confesse , oh lord , that i and others haue deserued the plagues of egypt : but oh lord , howsoeuer kéepe vs from the greatest plague , which is hardnesse of heart : and if it be thy pleasure , with-hold thy heauy hand from vs : doe not correct vs in thine anger , nor yet chastise vs in thy heauy displeasure , but in thy mercy release vs , and if it be good vnto thée , that i and others should taste of this bitter cup , strengthen our faith , encrease our hope , augment our patience , that so wes may rest in thy peace , rise in thy power , and remaine in thy glory , and that for christ iesus sake in whose name we further call vpon thee , our father which art in heaven , &c. a prayer for those that are visited . oh lord god , thou best physitian , both of our soules & bodies , who canst bring to the graue , & pull back againe whom thou ●easest , which wert moued at the prayers of moses for others : of ezekiah for himselfe : oh lord heare me for others , others for me , and all of vs for thy son : and looke with the ●ye of mercy vpon mee whom it hath pleased ●●ée at this time to visit with the plague and sicknesse . o lord , i am held in thy fetters : oh thou which hast bound mée , loose me , and if it tend vnto thy glory and my good , restore my health vnto mée . oh lord , i haue ●éene an vnprofitable seruant all my life time : oh thē let me not then be bereft of the ●●fe of nature , when i begin the life of grace : ●ut if thou hast disposed of mée otherwise , encrease my patience with my paines : shew ●●y strength in sustaining my weakenesse : and be my strong fortresse in this houre of my tryall : giue me grace to apprehend , and apply all the merits and mercies of christ vnto my soule : and oh lord , let thy comforter oppose the tempter , in such a measure , that he may not preuaile against mée , but as thou makest me like lazarus , full of sores , so also let thy angels carry mee into abrahams bosome oh lord , i intreat , let mee obtaine euen for his sake , for whom thou hast promised and bound thy selfe , to heare and helpe the afflicted , euen thy sonne , and my sauiour , christ iesus : to whom with thée and thy blessed spirit , bee all praise , &c. finis . directions for the prevention and cure of the plague fitted for the poorer sort. wharton, thomas, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) directions for the prevention and cure of the plague fitted for the poorer sort. wharton, thomas, - . [ ], p. printed by j. grismond, london : . by thomas wharton. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng medicine -- early works to . plague -- england -- early works to . plague -- prevention -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion directions for the prevention and cure of the plague . fitted for the poorer sort . wisdom . . for fear is nothing else but a betraying of those succours which reason offereth . london , printed by j. grismond , . directions for the prevention and cure of the plague . fitted for the poorer sort . i. diet . let every mans diet be moderate , and of such nourishments as are least subject to putrefie and corrupt . a small breakfast , a dinner of solid and wholesom meats , and a light supper . those who cannot go to the price of flesh , may make use of flesh-broths , ( which may be had at every cooks ) also of bread and butter , old cheese , toste and drink , toste and butter , and the like , drinking sometimes in the day a draught or two of purl● , or strong beer or ale , especially in the morning . let them abstain from the boiled herbs of colliflowers , cabbage , coleworts , spinage , and beets ; also from all wallowish and lushy fruits , as sweet plums , sweet apples , pears , peaches , mallacotoons , cucumbers , pompions , mellons , ripe gooseberries , ripe grapes , apricocks unless eaten with the kernels ; also from raw herbs , as reddish , spinage , &c. but all fruits baked or thoroughly corrected by the fire , are better than raw . for sallads , those that desire them may use sampier boiled and pickled , and served with vinegar ; and so capers , ashen-keys , broom-buds , elder-flowers , clove-gilliflowers . &c. or for raw sallads , lettuce , purslane , wood-sorrel , common sorrel , tarragon , white endive , borage and bugloss-flowers , both wilde and garden , served with a little mustard ( for them that can bear it ) and vinegar and oyl , or at least with vinegar ; and all moderately used . it is thought very expedient that all brewers , both about the city and suburbs , do fume their empty casks yery well with brimstone before they fill them ; and withall adde unto each barrel about an handful of bay salt burnt in a crusible or earthen pot unglazed till it leave crackling , together with a handful of bran , and both put into the same barrel : for it may be a great means to stop and cease the plague , because it will reach even to the poorest sort , who are otherwise ( by means of their poverty ) like to be destitute of any other preservatives . ii. preservatives . take every morning and evening one good spoonful of one of these liquors following , drinking immediately after it a draught of mace-ale , or purle , or strong beer , if they find themselves in any imminent danger . . take the best white-wine vinegar one pint , of london-treakle four ounces , mix them well together in a glass , bottle and keep them close stopt . or , . take carduus benedictus seeds , and bur-dock seeds , ivie berries , and juniper berries , of each well bruised one ounce ; the roots of celandine , angelica , elecampane , and valerian , of each drams , garlick half an ounce , baum , mint , and vervine , each half an handful ; let them all be cut and bruised , and then infused in pints of the best white-wine vinegar in a bottle close stopped for or days , then strain out the vinegar , and keep it for use as before . or , . take of this following electuary a dram , or half a dram , according to the age and strength of the patient , but for a child much less , drinking after it a draught of purle , or as before . take conserve of wood-sorrel ounces , of flower of brimstone finely powdered drams , diascordium half an ounce , of the temperate cordial species scruples , of syrup of wood-sorrel as much as will make it up into a moist electuary . let the rooms of every house , especially such as are infected , be well fumed at least twice every day , either with about half an ounce of brimstone grosly powdered , and lapt up in a paper , and laid on a piece of board or tile , and set on fire , and carried from room to room till it be burnt out . or with a link lighted , and carried in like manner from room to room till all be well smoked , and then put it out . it will be advantageous in the way of preservation to forbid the sale or carrying out any infected clothes , or indeed any thing from infected houses , till such time as it shall please god the plague totally cease . it is the general received opinion of physicians , that all those who meet in publick congregations should before-hand take some little refreshment , and if they are so accommodated , to make use of some antidote withall ; and not by being altogether empty to expose themselves to receive any contagion each from other , which may easily happen when many ( as is usually found ) having the infection in their clothes or otherwise , doe press into the same place . for long fasting draws in the pulse and vital strength , weakens the animal spirits , and consequently induces fear and melancholy , whereby contagion easily enters the enfeebled body , and so spreads and continues the plague . further it is convenient for the preventing the spreading of the infection , that about half an hour at least before the people meet there be burned in the churches in several places some powder of brimstone , or some pitch , or tar , or other perfume of like nature and efficacy against the plague , but there is none like brimstone . it will without doubt be advantageous , that plenty of sea-coles be timely provided , that they may be had at reasonable prises , that so the poor may be able to keep cole-fires in their houses , which will be a great preservative against the increase of the sickness . also that there be especial care had about burials of the dead of the plague . first , that none be buried in the churches . secondly , that they be buried very deep in the earth . thirdly , that no grave that hath been made since the first appearing of this plague be digged up , or another made very near it , lest the venemous reeks of the body break forth at the place opened , and infect the air. in case there be not room enough in the church-yard , some other ground-must be allotted and provided without the city and suburbs , where the dead may be buried distinctly , and not heaped one upon another , because when many are buried together , their putrid ferment will easily grow to that strength , that the earth will hardly be sufficient to suppress the steems of it . fourthly , that the constant bearers be admonished not promiscuously and needlesly to mingle themselves with others , nor entertain discourses with heedless boys and children , who may easily receive harm from them . iii. cure . those poor people that are actually infected and begin to be sick , must by all means ( as they tender the possibility of their recovery ) keep themselves within doors , and avoid rambling out into the open air , or looking out at windows , either of which strikes the venom inward to the heart and bowels ; wherefore their safest course is presently to betake themselves to their beds , where they must lie alone , and in bed take this medicine following , or the like . take london-treakle a quarter of an ounce , one ounce of white-wine vinegar , one ounce of the juice of wood-sorrel or juice of orenges , grains of the salt of wormwood , and one ounce and an half of plague-water of matthias , described in the college last book , pag. . and if they vomit it , renew it again as soon as the stomach begins to be setled . about an hour after let them drink about half a pint of white-wine or other posset-drink , and lie in bed as quiet as they can , and sweat as long as they can well bear it , taking now and then a draught of the same or other posset-drink ; and about hours after the first draught , take another of the same medicine ; and so continue every or hours till the poison of the disease be spent . in the mean time once in hours at the least let them be refreshed with water-gruel , mace-ale , oatmeal-caudle , harts-horn gelly , chicken-broth with mace , marigold-flower , and harts-horn , with a handful of wood-sorrel boiled together , or any such like , which they can best get . children and women with child being infected may take gascoine powder made by the apothecary , grains in a spoonful of white-wine posset-drink , drinking immediately after it a good draught of the same with two spoonfuls of the plague-water , or one for a child . it is expedient in the course of cure that blisters be raised in several parts of the body , provided that not above four ( if large ) be applied at once ; onely the disease continuing or increasing , others may be successively laid on some two or three days after the first ; lest otherwise if there should be too many laid on at once , they should procure such a difficulty and pain in making water , as will not easily then be born . the places most proper for blisters are the inside of the arms a little above or a little below the elbow , the insides of the thighs a little above the knees , the insides of the calves of the legs , also a little below the croin , and a little below , the arm-pits ; likewise behind the ears : and upon the shape of the neck , which may be near double as large as any of the others . the place ought to be elected by the present physician ; so that it may best evacuate the matter from the parts to which nature endeavours to thrust it . let the rooms whereany sick persons are lodged be diligently kept clean and sweet , free from allmastiness and sluttishness , & where conveniently there may let sea-cole fires be made ; and sometimes let the rooms be fumed with brimstone , as before directed . some change their linen before the disease be fully sweated out , which is conceived to be very dangerous ; therefore we advise they do not change till all symptoms cease . for the bubo or batch . those that cannot apply such poultisses as are appointed by the college for want of attendance , may make use of this plaster following . take empl. de amoniac . and diachyl . simpl . of each half an ounce , and of the plaster of muccilag . a quarter of an ounce , mix them at the fire , and spread it upon thin leather puncht full of holes , and apply it to the place ; it will ripen and break the sore , and draw out the matter . for the carbuncle . take wheat-flowre and soot of each an ounce , sweet sope , and turpentine half an ounce , make it up with the yolks of two eggs , the turpentine and eggs must be first mingled in a mortar with a hot pestel , then adde the rest , and apply it warm to the place . there are two cardial sudonifick powders , proper against the plague , the one for men , the other for women , at mr. coniers at the vnicorn in fleet-street , with directions for their use . finis . by the king a proclamation for a publike, generall, and solemne fast. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king a proclamation for a publike, generall, and solemne fast. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . sheet ([ ] p.). by bonham norton and iohn bill, printers to the kings most excellent maiestie, printed at london : anno dom. m. dc. xxv [ ] arms with "c r" at top. "giuen at the court at white-hall, the third day of iuly, in the first yeere of his maiesties reigne of great britaine, france and ireland." reproduction of original in: henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng fasts and feasts -- church of england. fasts and feasts -- great britain. plague -- england -- london -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion cr diev et mon droit honi soit qvi mal y pense royal blazon or coat of arms ❧ by the king. ¶ a proclamation for a publike , generall , and solemne fast. the kings most excellent maiestie , vpon the humble petition of the lords spirituall and temporall , and commons in the present parliament assembled , taking into his princely consideration the many important causes , and extraordinary occasions calling vpon him , and his people for a ioynt and generall humiliation of all estates of his kingdome , before almighty god in prayer and fasting , aswell for auerting this heauy uisitation of plague and pestilence , already begun , and dangerously dispersed in many parts of this kingdome , as also for drawing downe his blessing vpon his maiesty and his people , and armies both by sea and land , hath therefore ( according to the royall and laudable example of other godly kings ) by the aduice and assistance of his prelates and bishops , caused an order or direction for publique prayer and fasting , to be conceiued and published in print , in a booke for this speciall purpose , to be generally obserued and solemnized , in humble hope and confidence , that when both prince and people together through the whole land , shal ioyne in one common , & solemne deuotion , of sending vp their faithfull and repentant prayers to almighty god at one instant of time , the same shall bee more auaileable to obtaine that mercie , helpe and comfort from him , which in the present important occasions this church and common-wealth doe stand in neede of . his maiestie doeth therefore by this present proclamation straitly charge and command , that a generall , publike , and solemne fast be kept and holden , as well by abstinence from food , as by publike prayers , preaching , and hearing of the word of god , and other sacred duties , according to the direction of the said booke , in all collegiate and parish-churches and chappels within this kingdome of england , and dominion of wales , vpon wednesday , the twentieth day of this instant moneth of iuly , and from thencefoorth continued vpon the wednesday of euery weeke following , by the reuerend , religious , and deuout assembly of the whole congregation of such of the inhabitants in each seuerall place , as are free and safe from danger of infection , and may in euery family be conueniently spared ; willing and requiring , aswell all archbishops , and bishops , in their seuerall prouinces , and diocesses , and all parsons , uicars and curats , within their seuerall parishes and charges , as also all maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , and other officers in their seuerall places , limits , and iurisdictions , respectiuely to take especiall care , that this his maiesties royall commandement be duly executed and obserued : and that they themselues be lights of good example to the rest ; and that all others in manner aforesaid , doe diligently and deuoutlyfollow and performe the same , as they tender their duties to almighty god , and to their prince and countrey , and will answere for their prophane , or contemptuous neglect hereof at their vttermost perils . giuen at the court at white-hall , the third day of iuly , in the first yeere of his maiesties reigne of great britaine , france and ireland . god saue the king. ¶ printed at london by bonham norton and iohn bill , printers to the kings most excellent maiestie . m. dc . xxv . by the major whereas the infection of the plague is daily dispersed more & more in diuers parts of this city and the liberties thereof ... city of london (england). lord mayor ( - : gore) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the major whereas the infection of the plague is daily dispersed more & more in diuers parts of this city and the liberties thereof ... city of london (england). lord mayor ( - : gore) gore, john, sir, d. . sheet ([ ] p.). printed by isaac iaggard, printer to the honourable citie of london, london : . at head of sheet, royal arms, and shield surrounded by initials, i. g. m. other title information from first lines of text. "giuen at guild hall, the fift day of aprill, . reproduction of original in: british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- prevention. london (england) -- history -- th century. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion honi soit qvi mal y pense i. g. m. by the major . whereas the infection of the plague is daily dispersed more & more in diuers parts of this city and the liberties therof , aswell for that the houses infected haue not been , nor yet are kept shut vp , according to the proclamation , and many precepts and orders in that behalfe made and taken , aswell by the kings most excellent maiestie , as by mee and my brethren the aldermen , as also for that the people infected , and whose houses are infected ( against all honestie , humane ciuility , and good conscience , seeking as it were rather the desolation of the citie , and of this kingdome by dispersing of the infection , then otherwise ) do daily intrude themselues into all companies , both priuate and publike , aswell at sermons as elsewhere , and doe flocke and follow the dead to the graue in multitudes , one still infecting another , to the displeasure of almighty god , and great griefe of his maiestie , to vnderstand of the destruction of his subiects in such wilfull and desperate manner . to the end therefore that the cause of further infection , which may happen by any of the aforesaid occasions ( if god be so pleased ) may be taken away , and the kings subiects ( whom in his princely and gracious care had ouer them , he tendereth as dearely as himselfe ) may be preserued from that perill . these are in gods name to exhort and perswade , and in his maiesties name straightly to charge and command all persons whatsoeuer , inhabiting within this citie and the liberties thereof , whose houses now are , or hereafter during this visitation , shall be infected with the plague , vpon their allegiance , and due obedience , that they doe owe vnto our said soueraigne lord the king , to keepe their said houses shut vp , for the space of xxviii . dayes next after the buriall of any dying of the plague out of their said houses , and that the people infected , and of the said infected houses , doe continue in their said houses , during the said time of xxviii . dayes , and none of them goe abroad , but onely for necessarie food , and with red wands in their hands , and doe not come into , or frequent any publike assemblies , nor follow the dead infected bodies to the graue , vpon paine of his highnesse heauy displeasure and imprisonment of their bodies so offending by the space of ten dayes , without bayle or maynprize : requiring also , and charging all churchwardens , constables , beadles of wardes , clarkes and sextons of parishes , and all other officers and ministers within this citie and the liberties thereof , euery one of them in his place and office , carefully to looke vnto the performance of the premisses , and of all other orders formerly set downe by the lord maior and aldermen of this citie for the time being , or by me and my brethren the aldermen , concerning the auoyding of the plague , vpon like paine as aforesaid . giuen at guild hall , the fift day of aprill , . ❧ god saue the king. ❧ london printed by isaac iaggard , printer to the honourable citie of london . . humours heau'n on earth with the ciuile warres of death and fortune. as also the triumph of death: or, the picture of the plague, according to the life; as it was in anno domini. . / by iohn dauies of hereford. davies, john, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : , : ) humours heau'n on earth with the ciuile warres of death and fortune. as also the triumph of death: or, the picture of the plague, according to the life; as it was in anno domini. . / by iohn dauies of hereford. davies, john, ?- . [ ], , - , [ ] p. by a[dam] i[slip], printed at london : . in verse. printer's name from stc. with two final leaves of dedicatory verses. british library copy identified as stc at reel : . reproductions of the originals in the british library (reel : ) and cambridge university library (reel : ). created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- poetry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion humours heau'n on earth ; with the ciuile warres of death and fortune . as also the triumph of death : or , the picture of the plague , according to the life ; as it was in anno domini . . by iohn dauies of hereford . o! t' is a sacred kinde of excellence , that hides a rich truth in a tales pretence ! printed at london by a. i. . ¶ to the right noble , algernon , lord percy , sonne and heire apparant to the right honorable henry earle of northumberland . thrice noble , and more hopefull pupill i ( who learnes thy hand to shew thy hearts conceits would make thy heart , before it vice doth trie , to know her lures , to shunne her slie deceits . but , in the prime but of thy pupillage before the ioynts of iudgement can be knit , ( although for wit thou mai'st be wisedomes page ) vice throwes her lures aboue thy reach of wit. but yet when time shall throwly close thy mould , wherein all rare conceits still cast shall bee , then shalt thou ( with cleere eies ) darke lines behold , that leade thee to all knowledge fit for thee . and , sith that childhood more in tales delights then saddest truths ; i le tell thee merry tales , of lords and ladies , with their merry knights , their merry blisses , and their sory bales . the outside of these tales are painted o're with colours rich , to please thine eagre sence ; but , lin'd with naked truth ( yet richly poore ) more fit for thy more rich intelligence . when thou canst cracke this nut , within the shell thou shalt a kernell finde will please thy taste ; the pallate of thy wit will like it well , when thou shalt swallow it , for ioy , in haste . then make this nut a whirligigge the while , to make thee merry ( if thou canst be so ) to see the turning of our sports to toile , wherein obserue how pleasures come and go : for , as a whirligigge doth turne so fast , that sharpest sights the fruit do scarse perceiue : so can no pallate fruits of pleasure taste when they are come , so soone they take their leaue ! read● little lord , this riddle learne to reede ; so , first appose ; then , tell it to thy pecres : so shall they hold thee ( both in name and deed ) a perfect pierc-ey that in darkenesse cleeres . a pierc-ey , or a pi●rcing eie doth sh●w both wit and courage ; and , if thou wilt learne by morall tales sinnes mortall to eschew , thou shalt be wise , and endlesse glorie earne : that so thou mai'st , the meanest tutors praise ; so , percies fame shall pierce the eie of daies : then , by those raies my pen ( inflam'd ) shall runn● beyond the moone , to make thy moone a sunne ! meane while , and euer , i rest prest to honour thee with my poore vttermost , iohn dauies . to the good knight , and my much honored scholler , sir philip carey . sith death ( deere sir ) hath lately beene so fell , to reaue that life , than deere life deerer farre ; this record of his greater rage may quell the lesse ( perhaps ) in your particular . faine would i ( if i could ) beguile your griefe , with telling you of others heauie harmes : but ( ah ) such guile giues griefe too true reliefe , in your true humane heart , that pitty warmes . life is a plague : for , who doth liue , must die ; yet some that haue the plague , doe scape aliue , so life's more mortall than mortalitie : then sith that life ( like death ) doth life depriue , you may reioyce , sith your adolphus liu'd , true vertues life , which cannot be depriu'd . viuat post funera virtus . as much grieu'd for your losse , as glad any way to shew his loue . iohn dauies . to the right worshipfull my deere scholler sir humfrey baskeruile of earsley , knight : and the no lesse louely than vertuous lady his wife . sith i am lecturing my noblest schollers , ( you being two ) this lecture deigne to reade ; for thogh it treats of nought but death & dollers , yet it with pleasure may your passion feede : for , plagues to see ( vnplagu'd ) doth nature please , although good nature ( gladly ) grieues thereat ; as we are well-ill pleas'd to see at seas the wofull'st wracke , while we are safe from that . in health to tell what sickenesse we haue past , makes vs more soūd ; for , gladnes health defends : o then your eies on this plagues-picture cast to glad and grieue you for glad-grieuous ends . but my sole end by this poore meane to yee , is but to tie your eares , and hearts to mee , iohn dauies . to my deere , meeke , modest , and intirely beloued mistris elizabeth dutton , mistris mary , and mistris vere egerton , three sisters of hopefull destenies , be all grace and good fortune . sith on my worthiest schollers i doe muse , how should my muse to minde you once neglect , sith you are such ? thē , such she shuld abuse , should she not vse you with all deere respect . thou virgin widow ( eldest of the three ) ( that hold'st thy widows state , of death in chief ) death in thy youth ( being fast ) hath made thee free ; free from thy ioy , & fastned thee to griefe . but he that is the lord of lordly death , reserues thine honor'd sires most honor'd sire from deaths dispite ; & while he draweth breath , thou ( lowly soule ) art likely to aspire . thy sisters ( like in nature , as in name , and both in name and nature nought but good ) ( beloued pupills ) well may hope the same , sith of like grace there is like likelihoode . yet in the height of earths felicitie , a meeke regard vnto this picture giue , to minde you so of lifes mortalitie , so shall you liue to die , and die to liue . meane while i hope , through your cleere stars to spie a trinitie of ladies ere i die . he which ( for the exercise of your hie humilitie ) you please to call master iohn dauies . to my worthy , and worthily beloued scholer , thomas bodenham esquier , sonne and heire apparant of sir roger bodenham of rotherwas , knight of the bathe . and , if among them that are deere to mee , ( remembred by my pen , my muses tongue , ) i should forget to shew my loue to thee , my selfe , but much more thee , i so should wrong . nay , wrong the right which i to thee doe owe : but neuer shall my loue so guilefull proue , as not to pay thee so deseru'd a due ; for , i confesse thou well deseru'st my loue . thou wert my scholer ; and if i should teach so good a pupill such a lesson ill ( by mine example ) i might so impeach mine honest fame , and quite disgrace my skill : but when i learne thee such detested lore , then loathe my loue , and learne of me no more . yours , as what 's most yours , iohn dauies . the last booke ( being a picture according to the life ) dedicated to the no lesse high in birth , then honorable in disposition ( right noble in either ) the ladie dorothie , and ladie lucy percies . great-little ladies , greatly might you blame my little care of doing as i ought , should i neglect to set your noble name , first of those principalls whose hands i taught . yet , the more high your birth and places are , the more ye ought to mind the blast of breath : as philips page did shew his masters care , when most he flourisht , most to thinke on death ! then , with most blisse , when you transported be , looke on this picture ; so , perceiue ye shall , we fall , like leaues , in autumne from the tree , when heau'n puffes at excesse in generall : but from all woes excesse i wish ye may ( throgh heau'n on earth ) to heau'n the easiest way ! your ladiships vnworthie tutor , iohn dauies . to my beloued master , iohn dauies . when i thy reasons weigh , & meat thy rimes , i find they haue such happy weight and measure , as makes thy lines extend to after-times , to leade them to a masse of wisedomes treasure . with weighty matter so thou load'st thy lines , as to dimme sights they oft seeme darke as hell ; but those cleere eies that see their deepe designes , do ioy to see much matter coucht so well ! but these thy numbers most familiar bee ; because strange matter plainely they recount : for which men shall familiar be with thee that know thee not ; and , make thy fame to mount . i know no tongues-man more doth grace his tong with more materiall lines , as streight as strong ! ed : sharphell . to mine entirely beloued , master iohn dauies of hereford . in all thy writings thou hast such a vaine , as but thy selfe thy selfe canst counterfet ; which , lying farre beyond the vulgar straine , is harder well to open , then to get . few idle words thou hast to answer for in all thy workes ; but , thou dost merite much ( nay supererogate ) who dost abhorre superfluous words , though thine be over-rich ! both words and matter do so well agree , to glorifie themselves in either kinde , that we must needs renowne both them , and thee , who neerely sought ( for vs ) the same to finde : thy numbers flow from such a minds excesse as all seeme raptures , in all happinesse ! ro : cox. to the reader in praise of the author . in every tale which scarffed truth containes , we must that truth vnmaske to see her face : else see we but the halfe the tale retaines ; then such ( how e're well told ) lose halfe their grace . but these are tales , which ( though their truth be maskt ) tickle the itching'st eares with wit●hing touches ; and so such eares to listen still are taskt , by subtill clawing , that such eares bewitches . canst thou but riddles reade , and not areede ? these riddles high ( well read ) stoope to thy reason : that though they fat not wit , yet will they feede with wittes pure salt , that wits fresh-sweetes doth season : the fiction is for gladdest will as fit , as is the morall for the saddest wit. anth : greys . humours heauen on earth . vpon a time ( thus olde wiues tales begin , then listen lordings to an old wises tale ) there were three men , that were , & were not kin , * ( reede me this riddle ) at the wine or ale , did striue who most should grace the deerest sin , for which the daintiest soules are set to sale : for soules that are most delicate for sense , gainst stings of honied sinnes haue least defence . the first ( for first i le tell you eithers name to shew their natures ) hight * poliphagus : a greasie guttes , of most vnweldie frame ; the second named was * epithymus : light as a feather , apt to lightest game : the third and last , hight * hyselophronus ; that still lookt on himselfe , as if he saw that which the gods did loue , and men did awe . nor is it vtterly impertinent vnto the matter subiect , to describe the weedes they ware , which were as different , as was their names , their natures , & their tribe ; the habit sheweth how the heart is bent : for , still the heart the habit doth prescribe : and no externall signes can more bewray the inwardest affects then garments may . poliphagus a sute of satten ware , made wide and side ; and yet his sides did swell , so that his trusse did couerscarse the bare , and so his panch ( an homely tale to tell ) was fill'd with filth , that eu'ry stich did stare of that which casd it ; and of grease did smell : which so re-glosst the sattens glosse , that it was varnisht like their vailes that turne the spit . his buttons and the holes , that held them fast , his brestmade stil to striue which best could hold but yet that breast made one another brast , and so it selfe did swell as burst it would ; who was some two elles compasse in the waste , and had not seene his knees since two daies old : no points he vs'd ; whose bumme and belly burst , held vp his sloppes , as strait as they were trusst . a paire of button'd buskins casd his legges , which were all calfe from hams vnto the heele ; and after him ( like clogges ) the same he dregges : his shooes were lin'd , that he no cold might feele● the soales whereof thicke corke asunder gegs , made broad ( without indents ) lest he might reele : and ouer all , he ware a slabberd gowne , which cloakt his buttockes hugely ouergrowne ! thus haue we casd the slouen , saue the head ; and wittingly we doe the same forbeare ; because his shoulders stoode in his heads stead , which hardly did aboue their pitch appeare : the lumpe of flesh was all so ouer-fed , as he no man , but some behemoth were : for they whose ioy is all in drinke and meate , thogh mean they be , they needs must be too great epithymus ( the wanton ) on his crowne , a crowne of roses ware lasciuiously ; a falling band of cut-worke ( richly sowne ) did his broad shoulders quite ore-canopy : a waste-coate wrought with floures ( as they had growne ) in colour'd silke , lay open to the eie : and , as his bosome was vnbutton'd quite , so were his points , vntrusst for ends too light ! his doublet was carnation , cut with greene rich taffataes , quite through in ample cuttes ; that so his wast-coate might , ech where be seene , when lusty dames should eie this lusty guttes : and many fauours hung the cuttes betweene , and many more , more light , in them he shuttes ! so that a vacant place was hardly found about this fancy , so well-fauour'd round . his hose was french , and did his doublet sute , for stuffe and colour ; to which sow'd there were silke-stockings , which sate strait his thighs about , to make his leg and thigh more quaint appeere : their colour was , as was the vpper sute , saue that the quirkes with gold and gawdie geere were so embosst , that as the gallant goes , the glosse did light his feete to saue his toes . his shooes were like to sandalls , for they were so caru'd aboue with many a curious cut , that through the same the stocking did appeere , and in the lachets were such ribbands put , as shadow'd all the foote from sunne well neere , though , in rose-forme , the ribband vp was shut : and to make vp aright this woman-man , he at his face still fenced with a fan . but hyselophronus vnlike to him , was richly clad , but much more graue it was ; for , he could not endure such colours trim , yet vs'd trimme colours to bring drifts to passe : a backe too bright , doth argue braines too dim : for , no such asse as is the golden asse : but he that state to catch , doth know the knacke , hides all his haughtie thoughts in humble blacke . his hat was beauer of a middle sise , the band , silke-sipers foure-fold wreath'd about : a shallow cambricke ruffe , with sets precise , clos'd with a button'd string , that still hung out ; wherewith he plai'd , while he did plottes deuise ; to gull the multitude , and rule the rout : his sute was satten , pinckt , and laced thicke , as fit , as faire , without each peeuish tricke . his cloke cloth-rash with veluet throughly lin'd , ( as plaine as plainenesse ) without welt , or garde , to seeme , thereby , to be as plaine in mind ; for , he to seeme good , still had good regarde : his rapier hilts wer blackt , which brightly shin'd , a veluet scobbard did that weapon warde : the hangers and the girdle richly wrought , with silke of * poorest colour , deerely bought . his stockings ( sutable vnto the same ) were of blacke silke , and crosse-wise gartered : the knot whereof a roses forme did frame , which neare the ham the sable leaues did spred : his shooes were veluet , which his foote became , thus was he clad , from foote vnto the head : who still was still , as one of iudgement staid , before he heard , and poiz'd , what others saide . while first ( puft-panch ) poliphagus bespake , ( but panted as he spake for want of winde ; and at each word his fat for feare did quake , lest that winds want that fat should melt , or bind , o that ( quoth he ) then reached to perbrake ) mans necke were like a * cranes , then should we find more pleasure in our meat & drink , because t' would longer passe , with pleasure to our mawes . eating and drinking sweetly eates vp time that eates vp all ; then , feeding most of all we ought to loue ; for , we are made of * slime ; then should we feed ( lest we to slime should fall ) that so our flesh , by fat , to fat should climbe ; fat capons , turkies , fezants we may call the * ladders to perfection , and t' ascend by such degrees , is mans perfections end . deere * taste ( quoth he ) the life of all my ioy ) , can they be blest that say thou bredst our curse , when thou dost sweeten all our liues annoy , that else were hell it selfe , or rather worse ? for my part , i esteeme that * tale a toy ; and thinke that taste alone doth nature nurse : if thou be natures nurse , then say i dare , thou nursest that that makes vs what we are . who are by nature demi-gods at least ; gramercies taste , that mak'st vs so to be : man , but for thee , were farre worse then a beast ; and , beasts were worse then nothing , but for thee : for , man , and beasts do toile but for the taste ; then if our taste should faile vs , curst were we : sith both are borne to labor but for * foode ; that rather would offend ; then doe vs good . the mouth , & maw are pleasures blisfull bowres , where she lies dallying with her loue delight : the maw ( charibdis which delight deuoures ) takes frō the mouth what giu's the mēbers might ; is that an idol which such good procures ? or should it not be * seru'd by natures right , that keepes fraile nature in her vitall heate , that else would pine for want of tasting meate ? * o! taste , and see how sweete the lord ; but whie do i enforce what * forcelesse i esteeme ? yet , sith it 's held for written-veritie , i le sucke sweete from that weede , and holy seeme : the sou'raign'st sense , enthron'd is in the eie ; yet taste , this truth ( if truth ) doth better deeme : for , taste , and see , first taste , and after see , implies that taste , of sight hath sou'raigntie . o t is the well from whence the senses drawe their summum bonum ; sweet'st , thogh short , delite : the right hie-way to mirth , lies to the mawe ; the way to mirth that cheares the flesh , & * sprite ; that warms the blood , & frozen harts doth thaw , in spight of nature , foiling natures spight : then , who distasts these sweet lauds of the taste , his taste is senslesse , and his wittes are waste . aske proofe , how all the veines do flow with ioy when as the mouth takes in confected sweetes ; or when the pallate doth her powres imploy to meet sweet wines , which she with * smacks regreets : what hart so faint , that thē can feare anoy , though hell itselfe with all the senses meets ? giue strong drink to the damn'd , & they 'l sustaine , in paines despight , with ease , the spight of paine . what care can once but touch a merry hart , that 's merry made with precious blood of grapes ? and , who can choose but play a frolicke part , that by strong sacke , frō sorrows sacke escapes : smart , them annoyes that feele , or thinke on smart , but not those that with wine are pleasures rapes : for , while they gape to let in , * out to run , they feele , & think on nought but healths begun . thus did this gormandizing epicure * insist in praise of that which taste commends ; and , ( for winde lab'ring ) labour'd past his powre to make mans gorge his god , for godlesse ends : when loe , epithymus ( to make it sure ) in part approu'd his reasons ; yet he bends his pow'r to proue the wenching practicke part , to yeeld the ioy which most affects the hart . these girles ( quoth he ) so they be faire , and yong , are they alone that most do rauish sense ; for which , no lesse then for our foode we long ; the touch , being furthest from th' intelligence , with much more * libertie , and ioy among , doth play her part to proue her excellence : it tickles all our veins with lustful pleasure , which the mean while , hath neither mean nor mesure . what heart 's so cold that is not set on fire , with a trans-lucent beaming sunne-brightface ? but , of that face to haue the hearts desire , the heart cannot desire a greater grace : who couets not bright beauties golden wire , his * sprite is abiect , and his thoughts are base : sith those wires winde about the turning thought , and tie it to rich pleasures dearely bought . who meets with flesh that melts with tendernesse , and melts not in desires ay-burning flames ? whose kisses , steept in sucket , heau'n do presse from lips * diuine , too worthy for such names ; can any eies looke into beauties presse , and with her trimmest trinckets make no games ? no humane eies ( i weene ) if christaline , but ioy to see themselues in eies diuine . to see a body more then lilly-white , with azur'd veines imbrodred here and there , to see this blisfull body * naked quite , and to behold loues hold some other where , what thing , with ioy , can more intrāce the sight , sith to the sight loues heauen doth appeare ? then adde to this , a * looke that saith approch , it wil the vessell of all sweetnesse broch . o! to embrace her that embraceth all that beauty can embrace , is to infold in mortall armes , armes supernaturall , of pow'r both * gods and men ( insnar'd ) to hold ; and make them , as they please , to rise , or fall , seruing loues soueraigne as vassals should : for , gods , and men do most obsequiously , by nature , serue diuine formositie . he that orethrew what ere his strength withstood , * and vnderpropt the weight of heauens frame , loue , made to spinne in weake vnmanly moode : and he , for wisedome , that had greatest fame , , * loue so , with lust , inflam'd his coldest blood : that he a * thousand had to quench the same for , no age , wisedome , pow'r , or policie , haue pow'r t' impugne diuine formositie ! aske mars the sterne and stubberne god of warre , how much frail beuty made him ( crouchīg ) bow : nay aske ( if men may aske ) the thunderer the high'st of gods , by lordly loue brought low ) why he did make his mansion in a starre , yet fell from heau'n an earthly * dame to know , but that both gods and men , most lowlily , by nature , serue diuine formositie ! giue me a wench that hath the skill , and wit , to let me ( loue-sicke ) bloud in lustes right vaine ; and can , with pleasure , ease me in the fit , yet ease me so , that loue may still complaine of * heate , that is for lusts life onely fit , which to the life of loue yeelds pleasant paine ; that can so humour me , and what i feele , that she may hurt me still , my hurt to heale . such a crafts-mistris , in the arte of loue , doth crowne the touch with an imperiall * kisse ; for , she makes touching tast ioy farre aboue the reach of arte to tell men what it is : for feelinglie , she can both staie , and moue about the center of loues boundlesse blisse then boundlesse is the touches excellence that , by a lasse , can so beheau'n the sense . thus did this orator of lechery dilate the shortsweete of his liues delight ; which , hyselophronus did not * deny , ( as though quite opposit ) but bent his might , to proue high'st blisse was borne of maiesty ; begot by potency , right or vnright : the greatest ioy to greatnesse appertaines for ioy doth raign ( quoth he ) in that which raigns . a roiall robe , a scepter , mound , and crowne are the true signals of the truest ioy : they neede not feare the threat of sorrows frown that * can confound , all causers of anoy : the hand of maiesty puts vp , and downe the meanes of mirth , and those that mirth destroy : hee 's a rare clarke that r●gnum can declyne and meus , mea , meum ad in fine . what hart is not enlarg'd , with ioy , as much as it can hold , when pow'r is more enlarg'd then earth can hold ; or , on the same none such , when all by him , and he by none , is charg'd ? no not so much as with the smallest * touch , touching his life , lest such be life-discharg'd : it is the greatest glorie of mans state , * when man , like god , doth raigne in spite of hate . to eate and drinke , and do the acts of lust , is common vnto beasts , as well as men ; what praise get they that do what * needs they must ; but such as shames the praised now and then ? for , so may men be praisd for deedes vniust , sith men , by nature , wrong their bretheren : but , to correct * men , with directing rods , is proper vnto none but demi-gods . the spheare of greatnes ( like the highest sphere , that turnes the neather with resistlessesway ) is the high'st step to his throne without peere ; and , to the sunne that makes eternall day ; where blisse abounds an euerlasting yeare , for which the most deuout doe inly * pray : then , greatnes is the great'st good vnder heau'n , which vnto none but gods on earth is giu'n . o! how it rapts the eie of maiestie , to see all downe-cast vnderneath her feete ; that may , if please her , march vpon the hie , till she with none , but with the lowly meete : then , * wisedomes reach doth tend to emperie ; and none but fooles neglect it as vnmeete : it is the highest note that arte can reach , to rule the voice when sou'raigntie doth preach . and what a glorie is 't to mortall man , that when he bends his high-erected front , death in the * foldes doth play the artezan , and kill , but with alooke , the highest count : yet , with a word ( like him that all things can ) to create others , making them to mount ; then , who hath pow'r all men to marre or make , must be a god , that life doth giue , and take . a seepter's circes rod ; which men and beasts doth easlie tame , how wilde so ere they bee : for , birds that in the stars doe build their neasts , farre , farre aboue all birds , of prey doe flee : to which pitch if they mount , they scorch their crests ; for , heat so high is in * extreame degree : highnesse is sacred , and the sacred hie , with their pow'rs wing aboue all perills flie ! o! t is a blisfull glitt'ring glorious state , able to make mortalitie diuine ; which , with * inspection , binds the hands of fate , and , like the sunne , among the stars doth shine , till nature doth the flesh inanimate ; and in the mouthes of men mens fames enshrine : then , if in earth be any diuine thing , it 's more then god , if it be not a king. poliphagus , though he his intralls seru'd , as if they were his fancies soueraignes , or rather gods , by which he was preseru'd , yet hee allowance to their fancie faines ; that so * fraternitie might be conseru'd , which concord , in conceit , together chaines ; and , thus immod'rately doth moderate the diffrence of the doubtfull questions state . but now , as wak'ned from a tedious sleepe , * logus , chiefe guide of * psyche , their chiefe guide ( while they were plunged in all pleasures deepe ) thus gan their sensuall-senslesse soules to chide : whither , o whither runne ye , ye lost sheepe , not weying in what danger ye abide ? the blinde eates many a flie ; and so doe you , that chew sweet poyson , which ye should eschue . but ere wee further prosecute her speach , we will describe their garments ( as we may ) for as we said the coate and cut do teach . sight to discerne what mood the mind doth sway : logus was clad , as could no state impeach , sith she was cloth'd with mean , thogh cleane aray : for , she with garments farre more fit , then faire , but sauegard sought from passions of the aire . but , psyche ( whom she guided ) like a qu●●ne was richly deckt , with ornaments diuine : who liu'd so closely that she scarce was seene , yet through her pallace did her glory shine , as if at least she had a goddesse beene ; whose virtues were apparant to the eine : her ornaments were wit , will , memory , which richly roab'd her with regality . vpon her sacred head she ware a crowne ( like that of ariadnes ) all of starres , to light her feete in darke waies , and vnknowne , and keepe the safest way in passions warres ; those starres were royall vertues of her owne ( which some call cardinall ) her gard in iarres : who was deckt inly with pow'r , grace , and arte , being wholy in the whole , and in each part. her vnderstandings pow'r that pow'r did line , which heau'n and earth religiously adore ; and in her will she ware grace most diuine , but in her memory she artes did store ; that made the whole most gloriously to shine , but most diuinely did those three decore ! affects and fantasies her seruants were , which were all cloakt with good , how ill so ere . hir prīcely train , which was of works wel wroght , was borne by iudgement her chiefe officer : then , contemplation held her , as she ought , by the right arme , so that she could not steere frō those right waies , whereon before she thoght : and double-diligence before did cleere : the outward senses her purueiours were , to whom the common-sense was treasorer . thus were these two attended and araid , which i haue thus described by the way ; and now to prosecute what logus said from thence where i before did make him stay ; quoth hee , what meane ye thus to be betraid by sinfull sense , which seekes but your decay ? you are to seeke to know her fallacies , but know them not by seeking in this wise . how neere to temporall and eternall death you are ( god wot ) ye wot not , ne yet care ; not weying how worlds * weale wastes with your breath , and that your breaths within your nostrills are ; which to the aire you must of force bequeath , perhaps forthwith , at least ere ye beware : if temp'rall death attach ye in this plight , your temp'rall daies will turne t'eternall night . to yong and old death is indifferent ; the court and cottage he frequents alike : yet , of the twaine , he courts doth more frequent ; and loues those , that do * mind him least , to strike : he wounds the lustfull , vaine , and insolent with their owne weapons , quickly to the quicke : for , euer he doth enuy lifes delight , and makes the same most subiect to his might . how can vaine pleasures please men , hauing sense to feele the sweete and sowre of sinne , and grace ? for , if they feele the * sting of conscience , all pleasures of the flesh will giue it place : that grieues the will , that grieues th' intelligence , which take no pleasure in their owne disgrace : but still the lusts offraile flesh to fulfill , is to disgrace intelligence , and will. the obiect of the will is perfect good ; which , the intelligence to her presents ; that neuer yet was found in roiall food , in dainty dames , or regall gouernments ; by * vnderstanding these are vnderstood to yeeld but short , and counterfet contents : if so they do , how madde are they the while , that giue their pretious soules for things so vile ? the * wisest yet that euer breath'd this aire ( of sinfull race ) who in his wisedomes might made proofe of all that was sweet , great , or faire , yea of all pleasures which the sense delight , ) said of them all ( like wisedoms truest heire ) they were than skumme of * vanitie more light : if such great wisedome found them to be such , they are much more thē fools that loue thē much . aske eu'ry sense what pleasure they doe proue in all their obiects : they must needes replie , ( sith consciēce knows it ) nought to gaine our loue ; for , we loue nought but what we * good do trie : but , proofe these pleasures doe , in fine , reproue ; sith they no sooner liue , but sooner die : for , triall knowing them to be but vaine , kills their delight ere we it entertaine . and , crownes are hiues , where stinging cares do swarme ; pomp's but the white whereat fell enuy shoots : which are as trees , whēce groes their owners harm ; harms are the fruit ; crowns , flours ; & kīgdōs , roots : the arme of flesh , is but a feeble arme ; and , in such strong extreames it little bootes : he knowes not yet the nature of a crowne , that knows not none may call the same his * owne . what bootes a purple robe , when purple blood doth issue from the wofull wearers hart ? and , of such issue there 's more likelihood then issue of his loines to take his part ; for , oft such issue doth him little good , who conquer * nature , by the aide of arte : they learne by arte weake nature to command , when crowns betwixt the sire & son doe stand . sou'raignes , are subiect to extreame * despight , for lo , a dog , sometimes , supplide their place : a king of norway , conquering in fight the king of swethland , for the more disgrace , did make a dog their king , to shew his spight , and made thē neere * him , that were neere as bace : then are they worse then dogges that damne their soules to catch a kingdom , that a dog cōtroules . what ioy can be accompanied with feare , sith that companion doth all ioy * confound ? but terrene ioyes about with them do beare an hell of * feare , wherein true hell is found : for , where 's vnsuretie , feare must needs be there ; and all 's vnsure that surgeth from the ground of this vast sea of extreame miserie , true antitype of true felicitie . besides , no pompe ( how euer glorious ) no ioy or pleasure , if sublunarie , but brings sacietie soone with their vse , as they best know that haue best meanes to trie ; and none haue right ioy but the * righteous ; for , ne'r doth saciate their felicitie , which doth content desire , and feare exclude , which is the summe of true beatitude . then , if my power ore your soueraigne , if my words ( rules of reason ) can perswade , vaine pleasures fly ; throgh which ye fly to paine ; which still haue marr'd , but neuer any made : containe your selues , and you shall ioy containe ; if you be good , then * glorious is your trade : for , nought is great on earth , but that great hart , that scornes all ioyes by nature bred , or art. rouze vp your selues , shake off this sloth of sprite ; put on the mind that men of mind becomes : away with all * effeminate delight , that none but worse then women ouercomes : shew your selues men of strength in frailties spite ; for , graceles ioyes possesse but graceles groomes : o , t is * dominion in the high'st degree , when men to reasons rules obedient bee . hereat their conscience touched to the quicke , beganne , halfe fainting , inwardly to bleede : no pricke more mortal then the consciēce pricke ; it makes our faith to faint , and kills our creede : yet , frozen in their dregges , therein they sticke , without all feeling that which must succeede : and , with hard harts ( thogh said for their behoofs ) they logus thus reprooue , for his reproofes . what wight art thou ( presumptuous that thou art ) that com'st to councell , yer thou called bee ? by what pow'r dost thou this ? by what desart think'st thou we all should be controld by thee ? we know no pow'r thou hast , nor wit , * nor art to take the guidance of our actions free ; being a meere stranger to vs and our state , yet dost from either more then derogate . thou would'st bee taught ( that thus presum'st to teach ) to know good maners , persons , time and place ; these circūstances they should know that preach , or else they may disgrace their sermons grace ; and those that liue by preaching do * beseech , not sharply checke , which tendeth to disgrace : then think we o're our passions haue great powre , that giue thee sweet aduice for cheeke so sowre . you may be gon , we need no councellors , that breathe out worse thē wormwood with their words ; we are twice seau'n , and our owne gouernors , your proffred seruice no good * sent affords : we are the highest powres compettitors , and fight for pleasure with our sense , and swords : we are resolu'd to satisfie desire with all the comforts that it can require . doth loue ( quoth logus ) with our selues begin ? it seemes not so , for with your selues it ends : foes to your selues , sith you are folde to sinne ; yet will not * see whereto that purchase tends : to lose your soules , and all the world to win , is the worst fortune , that fell fortune sends : o be indulgent to your soules , for whie , * life died it selfe , that so they might not die . i am that logus , which your soueraigne ( great sou'raigne psyche ) gaue you for your * guide : which you would ne'r vouchsafe to entertaine , though , * vnimploied , i still with you abide : i pray you then ( for your eternall gaine ) that now at last i may with you reside , to doe you seruice , which if you will vse , i le make your life and death most glorious . let not my plainenesse with you , make yee plaine of my sterne course ; for , sith i am the sterne that rules the mind , i must her so restraine ( when passions rise ) that she , by me , may learne the way to weale , which she seekes to attaine , which she , by my * direction shall discerne : now , if the sterne resist repugnant windes , the bark , to which she 's bound , to her she bindes . yee oft haue heard , that sores quite mortified , ( if euer they be cured as they ought ) must haue sharpe corrasiues thereto appli'd , else one sore part may bring the whole to nought : then leaue your gluttony , your lust , and * pride ; be sober , chaste , and meeke , in deed , and thought : this must you doe ; and i must needes say this , except i should both say and doe amisse . should i , your guide , winke when ye go astray ? or see you runne in by-paths of offence ? else drawe ye further on , out of the way , and by all waies soothe vp your erring sense ? so should i , like a traitor , you betray ; which would , in time , your souls to * hate incense : o then let me haue leaue your soules to loue , which least i do , when least i you reproue . repentance oft ( too oft ) comes too too late , ( though , better late then neuer to repent ) but ne'r too soone can grace it animate ; for , men , * beyond their birth , are euill bent : so , yer they sinne , they are in sinfull state ; for , sinne in their conception's resident : then sith yer men be ( whole ) it is ( in part ) repentance should take being yer the hart. time past , is gone , in it none can repent , if in that time they did the same neglect : the time to come ( although incontinent ) is as vnsure , as is that rare * effect : therefore the * present time for it is lent , which strait is gone , then doe it not reiect : sith so small time may all your time ingrosse , the losse of it may be your vtter losse . but , what auailes an angells tongue to moue a fiend to goodnesse , that by kind is ill ? from which he is resolu'd ne'r to remoue ; no more can * reason their desires fulfill , ( though with all reason he doth seeke their loue ) for , they desire to liue corruptly still ; and thus , with bitter taunts they do requite his loue , that euer loues to guide them right . what ere thou art ( quoth they ) we know thee not ; nor will we know thee , sith we know thou art repugnant to vs ; and , thou seem'st a sot , to seeke to gaine loue by contentions art : thou neuer knew'st , or else thou hast forgot , that manners * like , do still like loue impart : therefore farewell , except thou worse wilt fare , we are resolu'd , in what resolu'd we are . so they to excesse fell excessiuely ; sinning , with * griefe , that they could sin no more : now , they inlarge their bounds of libertie , although it were but too too loose before : like water they * lappe vp iniquitie , which , through thē , ouerflows both sea & shore : a cauterized conscience being checkt , becomes farre worse , in cause , and in effect . logus thus cast from their societie , waxt passing pensiue ( as one desolate ) because his councell was no more set by , and , with their mother * phusis fell at bate ; as being assur'd in her the fault did ly , that they from him so much did derogate : yet , knew one * praxis , phusis follower , had made them worse , then she them made , by far . but by the way we should not do amisse , to shew how ladie phusis was araid , ( sith shee the mother of each matter is ) yer we do prosecute what logus said : for , so her nature may be knowne by this , as outward , inward things haue oft bewraid : for , though it seeme the tale , by force , to part , it s recompenced with descriptions art. vpon her head she ware a crowne of corne , like that of ceres ; sauing that the same was mixt ( like achelous his plenteous horne ) with fruits of eu'ry kinde , which her became ; her haire by her was still disheuled worne , who naked was , yet her hand hid her shame : or if a vaile she ware , it was but when she was to come among licentious men . about her necke she ware a carcanet of eu'ry iemme as it created was : about her wrists , in bracelet-wise , were set the ores of gold and siluer , lead , and brasse : thus haue we made this ladies counterfet , who being bare , as barely must it passe : and now returne we eft to logus speach , who thus to phusis chidingly did preach . phusis ( quoth he ) i speake with griefe of hart , i needs must chide , sith your fault it procures ; because you haue not plaid a mothers part touching the breeding of these sonnes of yours : i know you haue , by nature , so much art , as might make them obey their gouernours : and , that you doe not , it is your disgrace , that kill your children with a kinde * embrace . you may , perhaps , suppose your selfe you cleere by saying , * praxis hath abus'd you much ; in alt'ring of their natures , which were deere , for that from you they all receiued such ; which could not be , if you not faultie were , for , you might haue restrain'd them with a touch : if then you had corrected * praxis lore , they would haue bin farre better then before . little do mothers know what hurt they do , by their indulgence , to their saucie sonnes ; they make them wanton and rebellious too ; for , let loose nature , it to * loosenesse runnes ; till soule and body it doth quite vndoe ; for , custome ill good nature ouer-runnes : but , if the mother be as mothers ought , she wil by vse amend what vse hath wrought . phusis , not being vs'd such checkes to take , beganne to kindle with disdainefull ire ; and , like a * doating mother , she doth make a stiffe defence , for her sonnes lewd desire : * alas ( quoth she ) should they all ioyes forsake , which both their yeares , and natures do require ? or should they wear their days in wastful thought to bring themselues , and me with them , to nought ? you are no friend of theirs , if so you would ; and , if not theirs , then mine you cannot be : for , me and them in one loues band doth hold ; whom factiously you seeke to disagree : i take their part but as a mother should , that her deere childrens * good desires to see : for , it a tender mother doth become , as life to loue the children of her wombe . and , are they not of flesh and blood compos'd ? then can such mixture be aught else but fraile ? or would you haue them otherwise dispos'd then adams heires , that hold but by the taile ? and flesh and * blood to strength are still oppos'd ; yet * strength , in weaknes , gainst it doth preuaile : sith so it is , my sonnes may be excus'd , that haue in weakenes powrefull pleasures vs'd . now well i see ( quoth logus ) thy fond loue makes thee * vnapt to iudge what 's requisite ; but , how if their loose liues the monster moue ( monstrous gehenna ) to deuoure them quite ? for , he loues such to eate , as such do proue ; may you not thanke your selfe for such despite ? if babes do burne them in a candles flame , are they , or those that giue it them , too blame ? these heauy words suncke deepe in phusis minde , who ( as astonied ) at the same did muse ; breath'd short , in * passion , as if wanting winde , yet at the last , hi● spirite she vp did rowze , and askt of logus , in the kindest kinde , what practise she to saue her sonnes might vse : i hate , as hell , that monster , and i would my sons ( quoth she ) frō him , by force , with-hold . now logus , glad her nature had such grace , said , for mine owne part , i will but aduise , not deale with them ; sith they did me * disgrace ; therefore i councell , that in any wise you hie you to the lady * aletheias place , and there inuoke her aide , with carefull cries ; who is indu'd with power , will , and skill , to tell them of their misse , and mend their ill . entreate her , who will soone intreated bee , ( for , she doth loue to satisfie good-will ) to go vnto thy sonnes of each degree , and tell them of this monster , made to * spill all those that liue secure in pleasures glee , and greedily their hungry lusts fulfill ; i will ( said phusis ; ) but where doth she dwell ? thou know'st ( deare logus ) but i cannot tell . she wonted was ( said he ) to neighbour mee ; but since that * fraus and dolus ( wicked twinnes ) the world produc'd , i do her seldome see ; for , she from my sights reach so slily rinnes , as though to her i were an enemy , or made prodigious through my subiects sinnes : who prosecute her with extreame despight , that now she euen loathes to see the light . shall i ( quoth phusis ) on the earth her finde ? hardly ( quoth logus ) being chas'd from thence . in th' aire , or water then , or in the winde ; or else within the fires circumference is she ( quoth she ? ) said logus , these by kinde are mutable , and full of difference ; which she cannot abide , for she is * one , and rather will , then with such , liue alone . is she to heau'n return'd ( quoth she ) againe ? that 's like ( said logus ) but th' art ne'r the neere : for , without * her , thou canst not heau'n attaine ; for , all by her must come , that must come there . alas ( said she ) how shall i her obtaine , sith i must haue herselfe her selfe to cleere ? for , as without the sunne , none sees the sunne , so , without her , none wots where she doth wonne . this once ( quoth logus ) i will thee direct the best i can , but cannot as i could ; i oft haue heard , and finde true , by effect , that she is seene about the mansion old of father * chronus , which he did erect for him , and her , ( his daughter deere ) to hold ; or , * thanatus , his man , who riddes away that which his master bringeth to decay . which man , and masters habites we might paint , though we but chalke , & coles , and ashes had : for , chronus clad is like a mortall saint in skinnes of beasts , to shew how life doth fade ; ( which of their age did seem to make complaint ) girt with an halter , or with girth as bad : vpon whose head , in stead of hat , there stoode an houre-glasse , as an embleme of his moode . his haire was white as was the driuen snow , and from his head it seem'd to hang , by drifts turn'd vp againe ; eu'n as the same doth show when it doth hang , so driuen vpon clifts : his beard , beneath his girdle-stead did grow , which , platted , in his bosome oft he shifts : whose right hand did a sithe , still mouing weld , and in his left , an horologe he held . his man hight thanatus , bare to the bones , was more then naked from the toppe to toe : all hairelesse , toothlesse , eielesse , stocks , or stones , are all as quicke , though he much more can doe : and all he said , i was as you are , once ; which was in sullen silence spoken to : vpon a spade he leanes , as if he did by his day-labour liue , call'd wincke , all hid . to these did logus phusis wish to wend which were to her the * loathsom'st wights aliue ; and hardly thought that logus was her frend , ( although she could not otherwise beleeue sith her and hers she sought still to defend ) that would to her such wofull councell giue : and , with the water swelling in her eies , she thus to logus mournefully replies . alas ( quoth she ) and to them must i goe ? to their most hatefull houses must i hie , that are the greatest workers of my woe , and faine would haue me vtterly to die ? what * words can please a prowd insulting foe , that holds in scorne his foes humilitie ? then , what hope haue i with them ro preuaile , who , though i kneele to them , will me assaile ? what shall i say ? alas , what shall i do ? to winne their fauour , that will not be wonne ? to go to them , i shall my selfe vndo ; for , though i kisse their feete , they 'l me ore-runne : if not , they 'l paine me , and compell me to ; * both which , if i do go , i cannot shunne : i am amaz'd , i know not what to say , if go , i die ; if no , my sonnes decay . what shall i do ? deere logus , tell me * what ? o happy were i , if this feare were past : there is no cause ( quoth logus ) to feare that that no wight liuing can auoide at last ; the stag , the rauen , and the nine-liu'd cat must know those houses , then be not agast , but go on boldly with erected front , where you shall see her liue in high account . if at the first you cannot see her face , their porter * nosus will you soone direct vnto her priuy chamber , where her grace will talke with you , in secret , in effect : but , see you bribe the porter of the place with * calor naturalis , most select : so may you passe securely through each gate , that leades to this obscured ladies state. this nosus was a true anatomie ( though thanatus be truely call'd the same ) of mortall griefe , or curelesse maladie , whose head was hāp'red ( which him ill became ) with homely clowts ( tide as vnhansomly ) and with a staffe he went as he were lame : a gowne ( with potions stain'd ) he , girded , ware , who panted as he went , and went with care . foure paire of stockings did his legs comprize , and yet his shancks ( god wot ) but little were , although the vpper stockings were of frize , thicke frize , or rugge , or else of warmer geare : whose slippers were with cotton lin'd likewise ; and yet of taking cold he still did feare : who lookt as he had not an houre to liue , and eu'ry steppe he trode , his soule did grieue . his face was of the colour of that clowt that did his head inuolue , saue that his face did looke more white : his eies both seemed out , for , they were sunck , & shrunke out of their place : his nose was sharper then an adders snowt ; his tong , & teeth were furr'd , in lothsome case ; his lips were chapp'd , his beard was driueld ore , and euer breath'd as he should breathe no more . and therewithall he was so waiward still , that none might please him , but he fault wold find with the best words & deeds of meere good-will ; his bodies paines so peruerse made his mind : his wozen whez'd when his breath it did fill , as , through the straitest passage doth the wind : and when he spake , his tong was furr'd so thicke , that oft his words within the same did sticke . yet ne'rthelesse , to these must phusis hie , for , logus held her to 't by strong perswasion , which thus she prest ; go , or thy sonnes must die : thou needes must do it , there is no euasion : herein their life , or death alone doth lie ; then , of their perill if thou haue compassion ▪ thou must to these , that they may be secure , then liuely go ; for , loue can hell endure . phusis , though while-ere somewhat weakned , ( by reason of these vncouth accidents ) yet thus , by logus , being * comforted , to his direction and aduice assents : and now ( all heart ) she holdeth high the head , scorning her wonted dread , and dririments ; and , in her loue to her sonnes , thither goes , their case to aletheia to disclose . a wearie iorney had she , and a foule , but , what paine is 't a mothers * loue will shunne ? who almost will forsake her deerest soule , yer once forsake her deere-bought deerer sonne : by logus helpe , she doth her feares controule ; and to these houses goes not , but doth runne : and as she hies , she more and more doth learne , this ladies lodging rightly to discerne . when to the house of chronus neere she drew , ( which was a caue in rocke of flint cut out ) it , to the sense more horride was in shew ; for , it with mosse was inlaid all about , and ore the gate , harts-tongue , & brābles grew ; as on the top , did okes , old , stiffe , and stout : which rocks rogh sides huge mossie beeches bare , as if the flint the weathers threats did feare . this antique top , where these trees did not shade a kind of mosse ore-sprad , as hard , as hore ; * which ne'rthelesse , did softly seeme to vade , and grew farre shorter then it was before ; ore which strange vermin prety paths had made , which there did still increase in needlesse store : for , in those places where men least frequent , there vilest vermine are most resident . about the groundsills of this hideous house ( without ) grew nettles , * hemlocks , and the like ; mongst whō were snakes and vermin venomous ; which vnawares th'vnwarie foote do strike : within the caue was nought for natures vse , saue water , which ther leakt throgh many a creek : where nought was seene but darknes , nought was heard , but holow ecchoes , making noise afeard . neere to this vncouth caue is scituate ( as t' were a vault digg'd vnderneath the same ) the house of * thanatus , which all do hate ; for , none came euer thence that thither came : then chronus house it s much more desolate ; more deadly too , in nature , and in name : for , flesh doth faint , when but b'imagination she * sees this fearefull vgly habitation . the roofe whereof , with sculles is seeled quite ; whereon ( in frets ) hang shin-bones here & there : the walls are hung with mantles of the night ; which , all with vermine vile , imbrod'red were : if it , through any chinke , receiued light , t was * soone stopt vp with feet which it did beare : it paued was with ioynts and knuckle-bones , set in no order , but like scatt'red stones . the gate whereof is made of mans iust size , which yet receiues all * men that euer were ; vpon whose pauement all flesh rotting lies ; and , to the sense most * odious doth appeare : for , here lie armes , and there lie legs , and thies ; hete rotten teeth , and ragged iaw-bones there ; within whose pores , the worms do keep their hold vntill they all conuert to perfect mould . no one here keepes this grim lord company , but sullen silence , dust , and nastie mud ; and , yet he seekes all mens societie , for , still he feedeth on their flesh and bloud : * hard at the gate do mournefull mourners crie , and teare their haire , too like the fury-brood : which yet is neuer heard that house within , for , thanatus is * deafe , and heares no din. rotten corruption here doth reuell keepe ; where worms ( her minions ) out of mesure dance : for , all about they trace , they turne , and creepe , and merry make with fleshes fowle mischance ; who all the while lies drown'd in puddle deepe , as full of soile , as full of sufferance : where irksomnesse sits on a dustie throne , as if he were lord of that * earth alone . for , beauty comes no sooner to the gate of this true earthly hell , but she doth looke as if she were in worse then damned state ; and all her graces had her quite forsooke : the lures of loue , here turne to hoods of hate ; hate that no loue ( thogh loue it selfe ) can brook : for , * loue itselfe , which once three days lay there , fled from the same as if it hatefull were . here * zijm and iim do loue alone to be , ( grimme desola●ions sterne consociates ) the vale of visions this doth seeme to me , where sense may see what sense quite ruinates : whose organs here , lie in varietie of transformation ; which sense deadly hates : where lie all obiects which the sight annoy , yet t is the * entrance to all griefe , or ioy . here sense ( saith sense ) lies in a lethargie ; whose powres are quite supprest with earth and stones : here * rest of labour hath the victorie : and , sorrows here surcease their sighs and grones ; where lasting sleepe beguiles calamitie : for , flesh feeles not , if rotten to the bones ; this is the lake , which men most loathe , and yet , it is the lethe where they griefe forget . downe a darke staire ( the passage to this house ) on eu'ry step sits all the impes of feare ; confronted with chymaeraes hideous , which maks all men to hate their comming there ; saue such as daily do that * passage vse , and with feete-mortifide those steps do weare : to them it seemes not strange , how euer strange , those monsters do their vgly fashions change . the elements , whereof all flesh is made , do , with their * children , the foure humors , lie confused there , in deaths confused shade , that no eie can the one from the other spie ; but his that saw them ere they being had , on whom alone , they all do still rely : this is the picture of not-beings pit , where it doth seeme ( but doth but seeme ) to sit . sometimes , for pride , or praise , or both , some do bestow a stately * couer on this house ; for , worldly pompe doth presse them thereunto , to make the glorified more glorious ; but chronus spite that couer doth * vndoe , which cannot brooke the pompe of thanatus : it is but vaine the dead to honour then , with other honour then with tongue , or pen. hard at the doore of this confused den sit rau'nous rauens , watching for their pray ; which doore if chronus opes , they enter then , and with the relickes , there , they prey , or play : this roomes description , no pen well can pen but such as markes the measure of * decay : o! t is a heau'n to heare hell well set forth , and heau'n , if ill describ'd , seemes nothing worth . the rowme is little , this description great ; and yet too little , for so great a rowme , where all mankinde haue , and doe finde a seate , vntill they haue receiu'd their later doome : let * aletheia then make it compleate ; sith all descriptions true , come from her wombe : suffizeth me to shew but eu'n a glaunce of thanatus his houses countenaunce . the porter of this place ( as erst was sed ) is * hundred-headed nosus ; much more sterne then hells grim porter , with his threefold head ; the sight of whom made phusis hart to yerne ; but , logus said , she , by him , should be * led the lady aletheia to discerne : in hope whereof she did the better brooke the horror of his most detested looke . now , by this time , she was within his touch , who , to him trembling came submissiuely ; and * gaue him of her calor ( though not much ) that she might be the better vs'd thereby : nosus , whom though diseases made to grutch , yet , through that calor lookt more cheerefully : and gently , with familiar aspect , he opes the gate , and strait did her direct . for , he denieth passage vnto none that makes * much of him , or doth loue him well ; but , had he well the ladie phusis knowne , perhaps he would haue bin to her more fell : for , when she gaue him calor , she did grone , to thinke how soone he would the same * expell : and , phusis by no meanes can well endure , that nosus should her any * good procure . but he to her is most officious , he tenders her his guidance , and what not ? but yet the * oddes twixt her and thanatus , ( although by him t' was more then quite forgot ) made her entreate this porter curteous , to call that ladie forth , whom chronus , got : and gaue him some more calor in a box , which gaue him strēgth to ope the ladies locks . herewith he went to aletheias bed , who ouer head and eares lay couer'd quite ; and being naked , yet thus * couered , he could not haue , of her , an open sight : but , he aloofe his errand vttered ; wherewith she rose , yet came within the night : for , she being naked darkenes seeks to hide her ; for , men without a mist haue seld espide her . but , out she * ( masked ) comes to phusis late , who knew her not , because she came conceal'd : but , asked who she was , who did relate , both who , and what , and strait her selfe reueal'd : it me behoues ( quoth she ) to hide my state , for , most men haue with me like monsters deal'd : who , like to deuills , authors of vntruth , would force erroneous sense into my mouth . i goe thus mask'd ( quoth she ) sith men like fiends , of my destruction make no conscience : statesmen seeke for me , but for subtill ends ; some churchmen would haue me non residence , but where their pleasure , or their * profit tends ; and , fond philosophers peruert my sense : strong thieues , & lawyers , wound my tender hart , the one by force , the other by their art . the merchant and the slie artificer will , for a penny profit stifle me with falshoods cloake . the biting vsurer doth vse me better , though but cruelly ; and , hath a will to vse mee worse by farre , so he a farthing might the better bee : but , of all men , that seeme me most to paine , vpon poore * poets i can least complaine . for , though they hide me from the vulgar view , with robes ( as they suppose ) that sumptuous be , yet giue they me my right , with more then due ; as they best know , that haue best eies to see : they are my friendly foes , false-louers true ; which hate , in shew , but do , indeed , loue me : whom i wil one day feed with more then praise , which manna makes thē look * leane now adays . all those that offices , by coine , come by , ( to come by coine , by buying offices ) in church or common-weale , do me defie , for interrupting their by-passages : no , not so much as somners but can spie the way to wound me on aduantages ; in summe , all sorts are resolute herein , to loose me quite , so they thereby may winne . haue i not reason then , conceal'd to go , to shunne these helhounds , hauing me in chase ; who study , by all meanes , to worke my woe , and with their craft transforme my constant face ? i were vnlike my selfe , and mine owne foe , if i went like my selfe in such a case : by nature , i the ignorant do hate ; then should i loathe , if i knew not my state. but , wherefore phusis art thou come to me ? who told thee where i lay ? who found'st me out ? thine eies are dimme , too * dimme me well to see ; then thogh thou see me , thou therof maist * doubt . quoth phusis , that full well i did foresee , by logus , therefore brought i this about ; who told me truly who , and where thou wart , whose sayings , touching thee , i kon'd by hart . and i am come to thee for thine aduice , touching my children ; who ( as i am told by my friend logus ) are in loue with vice ; or rather to that strumpet they are sold : who , with faire * words doth sweetly them intice to thinke , and say , and do , but as she would : who , as it s knowne to all that knoweth ought , ( in fine ) doth bring her louers all to nought . they being bound to thanatus his house , are bound likewise ( ah woe is me ) from thence on the left hand , to the land tenebrous , whereas gehenna holdes his residence , which monster , being more then rauenous , will quite deuoure their bodies , soules , & sense ; the manner of whose house , no tongue can tell , but such as can describe the lowest hell. heere , by the way , we will awhile digresse , and prosecute the rest of phusis plaint , when as wee haue describ'd this little lesse then more then hell , which colours cannot paint : for what so blacke as depth of all distresse , where vtter darkenesse raignes without restraint ? then sith we colours want , as all do see , our too light shadowes must excused bee . there lie two waies from thanatus his house , ( that still are two , sith they still disagree ) one on the right hand lies , scarse now in vse , the other on the left , vs'd commonly : that , on the left , is full of all abuse , and leades vnto a world of misery ; wherein gehennaes hold is scituate , which , without * patterne , thus wee figurate . a ruinous rowme , whose bottom's most profoūd ; a pit infernall full of endlesse dole ; a lothsome lake where choaking damps abound ; * a dungeon deepe , a dreadfull darkesome hole , wher noght but howlīgs , shriks , & grons do soūd , and humane flesh still makes a quenchlesse cole : the common burse , where none but bugs repaire , an harbor full of horror and despaire . whos 's light is darke , which darke is * palpable ; whose pleasur 's * paine , which pain no pen cā tell : whose life is * death , which death is damnable : whose peace is * strife , which strife is discords well : whose ease is * toile , which toile's vnthinkable : where most obedience , learnes most to * rebell : where all * confusion raignes in endlesse date , in a tumultuous state-disord'ring state. where * toads , and vipers , snakes , and vermine vile , ( whose hissings make an hellish harmony ) with slimie gleere , the place do cleane defile , swimming in suddes of all sordiditie , while one on others backe themselues they pile to touch the top of toplesse misery : where heate , and coldnes , are in their extreames , and frozen harts do floate in sulphred streames . the wals are hung with cobwebs , which cōtaine soule-catching hellhounds , clad in spiders shape ; the roofe , of burning brasse , which droppes like raine ; frō which no one below could ere escape : the pauement's ful of groundlesse gulfes of paine , which thogh they stil deuoure , they stil do * gape ; whose glowing mawes cannot * cōcoct the meate which there lies boiling in an hell of heate . here , weeping warbleth notes that anguish show ; and , * gnashing teeth tunes iigges vntuning ioy : here , seas of * boiling lead their bounds oreflow , to make a boundlesse deluge of annoy : the sands whereof are soules orewhelm'd with woe ; which though destroi'd , yet death canot destroy : for , endlesse * lords of death still life do giue to those that in that death there still do liue . from whose wide open throats great flames they cast , which thūder forth with sense-cōfounding noise ; the din whereof makes horrors heart agast , which in that den no other blisse enioyes : such gall of gall affords no better tast , which stil doth feed , with that which stil annoyes : such boistrous bugs can yeeld no other glee , but mirth is mone whereas such monsters be . whos 's foule blasphemos mouths are fraught with spite , that boils with heat of baneful poisō there ; which spite they * spit against the cause of light , such is the enuy which to it they beare : yet , from their glowing eies flie sparkles bright , as they no eies but vulcans forges were : the sight whereof the sight doth so annoy , as thogh that sight that sense wold quite destroy . imagine now you see , ( as there is seene ) millions of legions of this foule mouth'd crue , with fangs more huge then elephāts , more keene then crocadiles chiefe grinders , to pursue soules diuing in those * deepes to be vnseene ; which , ouergorg'd , them vp againe do spue : while these dogs watch to take them in the rise , with teeth to teare , & feare them with their cries . here may you see a goblin , grisly grim , ( with hooke and line ) stand fishing for a soule ; which , in those boiling * seas , do sinking swim ; baiting their hooks with salamanders foule : which , being hang'd he hales it to the brim , and , all the while , as hunger-band , doth howle : which fingred , forthwith , in the diuells name , in go the fangs , that inch-meale teare the same . then others watch ( as spiders for a flie ) in obscure nookes , to catch a flying ghost ; that to those nooks to hide it selfe , doth flie ; which caught , they binde it , lest it should be lost , and , to their webs of woe , with ioy they hie ; where the poore soule is still in torment tost : in whom they all their deadly poison * poure , which more then kills them , sith they it endure . now , sullen silence raignes as all were dead , then , sodainely a world of clamor rings ; whereby the much more horror still is bred ; for , sodaine feare with it most horror brings . no heart so heauie as the hart of lead ; yet sodaine feare doth start it when it stings . the lightnings flash doth * feare more than the flame that stil is seene , and stil is seene the same . heere , in a chimney , all of burning brickes , sits grimnesse , and a red-hote spit doth turne ; whereon a humane creature , * melting , stickes ; whose grease doth make the fire the more to burn ; which turne-spit , oft , his filthy fingers lickes , and , with this liquor , doth his lippes adorne : basting the roast with what most torment giues , whiles the poore creature dies , because he liues . but , that which is most horrid to bee heard , but much more hatefull to be felt , or seene ; these cookes oft gash their * flesh , to interlard the same with sulphure , with woe waxen leane : lest the soft marrow the hard bone should guard , from feeling woes incomparable keene : so bone , and marrow , sinew , nerue , and vaine do there endure paines , farre exceeding paine ! in other coasts of this infernall realme ; ( confusions land , gehennaes lording place , true antitype of new ierusalem ) it freezeth flesh , which pines in staruing case ; where , some do , naked , sticke amidst a streame to yce congeal'd ; whom cold winds freeze apace : yet draw they breath , more cold thē coldest frost , to freeze their intralls , and congeale their ghost . if any spit ( for rheums cold places breede ) it s blowne , in ice-cicles , into their face : for , those keene winds do forthwith do the deede , and * haile , of drops , make in a moments space : on ycie morsells there the mouth must feede , sith mouthes to ycie morsells turne apace : here is cold comfort where is nought but cold , that all congeales , on which it taketh hold . here some ( but new arriu'd ) while blood is warme , attempt , by motion , so to keepe the same ; but strait they cannot stirre , nor leg , nor arme ; for , in the offer , they freeze stiffe , and lame : yet hold they vitall heate ( the more their harme ) for ice , like oile , doth feede their vitall flame : if such a foe to life , as such a cold keepes life in being , life hath hatefull hold . who are so madde with paine that they do crie , o what is this we feele ! we feele , o what ! is 't limbes of flesh that brooke this agony ? all they haue rag'd with paine ; but this , to that is like the ocean to a fountaine drie : this flesh , nerues , ioynts , once racks did lacerate , yet that with this compar'd , was heau'n to hell , o what is this we feele ? sense die , or tell . it 's but a moment since we hither came , yet feele what paine eternity inflicts ; and though eternally we feele the same , yet vs with what we ne'r felt , it afflicts : proteus like still paines new fashons frame ; and one another euer interdicts : is this the soule we thought with flesh should die , which feeles these mortall plagues immortally ? here , some with hands fast frozen to their mouth , do seeke to thaw them with their warmest breath ; but lo , the * frost that breath so fast pursuth , that it doth freeze in comming from beneath : so , hand and mouth thereby the faster growth ; yet liue they still , though frozen quite to death : for , like to alabaster tombs they stand , frozen to death , yet liue at deaths command . here , boistrous bugbeares do at foot-ball play with a still-tost and tumbled groning ghost , to catch thē heat ; which done , they dāce the hay about it ( breathlesse ) being ouer-tost ; so , with transmuted formes , it to dismay with feare that may afflict the seeing most : while that poore soule lies panting like an hare , among foule hounds that seeke the same to share . now matacheyns they daunce , with visage grim , and at ech chāge they chāge their horrid shapes : and at ech turne , they torture life and limb of this tormented soule , that , gasping gapes , as if the ghost were yeelding at the brim of deepe not-beings pit ; which yet it scapes : at point of death to liue immortally , is still to liue , and liuing , still to die ! now comes a chased ghost that flies , for life , before a foule-mouth'd crie of hellish hounds ; and being caught , twixt them is deadly strife , which of them all shall giue it deadliest wounds : each of whose teeth is like an hangmans knife , which torments , if not utterly confounds : o! thinke then what an hell of feare that hart must hold , that such infernall hounds do start . here winds , that whistle while they freezing are , ( as if they merry were for freezing so ) bring , with their working , pitchy clouds of care , wherewith they are involu'd that thither go ; those biting frosts do , there , make all things bare , which make the same a naked world of woe : where nought but nipping frosts are felt , & seene , ne'r-vading griefes do flourish euer greene . here stands a fowler , fowle , with nets of wire , to take a flight of soules that staruing flee ; late fled from whence they neuer can retire ; so , when in that fast-holding net they bee , he dragges them to the frost , or to the fire , where either are in the extream'st degree : this is the welcome which they first receaue , that of their life mis-spent haue tane their leaue . this flight thus caught , the legions of the north , fill all those regions with their hellish houles ; and , with their vgliest formes , come roaring forth to share among them those feare-shaken soules : the * worthiest takes the soule of smallest worth to execute thereon the greatest doles . quake flesh to heare what fraile flesh heere doth feele , for endlesse plagues turne here still like a * wheele . here may you see , for anguish , some to tear their * flesh from bones , yea bones and flesh to * gnaw ; that so they may no more those torments beare , which make thē burst , with choler , in their maw : some grate their * teeth , as teeth they grīding were , to cut the flesh which they before did saw : and all , and some , are so with tortures tir'd , that they seeme quietst , when they most are fir'd . here bugs bestirre them , with a bellowing rore , ( as at a scamble we see boyes to sturre ) who for soules scamble on a glowing flore ; biting and scratching , like the cat and curre ; whiles with their talons they their prey do gore , and thogh they striue , they do , * therein concurre : within whose gripes the soule , in silence grones , for feare of feeling thousand hells at once . here , in a corner sits an vgly forme , that on the matter of a liuing corse finds matter of much mirth ; which is , t' informe himselfe of all the sinews , and their force ; who , with a knife , the flesh doth all deforme , to pull out nerues and sinews in their course : which like strings , broken , hanging at a lute ; so hang these nerues the body all about . here may you see some others driuing nailes , vnder the nailes of endlesse sorrowes slaues ; some others , threshing them ( like flax ) with flailes ; thē moow thē vp , in groūdlesse * gulfs by thraues : some , playing on their hart-strīgs with their nails ; some others , broaching them on ragged staues : and all and some more busie farre then bees , to gather hony from the gall of these . if paine her vtmost pow'r awhile for beare , ( as seld she doth ; for , there she 's still in force ) it is suppli'd with feare , surmounting feare , for loe , in azur'd flames , with voices horse , farre off approaching grisly formes appeare which feare far off , & neare at hand , much worse : for , fantasie with paine is more orecome , when it is comming , then when it is come . and , all about in darknesse , * thicke as darke ; are seene to shine ( like gloworms ) vgly eies ; which ( like a partrige sprong ) ech soule do mark ; so , that to scape no soules pow'r can deuise : for , should they mount ( as doth the nimble lark ) a gastly griphon doth them strait surprise : or should they sincke into pits bottomlesse , there shuld they meet the like , with like distresse . in mortall life ( though mortall be mens woes ) three things their vtmost rage do qualifie ; that 's comfort , hope , and rest ; but , none of those come neare this place of paines * extremity : mens rackers , here , being tir'd , do let them loose ; but , they are sprites that men , there , crucifie ; who can endure all labour , without paine , while they do sprites ( that is for ere ) remaines . but , if mens plaguers here immortall were , and were of pow'r , vntir'd , to plague them still , yet would they them , yer long , to nothing * weare ; or them with lacerating torments kill ; but all , so plagu'd , are made immortall there , who thogh they stil are spoil'd , yet noght cā spill : thē , thogh time wears that on time doth depēd yet they weare not , for time doth them attend . yea , thogh their plaguers & themselues were * such yet , in this life , the instruments of paine to nought would waste , with vsing long , & much ; but , that same firie * lake doth still remaine , which though it quite cōfounds , but with a tuch , yet , it confounds but to torment againe : and , lest the fire should out , prepar'd there is , a sea of * sulphure , which still feedeth this . these present paines the wit do ( pining ) waste ; but those to come the will do martire most : the memory is plagu'd with pleasures * past , and vnderstanding with the pleasures * lost : which on the soule the soule of * sorrowes cast ; for , endles ioyes to lose , crosse-woūds our ghost : to haue bin well , doth but encrease our curse , but , to lose endlesse being well , is worse . then , what remaines to ease the wounded * spright , when hope , that keeps it * whole , becoms dispaire : for , in that dungeon of eternall night that most doth ruine , that should most repaire : for , immortalitie right good , by right , the soule and bodies powres doth most impaire : then , hauing but one * good thing naturall , yet that made worse then ill , how ill is all ? there , raignes what not ? ( that is not to be told with tong , nor * pen ) that sense afflicts with griefe ; there is perditions home , damnations hold ; which giues death life , & death , giues life reliefe : it is the vtmost reach of hot and cold , and of dispaire the habitation chiefe : in summe , it is the summe of all distresse , which subdiuided makes it nothing lesse . these are gehennaes consorts ; these are they that still associate those that thither go : this is the place of that fell monsters stay ; the place where paine is infinite in woe : the way thereto is * plaine , broad , greene , and gay , all strew'd with floures , to tice men thither so : all which to phusis , erst by logus , told , on aletheia made her fasten hold . now , to returne to phusis , and her plaint , quoth she , ( and her embraced all the while ) deere aletheia , help me , for i faint ; to thinke my sonnes are neere this monster vile ; who , with his tuske , will teare , and all to taint their tender flesh , which filthy lusts defile : which to preuent , i faine would learne of thee , for , thou best know'st , what 's best for them , & mee . and , for i know thou canst aright perswade , ( for all thy words are held in * reuerence ) i thee beseech from vice them to disswade , and from this land ; sith none * returns frō thence : o bid them leaue their idle wandring trade , and tell them of this inconuenience : go , lady go ; the way thou canst not misse , to all their homes , and tel them home of this . i would ( quoth aletheia ) gladly goe , but that , i feare , they will entreate me ill for logus sake ( neare * kin to me , they know ) but thy desire i will herein fulfill : for , i will go , though i my selfe forgoe , to bar their course , and breake them of their will ; for , life is wonne , though lost , in those assaies , wherein the loser gaines immortall praise . go , gracious ladie , * glory be thy guide ( quoth lady phusis , to this hardy dame ) and i , meane while , will at this gate abide , with my friend * nosus , porter to the same . so , on this iourney aletheia hi'd , for , she , though wounded oft , was neuer lame , in all her actions shee 's most vpright still ; for , she will neuer halt , how euer ill . this while sate phusis at this narrow dore , talking with logus , who came to * her there ; because she did as he her will'd before ; who told him all her hope , and all her feare ; how aletheia did her case deplore , and went to schoole her children eu'ry where : for , hearts are eas'd when tongs vnfold at large , the griefes , or ioyes , which do them ouercharge . logus her course , herein , did much commend ; and cheer'd her , as she could , with heu'nly words : praid her , with * patience , to expect the end ; and comfort eu'ry way to her affords : strengthning her hope that now her sons would mend ; sith aletheias sayings would ( like swords ) subdue all rancke rebellion of the sense , for , powrefull words winne more then violence . they had not thus sate reas'ning there awhile , but aletheia they farre off might see flying to them-wards ouer stoppe and stile , oft looking backe , as those that chased bee ; thē wel they knew hope did their hopes beguile , which they , till they had tri'd , could not * foresee : for , that which is contingent who doth kno , are onely wise , and none but * one is so . but comming neere thē ( almost breathlesse quite ) she , panting , told them ( windlesse as she could ) how she had bin ( by vertue of her might ) about the whole world , and , with courage bold , ( for which , she said , she was in painefull plight ) all phusis children of their * errors told : to whom ( quoth she ) in diuerse formes i came , yet kept my * nature , though i chang'd my name . some tooke me for grosse error , some for mad ; some , superstitious ; some , hereticall : some , for deceipt ; and some , for vice , as bad : presumptuous some ; some , hipocriticall : but , the * most part , most malice to me had ; for they , at first sight , draue me to the wall : some seem'd to take my part with tooth & naile , that did ( indeed ) me most of all assaile . the curious rent my maske to see my face ; the prowd , ore lookt , nay , troade me vnderfeete , the learned , grac'd themselues with my disgrace ; th'vnlerned ( graueld ) filld my mouth with * greet ; which made me faine , and speake as one in chase , so , all i met withall , with me did meete : truth gets but hate , but adulation loue : that this is truth , vnto my paine i proue . so , when i saw the perill i was in , away i fled , thus * wounded as you see ; i held it base to keepe vnscar'd my skin , sith mine aduenture might bring ease to thee : but phusis , this i did thy loue to win , whom i do loue , how ere thou louest me : no dearer loue can loue bewray then this , to venture that , for loue , that dearest is . ah , woe is me ( quoth phusis ) that thou shouldst for my poore loue ( which thou dost well deserue ) venture that iewell , which thou dearest holdst , yet that rare * hazard , not my turne to serue : thy will i see , in that i see thou wouldst venture thy life my sonnes liues to preserue : and that thou shouldst for that be wounded so , and they the worse for that , the worse my woe . can neither caueats of mortalitie , ( which flow frō thy mouth with almighty force ) nor my perswasions , more then motherly , giue them some feeling of their senslesse course ? are their * soules seared with impiety , that they for it , therein , feele no remorce ? then what shall i a woefull mother do , but wish i were not , and my children too ? but what , i pray , did princes say to thee , when thou did'st mind them that they once must die ? they said , & therewith stabb'd at me ( quoth she ) i , like a deuill , in my throate did lie : these , of all others , most i sought to * flee ; and yet i * honor roiall maiestie : without my hand sustaine , thrones reeling stand ; for , all staid thrones are staied by my hand . and how ( quoth phusis ) doe the iudges liue ? many of them ( replied she ) doom'd me death , because i would not ( as did others ) giue them goldē * scabberds , iustice sword to sheath . how lawyers ? they by others losses thriue , and oft ( quoth she ) on all sides sell their breath . physitions how ? they reason doubtfully till fees they finger past recouery . poore poets how ? while they ( quoth she ) do fill the world with fables , feed thēselues with hopes more fabulous ; so hold they but at will their tearme of life , of some great * lord that opes his mouth , more then his purse , their eares to fill more then their mawes ; which greedie famine grops : whose biting stomacks stil do stomack it , the while they starue for want of wealth and wit. ah these deere harts i pitty in my hart , who liue by sweet * lines , which do end their life ; for , to liue long , they hang themselues by arte ; or kill themselues with sharpe inuentions knife : sith they , to liue , thus die , without desart , long may they liue where glorie is more rife : for , greater glory no flesh can attaine , then die for glorie , so to liue againe . and doe my sonnes ( quoth phusis ) fare but thus ? o then aduise me ( lady ) what to doe : who said , sith they no better are for vs , thou must * astrea ( my deere sister ) wooe to rule them with the rod of summum ius , before themselues they vtterly vndoe : and wooe thy selfe to take it patiently , for , better thou shuldst beare , then they shuld die . for , if she rule them not when wilde they bee , she will ore rule them being truely tam'd , if , in their life , she doe them not oresee , she , in their death , will see they shal be damn'd : thogh she be blind , she with mine * eies doth see , and i doe see how life and death are fram'd : and thus , the best aduice that i can giue , is them to mortifie , that they may liue . which hauing said , she logus with her tooke ( to dresse her wounds ) and hi'd her to her bed ; so phusis , being of them both forsooke , sate at the doore of thanatus , neere dead , and fell asleepe till logus her awooke , who came againe to her as if he fled : whom when she saw , her hart receiued cheare , and in her face the same did soone * appeare . logus aduis'd her strait to take aduice of thanatus , and chronus , what to do : which to performe , she seemed somewhat nice , because she thought they sought her to * vndoo : yet , her loue to her sonnes did her entice , her enemies , in this behalfe , to woo : and , thus resolu'd , she boldly rushed in those gates , which erst to her had fearefull bin . whos 's slipp'ry thresholds had neere made her fall into the lake of lethe , hard at hand ; but , logus held her vp ; yet , therewithall she grew so fearefull , that she scarse could stand ; but held by logus , and a * lomy wall : then logus her besought ( that might command ) that she no more that passage would attempt , for , t is not good the fates too much to tempt . but i ( quoth she ) will chronus call outright ; who forthwith came , on her sweet sounding call ; holpe by two wings , one * blacke , the other white ; and in his hand a sithe , to cut downe all : who seem'd behind but low , and * poore in plight ; but yet before , most pretious , trimme , and tall : thus came he forth , and to these ladies said , who calls ? and spake with motion most * vnstaid . t' was i ( quoth logus ) know'st thou not my voice ? or wilt not , sith thou wilt become vnkinde ? the time hath * bin when it did thee reioyce ; though now ( it seemes ) to thee it seemes but wind : wilt be vnconstant , so to change thy choice ? and shall i * making thee , thee fickle find ? but , if i shall , of this thou shalt be sure thou shalt the lesser while , for that * endure . thus logus chronus did reproue , because he wold not know that voice which wel he knew ; but , chronus he himselfe , from them , withdrawes ; as one that fear'd worse chiding to ensue : but , logus bade him stay , or shew a cause , which * shews to logus are all onely due ; without whose help , old chronus doth but dote , and cannot sing or say , right word , or note . on this iniunction , chronus mute did stand ; yet stood as one that still on * thornes had stood ; while logus seem'd his seruice to command , and gaue his tongue * powre to be vnderstood : quoth he , let phusis haue thy helping hand , to make , if so thou canst , her children good : for , they that hurt must heale , or make amends , then ( hurting them ) on thee their help depends . here phusis , hearing how he thus was chid , was at the point , at him , likewise to * ra●●e , but logus bade her ( in her eare ) take heede ; for , faire words wold with chronus most preuaile : wherewith her headstrong will she bridle did , for logus loue , and for her sonnes auaile : but yet she said , he did great hauocke make of her deere children in that lethe lake . in which respect she meekely him besought ( by way of satisfaction ) that he would preuent her childrens going all to nought ; and , with * examples , them from that withhold : for i their mother , ( quoth she ) still haue sought to make them liue as toward children should : and if they perish , it shall be their blame , for , i le leaue nought vnsought , to let the same . i will , quoth chronus ; and away he flew ; and , in one instant , made ( the world throughout ) babes , youths : youths , men : men , old : old , babes anew ! ph●sis , mean while , with logus talkt , about the hope she had that chronus would subdue her sonnes to logus rule ; which he did doubt : for , no man of a rationall discourse can thinke thei 'l mend that still waxe worse and worse . while thus they talkt , they on the sodaine saw chronus , vpon his wings , returning fast ; which in her smoothest hope did make a flaw ; for , so he fled as he had beene agast : what news ( quoth she ) as he neere them did draw , fearing , ere she had spoke , he would be past : what do my children ? chronus say , o what ? speake , speake , o speake , i * long to heare of that . they are ( quoth he ) i know not what to say , following their pleasures ; and , do thinke of noght but how they may shift me with ease away ; yet i thereby the sooner them haue caught : o what a world it is to see them play ( like apes ) with each vaine * toy too * deerely bought , he is no man that cannot do what not ? that wise men neuer knew , or haue forgot . ayme therefore ( quoth she ) but didst not thou with thy sithe menace them , to manage them ? didst thou not tell them thou their backs wouldst bow , and that this mortal life was but a * dreame ? o! couldst thou not , with all this , cast them low to mount them more to high ierusalem ? what , haue they sense , and cannot vse the same , that haue no kinde of sense of sinne , and shame ? when night was come ( quoth he ) i told ech one the day was past : and when the sabboth came , i said a weeke was fully past , and gone : a month expir'd , i * told them of the same : and when the sun his compleate course had run , i said a yeare was past , and spent , with shame : but ▪ they that take delight to runne awrie , learne so to runne by sols * course in the skie . in childhood , i did teach ; in youth , did threat : in manhood , i reprooued : and in age , with their own bones , their bones i sore did beat : and in decrepitenesse , i worse did rage ; for , i did euen quench their vitall heat : and to the gripes of death did them ingage . yet for all this , they worse and worse became , still spoiling me , till them i * ouercame . what life then do my yonglings liue ( quoth she ? ) the life ( said he ) of wanton skipping roes : what the yongmen ? of goates , in lecherie : and what mē grown ? of cocks , prowd , prone to bloes : what aged men ? of wolues that greedy be and what old age ? of crafty foxes those : but , most of all , do most of all transgresse , and * all , and some offend , some more , some lesse . ah out alas ( cride she ) what then remaines to me , or them , but miserable woe ? but , i will trie if yet my care and paines , can moue them their wrong courses to forgoe : logus and * chronus to you it pertaines to take my part herein , as friends should doe : not i ( quoth logus ) for , against their will , i can saue none , that long themselues to spill . so , logus left them , and away he hide to seeke astrea ; ( who , the earth had * left ) that she of phusis sonnes might take the guide ; while phusis ranne about ( of logus rest ) and on her sonnes , with tragicke voice , she cri'd pitty , o pitty , me , she cried est : griefe , wāting vent , the heart ( tormented ) breaks , and paine 's not sad , while she at pleasure speakes . whereat poliphagus ( whose hearing was all for the belly ) said , me thinke i heare ( yet eares the belly * wants , but let that passe ) the * voice of phusis , our kind mother deare : the other two said , how comes this to passe that she is come ? wherewith she did appeare , and to them said , deere sonnes , how do ye fare ? exceeding well ( quoth they ) and frolicke are . but , do ye not consider ( sonnes ) quoth she ) how neere ye are to be deuoured quite by that gehenna , which i loathe to see , ( damn'd hellish monster headsman of delight ) except you change your course , and warie bee to shunne him and his hardly * shunned spight ? for , that spit's hardly shun'd that hath both force and will , to make her obiect worse and worse . alas ( quoth they ) we liue , as liue we should , prolonging * life with lifes immunities ; except the ouerthrow thereof you would , do not * perswade vs to liue otherwise : what thogh our soules to pleasure quite are sold , are they not sold thereby to * paradise ? the sale is good , as reasons law maintaines , when both the buyer and the seller gaines . phusis ( too fond , as too kinde mothers are ) seeing them well ( for well they seeme to be that liue , how euer ill , without all care ) was * pleas'd with what she did both heare & see ; who said , that logus sed , they ill did fare , and were in more then mortall ieoperdy : but sith she saw they were in perfect plight , she would ( she said ) partake of their delight . indeed ( quoth they ) that solemne * sage we saw ; who ( algates ) wold haue drawne vs frō our sports : but , whilst he drew vs , we made him withdraw himselfe from vs , with many mortall * hurts : he would ( forsooth ) haue had vs keepe his law ; and done our suite and seruice to his courts : then , sith he would needs lord it ouer vs , we as free men haue seru'd his lordship thus . would that ( quoth she ) ye had forborne , because many obey him that do rule aright ; for , equitie doth limit all his lawes ; and they are held for mad , that with him fight : hereat , as loath t' offend , she made a pawse , for , in their fronts she saw the face of * night : when men looke blacke , then if you peace desire , looke white , for blackenesse is the child of fire . here , with a smiling , and indulgent looke , ( sweet ) ( to change their sowre look with looks more thē she told them aletheia vndertooke to shew them what was for their safetie meet : for , her ( quoth they ) we neuer yet forsooke , because we neuer yet with her did * meet : yet haue we heard that she is too precise , to liue with vs in pleasures paradise . but doubtlesse ( quoth she ) chronus was with you ; what said he to you ? what was his aduice ? he to and fro ( quoth they ) about vs flew , yet to stay with vs seemed more then nice : he * coldly sought our lusts heate to subdue , but yer we wist , we lost him a trice : yet , yer he went , with him wee merry made , and made him most familiar with our trade . wherefore , we pray you , when you goe away , leaue him with vs ; for , we do well * agree : i will ( quoth she ) so left them at their play , and chronus sent to beare them company : with whom they reuelld out the night , and day ; though he from them still sought away to flee : for chronus weareth not his wings for nought , sith he doth farre out flie the swiftest thought . while they thus gamesomely with chronus toy'd , ( deceiuing him with fancies fallacies ) they heard a voice ( which sorely them annoy'd ) that sommon'd them to leaue their luxuries ; herewith by thanatus , they were * destroy'd ; to satisfie gehennaes gurmandize : at whose approach , old chronus fled away , for he could neuer yet , with neither stay . chronus thus leauing them to be deuour'd by fell gehenna ( their foe capitall ) ( of whom , by * thanatus , he was assur'd ) he fled to phusis , and so , told her all : who was within the earths womb then immur'd , prouiding foode for hir broode great und small ; assuring her he school'd them as they ought , till thanatus had them past schooling brought . phusis herewith tormented in the soule , ranne ( as distracted ) where sicke fancie pleas'd ; till , at the last , she heard her sonnes to howle , as those that were most damnably diseas'd : exclaiming on their liues , and * follies fowle , that pleas'd the sēse with all that now displeas'd : but such compunction neuer comes but where the penitent doth desperate appeare . so , when she had well wai'd their agonies which they endured in that monsters iawes , and , hauing view'd the like extremities , proceeding from the like , or worser cause , of cruell * kings , that of blood make but size to glew together their most bloudy lawes : of corrupt iudges ; and priests negligent , the three that * raise , or ruine gouernment . the working woes of th'idle-curious ; of the rich-couetous ; and the poore-prowde ; rebellious subiects ; courtiers vicious : lasciuious dames ; damn'd bawdes ; the cursed crowde : erroneous teachers ; poets * libellous : cau'ling philosophers , ( by fooles allow'd ) of craftie merchants ; lying aduocates : and swearing sea-men ; roving runnagates . in few , when she had seene the many woes of all that in gehennaes hold abide , she was , by * phobus , ( who attended those ) brought to the place where she did erst reside ; where she did many praiers sweete compose vnto astrea , ( whom the heau'ns did hide ) that she would digne to teach , and to correct the rest of her wilde children of each sect. so , at these holy praiers her i leaue , ( sith they are neuer * left that so do pray ; ) now , poets say ( that all in all perceiue ) is this a fiction ? or a true essay ? if both , then both are ready to deceaue those that wold picke this locke without a * kay : but , be it what it will , it is the same that is in earnest true , how ere in game . bene cogitata , si excidunt , non occidunt . mimi . publiani . the second tale : containing , the ciuile warres of death and fortune . there was a time ( as i haue heard it sed , by those that did , at least , in print it finde ) a certaine marriage was solemnized betweene a mortall paire of noble kinde ; and , for the loue of those whom loue doth wed , immortall gods the * company refin'd ●ith their pure presence ; who , the feast to grace ●id reuell ( as did all the rest ) a space . among the rest of that immortall crue , danc'd death and fortune , whose masks were so like , that none , that danc'd , the one from other knew ; so , in their choice of them they were to seeke : for , some that soght for fortune , * deth out-drew ; and some that soght for deth , did fortune strike● t●me was their minstrell , who did euer play , aswell when they did dance , as they did stay . fortune delighted most to dance with those that best could flatter , and the time obserue ; but death still lou'd to foote it with his foes ; or else with such as he saw best * deserue : when fortune danc'd , she turnes , she comes , and goes , and kept no time , thogh time hir turns did serue : but , whē death danc'd , he did those mesures tread , whose times were lōg , & short , & tunes were dead so , fortune vs'd lauoltaes still to dance that rise , and * fall , as time doth either play : and death the measure of least dalliance , that 's passing-measure , and so strait away : or else the shaking of the sheets ( per chance ) which he would dance , vntired , night and day : wherein he put them downe , so that he did driue them from dancing vnto * winck-all-hid . the dācing done , while yet their bloods were hot , fortune and death began on tearmes to stand ; which , for their dancing , had most glorie got ; and , who their actions did best command : from which dispute ( with choller ouershot ) they fel to * vrge their powres by sea and land ; the while the gods stoode most attentiuely , to heare their more contentious colloqui . when loe deth ( lord of all that breathe this aire ) thus gan t' inforce his powre , beyond compare ; i know ( saith he ) their honors they impaire that striue with those that their * inferiors are : yet foulnesse is not made a whit more faire by being compar'd with beauty , much more rare ; but , foulenesse takes the greater foile thereby , and moles are foiles to set forth beauties die . wert thou not blind ( bold baiard ) thou woldst see , a mighty diffrence twixt thy might and mine ; sith among those that most almighty bee , i do admit no power more diuine : for empire large , who can compare with mee , sith earth and aire the same cannot confine : nay , in earth , water , yea , in aire , and * fire ( that 's all in all ) i rule as i desire . what breathes , or hath a vegetatiue soule , but paies me tribute , as vnto their king ? nay , doe i not the hoast of * starres controule ? then heau'n and earth i to obedience bring : and kings , as beggars , are in my checke-role ; nay , kings more oft then beggars do i sting : as farre as any thing hath * motion , i play rex , for , all that liue , do liue to die . and therefore testifie thie modestie ( for error to defend is impudence ) in graunting that which thou canst not deny , and to be true , thou know'st in conscience : thou sure woldst blush , if thou hadst but one * eie , to stand on tearmes with mine omnipotence : but sith thine eies are blind , and iudgement too , thou canst not blush at that thou can'st not doo . thy reasons seeme ( quoth fortune ) strong to such , as do but sleightly weigh them ; but to mee , ( that seeth more then thou , at least as much , for , thou wanst * eyes , as well as i , to see ) they are too base , to brooke my trialls touch , for , tyrranny is no true sou'raigntie : and , empire large , consistes not of large partes , but in the free subiection of whole harts . can any king be happy or secure that drawing bodies , cleane with-draw the harts ? or is it like that kingdome should endure , that is , by hate , diuided into parts * and hate a cruell prince must needes procure , that seekes his weale by all his subiects smarts : the will is free , and will not be constrain'd , how ere , for it , the body may be pain'd . as vniuersall as the vniuerse extends ( i graunt ) thy grand authoritie : and that thy takers ( more then most peruerse ) sicknesse , mischance , disgrace , and destinie , thy tribute take from man , beast ( tame or fierce ) to fill thy still-consuming treasurie : but , their * vntimely taking , with high hand , makes thy rule odious on sea and land. such officers , in each craz'd common-weale ; ( that vnder colour of their offices , do , with the sou'raignes fauour badly deale ) great mischiefs * cause , & inconueniences ; which though they touch the subiects , kings do feele who often smart for suffring that disease : when princes tend their priuate , and neglect the common good , they cause this sore effect . but ballance , on the other side , my might in th' vpright scholes of true indiffrencie , and , thou shalt find i haue their heart and spright freely obaying mine authoritie : for , thou compellest , but i do inuite : i fauors * giue , whose vse thou dost deny : i do promote all those that rise to mee , but thou subuertest those that fall to thee . then , though that vniuersall be thy powre , thinke not , therefore , loue must to thee be such : for wit and courage may high place procure , but * loue and bountie ampler powre by much ; then of my currant cause i am so sure , that i dare rubbe it hard on trialls touch : and , for my part , to end this ciuile warre , i le put it to iudicious iupiter . although i iustly may ( quoth death ) deny to put a question , without question , vnto the iudgement of selfe-equity , ( for so i hold iust * iupiter alone ) yet ( not affecting singularitie ) i le make him iudge in this contention : now fortune , proue thy powre , as i will mine , and then let iupiter iudge both in fine . so , when they were ( to play this masters prize ) entred this round worlds spatious theater , fortune adorn'd her selfe with dignities , with gold , & * iems which made all follow her : these did she fall , to make her followers rise , to gather which , they did themselues bestirre : keisars and kings , that vsherd her the way , oft caught much more then they could * beare away . here might you see ( like beggars at a dole ) some throng'd to death , in scābling for her almes ; he oft sped best , that was the veriest * foole ; some tooke vp come , some crownes , and others palms for which they pull'd each other by the pole , while * othersome , for thē , found precious balms : some found odde ends to make their states intire , and all found some thing that they did desire . but , that which was most notable to see , was the poore priest , who still came lagging last , as if ( god wot ) he car'd not rich to bee , to whom kinde fortune liuings large did cast ( as t' were to guerdon his humilitie ) which , in the name of god , he still held fast : and still look'd * downe to find more , if he might , for , well he found , he found well by that sleight . philosophers ( that gold did still neglect ) lookt only but ( wise-fooles ) to find their * stone ; which toy , in truth , was nothing , in effect , but to get all the world to them alone : for , with that stone they would pure gold proiect worth all the * world by computation : but , whiles they sought a stone so rich and faire , they perfect gold but turn'd t'imperfect aire . thus , at the heeles of fortune all attend , whom well shee feëd for attending so : on th' other side , death to and fro did wend to seeke one that with him would gladly go : but , none he * found ; which made him those to end he ouertooke , in going to and fro : for , those which are vnwilling death to meete , he is most willing soonest them to greete . nor could those officers that him foreranne ( sickenesse , mischance , disgrace , and destinie ) affect , with his affection , any man ; for , none they found that willingly would die , sith all , before , with * fauours , fortune wan , and , such desir'd to liue eternally : for , it is death to thinke on death with such , that fortune makes too merry with too much . throgh campes , & hosts he trauel'd with a trice , ( for , soldiers needs must meet deth by their trade ) at last he came where some were throwing dice , who first a breach should enter newly made ; lord how some chaf'd ( through glories auarice ) for missing that which they wold not haue * had : and , he that wan , to lose his life did striue , yet so , as faine he would haue scapt aliue . among the rouing crew , at sea , he sought for one that willing was to go with him , who , thogh they valu'd all their liues at nought , and oft for trifles ventred life & limme , yet when their woorthlesse bloods were to bee bought they sold them deerely , and in blood did swim from bloody death , as long as they could moue , for thogh they fear'd not death , they life did loue through the turkes gallies , 'mong the slaues he went to seek some desp'rat slaue that lōg'd to die ; but loe , not one to die would yeeld consent , for , all , through * hope , still lookt for libertie : hope doth the hart enlarge that griefe forespent ; and faith keepes hope and life , in charitie . dispaire can neuer seize that hopefull hart , that can , through * faith endure an hell of smart . at last he to a monasterie came , ( where mortified life is most profess'd ) and sought for one to meete him in the same ; but , all therein from sodaine * death them blest : and pra●'d to iesus so their liues to frame that sodainely death might not them arrest : a pater noster , aue , and a creede , they thought right wel bestow'd , so wel to speed . thence went he to an holie ancrets cell , who seem'd to be quite buried there aliue ; he death embrac'd , but yet the feare of hell made him with death , for life ( in loue ) to * striue : he knew himselfe ( old fox ) perhappes , too well strait to presume that god would him forgiue : so , was most willing , and vnwilling too , to do as present death would haue him doo . in fine , death doubting in his cause to faile , intreated sickenesse such an one to finde , that wold not flinch , thogh deth did him assaile , and scorn'd the fauors of that godddesse * blinde : so , sickenes went , throgh many a lothsome iaile ▪ and found , at last , one mortified in minde : who though he were but poore , yet held it vaine , to follow fortune that did him disdaine . on whom seiz'd sickenesse , with resistlesse force , and , pull'd him downe so low , he could not stand ; to whom death came , to make his corps a corse , yet , as his friend , first shak'd him by the hand ; and by * perswasions , would him faine enforce with willing minde , to be at his command : which if he would , death promis'd faithfully , he should die sleeping , or most easily . this forlorne wrech thākt death for his good wil , but yet desird one happy howre to liue , which ended , he would deaths desire fulfill , who from him with a purge , did sicknesse driue , * which shortly did one of his kinred kill , from whome , as heire he did some wealth receiue : and being well in state of health , and wealth , he followed fortune more thē death , by stealth . now , hee betooke him to a furriers trade , and hauing stock , hee multiplide his store ; then death did mind him of the match he made , but , him hee answer'd as hee did before : quoth he , o marre me not ere i am made , but let me get ( kind death ) a * little more : contēte ( quoth death ) thou shalt haue thy desire , so i may haue thereby what i require . sables and ermines death for him did kill , and made his wealth thereby , by heapes , increase ; who hauing now ( death thoght ) the world at will , he asked him if now he would decease : who yet desired life , of dearh , to fill his coffers to the top , thē would he * cease : death yet seem'd pleas'd , and brought all those to nought th'reuersions of whose states he erst had bought . then , when he had a world of wealth obtain'd , death came againe for his consent to die ; but now he told death , his mind more was pain'd with thought , and * care , then erst in pouertie : therefore he prai'd his death might be refrain'd till he had gotten some nobilitie : and then he would go willingly with death , and ( nobly ) yeelde to him his deerest breath . death yet agreed ( sith his good will he sought ) and gaue him leaue to compasse his intent ; who , of a noble-man , decayed , bought both land & * lordship , honor , house , & rent ; then hee turn'd courtier , and with courtiers wroght ( by deaths assistance , & with mony lent ) that he , in time , became a mightie king ; and al his proiects to effect did bring . then , death ( not doubting of his will to die ) vnto him came , to know his will therein ; but , he did death intreate ( most earnestly ) that sith to him he had so gracious bin , he yet might gaine imperiall * dignitie before his death , which soone he hop'd to win : and then he would most willingly resigne his life to death , although a life diuine . death , hoping , that the greater he was made , the greater glorie he , by him , should gaine , ( which might the vmpire iupiter perswade that death in powre , was fortunes soueraigne ) made neighbour kings each other to inuade , to whom this king a neuter did remaine ; who whē they had by wars themselues consum'd , he all their states , as emperour , assum'd . now being caesar , death came strait to him , as most assured of his company , but to the emperour he seem'd more grim then erst he did , which made him loath to die ; come on ( quoth deth , & therwith held a limme ) no oddes there must be now , twixt you and i : to * ioue i le bring you , then with goodwill go to him , with me , and see you tell him so . alas ( said hee ) i am but newly come to honors height , and wilt thou throw me downe ere i be warme , or settled in my roome , and so my brows scarse * feele th'●mperiall crown ▪ o suffer me to liue , to tell the summe of the contentments , from my grandure grown ; for , better had it bin still low to lie then , being at the highest , straite to die . either ( quoth death ) come willingly with me or thou shalt die a death thou most dost * feare : hee hearing this , from death did seeke to flee , and cried on fortune to assist him there , peace villaine then ( quoth death ) i coniure thee , or lower speake , that fortune may not heare : yet fortune ( which he follow'd ) was at hand , and laught for ioy to heare him death withstand . but by this time , the time prefixt by ioue expired was : and fortune with her brought a world of people , following her in loue , who , willingly , for fortune long had sought : these , as she moved , with hir still did moue , because she rais'd them higher then she ought : in which respect she had more * followars then sol ( that lights heau'ns lamps ) had waiting stars . lord● how some ( sweating ) dropt in foll'wing hir , to whō shee dropt that which be dropt thē more ; for , they were laden so , they scarse could stirre , who vnder-went the same with labour * sore : and othersome , themselues did so bestirre , that they in each mans boat would haue an ore ; but , seeking to gripe more then well they could , were forc'd to * lose that which they had in hold . among the rest , there was an vsurer , ( whose backe his belly did , for debt , arrest ) who being fearefull of iust * iupiter , made nice to goe with fortune , and the rest ; sith well he knew , he was a thunderer , in , and from whom , he had no interest : for he did neuer deale with such , perhaps , that gaue for intrest nought but thunderclaps . the souldier came , and gaue them much offence , that stood betweene his breast , & fortunes back : so , souldiers haue backe-fortune euer since , for they , for others good , go still to * wracke ; and for their wracks haue wrackful recompence ; for , they are sackt , if they chance not to sacke : and if they doe , the publique purse must haue , that which must keepe them as a publique slaue . they , with right swords , do ballance kingdomes rights ; ( a glorious office they perform the while ) the woorths of * kings appeares by those their weights ; which proue thē to be valorous , or vile : yet they gaine nought but blows , in blody fights , so , * store they get without , or fraude , or guile ; the while the gown-mā keeps vnscarr'd his skin , and with his pen ( in peace ) the world doth win . o thou true ioue , bow downe thine vpright eare , to heare thy lowest seruants orisons , which , in the loue which he to them doth beare , he makes for them ( that wracke still ouer-runnes ) incline the hearts of princes farre and neare , as marses minions to loue marses * sonnes : and , make this little land yeeld great increase , to stay their stomackes great , in warre and peace . a soldiers sword , from sheath , here fortune took , to knight all those that her had followd well , now eu'ry man did for a knighthood looke , that scarse had found an house wherein to dwell : yet some did much their betters ouer-looke , and thrust in for it , while their lookes did swell : so , fortune seeing them to looke so big , possest them * knights , without or turffe or twig sois cheualier ; arise sir knight , ( quoth she ) then vp he springs , for feare lest fortune would recall hir word for his debilitie ; now knight he is , for nought but being bold ; for fortune fauours squires of lowe * degree , if they be more audacious then they should : now honor hath he , get grace where he can , yet fortune gaue him grace to keepe a man. some layd on all which they , by fortune , got vpon their backes , that brauely sought to beare the sword vpon their shoulders , yet could not ; for , it fell in the sheathe ere it fell there : fell lucke it was that so they were forgot ; yet they * forgat themselues , as did appeare ; but when they saw they mist of what they sought , thei bar'd their backs , to line their guts , for noght . which iupiter himselfe did laugh to see ; for , these so much were mou'd with this disgrace , that they were at the point to death to flee , and fortune leaue , for such their fortune bace : yet followed her ( most malecontentedly ) beceuse they followed her vnto that place : to cast away long seruice on a spleene , is not to foresee , but to be oreseene . o! t was a world to see what shift was made to hold vp greatnes with a little stay ; t' were sinne to say some vs'd the cheaters trade , to borrow with a purpose * ne'r to pay ; and get all , howsoe'r , that might be had , no , no , they did not so , i dare well say : but this i say , perhaps , they liu'd by wit , and so to liue , some great ones thinke it fit . now , in these knightly times ye might haue seene ( if you , for pleasure , had but tane the paine ) each one ye met withall , a knight in greene ; and so the world , b'ing old , grew greene againe ; as if the same but in the blade had beene ; for , each one did his * hanger on , sustaine : now , time stood still , to sport himselfe in maie ; for , all was greene , and at that state did stay . some shuffled for some office : some to gaine some monopole , which then could not be got : for , fortune did those monopoles restraine , because she thought t' was to hir rule a blot to pleasure one by all her subiects paine , thogh oft they made thē seem , as they were * not : some cried for warre , and othersome for peace , but fortune , thogh they cried , still held hir peace . now , some , for coine their offices did sell , as if they had bin cloid with fortunes grace ; and those that bought them , others did compell to * pay for them , when they were in their place : and some , in seeking somewhat , did rebell ; but fortune broght them soone to wretched case : some strong , sent long men to ierusalem , out of the way , to make a way for them . now , for truths matters , there was much adoe ; some this , some that , som none of both wold haue : and yet all three did ( restlesse ) fortune woe , to yeeld to neither , that did either craue in worlds behalfe , or fleshes fixt thereto ; but all , in * shew , did seeke but trueth to saue : for , all seem'd to sollicite sions cause , which they would haue confirmed by the lawes . some sed they lied that only truth did teach ; some enuied them that liu'd by teaching so : and at their liues , and liuings sought to reach , * which they forgaue , but would not so forgo : somes tongues defended truth , which they did preach , whose actiōs gaue hir many a bitter * blo : some liu'd , as dying , while they sought to liue ; and some died liuing ; yet did most reliue . some , liers called carnall-libertie the glorious libertie of truths deere sonnes ; and * her they vrg'd to prooue that veritie ; but , truth 's betraid by such vntrustie ones , that sacrilege doe gild with sanctitie ; yet , for that , looke for high promotions : o t is a world of mischiefe when pretence doth shrowd a world of inconuenience ! when truths sonnes play the polititians , heau'n help thee truth , in earth thy case is hard : truth 's hardly matcht with machiauelians , that her wil woūd so they themselues may ward : for , pious polititians are blacke * swans ; and , blest are realmes that they do ( ruling ) gard : but whereas statesmen meere earth meditate , there heau'nly matters squar'd are by the state. some others followed her , by following others ; vpon great men these greatly did * depend , all those , for likenes , might haue bin my brothers , who then began to liue , when life did end : or if before , they were blest in their mothers ; for , those they tended that themselues did tend : it is absurd that lords should tend their men , yet some lords ( gods fooles ) do it now and then . some of these seruants were so fortunate , that they came forwards , * while their lords went backe : for , loue beginning with ourselues , we hate ourselues ; if we by seruice goe to wracke : their lords they loued for their owne estate ; and lou'd to haue that which their lords did lack : o they are carefull seruants that will keepe their lords estate , while they , with pleasure sleep . and some of this sort thriu'd , not by their lords ; yet by their lords ; for , by their leaue , they sell their fauours , nay their honors , deeds , and words , and care not who do ill , so they do well : whose clarkeship so much art to them affords , that for an inch , alow'd , they tooke an * ell : so meere cliffs made they of their lords to clime to some high note , by keeping tune , and time. these climers in each clime are high'st of all in their * conceit ; for , they conceiue they can the round world bandy like a racket-ball ; and make a meere foole of the wisest man : they ween the world without them were so small , as ladies well might weld it with their fan : o there 's no measure in the pride of such . that from too little , rise to reach to too much ! some others thoght they fortune gratious found , genus and * species throwing in their way ; which they tooke vp , and them together bound , to stay with them to be to them a stay : but in the binding did them so confound , that they proou'd fooles in * specie to betray genus and species to such bitter bands , for which they lost both honor , goods , and lands . lord , how some cloisterd vp thēselues like friers , to find out * these , whom thus they did betray ; and lay in ambush for them many yeares , watching , by candle-light , oft night and day ; spending much money of their friends , or theirs , and all ( god wot ) but to abuse their * pray : o genus , genus , species , species , yee be most accurst , that thus still coursed be ; some * others lookt for euclids elements , wherof , they thought , the whole world did cōsist ; which found , they found therin such sweet cōtēts , that euclide carried them which way he * list ; they lookt for nothing lesse then regiments , but held themselues in euclide onely blist : who blest them so , that if for lands they sought , they got no land , but measur'd land for * nought . others there were , that sought to find a * spell , and needs would rise to fortune by a fiend ; whom they would raise , for that intent from hell ; these tēded fiends too much , * good fate to tend : who whiles they soght the gods thēselues t' excel , they died , like damned beggars , in the end : so , they that needs would rise through diuels aide , downe to the diuell were , at last , conuai'd . some others lookt for spirits , not sprites of hell , but spirits of * sack , and liquors of that kinde ; wherwith they thoght ( if once they could excell ) they could the hands of fortune loose or binde : this made them ( like poore crickets ) stil to dwel , in , or about the fire till they were blinde : and then , like bats , that still doe loathe the light , they keep the darke conuersing with that * sprite . others there were that sought to finde the way t'annatomize the corps of reasoning , with logicall conclusions ; these would play as iugglers play with boxes , or a ring ; make men beleeue what ere they please to * say ; and to a non-plus reas'n herselfe to bring : on these , indeed , too oft would fortune smile , to see how they the fond world did beguile . some wordy-men , by words , sought worthinesse , these raught at rethorikes rules to rule thereby ; and they that found the same , found little lesse then greatest * rule , for they rul'd wordily : these mē , for need , could make some mē confesse , they treachers were , and yet themselues belie : these still were fortunes minions ; for they could with wind of words orethrow wits strōgest hold . others there were that still gaz'd on the starres , as if by starres , they should the sunne transcend : these told of future weathers , woes , and warres , of the beginnings of them , and their end : of prophets that should rise ( to kindle iarres ) and of i wot not what , which they defend : but while they blabb'd out fortunes secrets , she made them but poore , and liars held to be . some sought for notes , so to be notable , not notes to rule themselues , but notes in rule ; to rule the voice by those notes tunable , yet many did themselues the while mis-rule : who while their heads held points cōmendable , in many points they err'd from reasons rule : so , this gift fortune gaue their heads : they should still hold more crochets , then their purses gold. some others sought for tongues as if they would haue stopt their flight , as they from babel fled , by catching them in nettes ; so them to hold , for themselues onely , till themselues were dead : these rich in tongues , were not still so in gold ; for , their tongues tasted oft too much of * lead : so , these wel-tong'd men tied were by the tongs , oft to be authors of their proper wrongs . as some sought tongs , so others * hands did seek ; italian , romane , spanish , french , and duch , with letter freeze among , and letter creeke ; those with their ha●ds , did fortune seldom touch ; for , they wold needs teach those hands in a week , so , sold for little , that they sold for much : for it is much to giue a crowne for nought ) but onely to marre hands , too euill taught . these pasted vp , in ech place where they came , ( and no place was ther where they did not come ) bills ( & those hands they held were oft but lame ) that they would giue their hands , for some small sum ; to those that wold but trust thē for the same so , in a weeke , they coson'd all and * some : for , in a weeke , and some odde houres beside , they promis'd that which they could not abide . their occupation brought thus to disgrace , they , though they would with all * aforehand be , yet ran behind hand still , from place to place : so , with their hands they caught but a , b , c : which by interpretation of the place , is , a all b base c cheaters are , that so doe flee : i wish those hand-men their hands well had vs'd , for , i know pen-men that are so abus'd . but some of fortunes followers were her foes , and deaths true * friends ( who for him swords vnsheath but shewd it not , lest she shuld thē dispose wher , if thei wold , thei could not meet with * deth : these followed her for nothing but for blowes , for they , with fencing , kept themselues in breath : and , for they could but breath by that their trade , they still were willing fortune to inuade . some followed her by * acting all mens parts , these on a stage she rais'd ( in scorne ) to fall : and made them mirrors , by their acting arts , wherin men saw their * faults , thogh ne'r so small : yet some she guerdond not , to their * desarts ; but , othersome , were but ill-action all : who while they acted ill , ill staid behinde , ( by custome of their maners ) in their minde . if maners make mens fortunes good , or bad , according to those maners , bad , or good , then men , ill-manner'd , still are ill bestad ; because , by fortune , they are still withstood : ah , were it so , i muse how those men had among them some that swamme in foizons flood ; whose maners were but apish at the best ; but fortune made their fortunes but a iest . there were knights-arrant , that in fortunes spite , ( because they could not king it as they would ) did play the kings , at least prowd kings in sight , and oft were prowder then a caesar should : yet nature made them men by fortunes * might , and fortune made them natures zanees bold : so those , in nature , fortune flowted so , that though she made them kings , she kept them low . but some there were ( too many such , there are ) that follow'd fortune in more abiect kinde ; these matches made between the hoūd & hare , i would say whoore ; for , men hunt such to finde : these faithlesse beastly brokers of crackt ware had too too often fortune in the winde ; who followed so the sent , * that oft they did find her where she , frō those they spoil'd , lay hid . some others followed her by badging land , or beastly grazing ( yet made men thereby ) for , they that did those myst'ries vnderstand caught hold of fortune in obscuritie ; to whom she ( strumpet-like ) lay at command , who , lusting for her , gript her greedily : till they grew great by her : o monstrous birth , where shee the he makes great with grasse and earth ! the lawyers went with these , with hands as full of deedes , and manuscripts as they could hold ▪ but , fortune from the same those scripts did pull , and in exchange fill'd either fist with gold : for , whiles they had but papers their were dull ; but be'ng wel-mettl'd they were blithe and bold : for , gold 's a soueraigne restoratiue , and makes men more then dead , much more then liue . aurum potabile is of that powre ( if store thereof be powrde in out of hand like iupiters preuailing * golden showre ) that it will make death lie at lifes command : it is the aqua-vitae which doth cure all sore consumptions that our weale withstand : nay t is the aqua fortis which will eate throgh leaden brests , cares , fretting , thēce to fret . o giue me gold , and i will doe , what not ? and let but store of angells waite on me , i le make my selfe a god , with * thunder-shot ; nay , i will make the earthly gods to flee to hean'n , or hell , where they shall be forgot , sith there no god but i will minded be : but god , thou knowst , the age is yron the while that hammer can a god of thing so vile ! o! gold , the god which now the world doth serue , ( this midas-world that would touch nought but gold gilding hir body while hir soul doth sterue ) how glorious art thou ( held fast ) to * behold ? thou mak'st a beast a man , and man to swerue more then a beast ; yet thou dost all vphold : for , whom thou tak'st into thy patronage , it matters not what is his title-page . men value men according to thy weight ; for , be their value ne'r so valorous it s held but base and made , by nature , sleight ; nor can it be nor good , nor glorious , without thy vertue doe it ouer-freight ; and so remaine they without grace , or vse : but , if thou list to lade a leaden asse , ( while thou rid'st on him ) he ore gods doth passe . come gold : thē come ( deere gold ) & ride on me , i le be thine * asse , or pack-horse , which thou wilt ; although thou heauy art , i le carry thee ; albe't thou art much heauier through thy guilt : lade me ( good gold ) till my backe broken bee : sith , thou againe canst make me , being spilt : for all men now may vse me like a sot , ( that beares abuse ) because i beare thee not . then foote it not whiles copper rides on mee , base copper dogs , be'ng made thēselues to beare but logs and faggots ( for a staruing fee ) and in a chimneis end away to weare : then vp ( faire gold ) ile so mount vnder thee , as if no ground should hold me , when i reare : for , by how much the more thou mak'st me bend , so much the more thou mak'st me to ascend . ride on me gold , and i will ride on those ( if so i lust ) of men , or women-kinde , that shall be great , or faire , or friends , or foes , vntill i ridden haue them out of winde : but heau'n my heart still otherwise dispose , for , riding so , i blister should my minde : which still would runne with matter of annoy , and soule , and body so , perhaps , destroy . then , gold , sith thou woldst * tēpt me to this spoile farewell ( deere gold ) i le not buy thee so deere ; i am content , without thy help , to toile for so much siluer as will arme me heere ' gainst wounding wants , which there do keepe a coile , where nothing is but care , and griefe , and feare ; my backe and belly kept , in rest i le sleep , ( throgh coniuring bookes ) from gold , that diuels keepe . the fox will eate no grapes : well , be it so ; i le eate no grapes that set my teeth on edge , to eate such bittes as bane where oft they go , and heart and minde do all alike besiege : who gathers golden fruits in hell that gro , do for the same oft put their soules to pledge : but in that state that stands with little cost , is found the golden life that adam lost . touching this world ( to my blame be it sed ) i thinke of nothing , but what nothing brings ; and yet no thing more musing then my head ; and yet my muse my head with nothing mings : * both feed on * aire , wherewith is nothing fed but dead , or dull , or else meere witlesse things : for sure that wit ne'r came neere wisdoms schools that weenes meere aire fats any thing but fooles . i would , and would not , haue , what i haue not : i would not haue , that had , the hart inflates : yet would i haue my lucke light on that lot that * mends the drouping mind , & bodies states : in too much , nature oft is ouershot ; and oft too little , art disanimates : then , in this life , that seeke i , for my part , that nature keepes in life , and quickens art. to bury liuing thoughts among the dead , ( dead earthly things ) is , ere death comes , to die : for , dead they are that lie in * gold , or lead ; as they are buried that in earth still lie : the thoughts are most relieu'd when they are fed with angells * foode , or sweete philosophie : but , some seeme on this manna still to liue , whom quailes and woodcoks most of al relieue . well , let these some out-liue as many yeares , as they haue haires , they do but liuing die : if so ; their soules must needs be full of feares , whose hopes in this dead life alone do lie : for , they weare euer double as time weares ; in soule and body weare they double - * die : o then , how painefull is that pleasant life , wherein all ioy , with such annoy , is rife . beare with me readers ( that 's the recompence i aske for telling you this merry tale ) for running out of my circumference , i le come in strait , before a merry gale : but , yet a word or two , ere i goe hence , and then haue with you ouer hill and dale : nothing shall let me to relate the rest , for , commonly behind remaines the best . this world ( me seemes ) is like , i wot not what : that 's hard ; for , that is no comparison : why that 's the cause i it compare to that ; for , who 's he like to , that is like to none ? t is not like god ; for , t is too full of hate : nor like the diu'l , for he feares god alone : it is not like to heau'n , earth , nor hell , nor aught therein , for , they in compasse dwell ! then what is 't like ? if like to any thing , it s like itselfe ; and so it is indeede : or , if you will , like to the oldest ling , that limes their fingers that on it doe feede : so that , all things they touch , to them do * cling , and let them so , from doing purest deede : if so it be , how mad are men the while to cleaue to that which do them so defile ? now , this most noghtie thing , or thing of noght , i cannot skill of ; though but bad i am ; therefore by me it least of all is sought , though oft i seeke for pleasure in the same ; which yet ( i hope ) shall not be ouer-bought , for , i will giue but good-will for my * game : and if good-will will me no pleasure bring i le buy therewith ( i hope ) a better thing . now from my selfe , i eft to fortune flie , ( and yet i flie from her , and she from me ) who came thus followd with this company , that iupiter did enuie it to see : there did she muster them , in policie , that ioue of all might well informed be : for , when an heape confus'd are call'd by poll , the many parts do make the number * whole . mongst whom philosophers and poets came , ( last of the crowde ) and could not well appeare ; to whō blind fortune gaue noght else but fame , wherof they fed ; but lookt lean with their cheere : so , they in heau'n deifi'd this dame , sith they ( poore souls ) could not come at her here : and euer since a goddesse call'd she is , poets thanke her for that , shee you for this. who , though they be ( perhaps ) but passing poore , yet can they de●fie whom ere they will ; then demy-gods should cherish them therefore , that they may make thē whol * gods by their skil : twixt whom there shuld be interchange of store , and make of wit and wealth a mixture still , that may each others woefull wants supply ; for , men by one another liue , or die . vaine fooles , what do ye meane to giue hir heau'n , that giues you nothing but an earthly hell ? that 's only * aire , which she to you hath giu'n , to make ye pine , whilst ye on earth do dwell : ne'r speake of wit , for ye are wit-bereau'n to lie for nought , and make * nought so excell : for , now , who for him * self 's not wise alone , is vainely wise , though wise as salomon . by this time death came with his emperor , who followed death , far off , which ioue did see ; to whom death said , loe vpright iupiter , this kesar ( though a caesar ) followes mee : he doth indeed ( said ioue ) though somewhat farre ( but kept in off , to shew indiffrencie ) for , though the iudge do iudge aright ( sometime ) before both tales be heard ) it is a crime . how saist ( quoth he ) lieutenant ▪ didst thou come with death to vs of thy meere owne accord ? whereat the emprour was stroken dumbe , for , he fear'd * death , as slaues do feare their lord : yet , with desire of glorie ouercome , at last he spake , yet spake he but a word , which was , saue i the shortest word of words , for , no a letter more then i affords . which he with submisse voice ( scarse audible ) vtterd , as one that would not well be heard ; but iupiter ( although most sensible ) tooke on him not to heare , and prest him hard to speake ( through feare ) not so insensible ; for , my vice * ioues ( quoth he ) are ne'r afeard : therefore , on thy allegeance vnto mee , i charge thee speake , as thou from death wert free . then , with a princely death-out-daring * looke he said , dread ioue , i had bin worse then mad , sith your lieutenancie to me you tooke , if i so great a grace neglected had ; which so i had , if so i had forsooke without your notice , that which made me glad : nor would i haue with death come now to you , but that he threatned me to bring me low . wherewith the iudge ( iust ioue ) did sentence giue on fortunes side ; which made death rage so sore , that at the emprour he amaine did driue , whilst ioue lookt on , and fortune fled therefore : short tale to make , he did him life depriue , and euer since death rageth more and more : that now all men false fortune doe preferre , before iust death ; nay iuster iupiter . and , thus with death ( that all in fine doth end ) we end our tale , and , if a lie it be , yet naked truth dares such a lie * defend ; because such lies doe lie in veritie : but though loude lies do lie , they will not bend so lowe as most profound moralitie : then , be it lie , or be it what it will , it lies too high , and lowe for death to kill . bene cogitata , si excidunt , non occidunt . mimi publiani . finis . the triumph of death : or , the picture of the plague : according to the life , as it was in anno domini . . so , so , iust heau'ns , so , and none otherwise , deale you with those that your forbearaunce wrōg dumb sin ( not to be nam'd ) against vs cries yea , cries against vs with a tempting tong . and , it is heard ; for , patience oft prouokt conuerts to furies all-consuming flame ; and , fowlest sinne ( thogh ne'r so cleanly cloakt ) breaks out to publike plagues , and open shame ! ne'r did the heau'ns bright eie such sins behold as our long peace and plenty haue begot ; nor ere did earths declining proppes vphold an heauier plague , then this outragious rot ! witnesse our citties , townes , and villages , which * desolation , day and night , inuades with coffins ( cannon-like ) on carriages , with trenches ram'd with carkases , with spades ! a shiu'ring cold ( i sensibly do feele ) glides through my veines , and shakes my hart and hand , when they doe proue their vertue , to reueale this plague of plagues , that ouerlades this land ! horror stands gaping to deuoure my sense when it but offers but to * mention it ; and will abandon'd by intelligence is drown'd in doubt , without her pilot wit ! but , thou , o thou great giuer of all grace , inspire my wit , so to direct my will , that notwithstanding eithers wretched case , they may paint out thy plagues with grace , with skil , that so these lines may reach to future * times , to strike a terror through the heart of flesh ; and keep it vnder that by nature climbes , for , plagues do sin suppresse when they are fresh . and fresh they be , when they are so exprest , as though they were in being seene of sense ; which diuine poësie performeth best , for , all our speaking pictures come from thence ! the obiect of * mine outward sense affords but too much matter for my muse to forme ; her want ( though she had words at will ) is words , t' expresse this plagues vnvtterable * storme ! fancie , thou needst not forge false images to furnish wit t' expresse a truth so true ; pictures of death stoppe vp all passages , that sēse must needs those obuious obiects view . if wit had powre t' expresse what sense doth see , it would astonish sense that * heares the same ; for , neuer came there like mortalitie , since death from adam to his children came ! scarse three times had the moone replenished her empty horns with light ; but th' empty graue ( most rauenous ) deuoured so the dead , as scarse the dead might christian buriall haue ! th' almighties hand that long had , to his paine , offer'd to let his plagues fall , by degrees , and with the offer pull'd it backe againe , now breakes his viall , and a plague out-flees , that glutts the aire with vapors venemous , that puttrifie , infect , and flesh confound , and makes the earthes breath most contagious , that in the earth and aire but death is found ! a deadlie murraine , with resist lesse force , runnes through the land and leuells all with it ! the coast it scoured , in vncleanlie course , and thousands fled before it to the * pitte ! for , ere the breath of this contagion , could fully touch the flesh of man , or beast , they on the sodaine sinke , and strait are gone , so , instantlie , by thousands , are decreast ! no phisicke could be found , to be a meane , but to al●aie their paine , delaie their death ; in this phisitions haruest , * they could gleane but corrupt aire and danger by that breath . all artes and sciences were at a stand , and all that liu'd by them , by them did die ; for death did hold their heads , & staid their hād , sith they no where could vse their facultie . the nursing * mothers of the sciences withdrew their foster-milke while witt did fast ; for , both our forlorne vniuersities forsaken were and colledges made fast ▪ the magistrates did slie , or if they staid , they staid to pray , for if they did command , hardly , or neuer should they be obaid ; for , death dares all authority withstand . and , where 's no magistrate , no order is ; where order wants , by order doth ensue confusion strait , and in the necke of this must silent desolation all subdue ! for feare wherof , both king , & kingdome shakes , sith desolation threatens them so sore ; all hope of earthly helpe the land forsakes , and heau'n powres * plags vpō it more & more ! now , death refreshed with a little rest ( as if inspired with the spirit of life ) with furie flies ( like aire ) throgh man and beast , and makes eftsoons the murraine much more rife ! london now * smokes with vapors that arise from his foule sweat , himselfe he so bestirres ; cast out your dead , the carcasse-carrier cries , which he , by heaps , in groūdlesse graues interres ! now scowres he streets , on either side , as cleane as smoking showrs of raine the streets do scowre ; now , in his murdring , he obserues no meane , but tagge and ragge he strikes , and striketh sure . he laies it on the skinnes of yong and old , the mortall markes whereof therein appeare : here , swells a botch , as hie as hide can hold , and , spots ( his surer signes ) do muster there ! the south wind blowing frō his swelling cheeks , soultry hot gales , did make death rage the more , that on all flesh to wreake his wrath he seekes , which flies , like * chaffe in wind , his breath before ! he raiseth mountaines of dead carkases , as if on them he would to heau'n ascend , t' asswage his rage on diuine essences , when he of men , on earth , had made an end . nothing but death alone , could death suffize , who made each * mouse to carry in her coate his heauy vengeance to whole families , whilst with blunt botches he cuts others throate ! and , if such vermine were thus all imploide , he would constraine domestike * foules to bring destruction to their haunts ; so , men destroid as swiftly as they could bestirre their wing ! so , death might well be said to flie the field , and in the house foile with resistlesse force , when he abroad all kinde of creatures kill'd that he found liuing in his lifelesse course ! now like to bees , in summers heate , from hiues , out * flie the citizens , some here , some there ; some all alone , and others with their wiues : with wiues and children some flie , all for feare ! here stands a watch with guard of partezans to stoppe their passages , or too , or fro ; as if they were nor men , nor christians , but fiends , or monsters , murdring as they go ! like as an hart , death-wounded , held at bay doth flie , if so be can , from hunters chase , that so he may recouer ( if he may ) or else to die in some more easie place . so , might ye see ( deere heart ) some lustie lad strooke with the plague , to hie him to the field , where in some brake , or * ditch ( of either glad ) with plesure , in great pain● , the ghost doth yield ! each village , free , now stands vpon her guard ; none must haue harbour in them but their owne : and as for life and death all watch , and ward , and flie for life ( as death ) the man vnknowne ! for , now men are become so monsterous and mighty in their powre , that with their breath they leaue no ils , saue goods , from house to house , but blow away each other from the earth ! the sickest sucklings * breath was of that force that it the strongest giant ouerthrew ; and made his healthie corpse a carrion corse , if it ( perhaps ) but came within his view ! alarme , alarme , cries death , downe , downe with all ; i haue , and giue commission all to kill : let not one stand to pisse against a wall , sith they are all so good , in works so ill . vnioynt the body of their common-weale , hew it in peeces , bring it all to nought ; with rigors boistrous hand all bands canceale , wherin the heau'ns stād bound to earth in aught . wound me the scalpe of humane policie , sith it would stand without the help of heau'n on rotten proppes of all impietie ; away with it , let it be life-bereau'n . with plagues , strike through extortions loathed loines , and riuet in them glowing pestilence : giue , giue iniustice many mortall foynes , and with a plague , send , send the same frō hence . wind me a botch ( huge botch ) about the necke of damn'd disguis'd , man-pleasing sanctitie : and simony with selfe same choller decke , plague these two plagues with all extremitie . for , these are pearles that quite put out the eies of piety in christian common-wealths ; these , these are they , from whō all plagues do rise , thē plagues on plagues , by right , must reaue their healths . dash veng'āce viall on the cursed brow of * zodomy , that euer-crying sinne ; and that it be no more whole * pelions throw of plagues vpon it both without , and in ! throgh black * auernus ( hels mouth ) send the same into the deepest pit of lowest hell ; let neuer more the nature , nor the name be known within the zones , where mē may dwel , oppresse oppression , this lands burning-feauer , with burning sores of feauers-pestilent ; and now or neuer , quell it now and euer , for , it doth quell the poore and innocent bring downe damn'd pride with a pure pestilēce deriued from all plagues that are vnpure , extracted to th' extreamest quintessence , for pride all sinnes , * & plagues for sin , procures . in atheismes breast ( instead of her curst hart ) set an huge botch , or worse plague , m●re cōpact ; that it may neuer conuert , or peruert , nor haue powre to perswade , much lesse coact . beblaine the bosome of each misteris , that bares her * brests ( lusts signes ) ghests to allure ; with a plague kisse her , ( that plagues with a kisse ) and make her ( with a murraine ) more demure . our puling puppets , coy , and hard to please , my too strait-laced all-begarded girles ( the skumme of nicenesse ) london mistresses ) their skins imbroder with plagues orient pearls . for these , for * first-fruits , haue * fifteenes to spare but to a beggar say , we haue not for yee : then do away this too-fine wastefull ware to second death ; for they do most abhorre mee . then scowre the brothel-houses , make them pure , that flow with filth that wholsomst flesh infects ; * fire out the pox from thēce with plages vnpure ; for they do cause but most vnpure effects . plague carnall colleges , wherein are taught lusts beastly lessons , which no beast will brooke , where aratine is read , and nearely sought ; and so lusts precepts practiz'd by the booke . who knowes not aratine , let him not aske what thing it is ; let it suffice hee was : but what ? no mouth can tell without a maske ; for shame it selfe , will say , o let that passe ! he was a monster , tush , o nothing lesse : for , nature monsters makes ( how ere vnright ) but nature ne'r made such a fiend as this , who , like a fiend , was made in natures spight ! therefore , away with all that like his rules , which nature doth dislike as she doth hell : break vp those free ( yet deere & damned ) schools , that teach but gainst kinde nature to rebell . rogh-cast the skin of smooth-fac'd glozing guile with burning blisters to consume the same , that swears to sell crackt wares , yet lies the while , and of gaine , by * deceiuing , makes her game . who , but to vtter , but a thing of nought , vtters all othes , more precious then her soule : and thinks them well bestowd , so it be bought so , vtters wares with othes , by falshood foule . this foule offence to church & commonwealth , sweep cleane away with wormewood of annoy : for , it consisteth but by lawfull * stealth ; then , let the truest plagues it quite destroy . of tauerns , reaking still with * vomitings , draw , with the owners , all the drawers out ; let none draw aire , that draw on surffettings , but excesse , and her slaues , botch all about . sith such by drawing out , and drawing on do liue ; let such be drawne out on a beare : for , they with wine haue many men vndone , and famisht them , in fine , through belly-cheare . browne-paper merchants ( that do ven● such trash to heedlesse heirs , to more wealth borne then wit , that gainst such paper-rocks their houses dash , while such slie merchants make much vse of it ) vse them as they do vse such heires to vse , that is , to plague them without all remorce : these with their brokers , plague ; for they abuse god , king , and law , by lawes abused force . then , petti-botching-brokers , all bebotch that in a month catch eighteene pence in pound ; six with a * bill , and twelue for vse they catch , so , vse they all they catch , to make vnsound . that they may catch them , and still patches make , which in the pound do yeeld thē eighteen pence ; forc'd , like sheep trespassing , the pownd to take , leauing their * fleece , at last , for recompence . hang in their hang-mans wardrop plagues to aire that all may flie , or die that with it mell ; and so , when none will to their ragges repaire , they must forsake their liues , or labour well . briefly , kill cursed sinne in generall , and let flesh bee no more to harbour it ; away with filthie flesh , away with all wherein still-breeding sinne on broode doth sit . this was deaths charge , & this charge did he giue , which was perform'd ( forthwith ) accordingly ; for now the dead had wasted so the liue , ( or wearied so ) that some vnburied lie : for , all obseru'd the pestilence was such as laught to scorne the help of phisickes art ; so that to death all yeelded with a touch , and sought no help , but help with ease to * part . an hell of heate doth scorch their seething vaines , the blood doth boile , and all the body burnes , which raging heate ascending to the braines the powres of reason there quite ouerturnes ! then , t is no sinne to say a plague it is from whence immortall miseries do flow ; that makes men reason with their rest to misse , and soules and bodies do endanger so . here crie the parents fot their childrens death ; there howle the children for their parents losse ; and often die as they are drawing breath to crie for their but now inflicted crosse . here goes an husband heauily to seeke a graue for his dead wife ( now hard to haue ) a wife there meets him that had done the like , all which ( perhaps ) are buried in one graue . the last suruiuor of a familie , which yesterday ( perhaps ) were all in health , now dies to beare his fellowes company , and for a graue for all , giues all their wealth . there wends the * fainting son with his dead sire on his sole shoulders borne , him to interre ; here goes a father with the like desire , and to the graue alone , his sonne doth beare . the needie , greedie of a wealthie pray , runne into houses cleans'd of families , from whence they bring , with goodes , their bane away , so end in wealth their liues and miseries . no cat , dog , rat , hog , mouse , or vermine vile , but vsher'd death , where ere themselues did go ; for , they the purest aire did so defile , that whoso breath'd it , did his breath forgo . at london ( sincke of sinne ) as at the fount , this all-confounding pestilence began . according to that plagues most wofull wont , from whence it ( flowing ) all the realme o'reranne . which to preuent , at first , they pestered pest-houses with their murraine-tainted sicke : but , though from them , & thence the healthie fled , they , ere suspected , mortified the quicke . those so infected , being ignorant that so they are , conuerse with whom soere , whose open shops and houses all doe haunt , and finde most danger , where they least do feare . and so not knowing sicke-folke from the sound ( for , such ill aire 's not subiect to the sense ) they one with * other do themselues confound ; and so confound all with a pestilence . out flies one from the plague , and beares with him an heauy purse , and plague more ponderous ; which in the hie-way parteth life from limbe , so plagues the next of his coine couetous . in this ditch lies one breathing out his last , making the same his graue before his death ! on that bancke lies another , breathing fast , and passers by he baneth with his breath . now runnes the * rot along each bancke & ditch , and , with a murraine strikes swine , sheep , and all ( or man , or beast ) that chance the same to touch , so , all in fields , as in the cities fall . the london lanes ( themseluet thereby to saue ) did vomit out their vndigested dead , who by cart loads , are carried to the graue , for , all those lanes with folke were ouerfed . there might ye see death ( as with toile opprest panting for breath , all in a mortall sweat ) vpon each bulke or bench , himselfe to rest , ( at point to faint ) his haruest was so great ! the bells had talkt so much , as now they had tir'd all their tongs , and could not speake a word ; and griefe so toild herselfe with being sad , that now at deaths faint threats , shee would but bourd . yea , death was so familiar ( ah ) become with now resolued london families , that wheresoere he came , he was welcome , and entertain'd with ioyes and iolities . goods were neglected , as things good for nought ; if good for aught , good but to breed more ill : the sicke despis'd them : if the sound thē sought , they sought their death which cleaued to thē stil ! so sicke , and sound , at last * neglected them , as if the sound and sicke were neere their last ; and all , almost , so fared through the realme as if their soules the iudgement day were past . this world was quite forgot ; the world to come was still in minde ; which for it was * forgot , brought on our world this little day of dome , that choakt the graue with this contageous rot ! no place was free for free-men ; ne for those that were in prisons , wanting libertie ; yet prisoners frëest were from plagues and woes that visite free-men , but too lib'rally . for , al their food came frō the helthy house , which then wold giue gods plags from thence to keep ; the rest , shut vp , could not like bountie vse , so , woefull pris'ners had least cause to weepe . the king himselfe ( o wretched times the while ! ) from place to place , to saue himselfe did flie , which from himselfe himselfe did seeke t'exile , who ( as amaz'd ) not safe , knew where to lie . it s hard with subiects when the soueraigne hath no place free from plagues his head to hide ; and hardly can we say the king doth raigne , that no where , for iust feare , can well abide . for , no where comes he but death follows him hard at the heeles , and reacheth at his head ; so sincks al * sports that wold like triumphs swim , for , what life haue we , when we all are dead ; dead in our spirits , to see our neighbours die ; to see our king so shift his life to saue ; and with his councell all conclusions trie to keepe themselues from th' insatiate graue . for , hardly could one man another meete , that in his bosome brought not odious death ; it was confusion but a friend to greet , for , like a fiend , he baned with his breath . the wildest wastes , and places most remote from mans repaire , are now the most secure ; happy is he that there doth finde a cote to shrowd his head from this plagues smoaking showre a beggars home ( though dwelling in a ditch if farre from london it were scituate ) he might rent out , if pleas'd him , to the rich , that now as hell their london homes doe hate . now , had the sunne the * ballance entered , to giue his heate by weight , or in a meane , when yet this plague more heate recouered , and scowr'd the towns , that erst were clēsed clean . now , sad dispaire ( clad in a sable weede ) did all attend , and all resolu'd to die ; for , heat & cold , they thought , the plague would feede which , like a * ierffe , still sinn ; d in gluttony . the heau'nly coape was now ore-canopide , ( neere each ones zenith ( as his sense suppos'd ) with ominous impressions , strangely died , and like a canopie at toppe it clos'd . as if it had presag'd the iudge was nie , to sit in iudgement his last doome to giue , and caus'd his cloth of state t' adorne the skie that all his neare approach might so perceiue now fall the people vnto publike fast , and all assemble in the church to pray ; earely , and late , their soules , there take repast , as if preparing for the later day ! where ( fasting ) meeting with the sound and sicke , the sicke the sound do plage , while they do pray ; to haste before the iudge the dead and quicke , and pull each other so , in post , away . now angells laugh to see how contrite hearts incounter death , and scorne his tiranny ; their iudge doth ioy to see them play their parts , that erst so liu'd as if they ne'r should die . vp go their harts & hands , and downe their knees , while death wēt vp & down , to bring thē down ; that vp they might at once ( not by degrees ) vnto the high'st , that doth the humble * crown● ! o how the thresholds of each double dore of heau'n , and hell , were worne with throngs of ghosts ne'r since the deluge , did they so before , nor euer since so pollisht the side-posts . the angells , good and bad , are now all toil'd with intertaining of these ceaselesse throngs ; with howling some ( in heat and horror broild ) and othersome in blisse , with ioyfull songs . th' infernall legions , in battallions , seeke to inlarge their kingdome , lest it should be cloid with collonies of wicked ones ; for now it held , more then it well could hold ! the angells , on the cristall walls of heau'n , holpe thousands ore the gates so glutted were ; to whom authoritie by grace was giu'n ( the prease was such ) to helpe them ouer there . the cherubin eie-blinding maiestie vpon his throne ( that euer blest hath bin ) is compast with * vnwonted company , and smiles to see how angells helpe them in . the heau'nly streets do glitter ( like the sunne ) with throngs of sonnes but newly glorifide ; who still to praise their glorifier runne along those streets , full fraught on either side . now was the earthly mammon , which had held their harts to earth , held most contagious ; a beggar scornd to touch it ( so defilde ) so , none but castawaies were couetous . now auarice was turned cherubin , who nought desir'd but the extreamest good ; for , now she saw she could no longer sinne , so , to the time she sought to suite her moode , the loathsome leacher loath'd his wonted sport ; for , now he thought all flesh was most corrupt : the brainsicke brawler waxed all-amort ; for , such blood-suckers bane did interrupt . the pastors now , steep all their words in brine , with woe , woe , woe , and nought is heard but woe ; woe and alas , they say , the powres diuine are bent mankind , for sinne to ouerthrow . repent , repent , ( like ionas ) now they crie , ye men of england , o repent , repent ; to see if so yee maie moue pitties eye , to looke vpon you , ere you quite be * spent . and oft whilst he breathes out thess bitter words , he , drawing breath , drawes in more bitter bane : for , now the aire , no aire but death affords ; and lights of art ( for helpe ) were in the wane . nor people praying , nor the pastor preaching , death spared ought ; but murd'red one and other ; he was a walme , he could not stay impeaching , * who smoakt with heat , & chokt , all with the smother . the babe new born hempt strait in the head with aire that through his yet vnclosed mould did pierce his brains , & throgh thē poison spread , so left his life , that scarse had life in hold . the mother after hies , the father posts after the mother ; thus , at base they runne vnto the gole of that great lord of hoasts that for those keepes it , that runnes for his sonne . the rest death trippes , and takes them prisoners ; such lose the gole without gainesaying-strife ; but , all , and some , are as deaths messengers to fetch both one and other out of life . the sire doth fetch the sonne , the sonne the sire , death , being impartiall , makes his subiects so : the priuate's not respected , but intire ( death pointing out the way ) away they go . the ceremonie at their burialls is ashes but to ashes , dust , to dust ; nay not so much ; for , strait the pit-man falles ( if he can stand ) to hide them as he must . a mount thus made , vpon his spade he leanes ( tired with toile ) yet ( tired ) prest to toile ) till death an heape , in his inu'd haruest , gleanes , that so he may by heapes , ●ft seed the soile . not long he staies , but ( ah ) a mightier heape then erst he hid , is made strait to be hild ; the land is scarse , but yet the seed is cheape , for , all is full , or rather ouerfill'd . the beere is laid away , and cribbes they get to fetch more dung for fields and garden-plots ; * worke-men are scarse , the labour is so great , that ( ah ) the seede , * vnburied , often rottes . it rottes , and makes the land thereby the worse , for , being rotten , it ill vapors breedes , which many mortall miseries doe nurse , and the plague ( ouerfed ) so , ouerfeedes . here lies an humane carcasse halfe consum'd ; and there some fow or beast , in selfe same plight ; dead with the pestilence , for so it fum'd , that all it touched , it consumed quite . quite through the hoast of natures animalls death like a conquerer in triumph rides ; and ere he came too neare , each creature falls , his dreadfull presence then no flesh abides . now man to man ( if euer ) fiends became , feare of infection choakt humanitie ; the emptie maw ( abandon'd ) got but blame if it had once but sought for charitie . the poore must not about , to seeke for foode , and no man sought them , that they might be fed ; two plagues , in one , inuaded so their blood , both famine , and infection strikes them dead . some staid , in hope that death would be appeas'd , and kept the towns , which thē & theirs had kept ; till their next neighbors were ( perhaps ) diseas'd ; or with deaths fatall fanne away were swept . thē , fain wold fly but could not ( thogh thei wold ) for , wil they , nill they , they must keep their house , till throgh some chink , on thē death taketh hold , and vs'd them , as he did their neighbours vse . if any at some posterne could get out , as good they staid , sith sure they staid should be ; * for , all the countries watcht were round about , that from the towne , none might a furlong flee . then , who from death did flie , the feare of death made free-men keep the fliers in his iawes ; where ( poison'd with his fowle infectious breath ) their flesh and bones he ( ne'r suffized ) gnawes . now might ye see the plague deuoure with speed as it neare famisht were , lest in a while it might be so , and want whereon to feede ; so fed , the future hunger to beguile . now doth it swell ( hold hide ) nay , * breake , or die ) till skin doth crack , to make more * room for meat yet meat , more meate it ( neuer cloid ) doth crie , and all about doth runne the same to get . the graues do often vomit out their dead , they are so ouer-gorg'd , with great , and small ; who hardly , with the earth are couered ; so , oft discouer'd when the earth did fall . those which in hie - * waies died ( as many did ) some worthlesse wretch , hir'd for no worthles fee , makes a rude hole , some distance him beside , and rakes him in farre off ; so , there lies hee . but , if the pit-man haue not so much sense to see , nor feele which way the winde doth sit to take the same , he hardly comes from thence , but , for himselfe ( perhaps ) he makes the pit : for , the contagion was so violent , ( the wil of heau'n ordaining so the same ) as often strooke stone-dead incontinent , and natures strongest forces strait orecame . here lieth one vpon his burning brest , vpon the earths cold breast , and dies outright ; who wanting buriall , doth the aire infest , that like a basaliske he banes with sight ! there reeles another like one deadly druncke , but newly strooke ( perhaps ) then downe he falls , who , in the * streets , or waies , no sooner suncke , but forthwith dies , and so lies by the walles , the hay-cockes in the meades were oft opprest with plaguy bodies , both aliue , and dead ; which being vs'd , confounded man and beast , and vs'd they might be ere discouered . for , some ( like ghosts ) wold walk out in the night , the citie glowing ( furnace-like ) with heate of this contagion , to seeke if they might , fresh aire , where oft they died for want of meate . the traueler that spied ( perhaps his sire ) another farre off , comming towards him would flie , as from a flying flame of fire that would , if it he met , waste life and limbe . so , towns fear'd townes , and men ech other fear'd ; all were ( at least ) attainted with suspect , and , sooth to say , so was their enuy stirr'd , * that one would seeke another to infect : for , whether the disease to enuy mou'd , or humane natures malice was the cause , th' infected often all conclusions prou'd to plague him that frō thē himselfe withdrawes ! here do they gloues , and there they garters fall ; ruffs , cuffs , & handkerchers , and such like things they strow about , so to endanger all : for , enuy now , most pestilently stings ! so , heau'n and earth , against man did conspire , and man against man , to exrirpe his race ; who bellowes were t' augment infections fire , and blow abroad the same from place to place . sedition thus marcht ( with a pestilence ) from towne to towne , to make them desolate ; * the browne-bill was too short to keep it thence , for , further off it raught the bill-mans pate . nor walls could keepe it out ; for , it is said ( and truely too ) that hunger breakes stone-walls : the plague of hunger with the plague arrai'd it selfe , to make way , where ere succour calls . for , hungrie armies fight as fiends they were : no humane powre can well their force withstand : they laugh to * scorne the shaking of the speare : and gainst the gods thēselues , thēselues dare band some ranne as mad ( or with wine ouer-shot ) from house to house , when botches on them ranne ; who , though they menac'd were with sword , and shot , yet forward ran , & feare nor god nor man ! as when a ship , at sea , is set on fire , and ( all on flame 's ) winde-driuen on a fleete , the fleete doth flie , sith that ship doth desire ( maugre all force oppos'd ) with it to meete : so flies the bill-man , and the muskettire from the approaching desperate plaguy wight , * as from a flying flame of quenchlesse fire ; for , who hath any life , with death to fight ? at all , cries death , then downe by heaps they fall : he drawes in by , and maine , amaine he drawes huge heapes together , and still cries , at all : his hand is in , and none his hand withdrawes . for , looke how leaues in autumne from the tree with wind do fall , whose heaps fil holes in groūd ; so might ye ( with the plagues breath ) people see , fall by great heapes , and fill vp holes profound . no holy turffe was left to hide the head of holiest men ; but , most vnhall'wed grounds ( ditches and hie-waies ) must receiue the dead , the dead ( ah woe the while ) so * oreabounds ! here might ye see as t' were a mountainet founded on bodies , grounded very deepe , which like a trophee of deaths triumphs set the world on wonder , that did wondring weepe : for , to the middle region of the aire , our earthly region was infected so , that foules therein had cause of iust dispaire , as those which ouer zodome dying go ! some common carriers , ( for their owne behoofe , and for their good , whose soules for gaines doe fetching frō lōdo packs of plags , & stuffe ( grone ) are forc'd to inne it , in some barne alone . where , lest it should the country sacrifise , barne , corne , and stuffe a sacrifice is sent ( in aire-refining flames ) to th' angrie skies , while th'owners do their faults & losse lament . the carriers , to some pest-house , or their owne , carried , clapt vp , and watcht for comming out , must there with time or death conuerse alone , till time or death doth free the world of doubt : who thogh they cariers were , yet being too weak such heauy double plagues as these to beare , out of their houses som by force do break , and * drowne themselues , themselues from plags to cleare . these are reuenges fit for such a god , fit for his iustice , powre , and maiestie ; these are right ierkes of diuine furies rod , that draw from flesh the life-blood mortally . if these are but his temp'rall punishments , then what are they surmounting time and fate ? melt flesh to thinke but on such languishments , that soule and bodie burne in endlesse date . his vtmost plagues extend beyond the reach of comprehension of the deepest thought ; for , he his wisedome infinite doth stretch to make them absolutely good for nought . then , o what heart of sensible discourse , quakes not , as if it would in sunder fall , but once to thinke vpon such furies force , as doth so farre surmount the thoughts of all ? if humane wisedome in the highest straine , should yet stretch further torments to deuise , they would be such that none could them sustain , through weight of woes , and raging agonies : then ( o ) what be they that deuised are by * wisedome that of nought made all this all , that stretch as farre past speach , as past compare , surmounting wonder ; supernaturall ! they be the iudgements of that trinitie , which ( like themselues ) are most inscrutable ; then can mans heart , but either swoone or die , to thinke on anguish , so vnthinkeable . and can our sense , our sense so much besot , to thinke such worlds of woe no where exist , sith in this sensuall world it feeles them not , and so in sinne ( till they be felt ) insist ? then happy that , that is insensible , since wee imploy our happinesse of sense to feele and taste but pleasures sensible ; and see no paine that at their end commence . to breake the belly of our damn'd desires with honied sweets that soone to poison turne ; and in our soules enkindle quenchlesse fires , which all the frame thereof quite ouerturne . * to please it selfe a moment , and displease it selfe for euer , with ne'r-ending paines ; to ease the bodie with the soules disease , to glad the guttes , to grieue the heart & braines . to make the throat a through-fare for excesse , the belly a charibdis for the same ; to vse wit still but onely to transgresse , and make our sense the spunge of sin & shame : * then happy are sweet floures that liue and die ( without offence ) most pleasing vnto all : and haplesse man that liues vnpleas●ngly to heau'n and earth ; so , liues and dies to fall . the rose doth liue a sweete life , but to please , and when it dies , it leaues sweet fruit behinde ; but man in life and death doth none of these , if grace by * miracle ne'r mend his mind . blush man , that floures should so thy selfe excell that wast created to excell what not ? that on the earth created was to dwell ; then blush for shame to grace thy beauties blot . art thou horizon made ( vnholy one ) betwixt immortall angells , and bruit beasts ? yet wilt twixt beasts and fiends be horizon by that which angells grieues , and god detests ? then plagues must follow thy misguided will , so to correct thine ill-directing wit ; such as these are , or others much more ill , the worst of which sinne ( ill of ills ) befit . and loe , for sinne ; how yet the plague doth rage ( with vnappeased furie ) more and more , making our troy-nouant a tragicke stage whereon to shew deaths powre , with slaughters sore . great monarch of earths ample world he is ; and of our little * worlds ( that worlds content ) he giues ill subiects bale , good subiects blisse ; so , though he raignes , iust is his regiment . our sins ( foule blots ) corrupt the earth and aire ; our sins ( soules botches ) all this all defile ; and make our soules most foule , that were most faire ; for , nought but sin we all , all nought the while ! when sharpest wits are whetted to the point , to pierce into all secrets , but to sinne ! and all the corps of luxury vnioint , to see what sensuall ioy might be therein : whenas such trickes as no sunne euer saw deuis'd are daily by the serpent-wise , to cramme all flesh into the deuills maw by drifts , as scarse the deuill can deuise ! can god ( most iust ) be good to men so ill ? and can the earth , and aire , wherein such liue , keepe such aliue ? o no , all plagues must fill that aire , and earth , that do such plagues reliue . what are those men but plagues , that plague but men ? all men are such , that teach sin in effect ; and all do so , that sinne but now and then , if now and then they sinne , in ouert act . what can containe vs , if these plagues cannot ? if neither these we feele , nor those we shall , be not of force to keepe our liues from blot , what then remaines but plagues to scowre vs all ? till we wax lesse , and they so multiplide , that we be nothing lesse , than what we are ; conuerted , or confounded we abide in , or without god , with , or without care ! if when his yron rod drawes blood from vs , and is vpon our backes , yea breakes our bones , we cease not yet to be rebellious , what can conuert vs but plagues for the nones ! for natures heart doth yrne with extreame griefe , when wel she weighs her childrens strange est●● , subiect to sinne , and so to sorrowes chiefe , for both in counterchange renew their date : for now we sinne ( yea with a witnesse sinne , witnesse our conscience ) then we plagued are , plagu'd with a witnes , ( witnesse plagues that with fury on vs ) then , when so we fare fall we to pray and creepe to grace for grace , which being got , and ease , and weale at will , we fall to sinne , and so our soules disgrace : thus sinne and plagues runne round about vs still this euer-circling plague of plagues and sinne , surroundeth mankinde in an hell of woe , man is the axis standing still therein , and goes with it where euer it doth goe : for since he fell , who at this center staies by nature ( most vnnaturall the while ) here moues man mouelesse as the axis plaies , and times turns ( turning with him ) doth beguile . and yet this plague ( if griefs tears quench it not ) is like a sparke of fire in flax too drie , and may , if our lusts coole not , burne more hot than erst it did ; so waste vs vtterly . we see it will not out , but still it lies in our best cities bowells like a cole that threats to flame , and stil doth fall and * rise , wasting a part , thereby to warne the whole . none otherwise than when ( with griefe ) we see some house on fire , we strait , to saue the towne , watch , fast , and pray , and most industrious bee , with hooke and line to pull the building downe : so doth this fire of heau'ns still kindling ire blister our cities publike body so , as we are blister'd , but with so much fire , as we may quench with teares if they do flo . 〈◊〉 if it should breake forth in flames afresh , ( as ( ah ) what staies it but vnstinted grace ? ) what thing shuld quench it but a world of flesh ? or desolation it away to chace ? time neuer knew since he beganne his houres , ( for aught we reade ) a plague so long remaine in any citie , as this plague of ours : for now six yeares in london it hath laine . where none goes out , but at his comming in , if he but feeles the tendrest touch of smart , he feares he is plague-smitten for his sinne ; so , ere hee 's plagu'd , he takes it to the heart : for , feare doth ( loadstone-like ) it oft attract , that else would not come neere ; or steale away ; and yet this plaguy-feare will scarse coact our soules to sinne no more , this plague to slay . but thou , in whose high hand all hearts are held , conuert vs , and from vs this plague auert : so sin shall yeeld to grace , and grace shall yeeld the giuer glory for so deere desert . too deere for such too worthles wicked things , at best but clods of base infirmitie ; too deere for sinne that all this murraine brings ; too deere for those that liue but twice to die . in few , what should i say ? the best are nought that breathe , since man first breathing did rebell : the best that breath are worse thā may be thoght , if thought can thinke the best can do but well : for , none doth well on earth , but such as will confesse ( with griefe ) they do exceeding ill ! the best is but a * briere , and * none doth good , but he that makes vs blamelesse in his * blood. finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * kinne , as they were of the seue● deadly sinnes , no kinne as they were different sinnes . * the glutton . * the leacher . * ●he prowd , vaine , and ambitious man. a description of the gluttons habite . a description of the wantons apparrell . the prowd-ambitious mans apparrel described . * blacke . * the wish of philoxenus a philosopher . * genes . . . * the scale of gluttony , for the p●nch to climbe by . * taste , the sense wherein men-beasts do most delight . * gene. . . * all the labour of man is for the mouth , &c. eclesiast . . . * adored . * psal . . . * epicures beleeue not the soules immortalitie , and so no scripture . * good foode comforts the hart , cheeres the sprite . * which the tong makes against the pallate . * they that drinke much , must euery way euacuate much . * what we most loue of that we gladly heare and speake . epithymus . the praise of touching . * touching being furthest remoued from the vnderstanding of all the senses , makes it the more brutish . * heroike spirites soonest enthralled with loue . * wanton louers most prophane . * this obiect makes the soule most abiect . * a glauncing aluring looke . * no passion more violent in the soule of man or beast . * hercules . * salomon . * wiues , and . concubines . * danaae . * with loue-tricks to make lustinsatiable . * a lasciuious kisse bewitching wantons , knowne best to such . * the wicked conspire in euill , though they vary in circumstances . * soueraigne aucthority can silence all , vnder heauen , that inueighs against her inordinate pleasures . * what man shal say to the soueraigne , what doost thou ? without incurring his ire , which is the precursor of death . prou. . . * where the word of the king is , there is power , and who shall saie ta him , what doost thou ? eccles . . . * that which men & beasts by the prouocation of nature onely . * to rule men well is proper to god and men onely . * few or none so mortified , but can be cōtented to liue , rather ruling then ruled . * humane wisedome . * the lookes of soueraigne maiestie doth either kill , or quicken . * the indignatiō of a prince is most mortall . * ars d●minabitur astris : wise kings much more . * the concord of the euill condemns the discord of the good. * worldes weale vncertaine in our life , but determines vtterly in our death . * death is most familiar with those that are most strāge to him . * the sting of consciēce kil● our liueliest pleasures of the flesh . * daily proofe telles our vnderstandings , ●hat all worldly pleasures are as ●hort , as vaine , and vnsure . * salomon . * eccles . . . * good is the obiect of loue * our crowne saith the soueraigne . * the loue of a crowne oft makes the son to hate the father . * robert cou●tesse , edward the second , richard the second , edward the fift , rich. the third , hēry the sixt . * his councellours . * feare betraieth the comforts and succours which reason offereth . * true ioy cōtents the desire and excludes feare , which worldly ioy doth not . * the ioy of the soule is incident to good and ghostly liuers onely . * glory attēds vpon god & his onely . * vaine pleasures doe effeminate the minde . * to obey reason is to rule kingly . * reason is thought to be most vnreasonable by the sensuall . * philem. . * mer● v●t●●nea putet . * not to see our sinne , is to liue and die in sinne . * christ lord of life . * reason , the eie of the soule . * humane creatures are reasonable , thogh many liue brutishly . * humane reason assisted by diuine grace , true guide to perfect felicity * . sins most familiar with mens nature . * we hate our euill councellors , when we are plagued for following them . * all men are conceiued in sinne . * repentance . * the present time is sure to repent in , which is no sooner thoght on , but gone for euer . * they are enemies to reason that desire to liue sensually . * the iay sits with ●he lay . eccles . . . * a true mark of reprobatiō . * iob . . * nature . * custome . phusis her habit described . * as it is saide of the ape . * custome is another nature . * custome is ouercome by custome ▪ if nature be willing . * natures loosenes must be restrained by reasons stedfastnes . * ouer-kinde mothers make vnkind children . * though fire be good , yet fire in flaxe is not good : so , though pleasure be good , yet in you● hi● is not good . * a good pretēce for a fault maks the fault the fouler . * founts of frailtie . * strength of pleasures . * affection transports iudgement into partialitie . * reason is very preualent with the attentiue . * when reason is reiected , men are lest to all brutishnesse . * truth . * hell made for torment . esa . . * deceit and guile excluded truth frō the earth , * truth is one , but errour is manifold . * as without the sun none can see the sun , so without trueth none cā come at the author of truth . * time. * death . the description of chronus and th●natus . * nature cānot abide ▪ death , nor time running thereto . * a well tunde tongue cannot please an eare vtterly out of tune . * the choice is miserable where the best is misery . * in case of distresse we willingly imbrace the aduice of reason . * sicknesse . * naturall heate sustaines the vital powers in sickenesse . sickenesse described . * reason begets in vs resolution to die coragiously . * true loue deemes no paine intollerable endured for the beloued . the descriptiō of the house of time. * the vpper crust of a rocke vnfrequented . * noisome plants produced from mans more noisome offence . * deaths house described . * the graue is irkesome to flesh & blood * if graues open by reason of the earths hollownesse , they soone are closed againe with feete that treade on thē . * the graue and destruction can neuer be full : prou. . . * nothing more noisome to the nose and eie then a rotten carcasse . * friends of those that are in burying . * no sense enioyed in the graue . * the earthly ▪ carcasse . * christ the lord of loue. * isa . . . * death is the beginning of ●oy , or misery . * the graue is the re●t of the restle●●● . * the mortified in conuersation most familiar with death . * the humors are the children of● be elements . * tombe or pyramed . * time ruines al monuments how euer substantiall . * in a graue lies the anatotomy of ruine . * trueth . true descriptions are able to quicken things dead . * sicknesse is manifold : for , we are borne one way , and die an hundred waies . * nature is ●ed by reason to the knowlege of truth . * gifts get fauour , but not with death , or sickenesse : sauing that sicknes is the better borne by the gift of naturall heate . * who tenders sicknesse shall haue his company . * sicknesse extinguisheth our vitall flame . * nature can not endure to be bettered by sicknesse . * an inbred hate twixt nature and death . * truth is hid with cloudes of mysteries that shee is hard to bee found . * truth being masked we must vse the more diligen●● to discouer her . * many of thē measure truth by their present worldly profite . * poets which all men taxe for lying , doe least lie of any , the morall of their fictions considered . * their soules abhorre that light foode , for feeding , it doth but famish . * natures eies are dimd by adams transgression . * whether i be my selfe , or no , because euery like is not the same . * vices perswasions are most forcible with the sons of nature . * hell is much more horrible then can enter into the thoght or vnderstanding . an ample description of hell. * reuel . . . * ma●th . . . & . . iob. . , . * isai . . * reue. . * reue. . . * marke . . . isa . . * reue. . . * reuel . . . * reue. . . * hell , and the graue are insatiable . * the damned still are dying , and neuer dead . * math. . * and men boiled in great heate , & blasphemed the name of god which bath power ouer these plagues , ond they repented not to giue him glory . reue . * deuills . * reuel . . * reuel . ▪ . * reuel . . * so fares the flie with the spider . * the light of lightning is much more horrible then comfortable . * reuel . . * flesh of the tormented . a prudent man seeth the plague , and hideth himselfe : but a foole goeth on still , and is punished . prou. . . frigida gehenna . * reuel . . * reuel . . ● rewarde her as she hath rewarded you , and giue her double , according to her workes : and in the cuppe which shee ha●h filled to you , fill her the double , reuel . . . deliuer thy selfe as a doe from the hād of the hunter , and as a bird from the hād of the fowler . prou . . they shall passe from the waters of the snow to ouer much heate . iob. * the greate● the diuell the worse . * psal . . . * and they gnawed their tongues for sorrow . reu. . . * and they gnawed their tongues for sorrow . reu. . . * math. . ● * in tormenting . * reuel . . . * matth. . . * the paines of the damned are without end , meane , or measure . * nothing in this world that is violent , is permanent . * immortall . * reuel . . * isay . * in this world * in heauen . * the more our losse , the more is our griefe . * the spirit of a man will sustaine his infirmity , but a wounded spirit , who can beare it ? pro. . . * wert not for hope , heart would breake * immortalitie naturally is good . * the paine of the damned are as great as the wisedome of the creator could deuise , which is infinite , and vnvtterable . * the way to hell is heauenly in shew . * all the earth calleth for truth , and the heauen blesseth it : and al things are shaken , & trēb●e , neither is there any vniust thing in it . . e●dr . . . * in he●l is no redemption . * truth , and reason neare of kinne . * truth is the strength , and kingdome & the power , and maiesty of all ages , . esdr . . * nature is greatly grieued till her sonnes be reformed . * reason doth cheere the heuinesse of our nature in case of distresse . * patience a daughter of the heauens , the best companiō of a forlorne fortune , * contingent accidents are hid from the eie of reason . * god. * reprehensiō vnwelcome to all resolute in euill . * truth is like herselfe in vnlike subiects . * this guileful world is mortall enemy to trueth . * made truth to speak most for the maintenaunce of earthly matters , &c. * the wine is wicked , the king is wicked , women are wicked , & all the childrē of men are wicked , and al their wicked workes are such , & there is no truth in them , but they perish in their iniquitie , but truth doth abide , and is strōg foreuer , & liueth and raigneth for euer and euer . . esdr . . . * truth is in extreame perill of deprauation among the vncleane . * the soule that hath no feeling of sin , is dead in sin . * they that lacke least worldly things most lacke friends that will tell them the trueth . * veritie and iustice supports the thrones of princes . * euer since astrea forsooke th' earth whosoeuer offers iustice a golden scabberd she will sheathe her sword therein , * that life is worse then death that depēds on a mī●ers pleasure . * immortall lines in poesie , are worse then mortall lines that end our misery ▪ for the first make vs labour for our trauell , the last make vs labor for heauen , if wee die well . * iustice . * iustice sees with truth● eies . * the countenance bewrais how the heart is affected . * time and death enimies to nature . * body of clay * day & night are the wings of time. * when men die , their yere● seeme but so many daies , & before they dy all their dayes so many yeres : the time future seems lōg but that past , extream short * time's euer in motion . * before mans fall . * time , made by god , the fountaine of reason . * iniquitie shal shorten times continuance . * reasons are yeelded by reason . * still moouing . * the office of reason . * our nature is apt to insult vpon the least incoragement * a forcible meane to reduce the euill to good . * euery moment seemes an age to ●ne that longs to heare that which his soule desires to know . * foolishnesse is ioy to him which is destitute of vnderstanding , &c. prou. . . * vanitie holdeth nothing too deere , for things nere so worthlesse , that may any way tend to her pleasure . * iob . . * no warning will preuaile with the wilfull . * the sunne runnes an oblique course in the heauens which measures time , and in time men learne to doe amisse . * men lewdly liuing make a spo●le of time , till 〈◊〉 spoile them . the vices familiar with our natures in the seuerall ages of our life . * ther is none that doth good , no not one . psal . . * in time , by reason , & experience wee reforme our maners , if we be not vtterly void of grace . * leauing her last ●oo●esteps among the men which n●w are least acquainted w●th her or her steps , husbandmen * venter auribus caret . * no gracelesse wretch so vnnaturall but knowes the voice , and law of nature , because it is written in all mēs hearts . * sathan winnoweth vs like wheate . luke . . * they liue ill that thinke to liue euer . * it is an abhomin●tion to fooles to depart from euil . pro● . . . * to haue heauen in this life , is to holde hell in the other . * we measure our frinds well-doing altogether by the line of worldly prosperitie . * a scorner loues not him that rebukes him , neither will he goe to the wise . pro. . . * reason is euer impugned and impeached by carnall libertines . * this makes so many miseries by reason of flatterers in the world , for euery one couets to please for feare of frownes . * vicious liuers are strangers ▪ or rather enemies to trueth ●nd her doctrine . * these are the last , and there fore the worst times , which rather seeke to reforme by windy , then explanary doctrine , which perswades coldly . * all times apter to vice then vertue . * they that liue without thinking of their end , doe commonly die ere they think of death . * the first death , to the wicked , is the entrance into the second . * repentance may be too late , but neuer too soone . * tyrants . * if good , ●hey raise ▪ if bad , they ruine it . * a great torment , in the life to come , is due to those that can , and will take such an immortall reuenge for any mortall in●urie . * feare . * none are forsaken of god that cleaue to him by humble & hearty praiee . * the kay of intelligence . notes for div a -e * the sonne of gods first miracle hee wroght at the marriage , ioh. . honouring the feast with his personall presence . * the wisest men are oft thus mist●ken for not being able ●o foresee perfectly future euents . * the best mē death soonest ●akes away , because this wicked world is vnworthie of them . * fortune is euer in that m●●ion like a waue mo●ued with the wind . * a sport so called . * the contentious take small occasion to contend . * yet mightie men of our present times thinke otherwise , as appeareth by their actions . oppression . * all elementall bodies subiect 〈◊〉 death . * which shall haue an end . * al that hath motion is subiect to dissolution . * the eie is saide to cause our blushing , &c. * iustice , fortune , & death are eielesse sith they haue no respect of persons . * a kingdom● diuided , is at point to be dissolued . * vntimely , as well as vnreasonable taxings withdraw the loues of the subiects . * princes often become odious to their subiects thorow the fault of those whō they put in trust to gouerne vnder them . * the readiest way to winne hearts . * loue and bounty the best baites to catch men . * captare beneuolentiam . * men are honored and folowed in this world , onely for their fortunes . * they got territories which they could not holde . * fortune fauors fooles , * chirurgions . * the way to thriue in that function . * elixir . * a little therof multiplies infinitely , as alchymists affirme . * life is sweet . * o death , how bitter is thy remembrance to a mā that hath pleasure in his riches ? ecclus. . . * fron●●●ullae ●ides . * hope of future good , in this life , maks men feare death as an intollerable e●ill . * . iohn . . * none so mortified but feares death in point of dying . * the fe●re of finall or particular iudgement makes death vnwelcome . * fortune . * deaths eloquēce is harsh to the eare of flesh & blood * that which cures one may kill another . * ●ouetousnes is l●ke the dropsie the more it drinks the more 〈◊〉 may . * the more interest wee haue in this world , the more loath we are to leaue it . * ●hen life is at the best , th●n death i● better . * a custome among the germane● . * which had , makes death the more irksome . * men in fortunate estate had rather go with life to the diue● then by death to god. * it s a double death to die when we haue attained the highest happinesse of life . * death yeeldeth double terrour . * where the carcases are the eagles resort . matth. . * gaine take away the thought of paine . * all coue● all lose ▪ * lest hee would plague him , for plaging others with racking . * wrackt for those that will rather racke then any waie relieue them . * the soldiers sword cuts out the portions of kings * of blowes . * audac●s fortuna iuuat . * a squire of low degree is a squire of no degree . * not remembring who , or what they were . * a venial sin at most as these ●imes esteeme it . * a hangerblade in a green scabbard * changed their countenance with artificiall complexions . * that which is deerely bought , must be deerely sold . * all is not golde that glisters . * the iniurious offer . * they had iacobs voice and esaus hands . * truth . * for their raritie . * such dependencie is as ful of difficulty as vncertaintie : enuyings among the seruants cause of the first , mutabilitie of those great mens mindes occasioneth the last . * in their own not in their lords right : for many get mony in their lords seruice , to buy their lords lands to do them seruice . * london measure . * who are wise in their owne eies , there is more hope of a fool then of such . prou. . * meere scholers . * men lerned , without iugement , whome the prouerbe , the greatest clarkes are not the wisest men , concerneth . * genus and species . * misuse that little learning they catch . * mathematitians . * the mathematiques are most pleasing and alluring knowledges i●l rewarded , yet , they steale the studier● thereof from themselues . * ●or little . * magi●ians . * coniurers and witches are alwaies beggars . * distillators & extracters of quintessences . * of liquo●s . * subtil sophister● . orators . * fortune doth wel most commonly by men that do speake well astronomers , prognosticators . musitions . linguists . * many golden lingu●sts haue leaden inuention . * penne-men , or faire writers . it is a badde bargaine to giue aught for nought . * they shame the 〈…〉 vtterly . * for their recompence . * fencers . * in straite prison . * stage plaiers . * shewing the vices of the time . * w.s.r.b. sui cuique m●r●s fingunt fortunam . * when men haue gotten wealth they are said to be made . panders . * they liue like flesh flies vpon the sorts of men . land-badgers drouers . lawyers . gold sets an edge on an orators tongue , and makes it cut like a razor . * gold is the god of this world th●t ●uines and windes the same as it listeth . * hire mercenary swizers and souldiers to maintaine all vniust quarels euen with monarches . * so saith the rich miser . riches gather many friends , but the poore is seperate frō his neighbor . prou. . . the worlde in his vniust ballance weighs men accordidg to their wealth & not by any other worthinesse . * no wisemā comparable to the golden asse . but it is meere madnesse not to b●●re with insensible creatures : & blessed are those that in this in●●●ious world , possesse their soule● in patience . better is a litle with the feare of god , then great treasure , 〈◊〉 trouble 〈…〉 . * the touchstone trieth gold and gold trieth men . be●rer is a dry morsell with peace then an house full of sacrifices with strife . prou. . . that that is to be desired of a man , is his goodnesse , p● . . which seldom is foūd among much goodes . * head , and muse ▪ * praise . * as farre frō want as from too much . * mindes alwaies conuersant with these me●talls are dull , & make the bodies dead to all goodnesse wherein they are . * diuinity . * die eternally in both the world is like nothing : sith by sin●● 〈◊〉 was m●rre● after it 〈◊〉 made : & 〈◊〉 is nothing , because● he 〈◊〉 that made a●l things made it not . simile . * euery ●●nger as good as ● lime twi●ge . prouerb * harmelesse recreation . * it makes the number appea●e as it is . philosophers and poets furthest off fortune . * they affect misery much more then diuinitie . * flesh-pineing praise * men , like the deuill great and nought . * if thou be wise , thou shalt be wi●e for thy selfe . prou. . . * the more we loue the world the more wee feare death . * ●●are is a stranger to great hearts . * no courage 〈◊〉 the d●sperate cowards . iupiters sentence . * scripture parables containe trueth in their moralitie , though not in the letter . notes for div a -e * therefore ha●h the curse deuoured the land , and the inhab●tantes therof are desolate . isai . . * who among you shall harken to this , and take heed and hea●e for afterwards . isai . . . * now goe & write it before them in a table , and note it in a booke , that it may be for the last day for euer and euer . isai . . . * i am the man that hath seene afflictiō in the rod of his ind●gnatiō . lament . . * heare , yee deafe , and yee blinde ▪ regard that ye may see . isa . ▪ thou hast for sakē mee , saith the lord , and gone backeward : therfore will i stretch out mine hand against thee , and destroy thee : for i am weary with repenting . ierem. . . * feare , & the pit , & the snare are vpon thee , o inhabitant of the earth . isai . . . * phisitions . * vniuersities . * then said i , lord , howe long ? and he answered , vntill the cities bee wasted without inhabitant , and the houses without man , and the land be vtterly desolate . isai . * and the cities that are inhabited shal be left void , the land shall be desolate , & ye shall know that i am the lord ezech. . . * zephon . . * euen the mouse shal be consumed together , saith the lord , isa . . . * tame pigeons , cockes , hennes , capons , &c. * arise and depart , for this is not your rest , because it is polluted , it shall destroy you euen with a sore destruction . michah . . * and he that flieth from the noise of the feare shall fall into the pit , &c. isa . . * yee shall cōceiue chaffe , & bring forth stubble , the fire of your breath shall deuoure you . isai . . . * aske now among the heathen , who hath heard such things ? the virgine of israel hath done very filthily ierem. . * a mountain in thes●al●e . * auernus a lake in italie , where they say this sinne is frequent . * pride , the cause of adams fall , and so of all sinne * they are waxen fat , and shining , they doe ouerpasse the deedes of the wicked , &c. iere . ● * strawberies , cherries , &c. when they first come in . * shillings , crownes , or pounds . * then will i turne mine hād vpō thee , and burne out thy drosse , till it be pure , and take away thy tinne . isai . . * and euery one will deceiue his fri●d and wil not speake the truth : for they haue taught their tongues to speake lies , and take great paines to doe wickedly . ierem . . * ●s a cage is full of birds , so are their houses full of deceit , thereby they are become great & waxen ●ich . ierem. . . * for all their tables are full of filthy vomitings : no place is cleane . isai . . . * their bill of sale. * and they lie downe vpon cloths laide to pledge by euery altar , and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god. amos . . * and death shall be desired rather thē life of all the residue that r●ma●n of this wicked family . iere . * thy sonnes haue fainted , & ●e at head of al the streets , as a wild bull in a net , and are full of the wrath of the lord , and rebuke of thy god. isa , . . * i will d●sh them one against another euen the ●athers and the sons together , saith the lord , i wil not spare i will not pitty , not haue compassion vpon them , but destroy them . ●erem . . . * ●herefore will i be vnto ephraim as a moa●h , and to the house of iuda as a rottennes , hosea . . * neither their siluer nor their golde shall be able to deliuer them in the day of the lords wrath , &c zepha . . . * her filthinesse is in her ski●●s : she remembred not her last end , therefore shee came downe wonder●ully : she had no cōforter . &c. lament . . . * the mir●h of tab●ets ceaseth : the noi●e of them that rei●●ceendeth : the ioy of the harpe ceaseth . isa● . . * libra september . * a beast neuer but feeding , and when he hath eaten as much as his 〈…〉 hold , goe , to a for●ed t●ee , and there straines out his fonde vndigested betweane the twist of the ●●ee , and so ag●ine presently falles to se●ue , and being full , againe to the tree , and so eftsoones to feede . * isai . . . * the world is diuided into twelue partes , and ten partes of it are gone already , and halfe of the tenth part : & there remaineth that which is after the halfe of the tenth part . . esd . . , * neuertheles saith the lord , at those d●ys i will not make a full end of you . ier . . * for it is the day of the lords vengeance , and the ve●e●● re●●rence for the i●dgement of 〈◊〉 isai . . * dung-cribs . * they shall die of deaths and diseases , they shall not be lamented , neither shall they be buried , but they shall be as dung vpon the earth , &c. ier. . . * they haue compassed her about , as the witchmen of the field , because she hath prouoked me to wrath , saith the lord iere. . . * if the botch breake not , the patient liueth not . * it killes others with breaking . * they that feed delicately perish in the streetes , they that were brought vp in scarlet , embrace the d●●g lament . . . * and their corpes shall lie in the streetes of the great citie , &c. reuel . . . * because of their pride the cities shall be troubled the houses shall be afraid , men shall feare . . esd . . . * destruction vpon destruction is cried , for the whole land is wasted &c. iere. . . * iob . . simil. * plagues are sent vnto you● and who can driue them away . . esd . . . simil. * many dead bodies shal be in euery place , they shall cast them foorth with silence . amos . . * this no fiction , nor inserted by poeticall licence : but this verily was performed in the borough of leominster in the county of hereford : the one at the commandement of sir herbert crost knight , one of the councell of the marches of wales : the other by the instigation of sathan , and prococation of the disease . * torments , deuised by infinite wisedome , are infiite in paine . * mortall life is no more ( at the most ) compared to eternitie . * so fares it with sensuall epicures and libertines . * the conuersion of a sinner is most miraculous . * man is microcosmos . * as appeareth by the plague bills euerie weeke . simil. * micah . . * psal . . * ephes . . . god's terrible voice in the city by t.v. vincent, thomas, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing v estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) god's terrible voice in the city by t.v. vincent, thomas, - . [ ], p. s.n.], [london? : printed in the year . "wherein you have i. the sound of the voice in the narration of the two late dreadfull judgments of plague and fire, inflicted by the lord upon the city of london, the former in the year , the latter in the year , ii. the interpretation of the voice, in a discovery, . of the cause of these judgments, where you have a catalogue of london's sins, . of the design of these judgments where you have an enumeration of the duties god calls for by this terrible voice." reproduction of original in the university of illinois (urbana-champaign campus). library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london. london (england) -- fire, . london (england) -- history -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion god's terrible voice in the city : wherein you have i. the sound of the voice , in the narration of the two late dreadfull judgments of plague and fire , inflicted by the lord upon the city of london , the former in the year , , the latter in the year . ii. the interpretation of the voice , in a discovery , . of the cause of these judgments , where you have a catalogue of london's sins . . of the design of these judgments ; where you have an enumeration of the duties god calls for by this terrible voice . by t. v. micah . . the voice of the lord cryeth unto the city , and the man of wisdome shall see thy name : hear ye the rod , and who hath appointed it . printed in the year . to all such of the city , who have seen the desolations of london by the late judgments of plague and fire . it might have seemed more seasonable unto some , if a work of this nature had come forth unto view more immediately after the sound of gods terrible voice , and execution , at least , of the last dreadfull iudgment of the fire ; because if a man strikes whilst the iron is hot , it is likely to make the more deep impression , which when it grows cool , growes hard and unmalleable ; and if the hammer of the word had been used , when london was newly come forth of the furnace , some might think they would have yielded the more easily unto it's strokes , and the better have received the fashion , which this hammer would work them unto ; and that , since the fresh and lively remembrance of the judgement is more worn off , it is to be feared , that they are more cooled and hardned , and therefore in likelihood , it will be more difficult to effect a due impression of the iudgements by the word upon them : yet , besides that it was not in my thoughts to attempt this work , until the greatest part of the winter was spent : i may further adde , that , though a discourse concerning the plague , would have been most seasonable under the iudgment it self , when people who were generally taken off from their trading , had room and time for retirement and consideration , more than ever they had in their lives before ; and therefore were more likely to lay to heart , what might be spoken or written unto them on that subject : yet the reason is not the same in the iudgement of the fire , which ( however startling and astonishing ) was so far from giving them retiring time for consideration , as the former iudgement of the plague had done , that it did engage them unto more labourious works than ever they had , not only while london was burning , in removing what they could save of their goods from the fire ; but also since , in looking out new habitations , and fitting their houses and shops for trades ; which hath given them occasion for so much distraction , that i fear they could hardly settle their mindes to read and consider so seriously as they should , what the lord hath been doing with them , & speaking unto them by this terrible voice , which hath sounded so loud in their ears : but by this time , i hope , that the most have attained to some kinde of settlement , at least so much , as to give them leave to sit down and ponder upon the meaning of god , in these strange and dreadful iudgements of plague and fire in the city ; and therefore this book may be more seasonable unto the most , than if it had been written , and presented to them immediately after the fire had burnt them out of their habitations . friends , it is high time for all of you to retire your selves , and bethink your selves , and wisely to consider gods dealings with you , to open your ear , and labour to understand these speaking iudgments , least if god be provoked , by your deafness , and incorrigibleness , to speak a third time , it be in your utter ruine and desolation . if these papers be any wayes helpfull to revive in your memories the iudgments themselves , by the historicall narration which here you have of them ; to work your hearts to some sense of sin in discovery of the cause ; and to perswade you unto a ready compliance with gods design in the declaring of what god now expects from you , after such dreadfull executions ; as yours will be the benefit : so i desire that god may have the whole glory ; and that you would make this return for my help of you , to help me with your prayers , that i may be the more helpfull to you in mine , who am your dearly affectionate friend and servant in the lord. t. v. gods terrible voice in the city . psalm . part of the fifth verse . by terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us . introduction . shall a trumpet be blown in the city , and the people not be afraid ? shall there be evil in the city , and the lord hath not done it ? the lyon hath roared , who will not fear ? the lord god hath spoken , who can but prophesie ? am. . . . when the pharisees spake to our saviour to rebuke his disciples for their loud praises of the lord with hosanna's , he tells them , if they should hold their peace , the stones would immediately cry out , luk. . , . and we read in habakkuk , chap. . . of the stone crying out of the wall , and the beam out of the timber making answer . certainly we in london have lately heard the cry of stones and walls , of timber and beams in their fall and flames ; i mean in the late dreadful fire which hath laid out ierusalem in heaps ; or rather we have heard the voice of god in this and other terrible things which have come upon us ; let none then rebuke , if one so unfit do make an attempt to speak something of the meaning of londons fire , or of gods terrible voice in this and other judgements , when by the mouth of babes god can declare his will. sect . . by terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us . this whole psalm breathes forth nothing but grace and goodness unto the people of god , from the beginning of it to the end ; yea , in the verse of my text where god speaks most terribly and righteously in the judgements and destructions which he bringeth upon their enemies , yet he is called the god of their salvation , and those terrible things by which god speaks , are not only a righteous answer unto their enemies sins , but also a gracious answer unto his peoples prayers . by terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us . i shall not speak of terrible things in the restrained sense , as they befall the enemies only of gods people , and the wicked , whilst the righteous do escape , and it may be hereby are preserved ; but as they may befall any people , not excluding gods people , whom the lord may answer by terrible things in righteousness . two doctrines we may observe . doct. . that god doth sometimes speak unto a people by terrible things . doct. . that when god doth speak most terribly , he doth answer most righteously . first , that god doth sometimes speak unto a people by terrible things . here i shall show : . how god may be said to speak . . what those terrible things are by which god doth sometimes speak . . why god doth sometimes speak unto a people by terrible things ; and then apply . . how god may be said to speak . god being a spirit , hath no mouth nor tongue properly as men have , who have bodies , and therefore his way of speaking is not like ours ( though sometimes he hath created a voice in as articulate sound as if it had proceeded from the mouth of man to declare his will ) but there are several wayes in which god hath spoken and doth speak unto the children of men , by which he doth as really and effectually make known his mind , as if he spake with mans voice . . god hath spoken formerly unto men immediately , in extraordinary wayes , and that sometimes more terribly ; as when he gave the law upon mount sinai , when the mount burned with fire , and there was blackness , and darkness , and tempest , thundrings and lightnings , and the sound of the trumpet exceeding loud , and the voice of words so exceeding terrible , that it made the whole camp to tremble ; and moses himself said , i exceedingly fear and quake , exod. . . heb. . , , , . this way of gods speaking the children of israel were not able to bear , therefore they desired that moses might speak unto them , but that god would not speak unto them thus any more , least they should die , exod. . . at other times god spake with a more still and gentle voice , and in a more milde way , as when he spake to samuel in the night , he thought at first that it had been the voice of eli , sam. . , . thus god spake unto abraham , unto iacob , unto moses , to whom it is said , he spake face to face , as a man speaketh to his friend , exod. . . god spake also in an extraordinary way to his prophets of old , when he made known unto them his counsel , that they might declare it unto the people : sometimes he spake unto them with an audible voice , which he created when no shape was seen ; sometimes by angels , who appeared in bodies , which they laid down again when they had delivered their message ; sometimes by dreams and visions in the night ; sometimes by urim and thummim ; sometimes by more secret inspirations of the spirit . in the last daies of gods extraordinary speaking , he spake by the most extraordinary person , namely , by his own most dearly beloved and only begotten son , heb. . , . whom he sent out of his bosom to declare himself , ioh. . . and reveal what he had heard of the father , ioh. . . who brought life and immortality to light by the gospel , and made known gods purpose and grace in mans salvation , tim. . , . and uttered such things as were kept secret from the foundations of the world , mat. . . the gospel began to be spoken of by the lord iesus himself , and was continued and confirmed by his apostles , who were his witnesses , to whom god also did bear witness with signs and wonders , and divers miracles , and gifts of the holy ghost , according to his will , heb. . , . . and now , though not so immediately , and in such extraordinary wayes , yet still god doth speak unto the children of men . there are two wayes of gods speaking now unto men ; namely , his word and his works . . his word contained in the scriptures of the old and new testament , which holy men wrote as they were inspired by the holy ghost , pet. . . and thus god speaketh either externally by his word alone , or internally with his word by his spirit . . god speaketh now unto men externally by his word alone , to some more silently , unto whom he gives his scriptures only to be read , and brings to their view his written word alone , without the advantage of other ordinances , which might more powerfully declare unto them his will. unto others he speaks more audibly , where the gospel doth sound in their ears , and wi●h the scriptures god sendeth his ministers to preach unto them . god speaketh by his ministers , who are his watchmen , in his name to warn the people of his judgements temporal and eternal , which in the scriptures he hath threatned , ezek. , , &c. isa. . . who are the lords embassadors , cor. . . from whom they have a commission to preach the gospel , and declare the glad tidings of salvation unto all such as repent , and believe , and yield up themselves unto the obedience of the word . ministers stand in the room of christ ; and it is well for us that god speaks unto us by ministers , because we should not be able to endure , should he speak unto us immediately by himself ; should he speak unto us with an audible voice , as he did to the children of israel on mount sinai , when he gave the law , this would be so terrible , that with them we should desire to heat moses , and chuse ministers rather to speak unto us ; yea , if christ jesus himself should come down from heaven , however he might have been heard in his state of humiliation , when his deity was so much vailed ; yet if he should now appear in the glory he hath with the father ; or as he appeared unto iohn his beloved disciple , when his eyes were as a flame of fire , and his countenance like the sun when it shineth in its full strength , and his voice like the sound of many waters : i say , if christ should thus appear and preach unto us , such a dread and amazement would fall upon us , that we should fall down dead at his feet , as his disciple iohn did , rev. . , , , , . therefore it is better for us in this state of weakness , that god speaketh to us by ministers , men of like passions and infirmities with our selves , whom we may be able to bear , and whose words notwithstanding our weakness , we may be able to hear . . god doth now also speak unto men internally with his word by his spirit , when god sends his spirit with his word for conviction only , or some common work : thus god calls upon the wicked , who sit under the preaching of the word , moves and strives with them by his spirit , but they resist the spirit , stifle convictions , & wil not hearken to his calls and motions , gen. . . act. . . but especially god speaks with his word by his spirit , when he sendeth his spirit for conversion , and to effect a saving change : thus god speaks when he calleth blind sinners out of darkness into his marvellous light , pet. . . quickneth dead sinners , putting into them a new principle of spiritual life , eph. . . rescueth enslaved sinners out of satans snare , tim. . . delivering them from the power of the devil , and translating them into the kingdome of his dear son , col. . . when by his spirit he draweth sinners , ioh. . . and joyns them unto jesus christ , cor. . . god speaketh unto men with his word by his spirit , when he doth thus effectually call them ; and he speaketh unto men also by his spirit , when he graciously visiteth them which are called , when he teacheth , melteth , warmeth , quickneth , strengtheneth , and refresheth them by his spirit , as they sit under the influence of his ordinances , when he speaketh peace unto their consciences , sheweth them his reconciled face , sheddeth abroad his love in their hearts , and giveth such sweet comforts and ravishing joy as is unspeakable , and full of glory , ioh. . . ioh. . . luk. . . psal. . . eph. . . act. . . psa. . . rom. . . psa. . . pet. . . . god speaketh unto men by his works ; and that either by his works of creation , or by his works of providence . . god speaketh by his works of creation ; the heavens have a voice and declare gods glory , psa. . . and the earth hath not only an ear to hear , isa. . . but also a tongue , as it were , to speak gods praise . we read of the seas roaring , and the floods clapping their hands ; of the mountains singing , and the trees of the wood sounding forth their joyful acclamations ; yea , beasts and all cattel , creeping things and flying fowl , dragons and all deeps , fire , hail , snow , rain , and stormy winde , as they fulfill his word , so they speak , and in their way declare what their maker is , or rather in them , and by them , god doth speak , and make known something of himself , psa. . , , . &c. we read of the voice of the lord in power , the voice of the lord in majesty , the voice of the lord upon the waters , the voice of the lord dividing the flames of fire , the voice of the lord shaking the wilderness of cadesh , breaking the cedars of lebanon , and the like , which is the voice of the lord in the terrible noise of thunder , psa. . , , , , , . and there is no one work of the lord ( though not with such a noise ) which doth not with a loud voice , as it were , in the name of the lord proclaim unto the children of men , how great and glorious the lord is , who hath given it its being , and use , and place in the world : especially the work of god in the make of man , his body the members and senses , his soul the powers and faculties , doth without a tongue speak the praise of that god , who curiously framed the body in the womb , and immediately infused the living soul , psa. . , . zach. . . . god speaketh by his works of providence , and that both merciful and afflictive . . god speaketh by his merciful providences , by his patience , and bounty , and goodness , he calleth men unto repentance , rom. . . he giveth witness of himself , in giving rain and fruitful seasons , act. . . gods providing mercies , gods preventing mercies , gods preserving mercies , gods delivering mercies , the number of gods mercies which cannot be reckoned , the order and strange method of gods mercies , which cannot be declared , the greatness of gods mercies in the kinds and strange circumstances , which cannot be expressed , do all with open mouth call upon men from the lord to repent of their sins which they have committed against him , and to yeild all love , thankfulness , and obedience unto him . . god speaketh by his afflictive providences : there is a voice of god in his rod , as well as in his word , mic. . . hear the rod , and who hath appointed it ; when god chasteneth , he teacheth , psal. . . when god lifteth up his hand and strikes , he openeth his mouth also and speaks ; and sometimes openeth mens ears too , and sealeth their instruction , iob . . sometimes god speaks by rods more mildly , by lesser afflictions ; sometimes god speaks by scorpions more terribly , by greater judgements , which leads to the second particular . sect . ii. . what are those terrible things by which god doth sometimes speak ? the word in the original is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth , he feared : terrible things are such great judgements of god , as do usually make a general impression of fear upon the hearts of people . take some instances . . the plague is a terrible iudgement by which god speaks unto men . the hebrew word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he spake . it is a speaking judgement ; where god sends the plague , he speaks , and he speaks terribly ; the plague is very terrible , as it effecteth terrour ; the pestilence which walketh in darkness , is called the terrour by night , psal. . , . the plague is very terrible , in that . it is so poysonous a disease ; it poysons the blood and spirits , breeds a strange kind of venom in the body , which breaketh forth sometimes in boils , and blains , and great carbuncles , or else works more dangerously , when it preyeth upon the vitals more inwardly . . it is so noysome a disease ; it turns the good humors into putrefaction , which putting forth it self in the issues of running sores , doth give a most noysome smell : such a disease for loathsomeness we read of , psa. . , , . my wounds stink and are corrupt , my loins are filled with a loathsome disease , and there is no soundness in my flesh ; my lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore , and my kinsmen stand afar off . . it is so infectious a disease ; it spreadeth it self worse than the leprosie amongst the iews ; it infecteth not only those which are weak , and infirm in body , and full of ill humors , but also those which are young , strong , healthful , and of the best temperature ; and that sometimes sooner than others . the plague is infectious , and greatly infectious , whole cities have been depopulated through its spreading , many whole families have received infection , and death one from another thereby , which is the third thing that rendreth the plague so terrible . . it is so deadly ; it kills where it comes without mercy ; it kills ( i had almost said certainly ) very few do escape , especially upon its first entrance , and before its malignity be spent ; few are touched by it , but they are killed by it : and it kills suddenly ; as it gives no warning before it comes , suddenly the arrow is shot which woundeth unto the heart ; so it gives little time of preparation before it brings to the grave : under other diseases men may linger out many weeks and moneths ; under some divers years ; but the plague usually killeth within a few daies ; sometimes within a few hours after its first approach , though the body were never so strong and free from disease before . the plague is very terrible ; it is terrible to them that have it ; insomuch as it usually comes with grim death , the king of terrours , in its hand : and it is terrible to them which have it not ; because of their danger of being infected by it ; the fear of which hath made such an impression upon some , that it hath rased out of their hearts , for the while , all affections of love and pitty to their nearest relations and dearest friends ; so that when the disease hath first seized upon them , and they have had the greatest need of succour , they have left their friends in distress , and flown away from them , as if they had been their enemies . . a deluge by water is a terrible iudgement : there have been several floods which we read of in histories , that have suddenly broken in upon some places , and overwhelmed habitations and inhabitants together . but god never did , and never will speak so terribly by a deluge of water , as by the great deluge in the daies of noah , when the whole world was drowned thereby , excepting noah , and those which were with him in the ark. and because the judgement was so dreadful , and the history so affecting , i shall set it before your eye out of gen. . from the th ver . to the end of the chapter . in the six hundredth year of noahs life , in the second moneth , and the seventeenth day of the moneth , in the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up . god withdrew the bounds which he had set to the great sea , so that the waters covered the earth as they did at the beginning ; and the windowes of heaven were opened , out of which god looked forth in anger upon the earth , and powered forth a viol of his wrath , causing it to rain forty daies and forty nights in dreadful showres , accompanied , as is probable , with stormy winds , and hideous tempest , which put the world into a fright and amazement ; when the element of air seemed to be changed into water , and such a torrent flowed in upon them on every side ; we may guess what fear they were over-whelmed withal ; but noah and his family were got into the ark , and the lord shut them in ; then the waters encreased , and bare up the ark , and it was lift up above the earth , and the waters encreased , and prevailed greatly upon the earth , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the ark went upon the face of the waters , so that all the high hills and mountains were covered fifteen cubits : then all flesh died , fowl , and cattel , and beast , and every thing that creeped or moved on the earth , and every man , and noah only remained alive , and they that were with him in the ark. god spake then terribly indeed unto the wicked world by the flood , which devoured them all together in the midst of their security and sin ; but god hath promised he will never speak thus by water any more . . fire is another terrible thing , whereby god sometimes calls to contend by with a sinful people : fire is very dreadful when it hath a commission from god , and meets with much combustible matter , and prevails without resistance . god spake terribly by fire unto sodom and gomorrah , when he rained fire and brimstone on those cities , and consumed them . see gen. . from the th ver . to the th , the lord rained fire and brimstone out of heaven , and overthrew those cities and the inhabitants together ; and when abraham looked toward sodom and gomorrah , and the land of the plain , he saw the smoke of the country go up like the smoke of a furnace . god spake terribly , though not so terribly to ierusalem , when he suffered their city to be set on fire by the babylonians , and their temple to be burnt to the ground . see ier. . , . but the most fearful instances of gods terrible voice by fire are yet to come : thus god will speak by fire unto spiritual babylon , which may easily be proved to be rome , from rev. . . she being the then great city , which reigned over the kings of the earth . babylons burning with fire you may read , rev. . , , , &c. therefore shall her plagues come in one day , death , and mourning , and famine , and she shall be utterly burnt with fire ; for strong is the lord god who judgeth her : and the kings of the earth who have committed fornication , and lived deliciously with her , shall bewail her , and lament for her , when they shall see the smoak of her burning ; standing afar off for fear of her torment , saying , alas ! alas ! that great city babylon ! that mighty city ! for in one hour is thy judgement come . &c. god spake terribly by fire when london was in flames , of which in the application ; but he will speak far more terribly when babylon shall be in flames ; and not only in part , but wholly , and utterly , and irreparably burnt and turned into ashes : when not only the city shall be consumed , but also the whore her self shall be hated and made desolate , and devoured with fire by the kings of the earth , rev. . . the last instance of gods speaking terribly by fire will be the last day , when the lord jesus christ , the judge of quick and dead , shall come down from heaven in flaming fire , to take vengeance on all those that know not god , and obey not the gospel , thes. . , . and the apostle peter tells us , that the heavens and the earth are reserved in store for fire against this day : when the heavens shall pass away with a great noise , and the elements melt with fervent heat , and the earth , and all the works therein shall be burnt up , pet. . , . then god will speak terribly by fire , and above all , most terribly to the ungodly world , when he will sentence them unto , and cast them into the fire of hell , where they must dwell with devouring fire , and inhabit everlasting burnings . . the sword is a dreadful iudgement , whereby god speaks sometimes very terribly ; especially when he draws it forth against his own and his peoples enemies . hear how terribly god speaks , as in , deut. . , , , . see now that i , even i am he , and there is no god with me ; i kill , and i make alive ; i wound , and i heal ; neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand : for i lift up my hand to heaven , and say , i live for ever . if i whet my glittering sword , and my hand take hold on iudgement , i will render vengeance to mine enemies , and reward them that hate me ; i will make mine arrows drunk with blood ( and my sword shall devoure flesh ) and that with the blood of the slain , and of the captives , from the beginning of revenges upon the enemies . when god furbusheth his sword , and whets it ; when god girdeth his sword upon his thigh , and marcheth against his enemies ; when he draweth his sword , and maketh slaughter with it ; when his sword devoureth much flesh , and is made drunk with the blood of the slain ; when god gives commission to the sword , saying , sword , go thorow such a land ; as ezek. . . and powers out his fury on the land in blood ; as ver . . so that the sword is bathed in blood , and garments are rowled in blood , and the land is soaked in blood ; when blood is powred forth like water , and dead bodies are cast forth into the open field without burial ; and god makes an invitation to all feathered fowl to gather themselves together , and feast themselves upon the carkasses of the slain ; as ezek. . , , , . when god comes with died garments from bozrah , isa. . . when he gathereth the nations , and brings them into the valley of jehoshaphat , and thither causeth his mighty ones to come down against them , ioel . . . when the day of gods indignation doth come , and he makes such slaughter amongst his enemies , that the earth doth stink with their carkasses , and the mountains do melt with their blood , isa. . , . when god treadeth the wine-press of his wrath without the city , and the blood comes out of the wine-press even to the horses bridles , rev. . . in a word , when the lord shall come forth upon his white horse with his armies , and shall destroy the beast , and all the powers of the earth that take part with him : as rev. . from the th ver . to the end : then god will speak terribly indeed against his enemies by the sword ; then he will roar out of zion , and utter his voice from ierusalem , and that in such a manner , as will make both the heavens and the earth to tremble , ioel . . and indeed god speaks with a terrible voice where-ever he sends the sword , and makes the alarm of war to be heard ; as sometimes he sends it amongst his own people for their sin , kings . . when god brings into a land a people of another language and religion , of a fierce countenance and cruel disposition , and gives them power to prevail , and bring the land under their feet , so that the mighty men are cut off by them , and the men of valour crushed in the gate ; the young men fly and fall before them , and there is none to make any resistance ; when they break in upon cities , plunder houses , ravish women and maids , strip , and spoil , and put all to the sword , the young , with the grey-head , cruelly rip up women with-childe , and without any pity on little infants , dash them against the stones . god speaks more terribly by such a judgement , than by plague or fire . . the famine is a dreadful iudgement , whereby god speaks sometime unto a people very terribly ; when god stretcheth upon a place the lines of confusion , & the stones of emptiness ; as isa. . . when god sendeth cleanness of teeth into cities ; as amos . . when god shooteth into a land the evil arrows of famine , and it becomes exceeding sore , this is one of the most dreadful judgements of all judgements in this world , far beyond plague , or fire , or sword. see how pathetically the famine amongst the iews is described by ieremiah in his lamentations , chap. . from the th ver . unto the . the tongue of the sucking childe cleaveth to the roof of his mouth f●r thirst ; the young children ask for bread , and no man breaketh it unto them . they that feed delicately are desolate in the streets . they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghils . for the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of sodom , that was overthrown in a moment , and no hand stayed on her . the nazarites were purer than snow ; whiter than milk ; they were more ruddy in body then rubies ; their polishing was of saphire : their vtsage is blacker than a coal ; they are not known in the streets ; their skin cleaveth to their lones , it is withered , it is become like a stick . they that be slain with the sword , are better than they which be slain with hunger ; for these pine away stricken through for want of the fruits of the earth . the hands of the pittiful women have sodden their own children , they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people . the lord hath accomplished his fury , he hath poured out his fierce anger . . the sixth terrible iudgment is a famine of the word , which is threatned , am. . , . behold the dayes come , saith the lord , that i will send a famine in the land , not a famine of bread , nor a thirst for water , but of hearing the words of the lord : and they shall wander from sea to sea , and from the north to the east , and they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the lord , and shall not finde it . a famine of the word is a worse judgment , than a famine of bread ; indeed few do really think so , because the most judge according to sense ; but that it is so , is evident to a man of faith and consideration ; for as the soul is more excellent than the body , and the concernments of the other life , far beyond the concernments of this life : so the provisions for the soul are more excellent than the provisions for the body , and the means of getting eternal life to be preferred before the means of preserving temporal life ; and therefore by consequence the dearth & scarcity of provisions for the soul must needs be a greater judgment , than a scarcity of provisions for the body . unto which i might add , that the famine of the word doth usually bring with it many temporal judgments ; the burning of the temple at ierusalem , and the failing of vision was accompanied with slaughter by the sword , and captivity of the land. . and lastly , god speaks most terriblie unto a people when he sends divers of these iudgments together , as lam. . . abroad the sword bereaveth , at home there is death , when enemies without , plague and famine within . god speaks terribly , when fire and sword goeth together , or sword and famine ; or famine and plague , or famine of bread , and famine of the word . these are some of the terrible things by which god doth sometimes speak . sect . iii. why is it that the lord doth speak unto a people . by such terrible things ? the reason is , because people don't hearken unto him , speaking any other way , god speaketh once , yea twice , but men perceive it not , iob . . gods gentle voice is not heard or minded , therefore he speaks more loudly and terribly , that people might be awakened to hear . particularly god speaks thus terribly , . because people do not hearken to the voice of his word and messengers ; god speaks audibly by ministers , and when they are not regarded , he speaks more feelingly by judgments ; he speaks first by threatnings , & when they are slighted , he speaks by executions . god first lifts up his voice and warns by his word , before he lifts up his arme and strikes with his rod ; when men grow thick of hearing the sweet calls of the gospel , god is even forced to thunder , that he may peirce their ear ; when god speaks to the ears and they are shut , god speaks to the eyes and other senses , that his mind may be known ; especially when men obstinately refuse to hear , god is exceedingly provoked to execute his terrible judgments upon them , see zach. . , . but they refused to hearken , and pulled away the shoulder , and stopped their ears that they should not hear : yea they made their heart like an adamant stone , least they should hear the law , and the words which the lord of hosts had sent in his spirit by the former prophets : therefore came there a great wrath from the lord of hosts . so also when god gave up ierusalem to desolation and ruine , see the sin which provoked the lord hereunto . chron. . . they mocked the messengers of god , and despised his words , and misused his prophets , untill the wrath of the lord arose against his people , till there was no remedy . . because they do not hearken to the voice of his goodness and mercies . the goodness and forbearance of god doth speak unto men from him , and call upon them to forbear sin for shame , to repent and return to him , rom. . . but when men despise the riches of his goodness , and deafen their ear unto the language of his mercies , and trample his patience under foot ( though god hath appointed a day of wrath hereafter , wherein he will reckon with the whole ungodly world together , and give them the just demerit of their sin , yet ) sometimes his patience is turned hereby into fury , and his anger doth break forth into a flame , and consumes them by the blow of dreadfull temporal judgments . . because they will not hearken to the voice of lesser afflictions ; when gods word is not heard , he speaks by his rod ; when his rod is not heard , he shoots with his arrowes & strikes with his sword ; and if lesser afflictions be not minded , then god speaks by more dreadful awakening judgments : as the sins of men do precede the judgments of god : so usually lesser judgments do precede greater judgments ; and as there are degrees and steps which men usually do make before they arrive to a great heighth in sin , nemo repentè fit turpissimus : so there are degrees and steps which god usually doth take , in inflicting his judgments for sin . look into one place for all , which shews how god doth proceed from less to greater judgments , lev. . from the . v. to the th . when his statutes are despised and covenant broken , first he threatneth to send upon them consumption , and a burning ague , then he threatneth that they shall fall before their enemies ; and if they will not hearken to his voice in these judgments , he threatneth to punish them seven times more for their sins ; and to make the heavens as iron ; and the earth as brass ; and send a dearth amongst them . and if they will not yet hearken , he threatneth to send wild beasts , which should devour their children and cattel . and if they would not be reformed by these things , but still would walk contrary unto him , he threatneth to walk contrary unto them , and to punish them yet seven times more for their sins : he threatneth to bring a sword upon them to avenge the quarrel of his covenant ; and when they should be gathered together in their cities , to send the pestilence amongst them ; and hereunto to adde the famine . and if they would not yet hearken unto god , but still walk contrary unto him , he threatneth that he will walk contrary unto them in fury ▪ and make them eat the flesh of their sons and their daughters , and lay wast their cities , and make their sanctuaries a desolation ; and upon them that are left alive he threatneth to send such faintness of heart , that they should flee at the sound of a shaken leaf , and fall when none pursued them ; and that they should pine away in their iniquities in the land of their enemies . thus god proceeds by steps and degrees in the execution of his fierce anger upon a rebellious people , when god speaks by ordinary diseases and is not heard , then sometimes he sends a plague ; and if after a plague , people will not return to him that smiteth them , nor seek to pacify gods anger which is kindled against them ; but walk so much the more contrary unto him , he may walk contrary to them in fury , and send fire into their cities to devour their habitations . and if the voice of the fire be not heard , he hath other judgments in readiness , sword ▪ famine and the like . and if temporal judgments be n●● heeded , he will bring upon them eternal judgments . god is not heard any other way , therefore he doth speak by such terrible things . sect . iv. the application . god speaks sometimes to a people by terrible things . these few last years have given sad instances hereof in england , especially the two last years in our city of london . the voice of the lord hath been in the city , it hath been loud and full of terrour ; the lord hath come forth against us with armed vengeance . frowns have been in his brow ; death and desolation in his looks ; thunder hath been in his voice : flames of fire in his hand : the pestilence hath gone before him , and burning coals at his feet : he hath sent forth his arrows which have scattered us , and shot forth his lightnings which have discomfited us ; the lord hath thundered in the heavens , and the highest gave his voice , hail-stones and coals of fire : the lord hath visited us with storm and tempest and great noise , yea he hath caused his glorious voice to be heard , and shewed the lighting down of his arme , with the indignation of his anger : and with the flame of devouring fire , with scattering and tempest and hail-stones : then the furrowes of the earth were seen , and the foundations of the city were discovered , the earth also shook , because he was wrath , and the inhabitants of london trembled , because of his fierce anger ; then the snares of death compassed us , and the fears of hell gat hold on us , and our hearts were moved within us , as trees when they are moved by the wind. dreadfull have gods late judgments been in london , the noise of which hath gone forth , not only throughout the land , but also unto the outermost parts of the world. three things we should remark in this terrible voice of gods judgments . . the iudgments themselves . . the cause of the iudgments . . the design of the iudgments . in the first , we have the sound of the voice . in the two last , the interpretation of the voice . . concerning the iudgments themselves . here i might speak of the judgment executed , august th . when so many ministers were put out of their places ; and the judgment executed march th . when so many ministers were banished . miles from corporations , the former by way of introduction to the plague which sometime after did spread in the land , but chiefly raged in the city ; the later by way of introduction to the fire , which quickly after did burn down london the greatest corporation in england . these judgments having been so lately , and general in the land ; and i presume so generally known , with all their circumstances ; that it would be needless to give here a narration of them . but this i must say , i could wish they were as generally believed to be judgments ; and accordingly laid to heart : for i fear that the great insensibility , which people have been under of these judgments ; because they have not reached the flesh ; and their sottish inconsideration of gods dreadfull displeasure herein , hath provoked the lord to send such judgments as have come nearer to sense : that they might perceive god was angry indeed before , and that his greater displeasure in the former might be known by his more sensible displeasure in the latter . let london seriously consider whether her gospel priviledges were not her best defence against temporal calamities ; and whether since her slighting , abuse and forfeiture , and gods seisure and stripping her so much of these , she hath not been laid naked to those heavy strokes of extraordinary judgments which she hath lately received . london had the gospel , ordinances powerfull , pure , plentifull ministers excellently qualified and rarely furnished with ministerial abilities ; london had as many burning and shining lights as any one such spot of ground under the cope of heaven . not to speak of their abilities for preaching and defence of the truth , such gifts of prayer london ministers had , which were no small defence of the city , as i believe no city in the world could parallel . o what prayers have there formerly been in london pulpits , especially on dayes of solemn humiliation ! how have the spirits of ministers been carried forth sometime in prayer for several hours together , ( without tautologies and vain repetitions ) in such variety of affectionate enlargements , and with such raisedness and transports of spirit ; as if they had been just leaving the body , and going to live and abide with god , and would converse no more with men or worldly things ! in their confessions of sin , how have they rak'd into the dunghill of a rotten heart , and laid abroad its inward filthiness ? how have they trac'd the foot-steps of its deceitfulness , through the maze and wilderness of its many windings and turnings ? how have they peirced into the very bowels of sin , and ript it up as it were to the back-bone , bringing forth its very entrals to open view ? how have they anatomiz'd as it were the body of death in all the parts and members of it , discovering withall the several diseases of every part , with their cause , and manner of working ? and all this in such pathetical cutting expressions , accompanied with such brokenness and bleeding of heart , as no form can imitate or effect . in their supplications for the pardon of sin , for spiritual and heavenly riches , o with what feeling and fervour did they express themselves ? o with what faith and importunity did they wrestle and plead at the throne of grace for such favours beyond the importunity of poor prisoners through the grates , or poor beggars at the doors , when they are most earnest for relief ? yea how did they besiege god as it were , and seem as if they would scale the walls of heaven it self , and take the kingdome of heaven with violence and force ? how have they even pressed in upon god with the dint of argument , and laid hold on him with the hand of faith , resolving not to let him go without a blessing ? in their supplications for the church and land , they have behaved themselves as if they had no private concernments . but how did they bear london upon their hearts when they came to the throne of grace ? what yearning bowels had they towards and for the city ? how many teares have they shed in bewailing her sins ? how have they stood in the breach , when the lord hath been coming forth against this place ? how have they held his arme when it hath been lifted up to strike ? how have they stood weeping between the porch and the altar , crying spare thy people o lord , and do not destroy london ! and many times have they prevailed to appease gods wrath and turn away his fierce anger which hath been kindled against us . gospel-ordinances , and gospel-ministers were the safe-guard of london , the glory and defence . but when the ordinances were slighted , and the ministers were mocked and misused by some who called themselves professors , and both were fallen so much in the esteem of the most ; and london did not yield the fruit which god looked for under such dressing , ( of which more when i come to speak of londons sins ) god is provoked not only to call for some of his messengers home to himself , but also to suffer the rest which were most consciencious to be thrust into corners . this , this did presage london's near approaching ruine and desolation , though few did believe it , and because they did not believe it , and were insensible of gods wrath in this judgment : therefore their danger was the greater of the other judgments which have come upon them : when so many stakes were pluckt out , no wonder if the hedge be broken ; when so many pillars were removed , no wonder if the building tumble to the ground . but i proceed to give a narration of the later judgments of plague and fire . sect . v. the plague so great , so lately , should not be forgotten ; yet lest the fire more lately , and propotionably more great , and the amazing fears , which since have risen within us , should shuffle former thoughts out of our minds , and rase out the impressions , which by the plague we had , and should labour to retain to our dying hour : therefore i shall give a brief narration of this sad judgment , and some observations of mine own ( who was here in the city from the beginning to the end of it ) both to keep alive in my self and others , the memory of the judgment , that we may be the better prepared for compliance with gods designe in sending the plague amongst us . it was in the year of our lord . that the plague began in our city of london , after we were warned by the great plague in holland in the year . & the beginning of it in some remote parts of our land the same year ; not to speak any thing whether there was any signification and influence in the blazing-star not long before , that appeared in the view of london , and struck some amazement upon the spirits of many : it was in the moneth of may that the plague was first taken notice of ; our bill of mortality did let us know but of three which died of the disease in the whole year before ; but in the beginning of may the bill tels us of nine , which fell by the plague , just in the heart of the city , the other eight in the suburbs . this was the first arrow of warning that was shot from heaven amongst us , and fear quickly begins to creep upon peoples hearts ; great thoughts and discourse there is in town about the plague , and they cast in their minds whether they should go if the plague should increase . yet when the next weeks bill signifieth to them the disease from to . their minds are something appeased ; discourse of that subject cools ; fears are husht , and hopes take place , that the black cloud did but threaten , and give a few drops ; but the wind would drive it away . but when in the next bill the number of the dead by the plague is mounted from to , and in the next to , and in the next to , and the disease begins so much to increase , and disperse . now secure sinners begin to be startled , and those who would have slept at quiet still in their nests , are unwillingly awakened . now a great consternation seizeth upon most persons , and fearful bodings of a desolating judgment . now guilty sinners begin to look about them , and think with themselves into what corner of the land they might fly to hide them . now the profane and sensual , if they have not remorse for their sins ; yet dread and terrors , the effects of guilt , they could not drive from them ; and if by company , and carousing , and soft pleasures they do intoxicate and smoothen their spirits in the day ; yet we may guess what dread doth return upon them if they give but any room for retirement , and what hideous thoughts such persons have in the silent night , through fears of death which they are in danger of . now those who did not believe an unseen god , are affraid of unseen arrows ; and those which slighted gods threatnings of eternal judgments , do tremble at the beginning of his execution of one , and not the greatest temporal judgment . now those which had as it were challenged the god of heaven , and defied him by their horrid oaths and blasphemies , when he begins to appear , they retreat , yea fly away with terror and amazement . the great orbs begin first to move ; the lords and gentry retire into their countries ; their remote houses are prepared , goods removed , and london is quickly upon their backs : few ruffling gallants walk the streets : few spotted ladies to be seen at windows : a great forsaking there was of the adjacent places where the plague did first rage . in iune the number increaseth from to an . the next week to . the next to . the next to . most of which increase was in the remote parts ; few in this month within , or neer the walls of the city ; and few that had any note for goodness or profession , were visited at the first : god gave them warning to bethink and prepare themselves ; yet some few that were choice were visited pretty soon , that the best might not promise to themselves a supercedeas , or interpret any place of scripture so literally , as if the lord had promised an absolute general immunity and defence of his own people from this disease of the plague . now the citizens of london are put to a stop in the carrier of their trade ; they begin to fear whom they converse withall , and deal withall , least they should have come out of infected places . now roses and other sweet flowers wither in the gardens , are dis-regarded in the markets , and people dare not offer them to their noses , lest with their sweet savour , that which is infectious should be attracted : rue and wormwood is taken into the hand ; myrrhe and zedoary into the mouth ; and without some antidote few stir abroad in the morning . now many houses are shut up where the plague comes , and the inhabitants shut in , lest coming abroad they should spread infection . it was very dismal to behold the red crosses , and read in great letters , lord have mercy upon us , on the doors , and watchmen standing before them with halberts , and such a solitude about those places , and people passing by them so gingerly , and with such fearful looks , as if they had been lined with enemies in ambush , that waited to destroy them . now rich tradesmen provide themselves to depart , if they have not country-houses , they seek lodgings abroad for themselves and families , and the poorer tradesmen , that they may imitate the rich in their fear , stretch themselves to take a country journey , though they have scarce wherewithall to bring them back again . the ministers also many of them take occasion to go to their country places for the summer time ; or it may be to find out some few of their parishioners that were gone before them , leaving the greatest part of their flock without food or physick , in the time of their greatest need . ( i don't speak of all ministers , those which did stay out of choice and duty , deserve true honour ) possibly they might think god was now preaching to the city , and what need their preaching ; or rather did not the thunder of gods voice affrighten their guilty consciences , and make them fly away , lest a bolt from heaven should fall upon them , and spoil their preaching for the future : and therefore they would reserve themselves , till the people had less need of them . i do not blame many citizens retiring , when there was so little trading , and the presence of all might have helped forward the increase and spreading of the infection ; but how did guilt drive many away , where duty would have engaged them to stay in the place ? now the high waies are thronged with passengers , and goods , & london doth emptie it self into the country ; great are the stirs and hurries in london by the removal of so many families ; fear puts many thousands on the wing , and those think themselves most safe , that can flie furthest off from the city . in iuly the plague encreaseth , and prevaileth exceedingly , the number of . which died in one week by the disease ariseth to the next week ▪ to the next , to the next , to the next . now the plague compasseth the walls of the city like a flood , and poureth in upon it . now most parishes are infected , both without and within ; yea there are not so many houses shut up by the plague , as by the owners forsaking of them for fear of it ; and though the inhabitants be so exceedingly decreased by the departure of so many thousands , yet the number of dying persons doth increase fearfully . now the countries keep guards , left infections persons should from the city bring the disease unto them ; most of the rich are now gone , and the middle sort will not stay behind ; but the poor are forced through poverty to stay and abide the storm . now most faces gather paleness , and what dismal apprehensions do then fill the minds , what dreadful fears do there possess the spirits , especially of those whose consciences are full of guilt , and have not made their peace with god ? the old drunkards and swearers , and unclean persons are brought into great straits ; they look on the right hand , and on the left , and death is marching towards them from every part , and they know not whither to flie that they may escape it . now the arrows begin to flie very thick about their ears , and they see many fellow-sinners fall before their faces , expecting every hour themselves to be smitten ; and the very sinking fears they have had of the plague , hath brought the plague and death upon many : some by the sight of a coffin in the streets have fallen into a shivering , and immediatly the disease hath assaulted them , and sergeant death hath arrested them , and clapt too the doors of their houses upon them , from whence they have come forth no more , till they have been brought forth to their graves ; we may imagine the hideous thoughts and horrid perplexity of mind , the tremblings , confusions , and anguish of spirit , which some awakened sinners have had , when the plague hath broke in upon their houses , and seized upon neer relations , whose dying groans sounding in their ears have warned them to prepare : when their doors have been shut up and fastned on the outside with an inscription , lord have mercy upon us , and none suffered to come in but a nurse , whom they have been more afraid of , then the plague it self : when lovers and friends , and companions in sin have stood aloof , and not dared to come nigh the door of the house , lest death should issue forth from thence upon them ; especially when the disease hath invaded themselves ; and first began with a pain and diziness in their head , then trembling in their other members ; when they have felt boiles to arise under their arms , and in their groins , and seen blaines to come forth in other parts : when the disease hath wrought in them to that height as to send forth those spots which ( most think ) are the certain tokens of neer approaching death ; and now they have received the sentence of death within themselves , and have certainly concluded , that within a few hours they must go down into the dust ; and their naked souls , without the case of their body , must make its passage into eternity , and appear before the highest majesty , to render their accounts , and receive their sentence : none can utter the horrour , which hath been upon the spirits of such , through the lashes and stings of their guilty consciences , when they have called to mind a life of sensuality , and profaneness , their uncleanness , drunkenness , injustice , oaths , curses , derision of saints , and holiness , neglect of their own salvation ; and when a thousand sins have been set in order before their eyes , with another aspect , than when they looked upon them in the temptation ; and they find god to be irreconcileably angry with them , and that the day of grace is over , the door of mercy is shut , and that pardon and salvation ( which before they slighted ) is now unattainable ; that the grave is now opening its mouth to receive their bodies , and hell opening its mouth to receive their souls ; and they apprehend , that they are now just entring into a place of endless wo and torment , and they must now take up their lodgings in the inferiour regions of utter darkness , with devils and their fellow damned sinners , and there abide for evermore in the extremity of misery , without any hopes or possibility of a release ; and that they have foolishly brought themselves into this condition , and been the cause of their own ruin ; we may guess that the dispairful agonies , and anguish of such awakened sinners hath been of all things the most unsupportable ; except the very future miseries themselves , which they have been afraid of . in august how dreadful is the increase ? from the number amounts up to in one week ; and thence to the next ; thence to the next ; thence to the next ; and all these of the plague , besides other diseases . now the cloud is very black , and the storm comes down upon us very sharp . now death rides triumphantly on his pale horse through our streets , and breaks into every house almost where any inhabitants are to be found . now people fall as thick as leaves from the trees in autumn , when they are shaken by a mighty wind . now there is a dismal solitude in london-streets , every day looks with the face of a sabbath day , observed with greater solemnity than it used to be in the city . now shops are shut in , people rare and very few that walk about , in so much that the grass begins to spring up in some places , and a deep silence almost in every place , especially within the walls ; no ratling coaches , no prancing horses , no calling in customers , nor offering wares ; no london cries sounding in the ears ; if any voice be heard , it is the groans of dying perions , breathing forth their last , and the funeral knells of them that are ready to be carried to their graves . now shutting up of visited houses ( there being so many ) is at an end , and most of the well are mingled among the sick which otherwise would have got no help . now in some places where the people did generally stay ; not one house in an hundred but is infected ; and in many houses half the family is swept away ; in some the whole , from the eldest to the youngest ; few escape with the death of but one or two : never did so many husbands and wives die together ; never did so many parents carry their children with them to the grave , and go together into the same house under earth ; who had lived together in the same house upon it . now the nights are too short to bury the dead , the whole day though at so great a length is hardly sufficient to light the dead that fall therein into their beds . now we could hardly go forth , but we should meet many coffins , and see many with sores , and limping in the streets ; amongst other sad spectacles , methought two were very affecting : one of a woman comming alone , and weeping by the door where i lived ( which was in the midst of the infection ) with a little coffin under her arm carrying it to the new church yard ; i did judge that it was the mother of the childe , and that all the family besides was dead , and she was forced to coffin up and bury with her own hands this her last dead childe . another , was of a man at the corner of the artillery-wall , that as i judge through the diziness of his head with the disease , which seised upon him there , had dasht his face against the wall , and when i came by he lay hanging with his bloody face over the rails , and bleeding upon the ground ; and as i came back he was removed under a tree in more-fields , and lay upon his back ; i went and spake to him ; he could make me no answer , but ratled in the throat , and as i was informed , within half an hour died in the place . it would be endless to speak what we have seen and heard of some in their frensie , rising out of their beds , and leaping about their rooms ; others crying and roaring at their windows ; some comming forth almost naked , and running into the streets , strange things have others spoken and done , when the disease was upon them : but it was very sad to hear of one who being sick alone , and it is like phrantick , burnt himself in his bed . now the plague had broken in much amongst my acquaintance ; and of about . or more whose faces i used to see every day in our house , within a little while i could finde but . or . of them alive ; scarcely a day past over my head for i think a moneth or more together , but i should hear of the death of some one or more that i knew . the first day that they were smitten , the next day some hopes of recovery , and the third day that they were dead . the september , when we hoped for a decrease , because of the season , because of the number gone , and the number already dead ; yet it was not come to its height ; but from . which died by the plague the last week of august , the number is augmented to the first week in september ; and when we conceived some little hopes in the next weeks abatement to ; our hopes were quite dashed again , when the next week it did rise to . which was the highest bill ; and a dreadful bill it was ! and of the . parishes in and about the city , there were but parishes which were not infected : and in those , few people remaining that were not gone into the country . now the grave doth open its mouth without measure . multitudes ! multitudes ! in the valley of the shadow of death , thronging daily into eternity ; the church-yards now are stufft so full with dead corpses , that they are in many places swell'd two or three foot higher than they were before ; and new ground is broken up to bury the dead . now hell from beneath is moved at the number of the guests that are received into its chambers ; the number of the wicked which have died by the plague , no doubt , hath been far the greatest , as we may reasonably conclude without breach of charity ; and it is certain that all the wicked , which then died in sin , were turned into hell ; how then are the damned spirits now encreased ? some were damning themselves a little before in their oaths , and god is now damning their souls for it , and is passing the irreversible sentence of damnation upon them . some were drinking wine in bowls a little before , and strong drink without measure ; and now god hath put another cup into their hands , a cup of red wine , even the wine of the wrath and fierceness of the almighty ; some were a little before feasting their senses , pleasing their appetite , satisfying the desires of the flesh , and being past feeling had given themselves up to lasciviousness , to work all uncleanness with greediness ; but now their laughter is turned into mourning , and their joy into howling and woe ; now they have recovered their feeling again , but instead of the pleasures which they felt , and their sensual delights , which took away the feeling of their consciences , they are made to feel the heavy hand of god , and to endure such anguish and horrour , through the sense of gods wrath , as no tongue can express . now the atheists believe there is a god , and the anti-scripturists is convinced of the truth of gods word , by the execution of gods threatnings in the word upon them . now the covetous and unjust , the malicious and cruel , the scoffers and profane begin to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire ; and the ignorant person with the civil , who are unacquainted with jesus christ are not excused ; yea the hypocrites , with all impenitent , and unbelieving persons , are sent down to the place of weeping : and surely hell wonders to see so many come amongst them from such a city as london , where they have enjoyed such plenty of such powerful means of grace ; and place is given to them , even the lowest and hottest , where iudas and others are of the chiefest note . yet hell doth not engross all that dye by the visitation ; some there are ( though not the first or most ) who have room made for them in the mansions , which are above ; the plague makes little difference between the righteous and the wicked ( except the lord by a peculiar providence do shelter some under his wing , and compass them with his favour as with a shield , hereby keeping off the darts that are shot so thick about them ) yet as there is little difference in the body of the righteous , and of others : so this disease makes little discrimination , and not a few fearing god , are cut off amongst the rest ; they dye of the same distemper , with the most profane ; they are buried in the same grave , and there sleep together till the morning of the resurrection : but as there is a difference in their spirits , whilst they live : so there is a difference and the chiefest difference in their place and state after their separation from the body . dives is carryed to hell , and lazarus to abrahams bosome , though he dyed with his body full of sores : devils drag the souls of the wicked after they have received their final doom at the bar of god , into utter darkness where there is weeping , and wailing and gnashing of teeth : but angels convey the souls of the righteous into the heavenly paradise , the new ierusalem which is above , where god is in his glory ; and the lord jesus christ at his right hand ; and thousand thousands stand before him , and ten thousand times ten thousand administer unto him ; even an innumerable company of angels , and where the spirits of all just men and women made perfect were before gathered ; where there is fulness of joy , and rivers of eternal pleasures running about the throne of god , the streams of which do make glad all the inhabitants of new jerusalem . now the weak prison doors of the body are broken down ; and the strong everlasting gates of their fathers palace are lifted up ; and the saints are received with joy and triumph into glory , and they come with singing into zion , and everlasting joy in their hearts , and all sorrow and sighing doth fly away like a cloud , which never any more shall be seen . now the vail is rent , and they enter the holy of holies , where god dwells , not in the darkness of a thick cloud , as in the temple of old ; but in the brightness of such marvelous light and glory , as their eyes never did behold , neither could enter into their heart to conceive ; there they have the vision of gods face , without any eclipse upon the light of his countenance ; there they have the treasures of gods love opened , and his armes to receive them with dearest and sweetest embracements ; which kindles in their hearts such a flame of love , so ravishing and delightful , as words cannot utter ; there they are entertained by the lord jesus christ , whom in the world they have served , and he that shewed them his grace , which they have wondred at , when they were in the body , doth now shew them his glory , which they wonder at much more : there they are welcomed by angels , who rejoyce if at their conversion , much more at their coronation ; there they sit down with abraham , isaac and iacob in the kingdome of their father ; there they find moses , and david , and samuel , and paul , and all the holy martyrs and saints , which have dyed before them , amongst whom they are numbred , and placed , who rejoyce in their increased society . and as there is a great difference between the condition of the souls of the righteous , and the wicked , who dyed by the same disease of the plague , after their death and separation , so there is a great difference between the carriage of their spirits at their death , and upon their sick bed. some wicked men are stupid and senseless , and are given up to a judiciary hardness , and dye in a sleep of carnal security , out of which they are not awakened , till they are awakned in the midst of flames : others more sensible , and considering what hath been , and what is coming upon them , are filled with unexpressible terrour , through the roarings and tearings of a guilty accusing conscience , and the fore-thoughts of that horrible unsupportable torment they are so neer unto . now scaring dreams do terrifie them , and fearfulness of the bottomless pit , and the burning lake below doth surprize them , and some breaketh forth in the anguish of their despairing souls ; who can dwell with devouring fire , who can inhabit everlasting burnings ? and however jovial and full of pleasure their life hath been , yet at their latter end they are utterly consumed with terrours . but mark the perfect man , and behold the upright , the end of that man is peace , whatsoever storms they have had in their passage through a rough sea , the wind blowing , and the waves roaring , and sometimes have been ready to sink through opposition and discouragement , sometimes have been over-whelmed with grief and doubtings , sometimes have been dasht upon the rocks of terrour , and perplexity : yet now they are come to the haven of death , the winds are husht and still , the waves are smooth and silent , the storm is over , and there is a great calm upon their spirits ; they are past the rocks , and are out of the danger they feared , when they are in the greatest danger of approaching death . it was generally observed amongst us , that gods people who dyed by the plague amongst the rest ; dyed with such peace and comfort , as christians do not ordinarily arrive unto , except when they are called forth to suffer martyrdome for the testimony of jesus christ. some who have been full of doubts , and fears , and complaints , whilst they have lived , and been well ; have been filled with assurance , and comfort , and praise , and joyful expectation of glory , when they have layn on their death-beds with this disease . and not only more grown christians , who have been more ripe for glory , have had these comforts : but also some younger christians , whose acquaintance with the lord hath been of no long standing . i can speak something of mine own knowledge concerning some of my friends , whom i have been withall ; i shall instance only in the house where i lived . we were eight in family , three men , three youths , an old woman , and a maid : all which came to me , hearing of my stay in town , some to accompany me , others to help me . it was the latter end of september before any of us were toucht ; the young ones were not idle , but improved their time in praying , and hearing , and were ready to receive instruction ; and were strangly born up against the fears of the disease and death , every day so familiar to the view . but at last we were visited , and the plague came in dreadfully upon us , the cup was put into our hand to drink , after a neighbour family had tasted it , with whom we had much sweet society in this time of sorrow . and first our maid was smitten , it began with a shivering and trembling in her flesh , and quickly seised on her spirits ; it was a sad day , which i believe i shall never forget ; i had been abroad to see a friend in the city , whose husband was newly dead of the plague , and she her self visited with it ; i came back to see another , whose wife was dead of the plague , and he himself under apprehensions that he should die within a few hours ; i came home , and the maid was on her death-bed ; and another crying out for help , being left alone in a sweating fainting fit . what was an interest in christ worth then ? what a priviledge to have a title to the kingdom of heaven ? but i proceed . it was the monday when the maid was smitten ; on thursday she dyed full of tokens ; on friday one of the youths had a swelling in his groin ; and on the lords day died with the marks of the distemper upon him ; on the same day another youth did sicken ; and on the wednesday following he died : on the thursday night his master fell sick of the disease , and within a day or two was full of spots ; but strangely beyond his own , and others expectations recovered . thus did the plague follow us , and came upon us one by one ; as iob's messengers came one upon the heels of another : so the messengers of death came so close one after another , in such dreadfull manner , as if we must all follow one another immediately into the pit. yet the lord in mercy put a stop to it , and the rest were preserved . but that which was very remarkable in this visitation , was the carriage especially of those youths that died , who i believe were less troubled themselves , then others were troubled for them . the first youth that was visited being asked by his father , concerning the provision he had made for his death and eternity ; told him , he hop't if he died , he should go to heaven : being asked the grounds of his hopes , said , the lord had enabled him to look beyond the world ; and when he was drawing neer to his end ; boldly enquired whether the tokens did yet appear , saying that he was ready for them ; and so a hopeful bud was nipt ; but let not the father or the mother weep , and be in sadness for him , he is i don't doubt with their father , and his heavenly father , which may be their comfort . the other also was a very sweet hopefull youth ; so loving and towardly , that it could not choose but attract love from those that were acquainted with him . but the grace he had gotten in those years , being i suppose under seventeen , did above all beautify him , and stand him in the greatest stead : in his sickness he had much quiet and serenity upon his spirit ; and lay so unconcerned at the thoughts of approaching death , that i confess i marvelled to see it ; the sting and fear of death , were strangely taken out through the hopes which he had of future glory ; yet once he told his mother he could desire to live a little longer , if it were the will of god ; she asked him why he desired it ? he told her he desired to live till fire and faggot came , and above all he would fain die a martyr : she said if he died now he should have a crown ; he answered , but if he died a martyr he should have a more glorious crown : yet he was not unwilling to receive his crown presently ; and went away with great peace and sweetness in his looks , to his fathers house : and i could not blame the mothers grief for the loss of such an only son ; but to be so immoderate was not well ; now i am sure it is time to dry up tears , and lay aside sorrows for the loss of him , who hath been so long filled with joys in the heavenly mansions . i might speak of the carriage of the master in his sickness under the apprehensions of death ; when the spots did appear on his body , he sent for me and desired me to pray with him ; told me he was now going home , desired me to write to his friends , and let them know , that it did not repent him of his stay in the city , though they had been so importunate with him to come away : but he had found so much of gods presence in his abode here , that he had no reason to repent : he told me where he would be buried , and desired me to preach his funeral sermon on psal. . ult . in thy presence there is fulness of joy ; and at thy right hand there is pleasures for evermore . but the lord raised him again beyond the expectation of himself , friends , or physician . let him not forget gods mercies , and suffer too much worldly business to croud in upon him , & choak the remembrance and sense of god's goodness so singular ; but let him by his singularity in meekness , humility , self-denial , and love , zeal , and holy walking , declare that the lord hath been singularly gracious unto him . but when i speak of home concernments , let me not forget to look abroad ; the plague now increaseth exceedingly , and fears there are amongst us that within a while there will not be enough alive to bury the dead ; and that the city of london will now be quite depopulated by this plague . now some ministers , formerly put out of their places , who did abide in the city when most of ministers in place were fled and gone from the people , as well as from the disease , into the countreys , seeing the people crowd so fast into the grave and eternity , who seemed to cry as they went for spiritual physicians ; and perceiving the churches to be open , and pulpits to be open , and finding pamphlets flung about the streets , of pulpits to be let , they judged that the law of god and nature did now dispense with , yea command their preaching in publick places , though the law of man ( it is to be supposed in ordinary cases ) did forbid them to do it . surely if there had been a law that none should practise physick in the city , but such as were licenc'd by the colledge of physitians , and most of those , when there was the greatest need of them , should in the time of the plague , have retired into the country , and other physitians who had as good skill in physick , and no license should have staid amongst the sick , none would have judged it to have been breach of law , in such an extraordinary case to endeavour by their practise though without a license , to save the lives of those who by good care and physick were capable of a cure ; and they could hardly have freed themselves from the guilt of murther of many bodies , if for a nicety of law in such a case of necessity they should have neglected to administer physick : the case was the same with the unlicensed ministers which stayed , when so many of the licenc'd ones were gone , and as the need of souls was greater than the need of bodies ; the sickness of the one being more universal and dangerous , than the sickness of the other ; and the saving or losing of the soul being so many degrees beyond the preservation or death of the body : so the obligation upon ministers was stronger , and the motive to preach greater , and for them to have incurred the guilt of soul-murther , by their neglect to administer soul-physick , would have been more hainous and unanswerable , that they were called by the lord into publick : i suppose that few of any seriousness will deny , when the lord did so eminently own them , in giving many seals of their ministry unto them . now they are preaching , and every sermon was unto them , as if they were preaching their last . old time seems now to stand at the head of the pulpit , with its great sithe , saying with a hoarse voice , work while it is called to day , at night i will mow thee down . grim death seems to stand at the side of the pulpit with its sharp arrow , saying , do thou shoot gods arrows , and i will shoot mine . the grave seems to lie open at the foot of the pulpit ; with dust in her bosome , saying , louden thy cry to god , to men , and now fulfill thy trust : here thou must lye , mouth stopt , breath gone , and silent in the dust. ministers now had awakning calls to seriousness and fervour in their ministeriall work : to preach on the side and brink of the pit , into which thousands were tumbling ; to pray under such neer views of eternity , into which many passengers were daily entring , might be a means to stir up the spirit more than ordinary . now there is such a vast concourse of people in the churches , where these ministers are to be found , that they cannot many times come neer the pulpit doors for the press , but are forced to climb over the pews to them : and such a face is now seen in the assemblies , as seldome was seen before in london ; such eager looks ; such open ears , such greedy attention , as if every word would be eaten , which dropt from the mouths of the ministers . if you ever saw a drowning man catch at a rope , you may guess how eagerly many people did catch at the word ; when they were ready to be overwhelmed by this over-flowing scourge , which was passing thorough the city ; when death was knocking at so many doors ; and god was crying aloud by his judgments ; and ministers were now sent to knock , cry aloud , and lift up their voice like a trumpet : then , then the people began to open the ear and the heart , which were fast shut and barred before : how did they then hearken , as for their lives ; as if every sermon were their last ; as if death stood at the door of the church , and would seize upon them so soon as they came forth ; as if the arrows which flew so thick in the city would strike them , before they could get to their houses ; as if they were immediately to appear before the barr of that god , who by his ministers was now speaking unto them . great were the impressions which the word then made upon many hearts , beyond the power of man to effect , and beyond what the people before ever felt , as some of them have declar'd . when sin is ript up and reprov'd , o the teares that slide down from the eyes ! when the judgments of god are denounced , o the tremblings which are upon the conscience ! when the lord jesus christ is made known and proffer'd , o the longing desires and openings of heart unto him ! when the riches of the gospel are displayed , and the promises of the covenant of grace are set forth and applyed , o the inward burnings and sweet flames which were on the affections ! now the net is cast , and many fishes are taken ; the pool is moved by the angel , and many leprous spirits , and sin-sick-souls are cured ; many were brought to the birth , and i hope not a few were born again , and brought forth ; a strange moving there was upon the hearts of multitudes in the city ; and i am perswaded that many were brought over effectually unto a closure with jesus christ ; whereof some dyed by the plague with willingness and peace ; others remain stedfast in gods wayes unto this day : but convictions ( i believe ) many hundreds had , if not thousands , which i wish that none have stifled , and with the dog returned to their vomit , & with the sow , have wallowed again in the mire of their former sins . the work was the more great , because the instruments , which were made use of was more obscure , and unlikely , whom the lord did make choice of the rather , that the glory by ministers and people might be ascrib'd in full unto himself . about the beginning of these ministers preaching , especially after their first fast together , the lord begins to remit , and turn his hand , and cause some abatement of the disease . from which dyed of the plague in one week ▪ there is a decrease to the next , which was at the latter end of september , the next week a farther decrease to . the next to . the next to . the next to . the next to . then there was an encrease the first week in november to . but it fell the week after to and the week after to . and the week after that to . and so lessened more and more to the end of the year : when we had a bill of . which dyed of all diseases , which was an encrease of more then , over what it was the year before : and the number of them which dyed by the plague was reckoned to be this year ; when there were but which the bill speaks of who dyed the year before . now the citizens , who had dispers'd themselves abroad into the countries , because of the contagion , think of their old houses and trades , and begin to return , though with fearfulness and trembling , least some of the after-drops of the storm should fall upon them : and o that many of them had not brought back their old hearts and sins ▪ which they carryed away with them ; o that there had been a general repentance and reformation , and returning to the lord that had smitten the city : the lord gave them leisure and vacation from their trades ; for the one necessary thing ▪ which had they improved , and generally mourned for sin , which brought the plague upon the city , had they humbly and earnestly sought the lord to turn from his fierce anger , which was kindled against london , it might have prevented the desolating judgment by fire : but alas ! how many spent their time of leisure in toys and trifles , at best about feeding and preserving their bodies , but no time in serious minding the salvation of their souls ; and if , some were a little awakned with fear , whilst the plague raged so greatly , and they lookt upon themselves to be in such danger ; yet when they apprehended the danger to be over , they dropt asleep faster than before ; still they are the same or worse than formerly : they that were drunken , are drunken still ; they that were filthy , are filthy still ; and they that were unjust and covetous , do still persevere in their sinfull course ; couzenilng , and lying , and swearing , and cursing , and sabbath-breaking , and pride , and envy , and flesh-pleasing , and the like god-displeasing , and god-provoking sins , ( of which in the catalogue of london's sins ) do abound in london ; as if there were no signification in gods judgments by the plague ; some return to their houses , and follow their worldly business , and work as hard as they can to fetch up the time they have lost , without minding and labouring to improve by the judgment , and gods wonderfull preservation of them : others return , and sin as hard as they can , having been taken off for a while from those opportunities and free liberties for sin , which they had before : most began now to sit down at rest in their houses when the summer was come , and the plague did not return ; now they bring back all their goods they had carried into the country because of the plague ; they did not imagine they should be forced to remove them again so soon . thus concerning the great plague in london . sect . vi. i proceed now to give a narration of the judgement of the fire ; in which i shall be more brief , it being dispatcht in fewer daies then the plague was in months . it was the . of september . that the anger of the lord was kindled against london , and the fire began : it began in a bakers house in pudding-lane by fishstreet-hill : and now the lord is making london like a fiery oven in the time of his anger , and in his wrath doth devour and swallow up our habitations . it was in the depth and dead of the night , when most doors and ▪ sences were lockt up in the city ; that the fire doth break forth and appear abroad ; and like a mighty gyant refresht with wine , doth awake and arm it self , quickly gathers strength , when it had made havock of some houses ; rusheth down the hill towards the bridge ; crosseth thames-street , invadeth magnus-church at the bridge foot , and though that church were so great , yet it was not a sufficient barracado against this conqueror ; but having scaled and taken this fort , it shooteth flames with so much the greater advantage into all places round about ; and a great building of houses upon the , bridge is quickly thrown to the ground : then the conquerour , being stayed in his course at the bridge , marcheth back towards the city again ; and runs along with great noise and violence through thames-street . westward , where having such combustible matter in its teeth , and such a fierce winde upon its back , it prevails with little resistance , unto the astonishment of the beholders . my business is not to speak of the hand of man ; which was made use of in the beginning and carrying on of this fire . the beginning of the fire at such a time , when there had been so much hot weather , which had dried the houses , and made them : the more fit for fuel ; the beginning of it in such a place , where there were so many timber houses , and the shops filled with so much combustible matter ; and the beginning of it just when the winde did blow so fiercely upon that corner towards the rest of the city , which then was like tinder to the sparks ; this doth smell of apopish design so hatcht in the same place where the gunpowder plot was contriv'd , only that this was more successful . the world sufficiently knows how correspondent this is to popish principles and practises ; those , who could intentionally blow up king and parliament by gunpowder , might ( without any scruple of their kinds of conscience ) actually burn an heretical city ( as they count it ) into ashes : for besides the dispensations they can have from his holiness , or rather his wickedness the pope , for the most horrid crimes of murder , incest , and the like ; it is not unlikely but they count such an action as this meritorious ( in their kind of merit ) which , in the issue , they will finde to merit the flames of eternal fine , instead of a crown of glory , which i wonder that in their way they can have the least hopes of . i believe that the people will now take more heed of them and their waies ; and instead of promoting their cause , i hope that a contrary effect is produced ; and that the before indifferency of a generation more newly sprung up , who did not know them , is now turned into loathing and detestation of such a religion , as can allow of such practises ▪ my work is not to declare what hath been proved against the papists before the honourable committee of parliament appointed to enquire into their insolencies ; and the proofs which have been given in concerning the fire , and who have been accessory thereunto . no , i would rather endeavour to turn peoples eyes from men to god ; for whoever were the instruments , god was the authour of this evil , which hath come upon us ; there being no evil in the city ( that is , evil of punishment ) which the lord , as a righteous , and the supream judge , doth not inflict . and surely more of the extraordinary hand of god , than of any men , did appear in the burning of the city of london . god could have prevented men , by discovering their plots ( as he did that of the gun powder-treason ) before they had taken effect . god could have directed and given a blessing unto means for the quenching of it when it was first kindled . god , who hath the winds in his fist , could have gathered in the wind , and laid it asleep , or so turned it the other way , that it should have been a defence to the city ▪ or god who hath the clouds at his command , and the bottles of heaven in his hand , could have gathered his thick clouds together , and squeez'd them ; opend his bottles , and poured down rain in abundance upon the city , so that if the wind had blown as it did , it should have blown water upon the fire , which would quickly have put it out . but the heavens at that time were brass , no showring clouds to be seen : the fire begins , is quickly taken notice of , though in the midst of the night ; fire , fire , fire doth resound the streets ; many citizens start out of their sleep ; look out of their windows ; some dress themselves , and run to the place . the lord maior of the city comes with his officers ; a confusion there is : councell is taken away : and london , so famous for wisdom and dexterity , can now find neither brains , nor hands to prevent its ruine . the hand of god was in it ▪ the decree was come forth : london must now fall : and who could prevent it ? no wonder , when so many pillars are removed , if the building tumbles ; the prayers , tears , and faith which sometimes london hath had , might have quenched the violence of the fire ; might have opened heaven for rain , and driven back the winde : but now the fire gets mastery , & burns dreadfully ; and god with his great bellows blowes upon it , which makes it spread quickly , & go on with such force and rage , overturning all so furiously , that the whole city is brought into jeopardy of desolation . that night most of the londoners had taken their last sleep in their houses ; they little thought it would be so when they went into their beds ; they did not in the lest suspect , when the doors of their ears were unlockt , and the casement of their eyes were opened in the morning , to hear of such an enemies invading the city ▪ and that they should see him , with such fury , enter the doors of their houses , break into every room , and look out of their casements with such a threatning countenance . as it is said , lam. . . the inhabitants would not have believed that the adversary should have entered the gates of ierusalem : so the inhabitants of the city would not have believed that the fire should have entred and prevailed to burn london to the ground . that which made the ruin the more dismall , was , that it was begun on the lords day morning : never was there the like sabbath in london ; some churches were in flames that day ; and god seems to come down , and to preach himself in them , as he did in mount sinai ; when the mount burned with fire ; such warmpreaching those churches never had ; such lightning dreadful sermons never were before delivered in london . in other churches ministers were preaching their farewel sermons , and people were hearing with quaking and astonishment : instead of a holy rest which christians have taken on this day ; there is a tumultuous hurrying about the streets towards the place that burned , and more tumultuous hurrying upon the spirits of those that sat still and had only the notice of the eare , of the quick and strange spreading of the fire . now the train-bands are up in arms watching at every quarter for outlandish men , because of the general fears and jealousies , and rumours that fire-balls were thrown into houses by several of them , to help on and provoke the too furious flames . now goods are hastily removed from the lower parts of the city ; and the body of the people begin to retire , and draw upwards , as the people did from the tabernacles of corah , dathan and abiram , when the earth did cleave asunder and swallow them up : or rather as lot drew out from his house in sodom before it was consumed by fire from heaven . yet some hopes were retained on the lords day that the fire would be extinguished , especially by them who lived in the remote parts ; they could scarcely imagine that the fire a mile off should be able to reach their houses . but the evening draws on , and now the fire is more visible and dreadful : instead of the black curtains of the night , which used to be spread over the city , now the curtains are yellow ; the smoke that arose from the burning parts , seemed like so much flame in the night , which being blown upon the other parts by the winde , the whole city at some distance seemed to be on fire . now hopes begin to sink , and a general consternation seiseth upon the spirits of people ; little sleep is taken in london this night ; the amazement which the eye and ear doth effect upon the spirit , doth either dry up , or drive away the vapour which used to binde up the senses , some are at work to quench the fire with water ; others endeavour to stop its course , by pulling down of houses ; but all to no purpose : if it be a little allayed , or beaten down , or put to a stand in some places , it is but a very little while ; it quickly recruits , and recovers its force ; it leaps , and mounts , and makes the more furious onset , drives back its opposers , snatcheth their weapons out of their hands , seiseth upon the water-houses and engines , burns them , spoils them , and makes them unfit for service . some are upon their knees in the night , pouring out tears before the lord , interceding for poor london , in the day of its calamity ; but alas i fear there are too few weeping ieremiah's at the throne of grace : too few moses's to stand in the gap , too few iacob's to wrestle with the lord , and hang about his arm . londons sins were too great , and gods anger against the city was too hot , so easily & presently to be quenched and allayed ; and if by the intercession of some , a mitigation be obtained , so that the lord doth not stir up all his wrath , utterly to destroy the place , as he did sodom and gomorrah ; yet none can prevaile to call back that wrath , and reverse that decree which is gone forth against the city : the time of londons fall is come ; the fire hath received its commission from god to burn down the city , and therefore all attempts to hinder it are in vain . on the lords day night the fire had run as far as garlick-hithe in thames-street , and had crept up into cannon-street , and levell'd it with the ground ; and still is making forward by the water-side , and upward to the brow of the hill , on which the city was built . on munday grace-church-street is all in flames , with lumbard-street on the left hand , and part of fen-church-street on the right , the fire working ( though not so fast ) against the winde that way : before it were pleasant and stately houses , behind it ruinous and desolate heaps . the burning then was in fashion of a bow , a dreadful bow it was , such as mine eyes never before had seen ; a bow which had gods arrow in it with a flaming point ; it was a shining bow ; not like that in the cloud , which brings water with it , and withall signified gods covenant not to destroy the world any more with water : but it was a bow which had fire in it , which signified gods anger , and his intention to destroy london with fire . now the flames break in upon cornhill , that large and spacious street , and quickly crosse the way by the train of wood that lay in the streets untaken away , which had been pull'd down from houses to prevent its spreading : and so they lick the whole street as they go : they mount up to the top of the highest houses ; they descend down to the bottom of the lowest vaults and cellars ; and march along on both sides of the way , with such a roaring noise , as never was heard in the city of london ; no stately building so great , as to resist their fury : the royal exchange it self , the glory of the merchants , is now invaded with much violence ; and when once the fire was entred , how quickly did it run round the galleries , filling them with flames ; then came down staires , compasseth the walkes , giving forth flaming volleys , and filleth the court with sheets of fire ; by and by down fall all the kings upon their faces , and the greatest part of the stone-building after them , ( the founders statue only remaining ) with such a noise , as was dreadful and astonishing . then , then the city did shake indeed ; and the inhabitants did tremble , and flew away in great amazement from their houses , least the flames should devour them ; ratle , ratle , ratle , was the noise which the fire struck upon the eare round about , as if there had been a thousand iron chariots beating upon the stones : and if you opened your eye to the opening of the streets , where the fire was come , you might see in some places whole streets at once in flames , that issued forth , as if they had been so many great forges from the opposite windowes , which folding together , were united into one great flame throughout the whole street ; and then you might see the houses tumble , tumble , tumble , from one end of the street to the other with a great crash , leaving the foundations open to the view of the heavens . now fearfulness and terrour doth surprize the citizens of london ; confusion and astonishment doth fall upon them at this unheard of , unthought of judgment . it would have grieved the heart , of an unconcern'd person , to see the rufull looks , the pale cheeks , the tears trickling down from the eyes , ( where the greatness of sorrow and amazement could give leave for such a vent ) the smiting of the brest , the wringing of the hands ; to hear the sighs and groans , the dolefull and weeping speeches of the distressed citizens , when they were bringing forth their wives ( some from their child bed ) and their little ones ( some from their sick bed ) out of their houses , and sending them into the countreys , or some where into the fields with their goods . now the hopes of london are gone , their heart is sunk ; now there is a general remove in the city , and that in a greater hurry than before the plague ; their goods being in greater danger by the fire , than their persons were by the sickness . scarcely are some returned , but they must remove again , and not as before , now without any more hopes of ever returning , and living in those houses any more . now carts , and draies , and coaches , and horses , as many as could have entrance into the city were loaden , and any money is given for help l. l. l. l. for a cart , to bear forth into the fields some choice things , which were ready to be consumed ; and some of the countreys had the conscience to accept of the highest price , which the citizens did then offer in their extremity ; i am mistaken if such money do not burn worse , than the fire out of which it was rak'd . now casks of wine , and oyl , and other commodities are tumbled along , and the owners shove as much of their goods as they can towards the gate : every one now becomes a porter to himself , and scarcely a back either of man or woman that hath strength , but had a burden on it in the streets : it was very sad to see such throngs of poor citizens coming in , and going forth from the unburnt parts , heavy loaden with some pieces of their goods , but more heavy loaden with weighty grief and sorrow of heart , so that it is wonderfull they did not quite sink under these burdens . munday night was a dreadfull night , when the wings of the night had shadowed the light of the heavenly bodies , there was no darkness of night in london , for the fire shines now round about with a fearful blaze , which yeilded such light in the streets , as it had been the sun at noon day . now the fire having wrought backward strangely against the winde to billings-gate , &c. along thames-street eastward , runs up the hill to tower-street , and having marched on from grace-church-street , maketh further progress in fen-church-street , and having spread its wing beyond queen-hithe in thames-street westward , mounts up from the water-side through dowgate , and old fish-street into watling-street : but the great fury of the fire was in the broader streets ; in the midst of the night it was come down cornhill , and laid it in the dust , and runs along by the stocks , and there meets with another fire , which came down thred-needle-street ; a little further with another , which came up from wall-brook ; a little further with another , which comes up from bucklers-bury , and all these four joyning together , break into one great flame at the corner of cheap-side with such a dazling light , and burning heat , and roaring noise by the fall of so many houses together , that was very amazing ; and though it were something stopt in its swift course at mercers chappel , yet with great force in a while , it conquers the place , and burns through it , and then with great rage proceedeth forward in cheapside . on tuesday was the fire burning up the very bowels of london ; cheapside is all in a light fire in a few hours time ) many fires meeting there , as in the center ; from soper-lane , bow-lane , bread-street , friday-street , and old-change , the fire comes up almost together , and breaks furiously into the broad-street , and most of that side of the way was together in flames , a dreadful spectacle ! and then partly by the fire which came down by mercers chappel , partly by the fall of the houses cross the way , the other side is quickly kindled , and doth not stand long after it . now the fire gets into black-fryers , and so continues its course by the water , and makes up towards paul's church , on that side , and cheap-side fire besets the great building on this side , and the church though all of stone outward , though naked of houses about it , and though so high above all buildings in the city , yet within a while , doth yield to the violent assaults of the conquering flames , and strangely takes fire at the top ; now the lead melts and runs down , as if it had been snow before the sun ; and the great beames and massy stones , with a great noise fall on the pavement , and break through into faith-church under neath ; now great flakes of stone scale , and peel off strangely from the side of the walls ; the conqueror having got this high fort , darts its flames round about , now pater-noster-rowe , newgate-market , the old baily , and ludgate-hill have submitted themselves to the devouring fire , which with wonderful speed rusheth down the hill into fleet-street . now cheap-side fire marcheth along iron-monger-lane , old iury , lawrence-lane , milk-street , wood-street , gutter-lane , foster-lane : now it runs along lothbury , cat-eaten-street , &c. from newgate-market , it assaults christ-church , and conquers that great building , and burns through martin's lane towards alders-gate , and all about so furiously , as if it would not leave a house standing upon the ground . now horrible flakes of fire mount up the sky , and the yellow smoke of london ascendeth up towards heaven , like the smoak of a great furnace ; a smoak so great , as darkned the sun at noon-day , ( it at any time the sun peeped forth , it looked red like blood ) the cloud of smoak was so great , that travellers did ride at noon day some miles together in the shaddow thereof , though there were no other cloud beside to be seen in the sky . and if munday night was dreadfull , tuesday night was more dreadfull , when far the greatest part of the city was consumed : many thousands who on saturday had houses convenient in the city , both for themselves , and to entertain others , now have not where to lay their head ; and the fields are the only receptacle , which they can find for themselves and their goods ; most of the late inhabitants of london lye all night in the open ayr , with no other canopy over them , but that of the heavens : the fire is still making towards them , and threatneth the suburbs ; it was amazing to see , how it had spread it self several miles in compass ; and amongst other things that night , the sight of guild-hall was a fearfull spectacle , which stood the whole body of it together in view , for several hours together , after the fire had taken it , without flames , ( i suppose because the timber was such solid oake ) in a bright shining coale as if it had been a pallace of gold , or a great building of burnished brass . on wednesday morning , when people expected that the suburbs would be burnt , as well as the city , and with speed , were preparing their flight , as well as they could with their luggage into the countreys , and neighbouring villages . then the lord hath pitty on poor london ; his bowels begin to relent ; his heart is turned within him , and he stayes his rough wind in the day of the east wind ; his fury begins to be allayed ; he hath a remnant of people in london , and there shall a remnant of houses escape ; the wind now is husht ; the commission of the fire is withdrawing , and it burns so gently , even where it meets with no opposition , that it was not hard to be quenched , in many places , with a few hands : now the citizens begin to gather a little heart , and encouragement in their endeavours to quench the fire . a check it had at leaden-hall by that great building ; a stop it had in bishopsgate-street , fen-church-street , lime-street , mark-lane , and towards the tower ; one means , under god , was the blowing up of houses with gunpowder . now it is stayed in lothbury , broad-street , coleman-street ; towards the gates it burnt , but not with any great violence ; at the temple also it is stayed , and in holbourn , where it had got no great footing ; and when once the fire was got under , it was kept under , and on thursday the flames were extinguished . but on wednesday-night , when the people late of london , now of the fields , hoped to get a little rest on the ground , where they had spread their beds , a more dreadful fear fals upon them than they had before , through a rumour that the french were comming armed against them to cut their throats , and spoil them of what they had saved out of the fire ; they were now naked , and weak , and in ill condition to defend themselves , and the hearts , especially of the females , do quake , and tremble , and are ready to die within them ; yet many citizens having lost their houses , and almost all that they had , are fired with rage and fury : and they begin to stir up themselves like lyons , or like bears bereaved of their whelps , and now arm , arm , arm , doth resound the fields and suburbs with a dreadful voice . we may guess at the distress and perplexity of the people this night , which was something alleviated when the falsness of the alarm was perceived . thus fell great london , that ancient city ! that populous city ! london , which was the queen city of the land , and as famous as most cities in the world ; none so famous for the gospel and zealous profession of the reformed religion . and yet how is london departed like smoak , and her glory laid in the dust ? how is her destruction come , which no man thought of , and her desolation in a moment ? how do the nations about gaze and wonder ? how doth the whole land tremble at the noise of her fall ? how do her citizens droop and hang down their heads ? her women and virgins weep , and sit in the dust ? oh , the paleness that now sits upon the cheeks ! the astonishment and confusion that covers the face , the dismall apprehensions that arise in the minds of most , concerning the dreadful consequences which are likely to be of this fall of london ? how is the pride of london stained , and beauty spoiled ! her arme broken , and strength departed ? her riches almost gone , and treasures so much consumed ? the head now is sick ? and the whole body faint ; the heart is wounded , and every other part is sensible of its stroke ; never was england in greater danger of being made a prey to a forraign power , than since the firing and fall of this city , which had the strength and treasure of the nation in it . how is london ceased , that rich city ! that joyous city ! one corner indeed is left , but more than as many houses as were within the walls are turned into ashes . the merchants now have left the royal exchange ; the buyers and sellers have now forsaken the streets : grace-church-street , cornhill , cheapside , newgate market , and the like places , which used some time to have throngs of traffiquers , now are become empty of inhabitants ; and instead of the stately houses which stood there last summer , now they lie this winter in ruinous heaps . the glory of london is now fled away like a bird , the trade of london is shattered and broken to pieces , her delights also are vanished , and pleasant things laid waste ; now no chaunting to the sound of the viol , and dancing to the sweet musick of other instruments ; now no drinking wine in bowls , and stretching upon the beds of lust ; now no excess of wine and banquettings ; no feasts in halls and curious dishes ; no amorous looks , & wanton dalliances ; no ruffling silks , and costly dresses ; these things in that place are at an end . but if houses for sin alone were sunke , and fuel for lust only were consumed , it would not be so much ; but the houses also for gods worship , ( which formerly were a bulwark against the fire , partly through the walls about them , partly through the fervent prayers within them ) now are devoured by the flames , and the habitations of many who truly fear god , have not escaped ; and in the places where god hath been served , and his servants have lived ; now nettles are growing ; owles are screeching ; thieves and cut-throats are lurking : a sad face there is now in the ruinous part of london : and terrible hath the voice of the lord been , which hath been crying , yea roaring in the city by these dreadful judgments of the plague and fire , which he hath brought upon us . thus you have the narration of the judgments themselves . sect . vii . . concerning the cause of these iudgments ; why hath the lord spoken by such terrible things , in the city of london ? in giving an account hereof , i shall make use of the second doctrine observed from the words : that when god speaks most terribly , he doth answer most righteously . they are gods judgments , and therefore they must needs be righteous judgments ; can there be unrighteousness in god ? no , in no wise : for how then could he be god ? how then could he judge the world ? let god be true , and every man a lyar . rom. . , . let god be righteous , and all the world unrighteous : for light may more easily depart from the sun , and heat be separated from the fire ; and the whole creation may more easily drop into nothing , than god cease to be just and righteous , in the severest judgments which he doth inflict upon the children of men . if any profane mockers do reply against god , and reflect upon his righteousness and goodness towards his own people , because these judgments have fallen so sore upon london , the glory of the land , yea of the world , for the number of godly persons ( as in scoff they call them ) which dwell in it ; if god were so righteous and favourable to the godly , would he bend his bow , and shoot so many arrows amongst them as he did in the visitation by the plague , whilst he suffered so many notoriously wicked persons to escape ? would he send the fire to consume so many habitations of the godly , whilst the houses of the most vicious and vile were preserved ? i shall labour to stop the mouths of such , who are ready to open them against the king of heaven , by proposing to consideration these following particulars . . that gods way is sometimes in the sea , and his paths in the great waters ; and his foot-steps are not known . psal. . . that his judgments are unsearchable , and his waies past finding out . rom. . . and that even then he is righteous in all his waies , and holy in all his works , psal. . . and when clouds and darkness are round about him , righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne . psal. . . and when his judgments are a great deep , his righteousness is like the great mountains . psal. . . we do not understand all the mysteries of nature , neither are we acquainted with all the mysteries of state ; and if there be some mysteries in gods way of governing the world , and distributing temporal mercies and judgments , which we do not apprehend in every thing the meaning of , and cannot so fully trace gods righteousness and goodness therein , let us say it is because our eyes are shut , and that we are covered with darkness : therefore let us shut our mouths too , and seal up our lips with silence , not daring in the least to utter any thing which may derogate from these attributes in god , which are as inviolable and unchangeable as his very beeing . this might be said if the reason were more abstruse than it is . . but secondly , the reason of gods judgments and righteousness therein , with the salve of his goodness towards his own people , may be apprehended , if we consider . . that these judgments of plague and fire are both of them national judgments . . the judgment of the plague was national ; in as much as london was the chief city , in as much as the kings court was here , and most countries had relations here ; and all countries had concernments here : moreover the plague was not only in london , and westminster , and and places neer adjacent , but it was dispersed into the countries at a farther distance , as cambridge , norwich , colchester , and other towns , where it raged either the same or the next year , as much proportionably as it did in london . . the judgment of the fire which burned down only the city , and left westminster and the suburbs standing , and did not reach into the countreys , yet was a national judgment , because london was the metropolis of the land , because the beauty , riches , strength , and glory of the whole kingdom lay in london : and it was not the inhabitants of the city who alone did suffer by this fire , but the whole land more or less , do and will feel the smart hereof . . these judgments then being national : it is not unreasonable to say , that national sins have been the cause of them : and if so , we may readily finde a reason of gods righteousness in these proceedings ; when the sins of the land are so obvious and so hainous . he is a great stranger in england , that doth not know how wickedness hath abounded in these later years ; his eyes must be fast shut , who doth not see what a deluge of profaneness and impiety hath broken in like a mighty torrent , and overflowed the land ; that hath not taken notice of those bare-fac'd villanies which have been committed amongst us , which is a great question whether any ages before us could parallel ; we read in scripture of sodom and gomorrah , and the wickedness sometime of ierusalem ; profane histories and travellers make mention of rome , venice , naples , paris , and other places very wicked , but who can equal england , which calls it self christian and protestant , for such desperate and audacious affronts and indignities which have been offered to the highest majesty , by the gallants ( as they are called ) of our times : how was hell as it were broke loose , and how were men worse than those which in our saviours time were possest with devils , who cut themselves with stones , and tore their own flesh ; even such who went about like so many hell-hounds and incarnate devils , cursing and banning , swearing and blaspheming , inventing new oaths , and glorying therein , delighting to tear the name of god , and to spit forth their rancour and malice in his very face ? and can we then be at a loss for a reason of gods righteousness in his thus punishing england , by beginning thus furiously with london ? when there were so many atheists about london , and in the land , who denied the very being of god , when so many gentlemen ( who lookt upon it as one piece of their breeding , to cast off all sentiments of a deity ) did walk our streets , and no arguments would work them to a perswasion of the truth of gods being , shall we wonder if the lord appears in a terrible way , that he might be known by the judgments which he executeth ? when so many denied the divine authority of the scriptures , the very foundation of our christian faith , and reckoned themselves by their principles amongst turks , pagans , and other infidels , however they called themselves christians , and hereby put such an affront upon the lord jesus christ , the only son of the most high god , is it strange that the lord should speak so terribly to shew his indignation ? when there was such blowing at , and endeavours to put out that light , which would shew men the way to heaven ; such hatred and opposition against the power of godliness ; when the name of a saint was matter of derision and scorn ; when there was such wallowing in filthy fornication , and adultry , in swinish drunkenness and intemperance ; when such oppression , bribery , such malice , cruelty , such unheard of wickedness and hideous impiety grown to such a heighth in the land ; may not we reasonably think that such persons as were thus guilty , being in the ship , were a great cause of the storme of gods anger , which hath made such a shipwrack . the plague indeed when it was come , made little discrimination between the bodies of the righteous , and the bodies of the wicked ; no more doth grace ; the difference is more inward and deepe ; it is the soul begins to be glorifyed hereby , and hath the seed of eternal life put into it , when it doth pass the new birth ; but the body is not changed with the soul , the body remains as it was , as frail and weak , and exposed to diseases and death , as before , and as the body of any wicked person ; and therefore the infectious disease of the plague , coming into a populous city , the bodies of the righteous ; amongst the rest , receive the contagion , and they fall in the common calamity ; there is a difference in the manner of their death , and a difference in their place , and state after death , as hath been spoken of before , but the kind of death is the same . so the fire doth make no discrimination between the houses of the godly , and the houses of the ungodly , they are all made of the same combustible matter , and are enkindled , as bodies infected , one by another ; indeed the godly have god to be their habitation , and they are citizens of the new ierusalem , which is above , a city which hath foundations , whose builder and maker is god ; an abiding city , which the fire cannot reach , and their persons are secured from the flames of eternal fire in hell , but they have no promise nor security for the preservation of their houses from fire here in this world. the judgments of the plague and fire being sent , work according to their nature , without distinguishing the righteous . but if we further enquire into the reason , why the plague was sent the last year , and such a plague as hath not been known this forty year , which raged so sorely , when there was no such sultriness of weather ( as in other years ) to encrease it ; and why the fire was sent this year , and such a fire as neither we , nor our fore-fathers ever knew , neither do we read of in any history of any so great in any place , in time of peace ; what shall we say was the cause of these extraordinary national judgments , but the extraordinary national sins . it was an extraordinary hand of god which brought the plague , of which no natural cause can be assigned , why it should be so great that year , more then in former years , but that sin was grown to greater heighth ; and that a fire should prevaile , against all attempts to quench it , to burn down the city , and that judgment just following upon the heels of the other ; what reason can be assigned , but that englands sins , and gods displeasure hath been extraordinary ; god is a god of patience , and it is not a light thing will move him ; he is slow to anger , it must needs be then some great provocation which makes him so furious ; he is highly offended , before he lifts up his hand ; and he is exceedingly incens'd , before his anger breaks forth into such a flame ; for my part , i verily think , if it had not been for the crying abominations of the times , which are not chiefly to be limited to the city of london , and if the means of gods prescription , according to the rule of his word , which england sometime could , had by england been made use of , that both plague and fire had been prevented . . moreover it may be said that some particular persons by some more peculiar , and notorious sins in the city may have provoked the lord to bring punishment upon the whole place , if the land were not so generally profane and wicked , the heathen could say . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . a whole city may be punished for the wickedness of one man ; yea we read of david , though so good a man , yet when he numbred the people ( a small sin in comparison with the sins of some others in our days ) god was provoked to send such a dreadful plague , not on himself , but upon his people , that there dyed men by it in three days , and david said , i have sinned and done wickedly , but these sheep , what have they done ? sam. . - . . if it be enquired how gods mercy to his people doth appear , when these judgments have fallen so heavy upon many of them ? i answer , . those of his own people , who have fallen by the plague , are received to greater grace and mercy in heaven , than here they were capable of , and they are moreover delivered from evil to come , which hath since , and may further come upon us . . those whose houses have fallen by the fire , the lord could , and confident i am , the lord hath made them greater gainers another way , they have lost it may be much in temporal things , but they are or may be , if they be not wanting to themselves , gainers in spiritual things , which are of a higher and more excellent nature ; i have known and heard of many of gods people whose houses are burnt , and goods spoyled , who have taken the loss with so much chearfulness , humility , meekness , patience , contentment , and thankfulness that any thing was saved , if it were only their lives , that it hath been my wonder and joy ; to gain such a spirit hath more of good , than the loss of all externall enjoyments hath of evil . . further , if these judgments have fallen upon gods people , we must know that they have their sins , which have deserved them , possibly some have begun now to comply with the wicked in their wicked wayes , it may be they were grown more loose in their walking , and formal in the service of god , & their hearts more set on the world , of which sins more largely when i come to speak of the sins of the city ; and the sins of gods people have more hainous aggravations , than the sins of the wicked , being committed against clearer light , dearer love , sweeter mercies , stronger obligations , and therefore provoke god the more to wrath ; therefore he threatneth his own people especially to punish them when they transgress , am. . . you only have i known of all the families of the earth , and therefore i will punish you for your iniquities . . besides , they may have need of awakening judgments to rouze them , and humble them for sin , to loosen and wean them from the world ; and it is in love and faithfulness , that god doth inflict such judgments upon them . . lastly , we must remember , that it is gods usual course to begin with his own house , pet. . . iudgement begins at the house of god. . to conclude , do any of the ungodly question gods righteousness , because in these common calamities , they have hitherto survived and escaped ? . it is but an ill requital and ill use , which they make of gods patience and goodness which he hath exercised towards them , that hereby he might lead them unto repentance , rom. . , . . let them stay a while , and god will answer them himself , and give them an experimental conviction of his righteous judgments , pet. . , . if judgment begin at the house of god , what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel ? and if the righteous scarcely be saved , where shall the ungodly and sinners appear ? we read psal. . . of a cup of red wine in the hand of the lord , he may give his people to drink the top of it , but the most bitter and dreggish part , which is at the bottome , the wicked shall wring forth and drink ; if god whip his children with rods , he will scourge his enemies with scorpions . i am perswaded that the notoriously ungodly of this generation will not go out of this world , without some remarkable temporal judgment ; and that the lord will make them feel something even here , what an evil thing , and a bitter it is so audaciously to fly in the face of the great god , by their hideous oaths and blasphemies , by their horrid wickedness and abominations , whereby they do as it were challenge god to do his worst against them ; and when god doth draw forth his glittering sword , and make ready his sharp arrow upon the string ; when god doth cloathe himself with fury , as with a garment , and his hand doth take hold on vengeance ; when their iniquities are grown fully ripe , and the day of their visitation and recompence is come , how then will these sinners of england be afraid , and what amazing terrour will there then surprize this vile generation ? can their hearts endure , or their hands be strong in the day that the lord shall deal with them ? ezek. . . then the lord will roar from his holy habitation , with such a terrible voice , as shall make their ears to tingle , their hearts to quake and tremble ; he will roar like a lion , and tear them in pieces , when there shall be none to deliver . if the shaking of his rod hath moved them , and the beginning of his judgments , which he hath executed upon others , hath affrighted them ; what will their behaviour be when the scourge is laid upon their own backs , and judgment shall fall upon their own heads ? surely the judgments intended purposely for the most ungodly , are not yet come ; yet , as they are like to be exceeding great , because more of pure , and unmixt wrath will accompany them : so they are like to be very neer ; because they are filling up the measure of their wickedness so fast , and they seem to be arrived even to the uttermost of sin ; surely their judgment doth neither linger , nor slumber , but is upon the wing , hastning towards them ; surely the arme of the lord is awakened , and lifted up on high , and though infinite patience doth hold it up a little while , to try whether the judgments already executed upon others , before their eyes will work any good effect upon them , so as to awaken them , and stop them , and turn them from their evil wayes ; yet , if they proceed in their sinfull course , his arm i am perswaded will come down with such force and fury upon them , that their destruction shall be remarkable to all that are round about them : and i have much of that perswasion , that the lord will as it were hang up many of the villains of our times , who have been guilty of such treachery and rebellion against the great king of heaven , as it were in chains , and make their punishment here as notorious as their sins have been , that the whole world may hear and fear , and take heed of such vile practises : i suppose they may not now expect it , nor fear it , no more than the old world did their drowning , or sodom and gomorrah did their burning , because deceitful sin hath hardned their hearts ; long custome in sin , with impunity hath seared their consciences , as with a hot iron : but then they are in the greatest danger , when they sleep with the greatest security ; when men grow desperately hardned against often , and all reproofs , by word , and rod too , what followes , but sudden destruction and that without remedy ? prov. . . and when men cry peace and safety , then sudden destruction cometh upon them , as travel upon a woman with childe , and they shall not escape , thess. . . and if some of this untoward and wicked generation do drop away without a remarkable temporal destruction ; god will make his righteousness evident to them , in the other world , when he claps up their souls close prisoners in the lowest dungeon of hell , appointing black devils to be their jaylors , flames of fire to be their cloathing , hideous terrours and woe to be their food , cain , iudas , and other damned tormented spirits to be their companions , where they must lye bound in chains of darkness , till the judgment of the great day ; and when the general assize is come , and the angels have blown the last trumpet , and gathered the elect to the right hand of christ , then they will be sent with the keys of the bottomless pit , and the prison will be opened for a while , and like so many rogues in chains , they shall together with all their fellow sinners be brought forth , and finde out the dirty flesh of their bodies , which like a nasty ragg they shall then put on , and with most rufull looks , and trembling joynts , and horrible shreeks , and unexpressible confusion and terrour , they shall behold the lord jesus christ , whom in life time they despised and affronted , come down from heaven in flaming fire , to take vengeance upon them , who will sentence them to the flames of eternal fire , and drive them from his throne and presence into utter darkness , where they must take up their lodging for evermore . then , then there will be a clear revelation of the righteous and dreadful judgments of this great god unto the world , and upon this accursed generation . but more fully to clear up the reason of london's judgments , and the righteousness of god herein ; god hath indeed spoken very terribly , but he hath answered us very righteously . london was not so godly , as some speak by way of scoff : no! if london had been more generally godly , and more powerfully godly , these judgments might have been escaped , and the ruins of the city prevented ; no! it was the ungodliness of london , which brought the plague and fire upon london . there was a general plague upon the heart , a more dangerous infection , and deadly plague of sin , before there was sent a plague upon the body ; there was a fire of divers lusts which was enkindled , and did burn in the bosome , som t●mes issuing out flames at the door of the mouth , and at the windows of the eyes of the inhabitants , before the fire was kindled in the city , which swallowed up so many habitations . we have fallen , thousands of persons into the grave by the plague , thousands of houses , as a great monument upon them , by the fire ; and whence is it ? we are fallen by our iniquities . hosea . . the crown is fallen from our heads ; and what is the reason ? because we have sinned against the lord. lam. . . god hath spoken terribly , but he hath answered righteously ; as he gives great and especial mercies in answer unto prayer : so he sendeth great and extraordinary judgments in answer unto sin ; there is a voice and loud cry , especially in some sins which entreth into the ears of the lord of sabbath . sam. . . when god speaks by terrible things , he makes but a righteous return to this cry . and though these judgments of plague and fire are national judgments , and may be the product of national sins , and i verily am perswaded , that god was more highly provoked by some that dwelt out of the city , than with those which dwelt in it , i mean the profane and ungodly generation , who chiefly did inhabit more remotely ; and that god , being so provokt , was the more ready to strike , and let his hand fall so heavy upon london ; yet since many of the ungodly crew were got into the city it self , and most in the city , that were not of them , & did not dare to commit their impieties , yet made themselves guilty , by not mourning for them , and labouring in their place what they could after a redress ; and since london it self hath been guilty of so many crying sins ( as i shall endeavour to shew . ) gods righteousness in the terrible things of london will be evident , especially if we consider . that god hath punished london no more than their iniquities have deserved . . that god hath punished london less than their iniquities have deserved . . god hath punished london no more than their iniquities deserved ; great sins deserve great plagues ; and have not the sins of london been great ? let us make an inquity after londons sins . here i shall offer some sins to consideration , and let london judge whether she be not guilty , and whether the lord hath not been plaguing her , and burning her , and possibly , yea probably will bring utter ruin and desolation upon her , except she see and mourn and turn the sooner : it is out of dear and tender love to london ( with whom i could willingly live and die ) that i write these things to put them in mind of their sins , that they might take some speedy course for a redress and turning away the fierce anger of the lord which is kindled against them for sin , lest he next proceed to bring utter ruin upon them : surely they have not more reason to think that gods anger is turned away since the fire , than they had to think it was turned away after the plague ; but rather they may conclude , that though the fire of the city bee quenched yet the fire of gods anger doth burn still more dreadfully , than the other fire ; and that his hand is stretched out still to destroy . therefore , o all yee inhabitants about lond●n open your eyes , and ears , and hearts , and suffer a word of reproof for your sins ; and deal not with this catalogue of your sins as iehojakim did with ieremiah's roll , who burnt it in the fire , not being able to bear his words ; but do with it as iohn did with his little book , eat it and digest it , though it be bitter in the mouth , as well as in the belly ; it is bitter physick , but necessary for the preservation of a sick languishing city , which is even ready to give up the ghost . and here i shall begin with more gospel-sins , which , though natural conscience is not so ready to accuse of , yet in the account of god are the most heinous sins : and i would have a regard not only to latter , but also to former sins , which , possibly , may now be more out of view , and forgotten , and which some may be hardned in , because the guilty have not been so particularly and sensibly punished ( though gods sparing of them hath been in order to their repentance ) or their punishments in some kinde hath been accounted by them no punishments , or their punishments have been mistaken , and their hearts have swelled against instruments made use of by god therein , instead of accepting of the punishment of their iniquity , and humbling themselves deeply before the lord. i say i would call to remembrance former sins , as well as latter , which are more visible now and apparent : for as god , being so slow to anger , hath not been quickly moved to such indignation ; but , as we have reason to think , that his wrath hath been a long time boiling in his breast , before it was raised to this heighth as to boile over , and pour down plague and fire upon the city of london : so we may reasonably infer , that sins committed by london long agoe , were the fuel put under , that caused this boiling of his anger , which , because other judgments have not wrought the kindly effect of repentance , the lord hath been provoked to express this way , which hath been more feeling and dreadfull . moreover when i reckon up london's sins , i would not reflect alone upon any one party , in as much as all parties have sinned , and i believe the lord hath been offended with all , as in his judgments he hath made no difference , that all might be awakened to see their faults with sorrow and shame . and if it were fit , i would begin here with my self , being perswaded that my sins , more then thousands of others , have helpt to fill up the viol of gods anger ; but as i go along , i shall endeavour by the grace of god to apply to my self the sins which conscience will accuse of , that i may bewail and amend : and i would beseech every one of you , that cast your eyes upon these lines , to do the like , and to compare them with those lines , which are written in the book of your consciences , and where you finde a transcript , read and read again , consider and lay to heart , get to your knees , confess and labour to drop , at least some teares into the bottle , which if this little book might help gather from your eyes , and you could be perswaded to pour forth such waters before the lord , they might help to quench the violence of the fire of gods anger , which we have reason to fear is still burning against us . sect . viii . a catalogue of london's sins , which have provoked the lord to speak with so terrible a voice in the city . . the first sin of london is slighting of the gospel . the gospel in england hath above this hundred years shined forth out of the clouds of popery and antichristianisme , which before did over-spread the land ; and in no place of england hath the gospel been preached with greater power and purity than in london ; and what entertainment hath it found ? hath it been valued according to its worth and excellency ? hath it been received as if it had come down from the god of heaven , expressing his love and good-will towards the children of men , as if it had brought such good newes and tidings , as salvation by jesus christ ? read the elogium which the apostle peter gives of the salvation made known by the gospel , pet. . , , . of which salvation the prophets have enquired , and searched diligently , who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you : searching what , or what manner of time the spirit of christ which was in them , did signify when it testified before-hand the sufferings of christ , and the glory that should follow : unto whom it was revealed , that not unto themselves , but unto us they did minister the things , which are now reported unto you , by them that have preached the gospel unto you , with the holy ghost sent down from heaven , which things the angels desire to look into . the prophets of old did enquire and search , but did not so clearly understand the gospel , as now it is revealed , our saviour tells his disciples , luke . . that many prophets and kings had desired to see the things which they saw and had not seen them , and to hear the things , which they did hear , and had not heard them ; for indeed this mystery was hid from ages and generations which god then made manifest unto the saints , col. . . and the apostle paul tells us , that though the ministration of the law were glorious , in so much that it made the face of moses to shine , unto whom the law was revealed upon the mount , yet that it had no glory , in comparison with the ministration of the gospel , whose glory did so far excell , cor. . , . the mysteries of gods wisdome and love revealed in the gospel , being so glorious , surely are worthy of acceptation and esteem , especially when the angels who are not so much concerned , desire to look into these things , unto whom it is said , eph. . . is made known by the church the manifold wisedome of god. and yet these great things , which have been reported by them , who have preached the gospel , with the holy ghost sent down from heaven , have been undervalued in london . the gospel hath been slighted in london , and though some have been more notoriously guilty , yet who can altogether excuse themselves from this sin ? now that the conviction may be more full , i shall charge the sin more particularly . . the ignorant persons in london have been guilty of this sin , the light of the gospel hath shin'd about them , but they have mufled up themselves in darkness , and suffered sathan to keep them hood-wink'd , least the light of the glorious gospel should enter , and lead them out of his snare ; thousands in the city have been affectedly ignorant : though they have had means of knowledge , so near , and so easy to come by , multitudes have perished out of london , and multitudes still remain in their ignorance . o the neglect that there hath been of learning catechisms ! and how few have endeavour'd to acquaint themselves with the principles of the christian religion , that they might have the more full and clear understanding of the gospel ? . the vicious and profane have been guilty of slighting the gospel , how many such persons have there crouded , and are still crouding out of london into hell , when the light of the gospel shined upon them , which would have guided them in the way to heaven : because this light hath been too troublesome in its discovery , and reproof of their dear and sweet sins ; they have hated it , and endeavoured to fly as far as they could from it , or to shut their eyes as hard as they could against it . . the civil persons also have been guilty , there have been many sober citizens , and matrons , civil youths , and virgins , who have been free from the gross pollutions , which are in the world through lust , who have been diligent in their calling , just in their dealings , courteous , and sweet natur'd in their demeanour , and yet without the least degree of the power of godliness , without which it is impossible they should be saved , alas ! none of these have given any warme welcome unto the gospel in their hearts , which hath been so long preached in the city ; the kindness of a friend hath been esteemed by them , but the kindness of god hath not been regarded : if a messenger had come and told them how they might save their estates , when in danger of loss , or how to save their relations when in danger of death ; o how welcome would such a messenger and tidings have been ? but when ministers have preached the gospel unto them , which tells them how they should save their souls , in danger of death and hell , such tidings have had no relish with them , as if they had no souls , or were in no danger : the light hath shined before them , but there hath been a cloud in their eye , they could not discern it ; or they have look'd upon it afar off , they have not drawn neer , and brought it home , and set it up in their bosomes , that they might order themselves , and whole conversations , according to its guidance and direction . . the hypocrites have been guilty of this sin , these have drawn neerer to this light , than any of the former ; so neer , that they have seem'd to be cloathed with its beames , they have lighted their lamps hereby , and have shined forth in a glorious blaze of an outward profession , yet there hath been even in these an inward secret disrelish of the gospel , especially of some things in it ; there have been some secret rooms in their hearts into which they would not suffer the light to enter , least it should discover those beloved dalilah's which there they have nourished and brought up , they have been rotten at the core , and have had some unmortified lust within , which the world hath not taken notice of ; so that if the gospel hath been received by them , it hath been only in the outward form , not in the inward power ; if the light hath been received , it hath been without its heat and life . hence it hath come to pass that some of these hypocrites , who seemed to be stars of the first magnitude , have proved only blazing-stars and commets , which in a short time have fallen and sunk into wilde opinions , or fearful apostacy . . the errone us have been guilty of this sin ; some and not a few in london , under this glorious sun-shine of the gospel , which hath come from heaven , have lighted a candle at the fire of hell , and laboured to set it up in opposition to the true light of the gospel , crying out , new light , new light. sathan himself hath appeared in london like an angel of light , and employed his emissaries and wicked instruments ( who have seemed to be ministers of righteousness , but have had a wolfish ravenous heart under the dress and cloathing of the sheep ) to vent many damnable and destructive opinions in our church , under pretence of new discoveries and revelations of the spirit ; and though this false and taper-light could never abide the test , and put forth any beams of convincing truth , but darkned and disappeared upon the approach of the sun , where it shined in its power ; yet too many whose eyes were too fore to look upon the glorious beams of the sun , and yet withall their hearts too fearful to remain wholly in the dark without any shew of light , did withdraw themselves from the former , and sought after the later in dark corners , where alone such rotten wood could seem to shine , and such candles could give forth any light , and choosing night rather than day ▪ they followed these false wandring fires , though they were led by them into many a precipice . it is sad to remember , and seriously to consider what errours and strong delusions have abounded and prevailed in our gospel-daies . how many false teachers have there been among us , which have crept in at unawares ? how many jesuits and priests sent from rome and other places , to rend and tear our protestant church to pieces , that they might make way for the introduction of popery , at least to cast a disgrace upon protestantism , and delude many of us with the opinions they have broached , and to confirm their own in their delusions ; thus many cunning & learned jesuits have disguised themselves in the habit of taylors , shoo-makers , and of other mechanical tradesmen , that they might seem to the people to have been taught those things by the spirit , which have been the product of much study ; thus these cursed villains , of old ordained to condemnation , have privily brought in damnable heresies , some calling themselves quakers , others ranters , other seekers , others antinomians , others brownists , others anabaptists ; putting themselves into any shapes , that they might mis-lead , and the better lye in wait to deceive poor souls ; some denying the lord that bought them , setting up the fancy of a christ within them for their saviour ; others denying the foundation , undermining the divine authority of the scriptures ; others labouring to overthrow the doctrine of justification , and striking at most fundamental doctrines in the christian faith ; and all of them endeavouring to undermine the ministry of christs institution , and sending , calling them anti-christian , baals priests , false prophets , doing what they could to bring them and their ministry out of esteem , that they might the more effectually prevaile with the people to receive their false doctrines , and arm them hereby against an undeceivement ; and sweetning their poison with good words and fair speeches , they have deceived the hearts of the simple , so that many did follow their pernicious waies , by reason of whom the way of truth hath been evil spoken of , and what ever good words they had , they were but feigned words , whereby they made merchandize of souls , whose judgment now a long time lingreth not , and whose damnation slumbreth not . pet. . , , . these the apostle calls spots and blemishes , sporting themselves with their own deceivings , wells without water , clouds carried about with a tempest , raging waves of the sea , foaming out their own shame , wandring stars , unto whom is reserved blackness of darkness for ever . pet. . , . iud. . and yet many of these were hearkned unto , and adheared unto by too many in london , rather than the true gospel ministers , commissioned by the lord jesus christ himself , and ordained according to the prescription of his word . then many lay-men , some gifted , ( who would have given a better account of their gifts at the great day had they kept their station ) and some without gifts , but with a great measure of ignorance and confidence , did step up sometimes into pulpits , often took upon them to preach in private , invading the office , and intruding into the work of christs embassadours , which he hath appointed a peculiar office for , and which he hath set a hedge about more than any other office we read of in scripture ; but they ventured to break over the hedge , i am confident to the affronting and displeasing of the great king , whose representatives in the world his embassadours are ; and not only silly women were led captive by the deceivers which crept in when so many took liberty to preach , but also men who professed themselves to be wise , and to have attained to a degree of light above the vulgar ; yet forsaking the ministery and ordinances of jesus christ , appointed to continue unto the end of the world , for the instructing , perfecting , and establishment of saints in knowledge and faith , they became fools and children , tossed to and fro with every mind of doctrine , by the slight of them which led them aside . eph. . , , , . now all these persons have been slighters of the gospel of jesus christ , the ignorant , the profane , the hypocrite , and the erroneous ; and if you place them all in one company , how few will there remain in london , that have sincerely and heartily imbraced the truth as it is in jesus , and upon whom the gospel hath made a powerful and saving impression ? and even amongst those that have been affected and converted by the preaching of the gospel , and had it greatly in esteem at first hearing and believing ; how was their esteem of the gospel fallen , and their affection cooled ? did not gospel-ordinances begin to loose their worth and excellency , and grow tedious and wearisome unto them ? o how generally unthankful was london for the gospel priviledges and liberties ! yea , many began to be very nice and wanton , & the gospel was not relished , unless it were served up with such neatnesses & dressings , in which some ministers possibly did too much endeavour to please themselves and the people , and then the sauce was more relished than the food it selfe ; and the appetite of many was so spoiled , that plain wholsome soul-saving truths would not down with them . londoners began to be glutted with the gospel , and like the israelites in the wilderness , their souls began to loathe the mannah which came down from heaven ; a strange curiosity there was in spiritual pallates , which in many turned to a loathing of the food , in so much that the gospel became a burden unto them , and thence it was that many turned away their ears from the truth , and were turned unto errours , and they could not indure to hear sound doctrine , but having itching ears , heaped up unto themselves teachers according to their lusts . tim. . , . and those that continued stedfast in the truth , did not duly prize the gospel , none of them according to its dignity and worth . no wonder then if god grows angry at such contempts and affronts as were hereby offered unto him , and easeth them so much of their burden , and withdraws the food so much , which they grew so weary of : no wonder that he suffers so many of their teachers to be thrust into corners , and so much withdraws the beams of that light which was so much abused , and when they are not sensible of his displeasure in this , no wonder if he sends the plague and fire , to awaken them unto a sensibility . when the king sent forth his servants to call the guests to the wedding-feast , and they make light of it and excuse themselves , and go away , one to his farm , another to his merchandize , and the remnant took his servants and entreated them spightfully and slew them : the king was wroth , and sent forth his armies to destroy those murderers , and burn their city . matth. . from v. . to v. . god hath sent forth his fervants to call londoners to this feast ; how many invitations have they had to come unto christ , to accept of him , to save them , and feed upon him , from whom alone they can get any spiritual nourishment ; but how many in london have had their excuses , they have been following their merchandize and other business , and could not come ; and what entertainment his servants hath had ; the lord knows : i do not say that london hath entertained them despightfully , and slain them ; but have not their message been slighted by london ? and is it a wonder then if the king that sent them be wroth , and send a fire to burn down the city ? no greater favour could be shewed , no greater priviledge could be enjoyed , than to have the gospel powerfully preached , and ordinances purely administred ; but hath it been generally so accounted in london ? hath not merchandize , and thriving in the world ( which yet they have not thrived in ) been preferred before this by many thousands in the city ? when god hath been at such an expence to work out a way for mans salvation ; when he hath discovered such wonders of astonishing love in sending his only begotten son out of heaven to cloath himself in our flesh , that therein he might purchase life and salvation for us who were sunk so low from our primitive state by sin , and were exposed to death and wrath , & unavoidable endless misery in hell ; and hath sent his embassadours of peace to bring unto us the glad tidings hereof , and in his name to make known the thing , the authour , the tearms , the way ; and to intreat us that we would accept of life and reconciliation to god , who without any injury to himself could ruin us everlastingly , and get himself a name thereby ; and yet when the gospel is preached that we should undervalue and slight both messenger & message ; surely this hath been an affront to the lord , who hath sent his embassadours on this errand , and doth carry with it such ingratitude as cannot be paralleld . no doubt but this sin of slighting the gospel is a prime sin , which hath provoked god against london , to come forth in such fury ; and if london do not repent the sooner , and labour to recover its relish and esteem for the gospel , and make more evident demonstrations of it , i fear the lord will quite remove the gospel from them , and then nothing is like to follow but desolation and wo ; god doth not remove his glory at once but by steps ; first the glory of the lord departs from the inner-court , to the threshold of the house , ezek. . , . from the threshold of the house to the door of the east-gate . v. , . then it goes from the midst of the city , and standeth upon the mountain , chap. . . the gospel is the glory of london , and hath the glory of the lord made none of these removes ? is it not come forth of the inner-court ? hath it not left the threshold ? is not a departing of it quite from the city threatned ? will any thing recover it , if we do not recover our appetite , and prize , and cry after it . if the gospel go , god will go , the gospel being the sign and means of his special presence , and wo be unto us when god shall depart from us . hos. . . and if god depart with the gospel , farewel peace and prosperity in england , nothing i dare be confident but temporal misery and ruine will be the consequent ; if the ecclipse bring such misery , what will the quite darkning of the sun doe ? . the second sin of london is vnfruitfulness in such a fertile soile . this sin hath been an attendant upon , and a consequent of the former . london was not only a goshen , but an eden ▪ god chose out london to be his garden ; he hath hedged it , planted , watered , prun'd and manur'd it ; no place in the world hath had more plenty of the means of grace ; god hath given the former and the latter rain , and sweet dews of heaven both morning and evening did fall upon this place , in the morning seed was sown , and in the evening the hand was not with-drawn ; plentifull and powerfull hath preaching been in london , in season and out of season , on the sabbath day , and on the week day ; but hath london answered all gods care and cost ? hath not god come for many years together , seeking fruit , and found nothing but the leaves of profession ? hath he not often threatned to cut down the unfruitfull trees , and not suffer them to cumber his ground any longer ? and when through the intercession of the vine-dresser , he hath spared them this year and another year , hath not the same unfruitfulness still remained ? what could the lord have done more to his vine-yard than he hath done ? wherefore then when he looked for grapes , brought it forth only leaves , or wilde grapes ? and is it then to be wondred at , if the lord pluck down the hedge thereof , that it might be eaten up by the wilde boar and beast of the field , if he break down the wall thereof , and make it waste and desolate ? is it to be wondred at , if he with-hold the clouds that they rain not on it , and suffer briars and thorns to spring up in it , where the plants did grow ? the vine when it is unfruitful , is the most unuseful of all trees , it is fit for nothing but the fire , and the lord hath threatned to gather the unfruitfull branches , and to cast them into the fire and burn them ; and the earth which drinketh in the rain that often falleth upon it , and instead of herbs meet for the use of him by whom it is dressed , bringeth forth nothing but bryars and thorns , god rejecteth and curseth , and in the end burneth . o the unfruitfulness of london ! o the briars and thorns which have flourished in this ground , whereby the seed of the word hath been choaked ! o the hemlock , the thistle , and the wormwood , that have sprung up in the furrowes of the field ! o the tares that have abounded and overtopped the wheat , and how little good corn hath there been brought forth ! o the wilde olive trees which have grown up in gods garden , and wilde figges and wilde grapes , which the figg-trees and vines of god have yielded unto him ! o the leanness of his sheep in such fat pasture ! o the barrenness ! the barrenness ! of london under such plentifull showers of the word ! instead of the fruits of righteousness , which are to the praise and glory of god , there have been the fruits of unrighteousness and wickedness , which are to gods dishonour ; instead of the fruits of the spirit , which are love , joy , peace , gentleness , meekness , temperance , goodness , faith ; there have been the works of the flesh , fornication , uncleanness , lasciviousness , hatred , variance , emulations , wraths , strifes , seditions , heresies , envyings , murders , drunkenness , revellings , and such like ; of which the apostle tells us , that they which do such things , shall not inherit the kingdome of god. and those who have not abounded in the grosser works of the flesh , very few of them have been very fruitfull in good works . london hath had the means of grace , and yet most of them without grace , few of them have much grace ; london hath had powerfull ordinances , but but what powerful effect have they produced ? what have they to shew of all their prayers , and sermons , and sacraments ? have they attained unto a great measure of mortification ? is grace grown up to a great heighth ? what evidences , what experiences have the best got , which they might have got , had they been more diligent ? give me leave a little more particularly to instance the unfruitfulness of london in regard of repentance , faith , love and new obedience , the fruit which god so much looketh for , and so much delighteth in . . where have been the fruits of repentance in london ? calls there have been to repentance frequent , fervent : reason for repentance , sins numerous , hainous : need of repentance that judgments temporall , eternall , might be diverted , that pardon , happiness might be obtained : and yet o the impenitency and hard-heartedness of london ! few bleeding hearts under the sharp sword of the word ; little tenderness under the most melting discourses ; few converts and penitent persons did the most powerful preaching ( especially before the gospels eclipse ) bring forth in london : converting work was at a great stand , though there were so many unconverted persons in the city : and by the impenitency and hardness of heart in london , gods treasures of wrath have been filled up , which in some measure he hath opened in these late judgments , that he hath inflicted , and yet the great day of his wrath is stil to come , rom. . , . . where have been the fruits of faith in london ? how hath unbelief abounded , the great gospel sin , more dangerous than any other , and more hainous in london than in any other place ? o the thick vail of unbelief which hath hid gospel mysteries , and things afar off from the eyes of this people ! o the evil heart of unbelief which hath shut the door against the lord jesus christ , who hath knocked so long for entertainment ! o the sottishness of london , to believe no more , when truths have been made so plain and clear ; when promises have been made known so great and sure ; when christ hath been preached and tendered ; and when heaven hath been reveal'd and proffered ; and when all have such need , for the most to shut the eye , and ear , and heart , and through unbelief to refuse ! to give god the lye , and turn upon him the back ; to give christ a wound , and tread his blood underfoot ; to give the spirit a repulse , and send him away griev'd from the heart , as men do by their unbelief ; this sin doth provoke the lord to great displeasure . . where have been the fruits of love in london ? o the want of love to god , and one to another ! the grace of love is necessary and sweet and hath been much pressed , but little exercised in london ; there hath been much love of the world , but little love of the father ; hatred of the brethren hath abounded , but there was little brotherly love ; burning anger there hath been , litle burning love ; burning lusts , litle burning love ; inordinate carnal love , little true spiritual love ; carnal love hath exceeded the bounds , but spiritual love hath been in a very low degree : and when love in london hath waxed cold , is it a wonder if gods anger hath waxed so hot , and broken forth into such flames , as we have seen ? . where have been the fruits of new obedience in london ? and expression of love to jesus christ by keeping of his commandments , though his commandments are not grievous ? . a third sin of london , is hypocrisy in the profession of religion . this sin exceedingly prevailed in the late times , when profession of religion was grown into fashion : religion was neer in the mouths of most , but far from the reins : there was a general face of religion , but it was no more than skin-deep ; it was seated in the countenance , not rooted in the heart : how many painted sepulchres had ▪ we in london , outwardly fair and beautiful , inwardly full of rottenness and wickedness ? how much sounding brass had we then in our streets ? a great noise and stir hypocrites did make , but they were hollow at heart ; our gold was most of it counterfeit ; water we had instead of wine , and dross instead of silver . o how was religion abused ! some made it a stirrop to get up by into the seat of honor ; others made it a cloak to cover their covetous practises ; many base and wicked designes were carried on under pretence of religion . it would ask too much time to set forth hypocrites in all their shapes , and to paint hypocrisy in all its colours . london hath formerly abounded with hypocrites , and more lately it hath not been free . if hell-fire be the portion especially of hypocrites hereafter , matth. . . no wonder then if god be angry with a place for this sin here . . the fourth sin of london , is formality and lukewarmness in the worship of god. there was much formality when there was no form ; and i suppose that forms have not quickned unto more liveliness ; there was a face of worship indeed in london ; and was there not only , or little more than a face in most places ? god is holy and jealous , a great king , and his name is dreadful , mal. . . god is a spirit , and they that worship him , must worship him in spirit and in truth , joh. . . but hath his worship been accordingly in london ? hath there been that spiritual worship which he requires ? let london seriously reflect upon their carriage towards god in their devotions ; have they had a due awe and dread of the great name of god upon them , when they have seemed to draw neer unto him ? have they worshipped him with reverence and godly fear ? outward reverence some have used , more than he hath required , in bowing at names and before places ; but have they had inward reverence and fear of god upon their hearts ? have they cloathed themselves with humility , when they have come into his presence ? hath there been inward fervour and delight accompanying their outward acts of worship ? alas ! how formal hath london been , especially of late in gods worship ? they have prayed , but what kinde of prayers have they been ? could they deserve the name of prayers ? were those prayers likely to prevent judgement , or turn away wrath ? some confessions of sin have been made , but so generall and formall , that they have been very unlikely to work up the heart to sorrow and repentance : and where some have been more particular , hath not much formality cleaved to them ? where hath hearty grief for sin , and sorrow been to be found ? would not a small viol hold all the tears that have dropt from the eyes of great assemblies , even in the day of their most solemn humiliations ? hath not sin been rolled under the tongue , when confession of sin hath been at the end of it ? have not the confessions of many been such as if they came to ask leave to commit sin , rather than humbly to bewail it ? at least have they not taken leave , whatever their confessions have been ? petitions have been made for pardon , and grace , and sanctification , but hath it not been lip-prayer , without hearty desire ? hath it not been in such a manner , as if they did not much care whether they did speed or no ? as if they could make shift well enough without a pardon ? as if they had no need of grace and holiness ; but they must say something for form and custom ? hath there not been an enmity in the hearts of many against that which they have seemed to desire with their lips ? who have stirr'd up themselves to lay hold on god ? who have wrestled in prayer with fervent desires , with faith , and importunity ? hearing there hath been in london ; but how little believing ? how little relishing the word , and receiving it with love ? singing there hath been , but how little joy and melody of the heart in the lord ? o how formal and lukewarm hath london been ? how much of the laodicean temper have they had in all ordinances ? and might not god say to london , as he did of old to ierusalem , isa. . , , , . to what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me ? &c. such services are to no purpose ; they are vain worship , and do not attain the end thereof , either to profit him that offereth them , or to please him unto whom they are tendered ; can such formal services be effectual to procure pardon or peace ? can they bear up the spirit in a day of trouble ? will not the morning cloud and early dew of such righteousness flee away and vanish upon the approach of the sun ? will not such spiders webs be broken to pieces by a stormy winde ? how do formalists behave themselves as if they had no religion when they fall into trouble ? when god thunders by his judgements , what can a cold , formal , empty prayer do ? when death appears before them with a grim countenance , what comfort can such reap by reflection on such services ? what evidences for heaven can they gather from any of their outside devotions ? and are not they to as little purpose in regard of god ? may not god say unto them of their fastings and prayers , did you fast unto me ? did you pray at all unto me ? zach. . . or as here to the iews , that he was full of their services , even to a loathing ; that he took no delight in them , and who hath required these things at your hands to tread my courts ? bring no more vain oblations , incense is an abomination unto me , i cannot away with your assemblies , my soul hateth them , they are a trouble to me , i am weary to bear them . the lord is much offended with formal , hypocritical services ; hereby they flatter and mock him , and is he taken with flatteries ? such services are like a dead , cold , black , mangled , rotten , stinking carkase without the soul and spirit , which must needs be very unsavoury and displeasing ; they are like the lame , blinde , halt , sick cattel , which were not fit to be offered up in sacrifice under the law , mal. . . if ye offer the blinde for sacrifice , is it not evil ? and if ye offer the lame and sick , is it not evil ? offer it now unto thy governour , will he be pleased with thee ? and will god then be pleased ? such persons when they seem to serve god with their outward man , they serve the devil and their own lusts with their inward man ; god hath the form sometimes , the devil hath the power ; god hath the show , the devil hath the substance ; god hath the bark , the rinde , the shell , the devil hath the kernel ; god hath the cabinet , the devil gets the jewel ; they give god the devils leavings and refuse as it were of their own lust ; for they spend the strength and vigour of soul and body in serving the devil , and gratifying their own lusts ; and then think to put god off with any thing ; giveing him only some dead , cold , faint , empty , heartless , lifeless , outward services ; and even in them they are sweyed by some carnal motives , which are the secret spring to the wheel of all external services . and o how abominable is all such worship in the sight of god ? hath not formality in worship , been one sin of london , which hath helpt to fill up the ephah ? when the means god hath appointed for the turning away of his anger is used in such a manner that it self becomes a provocation , no wonder if his wrath break forth without remedy . . a fifth sin of london is division amongst professors ; different perswasions have made wide breaches and divisions in london , and through divisions have arisen great animosities and contentions , unto the shame of christianity and the protestant religion ; and hath not god been provoked to anger hereby ? hath not he contended with professours , and by the common scourge he hath brought upon them , called aloud unto them for a union , and more hearty accord and affection then formerly they have had ? and hath not he given them liberty and opportunity , had they minded and cared to make use of it , for meeting together in order unto healing ? but have professours of different parties been sensible of gods meaning in the scourge upon their backs ? have they hearkened unto gods call ? have they laid hold of , and improved opportunities for closing up their wide breaches ? i hope some closing in affection there hath been amongst some ; but how rarely hath it been to be found ? and when there are such breaches still amongst us , is it not just with god to make further breaches upon us , as he hath done by his judgements ? . a sixth sin of london is neglect of reformation . neglect of personal family city church reformation . neglect of personal reformation in heart . life . . who in london have seriously and very diligently endeavoured the reformation of their hearts ? when so unclean , and polluted , who have laboured to get them washed ? when such roots of bitterness have been springing forth , and such weeds of lust have been growing there , who hath endeavoured to pluck them up ? outward neatness there hath been in london , washing , and rincing , rubbing and scowring ; but o the inward sluttishness ! they who have had clean houses , and clean garments , and clean faces and hands , have had foul hearts : who have taken care every day to rince and scowre their inside ? to bring their hearts to the fountain set open for sin and uncleanness ; and to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit , that they might arrive every day unto greater perfection in holiness ? they who have been careful to dress their bodies every day , have been very careless in dressing their hearts , neglecting to put on the white robes of christs righteousness which alone can cover their spiritual nakedness and deformity ; and to get the jewels of grace , which alone can adorn the soul , and render it amiable in the sight of god. heart work , is hard work ; and it is so hard that most have let it alone ; they have been discouraged with the difficulty ; the opposition of sathan and lust to this work hath been so strong , that they have been quickly overpowered upon their first attempts and endeavours after a change and rectifying of the disorders , which they have perceived . heart work , is secret work ; many have employed themselves in the more open work of religion ; few have taken pains with their hearts in secret ; many take heed to their tongues , what they speak , and before whom ; to their hands , what they do ; to their feet , whither they go ; but few take heed to their hearts ▪ murder , adultery , theft , and the like sins have been committed in the heart by many , who would have been afraid and ashamed of the outward acts . o the unwatchfulness there hath been in london over the heart ! citizens have watched their gates , and watched their streets , and watched their houses ; but how few have watched their hearts , what cometh in , and what goeth forth ? how few have set a watch before the door of their lips , and ears , and other senses , which are the inlets of sin ; and upon their hearts , from whence are the issues of sin ? how few have kept their hearts with all diligence ? how few have laboured to govern their thoughts , to rule their passions , to subjugate their wills to christ , and to deliver up all their affections to his dispose and obedience ? heart reformation hath been much neglected . . who in london have endeavoured life-reformation as they should ? how few have there been effectually perswaded to put away the evil of their doings from before the eyes of the lord , to cease from evil , and have learned to do well ? how few have broken off their sins by repentance , and throughly amended their ways , measuring out their actions , by the rule of the word ? how few have got the law of god written in their hearts , and the transcript thereof in their lives , exemplifying the precepts thereof in their conversations ? how few in london have been like so many epistles of christ , in whom the will and grace of their master might be read ? who have troden in christs steps , walking as he walked , and followed him in the way of obedience and self-denyal ? who have shined like so many lights in dark places and times , adorning their profession , and living as becometh the gospel ? great irregularities there have been in the lives of most londoners , little gospel-reformation ; little making religion the business ; little holy exact living . if a stranger had looked into our city , and observed the lives of the most , and not known them to have had the name of christians , would not he have judged them to be heathens , yea many of them in their dealing to be worse then turks and infidels ? thus personal reformation hath been neglected . . a great neglect there hath been of family reformation in london ; how few have with ioshuah resolved , and accordingly endeavoured that they and their houses should serve the lord ? how few have set up religious worship in their families ? have not many hundred houses in the city been without family-prayer in them from one end of the week to the other ? and is it strange that the lord hath burned down those houses , wherein the inhabitants would not vouchsafe to worship him ? and where there hath been some prayer in many families , it was but once a day , and that so late at night , and when the body hath been so tryed , and sleepy , and the soul so dull , and unfit for gods service , that the prayers have been no prayers , or lost prayers , such , which instead of pleasing him , have provoked him to anger ? how few did labour to instruct their families ; catechize their children and servants , to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the lord ? hath not god threatned to pour out his wrath upon irreligious families ? ier. . . . neglect of city-reformation ; have not the magistrates of london been faulty here ? let them ask their own consciences , whether to the uttermost of their power according to the trust and opportunity the lord hath put into their hands , they have endeavoured the reformation of the city ? whether as gods under-officers , they have improved their interest for the promotion of religion in the zealous exercise of it ? yea whether they have put the laws made , in execution against sabbath-breakers , swearers , drunkards , endeavouring to find out and punish such offenders ? . neglect of church-reformation ; and is there no blame to be laid upon church-officers ? hath there been that zeal for , and faithful execution of church-discipline according to the rules of the word ? hath not the lord jesus christ been affronted in his kingly office by some , who have imposed precepts of their own upon mens consciences , instead of vigorously endeavouring the execution of his ; and taken the power of the keyes out of the hands of those unto whom the lord hath entrusted it , hereby rendring the execution of discipline impossible according to the laws of christ ? have not the tender and most conscientious lain under the censures of some , rather then the openly profane and scandalously wicked ? neglect of reformation am i speaking of ? nay have not many , who call themselves ministers , endeavoured rather the overthrow , then the promotion of it ? have they not had girds in their pulpits at holiness and zealous profession ; which they have seconded by a conversation of dissoluteness , malitious opposition and persecution of those especially who have been the most religious ? sad neglects there have been of reformation in london ; and that when london lay under such obligations to reform : as christians they were obliged by baptismal and renewed vows : as protestants of the reformed religion , they were obliged to endeavour a reformation : by mercies they were obliged ; an● have they been under no other obligations ? and hath not the neglect of reformation , notwithstanding all obligations , rendred them guilty of disingenuity , infideliy , yea of perjury it self ? i verily believe this is the great sin god is scourging london for ; god is contending for a reformation ; and if they do not endeavour it more vigorously the sooner , i fear he will bring desolation upon them . . a seventh sin of london , is fearful apostacy , and a spirit of complyance with the sins of the times . how many in london who formerly were great profestours , have discovered themselves to be rotten hypocrites ? who casting off the sheeps clothing , and laying aside all profession , have given themselves up to dissoluteness , and licentious living ? formerly they have seemed true penitents , and to be washed from their iniquities ; but they have returned with the dogg to the vomit , and with the sow that is washed to the wallowing in the mire , pet. . ult . formerly they have been swept a little within ; and garnisht outwardly with a fair profession ; but the unclean spirit hath returned , and without any great difficulty hath entered with seven worse spirits , and defiled them more then before , and made their last state worse then their first . i speak not so much of those who worship god in this mode or that mode , and of alterations herein ; but of those who sometimes professed religion , and now do not worship god in any mode at all , but wholly addict themselves to their lusts , and are ashamed to be called , or thought to be religious . they would not now look like a saint , or speak like a saint , much less live like a saint . thus have many in our dayes cast off all fear of god , and devoted themselves with the hell-hounds of the times to the service of the devil ; resolving to do what in them lies to promote the interest of his kingdom . and if some are a little more aukward in his service , and not altogether so like him , and such apt scholars presently , as others whose education hath been in his school from their childhood , yet they learn very fast , and wonderfull is their proficiency in a short time ; and in regard of apostacy they come neerer the image of the devil , than those that have been alwayes tutor'd by him . now for any in london to forsake god , that they might serve the devil ; to draw off from the wayes of holiness , that they might walk in the wayes of wickedness ; doth cast a great slurr upon god and his wayes . they do in effect say , that the devil is a better master than god ; and that the way of sin that leadeth to hell is more eligible than the way of holiness , which alone can bring to heaven . the lord threatneth , that his soul shall have no pleasure in such apostates , heb. . . it is a meiosis , and we are to understand , that the lord is highly displeased with such persons . see how god pleads with apostatizing israel , ier. . , , &c. wherefore i will yet plead with you , saith the lord. pass ye over to the isles of chittim , and see , and send unto kedar , and diligently consider , if there be any such thing ? hath any nation changed their gods , which yet are no gods ? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit ! be astonished o ye heavens at this , and be horribly afraid , be ye very desolate , saith the lord ; for my people have committed two great evils ; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters , and have hewen out unto themselves broken cisterns , that can hold no water : and hence follows , v. . the young lions roared and yelled upon him , and laid his land waste ; his cities are burnt without inhabitant : and v. . thou hast procured these things unto thy self , because thou hast forsaken the lord thy god : and v. . thy own wickedness shall correct thee , and thy back-slidings shall reprove thee ; know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter , that thou hast forsaken the lord thy god , and that my fear is not in thee , saith the lord god of hosts . and may not god thus plead with the apostates of london , and punish them as he did his people of israel ? . the eighth sin of london is deafning the ear against all gods calls . the lord hath called upon london by his ministers , but they have been like the deaf adder which will not hearken to the voice of the charmer ; they have stopped their ears , and turned away their shoulder , and made their heart like an adamant stone . god hath called by his mercies ; but this voice hath been too low , and they have slept the more securely in sin . god after other means hath called by afflictions , first lighter , then heavier ; and yet how many in london have , and still do walk contrary unto god , and will not return to him that hath smitten them ? they have been incorrigible under all gods correcting rods. when god spake by the plague , they were a little awakened , but quickly dropt asleep again ; when the plague was a little over , they return to their trades again , to their sins again , but they do not return unto the lord. and when the judgement of the plague was so much lost and ineffectual for their good ; this no doubt hath provoked god so quickly and unexpectedly to turn his hand upon them , and bring the judgement of the fire ; and if they will still walk contrary to god , they must expect that god will walk contrary to them , untill he have consumed them . . a ninth sin of london is profaneness , and a loose and frothy spirit , especially in the youth and springing generation . i do not tax all ; for i am confident there is a serious and godly youth growing up . but o that there were not reason to say , that the generality of youth is profane and wicked , as well as those who are grown more mature in wickedness ! and this profaneness hath shewed it self in profane using gods name . profane breaking of gods day . profane scoffing at gods people . . in profane using of gods name . how grosly hath the third commandment been broken in the city ? how hath the great and dreadfull name of the lord god , which should make men to tremble in the mention of it , and command their spirits into aw and reverence , been vainly taken by many , and used to fill up the sentence of their ordinary discourse ? and not only so ; but how hath the name of god been tossed in the black mouths of the children of darkness , and even torn in pieces by their hideous oaths and execrations ? what an hellish noyse hath the sound of full-mouth'd oaths , made sometimes in the streets ; enough to make the hair stand on end , of one who hath a sence of the greatness of that majesty upon his spirit , which hereby is so audaciously affronted ? oh the swearing that hath been used by londoners in buying and selling ! many parents have been so addicted to this sin in their families , that their little children have no sooner learned to speak , but they have also learned of them to swear by the name of god , which hath been all the teaching of god that they have given them ; a devilish teaching indeed ; which hereafter they will curse and bann them for in hell. but if you should have laid your ears unto the taverns , and ale-houses , and whore-houses , and other devil-houses once standing in london ; and harkened to the speeches of many of the devils imps , in their drinking and gaming , and other lewd practises , especially when a little cross'd and vexed ; oh what language of hell might have been heard ! how have those cursed villains , in the heat of their wine and anger , shot vollies of oaths in the face of the god of heaven ! and whetting their tongues like a sharp sword , they have not feared to wound the name of god , when they have received any injury from men . o what poyson of asps hath there been under their lips ? but a worse poyson of sin in their hearts , from the evil treasure and abundance of which , these oaths and blasphemies have proceeded . but who can find words to set forth the evil of this sin , which hath not the temptation of pleasure , advantage or honour , as other sins have ; and therefore is a great argument of a monstrous wicked heart ? and who can express gods displeasure for this sin , for which he makes sometimes a whole land to mourn ? and hath not this sin provoked the lord to utter his angry voice in plaguing and burning the city , that they might fear to abuse his name any more ? . in profanc breaking of gods day . sabbath breaking was an ordinary sin in london . i say not , it was so much broken in doing the ordinary works of the particular callings , but in that which was worse : how many did spend the sabbath in eating to excess , and drinking till they were drunk , in sleeping , in walking into the fields , in sports and recreations ? many wholly neglected the worship of god on that day ; and instead of that , did the devil more service on the lords day , then all the days of the week besides . the many weeks of sabbaths which london had in the time of the plague , methinks did reprove london for their profaning of the weekly sabbath : and the great fire , ( i will not call it bon-fire because so destructive to london . ) which was begun in the city on the lords day did reprove london for those lesser fires , ( i will not call them bon-fires because so offensive to god ) which not long before were kindled in the streets on that day which called for other kind of work . not to speak any thing whether there were any just occasion for those fires and ringing of bells , ( most of which were melted before they were rung so generally again ) and such a shew of mirth and rejoycing at that time . the citizens carrying forth their goods , and lying in the fields , with grief and fear , might put them in mind how often they had walked out into those fields on the lords day for their recreation ; when they should rather have been hearing the word preached , or if that were over , repeating it in their own families , giving and receiving instruction , or in their closets at the throne of grace , or employed in meditation . as god delights in those that call his sabbaths a delight , and makes sweet promises to them ; so he is highly displeased with sabbath breakers , and hath denounced severe threatnings against them , jer. . . if ye will not hearken to me to hallow the sabbath day ; i will kindle a fire in the gates of jerusalem which shall devour the palaces thereof , and shall not he quenched . . in profane scoffing at gods people . the name of a saint , and godly man , hath been ridiculous to many prophane spirits in london , and used by them in a way of reproach . how have gods people , especially the more strict and zealous , been made the drunkards song , and laughed at in the streets ? horrid impiety ! as if it were matter of more shame to be like the holy god , than to be like the foul devill ! and to be employed in the work of angels , than to drudge in satans chains ! no wonder if god is angry with such a place where such vipers have had their abode : prophaness is a great sin that hath brought ruine upon us . . a tenth sin of london is pride . this sin being so odious to god ; so destructive where it abounds ; and so universal in london ; i shall speak of it the more largely , both in regard of the inward workings , and the outward expressions of it : which when opened , i believe there are none that will be able to say they are wholly free from it . . in regard of the inward workings of pride . oh how hath the poison of this sin envenomed the spirits of the most in a very high degree ? how many self-admirers have there been in london , who have been puft up with an overweening conceit of their own excellencies ? what high , touring , swelling thoughts have they had of themselves ? what secret self-pleasing , and lifting up themselves in their own esteem ? some esteeming themselves for that which is matter of shame ; admiring themselves for their own wit and parts , when they have lain fallow , and not been employed for god , or when they have been employed to his dishonour : when they have been wise , but it hath been to do evil : when they have been men of understanding , but it hath been to practise iniquity : when they have had cunning craftiness , but it hath been to deceive , to defraud and over-reach ; or to plot and contrive others mischief ; when they have had a ripe wit , quick understanding , rich fancy , fluency of speech ; but the employment hath been about toyes and trifles , or that which is worse ; when the vent hath been in foolish , empty complements and courtship , jesting with scripture , scoffing at the religious , or in dirty and obscene discourses . others have admired themselves , for that which really they never had but only in their own imagination . some for their parts and learning ; thinking themselves great schollars when none have thought so but themselves : others for their grace and godliness , when their silver hath been dross ; and their grace either counterfeit in whole , or so mixed with unperceived corruption , that upon examination they might find themselves very poor , in that which they thought themselves so much enriched with ; and if they looked to the root and principle of their actions , they might find great flaws , and deficiency in those things which they had the highest conceit of . how many in london have had very honourable esteem of themselves ; preferring themselves above others , yea above the whole world ? few have measured themselves by the rule , but measured themselves by their own fancies , or by other mens esteem . how many have thought themselves to be something , when they have been nothing , and rejoyced in their actions as excellent , and admirable , not from their own proof and tryal of them by the word , but from others acceptation and commendations , and by comparing them with the actions of other men , whom they have conceited themselves to exceed ? o how have some lifted up themselves above others , looking upon themselves as far more worthy without any reall ground ? their eye hath been upon their own good things , overlooking the secret evil , because it cannot be seen by men : and their eye hath been upon others evil things ; overlooking the good which hath been out of ready view : their eye hath been upon their own best things , and upon others worst things , aggravating their faults , and extenuating their own . thus they have in their thoughts brought others down through uncharitableness , and lifted up themselves upon the ruines , which their uncharitableness hath made in others worth : and when they have had greater esteem because of their greater shew , this opinion of themselves hath been confirmed ; whereas in truth , others who made less shew , and had less esteem , have had more sincerity , and secret hidden excellency . i might further trace the inward workings of pride in the self-love which it hath effected ; what a marvelous affection have proud persons had towards themselves , notwithstanding their ugliness , and spiritual deformity , the rottenness and corruption within them ? and many lusts of their hearts ? all which pride hath covered and a thousand faults in themselves ; as charity doth cover a thousand faults in others : pride hath put a fair gloss and varnish upon all , and represented men to themselves as very lovely and amiable . pride also hath chosen for such , their friends , who have been loved , not according to the worth which those persons have had , but according to the estimation those persons have had of their worth ; which if those have fallen in estimation , these have fallen in affection . i might shew the workings of pride , in the hatred , anger , spight , revenge which it hath effected , when it hath met with disesteem or slighting : the grief at the substraction of its fuel , and provision ; the sollicitous thoughts , and cares concerning , and eager progging , and pursuit after others commendations ; the storm of commotion and disturbance which this winde hath raised , when the tide of applause hath run another way : the complacency and delight it hath yielded in drinking out of a full stream of others esteem , in chewing the cud , and revolving in the minde the praise of men . but so much concerning the inward workings of pride . . concerning the outward expressions of pride , and that , . in the speech : london hath been grosly guilty in boasting and vain-glory. what company could you come into almost , but you should finde many boasting spirits ? some foaming out the shame of their own praise , in high expressions , and direct self-commendations ( without any regard to gods glory , self-vindication , example , or excitement ; in which cases , modestly and sparingly , to do it may be lawfull and a duty ) but they have done it only to be well thought on , and admired : others driveling out their own praises more sliely and indirectly ; but a christian of eyes and brains , might easily perceive that the drift and scope of the discourse hath been self , and a tacit begging of a good opinion . as if one should say , pray friends , think a little better of me ; pray have me higher in your esteem ; for to say the truth , by this i give you to understand that i am a very worthy person . many we shall finde very forward to declare their own goodness , but few faithfull in speaking forth the praises of god ; yea many there have been who have discommended themselves , not that they might fall , but rise in esteem . thus some rotten-hearted hypocrites as full of pride as they can hold , and some sincere in the main , yet too much like them , have spoken so meanly of themselves , and so much against themselves as none other would do ; and what hath been the design ? even that they might be accounted humble : and therefore they have taken care in their self-commendations , to speak of nothing but common infirmities , concealing their more gross faults ; and those common infirmities , in a mourning and complaining way , as if they were very sensible of them ; as if affected , afflicted , and burthened with them ( as the humble , sincere christian is indeed ) that they might be esteemed for sensibility of small faults ; and then they have taken care to do it , not to those that are more rigid , severe and quicksighted christians , that would quickly have smelt out their pride ; but unto those , which they have lookt upon as the most tender , charitable persons , who are ready hereby to advance them higher in esteem ; or weaker christians , who are ready to confess more evil of themselves . and when they have thus spoken against themselves , they have not really thought so , but the contrary ; but they have spoken so , that they might be contradicted , and commended to their faces ; if they thought they should have fallen in esteem by such words , they would have held their peace , but because they supposed discommendation might most effectually promote esteem , and draw out a good word , therefore they have used it . proud hypocrites speak ill of themselves that they may be accounted humble ; they cannot endure to be humble ; they care not for the grace , yea they hate it ; yet they would be thought to have it , because it doth promote esteem : they love the reward of humility , but they care not for humility it self , they love humility in others , because such persons will stoop to them ; but they love not humility in themselves , for they will stoop to none . thus some also out of a secret design of pride have discommended others behinde their backs , that they might be thought to exceed them , whom they could correct , and finde fault withall ; they have laboured to bring down others that they might set up themselves . and the same design of pride they have had in commending others to their faces , and exalting them in words above themselves , not from a reall esteem which they have had of them above themselves , but only that they might draw forth a commendation from them . such expressions of pride have been to be found in professors , and have been more latent ; but i shall speak of the more gross and open expressions , which have been generall in the city . we read of the pride of the daughters of ierusalem , isa. . , &c. they were haughty , and walked with stretched forth necks , and wanton eyes , walking and mincing as they went , and making a tinckling with their feet : and what was it they were proud of ? see from v. . to v. . their ornaments , their cauls , their tires , their chains , their bracelets , their mufflers , their tablets , their head-bands , their rings , their iewels , their changeable suits of apparel , and the like . and hath there not been this pride in london ? were not the daughters of london like the daughters of zion for pride , and haughtiness ? was there any place in england that could shew such pride of apparel as london could shew , which the female sex were not only guilty of ? was there any fashion , though never so antick and apish , which london did not presently imitate ? who can count the cost which hath been lavished out in cloathing , and rich apparel ? some pinching their bellies and families to lay it out on this lust. this pride of apparel is very shamefull and absurd , cloaths being the badge of apostasie , which were not made use of till after the fall , therefore the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies cloathing , comes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he prevaricated ; and it is as if a thief should be proud of his shackles , or any malefactor of his mark of disgrace : at least the gaudy attire of many persons hath signified the emptiness and frothy minde within ; and that they have had nothing to set them forth but their cloaths . i might also add ; the pride , which the daughters of london have had of their beauty , though it be but skin-deep , and the body but a skinfull of dirt , and the choycest beauty without discretion , like a jewel hanged at the ear or nose of a swine : and the lord knows what monstrous , and defiled , and deformed insides , the most of those have had , who have been so fair and adorned outwardly . many in london have been proud of their fine cloaths and fair faces ; and others of their fair shops , and stately houses ; pride has hung about the neck like a chain , and covered them like a garment , instead of the cloathing and ornament of humility , which before god is of so great price . now god is highly offended with the sin of pride , god resisteth the proud , pet. . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , he doth as it were set himself in battell array against them . pride goes before destruction , and an haughty spirit before a fall , prov. . . pride was one of sodoms sins , which city was burnt with fire from heaven , ezek. . . the scriptures speak of three cities that were burnt for this sin of pride among other sins , namely sodom , ierusalem , and babylon : and may not london come in for a fourth ? the botches , and blains , and loathsome sores in the bodies of many , when the plague was in london ; and the burning of so much fewel of pride , by the fire , methinks were a very loud reproof and rebuke of london for this sin . . an eleventh sin of london , is fullness of bread , or intemperance in eating : this was another of the sins of sodom . god did feed london with the finest of the wheat , and gave plenty of corn , and flesh , and other provisions ; but how have they abused plenty by their intemperance and luxury ? o the excessive feasting in halls , and private houses of them whose estates have been more plentifull ! what indulging hath there been to the appetite , as if self-denyal in regard of the appetite were no duty , or an enemy , and with the poor to be shut out of doors ? what curiosity of palat , and daintiness have many in london had , so that air , earth , sea , must be ransackt to please them , and all would not do ? what loathing have they had of ordinary food ? many good creatures of god must be cut and mangled , and spoyled , to make them new dishes ; which however pleasing , have but spoyled their stomachs , and bred diseases in their bodies . some have not eaten much , but have been so choice , that scarce any food hath pleased them ; and that not , through sickness of body , but wantonness of mind : others have been pleased with their food and overpleased , and all their pleasure hath been therein ; all whose god , as the apostle speaks , phil. . hath been their belly . such like the rich man , luk. . . have fared sumptuously and deliciously every day ; o the excessive cost that some have bestowed upon their tables daily ! o the excessive quantity of meat that some have devoured ! o the excessive time that hath been wasted in pampering the flesh ! what rioting and banqueting hath there been daily in london , many feeding themselves without fear ; as if gluttony were not any sin at all ? how many have been like fed horses in the city , or like fatted oxen , who as the apostle iames speaks , have lived in pleasure and been wanton , and nourished themselves as in a day of slaughter , jam. . . and as hos. . . according to their pasture so were they filled ; they were filled , and their heart was exalted , therefore have they forgotten me. this kinde of intemperance hath so strangely brutified many , that they have been even degenerated into beasts , only that they have been more unusefull ; for hereby they have unfitted themselves for all kinde of service , as if they were born only to eat : but withall they have prepared themselves for those ruining and slaughtering judgements which have come upon the city . . a twelfth sin of london is idleness ; a consequent of the former ; only that idleness hath been more generall : this was also a sin of sodom ; i will not say but many citizens of london were diligent in their calling , but how many idle vagrant persons were there in the city ? what idleness in many of the youth , if not held in the more strictly , and some breaking forth , and lavishing away stollen time , which was not at their own dispose whatever strictness was used ? moreover what an ill example for idleness , did many governours themselves give to their children and servants ? when masters were idle abroad , no wonder that servants were idle at home ; when mistresses were idle in their chambers , no wonder if the kitchin did imitate . though eating , and drinking , and cloathing were necessary , and called for some time ; yet the excess of time spent about these things , if not worse , was no better than idle time . many especially of the females in the city have spent so much time in the morning in their beds , if not in sleeping , at least in idle foolish fancies , and so much time after in neat and curious dressing their bodies , that they have had no time before dinner for prayer or reading , no time to dress their souls : and the afternoon being far spent in eating and drinking , the rest of the time hath run away either in visitings or entertainments , wherein ( if not worse ) vain , idle , unprofitable things have been the chief , if not the only subject of their discourse : and by that time they have again refreshed themselves with food at night , they have been too sleepy and unfit for prayer , and the service of god. and thus many careless women in the city have lived in ease and idleness from one end of the week , and one end of the year unto another . but methinks the lord hath by his terrible things in london , spoken unto them much in the same language as he did , isa. . , , . rise up ye women that are at ease , hear my voice ye careless daughters , give ear to my speech ; many dayes and years shall ye be troubled ye careless women : tremble ye women that are at ease , be troubled ye careless ones , strip ye , make ye bare , and gird sackcloth upon your loyns . but i would not charge this sin of idleness only upon the female sex : many men have been more shamefully guilty , especially those who have mispent so much time in gaming , ( not to speak of excess in eating and drinking , and other time-consuming sins which are reproved in their proper place ) o the time that many have spent in gaming ! some recreations wherein the body is exercised , may be lawful and necessary at some time ; so they do not steal away too much of their time and affections ; but for men to sit at games as hard as schollars at their books , what rational plea can be used for such wicked idleness ? thus silver , and gold , and great estates have been consumed ; and o the golden hours , the dayes , and nights , and precious time , that have been lost in gaming ! thus some have run out of all , and removed into the country to hide their shame , after their high port in the city ; some have gone into the high wayes , not to beg , but to do that which is far worse , which in some hath had a dreadful conclusion . and not only this kind of idleness hath brought poverty , but also that heedless , slothful spirit , which many of the city have had in their callings ; which hath made them blemishes to the city , and hath been an helper on of our ruine . . a thirteenth sin of london is unmercifulness , another of sodom's sins . ezek. . . she strengthened not the hands of the poor and needy . i shall not blame the whole for this sin , for the charity of london hath sounded throughout the land , and throughout the world . but yet have not many of the great men of the city been guilty of unmercifulness , who though more able , yet have been less forward to contribute to the relief of such as have been in distress ? it hath been the comfort of some who have lost much by the fire , that they had saved what before they had given to the poor , by putting it out of the reach of moth , or rust , or thieves , or flames of fire . but oh what marble bowels have some had towards the poor ! so that they could , ( whatever abundance they had by them beyond what themselves did make use of ) as freely part with so many drops of their blood , as pieces of money , though to help some of the needy and distressed members of jesus christ : not considering that the lord jesus is the heir of all things , and whatever estate they had , they were but his stewards ; and that relief of the needy is a debt , which though man cannot require it of them , yet god can : and is it unequal if for want of payment of gods debts ( which they owed out of their estates , by vertue of gods command , to the poor ) the lord hath dispossest them of his houses , and burnt them with fire , and taken away part of the estates which he gave them because they have employed them no more for his glory . . a fourteenth sin of london is vncleanness , another sin of sodom ; their sin indeed was unnatural uncleanness . i would hope that this sin hath been little known and practised in the city . but fornication and adultery have been too common . indeed there hath not been that boldness and impudency in this sin as elsewhere ; there hath not been that whores forehead so generally in london , and declaring the iniquity like sodom : but let the consciences of many londoners speak , whether they have not been secretly guilty of this sin ? would it not be a shame to tell of the chambering and wantonness , and privy leudness which hath been committed in london ? suppose that in all the remaining churches the sin of uncleanness should be reproved ; and all , both men and women that have been actually guilty of it , should be forced by an inward sting of conscience ( as sometimes those were upon the words of our saviour that accused the woman taken in adultery ) immediately to go forth out of the place : what a stir would there be in some churches ? what an emptying of some pews ? what a clearing of some iles ? and how few would there be remaining in some places ? suppose a visible mark were put by god upon the foreheads of all adulterers in the city of london , as god put a mark upon cain after he had been guilty of murther ; would not many who walk now very demurely , and with much seeming innocency , walk with blushes in their cheeks ? would not many keep house and hide their face , and not stir abroad except in the night ? or if in the day , would they not shuffle thorow the streets , and hate the fashion of little hats , and the court-mode of wearing them behind their head ; and rather get such whose brims are of a larger size , which might the more conveniently cover their brows ? and would not many unsuspected and seemingly modest women also , stain their cheeks with a vermilion dye upon their husbands or friends search into their countenance ? would not many of them walk with thick hoods , and wear continually deep fore-head-cloaths , as if they were troubled with a perpetual head-ake , that they might hide their shame from the view of man ? this sin is so nasty and filthy , that whatever swinish pleasure is found in the commission of it , usually those that are guilty ( unless the brow be brass ) are ashamed that it should be known : the holy and jealous eye of god hath seen them in their filthiness ; their secret sins are set in the light of his countenance , which above all should make them ashamed ; whoremongers and adulterers god will judge , heb. . . which should make them afraid . i have heard of smithfield haunts , and moore-field walks , whither there hath been too great a resort from the city under the shadow of the wings of the night , about these deeds of darkness ; the words and signs which such lewd persons have used to signifie their minds one to another i am unacquainted withall : the many whorehouses , under the name of alehouses about london , by report have had too many customers : and if the constables had been as zealous at other times , as they were when the strict press was in the city to disturb those conventicles , they might possibly have found more of that coat , and tribe who should have given better example . if there have not been publick stews in london as in other cities in the world ; yet have not some made their own houses little better , some men bringing in their whores in little better than publick view ? and of the other sex some by the open weare of naked breasts , and their light attyre and carriage , have enticed the eye and courtship , and after , basely prostituted their bodies to the lusts of filthy ruffians . o the boyling , burning lusts that have been in london ! o the wanton eyes and looks ! the speculative uncleanness , and secret self-pollutions ! the obscene and filthy speeches ! the toying and lustful dalliances ! and the gross actual uncleann●ss which god hath been witness to every day in london ! this sin of uncleanness doth debase the spirit made at first after gods own image ; defiles both soul and body , which should be the temple of the holy-ghost ; and renders men unfit for communion with an holy god , who is of such pure eyes that he cannot approve of the least iniquity ; much less of this , which is so gross ; and not only so but doth exceedingly provoke him unto anger and jealousie . this may be one sin that hath brought down such fearful judgements upon the city ; we read of twenty and four thousand men that fell in one day by the plague , for the sin of fornication , num. . . and have not many thousand inhabitants and habitations of london fallen for this sin ? it is said of the israelites , hos. . . they have made ready their heart like an oven , while they lye in wait , their baker sleepeth all night ; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire . have not the hearts of many in london been like an oven for lust , and themselves like bakers putting fewel into it , and stirring it up ; and if whilest they have lain in wait , and have not had present opportunity for satisfaction of their lusts ; they have seemed to be asleep ; yet no sooner hath the morning light of a fit occasion offered it self to their adulterous eyes , but their adulterous hearts have burned within them , and broken forth into a flaming fire , in the actual commission of the sin . and hath this been the practice only of the court , and of westminster side ? hath not the cursed leaven of this common sin of the times , spread it self also in the city ? therefore the lord also hath made ready his wrath as in an hot oven ; and though like a baker he hath seemed to sleep while he lay in wait , and delayd to execute his judgments ; yet in the morning of his great provocation by this and other sins , his anger hath broke forth like a flaming fire , from whence that fire hath been kindled which hath burnt the greatest part of london down to the ground , ier. . , . when the israelites were like fed horses in the morning , every one neighing after his neighbours wife ; the lord speaks to them in his wrath , shall not i visit for these things ? shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this ? . a fifteenth sin of london is drunkenness ; this sin hath been more visible and apparent ; i believe that scarcely any nation under heaven hath proportionably more taverns and ale-houses than england , and no place in england so many as london , and its adjacent parts : and of all the many thousands of these houses i believe there hath been scarce any but could give many instances of this sin . besides the many private houses where this sin hath been practised . how have men risen early in the morning to follow strong drink , and continued unto night , till wine inflamed them ? isa. . . come ye say they , and i will fetch wine , and we will fill our selves with strong drink ; and to morrow shall be as this day , and much more abundant , isa. . . the corners and beds full of vomit , the reelings about the streets , the contentions and wranglings , the wounds without cause , the redness of the eyes , and such like have been to evident a demonstration , of mens tarrying too long at the wine , and distempering themselves with excessive drinking , prov. . , . to be overtaken with drunkenness is a great sin , which makes men more bruitish than their very horses , who will not exceed their measure in drinking , except they be forced to it by barnacles : and if none in the city had yielded to receive the drench of a cup beyond the measure without barnacles upon their noses , i suppose that with their horses , they would have been more sober ; and hereby prevented many distempers of body , and worse distempers of mind , and which is worst of all , much dishonour of god , as well as of themselves , which excess in this kind hath been the cause of . but for men to follow after this sin , and make it their trade and common practice ; to delight in it , and seek for their god and chief happiness , in a cup of wine , or ale , and to grow men of might in drinking ; to exceed the bounds by many degrees without reeling , to entice others to it , yea to force them to drink healths ( that ungodly practice ) which would not in the least promote anothers health , but was likely to destroy their own , through the excess which such practices do introduce ; to take pleasure in drinking down others under their feet ; and after to glory in their shame and wickedness ; this is a sin that doth so far exceed bruitish , that it becomes devilish , and doth highly provoke the lord to pour forth his fury like water upon the places where such sins are committed . and hath not london been guilty of this sin of drunkenness with the aggravations of it ? have not some of londons magistrates been guilty , who should have punished this sin , and too many ministers , who should have reproved it both by word and example of sobriety ? and for such to be seen drunk and reeling in the streets , was very shamefull , and a great provocation . have not the late judgements in some sort pointed out this sin ? the dizziness of head , and reeling of persons that have been smitten with the plague ; the flaming of the heart of the city , and reeling of the houses , and tumbling of them to the ground by the fire , methinks were a reproof of the dizziness and reelings , about the streets and houses , of such persons as had inflamed and distempered themselves with excessive drinking . . a sixteenth sin of london is perverting of judgement . this is a god-provoking sin : when none calleth for justice , nor any pleadeth for truth ; when men make to themselves crooked paths , and there is no judgement in their goings ; yea when judgment is turned away backward , and justice standeth afarr off , and truth is fallen in the streets , and equity cannot enter ; when truth faileth , and he that departeth from evil , maketh himself a prey , &c. as the prophet speaks , isa. . when magigistrates are lovers of gifts , and followers after rewards ; when they judge not the fatherless , neither doth the cause of the widdow come unto them ; then the lord cryeth ah! i will ease me of mine adversaries , and aveuge me of mine enemies , isaiah . , . i cannot charge london deeply with this sin ; not having been my self present much in their courts of judicature ; and i would hope that justice hath taken place here , as much as in most cities in the world : but when i read what the lord saith concerning ierusalem , jer. . . run ye too and fro through the streets of jerusalem , and see now and know , and seek in the broad places thereof if ye can find a man , if there be any that executeth judgement , that seeketh the truth , and i will pardon it : and when withall i consider the dreadfull judgments of god upon the city of london , whereby the glory of the magistracy and government of the city is so much stained ; i would submit it to enquiry whether there hath not been a failure and perverting of judgment in the city ? whether bribes and rewards have not blinded the eyes , and the edge of the law hath not been turned against well doers , instead of evil doers ? whe●her the fatherless and the widdow have not been sent weeping to their heavenly father to complain of injustice ? it is not a time to cover faults but to confess and leave them ; least unavoidable ruine come upon us when it will be too late . . a seventeenth sin of london is covetousness . how universally hath this sin reigned in the city ? so that it may almost be said of london , as it was of ierusalem , jer. . . from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness . those who have been free from gluttony , drunkenness , adultery , and the like expensive sins ; have on the other hand addicted themselves to the sin of covetousness . i do not charge all , but oh how almost universal hath this sin among tradesmen been ? which hath evidenced it self both in their getting and keeping riches . . in getting : what eager desires after the world , and their obtaining an estate by their trades ? what studies and consultations , what wracking the brains , and torturing the wits , to find out the best way of thriving in the world ? what earnest prosecutions have there been , and laborious endeavours , rising up early , and sitting up late , and wearying the body , and the mind all the day , eating the bread of carefulness , and mingling the drink with sollicitousness , crouding up the whole time with worldly business , so that their own health hath been disregarded , as well as the worship of god neglected in the families of these worldlings ; and all to scrape a little worldly riches together which some have mist of , notwithstanding all their endeavours : and if they have obtained , yet they have remained more poor in contentment , than when they were more poor in their estates ? for as their estates have increased , so their desires have increased and been farther off from satisfaction ; as they have enlarged their shops and trades ; and wealth hath flowed in upon them ; so they have enlarged their desires like hell , and like the grave have never said it is enough : when they have added bag to bag , and house to house , the more cares , and fears , and sometimes piercing sorrows have accompanied their gains ; but far have they been from finding the contentment and comfort in their riches that they looked for . . this covetousness hath appeared in keeping what they have gotten : keeping i say , for covetous persons have had little heart to spend though in necessary uses what they have scraped together : they have had wealth , but the use of it they have not had ; it hath been to them like a treasure in a chest of which they had lost the key ; or like another mans money in their keeping , which they must not meddle withall . whatever abundance they have had in the bag , and in the coffer , their families have been in want ; the table hath been penurious ; the back and belly have been pinched ; they have lived at a meaner rate than those that have been of a meaner degree . the poor might starve at their doors , no pitty towards others in want and misery , and the least pitty towards themselves : whilest they have saved , for fear least afterwards they should want ; they have all along wanted , whilest they have been saving ; and it may be at last they have lost what they have been keeping , to the unexpressible grief , and it may be breaking of their hearts , which have been so set upon these things . this sin of covetousness in some hath had deeper rooting , in most hath had too much footing : and in all hath been very heinous and abominable before god. this sin is termed idolatry in scripture , and the covetous are stigmatized with the name of idolaters , col. . . ephes. . . it is heart idolatry forbidden in the first commandment . that thing we make a god to our selves , which we chiefly affect : if it be the world , then we make the world our god ; which is inconsistent with the true love of god the father the only true god. joh. . . love not the world , neither the things that are in the world , if any man love the world , the love of the father is not in him . this sin of covetousness is hateful to god and provokes his wrath , isa. . . for the iniquity of his covetousness was i wroth and smote him . hath not god smitten london with the plague and fire , among other iniquities , for this iniquity of covetousness ? when london was eagerly pursuing after the world , and all minding and seeking their own interest , without any regard to the interest of gods glory and kingdom , or care of their soul-interest and salvation , which their worldly business would not allow time for ; did not the lord send a plague to put a stop to their trade ; and gave them time to seek him , and to make their peace with him in their retirements , which they could not , or rather would not finde before ? and when they returned with more eagerness to their trades , after the plague was a little over , that they might fetch up if they could what they had miss'd by that intermission ; did not the lord send a fire to consume much of that which they had set their hearts upon , and in large legible letters write vanity upon this idol , which so many had worshipped ? let london consider and lay to heart this sin of covetousness . . the eighteenth sin of london is extortion ; thus covetousness hath expressed it self more grosly in some . i shall not here discourse concerning usury ; but the extorting use , which some have taken of those who have been in want ; the taking use upon use , and grinding the faces of the poor in their distress , no doubt is a great sin , and very offensive to god. how many extortioners have there been in london , who have enriched themselves by impoverishing of others ; who panting after the dust of the earth , on the head of the poor , have lent money to them , not for their help , but to catch them at an advantage , that so without mercy they might catch away all that they had , not leaving them so much as a bed to ly on ? thus some have been like lyons for cruelty , and like evening wolves unt the poor , tearing their flesh from their bones , and reserving their very bones to gnaw in the morning , as the prophet speaks , zeph. . . this sin of extortion was one of the abominations reckoned up by the prophet ezekiel , for which god was so highly offended with ierusalem , chap. . . thou hast taken vsury and increase , and hast greedily gained of thy neighbour by extortion ; and hast forgotten me ; for this and other sins there mentioned , it is said v. . therefore have i poured out my indignation upon them ; i have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. unto this sin of extortion i may add severall other wayes that many in the city have had of getting estates , which some may dispute for the lawfulness of , and because so common and gainfull , the sin is little heeded ; but when the lord hath been contending with the whole city , and hath inflicted a generall stroke upon tradesmen , yea one stroke upon another , and hath trodden their trade under his feet , as seeming to be offended with something therein ; methinks they should be awakened , and open their eyes , and impartially search , and labour to finde out whatever it is that doth offend him , whatever seeming disadvantage may come to them thereby . and if they will not hearken , god can take away the remainder , as he hath done a great part , and so force them to a sense of their sin . one sinfull way of getting estates , and i am perswaded displeasing to god , is engrossing and monopolizing of commodities , which many in london have done , that having all the commodities of that kinde in their hands , they might make their own market , and set their own price upon them ; which if they sold as cheap as otherwise they would do , or as others do when they are shared into many hands ( as possibly some may ) i could not condemn the thing : but when by getting the whole into their hands , they hoist and raise the price far beyond the just value , which they necessitate people to give , and that only that they might enrich themselves : this i dare confidently affirm to be unlawfull ; and my reason is , because hereby they prefer a lesser good , before a greater ; namely , the enriching of themselves , and their families , before the more publick good of making the commodity more cheap to the commonwealth . if they say , the injury which they who buy of it , will sustain , ( they being so many ) will be very small and inconsiderable ; but the good they shall get hereby will be great , and they may be in a better capacity of doing good ; i answer , that none ought to do the least injury for the reaping of the greatest advantage ; it being absolutely unlawfull to do evil , that good may come thereby , and the damnation of such will be just , rom. . . and consequently a greater injury will come to themselves , than to those whom they injure ; yea , the injury will be greater , than the good , which they obtain . and as for their being in a capacity of doing more good ; i believe that such persons , if they do spend such gains , are more forward to spend them on their lusts , than to lay them out in charitable uses ; i have not heard that the greatest monopolizers in london have been the most charitable persons . if i were more acquainted with the mysteries of trades in the city , i fear , i might finde out more than one mystery of iniquity among them . if the lord would put into the hearts of magistrates and citizens , to look into trades , and to consider the equity that they bear , and take some course for rectifying abuses in them ; it might be one way to obtain a more favourable aspect from heaven ; and the lord might revive again the trade of london , which now is dying and sinking to the ground . . a nineteenth sin of london is lying . it is said of nineveh , nah. . . that it was a city full of lies . o the lies that have been in london ! who can reckon them ? lies in the streets , loud lies , which have been cryed , false news which we daily hear . lies in the chambers , secret lies , privy false tales which are whispered in the ears : lies in the shop , trading lies ; lies told in buying and selling : officious lies , which some tell to do their friends a kindness : mischievous lies , which some tell to do another an injury . we read of some , that bend their tongue like their bow for lies , that will not speak the truth , but teach their tongue to speak lies , jer , . , . how many liars have there been in london ? what age is free from this sin ? the children have learned to lie , as soon as they have learned to speak . what house hath been free ? how have tradesmen been guilty of lying , which some account a necessary adjunct to their trade , without which they could not live ? how many servants have excused one another and themselves when they have committed faults , with their lies ? but of all lies , mischievous lies have been the worst , which some have invented to do an injury to their neighbour ; such lies are more immediately begotten by the devil the father of lies , and such liars are his most genuine off-spring . but all lies in a sense are mischievous lies ; they are mischievous to the party that tells them ; even the officious liar cannot do so much kindness to his friend by his lye , as he doth injury to himself : what! will a man stab himself to do his friend a courtesie ? he that wounds his conscience doth worse ; he that gains in his trade by his lye , loseth more than he gains : a bag of gold is not to be compared with inward peace , and the favour of god ( better than life ) which by this sin is lost . surely , the lord , being a god of truth , is much offended with this sin of lying . god delights , saith solomon , in them that deal truly , but lying lips are an abomination to him , prov. . . lying was one sin of israel , for which their land did mourn , hos. . , . and god threatneth to give all liars their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone , rev. . . methinks that one place should make all liars to tremble . and is not this one sin which some professors also in the city have been guilty of , to the shame of their profession ; for which the lord hath sent the fire to burn down the city , to awaken us to fly from this sin , as we would escape the future fire of hell ? . another sin of london is couzening and defrauding : this sin hath been the product of covetousness , and the companion of lying , and how ordinary hath it been among tradesmen , which many have been so accustomed to , that it hath been as easie to perswade the aethiopian to change his skin , as to perswade them to leave off their couzening ? this they have lookt upon as even essential to their trade , at least as necessary to their gains ; yea some have pleaded a necessity thereof , to get a livelyhood for themselves and families . but there is no necessity of any sin ; duties are necessary , but sins are never necessary , and the gain which is gotten by sin , is like the gain of a garment , which hath the plague in it , which if it bring warmth for the present , quickly also may bring sickness and death : and if couzening brings gain into the purse , it presently brings the plague into the heart , and quickly will bring the pain and punishment of hell. to defraud another in dealing , is but a more covert way of stealing , and it is as lawfull to take a purse upon the high-way , as to take a shilling by fraud in the shop ; the difference lies only in the degree , the nature of the sin which is theft , is the same in both . and the lord , as he hath expresly forbidden this sin , so he hath threatned to avenge it , thess. . . that no man go beyond or defraud his brother ( not only in a greater thing but ) in any matter , because the lord is the avenger of all such . the several ways which tradesmen have had of defrauding , would be too large for me to speak of , neither am i so skilfull as to understand . the falsifying of weights and measures is gross , a sin practised among the iews of old , which god threatens to punish them for , hos. . . ephraim is a merchant , the ballances of deceit are in his hand . and both their sin and gods anger are set forth , mic. . , , , . are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the houses of the wicked , and the scant measure which is abominable ? shall i count them pure with the wicked ballances , and with the bag of deceitfull weights ? for the rich men thereof are full of violence , and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lyes , and their tongue is deceitfull in their mouth : therefore also will i make thee sick in smiting thee , in making thee desolate , because of thy sins . and was it not thus with london ? did they not falsifie weights and measures , and falsifie commodities , and speak falsly concerning the price of them , and take unconscionable gains , and yet profess kinde usage of their customers , whom they did most exact upon ? but if i could , i should not open the cunning wayes which some have found out , of defrauding and over-reaching , least any should learn , and be enticed to practise the sin by the very reproof of it , as i have heard some have done . now such persons , who have gotten their wealth by defrauding and over-reaching their brethren , bring themselves into such a snare of the devil , that very few ever get out , but are dragg'd by him thereby into hell ; because it is not bare grieving for this sin , which is necessary to the obtaining of a pardon ; but restitution is necessary ; they must refund , they must restore , either to the parties themselves , or to the poor , what they have gotten wrongfully , if they be able ; if not , as much as they have , otherwise they cannot be saved . no salvation came to zacheus till he was resolved upon restitution of what he had wrongfully gained , luke . , . god smites his hand at dishonest gain , ezek. . . and this is one sin which i believe god hath smitten london for . . the one and twentyeth sin of london is prodigality and profuse spending ; some have spared too much through covetousness , others have spent too much through prodigality . liberality is a great vertue ; and bountiful charity an excellent grace , which london hath not been without ; but prodigality is a great sin . thus some have spent above their degree , lavishing out their estates on their tables , on their houses , on their cloathes ; but the worst prodigality hath been , in that which men have lavished out in the satisfaction of their lusts , in drunkenness , gaming , whoring , and the like ; and especially those , who have spent profusely that which hath been none of their own , but what they have taken up on credit of others ; have been most grosly guilty of this sin . and unto this sin of prodigality and profuseness , i may refer the sin of excessive mirth and jollity , which hath been in london , there is an harmless mirth which is lawfull ; and there is a spiritual chearfulness , which is the duty of christians : though in times of great sin and affliction of gods people , sackcloth and mourning doth become christians , and some expressions of joy which are more carnal , should be much forborn : but i am speaking of the mirth of such , who have had the least ground for mirth of any , namely the wicked , unto whom no peace nor joy in that estate doth belong : for them to be so excessively merry and jovial , and frolick , expressing it in their prophane , obscene , and scurrilous jesting ; in their musick , singing , and dancing ; in their ranting , roaring , and carousing ; in many wastfull and profuse wayes of spending ; when the church is in sackcloth , and lies a bleeding ; as too many in london have done ; surely god hath been offended with this , and hath been provoked to send down his judgements , to alter the cheer of london , and hereby to put them into mourning , which they were so averse unto . had they foreseen the plague , and how many of them should have fallen by it , surely it would have damped their mirth ; had they foreseen the burning of the city of london ; and that their houses should have fallen by the fire ; surely their laughter would have been turned into heaviness . these judgements they could not foresee ; but future judgment far more dreadful , they might have foreseen , which should have made an impression of sorrow upon them if possibly by repentance they might avoid and escape it . be afflicted , and mourn , and weep , let your laughter be turned into mourning , and your joy into heaviness , jam. . . such mourning if for sin might be a means to prevent future miseries , and eternal woe and weeping ; others they have reason to mourn for those miseries which will come upon them . go to now ye rich men , weep and howl , for the miseries that shall come upon you , jam. . . but for prophane wicked persons to sing , and rejoyce just upon the brink of the grave and hell , is very unreasonable and an aggravation of their other sins . . the twenty second sin of london is envying . and this sin was to be found not only in women , which envied others that exceeded them , in beauty of body , in cloaths , and dressing , and such like toyes ; but also in men , who envied them who were of the same trade , which had better houses and shops , more custome and wealth than themselves , as hesiod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . yea this envying was to be found among many ministers , who envied others that had better parts , and more learning , greater applause , and more auditors than themselves . there was a spirit among us which lusted to envy , jam. . . which besides the great torment that it brings to the spirit where it reigns , is a very great provocation to the lord. . the twenty third sin of london is slandering and backbiting , which hath been the consequent of the former . the ninth commandment hath been exceedingly broken in london , especially in a private way of bearing false witness against the neighbour , and wounding his reputation by a slanderous tongue : some inventing lyes , and raising slanders , which they have in their consciences known to be false ; others taking up slanders , readily believing them without any just proof . this sin you have set forth with a caution to take heed of such persons , ier. . , . london hath been full of backbiters and tale-bearers , and too many professours have been guilty of this sin : few have entertained backbiters with an angry countenance , which as the wind driveth away rain , would have driven them out of sight . i might here add the hatred of one another that hath been in london ( much through slanders ) the emulation that hath risen from hatred ; the wrath that hath risen from emulation ; and the wrath of god which hath arisen from these and other works of the flesh , spoken of , gal. . , . . the twentyfourth sin of london is murmuring : and that not only in want , and under losses and crosses but also in fulness and plenty . many farmers in the countrey have murmured at the plenty and cheapness of corn ; many tradesmen in the city have murmured at the plenty of the commodities which they have dealt in ; because however such plenty is a publick and unspeakable mercy , yet they have had the less private advantage which hath been chiefly regarded by them . yea some in their murmuring have wished for a plague , that the survivers might have the better trade ; and i have heard that a fire also hath been wisht for , to take off the plenty of such commodities , that the remainder might bear the higher rate . is it a wonder then if god have sent plague and fire which some have called for by such murmuring speeches ? the israelites in the wilderness were plagued for their murmuring ; and the murmuring company of corah , that were not swallowed up with him were consumed by a fire from heaven . . the twenty fifth and last sin of london , which i shall speak of , is carnal security ; another of sodoms sins . it is said of the sodomites , luk. . , . in the days of lot , they did eat , they drank , they bought , they sold , they planted , they builded : but the same day that lot went out of sodom , it rained fire and brimstone from heaven , and destroyed them all . when london had provoked god so highly by so many sins , yet how secure were they before his judgements broke forth upon them , they eat and drank , they bought and sold , &c. they sate at ease , and put far from them the evil day , as amos . they were still , and at rest , little expecting such changes as have come upon them , and taking little care to prevent them : they were secure and trusted in arms of flesh , broken reeds which have alwayes failed . and i might add here as a cause of the security of some , the presumptuous confidences of future events which belong only to god to foreknow ; which some have taken upon them so absolutely to determine as if they had looked into the book of gods decrees , or had an infallible revelation from him of what should come to pass . o the good dayes that some have looked for upon the presumption of what they had no ground for ▪ great expectations many had of the fall of antichrist and babylon in the year . and other events , limiting times , which god hath not clearly revealed , which is an entrenching upon gods prerogative , and i believe a greater provocation than such persons are aware of . this may be one reason why london is fallen instead of babylon , in this year of such expectation and presumption . by this time it may be the reader may be wearied with reading , as i am with thinking and writing of londons sins . but how hath the lord been wearied with the bearing of them , how hath he been pressed with the weight of them , as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves ? amos . . if when you have read of londons judgements , withall you consider londons provocations , you must needs acknowledge that god is righteous in that he hath punished london no more than they have deserved for these sins . . gods righteousness will further appear , if we consider that he hath punished london less than her iniquities deserved . . god might have punished london deservedly with more dreadful judgements here ; and that both in the same and another kind . . god might have deservedly punished london worse in the same kind , . in the judgement of the plague ; it was a dreadful plague indeed ; but god could have made it more dreadful ; where he shot one arrow , he might have shot an hundred : he visited many families ; he might have visited every family ; and swept every house with the beesome of destruction . though so many fell , yet i believe that five parts in six of the inhabitants of london were preserved ; god might have taken away the five parts , and have left but one alive : yea it might have been said of london , as it was of israel , amos . , . the virgin of israel is fallen , she shall rise no more ; the city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred . god might have made every hundred that dyed by the plague , a thousand ; he might have sent out his arrows after all the inhabitants of london , that were gone into the countrey ; and smitten them wheresoever he found them : or he might have met with them upon their return home , and given commission to death to lay hold on them assoon as they entred into their doors . he might have depopulated the city of london by the plague ; so that every house should have had dead corpses lying , and none to bury them . he might have made our plague wonderful , fearful , and of long continuance . we that have survived so great a mortality , have reason to say , that deservedly it might have been greater ; that we deserved as much or more to fall , for our more heinous sins , than thousands that are gone down into the pitt , surely it is of the lords mercies that we are not consumed ; he was merciful in sparing of us ; he would have been righteous if he had destroyed us . think with your selves , you that are alive , and remain escaped ; how fearful would the plague have been , if it had come home to your houses ; you were afraid to hear of others houses visited and shut up ; what would you have been , if it had entered your doors ? you were afraid when others were struck with the disease ; what would you have been , if you had been struck your selves ? sinners , what would you have done if the arrow had pierced through your livers , if under such guilt and wrath you had been smitten ? when you had such a plague of sin in your hearts , if you should have had the plague of pestilence in your bodies ; if when you were so rotten and corrupt , and defiled inwardly , you should have had boyls , and blanes , and running sores outwardly ; if when conscience was so filled with guilt ; your bodies should have been filled with this disease ; in a word ; if when you had the marks of hell and damnation in your souls , you should have had the marks of inevitable death in your bodies ; oh the dread that would have seised upon you ! the judgement of the plague might have been worse to you ; you might have spent above a year in hell by this time among devils and damned spirits ; you might by this time have been inured to those torments which yet you could not have endured , but must have endured for ever without any possibility of deliverance for ever . many of you who have escaped , have your families unbroken , when other whole families are swept away . suppose thy dear wife had fallen , or thy hopefull children had been nipt by death in the very bud , and your families had been maimed ; the judgement would have been much sorer on you . none can say but god might have righteously punished london more severely by the plague . . god might have punished london also more severely by the fire . the greatest part of the city is fallen , it might have been the whole : most of the city within the walls is consumed ; the flames might have issued forth at all the gates , and consumed all the suburbs too : all the goods might have been burnt with the houses , and all the inhabitants with the habitations . the fire , though it burned dreadfully , yet it began at one end ; and came on so slowly , that most of the inhabitants of london had time to remove themselves , and the choycest of their goods ; some livelihood was left , and materials for a future trade . suppose the fire had been so sudden , or had been kindled in so many places , that there had been no possibility of removing any thing , except the persons themselves . suppose all the silver , and gold , and rich plate of the city had been melted by this fire , that all the wares and merchandize , all the garments , beds and houshold goods had been turned into ashes ; and many thousand families , that have been turned out of house had been turned out of all , and quite bereaved of all their substance , so that nothing had remained to them for necessary use , this would have been very sore . alas ! what would they have done ? whether would they have gone for relief ? would the court have supplyed them ? could the countrey have helped and maintained so many , when so much impoverished themselves , that in many places they are hardly able to live ? could they have hoped for relief from foreign nations ? are not all the world almost our enemies ? is charity so warm abroad ? alas ! what would they have done ? must not many of them have pined away in their wants , and starved under hedges , for lack of suitable provisions . this would have been dreadfull indeed . or suppose they had lugg'd their goods out of london from the fire , and the whole city had been burnt down with all the suburbs , and no habitations left standing hereabouts ; what would they have done with their goods ? where would they have disposed of them ? how could they any wayes have continued their trades ? where could they have disposed of their persons ? how could they have lived this cold winter season ? could they have struck up booths presently , fit for themselves to abide in , which would have sheltred them from the injury of the weather ? where would they have had materials , when all was burnt ? alas ! what would they have done ? must not their goods have been spoyled by lying abroad ? would not they themselves , who had been used to so much tenderness , have quickly grown sick , and died in the fields ? would not thousands have starved for cold ? and what provision could they have had for food and other necessaries ? besides ; would they not have been a prey to theeves and cut-throats ? would not many of their enemies , who laughed at the fall of the city , have rejoyced much more , and taken advantage to come upon them in their nakedness , and butcher'd them without mercy ? but , suppose the fire that begun at one corner , had been kindled in every gate at the same time ; when all the inhabitants had been asleep in their houses , and they had been inclosed with flames , and no possibility of escape , how dreadfull would the fire have been then ? if when they awakened in the morning they had seen the smoke ascending round about them , and the fire drawing neer to them ; if both ends of a street had been on fire together , and they in the midst , and had heard with the roaring of the fire , a greater roaring of the people that were burning with the houses ; o the ruefull looks ! oh the horrible shrieks by women and children ! oh the dreadfull amazement and perplexity which would have been in such a place and case ! to be burnt alive is dreadfull ; but think what tortures would have been in the spirits of guilty sinners , who had not made their peace with god , that had slept out the harvest and day of grace , that had made no provision for death and eternity ! the noise and roaring without , would have been nothing to the lashes and tearings within them ; the fire in their houses would have been but small , in comparison of the fire in their consciences ; and the flames of hell-fire , which if awakened , they would have seen just before them . this judgement of the fire might have been more dreadfull than it was : persons are escaped ; goods and wealth much saved ; houses standing to receive them ; trade going on ; god might have punisht london more sorely in the same kinde . . god might have punished london more severely in other kindes of judgements . . he might have brought upon them , and upon the whole land , the sword of a foreign enemy , as he did upon ierusalem , and the land of iudea , for their sins , which being so pathetically set forth by the prophet ieremy , . v. . to the end , i shall represent to the eye . a voice declareth from dan , and publisheth affliction from mount ephraim , make ye mention to the nations ; behold , publish against jerusalem , that watchers come from a far countrey , and give out their voice against the cities of judah : as keepers of the field they are against her round about , because she hath been rebellious against me , saith the lord. thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee ; this is thy wickedness , because it is bitter , because it reacheth unto thine heart . my bowels , my bowels , i am pained at my very heart , my heart maketh a noise within me , i cannot hold my peace , because thou hast heard , o my soul , the sound of the trumpet , the alarm of warr. destruction upon destruction is cryed , for the whole land is spoyled , and my curtains in a moment . how long shall i see the standard , and hear the sound of the trumpet ; i beheld , and all the cities were broken down at the presence of the lord , and by his fierce anger ; for thus hath the lord said , the whole land shall be desolate ; for this shall the land mourn , and the heavens above be black . the whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and the bowmen , they shall go into the thickets , and climbe up upon the rocks ; every city shall be forsaken , and not a man dwell therein ; and when thou art spoyled , what wilt thou do ? though thou cloathest thy self with crimson , though thou deckest thy self with ornaments of gold , though thou rentest thy face with painting ; in vain shalt thou make thy self fair ; thy lovers shall despise thee , they will seek thy life : for i have heard a voice , as of a woman in travell , and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first childe ; the voice of the daughter of zion , that bewaileth her self ; that spreadeth forth her hands , saying , wo is me now , for my soul is wearied because of murtherers . this might have been the judgement , and these the complaints of london and england ; which would have been worse than plague or fire . the plague reached many , but the sword might have reached all ; the fire devoured houses , but the sword might have devoured the inhabitants . the lord might have brought a foreign sword , and open invasion ; or he might have given up london to a more private sudden butchery and massacre by the hands of cruel papists , as was feared ; which would have been more dreadfull than the massacre of the protestants by the papists in paris ; because our numbers do so far exceed those which were in that city . if bloody papists had come into our houses in the dead of the night , with such kinde of knives in their hands as were found after the fire in barrels ; and having set watch at every streets end , had suffered none to escape , but cruelly slaughtered the husband with the wife , the parents and the children together , ripping up women with childe , and not sparing either the silver hair , or the sucking babe ; if there had been a cry at midnight , they are come ; but no possibility of flying from them , or making resistance against them ; if instead of heaps of stones and bricks in the top of every street , there had been heaps of dead bodies , and the kennels had been made to run down with gore-blood ; sure this judgement would have been more dreadfull than the plague or fire , which have been among us . . god might have punished london with famine , which is a greater judgement than the plague or sword : if the lord had broken the whole staff of bread , and cut off all provisions of food from the many thousand souls that lived in and about the city ; how dreadful would this have been ! if a famine had been so sore in london ; that people should have been forced to eat one another and their own flesh , as it was in samaria and ierusalem ; if instead of houses in london , god should have made the people as fuel of the fire in this judgement , as is threatned , esa. . , . through the wrath of the lord of hosts is the land darkened ; and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire , no man shall spare his brother ; and he shall snatch on his right hand and be hungry ; and he shall eat on the left hand , and not be satisfied ; they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arms : if london had been forced through hunger to eat the flesh of their own arms , and the fruit of their own bodies , oh what a dismal face would there have been in the city ! and how would death have been chosen rather than life ; in the by-us-unconceivable pain of gnawing hunger ! those which dye by the plague or are slain by the sword , would be counted happy in comparison with them that live under such a judgement . lastly , the righteousness of god in the judgements he hath inflicted on london , appears ; in that he might instead of plague and fire on earth have punished them with the plagues and fire of hell ; which such sins as we have reckoned up have abundantly deserved . tyre and sidon now in hell ; sodom and gomorrah under the vengeance of eternal fire , were not guilty of such sins as london was guilty of . and what are body plagues here , in comparison of soul plagues hereafter ? what is a fire that burns down a city , in comparison with the fire of hell , which shall burn the damned , and never be quenched . god hath punished london no more than her iniquities have deserved ; god hath punished london less than her iniquities have deserved , therefore in speaking most terribly , he hath answered most righteously . sect . . . concerning the design of these judgements . what doth god mean by this terrible voice ? by speaking such terrible things in the city of london ? the lord hath not only spoken but cryed and shouted , he hath lifted up his voice like a trumpet ; and his voice hath not been inarticulate and insignificant ; but hath had a meaning ; and they that have an ear to hear , may understand ; for as the voice of the lord hath cryed in the city , so the voice of the lord hath cryed to the city , mic. . . the lords voice cryeth unto the city , the man of wisdom shall see thy name , hear ye the rod , and who hath appointed it . some take notice of the judgements themselves , and the effects of them upon themselves and families ; they discourse of the plague , and how many dyed thereby , that they have lost such a relation , such a friend or neighbour was visited and dyed quickly ; they discourse of the fire , where it began , how it increased and prevailed , what day such a street fell , and where their houses were consumed , what they lost , and how much they saved : and it may be , some speak of the hands of men , that were suspected to enkindle and carry it on ; but few discourse of the hand of god which sent both plague and fire , and what he means by such strange and dreadful judgements : but the man of wisdom , such as are wise do consider that these judgements spring not out of the dust , but were sent down from heaven , they see gods name , and gods hand that hath been stretched forth upon london . they know that both plague and fire have had their commission from the god of heaven ; otherwise they could not have wrought with such force and power . they see gods name , that is , the glorious attributes of his name displayed . god proclaimed his name before moses when he caused his goodness to pass before him ; and discovered himself to be the lord , the lord god gracious and merciful , slow to anger , abundant in lovingkindness , goodness and truth , exod. . . and god hath proclaimed his name before london , in causing his judgements to come upon the city ; and hath declared himself to be the lord , the lord god holy and iealous , a god that can be angry when much provoked , and yet righteous in the severest judgements which he doth inflict . a man of wisdom may see gods name in londons judgements , and as he may see power and righteousness in gods name ; so he may see grace and goodness in the name of god , which hath passed before the city ; he may see and know that god hath a gracious meaning and design of good to london in these judgements ; he may see gods name , and hear gods voice , and what it is that he speaketh by the rod. on that london were thus wise ! that they would open their eyes and see gods name ! gods hand so just and righteous ; as also open their ears , and hear gods voice , and understand gods design so gracious , and so much for their good ! o that god would open the ears of london , and bend them to the discipline of his judgements ! that with the loss of friends and relations by the plague , and of houses and goods by the fire ; they may not lose the good of these judgements too , though of another kind , yet of far greater value , which god intends them . the enquiry then is , what meaneth the lord by the plague , and by the fire in the city ? what doth he call for by this terrible voice ? and look for in london , that these judgements may turn to their advantage ? the duties which god expects from london after such desolations by the plague and fire , are these . . god expects that london should awake . london hath been asleep ; both the foolish and the wise virgins have been asleep ; and when such a voice hath come down in these judgements , which have been revealed from heaven , crying in the midnight of their carnal security , behold , the great god is come forth from his place , and is entred into london in fury ; surely all should awake and arise , and prepare to meet him , seeing none can flee from him . god hath seemed to be asleep , while he exercised so much patience towards london ; his arm slept in his bosome ; but now the lord hath been awakened with the loud cry of england and londons sins ; his arm hath awaked , and put on strength and vengeance . awake ! then o london awake ! open thine eyes , draw thy curtains ; come forth of thy bed ; look out of thy windows ; apparitions ! apparitions ! strange sights to be seen ; behold ! heaven is opened , and god is come down upon earth ; cloathed with garments of lightning : god is come down in his majesty , and looks upon london with a terrible countenance : behold the amazing terrour of god in the late strange and prodigious judgements . what! doest thou not see him ? surely thou art fast asleep still , thine eyes are closed , the vail is before them . awake ! london awake ! open thine ears , harke ! oh the trumpet that hath been sounding from heaven over the city exceeding loud ! oh the thundrings of the terrible voice of the angry god! the voice of the lord hath been powerful and very dreadful : what! canst thou sleep under such a noise ? surely thou art dead asleep , dead in sin and security . what will awaken thee , if these judgements do not awaken thee ? if a shrill and loud trumpet do not pierce thine ears , will soft musick enter ? if the sound of cannons be not heard , can any expect that pistols should ? it when the lyon roareth in thine ears thou canst sleep still , will soft whispers awaken thee ? what will awaken thee if the loud voice of these judgements do not awaken thee ? the lord called upon thee before by his ministers , by his mercies : now he hath shouted in thine ears by his judgements . awake ! london awake ! thou hast been rouzed out of thine habitation ; methinks thou shouldest be rouzed out of thy security : what! sleep when dying ! dying by the plague , and tumbling into the grave ! what sleep when burning ! burning by the fire , and tumbling into desolation ! what! sleep in a storm ! when winds are blowing , and waves roaring , sea entring , and ship sinking ! what meanest thou o sleeper ! could the heathen ship-master say , in such a case , unto ionah , chap. . , . when he lay fast asleep in the sides of the ship : arise , call upon thy god ; if god will think upon us that we perish not . and may not i say , what meanest thou o sleepy london ; hast thou not perceived the storm that hath beaten so fiercely on thy head ? dost thou not perceive that thy ship is shattered and broken ? and the sea is coming in amain , and thou art in danger of sinking , and that quickly , unless some speedy course be taken for prevention ? and yet canst thou sleep still ? awake ! arise ! call upon thy god , if so be he will think upon us , that we perish not . god calls upon sleepy sinners to awake . suppose you were under the power of cruel enemies , that had killed your husbands , or wives , or dear children and friends ; and you knew not how soon they might fall upon you , and cut your throats ; could you sleep securely in the same house with such persons ? you are under the power of tyrannicall lusts , which are far worse enemies ; you are under the reigning power of sin , which hath brought the plague into the city ; and whereby some of you have been deprived of these relations ; and you know not how soon sin may bring death upon your selves , not only the first , but the second death ; not only temporal , but eternal death ; and deprive you not only of life , but happiness , and all hopes of the least share in it for ever : and yet can you sleep securely with sin in your hearts ? with such an enemy , with such a viper in your bosomes ? when the fire was in london i believe few of you could take much sleep for divers nights together ; when the fire was burning in your streets , and burning down your houses , you could not sleep in your houses least the fire should have burned your persons too : and , when the fire of lust is within you , and burning within you ; when the fire of gods anger is kindled above you , and burning over you ; and the fire of hell so dreadful and unextinguishable is burning beneath you ; and you are hanging over the burning lake by a twine thred , which ere long will untwine of it self ; and may ere you are aware , and suddenly be cut or snapt asunder , and then you must drop into the midst of flames ; can you sleep under the guilt and power of sin , when you are in such danger ? awake ! sinners awake ! god doth not burn you presently , but warns you first ; he burns your houses , that you might awake , and scape a more dreadful fire . awake ! sinners , when will you awake ! how often , how long , how loud shall god call upon you , before you will arise ? eph. . . awake thou that sleepest , and arise from the dead , and iesus christ shall give thee life . a little sleep , a little slumber , a little folding of the hands to rest . what! can you sleep any longer now ? was not this your tone long ago , when you were under the calls of the word ? and is it the same under the rod too ? what will awaken you ? or when do you think you shall be awakened , if still you lye down in the bed of security , and love to slumber upon the lap of pleasure , and after a little startle sleep faster than before ? ministers have preached , and you have slept under their sermons ; but when god hath preached , methinks you should awake . when paul preached to felix a sermon of judgement , felix trembled . god hath preached one , nay two sermons of judgement ; and that more feelingly than paul could ; methinks you should awake , and not drop asleep so soon , because god gives you a little respite to learn his sermon , before he preach the third sermon , which may be your last and ruining sermon . if you do not awake by the sound of his judgements before you , you shall awake by the sense of his judgements upon you : if the plague and fire of london do not awaken you , you shall be awakened by the plagues and fire of hell , which you shall see and feel , but not be able to flee from , as here you might do , if presently awakened . god calls upon sleepy sinners to awake , and god calls upon drowsie saints to awake ; and was there not great need ? were not the ionahs gone down into the sides of the ship and lying on pillows ? were not the wise virgins turning foolish , sleeping with the rest , untrimm'd and undress'd ? had there not of late a strange torpour and benummedness seized upon the spirits of gods own people ? was not the ancient vigour and activity , which once they had in the ways and worship of god , much abated and decayed before these judgements came upon london ? awake then ye drowsie saints , awake ! put on your garments , which you have laid aside to the discovery of your nakedness ; shake your selves from the dust , which hath covered and sullied your faces , and loosen the bands of sleep . god hath been thundring , your father hath been angry , and displeased with you as well as with others : your god hath spoken in his jealousie , and he hath spoken in his fury ; he hath spoken with a loud voice in righteousness and in judgement . awake ! ye children , your father is stirring , and knocking , and calling , yea he hath entred your chamber , and smitten you on this side and that ; and yet will you not arise ? he hath been crying in your ears ; now he is looking and harkening whether you will cry in his , and what you will say and do for the prevention of the ruine of england , which he seems to be threatning . it is high time to awake out of sleep , for now is the utter destruction of the city and nation neerer it may be than you believe or imagine . awake then , put off your cloaths of night and darkness , in which you have been sleeping , and put on your garments of light . cloath your selves with humility , and begirt you with all your graces , and get you to gods knee , hang about his arm ; put your selves in the breach ; it may be the lord may think upon us , that we perish not . . the lord doth now after his speaking by terrible things , expect that london should stand in awe of him . gods judgements made this impression upon david , psal. . . my flesh trembleth for fear of thee , and i am afraid of thy judgements . and see how the prophet habakkuk behaved himself , when god spake with a terrible voice , chap. . , &c. o lord , i have heard thy speech and was afraid ; when god came down from teman , the holy one from mount paran , selah ; when the pestilence went before him , and burning coals went forth at his feet ; when the nations were drove asunder , the everlasting mountains were scattered , and the perpetual hills did bow ; when the tents of cushan were in affliction , and the curtains of the land of midian did tremble : when god did ride upon horses , and his bow was made quite naked : when the sun and moon did stand still in their habitations , at the light of his arrows that went forth , at the shining of his glittering spear : when god did march through the land in his indignation , and walk through the sea with his horses , and did wound the head out of the house of the wicked , and did strike through habitations with his staves : at this , the prophet is afraid , his belly trembled , his lips quivered at the voice , rottenness entred into his bones , &c. and when god hath come down from heaven , the holy one from mount sion , selah . when the pestilence hath gone before him , and burning coals at his feet , when the lord drove london asunder , scattered the inhabitants , and made the stately buildings to bow and fall , whose rearing up none can remember ; when the tents of london have been in affliction , and the curtains of the city have trembled : when death hath been riding upon horses , and his bow hath been made quite naked ; when the heavens have been astonished at gods judgements , and the sun and moon have hid their heads in their habitations , at the shining of his glittering spear : when the lord hath marched through the city in his indignation , hath wounded the heads of so many wicked with his arrows , and struck through so many habitations with his staves : oh how should london tremble and quiver , and stand in awe of this glorious majesty , at the voice of these terrible judgements ! read and apply what the lord speaketh by the prophet isaias , chap. . , . hear ye that are far off , what i have done , and ye that are neer , acknowledge my might . the sinners of sion are afraid , fearfulness hath surprized the hypocrites ; who among us shall dwell with devouring fire ? who among us shall inhabit everlasting burnings ? v. . thine heart shall meditate terrour ; where is the scribe ? where is the receiver ? where is he that counted the towers ? methinks the sinners now in london should be afraid , and fearfulness should surprize the hypocrites ; when god hath sent so many of their number into the everlasting burnings of hell by the plague ; and by such a devouring fire hath consumed so many habitations . tremble ye sinners at this , and be ye horribly afraid all ye workers of iniquity ! god hath come down with a shout , the lord with the sound of a trumpet : he hath taken his weapons in his hand , and hath appeared in london as a furious enemy : should not this make the sinners in the city to quake , and strike a dread upon the spirits of the rebellious ? when the lord hath spoken thus , and done thus ; because of our sins , should not london , yea all england , hear and fear , and do no more so wickedly . because god was patient formerly , you presumed : because sentence against your evil works was not speedily executed ; therefore your hearts were hardened and resolved in your evil ways . because the lord kept silence , you thought he was altogether such an one as your selves . you thought it may be that he took no more notice of you , than you did of him ; or that you had no more reason to fear him , than he had to fear you . you thought it may be , that god had forsaken the earth ; or had hidden his face , and should never see your wickedness : and oh how bold have you been , how audacious and fearless in sin ? you were afraid to offend man though a worm , and yet you have not been afraid to offend god the king of the whole world. mens laws have kept you from some sins , but the laws of god have not put upon you the least restraint . you have lived and sin'd as if there were no god , or as if he had been so gentle , and milde , and mercifull , that you might do any thing to him , and he not be displeased with you : or as if though he were displeased , yet his displeasure were not to be regarded , and that he had no power to execute vengeance upon you . but now gods patience hath in a great measure been turned into fury . now sinners you may perceive a little that god can be angry ; and when his anger is kindled but a little , if it doth express it self so dreadfully ; what dreadfull expressions will there be of it , when it breaks forth into an open flame ? if his anger be such in the day of some lighter , temporal judgements ; what will it be in the day of the revelation of the treasures of it , upon all the wicked , at the appearance of jesus christ ? but gods vengeance now in these judgements should work your hearts to a fear and awe of this righteous judge , who hath done such executions in the city ; it should bridle and stay you in that fearless course of sin , in which you were rushing on as the horse rusheth into the battle . when balaams ass saw the angel stand in the way with a drawn sword , he was afraid , and would not go forward , though spurr'd on , and beaten by his master . and when god stands in the way with his sword of judgement which hath made such slaughter already , and is lifted up again to strike you , methinks you should be afraid , and turn back : it is the way to hell that god stands in by his judgements ; and will you break through all into those flames ? oh stand in awe , and sin not , commune with your own hearts . consider what hath been doing in london , and who hath done these things . you have neerly escaped it may be with your lives ; oh learn to fear the glorious and fearfull name of the lord god in these dreadfull judgements . and as god doth expect that the world and his enemies should stand in awe of him ; so also much more that the righteous and his people should . some it may be when god gave them free access to him , and admitted unto familiarity with him , and encouraged them to boldness and confidence , and strowed their path with nothing but mercy ; it may be might abuse his goodness , and forget to mingle faith and love with due reverence and respect ; and began to be too sawcy with god , and peremptory , and did not consider their originall and distance , and forgat the severity which they deserved for sin . therefore god appears in the way of these judgements with such terrible rebukes , that his own people might be brought unto a due awe and fear of his name ; that if they love him , they may fear him too ; if they pray with boldness , they may pray also with reverence ; if they rejoyce in his goodness , they may tremble also at his judgements . . god doth expect that london should now search and try their wayes . when god had punished ierusalem with dreadfull judgements , in the lamentation of which , the prophet ieremiah doth spend a book , see what use and improvement he calls upon the people to make hereof , lam. . . let us search and try our wayes , and turn again unto the lord. this was the practice of david in the day of his trouble , psal. . . i commune with mine own heart , and my spirit made diligent search . it hath been a day of gods wrath in london , a day of trouble and distress , a day of wasting and desolation , a day of darkness and gloominess , a day of clouds and thick darkness , as it was in ierusalem , zeph. . . there have been dark and thick clouds over london , which in part have broken into dreadfull storms and amazing tempests of gods anger expressed in the late judgements ; and all have been the product of londons sins , which may yet produce far worse effects : london is then called upon with a loud voice , to search and finde out those sins which have been the troublers of the city . i suppose that true citizens would be forward to search after those persons that had a hand in the first kindling and carrying on the fire , which burned their habitations to the ground : give me leave , and i shall make a discovery of londons incendiaries , how you may finde the persons , how you may trace their footsteps , what marks they bare , what their names are , and where their abode ; and need i lead you far in the search ? the sinners , the sinners of london did kindle the fire of london ; it was sin which fired the first house , and sin was like oyl poured upon the flames which put such fury unto them , that none could withstand untill the greatest part of the city was fallen and turned into ashes : the swearers , the sabbath-breakers , the adulterers , the drunkards , the unrighteous , the prophane and the like sinners have been londons incendiaries , and had a hand in pulling down this and other judgements upon the place where they lived ; and is it hard to find out these persons ? are they gone far from the place of their former abode ? the skirts of london are remaining , and if you turn up the skirts , or turn your eye under them , and look into the houses standing about the city , may you not find many of these persons , these vile sinners inhabiting , who are still blowing hard at the fire of gods anger , and pulling hard with cords of vanity and sin , for further judgements ? search , london search , and find out thine enemies , thy destroyers ; hast not thou destroyed thy self ? search , and find out thy sins , which have brought such mischiefs and ruines upon thee . sinners , enter into your closets , retire into your selves , take the candle of the lord , and look into your inner rooms , make a strict search into your hearts , find out those filthy lusts which lodge in dark corners , and bring them forth to be slain ; read over the old records of your lives , consult the register of your consciences , revolve in your minds your former sins ; take the glass of the word , and look upon your faces in it , and see how many spots it will discover which you never before did perceive ; not beauty spots , but spots of deformity , plague-spots , death-marks , hell-tokens , such as will bring upon you inevitable misery , unless they be wiped off ; take the rule of the word , and measure your actions by it , and you may quickly perceive how much they have fallen short , how crooked they have been , rectum est index sui & obliqui : compare your actions with the straight rule of gods law , and you may find out many irregularities ; if you do not find out your sins , your sins will find you out , and gods judgements will find you out ; and if you be found out in your sins , woe be to you ; o the horrour which will be upon your consciences when ruining judgements are inflicted upon you particularly , and you cannot escape , when death looks you in the face , and comes with the sting of sin in its mouth to devour you ! but o the horrour you will be under hereafter if you be taken away in your sins ! when your souls shall be summoned , immediately after their separation , unto the barr of god , where you will be searched and tryed , and condemned to everlasting torment , by an inevitable and irreversible sentence of the judge himself : o therefore hearken to the voice of god in these temporal judgements on the city ( after which you still remain alive , through infinite patience ) which calls upon you to search and try your wayes , that you may escape more fearful judgements which may be preparing for you ; labour to find out your sins which are the cause of all judgements , temporal and eternal ; and to help you in your search after sin , read the catalogue i have given you of londons sins , and examine your selves thereby ; be very serious , and thorow , and impartial in this search ; sequester your selves often from all company ; ease your mind of the load of worldly business ; leave the carriages at the bottom of the hill ; strive against temptations and indispositions to the work ; set your selves in the presence of the heart-searching god ; beg the help of his spirit to discover to you what hath displeased and provoked him ; search after sin as offensive to god , and as destructive to your selves , as your worst enemy , as the cause of plague and fire in london , and as that which will bring the plagues and fire of hell upon you , if it be not found out and subdued . . god doth expect that london should acknowledge their sins unto him . when the prophet had directed the people to search and try their wayes after the execution of such judgements upon them , lam. . . see the following direction , v. , . let us lift our hearts with our hands unto god in the heavens : we have trangressed , and have rebelled , &c. thus the prophet doth confess the sins of ierusalem , chap. . , . ierusalem hath greatly sinned , therefore she is removed . her filthiness is in her skirts , she remembred not her last end , therefore she came down wonderfully ; and thus the daughter of zion , as she bewaileth her affliction , so she acknowledgeth her transgression , v. , , . zion spreadeth forth her hands , and there is none to comfort her . the lord is righteous , for i have rebelled against his commandment . behold o lord for i am in distress , my bowels are troubled , mine heart is turned within me , for i have grievously rebelled . thus daniel after dreadful judgements maketh confession of the sins of the people of israel , chap. . , , . i prayed unto the lord , and made my confession , and said , o lord the great and dreadful god , we have sinned and committed iniquity , and have done wickedly , and have rebelled , even by departing from thy precepts and thy judgements : neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets , which spake in thy name to our kings , our princes , and our fathers , and to all the people of the land , and v. , . yea all israel have transgressed thy law , by departing , that they might not obey thy voice ; therefore the curse is poured upon us , and the oath that is written in the law of moses the servant of god , because we have sinned against him : and he hath confirmed his word which he spake against us , and against our judges that judged us , by bringing upon us a great evil : for under the whole heaven hath it not been done , as it hath been done upon jerusalem . god doth expect that london should find out their sins , and having found them , that they should make confession of them : o that the prophane and ungodly generation in london , whose sins have been enumerated in the catalogue , would be perswaded to get alone by themselves , and consider their evil wayes , and what the consequents of their sins have been in bringing down temporal judgements , what the consequence of their sins is like to be , even the bringing upon them eternal judgements , and that they would fall down and prostrate themselves at gods foot , and covering their cheeks with shame and blushing , because of their filthiness and foul sins under the view of so holy an eye , that they would acknowledge their transgressions unto him not only in general , but also particularly with their heinous aggravations ! o that with an inward deep sense , with a bleeding , broken heart , they would fill their mouths with confessions ! that they would take to themselves words and say , we have rebelled against thee o lord , and done wickedly , and grievously offended thee ; so foolish have we been , and ignorant of thee , we have been worse than beasts before thee ; the oxe acknowledgeth his owner , and the ass his master ; but , though we are thy creatures and live upon thy bounty , and are daily at thy finding , yet we have not acknowledged thee , and have had less consideration , than those creatures , who have had no reason ; we have been a sinful people , laden with iniquity , a seed of evil doers , children that have been corrupters , who have forsaken thee , and by our wickedness provoked thee to anger . we have been stubborn and disobedient ; serving thine enemies , the devil and our own lusts , but have neglected , yea refused to serve and worship thee in our families and closets , living as if there had been no god in the world . we have seldom if ever taken thy name into our mouths , unless it hath been in vain , unless in our oaths and curses . we have prophaned thy sabboths , and defiled thine ordinances , and have often been more wicked on the lords day , than any day of the week besides . when we were children we disobeyed our parents , but disobeyed thee much more , who didest command us to honour them ; when we were children in years , we were grown men and women in sin ; when we were weak in body , we were strong in spirit to commit iniquity ; we learnt the trade of sin before any other , and were apt schollars in the school of the devil , when dull and blockish to learn any thing , which was good ; we were wise to do evil , when to do good we had no understanding ; our iniquities have increased over our heads , faster than our years have done : since we have been governours of others , we have had no government upon our own spirits , and have endeavoured to lead those under our charge with us in the way to hell , instead of labouring to draw them into the way of heaven , by our example , command , and perswasions ; and we have filled up all our relations with sin , instead of filling them up with a duty . if we have not murdered any with our hand , we have murdered many with our tongue , swords have been in our lips , and bitter reviling speeches in our mouths , heart murder we have been guilty of , o the inordinate anger that hath boiled in our hearts ! o the envy and malice which have gnawed our spirits , and been working daily within us ! and especially those persons have been most hated by us , who have had thine image upon them , and have been best beloved by thee ; we have scorned them , and looked upon them as mean-spirited people ; we have separated them from our company , as those who damp and spoil our mirth by their words and looks of reproof ; yea , we have persecuted them as seditious and factious persons , when in truth it was their holiness and conversation that did contradict and condemn our wicked practices , which did stir up our anger against them ; we have scoft at them , who have prayed for us , and we have lookt upon them , and dealt with them as our enemies , because so to our lusts , who were the best friends to our souls , and above all things desired our salvation . thou hast given us corn , and wine , and oyle , and plentiful provisions for our body , but we have abused thy mercies by our intemperance and luxury : we have been guilty of drunkenness and gluttony ; we have indulged our flesh and sensual appetite ; we have lived in pleasure and been wanton ; we wallowed , like so many swine , in the mire and dung of some filthy sins , which it is a shame to speak of ; we have had eyes and hearts full of lusts and adultery , and have broken forth into such vile actual sins of uncleannesses , as would raise blushes in modest cheeks to hear but the mention of ; we have been unjust and unrighteous in our dealing , have wronged and defrauded our neighbour , though thou hast threatned to be avenged on all such persons ; o the lyes we have spoken , the slanderous backbiting speeches we have uttered ! o the discontentment , murmuring , envying , evil concupiscence , inordinate affection , and wicked distempers which have been in our spirits ! and though we have broken all thy laws , and are guilty of such notorious sins , yet o the impentency and hardness of our hearts ! though no salvation is attainable but by christ , who is freely tendered unto us , yet o the unbelief of our hearts , and neglect of our own salvation ! we have sinned , we have sinned against thee , and what shall we do unto thee , o thou preserver of men ! god expects that london should make confession of their sin , and it could be wish'd that london would joyn together like one man in this work ; but if this cannot be , and they want common mouths to open their hearts and sins before the lord in particular confession , let every one of them be a mouth to himself , and get into his closet , and there acknowledge londons sins ; and if those who are most guilty , do neglect this work , let gods people do it in their room , and confess not only their own sins , but also the sins of the profane and wicked where they live , and that not only because god is dishonour'd , but also because they are in danger of being ruin'd by the unbewail'd sins of others . . god doth expect that london should be humble under these iudgements . god inflicted judgements on the children of israel in the wilderness , to humble them , deut. . . and he promiseth after the sorest distresses which he brings his people into for their sins , to remember his covenant , if their uncircumcised heart be humbled , levit. . , , . yea he promiseth to exalt such in due time , who humble themselves under his mighty hand , pet. . . gods mighty hand hath been stretched forth upon london , god expects that london should be humble ; he hath humbled them by his judgements , he expects that they should humble themselves under his judgements ; god hath stained the pride of london , he expects that they should let down their plumes ; he hath brought them down , and he expects that they should lye low ; he hath brought poverty upon many of them in regard of their estates , and he expects that all of them should be poor in regard of their spirits ; he hath made many of them mean in regard of their condition , and he expects that their disposition and affection should be accordingly : god hath laid many persons in the dust by the plague , and he hath laid many houses in the dust by the fire , and he expects that those which survive and remain after such judgements should lay themselves in the dust for their sins . humble thy self them , o london , humble thy self before the lord , lick the dust of his feet , put off thy ornaments , and gird thee with sackcloth , cloath thy self with humility . god hath spit in thy face , wilt thou be proud of thy beauty again ? he hath burnt the city with fire , wilt thou be proud of thy buildings and stately edifices any more ? he hath consumed much of the fuel of thy pride , and he expects that thy pride should be abated , and that thou shouldest abase thy self , and humble thy self before him . . god doth expect that london should accept of the punishment of their iniquity . levit. . , , . if my people shall confess their iniquity , and the iniquity of their fathers , and be humbled , and accept the punishment of their iniquity , then will i remember my covenant , and remember the land . god expects that london should justifie him in the severest judgements which he hath inflicted upon them ; as they should acknowledge their sins , so they should acknowledge their demerit , and that the lord hath punished them no more , yea that he hath punished them less than their iniquities have deserved : as they should bring a bill of inditement against themselves , so they should bring a bill of acquittance of god ; god expects that they should say , as neh. . . thou art just in all that is brought upon us ; for thou hast done right , but we have done wickedly . or as dan. . , . o lord , righteousness belongeth unto thee , but unto us confusion of faces , because we have sinned against thee . let not london murmure or repine , let not london finde fault and complain of god , because of his judgements , lam. . . why doth the living man complain , a man for the punishment of his sin ? god hath opened his mouth , and spoken terribly , but let london shut her mouth , because god hath spoken righteously ; god hath spoken with a loud voice , let london be in deep silence ; i was dumb , i opened not my mouth , saith david , because thou didst it , psal. . . when nadab and abihu the two sons of aaron were consumed with fire from heaven , for offering strange fire before the lord , it is said , that aaron held his peace , lev. . , , . so when god hath consumed the city of london with fire , for the sins of the inhabitants , let them hold their peace , because they have deserved it . let london be still , and know that god is righteous ; let london lay her hand upon her mouth , and her mouth in the dust ; let london close up her lips , and seal them up with silence ; or if she open them , let her mouth be filled with confessions , not with complaints ; or if she complain , let her complain to god , but let her not complain of him ; if she complain , let her complain against her self , but let her not complain against god ; let her complain of her own sin and wickedness , but not of gods judgement so righteous . let london wonder it is no worse with her , when both her sin and her danger was so great ; let her wonder , when god was so angry , that he should put any restraint upon it ; that when wrath was come forth , that it proceeded no further ; let her wonder that the plague did not quite depopulate her , and that the fire did not wholly consume her ; let her wonder it is so well with her , that she is not made a desolation , and say , it is the lords mercies we are not consumed , lam. . . . god doth expect , that london should mourn for her sins . we read , ier. . . a voice was heard upon the high places , weeping and supplications of the house of israel . when the terrible voice of gods judgements hath been heard in london , god doth hearken for the voice of weeping and supplications ; this gods voice doth call for ; when breaches were made in the city of david , isa. . . then did the lord of hosts call to weeping , and to mourning , to baldness , and to girding with sackcloth , v. . and when instead hereof there was joy and gladnesse , eating flesh , and drinking wine , the lord is so angry , that he threatneth , surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till you die , v. , . see also what the lord calls for to the daughter of sion under her judgements , lam. . , . let tears run down like a river day and night , give thy self no rest , let not the apple of thine eye cease : arise , cry in the night , in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the lord. god doth not only expect that his ministers and priests should weep between the porch and the altar , when sore judgements are upon his land , as ioel . . but also that the people should weep too , that the bridegroom should go forth of his chamber , and the bride out of her closet , as v. . that people should be afflicted , mourn and weep , that their laughter should be turned into mourning , and their joy into heaviness , jam. . . he expects that those which escape his judgements should be like doves upon the mountains , every one mourning for his iniquities , as ezek. . . london may mourn for her judgements which have been so dreadfull , but god expects they should mourn more for his displeasure , which hath been the cause of these judgements , and most of all for their sins , which have been the cause of his displeasure . weep , london , weep for thy sins , which have been so many and provoking ; let thine eye affect thine heart : when thou lookest into thy burying places , and thinkest how many of thy people have lately there taken up their habitation ; it should draw tears from thine eyes to think of thy sins , which opened the doors of those lodgings unto them : methinks , when thou passest thorow thy ruinous habitations , and seest the heaps of stones at the top of thy streets , when thou viewest thy half-churches and bare steeples , and ragged walls , and open vaults , and the dismal solitude in those places , which not long ago were full of people , it should fill thine heart with sorrow for thy sins , which have kindled such anger in the breast of god , as to send the late dreadfull fire , which hath made such desolations . mourn , london , mourn , put on sackcloth , thou seest in part what an evil thing and a bitter it is , to offend a holy and jealous god ; the effects of sin here are fearfull sometimes , what evil is there is sin then which is the cause of thy ruines . god looks now that the sinners of london should become mourners : we read of a mark which was set upon the foreheads of them in ierusalem , which did mourn and cry out for the abominations that were done in the midst thereof , and they were separated from temporal destruction which was brought upon the rest , ezek. . . . god doth set a mark upon them that mourn in london for the sins of london , and however he may deal with them in regard of temporal calamities , be sure he will separate them , and preserve them from eternal destruction . methinks , the fall of london calls for a mourning like the mourning of hadadrimmon in the valley of megiddo , where iosiah fell in battle , zach. . . and there should not only be publick mourning , but also private mourning , and secret mourning ; families apart , and persons apart : it becomes christians now , after such strokes of gods wrath , to keep secret fasts , to bewail londons ruines , especially to bewail londons sins ; their eyes should weep in secret places , for the abominations committed in the city , and bedew gods feet with their tears , that if possible they might turn away his displeasure . . god doth expect that london should labour to pacifie his anger . when god threatned to send the sword , and to cut off from israel the head and the tail , the branch and the rush in one day , and to send the famine so sore that they should eat every man the flesh of his own arm , yet it is said , for all this his anger is not turned away , but his hand is stretched out still , isa. . , , , . and now god hath executed his judgements of plague and fire in london , have not we reason to fear that his anger is not yet turned away , but his hand is stretched out still ? when the houses of london were consumed , which were the fuel to the late fire , then the fire quickly went out ; and if the sins of london had been consumed with the houses , if the inhabitants of the city had not brought forth their sins , when they were forced to leave their goods behinde unto the flames , then we should have reason to think that the fire of gods anger was gone out , and his wrath turned away from the escaped remnant of london , insomuch as the sins of london have been the fuel , as it were to this dreadful fire ; but when so much sin after such judgements is saved alive , untouch'd , and unmortified ; when the plague of sin doth rage so much after the plague of pestilence is removed ; and the fire of lust doth burn so much , when the other fire is extinguished ; when londoners who have taken new houses , have brought into them their old hearts , and live in the practice of their old sins ; when the swearers , and prophane , the drunkards and unclean , the covetous , unrighteous , and loose livers still persevere in their wicked courses , and no judgement will put a stop to them , but they grow more hardened and incorrigible , when as it is said , ier. . . the lord hath stricken them for sin , but they are not grieved , consumed them , but they refuse to receive correction , making their faces harder than a rock , and refuse to return : what can we conclude , but that gods anger doth still remain , yea is more enraged by this aggravation of their wickedness , and that he is stretching forth his hand to give them another blow . god doth expect that london should use some means to pacifie his anger ; and he gives them time for it by the pauses which he m●kes between his judgements , being still slow to anger , and unwilling , if he be not even forced unto it , utterly to destroy this place , where his name hath been called upon . o that london would be perswaded unto this duty , which doth so much concern their safety and happiness : when the fire was in london , and it burned so furiously and dreadfully on the monday , and tuesday , londoners hearts were sunk within them , having little hopes of getting victory over this conquerer , which marched thorow their streets , and therefore little resistance was made , but all were busily employed in flying from him , with their goods ; but when the fury of the fire was something abated on the wednesday , and they began to conceive any hopes that it might be extinguished ; then they pluck up their spirits , and join their forces , and many thousand hands are at work in drawing waters , and pouring them upon the flames , and their pains through gods blessing was not unsuccessful : the fire of gods wrath which shall devour the wicked and burn them everlastingly , will be so furious and dreadful that the hearts of the damned will sink under it without the least hopes of ever extinguishing this flame , or flying from it when it hath once got hold of them : and therefore they will not attempt , but let alone all endeavours for ever to turn away gods displeasure , and to put out the unquenchable fire of hell : but the fire of gods wrath and anger here may be put out , and the flames of his anger may be turned into flames of love ; gods anger which hath been so hot against london may be cooled , his wrath alleviated and his displeasure removed : there is hope in israel concerning this thing , god is not yet grown so furious that he will not be spoken unto , he is easie to be entreated , and therefore london may be encouraged in their endeavours to pacifie his anger . let them not say as israel of old , jer. . . there is no hope , no , for i have loved strangers , and after them will i go . though gods anger be not yet turned away , yet it may be turned away ; and though one hand be stretched out to destroy you , yet the other hand is stretched forth to save you ; for he stretcheth forth his hand all the day long , to a disobedient and gain-saying people , rom. . . o labour then to pacifie gods anger , to quench this fire ; arise and gird your selves with humility ; pluck up your spirits , and stir up your selves to lay hold on god , and stop him in the march of his judgements ; bring forth your buckets , draw water , and pour it forth before the lord ; let your eyes be like fountains of tears , the voice of weeping , and mourning for sin , doth turn gods bowels within him , ier. . , , . i have surely heard ephraim bemoaning himself , thou hast chastised me , and i was chastised , &c. and when he repented after such chastisements , and was ashamed of his sin , god doth relent , and his bowels are moved for him , is ephraim my dear son ! is he a pleasant child ? for since i spake against him , i earnestly remember him still , therefore my bowels are troubled for him ; and i will surely have mercy upon him saith the lord. if london would be chastised , and receive the impressions of grief and shame for their sins by these judgements , gods bowels would be moved , and his fierce anger would be changed into tender compassions ; and though he hath spoken terribly against london , yet he would now speak comfortably unto her , he would earnestly remember her , and make her glad according to the dayes wherein he hath afflicted her , and the years wherein she hath seen evil ; there is an excellent vertue in the tears of true repentance accompanied with the blood of christ , applyed by faith to quench the fire of gods anger . sinners , god is angry with you , psal. . . god is angry with the wicked every day , and it is worse to have god angry with you , than all the men in the world ; his favour is better than life , his displeasure is worse than death : to have god angry with you , who is so just and jealous , who is so potent and furious , is very dreadful ; if the wrath of an earthly king be like the roaring of a lyon , what is the wrath of the king of heaven ? and when his anger is stirred up by your sins , and blown into a flame , and breaks forth upon you , what will you do ? you cannot hide your selves in any place where his all seeing eye will not find you ; you cannot flie into any place , where his stretched-forth arm will not reach you ; you cannot gather such strength as to make head against him , and defend your selves from the strokes of his vengeance , who can stand in his sight when once he is angry ? psal. . . o then labour to pacifie his anger , you cannot fly from him , o then fly unto him ; you cannot stand in his sight when he is angry , o then fall down at his feet ; make peace with this adversary , whilest you are upon the way , before he deliver you to the officer death , and cast you into the prison of hell. sinners , gods patience doth as yet hold his arm ; and his mercy calls upon you to repent , and he invites you to make your peace with him , isa. . , . who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle , i would go thorow them , i would burn them together ; or let him take hold on my strength , and make peace with me , and he shall make peace with me . you will be like briers and thorns , which will easily take fire , and quickly be consumed in the time of gods anger ; and if briers and thorns do offer to contend with devouring fire , what will be the issue , but the burning of them up without remedy ; you will find it sharp and painful for your feet , if you kick against the pricks ; you will dash out your brains , if you run your head against a rock , or a brazen wall ; none ever hardened themselves against god , and prospered ; none ever fought against the god of heaven by their sins , but they were wounded , and in the end destroyed ; sin , when it is finished , bringeth forth death , and wrath , and misery for ever : o then lay hold on gods strength , and make peace with him ; run to him , take hold of the scepter of grace and reconciliation , which is held forth unto you ; take hold of his arm , and plead with him for mercy ; take hold of his son who is offered to you , who is set forth to be a propitiation for the remission of sins which are past through the forbearance of god , rom. . . as yet god hath forborn you ; as yet you are on this side of the grave , and hell , and there is a possibility of turning away gods anger which is kindled against you , of flying from that wrath which is pursuing of you , of escaping those miseries which are preparing for you ; and therefore lay hold on christ who is freely tendered unto you , who is able and willing to save you , and make your peace with the father , and to procure a pardon for you ; and further to move you , you are not only offered peace and reconciliation , but you are entreated to be reconciled , ministers entreat you , yea god himself , and jesus christ by us , doth entreat , and pray , and beseech you , that you would accept of reconciliation , cor. . . be astonished o ye heavens ! and wonder oye angels ! be astonished much more ye sinners ! and be rapt up with admiration o ye rebels ! the king of glory against whom you have rebelled , and who could crush you so easily without any injury to himself , is not only willing to lay aside his anger , but also entreats you to accept of reconciliation ; heartily embrace jesus christ upon his own terms , and the work will be done , otherwise the fury of the lord will be so much the more provoked , and the fire of his anger will break forth into such a flame , as none shall be able to quench ; otherwise the lord will be so much the more enraged against you , and meet you like a roaring and devouring lyon , or like a bear bereaved of her whelps ; and rent the caul of your heart , yea tear you in pieces , when there shall be none to deliver , hos. . , . psal. . . . god doth expect that london should turn from her evil wayes , chron. . . the lord maketh a sweet promise under the dreadfull judgements of famine or pestilence , which sometimes he sendeth upon his people for their sins , if my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves , and pray , and seek my face , and turn from their wicked wayes : then will i hear from heaven , and forgive their sin , and will heal their land. god doth not only expect that londoners should now acknowledge their sins , and humble themselves , and mourn for their sins ; but also that they should turn from them , otherwise pardon , and healing , and his favour is not to be obtained , neither are further judgements likely to be prevented ; they must confess and forsake their sins , if they would find mercy , prov. . . the wicked must forsake their way of sin , and turn unto the lord , and then he will have mercy , and abundantly pardon , isa. . . god threatneth to go on to punish such as go on to transgress , psal. . . he will wound the head of his enemies , and the hairy scalp of such as go on still in their trespasses . break off then your sins by repentance , and cast away all your transgressions from you ; put away the evil of your doings from before the holy and jealous eyes of god ; cease to do evil ; cleanse your hands you sinners , and purifie your hearts ye wickedly-minded ; wash your selves in the fountain of christs blood set open to you , that you may be cleansed from all filthiness of flesh and spirit , and be partakers of holiness , and the divine nature ; deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts ; abstain from flesh-pleasing sins , which war against the soul●● and be not conformed to the wicked cust●●es of wicked men , neither follow this ungodly generation to do evil , much less run with them to the same excess of riot ; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds , and live soberly , righteously and godly in this present evil world ; and let the time past of your lives be sufficient wherein you have wrought the will of the flesh , and served divers lusts , and cast a blot upon the profession of christianity : now be blameless , and harmless , and unrebukeable in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation , cast off the works of darkness ; lay aside your night-vail of ignorance ; put on the robes of light ; walk honestly , as in the day , shining as lights where you live ; forbear all works of darkness and sin ; and as he which hath called you is holy , so be ye holy in all manner of conversation . sinners , turn from your evil wayes , otherwise iniquity will be your ruine . . drunkards turn from your evil wayes ; overcharge not your selves with excess , where god allows you enough for use ; look not upon the wine when it is red , when it giveth its colour in the cup , when it sparkleth and moveth it self aright : at last it biteth like a serpent , and stingeth like an adder , prov. . , . wounds and woe are the issue of excessive drinking , v. . this sin may be sweet and pleasing to the eye and appetite in the temptation ; but it will wound and sting the conscience , worse than an adder or serpent can do the body , in the reflection ; god hath put bitterness into the cup by his judgements , and will you drink as deep as before ? are you resolved to taste the ●reggs that lye at bottome ? the cup hath poison in it , soul-poison , and will you drink of it still , though you murder and destroy your souls for ever by this sin ? the cup hath wrath in it , the wrath of an angry god ; and is it good for you to drink off the wine of gods wrath ? drunkenness hath been your sin , and if you go on , god threatneth that drunkenness shall be your punishment , jer. . . speak unto them this word , thus saith the lord , every bottle shall be filled with wine ; drunkards like this very well , they are very well pleased that their bottles shall be filled with wine , that they may empty them , but understand the meaning , v. , . thus saith the lord , i will fill all the inhabitants of the land with drunkenness ; and i will dash them one against another , even the fathers , and the sans together : i will not pity , nor spare , nor have mercy , but destroy them . drunkards , you reel and fall sometimes with your sin ; god will make you reel and fall by his judgements , and dash you one upon another , yea dash you in pieces , and destroy you without pity or mercy . will you not forbear your cups , and excesses , god will put a cup of trembling and astonishment into your hand ; he will put gall and wormwood into your cup , and make you taste the bitter effects of this sin ; if he do not severely scourge you for this sin here , he will be sure to torment you for this sin for ever . turn ye drunkards from your evil wayes ; vomit up your sin by repentance ; weep and mourn for all your sinfull mirth and jollity ; and take heed of returning with the dog , and licking up the vomit which you have disgorged : avoid the occasions of this sin ; shun the company of such as have been your tempters ; take heed of coming into the places where you have been drawn in to commit it ; make a covenant with your feet that they may never lead you out of the way of god , into such places , where you have been so often overtaken ; curb and restrain your appetite , take some kind of holy revenge upon your selves ; deny your selves some things which are lawfull in themselves , because occasions of sin unto you ; and instead of filling your selves with wine , or strong drink unto drunkenness , and excess ; labour to be filled with the spirit , and by the spirit to mortifie this and all other deeds of the body , and rather let the wicked wonder at you , and speak evil of you for your sobriety , than god hate you , and bring destruction upon you for your intemperance . . adulterers turn from your evil wayes ; come out of the unclean bed ; wallow not any longer in this besmearing mire : are you fallen into the ditch , get up and come forth with speed , and wash your garments from the spots , which they have received ; are you taken in the net , and ensnared in adulterous embracements , deliver your selves like a roe from the net of the hunter , and like a bird from the snare of the fowler ; lust not after the beauty and enjoyment of adulterous women ; let not the soft and sweet language of their lips entice you ; nor the sparkling motions of their eyes enflame you ; put not fire into your bosomes , and take heed of walking upon burning coals ; why will you consume your body , and time , and substance , which cannot be redeemed ? why will you bring upon your selves a wound and dishonor which cannot be wiped off ? why will you be like oxen which go to the slaughter , and be such fools , as to bring upon your selves destruction ? turn from your evil wayes ; dare not to go forward in that way which leads unto death and hell . marriage is honourable in all , and the bed undefiled , but whoremongers , and adulterers god will judge , heb. . . god hath shot his arrows into the city , and wounded many adulterers for this sin , that had before defiled and wounded themselves by it ; and will you go on till a dart pierce thorow your liver ? the beginning of the sin is sweet like honey , but will not the end of it be more bitter than wormwood ? and if a little short pleasure of the flesh be so desirable , will not the extream endless pain , it will produce , be intollerable ? can you be content to lye so many millions of years under the horrible tortures of hell , for a little present sensual delight , which when reaped , cannot yield you satisfaction ? is it sweet to fall into the arms of an adulterous woman ; and will it not be bitter , yea a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living god , heb. . . especially when he is irreconcileably angry , and his anger burns like fire which is devouring , and unquenchable ? you have seen the fire which hath burnt down the city how dreadfull it was ; the fire of lust within you , is worse ; and the fire of hell beneath you , which is preparing for you , and unto which by this sin you are hastening , is a thousand fold more dreadfull ; ( of which more by and by ) and yet will you go on ? o turn from your adulterous wayes ; come not near the door of such houses , where you have had incentives to lust , and opportunities for such lewd practices ; make a covenant with your eyes , the spark is catcht at the eye , not only from it , but also by it ; the spark that falling upon the tinder of an adulterous heart , puts it into a flame ; do not look upon the maid or woman , that you may not think ; do not think , that you may not lust ; do not touch , that you may not desire to taste ; do not toy , least you be caught ; do not come too near the brink , least you fall into the stream before you are aware ; take heed of speculative uncleanness , as you would be kept from actual uncleanness ; take heed of self-pollutions , as you would be kept from adultery with others ; avoid occasions of this sin , come not into such company and places where you may have opportunity to commit it ; flee youthfull lusts which warr against the soul ; keep your mindes pure and chaste ; resist the first suggestions to this sin ; quench the fire , when it begins to kindle ; look to the issue and consequents of this sin ; remember that the holy eye of god is upon you , in your most secret retirements , and he will ere long call you to an account . . swearers , turn from your evil wayes . remember the third commandment , unto which a threatning is annexed , of gods charging guilt especially upon the breakers hereof , exod. . . thou shalt not take the name of the lord thy god in vain , for the lord will not hold him guiltless , that taketh his name in vain . the very use of the name of god irreverently , is a breach of this command ; but to swear by the name of god in ordinary discourse , is a gross breach of it ; which as it affronts god highly , so it will bring condemnation certainly upon the guilty , that do not repent and forbear . when god hath made your mouths , and given you tongues to speak his praise , which then are your glory ; will you profane the name of this god , and turn not only the glory of god , but also your own glory into shame and dishonour , and that when you have not the motive and incentive as to flesh-pleasing sins ? herbert . take not his name , who made thy mouth , in vain ; it gets thee nothing , and hath no excuse : lust and wine plead a pleasure , avarice gain : but the cheap swearer through his open sluce le ts his soul run for nought , as little fearing : were i an epicure , i could hate swearing . look into deut. . , . what threatnings the lord doth denounce there against such as do not fear his name ; and surely it is for want of fear and awe of gods name , that any are so bold as to swear by it , or take it in vain : if thou wilt not fear this glorious and fearfull name , the lord thy god , then the lord will make thy plagues wonderfull , and the plagues of thy seed , even great plagues , and of long continuance , and sore sicknesses , and of long continuance , &c. hath not god plagued and burned the city of london , amongst other sins , for this of swearing ? and yet will you swear still , and provoke the lord to further wrath ? when you have seen in part how fearfull the name of god is , in the judgements which he hath executed , will you go on still to profane his name ? do you not fear future judgements ? will not the name of god be displayed more dreadfully before you , when he opens the treasures of his wrath , and sends his son in flaming fire , to take vengeance upon sinners , and yet will not you fear this name of god ? swearers , with what confidence can you pray to god ? what hopes can you have when you use gods name in prayer , that you shall have the least audience or acceptance , when you abuse his name so much , and cast such dishonour upon it by your oaths ? if you do not pray now , as swearers seldom do , will you never be driven to your knees ? will you never be brought to such extremities that no creature shall be able to give you any relief ? and with what face can you then look up to god ? will not your callings upon the name of god be in vain , as you have taken his name in vain ? will not god laugh at your calamity , and though you cry and shout , will not he shut out your prayer , and barr the door of mercy upon you for ever ? swearers , turn from your sin ; make a covenant with your mouth ; set a watch before the dore of your lips ; use gods name in prayer , and reverently in discourse ; do not swear by it , or take it in vain any more ; get an awe of this name upon your hearts , which will be an excellent means to keep you from this sin . . lyars , turn from your evil wayes . we read acts . at the beginning , of annanias and sapphira , who were smitten with sudden death for the sin of lying ; it is said , they fell down at the apostles feet , and gave up the ghost . and hath not the sin of lying been one ingredient in the meritorious cause of the fall of so many persons and houses by the plague and fire in the city of london ? this sin of lying , the apostle doth in especial caution the colossians and ephesians against , after the wonderfull grace of god in the renovation of them according to his image , col. . . lye not one to another , seeing ye have put off the old man with his deeds : and have put on the new man , &c. eph. . , . having put on the new man , which after god is created in righteousness and true holiness . put away lying , and speak every man truth to his neighbour . and this sin i may caution londoners against , after the dreadful anger of god , expressed in the desolations which he hath made amongst them by his late judgements ; lye not one to another any more , but speak every one truth to his neighbour . the lord is a god of truth , and he cannot lye ; do you labour to be men of truth , such as will not lye : the devil is the father of lyes , and lyars , ioh. . . and which is most eligible , to be children of god , or children of the devil ? a lying tongue , is one of the seven abominatitions which the lord hateth , prov. . , . and is there any good you can get by your lying , comparable to the evil of rendring your selves hatefull and abominable in the sight of god ? is it needfull for you sometimes to speak lyes ? is it not a thousand fold more needfull for you alwayes to speak truth ? are you likely to gain so much by the former , as by the later ? what is a little outward emolument in comparison with inward peace ? are you likely to lose so much by the later , as by the former ? what is the loss of external , temporal things , in comparison with the loss of your souls and happiness for ever ? is it needfull to lye that you may excuse your faults ? this makes them double . herbert . nothing can need a lye ; a fault which needs it most , grows two thereby . parents , warn your children against this sin of lying ; do not spare the rod of correction where you finde them guilty ; pass by twenty other faults rather than this ; lying is the first link in the chain of a thousand gross sins ; rap off their fingers from the first link , least the chain after grow too strong for you to break . masters , indulge not your servants in this sin , the resolution of david was , psal. . . he that worketh deceit shall not dwell in my house ; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight . especially take heed of leading servants to this sin by your example ; above all of putting them upon this sin , by your perswasions or commands ; for , besides the guilt of their sin which hereby you incurr ; your dammage is like to be more than your advantage by their lyes ; if you put them upon lying for you , they will put themselves upon lying to you ; and if you deceive others in some things by the former , they are likely to deceive you , deservedly , in greater things by the latter . young ones , take heed of lyes ; do nothing as may need the cloak and excuse of a lye ; and if you be overtaken with a fault , never deny it when examined , but with sorrow acknowledge it as you would gain favour with god and man : take heed of this sin betimes ; lay aside lying before it grows into a custom , which will be hard to leave . old ones , break off this sin , before you be dragg'd by the chain of this sin into the fire of hell , which is the threatned punishment thereof , rev. . . be not too hasty in speech , least this sin issue forth at the door of your lips , before you are aware ; speak always as in the hearing of god , who knows whether your words and heart do agree , and who will one day call you to an account for this sin , and except you repent , punish you for it severely in the lake of fire and brimstone . . slanderers , turn from your evil wayes . the sin of slandering is one of the worst sorts of lying ; and the teeth of slanderers are compared to spears and arrows , and their tongue to a sharp sword , psal. . . and when they utter their slanders , they bend their bowe , and shoot their arrows , they whet their sword , and wound therewith the reputation of others , which they are bound to be as carefull of as their own , psal. . . slanderers are false-witnesses , who lay to the charge of others such things as they know not , psal. . . they are lyons , who tear in pieces the good name of others ; they are serpents , whose words are stings , and full of deadly poyson ; they are compared to mauls , and swords , and sharp arrows , prov. . . yea , they are like mad men , who cast about fire-brands , and arrows , and death , prov. . . by this sin , you wound others , and are guilty of tongue-murder ; but you wound your selves more , i mean your consciences , and are guilty of self-murder , of soul-murder ; and the poyson of such speeches is not so venemous and deadly , in regard of your neighbours good name , as it is in regard of your own spirits , which are invenom'd , and will be destroyed hereby , without the application of the blood of christ for pardon and healing . slanderers , forbear your backbiting , slanderous speeches ; forbear devouring words , which swallow up the good name of your neighbours ; let not your throats be like open sepulchres , to entombe their reputation : take heed your tongues do not utter slanders and reproaches , devised by your selves ; be carefull also that you do not spread such calumnies as others have devised . receive not any accusation against your neighbours without good proof ; drive away backbiting tongues with an angry countenance ; and if you must hear of others faults , let love conceal them as much as may be from the knowledge of others ; rather speak to themselves what you hear , and reprove them , ( if the things be scandalous ) with prudence , love , and a spirit of meekness . remember the command , tit. . . speak evil of no man. and take heed of the sinfull practice of the women described , tim. . . they learn to be idle , wandring about from house to house ; and not only idle , but tatlers also , and busie-bodies , speaking things which they ought not . where your tongues have been instrumental to wound others , and your selves withall , by slanderous speeches , make use of the same instrument for healing ; labour to heal your selves by confession of your sin to god , and to heal others by acknowledging to them the wrong you have done them ; labour to lick whole their fame , and by good words to promote their esteem , which you have unjustly taken away . labour for so much humility and brotherly love , as to be as tender of their good name and fame as your own , and in honour to preferr them above your selves , which will make you ready to hide their faults , and keep you from evil furmises , and evil slanderous speeches . . revilers , turn from your evil wayes . reviling and slandering often go together , as proceeding both from the same root of malice and hatred ; yet sometimes the malice is kept more close ; when warr is in the heart , and mischief is inwardly devised , and the name secretly wounded with slanders behinde the back , the tongue doth flatter , and like a honey-comb doth drop nothing but sweet words before the face . the sin of reviling is open , and spits forth rancour and malice into the face , and breaks forth into bitter speeches , for the shame and disgrace of such persons against whom they are spoken , though revilers disgrace themselves more by the weakness , and ill government of spirit , which hereby they discover . revilers , refrain your angry bitter speeches ; let all bitterness and wrath , and anger , and clamour , and evil speaking , be put away from you , with all malice , eph. . . do not quarrel and contend , do not break forth into brawls and clamours , and bitter reviling speeches , against such as give you no occasion , but desire to live at peace with you ; and if others are angry and quarrel with you , labour to pacifie their anger , do not stir up the coals by your bitter retorts ; when you are reviled , revile not again , like our saviour , pet. . . render not evil for evil , nor railing for railing , but contrariwise blessing , pet. . . the second blow breeds the quarrel , and the second reviling word breeds the strife ; give to a hard speech the return of a soft answer , prov. . . a soft answer turneth away wrath , but grievous words stir up anger . and prov. . . long forbearance is of great perswasion , and a soft tongue breaketh a bone : there is a marvelous force in a meek reception of bitter speeches to appease anger , and molifie the spirits of those which are most fierce ; whereas grievous and bitter returns stir up unto greater contention ; revenge not your selves with the hand , neither revenge your selves with the tongue ; revile not your enemies , but love them , and pray for them , and do good to them , feed and cloath them , and heap coals upon their head , matth. . . rom. . , . be gentle shewing all meekness to all men , tit. . . especially revile not your friends , take heed of stirring up strife in the house where you live ; be of a peaceable disposition ; above all , take heed of reviling christs friends , gods children ; revile not the saints , remember that no revilers , especially such revilers that persevere in that sin , shall inherit the kingdom of god , cor. . . and when the lord jesus cometh at the last day , he will execute judgement upon the ungodly , for their hard speeches which they have spoken against him , in speaking against his people , iude . revilers govern your tongues , if any man among you seem to be religious , and bridleth not his tongue , that mans religion is vain , jam. . . would you govern your selves well according to scripture rules , bridle and govern your tongues , jam. . , . behold we put bits into the horses mouths that they may obey us , and we turn about their whole body . behold also the ships , which though they be so great , and are driven of fierce winds , yet they are turned about with a very small helm , withersoever the governour listeth . put a bit upon this little member , and you may the better have all the rest at command , and keep your selves in , when otherwise vented passions like wilde horses without rains may carry you into many a precipice ; when otherwise the fierce storms of your minds may break forth , and drive you upon rocks and shelves , and shipwrack both soul and body together . there is a world of iniquity in the tongue , which defileth the whole body ; the tongue is a fire , which setteth on fire the whole course of nature , and it self is set on fire of hell , y. . get the former fire quenched , get the heat of your tongues cooled , as you would escape the latter fire , i mean the fire of hell , from whence the former fire doth proceed , and unto which it will certainly bring you . the tongue is full of deadly poison , it is an unruly evil which no man can tame , when by art the wildest beasts may and have been tamed , v. , . others cannot tame your tongues , but you may get them tamed your selves : put them under the government of christ , and he will tame them , get your passions tamed within , and you may tame this member which is the instrument that they make use of to vent themselves in your revilings ; keep guard and sentinel before the door of your lips , and watch your words that you offend not with your tongues . . persecutors turn from your evil waies : forbear persecuting the people of god , who desire your good , and are the best safeguard and defence by their prayers and faith of the places where they live , from miseries and destruction ; is it good for you to hew at the bough on which you stand , over such a deep , into which if you should fall , it will be impossible for you to recover your selves again ? is it good for you to pull at the pillars of the house , which if you pluck down , will bring the house upon you , and bury you in its ruines ? is it good to put your selves under the burdensome stone which will grinde you to powder ? suppose whilest you are breathing forth threatnings against any of christs disciples , and are in the heat of your rage and furious persecution of them , you should hear such a voice as paul did from heaven , sinners , sinners , why persecute you me , would it not cool , and stop you ? you may hear this voice , if you will open your ear unto the word ; it is christ you persecute in his disciples ; it is christ you wound thorow their sides , you would do the same to him as the jews did , were he alive amongst you , and you had the same power as sometimes was put into their hands against the lord of life . i will not charge london with , and therefore need not warn them generally against the sin of persecution of gods people , because they have been a shelter to them when the times have frowned most upon them ; but are there none have need of this warning ? are there no iudas's amongst them , none of pauls spirit before his conversion ? persecutors forbear this sin , which makes you as like the devil as any that i know , and locks you fastest in his arms ; which is the very next door to the sin against the holy ghost ▪ which will bring upon you swift destruction ; which will sink you into the lowest parts of the bottomless pit ; which will lash and sting your consciences with horrible scourges hereafter , if they be not awakened with horrour here ; turn from this sin before it be too late ; imitate paul ▪ and become friends to them against whom you have expressed so much enmity and spight . . covetous persons turn from your evil wayes ▪ god hath smitten you for the iniquity of your covetousness , do not go frowardly on in this sin ; he hath substracted much of the fuel of this sin , and burnt it in the fire , let there be a greater decay in your lust of covetousness , than there hath been in any of your estates . covetousness is one of the sins which the apostle would not have so much as named amongst the saints , ephes. . . it is a sin if it reign , which is inconsistent with the truth of grace , and power of godliness , because it is idolatry , col. . . and the apostle tells us expresly that covetous persons shall not inherit the kingdom of god , cor. . . yea that the wrath of god shall come upon them , ephes. . . covetous persons turn from your sin , get this earthly member mortified : get your hearts loosened from those things , which you have hitherto made your god , and in which you have sought for your chiefest felicity . have you little in the world ? be contented with the portion which god gives you ; you have as much as god seeth fit for you , heb. . . let your conversation be without covetousness , and be content with such things as you have , covetousness may not heal your poverty any more , than riches can heal your covetousness . have you much in the world ? do your riches encrease ? set not your heart upon them ; make use of what god hath given you without such pinching and self-deniall which the lord jesus never commanded in his ▪ precepts of that kind ; god never gave riches to save , but to use ; take heed of exceeding the bounds in spending , and do not spare the moderate use of what you have for fear of future wanting ; use part of your estates for your selves in what is needful for the body , and sutable to your degree and quality ▪ lay aside part for your posterity , and lay out part in the help of those in necessity ▪ for relief of the poor , whereby you will lay up for your selves a good foundation for the time to come , and at last , lay hold on eternal life ▪ tim. . , . . vnrighteous persons turn from your evil wayes . god hath been righteous in his judgements , because you have been unrighteous in your dealings ; and as his judgements are a reproof of your sin , so are they a warning to you to leave it . unrighteous gains will yield you little advantage in the issue : see what the apostle iames speaks of the wealth which men get in such a way , chap. . , , . your riches are corrupted , and your garments moth-eaten : your gold and silver is cankered , and the rust of them shall be a witness against you , and shall eat your flesh , as it were fire : ye have heaped treasure together for the last dayes ; behold the hire of your labourers which have reaped down your fields , which is of you kept back by fraud , cryeth , and the cryes have entered into the ears of the lord of sabboth . the curse of god goeth along with unlawfull , unrighteous gains ; and is like moth and rust to corrupt and canker them ; they bring a fire into the flesh and bones , which will eat and torment ; they pierce men thorow with many sorrows , and at their latter end utterly consume them with terrours , if their conscience be awakened ; unrighteous persons do not heap up such treasures of wealth , as by sin they heap up treasures of wrath against the last day : the wrongs , which they do to others , cry with a loud voice to god , and the lord will be the avenger of all such as are defrauded . let them that have been unrighteous then be unrighteous no more : you cannot wrong others so much by this sin , as you wrong your selves ; shake your hands of dishonest gains : make restitution of what you have defrauded others , as you expect salvation , non remittitur peccatum , nisi restituctur ablatum . this is a hard saying to some , who have no other wealth , but what they have gained in a dishonest and unrighteous way ; but will it not be harder to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire for this sin ? is it not better to impoverish your selves that you may be just and honest whilest you live , than to be damned , and thrust into a place of torment when you die ? you must leave what you have ; if god do not take away what you have by some temporal calamity before , be sure death will strip you of all ; and is it not better for you to part with it your selves to the just owners , when this is the way to obtain pardon and peace , and an inheritance which is of a thousand fold more value ? and do not fear but god will make provision for you whilest you abide in the world , if you resolve to be honest , and put your trust in him , who hath the dispose of the earth , and the fulness thereof . be righteous for the future , do not swerve a hair from the rule of right ; what you would that others should do unto you , do unto them , this is a principle inscribed upon the heart by nature , and this is the law and the prophets , matth. . . . hypocrites , turn from your evil wayes . methinks the terrible voice of god should affrighten you , under your hypocritical showes , and outside devotions : methinks you should now bend your hearts to please the lord , and approve your selves chiefly to him , who hath expressed so much displeasure against sinners , and is most highly offended with hypocrites ; what good will a form do you , without the power of godliness ? what good will showes do you , without sincere and substantial service ? what benefit will you get by counterfeit graces , if your graces be not reall ? if your repentance , and faith and love , and the like , be feigned , how uneffectual will they be to procure pardon , and peace , and salvation ? are you content to lose all your bodily exercise , and to have all your heartless lifeless duties rise up one day in judgement against you ? what advantage will you get by a bare profession of religion , especially in such times when profession if it be strict is discountenanced , and professors if their lamp shine with any brightness , and they carry any great sail , expose themselves to danger ? and if you have not sincerity , which alone can yield you the true and sweet fruits of religion , you are like to lose all , and of all others to make your selves most miserable ; you may suffer from men , because you have a profession , and you will suffer from god , because you have no more than a profession : what then ? should you cast off your profession ? no ; so you would turn apostates ; and may fall into the sin against the holy ghost , which will bring upon you inevitable damnation ; but lay aside your hypocrisie , and become sincere ; be that in truth , which you are in show ; labour for sincerity in regard of your state , and labour for sincerity in regard of your duties . sinners , god calls upon all of you to turn from your evil wayes by his thundering voice . turn presently : let the time past be sufficient wherein you have fulfilled the desires of the flesh and the minde ; go not a step forward in the way of sin , least you meet with destruction suddenly , and perish without remedy . turn universally , say not of any sin , as lot did of zoar , it is a little one , cast away all your transgressions ; and let no iniquity have dominion over you for the future . turn heartily , from an inward principle of hatred to sin , and love to god , and not from outward considerations , and meerly upon the account of sins dreadfull consequents . turn constantly , and with full purpose of heart never to return unto your evil wayes of sin any more . . the lord doth expect after such iudgements that london should seek him : that they should not only turn from their evil wayes , but also that they should turn unto him that hath smitten them , and seek the lord of hosts , isa. . . we read , am. . . the virgin of israel is falen , she is forsaken , and none to raise her up : whereupon god calls to this duty , v. , , , . thus saith the lord to the house of israel , seek ye me , and ye shall live ; but seek not bethel , &c. seek the lord , and ye shall live , least he break forth like fire in the house of joseph , and devour , and there be none to quench ; seek him who made the seven stars , and orion , and turneth the shadow of death into the morning , &c. the lord is his name : and it follows , v. . it may be the lord will be gracious unto the remnant of joseph . and when this duty is neglected , see the threatning , v. . wailing shall be in all streets , and they shall say in all the high wayes , alas , alas ! and they shall call the husbandmen to mourning , and such as are skilful of lamentation , to wailing . and now london is fallen , doth not the lord call upon them , that they would call upon him , and as they would turn away his anger , and prevent their utter ruine , that they would seek him who can turn the shadow of death into the morning , and the blackest night of affliction into a day of prosperity and rejoycing . london , seek the lord , that ye may live , that there may be a reviving after the years of such death and ruines ; seek the lord , before the decree bring forth some other judgement , and ye pass away like chaffe before the whirlwinde , in the day of the lords fierce anger ; it may be the lord will be gracious to the remnant of this great city . god expects that london should now pray at another rate than heretofore they have done . it is said , dan. . . all this evil is come upon us , yet made we not our prayer unto the lord our god ; and when god had consumed israel because of their iniquities , the prophet complains , isa. . . there is none that calleth upon thy name , that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee . had the prayers of london been such as they should have been , such as they have been , the desolations of london might have been prevented : god expects that london under such chastisements , should pour out prayers before him , isa. . . god hath spoken terribly unto them , he expects that they should cry mightily unto him . god expects that london should meet him in the way of his judgements , not only with weepings for their sins , that they have provoked him unto so great displeasure , but also with supplications for his mercies . when iacob was devoured , and his dwelling-place laid waste , psal. . . you have their prayer , v. , , &c. o remember not against us former iniquities , let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us , for we are brought very low : help us o lord god of our salvation , for the glory of thy name : deliver us , and purge away our sins for thy names sake . and the church under desolating judgements doth in prayer express her self very pathetically , isa. . , &c. look down from heaven , and behold from the habitation of thy holiness , and thy glory , where is thy zeal , and thy strength , the sounding of thy bowels , and thy mercies , are they restrained ? doubtless , thou art our father , &c. we are thine , return for thy servants sake , &c. and chap. . . be not wroth very sore , o lord , neither remember iniquity for ever , behold , see , we beseech thee , we are all thy people . god hath been pleading and contending with london by his judgements , and god doth look that london should plead with him in prayer for his mercies . london , seek the lord of hosts , who hath come forth against you in battel , and wounded you with his sharp arrows , and yet hath not laid down his weapons ; get to your knees ; hang about gods feet and arms ; fill your mouths with arguments to stay him in the course of his judgements ; let not the apple of your eye cease from weeping , that you have displeased him ; and let not your tongue cease from humble and earnest entreaties , that he would pardon you , and remove his displeasure from you . seek the lord humbly ; put your mouths in the dust , if so be there may be any hope ; god hears the cry of the humble , and will not despise their prayer , psal. . . psal. . . seek the lord diligently : he hath promised to be found of all them that diligently seek him , heb. . . god looks for earnest , hearty , fervent prayer : there is a sweet promise which god makes to his peoples prayers after his sore judgements which he had brought upon them : ier. . , , . i know the thoughts , that i think towards you , saith the lord , thoughts of peace , and not of evil , to give you an expected end . then shall ye call upon me , and ye shall go , and pray unto me , and i will hearken unto you : and ye shall seek me and finde me , when ye shall search for me with all your heart . seek the lord believingly ; mingle your prayers with faith , and make use of the mediation of christ , that you may prevail . . god calls upon london , by the voice of his iudgements , to prepare for greater troubles . the face of god seems to threaten greater troubles , there is little sign that gods brow is smoothened now , more than it was before the fire ; there is little evidence of the appeasement of gods anger : the face of the times seem to threaten greater troubles ; the cloud over london and england is still very black , and seems to be thicker than it was before . gods own people are like to undergo greater troubles : some of them have endured much , but they are like to endure much more ; some of them have suffered deeply , but they are like to suffer greater things more generally : they have been brought low by affliction , but not so low as others be ; when others of gods people are stript of all , they enjoy a comparative prosperity : they are not so low as they deserve to be ; their gospel-reproaching sins deserve far greater severities : they are not so low as they may have need to be ; they may need greater troubles , to unite them more one to another in their affections ▪ to further their sanctification , to wean and loosen them more from the world ; to humble them for , and purifie them more from sin ; to exercise and brighten more their graces : they are not so low as possibly they must be before they be exalted ; the night is the darkest before the day breaks ; the storm is the fiercest many times in its last blast ; and the afflictions of gods people are the sorest before god gives them deliverance ; god layes his people most low , when he intends their highest exaltation : surely , the expected shock is not yet over , and gods peoples most dreadfull sufferings seem most immediately to be threatned , they seem to be near , very near , even at the doors . the intent of the late judgements by plague and fire , seems plainly to be for the fitting and preparing of them for more smart and heavy strokes . if god had permitted those expected sufferings to have come upon them more suddenly , they might have found them more unready ; god hath given them time to prepare , and awakening warnings to prepare ; and when will they be ready to suffer like christians , like protestants , if now they be not ready ? the profane and wicked generation in the land are like to endure greater troubles , as hath been shown pag. , , . and when the storm of gods anger doth break down upon them , are there no drops likely to fall upon london ? is not the whole land likely to be in danger of ruine , when god doth deal with the ungodly and wicked crew , whom he spares for some time , whilest he punisheth so severely the more righteous ? the troubles of london have been great , but methinks it is evident , that london is in danger of greater troubles ; therefore they have need to make preparation , which they have had such awakening calls unto . some possibly may think the bitterness of londons troubles is over , because their troubles have been so bitter ; that the sharp winter cold is gone , when it was so sharp in the midst of winter , and the sun had got to some height ; but march can bring in as cold nipping frost , as december and ianuary did ; and when the spring of prosperity is expected by some , they may finde the sharpest part of the winter of troubles to be behinde . prepare therefore london for greater troubles . . god doth expect that london should trust no more in arms of flesh , but in himself alone . by these judgements god hath shown to london the weakness and insufficiency of arms of flesh what broken reeds they are . some put their trust in men , and their great expectation of relief and comfort hath been from their friends ; by the plague god hath shown , how frail and weak man is , how like grass or a flower that quickly withereth , or is cut down ; how like glass or a bubble which is easily broken and vanisheth ; many have lost by the plague their chief friends upon whom they have had all their dependance , and the lord hath shown how insufficient a foundation man is for any ones trust and confidence , therefore he calleth aloud to london to cease from man , whose breath is in his nostrils , for wherein is he to be accounted of ? isa. . . not to trust in any of the sons of men , in whom there is no help ; and the reason is , because their breath goeth forth , they return to their dust , in that very day all their thoughts perish , psal. . , . some put their trust in their wealth and riches . prov. . . the rich mans wealth is his city , and a high wall in his own conceit . god hath by the fire , which hath consumed so much of the wealth of the city , shown how insufficient a foundation wealth is for any mans confidence , he hath made it evident that riches are uncertain , and that they fly away with eagles wings , sometimes whilest the owners are looking on ; may not that which is threatned , psal. . . . be spoken of many in london , that god hath rooted some of them by the plague out of the land of the living , plucked and forced others out of their habitations by the fire , and taken away their stay and prop from them , of whom it may be said , lo these are they that made not god their strength , but trusted in the abundance of their riches , and strengthned themselves in their wickedness . london trust no more in arms of flesh , but trust in god alone : it is better to trust in the lord , than to put confidence in men ; it is better to trust in the lord , than to put confidence in princes , psal. . , . god is knocking off your fingers from all things here below , his will is that you should put your trust in him ; which is one promised effect of great desolations and afflictions , that you should labour after ; zeph. . . i will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted , and poor people , and they shall trust in the name of the lord. you were not so forward to trust in the lord when you had greater abundance , endeavour to trust in him , now you are brought into greater poverty and affliction : his infinite power , wisdom , loving kindness , his promise , truth and faithfulness are a strong bottome for your trust and confidence in god. trust in him at all times , in the worst of times ; when your danger is greatest , he will be your help and shield , psal. . . he will be your refuge under oppression , and present help in time of trouble , psal. . . he will be your rock and fortress , your high tower to defend you , or your deliverer to redeem you out of all your troubles : trust in god alone for all things : if you make use of creatures , do not lean and stay upon them , for they will slip from under you ; but stay your selves on god. o the peace and quiet which this will yield in shaking troublesome dayes ! when others hearts tremble within them , and are moved like leaves upon the approach of danger , you shall not be afraid of evil tydings , but have your hearts fixed trusting in the lord , psal. . . . god doth expect that london should have death in continual remembrance : this god expects from the judgement of the plague , the death of so many thousands a week in london , gave such a spectacle of mortality , and preached such a sermon in the city , as should bring the remembrance of death into their minds every day of their lives ; the death , if it were but of one or two should put you in mind of your later end ; but when you have seen so many go down into the pit before you , it should inscribe the remembrance of death more deeply upon your mindes , the record of which you should look daily into : the gates of the city in the year of the plague seem'd to have this inscription upon them , all flesh is grass ; let that word sound every day in your ears , and remember your bodies are exposed to the stroke of death every day ; and though you have out-lived the plague , that yet death hath you in the chase , and will ere long ( you know not how soon ) overtake you ; remember your glass is running , and will quickly be run out ; and therefore all the dayes of your appointed time , as you should remember ; so you should prepare for your great change . god expects that the remaining inhabitants of london should be prepared well for death now , when they have had death so much in their view : some of you have been sick of the plague and brought to the very brink of the grave , all of you have been in danger of the plague , when the disease was so sore and raging : i fear most of you were unprepared for death at that time , and had you dyed then , that it would have been with horrour : and i believe that there are few of you , but did in the time of your fears and danger , make vows and promises , if the lord would shelter you from the arrows , which flew about you , and spare your lives then ; that you would lead new lives , and be more carefull to prepare for your change ; so that death should not take you so unprovided any more : god expects the fulfilling of your promises ; and that you should live up to the vowes , which you made in the time of your distress ; and so provide your selves whilest you are well , that the messenger of death may have a welcome reception , when ever he summoneth you to leave this world . . god expects that london should retain great impressions of eternity . you have had the door of eternity set wide open in your view , when so many were thronging in at the door , and i believe you had deeper apprehensions of eternity in those dayes , than ever you had in your lives ; take heed that those impressions do not wear off , and that you lose not those apprehensions , especially when you are drawing every day nearer and nearer thereunto . think often of the vast ocean of eternity without bottome or bank on the other side , into which the whole stream of time will empty it self ; and how quickly the small rivulet of your appointed dayes may fall into it : think often of the unalterable state of joy or misery , which you must enter into at the end of your course : think how thin and short the pleasures of sin are in this life , in comparison of the horrible and endless torments of hell ; and how light and momentaneous the afflictions of gods people are here , in comparison with the exceeding and eternal weight of glory prepared for them in heaven , cor. . . . god doth call upon london by the fire which burnt down the city to secure themselves against the fire of hell. london's fire was dreadful , but the fire of hell will be a thousand-fold more dreadfull . the fire of london was kindled by man ; be sure some second cause was made use of herein ; but the fire of hell will be kindled by god himself , isa. . . tophet is ordained of old , for the king it is prepared , he hath made it deep and large : the pile thereof is fire and much wood , and the breath of the lord like a stream of brimstone doth kindle it . the fire of london burnt the houses of the city , and consumed much of the goods ; but the fire of hell will burn the persons of the wicked , matth. . . depart ye cursed into everlasting fire . the fire of london did burn most , but not all the houses in the city , some are yet remaining , but the fire of hell will burn all the persons of the wicked , not one of them shall escape and remain . the fire of london was extinguished , and did last but four dayes ; but the fire of hell will be unextinguishable , it will burn for ever , it is called everlasting fire , in which the damned must lye and burn eternally , without any possibility of ever getting forth . if you had known before of londons fire , where it would begin , and how it would spread , and seize upon your houses , surely you would have taken some course for the prevention of it : you know before of the fire of hell , the word of god hath revealed it ; o take some course for prevention of it , at least for securing of your selves against it : when the fire was burning in london , you did fly from it , least it should have consumed your persons as well as houses ; o fly from the fire of hell , into which your persons will be thrown if you go on in sin ; fly from the wrath which is to come ; fly unto jesus christ who alone can deliver you . . god doth call upon londoners by the fire to be like strangers and pilgrims in the world. god hath burned you out of your habitations , that he might loosen your affections from houses , and riches , and all things here below ; that he might unsettle you , unhinge , unfix you , that you might never think of rest and settlement in the creatures , as long as you live : god calls upon you by this judgement , to take off your hearts from this world , which is so very uncertain , and to be like strangers and pilgrims upon the earth , who are to take up your lodging here but a few dayes and nights in your passage to the other world ; god expects you should live as those who have here no certain dwelling place , and therefore that you should not lavish away too much of your thoughts , and affections , and time about these uncertain things , which are of so short a continuance , and with which you cannot have a long abode ; god hath by his judgements crucified the world very much before you , and he expects that the world should be crucified in you ; god hath poured contempt upon the world , and set a mark of disgrace thereon ; he hath cast dirt upon the face where you fancied before so much beauty to lye ; and he expects that you should fall in esteem , and grow out of love with the world , and never go a whoring from him to the creatures any more . . god calls upon london to make him their habitation . psal. . . lord thou hast been our dwelling places in all generations . god is the hiding-place , and he is the dwelling-place of his people ; you have lost your dwellings by the fire , make god your habitation , and dwell in him , to whom you may have constant resort , and in whom you may have a sure abode . get possession of this house by your union to god through his son ; and when you are in , keep possession , abide in this honse , do not wander from him , and turn your selves out of doors by breaking of his houshold laws ; make god your home , and labour to be much acquainted at home ; spend your time with god , and give your hearts to him : rest and repose your selves in god daily ; look for all your provisions in him , and from him ; walk in him and with him . make god your habitation . . god calleth upon london to seek after an abiding city . heb. . . we have here no continuing city , but we seek one to come . london hath reason to say the former , therefore let london do the later : you have seen the city fall by the fire , seek after a city which hath more lasting foundations , and is of such strong building , that neither time can wear and weaken , nor flames of fire reach and consume . i mean the new ierusalem , which is above , the heavenly city , whose builder and maker is god ; there are mansions , abiding places for the saints , ioh. . . there the wicked will cease from troubling , and the weary will be at rest , seek : after this city , labour for a title to it , lay up your treasure in it , get your affections set upon it ; above all trades drive a trade for heaven , which in the issue will yield you the best returns . . god doth expect that london should labour to build his house . the neglect of gods house , i believe hath been a great cause of the fall of so many houses in the city by fire . god expects that now you should endeavour the building of his house ; otherwise , i do not think that god will build again your houses : you may have an act of parliament for building the city , and set workmen about it ; but unless god do enact it too , the building will never go forward ; unless god build the city , the workmen will labour in vain . read and consider the prophesie of haggai . set about the work of reformation more vigorously ; especially in the house and worship of god. . god doth expect that londoners should dedicate themselves and families unto him . you have broken your baptismal and other vows , and god hath made great breaches upon you for your infidelity ; now renew your vows , give up your selves to god , avouch him to be your god , and avouch your selves to be his people , and live accordingly : take up ioshuah's resolution , that whatever others in the land do , that you and your families will serve the lord : make it your only business in the world to serve god ; let religion have an influence upon all your actions ; do nothing without the warrant of gods precept ; let your conversation be such as becometh the gospel ; govern your families in the fear of god ; fill all your relations with duty ; learn more righteousness by gods judgements , and be quickned by them unto a more holy and strict walking . and if you yield such fruits as these , which god expects after his plowing and harrowing of you ; if you open your ear to the terrible voice of the lord which hath uttered it self in the city , and with full purpose of heart set about the practice of the duties he expects and calls for ; then you may hope that he will yet build you up and plant you , that he will close your breaches , and raise up your ruinous habitations ; that he will make you glad according to the years wherein he hath afflicted you , and give you to see good dayes , instead of those evil which you have seen and felt ; then the lord will rejoyce over you to do you good ; and make london like mount zion , where he will pitch his tent , and take up his habitation ; then he will compass you about with the bulwark of salvation , and prevent those further utterly desolating judgements which you are in danger of ; yea the lord will be as a wall of fire round about you , and the glory in the midst of london , from whence his praise and your fame shall sound throughout the whole world. finis . soli deo gloria . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e hab. . . psal. . , . isa. . . isa. . . psal. . . . isa . . psa. . . num. . , , . gen. . luk. . isa. . , , isa. . ioh. . heb. . . gal. . ▪ . mat. . , , . eccl. . psal. . a modest defence of the caueat giuen to the wearers of impoisoned amulets, as preseruatiues from the plague wherein that point is somewhat more lergely reasoned and debated with an ancient physician, who hath mainteined them by publicke writing: as likewise that vnlearned and dangerous opinion, that the plague is not infectious, lately broched in london, is briefly glansed at, and refuted by way of preface, by fr. hering d. in physicke. reade without preiudice; iudge without partialitie. herring, francis, d. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a modest defence of the caueat giuen to the wearers of impoisoned amulets, as preseruatiues from the plague wherein that point is somewhat more lergely reasoned and debated with an ancient physician, who hath mainteined them by publicke writing: as likewise that vnlearned and dangerous opinion, that the plague is not infectious, lately broched in london, is briefly glansed at, and refuted by way of preface, by fr. hering d. in physicke. reade without preiudice; iudge without partialitie. herring, francis, d. . [ ], , [ ] p. printed by arnold hatfield for william iones [ ] dwelling in red-crosse street at the signe of the ship, london : . "william jones [ ]" from stc. refers to the caveat in stc . : herring, francis. certaine rules, directions, or advertisments for this time of pestilentiall contagion: with a caveat to those that weare impoisoned amulets. running title reads: against impoisoned amulets. imperfect; lacking errata; another copy, also in the harvard university library, contains errata. reproduction of the original in the harvard university. library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books 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were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- prevention -- early works to . medicine, magic, mystic, and spagiric -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - aptara rekeyed and resubmitted - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a modest defence of the caveat given to the wearers of impoisoned amulets , as preseruatiues from the plague : wherein that point is somewhat more largely reasoned and debated with an ancient physician , who hath mainteined them by publicke writing : as likewise that vnlearned and dangerous opinion , that the plague is not infectious , lately broched in london , is briefly glansed at , and refuted by way of preface , by fr. hering d. in physicke . reade without preiudice : iudge without partialitie . quemadmodum ex attritu lapidum ignis elicitur : sic ex collatione , & conflictu opinionum emergit veritas . london printed by arnold hatfield for william iones dwelling in red-crosse street at the signe of the ship. . to all that loue health , and honour physicke , health of mind and body . there is an olde saying ( friendly reader ) that phylosophers and learned men agree together like the clocks of a great citie , which doe seldome concur , but for the most part differ , and vary one from another . this is not without some colour of trueth . neuerthelesse we must take heed , that we doe not therefore condemne good arts and sciences , either of vncertainty or of falshood , folly and vanity , as some haue done . for this were solem in crimen vocare , cum lippientes potiùs oculos tonsori licinio committeremus . as if a bleere-eyed man assaying to reade at mid-day , and finding inability , should lay the fault vpon the sunne , and not rather seeke remedy for his ill-affected eyes . hominum haec sunt vitia , non artium . these are the faults of men , and not of good arts , whose principles and theorems are true , certaine , constant , catholicke , and full of most cleare , resplendent and diuine light ; as the poets haue most pithily shadowed in the fable of prometheus , whom they set forth stealing fire from jupiter out of heauen . ingenia nostra habent suos morbos , quemadmodum corpora . our wits indeed haue their diseases as well as our bodies : as phylauty or selfe-loue , pride , ambition , malice , hatred , couetousnesse , vaineglory : and these as so many clouds , doe come betwixt vs and lady alethia , 〈◊〉 and darkening prometheus sparks , the little candle or light of our mindes , in such sort , as oft times we can not , and sometimes we will not see the trueth . books and opinions are mentis pignora & quasi liberi , as it were the begotten , and children of our mindes . and what father is there ( though otherwise neuer so prudent ) who may not be resembled to the crow which thinketh her blacke bird the fairest of all other ; or to the ape who so ouer-loueth her yoong ones , that by colling she killeth them ? it must be a foule and blacke fault which a father or rather a mother will see in her sonne : and it must be a grosse and palpable errour which a man will acknowledge , if it be of his owne breeding , brooding , or broching . ingenio qui vult cedere rarus erit . suum cuique pulchrum . euery one is in loue with his owne shadow . it is therefore nothing strange vnto me , that the ancient physician ( with whom i conferre in my 〈◊〉 discourse ) and other learned men , hauing receiued these 〈◊〉 by tradition , without any great examination , do labour to maintaine them in their writings , by shew and colour of reason . but i must needs confesse , i cannot but greatly wonder at the strange , vncoth , and vnreasonable paradox , broched of late in this city , that the plague is not contagious . this fantasticke conceit bringeth to mind that of the oratour : nescio quomodo fiat , vt nihil tam sit absurdum quod non dicatur & defendatur ab aliquo philosophorum . i know not how it commeth to passe , that nothing can be spoken so absurdly , which is not defended by some of the philosophers . if any one of our coat , should maintaine this monstrous and pernitious heresie , the tribe of physicians would be so farre from disputing the matter with him , as they would straight send him that anticeras to purge his braine with hellebore . contra principia negantem non est disp●●tandum . no argument is to be held with him who denieth principles , and razeth the grounds and foundations of arts. the plague is thus defined by physicions pestis est morbus acutus contagiosus plurimos inter fiens &c. the pest is a sharpe contagious disease . so that you see the plague is placed by physicians in that ranke of sharpe diseases , which are contagious . to this iudgement of aescalapius schoole , the philosophers , orators , poets , and wise men of all ages haue subscribed . how often doth tully call cataline , and other such like factious firebrands , pestes patriae , the plagues of their country : because as the plague spreadeth his poison vpon the bodies of men : so they infected the mindes of such citizens as conuersed with them , with poisonfull and seditious thoughts and inclinations . shall the ich , scab , measels , small poxe &c. be acknowledged catching and infectious , by the experience of euery silly woman ; and shall the plague be esteemed animal mansuetum , an harmelesse and innocent creature . but they easily reiect the authorities and reasons of physicians as naturians , for so they call them , and reason thus from the scriptures . the plague is called the sword , the hand , the arrow of god , therefore it commeth not by contagion , since neither an hand , a sword , or arrow doth wound by contagion . the french disease is called by a great learned man , flagellum diuinum scortatorum , gods whippes sent from heauen , to scourge whoore-masters . but if any man would heereupon conclude that it were not contagious , common experience would put out his eies . therefore these two will well concurre together , that the lues gallica , is a punishment inflicted by god vpon the filthy and beastly sinne of whooredome ( which in this age is counted but a sport ) and may be truely called the hand , the sword , the arrow of god smiting whoore-masters , and that withall it is catching and infectious , as appeareth euidently in that it commeth not onely by vncleane company , but likewise by the breath or contrectation of the tainted parties , and is sucked in , from the brest of impure women , by poore infants , and the nurses themselues giuing sucke to a childe whose parents were polluted , are oft-times infected . the like may be said of the leprosie , which may be also called the hand and arrow of god , & neuerthelesse is so infectious , that in all well ordered common-wealths , the parties tainted therewith , communi consortio excludantur , are commanded to dwell apart , non est malum in ciuitate , quod non faciat dominus . there is no euill in the city , which the lord doth not . it is therefore a fond conceit , to thinke that to euery particular man a seuerall plague or arrow is sent , and not rather a generall disease whereby one infecteth another . but they argue further . that which god inflicteth vpon men by the ministerie of angels , is not to be reckoned among naturall effects : but the plague &c. psal. . . paral. . ezech. . therefore it is not to be reckoned among naturall effects , and by consequent the plague is no naturall disease . if they will reason firmly , they must adde this word ( immediately ) vnto the proposition . and then we will chalenge the assumption as faulty and insufficient . it must be confessed that the angels themselues are not to be reckoned among naturall causes . but what shall let that , by the appointment of god , naturall causes should be mooued , and actuated by the angels . doe not angels both good and badde mooue and stirre vp the will of man , though the maner of their workings be secret , and to vs vnknowen , if not incomprehensible ? this is euident by the history of achab , and iudas . but who will deny that the will of man is in the number of naturall causes , and principles . and if the will of man may be inclined and disposed by angels , why should we thinke that they haue nothing to doe with other naturall causes . moses by lifting vp his rod , brought armies of flies and lice vpon egypt , raised a terrible haile , smot the egyptians with malignant vlcers . this was an extraordinary ministery of moses , aswell as of the angels . but shall we therefore thinke , that the lice and flies came not of putrefaction , the haile of vapors concret sodenly in the aire , the vlcers by the rotting of humors . satan hauing a commission signed from god , by a mightie tempest of winde blew vp the roofe where iobs children were . doth it therefore follow that he vsed no naturall causes , or is not rather euident that those princes of the aire , do in a moment stirre vp those naturall impressions ? the diuell casteth the saints into prison , . apocal. . but by tyrants and enemies of the church . in the . chap. the pale horse , on whom death sitteth as the horseman , receiueth power to kill , by sword , famine , wilde beasts . why shall we suppose that he vsed not naturall matter in bringing the plague and famine , as well as in sending wilde beasts or the sword , which are naturall instruments . afterward in the . chap. the angels haue charge to restraine the foure windes that they hurt not the earth or sea . whereupon it followeth that vpon the lords command they are likewise turned loose , and bring with them diuers affections and mutations of the aire , and especially contagious seminaries . it is apparant that the diuell ( who being a spirit , and of long continuance and experience , must needs be a great naturian ) reacheth to certaine witches called veneficae , diuers strong and vnknowne poysons : whereby those wretched creatures worke much mischiefe . againe , if no naturall causes did concurre in the pest , then could no naturall remedies ease it , much lesse cure it . but experience leadeth vs that both these are vntrue . we deny not but that the angels are vsed as instruments & ministers to inflict this iudgement and plague of the plague for the sinnes of men , neither that this disease hath in it diuinum quid , a secret and hidden nature , so that we may iustly with the inchanters of egypt acknowledge it the finger of god , yet we thinke it as absurd to affirme that there commeth no plague , but by the stroke and ministery of angels , as if a man should contend , that there was neuer any haile , tempest , thunder , proceeding from naturall causes , because we read , that great hailes , stormes and windes haue beene raised by the ministery of angels . historians report , that an old arke or monument being opened in babylon , there exhaled out of it , so pernitious and infectious a spirit or breath , that propagated the plague euen to the remote parthians . and in the time of marcus the emperour , the souldiers of auidius cassius , digging into an ancient sepulchre in hope of golde , which had not beene touched for many hundred yeeres , there followed instantly a huge and fearefull mortalitie . iulius obsequeus reporteth , that aetna casting smoke and fire in abundance , did exanimate and kill the fishes of the sea adioyning , which the liparenses certaine ilanders feeding vpon greedily , brought a greeuous pestilence among them . orosius , eutropius , augustine de ciuit . dei , and liuie lib. . make mention of prodigious swarmes of locusts in africa , which lying dead vpon the shores , and corrupting the aire , bred such a pest , as consumed in the sole kingdome of masinissa , . and many more in the adiacent countries , and in vtica , of . men , . onely suruiued . this may be sufficient to shew that the plague is not alwaies the immediat stroke of angels . galen reporteth , that vpon a dearth in his time , wherein the poorer sort of people were constrained to feed vpon roots , acornes , with other more vnholesome and corrupted aliments , there insued a great mortalitie . the vlcers & botches which are thrust out by nature , the preternaturall heat , the drought , the restlesnesse , with many other symptomes and accidents of feuers , doe proclaime this affliction a naturall maladie . it hath beene obserued in this last mortality among vs ( the wounds whereof are yet fresh and bleeding ) that women haue passed thorow the pikes more easily & happily than men . so that this hath bene called the womens yere ; because it is thought that for one woman , . or . men haue died . we must not therefore thinke , that either the angell is partial in sparing them , or their sins lesse hainous or notorious than the sinnes of men . the reason hereof ( as physicians haue conceiued ) is because they haue beene more tractable and easily perswaded to keepe themselues warme , to keepe house and bed : and by these meanes ( their bodies being likewise more soft , tender , and perspirable ) haue spent by sweating and insensible transpiration the venimous matter of the plague ; giuing thereby more speedy passage to that enemy of life , from the heart and other noble parts : whereas men for the most part being ill house-doues , accustomed to stirring and motion , haue beene very vnruly and inobsequent to the counsell of their physicians , and by exposing themselues to the aire , haue loked in that dangerous guest , to whom they should rather haue made a golden bridge . it hath beene likewise obserued , that this epidemicall disease hath had as his beginning , so his increment , state , and declination , and that it is now ( for it walketh still amongst vs in corners ) nothing so acute , violent and peremptory for the most part , neither so contagious and pernitious , as it was in the state and strength . some haue had the plague twise or thrise this yeere : but if it came only by the angell , he might vndoubtedly say with him , let me strike once , and i will not strike the second time . secession and departing the city hath beene questionlesse a meane to preserue many ; as appeareth euidently in that a small handfull among those great numbers who haue stepped aside , haue fallen by this sicknesse in the countrey , and those carrying with them from hence the seminaries thereof , in comparison of those huge multitudes which haue died in the city : and could not the angell haue found them out , as well in the countreys as in london ? againe , diuers families vpon their returne , being safe in the countrey , haue beene presently visited , & emptied . shall we imagine that the punishing angell stayed their retiring , and had no commission to deale with them out of the city ? and not rather thinke , that the aire of the city being tainted , & their bodies disposed to receiue infection , this euill hath seized vpon them ? if we looke into the city , we shall finde that in cheap-side and other open and large streets , and in faire , roomy , and spacious houses the pest hath not set in such sure footing , nor made such hauocke , as in narrow lanes , allies , and other pestered and noisome corners , where families of poore people are thronged together , as men vse to packe wooll-sacks one vpon another , so that one of them can scarse breathe beside his fellowes face . shall we imagine , that faire and ample streets , that sweet and goodly houses are priuiledged from the stroke of the angell , or from the arrowes of the almighty , more than poore and smoakie cottages ? are not such places as full fraught and replenished with sinnes of all sorts crying to heauen for vengeance , as those low and base cabbins of simple and miserable creatures ? i am not ignorant how ignorant and vnlearned men argue ( as they suppose ) strongly against all these things . if the plague proceed from naturall causes , or corruption of the aire , then all persons without exception , who liue and and breathe in the corrupted aire , must needs be poisoned and infected : which all men know to be vntrue . but reason it selfe will easily teach vs the inconsequence of this argument : for who knoweth not , that one and the same cause doth not alwayes worke alike , and that effects are varied according to the variety and diuersity of the suffering matters and obiects . the same sunne hardeneth the clay , and mollifieth the waxe : one and the same northern winde doth not pinch and pierce all bodies with the like coldnesse . if we should grant that all mens bodies were alike disposed to receiue the infected aire ( which is most false ) yet there may be many causes why the like effect should not follow in them all . as ( to make it plaine ) because one man hath carefully vsed some soueraigne and apposit preseruatiue , another hath neglected or contemned all such courses ; and as bolde and blinde bayard rushed vpon all dangers : another being a little touched or tainted , hath straightway sent for , or consulted with a learned physician , and taken a conuenient and rationall medicine : another either scorneth and refuseth physicians and physicke , or els sendeth to the physician , when the bell is ready to toll for him , and when the steed is stollen begins to shut the stable doore . but beside and aboue all this , we must know that god almighty hath an ouerruling hand , whereby he doth guide and direct naturall causes and effects , and heereupon it commeth to passe , that contagion though neuer so strong , cannot seaze on all though neuer so much disposed and exposed thereunto . all men are not poysoned that drinke poyson ; nor all killed with the sword or shot , that goe to warre . and yet poyson is lethall , and the sword deuoureth as well one as another . therefore to argue that diuers physicians , nurs-keepers and surgeons , conuersant about sicke persons , are not tainted at all , therefore there is no contagion in the pest , is all one as if a man should reason thus , that the poyson of the viper were not deadly , because the apostle paul , being bitten by a viper , had no harme , or that the sword is no deuourer , because iehosaphat being strongly belaid , and crying to the lord , was deliuered and passed with his life . i haue cursorily runne ouer these things , because the argument hath beene more largely handled of late by a iudicious diuine , and the opinion hath beene since that time somewhat minsed , and qualified ; how substantially and clarke-like i will not now stand to discusse . onely i thought meet ( because this conceit is not onely erroneous , but dangerous and pernitious to the weale-publicke , and being too grossely broched at the first , hath left a deepe impression in the mindes of the vulgar sort , who are as the oratour saith , pluma ipsa leuiores , as light as feathers , tossed to and fro with euery blast of vaine , ann idle heads , briefly to touch it by the way , tanquam aliud agens . it remaineth , that acknowledging the pests , contagion , we notwithstanding ( who are christians ) carefully auoid that faithlesse and paganish fearefulnesse , whereby we are made to breake all the bonds of religion , consanguinitie , alliance , friendship and pollicie : the husband forsaking and abandoning his deare wife , the parents leauing their children to sinke or swimme , the pastor exposing his flocke to euery deuouring woolfe , and the magistrate his people vnder his charge to all confusion and disorder . we are apt to rush into extremities . this were incidere in scyllam , whilest we would charibdim vitare , to auoid one euill , and commit as great , or greater mischiefe . as he is to be esteemed a good subiect and citizen , who though he will not intrude into euery fray made by desperate ruffians , with whom he hath nothing to doe , least he catch a broken pate , or woorse turne , yet will boldly enter the battell against the enimie of his countrey when he is thereto called by his prince , though with euident hazard of his life : so he is to be reputed a grounded & discrete christian , who as he will not rush rashly into euery infected and visited house without iust cause , warrant or calling , so when he is called , or tied by any bond of piety , nature , or policy , he will not forsake his station , or detract and forslow any duty or office , though the performance thereof be with euident danger of health , goods or life it selfe . for in these cases we may confidently expect a protection from heauen , and say with hester , if i die , i die . if we fall , we shall fall in , and not out of our way , wherein the lord of heauen guide vs by his good spirit of wisedome , till we come to the end thereof , which is the saluation of our souls . now to returne to our amulets , from whom by occasion we haue made ouerlong a digression : as i gaue at the first a briefe aduertisement concerning them , without any euill intention to wound any particular man in his credit , ( no not if i had beene able , as i am not ) so i haue reioyned not in any contentious humour , but in a desire to be satisfied if i erre , and reformed in my iudgement . i must needs acknowledge , that considering the obiect of my profession , which is that short epitome of the grand world , that wonder and miracle of nature , that temple of the holy ghost , that lord of the inferiour creatures , man , i haue bene very scrupulous ( if not superstitious in ) vsing any doubtfull , suspitious , or dangerous medicine whereof i haue not beene well and thoroughly perswaded . if any suppose this to be contentio de lana caprina aut asini vmbra , too base and meane a toy or trifle to be stood vpon , let him remēber that it is made no base dredge , but a noble , catholike , & diuine medicine , by the authors and commenders thereof . he may likewise call to minde , that the most precious balmes , and soueraigne antidots , & ( which is more , physicke herselfe , that noble science , is esteemed no better by many than a meere trifle . besides this , if the greatest , learnedest , and complet prince of europe , haue vouchsafed of late to stoope so low as to take vp ( though to throw away againe ) that base , strange , ill-sauouring weede , or rather intoxicating poison tobacco , discoursing thereof so learnedly , iudicially , and admirably , as he may seeme to haue beene brought vp all his life , at the feet of hippocrates , and not exercised from his birth , in the gouernment of great states and kingdomes , it can be no disparagement for me , who am infimus è plebe , to spend some few spare houres in the examination of these amulets . wherin , if i haue failed , and slipped now and then , ( as i feare i haue too often ) impute it i pray thee ( friendly reader ) to my manifold auocations and distractions in this heauy , dolefull , and lamentable time of visitation : da mihi maeoniden & tot circumspice casus ingenium tantis excidet omne malis . the lord of his infinit goodnesse continue and perfect his gracious worke of mercy toward vs , in remoouing wholy this grieuous , contagious , and fearefull plague , putting vp his sword altogether into the sheath ; and restoring vnto vs the daies of health and comfort , that we being schooled by these afflictions , may euery one of vs breake off our sinnes by compassion to the poore , and putting away the wickednesse that is in our hands , serue him in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of our life . a modest defence of the caveat given to the wearers of impoisoued amulets , as preseruatiues from the plague . amicus plato , amicus socrates , sed magis amica veritas . plato is a friend , & socrates a friend , but trueth ought to be the chiefest friend to all true philosophers , much more christians . i set foorth of late a short caueat , concerning empoisoned amulets , or plague-cakes ( as they are called ) moued thereunto , as by many other reasons , so especially , because i greatly feared , that through an vnsound and idle persuasion of their force , other more rationall and effectuall remedies were neglected . an ancient and graue physician , whom i reuerence for diuers good respects , hath stood vp , and pleaded their cause . i amno pythagorean ; nullius addictus iurare in verba magistri . i would not willingly pinne my iudgement vpon any mans sleeue , be he neuer so graue and learned , vnlesse i be drawen by good and sound reason . humanum est errare . therfore remaining yet vnsatisfied , i haue thought good , not in any contentious humor , but in desire the trueth may be sifted out , and my selfe resolued and better instructed ( if i erre ) to consider of them somewhat more largely ; that if they be found so noble and catholike a medicine as some esteeme them , they may be still retained , and imbraced in our bosoms ; and if vpon examination they prooue suspicious , dangerous and hurtfull , they may be cashered and abandoned . first therefore , because opinion and name preuaile much to forestall the market , and wholly possesse mens mindes with preiudice , leauing no one roome for reason , i will be silent a while , and you shall heare one of the most learned , wise , and famous physicians of europe ( i meane horatius augenius ) very learnedly , ingenuously , iudicially , grauely and honestly ( after his maner ) vttering his mind of this point in question . whom i produce the rather , because it is intimated , that italian physicians ( which countrey without question breedeth many excellent men in that faculty ) haue these amulets in high and rare estimation . heare therefore what augenius without exception one of the greatest masters in physicke that italie nourisheth at this day ( if he be yet aliue ) speaketh to this purpose lib. . de peste cap. . de sublimato , arsenico cristallino , & puluere bufonis . i haue read in the writings of some empericks , that the powder of a toad , arsenicke , or sublimat , if they be worne vpon the region of the heart , so as they touch the skin , do maruellously preserue men from the plague . and they esteeme this as a great secret ; and as i vnderstand haue drawen some rich persons to be of their opinion . i who do not easily beleeue euery thing which i reade or heare , doe greatly doubt of the force and nature of those poisons , and do assuredly persuade my selfe , that they can neuer produce any such effect . and that i may lay open my opinion , we must know that experience ( especially in such kinds ) is perillous : for since the action of the physician is performed vpon so noble a subiect as the body of man , the nature and force of euery vnknowen medicine is with great iudgement to be examined & searched out : and the rule of examination is to cōsider whether reason approue and persuade it , or disclaime and reiect it . if reason allow and persuade it , thou maiest boldly vse it without scruple ; but if reason gainsay it , no medicine is to be vsed , vnlesse thou be assured of the operation thereof , by the long experience of men of singular iudgement . i say long experience ; for we must not trust one , two , or three experiments : but very many are to be diligently considered and wisely gathered , that the right habit of experience may be attained , which may deserue the commendation of all men , because it is one of the instruments ( as we haue sayd elsewhere ) by whose meanes and helpe , remedies are inuented . we must likewise marke well , that our experience take her originall from a man worthy to be credited , of great iudgement , wise , knowing well how to distinguish from what cause the successe proceedeth , whether from the medicine , the temperament of the body , the time of the yeere , chance , or other infinite respects . it falleth out dayly , that we see many effects , which haue a farre different cause from that the common people dreame of . now to applie those things that haue beene spoken , to our purpose , i affirme confidently , that such a medicine of poisons applied outwardly to the body , hath no manifest , probable or demonstratiue reason , whereby we may be persuaded that they haue so miraculous efficacie against the plague . they will say , that by similitude of substance there is attraction of the venim from the heart , to the outward part , by the attractiue vertue of the poison . but this can not so much profit , as euidently hurt . let vs grant , that the venimous facultie of the poison penetrateth to the heart , i pray you what effect will it produce there ? it can not draw the venom to it : for there is none , because he whom we will preserue is yet sound . if therefore , the heart be disposed to receiue the venimous infection of the aire , what shall hinder the force of the outward poison , that it may not infect the heart and other principall parts , and if it be once entred into the heart , what shall let the distribution of it by the arteries into all the bodie ? o great miracle , and neuer yet heard of , that a venimous facultie should flow into the heart , wander thorow the arteries , & not finding his looked for friend , should go out againe without any offence offered to the parts whereby he passed . besides , if the attractiue facultie be inuenimed , what reason can be giuen , the heart should not be continually offended by the poison thereof . it is euident , thar the heart is the principall obiect of poisons : how then shall it be touched by a venimous qualitie , and not endure wrong ? touching their experience , i cannot yet giue credit to it . i desire to see these things often tried , with good successe , to haue many testimonies of physicians of great iudgement , before i can beleeue them . but let vs come to those that are infected , and haue the poison actually seized on their heart . it may be they may doe them good . none at all . for attraction proceedeth from the stronger power , which draweth to it that which is weaker . let then some man tell me how he can be sure , that the poison of the plague shall not draw to it the venim of the outward medecine ; and why the poison thereof may not be stronger and greater than the other . besides , the matter of the plague is not properly poison but by similitude , and therefore cannot be drawen by another poison . but me thinke i heare one answer to all my arguments , that the effect is performed , though the cause be vnknowen because it is secret . this is the miserable refuge of al empericks , wherby they may easily wind out of any doubt , and absolue the most intricate question of our art without much adoe . but i abhorre this from my heart ; not because i allow no secret causes , which i grant , but because i thinke it a notorious fault , redounding greatly to the reproch of our art , if we run still to hidden causes , when manifest reason may easily end the controuersie . how will they demonstrate that poisons haue this effect ? by experience . but what experience can they shew worthy to receiue this credit ? and where are the physicians of note and learning , which approue them ? you haue heard my opinion , reseruing to others their better iudgement . now that i haue stayed your stomacks with this honest , graue , and iudiciall speech of father augenius that great and learned italian physician , who ( if i be thought too light ) may well weigh in the ballance with any one man whosoeuer he be , giue me leaue briefly to examine the reasons that are produced to proue , that these amulets do no hurt : secondly , that they do good . the first argument , if it be not altogether impertinent , must thus be reduced to forme : there is vse of poisons in physicke : therefore impoisoned amulets of arsenicke or such like , may be safely vsed by men in health , to preserue them from the plague without hurt . the proposition is somewhat largely stood vpon , which was neuer to my knowledge called into question by any man of iudgement , and the consequence which should haue beene proued , left altogether vntouched . physicke consisteth of diuers parts . that may be of vse in the hygieine the preseruing part , which hath no place in the therapeuticall . and there be many things of speciall vertue in the therapeutice , which if a man should practise vpon sound bodies to preserue their health , he might well be sent to anticyrae to purge with hellebore his vnsound braine . a sturdie horse requires a rough rider . duro nodo durus cuncus . in magnis & 〈◊〉 morbis , vbi ager necessariòex morbo periclitatur anceps potius remedium tentandum quàm nullum . in such cases physicians are inforced to vse euphorbium , opium , and paracelsus his deceitfull laudanum , and that sometimes in large quantitie : which yet no wise man will prescribe to his patients to preserue them in health . there is therefore vtterly no consequence in this , that because there may be sometimes in some diseases vse of deleteries in the therapentice , therefore they may be safely vsed as preseruatiues to maintaine health . for in such cases they are opposed against the disease to fight with it as an enemy , and so by their colluctation nature sometime saueth herselfe , as when by the fighting of two dogges , a man sometime escapeth without hurt or wound . in the curatime part of physicke , there is a necessarie vse of the saw , and of both potentiall and actuall fire . secamus , vrimus . and yet by your leaue a man in health will hardly be persuaded to such preseruatiues . before i leaue this argument , i will by your patience point at some defects in the proofe of the proposition . arsenicke , orpiment , toads and adders , are acknowledged ranke and deadly poisons in the highest degree . this is true concerning the minerals which consist of similar parts . but touching toads and adders , it cannot be verified , that they be absolutely and generally poisons . for these haue their venome , incertis , & determinatis partibus : in certaine and determinate parts , not vniuersally diffused thorow the whole bodie . touching adders or vipers it is euident that their poison lodgeth onely in the head , ( specially the teeth and taile . their flesh ( which onely is receiued ) into that noble medicine ( which thereof hath his name , and is called triacle ) is so farre from being a poison , that it is a present antidote against the poison of the other parts . and this will not seeme strange if we dare credit iacobus ferrarius , a learned physician of mantua , who in his booke de theriaca lately set foorth , reporteth that he hath seene mens hands besprinkled with the blood of vipers , without any farther offence than a little itching for a short time . and i haue beene informed by men yet liuing in our owne country , that they haue seene of our adders after their teeth haue beene pulled out , handled in mens hands , and caried in their bare bosoms familiarly without hurt . the like is to be verified of the scorpion , who carieth his venom in his taile . and therefore when they would dispatch themselues , they turne vp their taile toward their backe , and there shooting their stings kill themselues . and this they doe when they are so pursued as they see no way to escape , making by that meanes a speedy riddance of themselues . neither could they die so speedily of so small wound , if the instrument inflicting the same were not venemous , since they will endure farre greater wounds , without danger of life . therefore it is euident , that there is in the taile of the scorpion a poison contrary to the life and temperament of the scorpion . the poison of the spanish flies called cantharides , is esteemed to reside in the head , wings , and legs , and the body very medicinable . so the poison of a madde dogge lodgeth onely in his fome . the poison of asps in their egges : of the leopard in the gall or choler onely : of the venemous mouse in the vrine : the tortoise in the outward skinne . but to returne to adders or vipers , incomparable , galen in his . booke of the faculty of simple medicines , and in his booke de opt . secta cap. . telleth of certaine persons who being desperately diseased , by the vse of wine , whereinto whole adders had by chance fallen , not onely receaued no maner of hurt , but happily thereby recouered their health . there is therefore so great vertue in the flesh of vipers to resist malignity , that the venome of the externall parts seemeth by the force thereof altogether drowned and subdued . it followeth not therefore , because there is poison in the viper , therfore his whole subiect is a strong poison . for so a man might conclude , that the whole body of some men is poison , because there is in their spettle and teeth a venemous quality , as i my selfe with others haue seene euidently by a man in london , who being bitten by another lightly in the hand , was so impoisoned , that the whole hand rotted , and the party thereof shortly died . i maruell therefore that a man of note for experience & iudgement , would open such a gappe to the vulgar sort , to loath and contemne physicke and physicians , ( whereunto they are prone inough of themselues ) as to affirme that one of their most noble and famous medicines hath a strong poison , his basis and principall ingredient . galen in his booke de ther. ad pis. saith , that the fat of the crocodill laid vpon the wound , helpeth those that are bitten by the crocodill . the biting of the venemous mouse , is healed by the mouse brused , and laid vpon the place . after the same maner , they that are smitten by the viper , are helped if you bruise the viper and apply her to the wound . the body of the scorpion laide vpon the part , healeth hir poison . dioscor . lib. . cap. . e alia quam plurima animalia sua curant maleficia . yet the fatte of the crocodill , the body of the scorpion , or venemous mouse , are not receaued into the composition of the treacle , but doe onely helpe their owne poisons . we must therefore obserue , that nature hath not onely giuen venemous parts to these creatures , but others which are alexeterys to their owne poison . secus ( ait quidam ) omnia illa , ad vnum maleficium edidisset , ac de venenis sollicita , remediorum fuisset oblita otherwise she should haue framed them wholy to euill and hurt , and being carefull of poisons , should haue beene forgetfull of remedies . natura autem vt in superfluis non abundat , sic non deficit in necessarijs . nature as she abounds not in superfluities , so she is not defectiue in necessaries . now these alexetery parts ( as i may call them ) are of two sorts : some haue an ingenit propertie of curing their owne poisons , without admistion of other things , as the fatte of the crocodill and the scorpion whereof our marchants that trauell to constantinople haue good experience . other haue an ingenit and mixed faculty , as the body of the viper , which without other alexeterys being laid on the wound , cureth hir owne poison : and with commistion of other antidots , extinguisheth in a maner all poisons : galen explicateth this twofold faculty , lib. de ther. ad pis. cap. . where hauing said that the head and taile of the vipers are to be cut off , he addeth : and maruell not that these parts being taken away , the rest of the members doe make the antidot more effectuall , by the ingenit and admixed faculty of helping , which is in their flesh . after he calleth their faculty ingenit , and admixed : for as by their ingenit faculty they cure their owne poison , so by their admixed property , potentissimum efficiunt alexipharmacum . he that would be farther satisfied , let him peruse the booke of galen , and he shall not thinke his labour lost . your sweet kernels in bitter shels , precious diamonds in course stones , and pearles in base oysters , might serue well to illustrate this which hath beene already prooued , that there are certaine liuing creatures which haue some parts very hurtfull , or of no or little vse , and others very commodious and beneficiall to the life and health of mankind : but maketh nothing at all for your arsenicke , who is a minerall and consisteth of similar parts . the sweet kernell is of a different temperament to the bitter shell , the precious diamond of a more excellent substance then the course stone , or oyster wherein he is found . the flesh or sides of vipers is of a differing temperament from the teeth and head , wherein onely resideth the poison . but in your arsenicke you can shew me no part , be it neuer so small , which is not arsenicke , and that is a strong and ranke poison , you may seeke a good while heere , before you finde either kernell , diamond or pearle . this is no newes to them who haue any the least insight in philosophy : who know right well that in the body of man , there be organical parts much differing in temperament and nature : and that euery least parcell or portion of a similar part is of the same nature and substance . your cures wrought by the fume of orpmint and outward applying of arsenicke , make nothing to our purpose : for it hath beene shewed , that there is vse of many things in the healing part of physicke , which haue no place in the preseruing part . and yet doctors will perhaps make doubt of them , and be twise well aduised before they draw them into practise in hope to worke such miracles as is reported by them . it is well knowen that your dried toad hath failed in that maruellous effect attributed to him . but of all other the words following sound very strangely and harsh in my eares . i know not how they can be perpetually opposite to mans nature , nay if that be a true and sufficient definition of poison . at no time to agree with nature , i see not how these things may simply be called poisons , that at sometimes and in some cases agree with nature aswell as a man would wish . here is strange doctrine and new learning indeed , for our philosophers and physicians . you see not how arsenicke and such like poisons can be perpetually opposite to nature . then giue me leaue since i learned logicke since your time , to shew how i haue conceiued of these matters . the very name of poison or venom implieth ( in my conceit ) an absolute contrariety and hostility vnto nature . and warre is not more aduerse & contrary to peace , vertue to vice , blacke to white , then poison is absolutely , perpetually & irreconcilably opposed vnto nature . this wil more cleerly appeere if we peruse the definitions of poisons set downe by the best & most acute and sound philosophers & physicians . mercurialis in his first booke of poisons , cap. . following gallen and other philosophers , defineth poison according to the common notion and apprehensions of men , to be such a thing as killeth men and beasts irrecouerably , the cause being vnknowen . auicen ( not so properly ) calleth it a medecine contrary to mans nature . galen lib. . de temp. calleth that an aliment which is subdued by nature , and that poison which subdueth and vanquisheth nature . himselfe defineth it thus : poison is a mixed substance , enemy to the heart , and corrupter of humane nature . fernelius the french galen lib. de abt. rer. caus. defineth poison to be , not that which alwayes killeth or opposeth the heart the fountaine of life , but whatsoeuer by his whole substance and secret force doth either extinguish or notably offend the substance of the faculties or their functions . physicians consider and contemplat a threefold difference of subiects in their reference and relation to humane nature : the first sort are called aliments , the second medicaments , the third and last deleteries or poisons . aliments all are such things as haue a substance like and familiar vnto ours , containing a certaine benigne and wholsome heat and spirit , whereby the heat and spirits of our bodies are cherished and supported , and a matter passing by alteration into the matter of our bodies nourishing and increasing the substance of them . deleteries are such as in their whole substance , directly and as it were ex diametro , are opposed to aliments . for as they are in a neere familiaritie and affinitie leagued and linked to our nature ; so these are altogether enemies and pernitious vnto her , which being vsed do not onely affect vs with their first and second qualities , but in their whole kinde do corrupt whatsoeuer they touch in our bodies , and putrifying the substance thereof , turne it into their owne kinde and similitude . therefore aliments and deleteries are in their whole kinde and substance extremely contrary one to the other . in the middle ranke betwixt these two extremes purging medicines haue their place ; which neither as nutriments may be conuerted into our substance , neither as deleteries altogether corrupt and consume the same . these doe partly agree and partly disagree with nature , so as they neither ouercome her nor can be ouercome by her . therefore nature thrusteth them out of doores as seditious and turbulent guests , suffering them onely to carry with them bagge and baggage , i meane that humor which she may well spare , and hath most agreement and affinitie with them . now if poison be contrary to nature , if it subdue and ouercome nature , if it be an enemy to the heart , and a corrupter of nature , if it be in his whole kind and substance opposed to aliments , natures food , as auicen , galen mercurial , and fernelius , the lights and fathers of physicke and philosophy haue determined , i hope we shall salue galens credit wel enough : and galens description of poison will stand as true and sufficient , that poison is that which at no time agreeth with nature . how then shall we answer this argument ? if it it be a true definition of poison at no time to agree with nature , then you must put out arsenicke , orpmint with others mo out of the cense and order of poisons , which sometimes and in some cases agree with nature as well as a man would wish . how is this proued ? thus. all those things which do cure any disease , agree with nature as well as a man would wish . arsenicke , orpmint doe cure some diseases , as vlcers and such like ; therefore they agree with nature as well as may be . the lame legge of the proposition hath beene in some sort already pointed at , and the extreme limping and halting thereof will easily appeare to him that hath but halfe an eye in philosophy or physicke , at the first glimpse . for many philosophers hold it as a principle ( though not so soundly ) that all medicaments or curers do vim aliquam inferre naturae . they that are more sound and iudiciall make three orders & ranks of medecines , which ( though some apply to purgers ) may be verified of all in generall . the first order is of those which they call benigne and blessed medicines , because they are very familiar and friendly to nature , performing their operation without any the least offence of her . others are called indifferent or moderate , because they worke though somewhat more strongly , yet without offering any singular or notable wrong vnto nature . the third and last , are termed violent , churlish or rough-hewen , because they in their operation doe forcibly vellicat , offend and violat her . now if you will haue arsenicke a medicament , you must needs set him in one of these three ranks . in the first or second i am well assured you will not place him . it remaineth then that he must be ranged in the last band of sturdy and boisterous companions , who are ywis no great friends vnto nature . in this order are scammony , hellebore , euphorbium , who though they haue their vse , and the woorst of them be more tollerable then arsenicke , yet was it neuer ( as i suppose ) pronounced of them by any man of iudgement , that they agree with nature as well as a man would wish . the saw , the burning iron or actuall causticke do cure some diseases , yet how abhorrent these things are to nature , all men doe know . we must not thinke that all those things who by vanquishing and subduing their enemie the disease , doe giue reliefe and ease to nature , are therefore in themselues and their proper essence agreeable and friendly vnto nature . ellebor , scammony &c. ( of whom before ) who in their owne essence being hot and fiery , are apt to inflame the body , and to kindle a fire or feuer where none was before , yet in a body stuffed with choler , melancholy , and such ill humors , doe by carying away with them the fuell which gaue nourishment to the fire , do by accident relieue nature , put out the fire , and cure the disease . two or three flemish draughts of cold water haue somtimes cured a burning feauer , by quenching the flame : and yet arius the grammarian was killed by thessalus by one onely draught : and cold water agreeth so well with most mens natures , that they had rather powre it into their shooes then their stomacks . in the next place we are instructed how to preuent or cure the blisterings and vlcerations procured by these plague cakes . this is all one as if a man should first breake his fellowes head , and then giue him a plaister . onely one means is mentioned to preuent this inconuenience , which is , the taking away of the cakes , or rather ( as i would counsell ) the vtter reiecting thereof , which i cannot mislike . otherwise your lapping of him in thicker stuffe , your putting linnen betwixt him & the brest , your annointing the place with oile , as they giue more than suspition of his churlish and malignant property , aduerse and pernitious vnto nature , who seemeth to be in best case when he is farthest from her , and to delight nothing in his neighbourhood , so they will be found poore helpes , and weake meanes to encounter his strong poison , and malitiousnesse . as for the question which is moued ; whether to haue such things appeare , be not rather a benefit than an harme . i take it to be out of all question , that to raise blisters and vlcerations , in so noble a place , so neere to the heart the fountaine of life , by so venemous a subiect as arsenicke , cannot be any way beneficiall , but euery way offensiue and noisome . for first what learned physician hath euer counselled vesicatorys to be applied in that region so neere vnto the most principall part. next , what reason is there of any such euacuation , when we labour to preserue them that are sound . and if they be tainted with any venemous matter , how shall we be perswaded that arsenicke will by blisters expell the same , and not rather ioine hand in hand with it to ouerthrow nature , hauing by them entrance and accesse : especially if we consider the old maxime , simile simili additum fit magis simile . besides the best learned who haue receiued these amulets , hold that arsenick by a similitude of substāce doth draw the poison of the plague vnto it selfe , and not expell it , which must be done by an antipathy and contrariety : for that arsenicke should strengthen nature and helpe her to expell it , since it is an vndoubted and deadly enemy to nature , is improbable if not insensible . as no man doth affirme that all blisteres are poisons because of that effect , and therefore you might haue spared labour in proouing that which is not denied , so it is euident that diuers poisons doe produce that effect , and therefore are the more dangerously applied neere any principall part , because heereby they doe open as it were a doore or window to conuey into the body their infecting noisome spirits . the cause why garlicke & mustarddo blister the outward skinne , and yet taken inwardly , haue no such operation , is ( as i suppose ) because their heat is an agent being applied to the outmost skinne , which is a cold and membranous part , and so hauing no resistance doth rarifie and dissolue his continuity . but taken inwardly , they are patients , the inward heat subduing them , and scattering their spirits , so as they can not vnite to performe that action . but arsenicke is of a farre other nature , whose pestilent heat will not be commanded by nature , whether he be outwardly or inwardly vsed , but doth subdue and extinguish naturall heat . and this i take ( vnder correction ) to be the solution of this your proplem . whereas in the words following you affirme that it is manifest both by experience and reason , that things outwardly applied , haue action , and work into the body by cōmunicating their spirituall qualities , to the spirits of our bodies , by meanes of the warmth that openeth our pores , and ratifying the subtill parts of the medicine , is the cause of a reciprocall action and passion ; and hereupon inferre that it may seeme strange that arsenicke and such like strong poisons , hauing so strong poisoning spirits , should not poison our spirits wheresoeuer they meet , you acknowledge that these are strange works and woonders in nature : first , that such poisonfull spirits should mingle with our spirits , and not offend them : secondly , that they should strengthen them & helpe them to expell infection . these indeed are strange effects , & therefore if we be readier to wonder at them than to beleeue thē hastily , i hope you will pardon vs. but let vs heare how you satisfie vs , & vnlose this gordian knot . first therefore , you set downe this maxime or principle : arsenicke and orpmint are no wayes poisonfull or hurtfull to nature , but by their corrosiuenes , or fretting qualities : otherwise , they are as good both preseruatiues and curers , as any other most in vse : and therefore so long as they are kept from corroding or fretting , they can do no harme , but may do much good in that kinde which they do respect : that is to say , in all arsenicall diseases , as the plague , the plurisie , noli me tangere , cankers , and fistulas . if arsenicke be a strong poison ( as you acknowledge ) and poisons be ( as hath beene shewed ) toto genere & substantia naturae contraria . the deadly foes , and irreconcilable enemies to nature , then your principle and ground must needs shake , and will prooue no good foundation to build vpon , which maketh it onely hurtfull to nature by his corrosiuenesse or fretting qualitie . if to be offensiue to nature by excesse in some qualitie or other be sufficient to proue and make a poison , then are scammony , turbith , colocynthis , &c. poisons , and not medicaments ; for these all offend nature in qualitie . you must therefore either make these poisons with many moe , to consort with arsenicke : and then we shall haue good store of poisons . for all such things as are in the degree of cold or heat , must be put into this ranke ; or els bring backe arsnicke from the cense of poisons into the classe of medicaments : for which i suppose you will haue small warrant . these indeed by reason of their excesse in qualitie , are sayd propè accedere ad venena , and are called maligna , or venenata ; but venena poisons they can not properly be called or accounted ●ction & passion , according to arist. . de gen. . . fit inter contraria qua sub vno , eodemque genere comprehenduntur . therefore an agent according to qualities , shall affect the qualities of the body , but an agent in the whole substance altereth the substance of our body . now it is manifest , that arsenicke doth not onely worke vpon the qualities , but that he corrupteth the very temperament and substance of the body . if you meane by arsenicall diseases , such maladies whose curer and specificall antidot is arsenicke , then are we beholding greatly to you , who haue found out an appropriat alexetery for the plague , whereunto the greatest and most profound philosophers and physicians could neuer attaine . for it is generally confessed by all , that the specificall antidot of the pest is yet vnknowen . thucidides sayth , that that malady did superare humanas vires , or rather humanam imbecilitatem . and the learned masters of our profession with one voice proclaime that forasmuch as the speciall weapon to kill that monster is not yet found out , we must pugnare contra illam beluam communibus praesidijs & remedijs aliorum venenorum . but i rather suppose you call those diseases arsenicall , because they haue in them a malignant , poisonfull , and pernitious venim , resembling the poison of arsenicke . how then shall arsenicke be their curer , when all diseases are cured by their contraries ? vnlesse you will maintaine that dotage of paracelsus ( for so i must needs call it ) against galen , that diseases are cured per similia , by their like . and then , if the body be emptie , exhaust and extenuat , we must exhaust and emptie it more , and not restore and repaire it . if it be too ful and plethoricke , we must fill it more , and not euacuat , if it be stopped and obstructed , then we must ramme and stuffe it vp more , and not de obstruct and open : if it be too hoat , we must lay on more wood , and not put out the fire either by taking away the fuell or quenching the flame . if there be solutio continui , we must not vnite , but disioyne the parts , & sic in cateris . if i thought that this vncouth and vnscholarlike paradox would be mainteined , it were easie for me to make the point as plaine as the kings high-way . but i muse much how the plurisie commeth into the tribe of these arsenicall diseases , vnlesse you put an addition to him , and call him a pestilentiall plurisie . the way whereby these poisons are metamorphosed into as good if not better preseruatiues and curers as any most in vse , is to keepe them ( as you say ) from fretting and corroding . and that this may be done , you prooue by example of the quacksaluers in germany , who first drinking sallet oyle , and after taking great quantities of these poisons , are preserued from harme and danger . that sallet oile , butter , or any other vnctuous things are good against poisons , it will be readily granted . but that they should be of such force and efficacy as to secure a man that should take after them great quantities of arsenicke , you shall giue me leaue to doubt . and i thinke i shal haue mo fellowes , then there be mountebanks in germany , or curtesans in venice . for why should we not thinke that there is as much vertue in treacle , mithridate , and those other antidots which they take after those poisons , at the least , as in sallet oile . and yet i hold not them sufficient to match and master these poisons . neither is it like that mathiolus had any such inward familiarity with mountebanks , as that they would acquant him with the secrets and mysteries of their art , which they conceale , tanquam sacra eleusinia . but suppose he was tolde this by some odde quacksaluer or other , and that he was so credulous to beleeue it , shall we build the conclusions of our art vpon the credit of a iugling mountebanke , or will any man be so madde that is compos mentis , vpon the mountebanks word to try the experiment , & arming himselfe with a good draught or two of sallet oile , afterward deuour great quantities of arsenicke . that the corroding qualitie of arsenicke , may be cleane taken away , you shall pardon me if i beleeue not your chynists , if they doe ( as you say ) affirme it neuer so confidently . we haue an homely and true saying , the diuell will be the diuell whether you bake roste , seeth , or broile him , or howsoeuer you handle him . naturam expellas &c : so arsenicke so long as he remaineth arsenicke , ( vnlesse you destroy his nature , and then the case is altered , he is no more he ) will vndoubtedly shew of what house he commeth by corrodings and corrupting . neither doe your instances of aron roots , or the gall of an oxe prooue the contrary . for we must remember that there be two kindes of qualities , the one common or as some call them accidentall ; the other specificall and formall . the qualities which are common or accidentall , may be remooued from their subiects . but those that are specificall , cannot be separated , sine interitu subiecti . as in a man to be hoat , cold , moist , dry , may be absent or present with him : but to be risibilis or irascibilis , can in no wise be separated from him so long as he is a man. the burning qualitie of aron roots is accidentall and common , and therefore remooueable . but the corroding or poisoning quality of arsenicke ( for these you make al one ) is by all learned physicions held specifical and essentiall . for else how should it be toto genere , & substantia deleterium . concerning your oxe gall , whose bitternesse you say you haue remooued , i say onely this : if it be gall , then it is bitter , if it be not bitter , then it is not gall. if a man put three gallons of water to three spoonefull of wine , and drawing out a glasse full , make his friend drinke thereof , affirming it to be wine , he will be ready to say , that were it not for the name of wine , he had as leaue drinke water . such mixture must haue their name of the praedominant . and i suppose that hee that should taste your sweetned gall , would call it galled sugar , and not sugred gall , as one did a cuppe of drinke mixed by his friend , yet not to the liking of his stomacke , wined water , and not watred wine . whereas you thinke it absurd , that there should not be as sure away to correct the poisoning quality of arsenicke by minerall meanes , as there is means to correct the offending qualities , of scammony , agaricke , hellebor , &c. by vegetables , me thinkes your speech is very harsh and vncouth , both for the phrase & sense . for mine own part i neuer heard or read of the correcting of poisons , but onely of medicines offending in quality , of which sort are those which you haue reckoned , whose offensiue quality being retunded , they are vsed without danger , and to the benefit and comfort of mankind . but as for arsenicke or such like poisons , being as hath beene often prooued toto genere deleteria , the infest and mortall enemies of nature , you may as soone make an aethiopian white with washing , as make them friendly and comfortable to our bodies by correcting , vnlesse by correcting you meane destroying of their nature and substance altogether , by reducing them to a caput mortuum , as you cal them , and that is a strange kinde of correcting : or else they produce such effect by accident , intending no such matter any more , then iasons enemy did , who by his sword cured his aposteme , which the physicions could not heale . all this while you haue endeuored to prooue that these amulets may be worne without harme , which how you haue performed , aliorum sit iudicium . now you will shew how they doe good . your opinion concerning the maner how they doe good , you set downe in these words . i assure my selfe that there is in these minerals which the alchymists call their spirits , good store of gold , or to speake a little plainer , of the spirits of gold , and from thence in my opinion it hath that incredible and admirable operation in preseruing our spiritis from infection . this ( as i suppose ) will be an incredible and admirable opinion vnto our philosophers & physicians , who may turne ouer a good number of books , before they find any mention of such a far-fetched and dearely bought conceit . there are three seuerall opinions concerning this matter . the first is , that by wearing these amulets , the heart is inured and accustomed vnto poison , and so by this familiarity learneth to contemne it . concerning this conceit i will say nothing my selfe , but you shall heare what crato that most learned germaine , and emperiall physicion speaketh to it , epist. ad monanium . touching the bagges of arsenicke , i finde no other reason for them woorth mentioning , saue that thereby the heart is accustomed vnto poison . but how weake and dangerous a reason this is , and that a man carefull of a good conscience ought not to trust to it , you easily discerne . therefore though you should produce sixe hundred authors which allow them , you shall not perswade me to vse or approoue them . i can tell you , since you vrge me , vpon my owne knowledge that creckouius was so weakened and exulcerated in the brest by them , that he threw away the bagge with great indignation in the castle of grauestem . i could say the like of others . that which followeth in crato is worth the reading , but i must make haste . the second opinion is that of antonius firmanus , who saith that arsenicke by similitude of substance draweth to it the venemous and contagious seminaries of the plague , and by that meanes preserueth him that weareth it . this opinion the discourser at large would seeme to follow in his english treatise of the pestilence , lately set foorth , wherin he alloweth & commendeth the vse of these amulets because by a similitude one venome draweth another as arsenicke doth , who voideth the poison of the plague insensibly . quod venenum & corpore attrahat , & tota forma & ratione caliditatis . this antipathy in arsenicke experience doth allow , &c. marke how clarke-like he reasoneth . first he saith that arsenicke draweth the venome by similitude of forme , & ratione caliditatis . then in the very next words , either forgetting what he had saide before , or notvnderstanding , what he was about to say , he attributeth this effect to an antipathy or contrariety . but i will stand no longer about him , but leaue him to his wandring muses : ne quem non inuenio vsquam esse putem nusquam . yet one thing by the way would not be ouerpassed , that whereas he would be reputed a great linguist , he hath in the epistle to the reader inserted onely two greek words , and the last seemeth not to be vnderstood , and for the first a meane scholler in mulcasters schoole , will easily tell him that it is neither good greeke nor yet true latine , but caco ethen scribendi indeed . concerning the opinion it is not true , that eueryvenome is like to arsenicke , neither that euery poison is like in substance and nature with another poison : neither can all contagious seminaries be like to arsenicke , since they are not of the same violence , analogie , or similitude one with another , as might be easily shewed some infecting onely cattle , others fishes , others men . what then if the poison of the plague be not like in nature with arsenicke : what if it be like in nature but stronger and hoater then arsenicke . surely then it must draw the poison of arsenicke , vnto it into the body , and double the euill . the third and last opinion is , that arsenicke doth by a certaine secret antipathy or contrariety oppugne , vanquish and expell the poison of the plague . this hath of all other the most probability and ground of reason , but it hath place onely then when the seminaries of the pestilence are contrarie to the poison of arsenicke ; for then the two poisons may warre and skirmish one with the other in such sort as they both spending their forces and rigor , ech against the other , and so dying in that colluctation and combat , the party by accident may escape with his life . and in this case peraduenture there might be some trueth in that obseruation which philippus ingrasias , fallopius and massa , learned men , and woorthy of good credit , haue made . and in this case some suppose that might be true which ausonius gallus reporteth of a leud huswife in these verses . toxica zelotypo dedit vxor saeua marito nec satis ad mortem credidit esse datum . miscuit argenti lethalia pondera viui cogeret vt celerem vis geminata necem diuidat haec si quis faciunt discreta venenum antidotum sumit qui sociata bibet ergo inter sese dum noxia pocula certant cessit lethalis noxa salutiferae . protinus & vacuos alui petiere recessus lubrica deiectis quâ via nota cibis quam pia cura deûm ? prodest crudelior vxor , & cum fata volunt , bina venena iuuant . and yet the discreet and prudent physician wil not heereupon counsell the wearing of arsenicke to cure the plague . for in poisons opposing nature in their whole substance , there is no artificiall or rationall method as galen teacheth meth. . cap. . and the physician cannot discerne but by euent vnto what poison , or analogie of poison arsenicke is opposit . the sympathys or antipathys of poisons together with the forces and secret insults of contagious seminaries , are vnknowen to the physician . the idiosygcrasye , or particular natures ( as galen calleth them , are vnknowen , & ( for ought we can see ) incomprehensible vnto humane imbecillitie , gal. . meth. cap. . and if the degree , nature , and facultie of that poison be not to be easily discerned , which proceedeth of corruption of humors in our bodies , much lesse is that hidden maliciousnesse of these minerals which is farre more subtile , secret , and vnsearchable . first therefore there must be a poison in the body : next that poison must be contrary to arsenicke : thirdly it must be of equall force , else if he suruiue and be of force after he hath subdued his enemie , he may doe a shrewd turne when al is done . we conclude therefore that it is rash and temerarious counsell , to vse a medicine , which if it finde not an enemy to struggle with , will easily speed and kill the party . better it is to follow galens aduise , who in his booke de simp. writing against zenocrates , would haue a physician neuer to vse any medicine which may be preiudiciall or hurtfull to the health or life of mankinde . as for the fourth opinion , your golden conceit that this maruellous operation should be wrought by the spirits of gold in arsenicke , i suppose there is farre lesse likelihood or probability therein , than in the golden dreame of the philosophers stone , whereinto many haue fallen being rich , and awaked out of the same starke beggars . first , how should we imagine , that the gold or golden spirits which are fancied to be in arsenicke should more preuaile in preseruing nature , than the arsenicall spirits ( whose quantity must needs be farre greater ) in violating and corrupting her . secondly , if this woonderfull worke of preseruation proceed from gold and his spirits , being in so small quantitie ( as they must needs be if they be at all ) in a little lumpe of arsenicke ; why doe you not rather counsell men to weare about their necks , vpon the region of the heart a double ducate or a plate of golde , seeing therein must needs be greater quantity of spirits , more neerely and firmely vnited then in arsenicke ? beside this might be done without all danger and great securitie , the arsenicall spirits ( which are so ill neighbors ) being remoued . i know right well that gold is of great vertue . auri sacra fames quid non mortalia cogis pectora ? one saith truely , that there was no fort inexpugnable , ad quod asmus auro 〈◊〉 possit ascendere . it is a cunning locke which a golden key will not open . but yet among all the vertues and effects of gold ( which are manifold ) i neuer heard that reckoned , that it should preserue the wearerers thereof from plague and poison . whereas you send vs to the refiners of mettals to be satisfied in this point , i can assure you that one of the skilfullest workemen and best practised in that kinde about london being demanded , what golde he thought to be in arsenicke , made this answere : that there was as much golde in arsenicke as in a rat. and this he affirmed to be not only his iudgement , but the conclusion of the cunningest workemasters in minerals about the city . as for paracelsus to whom in the next place you referre vs , i would be loath bonas hor as tam malè collocare , though i haue mispent some time in my dayes , and it may be about him : of whose writings i may say the cleane contrary , that socrates did of heraclitus booke . those things ( sayd he , being demanded what he thought of it ) which i vnderstand are very excellent , and therefore i suppose the rest which i vnderstand not to be answerable to them : for i can say , that such things in paracelsus which i vnderstand , are exceeding friuolous , absurd and ridiculous , and therefore i suppose the greater part ( if not all the rest included in his barbarous riddles ) to be sutable and agreeable with them . but because you stile him absolutely the most learned chynicall writer and worker that euer wrote , and i may perhaps be deemed partiall , you shall heare the iudgement of that graue , learned and most iudiciall physician crato concerning him , with whom i concurre in that point , epist. ad theod. zuingerum . ep. med. a scoltzim ep . . where hauing purged himselfe of a false calumniation , that he should be an enemy to chymicall preparations , he annexeth these words : insaniam verò paracelsicam qui summos in arte med. magistros , imò artem ipsam med. propter arcana sua ( vt appellant ) contemnit , & nouam nobise fumis medicinam fabricat , atque discentes a bonis authoribus ad fornaces ablegat , omnem denique seculi nostri excellentiam deijcere studet , vt sua medicamenta extollat , nunquam probani . artem enim ipsam hippocratis & doctrina methodicae galeni , acceptam ferre , vt eruditum medicum oportet ; ita paracelsica somnia , tot verborum falsitatis iuolueris tecta & tam monstrosis nominibus variata , fugere virum bonum decet . let paracelsus be esteemed by you and his followers a skilfull chymicall writer and worker , vndoubtedly he was neuer learned , neither will be euer so reputed among the learned . giue him what place you please among mechanicks or empericks , if you will needs haue it so ; for that is the highest forme wherunto you can aduance him : but if you offer to set him on the bench among the sages and senatours of learning , you shall doe him wrong and your selfe to . neither doe i yet denie but that he hath some things of good vse . and so had thessalus that olde bragadochian of galens time , and fioronamus that notorious empericke & impostor of our time , who was banished venice , but those , mixed with so much vanitie , pride and insolencie as marreth all . you shall finde it ordinary in illiberall and illettered natures ( if you marke it well ) that hauing attained any little smattering knowledge , small portion of riches , or meane degree of honour , they are farre more eleuated , and transported with high and ouerweening thoughts , than ingenuous and generous mindes of farre greater sufficiencie . i haue often maruelled how any man of wisedome and modestie , seeing the incredible insolencie and impudencie , the intollerable vanitie and follie , the ridiculous and childish crakings and vantings of paracelsus , should once commend him without nothing his contrary vices , and giuing him a dash with a blacke coale . touching pistorius whom you onely produce as a patron of your amulets , though i haue little or no acquaintance with him , yet if ex vngue leonem i must needs say , that his speeches sauour of too too much vanitie ( if not follie and falsehood ) and come very neere the mountbanks phrase , who vse to set out their basest trash with el-long and bombasted termes , and craking and lying vaunts . first he affirmeth , that many italian physicians are of opinion , that there was neuer a more excellent thing granted to mortall men by god , to preserue them from the plague . secondly , that they call it a diuine medicine inuented by god. thirdly , that they take it vpon their oathes , that neuer any fell sicke that ware them . haec dum recensentur satis superque , confutantur . you heard in the beginning , what father augenius that learned and graue italian physician conceiued of them . and it is certaine , that massaria a learned reader of padua hath learnedly and largely disputed against them . and sure i am that gerardus columba the great physician of messana disclaimeth them vtterly . but it is woorth noting , first that these physicians who so highly commend these amulets , are namelesse . secondly , that they offer oath vpon the matter , fearing belike that their words would not be taken : whereas ( if their credit were good ) their bare words would passe as currantly as their oaths . lastly , their hyperbolicall cōmendations of a poore poisoned cake , seemeth to me the language of vaunting quack-saluers , rather than of learned physicians . as for his experiment in zuricke ann. . and in basill , that he knew none die who wore them ; who will beleeue him , since we haue more than sufficient experience , both heretofore and of late in london , and you your selfe acknowledge the same , but holde it pitie to derogate from the credit of so noble and generall a medicine , for a few particular instances . how noble a medicine it is , i hope hath appeared by this time . sure i am that it is no rationall medicine , and that the most learned physicians , who haue handled the argument of the plague , do either directly oppugne it , as augenius , columba , massaria , &c. or els passe it ouer in silence , as not woorthy to be named or mentioned with rationall and noble antidots and alexeteries ( as palmarius or rather fernelius that worthy light of physicke ( for that learned booke of the plague being the most scholarlike , iudiciall and absolute in that kind , that i euer met with ) is thought to be written by him , and set out by palmarius his scholar ) or els if they mention it in the tale after a great ranke of other rationall medicines , they set this or the like brand in the forhead of it . quidam emperici , or quidam ( without naming them ) consulunt tabellam ex arsenico . certaine empericks , or certaine ( not woorthy to be named ) counsell a table of arsenicke , as platerus heurnius , &c. to conclude since physicke is the art of helping , healing , curing , i see not what we haue to doe with poisons , vnlesse it be to giue councell of precaution , and preuention , or to relieue them , who by errour or malice haue medled with them . me thinks it is wholesome and fatherly counsell that hippocrates giueth to all his scholars , that they should alwayes propound vnto themselues these two ends : first , ne noceant . secondly , vt prodesse possint . first , that they be sure to do no hurt to their patients . secondly , that they endeuour to doe some good . as for those who leauing so great varietie of safe , wholesome and salutiferous medecins , as god of his infinite bountie hath stored vs withall , will needs be still tampering with poisons , and deleteries , they seeme to me like the foolish flies , who forsake the sweet herbs and flowers to buzze about the candle , so long till their wings be singed , and themselues oft times burned with the flame . i might giue instances heereof , but that i hasten to an end . it is not good medling with edge-tooles . qui amat periculum peribit in eo . thus i haue presumed to inquire somewhat more at large , concerning these amulets non contentionis amore , sed veritatis indagandae studio : and that it may appeare that i am not of a seruile disposition to relie vpon the opinion of any , be he neuer so learned , vnlesse it be vnderpropped with learning and reason : the rather because i vnderstand that this taske was expected at my hands . as for that learned & ancient physitian ( who hath taken vpon him their defence and patronage ) i confesse that as i aimed not directly and particularly at him in my first writing against them ( they being ordinarily dispensed by many chirurgians and apothecaries in london , some of them being my kinde friends , so i doe now beare him no more grudge , malice , or enuie , then my selfe : though i haue beene of late discourteously and hardly intreated , reiected and shut out from conference . which kinde of dealing , how it agreeth with the rules of christianity or liberall profession , let indifferent men iudge . who knoweth not that our greatest diuines and best lawyers do dissent one from another , in some one point or other of their arts. do they therfore breake off all societie , and proclaime open hostilitie one against another ? god forbid . i haue read that aristides and pericles though they were at oddes , and iarred often in the senate of athens by reason of secret emulation , yet when they were to vndertake any publicke affaire or embassage , they did simulates in finibus patria deponere , easque redeuntes resumere . so i could wish that physitians should leaue their priuate grudges and discontentments at home in their owne houses , and not carie them abroad in their bosomes among their patients , to the disgrace of their fellowes and publicke opprobrie● , and slander of their profession . as for me , i am neither too skilfull to learne , nor too old to erre : but desire to follow that councell of the oratour . in sententia permaneto . enimuero nisi alia vicerit melior . ⸫ sit nomen domini benedictum . amica sit ( quaeso ) haec inter nos dissentio , opinionum non voluntatum , studiorum , non animorum . non opus habes amuletis & periaptis quibus simul concurrit , & cooperatur diabolus . thou hast no need of amulets , with whom the diuell doth concurre and cooperate . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e fracast . lib. . cap. . de morb . contag . gal. . de diff . feb . cap. . vid. hist. achab , iudae . the like may be said of children who haue died in great numbers : nature in thē being weak and not able to resist the furie of the disease . remember the hideous and lamentable crie in oliues parish in southwarke . psal. . marc. . act. . . notes for div a -e vrimus secamus . mathiolus telleth of another fraud or iugling tricke farre more probable . lib. . coment . in diosc. prefat . these are italian physicians of great name . of the contrary . the countrie ague. or, london her vvelcome home to her retired children together, with a true relation of the warlike funerall of captaine richard robyns, one of the twentie captaines of the trayned bands of the citie of london, which was performed the . day of september last, . in armes, in the time of this visitation which the rumour in the countrey went currant, that london had not people enough left aliue to bury her dead. by henry petovve, marshall of the artillerie garden, london. petowe, henry. approx. kb 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the countrie ague. or, london her vvelcome home to her retired children together, with a true relation of the warlike funerall of captaine richard robyns, one of the twentie captaines of the trayned bands of the citie of london, which was performed the . day of september last, . in armes, in the time of this visitation which the rumour in the countrey went currant, that london had not people enough left aliue to bury her dead. by henry petovve, marshall of the artillerie garden, london. petowe, henry. [ ], p. printed [by b. alsop and t. fawcet] for robert allot, and are to be sold at the greyhound in pauls church-yard, [london] : [i.e. ] printers' names from stc. with woodcut title vignette. running title reads: the countrey ague. original date " " has been overprinted to read " ". reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the covntrie agve or , london her welcome home to her retired children . together , with a true relation of the warlike funerall of captaine richard robyns , one of the twentie captaines of the trayned bands of the citie of london , which was performed the . day of september last , . in armes , in the time of this visitation , when the rumour in the countrey went currant , 〈…〉 not people enough left aliue to bury her dead . planxerunt d●ades resonat plangentibus eccho . by henry petovve , marshall of the artillerie garden , london . printed for robert allot , and are to be sold at the greyhound in pauls church-yard ●● . to the right worthy favorite of armes and arts , colonell hvgh hamersley , one of the aldermen of the citie of london , and the noble president to that remarkeable societie of citizens , exercising armes in the artillerie garden london . to all the generovs captaines , and their lieutenants of the same citie , and to all the rest of the gentlemen of the same garden , henry petovve , marshall to the same renowned societie ; wisheth continuall health , increase of honor , earths happinesse , and heauens felicitie . right worthy ; and most worthy to bee so stiled , right worthy : colonell , captaines , and souldiers ; your generous dispositions , in the most louing and kinde acceptation of these few lines , which some ten weekes since , i dedicated to your noble patronage concerning our foster mother london , entituled london sicke at heart , or , a caueat for run-awayes , hath much encouraged me to spend some of my best bestowed houres , in another kinde and garbe of writing , yet to purpose and according as these dayes and times require : and my desires are , that i may shrowde these my labours vnder the banner of your protection , against all opposition . be you therefore pleased ( my noble martiall patrons ) to vayle me vnder the covert of your neuer vanquisht ensigne , and then no other colours shall daunt me . i write no fables , nor imaginary toyes , but lamentable experience shall justifie my writ . london was neuer more sicke at hart , then she hath beene lately many moneths together , her lamentations will be remarkable to the end of posteritie . i treat now in part , of a country ague , or of an ague in the countrey : they which haue gusted of it , and escaped , may thanke god for their deliuerance ; but many that fled from their mother london , from the visitation which the almightie imposed vpon her , haue felt the anger of the highest omnipotent power , & were returned coacht , not with life , but struck with the arrow of death by that pestilent ague . i dare not say , that the same aguish visitation , was or is the plague or pestilence : the countrey timorous gallants will then be frighted , & leaue their mother rus ( like rusticals ) and winter themselues vnder the roofe of our euer tender and louing foster mother london . which if they should ? i beseech you noble fellow souldiers , to deigne them courtesie , and kinde entertaynment ; and let them know , that although they contemned and despised the very name of one of vs , and would not vouchsafe so much as to looke vpon a londoner : yet for charities sake , doe you bid them welcome . wee will not lodge them in barnes and hovels at the townes end , though they bring the ague with them ; but , on the best beds our chiefest innes can affoord . pardon me ( braue souldiers ) if i answer for you ; for i know the nature of a true souldier , is to be pitifull and to shew mercy , where imbesilitie and weaknesse resteth . therefore ( noble souldiers ) you that are the trusty guardians of our famous citie , ( vnder our soueraigne , his lieutenant , and the rest of her graue senators ) be pleased to lay downe your armes , and make no opposition ag●inst any whatsoever he be ; but let all our foster mother london her gates stand wide open , to entertayne all of what degree soeuer , gentile , or hindes , clownes or peasants , any , and all whosoeuer they be , that they finding ( as euer heretofore they haue done ) londoners , their goodnesse , loue , court●sie , and great respect : may blush for their ingratitude towards th● m●n the countrie . to which i presume , your noble and charitable spirits will condiscend , and so i rest : yours , euer to doe you seruice , vntill i rest for euer : marshall petovve . the covntrey agve . or , london her welcome home , to her tyer'd retired children . i haue beene ( most deere and more intirely beloued children ) so much burthen'd , pressed down and ouerladen with lamentations , complaints , miseries and calamities for your long absence , in your vnhappie and vnfortunate ( yet no otherwise to bee lookt for ) iourney or wandring pilgrimage , that i am almost dead with languishing . but i hope i speake it in the autumne of my woes and heart-breaking sorrowes ; ( i pray to my sauiour i doe . ) it is the autumne time of the yeare ; yea , of such a yeare : such a lamentable yeare , such a wonderfull yeare of mortalitie by plague and pestilence , as in my time , for the time ( to my remembrance ) is without and beyond any president . oh woe is mee therefore : but my hopes are , and my assiduate and daily prayers , still shall be to the father of vs all , who onely can , and none else hath power , to disburthen me of that heauy dead-striking-mace of plague and pestilence , that hath euen bruised mee and mine in peeces . and therefore for your sakes ( my endeared retired children ) notwithstanding my almightie fathers exceeding and great displeasure i will vndertake to plead to him for mercy in your behalfe : but indeed i may rather say in the behalfe of my selfe : for had not the lord beene angry with me for my intollerable sinnes , hee would not haue suffered my poore children to runne away from me , and to leaue me as they did : for which cause i haue indeed a long time taken it to heart , considering with my selfe which was my best and surest course to take , to worke my peace with my god , that he might take pitie and compassion both vpon me and all mine . at length , the holy spirit of that eternall essence omnipotent iehoua , possessing my distracted memory with my sauiours vnfallible promise , come vnto mee all you that are heauy laden , and i will ease yee . immediatly with teares of ioy and comfort , i besought him on my knees and obtained his exceeding mercy : for immediatly after my dread soueraigne charles ( whom the king of kings euer protect both from his forreine and domestick enemies ) commanded a solemne fast and prayer to be made and kept throughout my whole citie , and the remainder of my diuines continually preaching and praying in my behalfe for the appeasing and mittigating of the great displeasure of my almightie father : which my said father doth begin to take ( and praised be his name ) doth daily take more and more to hart , thinking that it is now time to hold his angels rod from further striking : now the god of all mercy grant it may be so ; and i hope my prayer is to purpose ; for me thinkes ( vnlesse i dreame ) i perceiue my children begin to retire , and to returne home againe to their foster-mother london , which they would not doe ; did not my blessed sauiour lessen his weekly number : is it so ? nay then i perceiue the old prouerb holds ( home is home , bee it neuer so homely ) and the prodigalls storie is likewise fulfilled ; for they poore soules , hauing almost spent all , and finding no better entertainment in the countrie , are forced to returne of meere necessitie . and are some of you returned , ( my endeered children : ) and will all the rest of your brethren follow you do you thinke ? i am very fearefull , i shall want some of my number . but howeuer , i must be contented ; and in the interim i speake to you with a louing mothers tongue . oh welcome , thrice welcome in very deed , you are louingly welcome , my thoughts perswaded me , that in regard the almightie god did visit me with the heauy rod of his pestilent affliction ; you had beene only fearefull of me , and not of him ; but surely it now appeareth ; and i am very glad of it , that you haue made your peace with god my father in the country , and all of you repented of your sinnes , in that you haue found such fauour at his hands , and that hee hath giuen you life this dangerous time of infection , which ( to say truth ) if you had staid with me though in the chiefest of my territories , i could not haue warranted ; no maruell then you fled from mee . nay , i am further surely perswaded , that you whom god hath blest with longer dayes then many thousands of your deceased brethren ; are such as left your beneuolence behinde you , to and for the maintenance and keeping from staruing those poore creatures that did suffer and beare the publike miserie of such a contagious time as this hath beene without president : or else with life you could neuer haue entred my gates : for which i truly thanke you , and no doubt , but my gratitude shall double that with treble loane . but i pray giue mee leaue to question you a little farther ? doe you all cast your dayes iourneys so , that you will not enter london streetes , nay scarce her suburbes , before the blacke clowdes of the duskie night eclips the light of luna from my mother earth ; for feare the small remainder of your poore afflicted brethren should call you in question for your flight , and vpbrayd yee with the tytle of run-awayes ? no surely , not all ; for some of you it seemes , made your appearance daily at noone-exchange without dread or feare . god be thanked the east-india ships are come ; and some from the straights safely ariued ? if it please my heauenly father to continue as he hath begun , to cease the rod of his affliction and to sheathe his sword : the residue of my poore children to whom he hath giuen life , no doubt but shall see happy dayes , to my comfort , their profit and benefit , and all to the praise and glory of my eternall father , which the lord of all eternitie grant for our blessed sauiours sake . i am now at a stand , whether i with modestie may further question you or no : but i hope you that haue spent so long time in the countrie may affoord a little time of conference with your weeping mother . i pray giue my desire satisfaction , and tell mee whether any of my great ones , or men of note , as iustices of peace , aldermen or their deputies , common counsell men , churchwardens , side-men , or any other of my officers which should haue imployed their paines and care in the time of my visitation ; did they , or had they any desire of repayring home , when they heard that my poore cryed out for reliefe , and they absent which should relieue them ( a letter was all could giue them this notice , which tom long the carrier brought , and neuer deliuered it , for he durst not . ) but i dare answer for them ; that had they doubted of their entertainment in the countrie ; they would rather haue continued at their owne mantions vnder my gouernment ; then to be so slighted by base ignoble drones , as they were . which i leaue further to treate of : but they left their charitie behinde them , which was satisfaction , and gaue content to that clamour , and ceast the rumour . but now good children i will yet further examine you , did not your illiterated peasants your hobnayld clownes , raphe , benedicke , nick , tom , iack , hodge , and such like vnder the iustices tolleration euen almost at mine owne gates ? i am sure it was within the sound of my night ninth houre warner ? did they not keepe you out , with pitchforkes , staues , hookes , browne bills , and such like rustick weapons , and you demanded passage ; answer was giuen : no , for you are londoners , true , we are so , wee will not deny it , what then ? you come not here ; why saith one , you suffer rogues to passe : so we may one replyes , before any londoner . can this be true that my poore children should be thus misused , amongst my neighbours , such as haue daily commerce with me ; if they bring me food , i giue them money , the land-lord must be paid . but thou foolish simple countriman ; hee will not bee paid with corne , oxen , hay , and such like good blessings which my eternall louing and mercifull father bestowes vpon thee : for ( saith the land-lord ) i haue of goods great store , i need them not ; but as the greedy vsurer he comes , giue me my money ; i cannot cloath my wife and children with hey , &c. well , if it be so then , that thou must of necessitie haue money , or be vndone , and thy lease forfeited , and thou , thy wife and children cast foorth of dores ; what resteth then to be done ? must thou not of force come vnto mee thy charitable neighbour london ; and doe not i from time to time , nay , at all times helpe you in the midst of your extremitie ; is not my exchequer continually open vnto you : i haue no barrocadoes to keepe you forth ; but my gates all houres of the night are open for the meanest hynde or swaine that comes . i , nor none of mine examine what countriman thou art : from whence thou camest ? or whither thou wilt ? but come and welcome . this is and euer hath beene my carriage to my countrie people : and now in the time of my visitation , did my poore fearefull children , come amongst you into the countrie for a little refuge or recreation , presuming vpon the like welcome there , as you found here , and did you giue them iack drumes entertainment . oh vncharitable , inhumaine and ingratefull people : indeed it argued no christianitie in you . put case my dearely beloued children , should ( as i cannot blame them if they doe ) take this to hart ; and should shut my gates against you , and debarre entrance to such inhumaine creatures : where would your landlords haue their rent then ? michaelmas you know is come : the halfe yeares rent must be paid : the last day of payment is at hand ; therefore because i will make you blush at your owne folly ( if my almighty father will illuminate your darkened eyes of ignorance , that you may soe the same ) and that my children ( which will be ruld by me ) may shew loue for hatred : see our charitie is such , that all my gates are open to giue you all entertainment ▪ i will not examine you , or shut my gates against you for feare of your pestilent feuer : no , i craue your pardon , it is but an ague ; but as the plaine country-woman said , i cannot tell whether it bee but an ague , wee and the londoners both are visited within the countrie ; but i am sure after they are dead , they haue the spots vpon them : but howeuer my honest country-men , let vs in the name of our blessed sauiour , ioyntly : entirely and hartily pray to the lord for mercy , that our plague and pestilence , and the countrie ague ( if you call it so ) may at once and together cease with a full period . our visitation here , and their affliction there in the countrie , that my poore remainder , which at home haue endured the front and heate of my fathers pestilent battell , may not bee shaken in the reare with their pestiferous ague ; which i am very confident he will grant , vpon our harty prayers and sincere repentance . london her chabitable reprehension of her ignorant suburbians for clamoring against her retired children . how comes it to passe my litle tender iuvenals , in whom there is nothing but ignorance , imbesilitie and weaknesse , that a coach no sooner presents it selfe with it full lading , or horsemen mounted : their backes towards the countrey , and they facing the citie : but you openly mouth it , with exclamations and horrible showtings ! welcome home run-awayes , many times ouer ; not respecting on whom you cast this aspersion , taxing aswell those , that from my bosome in the morning tooke their leaue to solace themselues few miles forth of the citie , and returning at night : yet your clamours were all one , one and the selfe same still ; run-awayes , run-awayes , welcome home run-awayes ! oh let it bee so no more . if you see a caroch with foure horses , come lagging home full fraighted ( as if they were tyred with trauell ) your imaginations may strengthen your opinions so farre : that they haue come a long journey , and that the fraight or heauy load thereof , are some of my retyred children , you may kindly and courteously bid them and giue them a faire welcome home : and why ? because of the miserie they haue endured in the countrey ; pittie it were but they should haue better entertainment heere . i know they haue vndergone so many affronts , endured so much dis 〈…〉 , and suffered miserie vpon miserie without president . tom tell-troth , hath ballatized many of their miseries and bad vsage in the countrey : you vnderstanding his plaine language , may rest your selues satisfied : and leaue the censure of my great offenders , to those of more riper and mature iudgements . and so i leaue you , praying you to leaue that clamour and exclamation . london . i haue almost tyred my selfe with demaunding of many of my come-agen children , whether report table or no ? but can receiue no satisfaction . therefore my longing desire shall accommodate my will , to sollicite that neuer failing eccho to reuerberate truely , answers to my intergotories . and thus i begin . london . oh my endeered eccho tell mee : my poore distressed children blush , and their eares glow to heare how bigge i am with desire ; till resolution deliuer mee . i haue beene wronged eccho , haue i not , by those whom i most respected ? is it not so ? eccho . so. london . and why ? because in my distresse , and when the violl of my fathers anger burst forth , and the blew blacke drops thereof sprinkled on the bodies of my selected children , whom god hath singled forth to beare the publike miserie the great ones fled from me , eccho . from thee . london . why should they flye from her , who euer loued them , bred them , and brought them vp to maturitie ; was it because i was toucht with calamitie , with plague and pestilence ? was it therefore : or how sweet eccho tell me wherefore ? eccho . therefore . london . thought they distrustfull children to flie from the iudgements of the all-seeing , and euery where being god by running from me ? eccho . from thee . london . why then i am sorry for them ; they had but little faith ? eccho . litle faith. london . but my omnipotent father found them out ? eccho . out . london . and did he not scourge them ? eccho . scourgd thē london . i prethee ( good eccho ) tell mee in what nature ? was it with the pestilence or no ? eccho . no. london . they say so ? eccho . say so . london . but with as bad or worse ? eccho . worse . london . as how : was it not the terrible ague ? eccho . ague . london . that would shake them ? eccho . shakt them . london . very fearefully euen to the death ? eccho . to'th' death . london . what are those brought home in the midst of day ; one horse in the front , an other in the reare , and the body in the midst . nor carted nor coacht , but lytterd : was it to keepe the body from shaking ? eccho . aking . london . it could not from shaking then ? for the ague fits them . eccho . fits them . london . is it an ague quarterne ? tertian ? or quotidian ? eccho . quotidian . london . that quotidian ague forced them to continuall prayer ? eccho . prayer . london . and that made them ready for god ? eccho . for god. london . then many of them dyed ? eccho . dyed . london . i prethee tell me , would the countrie afford them buriall or no ? eccho . no. london . that was the reason so many dead bodies were coacht to london ? eccho . to london . london . that their foster-mother might giue them christian buriall ? eccho . buriall . eccho i heare too much , i will trouble thee no farther , my hart is almost burst with sorrow . see my poore children ; you were ashamed to tell the truth . but had those rustique irrationall beasts : ( as i may rightly tearme them ) either reason , humanitie , or faith in my sauiour iesus christ ? they would shame , and feare euer to enter my gates , to looke me in the face ; their base abuse to my distressed children , was so insufferable and intollerable . but what entertainment should they expect from those , that neuer had or knew good breeding or education . many of you in the countrie style your selues countrie gentlemen ; few or none of you , haue showne any gentle cariage or respect , to many of my children , that might euery way equall the best of you , that haue offered them such base affronts , and begger-like barbarous vsage . nay i can averre it for truth , and it cannot be denied , that one of your gubernators , i style him so , because the vulgar should take no notice , whom or what hee was : ( did not shame ) conuersing at a meeting himselfe with others his like associats , and some of my children , ( which were faine to dissemble their dwellings , and change their habits , before they could gaine entertainement , concerning gods visitation vpon my people in london ) did not shame ( as i said before ) to say for truth , that the dryed salt-fish which hee bought of a fish-monger of london at sturbridge fayre was twelue-moneth ; this time of affliction , had the tokens on it , his reason why ? was for that he heard , that his fishmonger of whom he bought it , was now dead of the plague : whereupon one of my cittizens which was then present , made him this answer ; sir , said he , when i am at home in the towne where i liue , i vse to goe to market my selfe , and going to the fish-market to buy a fresh cod , two or three ; i make a speciall choice of those haue spots vpon them ; for they are accompted the best and deerest fish ; and no doubt but yours were such ( said he ) before they were salted ; so that discourse ended ; but would any creature that euer feared god , dare speake such an incredible tale ; my prayers shall be to god to forgiue them , they know not what they say . you loobies or lobbes in the countrie , i would with you hereafter , when your seed is in the ground , to pray for the increase thereof , that therewith you may fill your barnes , stables , and hogstyes ; and not with my deere children , who brought more gold about them , then thy selfe and all thy hogs flesh could be valued at . woe worth thee for doing so , a pudding of a yard long , was as deere as a chaine of gold comparatiuely , with such vnchristianlike turkes ; but let my sister rus and her rusticall illiterated hounds and hyndes take notice , that ( were not my charitie such ) as to giue way to their imbecillitie , and to lament for it , the many soules that groned vnder their intollerable sufferance and burthens in the countrie , would call for vengeance : but i haue perswaded with them , and doe finde that ( quisquis sorte con●entus ) euery one is contented with his suffering . i doubt it not ( courteous readers ) but some of you , know the worshipfull towne of vtoxeter in staffordshire i will tell you a tale , done at some time or other : there was a waggoner did dwell and belong to the same towne ( it matters not for his name ) who indeed when he had sufferance to come into the towne , did dwell vpon his owne land and i am forced now vpon speciall occasion , to describe the barbarous vsage of the ignorant inhabitants of the same towne towards him , ( because it was in the time of gods like visitation as at this instant ) his custome then was to furnish some londoners ( who remained in the citie the time of the infection ) with butter and cheese , which he continued all the time of the same visitation , ( being a very honest and sufficient man ) which the townesmen of vtoxeter , taking to hart : debarred him entrance into the towne , at his returne from london , insomuch , that he was forced to lye forth of the towne in a common where he did continue at euery returne from london from the beginning of the pestilence , till it pleased god to mittigate and appease his wrath as he doth now ( his name be glorified therefore . ) imediately then ( as they might doe now ) the discreet gouernours of the same towne taking it more to hart , dissembled themselues together , and being armed capapee , with extraordinary weapon , sallied forth of the towne , vi & armis to kill the wagoners horses , and with a ch●rlingdish of coales , to fire and burne his wagon : which they had done , had not a friend of the wagoners entered into fiue hundred pound bonds , ( stay there ) into an obligation of fiue markes , with condition , either endorsed or subscribed , that the said waggoner should not come within three miles of the towne , after his then next returne from london ; vntill he had be●●e ayred a full moneth in the countrie . i● this exceed not the wise men of goatham ; iudge you . i must straine a little more ; it is not vnknowne to the chiefe onely , but to the inferiours of my afflicted citie , that the doting and fearefull parents in the countrey , ( dreading gods iudgements should fall vpon their children in my visited citie , and his punishment strike them with the same visitation of plague and pestilence ; ) could not forbeare , but instantly ( i may say innocently ) assoone as they had notice , that the hand of mine almightie father , began to touch my poore inhabitants , but euery or most of their fathers or mothers in the countrey , whose sonnes and daughters were oblieged as prentices to any of my children in london ; but letter vpon letter came with contents , beseeching and humbly intreating their childrens masters to giue them leaue to spend their time with them in the countrey , vntill it should please god to cease his visitation in london ; whereunto my children condiscended , but now what ensues thereupon ? this ; the landlords or creditors of some of those parents cannot now ( as i am enformed ) demaund or require rent or debts ; but they shame not to offer this affront ? that they haue beene and still are so charged with their children the apprentices of london , that the remainder of their estate is not able to make satisfaction . woe is mee that this imputation should bee layd vpon my childrens children for being their seruants , they tooke them for their owne children as they are bound by my custome . therefore sister rus if thou chide not thy children for their ignorance , and returne home in safetie my childrens children , i shall not only be very angry , but my sister-cities throughout the vniuerse will condemne thee . salue it good sister for your reputation . one thing more i would entreate at your hands , that you would summon your great commanders , for charities sake ; there may be order taken , to vnstake the remarkable places of my children , whom god took to his mercy in the high-wayes and other places . oh shew your selues charitable : though you would not affoord them christian buriall . let there no base stakie wooden memoriall be left to view , as if they had misdone , hanged or drowned themselues , for christianitie grant it ; and withall cleere all the hedges and trees of those lamentable obiects which hang vpon them , that are a thousand times more mouing corasiues , then the executioners wardrop at the basest brokers stall . now let you and i be friends ; for my children which are left , doe promise me faithfully , neuer to trouble you againe in that nature : they will stay with mee in my extremitie ; and eate a capon , drinke a cup of claret , an other of sacke ; and feed in that grosse fashion ; rather then on your daintie puddings and hogs flesh . i haue done , and i beseech my eternall father , the only omnipotent god , to make an end to , of his greiuous visitation , by his dangerous and fearefull ague with you and yours ; and his more fearefull scourge of plague and pestilence with mee and mine , and that for his dearely beloued sons sake christ iesus his only sauiour and redeemer . amen . a seeming friend hearing some few of these lynes read by the author , before he committed them to the presse , would entreat so much loue from him , as to compose an acrostique verse ( if he would thereunto condiscend ) vpon these words in the margent : the partie hauing a rope tar'd nosegay in his hand . whereupon the author styles his verse thus . to all your rope-tard nosegay-bearers . s stand farther off's my subiect , thus i write . t 't is propper thereon , these dayes to endite : a a man knowes not his friend from any other , n nor can he now know his endeered brother , d death hants them so , they know not one from tother f farre must thou stand , if thou conuerse with mee , v vnlesse thou haue like nosegay ; dost thou see , r rope tarr'd i haue , it keepes out pestilence , t the diuell as soone , or else thou hast no sence , h hee that doth thinke , by that to be plague-free , e euer shall be accompted like to thee , r respected not ; call'd foole for 's foppery . o omnipotent ioue bids thee repent and mend , f for thy great sinne ( saith he ) this plague i send , f feare thou , repent , and then my plague shall end . amicus mariscallus petovve . a true relation of the funerall of captaine richard robins , performed the . of september . in armes . even then when fell meagre death by the sacred decree of heauen began to shorten his weekly slaughter , and then , euen then , when the vulgar rabble of the rustiques in the countrie , mouthed it with a most vnchristianlike , and most vncharitable rumour ( viz. ) that there was not people enough in london left aliue to bury their dead ) then , euen then i say , did the great commander of all power , call to his mercy from amongst vs , captaine richard robins , one of the twenty commanders and captaines ( vnder the renowned colonells ) of the sixe thousand trayned citizens , of the euer famous , though now distressed city of london , who dyed of an ague at hackney in middlesex , and was brought from thence to london , and buried in his parish-church called st. magaret vpon fish street hill . some few dayes after ( as it is customarie amongst them ) the gentlemen of the artillery garden , that were then in towne , considering the weaknesse of their number present , and yet might doe no lesse , then giue the deceased captaine his right and merit ; treated with the then right honourable iohn gore lord maior of this said city ; that he would be pleased to grant a publique funerall in armes . and for that most of the gentlemen were at that time in the countrie , and therefore that the rest may strengthen themselues with their friends that were also citizens and souldiers of the trayned bands in london ; to make a compleat company to make the countrie wonder ; whereunto it pleased his honour to condiscend vpon saturday , being the . day of september last . was the funerall , when all the gentlemen and fellow souldiers met at the artillery garden , about two of the clocke in the afternoone , where they were ranckt by the officers there ( souldier-like ) according to the number , three and foure a brest , all the musketieres both of the prime and reere deuision of musketieres , three in ranke ; and the pikes foure a brest in the body . captaine von was leader that day , associated with captaine humphrey smith . so marcht they forth the garden , to leaden hall , where the herse attended , with an epitaphe thereon diuulging to the world , the worth of that worthy captaine , the worshipfull company of ironmungers , of whom he was a member ; the masters also of st. thomas hospitall , of whom in his life time he was likewise one , attended with many more of his friends . the number of souldiers that were compleatly armed , both pikes and muskettiers were two hundred fortie foure , besides two captaines , the marsall , the lieutenant , the alferus or ensigne , foure serieants , foure drummes , two fifes , the armourer , the gun-maker and their seruants ; and sixe gentlemen who carried the trophies of his armes before the hearse . the beholders then present , were at least ten thousand people , who were eye-witnesses , that what is here related is true . the exact and souldier-like performance and managing of the businesse , i referre to the iudgement of the discreet and wise spectators then present . only i will intreate you ( judicious reader ) to take notice , that after he was souldier-like enterred , hee had three seuerall vollies of shot giuen . which being finished , the drums beate a troop vntill the souldiers came forth of the church-yard ( where the vollies were giuen ) into the street vpon fishstreet-hill : where falling into rankes as before , the captaine commandeth a march to be beaten , and so marched thorow gracious-street , cornehill , the poultry , and cheapside , that the market people might report through the countrie , that their rumour was false . and so to the lord major his house , who presented himselfe at the gate , and very honourably and freely caused both flaggons of sacke and claret to bee brought forth , for all such as pleased to drinke thereof ; and there likewise were two vollies giuen ; for which his lordship gaue the gentlemen many thankes , assuring them , that they had done great honour to the citie , and greater comfort to the kingdome . then tooke they a faire farwell , and trooped through cheapside , and so to the artillery garden ; whereupon lodging of the cullours , they concluded with their last volly , and so i leaue them , but not you , for i entreate you to reade that which you haue not yet read . epitaphium dignissimi ducis richardi robyns . one of the twenty captaines here doth lye the rest must follow , for the rest must die , nineteene behinde , and he is gone before , to leade the way to the elizian shore , whilst he did liue , like to the god of warre , hee many souldiers bred , no'ne e're did marre , hee had as many sonnes , as any man ( compleat for souldiers ) since the world began lieutenants some ; others whom ensignes beare , the rest can doe as much , as any dare , against the foe of englands soueraigne ; wee that h●● follow will the same maintaine . hee was a louer both of arts and armes , hee taught a present guard for em'nent harmes : that now wee lose him , wee his death deplore , hee 's dead , yet liues , wee hope for euermore . dead though he be , and from vs quite bereauen , though dead to vs , yet doth he liue in heauen . viuit post funera vertus . london making her full period . noble souldiers , and my valiant children , you haue lodg'd your colours , and finished your last volly . giue me leaue i pray you , to adde one volly more , according to my nature and condition , and so i le conclude . my shot shall not be bullets of amunition , but words of admonition , which i will mildely & modestly dart amongst you . you my deere children , which haue beene so barbarously vsed in the countrie amongst those inhumane people , such of you especially i speake to , who are land-lords and creditours to your inferiour brethren . let me beg and intreat you ( although you haue endured much discontent and sorrow in the countrie ) not to reuenge it vpon your poore brethren in london , who haue vndergone with me , more griefe , more want , more sighes , more teares , more grones , and more miserie then my tongue or pen can expresse . oh be mercifull my good children one to another , as you would haue my sauior to take mercy vpon you . you that are land-lords be not ouer-hasty with your poore tenants , for your rents : nor you that are creditors , oh be not harsh nor seuere to your weake and impouerished debtors : but consider the lamentable misery they haue a long time endured : and the extraordinary expences they haue beene at , and no meanes to get a penny , which you in your discretions cannot choose but conceaue ; and i hope will take so much to ●art , that for charitie you will spare them , vntill such time as my disioynted estate be settled againe ; and my citizens haue commerse one with another as they haue had , and trading as frequent as it hath beene , that thereby they may striue and endeuour to get , what they of necessitie haue spent : and by their honest industry & labour in their vocations , attaine to their former maturity in their seuerall estates . which they may doe , so your patience please to giue them time and libertie ; which i beseech you grant , that all of you may haue full satisfaction and content . the tenant content from the land-lord by his great patience , the debtor content from the creditor by his much forbearance . and the land-lords and creditors from the tenants and debtors haue full satisfaction . such a blessed time , and those happy dayes doth your poore mother desire to see ; which that both she and you , and all of vs may see , let vs all pray joyntly to his diuine maiestie , that only can grant our request . grant then good god , what we require of thee , and wee shall praise thy name eternally . amen . finis . londons vacation, and the countries tearme. or, a lamentable relation of severall remarkable passages which it hath pleased the lord to shew on severall persons both in london, and the country in this present visitation, . with the number of those thay dyed at london and newcastle, this present yeare. with new additions. by h.c. londons vacation, and the countries tearme. crouch, humphrey, fl. - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) londons vacation, and the countries tearme. or, a lamentable relation of severall remarkable passages which it hath pleased the lord to shew on severall persons both in london, and the country in this present visitation, . with the number of those thay dyed at london and newcastle, this present yeare. with new additions. by h.c. londons vacation, and the countries tearme. crouch, humphrey, fl. - . [ ] p. printed for richard harper, and are to be sold at his shop in smithfield, at the hospitall gate, london : . attributed to humphrey crouch. in verse. signatures: a b⁴. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion londons vacation , and the countries tearme . or , a lamentable relation of severall remarkable passages which it hath pleased the lord to shew on severall persons , both in london , and the country in this present visitation , . with the number of those that dyed at london and newcastle , this present yeare . with new additions . by h. c. lord iesus receive my soule . london , printed for richard harper , and are to be sold at his shop in smithfield , at the hospitall gate . . to the reader . courteous reader , i here present to th● view a brief collection of seuerall passages , brought forth in this yeare of sorrow : yet as god is alwayes more wonderfull in his mercies , then in his judgements terribl● to a repenting and sorrowfull nation ; so in his chastisements and correction he alwayes shews some remarkable passages to those surviving , that they may speak and tell of his wondrous works to their childrens children that great and terrible year● . when thousands upon thousands were piled up in our mother earth , was for te●●● and number the very next and immediate unto this now present , and that . was the greatest that our chronicles can afford , and yet then england was not halfe so much pestered with the violence of the pestilence in severall places as now it is : as witnesse now that famous and fruitfull place that hath beene to many of our merchants : newcastle i meane ; how many there have dyed this yeare , which in comparison to london is but an handfull of people , and there by ●ust account from the of may , . to the . of octob. of all , and in garthead of the plague . and moreover to many severall townes in the countrey distant from london and about london , so that ●he wrath of the lord is kindled ; then like nini●ch , let us blesse god for the preservation of our good and pious king , who hath called a fast ; now ●●t our hearts be but truly repentant , deserving this ●odly direction , and then we shall see this famous city london not like a place neare ierusalem , called golgotha , but like niniveh , which the lord was pleased to spare by repentance and true humiliation this time affords small trading or none at all , and those that have the trading at this season are sextons , coffin makers , grave-makers , and bea●e●s ; all these have so much doings , that almost all ●th●r trades have none at all : the whole kingdome 〈◊〉 under this heavy burden ; lord sheath the lest 〈◊〉 angels sword , and do th●● go on in mer●● as thou hast begun to cause the destroying angel 〈…〉 his hard , that we may live to glorifie thy 〈◊〉 name . lord 〈◊〉 thy divine comfort and assi●ance remaine with us day and night in this most 〈…〉 and dangerous time . amen . the number of those that dyed at new-castle in this present yeare . buried of all diseases in newcastle , as followeth . may may iune iune iune iune iuly iuly iuly ● iuly iuly ● august aug. aug. aug. septem . septem . septem . septem . octob. octob. the totall is . buried in ga●thhead in newcastle as followeth . may iune iune iune ●● iune iuly iuly iuly iuly august august august august ● august septem . septem . septem . septem . octob. octob. octob. the totall is . the totall of all the burials in london of all diseases this present visitation , . is . of the plague . the relation of the man buried in s. sepulchres new church-yard , on munday , being the . of august , . mortals behold here prostrate to your sight , the cities terrour , and the countries fright . the lord hath drawn his sword , many are slain , and who can tell when 't will be sheath'd again ? for sinne the plague is now among us sent , many have sinn'd , and yet but few repent . the city to the countrey now are runne , although the countrey them so much do shun , and to speak truth some citizens poore elves , by flying thither , have undone themselves . yet some have said , 'i th countrey they are free , blind fools are they which think god cannot see ●n every place his power it self doth shew , strange things he doth , his wisedome willeth so : his sword is drawn among us , yet we spend our time in sinne , not thinking of our end : so that the lord to us may rightly say , the people eat , and drink , and rise to play . mortals here note , and once your sinnes despise , see here a mans grave digd , fore his own eyes , in s. sepulchers new church-yard 't is said , i' th interim that his grave t' his mind was made , he took his book and pray'd , oh blest be god that chastis'd him with his paternall rod , which did not take his sence from him away , but gave him time and sence to reade and pray : and when of 's prayers he an end had made , death ends his life , so he in 's grave was laid . oh then remember this you that have health . death playes the theese , takes many a one by stealth , before of him they think , this i may say he hardly will allow them time to pray . then we that live had need to pray apace , that sees death and the grave before our face . let 's humbly pray , and ninive cloath-like , then god in mercy will forbeare to strike . of the man that revived again in s. georges church-yard . a countrey man , as 't was to me reported , about some businesse to this town resorted , finding himself not well , strait way he went into s. georges fields in discontent , he drunk a penny-worth of milk 't is said , and down upon the ground himself he laid ; the milk-woman of whom the milk he bought , told him to lie upon the ground 't was naught , and wisht him then to rise , but he replide , that he would there but little time reside vpon the ground , onely to rest his head , and sleep a little on that earthy bed ; she seeing him so resolutely bent , took up her milk pail , and away she went. and for a certain truth to me t was told , that after she in town her milk had sold , she came the same way home , and found him dead as she poor woman then imagined , but t was not so , for in a trance lay he , yet others were deceiv'd as well as she ; for all that saw him did conclude and say , the man is dead , let us make haste away , and to the sexton of the parish go , telling him how it is , then let him do as he sees fit , then unto him they told , and did the matter unto him unfold . and to the masters of the parish then , the sexton went with other honest men , and told them how the matter then did stand , the masters of the parish gave command to bring the man that was supposed dead , into the church-yard , which they quickly did , and then the searchers they were fetcht with speed , so all concluded he was dead indeed ; and when the corps the searchers had survaid , they saw no cause why they should be afraid ; for of the plague they found the man was free as cleare a corps as ever they did see : so then to bury him they all conclude , but mark i pray what afterward ensude . it being neare night , the sexton did agree to bury him when he could better see . the first worke in the morning that he did , should be to bury him : meane while he hid the man under a coffin , as some say , not that he fear'd that he would runne away , but that no ravenous thing should him offend , so that in this he was the dead mans friend . ●e that lay na'●●● long upon the world , ●urely he could not chuse but be a col● . next morning he did rise as from the dead , and finding that himself was covered vnder a coffin , he did wonder much , he threw the coffin off him with a touch : ●o up he gets , then up and down did walk , and at the length he heard some people ●alk ; over a brick-wall th●n this man did clime , and cald for help , to call for help 't was time . ●nto the ax yard then this man was carried , and cherishe well till dead indeed and buried . before much people came him for to view , almagining that some of them him knew . five dayes after he liv'd , retaining breath , and then he chang'd his mortall life for death . now in the same church-yard his bones remain vntill the trumpet raise them up again . a true relation of certain 〈◊〉 that robd a hosiers shop in the new towne , neare s. martins lane , putting the mans goods into a coffin . god spares the wicked somtimes for this end , that they might see his judgmēts & amend . but they contrariwise grow worse and worse , and so pull down upon their heads a curse : neither gods judgements nor his mercies can effectually work in a wicked man , witnesse the villanies that now are done , some to rob orchards hastily will runne ; others to break up houses will not spare , from drunkennesse & whoredome not for beare . among the rest of helhounds some there were that without touch of conscience , grace or fear , most impudently with a coffin went to rob a hosiers shop was their intent ; and late at night the man being forth 't is said , to rob his shop these knaves were not afraid , but boldly took the stockings from the shelves , and put them in the coffin , wicked elves . the coffin being full , they nayl'd it down , and on their shoulders did go through the town and with a link before away they passe , and all that saw it thought no lesse but 't was a coarse , and he that ow'd the goods likewise , did see it bore away before his eyes . he met them and did shun them , but at last past when he came home , and they from him were he found himself robd , and almost undone . and pitied was by every mothers sonne , but he no news of them could ever heare , what is become of them , or where they are ? deaths house a coffin of mortality , they made a cloke to hide their villany . they cannot mock death long , for in the end the hang-man with a rope will them befriend . of . yongsters that presumed to rob an orchard , and fain'd themselves sick when the master of it came to them . now what say you to three mad knaves that went to rob an orchard all with one consent ; muffled , they say , with clouts about their heads , like sick men newly crept from out their beds , with each of them a bag under his arme , as if they went on purpose to do harme ; and so into an orchard these three comes , and fild their bags with apples , peares , & plums . the good man of the house hearing a noyse , and thinking them to be unhappy boyes , did take a cudgell , and to them he goes , minding for to bestow on them some blows : but seeing that all their . heads were clouted , of them he was afraid , and him they flouted . can you not be content bold knaves , quoth he , to rob mine orchard , but indanger me with your infectious breath ? depart i say , with bag and baggage , longer do not stay . for if you do , the town i le raise anon : so fild their bags , i 'm glad quoth he yo'r gone . instruction . he that of gods just judgement makes a sport , like these three men , one day shall suffer for 't . he that shall fain himself sick in this kinde , to feare another , he perhaps may finde a booty as these men did , and withall a curse will follow to bring such to thrall . good god in midst of all our misery , shall we consent to plot a villany , so great , so foule , so impudent and vilde ! houses infected , and mens mindes defilde with such impurity ! can we expect the plague should cease , when we our selves infect with sinne , that is the cause of all infection ? can we do this and look for thy protection ? lord of thy judgements let 's not make a sport , for if we do , thou 'lt surely plague us for 't . a strange and true report of a gentleman riding into the countrey , finding himself not well , and what chanced to him on the way . a gentleman as true report doth tell , into the countrey rode , a while to dwell : finding himself saint , he began to grieve , and stripping up at last his doublet sleeve , he found upon his arme some blew spots there , which like unto gods tokens did appeare . so spurs his horse , and speedily he rides to the next town , and there all night abides . but yet before he went to bed 't is said , in 's chamber he a good fire causde be made : so when the chamberlain had made a fire , a payle of water he did then desire . then cal'd he for the best sheet in the inne , the which he wet , and wrapt himself therein . the sheet being wet , and he starke naked in it , about his body he did strait way pinne it ; which being done , away to bed he went. the morning being come , and the night spent , he found himself well , and his body cleare from all those spots which before did appeare . strange physick this may seem to many a one , and yet he prov'd himself a good physitian . but y●● my doctor he shall never be , such physick sure would be the death of me . and to conclude , he paid most liberally for all he called for , especially for his wet winding sheet , and gave command to bury that some wet s●eet out of hand , a yard deep in the ground , or somewhat more , which was an honest care of him therefore . and so ●or all things he gave them content , then takes his leave , and so away he went. the sheet was buried too immediately , but covetousnesse would not let it long lye vnder the ground , then buried as it were , but took this sheet up without wit or feare . and all of them that were so fool-hardy , that sheet to take up , of the plague did dye : and all the rest that had no hand in it , escapt the plague , who had more grace and wit. thus covetousnesse , that ne're did good to any , was here you see the enemy of a many . lord keep our hearts from filthy avarice , let 's live content , and make us truly wise . of one that lost in his travell two ●ands wrapt in a napkin . one lost two bands wrapt in a napkin faire , a woman passed by as i do heare ; her sonne and daughter as i understand was with her , unto whom she gave command by any meanes not to take up those bands , lest with those things they should infect their hands : her son obey'd her voyce , but yet her daughter willing to have those things , came slowly after , and with her foot did spurn along these bands , as being afraid to touch them with her hands ; vntill she came unto a poole of water , and then she washt them cleane , and followed after . of one that lay unburied foure dayes after he was dead , being of the sicknesse . a certain man lay dead as it is said , few miles from london , that made the towne afraid . foure dayes above the ground this man did lye vnburied , t is reported certainly : to bury him no man durst be so bold , or lay his carkasse in an earthly mould , till with the sight of him they were opprest , and then one being wiser then the rest , did tell the masters of the parish this , to send to london it were not amisse for foure stout bearers , and we shall be rid of this annoyance : so it seemes they did , so he was buried , and the men well paid for burying him that made them all afraid . thus in the countrey , city , great and small , time , death , and sicknes makes the stoutest fall . the belmans call on thursday morning . this day the weekly bils come out to put the people out of doubt how many of the plague do dye , we summe them up most carefully . but oh if our transgressions all , both how we sinne , and how we fall , god should take notice what they are , where should we sinfull men appear● ! we look upon the punishment , but not upon the cause 't is sent . remove the cause , and you shall see the plague shall soon removed be . vpon a gentleman full of the tokens in woods-close , that lay there two days , and afterwards dyed . a gentleman finding himself not well , walk't into th' fields neer unto clerkenwell : finding himself diseas'd , he him betook into the fields , and company forsook , and in woods-close he lay , with wofull heart , grieving for sin ( which is the cause of smart . ) he there upon the straw did humbly pray , having the tokens on him as some say , most ardently unto the king of heaven , that he of all his sinnes might be forgiven . he marked was for death , god shew'd him he within this world had not long time to be . lord we are not worthy that same time to know , when death shall summon us from hence to go . good god inable us to dye well then , that we may live in heaven with perfect men . vpon a man and his wife going into the country , to visit their friends in this visitation , and their entertainment on the way . an honest citizen with 's loving wife , into the countrey went to save their life , as they late fear'd , in london should be lost , but note how they for't on the way were crost . they came at night unto their journies end , and for their money did expect a friend , to finde 'i th countrey , but it prov'd not so , for they i' th cage to lodge were forc't to go , or lye i' th street ; this choice was put to them they must be rul'd by law , or law contemn , they lay i' th cage , and glad to have fresh straw , and when as morning came that light they saw , the constable dischar'd their lodgings hire , with these same words , i 'le set your beds on fire . londons lord have mercy upon us . let all men consider both old men and yong , they c●nnot live ever , although they live long : then sit down in sorrow , sigh , sob and relent , stay n●t till to morrow , before ye repent . look on thy soul defilde with sinne , faire london look what thou hast done : gods high displeasure thou dost winne for thy offences every one . if ninevie like thou pray and fast , and to the lord dost cry and call , he le blesse thee , though thy doores be crost with lord have mercy upon us all . the plague , alas , awo is me like fiery serpents bites us sore : the brasen serpent must we see , i meane our christ whom we adore . our saviour deare , whose ●i●e was lost , to ●ree us from eternall thr●ll , will blesse us though our doores be crost with lord have mercy on us all . pride now doth overwhelme the land , and wickednesse doth much abound , which makes the lord stretch forth his hand , our strange inventions to confound . ●or now we see unto our cost , our great transgressions are not small , whe●efore , alas , our doores are crost with lord have mercie on us all . let drunkards now their cups forsake , that swallow down the dregs of sinne , let soule blasphemers stand and quake , for their misdeeds that they have done . for we are with afflictions tost , and sorrow doth to us befall , and now behold our doores are crost with lord have mercy on us all . you that luscivious lives have led , imbracing fornication still , that sleep upon a sinfull bed , your wicked fancies to fulfill . those vaniti● that you love most , bring horror , death , and deadly thrall , and now , alas , our doores are crost with lord have mercy on us all : let him that doth his brother hate , like cain that kild his mothers sonne , repent before it be too late , for his misdeeds that he ha●h done . for sorrow is landed on our c●●st , our honey is turn'd to bitter gall , and through 〈◊〉 sin 〈◊〉 d●res ●re crost with lord have mercy on us all . 〈◊〉 f●ll d●w● 〈…〉 london 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 aud con●●si● 〈◊〉 you shames , 〈◊〉 our pri●de , you● 〈…〉 〈◊〉 ye in sinne are almost 〈◊〉 , th● 〈◊〉 on our knees down fall , 〈…〉 our doores 〈…〉 with lord have mercy on us all . y●u 〈◊〉 lots and you st●umpe●s 〈◊〉 , v●in glorious in your strange attire , whose hearts in sin are much imbrewd , repent with speed i you desire , for sinne brings sadnesse to our coast , sinne c●used i●sabell to fall , and for our sinnes our doores are crost with lord have mercy on us all . we 〈…〉 every street , but 〈…〉 us we have 〈◊〉 slain , 〈…〉 shall with destruction meet , 〈◊〉 ●ednesse in us doth ●aign● . 〈◊〉 in sinne our selves do boast , o●● joying at anothers fall : 〈◊〉 herefore ●ow our doores are cr●st 〈◊〉 lord have mercy on us all . we clean● 〈◊〉 place from noy some smell , we strive ●o put 〈…〉 , we 〈◊〉 our 〈◊〉 where we do dwell . we ●●●p our 〈◊〉 s●weet and faire , the while our souls in sinne are lost , whi●●● the 〈◊〉 our doores are crost in stead of musk and sweet perfumes we smel 〈◊〉 wormwood and to rue , for to ●ecure us from our ●ombes , yet de●th will claime 〈…〉 we are diss●●'d like w●●te 〈…〉 when phoebus sunshine bea●●● 〈…〉 ●all and death we see our doores hath crost with lord have mercy on us all . runne through the 〈◊〉 with sighs & groanes , in golgotha sit and 〈…〉 , the great destroy 〈…〉 bones , pale death 〈…〉 like doth raigne . he can destroy a mighty 〈◊〉 ▪ yea crowned kings he 〈◊〉 to fall , and by his hand our doo●●● are crost with lord have mercy on us all . have mercy lord , to thee we cry , we for our sinnes are grieved sore , great god of all eternity , our former follies we deplore . though we through sinne offend thee most , our god thou art , and ever shall , oh blesse us though our doores be crost with lord have mercy on us all . finis . medela pestilentiae wherein is contained several theological queries concerning the plague, with approved antidotes, signes and symptoms : also an exact method for curing that epidemicial distemper, humbly presented to the right honourable and right worshipful the lord mayor and sheriffs of the city of london. kephale, richard. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) medela pestilentiae wherein is contained several theological queries concerning the plague, with approved antidotes, signes and symptoms : also an exact method for curing that epidemicial distemper, humbly presented to the right honourable and right worshipful the lord mayor and sheriffs of the city of london. kephale, richard. [ ], , [ ] p. printed by j.c. for samuel speed, london : . "epistle dedicatory" signed: richad kephale. caption title: medela pestilentiae, or, rules for the prevention and cure of the plague. reproduction of original in the cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion medela pestilentiae : wherein is contained several theological queries concerning the plague , with approved antidotes , signes , and symptoms : also , an exact method for curing that epidemical distemper . humbly presented to the right honourable , and right worshipful , the lord mayor and sheriffs of the city of london . london : printed by j. c. for samuel speed , and are to be sold at his shop , at the rain-bow , near the temple , in fleet-street , mdclxv . to ●he right honourable sir john lawrence , knight , lord mayor of this honourable city of london ; and the right worshipful sir george waterman , and sir charles doe , knights , and sheriffs thereof . right honourable , and right worshipful : fame proclaiming every-where your deserved worth , it reach'd my ear ; and hearing how careful your honour and worships have been in the preservation of every individual person , but such more especially committed to your tutelage ( wherein you have shewn your selves indulgent fathers , as well as prudent governors ) i could do no less then step in amongst the crowd of your honours and worships admirers , to make my grateful acknowledgement . i have but this mite to offer ; but as much water as the palm of my hand will hold , to east into this new-kindled fire ; and yet it may quench it ere it rise to a flame , if the heavenly physician see it good . the peaceful dove hath now got some few fick feathers ; let her not therefore be deserted . some of late have forsaken her , because fallen sick a little ; which argues both their ingratitude and folly , in flying that mother which gave some breath , others benefit and profit , thinking thereby they can shun the hand of gods just judgement . in this honourable city i first drew my breath , and received the major part of my education : as your honours and worships therefore , are our fathers in general , so i hope you will not deny me your particular patronage . let your noble favours then strengthen this weak hand , which a sons duty reacheth forth to a mothers support : grateful pity commands me thus to do ▪ and my knowledge in reading ( with the experience of others ) justifieth the act . accept therefore of these my well-wishing indeavours ; and whilst some are using the means , let others joyn with them in prayers to almighty god to be merciful to this city , and if it be his blessed will to sheath his sword , and unbend his bow , that the dreadful judgement of the plague may be averted from us . pardon , i beseech you , this grand presumption , and i shall glory in subscribing my self right honourable , and right worshipful , your most devoted and obedient servant , richard kephale . postscript . two most soveraign antidotes against the plague , found out first , and experimented by the author of the ensuing treatise , to be the most infallible preservatives against pestilential contagion . the one is in form of a conserve , to be taken first in the morning , the quantity of an hazel-nut on the point of a knife , fasting one hour after , and then you may both eat and drink what you please . take the same quantity also two hours before dinner , and about three or four in the afternoon , and at night when you go to bed . the other is a most admirable and pleasant spirit , which you are to take as the fore-mentioned , four or five times a day . these two are to be sold , sealed , by mr. samuel speed , at the rain-bow in fleet-street , near the temple ; where also you may have the spirit of salt , which is excellent good to prevent infection , causing a good appetite , and curing most diseases ; most truly prepared , according to the method of rhodocanasi . take thereof ( when you desire to drink ) two drops , in a middle-siz'd cup of ale or beer , provided it be not stale . medela pestilentiae . or , rules for the prevention , and cure of the plague . how the plagues began , , , , , . for what sins , the divines of those times judged , they were inflicted , and with what godly meanes they were allayed . out of gods tender goodness towards this nation , after many warnings before hand , by his ministers , who observing what sins were impudently , and impenitently committed , foresaw , and fore-told , what god would bring upon this people , and particularly a plague throughout that year , before it came . he began this sore judgement by degrees in those times ; jan. . onely one died , feb. . three died , feb. . five , feb. . three , feb. . one , march . two , march . eight , march . six , april . eight , april . eighteen , april . eighteen ; and after that the bill increased every week more and more , till august . when there died in one week , . of the plague , which began the first time , by a surfeit in white chappel , the second time , by sea-men , about the same place , the third by reason of rotten mutton at stepney , the fourth with a pack of carpets from turkey ; the fifth with a dogge that came over from amsterdam . bishop sandersons words , in a sermon at an assizes at lincolne , aug. . . upon psalm . . . are these : as god brought upon that people for their sins , a fearful destruction ; so hee hath in his just wrath sent his destroying angel against us , for ours ; the sins that brought the plague upon them were , whoredome and idolatry : i cannot say the same sins have caused ours ; for although the execution of good laws , against both incontinent and idolatrous persons hath been of late years , and yet is ( wee all know ) to say no more , slack enough , yet ( gods holy name be blessed for it ) neither idolatry nor whoredome are at that heighth of shameless impudence , and impunity among us , that they dare out-brave our moseses , and out-face whole congregations , as it was in israel ; but still , this is sure , no plague but for sin : nor national plagues , but for national sins ; so that albeit , none of us may dare to take upon us , to bee so farre of gods counsel , as to say for what very sins most this plague is sent among us : yet none of us can bee ignorant , but that besides those secret , personal corruptions which are in every one of us , and whereunto every ones heart is privy , there are many publick and national sins , whereof the people of this land are generally guilty , and is abundantly sufficient to justifie god in his dealings towards us , when he judgeth us . . our wretched unthankfulness unto god , for the long continuance of his gospel , and our peace , our carnal confidence , and security in the strength of our wooden and watry walls : our riot and excesse , ( the noted and proper sins of this nation ) and much intemperate abuse of the good creatures of god , in our meats , drinks , and disports , and other provisions and comforts of this life . our incompassion towards our brethren miserably wasted with war and famine in other parts of the world , our heavy oppression of our brethren at home , in racking the rents , cracking the backs , and grinding the face of the poor : our cheap and irreverent regard to gods holy ordinances , of his word , sacraments , sabbaths and ministers , our wantonnesse and toyishness of understanding , in corrupting the simplicity of our christian faith , and troubling the peace of the church , with a thousand niceties , novelties and unnecessary wranglings in matters of religion : and to reckon no more , that universal corruption in courts of justice by sale of offices , enhauncing fees , devising new subtilties , for delay and evasion , trucking for expedition ; making traps of petty paenal statutes , and but cobwebs of the most weighty and material laws . i doubt not , but through the mercy of god , many of his servants in this land , are free from some , and some from all these common crimes in some good measure : but i fear me , not the best of us all , not a man of us all , but are guilty of all or some of them , at least thus far , that we have not mourned for the corruptions of the times so feelingly , nor endeavoured the reformation of them so faithfully , as we might , or ought to have done . doctor gouge's words , in his plaister for the plague are these : that it may appear what just cause the lord hath to poure out the vials of his wrath among us , it will be a seasonable taske to take a view of our own times , and to observe , whether the fore-named sins may be found among us , for too truly it may now be said of this land , of this city there is wrath gone out from the lord , the plague is begun ; in prosecuting this taske , i will follow the order before propounded ; and bring those sins which have been proved formerly , to have provoked gods wrath , to our times ; . for idolatry , though the bright light of the gospel hath for many years dispelled the thick cloud of popery , a detestable idolatry , yet in many places that cloud gathereth and thickeneth again ; i pray god it encrease not as that cloud which eliah's servant espyed , which though at first it were but a little one , like a mans hand , yet it grew to cover the whole sky , and to cause much rain ; too many seducers are among us ; too great countenance is given to them , wee ministers have need to inculcate this apostolical prohibition , flee from idolatry . for prophanation of holy things and times , he is blinde that discerneth it not ; he himself is too prophane , that is not in his righteous soul vexed thereat . prayer , preaching , sacraments , are altogether neglected , or very carelessely observed , as for the lords day , it is in many places by many persons made the devils day ; it is not onely in act prophaned , but the prophanation therof too much countenanced , and justified . for pollution of profession , what advantage is thereby given to our adversaries ; thence they take occasion of upbraiding us with our reformation ; yea , the prophane among us , are hereby justified , for many professors are every way as lewd and licentious as they , as vain in their attyre , as corrupt in their speeches , as wanton in their gestures , as deceitful in their dealings , as uncharitable in their censures , as unmerciful to the poor . for ungrateful vilifying gods mercies , i think our people exceed therein the israelites , that dwelt in the wilderness ; heavenly mannah , the word of life , that plentifully falleth among us , is by superstitious , schismatical , and prophane persons loathed ; superstitious persons wish for queen maries daies again , schismaticks wish there had been no reformation unless it had been better , the prophane , cry out of too much preaching . for ministers perverting their function , many among us exceed the false prophets among the jews , none greater discouragers of the upright , none greater animaters of the prophane , the greatest zeal which they use to shew , is in their bitter invectives against such as make most conscience of sinne , they are too great companions with the baser and lewder sort . for trampling upon such as are fallen , so inhumane are many , as they do not onely stretch themselves upon their beds , and drink wine in bowls , while their brethren lye groaning under sore afflictions , ( or like the priest and levite ) passe by without succouring such as are not able to help themselves , but as job's friends , charge them with hypocrisie , or like the jews account them the greatest sinners ; or as shimei , rail on them , and so give them instead of a cup of consolation , vinegar and gall to drink . for conspiracy and consent in sin , when was there more then among us ; great ones , mean ones , old , young , male , female , magistrates , subjects , ministers , people , rich , poor , masters , servants , all of one minde , to disgrace integrity , and to countenance impiety , and iniquity ; insomuch , as the prophets complaint is too truly verified among us , he that refraineth from evil , maketh himself a prey . for obstinacy in sin , who can open his mouth wide enough against mens stubbornness , they are impudent , and stiffe-necked , they have a whores forehead and will not be ashamed ; they bid a kinde of defiance to god himself , as they abuse his mercies , so they despise his judgements . what swearer , what blasphemer , what drunkard , what adulterer , what fornicator , what oppressor , what extortioner , what usurer , what deceiver is reformed by this plague : so obstinate are people , as god had need to make the faces of the ministers strong against their fore-heads . for infidelity , wee ministers have too great cause to cry out , who hath believed our report ? were not this sin so fast fixed in mens hearts as it is , much more comfort would be received from the ministry of the gospel , and much better obedience yeilded thereto . for impenitency , it cannot bee denyed , but that many , yea , most are so setled on their sins , as they hate to be reformed , where are the true fruits of repentance to be found ? where shame , where sorrow for sin ? where turning from sin ? men rather grow worse and worse , gods judgements harden their hearts , as they did the heart of pharaoh , but he paid thorowly for the abuse of so much patience , if by any occasion their consciences be any whit rubbed , and they brought thorow fear and anguish , to promise amendment , they quickly shew that no true repentance was wrought in them , but it is hapned unto him according to the true proverb , the dog is turned to his own vomit again , and the sow that was washed to her wallowing again . apostacy , if first , wee consider inward apostacy , ( which is a decaying inward in former love of truth ) too just cause of complaint is given , many have left their first love , and become luke-warm , as the laodiceans . thus , a ready way is made to outward apostacy , which is an open renouncing of very profession of true religion , as this whole land did in queen maries reign ; it is much to bee feared , that if the like occasion should bee given , a like apostasie would follow . if these , and other like provocations of gods wrath among us , bee duely weighed , we shall see cause enough to confess , that gods wrath is justly gone out against us , and that wee have deservedly pulled this plague on our own pates . it remains therefore that wee thorowly humble our selves , that wee lay open our sores before our merciful god , that wee faithfully promise amendment , that wee give evidence of the intire purpose of our heart , in promising by answerable performance ; but above all , for the present , that wee crave mercy of god , thorow jesus christ , that hee may offer up his sweet incense to pacifie his father , and cause his destroying angel to stay his hand . quest . what good orders god hath been pleased to blesse , either for the preventing , or , allaying of the plague , in the fatal years , , , , . and are fit to bee observed by all good people at this time . four doctors at least , two apothecaries , and three chirurgions , were pentioned for their own lives , and their wives , to attend on persons troubled with this disease . neither men nor goods came from other places , without a certificate of health , otherwise , they were either sent suddenly away , or put in the pest-house , or some such place for forty daies , till the certainty of their soundness might bee discovered . all the statutes and good orders , against beggars , players , bowling-alleys , inmates , tippling-houses , leastals ( whereby the infection might spread and disperse , by reason of the sin , as well as the commerce and throng of idle sort of persons ) and against the uttering of stinking flesh or fish , and musty corn or beer . the scavengers in general , and every house-holder in particular , tooke care for the due , and orderly cleansing of the streets and private houses , every morning and night . doggs , cats , conies , tame-pidgeons , and swine , were destroyed about the town , or kept so carefully , that no offence might come thereby . the funnels in church vaults , slaughter-houses , and the depth of graves were considered of . the sweeping and filth of houses were daily carried away by the rakers , and the raker gave notice of his comming , by the blowing of a horne ; and the laystalls were removed as farre as might bee out of the city , and common passages ; and no night-man or other , suffered to empty a vault , into any garden near about the city . two or more of the best in the parish were sworn examiners in their turnes for two months at least , to enquire and learn from time , to time , what houses in every parish were visited , what persons sick , ( and of what diseases ) as near as they could inform themselves , and upon suspition , to command restraint of accesse , until it appeared what the disease proved : and if any person were found sick of the infection , to give order to the constable , that the house should bee shut up , and if the constable were remisse , or negligent , to give present notice thereof , to the alderman , or to the next justice of peace respectively . to every infected house , there were two watchmen , one for the day till . of the clock at night , and another for the night till six in the morning , having a special care , that no person went in and out of such infected houses , whereof they have the charge , upon pain of severe punishment . six chirurgions were joyned to the searchers , ( who were women of the best reputation and skill that could bee procured ) and allowed twelve pence a body , for all they searched , out of the sick mans estate , being enjoyned to attend the examiners orders . the infected person was sequestred , and though hee dyed not , the house where hee sickned was shut up for a month after , the use of due preservatives taken by the rest ; yea , the house of any person that visited any that were infected , was shut up for certain daies . all goods in infected houses , were either to be burned , or if too good to burn , aired , and perfumed , and not either removed or sold , for six months after the infection ceased in the house : all brokers and cryers of apparrel being restrained in that behalf upon pain of having their houses shut up for forty daies . none were to go out of an infected house ( except into the pest-house , or a tent , or to a house which the man occupieth either himself , or by servants ) without security given , that they shall not wander about till they bee sound , and that the attendance and charge about the sick person should bee observed in all the particularities thereof , and if one man kept two houses , his sick people shall not go into the house where the sound are , nor the sound , into the house where the sick are ; the persons removed were to go by night , and keep in at least a week from all company , for fear of some infection , at the first not appearing . the dead of the plague were buryed at convenient houres , alwaies either before sun-rising , or after sun-setting , with the privity of the church-wardens , or constables , and not otherwise ; and no neighbours or friends were suffered to accompany the coarse to church , or to enter the visited house , upon pain of having their houses shut up , and being close imprisoned , only the minister might attend at a competent distance . the chirurgions , searchers ; keepers and buryers , were not to passe the streets , without holding a red rod , or wand , of three foot in length in their hands , open and evident to bee seen , being not to go into any house but their own , or into that whereunto they were sent , or directed , forbearing all company , especially , when they have been lately used in any such business or attendance . quest . what course every man and woman should take particularly , to prevent being infected , and what good orders god hath been pleased to blesse for the preservation of every particular man and woman from the plague , when it raged in the places they lived in ? in the years , , , , , . when there were great plagues in the city of london , these directions given by the colledge of physitians , did a great deal of good . for correction of the ayre . for the correcting of the infectious aire , it were good , that often bone-fires were made in the streets , and that sometime , the tower ordnance might bee shot off , as also that there bee good fires kept in and about the visited houses , and their neighbours . take rosemary dryed , or juniper , bay-leaves , or frankincense , cast the same upon a chafing-dish , and receive the fume or smoak thereof . and to make fires rather in pans , to remove about the chamber , than in chimneys , shall better correct the ayre of the houses , adding a piece of old iron to the fire . take a quantity of vinegar , very strong , and put to it some small quantity of rose-water , ten branches of rosemary , put them all into a bason , and take five or six flint stones , heated in the fire , till they bee burning hot , cast them into the same vinegar , and so let the fumes be received from place , to place , of your house . that the house be often perfumed with rue , angelica ; gentian , zedoary , set-wel , juniper wood or berries burnt upon embers , either simply , or they may bee steeped in wine vinegar , and so burnt . perfume the house and all therein with this : slake lime in vinegar and aire the house therewith , burn much tar , rosen , frankincense , turpentine , both in the private houses , and in the churches before prayers . by perfuming of apparrel . such apparrel as you commonly wear , let it bee very clean , and perfume it often , either with some virginia caedar burned , or with juniper , and if any shall happen to bee with them that are visited , let such persons , as soon as they shall come home , shift themselves , and ayre their cloaths , in the open ayre for a time . by carrying about of perfumes . such as are to go abroad , shall do well , to carry rue , angelica , or zedoary in their hands to smell to , and of those , they may chew a little in their mouths , as they go in the street , especially , if they bee afraid of any place ; it is not good to be over fearful , but it cannot be but bad , to bee over presumptuous and bold . take rue one handful , stamp it in a morter , put thereto wine vinegar enough to moisten it , mixe them well , then strain out the juyce with a peece of spunge , put a toast of brown bread therein , tye it in a thin cloath , bear it about to smell to . take the root of angellica , beaten grosly , the weight of six pence , of rue and worm wood , of each the weight of four pence , setwel the weight of three pence , bruise these , then steep them in a little wine vinegar , tye them in a linnen cloath , which they may carry in their hands , or put it into a juniper box full of holes to smell to . or they may use this pomander . take angellica , rue , zedoary , of each half a dram , myrrhe two drams , camphire six grains , wax , and labdanum , of each two drams , more or less as shall be thought fit to mix with the other things , make hereof a ball to carry about you , you may easily make a hole in it , and so wear it about your neck with a string . the richer sort may make use of this pomander . take citron-pills , angelica seeds , zedoary , red-rose leaves , of each half a dram , yellow sanders , lignum aloes , of each one scruple , galliae moschatae four scruples , storax , calamint , beusoni , of each one dram , camphire , six grains , labdanum , three drams , gum tragaranth dissolved in rose-water , enough to make it up into a pomander , put thereto six drops of spirit of roses , inclose it in an ivory box , or weare it about your neck . by inward medicines . let none go fasting forth , every one according to their fortunes , let them eat some such things as may resist putrefaction , some may eat garlick with butter , a clove , two , or three , according to the ability of their bodies , some may eat fasting , some of the electuary with figs and rue , hereafter expressed : some may use london treacle , the weight of eight pence in the morning , taking more or lesse , according to the age of the party , after one hour , let them eat some other break-fast , as bread and butter , with some leaves of rue or sage , and in the heat of summer , of sorrel , or wood-sorrel . of the physitians . to steep rue , wormwood , or sage , all night in their drink , and to drink a good draught in the morning fasting , is very wholsome , or to drink a draught of such drink after the taking of any of the preservatives , will bee very good . in all summer-plagues it shall bee good to use sorrel sauce to bee eaten in the morning with bread , and in the fall of the leaf to use the juyce of barberries with bread also . mithridate's medicine of figs. take of good figs and walnut-kernels , of each twenty four , rue picked two good handfuls , of salt , half an ounce , or somewhat better ; first stamp your figs and wall-nuts well together in a stone morter , then add your rue , and last of all your salt , mixe them exceeding well : take of this mixture every morning fasting , the weight of sixteen pence , to children and weak bodies , lesse . or , take twenty wal-nuts pilled , fifteen figs , a handful of rue , three drams of tormentil roots , two drams of juniper-berries , a dram and a half of bole-armoniack ; first stamp your roots , then your figs , and seeds , then add your wal-nuts , then put to your rue and bole-armoniack , and with them put thereto six drams of london treacle , and two or three spoonfuls of wine vinegar , mixing them well in a stone morter , and take of this every morning , the quantity of a good nutmeg fasting , they that have cause to go much abroad , may take as much more , in the evening two hours before supper . it is very good to take tobacco , to eat raisens of the sun fasting , or to drink a pinte of maligo in a morning against the infection . for women with childe , and children , and such as cannot take the bitter things before prescribed . take conserve of roses , conserve of wood-sorrel , of each two ounces , conserve of borrage , of sage flowers , of each six drams , bole-armoniack , shavings of harts-horn , sorrel-seeds , of each two drams , yellow , or white sanders half a dram , safferon one scruple , sirrop of wood-sorrel enough to make it a moyst electuary , mixe them well , take as much as a ches-nut at a time , once or twice a day , as you shall finde cause . for the richer sort . take the shavings of harts-horn , of pearl , of coral , tormentil-roots , zedoarie , true terra-sigillata , of each a dram , citorn-pills , yellow , white and red sanders , of each half a dram , white amber , hyacinth stone prepared , of each two scruples , bezoar-stone , of the east unicorns horn , of each twenty four grains , citron and orange pills candied , of each three drams , lignum aloes one scruple , white sugar-candie , twice the weight of all the rest , mixe them well ; being made into a dredg-powder ; take the weight of twelve pence at a time , every morning fasting , and also in the evening , about five of the clock , or an hour before supper . with these powders and sugar there may bee made lozenges , and with convenient conserves they may bee made into electuaries . bezoar-water or treacle-water , is good both alone and in composition with these antidotes . london-treacle is good to preserve from the sickness , as also to cure the sick , being taken upon the first apprehension , in a greater quantity , as , to a man two drams , and lesse to a weak body , or a childe , in cardus or dragon-water . or , take the finest clear aloes you can buy , in colour like a liver , and therefore called hepatica , of both cinamon and myrrhe , the weight of three french crowns , or of two and twenty pence of our mony ; of cloves , mace , lignum-aloes , of mastick , of bole-oriental , of each of these half an ounce , mingle them together , and beat them into a very fine powder : of the which , take every morning fa●●ng the weight of a groat in white-wine and water . or , take a dry fig , and open it , and put the kernel of a wal-nut into the same , being cut very small , three or four leaves of rue , commonly called herb-grace , a corn of salt , then roast the fig , and eat it warme , fast three or four hours after it , and use this twice a week . or , take the powder of tormentil , the weight of six pence , with sorrel , or scabious water in summer , and in the winter with the water of valerian , or common drink , wherein hath been infused the fore-named herbs . or , one day you may take a little worm-wood , and valerian , with a grain of salt : another you may take seven or eight berries of juniper , dryed and powdered , with common drink , or with drink wherein worm-wood and rue , hath been steeped all night . or , take the treacle called diatessarum , of light price , easie to be had . or , the root of ennula campana taken in powder , with drink . or , a piece of arras root , kept in the mouth , as men passe the streets . or , take six leaves of sorrel , wash them with water , and vinegar , letting them lye in the said water and vinegar a while , then eat them fasting , and keep in your mouth , and chew now and then , either set-wall , or the root of angelica , or a little cinnamon , or four grains of myrrhe , or so much of rattle-snake root . of medicines purgative . it is good for prevention , to keep the body open , especially , with such things as are easie of operation , and good to resist putrefaction , as pestilential pills , &c. take alloes two ounces , myrrhe and saffron of each an ounce , ammoniacum half a ounce , make them up into a mash with the juyce of lemmons , or white-wine vinegar , to keep the body open , a small pill or two will be enough , taken before supper , or before dinner . but to purge the body , take the weight of a dram made into five , or six , or more pills in the morning fasting , and that day keep your chamber . if you bee costive and bound in body , you may take a glister made with a little boyled hony , and a little fine powder of salt , and so taken in at the fundament , and kept till it move a stoole . or , if you are poor , take aloes the weight of six pence , put in the pap of an apple , and if able to buy them , pills of ruffus , to bee had in every shop . such as are tyed to necessary attendance on the infected , as also such as live in visited houses shall do well to cause issues to bee made in their left arms , or right legs , or both . blood letting . if the patient bee full of blood and strong , let him bee let blood upon the liver vein , in the right arme , or in the median veine of the said arm , but bleeding and purging must bee used , the first day the patient is sick , both to be forborn , in case any sores or spots appear . vomits . to provoke a vomit , take two ounces of zant oyle , or wal-nut-oyle , a spoonful of the juyce of celandine , and half a spoonful of the juyce of radish-roots , or two spoonfuls of oxymel of squills , with posset drink , and oyle . expulsive medicines . the plague is best expelled by sweating , caused by posset-ale , made with fennel , and marigolds , in winter , and with sorrel , bugloss , and borrage , in summer , with which at both times , london treacle to the weight of two drams must bee mixed ; and so lay themselves with all quietness to sweat one half hour , or an hour , if they be strong . for the cure of the infected , upon the first apprehension ; bur-seeds , cucheneely , powder of harts-horn , citron-seeds , one or more of them , with a few grains of camphire , are good to bee given in cardus , or dragon water , or with some treacle water . or , take bur-seeds and cucheneely , of each half a dram , or to a weak body , of each one scruple , camphire five grains , mixe these with two ounces of cardus or dragon water , half an ounce of treacle water , sirrop of wood-sorrel a spoonful , mixe these ; give it to the patient warme , cover him to sweat ; you may give him a second draught after twelve houres , let him drink no cold drink ; this posset drink or the like will bee good to give the visited liberally . or , take wood-sorrel half a handful , marigold flowers half so much , shavings of harts-horn three drams , a fig or two sliced , boil them well in clear posset drink , let them drink thereof freely , you may put thereto a little sugar . or , take citron-seeds six or eight , shavings of harts-hornes halfe a dram , london treacle a dram , mixe them with two ounces of cardus water , or with three ounces of the prescribed posset-drinke , drinke it warme , and so lie to sweat . or , take sorrel-water five or sixe spoonfuls , treacle water a spoonful , london treacle a dram and a half , mixe them well , give it warme , and so lay the patient to sweat . or , take tormentil and celandine-roots , of each four ounces , scabious and rue , of each a handful and a half , london treacle a dram and a half , bole-armoniack half a scruple , put thereto a little sugar , mix them well , let the party drink it warm , and cover him to sweat . in summer . take the juyce of wood-sorrel two ounces , the juyce of lemmons an ounce , diascordium a dram , cinnamon six grains , vinegar half an ounce , give it warme , and lay the patient to sweat ; in case of fluxes of the belly or want of rest . or , take an egge , and make an hole in the top of it , take out the white and yolk , fill the shell with the weight of two french crowns of saffron , roast the said egge , thus filled with saffron , under the embers , until the shell waxe yellow ; then take it from the fire , and beat the shell and saffron in a morter with half a spoonful of mustard-seed . take of this powder , a french crown weight , and as soon as you suspect your self infected , dissolve it into ten spoonfuls of posset ale , and drink it luke-warm : then go to bed , and provoke your self to sweating . or , take one dram of the electuarium de ovo . or , take five or six handful of sorrel that groweth in the field , or a greater quantity , according as you will distill , more or lesse of the water thereof , and let it lye steeped in good vinegar four and twenty hours , then take it off , and dry it with a linnen cloath , and put it into a limbeck , and distill the water thereof , and as soon as you finde your self touched with the sickness , drink four spoonfuls of the said water , with a little sugar , and if you bee able , walk upon it till you sweat , if not , keep your bed , and being well covered , provoke your self to sweating . or , take of the root butter-burre , otherwise , called pestilent-wort , one ounce , of the root of great valerian a quarter of an ounce , of sorrel an handful , boil all these in a quart of water , to a pinte , then strain it , and put thereto two spoonfuls of vinegar , two ounces of good sugar , boyl all these together till they be well mingled : let the infected drink of this so hot as hee may suffer it , a good draught , and if hee chance to cast it up again , let him take the same quantity streight way upon it and provoke himself to sweat . or , take sugar of roses four ounces , ginger two ounces , camphire an ounce , make these into fine powder kept in butts with wine , taking a dram at a time . or , take of the powder of good bayberries , the husk taken away from them before they be dryed , a spoonful ; let the patient drink this , well mingled in a draught of good stale ale , or beer , or with a draught of white wine , and go to bed , and cast himself into a sweat , forbearing sleep . or , take of the inward bark of the ash-tree one pound , of wal-nuts with the green outward shells to the number of fifty , cut these small , of scabious and vervain , each a handful , saffron two drams , pour on the strongest vinegar you can get , four pints , let them a little boyl together , upon a very soft fire and then stand in a close pot well stopt all night upon the embers , after distill them with a soft fire , and receive the water close kept , give to the patient laid in bed , and well covered with cloathes , two ounces of this water to drink , and let him bee provoked to sweat , and every eight hours , during the space of twenty four , give him the same quantity to drink . care must bee taken in the use of these sweating cordials , that the party infected sweat two or three hours , if hee have strength , and sleep not till the sweat bee over , and that hee hath been well wiped with warm linnen , and when hee hath been dried , let him wash his mouth with water and vinegar warme , and let his face and hands bee washed with the same : when these things are done , give him a good draught of broth , made with a chicken , or mutton , with rose-mary , thime , sorrel , succory , and marigolds . or else water-gruel , with rosemary and winter-savory , or thyme , pomado seasoned with verjuyce , or juyce of wood-sorrel ; for their drink , let it bee small beer warmed with a toast , or water boyled with carraway-seed , cardus-seed and a crust of bread , or such posset-drink as is mentioned before in the second medicine ; after some nutriment let them sleep , or rest , often washing their mouth with water and vinegar . these cordials must bee repeated once in eight , ten , or twelve hours at the furthest . if the party infected vomit up his medicine , then repeat it presently , or else give him two or three spoonfuls of vinegar of squills , or oxymel of squils , with posset-drink , and then after proceed . external medicines . veficatores applyed to the arms , the in-side of the thighs , or about the bottom of the calf of the legg will draw forth the venome . for the swelling under the ears , arm-pits , or in the groines , they must bee alwaies drawn forth , and ripened , and broke with all speed . pull off the feathers from the tails of living cocks , hens , pidgeons or chickens , and holding their bills , hold them hard to the botch or swelling , and so keep them at that part , until they dye , and by this means draw out the poyson ; it is good to apply a cupping-glass or embers in a dish , with a handful of sorrel upon the embers . to break the humours . take a great onion , hollow it , put into it a fig , rue cut small , and a dram of venice treacle , put it close stopped in a wet paper , and rost it in the embers . apply it hot unto the humour , lay three or four one after another , let one lye three hours . or , scabious and sorrel roste in the embers , mixed with a little strong leaven , and some barrows grease , and a little salt , will draw it and break it . or , take two or three rosted onions , a lilly root , or two rosted , a handful of scabious rosted , four or five figs , a piece of leaven , and a little rue , stamp all these together , if it bee too drie , put to it two ounces of oyle of lillies , or so much salt-butter , make a poultess , apply it hot , after it hath been three or four hours , take it off , and burne it , and apply a fresh poultesse of the same , if it prove hard to break , add a little burnt coperass to the poultess . or , take the flowers of elders two handfuls , rochet seed bruised one ounce , pidgeons dung three drams , stamp these together , put to them a little oyle of lillys , make thereof a poultess , apply it , and change it , as you did the former . to draw. when it is broken , to draw it , and heal it , take the yolk of an egge , one ounce of hony of roses , turpentine half an ounce , wheat flower a little , london treacle a dram and a half , mixe these well , spread it upon leather , change it twice a day , or take diachylon cum gummis . for the carbuncle . apply an actual or potential cautery , laying a defensative of bole-armoniack , or terra sigillata , mixed with vinegar and the white of an egge , round about the tumor , but not upon it . take three or four cloves of garlick , rue half a handful , four figs , strong leaven , and the soot of a chimney in which wood hath been burnt , of each half an ounce , mustard-seed two drams , salt a dram and a half , stamp these well together , and apply it hot to the sore , you may put thereto a little salt-butter , if it be to dry . or this , take leaven half an ounce , radish roots , the bigger the better , an ounce and an half , mustard-seed two drams , onions and garlick roasted , of each two drams and a half , venice treacle , mithridatum three drams , mixe these in a morter , apply it hot thrice a day to the sore . but these sores cannot bee well ordered and cured , without the personal care of a discreet chirurgion . take of scabious two handfuls , stamp it in a stone morter with a pestel of stone , if you can get any such , then put into it of old swines greace salted , two ounces , and the yolk of an egg , stamp them well together and lay part of this warm to the sore . take of the leaves of mallows , of cammomel-flowers , or either of them , a handfull , of lin-seed beaten into a powder two ounces , boyl the mallow-leaves first cut , and the flowers of cammomel in fair water , standing about a fingers breadth , boyl all them together , till the water bee almost spent : then put thereunto the lin-seed , of wheat flower half a handful , of swines-greace , the skins taken away , three ounces , of oyle of lillies two ounces . stir them still with a stick , and let them all boyl together on a soft fire without smoak , until the water bee utterly spent , beat them all together in a morter until they bee well incorporated , and in feeling smooth , and not rough , then take part thereof hot in a dish , set upon a chafingdish of coals , and lay it thick upon a linnen cloath , applying it to the sore . take a white onion cut in pieces , of fresh butter three ounces , of leaven the weight of twelve pence , of mallows one handful , of scabious , if it may bee had , one handful , of cloves of garlick the weight of twentipence , boil them on the fire in sufficient water , and make a poultesse of it , and lay it warme to the sore . another . take two handfuls of valerian , three roots of dane-wort , an handful of smallage or lovage , seeth them all in butter and water , and a few crums of bread , and make a poultess thereof , and lay it warm to the sore till it break . another . if you cannot have these hearbs , it is good to lay a loaf of bread to it , hot , as it cometh out of the oven , ( which afterward shall bee burnt , or buried in the earth , ) or the leaves of scabious or sorrel rosted , or two or three lilly roots rosted under embers , beaten and applyed . quest . is it lawful to depart from our own place , and habitation in time of plague ? ans . provided a man be not tyed by the relation of a husband to a wife , a father to his children , a master to his family , a governour and over-seer of good order in the place he lives in , and bee otherwise free , hee may fly . for , the departure of some may bee a means in an infectious aire , to keep the infection from violence ; much fuel where fire is kindled increaseth the fervour and violence of the fire , multitudes of people to an infected place , are as fuel to the fire of pestilence . such by escaping , provide for their own safety , without prejudice to others ; for what prejudice can it be , that such as are not by any particular bond tyed to them that tarry , to leave those that are infected ? the departure of some , may make much to the benefit and advantage of such as tarry , for they have the better opportunity of sending succour to them , this was one reason why the people would not have david go into the field , that hee might succour them out of the city . it is permitted to such , in time of persecution to fly ; yea , and in time of war , why not in time of plague ? the plague is an immediate stroke of god , whereby such as he hath appointed to death are stricken . answ . i grant it to bee an extraordinary disease , but not immediate ; the kinde of the disease , and the effects thereof on mans body , do shew , that it is no more immediate than many other diseases ; if because such as are appointed to death , are strucken with it , means of escaping it might not bee used , no means for avoiding any judgement might bee used ; for the infection of it , let experience determine that case . object . . is it a fruit of faithlesseness to shun the plague . answ . no more then to shun other dangers ; men may indeed upon distrust fly , but that shews the frailty of the person , not the unlawfulnesse of the action . object . . if some fly , all may fly , and so the sick left without succour . answ . . some are more bound to venture the hazard than others ; as magistrates , for keeping good orders , ministers for feeding the soul , near of kindred for looking to their bodies ; such as are under command , as children and servants . others are not so subject to infection : as aged . others are not of such use , but may better bee spared : as the poorer and meaner sort . a discourse of fleeing or stay in the time of pestilence , whether lawful for ministers or people ? by bishop hall. how many hath a seduced conscience led untimely to the grave ? i speak of this sad occasion of pestilence ? the angel of god follows you , and you doubt , whether you shall fly , if a lyon out of the forrest should pursue you , you would make no question , yet could hee do it unsent ; what is the difference ? both instruments of divine revenge ; both threaten death , one by spilling the blood , the other by infecting it ; who knows whether hee hath not appointed your zoan out of the lists of this destruction , you say it is gods visitation ; what evil is not ? if war have wasted the confines of your countrey , you save your throats by flight , why are you more favourable to gods immediate sword of pestilence ; every leprosie by gods law , requires a separation , yet no mortal sickness , when you see a noted leper proclaim his uncleanness in the street ; will you embrace him for his sake that hath stricken him , or avoid him for his sake , that hath forbidden you ? if you honour his rod , much more will you regard his precept ; if you mislike not the affliction , because hee sends it , then love the life , which you have of his sending ; fear the judgement which he will send , if you love it not , hee that bids us fly when wee are persecuted , hath neither excepted angel nor man ; whether soever i fear , our guiltinesse , if wilfully wee fly not ; but whither shall wee fly from god , say you ? where shall hee not both finde and lead us ? whither shall not our destiny follow us ? vain men , wee may run from our home , not from our graves ; death is subtil , our time is set ; wee cannot , god will not alter it ; alass , how wise wee are to wrong our selves ? because death will over take us , shall we run and meet him , because gods decree is sure , shall wee bee desperate , shall wee presume , because god changeth not ; why do not we try every knife and cord , since our time is neither capable of prevention , nor delay : our end is set , not without our means , in matter of danger , where the end is not known , the means must bee suspected , in matter of hope , where the end is not known , means must bee used : use then freely the means of your flight , suspect the danger of your stay ; and since there is no particular necessity of your presence , know , that god bids you depart and live : you urge the instance of your minister , how unequally , there is not more lawfulness in your flight , then sin in ours ; you are your own wee our peoples , you are charged with a body which you may not willingly lose , nor hazard by staying ; wee with all their souls , which to hazard by absence is to lose our own ; wee must love our lives ; but not when they are rivals with our souls , or with others . how much better is it to bee dead , then negligent , then faithlesse : if some bodies be contagiously sick , shall all souls bee wilfully neglected ? there can bee no time wherein good counsel can bee so seasonable , so needful , every threatning finds impression , where the minde is prepared by sensible judgements . when will the iron hearts of men bow , if not when they are heat in the flame of gods affliction , now then to run away from a necessary and publick good , to avoid a doubtful and private evil , is to run into a worse evil then wee would avoid , he that will thus run from ninive to tarshish , shall finde a tempest , and a whale in his way , not that i dare be an authour to any of the private visitation of infected beds . i dare not without better warrant , no , whoever said , wee were bound to close up the dying eyes , of every departing christian , and upon what-ever conditions to hear their last groans ; if we had a word , i would not dilate of the success , then that there were cowardliness , which now is wisdome ; is it no service that wee publickly teach and exhort , that we privately prepare men for death , and arm them against it ? that our comfortable letters , and messages stir up their fainting hearts , that our loud voices pierce their ears afar ; unlesse wee feel their pulses , and lean upon their pillows , and whisper in their ears : daniel is in the lyons den ; is it nothing that darius speaks comfort to him thorow the grates , unlesse hee go in to salute him , amongst those fierce companions ? a good minister is the common good , hee cannot make his life peculiar to one , without injury to many , in the common cause of the church , hee must bee no niggard of his life , in the private cause of a neighbours bodily sickness , hee may soon bee prodigal , a good father may not spend his substance on one childe , and leave the rest beggars . if any man bee resolute in the contrary , i had rather praise his courage , then imitate his practice . i confesse , i fear not so much death , as want of warrant for death . quest . how far publick persons are bound to visit particular men under the infection . ans . i find no ground in sacred scriptures to bind publick persons to hazard their life in particular mens cases , they are set over a society , not over one or two particular persons : indeed every particular member of a society , belongs to their charge , and they ought to do what they can to the good of every particular member under their charge , so far as may stand with the good of the whole body , and prove no prejudice thereto . but if by visiting particular persons , they should bee infected , and by that infection their life taken away , would not this prove a prejudice and dammage to the whole body ; is it the way , is it the calling , of a publick person to go into a particular mans house that is infected ? private persons may every where bee found out competently enabled to do such duties as are requisite to bee done to such as are visited with the sickness ; or at least fit persons , that have not publick employments may bee chosen out , and set apart to visit the sick , in contagious places , to comfort them , and to see all things meet for them , duely performed . quest . and whether they may substitute others in their places ? ans . questionless difference may be put betwixt persons , some magistrates are of such use in a common-wealth , as it is meet they bee , as as much as lyeth in man , preserved from danger , on this ground , when david the king would have gone out with his souldiers to battel , the people answered : thou shalt not go forth , thou art worth ten thousand of us . wherefore eminent , excellent persons may bee exempted from abiding in dangerous places , and others substituted in their name and stead , to preserve peace , keep good order , and provide necessaries ; provided , that they who are substituted bee able , and willing , to perform the duties whereunto they bee deputed : the like may bee said of ministers , yea , of husbands , parents , masters , and the like : to leave a wife , a childe , a servant , infected with an infectious disease , to the tendance of others that are fit and willing to do that duty , and faithful in what they undertake , is not to forsake wife , childe , or servant . quest . how bold christians ought to bee in dangers in the time of a plague , when they have a good calling . a good calling is that way wherein god by his divine providence setteth a man , and wherein hee hath appointed him to walk , in that way he hath given his angels charge over him to keep him ; where we have the angels to minister for us , and to encamp round about us ; what need wee to fear ? they will either keep us safe from danger in this world , or if it seem good to god , to take us out of this world , they will carry our souls into heaven , as they did the soul of lazarus . for application of this point , it is requisite that wee bee well instructed by gods word , in the kinde of our calling , whether it be lawful and warrantable , or no , as for extraordinary callings , they must bee warranted by an extraordinary spirit , which is rare , if at all in these daies , but ordinary callings , have their express warrant in gods word . as the callings of magistrates , ministers , souldiers , husbands and wives , parents and children , masters and servants , nurses , and helpers in all kinde of necessities ; these may , these must in their place and calling expose themselves to danger , for performing the work which by vertue of their place belongeth unto them ; captains and souldiers , must stand against enemies , though thereby they endanger their lives ; magistrates must abide in cities , and other places diseased or infected with contagious diseases , to see good order kept , to take order for supply of such necessaries as are fit for all sorts , though by abiding there , they be in danger . so ministers must abide in such places , to instruct , direct , comfort and encourage the people under their charge . so husbands and wives , being one flesh , must have such a tender respect each of other , as not to forsake one another for fear of infection , or other like danger ; servants also , nurses and others , that in such cases take upon them , or by publick authority , are appointed to bee helpers , to such as are infected with the plague , or any other contagious and infectious disease , are bound to attend such persons , and abide by them , yea , though it bee with danger of their own lives ; for it is necessary that such persons bee looked unto : to forsake and leave them , that are not able to help themselves , is more than barbarous inhumanity ; it is necessary that some abide by them , who are more bound than they that have an especial calling thereto ? they with greatest confidence may depend on gods special providence for protection from infection , if they be infected and dye , they with greatest comfort may yeild up their souls into gods hands , as dying in that place wherein god hath set them , in these cases , god hath called them to venture their lives for their brethren ▪ and thereby to give evidence of their true brotherly love . of old , christians were so charitable in relieving such as were visited with the plague , as willingly they hazarded their own lives ; for proof whereof , i will here set down , what dionysius bishop of alexandria reporteth , in an epistle to the brethren in aegypt . many of our brethren by reason of their great love , and brotherly charity , sparing not themselves , cleaved one to another , visited the sick of the plague , and attended upon them diligently , cured them in christ , which cost them their lives ; and being full of other mens maladies , took the infection of their neighbours , and translated of their own accord , the sorrows of their neighbours , upon themselves , fulfilling indeed the common saying : that friendship , is alwaies to be retained ; and departing this life , they seemed the off scouring of others . in this sort , the best of our brethren departed this life , whereof some were ministers , some deacons , in great reverence among the common people ; so that this kinde of death for their great piety and strength of faith , may seem to differ nothing from martyrdome , for they took the dead bodies of the saints , whose breasts , and faces , and hands , lay upwards , and closed their eyes , shut their mouths , and joyntly with one accord , being like affectioned , embraced them , washed them , and prepared their funerals , their own being a little while afterward ; in all likely-hood prepared by others , for the living continually traced the steps of the dead , the wicked on the contrary , scarce had the pestilence among them , but they diverted themselves , and fled from their most loving and dearest friends , throwing them half dead in the streets ; the dead they left unburied , to bee devoured of dogges , to the end , they might avoid death , which they could not escape . quest . how men are to fly into the country , or from one place unto another , in a time of infection . no man should ( according to the physitians advice , . ) depart his house , except it were an house not inhabited , and to an house of such distance , as that hee may conveniently travel thither without lying by the way , much lesse that hee send his children or servants ; and this with the approbation of the overseers , under their hands . such as removed into the country , before their houses were visited , had certificates from the over-seers of the parish , under their hands and seals , testifying that they were not visited before their removal ; by vertue whereof , they travelled the more freely into the countrey , and were the more readily entertained . whosoever refused to stay within , when shut up , were to bee proceeded against as felons , if the sores were upon them uncured ; and as vagabonds , if they were not upon them . the master of each family whereinto an infectious person is privately received , and where-from hee privately steals , was severely punished . king james his proclamation and order , against all such as held , a man should not fly from the plague , because if it were decreed , a man should dye of the plague , he could not escape it , and if not , hee need not fear it . item , if there bee any person ecclesiastical , or lay , that shall hold or publish any opinions ( as in some places report is made ) that it is a vain thing to forbear resorting to the infected ; or that it is not charitable , to forbid the same ; pretending , that no persons shall dye , but at their time prefixed : such persons shall not onely be reprehended , but by order of the bishop , ( if they be ecclesiastical ) shall bee forbidden to preach , or being lay , shall bee also enjoyned to forbear to utter , such dangerous opinions , upon pain of imprisonment , which shall be executed , if they shall persevere in that errour : and yet , it shall appear manifestly by these orders , that according to christian charity , no persons of the meanest degrée , shall bée left without succour and relief . quest . in what cases are the godly involved in common calamities with the wicked ? answ . the godly are involved in the same judgements with the wicked , when they make themselves accessary to the common provocations , that pull down common judgements , rev. . . nay , the sins of gods people , do ( especially in this case ) more provoke him unto outward judgements , than the sins of his professed enemies ; because they expose his name to the more contempt , sam. . . and are committed against the greater love , amos . . and god hath future judgements for the wicked ; and therefore usually beginneth here at his own sanctuary , ezek. . . pet. . . when the wise god knoweth , that greater evils would befall them , if they should then escape ; see king. . . king. . . when the just lord will shew the fierceness of his wrath , how far the wicked hath provoked him , to aggravate the judgement , he taketh away therewith , who are as chariots and horsemen , while they remain , thus was good jonathan taken away , who if hee had lived , might have been a means of preserving the house of saul from utter ruine ; though david had been king , the death of righteous jonathan much aggravated the sin of saul , and the judgement that followed thereupon . when the lord to whom vengeance belongeth , will give the wicked an occasion to expect sure and sore vengeance , then hee maketh his saints a sign , and an example unto them ; thus hee caused a lyon to slay the man of god , that was seduced by a lying prophet , to transgress the word of god. in this case saith the apostle , judgement must begin at the house of god ; and if hee first begin at us , what shall bee the end of them that obey not the gospel of god ? when good men who have preserved themselves from publick sins , do yet fall by publick judgments , yet there is a great difference in this seeming equality , the same affliction having like the pillar that went before israel , a light side towards gods people , and a dark side towards the aegyptians ; god usually recompencing the outward evils of his people , with more plentiful evidences of inward and spiritual joy , a good man may be in great darknesse as well as a wicked man , but in that case , hee hath the name of god to stay himself upon , which no wicked man in the world hath ; isa . . . the mettal and the dross go both into the fire together , but the dross is consumed , the mettal refined , so it is with godly and wicked men in their sufferings , zach. . . . eccles . . , . quest . how the godly may avoid the judgements brought upon the wicked . they that would avoid the judgements that fall on the wicked , must avoid communion with them ; for this end , did god cause an ark to bee made for noah and his family to go into , from the old world , that so they might bee preserved from the general deluge , and sent his angels , to bring lot , and such as belonged to him , out of sodom ; to this purpose , the people of god were advised to remove out of the midst of babylon , and to deliver every man his soul , which advise is also given , in regard of spiritual babylon to come out of her , and that on this ground , that they receive not her plagues ; saints by separating themselves from the wicked in time of judgement , shew their care to use what means they can for preventing mischief , which is a point of wisdome , commended by the holy ghost , who giveth this note of a wise man , a prudent man foreseeth the evil , and hideth himself ; but the simple pass on , and are punished . this care of using means for safety , and in the use of means , to depend on god for his blessing , is well pleasing to god. god had promised that none in the ship with paul should be lost ; yet when some of the ship-men were about to leave the ship. paul said , except these men abide in the ship , ye cannot be saved . all lawful and warrantable means are the visible hand of god's invisible providence : to reject or neglect means , is to refuse to take god by the hand when he reacheth it out unto us , and to follow his visible direction . it is therefore foolish presumption , rather than a prudent resolution , either to accompany those that are as it were in the fire of god's judgement , or not to go from them when a fair and warrantable opportunity is offered . this is taxed as a point of folly in lot's sons in law. jehosaphat too much failed herein ; he heard the prophet say that ahab should fall at ramoth gilead , and yet he would accompany him thither ; it had almost cost him his life : yet hath god his wayes and means to deliver the righteous , in the forementioned cases , and all other cases whatsoever . as , . by visible preservations of them from external judgements : as ebed-melech was preserved . . by taking them from the evil to come . this was before exemplified in good josiah . . by ordering the judgement so , as it proves a means to them to honour god the more , and to do more good to such as are better prepared to accept the good which they do . thus was ezekiel carried away to babel in the first captivity , that he might prophesie in babylon to the jews there , who were counted good figgs in comparison of the jews that were at jerusalem , who were as evil figgs . . by making the judgement a means of their peace , honour , and eternal prosperity in this world . thus the captivity of daniel , and his three companions ; and of esther and mordecai , was a means of higher honour , and greater advancement , than they could in all probable conjectures have attained unto in their own land : they were also thereby special instruments of doing much good to the church ; and their names by that means are more honourable to this day in the church of god. . by taking them by an external judgement from earth to heaven , where they live being dead ; yea , by making the judgement a means to free them from eternal damnation , of such as by some extraordinary judgement dyed ( for 't is said of them , many sleep ) the apostle saith , when we are judged , we are chastened of the lord , that we should not be condemned with the world . blessed be that sword , though it be the sword of a mortal enemy , that openeth a passage in the body for the soul to enter into heaven . and blessed be that sickness , though it be the plague , that thrusteth the soul out of the bodies prison , to celestial glory and eternal life : and they may say , we had perished , if we had not perished . be not affrighted , o ye righteous ones , be not affrighted over-much at the judgements , though they be terrible judgements , which fall out in the world ; though by reason of the multitudes of wicked ones among whom ye live in this world , ye be every one forced to complain and cry , wo is me that i sojourn in mesech , that i dwell in the tents of kedar : and to wish and say , o that i had in the wilderness a lodging-place of wayfaring men , that i might leave my people : yet can the lord single you out , and when he comes to sweep with the beesome of destruction , set you aside , and as a few precious jewels in the midst of a great heap of rubbish , sift them out , and preserve them safe to himself , when the rubbish is cast away . it is said of christ , that he will thorowly purge his floor , and gather his wheat into his garner , but will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire . men when they fan their corn cannot do it so thorowly clean , but that some chaffe or tares will remain with the wheat , and some wheat be cast out with the chaffe : witness the offal that remains after the best fanning that men can make : but god's fanning is a thorow fanning ; not a grain , not a saint shall be over-slipt . this is indeed most properly meant of the last fanning of the world at the day of judgement : yet in the mean time doth the lord take notice of every one of his , to provide for them , and in the most common and general judgements doth that which in his wisdome he seeth to be fit for them . when elijah thought he had been left alone in israel , god knew many more , yea he could tell the just number of them : thou mayest therefore , o faithful one , say of the lord , he is my refuge and fortress , my god , in him will i trust . surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler , and from the noysome pestilence , &c. in the midst of judgements pronounced against sinners that are obstinate , god doth reserve and proclaim mercy unto sinners that are penitent . when a consumption is decreed , yet a remnant is reserved to return , isa . . , . the lord will keep his vineyard , when he will burn up the thorns and the bryers together : isa . . , . when a day of fierce anger is determined , the meek of the earth are called upon to seek the lord , zeph. . . when the lord is coming out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity , he calls upon his people to hide themselves in their chambers , until the indignation be over-past ; isa . . , . the angel which was sent to destroy sodom , had withall a commission to deliver lot , gen. . . god made full provision for those who mourned for publick abominations , before he gave order to destroy the rest , ezek. . , . men in their wrath will many times rather strike a friend , than spare a foe ; but god's proceedings are without disorder ; he will rather spare his foes , than strike his servants ; as he shewed himself willing to have done in the case of sodom , gen. . . moses stood in the gap , and diverted judgements from israel , psal . . . yea god seeks for such , ezek. . . and complains when they cannot be found , ezek. . . and if he deliver others for them , certainly he will not destroy them for others . however it go with the world , and with wicked men , it shall go well with the righteous ; there shall be a sanctuary for them when others stumble , and they shall pass through the fire when others shall be consumed by it , psal . . , . isa . . , , . zech. . , . reasons hereof are , god's justice ; he will not punish the righteous with the wicked ; he will have it appear that there is a difference between him that serveth god , and him that serveth him not , gen. . . mal. . . gods love unto his people , hee hath book of remembrance written before him , for them that fear him , and think upon his name ; and they shall bee mine , saith the lord of hosts ; in that day when i make up my jewells , and i will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him , mal. . , . here is a climax and gradation of arguments , drawn from love in a great fire , and devouring trouble , ( such as is threatned , chap. . . ) property alone is a ground of care , a man would willingly save and secure that which is his own , and of any use unto him . but if you add to this , preciousness ; that increaseth the care ; a man will make a hard shift to deliver a rich cabinet of jewels , though all his ordinary goods and utensils should perish , but of all jewels , those that come out of the body are more precious than those that onely adorn it ; who would not rather snatch his childe , than either his kasket or his purse out of the flame ? relation workes not onely upon the affection , but upon the bowels ; jer. . . and lastly , the same excellency that the word jewel doth adde unto the word mine ; the same esteem doth service , adde unto the word , son ; a man hath much conflict in himself to take off his heart from an undutiful childe , but if any bee more a jewel than others , certainly , it is a dutiful childe , who hath not onely an interest in our love , by nature , but by obedience . all these grounds of care and protection for gods people in trouble are here expressed , property , they are mine , in preciousnesse , they are jewells , in relation , they are sons , usefulness , they are sons that serve . lastly , gods name and glory : he hath spared his people in the midst of their provocations for his names sake , deut. . , . jos . . . how much more , when they repent and seek his face ? hee will never let it bee said , that any seeks his face in vain . isa . . . the way to be safe in times of trouble , is to get the blood of the lamb upon our doors : all troubles have their commission and instruction from god , what to do , whither to go , whom to touch , whom to pass over . bee gold , though the fire come upon you , you shall keep your nature , and your purity still . it should be every mans chief businesse to clear up the evidences of his particular title and relation unto this great governour of the world : and this will bee the surest means to set us above the fear , or hurt of all outward changes . wee see with what artifice and compliance men will insinuate themselves , into the affection of those , ( who according to the several revolutions ) are advanced into places of power . of how much greater advantage would it bee , to get an interest in his favour , who doth , and shall alwaies , rule over the sons of men , having all times at his disposal , out of whose hands , no strength or policy , shall ever be able to wrest the sway and dominion of things ? it cannot but afford strong consolation , unto every true believer , to consider , that hee who hath the chief influence in all these great changes , and variety of events in the world , is both his god , and his father . how would it compose mens mindes and thoughts otherwise disquieted , and dejected , either by want of this evidence , or by the neglect of applying it to enjoy such an assurance of an interest in god , as to have him for their strength and refuge , though the earth bee removed , and the mountains bee carried into the midst of the sea , though the waters thereof roar , and be troubled , and the mountains shake with the swellings thereof , so that there can bee no distresse , against which there was not a refuge and an escape for them , when penitent , unto some promise or other . against captivity , when they be in the land of their enemies , i will not cast them away , nor abhor them ; levit. . . against famine and pestilence ; if i shut up heaven that there bee no rain , or if i command locusts to devour the land , or if i send pestilence among my people ; if my people which are called by my name , shall humble themselves , and pray , and seek my face , and turn from their wicked waies ; then will i hear from heaven , and will forgive their sin , and will heal their land , chron. . , . against sicknesse , the lord will strengthen them upon the bed of languishing , and make all his bed in his sickness ; psal . . . against poverty , when the poor and needy seek water and there is none ; i the lord will hear them , isa . . . psal . . . against want of friends , when my father and mother forsake mee , then the lord will take mee up , psal . . . psal . . . against oppression and imprisonment ; hee executeth judgement for the oppressed , he looseth the prisoners , psal . . . against whatsoever plague or trouble , king. . , , . hee is the god of all consolation , how disconsolate soever a mans condition is in any kinde , there cannot but within the compass of all consolation , be some one , or other remedy at hand , to comfort and relieve him . mixture of the godly with the wicked is a stay of judgement . when god was about to destroy sodom , he saith to lot , haste thee ; i can do nothing till thou be gone . good josiah was a stay of those judgements which god had threatned to bring upon jerusalem for the sins of manasseh . had there been but ten righteous men in sodom , surely it had not been then destroyed when it was : abraham intimates the reason hereof in this rhetorical communication with god , vvilt thou destroy the righteous with the wicked ? that be far from thee : shall not the judge of all the world do right ? the supreme lord of all hath such respect to his faithful ones , as he will rather spare many wicked ones for a few righteous ones , than destroy a few righteous ones with many wicked ones . behold here a means of god's patience and long-suffering in the world : which is that mixture of holy ones with the elect , and were such as are sanctified taken out of the world , soon would there be an end of all . many nations , cities , towns , and other societies are spared for some faithful saints therein . this surely is the reason of god's much forbearance towards this land , this city of london , and other places in this kingdome . there is a remnant of righteous persons , these hold up their hands to god ordinarily and extraordinarily : to their persons , to their prayers hath the lord such respect , as they do in a manner hold him , as moses held god when it was in his mind utterly to destroy all the children of israel that came out of aegypt . god gave to paul all them that sayled with him . it is said that a little before heidelberg in the upper palatinate was taken , their faithful ministers were all taken away . o the ungratefulness of the wicked in the world , thorow god's favour to the saints here and there dispersed in the world ; they that live and enjoy any comforts in the world , are beholding to those saints for their peace , plenty , safety , honours , wealth , liberties , livings , and life it self : yet in the world who more hated , scorned , reproached , evilly entreated , and persecuted in the world ? is not this more then monstrous ingratitude ? but how beholding to god are these saints , to whom the lord ( who is beholding to none ) beareth such respect , as not onely to spare them , but , for their sakes , those among whom they live ? the several names the greeks and latines gave the plague : describing also two sorts of this contagious sickness . that which we call in english the plague , is known in latin by pestis or pestilentia , in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , pernities seu exitium , a deadly fretting . our english word signifieth , a sharp punishment of what kinde soever . in that sense , we read many were the plagues inflicted on the aegyptians : we are apt , when offended by any , to say , well , i will plague you for this . hippocrates calleth this distemper , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , morbus epidemicus , an universal or popular disease . thus much for the name : in the next place take notice , there are two sorts of plagues ; the one simple , the other putrid . the simple plague is the very influence of the striking angel , executing the vengeance of god on the bodies of men . this kinde of plague ariseth from no distemper of blood , putrefaction of humours , or influence of stars , but falleth meerly from the stroke of god's punishing angel ( such were the plagues of old , as you may read in exodus . & numb . . , . also samuel . kings . ) whereof some die suddenly , without any precedent or foregoing complaint , or conceit of infection . others again , though they be sick before they die , yet their first taking hath been after an extraordinary manner . some whereof i have talkt with , who have ingenuously confest , they at their first infection felt themselves manifestly stricken , being sensible of a blow suddenly given them ; some on the head and neck ; others on the back and side , &c. sometimes so violently , that they have been as it were knockt down to the ground , remaining for a time sensless , whereof some have died instantly , others in a short time after ; and those that did recover , escaped without humane help or means . for this kinde of plague , as it is rare , so it is by all art of man incurable . therefore no method but repentance , no medicine but prayer can avert or heal this stroke . of all antidotes for the body , that triacle is the best esteemed which is made of the flesh of earthly serpents : but for the soul , that only which is made of the blood of the brazen serpent , which was lifted up on the cross for our sins . he that by a lively faith applieth the benefit of our blessed saviours sufferings to the plague-sore of his soul , shall undoubtedly recover , ( if not health here , yet ) heaven hereafter . the putrid plague is a popular feaver , venemous and infectious , striking chiefly ( when first seizing the body ) at the very heart , and for the most part is accompanied with some swelling , which is either called a blain , a botch or carbuncle ; or else with spots , called gods tokens . this comes of putrefaction of blood and humours in the body , which it pleaseth god sometimes to make the instrument of his punishing justice , mixing it with the simple plague before-mentioned . this putrefaction may be caused by the influence of the stars , who do undoubtedly work upon all sublunary bodies . for astrologers are of opinion , that if saturn and mars have dominion ( especially under aries , s●gittarius , and capricorn ) a plague or pestilence is shortly to be expected : or , if these two ( before-named ) most malevolent planets be in opposition to jupiter , according to the poet : coelitus imbuitur tabe difflatilis aura , mars quando objicitur falcitonensque jovi . when mars in opposition is to jove , the air will be infected from above . the winds likewise are led into their motions by the starry-course ; the planets ( especially the sun ) by extracting the earths exhalations ( which are the substance of the windes ) do set them so on work : and the windes , some are naturally wholesom , others unwholesom . the south-winde blowing from the meridian , is of nature hot and moist , and full of showers . now when by the influence of the stars this winde bloweth long , and bringeth continual rain , it causeth much moisture in all airy and earthly bodies ; and so much the more , by how much the milder it is . this moisture being in such abundance , cannot be digested nor attenuated by the suns beams or heat , and therefore setling together , it must needs putrifie ; and that so much the sooner , because the heat of the sun ( not being able to extract all ) doth inflame what remains ; by which inflammation the putrifaction becomes the greater . in this manner are the windes in cause : and moreover , they do sometimes transfer the contagion from one region to another ; as hippocrates affirmeth the plague to be brought over the sea from aethiopia into greece by the south-winde . now if the stars be pestilentially bent against us , neither arts nor arms , perfumes nor prayers , can prevail with them ; who have neither pity , sense , nor power to alter their motions appointed them by the omnipotent creator . but he that commandeth their course , and altereth them at his pleasure ; he that made the sun and moon stand still for joshua , and drew the sun ten degrees back for hezekiah , and caused the stars to fight in their courses against sisera ; he , and he alone is able to heal all infections that can arise from their influences . other causes there are also of this putrid plague ; namely , corrupt and unwholesom feeding , all sorts of unsavory stenches , proceeding either from carrion , ditches , rotten dunghils , vaults , sinks , nasty kennels and streets ( strewed with all manner of filth ) seldom cleansed . wherefore i cannot but justly applaud the prudence of the right honourable the present lord mayor , in taking so much care , and giving such strict order , that the kennels and streets be very frequently swept and kept sweet , every one throwing fair water before his own door thrice a day , to cool as well as cleanse : a good primary way for prevention of any ensuing general infection : he wisely advised that said , principiis obsta , hinder beginnings . these foetid smells ( as i said ) are the maintaining causes of the contagion after it is begun . corpora foeda jacent , vitiantur odoribus aurae . if stinking bodies lie , then hence i see , the air will with their stench corrupted be . so likewise the unseasonableness of the weather , quum tempestiva intempestivè redduntur , saith hippocrates ; when the weather is unseasonable for the season of the year , being hot when it should be cold , ( very hot one day , and in the like measure cold the next ) moist when it should be dry , and so on the contrary . now this kind of plague is by art curable , in as many as god pleaseth to bless the means to : for this therefore i intend to prescribe a course of physick , such as both my much reading , and also my practice and manifest experience in this sickness hath preferred to my best approbation ; wherein i will first open the way of preservation ; after that , shew the signes of being infected ; and lastly , the course of cure . who are most subject to infection . in the way of preservation , it is first necessary to be considered , whether the plague be infectious or not ; and then , who are most or least subject ( according to natural reason ) to receive this infection . this putrid plague is ( as i have said in the definition ) venemous and infectious , best known by experience . by venom or poyson , the reader is to understand something that hath in it a dangerous subtle quality , that is able to corrupt the substance of a living body , to the destruction or hazard of the life thereof . this working is apparent in this sickness , by his secret and insensible insinuation of himself into the vital spirits ; to which , as soon as he is gotten , he sheweth himself a mortal enemy , offering with sudden violence to extinguish them . his subtle entrance , slie cruelty , and swift destroying ; the unfaithfulness of his crisis , and the other prognostick signes , with the vehemency , grievousness and ill behaviour of his symptoms , do all declare by manifest proofs his venemous quality : for in this disease the urine and sweat have a loathsome and abominable savour , the breath stinks and is noisom ; ill colour'd spots , pustles , blisters , swellings , and ulcers full of filthy matter arise in the outward parts of the body ; such , as no superfluity or sharpness of humours , nor any putrefaction of matter ( without a venemous quality joyned with it ) can possibly produce . now though this disease may be acknowledged by the learned to be venemous , yet some ignorant persons may say it is not infectious . to satisfie such , i define infection or contagion to be that which infecteth another with his own quality by touching it ; whether the medium of the touch be corporeal , spiritual , or an airy breath . of this kinde there are divers diseases that are infectious , though not so deadly as the plague : as the itch and scabbiness , warts , measels , small-pox , and that which is venereal too , called morbus gallicus ; these by rubbing and corporeal touches do infect : also sore eyes do by their spirituous beams infect others eyes ; and the ptisick or putrified lungs , do by their corrupt breath infect others that are sound . but the plague infects by all these wayes ; and such sick bodies infect the outward air , and that air again infects other bodies : for there is a seminary tincture full of a venemous quality , that being very thin and spirituous , mixeth it self with the air ; and piercing the pores of the body , entreth with the same air , and mixeth it self with the humours & spirits of the same body also : for proof of this , experience giveth us to understand , that garments , coffers , nay walls of chambers will a long time retain any strong scent wherewith they have been fumed . now the scent is meerly a quality , and his substance is the air , which is also the vehiculum wherein it is seated and conveyed . so doth the pestilent infection take hold , though not sensibly ( for the strongest poysons have little taste or smell ) yet certainly , as experience testifieth ; for garments and houshold-stuff have been infected , and have infected others . as fracastinus tells of a furr'd gown , that was the death of twenty five men in verona ( when that city was visited ) who one after another wore it , thinking still they had aired it sufficiently . and if alexander benedictus may be believed , feather-beds will keep the contagion seven years . other experiences we have also of living poultry , which being applied to the sores , were taken away dead , though no ways crushed or hurt in the least . but say some , then why is not one infected as well as another ? i have eaten in the same dish , drank in the same cup , and have lain in the same beds with infected persons , and then too , whilst their sores were running ; yet never had the plague in my life . by way of answer , there may be two special causes for this : the first and principal cause , is the protection of the almighty , which preserves some as miraculously , as his justice strikes others dreadfully . thus through his mercy he often preserves those that with faithful and conscionable care do their duties like christians about the sick , being warrantably called thereunto , and not thrusting themselves either presumptuously or rashly into the business , without a just and reason-rendring cause : for god hath given his angels charge over us , to keep us in all our ways , such as may be esteemed lawful . in the next place , every pestilential contagion is not of the same nature , nor hath equal conformity with every constitution , age , or manner of live : for some contagion is apt only to infect the sanguine complexion , some the cholerick , some the phlegmatick only ; some children , some youths , some those of ripe age , some antient people ; and where the seminary tincture hath no analogie , there will be none or very little infection . and first , those are most apt to be infected that have thin bodies and large open pores , and whose hearts are so hot , that they need much attraction of air to cool them ; also they whose veins and vessels are full of gross humours , the venemous matter being thick , and therefore unapt to breath through the pores , their putrefaction is increased by the inward heat , and so driven to malignity , and thence on-ward to a pestilent quality . hence those bodies that are moist and full of phlegmatick humours , whose veins are straight ( and therefore apter to intercept then entertain those well-concocted juices that would make the purest blood ) and the thickness of whose skin denyeth the transpiration of excrements ; these are easily polluted and infected . and such are women , especially women with child ; for their bodies are full of excrementitious humours , and much heat withal , which is as oyl and flame put together . also virgins , that are ripe for marriage , are apt to receive infection ; and being stricken , seldom or never escape without great means : quia spirituosum semen in motu eum sit facile succenditur ; vel quia intus detentum facile corrumpitur , & in veneni perniciem abit . their blood being hot , and their seed retain'd for want of copulation , the one will soon be inflam'd , the other corrupted ; from thence infection . also young children , in regard of their soft , tender , and moist bodies ; and likewise , because as their meats are moister , so they feed with more appetite then judgement . likewise , the more pure and delicate complexions , whose blood is finer and thinner then others , is so much the more apt to receive mutation ; and the contagion insinuates it self with more facility into all the humours ; but first and most easily into blood , choler next , more slowly into phlegm , but very seldom into melancholy . those that are very costive , and have not a frequent propensity to make water ; for the noisom vapours that are by these excrements engendred , make the body apt to infection . those that fast too long ( their bodies being empty ) receive more air in then they let out ; and ( their spirits being weakened for want of due nourishment ) they have less strength to resist the contagion . on the other side , gluttons and drunkards ( let them argue what they will for the filling of the veins , as they use to say , to keep out the evil air ) can never be free from crudities and distempered blood , which easily takes infection , as hippocrates testifies ; corpora impura quo magis aluntur , eo magis laeduntur ; impure bodies , the more they are nourished , the more they are endangered . poor people , by reason of their great want , living sluttishly , and feeding nastily and unwholesomly on any food they can with least cost purchase , have corrupted bodies ; and of all others , are therefore most subject to this sickness . at this present , most of those houses which are infected , are the habitations of poverty , in some obscure close place in the suburbs ; as towards st. giles's , &c. one house i know more especially by curfitors-alley , where the man , his wife and childe liv'd in a room that look'd more like , for bigness , a great chest then any thing else : they had not space enough ( according to the vulgar saying ) to swing a cat in ; so hot by reason of the closeness , and so nastily kept besides , that it even took away a mans breath to put his head but within the doors . in this house , all this little family died lately , in two dayes . the childe dying suddenly , the neighbours were afraid to come near them . the man having languished a long time , for want of air , as well as money , and he not able to stir out , and none coming to his relief , dyed quickly after . the woman being as big with child as she could tumble , seeing her child dead on the one side , and her husband in his cloaths on the other , and forsaken by all , fell in labour and dyed too , instantly . a very true and sad accident , which doubtless was occasioned by their loathsom living , but perfected by the cruelty of those that lived near them . furthermore , nearness of blood and kindred , by sympathy of nature , is another aptness . but old folks , whose bodies are cold and dry ; confident spirits , whose very courage is an antidote , if they keep their bodies clean by a regular course of life ; and those that have the gout , in whom the nobler parts of the body do expel the noxious humours to the ignobler , have the same benefit of non-infection ; as milch-nurses have , because their children suck the evil juices from them with their milk . these are in the way likely to escape ; but if the nurse be infected , the childe cannot recover it . lastly , they who keep themselves private , or have issues , ulcers , haemorrhoids , or women that have their courses abundantly , are least subject to infection ; because the hurtful humours are by those means drained away . what things are to be observed by every man that is desirous to preserve himself from the infection of the plague . by discovering to you the six strings of apollo's viol , i shall shew wherein consisteth the whole harmony of health ; which are air , meat and drink , repletion and evacuation , exercise and rest , sleep and watching : and lastly , the passions of the minde . if these be in tune , the body is sound ; but any of these too high wrested , or too much slackned ( that is , immoderately used ) makes a discord in nature , and puts the whole body a jarring . aer , esca , quies , repletio , gaudia , somnus ; haec moderata juvant , immoderata nocent . air , meat and rest , repletion , joys and sleep ; as they are us'd , an healthful body keep . or thus : sleep , joys , repletion , resting , air and food ; immoderate are bad , if moderate good . air we shall first begin with , since it is that we draw in with our breath continually , and we cannot live without it one minute ; for it is the food of our spirits , and therefore we had need take heed that the air we draw be pure and wholesom . the whole stream of opinion runs upon a cold and dry air ; so commending the north and east windes as most wholesom , and condemning the hot and moist air engendred by the south and west windes , as the fittest matter for infection , because most apt to putrefaction . so galen affirmeth , saying , that the hot and moist constitution of the air doth most of all breed pestilential diseases . from his mouth many modern authors have learned to speak the same thing : yet we know , that the hot and dry weather also may cause a contagious air . titus livius mentioneth in his decades , that rome was so infected by an hot and dry distemper of the air. it is not out of my remembrance , that the summer . preceding the great sickness , was an extream dry and parching summer : i pray god this summer prove not a mother to a like contagion . now to avoid the mischiefs of an unwholesome air , take hippocrates his counsel ( in his treatise of humane nature ) walk abroad as little as may be , and as much as may be shun passing by any place infected ; but by no means would i advise any to flie , though the sickness should spread all over the city : for , in the last great visitation , many with daedalus did put on wings , that with icarus dropt down by the way . only my counsel is this : should the sickness increase , let every one keep himself as private as he may ; shun throngs of people , and all wet , close , and stinking places ; walk not abroad before , not after sun ; keep moderation between heat and cold in all things : yet rather incline to heat a little , because of drying up superfluous moistures . let not your houses be pestered with many lodgers ; and it is best for those that are able , to have change of beds and chambers to lie in , that the air in them may be kept free and sweet . keep every room daily very clean , and let there be no sluts corners ; let not water stand so long in any vessel as to putrifie , which in hot weather it will soon do . make fires every day in every room , in quantity according to the largeness of the room , and the temperature of the weather : perfume them in cold and moist weather with frankincense , storax , benjamin , pitch , rozin , lignum-aloes , lignum rhodium , juniper-wood , or the berries ; in hot and dry weather , with rose-water on a hot fire-shovel , or some such like cool fume , in a perfuming-pot : strew the windows and ledges with rue , worm-wood , lavender , marjoram , peniroyal , costmary , and such like , in cold weather ; but in hot , with primroses , violets , rose-leafs , borage , bugloss , and such cooling scents . for garments , avoid as much as may be , all leather , woollen and furr ; also velvets , plush , and shag ; but chuse such as may be watered , as chamlets , grograms , &c. for their gumminess excludeth infectious air best : shift your shirt often , and cloaths also ; and before you put them on again , perfume them well : be sure you take care that you buy not old cloaths , bedding , or such like stuff ; for the garments of infectious persons deceased , are usually put to sale , which oftentimes prove very dangerous to the buyer . carry in your mouth a piece of the pill of citron or lemmon ; a clove is of excellent use to that purpose : forget not to carry in your hand a lemmon stuck with cloves , sweet marjoram , lavender , balm , rue , or worm-wood , and thereunto smell frequently : i should commend for your use camphire , because it is accounted an excellent cool fume for ill airs ; but i would have those that have cold and weak stomacks to beware thereof , since such are very much weakned by the use of it . though dioscorides and cardan commend galbanum , burning of leather , and smelling to horse-dung ; yet my advice is to eschew unsavoury smells and stinking odours ; judging what are sweet and pleasant more proper , because they dilate , restore , and comfort the spirits , whereas the contrary do contract , and by repugning them , weaken the faculties . what manner of diet is to be observed for self-preservation . the next thing which we shall handle for preservation , is the due observation of diet for meat and drink . let your meat be always good and sweet , temperate , betwixt hot and cold , and not too moist or flashy , easie of digestion , and such as makes the best blood : if your purse cannot purchase turkey , capon , pullet , partridge , pheasant , pidgeons , larks , black-birds , thrushes , finches , &c. ( all which afford as much wholesom nourishment to the body , as pleasure to the taste ) feed then on beef , mutton , lamb , kid , and rabbits , &c. of fish , which should be eaten but seldom , although of the best kinde , those i approve , are fresh salmon , trout , barbel , shrimps , plaice and flounders , ( when they are firm ) smelts , mackerel , gudgeon , mullet , soal , gurnard both gray and red , lobster and cray-fish : but eeles and lampreyes , and all such as delight in mud , are to be avoided . turkeys and hens-eggs are very good . oyl and butter are kindes of antidotes against venom . let those who have hot constitutions , drink sometimes butter-milk or whay ; but more especially if it be clarified with cool hearbs : eat not fruits at any time , sparingly ; and then too , those which are , as cherries , plumbs , and goosberries , before they be full ripe ; also peaches , quinces , pomegranads , oranges , lemmons , medlars , cervices , mulberries , rasps , strawberries and currans , which being not ripe , are astringent , but at full maturity do loosen the body . but of wall-nuts , filberts , and small-nuts , the elder are the better : dryed fruits are also good , and so are pease , beans and artichoaks , which may be used sometimes by lean and spare bodies . the best roots , are onyons , leeks and radishes , for in these is great power and vertue against venom , yet offensive to hot heads and weak eyes . of hearbs , mints , rosemary , sage , and thime , and rue , with those hearbs afore-mentioned . for sallets and sauces , burrage and bugloss , violets , fennel , and especially sorrel , olives also and capers . as a plant , let me not forget to mention the inexpressible vertues of tobacco , the fume whereof hath been approved the most soveraign antidote against pestilential contagion : the truth hereof is in a great measure of late confirm'd by the practise of the most eminent , now taken for this very reason , by the advice of the best of physicians now extant , though not long since slighted and prohibited : a pipe taken fasting in the morning is the best time . these following likewise have an excellent property in them for this purpose : vinegar , verjuice , juice of lemmons and oranges , which for their dryness resist putrefaction ; and for their coolness , feavers . beware of cabbages , coleworts , lettice , pompions , musk-mellons and cucumbers ; for they are very dangerous meats in contagious times : neither can i approve of any other roots then garlick for rustick bodies ; and for others , only onyons , leeks and radishes , as i said before . let your flesh be roasted , for that is the wholesomest way of dressing it . either fry or boyl your fish : as for drink , you must take but as little as may well be born , of the best and purest . wine is the best liquor for weak stomacks and aged people : but let not youth meddle therewith , lest it breed in them inflammations , after which follows putrefaction , which is a fit host to entertain such an ill guest as the pestilence . wheaten bread of a day old , and a little leaven'd , is absolutely the best for healthy people : light biskets also with anise-seeds are very good . i cannot prescribe the strict quantity of eating and drinking , since i know not how to stint every mans stomack ; wherefore i shall let season , place , and custom bear some sway in these things ; only beware of cramming satiety , since meat and drink immoderately taken , cause sickness ; for from thence arise crudities , which breed new diseases . therefore let avicen advise you in these words : rise alwayes from meat with some remaining appetite ; for within a little time , as soon as the meat first eaten beginneth to digest , hunger will then cease . and hence it is , that some greedily following the sence of their appetite only , over-charge their stomacks , even to vomiting , before they feel themselves satisfied ; because though the vessel be over-full , yet appetite is not appeas'd , till concoction hath begun her work upon that which is already received . others may be taxed for the like immoderate drinking , so excessive therein , that it may be said of them , as valerius aurelianus the emperor was wont to say of bonosus a spaniard ; such are born not to live , but to drink . the dutch may yield up their seas of drinking , and strike sail to the english , acknowledging themselves inferiour to us in every thing . men now adayes care not , though they lose their own good names , provided they may get new ones ; as dam-me blades & hectors , who rise to drink , then drink to fall : after this , sleep of necessity , and ere they are half sober , fall a drinking , and be drunk again . if any of that luxurious sect be at this time sober , let them but listen to the testimonies of learned experience , & they wil tel them into what bodily dangers they do plunge themselves , by this detestable disorder : for of all diseases , as paulus egineta affirmeth , the overcharging of the vessels is the worst . wine moderately taken , increaseth natural heat , as being its proper aliment ; and so the best meats taken in the same manner , afford the purest nourishment . but hear what avicen saith , laying down the dangers that follow over-repletion , in these words ; eating much nourisheth not , but fills the body with crudities and raw humours ; stops the pores , weakens the powers of nature , causeth putrefaction , mixed feavers , short breath , sciatica of joynt aches . of drinking thus he speaks : much drinking of wine in sanguine and cholerick complexions , over-heats the blood , and causeth choler to super-abound ; and by too much repletion of the veins and vessels , there may follow a hot apoplexy and sudden death . a tragical example whereof we lately had , of two , who having drunk a very large quantity of sack , would notwithstanding go to the ale-house ; where out of a bravado they drank , in beer , thirty cans apiece : coming home , they both instantly dyed . the suddenness of their death , made some suspect that they died of the plague ; and thereupon the house was shut up ; whereas it was no otherwise then a meer misprision of the true cause . what avicen hath said of wine , may be applyed to all other strong drinks . i hope these lines will keep such men the soberer in this dangerous time ; and in that sober tune , the time may touch their heart-strings so , that sobriety may let in religious meditations ( which continual drunkenness hath lock'd out of doors ) and then repentance may draw them to god , and him nearer to them , and at last become new creatures : which the father for his sons sake grant . in the mean time , let those which are well , eat the afore-prescribed flesh ; but the sick , the juices of them rather , because aliment must be made more easie and quick for their supply . let the flesh be boyled till all the vertue of the meat be boyled out , and then the broth to be strained hard , that the flesh may be left juiceless , so will all the strength of the meat be in the broth ; which you may spice with some of these powders following . take of red saunders , half an ounce ; cinnamon , three drams and half ; saffron , half a dram : make them into a fine powder . or else make a powder thus : take of cinnamon , half an ounce ; cloves and saffron , of each half a dram ; red coral , two scruples : and the weight of all in sugar . let all be more sparing in diet now , then at other times ; eat little , and drink less ; but never go out of doors fasting : but first , take an antidote , of which there are several ; some whereof , for their excellency , i shall here nominate . theriaca andromachi . venice-triacle . theriaca londinensis . london-triacle . mithridatium damocratis . mithridate . electuarium de ovo imperatoris . antidotus magna matthioli . confectio liberans . diascordium . of any of these take the quantity of a nutmeg ; and of confectio alkermes , and confectio de hiacyntho , the quantity of an hazel-nut : or , you may take a powder , called pulvis contra pestem montagnanae , half a dram at a time ; or , half an ounce of angelica-water , or aqua theriacalis , either with white-wine , and a few drops of the juice of a lemmon ; or , aqua bezoartica langii . aqua coelestis matthioli , for the richer sort , with a drop of oyl of vitriol , in half an ounce of either . but for such as love not the taste of physick , and had rather take their antidote in form of pills then otherwise , let a skilful apothecary make this mass of pills following . recip . zadoarie , ligni aloes , agrimonie , croci , aristolochie rotunde , dictamni , gentiane , cort . citri , semp . citri , ana scrup . . coriandri prepar . tormentille , santali rūb . corallii rub . spodii , myrobalan . emblic . ana drach . . terrae sigillat . drach . . boli-armeni , drach . . cum syrupo ex acetositate citri fiat massa . of which , , . or two shillings grains may be taken at once , in one , or two , or three pills , as the person can swallow them in bigness . those that are offended with the heat of triacle , or other of the hot antidotes above-mentioned , may use this opiate of palmarius ; which is excellent for hot complexions . recip . flor. bugloss . boraginis , cariophillorum , ros . rub . horum separatim conditorum , ana unc . . terre lemnie , boli-armeni , scobis cornu cervicis , ana drach . . margarit . prepar . drach . . ambari grisci , scrup . ss . surup . de succo bugloss . q. s . fiat opiata . s. a. the dose is the quantity of a nutmeg . an especial care must be had , that women with childe be not over-heated with common antidotes ; therefore theirs must be only of terra lemnia , bole-armoniack , harts-horn , conserves and syrrups of roses , violets and betony , or a little mithridate , with twice as much conserve of burrage or bugloss ; likewise the species de gemmis frig . or of diamargar . frig . in burrage , bugloss , and carduus-water : or else such may have this antidote made for them . recip . cornu cervi , cinamoni , nucis mosch . santalorum omnium , ana drach . . rad. angelice , tormentille , enulecamp . ana drach . ss . f. pul . subt . then take conserves of burrage and bugloss , each three drams , with the like quantity of syrrup of lemmons and dry'd roses , f. conditum s . a. there is nothing fitter or better for young children then bole-armoniack , or terra lemnia , with a little of the root of tormentil , or citron-pills , made into fine powder , and mixed with their meats , butter and broths for their break-fast . and because they are not much to be tampered with by internal medicines , anoint the region of their hearts with the oyl of hypericon every morning and evening , or with oyl of scorpions , or oyl of _____ or else let them commonly wear next their skin , over their heart , such a quilt as this : take of red roses two drams , red saunders , red coral , and spodium , of each one dram ; zedoary , lignum-aloes , cinamon , cloves , citron-pill , saffron , of each half a dram . sew it up in a piece of red sarcenet , or callico ; moisten it with a little rose-vinegar , so heat it , and apply it warm ; and when it begins to be dry , moisten it , and after the same manner heat it again . always observing this following direction . when you suspect a childe to have the worms in a contagious time , use not worm-seed , nor those common trifles , but order it as in danger of infection ; for that disease coming of so much putrefaction as it doth , is as apt to receive contagion , as tinder to take fire ; give it therefore or grains of this powder following . take of harts-horn one dram , citron-pill , roots of angelica , and tormentil , rheubarb , and coralline , of each half a dram . make all into a fine powder , and give the aforesaid quantity in a little carduus-water , sweetned with some sugar . but you must be sure to abstain from all meat and drink for two or three hours after the taking of any of these antidotes ; and then eat a piece of bread and butter , strewed with a piece of grated nutmeg , or bread and sallet-oyl spiced with the powder of tormentil-roots , or a piece of bread sopped in white-wine , allayed with a little vinegar . let your dinner be about high noon ; and then eat not of above two or three several dishes : let your supper be about five or six in the evening , and then let one dish suffice ; for it is a pretty saying , and worthy of observation : in the morning , a little is enough ; at noon , enough is but a little : but at night , a little may be too much . go not to bed till three or four hours after supper , lest sleeping upon a full stomack , you hinder digestion . and so i bid good night to the second point of diet. the third point , is repletion and evacuation . when you rise in the morning , rub your sides , arms , thighs and legs downwards gently ; your cloaths being on , comb your head and rub it , hake , spit , and blow your nose , to evacuate the excrements of your head and stomack ; then assay to make water , and to go to stool , and labour to bring your body to this daily custom ; for the body ought especially to be kept free from superfluities , saith galen , lib. . de differ . treb. cap. . therefore if you be costive , use some suppository or clister , and suffer not two whole dayes to pass without such evacuation . it is necessary for every one ( who hath so much understanding ) that he learn to know whether he be phlethorick or cachochimick : if phlethorick ( that is , full of blood , as those that live in high feeding ) it will appear by his high colour , full veins , pulse greater and more frequent then it used ordinarily to be , pursiness , heaviness and dulness of body , and such like signes : if you be costive , take a common clister first ; then be let blood according to the appointment of some skilful physician , and so ordered afterwards according to art. if cacochimick , that is , full of gross and corrupt humours ( which will appear by the paleness and ill colour of the face , defective strength , and the like ) he must be well purged ; which none but a physician can safely prescribe , and that upon examination of his body and urine . but as a general rule , all do appoint some purging medicines twice or thrice in a week , to keep the body free from the increase of superfluous humours ; to which purpose the pills of ruffus ( which may be had commonly in any apothecaries shop ) are very apt and good . but those that cannot take pills , may have this syrrup made for them ; which for its excellent vertue in this case , is called , the divine syrrup . recip . cort. citri , rad. cappar . berber . santal . rub. & citrin , spodii , ana drach . . carriophil . borrag . bugloss . mellissa , cichorei , ana unc . . acetosae , hepaticae , marrubii , ana unc . ss . thymi , epithymi , scariolae , rhabarb . fol. senae , rad. polypodii , ana drach . . succorum absynthii , fumariae , ebuli , plantaginis myrobalanorum , chebul & citrin , ana drach . . cum sacchari li. . ss . fiat syrupus s . a. & cum aceti succi cydoniorum q. s . reddatur dulcè acidus ▪ take two or three spoonfuls of this , more or less , as it works ; but keep very warm , for it causeth sweat as well as seidge . in an old manuscript , i finde this called st. ambrose his syrrup ; the same a little altered , is in rhenodaeus his dispensatory ; and he hath added two drams of diagridium . let men of judgement do as they please , i like it best as i have set it down . rhenodaeus gives it this title , ( not acknowledging any author ) syrupus qui , &c. it is a syrrup that cleanseth the body from superfluities , and by consequence doth strengthen and comfort the heart , brain , liver , and all other members . always observing , that you must forbear to take this syrrup that morning that you take your purging medicine . women with childe must be kept soluble , only with milde suppositories and gentle clisters , wherein a little new-drawn cassia is to be used ; or else a milde potion , made with some pectoral decoction , and a little cassia ; for stronger purgatives will endanger abortion : but these ought to be directed by a good physician . young children also with a violet-comfit ( for a suppository ) dipped in sweet sallet-oyl , or else a little cassia newly drawn , dissolved in a small draught of chicken-broth ; or a little manna in the like broth , or in posset-drink . beware of bathings , especially in open standing waters , within the region of the air infected . if urine or menstrua stop , repair speedily to the physician for counsel : flie venus as far as you may ; for in these times she hath but an ill name . sweat coming easily of it self , and within doors , ( the house being well aired ) is good , so it exceed not : but abroad it is dangerous . lastly , it is good to keep open all issues and running sores ; because nature will labour to expel any venom to such a common-sewer . the fourth point is exercise and rest . as it is not good for us to addict our selves to laziness , lest we thereby increase those superfluous humours which are never wanting in bodies to foment diseases ; so neither must we use ( as little as may be ) too great a violence in our labours or exercise , because it consumeth the best juices we have in our bodies , and spoileth our radical moisture : whereas moderate and convenient exercise ( ad ruborem tantum , non ad sudorem ) if used in times and places , and seasonable , doth stir up , nourish and preserve the greatest and best assistant to life , natural heats , helping concoction and evacuation . the best exercise is walking , with a little stirring of the arms ; the time , in the morning ; and the place , either in a pure air abroad , or in a purified air at home , in some large room , where is little or no company , by the heats of their bodies and breaths to distemper and corrupt the air . but at all times beware of taking cold ; for great colds and rheums do easily turn to putrid feavers , and they as easily prove pestilent . the fifth point , is sleep and watching . sleep , either immoderate or unseasonable , hindereth digestion , and causeth crudities , quells the vital , and dulls the animal spirits : watching also over-much , dryes up and inflames the good blood , and weakens all the powers of nature . let your sleep therefore be seasonable , and not superfluous ; not upon your dinner , unless custom commands it ; and then take it but napping , for half an hour or so , sitting in a chair upright . three hours at least after a light supper go to bed ; where let five or six hours suffice for sleep ; lie conveniently warm , the chamber-doors and windows being shut to exclude the night-air : but beware of sleeping or lying on the ground or grass ; for the nearer the earth , the more deadly is the air . and the immediate stroke of the cold vapours rising from the ground , is very dangerous at all times . the sixth point of diet , is passions of the minde . all kindes of passion , if they be vehement , do offer violence to the spirits ; yea , though they be of the better and more natural sort . as laughter ( if unbridled ) doth run even life out of breath , and greatly perplexeth the body ; insomuch as the breast and sides are pained , the breath is straitned , and sometimes the soul it self is ( as i may say ) laughed out of her skin . for so it is recorded of chrysippus , that only upon the sight of an ass eating figgs , he brake into such an unmeasurable laughter , that he fell down and died . and zeuxis that excellent painter ( who made a most curious beautiful picture of the spartan hellen ) upon the sight of a very ill-favoured old woman , burst out into such a profuse laughter , that he laughed himself to death . now this is a disease of the spleen , called risus sardonius , with which there be many of my acquaintance not long since grieved . but sometimes immoderate joy lives not to the age of laughter , when it bindes the vital spirits so close together , that it choaks the heart instantly ; for so sophocles the tragedian , receiving a wonderful applause of the people for the last tragedy he wrote , was so overjoyed at it , that he became a tragedy himself , and died upon it . the like is recorded of one rhodias diagoras , who when he saw his three sons all at one time crowned with victory at the olympian games , ran to meet them ; and while he embraced them in his arms , and they planted their garlands on his head , he was so overcome with joy , that he turned their ensignes of victory into the penons of his funeral . on the other side , sorrow afflicts the heart , disturbs the faculties , melts the brain , vitiates the humours , and so weakens all the principal parts ; yea , sometimes sinks the body into the grave . as adrastus king of the argyves , being told of the death of his son , was taken with so violent sorrow , that he fell down and died immediately . anger is also so furious a passion , that it violently disturbs the spirits and faculties , as appears by the shaking and tossing of the body to and fro , the fiery sparkling of the eyes , the colour coming and going , now red , now pale ; so that all the humours appear to be enflamed ( especially choler ) and the spirits hurried this way and that way ; sometimes thrust outward , and presently haled in again : by which violent motions , an unnatural heat in the spirits , and corruption in the humours are ingendered . hereupon many times follow burning feavers , palsies , violent bleedings , loss of speech ; and sometimes death it self . nerva the emperor being highly displeased with one regulus , fell into such fury against him , that he was stricken therewith into a feaver ; whereof he died within a few dayes after . wenceslaus king of bohemia , in a rage conceived against his cup-bearer , would needs kill him presently with his own hand ; but his indeavour was his own deaths-man , striking him with a palsey , that shook him shortly after into ashes . valentinianus the emperor , in a fierce fury , would needs destroy the whole country of sarmatia ; but his unruly rage brake a vein within , and his own life-blood ended his bloody design . fear likewise gathers the heat and spirits to the heart , and dissolves the brain , making the moisture thereof shed and slide down into the external parts , causing a chilness and shaking over all the body ; and falling upon the gullet , makes one to swallow when they should speak : it abuses the fancy and sences , brings a lethargy upon the organs of motion , and condemns the heart to deadly sufferings . as cassander the son of antipater , upon the sight of alexander the great 's statue , was stricken with such a terror , that he could hardly make his legs leave trembling , so much as to carry him out of the place . this fear hath in it a very strange operation , having bereav'd several of their senses , on others diseases ; as a feaver , &c. which feaver hath afterwards turn'd into the plague ; so that this fear , though it doth not arise from danger of infection , yet it will draw it on : how much more then doth the fear of the same cause work it ? instead of bringing examples for the proof hereof , i shall only give you a reason for it fear , of all passions , is the most pestilently pernicious ; for it enforceth the vital spirits to retire inward to the heart ; by which retiring , they leave the outward parts infirm : as appears by the paleness and trembling of one in great fear . so that the walls being forsaken ( which are continually besieged by the outward air ) in comes the enemy boldly ; the best spirits that should expel them , having cowardly sounded a retreat : in which withdrawing , they draw in with them such evil vapours as hang about the outward pores , even as the sun draws towards it the vapours of the earth . and hence it is , that fear brings infection sooner then any other occasion . this therefore , and all other passions , by a wise watching over our selves , be beaten off , whensoever they but offer to set upon us . but these are diseases of the soul , whose physicians are divines . they must purge out the love of this world , and the distrust of gods providence ; minister the cordials of faith , hope , patience and contentedness ; and ordain the strict diet of holy exercises . we that are physicians to the body , are but chyrurgions to the soul ; we can but talk of topical remedies . thus have i run through the first part of my method , which is the way of preservation ; now shall i discourse on the second part , which is as followeth . the manner , signs and symptoms , of such that are infected by the plague . it s usuall manner is , at the first infection , to strike at the heart , which is apparent by the sinking and languishing of the vital faculties ; the whole strength of the body is likewise suddenly turned into weakness , the vital spirits being greatly oppressed and discouraged : whereas the animal faculty commonly remains ( for a while ) in good plight , and perfect in the use of sense , understanding , judgement , memory , and motion . the natural faculty also is not so presently hurt , but there is concoction and all other functions performed by the liver , stomack , guts , reins , bladder , and other parts , as nature requires : though indeed in a little time ( the venom being very strong ) these and the brain are also overcome ; as appears by the symptoms that follow , as lethargies , frenzies , vomitings , fluxes , &c. take notice therefore , that as soon as the venemous matter strikes to the heart , the contagion hath now found out the prince of the vital parts , who , if he want armour of proof to resist ( either of natural strength , or forged out by arts cyclops , the physician ) is presently taken prisoner by his venemous enemy ; who soon after , takes possession of the arteries and veins . in this conflict , the pulse ( which useth to be the truest intelligences of the heart 's well or ill fare ) becomes now languishing , little , frequent , and unequal . languishing , by reason that native heat lessens , and a heat contrary to nature increaseth ; little , because oppressed ; frequent , from natures strife ; unequal , partly from the fever , and partly from the malignant vapour that besiegeth the heart . concerning the pulse , thus writes rodericus à castro , concerning the plague that was at hambrough : manus duns medico porrigunt pulsum , quodam modo retrahuntur cum tremore ; quod à veneno sit cor ipsum pungente , & signum mihi diutina experientia indubitatum est , ut eo solo saepissime pestilentem affectum cognoverim ; that he observed the sick stretching out their hands to the physician to feel their pulse , they would after a certain manner pull them back again with trembling , which might be from the venom pricking the very heart ; which was an undoubted signe ( he saith ) by daily experience , by which alone he oftentimes knew a person infected pestilentially . from this ground did i finde another that never failed me : if in reaching out the hand the former signe appeared not , then if i suspected it to be the plague , i would touch the pulse something hard ; and if it were the plague , the hand would not fail to tremble and twitch back . the reason is , the stopping of the course of the pulse , drives the venom something back to the heart , by which is caused a kind of sudden passion . the next signe , is the enemies ensigne hung out at the windows , the eyes i mean ; for then they will be various in turning , and sometimes fiery shining ; the looks sad , and the face changing colour : which shew that the radical humours begin to vaste , and the spirits to wax dry and enflamed . then followeth lightness or giddiness of the head ; drowth , and bitter taste in the mouth , which proceed from the superfluity of choler , aggravated by the mixture of the venemous vapours : vomiting likewise of vicious matter , being ( according to the redency of any of the humours ) of flegme , sometimes waterish ; of choler , sometimes yellow or greenish ; of melancholy , leaden or blackish . but this is from the virulency of the venom , vexing the veins and fibres in the coat of the stomack ; not from any strength of nature to expel the poyson , as it appeareth , in that no ease , but encrease of accidents succeedeth the exoneration : after which follows a painful convulsion or hicket , by the progress of the venom working convulsively on the fibres of the stomack ; shortness of breath also , and often sighing , shew the heart is inflamed , and would fain exchange the over-heated air within the body , for that which is cool without : then the spirits begin to faint and sink through the fierce gripe of the venemous vapour that now insults over the yielding heart . the external parts become cold and chill , while the internal are all over-hot with the inflammation of the bowels . by by this time the venom is gotten up into the watrish humouts of the brain , and infecting them , causeth head-ach , whiles the hot vapours ( getting between the two mother-membranes ) cause painful prickings there : whereupon followeth restlessness of the body , and lack of sleep ; and upon these frenzie , except the brain be full of moisture ; and the head is over-heavy and lethargick ; sometimes also the venom works it self from the substance of the brain into the sinews , causing cramps and convulsions . the urine is altogether untrue , therefore unworthy the fellowship of faithful signes ; and the most faithful , are the sores and spots ( if they be right ) called gods tokens . but before we proceed to describe them , give me leave to express my sorrow , for what i had daily observation of abroad amongst unskilful physicians , who frequently undertook the cure of the plague , who knew no more then to sweat the patient , and apply outward drawing medicines to the sores , without knowing these symptomes here specified , absolutely material to the cure ; without the knowledge of which , many a poor soul doth perish : all which i shall here reckon up , to see if i can deter impudent practitioners , who dare without learning to enrich themselves , by filling graves and fatning church-yards . there is commonly , . a trembling of the heart , fainting or swooning . . a feaver , though not easily discerned at first . . cardialga , commonly called heart-ach . . vomiting and loathing in the stomack . . extream thirst , and vile taste in the mouth . . head-ach , and pricking pains there . . swimming or vertigo . . loss of memory , and foolish behaviour . . want of sleep . . delirium or frenzie . . convulsions or cramps . . lethargy , or extream drowsiness . . sharp pains in the ears . . ophthalmia , or inflammation of the eyes . . bleeding at the nose . . the tongue and mouth inflam'd and furr'd . . spitting of blood . . squinansy . . pleurisie . . very short breath , and continual sighing . . dry cough . . jaundise . . swelling of the belly , with external pain . . cholick and iliack passions . . extream costiveness . . worms . . flux of the belly , either lienteria or diarrhaea . . bloody-flux . . swelling of the testicles very painfully . . suppression of urine . . extream heat , and pain in the back . . swelling of the feet and legs with intolerable pain . . and sometimes such immoderate sweat , horribly stinking , that it doth affrighten the physician from his course of sweating the patient ; and yet for all this sweat , the deadly danger increaseth . and not one of these symptoms can be cured by the common method of such cases , because of the venemous quality is mixed with them . but when i had well informed my self of these things , and saw how little they were regarded by others , i was much amazed to see , with what peaceable consciences some men went a killing : and i began to doubt , whether it were not better for a man to be at peace with ignorance , then to carry his trembling heart in his hand , as i did all that time : yet still it pleased god to bless my labours and counsels ; so that in what place soever i came into , which was infected , a very small number failed under my advice . but to go forward . i must enlarge my self a little in the discovery of the faithfullest and most apparent signes ( which are the botch , the blain , the carbuncle , and the spots , called gods tokens ) because the searchers do sometimes mistake . the botch is a hard tumour , rising in the glandulous parts , called the emunctories ; which are in three places on each side of the body , viz. under each ear ( or sometimes under the jaws or chin ) in the arm-pits , and in the groynes . this tumour lies sometimes very deep in the flesh , only to be found by feeling ; nay , sometimes also scarcely to be felt : but if you touch the place , there is pain . but for the most part , it swelleth out to the bigness of a nutmeg or wall-nut ; yea , even to the size of a mans fist : also sometimes it is round , sometimes oval , sometimes long and slender as ones finger . i have seen a lad of ten years old , that had one risen in his left arm-pit , which ran from thence backward to the shoulder-blade , making a semicircle thereon ; and so turning downward towards the back-bone , as if under the skin had been laid a good big cord , in the form almost of a circle ; the youth was not heart-sick but at the first taking : and it so pleased god to bless the means i applied , that this tumour sunk again , and vanished without any suppuration . but some again , are flat , broad , and spreading , even over half the breast , which i have seen ; they are of colour various , according the humour predominant at the first ; it is commonly moveable , but grows afterwards more moderate and fixed : it riseth for the most part with a pricking pain ; and as it grows greater , is more dully painful , and seems to the patient as a weight or burden . it cometh of a venemous matter , putrifying and poysoning the blood , which is thick , gross , and excrementitious of it self , and something flegmatick : nature therefore strives to drive forth this venom into the emunctories , which are the sinks and receptacles of excrementitious humours . when they rise under the jaws , they shew the strength of the brain ; the arm-pits , of the heart ; and in the groynes , of the liver . according to the quantity of the humour infected , so the botches are bigger or lesser , and more or fewer in number : and according to the malignancy of the humour , are their colours whiter , redder , more bluish or blackish ; whereof the later are still the worse . the blain is a kinde of blister , somewhat like one of the swine-pox , of a straw-colour for the most part , but sometimes of a bluish or leaden colour , but then it is apt to turn to a carbuncle ; and when it runneth , affords filthy matter of the like complexion . round about the blister there is a red fiery circle ( yet nothing so fiery as that of the carbuncle ) the whole taking up the bredth of a groat or six-pence : i have seen of the breadth of a large shilling , but very rarely . these will rise in any part of the body or limbes , sometimes one , two , or three , but never many : when the matter is run out , the skin falls , and dries up to a rusty scab , and so falls off . these shew , that nature is strong to expel the venom speedily , and that the humours infected are not superabundant ; for many that have these are not sick at all , and the most recover by good looking to . the carbuncle is a little venemous pustle , with a broad compass of a deep redness upon it , wonderful angry , and burning like a fire-coal ; thence comes his name , carbunculus . it riseth like a blister , producing an ash-colour'd , or else a blackish crust ; sometimes it rises in many pustles like burnt blisters on the outward skin , which being broken , and the matter run out , the like crusty escar grows over it till it falls off . it appears in any part of the body or limbes , many times on the breast , and sometimes in the face : with it alwayes go these evil companions , itching , inflammation and erosion ; for it is so full of burning poyson , that it consumes the flesh , and will in a short time , if it be not well lookt to , eat so deep and large a hole , as if the flesh were hollowed with an hot iron . it riseth from the same cause in the botch , but the blood is more hot , black , thick , and feculent , proceeding from burnt choler , or adust melancholy . the spots , otherwise called gods tokens , are commonly of the bigness of a flea-bitten spot , sometimes much bigger ; their colour is according to the predominancy of the humour in the body ; red or reddish , if choler ; pale blue , or dark blue , if flegm ; leaden or blackish ▪ if melancholy abound ; but , they have ever a circle about them : the red ones a purplish circle , and the others a reddish circle : they appear most commonly on the breast and back , and sometimes on the neck , arms and thighs ; on the breast and back , because the vital spirits strive to breath out the venom the nearest way . in some bodies there will be very many ; in some , but one or two , or very few , according to the quantity of the venom , and the strength to drive them out . they usually shew themselves on the third , fourth , fifth , or seventh day ; sometimes not till death , the venom yet tyrannizing over the dead carcase : sometimes they appear together with the sores , but for the most part without : the cause is , the venemous matter condensed and hardned in the act of penetrating the pores of the skin : if they be skilfully dissected in the dead body , you may finde some half way , deep in the flesh ; and some in the muscles of the breast have been followed with the incision-knife , even to the rib-bones . the reason why they are thus congealed is , the thickness of the venemous matter , and the coldness of it ; for it is the most flegmatick part of the blood , yet mixed also with the other humours according to the colours . they appear in dead bodies most , because nature fainting in her labour to thrust out the venom through the skin , life's hear going out , the privation thereof , and the nearness of the outward air do congeal them presently : and because many times at the last gaspe nature gives the stoutest struggle , it comes to pass they are not so far thrust forth as to appear till death . all these symptoms must be lookt to very diligently and skilfully . how to know whether the dead body died of the plague , though neither sore or token appear . henricius says , those that die of the plague , are known from others by these marks : the nose looks blue , sometimes blackish blue , as if it had been beaten bruised ; the like colour is in the ears and nails : and their bodies are ever worse coloured then other dead bodies be . but add to this one signe more , approved by experience , and standing with good reason , viz. that whereas other dead bodies must be laid out strait while they are warm , or else when they are cold they will be too stiff to be straitned ; in those of the plague ( or poysoned either ) the flesh is soft , and the joints limber and flexible , after the body is cold ; which shews the vileness of putrefaction in all the humours and moist parts of the body . how to know whether the person infected at the first , or soon after , be likely to be recovered or no. if one be taken with the first signes , of sinking of his spirits , causless sadness , shortness of breath , on the sudden , that he cannot forbear sighing , yet knows no cause why ; sick-heartedness , &c. if this happen at his meat , or presently after , let him if he can , vomit : if he offer and cannot , help him with a little warm water and oyl ; or , dip a feather in linseed-oyl , or oyl of scorpions , and thrust it into his throat . then , or if he be taken betwixt meals , or fasting , make this draught for him . take of bole-armoniack , one dram , powdred ; juice of oranges , half an ounce ; white-wine , an ounce ; rose-water , two ounces . if he vomit it up again , it is a signe the venom is abundant , and hath gotten great power over the vital parts : therefore wash his mouth with a little white-wine , and give him the same potion again . if he again cast it up , repeat the wine-lotion , and this potion again , three times . this is taken out of the second canon of avicen , by guanerius ; who testifies upon his own knowledge , that never any that at first kept it , without casting it up again , dyed of that sickness . let the infected take this following medicine , which hath been approved the best remedy against the plague : take three pints of muskadine , and boyl therein a handful of sage , and a handful of rhue , till a pint be wasted ; then strain it , and set it over the fire again ; then put thereto a penyworth of long-pepper , half an ounce of ginger , and a quarter of an ounce of nutmegs , all beaten together ; then let it boyl a little , and put thereto three peniworth of triacle , and a quarter of a pint of the best angelica-water you can get . take of it always warm , both morning and evening , if infected , two spoonfuls , and sweat thereupon ; if not , a spoonful a day is sufficient , half in the morning , the rest in the evening . keep this as your most estimable treasure ; for under god , in the plague-time , you may safely trust to this , since it never deceived any . an excellent preservative against the plague , pestilence , and all infectious diseases , noisome smells , and corrupt air , sea-fogs , kentish and essex-agues , scurvy and dropsies ; prepared by r. turner med. sold by sam. speed at the rainbow neer the inner temple-gate , at s. d. per ▪ paper , sealed . directions for the use thereof . take of it morning , and going to bed ; and at any time going abroad hold a piece in your mouth , letting it there dissolve . the quantity may be from the bigness of an hazel-nut , to a small nutmeg . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e euseb . hist . eccle. l. . c. . a vvatch-man for the pest teaching the true rules of preservation from the pestilent contagion, at this time fearefully over-flowing this famous cittie of london. collected out of the best authors, mixed with auncient experience, and moulded into a new and most plaine method; by steven bradvvell of london, physition. . bradwell, stephen. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a vvatch-man for the pest teaching the true rules of preservation from the pestilent contagion, at this time fearefully over-flowing this famous cittie of london. collected out of the best authors, mixed with auncient experience, and moulded into a new and most plaine method; by steven bradvvell of london, physition. . bradwell, stephen. [ ], , [ ] p. printed by iohn dawson for george vincent, and are to be sold at pauls-gate at the signe of the crosse-keyes, london : . reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- treatment -- early works to . medicine -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jason colman sampled and proofread - jason colman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a vvatch-man for the pest . teaching the true rules of preservation from the pestilent contagion , at this time fearefully over-flowing this famous cittie of london . collected out of the best authors , mixed with auncient experience , and moulded into a new and most plaine method ; by steven bradvvell of london , physition . . london printed by iohn dawson for george vincent , and are to be sold at pauls-gate at the signe of the crosse-keyes . . ¶ to the reader . hippocrates saith , that good physitians doe applie themselues to the present time , and to take hold of the occasion . the present time ( good reader ) is woefull , & the occasion , dangerous : i know it was not his meaning that we should onely grieue for the first , and flee from the latter ; but to lend our assistance to the necessitie of the times calamitie . i haue but little water to draw , yet would i gladly bring my bucket-full to the quenching of this contagious flame ; and if it be but kindly regarded ; i am friendly rewarded : for i professe , not affectation , but true affection ; not a hope of prayse , but a heart of pittie , draws me ( or rather driues me ) to offer my counsell in this case . london is my mother ; in her wombe had i both birth and breeding . what sonne can see his mother woefully afflicted , dangerously sicke , and desperately forsaken ; but he must needs weepe for her teares , labour her recovery , and lend a hand ( at least ) to hold her vp ? i may not take vpon me to cure the sicke , because i meddle not with the sicknesse ( for to practise on the plague now , would proue a plague to my practise hereafter ) but i must labour to preserue the sound ; because by profession i am a physition . therefore i call this booke , a watch-man for the pest , because it doth onely ( as if it were a warder ) stand at the dore without , and deliver things necessary for preservation to those within ; but neither enters the infected house , nor meddles with the cure of the contagious . i expect from diverse conceits diverse censures of this booke . it is too long , too short , too solid , too idle , too full , too slender ; and i know not what . yet i hope the judicious will vouchsafe it the reading ; and the wise , the observing : as for the rest , i will neither favour the frivolous , feare the envious , nor flatter the curious . i know though hercules labour his heart out , he shall not be able to appease a iuno , nor please an eurystheus . therefore if i be not relished , i shall thinke the mouth is out of taste , since there is scarce a word , but i can proue his worth from good authoritie . if i be gratefull to thy palate ( good reader ) i will not be vngratefull to thy person ; but if ever thou wilt vse me , thou shalt finde me from my study in mugwell-street . iuly . . ready to my power to do thee any pleasure , stephen bradvvell . a vvatch-man for the pest . tvlly ( whose method was as pleasing as his matter ) sets this downe as a savoury maxime in method ; omnis quae à ratione suscipitur de aliqua re institutio , debet à definitione proficisci , vt intelligatur quid sit id de quo disputatur . l. . de officijs . to follow him therefore , though ( but as ascanius followed his father aeneas ) non passibus aequis ; him , i say , whom hardly any hath happened to goe along with foote by foote in fluent sweetnesse : i will begin this discourse with the definition of the pest ; and while i lay open the severall points of the definition , i will discover the causes , the kinde and qualities , and the signes and symptomes of it . and withall ( in their severall places ) i will lay downe the rules of preservation , with good medicines ; whereby the further spreading of the pestilent infection may ( by gods blessing ) be prevented . ¶ the definition . the plague , is a popular disease : sent immediatly from god ; wrought by the constellations of the heavens , the corruption of the aire , and the disorder of mans diet : at the first striking to the heart , is venemous , deadly , and infectious : and for the most part accompanied with a feavor ; as also with spots called gods-tokens , or with a blayne , or botch , or carbuncle . this word plague ; in latine pestis ; in greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : signifieth a deadly fretting . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being the same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod efficiat defectum hominum ; or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pernicies , seu exitium . hippocrates giues it a stile of distinction , calling it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , morbus communis : a common or popular disease . that it is a disease , needeth no proofe at all , since it manifestly affecteth the body contrary to nature , and hurteth the actions thereof . that it is popular is also apparent , in this , that when it once entreth into a countrey , cittie , or towne ; it over-runneth the same like a torrent , and few escape at least a scratching with it , if they be not deeply bitten by it : yea more are stricken and slaine by it , many times ( especially in the place where it hath gotten full strength ) then of all kindes of diseases else what-soever . and so much for his title . now , that it is immediately sent from god , it is evident by many proofes of holy scripture . as deut. . . and in the same chapter at the . verse , he saith ; the lord shall smite thee with a feavor , and with a consumption , with an inflamation , and with an extreame burning . in which words are expressed the painfull symptoms of the plague : viz. a feavor , ( which i shall proue hereafter ) a consumption ( which being vnderstood of calor naturalis , the heat and life of nature , is apparent ) an inflamation , by which the swelling called the botch is signified ; and by an extreame burning , the deadly carbuncle is liuely described . if we desire examples ; the botch is plainly specified in the plague of pharaoh and his servants ; exod. . chap. . and . verses , and in the sicknesse of hezekiah , isaiah . . seeing then the all-mightie god of heaven and earth in wrath & justice sendeth this plague vpon vs , let vs know that as the triacle for our bodies is consected of the flesh of earthly serpents : so the triale for our soules must be made of the blood of that brasen serpent , which was lifted vpon the crosse for our sinnes . let every man be to his owne soule and familie an aaron to take with speed his censor of repentance ; fill it with fire from the altar ( of the exceeding great and precious promises of god in christ . pet. . . ) and put the incense of faithfull prayer thereon ; and runne quickly and make an atonement : for there is wrath gone out from the lord ; the plague is begun . somtimes the constellations of the heavens are the second cause by which god worketh and bringeth these iudgements on men . for astrologers are of opinion , that if saturn and mars haue dominion ( especially vnder aries , sagittarius , and capricornus ) the pestilence is shortly to be expected . or if those two ( the most maleuolent ) be in opposition to the gentle planet iupiter ; the effect of that opposition is the plague . as the poet singeth : coelitus imbuitur tabo difflatilis aura , mars quando obij●itur falcitenensque iovi . i know there be many learned men that thinke the starres because they are good and pure creatures , can bring forth no evill , nor impure effects : and amongst these valeriola ( in append. ad loc . com . cap. . ) thinks he hath so absolutely satisfied the point , that no obiection may ever be made more : yet i am of mercurialis his opinion , that though of themselues primarily they doe no evill ; yet accidentally , they may and doe . for the sunne of it selfe being the purest of them all , by drawing the vapours out of dunghills and other corrupt things , causeth a noysome stench by accident . but i intend not this treatise for disputation . if the starres be pestilently bent against vs ; neither arts , nor armes ; perfumes , nor prayers , can prevaile with them , who haue neither pittie nor sense , nor power to alter their appointed motion . but he that commandeth their course , and altereth them at his pleasure ; he that made the sunne and moone stand still for iosuah : yea , drew the sunne backe ten degrees for hezekiah , and caused the starres to fight in their courses against sisera . he is able both to hinder and heale all infections can arise from their influences . the cure of this cause ( therefore ) is the same with the former . the third cause of the pestilence , is ; the corruption of the aire . which corruption ariseth as well from sublinarie accidents , as from the influences of the starres . for noysome vapours arising from filthy sincks , stincking sewers , channells , gutters , privies , sluttish corners , dunghils , and vncast ditches ; as also the mists and fogs that commonly arise out of fens , moores , mines , and standing lakes ; doe greatly corrupt the aire : and in like manner the lying of dead rotting carrions in channels , ditches , and dunghills ; cause a contagious aire . as the poet affirmeth : corpora foeda iacent , vitiantur odoribus aurae . and even without these vapours , the aire sometimes is corrupted by the vnseasonablenesse of the weather , quum tempestiva intempestivè redduntur , as sayth hippocrates : when the weather is vnseasonable for the season of the yeare ; being hot when it should be cold ; moyst when it should be drie ; and contrarily . these preposterous orders , or rather disorders in the constitution of the aire , render it vnholesome , and infectious . and this is caused chiefly by the aspects of the planets , and many times also by vnholesome windes ; as especially the south winde , who ( being of temperature moyst and warme ) fills the aire with such a corrupt qualitie , as is soone turned into putrefaction , and many times doth easily transport a contagion from one coast to another . now for the temperature of the aire , the whole streame of opinions runneth vpon hot and moyst , as the fittest matter for infection , because most apt to putrefaction . so hippocrates ( in the second of his epidem . ) saith , that in cranon a cittie of thessalie , there arose putrid vlcers , pustuls , and carbuncles ; through the hot and moyst constitution of the aire . and the same he vrgeth againe in the third booke of the same treatise . and galen in de temperam . cap. . affirmeth , that the hot and moyst constitution of the aire doth most of all breed pestilent diseases . and from these a multitude of later writers haue learned to speak the same thing . but for all this we know that the hot and dry weather also may cause a pestilent aire . and so saith avenzoar in his third booke , third tract . and . chap. and titus livius in li. primo , decad . . recordeth that rome was once infected with the plague by a hot and drie distemper of the aire . and wee cannot forget what a hot & dry parching summer we had this last yeare ; most fit to be the vnfortunate forerunner of this yeares pestilence : which now being seconded with such abundance of moyst weather all this spring and summer hitherto ; we may well doubt that a deluge of destruction is comming vpon vs. hence we may see the misery of man , that ( be the aire never so corrupt ) he must draw it in with his breath continually , for without it we cannot liue a moment : for as meate and drinke are the nourishments of our bodies , so is the aire the nourishment of our spirits : as therefore by corrupt meats our bodies are corrupted and diseased ; so by corrupt aire our spirits are easily infected , and soone extinguished . therefore we haue great cause to take heed that the aire we draw be pure and wholesome . and this may be effected two wayes : either by flying into a good , or by purifying the euill aire . the surest way to safetie is to flie from the impure into a pure aire . those therefore ( that haue meanes , and no speciall calling to hinder them ) doe well to take hold of this counsell . which . nature teacheth in giving man two legs , as well as two armes , that if his enemy be too fierce for resistance , he may escape by running . now nature hath no worse enemy then death ; nor death a better 〈◊〉 then the plague . secondly , the holy scripture teacheth it . 〈…〉 verse . come my people enter into thy secret place , shut thy dores about thee , hide thy selfe as it were for a season , vntill the indignation be over past . so pro. . . the prudent man foreseeth the plague , and hideth himselfe . and david was this prudent man , for ( chron. ● . last ) he durst not goe to the tabernacle to offer at gibeon , because he feared the sword of the angell . and thirdly , physicke adviseth it . for hippocrates , the prince of physitions ( in his booke de natura humana ) counselleth it in these words ; providendum est vt quàm paucissimus aeris influxus corpus ingrediatur , et vt ille ipse quàm peregrinissimus existat : regionum etiam locos , in quibus morbus consistit , quantùm eius fieri potest permutare oportet . by which he intendeth that a man must be carefull to let into his body as little aire as can be possibly ; and that that aire which he doth entertaine , be a stranger to the infected . and this be interpreteth in the clause following , where he saith , he must ( as farre as he may ) change the place of the region in which the sicknesse raigneth , for some other that is free from it . and this is that which is meant by citò , longè , and tardè . which iordanus calleth an antidote made of three adverbs : and thus versifieth vpon them . haec tria tabificam pellunt adverbia pestem : mòx , longè , tardè ; cede , recede , redi . i will be bold a little to comment vpon these words , in this wise . fly with speed from the infected place , lest by a little lingering , that infection ( which you would leaue behinde you ) goe along with you . and nothing can be more dangerous then for one to travaile with his humors already corrupted by an infected aire . for with the motion of his body , those humors are stirred , disturbed , and heat ; which causeth them to putrefie presently : by which putrefaction of the humors , the vitall spirits are instantly enflamed and infected , and life it selfe soone extinguished . besides that , in their going forth , before they are gotten beyond the limits of the evill aire ; in the labouring of their body , they fetch their breath oftener and deeper then at other times ; whereby they draw in a greater quantitie of the corrupt aire to minister more matter to the putrefaction begun . therefore flie quickly , and in flying goe softly , till you be quite out of the contagious aire . and flie not a little way , but many miles of , whither there is no probabilitie of common trading , or recourse of people from the place forsaken : and where there are high hills betwixt you and the infected coast ; which may breake of those blasts of wind that would at somtimes blow that corrupted aire from thence vpon you . moreover , if you be able , choose your habitation well and health-fully scituated . a house is well scituated that stands on high ground , farre from fennes , moores , marishes , and mines : having the dores and windows opening to the north and east ; not to the west , for that is not wholsome ; nor ( by any meanes ) to the south , for that being hot and moyst , is most subiect to contagion in sickly times . let the house be large , and the roomes many and spacious . in hot weather , open those windows that are toward the north ; in cold , those that are to the east . if there be dores or windows toward the other coasts , keepe them for the most part very close shut . in the night , leaue no window open at all . if the weather be moyst , open your windows toward the good coasts two houres after sunne-rising , and let them not stand open aboue two houres space : and so againe , for two houres before sunne-set . lastly , be not hasty to returne , so soone as you heare that the heat of the contagion is abated ; but keepe away as long as any signe of the sicknesse remaineth ; taking this for a sure rule , that it is lesse danger to tarry still in the infected aire , then to come into it from that which is pure and wholesome : for a fresh commer is aptest to catch the least contagion , and the very reliques of infection are sufficient to kill him . learne therefore of the wolues of thracia , who in winter , when the rivers are covered with ice , will not venter over for their prey ( though they be never so hungry ) till they haue layd their eare close to the ice ; then if they heare no noyse of water vnder it , they know the ice is thicke enough to beare them , and over they goe ; otherwise not . let the space of three moneths passe vpon the last infected person in that quarter whither you desire to resort : and let the house all that time ( and all the stuffe therein ) be throughly well aired , and perfumed before you returne . for the infection will cleaue to the walles and stuffe a long time , and will hardly be purged out of them : especially garments and bedding , if they haue beene vsed by the sicke of the plague . woolen cloaths will retaine the infection three or foure yeares , except they be well and throughly aired . blankets , coverlets , and ruggs must haue much airing before they may be trusted . furres also retaine it long , and it is hardly gotten out of them ; as appeareth by a story which fracastorius telleth of a furred govvne that was the death of fiue and twentie men in verona , in the yeare . who one after the other wore it , thinking they had still aired it sufficiently . featherbeds will remaine seaven yeares infected , if alexander benedictus may be beleeved ; and these are best to be purged by opening the tikes , and spreading the feathers abroad very thin , perfuming them very often , and ever as they are airing , let them be turned with staues or stickes ; and let this be so done for many dayes together . as for mattrises , mats , and such like , it is best that they be burnt , for that is the surest way to free them from infection . but now , some men cannot , and some must not flie . some through povertie , and want of friends in the countrey ; or by reason of the dependance of their living vpon the towne infected , cannot leaue it . others whose calling and learning hath set them apart for the common good , must not goe . as maiestrates and other officers who are called to see the peace and good orders kept . ministers that haue pastorall charges , and are commanded of god to preach in season and out of season , and to administer the sacramēts to those which are able to repaire to the church . also physitians , chyrurgians , apothecaries , midwifes , keepers , and searchers , whose callings are to be helpfull to the sicke and weake ( though not of the plague , yet of other griefes ) they ought ( at least a convenient number of them , for the number of people remaining ) to tarry and follow those christian employments which they haue vndertaken , not for their owne benefit only , but for the common-wealth chiefly . such therefore as must tarry , let them obserue these rules following . first , flie from company , and be contented to liue as solitarily as your calling and buisinesse will giue leaue . let those that come to speake with you , come no nearer you then they must needs ; and if you stand to talke with another , be distant from him the space of two yards . but if you suspect the party to haue the infection , let the space of foure yards at the least part you . let the sound man be carefull also to giue the other the winde ; that is , so to stand that the winde may blow from the sound to the suspected , and not contrarily : and let the sound man turne away his face from him , holding and champing also some fit thing in his mouth , and smelling to some odour all the while he is in discourse with the other , or neare vnto him : ( which things in particular i will prescribe hereafter . ) shunne all places that are moyst and wet . in summer keepe you temperate , but alwayes drie : in winter keepe warme , and as much as you can , neare the fire . at all times avoyd all close alleys and lanes ( especially to lodge in them ) or neare common sewers , ditches , or such like noysome places . and keepe out of crowds and assemblies of people as much as you may . dwell not in an house that is pestred with much company in little roome . it is good also for those that are able , to shift beds , and chambers often , airing them every day . when the aire is cloudy , thicke , moyst or misty , goe not forth but vpon necessitie ; and in such weather , keepe the dores and windows shut . walke not abroad in the morning ( if you can choose ) till two houres after sunne rising ; nor at all after sunne-set , vnlesse vrgent occasion enforce . and in the heat of the sunne in summer ( especially about noone ) tarry not abroad ; neither sit , stand , nor walke in the heat of the same . in the full of the moone , goe not forth in the night , and keepe your head somthing warmer at that time then at other times . keepe moderation betweene heate and cold in your lodging and bedding . last of all , whatsoever you receiue from the hands of another ( especially if suspected ) touch it not before it haue beene cleansed , by boyling , or at least by washing in warme water ; if it may not spoyle or deface the thing : otherwise , aire and perfume it well . and thus much for flying into a pure aire . now we are to purifie the purified aire . and herein first i must distinguish aire into two kindes , viz. generall and speciall . by aire generall , i meane the whole open aire of the region . by speciall , i intend , either that which is inclosed in houses ; or that which is immediately next the person of every one , for the space of some few yards compasse round about the body , whether within doores or without , wheresoever it goeth or abideth . and first for the generall aire of the region . that is to be purged and rectified , first by cleane sweeping and washing of the streets , lanes , courts , allyes and other wayes and passages of the cittie ; leaving in them no durtie puddles , dunghills , or dead carrions . also by often casting out the mudde of the towne ditches , and other standing waters . every morning and euening sweep cleane the streets before every mans doore : wash downe the channells to keepe them sweet . but i like not that slabbering of the pavement before the house , which i see many vse in moyst wether ; for it increaseth the dampishnesse of the aire : excpt it be before the stalls of butchers and cookes : or except the durt can no other-wise be purged away ; and then let it be swept drie againe , except the sunne doe shine so cleare and hot , that it is likely to be soone dried thereby . but indeed there is no way of purging the aire like to the making of fires in the streets : so it be done with good discretion ; that is , in the evenings ; when the weather is moyst ; and not soultry hot . we read that hippocrates freed the cittie of cranon ( before mentioned ) and athens also ( as galen testifieth li , . de theriaca ad pisonem cap. . ) by making great bonefires , & burning sweet odours and costly oyntments in them . aëtius also ( li. . cap. . ) reports the like to haue been done by acro agrigentinus , whereby he delivered the greatest part of greece from the pestilence . some physicians that they may be singular , invent strange wayes by themselues to purifie the aire . as cardan perswades to burne leather , or any thing that smells strong though never so stinking ; but for my part i am of opinion with rodericu à castro , and laurentius ioubertus , that stinking smells cannot make a wholsome purgation of the aire . therefore i leaue his conceite to accompany that of alexander benedictus , who would haue the dogs that are killed , to be strewed in the streets , that the vapours of their putrefying carcases , might expell the venom of the putrefied aire . with which may also be exploded averroës his potion of vrine , which he esteemes an excellent antidote : i thinke that which is odious to the nostrills , by which way aliment is conveyed to the spirits : and that which is noysome to the stomach , by which nourishment is brought to the body ; can be no cordiall . but for the purging of the aire , rodericus à castro hath another way , and that easy and cheap ( if it be as good . ) he affirmeth that it was wont to be much vsed in spayne in pestilent times : and that is , to drive a great droue of oxen or kine through all the streets every day ; that their sweet wholsome breath may cleanse the impure aire . it is true , that the breath of those cattell are very sweet and wholsome : but it is to be doubted , that the impure aire being much more in quantity then their breath , will sooner infect them , then they purifie it ; which if it doe , then surely all their flesh will proue but vnholsome meat , and may infect more bodies after they haue bene at the butchers ; then they haue purified streets while they went before the drovers . but the spainards eate so little beefe , as they needed the lesse to feare such poysoning . now for my opinion what way is best to purge the generall aire of the region . i must needs say that of hippocrates ( before mentioned ) is the best , but too costly to be received of our cittizens . therefore i would advise that muskets and such like peeces might be discharged in every street , lane , and corner of the cittie every morning , and every euening . this way ( in hot weather ) doth not enflame so much as bonefiers doe by their continued heat , but purifie as much , or rather more . for by the blow , the aire is first forcibly moued , shaken , devided and attenuated , and so prepared for purification ; & then immediatly ( by the heat of the fire ) purified : and that kinde of fire purgeth it better then others , for ( by reason of the sulphur and sault-peeter ) it is exceeding drying ; and very wholsome . and that this opinion is not any conceit of mine owne ; let those that will , read levinus lemnius de occultis naturae miraculis , or crato in consilio . or raymundus mindererus li. de pestilentia cap. . the heathens could be at great cost in contagious times ; as appeares by the precious odours and sweet oyntments that hippocrates consumed in the fires for those citties before mentioned . why may not wee be at a lesser cost , for the safety of a greater cittie . god is nearer to vs , then he was to them ; we haue his promises to keepe vs in all our wayes ; and to prosper our handy workes ; they had no such comforts to rest vpon ; yet they endevoured and obtained : wee obtaine not , onely because we endevour not . and now i come to the fourth cause of the pestilence , which is the disorder of mans diet. in the name of diet are included six things , wherein a man ought always to be moderate and regular . . the aire , and i mean the speciall aire . . meate , and drinck . . repletion , and evacuation . . exercise , and rest . . seepe , and watching . . passions of the minde . these are the six strings of apollos violl , wherein consisteth the whole harmonie of health . if these be in tune , the body is sound ; but if any of these , be either too high wrested , or too much slackened ( that is , immoderately vsed ) then is the body put out of tune , and made subiect to any sicknesse . as one saith well , who hath thus composed those six points , in these two verses . aër , esca , quies , repletio , gaudia , somnus : haec moderata iuuant , immoderata nocent . let every man ( therefore ) be carefull in these things , and if his owne skill be not sufficient to teach him what is temperance ; let him observe these rules following . first for the aire . the disorders of diet in respect of aire , or ill choyce of habitation ; walking , running or riding at vnseasonable times , as in fogs , mists , dewe , rayne &c. and in vnholsome places , such as haue bene reckoned already : as also in drawing into the body too much of such aire as is pestilent and contagious . to cure this point of diet , we must proceede in purging the aire ; and hauing done with the generall , let vs now goe to purifie the speciall , and first of all that which is inclosed within the house . let every roome be kept continually very cleane ; leaue no sluttish corners ; let no water stand in any vessell so long as to putrifie , which in a corrupt aire ( especially in hot weather ) it will soone doe . cleanse all your vessels often ; wash those roomes that are in continuall vse ( both floores and wainscoting ) every morning ; and ( those which are able , wash the windowes , tables , cupboards , stooles , benches , and all wainscotings , in summer with rose-water , and vineger : and in winter with the decoction of rew , worme wood , balme , &c. and after these are washed , wipe them allwayes drie againe : ( for as i said before of slabbering the streets ; so , much more vnholsome is it to leaue the roomes of the house wet ) & hauing wiped them as drie as you can , aire them also presently with fire . a pan of fire set on the floore in the midst of the roome is the best & quickest way of aireing it . in the meane time let the windows and doores be shut . but obserue this : enter not into the roome , ( at least to tarry ) till it be aired , and the fier taken away : because then the heat and moysture are buisily working together , which for the time of working ( till the heat haue prevailed ) is vnholsome . and if you must needs goe in , during that time ; make hast out againe ; and set the doore wide open while you tarrie ; for such vapours kept close , haue suddenly depriued some of life , before they haue felt themselues offended : as skenckius ( in his observ . li. . de partibus vitalibus : observ . xix . ) proveth by diuerse examples . and i could name some also of mine owne knowledge , if need were . moreover while these roomes are thus aireing , you may cast into these fiers , in cold weather ; iuniper , both the wood and the berries ; pitch , turpentine , franckencense , storax , beniamin , oken-leaues , bay leaues , &c. also at such a season , you may strew your windows , shelues , & ledges ; with balme , mints , lavender , worme-wood , rew ; and such like warming smells . and if the heat of them offend , steep them in vineager six houres , and then strew them as before . in hot weather . take a tile , or a fier-shovell heated hot , and poure into it an equall quantitie of whitewine vineager and rose-water wherein a little camphor hath been dissolued , & with this perfume the roomes . at such a time likewise , strew the roomes with primroses , rose-leaues , violets , or some such coole or temperate smelling hearbs , as the season will afford . in temperate weather , rosemary and bay-leaues , in rosewater , heated in a perfuming pot is very sufficient . or take pitch , tarre , turpentine , rosin , of each a like quantitie , melt them together on the fier , and to every pound put in a pinte of vineager . boyle them to the consumption of the vineager . burne some of this daily at all seasons , and in all weathers . and if you adde to it the wood of iuniper made into powder : it will bee excellent . if any vault or vnsauory sincke be so neere as to offend any roome of the house : aire that roome most , and vse it least . the other kinde of speciall aire is sayd to be that which is immediatly next to the person of every one . this is to be purged foure wayes . . by things held in the mouth . . by odours held to the nose . . by apparell . . by amulets . for the first . of things held in the mouth , some be simple , and some compound . simple , are cloues , citron pills , roots of tormentill , angelica , zedoarie , and such like . compound , are such as these following . take of london triacle halfe an ounce ; mix it with the muscilage of gumm , dragagant & rose water , and a little sugar . so make it vp into rowles or lozenges , hold one in your mouth ; and let it dissolue therein , all the while you are neare any place or person suspected to be infected . you may also , hold mithridate in your mouth , if the heat offend you not . but a peece of a citron pill alone is best of all in sommer ; and in winter , a slice of angelica roote . likewise generally at all seasons iuniper berres steeped all night in whit-wine vineager . or cloues steeped in rose vineager . and in like manner may you steep slices of the roots of angelica , enulacampane , zedoarie , tormentill &c. in rose-water and vineager ; for they are too hot of themselues . and for those that haue cold stomachs , greene ginger is exceeding good . secondly . odours that are to be carryed in the hand and held to the nose , are also simple and compound . simple , are balme , mints , rue , worm-wood , penniroyall , myrtles , lauender , &c. but these hot hearbs are not fit for any but cold and flegmaticke complexions to vse them simply and alone . and it is a strange thing to see how all sorts of people play the fooles with their owne noses ; all carrying worm-wood , and thrusting it vp into their nostrills . wherein ten doe themselues iniurie , for one that doth good . for though they perceiue not the danger presently ; yet it must needs inflame their braine : which being over heat , will send downe such iuices to the heart , as shall inflame that also , and so bring them into a burning feauor , which is the high way to that sicknes they most desire to shunne . for the brayne is the continuall spring that cooles the heart ; which office if it performe not ; the heart will soone over heat it selfe : how much more will it be over heat then when that which should temper it bringeth distemper to it ? but people will be so skilfull , that they thinke they need aske no counsell in these matters : but like a flocke of sheep leap one after another , they neither know whether nor wherefore . it is good therefore to take the iuices of such hearbs as these and mix them with rose-water and vineager , and so carrie a sponge , or handkercheif dipped therein . and obserue this . allwayes mix cold smells with hot ; and ( even for cold constitutions also . ) let the cold odours be most praedominat : for the greatest danger is in over-heating . for hot things though they purge the aire , yet they inflame the bloud and humors . therefore temper them according to the constitution of the body and weather . let them likewise be something sweet . for vnsauory smells doe dissolue the spirits , and weaken the faculties . it is a sure rule , that those things which nature abhoreth , will alwayes hurt her , but neuer help her : except it be to euacuate in some case of repletion only . now for compound odours . take of london triacle halfe an ounce , vineager an ounce , rose-water two ounces . mixe them together till the triacle be well dissolued . then dip a peece of a sponge in this liquor ; and carry it in some little box peirced full of holes , to smell through . or , take liquid storax , wash it well in wine-vineager and rosewater , wherein some camphor hath beene disolued . then mix with it , of the powder of cloues , and yellow sanders , as much as will make it thick like tarre ; carrie it in some sevit or pomander-box . as for pomanders ; which are the best , both for handsome carriage and continuance of sent . if any will resort to me , i will fit them at diuers prices . furthermore , it is good also to wash the face , mouth , and nostrills often with strong vineager , rose-water and a little wine , wherein hath bene steeped ( for six houres together ) some thin shavings of zedoarie or angelica , or tormentill roots . the poore people may wash them with faire water and vineager , and the iuice of rue . thirdly . apparell is to be a defence against the infectious aire . which becommeth so , by being well made , and well kept . to the well making of garments in this respect , there goe two points ; the stuffe , and the fashion . for the stuffe , all woolen cloth would be avoided , because it retaineth the infection long : buffe also , shamoys , and such kinds of leather are naught , because they ( through their sponginesse ) doe draw and keep it much more then other wearings : feathers likewise and fans ; being the most needlesse ornaments , should now be layd aside , for they are also of a nature that retaineth infection long : and so are all kinde of furrs ; therefore weare none of these if you may choose . but if your purse will serue , buy grograms , chamlets , &c. such as may be watred : for the watering of stuffes through their gumminesse , doth best exclude the aire from entring or taking vp any loging in the stuffs so dressed . and let the doublets & hose be lined rather with linnen then fustian , because the woolinesse of fustian is of kin to the other allready found fault with-all . as for silkes , as grograms , taffaties , sattins , they are also very good , but veluets , plush , shag and such like are not so good . let them be also fitted with linings according to the weather , that they occasion not the body to sweat through heat , to bee tired with waight , nor to catch cold with thinnesse . for these inconveniences may be occasions of much harme ; but taking of cold is the most dangerous of all ; for there vpon follow putrid feauors : and all of them are friends to the plague . for the fashion , avoyd much quiltings , and stuffing with bombast and haire , for into such things the infected aire will easily get , and hardly forsake them . women vsually haue whale-bone bodies which are as good armour as any other . let the greatest care be to guard the vitall parts : but withall there must be some care of all the body : which to guard the better , it is good to weare long cloakes of such watered stuffes as i haue mentioned ; which being outermost , excludeth well the outward aire while one is abroad ; and when one is come home , they may be layd by , till they haue beene aired . but for physitians and chyrurgians , and such as come among the sicke : it is good for them to haue long gownes of such stuffes ; which as soone as they come forth of the sicke chambers , they may throw off to be aired . and so much for the well-making . now for the well keeping of garments ; this is done by keeping them cleane and sweet . to keepe them cleane , requires varietie and often shifting . to keepe them sweet is required much airing and perfuming . as when you put them on , or lay them by , and that according to the weather . as in cold weather . take iuniper slices , iuniper berries bruised ; rosemarie , bay-leaues , and wormwood cut small ; and franckincense grossely powdered . burne them together on a chafing dish of coales , and so perfume your cloaths . in hot weather . take dried rose-leaues steeped in rose-water , wherein camphor hath been dissolved , and adde to it a little vineager . vpon a hot fire-shouell make a fume : and perfume your apparell . in temperate times . take iuniper berries , gum dragagant , and franckincense , all grossely powdered ; of each a like quantitie . steepe them in vineager and rose-water , six houres . then spread the same on a hot tile or fire-shouell , and perfume your cloaths therewith . fourthly , amulets , are things made to hang about the necke , to touch the naked skin next the heart . these are of some with a kinde of superstition esteemed . but though carpus the chirurgian of bononia perswaded himselfe and others , that he was preserved from the plague by wearing arsenicke in a clout vpon the region of the heart ; yet many in london haue died of the plague with those bables about them : and as for arsenicke and other such poysonous stuffe , i could speake enough against them ; but a learned dr of physicke hath saued me that labour . but for some cordiall things ; i will for the readers satisfaction giue a taste of them . they may be of two sorts , simple , and compounded . simple , as vnicornes horne , bezoar stone , ( which is the best of all , if a man can get it ) the hiacinth also and smaragdus , and such like ; but how the influence of such stones may be conveyed out of their hard bodies to the heart , is hard for me to vnderstand . the former are more likely ; for galen reports ( li. . de simp. medic. facult . ) that he cured a boy of the falling-sicknesse , by hanging a paeonie roote about his necke . yet i thinke he could never say so but that once : therefore i would wish none to put any confidence in such disputable things . neverthelesse , since i haue divided them into simple and compounded ; i will giue you a composition , which may be vsed in stead of an amulet , and that to good purpose . take the leaues of red roses dried , two drams , all the saunders , lignum , aloes , zedoarie roote , angelica roote , sage , white dittanie , baulme , citron pills , of each halfe a dram . make them into powder , and sew them vp in a peece of red taffarie or calico ; and make a quilt thereof . heat it on a pewter dish vpon a chasing dish of coales ; and sprinckle it with rose-vineager : so apply it warme to the place , and renew it once in six houres . i cannot but let thee know ( good reader ) that even now while i was writing vpon this subiect , there hath beene a patient with me , who is poysoned with with a venemous amulet . be warned therefore by the harmes of others to take heed of such pernicious things . thus haue i finished the first part of diet ; concerning aire . the second part followeth . which consisteth of meate and drinke . disorder in meate and drinke is chiefly committed either in regard of the qualitie , or quantitie of them . in qualitie , when that meat or drinke which is vsed , is either generally vnwholsome for all men ( as venemous mushroms ; stincking or raw meate ; musty , or new , or dead drinkes ; these breed venom in the humors , and so a iust occasion for infection ) or els particularly naught for the proper constitution of him that eats or drinkes it . as meat of hard digestion to a weake stomach , ( for that denyeth nourishment ) meate of easie concoction to a strong stomach , ( for that putresies in the stomach , and so corrupts the bloud ) hot spices and inflaming drinkes to a hot constitution , &c. these breed many diseases in the purest aire ; and in a contagious , they easily make way for the plague . therefore we are to be carefull what we eat or drinke . and our care must be two fold ; first , to refuse things noysome ; secondly , to choose things wholsome . in refusing things noysome take these rules . beware of piercing and attenuating things ; for they are heating ; and by opening the body , they expose it to the corruption of the aire . on the contrary also thicke and slimie things are stopping , breeding crudities and putrefaction ; by reason of that crassitude , moysture , and accidentall heat which is in them . sweet and fatty things likewise are to be avoyded ▪ because they easily turne to choller , and so kindle hot feavors . very moyst meates , as wee see they are hardly kept sweet in hot weather , so by the heat of the stomach , they easily turne to putrefaction ; especially to hot and chollericke constitutions . but of all things those that are both moyst and hot ( especially wherin the moyst is predominant ) are most dangerous , because they are as it were the very seed of putrefaction . cold mixed with moyst is not so ill , because not so apt presently to putrefie ; but wheresoever the moyst is stronger , the blood is made watrish and weaker ; and therefore not so nourishing as nature needs it . also meats of hard digestion , melancholicke , salt , and windie are to be eschewed . beware of all things that are hot and enflaming . much vse of very sharpe things , are very hurtfull . shunne also all things that increase much blood , for the body must be kept low in contagious times . also all things that are loathsome to the pallat or stomach must be reiected ; for that which nature abhorreth , dissipateth the spirits . having thus taught by their qualitie in generall what meates and drinkes are to be forborne : now i will more particularly reckon vp such as are most commonly known and vsed : being most to be avoyded in times of infection . and first for your bread. be carefull that it be not mustie , nor mouldie : neither eat it hot , nor before it be a day olde . it is best for them that can haue ouens at home , not to send their bread to other houses to be baked : nor to receiue any continually from the hand of common bakers that serue to many severall houses . very salt and long powdered beefe ( though never so much watered afterward to get out the salt ) is not good ; yea all that watering and moystening makes it worse . also bacon , and porke , especially boyled : the hare , especially when he is olde . venison both of fallow and red deere , that liue in a corrupted aire , are vnwholsome : not alone for the reason that some giue of their liuing alwayes in the open aire ; and much running & heating their bodies therein ( which makes them apt to be corrupted by the contagion ) but also in regard of the manner of killing them ; which is by hunting them to death : for in that action they poyson their flesh very much by tyring their bodies and weakening their spirits to the death ; and by the infinite working of the passion of feare in them : which how apt that is to poyson any body ; i shall shew in his place . foules that liue in fens or waters , are all naught , as the goose , ducke , mallard , teale , hearon , &c. meats made of the inwards of beasts , are not good , as puddings , tripes , chitterlings , kidneys , livers , lights , milts , &c. of fishes , such as liue in standing pooles and ponds , ( especially in muddy waters ) are very evill ; as , carps , eeles , lampreys , and such like : for they corrupt the humors and breed obstructions . salt-fish and sea fish , sharpen the humors . oysters , cockles , muskles , peruinckles , are hurtfull . grisly fish ( as mayds , thornbacke , and such like ) are to be avoyded . egges of geese , ducks , pigeons , &c. are to be reiected . milke , ( because it is of all meates most easie of digestion ) soone corrupteth in the stomach , and therefore is disallowed . so is creame , because it makes grosse blood . likewise cheese , because it is stopping . and also whey , because it is opening , and not nourishing . of fruits , all such as are worme-eaten , are to be accounted corrupted and naught . all sweete and luscious fruits ; as cherries , plums , greene figs , sweete grapes , black-berries , &c. also melons , pompions , pomcitrons , &c. forbeare generally all summer fruits ; because they breed crudities and grosse humors . among the rest also beanes and pease are accounted vnfit meats . roots , such as are watrish , are to be refrained ; so also is garlicke ; ( for all it is called , the poore-mans triacle ) because it openeth and heateth too much ; therefore it is seldome fit in these times . hearbs that are hot are not to be vsed but with good advise , and tempering them with such as are cooling . and beware of cabages , coleworts , lettice , and rocket ; and all moyst and cold hearbs ; for they breed obstructions and crudities . let not your sauces be sweet ; for such increase choller ; nor too full of taste , for that whets the appetite beyond the desire of nature , & provokes to too liberall feeding . among other sauces , mustard is chiefly to be forbidden , because it openeth , and discusseth . beware of hot spices , vse them sparingly ; and then well allayed with cooling things . pottage and broths , are no fit food for these times : because if they be thicke and strong , they nourish too fast : or if they be thin and not nourishing , they fill the body with moysture more then needs . for manardus ( li. . epist . . ) saith , the body ought rather to be dried then moystened . some haue ( from strangers ) taken vp a foolish tricke of eating mushroms or toadstooles . but let them now be warned to cast them away ; for the best authors hold the best of them at all times in a degree venomous , and therefore in time of pestilence much more dangerous . now for the manner of dressing your meat , briefly obserue ; that baked meats ( because their vapours are restrained within their coffins ) are not so well purified by the fire , as meats otherwise cooked : therefore they are suspected to haue in them a degree of venom ; especially , if the meat haue beene kept any long while in the infected aire : much more if it be venison , for the reasons before-named . but if any be earnestly desirous of baked meats , let them first take heed they be not too full of taste and gluttonous : and also let the pie or pastie , be opened as soone as it comes out of the oven , and so let it breath it selfe till it be cold . also sowsed and pickled meats are not good ; neither are boyled meats so good as rosted . of drinkes . beere or ale that is new , strong , heady , and fuming ; also bitter , fl●t , dead , or fusty , are to be avoyded . likewise such as are sophisticated with lemons , spices , &c. and those that are made with sage , worm-wood , scorby-grasse ; and other such ingredients : vnto which may be added metheglin , mead , bragget , vsquebath , hippocras , aqua-vitae , rosa solis , aqua composita ; and all strong and compounded waters . as these are indeed no other then medicines , so neither are they otherwise to be vsed ; that is , alwayes with good caution , vpon good cause , and with skilfull counsell pery and sweet cyder , are to be refused for their sweetness and coldness . wines , though they are frequently vsed among sober people ; yet they are not so fit for the constitution of english men , as beere and ale. and this is evident in that the onely wise god ( who knoweth best what is fittest for every region ) hath forbidden this soyle to bring forth such things ; because they are either needlesse or not naturall to the inhabitants . therefore it were good if all kindes of wines were vsed of vs , but as so many kindes of medicines also ; that is , onely to helpe nature when shee is too weake to helpe her selfe in concoction , retention , and excretion . and among wines ( in regard of the sicknesse ) those that are new , sweet , blacke , and troubled , are forbidden . piercing wines ; such as white and rhenish ( for the reasons already alleaged in piercing and attenuating things ) i cannot allow of for ordinary vse : though some physitions doe . as for muskadell and malego , their sweet taste , and that dullnesse of spirit which is caused by them , betrayes their vnfitnesse in times of contagion . and before i leaue this point , let me leaue with you this caveat . take heed into what houses you enter to drinke with your friend : lest in stead of a health , you drinke your death . let euery man drinke in his own cup , and let none trust the breath of his brother . also take heed of all drinkes that smell or taste of the caske . now me-thinkes i heare one whisper in mine eare , hee would faine know what i thinke of tobacco ; he takes it to be the onely antidote against the plague . i cannot stand to dispute the case deepely : but i will briefly shew my opinion . tobacco hath these manifest qualities : it is heating and drying ; it evacuateth grosse humors ; it draweth away rheums ; it provoketh vrine , and keepeth the belly soluble . there may be some times , and some bodies wherein a medicine having these opening qualities may be vsed ; as namely , to a cold and flegmaticke complexion , full of grosse humors ; the partie for the time keeping himselfe warme , and within dores . but for the common fashion of taking it , by every man , every day ( yea almost every houre ) in shops and open places , without consideration of constitution , or iust cause ; i cannot approue of it at all : much lesse as any antidote . but let vs examine it a little further , for their sakes that would vse it more orderly : and see whither it may be accounted a preservatiue medicine or no. i haue already reckoned the best qualities it hath , being taken in the pipe ( for so onely i discourse of it ) and the first of those qualities indeed shews a faire countenance to the case : but the foure latter talke too much of penetration , and evacuation : wherewith it opens the pores , and makes the body fit to receiue the contagious aire ; it also dissolues the braine , and causeth the humors thereof to fall downe into all parts of the body distempered with a heat contrary to nature ; wherupon it enflames the blood , turns it to melancholy , and resteth not till it haue also turned blacke choller into burnt choller . and in all this doing , his heat carries no cordiall to the spirits ( which must never be absent from an antidote ) for it is mixed with a nauseous qualitie , noysome to the stomach , and offensiue to nature ; as appeares by the violence it offers in vomiting , when a little of the iuice is given to that purpose . these things considered , i thinke tobacco hath very little good vse in pestilent times . and thus much for noysome things to be avoided . now we come to reckon vp holsome things to be elected . let the qualities of your meats and drinkes be temperate betwixt hot and cold , and rather drie then moyst . and ( if the stomach may endure it ) let them for the most part haue a sharp or sower smacke with them . let them be of easie digestion , breeding good blood , and sincere humors in the body . let your bread be made of the best and purest wheat ( which alone maketh the best bread ) or mixe it with some rie . let the corne be such as harvest hath housed before the aire became infectious . leauened bread is the most holsome , because of the sowernesse . let those that may , bake their bread at home . rosted beefe may be eaten with vineager . a rosting pigge is not to be denyed , if his belly be stuffed with sage , sweete marioram , spinach , parsley , and mints : the sauce also made sharpe with vineager and spiced with a little pepper , or ginger . veale , mutton , lamb , kid , and coney are very holsome : but let them not be very fat . of fowles , such as fly neerest the sunne , and build their nests on high , feeding on sweet and holsome graine , are best approved by the best authors : because they receiue lesse infection from the lower aire , which is the most contagious . but if we examine which are they , we shall finde but a few that keepe all these conditions . for the hearon flies high , and builds high ; but feeds in fenny and moorish places , and on moyst meates . the kite , hawke , raven , and such like , feed on carrion , and are never counted worthy to be served as a dish at the table . the larke flies high and neare the sunne , but hath his nest on the earth . the rookes in deed flie somthing high , build high , and feed on the best corne ; and their young ones are esteemed daintie food : but these are not for every ones dish . therefore we may not be so over-curious in the choice of these creatures . let these suffice as most holsome , viz. capon , turkey , henne , pullet , chicken , partridge , pheasant , tame pigeons , yong wilde pigeons , turtles , larks , black-birds , thrushes , and finches . some inwards of beasts and fowles also , are very good and holsome : as the gizards and livers of hens , and capons : the hearts of veale , mutton , and lambe : also lamb-stones , and young cock-stones are excellent meat , and fit for the state of some bodies . but whosoever he be that makes choice of them for the nourishment of his lust , let him remember the israelites quailes , and tremble ; lest while the meat is in his mouth , the hand of god be at his heart ; and in the messe of his sinne , the plague salute him with the message of death . fishes that are of rivers , and cleare running waters are best : as plaise , flounders , &c. fresh salmon , trouts , barbels , shrimps &c. of sea-fish there are but a few fit to be vsed in these times : and those are gogions , mullets , soales , gurnards , lobsters , and cray-fishes : but fish must be seldomer vsed then flesh ; and onely for change of diet to weake and longing stomachs . for all kindes of fish breed but a watrish kinde of blood . egges of hens ( if they be eaten new and reare dressed ) are good , whither they be rosted , boyled , fried , or poached ; and eaten with veriuice , or vineager , and the iuice of a lemon . also turkey egges so vsed are good : but eate them seldomer , because they afford a little too rancke nourishment . in summer time , eate flesh and egges more sparingly then in winter , lest you increase blood too much , or turne it to choller ; which also turneth to inflamation , and putrefaction . butter is very good , and so is buttermilke : ( if moderately vsed ) but they doe easily inflame a chollericke stomacke : and send vp hot fumes into the head . the milke also purgeth some bodies : such therefore are the more to forbeare it . fruits may be allowed ( but seldome and in little quantitie to be vsed ) the sower and sharpe are best ; as sower cherries and plums ( but these preserved , or in tarts , or at least scalded , rather then raw ) the norwich , and katherin peares : the peppins , pearmains , & harvie apples being growne old ; are counted cordialls . also peaches , quinces , pomgranets , oranges , lemons , medlars , sarvices , strawberries , gooseberries , barberies , raspes , mulberries ; likewise dried fruits , as dried peares , plums , cherries , figs , raisins , damask proins , &c. those that haue hot stomachs , and desire cucumbers , may eat them beaten with an onion and salt , and sauced with vineager , and a little sprinckled with pepper . french beanes also ( called à formâ , kidney beanes ) may now and then be vsed , as the best sort of pulse for meate . so may hartichokes with butter and vineager , or the iuice of a lemon . if you earnestly desire sometime to eate of the moyster fruits : eat after them an orange with a little fennell and salt. and if you feele your stomach over-cooled with such kinde of moyst fruits ; drinke also a draught of good white wine : at such a time ; that wine is good to warme the stomach , and carrie away the crudities . of roots , these are the best , turneps , carrots , parsnips , hartichokes of ierusalem . also onions , and radishes , for they are esteemed of great vertue against venoms . and so are leekes , because they cleanse the blood . of hearbs ; the warme and drying are of greatest vse , as rue , wormwood , baulm , mints , peni royall , rosemary , and many such like ; with which you may stuffe and temper moyst meats . but for sallets and sauces : fennell , sweet marior●m , sage , time , parsley , succorie . but of all ; sharpe and sower hearbs are best : and therefore sorrell is in good request , and endiue or succorie mixed therewith ; because of themselues they are opening . hot spices may be vsed in moyst meats , and to temper cold and sower fruits . also in winter time , and to a cold stomach , they may be allowed simple ; or with little qualification : otherwise there is no vse of them , but to mixe with sauces . what spices i meane , are easily knowne : viz. pepper , cloues , mace , nutmegs , ginger ; and to these i adde saffron , and the roots of enula campane , zedoarie , angelica , and tormentill ; which are very vsefull . the fittest sauces are sharpe and sower ones . as sorrell and vineager , or veriuice , or the iuice of lemons , or oranges . also capers and vineager , are very good . when the weather is cold & your stomach craues it , you may mixe them with spices to make them warmer ; and in these cases if you doubt the weaknesse of your stomach , & the binding in of your spirits , by cold sower sauces ; then temper your meats with sugar , a little salt , cinnamon , pepper , safron , and some fennell : or with egges , butter , and the iuice of lemons , and a little fennell and saffron . broths must be very thin , and something sharpened with lemons , or vineager . in stead of them also you may somtimes vse posset-ale turned with vineager , or a lemon ; and after boyled with some of these hearbs before commended . or aleberries for those that cannot away with flesh . and let those that feed on these things , forbeare drinke . gellyes also are good for weake bodies , if they be not intemperately spiced . as for the manner of dressing : rost is better then boyled ; fish is beft ●● fried then boyled . but if any desire boyled meat rather , then let it be flesh of the drier sort : or if yet it must needs be of the moyster , let it be well sauced with sharpe and sower things , with a little pepper , cinnamon , prepared coriander seeds and salt . sorrell and marigold flowers may be added at your pleasure . i haue still prescribed vineager as a thing of generall vse , because being cooling and drying , it resisteth all kinds of poyson , and repelleth putrefaction . which is apparent ( as ambrosius paraeus li. de peste . cap. . testifieth ) in the embalming of dead bodies , who are washed in vineager , to keepe them from putrefying . but here i must giue a caveat to women : for ( as crato in consil . . saith ) it hurteth the mother : therefore they must allay it with white wine and sugar . now for drinke . middling beere or ale is generally best for common vse : but the constitution of every one must fit it selfe . onely take heed of extremities ; very strong enflames : and very small makes watrish blood . let your drinke be well boyled , and stale ; but quicke and fresh . cyder made of sharpe apples is not amisse to be vsed somtimes , to refresh the pallat with varietie . those that haue need of wine to helpe their stomachs , let them vse good claret , sherries sacke , or canarie : and now and then a draught of white wine . but if your stomach doe not much require them simply : allay them with water . let your wine be cleare , briske , old , and pleasant . to a weake stomach , and a feeble nature , wine is an antidote against all poysons ; as celsus li. . de re medica . cap. . affirmeth . and senectutis summa est medicina : it is the best medicine for old age , as aëtius teacheth in tetr . . serm . . cap. . but let not youths , and men of strength thinke they may be so bold with wine in these contagious seasons , as they haue bin wont to be at other times . for it must needs inflame their bloud , and inflamation is certainly seconded with putrefaction ; and putrefaction is no lesse then a degree of poyson in the humors , which will easily turne to the pestilence . and so much for the disorder of mans diet in qualitie of meat & drinke . now we come to quantitie . and herein ; the disease is surfeiting , and the remedie must be sobrietie . i will therefore lay open , first the danger of the disease , and then the course of the cure. in this disorder of quantitie , i cannot but admire at my countrey men : for if heliogabalus were now among the liuing , he might finde enough companions among englishmen . it was wont to be said , the drunken-dutchman : but the dutch haue playd the god-fathers , & haue too kindly , bestowd their names vpon our men , such names i meane as diotemus of athens had ; who was intituled the tunnell , for his filthy delight in drinking and drinking in a tunnell . for the liues of many are so monstrous , that a man might say of some among vs , as valerius aurelianus the emperour was wont to say of bonosus , a spaniard : that he was borne ; not to liue , but to drinke . these riotous abuses of gods good gifts , are a maine cause why the lord at this time striketh this land with sicknesse , and threatneth it with the famine . and if any of that luxurious sect be at this time sober , let them but listen to the testimonies of learned experience , who will tell them into what bodily dangers they plunge themselues by this detestable disorder . hippocrates hath an aphorisme to this purpose , that meat or drinke immoderately taken causeth sicknesse . paulus aegineta goes yet further , saying , that the veynes being filled too full ; are afflicted , distended , or els broken : obstructed , filled with winde , and over-charged . and of all diseases , he affirmeth , that the over-charging of the veines is the worst . galen affirmeth , that drunkennesse and crudities ( which arise from intemperance ) doe breed new diseases . and in another place , he sayth , whereas wine moderately taken increaseth naturall heat ; as being his proper aliment : by drunkennesse commeth astonishment of the brayne , the falling sicknesse , or some mayme either to sense or motion . and so , the best meats , which afford most nourishment , being immoderately eaten , ingender cold diseases . but avicen more particularly layes downe the dangers that follow this over repletion , in these words : eating much nourisheth not ; but fills the body with crudities and raw humors stops the pores , weakens the powers of nature ; causes putrefaction , mixed feavors , short breath , sciatica , and ioynt-aches . againe , in another place he speakes of drinking , thus : much drinking of wine in sanguine and chollericke complexions , overheats the bloud , and causeth choller to superabound ; and by too much repletion of the veynes and vessells , there may follow a hot apoplexie , and suddain death . in cold complexions it breeds diseases of the sinews ; and that for two causes : the first is the over moystening of the sinews ; the other , the turning of the drinke into vineager before it can passe through the body : so the nerves are by the former relaxed , and by the latter corroded . whereupon follows the cold apoplexie , astonishment , senslesnesse , lethargie , palsey , trembling of the limbs , and convulsions of the mouth . these are the fearefull mischiefs that befall their bodies ; besides the miserable wants that grow like eating cankers into their estates , and the hideous hell-torments which attend their soules . and note this also , that what these haue said of wine , the same is true likewise of all other strong drinkes . now to cure this bruitish disease , there is no better way then prevention ; and gluttonie is prevented by sobrietie . therefore againe hearken to avicen , who adviseth alwayes to rise from meate with some remainder of appetite : for within halfe an houre , or as soone as the meate ( first eaten ) beginneth to digest , our hunger ceaseth . li. . fen. . doct. . cap. . and hence it is , that some ( greedily following the sense of their appetite ) overcharge their stomachs even to vomiting , before they feele themselues satisfied ; because , though the vessell be over-full , yet the appetite is not appeased till concoction haue begun her worke vpon some part of that which is already received . these things are especially to be regarded in a contagious time . for repletion is the originall of all mischiefs that crudities can produce , and they can cause speedy putrefaction , & that speeds them with the pestilence . but as for a strict quantitie of eating and drinking , i cannot stint every mans stomach ; but must conclude with hippocrates , aph. . li. . concedendum est aliquid tempori , regioni , aetatt , et consuetudini . the time , place , age , and custome , must beare some sway in these things . onely in these times , i would wish all men , women , and children to be so moderate ( as avicen counselleth ) that they still keepe in the fire of their appetite ; and how sparing so ●ver they are wont ( naturally or customarily ) to be ; let them be now somthing more sparing . make sewer and shorter meales . i would wish those that haue not very weake and windie stomachs , to eat but twice a day : that is , breakfast and dinner : to goe to bed without a supper is very holsome ; thereby we giue sleepe leaue to supply the evenings nourishment , which it will better performe when neither the stomach troubles it with vapours ; nor it hinders the stomach from digestion . let your drinke also be lesse then your meat : and drinke not betweene meales , if you can forbeare . laertius li. . saith , that socrates liued in athens in divers plague times , and was never sicke of it : and the reason was , his great temperance in diet . in winter and cold weather , eate your meat hot from the fire . in summer eat it for the most part cold . let the times of eating be ; for your breakfast two houres after you are vp , and haue taken some antidote . and your dinner fiue houres after that againe . your supper also ( if the weaknesse of your stomach craue it ) fiue houres after your dinner . frame not to your selfe an antidote without skill : but take advice of the physition : who will consider what will best agree with the particular temper of your body : for mithridate and triacle , are generally good for all ; but not particularly for every one . but because every one will not be brought to breake their old customary times of meales ; as dinner at twelue , and supper at seaven : i am content to yeeld to custome in these cases . onely let them never goe forth without their breakfast : that they may be armed against winde and emptinesse . and their antidote taken two houres before ; that they may be armed against evill aires . now for those that must therfore make three meales a day ; let their breakfast ( if they be of a cold constitution ) be some bread and butter with nutmeg grated , and a little citron pill powdered , and strewed vpon it . or els bread and sallet oyle ( for such as loue it ) spiced with the powder of enula campane roote . or els ( especially in cold and moyst weather ) eate a few figs with a little penniroyall and salt . but for hot stomachs and chollericke complexions ; let such dip some bread in beere and vineager , and eat it . or take good wine vineager , steepe in it ( for three dayes together ) the powder of brimston and a few fennell-seeds , soppe your bread in it , and make it your break-fast and for those that must make three meales a day , let their breakfast be little in quantitie . at other meales , eat the lightest meats first , and then those that are more hard of digestion : eat no butter last , and drinke not last after your meate . neither is cheese so commonly to be eaten at these times , for if it be full of butter , it is fuming ; if not , it is binding : and both these are faults ; except the inclination of the body require it at sometimes . after dinner also , if you haue a cold stomach , close it with a bit of bread , and a few coriander seeds prepared . and this likewise will doe well for breastfast , if you be troubled with winde and gripings . eate not of aboue two or three dishes at dinner , and at supper , let one suffice you . quercitavus ( in diaetet : polyhist . sect. . cap. . ) proues , that the eating of varietie of meates , and drinking of divers kindes of drinkes at one meale , makes such a confused heape in the stomach , as turneth to infinite tumults in concoction ; while some are sower , and some speedier in softening , digesting , and distributing into the parts of the body . to conclude ; let custome somthing prevaile in all points of diet , with those that haue vsed temperance in former times ; and onely pare it somthing thinner in respect of the present pestilent time . as for those that never knew the rules of order yet : let them learne shortly , if they desire to liue long . and so much for the second part of diet : meate and drinke . the third poynt of diet , is repletion , and evacuation . galen ( li. . de differ . feb . cap. . ) sayth , that the body ought especially to be kept free from superfluities . and hippocrates ( in the third aph. of his first booke ) proveth that plethoricke bodies are subiect to great dangers : wherefore he counselleth evacuation ; and yet withall to goe no further therein then nature will safely beare . for as too much repletion is hurtfull , so too long fasting makes the stomach languish ; therefore suffer not too much emptinesse . hunger sharpens the humors and weakens the spirits : and thirst makes the heart hot , and enflames the spirits ; who therefore desiring to be cooled , doe draw in more quantitie of the evill aire by breathing , then they should , and that i haue alreadie proved to be dangerous . therefore it is better to eate the oftener , so it be the lesse at once . when you rise in the morning rub your sides , armes , and legges a little : your cloths being on ; comb your head , and rub it ; hauke and spit ; and blow your nose , to evacuate those excrements . then wash your hands and face with faire water first , in regard of cleansing ; but afterward ( in respect of preservation ) wash your face , nose , mouth , and eye-lids ( closing your eyes ) with rose-water and vineager and white wine . or with faire water and a little vineager , wherein rue hath shred and steeped all night . assay also to make water , and goe to stoole . be carefull to bring your body to a custome of evacuation at that time . and after that eat your antidote . if you be costiue , vse some suppositorie , or clyster ; if such slighter meanes ( whereof every man can prescribe one or other ) will not prevaile , consult with the physition : and suffer not two whole dayes to passe without such evacuations . be carefull likewise to keepe your selfe neate and cleanly at all times . wash your feete once a fortnight in warme water , wherein are boyled rose-leaues ( either fresh or dried ) vine-leaues , bay leaues , rosmarie , fennell , camomill , and some bay salt. flee all other bathings , and especially washing and swimming in rivers , ponds , and such open places , ( as the thames , and such like ) within the region of the aire infected : for it is most dangerous . if vrine stop , or menstrua flow not as they should ; seeke remedie of the physition speedily . fly venus as much as you may , for shee hath an ill report in times of pestilence . in a pestilent aire , every disease becommeth somthing pestilent , and more deadly then ever before : and any kinde of feavor easily turneth to the plague it selfe . therefore if any perceiue blood , or any other humor to abound , or to be corrupted ( what time of the yeare , or what weather soever it be ) let him begin to abate it by moderate abstinence ; or els take the advise of a physition ; for opening a veine , or some other course , such as the artist shall thinke fit . and let them not put it off till they be worse , in hope of growing better by their owne strength : for nature for the most part struggles in vaine without helpe : and contagious cases are not to be trusted to . naturall sweating , that commeth easily , and of it selfe is good ; hinder it not therefore , and yet embrace it not too earnestly . to conclude ; if a man or woman haue an issue , or fontanell in arme or legge ; or haue any running soare ; heale it not vp , for it is a good meanes to keepe safe from infection ; because nature will ( lightly ) be strong enough to expell any venom by such a common sewer . but yet make not this thy sheild of confidence , for though few such haue beene stricken ; yet i can name some that haue died of the plague , for all that they had issues , and those at that time well and plentifully running . the fourth poynt of diet , is exercise and rest . some are so lazie as they will not stirre their bodies at all ; these suffer superfluous humors to increase , because they doe not breath them out by exercise . ovid. de ponto , resembles such to standing pooles , which corrupt for lacke of purging themselues by motion . cernis vt ignavum corrumpunt otia corpus ? vt capiunt vitium ni moveantur aquae ? others againe are so violent in their labour and exercise , that they prodigally waste the treasure of those good humors that should nourish them . of these againe the poet singeth ; otia corpus alunt , animus quoque pascitur illis . immodicus contra carpit vtrumque labor . such exercises as running , wrestling , much leaping , violent dancing , hard riding , foot-ball-playing , tennise , and the like ; which cause a man to swear in open aire , are very dangerous . for thereby the pores are opened to let in that aire which bringeth poyson with it . also the lungs fetching short and deepe breathing ( as i haue else where sayd already ) draw it as fast into the vitall parts . moderate exercise stirreth vp and nourisheth naturall heat ; fills the members thereby with activitie and aptnesse to motion ; also it helps concoction and evacuation of excrements . therefore let your exercise be walking , and gentle stirring , ad ruborem , non ad sudorem : till you be warme , not till you sweat . let the time of exercise be the morning fasting , two houres after the sunne is vp ; for by that time , his beames will haue dispelled and dispersed the night vapours . the fittest place , is some large roome , enclosed from the common aire ; and where is little or no company , that their breaths distemper not the aire wherein you are ( by motion ) to breath somthing more largely . and it is good to perfume the roome also before hand , that the aire may be the purer . at all times , beware you take no cold . for great colds and rheums doe easily breed putrid feavors , and they as easily turne to the plague . the fifth poynt of diet , is sleepe and watching . if sleepe be immoderate or vnseasonable , it hindereth concoction , it heapeth vp many crude and superfluous humors , it extinguisheth the vitall spirits , and taketh away the liuelinesse of the animall faculties . overmuch watching also and want of sleepe , dries vp the good humors , and sets them in a heat , and ( which is most dangerous ) weakens the naturall forces . therefore obserue due times for sleepe . goe to bed betimes , and rise betimes ; for that is holsomest . sleepe not vpon meate , or after dinner ; especially if you haue fed any thing liberally : and by no meanes giue way to sleepe at such times lying along : but if you must needs take such repose , sit in a chaire vpright , and doe but take him napping ; let not such a sleepe be aboue halfe an houre long ; for a little yeelding satisfieth ; and by further indulgence the head will grow the more dull and drowsie . i counsell therefore rather to yeeld a little in this aforesayd manner , then by striving too much against it , to make the head ake ; but let some friend or servant ( within the time limited ) awake you gently , not sodainly to make you fright or start ; for that would disturbe those spirits and humors which your nap had setled . the night is the naturall time for sleepe . but let it be two houres at the soonest after supper ( if you must sup ) that the stomach may haue made some good progresse in concoction , before sleepe make holiday with the functions of nature . and then sleepe not aboue fiue or six houres at the most . let the chamber wherein you lie , be conveniently warme , the dores and windows close shut , to keepe out the evill aire of the night ; and before-hand perfumed to expell the pestilent . sleepe not without dores ; neither sit , nor lie vpon the ground or grasse in the fields or garden plots ; for the nearer the earth , the more deadly is the aire : and the immediate stroke of the cold ground is very dangerous . the sixt and last poynt , is the passions of the minde . all kindes of passions if they be vehement doe offer violence to the spirits . yea though they be of the better , and more naturall sort . as , ioy and laughter , if they be vnbridled and too profuse , doe exceedingly enervate and resolue both the spirits and body ; in so much as the breast and sides are pained , the breath is streightened , and many times the soule it selfe is ready to depart . so also care , suspition , enuie , iealousie , and such like vnquietnesses , doe ouer-heat the spirits , and drie vp and consume the good humors . but there be foure passions more violent then the rest . viz. immoderate ioy , sorrow , anger , and feare . immoderate ioy , by suddaine and violent dilatation of the heart , le ts the spirits fly forth so abundantly , that naturall heat is left naked and so is sodainly extinguished . if it breake forth into laughter , the danger is as i haue alreadie said . it is recorded of chrysippus , that onely vpon seeing an asse eate figs , he fell into such an vnmeasurable laughter , that he fell downe and died . and zeuxis that excellent paynter ( who made a most curious beautifull picture of the spartan helen ) vpon the sight of a very ill favor'd old woman , burst out into such an vnmeasurable laughter , that he laughed himselfe to death . but somtimes this immoderate ioy killeth before it venteth it selfe in laughter . for so sophocles the tragedian receiving a wonderfull applause of the people for the last tragedy he writ ; was so over-ioyed at it , that he fell downe and died presently . and it is recorded of one rhodius diagoras , who when he saw his three sonnes all at one time crowned with victory at the olympian games , ranne to meet them ; and while he embraced them in his armes , and they set their garlands on his head ; he was so overcome with ioy , that he fell downe dead in the midst of them ; and so turned their triumphs into a funerall . sorrow on the other side afflicts the heart , disturbs the faculties , melts the brayne , vitiates the humors ; and so weakens all the principall parts ; consumes the nourishments of the spirits and naturall heate ; and somtimes brings sodaine death . as adrastus king of the argiues , being told of the death of his sonne , was taken with so sodain a sorrow , that he fell downe and died presently . and so iulia the daughter of iulius caesar , and wife of pompey ; when she heard the newes of her husbands death , fell downe also suddainly and died . anger is so furious a passion , that it worketh wonderfully vpon the spirits and faculties ; disturbing them exceedingly , as appeareth by the shaking and tossing of the body too and fro ; the fiery sparkling of the eyes ; the colour comming and going , now red , now pale : so that the humors appeare to be inflamed ( especially choller ) and the spirits hurried this way and that way ; somtime haled outward , and presently driven inward againe . by which violent motions an vnnaturall heat in the spirits , and corruption in the humors are ingendred . hereupon ( many times ) follow burning and cholericke feavors , pulseys , iaundis , pleurisies , and all kinds of inflamations ; violent bleeding at the nose which can hardly be stanched ; and somtime death it selfe . nerva the emperour , being highly displeased with one regulus , fell into such a fury against him , that he was stricken therewith into a feavor , whereof he died shortly after . wencestaus king of bohemia , in a furious anger conceived against his cup bearer , would needs kill him presently with his owne hand ; but in the endevour he was stricken with a palsey , whereof he died in few dayes after . valentinianus the emperour in a great rage would needs destroy the whole countrey of sarmatia ; but he breathed forth his menaces with such vnbridled fury , that he burst out into bleeding and died . in the yeare of our lord , . a poore olde man in the north part of devonshire ( dwelling in a part of a little village called little poderidge ) came to the house of sr thomas monck ( where i at that time was ) and standing at the buttery dore to receiue some beere ( which , together with other victualls , was every day given very liberally to all the poore thereabouts ) because the butler did not presently fill his tanckerd ; the olde man fell into such a furious rage against her , that with the very passion , he presently fell downe ; was taken vp dead , was with much adoe ( by me ) recovered to life and sense ; but never spake more , and died within two dayes after . feare also gathers the spirits to the heart , and dissolues the brayne , making the humors thereof to shed and slide downe into the externall parts , causing a chilnesse , and shaking over all the body : it abuseth the phantasie and senses , brings a lethargie vpon the organs of motion , and depriues the heart of all spirit and vigour : somtimes also it makes a mans will for him , and vnkindly bequeaths his estate to death . as cassander the sonne of antipater vpon sight of alexanders statue , fell into such a terror and trembling , that he could hardly shift himselfe out of the place , and had much adoe to recover his spirits againe . i could relate a story of one who ( receiving but a slight wound in the arme , in a place of no danger , and with very little losse of blood ) died presently with the very feare of being killed . but i should be too tedious if i should reckon vp more examples . now , if these passions could be so deadly in pure aires , and holsome seasons ; how much more ( thinke we ) are they pernicious in pestilentiall times ? but in respect of contagion , there is no passion so dangerous as feare . for by it the spirits are enforced to retire inward to the heart , to guard that prince of life from the danger feared . by this retiring they leaue the outward parts infirme , as appeareth plainely by the palenesse & trembling of one in great feare . so that , the walls being forsaken ( which are continually besieged by the contagious aire ) in come the enemies without resistance ; the spirits which are the souldiers that should repell them , having cowardly sounded a retrait . and hereby there is not onely way made for the evill aire to enter , but also the spirits ( wherein is all our heat ) being all drawne inward , doe draw in such vapours after them as are about the body ; even as the sunne draweth towards it , the vapours of the earth . and here-hence it is , that feare brings infection faster and sooner then any other occasion . now for remedie against these passions , we must know that they are diseases of the soule , and the cure of them belongeth chiefly to divines . they are the phisitians to deale inwardly with these diseases : to purge out the loue of this world , and the distrust of gods providence and mercies , as also to minister the cordialls of faith , hope , patience , contentednesse , &c. and to ordaine the strict diet of holy exercises , a good conversation , and walking with god. wee that are phisitians to the body , are but chirurgians to the soule : wee can but talke of topicall remedies , as to apply mirth , musicke , good company , and lawfull recreations ; such as may take away all time and occasions for carefull thoughts and passionate affections . thus haue i brought you through that part of the definition , wherein are the causes of the plague discovered . now we are to lay open the qualities of it , described before in the definition , thus which at the very first striketh to the heart , is venomous , deadly , and infectious . at the very first it striketh to the heart . therefore it is called morbus cordis , a disease of the heart . and that this is first stricken , is apparent by this , that at the first infection the vitall facultie sinkes , and languishes ; the whole strength of the body is suddainly turned to weaknesse ; the vitall spirits are greatly oppressed and discouraged . whereas the animall facultie commonly remaineth ( for a while ) in good plight and perfect in the vse of sense , vnderstanding , iudgement , memorie and motion . the naturall facultie also is not so presently hurt , but there is concoction and all other actions performed by the liver , stomach , reyns , guts , bladder , and other parts , as nature requireth . though indeed in a little time , these and the brayne also are overcome , as appeareth by the symptoms that follow , as lethargies , frenzies , vomitings , fluxes , &c. that it is venomous , is graunted of all both physitians and philosophers . and it is apparent by his secret and insensible insinuation of himselfe into the vitall spirits ; to which as soone as he is gotten , he shews himselfe a mortall enemie , with suddain violence choking and extinguishing them . therefore , his subtle entrance , his sly crueltie , his swift destroying ; the vnfaithfulnesse of his crisis , and other prognosticke signes ; and the vehemencie , grievousnesse , and ill behaviour of his symptoms , are manifest proofes of his venomous qualitie . for in this disease , the seidge , vrine , and sweat , haue an abhominable savour ; the breath is vile and noysome ; evill coloured spots , pustles , blisters , swellings ; and vlcers full of filthy matter arise in the outward parts of the body : such as no superfluitie or sharpnesse of humors , nor no putrefaction of matter ( without a venomous qualitie ioyned with it ) can possibly produce . it is deadly . this needs no proofe , the weekly bills argue it , and our owne eyes witnesse it , while we see continuall burialls , and some die in the very streets : and while we finde also that few of those that are stricken doe recover againe . but that it is infectious , is among many of the common ignorant sort more disputable , then among the learned . yet is it apparent enough by much experience ; for garments and houshold-stuffe haue beene infected , and haue infected many , as i haue shewed alreadie in the examples of a gowne and a feather-bed . now though this infection be not apparent to sense ( as indeed the deadliest poysons haue neither taste nor smell ) yet their lurking qualitie may be plainely demonstrated by such as are sensible . for we know that garments will a long time retaine any strong or sweete sent wherewith they haue beene fumed , or with which they haue beene layd vp ; now the sent is meerely a qualitie , and his substance is the aire , which is the vehiculum or seat of the sent wherein it is carried , & by which it is made permanent . other experiences we haue also ; as liue pageons being laid to the soares , are taken away dead , having not beene wounded , crushed , nor hurt by any hand at all . and lastly , many that are infected , can directly tell where , and of whom they tooke it . but say some againe , then why is not one infected as well as another ? i haue eaten and drunke , and lyen with them that haue had it , and the soares running on them . and yet i was not infected . i say they haue the more cause to magnifie the mercy of god to their particular ; and not to obscure it , by saying it is not infectious . this argument is not vnlike that of the mountebanks , who tell you that such and such haue beene cured by his medicines , but conceales how many haue died by the misapplication . if one should aske this man , i pray you , how many haue so conversed with the infected and haue so escaped ? i am sure they cannot name one of twentie . yea but sayth another , i hold the plague to be nothing els but the very influence of the striking angell , sent of god to destroy here one and there another , as hee hath particularly fore-poynted them out . such kindes of plagues indeed we reade of in sacred scripture , as exod. . numb . . v. . numb . . numb . . and sam. . but there is great difference betwixt those plagues and these of ours . for in those , great multitudes suddainly , and all at once ( as one would say ) in a very short space of time were both smitten and slaine . the longest time of striking being but three dayes , namely that for davids numbering the people . in those plagues therefore the cause was onely supernaturall : for there was no time allowed for corruption and putrefaction of the aire . but in these of ours ( and in very many moe in all countreys and kingdomes , and in all ages of the world ) there hath beene sufficient time to breed and increase the contagion in the aire : in which time of breeding also , the antient naturall observations haue beene found true from age to age ; for many noysome things haue apparently discovered themselues , as fruits of the aires putrefaction , and prognosticks of the plague threatened . and when it hath begun , it spreads but by degrees ; first striking one man onely ; then two or three ; after that a few more ; and so multiplying the succeeding number , as it evidently groweth more contagious by the number of bodies already infected . besides those plagues before mentioned , doe discover a stroke , but no sicknesse ; but that of hezekiah discovered a sicknesse and no stroke of any angell . for it is plainly sayd , that hezekiah was sicke . isaiah . and that his sicknesse was the plague , appeares by the soare which was vpon him , and the medicine by which that soare was cured . this to the reasonable is reason sufficient . but ere i part with this poynt of infection ; i thinke it good to discover what bodies are most , or least apt to be infected . and to finde this we must first know that bodies are infected two wayes ; first , from without , in regard of the aire ; and secondly , from within , in respect of the present state of the bodie . from without , those are most subiect to it , who haue thin bodies , and open pores ; and whose hearts are so hot , that they need much attraction of aire to coole them . from within , they are most apt , whose veyns and vessells are full of grosse humors , and corrupt iuices ; the evill matter ( being thicke , and therefore cannot breath out through the pores ) increaseth her putrefaction ( by the heat within ) vnto the greater malignitie , and so becommeth pestilent . therefore those bodies that are moyst , and full of iuice ; whose veines are streit ( and therefore apter to intercept then intertaine the iuices ) and the thicknesse of whose skin denies the transpiration of the excrements ; these are easily poluted and infected . and such are women ; especially women with childe , for their bodies are full of excrementitious iuices , & much heat withall ; which is as oyle and flame put together . also those that are very costiue , or haue their water stopped ; the noysome vapours that are by these excrements ingendered , make the body subiect to infection . young children , in regard of their tender and soft bodies are apt to admit of any alteration vpon the lightest occasion : and because they fetch their breath short ( having but little roome for respiration ) they draw in much aire , with which the seed of contagion is attracted : and so are apt to be infected from without . and likewise because they are naturally moyst , and feed vpon the moyster kindes of meates ; and feed also with more appetite then iudgement ; they are therefore the more subiect to pestilent infection from within . likewise , the sanguine and delicate faire complexion , ( whose bloud and iuices are finer and thinner then others , and therefore more subiect to mutation ) are quickly infected : for the plague is able to insinuate it selfe into all the humors ; but into some more easily then others ; as into bloud first , choler next , fleam after , and melancholie last . poore people , ( by reason of their great want ) living sluttishly , feeding nastily on offals , or the worst & vnholsomest meates ; and many times too long lacking food altogether ; haue both their bodies much corrupted , and their spirits exceedingly weakened : whereby they become ( of all others ) most subiect to this sicknesse . and therefore we see the plague sweeps vp such people in greatest heapes . indeed in regard of the aire , the rich are as subiect as they ; for both breath the same : and delicacie of feeding makes the rich as apt to corruption : but then they haue meanes to get holsome food , good attendance , and precious antidotes to preserue them ; for we see by experience that ordinary things doe little prevaile . and this is the reason also why fewest of the rich doe die of the plague . great eaters and drinkers ( who can never be free from crudities ) as also luxurious idle livers , and whore hunters ( who spend the strength of their bodies prodigally ) are very apt to be infected . also such as in former times haue had customary evacuations by sweat , haemorrhoids , vomitings , menstrua , fontanells , or other like wayes of expelling noxious humors ; and haue them now stopped . those likewise that fast much ( their bodies being emptie ) receiue more aire in , then they let out . those also that are fearefull ; as i haue alreadie shewed in the point of passions . furthermore , nearenesse of bloud or kindred , by reason of the sympathy of natures , maketh men very apt to receiue infection from one of their owne bloud . and so those that are neare the sicke in body , being continually conversant with them , or often comming about them ; as chirurgians , keepers , searchers , and such like . lastly , virgins that are ripe and marriageable ; are apt to receiue infection , and being once stricken , seldome or never escape , without great and precious meanes . quia spirituosum semen in motu cum sit , facilè succenditur ; vel , quia intùs detentum facilè corrumpitur , & in veneni perniciem abit . mindererus de pestilentia . cap. . but some thinke by the strength of nature to prevaile against against this infection . but wee see strong and well nourished bodies die as fast as others : and that not because it is safer to be weake ; but as hippocrates sayth , corpora impura quò magis aluntur , eò magis laeduntur . their taking of the infection proues their body to be impure ( though strong ) and the more an impure body is nourished , the more it is endangered . but those are most likely to escape infection , that are troubled with the gout ; in whom the nobler parts of the body doe expell the noxious humors to the ignobler . those that haue fontanells , or any other kinde of issue , as vlcers , haemorrhoids , or plentie of other evacuations ; whereby the hurtfull humors are drayned away . olde folkes , whose bodies are dry and cold . also bold and confident spirits , whose courage can resist all feares , are to themselues an antidote ; if their body be withall kept cleane and pure by the common rules of preservation . lastly , those who keepe themselues private , and vse antidotes and meanes preservatiue , reposing themselues in god with david in the fourth psalme , and last verse . he will giue his angells charge over them , to keepe them in all their wayes , &c. psal . . . . . and . verses . but they must then walke in the way that god hath set before them , and that is , the vse of physicke . for , the lord hath created medicines out of the earth , and he that is wise will not abhorre them . ecclus. . . and with such doth he heale men , and take away their paynes . vers . . and in the sixt verse , he hath given men skill , that he might be honoured in his marveilous workes . then forsake not the physitian ; neither by thy scorning of his skill , force him to forsake thee : for as st paul said of the marriners in his ship. acts. . . so may i say of physitians in this cittie ; except these tarry , wee cannot be saved . and so much for the qualitie of the plague . now i come to the last part of the definition , discovering the signes and symptoms of it , in these words : and for the most part is accompanied with a feavor ; as also with spots called gods-tokens , or with a blayne , or botch , or carbuncle . i say , for the most part it is thus accompanied ; but not alwayes . for some are suddainly stricken , and die before they haue any acquaintance , either with distemper or outward paine . some haue thought there may be a plague and yet no feavor : but mindererus proues that to be an idle conceit . li. de pest . cap. . some also , haue died of the plague , and yet nothing hath appeared outwardly : and such as die suddainly , haue seldome any spots , or such like outward signe : and are therefore lesse infectious then others , if they be not too long kept vnburied . but to come to the severall points , which haue two generalls , to wit , inward signes , and outward signes . the inward is a feavor , and his symptoms . the outward are , the tokens , the blayne , the botch , and the carbuncle . the first and inward signe , is a feavor . as soone as the heart is stricken with the putrid vapour , the spirits grow distempered and inflamed . and this distemperature is a feavor ( not proper , but symptomaticall or accidentall ) and this feavor is not of one kinde in every one ; but diverse , and such are his symptoms also . as sometime pleuriticke , sometime squinanticke , sometimes cholericke , sometimes continuall , and sometimes intermitting . these distempers relate the cruell combate begun betwixt nature and her m●●●all enemie . the outward signes bring newes of the hopes or feares to which side the victorie is like to fall . for , if nature expell any part of the venom outward , it is a signe of some strength in her . if the tokens appeare , either the enemie is but weake ; or els nature is but weake , and shews her good will more then her power . for except the assault be but slight ; those repulses will not get the conquest . if there be a blayne or blister , it shewes nature is a little stronger , and the enemy not a little curs●er . if the botch or great apostumation rise . then hath nature a crowd of corrupt matter to encounter with ; an armie of enemies , against which shee stoutly bestirres her selfe . if shee driue forth a great quantitie of matter , and withall be well fortified ( within by antidotes , to maintaine her spirits , and strength : and without by perfumes ) that while the body of the battalion is driven out , the skouts of straggling vapours that arise from it , steale not in againe by the mouth , nostrills , and other outward passages ; then is she like to winne the day . and by the places where she driues them out ; it appeares , against which of the three castles of nature the greatest assault is given and continued . for if the swelling arise in the armepits , it shews that the the seidge is continued ( where it first begun ) at the heart . if in the necke , then is the battery layd at the brayne . and if in the groyne , then is the liver beleaguered . but sometimes these princes are all at once assaulted ; and then is it altogether vnlikely that nature can recover . for though both she and they be never so stout , and seeme for a time to prevaile , by expelling abundance of matter ( in the breaking of the botches ) yet nature may be so over-charged ; and the enemie ( whose venome is sly and subtle ) may shew himselfe such a machavilian , as one way or other he weakens her forces , puts her braue spirits to flight , and tyrant-like demolisheth all her beautious buildings . if the carbuncle arise . then we may say , nature playes the lion , but alas shee hath to deale with a fiery dragon : this of all venoms being the most malicious and cruell . but that the colours of these bloudy ensignes , may the better be discovered , i will play the herald , and blazon every signe by himselfe . so many ( i meane ) as are most inseparable from the plague , & therfore chiefly to be respected . as for the rest , ( though they be many ) they belong as well ( and more properly ) to other diseases ; and are more deceitfull , and lesse vsefull to any but the physitian onely . the signes of the plague ( therefore ) are commonly these . first , a secret sinking of the spirits and powers of nature , with a painfull wearinesse of the bones , and all without any manifest cause . then follows great trouble and oppression of the heart , that the partie vnquietly rowles vp and downe for rest from one place to another ; sighing often , and either offering to vomit , or vomiting filthy stuffe of divers colours , yellow , greene , and blackish ; then come paines in the head , which still increase ; and faintnesse . but after these come the surest signes , which are the tokens , blayne , botch , and carbuncle . the tokens are spots of the bignesse of flea-bitings , some bigger , some as bigge as a penny . they shew themselues commonly in the brest and backe ; but they will sometimes appeare in other places also . in some they will be many , in some but a few , in others but one or two . in colour they are for the most part of a pale blew , but somtimes also purple or blackish , circled with a reddish circle . the blayne is a little blister somwhat like one of the swine-pocks ; and many times of the same colour ; but somtimes , of a blewish or leaden colour ; and being opened , affordeth filthy matter of the like complexion . round about the blister , there is a rednesse the breadth of a groat , six-pence , or nine-pence : these will rise in any part : somtimes one alone , somtimes two or three ; but never very many . and these will breake , and fall , and leaue a dry crust , which will scale off . the botch is a hard swelling , rising as i sayd before in the necke , vnder the eares , or vnder the chinne ; in the armepits ; & in the groynes . it swelleth somtimes no bigger then a nutmeg ; somtimes as bigge as a wall-nut ; others as a hens egge , and some as bigge as a mans fist . also in some it swelleth out very fully to be seene plainly , and becommeth so soare that it can endure nothing to touch it ; in others it lieth low and deepe in the flesh , onely to be found by feeling ; and somtimes also scarcely to be felt ; but if you touch the place , it is painfull . those that lie high and plaine to be seene , are more hopefull ; the low lurking ones are very ominous and pernicious . the carbuncle riseth like a little push or pustle , with a prettie broad compasse of rednesse round about it . it is wonderfull angry , and furiously enflaming , as if a quicke coale of fire were held to the place : whence it hath his name carbunculus , a little coale of fire . it creepeth secretly in the flesh next vnder the skin , and is full of such a furious malignant poyson , as it will quickly consume and eate out so great a peece of flesh ( for the capacitie it is in ) as a man would wonder how it could so suddainly be done : being as if one did burne a hole with a hot iron . and it is strange to see that so small a tumor should be so devilish and dangerous to life : for if it be not with great care , and exceeding good meanes attended , it bringeth speedy death . but moreover obserue this . somtimes ( as i said before ) a man dies of the plague , when neither before nor after he is dead , there appeareth any tokens , or blayne , botch , or carbuncle . and yet there will be a signe which few haue observed ; my grand father ( who was a famous man , and of great experience ) hath taught it me ; and my father ( a physitian of aboue fortie yeares practise and experience ) hath confirmed it vnto me . that is , that after such a body is dead , in one place or other the flesh will grow softer then the rest : and the whole body will also grow softer & softer , and the longer the body lies , the softer will be the flesh . which shews the vilenesse of the putrefaction within . heurnius mentions this also among his signes in his booke de peste ; and addeth also these . that in a body dead of the plague , the nose lookes very blew , or blackish blow ; as if it had beene beaten or bruised . the like colour is in the eares and nayles : and ever worse coloured then other dead bodies vse to be . thus haue i displayed those signes which are least fayling : that the searchers may rightly informed themselues ; and not mistake ( as many haue done ) calling the purple spots of the pestilent feavor gods tokens . and somtimes letting bodies passe as not dead of the plague , because they had neither tokens , botch , nor carbuncle . i haue done it also to teach people how they may know when they are stricken with this infection ; that they may presently haue recourse to some skilfull man , and good meanes to recover them before it be too late . an houre is a precious space of time , and cannot be let slip but with hazard . and having thus shewed you what this dreadfull sicknesse is , what are the causes , qualities , and signes of it . before i leaue you , i will leaue with you a short generall direction to keepe your body safe from infection : and also ( if you feele suspicious signes of being taken ) how to begin to driue the venome from the heart , till such time as you may haue some more speciall meanes ( particularly fitting your present constitution and state of body ) by the counsell of some skilfull physitian . while health continueth , it is necessary that twise in the weeke , the body be evacuated with some gentle purging pill , to keepe the humors from superfluous increase . and in this case the pills of ruffus ( which are to be had in every apothecaries shop ) are very apt and good . or take of these pills of mine twice or thrice in a weeke . rs. aloës rosatae , vnc . j. rhabarbari , croci , ana drach . iij. myrrhae , drach . vj. santali citrini , drach . j. ambrae grifiae , scrup . j. cum syr . de succo citri , q. s . fiat massa pillularum . make pills of . or . grains a peece . take ij . or more of them in the morning fasting , foure or fiue houres before meate ; they may be taken best in syrup of roses solutiue , or in conserue of violets . and presently after them drinke a little white wine mixed with a little balme-water ( in cold weather ) : with rose water , and a little rose-vineager ( in hot weather ) : and with carduus , or scabious water in temperate weather . on the other dayes wherein you take no pills . take every morning fasting a dram or two ( or the quantitie of a nutmeg ) of london triacle , with as much conserue of red roses : this is for a temperate constitution . a cold constitution may take the triacle alone , onely sweetening it with a little sugar . and a hot complexion may mixe both the triacle and conserue in a few spoonefulls of rose-water and vineager . these powders following are good to cast into the broths of such as are sicke , or haue weake stomachs . take of red saunders , halfe an ounce , cynamom iij. drams and halfe , saffron , halfe a dram . powder them fine , and mixe them together . another . take of cynamom , halfe an ounce . cloues , halfe a dram . red corall , ij . scruples . saffron , halfe a dram . and the weight of all in sugar . make these into powder , and mixe them together . some giue this . take of pearle prepared , ij . drams . corall red , and white , of each halfe a dram . red rose leaues dried , saffron , spodium , of each a scruple . cynamon a dram . make them into fine powder , and mixe them . this is my counsell for those of ripe age , and for women that are not with childe . but for those women that breed childe , and also for infants or young children , there ought to be another way of preservation : in whom diet , must be most intended , and no purging vsed . for women , therefore , let them keepe their bodie soluble , by some gentle and familiar suppositories ; or gentle clysters , made of posset-ale with camomill flowers , and a little new-drawne cassia . take these in the afternoone : now and then . let them also every morning take the quantitie of a nutmeg of this medicine following . take harts-horne , cynamon , nutmegs , all the saunders , of each a dram . roots of angelica , zedoarie , enula-campane ; of each halfe a dram . powder all these . then take conserue of bugloss and borage , of each iij. drams . with an equall quantitie of syrup of citrons , and of dried roses . mixe all together , and make a conserue . take it ( as is sayd ) fasting , and fast two houres at least after . or els , take harts horne , red and yellow saunders , of each two drams . cloues and cynamon , of each one dram . beat them into fine powder , and mixe them together . with some of this , spice your meate , broth , or cawdell ; or whatsoever you haue to breakfast : and squeez into them a little iuice of a lemon . you may adde also some sugar as you please . let this be your break-fast . for young children . there is nothing better then bole armoniake , with a little tormentill roote , and citron pills made into fine powder : which you may mix with their meats , or cast into their broths : for their breakfast . if they be costiue , put vp a violet comfit or two for a suppositorie . or mix a little cassia , newly drawne , in some broth of a chicken , and giue it them now and then in a morning fasting . let them fast two houres after . and that day vse not the powder , before prescribed . and note this . when you suspect a childe to be sicke of the wormes , in a contagious time ; vse not wormeseed and those common trifling things : but order him as if you suspected he had the plague ; for that disease ( comming of so much putrefaction , as it doth ) is as apt to receiue the infection of the plague , as is tinder to take fire . it must not therefore be dallied with . but at such a time , you may giue twentie or thirtie graines of this powder following , for two or three mornings together . take harts-horne , j. dram . citron pill , rootes of angelica , and tormentill , rhubarb , and coralline , of each halfe a dram . make these into fine powder , and giue it as is said in a little carduus water , sweetned with some sugar . thus much for preservation in health . but if there be suspicion of infection , you must then looke about for a new course . in which case generally i condemne both purging and bleeding : for i know no vse of them in resisting or expelling the venom ; which is no other way effected but by sweating and running of the soares . yet i confesse phlebotomie hath his vse in sanguine and strong bodies ; so it be at the very first , while the spirits are strong and able of themselues to make good resistance . but if that first opportunitie be let slip ; i thinke it better to let it alone altogether ; then to doe it out of season ; and so to impaire naturall strength , which in this case ought most especially to be preserved and augmented . againe , though sweating be the true way , yet it must not be violent ; for that also weakens the spirits , and makes the body faint , therefore those sweating medicines must be mixed with cordialls . as for example . take mithridate , or london triacle , one dram . myrrh , enula campane root , and butter burre roote , of each ten graines . mixe these in a quarter of a pint of posset-ale and white wine mixed together ; to which you may adde some sugar to make the taste somthing gratefull . goe into your warme bed , then drinke this draught prescribed , and cover you with a reasonable weight of cloths ; and so sweat two or three houres , or somewhat more , as your strength will beare . but take heed you sleepe not in this while . then by degrees let the clothes be taken away , first one , and then another ; when you haue sweat sufficiently , or as much as you can endure . and let some one with warme napkins wipe you drie , and shift your linnen ; being very carefull of taking cold . then presently take this iulep . take of carduus water three ounces . syrup of lemons one ounce . bole armoniake , tormentill , angelica roote , of each one scruple . mixe all together , and drinke it off . doe this once in twelue houres , if you finde strength to beare it , till you haue performed it at the least three times : and at the second and third times , before you beginne to sweat , binde vnder either arme-hole , and to eyther groyne , some thin slices of radish roots , beaten with a little bay-salt , and sprinckled with a little vineager and rose-water : wrap them vp in foure little thin rags , and apply them . also , apply to the region of the heart , that quilt which i haue prescribed in stead of an amulet . when this is done , and the soares beginne to shew themselues ; follow the advise of those that are appointed to that purpose . for i must not enter into the infected house . therefore farewell . and the lord in mercie looke vpon this afflicted cittie . finis . if any be pleased to vse my antidotes ; i haue two powders , one is for daily vse , called pulvis pestilentialis ; the other in case of speciall danger , called pulvis vitalis . i haue also an excellent electuarie , which i call antiloimon , for his singular vertue against the plague . i haue likewise lozenges , and trochisks to hold in the mouth ; and rich pomanders to smell too . they were all of my grand-fathers invention , and haue beene proved to be admirably effectuall , both by his and my fathers experience . i confesse they are costly : but slight meanes and cheape medicines ( how ever they promise ) proue as deare as death . for we see by woefull observation , that the plague will not be repelled but by imperious encounters . i could relate very true and admirable stories of the effects of those three medicines aboue mentioned , but i will begge no mans beliefe . whosoever knows any thing of the name of iohn banister , must needs haue heard of many famous medicines by him invented . the first powder is . pence a dram : his quantitie , to be taken at once is halfe a dram . the second is . pence a graine : the quantitie is . or . graines . the electuarie is , . shillings pence an ounce : the quantitie is one or two drams . because many men know that i haue a whole volume of excellent receipts left me both by my grandfather , and my father ; and lest they should censure me as too strict and covetous in keeping all secret to my selfe , i haue thought fit for the common good ; to divulge this excellent antidote following . electuarium de ovo , stephani bradwelli . rs. vitelli ovi vnius , croci pulveriz . scrup . ij . conterantur simul donec in pultiformam rediguntur . postea imponantur in alia testa vacua , cum exiguo foramine in capite facto ; benè obturetur : et lento igne donec testa nigrescit assetur . dein exempta materia , exiecetur & subtilissime pulverizetur . cui adde rad . tormentillae , zedoariae , angelicae , valerianae , dictamni , aristolochiae rotunda , ana vnc . j. ss . myrrhae , scrup . iiij . baccarum lauri , baccarum iuniperi , and drach . ss . corticis citri , scrup . ij . ss . sem . citri , sem . cardui benedicti , ligni aloës , ana scrup . ij . cornu cervini , boli armeni , ana drach . j. ss . moschi gr . x. pulveriz . omnia subtiliss . adde etiam conservae florum calendulae , vnc . ij . theriacae lond. vnc . j. cum aqua cardui , et sacchari . q. s . fiat electuarium . s . ae . there is a fellow in distaffe lane , that disperseth bills abroad , bragging of a medicine that was my grandfather banisters ; thinking vpon the fame of his name to get both glory and gaine to himselfe . but let me warne all men to take heed of such impudent lyers . my grand-father was very scrupulous of giving any speciall receipts to others . but if any man can say he hath any receipt of his : i am sure , ( if it were of any value ) i haue the coppie of it . but i professe vpon the word and credit of an honest man , that among all his receipts , he hath not prescribed one preservatiue drinke for the plague : and besides , his judgement ever was , that the best forme of an antidote was either powder , pill , or electuarie . therefore this drinke that he talkes of ; was either none of my grandfathers ; or els some very slight thing , by him little esteemed . i cannot beare it , that any should abuse the kings people with sophisticate medicines ; and lay the imputation vpon so famous , and so all beloved a man as master iohn banister was . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e li. de probitate medici boni , ad tempus appositi sunt , ad occasionem eripiendum accōmodati . notes for div a -e proëmium . the name . the causes . the qualities . the symptoms and signes . the name . the first and principall cause is god. the way of cure. the influence of the starres , the second cause . the cure of this cause , is the same with the former . the corruption of the aire , the third cause . the aire is corrupted by the windes and weather . what constitutiō of the aire is most contagious . the necessitie of the aire . the cure of this cause . flight . citò cede . longè recede . choice of habitation . how to let in fresh aire . tardè redi . who must not flee . how those that tarrie are to order themselues . for then is the braine more full of excrementitious humors & the whole bodie aboundeth more with moysture ; therfore more apt to entertaine putrefaction . purging of the impure aire . purging of the generall aire . fire purgeth the aire best . strang counsels of some learned physitions . the authors opinion . lib. . cap. . diet in six poynts . the disorders in the point of aire . the cure of the speciall aire in houses . observation . if you must needs be in the ●ome , let the fire be in the chimney . airing in cold weather . in hot weather . in temperate weather . cure of speciall aire about the body . things held in the mouth . odours , simple . compound odours . to wash the face . apparell . perfumes for apparell . amulets . dr. herring . a good quilt to be vsed in stead of an amulet . meate and drinke . disorder in their qualitie . qualities of meates generally to be refused . particular meats to be forborne . bread. flesh of beasts . fowles : inwards . fish . egges . milke . fruits . roots . hearbs . sauces . spices . broths . mushroms . what manner of dressing meates are worst . what drinkes are vnfit ▪ compounded drinkes . pery and cyder . wines . good caveats . tobacco . the cure of this cause . qualities of meates and drinkes generally to be chosen . bread. flesh of beasts . fowles . inwards . numb . . fish . egges . butter . fruits . roots . hearbs . spices . sauce● broths . gellyes . what manner of dressing meates is best . vineager his vertues . not so good for women . beere and ale. cyder . wine . who are fit to vse wine . quantitie . gluttonie . the dangers of surfeiting . li. . aph. . de re medicae ▪ li. . cap. . in com. . hipp. de natu. humana . li. de causis morborū . cap. . de removendis nocumentis in regimine sanitatis . tract . . cap. . ibidem . cap. . the cure. be sparing in eating . be more sparing in drinking . antidotes must be first taken in the morning . breakfasts . varietie of meats are naught a●● one meale . the cause . the way of cure. what is to be done when one riseth in the morning . keepe the bodie soluble . be cleanly . vrine and menstrua . venus . prevention of ill humors . sweating . issues . the cause . what exercises are not good . what exercise is best . the best time for exercise . the place for exercise . beware of taking cold. inconveniences of much sleepe . inconveniences of much watching . times for sleepe . the place to sleepe in . the dangers of violent . passions . immoderate ioy. examples of vnbridled laughter . examples of immoderate ioy without laughter . sorrow . examples . anger . examples . feare . examples . feare , how it is most apt to bring infection . the cure. the qualities of the plague . how the sicknesse striketh first . the plague is venomous . deadly . infectious . obiection . answer . a new opinion . answer . what bodies are most apt to be infected . who are apt to receiue infection from without . who from within . who are the most likely to escape . the signes & symptoms of the plague . feavor . what kinde of fight is discouered by the tokens . blayne . botch . what part is most affected . carbuncle . signes of being infected . the tokens described . the blayne . the botch . the carbuncle . how to know if one be dead of the plague , when neither spots , blayne , botch , nor carbuncle appeare . mr. iohn banister . heurnius his signes of a body dead of the plague . preservatiue medicines . for men and women generally to be vsed . pillulae bradwelli . for women with childe . for young children . observation . what course is to be taken with him that is infected . a dialogue betuuixt a cittizen, and a poore countrey man and his wife, in the countrey, where the citizen remaineth now in this time of sicknesse written by him in the countrey, who sent the coppy to a friend in london ; being both pitifull and pleasant. t. b. 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a dialogue betuuixt a cittizen, and a poore countrey man and his wife, in the countrey, where the citizen remaineth now in this time of sicknesse written by him in the countrey, who sent the coppy to a friend in london ; being both pitifull and pleasant. t. b. (thomas brewer) [ ] p. : ill. printed by r. oulton for h. gosson and are to be sold at his shop upon london bridge neere the gate, london : . attributed to brewer by stc ( nd ed.) and nuc pre- imprints. signatures: a-c⁴. reproduction of original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of 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reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a dialogue betvvixt a cittizen , and a poore countrey-man and his wife , in the countrey , where the citizen remaineth now in this time of sicknesse . written by him in the countrey , who sent the coppy to a friend in london , being both pittifull and pleasant . london printed by r. oulton for h. gosson and are to be sold at his shop upon london bridge neere the gate . . a dialogue betwixt a cittizen and a countrey-man . cittizen . good even good frend , inhabite you nere hand ? countrey-man . chy dwell not varre hence , what would you i pray ? cit. no harme , i would but kindly understand , where i might lodge and eate , and frankly pay . coun. why sir , whence come you ? masse chiveare you come from london , where the plague is parlous hote , and it be so , no further words but mumme : no meate , nor drinke , nor lodging wil be got , cit. alas why so ? are you a christian , and suffer any die for lacke of foode ? i am not sicke beleeve me honest man , i would not doe thee hurt for any good . coun. yea zo zay all that know not where to goe , when as the plague doth drive them from the cittie : but many a one doth worke himselfe great woe , with foolish shewing of another pitty . cit. why here is gold and silver for thy pains , i le richly pay for whatsoere i take . coun. you le pay the plague . o these are pretty trains , which makes the simple woefull bargaines make . cit. why search , and see , if i be not as sound , as any creature in your countrey here . coun. oh sir , th' infection is not so soone found , for cloathes will keepe the plague in halfe a yeare . cit. yet let me lodge but in your barne or stable , some cote , or out-house , that you best may spare : i le be content to take a simple table , nor shall you finde me dainty of my fare . coun. sir , hold your rest , they zay a horse , a hog , and cats and mise , will die of that disease : i promise you , i would not lose my dog : not for a strike of the best beanes and pease . cit. but doe you make of cattell more then men ? that were unchristian , heathens doe not so : coun. why let us want our cattell , horse , and then how dogged some men we shall finde i know . cit. what men are they , that in extremity , will not in conscience christian pitty shew ? coun. even you rich land-lords that have heard our cry yet racke your rents , how ere our sorrowes grow , fruit blasted , cattell die , be ne're so poore , pay rent at day , or turne us out of doore . cit. why we are thousands that no rent receive , but subject are to landlords , and their wils : it is the devill doth the world deceive , which town and countrey with his veno me fills . be pittifull , and thinke not on the worse , beleeve me , i am free from this infection : the kinde are blessed , and the cruell curst , beasts in their kinde will shew their kinde affection . coun. indeed : i heare an ape will lime himself with putting on a paire of painted breeches : but i will not so play the foolish elfe , to kill my selfe with listening to your speeches . there came this other day into our town , a handsome fine old man for flesh and bloud : and as you doe , went plodding up and down , and was ( zome za ) a man of much worlds good , met a poore man , as you doe me , and quired , where he might come by lodging , meat , and drink . the man with money , being poore , was hierd to get him lodging : and where doe you think ? but in a cottage of his own here by : where well he had not rested full three daies , but he was dead and buried by and by , whose purse the poore man to much wealth did raise , but long the riches did not with him bide : for in a weeke his wife and children di'd , save onely two , which yet are in good health : but as for me i seeke for no such wealth . cit. why trust me of my word , you need not fear , both you and yours shall better fare by me . i am not sicke , in faith and truth i swear , my clothes are fresh , and not infected be . coun. i pray stand further , zome will zay , the wind will bring it through ones nose into their brain . cit. alas , their faith is of a fearfull kinde , whose idle heads doe beate on such a vaine . coun. why i st not fectious , and doth kill so many ? why cats and dogs will beare it to and fro . cit. yea cats and dogs , but christians few , if any that take it , in the time they pitty show . coun. oh , you are fine , it is , and t is not , well : you fear it , and flie from it where it is , and yet you zeeme an idle tale to tell , how zome t will hit , and other zome t wil misse : but be what twill , our iustices of peace have chargde our parish , upon paine of galie , to take in none , untill the sicknesse cease : and thinke you such precepts of none availe ? cit. alas , should so our cittie keepe you out , how would you sell your corne to pay your rent ? it may be ere the yeare doth goe about , you may this lacke of charity repent : for god can shew his mercy where he will , and plague all those that will not pitty show . the cittie well , the countrey may be ill : ( but yet i pray the lord it be not so . ) you are not free from sinne , no more than we , nor yet free from deserved punishment : let us then now in you your pitty see : and by our plague learne you amendement : be not afraide man , do not stoppey our nose . me thinkes , your age should bid you fear no death . coun. yet i am loath , good sir , my life to lose , by an infection of a plaguy breath , but what will all my neighbours thinke on me , if they should know that you from london came ; there would be worke enough ywis for me , to shut up me , my houshold and my dame . cit. that were but if some in your house doe die , of the infection , and not other wise . coun. i tell you no , they are so jealous , they are almost afraid of london flies : a londoner is lookt on like a sprite , the citi 's thought a sepulchre or grave . cit. oh faithles soules whose hearts are so affright . all civill rites and government they have : but for your selfe , let me intreate you yet , some little roome , and vittaile what you will , i le pay you well and one day thinke on it , and for your kindenesse not requite you ill . coun. what ? shall i danger all my house for you ? the losse will be farre greater then my gaine . if that your passe the constable allow ; the best i can i will you entertain . cit. then need i not your courtesie intreat , but say i have none , shall i starve for food ? coun. no , god forbid , i le helpe you to some meat , which you may eate upon that piece of wood : many a good time have i upon that blocke fed hungerly , on such as god hath sent , though now the lord increased hath our stocke . on easter daies we doe not make our lent. but , should i lodge you in my little house , and that my dame would so contented be , if there should die a catte , a ratte , a mouse , that any neighbour by ill chance should see , i were undone , and if that you should die , you must he buried here in my backe side , for not a man of all our ministry will bury them that of the plague have dide , and therefore this is all that i dare doe , vnder that hovell where my hogges doe lie , sit down , i le bring you drink and vittaile too , the best i have , there you may sit you drie , soon , if my dame will gree thereto , i le see what may be done , but further pardon me . wife . bones , man , how now ? who 's that you talk to so , a londoner ? for gods sake come away , are you too well ? what doe you meane i trow ? you doe not know yet who is dead to day , my neighbor ione that tooke home her lame sonnes , both dead , and thus we shall be all undone , the fection will be round about the towne , so many came to them when they were sicke , and knew not t was the plague : her wosted gowne shee gave my iugge , and her sonnes cloake to dicke : but i will hang them on the pales all day , and ayre them well , before they put them on . but , pray doe you leave talking , come away , lest you be taken napping too anon . coun. why hearke you madge , the man is haile and well , for aught i see , and haz good store of golde : faith be content , cha heard my vather tell , they are no men that doe no pitty holde : thou seest t is late , the mans a hansome man , well coloured , well clad , and monied too : the zittie may doe wel againe , and than , god knowes what good the man for us may doe . vvife . well zaide y wis , when he haz killd us all , where goes his good , when we are under ground ? cit. good woman , let no feare your heart appall , i would not hurt you for a hundred po●nd . vvife . and truelyi honest man , if i knew how , i could find in my heart to doe you good , and this i care not if i doe for you : i le see you shall notstarue for lacke of foode , though some heere in our towne are so hard hearted , they care not though they see a thousand die : but god be thanked , some of them have smarted for shewing of such dogged cruelty . but for it seemes that god hath done his part in you , i hope you are a christian , i will be glad in troth with all my heart , to doe you good , and doe the best i can : you shall come in , i le venture once a joynt : what my poore house can yeeld , you shall command , i care not for the constable a poynt : for if by chance that any man demaund , from whence you come , or what you are , or so : i le frame a tale shall serve the turne i trow , come in on gods name , man , be of good cheere , my daughter iugge shall goe for double beere : i have a goose , a ducke , a pigge , a chicke . a peece of bacon , butter , milke , and bread . god holde you sound , that you doe not fall sicke , you shall doe well : but truely for your bed , you must content your selfe , with such a one , as our poore state affoordes , and we have none but two of strawe , and one poore matteresse , that you shall haue , we keepe it for a friend , and you are welcome , you shall finde no lesse , and glad i bought it to so good an end . cit. good woman , god reward your kinde good will , which at your hands i take most thankfully , and credite me , you neede to feare no ill : beleeve me , none before his time shall die , i hope my comming shall be for your good : your pullein onely by my meanes may die : but i will pay you soundly for your brood . i pray you kill a pullet by and by : heere 's golde and silver , send for bread and beere , god give us health , and we will have good cheere . coun. why loe you wife , you know how money goes : surely , god sent him for our good , i see : i hope in god at last we shall not lose , by doing good to such a one as he : but pray remember that you goe to morrow to maister baily with our landlords rent : and if you lacke , you know where you may borrow . cit. no borrowing now , i pray you be content : i will supply your want , what ere it be : you shall not finde so ill a guest of me , here 's forty shillings , which i freely give . coun. god blesse your worship , and long may you live . wife . amen pray god : ho sisse , goe take the kan , and fetch some beere and white bread for this man : but take heed that you tell not for whom 't is , and hie you home again . and heare you sisse , if any chaunce to see him , and doe quire who t is , say t is my gossip maister squire , but and they doe not aske , say nothing , no : goe , let me see how quickly you can goe : iugge , kill the peckled pullet , the red chicke , scald them , and to the fire with them quicke , quicke : bid dicke goe fetch in stickes , cleave an old pale : and gentleman , love you a cuppe of ale ? that we have in the house , pray sit you down , and welcome , tut , a pinne for all the town , my husband is an honest man , and i feare not the best of them a halfpeny i pay the parsons tithe , and scot , and lot , and care not for the constable a groat : a sort of hogges will see men die for food : they , or their brattes will come to little good . i marvell what the pestilence they scrape for , and what t is their wide mouths do yawne & gape for : but meate and drinke , and cloth for me and mine , i seeke no more , nor ●are i to be fine : to pay my rent , and with my neighbours live , and at my doore a dogg a bone to give . be merry gentleman , i pray be merry , and take your rest , i feare me you are weary . citti. not much , my walke hath not bin long to day , and your good mirth drives wearinesse away : i thank you for your kindenesse heartily , and if i live , i le quite it thorowly . wife . i thank you sir , i doubt it not y wis , husband , i pray goe meet my daughter sisse , and beate her home : you spoile her , that you do : iugge , blowe the fire , and lay the pullet to . sir , you may see rude gearles , they are but rawe . sisse , set downe your kanne and fetch in fresh straw , lay in the bedde , and aire the hempen sheetes that lie in the browne chest , and strew some sweetes along the windowes , isope , marioam , a rose or two : come gentleman , pray come , take a hard cushin , be of good cheere i pray : griefe doth no good , no , no , cast care away : i thanke my god that hither thus hath sent you , and if our fare and lodging will content you , stay even your pleasure , til your selfe be weary , wee le doe the best we can to make you mery . cit. it was my hap , after a weary walke , with this good man and wife to fall in talke : and where before i went in heart full grieved , i could not in my sorrow be relieved : each sullen slowch and slut would so disdaine me , as if they scornd or feard to entertaine me : scarce bread and drinke for mony i could get , which from the house upon the ground was set , as if that one should cast a dogge a bone . and thus i wandred up and down alone , vntill i met these honest people here , who for my money made me hearty cheere , and kindely carefull of me every way . with good content i here was glad to stay , where i beheld a number passing by , that ( as i heard ) did in the high-wayes die : some harbourlesse , and some through want of food , while faithlesse hearts did fear to doe men good . oh heavy time , how many hearts are broken with helpelesse grief , it is not to be spoken : but god almighty look upon the citie : and in his mercy shew his glorious pitie , to cease this plague , or killing pestilence : forgive us all the ill of our offence . preserve his people , and our health restore , that we may love and praise him evermore . preserve the court and country every where : our king and queene , their royall progeny , their counsell , friends , and all that true harts beare vnto their gratious worthy maiestie . and blesse both court , citty , and country so , that none may to another stranger be , but passage free for every man to goe , and friend his friend in friendly love may see , and all to gether may record in one , to give all glory unto god alone . amen . london ▪ trumpet sounding into the countrey . when death drives , the grave thrives . sinne calls downe punishment : punishment should bring forth amendment of life : amendment ever méets with mercy , and mercy stops sicknesse , when 't is in the highest speede : so that if we still goe on in wickednesse , wée must every wéeke looke to have the bill of terror strike us more and more . the visitation ( and rightly may it carry that name ) hath now foure times in a few yeares rode circuite through the whole kingdome , and kept a dreadfull sessions , within london , and round about it : death does at this houre scout up and downe the suburbes , and shewes his ghastly face in some parrishes of the citty . those houses which are shut up , charity opens , and most liberally feedes them . those houses of poore handy-crafts-men , that stand open , are for want of worke pinch'd with hunger , and the people ready to goe a begging . yet there is one comfort , there is no man ( bée he never so poore ) but méetes in every corner , one poorer than himselfe : so that , what adversities soever are layd upon us , wée are bound to prayse god , in that wée are not cast downe to the lowest misfortunes in the world , for wée heare of ten thousands in forteine places , in fatte worse estate then wée are . now , as men and women , have a particular cause to send their devotions up to heaven , when they compare their present beings ( how wretched soever ) with others more wretched : so many townes , cittyes , and kingdomes , may ( in generall ) lift up their eyes with joy , when albeit the divine vengeance hath smote them , with a mace of iron : yet if they looke on their neighbours , miserably torne in pieces : they behold those over-whelmed with more raging billows then they féele or sée comming néere themselves . as for example , this goodly and beautifull city of london , hath now but a few faynt spots set in her flesh : a few pestilentiall sores sticking on her body : but a few tokens are sent her , to bid her remember , who sées her doings : she heares no great number of bels tolling : no terrible number of graves are opened in her sight : not whole stréets of houses are now shut up with redde crosses on the doores : and lord have mercy upon us , over those doores , to fright beholders : there are not such fines , and incomes , to bée payd for tenements of the dead , ( heaven be blessed ) as there were either at the comming of king iames to his crowne , or of king charles our soveraigne to his . alas , these markes , printed ( london ) upon thée now , are but flea-bitinges to the stripes which drew blood from thy very heart , in those dayes of desolation . and yet , how art thou frighted ? how pale are thy chéekes ? how does this one fit of a burning fea●er , inflame all thy body ? how doest thou shake the head , and complaine , that doings are cold ? that trading lies dead ? and that money keepes her bedde , and is not stirring . how doe thy coaches , and caroaches runne thorow thy stréets , and so out at thy gates , full of brave , rich people to live safe ( as they hope ) in the countrey ? not caring how sorrowfull a life thou leadest here in their absence . how little doe they regard the poore , which they leave behinde them ? what is it to them , if some poore wretches drop downe in the streetes ? this touches not them : it wounds not them : gallants , and cittizens , take leave of them with much complement at the coaches side , the coachman with his hart off , asking if hee shall ●et forward : on , on , they then all cry , and away ( in a hurry : ) thunder they ( o london ) out of thy reach . yet , cast thine eye on this picture above , they cannot bee out of his reach : who is ready to follow them , with times glasse in one hand and his owne blacke darts in the other . this rawbone foot-man can runne by the side of the coach-horses , and smite the officious coachman in the midst of his journey . when in heapes , people stand gazing on a dead corpes suddenly strucken downe in the fields : this cunning dart-caster , can stand before them , looke at them , threaten them , and tell them ( when hee 's bidden but to shoote ) they shall féele the strength of his leane arme , as well as the others . and yet , albeit so many waggons laden with houshold-stuffe , are every day drawn from thee : albeit so many doores are lockt up , and so many take their heeles , and fly in this day of battaile : yet their flight is for the most part into the mouth of danger . for , the countrey lookes with a more pale , and sickly colour , then ( london ) thou doest . rejoyce not that thy neighbours are so ill , but clappe thy hands for joy then thy selfe art no worse . pray for thy distressed friends , neighbouring townes , and citties : and releive them to thy power , if they want : as thou hast with a noble , frée , and bountifull hand done to some of late already . it is warrantable by the lawes of god , to shunne infection , and to fly persecution : divines and best men , dos the one , and the martyrs when they lived did the other . but now ( blessed be the white hand of mercy ) there are no such tyrannicall enemies beating at thy gates . if they that are in the fulnesse of riches , and the fatnesse of the land , have mannors , and lordshipps to ride to : and countrey houses to repaire to , for pleasure , to avoyde infection : in gods name , let them goe , wish them well at their setting foorth , welcome them with embraces at their comming in : but withall put them in minde of one thing , to doe some good to the poore in the country , though now they do none here , and all shall be well . and you in the countrey , whose barnes are full of corne , and whose fieldes are crow'nd with blessings : you , into whose nostrilles the breath of heaven , suffers his wholesome ayre to passe to and fro , to give you health , and to make long lusty old age waite upon you at your tables : to you i speake , your eies doe i wish to bée opened . to looke backe at your hard and unkinde dealings with cittizens , in the two last great sicknesses : remember how your infidelity then , hath beene punished since : and therefore welcome the sonnes , and daughters of london comming to you now , as if they were your owne . this sicknesse call'd the plague , hath a quick foot , and a stirring hand : yet ( blessed be the sender of this dreadfull pursivant ) he has not béene too busie with us as yet : let your eyes but looke beyond seas , into other citties and you will acknowledge the almighties mercy wonderously extended to us . for , those thrée punishments ( sword , pestilence , and famine , ) of which , davids prophet bid him ( from an angels mouth ) make his choyce of one , doe at this instant hotly lay about them in some part of italy : in so much , that for . moneths , ( now in this summer ) there have dyed of the plague in millan , . in mantua , . in parma , . and so in other citties great number besides . the soft wings of compassion , all this while cover us , not that wée deserve to be spared , but that out of his love , god does spare us . for in this last blow , which hée gives us , bée fights not with many old men , he gives them time yet to repent , nor with many young men , hée winkes at their faults a while , hoping they will bée wiser : but looke over all your wéekely bils , ever since there dyed at first but one , and you shall finde , of infants and young children , twenty for one snatched out of their cradles , because god will bée sure to increase his saints in heaven . the king of kings when hée sées his time , shorten and end these miseries , and powre downe his wonted blessings on this land , this citty , us all , amen . death now whither a gods name run you 〈…〉 , why ride you here , why trudge you there as though for fear you were agast ? come stay your iourney strait . for doe you not know in field or town , that i am a captain of high renowne ? so when i list , i can beate you downe , for still i lay in wait . consider then , i pray you men , what moves you thus to flie ? come home again , for i tell you plaine , that here i could make you die . life . what art thou every where to finde ? fearefully thus thou comest to us , with crueltie thou art inclinde , for to pursue men still : thou wast in london when we came out , throwing thy deadly darts about , and now in the countrey thou art as stout , to follow thy froward will. what needest thou to make us bow ? the ayre is pleasant here : the grasse doth spring , the birds doe sing : for gods sake come not neare . death . oh weak of faith i see you are , consider and know what david doth show , in the sixt psalme his sayings are , as thus it doth begin : good lord in rage rebuke me not , when thy displeasure is waxen hot , for then we must needs go to the pot , as herbs that be put in . crie mercie then , you fillie men . for wonderous weake you bee : you are perplexed , your bones are vexed , as far as i can see . life . o lord our soules are troubled sore , release our grief , and send reliefe , have mercy as thou hadst before , forgive our sinnes and save our lives . or else it little doth availe , for death doth follow us at the tayle , o let thy mercy still prevaile , saue us like bees in hives . and thus we knowe it needes must go , that thou maist have thy will : thou hast met us heere , as doth appeere , which thought to have lived still . death . is not iehova your chiefe defence ? for under his wings he keepes all things , then what have you need to run from hence , if that your faith were strong ? though the ayre be fresh , and fields be greene , and goodly fruites which you esteeme , yet i can come when least you deeme , and lay you all along . on christ be bolde , to take your holde , your anchour-holde is hee , none other may , this pestilence stay , but all must come to mee . life . alas our flesh is fraile to see , when christ did grone , and make such mone , besides the mount of calvarie , when thou approched'st neere : and there did sweate both water and bloud , and suffered death to do us good , these things of thee are understood , t was seene that thou wa'st there . at last did hee , both sinne and thee , tread downe and conquer too , which faith of his , if we should misse , alas what should we doe ? death . i come not everie way a like , three darts in band , i hold in hand , the first is warre , when i do strike , in other countries farre , and i thinke all belgia quakes at mee , and spaine you know hath not gone free , 't is much to speake of each countrey , for i turne them all to dust . and here the rest shall be exprest , of two darts more in store , of famins power , which doth devoure whole regions more and more . life . then the dart of pestilence at the last , takes all in store , were left before , oh spare us lord , wee le pray and fast , and all our sinnes repent : vouchsafe to stay , sweet christ thy hand , vpon this sinfull english land , and give us grace to understand , these dangers to prevent . 't is time to pray , that he away , his indignation take : lord grant us grace , in everie place , petitions for to make . finis . by the lords and others his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : ) by the lords and others his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. broadside. by leonard lichfield ..., printed at oxford : . this item appears at reel : as wing e (number cancelled), and at reel : as wing e . reproduction of original in the bodleian library. eng plague -- history -- england -- th century. public welfare -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . a r (wing e ). civilwar no by the lords and others his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and orderi england and wales a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the lords and others his majesties commissioners . an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague . whereas by an act of parliament in the first yeare of the raigne of our late soveraigne lord king iames , severall good and necessary provisions were made and ordayned , touching those that be or shall be infected with the plague : by which act power is given to iustices of peace of counties , majors , bayliffes , head officers , or iustices of peace in cities , boroughs , townes corporate , and places priviledged , and to the vice-chancellour of either of the universities , and to the bishop and deane of every cathedrall church respectively , within their severall and respective precincts and iurisdictions , to taxe and assesse all inhabitants , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , at such reasonable taxes and payments as they shall think fit for the reasonable reliefe of persons infected , & to levye the same of the goods of such as shall refuse or neglect to pay , and in default thereof , to commit them to the goale without bayle or mainprize untill payment ; and also to appoynt searchers , watchmen , examiners , keepers , and buriers , for the persons and places infected , and to minister oathes unto them for the performing of their offices , and to give them other directions as shall seem good unto them in their discretions for the present necessity . and it is thereby farther provided and enacted , that if any person , or persons infected , or being or dwelling in any houses infected , shall be commanded or appoynted to keep his or their house , for avoiding of farther infection , and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appoyntment , offering or attempting to break or goe abroad , and to resist such keepers or watchmen as shall be appoynted to see them kept in : that then it shall be lawfull for such watch-men with violence to inforce them to keep their houses : and if any hurt come thereby , that the keepers , watch-men , and their assistants shall not be impeached therefore . and farther that if any infected persons being commanded to keep house , shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously goe abroad , and converse with company , having any infectious sore about him uncured , such person shall be taken and adjudged as a felon , and suffer death as in case of felony : but if they shall have no sore found about them , neverthelesse for such offence they shall be punished as vagabonds in all respects , and also be bound to his or their good behaviour for one whole yeare , as by the said act may more fully appeare . the lords and others intrusted and authorized by his majesty , by his commission under his great seale of england , for , and concerning , the safety , preservation , and well ordering of this university and city of oxford , and the county of oxford , and other counties and places adjoyning , in his majesties absence , taking into their consideration , that the due observance and execution of the said law , may ( by gods blessing ) be a good means to prevent the farther spreading of this present infection , and that the neglect of the observance of the same law , hath been , and may be , in probability , an occasion of the increase thereof , doe therefore hereby in his majesties name , by vertue of his majesties said commission , straightly charge and require , the vice-chancellor of this university , and the major , justices of peace , bayliffes , and other officers of this city of oxford , and the justices of peace of the county of oxford , and all others whom it may concerne , that with all possible care and diligence , they cause the said law to be duely and effectually put in execution , as well for the help and reliefe , as for the governing and keeping in of infected persons , as they will answer their neglect and remisnesse therein at their perills . and they doe likewise in his majesties name , straitly charge and command all persons whatsoever , as well souldiers as others , upon whom it hath pleased , or shall please god to lay this his visitation , that they submit and yeeld obedience to the said law . letting them know that a strict and severe proceeding shall be had , for punishing of all such as shall wilfully or contemptuously offend against the same to the endangering of others : and that a very strict accompt will be required of all who are or shall be any way concerned in this just and necessary command , tending so much to the health and preservation of this university and city , and all that are resident therein or resort thereunto . dated at oxford this first day of august in the year of our lord god . and in the twentieth year of the raigne of our soveraign lord king charles . yorke . ed. littleton c. s. cottington . hertford . dorset . hen. dover . chichester . chr. hatton . ed. nicholas . ed. hide . io. bankes . arth. ashton . printed at oxford by leonard lichfield printer to the university . . the meeting of gallants at an ordinarie: or the walkes in powles approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the meeting of gallants at an ordinarie: or the walkes in powles middleton, thomas, d. , attributed name. dekker, thomas, ca. - , attributed name. [ ] p. printed by t. c[reede] and are to be solde by mathew lawe, dwelling in paules church-yard, london : . variously attributed to thomas dekker and thomas middleton. printer's name from stc. signatures: a-d⁴. last leaf is blank. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every 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processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the meeting of gallants at an ordinarie : or the walkes in powles . veritas virescit vulnere t c printer's or publisher's device london printed by t. c. and are to be solde by mathew lawe , dwelling in paules church-yard . . a dialogue betweene warre , famine , and the pestilence , blazing their seuerall euills . the genius of vvarre . famine and pestilence , cowards of hell , that strike in peace , when the whole worlds vnarmde : tripping vp soules of beggars , limblesse wretches , hole-stopping prisoners , miserable catchpoles , whom one vocation stabs , dare you furies confront the ghost of crimson passing warre ? thou bleake-cheekt wretch , one of my plenteous wounds would make thée a good colour . famine . i defye , thy blood and thée , t is that which i destroy , i le starue thée warre for this . vvarre . alasse weake famine ; why , a taylor is the saridest man thou killt that liues by bread , thou darst not touch a farmer , no nor his griping sonne in lawe that weds his daughter with a dowry of stuft barnes , thou runst away from these , such makes thée flye , and there thou lightst vpon the labourers mawe , breakst into poore mens stomackes , and there driuct the sting of hunger like a dastard . famine . bastard , peace warre , least i betray thy monstrous births thou knowest i can deriue thee . pestilence . and i both . vvarre . and i repugne you both , you hags of realmes , thou witch of famine , and drab of plagues : thou that makest men eate slouenly , and seede on excrements of beasts , and at one meale swallow a hundred pound in very doues-dung . famine . therein thou tellst my glory and rich power . vvarre . and thou . pestilence . beware warre how thou speakest of me , i haue friends here in england , though some dead some still can showe , where i was borne and bred ; therefore be wary in pronouncing mée : many haue tooke my part , whose carcases lye now tenne sadome deepe : many aliue can showe their skars in my contagious duarrell : warre , i surpasse the furie of thy stroake , say that an army fortie thousand strong , enter thy crimson lists , and of that number , perchance the fourth part falls , markt with red death ? why , i stay fortie thousand in one battaile , full of blew wounds , whose cold clay bodies looke like speckled marble . as for lame persons , and maimed souldiers there i outstrip thée too ; how many swarmes of bruised and crackt people did i leaue , their groines sore pier'st with pestilentiall shot : their arme-pits digd with blaines , and vlcerous sores , lurking like poysoned bullets in their flesh ? othersome shot in the eye with carbuncles , their lies as monstrous as the sarazens . warre . thou plaguy woman , cease thy infectious brags , thou pestilent strumpet , base and common murdress , e what men of marke or memory haue fell in they poore purple battaile , say thou 'st slayne foure hundred silkweauers , poore silk-wormes , vanisht as many tapsters , chamberlaines , and ostlers , darest thou contend with me thou freckled-harlet , and match thy durty glories , with the splendor of kingly tragedies acted by me ? when i haue dyed the greene stage of the field , red with the blood of monarchs , and rich states , how many dukes and earles , haue i drunke by at one couragious rows ? o summer diuell , thou wast but made as rats bane to kill bawds , to poyson drunkards , vomiting out their soules into the bulke of hell , to infect the corps of pewter-buttonde serieants , such as these uenome whole realmes : and as phisitians say , poysons with poyson , must be forest away . pestilence . warre , twit not me with double damned bawdes , or prostituted harlots , i leaue them for my french nephewe , he raignes ouer these : i le show you both how i excell you both . who euer read that usurers dyed in warre grasping a sword , or in an yron yeare , languisht with famine ? but by me surprizde euen in their counting houses , as they sate amongst their golden hills : when i haue changed their gold into dead tokens , with the touch of my pale-spotted , and infectious rodde , when with a suddaine start and gastly looke , they haue left counting coyne , to count their flesh , and summe vp their last vsury on their brests , all their whole wealth , lockt in their bony chests . vvarre . are usurers then the proudest acts thou playdst ? pack-penny fathers , couetous rooting moles , that haue their gold thrice higher then their soules : is this the top of all thy glorious laughters , to ayme them at my princely massacres ? poore dame of pestilence , and hag of famine , i pittie your weake furies . famine . oh i could eate you both , i am so torne with hunger , and with rage : what is not flinty famine , gasping dearth , worthy to be in ranke weth dusty warre ? and little pestilence , are not my acts more stony-pittilesse then thine , or thine ? what i st to dye stampt full of drunken wounds , which makes a man réele quickly to his graue , without the sting of torments , or the sence of chawing death by peecemeale ? vndons and done , in the forth part of a poore short minute ? t is but a bloody flumber , a read dreame , not worthy to be named a torturing death , nor thine thou most infectieus citty name , that for thy pride art plagued , bearst the shape of running pestilence , those which thou strikest were death within fewe dayes vpon their hearts , or else presage amendment : when i raigne , heauen puts on a bresse , to be as hard in blessing , as the earth fruitlesse in increasing . oh , i rack the vatnes and sinewes , lancks the lungs , fréeze all the passages , plough vp the mawe : my torment lingers like a sute in lawe , what are you both to me insolent euills ? ioyne both your furies , they waigh light to mine . and what art thou warre , that so wantest thy good ? but like a barber-surgion that lets blood . warre . out lenten harlot . pestilence . out on you both , and if all matter failes , i le showe my glorie in these following tales . finis . the meeting of gallants at an ordinarie . vvhere the fatte host telles tales at the vpper ende of the table . sig. shuttlecocke . what signior ginglespur , the first gallant i mette in powles , since the one and thirtie daie , or the decease of iuly , and i may fitly call it the decease , for there deceast aboue three hundred that daye , a shrewde prologue marry to the tragedie that followed : and yet i speake somewhat improperly to call it a prologue , because those that tied were all out of their partes ; what dare you venture sig. at the latter ende of a fraye now ? i meane not at a fraye with swordes and bucklers , but with sores & carbunckles : i protest you are a strong mettalde gentle-man , because you do not feare the dangerous featherbeds of london , nor to be tost in a perilous blancket , or to lie in the fellowes of those sheetes that two dead bodies were wrapt in some thrée monethes before . naye i can tell you , there is many an honest house in london wel stockt before with large linneu , where now remaines not aboue two shéetes & a halfe , 〈◊〉 so the good man of the house driuen to lye in the one sheete for shift , till the payre be washt and dried : for you knowe tenne wound out of one house , must for shame carry fiue payre of shéetes with them , being co●…find and put to boord-wages , the onely knights policy to saue charges in victualles . but soft signior , what may he be that stalkt by vs now in a ruinous sute of apparell , with his page out at elbowes : t is a strange sight in powles signior , mée thinkes , to see a broken page follow a seamerent maister . sig. ginglespurre . what doe you wonder at that sight now ? t is a limbe 〈◊〉 the fashion , and as commendable to goe ragged after a plague , as to haue an antient full of holes and tatters after a battaile : and i haue séene fiue hundred of the same rancke in apparell , for most of your choyce and curious gallants came vp in cloathes , because they thought it very dangerous to deale with sattin this plague-time , being diuell ynough without the plague : beside there hath bene a great dearth of taytors , the propertie of whose deathes were wonderfull , for they were tooke from hell to heauen : all these were motiues sufficient to perswade gentlemen as they loued their liues , to come vp in their old sutes , and be very respectiue and carefull how they make themselues new-ones , and to venture vppon a burchen-lane hose and doublet , were euen to shunne the villanous iawes of charibdis , and fall into the large swallow of scylla , the deuouring catch-pole of the sea : for their bomba●…t 〈◊〉 wicked ynough in the best and soundest seas●… , and there is as much perill betwéene the wings and the skirts of one of their doublets , as in all the liberties of london , take saint tooles parish , and all the most infected plac●…s of england . well , i haue almost mard their market , for gentlemen especially , those that loue to smell sweete , for they are the worst milliners in a kingdome , and their sutes beare the mu●…iest perfume of any thing breathing , vnlesse it were an usurers night-cappe againe : and indéed that sents worse then the strong breath of aiax , where his seuenfold shield is turnde to a stoole with a hole in it . but sée yonder , signior stramazoon and signior kickshawe , now of a suddaine allighted in powles with their durtie bootes , le ts encoun●…er them at the fift pillar , in them you shall finde my talke verified , and the fashion truly pictured . what signior , both well met vppon the old worne brasse , the moone hath had aboue sixe great bellies since wée walkt here last together , and layne in as often : mée thinkes signiors , this middle of powles lookes strange and bare , like a long-hayrde gentleman new powlde , washt and shaued , and i may fitly say shaued , for there was neuer a lusty shauer séene walking here this halfe yeare : especially if he loued his life , hée would reuolt from duke humfrey , and rather bée a wood-cleauer in the country , then a chest-breaker in london : but what gallants march vp a pace now , signiors ; how are the high waies fild to london ? sig. shuttlecocke . euery mans head here is full of the proclamation , and the honest blacke gentleman the tearme , hath ●…ept a great hall at westminster againe : all the tauernes in kings-streete will be emperors , innes and alehouses at least marquesses a piece : now cookes begin to make more coffins then carpenters , and burie more whole meate then sextons , fewe bells are heard a nights beside old iohn clappers , the bellmans : and gentlemen t was time for you to come , for i know many an honest tradesman that would haue come downe to you else , and set vp their shops in the country , had you not venturde vp the sooner ; and he that would haue brande it , and bene a vaine-glorious silken asse all the last sommer , might haue made a sute o●… sattin cheaper in the plague-time , then a sute of marry-muffe in the tearme-time ; there was not so much ueluet stirring , as would haue bene a couer to a little booke in octano , or seamde a lie●…enants buffe-doublet ; a french-hood would haue bene more wondred at in london , then the polonians with their long-tayld gaberdines , and which was most lamentable , there was neuer a gilt spur to b●… séene all the st●…and ouer , neuer a feather wagging in all f●…etstreete , vnlesse some country fore-horse came by , by méere chaunce , with a raine-beaten feather in his costrill ; the stréete looking for all the world like a sunday morning at sixe of the clocke , thrée houres before seruice , and the bells ringing all about london , a●… if the coronation day had bene halfe a yeare long . sig. stramazon . trust me gentlemen a very sore discourse . sig. shuttlecocke . i could tell you now the miserable state and pittifull cas●… of many tradesmen whose wares lay dead on their hands by the burying of their seruants , and how those were held especially very dangerous and perilous trades that has any woollen about them , for the infection being for the most part a londoner , loued to be lapt warme , and therefore was saids to skip into wollen cloathes , and lie smothring in a shag-hayrde rugge , or an old fashionde couerlid : to co●…me which , i haue hard of some this last sommer that would not venture into an u●…holsters shoppe amongst dangerous rugges , and feather-bed-tikes , no , although they had bene sure to haue bene made aldermen when they came out againe : such wa●… their infectious conceyte of a harmelesse necessary couerlid , and would stop their foolish noses , when they past through watlingstreet by a ranke of woollen drapers . and this makes me call to memory the strange and wonderfull dressing of a coach that scudded through london the ninth of august , for i put the day in my table-booke , because it was worthy the registing . this fearefull pittifull coach was all hung with ru●… from the top to the toe of the boote , to kéepe the leather and the nayles from infection ; the very nosthrills of the coach-horses were stopt with hearb-grace , that i pittied the poore beasts being almost windlesse , and hauing then more grace in their noses , then their maister had in all his bosome , and thus they ran through cornewell iust in the middle of the stréet , with such a violent trample as if the diuell had bene coachman . sig. kickshow . a very excellent folly , that the name of the plague should take the wall of a coach , and driue his worship downe into the chanell . but sée how we haue lost our selues , powles is changde into gallants , and those which i saw come vp in old taffala doublets yesterday , are slipt into nine yardes of sattin to day . sig. stramazon . and signiors , wée in especiall care haue sent our pages to enquire out a payre of honest cleane taylors , which are hard to be found , because there was such a number of botchers the last sommer : and i thinke it one of hercules labours , to finde two whole taylors about london , that hath not béene plagued for their stealing , or else for sowing of false séeds , which péepe out before their seasons . sig. ginglespur . but what , dare you venture to an ordinarie : harke , the quarter-iarkes are vp for a leauen ; i know an honest host about london , that hath barreld vp newes for gallants , like pickled oysters , marry your ordinarie will cost you two shillings , but the tales that lie in brine will be worth sixpence of the money : for you know t is great charges to keepe tales long , and therefore he must be somewhat considered for the laying out of his language : for blinde gue you know has six●…pence at the least for groping in the darke . sig. stramazon . yea ; but signior gingle-spur , you sée we are altogether vnfurnished for an ordinarie till the taylor cut vs out and new mould vs : & to rancke amongst . gallāts in old apparel , why their very apish pages would breake iests vpon our elbowes , and dominere ou●… our worne doublets most tyrannically . sig. gingle-spur . puh . signior stramazoon , you turne the bias the wrong way , you doubt where there is no doubt , i will conduct you to an ordinarie where you shall eate priuate amongst essex gentlemen of your fashioned rancke in apparell , who as yet waite for fresh cloathes , as you for new taylers , & account it more commendable to come vp in seamerent suites , and whole bodies , then to haue infectious torne bodies , and sound suites . sig. kickshaw . i●… it be so , signior , ( harke a quarter strikes ) wée are for you , we will follow you , for i loue to he●…re tales when a merrie . corpulent host bandies them out of his flop-mouth ; but how far must we march now like tottre●… souldiers after a fray , to their nuncions ? sig. shuttlecocke . why , if you throw your eyes but a little before you , you may see the signe and token that beckens his guest to him ; do you heare the clapper of his tongue now ? sig. stramazoon . s●…oote , the mad bulchin squeakes thriller thē the saun●… bell at westminster . sig. shuttlecocke . nay , now you shall heare him ring lustily at our entrāce , stop your eares if you loue thē , for one of his words wil run about your braines louder thē the drum at the beare-gardē . entring into the ordinarie . host. what gallant●… are you come , are you come ? welcome gentlemen ; i haue newes enough for you all , welcome againe , and againe : i am so fatte and purste , i cannot speake loude inough , but i am sure you heare mée , or you shall heare me : welcome , welcome gelt●…men , i haue tales , and ●…ailes for you : seate your selues gallantes , enter boyes & beardes with dishes and platters ; i will be with you againe in a trice ere you looke for me . sig. shuttlecocke . now signiors how like you mine host ? did i not tell you he was a madde round knaue , and a merrie on●… too : and if you chaunce to talke of fatte sir iohn old-castle , he wil tell you , he was his great grand-father , & not much vnlike him in paunch , if you marke him well by all descriptions : and sée where hée appeares againe . hee told you he would not be longe from you , let his humor haue scope enough i pray , and there is no doubt but his tales will make vs laugh are we be out of our porridge : howe now mine host ? host. o my gallant of gallants , my top and top gallant , how many horses hast thou kilde in the countrie with the hunting of harlottries ; goe too , was i with you , you madde wagges ? and i haue beene a merrie knaue this s●… and fortie yeares , my bullyes , my boyes . sig kickshaw . yea , but my honest-larded host , where be these tales now ? host. i haue them at my tongues end my gallant bullyes of fiue and twenty , my dainty liberall landlords i haue them for you : you shall neuer take me vnprouided for gentlemen , i keepe them like anchouises to rellish your drinke wel●… stop your mouths gallants , and i wil stuffe your cares i warrant you , and fi●…t i begin with a tipsie uint●…er in london . of a vintner in london , dying in a humour . this discourse that followes , g●…tlemen-gallants , is of a light-headed uintner , who scorning to be onely drunke in his owne seller , would get vp betimes in the morning , to bée downe of his nose thrice before euening : he was a man of all tauernes , and excellent musitian at the sackbut , and your onely dauncer of the canaries : this st●…ange wine-sucker had a humour this time of infection , to faine himselfe sick , and indéed he had swallowed downe many tauerne-tokens , and was infected much ●…th the plague of drunkennes : but howsoeuer , sick he would be , for the humour had possessed him , when to the comforting of his poore heart , he powrde dawne a leauen shillings in rose of solace , more then would haue ●…erde all the sick persons in the pest-house ; and yet for all that he felt himselfe ill at his stomacke aft●…wards , wherefore his request was , reporting himselfe very féeble , to haue two men hired with ●…xpence a piece , to transport him ouer the way to his friends house : but when he saw he was deluded , and had no body to carry him , ●…e flung his gowne about him very desperatly , tooke his ●…wne legges , and away he went with himselfe as coragiously , as the best stalker in europe : where being allighted , not long after , he rounded one in the eare in priuate , and bad that the great bell should be towlde for him , the great bel of all , and with all possible spéede that might be : that done , he gagged open the windowes , and when the bell was towling , cried , lowder yet ; i heare thée not maister bell : then strutting vp and downe the chamber , spake to the audience in this wise . i st possible a man should walke in such perfect memory and haue the bell towle for him ? sure i neuer heard of any that did the like before mée . thus by towling of the great bell , all the parish rang of him , diuerse opinions went of him , and not without cause or matter to worke vpon : in conclusion , within fewe dayes after , he was found to be the man indéed , whose part he did but play before ; his pulses were angry with him , and began to beate him ; all his pores fell out with him ; the bel towld for him in sadnes , rung out in gladnes , and there was the end of his drunken madnes ; such a ridiculour humour of dying was neuer heard of before : and i hope neuer shall be againe , now he is out of england . sig. stramazon . this was a strange fellow mine host , and worthy stowes chronicle . host. nay gallants i le fit you , and now i will serue in another as good as uineger and pepper to your roast-béefe . sig. kickshawe . le ts haue it ; le ts taste on it mine host , my noble fat actor . how a yong fellow was euen bespoke and iested to death by harlots . there was a company of intollerable light women assembled together , wh●… all the time of infection , liued vpon citizens seruants : yong nouices that made their maisters baggs die of the plague at home , whilst they tooke sanctuarie in the countrie . mistake me not , i meane not the best rancke of seruants : but vnderlings , and bogish so●…tes , such as haue not witte to distinguish companies , & auoyde the temptation of harlots , which make men more miserable then dericke . these light-heelde wagtailes who where ar●…de ( as they tearme it ) against all weathers of plague and pestilence ; carrying alwaies a french supersedies about them for the sicknesse , were determined being halfe tipsie , and as light now in their heads , as any where else : to execute a iest vpon a yong vnfruitfull fellow which should haue had the banes of matrimonie asked betweene him and a woman of their religion , which would haue proued bane indéede , and worse then rattes-bane , to haue beene coupled with a harlot : but note the euent of a bespeaking iest , these women gaue it out that he was dead , sent to the sexton of the church in all hast to haue the bell rung out for him , which was suddainly heard , and many comming to enquire of the sexton , his name was spread ouer all the parish , ( hée little dreaming of that dead report bring as then in perfect health & memorie , ) on the morrow as the custome is , the searchers came to the house where he laye to discharge their office , asking for the dead bodie , and in what room it lay , who hearing himself named , in such a cold shape almost strucke dead indéede with their words , replyed with a hastie countenance ( for he could play a ghost well , ) that hée was the man : at which the searchers started , and thought hée had béene new risen from vnder the table ; when vomiting out some two or thrée déepe-fecht oaths ; hee askt what villaine it was which made that iest of him : but whether the c●…nceit strucke cold to his heart or whether the strumpets were witches i know not , ( the next degrée to a harlot is a bawde , or a witch , ) but this yongster daunced the shaking of one s●…éete within fewe daies after , and then the search●…s lost not their labours , and therefore i conclude thus . that fate lights suddaine tha't 's bespoke before , a harlots tongue is worse then a plague-sore . well timde my litle round and thicke host , haue you any more of these in your fatte budget ? i haue them , my gallant bullies , and here comes one fitly for sawce to your capon . of one that fell drunke off from his horse , taken for a londoner , dead . in a certaine country-towne not farre of , there was a boone companion lighted amongst good fellowes , as they call good fellowes now a dayes , which are those that can drinke best , for your excellent drunkard , is your notable gallant , and he that can passe away cleare without paying the host in the chimney-corner , he is the king of cannes , and the emperour of ale-houses , this fellow tying his horse by the bridle vpon the red lattis of the window , could not bridle himselfe so well , but afterward proued more beast then his horse , being so ouerwhelmed with whole cans , hoopes , and such drunken deuices , that his english crowne weighed lighter by ten graines at his comming forth , then at his entering in : and it was easier now for his horse to get vp a top of powles , then he to get vp vpon his horse , the stirrup plaide mock-holy-day with him , and made a foole of his foote : at last with much adoe he fell flounce into the saddle , and away he scudded out at townes end , where he thought euery tree he saw had bene rising vp to stop him : so strangly are the sences of drunkards tost and transported , that at the very instant , they thinke the worlds drownd againe ; so this staggering monster imagined he was riding vppon a sea-mare : but before he was tenne gallops from the towne-side , his briane plaide him a iades trick , and kickt him ouer , downe he fell . when the horse sóberer then the maister stood still and wonderd at him for a beast ; but durst not say so much ; by and by passingers passing too and fro , beholding his lamentable downefall , cald out to one another to view that pittifull spectacle , people flockt about him more and more , but none durst venture within two poles length , nor some within the length of powles : euery one gaue vp his verdit , and all concluding in one that he was some coward londoner , who thought to fly from the sicknes , which as it séemed , made after him amayne , and strucke him beside his borfe : thus all agréed in one tale , some bemoning the the death of the man , othersome , wishing that all curmudgins , pennifathers , & fox ▪ ●…urd ●…rers were serued of the same sauce : who taking their flight out of london , left poore silke-weauers , tapsters , and water-bearers , to fight it out against sore enemies . in a word , all the towne was in an vprore , the constable standing aloofe off , stopping his nose like a gentleman-vsher , durst not come within two stones cast by no meanes : no , if he might presently haue bene made constable in the hundred : euery townseman at his wise non-plus , nothing but looking and wondering , yet some wiser then some , and those i thinke were the watch-men , told them flatly and plainly , that the body must be remoued in any case , and that eytempore : it would infect all the ayre round about else . these horesons séemed to haue some wit y●…t , and their politick counsell was tooke , and embra●…st amongst them , but all the cunning was how to remoue him without taking the winde of him : wherevpon two or thrée weather wise stinkards pluckt vp handfalls of grasse , and tost them into the ayre , and then whoopeing and hollowing , ●…old them the winde blewe swéetly for the purpose , for it stood full on his back-part , then all agréed to remoue him with certaine long instruments , sending home for hookes and strong ropes , as if they had bene pulling downe a house of fire : but this was rather a tilt-boate cast away , and all the people drowned within : to conclude , these long deuices were brought to remoue him without a writ ; when by meere chaunce past by one of the wisest of the towne next the constable , for so it appeared afterwards , by the hornes of his deuice , who being certifesd of the storie , and what they went about to doe , brake into these words openly . why my good fellowes , friends and honest neighbours , trew you what you venture vppon , will you néeds drawe the plague to you , by hooke or by crooke , you will say perhaps your poles are long ynough . why you neuer heard or read : that long deuices take soonest ●…tien , and that there is no vilder thing in the word , then the smell of a rope to bring a man to his end , that you all know . wherfore to auoid al farther inconueni●…nces , dangerous and infectious , hearken to my exployt : if you drag him along the fields , our hounds may take the sent of him , a very dangerous matter : if you burie him in the fields , a hundred to ●…ne but the ground will be rotten this winter ; wherfore your onely way must be to set him lie as he doth , without mouing , and euery good fellowe to bring his arme-full of straw , heape it vpon him , and round about him , and so in conclusion burne out the infection as he lies : euery man threw vp his old cap at this , straw was brought and throwne vpon him by arme ●…ulls , all this while the drownd fellow lay still without mouing , dreaming of full cannes , e●…psters , and béere-barrells ▪ when presently they put fire to the strawe , which kept such a brogging and a cracking , that vp ▪ started the drunkard , like a thing made of fire-workes , the flame playing with his nose , and his beard looking like flaming apolloes , as our poets please to tearme it , who burst into these reeling words when he spied the fire hizzing about his pate . what is the top of powles on fire againe ? or is the●…e a fire in the powle-head ? why then drawers , quench me with double béere . the folkes in the towne all in amaze , some running this way , some that way , knew him at last by his staggering tongue , for he was no far dl●…et , though they imagined he had dwelt at london , so stopping his horse which ran away from the fierie planet his maister , as though the diuell had bac●…t him , euerie one laught at the iest , closed it vp in an alehouse , where before cu●…ing the most part of them were all as drunke as himselfe . sit you merrie still , gentlemen gallants , your dish of tales is your best chéere , and to please you my noble bullies , i would doo that i did not this thirtie yeares , caper , caper , my gallant boyes , although i cracke my shins , and my guts sinke a handfull lower . i le doote , my lustie lad●… , i le doote . with that the host gaue a lazie caper , and broke his shins for ioye , the reckoning was appeazed , the roome discharged , and so i leaue them in powles where i founde them . host. and now i returne to more pleasant arguments , gentlemen gallants , to make you laugh ere you be quite out of your capen : this that i discourse of now is a prettie merrie accident that happened about shoreditch , although the intent was sad and tragicall , yet the euent was mirthfull and pleasant : the goodman ( or rather as i may fi●…liet tearme him , the bad-man of a house ) being sorely pesterd with the death of seruants , and to auoyde all suspition of the pestilence from his house aboue all others , did very craf●…ily and subtilly compound with the maisters of the pest-cart , to s●…ch away by night as they past by , all that should chance to die in his house , hauing thrée or soure seruants downe at once , and told them that he knew one of them would be readie for them by that time the cart came by , and to cleare his house of all suspition , the dead body should be●… laide vpon as●…all , some fiue or fire houses of : where , there they should entertaine him and take him in amongst his dead companions : to conclude , night drewe on-ward , and the seruant concluded his l●…e , ●…d according to their appointment was e●…stalde to be made knight of the pest-cart . but here comes in the excellent ●…elt , gentlemen ▪ gallants of fiue and twentie , about the darke and pitt●… season of the night : a sh●…acke drunkard , ( or one drunke at the signe of the ship , ) new cast from the shore of an alehouse , and his braines sore beaten with the cruell tempests of ale and béere , fell flounce v●…on a lowe stall hard by the house , there being little difference in the carcasse , for the other was dead , and he was dead-drunke , ( the worse death of the ●…waine ) there taking v●… his drunken lodging , and the pest-cart comming by , they made no more ad●… , but taking him sa●… the dead bodie , placed him amongst his companions , and away they ●…rred with him to the pest-house : but there is an 〈◊〉 prouerbs , and now confirmed true , a druncken ma●… neuer takes harme : to the appre●…ation of which , for all his lying with infections be dfellow●… , the next morning a little before he should be burie●… , he streaht and yaw●… as wholesomely , as the best tinker in all banburie , and returned to his olde vomit againe , and was drunck●… in shoreditch before 〈◊〉 . gingle-spur ▪ this was a prettie commedie of errors , my round host. host. o my bullies , there was many such a part plaide vppon the stage both of the cittie and the sub●…urbs . moreouer my gallants , some did noble exployts , whose names i shame to publish , in hiring porters and base ●…ssalles to carrie their seruants out in sackes so white-chappell , and such out places to poore mens houses : that worke to them , and therefore durst doe no otherwise but receiue them , though to their vttee ruines , and detestable noysomn●…e , fearing to displease them for their ●…uenge afterwardes , as in putting their worke from them to others for their vtter vndoing : how many such prankes thinke you haue béene playne in the same fashion onely to entertaine customers , to kéepe their shops open , and the foreheads of their doores from ( lord haue mercy vpon vs ) many i could set downe héere and publish them to the world , together with all their strange shiftes , and vncharitable deuices . whereof one especially , notable and politicke may euen leade you to the rest and driue you into imagination of many the like : for one to burie foure or fiue persons out of his house , and yet neither the sexton of the same parish , nor any else of his neighbours in the stréete where hee dwelles in to haue intelligence of it , ( but all thinges be they neuer so l●…king , breake sorth at the last ) this being the cunning and close practise ; politickly to indent with the sexton of some other church ( as dwelling in one parish ) to fée the sexton of another by a prelie péece of siluer , to burie all that die in the same house in his churchyard , which voide all suspition of the plague from his shop , which may be at the least some sixe or seuen parish churches off ; or at another to practise the like ; nothing but compounding with a rauenous sexton that liues vpon dead carcasses , for no trades were so much in vse as coffinmakers and sextons , they were the lawers the last uacation , and bad there bountifull fées of their graue-clients ; wherefore they prayed as the countrie-folkes at hartford did , ( if report be no lyar ) very impiously and barbarously , that the sickenesse might last till the last christmas ; and this was their vncharitable meanings , and the vnchristian effect of their wishes : that they might haue the tearme kept at hartford , and the sextons there tearme still here in london ; but winchester made a goose of hartford , and ended the strife : thus like monsters of nature they wisht in their barbarous hearts , that their desires might take such effects : and for the gréedy lucre of a fewe priuate and meane persons , to sucke vp the life of thousands . many other maruelious euents happened , both in the citty , & else where . as for example , in dead mans place at saint mary-ouerus ; a man seruant bring buried at seuen of the clocke in the morning , and the graue standing open for more dead commodities , at foure of the clocke in the same euening , he was got vp aliue againe by strange miracle : which to be true and certaine , hundreds of people can 〈◊〉 that saw him act like a country ghost in his white peackled shéete . and it was not a thing vnknowne on the other side , that the countries were striken , and that very grieuously , many dying there : many going thither likewise fell downe suddainly and dyed , men on horsebacke riding thither , strangely striken in the midst of ther iourneys , sorcst eyther to light ●…ff , or fall ●…ff , and dye : and for certain and substantiall report , many the last yeare were buried neare vnto hye-waies in the same order , in their cloaths as they were , booted and spurd●… euen as they lighted off , ●…owld into ditches . pits and hedges so lamentably , so rudely , and vnchristianlike , that it would haue made a pittifull , and remorcefull eye blood-shot , to see such a r●…thfull and disordered obiect : and a true heart bléed outright , ( but not such a one as mine , gallants , for my heart b●…eds nothing but alegant , ) how commonly we saw herr , the husband and the wife buried together , a wéeping spectacle containing much sorrow : how often were whole housholds emptied to fill vp graues ? and how sore the violence of that stroake was , that strooke tenne persons out of one house , being a thing dreadfull to apprehend and thinke vpon ; with many maruellous and strange accidents . but let not this make you sad , gallants : sit you merry stil : here my dainty bullyes , i le put you all in one goblet , and wash all these tales in a cup of sack. finis . orders agreed upon, and published by the vicechancellour and maior of the vniversitie and town of cambridge and the justices of both bodies, and the doctors and aldermen their assistants. university of cambridge. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : a) orders agreed upon, and published by the vicechancellour and maior of the vniversitie and town of cambridge and the justices of both bodies, and the doctors and aldermen their assistants. university of cambridge. leaves s.n., [cambridge : ] imprint from stc. regarding the plague. there are xxi orders--stc. imperfect; lacks second leaf. reproduction of the original in the cambridge university library. with: articles and orders agreed vpon by the right worshipfull iohn mansel ... 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- cambridge. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion ❧ orders agreed upon , and published by the vicechancellovr and maior of the vniversitie and town of cambridge , and the justices of both bodies , and the doctors and aldermen their assistants . i that the articles and clauses of the statute made in the first yeare of our late soveraigne king james of happy memory , and all other orders made by his majestie , or the honourable lords of his privie-councel for the relief and ordering of persons infected with the plague , be duely executed and observed by all persons whom they concern , upon such pain and penalty as in the said statute and orders is expressed . ii that all searchers , examiners , or overseers of the visited ; all constables , churchwardens , and overseers of the poore ; all watchmen , and warders , and other persons appointed to any office in their severall places do from time to time duely and truely perform their offices , and execute that charge which is given unto them , upon pain of imprisonment , and such further punishment as may be inflicted by statutes and orders upon such persons as contemne authority . ¶ concerning suspected persons , houses , and watchmen . iii that all searchers , examiners , or overseers ; all constables , churchwardens , and overseers of the poore in this town , do from time to time make enquiry after such persons as are sick in their parishes , and of what diseases ; and in case that it be apparent , or suspected to be of the plague , that they acquaint the chief examiner or overseer with it , and presently restrain accesse unto suspected houses , and persons , untill it appeare what the disease will prove : and if it prove the infection , that the house be shut up , and well watched night and day . iiii that if any infected houshold be suffered to stay in the town after the infection is known , that there be two watchmen appointed , one for the night , the other for the day ; and that the watchmen be very carefull that no persons go in or out of such infected houses , whereof they have charge , upon pain of severe punishment ; and that such watchmen do such offices , and provide , and fetch such necessaries for the persons in the houses infected as they have need of , and require ; and that the watchmen appointed for the day ward untill eight of the clock at night , and the watchmen for the night , untill six of the clock in the morning ; the one not to depart till the other come . v that the master , mistresse , or dame of every house or family , so soon as any in the same falleth sick of any disease , or complaineth either of botch , purple , or swelling , shall give knowledge thereof to the searchers or examiners within two houres after the person is sick , & suffer no persons to enter into the house without order from them , or one of them . vi that so soon as it shall appeare to the searcher or examiner that any person in a house or family is sick of the plague , the sick and the whole shall be sequestred in the same house , if it be possible , one from the other , and so continue with one person to attend the sick ; and though the sick die not , the whole houshold shall be removed , if conveniently it may be , or shut up , and the house well aired , for six weeks at the least before the persons in it be set at libertie . and if any person shall have visited , or accompanied any man known to be infected of the plague , or willingly entred into any known infected house , the house wherein he inhabiteth shall be shut up for so many dayes as the court , or examiner shall think fit . vii that the buriall of the dead by this visitation be alwayes either before sun-rising , or after sun-setting with the privity of the examiners , or overseers , or churchwardens , and constables of the parish ; and that no neighbours or friends be suffered to accompany the corps to church , or to enter , or come neare the house visited , or to stand gazing in the streets as the corse is carried to buriall , or in burying , but onely those of the same house , and buriers . viii that no clothes , apparell , bedding , linen , wollen , or other stuffe whatsoever , be suffered to be conveyed , or carried out of any infected houses ; and that all pawning , buying , or receiving of any clothes , apparell , bedding , linen , wollen , and other housholdstuffe whatsoever , be utterly forborn by all persons whatsoever ; and if any person shall be found to offend herein , his name to be presented to the court. ix that if any person infected or suspected to be infected , shall come or be conveyed from a place infected to another place ; the parish whence such partie is come or conveyed , shall cause the person visited , and so escaped , to be brought back again by night ; and the parties in this case offending , or consenting thereunto , to be punished at the discretion of the vicechancellour , and maior , and their assistants ; and the house of the receiver of such visited person to be shut up twentie dayes at the least . x that every house visited be marked with a red crosse in the midst of the doore a foot long , evident to be seen , there to continue untill lawfull inlargement of the same house . xi that those which watch or keep the visited be not suffered to passe the streets , without a red rod of three foot in length in thier hands held up evident to be seen , and not to come into the markets , or other houses then their own , nor to receive any money but in water , or goods from the house or persons they watch , and to abstain from company , especially when they have been used in attending the visited . xii whereas for the better preservation of the countrey-people , and inhabitants of this town , there are certain persons appointed to buy provision for the persons infected or suspected , that those persons which do daily attend the markets in their severall courses do keep out all such as dwell neare the infected , and do buy such provision and other necessaries as they are intreated by the watchmen , and the same deliver unto the watchmen at the places appointed on the outsides of the town , and not suffer any watchman , or other person dwelling in suspected places to come into the town or market , to fear or indanger the countrey-people that come to sell . ¶ concerning publique assemblies . xiii that all publique assemblies at burials of the dead , christenings , marriages , and churchings , and visitation of the sick , be as much forborn as possibly may be , and no person admitted into the house where any infected or suspected persons are , and that upon no occasion there be suffered any flocking or thronging of people together , nor any begging in the streets , lanes , or back wayes in or about the town : and if any happen , that the watchmen , churchwardens , overseers , or constables present their names to the vicechancellour and maior in the court every munday and thursday , and of those that give occasion of the same . ¶ articles and orders agreed vpon by the right worshipfull iohn mansel doctor of divinitie , and vicechancellor of the vniversitie of cambridge ; and thomas pvrchas major of the towne of cambridge ; with the consent of their assistants then present , the xj . day of iuly , ann. dom. . all which and every particular of the same , they require and command all persons whom they doe or may concerne , duly to observe and keepe vpon paine of imprisonment , and such further punishment as may bee inflicted vpon the severall offenders herein , by the lawes of this land , and other orders and compositions heretofore in such cases made and agreed vpon . i that the high constables and petty constables within this towne , and the liberties of the same , doe presently warne and set a sufficient watch and ward in the vsuall places of this towne , and the liberties of the same ; to be kept by all persons , aswell priviledged as others in their courses . and the watch to continue from nine of the clocke at night , till fiue in the morning ; and the ward from fiue in the morning vntil nine of the clocke in the evening : and that the constable giue this charge to the watchers and warders , and that the watchers and warders doe duely observe the same , vpon paine of imprisonment . ii that all such watchers and warders doe apprehend and take all idle , and wandring people , and all other suspected persons which are repaired , or which shall and will repaire to this towne , and the liberties of the same ; and deliver them to the constables , to be sent away and punished according to the lawes of this land. and that they keep out of this towne all wandring pedlers , tinkers , aquavitae-men , and such like : and all strangers , and all carriages and goods , that may be suspected to bring infection or danger to this vniversitie or towne , vntill they be allowed to be entertained or received by the said vicechancellor , or major , or some other iustice of peace of either body : and that they keepe a true booke of the name of euery person , and his goods thus allowed , and by whom . iii that the churchwardens , constables , and overseers of every parish , doe euery day , ( and oftner if there be cause ) make inquirie and search in all innes . alehouses , and other houses within their parish , for all passengers and strangers , that are or shall be lodged or receiued in any of them : and if they find , feare , or suspect , any of them did come from any part of london , or other place visited ; that presently they discharge them , and giue notice of the host or receiver of them , to mr. vicechancellor or mr. major , or some iustice of peace , that they may vndergoe such punishment , as shall be thought fit by the foresaid vicechancellor and major . iiii that if in such search , or at any other time the said churchwardens , constables , or overseers , or any of them , doe obserue and see , or shall be credibly informed of any drunken persons , swearers , or blasphemers : or finde , or be informed that any persons doe remaine idle , mispending their time in drinking , gaming , or otherwise , within any taverne , inne , alehouse , or other place within this towne , or liberties of the same , that without favour , or any partialitie , they see them presently punished , according to the statute in such cases provided ; or make present complaint of them and their receivers , to the vicechancellor and major . v that no person doe carry , or recarry any passengers , goods , wares , or marchandise by land or water , from this towne to london , or from london to or towards this towne , except it be for his maiesties vse : and except francis adcock , who onely is allowed to carry and recarry letters , and nothing else . vi that the aforesaid churchwardens , constables , and overseers , doe from time to time take care , that all inhabitants and other persons within their severall parishes , doe pave , gravell , water , sweepe , and cleanse their doores , channells , streets , and lanes which belong vnto them euery tewsday and saturday : and to suffer no muckhills to remaine in any pent houses or yards : nor any hogs to be kept in any houses , or pent yards in the towne , nor to come in the streets , or lanes of this towne : nor any butchers to kill any beasts at their doores , or in their shops : nor farriers to bleed any beast at their shops , or doores , nor in the streetes , except they receiue the blood , garbage , and other filth into some vessell , and the same presently convay to the common muckhill on the backside of the towne . vii that no person buy any goods brought into this towne by any strangers ; or carried about the towne to be sold by them , or any others of this towne , vpon paine of imprisonment . viii that the generall and publique fast ( by his maiesties proclamation and orders published ) appointed to be kept vpon wednesday the xx . of this instant iuly , and so every wednesday , be observed and kept religiously , and solemnly vpon those dayes . and that the ministers of every parish doe giue publike warning , that the parishioners themselues , and their families and servants be wholly exercised vpon those dayes in holy prayer , godly meditations , and reverent hearing of the scriptures either read or preached ; and that they shut vp their shops , and forbeare all bodily labours , bargaining , buying , and selling vpon those dayes . ix that morning prayers vpon those dayes shall begin at nine of the clocke in the forenoone , and they and the sermon end at eleuen of the clocke ; and afternoone prayers beginne at one of the clocke in the afternoon , and they and the sermon end at three of the clocke ; and that all churches be well watered and cooled , before morning and euening prayers every sabbath day , and every wednesday , and the casements opened , and the glasse of some of the chiefest windowes taken downe , to coole the church , and prevent the danger that may happen by the pent and close ayre in this hot season . x that all persons take heed , that they spend not any part of those dayes in playes , pastimes , idlenesse , haunting of tavernes , innes , or alehouses : lacivious wantonnes , surffeting , or drunkennesse , which are the proper sinnes of this nation , for which the heauy displeasure and wrath of god is fallen vpon vs. xi that the price of every meale forborne vpon the dayes of fast , be gathered by the churchwardens and overseers of every parish , and written in a booke of whom they receive it , and the same reserved in their hands , vntill it be disposed of by the vicechancellor and major , according to the tenor of the order published . xii and further the said vicechancellor and major doe in his maiesties name straightly charge and command all constables , churchwardens , and overseers of every parish in this towne , to take especiall care , that all persons doe observe and keepe the said fast , according to the said orders and directions : and that they present the names of all offenders herein , that they may vndergoe the severest punishment that may be inflicted vpon offenders in this kind . xiii and lastly , it is ordered , that if any person shall refuse to obey these orders , or any of them ; or to be ordered by the said churchwardens , constables and overseers , watchers and warders , or any of them in any matter hereby given them in charge ; or shall resist them , or any of them ; or maintaine , or rescue any offender herein , that then the said constables shall commit such offenders to the gaole , there to remaine vntill they be released by their competent iudge , and be bound with sufficient sureties to their good behaviour . ❧ god saue the king. the cure of the plague by an antidote called aurum vitæ. being well approved to be an easie safe, and perfect cure thereof; as also of contagious agues, or feavers beginning either hot or cold. the description, order and use whereof, together with the said antidote, and are to be sold at the shop of nicholas bourne, stationer, at the south entrance of the royal exchange. invented and produced by john woodall, master in surgery. published by authority. woodall, john, ?- . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the cure of the plague by an antidote called aurum vitæ. being well approved to be an easie safe, and perfect cure thereof; as also of contagious agues, or feavers beginning either hot or cold. the description, order and use whereof, together with the said antidote, and are to be sold at the shop of nicholas bourne, stationer, at the south entrance of the royal exchange. invented and produced by john woodall, master in surgery. published by authority. woodall, john, ?- . [ ] p. printed by e. p[urslowe] for nicholas bourne, london : . printer's name from stc. b is a cancel; b v line begins: dreadfull disease,. signatures: a-b⁴ (-a , blank?). reproduction of the original in the british library. eng plague -- early works to . medicine -- early works to . a s (stc ). civilwar no the cure of the plague by an antidote called aurum vitæ. being well approved to be an easie safe, and perfect cure thereof; as also of conta woodall, john b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the cvre of the plague by an antidote called aurum vitae . being well approved to be an easie safe , and perfect cure thereof ; as also of contagious agues , or feavers begining either hot or cold . the description , order , and use whereof , together with the said antidote , are to be sold at the shop of nicholas bourne , stationer , at the south entrance of the royal exchange . invented and produced by john woodall , master in surgery . published by authority . london : printed by e. p. for nicholas bourne . to the reader . the author sendeth greeting in the lord . shewing , that he having of late published some workes in surgery , amd amongst the rest , a treatise concerning the cure of the plague , which workes , although they are allowed and well approved of by many right worthy personages , for the matter in them contained , yet neverthelesse the author findeth , he hath by improvidence failed of his desires in one of the main points he aimed at , in the production of those workes , which was in the putting forth of the treatise of the plague in one and the same volumne , with the rest of his workes , for whereas his intent was , that treatise above the rest should have beene common , and open to every person , and also to have bin at an easie rate for the poorer sort , in which case his best course had beene to have printed it by it selfe , so had it borne its owne burthen of price , but by reason that the other treatises are bound up together with it , the book will cost ten shillings , which the poorer sort cannot buy , and they commonly have the greatest need thereof , especially in that dreadfull disease of the plague ; wherefore , partly through solicitation of some friends , and partly , for that the present time of infection requireth helpe , he hath thought fit to draw out of the said treatise , that one principall medicine called aurum vitae , and to publish it by it selfe , with an expression of the vertues and uses thereof , for the present occasion , and service of any person which shall thinke good to make use thereof , or that shall for the future be disposed to be provided before hand , against a time of need , of such a medicine , as will not decay in seven yeeres and more . vale . a description of the cordial antidote called avrvm vitae . this antidote , at one onely time given , taketh away the pestilentiall feaver , and therby cureth the plague , that the patient frequently becommeth well the very next day ; especially if the medicine be taken upon the first day of the complaint ; he or she observing of certain easie rules hereafter prescribed , concerning the order of administring thereof , and it is so easie and safe a medicine , that an infant , although it sucke upon the mothers breasts , may safely take it ; yea , and may easily be induced to receive it into the body : for that it is small in quantity , and is without offence in taste or smell to any : also , it may safely be given to any woman that is great with childe , whereof diverse trials have bin had with safety and comfort . the dose or quantity sufficient thereof for a man or woman to take at any one time , is but eight graines , and by that proportion , any discreet person may gather what may be given to any younger person : viz. a child of two full yeeres old , may safely take two graines , and a child of foure or five yeeres old , may take three graines , or foure , and one about foureteene yeeres may take six graines , and one of eighteene , nineteene , or twenty yeeres old , or more , may safely take the full of eight graines . and note that this medicine performeth its operation only by sweat which is the truest and safest way of the entrance upon that cure of the plague ( for the most part ) and also it doth ●t without moving the body either upwards or downeward ; and namely it causeth no vomits nor stooles : neither is it at all nauseous or offensive to the stomach , neither any wayes causing extraordinary thirst , nor faintnesse to the patient , but on the contrary , the patient , when his sweating is over , shall manifestly feele cheerefulnesse , as being much refreshed thereby , with also an abatement of his paines , and his feaver will be gone at the onely once taking thereof , neither shall the patient need to over-burthen himselfe with too many cloathes to force him or her to sweat : for the medicine of it selfe sufficiently performeth that duty , onely hee may bee ordered to have somewhat more to cover him , than the ordinary coverings he usually lyeth under , and the roome ought likewise to be kept warme with a fire therein , for that cold aire in time of sweating , is obnoxious and dangerous . and further , this medicine may bee kept seven whole yeares and longer , if occasion and need be , it will not decay in that time , for it being truly prepared of gold , is thereby permanent above other medicines , and looseth not its vertue as vegetable medicines doe : but as gold , that excellent mineral , excelleth all other mettals , in price and vertue ; even so the true prepared medicines thereof , as far exceed al other mineral medicines in their vertues , in the preserving and defending of men from diseases , as also in curing their inffrmities , when by gods permission they seize upon the bodyes of mankind . and whereas other strong medicines commonly worke two wayes at once , namely by sweat , and also by vomit , whereby they fiercely distract the patient , and produce fearefull accidents , as if death it selfe were at hand , by two violent expulfions at one time , yea oftentimes by a third , viz. by purging downeward : also this most safe , and sweating medicine , performeth as much as it promiseth , pleasantly , and without rigour or nautious offence , as well in the plague , as also in other contagious diseases , and namely in the smal pox , where nature also striveth to thrust out her venemous enemy , per poros cutis , or by the sweat holes of the skin , and that course of curing , is of all other the safest , in a contagious disease at the first entrance , which then consisteth rather of poysonous vapours vapours then of putrifaction of humours , in which regard the aforesaid course is safe , for it is a fearefull thing , yea , and a desperate one ( as i conceive ) to purge in the beginning of a contagious disease . this medicine is also approved good to be given in the beginning of any contagious ague or feaver , hot or cold , and for the most part , it cureth the patient at once giving , and it faileth seldome . of the rule and order to be held in the taking of this antidote for the cure of the plague . first the patient is to be demanded if he had any stoole that day , or the day before , and if yea , all is well for that point ; if otherwise , and that you find you have time to tarry so long ( else not ) let the patient have onely a suppository that may move him once , and when he hath had one stoole thereby , proceed without any further delay to the administring of the antidote ; for delayes are dangerous in that fierce disease , and whether the patient at that instant be found sweating , burning , quaking , raving , or in any other distemper give it in , and the party that taketh it , ●ought to be in his warme bed fitted with sufficient coverings before he takes this medicine in , then let him take it , either mixed with some cordiall thing , if he please , as a little mithridate , or give it mixed with the pap of an apple , which will doe as well , and so it is easiest taken in by infants ( as i suppose ) for it needs no addition at all to adde vertue to it , onely the addition chiefly serves to carry or convay the medicine without wasting into the stomach , for that it is a powder small in quantity , and subject to waste . also the party that is to take it , must have before hand an ordinary posset of ale and milke to the quantity of a quart very warm , which when he hath taken his medicine , shortly after let him drink a reasonable full draught of the said posset well warmed , and then lying on the one side , which side the patient please , let him be warme covered , head , face and all , leaving full breathing scope , and so in gods name let him lye still and sweat gently , if he can beare it for three or foure houres were best , & ever as he thirsteth , let him freely take warme posset drink , which were best to be given him in some cruet or spout-pot , if such were at hand , that he take no ayre by raising himselfe up in drinking . and when he hath performed his due sweating , let him be wiped dry and shifted , and then give the patient some warme broath ▪ and further by divers experiences the author hath found , that a patient so healed ( shifting his cloaths ) infecteth not an other , although he goe abroad the next day , for by that strong sweating the venome of the disease is wholy evaporated and gon , so as the next day he may by gods mercy safely goe abroad , but for the day of his sweating let him keepe within , and give him food competent in a sparing quantity , such as is of a light digestion , and deny him not drinke , so that it be somwhat warme at the fire only for that day . thus much for those which take the medicine within houres of the first complaint . item unto such as the disease hath taken greater hold of , namely that before the receite of the aforesaid antidote , the patient have outward tumours , swellings or soares , as botches , carbuncles , or blaines , not yet broken nor ripe , if hee take the medicine as aforesaid , and sweat well upon it , the venome of the soares as is said , shall , through gods mercy , be so evapourated by his sweating , that the swellings shall decline of themselves , and not at all come forward , and if any after do break , as being formerly supperated , or ripe before the medicine tooke place , they also shall , as ordinary boyles , easily and quickly heale with every meane medicine . and notwithstanding generally , once sweating healeth the patient , yet neverthelesse if occasion bee , hee may safely take a second dosse , or proportion , yea , and a third without danger ; as diverse have done , so that he may be the more confident of perfect health ; neverthelesse if he find his desire by the first , let him not take a second , and if by a second , let him not take a third , for sweating medicines , too often taken , are obnoxious to a dijected weeke patient . the vertue of the precedent antidote , in the cure of the small pox . the disease of the small pox , hath great affinity with that most fearefull disease of the plague , being also contagious and deadly often times , and the cure thereof i have experienced to be by the same way , as the cure of the plague , only the cure of the smal pox succeeds best , if it be begun before that they doe manifest themselvs , and namely , in the first day of the feaver , or soon after , for that disease hath ever a forerunning hot feaver , or ague , for a messenger , wherfore it were not amisse for any that hath young children , especially in times that are contagious and infectious , to be prepared with remedies at hand , to fit such an unwelcome guest , considering the medicine will keep its vertue for more then seven yeeres . moreover , for the manner of the sweating in the small pox , let it bee very wearily and gently , and with no more cloathes then will keepe the patients sweating , and defend them from taking cold , and deny not them warm posset-drinke in the time of their sweating . also , when any person is desirous to take the benefit of the aforesaid medicine , having an ague , or feaver , with paraxismes or fits , let him not take the medicine in the time of the fit , but one full houre as is said , before the fit , or rather more , but if the feaver be continuall , as often in that fierce disease of the plague it is , give it at any time in manner aforesaid ; for if he take it , and his burning change into sweating , which the medicine usually produceth , the feare of death in the patient is halfe over . and further of a truth , the author can affirme that he hath cured some by the heretofore mentioned antidote , that had the pestities , or spots of the plague , vulgarly called gods tokens , upon them , and they are yet living witnesses thereof ; for which , and all other his exceeding favours in that fearefull disease , the almighty god alone be glorified : and so the author briefly eoncludeth with a copy of a certificate concerning the vertue of the before mentioned antidote , aurum vitae , referring the reader for further attestation to the authors booke called the surgions mate , or militarie and domestike surgerie . the copy of a certificate , concerning the vertue of the precedent antidote ; called aurum vitae , from the justices , ministers , and other the officers of the parish of s. margaret vvestminster , as it was by them presented to the right honourable , henry , earle of manchester , lord privy seale , &c. which by his lordship was presented to the rest of his majesties most honourable privy counsell . wee the inhabitants of saint margarets in westminster whose names are here under written , doe most humbly certifie your lordships , and that upon our owne knowledge , that in this time of visitation of the plague , feavers , agues , and other diseases , which have beene very grievous and great afflictions unto us : it pleased almighty god by the hands of one iohn vvoodall chirurgion of the east india gompany , and of his majesties hospitall of saint bartholomewes in london , a learned , judiciall , and expert man , which said iohn vvoodall about five weekes before michaelmas last , delivered unto some of us , who were officers in this said parish , an antidote composed in pills , which hee had made us , with directions how they should be administred to such as had the plague , feavers , agues , or any such violent diseases , that then remained among us ; which said pills have beene employed very carefully , according to his said directions , and administred to threescore severall persons , some of this new feaver , some of the small pox , some agues , and some other diseases , but most , to them that were visited with the plague , which had risings , soares , carbuncles , blaines , and were certainely knowne to have that fearefull disease , all which persons recovered , and not one of all them that have taken the said pils , dyed , thanks be given to almighty god : neither can we doe lesse than publish the great skill , judgement , and charity of the said iohn vvoodall , by whose industry and care this antidote hath wrought so good effect , and did bestow them freely , without one penny recompence for the same . westmincter the of october . . pet. heywood , iustice . rob. white , sub-curate . thomas mar. church-wardens . richard protter . church-wardens . william hawkins . copia vera tho. kirke . edward martin . and for satisfaction of such persons , as being in health , desire preservatives , the author observing , that although his antidote , be granted to be a cure for the diseased of the plague yet nevertheles therby it giveth not those that are well , satisfaction concerning their desires , which are rather for the present , to be furnished with some good preservative medicine , such as by art , through gods permission , may preserve them in health from that dreadfull disease , that it seaze not upon them unawares ; wherefore to satisfie such , he hath prepared two preservative helpes , the one being a powder to be inwardly taken , fasting each morning , the quantity of eight graines , either in beere , ale , or wine ; or to children , if it be mixed with butter , and spred upon their bread , or given them in milke , or any way else that they will be induced to take it in , it sufficeth ; and that they fast two houres after it , they may relie upon it , as on a good preservative , well approved of : and further , if any man , woman , or child , should accidentally or willingly take treble the quantity prescribed , they may safely doe it without any danger at all : yet by way of a preservative as is said to prevent the comming of the disease , the author holdeth the aforesaid quantity of eight graines is sufficient . the second preservative intended for correction of the ayre , is to be carried in a box , about the person of any , to make use of it at their wils , that they may often smell thereto , and thence draw in a preservative ayre to defend them from the danger of noysome vapours , which commonly the plague entreth by , as sent from the almighty , who alone defendeth from , sendeth to , and of his mercifull providence cureth the plague ; vnto whom be ascribed all honour , and glory amen , these last recited medicines , are to be sold with the antidote , ready prepared for use , by nicholas bourne , as aforesaid . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- the dose of aurum vitae . of the continuance of its vertue . to cure agues or feavers that are contagious . necessaries to bee provided before the taking . londons lamentation for her sinnes and complaint to the lord her god. out of which may bee pickt a prayer for priuate families, for the time of this fearefull infection. and may serue for a helpe to holinesse and humiliation for such as keepe the fast in priuate: together with a souereigne receipt against the plague. by w.c. pastor at white chappell. crashaw, william, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) londons lamentation for her sinnes and complaint to the lord her god. out of which may bee pickt a prayer for priuate families, for the time of this fearefull infection. and may serue for a helpe to holinesse and humiliation for such as keepe the fast in priuate: together with a souereigne receipt against the plague. by w.c. pastor at white chappell. crashaw, william, - . [ ] p. printed [by william stansby] for g. fayerbeard at the north side of the royall exchange, london : . w.c. = william crashaw. printer's name from stc. "a souereigne medicine for and against the plague" has caption title. formerly stc . identified as stc on umi microfilm. signatures: a-c d⁶. reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp 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londons lamentation for her sinnes : and complaint to the lord her god. out of which may bee pickt a prayer for priuate families , for the time of this fearefull infection . and may serue for a helpe to holinesse and humiliation for such as keepe the fast in priuate : together with a souereigne receipt against the plagve . by w. c. pastor at white chappell . ier . . , . o thou sword of the lord , how long will it bee ere thou be quiet ? put vp thy selfe vnto thy scabberd , rest and be still . how can it be quiet , seeing the lord hath giuen it a charge ? &c. london , printed for g. fayerbeard at the north side of the royall exchange . . to the right honovrable , the lord maior of london , the right worshipfull the sheriffes and aldermen , and the rest of the godly citizens and offiers , who haue eyther stayed in their places and duties during this visitation : or sent their large and comfortable beneuolence for the poore . the blessings of this and a better life . right honorable : it was the ordinance and appointment of gods owne wisdome in the law , that all his sacrifices and burnt offrings should be seasoned with salt , the fire importing zeale , by which euery sacrifice must be offered , and the salt signifying discretion with which it must be seasoned : if it wanted eyther of these ; it could not bee accepted . now , as this literall fire and salt belonged to the iewes , so the spirituall is both commended and commanded to vs , that liue vnder the sweet yoke of the gospell euen to the worlds end : namely , that all our sacrifices & seruice , if we mean to haue them acceptable to god , or auaileable to our selues , must not onely bee offered with the fire of holy zeale ; but tempered with holy wisdome , and seasoned with the salt of due discretion ; therefore sayth ▪ christ euen in his gospell , euery one shall bee salted with fire , and euery sacrifice shall bee seasoned with salt : whereunto saint paul alluding exhorts all christians to see that their seruice and sacrifice , bee not only holy and liuely , but also reasonable . hence it is right honourable , and worshipfull , that as our gracious king , out of his humilitie and holy zeale , commanded publike fasting & prayer , for the diuerting of this publike iudgement : so now , out of holy and deepe discretion hath suspended for a time those publike meetings within the citie : out of no dislike of fasting and prayer , nor any wearinesse of those holy exercises , as some malignant spirits malitiously traduce him. but out of conscience to his god & care of his subiects liues : wisely considering ( & in our knowledge most truely ) that seeing the sick & sore ( do what we ministers could to the contrary ) mingled themselues confusedly , with the sound ( by which meanes its more then manifest , many thousands haue perished in this citie and suburbs . ) it therefore lay vpon him as supreme magistrate and gods lieutenant to looke to the liues as well as to the soules of all his people , and to take order , that the fasts ordained for the bettering of the soule , should not so be vsed , as to tend to the destruction of the body . leauing vs therefore in this distressed citie , the lords day or sunday for our soules , which being of diuine institution , can admit no dispensation by humane power , and still commending and commanding vs that day to fast & pray in priuate , and all the kingdome else to doe it in publike for vs : and for the sauing of our liues , and to auoyd the tempting and prouoking of god. hath wisely forbidden all other publike meetings of dangerous concourse in places infected , till order can be taken ( which is no easie thing to doe ) to keepe the sound and sicke asunder . now as all those that be well are notwithstanding to repaire to the church , to be partakers of the publike prayers & the holy seruice appointed for that day , so , for a helpe , of humiliation and holy deuotion to them that stay at home , whereof also many thousand families especially in our suburbs are not able to buy the booke , i haue therefore beene perswaded to make publike this meditation , confession , and prayer , which in these dayes of publike calamitie , i walking hourely through the valley of the shadow of death , ( burying forty , fifty , sometime sixty a day , and in the totall , more then two thousand alreadie ) i poured out in the presence of my god : first , in priuate for my selfe , afterwards for the vse of those many thousand sicke soules that are or haue beene in my great poore parish : and lastly , that hereby i might offer some sacrifice and speciall piece of seruice in way of holy thankfulnesse to the lord our god , who hath hitherto pleased to preserue me , and my brethren the pastors of this citie by his owne hand and power , beyond all humane helpe and hope ; walking continually , euen in the midst of the fiery flames alwayes in danger , and neuer in more perill then in the pulpit : wherein the lord hath beene so marueilous , & so magnified , his loue and power vpon vs , as if he should now take vs away , yet hath hee so deliuered vs , in discharging our duties , and by his holy angels kept vs , thus being in our way , till hee hath literally made good that promise in the psalme , yea , and much more : for alas wee haue not only seene a thousand fall at one side of vs , and ten thousand at another , but ( alas , alas , that our sinnes should so prouoke our god ) euen more then ten thousand on the one , and more then twenty thousand on the other . which mighty work of god , if wee should sit still and swallow and superficially passe ouer , and not commend it , to our brethren in the countrey , whose turnes must follow god knowes how soone , as sure as god hath begunne with vs ; and if we did not preserue the memory of it , and represent it to posterity , for their instruction , and that the generations yet vnborne may prayse the lord ; all holy men would accuse vs , gods church would censure vs , our own consciences would condemne vs , and god himselfe take vengeance of vs , as most vnthankfull caitiffes , euen monsters of mankind , & vnworthy to breath vpon the earth . being therefore in some sort touched with the sense of this hand of our god , both of his hand of iustice and of mercy , and being euerymoment put in mind of our mortality , eyther by the sound in our eares , or sights in our eyes ; can we but be moued ( vnlesse we were senselesse stocks & stoicks ) to take into our serious and continuall consideration , the now most lamentable case , of this late so florishing a citie , and of this whole kingdome into which this wild-fire of gods wrath begins so fast to flie , and can wee but lay to heart so great a sorrow ? or dare wee for our soules but deale truly with our god , in seeking sincerely and carefully searching out the true cause in our selues , in our people , and in the whole kingdome that should thus prouoke the lord against vs ? certainly some heauy judgement must fall vpon vs if we doe not , and will follow them whoeuer they bee that double and dissemble with their god in this case . and if any that be abroad and yet vnvisited , thinke i deale too farre and too freely in this confession . i aske no more but to forbeare his judgment , til they be vnder the hand of god , as we haue bin now three moneths and more , and then they will iudge i am too short : the while god in mercy pardon that , and wherin i may be thought to go too far , i shall easily answere it to god or gods anointed : & shal sigh & sob in secret to consider the wrath & woes that wait for those wicked ones , who as they deeply haue had their hand in pulling downe this plague , so carelessely seeke to passe it ouer , and looke not after the god that hath smitten them , and the whole land for their sakes , and will if they turne not betimes , smite them downe to hell : what stony hearted stoicke can he be who sees more then forty thousand christians , many as good , and some better then himselfe laid in the dust , in little more then twice forty dayes , and is not humbled vnder the hand that did it , and sensible of the sin that did procure it ? can hee bee a good seruant of god or subiect to his souereigne , that besides ten thousand aged , weake , and poore , shall see an army of ten thousand more , braue , lustie , and seruiceable young men , and tenne thousand more comely and mariageble young women , and ten thousand more young infants , whose proofe and hope had beene still before them , already taken out of one corner of this kingdome , and sits not downe in dust and ashes mourning to that god that tooke them , for that king that lost them , with that land that wants them . for that sinne that pluckt them from vs ? i dare pronounce vpon him from god whoeuer hee bee that can or dare thus sleightly and sliely passe by the workes of god , and laughes in his sleeue at such a judgement as this , is markt vp by god for some greater vengeance as sure as the fourteenth of ezekiel is gods true word . for if hee that mournes for sinne be the man that is markt by god for blessing and deliuerance , what 's hee that makes a sport of sinne ; and layes from his heart the iudgements thereby procured , but one that 's sealed vp for confusion and destruction : o therefore that my heart were a fountaine , and my eyes riuers of teares , that i might worthily bewaile the sinnes of our nation together with mine owne , and weepe for the slaine of the daughter of my people : so cried the holy prophet of the abundance of his holy zeale ; and so i am sure in their seuerall measures doe all the ministers and men of god amongst vs , that haue but tasted of the same spirit , mourning for the desolations of this citie ; and more for the contagion that causeth it , and most of all , for the sinnes that procured them both : and who would not care to sacrifice themselues what way the lord should please , so the wrath of god might bee pacified towardes this church and nation , and those plagues remooued which are the cause of this plague : and till these be remooued , we shall find the prophets tell vs true , that eyther this plague shall stil stay & creep like a canker ouer our whole body , or else only make make way to some more fearefull that shall follow after it . that this may be preuented , he cannot be a christian that will not both cry to god , and confesse to him the publike , and priuate , and personall sinnes that be the cause thereof . and as all that are enabled and taught by the holy spirit of god ; to poure out their soules in humble prayer , and hearty confession , will in holy obedience to the holy prophets counsell ; take vnto themselues words , and returne vnto the lord : so for those that cannot open their mouthes as they desire , and yet haue hearts that groane after god , and soules that seeke the lord. for their assistance only haue i beene perswaded to publish this , which now i leaue to them , and them and it together , with our selues to the mercifull acceptation and gracious blessing of our good god : who grant vs all in these dayes of danger ( when somtimes almost a thousand a day are pickt vp , and pluckt away before our faces ) so to liue and so to dye , as when we dye we may be sure to liue for euer . and so to part with one another here , as we may be sure to meet in heauen : and here so to confesse our sinnes , as at the last day christ may confesse vs to be his owne . and so to pray here as we may prayse god eternally in heauen . londons lamentable complaint to her god. containing , a prayer for the time of infection : afore confession of sinne . a meditation vpon the causes and remedie of this plague : a thankesgiuing for gods mercie euen in this crosse . most high and holy iehouah thou being of beings , who giues life and being to euery creature , giue leaue vnto us , the most unworthy oues of all thy children , to come before thee , and present our petitions at the throne of grace ; wee durst not rush so rudely into thy holy presence , mightie lord god , nor beg so boldly so great a sauour , were it not that thou hast gratiously vouthsafed , not onely to call and inuite vs , but euen command vs to come vnto thee , and call vpon thee in the day of our affliction , and hast moreouer mercifullypromised , that thou wilt heare vs and deliuer vs , that we may glorifie thy great name : in this confidence we take comfort , to come to thee o lord , in this day of our trouble , and common calamitie of our church and kingdome . and first we doe all , in the name one of another , and wée for our parts , euery one of vs for himselfe , humbly and freely cousesse , wee haue all had our hands in this blood , and each one borne apart , in pulling down these heauie plagues vpon this city and our nation : o lord wée doe none of vs excuse our selues , but wee doe euery one of vs accuse , and arraigue our selues at the barre of thy iustice , and we doe all pronounce our selues guiltie in thy sight : nor are we onely tainted with originall sin in our natures , but lord our liues are stayned , with all actuall pollutions , in our thoughts , words , and déeds , by sins of comission and omission , by sins not onely of ignorance , but euen of negligence carelesnesse and presumption : miserable sinners that wée are , wée haue not only committed soule and fearefull things , abhominable to thy pure and holy maiestie , dishonorable to thy holy religion , offensiue to thy holy law , and therefore iust prouocations of thy wrath : but alas , we haue sometime totally omitted , and at the best alwaies failed in all the good and holy duties required at our hands : wée haue not béene humbled for thy iudgements , nor thankfull for thy mercies , as wee ought to haue beene , therefore thy mercies being abused , haue heretofore made way for thy iudgements , but wee wicked wretches haue beene bettred by neither of both . thou hast written to vs the great things of thy law , but wée haue not regarded them , thou hast reuealed to vs thy blessed gospell , but wée haue not belieued it ; thou hast honoured vs with thy loue , but wee haue not walked worthie of it : thou hast afforded vs blessed meanes and many opportunities to doe good , and by well doing to come nearer vnto thee , but we haue , either so neglected them , or abused them , as thereby wee haue done much euill instead of good : thou hast also giuen vs time to turns & repent , but we haue turned it the wrong way , & mispent it in vanities : thou hast she wed vs the way , and offered vs the meanes to know and feare thée , but wee haue wilfully wandred in our owne wayes , and haue not cared to come neere thée , and haue put thy feare farre from vs , such sinfull caittfs are wee o lord , as the meanes of thy honour , wee haue turned to thy dishonour , our owne helpes into hinderances , our comforts into crosses , and our crosses into curses , thy mercies into iudgements , and thy uisitations into vengeance : and the gratious blessings that were giuen vs , as helpes to bring vs neerer thee ; wée haue peruerted , to drive vs further from thée : thy heauenly word , and holy sacraments , which thou hast gratiously giuen vs , ( more then to many other nations ) to be the meanes of our conuersion , and saluation , wee haue prophaned and peruerted , to our hardning in sinne , and agrauating our condemnation . these o lord are the common and generall sins of our times , of us , our citie , and our nation , which as an vniuersall deluge running ouer our land , wée also haue béene carried away by the violence of these sinfull streames : besides the personall sins preuailing in this age , as baine swearing , inordinate drinkings , super fluous feastings profusenesse in gaming , vanitie and pride in apparell , oppressions and fraudes in bargaining , prophaning thy sabbaths , neglect of thy poore members , contempt of thy word , and holy ministers , formalitie in religion , dulnesse in deuotion , coldnesse in charitie ; in all which o lord and euery one of them , we are not able to excuse , much lesse exempt our selues , besides also the publicke sinnes of our state , in letting our lawes bee laid a sleepe against idolatrie & superstition , whereby much popish impietie hath not only beene practised in priuate , but so publickly professed , that euen the remish dagon did stand in defiance with thy holy arke , whereby thy religion hath béene villified , thy ordinances despised , thy great name dishonoured , and thy sauctuarie troden vnder foot : nor was this the sinne alone of some set ouer vs , who by their places , ought rather to haue defended thy truth and maintained the integritie thereof with their liues and blood , & yet either wickedly , or weakly haue giuen way to these enormities , whereby poperte and idolatrie , were in a sort inuited and prepared for , before they came ; but in this sinne , like the sinne of ieroboam , all our israel hath sinned against the lord of hoasts , for alas wee haue all either had our hands , or held our tongues , and not béen zealous in the cause of thée our god and when for this our prophanenesse and presumptions against thée , thou hast declared thy selfe angry against vs , both at home , and abroad , wée haue béene so far from fearing thée , and séeking thy face , in prayer , & fasting , and holy humiliation in true contrition , and hearty repentance : as contrariwise when other nations were sighing , and sorrowing for our sin and securitie , wée were lul'd asleepe , and cryed peace , peace , when there was none : and when other churches were fasting and praying , we alas were masking , feasting and playing : and when as thy gospell had glutted vs , so as holy lectures , begun to bee now held , like meate out of season , and preaching in some places to bee put downe , pet euen then o lord , were the theaters magnified , and enlarged , where satan is serued and sinne secretly instilled , if not openly professed . thus hast thou o mightie god béene little better then forgotten among vs these many yeares : and thus hath thy glorious name béene dishonoured , thy precious religion billified , thy gratious ordinances despised , thy fearefull iudgements neglected , thy bounteous mercies abused , thy holy councels contemned , thy fatherly warnings not regarded , and thy sacred word in thew , and ceremonie aduanced , but indéed and truth troden vnder foot . it is true o lord , wee thought and spake otherwise of our selues while our plenty pleased vs , our prosperitie bewitcht vs , and worldly carnalities blinded vs : then wée séemed to our selues to be a glorious nation , a beautifull church and outwardly appeared to be a people that did righteousnesse , and forsooke not the ordinances of their god ; but now that affliction hath made vs wiser , and thy corrections haue opened our eyes , now we see what we are , and are ashamed of our selues : now we cast the dust of contempt vpon our owne heads , we goe out of our selues , and we cry to thée in the hearing of thy holy angels , & all thy holy churches vpon earth , wee are vncleane , we are vncleane ; and like vncleane and loathsome leapers deserue to bee cut off from the blessed bodie of thy church , may euen to bée rooted out of the land of the liuing , as being the nation , next vnto the iewes , who hauing béene honoured , and blessed by thée , aboue all the world , haue most dishonoured thée of all other , playing with thy mercies , dallying with thy iudgements , and prophaning all thy holy things , not considering wee are no better then the flye playing with the candle , wée in our sins being flaxe and stubble , and thou our god in thy furie a consuming fire . therefore it is o lord , that now thy mercies are gone aside , and giuen place vnto thy iustice , and thy iustice prouoked hath kindled thy wrath and the fire of thy wrath being now broke out in the most fearefull pestilence this nation euer saw : now our beautie is turned into ashes , our melodie into mourning , our songs into howlings , our glorie into confussion of face , our triumphs into teares , aud our flourishing citie into a wildernesse , there being now at our doores nothing but death , destruction , and desolation , nothing but miserie and mourning , crying and confusion in our streets ; this is our present estate o lord , and it is thy doing , and herein only are we happy that wee sée thy hand , and know , and belieue it to bée thy doing : and wée all confesse o lord , righteous art thou in all thy wayes , and most iust are all thy iudgements : for séeing we all offended thee , therefore now thou makest vs one offend another ; and because we feared not thée , thou hast now iustly made vs afraid one of another . and because wee wickedly and carelesly mispent our time , now thou hast made vs wearie of our time , and brought to passe that which thou didst threaten , that in the morning we wish it were euening , and in the euening that the morning would appeare and as though we were either wearie of our time , or afraid of the ayre , wee breath in we vainly wish , the long desired sommer , would now flye fast away , and turne vs ouer , to the cold and carefull winter : and because wee poysoned all things by our sins now thou iustly makest vs feare poyson , in our very meate , drinke , and apparell : nay but for thy speciall mercy , we are not safe in our pues , & pulpits in our church : and because we delighted not to come to thy house , now thou makest vs glad to flye from our owne houses . and because we cared not to come to thy house for the food of our soules , thou hast iustly brought it to this , that we knowe not whither to goe , nor to what house safely to send for the food of our bodies : & because we haue wickedly set our hearts , vpon the miserable mammon of this world , thou hast now in iustice made a great number at their wits and , not knowing what to doe with it , where to hide it , with whom to leaue it , nor whom to trust with it , neither can they carrie it with them , nor dare they tarrie with it themselues , and because they would lend nothing in charitie , they haue now none left , to lend vnto at all : and now they that loue it best , ( by thy wonderfull iudgement ) are affraid to touch it , least that which formerly poysoned their soules , should now infect their bodies ; o lord how wonderfull are thy workes , and how iust are all thy iudgements . and now , o lord , that wée sée our case , and are sensible of thy hand that is vpon vs , what shall wée say , what shall wée thinke might bée the cause of this so fearefull a plague ? and that so mercifull and pitifull a father , is now become so seuere and angry a iudge ? shall we be so foolish as to thinke it comes because our king is not crowned , as though former experience hath not proclaimed the contrary ? or so prophane as to ascribe it to the summer , and season of the yéere , as though thou wert not god as well of the winter as the summer ? or so proud as to thinke that because we haue hitherto held vp thy religion , better then some other nations , and haue in some measure maintayned the preaching of thy word , and haue béene a sanctuary and refuge , for some distressed christians of other countries , wée may therefore with the hypocritical iewes trust vnto our externall prefession , and cry , the temple of the lord , the temple of the lord , as though thou hadst néed of any nation to kéep vp the credit of thy cause ? or so presumptuous , as to thinke that because thou hast taken vs to be thy church , and some of thy children are amongst vs , thou canst not therefore be angry with vs ? or because we haue done some good , wée may be therefore the bolder in cuill ? or because there bee some holy lots amongst vs , therefore our sodome cannot be consumed ? o , lord , all these be the broken staues of egypt , these cannot comfort vs in this our calamity . these will not vphold vs in this day of our distresse , and this houre of temptation , that thou hast brought vpon vs : no , lord , all these and all other like to these , are eyther lyes or vanities : and thy holy prophet hath told vs , and wée beléeue it , that those who trust to lying vanities forsake their owne mercies . therefore , o lord , wee renounce ; for those our idle and idoll conceits haue spoken vanitie , our deuiners haue séene a lye , and haue told false dreames , o , lord , they comfort vs in vaine : for contrariwise thy word hath taught vs , thy spirit informes vs , and now our owne consciences tell vs , that our own wayes and doings haue procured this vpon vs , and none but our selues , and nothing but our sins haue pulled down this plague , and that we haue forsaken thée the lord our god , who didst lead vs the right way , but with thy people israel , we haue committed two euils , we haue forsaken thée , the fountains of liuing waters , and haue hewes our selues broken cisternes that can hold no water . thus haue wee requited thee the lord our god , being a foolish people and vnkind , therefore now our owne wickednesse both correct vs , and our back-slidings doe reprooue vs , and haue made vs know , and sée , and féele ; how euill and bitter a thing it is that wée haue forsaken thée the lord our god , and that thy feare was not in vs. and now , o lord , that wée sée our case , and sée also the cause of it , now what shall we doe for remedie , where shall we séeke reliefe , whither shall wee goe , to whom shall we flie , but euen from thée vnto thée , euen from thy deserued anger , to thy vndeserued mercy ? for destruction is from our selues , but saluation is of thée , o lord , and thou art hee that canst both wound and heale , both kill and make aliue : none but thou couldst haue laid this vpon vs , none but thou canst remooue it from vs : to thée therefore doe wee lift vp our eyes , o thou that dwellest in the heauens , and do beséech thée helpe vs in this distresse , for vaine is the helpe of man , and though our sinnes plead against vs , and make thée for a time kéepe backe thy comfort from vs , pet our eyes shall waite vpon the lord our god vntill hee haue mercie vpon vs : for whateuer wée be , thou art the lord that changest not , for else thy children should bee all consumed : we therefore take comfort , and say one to another . come let vs returne vnto the lord , for he hath torne vs , he will heale vs : he hath smitten , and hee will bind vs vp , after two dayes he will reuiue vs , in the third day he will ravse vs vp , and we shall liue in his sight . for art not thou he in whom our fathers trusted and were deliuered ? art not thou the god that brought thy people through the raging sea , and through the barren wildernesse into the land of peace and plentie ? art not thou he that saued thy seruants in the fiery ouen , in the lions den , & in the whales belly ? and is there not mercy with thee , else there should not be left a man on the earth to feare thee ? and is not that mercy of thine euerlasting , & endures to al generations ? and though we be cast into the last ends of the world , and may fears that the store-house of thy mercies is exhaust and spent , yet hast not thou taught vs twenty times in one psalme , that thy mercy endures for euer ? and in that mercy , hast thou not made a couenant of peace , parson , and reconciliation with the sonnes of men ? and hast thou not sealed that couenant , and made it firme in the bloud of thy blessed sonne ? and hast thou not proclaymed thy selfe to be the god that kéepes couenant and mercy to thousand generations ? séeing then thou hast vouchsafed to take vs and make vs thy people , and to receiue vs into thy holy couenant , and hast pleased to place thy holy tabernacle among vs , and honoured vs with thy holy word and sacraments , and hast among vs hundreds and thousands whom thou hast separated from the sinfull masse of mankind , and sanctified , and sealed for thy selfe , so as they runne not riot with the wicked world , but waite on thee in the holy wayes of thine ordinances , iudgements , and mercies , and lay to heart thy words and warnings , and mourne in sion for the affliction of ioseph , and for their owne , and the sinnes of others , and for the iniquities of the time : therefore our faith bids vs beléeue , and the truth and certainty of thy couenants causeth vs to hope , that thou wilt chastise vs to our correction , but not plague vs to destruction : and in this confidence wee come vnto thée , thou father of mercies , and are bold to beséech thée to call to mind thy couenant , whereby thou hast bound thy selfe , to be our god , and to take vs to bee thy people , and neuer to forsake vs ( although by our sinnes we haue forsaken thée ) as long as by faith we cleaue vnto thée , and in repentance and humilitie doe seeke thy face : and in the vertue and merit of that blessed bloud of thy holy sonne , which hee hath shed for vs , and all beléeuers , we take boldnesse to our selues , to challenge at thy hands the performance of those swéet promises , thou hast made vnto vs , and sealed in his bloud shedding . and first we begge at the hands of thy holy maiestie ( euen rather then our lines , or beliuerances from this dreadfull plague ) peace and pardon to our poore soules , and assurance of thy loue in christ , for our eternall happinesse : and then wee beséech thée not so much to deliuer our bodies from this plague , as to saue our soules from sin which is the plague of all plagues , and the true cause of this plague , therefore wee cry and pray with thy holy prophet , lord haue mercie vpon vs , and heale our soules , which haue sinned against thee . then wee beséech thée , thou god of compassions , looke in mercie vpon this land , make vs not like sodome , gomorrha , as wee haue deserued , wee confesse wee are vnder thy hand , and all the world could not haue laid this on vs , but only thou , o lord , and it was time for thee o lord , to lay to thy hand , for wee had almost made void thy law : thou hast therefore iustly taken vs vnder thy hand , and because thy gentle warnings were despised , thy holy counsels contemned , thy iudgements neglected , and thy mercies abused , thou hast therefore iustly giuen way to thy wrath , and let loose thy heauy iudgements vpon our land : yet this is our comfort , and man , nor deuill can take it from vs , that we are in thy hand , o lord , and with thée is mercie . and as we blesse thy name , that thou hast not giuen vs ouer into the cruell hands of mercilesse men , the wicked bloudie papists , so in this , our soules take comfort , that we are vnder the hand of our heauenly father , whose mercies are great : and in the multitude of those thy mercies , we looke vp to thée , o lord , and beséech thée , be mercifull to this land. thou art our father , and we haue fouly offended , therefore thou must needs correct vs , or else thou louedst vs not , & punish vs also , or else thou wert not iust : correct therefore lord , and spare not , but yet in thy iudgement , not in thy furie , lest we be all consumed . and forasmuch , as corrections are to worke our not onely humiliation , but reformation also , we begge not the remoouing of thy iudgement , till it hath wrought thy worke , and not onely brought vs down vnder thy hand , but euen purged our hearts , and renewed the face of our church & common-wealth . and séeing till then , o lord , wee neyther may expect , nor dare desire thou shouldst remooue it , wee beseech thee to prepare vs all to bee both willing and ready to meete thee our god , and now to be content , thou glorifie thy selfe in vs , and vpon vs by life or death , so thou saue our soules : but when it hath done thy worke , and finished that for which thou didst send it vpon vs , then , o lord , in mercie remooue it from vs : and preuent the other grieuous plagues that must needes follow vpon , and after this . and howsoeuer thy iust and long forborne decree is now gone out against vs , so as yet our cryes and teares mooue thée not , nay , the prayers of our prophets preuaile not with thee , insomuch as those noabs , daniels and iobs , that are among vs , are onely able to deliuer themselues ( and scarce that , o lord , so great is the contagion of our sinnes ) yet we beséech thée giue vs leaue to take comfort , in beléeuing thine owne word , and trusting to that which no mortall creature , no humane assurance , but thine owne holy selfe hast told and taught vs : euen that in wrath thou rememberest mercie , and that thou keepest not anger for euer , but that thy mercies endure for euer . and that thou hast not onely betrothed vs vnto thy selfe in faithfulnesse and truth , but euen married thy selfe to vs , and though we wickedly , in our spirituall idolatries , and other sinfull courses , cut off our selues from thee , and whorishly giuen our selues to others : yet most mercifully hast thou called vpon vs , to returne againe to thee , and thou wilt receiue vs : but miserable catiffes that wee are , wee cānot turn to thée , we could of our selues fal away from thée , but of our selues , wee cannot returne home vnto thee : cause vs therfore to returne , o lord , and séeing thou so louest vs , as thou wilt not leaue vs , wee beseech thee also loose vs not , nor suffer vs good lord to loose our selues , but renew our hearts towards thée , and cause vs to cry and mourne after thée , and say with ephraim , turne thou vs and wee shall bee turned , conuert vs , and wee shall bee conuerted , thou art the lord our god : and bring vs backe againe , o lord , the right and holy way : first , make our faces ashamed of our back-slidings , and our soules more grieued for the same , then for the plague that is vpon vs : then make vs seeke thee sincerely , and not slauishly , and out of loue more then feare , and make vs turne vnfaynedly and with the whole heart : and let vs not come , with sorrow onely in our hearts , but holy words also in our mouthes , and take vnto our selues the words that thou hast taught vs , and say vnto thee , take away all iniquitie , and receiue vs graciously , so will wee render the calues of our lips . and that our prapers be not bull , let vs , whet and sharpen them by fatting ; nor let vs bring thee bare words , but let our humiliation be accompanied with works of mercie , pietie , pittie , and compassion : and that the humiliation of vs bath prince and people , may bee both more acceptable to them and auaileable to vs , stirre vp the holy heart of our holy phineas , thy seruant and our souereigne , that hee may stand vp in the zeale of his god , and execute thy iust iudgement vpon the zimryes , and cozbyes , that bee amongst vs , euen the great sinnes , and bold sinners of this nation , that then , as thy word hath told vs , thy plague may bee stayed . to which end also make our mosesses , to stand in the gappe , and our aarons , with the swéet incense of their holy prapers , to stand betwixt the liuing and the dead , and stirre vp our priests , the ministers of the lord , to wéepe for vs before thy altar , and let them cry and say , spare thy people , o lord , and giue not ouer thine heritage to reproach : let not the papists and schismatickes insult ouer vs ; let them not say at their idolatrous méetings , nor prophane conuenticles , where is now their god ? for thou art our god , and thou art in heauen , and thou doest what thou pleasest , and all thy wayes are right , and the iust walke in them , but transgressors shall fall therein : let them know , o lord , that thou being our father , and wee hauing iustly prouoked thee , thou wilt take thy children in hand , and that they ought not to haue reioyced ouer vs , in the day of our destruction : o suffer them not good lord , to make thy correction , their aduantage : o let them not lay their hands vpon our substance , in this day of our calamitie , suffer them not to stand in the crosse-wayes , to cut off those whom thou shalt spare , and make a prey of those that shall remaine : wee shall euer acknowledge , how great soeuer this plague bee , yet thy mercies are greater , in that thou tookest vs into thine owne hand to correct vs , and gaue vs not ouer into the hands , of these men the iesuited papists , whose mercies are cruell , and their cruelties insatiable : therefore good lord , when thou hast remooued thy hand , let vs not fall into their hand , but saue vs for thy selfe , and let vs liue to call vpon thy name , and let vs desire rather now to dye vnder the hand of thee our father , and in thy feare and loue , then to liue to heape sinne vpon sinne , and to be reserued for further vengeance , or to be exposed to the cruel papists the wicked enemies of religion . o looke vpon vs in mercie lord , who lye downe in the dust of desolation , and are couered with confusion of our faces , o look downe vpon vs , who looke vp vnto thée , and who desire to rend our harts though not our garments , and to turne to thée the lord our god , o looke vpon this desolate , and distressed citie , who now may cry to all her stately sisters the cities of europe , and to all her beautifull daughters , the cities of england , and with ashes now vpon her head , instead of her stately & costly crowne cals vpon them all and sayth , come and behold the workes of the lord what desolations hee hath made in the midst of my most wealthy and populous streets , learne by mée , and seeke the lord while hee may bee found , left he pull downe your pride : and reioyce not ouer mee , o thou mine enemie , thou daughter of babylon , lest the lord turne his wrath from mee to thee , and hasten the vengeance , so long agoe deserued by thee , and pronounced vpon thee ; trust thou in thy horses aud in thy chariots , thy idols and thy idoll superstitions , we will remember the lord our god , for thy name , o lord , is a strong tower , and the righteous flying vnto it , are alwayes helped : thou hast spoken it lord , and wee beléeue it , and in that beliefe are wee bold to presse vnto thee , nay , to presse thee with performance of thy promise . therefore , o thou that art the helper of the friendlesse , helpe vs in this city , who are forsaken by so many friends , and left destitute by them , that should haue stood to vs in this day of our desolation , but hast not thou told vs , that if our fathers and mothers should forsake vs , yet thou lord wilt take vs vp : thou therefore who séest our friends faile vs and our acquaintance to stand afarre off , stand thou so much the néerer vs , o lord our god : and now that humane helpes fall short , helpe thou vs o god of our saluation for the glory of thy name : o thou in whom the fatherlesse finds mercie , in thée let the comfortlesse findcomfort , in thée let this desolate citie find consolation . looke mercifully vpon vs who come vnto thée , with teares in our eyes , sorrow in our soules , lamentations in our mouthes , heauinesse in our hearts , workes of mercie in our hands , and humilitation of the whole man : and thou that loosest not a teare , forgettest not one desire , but hearest euery greane , and counts the very sighes and sobs of all thy saints , giue vs comfort , and fill our hearts with hops , that this humiliation of our king and his people shall not be fruitlesse , but after it is not barely performed but accomplished , and perfected , as thou appointest it shall then preuaile with thée our god , not onely to make an end of our miseries , but to remember and renew thy cauenant with vs , and to bring vs and this citie , and our whole land , both court and kingdome neerer vnto thée , and hauing in this fire of affliction consumed our corruption , and purged away our drosse both in church and common-wealth , wilt make vs come out new creatures , both high and low , both publike and priuate persons , pure as siluer , and as gold most precious before thée : and wilst hereby worke out that inward renouation , and that outward reformation , in our church and state , in our court and kingdome , and all that see it shall say ; this hath god done , for they shall shall perceiue it is thy worke : then we that did sowe in teares , shall reape in ioy : then the long night of our sorrow beeing ended , the long desired morning of our ioyes shall shine forth : the voice of the turtle shall be heard in our land , blessed shall then they all be that come to vs in the name of the lord : and beautifull the feete of those , that bring vs the glad tydings of the gospell , whose faces formerly haue béene contemned , olde things shall then be done away , and all things shall bee made new . truth shall flourish , and heresie finde no footing , iustice shall reigne , oppression shall be oppressed : the hand of briberie shall be broken : the arme of iniustice cut off , and the mouth of iniquitie shall be stopped : then shall our sons grow as plants , and our daughters bee like polished precious ftones , our garners shall be full , and our cattle shall increase , we shall feare no breaking of enemies to inuade vs , nor heare any newes or noyses to affright vs , no cryes , nor clamours , nor complaynings in our stréets ; our poore shall eat and be satisfied , and our rich shall reioyce in the blessings of their god : our priests shall be clothed with saluation , and sions saints shall sing aloud for ioy : our princes shall be wiser , and our iudges better instructed , and insteed of seruing themselues and the time , will then learne to serue the lord with feare , and reioyce to him with reuerence . then shall our king and queene ioy in thy strength , o lord , and exceedingly reioyce in thy saluation : then all our friends shall reioyce with vs , and all our enemies be couered with confusion , and the world shall say , blessed are the people that bee in such a case , yea a thousand times blessed the people , that haue such a lord for their god , who hath purged them , from their old pollution , and purified them for himselfe , that now he may dwell among them for euermore . heare vs g god of mercie for thy name sake , but lord wée beséech thée begin with the better part first , euen the spirituall sores of our soules and of our land , remoue those plagues first which hath pulled downe this plague , therefore begin wée beséech thée at the right end , and make vs not healthfull and found in body , and leaue vs sicke in soule , and miserable in our spirituall state ; turue vs therefore o god of our saluation cause thy louing countenance to shine vpon vs , and wée shall bée safe : bring vs againe into thy temples with ioy , and into thy courts with praifs , satisfie vs early with thy mercies , and comfort vs according to the dayes wherein thou hast afflicted vs : now let thy worke appeare vnto thy seruants , and thy gloeie vnto their children : then we will gee into thy house with true burnt offrings , and with théerefulnesse of heart wil pay thee our vowes , which our lips haue vttered , and our mouthes haue spoken in the dayes of our affliction . and wée that bée thy people and shéepe of thy pasture will giue thée thankes for euer , and shews forth thy prayses vnto the generations that shall follow after vs , vnto the worlds end . and this our poore prayer which here wée haue presented , and this ▪ our weake thanks-giuing which wée haue here rendred to thy holy maiestie , we humbly beg may bée accepted , not for our selues alone , but for thy whole church , euen the blessed body of thy deare sonne . nor for our friends alone , but euen our enemies , for whom we implore rather thy mercie to couuert them , then thy iustice to corfound them , yet if they will not be reclaymed , restraine their rage , good lord , and frustrate all their furie , make the malice of man turne to thy praise , and if our prayers can doe them no good , at least , let their causelesse curses and cursed plots doe vs no hurt : stand by all the armies and forces of thy church both by sea and land , and by all them that stand vp for thy holy cause , especially that chiefe champion of thy church , thy deuoted seruant our souereigne lord , rouse vp his royal heart , inflame him more and more with zeale and loue to thée , that thy church may finde him and thy foes may féele him to be the great defender of thy christian faith , and the man of men whom thou hast marked for thy selfe , euen a second cyrus raised vp anoynted and sanctified by thy selfe to performe all thy pleasure , and to execute thy great and glorious designes , not only for the building vp of our ierusalem , in the reformation and restoration of our church , but to subdue the nations before thee , and to weaken and loose the loynes of such kings as will not open their hearts to thée . the promise thou didst please to make to cyrus , who knew thée not , make good wée beséech thée much more to him who knowes thée , and feares thée , and submits his soule vnto thée , and casts his crowne downe at thy féete : that is , make him thy great shepheard , hold vp his right hand , subdue thine enemies before him , open to him all dores of difficulties breake in pieces the gates of brasse , and cut in sunder the barres of iron , and goe before him when hée goes to make the crooked places of the world streight . to which end giue him good lord beside all thy other blessings , the treasures of darknesse , and hidden riches of secret places , that euen therby also he may know that thou the lord who hast called him and set him on work , art able to payhis armies , & prouide for him ; do this o lord for iacob thy seruants sake and israel thine elect. blesse the quéene . thou that hast made her his , make her also thine , that so she may be a helpe to him , a blessing to vs a cōfort to the distressed churches of france and a ioy to the christian world : blesse therefore good lord , and make powerfull all meanes of her conuersion publike and priuate , and for the settling of her soule in thy holy truth , and in the waies of righteousnesse : and besides the prayers of vs , and thy whole church ouer the world , daily made for her , wee beséech thée gratiously to regard the serious supplications which wée are sure his maiestie daily powres out before thee , for her happie and spéedie connersion ▪ that so shée may bée a pursing mother as he is a nursing father to thy church shine from heauen with the beames of loue and mercy vpon those glorious seruants of thine , the king and queene of bohemia , and their royall branches , and as thou haft honoured them not only to beléeue in thée , but to suffer for thée , so giue them in thy good time ; a blessed issue of all their vniust sufferings , and in the meane time arme them with faith and patience to waite on thée . looke downe in mercie , and blesse with thy speciall blessing the high court of parliament , be with them at their méetings , consultations and conclusions , set thy fear before their eyes , and let thy glorie bee their greatest ayme , knit the hearts of prince and people one to onother , and all to thée ; confound all priuate plots any way tending to the hinderance of the comfortable continuance of that blessed méeting , till they haue first discouered , and then found meanes to cure the corruptions , plagues , and great diseases of this church and state. blesse this whole land , make his maiesties councell faithfull to thée , least otherwise they proue false to him , purge the tribe of leui , that their lips may preserue pure knowledge , and their liues may expresse the life of true religion . refine our nobilitie , from the fil thie dregs of poperie , and all ignoble bafenesse , cleanse the hearts and hands of our iudges and magistrates , and purifie our people in this furnace of affliction , and humble vs all from the king vnto the captiue , that so we may bée a people prepared for the lord. and looke downe in mercy as thou art a god of mercy vpon those many hundreds , nay yet , alas , alas , thousands of our deare brethren in this land , and especially in this citie , who still lye groaning vnder the burthen of thy wrath , & the sword of thy destroying angell : alas o lord these sheepe , what haue they done ? or are wee better then our brethren ? or are these thousands that fall before our faces any greater sinners then the rest ? or rather haue not wee sinned more then they , and yet they are smitten , rather then wée ? o how wonderfull are thy workes , how vnsearchable are thy iudgements , and thy wayes past finding out . againe , how infinite and vnmeasurable are thy mercies to all them that feare thée , and seeke thy face ? therefore we beséech thée let the sorrowfull sighing of these thy prysoners come before thee , and according to the greatnesse of thy power , preserue thou those that are appointed to dye . at least , wée beséech thée as thou emptiest the earth , fill the heauens , and whom thou takest from vs , lord take vnto thy selfe and fill thy heauenly mansions with their soules , whose bodies haue left so many houses desolate in our streetes . and for so many of vs whom thou pleasest to preserue , lord , let vs not liue , but to honour thee ; therefore mark vs with thy holy stampe , and seale vs for thy selfe ; that when the angell of iustice sees vs sorrowing for our sinnes , and for the iniquitie of the time , and mourning for the miseries and sighing for the sufferings of thy saints , and laying to our hearts the affliction of ioseph , he may then not only passe by vs , but euen in the midst of this common calamitie leaue vs some badge of thy blessing , & some better testimonie of thy loue , in the holy vse of this thy iudgement , then the more secure times of our liues past haue formerly afforded vs. thus lord , haue wee powred out our soules into the bosome of thy mercie : thou art hee that heares the prayer , vnto thee shall all flesh come , and if all flesh may come shall not then thy children be bold to presse vnto thee ? and seeing we haue poured out our hearts to thee , o poure not out the uialls of thy wrath vpon vs , but poure down vpon vs the new of thy fauour , the showres of sweet compassion . heare vs thou blessed father , plead for vs thou blessed sonne , helpe our infirmities thou blessed spirit of grace , and make thou intercession for vs , with those holy groanes that cannot by vs bee expressed : heare vs and answere vs thou glorious trinitie in holy unitie , not for any merits of ours , for wee lay our hands vpon our mouthes , nay , wee abhorre our selues in dust and ashes , but only for the precious bloud-shedding , and all sufffcient satisfaction of iesus christ , the suretie and sauiour of our soules , the mediatour of our peace , and the eternall high priest of the new testament . in whose blessed name and holy words , wee shut vp this our weake prayer , offer this our poore sacrifice , and tender this pitifull complaint of our poore soules vnto the hands of thy heauenly maiestie , as hee hath taught vs , and left vs in his holy gospel the charter of our peace : our father , &c. a sovereigne medicine for and against the plague : being an ancient and approoued antidote , and the sure and infallible way how to escape the plague , or at least the plague of the plague . take thy heart ( for there beginnes the plague ) and euery morning , wash it , in the teares of true repentance and heartie sorrow for thy sinnes : but that it may bee throughly washt , see first thou stretch it vpon the tenters , or rather set it vpon the racke , of a strict examination , that so it may poure it selfe out , and make a free and full confession : then mollifie it in the precious oyle , and bathe it in the bloud of iesus christ the true balme of gilead , by a true and liuely faith. being thus clensed , then strengthen it by cordiall comforts confected of nothing else , but the pure and sweet promises of the gospell : and this confection is only to be made ; by the skilfull hand of the holy physician and spirituall apothecarie , the minister of god , whom thou shalt alwayes find at the signe of the bible , or the holy lambe , and there thou art sure of true and wholesome simples ; but take heed of them at the crosse-keyes , or the signe of agnus dei , for though the shops be gorgeous , and all things gloriously painted , thou art sure to be coozened with counterfeit drugs , and with the corrupt balsome of aegypt , in stead of the true balme of gilead . thy heart thus rectified , let it then command thy tongue and lippes , to acknowledge that thou for thy part by thy sinnes of commission and omission hast had thy hand , and borne thy part in pulling downe , this pestilence and all other plagues of god : let it then command it selfe to promise and vow , that if thou for thy part , may by the power and mercie of god bee preserued , thou wilt performe some speciall seruice to him , his church or children , more then before : and let it command the said tongue and lips to vtter and publish the same promise , the better to bind it selfe to obedience . let it then command the eyes , to turne away from beholding , and the eares from hearkening after vanitie , and yeeld themselues , the instruments of holy obseruation , to marke and consider the works of the lord ; it must then command the hands , to keepe themselues free from corruption , and that they bee painfully , and faithfully imployed in the honest labour of thy lawfull calling , and thy feet to walke in those wayes , and tread onely in those steps , which god hath appointed thee . this done , then take for thy breakfast , in the name of the lord , a chapter of the blessed bible , and so set thy selfe vnto thy worke , and faithfull labour of thy lawfull calling . then after thy dayes labour done , bodily refection , take for thy spirituall dinner and supper thy heartfull of holy obseruations of those mightie workes of god , both of his iustice and mercie towards thy selfe and others : which all that day long , eyther thine eyes haue seene , or thine eares haue heard of . then the day beeing done , see that thou and thine for your banquet , or reare supper , doe close vp your stomackes , with those true sweet-meates , certaine selected chapters of the blessed bible : then after a holy commemoration , of what euery one hath heard or seene , or obserued that day touching the wondrous workes of god , and application of the same one to another : and each one to himselfe , let then the heart command the tongue with comfort and boldnesse , to recommend the soules and bodies of thee and thine into the blessed tuition , powerfull protection and safe keeping of the keeper of israel . but forget not noe thing as thou wouldest haue all this profitable , and to doe thee any good , namely , to learne ( which thou maist doe , of that excellent apothecary saint paul ) what it is to liue the life of faith , when naturall reason and humane helpes not only faile thee , but haply are all against thee : this faith i tel thee afore-hand is not easily found , but i deale truly with thee who had it , and can teach thee how to get it , for though himselfe cannot giue it thee , yet hee will both direct and lead thee , and bring thee acquainted with that holy spirit , who gaue it him , and will not denie it thee if thy tongue doe begge it , and thy soule seeke it : neuer so little of this faith is precious , therefore so thou get it and haue it right , care not for the quantity ; for it is a holy elixir , a true quintessence which will presently and perpetually multiply , beyond ordinary beliefe , to the infinite inriching of the soule that enioyes it . but this faith hath one strange propertie , that although it will bee content to bee gathered vp by graines of young and weake christians , and treasured vp by drammes and ounces of such as be rich and strong men in christ , yet can it not abide to be measured or mixt with scruples : for these scruples are of a contrary nature to true faith : but otherwise , be it more , be it lesse , so it be true , its perfect , and thou shalt find thy selfe happy if thou haue it : for the least quantitie of this faith will affoord thee euery morning and euening a proportion of that true treacle , or methrydate , which yet was neuer made at venice ( except closely in some corners ) by reason of that great iugler the pope , who conueyes in corrupt drugs and false ingredients : this methrydate is made of more strange simples , then bee the bloud of scorpions , or the flesh of vipers : for it is and must bee confected of the flesh and body , and bloud of a man , but such a man as the world neuer had a second , for he must be the child of adam , and yet the sonne of no man , and a true man , and yet no man to be his father : now his bloud taken from him while he is aliue , and yet so taken from him as he must needs dye , is of that souereigne excellency , and that infinite vertue and merit , as the quintessence that may be extracted out of it , ( which only this fore-named faith can doe , ) is that superexcellent , nay , supercelestiall methry date of that high infallible , and inualuable vertue , as the soule that out tastes of it morning and euening , did neuer perish , nor shall to the worlds end . therefore , i say againe , as thou wouldst haue this medicine worke , and become powerfull for thy preseruation , forget not to take a taste of this continually , the first thing in the morning , and the last at night . then lye thee downe in peace , and securely take thy rest , for thou art free from the feare of all that are able to hurt thee . but bee sure , for a signe whereby to know this physicke workes well , that instantly when thou wakest thy heart , doe forth-with fixe it selfe on god , and vpon him bestow thy first thoughts : and so when thy body hath receiued so much sleepe and rest as may make it seruiceable for the soule , then vp with it in the name of the lord , that so both body and soule may set themselues to serue their god : then taking this medicine , and following all the former directions , thou mayst safely enter vpon thy businesse , and aduenture vpon the dangers of that day both thou & thine . prouided first , that you alwayes intermixe ( as occasion is ) together with the duties of your calling , such workes of piety towards god , iustice and equity towards man , mercy and charity towards the poore , as the diuine prouidence shall lay before thee , or cast in thy way : for take it for a rule , that these foure must alwayes goe together , and god himselfe hath so ioyned them all together , as cursed bee the man that puts them asunder , for hee carries such a heart about him , as this physicke can neuer doe him good : but where these foure are conscionably conioyned , this physicke neuer fayled to worke his worke : but where any of the foure is wanting , and totally neglected , there the other three will doe no good , but contrariwise , if they cannot get the company of their companion , they mourne and pine away , and in a short time will bee gone , and stay no longer there , where they cannot be compleate . prouided also that man , nor god doe euer find thee out of thy way , but alwayes eyther walking faithfully in thy lawfull calling , or else doing some good in the performance of some of the foresaid duties of piety , iustice , or mercie : for these bee the wayes of a christian , and hee that is found out of all these is vtterly out of his way , and consequently out of that protection which god hath granted to them that wayte on him , which runnes in these words , that hee hath giuen his angels charge ouer them , to keepe them in all their wayes , &c. and the power of this protection no creature can infringe . so as by vertue thereof , the seruants of god haue walked in safetie in the midst of such dangers as hath beene an amazement to the world , and a wonder to themselues : and for the want of this , many thousands haue miscarried , not only of gods enemies , who walke in wrong and wicked wayes , but euen such of his friends and followers , who being misled by the world or their owne presumptions , tooke to themselues the boldnesse to step aside , out of their owne wayes , and so haue shifted themselues out of that shelter or safetie , which otherwise they might haue challenged as their owne . and lastly , prouided that in all times of danger thou take heed of tempting god , for otherwise thou mayst iustly prouoke him to deny his blessing to this medicine , without which , as souereigne and powerfull as it is , it can do no good . now if thou wilt auoid this feareful and dangerous sinne of tempting god , thou must take heed : first , of putting thy selfe into any needlesse danger : and it is then needlesse , when without necessary cause or lawfull calling , eyther for gaine or pleasure , or any priuate respect thou puts thy selfe into places , or among persons infected . secondly , thou must also at thy vtmost perill , carefully vse all good helpes of nature and art , which gods good prouidence affoords thee , whether they bee commended vnto thee by the learned physician , or approued by true and reall experience , and whether they be meanes preseruatiue , curatiue , or restoratiue . thirdly , thou must bee wary of all wilfull distemper , and bee diligent in keeping a carefull and orderly dyet , not only for moderation and sobriety , in respect of the quantity both of meate , and drinke especially , but also for wisdome in the choice of the quality and condition of that little thou feedst vpon . and lastly , abhorre more then poyson or the plague it selfe these wicked opinions , and all that hold them . first , that the pestilence is not infectious in it selfe , and of it owne nature , but so immediately , and only the hand of god , as none become infected , but only by his stroke . secondly , that euery mans dayes are so numbred , as doe or not doe what hee will , he cannot liue longer , nor die sooner then his day and houre appointed . thirdly , that therefore all carefull auoyding of persons or places infected , and diligent vsing of meanes appointed for prescruation are needlesse and to no purpose . the foulenesse and falsenesse of all these three appeares : first , in that the leaper must bee shut vp , and all men auoyd him , yea , though he were a king , which being nothing so deadly as is the pestilence , ( seeing some liued with it many yeeres ) it is manifest it was so commanded , only in respect of the contagion . secondly , that iobs friends being louing , wise , and religious , and comming to comfort him , hauing the pestilence , leprosie , or some such contagious sicknesse , stood afarre off , and refused to come neere him . thirdly , hezekiah hauing ( that which neuer man had else ) a lease of his life for fifteene yeeres , from him that was able to make it good , yet vsed all ordinary meanes and humane helpes , for preseruing his health , and prolonging his life . fourthly , saint paul hauing an expresse grant from god , of the liues of euery one in the ship with him : yet the next day , when the mariners , who are the means vnder god to command and rule , and saue a ship , would haue craftily conuayed themselues out , to haue saued their owne liues , leauing paul and the rest to be saued by that promise and power of god : saint paul plainly told the captaine , if these men goe out of the ship we cannot bee saued . for howsoeuer that condition of vsing meanes was not expressed , yet he knew it to be implyed , which was all one . lastly , our lord iesus himselfe , whose deitie could deliuer him from all danger , yet to teach vs to be carefull in vse of all good meanes , and to let vs see how made these men be , when such as had plagues pressed too neere vpon him , called for a little ship to wayte vpon him , because ( sayth the text ) of the multitude , lest they should throng him . yet hee that refused the throng , refused not his dutie , hee that fled from the danger , fledde not from his calling , but preacht gods word vnto them , himselfe in the ship , and the people on the shore . the last wicked opinion to bee auoyded , is , that none who loue , feare and serue god , and beleeue in him can dye of the plague , and all that doe , doe want faith : the wickednesse of which doctrine appeares in this , that diuers of the dearest of gods saints haue tasted , nay drunke as deeply the cup of all externall crosses , and bodily afflictions whatsoeuer , as any vnbeleeuers or enemies of god haue done . againe , in that many of gods children , who in common calamities turne to the lord in faith and true repentance , howsoeuer thereby they saued their soules , yet for their bodily liues were swept away with the rest , by the generall iudgement : as a great number of them that perished in the floud , and diuers of those that dye by the hand of iustice , and all histories and ages affoord frequent examples . and lastly , if thou wouldest take heed of tempting god , stand in thy station , make conscience to doe thy duty , flie not with ionah from the presence of the lord , for hee can follow thee , and find thee where euer thou art , and reach thee afarre off as well as at home , and make ionah feele him ( being fled from his duty ) euen when hee thought himselfe most safe , and slept securely : thou therefore that mayst boldly begge gods blessing in thy place and duty , how darest thou tempt and try the power of god , by flying from it . vse this medicine and obserue these rules , and as sure as god is true and just , thou mayst boldly beleeue the plague shall either not touch thee , or not hurt thee ; but in stead of a plague shall bee a blessing to thee : and whereas many of gods good children haue taken and died of this infection , as it is manifest on the one side they wanted not grace , nor faith for saluation , so it is as cleere on the other ; that thev some way failed in the vse of this medicine either , in not belceuing what in this case ought to be belieued , or in not doing something to bee done for their deliuerance in this danger : in all which cases , the rule of christ is certaine : according to thy faith , and consequently thy obedience , which alwayes waits on true faith , so be it vnto thee . this medicine is so ancient and so approued , that since the world began it was neuer found to faile in one particular , sauing only such as either seeme to vse it but did not , or vsing it in part ; yet failed in some particulars which in the vse of medicines may not bee allowed . and by the vertue of this medicine alone , many about this citie haue beene preserued to this day , whose callings and duties ineuitably bound them within the reach of such dangers , from which all the humane helpes in the world could not haue deliuered them : and still if they faile not in faith , nor discharge of their duties : god who is the authour of this medicine will not faile in performance of his promise . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e mark. . rom. . . hos . . . notes for div a -e matth. . psal . . hos . . . . kings . . es●y . iob. le● heb. psal . . deu. . . . ki. . ier. ionas . psal . . . mal. . . hos . . , . psal . . . psal . . psal . . psal . . ezek. . hab. . . hose . . ●● . hos . . . ● psal . . esay . prou. psal . psal . psal . psal . psal . esay . psal . . psal . . psal . esay : . ● esay . . ▪ , , . esay , . sam. . lu. . . . rom. . psa . . . ezek. . rom. . iob . ▪ notes for div a -e heb. . . psal . . . leuit. . &c. ● . kings . . iob . esay . ▪ acts . verse . mar. . & . , . ionah . . foure godlie and fruitful sermons two preached at draiton in oxford-shire, at a fast, enioyned by authoritie, by occasion of the pestilence then dangerously dispearsed. likewise two other sermons on the twelfth psalme. vvhereunto is annexed a briefe tract of zeale. / by i. dod. r. cleauer. dod, john, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : c) foure godlie and fruitful sermons two preached at draiton in oxford-shire, at a fast, enioyned by authoritie, by occasion of the pestilence then dangerously dispearsed. likewise two other sermons on the twelfth psalme. vvhereunto is annexed a briefe tract of zeale. / by i. dod. r. cleauer. dod, john, ?- . cleaver, robert, or -ca. . winston, john, fl. - . greenham, richard. the second edition inlarged. [ ], , [ ] p. printed by t.c. for william welbie, and are to be sold at his shop in pauls church-yard, at the signe of the swan, london : . editor's dedication signed: iohn winston. winston's dedication indicates he has collected the "tract of zeale" mainly from richard greenham's works. title page is a . printed by thomas creede. cf. stc. signatures: a-o⁴. item at reel : c bound with stc . and . reproductions of originals at the bodleian library and king's college library, cambridge, england. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on 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site . eng sermons, english -- th century. plague -- england -- sermons -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion fovre godlie and frvitfvl sermons : two preached at draiton in oxford-shire , at a fast , enioyned by authoritie , by occasion of the pestilence then dangerously dispearsed . likewise two other sermons on the twelfth psalme . vvhereunto is annexed a briefe tract of zeale . by i. dod. r. cleauer . the second edition inlarged . london printed by tc . for william welbie , and are to be sold at his shop in pauls church-yard , at the signe of the swan . . to the right honovrable anne , lady waintvvorth , increase of all true honour and happinesse , &c. right honourable , may it please you to take in good worth my bold attempt , in presuming to recommend vnto your fauourable patronage these sermōs following . your honours vndeserued respect of me , made me desirous to testifie my vnfained thankfulnesse : which i could not imagine how with greater conueniencie to expresse and manifest , then by taking hold of this present occasion ; especially considering that your constant and more then ordinarie pains-taking to heare such holy instructions , is a sufficient argument to euince your loue and liking of the matter therein comprised : and your good regard of the authors ( well knowne vnto me ) gaue me occasion to thinke that their labours , in this sort offering themselues vnto your eye , would be no lesse welcome than formerly they haue beene , being in another manner presented vnto your eare . concerning the tract of zeale annexed to these sermons , it is a collection of diuers rules which i heard & read touching that subiect , principally of such as were scattered heere and there in maister r. greenhams workes : which being exceeding vsefull , i thought good to gather them into one ( with an addition of sundrie proofes of scripture ) for the ease and helpe of those that are well affected , especially of such whose abilitie will not reach to the price of that great volume of m. greenhams labours . and thus humbly beseeching your honour to pardon my boldnesse , and to beare with my manifold defects which shall be found in the penning of these sermons , i recommend you to the gratious protection of the almightie . your honours according to my poore abilitie readie to be commanded , iohn winston . the points of doctrine handled in the sermons following . sermon i. doct. i. the first steppe to true and sound repentance , is , to be wounded and disquieted in our hearts for sinne . lawfull things must be done lawfully , and good things in a good manner . with confession of sinne , must be ioyned earnest requests for pardon thereof . the more sinfull any one is , the more foolish he is . it is a wonderfull hard thing , to take downe the pride of mans heart . the more speedily we iudge our selues , the more mercifully the lord will deale with vs. sermon ii. doct. i. sinne brings men into maruellous straits . . gods seruants neuer find so great fauour as with god himselfe . god maketh his iudgements , sutable to our sinnes . when god sets in with his iudgements they shall be farre dispersed in a short time . as god appointeth iudgements to be inflicted on his people , so he himselfe will see execution done . a good man will lay a greater burden on himselfe then on another . sermon iii. doct. i. although humane helps and earthly friends do faile gods-people , yet they are not helpelesse , nor hopelesse . no outward thing comes neerer the hearts of gods children , then the decay of good men . deceitfull friends , are worse then open foes . sermon iiii. doct. i. the more skilfully and artificially any contriues his ill purposes , the more fearefull destruction shall fall vpon him . the more wicked men boast of their mischieuous intents , the neerer mischiefe is vnto them . no man hath the royaltie of his owne tongue , nor the ordering of his owne speech . finis . the first sermon . . samvel . . . . . verse . then dauids heart smote him after that hee had numbred the people : and dauid saide vnto the lord , i haue sinned exceedingly in that i haue doue : therefore now lord i beseech thee , take away the trespàsse of thy seruant , for i haue done very foolishly . . and when dauid was vp in the morning , the word of the lord came vnto the prophet gad , &c. in these words is set foorth the repentance of dauid , for his sinne committed in numbring the people , wherin the holy prophet sheweth : i. what meanes hee vsed to be reconciled vnto god , namely ; . first , that he was touched with inward remorse and hearty griefe for his offence : [ then dauids heart smote him after that hee had numbred the people . ] secondly , that he made a particular and very earnest confession of his fault : ] i haue sinned exceedingly , in that i haue done . thirdly , that hauing bewayled and acknowledged his sinne , he instantly craued pardon for the same : [ therefore now lord i beseech thee , take away the trespasse of thy seruant , &c : as if he should haue said , i haue sinned very hainouslie , i cannot denie it : yet i am thy seruant , and one of thy familie , and therefore lord cast me not off for one fault , but take notice of my sorrow , and pardon my sinne : for i haue dealt verie foolishly . secondly , he declareth that meanes the lord vsed to make him fit for reconciliation : viz : that hee sent vnto him the prophet gad , a worthy man of god , & dauids seer , who had bene ready from time to time to lay open the will of god vnto him , and in that regard was more reuerend in his eyes , and hee threatneth and denoūceth iudgement against him , that seeing his heart had beene lifted vp with pride , in regard of the multitude and strength of his people , god would meete with him in his owne sinne , and make his punishment to be suteable to his fact : and seeing he begun to be humbled for it alreadie , and yet needed still further humaliation , he telleth him , that [ the sword , or the famine , or the pestilence ] must pursue his subiects , and make wonderfull hauocke among them , and therfore biddeth him make his choice which of them hee would haue to come vpon the land : for one of them hee must needes vndergoe , to further him in the worke of humiliation , as also to bring the whole church vnto the like , who then had incensed the lords anger against them . then dauids heart smote him ] in that setting downe the repentance of dauid the holy ghost taketh notice of this in the first place , that [ his heart smote him ] the doctrine is , that . the first step to true and sound repentance is to bee wounded and disquieted in our hearts for sinne , vntill our soules bee pierced , and as it were strucke through with the feeling of our corruptions , and of gods displeasure , due vnto vs for the same , wee haue not made any entrance into the wayes of godlinesse , nor laid the verie foundation of the works of conuersion , therfore the prophet ioel exhorting the israelites to repentance , biddeth them , rent their hearts : that is , the first stone that must be laid in this building : their hearts must bee crushed and broken , for the wickednesse committed against the maiestie of god ; till then there is no turning vnto him : one may as well bid a prisoner that is in strong hold , and hath bolts and fetters vpon his heeles , walke abroade and take the fresh aire , and not remaine any longer in that darke & loathsome dungeon , as bid one that hath not his heart crushed & humbled to turne vnto the lord : alas he is held fast in the chaines of sathan , and cannot stirre one foote to god-ward ; therefore is it noted in those conuerts , act. . . that they were pricked in their hearts ] when they began the worke of repentance , the rebukes of god had wakened their drowsie consciences , so that they saw their sinnes and gods vengeance due vnto them , and the words of peter had gone through their hearts , euen as a two edged sword , and then they were fit to bee soundly healed and comforted , when they had beene pierced , and throughly wounded by the arrowes of god. first , till the heart bee broken for sinne , there can be no plaine confession of sinne , and therfore no repentance . men naturally are like wilde asse-colts , nothing will worke vpon them , nor bring them vnto any good frame or order ; though they heare often of their faults , they will not acknowledge them , but be still vnruly and vntamed , as paul was before his conuersion ; so long as he was heart-whole in his owne conceit , though he had heard many excellent sermons ( no doubt , ) yet hee was like a beast still , neuer bewailing nor confessing his grieuous offences , till the lord had taken him downe , and throughly mastered him . nay further , men are so farre from taking paines to come to a true acknowledgment of their iniquities , till such time as there is a breach made into their hearts by godly sorrow , they doe not so much as desire to be deliuered from them , nor make any reckoning of gods mercy for the pardoning of them : till such time as they become mourners for sinne , they cannot possibly hunger and thirst after righteousnes . and indeed what reason is there that they should esteeme of that medicine which will cure , when they doe not feele themselues to be sicke ? they thinke it a matter worth the looking after , to be freed from pouertie , from infamie , from the pestilence , &c. but as for the corruptions of their nature , and the sinfulnesse of their waies , they were neuer much troubled with them , and therefore they make little account to be deliuered from them . see this poynt more at large in m. dods sermon on isa. doct. . seeing therefore that inward contrition for sinne is the first step to repentance , and that which killeth the roote of sinne , and setteth vs free from the power and dominion of it , and erecteth in our hearts a throne for christ iesus ; the vse of this point is , first for reproofe of those that perswade themselues , and beare others in hard that they haue truely repented , and doe continually confesse their faults , and aske pardon for them : but what griefe and paine haue they had in their hearts for their sinnes ? nay , they thanke god , they were neuer terrified nor troubled in their consciences . do you thanke god for this ? it is in effect to thanke him for that you want the first and principall note of true conuersion : if your harts haue neuer beene pricked and slung with the sense of your vilenesse and wretchednesse , it is because you are senselesse : for there is cause sufficient why you should be grieued ; and the lesse you haue had , the more you are likely to haue , if not heere , yet in the world to come , and at that day when you shall be most vnwilling of it . secondly , heere are those to be reprooued that run into farre greater excesse of sinning than euer dauid did , breaking forth into grosse and foule euils , that euerie body seeth and knoweth , and condemneth , and yet they passe them ouer slightly , and carelessly , as if they were matters of nothing . when dauid did but cut off the lap of sauls coat , his heart smote him , and was grieued within him , in that he was so neere vnto sinne : what then shall we thinke of these that doe not cut off the lappe of the coate of an enemie , but are iniurious to their friends , and cruell against their brethren , that breake couenant and promise , sinne against god , blaspheme his name , profane his sabbaths , and the like , and yet none of all these do soundly worke vpon them , nor much trouble them ? surely such men are not of dauids spirit , and therefore not being broken hearted heere , they shall be broken and crushed in peeces with the vnsupportable weight of gods vengeance heereafter . thirdly , sith this inward touch for sinne is a thing so necessarie , let vs hence learne to labour for it , and to keepe tendernes of heart when we haue obtained it : for that sorrow which breaketh the heart , doth withall breake the necke of sinne : and therefore when the lord doth checke & controle our consciences , let vs esteeme it as a great mercie , and not let such stroakes passe without their right vse , but let vs goe to god and to his children for helpe and direction , and them that little sparke of the fire of god in our soules , being fed & nourished , will grow in the end to a great flame . now that our harts may be kept alwaies tender & sensible of those checks which gods spirit giueth vs , let vs vse these meanes that follow . first , let vs lay vp in our hearts the weapon of god , euen the sword of the spirit , whereby our hearts may be wounded , as often as need requireth : for vnregenerate persons wanting that weapon , will rather defend , then smite themselues when they haue offended , and euery childe of god hath somewhat of old adam in him , in which regard he must be more carefull to vse the sword of the spirit , for the piercing of his heart when any sinne is committed by him : withall praying for the spirit of grace which will conuince the conscience when it is guiltie , so that it shall haue nothing to say in defense of it selfe , but very much for the condemnation of it selfe : as is euident ezec. . . whereby we may obserue , that when god hath giuen his spirit vnto his elect , and ( as it is in ieremy . . . ) withall written his lawes in their hearts , then they shall remember their owne wicked waies , and their deedes that were not good , and shall iudge themselues worthy to haue beene destroyed for their iniquities , & for their abhominations . what is the reason they should passe such a heauie sentence vpon themselues ? one would thinke they should rather reioyce now , & allow of themselues and of their workes ? so they doe reioyce at , and approue of themselues and their workes , so farre as they are spirituall : but they proclaime war against themselues and their workes so far as either they are or haue beene carnall and sinfull , and that because the word of god , and the spirit of god doe beare sway in their hearts : they are at vtter defiance with their pride and hypocrisie , and all wretched lusts that fight against their soules : being neuer so much tormented with those sinnes , as when they haue attained to a great measure of humilitie , and of sinceritie . he that is most lowly is euer most vexed with his pride , and he that is most vpright and true hearted , is most of all troubled with the guilefulnes and deceitfulnes of his owne heart , because the word and the spirit working together doe cause him both more clerely to see , and more throughly to hate those corruptions , than euer hee did before he had attained to that measure of grace . secondly , we must not content our selues when once we haue gotten the word and spirit of god within vs , but we must still striue to keepe our hearts humble and lowly : for otherwise we shall not feele the strokes of the word and spirit of god ; therefore it is said isay. . . ) that when the lord had dieted his people a while [ giuing them the bread of aduersitie , and the water of affliction ] and thereby taken downe the pride and stubbornenesse of their hearts , that then [ their eares should heare a word behind them , saying , this is the way walke in it , &c. that is when they were thus humbled , as soone as euer they had committed any offence , they should presently haue a blow vpon their hearts for it , and be full of feare and anguish : though no man in the world tell them of it , yet the word in their hearts will be like a good guide that is still following a little child , and telling him , this is not the right way , leaue it ; there is the right way , walke in it : but many haue hearts pestered with pride , and lust , and couetousnesse , and yet goe a whole moneth , nay , many monethes and yeares together , and neuer feele any rebuke in their consciences . how comes this to passe that others are full of griefe and full of teares for their sinnes , and they are neuer troubled for them ? is it beause there is greater vprightnes in them , then there is in others ? no surely it is because they haue a more blind minde , and a more proud and senselesse hart then others haue : for the more humble any one is , the more often shall he heare the voyce of the spirit , checking him when hee goeth out of the way , & moouing him to turne again into the right way . thirdly , we must especially beware of presūptuous sins : for if we liue therein our hearts will cease to smite vs , or at least we shall be senselesse of these strokes : as may be seene in the case of dauid : when he had cut off the lap of sauls garment and numbred the people ( which were but infirmities ) forthwith his conscience rebuked him , and he was humbled before the lord : but when he had committed adulterie , and murder , either the checkes of his conscience were none at all , or else they were so weake , that hee had no sense nor feeling thereof : so that nathan was driuen to fetch about ( as it were ) and to vse all the art that might be , to make him see his offences , and passe sentence against himselfe for the same . let vs therefore by his example learne to beware how we presumptuously sinne against our consciences , especially in palpable and grosse offences , least our mindes being by degrees blinded , and our affections , by little and little corrupted , we become in the end very blocks and stones , and haue our consciences so darkened , that they will not accuse vs , or our hearts so benummed , that they will not be mooued with the stroakes of god , and with the checks of his holy spirit . after that he had numbred the people . ] heere is his speciall sinne , that he numbred his subiects , which may seeme to be no such great matter , for which god should so plague the land : and if there had bene that measure of hypocrisie in dauid , as there is in many of vs , he would haue pleaded thus for himselfe : what need i to be so troubled for this ? and what reason is there why god should proceede so seuerely against me for the same ? did not moses and ioshua , holy men of god , number the people in their daies , and that warrantably ? and why then may not i doe the like , hauing more absolute authoritie ouer them then they had ? but his heart staied him from all such reasoning of the matter ; and told him , that though hee did the same action which they did , yet the manner of doing thereof was diuers ; he performed it not in obedience to god ( as they did ) but in pride and hautines of minde , in regard of the multitude and strength of his subiects : before he esteemed gods name a strong tower for his defence , but now what need he runne crying vnto god ? he had so many souldiers and valiant warriours in his dominion , that he could make his part good against any forren power whatsoeuer . thus was his heart lifted vp vnto vanitie , when it should haue bene lifted vp to god in thankfulnes : and therefore was he so humbled , because he had an ill affection , and a wrong end in a good action . whence ariseth this doctrine , that it is not enough for to forbeare things that are euill , and to make conscience of grosse sinnes , but men must doe lawfull things lawfully , and performe good workes in a good manner : otherwise the lord may and will punish them for doing lawfull things , aswell as for vnlawfull things . this may be seene in that great enditement which christ brings against the old world : they did eate , and drinke , marry , and giue in marriage . a naturall man would haue thought there could be no hurt in these : if they had bene charged with whoredome , murder , blasphemie , or the like , they had bene matters of some moment : but for those before named , what fault can be found with them ? indeed the things in themselues are very warrantable , but the manner of performing them , doth either make or marre them : to eate and drinke without feare , without prayer , and thanks-giuing , as if the creatures were our owne , and not the lords , to abuse the blessings of god to surfetting and drunkennesse , &c : these and the like corruptions , doe turne eating and drinking into sinne , which in themselues are not onely allowable , but also necessarie . the like may be said concerning marriage , it is a sanctified ordinance of god vnto those that vse it holily : but then it becomes very sinfull and hatefull vnto the lord , when the sonnes of god doe ioyne with the daughters of men , and professors are yoaked with infidels , for beautie , or commoditie , or any such carnall respect : yet that is a horrible sinne , too too common among such as professe christianitie , that they make no scruple of matching their children with those , whome they know by their workes to be as yet the children of the diuell ; and so in other matters , if they can proue them once to be in themselues lawfull , they make no conscience of the meanes they vse , nor of the end they propose in accomplishing of them . the like is alleaged by our sauiour against the sodomites , as against those of the old world , viz : that they bought and sold , and built in couetousnesse , pride and vanitie , as if they had bene euer to dwell vpon the earth , not caring what craft and fraud they vsed , nor what snares and grins they laid for men , if they might satisfie their couetous and ambitious desires . more might be said concerning this point , both for proofes and reasons , but that it hath bene handled at large elsewhere . this serueth . first for terror vnto those that satisfie themselues with this , that no bodie can charge them with grosse sinnes , and therefore they imagine their case to be good , and that they need not trouble themselues in regard of their offences . but was it not thus with dauid ? who could now accuse him of any notorious ill fact ? surely none in the world : and yet he hauing grace in his heart , accuseth and condemneth himselfe , for that he had done a good action in an ill maner , and with an ambitious and vaine glorious minde , and for the same is much abased and confounded in himselfe : and therefore those are in a miserable estate , that neuer disquiet their soules for their hidden corruptions , but thinke that all goeth well with them , when mens eyes can discerne nothing amisse in them : as they on the other side are in happie case , that doe often take themselues apart , and beseech the lord to be mercifull vnto them in regard of their failings , euen in the most spirituall duties that they performe : such iudge themselues , and therefore shall not be iudged of the lord. secondly , this is for instruction , that we carefully looke vnto the manner of all our actions , and in particular , of the exercise of fasting , which is now in hand : let vs consider wherefore we are come together , and what is required of euery one that is present this day , to wit , that we should put wickednesse out of our hearts , and out of our hands : and for that purpose , come with true humiliatiō on our part , that there may be a perfect reconciliation granted vs on gods part . this was practised by the niniuites , who hearing gods iudgements denounced against them for their sinnes , that within fortie daies niniue should be destroyed , except they repented , what did they ? all of them , both king and people , humbled themselues in fasting , bewailing their euill & sinfull waies and workes , and crying mightily vnto the lord for pardon , and resoluing to turne from the wickednesse that was in their hands , that so god might turne away from his fierce wrath . yet they had enioyed but little teaching : they had heard onely one sermon from ionah , who was a man vnknowne vnto them , and did not bring such testimonies of scripture to conuince their consciences as are now alleaged vnto vs , &c : and therefore we should be much ashamed to come short of them in this holy exercise , especially seeing we haue not one ionah , but many ; not a iudgement threatned , but executed , and the sword of the lord still drawne against vs , and deuouring by hundreds and thousands in many quarters of our land . let vs then search and examine our hearts , and grieue , and iudge our selues for all our former transgressions ; and couenant with the lord to auoid them hereafter , crauing strength from him for that purpose , that we may be enabled to subdue and keepe vnder all our corruptions : and then our hearts being broken with godly sorrow , they shall be healed with godly ioy ; and being truely cast downe before the lord , he will raise vs vp in due season , and make it knowne by good effect , that he is appeased towards vs. thirdly , here is matter of exceeding great terror vnto those that spend their dayes in the continuall practise of grosse and presumptuous sinnes : for if dauid were so grieued & punished for that corruption which no man liuing could touch him for , euen for dooing a good thing in an ill manner , how then shall they bee able to stand , that haue heaped iniquity vpon iniquitie , and for manie yeeres together added one foule euill vnto another ; and not onely done good things in an ill manner , but ill things in the worst manner , hauing manie crying sinnes still to call for vengeance against them ? if dauid were brought to such a strait , that he was euen at his wits ende , and in exceeding great anguish for doing one thing , which in mans reason might seeme very lawfull ; oh what horrible terrors shall seaze on their soules , who doe continuallie rush vpon a multitude of hainous offences , which all the world crieth out against ! especially when they shall be called to answere , not before gad , as dauid was , but before the maiestie of the great lord of heaven and earth ; not for one sinne , but for all their sinnes : not to endure three dayes punishment in mercie , but euerlasting woe and miserie , and that in iudgement and heauie displeasure ! dauid had great sorrow indeed for the offences which he committed ; yet no more then hee should haue : how then doe they thinke to escape , that are not wrought vpon at all with any remorse for their grieuous transgressions , but are euen as a lumpe of dead flesh , altogether insensible of any stroke of god , that is threatned , or inflicted vpon themselues , or others ? verse . i haue sinned exceedingly ] now followeth the second step vnto sound repentance , namely , a true , full , particular , and hearty confession of his sinne that so wounded his heart : which all that would obtaine remission of their sinnes , must be carefull to bring before the lord as dauid did . but this point hath bene more largely handled elsewhere [ in m. dods serm. prou. . doct. . i beseech thee take away the trespasse of thy seruant , &c. this is the third worke of repentance , viz : that he craueth pardon for his fault ; and that is the next point ; that , with confession of our sinnes , we must alwaies ioyne requests vnto god for the pardoning of the same : so doth dauid in this place , as also psal. . so doth the publican , lord be mercifull vnto me a sinner : and in a word , so doth daniel , nehemia , and the rest of gods seruants , as may be seene in their seuerall confessions . and for incouragement vnto the performance of this dutie , we haue , first , the name of god , which is to pardon iniquitie , transgression , and sinne : euen all without exception , great or small , if we repent for them , they shall be pardoned : if we acknowledge our miserie , we shall assuredly finde gods mercy . secondly , we haue the couenant of god , that he will wash vs from all our filthinesse , by powring the bloud of his sonne vpon our sinfull soules . thirdly , we haue the name of christ to incite and moue vs to become suters for a pardon : for he is called iesus , because it is his office to saue his people from their sinnes . this doctrine serueth , first , for the confutation of the papists , who clog mens consciences , and lay on them heauie and yet vnnecessarie burdens , enioyning them , if they would get termission of their sinnes , to goe in pilgrimage to this or that place , to pray to this or that saint , to make some satisfaction to god , &c : as if they should finde mercie any where , rather then by seeking it at gods hands : and they speed accordingly : for whereas dauid went vnto the lord for fauour , and obtained it , they haue still vnsetled hearts , and restles consciences : or hard hearts , and benummed consciences , neuer getting any true peace , or sound comfort in the assurance of their reconciliation with the lord. secondly , for reproofe of those , whose offences are very many , and very grieuous , and they see and acknowledge so much : and yet will they not be so presumptuous ( as they tearme it ) to expect pardon for the same : indeed they thinke it fit for such holy men as dauid was , to aske and looke for mercy from the lord , but for themselues , they are such hainous offenders , that they dare not doe so , neither can they conceiue any hope to speed well if they should doe so . but why should we put in conditions where god doth not , and as it were interline gods couenant ? doth not he promise without any exception , that if we confesse our sinnes , he is faithfull and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes , and to cleanse vs from all vnrighteousnesse ? it is therefore a great fault , to thinke that any hath more abundance of sinne , then god hath of mercy to forgiue it . thirdly , heere is an vse of instruction , that we should be very importunate for the obtaining of gods fauour in the pardoning of our sinnes : which earnestnes that we may attaine vnto , let vs vse these two helpes following , which dauids example directeth vs vnto : first , let vs labour that our hearts may thorowly smite vs , and that our consciences may euermore checke vs when we doe offend : for wheresoeuer there is the checke of conscience , it will make the party grow not onely to hartie confession , but also to earnest petitions for grace and fauour . the greater therefore is their follie , who when the lord doth strike their drowsie consciences for any wickednesse committed by them , will presently betake themselues to merry company , & so by iesting , and laughing , and drinking , and sporting , seeke to driue away their melancholie fit , as they call it : but god meeteth with them accordingly : for when they will not take benefit by that mercifull warning which he giueth them , they commonly fall to maruellous hardnes of heart , and after breake foorth into some horrible sinne , which ouerwhelmeth them with shame and confusion . let vs therefore obserue when the lord smiteth our hearts , and with peter get out of company speedily , and lament bitterly , that so we may turne the rebukes of our soules into holy requests , that the lord would forgiue vs , and not enter into iudgement with vs for our grieuous prouocations against his maiestie . secondly , when sinne is so odious vnto vs , that our hearts doe condemne vs for it , then let vs striue to be perswaded that it is pardonable , yea and that it shall be pardoned vnto vs : that though we deserue to be throwen out of seruice , because we haue dealt so foolishly , yet seeing we are gods seruants , he will not goe to extremities with vs , but deale as a father with his owne children , this ancor of hope we had need still to hold fast by : for if we be not in some good measure resolued , that we shall finde the lord gratious , and that we our selues are not hypocrites , but such as to whom mercy belongeth , we shall presently giue ouer prayer : for who would seeke vnto a chirurgion to cure him , of whom he is afraid lest he should wound him , in that he hath cause and abilitie so to doe ? therefore hold this for a firme ground , once gods childe , and euer : once his seruant , and neuer his enemie : in which regard we may come with confidence vnto him , and say , lord , i am vnworthy to be called thy sonne ; yet art thou my mercifull father : i haue done thee ill seruice , yet am i thy poore seruant still : and though i be bad now , yet time hath bene when i haue bin better , & done better : when i haue praied in secret , and humbled my soule ; and shedde teares for my sinnes in priuate ; and haue had an vtter detestation of those euils , which now through the corruption of my nature i haue fallen into , and therefore lord be pacified towards me , and put out of thy remembrance the trespasse of thy seruant . if any one want these testimonies of gods loue towards him , and of his loue towards god , when affliction ouertaketh him for his sinnes , he will either flee from the lords presence , as adam did , or if he aduenture to come vnto him , his prayers will descend as plummets of lead vpon him , and sathan and his owne conscience will be readie to accuse him , and to say , what hast thou to doe with god ? he heareth not sinners : thou shall rather prouoke his vengeance , then obtaine his fauour by thy petitions ; and because thou hast bene his enemie heretofore , he will shew himselfe to be thine now : and because thou hast cast his word behind thy backe , he will shut out thy cries , that they shall not haue any accesse vnto him . which vncomfortable newes , will be as a dart to strike thorow the liuer of an hypocrite , and as a two edged sword to pearse his soule : and therefore let vs all labour to be strongly setled in this point , that we are gods seruants , that so we may be feruent and firie in our prayers , and not be so daunted as sinners are when the hand of god is vpon them . i haue dealt very foolishly ] this he speaketh to make this sinne more odious vnto himselfe : for by nature we are so proud , that we cannot abide that any body should say , we haue dealt foolishly and absurdly : therefore doth he lay lode vpon himselfe , the more to beat downe his pride , confessing that he had dealt very foolishly , because he had dealt very sinfully : whence note this doctrine , that the more sinfull any one is , the more foolish he is . eue did eat of the forbidden fruit , thinking she had dealt very wisely & prouidently for her selfe : but did she get any thing by sinning against her makers commandement ? no surely : when shee had a conceit that she should deale most wisely , she dealt most foolishly of any that euer was in the world : for thereby she brought sorrow and miserie , yea eternall damnation of soule and body , not onely vpon her selfe ( had not god giuen her repentance and mercy ) but vpon many hundred thousands of her posteritie . so achan thought it a part of wisdome to take vp the babylonish garment & the wedge of gold that lay in his way : hee might thereby ( as he imagined ) inrich himselfe , and the matter neuer be knowne : but was not that the ruine of himselfe & his houshold ? in like manner ieroboam esteemed it a wise and safe way for him to set vp the calues , that the people might worship at dan and bethel , and so not fall from him , to ioyne againe to the house of dauid : he accounted this a surer course to establish his throne , then for him to rest on gods promise : but did he not get exceeding dishonour and vtter ruine heereby ? in so much that when the lord will set foorth a notable reprobate and firebrand of hell , he doth describe him by this , that he was like ieroboam the sonne of nebat , that made israel to sinne : and whereas he hoped by this meanes to set vp himselfe and his seed for euer , he caused them through his sinnes to be swept away as dung from the face of the earth . the like may be said of ahab in taking away naboths vineyard . and this must needs be so , that the greatest sinners are the veriest fooles , because in sinning they forsake the wisedome of god , and follow the direction of flesh and blood . it is noted as a point of great folly and indiscretion in rehoboam , that he would forsake the good counsell of the old men , and follow the rash aduise of young men : and are not they then egregious fooles indeed , that leaue the counsell of the wise god , and follow the aduice of sathan , his and their vtter enemie ? we would esteeme it a great madnesse , if we should see a man , his barnes being full of corne , to set fire on the thatch , and to sit by and laugh to behold all turned into a flame : and yet certainely this is not so great a madnesse as for one to fire his soule with sinne : for all the friends and meanes that the world affordeth cannot quench this flame , nor recouer this losse , as they may the other : and therefore they are the fooles of the world , that are the sinners of the world : and there is no such frenfie , as for a man to prouoke his creator : and whatsoeuer applause wicked persons haue for a season , yet at length all the world shall see , and they themselues shall feele , that they haue beene notorious fooles : ier. . . this serueth for instruction , that if we would not be branded with the name of fooles and idiots , we be carefull to eschew all manner of sinnes : and on the contrary , if we would be truely wise , let vs cleaue vnto the lord in constant and faithfull obedience : that was the reason why dauid was wiser then his enemies , then his teachers , then the aged , because he kept gods statutes . what made those in the gospell to be foolish virgins , but this , that they made not prouision for eternall life ? and what made the other fiue to be indeed wise , but that their hearts and liues were adorned and beautified with grace and goodnesse ? achitophel was a deepe politician ; yet because he was destitute of heauenly wisedome , he shewed himselfe to be but a miserable base foole : for when he had no meanes to helpe himselfe , he went and hanged himselfe : if one had studied an hundred yeeres , he could hardly haue found out a readier way to manifest his notable folly , then he tooke in that horrible murdering of himselfe . secondly , is it so that the greatest sinners are the veriest fooles ? then here is matter of singular consolation for gods seruants , that are vilified and contemned , and accounted sillie and simple , euen for this , that they carefully decline from the waies of sinners , though in shew neuer so pleasant and profitable : and conscionably , walke in the paths of righteousnesse , though neuer so rough and dangerous : let vaine men speake their pleasure of them , and count and call them the fooles of the world , yet god esteemeth and speaketh otherwise of them . it is no maruell that the world iudgeth them fooles , for with them the doctrine of the gospell ( vnto which the godly endeuour to conforme themselues and their courses ) is accounted foolishnes . but as wisedome is iustified of her children , whatsoeuer men thinke or speake of it , so are the children of wisedome iustified by the infinitely wise god , whatsoeuer slanderous and reproachfull imputations carnall men doe lay vpon them : he saith that the feare of the lord is the beginning of wisedome . prou. . . and that those that obey his commandements are the onely wise people vnder the sun. deut. . verse . . wilt thou that seuen yeeres famine come vpon the lands &c. heere commeth an obiection to be answered . it is said , . cor. . . that if we iudge our selues , we shall not be iudged of the lord : how commeth it to passe then in this place , that dauid confessing his fault , aggrauating it , and asking pardon for it , hath notwithstanding such a heauie iudgement denounced against him , as the famine , or the sword , or the pestilence ? though such as iudge themselues , shall not be iudged , yet must they be cured : and that was dauids case here : this stroake was not laid vpon him in wrath , but in fauour : he had set vpon a good worke , euen the pulling downe of his pride , & by this meanes the lord furthered him in y e good worke , & made a speedier way for abūdāce of grace , which was after bestowed vpō him . againe , the people were not so reformed as they should be at this time , and therefore god in this plague doth aime at their humbling , thrusting dauid out of the gappe ( as it were ) who had formerly by his prayers & teares stood in the breach , to keep of the lords wrath from them , so that all this while beeing intangled with his own matters , he could not so freely deale for them . now in that dauid must haue such a sharpe corasiue to consume that proud flesh that had growne about his heart , by reason of his mightie forces , and the largenesse of his dominions , the doctrine is , that it is a wonderfull hard thing to take downe the pride of mans heart : it is no small affliction that will doe it , as is plaine iob . . &c : where is at large shewed , that god vseth all meanes , and that againe & againe , and yet men will not profit thereby : then he findes out the cause of it to be pride , verse . . and so laieth corrections vpon them sutable thereunto , smiting them with sorrow vpon their beds , so that the griefe of their bones is sore : pinching them with grieuous sicknesses and diseases , and making their bones to clater , so that their soules draw neere to the graue , and their life to the buriers . now when these or the like wofull distresses haue tamed and maistered their vnruly affections , then doe they begin to be somewhat more tractable : and whereas neither dreames , nor visions , nor any of gods ordinances would doe any good vpon them before , after that , if god send vnto them a messenger or interpreter one of a thousand , they will begin to hearken vnto them , and to learne how they may obtaine mercy and reconciliation with god , that they descend not into the pit of destruction . further , we may obserue what a great deale of woe dauid sustained by reason of the hautinesse of his heart , and his earthly confidence ( which is a signe thereof ) when he thought his mountaine so strong , that he should neuer be mooued : for god turned away his face from him , and he was troubled , and euen ready to goe downe into the pit , & to descend vnto the dust , &c. neither did god minister vnto him a stronger purgation then he needed : but his pride required full as much affliction as the lord laide vpon him , this was also the case of vzziah , who being in a moderate estate , did exceeding much good both for the church and the common wealth : but when he was growen mighty and strong , his heart was lifted vp , and then he could not content himselfe with his kingly dignitie , but he would needs take vpon him the office of the high-priest also , and so went into the temple of the lord , to burne incense vpon the altar of incense ; but what came of this presumptuous fact of his ? when the admonition of the priests of the lord would not preuaile with him , but he grewe wroth with those that withstoode him , the lord louing him , did forthwith smite him with leprosie , and so he was driuen to liue apart all his life long , that so the hautinesse of his heart might bee throughlie cured . . chron. . the like may be seene in paul ; who albeit he were a man of wonderfull graces , & had beene continually exercised with many and great afflictions , so that he had no great need of further humbling , as we would haue thought , yet had he satan turned loose vpon him , to buffet him , and to beat him blacke and blew as it were , that so hee might not bee lifted vp with the multitude and excellencie of the reuelations that he had receiued . hee had beene in the third heauen , and was indued with exceeding rare gifts : and the lord knew , that if he were not taken downe , hee would bee very conceited of himselfe , and then all had beene lost : he would be vnfit to receiue or doe good , altogether vnprofitable and vnfruitfull , and robbe god of his honour , and men of their due : and therefore to preuent this , hee giueth satan libertie to worke vpon his originall corruption , and to exercise him with strange temptations , which was a speciall preseruatiue against pride , and loftinesse of minde . lastly , wee may note in the . chap. of deuteronomie , verse . what a great adoe the lord had with his people , the children of israel ; to helpe them , against this vile corruption that was in them : hee was driuen to keepe them fortie yeeres in the wildernes , and there to exercise them with manie and grieuous crosses and iudgements , and all to humble them , as there it is saide : and certainly , if fewer and easier afflictions would haue done it , the lord would neuer haue handled them so roughlie and sharplie ; for mercie pleaseth him , neither doeth hee afflict willinglie . now the reason why the pride of mens hearts cannot easily bee remooued , is , first , because it doth wonderfully harden them , and makes them euen like a flinte : so that they are verie hardly wrought vpon , either by instructions , or by afflictions . this is euident in nebuchadnezzar , who notwithstanding that diuine dreame that god had sent vnto him , and the holy instructions and exhortations that daniel had giuen him , after his interpretation thereof ; yet continued in his arrogancie still , and was full of boasting and bragging : in so much that the lord was faine to strippe him of his wittes , of his kingdome , of his foode , of his apparell , and of the societie of mankinde , and to cause him , euen for seuen yeares together , to liue as a beast , among the beasts of the fielde : and all little enough to take downe the stoutnes and loftines of his sinfull heart . secondly , as pride maketh men vnteachable , and vncapable of good by any meanes that others can vse , so doth it make them vnable to vse any means themselues , for the humbling of their soules : for proud men cannot examine , and iudge themselues , because they are wise in their own eyes , and haue an high conceit of their owne doings : they cannot pray , because they haue no promise to builde vpon , nor any heart to humble their soules before the lord , as all that will speede well with him must doe : they cannot labour in a calling for conscience sake ; because they onely seeke and serue themselues in whatsoeuer they doe : in a word , they cannot applie themselues to vse any of those holie remedies that god hath ordained , for the subduing and mastering of the pride , and haughtinesse of their wicked hearts ; and therefore it must needs be concluded , that this dangerous sicknes is very hardly cured . and if we haue yet any doubt hereof , let experience teach vs the truth of this point : for if wee obserue it in our selues or others , we shall find , that those that haue had most heart-breakings , and shed most bitter tears , and gone through most fearfull temptations , and most grieuous distresses , haue yet still a great deale of pride in them , which is ready vppon euery occasion to manifest it selfe , vnto their griefe and the offence of others . which maketh first of all for the terrour of all proud and arrogant men , who may looke for a great deale of woe and miserie , for the expelling of this poysoned humour out of their soules . let such therefore remember what is said concerning them , to wit , that all the proud in heart are an abomination vnto the lord : though hand ioyne in hand , they shall not be vnpunished . and againe , pride goeth before destruction , and an high minde before the fall . and in the . psalm : thou hast destroyed the cursed proud : and in the epistle of iames , god resisteth the proud . let these and the like terrible sentences fright their drowsie consciences , and vnlesse they would haue the lord to abhorre them , to curse them , to fight against them , and vtterly to destroy them , let them sue vnto him , who alone is able to heale them of this loathsome corruption : otherwise their case is very wofull , and lamentable , and the more account they make of themselues , the more cleerely will god manifest his heauie displeasure against them , as he did against pharaoh , nebuchadnezzar , herod , and such other lostie spirits as they were . secondly , let this be an instruction vnto the children of god , that if they would not haue their maker to loath them , and to fight against them , they must labour to abhorre all loftines of minde , and ouer-weening conceites of themselues , and be content that the lord should keepe them in humilitie by whatsoeuer meanes he thinketh best : the godly begin to thinke much diuers times that they are afflicted euery morning ; that they are exercised with wants , with sicknesses , with disgraces and the like : but better is it to vndergoe some of these , or all of these , though it be all our life long , so we be made more lowly thereby , than to ouerflowe with great plentie and varietie of outward things , and in the meane time to be pestered with that venemous humour of pride and selfe-conceit . therefore was it that paul doeth professe that hee would reioyce in infirmities , in reproaches , in necessities , in persecutions , &c : because he knewe they were excellent preseruatiues against his sinne . now because men are readie to thinke that there is not in them such store of pride , as that they greatly neede gods medicines to cure them of it , or if they doe see their pride , they are readie to sit downe discouraged , as if it were vnpossible to get the better of it , therefore will it not be amisse to set downe some fruits and effects of pride , whereby it may be discerned , and some remedies and helpes against it , by vertue whereof it may be cured . concerning the first point , it were an infinite worke to reckon vp all the effects of pride , and therefore i will onely touch some few of the principall , whereby we may be led to a sight of the rest : and the first of them shall be that where of salomon speaketh , saying , onely by pride doeth man make contention : many there are that doe ignorantly imagine they were neuer proud in all their life ; but let them consider better of the matter ; did they neuer brawle nor contend with any in all their life ? if they did , certaine it is that they were proud : for looke how much contention there is , so much pride there is in euery man. which may be an euident argument to proue that this sinne doeth greatly sway euery where : for if we looke into most families , and euen into those of the purest sort ( who thinke themselues most free from pride ) shall we not finde many iarres betwixt husband and wife ; betwixt maister and seruants , betwixt brethren and sisters , betwixt neighbour and neighbour ? this is so palpable that none can denie it ; and therefore let not men deceiue themselues , but see and acknowledge and bewaile the wretched hautines of their hearts . another fruit of pride is , impatiencie vnder crosses , or losses , or indignities that doe befall vs : for when we are discontented at that estate and condition , wherein we are , we euidently expresse our dislike of gods gouernement , as if he did not dispose of things aright , and as if we could order matters in a better sort , if they were in our hands : and is not that monstrous pride to thinke ourselues wiser than god , and to censure him for his proceedings ? againe , this is an euident token that men are proud , when they are readie to scorne at an admonition , or a reproofe that is giuen vnto them , for that argueth that they haue a verie good opinion of themselues and of their actions , when they cannot abide that anie should finde faulte with them , or goe about to reforme them . dauid was otherwise affected , when the prophet nathan came vnto him with a sharpe reprehension , and when abigall met him with a wise admonition . and iob bringeth this as an argument of his vprightnesse , that hee durst not contemne the iudgemēt of his seruāt . no , not of his maide seruant , if they had any matter to obiect against him : and therefore let such as are enraged , or imbittetered against their reproouers or admonishers , knowe , that they are farre from that modestie and meekenesse of spirit that was in these holie men of god. lastlie , this is a sure note of pride , when men doe much regard earthly things , and promise vnto themselues a kinde of happinesse in the enioyment thereof : in which regard the apostle willeth timothie to charge rich men that they be not high minded , and that they doe not trust in vncertaine riches : implying thereby , that so much confidence as there is in wordlie substance , so much high-mindednes there is in the parties so addicted . the more men trust in god , the more humble they will be , but the more they trust in their wealth , the more high-minded they will bee . if men would trie themselues by this touch-stone , they should easily discerne abundance of pride in themselues : for who almost is there but doeth thinke himselfe the better and safer for the very hauing of earthlie things ? and who doth not iudge his case more miserable , meerly for the want of these deceitfull vanities ? let vs therefore sifte our owne hearts , and by these and the like fruites of pride , learne to iudge what abundance of this poysoned sappe there is within vs. and then perceiuing how liable wee are vnto many fearefull stroakes of god by reason thereof , let vs carefully vse these remedies following against the same . first , let vs often search and trie our owne hearts , and workes by the right rule , that is , by the holy law of god : for none are lifted vp , but such as doe not knowe themselues : for if wee rightly considered what we are , and what our actions are , it would take downe all that foolish conceitednes , that is naturallie ingrafted in vs , and cause vs to say with the publican , lord bee mercifull to mee a sinner : and with paul , miserable man that i am , who shall deliuer mee from the bodie of this death ! hee was aliue ; that is , thought himselfe aliue , and in verie good case , before the law came , & cōuinced him of his wretched corruptions , hee was euen as a blinde man that feares nothing , though a man came running vpon him with a sharpe sword , or he were ready to fal down violētly frō an high and dangerous rocke , he would neuer be daunted at the matter , nor one whit moued , because hee sees not that hee is in any danger : such was pauls case , and such is the state of euery vnregenerate man : but when gods law is once pressed vpon the conscience , by the liuely working of the holie ghost , it inlightens the minde , and makes men see their owne sinfulnes , as paul did , which is an excellent meanes to kill all proud and loftie conceits . if therefore we desire to be ridde of this hatefull and hurtfull companion , i meane pride , let vs often and earnestly examine our selues by this straight rule of gods law : we are giuen to try our selues often by examining whether we be not better than such a man , or such a woman , but this is a false and a deceitfull rule : for a man may be better than such and such , and yet be starke naught . but the proud flesh will be readie to obiect , and say , i doe not onely goe beyond these and these wicked ones , but i am better than diuers that are esteemed godly and religious . are you so ? you may easily be deceiued ; and the better conceit you haue of your selfe , the worse you are likely to be : but grant for the time that you excell others in some things , doe not they goe before you in some other ? you haue a better gouernement of your tongue than many of your neighbours ; but are you not more grosly tainted with couetousnes than they are ? you haue a better gift of chastitie than another , but doeth not he lesse offend in violent distempered passions than you doe ? and the like might be said in other particulars . if you consider your owne goodnes and others badnes , you may easily growe to thinke better of your selfe than of others : but if you would withall set before your eyes their goodnes and your owne badnes , it would happily make you to haue a better opinion of them than of your selfe , and cause you to conclude that ( all things considered ) their graces are more excellent than yours . but let that be yeelded , that you are indeed beyond many others in pietie and godlines , doe you not yet come farre short of that which the law requireth ? & for those gifts that you haue , whence proceeded they ? are they not bestowed vpon you out of the lords meere bountie ? and if you haue receiued them , why are you puffed vp as if you had not receiued them ? if you did aright consider that you are no more worthy of the least blessing of god than the vilest creature in the world , and that not your goodnes , but gods goodnes is the cause that you excell others , there would be no place left for ouer-weening cōceits of your selfe , but you would conclude ( as the truth is ) that the better you are gifted , the more you are indebted , and the more talents you haue , the more thankes you owe vnto god , and the more seruice vnto his people . and thus much for the first remedie against pride , which is , to try our selues and our actions by the true touchstone of gods word . the second is , often to bring our hearts into gods presence by prayer & thanks-giuing , for that will make vs acquainted with that holines which is in the lord , and then we cannot but see and acknowledge that vilenes which is in ourselues . this was it that made abrahā the father of beleeuers , and the most excellent of all the patriarks , to confesse , that he was but dust and ashes : this was it that caused isaiah , a maruellous holy prophet , to cry out , that he was a man of polluted lips ; and this was it that made iob that worthie and renowmed seruant of god , euen to abhorre himselfe , and to repent in dust , and ashes . and assuredly if we constantly and zealously accustome our selues to come before gods glorious throane , it will make vs much ashamed to stand vpon our owne worth , and frame vs to a very lowly conceit of our selues . and on the contrarie , we may boldly conclude , that they that doe not vse reuerently and faithfully to call vpon the lord , are proud and hautie , and arrogant persons , and neuer yet knewe what true lowlines meant , where there are many and feruent prayers , there is much humilitie : where there are fewe and weake prayers , there is little humilitie : where there are no faithfull prayers at all , there is no humilitie at all . a third helpe against pride is , diligence in some lawfull calling : for labour and trauell ( as the wise man saith ) are appointed vnto the sonnes of men to humble them thereby . as for idle persons , they are alwaies proud and conceited : a sluggard is wiser in his owne eyes , then ten men that can render a reason , for such kind of people hauing nothing to busie their heads about , are very readie ( sathan helping them forward ) to thinke of their owne worth , to imagine high things of themselues , and so to build castles in the aire : besides that , idlenes nourisheth in them all manner of vile lusts , and the more sinfull any one is , the more proud he is ; and therefore is the diuell more proud than any , because he is more sinfull than any . if then we would not be in bondage vnto this vile sinne of pride , let vs apply ourselues diligently vnto the workes of our seuerall vocations ; and that for conscience sake and in obedience vnto god ; not for filthy lucre sake , or for enuy , or the like , for if we labour & toyle neuer so much for worldly respects , we shall not be rightly humbled thereby , but rather puffed vp in our fleshly mindes . a fourth remedie is , often to meditate of the hurts and mischiefes that come by pride , and of the benefits that doe arise from humilitie . the mischiefes proceeding from pride were partly before named in the first vse of this doctrine , viz , that it causeth the lord to abhorre vs , to resist vs , to curse vs , and to plague vs , yea and to depriue vs of those things whereof we are most proud and conceited : besides that , it causeth vs to pine away with enuy : to consume with malice , to fret and vex with anger and discontentment , and vpon euery slight occasion to brabble and wrangle , to fall out with this body and that , and in a word , to be very vnquiet in our selues , and very troublesome and hatefull vnto others ; and who then would not be freed from this hurtfull sinne , which hath so many badde effects arising from it ? then on the other side , the benefites issuing from the pure fountaine of humilitie , are very many and great : for besides the auoyding of the forenamed mischifes , lowlines will giue vs an interest in all the promises of god : meeke men shall inherit the earth ; they shall haue god to dwell with them , and grace to remaine in them while they liue , and glory to inuest them , and to make them eternally happie when they die . these remedies of often examination , frequent prayer , diligence in our vocation , and serious consideration of the hurts that come by pride , and of the benefits that proceed of humilitie , we must constantly and conscionably vse for the humbling of our hearts . and lastly , for this very ende and purpose , we must not onely be cōtent to heare admonition , but earnestly desire it : both of the lord , that he would be pleased to stirre vp mens hearts to admonish vs , and of men , that they would shew vs that fauour , as to tell vs plainely and faithfully of our faults , that we may thereby discerne of those corruptions , and be humbled for them , which we thorough selfe-loue , and too much partialitie cannot easily espie , or not so thoroughly censure in our selues . the benefit here of dauid found vpon the prophet nathans comming vnto him ; and therefore doeth he so earnestly pray for it , saying : let the righteous smite me for that is a benefit , and let him reproue me , and it shall be a precious oyle , &c. and whosoeuer they be that doe not thus desire the admonitions of gods seruants , they carrie too little hatred against sinne , and doe not with any great earnestnes and indignation controule and checke their consciences for it : and therefore they are likely to liue and die in their pride , and may iustly feare those punishments that doe belong vnto proud persons . verse . i offer thee three things : chuse thee which of them i shall doe vnto thee . in that the lord putteth him to this choyce when he began in good earnest to humble himselfe , the doctrine is , that the more speedily we iudge our selues , the more mercifully the lord will deale with vs. this we see proued in this text , where god dealeth with dauid as a father with his owne sonne : first , letting him chuse his owne rod , when of necessitie he must be corrected : secondly , he giueth him warning before hand , that the plague might not ouertake him on a sudden , which would wonderfully haue discomforted him : thirdly , he telleth him how long it should continue , so that he was sure three daies would be the longest . which serueth first for singular comfort vnto gods children that doe bewaile their sinnes , and passe sentence vpon themselues as well as they can : if they goe thorow with that worke , the lord wil giue them a comfortable and speedie deliuerance : or if it be requisite that they should feele gods hand vpon them or theirs in any more grieuous manner , yet the lord will deale with them in some sort as he did heere with dauid : for first they shall haue warning thereof before hand , and so be better prepared and armed for it . and further , if they striue to humble their hearts before the lord , though they haue not the choyce of their particular scourge , yet it shall be as well with them in effect : for although at first they thinke the rod very smart , and euery blow two , yet when they are growne to be stronger men in christ , they shall be driuen to confesse , that if they had chosen their owne rods , there could haue beene none in the world so fit for them as those wherewith the lord hath scourged them : so that they shall be able not onely to say with the prophet , it is good for me that i haue beene afflicted ; but good for me that i was whipped with these and these rods , yea and that i receiued thus many strokes from the lords mercifull hand , no crosse could haue beene inuented to doe me more good , then pouerty , or disgrace , or ill neighbours , or any the like , according as gods seruants are seuerally tried . if god should haue put it to abrahams and iacobs choyse , they would rather haue parted with any outward thing , then with their children , that were as deare vnto them as their life : but when they saw gods end in trying them that way , when isaac was spared , and ioseph aduanced , and made an instrument of humbling his boisterous brethren , and of releeuing his father and all his familie , besides many others , then they must needs acknowledge that it was fittest for them to be crossed in their children , and that cods waies are the best , whatsoeuer we may iudge of them for a while . secondly , heere is matter of terrour vnto all vngodly men that will not be perswaded to iudge themselues : looke what iudgement will most vex , and sting , and torment , and euen kill their soules , that let them make account of . if haman might haue beene the chuser , of all other miseries he would not haue chosen that which befell him : to wit , that mordecai his enemie should be aduanced and honoured and that by himselfe , who did beare him such deadly hatred for that he could not obtaine honour and reuerence from him : what an horrible torment must this needs be vnto his heart , that mordecai now should ride , and he goe by him on foot ? that now he must bow the knee to mordecai , that would so faine haue had mordecai to doe it to him ? that the gallowes that was by him prepared for mordecai , must now serue for himselfe : &c. this must needs be an exceeding torture vnto him : and this shall befall all impenitent sinners : what they are most loth to vndergoe , that shall light vpon them , and that at vnawares when they least thinke of it , and shall continue with them , and neuer leaue them till it haue either turned them vnto god , or brought them vnto hell , the place of all such rebrobate sinners . and that we may apply this to the present occasion , are there not many that are horribly afraid of the pestilence ? yea farre more then they are of sinne which bringeth it : in so much that they absent themselues from sermons , and from publike prayers , lest they should be infected . are there not very many ( i say ) that are possessed with such feares ? let them looke to it : for of all other strokes the pestilence is likely to fall vpon them : if it were a sword in the hand of the pope , or of sathan , then it stood them vpon to beware of gods ordinances : but seeing none but atheists will denie but it is ordered by gods ouer-ruling hand , they take a bad course to escape his stroke : for where can they hide themselues , but he will finde them out ? and whither can they flee from his all-seeing presence ? he can take away the infection where it is , and bring it euen in a moment where it is not : and therefore goe where they can , they goe in continuall danger : for where is the sword of god most likely to smite , but where he is most displeased , and where there is most prophanenesse , and greatest contempt of the meanes of saluation ? therefore if they would escape , let them fall downe before the lord , and humble themselues as dauid did : and not be so much afraid of their neighbours that haue the plague , as of sinne that brings the plague : and runne not so much from the occasion of this sicknesse ( though all good care must be had that way ) as from the cause : which if we can doe , then either god will spare vs , and exempt vs from this stroke , or else giue vs comfort vnder it , and deliuerance from it by life or death : making it a meanes vtterly to kill originall sinne , which all his ordinances could but onely weaken : and who would be afraid of such a cure ? what child of god would not be more glad to sit on a throne in heauen ( though he be called thereto by a boysterous messenger ) than to be in a prison heere on earth ? to be where he shall be quite freed from sinne and sorrow and temptation , and haue all happinesse aboue that which his heart can desire , rather than to be continually turmoyled heere in the world , and euery day to taste of new tribulations . the end of the first sermon . the second sermon . . samvel . . . &c. verse : and dauid said vnto gad , i am in a wonderfull strait : let vs fall now into the hand of the lorde , ( for his mercies are great ) and let mee not fall into the hand of man. verse . so the lord sent a pestilence in israell , from the morning , euen to the time appointed : and there died of the people from dan to beer-sheba seuenty thousand men . verse . and when the angell stretched out his hand vpon ierusalem , the lord repented of the euill ; and said to the angell that destroyed the people , it is sufficient , hold now thy hand , &c. verse . and dauid spake vnto the lord , &c. yee haue alreadie heard of dauids sinne in numbring of the people , of his humiliation , confession , and crauing of pardon for the same : also of the message that was brought vnto him by gad ; what offer the lord made him , namely , that hee should haue the choise of his owne rodde : the sentence was alreadie past , and some one of the three iudgements mentioned verse . must needs light vpon the land : yet would god vse as much mildnes as might bee , and therefore hee referres the matter vnto him , and biddeth him consider , and determine which of them hee would most willingly vndergoe . now followe the euents that ensued both vpon the sinne that dauid committed , and the message that god for the same directed vnto him . the first whereof , was the great distresse wherewith hee was perplexed , which he bemoned to the prophet , telling him that he was in a wonderfull strait . the second was the choyse that he made , absolutely passing ouer the famine , without so much as speaking of it , as knowing it to bee incomparablie the sharpest scourge of the three : ( for the scripture saith , that they that are slaine by the sword , are better then they which are killed with hunger ) and rather also submitting himselfe to the pestilence , which was more immediately the sword of god , from whom he expected mercie and sauour , then to the violence and sword of man : in whome what else in such a case is to be found , but crueltie and fiercenesse ? the third was the execution of that plague of the pestilence , which he had yeelded himselfe vnto : which is declared as well by the manner , as the minister of it : it being in so short a time , as in three dayes space , dispersed thorough the whole land , from north to south , and ( though not affirmed , yet implied ) from east to west , ierusalem onely excepted , as may appeare by the circumstance of the text : and in this time seuenty thousand being destroyed ; which stroke was inflicted by the hand of an angell , whome god had therevnto appointed , as minister and executioner of the same . the last was , the ceasing and stay of this plague , euen then when the stroke was lighting vpon ierusalem , to haue destroyed it . and hereof are assigned two causes : the one , and that the principall , was the commandement of god : to whom ( for our better apprehension of his prouidence ) is ascribed an humane passion of repentance : which properly befalleth not him , because hee cannot but doe euery thing absolutely well , nor possiblie at any time bee wearie of well-doing : neither is hee subiect to perturbations , because he is free from all manner of corruptions . but hee is said to repent , when hee withholdeth that which he condicionallie promiseth , or threatneth , or desisteth from that which he had begun to doe , sithence men many times breake off their proceedings , with dislike of the beginnings thereof , and their not doing of that which they saide , argueth commonly that they are sorrie , for saying that which nowe they minde not to doe . the other cause , yet of an inferiour nature , and mouent ( as wee call it ) was the prayer of dauid , whereby hee obtained the preseruation of ierusalem , and the rest of the people , and herein hee offereth himselfe to be smitten , that they might be spared , with acknowledgement that hee was the offender , and they in this matter altogether innocent . verse . and dauid said , i am in a wonderfull strait ] the doctrine that hence ariseth , is plaine : viz. that sinne brings men into great distresses , and into maruellous straits . it is the proper nature of wickednesse , to encomber and cast men into perplexities : neither will god spare his owne people , when they take libertie in prouoking his maiestie ; but either they shall be straited in their owne hearts , or else in regard of outward calamities , or both : and though the lord will not condemne them , yet will he afflict them . iehoshaphat was so foolish , that he would make affinitie with ahab : and lest he should breake off that league of friendship that was betweene them , he would aduenture ( contrary to the expresse word of the lord ) to goe against ramoth gilead to battle with him : now was not he in an exceeding great straight , when the maine force of the battle was bent against him , being supposed to be the king of israel , concerning whom a command was giuen to the captaines by the king of aram , that they should fight against none , neither small nor great , but onely against the king of israel ? yet would not iehoshaphat take warning by this : but after that he had beene rebuked by iehu the prophet , for helping the wicked , and louing them that hated the lord , he yet ioyned with iehoram the king of israel , against the king of moab : but was his successe any better then before ? no surely : for howsoeuer they had the victorie ouer the moabites with much difficultie , yet before that was effected , he was in a greater straight , then when he went against ramoth gilead : for there his owne person onely was endangerd : but heere both he and his people , together with two kings and their armies besides , were like to perish for want of water . a further proofe of this point we haue in ionah , who discoursing with his owne reason , thought it would be to no purpose , but very dangerous for him to goe to preach at niniue , and therefore refused to yeeld to the commandement of the lord. but what wofull distresse did this disobedience bring him into , when being in that sore tempest , the sea did roare , his conscience accuse him , men were against him , god was against him , and there was no way for him , but to be throwne into the sea , and there to remaine three daies and three nights in the belly of a whale ? the like may be seene in sampson , who being carried with boisterous lusts , and immoderately and sinfully affecting that vile strumpet dalilah , could hide nothing from her , but discouered vnto her very foolishly wherein his great strength lay , namely in his haire : and so that being cut off , as a recompence of his folly and sinfull dealing , he was betraied into the hands of his most deadly enemies the philistims , who puld out both his eyes , bound him in fetters , made him grinde in the prison house , and besides made him a laughing stocke vnto those into whom he had formerly stricken a great terrour and amazement by his admirable valour , and the strange enterprises atchieued by him . thus we may in part perceiue into what narrow straits sinne doth bring gods owne children : but this is especially verified in wicked men , of whom it is said , that thornes and snares are in the way of the froward : they are hedged in with thornes , and all their walke is vpon brakes : they run to hell with great vexation : they are intangled in snares continually , and are neuer out of them : they are caught in sathans net , and held fast by hardnesse of heart , which neuer leaues them till either conuersion , or vtter confusion doe befall them . but this will more fully appeare in particular sinnes , as first to giue instance in drunkards , whose appetite doth prouoke them vnto that beastly abuse of gods good creatures : the wine delights their eye , and pleaseth their taste , and goeth downe merily : but in the end it will bite like a serpent , and hurt like a cockatrice : for to whom is woe ? to whom is sorrow ? &c. euen to them that tarrie long at the wine , to them that goe and seeke mixt wine : for they ruinate and ouerthrow their estate , they blemish and staine their names , make their wiues to fall out with them , their children to contemne them , their companions to quarrell with them : their best friends to loath them : and after all this , they are a burden vnto themselues , hauing their wittes crackt , and their bodies diseased , and beeing fit for no place , but onely for hell . the same may be said of proud men : doth not their sinne throwe them into great miserie ? let vs consider a little of hamans fall , which was procured by his insolencie . god knewe what crosse would most vexe his proud heart , and that he sent him : for whereas all hamans honour could doe him no good , vnlesse mordecai would rise vp before him , and doe him reuerence , that was a thorne vnto him , when hee could not make him doe it : but when hee must honour mordecai , and be as a seruant vnto him , that was a snare vnto his soule , and therein was hee helde fast , with horrible vexation and monstrous shame , till death and damnation seazed vpon him . the like may bee seene in riotous and voluptuous persons , who are whollie addicted to followe sporting , and gaming , and surfetting , and chambering , and wantonnesse , with such like sinfull delights of the flesh : the world thinks that such liue a merrie life : but iudge not too well of them ; they haue not paid all their shot as yet : they haue miserie enough behinde , that still pursues them , and at length will ouertake them : for hee that loues pastime , shall be a poore man ; and hee that loues wine and oyle shall not bee rich : and a whore will bring a man to a morsell of bread : pouertie shall followe at the heeles of such , as a swift post , and shall set vpon them as a strong armed man : they shall be ouercome and vanquished , and downe shall their estate goe , euen to the ground . another instance may be in couetous persons , who haue wealth in wonderfull admiration , so that it is made the common god , and most vsuall idoll of the world : and when they haue gotten it , they , and manie others thinke they shall haue great credit with it : and manie times it so falls out , that they are men of great place , because they are of great substance : they haue manie to attend vpon them , manie to flatter them , and to crouch vnto them , and by their riches they may procure almost what they list : doth not this now seeme to be an easie , a pleasant , and happy life ? yet the apostle telleth vs , that they that will be rich , fall into tentation , and snares , and into manie foolish and noysome lusts , which drowne men in perdition and destruction : so that when wealth ( together with the loue of it ) flowes in on euery side , men are as it were cast headlong into a sea of miserie : and therefore it is added , that the desire of mony is the roote of all euill : for it doth not onely poyson mens hearts , make them erre from the faith , and bring them into the snares of the diuell , to be lead by him according to his will ; but it pearseth them thorow with many sorrowes : for greedy wordlings are euer disconted and froward , falling out with one , and chafing with another : so that those things which seeme to glad their hearts , doe not indeed bring them any sound contentment , because their desires can neuer be satisfied , but especially because they are often times much crossed : as when their sheepe or cattle miscarry , their grounds prooue vnfruitfull , their seruants vntrusty , theeues set vpon them by violence to spoile them of their goods , or subtill aduersaries by craft seeke to defraud them of the same , with many such like occurrences , which will neither let them rest quietly in the night , nor liue comfortably in the day : and the hearts of such couetous persons can tell them , that manie times all other things doe them no good , sithence they cannot haue some one thing which they would , as the case stood with wicked ahab in the matter of naboths vineyard . but suppose , that these and the like sinnes should not bring men into snares in their lifetime , yet at the time of their death when they must goe out of the world , they will : for what hope hath the hypocrite when god shall take away his life ? though he haue heaped vp riches as the dust , yet when god shall vnsheath his soule , and put it violently from his body as a rustie sword out of the scabberd , what good will all his substance doe him then ? it was his hope while he liued , that he should still get more wealth : but when death sets vpon him , he is past that hope , and for better hopes he hath none , and therefore must needs be full of woe , and full of perplexitie . then though he call vpon god , he will not answer : and though he seeke him early , he shall not finde him : but god will laugh at his destruction , and mocke when his feare commeth . because god called , and he refused ; he stretched out his hand , and he would not regard ; therefore when he crieth , the lord will shut out his prayer . but set the case they be not in such perplexitie at the time of their death , but that they die securely , and goe suddenly downe to the graue as senslesse blocks , or stones , yet must they come before the iudgement seat of christ , and then they shall be paid home for all . ordinarily they meet with extremitie of anguish while they liue , or when they die : but if they doe not , they shall not misse of it when they appeare before the iudge of heauen and earth , but tribulation and anguish shal be vpon euery soule that hath offended , of what estate and degree soeuer he hath beene . then their distresse and honour shall be such , that when they arise out of their graues , they shall wish to returne thither againe : yea they shall desire that the mountaines and rockes might fall vpon them , & couer them from him that sitteth on the throne , and from the wrath of the lambe . then they would thinke no paines nor torment too much so they might perish euerlastingly : they could rather desire that an huge rocke or great mountaine might crush them in peeces , and that they might perish as beasts , than to appeare before christ iesus to receiue that fearefull sentence , goe ye cursed , &c : this is the proper wages of sinne : and of disobedience against the lord : it castes the committers of it into a wofull labyrinth of distresses and miseries : and good reason is there that it should be so , because otherwise the hatefulnes of it , and the hatred of god against it would not cleerely appeare , & so men would like better of the broad way , than of the narrow , and chuse to be rebells against the lord , rather than obedient subiects vnto him : euen the best would doe this as well as the worst . which serueth first , for instruction : that we should beware of all kinds of sinne , and consider what will come of it , before we presume to rush vpo it : let vs looke before we leape , lest afterwards we repent vs when it is too late . sinne will make goodly shewes of delight , and preferment , and commoditie that it will bring vnto vs : that if we will giue entertainement thereunto , it will neuer be a meanes of any disgrace vnto vs , but will hide it selfe from the view of the world . but what doth the lord say of it ? doth not he tell vs that it will breake out , and flie abroad at length ? the adulterer would haue his wretched pleasure , but not the iust reproach of his filthinesse . but what saith iob ? are there not strange punishments for such workers of iniquitie ? and though they may hide it from the eyes of men , doth not god behold their waies , and tell all their steps ? if adam and eue had considered what mischiefe would haue ensued on their eating of the forbidden fruit , they would neuer haue tasted thereof : but when they would beleeue the serpent rather then god , did not they , and shall not their posteritie for euer smart for it ? the prophet micaiah bid abab take heede of his iourney to ramoth gilead : yet he would haue his owne minde , let the prophet say what he would : but when the arrow was shot into his side , then he saw that micaiahs counsell had beene worth the following : but then it was too late , and such is the folly and madnesse of most men ; they must haue their owne wils ▪ and their owne waies , and will neuer hearken to those instructions that are giuen them , either by god , or by godly men , till miserie haue ouerwhelmed their soules , and they be past recouerie . but let their follie teach vs to be wiser , and let vs take heede of sathans baites , and of his sugred poyson : he will make vs profers ( as he did vnto our sauiour ) of maruellous great honour , and pleasure , and gaine that may be gotten by such and suel , sinfull courses : but let vs neuer giue credit vnto him , for he is a lyar from the beginning : but , secondly , if we haue harkned too far vnto him already , and haue fallen by our iniquitie , let vs withall possible speede get out of that which holds vs in bondage , and wrappeth vs in milerie , and chaineth vs in many sorrowes and calamities ; let vs get sound repentance for it , and striue for a reformation of it : let not sinne keepe possession in vs , and then iudgements shall not long continue vpon vs he that hath committed any grosse sinne , is as it were a prisoner : according to that of salomon , his owne wickednesse shall take the wicked himselfe , and he shall be holden with the cords of his owne sinne . there is a iudiciall proceeding against him : sinne commeth as an officer , and chargeth the partie to stand : then it apprehendeth him , and bindeth him hand and foot as a malefactor : ( it spareth not the mightiest monarch in the world , that is found guiltie before the lord ) after there is a proceeding vnto arraignment and execution , if there be not meanes vsed to stay the same : therefore let vs get off the fetters of iniquitie as soone as we can : and if we find terrors vpon our hearts for our couetousnesse and crueltie , for our pride and insolencie , for our filthinesse and impuritie , &c : let vs labour with god for the obtaining of a pardon : and then though we be plagued for our foolishnesse , and brought very lowe , yet crying vnto the lord , he will deliuer vs out of our distresse : yea he will bring vs out of darknesse , and out of the shadow of death , and breake our bands asunder . heere is also matter of comfort to them that proceed in the waies of the lord with a good conscience , whose workes doe testifie for them that they are vpright and sincere , and that though they be clogged with many infirmities , yet they giue entertainment to no sinne at all : though they haue many troubles and slanders raised against them , and many temptations , wants and necessities lying vpon them , yet let them be of good cheere : for albeit they be afflicted on euery side , yet shall they not be in distresse , they are not straitned , but haue elbow roome enough , and doe enioy the best freedome and libertie . for they may come into gods priuie chamber ( as it were ) and into his presence when they will : they are not strained in their soules , but haue libertie to powre out their hearts before their heauenly father , who knoweth and pittieth their distressed estate , and will worke out their freedome and comfort in due time : and in the meane while his hand shall defend and vphold them : his spirit shall comfort and strengthen them : his word shall reuiue and refresh them , and ( in a word ) his grace shal be euery way sufficient for them , so that such as are not chained and fettered with their owne iniquities , and raigning sinnes , are of all other the best freemen , and the most happie and blessed people : they walke at libertie , & they keepe the precepts . let vs fall now into the hand of the lord ] that is , let god proceed with the pestilence according to his pleasure : which is called gods sword and gods hand , because this pestil̄ece proceeded immediately from him , without any second causes , whereas many other iudgements doe not so . in that he maketh choyse to fall into gods hand , the doctrine is , that gods seruants neuer finde so great fauour as with god himselfe . none can deale so fauourably with gods children as their heauenly father . he goeth as farre beyond earthly parents , as god is better then man. they , when they are prouoked , doe oftentimes cease to be mercifull : but god , when he is most incensed , is perfectly fauourable ; and when he is driuen to chastise his children , he is exceeding moderate . which is liuely expressed , hos. . . where the lord speaketh in this manner : how shall i giue thee vp ephraim ? how shall i deliuer thee israel ? how shall i make thee as admah ? how shall i set thee as zeboim ? as if he should haue told them , you haue deserued to be vtterly destroied , as sedome and gomorrah , and the cities neere adioining : but my compassion that i beare towards you will not suffer mee to doe it : mine heart is turned within me : my repentings are rowied together . man repents after hee hath done amisse , but god before , so that hee can neuer doe amisse : and therefore to manifest his infinite goodnes , and care for their preseruation , hee addeth , verse . i will not execute the fiercenesse of my wrath : i will not returne to destroy ephraim ; and the reason is added , for i am god , and not man : and therefore though a man ( if hee were so prouoked , ) would haue done his best vtterly to haue spoiled them , yet the lord would not enter into their citie , viz. for that end , but deale gratiously with them , notwithstanding all their offences . moreouer , earthly parents , when they set vpon correction with best staiednesse , doe want knowledge and discretion , and therefore giue their children too little or too much : but the lord is of such infinite wisedome , that hee euer proportioneth his chastisements to the neede of the partie , and the nature of the fault . againe , earthly parents , when they haue layde on stripes , cannot take them off againe : when they see their children weeping , and grieuing , and humbling themselues in good earnest for their offences , they wish ( but all in vaine ) that their paine were ouer , & the smart remooued : but as the lord woundeth , so can he heale ; as hee cast iob downe , so could he raise him vpagaine : and whatsoeuer our distresses be , if wee can humble our selues , and crie vnto the lord , hee is able and readie to relieue and to deliuervs . in which regard , wee should be most willing , if we must needs he corrected , to yeeld vp our selues into his hands . for there is no comparison betwixt the compassions of men , which are finite , and of gods , who is infinite . which may serue to discouer vnto vs their folly that are so farre from submitting themselues to gods chastisements , that they cannot endure his rebukes . let any man of god admonish them , and they are readie to flie in his face . what hath he to doe with me ? ( say they ) let him meddle with his owne matters . i will not take it at his hands : with many bitter speeches of that kinde , which argue in them great distemper and vexation of minde . and let a man tell them in neuer so great loue , that if they doe not amend , their sinnes will abroad to their disgrace : their friends will grieue at them , their aduersaries will reproach them , and all cry shame vpon them ; yet they will be no whit pacified , but rather enraged against the admonisher , not caring what be thought or spoken against them , so christians may not reprooue them . hence is it that men are so loath to be vnder any christian gouernment , where they must be instructed how to doe well , and rebuked if they doe not well : they will none of it : to liue in such a family or congregation where they shall be catechized , and restrained from the breach of the sabbath , and other leaud courses , they will neuer endure it ; but will chuse rather to be vnder the gouernement of antichrist , and of sathan himselfe , then of christ iesus : let their maisters be papists , cruell oppressors , as sauage tyrants as pharaoh was , they will rather dwell with them , then with godly and religious gouernours , that would vse them most kindly , and reward them most liberally for their seruice . such were the israelites . moses ( as the lord testifieth of him ) was the meekest man vpon the earth , and withall a most wise and couragious ruler : yet would they rather haue beene euery day vnder the whip in egypt , then vnder gods gracious gouernment which was executed by moses , and as these are heere to be condemned of great want of wisedome , that will not submit themselues to be admonished and ordered by the lord ; so are they also which are vnwilling to come vnder gods correcting hand , which is indeed of al other most desireable . and because the present occasion requireth it , it will not be amisse to shew that the pestilence , wherewith the lord hath now visired this nation , is a fauourable and gentle correction , and that this sword of the lord is nothing so terrible as the sword of man would be if he should cause that to be drawne out against vs : and that for these reasons : first , because heerein we may more immediately and cleerely behold gods hand , which is a meanes to draw vs to more speedy and earnest humiliation : whereas if we were pursued by the sword of men , we should be more distracted , sometimes with feares of and greese , for the enemies violence ; sometimes with hopes either of mercy from them , or of aid from others : all which do either vtterly withdraw vs from , or much hinder vs in the worke of humiliation . secondly , in the time of the pestilence the aduersaries of religion haue not such matter of insultation , as when warres are hote in the land : for then they would triumph in this or the like manner : now these forward men shall pay for it : downe they shall all the sorte of them : they were wont to brag that god would be their buckler and their shield ; their refuge , and their strong tower of defence : but what will become of them now ? thus would they insult ouer gods chosen , in the time of warre : but in the time of this sicknes , they themselues are exceedingly afraid , & euen at their wits ende , ( knowing that hell and destruction gape for them , whensoeuer death taketh hold of them : ) whereas christians are quiet , and full of peace & ioy in the holy ghost , knowing that if they die , they shall go from earth to heauen , from a place of miserie , to a palace of glorie . thirdly , this is a maruellous great mercie , that there doth still remaine the face of a church , that the gospell is preached , the sacraments administred , & the profession of the truth openly maintained : whereas if there were a forraine inuasion , or a ciuill mutinie & insurrection , the vsuall course of the minsterie , and of the exercises of religion , would be stopped , which now is not onely tollerated , but commanded . besides , now there is a continuance of the state of the common-wealth : whereas when the sword rageth in a land , the face of the honourable is not respected , the magistrates authoritie is reckoned a matter of nothing , and all lawes must giue place to the wills of violent men . againe , in the times of warre , there is an vtter subuersion of all meanes of maintenance and comfort : we cannot enioy our possessions , nor dwell in our houses , nor reape the fruits of our labours , which now ( through gods mercie ) is farre otherwise . and as for our estate , so euen for our liues and for our soules , the case is better with vs in the time of pestilence then in the time of warres : for then all our families , wiues , children , seruants , and all may bee barbarously slaine , or worse vsed before our eyes , or we before theirs : and if not so , yet they must be left to idolaters , and in danger to be vassalls of sinne and sathan : but now if death come , it is nothing so lamentable : if life bee graunted , it is nothing so dangerous : for though we be taken away , yet our friends shall remaine with the saints & seruants of god ; and they that haue bene our christian friēds , will be theirs , at least there is very great hope of their happinesse , both here , and hereafter , in regard of that liberty of the gospell which through gods goodnes is still maintained . and therefore great cause haue wee to magnifie the name of god , that when our late gracious queene was taken away , & the land must needs bee exercised with some heauie stroke or other , that hee then miraculouslie deliuered vs from the violence of the sword of man , and smote our nation with his owne sword . now when this is said to bee a fauourable stroke , we must vnderstand that it is so only vnto gods children , not to the wicked : concerning whose departure out of this world , it is saide , that hell followeth death . if they bee not reconciled vnto god , but liue and die in their sinnes , their case is fearefull . and therefore is it a iust hand of god vpon impenitent sinners , that they should bee horriblie afraid of that sicknes . no sinne , nor sathan himselfe , is so much feared of them as the pestilence , nay nor gods wrath it selfe : and therefore they care not what foule sinne they commit , whereby they are sure to incurre the lords displeasure , so their bodies may escape this plague of god. but suppose they doe escape it , if they be as full of impiety , and iniustice , and impurity , as they were wont to be , the lord hath seuen times greater plagues behinde , and his reuenging hand will be stretched out against them still . therefore let them labour to make a good vse of this , to humble themselues , and turne from their euill wayes : otherwise assuredly some greater punishment will light on their soules , or bodies , or both . verse . so the lord sent a pestilence in israel , &c. and there died of the people , from dan to beer-sheba , seuenty thousand men . ] yee heard the cause of this before ; to wit , because dauid , partly through pride , and partly through vaine confidence , had numbred the people : whence this point may be gathered , that god maketh his iudgements sutable to our sinnes . dauid was lifted vp , because hee had so many strong and valient men : therefore doth god lessen the number of them . so ( ioel , . . ) it is said , weepe & houle ye drinkers of wine , for the new wine shal be pulled from your mouth . this was a most iust correction , that they should be punished with scarcitie of drinke , seeing they had before time so wretchedly abused the same . in like sort doth the lord meete with proud men , turning their glory into shame , as wee may obserue in tyrus . isa. . . where the question is made , who hath decreed this against tyrus ( that crowneth men , ) whose merchants are princes ? whose chapmen are the nobles of the world ? and the answere is made , vers . . the lord of hosts hath decreed this , to staine the pride of all glorie , and to bring to contempt all them that be glorious in the earth . so for couetous men , they are many times brought to beggarie , according to that of the wise man , hee that maketh hast to be rich , shall surely come to pouertie . albeit they vse wonderfull diligence , and be exceeding painfull , and haue an excellent capacitie , and a deepe reach for worldly things , & seeme to want nothing that may make them prosper , yet because god is displeased with them , he brings them downe , both stripping them of their wealth , which they most affected ; and plaguing them with pouertie , which they most detested . and a cause heereof is , that he giueth men thereby to vnderstand , that he taketh knowledge of their waies , to the end they should take knowledge of his iudgements , when they see them directed so iust against their faults , and affections . and by this meanes as reprobates are left without excuse , the elect are much furthered to repentance , when their corrupt wils , their vnlawfull desires , and sinfull delights are crossed : when they behold gods visible hand , and righteous hand : when he sheweth them the nature and qualitie of their offences , by the manner and proceeding of his corrections : & that was the true cause why the lord laid this stroake on dauid at this time , rather than any other , viz : that he might more speedily and euidently see his fault , and more soundly and heartily repent for the same . which maketh for our instruction , if wee would haue comfort in any thing that we possesse , let vs vse it well : neither let our hearts deceine vs ; whether it be honour , or goods , or children , if we dote vpon them , and make gods of them , we are likely to be depriued of them : the lord can take from vs our power , the ioy of our honour , the pleasure of our eyes , and the desire of our hearts , euen our sonnes , and our daughters . when men loue to be commanders , god can take their authoritie from them : if they stand vpon their honour and reputation , he can soone make it wither and vanish : if the delights of their eyes doe content them , he can quickly remoue those from them : finally , if they set their affections immoderately vpon their children , and lift vp their soules vnto them , ( as the words are in the originall ) that is , make them the desire of their hearts , god can suddenly bereaue them of their children , or so bring it to passe , that they shall haue little comfort in them . would we then haue our houses and our children free from gods strokes , and in particular from the pestilence ( as that many pretend that they are more carefull for their children , then for themselues ; ) then let vs neuer commit any sinne to set them vp , for that is the next way to depriue vs of them : when we carry more affection to them then to the lord himselfe , we endanger our selues and them both . the lords will is , that you should in the first place serue him , and so doing , you shall make your children , not lords but kings , not of an earthly , but of an heauenly kingdome . the next thing heere briefly to be considered is [ the space ] in which these seuentie thousand men died , namely in three daies : doctrine , that when god sets in with his iudgements they shall be farre dispersed in a short time . he can cause his plagues to flie fast , and make great speed . this is prooued in the psalme , where speaking of any decree of god , it is said , he sendeth forth his commandement vpon earth , and his word runneth very swiftly . what god determineth to doe , he can doe it out of hand , when it standeth with his good pleasure . so we see how he could cause one angell to goe thorow the whole land of aegypt in one night , and to slay the first borne in euery house : and in this regard gods curse is compared to a flying booke , to note the swiftnesse of it , that it commeth as it were with two wings : but withall it is likened to a talent of lead , that sticketh fast where it fals : it maketh speed vnto the place that god appointeth , and tarrieth there where once it lighteth . furthermore we see , how quickly gods curse was scattered ouer the whole earth , when our first parents had sinned : the deformitie came not vpon the creatures by degrees , but it ouertooke them presently and out of hand . and so at the last day christ shall come in the twinckling of an eye , as to call the godly forthwith vnto glory , so to draw the wicked immediately before gods iudgement seate , to receiue present and euerlasting punishment and torment . and the reason of this is , because god at all times is in all places , and of equall power in euery place , and therefore what should hinder him from doing that euery where in the same moment , if it stand with his iustice and will , which he doth any where ? the great deluge in the time of noe , couered not one nation one yeare , and an other the next , and a long time after the rest which were farre separated asunder , but he in his wrath was present in euery country , and so were they all ouerwhelmed in few daies : and who knoweth whether it seized not vpon each of them in one day ? which maketh , for reproofe of them that thinke , if they escape one place of infection , they are safe enough . but cannot god or his angell reach them wheresoeuer they be ? though no infected person come neere them , cannot the lords hand finde them out ? yes certainely , let them climbe vp vnto heauen , or goe downe into hell , or hide themselues at the center of the earth , gods eye is still vpon them , and his hand neere vnto them : so that they can goe safe no where without gods fauour . if the pestilence were onely in india , we should as easily be infected in england , if god had a quarrell against vs , and a purpose to plague vs that way , as if we were in the midst of y e infected persons . who would haue thought the gehazi should haue beene smitten with the leprosie when his maister and he were together ? the like may be said of miriam when aaron was with her . nay who would haue thought that king vzziah should haue beene plagued with that stroke in such an holy place as the temple was , where god would haue no vncleane thing to enter ? yet when he presumptuously vsurped the high priests office , he was not spared , no not in the sanctuarie . so that this may be surely concluded , that no place can shelter a man from miserie , if sinne be harboured and entertained in his heart . verse . it is sufficient : hold thy hand . ] doctrine , that as god appointeth iudgements to be inflicted on his people , so he himselfe will see execution done . he stands by in this place , and directeth the angell how farre to proceed , and where to make an end , god would haue iacob humbled , and therefore he sent him to his vncle laban : but withall he assureth him of good successe , and for that purpose sheweth him a ladder , whereupon the angels of god went vp and downe , to signifie , that they should guide him foorth , and bring him backe in safetie : but ( for the present purpose ) withall the lord promiseth , that he would be with him , and keepe him . so psal. . . it is set downe as a great consolation vnto the saints , that the eyes of the lord are vpon the righteous . instruction , that we should labour not onely to be in ierusalem , but to be of it : and then when gods iudgements are abroad , we shall be in no danger ▪ god will command his faithfull angels to doe vs no hurt ; wherein if they should refuse to obey , they must needs become diuels , and reprobate spirits , which is impossible . let vs labour therefore to be of the number of those that mourne for the abominations of ierusalem , that so we may be saued when others are destroyed . let vs grieue for the impietie , and blasphemie , and crueltie , and impuritie that is in our land : so shall we haue a testimonie vnto our hearts , that we are ierusalem : but as for those that are babels , egyps , sodomes , whose houses are full of voluptuousnesse , pride , gluttony , drunkennesse , worldlinesse , and the like , the lord is likely to command his angell to smite at them with a ful stroke ; for where should his sword light , but vpon his enemies ? verse . and dauid spake vnto the lord , and said , behold , i haue sinned ] whereas indeed the people had provoked the lord most , yet dauid thought himselfe most guiltie , and therefore he would haue gods hand to haue beene on him , and not on the people . a good man will lay a greater burden on himselfe then on an other , and passe sentence against himselfe , rather then against another . so doth paul. christ came into the world to saue sinners , ( saith he ) of whom i am chiefe . and as for matter of guilt , so also for matter of punishment . we see in moses , that because the people were many , and he was but one , he intreated god that he might be wiped out of his booke , rather then all his people should be destroyed , but especially this point is verified in our sauiour , who , when mankind was vtterly insufficient , either to put in sureties , or to discharge their debt , did humble himselfe , to take on him the slate of a seruant , and abased himselfe , that he might bring vs vnto glory ; and endured a shamefull , and painefull , and cursed death , that he might bring vs vnto eternall life . and this commeth to passe , first , because good men are endued with that amiable grace of brotherly loue , which causeth them not so much to seeke their owne case , as the benefit of others , but to lay the more vpon themselues , that others may be the rather spared . secondly , they are adorned with that admirable vertue of christian humilitie , which directeth their eyes to other mens graces , and their owne corruptions : they hope the best of that which is in their brethren , and finde out the worst of that which is in themselues . this serueth , first , for reproofe of those that are readie to shift off all from themselues , and though they be wholy , or most in fault , yet will lay the blame altogether on others . heere also are those hypocrites to be reprehended , that will lay heauie burdens , and require strict obedience of others , especially of ministers , and yet they themselues make no conscience of any sinne , be it neuer so contrarie to the lawes of god , or of man. others there are also , that may iustly come vnder this reproofe , that care not who want , so they haue plentie ; nor who hunger , so they haue sufficient ; nor who sinke , so they swimme ; though it be by thrusting others vnder water . secondly , this is for consolation to them that can goe from their owne commoditie , and ease , & credit , so god may haue glory , and his people good : they are of the same spirit that moses , and dauid , and paul were , and therefore their reward in heauen , and their praise on earth , shall be sutable . mercifull men lost nothing : if nehemiah had gotten together all the money in that country , and had attained to be king of persia , he could not haue procured himselfe so much true honour , as he did by not taking all the stipend that he might haue done , being a man of his place , and by entertaining a great many that were in want at his table , which he needed not to haue done : and besides the good and deserued estimation that he got , he could with comfort ( and so may all that are like him ) intreate the lord to remember him in goodnesse : which the lord neuer failed to do . the end of the secoud sermon . the third sermon . psalme . . . verse . helpe lord , for there is not a godly man left ▪ for the faithfull are failed from among the children of men . . they speake deceitfully euery one with his neighbour , flattering with their lips , and speake with a double heart . these words containe in them a prayer of dauid , when hee himselfe was pursued by saul , and the church of god was in great distresse : when his friendes withdrew themselues from him , and fewe continued in that holie profession of gods name , which formerly they had made . now in this prayer of his , wee may obserue . first a petition , helpe lord ; seeing mens helpe failed , and their power was bent against equitie and iustice , which should haue vpheld & maintained it , therefore hee appeales to an higher power , and intreateth reliefe and succour from the lord. . secondly , a complaint , and that . of the decay of good men , and of goodnes in them , there is not a godly man left , &c. ] whereas superiours should haue ministred refreshing vnto the distressed , or at least inferiours borne a burden with them , they were now taken away , when there was greatest need of them : not that there were no good men at all ( for gad , and nathan , and ionathan , were now in the church ) but in comparison of the aduerse part , they were so fewe , that they did scarce appeare to be any at all . . of the deceitfulnes of bad men , they speake deceitfully euery one with his neighbour , &c : that is , euery one of the contrarie side , was full of craft and cunning , vsing faire words , but intending much mischiefe : speaking with a heart and a heart ( as the prophet saith ) that is , a heart that made shew of one thing , but meant the quite contrary ; seeming to be for dauid , when in truth they plotted against him . helpe lord ] here we see his refuge , he betaken himselfe vnto god , when he is forsaken of men , whence obserue this doctrine , that , although all humane helpes and earthly friends doe faile gods people , yet they are not helplesse , nor hopelesse . albeit in regard of mans assistance , they be vtterly destitute , yet the lord will be euer with them , and alwaies stand for them . dauids argument here is not this , lord helpe : for there be many that will ioyne with thee : but this , lord helpe , for there is none else that will helpe : so that our case is not according to mens affections towards vs , but according to gods loue vnto vs. this is euident in the prophecy of micha , where it is shewed , that friends failed : neither did they faile one man alone , but the whole church ; good men were perished out of the earth , and there was none righteous among men , &c : but the best of them was a briar , and the most rightteous of them sharper than a throne hedge : yet the church is not quite dismaid , but resolueth to fly vnto the lord for succour . therefore will i looke vnto the lord ; i will waite for god my sauiour : my god will heare me , though good men were dead and gone , and hypocrites did put on their shape and likenesse , that they might more freely practise mischiefe . yet the people of god determine with themselues not to cast off all hope , but to relie vpon the lord , and though he delay to helpe them for a time , yet they will waite vpon him , knowing that at length he will deale graciously with them . and for the further confirmation of this point , we haue the example of christ iesus himselfe , who being grieuously perplexed and troubled within and without , and on euery side , vseth this argument vnto his father ; be not farre from me , because trouble is neare , for there is none to help me . and this is vsuall with god , to relieue his people in extremities : and therefore when no man calleth for iustice , no man contendeth for the truth , &c. then he himselfe wil take the matter into his hand , & he wil saue & deliuer his seruants as the prophet isaiah witnesseth . and the reasons hereof are these . first , though all men doe forsake vs , yet gods power is no whit diminished thereby : and therefore that is a worthy speech of faith in ionathan , that it is not hard to the lord to saue with many or with few : and in asa , who saith , it is nothing to thee to helpe with many , or with no power . they knew that though they had few , or none at all on their side , they were in as good case as if they had many millions , if god were on their side : for all power in his , and that which men haue , is but borrowed from him : and though he sometimes vse them , it is not because he needs them : for who did helpe him in making of the heauens and of the earth , and of al the creatures in them both ? and what assistance hath he now in sustaining , and vpholding of the same ? now if he neuer needed the aid of any creature in these greatest workes of creation and preseruation , surely he wanteth not the helpe of men in matters of smaller importance . secondly , gods mercy is no more lessened then his power is , by mens withdrawing of themselues from vs , he loues his people when they haue no friends , as well as when they haue many friends ; nay he manifesteth his loue more at such times : for in him the fatherlesse findeth mercy . and then doth he exercise the bowels of his cōpassion , whē men shew little or no cōpassion at all . when we see children to haue rich and mercifull parents to prouide for them , we doe not much pitie them : but as for those that are fatherlesse and friendlesse , that are hungry & naked , and altogether destitute of reliefe , we tender their case , and are ready to releeue them . can we carrie such an affection towards other mens children that are distressed and helplesse , and will not the lord our god haue a greater care of his owne children in the like case ? will he leaue them because men haue forsaken them ? no surely . but when they are in distresses and straits , and that through their owne foolishnesse and disobedience , if they humble themselues , and cry vnto him , he will deliuer them , though men dare not , or will not speake , or deale for them . thirdly , when gods seruants are left destitute , their faith is much exercised and increased : and then we alwaies speed best , when we beleeue best , so long as we haue helpe about vs , we doe not so much set our faith a worke , as our carnall reason and sense , and so pray not at all , or very coldly : but when we are desolate and forsaken , and those that should be most for vs are against vs , then we begin to lift vp our hearts to heauen , and to cast our selues vpon gods prouidence and goodnesse , and to vse the weapons of the spirit , and not of the flesh : this is plaine in dauids example , who being in great danger in the caue , did at first looke about him , for helpe on this side , and on that : but seeing that all refuge failed him , what did he ? i cried vnto thee ô lord ( saith he ) saying , thou art mine hope , and my portion in the land of the liuing . fourthly , in such times of difficultie , gods glorious hand is more apparantly seene , and so all the honour is ascribed vnto him . if moses had brought the israelites out of aegipt by force of armes , being aided with two or three millions of souldiers , much of the praise would haue bene giuen vnto them : but when moses was naked and altogether destitute of any power of man , the lords mightie arme was more cleerely seene in the deliuerance of his people , and the subuersion of their enemies , and that worke of his , hath bene , is , and shall be memorable in all ages . so also , hezekiahs sicknesse had beene such as anie physitian could haue cured , his recouerie should neuer haue beene recorded in gods booke , as not making so much for his glorie : but when the prolonging of his life was as much as the giuing of a second life , then notice of it was taken and giuen by the holie ghost , to the euerlasting honour of gods name . and as it was then , so is it yet still , and euer shall be to the end of the world : the greater the extremities and necessities of the saints bee , wherein god doeth relieue them , and out of which hee doth deliuer them , the more will it be for the magnifying of his omnipotencie , and of his tender mercie therein expressed . this serueth , . first , for the confutation of their foolish conceit and expectation , who seeing mighty aduersaries against the church , and fewe or no friends to interpose themselues , presently conclude , that their case is desperate : downe they must : they are vtterly vndone : and so they begin to forecast in their mindes the manner of their ouerthrow , & the forme of their lamētation , when they shall bee thus and thus handled . but these men , for all their deepe reach , may bee deceiued ; for all their conclusions are grounded on men : they doe not consider what god may doe , as wee see in dauids enemies , who perceiuing that manie did band themselues together , and rise vp against him ; concluded , that there was no helpe for him in god , but what sayes dauid ? lorde , thou art a buckler for mee , my glorie , and the lifter vp of my head . and in another psalme , mine enemies ( saith hee ) speake of mee , saying , god hath forsaken him : pursue & take him , for there is none to deliuer him . these speeches ( no doubt ) pierced dauids soule : but doth hee make the same conclusion ? no , hee is farre from that ; hee rather layeth faster hold on god , seeing cruell men to be so violently bent against him . goe not farre from mee , o god ( saith hee ) my god haste thee to helpe mee : let them be confounded and consumed , that are against my soule , &c. indeede if mens opposing of themselues against him , could haue kept him from complaining vnto god , or god from giuing eare vnto him , his case had bene very lamentable : but seeing that was impossible , whatsoeuer they imagined , there was safety enough for dauid , and so is there still for all the elect of god. secondly , this is for instruction , that seeing by how much lesse helpe we haue from men , so much the more we shall haue from god ; therefore we should deale earnestly with the lord in our distresses , and wrestle with him as iacob did , when his brother esau came with foure hundred men against him : hee was vnable to encounter him , and therefore hee encountreth the lord himselfe by prayers and teares ; and that which was his refuge , must bee ours , and then wee shall haue peace and safetie : if once wee can lay hand-fast on god , ( as wee may in our houses , in our chambers , in our beds , in the night , or in the day ) then our case is good , wee shall be protected from all the violent rage of the wicked ; so that none of the sonnes of violence shal be able to touch vs for our hurt : and therefore herein let vs take comfort , that though men forsake vs , and our neerest friends reiect vs , yet the lorde will gather vs vp , and prouide sufficiently for vs , as he did for dauid : neither can mens perswasions withdrawe his compassion from vs , nor mens threatnings terrifie him from releeuing of vs , for there is not a godly man left , &c. from this lamentable complaint of his , ariseth this doctrine , that no outward thing comes neerer the hearts of god children , then the decay of good men . it much troubleth the soules of godly men , to see a small number of christians . hence proceedeth that lamentation of the prophet micah : woe is me , for i am as the summer gatherings , &c : or , i am in case , as in the destruction of the summer fruites : as in hoseah it is said , the fishes of the sea shall be gathered : that is , destroyed : and that this is the sense , it appeareth in the words following , when it is said , there is no cluster to eate : my soule desired the first ripe fruites : that is , i am as one that hath a feruent longing for them , and yet can get none of them ; and what is the reason of this his lamentation ? the good man ( saith hee ) is perished out of the earth , and there is none righteous among men , &c. so that the effect of those words is thus much : that looke how worldlings would grieue , if they should see their grapes and figges ( which were speciall commodities in those countreys ) to faile , and their expectation that way to bee vtterly frustrate ; so , and much more bitterly did the prophet bewaile the losse of good & righteous men . that was it also that did so pierce the heart of elias , lorde ( saith he ) the children of israel haue forsaken thy couenant , broken down thy altars , & slaine thy propeets with the sword , and i onely am left , and they seeke my life , to take it away . which losse of the prophets was so grieuous vnto him , that hee had no pleasure in his owne life ; and therefore hee intreateth the lord to take away his soule . in which regard whē the lord would comfort him , he vseth a fit remedie for his disease : for whereas his griefe was that there were no godly men left , but all were declined to idolatrie , he telleth him that he had reserued to himselfe seuen thousand , that had not bowed the knee vnto baal . yet further it may appeare what a matter of heauinesse the losse of good men is vnto those that are good themselues , by that speech of dauid , who saith , all my delight is in the saints : for if they be his chiefe delight , then the want of them must needs be an occasion of very great anguish vnto him : as is euident that it was ▪ psalm . . . when he remembred how he had gone with the multitude , and had beene as a captaine to leade them vnto the house of god , which then he could not doe : this cast him into wonderfull griefe , so that he poured out his teares , yea and his very heart , as he there speaketh , being in such extremitie of sorrow , that he is faine to restraine himselfe , why art thou cast downe my soule ( saith he ) and why art thou disquieted within me ? &c : yet godly men were not quite abolished at this time , but dauid , onely taken from them : and he knew that he should come againe vnto them at length , and that they should be his flocke : if then he were so farre cast downe for that he might not be with them , what griefe would he haue conceiued if they had vtterly beene cut off , and ceased to be any longer ? now the reasons why the decay of gods people is and should be such an heart-breaking vnto the rest of the saints , are these : first , because the glory of god is precious vnto them , which is much hindered and obserued when his seruants are diminished : for then there is lesse seruice done vnto him in publike and priuate : there are fewer praiers and praises offered vp vnto him , fewer religious exercises in vse amongst men , and fewer workes of mercy performed vnto the needie and distressed . and if the decay of good souldiers and of loyall subiects in any kingdome must needs be a matter of griefe to those that loue and seeke the honour of their king ; then can it not but goe neere the hearts of the godly , when they perceiue the souldiers and subiects of christ to goe to wracke . secondly , in regard of themselues they are mooued heere at , as being fellow members with them : for when the godly perish , they are as it were a maimed body . they haue fewer friends and fellow-helpers , fewer to pray with them and for them , fewer to reprooue , exhort , and comfort them , and in a word , fewer to whom they may doe good , and from whom they may receiue good . thirdly , in respect of the publike losse , they mourne for the decay of the righteous : for when multitudes of all nations , and of all sorts of people , doe know the waies of god , and praise the name of god , then ( as the prophet saith ) the earth shall bring foorth her increase , and god euen our god shall blesse vs. if there be but ten righteous men and women in a citie , or some few in a whole country , all the rest shall speed the better for their sakes : how much more then if there be multitudes of them ? what a griefe therefore must it needs be to the wise and godly , when these props and pillars of the church and common-wealth are taken away ? which serueth , first , for the iust reproofe of those that doe carrie a deadly enmitie against the multitude of christians that now are , and doe much grieue that there should be so many that resort vnto the word in publike , that read it in priuate , that haue praier and singing of psalmes in their families , &c. they grudge and murmur at it , as if some conspiracie or mutinie against the state were towards , and as if the good of mens soules , and the peace of the common-wealth could not stand together . these are of another spirit then dauid was , who lamented that there were so few such : and these are indeed vtter enemies vnto god , who esteemes his people to be his chiefe treasure vnder heauen : and therefore they shall beare their iudgement , whosoeuer they be that doe thus malice the seruants of god , and endeuour to peruert them , or to diminish the number of them . secondly , heere is matter of cōfort for thē that are of the same disposition that dauid was , that cry night and day , helpe , lord , for the godly perish , &c. & that labour with god , by fasting , and weeping , & praying , that he would vphold the state of his church . if the praier of dauid , being but one man , were effectuall for the continuing of gods people , how much more forcible shall the requests of many thousands be , who doe vncessantly intreate the lord with great earnestnesse to be fauourable vnto sion , and to build vp the walles of ierusalem , to saue his chosen , and defend his owne heritage against the malicious plots and practises of all their enemies . they speake deceitfully euery one with his neighbour . ] heere he sheweth what manner of enemies were against him : not such as would professe themselues open aduersaries , ( for though he had many such , yet heere he dealeth not against them ) but such as would make shew of good will , whereas indeed there was in them nothing lesse , now in that his chiefe complaint is against them , the doctrine is , that deceitfull friends are worse then open and apparant foes . dauid had diuers professed enemies , as saul , and such as were neere him : yet none of their practises went so neere his heart , as these mens that would pretend to be friendly vnto him . to this purpose it is said by salomon , that the wounds of a louer are faithfull , and the kisses of an enemie are to be praied against : ( for so the words must be read ) when a faithfull friend doth rebuke vs , and seeke to wound our hearts for sinne , that is exceeding profitable for vs : but when an enemie vnder pretence of loue ( whereof by kissing they then made shew ) doth come against vs , and seeke to vndermine vs , that is exceeding dangerous , and the hurt there of much to be praied against . the waters that runne smoothly and mildly are commonly most deepe and dangerous , whereas that which roares is more shallow and safe . the reasons of this doctrine are , first , that such craftie foxes doe more easily come within a man , and sooner deceiue him . an open enemie commeth as it were before ones face , and so his blowes may be better warded off : but a false friend commeth behind ones backe , and fasteneth a deadly blow ere a man be aware : and therefore ioab , when he would speed abner and amasa , did not bid open defiance vnto them , but ( being therein more crafty and subtill , then either godly or manly ) gaue them kind salutations , and , vnder pretence of loue , most cruelly murdered them both . and as it is for the outward man , so is it also for the soule . the most dangerous temptations are those that proceed from fained friends vnder the colour of loue , and desire of our good . if sathan had come vnto eue , and told her , i charge you eat of the tree in the midst of the garden , & whatsoeuer the danger be , stand not vpon that , for i will haue your husband and you to be damned , she would neuer haue hearkened vnto him : but when he perswaded her , that he was her friend , and meant her good , namely , that by eating thereof she might be made like vnto god himselfe , knowing both good and euill , then was she ouertaken by him , and so being ouercome her selfe , she became the instrument of the diuell , to deceiue her husband in like sort . and so it is with many , that haue held out well against raging and violent temptations , and yet haue beene foulely drawne aside , and shamefully foiled by milder temptations , vnto profit , or pleasure , or credit . secondly , the false dealing of such counterfeit friends , doth much more afflict the heart of a man , then any iniurious actions of manifest aduersaries : as we may see in that psalme of dauid , where he saith , surely mine enemie did not defame me , for i could haue borne it , &c. but it was thou ô man , euen my companion , my guide , and my familiar , &c. when his words were smooth , and softer then butter , and yet prooued deceitfull , they went thorow his heart euen as swords : and this was iust vpon him , because he had dealt in that sort with his faithfull subiect vriah . seeming to fauour him by imploying him in speciall seruices , when he went about to take away his life , that be might couer his owne iniquities . first , therefore let this instruct vs to take another course : if we haue inward dislike , let vs professe it : if we carry a louing affection , let vs make shew of it , and loue not in word alone , but in deed , as the apostle exhorteth . especially let us looke vnto this in matters betwixt god and vs : let vs not play the hypocrites with him , pretending a loue vnto the church of god , and to the word of god , when there is no such matter ; and drawing neere vnto him with our lips , when our hearts are farre from him : for in so doing we shall offer great iniury vnto the lord , and doe more hurt at length then those that are profest papists or atheists : for such as flatter with their lips , and dissemble with a double heart in things that concerne the holy religion of god , if any persecution come , will quite renounce their profession , and betray the cause of god , and grieue the seruants of god , and harden the hearts , and open the blasphemous mouthes of the enemies of god , and make many to fall by their reuolting and backsliding . therefore let euery one that taketh vpon him the profession of christianitie , be a true , & not a fained friend of the same ; and bring a faithfull , and not a guilefull heart thereunto ; that the lord may witnesse for him , that he doth heartily and vnfainedly seeke him . secondly , let vs hence learne this point of wisedome , neuer to trust those too farre , of whose faithfulnesse we haue any iust suspition : be they neuer so neere vnto vs , let vs not open our selues vnto them , but keepe them at armes end . this is the aduice of the holy ghost : let eurey man take heed of his neighbour , and trust not any brother : ( viz. that is not sound hearted ) for euery brother will vse deceit , and euery friend will deale deceitfully , &c. for they haue taught their tongues to speake lies : they haue exercised the trade of vsing faire words , when there is within them nothing else but falshood and deceit . and the like exhortation we may read in the . of micah . thirdly , this is for our consolation , when we finde such hollow hearted hypocrites and deceiuers : we should not be dismaied because there are so few whom we may trust and giue credit vnto , for it is no strange matter : there haue beene such heeretofore , and they haue been discouered : god hath hearkened vnto the praiers of his seruants , and giuen them wisedome to discerne of them , and so will he doe still , so that they shall bring no annoyance vnto his people , whatsoeuer they intend against them . finis . the fourth sermon . psalm . . ver. . . . the lord cut off all flattering lippes , and the tongue that speaketh proud things . . which haue saide , with our tongue wee will preuaile : our lips are our owne , who is lord ouer vs ? in the two former verses it set downe the petition that dauid made vnto god for helpe , and his complaint that he put vp concerning the decay of good and righteous men , and the deceitfulnes of vngodly and vnrighteous men . now in these verses is set forth an other part of his prayer , to wit , an imprecation ; the lord cut off , &c : wherein hee doth by the spirit of prophesie , and according to the analogie of faith , denounce iudgement against gods and his enemies , to the end he might comfort himselfe , and refresh his hart with hope that good men should bee recouered , and wicked men confounded . and as for this curse , we must vnderstand that it is not vttered in bitternes , but in zeale , and with warrant from gods owne spirit ; and this is directed , . first against deceitfull persons , who are called flatterers : the lord cut off the flattering lips . . secondly , against proud persons , who are described : . in generall by their speech , that they speake proud things , verse . more particularly , that they say , with our tongue wee will preuaile . vers . . as if they should haue said , looke what wee aske , we will obtaine it : looke what we threaten , wee will performe it : looke what we set downe , that shall come to passe . but it might be said vnto them , you speake presumptuously , and vtter words that doe not beseeme you . they answere , our tongues are our owne : as if they should say , who dare be so audacious as to controle vs ? we will speake what we list , in despite of them all . but some might say , though you set so light by men , you must know that there is one higher then you : what if the lord should take the matter into his hand ? to that they answere . who is lorde ouer vs ? they thinke they may blaspheme god , & reuile his seruants , and speake what they list , and yet none shall haue to doe with them for it . the lord cut off all flattering lips . ] whereby are vnderstood , the most dangerous and subtill deceiuers , who vnder pretence of friendship , doe seeke a mans vtter ouerthrow . now in that the prophet prayeth against such as doe so cunningly carry their matters , that they will appeare to loue , where they hate with a deadly hatred , and in praying doth shew , not only what is his wish , but what is gods purpose , viz. that the lord will cut off the flattering lips : hence this doctrine may be gathered , that , the more skillfully and artificially anie coutriues his euill purposes , the more fearefull destruction shall fall vpon him . the more fraudulent a deceiuer anie one is , the more heauy shall the hand of god be vpon him , to crosse and contrarie him , and to bring him to such straits , that hee shall not for shame open his mouth againe to speake as he hath done : and this is to haue his tongue cut out , as it were , as is threatned in this place . flatterers haue a certaine kinde of dexterity in their enterprises , that they will not be seene to be brochers of those things whereof they afterwards become practisers : but they speed neuer the better , but a great deale the worse for that . therefore doth dauid conclude , that god would certainely destroy doeg , because hee was a skilfull worke-man , and as it were a tradesman in mischiefe : he could flatter dauid , that he wisheth him well , and was sorry for his troubles , and would be ready to befriend him in any thing he could : but when saul complaines how hardly he was dealt with , in that no body would discouer vnto him the treacheries of dauid , deog changeth his tune , and falleth to accuse dauid , and most iniuriously chargeth abimelech to haue conspired with him : and for all this , he ( no doubt ) would haue goodly pretences : as , that dutie bound him to speake as he did : he respected the kings honour and safety , and certainely things were not well , but some mischiefe was a working ; for he saw the sonne of ishai come vnto abimelech , who gaue him a sword , and asked counsell of the lord for him , and ministred food vnto him , and to those that were with him , and that extraordinary food too , euen the shew-bread : in which regard , he , as a loyall subiect , must needs aduertise saul , to take heed , and to looke well to himselfe , that so he might preuent all imminent dangers . so in the prophecie of ieremie , this is set downe as one cause of the vtter subuersion of the iewes , that they were wise to doe euill , but had no knowledge to doe well . they wanted not ordinarie capacitie , ( which had beene one degree of happinesse vnto them , for then god would haue shewed them greater compassion ) but they wanted grace to vse it well , and had cunning heads to plot mischiefe , and therefore doth the lord threaten iudgement against them . and in another place he saith , that they had taught their tongues to speake lies . and what followeth ? therefore thus saith the lord of hosts , behold , i will melt them , &c. shall not i visit them for this , saith the lord ? or shall not my soule be auenged on such a nation as this ? their tongues were too much inclined to lies of their owne accord , so that they needed not to be taught that language : yet did they set their tongues to schoole , as it were , that they might be artificiall in their leaud practises , & carry out their lies vnder a colour of truth , and so sinne with lesse disgrace : which was a thing that the lord could not abide , and therefore he threatneth to plague them therefore . and good reason is there that it should be so : for first , such persons are extreamely hurtfull . neuer is euill practised with such mischiefe , as when it is contriued by craft , and polished with deceit . the apostles were neuer so troubled in dealing either with the idolatrous gentiles , or with the superstitious and malicious iewes , as they were when they had to doe with those that pretended to be christians , to be ministers of the gospell , yea to be apostles : and therefore paul expostulateth the matter with the galathians , saying , o foolish galathians , who hath bewitched you ? &c. as if he should haue said , no man could deale so dangerously as these false teachers , who haue as it were charmed your affections , and bewitched your mindes . and in the epistle to the corinthians , he greatly complaineth of such deceiuers : i am iealous ouer you with a godly iealousie : for i haue prepared you for one husband , to present you as a pure virgin to christ. but i feare lest as the serpent beguiled eue through his subtiltie , so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicitie that is in christ. for such false apostles are deceitfull workers , and transforme themselues into the apostles of christ. and no maruell , for sathan himselfe is transformed into an angell of light . therefore it is no great thing though his ministers transforme themselues , as though they were the ministers of righteousnes . paul had taken great paines to make a match betwixt christ and them , and to fit them for such a glorious husband : but he was much afraide lest it would be broken , in regard of manie of them , and that as the diuell deceiued eue , so the false apostles would deceiue them , and that by transforming themselues into the apostles of christ , making shew ( as the diuell doth , ) of the greatest loue and care of their good , and of their eternall saluation : when the truth was , they intended no such thing , but onely the seruing of themselues , in their carnall credit and commoditie . secondly , albeit such kinde of persons doe worke much mischiefe , yet they seldome passe vnder the censure of men for the same , and therefore it stands the lord vpon to rebuke and punish them ; nay , they are so farre from being condemned by men , that they haue great thankes many times , for their wise counsell and good aduice ( though it be most vile and diuellish , ) in incensing mens mindes against such as haue wronged them , and putting it into their heads how they may bee auenged of them ; which is a thing most detestable before god , and therefore shall not goe vnpunished . thirdly , their hearts are maruellously hardened : for when they can fetch ouer men according as they list , they intertaine an opinion of singular witte and vnderstanding , & of a deepe reach in themselues , and so begin to contemne others , and will not admit of a reproofe or admonition from any : and therefore being growen to this height of pride , and this exceeding hardnesse of heart , they are the more fit for gods iudgements to be executed vpon them . fourthly , gods wisedome is much magnified by proceeding against such : they are fit aduersaries for him , who scattereth the deuices of the craftie , so that their handes cannot accomplish that which they enterprise , ( as iob speaketh ) and that taketh the crafty in their craftinesse , causing those that are cunning hunters and fowlers , to fall into the pit that they haue digged for others , and to be insnared in the works of their owne handes ; so that when they goe about to take others , it falleth out by the righteous and wise prouidence of god , that they are taken themselues . sith it is so dangerous to haue a crafty and cunning head , closely to plot and contriue mischiefe , let this admonish vs to beware of that vice : for assuredly , it will bring shame vpon the fauourers thereof . the wise man saith , hee that imagineth to doe euill , men shall call him an authour of wickednesse . all men shall point at such a one , there goeth a crafty fellow , a subtill foxe , &c : so that the name of a vagrant is not more odious then his : euery one hath such in detestation , euen the most contemptible of the people : doe you see yonder man ? ( will they say ) he is a perillous fellow , able to set a thousand together by the eares ; if any haue an euill cause , hee is a man for his turne : let him make him his soliciter , and hee will goe as farre as diuellish and craftie wit can reach . and as it is a blemish to the name , so it is the bane of ones estate to bee a fraudulent dealer . the bread of deceit ( saith salomon ) is sweete to a man , but after-terward his mouth shall be filled with grauell . howsoeuer deceitfull persons doe snatch heere and there , and get much from others , yet few of them thriue , but the curse of god lighting vpon that which they haue , makes hauocke of all . and therefore as wee tender our estimation and good estate in the world , let vs beware of such practises . secondly , let vs hence learne , not to be discouraged at crafty aduersaries , that haue winding wits , & plotting heads , and flattering tongues , and acceptance with great ones , euen as they would wish : let vs not bee dismayed heereat , but let this be our comfort , when they fawne , and flatter , and lie , and traduce vs most shamefully , that the lord will cut off the lying lips . grant that we haue not libertie or skill to encounter them , yet the lord hath : there is no wisedome , nor vnderstanding , nor counsell against him : that is , none of these shall take any effect against him : and therefore the psalmist saith , the lord breaketh the counsell of the heathen , and bringeth to nought the deuices of the people . though all the wisedome of all the nations in the earth were laide together , yet god would bring all their consultations to nothing if they made against him . when achitophel fell from dauid to take part with absolon , it much troubled dauid , for his words were as oracles , and none could speake more in matters of policie then he , and he knew all dauids heart , and the state of the whole kingdome , and therefore he turneth himselfe vnto god : o lord ( saith he ) i pray thee turne the counsell of achitophel into foolishnesse : and god heard his request , and did so , insomuch that no creature could deale more foolishly for the procuring of his owne euerlasting woe and shame , then he did in hanging himselfe . the diuell is still labouring to worke mischiefe , and he wants not craft nor subtiltie , besides the experience that he hath had from the beginning of the world hitherunto : yet for all this , he hath neuer beene , nor shall be able to procure the ouerthrow of one of gods elect . the church hath beene nothing the worse , though he haue beene still warring against it . and why is this , but because gods wisedome is infinitly beyond all the subtilty of the diuell ? and what cause haue we then to feare crafty men , seeing their captaine hath had no better successe , and seeing that the lord hath a quarrell against them as well as against their head ? and the tongue that speaketh proud things . ] in that the prophet denounceth iudgement against such kinde of persons , the doctrine is , that the more wicked men boast of their mischieuous intents , the neerer mischiefe is vnto them . when they bragge most how well the world goes with them , and what hope they haue of effecting their badde purposes , some great euill is euen at their doores . when men boast in their talke , and swords are in their lips ( as dauid speaketh ) then the lord will haue them in derision , and laugh at their destruction . when they fall to bragging , god fals to laughing : and when their swords are drawne out against others , the lords hand is stretched out against them . whē pharaoh in the pride of his heart said , who is the lord ? god made him know who he was . and when the enemie said , i will pursue , i will ouertake them , ( meaning the israelites ) i will diuide the spoile , &c : then the lord set in against them , and made the sea to couer them , so that they sanke as lead in the mighty waters . so when saneherib insulted against god , and against his people , and bragged what his forefathers and himselfe had done , and what now he would doe , if they would not yeeld vp the citie and themselues into his hands , then did the lord put a hooke into his nostrils , and a bridle into his lips , & brought him backe againe the same way he came , and caused him to fall by the hands of his owne sonnes . and the reasons why it must needs be so , are these : first , when vngodly men do most vaunt of their malicious intents against gods people , then is the lords compassion most stirred towards them : euen as it is with earthly parents , when any one threatens their children , that if hee take them , hee will knocke out their braines ; this will cause them to prouide for the safetie of their children , and that such leaud persons bee punished and restrained . this was dauids comfort against doeg : why boastest thou thy selfe in thy wickednes , ô man of power ? ( saith hee ) the louing kindnesse of god endureth daily . if the stocke of gods goodnes were all spent , then his children had reason to hang downe their heads : but seeing that is , and will be as much still as euer it was , they neede not feare the insultations of their wicked aduersaries . secondly , at such times gods seruants begin to looke about them : when their enemies speake of wonders that they will worke against them , then they are wakened , and stirred vp to crie vnto the lord , as in the . psalme , o lord god the auenger ! o lord god the auenger ! shew thy selfe cleerly . and why are they so instant and earnest with god ? the reason is yeelded , verse . the wicked prate and speake fiercely : all the workers of iniquitie vaunt themselues . as if they should say , lorde , if euer thou wilt awake and stand vp for our defense , now doe it , when vngodlie men doe so insult and triumph ouer vs. thirdly , such proud persons doe bid defiance to the lord himselfe , and therefore hee hath a quarrell against them . all the proud [ in heart ] are an abomination vnto him . but if their pride appeare in a more notorious manner in their tongues , and in their behauiour , they are much more hatefull vnto him : for in making boast of their owne hearts desire , they doe contemne the lord ; and in speaking against the church , they set their tongues against heauen it selfe , as the prophet speaketh . which point thus prooued , ministreth vnto vs , first , an vse of instruction , that seeing the lord is so incensed against proud boasters , therefore wee should containe our selues within the compasse of modestie , and neuer boast at all , but let others mouthes , and our owne workes , and gods voice at the last day praise vs , and not our owne lips : but especially let vs take heede of vaunting our selues against the people of god , and against the maiestie of god himselfe ; for that will least of all be endured , secondy , here is an vse of consolation against all the insultations of malicious enemies : if wee can with patience and modestie endure , and stand it out for a while , not returning like for like , nor vsing any sharpnes and bitternesse against them , we shall see that the lord will cut them off . if a man had knowne the day before , what should haue befallen haman , notwithstanding all his boasting of his greatnes , and of his honour , and of that fauour which hee had with the king , and of all the euill that hee intended against the iewes , and against mordecai especially ; if ( i say ) a man had knowen before hand what should haue befallen him , would it not haue made him laugh at his pride and follie ? yes certainely : and yet the case of all boasters against gods church is little or better then his . and if we could with the eye of faith behold gods purpose concerning their ruine and ouerthrow , all their bragging would seeme vnto vs , and it is indeed , euen exceeding ridiculous . and this in particular should comfort vs against the blasphemies of the church of rome , and against all her insultations ouer the saints : for the lord hath set downe her sentence : in as much as she gloried her selfe , so much giue ye her torment and sorrow : for she saith in her heart , i sit being a queene , and am no widow , and shall see no mourning . but what saith god ? therefore shall her plagues come at one day , death , & sorrow , & famine , and she shal be burnt with fire , &c. verse . with our tongues wee will preuaile : our lips are our owne ] in that they are heere found fault with for thus speaking , because they affirme that which is directly contrary to the truth , the point hence to bee obserued is , that no man hath the royaltie of his owne tongue , nor the ordering of his owne speech . euery mans tongue is in gods hand , and his wordes at gods disposing , hee is lord ouer all mens , tongues ; which will euidently appeare by this , that first , men cannot speake what they would , but what the lord will , according to that of salomon : the preparations of the heart are in man : that is , a man determineth and prepareth what to vtter : but the answer of the tongue is of the lord. as who should say , when a man hath done so , yet he shall speake , not what he himselfe intended , but what god hath decreed ; as is plaine in balaam , who came with a purpose to curse , and if the lord had permitted him , he would haue vomited out horrible imprecations against the israelites ; for that would haue made for his credit and commoditie : but notwithstanding his intent , the lord made him to blesse his people in stead of cursing them . and so saul , he would haue all men know that dauid was a traitor , and therefore he pursued him , to bereaue him of his life : yet when he met with him , he had no power so much as to rate him , or to rebuke him ; but on the contrarie part , is driuen to iustifie him : o my sonne dauid ( saith he ) thou art more righteous then i. and this we may obserue in our owne experience , that oftentimes men , contrary to their mindes , doe vtter things which doe exceedingly grieue them , and bury other things in silence , the speaking whereof might haue beene very behoouefull vnto them : whence do arise these and the like speeches , how was i ouerseene in that which i said ? what an aduntage did i lose at such a time ? which doth plainly prooue , that god hath the disposing of mens tongues . secondly , god hath giuen lawes for the tongue , how it should be ruled , that men should not speake blasphemously , nor filthily , nor bitterly : whence it may be concluded , that it is gods subiect ; for princes make statutes for none but for their owne subiects . thirdly , the successe and euent of mens speeches is according to gods pleasure . they say , with our tongues we will preuaile ; yet doe they not preuaile : for whereas they forespeake others destruction , the wise man saith , a fooles mouth is his owne destruction . and whereas they say triumphingly , sion shall be condemned , and our eye shall looke vpon sion , they know not the lords counsell , to wit , that they themselues shall be gathered as sheaues into the barne ▪ to be threshed & beatē in pieces by gods people . fourthly , god will plague wicked men , as well as reward godly men for their speeches . by thy wordes thou shalt be iustified , ( saith our sauiour ) and by thy wordes thou shalt be condemned : and , wee must render an account for euery idle word : which euidently sheweth , that god hath the soueraigntie of mens tongues . now seeing that the lorde hath the gouernement thereof , this serueth first , to teach vs , that therfore wee should craue assistance from him for the well ordering of the same . euen as that holy prophet doth , where he saith , set a watch ô lord before my mouth , and keepe the doore of my lips : god will haue the ordering of them by his prouidence , whether we will or not : but by his grace hee will not guide them , vnles we sue vnto him in that behalfe : therefore let vs beseech him so to sanctifie & purifie our harts , that out of the abundance thereof , our tongues may speake vnto his praise , and to our owne , and others edification . secondly , that we should not be afraid of performing any good dutie , in regard of mens tongues ; for though they threaten , and raile , and slander , and traduce vs , yet they shall not hurt vs , for god will hide vs from the scourge of the tongue , so that no such weapons shall preuaile against vs : for the lord made the tongue , and the men themselues that speake therewith ; and there is no voice , nor sound that proceedeth out of the mouth , but the lord hath the ordering thereof : and therefore let vs sue vnto him , as the apostles did , saying , o lord behold their threatnings , behold their reuilings , and doe thou iudge betwixt vs and them : and thou which hast the disposing of all mens tongues , preserue thy seruants from the hurt that may befall vs through the same . the ende of the fourth sermon . a briefe tract concerning zeale , wherein the properties of true zeale are described , and the contrarie discouered , godlie zeale is a vertue very requisite and necessary for all christans : not so rare and seldome found : as precious and vsefull where it is found ; as being the verie life and soule of sound christianitie , and one of the principal fountains & well-heads , whence manie other vertues of the spirit doe spring and issue foorth . the excellencie of this grace doeth appeare , as by manie other arguments , so by this , that the saintes are thereby described ; where they are saide to bee a people [ zealous of good workes : ] this is the ende of their redemption , and this is one speciall effect and marke of their iustification , that they doe not onely desist from their former euill workes , and fall to the practise of the contrarie good workes , but that they are zealous , both to doe them , and in the doing of them : they shake off the sluggishnesse of the flesh , and striue for the feruencie of the spirit , in all duties that they owe either vnto god or men . for this vertue , amongst many others , are the penitent corinthians commended : behold this , that yee haue beene godly sorrowfull , ( saith paul ) what zeale it hath wrought in you ! &c. till such time as the apostle had rebuked them by an epistle , they were either not at all , or very slightly touched with the sense of their owne sins , and therefore they set light by the offences of others , insomuch that when abominable incest ( such as had not beene heard of amongst the gentiles ) was committed among them , yet they tooke it not to heart , nor at all mourned for it , nay they let the offender goe vncensured , who should haue beene ( as afterwards he was ) excommunicated , and deliuered vp vnto sathan , for the healing of his owne soule , the preuenting of the like sinnes in others , and the stopping of the mouthes of wicked blasphemers , who would be readie heereupon to speake euill of the holy name of god , and of the professours and profession of christianitie . thus cold and carelesse were they , till the apostle had sharply reprooued them : but after that they had well disgested his speeches , and thorowly considered of all matters , they fell to lament for their owne corruptions , and for the transgressions of others , and were zealous against all wickednesse , and for all manner of goodnesse in themselues and others . this was the effect of holy griefe in them , and this will be found in all that attaine to that repentance which is vnto life : in which regard , when the lord would worke a cure vpon the luke-warme laodicians , he biddeth them , be zealous , and amend . that was their sinne , that they were key-cold , and euen frozen in the dregges of securitie , exercising themselues in sundrie good duties ( for that must needes be , because they were a church ) but neuer regarding with what loue vnto god or men they performed the same : therefore the lord vrging them to reformation , willeth them [ to be zealous , and amend ] implying , that these two euer goe hand in hand , to wit , sound repentance , and godly zeale : yet so , that as euery one is of greater growth in the body of christ , so this grace is of greater strength in him : as is euident in dauid , who speaketh thus of himselfe ( and that by the inspiration of gods holy spirit , and therefore cannot but speake truely ) my zeale hath euen consumed me , because mine enemies haue forgotten thy word . weaker christians haue some good motions of griefe for mens offances : but the prophet was exceedingly wrought vpon by his zeale , so that it did euen spend him , and consume him , in regard of the fearefull breach of gods commandements , which he obserued in his very enemies . and the like we find in another place : the zeale of thine house hath eaten me : and the rebukes of them that rebuked thee are fallen vpon me . thus was the holy man of god touched , yea tormented with the things whereby gods glory was impaired , as if he had beene laden himselfe with reproaches and disgraces . but most admirable was the zeale of moses and paul , who for that feruent desire that they had of aduancing gods glory , could haue beene content to haue had their names put out of the booke of life , and to be separated from the lord , so that his great name might be magnified in sparing and sauing their brethren the israelites . now because our hearts may easily deceiue vs in this matter of zeale , either by perswading vs that we haue it , when we are farre from it ; or that we altogether want it , when in some good measure we haue attained vnto it : therefore will it not be amisse to set downe some rules , whereby we may trie whether our zeale be currant or counterfeit . first , therefore touching the matter about which this holy zeale is to be exercised , it must be good : according to the saying of the apostle : it is good alwaies to be zealous in [ a good matter : ] and it was before shewed , that gods people must be zealous of [ good workes : ] otherwise , if the matter be euill , the more earnest any is , the more sinfull : neither is such earnestnesse worthy the name of zeale , being nothing else but a diuellish and fleshly heate , or rather a kinde of frenzie and madnesse . such was the zeale of idolaters that would mangle and cut themselues , and that would offer their children in the fire in honour vnto their gods . such was the zeale of the scribes and pharises , who would compasse sea and land to make one a proselite : that is , one of their owne sect . with this violent and mad zeale was paul carried before his conuersion ( as he himselfe confesseth in plaine tearmes , acts. . . and phil. . . ) when he was enraged against christians , and spared no paines nor cost to make them denie and blaspheme the name of christ. heere then is to be condemned the zeale of ignorant papists and brownists , and such like , who are very hotte indeed ( for he must needes runne whom the diuell driues ) but in euill causes , as might easily be prooued , and may hence , if by no other arguments , be probably concluded , in that they vse the diuels owne weapons ( to wit , lying , standering , railing , cursed speaking , and the like ) in the pursute of the same . but much more damnable and vile is their zeale to be esteemed , who against their knowledge and consciences , doe violently and maliciously oppose themselues against the gospell , and the professors thereof , and stand for falshood and wickednesse , and the practisers thereof : as did those wretched pharises that set themselues against our sauiour , and committed the sin against the holy ghost . a second rule is , that as the matter in which we are zealous , must be good in it selfe , so it must be knowne vnto vs to be of that qualitie . true zeale must begin where the word begins , and ende where it ends : for otherwise it cannot bee of faith , which is euer grounded on the word ; and whatsoeuer is not of faith is sinne . we must not therefore content our selues with an honest meaning , and hope that wee haue a good zeale towards god , when we haue no warrant for our hope : but must so acquaint our selues with the scriptures of god , that our zeale may be according to knowledge . which rule discouereth the corruptnes of their zeale , whether close hypocrites , or weake christians , who are led on meerely by the examples of good men , whome they affect , much to like of , and earnestly to stand fot such things , as they perceiue them in their practise to obserue , and to make conscience of : and if there be but a word spoken against any of the things that they haue taken a liking of , they are maruellously stirred with indignation thereat , and grow passionate and vehement against the parties , though they haue neuer so good a meaning in that which they speake : yet let them bee vrged to prooue out of the word the necessitie of those duties which they so earnestly presse , they can say little or nothing to the purpose for them ; and so grow manie times either to dislike and forsake all if they bee hypocrites , or at least to bee discouraged , and to bee at a stand , if they be weaklings in christ iesus . and whence proceed these inconueniences but from this , that they are zealous for things that in themselues , and vnto others are good and holie , but not thoroughly discerned of them to bee of that nature : the consideration whereof , should make vs to sit sure in matters of godlinesse , not building vpon the example of good men , but vpon the truth of the good word of god , and then our foundation shall neuer faile vs. a third propertie of true zeale is , that it beginneth in our selues , and after proceedeth vnto others : for neuer can that man be truely zealous to others , which neuer knew to be zealous to himselfe . those are the most skilfull physitions and best able to deale with others , that haue first wrought a cure vpon their owne soules . therefore our sauiours aduice is , cast out the beame out of thine owne eye first , and then shalt thou see perfectly to pull out the moate that is in thy brothers eye . we must then first of all iudge our selues , and cast the first stone at our selues , that so finding how vgly and noisome a thing sinne is , and that by experience in our selues , we may be at defiance with it , wheresoeuer we finde it , and neither flatter others in their euill courses , nor yet too rigorously and vnmercifully rebuke them for the same . those that haue beene pinched with sicknesse and are recouered , can by the smart which they haue felt , pittie others in the like case : euen so they which haue beene stung with sinne themselues , can more easily be moued to shew compassion towards poore sinners like themselues , because by the feeling of misery , men learne the practise of mercy , in that christ suffered and was tempted , he is able to pittie and to succour those that are tempted . against this rule doe all hypocrites offend , who will wade very deepely into other mens soules , and very bloodily gore other mens consciences , who yet neuer once purged their owne vncleane sincks at home , nor drew one drop of blood out of their owne corrupt hearts . such were the pharises , who pleased themselues much in iudging and censuring our sauiour and his disciples ; but were so farre from condemning themselues as faultie in any thing , that they iustified themselues before god and men . such also are the brownists , which are readie to burst their bowels with crying out against disorders abroad , and yet neuer reforme their owne soules at home : for if they did , they would also reforme their liues and their families . but what kind of zeale these mens is , wosull and late experience still crieth in our eares : for manie of them being so zealous to others , but onely through some secret loue of the world , when they had that which they sought for , made knowne their hollow & their rotten zeale , in that without griefe of conscience , they could suddenly rush into a profound worldlinesse : and without all godly sorrow , could ( after they had satisfied their greedie and fleshly zeale ) not onely more hardlie seare vp their owne consciences , but also be so changed , that they could sowe vp their lippes , and spare their words from speaking in like manner againe to others , and so are neither zealous to themselues nor others . heere also are all such to be censured as faultie , that can prie and make a priuie search into the wants of others , accounting the same wants no wants in themselues . the father saith , this my childe doth amisse : and the childe , in this my father faileth : the husband knoweth , what the wife should doe ; and the wife , what the husband should doe , &c : euery one in the meane time neglecting their owne duties ; whereas indeed euery ones principall care should bee , to know and doe his owne dutie , and to be grieued where he commeth short of the same . and thus much for the third rule , that true zeale must beginne in our selues . now further we are to vnderstand , that there must be an order kept in being thus zealous : namely , that first and especiallie wee make conscience of the principall matters of the word , and after of the lesser , as our sauiour telleth the scribes and pharises : these things ought yee to haue done , ( that is , the weightier matters of the law ) and not to haue left the other vndone : viz. matters of smaller importance . which sheweth , that their zeale is verie corrupt and faulty , who as our sauior saith , straine out a gnat , & swallow a camell ; who are very hot about matters of ceremonie , but altogether cold in matters of substance : as also theirs that ( on the other side ) will crie out against them that rob by the high-wayes side , & yet they themselues make no conscience of pilfring , & cosoning , and secret defrauding of their neighbours : as if small sinnes were not to be left as well as great . another rule of true zeale is , that wee looke as carefully to our hearts before god , as to our carriage before men : for so the lord commandeth , clease thy heart , ô ierusalem , &c : how long shall thy euill thoughts remaine within thee ? and againe , purge your hands , yee sinners , and [ your hearts ] yee hypocrites . which serueth to ouerthrow the hypocrisie of such pharises , as make cleane the vtter side of the cuppe and platter , but within are full of bribery and excesse , of pride , disdaine , selfe-loue , and hatred . now that wee may the better trie our selues by this rule , two things are to be obserued , i. that wee feare to commit any sinne secretly , and when wee are alone , as well as when wee are in the presence of men . so did iob , and so did ioseph : and this mooued them so to doe , euen that the lord did behold them , and could punish them for secret , as well as for open offences . which condemneth them of grosse dissimulation , that are loth to be accounted ill , and yet make no conscience to be ill . what is this , but to be painted sepulchers , that are faire to looke vpon , but within full of rotten bones ? wee may deceiue men , but god is not deceined : and therefore let vs beware of this hypocrisie : and so much the rather , because the lorde hath fearefully discouered and plagued them , that in outward shew haue borne a great countenance of religion , and yet haue liued in secret filthinesse , and other vile sinnes , which in time haue come to light to their shame and ruine . the second thing to be obserued , is , that we haue an eye to the priuie corruptions that lurke in our hearts , and maintaine continuall warre against them , as paul did , rom. . and this we should the rather doe , because it is a fearefull , and yet an vsuall iudgement of god , and that vpon many professors , that making no conscience of entertaining wretched lusts and vile affections secretly , they haue broken foorth to the committing of the grosse actions , and so haue shamed themselues publikely . and this is a iust stroke vpon those that would rather seeme to be , then in truth desire to be godly , that making no conscience of their thoughts and inward desires , they should in time be so giuen vp , as to make no conscience of their words or deeds . the sixth rule is , that wee be more strict vnto our selues then vnto others , and more seuere against our selues , then against others , giuing more libertie vnto them , then wee will take vnto our selues . and first concerning seuerite vnto our selues , such ought to bee our acquaintance with our inward and outward corruptions , and so grieuous ought they to be in our eyes , that our heate being spent vpon our selues , wee may thinke the sinnes of others more tollerable , and so learne by the sight and sense of our owne sores , to deale more mildely and meekely with others , whose corruptions ( either for greatnes or multitude ) we cannot so thorowly see as wee may our owne . secondly , as we must deale most sharpely against our selues , so must we be ready to giue more outward libertie vnto others then to our selues . and for this we haue the example of abraham , who was so strict to himselfe , that he would not take of the king of sodome so much as a threed or latchet , and yet he would not denie aner , escol and mamre , their liberty . so iob , as he would not permit to himselfe , so neither would he deny to his children their liberty of feasting . but especially the example of paul is notable for the confirmation of this point : for seeing that in some places he could not so conueniently liue of other mens charges , as at corinth and thessalonica , he would labour with his owne hands , rather then be chargeable to any of them : yet he would not that all men should be tied by his example to doe the like : and therefore he laboureth much in his epistles about this , that ministers ought to be prouided for : so strict was he to himselfe ; such liberty left he vnto others . whence we may easily perceiue , that it is rather a pharisaicall pride , then any christian zeale , to be too tetricall and rough in vrging men so farre , that whosoeuer in euery point is not so strict and precise as our selues , we cast them off as dogges and prophane persons , and such as are vnworthy of any account or countenance . the next propertie of true zeale , is , not to be blinded with naturall affection , but to discerne and condemne sinne , euen in those that are neerest and dearest vnto vs. that was it that made christ so sharply to rebuke peter , and paul to deale so roundly with the galathians and corinthians . many offend against this rule , who will neuer reprooue sinne in their friends , till god reuenge it from heauen ; wherein they are farre from true friendship : for whereas they might by admonishing them of their faults in time , preuent the iudgements of god , they do , through a false loue , pull the wrath of god vpon them whom they loue most dearely . hee loueth most naturally , that hath learned to loue spiritually : and hee loueth most sincerely , that cannot abide sinne in the partie beloued , without some wholesome admonition . but doe not manie now adayes seeme zealoussie to mislike sinne in strangers , who can winke at the same fault in their kindred , in their wiues , in their children , in their parents ? as if the diuersitie of persons could change the nature of the sinne . this blind zeale god hath punished , and doth punish his children . isaac did carnally loue his sonne esau for meat , & for a peece of venison . dauid was too much affected to absalon and to adoniah for their comely personage , so as his zeale was hindered in discerning sinne aright in them . now iacob was not so deare to isaac , and salomon was more hardly set to schoole , and made to take paines : but behold , god louing iacob , and refusing esau , ( howsoeuer isaac loued esau better then iacob ) made esau more troublesome , and iacob more comfortable vnto him . absalon and adoniah , brought vp like cocknies , became corasiues to dauids heart : salomon more restrained and better instructed , was his ioy , his crowne , his successor in his kingdome . this disease is so hereditary to many parents , louing their children in the flesh , rather then in the spirit , that the holy ghost is faine to cal vpon them more vehemently , to teach , to instruct , and to correct , as knowing how easily nature would coole zeale in this kinde of dutie . indeed many will set by their wiues , children , and kinsfolkes , if they be thriftie , like to become good husbands , wittie and politicke , or if they be such as for their gifts can bring some reuenue to their stocke , or afford some profit vnto them ; how deepe sinners soeuer they be against god , that maketh no matter , it little grieueth them : whereby they bewray their great corruption , that they are neither zealous in truth of gods glory , nor louers aright of their children , because they can be sharpe enough in reprehension if they faile but a little in thriftinesse , and yet are too too cold in admonition , if they faile neuer so much in godlinesse . well , let these fleshly zealous men lay to their heart the blinde affection of heli , who being the deare childe of god , was seuerely punished of the lord , for that he was not zealously affected to punish the grosse and foule offences of his children : but blessed are they that can forget their owne cause , and euen with ieopardie of nature can defend the quarrel of god , labouring hencefoorth to know no man after the flesh , nor suffering any outward league so to bleare and dazle their eyes , as that they should not espie sinne in their dearest friends to reforme it , or that they should not discerne vertue in the greatest aliens to reuerence it . now whereas many haue great courage to rebuke such as either cannot gainsay them , or gainsaying them , cannot preuaile against them , heere commeth another property of zeale to be spoken of , and that is , that it feareth not the face of the mightie , neither is it dismaied at the lookes of the proud and loftie , such was the courage of iob , who besides that he made the young men ashamed of their liberty , & afraide of his grauity , made euen the princes also to stay their talke , and to lay their hands on their mouthes . and yet heere we must beware of their hasty zeale , who will not sticke to charge the children of god to be without zeale , if presently and abruptly they rush not into an open reprehension of men that are mightie in authoritie , as though no regard of time , place , or persons were to be had : which opinion many by weakenesse of iudgement defending , find neither fruit in others , nor comfort in their owne consciences , when they doe admonish in that presumptuous maner : for that hunting after feruentnesse without the spirit of meeknesse , and casting off all consideration of a godly opportunitie , they rather exasperate then humble the parties admonished : and they themselues rather depart with confusion and shame , for such posting on without warrant of wisedome , then with comfort of heart for any duty done , neither am i heere ignorant how great danger of trouble of minde commeth to many , in that they , being so curious obseruers and waiters of opportunity , doe for some ease of the flesh , vnder the cloake of this wisedome , altogether leaue off that godly dutie . wherefore , as we affirme that wisedome and loue mixed together do deeply enter into the most prefract & prodigious spirits ; so we mislike their fearefull delay of duty , who hauing a meane occasion offered them from the lord , doe not zealously and earnestly rebuke sinne , though in some higher personages . out of this may issue another frutit of holy zeale , namely when we are zealous in their behalfe who can neuer recompence vs againe , and that in defending their right against oppressors that are craftier & mightier then they . thus iob deliuered the poore that cried , the fatherlesse and him that had none to helpe him . he was the eyes to the blinde , and feet to the lame , at whose hands no reward was to be looked for . another most excellent and glorious propertie of pure zeale is , to be humbled in our selues for those sins which we espie and censure in others , and so to nourish an holy compassion towards them . heere is an excellent and infallible difference betweene godly zeale and fleshly heat , viz when our anger for our brothers falling doth not feed it self vpō the party , because of our wrath , but vpon his sinne , because of our zeale ; we still retaining a tender affection towards the person of the offender . when our sauiour christ went about to heale the man that had the withered hand , the pharises that stood by murmured , because hee would heale on the sabbath day : herevpon it is said , that he looked about him angerlie , & yet it is added , that he sorrowed for the hardnes of their harts . marke here in this notable example , how anger and sorrow meete together : anger , that men should haue so little knowledge of god , and loue of ther brother : sorrow , that through ignorance they were so foulie ouerseene . so likewise in zeale of his father , christ looked on ierusalem , with an hatred to their sinne , and yet with pittie of their miserie which was at hand , which appeareth in that he wept ouer it . marke this in all the prophets from time to time , as in isay , ieremie , ezekiel , daniel , &c : whether they did not vtter their message in heauinesse of spirit : and when they most threatned the people for their sinnes , obserue if they were not most grieued and feared , least they should be executed vpon them . this is a blessed temperature , thus to mingle griefe with zeale : but that is an ouer-reaching zeale , that feedeth more on the person then on the sinne . wherefore wee must craue this speciall grace at the hand of god by prayer , to be gouerned by a right zeale , and that we may trulie discerne the difference betweene fretting anger , and pining zeale . which if all sorts of men would labour for , receiuing this rule in iudgement , and obseruing it in practise , it would breede a great deale more conscience in ministers , magistrates , and masters , when they are to admonish their inferiours . alas wee see manie , who can mangle and martyr a man for some offence , who neuer learned for conscience sake to mourne for those in firmities , which so bitterly they inueigh against in others . the apostle paul was of another temper : i feare ( saith he ) to the corinthians , left when i come , my god abase mee among you , and i shall bewaile many of them , which haue sinned already , &c : he knew nothing by himselfe , ( as hee telleth them in another place ) yet could he not but lament and be humbled for their offences , who were a part of his apostolike charge . so samuel , in the zeale of gods glorie , spares not flatly to tell saul of his sinne , notwithstanding his great authoritie : and yet in loue and compassion to his person , hee was alwayes bent to lament sauls case , and earnestly to pray for him , till the lord forbad him to doe so anie longer , . sam. . . if wee could keepe this golden mixture , wee should stop the mouthes of the aduersaries , who accuse vs to be full of rancour and malice , if wee be angrie as enemies to their sinne , but grieued in that for sinne they are become enemies to god. further , wee must know , that true zeale maketh vs as willing to be admonished , as carefull to admonish : and that not only of our superiours , which is an easie thing , because there wee must of necessitie yeeld : but also of our inferiours , whom we may seeme to contemne . all men will graunt , that a childe ought willingly to be admonished of his father , or a seruant of his maister : but fewe will in practise giue this , that a father should listen to the aduertisement of his sonne , or that a maister should receiue an admonition of his seruant . howbeit iob saith , hee durst not contemne the iudgement of his seruant or of his maide , when they did contend with him , because in a dutie of pietie , he looked to them , not as seruants , but as brethren ; he looked not to the speaker onely , which in respect of his calling was his inferiour , but vnto the things spoken in the ordinance of god , vnto whom iob himselfe was an inferiour , and before whom he knew there was no respect of persons . howbeit to correct the preposterous boldnesse of some , wee adde thus much , that inferiours must rather aduise than admonish : aduertise rather then reprehend their superiours , that so still they may offer their pure zeale of the glorie of god in vnfained humilitie , left through their corrupt zeale , they do not only not profit their superiours , but most iustly exasperate them against them . another rule is , that in pure zeale wee be patient in our owne causes , & deuoure many priuate iniuries ; but hote and feruent in gods causes . manie can be as hote as fire in their owne priuate matters , who are as colde as ice in things that concerne gods honor and glorie . but it was otherwise with moses : when anie priuate wrong was offered vnto him by the israelites , he was meeke as a lambe , and would with wisedome speake mildly vnto them to pacifie them , and pray earnestly vnto god to pardon them : but when they fell to idolatrie , and worshipped the golden calfe , ( a matter which neerely concerned the glory of god ) his wrath waxed hot , and he cast the tables out of his hands , and brake them in peeces , and burnt the calfe in the fire , and ground it to powder , and made them drinke of it , being strewed vpon the water ; and after caused a great number of the principall doers in this wickednesse to be slaine by the sword . this also is the commendation of the church of ephesus , that they had much patience , and yet could not forbeare those which were euill , but examined them which said they were apostles , and found them liars . this rule well obserued , would sow vp the lips of the aduersaries , who though for a time they thinke vs to be cholloricke , and men out of our wits , madly reuenging our priuate affections , yet one day they should confesse , that we sought not our owne commoditie , but gods most precious glory . and to stretch this examination of our hearts one degree further , let vs beware of that corruption , which , springing from selfe-loue , will giue vs leaue to reioyce in good things , so long as they be in our selues , but repineth at the sight of them in others : which will permit vs to be grieued at euill things in our selues , and yet make vs to reioyce to see the same in others . true zeale ( hauing gods glory for the obiect thereof ) loueth good wheresoeuer , and in whomsoeuer it is : true zeale hateth sinne wheresoeuer and in whomsoeuer . true zeale loueth friends as they be gods friends : true zeale hateth aduersaries , so farre as they be gods aduersaries : true zeale loueth a good thing in the most professed enemie : true zeale hateth sinne in the most assured friend . if wee be perswaded that our enemies bee gods children , howsoeuer wee disagree in some particulars , yet wee must swallow vp manie priuate iniuries , and more reioice in them as they be gods seruants , then be grieued at them , as they haue iniuried vs. indeed true zeale is most grieued at the sinnes of the godly , because so much are their sinnes more grieuous then the sinnes of others , by how much they came neerer to the image of god then others . the last rule is , that wee keepe a tenour of zeale in both estates , to wit , of prosperitie and aduersitie . wee must especiallie looke to that whereunto wee are most readie , that is , whether wee be more zealous in prosperitie , and fall away in aduersitie ; or whether we be more feruent in affliction , and ouer-whelmed in abundance : whether by the one we are not puffed vp with securitie and secret pride , and whether by the other we be not too farre abased and discouraged ; or , which is worst of all , quite driuen out of the way : for many in time of peace are religious , who seeing persecution to follow the gospell , begin ( like those that are compared to stonie ground ) to step backe , and at last vtterly to renounce their former profession . others so long as they may haue credit by embracing the gospell , will seeme to goe farre ; but when discredit comes , they forsake all : contrarie to the practise of dauid , who saith , the bandes of the wicked haue robbed mee , yet haue i not forgotten thy law. and againe , princes did persecute mee without cause , but mine heart stood in awe of thy word . and for disgrace hee saith , i am small and despised yet doe i not forget thy word . others on the contrary part , so long as god exerciseth them with any crosse , are zealous professours , who beeing set aloft , and comming once vnto promotion , begin to grow secure and carelesse of all duties towards god or men , as is to be seene in the lsraelites from time to time . we see manie in time of their miserie to hee much humbled ; and whiles they want liuings and preferments , we see both preachers and people in outward appearance very godlie , who hauing obtained that which they sought for , haue their zeale vtterly choked . doe not many pray for the continuance of the peace of the gospell , that they themselues might continue in peace and prosperitie ? doe not manie mourne in the aduersitie of the gospell , because they are grieued for their owne aduersitie ! oh great corruption of our hearts ! oh bottomles pit of hypocrisie ! if wee were ashamed that wee are no more grounded on the word , and that wee can bee no nore holie and vpright in our hearts , surely the lord will so gouerne vs ; that he would not suffer either prosperitie to quench our zeale , or aduersitie to discourage our hearts . this is then our triall herein , if when we are in greatest prosperitie , we can mourne with them that mourne in the lorde ; and when wee are in greatest aduersitie , wee can reioyce with them that reioyce in christ. this is a sure token wee loue not the gospell , nor fauour the word , because wee haue a loue to prosperitie , neither are zealous to see the word contemned , because wee haue an hatred of aduersitie . daniel concerning outward things was an happie man , as being neere to the crowne : and yet when hee saw the god of israels glory to be defaced , and his seruants and seruices to be trodden vnder foote , hee could content himselfe with nothing so much , as with fasting , weeping , and prayer . and paul on the other side being in bonds for the testimonie of iesus christ , and concerning his outward man in a miserable case , reioyced greatly , and was as it were reuiued when he heard that the gospell flourished , and that the faith and loue of the saints was still continued . this zeale should we much labour for , that in all estates we might be rightly affected towards god and men . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e verse . . sound sorrow the first step to repentance . ioel. . . note , acts. . psal. . reasons . iob. . rom. . act. . math. . . . vse . . luke . . reuel . . . vse . . vse . . meanes to get tendernes of heart . iohn . . . ezeck . . ier. . isa. . . sam. . doct. . god looketh into the manner of our doing . mat. . . iude. . . tim. . heb. . gen. . . luk. . . see m. dods sermon on isa. . doct. . vse . . vse . . ionah . . . . vse : . doct. . confession of sinne , must folowe griefe for sinne . doct. . asking pardon must be ioyned with confession . luk. . . daniel . . . nehem. . exod. . ezeck . . mat. ● . vse . . vse . . . ioh. . . vse . . how we may attaine to earnestnesse in asking pardon . doct. . the greatest sinners are the veriest fooles . ioshua . . reason . vse . . psal. . . obiect . answer . doct. . it is hard to be at downe mans pride . psalm . . . . verse . . . cor. . micah . . lament . . dan. . . dan. . . . chron. . iam. . . vse . prou. . . . psal. . pet. . iam. . . cor. . . . fruites of pride . prou. . . . sam. . . psal. . . sam. . . iob. . . . tim. . . remedies against pride . luke , . . rom. . . obiect . answer . rom. . . math. . gen. . . isa. . . iob. . . eccl. . . prou. isa. . . luk. . . psal. . . isa. . . iam. . . math. . . . sam. . psal. . . doct. . speedy iudging of our selues procures fauour . the time being expired , this point was briefly handled . vse . . se. . notes for div a -e verse . lament . . verse . verse . verse . doct. . sinne brings men into straits . . king. . . . . king. . iudges . . prou. . . pro. . . . . prou. . . prou. . . . tim. . . iob. . . pro. . . ●● . rom. . vse . . iob. . . verse . . math. . iohn . . vse . . prou. . . psal. . vse . . . cor. . . doct. . the godly finde greatest fauour with god. hos. . . pett . . isa. . . hos. . . vse . . reasons why the pestilence is a more fauorable stroke then the sword . lamen . . reuel . . . leuit. . the time allotted being welneere spēt , the points following were but briefly touched . doct. . gods punishments are answerable to mens sinnes , ioel. . . isa. . prou. reason . vse . ezek. . . doct. . gods iudgements very swift . psal. . . exod. . zach. . . gen. . . . . cor. . . reason . vse . psal. . doct. . god is present at the execution of his indgements . gen. . . verse . . vse . doct. . a good man is most seuere against himselfe . . tim. . . exod. . philip. reasons . cor . vse . . nehem. . . . . . . notes for div a -e verse . . doct. . gods childrē neuer helples . micah . . . verse . . psal. . . isa. . . . reasons . . sam. . . . chro. . psal. . . math. . hos. . psal. . psal. . . . vse . . psal. . . . . psal. . . . verse . . vse . . gen. . psal. . doct. . want of good men much to be lamented . micah . . i. . hos. . . . kings . . . verse . verse . ● . psal. . . psal. . reasons . psal. . . vse . . vse . . doct. . fained friends worse then open foes . prou. . . iudas , matth. . . reasons . psal. . . vse . . vse . . ier. . . . vse . . notes for div a -e obiect . answere . obiect . answere . verse . doct. . the more cunning any is for mischiefe , the more fearefull shall his mine be . psal. . . . . sam. . . . &c. ier. . . ier. . . reasons . gal. . . cor. . . . vers. . . . iob. . . psal. . & . vse . prou. . . prou. . . vse . prou. . . psal. . . doct. . the wickeds boasting , a forerunner of their ruine . psal. . . exod. . . . kings . . chap. . . reasons . psal. . . psal. . psal. . . vse . . vse . . reuel . . . . doct. . no man hath the ordering of his owne tongue . reasons . prou. . . num. . ephes. . prou. . . micah . . . . . mat. . . vse . psal. . . vse iob. . . isa. . . . act. . . notes for div a -e titus . . rom. . ● . . cor. . . . cor. . . . reu. . . psal. . . psal. . . exod. . . rom. . . rules of true zeale . the matter must be good . gal. . . . king. . ier. . . we must know the thing to be good for which we are zealous . rom. . . rom. . . zeale must begin at home . luke . . . heb. . . . luk. . . & . . wee must make greatest account of the weightiest matters . matth. . . we must look to the inside , as well as to the out-side , ier. . . iam. . . matth. . ioh. . gen. . matth. . wee must be more strict to our selues then to others . titus . . . gen. . . . iob. . . cor. . . . thess. . . . cor. . . tim. . . zeale condemneth sin in friends as wel as in foes . mat. . . gal. . . . cor. gen. . . . sam. . & . & . zeale opposeth itselfe against the sins of the mighty . iob. . . . iob. . . compassion to be ioyned with zeale . mark. . . matth. . . luk. . . . . cor. . . . cor. . . sam. . . true zeale maketh men desirous of admonition . iob. . . wee must be most feruent in gods causes exod. . . . reuel . . . zeale must be constant in all estates . luke . . . psal. . . verse . . verse . verse . . psal . . &c. iudges . dan. . . thess. . . . . a treatise of the plague contayning the causes, signes, symptomes, prognosticks, and cure thereof. together with sundry other remarkable passages (for the prevention of, and preservation from the pestilence) never yet published by anie man. collected out of the workes of the no lesse learned than experimented and renowned chirurgian ambrose parey. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a treatise of the plague contayning the causes, signes, symptomes, prognosticks, and cure thereof. together with sundry other remarkable passages (for the prevention of, and preservation from the pestilence) never yet published by anie man. collected out of the workes of the no lesse learned than experimented and renowned chirurgian ambrose parey. paré, ambroise, ?- . aut johnson, thomas, d. . [ ], , - , [ ] p. printed by r. y[oung] and r. c[otes] and are sold by mich. sparke, in the green arbor court in little old bailey, at the blew bible, london : . printers' names from stc. translated by thomas johnson. identified as stc a on umi microfilm. some print show-through. reproduction of original in the emmanuel college (university of cambridge). library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim 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lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a treatise of the plague , contayning the causes , signes , symptomes , prognosticks , and cure thereof . together with sundry other remarkable passages ( for the prevention of , and preservation from the pestilence ) never yet published by anie man. collected out of the workes of the no lesse learned than experimented and renowned chirurgian ambrose parey . psal. . , . thou shalt not be afraid for the terrour by night , — nor for the pestilence that walketh in darknesse . london , printed by r. y. and r. c. and are sold by mich. sparke , in the green arbor court in little old bailey , at the blew bible . . to the reader . reader ; for a publike good , i haue aduentured to vndergoe a publike censure , in those times totally addicted to criticisme ; induced thereto by thinking it better to helpe with those small forces i haue in this dangerusi nuasion , than through feare of censures to be silent ; chiefly seeing those , who at other times shew themselues prime leaders and souldiers to expell common and vsuall assailants , become the first and cheife fugitiues in these cases of extremity . and hauing found one whose knowledge and experience exceeds the greatest part of our common practitioners , i make bold here to present him to thy eye and vse : hee speakes plainely and honestly , and handles not nice controuersies to small purpose , nor tires with tedious and impertinent discourses ; wherefore if thou be destitute of counsell , it shall not repent thee to vse his : in which if thou finde comfort , giue thankes to him to whom onely all praise is due , who of his mercy diuert , or if not , assist vs in all times of his visitations ▪ farewell . a treatise of the plague . chap. i. the description of the plague . the plague is a cruell and contagious disease , which euerie-where , like a common disease , inuading man and beast , kils verie many ; being attended , and as it were associated with a continuall feauer , botches , carbunkles , spots , nauseousnesse , vomitings , and other such maligne accidents . this disease is not so pernitious or hurtfull , by any elementarie qualitie , as from a certaine poysonous and venenate malignitie , the force whereof exceeds the condition of common putrefaction . yet i will not deny , but that it is more hurtfull in certaine bodyes , times , and regions , as also many other diseases , of which hippocrates makes mention . but from hence we can onely collect , that the force and malignitie of the plague may be increased , or diminished according to the condition of the elementarie qualities concurring with it , but not the whole nature and essence thereof to depend thereon . this pestiferous poyson principally assailes the vitall spirit , the store-house and originall whereof is the heart , so that if the vitall spirit proue stronger , it driues it farre from the heart ; but if weaker , it being ouercome and weakned by the hostile assault , flies backe into the fortress of the heart , by the like contagion infecting the heart , and so the whole body , being spred into it by the passages of the arteries . hence it is , pestilent feauers are some-times simple and folitarie , other-whiles associated with a troope of other affects , as botches , carbunkles , blaines , and spots , of one or more colours . it is probable such affects haue their originall from the expulfiue facultie , whether strong or weake , prouoked by the malignitie of the raging matter : yet assuredly diuers symptomes and changes arise according to the constitution of the body of the patient , and condition of the humour in which the virulencie of the plague is chiefely inherent , and lastly in the nature of the efficient cause . i thought good by this description to expresse the nature of the plague , at this my first entrance into this matter , for we can scarce comprehend it in a proper definition . for although the force thereof be definite and certaine in nature , yet it is not altogether certaine and manifest in mens minds , because it neuer happens after one sort : so that in so great varietie it is verie difficult to set downe any thing generall and certaine . chap. ii. of the diuine causes of an extraordinarie plague . it is a confirmed , constant , and receiued opinion in all ages amongst christians , that the plague and other diseases which violently assaile the life of man , are often sent by the iust anger of god punishing our offences . the prophet amos hath long since taught it , saying , shall there be affliction , shall there be euill in a citie , and the lord hath not done it ? on which truly we ought alwayes to meditate , and that for two causes : the first is , that we alwayes beare this in mind , that we enioy health , liue , moue , and haue our beings from god , and descends from that father of light : and for this cause we are alwayes bound to giue him great and exceeding thankes . the other is , that knowing the calamities , by sending whereof the diuine anger proceeds to reuenge , we may at length repend , and leauing the way of wickednesse , walke in the pathes of godlinesse . for thus we shall learne to see in god , our selues , the heauen and earth , the true knowledge of the causes of the plague , and by a certaine diuine philosophy to teach , god to be the beginning and cause of the second causes , which well without the first cause cannot goe about , nor attempt , much lesse performe any thing . for from hence they borrow their force , order , and constancie of order ; so that they serue as instruments for god , who rules and gouernes vs , and the whole world , to performe all his workes , by that constant course of order , which he hath appointed vnchangeable from the beginning . wherefore all the cause of a plague is not to be attributed to these neere and inferiour causes or beginnings , as the epicures , and lucianists commonly doe , who attributing too much , yea all things to nature , haue left nothing to gods prouidence . on the contrarie , we ought to thinke and beleeue in all our thoughts , that euen as god by his omnipotent power hath created all things of nothing , so he by his eternall wisedome preserues and gouernes the same , leads and enclines them as he please , yea verily at his pleasure changes their order , and the whole course of nature . this cause of an extraordinarie plague as we confesse and acknowledge , so here we will not prosecute it any further but thinke fit to leaue it to diuines , because it exceeds the bounds of nature in which i will now containe my selfe . wherefore let vs come to the naturall causes of the plague . chap. iii. of the naturall causes of the plague , and chiefely of the seminarie of the plague by the corruption of the aire . the generall and naturall causes of the plague are absolutely two , that is , the infection of corrupt aire , and a preparation and fitnesse of corrupt humours to take that infection ; for it is noted before out of the doctrine of galen , that our humours may be corrupted , and degenerate into such an alienation which may equall the malignitie of poyson . the aire is corrupted , when the foure seasons of the yeere haue not their seasonablenesse , or degenerate from themselues , either by alteration , or by alienation : as if the constitution of the whole yeere be moyst and rainie by reason of grosse and blacke clouds ; if the winter be gentle and warme without any northerly wind , which is cold and dry , and by that meanes contrarie to putrefaction ; if the spring which should be temperate , shall be faultie in any excesse of distemper ; if the autumne shall be ominous by fires in the aire , with starres shooting , and as it were falling downe , or terrible comets , neuer seene without some disaster ; if the summer be hot , cloudy and moist , and without winds , and the clouds flye from the south into the north. these and such like vnnaturall constitutions of the seasons of the yeere , were neuer better , or more excellently handled by any , then by hippocrates in his booke epidemion . therefore the aire from hence drawes the seeds of corruption and the pestilence , which at the length , the like excesse of qualities being brought in , it sends into the humours of our bodyes , chiefly such as are thin and serous . although the pestilence doth not alwaies necessarily arise from hence , but some-whiles some other kind of cruell and infectious disease . but neither is the aire onely corrupted by these superiour causes , but also by putrid and filthy stinking vapours spread abroad through the aire encompassing vs , from the bodyes or carkasses of things not buried , gapings or hollownesses of the earth , or sinkes and such like places being opened : for the sea often ouer-flowing the land in some places , and leauing in the mudde , or hollownesses of the earth ( caused by earth-quakes ) the huge bodyes of monstrous fishes , which it hides in its waters , hath giuen both the occasion and matter of a plague . for thus in our time a whale cast vpon the tuscane shore , presently caused a plague ouer all that countrey . but as fishes infect and breed a plague in the aire , so the aire being corrupted , often causes a pestilence in the sea amongst fishes , especially when they either swim on the top of the water , or are infected by the pestilent vapours of the earth lying vnder them , and rysing into the aire thorough the body of the water , the latter whereof aristotle saith , hapneth but seldome . but it often chances , that the plague raging in any countrey , many fishes are cast vp on all the coast , and may be seene lying on great heapes . but sulphurous vapours , or such as partake of any other maligne qualitie , sent forth from places vnder the ground by gapings and gulfes opened by earthquakes , not onely corrupt the aire , but also infect and taint the seeds , plants , and all the fruits which we eat , and so transferre the pestilent corruption into vs , and those beasts on which we feed , together with our nourishment . the truth whereof , empedocles made manifest , who by shutting vp a great gulfe of the earth opened in a valley betweene two mountaines , freed all sicily from a plague caused from thence . if winds rysing sodainly shall driue such filthy exhalations from those regions in which they were pestiferous , into other places , they also will carrie the plague with them thither . if it be thus , some will say , it should seeme that wheresoeuer stinking and putrid exhalations arise , as about standing pooles , sinkes , and shambles , there should the plague reigne , and straight suffocate with its noysome poyson , the people which worke in such places : but experience finds this false . we doe answer , that the putrifaction of the plague is farre different , and of another kind then this common , as that which partakes of a certaine secret malignitie , and wholly contrarie to our liues , and of which we cannot easily ▪ giue a plaine and manifest reason . yet that vulgar putrefaction wheresoeuer it be , doth easily and quickly entertaine and welcome the pestiferous contagion as often as , and whensoeuer it comes , as ioyned vnto it by a certaine familiaritie , and at the length , it selfe degenerating into a pestiferous malignitie , certainely no otherwise then those diseases which arise in the plague time , the putrid diseases in our bodyes , which at the first wanted virulencie and contagion , as vlcers , putrid feauers , and other such diseases raysed by the peculiar default of the humours , easily degenerate into pestilence , presently receiuing the tainture of the plague , to which they had before a certain preparation . wherefore in time of the plague , i would aduise all men to shun such exceeding stinking places , as they would the plague it selfe : that there may be no preparation in our bodyes , or humours to catch that infection , ( without which , as galen teaches , the agent hath no power ouer the subiect , for otherwise in a plague time the sicknesse would equally seaze vpon all ) so that the impression of the pestiferous qualitie may presently follow that disposition . but when we say the aire is pestilent , we doe not vnderstand that sincere , elementarie , and simple as it is of its owne nature , for such is not subiect to putrefaction , but that which is polluted with ill vapours rysing from the earth , standing waters , vaults , or sea , and degenerates , and is changed from its natiue puritie and simplicitie . but certainly amongst all the constitutions of the aire fit to receiue a pestilent corruption , there is none more fit then a hot , moyst , and still season : for the excesse of such qualities easily causes putrefaction . wherefore the south wind reigning , which is hot and moyst , and principally in places neere the sea , there flesh cannot long be kept , but it presently is tainted and corrupted . further , we must know , that the pestilent malignitie which rises from the carcasses or bodyes of men , is more easily communicated to men ; that which rises from oxen , to oxen ; and that which comes from sheepe , to sheepe , by a certaine sympathy & familiaritie of nature : no otherwise then the plague which shall seaze vpon some one in a family , doth presently spread more quickly amongst the rest of that family , by reason of the similitude of temper , then amongst others of another family disagreeing in their whole temper . therefore the aire thus altered and estranged from its goodnesse of nature necessarily drawne in by inspiration and transpiration , brings in the seeds of the plague , and so consequently the plague it selfe , into bodyes prepared and made ready to receiue it . chap. iiii. of the preparation of humours to putrefaction , and admission of pestiferous impressions . hauing shewed the causes from which the aire doth putrefie , become corrupt , and is made partaker of a pestilent and poysonous constitution , we must now declare what things may cause the humours to putrefie , and make them so apt to receiue and retaine the pestilent aire and venenate qualitie . humours putrefie either from fulnesse , which breeds obstruction , or by distemperate excesse , or lastly , by admixture of corrupt matter and euill iuice , which ill feeding doth specially cause to abound in the body : for the plague often followes the drinking of dead and mustie wines , muddy and standing waters which receiue the sinkes and filth of a citie , and fruits and puls eaten without discretion in scarcitie of other corne , as pease , beanes , lentiles , vetches , acornes , the roots of ferne , and grasse made into bread. for such meats obstruct , heape vp ill humours in the body , and weaken the strength of the faculties , from whence proceeds a putrefaction of humours , and in that putrefaction a preparation and disposition to receiue , conceiue , and bring forth the seeds of the plague : which the filthy scabbes , maligne sores , rebellious vlcers , and putrid feuers being all fore-runners of greater putrefaction and corruption doe testifie . vehement passions of the mind , as anger , sorrow , griefe , vexation , and feare helpe forward this corruption of humours , all which hinder natures diligence and care of concoction : for as in the dogge-dayes the lees of wine subseding to the bottome are by the strength and efficacie of heat drawne vp to the top , and mixed with the whole substance of the wine , as it were by a certaine ebullition , or working : so melancholly humours being the dregges or lees of the blood , stirred vp by the passions of the mind , defile or taint all the blood with their feculent impuritie . we found that some yeeres agone by experience , at the battell of s t dennis , for all wounds , by what weapon soeuer they were made , degenerated into great and filthy putrefactions and corruptions with feauers of the like nature , and were commonly determined by death , what medicines , and how diligently soeuer they were applyed ; which caused many to haue a false suspition that the weapons on both sides were poysoned . but there were manifest signes of corruption and putrefaction , in the blood let the same day that any were hurt , and in the principall parts dissected afterwards , that it was from no other cause , then an euill constitution of the aire , and the minds of the souldiers peruerted by hate , anger , and feare . chap. v. what signes in the aire and earth prognosticate a plague . we may know a plague to be at hand and hang ouer vs , if at any time the aire , and seasons of the yeere swarue from their naturall constitution , after those wayes i haue mentioned before , if frequent and long continuing meteors , or sulphurous thunders infect the aire ; if fruits , seeds , and puls be worme-eaten ; if birds forsake their nests , egges , or young , without any manifest cause ; if we perceiue women commonly to abort , by continuall breathing in the vaporous aire , being corrupted and hurtfull both to the embrion and originall of life , and by which it being suffocated is presently cast forth and expell'd . yet notwithstanding , those airie impressions doe not solely corrupt the aire , but there may be also others raysed by the sunne from the filthy exhalations , and poysonous vapours of the earth and waters , or of dead carkasses , which by their vnnaturall mixture , easily corrupt the aire subiect to alteration , as which is thin and moyst , from whence diuers epidemiall diseases , and such as euerie-where seaze vpon the common sort , according to the seuerall kinds of corruptions , such as that famous catarrhe with difficultie of breathing , which in the yeere going almost ouer the world , and raged ouer all the cities and townes of france , with great heauinesse of the head ( whereupon the french named it cucuita ) with a straitnesse of the heart and lungs , and a cough , a continuall feauer , and sometimes rauing . this although it seazed vpon many more then it killed , yet because they commonly dyed who were either let blood , or purged , it shewed it selfe pestilent by that violence and peculiar and vnheard of kind of malignitie . such also was the english sweating-sicknesse , or sweating-feauer , which vnusuall with a great deale of terrour invaded all the lower parts of germany , and the low countreys , from the yeere vnto the yeere , and that chiefly in autumne . as soone as this pestilent disease entred into any citie , suddainly two or three hundred fell sicke on one day , then it departing thence to some other place , the people strucken with it languishing , fell downe in a swound , and lying in their beds , swet continually , hauing a feauer , a frequent , quicke , and vnequall pulse , neither did they leaue sweating till the disease left them , which was in one or two dayes at the most : yet freed of it , they languished long after , they all had a beating , or palpitation of the heart , which held some for two or three yeeres , and others all their life after . at the first beginning it killed many , before the force of it was knowne : but afterwards verie few , when it was found out by practice and vse , that those who furthered , and continued their sweats , and strengthened themselues with cordials , were all restored . but at certaine times many other popular diseases spring vp , as putrid feauers , fluxes , bloody fluxes , catarrhes , coughes , phrenzies , sqinancies , pleurisies , inflamations of the lungs , inflamations of the eyes , apoplexies , lethargies , small pockes , and measels , scabbes , carbuncles , and maligne pustules . wherefore the plague is not alwayes , nor euerie-where of one and the same kind , but of diuers ; which is the cause that diuers names are imposed vpon it , according to the varietie of the effects it brings , and symptomes which accompanie it , and kinds of putrefaction , and hidden qualities of the aire . they affirme , when the plague is at hand , that mushromes grow in greater aboundance out of the earth , and vpon the surface thereof many kinds of poysonous insecta creepe in great numbers , as spiders , caterpillers , butterflyes , grasse-hoppers , beetles , hornets , waspes , flyes , scorpions , snailes , locusts , toads , wormes , & such things as are the of-spring of putrefaction . and also wild beasts tyred with the vaporous malignitie of their dennes , and caues in the earth , forsake them ; and moles , toads , vipers , snakes , lezards , aspes , and crocodiles are seene to flye away , and remoue their habitations in great troopes . for these , as also some other creatures , haue a manifest power by the guift of god , and the instinct of nature , to presage changes of weather , as raines , showers , and faire weather ; and seasons of the yeere , as the spring , summer , autumne , winter , which they testifie by their singing , chirping , crying , flying , playing , and beating their wings , aud such like signes ; so also they haue a perception of a plague at hand . and moreouer , the carcasses of some of them which tooke lesse heed of themselues , suffocated by the pestiferous poyson of the ill aire contained in the earth , may be euerie-where found , not onely in their dennes , but also in the plaine fields . these vapours corrupted not by a simple putrefaction , but an occult malignitie , are drawne out of the bowels of the earth into the aire , by the force of the sunne and starres , and thence condensed into clouds , which by their falling vpon corne , trees , and grasse , infect and corrupt all things , which the earth produces , and also killes those creatures which feed vpon them ; yet brute beasts sooner then men , as which stoop and hold their heads downe towards the ground ( the maintainer and breeder of this poyson ) that they may get their food from thence . therefore at such times , skilfull husbandmen , taught by long experience , neuer driue their cattell or sheepe to pasture , before that the sunne by the force of his beames , haue wasted and dissipated into aire , this pestiferous dew hanging and abiding vpon boughes and leaues of trees , herbs , corne , and fruits . but on the contrarie , that pestilence which proceeds from some maligne qualitie from aboue , by reason of euill and certaine coniunction of the starres , is more hurtfull to men and birds , as those , who are neerer to heauen . chap. vi. by vsing what cautions in aire and dyet , one may preuent the plague . hauing declared the signes fore-shewing a pestilence : now we must shew by what meanes we may shun the imminent danger thereof , and defend our selues from it . no preuention seemed more certaine to the ancients , then most speedily to remoue into places farre distant from the infected place , and to be most slow in their returne thither againe . but those who by reason of their businesse , or employments cannot change their habitation , must principally haue care of two things : the first is , that they strengthen their bodyes , and the principall parts thereof against the daily imminent inuasions of the poyson , or the pestiferous and venenate aire . the other , that they abate the force of it , that it may not imprint its virulencie in the body ; which may be done by correcting the excesse of the qualitie inclining towards it , by the opposition of its contrarie . for if it be hotter , then is meet it must be tempered with cooling things ; if too cold , with heating things : yet this will not suffice . for we ought besides , to amend and purge the corruptions of the venenate malignitie diffused through it , by smels and perfumes resisting the poyson thereof . the body will be strengthened and more powerfully resist the infected aire , if it want excrementitious humors , which may be procured by purging and bleeding , and for the rest a conuenient dyet appointed , as shunning much varietie of meats , and hot and moyst things , and all such which are easily corrupted in the stomacke , and cause obstructions , such as those things which be made by comfit-makers ; we must shun satietie and drunkennesse , for both of them weakens the powers , which are preserued by the moderate vse of meats of good iuice . let moderate exercises in a cleere aire , and free from any venemous tainture , preceed your meales . let the belly haue due euacuation either by nature or art. let the heart , the seat of life , and the rest of the bowels be strengthened with cordials and antidotes applyed and taken ( as we shall here-after shew ) in the forme of epithemes , ointments , emplasters , waters , pilles , powders , tablets , opiates , fumigations , and such like . make choyce of a pure aire and free from all pollution , and farre remote from stinking places , for such is most fit to preserue life , to recreate and repaire the spirits , whereas on the contrarie a cloudy , or mistie aire , and such as is infected with grosse and stinking vapours , duls the spirits , deiects the appetite , makes the body faint and ill coloured , oppresses the heart , and is the breeder of many diseases . the northern wind is healthfull , because it is cold and dry . but on the contrarie , the southern wind , because it is hot and moyst , weakens the body by sloth or dulnesse , opens the pores , and makes them peruious to the pestiferous malignitie . the western wind is also vnwholsome , because it comes neere to the nature of the southern : wherefore the windowes must be shut vp on that side of the house on which they blow , but opened on the north and east side , vnlesse it happen the plague come from thence . kindle a cleere fire in all the lodging chambers of the house , and perfume the whole house with aromaticke things , as frankensence , myrrhe , benzoine , ladanum , styrax , roses , mirtle-leaues , lauender , rosemary , sage , sauory , wild time , marierome , broome , pine apples , peeces of firre , iuniper berries , cloues , perfumes : and let your cloathes be aired in the same . there be some , who thinke it a great preseruatiue against the pestilent aire to keepe a goat in their houses , because the capacitie of the houses filled with the strong sent which the goat sends forth , prohibits the entrance of the venemous aire : which same reason hath place also in sweet smels , and besides , it argues , that such as are hungry are apter to take the plague , then those who haue eaten moderately : for the body is not onely strengthened with meat , but all the passages thereof are filled by the vapours diffused from thence , by which otherwise the infected aire would find a more easie entrance to the heart . yet the common sort of people yeeld another reason for the goat , which is , that one ill sent driues away another , as one wedge driues forth another ; which calles to my mind that which is recorded by alexander benedictus , that there was a scythian physition , which caused a plague arysing from the infection of the aire , to cease , by causing all the dogges , cats , and such like beasts which were in the citie , to be hilled , and casting their carcasses vp and downe the streets , that so by the comming of this new putrid vapour as a stranger , the former pestiferous infection , as an old guest , was put out of its lodging , and so the plague ceased . for poysons haue not onely an antipathy with their antidotes , but also with some other poysons . whilst the plague is hot it is not good to stirre out of doore before the rysing of the sunne : wherefore we must haue patience , vntill he haue cleansed the aire with the comfortable light of his beames , and dispersed all the foggy and nocturnall pollutions , which commonly hang in the aire in dirtie , and specially in low places and valleys . all publike and great meetings and assemblyes must be shunned . if the plague begin in summer , and seeme principally to rage , helped forward by the summers heat , it is the best to performe a iourney begun , or vndertaken for performance of necessarie affaires , rather vpon the night time , then on the day , because the infection takes force , strength and subtiletie of substance , by which it may more easily permeate and enter in , by the heat of the sunne ; but by night mens bodies are more strong , and all things are more grosse and dense . but you must obserue a cleane contrarie course if the malignitie seeme to borrow strength , and celeritie from coldnesse . but you must alwayes eschew the beames of the moone , but specially at the full : for then our bodyes are more languid and weake , and fuller of excrementitious humors . euen as trees which for that cause must be cut downe in their season of the moone , that is , in the decrease thereof . after a little gentle walking in your chamber , you must presently vse some meanes that the principall parts may be strengthened by suscitating the heat and spirits , and that the passages to them may be filled , that so the way may be shut vp from the infection comming from without . such as by the vse of garlike haue not their heads troubled , nor their inward parts inflamed , as countrey people , and such as are vsed to it , to such there can be no more certaine preseruatiue and antidote against the pestiferous fogges or mists , and the nocturnall obscuritie , then to take it in the morning with a draught of good wine ; for it being aboundantly diffused presently ouer all the body , filles vp the passages thereof , and strengheneth it in a moment . for water , if the plague proceed from the tainture of the aire , we must wholly shun and auoid raine-water , because it cannot but be infected by the contagion of the aire . wherefore the water of springs , and of the deepest welles are thought best . but if the malignitie proceed from the vapours contained in the earth , you must make choyse of raine-water . yet it 's more safe to digest euerie sort of water by boyling it , and to preferre that water before other , which is pure and cleerer to the sight , and without either tast or smell , and which besides suddainly takes the extremest mutation of heat and cold . chap. vii . of the cordiall remedies by which we may preserue our bodyes in feare of the plague , and cure those already infected there-with . svch as cannot eat without much labour , exercise , and hunger , and who are no louers of breakefasts , hauing euacuated their excrements , before they goe from home , must strengthen the heart with some antidote against the virulencie of the infection . amongst which , aqua theriacalis , or treacle water , two ounces , with the like quantitie of sacke , is much commended being drunke , and rubbing the nose-thrils , mouth , and eares with the same ; for the treacle water strengthens the heart , expels poyson , and is not onely good for a preseruatiue , but also to cure the disease it selfe : for by sweat it driues forth the poyson contained within . it should be made in iune , at which time all simple medicines , by the vitall heat of the sunne , are in their greatest efficacie . the composition whereof is thus : take the roots of gentian , cyperus , tormentill , diptam , or fraxinella elecampaine , of each one ounce ; the leaues of mullet , carduus benedictus , diuels-bit , burnet , scabious , sheepes sorrell , of each halfe a handfull ; of the tops of rue a little quantitie ; mirtle berries one ounce ; of red rose leaues , the flowres of buglosse , borage , and s t iohns wurt , of each one ounce : let them be all cleansed , dryed , and macerated for the space of houres in one pound of white wine or malmsey , and of rose water or sorrell water , then let them be put in a vessell of glasse , and add thereto of treacle and methridate , of each foure ounces , then distill them in balneo mariae , and let the distilled water be receiued in a glasse viall , and let there be added thereto of saffron two drammes , of bole armenicke , terra sigillata , yellow sanders , shauings of iuorie and harts-horne , of each halfe an ounce , then let the glasse be well stopped and set in the sunne for the space of eight or tenne dayes . let the prescribed quantitie be taken euerie morning so oft as shall be needfull . it may be giuen without hurt to sucking children , and to women great with child . but that it may be the more pleasant , it must be strayned thorough an hippocras bagge , adding thereto some sugar and cynnamon . some thinke themselues sufficiently defended with a root of elecampaine , zedoarie , or angelica , rowled in their mouth , or chawed betweene their teeth . others drinke euerie morning one dramme of the root of gentian brused , being macerated for the space of one night in two ounces of white wine . others doe take worme-wood wine . others sup vp in a rere egge one dramme of terra sigillata , or of harts-horne , with a little saffron , and drinke two ounces of wine after it . there be some that doe infuse bole armenicke , the roots of gentian , tormentill , diptam , the berryes of iuniper , cloues , mace , cynnamon , saffron , and such like , in aqua vitae and strong white wine , and so distill it in balneo mariae . this cordiall water that followeth is of great virtue . take of the roots of the long and round aristolochia , tormentill , diptam , of each three drammes , of zedoarie , two drammes , lignum aloes , yellow sanders , of each one dramme , of the leaues of scordium , s t iohns wurt , sorrell , rue , sage , of each halfe an ounce , of bay and iuniper berryes , of each three drammes , cytron seeds one dramme , of cloues , mace , nutmegs , of each two drammes , of masticke , olibanum , bole armenicke , terra sigillata , shauings of harts-horne , and iuorie , of each one ounce , of saffron one scruple , of the conserues of roses , buglosse flowers , water lillyes , and old treacle , of each one ounce , of camphire halfe a dramme , of aqua vitae halfe a pint , of white wine two pints and a halfe , make thereof a distillation in balneo mariae . the vse of this distilled water is euen as treacle water is . the electuarie following is verie effectuall . take of the best treacle three ounces , iuniper berries and carduus seeds of each one dramme and a halfe , of bole armenicke prepared halfe an ounce , of the powder of the electuarie de gemmis , and diamargariton frigidum , the powder of harts-horne , and red corall , of each one dramme : mixe them with the sirrupe of the rinds and iuyce of pome-citrons as much as shall suffice , and make thereof a liquid electuarie in the forme of an opiate , let them take euerie morning the quantitie of a filberd , drinking after it two drammes of the water of scabions , cherryes , carduus benedictus , and of some such like cordiall things , or of strong wine . the following opiate is also verie profitable , which also may be made into tablets . take of the roots of angelica , gentian , zedoarie , elecampaine , of each two drammes ; of cytron and sorrell seeds of each halfe a dramme ; of the dryed rinds of cytrous , cinnamon , bay and iuniper berryes , and saffron , of each one scruple ; of conserue of roses and buglosse , of each one ounce ; of fine hard sugar as much as is sufficient : make thereof tablets of the weight of halfe a dramme , let him take one of them two houres before meat : or make thereof an opiate with equall parts of conserues of buglosse and mel anthosatum , and so adding all the rest dry and in powder : or take of the roots of valerian , tormentill , diptam , of the leaues of rue , of each halfe an ounce ; of saffron , mace , nutmegs , of each halfe a dramme ; of bole armenicke prepared halfe an ounce ; of conserue of roses , and sirupe of lemons as much as will be sufficient to make thereof an opiate liquid enough . or take of the roots of both the aristolochia's , of gentian , tormentill , diptam , of each one dramme and a halfe ; of ginger three drammes ; of the leaues of rue , sage , mints , and peny-royall , of each two drammes ; of bay and iuniper berries , citron seeds , of each foure scruples ; of mace , nutmegs , cloues , cinnamon , of each two drammes ; of lignum aloes , and yellow saunders , of each one dramme ; of male frankincense , i. olibanum , masticke , shauings of harts-horne and iuorie , of each two scruples ; of saffron halfe a dramme ; of bole armenicke , terra sigillata , red corall , pearle , of each one dramme ; of conserues of roses , buglosse flowers , water lillyes , and old treacle , of each one ounce ; of loafe sugar one pound and a quarter : a little before the end of the making it vp , add two drammes of confectio alkermes , and of camphire dissolued in rose water one scruple : make thereof an opiate according to art , the dose thereof is from halfe a dramme to halfe a scruple . treacle and mithridate saithfully compounded excell all other cordiall medicines , adding for euerie halfe ounce of each of them , one ounce and a halfe of conserues of roses , or of buglosse , or of violets , and three drammes of bole armenicke prepared : of these being mixed with stirring , and incorporated together , make a conserue : it must be taken in the morning the quantitie of a filberd : you must choose that treacle that is not lesse then foure yeeres old , nor aboue twelue : that which is some-what new , is iudged to be most meet for cholericke persons , but that which is old for flegmaticke and old men. for at the beginning the strength of the opium that enters into the composition thereof , remaines in its full vertue for a yeere : but afterwards the more yeeres old it waxeth , the strength thereof is more abolished , so that at length the whole composition becommeth verie hot . the confection of alkermes is verie effectuall both for a preseruatiue against this disease , and also for the cure. the quantitie of a filberd of rubarbe , with one cloue chawed or rowled in the mouth , is supposed to repell the comming of the pestilent aire : as also this composition following . take of preserued citron and orange pilles , of each one dramme ; of conserue of roses , and of the roots of buglosse , of each three drammes ; of citron seeds halfe an ounce ; of annice seeds , and fennell seeds , of each one dramme ; of angelica roots , foure scruples ; sugar of roses , as much as suffices : make a confection , and couer it with leaues of gold , and take a little of it out of a spoone before you goe abroad euerie morning . or take of pine apple kernels , and fisticke nuts , infused for the space of sixe houres in the water of scabious , and roses of each two ounces ; of almonds blanched in the fore-named waters halfe a pound ; of preferued citron and orange pilles , of each one dramme and a halfe ; of angelica roots foure scruples : make them according to art vnto the forme of march-pane , or of any other such like confection : and hold a little piece thereof often in your mouth . the tablets following are most effectuall in such a case . take of the roots of diptam , tormentill , valerian , elecampaine , eringoes , of each halfe a dramme ; of bole armenicke , terra sigillata , of each one scruple ; of camphire , cinnamon , sorrell seeds , and zedoarie , of each one scruple ▪ of thē species of the electuarie diamargariton frigidum , two scruples ; of conserue of roses , buglosse , preserued citron pilles , mithridate , treacle , of each one dramme ; of fine sugar dissolued in scabious , and carduus water , as much as shall suffice : make thereof tablets of the weight of a dramme , or halfe a dramme , take them in the morning before you eat . the pilles of ruffus are accounted most effectuall preseruatiues , so that ruffus himselfe saith , that he neuer knew any to be infected that vsed them : the composition of them is thus . take of the best aloes halfe a dramme ; of gumme ammoniacum two drammes ; of mirrhe two drammes and an halfe ; of masticke two drammes ; of saffron seuen granes : put them altogether , and incorporate them with the iuice of citrons , or the sirupe of limons , and make thereof a masse , and let it be kept in leather : let the patient take the weight of halfe a dramme euery morning two or three houres before meat , and let him drinke the water of sorrell after it , which through its tartnesse , and the thinness of its parts , doth infringe the force and power of the malignitie , or putrefaction : for experience hath taught vs , that sorrell being eaten , or chawed in the mouth doth make the pricking of scorpions vnhurtfull . and for those ingredients which doe enter into the composition of those pilles , aloes doth clense and purge ; myrrhe resisteth putrefaction ; masticke strengthens ; saffron exhilarates and makes liuely the spirits that gouerne the body , especially the vitall and animall . those pilles that follow are also much approued . take of aloes one ounce ▪ of myrrhe halfe an ounce ; of saffron one scruple ; of agaricke in trochisces , two drammes ; of rubarbe in powder , one dramme ; of cinnamon two scruples ; of masticke one dramme and a halfe ; of citron seeds twelue graines : powder them all as is requisite , and make thereof a masse with the sirupe of maiden haire : let it be vsed as afore-said . if the masse begin to waxe hard , the pilles that must presently be taken , must be mollified with the sirupe of lemons . take of washed aloes two ounces ; of saffron one dramme ; of myrrhe halfe an ounce ; of ammoniacum dissolued in white wine , one ounce ; of honey of roses , zedoarie , red saunders , of each one dramme ; of bole armenicke prepared two drammes ; of red corall halfe an ounce ; of camphire halfe a scruple : make thereof pilles according to art. but those that are subiect or apt to the haemorrhoides ought not at all , or verie seldome to vse those kinds of pilles that doe receiue much aloes . they say , that king mithridates affirmed by his owne writing , that whosoeuer tooke the quantitie of an hasell nut of the preseruatine following , and dranke a little wine after it , should be free from poyson that day . take two wall-nuts , those that be verie dry , two figges , twentie leaues of rue , and three graines of salt : beat them , and incorporate them together , and let them be vsed as is afore-said . this remedy is also said to be profitable for those that are bitten or stung by some venomous beast , and for this onely , because it hath rue in the composition thereof . but you must forbid women that are with child the vse of this medicine , for rue is hot and dry in the third degree , and therefore it is said to purge the wombe , and prouoke the flowers , whereby the nourishment is drawne away from the child . of such varietie of medicines euerie one may make choyse of that that is most agreeable to his tast , and as much thereof as shall be sufficient . chap. viii . of locall medicines to be applyed outwardly . those medicines that haue proper and excellent vertues against the pestilence are not to be neglected to be applyed outwardly , or carried in the hand . and such are all aromaticall , astringent , or spirituous things which therefore are endewed with vertue to repell the venomous and pestiferous aire from comming and entring into the body , and to strengthen the heart and the braine . of this kind are rue , baulme , rosemary , scordium , sage , worme-wood , cloues , nutmegs , saffron , the roots of angelica , and louage , and such like , which must be macerated one night in sharpe vineger and aqua vitae , and then tyed in a knot as bigge as an egge : or rather let it be carryed in a sponge made wet or soaked in the said infusion . for there is nothing that doth sooner and better hold the spirituous vertue and strength of aromaticke things , then a sponge . wherefore it is of principall vse either to keepe or hold sweet things to the nose , or to apply epithemes , and fomentationsto the heart . those sweet things ought to be hot or cold , as the season of the yeere , and kind of the pestilence is . as for example , in the summer you ought to infuse and macerate cinamon and cloues beaten together with a little saffron in equall parts , of vineger of roses , and rose water , into which you must dip a sponge , which rowled in a faire linnen cloath you may carrie in your hand , and often smell to . take of worme-wood halfe a handfull ; ten cloues ; of the roots of gentian and angelica , of each two drams ; of vineger and rose water , of each two ounces ; of treacle and mithrid te , of each one dramme : beat and mixe them all well together , and let a sponge be dipped therein , and vsed as aboue-said . they may also be enclosed in boxes , made of sweet wood , as of iuniper , ceder , or cypresse , and so carryed for the same purpose . but there is nothing more easie to be carryed then pomanders : the forme of which is thus . take of yellow saunders , mace , citron pilles , rose and mirtle leaues , of each two drammes ; of benzoin , ladanum , storax , of each halfe a dramme ; of cinnamon , and saffron , of each two scruples ; of camphire , and amber greece , of each one scruple ; of muske three graines : make there of a pomander , with rose water , with the infusion of tragacanth . or take red rose leaues , the flowers of water lillyes , and violets , of each one ounce ; of the three saunders , coriander seeds , citron pilles , of each halfe an ounce ; of camphire one dramme : let them all be powders , and with water of roses , and tragacanth make a pomander . in the winter it must be made thus : take of storax , benzoin , of each one dramme and a halfe ; of muske halfe a scruple ; of cloues , lauander , and cyperus , of each two drammes ; of the root of orris , i. flower de luce , and calamus aromaticus , of each two drammes and a halfe ; of amber greece three drammes ; of gum tragacanth dissolued in rose water and aqua vitae , as much as shall suffice : make thereof a pomander . and for the same purpose you may also vse to carrie about with you sweet powders made of amber greece , storax , orris , nutmegs , cinamon , mace , cloues , saffron , benzoin , muske , camphire , roses , violets , iuncus odoratus , marioram , and such like : of which being mixed together , powders may be compounded and made . take of the roots of orris two drammes ; of cyperus , calamus aromaticus , red roses , of each halfe an ounce ; of cloues halfe a dramme ; of storax one dramme ; of muske eight graines : mixe them , and make a powder for a bagge . or take the roots of orris two ounces ; red rose leaues , white saunders , storax , of each one ounce ; of cyperus one dramme ; of calamus aromaticus one ounce ; of marierome halfe an ounce ; of cloues three drammes ; of lauender halfe a dramme ; of coriander seeds two drammes ; of good muske halfe a scruple ; of ladanum and benzoin , of each a dramme ; of nutmegs , and cinnamon , of each two drammes : make thereof a fine powder , and sow it in a bagge . it will be verie conuenient also to apply to the region of the heart , a bagge filled with yellow saunders , mace , cloues , cinnamon , saffron , and treacle , shaken together , and incorporated , and sprinckled ouer with strong vineger and rose water in summer , and with strong wine and muskedine in the winter . these sweet aromaticke things that are so full of spirits , smelling sweetly and strongly , haue admirable virtues to strengthen the principall parts of the body , and to stirre vp the expulsiue facultie to expell the poyson . contrarie-wise , those that are stinking and vnsauerie procure a desire to vomit , and dissolution of the powers , by which it is manifest how foolish and absurd their perswasion is , that councell such as are in a pestilent constitution of the aire , to receaue and take in the stinking and vnsauorie vapors of sinkes and priuies , and that especially in the morning . but it will not suffice to carrie those preseruatiues alone without the vse of any other thing , but will be also verie profitable , to wash all the whole body in vineger of the decoction of iuniper and bay berryes , the roots of gentian , marigolds , s t iohns wort , and such like , with treacle or mithridate also dissolued in it . for vineger is an enemie to all poysons in generall , whether they be hot or cold : for it resisteth and hindreth putrefaction , because it is cold and dry : therefore in this , inanimate bodyes , as flesh , hearbes , fruits , and many other such like things may be kept a long time without putrefaction . neither is it to be feared , that it should obstruct the pores , by reason of its coldnesse , if the body be bathed in it : for it is of subtile parts , and the spices boyled in it haue vertue to open . whosoeuer accounteth it hurtfull to wash his whole body there-with , let him wash but onely his arme-holes , the region of his heart , his temples , groine parts of generation , as hauing great and maruelous sympathy with the principall and noble parts . if any mislike bathing ▪ let him annoint himselfe with the following vnguent . take oyle of roses foure ounces ; oyle of spike two ounces ; of the powder of cinnamon and cloues , of each one ounce and a halfe ; of benzoin halfe an ounce ; of muske sixe graines ; of treacle halfe a dramme ; of venice turpentine one dramme and a halfe ; of waxe as much as shall suffice : make thereof a soft vnguent . you may also drop a few drops of oyle of masticke , of sage , or of cloues , and such like , into the eares , with a little ciuet or muske . chap. ix . of the signes of such as are insected with the plague . we must not stay so long before we pronounce one to haue the plague , vntill there be paine and a tumour vnder his arme-holes , or in his groyne , or spots ( vulgarly called tokens ) appeare ouer all the body , or carbuncles arise : for many dye through the venenate malignitie , before these signes doe appeare . wherefore the chiefest and truest signes of this disease , are to be taken from the heart , being the mansion of life , which chiefly , and first of all is wont to be assaulted by the force of the poyson . therefore they that are infected with the pestilence , are vexed with often swoundings , and fainting ; their pulse is feebler and slower then others , but some-times more frequent , but that is specially in the night season ; they feele prickings ouer all their body , as if it were the pricking of needles ; but their nose-thrils doe itch especially ▪ by occasion of the maligne vapours rysing vpwards from the lower and inner , into the vpper parts , their breast burneth , their heart beateth , with paine vnder the left dug , difficultie of taking breath , ptissicke , cough , paine of the heart , & such an elation or puffing vp of the hypocondria or sides of the belly distended with the aboundance of vapours raysed by the force of the feuerish heat , that the patient will in a manner seeme to haue the tympanie . they are molested with a desire to vomit , and oftentimes with much and painfull vomiting , wherein greene and blacke matter is seene , and alwayes of diuers colours , answering in proportion to the excrements of the lower parts , the stomacke being drawne into a consent with the heart , by reason of the vicinitie and communion of the vessels ; oftentimes blood alone , and that pure , is excluded and cast vp in vomiting ; and it is not onely cast vp by vomiting out of the stomacke , but also verie often out of the nosethrils , fundament , and in women out of the wombe ; the inward parts are often burned , and the outward parts are stiffe with cold , the whole heat of the patient being drawne violently inward , after the manner of a cupping-glasse , by the strong burning of the inner parts ; then the eye-lids wax blew , as it were through some contusion , all the whole face hath a horrid aspect , and as it were the colour of lead , the eyes are burning red , and , as it were , swolne or puffed vp with blood , or any other humour , shed teares ; and to conclude , the whole habite of the body is some-what changed and turned yellow . many haue a burning feauer , which doth shew it selfe by the pacients vlcerated iawes , vnquenchable thirst , drynesse and blacknesse of the tongue , and it causeth such a phrensie by inflaming the braine , that the pacients running naked out of their beads , seeke to throw themselues out of windowes into the pits and riuers that are at hand . in some the ioynts of their body are so weakned , that they cannot goe nor stand , from the beginning they are as it were buryed in a long swound and deepe sleepe , by reason that the feauer sendeth vp to the brayne the grosse vapors from the crude and cold humors , as it were from greene wood newly kindled to make a fire . such sleeping doth hold them especially while the matter of the sore or carbuncle is drawne together and beginneth to come to suppuration . often-times when they are awaked out of sleepe , there doe spots and markes appeare dispersed ouer the skin , with a stinking sweat . but if those vapours be sharpe that are stirred vp vnto the head , in stead of sleepe they cause great waking , and alwayes there is much diuersitie of accidents in the vrine of those that are infected with the plague , by reason of the diuers temperature and condition of bodyes : neither is the vrine at all times , and in all men of the same consistence and colour : for some-times they are like vnto the vrine of those that are sound and in health , that is to say , laudable in colour and substance , because that when the heart is affected by the venomous aire , that entereth in vnto it , the spirits are more greatly grieued and molested then the humours : but those , i. the spirits , are infected and corrupted when these doe begin to corrupt . but vrines onely shew the dispositions of the humours or parts in which they are made , collected together , and through which they doe passe . this reason seemeth truer to me then theirs which say , that nature terrified with the malignitie of the poyson auoyds contention , and doth not resist or labour to digest the matter that causeth the disease . many haue their appetites so ouerthrowne , that they can abstaine from meat for the space of three dayes together . and to conclude , the varietie of accidents is almost infinite , which appeare and spring vp in this kind of disease , by reason of the diuersitie of the poyson and condition of the bodyes and greeued parts : but they doe not all appeare in each man , but some in one , and some in another . chap. x. what signes in the plague are mortall . ii is a most deadly signe in the pestilence , to haue a continuall and burning feauer , to haue the tongue dry , rough , and blacke , to breathe with difficultie , and to draw in a great quantitie of breath , but breathe out little ; to talke idely ; to haue the phrensie and madnesse together , with vnquenchable thirst , and great watching ; to haue convulsions , the hickit , heart beating , and to swound verie often and vehemently ; further , tossing and turning in the bead , with a loathing of meats , and daily vomits of a greene , blacke , and bloody colour ; and the face pale , blacke , of a horrid and cruell aspect , bedewed with a cold sweat , are verie mortall signes . there are some which at the verie beginning haue vicerous and painfull wearinesse , pricking vnder the skin , with great torment of paine ; the eyeslooke crewelly and staringly , the voyce waxeth hoarce , the tongue rough and shutting , and the vnderstanding decaying , the pacient vttereth and talketh of friuolous things . truly those are verie dangerously sicke , no otherwise then those whose vrine is pale , blacke , and troubled like vnto the vrine of carriage beasts , or lye , with diuers coloured clouds , or contents , as blew , greene , blacke , fattie , and oyly , as also resembling in shew a spiders webbe , with a round body swimming on the top . if the flesh of the carbuncle be dry and blacke , as it were seared with a hot iron , if the flesh about it be blacke and blew , if the matter doe flow backe , and turne in , if they haue a laske , with greatly stinking , liquid , thin , clammy , blacke , greene , or blewish ordure ; if they auoyd wormes by reason of the great corruption of the humors and yet for all this the pacient is neuer the better ; if the eyes waxe often dimme , if the nose-thrils be contracted or drawne together , if they haue a grieuous crampe , the mouth be drawne aside , the muscles of the face being drawn or contracted equally or vnequally ; if the nailes be blacke ; if they be often troubled with the hickit , or haue a convulsion and resolution ouer all the body , then you may certainly prognosticate that death is at hand , and you may vse cordiall medicines onely , but it is too late to purge or let blood. chap. xi . of the prognostication that is to be instituted in the plague . when you thorowly know the nature of the disease , and accidents thereof , and the condition , function , and excellencie of the body and grieued parts , you may well foretell the future motions and euents of diseases : although that this may be spoken in generall , that there is no certaine prediction in pestilent diseases , either to health or death , for they haue verie vnconstant motions , sometimes swift and quicke , sometimes slow , and sometimes choaking or suffocating in a moment while one breathes in the venomous aire , as he is going about any of his necessarie affaires , hauing pustles rysing in the skin with sharpe paine , and as though the whole body were pricked all ouer with needles , or the stings of bees . which i haue seene with my eyes in the plague that was at lyons when charles the french king lay there . it many times commeth to passe that the accidents that were very vehement and raging a little before , are sodainly asswaged , and the pacients doe thinke themselues better , or almost perfectly sound . which hapned to mary one of the queene-mother her mayds in that notable pestilent constitution of the aire that yere when charles the french kinglay at the castle of rossilion : for when she was infected , a great tumour or bubo arose in her groyne , and sodainly it went in againe , so that the third day of her sicknesse , she said she was without any griefe or disease at all , but that she was some-what troubled with a difficultie of making water , and i thinke it was , because the bladder was inflamed by the reflux of the matter ; but she was sound in mind and body , and walked vp and downe the chamber on the same day that she dyed . the strangenesse of which thing made the king so fearfull , that he hasted to depart thence . although this disease doth spare no man , of what age , temperature , complexion , dyet , and condition soeuer , yet it assaulteth young men that are cholericke and sanguine , more often then old men that are cold and dry , in whom the moysture that is the nourisher of putrefaction by reason of their age is consumed , and the wayes , passages , and pores of the skin whereby the venomous aire should enter and pierce in , are more strait and narrow . and moreouer , because old men doe alwayes stay at home , but young men for their necessarie businesse , and also for their delight and pleasure , are alwayes abroad on the day time in the aire , wherehence the pollution of the pestilence commeth more often . that pestilence that commeth by the corruption of the humours , is not so contagious as that which commeth by the default of the aire . but those that are flegmaticke and melancholy are most commonly greeued with that kind of pestilence , because in them the humours are more clammy and grosse , and their bodyes more cold and lesse perspirable , for which causes the humours sooner and more speedily putrefie . men that are of an ill iuyce are also most apt to this kind of pestilence , for in the naughtie qualitie of the iuyce there is a great preparation of the humours vnto putrefaction : you may know it by this , that whē the pestilence raigneth , there are no other diseases among the common people , which haue their originall of any ill iuyce but they all degenerate into the plague . therefore when they begin to appeare and wander vp and downe , it is a token that the pestilence will shortly cease , or is almost at an end . but here also i would haue you to understand those to be of an ill iuice , which haue no pores in their skin , by which , as it were by riuers , the euill iuyce which is contrarie to nature , may be euacuated and purged . and i haue noted and obserued , that those are lesse in danger of the pestilence which haue cancerous vlcers , and stinking sores in their noses , and such as are infected with the french poxe , haue by reason thereof , tumours and rotten vlcers , or haue the kings euill running vpon them , the leprosie , or the scabbe : and to conclude , all those that haue fistulous and running vlcers in their bodyes . i thinke those that haue quartaine feauers are the better priuiledged for the same , because that by the fit causing sweat , that commeth euerie fourth day , they auoyd much of the ill iuyce that was ingendred . this is more like to be true , then to thinke that the poyson that commeth from without , may be driuen away by that which lurketh within . contrarie-wise , women that are great with child , as i haue noted , because they haue much ill iuyce , being prohibited from their accustomed euacuations , are verie apt to take this disease , and doe seldome recouer after they are infected . blacke or blew impostumes , and spots and pustules of the same colour dispersed ouer the skin , argue that the disease is altogether vncurable and mortall . when the swelling or sore goeth or commeth before the feauer , it is a good signe , for it declareth that the malignitie is verie weake and feeble , and that nature hath ouercome it , which of it selfe is able to driue so great portion thereof from the inner parts . but if the sore or tumour come after the feauer , it is a mortall & deadly signe , for it is certaine that that commeth of the venomous matter not translated , but dispersed , not by the victorie of nature , but thorough the multitude of the matter , with the weight whereof nature is ouercome . when the moone decreaseth , those that are infected with the pestilence are in great doubt and danger of death , because then the humours that were collected and gathered together before the full of the moone , through delay and aboundance , do swell the more , and the faculties by which the body is gouerned , become more weake and feeble , because of the imbecilitie of the natiue heat , which before was nourished and augmented by the light , and so consequently by the heat of the full moone : for as it is noted by aristotle , the wainings of the moone are more cold and weake : and thence it is that women haue their menstruall fluxes chiefely or most commonly at that time . in a grosse and cloudy aire the pestilent infection is lesse vehement and contagious then in a thin and subtle aire ; whether that thinnesse of the aire proceed from the heat of the sunne , or from the north wind and cold . therefore at paris where naturally , and also through the aboundance of filth that is about the citie , the aire is darke and grosse , the pestilent infection is lesse fierce and contagious then it is in prouince , for the subtletie of the aire stimulates or helps forward the plague . but this disease is mortall and pernitious wheresoeuer it be , because it suddainly assaulteth the heart , which is the mansion , or as it were the fortresse or castle of life : but commonly not before the signes and tokens of it appeare on the body : and yet you shall scarce find any man that thinketh of calling the physitian to helpe to preserue him from so great danger before the signes thereof be euident to be seene and felt : but then the heart is assaulted . and when the heart is so assaulted , what hope of life is there , or health to be looked for ? therefore because medicines come oft-times too late , and this malady is as it were a suddaine and a winged messenger of our death , it commeth to passe that so many die thereof . and moreouer because at the first suspition of this so dire and cruell a disease , the imagination and mind ( whose force in the diuersly stirring vp of the humours is great and almost incredible ) is so troubled with feare of imminent death , and despaire of health , that together with the perturbed humours , all the strength and power of nature falles and sinkes downe . this you may perceiue and know , by reason that the keepers of such as are sicke , and the bearers which are not fearefull , but verie confident , although they doe all the basest offices which may be for the sicke , are commonly not infected , and seldome dye thereof if infected . chap. xii . into what place the patient ought to betake himselfe so soone as he finds himselfe infected . we haue said that the perpetuall and first originall of the pestilence commeth of the aire , therefore so soone as one is blasted with the pestiferous aire , after he hath taken some preseruatiue against the malignitie thereof , he must withdraw himselfe into some wholesome aire , that is cleane and pure from any venomous infection or contagion for there is great hope of health by the alteration of the aire , for we doe most frequently and aboundantly draw in the aire of all things , so that we cannot want it for a minute of time : therefore of the aire that is drawne in , dependeth the correction , amendment , or increase of the poyson or malignitie that is receiued , as the aire is pure , sincere , or corrupted . there be some that doe thinke it good to shut the patient in a cloase chamber , shutting the windowes to prohibite the entrance of the aire as much as they are able : but i thinke it more conuenient that those windowes should be open from whence that wind bloweth that is directly contrarie vnto that which brought in the venomous aire : for although there be no other cause , yet if the aire be not moued , or agitated , but shut vp in a cloase place , it will soone be corrupted . therefore in a cloase and quiet place that is not subiect to the entrance of the aire , i would wish the patient to make wind , or to procure aire with a thicke and great cloath dipped or macerated in water and vineger mixt together , and tyed to a long staffe , that by tossing it vp and downe the cloase chamber , the wind or aire thereof may coole and recreate the patient . the patient must euerie day be carryed into a fresh chamber , and the beds and the linnen cloathes must be changed : there must alwayes be a cleere and bright fire in the patients chamber , and especially in the night , whereby the aire may be made more pure , cleane , and voyd of nightly vapours , and of the filthy and pestilent breath proceeding from the patient , or his excrements . in the meane time , least ( if it be in hot weather ) the patient should be weakned or made more faint by reason that the heat of the fire doth disperse and wast his spirits , the floore or ground of the chamber must be sprinkled or watered with vineger and water , or strowed with the branches of vines made moyst in cold water , with the leaues and flowers of water lillyes , or poplar , or such like . in the feruent heat of summer he must abstaine from strong fumigations that do smell too strongly , because that by assaulting the head , they increase the paine . if the patient could goe to that cost , it were good to hang all the chamber where he lyeth , and also the bed , with thicke or coarse linnen cloathes moysted in vineger and water of roses . those linnen cloathes ought not to be verie white , but some-thing browne , because much and great whitenesse doth disperse the sight , and by wasting the spirits doth increase the paine of the head : for which cause also the chamber ought not to be verie lightsome . contrariwise on the night season there ought to be fiers and perfumes made , which by their moderate light , may moderately call forth the spirits . sweet fiers may be made of little peeces of the wood of iuniper , broome , ash , tamarisk , of the rind of oranges , lemmons , cloues , benzoin , gumme arabicke , orris roots , myrrhe grossely beaten together , and layd on the burning coales put into a chasing dish . truly the breath or smoake of the wood or berries of iuniper , is thought to driue serpents a great way from the place where it is burnt . the vertue of the ash tree against venome is so great , as pliny testifieth , that a serpent will not come vnder the shaddow thereof , no not in the morning nor euening , when the shaddow of any thing is most great and long , but she will run from it . i my selfe haue proued that if a circle or compasse be made with the boughes of an ash tree , and a fier made in the middest thereof , and a serpent put within the compasse of the boughes , that the serpent will rather run into the fier then thorow the ashes boughes . there is also another meanes to correct the aire . you may sprinkle vineger of the decoction of rue , sage , rosemary , bay berries , iuniper berries , cyperus nuts , and such like , on stones or brickes made red hot , and put in a pot or pan , that all the whole chamber where the patient lyeth may be perfumed with the vapour thereof . also fumigations may be made of some matter that is more grosse and clammy , that by the force of the fire the sume may continue the longer , as are ladanum , myrrhe , masticke , rosine , turpentine , storax , olibanum , benzoin , bay berries , iuniper berries , cloues , sage , rosemary , and marioram stamped together , and such like . those that are rich and wealthy may haue candles and fumes made of wax , or tallow mixed with some sweet things . a spong macerated in vinegar of roses and water of the same , and a little of the decoction of cloues , and of camphire added thereto , ought alwayes to be ready at the patients hand , that by often smelling vnto it , the animall spirits may be recreated and strengthened . the water following is very effectuall for this matter . take of orris fourė ounces ; of zedoarie , spikenard , of each sixe drammes ; of storax , benzoin , cynamon , nutmegs , cloues , of each one ounce and a halfe ; of old treacle halfe an ounce : bruise them into a grosse powder , and macerate them for the space of twelue houres in pound of white and strong wine , then distill them in a limbecke of glasse on hoat ashes , and in the distilled liquor wet a spong , and then let it be tyed in a linnen cloath , or closed in a box , and so often put vnto the nose-thrils . or take of the vineger and water of roses , of each foure ounces ; of camphire six graines ; of treacle halfe a dramme : let them be dissolued together , and put into a viall of glasse , which the patient may often put vnto his nose . this nodula following is more meet for this matter . take of rose leaues two pugils ; of orris halfe an ounce ; of calamus aromaticus , cynnamon , cloues , of each two drammes ; of storax and benzoin , of each one dramme and a halfe ; of cyperus halfe a dramme : beat them into a grosse powder , make thereof a nodula betweene two peeces of cambricke or lawne of the bignesse of an hand ball , then let it be moystned in ounces of rose water , and two ounces of rose vineger , and let the patient smell vnto it often . these things must be varied according to the time : for in the summer you must vse neither muske nor ciuet , nor such like hot things : and moreouer women that are subiect to fits of the mother , & those that haue feauers or the head ach ought not to vse those things that are so strong smelling & hot , but you must make choise of things more gentle : therefore things that are made with a little camphire and cloues bruised and macerated together in rose water and vineger of roses shall be sufficient . chap. xiii . what dyet ought to be obserued , and first of the choyce of meats . the order of dyet in a pestilent disease ought to be cooling and drying : not slender , but some-what full . because by this kind of disease there commeth wasting of the spirits , and exolution of the faculties , which inferreth often swounding , therefore that losse must be repaired as soone as may be with more quantitie of meats that are of easie concoction and digestion . therefore i neuer saw any being infected with the pestilence that kept a slender dyet that recouered his health but dyed , and few that had a good stomacke and fed well dyed . sweet , grosse , moyst , and clammy meats , which are altogether , and exquisitely of subtile parts , are to be auoyded ; for the sweet doe easily take fier , and are soone inflamed ; the moyst will putrefie ; the grosse and clammy obstruct , and therefore ingender putrefaction ; those meats that are of subtile parts , ouer-much attenuate the humors and inflame them , and doe stirre vp hot and sharpe vapors into the brayne , whereof commeth the feauer . therefore we must eschew garlike , onions , mustard , salted and spiced meats , and all kinds of puls must also be auoyded , because they ingender grosse winds , which are the authors of obstruction : but the decoction of them is not alwayes to be refused , because it is a prouoker of vrine . therefore let this be their order of dyet : let their bread be of wheat or barly , well wrought , well leauened and salted neither too new nor too stale : let them be fed with such meat as may be easily concocted and digested , and may engender much laudable iuyce , and verie little excrementall , as are the flesh of weather lambes , calues , kidds , leuerets , pullets , partriches , pigeons , thrushes , larkes , quailes , blacke birds , turtle doues , moore hennes , phesants , and such like , auoyding water foules . let the flesh be moystned in veriuyce of vn-ripe grapes , vineger , or the iuyce of lemmons , oranges , cytrons , tart pomegranats , barberyes , gooseberryes , or red currance , or of garden and wild sorrell : for all these sowre things are verie wholesome in this kind of disease , for they doe stirre vp the appetite , resist the venomous qualitie and putrefaction of the humours , restraine the heat of the feauer , and prohibite the corruption of the meats in the stomacke . although that those that haue a more weake stomacke ▪ and are endewed with a more exact sence , & are subiect to the cough and diseases of the lungs , must not vse these vnlesse they be mixed with sugar and cynnamon . if the patient at any time be fed with sodden meats , let the broathes be made with lettuce , purslaine , succorie , borage , sorrell , hoppes , buglosse , cresses , burnet , marigolds , cheruill , the cooling seeds , barley and oates cleansed , with a little saffron , for saffron doth engender many spirits , and resisteth poyson . to these opening roots may be added for to auoyd obstruction ; yet much broath must be refused by reason of moysture . the fruit of capers being eaten in the beginning of the meale prouoke the appetite , and prohibite obstructions , but they ought not to be seasoned with ouer-much oyle & salt , they may also with good successe be put in broathes . fishes are altogether to be auoyded , because they doe soone corrupt in the stomacke : but if the patient be delighted with them , those that liue in stony places must be chosen , that is to say , those that doe liue in pure and sandy water , and about rocks , and stones , as are trowts , pikes , pearches , gudgions , and crauises boiled in milke , wilks , and such like . and concerning sea-fish , he may be fed with giltheads , gurnarts , with all the kinds of cod-fish , whitings not seasoned with salt , and turbuts . fagges potched and eaten with the iuyce of sorrell , are very good . likewise barley water seasoned with the graynes of a tart pomegranate , and if the feauer be vehement , with the seeds of white poppey . such barley water is easie to be concocted and digested , it cleanses greatly , and moystens and mollifies the belly . but in some it procures an appetite to vomit , and paine of the head , and those must abstaine from it . but in stead of barley water they may vse pappe , and bread crummed in the decoction of a capon . for the second course let him haue raysons of the sun , newly sodden in rose water with sugar , soure damaske prunes , tart cherryes , pippins , and katherine peares . and in the latter end of the meale , quinces rosted in embers , marmelate of quinces , & conserues of buglosse or of roses , and such like may be taken : or else this powder following . take of coriander seeds prepared two drammes ; of pearle , rose leaues , shauings of harts-horne and iuory , of each halfe a dramme ; of amber two scruples ; of cynnamon one scruple ; of vnicornes horne , and the bone in a stagges heart , of each halfe a scruple ; of sugar of roses foure ounces : make thereof a powder , and vse it after meats . if the patient be some-what weake , he must be fed with gelly made of the flesh of a capon , and veale sodden together in the water of sorrell , carduus benedictus , with a little quantitie of rose vineger , cynnamon , sugar , and other such like , as the present necessitie shall seeme to require . in the night season for all euents and mischances , the patient must haue ready prepared broath of meats of good digestion , with a little of the iuyce of citrons , or pomegranates . this restauratiue that followeth may serue for all . take of the conserue of buglosse , borage , violets , water lillyes , and succory , of each two ounces ; of the powder of the electuarie diamargaritum frigidum , of the trochisces of camphire , of each three drams ; of citron seedes , carduus seedes , sorrell seedes , the rootes of diptamnus , tormentill , of each two drams ; of the broth of a young capon , made with lettuce , purselaine , buglosse , and borraged boile in it , sixe pintes ; put them in a lembecke of glasse with the flesh of two pullets , of so manie partridges , and with fifteene leaues of pure gold : make thereof a distillation ouer a soft fier . then take of the distilled liquor halfe a pinte , straine it through a woollen bagge , with two ounces of white sugar , and halfe a dram of cinamon : let the patient vse this when he is thirstie . or else put the flesh of one old capon , and of a legge of veale , two minced partridges , and two drams of whole cinamon without anie liquor in a lembecke of glasse , well luted and couered , and so let them boile in balueo mariae vnto the perfect concoction . for so the fleshes will be boiled in their owne iuice without any hurt of the fier ; then let the iuice bee pressed out therehence with a presse : giue the patient for euery dose one ounce of the iuice with some cordiall waters , some trisantalum , and diamargaritum frigidum . the preserues of sweete fruits are to bee auoided , because that sweete things turne into cholor ; but the confections of tart prunes , cherries , and such like may be fitly vsed . but because there is no kinde of sickenesse that so weakens the strength as the plague ; it is alwaies necessarie , but yet sparingly and often , to feede the patient , still hauing respect vnto his custome , age , the region , and the time : for through emptinesse there is great danger , lest that the venomous matter that is driuen out to the superficiall parts of the bodie , should be called backe vnto the inward parts , by an hungrie stomacke , and the stomacke it selfe should bee filled with choloricke , hot , thinne , and sharpe excrementall humors , whereof commeth biting of the stomacke , and gripings in the guttes . chap. xiv . what drinke the patient infected ought to vse . if the feauer be great and burning , the patient must abstain from wine , vnlesse that he be subiect to swounding ; and he may drink the oxymell following in stead thereof . take of fair water three quarts , wherin boile foure ounces of hony vntill the third part bee consumed , scumming it continually ; then straine it and put it into a clean vessell , and adde thereto foure ounces of vineger , and as much cynamon as will suffice to giue it a taste . or else a sugered water as followeth . take two quarts of fair water , of hard sugar sixe ounces , of cynamon two ounces , straine it through a woollen bagge or cloth without anie boiling : and when the patient will vse it , put thereto a little of the iuice of citrons . the syrupe of the iuce of citrons excelleth amongst all others that are vsed against the pestilence . the vse of the iulep following is also verie wholesome . take of the iuice of sorrell well clarified halfe a pinte , of the iuice of lettuce so clarified foure ounces , of the best hard sugar one pound , boile them together vnto a perfection , let them be strained and clarified , adding a little before the end a little vineger , let it be vsed betweene meales , with boyled water , or with equall portions of the water of sorrell , lettuce , scabious , and buglosse : or take of this former described iulep strained and clarified foure ounces , let it be mixed with one pound of the forenamed cordiall waters , and boile them together a little . and when they are taken from the fire , put thereto of yellow sanders one dram , of beaten cinamon halfe a dram , straine it through a cloth : when it is cold , let it bee giuen vnto the patient to drinke with the iuice of citrons . those that haue accustomed to drinke sider , perrie , beere , or ale , ought to vse that drinke still , so that it be clear , transparent , and thinne , and made of those fruits that are somewhat tarte ; for troubled and dreggish drinke doth not onely engender grosse humors , but also crudities , windinesse , and obstructions of the first region of the bodie , whereof comes a feauer . oxycrate being giuen in manner following , doth asswage the heate of the feauer , and represse the putrefaction of the humors , and the fiercenesse of the venome , and also expelleth the water through the veines , if so be that the patients are not troubled with spitting of bloud , cough , yexing , and altogether weake of stomacke : for such must auoid all tart things . take of faire water one quart ; of white or red vineger three ounces ; of fine suger foure ounces ; of sirup of roses two ounces : boile them alittle , and then giue the patient thereof to drinke . or , take of the iuice of lemons and citrons , of each halfe an ounce ; of iuice of soure pomegranats two ounces ; of the water of sorrell and roses , of each one ounce ; of fair water boiled , as much as shall suffice : make therof a iulep , and vse it between meales . or take of sirup of lemons and of red currance , of each one ounce , of the water of lillies foure ounces ; of faire water boiled halfe a pinte ▪ make therof a iulep . or , take of the syrups of water lillies , and vineger , of each halfe an ounce , dissolve it in fiue ounces of the water of sorrell ; of faire water one pinte : make thereof a iulep . but if the patient bee young and haue a strong and good stomacke , and choloricke by natnre , i thinke it not vnmeete for him to drinke a full and large draught of fountaine water cold ; for that is effectuall to restraine and quench the heate of the feauer , and contrariwise they that drinke cold water often , and a verie small quantitie at a time , as the smith doth sprinkle water on the fire at his forge , doe increse the heate and burning , and thereby make it endure the longer . therefore by the iudgement of celsus , when the disease is in the chiefe increase , and the patient hath endured thirst for the space of three or foure dayes , cold water must be giuen vnto him in great quantitie , so that hee may drinke past his satietie , that when his belly and stomacke are filled beyond measure , and sufficiently cooled , he may vomit . some doe not drinke so much thereof as may cause them to vomite , but do drinke euen vnto satietie , and so vse it for a cooling medicine ; but when either of these is done , the patient must be couered with many clothes , and so placed that he may sleepe , and for the most part , after long thirst and watching , and after long fulnesse , and long and great heate sound sleepe commeth , by which great sweat is sent out , and that is a present helpe . but thirst must sometimes bee quenched with little peeces of melons , gourds , cucumbers , with the leaues of lettuce , sorrell , and purslane made moist or soked in cold water , or with a little square peece of a citron , lemon , or orange macerated in rose water , and sprinkled with sugar , and so held in the mouth , and then changed . but if the patient be aged , his strength weake , phlegmaticke by nature , and giuen to wine , when the state of the feauer is somewhat past , and the chiefe heate beginning to asswage , he may drinke wine verie much delayed at his meate , for to restore his strength and to supply the want of the wasted spirits . the patient ought not by anie meanes to suffer great thirst , but must mitigate it by drinking , or else allay it by washing his mouth with oxicrate , and such like , and hee may therein also wash his hands and his face , for that doth recreate the strength . if the fluxe or laske troubel him , he may verie well vse to drinke steeled water , and also boiled milke , wherein many stones comming red hot out of the fire haue beene manie times quenched . for the drinesse and roughnesse of the mouth it is verie good to haue a cooling , moistening and lenifying lotion of the mucilaginous water of the infusion of the seedes of quinces , psilium , id est , flea-wurt , adding thereto a little camphyre , with the water of plantaine and roses , then cleanse and wipe out the filth , and then moisten the mouth , by holding therein a little oyle of sweete almonds mixed with a little sirup of violets . if the roughnesse doe breede or degenerate into vlcers , they must be touched with the water of the infusion of sublimate , or aqua fortis . chap. xv. of antidotes to be vsed in the plague . now we must entreate of the proper cure of this disease , which must bee vsed as soone as may bee possible , because this kinde of poison in swiftnesse exceedes the celeritie of the medicine . therefore it is better to erre in this , that you should thinke euerie disease to be pestilent in a pestilent season , and to cure it as the pestilence : because that so long as the ayre is polluted with the seedes of the pestilence , the humors in the bodie are soone infected with the vicinitie of such an ayre , so that then there happeneth no disease void of the pestilence , that is to say , which is not pestilent from the beginning by his owne nature , or which is not made pestilent . manie begin the cure with bloud-letting , some with purging , and some with antidotes . we taking a consideration of the substance of that part that is assaulted , first of all begin the cure with an antidote , beeause that by its specificke propertie , it defends the heart from poison , as much as it is offended therewith . although there are also other antidotes which preserue and keep the heart and the patient from the danger of poison and the pestilence , not onely because they doe infringe the power of the poison in their whole substance , but also because they driue it and expell it out of all the bodie by sweate , vomiting , scouring , and such other kindes of euacuations . the antidote must be giuen in such a quantitie as may bee sufficient to ouercome the poison ; but because it is not good to vse it in greater quantitie than neederh , lest it should ouerthrow our nature , for whose preseruation only it is vsed , therefore that which cannot bee taken together and at once , must bee taken at seuerall times , that some portion thereof may daily be vsed so long , vntill all the accidents , effects , and impressions of the poison be past , and that there bee nothing to be feared . some of those antidotes consist of portions of venomous things , being tempered together , and mixed in an apt proportion with other medicines , whose power is contrarie to the venom : as treacle , which hath for an ingredient the flesh of vipers , that it being thereto mixed may serue as guide to bring all the antidote vnto the place where the venenate malignitie hath made the chiefe impression ; because by the similitude of nature and sympathie , one poison is sodainly snatched and carried vnto another . there are other absolute poisonous , which neuerthelesse are antidotes one vnto another : as a scorpion himselfe cureth the pricke of a scorpion . but treacle and mithridate excell all other antidotes : for by strenthening the noblest part , and the mansion of life , they repaire and recreate the wasted spirits , and ouercome the poyson , not onely being taken inwardly , but also applied outwardly to the region of the heart , botches and carbuncles : for by an hidden propertie they draw the poisons vnto them , as amber doth chaffe , and digest it when it is drawne , and spoile and robbe it of all its deadly force ; as it is declared at large by galen , in his booke de theriaca ad pisonem , by most true reasons , and experiments . but you will say , that these things are hote , and that the plague is often accompanied with a burning feauer . but therereto i answer , there is not so great danger in the feauer as in the pestilence , although in the giuing of treacle i would not altogether seeme to neglect the feauer , but thinke it good to minister or apply it mixed with cordiall cooling medicines , as with the trochisces of camphire , sirup of lemmons , of water lillies , the water of sorrell , and such like . and for the same cause wee ought not to choose old treacle , but that which is of a middle age , as of one or two yeares old : to those that are strong , you may giue halfe a dramme , and to those that are more weake a dramme . the patient ought to walke presently after that he hath taken treacle , mithridate , or anie other antidote ; but yet as moderately as he can : not like vnto many , which when they perceiue themselues to be infected , do not cease to course and runne vp and downe , vntill they haue no strength to sustaine their bodies , for so they doe dissolue nature , so that it cannot suffice to ouercome the contagion . after moderate walking , the patient must be put warme to bedde , and couered with manie clothes , and warme brick-bats , or tiles applied to the soles of his feete ; or in stead thereof you may vse swines bladders filled with hot water , and apply them to the grindes and arme-holes to prouoke sweate : for sweating in this disease is a most excellent remedie , both for to euacuate the humors in the feauer , and also to driue forth the malignitie in the pestilence , although euerie sweate brings not forth the fruit of health . for george agricola saith , that he saw a woman at misnia in germanie that did sweat so for the space of three dayes , that the bloud came forth at her head and breast , and yet neuerthelesse she died . this potion following will prouoke sweate . take the roots of china shaued in thinne peeces one ounce and halfe ; of guaiacum two ounces ; of the barke of tamariske one ounce ; of angelica rootes two drams ; of the shauings of harts-horne one ounce ; of iuniper berries three drams ; put them into a viall of glasse that will containe sixe quarts ; put therto foure quarts of rūning or riuer water that is pure and clear , macerate them for the space of one whole night on the hot ashes : and in the morning boile them all in balneo mariae vntill the halfe be consumed , which will be done in the space of sixe houres ; then let them be strained through a bagge , and then strained againe , but let that be with sixe ounces of sugar of roses , and a little treacle ; let the patient take eight ounces or fewer of that liquor , and it will prouoke sweat . the pouder following is also verie profitable . take of the leaues of dictamnus , the rootes of tormentill , betoni , of each halfe an ounce ; of bole armenicke prepared one ounce ; of terra sigillata three drams ; of aloes and mirrhe of each halfe a dram ; of saffron one dram ; of masticke two drammes : pouder them all according to arte , and giue one dram thereof dissolued in rose-water , or the water of wilde sorrell , and let the patient walke so soone as he hath taken that pouder ; then let him be laid in his bed to sweate as i haue shewed before . the water following is greatly commended against poyson . take the roots of gentian and cyperus , of each three drams ; of carduus benedictus , burnet , of each one handfull ; of sorrell seedes , and diuels-bit , of each two pugils ; of ivie and iuniper berries , of each halfe an ounce ; of the flowers of buglosse , violets , and red roses , of each two pugils , pouder them somewhat grossely ; then soake or steepe them for a night in white wine and rose water ; then adde thereto of bole armenicke one ounce ; of treacle halfe an ounce , distill them all in balneo mariae , and keepe the distilled liquor in a viall of glasse well couered or close stopped for your vse : let the patient take sixe ounces thereof with sugar and a little cinamon and saffron : then let him walke , and then sweate , as is aforesaid : the treacle and cordiall water formerly prescribed are verie profitable for this purpose . also the water following is greatly commended . take of sorrell sixe handfuls : of rue one handfull : drie them , and macerate them in vineger for the space of foure and twentie houres , adding thereto foure ounces of treacle : make thereof a distillation in balneo mariae , and let the distilled water be kept for your vse ; and so soone as the patient doth thinke himselfe to bee infected , let him take foure ounces of that liquor , then let him walk and sweat . he must leaue sweating when he beginneth to waxe faint and weake , or when the humor that runs down his bodie begins to waxe cold , then his bodie must be wiped with warme clothes , and dried . the patient ought not to sweate with a full stomacke , for so the heate is called away from performing the office of concoction : also he must not sleepe when he is in his sweate , lest the malignitie , goe inwardly with the heate and spirits vnto the principall parts ; but if the patient be much enclined to sleepe , he must be kept from it with hard rubbing , and bands tyed about the extreame parts of his bodie , and with much noise of those that are about him , and let his friends comfort him with the good hope that they haue of his recouerie ; but if allthis will not keepe him from sleepee , dissolue castoreum in tart vineger , and aqua vitae , and let it be iniected into his nostrels : and let him be kept continually waking the first day , and on the second and third , euen vnto the fourth ; that is to say , vnto the perfect expulsion of the venom ; & let him not sleep aboue three or foure houres on a day and night . in the meane time let the physition that shall bee present consider all things by his strength : for it is to be feared , that great watchings will dissolue the strength , and make the patient weake : you must not let him eate within three houres after his sweating ; in the meane season , as his strength shall require , let him take the rinde of a preserued citron , conserue of roses , bread toasted and steeped in wine , the meate of a preserued myrabolane , or some such like thing . chap. xvi . whether purging and bloud-letting be necessarie in the beginning of pestilent diseases . so soone as the heart is strengthened and corroberated with cordials & antidotes , we must come vnto phlebotomie and purging . as concerning bloud-letting in this case , there is a great controuersie among physitions . those that wish it to be vsed , say or affirme that the pestilent feauer doth infixe it selfe in the bloud , and therein also the pestilent malignitie taketh its seate ; and therefore it will soone infect the other humors , vnlesse that the bloud be euacuated , and the infection that remaineth in the bloud be thereby taken away . contrariwise those that do allow phlebotomie in this case , alledge that it often commeth to passe that the bloud is void of malignitie when the other humors are infected with the venemous contagion . if any man require my iudgement in this doubtfull question , i say , that the pestilence sometimes doth depend on the default of the ayre : this default being drawn through the passages of the bodie , doth at length pierce vnto the entrals , as wee may vnderstand by the abscesses which breake out one while behinde the eares , sometimes in the arme-holes , and sometimes in the groines , as the braine , heart , or liuer are infected . and hereof also come carbuncles , and other collections of matter and eruptions , which are seene in all parts of the bodie , by reason that nature vsing the strength of the expulsiue facultie , doth driue forth whatsoeuer is noisome or hurtfull . therefore if the physition will follow this motion of nature , he must neither purge , nor let bloud , lest that by a contrarie motion , that is , by drawing in from without , the motion of nature which proceeds outwardly from within , should be troubled . so wee often see in those who are purged or let bloud for such buboes as come through vnlawfull copulation , that the matter is thereby made contumacious , and by drawing it inwardly it speedily causeth the french poxes . wherefore when buboes , carbuncles , and other pestilent eruptions appeare , which come through the default of the ayre , wee ought to abstaine from purging and phlebotomie ; but it is sufficient to forearme the heart inwardly and outwardly with antidotes that are endewed with a proper vertue of resisting the poison . for it is not to bee doubted , but that when nature is debilitated with both kindes of euacuation , and when the spirits together with the bloud are exhausted , the venemous ayre will soone pierce , and be receiued into the emptie bodie , where it exerciseth its tyrannie to the vtter destruction thereof . in the yeare of our lord god . in which yeare there was great mortalitie through out all france , by reaso nof the pestilence , and pestilent diseases , i earnestly and diligently enquired of all the physitions , and chirurgians of all the cities ( through whom king charles the ninth passed in his progresse vnto bayon ) what successe their patients had after they were letten bloud & purged , wherunto they all answerd alike , that they had diligently obserued , that all that were infected with the pestilence , and were letten bleede some good quantitie of bloud , or had their bodies somewhat strongly purged , thenceforwards waxed weaker and weaker , and so at length died ; but others which were not let bloud , nor purged , but took cordial antidotes inwardly and applied them outwardly , for the most part escaped and recouered their health : for that kinde of pestilence tooke its originall of the primatiue and solitarie default of the ayre , and not of the corruption of the humors . the like euent was noted in the hoarsenesse that wee spake of before : that is to say , that the patients waxed worse and worse by purging , and phlebotomie ; but yet i doe not disallow either of those remedies , if there bee great fulnesse in the bodie , especially in the beginning , and if the matter haue a cruell violence , whereof may be feared the breaking in vnto some noble part . for we know that it is confirmed by hippocrates , that what disease soeuer is caused by repletion , must bee cured by euacuation : and that in diseases that are verie sharpe , if the matter doe swell , it ought to be remedied the same day , for delay in such diseases is dangerous ; but such diseases are not caused or inflicted vpon mans bodie by reason or occasion of the pestilence , but of the diseased bodies and diseases themselues commixed together with the pestilence ; therefore then peraduenture it is lawfull to purge strongly , and to let a good quantitie of bloud , lest that the pestilentvenome should take hold of the matter that is prepared , and so infect it with a contagion , whereby the pestilence taketh new and farre greater strength ; especially as celsus admonisheth vs , where he saith ; that , by how much the sooner those sodaine inuasions do happen , by so much the sooner remedies must bee vsed , yea or rather rashly applied ; therefore if the veines swell , the face waxe fierie red , if the arteries of the temples beate strongly , if the patient can verie hardly breath by reason of a weight in his stomacke , if his spittle be bloudie , then ought hee to be let bloud without delay , for the causes before mentioned . it seemes best to open the liuer veine on the left arme , whereby the heart and the spleene may be better discharged of their abundant matter ; yet bloud letting is not good at all times , for it is not expedient when the bodie beginneth to waxe stiffe by reason of the comming of the feuer ; for then by drawing backe the heate and spirits inwardly , the outward parts beeing destitute of bloud waxe stiffe and cold ; therefore bloud cannot bee letten then without great losse of the strength , and perturbation of the humors . and it is to bee noted , that when those plethoricke causes are present , there is one indication of bloud-letting in a simple pestilent feauer , and another in that which hath a bubo , id est , a botch or a carbuncle ioined therewith . for in one or both of these being ioined with a vehement and strong burning feuer , bloud must bee letten by opening the veine that is neerest vnto the tumor or swelling against nature , keeping the straightnesse of the fibres , that this being open the bloud might be drawne more directly from the part affected ; for all and euerie retraction of putrified bloud vnto the noble parts is to bee auoided , because it is noisome and hurtfull to nature , and to the patient . therefore for examples sake , admit the patient bee plethoricke by repletion which is called ad vasa , id est , vnto the vessells , and ad vires , id est , vnto the strength : and therewithall he hath a tumor that is pestilent in the parts belonging vnto his head or necke , the bloud must be let out of the cephalicke or median veine , or out of one of their branches dispersed in the arme on the greened side . but if through occasion of fatt , or any other such like cause those veines doe not appeare in the arme , there bee some that giue counsell in such a case to open the veine that is betweene the forefinger and the thombe , the hand being put into warme water , whereby that veine may swell and be filled with bloud , gathered thither by meanes of the heate . if the tumor bee vnder the arme-hole or about those places , the liuer veine , or the median must be opened which runneth alongst the hand : if it bee in the groine , the veine of the hamme , or saphena , or any other veine aboue the foote that apreareth well , but alwaies on the greeued fide . and phlebotomie must bee performed before the third day : for this disease is of the kinde or nature of sharpe diseases ; because that within foure and twentie houres it runneth past helpe . in letting of bloud you must haue consideration of the strength . you may perceiue that the patient is readie to swound when that his forehead waxeth moist , with a small sweate sodainely arising , by the aking or paine at the stomacke , with an appetite to vomite , and desire to go to stoole , gaping , blacknesse of the lippes , and sodaine alteration of the face vnto palenesse : and lastly most certainely by a small and slow pulse : and then you must lay your finger on the veine , and stop it vntill the patient come to himselfe againe , either by nature ; or else restored by arte , that is to say , by giuing vnto him bread dipped in wine , or anie other such like thing : then if you haue not taken bloud enough , you must let it goe againe and bleede so much as the greatnesse of the disease , or the strength of the patient will permit or require : which being done , some one of the antidotes that are prescribed before will be verie profitable to be drunk , which may repaire the strength and infrigne the force of the malignitie . chap. xvii . of purging medicines in a pestilent disease . if you call to minde the proper indications , purging shall seeme necessarie in this kinde of disease , and that must be prescribed as the present case and necessitie requireth ; rightly considering that the disease is sodaine , and doth require medicines that may with all speede driue out of the bodie the hurtfull humor wherein the noisome qualitie doth lurke and is hidden ; which medicines are diuerse by reason of the diuersity of the kinde of the humor , and the condition , or temperature of the patient . for this purpose sixe graines of scammonie beaten into pouder , or else tenne graines are commonly ministred to the patient with one dramme of treacle . also pils may bee made in this forme : take of treacle and mithridate , of each one dramme ; of sulphur vinum finely poudered halfe a dram ; of diagridium foure graines : make thereof pils . or , take three drams of alloes ; of myrhe and saffron , of each one dramme ; of white hellebore and asarabacca , of each foure scruples : make thereof a masle with old treacle , and let the patient take foure scruples thereof for a dose , three houres before meate . ruffus his pils may be profitably giuen to those that are weake . the ancient physitions haue greatly commended agarick for this disease , because it doth draw the noisome humors out of all the members : and the vertues thereof are like vnto those of treacle ; for it is thought to strengthen the heart and to draw out the malignitie by purging . to those that are strong the weight of two drammes may be giuen , and to those that are more weake halfe a dramme . it is better to giue the infusion in a decoction , than in substance ; for beeing elected and prepared truely into trochises , it may bee called a most diuine kinde of medicine . antimonium is highly praised by the experience of many ; but because i know the vse thereof is condemned by the counsell and decree of the schoole of physitions at paris , i will here cease to speake of it . those medicines that cause sweates are thought to excell all others , when the pestilence commeth of the venemous ayre : among whom the efficacie of that which followeth hath beene proued , to the great good of manie in that pestilence which was lately throughout all germanie , as matthias rodler , chauncellor to duke george the count palatine , signified vnto mee by letters . they doe take a bundle of mugwort , and of the ashes thereof after it is burnt they make a lye thereof with foure pints of water ; then they doe set it ouer the fier and boile it in a vessell of earth well leaded vntill the liquor be consumed , the earthy dregges falling vnto the bottome like vnto salt , wherof they make trochises of the weight of a crowne of gold : then they dissolue one or two of those trochises , according to the strength of the patient , in good muskadine , and giue it the patient to drinke , and let him walke after that he hath drunk it for the space of halfe an houre ; then lay him in his bedde , and there sweate him two or three houres , and then hee will vomite , and his belly will be loosed as if he had taken antimonie ; and so they were all for the most part cured , especially all those that tooke that remedie betimes , and before the disease went vnto their heart , as i my selfe haue proued in some that were sicke at paris , with most happie successe : truely mugwort is highly commended by the ancient physitions , being taken and applied inwardly or outwardly against the bitings of venemous creatures , so that it is not to be doubted but that it hath great vertue against the pestilence . i haue heard it most certainly reported by gilbertus heroaldus physition of mompilier ▪ that eight ounces of the pickle of anchoues drunke at one draught is a most certaine and approued remedie against the pestilence , as hee and many other haue often found by experience . for the plague is no other thing but a verie great putrefaction , for the correction and amendment whereof , there is nothing more apt or fit than this pickle or substance of the anchoues , being melted by the sun & force of the salt that is strawed thereon . there be some which infuse one dramme of walewort seede in white wine , and affirme that it drunken wil performe the like effect as antimony . others dissolue a little weight of the seede of rue beeing bruised in muskadine , with the quantitie of a beane of treacle , and so drink it . others beate or bruise an handfull of the leaues or toppes of broome in halfe a pinte of white wine , and so giue it to the patient to drink to cause him to vomite , loose his belly , and make him to sweate . truely , those that are wounded or bitte with venemous beasts , if they binde broome aboue the wound it will prohibit or hinder the venome from dispersing it selfe , or going any farther : therefore a drinke made thereof will prohibite the venome from going anie neerer the heart . some take of the roote of elecampane , gentian , tormentill , kermesberries , and broome ; of the pouder of iuorie and harts-horne , of each halfe a dramme , they do bruise and beat all these , and infuse them for the space of foure and twentie hours in white wine and aquavita on the warme embers , and then straine it , and giue the patient three or foure ounces thereof to drinke ; this prouokes sweate , and infrignes the power of the poison , and the potion following hath the same vertue . take good mustard halfe an ounce ; of treacle or mithridate the weight of a beane , dissolue them in white wine and a little aqua vita , and let the patient drinke it and sweate thereon with walking . you may also roste a great onion made hollow , and filled with halfe a dram of treacle and vineger vnder the embers ; and then straine it , and mixe the iuice that is pressed out of it with the water of sorrell , carduus benedictus , or anie other cordiall thing , and with strong wine , and giue the patient to drinke thereof to prouoke sweate , and to repell the malignitie . or else take as much garlicke as the quantitie of a bigge nut ; of rue and celandine , of each twentie leaues , bruise them all in white wine and a little aqua vita ; then straine it , and giue the patient thereof to drinke . there be some that doe drinke the iuice that is pressed out of celandine and mallowes , with three ounces of vineger , and halfe an ounce of the oyle of walenuts , and then by much walking doe vnburthen their stomacke and belly vpwards and downewards , and so are helped . when the venemous ayre hath alreadie crept into and infected the humors , one dramme of the dried leaues of the bay tree macerated for the space of two daies in vineger and drunk , is thought to bee a most soueraigne medicine to prouoke sweate , loosenesse of the belly , and vomiting . matthiolus in his treatise de morbo gallico writeth , that the powder of mercury ministred vnto the patient with the iuice of carduus benedictus , or with the electuarie de gemmis , will driue away the pestilence before it be confirmed in the bodie , by prouoking vomite , loosenesse of the belly , and sweate : one dramme of calchanthum or white copperose dissolued in rose-water , performeth the like effect in the same disease . some do giue the patient a little quantitie of the oile of scorpions with white wine to expel the poison by vomite , and therewithall they doe annoint the region of the heart , the brest , and the wrasts of the hands . i thinke these very meet to be vsed often in bodies that are strong and well exercised , because weaker medicines doe euacuate little or nothing at all , but onely moue the humors , whereby commeth a feauer . when a sufficient quantie of the malignitie is euacuated , then you must minister things that may strengthen the belly and stomacke , and withhold the agitation or working of the humors : and such is confection of alkermes . chap. xviii . of maute symptomes which happen together with the plague : and first of the paine of the head . if the malignitie be carried into the braine , and nature be not able to expell it , it inflames not onely it , but also the membranes that do couer it : which inflamation doth one while hurt , trouble , or abolish the imagination , another while the iudgement , and sometimes the memorie , according to the situation of the inflamation , whether it bee in the former , hinder , or middle part of the head ; but hereof commeth alwayes a phrensie , with fierie rednesse of the eyes and face , and heauinesse and burning of the whole head . if this will not be amended with clisters , and with opening the cephalicke veine in the arme , the arteries of the temples must be opened , taking so much bloud out of them , as the greatnesse of the symptomes and the strength of the patient shall require and permit . truely the incision that is made in opening of an arterie will close and ioine together as readily , and with as little difficultie , as the incision of a veine . and of such an incision of an arterie commeth present helpe , by reason that the tensiue and sharpe vapours do plentifully breath out together with the arterious bloud . it were also verie good to prouoke a fluxe of bloud at the nose , if nature be apt to exonerate her selfe that way . for , as hippocrates saith , when the head is grieued , or generally aketh ; if matter , water , or bloud flow cut at the nostrels , mouth , or eares , it presently cures the disease . such bleeding is to be prouoked by strong blowing , or striuing to cleanse the nose , by scratching or picking of the inner sides of the nostrels , by pricking with an horse haire , and long holding downe of the head . the lord of fontaines , a knight of the order , when wee were at bayon , had a bleeding at the nose , which came naturally for the space of two daies , and thereby hee was freed of a pestilent feuer which he had before , a great sweate rising therewithall , and shortly after his carbuncles came to suppuration , and by gods grace he recouered his health being vnder my cure . if the bloud doe flow out and cannot bee stopped when it ought , the hands , armes , and legges must be tied with bands , and sponges wet in oxycrate must be put vnder the arme-holes , cupping-glasses must be applied vnto the dugges , the region of the liuer and spleene ; and you must put into the nostrels the doune of the willow tree , or anie other astringent medicine , incorporated with the haires pluckt from the flanke , belly , or throat of a hare , bole armenicke , terra sigillata , the iuice of plantain and knotgrasse mixed together ; and furthermore the patient must be placed or laied in a coole place . but if the pain be nothing mitigated , notwithstanding all these fluxes of bloud , wee must come to medicines that procure sleepe , whose formes are these : take of greene lettuce one handfull , flowers of water lillies and violets , of each two pugils ; one head of white poppy bruised ; of the foure cold seedes , of each two drams ; of liquoris and raisons , of each one dramme : make thereof a decoction , and in the straining dissolue one ounce and an halfe of diacodion : make thereof a large potion , to bee giuen when they goe to rest . also a barly-creame may bee prepared in the water of water lillies and sorrell , of each two ounces , adding thereto sixe or eight graines of opium : of the foure cold seedes , and of white poppie seedes , of each halfe an ounce , and let the same bee boiled in broths with lettuce and purslane ; also the pils de cynoglosso , idest , hounds tongue may be giuen . clisters that prouoke sleepe must be vsed , which may be thus prepared : take of barly-water halfe a pinte ; oile of violets and water-lillies , of each two ounces ; of the water of plantaine and purselaine , or rather of their iuices , three ounces ; of camphire seuen graines , and the whites of three egges : make thereof a clister . the head must be fomented with rose-vineger , the haire being first shauen away , leauing a double cloth wet therein on the same , and often renewed . sheepes lungs taken warme out of the bodies , may bee applied to the head , as long as they are warme . cupping-glasses with scarrification and without scarrification , may be applied vnto the necke and shoulder-blades . the armes and legges must bee strongly bound , being first well rubbed to diuert the sharpe vapours and humors from the head . frontals may also bee made on this manner . take of the oyle of roses and water-lillies , of each two ounces ; of the oile of poppey halfe an ounce ; of opium one dramme ; of rose-vineger one ounce , of camphire halfe a dram , mixe them together . also nodules may bee made of the flowers of poppies , henbane , water-lillies , mandrakes beaten in rose-water with a little vineger , and a little camphire , and let them be often applied to the nostrels : for this purpose cataplasmes also may bee laid to the forehead . as , take of the mucilage of the seedes of psilium , id est , fleawort , and quince seedes extracted in rose-water , three ounces ; of barly meale foure ounces ; of the pouder of rose leaues , the flowers of water-lillies and violets , of each halfe an ounce ; of the seedes of poppies and purflaine , of each two ounces ; of the water and vineger of roses , of each three ounces : make thereof a cataplasine , and apply it warme vnto the head . or , take of the iuice of lettuce , water-lillies , henbaine , purselaine , of each halfe a pinte ; of rose ▪ leaues in pouder , the seedes of poppie , of each halfe an ounce ; oyle of roses three ounces ; of vineger two ounces ; of barly meale as much as shall suffice : make thereof a cataplasme in the forme of a liquid pultis . when the heate of the head is mitigated by these medicines , & the inflammation of the braine asswaged , we must come vnto digesting and resoluing fomentations , which may disperse the matter of the vapours . but commonly in paine of the head , they doe vse to binde the forehead and hinder part of the head verie strongly , which in this case must bee auoided . chap. xix . of the erruptiou and spotts which commonly are called by the name of purples and tokens . in pestilent feauers , the skinne is marked and variegated in diuerse places with spotts , like vnto the bitings of fleas or gnats , which are not alwaies simple , but many times arise in forme like vnto a graine of millet . the more spots appeare , the better it is for the patient : they are of diuerse colours according to the virulency of the malignity and condition of the matter , as red , yellow , browne , violet , or purpule , blew & blacke . and because for the most part they are of a purple colour , therefore wee callthem purples . others call them lenticulae , because they haue the colour and forme of lentills . they are also called papiliones ( i ) butterflies , because they doe suddainly seaze or fall vpon diuerse regions of the body , like vnto winged butterflies , sometimes the face , sometimes the armes and leggs , and sometimes all the whole body ; oftentimes they doe not onely affect the vpper part of the skinne , but goe deeper into the flesh , specially when they proceed of matter that is grosse and adust . they doe sometimes appeare great and broad , affecting the whole arme , legge or face like vnto an erysipelas : to conclude , they are diuerse according to the variety of the humour that offends in quality or quantity . if they are of a purple or blacke colour , with often sounding , and sinke in sodainly without any manifest cause , they foreshew death . the cause of the breaking out of those spotts , is the working , or heate of the bloud , by reason of the cruelty of the venom receiued , or admitted . they often arise at the beginning of a pestilent feauer : many times before the breaking out of the sore , or botch , or carbuncle , and many times after : but then they shew so greata corruption of the humors in the body , that neither the sores , nor carbuncles will suffice to receaue them , and therefore they appeare as fore-runners of death . sometimes they breake out alone , without a botch or carbuncle : which if they be redde and haue no euill symptomes ioyned with them , they are not wont to proue deadly : they appeare for the most part on the third or fourth day of the dissease , and sometimes later , and sometimes they appeare not before the patient bee dead , because the working , or heate of the humors , being the ofspring of putrefaction is not as yet restrayned and ceased . wherefore then principally the putrid heate , which is greatest a little before the death of the patient , driues the excrementall humors , which are the matter of the spotts , vnto the skin ; or else because nature in the last conflict hath contended with some greater endeuour then before ( which is common to all things , that are ready to dye . ) a little before the instant time of death , the pestilent humor being presently driuen vnto the skinne ; and nature thus weakened by this extreame conflict , falleth downe prostrate and is quite ouerthrowne by the remnant of the matter . chap. xx. of the cure of eruptions and spotts . you must first of all take heede lest you driue in the humor that is comming outwards with repercussiues : therefore beware of cold , all purging things , phlebotomy , and drowsie or sound sleeping . for all such things do draw the humors inwardly , and worke contrary to nature . but it is better to prouoke the motion of nature outwardly , by applying of drawing medicines outwardly , and ministring medicines to prouoke sweate inwardly for otherwise by repelling and stopping the matter of the eruptions there will be great danger lest the heart be oppressed with the aboundance of the venome flowing backe : or else by turning into the belly it inferres a mortall bloody flixe : which discommodities that they may be auoyded , i haue thought good to set downe this remedy , whose efficacy i haue knowne and proued many times and on diuerse persons , when by reason of the weaknes of the expulsiue faculty and the thicknes of the skinne , the matter of the spotts cannot breake forth , but is constrayned to surke vnder the skinne , lifting it vp into bunches and knobbes . i was brought vnto the inuention of this remedy by comparison of the like . for when i vnderstood that the essence of the french poxs ( and likewise of the pestilence ) consisted in a certaine hidden virulency and venemous quality , i soone descended vnto that opinion , that euen as by the anoynting of the body with the vnguent compounded of quicksiluer , the grosse & clammie humors which are fixed in the bones , and vnmoueable are dissolued , relaxed , and drawen from the center into the superficiall parts of the body , by strengthening and stirring vp the expulsiue faculty , and euacuated by sweating and fluxing at the mouth ; that so it should come to passe in pestilent feauers , that nature being strengthened with the same kind of vnction , might vnloade her selfe of some portion of the venemous and pestilent humor by opening the pores and passages and letting it breake forth into spotts and pustles and into all kinde of eruptions . therefore i haue annoynted many in whom nature seemed to make passage for the venemous matter very slowly , first loosing their belly with a clister and then giuing them treacle water to drinke , which might defend the vitall faculty of the heart , but yet not distende the stomacke , as though they had had the french poxe , and i obtained my expected purpose ; in stead of the treacle water , you may vse the decoction of guaiacum , which doth heate , dry , prouoke sweat and repell putrefaction , adding thereto also vineger , that by the subtletie thereof it may pearce the better , and withstand the putrefaction . this is the description of the vnguent . take of hoggs grease one pound , boyle it a little with the leaues of sage , time , rosmary , of each halfe an handfull , straine it , and in the straining extinguish fiue ounces of quicksiluer , which hath bin first boyled in vineger with the forenamed herbs , of sal nitrum drams , the yelkes of three eggs boyled vntill they be hard , of treacle and mithridate of each halfe an ounce , of venice turpentine , oile of scorpions and bayes , of each three ounces , incorporate them altogether in a morter , and make thereof an vnguent , wherewith annoynt the patients arme-hooles and groine , auoyding the parts that belong to the head , breast and backe bone , then let him be layed in his bed and couered warme , and let him sweat there for the space of two houres , and then let his body be wiped and clensed , and if it may bee let him be layed in another bed , and there let him be refreshed with the broth of the decoction of a capon , reare eggs , and with such like meates of good iuyce that are easie to be concocted and digested ; let him be anointed the second and the third day , vnlesse the spotts appeare before . if the patient fluxe at the mouth it must not be stopped : when the spotts and pustles doe all appeare and the patient hath made an end of sweating , it shall be conuenient to vse diureticke medicines , for by these the remainant of the matter of the spotts , which happely could not all breath forth , may easily be purged and auoyded by the vrine . if any noble or gentlemen refuse to be annoynted with this vnguent , let them be inclosed in the body of a mule or horse that is newly killed , and when that is cold let them be layed in another , vntill the pustles and eruptions doe breake forth , being drawne by that naturall heate . for so matthiolus writeth , that valentinus the sonne of pope alexander the sixt was deliuered from the danger of most deadly poyson which he had drunke . chap. xxi . of a pestilent bubo , or plague-sore . a pestilent bubo is a tumor at the beginning long and moueable , and in the state and full perfection copped and with a sharpe head , vnmoueable and fixed deepely in the glandules , or kernels , by which the braine exonerates it selfe of the venemous and pestiferous matter into the kernells that are behinde the eares , and in the necke : the heart into those that are in the arme-hooles : and the liuer into those that are in the groine ; that is , when all the matter is grosse and clammy , so that it cannot bee drawen out by spotts and pustles breaking out on the skin ; and so the matter of a carbuncle is sharpe and so feruent that it maketh an eschar on the place where it is fixed . in the beginning while the bubo is breeding it maketh the patient to feele as it were a coard or rope stretched in the place , or a hardened nerue with pricking payne : and shortly after the matter is raised vp as it were into a knob , and by little and little it groweth bigger and is enflamed , these accidents before mentioned accompanying it . if the tumor be red and encrease by little and little , it is a good and salutary signe : but if it be liuide or blacke , and come very slowly vnto its iust bigness , it is a deadly signe : it is also a deadly signe if it encrease sodainly and come vnto his iust bigness as it were with a swift violence , & as in a moment haue all the symptomes in the highest excesse , as pain , swelling and burning . buboes or sores appeare sometimes of a naturall colour like vnto the skinne , and in all other things like vnto an oedematous tumor , which notwithstanding will sodainly bring the patient to destruction , like those that are liuide and blacke , wherefore it is not good to trust too much to those kindes of tumors . chap. xxii . of the cure of buboes , or plague-sores . so soone as the bubo appeares , apply a cupping-glasse with a great flame vnto it ; vnlesse it bee that kinde of bubo which will sodainly haue all the accidents of burning and swelling in the highest nature ; but first the skinne must be annointed with oyle of lillies , that so it beeing made more loose the cupping-glasse may draw the stronger and more powerfully : it ought to sticke to the part for the space of a quarter of an houre , and to bee renewed and applied againe euerie three quarters of an houre , for so at the length the venome shall bee the better drawne forth from anie noble part that is weake , and the worke of suppuration or resolution , whichsoeuer nature hath assaied , will the better and sooner be absolued and perfected : which may be also done by the application of the following ointment . take of vnguentum dialthaea one ounce and a halfe ; oile of scorpions halfe an ounce ; of mithridate dissolued in aquavitae halfe a dramme : this liniment will verie well relaxe and loosen the skinne , open the pores thereof , and spend forth portion of that matter which the cupping-glasse hath drawne thither : in stead thereof mollifying fomentations may bee made , and other drawing and suppurating medicines , which shall bee described hereafter . a vesicatorie applied in a meete place below the bubo profits verie much , but not aboue ; as for example . if the bubo be in the throate , the vesicatorie must be applied vnto the shoulder blade on the same side : if it bee in the arme-holes , it must be applied in the middest of the arme , or of the shoulder bone on the inner side : if in the groine , in the middest of the thigh on the inner side , that by the double passage that is open for to draw out the matter , the part wherein the venome is gathered together may bee the better exonerated . spurge , crow-foot , arsmart , beare-foote , brionie , the middle barke of trauellers-ioy , the rindes of mullet , flammula or vpright virgines-bower , are fit for raising blisters . if you cannot come by those simple medicines , you may apply this that followeth , which may be prepared at all times . take cantharides , pepper , euphorbium , pellitory of spaine , of each halfe a dramme ; of soure leauen two drams ; of mustard one dramme , and a little vineger ; the vineger is added thereto to withhold or restraine the vehemencie of the cantharides ; but in want of this medicine it shall suffice to droppe scalding oyle or water , or a burning candle , or to lay a burning cole on the place : for so you may raise blisters , which must presently bee cut away , and you must see that you keepe the vlcers open and flowing as long as you can by applying the leaues of red coleworts , beetes , or iuie dipped in warme water , and anointed with oyle or fresh butter . some apply cauteries , but vesicatories worke with more speede : for before the eschar of the cauteries will fall away the patient may die : therefore the vlcers that are made with vesicatories will suffice to euacuate the pestilent venome ; because that doth worke rather by its qualitie than its quantitie . let the abscesse bee fomented as it is shewed before : and then let the medicine following , which hath vertue to draw , bee applied , fill a great onion , being hollowed , with treacle and the leaues of rue ; then rost it vnder the hote embers , beate it with a little leauen and a little swines grease , and so apply it warme vnto the abscesse or sore ; let it be changed euery sixe hours . or , take the rootes of marsh-mallowes and lillies , of each halfe a pound ; of line , foenigreeke , and mustard seedes , of each halfe an ounce ; of treacle one dram ; tenne figges , and as much hogges grease as shall suffice : make thereof a cataplasme according to arte. or , take of onions and garlicke rosted in the embers , of each three ounces ; bruise them with one ounce of soure leauen , adding thereto vuguentum basilicon one ounce ; treacle one dramme ; mithridate halfe a dramme ; of old hogges grease one ounce ; of cantharides in powder one scruple ; of pigeons doung two drams ; beate them and mixe them together into the forme of a cataplafme . hereunto old rennet is verie profitable ; for it is hot and therefore atractiue beeing mixed with old leauen & basilicon : you ought to vse these vntil the abscesse be growne vnto its full ripenesse and bignesse ; but if presently after the beginning there be great inflammation , with sharpe paine , as it often happeneth , especially when the abscesses be of the kinde of carbuncles , wee must abstaine from those remedies that are hot and attractiue , and also from these that are verie emplasticke and clammie ; because they doe altogether close the pores of the skinne , or because they doe resolue the thinner part of the collected matter , which if it might remaine would bring the other sooner to suppuration : or else because they may perchance draw more quantitie of the hot matter than the part can beare , whereof commeth rather corruption than maturation : and last of all because they encrease the feauer and paine , which inferreth danger of a conuulsion or mortall gangrene . therefore in such a case it is best to vse cold and temperate locall medicines ; as the leaues of henbane and sorrell rosted vnder the coles , galens pultis , and such like . there are manie that for feare of death haue with their owne hands pulled away the bubo with a paire of smiths pincers : others haue digged the flesh round about it , and so gotten it wholly out . and to conclude , others haue become so madde , that they haue thrust an hot iron into it with their owne hand , that the venome might haue a passage forth : of all which i doe not allow one ; for such abscesses doe not come from without , as the bitings of virulent beasts , but from within , and moreouer because paine is by these meanes encreased , and the humor is made more maligne and fierce . therefore i thinke it sufficient to vse medicines that doe relaxe , open the pores of the skinne , and digest portion of the venome by transpiration , as are these that follow . take the rootes of marsh-mallowes and lillies , of each sixe ounces ; of chamomill and melilote flowers , of each halfe an handfull ; of linne seedes halfe an ounce ; of the leaues of rue halfe an handfull ; boile them and straine them , dip spunges in the straining , and there with let the rumor bee fomented a long time . or , take the crumme of hot bread , and sprinkle it with treacle-water , or with aqud vitae , and cowes milke or goates milke , and the yelkes of three egges , put them all on stupes or flaxe , and apply them warme vnto the place . or , take of soure rie leauen foure ounces ; of basilicon two ounces , three yelkes of egges , oile of lillies two ounces , treacle one dramme ; let it bee receiued on stupes and applied in like manner . or , take of diachylon and basilicon , of each two ounces , oile of lillies one ounce and halfe ; let them be melted and mixed together , and let it be applied as is abouesaid . when you see , feele , and know , according to reason , that the bubo is come to perfect suppuration , it must be opened with an incision knife , or an actuall or potentiall cauterie , but it is best to bee done with a potentiall cauterie , vnlesse that happely there be great inflammation , because it doth draw the venome from beneath vnto the superficiall parts , and maketh a larger orifice for the matter that is contained therein : neither must it bee looked for , that nature should open it of her selfe , for then it were danger that lest while nature doth worke slowly a venemous vapour should be stirred vp , which striking the heart by the arteries , the braine by the nerues , and the liuer by the veines , causeth a new encrease of the venemous infection . for feare whereof there bee some that will not expect the perfect maturation and suppuration , but as it were in the midst of the cruditie and maturitie wil make an orifice for it to passe forth at : yet if it bee done before the tumor bee at his perfect maturitie , paine , a feauer , and all accidents are stirred vp and enraged , whereof commeth a maligne vlcer that often degenerates into a gangrene . for the most part about the tenth or eleuenth day the worke of suppuration seemeth perfected and finished ; but it may bee sooner or later by reason of the application of medicines , the condition of the matter and state of the part ▪ when the matter commeth forth , you must yet vse suppuratiue and mollifying medicines to maturate the remaines thereof , in the meane while clensing the vicer by putting mundificatiues into it , as wee shall declare in the cure of carbuncles . but if the tumor seeme to sinke in or hide it selfe againe , it must be reuoked and procured to come forth again , by applying of cupping-glasses with scarrification , & with sharpe medicines , yea and with cauteries both actuall and potentiall . when the cauteries are applied it shall bee verie good to apply a vesicatorie a little below it , that there may bee some passage open for the venome while the eschar is in falling away . for so they that are troubled with the french poxe , so long as they haue open and flowing vlcers , so long are they void of anie paine that is worth the speaking of ; which vlcers being closed and cicatriced , they doc presently complaine of great paine . if you suspect that the bubo is more maligne by reason that it is of a greene , or black , and inflamed colour , as are those that come of a melancholy humor by adustion , turned into a grosse and rebellious melancholy humor , so that by the more copious influxe thereof into the part , there is danger of a gangrene and mortification ; then the places about the abscesse must bee armed with repercussiues , but not the abscesse it selfe : and this may be the forme of the repercussiues : take of the iuice of houseleeke , purselaine , sorrell , nightshade , of each two ounces ; of vineger one ounce ; the whites of three egges ; of oyle of roses and water-lillies , of each two ounces and a halfe ; stirre them together , and apply it about the bubo , and renew it often : or boile a pomegranat in vineger , beate it with vnguentum rosatum , or populeen newely made , and applied as is aforesaid . if these things doe not stop the influxe of other humors , the abscesse it selfe and the places round about it must be scarrified round about , if the part will permit it ; that the part exonerated of portion of the venome may not stand in danger of the extinction of the proper and naturall heate , by the greater quantitie and malignitie of the humors that flow vnto it . in scarrifying you must haue care of the great vessels for feare of an irrepugnable fluxe of bloud , which in this case is very hard to be staied or resisted ; both because the part it selfe is greatly inflamed , and the humor verie fierce ; for the expulsion whereof , nature , carefull for the preseruation of the part and all the bodie besides , seemeth to labour and worke . but yet you must suffer so much of the bloud and humor to flow out as the patient is able to abide without the losse of his strength . moreouer you may spend forth the superfluous portion of the malignity , with relaxing , mollifying , and resoluing fomentations : as , take the roots of marsh mallowes , lillies and elecampane , of each one pound , of linseeds and faenigreek , of each one ounce , of fennell-seeds and annifeeds , of each halfe an ounce , of the leaues of rue , sage , rosemary , of each one handfull , of chamomill and melilote flowers , of each three handfulls ; boyle them altogether , and make thereof a decoction for a fomentation ; vse it with a sponge according to art. also after the aforesaid scarrification , we may put hens , or turkies that lay eggs ( which therefore haue their fundaments more wide and open , and for the same purpose put a little salt into their fundaments ) vpon the sharpe toppe of the bubo , that by shutting their bills at seuerall times they may draw & sucke the venom into their bodies , farre more strongly and better then cupping glasses , because they are endewed with a naturall property against poyson , for they eate and concoct toades , efts , and such like virulent beasts : when one hen is killed with the poyson that she hath drawne into her body you must apply another , and then the third , fourth , fift and sixt within the space of halfe an hower . there be some that will rather cut them , or else whelps in the middest , and apply them warme vnto the place , that by the heate of the creature that is yet scarce dead , portion of the venom may be dissipated and exhaled . but if neuer thelesse there be any feare of a gangren at hand , you must cut the flesh with a deeper scarrification , not onely anoyding the greater vessells , but also the nerues for feare of conuulsion : and after the scarrification and a sufficient flux of blood , you must wash it with aegyptiacum , treacle and mithridate dissolued in sea-water , aquavita and vineger . for such a lotion hath vertue to stay putrefaction , repell the venom , and prohibite the bloud from concretion : but if the gangren cannot be auoyded so , cauteries may be applyed to the part : especially actuall , because they doe more effectually repell the force of the poyson and strengthen the part . presently after the impression of the hot iron , the eschar must bee cut away euen vnto the quicke flesh , that the venemous vapours , and the humors may haue a free passage forth , for it is not to be looked for that they will come forth of themselues . with these iniunctions they are wont to hasten the falling away of the eschar . take of the mucilage of marsh-mallowes and linseedes , of each ounces , fresh butter or hogs-grease one ounce , the yelks of three eggs , incorporate them together and make thereof an ointment : butter , swines-grease , oyle of roses , with the yelks of eggs , performe the selfe same thing . when the eschar is fallen away , we must vse digestiues . as , take of the iuice of plantane water , betonie , and smallage , of each three ounces , honey of roses foure ounces , venice turpentine fiue ounces , barly flower three drames , aloes two drams , oile of roses foure ounces , treacle halfe a dram , make a mundificatiue according to arte. or , take venice turpentine foure ounces , syrup of dryed roses and wormewood of each one ounce , of the powder of aloes , mastick , myrrhe , barly flower , of each one dram , of mithridate halfe an ounce , incorporate them together . this vnguent that followeth is very meete for putrified and corroding vlcers , take red orpiment one ounce , of vnquencht lime , burnt alome , pomegrante pills , of each six drams , of olibanus , galls , of each two drams , of waxe and oile as much as shall suffice , make thereof an vnguent . this doth mundifie strongly , consume putrefied flesh , and dry vp virulent humidities that engender gangrens . but there is not a more excellent vnguent then aegyptiacum encreased in strength , for besides many other vertues that it hath , it doth consume and wast the proud flesh , for there is neyther oyle nor waxe that goeth into the composition thereof , with which things the vertue of sharpe medicines conuenient for such vlcers is delayed , and as it were dulled and hindered from their perfect operation so long as the vlcer is kept open . there are many that being disseased with this dissease , who haue had much matter and venemous filth come out at their abscesses , so that it seemeth sufficient , and they haue beene thought well recouered , yet haue died sodainly . in the meane while when these things are in doing cordiall medicines are not to be omitted to strengthen the heart . and purgations must be renewed at certaine seasons , that nature may be euery way vnloaded of the burthen of the venenate humors . chap. xxiii . of the nature , causes and signes of a pestilent carbuncle . a pestilent carbuncle is a small tumor , or rather a maligne pustle , hot and raging , consisting of blood vitiated by the corruption of the proper substance . it often commeth to passe through the occasion of this vntameable malignitie , that the carbuncle cannot be gouerned or contained within the dominion of nature . in the beginning it is scarce so bigge as a seede or graine of millet or a pease , sticking firmely vnto the part and vnmouable , so that the skinne cannot be pulled from the flesh ; but shortly after it encreaseth like vnto a bubo vnto a round and sharpe head , with great heate , pricking paine , as if it were with needles , burn ing and intolerable , especially a little before night , and while the meate is in concocting , more than when it is perfectly concocted . in the middest thereof appeareth a bladder puffed vp and filled with sanious matter . if you cut this bladder you shall finde the flesh vnder it parched , burned , and blacke , as if there had beene a burning cole layed there , whereby it seemeth that it tooke the name of carbuncle ; but the flesh that is about the place is like a raine-bow , of diuers colours , as redde , darke , greene , purple , liuide , and blacke ; but yet alwaies with a shining blacknesse , like vnto stone pitch , or like vnto the true precious stone which they call a carbuncle , whereof some also say it took the name . some call it a naile , because it inferreth like paine as a naile driuen into the flesh . there are manie carbuncles which take their beginning with a crustie vlcer without a pustle , like to the burning of an hote iron : and these are of a black colour , they encrease quickly , according to the condition of the matter whereof they are made . all pestilent carbuncles haue a feauer ioined with them , and the greeued part seemeth to be so heauie , as if it were couered or pressed with lead tied hard with a ligature : there commeth mortall swoundings , faintings , tossing , turning , idle talking , raging , gangrenes , and mortifications , not onely to the part , but also to the whole bodie , by reason ( as i thinke ) of the oppression of the spirits of the part , and the suffocation of the naturall heate , as we see also in manie that haue a pestilent bubo . for a bubo and carbuncle are tumors of a neere affinitie , so that the one doth scarce come without the other , consisting of one kinde of matter , vnlesse that which maketh the bubo is more grosse and clammie , and that which causeth the carbuncle more sharpe , burning , and raging , by reason of its greater subtlety , so that it maketh an eschar on the place where it is , as we noted before . chap. xxiv . what prognostickes may be made in pestilent buboes and carbuncles . some hauing the pestilence haue but one carbuncle , and some more in diuers parts of their bodie . and in many it happeneth that they haue the bubo & carbuncle before they haue any feauer ; which giueth better hope of health , if there bee no other maligne accident therewith : for it is a signe that nature is the victor , and hath gotten the vpper hand , which excluded the pestilent venome before it could come to assault the heart . but if a carbuncle and bubo come after the feauer , it is mortall ; for it is a token that the heart is affected , moued , and incensed with the furious rage of the venome ; whereof presently commeth a feauerish heate or burning , and corruption of the humors , sent as it were from the centre vnto the superficies of the bodie . it is a good signe when the patients minde is not troubled from the beginning vntill the seuenth day ; but when the bubo or carbuncle finketh downe againe shortly after that it is risen , it is a mortall signe , especially if ill accidents follow it . if after they are brought to suppuration they presently waxe dry without any reason thereof , it is an ill signe : those carbuncles that are generated of bloud haue a greater eschar than those that are made of cholor , because that bloud is of a more grosse consistence , and therefore occupieth a greater roome in the flesh : contrariwise a choloricke humor is more small in quantity and thy nne , and it taketh little roome in the vpper part of the flesh only , as you may see in an erysipelas . and i haue seene carbuncles whose eichars were as broad and as large as halfe the backe : also i haue seene others , which going vp by the shoulders to the throate , did so eate away the flesh that was vnder them , that the rough artery or winde-pipe might be seene bare , when the eschar was fallen away : i had once a carbuncle which was in the middest of my belly , so that when the eschar was fallen away , i might very plainly see the peritonaum or rim : and the cicatrice that remaineth is as broad as my hand : but they doe not spread themselues so farre without the great danger or death of the patient . there are also some carbuncles which beginning at the parts vnder the chyn , disperse themselues by little & little vnto the pattell bones , and so strangle the patient . so in many , the buboes in the groine arise aboue a great part of the muscles of the epigastrium . truly of those abscesses that are so large and great in quantity , and so terrible to be seene , there is great danger of death to the patient , or at least to the greeued part . for after the consolidation the part remaineth as if it were leprous , which abolisheth the action of the part , as i haue seene in many . oftentimes also the corruption of the matter is so great , that the flesh leaueth the bones bare : but carbuncles often leaue the ioynts and ligaments quite resolued through the occasion of the moisture that is soaked and sunke in vnto them ; for they often cast out putrefied and virulent sanious matter : whereby eating and creeping vlcers are bred , many blisters and pustles arising vp in the parts round about it ; which shortly breaking into one , make a great vlcer . these doe come very seldome and slowly vnto suppuration , or at least to cast out laudible matter , especially if they haue their originall of choler , because the matter is sooner burned with heate , than suppurated . therefore then , if they can bee brought to suppuration by no medicines , if the tumor still remaine blacke , if when they are opened nothing at all , or else a very little sharpe moisture doth come forth , they are altogether mortall : and there is scarce one of a thousand who hath these accidents that recouereth their health : dispersed small blisters comming of vapours stirred vp by the matter that is vnder the skinne , and are there staied and kept from passage forth , doe not necessarily fore-shew death in carbuncles . but if the part bee swollen or puffed vp , if it bee of a greene or blacke colour , and if it feele neither pricking nor burning , it is a signe of a mortall gangren . buboes or carbuncles seldome or neuer come without a feuer : but the feuer is more vehement when they are in the emunctories , or neruous parts , than when they are in the fleshy parts , yet it is lesse , and all symptomes are lesse and more tolerable in a man that is strong and of a good temperature : carbuncles doe not only affect the outward but also the inward parts , and oftentimes both together . if the heart bee vexed in such sort with a carbuncle that nothing thereof appeareth forth on the superficiall parts , all hope of life is past , and those dye sodainly , eating , drinking , or walking , and not thinking any thing of death . if the carbuncle bee in the middriffe or lungs they are soone suffocated : if it bee in the braine the patient becommeth franticke , and so dyeth . if it bee in the parts appointed for the passage of the vrine , they dye of the suppression of their water , as it happened in the queene mothers waiting maide at the castle of rossilion , of whom i spake before . if it bee in the stomacke it inferreth the accidents that are shewed in this history following . while i was surgion in the hospitall of paris , a young and strong monke of the order of s. victor being ouerseer of the women that kept the sicke people of that place , fell into a continuall feuer very sodainly with his tongue blacke , dry , rough , ( by reason of the putrefied and corrupted humors , and the vapours rising from the whole body vnto that place ) and hanging out like vnto an houndes , with vnquenchable thirst , oftensounding and desire to vomit . hee had conuulsions ouer all his body through the vehemency and malignity of the dissease , and so hee dyed the third day , wherefore those that kept the sicke people in the hospitall thought that hee had beene poysoned , for the certaine knowledge whereof , the gouernours of the hospitall commanded his body to bee opened . i therefore calling to mee a physition and surgion , wee found in the bottome of his stomack a print or impression , as if it had been made with an hote iron or potentiall cauterie , with an eschar or crust as broad as ones naile , all the rest of his stomacke was greatly contracted and shrunke vp together , and as it were hornie ; which wee considering , and especially the eschar which was deepe in the substance of the stomacke , we all said with one voice that he was poisoned with sublimate or arsnicke . but behold while i was sowing vp his belly i perceiued manie blacke spots dispersed diuerfly throughout the skinne : then i asked my companie what they thought of those spots ; truely ( said i ) it seemeth vnto mee that they are like vnto the purple spots or markes that are in the pestilence . the physition and the chirurgion denied it , and said that they were the bitings of fleas . but i perswaded them to consider the number of them ouer all the whole bodie , and also their great depth and depression into the flesh ; for when wee had thrust needles deep into the flesh in the middest of them , and so cut away the flesh about the needle , we found the flesh about the needle to be blacke : moreouer his nostrels , nailes , and eares were liuide , and all the constitution of his bodie was contrarie and farre vnlike to the bodies of those that died of other sickenesses or diseases . also it was credibly reported vnto vs by those that kept him , that his face was altered a little before hee died that his familier friends could hardly know him . we , so perswaded by these proofes , reuoked our former opinion and sentence , and made a certificate to bee sent vnto the gouernours and masters of the hospitall , setting our hands and seales vnto it , to certifie them that he died of a pestistent carbuncle . chap. xxv . of the cure of a pestilent carbuncle . by the forenamed signes of a pestilent carbuncle , and especialy by the bitternesse of the paine , malignitie of the venemous matter , and by the burning feauer that is therewithall annexed i thinke it manifest , that very hote , emplastick , and drawing medicines should not be applied to this kind of tumor ; because they prohibite or hinder the exhalation , or wasting forth of the venenate malignitie ; because that by stopping the pores of the skinne , they encrease and cause a greater heate in the part than there was before . therefore it is better to vse resoluing medicines , which may asswage heate , and resolue the pores of the skinne . therefore first the place must be fomented with water and oyle mixed together , wherein a little treacle hath beene dissolued , leauing thereon stupes wet therein : you may also vse the decoction of mallowes , the rootes of lillies , linseedes , figges , with oile of hypericon for to make the skinnethinne , and to draw forth the matter ; and the day following you must apply the cataplasme following . take the leaues of sorrell and henbane , rost them vnder the hote ashes ; afterwards beate them with foure yelkes of egges , two drammes of treacle , oyle of lillies three ounces , barly meale as much as shall suffice ; make thereof a cataplasme in the forme of a liquid pultis ; this asswages heate & furthers suppuration . or , take the roots of marsh-mallowes & lillies , of each foure ounces , linseeds halfe an ounce , boile them , beat them , and then strain them through a searse , adding thereto of fresh butter one ounce and an halfe , of mithridate one dramme , of barly-meale as much as shall suffice ; make thereof a cataplasme according to arte : those cataplasmes that follow are most effectuall to draw the venemous matter forth , and to make a perfect suppuration , especially when the fluxe of the matter is not so great but that the part may beare it . take the rootes of white lillies , onions , leauen , of each halfe an ounce ; mustard-seedes , pigeons dung , sope , of each one dram ; sixe snailes in their shels ; of fine sugar , treacle , and mithridate , of each halfe a dramme , beate them altogether , and incorporate them with the yelkes of egges , make thereof a cataplasme , and apply it warme . or , take the yelkes of sixe egges ; of salte poudered one ounce ; of oyle of lillies and treacle , of each halfe a dramme ; barly-meale as much as shall suffice ; make thereof a cataplasme . take of ordinarie diachylon foure ounces ; of vnguentum basilicon two ounces , oyle of violets halfe an ounce ; make thereof a medicine . manie ancient professors greatly commend scabious ground or braied betweene two stones , and mixed with old hogges-grease , the yelkes of egges and a little salt ; for it will cause suppuration in carbuncles : also an egge it selfe beeing mixed with barly-meale , and oyle of violets doth mitigate paine and suppurate . a raddish roote cut in slices , and so the slices laied one after one vnto a carbuncle or pestilent tumor , doth mightily draw out the poison . the iuice of colts foote doth extinguish the heate of carbuncles : the herbe called diuels-bit , being bruised , worketh the like effect : i haue often vsed the medicine following vnto the heate of carbuncles with verie good successe ; it doth also asswage paine and cause suppuration . take of the soot scraped from a chimney foure ounces , of common salte two ounces , beate them into small powder , adding thereto the yelkes of two egges , and stirre them well together vntill it come to haue the consistence of a pultis , and let it bee applied warme vnto the carbuncle . in the beginning the point or head of the carbuncle must be burned , if it be blacke , by dropping thereinto scalding hot oyle , or aquafortis : for by such a burning the venome is suffocated as touched by lightening , and the paine is much lessened , as i haue proued oftentimes : neither is it to be feared lest that this burning should be too painfull , for it toucheth nothing but the point of the carbuncle , which by reason of the eschar that is there , is voide of sense . after this burning , you must goe forward with the former described medicines , vntill the eschar seemeth to separate it selfe from the flesh round about it , which is a token of the patients recouery , for it signifieth that nature is strong and able to resist the poison . after the fall of the eschar you must vse gentle mundificatiues , as those which wee haue prescribed in a pestilent bubo , not omitting sometimes the vse of suppuratiue and mollifying medicines , that while the grosse matter is cleansed , that which is as yet rude may be brought to suppuration ; for then the indication is twofold , the one to suppurate that which remaineth as yet crude and raw in the part , and the other to cleanse that which remaineth concocted and perfectly digested in the vicer . chap. xxvi . how to cure infants and children taken with the plague . if that it happen that sucking or weaned children be infected with the pestilence , they must bee cured after another order then is yet described . the nurse of the sucking childe must gouerne her selfe so in dyet and the vse of medicines as shee were infected with the pestilence her selfe : her dyet consisteth in the vse of the six things not naturall . therefore let it bee moderate , for the fruit or profit of that moderation in dyet cannot chuse but come vnto the nurses milke , and so vnto the infant who liueth onely by the milke . and the infant it selfe must keepe the same dyet as neere as he can in sleepe , waking , and expulsion , or auoiding of superfluous humors and excrements of the body . let the nurse bee fed with those things that doe mitigate the violence of the feuerish heate : as cooling brothes , cooling herbs , and meats of a moderate temperature : shee must wholly abstaine from wine , and annoint her nipples , as often as shee giueth the infant sucke , with water , or iuice of sorrell tempered with sugar of roses . but the infants heart must be fortified against the violence of the encreasing venom , by giuing it one scruple of treacle in the nurses milke , the broth of a pullet or some other cordiall water . it is also very necessary to annoint the region of the heart , the emunctories and both the wrests with the same medicine : neither were it vnprofitable to smell often vnto treacle dissolued in rose water , vineger of roses and a little aquavita , that so nature may bee strengthened against the malignity of the venom . when the children are weaned and somewhat well growne , they may take medicines by the mouth , for when they are able to concoct and turne into bloud meates that are more grosse and firme than milke , they may easily actiuate a gentle medicine . therefore a potion must bee prepared for them of twelue graines of treacle dissolued with a little of the syrupe of succory in some cordiall water , or the broth of a capon : vnlesse that any had rather giue it with conserue of roses in forme of a bole : but treacle must bee giuen to children in very small quantity , for if it be taken in any large quantity there is great danger lest that by inflamming the humors it inferre a feuer . furthermore broth may bee prepared to bee taken often , made of a capon seasoned with sorrell , lettuce , purslane , and cooling seedes , adding thereto bole armenicke and terrae sigillata , of each one ounce , being tyed in a ragge and sometimes pressed out from the decoction . for bole armenicke , whether it bee by its maruellous facultie of drying , or by some hidden property , hath this vertue , that being drunken ( according as galen witnesseth ) it cureth those that are infected with the pestilence , if so bee that they may bee cured by physicke : so that those that cannot bee cured with bole armenicke , cannot be preserued by any other medicines . but because the bodies of children are warme , moist and vaporous , they are easily deliuered of some portion of the venenate matter through the pores of the skinne by prouoking sweat , with a decoction of parsly seedes , prunes , figs , and the rootes of sorrell , with a little of the powder of harts horne , or iuory . but that the sweat may bee more aboundant and copious , apply sponges dipped and pressed out in the decoction of sage , rosemary , lauender , bayes , chamomyle , melilote and mallowes ; or else swines bladders halfe filled with the same decoction , to the arme-holes , and to the groines . in the time that they sweate let their faces bee fanned to coole them . also let a nodule of treacle dissolued in vineger and water of roses bee applied to the nostrels , but alwaies vse a moderation in sweating , because that children are of a substance that is easie to bee dissipated and resolued : so that oftentimes although they do not sweate , yet they feele the commodities of sweating , the matter of the venome beeing dissipated by the force of the heate through the pores of the skinne , but in the sweating while the face is fanned , and sweete and cordiall things applied to the nostrels , nature must be recreated and strengthened , which otherwise would bee debilitated through sweating , that it may bee better able to expell the venome . after that the sweat is wiped away it is verie profitable to take a potion of conserue of roses , with the pouder of an harts horne or of iuorie dissolued in the waters of buglosse and sorrell , the better to coole and defend the heart . if there appeare anie tumor vnder the arme-holes or in the groine , let it be brought to maturation with a mollifying , relaxing , drawing , and then with a suppuratiue fomentation , or cataplasme ; alwaies vsing and handling it as gently as you may , considering the tender age of the infant . if you haue neede to purge the patient , the purgation following may be prescribed with great profite . take of rubarbe in pouder one dramme , infuse it in the watet of carduus benedictus , with one scruple of cinamon , in the straining dissolue two drams of diaratholicon , of syrup of roses laxatiue three drams ; make thereof a small potion . this is the cure of the pestilence and of the pestilent feuer , as farre as i could learne from the most learned physitions , and haue obserued my selfe by manifold experience by the grace and permission of god : of whom alone , as the author of all good things that mortall men enioy , the true and certaine preseruatiues against the pestilence are to bee desired and hoped for . finis . thursday the thirteenth of august, . at the council at vvhite-hall. his highness the lord protector and his privy council, taking notice of the hand of god, which at this time is gone out against this nation, in the present visitation by sickness that is much spread over the land, ... england and wales. lord protector ( - : o. cromwell) this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e d thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) thursday the thirteenth of august, . at the council at vvhite-hall. his highness the lord protector and his privy council, taking notice of the hand of god, which at this time is gone out against this nation, in the present visitation by sickness that is much spread over the land, ... england and wales. lord protector ( - : o. cromwell) sheet ([ ] p.) printed by henry hills and john field, printers to his highness the lord protector, london : . title from caption and first lines of text. signed: hen: scobell, clerk of the council. friday, august, appointed a day of humiliation for london, &c. in view of the present sickness. -- cf. steele. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng plague -- england -- early works to . fasts and feasts -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no thursday the thirteenth of august, . at the council at vvhite-hall. his highness the lord protector and his privy council, taking notice england and wales. lord protector a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion blazon or coat of arms thursday the thirteenth of august , . at the council at white-hall . his highness the lord protector and his privy council , taking notice of the hand of god , which at this time is gone out against this nation , in the present visitation by sickness that is much spread over the land , which calls upon the people of this nation to humble themselves in a solemn maner before the lord , and to seek his face in reference thereunto ; his highness and the council have thought fit to set apart to morrow seven-night being friday , the one and twentieth day of this moneth , for a day of solemn fasting and humiliation for the ends aforesaid , to be observed within the cities of london and westminster , and the late lines of communication , and weekly bills of mortality , and all other places in this nation to which notice hereof shall come ; not doubting but the people of god in other parts of the nation also will be forward in their particular congregations to a duty so necessary at this time . hen : scobell , clerk of the council . london : printed by henry hills and john field , printers to his highness the lord protector . . the arke of noah for the londoners that remaine in the cittie to enter in, with their families, to be preserued from the deluge of the plague. item, an exercise for the londoners that are departed out of the cittie into the coutnrey, to spend their time till they returne. whereunto is annexed an epistle sent out of the countrey, to the afflicted cittie of london. made and written by iames godskall the yonger, preacher of the word. godskall, james. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the arke of noah for the londoners that remaine in the cittie to enter in, with their families, to be preserued from the deluge of the plague. item, an exercise for the londoners that are departed out of the cittie into the coutnrey, to spend their time till they returne. whereunto is annexed an epistle sent out of the countrey, to the afflicted cittie of london. made and written by iames godskall the yonger, preacher of the word. godskall, james. [ ] p. printed by thomas creede, london : [ ] publication date from stc. signatures: a-h i² . imperfect; date obliterated. reproduction of the original in the guildhall library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large 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to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the arke of noah , for the londoners that remaine in the cittie to enter in , with their families , to be preserued from the deluge of the plague . item , an exercise for the londoners that are departed out of the citie into the countrey , to spend their time till they returne . wherevnto is annexed an epistle sent out of the countrey , to the afflicted citie of london . made and written by iames godskall the yonger , preacher of the word . psal . . . call vpon me in the day of trouble and i will deliuer thee , and thou shalt glorifie me . dan. . . o my god , encline thine eare , and heare : open thine eyes , and behold our desolations , and the citie wherevpon thy name is called . london printed by thomas creede an epistle to the afflicted citie of london . to all you that be at london , beloued of god , called to be saints . grace be with you , and peace from god our father , and the lord iesus christ , rom. . . with all that call on the name of our lord iesus christ in euery place , both their lord , and ours . . cor. . . as naomi ( dearely beloued in the lord ) the title of honourable at this time i do omit ) spake vnto the people which sawe her ; call mee not naomi , ( which soundeth beautifull or pleasant ) but call me mara , for the almightie hath giuen me much bitternesse , the lord hath humbled me , & the almightie hath brought me vnto aduersitie . so likewise thou afflicted london , mayest answere to them that see , and heare of thee : call me not naomi , but mara , for the almightie hath brought thee now vnto aduersitie . in which affliction i may speake with the apostle , wee are mindfull of your teares . and although as paul speaketh , we be absent in the flesh , yet are wee with you in the spirit , coll. . . kept from you for a season , concerning sight , but not in the heart . . thess . . . for we haue you in perfect memorie . phil. . . hauing you in our hearts . . cor. . . and thus being affectioned toward you , . thess . ▪ . without ceasing , god is my witnesse , ( with the apostle wee may protest ) we make mention of you alwaies in our prayers . rom. . . . of thee ô london , with the leuites of ierusalem , vnfeignedly i may speake , psal . . . if i forget thee ô ierusalem , let my right hand forget to play : if i doo not remember thee , let my tongue cleaue to the roofe of my mouth . true it is , by the riuers of babel as it were wee sit in a pleasant countrey ; but neuerthelesse , here we weepe , when we remember thee ô london ; we hang vp our harpes , and the pleasantnesse of the countrey cannot stay our teares , remembring you that are afflicted , as if we were afflicted our selues , weeping for the citie , as christ did for ierusalem , luk. . and not onely for you , but for our selues . luk ▪ . . how could we feast , while the yron enters iosephs soule in the citie ? we are not nero , singing and triumphing when rome is on fire , but as abraham prayed for sodome , and the prophet for the peace of ierusalem , so we for the peace of london . as for the romish edomites , the superstitious papists , who reioyce at this ours and your present calamitie , insulting ouer vs in this land , and in others , preaching it vnto theirs publikely , and muttering it priuately , that this deluge of the plague is iustly broken through among vs , because we haue ( as they speake ) forsaken the religion and profession of our forefathers ; iustly we doo acknowledge , although it is falsely imputed to that pretended cause . what is this their accusation else , but that old song of the superstitious israelits , ier. . . ▪ since wee left off to burne incense to the queene of heauen , we haue had scarcenesse of things , and haue beene consumed by the sword and famine . were not also the good christians in the time of tertullian , cyprian , arnobius , and others , in this manner vpbrayed by the heathens , who imputed to them the cause of pestilence , warre , invndations , earthquakes , and other troubles ? but o yee blind sonnes of men , what was the cause of the flood in the time of noah ? was it the religion of that time , or was it noah the preacher of righteousnesse ? the lord himselfe sheweth the cause , gene. . and . chap. the sinnes of that age , and the flood of iniquitie . for which like sinnes , both we , and their professors also , as well as we at diuers times haue felt this rod , and also at this present time in flanders they doo taste of this smart-whip : which giueth vs iust occasion to speake vnto them that of the prophet , thine inuentions haue procured thee these things . remember o lord the children of edom ( these superstitious romanists ) which speake , rase it , rase it to the foundation thereof . o daughter of babel worthie to be destroyed . but from whence am i digressed ? to returne to the head of the race , where i first began , i returne to you my brethren with sighes , to whome , i may vse the apostles words , in anguish of heart i write vnto you with many teares . of prayer , of which this treatise following doeth intreate : i may speake that which martha said vnto christ , if thou hadst beene here , my brother should not haue died . so likewise , if feruent and humble prayer had beene amongst vs , we should not haue suffered these things . but seeing wee are in the flood , and that the waters are entred euen to our soules , psal . . . therefore behold , against this deluge i send to you a delineation of the true arke of noah , whereunto yee and we ought to flie to be preserued , which is the name of iehouah , prou. . . the little zoar , and the sanctuarie to hide and safegard our selues . two things beloued , may put you in minde this yeere of two things . first , of noah : secondly , of ionas withered gourd , vnto which your present calamitie for diuers respects fitly may be compared . the first is , your great ioyes , preparations and stately buildings in the beginning of the yeere , like vnto the ioy , feasting , marrying , and building of those who liued in the dayes of noah , matth. . luke . the second is , the suddaine alteration which ensued thereupon , like vnto the vnexpected flood and deluge which came vpon the securitie of the olde world . we liued before as in the dayes of noah , wee are now as it were in the flood ( the afflictions and troubles of the sonnes of men being not vnfitly compared vnto waters by the kingly prophet dauid ) which prayer at this time london thou mayest make , saue me o god , for the waters are entred euen to my soule . seeing therefore , that thou with ionas mayest say , lord , the floods compasse me about , what remaineth but that we enter into the arke to be preserued ? giue me leaue beloued , by a comparison to shew you two things , the flood wherewith ye are compassed about , and the arke which yee ought to enter . in the flood of noah the holy ghost noteth foure things ; first , the cause for which it was sent . secondly the time when it began . thirdly , the cōtinuance of it . fourthly , his decreasing . the cause of which , was the sinne of that age , which was growen vp as a mightie tree , producing diuers sower and deadly fruites . the first was , the great securitie of the sonnes of god , that is of those which made profession of the true religion , eating and drinking , marrying and building , luke . . the second , their disobedience and contemning of noah , the preacher of righteousnesse , and of the long suffering of god , . pet. . . the third , their fornications , and vngodly alliances with the infidels , and with that damnable race of cain , without respect either of family or religion . the fourth , their crueltie and oppression of their neighbours , gene. . . and . lastly , the corruption of their wayes , gen. . . and because their wickednesse was great vpon the earth . . sam. this is also the cause ( to applie the first to our selues ) which hath mooued the lord to send this deluge of the plague into the land , because the selfe same sinnes did raigne among vs : and as it was in the dayes of noah , so hath it beene in these last dayes of the sonne of man : and therefore seeing a flood of iniquitie hath ouerwhelmed vs , hath not this flood of the plague iustly and suddenly ouertaken vs ? from the first let me leade you to the second , the circumstance of the time , when the flood began , noted in the . chap. of gene. ver . . in the second moneth , the seuenteenth day of the moneth , which was about the beginning of may , or as others say in april , when all things did most flourish , and when it was lesse expected , which suddennesse hath changed their ioy into sorow . so likewise , to applie the second to vs , this deluge of the plague began to encrease about the beginning of may ( as i haue noted ) when all things did flourish in the countrey , and in the citie , when we were merrie as the sonnes of the old world , marrying , feasting , building , and erecting our armes trivmphants , when we lesse expected it , which hath turned also our ioy into sorrow . and as noahs flood caused them to flie vpon high mountaines and trees that the waters should not reach vnto them : so this deluge hath it not caused thousands to depart into the countrey farre and neere to be preserued ? from the second i come to the third , the continuance of the flood , noted gen. . . the waters couered , and preuailed vpon the earth an hundreth and fiftie dayes ( which is about halfe a yeere ) and then , in the end of an hundreth and fiftie dayes the waters abated , gene. . . which was in nouember , reckning from the beginning of them . to applie the third , our deluge hath not yet preuailed an hundreth and fiftie dayes , and i hope through the mercie of god , that it wil not so long encrease and bee in his full strength and force , ( and yet o lord , by the great flood of our iniquitie we haue deserued a longer encreasing , but haue mercie vpon vs o lord according to the multitude of thy compassions , psal . . . ) let mee applie the fourth thing , which is the decreasing of noahs flood , noted gen. . ▪ and they decreased vntil the tenth moneth ( which was the moneth of december ) this decreasing beginning from nouember , after the hundreth and fiftie dayes . our flood the lord bee thanked , hath begun reasonably to decrease in the moneth of september , and the lord graunt that these waters from henceforward may not bee going and comming , but that they may altogether decrease vntill the tenth month . and as the tops of the mountaines which were couered because of the flood , were seene in the tenth moneth , gene. . . which was in december : so the lord graunt , that the heads of the citie , the merchants , and principall citizens , which because of this deluge haue beene couered , may be seene againe in the citie , the tenth moneth . further , as on the first day of the first moneth , gene. . . the vpper part of the ground was wholly drie , which was in march and part of aprill . so the lord graunt that this deluge may in that moneth wholly bee dried vp , and that there remaine not any reliques therof : if it please him to remember vs in his mercie as hee did noah , gene. . . now that he may remember vs in his mercie , let vs forsake the sinnes of the olde world , let the flood of iniquitie which is broken through among vs decrease , and wholly be dried vp . great hath beene , and extraordinarie ( i doo confesse ) the invndation of the plague this present yeere , and therefore let our repentance bee great and extraordinarie . it is reported of many of the aegyptians by sozom , lib. . cap. . that being terrified by the strange invndation of nilus , higher then the wonted maner thereof was , immediatly they condemned their ancient idolatry , and applied themselues to the worship of the liuing god : so likewise , seeing that this deluge of the plague hath beene higher then the wonted maner , as the weekly bils doo shewe vnto vs , let vs bee terrified , and remooue our ancient iniquities , let vs applie our selues to humble and feruent prayer , a principall part of the worship of god. and as the arke in the flood rested vpon the high mountaines of ararat , gene. . . so let vs in this flood rest vpon the lord , and vpon the holy mountaine of heauen ; the power and mercie of our god , are the mountaines whereupon the arke may finde rest ; those are the holy hils whereon sion hath her euerlasting foundation . hauing shewed to you the flood , i come to the arke . the holy ghost in the description of the arke into which noah entred , gene. . and . noteth these fiue things . the arke it selfe . the persons entring . the cause why . the time when . the end wherefore . as for the arke , into which wee must enter , it is not an arke made of corruptible wood , nor an arke heere beneath sloating and tossing in the sea of this world , but the true arke of noah , and of the righteous , the name of the lord , that strong tower wherevnto the righteous runneth by the feete of prayer , prou. . . an immortall , eternall , and incorruptible arke . i know no surer refuge from the tempest , as esai speaketh , no safer harbour , and receptacle , wherin to repose your wearied soules . the persons entring , were noah and his family . noah the righteous , or the preacher of righteousnesse as he is called , . pet. . . noah and his little family , the remnant of the earth , as the sonne of syrach termeth them . let vs with our families enter into the aforesaid arke , and although they consist more then of eightie and eight soules , yea of infinite , they cannot fill this arke , neither hinder one another , as it happeneth in the bulwarkes and fortresses of mortall men ; but let vs be righteous noahs : for how can wee be else preserued ? if wee enter as an impious cham , perhaps we shall escape a temporall flood , but not the deluge of gods eternall wrath . the cause moouing noah to enter , was the commandement of god , gene. . . enter , &c. the same cause ought to mooue vs to enter , it is the commandement of the most high , the proclamation of the king of heauen , psal . . . cal vpon me , &c. and as in the time of the olde world hee ordained himselfe an arke for noah , so he hath himselfe prepared , appointed and ordained himselfe as an arke and refuge for the righteous noahs . the time when , was in the flood , gene. . . so noah entred , because of the waters of the flood : are not we in the flood ? are not the waters entred euen to our soules ? and is it not therefore high time to keepe our selues within this arke ? the end wherefore , ( that he might bee preserued , gen. . , . ) for the same ende let vs enter beloued , to bee preserued from a threefold deluge , from the flood of iniquitie wherewith our soules haue beene ouerwhelmed ; from the deluge of the plague , that calling vpon the name of the lord , and seeking his pesence the land may be healed , . chron. . . thirdly , from the deluge of gods eternall wrath . follow therefore the obedience of noah , gene. . . who did according vnto all that the lord commanded him , and was also remembred , gene. . . enter therefore o yee righteous soules , let your miserie speake for audience . the waues doo now smite and tosse your ship ; and as the tempest arose , matth. . when they were a sleepe : so likewise this present tempest wherewith we are tossed , did arise when wee are a sleepe , but arise , arise from the sleepe of securitie , call vnto christ with the disciples , maister saue vs , or else wee perish . cast your eyes on high ( as the marriner in the tempest ) ad stellam polarem , on the right north starre christ iesus , who is also the bright morning starre , apoc. . . and in the sea of these afflictions , quite you like men , and be strong , ( t is the apostles precept ) begin you to the ores of the spirit , inuocations , intercessions to the liuing god , praying as the apostle exhorteth , ephe. . . with all maner of prayer and supplication in the spirit , with all perseuerance . the arme of flesh is too weake to beare vs out , and if our strength were brasse , it could not helpe vs : these are my brethren , the onely ores which are able to row our ship through all the stormes of the sea , ( these vessels of our bodies and soules i meane ) and if the bankes of the land doo faile vs , that is temporall health , they will land vs in the hauen of eternall felicitie . giue mee leaue brethren in the second place , to amplifie vnto you another comparison , not vnfit for this time , for the suddaine alteration and estate of this yeere , doth put me in minde not onely of the flood of noah , but also of ionas gourd . to enter therein , first our citie ( as yee all know ) hath long bene , and principally in the beginning of the yeere for diuers respects a flourishing gourd , and as a greene laurell tree , wee had builded a tabernacle of pleasures , yea arches , and theaters , and some of the workes like babel . prosperitie as a gourd was come ouer vs , we were sitting vnder the shadow of it , euery one as the prophet speaketh vnder his vine , and vnder his figge tree , none making vs afraide ; and perhaps , ( what doo i adde perhaps ? ) without doubt many of vs in this our prosperitie haue spoken with dauid , i said in my prosperitie , i shall neuer be mooued . secondly , as ionas reioyced exceedingly for the gourd : so likewise haue we reioyced exceedingly for this our prosperitie , witnesse our feastes , our braueries , preparations , and triumphs , ( would to god that it had beene in the lord. ) and as peter was reioyced to be vpon the mountaine , saying , maister it is good to bee here , let vs make here three tabernacles : whereas hee was but a stranger , and knew that there was not the permanent citie , heb. . . so although we know we are but strangers in this life , yet we haue said to our flesh , as peter vnto christ , let vs make here tabernacles . and therefore as the gourd of ionas suddenly withered , and his exceeding ioy was changed into sorrow : so our ioyfull songs haue beene changed into lamentations , and our pleasure hath beene quite dasht ; the lord hath made vs to say with ieremie , for these things i weepe , and mine eye casteth out water . hee hath made others to say of thee , o london , as ieremie of ierusalem , how doth the citie remaine solitarie that was full of people , shee is a widow , shee that was great among the nations , her priests sigh , her virgins are discomfited , and shee is in heauinesse , lam. . . and hereunto i may adde that in the fifth verse , it is for the multitude of her transgressions , for which her people is now in diuers places scattered , liuing as it were in exile and banishment , and sighing ( as the israelites did in babel ) when they remembred thee o london . but the lord hath giuen , and the lord hath taken away , and hee that had power ouer the blessings , hath also had power ouer the plagues , apoc. . as ionas little thought of so speedie an alteration ; so did we little expect such a sudden change ; but it was feared and also prophecied of many ( as i my selfe haue heard ) and behold the trueth of their prophecie . nullum violentem perpetuum . some haue died through immoderate ioy , as diagoras of rhodes , and others , and we ( i may say ) haue beene sicke through immoderate ioy , and some dead . the sonnes and daughters of england in this their exceeding ioy , did little thinke of this sorrow , as the sonnes and daughters of iob , when they were banquetting , did not once dreame of the wind that came from the wildernesse and smote the foure corners of the house . babylon which was called tender and delicate , and the lady of kingdomes , ephe. . . which assumed to her selfe , i am , and there is none else : i shall not sit a widow , nor know the losse of children ; did not imagine how neere they were , that came with a contrarie newes ( thine ende is come , iere. . ) neither london tender and delicate which hath vsed the same voice , did expect to bee a widow for a time , and to see the losse of her children by thousands . you the edomites and epicures of these dayes , yee that haue mocked your prophets and watchmen , as they did , ephe. . saying to them , ( yee speake of iudgement ) haue yee not a time of sorrow and darknesse , as yee haue had a time of light and delights ? the time when the gourd withered , was when the morning , or the sunne did arise , in the comming foorth of the sunne , when the shadow of it should most haue pleasured him : so in the rising as it were of the citie ( which by the death of our late soueraigne had beene as it were laide downe in the bed of sorrow ) and in the comming foorth of a new sunne , whose beames were comfortable to the whole land ( and the lord graunt that he may long shine ouer vs ) euen then , when prosperitie could not haue pleasured the citie , and all her inhabitants , then the gourd withered , and the worme of gods iudgement came . and as christ wept ouer ierusalem in the midst of his triumph , when the people cried , blessed is the king that commeth in the name of the lord , when the multitudes did reioyce , and spred their cloathes in the way : so the lord hath giuen vs cause to weepe ouer the citie , when we were almost in the midst of our ioyes and triumphes , when euery one was reioycing , and made preparations for the triumph , against the entire of him , of whom we may say , as the israelites of dauid , psal . . . blessed be hee that commeth in the name of the lord. let the conclusion of this point be , all thy iudgements o lord are number and measure , thou knowed best the time when it is most conuenient to inflict them . the meanes or the instrument ( which is the fifth thing to bee considered ) which the lord vsed to afflict ionas , and which hee sent as a messenger from heauen , to smite the gourd , was first ( a worme ) secondly , the wind and the sunne . the worme , a little and a base messenger , with weapons of no power , and yet giueth a mortall blow , he that could haue sent a great wind to turne it vpside-downe , a lightning to haue blasted it , or a whole armie of wormes , sendeth but one little contemptible worme to execute that businesse : so the lord to beate downe the pride and immoderate ioy of our citie , the flourishing gourd of our prosperitie , hath not sent whole armies , deuouring beasts , earthquakes , fire or brimstone from heauen , he sendeth only a pestilence , litle carbuncles , spots , and tokens in our flesh , which seeme to bee nothing , or to haue no force , and yet suddainely they beate downe the proudest and the strongest . i st not strange that a little botch or carbuncle hath such admirable force ? well may they be called gods tokens , for thereby he sheweth his strength . let this serue on the one side , to make vs to stand in awe of the mightie power of god , and on the other side , adoring this his power , to humble our selues before his maiestie ; for how darest thou o sonne of adam lift vp thy selfe against that lord , who can cast thee downe with a little carbuncle ? let not the pleasures of this life make vs secure , and sitting vnder the couert of them ; let vs not say , we shal neuer be mooued , for they are but gourds , and the lord hath a worme of iudgement . and what is the freedom from the rod of god , our dauncing to the tabert & harpe , but a gourd for a time ? i call to witnesse young men , yee lustie gallants , some of you haue had your gourd to reioyce in , eccle. . the dayes of your youth , the cheerfulnesse of your hearts , the lustes of your owne eyes ; but the lords worme , the pestilence , hath smitten downe some of you . rich men , some of you , haue had your gourd , your purple and fine linnen your delicious fare euery day , luk. . but this is withered with your selues , and some of you lie in the graue . the worme then which the lord had prepared for this yeare , to change our ioy into sorow , is as now experience teacheth , the pestilence , the king of heauens pursiphant ; and therefore wee may crie with the angels , apoc. . with a lowde voice , feare god , and giue glorie to him , for the houre of his iudgement is come . the second instrument which the lord vsed , was the wind and the sunne , good creatures , created both for an other ende , to gouerne the day , to giue light to the world , to purifie the ayre , &c. and yet they receiue a commandement to beate vpon the head of ionas , the principall part of the body , wherein is the gouernement of the whole creature : the seate of the minde , from whence the senses and neerenesse take their beginning . so the lord hath commanded his angel to infect the ayre , to hunt & annoy vs , both good creatures , erected to another end , to preserue and comfort vs , and yet behold he hath commanded them to beate the very head , the principall part of the body of his kingdome , our citie i meane beloued , the seate and imperiall chamber of the realme , from whence the other members receiue their maintenance , which redoundeth to the danger of the whole body , for which the members and the daughters haue smarted , and yet doo sigh for ; which argueth that our sinnes make the good creatures of god to become our enemies . seeing therfore the lord hath smitten you that are the head , let not the effects which it wrought in ionas , bee seene in you . first , faint not , although the force of heate is great , be steadfast , and aboundant alwayes in the worke of the lord , . cor. . . and i would not brethren haue you ignorant , concerning them that are a sleepe , that ye sorrow not euen as they which haue no hope , . thes . . . be not ashamed of the testimonie of our lord , . tim. . . but suffer as good souldiers of christ , . tim. . . the lord hath not cast thee downe without reuocation of his fact , he afflicteth thee not in his furie , but in his mercie , to doo thee greater honour and fauour in the time to come , if this in iudgement mooue thee . let this heate inflame your hearts with the fire of gods loue , that the lord say not of vs , amos . i haue smitten you with blasting and burning , and you returned not . secondly , be not angrie and impatient , wish not desperately to die , grudge not , nor repine at the lord , but let your patient mind be knowen vnto all men , phil. . . to whom doo yee rather owe the quietnesse and subiection of your spirits , then vnto him , who giueth both his benefites vnto vs , to teach how easily hee can bestow them , and taketh them away , that we may know how little wee deserue them : with ionas out of the waters which did compasse him , call rather vpon the name of the lord , follow him not in his anger , but in his prayer . i haue brethren ( to vse the apostles words ) somwhat boldly after a sort written vnto you , as one that putteth you in remembrance thereof , through the grace which is giuen me of god : but yet as paul speaketh , wee write none other things vnto you , then that yee reade , or else that yee acknowledge . for this i say not by commandement , . cor. . . but this say we vnto you by the word of the lord , . thes . . . you haue already entred this arke , for wee haue heard of your fasting , prayer , and liberalitie to the poore , how that yee haue charged them that are rich in the world to doo good , and to be readie to distribute , . tim. . , . and therfore , although we are absent in the flesh , yet are we with you in the spirit , reioycing and beholding ( t is the apostles saying ) your order , and your steadfast faith in christ , waiting for his appearing , . cor. . . so continue in the lord , phi. . . and be not weary in well doing , . thes . . . and i am perswaded of this same thing , that hee that hath begun this good worke in you , will performe it , phil. . . follow the zeale of abraham in his prayer for sodome ; the longer hee talked with god , the more he gained . and as abraham although he had begun to speake once , twise , & thrice vnto the lord , yet he continued : behold i haue begun to speake vnto my lord , and am but dust & ashes , let not my lord bee angrie and i will speake againe : so although yee haue begun to speake vnto the lord for london , that the fire might be quenched ( yee that may speake with abraham , we are but dust and ashes ) yet speake againe , pray continually , rom. . for the lord will not bee angrie , as hee was not angrie with abrahams instant request , but as he gaue him a patient eare and a gracious answere , ver. . so the same god will heare our prayers . it pleaseth the eares of his maiestie to be long intreated ; he that hath twise and tentimes together ingeminated the riches of his mercie , exod. . the lord , the lord is mercifull , gracious , slow to anger , aboundant in goodnesse and trueth , reseruing mercy for thousands , forgetting iniquitie and sinne : what did he meane thereby , but that twise and tentimes together we should crie for his mercie . and as abraham by his continuance , and ingeminating prayer , brought the lord from fiftie to fortie fiue : from fortie fiue to fortie : from fortie to thirtie : from thirtie to twentie : and lastly from twentie to ten : so continue and ingeminate your prayer , endeuour by your continuance to diminish the number , and to bring it from thirtie foure hundreth to thirtie : from thirtie to two hundreth : from twentie to ten : from ten hundreth to ten persons : and yet not then cease to speake vnto the lords as abraham did : and what shall not your prayer obtaine ? i may speake vnto you that which zedekias said to the princes of his land ; the king can denie you nothing . so the king of heauen will denie you nothing . zedekias spake it in a seruile and popular affection that hee bare to the princes of his land , but god speaketh it out of the aboundance and riches of his mercie . and therefore o lord let thy mercie triumph against iustice , that both great and small , the infant and dumbe beast , may sing of thy louing kindnesse . with this wish i will end beseeching brethren for our lord iesus christs sake , and for the loue of the spirit , that ye would striue with vs by praiers to god , rom. . . praying also for vs , col. . . finally beloued , fare yee well ( it is the apostles farewell to the corinthians ) bee of good comfort and of one minde : the grace of our lord iesus christ , and the loue of god , and the comming of the holy ghost be with you all , amen . written at springfield , the . of september , . your wel-wisher in the lord , iames godskal the yonger . the arke of noah . collected out of the . chapter of the prouerbs , verse . the name of the lord is a strong tower : the righteous runneth vnto it , and is preserued . confirmed by the practise of king dauid , . chron. chap. . ver . . and . and he called vpon the lord , and hee answered him by fire from heauen . the whole colledge of the bodily physitians , and the prince of them , that wise and learned galen , prescribe for the time of plague , that of all remedies , to preuent the contagion , the best is , to flie and shunne the infected and corrupted ayre , and to depart vnto a wholesome and purer ayre : and that with these three rules , citò , longè , tradè . depart speedily , farre off , and returne slowly . as this is physically prescribed , so it is diligently practised , as daily experience teacheth , of all sorts of men , yea of the physitians themselues ; i will not contradict the prescription of the physitian , nor disprooue the diligence of the sonnes of men , if they vse departure lawfully , therein not sinning , ( contra patriam , charitatem , vecationem , ) against their countrey , their calling , and christian charitie . but because , by the corruption of our nature , we suffer our selues as with maine sayle to be carried away from the creator to the creature ; fixing all our senses more vpon the aeriall corruption , then vpon the inward cause of the contagion , the rottennesse of our bones , which we carrie within our selues , and are more carefull to depart into the countrey then vnto the lord ; as if by the swiftnesse of our feete we could out-runne him who rideth vpon the wings of the cherubims , which causeth that the lord hath a pursiphant , which hee sendeth to arrest some in the pure ayre , ( namely the plague it selfe ) which hath arrested some in the countrey , as the experience of this yeere sheweth vnto vs all , verifying the threatning of the lord , deut. . . this is the reason why the whole colledge of the spirituall physition of our soules haue prescribed for the time of plague , a better flight and departure , then that which is prescribed by galen and the rest ; namely ( to the name of iehouah ) by the feete of prayer , mentioned and storied by that wise salomon in the words prefixed . and as it is prescribed , so it hath beene practised of the saints of god : among the rest , of king dauid in the time of plague , as the second place adioyning vnto the first doth witnesse . of this place then , which is the right arke , and the little zoar , whereunto our first care ought to bee in the time of plague to depart , and which is also the trustie friend and seruant to aide the sicke , and the exercise for them that are departed , to spend the time till they returne , giue me leaue christian readers to discourse out of the harmonie of these two places here prefixed . to pray well saith chrysostome , is an excellent art , which doth adorne a christian , but it is not sufficient to know that we must pray , but also in what manner : and therefore that we might the better be instructed in the going to this place , and become skilfull in this art , i will braunch the description of this place into these three seuerall parts , which will store vs with a cluster of singular meditations . the first is , the name of the place , it is ( the name of the lord. ) the second is , the qualitie , condition , propertie , and the safenesse of it , expressed in two things : first , because it is ( a strong towre ) : secondly , by the successe of those that runne vnto it ( and is exalted ) or deliuered : which is the thing which they receiue that run to it . the third thing is , what maner of persons they must be that flie to it , and what househould stuffe they must carrie thither with them to be receiued , noted in these words ( the rightious runneth vnto it . ) as for the place , let me obserue 〈◊〉 things . for as in the time of plague , for our departure , first it is necessarie , that we know the name of the place whereunto we go : secondly , that we haue feet to beare & carie vs thither : thirdly , that we haue a directiō that we might not erre : fourthly , that wee haue some right & interest there , or some acquaintance , that we may be receiued . so likewise these foure things are necessarie to be knowne of vs , in our spirituall departure . touching the name of the place whereunto dauid fled in the time of plague , as it hath diuers names , so in this place it is called the name of iehouah . heere i pertermit the fiue seueral significations of the name of the lord vsed in the book of god , taking it in this place , first for the lord himself : secondly , for his attributes by which hee doth manifest himselfe . of which moses , num . bringeth in a perfect catalogue : & the lord hath deliuered this his name by proclamation , exo. . . . the lord , the lord , strong , merciful , & gratious , slow to anger , & aboundant in goodnes and truth , &c. god then the almightie , eternall , immortall inuisible lord , the iudge of the world , psal . . god , merciful & gratious , the supreme phisition of our soules , who healeth all our iniquities , psal . . god to whom power belongeth , and whose is saluation alone , psal . . is the place it selfe whereunto dauid , and wee ought to flie from the contagion . the name of a place if it be known , famous and renowned , hath often much force to perswade vs rather to goe vnto such a place , then vnto such or such : surely there was neuer name of place more worthy to goe vnto , then the name of iehouah . o ye righteous soules that thirst by reason of the heate of the plague vpon your beddes , flie vnto this place , to the waters of comfort : here are wels enough to be drawne at : this is the name which god hath proclaimed to the world , and whereby he would be knowne to men , that if euer they come to him , they may speake their mindes in the confidence and trust of this amiable name . esteeme it not strange beloued , that the name of a place is attributed to the lord : for that he is a place of refuge , three things are able to prooue : first , the witnes of god himselfe : second , the confession of the righteous : third , the word ( running ) here vsed by king salomon . as for the lord he doth attribute vnto himselfe this name by the pen of the holy ghost , calling himselfe a secret place , psal . . a throne of grace , hebr. . . a refuge psal . . . a fortresse , psal . . . a strong towre , and such lyke more . secondly this is the confession of the righteous : of dauid the father in diuers places , psal . . . the lord is my fortresse and my refuge : and in the . . thou art my secret place ▪ & compas●est me about with ioyfull deliuerance : and so psal . . this is also the confession of the sonne in this place : and of all the saints of god , vnto whose confessions i referre you , as they are set downe by the holy ghost in the booke of god. thirdly , the word ( runneth ) implieth as much , which giueth me entrance to the second point , opening vnto vs the feete which we neede to goe vnto this place , the which if ye are desirous to know , they are two in number ( faith and praier ) . faith the first , for if by faith we stand . . cor. . . by faith we may also goe to the lord who is faithful . now how could we go vnto him by the feete of prayer , if we did not , beleeue in him ? rom . . the second , is prayer , a spirituall legge to beare vs thither , noted by salomon , making mention of running : by ionas , speaking of comming . iohn . . ver . . and my prayer come vnto thee in thine holy temple by the apostle , whē he speaketh of going , let vs therfore goe vnto the throne of grace , heb. . . lastly , by the holy ghost , vsing this word climbing . apoc. . . both the name of the place which is appointed for vs to goe vnto , and the spirituall legs which the lord hath giuen vs to carrie vs thither , doe preach vnto the sonnes of men the admirable goodnes and mercie of the lord toward them . in this world wee are as pilgrims , psal . . hauing here no continuing citie , heb . and while we are at home in the body , we are absent from the lord , . cor. . . in which pilgrimage many are the troubles of the righteous , psal . . o the great goodnesse of the lord then , that hee hath giuen vs feete to come vnto him , and made himselfe a place of refuge for vs in all our troubles ! which goodnesse is comfortable vnto the faithfull : for as it is a comfort vnto the pilgrim , shepheard , or souldier , to haue in the heate of the day a place of refuge to refresh their wearied members : so likewise what a comfort is it for you o afflicted soules in the heate of your afflictions , to haue the name of iehouah for a sacred sanctuarie ! the lord is not like vnto the princes of the earth , who desire not to be molested with the requests of their distressed subiects . it is a ioy to the wearied student , that he may sometime come home to his fathers house and recreate himselfe : into this world the lord hath sent vs as in an vniuersitie , which although it is farre off from our fathers house , yet the lord hath giuen vs spirituall feete , by which in a moment we can ascend vnto our fathers house , and recreate there our wearied spirits . this world is a waste desart , if wee neede any thing , here are the legges by which speedily wee may runne to this place , and prouide our selues . if the lord hath cast vs downe vpon our beds , and that wee can not vse the feete of our bodies , behold , hee hath giuen vs other feete , to vse in steade of these . king ezekias visited with the plague , could not vse the feete of the flesh , but with the feete of the spirit , went vnto this place , knowen vnto him by the name of iehouah . ionas is locked vp in a prison , in the belly of the whale , ( the lords prison ) and can not stirre himselfe , and yet by the vertue of these feete , out of the depth , he ascendeth to the holy temple of iehouah . now that these feete may be able to beare vs thither , and that they may not faile vs in our voyage , they must put on the hose of faith : and as the apostle speaketh , our feete must be shod with the preparation of the gospell of peace . and as the feete to that image of daniel were part of yron , part of clay , which the prophet expoundeth partly strong , partly weake or broken : so the feete of our prayers are , according to the hosen wherewith they are couered ; if they put on feare and distrustfulnesse , they will bee shiuering and sinking downeward , of clay , weake , and impotent ; if they put on faith and confidence in the mercies of god , they will be feete of yron , strong , stable and firme , keeping vs vpright , and wil carrie vs to the very throne of grace . further , as they that depart into the countrey , if they know not the way to the place whereunto they goe , must haue a guide , or a direction , because they should not erre ; so in the going to this place , because there are so many false guides and directions , the lord himselfe hath giuen vs a carde of direction to leade vs thereunto , the witnesse of his holy word , written and sealed , that can neuer deceiue vs. as the fierie pillar in the desart , shewed he way vnto the israelites : so this word of the lord is a fierie pillar vnto vs in the darke desart of this world , to shew vs the way to that heauenly canaan ; it is the lanthorne vnto our feete , and a light to our pathes , psal . . and therefore , according to the direction of our sauiour , let our loynes be girded , and let vs beare in our hands this shining light . fourthly , to goe to this place , it is necessarie to know what right or interest we haue in it . in the places wherevnto men betake their selues in the terme of plague , either they haue some right or interest there , because they are their own , or because they haue some friends or acquaintance there that will receiue them ; or lastly , because they haue either hired or purchased a house . so likewise vnto the name of iehouah , the place where we ought to goe in the time of plague , as also at all other times , we haue a speciall right and interrest . first , because it is our owne , for hee is our god and our lord , not by nature , but by gift and donation . secondly , there we haue acquaintance and our best friends ; god our father , christ our brother , the holy ghost our comforter . thirdly , because we haue purchased it ; not we our selues , by corruptible gold , or by our merites , but christ for vs by his precious blood , hath obtained this place of refuge for vs in our troubles . dauid , . chron. . . in his prayer , sheweth vpon what right and encouragement in the time of plague hee went to this place , ( o lord my god i beseech thee , &c. ) it was then , because the lord was his god ; he had a particular feeling of the loue of god toward him , and knew him to be his god for he had had some experience of deliuerance . the reason why wee must haue this right , is because being infected with the plague of sinne , we should not be receiued . in the countrie , they will not receiue those that are infected with the plague : neither can they also , in whose soules the plague of sinne doth reigne , be admitted to this place , and therfore the lord hath giuen vs christ the righteous , to couer our vnrighteousnesse , that thus as pure and cleane wee might come vnto him . i know by mine owne experience , that in the countrie this yeere , they would not admit some that came from the citie , vnlesse they had put on new apparrell . to come vnto that heauenly ierusalem by the feete of prayer , we cannot be admitted , except we put off the olde man , and put on the new man which is created in righteousnesse , and therefore , that we should not be hindered to goe thither , he hath put on vs , the lord iesus christ , rom. . . that being adorned with his righteousnesse and holinesse , as iacob was with the garment of his brother esau , we might with confidence approach to the throne of grace , heb. . it is onely then in the name of christ that we must goe to the name of iehouah , ioh. . . ioh. . . mat. . . ioh. . . . tim. . . . ioh. . . in his name , the poore lazarus hath as much right to goe vnto it , as king salomon : the infected as the sound : the learned as the vnlearned : for christ prayeth for them all : and as augustine speaketh , christ prayeth with vs all as our brother ; he prayeth in vs all as our head , hee is prayed vnto by vs all , as our lord , but hee prayeth for vs all , as our high priest . let then the romanists in the time of plague , runne vnto the name of iehouah , in the name of saint sebastian ; alas , they shall not be admitted : for christ alone , as ambrose speaketh , is the eye wherewith wee see the father , the hand to offer vp our prayers , and the mouth to speake vnto him . but as for vs , with dauid let vs goe vnto him by force of this right , saying with him , o lord our god , we beseech thee , &c. hauing vnderstood the name of the place , with other circumstances , let vs now examine the practise of king dauid ; vnto this place , with these feete , by the same right , following the true direction , he runned in the time of the plague with his family , the elders of israel . for hee fled not to his castle , neither departed hee out of iewrie , nor transported his family into another place , but as it is storied , . chron. . . ( he called vpon the lord. ) here is a foundation wherevpon some prodigall of their liues , vncharitable to others , proude in their conceites , build the vnlawfulnesse of departing out of the contagious places in the time of plague , condemning it by the example of king dauid in generall , without any exception , in all manner of persons ; which their vncharitable conceit i will not heere refute , i referre the reader to that learned treatise of that reuerend father ▪ theodorus beza , written touching this matter , wherein he learnedly , soundly and religiously refuteth their grosse opinion ; onely let me destroy their building which they erect vpon the example of king dauid . foure particulars can hinder them to make a generall conclusion out of this example : first , the short continuance of that plague , for the space of three dayes , or of a halfe of a day , as some of the learned are of opinion ; whose reasons i will not alleadge , which left him no time to deliberate vpon departure . secondly , the generalitie of the pestilence , being spred from dan to beershebah , which left him no place free to go vnto : for whither should he flie seeing that the pestilence was spread all ouer the land : . sam. . thirdly , his owne guiltinesse , that plague being caused by his sinne , the numbring of the people , which caused such a sorrow in dauid , that he was readie by his owne death to redeeme the publike calamitie , praying vnto the lord , . chro. . . o lord my god i beseech thee , let thine hand be on mee , and on my fathers house , and not on thy people for their destruction . fourthly , the soundnesse of ierusalem , the place where hee was , the angel hauing not yet , or very sparingly touched the head citie , . chron. . . the lord repenting of the euill , when the angel came to ierusalem : these foure particulars are able to cast downe their building , and to disprooue their consequence : dauid fled not , ergo , it is vnlawfull for any man to depart : the true consequence , if we would argue out of this place , might be this : dauid and the elders departed not : ergo , let not magistrate forsake his citie , nor the minister his flocke . hauing pluckt out the weedes and the thistles , let vs as the good husbandman sow the good seede . as this then prooueth not the vnlawfulnesse of departure ; so on the other side , it doth commend vnto vs king dauids praying , and his spiritual departure , teaching vs that in the time of plague , our first and principall care ought to bee , as well before our departure , as in our departure if wee are so minded , ( for i vrge no necessitie of it ) to flie and runne by the feete of faith and prayer to the name of the lord , which being forgotten , omitted , or negligently practised , maketh our departure vnlawfull . imitate the king then o yee righteous soules in this tempest of the plague , let your soules take ( the wings of a doue ) the motion and agility of the spirit of god , and let them flie by the strength of their prayers to the bosome of gods mercies where they shall bee at rest . dauid in this his going to the name of the lord , hath showen and manifested foure things : his conscience , humilitie , memorie , wisedome . his conscience , that it was good : his humilitie great : his memorie holy : his wisedome right . touching the first , the spirit of prayer is a signe of a good conscience ; for as tertullian speaketh , lib. de cast . oratio de conscientia procedit , si conscientia erubescat , erubescet oratio . prayer doeth proceede from the conscience : if the conscience blush , prayer will also bee ashamed . o it is an excellent thing that we can giue our selues to this holy exercise : let one haue riches , honour , pleasures , let him bee adored as a little god , if hee haue not the spirit of prayer to push him forward with dauid , in the midst of his felicitie , hee is most miserable . secondly , his miserie and humilitie , for a king is become a begger , and at the gate of the king of heauen he vseth speeches of submission . ( i beseech thee o lord ) loe here , o proud sonne of adam , of thy selfe thou hast nothing , but like a poore suppliant begger thou are constrained to goe before the gate of that right god , aswel the king that sitteth vpon his throne , as poore laxarus that siteth before the doore of the rich man. thirdly his memory , the subiect wherof was the lord , o holy remembrance ! although he had as it were forgotten him by his sinne in his prosperitie , yet he remembreth him by his praier in his affliction : o the excellencie of praier , it is a remembring of our best friend , whose remembrance is comfortable to our distressed soules . the subiect of our memories , haue beene along time commodities , pleasures riches , honor , triumphs , and therfore ô england behold another subiect to exercise the art of thy memorie : if then we haue forgotten him in our prosperitie by our sinne , let vs now remember him by our feruent praier in our affliction . many haue practised the art of memorie according to the memoratiue art , and preceptes of memorie , which appoint places and their furniture , for the helpe of such as are vnexperienced ; but let vs practise the art of this holy memorie , let god be the subiect , and in this our affliction , let these be our helpes : first let vs remember in our praier the commandement of god , psal . . secondly the name of him , whom we call vpon , that it is iehouoh , lord , our god , a god not in shew , but in substance and performance : a strong god , a towre of defence , they that knowe this name wil trust in him , psal . . . thirdly what he is by nature , how sweete and amiable , how rich in mercie , ephe. . fourthly , what he is by promise , how faithfull and true , . tim. . . lastly what he is by couenant , made vnto abrahams seede , not in the blood of bulles , but in the blood of the seede of abraham . further , dauid hath shewen his wisdome , and that in the choice of the place , taking his marke aright , and directing his petition to the true and proper periode . imitate the wisdome of king dauid in his choice , he that goeth to a place , runneth aright and wisely , i● he be wise , and not by crooked and erroneous waies : dauid sheweth vs the right way , for to what place should we goe but to this , when our sorrowes are multiplied ? shall we follow the waies of the wicked , and say with them , malac. . it is in vaine , that i haue serued him , and what profit is it , that i haue kept his commandements ? or shall wee runne vpon the way of impatience , adding griefe to griefe , liuing the life of caine , or dying the death of iudas , drowning our soules in a gulfe of desperation ? shall wee spend the time in bannings , execrations , cursing the day and night , the earth that beareth vs , the ayre that inspireth vs ? not so o christian soules , call vpon the name of the lord with dauid , there was neuer name so worthie to be called vpon , in heauen or earth , so mightie for deliuerance , so sure for protection , so gainefull for successe , so compendious to cut off vnnecessarie labours as the name of iehouah . hauing vnderstood the conscience , humilitie , memorie , and wisedome of dauid , let me open to you the reasons to mooue and perswade vs to goe to this place . fiue things mooue the sonnes of men in the time of plague to depart from contagious places , vnto a purer ayre . first the counsel of the physitians . secondly , the practise of others . thirdly , the danger or perill which they are like to fall in . fourthly , desire of health and life . fifthly , the experience of successe . let the same bee motiues vnto vs in this infection , to perswade vs to runne speedily vnto this arke of noah . first , it is prescribed by the whole colledge of the spirituall physitians , by god the father , psal . . . king dauids physitian ; by god the sonne , who prescribing the remedies which men ought to vse in the last dayes , in which the trinitie of punishments , famine , warres , and pestilence should raigne , giueth this counsell , luk. . . watch and pray continually ; by prophets , apostles , and wise men , iam. . . eccle. . . and , . secondly , the practise of the spirituall physitians , as they haue prescribed it , so they haue also practised it , and haue fled vnto this place ; to this sanctuarie went the renowned patriarkes , the godly princes , the holy prophets , the blessed apostles , the prince of glorie , the sonne of the immortall god , the constant martyrs : whose examples yee shall finde in the store-house of the scriptures . the example of the bodily physitians , of which some depart in the time of plague , hath much force to make vs hasten our departure ; how much more ought the practise of the spirituall physitions spurre vs forward vpon our spirituall voyage . thirdly , the danger , which is threefold , ( in nobis , circa nos , contra nos ) in vs , round about vs , against vs. in vs , the plague of sinne : round about vs , the fire of the present plague : against vs , sathan who seeketh to make vs curse the lord , and the fire of gods wrath and anger : to auoide this threefold danger , runne to the arke and to this blessed zoar. the fourth motiue , is the desire of life and health ; we neede at this time a double health , the health of the soule and body : let vs therefore goe boldly vnto the throne of grace , that wee may receiue mercie , and finde grace to helpe in time of neede , heb. . . why went that woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelue yeares vnto christ , but that shee might receiue her health : vers . . the sicknesse of the plague is an issue of blood , which being once opened , will euer runne , and keepe a course if it bee not stanched by the power and mercie of god : which mercie is onely obtained , by going vnto his sacred name : to obtaine this double health , dauid went vnto this place , . chron. . that the plague of his soule might be healed , and the bodily plague bee remooued . if we are as it were dead for sorrow , prayer will reuiue vs , for it is vita animae , the life of the soule : and as chrysostome termeth it , est anima ipsius animae . it is the soule of the soule . if we goe into the countrey which cannot saue vs ; how much more ought we to flie to this name , which hath the power to doe it : this his power , being acompanied with mercie and kindnesse , for thou o lord , art good and gracious , and of great compassion , psal . . fiftly , experience of good successe , is the last motiue , they which haue fled to this place , haue not beene stopped by the way , but haue had good speede . goe vnto king eezekias , iob , dauid , and the rest , and they will preach vnto you by experience , the experience of this successe . this successe is grounded vpon three things , as vpon three firme pillars , the power , the will and promise , the goodnesse and mercie of god. his power , i haue heard it that power belongeth vnto god , psal . , . there was neuer affliction or sore so great , but the hand of that physitian hath beene able to master it , the least finger of his right hand being of more puissance , then the whole arme of flesh . his will and promise , psal . . ioel . . iam. . . eccle. . . matth. . ioh. . . the king of heauen is not like vnto the princes of the earth , or vnto that philip of macedon , who answered vnto the widow comming in his court to him , to be heard , i am not at leisure , ( vnto which also shee answered iustly , then bee not a king any longer ) for seeing that he hath promised it , he is also willing , his promise being signed with the finger of the holy ghost , and sealed with the blood of his beloued and annoynted . neither is he like vnto him , matth. . who answered , trouble mee not , my doores are shut ; the gate of heauen is alwayes open for vs. god reuoketh not his promise as king salomon , . reg. . . . . aske my mother , for i will not say thee nay ; and yet behold how this time is changed , adoniah hath spoken this word against his owne life ; of the lords promise wee neede not doubt , but with dauid boldly we may speake , psal . . . in the day of my trouble i will call vpon thee , for thou wilt heare me . thirdly , his goodnesse , mercie , and liberalitie , which is so great that he giueth meate to the yong rauens which call vpon him , psal . . . doubt not then , but that hee will heare the supplications of men , whom he hath made a little lower then the angels , to crowne them with glorie aboue other creatures , psal . . ▪ . let therefore , saith augustine , thy prayer ascend , and gods mercie will descend ; shall wee distrust his goodnesse , who is rich to all that call vpon him ? rom. . . or shall we suspect his bountifulnesse , which powreth out plentifully his blessings vpon all flesh ? rom. . . and although wee haue offended him , yet our offences will not stop his mercies . men , when they haue done any good turne to any , if they bee neuer so little offended , they cast men in the teeth with the benefits they haue done them , and vpbraide them with the good turnes they haue shewed ; wherefore men are loath to make request to such for any thing : if wee goe vnto the lord , we shal not meete with one that is of such a disposition and nature : he , as the apostle speaketh , reproacheth no man ; nor keepeth his anger for euer , psal ▪ . the willingnesse , mercie , and goodnesse of the prince to haue vs , maketh vs also willing to goe to him ; who more willing , then he that is our father , our sauiour , then he that hath suffered for vs , scoffings , spittings , bands , stripes , and death it selfe ? neuer lap of the mother hath beene so open to her babes , as the bowels of gods compassions are open to the righteous . harken to this , yee faint spirits , be strengthened yee weake hands and feeble knees , receiue this comfort , that he hath deliuered , he doth deliuer , hee yet will and can deliuer . i ende this point with the . ▪ and . verses of the . chapter of the epistle to the romanes : wherein behold a singular and compendious gradation . as they that would come to king salomon sitting vpon his throne , were faine to runne vp sixe staires ( for his throne was mounted vnto by sixe staires ) so the perfection and consummation of man going to the throne of the true salomon iesus christ ascendeth and ariseth by sixe degrees : the highest and the happiest staires being , inuocating and sauing , prayer and deliuerance . these are then the fiue reasons , by which wise christians ought to bee guided . i imitate king dauid , onely resorting to the wings of the lords fauour . and herein we should be wise , if we leuell our hearts and affections at the very right center and marke of prayer ( which is the name of iehouah alone ) and the period or scope in whom our requests must end . but alas , there are fiue sortes of men , which make choice of other places , reiecting the wisedome of dauid , the counsell of the spirituall physitions , and the practise of the saints of god , going a crooked , a circular , and endlesse way , not towards the marke , nor with a right foote as the apostle speaketh , gal. . the first kind , flie first to the helpe of mortall man , and with asa make speede to the bodily physitian , to the confections of arte , or to the purer ayre , not once mindfull of this place ; but when all helpes faile them , and that the lord sendeth his sergiant and heauenly pursiphant to arrest them , then they returne to runne to this place . what name shall wee giue you ( o yee of little faith ) but the name of weake christians ? put not your trust in the sonne of man , for there is no helpe in him , psal . . there is a second sort , which runne onely to the ordinarie creatures , deriding the name of iehouah , yea denying that there euer hath beene , or is yet at this present , such a place to be found , wherevnto the righteous is preserued , such as dauid describeth in the . psalme , . . which seeke not god , but contemne him , and thinke they shall neuer be mooued . o yee meere atheists , what name deserue you , but that name , which the lord himselfe giueth you , psal . . . the name of fooles . if cain hath bene reiected , because he offered an vnworthie sacrifice , what deserue they that offer none at all ? the third sort runne to a place , whose name is hell , seeking to sathan and his artes , gadding to the woman of endor , or to the idoll of ekron , a saul , a nero , a iulian : returne , returne , o yee wretched and bewitched sonnes of men , with the name of diuellish idolaters . the fourth sort , seeketh to dwell vnder the protection and assurance of their merites and good workes : but these alas , as bernard writeth on the . psalme , are ill lodged and haue a poore tabernacle , the diuell hath soone blowen that away . the last sort , are the superstitious papists , who in the time of plague runne to the house of the spider to bee preserued , to stickes and stones , mettals and papers , angels and saints , and principally to saint sebastian , for as euery sicknesse and disease hath his apothecarie and physitian among them : so the plague hath saint sebastian , vnto whome with their families they runne to bee preserued . that execrable psalter of the virgine marie , compiled by them , maketh her to be this secret place wherevnto wee ought to runne : the prayer of dauid which hee made being visited with the plague , psal . . is abused in this maner . o lady rebuke me not in thine anger , neither chastise me in thy wrath : the . psalme is in like maner abused , who so dwelleth in the secret of the blessed virgin , &c. but o ye blind seducers of soules , it may be first a challenge vnto you all , that neither dauid , iob or ezechias visited with the plague went to cherub or seraphin , gabriel or raphael , abraham or moses : whome haue i in heauen but thee , saith dauid : he saith not , that hee had a moses or a samuel : haue all these erred ? euen so will wee with them . secondly , yee goe to them that cannot helpe you , let them arise , if they can helpe you in the time of your miserie , iere. . in the famine of samaria , . reg. . a woman crying to the king , helpe me o king , hee answered , seeing the lord doeth not succour thee , how should i helpe thee ? concluding secondly , that if the lord withdraw his helping hand , it lieth not in the power of mortall man to helpe . so wee may answere the papists crying in the time of plague to their sebastian , helpe and aide vs saint sebastian . if it lieth not in the power of mortall men that are liuing with vs to helpe , how much lesse can they that are dead ? and farre lesse , one that perhaps hath neuer beene ? as for the angels , they are displeased that yee come to them , to thrust vpon them such a dangerous honour : they may say as dauid , psal . . not vnto vs o lord , not vnto vs , &c. they that refused a farre smaller offer vpon the earth , the onely bowing of the knee vnto them ( see thou doo it not ) will bee much more discontented , to see the knees of the heart to stoupe to them for the ceasing of the plague : for although an angel smote seuentie thousand in the time of dauid , yet he was but the instrument , god onely the agent , and therefore he onely to bee prayed vnto . if the papists reply that they intreate onely saint sebastian to speake vnto god for them ; the answere is , that god needeth not a sebastian , nor any saint so euer , to be his maister of requests : this is a seruice not vnmeete for the gouernours of the earth , the lord is not like vnto earthly princes , vnto the which may be said , that which iethro said , exod. . to moses , the things is too heauie for thee , thou art not able to doo it thy selfe alone : for the almightie is able to doo it alone , neither is there any defect in his hearing , whose eares are open to the prayers of the poore . let vs therefore hold christ iesus alone for the maister of requests , it is he onely that can present our requests which wee make vnto the lord for the ceasing of the plague : let others runne where they will , to stickes and stones from the name of the lord : i doo you no iniurie to impute this to you , for as hillarie writet vpon the first psalme , it is as great an offence to make a new , as to denie the true god. the lord annoynt your eyes with his eye-sal●● , that ye may returne to flie to the name of iehouah . as for vs , wee will follow the holy canon , and leaue the broad way , whose end is destruction , saying with dauid , psal . . . in the lord put i my trust , how say yee then to my soule , flie to your mountaine as a bird . i ende the first braunch of this discourse with that holy epiphoneme of king dauid , psal . . blessed is hee that hath the god of iacob for his helpe , whose hope is in the lord his god. after the name of the place , and other circumstances , there followeth in the two places , the condition , properties , qualitie and safenesse of the place whereunto we must runne in the time of the plague . the sonnes of men in the time of infection , before their departure , haue a speciall regard of the place where they will goe , of the situation , nature , and such like , and being led by the prescription of the physitian : secondly , by their owne minde , they make choyse commonly of a place in which they perceiue these seuen properties following : and although salomon here maketh mention but of one , namely of a safe place , yet giue me leaue to discourse of the rest . first , they goe where there is a good , wholesome and pure ayre , not subiect to stinking euaporations , and it is the prescription of the physitians , that wee should goe vnto places where the ayre is not corrupted , farre from the infection . dauid fled to such a place , for such is the name of iehouah , a pure place , farre from the corruptions of this world , for hee is a pure , and incorruptible god , in whom there is no infection of sinne : the lord , holy , holy , holy , not admitting those in whose mortall bodies the plague of sinne doeth raigne : to pray then and to repent , is to returne and go to a wholesome light , eccle. . . the places wherevnto the sonnes of men flie , although they are for a time vncorrupted , yet they are not warranted still so to remaine , diuers alterations by sundrie meanes may befall , as by the resort of persons infected , and such like : but the name of iehouah , this place of refuge , shall neuer be altered , for he is the immutable and vnchangeable god , and in the gates of that citie no vncleane person shall enter , apoc. . , . secondly , men make choyse of a pleasant and delectable place , both for their bodies and soules , where there is good companie to recreate themselues in their sorrow and exile , foode and necessaries for their bodies , further by the riuer side , or where there is good water : lastly , where they may also haue foode for their soules , the word of god preached . this place of refuge , the name of iehouah , is a pleasant and delectable place , where canst thou better recreate thy selfe , then by thy father and brother iesus christ in this thy exile and miserie ? comfortable is the bosome of the mother to the yong infant , but more comfortable is the name of the lord to the righteous which are called little babes by the apostle . paul maketh mention in his voyage toward rome , of a certaine place which was called ( the faire hauens ) act. . this place of refuge better deserueth this name , let vs goe thither , for it is a harbour and rode for those which are tossed in the sea and deluge of the pestilence : happie is the soule that landeth at these hauens . if we desire water , there is the fountaine of life : iere. . the water of grace , psal . . if wee desire the word ; there is the word it self iesus christ , ioh. . the truth , ioh. . there is the best , the first , the ancientest preacher , god himselfe that preached in paradise . thirdly , in our choyse we seeke out a safe place , whither we may goe without danger , and where wee may abide safe , and dwell without danger . the name of iehouah is a safe harbour , the secret place and shadow of the most high , psal . . . vnder whose wings we shal abide safe and harmelesse . three things prooue the safenes of this place : first , the name of the place , it is a strong t●wre , prou. . . a secret place , psal . . . a rocke and fortresse , psal . . which is inuincible . such are not the fortresses of mortall men , which they are constrained to render vp , being driuen therevnto either by famine , or force , as seba in the time of dauid hereof is a witnesse . secondly , the lord of the soyle , which inhabiteth that place , his name is iehouah : the almightie , psal . . . the strong and inuincible god , who will and is able to preserue vs. thirdly , it is prooued by the successe of those who runne to it , and by that which they receiue , they are ( exalted , preserued or deliuered , saith salomon ) which dauid acknowledgeth , psal . . and is confirmed by the successe of dauids prayer , . sam . . and the plague ceased from israel . comfortable is the saying of dauid , psal . ▪ . , . in which , sixe things prooue the happie successe of the righteous that runneth vnto it . first , gods ready answere : secondly , his presence : thirdly , his deliuerance : fourthly , his aduancement to honour : fiftly , length of dayes : sixtly , fruition of saluation : o the excellent riches , pleasures , and ioyes which the righteous there shall enioy . as lot there sled vnto little zoar to bee preserued from the fire of sodome : so let vs flie to the name of iehouah , to be safe from the fire of the plague . the earthly places wherevnto men runne , do want this propertie : they are not warranted to be safe there , either from danger or from the plague , and the experience of this yeere doeth declare it vnto vs all . some haue returned , and some haue died there , but as for the name of iehouah , thy soule is certaine to be preserued , if thither shee taketh her recourse ; and as they onely escaped the flood , that entred into the arke of noah : so likewise , they that enter into this incorruptible and immortall arke , shall onely bee safegarded from the deluge of afflictions . the doue of noah at her first flight from the arke , although shee mounted aloft , and fetched many retires , yet shee could finde no resting place , vntill shee returned againe to the arke : so the poore soule may flie where shee will , but yet shee shall not haue any sure footing to rest , except shee returne to the heauenly arke : let vs therefore bee wise as serpents , and simple as doues , for as they being persecuted , flie vnto the rockes ; so let vs in our calamities take our recourse to the rocke of dauid , psal . . . neuer haue there beene holes in the rockes so open for the doues , as the name of iehouah for the righteous soules . there are two renowned places mentioned by plinie , locris , and crotone , where the plague was neuer , as he writeth lib . cap. . and without doubt many resorted thither : but although we should flie at this day to locris and crotone , if we carrie within vs the plague of sinne , the inward cause of the bodilie contagion , we haue no warrant to bee safegarded . but me thinkes i heare a controuersie : many righteous haue fled to the name of the lord , and yet haue not beene safe from the deluge of the pestilence , or from the snare of the hunter : but thousands , and thousands are fallen , yea some of the chosen of israel . the answere is , that they haue first obtained , either that which they prayed for ; secondly , or that which is better ; or thirdly , that which is sufficient and the lord heareth vs alwayes , although alwaies he granteth not our petition : this seemeth a paradoxe , and yet the trueth thereof is manifest : for in steed of that we asked , he giueth vs a better thing , and a better place : thou askest the earth , saith augustine , and the lord giueth thee heauen : temporall life , and he giueth thee the eternal . the surgion that saweth off the arme or legge of the patient , who crieth for impatience and apprehension ; heareth him , non secundum voluntatem sed sanitatem , not according to his will , but according to his health : and so the lord dealeth with his patients . fourthly , to proceede , men make choice of places where they haue their friends : the children resort to their parents , the parents to their children , brethren to their brethren , and one friend to another . the name of the lord is a place of refuge where we haue our best friends , there we haue our father , our eldest brother christ iesus , the holy ghost our comforter : and therefore dauid in the time of plague went to this comfortable place . in earthly places vnto which the sonnes of men resort , either we haue no friends , or they are farre off , and therfore wee seeke other : or sometimes although we haue friends , yet they will not receiue vs for feare of infection : but in this holy temple , and vpon this holy mountaine , we are sure to finde at all times the aforesaid friends . fiftly , we haue regard to choose a place which is lawful for all men to come vnto , which is not prohibited or forbidden by the lord of the soyle & magistrate of the place , and where we knowe we shall be receiued . this place of refuge is such , accessible for all men , for whosoeuer shall call on the name of the lord , shall be saued , ioel. . . neuer a cittie of refuge so free for all manner of transgressions : hither may come the king and the subiect , the rich and the poore , the learned and the vnlearned , the merchant and the tradesman : the sound and the sicke , yea the infected with the plague . in the time of infection , it is not lawfull for them that dwell where the contagion raigneth , to come vnto the princes court , they are forbidden by proclamation to resort thither . but the court of heauen is open for all men , yea for the infected , for they cannot infect the court of heauen : the king of heauen hath made a proclamation in the . psal . that we should resort thither , and the prince of glorie iesus christ who keepeth his residence there , will not keepe vs backe . if the prince had made a proclamation that the infected should resort to his court to be healed , who would not hasten thither ? it was not lawfull for all men to come to the inner court of king assuerus ; none might approach but they to whome he held out his golden scepter , except he would die the death that was appointed for such as durst come neere : no such kind of punishment is appointed for those that goe vnto the courte of the king of heauen , we may approach boldely to the throne of grace , the scepter of our king ( i meane not that yron scepter of his iustice , ) but the golden of his mercie , is euer held forth to man , woman , children , bond or free , stranger or citizen , infected or not infected , whether they be called , or not called : and they all may safely approach : i name not neither inward or outward court , but euen to the throne of grace , where the king himselfe sitteth : and if there we craue of him , i say not to the halfe of his kingdome ( as assuerus spake vnto ester ) but to the whole , it shall not be denied vs. feare of punishment keepeth vs from the princes court . let not feare keep vs from the court of heauen . nehemias although he held the cup to the king , yet how fearefull he was to make a request vnto him : but as for you o ye righteous soules , feare ye not o you litle flocke , for it is your fathers pleasure to giue you a kingdom . luc. . further in time of contagion , not only the court , but also the other citties , townes and villages , will not often lodge them that come from contagious places , either the lord of the soile , or the magistrate of those places forbidding it ; but as for that heauenly ierusalem , and the lord of the liuing , thervnto euery one may resorte , the lord and magistrate of heauen doeth not interdict it . dauid cried vnto the lord , and said , thou art my portion in the land of the liuing . psal . . . at roome the housen of the aediles , were alwaies open for all men , that they might resort thither , to haue their causes heard : and so is the house of the lord for the afflicted soules . in some places there are appointed ( as i my selfe haue seene ) watchmenwith halbards , to aske the passengers from whence they come , and sometimes to keepe out those that come from infected places , but in our going to this place , we neede not to haue such feare , for as chrysostome saith , hic non est miles assistens qui expellat , here there is no sergiant or soldier to keepe thee out . if the citties of the earth shut their gates before thee , thou canst not enter . as for that heauenly ierusalem , it is not lockt , and although it were , prayer as augustine speaketh is a key to open heauen , and to bring thee to the presence of god. serm. . de temp . the towne and villages in times of infection although they receiue some , yet they will not harbour manie : and often there is no place for multitudes : but so is it not with the name of iehouah , with this strong tower , it is not like vnto the bulwarkes of mortall men , into the which if too manie enter , they will hinder one another ; this fortresse can receiue millions and millions without any impediment . further the temple is also interdicted to the infected , for they are commanded by the magistrate to keepe their housen for a time , or if they come , they are entreated to sitte aside : but the lords holy temple aboue in heauen , is not forbidden vnto the infected , nor to any man : it is lawfull for them to goe thither and pray , and that with the successe of dauid , psal . . in my trouble i did call vpon the lord and cried vnto my god , and he heard my voice out of his temple . sixtly , some make a choyse in the plague time , of a place which is neere , wherevnto they may easily goe without any great trouble or cost : the name of the lord is such a place , compendious to cut off vnnecessarie labours , yee neede not to runne farre , the lord is neere as the prophet speaketh to all them that call vpon him : neither will it cost vs any thing , money or merites , intercession of friends or gifts : poore men , yee that want friendes or money , and therefore cannot prouide your selues a place , bee not dismaide , behold , here is a place which will cost you nothing . it is a place wherevnto we may goe at all times , at dinner time , and at supper , as crysostome speaketh , in the day time , and at mid-night , in thy health , and in thy sicknesse : the sicke man may lye downe vpon his bed and goe vnto it , and when with king ezekias he cannot vse the feete of the flesh , yet may he vse the feete of the spirit . in a moment we can flie thither , for as soone as we haue finished our prayer , we are alreadie come to this place , and to the lord of this soyle , our prayer and god meeting one another in heauen , as iesus christ and the woman at the well , ioh ▪ . as for earthly places wherevnto men resort , either they are far off , vneasie to goe vnto , and that with trouble and cost , or expences , sometimes we are stopped , we must haue warrants and certificates of the parish & church wardens , that our house is not infected , before we can be admitted : all this trouble we neede not in the time of plague in our going to the name of the lord : nothing will stop vs , the bodily plague shall be no impediment , for wee haue a warrant that we may passe , the king of heauen his warrant in the . psalme ; call vpon me , &c. and therefore this place is better then the earthly , where the fearefull sonnes of men dwell which feare the apparrell , houshold-stuffe , and thy letters : i know nothing then to stop our passage , but the plague of the soule , as the lord of this soyle telleth vs in the ; cor ▪ . . touch none vncleane thing , and i will receiue you . but i heare the weake conscience obiect , i am infected with the plague of the soule , and therefore it is not lawfull for me to call vpon the name of the lord : it is for the righteous as salomon speaketh : but alas , i am vnrighteous , and how can i therefore goe vnto this strong tower ? the answere is , for thy comfort o weake conscience , that salomon speaketh not of them that are righteous by their owne righteousnesse , but by the righteousnes of christ iesus : such are all the faithful in whose mortal bodies the plague of sinne doth not remaine , their infirmities being healed by dauids physitian , psal . . if yee desire a certificate thereof , you haue the gospel , subscribed and sealed by god the father , the sonne , and the holy ghost . if yee desire a witnesse , ye haue a threefold witnesse , the spirit , the water , and the blood , . ioh. . lastly , wee make choyse of such places , where if neede be , we may haue good physitians ; for wee esteeme it a great miserie , to bee destitute of a good physitian , and of meanes to helpe vs in our neede . the place of refuge wherevnto dauid fled , and wee also ought to flie , following his direction , hath the best physitian which is both in heauen or earth , god the father , king dauids physitian , who hath both health and sicknesse , life and death in his power , to dispose of them for our good and saluation : knocke therefore boldly with the hand of prayer and repentance at the gate of his mercie , and thrust in his hands , both thy life and health . and thus much for the qualities and properties of the place . further , wee haue to obserue that dauid went not to this place of refuge alone , but with his whole family , for he prayed with the elders of the people , for the people , and for the deliuerance of his whole kingdome . herein imitate king dauid , remember in thy prayer thy whole family , and the state of the whole kingdome , the tribe of iudah , and the tribe of leui. there are foure sorts for which we must pray : first , for those which are supra nos , aboue vs : secondly , for those which are equall vnto vs : thirdly , for those which are sub nobis , vnder vs : fourthly , for those which are comra nos , against vs. in the going to the name of the lord , wee must not imitate the negligence of many , who depart into the countrey , and care onely for themselues ; as for their families , or at least their seruants , they are not once mindfull of them : but wee must as well carrie with vs in our prayers , the seruants which are vnder vs , as shee that lieth in our bosome : and the oliue plants which are round about our tables , psal . . . the athenians would offer sacrifice , but onely for their owne citie , and their neighbours of chios : but wee christians must pray , not onely for the mother citie , but for all the daughters : christ teaching vs to say , our father , &c. as if we all came from one wombe . it is a principle both of nature and policie , vis vnita fortior , srength vnited , receiueth more strength . it holdeth likewise in diuinitie . if the prayer of one righteous person auaileth much , the prayer of many righteous shall auile more . if the syrophenician obtained for her daughter the sute shee made , much more the whole church of england shal obtaine for all her daughters : where two or three be gathered together in his name , he is in the midst of them : much rather in the midst of a people , in the midst of thousands , in whom there is anima vna , cor vnum : one soule , one heart , one tongue , as if they were all but one man. lord , heale the sores of our land , for behold , both the mother and the daughters , the head and the members doo prostrate our selues before his maiestie . yee of the sect of rome , diuide not at this time of the plague in your prayers , the soule , the voice and language of the countrey into two places : elias and his companie , praying in one place and with one stile : o lord god of abraham , and yee in another : o baal heale vs : some praying for the life of dauid , and some for the life of iabin . as for vs , we will pray for the lords annoynted , that god may hide him vnder the shadow of his wings from the noysome pestilence , knowing that this is one of the parts of our obedience towards him , that we ( as constantine the great taught his souldiers to shew their allegiance in nothing more then this ) should pray for him , his children and posteritie . i end this point , with the saying of an ancient father : that there is no better garde , or halbards to safegard a prince , then the prayers of the righteous . before i come to the third branch of this discourse , giue leaue christan readers to the spirituall physitians , to lay downe three rules , which are to be obserued in this our spiritual departure to the name of the lord. the bodily phisitians touching departure prescribe three rules , longè , cuò , tardè : goe farre off , depart speedily , returne slowly . the same rules are to be obserued by the righteous : first , we must flie farre , not with the prodigall and forlorne sonne in a farre countrey , farre from the feare of god and thought of death , or with ionas from the presence of the lord , who rideth vpon the cherubims and can ouertake vs : for whither shall i goe saith dauid , from thy spirit ? or whither shall i flee from thy presence ? but farre from this world and the earth , vnto the holy temple and mountaine , vnto heauen which is high aboue the earth , as dauid speaketh , psal . ▪ vnto that place which is called the land of the liuing . secondly ▪ flie farre from the plague of sinne , and the infected ayre of this world , and being come vnto that farre countrey , the lord of the soyle will receiue you . the second rule is , flie speedily , and deferre not your departure : which rule is not in any maner to be omitted , it is the counsell of the wise man , iesus syrach , eccle. ▪ ▪ my sonne faile not in thy sicknesse but prays vnto the lord , and he will make thee whole . t is the commandement of the lord to call vpon him in the time of neede , psal . . which must be performed with speede , according to the example of dauid , psal . i will runne the wayes of thy commandements . if we make haste to flie into the countrey , and forget to goe speedily vnto this sanctuarie : it is as augustine speaketh of another matter , cursus celerrimus praeter viam : a swift race besides the way . haste in this matter is prayse worthie , and a man can neuer run too fast that runneth to this place . the delay that elizeus made , let mee goe kisse my father ; and those shifts in the gospel : let me first goe burie my mother , or take leaue of my friends , are not admitted in this businesse : commune not therefore with flesh and blood . if in the time of plague , we make such haste to depart , before we haue ordained our businesse aright , or bad our friends farewell : how much more ought wee to hasten our spirituall voyage ? while the fal-bridge is let downe , let vs make speede to enter . many , because they went not farre , not made speed to depart , haue endangered their bodies , but many more , because they fled not from the contagion of sinne with speede , haue endangered their soules : and therefore as the apostle speaketh , . cor. . of another matter , so i may say of this going : so runne that yee may obtaine . the third rule is , returne slowly : that is , continue where thou art : a necessarie rule to bee obserued in the going to the the name of the lord. it is the rule of the spirituall physitians , ephe. . . rom. . . thes . . pray continually , &c. as it is prescribed , so it hath beene practised : the woman of canaan continued in her prayer , and returned not in haste . they which are in the countrey , although there bee many things which might mooue them to returne , yet for the safetie of their bodies , they continue till the plague be ceased : so continue in thy prayer by the lord , and be not wearie of wel doing . although three things might haue mooued thy syrophenician to returne , the silence of christ , her back-friends , and the odious names giuen vnto her : yet these discouragements her poore soule digested , obtaining both a cure for her daughters infirmitie , and a commendation for her faith . o woman thou hast wrought a myracle by the perseuerance of thy prayer , and hast giuen to thy sauiour occasion to doo a memorable act , conuenient to his nature : glorious to his holy name . let vs at this time follow her perseuerance , and although the lord should seeme to be silent for a time , yet let vs not draw backe , that wee may receiue a cure both for our soules and bodies , and deserue a commendation both by god and other nations , and thereby giue occasion vnto the lord to shew his omnipotent power in the ceasing of the plague : and to doo an act in england conuenient to his nature , and glorious to his holy name . and as iacob wrastled with the angel and would not let him goe vntill hee had receiued the blessing : so let vs as it were striue with the lord by our prayers , and let him not goe vntill he haue heard vs , in that which we aske of him in this afflicted time . let our prayers be now as the showers of the raine , if the first showre faileth of watering the earth sufficiently : the second , the third or the fourth , wil fulfill the thirst thereof . let vs be like vnto the widow , luk. . and our importunitie will draw him vnto audience : but yet let vs hold a better opinion of the iudge of the world , then of a common vulgar friend . it delighted his eares to heare our redoubled obsecrations , and he suspendeth our desires in expectation , that we should be importunate to craue . the bodily physitians cannot away with the importunate patient : but god , king dauids physitian , loueth the importunate prayer , and more acceptable is to him the ende of our prayer then the beginning . i would the children of light were as wise in their generation , as the wodden priests , . reg. . who cried long to baal : yea cut themselues with kniues that they might be heard : and what ought not wee then doo to obtaine our suite ? let nothing then mooue vs to returne : but as the king of the philistines , . sam . though they had calues at home , yet they kept the straight way to bethshemesh , and held one path : turning neither to the right , nor to the left hand ; neither euer stood still , till they came into the field of iosuah . so in our going to the name of iehouah , the affection of our soules bearing the arke and coffer of our suites , though it hath worldly allurements to draw it backe , as the kine had calues : yet let it in the way to the house of god , as they to bethshemesh , hold one path of perseuerance , turning neither to the right or left hand with wandring cogitations , till it commeth into the field and garden of god , and there let it remaine . many hauing not continued in the countrey , in their hastie returning are fallen sicke , and died : so many hauing not continued in this strong bulwarke , haue endangered both body and soule . and thus much hitherto of the second part . there followeth now the third and the last , which openeth vnto vs the houshold-stuffe which we must carrie with vs thither noted in the word ( righteous . ) as they which go in the country in the time of plague , carie with them their houshold-stuffe , their furniture , & those things which are necessarie for their bodies , and as noah entring the arke carried with him necessaries ; so likwise in our going to this place , we must carrie with vs those things which are necessarie for our soules , that we may be receiued by the lord of that soyle , and without which wee can not goe thither . there are fiue peeces of spiritual houshold-stuffe which are necessary for vs , noted in the word righteous . the first is repentance and holines of life , for he that is righteous giueth himselfe to righteousnes . and this furniture carried with him dauid , . sam. . . as they which goe in the countrey haue their reasons why they carrie with them such and such necessaries : so giue me leaue in the opening of this furniture , to shew you also the reasons which must moue vs to carie them with vs. as for this first , the first reason is , the prescription of the spirituall phisitions , it is the apostles precept : let euery one that calleth on the name of christ depart from iniquitie . the second is , that we may be receiued , for the righteous lord , loueth righteousnesse : his countenance doeth behold the iust . psal . . . his eies are vpon the righteous , and his eares open to their crye , but his face is against them that doe euill , to cut off their remembrance from the earth , psal . . . . if i regarde wickednes in my heart saith dauid , the lord will not heare me . for as salomon testifieth , the lord is farre off from the wicked , but he heareth the prayer of the righteous . prou. . . drawe therefore neere to god , and he will drawe neere to you : cleanse your handes ye sinners , and purge your hearts ye wauering minded . iam. . . . the third is , that the bodily plague may cease , for how dare we approach vnto the lord , to craue that it might be remooued , and yet carie with vs the inward cause thereof : let the physitions maxime heere preuaile , remooue the cause , that the effect may cease . let vs not as the sonnes of iacob , bring into the presence of our father , the garment of ioseph which we our selues haue beblooded . as aaron could not come before the lord before he was washed , so let vs not goe vnto him before we haue cleansed our selues from infection of the soule . and as iacob gen. . exhorted his sonnes , when they were going to ioseph , carrie with you the best fruites of the land and giue them him : so let vs in our going to to the true ioseph iesus christ , carrie with vs the best fruites of our hearts to offer vp the sacrifice of our prayers , our corrupt affections , as abraham left behinde him at the foote of the hill his asses i conclude this first point with the saying of chrysostome , as in a garland , it is not enough that the flowers bee pure and cleane , but the hand also which handleth them : so it is not sufficient that the words of our prayers be holy , but the heart also which conceiueth them . the second piece of houshold-stuffe is ( faith ) for the righteous is also hee that beleeueth in christ , and is righteous through the righteousnes of christ the righteous . this furniture carried dauid with him , for as he had a desire of health and remission of his sinne , so he had also a stedfast faith and confidence that it should be forgiuen him . this persuasion of deliuerance , and hope of obtaining , we must haue with vs entertaining it in our hearts . the reasons , are first the prescription of the spiritual phisitions , it is the apostles precept , iam . . let him aske in faith and wauer not . and in the fourth to the hebr. . that we should goe boldely to the throne of grace : drawing neere vnto him with a true heart in assurance of faith , heb. . . casting not away that confidence which hath great recompence of reward , t is the counsaile of christ , mar. . . secondly , carrie it with thee , that thou maist receiue that , for which thou goest vnto him faithfully . psal . ▪ and whatsoeuer yee shall aske in prayer , if yee beleeue ye shall receiue it . math. . . without this , there is no going thither . rom. . . but as righteousnes and trueth kisse each other , so must prayer and faith , which is the ground of prayer : first beleeue , and then speake , this was the order of dauid , psal . . this faith will make vs acceptable to the lord of that soile , and make vs finde fauour at his hands . faith is a beautifull queene , as highly fauored of the king of kings , as euer esther was of king assuerus : she shall not be stayed without at the gate , but with an humble presumption , may approach into the inner court , and shall receiue her request : for if we shall receiue a kingdome , luc. . how much more that which is lesse , being asked by faith ? come not then without this aduocate . cyprian , in his treatise de idol vanit , sayeth , ( speaking how hee and his brethren did much good in the visitation of the sicke ) prout fides patientis adiuuat , aut gratia curantis aspirat , that he prospered according as they and the patient had faith to speake vnto god : the greatest enemie to the efficacie of our prayer is distrustfulnes . and therefore god forbid saith augustine that what we desire god to doe for vs with our mouthes we should deny him to be able to doe in our hearts . a heathen man seneca could say , he that asketh fearefully and doubtfully , teacheth him to denie of whom he asketh : and men doubting they shall not obtaine , make god vnwilling to heare them . as vnbeleefe did shut the doore vnto the iewes that some of them enter not into canaan , a tipe of heauenly ierusalem ; so distrustfulnes is able to shut our praier out of that heauenly canaan . and therefore as iacob going to his father isaac , to receiue the blessing , put on the garment of his eldest brother , so let vs going to our heauenly father to obtaine our request , be cloathed with faith through the righteousne●●e of our eldest brother iesus christ . further , this confidence giueth vs entrie into that place . open the gates saith the prophet , es . . . that the righteous nation which keepeth faith , may enter in . faith is as a key that openeth vnto vs the gates of the cittie . thirdly , this furniture is necessarie for the feete which must beare vs thither , that they may be firme , stedfast , and faile vs not in the way : the moisture and iuice whereby the spiritual feet of our prayers are nourished , is faith . by faith yee stand , saith the apostle , . cor. . it is the roote that beareth vs , the legges and supporters , and the strong men that hold vs vp that we fall not . as the doues nest is the cleftes of rockes that cannot be assaulted , so faith resteth it selfe in the wounds of christ , it casteth an anchor in knowledge of the true god , and standeth as firme , as mount sion that cannot be remooued . fourthly , we must carrie it with vs , that we may liue : why doe wee with our houshold-stuffe goe into the countrey , but because we are desirous of life ? if in the going to the name of iehouah for remission of sinne and spirituall life , and for the remoouing of the effect of sinne the bodily contagion , we are desirous of it , we must not forget this furniture , for by faith we liue , abac. . it is the life of the soule , and the soule and spirit of the new man. wee may haue a name that wee liue , but indeede wee are dead to god-ward , if wee beleeue not : doubting then neither of might , mercie , or of his promise , because they are passed by couenant , oath , before vnmooueable witnesses , the best in heauen , and the best in earth , and because they are signed with the finger of the holy ghost , and sealed with the blood of his annoynted and beloued , let vs with a holy confidence runne to this place in this afflicted time of the contagion , that we may receiue mercie . the third peece necessarie for our voyage , is ( humilitie ) which excludeth all opinion of our owne worthinesse and righteousnesse . dauid carried his furniture with him , yea this royall ornament : as appeareth out of two things . first , out of the tearme and phrase of obseruation ( i besech you ) a proper terme of submission , and the poore surers phrase . secondly , out of his bodily prostrating of himselfe in sacke-cloath with the elders of israel , . chron. . herein let vs in this time of plague imitate king dauid in our going to the name of the lord , carrying with vs this ornament , this submission and lowlynesse : let vs vse the poore suters phrase , and not pride of speech : saying , we are worthie o lord : let vs not goe thither to bragge , as many runne into the countrey to dominire ; but let vs pray that the lord will giue vs with vs this submission , that we may bow not only the knees of our bodies , but of our hearts : yea , that wee may euen bow the very phrase of our words with dauid , that wee may vtter them as if the smallest grashopper of the earth were to speake with feare and reuerence before that dreadfull maiestie . three things must mooue vs to carrie it with vs in this our voyage : first , the person to whome we goe , his greatnesse , excellencie , maiestie , his glorious name which is ieuouah . it was the counsel that aesope gaue to solon , enquiring what speech he should vse before craesus : either very little , or very sweete , said he . if when we goe to the princes of the earth , who are but smoake and vanitie , wee speake with humilitie much more doth the presence of the most high god require it . secondly , the consideration of our owne persons which doe goe thither : the conscience of our owne vnworthinesse , and deformitie of sinne wherwith we are spotted : let vs then with abraham speaking to the lord , confesse that we are but dust and ashes . let vs as lazarus with all our vlcers ( which are many in the time of plague ) and withall our sores detected and laide open : he before the gates of him who is rich in mercie , lamenting , crauing , and beseeching to be refreshed . christians , learne of christ to pray , who although there was no vnworthinesse in him , yet hee kneeled , fell vpon the ground , the footestoole of his owne maiestie , and lay vpon his face , which neuer angel beheld without reuerence . the third is , that our comming to him , may bee acceptable , and that we may receiue the health we sue for . to him looketh the lord , that is poore , and of a contrite spirit , esa . . which hee will not despise , psal . . . for hee is neere vnto them that are of a contrite heart , and will saue such as bee afflicted in spirit , psal . . . the prayer of him that humbleth himselfe , goeth through the clouds : the lords mercie can onely giue vs the twofold health which we sue for at this time : now this mercie to whome doth hee giue it , but to the humble ? . pet. . humilitie is both grace it selfe , and a vessel to comprehend other graces : and shee emptying her selfe by a modest estimation of her owne gifts , is filled againe by the lord. let vs now beloued as it were striue by humilitie with the lord , according to the policie of iacob : let vs winne by yeelding , and the lower wee stoupe towards the ground , the more aduantage wee shall get to obtaine . the lord to whom we goe , if this humilitie bee in vs , will both dwell with vs and in vs. o lord , saith austine , how high art thou , and yet the humble of heart , are thine houses to dwell in : i he proude pharisie , luk. ▪ went vnto the lord without his furniture , praying with pride and with a skornefull demonstration , and therefore returned not iustified as the publican . o that we had not for the most part of vs all such pharisaicall eye-browes , whether wee talke with god or man , that we might heare that comfortable voice which was spoken vnto daniel , feare not , for from the first day that thou didest humble thy selfe before thy god , thy words were heard . let vs therefore vse to conclude this point : this humble stile of dauid , it hath beene the stile of a king : and although it seemeth inglorious , yet it hath beene the stile of the glorious saints of god : it will giue vs the honour of saints , and raise vs from the dust , set vs vpon the thrones , and if it please the lord to take vs away by the plague , it will place vs with angels : let vs not then brethren forget it , that the anger of the lord may cease , and that with ioy hereafter wee may sing with marie in her canticle , luk. . he hath regarded the lowlinesse of his handmaide . the fourth peece of houshold-stuffe , is reuerence , deuotion , zeale and feruencie . for the noyse of our lips , if it bee as the ringing of basans : a vocall modulation , without cordiall meditation , it cannot procure vs audience : for it is as the offering of the halt and the lame , a body without a soule : it is the counsell of the wise man. eccle . . bee not rash with thy mouth , nor let thine heart bee hastie to vtter a thing before god. our prayers must not bee a formall seruice onely , but the sighes of our soules must bee sent with an earnest message to the eares of god : they must not bee perfunctorie and cold , rather of custome then of deuotion : for a prayer from fained lips , wil returne emptie into the bosome that sent it vp . when wee goe to this place , let vs not goe , as if our soules and tongues were strangers , the one not knowing what the other doth : our lips babling without , and our heart not pricked with any inward compunction , for else it is as the altar without fire : a perfunctorie prayer , is as the prayer of the parret . iohannes fridericus the prince of saxonia , had a parret who could rehearse the latine pater noster . cardinall ascanius had another , who reiected the creede , representing perhaps the faith and praying of his maister . what are the carelesse deuotions of those , who leaue their spirits as is were in a slumber while they are a praying ▪ but like vnto those two parrets babbling : as they must bee deuote , so must they bee feruent , kindled by a burning zeale , inflamed with feruent loue : and as the harts bray after the water brookes , so must our soules after the liuing god : for the prayer of a righteous man auaileth much , &c. if it bee feruent , iam . . if wee are desirous to know the necessitie of this zeale and feruencie , receiue these directions following . first , the example of christ biddeth vs goe thither with this zeale : christians receiue directions for the framing of this holy exercise from christ , who offered vp prayers with strong crying and teares , heb. . he that was the mightie lyon of the tribe of iudah hath roared in his supplications . secondly , the spirit of god biddeth vs goe thither with zeale , for he maketh requests in our names with grones not to be expressed , rom. . thirdly , the maiestie of the sacred lord of hosts , to whom we flie : the royaltie of his nature sublimitie of his place , dominion ouer angels , biddeth vs goe thither with zeale . fourthly , the view of our moralitie and of our sinne , by which wee haue caused the lords destroying angel , biddeth vs to goe thither with zeale . lastly , the hope and expectation of successe , the delicacie and tendernesse of the eares of god , and the precious fauour of his countenance , which must bee wisely intreated and carefully sought for : biddeth vs to goe thither with zeale , vnlesse we will sowe , and not reape : plant vines and not drinke the wine thereof . the fift and last peece of houshold-stuffe , is christian patience , a submission vnto his holy will and pleasure , a vertue proper vnto the righteous . dauid carried it with him thither , and wee must not leaue it behinde vs , following the streames of our foolish appetites : we must limit our prayer in god and his holy will , asking absolutely his glorie , and our saluation : but remitting the meanes vnto his wisedome and pleasure . the fountaine of our heart must not powre foorth sweete and sowre together , praying , but with impatience : let vs set him no time as the disciples did about the kingdome of israel , but let vs come to the resolution of dauid , . sam. . behold , here am i , let him doe to me as it seemeth good in his eyes . worthy is the oration of iudith which shee made to her people of bethutia , who would deliuer vp the citie into the hands of the enemie , vnlesse within few dayes the lord should helpe them : who are you that haue tempted the lord , and set your selues in the place of god ? let vs waite for saluation from him , and call vpon him to helpe vs , and he will heare our voice if it please him : thus should wee exhort our selues in our prayers , when impatience doeth besiege our hearts . it is safe for vs to cast the ankers of all our purposes , and to stay our wils vpon his will. the reasons to perswade vs to bring it with vs , are three : the first is the prescription of the spirituall physitians of christ , luk. . and in the prayer which he hath taught vs : of dauid , psal . . and of the rest . the second is , the lords equitie in all his actions : he gouerneth not by lust , but by law : he draweth thee not to obedience by a violent chaine of his vnchangeable purpose , but by reason and iustice : esteeme not his will in the moderating of the world as immoderate : hee hath a will , but not as inordinate princes , who hauing the raines of dominion giuen into their hands , doo many things inordinately without law , reason , iustice , equitie : proclayming with nero , that they may doo all things , and that no bodie may controll them . no , no , beloued , his will is alwayes holy , alwayes iust and equitable , although it seemeth vnto thee vniust . the third is the example of christ ; christians , the wisdome of god it selfe , in whom the deitie dwelt bodily , was content to forsake his wisedome , and to be ordered and rectified by this squire of his fathers will : father , not my will , but thine be fulfilled . this is then the spirituall furniture which we must carrie with vs , if wee will goe to the name of iehouah . prayer with these companions will returne laden with the sheaues of comfort and blisse from the plentifullest fieldes . and by these it is manifested , that the righteous onely goe to this place : the name of iehouah is not like vnto the earthly places , vnto which in the time of infection resort both good and bad . the vngodly may make a shew to goe vnto it , but yet they can not come thither , for there is the spirit of prayer , zach. . which is giuen onely to them that bring with them this spirituall furniture . as for weapons to safegarde our selues , we neede none , for this houshold-stuffe are spirituall weapons , ephes . . this shall suffise for the arke of noah . now because the ciuill magistrate appointeth in euery parish trustie men to aide the infected , and to prouide them with necessaries : giue mee also leaue to shew vnto you beloued , a trustie friend and seruant to ayde the sicke , appointed by the magistrate of heauen . if yee are desirous to know who it is , prayer is his name , psal . ▪ call vpon mee , &c. dauid hath vsed this faithfull friend in the time of the plague , he hath sent it as an embassadour into the court of heauen to sue for peace : he sent not merites , distrustfulnesse , impatience , or blasphemies : but prayer the surest and effectuallest embassadour , happie for successe . wee are all desirous if the lord visite vs with the rod of dauid , to haue some trustie and faithfull friend or seruant to keepe and ayde vs , to dispatch our businesse , to send here and there , and to prouide vs , with necessaries : and wee make much of such that will assist vs in such a fearefull sicknesse . wee can haue no better seruant then king dauids friend , who hath many good qualities : we desire in the time of plague a seruant or friend , in whom wee finde these good qualities : first , faithfulnesse , for many haue beene robd by their keepers , as experience teacheth . prayer is a messenger of especiall trust , it wil trauaile with vs by day : awake with vs by night : it will not forsake vs by land , by water , in weale , in woe , liuing nor dying , it is our last friend and indissolublest companion . secondly , wee desire one quicke of speede : prayer is able in a minute to mount aboue the eagles of the skie , into the heauen of heauens , and is a chariot of fire bearing vs aloft into the presence of god to seeke his assistance ; hee knoweth to addresse himselfe in waies vnknowne in the stillest silence of the night , till he come to the secrets and chamber of the lord , king dauids phisition . thirdly , we seeke one who is willing , and is not afraid , ( for they are scarce to be found ) prayer is such a friend , he is not afraid to be with thee : neither the tediousnesse of the way , or difficultie of the passage can hinder him from his purpose . fourthly , we are desirous to haue one that can speake language which the physition can vnderstand , if neede were to send him thither , and who can prouide vs of necessaries , such one is prayer : for what language soeuer it speaketh , the phisition of heauen can vnderstand it . fiftly , one that is able to comfort vs in our distresse , such a comforter is praier , it is the life of the soule : if thou art perplexed with such greefe of heart , as neither wine ( according to the aduise of salomon ) nor strong drink can bring ease vnto , thy spirit melting like waxe , finding no comfort at all either in light or darknes , pleasures or riches , kinsfolkes or friends , wishing with iob. . o that thou wouldest hide me in the graue , and keepe me secret vntill thy wrath is past : yet then this friend is our comfort , he will speake for vs vnto the lord , king dauids phisition , by this we may flie into the bosome of gods mercies . if any then be afflicted amongst you , let him pray ▪ iam. . the reason why we desire a friend with all these qualities , is that he might both aide , and prouide vs with all necessaries : praier is a friend who is able to dispatch all our businesse . desirest thou a phisition in thy sicknes to cure thee , send this friend praier to king dauids phisitian dwelling in heauen , and he will bring him with him . if thou needest phisick to heale thee , and which is good for thy disease , send praier into heauen to fetch the hearbe of patience , which groweth not in our owne garden . if thou desirest necessaries for thy soule , send him to the lord , he will fetch for thee , all that thou wantest , the bread of life , that heauenly manna , the blood of christ ; the waters of mercie . needest thou a comforter , send praier vnto the lord , and he wil bring with him the best comforter of the sicke , the holy ghost , it is his name ; iohn . . he will not feare to come to thee , as often the bodily phisitian . lastly , if we desire our friends to come and visite vs , send prayer for them , and they will come : god the father , god the sonne , god the holy ghost . no friend then better then prayer . there are some bad seruants of which we must take heeede , and as in the time of plague there are some bad seruants who robbe and bereaue the sicke of that he hath : so there are some wicked friends who will depriue vs of spirituall comforts , if we be not ware of them . first if we should vse the aide of merits and send them vp , the starres in heauen would disdaine it , that we which dwell at the footestoole of god dare to presume so farre , when the purest creatures in heauen are impure in his sight . secondly , if we send vp feare and distrustfulnes , the length of the way will tire them out , they are as heauy and lumpish as gaddes of yron , they will sinke to the ground , before they come halfe way to the throne of saluation . thirdly , if we send vp blasphemies and curses , all the creatures betwixt heauen and earth will band themselues against vs. the sunne and the moone wil raine down blood , the fire , hote burning coales , and the ayre thunderbolts vpon our heades . and therefore let vs not vse the ayde of these three bad seruants . as prayer is a seruant to ayde the sicke , so it is a trustie friend or seruant to keepe your housen , and families . ( o ye londoners that are departed ) in the citie yee vse the ayde and trust of others , but they are not the best , for they are mortall and corruptible : exhort them therfore to vse this friend towards the lord , both for you & for themselues : for except the lord build the house , they labour in vaine that build it : except the lord keepe the citie , the keeper waiteth in vaine saith dauid . thus i haue shewen you that be at london , beloued of god , called to be saintes , the arke of noah , to enter in with your families . i come now to you beloued that haue left your mother citie for a time , which hope to returne : your departure i will not disprooue , nor wiser then i , if ye haue vsed it lawfully , remembring in your exile the affliction of ioseph . and spending the time in those things which make for the peace of your cittie . to refesh your mindes , and spend your time there because the workes of your vocation you cannot exercise : diuers other exercises i knowe haue beene vsed , perhaps not so well as ye might : al of them i do not condemne : but it is to be feared , that the exercises of some haue beene friuolous , and game some quarrellers , and that carding , dicing , and that cup challenging profession , by which many drinking to health , drinke theirselues out of health , haue beene to others as vsuall pastimes , as the fieldes to walke in . giue me leaue beloued to shew you a better exercise , and another pastime , the pastime of king dauid , a roiall exercise , which he vsed in the time of plague , his prayer and inuocation with the elders of israel : spend heerin your time beloued till ye returne : when your mother mourneth , will you sport ? when the head smarteth , shall the members be senselesse ? pray with the prophet for the peace of your ierusalem . it is the apostles precept , to pray continually , which if it euer was time to practise , it is at this present . suffer me to enter into the prayse of this exercise , diuers things doe adde commendation to it , which ought to presuade you to the vse thereof . the first argument of prayse may be taken from the author thereof . not moses or samuel , prophet or apostle , patriarke or martyr , but god the father , god the sonne , god the holy ghost , the blessed trinitie haue bene the authors , which make it a diuine and heauenly exercise . the second argument from the persons which haue vsed it ▪ we delight in exercises which are accounted honorable , & which men of credite and good account doe commonly vse ; this exercise is honorable , yea royall : not base and contemptible onely haue spent their time with it , but kings and princes , king dauid , manasses , exechiat , and the rest . the blessed prophets , patriarks , yea the prince of glorie , the sonne of the immortall god christ iesus : it is so heauenly and honourable , that by prayer we doe approach neere vnto god , and doe as it were conioyne our selues with him : while we are in the bodie , we are absent from home : but by prayer we do ascend into heauen , prayer being as it were the band of our internall coniunction with god. further , it is honorable , not onely in regarde of the persons which haue vsed it ; but also , to god and vs. to god , for thereby we honor and glorifie him , psal . acknowledging that all might , glorie , felicitie , health and saluation belongeth to him , and that from him alone we must receiue it . to vs , for thereby we are familiar with the lord : if it be an honor for vs to be familiar with earthly princes , which are but dust and ashes , o what an honour is it then to be familiar with the king of kings , and monarke of the world ! it is the cheefest honour wherevnto he can aduance vs , when hee giueth vs the spirit of prayer . if we desire the valor of knighthoode , by prayer we may stand in place where gods hand hath made a breach , and doe as much as all the chariots and horsemen in a kingdom . if you esteeme it an honour to be in the seruice of the prince , giue your selfe to prayer , it is one of the chiefest parts of gods seruice . yea it is so excellent , that the sacrifice of prayer is offered alone to him , whom salomon calleth excellent and glorious . it is an honor to be a christian , let vs therefore vse the christian exercise : two things doe admonish vs , our name , and the example of christ : christians we are called , annointed also to be priests and prophets , and that royall priesthood in christ iesus . as the priests offered the sacrifices of bullocks and rammes , so let vs offer the sacrifice of prayer , which hath also beene christs exercise . mercie hath prayed , and shall not miserie ? charitie hath prayed , and shall not iniquitie pray ? the physition prostrated vpon the ground prayeth , and shall not the sicke and the patient call vpon the lord ? the innocent , and he in whose mouth there is no fraude prayeth , and shall not the sinner ? the iudge prayeth , and desireth that the lord would be mercifull and spare his people , and shall not the guiltie bee suppleant to receiue mercie ? the pleasure of it , may bee the third argument of commendation : this exercise is pleasant and delectable . to spend the time in the countrey , diuers vse pleasant and delectable exercise : this is both acceptable to god , & pleasant to man : to god , for the sweete odours of our prayers ascend into heauen , apoc. . and as the sent of incense and odoriferus things is pleasant to the nostrels of mortall man : so the prayer of the righteous , saith chrysostome , is pleasant to the immortall god. it is not then , the lamentation of men , eiulation of women and children , mingling heauen and earth together with a confusion of out-cries , that is acceptable to god , and which can enforce him to giue vs audience : but it is humble prayer , the voyce of repentance : which as iesus syrach speaketh , eccl. . . shall bee accepted with fauour , and reach vnto the cloudes . secondly to vs all that our heart desireth is in this exercise . some being in the countrey , spend their time in discourses , prayer is a discourse with our beloued . if it was a pleasure to iacob to speake vnto rachel , and to ionathan with dauid : o what a recreation is it for our soules that they may familiarly speake with him , whose loue vnto vs is better then gold or pearle . if we delight to speake languages , by prayer wee may speake the excellentest language which hath euer beene , the language of canaan : let vs not feare to discourse with the lord by our prayers , for hee is not like vnto the spruce and finical sonnes of men : feare not , saith chrysostome , he seeketh not at thy hands painted eloquence , an angelicall tongue , filed phrases : but beholdeth only the beautie of thy soule . others take their pleasure while they are in the countrey , to ride vp and downe in their coches and chariots , being carried therein betwixt heauen and earth . let prayer bee your coache beloued : it is as one saith , as a chariot of fire , bearing vs aloft in the presence of god , able to mount vs aboue the eagles of the skie to seeke the lords assistance . in the time of plague , there is appointed a waggon or coache to carrie the sicke to the pest-house , and there to be healed : there is no better chariot to carrie our soules vnto the house of heauen to bee healed by that heauenly physitian , then humble prayer . some delight to goe vp and downe and see their friends ; our best friends at this time , and at all times who can do vs the most good : are god the father , the sonne and the holy ghost : let vs visite them therefore continually by our prayers . others in writing letters , what is prayer else , but as it were a letter sent to god in which wee declare our neede : and as a letter is an amiable discourse and conference of one friend with another , as if they were both present : so is our prayer , as a friendly letter or discourse of vs which are absent from home : with our best friend the lord , as if wee were present with him in heauen . send this letter , and letter vpon letter : yee that are now exiled , shew vnto the lord your neede : pray vnto him that hee will bring you home againe , and remooue that in his mercie which keepeth you backe . lastly , some in running of races , or in hunting ; but yee beloued in this afflicted time , runne the way of gods commandements : as dauid , psal . . runne to the name of iehouah with the righteous , prou . runne the race which is set before you , and that with patience , looking vnto christ iesus , hebr. . . and so runne that yee may obtaine that which you sue for . hunt not after the pleasures of this life , but after the liuing god : and as the hart brayeth for the ryuers of waters , so let your soules pant after the liuing god , psal . . . that the lords hunter , psal . . hunt vs not , but that the lord may deliuer vs from the snare of the hunter , and from the noysome pestilence , psal . . . vse therefore this comfortable exercise : the childe is neuer better but when it is in his fathers and mothers lap : so shal you neuer be better , but when by prayer you creepe as it were in your heauenly fathers bosome : it will kindle your loue toward him , as the loue of louers is kindled , the more they come together : and if yee remaine there this winter , feruent prayer will bee in steade of fire , to kindle in your hearts the loue of god. fourthly , the profit of this exercise commendeth it much , it is not onely delectable , but also profitable . some which are in the countrey at this time spend their time i doo confesse profitably , riding vp and downe to buy commodities against the future : but prayer is a farre profitabler exercise for this time , for it is not onely profitable to our selues , but also vnto others : yea , to the whole realme . and as the apostle speaketh of godlines , that it is profitable for al things ; so i may say of prayer , that it can obtaine any thing : profitable for vs in two respects : first , to obtaine that we haue not : secondly , to keepe that we haue obtained . first , if thou lackest knowledge and wisedome , prayer is the meanes to obtaine it , iam. . if thy vnderstanding bee darke , pray with dauid , psal . . open mine eyes o lord , that i may see the mysteries of thy law. if thou lackest zeale , pray with dauid , psal . . lord incline my heart vnto thy law , &c. and because this world is a desart where we may easily erre , pray with dauid , psal . . leade me in thy pathes , &c. if our soules be infected with the plague of vanitie and couetousnesse , the meanes to remooue it , is prayer , psal . o lord remooue farre from me vanitie , and encline not my heart to couetousnesse . the meanes to obtaine a contented minde , is also prayer , prou . pouertie nor riches giue me not , &c. if thou desirest to thinke vpon thy mortalitie , by the subiect whic● now is presented to thee , pray with dauid , psa . . teach vs o lord to number our dayes , that we may applie our hearts to wisedome . if yee desire to returne , it is not your sports or delightes , but your prayers that must bring you backe . if yee desire the ceasing of the plague , it is your prayer that must remooue the cause , that the effect may cease . as prayer obtaineth , so it keepeth that you haue already obtained : such are not your exercises , which ye your selues haue inuented o sonnes of adam : for by them you often loose that which you had purchased ryotously ( which alexander blamed in his friends ) wasting and consuming your whole abilitie . there is another thing which ought to perswade you to this exercise : which is , that it is profitable to others : prayer doeth more good then almes : for by our almes we can helpe but a fewe ; but by our prayers wee can helpe thousands and thousands : yea those which are farre off . prayers , are the almes of the rich as well as of the poore : for pharao did as well begge for prayers , as poore lazarus for crummes . yee rich men that are in the countrey , bestowe these almes vpon the poore , as well as the almes of your purses : and in this afflicted time , seeke more to profite the whole realme by your prayers , then by your commodities . i ende this point with the saying of augustine : plus profeci orando quā legendo , i haue more profited by praying , then by reading . fiftly , this exercise is commendable , because it is able to to strengthen vs. some in the countrey doo spend their time in exercises , by which they may maintaine their health , and strengthen their bodies , that they may bee able to doo any thing : the exercise of prayer is good to make vs recouer the health of our soules , which was waxen weake : as this present plague , and your present exile both doo witnesse . yea , it is able to make vs doo admirable things . was it euer heard that mightie potentates , as there haue beene many : alexander the great , iulius caesar and the rest could make the sunne or the moone to stand still in the firmament ? and yet this hath done the prayer of iosua . haue there euer beene any armies so great and mightie , which could make the earth to tremble vnder their feete ? no beloued : the mightie armie of xerxes could not doo it , and yet this hath done the prayer of the apostles , act. . who hath euer heard that it hath beene possible to mortall man , to raise the dead and to giue life to the deceased ? the physitians doo acknowledge their impotencie , and yet this hath done the prayer of elizaeur . as the apostle then in the commendation of faith , rehearseth the wonders which they haue wrought by faith : so it may bee said of prayer which is done in faith : by prayer moses diuided the red sea : by prayer iosua beat down thewals of iericho : by prayer sidrach and abednago quenched the fire : daniel stopped the lyons greedie and deuouring throates : the apostles opened the prisons and brake their bands . and i will yet adde one thing , by prayer brethren you shall be able to ouercome him , who is inuincible . the lord hath besieged and taken in your citie by his destroying angel , the only meanes to resist him , and to make him retire , are your humble prayers : o the admirable force of prayer , which ouercommeth him who ouercommeth al things ! i may compare the prayers of the righteous to the haires of sampson : as long as his head was adorned and couered with them , hee was in a maner inuincible , hee brake the cordes and roapes wherewith he was bound : his strength lying in his haire ; but being shauen , his strength went from him , he waxed weake and like other men . all your strength beloued lieth in your prayer , as long as you exercise your selues therein , you shall be able to resist , i say not the tyrants & the diuel , but the lords angel himselfe . you haue another enemie , the which to resist , it is necessarie that you learne to handle the sword of prayer , this enemie is cruell , malicious , mightie , subtile and industrious , his name bewrayeth his nature ; sathan by name , who is not onely in the citie , but followeth you in the country ( for as a deuouring lion he compasseth the earth ) and there he seeketh to make you forget the lord , and the affliction of ioseph : to sticke to the creature , and forget the creator ; to withstand this enemie and his fierie darts , let this be your continuall exercise : imitate the industrious wrastlers , who to cast downe another , first fall downe themselues : so to ouerthrow this enemie who seeketh in the countrey to ouerthrow you , cast downe your selues by humble prayer and fasting , that in that place you may triumph ouer him who thought to triumph ouer you . to end beloued , to you all i speake togither , you that are in the cittie , enter this arke : you that are cast downe vpon your beddes , vse the aide of this friend : you that are departed , let this be your pastime , that we altogether may bee preserued from the deluge , and the waters may decrease more and more , till they bee dried vp , that beeing decreased wee may offer the sacrifice of thankesgiuing ; as noah offered vnto the lord after the flood . but let vs not bee like vnto the sea-sicke , who onely are weake , lament and crie as long as they are in the tempest , and when they begin to smell the ayre , and are gone out of the ship , they forget both their sicknes and their deliuerance . but rather as iacob ( ye that are departed ) flying to heauen , the remembrance of his countrey being sweete , made an excellent vow and prayer , that if he came againe to his fathers house in safetie , the lord should be his god , and that he would giue vnto the lord the tenth of all he had : so likewise ye that are departed from your mother citie , as iacob from his fathers house , the remembrance thereof being sweete to you , as i know it is , make the vow and prayer of iacob , that when the lord bring you home againe in safetie , that he shall be your god , and that ye will serue him with more zeale and feruencie then ye haue done before : further , that ye will ( if not the tenth ) yet some part of your goods , bestow vpon the lord in his poore members . let the apostles words be the conclusion , ye therfore beloued , seeing ye know these things before , beware lest ye be also plucked away with the errour of the wicked , but grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our lord and sauiour iesus christ , to him be glory both now and for euermore , amen . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e ruth . . . . tim. . . ps . . heb . . iere. p . psal . ▪ . . cor. , . psal . . . gene. . , . luke . . psal . . . . matth . . cor. . . ion. . mic. . . psal . . . matth. . psal . . lam. . . luk. . . iob. . rom. . . . cor. . col. . . gene. . iere. . . . cor. . . notes for div a -e psal . . . the name of the place . the feet to carry vs thither . the hose to put on . ephe. . . dan. . . a direction to know the way . luk. . . . the right or interest which the faithfull haue to this place . ephe. . . the practise ▪ of king dauid ▪ obiection . answere . the true vse of the example the causes to mooue vs to goe to this place . math. . . iam. . . fiue sorts of men erring in the going to this place . apoc. . . obiection . answere . matth. . the second part , the properties of the place . . a pure place . . a pleasant place . . a safe place . gene. . obiection . answere . a place where they haue friends . . a place accessible for all men the king of heauen his proclamation . esth . heb. . . neh ●● . . . a place neere vnto the citie . the warrant of the infected ▪ obiection . answere . . a place where we may haue a physitian . to pray for others is also requisite . three rules to be obserued in our going to this place . longè . psal ▪ . . citò . tardè . lukk ▪ ● . . hbak . . ● . the third part containing the houshold stuffe which we must carrie vnto that place . . repentance . . tim. . psal . . . prou. . . psal ▪ . faith. . sam. . ver. . in hipolito . humilitie . . sam. . gene. . eccle. . . cap. . . ferfencie and zeale . psal . . patience . . sam. . iud. . a trusty friend and seruant appointed by the magistrate of heauen , to aide the sicke in the time of plague . the qualities of this friend ▪ faithful . quicke . willing . learned . a comforter . . bad seruants . merites . ephe. . . feare . blasphemies . psal . . . an exercise for the londoners that are in the countrey . the prayse of prayer . it is diuine . honourable . christian . delectable to god. to man. profitable . to vs. . sam. . . to others . . to strengthen vs. heb. . gene. . . pet. . . . an epistle discoursing vpon the present pestilence teaching what it is, and how the people of god should carrie themselues towards god and their neighbour therein. reprinted with some additions. by henoch clapham. clapham, henoch. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an epistle discoursing vpon the present pestilence teaching what it is, and how the people of god should carrie themselues towards god and their neighbour therein. reprinted with some additions. by henoch clapham. clapham, henoch. [ ] p. printed by t. c[reede] for the widow newberry, and are to be sold at her shop in pauls church-yard, at the signe of the ball, london : . printer's name from stc. running title reads: an epistle touching the pestilence. cf. folger shakespeare library catalogue, which gives signatures: a-b⁴. signatures: a-c⁴. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - jennifer kietzman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an epistle discovrsing vpon the present pestilence . teaching what it is , and how the people of god should carrie themselues towards god and their neighbour therein . reprinted with some additions . by henoch clapham . london printed by t. c. for the widow newbery , and are to be sold at her shop in pauls church-yard , at the signe of the ball. . to the right worshipfull sir baptist hickes , knight : all necessarie sauing gifts from aboue . good sir , before i returned last into england , i did publish a certaine epistle , wherein i noted how certaine amongst vs had laide the groundes of brownisme , while theyr zeale ( beyond knowledge ) had laboured our churches reformation . that comming into the hands of some of them here in and about the citie , they welcomed me home , with an aduisement giuen to some theyr disciples , that i should neither be heard preach , nor priuatly conferred with , nor haue any of my bookes read of them . theyr reason was , that cl. would bring people to all the corruptions of the english church , and finally to romes church . but when there was some extraordinary cause of opposing to romish platformes , let the traytor w. wat. speake of his conscience , if the accused did not rather oppose to such wickednes then his accusers ? as they bgun to malice without grounde ( for now they shame to meddle with theyr dombe presbyterie , and halfe faced deaconry , with some other things not to be maintained ) so , they haue not therewith stinted the bitternesse of their spirits , but now must please them ( whom otherwise but some will say , that meate and drinke , chirurgene and phisicke , helpeth and doth good to many , who neuer call vpon the name of the lord , specially in the name of christ iesus , i answere : * the liuing god is a sauiour of all men , specially of them that beleeue . his mercie is vpon all the creatures . not the vilest barbarian , but he suffreth his comfortable sunne and ayre to shine and breath vpon . when the mercies of god are called into question , euery mouth shall be stopped . but howsoeuer he is a sauiour of all men , yet he hath a speciall saluation for the faithfull , as s. paul teacheth timothie . howsoeuer he affordeth blessings to all , yet in a speciall forme he blesseth the beleeuer . for as they call for his sauing fauour in the vse of all his creatures , so they haue it in their much and little , in their health and sicknesse , in their life and death . these vse the creature , with assurance of a peculiar blessing , when the other eate , drinke , and apply it with a peculiar curse ; now , we are not to labour for the temporary blessing sauced onely with a common mercie , ( for then we goe no further then the dogge in his eating of grasse , for easing his stomacke ) but to labour with the lord by prayer for his speciall blessing our conscence in the vse of these creatures : leauing the issue tempotarie to his will , which is holy in all things . a true christian walketh thus in common diet , and vsuall infirmities , how much more doth it stand him in hand , to looke to his carriage towards god , in respect of this pest or pestilence ? a theists , meere naturians and other ignorant persons , do hold it to be a natural disease , proceeding from naturall causes onely : as from corruption of ayre , caused by vnseasonable planets aboue , or else from carrionly stinking smelles here belowe . who while they looke not higher then the earth , or not higher then the planets , do sticke in the creature , forgetting the creator ( called the * lord of hostes ) who commaunds or forbids , sends out , or stayes the course and operation of creatures and corruptions . as god is the lord of hostes , so * hee maketh a flaming fire his ministers , sometimes for consuming , sometimes for preseruing . for by it , nebuchadnezzers executioners were destroyed , when the three young nobles of iudah were in midst thereof preserued . addition expository and apologeticall to the first section . galenistes ] so called of galen a gréek heathen physitian . this kind of plague or pestilence is of him tearmed loimos , respecting onely bodies bursting out in corruption , which may be cause sometimes of corrupting other bodies : specially such as are inclinable to and capable of such corruption . and this is it , that some christians vnderstand , when they say , that the pestilence is as a candle , and bodies as strawe , some wet , some dry , more or lesse capable of taking fire . and this is true , but not all the truth , nor yet in the first sence which is diuine , whereof i shall speake somewhat after . to stick therfore in this consideration , is to speake rather after the manner of naturalls then of diuines . and who dare speake rather after the maner of man , then after the vncontrowlable forme of the holy ghost ? the dead creature can giue to him no life : ] because the dead creature cannot of it selfe vinifie the bodie , therefore the christian is taught to looke vp to god the author of life : who , as he hath promised to euerie belieuer the thing that is good calling for it by prayer ; so , such a praying belieuer ought to expect the veritie of his promise , séeing he is faithfull that hath promised : for , godlines is profitable to all things , which hath promise of the life present and of that is to come , tim. , . without godlines , many are partakers of some spiritual and all sorts of corporall giuings , without diuine direct promise , and therefore such giuings do finally turne into bitternes , vexation of spirit , and the iust heaping vp of iudgement . section . ii. the word plague , is originally a greeke word : for plege it is termed in reuelation . . . and of the latines plaga , in english valuing a blowe or stripe . which , as it may haue a more generall vse , so , it is not applyed to this particular disease of the pest , otherwise , then because it is a blowe or stripe inflicted on mankind . by whom ? by god , although mediately by spirit , or corruption , or both . the language of god & adam in the old testament , doth terme it deber ( as in exod. . . deu. . psal . . sam . . ) of dabar to speake , whether it be a speech of life or death . and so it is termed i doubt not because it is an effect of the lords word for sinne , according to his threatning in deut. . . let the word be so considered in the two sacred languages of the old and new testament , and the plague is no other maladie , then a speciall blowe inflicted on mankinde for sinne . i speake not of it , as it seizeth on beasts , seeing it commeth to them by mankindes sinne . sinne is the cause why the lord ( according to his word ) smiteth mankind , whether corruption be in the way or not . doth god send out a spirit to smite ( as dauids people in . sam. . were smit by a good angell , but iob before with a bad ) the spirit smiteth not but vpon the lords word , smite or touch : in which respect it is called negagn in psal . . of nagagn to touch : although the terme negagn may well imply a plague or stripe lesse piercing and killing . the stroke of god , it is for sinne . and smiteth he with his owne finger immediately , or mediately as by the hand of an other ? * the secret things belong vnto the lord , nor will i meddle with what hee doth beyond the words reuelation . in leuiticus . and deut. . hee threatneth varietie of plagues for sin ; but concealeth the particular meanes which hee will vse for accomplishing that word . in other places we read of his angell smiting people til the lord did stay , but that euer he made corruption his messenger i read not : and yet i doubt not but god may haue vsed corruption in the ministry of his angell , for correcting or confounding the corrupt creature . but why in such discourse , hath the spirit of god still mentioned only god for agent , and the angell for instrument ? because we should in such cases , looke first to god , as he that is all in all : secondly , to the ministrie of his angels , who are appointed to preserue such from the plague as commit themselues * in their wayes to the protection of god all sufficient . a doctrine full opposite to our practise , who cast our eye more to acryall corruption , then vnto god and his angell smiting . addition expos. & apologet. to the second sestion . the word plague ] séeing there can be no true dispute where the thing to be disputed vpon is vncertainlie or doubtfully vnderstoode , i therefore in the second section , haue laboured to cleare what the plague may be . plague ( and so pestilence ) is a word of large vse , but in this dispute applied to a certaine disease extraordinarily mortall and deadly : yea , a disease now amongst vs , confessed by our physitians , to excéed the compasse and reache of all their naturall reason and reading . no maruell , séeing that which is primordiall and principall in it , is spirituall and inuisible . what that is , the diuine scriptures do teach , when not only they shewe that sinne is the prouoking cause ( and specially , sinne vniversall ) but also do shewe that it is a stroke inflicted from without , and that by the ministrie of an angell , appointed so by iehouahs expresse word : for which the hebrewes do vse the very same letters ( deber ) for word and pestilence . and herevpon it is , that the hebrues turne the word deber by logos , in psal. . so well as in other places , which in english is word or speech : for as gentils without god could not reach hier thē nature herein ▪ so the hebrues ( to whom the liuely oracles were commited ) did passe by that , as being but the effect ; and looked ( as we ought ) to god be his angell smiting . nor is it for other cause , that the holy ghost tells vs of aaron & dauids intercéeding by praier , in nom. . and . sam. . and not of any corporall flight or naturall courses . the gréeke translation , in psal. . doth read for these our words ; from the noysome pestilence , these words apologóu tarachodous , which valueth this , from the word that be-muddeth : from whence i gather , first the angell smiting according to the lords word gone out : secondly , an effect in the bodie so smitten , and that is , the blood and powres commoued and bemudded : like as a poole smitten with some instrument of waight , shoulde haue the myre and mudde therevpon raised , to the troubling of all . originall sinne hath conueyed into our humane nature corruption as mudde : this is in vs as setled , vntill the angell smite , and loe therevpon all the bodie is out of order . because we should not créepe on the earth herein with galen , hippocrates and such , we haue not onely the scriptures to teach vs the former super-naturall stroke , but also diuerse so smitten , haue felt and heard the noyse of a blow ; and some of them haue vpon such a blow found the plain print of a blew hand left behind vpon the flesh . at the funerals of sundrie such , i my selfe this sicknes time haue preached . such a stroke , was to put vs in mind of iehouahs angell smiting ; and such a blewnes , may put vs in minde of the muddie corruption in our humane nature . the angels stroke so is the cause , the plague-sores and marks arising and appearing are the effect . the first not infectious ; and therefore the angell in egipt went from house to house in egipt , and from dan to bersheba , and ierusalem in iudea , with his sword drawne . the second is infectious sometimes more or lesse . the first absolutely mortall and deadly , as hezekiah was told : and therefore such regaining health and life , haue new daies added , as hezekiah had yeares . the second is not absolutely deadly , because but naturall in the forme of deriuall , as it befalleth in other corrupt cases . section . iii. sinne being the cause for which he smiteth a people with pestilence ( sinne poisoning earth , ayre and all ) some will demaund , if so it cannot be preuented or cured with change of place and vse of physicke ? by changing place they thinke they may , because it is written , a prudent man seeth the plague and hideth himselfe . and by physicke they suppose they may , because that sundry ( of their knowledge ) haue so escaped . for the diuine prouerbe , they abuse it two waies . once in vnderstading the word plague for pestilence . though euery pestilence be a plague , yet euery plague is not a pestilence . nor doth the originall word properly signifie the one or the other . it is ragnah , valuing the latine malum , in english euill , as in an other forme it is aptly turned into : prou. . . for the translator , howsoeuer hee leaue the proper signification of the word , hee yet speaketh to good purpose , seeing the holy ghost there speaketh of such an * euill in the citie as the lord doth : that is , of such a punishment as the lord inflicteth ; called an euill of mankinde , though properly a correction or punishment of euill and secondly , such excepters abuse the prouerbe , in saying , they may flye from the place with the prudent man. salomon saith not that such a one flyeth , but that he hideth himselfe . a man may couer or hyde himselfe without flying . if thou say that a man cannot hide himselfe from the plague , i say likewise that thou cannot any more flye from the plague : goe where thou wilt and his right hand shal finde thee out : if thou wert with ionas first vnder the hatches , and after with the whale in the bottome of the sea , he will finde thee out . the wings of the morning cannot carrie thee beyond his reach . what is this hiding or couering thy selfe then ? it is no couer corporeall , but spirituall : euen the same that is spoken of in psal. . . where safetie is assured to him that coucheth vnder the lords winges . the prudent hearted seeth a plague or iudgement comming towards a people for sinne ; what doth he then ? hee commits himselfe in his christian way , to the protection of the almightie , who hath promised to be a shield to such as put their trust in him : that such a one shall not need to feare that pestilence that walketh in darknesse , nor the plague that destroyeth at noone-day . for walking in his way , that is , in the way god hath called him vnto , and leaning vpon the lords promise , what neede is there of locall flight or couer ? secondly , for their phisicall experience , i thereto make this answere : sinne being the cause of the maladie , ( as also of euery maladie ) it is for none to make physick their staffe , nor yet their first meane , lest they sinne the sinne of * asa : much lesse seeke to idol-wizards , which was the sinne of * achaziah . besides , they see many preserued in the midst of the plague , who haue vsed no phisicall meanes : what will they make the cause of their deliuerance ? no other thing , but the diuine pleasure of god , who hath forbid his angell to smite them . is phisicke then in this and all other plagues to be auoyded ? no : as * hezekiah ( howsoeuer hauing promise of recouerie ) did meane time suffer a lumpe of drie figs to be applied to his boyle ( hauing in nature to heat , mature , and digest ) so we are not to neglect such naturall means as reason and experience haue found out to auaile against naturall infirmitie [ deo non obstante ] the lord not crossing nature . otherwise , we shal be found tēpters of god , leauing our way : rather then faithfull keepers of our way . reason of vsing naturall meanes ( where god barres them not vp ) is this : whether the ayre be infected without vs , there neuer wanteth infection within vs , which is readie to take an head against our heart , if the lord do not bridle it . as god smiting vs with other maladies ( threatned in the lawe so wel as pestilence ) doth not only say , let it be , wherevpon the maladie growes , but also hath that his word working vpon preiacent corruption effected by our sinne : so , hee looketh that his word be satisfied by humbling our selues in prayer and fasting , and that naturall corruption haue the power preuented or destroyed by naturall means , he ●ffording them . to say , i shall liue so long as god hath appointed , though i neuer vse phisicke , it is as good as this , i shall liue so long as god hath appointed , though i neuer eate nor drinke . as meate and drinke is for the hungry , so is phisicke for the diseased : for to the necessitie of naturall phisicke , our sauiour alludeth , when as for establishing his spirituall phisicke , he saith : * they that are sicke need the phisition . god hath created the word , prayer and fasting for repelling and killing sinne , the materiall cause of gods anger : and he hath created phisicall creatures for preuenting and curing naturall corruption , the materiall cause of our maladie and naturall sicknesse . so both be the good creatures of god , and both to be vsed to his glory . the first for helping and healing our soule : the second , for helping and healing the body . god sometimes blesseth the first without the second , to shewe that he is not tyed to meanes . and he sometimes blesseth the second without the first , to shew that we ought not neglect the meanes . but as we haue both sinfull soules and corrupt bodies , so we should vse both , for benefiting both . addition to the third section . in the pestilence there falling out a two-fold consideration as afore , the first supernaturall , the second naturall , it so followeth , that the supernaturall cause be salued by that which is spirituall ; the other by that which is naturall , hezekiah did both in isa. . first , he in all truth of spirit did humble himselfe in prayer , and secondly , did applie a lump of ●igges , the second becomming effectuall , when god in the first place had accepted of teares and mournings . our naturians should neuer therefore promise or insinuate health and life by the second , but by putting people in the minde , that they must labour with god for satisfaction for the first . that this is our churches iudgement also , let it be considered , first , in that the magistrates and ministers haue appointed publike and vniuersall fasting and prayer , by way of humiliation before god for sinne : secondly , in that also they haue published naturall meanes in respect of naturall corruption . how vntollerable wicked then haue they béene , who priuatlie and in gods most holy place , haue giuen out that clapham hath béene herein singular and odde by himselfe . they be rather odde that vnderstand not themselues . section . iiii. bvt seeing the lord * promiseth deliuerance from the plague , to all such as rest vnder his wings and walke in his way , it may be asked , how comes it to passe that some beleeuers die of the pestilence , and some vnbeleeuers scape it ? i answere , the lords promise being euer fast to the beleeuer ( for he is faithfull that hath promised ) there is in beleeuers so dying , a want of faith for apprehending this particular deliuerance , this temporary mercy . though they haue not lacked faith for their eternall iustification & finall saluation , by vertue whereof their flesh resteth in hope of an happie resurrection , and their spirit is gone in comfort to god that gaue it : yet hath euerie one perishing on the pestilence bene found , not to apprehend this particular promise . to say that the psalme speaketh only of a spirituall plague and a spirituall promise , is to conclude the same of leuit. . & deut. . and of all the like places . then the which , what can be more absurd ? vnder literall promises and mercies , menacies and curses , spirituall things are also entended , but not onely . the first shadoweth out and leadeth to the second . and because still there is the same vse , the outward euils so well as the second are still abiding . when we haue receiued christ by faith , we haue promise of * all things also : ( promises of this world & of the world to come . ) but when by faith we haue apprehended the greater , loe we are often found to doubt of the lesser . in not doubting of the eternall , we should not doubt of the temporarie . but doubting of the lesser and loosing it by doubting : we see what we should do in the greater , if god should leaue vs to our owne standing . that manie wicked escape in midst of strongest pestilence , first , it is not because they haue any promise , but because it pleaseth god both to them and vs to be in manie things , manie times , better then his promise : teaching them and vs therein , how good he would be to vs in all things walking in his way , and vndoubting the promise . secondly , the wicked so escaping , are ordinarily such as haue walked boldly through the sicknes , bragging of their faith in god , touching deliuerance from pestilence : shewing plainly that they had a faith in god for apprehending promise of deliuerance . though they haue not had faith for apprehending things spirituall and eternall , yet for laying hold on this particular temporarie . and such a faith , is ordinarily countenanced with such a mercie , as that temporary repentance of ahab , manasses , and niniuets , was graced with particular flitting mercies . god teaching such therein , how much more he would draw neare vnto them in all goodnes , if so they had in them a right continuing faith , and continuing repentance . and therewithall checking his children for doubting the lesser , hauing faith in him for the greater . addition to the fourth section . there is in belieuers so dying , a want of faith . ] that is , some want in faith . s. iames willing vs in she want of knowledge to haue our recourse vnto god in prayer , he telleth vs that we must not waner ; for if we do , he concludeth , that we are not to thinke that we shall receiue any thing of the lord. from whence i gather , that lack of faith is cause we are denied any thing necessarie our life here . some will obiect , there is some want of faith , some doubting , some wauering in the best child of god , therefore none can assure himselfe of receiuing any good of god , whether corporall , or spirituall . i answere , it is one thing what we ought to do , another thing what we do . secondly , it is enioyned vs in leuit. . and in deut. . that as we would haue blessings temporary , and auoid cursings temporarie , we should obey the commaundements ; and the best are found daily to breake the commaundements , haue they therefore no assurance of blessing ? if they looke into the measure of obedience ( literall or spirituall ) as it is in themselues only , they haue cause to looke for no good thing . this want then in all things , is to driue them vnto the lord by christ iesus in all things . obiection . god will not exact such obedience , such faith , except we could so obey , so belieue . answere . the romanists indéede say so , but they and others must remember , that it is equall for him so to exact , séeing ( as we were set out of his hands in adam ) we were enabled so to belieue and obey . thirdly , as there is no promise of god but it is deliuered vnder condition , and there is no condition kept fullie of our part , and therefore no flesh that may be able to reioyce in gods sight : so , it pleaseth him sometimes not to impute the want in faith and obedience to his children ( for if he should , we could not breath one day ) but to accept them as perfect and iust , iob. . . . ezek. . . luke . . . otherwise , s. iames should leaue vs litle or no hope of receiuing any thing of god by prayer . fourthly , in case of temporary blessings , it pleaseth god to giue an extraordinarie strength of faith , by the which deuils and mountaines of difficulties are often remoued : so well as vnto his children he besides giueth an extraordinarie strength of faith for eternalls , called of the apostle to the colossians * plerophoria , with allusion to a ship carried with a full sayle . to say that the . psalme speaketh only of a spirituall plague . ] to say that the legall promises and menaces are only spirituall , is to teach a doctrine that the auncient church was neuer acquainted with , nor yet any moderne writer that i know of . let such a , b , c , diuines go reade tremellius , and fr. iunius their notes on psal. . and of the rest , that on the fift verse : a pauore nocturno ] id est , ab vllis apertis , occullis , internis , externis , corporeis aut spiritualibus malis , vllo vnquam tempore ; wherein they teach that the promise is of deliuerance from any euils , open , hid , internall , externall , corporall or spirituall . it is not because they haue any promise . ] here i speake of the wicked in generall : shewing plainely that they had a faith in god. ] héere i speake of some certaine wicked . héere some say i speake contraries : first , because i teach that the wicked haue no such promise : secondly , that some such haue a faith or beliefe in god touching such deliuerance . i see a diuerse thing in these wicked-ones , but no contrary thing deliuered . that they haue no promise of hauing good by so much as a bit of bread , my maleuolent brethren graunt , that some of them haue beliefe in god for temporary blessings , yea , and sometimes of eternall happines , who can doubt , except all wicked should alwayes dispaire of all things ? if i had said , they haue iustifying or sauing faith , i had spoken contraries , séeing promises of this life , and that to come is made directlie and properlie vnto them . what kind of faith i spoke of , it may appeare when i terme it a bragging faith , that is , a presumptuous beliefe without any ground of promise . these that come to our sauiour in the last day , saying , haue we not prophecied in thy name , cast out deuils , &c. had they no faith touching temporaries ? t is very sillie . they had ( as schollers vsually speake ) a temporarie faith , and perswasion : and my writing can no way entend any other . and thus men crow before the victorie . that temporary repentance of ahab , manasses , &c. a great quarell ariseth from the poore word manasses , that i should number him with the temporarie repentant . if they had not liked the word , they might easily haue wiped it out , and so haue kept peace with the booke . that i vnderstand so of his repentance , obserue what i haue to say . in the . king. . the historie of his life and death is set downe , and no speech of any repentance . and thereto is annexed , that amon his sonne did euill in the sight of the lord , as did his father manasses . and amon is neither there nor elsewhere noted repentant , but caried out of the world in iudgement . this connexure of father and sonne , causeth me to thinke that the repentance spoken of in . chron. . ( in which respect he is preferred to his sonne ) to haue bene of the prophets then held but as temporarie , and fitted to time . if it be a good argument of salomons true repentance , that rehoboam and his people are said to haue walked three yeares in the way of dauid and salomon , . chron. . . ( for that salomon should not so haue bene matched with dauid , if he had not died well to the church-ward , as did dauid ) if i say , that be good for prouing his true repentance ; then i sée not why manasses his repentance may not be held as no true repentance , when he comes to be so conioyned with amon , that neuer truly repented to the church-ward . i say to the church-ward , because it is possible for a man to vnsatisfie the church , & yet of god be saued : as also to dye innocent to the church-ward , & yet of god condemned for some secret abhomination vnrepented of . but if any hereafter will logomachein , contend and wage warre about a word , it is not my purpose easily to follow them . section . v. famine , sword and pestilence , are a trinitie of punishments prepared of the lord , for consuming a people that haue sinned against him . . sam. . , . s. iohn in the opening of the fourth seale , doth number them thus ; * sword , hunger and death : the sword ●leying , famine staruing , the pestilence effecting death , but death with a witnes , as the most readie destroyer . dauid being put to his choise , doth distinguish them into two sorts ; the first being a fall into the enemies hands , and that he refuseth , because the churches aduersarie would insult without all mercy . the other two should be a fall into god his hands , and that he chooseth , because his mercies were great . and of these two ( famine and pestilentiall death ) he chooseth the latter ; why ? some thinke , because himselfe might be relieued of famine , and so not die : and he coueting to die with the people , would therefore choose the pestilence which would as well seize vpon him . this is somewhat , but i see it not in this scripture . after he had seene a fearfull fall of the people , he coueted gods hand to be turned against him : but that he was of such mind before that fall , it should not seeme ; first , because his heart ( before gad the prophet came to him ) was smitten with the sight of his sinne , whereupon he repented : secondly , because in his option of the pestilence , he expreslie expected some great mercie in the midst of iudgement . but the direct cause of electing this plague , was ( i doubt not ) diuided ( at least ) into these two respects : the first , ayming at the easinesse of death : for to die of famine is a more lingring torturing death . and herein appeared dauids charitie . the second ayming at the churches enriching with necessaries alreadie possessed : for famine would haue deuoured vp all her maintenance . and herein was both loue and policie . dauid being a prophet , he could not haue fewer godlie respects in his option . of all these three plagues , sword , famine , and pestilence , i conclude the last to bring with it the most mercie . if the aduersaries sword destroy , ô the mockings , proud insultings , filthie prostitutions , cruell oppressions , accompanying that sword ? the sword of romish babilonians was prest to haue beene drawen within and without vs. how great was the lords mercie to shut that vp in the scaberd ? famine was threatned vpon the death of our late soueraigne elizabeth ; for the rascalitie of our land hoped , as drone-bees , to haue spoiled our hyues , as an vnsatiable hell or graue to swallow vp all . how mercifull was god vnto vs , that with a crosse-wynd did rather take them vnto tyburne , or consume them in warres without vs ? yea , how was his mercie great vnto vs , in putting farre from vs both the former plagues , and in smiting , to smite vs with this pestilence : that so falling , we fall before his hand that is a mercifull father , in the midst of iudgement remembring mercie ; leauing vs not to lingring deaths , whereby we might be more pained ; and giuing that we haue possessed to his church , whereof we haue bene members . yea , where in three dayes the lords angell did smite to death . thousands of dauids people : loe his great mercie to vs ward , he hath not so smitten yet one thousand in full three dayes . o that the liuing would lay it to heart , and praise god for his mercies . section . vi. god of necessitie being to punish vs ; and then in stead of sharp rods , to smite vs with the pestilence ; and in the pestilence to destroie so leisurely , it should teach vs ( king , * priest and people ) to be humbled vnder his hand in the free confession of our sinnes , admiring his lenitie and fatherlie kindnes . god giue vs grace speedily to be humbled . and the lords mercies to vs , should force vs to be more mercifull one to another . it should teach magistrate and minister ( with dauid ) to bide by their charge , and to intreat mercie for the sheepe of his pasture , till the angell put vp his viall of pestilence . to augment our spirituall deuotions in the openest places , as did dauid , who built an alter in araunahs threshing floore on mount moriah , the place chosen of god for putting his name there , whereon after the temple was builded . yea , to put our sacrifices betweene the plague and the church , as dauid did betweene the falne of israel and ierusalem , that so the plague may not creepe any further . yea , the mercie of god to vs , should teach vs all to be helping one to an other , not to please our selues in all things , to lay downe our liues for the brethren , liuing and dying in good workes , to the sicke and needie . the ninetie-nine are to be left that stand not in such need , and the sheepe that is readie to perish , we ought to seeke vp . happie is the soule , who ( when his maister commeth ) is found so working : and thrise happie is the soule , that hath the body cut downe in such a worke of mercie . true it is , that for certaine * bodily vncleannesses and maladies , people vnder the lawe of moses were to be seuered from the church , more or lesse : and yet now no commaundement vnto vs ; why ? for that they were a part of the ceremonial law . this may appeare , first from the rites , secondly , from their significations . in certaine vncleannesses , they were to wash themselues with water , and then ( not before ) to be held cleane for company . for the leprosie , it was censured onely by the ecclesiasticall minister ; and this hee did not till hee sawe it , and sometimes not till he had made some fourteene dayes triall ; and speciall rules he had for the triall . who will say that these rites were not ceremoniall and abolished , besides that the priest had no feare of the leprous-plague during all the time of his probation ? for their signification , it respected the degrees of excōmunication for soules vncleanenesse . which not only appeareth by many * speeches in the new testamēt , alluding to such vncleannesses , but also , for that the new testaments church hath power only to excōmunicate for defects in the soule ; as the auntient synagogue did for wants in the body . these then that will maintaine their flight from the leuitical lawe , do in their fact pronounce all they flie from to be excommunicate ; yea , with the black kerem or maranatha to be excommunicate to the death , for not louing the lord iesus ; for to them such a censure only belongeth , . cor. . . thus such fleers are left of god to belie scripture , and to abuse their brethren ; which is a worse plague then that they flie from● if they meet now with the pest in the country , let them tel me , if so they can die with such peace of conscience as if they died in the city , performing workes of mercie to the sick and needie . but if they feast and reioyce in the country while the yron enters iosephs soule in the citie , let them know that god may serue in the last dish sauced with his vengeance . we haue sinned together , and the hand of god hath come vpon vs togither : let vs therefore humble our selues togither before the lord in fasting and prayer . let * nehemiah and * daniel , magistrate and minister , confesse their sinnes & the sinnes of their people , and let all the people subscribe , saying , amen . it is not change of place , but change of life that must healp vs. lord , for thy son sake , remit all our offences ; giue vs grace to turne vnto thee with all truth of repentance ; and for thy holy names sake remoue this same deserued pestilence from vs. amen . addition to the . section . for the leprosie , it was censured only by the ecclesiasticall minister . the minister was to finde out the trueth of leprosie , for giuing true information to magistrate and people , and vpon the experience of a fretting leprosie to put the person out of cōmunion , to burne the garment , to pull downe the house , leui. . and . first , it may be a question whether in the new testaments church there be a leprosie of such form that can be so tried : secondly , whither by fretting was ment infectious . and if : yet whether the pestilence ought so to be procéeded withall , séeing the minister now neither is so cōmanded to try it : nor in garments nor in houses it can so be found . for if ; then all our garments must be burned , the houses pulled downe , and the persons excōmunicate , which vnto me ( and i thinke to euery one ) would séeme absurd , and be the ruine of citie and common wealth . epilogus . the pestilence being in scripture phrase , an extraordinarie stroke of god by the ministrie of his angell , whereupon often-times visible corruption ariseth , and all for sinne : it leadeth you ( beloued ) first , to cast your eye vp vnto god the first mouer whether corruptiō visible be in the way , yea or no. secondly , to behold the angel of god appointed to keep vs in our way ; and that specially in respect of our bodies good : seeing since the consummation of the testament in christs blood , our soules are specially to be tended of true pastors , called of s. iohn , the angels of the churches . for now , no lesse then before they be ministring spirits sent forth to minister for their sakes , which shall be heires of saluation , heb. . . and yet ( as before ) they are appointed of god sometimes to punish man for going out of his way . thirdly , we are called to repent sinne , which did moue god so to send out his angell to smite vs , euen to the raising vp of the mudde in our nature . the truth of which repentance will appeare in our better care of setting right steps to to our feet , and in being more carefull of performing holy duties of charitie one to another . fourthly , seeing it seizeth vpon old and yong , rich and poore , of all complexions whatsoeuer , so well as some of all sorts are spared , we are lead to acknowledge that all sorts haue sinned ( though not after the same manner of transgression , rom. . . ) and therefore the dutie of all to be humbled , least the niuinites condemne vs. fiftly , the angels of the church ( from the like in the angels of heauen ) are to comfort and cheare vp such as be in their christian way , as also to reproue and sharply correct such as be out of that way . the first they are to do with the voyce of the glorious gospell or glad tidings of christ iesus who hath taken away the sting of death to them . the second they are to doe , by the terror of moses lawe , which bringeth with it to the infidelious & vnrepentant , curse and condemnation . andin so doing , they may with good consicnece make that prayer , thy will be don in the earth ( that is , of people in the earth ) as it is done in heauen , that is of the blessed angels that attend the word of the father in heauen . and thus with my heartie prayer vnto god , first , for the remission of all our sinnes : and secondly , for his grace to stablish vs in euery good worke for the glory of his name , i commend you vnto him that is able to present our bodies and soules faultles before the throne of iudgment , who spread his wyngs of sauing protection ouer vs and his whole church for euer , amen . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * . tim. . . . * psal. . * psal. . notes for div a -e * deut. . . * psal. . . . notes for div a -e pron . . . & . . * amos . . psal. . . * . chro. . * . king. . * isai. . * luk. . . notes for div a -e * in psal. . * rom. . . iam. . . &c. * coloss. . . full assurāce . notes for div a -e * reuel . . . notes for div a -e * these that stumble at the word priest , do it without ground : seeing priest is deriued of presbyter , as bishop of episcopus , and deacon of diaconus . nor maketh this any thing for the romanist that will be a iewish carnall sacerdos , or sacrificer . . sam. . . &c. . chro. . . * leuit. . & . & . & . & . chapters . * . cor. . . coloss. . . tit. . . iude . reuel . . . * nehe. . . . . &c. * dad. . . . . &c. a sermon preached before the peers in the abby church at westminster, november , being a day of solemn humiliation for the continuing pestilence / by edward lord bishop of norwich. reynolds, edward, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng bible. -- n.t. -- philippians iv, -- sermons. plague -- sermons. plague -- history -- th century. fast-day sermons. epidemics -- sermons. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a sermon preached before the peers , in the abby church at westminster , november . . being a day of solemn humiliation for the continuing pestilence . by edward lord bishop of norwich . london , printed by tho. ratcliffe for iohn durham , and are to be sold by edward thomas , at the adam and eve in little brittain . . a sermon preached before the peers , in the abby church at westminster , novemb. . . being a day of solemn humiliation for the continuing pestilence ▪ philip . . . let your moderation be known unto all men. the lord is at hand . some graces are primary , radical and fundamental , which having their proper termination in god and christ , are therefore , as to their formal and immediate beauty , invisible to any eye , but his who searcheth the heart and tryeth the reins . so our repentance is said to be towards god , and faith towards our lord iesus christ , acts . . our faith and hope is said to be in god , pet. . . as the root , though the principal seat of life in the tree , is under ground unseen , but the fruits flowing from that life are visible ; or , as the orator saith of a goodly structure , fastigia spectantur , latent fundament . so the most primitive and vital graces are in themselves known onely to god , and to the heart which enjoyes them ; but in and by their fruits they may , and must be known unto men . by our works we must shew our faith , iam. . . act. . . works , i mean , of transient charity , which properly termimate upon others , without us ; in which respect our saviour , though he forbid us to do our works to be seen of men , in a way of ostentation , matth. . . . . — . yet he commandeth us to let our light shine before men , in a way of edification , and to god's glory , matth. . . and in order to the same end , the apostle here requireth us to let our moderation be known unto all men . the words contain , a serious and weighty doctrine , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . the lord is near ; and a christian duty from thence inferred , let your moderation be known unto all men ; or an exhortation to the exercise of a special grace , and a most solemn argument , because , the lord is at hand . in the exhortation is observable , . the vertue it self required , express'd by the concrete for the abstract , not without an emphasis , as i take it . sometimes we finde a concrete superlative expressed by an abstract , ier. . . behold i am against thee o pride , that is , o thou most proud : and here an extensive abstract expressed by a concrete , as if he should have said , let your tongue , your hand , your whole conversation shew forth to all men , upon all occasions , this excellent and most amiable grace . . the peculiarity or characteristical difference of this vertue intimated in the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not a bare philosophical , but a christian moderation , such as becomes believers . . the conspicuousness thereof , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , let it be really upon all occasions manifested , for the honour of christ , and credit of religion . . the impartiality of it , it must be manifested to all men ; not onely unto good men , but unto the froward , that the mouths of adversaries may be stopped , their prejudices refuted , their emnities broken , and they won by the meek and humble conversation of believers to the obedience of the gospell . in the argument unto this duty , it is considerable , how many wayes the lord is near unto his servants , for their encouragement in so difficult and excellent a duty ; near , ad auxilium , to help them ; near , ad solatium , to comfort them ; near , ad iudicium , to reward them ; near , per inhabitantem gratiam , to direct and enable them ; near , per exauditionis clementiam , to hear and answer them ; near , per providentiae oeconomiam , to support and protect them . . believers are called unto an high and honourable condition , the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and dignity of being the sons of god , john . . and in that condition they may , by the power of corruption and temptation , be in danger to be puffed up with pride and arrogancy above others , and to a supineness and security of living , to sever their dignity from their duty : in this case 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , as suidas , hesychius , and favorinus render it , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that which is decent or becoming , is to be known ; we must walk secundum decentiam status christianis , so as becometh the sanctity and dignity of our high calling . . again , being in common with other men expos'd to the various vicissitudes of events ; apt in prosperity to be corrupted , in adversity to be dejected , and according to diversity of conditions , to express a dissimilar and uneven behaviour ; here again , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , let your moderation be known , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a serene , pacate , and stedfast equability of minde , unshaken and fixed against all events . . again , being by the state of our christianity , and by reason of the emnity which god hath put between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent , to expect , as strangers in the midst of adversaries , manifold afflictions and injuries , as the scripture hath assured us , act. . . ▪ tim. . . here also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , let your moderation be known , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , moderation of patience in bearing evils ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a moderation of candor and equanimity ; not putting suspicious and morose , but favourable constructions upon actions which have an appearance of unkindness ; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a moderation of meekness and placability , an easiness to be entreated , a readiness to forgive ; as the philosopher saith of such men , that they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , apt to pass by , and to pardon injuries . . again , having with other men a share and right in publick iustice , and out of the debt of self-love , being engaged thereby to preserve our own interests , we may be tempted to rigour and extremity in the means thereunto , and to lay hold on the utmost advantages against our brother : here also the exhortation is seasonable , that our moderation be known ; that we be rather ready to part from our own right , than to prosecute it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , with the strictness of a rigorous inflexibility ; and so the philosopher saith , that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a supplying of the defect , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a rectifying and mitigating of the rigour of legal justice . . again , because we have the human nature burthened with the same common infirmities , and are of like passions with other men , we may be easily tempted and transported many wayes into inordinateness and excess ; we may use our knowledge and liberty undecently and exorbitantly , to the defiling of our selves ; we may use them uncharitably , to the grief and scandal of our brethren , as the apostle sheweth , rom. . , . cor. . , . . , , , . pet. . . we may use our power and authority sharply and severely , to the grieving , rather than benefiting our poor brethren ; in all such cases the apostle's exhortation is seasonable , let your moderation be known ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; moderation in iudgement , not to disquiet the church , or offend our brethren with every unnecessary opinion of our own ; not rigidly to insist on our liberty , to the grief and scandal of our brethren . moderation of power , not to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , severe exactors of the extremity of justice ; but to adorne our authority , and render it amiable with clemency and meeknesse . moderation of passions , not to be transported with excessive delights , overwhelmed with inordinate sorrows , or possessed with any other unruly or tempestuous affection , to the suffocating of reason , and dishonour of religion ; but to let grace and wisdom hold the reins , and keep within just bounds of temper and sobriety whatsoever offers to break forth into undecency and excess . we see the wide extent and comprehensivenesse of this most amiable grace . give me leave to speak a word or two to each of these particulars , and then i shall proceed to that which follows . . we must walk secundum decentiam & dignitatem status christiani , so as becomes the gospell , that we may credit and honour our most holy profession , as those who have a lord to rejoyce in , a god to pray unto , a blessed appearing of a glorious saviour to wait for , as a people whom god hath formed for himself , to shew forth his praise , isai. . . this is the frequent exhortation of the apostle , that we walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called , eph. . . as becometh the gospel of christ , phil. . . so as we have learned and received christ iesus the lord , col. . . worthy of god , who hath called us to his kingdom and glory , thess. . . as becometh holyness , as a peculiar people , that we may adorn the doctrine of god our saviour in all things , tit. . , , . and may shew forth the praises of him , who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light , pet. . . and truly there is nothing deserveth such lamentation as this , to consider how few there are who live consonantly to the gospel ; which will too evidently appear , if we consider the law of christ , the vow of baptisme , and compare our conversations with them . are not these the laws of christ ? he that hateth his brother , is a murtherer ; he that looketh on a woman lustfully , is an adulterer ; that we resist not evill ; that we love our enemies ; that we lay not up for our selves treasures in earth , but in heaven ; that we enter in at the strait gate ; that he who will come after him , must deny himself , and take up his cross and follow him ; that we learn of him to be meek and lowly , who when he was reviled , reviled not again ; when he suffred , threatned not : in one word , that we should walk as he walked , and observe all things whatsoever he hath commanded us ? and have we not solemnly vowed all this in our baptisme ? wherein we promised to keep a good conscience towards god , and did in the presence of god and angels renounce the devil , the world , and the flesh , with all their pomps , vanities , and lusts ? and so not onely subscribe to the truth , but undertake the practice of those necessary doctrines ? and if we should now compare the lives of men amongst us , their bare-fac'd and open profaneness , their daring atheisme and blasphemy , their oaths and curses , their luxuries and excesses , their wantonness and impurities , their variance and wrath , their contentions and defiances , their bloodshed and duels , their implacableness and revenge , their inordinate love of the profits and pleasure of the world more than of god , their utter unacquaintance with the yoke of christ , and the narrow way that leadeth unto life ; if , i say , we should lay together christ's laws , and our lives , our most solemn vow , and our most perfidious violations of it , might we not most confidently conclude , aut haec non est lex christi , aut nos non sumus christiani ? either this is not christianity , or we are not christians ? and so tertullian , iustin martyr , and other antients are bold to affirm of such men , that they are not christians . ioannes picus mirandula professed , that he had an amazement upon him , when he seriously considered the studies , or rather follies of men : for , saith he , a madness it is for men not to believe the gospel ; which hath been sealed by the blood of martyrs , published by the preaching of apostles , confirmed by miracles , attested by the world , confessed by devils : sed longe major insania , si de evangelii veritate non dubitas , vivere tamen quasi de ejus falsitate non dubitares . but a farr greater madness it is , if not doubting of the truth of the gospel , we so live as if we doubted not of the falseness of it . and certainly , they who abuse the doctrine of the gospel unto licencious living , and expose the holy name of god unto contempt , by turning his grace into lasciviousness , are christiani nominis probra & maculae , the stain and dishonour , the blains and ulcers of the christian ▪ name , no otherwise belonging unto the body of christ , than dung and excrements to the natural body if the lacedemonian in plutarch would often look on his gray hairs , that he might be put in minde to do nothing unworthy the honour of them ; how much more should we continually minde the dignity of our relation unto god , as his children , that we never admit any thing unbecoming the excellency of so high a calling . ly . being in danger by the different vicissitudes of divine providence , to be tossed and discomposed with various and unequal affections , contrary to that stedfastness of heart which ought alwayes to be in believers , who have an all-sufficient god to rejoyce in , and a treasure of exceeding great and precious promises , ( able by faith and hope to ballance the soul against all secular fluctuations and concussions ) to take comfort from , in this case therefore it is necessary that our moderation be known , that we learn , with the apostle , in every state to be content , to be abased and suffer need without pusillanimity or despondency , to abound and be full without arrogance or vain-glory . faith makes a rich man rejoyce in that he is made low and humbled , to glory no longer in grass and flowers ▪ in withering and perishing contents ; and it makes the brother of low degree to rejoyce in that he is exalted to the hope of salvation , jam. . , . when therefore , with david , we finde one while our mountain strong , and presently we are moved , psal. . . when one day , with ionah , we rejoyce in our gourd , and another day are as angry because it is withered ; then we must labour for this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , this pacateness and serenity of soul ; like gold , to keep our nature in the fire , like celestial bodies , which in all their motions are regular and steady . even heathen men , by the dictates of reason and philosophy , have arrived at a very noble constancy and composednesse of minde ; of one , it is said , that in all companies , times , i and places , suos semper mores retinuit , he never departed nor varied from himself ; of another , that he was never observed either to laugh or weep ; of another , that he was of so equal a temper , that in his youth , he had the wisedom of an old man , and in his age the valour of a young man ; and of that excellent emperor marcus antoninus it is observed by dion , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that he was ever like himself , never given to change . how much more should christians , who have an unchangeable god to take care of them , a kingdom which cannot be shaken provided for them , promises which are all yea and amen , and an hope which is sure and stedfast set before them , retain a minde like the rock on which they are built , fixed and inconcussible . such was the blessed apostle , as dying , and yet alive ; as chastened , and yet not killed ; as sorrowfull , yet alwayes rejoycing ; as having nothing , and yet possessing all things : and such he would have us all to be , stedfast and unmoveable , cor. . . not soon shaken in minde , thess. . . but holding our confidence , and the rejoycing of our hope firm unto the end , heb. . . . being , by the condition of our christianity , to expect manifold afflictions and injuries in the world ; here also it is necessary , that our moderation be known ; moderation of patience , in bearing them ; of candor , in interpreting them ; and of lenity and meekness , in forgiving them . . moderation of patience in bearing them , having our eye more fixed on the hand of god ordering , than on the hand of man infflicting them ; being more taken up with the hope of future good , than with the sense of present evil ; looking rather with comfort on the need we have of them , pet. . . on the fruit we have from them , heb. . . on the recompence of the reward which will follow them , heb. . , . rom. . , . on the love of god , which will support us under them , heb. . . on our communion in them with christ , for whose sake we suffer them , pet. . . on the end of the lord , who is ever pittifull and of tender mercy to us , in them , iam . . than on any present weight or pressure we sustain from them . nullus dolor est de incursione ▪ malorum praesentium quibus fiducia est futurorum bonorum , saith saint cyprian : a man is never miserable by any thing , which cannot take away god or salvation from him . . moderation of candor and equanimity , putting the best constructions on them , as the carpenter's plain rendreth rugged things smooth , as favourable glasses report faces better than they are . a meek spirit doth not easily take up every injury , not out of dullness , because it cannot understand them ; but out of love , which doth not wittingly or hastily suspect evil , cor. . . which covereth all sinnes , prov. . . which teacheth us to shew all meekness to all men , tit. . . we are prohibited society with some men , thess. . . but we are commanded to follow peace with all , heb. . . . moderation of meekness and lenity , not resisting of evill ; nor out of a vindictive spirit , embracing all advantages to avenge our selves , as if it were an argument of a low and dejected soul not to repay evil with evil , and bid a defiance and challenge upon every wrong ; directly contrary to the word of god , which maketh it a man's wisedom and glory to pass over a transgression , prov. . . and expressly requireth us not to recompence evil , but to wait on god , prov. . . rom. . . yea contrary to the noble practice of many magnanimous heathens , epaminondas , agesilaus , pompey , caesar , and others , who by their clemency and bounty toward enemies , provided for their own safety , and made the way easie unto further victories . but we have a more excellent example to follow , forbearing one another , and forgiving one another , saith the apostle , even as christ forgave you , so also do ye , col . . that man can have no assurance of christs forgiving him , who resolveth to be avenged on his brother , matth. . . he who choseth rather to be a murtherer , to take away another mans life , or to throw away his own , than to suffer a reproach , hath , give me leave to say it , eousque , renounced the doctrine of christ , who commandeth us to do good unto those that hate us , and pray for those that despitefully use us , matth . . as himself did , luke . . who being reviled reviled nor again , but was as a sheep dumbe before the shearer , as the prophet speaks . by this noble moderation we disappoint those that wrong us , quia fructus laedentis in dolore laesi est , we fence our selves against the harm which an injury would do us , as a canon bullet is deaded by a soft mudd wall , and the force of a sword by a pack of wooll . he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife , prov. . . we melt and overcome our enemie , and heap coals of fire on his head , rom. . . but above all we honour god , to whom alone vengeance belongeth , we adorn the gospel , and evidence our selves to be the disciples of christ. . being subject , by the dictates of overmuch self-love , to assert with rigour our own right and interest , in this case also the precept is necessary , let your moderation be known ; rather remit of your own due , than by too earnest an exacting of it , to grieve your brother , or to discredit your profession ; abraham did so , though the nobler person , yet in order unto peace and honor , that their dissentions might not expose religion unto reproach amongst the canaanites , he gave unto lot the praeoption of what part of the land he would live in , gen. . . it was as free for the apostle to have taken the rewards of his ministry of the corinthians as of other churches , yet he purposely refused to use that power , that he might not hinder the gospel , nor give occasion of glorying against him unto those that sought it , cor. . , , . cor. ● . , our saviour , though he might have insisted on the dignity of his person , as the sonne of god , from paying tribute , yet to avoid offence he did cedere de iure , and gave order about the payment of it , matth. . , , . no doubt is to be made , but that it is free for christians to recover their just rights by a legal tryal , yet when the corinthians sued one another before unbelievers , and thereby exposed the gospel unto contempt , the apostle reproveth them that they did not rather take wrong , and suffer themselves to be defrauded ; the evil being farr less for them to suffer wrong , than for the gospel to suffer reproach , cor. . , , . thus doth this most amiable grace whereby we behave our selves towards all men with all equity , facility , equanimity , and suavity of conversation , attempering the severity of other vertues with the law of love , exceedingly conduce to the honour of god , and credit of the gospel , yea to our own safety and interest ; for as a tempest doth not break the corn which yields unto it , but the oaks which withstand it , nor thunder so easily hurt shrubs as cedars , so the wrath and prejudice of adversaries is exceedingly mitigated and abated by the humility , moderation and meeknesse of those that suffer them . lastly . being subject to the same common passions and infirmities with other men , and thereupon lyable to be transported into excess in the use either of our knowledge , power or liberty ; here also comes in the seasonable use of this excellent precept , let your moderation be known . moderation of iudgement , moderation of power , and moderation of passions . . moderation of iudgement , that we suffer not our knowledge to puff us up , but temper it as the apostle directeth us with charity , and use it unto edification , cor. . . i do not hereby understand moderation in the measure or degrees of our knowledge , as if we should content our selves with a mediocrity , and be , at our own choyse , willingly ignorant of any part of god's revealed will , as we please our selves ; for we are required to grow in knowledge , pet. . . and the word of christ must dwell in us richly , col . . nor do i understand a moderation of indifferency , as if it matter'd not what judgement we were of , but had , as the priscilianists claimed , a liberty at pleasure to depart from the rule of divine truth in outward profession , to serve a present interest ; for we are to buy the truth , and not to sell it ; we can do nothing against the truth , but for it ; we are to hold fast the faithfull word , tit. . . and having proved all things , to hold fast that which is good , thess. . . but by a moderation in judgement , i understand these three things : . a moderation of sobriety , not to break in and gaze upon hidden and secret things , as the men of bethshemesh into the ark , sam. . . nor to weary our selves about questions , as the apostle speaks , which are unprofitable and vain , tit. . . such as that of peter , what shall this man do ? john . . and that of the apostles , wilt thou now restore the kingdom unto israel ? acts . . but to be wise unto sobriety , rom. . . and to content our selves with things revealed , and leave secret things unto god , deut. . . in quem sic cred●mus , saith saint austin , ut aliqua non aperiri etiam pulsantibus nullo modo adversus eum murmurare debeamus . and therefore that good father gave no other answer to a curious question , than this modest one , nescio quod nescio , as judging an humble ignorance much better than a proud curiosity . . a moderation of humility and modesty , not to be so opinionative or tenacious of our own private , meerly disputable and problematical conceptions , wholly unnecessary to faith , worship , or obedience , as out of a love of them , not onely to undervalue and despise the as probable and sober judgements of other men , but by an imprudent and unadvised publishing of them , to obtrude them with over confidence on the belief of others , and haply thereby to cause a great disturbance in the church of god , directly contrary to the counsel of the apostle , hast thou faith , have it to thy self before god , rom. . . it is not fit that the peace of the church should be endangered by the bold attempts of every daring pen. of this sort was that unhappy controversie in the dayes of pope victor , between the roman and asiatick churches , touching the time of easter , who though former bishops of rome had , notwithstanding the different observations in that case , held intimate fellowship with the asian bishops , did out of excess of passion , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as socrates expresseth it , excommunicate all the asian churches , and made a dolefull disturbance in the church of christ ; upon which occasion , the forenamed historian hath a grave discourse , to shew how several churches did differ from one another in matters ritual , and yet retained firm unity and communion still . . moderation of charity , when in such things wherein a latitude and mutual tendernesse may be allowed , we choose rather , according to the doctrine of the apostle , not to offend our weak brethren , than unseasonably to insist on our own knowledge and liberty . and truly as it is an honour which learned men owe unto one another , to allow a liberty of dissent in matters of mere opinion , salvâ compage fidei , salvo vinculo charitatis , salvâ pace ecclesiae , ( for those three , faith , love , and peace , are still to be preserved : ) so it is a charity which good men owe unto one another , upon the same salvo's , to bear with the infirmities of each other , not to judge , or despise , or set at nought our brethren , as useless and inconsiderable persons ; but whom god is pleased to receive into his favour , not to cast them out of ours . this latitude and moderation of judgement , some learned men have taken the freedom to extend even to the case of subscriptions by law required ; the learned a author of the book called an answer to charity maintained , and the late learned b primate of armagh archbishop bramhall i shall not take upon me to affix any private sense of mine upon publick laws , or ever judge it desirable , that the doctrine of the church of england should have too slack a tye on the judgement of the clergy ; onely sure i am in points which are not fidei but questionum ( as saint austin distinguisheth ) in matters of an inferiour nature , wherein no man can rationally hold himself bound to trouble or discompose the mindes of the people , or the order and peace of the church , by an unnecessary publishing of his own private perswasion , so that his opinion and the churches quiet may be very well consistent together , learned men have ever allowed this latitude unto one another . . moderation of power , by gentle and winning wayes , to reform the manners , allay the distempers , and conquer the frowardness of inconstant and discontented mindes ; by placide and leasurely steps and degrees to get the possession of them , and to model and compose them unto an equal temper . this was the counsel of the old men , speak good unto them and they will be thy servants for ever , reg. . . as moderation is by grave and prudent men observed to be the preservative of power ; so cato in plutarch , and iulius caesar in that excellent oration which he made unto the senate in dion : so certainly it is a special means for the right administration of it . therefore the lord chose moses the meekest man alive for the government of his peculiar people , num. . . and of christ the prince of peace it is said , that he would not break the bruised reed , nor quench the smoaking flax , matth. . . as he saith of himself , learn of me for i am meek and lowly , matth. . . and the apostle beseecheth the corinthians by the meekness and gentleness of christ , cor. . . so the same apostle expresseth his tenderness towards the church , by the affections sometimes of a father , cor. . . sometimes of a mother , gal. . . sometimes of a nurse , thess. . . he calleth upon timothy , in meekness to instruct those that oppose themselves , because the servant of the lord must be gentle to all men , tim. . , . and upon titus , to shew all meekness to all men , tit. . . rulers are called healers , isai. . . and a physician , saith plutarch , will if it may be cure the disease of his patient rather by sleep and diet , than by strong purges . grave writers have observed , that even in the avenging of conquer'd enemies moderation is advantagious to the conqueror . he , saith thucydides , who is kinde to an enemy provideth for his own safety ; and surely it cannot but be usefull for healing distempers , amongst a long dilacerated and discomposed people , ut quod belli calamitas introduxit , hoc pacis lenitas sopiret , to use the words of iustinian the emperor . a course observed with rare clemency by our most meek and gracious soveraign in the act of general pardon and indempnity towards his people . i do often sadly recount with my self the wofull distractions which are in this once flourishing church , occasion'd by the wantonness of some , and subtilty of others , and can scarce arrive at any other expedient than abrahams iehovah iireh , gen. . . i do not need at all , neither shall i at all presume to bespeak the reverend governors of the church in this case of moderation , in any other way than the apostle doth the thessalonians in the case of brotherly ▪ love. as touching moderation ye need not that i write unto you , for you your selves are taught of god to shew all meekness to all men , and to restore those that are overtaken in a fault with the spirit of meekness , and indeed you do it . one thing i assure my self would greatly conduce to the healing of our divisions , and reducing of many unto the communion of the church who have departed from it , if all the other ministers of the gospel in their respective places would every where preach the word with that soundness , evidence , and authority , and so commend themselves to every man's conscience in the sight of god , reproving sinne not with passion , wrath , and animosity , but with the spirit of meekness , and by the majesty and authority of the word ; ( which alone can convince and awe the conscience ) would lead such holy , peaceable , and inoffensive lives , would treat all men with that prudence , meekness , and winning converse , that all who see and hear them may know that god is in them of a truth , that they do indeed love the peoples souls , and so faithfully discharge their trust , as those that do in good earnest resolve to save themselves and those that hear them . thus are all the interests of a christian church by all the officers therein , to be managed and preserved with that wisedom which is from above , which saint iames tells us , is first pure , then peaceable , gentle , easie to be entreated , full of mercy and good works , without partiality , and without hypocrisie , whereby the fruit of righteousness is sowen in peace of them that seek peace . . moderation of passion , when we suffer not our passions to anticipate right reason , or run beyond the dictates of practical judgement , when they flye not out beyond their due measure , nor transport us unto any undecency or excess , when they do not like a troubled sea cast up mire and dirt ; but are like the shaking of clean water in a christal glass , which onely troubleth it , but doth not defile it . for this purpose we must keep sanctified reason alwayes in the throne ; the higher and more heavenly the soul is , the more sedate and calm it will be , inferiora fulminant , pacem summa tenent . we must get the heart ballanced with such graces as may in special manner establish it against perturbation of passion , with clearness of reason , serenity of judgment , strength of wisedom , sobriety and gentleness of spirit , humility and lowlyness of minde , ( for ever the more proud , the more passionate ) with self-denial ; for all impotency of affections is rooted in an inordinate self-love ; this will transport a man to furious anger , to insatiable desires to excessive delights , to discruciating fears , to impatient hopes , to tormenting sorrows , to gnawing emulations , to overwhelming despairs . the heart , saith the apostle , is established by grace , heb. . . we have thus largely considered the duty here required , which the apostle would further have to be such a moderation as becometh them as christians . and therefore the precept is closed in on all sides of the text with certain peculiarities of christians , rejoycing in the lord , verse . and what can befall a man to shake and discompose his heart , who hath a lord alwayes to rejoyce in ? nearness of that lord , the lord is at hand ; and what is there in all the world , the beauty whereof can bewitch with inordinate love , the evil whereof can tempt to immoderate fears the heart which can by faith see christ coming quickly with a farr more exceeding and abundant weight of glory ? an access in prayer and supplication unto the throne of grace , v. . and what evils can disquiet the heart of that man with anxious , excessive , and discruciating cares , who hath the bosome of a father in heaven to powre out his requests into ? lastly , the peace of god which passeth all understanding ; and what perturbations are able to storm such a soul as is garrison'd with divine peace ? there is a mere philosophical moderation , quae mimice affectat veritatem , as tertullian speaks . but christian moderation is that which is founded in the law of christ ; which requireth us not to resist evil , to love our enemies , to bless them that curse us , to do good unto those that hate us , to recompence to no man evil for evil , to weep as though we wept not , and to rejoyce as though we rejoyced not . it is founded in the love of christ , the sense and comfort whereof ballanceth the soul against the assault of any other perturbations . it is regulated by the example of christ , of whom we learn to be meek and lowly , to forbear and to forgive , who when he was reviled reviled not again , who prayed for his persecutors , and saved them by that blood which their own hands had shed . it is wrought by the spirit of christ , the fruits whereof are love , ioy , peace , long-suffering , gentleness , goodness , meekness , as the apostle speaks . it is ordered to the glory of christ , and honour of christianity , when by our moderation we adorn the doctrine of god our saviour , being blameless , and harmless , the sons of god without rebuke , shining as lights in the world. for this end it is that the apostle requireth this moderation of theirs to be known , not as the philosophers and heathen shewed their vertues for vain-glory , ostentation , and interest , as gloriae animalia , & negociatores famae , as tertullian calls them : but that others seeing our good works may glorifie god in the day of visitation ; for if they who profess obedience to the rule of christ in the gospel live dissonantly from the prescripts of that rule , they do not onely harden wicked men in their sinnes , but expose the name of god and his doctrine unto reproach , as the apostle teacheth , rom. . , . tim. . . as nathan told david , that by his sinne he had caused the enemies ▪ of god to blaspheme , sam. . . so perverse and illogical is malice , as to charge those sinnes , which are aberrations from the doctrine of christianity , upon the doctrine it self , as genuine products and consequences thereof . the moralist hath observed , that the antient grecians called a man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , light , teaching him so to live as to be a light unto others . sure i am the apostle hath told us , that though we were by nature darkness , yet we are light in the lord , and therefore should walk as children of light , and shine as lights in the world , eph. . . phil. . ● . lastly . as it must be known , so universally known unto all men ; it must be without hypocrisie , not attempered to interests and designs , like the devotion of the pharises , who for a pretence made long prayers ; like the civilities of absolom and otho , of whom the historian saith , that he did adorare vulgum , jacere oscula , & omnia serviliter pro dominatione . it must be without partiality , not varied or diversified according to the differences of persons with whom we have to do . we christians , saith tertullian , nullum bonum sub exceptione personarum administramus . it must be known to our brethren , that they may be edified ; it must be known to our enemies , that their prejudices may be removed , their mouths stopped , their hostilities abated , and their hearts mollified and perswaded to entertain more just and honourable thoughts of those precepts of the gospel by which our conversations are directed . many and weighty are the arguments which might be used to perswade all sober , pious and prudent christians unto the practise of this most excellent grace . they may be drawn from our great exemplar and pattern , whom though we finde once with a curse against a barren figg-tree , once with a scourge against prophaners of his fathers house , once with woes against malicious and incorrigible scribes and pharises ; yet generally all his sermons were blessings , all his miracles mercies , all his conversation meek , lowly , humble , gentle , not suited so much to the greatness and dignity of his divine person , as to the oeconomy of his office , wherein he made himself of no reputation , but took upon him the form of a servant . from a principal character of a disciple of christ , humility and self-denial , which teacheth us not onely to moderate , but to abandon our own judgements , wills , passions , interests , when ever they stand in competition with the glory of christ , and welfare of his church , which maketh the same minde be in us which was in christ iesus , to look not every man on his own things , but every man on the things of others . from the credit and honour of christianity , which is greatly beautified by the meekness and moderation of those that profess it . hereby we walk worthy of our calling , or as those who make it their work to shew forth the worth and dignity of the christian profession , when we walk in lowlyness , meekness , long-suffering , unity , and love , eph. . , , . as the splendour of a princes court is set forth by the robes and fine rayments of their servants , matth. . . sam. . . so the servants of christ shew forth the honour and excellency of their lord , by being cloathed with humility , pet . : and decked with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit , pet. . . from the breaches , divisions , and discomposures which are at any time in the church or state ; towards the healing of which distempers moderation , meekness , and humility , do exceedingly conduce ; though sharp things are used to search wounds , yet balm and lenitives are the medicines that heal them ; as morter , a soft thing , is used to knit and binde other things together . it is observed by socrates and nicephorus of proclus patriarch of constantinople , that being a man of singular lenity and meekness , he did thereby preserve intire the dignity of the church , and by his special prudence healed a very great division in the church , bringing back unto the communion thereof those who had departed from it . from the various vicissitudes and inconstancies of human events , whereby many times it cometh to pass , that things which for the present are judged very needfull and profitable , prove inconvenient and dangerous for the future , as polybius hath observed . hereby we may in all conditions be taught moderation , not to faint or be dejected in the day of adversity , because god can raise us again ; nor to swell or wax impotent with prosperity ▪ because god can as easily depress us . it was a wise speech of the lacedemonian ambassadours unto the athenians in thucydides ; that they who have had many alternations and vicissitudes of good and evil , cannot but deem it equal to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , diffident and moderate in their prosperity ; as coenus the macedonian said unto alexander , that nothing did better become him , than 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as arrian tells us . and so on the other hand , this grace of moderation doth so poize and ballance the heart with christian constancy and courage , that it is not easily tossed or overturned by any tempest ; but , as they say of the palm tree , beareth up above all the difficulties that would depresse it ; as good iehosaphat , when he was distressed with a great multitude of adversaries , said in his prayer to god ; we have no might against this great company that cometh against us , neither know we what to do ; but our eyes are upon thee , chron ▪ . . lastly ▪ from the nearness of christ , which is the apostles argument in the text , the lord is at hand . prope ad auxilium , near to help us , the lord is nigh unto all that call upon him , psal. . . deut. . . we have no sufficiency of our selves to improve any talent , to manage any condition , to use our knowledge or liberty , our power or prosperity to the honour of god , or service of his church , no power to rejoyce in adversity , to forgive injury , to correct the exorbitancy of any inordinate and irregular passion . only we have a lord near unto us , his eye upon us to see our wants , his ear open to hear our desires , his grace present to assist our duties , his comforts at hand to support our hearts , his power and providence continually ready to protect our persons , to vindicate our innocence , to allay the wrath , and rebuke the attempts of any that would harm us . this is one principal cause of all our impatiency and perturbation , that we are so soon shaken and discomposed with every temptation , so soon posed with every difficulty , that we do soon despond under every storm , because we do not with an eye of faith look up unto god as one that careth for us , and is ever near at hand as a sun and a shield , a sanctuary and an hiding place to secure us against all our fears . prope ad judicium , near to judge us , to take a full and impartiall review of all that is done by us , and accordingly to recompence either rest or trouble , as the apostle speaks . this is a fundamentall doctrine which we all avow as an article of the christian faith. act. . . rom. . . . cor . . that christ shall come as the ordained officer to whom all judgement is committed , in flaming fire , attended with all the holy angels ; matth. . ▪ . thess. . , . iud. . , . to give a righteous , an impartiall , and finall doom and state unto the everlasting condition of all men . before whose most dreadfull tribunal we must all appear , stripp'd of all our wealth , honors , dignities , retinues , accompanied with nothing but our consciences , and our works , whether good or evill , to beare witness of us , and there receive a proportionable sentence to the things which we have done : holy men a sentence of absolution and mercy , for the manifestation of gods glorious grace , when he shall come to be magnified in his saints , and admired in all those that believe . wicked men a sentence of rejection and everlasting destruction from the presence of the lord , for the manifestation of his glorious power and justice , when all the devils in hell and powers of darkness shall be brought all together , and be trodden down under his feet , when all the low and narrow interests of secular wealth , pleasures , power and greatness which short-sighted men so passionately dote upon , and so eagerly pursue , shall to their everlasting disappointment be swallowed up in the general conflagration and so vanish for ever . when the poor and pittiful artifices , whereby angry mortalls do countermine and supplant one another , and mutually project each others vexations , shall to the confusion of the contrivers be detected and derided . in a word , when nothing that ever we have done , shall afford benefit or comfort to us , any further then as it was with a single and upright aime directed to the glory of god , and mannaged by the law of love. certainly this is one principal reason of all immoderation amongst men , of despondence in adversity , of insolence in prosperity , of excess in delights , of perturbation in passions , of vindictive retaliations ; one principal reason why they do not with a single eye and an unbiassed heart mannage all their actions and designes to the glory of god , the credit of the gospel , the interest of christianity , the edification and salvation of the souls of men , but often suffer weak passions , prejudices , interests to state , model and over-rule their designes ; the reason i say of all is , because the terror of the lord hath not perswaded them , because they are not sufficiently awed with the all-seeing eye , and near approach of the lord of glory , before whom all their wayes are naked , with whom all their sinnes are laid up in store , and sealed amongst his treasures . let us therefore seriously resolve to regulate all our actions by our great accompt . to say with iob , what shall i do when god riseth up , and when he visiteth what shall i answer him ? job . . he hath entrusted me with many talents , with a rich treasure of power and interest , of wisedom and honour , of wealth and learning , he hath deposited with me the custody of his eternal gospel , the grand interests of the church of christ , and of the precious souls which he redeemed with his own blood. god forbid that i should ever suffer any immoderate passions , or prejudices , or partialities , or low and narrow interests of mine own so farr to transport me , as that i should betray so great a trust , and provoke the wrath of so holy and just a judge . god enable me with that equanimity and singleness of heart , without hypocrisie , and without partiality , with a direct eye to the glory of god , the kingdom of christ , the edification and peace of his church , the flourishing of his gospel , and the prosperity of the souls of his people ; so to discharge every trust reposed in me , as that i may be able to give up mine accompts with joy , and when the chief shepheard shall appear , i may lift up my head in the day of redemption , and receive a crown of glory which fadeth not away . thus let your moderation be known unto all men , because the lord is at hand in his future approaching iudgements .. but hath not the lord been at hand , near us , in the middest of us already by many strange intermingled providences , by a series of glorious mercies , and a vicissitude of dreadfull judgments ; as if he would both wayes try , whether by the one we would be led unto repentance , or by the other learn righteousness ? is it a small mercy , that we have had the gospel of salvation in the purity of the reformed religion for so long a time in this land , having brought ▪ forth so little fruit in answer to the light and grace which hath been therein revealed unto us ? i have read an observation in one of the homilies of our church ( if my memory do not greatly faile me ) that we shall not often finde , that a nation which hath had the gospel in purity , and not brought forth the fruits thereof , hath enjoyed it much longer than years . i do not mention this as a sad presage , for i dare not set bounds to the infinite mercy and patience of god , his judgements are unsearchable , and his wayes past finding out ; the secret things belong unto him , and things revealed to us and our children ; it is not for us to know the times or the seasons , which the father hath put in his own power : onely i desire , by this sad observation , to awaken both my self and you timely to consider the things that do belong unto our peace , before they be hidden from our eyes ; for this is a sober and certain truth , that the sins of a church , as the fruits of a well-ordered garden , do ripen much faster than those of a wilderness ; and therefore the prophet amos calleth them by the name of summer fruit , amos . . the prophet ieremiah compareth the judgements threatned against them unto the rod of an almond-tree , jer. . . which shooteth forth her blossoms before other trees . and therefore when we have reason to fear that god will hasten iudgements , we have great reason to resolve with holy david , to make hast and not to delay to keep his commandements . again , was it not a great and eminent mercy , when god commanded up into the scabbard the sword of violent men , swell'd into pride and arrogance , with their many successes , when he infatuated their counsells , shattered and dissipated their undertakings , and swallowed them up in the confusion of their own consultations ? was it not a glorious and wonderfull mercy , that after a long and bitter banishment the lord brought back our dread soveraign in the chariots of aminadab , upon the wings of loyalty and love unto his royal throne , without the effusion of one drop of blood , and thereby made way for a stable and durable settlement both of church and state ? to say nothing of the other ordinary mercies , of flourishing of trade , and plenty of provisions , wherewith this nation hath been for a long time blessed : and may it not be said of us as it was of hezekiah , that we have not rendered again according to the benefits done unto us ? but have surfeited and played the wantons with these great mercies ; so that the lord hath been provoked to lift up his hand in many sore and dismal judgements against us ? for after that thousands and ten thousands had fallen by the sword of an unnaturall war in the high places of the field , he hath stirred up potent adversaries abroad against us , though blessed be his name we have not only hitherto been delivered from their fury , but by signall successes have had good reason to hope that the lord hath owned our righteous cause . yet for all this , his anger is not turned away , but his hand is stretched out still ; for he hath in these two years last past emptied this city and nation in very many parts thereof , as we may i presume with good reason compute , above an hundred thousand of her inhabitants , by the fury of a raging and contagious pestilence , the like whereunto possibly cannot be paralell'd for some hundred of years . and yet after all this , his anger hath not been turned away , but his hand is streched out still . he hath likewise contended by fire , and by the late direfull conflagration , hath laid in ashes the glorious metropolis of this nation , hath made desolate almost all her goodly palaces , and laid waste almost all the sanctuaries of god therein . thus the lord hath come with fire , and with his chariots like a whirlewind , to render his anger with fury , and his rebuke with flames of fire ; for by fire and by sword hath he pleaded with us , and the slain of the lord have been many . we see how the lord hath been near us both in wayes of mercy and of judgement , as if he would say of us as of ephraim , is ephraim my dear son ? is he a pleasant child ? for since i speak against him i do earnestly remember him still , therefore my bowels are troubled for him . i will surely have mercy upon him , saith the lord. and again , how shall i give thee up ephraim , how shall i deliver thee israel ? how shall i make thee as admah ? how shall i set thee as zeboim ? mine heart is turned within me , my repentings are kindled together . i will not execute the fiercenes of mine anger , i will not return to destroy ephraim , for i am god and not man , &c. jer. . . hos. . , . i shall limit the inference from all this to the first acception , which i gave of the original word in the text , namely , to teach us from hence to walk as becometh the dignity of our high calling , according to that exhortation of the apostle , let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of christ. for every thing of the gospel doth call upon us for holyness of life , the author of it a pattern of holyness , he that saith he abideth in him , must walk even as he walked , . ioh. . . the end of it a design of holyness , that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies , might serve him without fear in holyness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our life the doctrine of it a mystery of godliness , . tim. . . there is not an article of the creed which hath not holyness a consequent of it . the laws of it prescripts of holiness , be ye perfect as your heavenly father is perfect , matth. . . the cardinall graces of it faith , love , and hope , all principles of holyness , faith purifieth the heart and worketh by love , act. . . gal. . . love is the fulfilling of the law , rom. . . herein is love if we keep his commandements , joh. . . and every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure , joh. . . no man can rationally hope to be like unto christ in glory hereafter , who resolves to be unlike unto him in grace and holyness here ; for glory is the consummation and reward of grace . all the precious promises of the gospel invite unto holyness , having these promises , dearly beloved , let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit , perfecting holyness in the fear of god , cor. . . lastly , the dreadfull threatnings of the gospel drive unto holyness ; since we know , that without holyness no man shall see the lord , heb. . . and that he will come in flaming fire to take vengeance on those that know not god , and that obey not the gospel of our lord iesus christ , thess. . . and therefore as ever we expect to enjoy the benefits of the gospel , ( without the which we are of all creatures the most miserable ) we must shew forth the efficacy and power of the grace of the gospel in our hearts and lives , which teacheth us to deny vngodlyness and worldly lusts , and to live soberly , righteously , and godly in this present world , tit. . , . which that we may all do , the god of peace , who brought again from the dead the lord jesus , the great shepheard of the sheep , through the blood of the everlasting covenant , make us perfect in every good work to do his will , working in us that which is pleasing in his sight , through jesus christ ; to whom be glory for ever and ever . amen . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e a for the church of england i am persuaded that the con●ia●t doctrine of it is so pure and orthodox , that whosoever believes it , and lives according to it , undoubtedly he shall be saved ; and that there is no error in it which may ne●e sitate or warrant any man to disturb the peace , or renounce the communion of it this , in my opinion , is all intended by subscription ; and thus much if you conceive me not ready to subscribe , your charity i assure you is much mistaken . in the preface , sect. . b we do not suffer any man to reject the articles of the church of england at his pleasure ▪ yet neither do we look upon them as essentials of saving faith , or legacies of christ and his apostles : but in a mean , as pious opinions , fitted for the preservation of unity . neither do we oblige any man to believe them , but only not to contradict them . in the treatise called , schisme guarded and beaten back upon the right owners , &c. sect. . cap. . pag. . see also his iust vindication of the church of england , cap. . p. . thesaurus chirurgiae : the chirurgical and anatomical works of paul barbette ... composed according to the doctrine of the circulation of the blood, and other new inventions of the moderns : together with a treatise of the plague, illustrated with observations / translated out of low-dutch into english ... ; to which is added the surgeon's chest, furnished both with instruments and medicines ... and to make it more compleat, is adjoyned a treatise of diseases that for the most part attend camps and fleets ; written in high-dutch by raymundus minderius. chirurgie nae de hedendaeghse practijck beschreven. english barbette, paul, d. ? approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing b estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) thesaurus chirurgiae : the chirurgical and anatomical works of paul barbette ... composed according to the doctrine of the circulation of the blood, and other new inventions of the moderns : together with a treatise of the plague, illustrated with observations / translated out of low-dutch into english ... ; to which is added the surgeon's chest, furnished both with instruments and medicines ... and to make it more compleat, is adjoyned a treatise of diseases that for the most part attend camps and fleets ; written in high-dutch by raymundus minderius. chirurgie nae de hedendaeghse practijck beschreven. english barbette, paul, d. ? barbette, paul, d. ? pest-beschrijving. english. fabricius hildanus, wilhelm, - . new feldtartznybuch von kranckheiten und shäden. english. minderer, raymund, ?- . medicina militaris. english. the fourth edition. v. ([ ], , [ ], , , [ ] p.) : ill. printed for henry rodes ..., london : . reproduction of original in cambridge university library. added t.p.: chirurgery according to the moderne practice. vols. [ - ] have special t.p. only: london, printed for charles shortgrave, and are paged continuously. vol. [ ] has title "cista militaris; or, a military chest ... written in latine, by gulielmus fabritius hildanus. englished for publick benefit." vol. [ ] has title "medicina militaris: or, a boby [sic] of military medicines experimented. by raymundus mindererus ... englished out of high-dutch." includes index at front of first and second part and on p. [ ] at end of vol. . imperfect: t.p. for vol. is lacking in filmed copy. edition statement transposed from title. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng medicine -- early works to . plague -- early works to . anatomy -- early works to . surgery -- early works to . surgical instruments and apparatus -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion chirurgery according to the moderne practice written by paule barbette doctor of physick & practitioner at amsterdam . printed for henry rhodes . thesavrvs chirvrgiae : the chirurgical and anatomical works of pavl barbette , m. d. practitioner at amsterdam . composed according to the doctrine of the circulation of the blood , and other new inventions of the moderns . together with a treatise of the plague , illustrated with observations . translated out of low-dutch into english , the fourth edition . to which is added the surgeon's chest , furnished both with instruments and medicines , all useful : illustrated with several copper-plates : and to make it more compleat , is adioyned a treatise of diseases that for the most part attend camps and fleets . written in high-dutch by raymundus minderius . london , printed for henry rhodes , next door to the swan-tavern , near bride-lane , in fleet-street , . the author's preface to the judicious reader . what should be the scope of putting forth this my not sufficient polished treatise , after so many excellent and learned writings of physicians , the title before will declare unto thee , viz. that my design was both out of the ancient and modern , to extract the very marrow , and plainly to shew the best way of curing diseases belonging to chirurgery : therefore i have purposed not to obtrude upon thee this or that man's fancy , or conceit , for modern practice : for who ever was so mad as to embrace the opinion of any one region , city , or man ? who ever , though most ingenious and judicious , equally excelled in all the parts of his profession ? seeing it hath not pleased the giver of all arts to grant this perfectness to men : but i resolve to set down that practice which reason and experience , after a diligent reading of the best authors , and an exact observation of several operations , have taught me to be the safest , convenientest and easiest , for prolixity i have purposely avoided , and used not more words than only to express the thing it self . nevertheless i have studied to conprehend the foundation of the art in few chapters . read over all diligently , and let not what i purposely omitted trouble thee : great volumns easily affright the reader , as those that are too little betrays him : i have carefully endeavoured , what is hardly found , a mean ; and therefore , i have rather in few words inserted my observations , in the very descriptions of the diseases , then to waste thy time with a prolix discourse : to this end , that i might not repeat in particular diseases , what i had once set down in generals . tumors , wounds , and vlcers , which neither in cause nor cure differ , i have reduced under one head , contrary to what most writers use to do , who only from the difference of the part and member affected , difference the diseases , which aftewards giving them new names , they without any benefit multiply , and so they render that art which is difficult enough of it self , much more difficult . the most diligent of students can scarce distinguish them , who unprofitably spend much labour and time , in the controversies of the ancients concerning the name , whose opinions they suppose they ought to follow to a tittle , if they will arrive at the degree of doctor . we are the ministers of nature , not the slaves of those men that describe it : we account neither them prophets , nor their writings sacred , neither unlawful to add , or diminish to them without the name heretick . i have set down both few , and many medicaments ; for those that i have produced , although few in number , yet of great vertue , which by vast pains , and no less charges i have found out , and which dayly practice hath confirmed to me , as the safest of all . other medicines seek for amongst others . farewel kind reader , and whil'st i am imployed about other , and better ( if i can possible ) writings , receive these with a grateful mind ; and as i study to be profitable to thee , so also do thou endeavour always by these to help others .. the index of chapters to barbetty's chirurgery . the first part. chap. . of manual operations in general , pag. . . of unition or conjunction , . of the nature , difference , signs , prognosticks , and cure of fractures in general , ibid. . of particular fractures of bones , . of the nature , differences , signs , causes , prognosticks and cure of dislocations in general , . of particular dislocations . . of ruptures , . of the falling down of the matrix , . of the falling down of the anus . . of the second operation called diaeresis , or the seperation of what was united together , . of opening a vein , . of the opening of abscesses or imposthumes , . of the separation of parts unnaturally joyned , . of the paracentesis , . of the opening of the breast , . of removing a cataract of the eye , . of leeches , . of cuting in the hard parts , . of ustion or burning , . of issues , . of the seton , . of the drawing forth of bullets , . of the extraction of a dead child , and the secundine , . of the extirpating of a mortified part , . of the fleshy rupture , . of the extraction of the stone out of the bladder , . of a hare lip. an index to the second part. chap. . of tumors in general , . of inflammation , . erysipelas , . of oedema , . of scirrhus , . de tumore aquoso , or watry tumor . of the flatuous , or windy tumor , . de herpete , . de atheroma , steatoma and meliceris , . of scrophula , struma , or kings-evil , . of a bubo , . of the carbuncle , . of a cancer , . of a gangrene and sphacelus , . of paronychia , . of an aneurism , . of opthalmia , . of a quinsie the index of chapters to the the second book . of the second part. chap. . of the nature , difference , causes and signs of wounds , pag. . of the cure of wounds in general , . of the preservation of the strength and native heat in the wounded parts . ibid . of the symptoms of wounds , . of the drawing forth of extraneous bodies out of wounds , . of the manner of joining the lips of wounds together , . of medicines necessary for the curing of wounds , . of wounds of the nerves , . of wounds by gun-shot . of poisoned wounds , . of particular wounds . the index of chapters to the third book of the second part. chap. . of the nature , differences , causes , and signs of ulcers , . of the cure of ulcers , . of an ulcer with foul bones , . de ulcere depascente . . of fistula's , . of burns , . of particular ulcers . the index of the third part of chirurgery . chap. . of the practical anatomy , . of the parts in general , . of bones , . of cartilages , . of ligaments , . of membranes , . of fibres . . of veins , . of arteries , . of nerves , . of the flesh , . of the skin , . of the fat , nails and hair , . of the generation of the blood , and its circulation , . the division of the parts of the body . the second book , of the head. . of the outward parts of the head , . of the inward parts of the head , . of the neck . the third book : of the breast . . of the external parts of the breast , . of the internal parts of the breast . the fourth book : of the lower belly . . of the outward parts of this belly , . of the internal parts of the abdomen , the fifth book : of the joynts . . of the hands , . of the feet . an index to the treatise of the plague . a description of the plague , page it 's cause , it 's diagnostick , prognostick , it 's cure , whether bleeding and purging is convenient , , the use of sudorificks , medicaments against the plague , symptoms of the plague , are , feaver , ibid. drowsiness , continual watchings , great pain of the head , ibid. vomiting and the hicough , a loosness , spots , bubo , ibid. preservatives against the plague , practical observation . barbetty's chirurgery . the first part. chap. i. of manual operations in general . although the word chirurgery signifies all manual operations in general ; yet , by reason of its pre-eminence above all the rest , it is now only given to that art , which endeavours to remove the diseases of the body , by the assistance of the hands . 't is true , that external accidents require not only the help of the hands , but also internal means ; therefore it is no wonder for a part of physick to require the whole : chirurgery being a part , which depends upon the body of physick : but these internal medicines we impart to you , not as chirurgeons , but as physicians . the general operations of this art , to which all the particular ones may be reduced , are of four sorts : . synthesis , which teacheth how to unite parts disjointed . . diaeresis , to separate parts unnaturally joyned . . exaeresis , to remove what is superfluous . . anaplerosis , to supply those that are wanting . chap. ii. of synthesis or vnition . unition is of two sorts ; one regards the hard and boney ; the other the soft and fleshy parts of the body . the unition of bones is again twofold ; the one , setting bones broken ; the other , reducing bones wrenched or disjointed . we will begin with fractures . chap. iii. of the nature , difference , signs , prognosticks and cure of fractures in general . a fracture is a solution of continuity in the hard parts of the body , caused by an hard instrument externally forced upon the part . the differences are taken , . from the manner ; there being some transverse , which are properly called fractures ; others that are made according to the length of the bone , called fissures : and others are comminutions , when the bone is broken into many small parts . . from the part , it being some times in the head , sometimes in the shoulders , ribs , arms , legs , &c. . from the accidents ; there being sometimes a wound accompanying it ; at other times , a dislocation , inflamation , gangrene , &c. cause ] is , whatever is able to break , bruise , or cut : sometimes also a bone corrupted by the pox , gout , or otherwise , hath been broken without any external force . signs . ] a bone being transversly or obliquely broke , by handling it , you perceive an inequality ; the patient is scarce able to move the part affected , and sometimes that part is shorter than the other ; the thigh , leg or foot being broken , the patient cannot stand at all ; but he may somewhat , though with pain , in a dislocation : and this is the surest difference between a fracture and a dislocation . a fissure is discerned by the thickness , pain and unevenness of the part , and requireth the judgment of a skilful chirurgion . a comminution is easie to be perceived , the bone being very unequal , and here and there yielding to the fingers . prognosticks ] a transverse fracture is more easie to cure than an oblique ; or when accompanied with apparent inequalities ; that , where but one bone is broken , than where two are , or where the bones are much shattered ; that , which ●s made in the midst of the bone , than what happens to be near the head ; and a single one , than a compound . if the patient remain undressed beyond the seventh day , the member is in danger of mortifying , especially if that the part be too ●ard bound . the cure. ] a broken bone requires these four operations ; extention , conjoining , ligature , well-placing ; and withal , the application of outward and inward remedies . extention can hardly be performed without pain ; which yet will be much less , if the member be so extended , that the muscles do not labour ; that is to say , the part must be so laid , that when in health , they could hold out longest without tiring . sometimes the extension must be greater , sometimes lesser ; which will be performed aright , if regard be had to the time of the fracture , to the age of the patient , and to the greatness of the bone. a recent fracture , a tender patient , a small bone , require a gentler extention : on the contrary , an old fracture , a strong patient , and a big bone , a greater . the manner of extending i describe not , because it is better learnt by the frequent view of practice , than by reading . after extention , you are to join the bones together ; in the doing of which , the muscles must not be wrested , but retain their natural position and figure . then the part must be bound with a double rowler ; the first is to be rowled thrice about the fracture , and then upwards . the ( second ( which must be twice as long ) is to be once wound about the fracture , proceeding downwards , and then upwards again , a little higher than the first rowler ; to which you will give more firmness , if you bind some convenient splints ( of wood , or rather of past-board ) round about the member . the ligature ought not to be too strait , lest it cause pain , and rob the part of its nourishment ; nor too loose , lest the bones slip out of their place . and unless great pain , or other symptoms require , it must not be opened before the third day ; and at the second dressing , it must be bound somewhat closer ; and afterwards changed but once every four , five or six dayes . lastly , the part ought to be well placed , that is , softly , evenly , and a little raised . if you lay it too low , the bone will bend outwards ; if too high , it will bend inwards : wherefore you must observe a mean. now , whether these four operations have been duly performed , may be known by the ensuing signs . the extention is well done , if the part be strait , and as long as its fellow ; if it appear to outward view every where even , and a little hollow about the fracture . the joining together is duly made , if the bone be any thing firm , and all about the fracture be found equal . the ligature is as it ought to be , if the patient , as soon as he is dressed , find the pain abated ; if the pain do somewhat encrease the first and second night , and there be perceived the third day , without the place of binding , a little swelling yielding to your hands . the bone is well placed , if in the second dressing you find all even . before you rowl the ligature about the member , bathe the part with spirit of wine or red wine ; or , with oyl , wine and vinegar mix'd together ; or , take the white of an egg , with some bolus , frankincense , dragons-blood , &c. or anoint it with oyl of roses , mirtles , violets , &c. or lay plaisters on it . in winter , the oxycroceum will do well : at all times that which follows ; take mastick , frankincense , of each two drams , aloes , gum tragacanth , dragons-blood , bole-armonick , of each a one dram ; lapis haematitis , burnt talch , of each one dram ; whites of eggs , and oyl of roses , as much as is sufficient . make it into a plaister . if a wound accompany the fracture , then ought you to extend the part first ( yet somewhat gentler than in a simple fracture ) then you are to join the bones together ; next , to observe the wound , to bring the lips thereof together with plaisters , rather than with a needle , and to guard it with a defensive : and lastly , rowl the part , and lay it conveniently . if there be a cominution , or great shattering of the bones joined with the wound , then endeavour with forceps to remove the small loose bones , leaving those to nature that are yet any way fixed ; for she will , though somewhat later , of her self throw them out ; and sometimes she will unite them again to the whole . yet , to forward her , you may assist nature with the following medicaments . take ashes of earth-worms , three drams ; virgins-honey , an ounce and half , mix them , and make an oyntment . or , take aloes , myrrhe , of each half a dram ; roots of comfrey the great , round-birthwort , of each three drams , euphorbium , two drams ; turpentine and wax , as much as is sufficient , with a little oyl of lillies , to make it into an oyntment . if the bone be bare , cover it with its own skin and nuscles , and defend it from the air as much as is possible . if it be bare and also started out , endeavour to reduce it again into its place ; but if it be got out too far , take away the pieces thus started out , with saw or nippers . now these manual operations being well performed , the patient must observe a good diet ; open a vein upon occasion , and afterwards purge the blood. in the fractures of the lower parts , purging is not convenient ; but if the patients belly be bound , he must take a suppository . in the fractures of the upper parts , purging or administring clysters , is oftner necessary , and may be done by the ensuing compounded or simple medicines , which may also serve you in all other accidents that we may describe in this whole treatise . medicines purging choler . rhubarb , cassia fistula , yellow myrobalans , tamarinds , manna , scammony , syrup of sicchory , with rhubarb , elect. catholicum , hiera picra , lenitivum , diaprunum solutivum , & succus rosarum , pil. de aloe rosata , aureae , aloephanginae , ruffi . take electuary lenitive , two drams ; elect. of the juice of roses , one dram ; cassia fresh extracted , two drams ; cream of tartar , two scruples ; succory-water , as much as is sufficient ; spirit of vitriol , a little . make it into a potion . or , take rhubarb , senna , of each two drams ; cream of tartar , one dram ; aniseeds , half a dram : infuse them two hours in a sufficient quantity of sorrel-water , let it boil a little , and to three ounces of the strained liquor , add of the elect. of diaprun . sol. one dram , or a dram and half , and drink it . or , take of pilulae aureae , extract . catholicum , rhubarb , of each half a scruple . make them into seven pills . or. take cream of tartar , sal prunella , of each xij grains ; vitriolated tartar , diagredium , of each vj. grains . make it into a powder . medicines that purge phlegm . the roots of asarum , mechoacan white and black , hellebore , colocinth , myrabolani , belliric , emblici , chebuli , agarick , turbith , syrup of diacarthanum , electuaries of hierae with agarick , diaphoenicon , diacarthamum , confection of hamech , powder of diaturbith , pills of cechiae , foetidae the greater , aggregativae , lucis the greater , assajeret of avicen , troches of agaric , alhandal . take roots of grass , two drams ; flower-de-luce , trochiscatum , agarick , turbith , of each one dram ; aniseeds , fenel seeds , of each one scruple : let them infuse for three hours in a sufficient quantity of parssy water ; boil it , and strain it ; and to three ounces of it , add of electuary of diaphenicon , one dram and half . make it into a potion . or , take electuary of diacarthamum , confection of hamech , of each two drams ; powder of jalop ; eight grains ; cream of tartar , two scruples , fennel water , as much as sufficeth . make a potion . or , take of pill aureae , six grains ; of pill cochiae , pill faetidae the greater , of each twenty grains . make them into seven pills , and gild them . or , take extract of catholicum , xiij grains ; of the troches of alhandal , one grain . make three pills , and gild them . medicines purging melancholy . roots of black helebore , polipody , senna , lapis lazuli , syrup of roses solutive with senna , electuaries of diacatholicon lenitive , confection of hamech . the powder of dia senna , pills of lucis minoris , troches of alhandal , myrobalans of india . take bark of tamarisk , three drams ; roots of polypody , two drams ; staechas flowers , half a pugil ; senna , one dram and half ; aniseeds , half a dram ; mirobolans of india , one dram : infuse them two hours in a sufficient quantity of borage-water ; boyl it , and strain it ; and to four ounces of the strained liquor , add , an ounce of syrup of roses with senna , spirit of salt , as much as will give it a little acidity ; and make it into a potion . or , take electuary of diacatholicon , one dram ; the electuary of diaphoenicon , confection of hamech , of each a dram and half ; cream of tartar , two scruples ; powder of jalop , six grains ; whey , a sufficient quantity . make a potion . or , take of pill indiae , of aggregativae the greater , of each fifteen grains : diagridium , three grains ; troches of alhandal , one grain . make seven pills , and gild them . note , all these receipts are set down for full-grown bodies , their quantities being to be lessen'd according to the younger age , and strength of the patient . chap iv. of particular fractures of bones . the fractures of the skull are divided into six several kinds ; a fissure , contusion , fracture , incision , puncture and contra fissure . a fissure is made by a hard and blunt instrument , and passeth sometimes through both tables , sometimes through one only . a fracture is made , when a part of the skull is separated from the whole . an incision is made by a cutting instrument ; where sometimes one part of the bone is rais'd up and separated , as it were , but is yet fast to the rest of the bone ; sometimes a part is quite taken away ; sometimes there remains a mark in the bone according to the figure of the instrument . a puncture is made by a pungent or thrusting instrument , and seldom passeth through both tables . a contra-fissure is made , when the part struck remaining whole , the opposite part is cleft . the signs are , swimming of the head , dimness of the eyes , vomiting , bleeding at the mouth , nose and ears . the patient grows dumb , and suddenly falls to the ground : whereupon follows raving , a feaver , convulsions , palsie . any hard thing , as a piece of wood , a spoon , &c. being put into his mouth , he is not at all , or hardly able to bite upon it . here it must also be carefully enquired , in what manner , and with what instrument he hath been hurt ? whether he be young or old , tender or strong , healthy or unhealthy ? presently after the fall or stroke , before the part swells , you may sometimes feel the hurt with your fingers ; and if there be a wound with it , you may either see it , or find it out with a probe . prognosticks . ] the fractures of the skull , how fair soever they may look , is never without danger , but more dangerous , when both the tables are hurt or broken ; and more dangerous yet , if the dura mater , and most dangerous , if the pia mater be also hurt . the more symptoms there are , the less hope of a good event . if the bone grow black in the beginning , that is a mortal sign . cure. ] if the skin be yet whole , or the wound not large enough , make a cross incision , and divide the pericranium . if under it you find a fissure , put some ink into it , and bind up the wound . the second day , or as soon as the bleeding is ceased , scrape the skull at once , or at several times , until the ink with the fissure is altogether gone , and the bone grow somewhat bloody , then throw the ensuing powder upon it . take dragons blood , burnt harts-horn , of each one dram and half ; myrrhe half a dram ; frankincense , and orrise roots , of each a dram ; make it into a very fine powder . if the fissure pass through both tables , then are you to make use of trepanning ; as likewise in the contra-fissure , fracture and contusion of the skull , or else you will quickly lose your patient . the incision is healed like the fissure . in the puncture you must put the trepan just in the middle , and not on the sides of the place hurt . if you find a fracture with a cominution , then take out all the small loose bones , committing to nature those that are yet fast to the pericranium , or cannot be taken away without force . and then if the fracture be so large , that you can free the brains from the coagulated or corrupted blood , or from the pricking bones , trepanning will be needless ; but if it should happen otherwise , you must , with great care , apply the trepan , unless the patient be strong , and the matter very little . the manner of trepanning will be taught in another place . . in a fracture of the nose , what is raised , is to be pressed down ; and what is pressed inward , to be raised with a spatule , or other instrument : afterwards a pipe or quill is to be put up , and continually kept there , till the cure be done , and a fracture-plaister is to be laid on without . if the bone be not corrupted , it will be healed in ten or twelve days . . a broken jaw-bone is restored by ones fingers used both within and without the mouth ; and if those be too weak , then one is to draw the head backward , and the chirurgeon forward , and so to put it in . it is cured in twenty days . . the clavicle being broken , there must be one to draw the arm backward , and another to draw the neck or shoulder forward ; the chirurgeon himself , in the mean time , drawing upwards what was fallen down , and downwards what was raised too high . if a ball be put into the arm-pit , and the elbow be pressed against the ribs , the operation will prove more easie . it is cured in twenty four days . . if the shoulder-blade be broken about the place where it is united to the arm , then is the hurt for the most part incurable . if it break in the acromion ( which may be easily felt ) then let the arm or shoulder be pulled down , either with hands or ligatures , and in the mean time set it in . if it be broken into several pieces , make an incision , and take them out , unless they be yet fast to the peri-estium ; in which case , you must leave nature to her self , which will either make them unite again , or throw them out . it is healed in forty days . . the sternum , or breast-bone happens either to be broken , and then you 'll find an unevenness , which being toucht , will yield to the fingers , and cause some cracking ; or to be pressed in , and then you 'll feel a bending inwards , which will cause pain , a short breath , coughing and spitting blood . to restore the same , lay the patient on his back upon a great stone , pressing both his shoulders downwards ; then press the ribs backward and forward , until the bone be reduced again in its right place . this is cured in twenty days . . a simple fracture of the ribs , which is without any great contusion , or inflamation of the neighbouring parts , may be healed in twenty days , applying the fracture-plaister . if the ribs stand out , they must with ones hand be pressed in . if they bend inward , let the patient keep in his breath , and so press the rib outward ; in the mean time , assisting him with your hand . if that succeed not , then lay a sticking plaister upon it , and pull the same off so often , until the rib return into its place . cupping-glasses here are of no use . . a simple fracture of the joynts of the back-bone is easily set again with ones finger , and is made whole in twenty days . but if the marrow of the back-bone be so hurt or pressed in , that the arms or legs of the patient become lame or senseless , that he cannot retain his urine , or his excrement , then he seldom escapeth death . yet you are to do your utmost ; and if one or more small bones be altogether loose from the periostium , then make incision , and take them out . . the same is to be understood of the fracture of the os sacrum , which alone hath this peculiar , that you may put your fingers into the anus , and restore it to its right place . . the hip-bone being broken , is to be set as soon as possible may be , and then it will heal in twenty four days ; otherwise you may expect various accidents . but if it be fractured into many pieces , then you are forthwith , in the first dressing , to make an incision ; take out the small splinters , and re-place those that have yet any hold-fast . yet , by reason of the multitude of the tendons , muscles , veins , arteries and nerves , that are spread over the whole part , such an incision cannot be made without great danger . . if the upper-bone of the arm be broken , first bend the elbow toward the breast , then take the lower part of that bone close to the elbow , pulling it straight down towards the ground , and so restore it ; well observing here , that the arm , during the whole time of cure , must remain in that posture in which it was extended ; otherwise the fracture will , upon the least change of its posture , slip out again . where yet 't is to be understood , that the chirurgeon after the second or third dressing , as often as after that he dresseth the patient , must stretch out his arm strait , to the end that the tendons which run from the arm , and are inserted below the elbow , shrinking by the long lying still , may not cause a troublesome stiffness . however , this shrinking of tendons ( which are by pretenders to chirurgery , ridiculously call'd nerves ) may yet conveniently be cured in two or three months , if you make the patient to carry every day some weight , and endeavor to relax and mollifie the tendons with fomentations and embrocations , abstaining from the use of any brandy , or any other corroborating and astringent medicines . i have always found successful the following unguent . take man's and duck's grease , of each one ounce ; oyntment of marsh-mallows , half an ounce ; oyl of earth-worms , white lilly , and camomile , of each two drams . make an oyntment . this broken bone is cured in forty days . the restoring of the broken thigh-bone , hath nothing different from this . . the elbow hath two bones ; of which , the greater is called radius , the lesser ulna ; both fociles : the small focile being broken , 't is easie to restore it . the cure is harder , when the great one is broken ; and yet harder , when both are broken : in which case , the extention is to be made the stronger . when they be well set , and bound up , then must the hand be placed a little higher upon the chest than the elbow ; and afterwards , every second or third day ( without pain or violence ) the arm is gently to be stretch'd out , to the end that the humors flowing thither , and there staying too long , may not cause a concretion in the bones , and a stiffness in the arm , as not extensible any more . it is cured in thirty days . . the leg hath also two bones , the greater called tibia , and the lesser fibula . their cure had nothing different from the next foregoing . . if the patella , or knee-pan , break cross-ways , the patient commonly remains lame . if it break long-ways , then by the muscles that draw upwards , without any great help of the hands , it is almost of it self restored , and cured in twenty days . chap. v. of the nature , difference , signs , causes , prognosticks , and cure of dislocations in general . a dislocation is a forcing of the bone out of its cavity and natural place into another , hindering voluntary motion . the differences are taken , . from the manner ; for sometimes the bone is altogether forced out of its place , and that is properly called luxation or dislocation : sometimes it is got out but a little or half , which is called sub-laxation , or elongation . . from the cause ; for sometimes it is from an external accident , as by wrestlings , falls , or blows , &c. sometimes from internal causes , by the afflux of humors . the causes are of two sorts ; . external , such as are falling , beating , running , wrestling , and vehement extention , as it often happens to women in labour , through the unskilfulness of midwives ; yea , by a violent stroke or fall , even the bones of the infant in the womb , may be dislocated . . internal , by the afflux of humors , which falling into the joints , relax and resolve the ligaments , and so causeth the bones to slip out of their places . the signs , especially in a lean body , are manifest enough . the bone causeth in the place to which it is forced , a tumor or rising ; and in that whence it is forced , a cavity . if there be a perfect dislocation , the member will be drawn up , and shorter ( unless the luxation happen by the laxity of the ligaments , than it becomes longer ) the part is painful , chiefly upon motion . in a subluxation , these accidents are lesser , and seldom all together . prognosticks . ] in children and other tender bodies , the bones may be reduced more easily ; but are kept in with more difficulty ; the contrary happens in strong and full grown persons : the dislocation of the head is mortal , that of the vertebra's dangerous ; and that which is inveterate is hard to be cured . that which proceeds from an inward cause , is of a slower cure , and does easily return . cure. ] the bone forced out , must be reduced to its place , either by the hands , ligatures , or instruments ; but by which of these three it shall be performed , the nature of the affected part will declare . 't is certain , that these four manual operations ( extention , setting , binding and well-placing ) must here be used as well as in fractures of bones . extention must be made so great , that there may be a cavity between the bone that remains well , and that which hath been forced away , to the end that in the setting , the one may not rub against the other ; whence afterwards are wont to rise very grievious , and sometimes incurable accidents . in the setting , care must be had not to wrest the bones nor the muscles , but to keep their natural figure . before you proceed to binding up the member , endeavour to preserve the part from inflammation and flux of humors , and strengthen it with the following medicines . a strengthening plaster . take frankincense , mastick , bole-armonick , dragons-blood , of each half an ounce ; fine-flower , an ounce ; roots of great comfrey , two drams ; weather-sewet , three ounces ; white-wax , as much as sufficeth to make a plaister . another . take litharge , wax , rosin , of each three ounces ; being melted over the fire , add to them , of great comfrey , bean-meal , bole-armonick steeped in vinegar , and dried , of each three ounces ; tragacanth , two ounces . make it into a plaister . if the pain , or other symptoms do not necessarily require it , you ought not to loosen the bandage before the fifth , sixth , or seventh day , and then do it with as little motion as is possible . lastly , lay the part even , and in such a posture , in which , when found , it can longest remain without trouble . if you find the dislocation accompanied by an inflammation , beware of extending the part , or doing ought to it before that be removed ; which you are to do , first with emollient , and afterwards with discutient , medicines . an emollient unguent . take the compound ointment of marsh-mallows , two drams ; hogs-grease , half an ounce ; oyl of white-lillies , roses and mirtles , as much as is sufficient to make it into a linament . a discutient plaister . take colophony , frankincense , mastick , pitch of each an ounce ; cummin-seeds , fennel-seeds , of each six drams ; wax and oyl of dill , as much as sufficeth . mix them , and make it into a plaister . chap. vi. of particular dislocations . . the jaw-bone , except it be in young children , can hardly be dislocated otherwise than forwards . sometimes it is only dislocated in one side , and is easily restored ; sometimes in both , in which case it is difficult to set , and very dangerous , and often mortal . it is very seldom luxated from a debility of the muscles ; sometimes from the laxity of the ligaments ; for the most part , from a too wide opening of the mouth . if it be dislocated but on one side , it stands a-skew , and is turned towards the side hurt ; some thing is prominent , the teeth stand not directly under one another , nor can they be brought together , so that the mouth remains open . you must draw it towards the opposite side , and reduce it to its place , which is not hard to do ; yea , by a stiff box on the ear it hath often been restored . if it be dislocated on both sides , then does it fall forwards , the mouth stands open , both the apophyses are prominent , the lower teeth stand further than the upper , and the temporal muscles are distended . in this case , let yout servant hold the patient's head firm , or hold it against a wall ; draw the jaw-bone first downward , putting both your thumbs in the mouth , then backward , and lastly upward . . the collar-bone rarely happens to be luxated , and is seldom set , but it stands somewhat out ; whereby it often comes to pass , that the patient cannot lift up his hand to his mouth , much less to his head . for restoring it , you are to lay the patient on his back , and a stone under his shoulder ; then you must draw his arm forward and backward , as the dislocation requires ; then press the clavicle , so raised , down into its place . . the great bone of the arm ( adjutorium ) is never dislocated backward ; seldom upwards and forwards , but for the most part downward : a certain sign of it is , if you find it roundish hardness under the arm-pits , and on the top of the shoulder a hollowness , and the arm be longer , and the patient cannot bring his hand to his mouth . it may be reduced several ways ; but these are the most convenient , and the most sure . . let a strong man hold the patient fast about the hurt shoulder , and let another draw the arm downwards ; then lift the upper part of the arm into its cavity , and the bone will be soon restored into its place . . take a strong ladder , at the foot thereof put a ●tool for the patient to stand upon ; on the uppermost step , bind something round that may just fit the arm-pits ; put the patients arm upon it , and draw it downward , moving the shoulder-bone to and fro ; let your servant , mean while , draw the sound arm downward , and withal , thrust away the stool from under the patient , that whilst he is thus pendulous , the shoulder-bone may be restored . . lay the arm-pits of the patient upon the shoulder of a strong and taller man than himself ; draw the dislocated arm downward , so that he lifting up his own shoulder , the patient may remain in a pendulous posture : in the mean time , press his shoulder downward , working the arm to and fro , until it be restored to its due place . . the glossoc●mium described by hyppocrates , and approved by paraeus , is the most convenient of all ; to be seen in the authors themselves . . if the vertebrae of the neck be out of joint , the patient is to be set upon a little low stool , and his shoulders pressed downward . after this , his head is to be lifted up with both hands , turning it to and fro ( yet with as little force as may be ) and thus they are to be reduced . whereupon the patient will presently find himself at ease , and turn his head whithe● he pleaseth . . if the vertebrae of the back be forced outwards , the patient is to be laid upon his belly and by two men and two ligatures , one tied under the arm-pits , the other about the hip he must be strongly stretched out , and the ve●tebroe's be thrust in again . if they be forced i●wards , it is mortal . . if the os sacrum be out of joint , put you● fingers into the anus , and press it from within as well as from without , into its place . . a rib dislocated , must not remain long out of its place , lest more grievous accidents follow . if it be removed out of its vertebra upwards , then hang the patient by his arms over a door , and so press it in . if it be out of joint downward , the patient must bend himself , laying his hands upon his knees , and the chirurgeon in the mean time , must move to and again the displaced rib till it be restored to its right place . if it be dislocated inward , lay a sticking plaister on it , and often pull it away with violence ; and thus sometimes it may be restored ; if not , it often proveth mortal , not being capable to be reduced by the hands . . the cubitus may be dislocated forward or backward , inward or outward . and sometimes the radius is likewise dislocated with it , sometimes it remains in its place ; which by handling the part , is easily perceived . if the cubitus be out forwards , the arm thereby becomes shorter , & cannot be bent ; the bone stands out forwards , and behind there is a preternatural hallowness . the forced-out bone must , as well in this , as in all other kinds of dislocation of the elbow , be speedily restored ; otherwise there will follow grievous pain , inflammation , feaver , vomiting of choler , and sometimes death it self . let the arm be extended obliquely , and so far , that one bone may not hurt the other in the setting . if the hands be not strong enough , then bend the dislocated arm about a pillar or a bed-post , and by the help of a bandage extend it , pressing the bone backward , until it be replaced . if it be dislocated back-ward , the arm will then also be shorter , and cannot be bent , the bone will stand out behind ; and before there is a preternatural cavity . if it be inward or outward , there are the like signs ; only the tumor will be in the place , to which the bone hath been forced ; whereas the hollowness is there , whence it hath been forced . all these three dislocations may be easily cured by a convenient extention , if they be not inveterate . the same is to be understood of the radius , when forced out of its place . . the hip may be put out of joint four manner of ways chiefly ; inward , outward and forward , but seldom backward . if inward , the leg is longer , and moveth with difficulty ; the knee is turned outward , and the head of the thigh-bone by the hands may be perceiv'd in the groin . as it is difficult to put in , so easily doth it slip out again , whereby the part affected is wasted , and the patient lamed . to reduce it to its place , lay the patient upon the midst of a bench or table ; between his legs put a strong stick , wound about with linnen , and upon it let him stifly stretch out his leg , and the chirurgeon in the mean time with his hands set it . if outwardly dislocated , the leg grows shorter , and the foot is turned inwards . the patient can then indeed bend his leg , but hardly bring it to the ground . though it be not set aright , yet the pain vanisheth of it self , and the patient in time is able to go without crutches . lay him on a bench or table as above ; let the leg be strongly extended , either with hands or bandage , and mean while reduce it into its place . if the hip be forced out forward , the groin is swoln , and the buttocks fallen , the leg is neither longer nor shorter , nor cannot be bent but with trouble ; and the urine is suppressed . though it be not set aright , yet the patient in time will be able to go well enough upon it ; though sometimes it falls out , that he must somewhat trail his leg after him . to restore it , let the patient lie on his sound side , and strongly stretch out his leg , press it into its former place ; and in case the hand be too weak , thrust it in with your knee . if it be dislocated backward , the patient can neither stretch out , nor bend his leg , nor is he able to bring his heel to the ground , and if he should force himself to do so , he would fall backward ; the leg is shorter , there is a hollowless in the groins , and if the buttocks be pressed upwards , you shall find an unusual swelling . though it be not put in , yet the pain will in time vanish , and then the leg may be bent again , but it remains shorter and straight , nor is the foot turned inward nor outward . lay the patient on his belly , and strongly extend his leg ; mean time apprehend the thigh bone above the knee ; stretch it outward from off the sound leg ; press the head into its cavity , in which yet it will not stay , if thenceforth the patient do not keep himself very quiet . . the dislocations of the tibia and fibula , are cured after the same manner as those of the cubitus and radius . . if the knee pan be out of its place , let the patient stand upright , and press it in again ; lay on the side whence it hath been forced away , a hollow splint , answerable to the shape of the said pan , and below in the cavity of the leg , put one or more compressing splints , binding the whole leg so stiff , that the knee may not bend . chap. vii . of ruptures . having thus roughly handled the boney and hard parts of the body , it now follows , that i treat the soft and fleshie more gently , and describe their synthesis or re-unition again . therefore i begin with the broken peritonaeum , which sometimes gives way to the intestines , at other times to the cawl , and not seldom to both , to get out of their natural place into the groins or scrotum , there causing a rupture called entorocele , or hernia intestinalis , if the guts come out ; an epiplocele , or hernia omentalis , if the omentum or cawl be out . the peritonaeum is made up of two strong , but soft membranes , which do so contain whatsoever is included in the belly or lowest cavity , that when sound , nothing can fall out . in women , the os pubis is its utmost limit . in men , its outermost membrane reaches farther ; and constitutes the first proper coat of the testicles . in the groins , it comprehends the seminal vessels as in a sheath , called processus , or productio peritonaei . this being stretch'd , or enlarged , or coming to burst , is the proximate cause to the lately mentioned ruptures . the groins therefore are the usual places of ruptures : but do not imagine , that the peritonoeum cannot be distended or burst in other places , and there to cause a rupture . it happens sometimes above the navel , yet seldom : beneath , and on the side of the navel , far above the groins , i have not only seen it often , with many others , but seen it ordered and dressed just like an abscess ; the chirurgeon giving no other reason for his mistake , than that it was not the place of ruptures ; which those that love the art and their own honour , may take notice of . most times the ileon falls down , yet sometimes the other guts come out with it , and fall into the scrotum ; which cannot come to pass by a simple distention of the abovesaid process , but that necessarily in all such great ruptures it must be broken . the causes which make the peritonaeum to burst or to dilate , are falling , leaping , blows , bearing of heavy burdens , strong vomiting or coughing , difficult going to stool , winds retained , and all vehement motions of the body . signs . ] the tumor is sometimes bigger , sometimes lesser , sometimes altogether vanisht , but with the least motion returning . though the caul or intestines should be fallen down never so much , they may easily , without any pain , be thrust in again , unless wind or excrement hinder it , in which case the rupture is very painful . if the intestines be full of wind , the whole belly is tense ; you may hear a noise , and the patient breaks wind upwards and downwards . if the excrements be grown hard , the patient goes with difficulty to stool , and the swelling , weight and hardness , little by little encreaseth . if the peritonaeum be only relaxed and widened , then the tumor from little becomes bigger by degrees ; but if it be broken , it suddenly descends . prognosticks . ] in little children , ruptures are easily cured ; in aged people , slowly or not at all , especially if the peritonaeum be burst . if the intestines be filled with wind or excrements , there follows pain ; and if that be not suddenly removed , an inflamation , gangrene , and at last death it self . cure. ] lay the patient on his back with his legs on high , and a little asunder , by which it often comes to pass , that the caul or the intestines return of themselves into their former place ; but that not happening , press them in gently with your fingers . and if you cannot effect this , by reason of wind or hardened excrements , then use the following medicines . where the excrements are indurated , take roots of marsh-mallows , two ounces : of white lillies , one ounce ; leaves of mallows , violets , pellitory of the wall , of each half a handful ; flowers of camomile and melilot , of each two pugils ; bran , half a handful : boil them in water , and to the liquor , add of barly and bean-meal , of each three ounces ; lin-seed and fenugreek , of each two drams ; oyl of roses and white lillies , ducks-fat , and hens fat , of each an ounce . make it into cataplasm . in case this cataplasm be not sufficient , or seems not to be so , then bathe the patient two or three hours in oyl , sweet milk , or water , wherein emollients have been boyled ; not forgetting in the mean time clysters and purges . against wind. take oyl of camomile , rue , of each one ounce ; oyl of nard and dill , of each three drams ; spirit of wine , two drams ; a little wax : make it into an oyntment . another , take oyl of wormwood , one ounce ; oyl of nard and nutmeg exprest , of each half an ounce : oyl of mace and carraways distilled , of each one dram ; malmsey , an ounce and half : boil it a little , then add to it as much wax as is sufficient to make it into an ointment . inwardly use the seeds of anise , fenel , carraways , and others medicines dispelling wind ; which also are to be mixt in the peculiar clysters requisite to this purpose . also the cumin plaister used by some , may here do good service . or , take the styptick plaister of crollius , gum-caranna , tacamahac , of each half a dram ; ol. philosophorum , and carraways distilled , of each an ounce : make it into a plaister . these impediments being thus removed , and the caul or intestines reduced to their place ; you must then with convenient bands or trusses so long keep them in , until the burst peritonaeum be so firmly grown , either together again , or to the muscles of the belly , that nothing can fall out of it any more . and this you will the sooner obtain , if you outwardly lay on it the following plaister , and inwardly assist nature with appropriated medicines . but here remember , that in old ruptures , and aged people , the edges of the burst peritonaeum are sometimes callous , that how fitly soever they are brought together , yet they can never grow together ; and in that case bands must do the best ; but in young children they easily grow together ; and here trusses are better than the best bands : those that are not acquainted with them , must confult those that are . a plaister for a rupture . take roots of the great comfrey , bistort , of each an ounce and half ; round birthwort , two drams ; galls , cypress-nuts , pomegranate-rinds , of each one dram and half ; flowers of balaustians , red-roses , oak-leaves , of each half a dram ; aloes , dragons-blood , acacia , earth-worms dried , frankincense , mastick , myrrhe , sarcocols , mummy , of each one dram ; pitch , colophony , burnt-talch , of each one dram ; lytharge , bole-armonick , lap. hematitis , prepared steel , of each one scruple ; venice-turpentine , as much as is sufficient to make a plaister . an apozem , that the patient may take five ounces two or three time a day . take osmund-royal , rupture wort , of each one handful ; roots of the great comfrey , bistort of each one ounce and half ; st. johns-wort flowers , one handful ; aniseeds , two drams ; boyl them in red-wine , and to a pint and half of the strained liquor , add , of the syrup of comfrey of fernelius , two ounces : make it an apozem . pills that the patient may take five or six of , mornings and evenings . take mummy , one dram ; galbanum dissolved in vinegar , two drams ; myrrhe , filings of steel , dried hares-dung , of each half a dram ; powder of earth-worms , two scruples : make them into pils about the bigness of a great pease . if by a wound , the caul or intestines come out , you are to endeavour to put them in again , before they lose their natural warmth or colour by the air , otherwise there will remain but small hopes of recovery . if the intestines be wounded , then with a waxed thread stitch the lips together , and with a gentle hand return it into the body ; as also the omentum slipt out , unless it should have lost its natural colour and warmth ; in which case , you must tie it in the place where it is sound , cutting off the part that is putrid , and reduce it into the belly , leaving the thread hanging out of the wound , that after suppuration , it may be conveniently fetcht out . and then you must stitch together the wound of the belly and the peritonaeum , which is to be done after this manner ; take a needle , thred it with a waxen thread , thrust it from without through the skin and muscles unto the very peritonaeum ; leaving it on this side untoucht , but lay hold on it on the other side ; pierce it through , and the muscles and the skin also , drawing the lips together ; then passing over the space of an inch , thrust in the needle on the same side again , on which you drew it out last , through the skin and muscles , leaving again the peritonaeum on the same side untoucht , but holding it on the other side , thrust it through together with the skin and muscles , and so on : then seeing that by reason of the continual motion of the belly , your stitches may be easily undone , the rather , because the haste , sometimes here to be used , will not permit to make them with exactness , it is always necessary to apply to the wound a sticking-plaister . among these ruptures is to be reckoned the navel-rupture ( called exomphalos , or hernia umbilicalis ) which proceeds from the same cause , and is cured by the same means : only you are here to observe , that upon the plaister , you must put bolsters of leather , or other hard things , and this according to the bigness of the rupture ; that by this means it may be sufficiently and perfectly kept in . it is worthy nothing that the peritonaeum seldom bursts in this part . i have divers times found and shewed in dissected bodies , that the navil , together with the intestine following , stood out bigger than a mans head , insomuch that the right muscles of the belly were pressed to the side , and severed from one another ; and yet was the peritonaeum but stretched , and no where broken . these are the simple and compounded ruptures that are commonly described ; but practice shews us many others , not mention'd by writers . for , experience hath taught me , that the peritonaeum may burst in the back-part , and there cause a rupture . we also find , that the processus peritonaei near to the groins , may come so to be lacerated , that the guts press not into the scrotum , but between the skin and muscles falls down toward the thigh . besides , we have more than once found , that the vás deferens was fallen twisted into the scrotum , and had there made a rupture ; which happening , it may with the hands be easily reduced , yet , goes in of it self by lying backward , without any further inconvenience . the manner of cure had nothing peculiar in it self , but that you contrive such bands , that may reduce the parts fallen out into their right place , without prejudicing the sound ones . among these ruptures , are commonly reckoned divers swellings , that belong to other chapters ; where also we intend to describe them . but to comply with young students , i shall here enumerate those that in the modern practice do occur ; namely , . entero-cele , hernia intestinalis , or the falling down of the guts into the groin . . epiplo-cele , hernia omentalis , or the falling down of the caul . . omphalo-cele , hernia umbilicalis , or the rupture of the navel . . pneumato-cele , hernia ventosa , or the wind-rupture . . hydro-cele , hernia aquosa , water-rupture . . bubono-cele , swelling of the glandules in the groin . . cirso-cele , a swelling of the seminal vessels in the scrotum . . hernia-veneris , an hardening of the testicles by an impure concuóitus . . hernia-humoralis , a repletion of the testicles with unnatural humors . . hernia carnosa , a fleshy rupture . . broncho-cele , hernia gutturis , a swelling in the throat . . spermato-cele , figuratively so called by me , when the vas deferens falls twisted into the scrotum . chap. viii . of the falling down of the matrix . the matrix does not easily fall down by relaxation , much less by laceration of her broad ligaments , as most writers imagin ; from hard labour , or by an indiscreet drawing away of the secundine . others with me have seen , that the bottom of the matrix hath been plainly inverted in pudendis , so that the inward part shewed it self as the outward . we have also found ( especially in those that were subject to costiveness or belly-ach ) that the membranes of the pudenda were so far stretcht out , that the unskilful have taken it for the matrix it self , and do so still . for though many authors have dared to write , that the womb may be cut out without danger of life , seems altogether impossible to a skilful anatomist . to cure this disease , lay the patient on her back , with her knees on high , and legs asunder ; then take a wax-candle of a competent thickness , mix therewith some castoreum or assa foetida , and with it gently press the womb inward , and having sastened the candle with a bandage , apply outwardly to the belly the emplastrum barbarum , or the following : take the roots of cyprus , bistort , of each a dram ; galls , acacia , of each half a dram : cypress-nuts , date-stones , myrtle-berries , of each one dram ; pitch and colophony , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . then presently enjoyn the patient to lie still , with the legs cross , and to beware of speaking aloud , of scolding , and of whatever may occasion coughing or sneezing . here great care is to be had , that your wax-candle be not too thick , to the end that by its continual friction it may not cause fluorem album , whereby the strength of the body would certainly come to decay . yet because ev'n by the greatest care and circumspection , this inconvenience will hardly be altogether or always prevented ; therefore those do very well and discreetly , that long-ways perforat the candle , and thereby give a convenient passage for the humors flowing that way . chap. ix . of the falling down of the fundament . if the gut be sunk down , anoint it with oyl of rose and myrtle , mixing a little powder of galls amongst it , and with your fingers and a small linnen-rag , put it in . if an inflamation hinder the reducing it , then bathe the anus with these medicines , take flowers of elder , camomile , and st. john's-wort , of each a handful ; red roses , rwo pugils ; the tops of wormwood and melilot , of each half a handful : boil therein milk and red wine , and bathe the part . here especially care is to be had , that no external cold may come to the fallen-out anus ; for then you may sooner than you are aware of , be surprized with a gangreen . wherefore do your utmost to put it in again with speed ; and in the mean time , endeavor with the above prescrib'd bathing and warm linnen rags , to preserve its natural heat . there is yet another , though in appearance ridiculous , yet in reality a good way of reducing the gut. with a strong hand strike five or six times the patient's buttocks , and thereby the muscles , called ani levatores , will presently draw the anus into its right place again . but before the patient be thus chastized , take care that the gut may first be anointed with oyl of roses , or of myrtle . chap x. of the second operation called diaeresis , or the seperation of what was united together . hitherto we have joined together again what had been disjoined ; now it follows , that we separate what is united , and treat of the second manual operation , called diaeresis , which teacheth us the manner of cutting and burning , and that both in the hard and soft parts of the body . in the soft , the cutting is called incision . in the hard , it is performed four manner of ways : by terebration or perforation ; by rasion or scraping ; by limation , or filing ; by serration , or sawing . burning is done either by an iron ( which is the actual cautery ) or by medicaments ( called the potential cautery ) as shall be declared particularly hereafter . chap. xi . of opening a vein . bleeding ( one of the greatest remedies in the art of physick ) is sometimes highly necessary , but sometimes so dangerous , that it ought not to be used without very urgent causes . here therefore i think it will be better somewhat to digress for fuller information , than to leave the unskilful in their error . the blood is the darling of nature , by whose assistance she performeth all her operations , and which can hardly be drawn from her without dammage ; yet does art require , that those who meddle with it , being neither venturous nor timorous , but discreet and couragious , and making out of necessity a virtue , do sometimes proceed to the opening a vein ; yet for no other than these four following causes . . in a plethora , or super-abundance of blood , that by this means nature may be eased of her too heavy burden , and the innate heat preserved from suffocation . . for revulsion-sake , when the blood and the ( therein ) mingled humors , by flowing too plentifully to this or that part , hinder the cure : here you are always to chuse a vein of the opposite side , and that sometimes the farthest distant , sometimes the nearest . . for the derivation or conveyance of the blood ( which is already got into the part , but is not yet altogether setled there , nor extravasated ) into another place ; in which case a vein is to be opened the nearest to the part. . for refrigeration , when the heat of the blood is so excessive , that it cannot be allayed by cooling medicines , or not time enough . these limits are too narrow for some , who will needs take into those a fifth cause , which they make the corruption of the blood , held by them to be as great an inducement for bleeding as any of the four by us recited ; to the end , say they , that nature being rid of part of what is corrupt , may be the better able to correct what remains . but i much wish , . that they could make this discharge without the loss of that strength which is so highly necessary . . that they would be present when their patient is to bleed , and precisely tell to what degree of corruption his blood is come , that so the chirurgeon may know how much of it he is to take , and how often ; forasmuch as they will not allow , that bleeding is good in all sorts of the blood 's corruption , but in that only which is not gone considerably far . . that they would declare , why they will have cur'd the greater corruption by purging , and the lesser by bleeding , since that they give to the one as well as to the other ( and that duly ) the name of cacho-chimia . let them shew , that things differing only secundum majus & minus , do differ in specie , and so require specifically different remedies . others proceed yet further , and shed innocent blood in all sorts of fevers , without any consideration of spots of the plague , or of poison it self ; thus freeing themselves from a great deal of labor and trouble , otherwise caus'd to the physitian from the variety of fevers . but because the nature of all poyson and malignant humors is continually to assault the heart , and suddenly to prostrate the strength of the strongest persons ; and since bleeding doth likewise both , not only diminishing strength , but also drawing the malignity toward the heart , and driving in again , for the oppression of nature , what she had thrown out for her relief : i do intreat and warn all the practisers of our art , that as they love the quiet of their mind , and the good of their patients , they would beware of bleeding in pestilential and other malignant fevers ; as also in all cases that may befal people by poyson , either inward or outward . the french , italians , spaniards and portugueses ( great blood-letters ) will , i expect , tell me ; that nature , when by bleeding she hath vent , and is somewhat discharg'd , shall be better able to throw out the remaining evil. and this seems to be true , for the blood indeed receives air , that the spirits may the better flie away , and is robb'd of that strength which it so necessarily wants ; whereupon nature exchangeth the life of the patient for death , and extorts tears from the by-standers . without alledging other reasons , they ground themselves upon experience . and it were to be wished they had that ground indeed ; for we find such patients of theirs , who in the morning were in no danger , even after but the taking away of five or six ounces of blood , to be cold and stiff at night . whence it may easily be collected , what it is they call experience , viz. if the patient by chance escape death , then bleeding must have the honor of it ; but if he die , as for the most part , then the malignity of the disease was the cause of it . wherefore i alledge experience against experience , and praise god almighty , that he hath vouchsafed to furnish all those , who without envy , passion , or slavish dependance upon others , will duly consider diseases with surer means . the more moderate sort of them would have bleeding only administred in the beginning of the disease , and before the malignity appears outwardly . this i shall willingly allow them ; . in very hot countreys . . in a plethorick body . . if the humors flying to the head , cause any grievous symptoms there ; in which case , bleeding in the hand or foot may be , i think , very beneficial . otherwise those that use it in all bodies , and without distinction in these cold and moist parts , will find the ill effects of it , and be puzled withal to give a reason for their practice , allowable by art ; the rather because , by their own confession , they dare not use this their darling of bleeding at certain times , but find themselves best in the use of sudorificks and cooling drinks . but enough of this . now how many ounces of blood ought to be taken at once ; the degree of the disease , and the patients more or less strength , will indicate . and 't is better too little than too much . i have never taken more from the strongest and most plethoric person under my cure , than twelve ounces at once , chusing rather , in case of need , to let out twenty ounces at two times , than fifteen at once ; of which method i have found good success . as to the season of the year , and the hour of the day , little regard needs to be had in those diseases , wherein bleeding cannot be deferred without danger , as in plurisies , squinancies , &c. otherwise , the spring and autumn , and the morning are best . the veins that are wont commonly to be opened , are these : in the forehead , the vena frontis ; in the temples , the vena temporalis ; in the mouth , the vena sublingualis , or ranularis ; in the neck , the jugularis externa ; in the arm , the basilica , under which lieth an artery ; the mediana , under which lieth a nerve , and under both of them a tendon ; and the cephalica , which hath under , or near it , neither artery , nerve , nor tendon , and therefore may safely be opened : this last hath but one small branch that runs outward to the head , whence it hath got the name of the head vein . without this consideration , it little matters which of these three be opened , in regard that about the arm-pits they all acknowledge no more but one branch . in the hand , between the little finger and its neighbour , the salvatella ; in the foot , the saphena and ischiatica . the manner of bleeding is so well known , that i think it needless here to describe it ; only i could wish , that some of those that let blood , would take care somewhat better to guess of the number of ounces of blood they take from their patients , that so we might not find , , , yea , ounces drawn away instead of or , that were prescribed . to prevent so intolerable a mistake , i would advise , that small porringers of tin or copper were made , in which the number of ounces were mark'd ; though expert masters do not at all need them , as knowing that blood is really weightier , than it outwardly seems . chap. xii . of the opening of abscesses , or imposthumes . the humors here and there gathered , do often cause a swelling , which nature is not always able to dissipate , unless art do succor her by fit means ; which if fruitless , you must use suppuration , and then stay till she of her self make an opening , except there be a necessity to hasten one , or even not to stay for a perfect suppuration : as , . when the matter being very sharp or malign , upon which happens a corrosion of the neighboring parts , and a corruption of the bones , tendons or nerves . . when it may affect a nobler part . . when it lieth in the joynts . . when it is cast out by a crisis . before you proceed to the opening , you are to consider , whether the matter be contain'd in its own proper tunicle , or whether it be without any tunicle . if without any , then make your apertion with a right line , observing the fibres of the muscles . for example ; in the head , according to the position of the hair , long-ways ; in the eye-lids , transverse ; in the temples , the nose , neck , breast , back , arms , feet , joynts , long-ways ; in the midst of the abdomen , let it be long-ways ; in the sides of it somewhat oblique ; in the groins , transverse ; but not very deep , by season of the subjacent seminary vessels . always beware of touching any great vein , artery or nerve , though the fibres be cut a-cross , lest from a lesser evil there should arise a greater . the properest place for the opening , is the most raised and softest part of the abscess , if possible in the depending , that the purulent matter may the more conveniently be discharged : to which end also you are with a tent so long to keep open the wound , until the part , being altogether cleansed of its preternatural humors , may return to its former functions . in the opening , thrust not in the launcet too deep , nor further into the cavity than to the matter ; and as soon as you perceive that , draw it a little back , and turn the point upward ; making your opening through the skin so big as may afford the contained matter a free vent . if the abscess be included in a tunicle , if small , make the incision long ways ; if big , then make a double incision , that is , cross-ways ; and beware of touching the vesicle , otherwise you must expect a foetide and almost incurable ulceration . this being well done , press out with your fingers the vesicle , which seldom or never sticks to the skin , and easily follows ; cut off the little artery by which it is fed ; and have a care , that not the least particle of the bag may remain on it , lest it gather again . forasmuch as in this operation i find , that chirurgeons differ in the instrument they ought to use , some chusing the launcet , others the potential cautery , and extol it far above the former : i think my self obliged to declare here what i judge of this matter . the potential cautery hath this advantage , that it doth not terrifie timorous patients , nor is painful to the tender ; especially joyning with it the present and known good remedies : for unquenched lime , mixed with holland sope , worketh deep enough into the flesh , yet much gentlier than the corrosive of ambr. paraeus . but it hath these inconveniencies : . that according to the tenderness or strength of the skin or bodies , sometimes it eats in deeper than needs ; for we have found by experience , that in some it hath eaten through the skin and muscles , to the very cavity of the belly ; in others irrecoverably wounded the processes of the peritonaeum , together with the seminal vessels therein . . commonly it spreads it self in length and breadth somewhat further than you would have it , especially if it be to be applied under the arm-pits , in the groin , or in the joynts ; for it no sooner grows warm , but it melts , and so spreads abroad , notwithstanding the plaister with which the surgeon designed to bound it . . there are necessarily required some hours ( in some bodies more , in others less ) before it can perform its operation ; and this the humor will not always bear , especially if it be malign . . and the scar falls not presently off ; and if you would give a present vent to the humors , you will be obliged still to make use of a launcet . be as circumspect as you can , i am sure , you will hardly avoid these inconveniencies . on the other hand , the launcet hath this trouble , that many people are affrighted at it , and that it is painful : but the fear may be prevented by silence , and the pain is little considerable ; mean time you have these advantages : . that with the launcet , the apertion may be made as long and as deep as the chirurgeon desireth . . the matter is suddenly discharged , and the patient hath present relief . . the unconcocted remainder may be the sooner concocted , by assisting nature with convenient remedies , both inwardly and outwardly . . you will not be troubled with a long gleet , which if it happens , the fault is assuredly in the chirurgeon . for almost all tumors that appear behind the ears , in the neck , under the arm-pits , or in the groin , spring from indurated glandules , replete with a preternatural humor ; these glandules are all included in their own membranes , which being toucht , either with a launcet , or with corrosive medicines , there must needs follow a gleet ( for 't is impossible that the glandule should be able to preserve it self , or the contained humor , its tunicle being divided ) which will continue until the whole glandule and tunicle are both consumed . chap. xiii . of the separation of parts unnaturally joyned . within the ear is a thin , but strong membrane called the drum. this being overgrown with another preternatural membrane , or a caruncle , the patient loseth his hearing ; which is not at all to be cured by any manual art , and difficultly by medicines . but if the cavity of the ear come to be closed up with a membrane , and thereby the hearing lost , then is it to be opened with a fit instrument , and as soon as may be , cicatriz'd . that many have been born with the anus imperforated , and the intestine covered with a membrane , hath been often observed ; which if the membrane be tender and thin , is to be opened with the fingers ; if thick , with a launcet , long-ways ; and afterwards kept open with a small leaden pipe , and drying medicines . the pudenda virginum are sometimes also clos'd with a preternatural membrane , which causeth most grievous accidents , when they are grown marriageable . sometimes the part is altogether grown together ; sometimes upon an ill-treated ulcer , coalescunt labia & membrum illud ineptum reddunt congressui virili . sometimes a preternatural caruncle shuts the os vulvae . the two first are to be opened long ways with a sharp instrument , in part wound about with linnen rags , and then cured according to art. to the last , which causeth most difficulty , you 'l need in the operation a speculum matricis , and in the latter end of the cure , a small pipe , perforated throughout in length , to promote the cicatrizing . here we shall take leave to speak something of the tongue , not of a long and sharp one , for which i have found either none , or at least , no better remedy than contempts , patience and commiseration ; but of those , that being short and tied , deprive children , first , of sucking , afterwards of speaking : which is easily remedied , by loosening the string of the tongue , by cutting it transverse with a pair of scissars , and anointing it afterwards with honey of roses three or four times a day . in the cutting , the neighboring parts and veins must be carefully shunned ; and sometimes the nerve of the sixth pair of its branches run so near the string , that by a deep incision they may be easily hurt , and the patient fall into sad accidents . here let the chirurgeon know , that of an hundred children , scarce one needs this manual operation ; and that those midwives are as rash as ignorant , who in all new-born babes , do forthwith dilacerate this string , whereby the found parts being hurt , they are often deprived of their necessary sucking , and , by subsequent symptoms , of their life . chap. xiv . of the paracenthesis . although the word paracenthesis , signifies all punctures , yet custom hath appropriated it solely to the opening of the belly in a dropsie , and to that of the breast in empyema , though more to that than to this . this manual operation is ancient , and full of danger ; yet sometimes preserves the life of the patient . nature and success have emboldened us now and then to make use of it ; but experience hath taught us , that the greatest difficulty consists herein : . that the parts debilitated , and deserted of their natural heat , do easily , after opening , mortifie . . that together with the water , issues out likewise the spirits . . that the pressing water can hardly be so kept in , but it will run out in despight of the chirurgeon ; and if , the better to close the wound , you do forcibly press in the pipe , a gangrene soon and easily ensueth . who therefore expects a good issue of this operation , must use it only upon a body that is not emaciated or wasted ; in a dropsie that is recent ( or at least , when the tumor in a short time hath risen to a great bulk ) and which , upon the use of proper remedies , would not presently be removed ; in such patients that are not molested with a fever , or with difficulty of breathing , and where the noble parts are yet sound and uncorrupted ; and in persons of a middle age , since in children and in old people it succeeds not so prosperously . as to the place ; if the navel stands out , seek for no other , but make your opening therein : but if that be much drawn in ( as it commonly happens to be in hydropical persons ) it is not proper for it : in which case you must take for your place three inches beneath the navel , not in the white-line , which , to my wonder , i find proposed by some ; but , on the side of the right muscle , in the muscle called oblique descendens : mark it first with ink , and then make a small apertion through the skin , muscles , and peritonaeum , taking great care that the omentum , or guts , be not wounded ; which also , by reason of the interposing water , cannot easily be hurt . he that will be very careful of the opening , must make it according to the ductus of the fibres , a little obliquely downwards ( according to this \ ) in the left side ; and ( according to this , / ) in the right side . as soon as you perceive water to come forth , take a golden , silver , or leaden small pipe , that is , . smooth . . furnisht at the head with a button or wing . . perforated on the sides with three or four holes . . no longer than the thickness of the dissected part , that is , an inch broad . . somewhat crooked at the end . . exactly fitting the size of the orifice . put this into the apertion , lay over it a sticking-plaister ( others take a spunge , or a four double linnen rag ) bind up the patient , and let him rest two or three hours ; then open the bandage again , and take away one , two , three , seldom or never more pints of water , and so repeating it once or twice a day , till the water be almost all discharged . you must not take away all at first , for the chilness of the parts , following so great an evacuation , very often causeth death . the pipe is not to be taken out , but must remain all the time of the cure in the wound , which you must at length heal up according to art. for the opening of an hydropical belly , this is the safest as hitherto practised way , that is left us by the ancients ; but the industry of their posterity hath invented for us a much convenienter instrument , whereby we not only do avoid many of the above-mentioned difficulties , but also with less trouble preserve the lives otherwise incurable patients , freeing them from stretching , pain and trouble , according to our pleasure , or the degree of their strength . this never enough commended instrument was first of all brought out of italy ; by the experienced chirurgeon of this city , mr. jacob block , and by him put into practice , to the great benefit of many patients . commonly he chuseth the place lately pointed out by us , viz. about three inches below the navel , and perforates the skin , muscles and peritonaeum , unto the very water , taking away no more at once than a quart . that done , he draws out his instrument again , puts nothing upon the made hole but dry lint and a sticking-plaister , whereby he sufficiently hinders the running out , against your will , of even a drop of water ; for , upon the withdrawing of the instrument , the opened skin , muscles and peritonaeum are easily by their natural motion so far drawn asunder , that the holes cannot any more exactly close upon one another . this being once performed , we regulate ourselves according to the strength of the patient , staying two , three or more days , before we repeat this operation ; then either the first orifice is to be opened , or again a new one to be made , especially if the chirurgeon finds , that the water may be more conveniently drawn away in another place . in an hydrocele ( when the water is fallen into the scrotum ) the said chirurgeon doth by this instrument so dexterously discharge the water out of the scrotum , that the next day you shall not , or hardly be able to find where the hole was . the perforation seems to me a little inconvenient , wherefore i have caused this instrument so far to be altered , as that i make the end not to be wrought round , but sharp on both sides , launcetwise , by which means it may be sooner thrust through the muscles . but then , his may be made of silver , mine must be of steel . to the end that you may the better comprehend what we say , we shall represent to your view the instrument , and the operation it self , in the ensuing figures . expligation of the figure . fig . i. ●●e silver pipe of mr. jacob block , with a ●…nd point end . ●●e little hole , through which the water pas●… out of the belly into the pipe. ●●e stillet or small wire , to cleanse the pipe ●… , after the operation . fig . ii. ●●e steel pipe of the author , with an end ●… a launcet . the little hole , as before . ●●e iron-wire , as before , fig . iii. ●●e bed on which the patient sits . ●●e hydropical person . ● pipe thrust into the cavity of the belly ●●●●ugh the right muscle , where the above●…mended chirurgeon affirms , that the made ●… is sooner healed up . ●●e bason to receive the water running out . ●●e chirurgeons or assistants hand . chap. xv. of the opening of the breast . there is sometimes collected in the cavity of the breast a water or purulent matter . the water gathers either by some lymphatick vessels burst , or from an unconcocted watriness of the blood. the purulent matter follows upon inflammations of the throat , or lungs , or a pleurisie , &c. if it be matter that is collected , it is called empyema ; if water , hydrops pectoris vel pulmonis , the dropsie of the breast or lungs . the marks of the water are , a dry cough , a painful heaviness , a difficulty of breathing , even to suffocation , great thirst , little appetite , a pale look and sometimes a swelling of the legs , now and then accompanied with a feaver ; and when the patient turns himself , you may perceive a rumbling noise . the collected sanies may be known by the following signs ; when the inflamation of the lungs or pleura , will not , upon bleeding , or other convenient means , be sufficiently removed , then may you apprehend a collection of such matter to come within a fortnight . between the thirtieth and fortieth day the tumor commonly breaks . the patient shall find a great heaviness in his chest without considerable pain ; and in case it is accompanied with pain , then you are to expect a new flux , which you must divert by bleeding . the patient hath a difficulty in breathing ; in motion , he hears a rumbling , at least he is sensible that the matter changeth place , and the side affected is to the touch , hotter than the other . he casts up , with violent coughing , a purulent matter , having a continual fever ; he finds an anxiety at his heart , and hath little stomach to his meat . if we cannot expel these humors by expectorating , nor by diureticks , nor diaphoreticks , nor by purging medicines , then are we forc'd to come to manual operation . this cannot be done without danger , and is not to be attempted in case the patient be weak , and the inward parts already corrupted . however , this operation hath less danger than the next foregoing , and people oftner recover upon it ; yea , learned writers assure us , that by this operation , and the use of injection , they have cured many of ulcers of the lungs . concerning the place of opening , authors are not agreed in it ; the reason whereof is obvious : for , the diaphragma runs higher in some persons than in others ; whence it comes to pass , that the collected humors in some patients , lie higher than in others . secondly , the chest is raised in some , flat in others ; which here much alters the case . besides , the lungs do often grow so fast to the pleura , that the sanious matter cannot easily be carried into the cavity of the breast : in which case it would be ill done , to chose the place of opening lowest , in respect of the diaphragma . and in regard that in this , as in other swellings , the most eminent place is , esteemed the most convenient for opening , it cannot be otherwise but that one chirurgeon hath made choice of this place , and another useth that place as the best . upon which account , hyppocrates guido , amatus lusitanus , &c. do make the apertion between the third and fourth rib , counting from beneath upwards : fienus , riverius , and many others , between the fourth and fifth ; paulus aegineta , vidus vidius , fabritius ab aquapendente , sennertus , &c. between the fifth and sixth ; which place , in my opinion , is the safest ; for , if higher , the pericardium , if lower , the diaphragma may be wounded , of which there have been many sad examples . but in this difference of dissenting writers , what hath been said , will direct you to pass into the safest haven . all things therefore well considered , chuse the place where to make your apertion ; not the forepart ( for , before , the sternum or breast-bone will hinder your operation here ; nor in the back-part , for the ribs are so close to one another , that without hurting some vessels , you cannot make any apertion there ) but on the side , four or five inches from the sternum : neither ought the incision to be so near to the upper ribs , as to the lower , because the intercostal vessels , viz. the vein , artery and nerve , lie in the lower part of each rib , where nature hath assigned them a place , branching themselves into the middle of the intercostal muscles ; which dissemination nevertheless hinders not , but that the incision may be made in the middle between the two ribs . after you have marked the place with ink , charge the patient to breath forth as long as possibly he can , without taking it in , and in the mean time make an oblique , but small orifice , and put into it a silver or leaden pipe , and take forth four or five ounces of matter to run out in a day . in case the matter does not come forth well , place your patient on the wounded side , and make him to cough ; if by reason of its toughness it will not yet come forth , then inject into the cavity some abstersive , exsiccating and healing medicines ; as , take goats whey , eighteen ounces ; honey of roses , four ounces ; the juice of celandine and smallage , of each six drams : mingle it . or , take the roots of comfrey the greater , an ounce ; of sanicle , half an ounce ; the leaves of betony , agrimony , periwincle , burnet , of each half a handful ; the cordial flowers , two pugils ; the seed of st. john'swort , holy-thistle , roman-nettle , of each half a dram : boil them in water and honey to a pint and half ; strain it , and keep it for your use . of this injection , the patient may also drink a little twice or thrice a day . it is yet further to be observed , that the collected matter is often contained in a membrane of its own , and by its rising , manifests it self from without ; and then the latines call it vomica pulmonis : in which case , you must not stay till the membrane breaks of its self ; for by delay , the matter flowing up and down is more difficulty to be got out of the breast ; but open it presently , taking no other place , but the most raised part of the swelling . now , since an empyema for the most part follows upon a pleurisie , and 't is dayly found , that ignorant chirurgeons take all kind of pain in the sides , belly and breast , although caused from winds only , for a pleurisie ; thereupon immediately opening a vein ; i thought therefore necessary to write in this place of the pleurisie , as much as is necessary for a chirurgeon to know , for the preventing such mistakes . the pleurisie then is an inflammation of the pleura , and commonly of the lungs themselves , caused from afflux of blood , accompanied with pain cough , spitting of blood , shortness of breath , continual feaver , strong and quick pulse . the cause is the blood , sometimes alone ( when a true pleurisie ) sometimes mixt with other humors then it occasions a bastard one . the signs , as may be seen in the description , are so evident , that those who know not how to distinguish it from a cholick , are not worthy of any excuse . the prognosticks . ] the sooner the matter is concocted , and the whiter and easier 't is ejected , the quicker and safer is the issue . if the cough , and difficulty of breathing lessen not by a copious expectoration , 't is an ill sign . if the patient come not to spit the third or fourth day , then will he scarce see the seventh . if upon bleeding , and other fit means , the pain cease not , the patient must either die , or the pleurisie will turn to a consumption , or an empyema . the cure. ] in this case , bleeding is one of the most necessary and safest means of cure ; and if used in time , the patient , in the very operation , and before the vein be closed , will find relief , and sometimes be altogether freed of the pain . nor do i know any disease , in which there may , to the patient's benefit , be so much blood taken away at once , as in this . there are different opinions concerning what side the patient is to bleed on : but those have had little experience of this sickness , who have not found , that patients ( at least in these countreys ) are relieved much more and sooner , when they are bled in the arm of the same side where the pain is , than when it is done in the opposite side . the pain not ceasing in four and twenty hours , we are necessitated to bleed twice or thrice , most commonly in the same arm ; but here you must well observe the patient's strength . after letting blood , sometimes purging , swearing and expectorating remedies , are very necessary . one only medicine i cannot conceal from you , because of its excellency . the industrious physitian dr. hadden in his cure of the pleurisie , hath much commended it , and i have , after once bleeding , always in the beginning used it with great success , viz. take the juice of dandelion , an ounce and half ; the water of plantane , two ounces ; of holy-thistle and scabious , syrup of poppies erratick , of each an ounce ; crabs-eyes , a scruple and half : mix it . let the patient every half hour take down a spoonful or two of it , until the flux be stopped : after which you are to use other remedies . chap. xvi . of removing a cataract of the eye . a cataract ( by the greeks called hypochyma by the latines , suffusio ; in the german and belgick tongue , de staer ) is a concretion of superfluous humors , by little and little generating a preternatural membrane betwixt the cornea and the crystalline humor , covering either totally , or in part , the pupil of the eye , and so depriving the patient , of his sight , or hindring it . difference . ] it is either imperfect , when the humor is thin , or the apple of the eye not totally covered ; or perfect , when it is changed into a membrane , or the pupil is quite covered . sometimes 't is white , gray , yellow , green , sometimes of a leaden colour , &c. according as the green , yellow or black choler is mingled amongst it . the seat of it is between the cornea and the crystalline humor , being sometimes nearer to this , sometimes to that . the cause is a phlegmatick humor , either collected there by the weakness of the eyes , or by the brain transmitted thither by reason of its abundance . the prognosticks . ] the imperfect cataract may easily be cured in the beginning , by convenient external and internal medicines , in sound bodies , and in patients of a middle age. the less the pupil is dilated , the less hope of cure. the nearer the suffusion is to the crystalline humor , the more dangerous . if the eye be turned to the sun , and the patient then sees no glimmering of light , there is no benefit to be expected from the manual operation . if the humors of the eye be commixt by the needle , though the membrane be removed , then blindness will certainly remain . if in the operation you happen to touch the membrane of the eye , called the retina , the patient will after that always see the air , as if full of small hair and flies . a cataract commonly remains so soft unto the third year , that it will not follow the needle ; after the third or fourth year , it is so firm and hard , that it can by no art be loosned . the blood spilt by the use of the needle , causeth no danger , and soon ceaseth of it self . though the cataract be not altogether suppressed , but divided into several pieces , the sight doth often perfectly return within six or eight weeks , though before that time the whole operation should seem to be fruitless ; which i speak from manifold experience . the cure. ] the imperfect cataract requires solely the aid of the physitian , who by medicines and strengthening the stomach and head , have done much ; to which purpose the conserve of marjoram , rosemary , beteny , pulv. diambre , &c. are very good . and outwardly use the following means . take gum tragacanth dissolved in eyebright water , two drams ; burnt allom , one scruple : make a collyrium . or , take celandine water , an ounce and half ; white wine , half an ounce ; spirit of wine , two drams ; white vitriol , six grains ; prepared tutty , a scruple ; glass of antimony , five grains ; sugar-candy , two drams and an half ; camphire , six grains : mix it , and make a collyrium . or , take juyce of fennel , of celandine , of each two ounces ; leaves of rue and marjoram , of each a pugil ; eye-bright , one handful ; of the gall of an oxe , four ounces ; the gall of hens ; an ounce ; red-myrrhe , aloes , of each a dram and half ; sarcocols , half an ounce ; camphire , two scruples : mingle them , and let them be dilled in b. m. if the cataract be confirmed , then let the manual operation be your only refuge ; but beware of attempting the operation , if the patient have long before complained , and still complains of head ach or pain of his eyes ; if the body hath not been cleansed in general , nor the head in particular ; and if the patient be yet molested with a fever , sneezing , coughing or vomiting . having chosen a convenient season of the year , some morning in the decrease of the moon , and a clear and serene air , set the patient in a chair , and against him let the operator sit in one somewhat higher than his , bind up his sound eye , and make him clap his hand about your waste , without stirring them at all as long as you are busie in the operation . let some body hold his head fast behind , and hold you asunder his eye-lids , charging him to turn the eye towards his nose , which when he doth , quickly thrust your needle into the cornea , half a straws bredth from the iris , and bring it unto the hollow of the eye ; when the needle hath toucht the cataract , endeavour therewith to press it gently , and so long from above downwards until it remains there ; if it be stubborn , in springing up again and again , divide it into several parts , and keep these particles , or the whole cataract a little while under , that it may not return again before the pupil of the eye ; then draw out the needle , and bind up as well the sound as the unsound eye , with linnen-cloths moistened in some rose water , the white of an egg , and a little allom mixed together . beware in the operation , of hurting the crystalline humor , and the sound tunicles . chap. xvii . of leeches . leeches more advantagious than scarification , and safer than bleeding , may with benefit be applied , as well in strong as in weak bodies , they only draw blood from the cutaneous vessels , by which they cure light diseases , if only applyed to the skin ; but if applyed to some greater vessel , they draw also blood from the internal parts , and so remove internal and more desperate diseases . there is great care required in the choice of leeches , for those with great heads , and that are green and shining , with hair or blew stripes on their backs , are not without poyson ; as also those that live in standing or putrid waters : but those are to be chosen that are slender and long , with little heads , and red bellies , and such as are nourished in clear running water : they are never to be applied to the part new taken , but after they have been taken a day or more in fair water , and fed with a little blood , that they may be cleansed of all their impurities ; the place where they are to be applied , is to be rubb'd till it be red ; and if they fasten not , 't is to be moistened with cream , or with blood fresh taken from a pigeon , or the part it self to be prickt with a needle till it bleed ; if they draw sluggishly , cut their tails off with a pair of scissars . after they have suckt a sufficient quantity of blood , and they fall not off themselves , put upon their heads a little ashes or salt , and they will suddenly desist from their work : they are not to be pull'd off by force , lest they leave their heads behind them , from whence incurable wounds , and oftentimes death succeeds . 't is to be noted , that they rather draw arterial blood than venal , therefore they ought to suck the less . chap. xviii . of the cutting in the hard parts . the section which is used in the hard and bony parts , is of four kinds , viz. scraping , filing , sawing and perforating , that is , trepanning . scraping is used in a fissure and foul bone , in the teeth also , when they are crusted over with a tartarous black substance ; the bones are to be scraped till you come to the sound part , which is white and solid , and a little blood cast forth ; and to the bone thus scraped , some drying powder is to be applied ; the pericranium and periostium must first be seperated from the bone , before you go about this operation ; for by no means are they to be touched with the instrumenr , neither likewise the lips of the wound . filing is used in the teeth ; for when they unnaturally stand forth , and either in eating or speaking , are any hinderance to a man ; then that which thus sticks forth , is with a file to be taken off , which must be done carefully , without any injury to the neighouring parts , and by degrees , neither with two great a violence , lest it loosen the tooth . the use of the saw is in a mortified part , when the bone is to be cut a sunder ; concerning which operation i shall suddenly speak . perforating or trepanning is of great use , when the bones are extreamly soul , but 't is of greatest use in those effects , which the fissure or a fracture of the skull , or a contusion may produce : seeing therefore this operation is so full of danger , 't is diligently to be enquired in what cases 't is necessary , and in what 't is not ; for a fissure as a fissure , as likewise a fracture as a fracture , requires not the trepan as an operation without which they cannot be cured : in like manner a slight contusion doth not always occasion such dangerous symptoms , that the trepan may not cause worse ; for oftentimes a small quantity of extravasated blood , in robust people , is often discussed by the work of nature her self ; except the innate heat be weakened by external cold , which in the use of the trepan , let what care possibly be had , cannot be totally avoided ; besides this , the blood is more often extravasated between the two membranes , the dura-mater and the pia mater , there the trepan can seem to promise but little good ; but in this case i would not much matter to divide the dura mater ; experience having taught us , that by the help of art and nature , hath an incision , nay , gangrene of the part it self been cured : therefore for the most part but in three cases is the trepan required . . where the loose pieces of the bones prick and wound the meninges ; which is to be known by the continual pricking pain presently from the very hurting perceived , granted the patient be sensible ; but if not , he is always feeling the part affected wirh his hands : there happens likewise contusions of the eyes , and convulsions of the limbs : besides , the quality of the instrument which the fracture hath made , will more plainly demonstrate it . . where the first table is only depressed , but the second broke ; there being no way to give passage to the pieces , how well soever by art or nature separated . the signs of this , are , a dimness , a giddiness , a fever , vomiting , and sometimes an apoplexy ; a feeble small pulse , and especially about the temples , the depressed bone in some manner obstructing the circulation of the blood in the brain . . extravasation of blood , upon which follows putrefaction , and if not remedied , death it self : the signs which declare this putrefaction , is a continued fever , a great heat in the head , unquiet sleep , watchings , inflammation of the eyes , and light delirium ; and moreover , the temperaments of bodies are diligently to be consider'd ; for in plethorick people , to those above-named symptoms are joyned , a laughing , talking idly , and redness of ●he whole face . in the cholerick appears a yellowness of the face and eyes , great heat , and madness . in the phlegmatick , all the symptoms are less ; but sometimes it is accompanied with a palsie , sometimes with an apoplexy . in melancholy men , a dread impertinent talk , and laughing is usual . where the trepan is necessary , apply it as soon as possible , lest the putrifying blood causeth greater evils , that is , on the third , fourth , or fifth day . the manner of trepanning is thus , the hair being shav'd , let the skin be divided with a double incision , inform of a cross to the pericranium , avoiding with the greatest diligence always the temperal muscles , and the sutures of the head ; this done , bind up the wound , except the hemorage be small ( which very often is so violent , that it hinders the chirurgeon for some days from any further operation ) if it will then give leave , to divide likewise the pericranium from the skull : after some few hours ( the skull already bar'd of its pericranium ) the patient well plac'd , his head must by some person be firmly held , his ears being stopt with cotton ; then set on the trepan with a pin , which must neither be upon the fracture , nor upon the sutures ( although there are some that venture to apply it upon the very sutures themselves ) the surgeon holding in his left hand the instrument , and with his right , let him gently turn about the trepan until it hath taken good hold round ; then take out the pin , and set the trepan on again without it , moving it still about , and if you see any small filings of the skull , take off the trepan and wipe them away ; and the trepan it self is sometimes to be dipt in the oyl , that it may the easier be turned about ; and sometimes in water , that it grows not hot . if any blood appears , you may be certain that the trepan had past the first table , then are you to have a greater care , lest the trepan should unawares slip in , and wound the meninges , from whence oftentimes follows sudden death : for the dura mater invests the inside of the scull , in the same manner as the pericranium doth the out-side , but yet not so strongly joined to it , but that by a fall or blow , it may be easily separated from the skull . when the piece of bone , separated by the trepan , begins to be loose , you must with a little instrument put in , between the skull and the trepan'd part , and free it from the whole , and so gently take it out with a pair of forceps . if there remain any inequality from trepanning , in the inside of the inward table , that may cause injury to the meninx , 't is to be taken away with an instrument called lenticula . and that there may be a discharge given to the coagulated blood and matter , the dura mater is to be compressed with an instrument called a decussorium . to effect the same , 't is commended that the patient ( if sensible ) his mouth and nose being shut , hold his breath , so that the brain being raised upward , the concreted and corrupted matter may be thrown forth ; but very seldom is the matter discharg'd by this only remedy ; for the chirurgion hath need enough of the decussorium , spunges , lint , and the like instruments ; the description and delineation of the which , you may find in joh. andr. à cruce , paraeus , and others . read the th . chapter of this chirurgery , where fractures of the skull is described . chap. xix . of vstion , or burning . enough hath been said of cutting , now a little of burning ; when neither medicine nor knife bring relief , we must then come to the fire , as well in the soft as hard parts : in all burning , great care is to be taken that the neighboring parts be not hurt ; therefore it is very necessary to defend them against it with lint : that burning is certainest , which is made by an actual cautery , viz. a red hot iron , than that which is performed a potential , that is , by corrosive medicines ; yet for the most part , the patients fearfulness makes choice of this ; whichsoever you use , beware of applying oyl alone , or butter , to remove the escar , for it hath been observed not once only to to have occasioned a gangrene , diapalma plaister , or lint , wet in wine , will be sufficient . chap. xx. of issues . issues are little ulcers made by art in a sound part of the body by a red-hot iron , launcet , scissars , or corrosive medicine , to evacuate superfluous humors , and so either to cure or prevent diseases . these troublesome guests are rarely courted , and are chiefly prescribed when we see gentler medicines to profit nothing , and after the body hath been well purged . in what part soever they are made , it is always to be observ'd they never ought to be inserted in the beginning , middle or end of a muscle , but always in the space between two muscles , which requireth the knowledge of anatomy , except according to the example of quacks , whose custom hath taught them to find out a place ev'n blindfold . in the head , the place is the middle of the coronal suture , made oftner by other nations than is a practice amongst us . in the neck they are not so often made , how necessary soever they may appear . the italians use to make them between the shoulders with success . in other places they are either very troublesome or inconvenient . the manner of making issues is divers : if you make use of the potential cautery , apply a plaister to the part , having a hole in the middle about the bigness of a pea , in which lay a little costick , and over that a bolster and another plaister ; and after three or four hours , take off the plaisters , and laying on the escar a plaister of diapalma ; dress it twice a day , that it may the sooner separate . those which desire it rather by incision , the skin being taken up either by the forceps , or by the hand , divide it with a pair of scissars or launcet . if burning be preferred before the other ways , burn the skin , but not the subjacent muscles ; for indeed the skin it self is not to be wholly penetrated , oftentimes the touching only the superficies of it is enough . when the scar falls off , take little hard dossels made of lint , spred upon them some detersive medicine , and press them into the ulcer , until they have made a sufficient impression ; then afterward keep in this cavity a ball of wax , wood , or silver , or a pea , which is to be often taken out , and another put in , and so is to be continued till the disease be cured , or weakness hinder . chap. xxi . of the seton although the application of a seton be with greater trouble than an issue , yet it brings much greater advantage to the sick patient ; for what two issues cannot remove , oftentimes is performed by one seton . it may be made in the arms and legs , and many other parts of the body ; but in the nape of the neck , between the first and second vertebra , or second and third ; yea , between the third and fourth , is only in use amongst us , but i could wish it was more frequent . there are three instruments necessary to perform this operation ; a pair of forceps , a needle , and string . the forceps which are to hold up the skin , must be perforated of each side ; the needle must be three-pointed , and answer to the hole of the forceps , which it must pass through . the string is to be of silk , not exceeding the thickness of the needle : let the chirurgion take up the skin with the forceps and gripe it hard , which being somewhat stupified , the patient will feel the less pain ; then let him pass the needle red-hot through both the holes of the forceps , skin and all ; after which , with another needle let him bring through the thread : the first day , to ease pain , apply to the part lint dipt in whites of eggs and rose-water mixt together : afterward let digestion be procured by the use of convenient medicines ; when digested , let the string be drawn every day , sometimes to this side , sometimes to that , so that the mattery part may hang out of the wound . thus the operation being perfected , the ulcer may be kept open as long as occasion requires , or the patient pleaseth . after this manner many authors , both antient and modern , order the making the seton ; but this oparation is much easier perform'd , if in the right place the chirurgion take up the skin with one hand , and his servant with another , and so pass it through with a sharp-pointed needle , but not made hot ; the string being of thread , not silk , of convenient thickness , and rubb'd with wax . chap. xxii . of the drawing forth of bullets . now we are come to the third part of chirurgery call'd exeresis , which removes things superfluous : they are of a two-fold nature , either they are generated in the body it self , or else brought thither by accident . we treat of the last first , to wit , the extraction of bullets out of the body ; which is not difficult , if it appears whether it be nearer to the part where it made its entrance , or to the opposite to which it hath penetrated . if it be observed to be near the orifice ; let it be drawn forth with a convenient instrument ; if nearer to the opposite part , let the incision be made upon it , and there taken forth : but if the bullet cannot be found out by a probe , the member is to be so placed , that the bullet by its own weight may come forth ; which if it happens not to do , the wound is to be cured ; and let the chirurgeon expect until the bullet shews it self near the skin , which very often requires a long time . chap. xxiii . of the extraction of a dead child and the secundine . that the birth may be natural , it is necessary , that the infant the whole time of its continuance in its mothers-womb , lies in such a posture , that the arms and feet being contracted , the head downwards , having the face towards the mothers back ; the whole foetus lying transverse in the bottom of the womb ; until requiring greater room , which happens in the seventh , sometimes in the eighth or tenth , for the most part in the ninth month , the head of the infant descends towards the mouth of the womb ; the limbs which were before contracted , being extended , it breaks through the membranes wherein it was included , by which the water that is contained in them , flows forth , which serve to make the parts slippery , and so is convenient to facilitate the birth . if any one of these be wanting , then one of these four things necessarily happens ; either , . both the mother and the child , although they may live , yet there follows no exclusion . . or the mother lives , and the child dies . . or the child lives , and the mother dies . . or both the mother and infant dies . causes hindering labour ] are , . when the pains of the birth are none , or not sufficient . . the great weakness of the mother . . the greatness and strength of the child ; and on the contrary , the slender and tender constitution of the mother , or when the passages are so straight that the infant cannot come through them . . the number of children , especially if they endeavor to come forth at the same time . . the transverse , or any other preternatural posture of the child . . if the child in the birth it self be fallen down with its head upon the fore-port of the ossa-pubis : which case authors of the greatest account , whom i know , and our midwives have not at all observed ; so by how much the greater the pains of the birth are , there is so much the less hope of coming out , except the head be first a little raised , and the foetus be turned towards the back , and so into its true passage by the hand of the midwife . . the weakness of the child it self , which makes it not able to add any thing towards its exclusion . . the death of the child . . the not sufficient recesses of the hip-bones towards the back ; for the ossa-pubis , except in the very hardest labours , and then but very seldom do divide . the signs of a dead child are as followeth . the mother feels no more the motion of the infant , although strengthening cordials be exhibit'd ; but in this case when the infant is as it were tir'd , stirs it self a little , you have a much more certain sign . take a piece of the crum of bread , and dip it in canary wine , and apply it to the navel of the mother , then open a vein in the foot , and if by the use of these things , there follows not a motion of the infant , it is a very ill sign . when the mother turns her self from one side to the other , and perceives the child to fall on the side laid upon , like a stone or a great weight ; the face , and chiefly the lips grow pale , the extream parts cold , as likewise the lower belly , the paps begin to grow lank , the breath becomes fetid , great pains of the head , faintings and fevers , water and stinking gleet flows out of the womb ; if the after-birth be excluded before the child , 't is impossible the child can live long ; but the surest sign of all is , if the membrane of the head of the child be not observed to be any longer tense ; for as long as it is tense , the infant lives . prognostick . ] except the dead child be suddenly drawn forth , it puts the mother in great hazard of life . the fever not being great , other symptoms , though great and fearful , yet take not away the hope of recovery . the cure. ] if medicines , with the aid of mother and midwife , profit little , then must the business be committed wholly to the chirurgeon , except the woman be too weak , or the child having been dead for many days , which he ought to consider , lest he lose both his credit and labour . but first , it is diligently to be enquired into , which of the causes it is that hinders the birth : if the child be greater and the passage straighter than usually , they ought to be dilated ; this some midwives do with convenient instruments , and so draw forth the child alive ; but where they are wanting , the midwife must clutch her hand very close , and thrust through the internal orifice into the womb it self ; then putting her fingers one after another through the orifice into the inner part of the womb , to discover the situation of the child ; and if she finds the arms or feet to come inconveniently , let her gently raise it up , bringing the head downwards , which if she finds to be next the orifice , if possible , let her put in her other hand through the pudenda into the womb , and so with both her hands laying hold of it , draw it forth . but if this operation cannot be performed , then with a hook firmly fixt ( lest it injure the inside of the womb ) in the mouth , eye or ear of the child , and so gently draw it forth ; and if the faetus will not follow , then with another hook , blunt on the out-side , and sharp within , let him cut in pieces the belly , breast , or head of the child ; and if the arms or legs cannot be brought forth , let him cut them off ; so at length , being deprived of its limbs , the remainder may be drawn forth . but if by this way the woman can neither be deliver'd , with a sharp and strong knife , the limbs one after another are to be cut out , and so the child be drawn forth by piece-meal : it is necessary that this be perform'd by none but a good anatomist . the secundine will presently follow the birth , for it 's of no use , that being excluded ; for the mouth of the womb , suddenly after delivery , is so closly shut , that not without great pain it can admit the hand of the midwife ; therefore the midwife , as soon as may be , is to draw it forth , and with her fingers , if it sticks very close to the womb , gently to separate it , but not pluck it a way forcibly , which is mortal ; and although many writers and midwives of inferior rank , little regard the retention of the after-birth for some time after delivery ; yet i think i have good reason to pronounce it , one of the greatest symptoms of womens labour . chap. xxiv . of the extirpating of a mortified part. when a dead part altogether becomes useless , that it may not do any injury to the neighboring parts , it is to be taken away : but in what place ? most convenient is the joynt ; but the cure by such extirpation is render'd more difficult , and the use of the part altogether lost ; therefore the extirpation is better to be made two , or three , or more fingers breadth below the joynt , except the mortification hath extended it self to the uppermost part of the arms or thighs ; for then we are forced to take the joynt it self : but again in what part : whether in the whole or mortified ? the amputation is more safe in the sound part , although accompanied with greater pain . the common way both of the ancient and modern . the patient having receiv'd convenient nourishment , is to be placed upon a form ; then let the skin and fubjacent muscles be drawn up as much as possible , by a strong man , and there kept ; and an inch above the place where the member is design'd to be taken off , with a narrow ligature is the part to be very hard bound ; this done , with a dismembring knife , the skin with the flesh is speedily to be cut all round to the part , and the periostium , by scraping , is to be separated from the bone ; and if it be where there is a double bone , as in the leg , and below the elbow , the flesh and ligaments between them is to be divided ; which being performed , let the bone be separated with a very sharp saw. if the flux of blood be not great , to apply only those medicines that stop blood , will be sufficient ; but if great , an actual cautery is to be used , which is only to be applied upon the great vessels ; then let the ligature be taken off , and the part be fitly bound up . if either the patient or chirurgeon be averse to the use of a cautery , then as soon as the member is taken off , let the skin together with the flesh , in four distinct places opposite one to the other , be taken up with a needle and waxed thread , and the ligature being loosened above , or drawn down , that , if possible , they may meet : so by this way is the hemorage staid , the bone preserved from all danger , and the wound sooner cured . but this way is painful and troublesom , therefore ought it the seldomer to be used . aquapendens his way . when the principal design of art in this operation , is to put a stop to putrefaction , to cause as little pain as may be , and to stay the flux of blood , all which the above-quoted author thinks may be done , if the member be amputated in the dead part , but near to the sound ; then the bone being divided with burning-hot irons , let the remainder of the dead part be cauterized , till the patient perceive the heat of the fire : so he writes , that by this course a flux of blood is not to be feared , less pain is caused , and within the space of two or three days , will appear a separation of the mortified part from the sound ; but in my opinion , we ought to consider well of the cause . for in a spacelus , sprung from an internal cause , in a body otherwise sound , this way is the best ; but in a spacelus caused from a defect of innate heat , the former is more profitable . chap. xxv . of the fleshy rupture . sarcocele , which is a fleshy rupture , is a tumor besides nature , produced from impure blood , flowing in too great quantity itno the testicles , and there degenerated into flesh . in this definition , received by the best physitians and chirurgeons , i note two things : . the cause of this tumor , not to be impure blood , seeing the best , may produce it ; not simply abounding in quantity , because it also happens in wasted bodies , though 't is not so soon generated , nor arrives to such a greatness in these , as in those bodies ; but the true cause is the erosion , rupture or dilatation of the membranes which close the mouths of the capillary vessels , that the nutritious blood may not flow too suddenly into the part ; from whence , more blood flows into the part than what is required for its nourishment ; and nature changeth that blood which otherwise would purifie into a fleshy substance . . this flesh sometimes grows to the second of the common tunicles of the scrotum , and not to the testicles , in which case it may be taken aways , without either hurting , or cutting of them out . signs are , the hardness , and slow encrease of the tumor , which is rather more troublesome than painful , except accompanied with sharp humors ; no appearance of any tumor in the groin . prognosticks . ] a sarcocele is hardly cured by the help of medicines , and seldom by manual operation , without taking off the testicle , if it extends it self into the groins , for the most part incurable . cure. ] in the beginning , when the membranes of the vessels being eroded , broke or dilated , do give leave for too much leave to issue forth , bleeding , and the use of repelling and restringent medicines profit much ; but when it hath begun to augment , then we may use these following means : let there be made a little orifice into the scrotum , rather in its superior then inferior part , through which , by the help of plegets let suppurating medicines be applied , so that if possible , to waste the flesh , every dressing diligently wiping away the matter , but not at all , that the remaining flesh may be the better consumed . if these things succeed not , draw forth the testicle , and by incision take off as much flesh as may be done without injury to it ; then restore it again into its place , and the remainder of the flesh endeavor to consume by suppuration . but if there be no hope of curing this rupture by the recited means , draw forth the hernious testicle as far as you may , then pass once or twice a silken thred above the tumor by the process of the peritonaeum ; then pass both ends of the silk through the orifice it self , so that which was on the right side , may be on the left , and that of the left , on the right ; and having ordered that the process of the peritonaeum may be tied with a knot , then cut off the testicle , letting both the ends of the silk hang out of the scrotum , and so cure it as another wound . i cannot here but friendly advise , . the chirurgeon ought to consider well of the cause , before he comes to the operation it self ; for sometimes the parastates are so swell'd , especially the testicles being scirrhous , that they may easily deceive a very curious examiner . . the ligature ought to be made as near to the tumor as possible , for by how much the higher part of the process of the peritonaeum be perforated , it is observed to be so much the thicker , which thing will retard the suppuration and the falling of the thread ; in the mean time convulsions coming on , denounce death . . the spermatick vessels detain'd in the scrotum , oftentimes by natures variety , exceed the testicles themselves in greatness , which causes no other inconvenience but only fear , which i have observed to be true , in more than one . chap. xxvi . the extraction of the stone out of the bladder . the stone is a hard body concreted from slimy , salt or earthy matter , by a peculiar lapidifying quality , causing pain , obstruction ; and other symptoms in the place where it is detained . the cause is a pituitous , salt or earthy matter , which neither by heat nor cold , by a peculiar lapidifying quality is changed into a stone . signs . ] the urine is white , slimy , crude and troubled , suddenly adhering to the urinal ; sometimes it is bloody , sometimes sandy or gravelly ; sometimes full of little threads , and not seldom supprest ; a great thirst , a frequent making of urine , but with pain and by drops : the patients place themselves with their thighs across , always holding their privy-parts in their hands , pressing the bottom of their belly ; the privy-part is always erected , very painful to go or walk , in the region of the belly a weight perceived , the patient seldom making water without going to stool , the intestine commonly falls out , especially in young people . although all these signs seem plain , yet they may sometimes deceive a phisician ; it was formerly the custom with a catheter passed through the ureter into the bladder , then thrusting in one or two fingers into the anus , not only to search for the stone , but also understand its greatness . but this searching was so very painful , that it was difficult , through fear of pain , to have it permitted a second time ; and this thing gave occasion to have ready at the second time of searching , all instruments necessary for cutting out the stone ; but the omnipotent and great prince of physicians hath now granted to those miserable patients , those chirurgeons , who not only without catheter , but also without pain , both in old people and children , which can most certainly find out the stone ; and for this reason they excel the so much esteem'd french-men . i wish other places may may enjoy the same artists . prognostick . ] a crumbling stone seldom , a hard stone can never be wasted by medicines , whatsoever boasting persons may say ; sometimes it is so soft , that by the very catheter it self it may be broke to pieces in the neck of the bladder , and be brought forth ; sometimes through its smalness it comes forth whole ; sometimes it sticks in the urethra , out of which , without danger and great pain it cannot be removed ; if it sticks in the tunicles of the bladder , or grows to the superficies of the interior coat , it cannot be taken away by section , without the death of the patient : by how much the greater the stone is , the operation is the more dangerous and painful . stones are often drawn forth out of womens bladders about the bigness of an olive , or a walnut , without incision : but this way by dilatation , of extracting the stone , is so dangerous , that it ought not to be performed but by experienced chirurgeons . cure. ] stones generated in the kidneys , bladder , or other parts of the body ( for , they may in any ) in general , require the assistance of the physician ; but we in this place treat only of the manner of drawing them forth out of the bladder by incision . there are several ways by various authors proposed ; but that which follows , is the most common , and most sure . let the chirurgeon place his patient on a soft pillow in a strong mans lap , after he has three or four times jumpt from a high place , then let him tie both his hands to the soles of his feet , and let two standers by hold each knee , extending them as far as may be one from the other ; then let him take the first finger of his left-hand , or if necessity requires , the two first , anointed with oyl of lillies , roses , or fresh almonds , and thrust them up the fundament , with his right hand gently compressing above the os pubis , so that the stone may slip down under the os pubis , into the perinaeum , which when brought thither by the foresaid fingers , let him make incision with a sharp knife in the left side between the testicles and the anus , near to the suture of the perinaeum , cutting to the very stone it self ; and if it comes not out of the wound it self , nor by the thrusting forth of the fingers which are in the intestinum rectum , let him draw it forth with a pair of forceps , or which is better , with the lapidillum or spoon . the stone being taken out , and all the ligatures loosed , let the wound be bound up according to art , applying medicines , stopping blood , viz. of meal and bole , &c. with the greatest care to consolidate it as soon as possible , lest the patient labour with a dropping of his urine through the wounded part : and this is the manner of drawing forth the stone , which chirurgeons use to call apparatus minor , which chiefly is used in children , although there are those which proceed thus in people of full growth : but in our country always this incision is made by them whose fingers are fitted for this operation , but in people of full age it is sometimes very difficult to reach the stone by the fingers put up into the fundament , and after the same manner to bring it down into the perinoeum , if not altogether impossible , as many think it ; therefore there is another way found out , which they call apparatus major ; the patient is put on a table , and bound , and held as above , the chirurgeon through the uretra passeth a director into the bladder to the stone , then incision being made as obove , in the hollow of the director , puts in the conductor , taking the director out of the uretra , he passeth into the wound the forceps , the lapidillum , or other instrument convenient for drawing out the stone , by which he may both lay hold of it , and draw it forth , not making use of his fingers in the anus , except great necessity compel him to it . where the stone is bigger than the orifice , and cannot come forth , the wound is to be enlarged , or the stone to be broken into pieces by the forceps , and so drawn forth in parts : this done , the binding and consolidating the wound , ought to be the same as in children , giving it a stitch if it be too great , putting in a silver-pipe for two or three days , that may give passage to the concreted blood , slime and sandy urine . the manner is the same in women , but only the fingers are not put into the anus , but into the privy-parts , and the catheter must not be crooked , but straight , and much shorter than the other . there is likewise another manner of drawing forth the stone ; the chirurgeon thrusting his finger into the anus , presseth the stone upwards to the belly ; then through the wound made in the right muscle above the os pubis , according to the ductus of its fibres , by the assistance of the lapidillum or forceps draw forth the stone ; by this way is never observed any coming forth of the urine , and the place supposed convenient to draw forth the stone : but this operation in it self is dangerous and troublesome , and if the lips of the wound made in the bladder unite not to the muscles of the abdomen , there follows an ulcer of the bladder , more painful , but less cureable than the stone it self ; which inconveniences have caused it not to be reckoned among other operations by true practisers . chap. xxvii . of the hare-lip . the fourth and last part of chirurgery call'd anaplerosis , which restores what is deficient , is chiefly used when any part of the nose , lip , or ear is wanting , whether it be from the birth , or from an external cause , as to the lip , in a little defect , let it be first separated from the gums , then let the edges be scarified and joined together with a needle , laying over it an aglutinating plaister , and so in a short time the cure will be performed . in a greater defect , let the lip be seperated from the gums , then put a linnen cloth between , and let the extremities be brought together by bandage , after some few days , convenient scarification being made , by the help of a stitch , and plaisters , let the ends be united . the nose and ears being depriv'd of any part , after what manner they are cured , taliacotius in a particular treatise hath largely set down ; to the which i refer the reader . the end of the first part. barbetty's chirurgery . the second part. which treats of tumors , wounds and ulcers : in three books . the first book of the second part of chirurgery . of tumors . chap. i. of tumors in general . a tumor besides nature , is a disease in which the parts of the body are indecently inlarlarged and extended , so that they are rendred unfit to perform its actions . the differences of tumors are taken , . from the part affected ; as an inflammation of the eyes , jaws , &c. . from the causes . the causes are , . the parts of the body removed out of their natural place . . the four humors , as well natural as preternatural , viz , blood ▪ choler , phlegm , melancholy , to which likewise we add serum and wind. tumors for the most part are generated from the humors , and that either by congestion , or fluxion . they come by congestion , when the natural heat of the part being diminished , the good humors are ill concocted , or the vicious are not sufficiently evacuated . by fluxion , from a two-fold cause , external , viz. a fall , blow , external heat , too great motion , &c. internal , viz. pain , superabundancy , thinness , acrimony of humors , &c. the signs of tumors are , an extention of the part , pain , redness , heat , hardness , &c. but these are better explained in particular tumors , than in general . the times of tumors ( for all curable tumors have four ) are as followeth , beginning , when the part begins to swell ; increase , the swelling , pain , and other symptoms are augmented ; state , the symptoms stand at a stay , and grow not worser ; declination , when the symptoms are diminished . prognostick . ] tumors produced from phlegm or melancholy , are hard of cure. those are dangerous , which are generated from corrupt blood or choler , which seizeth the internal parts , which shew themselves about the greater vessels , joynts , nerves , and the membranous or noble parts : those that are of great bigness , and that happen in cacochymick bodies . they are terminated four ways ; . by dissipation , which the lessening of the symptoms do declare . . by suppuration , wherein the pain and pulsation is increased together with a fever . . by induration , which the too often and immoderate use of repelling and dissipating medicines hath caused . . degenerating into a gangrene , from the defect of natural heat . the cure is performed two ways : . by hindering any further flux to the part. . in removing that which is already gathered in the part. we stay the flux of humors , . by intercepting . . by repelling . . by revelling . . by derivation . . by corroborating the part it self . the matter already gathered , is taken away , . by astringing and repelling medicines , to wit , when 't is thin , and sticks not too firm to the parts . . by resolvents , when it is thick , and adheres more firmly to the part. . by suppuratives , when the other are too weak . . by fire and cutting , when other means effect nothing . chap. ii. of inflammation . a phlegmon or inflammation is a tumor besides nature , from blood thrown forth into the skin or subjacent muscles , causing heat , redness , pain , pulsation and tension . difference . ] 't is perfect , when from blood alone : imperfect , when choler phlegm , or melancholy is mix'd with the blood , and then 't is called phlegmone , erysipelatodes , oedematodes , schirrhodes . the cause is sometimes blood alone , sometimes mixt with other humors . signs , are heat , redness , pain , pulsation , shining , tension , hardness , renitency . prognosticks . ] an inflammation of the external parts frees the internal from many diseases ; always wholesome , except from its too great extention it produceth a gangrene ; dangerous and of hard cure is that which seizeth on the eyes , jaws , penis , pudendum muliebre and joynts . in a young person , and in summer soon cured ; longer of cure , in a fat , than a lean body . the cure hath four indications . the first of these respects a good diet ; let him chuse a clear air , his meat and drink little , and that cooling ; all hot , sweet and fat things , as pepper and ginger , are hurtful ; as also the motion of the body , especially of the part affected ; sleep is very convenient : all costivenefs , anger and venery are noxious , second , that stops the further flux of the humor , which may be performed by revulsion , derivation , repelling and interception ; therefore let a vein be opened as soon as possible , it being most necessary : revulsion is made in the opposite and most remote part , derivation in the nearest : if you may not open a vein , you must use leeches and scarifications . whilst these things are done , seeing the body is seldom clean , but that always there are ill humors mixt with the blood , by purging rightly used , and often repeated , as also bleeding , we effect much . in the mean time , the part affected requires repelling medicines , from which we must abstain , where , . the noble parts send the humors to convenient places , and to the glandules . . where the humors are malignant . . when critical . . when the body is very impure . . when the part affected is very weak or painful . . where the inflammation is about some noble part. repelling medicines . the roots of bistort , tormentil ; the leaves of cyprus , mirtles , plantain and oak ; the flowers of balaustians and roses , quince-seeds , red sanders , galls , acacia , dragons blood , whites of eggs , vinegar , red wine , allum , bole , oyl of roses , myrtles , empl. de spermate ranarum . take rose-vinegar two ounces , whites of eggs beat together no. . bole-armenick , three drams ; lap. hematitis , a dram ; mix them . take the juice of housleek , purslane , and plantane , of each an ounce ; rose-vinegar , sowr red wine , of each an ounce and half ; oyl of myrtles , an ounce : stir them together in a leaden morter , adding to them of the powder of pomegranate rinds and bistort , of each a dram : make it into a linament . . indication requires the taking away the humor already in the part. here resolvents are first to be used ; but they not effectual , then suppuratives . resolvents or discussives . roots of galangal , orrise , dill , southernwood , rue , savin , flowers of camomil , melilot , elder , aniseeds , carraways and cummin ▪ ammoniacum , bdellium , sagapenum , tacamahac , oyl of dill , nard , rue , bays ; ointment of agrippa martiatum ; emplaisters of betony , oxicroceum , diachilon , leaven , the dung of beasts , spirit and lees of wine . take roots of orrise , marsh-mallows , of each an ounce and half ; the tops of wormwood , flowers of camomile , melilot , of each one pugil ; herbs , of pellitory of the wall , mullein of each one handful ; meal of barley , and fenugreek , as much as is sufficient ; boil them in white wine , then being beaten together , add of oyl of orrise and camomile , of each an ounce : make it into a cataplasm . or , take cows-dung , three ounces ; juice of hemlock , one ounce ; oyl of camomile half an ounce ; castor , two drams , bole-armonick half a dram ; red myrrhe , two drams ; saffron , one dram ; meal of lupines , as much as sufficeth to make it into a poultice . suppuratives . marsh-mallow roots , mallows , camomile-flowers , figs , galbanum , bdellium , sagapenum , ammoniacum , fat of hogs , geese , ducks , hens , oyl of white-lillies ; ointment of marsh-mallows both simple and compound , basilicon , the plaisters of diachylon , of mussilages and melilot . take onions roasted in embers , three ounces ; figs , no. x. beat them together , adding of ointment of basilicon , six drams ; ducks-grease , an ounce ; virgins-honey , and the meal of linseed , of each as much as is sufficient to make it into a cataplasm . or , take the roots of white-lillies , marsh-mallows , of each an ounce ane half ; leaves of mallows , cows-parsnips , of each an handful ; figs no. viij , raisins , six drams ; meal of marsh-mallow-roots , or of wheat , two ounces ; venice-sope , three drams ; being boil'd and strain'd , add to them of hogs-grease on ounce , oyl of camomil two ounces : mix them according to art , and make a cataplasm . . indication respects the symptoms , which , if not removed , hinder the cure ; the chief of which are , . a fever ; the chief of which concerns a physician , except it be removed by bleeding . . hardness , whose cure look for in the chapter of schirrhus . . a gangrene ; which is treated of in a particular chapter . . pain ; which we do remove by the following medicines . anodines . marsh-mallows , dill , mallows , camomil , henbane , tobacco , lin-seed , seed of poppy , fenugreek , sperma ceti , cream , white of eggs , oil of white-lillies , linseed , ointment of populeon , fat of hogs , hens , and mans opium . the great vertues of the following poultice i have not seldom experimented . take flowers of dill , camomil , of each a handful ; elder , a handful and half ; linseed-meal , four ounces ; oil of dill , white-lillies , of each half an ounce ; boil them in milk to the consistence of a poultice . chap. iii. erysipelas . erysipelas is a tumor besides nature , from choler , thrown forth for the most part only into the skin it self , sometimes on the subjacent muscles , causing pain , heat and other symptoms . difference . ] 't is perfect , when sprung from choler alone ; as it is imperfect , when blood , phlegm or melancholy is mixt with it ; from whose appellation it likewise takes its name , and is called erysipelas , phlegmonodes , oedematodes , scirrhodes ; sometimes an ulcer is joined with it , which sometimes consumes only the skin , other times the flesh it self . cause is choler , seldom alone , sometimes mixt with phlegm and melancholy , but oftentimes with blood or serum ; whence , those medicines that are proper for a phlegmon , oftentimes do good in an erysipelas . signs . ] great heat , sharp pain , redness mixt with yellowness , easily giving way to the touch , but as suddenly returning ; the swelling and extention of the part little , and the pulsation lesser : which last gave occasion to authors , of questioning whether an erysipelas ought to be reckoned amongst tumors . it is accompanied always with a fever , except from an external cause . prognosticks . ] an erysipelas is seldom dangerous , except the matter be repell'd from the external parts to the internal ; yet more dangerous , when it seizeth on the noble parts and jaws ; and when a wound ; fracture , dislocation or putrefaction are join'd with it . cure. ] what concerns diet here , is first and chiefly to be considered ; air , meat and drink must be cooling ; all sharp , hot , fat and sweet things hurt ; as likewise do too great motion of the body , watchings , costiveness , venery and anger . purging is very necessary , therefore those medicines described in the third chapter of the first part , are here convenient . a perfect erysipelas admits not of bleeding ; for the fatness of the blood bridles the sharpness of the choler : but if the fever be vehement , the flux great , and any blood ( which for the most part happens ) be mingled with the choler , 't is convenient to bleed , especially in plethorick bodies : in delicate and weak bodies , cupping-glasses , with scarification or leeches , if things should require , will serve , these being thus done , to provoke sweat , is the best of all other remedies . outwardly to the affected part , ought not to be applied , . oyl , or any fat thing ; as those things which yield matter to the choler , easily increase putrefaction : but if yet it is your pleasure to use them , they must be tempered by mixing them with other medicines . . repellents , except the erysipelas be very little , the part affected remote from the noble part , and the humors be yet flowing , and then they ought not to be used without resolvents mixt with them . the cataplasms described in the foregoing chapter , may for the most part be applied here with success . the plaister of diapalma dissolved in vinegar , is in dayly use ; the leaves of tobacco , colewort , and henbane applied to the part affected , strongly draw forth the heat . there are those which use sheeps dung boiled in wine-vinegar ; as also the flowers of camomil , mellilot , and elders , boyl'd in new milk. chalk powdred , put upon the part , laying cap-paper over it , quickly and safely cures . the following fomentations i have experienced to be of great virtue . take red myrrhe powdred , two drams ; saccarum saturni one dram ; camphire a scruple , opium grains , white-wine six ounces : let linnen clothes be dipt in it , and applyed warm to the part , often renewing them , when dryed , or cold . another , take the white troches of rhasis one dram , camphire one scruple , spirit of wine an ounce , elder-water six ounces : mingle and apply it as before . fumes of mastick , and frankincense may likewise be used five or six times a day , especially if the erysipelas be in the face . when an ulcer accompanies it . take the white troches of rhasis , two drams ; red mirrhe , litharge of gold , of each a dram ; flower of brimstone half a dram ; sarcocol , two scruples ; whites of eggs , as much as is sufficient to make it into a linament . chap. iv. of oedema . oedema , is a tumor beside nature , arising from pituitous matter , white , soft , without pain , oftner caused by congestion , than by fluxion . difference . ] it is perfect , when it proceeds only from phlegm : imperfect , when mixt with other humors ; thus oedema , phegmonodes , erysipelatodes , schirrhodes . cause is phlegm , sometimes alone , sometimes confused with other humors ; for the most part it is produced from the ill disposition of the limphaeducts . signs are whiteness , softness , yielding to the fingers ; little pain , and less pulsation . prognosticks . ] if an oedema degenerate into a scirrhus , or abscess , it is hard of cure. it is dangerous if a consumption , or dropsie accompany it : it oftner happens in old people , phlegmatick bodies in the winter time , and in all those who with immoderate eating and drinking continually , debilitate the natural heat . cure. ] this , as the precedent tumors , requires a good diet meat and drink , as also the air must be moderately hot and dry : rosted meat is better than boiled ; fruit , cheese , and fish hurt ; as also too great a quantity of meat and drink : wine , either of it self , , or altered with hot herbs is good ; moderate exercises of the body before meals , is as profitable , as much sleep , especially diurnal is prejudicial ; costiveness , rest , and sadness are noxious . bleeding is altogether here unprofitable , and very seldom used ; but sweating and purging very necessary , sometimes vomiting : always regard must be had to the stomach . to the tumor it self . in the beginning we apply repelling medicines mixt with discussives , but so , that the discussives exceed ; afterwards we use only discussives , though sometimes stronger , sometimes weaker , according to the condition of the disease . take aloes three drams ; bole-armenick half an ounce ; acacia , dragons blood , cyprus roots powdered , of each two drams ; saffron half a dram , rose-vinegar an ounce and half ; oyl of mirtle and earth-worms , of each an ounce ; wax , as much as is sufficient to make it into a linament . another stronger . take crude brimstone , ashes of vine branches , sal-gemme , of each two drams ; bean-meal two ounces , vinegar an ounce , oyl of nuts a dram , turpentine , and wax , as much as sufficeth either to make it into the consistence of an ointment , or cerat . another yet stronger . take laudanum , an ounce and half ; frankincense an ounce ; styrax-camitis half an ounce ; brimstone six drams ; alom , salt-peter , ashes , of each two drams ; cows-dung half an ounce ; oyl of rue an ounce ; turpentine , and pitch , as much as sufficeth to make a plaister . an excellent cataplasm . take roots of marsh-mallows , three ounces ; bryony , dwarf-elder , of each ounces ; leaves of sage and rue , of each a handful ; savin , half a handful : boil them in equal parts of wine and water ; in the end , adding of vinegar three ounces : then being well beat together , add bean-meal two ounces and a half ; ashes , half an ounce ; cows-dung one ounce ; salt half an ounce ; leaven an ounce and half ; oyl of camomil four ounces ; hoggs-grease , two ounces : make it into a cataplasm . if it comes to an abscess , which rarely happens , this poultice is excellent , especially if the vinegar be omitted , and in its room , onions , and a quantity of unguentum basilicon be added . if an oedema proceed from a consumption , dropsie , or ill habit of body , till those diseases be cured that cannot . i have used often to cure an oedema with this wine or purging conserve , and exactly rowling the arms or legs with rowlers of or yards long , beginning from below , upwards , and so allowing no liberty for the humor to descend : by this way the noble parts are corroborated ; the preternatural humors evacuated , and the external members in a few days space restored to their former condition . take roots of orrise floren. an ounce ; sea-holly and parsley , of each half an ounce : rhubarb , agarick , trochis . of each three drams , senna , six drams ; cinamon two drams , cloves half a dram . sem. siler . mont. two drams : tye them in a cloth , and let them infuse in two pints of old white-wine , then take every morning four or five ounces for a dose . or , take of electuary of juice of roses an ounce ; jalap , a dram ; spirit of salt , a scruple : mix it in an electuary . let the patient take the quantity of a bean , or hazel-nut every third or fourth day . chap. v. of scirrhus . scirrhus is a tumor besides nature , sometimes generated of tough , viscous phlegm ; sometimes of melancholy , hard , not yielding to the touch , nor painful . differences ; it is perfect when sprung from melancholy , or phlegm alone : imperfect , when other humors are unnaturally mixt with it . cause , is melancholy , or tough phlegm . signs , great hardness void of pain , of a white colour , if from phlegm ; if from melancholy , livid . prognostick . ] a scirrhus , where there is no pain , and upon which the hair grows , is altogether incurable , and if livid , it is very dangerous , and often degenerates into a cancer : an imperfect , small , and painful one , by means sometimes ( although very rare ) may be cured . cure. ] if the scirrhus be produced from phlegm , the same manner of diet is to be observed as in an oedema ; but if from melancholy , you must chuse a clear air , moderately hot , and moist ; the meat of the saxe quality , and of easie digestion ; all sharp things , and those that are hot in the third or fourth degree , hurt : let the drink be neither thick nor strong , but warming ▪ sadness , anger , cares , venery , much sleep , hurtful ; but moderate exercises very necessary . bleeding is scarce ever administred with any success , but sweating , and purging with great . amongst the external remedies are discussives and emollients ; but yet the whole course of the cure must be mixt , now increasing the quantity of the one , then of the other . the use of suppuratives in the cure of schirrhus , hath seldom any good event . there are those which try cutting out , and burning which must be attributed to their rash ignorance , except contained in a proper tunicle , and then the name of schirrhus is ill attributed to that tumor . emollient medicines . butter , the fat of hens , geese , ducks , hogs , foxes , bears , mans ; mallows , marsh-mallows , orrach , gums , ammoniacum , galbanum , bdellium , styrax , liquida ; ointment of marsh-mallows ; plaisters of diachilon , of mussilages , and mellilot . resolvents are set down in the chapter of a phlegmon . take gum , galbanum , ammoniacum , oppoponax of each an ounce ; flower of brimstone , red myrrhe , of each half an ounce : camphire , a dram ; oyl of white-lillies , ducks-grease , of each six drams ; wax , as much as is sufficient to make it into a plaister . take roots of marsh-mallows , three ounces ; orrise , an ounce ; leaves of colworts , pellitory of the wall , mallows , flowers of camomile and mellilot , of each a handful ; linseed two ounces , boil them in water ; and being well beat together , add to them horse-dung two ounces ; hoggs-grease , oil of camomil , of each an ounce ; boil'd onions half an ounce : make a cataplasm . chap. vi. de tumore aquoso , or watry tumor . tumor aquosus is a collection of a watry humor in the whole body , or in some one part ; soft , and without pain , yielding to the fingers , but suddenly returning . difference . sometimes the whole body is swell'd with water ; which tumor is call'd anasarca , sometimes the lower belly only , or with the legs , and then it is called ascites ; if wind , mixing with the water , extends the belly like to a drum , it is call'd tympanites : these are three kinds of dropsies , whose cure rather appertains to the physician than chirurgion ; water collected in the head , is call'd hydrocephalos ; in the breast , a dropsie of the lungs ; in the navel , a hydromphalos ; in the cods , hydrocele . cause is serum , to wit salt-water , produced from the lost heat of the parts that serv'd to sanguification , and chylification . signs ; this tumor is softer then oedema , and more yielding to the fingers , without pain , with some itching , and if you look on it by candle-light , very shining . prognosticks . ] watry tumors are not dangerous , if the principle parts that feed it , are not too much debilitated , yet all are of difficult cure , especially those in and about the joynts . cure. diet is here the same as in oedema : all salt things indurated with smoak , and too great a quantity of drink , are very hurtful ; as also spirit of wine and pepper ; otherwise hot and dry aliments are best . purging is very necessary , provided it be not too great , lest the parts already weak , are more weakned : provoking sweat and urine , here are very profitable . bleeding , by experience i know it to be hurtful to all hydropick people . medicines , purging water . roots of asarum , dwarf-elder , jalap , white mechoacans , leaves and bark of elder , euphorbium , turbith , gum gutta , syrup , and species of diacarthamum , cream of tartar. take syrup of roses solutive , with senna , diacarthamum , of each an ounce ; jalap , eight grains , cream of tartar , two scruples , parsley-water , as much as is sufficient to make it into a potion . a purging wine , which cures the dropsie it self . take roots of orrise , gentian , succhory , fennel , masterwort , of each an ounce ; the middle bark of elder , an ounce and half ; leaves of ground-pine , a handful ; rosemary , two pugils ; flowers of centaury the less , one pugil ; seeds of smallage , coriander , carraway , roman-nettle , fennel , of each a dram , senna two ounces ; agarick three drams ; jalap half an ounce ; turbith , a dram and half : let them be cut , and infused in six pints of rhenish-wine : dose four ounces . medicines consuming water , outwardly used . roots of orrise , bryony , birthwort , flowers of elder , camomil , leaves of celandine , centaury , calamint , rue , dill , wild majoram , sulphur vivum , salt , allum , bay-berries , ammoniacum , bdellium . take cows-dung , half an ounce ; pidgeons dung two drams ; sulphur vivum half an ounce ; nitre two drams ; honey , vinegar , of each an ounce and half ; bean meal two ounces ; bay-berries , cummin-seeds , of each half an ounce ; oyl of dill , nard , of each an ounce ; white-wine , as much as is sufficient to make it into a poultice . or , take frankincense , mastick , myrrhe , of each half an ounce ; camphire , half a dram ; goats-dung , an ounce and half ; brimstone , salt , cummin-seeds , of each three drams ; turpentine and wax , as much as sufficeth : according to art , make it into a plaister . hydrocephalus is always of difficult cure : water contained in the ventricles of the brain , or between the brain and meninges , is very dangerous ; but less dangerous , when collected between the dura , and pia mater , or between the dura mater , and the skull : for the dura mater may be divided into a lancet , if you can come at it ; but least danger of all , when detained without the skull . purging sudorificks and diureticks , seldom do any good here ; but cauteries , blisters , issues , setons are more profitable ; but sometimes we are forc'd to come to incision or ustion , which remedies , although dangerous , have cured several . some chyrurgeons use with an actual cautery to burn the skin of the head in five , six , or more places , but not together and at once , but at several times , lest the patients strength should be too much spent , continually choosing that place , which the watry humor makes , to appear most convenient . some with a lancet open the skin near to the sagital suture . which of these remedies are best , cannot absolutely be declared . i must esteem an actual cautery , when the water is between the skin and the skull ; but if under the skull , between the meninges , i do not see how this operation can be performed without a lancet . but which of them soever you chuse , have a care of discharging all the water at once , for in the very operation it self the patient dies , or at least is very much debilitated ; for till the end of the cure , all the water is not to be taken away , lest the debilitated parts be deprived of that heat which the water possest , do corrupt : but rather what remains must be consumed by internal and external discussives ; and this is to be observed in all watry tumors that are cured by a paracenthesis . in the same manner the watry tumor in the navel and cod ought to be handled , after other medicines have been applied in vain . dropsie of the breast belongs not to chirurgery , except where a paracenthesis is convenient ; concerning which , read the th . chapter of the first part. chap. vii . of the flatuous , or windy tumor . the flatuous tumor is a disease produced of wind , not yielding without resistance to the fingers . difference . some are without pain , others with it ; in the one , the wind is in motion , in the other , quiet . causes of wind , are phlegm , especially when mingled with choler , which , as ferment doth froth , so it proceedeth wind ; it always happens upon a debility of the parts , by reason of which , although endeavoring to concoct the humors , yet are notable . signs are inflation , with a resistance yielding to the fingers , a rumbling noise , especially if shaken . prognosticks . ] it seldom comes is fleshy parts ; in other parts it brings many inconveniencies , in weak and cacochymick bodies , it 's of difficult and tedious cure. cure. ] the same diet in here to be observed as in an oedema : pease , beans , turnips , chestnuts , and all crude fruit do extreamly hurt ; on the contrary , wine , and other things moderately warming , profit ; as also spices , and those things which disperse wind , as nutmegs , mace , anise , carraways , lovage . the stomach , and the whole body require purging and corroborating medicines , always mixing with them those that disperse wind , and sometimes also where corroboratives are used , anodines , laudanum ; opiatum cautiously used ( that is , half a grain , or a grain for a dose ) is here excellent : for besides that it ceaseth pain , it also by its diaphoretick quality removes the cause of the disease : to cause sweat , is as necessary as bleeding is unnecessary . outward medicines discussing wind. roots of galangale , lovage , herbs , dill , mint , marjoram , peniroyal , rosemary , rue , chervil ; flowers of elder , mellilot , camomil ; seeds , anise , carraways , cummin , fennel ; nutmegs , cardamum , castor ; oyl of rue , nard , spike , dill , carraway distill'd ; mace , nucista exprest and distill'd , mellilot-plaister . take oyl of wormwood , rue , of each two drams ; oyl of nucistae exprest , one dram ; of mace distilled , half a dram ; castor , dissolved in aqua vitae , two scruples : make it into a linament . or , take the leaves of rue , calamint , of each half an handful ; bean-meal , two ounces ; seeds of cummin and anise , of each half an ounce ; bay-berries , salt , of each three drams ; nitre , brimstone , of each a dram ; goats dung , six ounces ; white-wine , as much as is sufficient : mix them , and boyl them into the consistence of a cataplasm . or , take the roots of pelitory of spain , half a dram ; venice-sope , three drams ; castor dissolved in aqua vitae , one dram ; seeds of cummin , carraways , of each two drams ; ashes of earth-worms , half a dram ; oil of spike , half an ounce ; mastick , three drams , wax and turpentine , as much as sufficeth : make it into a plaister according to art. chap. viii . de herpete . herpes is a tumor besides nature , sprung from yellow choler , disfiguring the skin with corroding and spreading pustules . difference . ] where choler solely predominates , it produceth herpes exedens , but where phlegm is mixt with choler , a herpes miliaris . cause is sometimes choler alone , sometimes mixt with phlegm ; and i see not why the serum of the blood may not often be here taken as a cause : for the lymphaeducts being out of order , do produce mutations in mans body , heretofore unknown . signs . ] are little pustules , like to millet-seed ; a heat , itching ; and after rubbing , a moistness , and little ulcers . prognosticks . ] herpes is of difficult cure , but of little danger , unless so rendred by the immoderate use of repellents . cure. ] the same diet is here required , as in an erysipelas . moreover , purging is here very necessary ; bleeding not to be allowed of ; the use of baths is excellent , and their waters taken at fit times , safely cure this disease : the decoctions of china , salsa , &c. also benefit much . outwardly . ] fasting-spittle oftentimes doth good , because if it should be repelled to the internal parts , it causeth a feaver , and other ill symptoms . with great success many times , have i seen applyed the powder of lapis scisilis , mixt with vinegar ; some used mustard boyl'd in butter ; to which they add some gunpowder . lye also , and urine have helpt many ; unguent , fuscum , of felix wurtz is excellent here ; as also the following plaister . take sarcocols , crude brimstone , of each two drrms ; mastick , frankincense , lapis calaminaris , of each half an ounce ; white troches of rhasis , litharge of gold , myrrhe , of each three drams ; goats suit , half an ounce ; wax and turpentine , so much as is sufficient to make it into a plaister , according to art. take the powder of chalk mixt with cream , and anoint the part , fomenting it before with the hot lees of white-wine . in a rebellious herpes . take the brown oyntment of felix wurtz , three drams ; white ointment with camphire , one dram and half ; cerase , brimstone , myrrhe , of each a dram ; litharge a dram and half ; mercurius dulcis , verdigrease , of each a scruple and half ; oyl of roses , as much as sufficeth : make it into an oyntment . or , take lapis prunella , one dram ; flower of brimstone , half an ounce ; salt of saturn , a dram and half ; old oyl of rape , as much as sufficeth to make it into a linament . chap. ix . of atheroma , steatoma , and meliceris . a theroma is a tumor besides nature , contained in a proper cist , caused from a humor like to the pap of a sodden barley , without pain , of the colour of the skin , not yeilding to the singers , nor when they are removed , suddenly swelling out again . steatoma is a tumor besides nature , contained in its own proper tunicle , caused from a matter like to suet , and of the same colour , soft , from a small beginning , by degrees increasing , difficulty yielding to to the fingers , but they being removed , returning again to its former greatness . meliceris is a tumor besides nature , included in its proper tunicle , engendered from a humor , like to hony , without pain , round , easily yeilding to the fingers , which being removed , returns again to its first figure . differences . ] this matter like to honey , suet , or pap , if gathered about the joynts , is call'd a ganglion ; if about the glandules of the neck , a glandula , scrophula , or struma ; if in the arms , legs , or head , turberculum ; if from the pox , tophus . cause of these tumors is phlegm , in the one more , in the other less , receding from its natural constitution ; and sometimes , but very seldom , mixt with melancholy . signs are declared in their definition . prognosticks . ] they are scarce ever cured , but by manual operation : if the vesicle be broken , or not all taken out , there remains a fistula , or a foul ulcer : the cure of which will be both difficult and tedious . cure. ] they are sometimes , but very rare , removed by strong resolvents : i have cured some with balsom of peru ; some use oxicroceum plaister , or the following : take laudanum an ounce ; red myrrhe , three drams ; camphire a dram : mix them ; and make it into a plaister according to art. another , take gum sagapenum , ammoniacum , of each half an ounce ; roots of pellitory , euphorbium , of each a scruple and half ; brimstone three drams ; oyl of amber a dram : make it into a plaister . if it break , and the matter discharge out of the tunicle , then must you use corrosives , for other medicines are too weak . corrosives , and cathereticks . roots of the black hellebore , burnt galls , burnt date-stones , verdigrease , burnt alum , quick lime , vitriol , mercury sublimate , and precipitate ; spirit and oyl of vitriol , spirit of salt ; the liquor of tartar ; oyntments of aegyptiacum fuscum of felix wurtz ; ashes of oak , and vine branches . some use arsnick , and orpment ; but they are not used but with the greatest danger in those places known by anatomy , under which the nerves lye ; to the skin , and carnous excrescencies , they may be applyed with the less danger . the following ointment will suffice . take vitriol well sweetned , a dram ; verdigrease , a scruple , ointment of aegyptiacum , half an ounce : make it into an oyntment . if they tend to suppuration , which is very seldom , let the surgeon assist nature with maturatives ; but the safest method of taking away these tumors , we have shewn in the twelfth chapter of the first part. chap. x. of scrophula , struma , or king's-evil . struma or scrophula are tumors besides nature , contained in a proper tunicle of their own , from a melancholick or pituitous humor ; shewing themselves in manner of tubercles in the neck and adjoyning parts . difference . ] they are sometimes noveable , sometimes fixt ; sometimes but one , sometimes many . cause , is melancholy or phlegm , or both mixt together . signs . ] are hardness , inequality , and seldom painful . prognosticks . ] these tumors are of long and difficult cure ; especially if many , or fixt ; they are dangerous when they grow painful , and threaten to become cancerous ; or if fixt to any great nerve or vein , sometimes they are hereditary , and sometimes peculiar to a region or city ; when cured , they for the most part leave behind them great skars ; where the recurrent nerve is divided , the speech is lost , and oftentimes life it self . cure. ] diet must be here the same , as in a oedema or scirrhus . purging is necessary , but not bleeding : provoking sweat , by the same way and means as in the french-pox , effects much ; yea , it alone cures the king's-evil . sometimes they are consumed by internal remedies , that have appropriated qualities of curing scrophulas . such are these : roots of round birthwort , briony , sow-bread , dropwort , devil's-bit , orrise , pimpernel , pellitory of spain , squills , vervain , figwort , leaves of cypress , bawm , rue , savory , flowers of broom , burnt crabs , burnt egg-shells , sal gemmae , spunges . new spunges are much commended , if boiled in ale ; drinking thereof three or four times a day ; or calcined , and taking half a dram of the powder morning and evening . the following powder is likewise very much praised : take the ashes of sea-spunges , os sepiae , long pepper , cinamon , sal gemmae , pellitory of spain , cypress-nuts , galls , red-rose leaves , of each half an ounce : make a powder . dose , two scruples or a dram. or , take of spunge-stone , three drams ; sal gemmae , two drams ; salt of tartar , a dram : make a powder . dose , two scruples , or a dram . outwardly resolving and emollient medicines are applied ; which if they effect it not , then use suppuratives ; when 't is suppurated , it is to be cured as a malignant ulcer . but if the above-named medicines signifie nothing , then we come to corrosive medicines , and to the incision-knife . an excellent resolving emollient plaister . take gum , galbanum , ammoniacum , bdellium , of each half an ounce ; bay-berries , stavesacre , pellitory of spain , cummin , of each six drams ; pigeon's dung , a dram ; goat's-dung , three drams ; hog's-grease , an ounce and half ; oyl of camomile , an ounce ; wax and pitch , as much as is sufficient to make it into a plaister . a liniment that stops the flux of humors , and oftentimes wholly cures the king's-evil . take oyl of myrtles and bayes , of each half an ounce ; ointment of martiaton , an ounce ; quicksilver extinct with flower of brimstone , six drams : make it into an ointment . let the scrophula be annointed with it twice a day ; and if they are not consumed , at least they will be diminished : but the chirurgeon must look into the patient's mouth each day , lest upon the continual use of mercury , there follows a flux , which causes a swelling of the tongue and jaws : the plaister of frogs , with mercury , is likewise good here . or , take gum-caranna , an ounce ; crude mercury extinct in turpentine , three drams : make a plaister . if the tumor he painful , there may be added to this plaister a dram of opium , which hath the virtue of resolving and easing pain , and is not cold , but hot . suppurating medicines are set down in the second chapter , and corrosive in the foregoing chapter . in suppurated and open scrophulaes , this ligament is much esteemed : take oyl of bayes , ceruse powdered and allayed with aqua-vitae , of each an ounce ; roch-allom , half an ounce ; salt , two drams : make it into an ointment . chap. xi . of a bubo . bubo is a tumor besides nature , of the glandules , from impure blood , red , painful and hard . difference . ] where little , and not painful , and easily brought to suppuration , 't is called phyma ; but where there is more of choler in it phygeton ; in the arm-pits , panus ; behind the ears , parotis : the one malign or pestilential , the other not ; sometimes contracted from unchaste embraces , then 't is called a venereal bubo . cause is blood , never alone , but always mixt with some other preternatural humor . signs , are redness about the glandules , pain , heat , tension , hardness , pulsation , and sometimes a fever . the liver and spleen , according to the opinion of the ancients , discharge themselves into the groins ; the breast and heart , at the arm-pits ; the brain , at the glandules of the ear ; but now far other use is attributed to the glandules . of which there are several tracts written , and we shall give our opinion in another place . prognosticks . ] the bubo that is not malign , is not dangerous , except it be long discussing , or suppurating , and then fear lest it fistulate : in the arm-pits it is sooner brought to maturity than in the groins ; and here sooner than behind the ears : on the contrary , a malign is for the most part a sign of sudden death , although all outward signs may appear well . the venereal is not mortal , but of hard cure , and for the most part precedes the pox ; chiefly when by bleeding , or the use of repelling medicines , the matter is returned from the external , into internal parts . cure. ] diet the same as in a phlegmon : in a benign , purging is necessary , provided it be not with too strong medicines : bleeding , except a great fever , or a plethora require , i admit no more of it here , than of repellent medicines ; for 't is unseemly that natures assister should return that into the interior parts , which nature her self did eject ( which for the most part is critical . ) sweating in all buboes , profits much : scarification hath no place here , except in malignant , nor leeches , but where very much inflamed . the external cure is to be managed so , that the humor may be dissipated with resolvents , which by reason of the frigidity of the glandules , are required the stronger ; adding also attractives to them ; for in all , i suspect lest the matter be not perfectly thrown forth : but in a painful bubo , 't is first necessary to ease the pain , before you come to any other medicines . in extream pain . take musilages of the seeds of flea-wort , an ounce and half ; the yolk of an egg , saffron , a dram ; fresh butter , half an ounce : make it into a liniment , or , take leaves of mallows , an handful ; meal of marsh-mallow roots , and fenugreek-seeds , of each two ounces ; barley-meal , an ounce ; ducks-grease , oyl of dill , of each half an ounce : boil them in milk , to the consistence of a cataplasm . resolvents are above described ; attractives shall be presently set down . if it yield not to discussion , suppuration is to be endeavoured ; which is of all , the safest method : being suppurated , let it forthwith be opened ; but rather by incision , than cautery : and so let it be kept opened until the whole tumor be dissolved . in children , for the most part , we commit it wholly to nature ; only prescribing a good diet , and forbidding the often touch of the part affected with the hands ; or we apply the plaister of diachilon , or of musilages : 't is also often cured by the only using of oyl of olives , rape , camomil , or white lillies . in a pestilential bubo , neither bleeding or purging ( whatsoever others say ) must be used : sudorificks and refrigeratives are convenient ; outwardly attractives in the beginning , are necessary . attractives . roots of aron , briony , birthwort , pellitory of spain , dittany , cresses , virgins-flower , leeks , nettles , garlick , onions , figs , mustard , gums , galbanum , ammoniacum , euphorbium , succinum , cantharides , castor , ox gall , pigeons grease , and goats-dung ; quick-lime , nitre , brimstone ; leaven , black-sope , plaisters of diachilon , oxicroceum , thereacle , mithridate . take roots of marsh-mallows , an ounce ; onions , two ounces ; elder and camomil-flowers , of each a pugil ; figs , n o xij . fenugreek-meal , two ounces ; pigeons-dung , two drams ; thereacle , three drams : make a cataplasm . or , take roots of pellitory of spain , mustard-seed , of each two scruples ; salt , two drams ; treacle , three drams ; gum ammoniacum , dissolved in vinegar , as much as sufficeth to make a plaister . many take a hen or frog divided in the midst , and apply them warm to the affected part , often changing them : some apply to the part the breech of a live hen or pigeon , the feathers being pulled off : others take away all by incision , which is very dangerous , and not to be permitted : but they proceed best , who forthwith in the very beginning apply a vesicatory to the bubo ; then the following morning or evening open the blister , and afterwards dressing it with attractives : this is of great use , and of much esteem . take the plaister of diachilon with gums , of musilages , of each half a pound ; ointment of basilicon , four ounces ; mustard-seed , three ounces : make a plaister . more of the cure of a bubo , look in our description of the plague . in a venereal bubo , you must neither bleed nor purge , as long as there remains any hope of curing it by external remedies , lest the malignant humors which nature threw out , should be returned again into the body , and so occasion the pox : but suppuration is to be endeavoured by all means , and the suppurated tumor forthwith , yea , although the matter be not perfectly concocted , is to be opened ; if it is tough , as for the most part it is , attractives are to be applied , especially cupping-glasses ; they not being sufficient , when the whole mass of blood is infected , the cure of the pox is to be prescribed ; often using this following decoction . take roots of china , sarsaparilla , of each three ounces ; polipody , an ounce ; bark of guaicum , three ounces ; senna , two ounces ; agarick trochiscatum , two drams ; cinamon , two drams : infuse in a sufficient quantity of water over the fire for hours , then boil them to three quarts , and to the strained liquor add syrup of roses , sol. with senna , four ounces : mix them . dose , six or eight ounces . some make this decoction with stale beer or wine ; but in these things the surgeon ought to consider the past manner of living of his patient , his temperature and age : if you desire that it purge you more , you may add a dram or two of trochise alhandal ; and if not strong enough , then you may mix it with five or six grains of white precipitate , provided strength gives leave . chap. xii . of the carbuncle . a carbuncle is a tumor besides nature , from adust blood , corrupting the part where it is collected . difference . ] 't is called by the greeks , anthrax ; by the latines , ignis persicus ; by the germans , een kool : some endeavour a difference between an anthrax and carbuncle , but lose their labour . there is is no other difference , but sometimes it is bigger , sometimes lesser , sometimes more malignant , other times less . cause is adust blood , assuming the nature of black choler , and so apt to putrifie . signs are , sometimes but one great pustule , sometimes many litttle ones ; which being opened , appear black , and all about enflamed : the crust being removed , instead of matter , you find spungy flesh ; the part affected is very painful , a fever present and watchings . prognosticks . ] very dangerous , when black , especially in plague time ; when near to to a principal part , if great , and suddenly vanishing . cure. ] strong purging medicines i much mistrust ; clisters or loosening medicines will suffice ; viz. cassia fistula , manna , tamarinds , cream of tartar , &c. but more suspicious to me is bleeding to fainting ( as galen writes ) and in its room , leeches or cups with scarification will be sufficient . but i rely most upon sudorifick and refrigerating medicines ; using outwardly the same medicines as in the plague . this plaister is much commended to make a separation of the eskar . take old thereacle , mithridate , of each half an ounce ; leaven , turpentine , of each two ounces ; honey of roses , an ounce and a half ; fresh butter , two ounces ; white vitriol , an ounce ; soot , two ounces and half ; black-sope , three ounces ; saffron , three drams ; yelks of eggs , n o iij. mix them , and make a plaister according to art. the external medicines ought often to be changed : here is no need of suppuratives ; for the humors are easily corrupted of themselves ; in the place of which , the eskar being separated , may be used ung. fuscum of felix wurtz , aegyptiacum , and honey of roses , &c. chap. xiii . of a cancer . a cancer is a tumor besides nature , sprung from black choler , round , hard , livid , painful , full of turgid veins , resembling the feet of a crab. difference . ] where not exulcerated , by the greeks it is named carcinoma ; when ulcerated , plagedaena , by the greeks ; and by the germans , de wolf. signs . ] in the beginning difficultly known , scarce equalling a pea in bigness ; then sometimes increasing suddenly , sometimes slowly ; it makes it self , by its grievous symptoms , easily enough to be known : the tumor is hard , painful , hot , livid , or black , round with some inequality , full of swell'd veins . prognosticks . ] a cancer is seldom cured by medicines , often by chirurgery , but not without danger ; sharp medicines exulcerate it : it is imprudence to attempt an occult cancer , or that is detained in any cavity of the body , except it be very little , and may easily be taken away by incision . cure. ] diet the same as in schirrhus ; frequent purging convenient ; be cautious in bleeding , as also in scarification . the moneths flowing in women , and in men , the hemorrhoids , are very beneficial . externally , suppuratives and strong discutients are hurtful ; the following , good . medicines in a cancer . roots of arum , dropwort , gentian , figwort , mullein ; leaves of maidenhair , housleek the greater , agrimony , tobacco , plantain , nightshade , hounds-tongue , the spawn of frogs , of whales , burnt-crabs , burnt-lead , mans-dung , plaisters of diapompholigos , of lead , diafulpharis , of frogs with mercury , sugar of satùrn , camphire . for a cancer not ulcerated . take the juice of plantain , endive , housleek the greater , night-shade , rose-vinegar , oyl of myrtle , of each an ounce ; venice-turpentine , two drams : stir them together in a leaden mortar , with a leaden pestle ; adding of the rinds of pomegranates and citrons , of each a dram ; bole-armonick , burnt-lead , camphire , of each half a dram : make it into a liniment for an ulcerated cancer . take galls , pomegranate-rinds , of each half an ounce ; burnt talk , an ounce ; bole-armenick , half an ounce ; burnt-lead , two drams ; ashes of crab-shells , a dram ; turpentine and honey , as much as is sufficient : make an ointment . by the use of these or the like medicines , cancers that are not ulcerated , have been often cured ; and ulcerated cancers have been for many years kept in the same condition ; but for the most part , the business is committed to chirurgery : the part affected being held by a pair of forceps , is to be cut off by the help of a convenient knife , but so that nothing of the cancer be left behind , left it bud afresh ; others holding it only with their left hands , or passing a string quite cross , take it off by incision . many with great praises extol prepared arsenick , or mercury sublimate ; but its deeds answer not their words : its preparation john faber in his myrotheico spargirico teaches . the quintessence of arsenick . take cristalline , arsenick , with the like weight of salt-petre , and reduce all into the finest alchool , and put them into a very strong glass-retort ; to which joyn a recipient big and large enough ; being well luted together , distil them with embers , observing the degrees of the fire , at first gentle , at the end very strong and violent , until all the spirits of the arsenick and salt petre are gone forth : they being come forth , and the vessels cold , disjoyn the recipient from the neck of the retort , having great care of the spirits that are within , which are venomous ; suddenly stopping the mouth of the receiver with a strong lute ; afterwards breaking the retort , and that which is in the bottom , must be powdered , and put into a new retort , and upon the powder that is put into the retort , the spirits of arsenick which were in the receiver , is to be powred and distill'd again , being luted well , as at first : this is to be done three or four times , till the arsenick be well calcin'd with the salt-petre ; then lay the arsenick upon a strong tile , and for a whole day make a strong fire about it ; so that which could not be calcined by distillation , may be calcined and burnt by an open fire : this calx of arsenick is to be dissolv'd in distilled rain-water , and the solution so cleansed and depurated , from its terrestrial excrements , and by filtring made clear and limphid , is to be evaporated and dried , and calcined again with a very strong fire , until it remits no faeces in the solution , but the whole calx is dissolved , and the water remains most clear and limphid ; then the water being evaporated , it is to be dried . then lastly , it s above reserved spirit is to be powred upon it , and mixt with it ; but first it ought to he seven times rectified : you must make this conjunction in a matrace ( a glass-vessel so called , by reason of its roundness in the bottom , and long neck ) and in a warm balneum , till the calx hath imbibed its spirit ; then in a glass-alembick , you shall separate by balneum whatsoever of waterish humidity can be separated , and there will remain in the bottom the buttery calx of arsenick : of great virtue , which must be kept in a glass-vessel well stopt . take some of this powder , mix it with basilicon , or a digestive ; and thus mixt , apply to the ulcerated cancer . chap. xiv . of a gangrene and sphacelus . a gangrene , is a beginning mortification of the the soft parts of the body , most commonly following a great inflammation , or ill cured . sphacelus , necrosis , syderatio , is a perfect mortification , not only of the soft , but of the hard parts also . differences . ] in a sphacelus , the parts are altogether dead ; but in a gangrene , they begin but to die , and the sense is not perfectly abolished ; there the skin is first pallid , suddenly livid , then black ; here in a manner red ; greater stink in that , than in this . the causes of both are six . . the external cold of the air , or repelling medicines . . external heat , from burning , or use of corrosive medicines . . a defect of nutriment , as in an atrophia , either by the compression or obstruction of the vessels , by reason of which straightness the blood cannot pass to the part. . the stopping of the pores , or perspiration hindred ; from whence comes a suffocation of the natural heat . . malign humor , either begotten in the body , or contractee from venomous beasts , or medicines . . the scurvy , which by a peculiar property , causeth the parts sometimes to mortifie . signs . ] a sphacelus is easily to be known , the part looks black ; spungy flesh ; sense , heat , and pulsation abolish'd . but the signs of a gangrene vary according to the variety of the causes : if contracted from cold , a great pricking pain is felt in the affected part : first , 't is red , then pale , at length black : the natural heat by degrees is extinguished , and there happens a shaking , not unlike that in a quartane ague . if caused from an external heat , or stopping of the pores , the redness is changed into white , then into black ; pulsation and pain cease ; the senses lessened ; and at last there appear some pustules , from whence issue a gleety humor . if from defect of aliment , there is neither pain , inflammation or tumor ; the body waxeth cold , and for the most part seizeth upon the joynts . if from a venomous creature or humor , great pain and fever always accompany it ; frequent faintings , and oftentimes deliriums : here ariseth a pustule , under which appears a black spot , which spreads it self over the whole part . if from the scurvy , it for the most part begins at the toes , it shews it self outwardly with blackish spots and lines , which degenerates into a dry crust ; upon which follows a numness of the part , and at length a mortification it self , without any stink : sometimes without pain , other times very great , especially in them that are given to passion or sadness . prognosticks . ] except a gangrene be suddenly stopt , it degenerates into a sphacelus ; easilier cured in young , than old people : the humors continually flowing to the part affected , bring danger with them , and that very great , if they are malignant : in the cavities of the body , to wit , in the mouth , privy parts , and fundament , &c. a gangrene is always difficult of cure , as also that which happens among the nerves and tendons ; in hydropicks always mortal : that which happens from the scurvy , may be spun out from many months , but seldom cured . a sphacelus is not cured but by the knife and fire . cure. ] diet must be good , the air , meat and drink generally cooling and drying : but seeing the causes are various , we leave it to the physitian to prescribe what is convenient ; who also must well distinguish concerning bleeding and purging , when to be used with advantage or disadvantage . sudorisicks and cordials are of great use here ; and because that in this , and other diseases , they are often used , i thought it convenient to set them down in this place . diaphoreticks or sudorisicks . roots of angelica , scorzonera , lovage , contrayerva ; herbs , holy-thistle , fumitory , scordium ; harts horn , unicorns-horn , bezoar , the stone of an indian hog , called pedro porco ; waters , of threacle , alexipharmick ; diascordium , threacle , mithridate ; species liberantis ; antimony , diaphoretick ; salts , of wormwood , prunella , holy-thistle , rob. sambuct . take diascordium farcastorii , one dram ; alexipharmick-water , two drams ; holy-thistle water , as much as is sufficient ; syrup of limons , half an ounce : make a potion . cordials . waters of roses , borage , bugloss ; conserves , of rosemary-flowers , of roses , violets & borage ; bezoar , harts horn , unicorns horn ; confections of alchermes , hiacynthus ; rob. of red currans , of barberries ; of scorzonera roots candied , citron and orange-peels candied , saccharum perlatum , salt of coral . take water of borage , bugloss , of each two ounces and an half ; alexipharmick-water , three drams ; cinnamon-water , two drams ; saccharum perlatum , half an ounce ; confection of hiacinth , half a dram ; prepared crabs eyes , two scruples ; spirit of salt , four drops : mix them . let the patient now and then take one or two spoonfuls . externally , cupping glasses , and leeches ; but chiefly scarification must be used ; although there are some of our chirurgeons , which altogether reject scarification ; nevertheless happily curing their patients , by the following medicines , which resist putrefaction . external medicaments against a gangrene . roots of angelica , round birthwort ; herbs , of wormwood , holy-thistle , tobacco , rue , colewort , germander ; flowers of elder , st. john's wort , mellilot , camomil ; lye , brine , ink , urine , spirit of wine , treacle , ung. aegyptiacum , fuscum of felix wortz , horse-dung . some mix hemlock in plaisters or poultices , and use it with success : or , take the tops of wormwood , camomil , and elder flowers , of each half a handful ; leaves of germander , a handful and half ; rue , half a handful ; crums of brown bread , seven ounces ; horse-dung , three ounces : boyl them in brine , in the end adding to them , ink , two ounces ; spirit of wine , three ounces : make it into a cataplasm . the sound part ought also to be preserved ; partly by keeping the humors from flowing , and partly by keeping the gangrene from spreading : for this purpose the red defensive plaister , or the cerot of virgo is good ; as also this following cataplasm . take bolearmonick , half an ounce ; powder of galls , cypress-nuts , pomegranate-rinds , of each three drams ; barley-meal , six ounces ; oxymel simplex ; as much as is sufficient to make it into a cataplasm . or , take seal'd earth , bolearmenick , of each half an ounce ; prepared harts-horn , a dram ; camphire , a scruple ; rose-vinegar , an ounce ; oyl of mirtles , three ounces ; white of an egg : make it into a linament . cure of a gangrene , caused from cold. the part gangren'd , if not grown black ; but as yet appears very red with pain ; the patient is to be placed at the fire ; but not too near ; but at a distance , that the heat by degrees may be again restored to the part ; and to that purpose , strongly rubbing it with snow , or cold water ; giving also to the patient , treacle , or mithridate , in warm wine . if the pain and cold remit , let the part be embrocated very warm with oyl of dill , camomil , bitter almonds , or earth-worms , &c. a decoction of congeal'd turnips , is good to foment withal ; then are required both stronger and hotter medicines , viz. oyl of earth , of tiles , turpentine , castor , treacle-water , mithridate : or use the following fomentation . take herbs of scordium , a handful and half ; swallow-wort , a handful ; rue , half a handful ; seeds of roman nettle , cresses , of each three drams ; boyl them in white-wine , let them be strained ; and to a pint of the liquor , add spirit of wine , two ounces : mingle it . when the part hath begun to mortifie , scarifie ; continue the use of the above prescribed medicines . cure of a gangrene from external heat , or hindred by perspiration . let the cause of the disease be removed , if possible ; which if it happens from external ligature , hot , or two astringent medicines ; let them be forthwith removed from the part affected ; and let it be washed , being first scarified with the following decoction . take the water of endive , night-shade , of each six ounces ; of sorrel-water , eight ounces , vinegar , half a pint ; salt , an ounce and half ; scordium , a handful ; lupines , half an ounce ; mix them , and boyl them to the consumption of the third part . then let the chirurgeon use ung. aegyptiacum , or any other of the above prescribed medicines . cure of a gangrene from the defect of nutriment . let the patient use nourishing aliments ; all strong external , or internal dryers hurt ; friction of the part , with moderately hot medicines , as with oyl of sweet almonds , olives , earth-worms , scorpions , vipers , man's fat , bears , or hens , is good . scarifie , if necessity require . discussives here are very injurious . cure of a gangrene from a venemous humor . if the malignant humor be in the body it self , sudorifick , cooling , and cordial medicines are best : for purging and bleeding , i have seen them oftner to do hurt than good . outwardly , defensives are useless ; but cupping-glasses , leeches , and attractive medicines are necessary . but if the malignant humor come from an external cause ; the surest remedy is an actual cautery , lest the malignity spread it self , which is to be used the very first time ; and also to put a further stop , apply a defensive to the sound part , two fingers breadth distance from the wounded part ; so also it will put a stop to the flux of humors , or else all the hope consists in leeches , cupping-glasses , attractive medicines , and others set down above . cure of a gangrene sprung from the scurvy . internal remedies we commit to the physitian ; externally , these are commended . take seeds of broom , roman-nettle , rue , of each a dram ; tops of wormwood , two drams ; gum , galbanum ammoniacum , dissolv'd in vinegar , of each six drams ; oyl of juniper , three drams ; wax , as much as is sufficient to make it into a plaister . or , take oyl of earth-worms , bayes , rue , of each two drams ; castor , a dram ; spirit of wine , three drams : make it into a linament . or , take the raspings of guaiacum , sassafras , of each an ounce ; root of angelica , celandines the greater , tamarisk-bark , of each six drams ; leaves of scurvy-grass , water-cresses , of each a handful ; fennel-seeds , an ounce ; spirit of wine , a pint and half : infuse them a night ; then distil them in balneo mariae . foment the part affected with this , and scarifie , if there be occasion ; and let the chirurgeon proceed according to art. where a gangrene hath degenerated into a sphacelus , especially in the joynts , let the part be amputated ; concerning which , look in the first part. chap. xv. of a paronychia . panaritium , or paronychia , is a tumor very painful , in the end of the finger , from a sharp malignant humor , corroding the tendons , nerves , periostium , and bone it self . cause is a sharp humor , proceeding from choler or serum . signs are , an intollerable pain about the nail , tormenting the patient day and night ; an inflammation , oftentimes extending over the whole arm : a fever for the most part , and sometimes delirium . prognostick . ] by how much the humor is the more malignant , the greater symptoms it raiseth , corrupting sometimes the bone , the finger , the whole hand , and sometimes from extream pain , it occasions the death of the patient . cure. ] foment the finger a while in this decoction . take flowers of camomile , mellilot , elder , of each half a handful ; linseed and fenugreek , each two drams : boil them in milk. or , let this cataplasm be applied . take flowers of dill , elder , leaves of hen-bane , of each a handful ; poppy-seeds and linseed , of each three drams ; marsh-mallow-powder , an ounce and half . boil them in milk , to the consistence of a cataplasm . then make incision upon the part affected , according to the length of the finger ; and for the most part there appears one or more red spots , containing a sharp matter , but little in quantity , which is the cause of the disease . after the apertion of the tumor , at the first dressing , apply to the finger treacle dissolv'd in spirit of wine , and a defensive to the whole hand ; so in a day or two , the cure will be perfected . but if this part should be gangren'd or sphacelated , either by the neglect of patient or chirurgeon , let it be taken off : except you will commit the business to nature , which oftentimes separates , and throws out this bone. a great inflammation sometimes here produceth a fleshy excrescency , occult and sensless ; this is removed by knife , or exeding medicines : then cure according to art. but if being too late call'd you find a great collection of humors , let discussives or suppuratives be applied ; then the tumor being either broke , or opened , take great care , lest the tendons ( which do very easily ) putrifie , or incline to putrefaction : separation is here necessary , whether it be by medicines , or a cutting instrument : repellents in this case , greatly hurtful . chap. xvi . of an aneurism . aneurisma is a tumor besides nature , from a rupture of an artery , continually beating , easily yielding to the fingers , and as suddenly returning . cause . ] all arteries , except those that are dispersed , through the brain and upper parts , consist of a double tunicle ; the inmost of which being either corroded or broke , the external may be extended so much ( without a rupture of it , whatsoever others say ) as to cause an aneurism : nevertheless , where the tumor is of the bigness of ones fist , it cannot be but that the external also must be either corroded or broke . anatomy doth confirm this opinion , which the studious in the art of chirurgery may enquire into . this tumor also may be caused , where an artery be divided ; so that the external tunicle united to the muscles , the internal , by reason of the continual pulsation , remains open . signs . ] a swelling increasing by degrees , of the same colour as the skin ; a continual pulsation : if the tumor be little , it easily yields to the fingers , so that it altogether disappears , but suddenly returns again ; but if great , not so easily yielding to the touch , not so strong a pulsation : but there is a noise observed , as of boiling water ; yet in the head and jaw , i have found after death an aneurism , which while the man was alive , there could be no pulse perceived : in the hard parts is greater circumspection to be used , than in the soft and fleshy . prognosticks . ] it is difficultly cured ; if great , not at all , except with the taking off the member ; for the most part it is a long disease , although i have seen it kill , without any other accidental cause , within two years : if incision be made , death suddenly follows . cure. ] in the beginning there may be some hopes . astringents and repellents , and convenient ligatures , by which we do not seldom administer something of remedy to the patient ; as also the applying a piece of lead straightly bound on , have sometimes cured little aneurisms . but where the tumor is encreased , there are some would have the skin divided , and the artery tied both above and below , and cut out the middle with the tumor , and loosen not the ligatures , till the wound is perfectly cured , and there is no fear of an hemorrage ; but this operation is dangerous , painful and troublesome , and oft-times of little benefit : but to preserve life , i would take off the member . chap. xvii . of opthalmia . opthalmia is an inflammation of the membranes of the eye from blood , with redness , pain , and shedding of tears . difference . ] a light inflammation , and which depends from external causes , is called a bastard - opthalmia , taraxis , or epiphora ; but a great inflammation , accompanied with pain and tears , a true opthalmia . and if it be so great , that the eye-lids are so inflamed , and as it were turned inward , 't is called chemosis . causes are two . . internal , as blood , oft-times mixt with serum or choler ; seldom with phlegm or melancholy . . external , as smoak , dust , &c. signs vary according to the variety of causes : if it proceed from too great a quantity of blood , the face looks red , and the vessels of the eyes are extended : if either from more of serum or choler , the redness of the face is less , but the tears are more sharp , and the pain greater ; if from more of phlegm , the reddish pain , heat and acrimony of tears are more remiss ; and the eye-lids at night are as it were glewed together : if from any thing of melancholy , there are but few tears , and the eye-lids are not closed together , the inflammation is not great , but stubborn . prognosticks . ] an opthalmia is flower cured in children , than in old people . continual pain menaceth blindness , by how much greater the inflammation is , so much the more dangerous it is . cure. ] the diet must be the same as in a phlegmon ; all sharp things are carefully to be avoided ; as garlick , radishes , mustard , &c. little or no suppers profit : purging , the use of glisters , bleeding ought to be oft-times re-iterated ; as also cupping-glasses , leeches , blisters ; sometimes also seatons , issues , and artereotomy it self , which is not to be done by any but an expert chirurgeon ; sneezing is hurtful ; provoking of sweat is sometimes necessary , sometimes not ; which the physician must distinguish : dieureticks are of great use , provided they are not too hot . external remedies vary according to the variety of causes ; if from smoke or fire , let them be extinguished . if from dust , or any thing got into the eyes , 't is to be taken forth , which is often performed by blowing , or by the spurting in of rose-water . if from the inversion of the eye-lids ; the hairs are to be cut off , or wholly to be pull'd out . if the eye-lids are glew'd together , they are to be separated , with butter , beer , or cream , the rheum is gently to be wiped ; and let the patient have a care , lest by the rubbing of his eyes , he increaseth his disease . fat things are here hurtful : repellent medicines , except in the very beginning , are not to be used , or in a very slight opthalmia . medicines good for the eyes . roots of valerian , solomons-seal , orrise , vervain , herbs , betony , celandine the great , eyebright , fennel , fumitory , plantain : flowers of roses , violets ; anni-seeds , quince-seeds , linseeds : pippins , boil'd or rotten ; camphire ; mussilage of lin-seeds , tragacanth ; fresh veal ; whites of eggs ; all sorts of milk , especially womans ; tutty ; white and green vitriol ; saccharum saturni ; glass of antimony ; white troches of rhasis ; fresh cheese not salted ; ung. saturni . a water for the eyes . take waters of eyebright and celandine the greater , of each an ounce and half ; white-wine , six drams ; glass of antimony , eight grains ; prepared tutty , fifteen grains ; white-vitriol , two grains ; sugar-candy two drams ; camphire , four grains : make it into a collirium . another excellent one . take wheat , three handfuls ; bruised ginger , three drams ; common salt , a handful and half ; white-wine , water of roses , of fennel , plantain , of each ten ounces : infuse them in a copper vessel the space of forty days , strain them , and reserve the liquor for your use . another very much esteemed . take a whole egg , boil it hard , then the shell and yolk being taking away , put into the cavity , sugar of saturn , six grains ; camphire , two grains ; white-vitriol , three grains ; honey of roses , half an ounce ; then press it very hard , and let the prest out liquor be dropt into the eyes twice or thrice a day . another , second to none . take waters of fennel and eyebright , of each a pint ; common salt , six drams ; prepared tutty , white vitriol , of each half an ounce : let them boil a little , and reserve for use . let not the great quantity of vitriol afright any ; it causeth only a slight pain , which suddenly vanisheth ; but 't is of so great virtue , that it cannot sufficiently be extoll'd ; but its use will prove it true . a powder for the eyes . take dulcified vitriol , half a dram , prepar'd tutty , fifteen grains ; sugar-candy , a scruple : make it into a fine powder . unctious medicines seldom are applied to the eyes , or else this ointment is much commended . take verdigrease , twelve grains ; camphire , lapis calaminaris , of each half an ounce ; prepared tutty , half a dram ; fresh-butter washed in rose-water , two ounces : make it into an ointment . an anodine cataplasm . take camomile and melilot flowers , of each a pugil , rotten apples , two ounces ; fenugreek-seed , an ounce ; crums of brown bread , three ounces ; two yolks of eggs , saffron , half a dram ; boil them in cows-milk , to the consistence of a poultice . an anodine collirium . take the juice of housleek , two drams ; whites of eggs , half an ounce ; womens-milk , two ounces ; rose-water , an ounce ; white troches of rhasis , one scruple ; opium , three grains : mix them . another , which i have often found excellent in the greatest pain . take gum tragacanth , two drams ; mussilage of the seeds of fleawort , three drams ; rose-water , and plantain-water , of each as much as sufficeth : make it into a collyrium of an indifferent consistence ; and let it be instilled by drops into the eyes , and linnen-cloaths wet in it , outwardly applied . chap. xviii . of a quinsie . a quinsie is a tumor of the jaws , from blood , hindring deglutition and respiration . difference . ] 't is divided into three species ; the first is called cynanthe , when the muscles of the larinx are inflamed : the symptoms here are very dangerous , although neither internally nor externally appear any tumor ; the patient puts forth his tongue like a tired dog , to fetch his breath . second is synanche , when the tumor shews it self within the jaws ; the symptoms are likewise here great , but much less than in cynanthe . third is , parasynanche , when the tumor appears more externally than internally ; and in this the symptomes are least of all . cause is blood , for the most part mixt with serum or choler ; seldom with phlegm or melancholy . signs of an approaching quinsie , are , a stiffness of the neck , swallowing and breathing somewhat hindred , an unusual heat and pain in the jaws , especially when quinsies are epidemick . signs of a present are , a suffocating asthma : swallowing hindred , which often increaseth to so great a heighth , that drink taken in at the mouth , comes forth again through the nostrils , pain , redness , tumor for the most part , also a continual fever ; the tongue likewise swell'd , and the voice altered . prognostick . ] a perfect quinsie never wants danger , but sometimes suffocates the patient the first day , generally before the fourth : if the matter be not suddenly concocted and thrown forth , it is desperate ; if the vertebraes be laxated , death is near at hand ; foaming at mouth is a sign of present death ; if the patient be taken with a pain of the head , a delirium , raving and death it self suddenly follows . cure. ] bleeding in this case effects much , both by taking away of the inflammation , and by hindering its increase , which is to be performed at first sight therefore let the median or cephalick vein of the side most affected be opened , though in women with child , then the vein under the tongue : cupping glasses with scarification may also be applied to the neck about the second verrebra , shoulders and breast ; leeches , cauteries , and blisters do much good , especially in them that are subject to quinsie : in the mean time , if the patient can swallow , let some purging medicines be given him ; if not , let a clister be cast in , with bleeding , which must be often reiterated as occasion requires . gargarisms then , and other external medicines are to be used ; which in the beginning are to be more repelling , afterwards more discussing ; for experience and best authors have taught , . repellents never are to be used alone , except in the beginning , and in a light quinsie . . that repellents ought always to be mixt with resolvents ; for repellents destroy the heat of the part ; resolvents cause fluxion . medicines in a quinsie . roots of marsh-mallows , liquoras ; herbs , comfrey , myrtle , prunella , dandelion , scabious , plantain , housleek the greater , sage , alehoof , violets , flowers of balaustians , red roses , saffron ; the four cold seeds , poppy the rinds and juice of pomegranates ; figs , album graecum , burnt-swallows , burnt-allom , swallows nests , syrups of maidenhair , violets , purslane , jujubies , scabious , lungwort , honey of roses , rob. diamori . a repellent gargarism . take flowers of red-roses , balaustians , of each two pugils ; pomegranate-rinds , half an ounce ; oak-leaves , a handful ; burnt-allom , half a dram : boil them in smith's water , and add to a pint of the liquor , two ounces of rob. diamori : mix them . another very convenient in the beginning of the disease . take leaves of dandelion , two handfuls ; alehoof , violets , of each half an handful ; boil them in barley-water , and to a point of the strained liquor , add of common honey of roses , and strained , of each an ounce and half ; spirit of vitriol , drops : mix them . a repellent , and somewhat discussive gargarism . take liquoras , pomegranate-rinds , of each two drams ; balaustia flowers , a pugil ; jujubies , no. xij . figs , no. iij. raisins , six drams ; boil them in barley-water . to a pint of the decoction , add of common and strained honey of roses , syrup of maiden-hair , of each an ounce : mix them . a gargarism greatly repelling , but strongly discussing . take the roots of dwarf elder , orrise , of each two drams , flowers of camomil , a pugil ; red-roses , hysop , of each two pugils , dates , no. iij. figs , no. vj. fenugreek-seeds , two drams ; album graecum , one dram : boil them in turnep-broth . add to it syrup of maiden-hair , and jujubies , of each an ounce : mix them . if the pain be very great , boil them in new milk , chiefly in goats . external medecines for a quinsie . oyl of nuts , white-lillies , almonds , camomile , dill , capons-grease , hoggs-grease , ointment of marsh-mallows , plaister of musilages , dogs and pigeons-dung , swallows-nests . take roots of marsh-mallows , white-lillies , of each an ounce ; one swallows nest , figs , dates , of each no. iij. album graecum , half an ounce ; boil'd onions , half an ounce : boil them in barley-water , and to a point of the strained liquor , add of wheat-meal and the powder of lin-seed , of each an ounce ; fenugreek and marsh-mallows powdered , of each two ounces and a half ; yolks of two eggs , eastern saffron , two drams ; oyl of camomile , two ounces and a half : make it into a cataplasm . take juice of onions , two ounces ; oyl of white-lillies , orise , of each an ounce and half ; boil them a little , adding to them of swallows-nest , a dram ; pitch and wax , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . but if the tumor tends to suppuration , 't is to be forwarded , and then to be opened either by medicines or launcet . a suppurating cataplasm . take roots of briony , white-lillies , orrise , of each three drams ; leaves of pellitory of the wall , a handful ; camomile-flowers , half a handful ; onions , an ounce ; figs , no. xij . boil them and bruise them , adding of the powder of fenugreek-seed and lin-seed , of each two ounces ; hens grease , an ounce ; oyl of camomile , two ounces : mix them . a suppurating gargarism . take roots of white-lillies , and liquoras , of each three drams ; onions , half an ounce ; raisins stoned , an ounce ; figs , no. vj. lin-seed and fenugreek , of each two drams ; leaves of mallows and coleworts , of each half a handful ; boil them in barley-water , and to a pint of the strained liquor , add of syrup of maiden-hair , two ounces : mix them . and to make the abscess break , add to this gargarism . take mustard-seed , two drams ; roots of pollitory of spain powdered , one dram ; saffron , a scruple ; oximel simple , an ounce : mix them . but if it doth not forthwith break by these medicines , 't is to be opened by a launcet , or some other instrument ; afterwards using emollient gargarismes , and somewhat abstersive . the end of the first book of the second part. barbetty's chirurgery . the second book of the second part of chirurgery . of wounds . chap. i. of the nature , differences , causes , and signs of wounds . a wound is a solution of continuity in the soft parts of the body , from a hard instrument , causing an abolition or immination of action . differences are taken , . from the form ; some are long , others oblique ; some are little , others great , some are deep , others superficial . . from the wounded part , as , the head , lungs , heart , stomach , liver , spleen , guts , nerve , tendon , vein or muscle ; sometimes the skin is only penetrated , then 't is a simple wound ; sometimes a part of the flesh is taken away , and then 't is call'd a compound or hollow wound . . from the causes , which shall presently be set down ; sometimes a wound happens to be poisoned , and to have many symptoms joined with it . causes are five-fold , viz. . all things that cut , as a knife , sword , glass , . al things that prick ; as needles , arrows , teeth . . which perforate ; as hot iron , bullets . . which break ; as a fall , stroke , or the carrying or lifting of any great burdens . . all things which contuse ; as a stone , stick , &c. signs . ] external wounds are of themselves manifest enough ; but those of the internal parts , are not always so easily judged of ; these therefore are to be known by anatomy ; . what is the situation of each part . . what the use . . the symptoms are to be considered . . the quality of those things are to be noted , that nature ejected through the wound : the other signs you shall have in their proper places . prognosticks . [ to know the events of wounds , especially to predict which are mortal , which not , is a thing absolutely necessary for a surgeon : for from this judgment oft-times depends the life of unfortunate man. a mortal wound is that , which in the space of few hours or days , of necessity causes death , and cannot by any art be cured . for those that in themselves are curable , yet by reason of ill symptoms , or through the neglect either of the patient or chirurgeon , do occasion death , ought not to be accounted mortal wounds : incurable wounds themselves are not to be call'd mortal , if they are not the cause of death suddenly to the patient ; but that he not only lives many weeks , but oftentimes many years after . . among the wounds that are mortal , are to be accounted the wounds of the brain , but not all of them ; for experience hath taught us , that part of the brain hath been taken forth , and the life preserved , though the understanding lost . therefore those wounds of the brain that be absolutely mortal , are , . when besides the brains , a nerve is also wounded . . when blood , or some other humor obstructs the beginning of the nerves : . when after a few days the concrete and putrified blood produceth a fever , delirium , and death it self . by concreted blood , i understand not that which lies between the dura-mater and the skull ; for that is to be taken forth by the trepan , and the patient this way may be preserved ; but that which is included between the dura and pia-mater , or between the pia and the brain : although sometimes , that which is detained between both membranes , by the dividing of the dura , may be taken forth , and so the patient preserved . . the wounds of the spinal marrow are also mortal , which happens in the neck , or nearer to the head ; but those which happen lower , as about the os sacrum , are of lesser danger . . the wounds of the lungs are mortal , if great and deep , where the great vessels , or the branches of the aspera arteria are hurt : where the vessels are divided , there follows a great effusion of blood ; where the branches of the aspera arteria , the breath comes forth more through the wound than the mouth . . wounds of the heart are always mortal ; for though one or two wounded in the heart , have lived , two , three , or four days , it was never found yet , that ever any escaped . . the wound of the wind-pipe may be cured , if the membranes only behind , to which the cartilaginous rings are join'd , be hurt ; but if the rings themselves are wounded , there 's no cure to be expected ; yet sometimes those wounds being a lingering death ; so that i have seen on so wounded , live eighteen weeks before he died . . wounds of the diaphragma , those that are inflicted in the fleshy part of it , are curable ; but those that are in the nervous part , though these always occasion not sudden death , yet 't is impossible ever to cure them . . wounds of the stomach are sometimes cured ; those chiefly being mortal , that happen in the upper orifice , or in nerves that are distributed over the stomach . . the wounds of the small guts are seldom cured , but the wounds of the great guts much oftner , especially if they are not great . . wounds of the liver and spleen are mortal , where the vessels themselves are wounded ; where not , they may be cured . . wounds of the kidneys are not mortal ; if the wound penetrate into the cavity it self , for the most part an ulcer follows , which consumes the whole kidney , yet the patient may continue many years : if the parachyma , only be wounded , sometimes , through difficulty , it may be cured . . wounds of the bladder are seldom so perfectly cured , but that for the most part there remains a fistula ; but those that are made at the neck of the bladder , are daily cured . . wounds of the great veins and arteries are often mortal ; but every surgeon understands not rightly to bind up such wounds ; therefore the cause of death is not always to be cast upon the guilty . . wounds of the great nerves are for the most part incurable , and sometimes mortal . . wounds from poisoned instruments or creatures , generally are mortal . wounds of nerves , veins , tendons and membranes , are more difficultly , and longer of cure , than those of the fleshy parts . a wound from a pricking instrument , is of less danger , than from a bruising . a nerve , vein or artery , if wholly divided , are less dangerous , than if they were but in part . a great inflamation coming upon a great wound , is of no great danger , except it continue too long ; but a great inflamation falling upon a little wound , is an ill sign . the inflamation for the most part vanisheth by the fifth day ; therefore if the wound then appear white , livid or black , 't is not void of danger . a fever , vomiting and convulsion , are dangerous ; but a fever and vomiting of less danger than a convulsion . chap. ii. of the cure of wounds in general . here are required four intentions : . to preserve the strength and native heat of the wounded part. . to remove the symptoms . . to endeavour that nothing remains , or be left behind in the wound . . that the gaping lips of the wound be joined together ; and being so joined , be kept ▪ chap. iii. of the preservation of the strength and native heat in the wounded part. chirurgery removes the impediments of cure , but nature her self cures the disease ; which it will scarce effect , where the native heat is weak , or the blood vitiated ; or where it flows in too great or too little quantity to the wound : in flowing in too great quantity , it produceth an inflammation , pain , putrefaction , and many other symptoms ; where in too little quantity , the wound is robbed of its natural balsam , necessary to consolidate it . the natural strength and native heat is preserved by a convenient diet , fitted to the temperament of mans body in general , and in particular , to the part affected . of the diet of the sanguine , cholerick , phlegmatick and melancholick , we have treated of before , when we spoke concerning a phlegmon , erysipelas , oedema , schirrhus . then care is to be had of the blood , seeing it affords assistance to the matter , and serves to unite the wound . where it is vitiated , it requires purging : but if it flow in too great quantity , intercipients , repellents , revellents and derivation must be us'd . if it flow in too small quantity , aliments that nourish , are convenient , as also medicines that strengthen , and that move sweat : outwardly , gentle frictions and embrocations moderately hot . then the cure is to be perfected by external medicines ; which shall be declared in the following chapter , when we speak of the removal of the symptoms , and the cure of wounds themselves . chap. iv. of the symptoms of wounds . the chief symptoms of wounds are , . a fever whose cure we commend to the physitian ' . a flegmon or inflamation . . an erysipelas . of the cure of both which , look in the second and third chapter of the first book . . hemorage , which not only impedes the cure , but also deprives of strength and life it self ; therefore great care is to be taken that it be stopped as soon as possible , which in the greater vessels , especially the arteries , is very hard to do ; therefore those wounds are for the most part mortal : for medicines that stop blood are too weak , and hard ligatures occasion a gangrene ; the surest way therefore in my opinion , is an actual cautery ; the lesser vessels may and will close , some close the wound of the vessels with their fingers , and so hold them there while the blood is coagulated , and the flux stopt ; but this operation seldom succeeds ; besides the long holding of the finger in the wound is hurtful . therefore let the wound together with the vessels be forthwith clos'd by the fingers , but if you cannot come to do this , outwardly make a compress upon the vessel ; which done , wipe away the blood with a spunge , then sprinkle some restringent powder ; but not over the whole wound ( which is used to be done by the ignorant ) but only upon the vessels ; then bind up the wound , continuing the use of the medicines stopping bleeding , while there appears no longer any blood ; not neglecting in the mean time , generals , viz. scarification and bleeding , &c. medicines that stop a flux of blood. roots of bistort , cinquefoil , tormentil , comfrey the greater , red saunders , lignum leutisci , pomegranate-rinds , mastick , talk , acacia , dragons-blood , amber , sarcocols , frankincense ; the hairs of a hare , os sepiae , burnt-crabs ; whites of eggs , mummy , cobwebs , red , coral chalk , bloodstone , bole-armenick , aloes succotrine , frogs dried and powdered , crude vitriol , burnt vitriol . take fine meal , three ounces ; dragons-blood , frankincense , of each an ounce and half ; bole , sealed earth , of each two drams , talk , six drams ; dried frogs , an ounce ; hares hair cut very small , a dram and a half ; whites of eggs dried in the sun , and powdered half an ounce ; new spunges torrified , an ounce ; white vitriol , a dram : mix them , and make them into a fine powder . . pain ; which must of necessity be eased , because it creates watchings , and dejects the spirits , and is cause of the flux of humors to the party affected ; and of inflamation , fever and gangrene ; but the causes are diligently to be considered : for if either medicines that are sharp , or too hot , occasion it , they are presently to be altered : 't is better to confess the error , than pertinaciously to persevere in it . if any foreign body remains in the wound , it must be drawn forth . if pain comes from the choaking in of the matter , you must allow it a free passage . if an inflamation be the cause of it , its remedies are set down in the second chapter of the first book : you must apply to the wound those things which ease pain , and are anodine ; as oyl of roses , linseed , camomile , worms , sweet almonds , poppies , &c. take oyl of roses , of poppy-seeds , of camomile , of each an ounce ; the white of an egg , saffron , a scruple ; mix them . but if the pain cease not with these or the like medicines , it is a sign that some nerve is wounded , or affected by consent : the cure shall be set down in the following . . convulsion or spasm ; this shews the malignity of the humor , or the ill constitution of the nerves , neither of them promising any good : here must be used both internal and external medicines , appropriated to the disease ; the internal , by reason of the diversity of causes , we commend to the physitian . external medicines for a convulsion . balsam of peru , the fat of geese , castor , foxes , rams , mans : horse-dung , oyls of juniper , lavender , ol. philosophorum , amber , turpentine , rue , marjoram , worms , castor , orise , bays , petraeleum ; ointments of agrippa , martiatum , ung. nervorum , spirit of wine . take oyl of snails , worms , sesamin , of each an ounce ; of the grease of rams and foxes , of each half an ounce ; fresh butter , six drams ; spirit of wine , three ounces : let them boil till the spirit be consumed ; then add oyl of spike distilled , rosemary , amber , of each two drams : mix it into an ointment . against a convulsion there cannot a better remedy be invented than distill'd oyl of lavender , some few drops being given in some convenient liquor ; and anointing well the convulsed part . . hypersarcosis , or too great increase of flesh ; which if it happens from abundance of blood , the flesh is solid , and otherwise well conditioned ; but if from the too weak quality of drying medicines , it is spungy ; of the same nature , as when the bone underneath is rotten . in the former case , bleeding is convenient , and sometimes fasting , and the use of strong drying medicines : in the latter , the medicines must be very strongly drying that are applied : detersive and corroding remedies are here good . medicines against too great increase of flesh . burnt-spunges , burnt-allom , galls , aloes , the bark of frankincense , tutty , verdigrease , burnt vitriol , praecipitate , arsenick . a green corrosive water , take crude allom , verdigrease of each two drams ; boil them in eighteen ounces of white-wine , to a wasting of the fourth part ; strain them , and add camphire , a dram : mix them . a powder very drying , and somewhat corroding . take galls , balaustions , burnt-allom , frankincense , myrrhe , of each a dram ; dragons-blood , ceruse , verdigrease , of each half a dram : make it into a powder . . a gangrene and sphacelus , concerning which , look in the fourteenth chapter of the first book of the second part of chirurgery . chap. v. of the drawing forth extraneous bodies out of the wound . no wound ought to be joined together , as long as any extraneous body remains in it ; for otherwise , after some little time , it will break out into an ulcer : the blood , by which nature unites the divided parts , if it flow in great quantity to the wounded part , and there coagulates , 't is to be removed by expression , sucking it out , or by any other way ; for so there will be less matter generated , and the symptoms fewer ; but where an haemorage is feared , all the blood is not to be cleansed away . where hairs are about the wound , they are to be removed . if sand ; or any such like thing remain within the lips of the wound , they are to be washed away with warm wine . broken-bones , if loose , are to be taken away the first dressing , except an haemorage hinder ; but if they yet stick to the other bones , then natures endeavours are to be expected , and see whether they will be united again to the other bone , or separated from it . if a piece of glass , thorn , arrow or bullet , or any like thing remains in the wound , 't is forthwith to be taken forth ; but before the chirurgeon goes about to draw them forth , let him consider well , whether the patient , that extraneous body being extracted , can live or not ; lest the chirurgeon be thought to have occasioned the patients death . of the manner of extracting bullets , we have treated before ; and arrows are to be drawn forth almost after the same manner ; but they are not in use at this day among christian soldiers : but if neither with the hand nor instruments , what remains in the wound can be drawn forth , then you must endeavour it with medicines indeed with an extractive quality . medicines drawing forth thorns , bones , bullets , &c. roots of aron , birthwort , bastard dittany , masterwort , polypody , radishes , valerian : herbs , southernwood , pimpernel , anemone , red-beet , ditany : gums , ammoniacum , galbanum , sagapenum , succinum , pitch , the brains and grease of hares , crabs , a live mouse cut in two , common flies , earth-worms , burnt frogs , goose-dung , load-stone , leaven , plaister of opodeldoch . take roots of round birthwort , ditany of crete , of each a dram and an half ; rosin of the pine , colophony , of each six drams ; yellow amber , three drams ; gum ammoniacum , appoponax , of each an ounce ; pigeons dung , three drams ; oyl of bays , half an ounce ; turpentine and pitch , as much as to make it into a plaister . chap. vi. of the manner of joining the lips of wounds together . the lips of the wound are joined together , either by ligature or stitching . ligature is convenient in wounds made according to the length of the member , and not deep ; let the bandage be neither too hard , nor too loose , and of that breadth that it may take in the whole wound . if it be a long wound , the rowler must be three fingers broad , and laying the midst of it upon the wound , rowl one part upward , and the other downward ; which must neither be too loose , for then it will not keep the lips of the wound together ; nor too straight , lest it cause an inflamation : in the winter the rowlers must be of greater length than in the summer : in great wounds , besides rowlers , the surgeon stands in need of boulsters . stitching is performed either by needle or sticking medicines . it is requisite that the chirurgeon never be without a needle ; for by it he frees his patient from pain , the wound from inflamation , and himself from many inconveniences ; and the wound so requiring it , let him take a three-pointed needle , with a waxed thred , which let him pass through the skin , and sometimes also through the subjacent flesh , taking care that the tendons be not prickt ; and also that the stitches be not too few nor too many ; but keeping such distance between each , that the skin may be drawn together , and the edges themselves joyned , leaving a little part for the putting in of a tent , that may give passage to the superfluous matter : these tents are not necessary in little wounds ; and in great , they must neither touch the nerve or tendon , nor reach to the bottom of the wound . where ligature is not sufficient , and a stitch with a needle not convenient , the sticking plaister is very necessary ; for so firmly doth this plaister adhere to the wound , that neither the matter flowing out of the wound , nor the blood , nor any other moisture loosens it . oftentimes in this case is used , the stiptick plaister of crollius , or paracelsus , but this sticks more firmly . take sarcocols , bole , mastick , dragons-blood , rosin of the pine , of each a dram ; gum-tacamahack , a dram and an half ; naval-pitch , as much as sufficeth : make it into a plaister . chap. vii . of medicines necessary for the curing of wounds . medicines necessary for the cure of wounds , are of three sorts : . digestives , or moving matter . . sarcoticks , or generating flesh . . epuloticks , or inducing a cicatrice . experience hath taught , that a wound may be cured oftentimes only by digestive or sarcotick medicines ; but this is better , and more certain , when they are both mixt together : in the fleshy parts , digestives may alone serve ; but in tendinous , nervous , membranous , or other drier parts , sarcoticks are convenient , either alone , or mixt with digestives . digestives . common oyl , oyl of roses , mastick , fresh butter and may-butter , gum-elemny , turpentine , frankincense , mastick ; the flower of wheat , barley , fenugreek , yolks of eggs , honey . take oyl of olives , two ounces ; yellow wax , half an ounce ; frankincense , mastick , of each a dram ; the yolk of an egg , fresh butter , as much as is sufficient : make it into an ointment . sarcoticks . roots of birthwort , orrise , sanicle , comfrey the greater ; herbs , betony , centaury , comfrey , st. john's-wort , pimpernel , plantain , scabious , scordium , vervain ; of seeds , beans , fenugreek , linseed , barley ; frankincense , aloes , bole , sealed earth , colophony ; gums of elemny , pine , laudanum , mastick , myrrhe , dragons-blood , sarcocols , turpentine , tragacanth ; wax , honey , mummy , cadmia , ceruse , lapis calaminaris , litharge , burnt-lead , phomholix , lapis haematitis ; oyls of st. john's wort , bays , mastick , myrrhe ; ointment , aureum , basilicum , fuscum , of felix wurtz , diapompholigos ; plaisters , stipticum of crollius and paracelsus , oppodeldoch , of betony , diasulphuris of rulandus ; balsoms , of peru , of crollius , of magatus , aqua vitae ; the fat of geese , foxes , bears , goats , mans. an excellent vulnerary balsom . take turpentine , half a pound ; gum galbanum , elemny , ivy , frankincense , mastick , myrrhe , of each an ounce ; aloes , xylo aloes , galangal , cloves , cinamon , nutmegs , cubebs , of each half an ounce : infuse them four and twenty hours in a sufficient quantity of spirit of wine ; distil them and preserve the oyl for your use . another , take oyl of violets , eight ounces ; of bays , an ounce ; oyl of venice-turpentine , half an ounce ; of spike distill'd , of junipers , verdigreace , of each a dram ; rosin of the pine , turpentine , colophony , mastick , of each half an ounce ; white calcanthum , a dram and half : boil them a little , then strain them for your use . another , take flower of brimstone , three ounces ; mirtle , three drams ; camphire , one dram ; venice-turpentine , five ounces ; distil them , and preserve the oyl for your use . a vulnerary plaister . take the roots of round birthwort , and comfrey the greater , of each half an ounce ; mummy , colophony ; aloes , mastick , dragons blood , litharge of gold , tutia , of each two drams ; gum elemny , two ounces ; turpentine , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . another most excellent both in old and new wounds . take gum galbanum , ten drams ; ammoniacum , three ounces and an half ; oppoponax , an ounce ; bdellium , three ounces : yellow wax , twenty ounces ; olibanum , three ounces ; litharge of gold , a pound ; myrrhe , ten drams ; verdigreace , mastick , roots of long birthwort , of each an ounce ; loadstone , two ounces ; prepared tutia , lapis calaminaris , of each two drams ; old oyl of olive , a pint and half : dissolve the gums in vinegar , and let the rest be powdered ; mingle them according to art , and boil them into the form of a plaister . epulotick or drying medicines . roots of comfry , tormentil ; herbs , st. johns-wort , plantain , sanicle , fluellin , betony ; flowers of balaustians , red roses ; saunders , aloes , myrrhe , mastick , sarcocols , lapis calaminaris , red lead , lead , litharge , tutty ; ointments of diapompholigos , album camphoratum ; plaisters , gryseum de plumbo , op●deldoch de minio , barbarum . take oyl of roses , of unripe olives , of each three ounces ; of myrtles , ointment of poplars , of each an ounce and half ; leaves of plantain and night-shade , of each an handful ; let them steep together eight days : afterwards add to the strain'd liquor , wax , two ounces ; mingle them over the fire , adding litharge of gold , three ounces ; ceruse , an ounce ; tutty , a dram ; burnt lead , three drams ; burnt brass , a dram and an half ; camphire , a dram ; let them be rubb'd in a leaden mortar into the form of an ointment . take roots of tormentil , bistort , round birth-wort , burnt egg-shels , frankincense , dragons-blood , of each half an ounce ; lapis calaminaris , a dram ; litharge , two drams : make it into a powder . take ung. pompholigos , diapalmae grisei , of each an ounce ; gum elemny , two drams ; saccharum saturni , half a dram ; wax , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . i never knew any better medicine , if applied in a fitting time , to bring to a cicatrice , than an amalgama of mercury , of which , this is the description . take two ounces of lead , melt it , then add to it two ounces of quick silver , pour it upon paper dried and powdered ; it may be mixt with the plaister of lead or diapompholigos . to these external remedies , we join also internal medicines , which have been observed to profit much at all times in the cure of wounds . vulneraries . wintergreen , sanicle , ladies-mantle , comfry , mugwort , saxifrage , tormentil , agrimony , milfoil , horse-tail , hounds-tongue , betony , periwincle , mouse ear , golden rod , birthwort , bistort , dictany , centory the less , gentain . a wound dring . take roots of comfrey the greater , half an ounce ; of wintergreen , two handfuls ; of sanicle , two pugils ; straw-berries , ladies-mantle , sage , of each an handful ; boil them in red wine , and to a pint and half of the strained liquor , add of the whitest sugar , as much as is sufficient ; dose , three ounces . another very effectual , even when the bone is hurt . take roots of round birthwort , an ounce and half ; sowbread an ounce ; self-heal , crane-bill , of each an handful ; savin , three drams ; mummy , two drams ; crabs-eyes , half an ounce ; galangal , two drams , powdered and cut : boil them in red-wine , and to three pints of the strained liquor , add of the syrup of comfry , of fernelius , four ounces ; mingle them . dose , two ounces . if any desires an ointment , that many boast is able to cure the wound though the patient be absent ; this is its best description . a sympathetick ointment . take moss , two ounces ; mummy , half an ounce ; mans fat , two ounces ; mans-blood , half an ounce ; oyl of linseed , two drams ; oyl of roses , bole , of each an ounce : mix it , and make an ointment . some use only vitriol calcin'd in the sun ; but whosoever shall use them without superstition , shall find many things attributed to medicines , that are due to nature ; therefore 't is safest to proceed in the beaten way . chap. viii . of wounds of the nerves . in treating of the wounds of the nerves , we also comprehend those of the tendons ; because there is scarce any difference in the cure it self . 't is to be distinguished here , where the nerve or tendon be divided , or only prick'd . this wound is known , . by considering the wounded place , and by anatomy , which teacheth in what members the nerves are inserted ; but the tendons seeing they terminate near the joynts , the hands and feet having many ; if a wound should be inflicted in these parts , who would not fear them to be so hurt , especially if it be with a transverse wound . . from the great pain , which causes pulsation , inflamation , convulsion and delirium , &c. except the nerves be wholly transversly divided , and then the symptoms are altogether not so grievous . prognosticks . ] all the wounds of the nerves are dangerous ; a puncture more dangerous than an incision : wounds of tendons are less dangerous than nerves . convulsion is an ill sign ; nerves and tendons wounded , do easily putrifie . cure. ] in all wounds of nerves or tendons , seeing pain greatly molests , occasioning many symptoms , care is to be taken that it be alleviated as soon as possible . outward cold things do here hugely injure , not only the air , but medicines themselves : for experience hath taught us , that cold , moist and astringent medicines do nought but hurt ; therefore 't is best to use medicines moderately hot and drying , but void of any sharpness . the wound also is to be kept open , till the cure be absolutely performed , that the matter may flow freely forth ; which if kept in , may increase the pain , and cause the putrefaction of the nerve ; which , if it should happen , the corrupt part is to be cut off , or removed by an actual cautery . moreover it is to be observed , whether the nerve or tendon lies bare or not ; if bare , warm medicines are convenient ; but if covered , hotter medicines are required ; in the mean time , purging and bleeding are not to be neglected . external medicines in wounds of the nerves and tendons . old oyl of olives , of earth-worms , of dill , rue , rosemary , costmary , white-lillies , st. john's wort , castore , of turpentine , wax , lavender , balsom of peru ; gums , elemi , tacamahac , caranna , opobalsamum , capayvae , spirit of wine . take venice-turpentine , tears of the fir-tree , of each an ounce ; gum tacamahac , half an ounce ; of caranna , two drams ; balsom of peru , three drams ; propoleos , six drams ; oyl of st. john's wort , an ounce : make it into an ointment . oyl of wax , lime water , and the brown ointment of faelix wurtz , are here excellent , if rightly used . chap. ix . of wounds by gun-shot . although daily practice teaches us , that bullets may be poison'd , yet they are not so of their own nature ; for the pain in part , and the other symptoms arise from the solution of the continuity and the contusion . here first the bullet , and any thing else that accompanies it , is to be drawn forth , lest pain and inflamation coming upon it , may hinder ; and care is to be had , that neither of them increase ; and the contused part , by the following medicines be brought to suppuration . take oyl of white lillies , of violets , of each two pints ; two puppies newly whelp'd ; boil them till their bones be almost dissolv'd ; then add oyl of earth-worms , a pint ; and boil them again ; strain them , and add of venice-turpentine , three ounces ; spirit of wine , an ounce : make it into a liniment . a wound-ointment . take venice-turpentine , an ounce ; galbanum , two drams ; calfs-marrow , half an ounce ; powder of scorzonera and scordium roots , of each two scruples ; oyl of st. john's-wort , half an ounce ; the yolk of an egg , threacle , a dram : make it into an ointment . another more effectual . take roots of birthwort powdred , a scruple and an half ; mummy , amber , mastick , of each a dram ; turpentine , half an ounce ; euphorbium , a dram ; ung. aegyptiacum , half an ounce ; yolks of one egg , oyl of elders , as much as is sufficient ; saffron , a scruple : make it into an ointment . another more excellent than the former , and which likewise resists putrefaction take tar , turpentine , galbanum , of each two ounces ; mastick , frankincense , nitre , sal armoniack , of each an ounce ; allom , half a dram ; verdigrease , white vitriol , camphire , powder of worms , of each a dram ; oyl of lin seed , roses , of each two ounces ; oyl of worms , and turpentine , of each a dram : molax them with a gentle fire ; and make them into an ointment . if the nerve hinder not , in a great putrefaction , there may be added some precipitated mercury . an anodine plaister . take bean-meal , crums of brown-bread , of each two drams ; let them be put in milk , adding to them oyl of roses , violets , of each an ounce ; yolks of eggs , no. iij. powder of red roses , scordium , of each an ounce and half ; wax , as much as sufficeth : make it into a plaister . an anodine cataplasm . take roots of marshmallows , comfrey the greater , of each an ounce ; flowers of camomil , melilot , st. john's wort , of each half a handful ; tops of wormwood , two pugils ; boil them in milk , adding to them of the meal of marshmallow-roots and beans , of each an ounce and an half : make it into a poultice . if the wound be quite through , a tent must be put into both orifices ; for a flamula is inconvenient and hurtful . at first , dressing it once a day , is sufficient ; for in wounds made by gun-shot , there seldom appears any matter before the third or fourth day ; after this , the quantity or acrimony of the matter will guide you best , whether it is to be drest once , twice or thrice a day . chap. x. of poysoned wounds . poysoned wounds are made sometimes by bullets , arrows , swords and other instruments ; sometimes by mad beasts , as dogs , wolves , which hurt more by their venomous quality , than by wounding . signs are , vehement pain , a livid colour suddenly becoming black ; symptoms more grievous than for the quality of the wound ; a heat over the whole body ; trembling , delirium , fainting , &c. prognosticks . ] a poysoned wound , though little , may bring death , especially if near to the heart , or any other noble part ; or the chirurgeon not call'd soon enough . cure consists chiefly in this , that the venom be drawn forth by cupping glasses , attractive medicines , scarifications , or , which is safest , by an actual cautery ; but then it must not be in a nervous part , the escar to be forthwith removed , and the wound to be cured by degrees . inwardly sudorificks and cordials profit . bleeding and purging hurt . a plaister that draws forth the poyson out of the wound , and corroborates the part. take boiled onions , three ounces ; treacle , half an ounce ; goats dung , an ounce ; angelica-roots in powder , a dram and half ; oyl of scorpions , an ounce and half ; honey and wax , as much as is sufficient to make it into a plaister . that corroborates the part , extracts the venom , produceth matter , and incarns the wound . take gums , galbanum , sagapenum , opoponax , assa foetida , mirtle , pepper , brimstone , of each six drams ; pigeons and ducks-dung , of each an ounce ; mummy , half an ounce ; the great comfrey-roots powdered , three drams ; oyl of st. john's-wort , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . chap. xi . of particular wounds . in wounds of the head , where the pericranium is hurt , a stitch either by needle or plaister , is not convenient ; fat things hurt , but comforting and drying profit much . take mastick , myrrhe , aloes , sarcocols , of each half a dram ; dragons-blood , two scruples ; bole , a scruple ; venice-turpentine , two ounces ; honey of roses , a little : make it into a plaister . wounds of the brain are accompanied with pain of the meninges , and a great flux of blood ; to which succeeds other symptoms , and for the most part death it self . oyl of roses applied warm , greatly easeth pain , and fresh pigeons-blood effects the same . in an haemorage . take myrrhe , aloes , mastick , dragons-blood , rhubarb , red coral prepared , hares hair cut small , of each a dram : make it into a very a fine powder . wounds of the face are not to be stitcht ; but always care is to be taken , that the scars may not render it deformed . in wounds of the eyes , you must abstain from all unctious things . the sound eye is to be bound as well as the whole . the head must be placed upright ; if there be a flux of blood , the following things are convenient . the blood of turtles , pigeons , hens , mucilage , of the seeds of fleawort , of quinces , tragacanth , bloodstone , ceruse , tutty , frankincense , aloes ; the white of an egg , water of roses , and plantain , decoction of balaustians , red roses , galls , &c. take white troches of rasis , prepared tutty , aloes powdered , of each half a scruple ; red-wine , an ounce ; red rose water and plantain , of each two ounces ; mucilage , of the seeds of fleawort , tragacanth , of each a dram : make a collyrium . in pain , womans-milk fresh , is good ; or the above described collyrium , adding to it half a scruple of opium , and applying over it this cataplasm , take of rotten apples , two ounces ; flowers of linseed , half an ounce ; mucilage , seeds of flea wort , two drams ; crude opium , half a dram ; yolks of eggs , as much as is sufficient to make it into a cataplasm . a part of the nose quite cut off , never unites again , although the wound be but just made ; but if it adheres still to the body , 't is to be stitched to it with a needle . wounds of the ears and lips find greater benefit from the needle than from ligature . wounds of the lungs require comforting and drying medicines ; sharp being here very hurtful , though used in other wounds . externally . take roots of great comfrey , tormentil , cloves , of each half an ounce ; flowers of red roses , half a handful ; mastick , myrrhe , aloes , of each a dram ; boil them in barley-water , and to half a pint of the strained liquor , add syrup of mirtles , common and strained honey of roses , of each two ounces : make it into a liniment . internally . take leaves of fluellin , strawberries , sanicle , of each half a handful ; lung-wort , a handful ; roots of angelica , two drams ; liquoras , a dram ; jujubies , no. xv . raisons , half an ounce ; boil them in barley-water , and add to a pint and half of the strained liquor , syrup of diacodion , three ounces : mix them , let them take four ounces of it three or four times a day . half a dram of sperma ceti taken every day , is excellent ; but it weakens the brain . wounds of the heart are always mortal , and those that penetrate into the left ventricle , kill suddenly ; they seldom live so wounded , above six , twelve , or twenty hours , although there are examples produced for it . if wounded into the right ventricle , it permits the patient to live longer ; but that which terminates in the substance of the heart , grants yet longer time . wounds of the stomach for the most part are left to be cured by nature , which here doth miracles ; yet in a flux of blood , bleeding is requisite . in a wound penetrating into the cavity it self , all the tunicles being divided , the wound of the abdomen ought to be united by a stitch , a little orifice being left , through which a tent is to be put , which must not enter the wound of the stomach , but only outwardly touch it ; let it be armed with this , or the like . take oyl of mastick , of fir-tree , of each an ounce ; manna , of frankincense , two drams ; powder of the roots of tormentil , of the greater comfrey , of each a dram ; saffron a scruple ; earth-worms , half a dram ; white-wine , two ounces ; boil them to the consumption of the wine , and make a liniment . take turpentine , half an ounce ; yolk of an egg , oyl of st. john's-wort , an ounce : mix it , and make a liniment . wounds of the small-guts , sometimes , though seldom , may be cured ( this i can prove by a notable example . ) those of the great-guts are more easie . where the small-guts are hurt , the chyle , and sometimes the meat & drink , comes forth through the wound ; there is great pain , with a fever and nauseousness . where the great-guts , the excrements come out at the wound , or at least the scent ; the body is bound ; the wound is forthwith to be stitcht together , and the gut to be restored into its natural place , well cleansed with warm water , and this following powder sprinkl'd upon it . take aloes , mastick , frankincense , mummy , dragons-blood , of each a dram : make it into a powder . wounds of the liver and spleen require bleeding , and if the belly be bound , clisters are daily to be injected ; to the wound it self are to be applied astringent and drying medicines . wounds of the kidneys are difficultly and slowly cured : if made into the cavity it self , the blood that comes forth is serous , otherwise more pure . this liniment is of great esteem to be used outwardly . take rosin of the pine , six ounces ; oyl of bays and turpentine , of each an ounce ; gum elemny , four ounces and an half : mingle them . inwardly are to be given the troches of alkakingi , gordonius , de carabe , or sealed-earth , bole , turpentine and wound-drinks . wounds of the bladder are generally cured after the same manner ; but it is very seldom that they leave not behind them a fistula . the following pills are of great use in wounds and ulcers in the kidneys and bladder . take mans bones calcin'd , , three drams ; chalk , burnt talk , of each a dram , troches of winter cherries , three drams ; venice-turpentine a little boil'd , as much as is sufficient : make them into pills about the bigness of little pease , rowling them in the liquoras-powder ; let the patient take morning and evening six of these . the end of the second part of the second book . barbetty's chirurgery . the third book of the second part of chirurgery . of vlcers . chap. i. of the nature , differences , causes , and signs of vlcers . an ulcer is a solution of continuity with diminution of magnitude in the soft parts , from a corroding matter . differences are taken , . . from the form of the ulcer ; so 't is great , little ; long , short ; broad , narrow ; right , transverse ; equal , unequal ; deep , superficial . . from the part affected ; which sometimes is the skin and flesh only , sometimes the tendons ; nerves and vessels that carry the blood. . from the causes ; which shall be presently spoken of . . from the symptoms ; so 't is painful , itching , obstinate , verminous , carious . cause is a sharp and corrosive humor , and that is twofold . . internal , as choler , melancholy , serum , salt , phlegm , and other malignant humors . . external , as burning and corrosive medicines : the sweat of man infected with the itch , leprosie or pox. signs of ulcers in general are manifest enough ; the particulars you shall have in their places . prognostick . ] by how much deeper the ulcer is , so much the longer 't is in curing . ulcers in parts that are subject to much humidity , are difficultly cured . if an ulcer cannot be cured in a long time , or when cicatriz'd , breaks out again , the cause is , the bone being foul under it . ulcers near to the nerves , veins or tendons are dangerous . in cacochimick bodies , their cure is tedious . if the matter which comes from them be good , it gives hope of an easie cure. good matter is of a middle consistence between thin and thick , white , light , equal , and not at all stinking . that which is ill , is thin and fluid , pale , livid , and of ill smell . old and inveterate ulcers are not cured without danger , except the body be well purged , and a good order of diet observed , otherwise some diseases will ensue . chap. ii. of the cure of vlcers . purging and bleeding are here often necessary , but a good ordered diet always . hot meats and drinks hurt , as also all sweet and salt things . outwardly , the humor ought to be concocted and turned into matter ; the lost flesh ought to be repaired , and then to be skinn'd . remedies necessary to perform these , are digestives , sarcoticks and epuloticks , which are set down in the seventh chapter of the second book of the second part. we will add some compounds . a defensive . take guaiacum-wood , long birthwort-roots , of each an ounce ; centaury the less , wormwood , agrimony , of each a handful : boil them in white wine , and to two ounces and an half of the strained liquor , add of the meal of orobus , half an ounce ; myrrhe powdered , two drams ; of honey of roses , two ounces ; spirit of wine , an ounce ; venice-turpentine , as much as is sufficient to make it into a liniment . a sarcotick . take the brown ointment of foelix wurtz , three drams ; basilicon , half an ounce ; gum elemni , two drams ; turpentine , six drams ; colophony , mirrhe , aloes , mastick , of each half an ounce ; litharge of gold , three drams ; oyl of roses , as much as sufficeth to make it into an ointment . an epulotick . take sacchar . saturn . litharge , of each two drams ; lapis calaminaris , one dram ; roots of tormentil , bistort , round birthwort , dragons-blood , burnt egg-shels , of each half an ounce : make them into a powder . let it be sprinkled upon the ulcer , or mingled gall , half an ounce ; honey , as much as sufficeth to make it into a linament . chap. iii. of an vlcer with foul bones . it falls out sometimes that the bone which lies underneath the ulcer to be foul : bones are corrupted and contract a rottenness , either from the long flux of humors , or from the acrimony and malignity of them , or from an occult quality , or from a contusion , in some manner injuring the bone it self , or from sharp medicines . signs of corruptions are many : where the bone lies open to the sight , at first it appears of the colour of fat , then yellow , afterwards black and unequal ; but where it cannot be seen , chirurgeons may judge that there it is a corruption . . if a fistula preceded , or the ulcer hath been of long continuance . . if the ulcer being skinn'd break out again . . if the flesh above it becomes loose , spungy , pale or livid . . if with the probe you find no resistance , but an inequality . . if the matter be much , thin and stinking . prognostick . ] if the caries be near the nervous parts , or in the joynts , or about the tendons , arteries or veins , 't is not easily cured ; but for the most part the tendon and nerve are corrupted with it : no ulcer can be cured whilst the bone remains foul . cure. ] the corrupted bone ought to be corrected , either with medicines , or with chirurgery , or by both . therefore the flesh must be divided as soon as may be , that the carious bone may be laid open ( left some considerable nerve , tendon or artery be hurt ) according to the length of the part , and the ductus of the fibres , not transverse ; then let those medicines be applied that may separate the corrupted bone from the sound ; and that may preserve the sound from corruption . medicines against corruption of the bone. roots of round birthwort , briony , orrise , dragons , hores-strong , guaiacum , bark of the pine , aloes , euphorbium , mirrhe , alom , chalcanthum , lime , chrysocalla , burnt pumice , the scales of brass , aqua-fortis , spirit of brimstone , of vitriol ; salt , tartar ; oyl of vitriol , brimstone , antimony . take mummy , sarcocols , of each half a dram ; euphorbium , a dram : mix them , and make a powder . take roots of round birthwort , orrise , hore-strong , of each half an ounce ; mirhe , aloes , of each a dram and half ; bark of the pine , scales of brass , of each a dram ; earth-worms , two drams ; honey as much as sufficeth to make it into an ointment . take juice of celandine the greater , two ounces ; spirit of wine , an ounce ; mirrhe , aloes , of each two drams ; white-vitriol , a scruple : mingle them for an injection . if the corruption of the bone be so great , that it cannot be removed by medicaments , then we must come to chirurgery , and either scrape the foul bone , if the corruption be small ; or perforate it , if great ; or rather use an actual cautery ; for without these , you will scarce be able perfectly to cure it . chap. vi. de vlcere depascente , &c , an ulcer further and deeper spreading , is call'd depascens ; and if it be with putrefaction , is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; if without it , phagaedaena ; if only in the skin , herpes ; if ill-natured cacothe . cause is , the salt serum of the blood , salt phlegm , burnt choler , or some other malignant humor . these ulcers can scarce be cured , unless the cause be first removed , and the whole blood purified ; therefore here must be observed a good diet , often purging , and sometimes bleeding . external medicines for depascent ulcers . plantain , night-shade ; flowers of red-roses , balaustians , cypress-nuts , pomegranate rinds , frankincense , mastick , tutty , ceruse , litharge , red-lead , burnt-lead , brimstone , pepper , ginger , mercury , ung. aegyptiacum , fuscum , diapompholigos ; emplast . de plumbo , de minio , gryseum , de ranis cum mercurio . take flowers of red roses , balaustians , of each a handful ; leaves of plantain , half a handful ; cypress-nuts , mirtle-berries , pomegranate rinds , of each half an ounce : boil them in red wine . wash the ulcer with it , then use over it this following . take prepared tutty , half an ounce ; burnt-lead , washed ceruse , of each an ounce ; bole-armenick , half an ounce ; ung. aegyptiacum , as much as is sufficient to make it into an ointment . or , take long-pepper , half a dram ; ginger , a scruple ; flower of brimstone , litharge of gold , each two drams ; gunpowder , a dram ; ung. fusci of felix wurtz , three drams ; ung. album , camphoratum , as much as sufficeth : make it into an ointment . take mastick , frankincense , mirrhe , of each three drams ; litharge of gold , burnt-lead , of each half an ounce ; quicksilver extinct in turpentine , two drams ; brimstone , half an ounce ; pitch and wax , as much as is sufficient to make it into a plaister . concerning the cure of these ulcers , 't is to be noted , . external medicaments ought to be changed three or four days ; for nature rejects the best , longer applied . . they ought not to be drest above once or twice a day , except the matter be very sharp , that the medicine may not be disturbed in its operation . . repellent and mercurial medicines are not to be used , except with continual purging you drain the body of its impurities . . these ulcers are seldom cured without the use of purging or drying decoctions , made of china , guaiacum , sarsa , &c. chap. v. fistula's . a fistula is a long , narrow hollowness , or a sinewous ulcer , narrow and callous , not easily receiving cure ; for the most part , taking its beginning from an abscess . difference , are straight , oblique , simple , manifold , that is , having many hollownesses ; some going to the bone , some to the veins , tendons , or nerves . signs . ] the edges of this ulcer are white , hard , without pain , or but little ; sometimes moist , but commonly dry : outwardly the cavity may be perceived in one place or other by pressing the part ; in which also sometimes there is a noise perceived , and the matter now in lesser quantity , otherwhiles in greater , is prest out through the orifice of the fistula : by a probe we can search the cavity of a straight fistula ; but in an oblique , we use a wax-candle instead of a probe . that is more convenient when the fistula penetrates to the bone ; this , when it is in the fleshy and sensible parts : if the fistula remains only in the fleshy parts , that which is touched by the probe , is soft , and the matter that comes out , is white , equal , and in great quantity . if it extend to the nerve , there is great pain in searching it to the bottom of the hollowness , and the matter is fat and oyly , but is less in quantity , and the action of that member which the nerve goes to , is rendred very uneasie : if it passeth to the bone , that which is touched by the probe , is hard , not yielding , and painful , where the periostium is not consumed ; the bone , is foul , is rough , and seems unequal to the touch , the matter is black , stinking and very thin : if the cavity joins to a vein , the matter is like dregs , but reder and thicker , where the vein is eroded : if it penetrates the arteries , that which comes forth , is thin and shining , and comes forth with a leaping . prognostick . ] all fistulas are of hard cure ; some incurable , others that ought not to be cured ; to wit , those by which the superfluous humors have for long time been vented . a recent fistula , and not deep , in a young body , and otherwise sound is easily cured ; but an old deep fistula , having many sinew's in an ancient , emaciated , cachochimick body , is very difficult . those are also difficultly cured , yea , for the most part incurable , which touch the tendons , nerves , veins , arteries , bones , and those that are in the joints , vertebra's , cavity of the breast , and lower belly , the womb , bladder , or guts . fistulas are wont to come in those places , where nature is accustomed to discharge her self of vitiated humors , to wit , in the abdomen , groins , buttocks , fundament , cod and perinaeum . where the edges are not very hard , but somewhat soft and mattery , they do promise speedier cure. cure of fistulas are twosold , one real , and the other palliative ; by this the fistula is dried within , and skinned without ; the hollowness nevertheless remaining , commonly continuing some little while closed , but easily breaks forth again , except by a good diet , often purging and bleeding , it be perfectly cured : the true cure is performed in this manner ; good diet , purging , bleeding and wound-drinks effect here very much ; but the haemorrhoids flowing more . natural baths do oftentimes cure the greatest fistula's ; in defect of them , may be prepared artificial , of brimstone , alom , salt and tartar , boil'd in water ; afterwards let the fistula be drest according to art : externally , the part is to be corroborated , the humor contained in the sinus to be dried ; but especially the callosity of the edges is to be taken away ; therefore are medicines for this purpose to be us'd ; by whose help many fistulas have been cured : but these not being sufficient , an actual cautery is to be applied , having first divided the edges ; for which purpose the syringotomon of fabritius aquapendents is a most useful instrument . medicines for a fistula roots of hellebore , cuckospittle , gentain , birthwort , euphorbium , juice of celandine , smallage , dragons , spunge , flax , strong vinegar , lye , lime , alom , vitriol , verdigrease , orpine , mercury-precipitate and sublimate ; the phlegm and spirit of vitriol , ung. egyptiacum , fuscum . a corroborating and drying plaister . take mastick , frankincense , pomegranat-rinds , of each two drams ; dust of a rotten oaken posts finely searc'd , three drams ; red-roses , myrtle-berries , of each a dram ; yellow wax , rosin of the pine , oyl of st. john's-wort , of each an ounce ; make it into a plaister . an oyntment . take the juice of smallage , two ounces ; of celandine , two drams ; of onions , one dram ; honey of roses , three ounces ; turpentine , as much as is sufficient to make it into an ointment . another , take juice of flower-de-luce , an ounce ; of celandine , half an ounce ; red-wine , six drams ; honey , four ounces : let them boil a little , then add of aloes , mirrhe , of each half a dram ; white-vitriol , a scruple ; litharge , two drams ; turpentine , a little : make it into an ointment . another more excellent . take powder of briony-roots , a dram ; frankincense , mirrhe , of each two drams ; verdigreace , half a dram ; sal-armoniac , a scruple ; hogs-grease , oyl of olives : of each as much as sufficeth to make it into an ointment . another of greater vertue take white vitriol , four ounces ; alom , verdigreace , of each half an ounce ; strong vinegar , six ounces : calcine them in a luted vessel , and powder it . mixt it with ung. aegyptiacum , and arm the tent with it . the brown ointment of felix wurtz , is a most excellent medicine in this case , if it be reduced by boiling into the form of a suppository , and so put into the fistula : you will do well to prepare it your self ; for 't is not rightly made by every one : the following suppositories are excellent , especially in fistulas of the fundament , and other soft parts . take agrimony , half a handful ; scordium , a pugil ; flowers of st. john's-wort , two pugils ; french-barley , an ounce ; boil them in white-wine , and strain them , adding of virgins-honey , four ounces : boil them to a thickness , then add of male frankincense , choice mastick , of each two drams ; red myrrhe , a dram and half ; sarcocols , three drams ; white vitriol , a dram : make them into suppositories . chap. vi. of burns . burning is a solution of continuity , caused by an external burning-matter always hurting the scarf-skin , for the most part the skin , and sometimes also the muscles , veins , nerves and tendons . difference . ] it admits of three sorts . . sometimes there is a heat and pain , at least in the part affected , caused from burning ; and except remedies are presently applied , the scarf-skin is separated and divided from the skin , and blisters are raised , which contains in them clear water . . sometimes the skin it self is burnt , then presently a blister is raised , but no escar made . . sometimes also the subjacent flesh is burnt , here the skin is black and void of sense , and after the escar falls off , leaves a deep ulcer . the differences spring from the causes ; for lead , tin , iron , powder , lightning , do vehemently burn ; oyl , vernice , pitch and wax less ; straw , water , flax , and the like , least of all . signs , by what hath been spoken , are manifest enough . prognostick . ] a deep and great burn , very seldom but leaves ugly scars behind it ; burning from lightning , is for the most part mortal : that which penetrates to the great vessels , generally occasions a gangrene ; if to the intestines , incurable ; burns of the eyes and groins , very dangerous . if a hairy part be burnt , it remains bald ; never hair grows there again . cure. ] the chief care must be to draw out the fire , by which in a light burning you preserve from blisters and ulcers ; in a great one , you free from all danger ; therefore what medicine soever is at hand , is presently to be used ; let the hurt part be held to the fire , and fomented with warm water , ink , lye ; or let there be applied soot , or an onion beaten with salt , or any the following . medicines in burning . roots of white lillies , liquoras ; leaves of bete , coleworts , hemp , onions , garlick , henbane , tabacco , leeks , st. john's-wort ; flowers of camomile , melilot , elders ; seeds of quinces , of line ; camphire , myrrhe , olibanum , soot , whites of eggs , hogs-fat , pigeons-dung , sheeps-dung , hens-dung , nitre , ceruse , ink , brine , lye , oyl of nuts , rape , white ointment with camphire , plaister of red-lead . an ointment . take juice of oni●ns , two ounces ; venice-sope , three ounces ; common salt , two drams ; hogs-grease , two ounces ; washt lime , three drams ; oyl of rape , mussilage of quince-seeds , of each an ounce ; turpentine , as much as is sufficient to make it into a liniment . another , by whose means a poor souldier became rich . take leaves of new gathered sage , a handful ; of plantain , two handfuls ; fresh butter without salt , six ounces ; new hens-dung , and the whitest as you can , three ounces ; fry them together for the space of a quarter of an hour , press them hard out , and reserve the prest-out liquor for your use . this ointment is excellent in burning of all sorts , even in the greatest ; it being melted , let the hurt part be often anointed with it in a day ; then lay over it a fresh leaf of colewort , bete , or plantain . if any pustules are raised , and yet the burnt not great , open them the third day , and let not the opening be prolonged further , lest there follow a corrosion . if the skin be wrinkled and dried , all the pustules are presently to be cut , then let the precedent ointment , or this following be applied . take oyl of violets , white lillies , sweet almonds , butter without salt , of each an ounce ; mussilage of fleawort-seed , meal of marshmallows , of each an ounce and half ; saffron , half a dram ; soot , ung. basilicon , of each an ounce : make it into an ointment . if there be an escar , let its separation be endeavoured the first or second day ; for which the last above-prescribed ointment is exceeding good ; but if it separates not , then incision is to be made into the sound flesh : when 't is separated , it is to be cured as a common ulcer . if there be danger of a gangrene , or already present , it requires its cure , which is already treated of in its place . where the eye brows , lips , fingers , or toes are burnt , a clean linnen cloth , or plate of lead is to be put between them . if a tender part be burnt , you must abstain from the use of onions , sope , salt , and such like sharp medicines . that ugly cicatrices may not be left , you must forbear the use of strong , drying medicines . chap. vii . of particular vlcers . in an ulcer of the head , neither unctious , or repellent medicines are convenient . if the ill quality of the humor requires the use of mercury , great care is to be had , that it be well prepared ; for crude is very dangerous ; which ought not to be applied where the ulcers are about the sutures , seeing a salivation may be easily raised , which will difficultly afterwards be suppressed . ulcers of the eyes , for the most part , leave blindness , especially where the horny tunicle is wholly corroded , by which the watry humor is let out , as also oftentimes the christaline . an inflammation generally is very painful , which is forthwith to be removed by those remedies delivered in the seventeenth chapter of the first book . to the ulcer it self ; first , abstersive , then cicatrizing medicines are to be applied . an abstersive collyrium . take white amber , red mirrhe , of each half a scruple ; eastern saffron six grains ; white of an egg , sugar-candy , a dram ; eye-bright-water , two ounces and an half : mix them . another , take aloes , frankincense , prepared tutty , of each half a scruple ; glass of antimony , six grains ; gum , tragacanth , a scruple ; celandine-water , three ounces : mix them . or , take red coral prepared , frankincense , of each half a dram ; white troches of rhasis , prepared harts-horn , of each a scruple ; burnt lead , fifteen grains ; crude antimony , a scruple ; honey of roses , as much as is sufficient to make it into an ointment . a cicatrizing collyrium . take burnt lead , white troches of rhasis , sarcocols , sac. saturni , of each half a scruple ; rose-water , four ounces : mix them . ulcers of the nose most commonly yield an ill scent , whence they are called ozaenae . cause is a sharp , bilious , salt , or malignant humor , which sometimes corrupts the bones themselves ; but chiefly the cartilage ; so by a flat nose deforms the face . they are hard of cure , and therefore respect must be had to the whole body ; at least the head , which requires corroborating , and moderate drying . external applications are to be abstersive , and because of the humidity of the part , somewhat drying . the juice of scharley , mixt with honey of roses , is excellent here . take one pomegranate sliced , litharge of gold , two drams ; red lead , a dram ; burnt alom , ae scruple ; mercurius dulcis , half a dram ; whitest sugar , an ounce ; white wine , six ounces : let them boyl a little , and preserve the strained liquor for use . take burnt lead , washt ceruse ; prepared tutty , litharge , of each two drams ; frankincense-bark , one dram ; myrrhe , round birth-wort , mercurius dulcis , of each half a dram ; ung. fuscum of felix wurtz , three drams ; ung. album , champhorat as much as sufficeth to make a liniment . fumes of the following powder , put upon coals is very good , provided it is used cautiously , and not above once , or at most , twice a day , lest a salivation should be raised ; which also will cure the ulcer : the quantity of a nutmeg is sufficient for a dose . take bensoes , sandarach , mastick , frankincense , storax , of each a dram ; artificial cinabar , half an ounce : make it into a powder for fuming . ulcers of the mouth require often purgings , sometimes bleeding ; and if there be malignity , antivenereal , sudorifick decoctions , which are here of great use . external remedies also here , are abstersives and driers : i have tried the following to be of singular vertue . take oak-leaves , a handful ; flowers of roses , balaustians , of each a pugil ; pomegranate-rinds , two drams ; burnt-alom , two scruples ; white vitriol , half a scruple ; boil them in red wine ; to half a pint of the strained liquor , add honey of roses , rob. diameron , of each an ounce : make a gargarism . or , take common chalk , burnt talk , red lead , burnt alom , of each a dram ; bole-armenick , two drams ; mercurius dulcis , half a dram ; vitriol , a scruple ; boil them in white wine ; and to ten ounces of the liquor , add syrup of comfrey of fernelius , two ounces and an half : mix it for a mouth-water . or , take burnt talk , flower of brimstone , bole-armenick , frankincense , comfrey-roots , the greater , pomegranate rinds , of each a dram ; burnt alom , two scruples ; verdigreece , half a dram ; honey of roses , as much as sufficeth to make it into a liniment . or , take ung. fuscum of felix wurtz , three drams ; honey of roses , as much as sufficeth to make it into a liniment . the fume for ulcers of the nose , is here useful ; as also common ink. if medicines effect nothing , an actual cautery must be used . an ulcer of the bladder is troublesome , and for the most part incurable , having its beginning from a wound , the stone , a sharp humor , or diuretick medicine , it requires many internal and external remedies ; which that we may not exceed our bounds , we leave to be prescribed by the physician , except some few , whose vertue hath been often experimented by us . take roots of round birthwort , comfrey the greater , osmond-royal , of each half a dram : myrrhe , frankincense , storax , mastick , gum tragaganth , seeds of white poppy , henbane , of each a scruple ; juice of liquoras , half a dram ; venice-turpentine , as much as to make them into pills of the bigness of a little pea. or , take troches of alkakingi , de carabe , burnt-talk , of each half a dram ; bole-armenick , sealed earth , mans-skull , of each a dram ; venice-turpentine , as much as to make them into pills of the bigness of a little pea. let the patient take six of these pills , or of the former every day morning and evening . take lime-water , three ounces ; plantain , two ounces ; white troches of rhasis , a dram ; mix them for an injection , to be used twice or thrice every day . lime water in this place , is nothing else than common-water wherein quick lime hath been quencht : have a care of making it too strong . ulcers of the neck of the bladder are cured after the same manner , though indeed more easily ; and those of the penis far more easily ; although contracted from a virulent gonorrhaea . these are to be known by the pained part , and by the coming forth of the matter , before or after making of the urine ; except timely you endeavor their cure , the disease slides inwardly , and will perforate either the bladder or perinaeum : sometimes there are here one or more caruncles , which , because they cannot always be cured by medicaments , they may be taken away by chirurgery , by the assistance of an instrument described by pary and others ; yet many times have i cured these excrescensies , by using of small suppositories made of the following ointment , thickned by gentle boiling . take ung. fuscum of felix wurtz , honey of roses , of each two drams : make it into an ointment . in these caruncles , before they are fixt , we effect much by vulnerary , sudorifick and anti-venereal decoctions , outwardly using the following medicine . take litharge of gold , flower of brimstone , of each three drams ; prepared tutty , two drams ; red lead , half a dram ; ung. aegyptiacum , a dram , honey of roses , as much as is sufficient to make it into an ointment . anoint a wax-candle with this ointment , and put it into the urinary passage , renewing it twice or thrice a day , until there is an absolute mundification . it s consolidation is performed with no better medicines ( that i know of ) than by the amalgama of mercury , describ'd in the seventh chapter of the second book , if it be mixt with ung. diapompholigos , and the wax candle annointed with it , and put into the urethra , as is already said . ulcers of the neck of the womb , though slight , they are of difficult cure , and if those ulcers are negligently handled , they produce grievous symptoms , and sometimes a gangrene ; after purging , and the use of vulnerary , and venereal decoctions , as also bleeding , the following is good . take roots of orise powdered , litharge of gold , flower of brimstone , of each two drams ; mastick , a dram ; mercurius dulcis , half an ounce ; ung. fuscum of felix wurtz , two drams ; honey of roses , as much as sufficeth to make it into a liniment . a fume . take gum of juniper , an ounce ; mastick , myrrhe , laudanum , of each two drams : make it into a powder . if they had their original from the french-pox , add to this powder a dram of cinnabar , and use it twice a day . ulcers of the legs , especially those that are upon the shins , occasion great trouble to the chirurgeon , because the humors of the whole body continually flow to those parts ; for which reason the medicines are oftentimes used to little purpose ; the part must be well rowled from the foot upwards , and the body once or twice a week well purged . a plate of lead , or plaister of lead , or diapompholigos , of mineum , griseum , or the following is very good in this case . take the plaisters of lead , griseum , of each an ounce ; litharge of gold , ceruse , of each three drams ; sac. saturni , half a dram ; gum elemny , two drams : make it into a plaister . another very good in these , or other malignant ulcers . take album-graecum , froth of the sea , of each an ounce ; oyl of bitter almonds , four ounces ; sheeps-sewet , six ounces ; white wax , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister ; to which , if you please , you may add some diapompholigos . factotum magistri christiani . take oyl of roses , twelve ounces ; ceruse , mussilage of the roots of comfrey , of each six ounces ; white wax , four ounces ; litharge of gold , red lead , lapis calaminaris , of each three ounces : make it into an ointment according to art. another . take flowers of red-roses , one ounce ; balaustians , two drams ; elder-flowers , an ounce and half ; roots of tormentil , round-birthwort roots , long pepper , lapis calaminaris , of each an ounce : prepared tutty , two drams ; bole-armenick , half an ounce : litharge of gold and silver , of each an ounce and half ; rose-water , five ounces ; white wine , twelve ounces : mix them . the end of the third book of the second part. the author's preface to the studious reader . as chirurgery is a of physick , that ought not to be separated from it ; so also let not any imagine to himself , that he can deserve the name of an experienced chirurgeon , except he underderstand some part of it , especially anatomy , the only foundation of chirurgery . but seeing that the study of some most curious anatomists , hath found out many excellent things in this happy age , altogether unknown to the ancients ( though some foolishly affirm the contrary , with great pains , ascribing those things to them , which they never so much as dream'd of ) which indeed are not to be accounted of , as ingenious subtleties ; but as the fundamental rules and cynosure to those that navigate through the vast ocean of this art. it is every ones part to labour in it , that it may be perfected , and every day more and more illustrated ; which may at length be brought to pass , if with the greater pains , industry and curiosity , we enquire into the unknown regions and tracts of the microcosm , and not given to sloth , plough our ground with other mens oxen , only trusting on the authority of the ancients , which the learned wisely call asinorum pontem . as for me , i have ventured to introduce some new opinions ; because that i deemed them in the nature of things , to exceed thee and me , and all in antiquity . if thou enquirest into it with the same labour , perchance thou mayest embrace the same opinions : that of the circulation of the blood is now spread over all europe ; yea , the principal professors in the illustrious universities , do all with one voice approve it ; the salivous passages and limphaducts , as also the lacteal vessels , both the greater and lesser , may so plainly be demonstrated , that they may be perceived as it were with one eye . my own proper and peculiar opinions i have confirmed with reasons , which i suppose are agreeable to our art : in the rest , if thou findest any thing new , it is nothing but what can be demonstrated by dissection . what others have writ at another time , pleaseth us also ; for i cannot , nor ought not to change the parts of the body ; nevertheless the disposition of my genius is so pregnant , that i hope it will free thee from great pains and trouble . for , first i thought it convenient largely to discourse of the simple parts , their affections and vse , that thou mightest not be necessitated to repeat in following the same thing a hundred times . to this end i have retained the terms of our art , used by the ancient latine writers . then i expound the elaborating the blood , which properly is the foundation of all physick , and which the wits of the learned have long and much wrested : o foelicissimum qui metam proximè attigerit . lastly , all the parts of the head , breast , abdomen and joynts , i have so described , having not at all separated them , that thou mightest not be forced to seek one here , and another there . but that this knowledge might become the more profitable , i have shewn the vses of it in chirurgery , which i hope you will well apply , and endeavour with me , as much as possible , to perfect this imperfection . barbetty's chirurgery . the third part of chirurgery ; or , the practical anatomy : in five books . . treats of the parts in general . . of the head. . of the breast . . of the lower belly . . of the joynts . chap. i. of the practical anatomy . the preface . thou which desirest to know thy self , come hither and view ; the little world will declare how thou oughtest to value the great one . the architecture of thy creator , by no art to be bettered ; the essence of thy soul , not to be reach'd by the greatest strength of thoughts , and the fragility of thy terrestrial mansion will teach thee , to esteem those things more that are above thee , to use better those things that are within thee , and to carry thy self with a more compassionate mind towards thy neighbour , although thou walkest here as a stranger ; the consideration of these things will shew thee , that thou oughtest not to be a stranger in the most necessary knowledge of thy duty , by which thou mayest use it to the greater good of thy self ; so of others , if thou dilligently require , of what parts the fabrick of thy body consists ; to this end , first we will shew the simple parts and their use ; then after the division of the whole body , the compounded parts . the chirurgical use . seeing 't is very necessary , even at first sight , that thou shouldst know the nature and temperaments of men , because they give the rules of what is to be done in the curing of each disease , we have thought it convenient in the very beginning of this treatise , to describe their signs . the sanguine abound with hair , but lank and yellowish ; in process of time declining into blackish , handsom , red cheek'd , freshy , strong : when young , addicted to venery , not enduring ●●●ours , easily sweating , phthisical , affable in their conversation and discourse ; not suspicious , equally prone to laughter and tears ; they sleep soundly , their dreams are pleasant ; pulse is great and strong ; urine yellowish , and in great quantity , soluble ; they hate women , and , except in their company , seldom think of them . they bear bleeding , provided it be at a fitting time , and in a convenient quantity ; otherwise they easily fall into a dropsie . strong purges , to wit , euphorbium , scammony , colloquintida , and those that are compounded of them , they cannot bear ; though gentle medicines , easily ; as cream of tartar , manna , tamarinds , pruines , syrup of roses with senna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , pulp of cassia , electuaries of diacatholicum lenitive , &c. as they easily fall into a disease , so they quickly again recover . the cholerick have black hair , and for the most part curled ; lean but very strong : coition profitable ; they are judicious , and swift in action , avoiding idleness ; they trust neither the words or gestures of men ; soon subject to laughter , if the thing require it , otherwise grave : when irritated , addicted to strike ; more inclined to drink and watching , than to eating and sleep ; their dreams are of fire , thunder , quarrels , battels . pulse strong , quick and great : urine high-coloured , as also their excrements . choler requires not bleeding , yet permits it , if there be a quantity of blood joined with it ; but it must neither be excessive , nor oftner repeated , than just necessity requires , lest the choler shews its malignity ; gentle purges relieve it , but strong irritate it ; it produceth vehement and dangerous diseases , and for the most part short . phlegmatick have long flaxen hair , which easily falls off , and as easily grows again ; pale-fac'd , cold and weak body ; long ere they desire marriage , and soon debilitated by it ; sloathful , unfit for conversation ; not sollicitous about publick affairs ; difficulty brought to laughter or anger , which then lasts not long : they eat and drink little , prone to sleep ; dreams are of fish , of the water and rain ; pulse small and slow ; urine pale , and sometimes thin , but generally thick and darkish ; the belly soluble : they bear not bleeding , except upon necessity ; they endure strong purging ; their diseases are long , but not dangerous . the melancholick are almost destitute of hair , which is lank and black , of a grim countenance , the whole skin livid , lean , slow , and addicted to venery , prudent , morose in conversation , readier to give counsel to others , than to themselves ; not subject to laughter or anger , but long before appeased ; they eat and sleep much ; urine copious , excrements little , grievous dreams , pulse small , slow and hard . bleeding is hurtful , purging profitable ; the diseases which it begets , are stubborn and tedious , and oftentimes more dangerous in the end than in the beginning . let these general signs suffice in this place . but 't is to be observed , that the temperaments are mixt , and then the signs are also . yea , many mutations , vices and dissimulations , as also virtues and ingenuity may be attributed to them , which is your part judiciously to distinguish ; but we assent not to galen , who held that the dispositions of the mind relie upon the temperaments . chap. ii. of the parts in general· a part ( properly so call'd ) is a firm , limited body , which is nourished by other living parts but doth not nourish ; having a peculiar use and operation for the advantage of the whole . it is distinguished , . into the principal parts , or or those not so : principal are those that perform some noble operation common to the whole body as the heart , liver , brain , testicles : those not so , are those that serve the principal , and whence they are call'd their servants , as the eye , ear , hands , &c. this distinction pleased some anatomists many years since , whom i much esteem ; yet not me : for if the liver and heart are numbred amongst the principal parts because they elaborate the blood for the advantage of the whole body , why is not the tongue accounted a principal part also ? which is not only an instrument of speech , by which we are distinguished from beasts , but also of tastes , by whose assistance we chuse those aliments which are best ; which if wanting , how the heart and liver could supply the body with good nutriment , i see not . the brain governs all , but how i beseech you ? if the intestines did not perform their orifice aright , what would it effect ? how should we be esteem'd , if , like an oister , we should want eyes and ears ? how despised are the feet and hands , yet in how many conditions do they serve ? for those not stirring , both chilification would be impaired , and the blood and the spirits rendred thicker , and the brain made unfit for all actions : in how short a time would the limpha of our body be corrupted , if , besides its own motion , it was not also moved with the whole body ? all things in our body are joyned together as in a clock , one cannot be without the other ; neither is the most despicable wheel less necessary than the hand of the clock itself , without which , it cannot be accounted a clock . . into similar parts and dissimilar : a similar , which divided into many parts , yet , whose single parts be of the same nature with the whole . dissimilar are made up of more or less similars , as the hand , fingers , feet . there are ten similars found in the body ; a bone , cartilage , ligament , membrane , fibre , nerve , vein , artery , flesh , skin ; the eight former are made of seed ; flesh , of blood alone , the skin of both . this division is subject to greater difficulties than the former ; but seeing it is not convenient to reject it , without the greatest confusion in the practice of physick , let us consider the thing it self , committing the disputes concerning the name , to the schools . chirurgical considerations . . a principal part being affected or wounded , renders the whole cure dangerous : therefore prognosticks are not to be given here , but with limitation , lest the sudden alteration be rather ascribed to thee , than to the disease . . wounds of the similar parts are less dangerous than of the dissimilar ; yea , oftentimes they are sooner cured by simple medicines , than by compound ; the consent of the parts , by reason of the vital and animal spirits , is so great , that scarce a joint of the finger being hurt , can be cured , without regard had to the whole body . in deed by the assistance of the ligaments , tendons , membranes , &c. the parts are so straightly knit together , and so abound with sanguinary vessels , that oftentimes upon the slightest hurt , the greatest symptoms ensue , if you order not every thing aright . chap. iii. of bones . a bone is a similar part , cold and dry , composed of seed , that it might afford strength to the body , and help its motion . naturally , . it is hard . . covered with a membrane . . white , with some redness , . hollow , or spungy . . about the extremities covered with a cartilage . . smooth . . moistened with a fat humor . it is nourished by blood brought from the arteries ( every where so small , excepting the lower jaw , that writers of great esteem have denied them to the bones ) but especially contained in the marrow . the marrow is invested with a membrane , it self is altogether insensible ; in the cavities of great bones , 't is white mixed with red ; in the lesser , white ; in the spungy bones , soft and juicy its sense it borrows from the covering tunicle for the most curious observer never saw nerves . the bones are joined together , partly for the greater firmness , partly for the better motion . that conjunction which is for their firmness , is called symphysis , and is six-fold . . suture , as in the bones of the skull . . harmony , whigh is by a right or oblique line , as in the upper jaw . . gomphosis , as the teeth in the jaws . . sinchondrosis , which is by an interposing cartilage , as in the os pubis , or the sternum . . syneurosis , which is by the assistance of a ligament , as the thigh-bone with the hips . . syssarcosis , which is by the accession of flesh , as in the os hyodis . that conjunction which is for motion , is call'd articulation , and is twofold . . diarthrosis , to wit , a loose articulation : and . synarthrosis , to wit , a straighter articulation . and both is performed by three manner of ways . . enarthrosis , when the cavity receiving the bone is great , and the process of the bone to be received also great , as in the joining of the thigh-bone with the hips . . arthrodia . when the cavity is superficial , and the process little , as in the hinder part of the head , with the first vertebra of the neck . . gynglymus , when one bone takes into its cavity the process of another , and contrariwise the other bone receives into its cavity the process of the former ; as the bone of the thigh with the tibia , and the shoulder-bone , the ulna . the number of bones is greater in children than in adult people ; for by years , many of them so grow together , as that they cannot be separated any more ; also their number is much lessened , when consideration of the processes and small bones is not had ; from hence it is that some reckon . some , , others , , the use of the bones , is , . to be a stay or support to the body . . together with the flesh , to give it its shape . . to help motion . . to defend several parts . although the bones ought to be described in particular by us in their proper places , yet an anatomist cannot be perfect , that is ignorant of the bones ; therefore , before we begin the examination of other parts , we think it convenient to exhibit to you the skeleton in this place . the bones of the head , we divide into the skull and jaws . the skull consists of eight bones ; which are , . the bone of the forehead . , and . bones of the fore part of the head. , and . bones of the temples , . the bones of the hinder part of the head. . os sphoenoides . . os ethmoide . the upper jaw consists of eleven bones , to wit , five of each side , and one common ; of these , , . os zygomaticum . , . os lachrymale . , . os maxillare , , . bones of the nose . , . bones of the palat. . vomer . the under-jaw hath only one bone , except the cavity for the teeth , of which are numbered . four fore-teeth , two dogs or eye teeth ; all the rest are grinders . in the internal parts of the ear are four bones , which are called , . the hammer . . the anvil . . the stirrup . . the round bone. the mouth hath only one bone , called os hyodis . the neck is composed of seven vertebra's ; of these , . is called atlas . . epistropheus . . axis ; the rest want names . the bones of the breast , in the upper parts , are , the two collar bones ; on the sides , fourteen true ribs , ten bastard , in all . on the fore-part , the sternum , with the sword-like cartilage . in the upper part of the back are two shoulder blades ; in the middle twelve vertebra's . the hinder part of the abdomen exhihits five vertebra's of the loins , to which are joined the os sacrum , and to it is joined the os coccygis . on the side of os sacrum there is the os innominatum , or bone of the hip , which is divided , . into os ilium , which is the greatest . . os ischium , the lowest . . os pubis , in the fore-part . the arm consists of only one bone , which is called the shoulder-bone . the cubit of two , the uppermost of which is the ulna , the lowest , the radius . the metacarpus contains eight bones , to which as yet there are no names given ; the carpus four . the fingers , each of which consisting of three joints . besides these , about the joints of the fingers . are sound the ossa sessamoidea , , , , or . the thigh hath only one bone. the leg consists of two , one of which is the innermost , called tibia ; the other , which is outermost , the fibula . between these , and the bone of the thigh , is placed forward the knee-bone . the tarsus hath seven bones , which are , . tarsus , or , astralagus , . calx . or the heel-bone . . os naviculare , or , cimbiforme . . os cuboides , or , tesserae . , , . ossa cunciformia , or sphoenoidea . the metatarsus hath five bones . the bones of the toes are ; for there 's only two in the great toe . the ossa sessamoidea are found here also , , , sometimes , or . chirurgical considerations . the bones are subject to many diseases . fractures and dislocations are already discoursed of , as also putrefaction : but seeing there may be several ways produced , we will declare those which are chiefly worth our consideration . preternatural humors , by what cause soever , either general or particular , penetrating the bone , sometimes produce an ulcerous excrescency with moistness of the bone ; sometimes a cancer of the bone , to wit , spina ventosa , effects necessary to be distinguished ; which because no physician hath made it his business to describe , i will impart that which reason and experience hath taught us . the cause of an ulcerous excrescency with the humidity of the bone ( which effect is called by the dutch , een beensuyger ) is preternatural phlegm , depriving the bone of its temper and hardness ; the flesh cannot be said from this soft foundation to keep also its natural state ; but its nourishment passeth into soft spongy flesh , which by degrees encreaseth , and at length causeth an ulcer ; from whence the tendons ligaments , and nerves are corrupted , and the whole member subject to danger . in this case you must not flatter your self , that medicines can effect any thing before you come to the bottom , that is , the bone it self : and the bone being made sound , the ulcer will be cured , and the flesh return unto its natural constitution . it is therefore necessary to make incision , even down to the bone it self , and if there be a great excrescency , extirpate it ; and if it be observed to rise again , apply an actual cautery , always consideration being had of the bone. remedies proper against putrefaction of the bones , are already , both by us and others , sufficiently described . to take away the excrescency of the flesh , oyl of vitriol , oyl of antimony , spirit of vitriol , ung. aegyptiacum , fuscum of felix wurtz , are very good ; and this powder is excellent . take the restaurative powder , an ounce ; white vitriol , a dram ; prepared arsenick , two drams : mix them . sprinkle it upon the proud flesh , laying over it a drying plaister , and it will make a thick escar , without great pain , which may be taken off the next day . . the cause of a cancer of the bone ( by the dutch named een beenvreeter ) is a sharp humor , first corroding the bone , then making its way through the periostium ; then follows an ulcer of the flesh and skin , incurable , before the bone be made sound ; its orifice is very little , the edges are pale , the matter that flows forth , is thin , the flesh soft , and somewhat swell'd , at least ( as we have spoken in an ulcerous excrescency ) encreaseth of its own accord . here also is incision necessary , made according to the length of the part , to the bone it self ; forthwith must be applyed those things that correct putrefaction , to wit , euphorbium , spirit of vitriol , mixt with spirit of wine , & e. i have not only once experienc'd the powder of turpentine , hardned by boiling , to be of great virtue , mixt with ung. fuscum of felix wurtz , or aegyptiacum ; an actual cautery is very convenient : the cure also will be accelerated , if instead of tents made of lint , you use elder-pitch , because this inbibes the sharp and thin humors , by which the action of nature is promoted . seeing that for the most part these diseases arise from the distemperature of the whole mass of blood , and when one cancer is almost cured , another appears in some other place , therefore 't is highly necessary to have regard to the whole body : for which purpose , the following , or the like medicines may be taken . take roots of comfry the great , osmund royal , china , sarsaparella , of each an ounce ; guaiacum bark , two ounces ; rhubarb , six drams ; senna , ten drams ; agarick , six drams ; cloves a dram ; cinamon , two drams : infuse them hours in a sufficient quantity of barley water , then boil them with a gentle fire , and to two quarts of the strained liquor , add of syrup of comfrey of fernelius , four ounces : make it into an apozeme . let the patient , of a middle age , take three , four , or five ounces ; it purgeth gently , forwards the cure , and preserves from further mischiefs . . the bones also are subject to certain tubercles called tophs and nodes . these for the most part are the symptoms of the pox. i shall only set down here some external medicines , approved by long practice . take oyl of venice-turpentine , of euphorbium , of guaiacum destilled , of each two drams ; crude opium , half a dram : make it into a liniment . or , take mastick , male-frankincense , of each two drams ; ladanum , half an ounce ; quick-silver extinct in turpentine , an ounce : crude antimony , three drams ; crude opium , a dram ; venice-turpentine , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . or , take the juice of housleek , henbane , celandine the greater , of each a dram ; mans-fat , three drams ; oyl of white lillies , camomile , of each two drams ; boil them to the consumption of the juices , afterwards add of mercury sublimate , a dram and scruple , venice-sope , two drams ; crude antimony , three drams ; mummy , opium , of each a dram ; ladanum and wax , as much as is sufficient to make it a plaister according to art. . moreover it is to be observed , that no fat , or oyly medicines are to be used to the bone , except they are dxtream drying , or that by distillation , have lost all their unctiousness . chap. iv. of a cartilage . a cartilage is a similar , spermatick part , drier and harder than a ligament , but moister and softer than a bone , rendring the articulation the more pliable , and defending several parts from external injuries . difference . ] some are softer , especially about the joynts ; others harder , and differing not much from the nature of a bone. 't is nourish'd by little arteries . it is endowed neither with nerves , nor membranes , and by consequence without sense . it s use is to facilitate motion , and to defend some parts from external injuries , whereupon it is scarce subject to any . chirurgical considerations . not seldom are the cartilages , together with the bones , both corrupted and cured ; other particular diseases it scarce hath any , besides too great a hardness or softness : of both which we will give examples . . the epiglotis sometimes is so indurated , as that it not only deprives of speech , but also hinders the patient from swallowing , except a great piece ; for drink and all other liquid things pass into the wind-pipe , as not being well closed by the stiff epiglotis . this disease is incurable . . glottis , or chink of the larinx , either from meat , or drink , or medicine , is sometimes so straight closed together , as the patient cannot make any noise ; this we remedy by the following medicines ; purging and bleeding if necessary , having gone before . take milk , six ounces ; yolk of an egg ; white-sugar , three drams : mingle them ; let the patient take often a spoonful or two . or , take frankincense , mirrhe , of each a scruple , eastern saffron , half a scruple ; juice of liquoras , a dram and an half ; gum tragaganth , two drams ; sugar , as much as sufficeth to make them into troches , always holding one of them in the mouth , and swallowing them down . i deem those anatomists to have committed a great error , who have ascribed this malady to be an inflamation of the larinx ; although i deny not , but that the cartilages may be inflamed , and also corrupted ; yet 't is certain , that which they have set down , is not of the cartilages , but of the neighbouring glandules , and of the fleshy parts of the jaws ; for it would not be so frequently cured , because an inflamation and corruption of the larinx i always esteemed a mortal disease . . the sword-like cartilage of the breast is oftner than practitioners take notice of , unnaturally bent inward , from humors flowing in too great quantity ; and so inclining with the point inward , presseth the stomach , from whence comes a diminution of the appetite , a vomiting of what is taken in , with a continual pain of the stomach , and a wasting of the whole body ; 't is easie for an anatomist , by the touch to apprehend this malady , and in the space of few hours to cure it ; for otherwise men are miserably troubled for many years . 't is corrected by a large-mouth'd cupping-glass , outwardly applied upon the depressed cartilage , and being there fixt , let it remain , till breathing is hindred ; then suddenly remove , and the cartilage oftentimes at the first time , returning again into its natural place ; which if it appears not to do , the chirurgeon must repeat this operation once or twice ; then having embrocated the part with oyl of roses , and myrtles , apply this plaister to the part , which must remain there several days . take bistort-roots , cypress-nuts , of each a dram ; mastick , frankincense , of each half a dram ; balaustians , a scruple ; oyl of nutmegs exprest , one dram and an half ; naval-pitch , and turpentine , of each enough to make it into a plaister . chap. v. of ligaments . a ligament is a similar , spermatick , dry part , adhering firmly to the bones , tying the parts of the body mutually together . difference . ] some are broad and membranous , some round and nervous . 't is here to be observed , that the names membranous and nervous , are much used both by writers and practitioners , and hath deceived many of them ; for 't is requisite to know that here it hath regard only to their external form , not their internal essence ; for the ligaments , both the membranous and the nervous are void of sense , which they would not be , if they were composed of their true substance of nerve or membrane . there is no ligament hollow , if you except the slender ligaments of the womb ; and are all destitute likewise of sense of motion , as from themselves . use is to connect the parts of the body , especially the bones , and preserveth them from continual luxation . chirurgical considerations . . ligaments hurt , by reason of their want of sense ; seldom draw other parts into consent , and by the use of drying medicines , are easily cured . i cannot but again in this place ( taught by experience ) commend the restaurative powder , of which this is the description . take roots of comfrey the greater , aloes succotrine , calcis vivae , of each two ounces ; mastick , mirrhe , mummy , of each two drams ; precipitate , two ounces : make it into a powder . here diligently at the first time is the weak heat of the ligaments to be considered , seeing it may give occasion to a copious collection of humors , and other grievous symptoms . . the ligaments also are not seldom relaxt : yea , although the ignorant do contradict , sometimes they are so much extended that they may give way to a luxation , which the sciatick pain hath more than once given us example of ; in such a case , external bleeding and purging profit much ; outwardly the application of corroborating and discussing topicks : the following plaister is excellent . take stiptick plaister of crollius , an ounce ; oyl of earth , of tiles , of each a dram : make it into a plaister to be spread upon leather . chap. vi. of membranes . a membrane is a similar , spermatick part , broad , soft , dilatable , white , investing the parts , and carrying sense to them . difference . ] some are very thin , others thick ; some fleshy , but for the most part not . the parts which invest , are properly call'd membranes ; those which contain the humors , tunicles ; and those which cover the brain , meninges . it is endued with sense from itself , for all membranes are sensible ; yea , the nerves themselves owe their sense to the membranous substance of them . membranes therefore only are the true organs of feeling , they serving the animal spirits to this purpose . use is , . to invest the parts of the body . to defend it from injuries . . to keep them united . . to strengthen them . . to give them sense . . to close the mouth of the vessels , that the nutritious blood be not carried too suddenly into the part , or out of it , into the vein it self . to separate the parts . chirurgical considerations . the membranes being so very sensible , they cannot bear sharp medicines ; they are not endowed with great quantity of blood , whence when they suffer a solution of continuity , they are not easily united again . but i have observed oft entimes that by the muscles , and the assistance of the quittour , they are joyned together , as in the bladder it self , whose wounds and ulcers otherwise are esteemed incurable . chap. vii . of fibres . a fibre is a similar , spermatick part , dispersed through the skin , flesh and membranes , to make them the stronger , and being naturally distended , to contract again into the same manner . differences are , right , oblique and transverse , and some round ; the right attract , the oblique thrust forth , transverse retain , round constrain ; but this they do not so by their own singular virtue , as by the common virtue of the member which they serve , and from whom they have their sense and nourishment , for of themselves they are senseless . use , is , to strengthen the membranes , skin , and muscles , and when dilated , to reduce them into their natural state . whether the blood it self hath fibres , as many have delivered , and as it seems very probable to us , shall be explained in another place . chirurgical consideration . these offer nothing worthy consideration , except that , when they are wounded , the consolidation of the flesh and skin is the longer , and there is a greater stiffness of the muscles about the place , and makes them difficulter to contract and extend . the ductus of the fibres is diligently to be observed by them which are to make any curious incision . chap. viii . of veins . a vein is a similar , spermatick , membranous , long , hollow part , every where joined by anastomoses to the arteries , receiving the blood , wanting further concoction from them , and carrying it to the heart and liver . difference . ] veins of a four-fold condition are found in the body . . vena cava . . vena porta . . vena pulmonalis . . vena lacteae . of the last of which , a more convenient occasion will be offered to treat of in the following . the venae cava and porta take their beginning from the liver . there are those which would have them come from the heart , from a weak argument taken from unborn embrio's . but where i find many branches inserted in the liver , few or none in the heart ; yea , i have observed , that it hath not entred into the heart it self , but only to be joined to its right auricle : i rather embrace the old opinion , willingly granting those honours to the liver that i think belongs to it . that the roots of the vena cava and porta were united by mutual inosculations , the old anatomists perswaded themselves ; but the curious inquisition of the moderns hath both found out and clearly demonstrated , that they mutually touch one another , but not so united , that the blood can pass out of one into the other ; for the extremities of the foresaid vessels , by means of the parenchyma of the liver , do so mutually consent , that milk or any liquid thing cast into the vena porta with a syringe , finds an easie passage into the vena cava , without either an injury of the veins or the parenchyma . concerning which , read glisson . anatom . of the liver , pag. . veins have only one tunicle with many valves within , especially in the external joints . they are nourished with blood from the little arteries , not that contained within themselves . they are endowed with feeling , both from themselves , and sometimes from the nerves . use is , to receive the blood not sufficiently elaborated from the arteries , and return it to the heart and liver , there to be more perfectly concocted . for the better methods sake in the following , we must be forced to describe all veins here particularly , and divide them into their branches . vena cava taking its beginning in the liver , as is before said , is separated into the ascending trunk , and descending . the ascending , which is the greater , perforates the diaphragm , and is divided into four branches , of these , . phrenica , which disperseth it self through the diaphragma and pericardium . . coronaria , appropriated to the basis of the heart , proceeds from the trunk it self , after it hath penetrated the pericardium , and inwardly united it self by a large fleshy orifice to the right auricle of the heart . . azygos , or sine pari , coming from the right side of the same trunk , when ascending , it hath passed the upper part of the pericardium , affording chief branches to the eight lower ribs , then about the fleshy appendices of the diaphragm , it enters the cavity of the lower belly , where , on the left side 't is inserted into the emulgent vein , on the right into the trunk of the cava . . subclavia , from whom comes forth several branches which go both upward and downward : the superiors are , . muscula superior . . jugularis , externa & interna ; that on both sides ( sometimes single , sometimes double ) goes to the neck , head and face ; this to the thick meninx of the brain , to whose third sinus its greater branch is united . the inferiors are , . intercostalis , serving the four upper ribs , and their intercostal muscles . . mammaria , which is carried to the breasts . . mediastina , which goes to the mediastine and thyme . . cervicalis , which goes to the neck . . muscula inferior , which goes to the muscles of the neck . , . thoracica , inferior , and superior , which goes to the muscles of the breast . the subclavials being come out of the breast , are called axillares , then go to the arms , where they are divided into great branches , which are , . cephalica , in the hand between the little finger and its next ; 't is named salvatella : its branches are variously mixt with the branches of the median . . basilica , or liver-vein . . mediana , which proceeds with other branches from the basilica . the descending trunk , which is the lesser , and is undivided till it comes to the fourth vertebra of the loins , then it communicates , . adipsosa , to the membranes of the kidneys . . emulgens , to the kidneys themselves . . spermatica , to the testicles . . lumbares , two , three or four , to the loins , and to their vertebra's . nearer to the os sacrum , it is separated into two branches called illiaci . before they go to the feet ; the trunk it self presents , . muscula superior , which goes to the muscles of the loins and peritonaeum . . sacra , sometimes single , sometimes double to the os sacrum . . muscula media , to the buttocks . . hypogastria , to the bladder and its neck ; to the sphincter ani , to the penis , and to the neck of the womb. . epigastrica , to the muscles of the abdomen , and to the peritonaeum . . pudenda , to the privy parts . . muscula inferior , to the joint of the hips . the iliack branches , as soon as they have left the cavity of the belly , are called crurales . from these proceed , . ischiatica minor , which goes to the skin , and muscles of the hip. . ischiatica major , to the hip , then to all the toes . . proplitea , to the ham. . suralis , to the muscles of the calf of the leg. . saphena , to the knee , ankle , and to the upper part of the foot , and to the great toe . the vena cava , where it comes out of the heart , receives three valves , called tricuspidales , looking internally , for this purpose , that the blood may freely enter into the heart , but to hinder its return . the use of the vena cava is , to receive the cruder blood from the arteries , and remit it to the heart . vena porta , much lesser and looser than the vena cava , ariseth from the umbilical vein , and with many roots is inserted into the liver ; without the liver , it is divided into trunk and branches , all which are distributed into several parts contain'd in the lower belly . from the trunk proceeds , . gastroepiplois , which goes to the caul and stomach . . intestinalis , to the intestine duodenum . . cysticae gemellae , to the gall. . gastrica minor , to the left side of the stomach . then this trunk is divided into two great branches , the splenick and mesenterick . ramus splenicus , sometimes joyning to the sweet-bread , sometimes passing through it , divides into four little branches , as soon as it hath left it ; which are these , . vena gastrica major , which goes to the spleen , communicating from thence three or four small veins to the stomach : these being blown up in living and dead bodies , manifestly declare , nothing at all can enter into the cavity of the stomach , & so by consequence no humor coming from the spleen , as long since learned men have imagined , taught and writ , seeing they terminate in the coats of the stomach , and open not into the cavity it self . . epiploica dextra . . coronaria stomachi . . epiploica sinistra . mesenterious ramus is also divided into four others ; of these , the . retains its old name , and is distributed with fourteen or more branches through the mesentery . . vena haemorrhoidalis , and goes to the spleen , the womb , and the right intestine . . vena coecalis , to the blind intestine . . ramus mesocolicus , and goes to the intestine call'd colon. the use of the vena porta is , to take the blood not sufficiently elaborated , from the arteries , and carry it to the liver , for the perfecter concoction , and for the separation of the choler . venis pulmonalis ( which the ancients corruptly call'd arteria venosa , seeing that it hath but only one tunicle , beats not of it self , nor returns the blood ) coming out of the left ventricle of the heart , with a wide orifice goes to the lungs , to receive the more imperfect blood from the pulmoniack artery , and carries it to the heart . about its egress from the heart ▪ it hath two miter-like valves , hindring the regress of the blood to the lungs . it s use is , to carry the blood received from the pulmoniack artery , into the left ventricle of the heart . chirurgical considerations . . we have in another place treated of the wounds of veins ; we shall only add , that if the bandage , by which you stay the bleednig , be bound too hard , it will easily induce a gangrene . . we have admitted only four general indications of bleeding ; to wit , for the refrigeration , imminution , revulsion , and derivation of the blood ; but special diseases requiring one vein to be chosen before the other , which are these following ; in a delirium and great pain of the head , the vein of the forehead or praeparata , or vena puppis , may be cut ; sometimes the temporal or saphena . in an inflamation of the eyes , the cephalica , and if you desire to evacuate from the whole body , the basilica or mediana . in a quinsie , the ranina , which must be but with a little incision , seeing we cannot scarce by any means stop the flux of blood , and sometimes also the external jugular . in a pleurisie , the basilica of the affected , not opposite side ; here is requisite the greatest circumspection ; for under it lies the tendons of the muscle biceps , and near it the artery . in anger , fear , or any casualty , &c. the mediana or basilica . in chronick diseases , and quartane fevers , the salvatella , especially in the full and new moon . in women that lie in , and in suppression of the menses , the saphena ; in the sciatica , the ischiatica . chap. ix . of arteries . an artery is a similar , spermatick , membranous , round , cavous part , joined every where to the veins , by the assistance of its oscultations , containing the nutritious blood with the vital spirit , carrying it to all the parts of the body . difference is two-fold , the great artery or aorta , and pulmoniack . the great artery comes from the left ventricle of the heart ; which except in the brain and other softer parts , every where else consists of a double coat ; the outermost of which is of the thickness of the veins ; but the inmost is five times thicker , lest by continual pulsation about the hard and solid parts , it might incur an incurable rupture . it receives three valves , call'd sigmoides , looking outwardly . coming out of the ventricle of the heart , with a great orifice before it , perforates the pericardium , it affords to the heart it self the coronary artery ; when past the pericardium , it is divided into the ascending and descending trunk . the ascending trunk , which is the lesser , resting upon the wind-pipe , is separated into the two subclavials , from which , being yet within the breast , proceeds , . intercostalis superior , proper to the four upper ribs . . mammaria , to the breasts . . cervicalis , to the muscles of the neck . . carotis , externa & interna , proper to the larinx , tongue , neck , head and brain . when they have left the thorax , they are called axillares , and carry nourishment to the outward part of the breast . , . by the thoracica superior & inferior . . by the scapularis . . by the humeraria . then they approach the arm , where they accompany the branches of vena cava , and are call'd by the same name as they are . the descending trunk , which is the greater , being yet within the breast , sends , . the intercostalis superior , to the eight lower ribs . . the phrenica , to the diaphragm and pericardium . then having perforated the diaphragm , it communicates . . the coeliaca , to the stomach , from which proceeds the splenica and gastro epiploica dextra . , . mesenterica superior & inferior , to the mesentery . . emulgens , to the kidneys . . spermatica , to the testicles . . lumbaris , to the loins . . muscula superior , to the muscles of the abdomen . then at length it is divided into the two iliac branches : about this division exhibiting , . muscula superior . . epigastrica . . hypogastrica . . umbilicalis . . pudenda . out of the abdomen they change their names , and are call'd crurales ; and so they descend into the feet , and all along accompanied with the veins , from whom they borrow their names . use is , to carry the nutritious blood with the vital spirit into all parts . arteria pulmonalis , ( which the ancients did falsly call vena arteriosa , seeing it hath pulsation , is made up of a double coat , and contains the nutrious blood ) issuing out of the left ventriticle of the heart , with a double branch enters the lungs , and is distributed through them by many little branches , carrying to them the nutritious blood : and then what in the blood is not sufficiently concocted into the pulmoniack vein , by whose means 't is returned into the left ventricle of the heart . it hath three valves called sigmoides , which look outward , lest the blood that having entred it , should slide back again into the ventricle of the heart . it s use is , to convey the blood out of the right ventricle of the heart , into the lungs , by which they are nourished , and what remains above , then serves for their nutriment , is brought back again by the pulmoniack vein , into the left ventricle of the heart . here it pleaseth the curious observers of anatomy , to take notice of ( besides the eleven valves which we have declared to be disposed in the four already named vessels ) that many others are found in the heart , which as yet want any certain name . chirurgical consideration . in an haemorrage of the nose , the blood flows from the arteries , not veins , which not only the colour of the blood witnesseth , but also the great weakness which always follows such a flux : i use to stay it after this manner ; first , let a vein be opened , then let there be applied in men , to the testicles , in women , to the hypogastrium , a linnen cloth , four double , wet in cold water ; or let the face of the patient be suddenly sprinkled with cold water : internally , let there be exhibited now and then a spoonful of the following mixture . take plantain-water , two ounces and an half ; alexipharmick-water , half an ounce ; cinamon-water , three drams ; confection of hyacinth , half a dram ; dragons blood , lapis haematitis , of each fifteen grains ; julep of roses , an ounce ; laudanum opiat , two grains ; spirit of vitriol , six drops : mix them . the following water is also commended . take lapis prunella , half an ounce ; plantain-water , six ounces ; let it be divided into three doses . the manner of opening arte●ies , delivered by the ancients , is so dangerous and frightful , as that there is none of the moderns but what dislike it ; yea , arteriotomy hath been wholly rejected , had not the diligence of their posterity found out other ways : that which i ( with others ) have found always to be the best of them , i will here set down . chirurgeons were wont to tie a bandage about the neck ; but seeing when it is hard bound , it is very troublesome ; it is better that the ligature be made under the arm-pits , which must be so straight , that the jugular veins , and carotide artery may appear both by swelling and touch ; then let the arteries be compressed by the thumb , a little below , where you intend to make the incision ; and being opened , ( which must be done by a steddy and strong hand ) take forth as much blood as is sufficient ; which done , strew astringent powder upon the wound ; then put over it a double linnen cloth , with a plate of lead ; then bind it up with a convenient bandage , and within five or six days space , it will be perfectly well . in the head-ach , madness , epilepsie , great inflamations of the eyes or ears , the arteries of the forehead , temples , or those behind the ears , are opened ; as also the arteria puppis , all of them being branches of the external carotide . in the inflammations of the liver and diaphragm , the artery between the thumb and fore-finger is opened ; in palpitations of the heart , either that , or the saphena is to be opened . other arteries are not to be opened , except a bone lies under them , for fear of an aneurism . chap. x. of nerves . a nerve is a similar , spermatick , membranous , round , white , hollow part , serving for the carriage of the animal spirits to the parts for sense and motion . the nerves take their original from the brain , and are divided within the skull into eight parts , without the skull , to wit , those that come out of the spinal marrow , into thirty pares ; seven of which proceed from the vertebra's of the back , five from the vertebra's of the loins , six from the os sacrum . the eight pare within the skull , proceeding from the brain , are , . smelling pare , which adheres to the mammillary processes . . optick pare , which is the greatest , and united in the middle . . the pare that moves the eyes . . the tasting pare . . the second tasting pare . . the hearing pare . . par vagum , which is vested with strong membranes ; it descends through the orifices of the bone of the hinder part of the head to the throat , afterwards sending branches to the neck of the larinx , to the muscles of the tongue , and os hyodis ; then is divided of each side into the external and internal branch . the right external branch , having sent some branches to the muscles of the breast , makes the right recurrent nerve ; this contributes to the voice , as also to the feeling in the pleura , the coat of the lungs , the pericardium , and to the upper orifice of the stomach , seeing all those parts obtain branches from it . the left external branch constitutes the left recurrent nerve , which goes to the same parts , as we have declared the right doth ; being brought to the said orifice of the stomach , it is joined to the right recurrent , and so goes to the lower orifice of the stomach , and to the lower part of the liver . the right internal branch sends branches to each intercostal muscle ; then having perforated the diaphragm , furnisheth all the parts of the lower belly with a nerve , ending about the os sacrum . of the left internal branch is the same distribution . . the part moving the tongue . the nerves have a cavity , but so little , not to be distinguished by the sight , except in the optick nerves , and those of the pudendum . use is , to carry the animal spirits for sense and motion of the whole body . chirurgical considerations . the cure of wounded nerves and tendons is so like , as it hath been more than once the occasion of confusion among the best authors ; therefore for the better distinction sake , . the frequent contusion of the nerves by a fall or blow : the skin having suffered a solution of continuity , there happens an ulcer , and many other symptoms , from the afflux of humors . it requires the same cure we have proposed in another place , of wounds of the nerves . but if the contused nerve be not bare , which may be discerned from the greater and more connual pain than is usual , in a simple contusion of the flesh , the greatest care is , that the coagulated blood be as soon as possible resolved ; for if it should suppurate , the nerve easily would putrifie ; therefore let there be applied a cloth dipt in one or other of the following oyls , warm to the affected part. oyl of castor , worms , dill , rue , camomile , rosemary . or , let this fomentation be applied very hot with spunges . take our orise roots , two ounces ; leaves of rosemary , marjoram , horse-mint , of each half a handful : boil them in white wine for a fomentation . or let the following plaister be laid on : take sow-bread roots in powder , two drams ; species diambrae , one dram ; oyl of castor , three drams ; turpentine , a dram ; plaister of betony , on ounce ; virgins-honey , as much as to make it according to art into a plaister . oyl of lavender is excellent in this case , if taken to the quantity of two drops , especially where convulsions happen . . the nerves are not seldom obstructed with a pituitous and tough humor , from whence a stuppor of the part , and sometimes also a stiffness ; these symptoms i used to remove after the following manner ; the whole body , if occasion , being first purged . take gum caranna , half an ounce ; galbanum ; an ounce ; oyl of euphorbium , a dram and an half : make it into a plaister . or , take mans-fat , goose-fat , of each an ounce ▪ oyl of earth , three drams : make it into a liniment . let the part affected be anointed with it morning and evening , then lay on the stiptick plaister of crollius , or of ladanum or diachilon with gums . you will hasten the cure , if you use internal corroboratives , which do wonderfully alter the nerves , although these things properly belong to the physician , yet i think it convenient to prescribe this decoction of great efficacy , of which , let the patient take three or four ounces twice a day . take roots of piony , sea-holly , of each half an ounce ; orrise , three drams ; leaves of marjoram , rosemary , of each an handful ; flowers of the lime tree , lavender , and lilly of the valley , of each a pugil ; the lesser cardomomes , three drams ; nutmegs , a dram : infuse them six hours in a sufficient quantity of white-wine , afterwards boil them , and to a quart of the strained liquor , add three ounces of syrup of stoechas : mix them . there often happens through a chronick disease , or from a luxation or fracture , a contraction of the member , which is not to be ascribed to the nerves , but tendons . this is easily remedied by the use of oyls and ointments that have the property of mollifying the indurated tendons , especially if there is to be used a daily extention , either by the hands , weights or instruments . take oyl of camomile , olives , foxes , of each half an ounce ; compounded ointment of marsh-mallows , an ounce ; capons-grease , an ounce and an half . make it into a liniment . chap. xi . of the flesh . the flesh is a similar , bloody , soft , thick part , together with the bones , to yield a strengthening to the body , and to cover the spermatick parts . difference . ] flesh is three fold . . musculous . . glandulous . . viscerous . musculous is soft , red , and is properly call'd flesh , and for these many ages hath come under the name of muscles . but yet a muscle is not a similar part , but compounded of many others , to wit , fibres , tendons , nerves , a membrane , veins , arteries , that it might be a fitter instrument of voluntary motion , to which the fibres , tendons and nerves do chiefly contribute . it hath a tendon in its begining and end , sometimes round , sometimes broad , sometimes but one , sometimes double . it s end is in that place where the tendons are greater and more . it s head , or beginning , where the nerve is inserted , the middle , where the flesh swells out . use is , to promote voluntary motion , which is performed after a three-fold manner . . when the contraction of the muscle is so , that the end comes to the beginning , and then its antagonist is quiet . . when the motion is tonick , so that being contracted , it remains for some time in the same condition . . when it relaxeth , so that it is restored into its former seat and quiet , by its antagonist . the glandulous flesh is white , thick and spungy , formed of seed ( from whence it cannot properly be call'd flesh ) to this purpose ordained , . to prop up the vessels . . to receive the superfluous humidities ; whence they are called the emu●ctories of the noble parts . some anatomists make strange diversities of them , but it will appear to any one that diligently enquires into all the glandules , that they differ not so much in substance , as in their use and humor . the viscerous flesh , or the parenchemick is red , hard , convenient to prop the vessels , and to serve for many particular and various operations ; this is the flesh of the lungs , heart , liver , spleen , which shall be treated of in their places . chirurgical considerations . the muscles are subject to many diseases , very many of which are of so little consequence , that they shall not be numbred here ; some we have declared in another place : the following require consideration , oftentimes wonderfully exercising the patience and diligence of the chirurgeon . . an atrophy of the whole body oftentimes comes from an internal cause : but if of the finger , hand , arm , foot , for the most part from an external cause . thus a fracture , luxation , contusion , tumor , too hard ligature , and the like , so vehemently compressing the veins and arteries , that it hinders the free passage of the blood to the parts , upon which happens an emacitation ; for where the vessels are wholly divided or stopt , so that the least quantity of blood cannot be carried to the parts , there follows not a wasting of the part , but a mortification ; in this case the external causes must be removed : and care is to be taken that the blood may again be carried to the part : here chafing the part , and the use of nettles ( as many will ) is good ; the chymists commend much alumen plumosum ; all hot oyls likewise are here good ; and this oyntment is of excellent vertue . take fresh tops of savin , juniper , lovage , of each two handfuls ; camomile flowers , juniper-berries , of each two handfuls ; oyl of bayes , white-lillies , of each twelve ounces ; hogs-grease , three ounces ; dogs-grease , an ounce and half ; aqua vitae , two ounces ; boil them to the consumption of the moisture ; then add to the express'd liquor , oyl of spike , three drams ; juniper , a dram ; mustard-seed in powder , half a an ounce ; roots of pellitory of spain , long-pepper powdred , of each two draws ; yellow wax as much as is sufficient to make it into an ointment . or , take pulvis amianti , three drams ; roots of pellitory of spain , a dram and half ; castor , euphorbium , oyl of earth , of each two drams ; gum ammoniacum , an ounce and half ; laudanum and wax , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . . the true reason of the generation of wens , in my opinion , is this ; the mouths of the arteries appointed to carry nourishment to the muscles , sometimes are more opened than they ought to be , whether it be by fall or blow , or from an internal cause , especially in plethorick people , and in parts disorderly moved , the native heat converts the extravasated blood into flesh : but seeing the member requires not so great a quantity of nourishment , it increaseth into a preternatural swelling ; and if this blood be impure , choler produceth pain , phlegm , viscousness , melancholy , a cartilaginous hardness ; and 't is to be attributed to these humors , that this preternatural flesh is more yellow , white or livid . 't is seldom included in a proper tunicle , except where phlegm is its greatest cause , and then those tumors are generally in the neck : the veins grow big , according to the increase of the tumor , so that under the skin they appear as thick as ones thumb . 't is not in it self malignant , yet by ill applications may be easily made so : air is very hurtful , if the tumor be exposed to it . for the most part the best remedies are here used to little purpose ; on the contrary , the tumor more and more increasing . you cannot promise any cure , except you take it away by a thred , knife , or both . in the beginning , the medicines that are to be applied , ought to be very astringent and repelling , the part is gently to be rouled , having applied to it , either a plate of lead , or a diachalcitheos plaister , or of frogs with mercury , or the following : take pomegranate-rinds , bistort-roots , of each one dram ; scales of iron , quick-silver , burnt-lead , of each two drams ; bole-armenick , lapis haematitis , of each a dram and half ; turpentine , wax , as much as is sufficient to make it into a plaister according to art. in the mean time , purging , bleeding , scarification , and the application of leeches are not to be neglected . sweating , also watchings and abstinence , profit very much . but if the tumor yields not to these remedies , but daily increaseth , suppuratives are to be applied ; but if these within few days effect nothing , and the tumor continuing in the same state , an actual cautery may be used ; which , let not the contrary opinions either of chirurgeons or standers-by hinder ; for by its use , the increase of the tumor will be stayed for a long time ; yea , sometimes the disease will be wholly eradicated . but if the flesh begins to repullulate again beyond expectation , the surgeon ought not to defer to endeavour either by a thred or knife its extirpation ; the thred being small and strong , must be twice wound about the neck of the tumor , and tied with a double knot , which must be straightned the same day , and so every day until the tumor be deprived of its colour , sense and life , which is within seven or eight days ; then 't is to be taken off with a crooked knife , which is very easie to perform , seeing neither any great pain or flux of blood is to be feared : if the thred be wet in mercurial or arsenick-water , it hastens the mortification of this tumor : but in this operation , a phlegmatick body is required ; for in other bodies pain and inflamation do so much afflict the patient , that 't is seldom that the thred in a short time should take them off ; yet the chirurgeon may to lessen the symptoms , and to cool , anoint with a feather the part which the thred toucheth , with white camphorated ointment , of roses , or the like , continually putting the patients in mind how that others bear it more quietly . but if you design to use a knife only , the whole tumor must be endeavoured to be taken away , except you will consume the remaining by medicines , which is very rarely effected ; besides the chirurgeon must have a care that he divides not the greater vessels , lest there follows a flux of blood not to be stopped . . the viscerous flesh belongs rather to the physicians care , than the chirurgeons . . of the glandulous flesh we have treated particularly in several places . in general 't is to be noted , . that the glandules are of a cold temperament , therefore require hot medicines , but very ill suffers cold . . the tunicle investing them , being eroded or divided , the skin cannot be consolidated , before the whole glandule , together with its tunicle , be consumed with the ulcer . . if corrosive medicines cure not the ulcers of the glandules , within the space of few weeks , no hope remains of a sound cure , because of the continual flux of humors : and this is the reason why we are for the most part compelled to take them away by incision . chap. xii . of the skin . the skin is a similar , spermatick part , having some blood mixed with it , reddish , white , loose , investing the body , and serving for feeling . 't is covered by a scarf-skin , for the greater defence , every where perforated with pores , to give vent to the useless fumes and vapors ; endued likewise with manifest perforations , as are the mouth , nostrils , ears , &c. whose use is sufficiently known . it hath cutaneous veins and arteries , as also nerves . it s use is , to cover the body , as moreover it is the instrument of feeling . chirurgical consideration . . the skin being discoloured by the jaundies , freckles and other spots , this water renders again smooth and fair . cosmetick water of minsicht . take white frankincense , sugar-candy , of each two ounces ; white hermodactils , florence-orrise , venice-borax , of each an ounce ; salt of tartar , burnt ivory , camphire , of each half an ounce ; flowers of white lillies , of the white water-lillies , of the white garden-mallows , of each three handfuls ; virgin-honey , three ounces ; goats-milk , two quarts ; bean-flower-water , and white rose-water , of each a pint and half ; white lilly-water , and solomons seal-water , of each a pint ; being mixt , let them be distilled in balneo mariae . . scars remaining after the small pox , wounds or burns , we take away by the following medicines if deep and great , first , having used exedents , then sarcoticks . take venice-borax , three drams ; camphire , a scruple ; oxes-gall , a dram ; oyl of mirrhe , two drams ; capons-grease , half an ounce : make it into a liniment . or. take powder of the roots of snake-weed , of orrise , of each three dams ; seeds of melon blanch'd , of raddishes , of each a dram ; burnt egg-shels , half a dram ; common white chalk , a dram and half ; frankincense , a dram ; sugar-candy , three drams ; gum tragaganth dissolved in rose-water , an ounce ; goose-grease , as much as sufficeth to make it into a liniment . . scabs blemishing the skin , are sometimes moist , dry , spreading , eating , crusty , malignant ; this difference is of so small consideration , that generals being well known , 't is not difficult to one that well weighs every thing , to proceed aright in particulars . seeing the cause of this disease is a sharp , cholerick , serous , salt humor , mixt sometimes with phlegm , the often use of purging , sweating and vomiting , of bleeding , scarification , leeches , natural and artificial baths , as also of cooling , drying medicines , and those that temper the acrimony of the blood , lotions and unctions are here very profitable ; an example of each i here give . a purging decoction . take roots of asparagus , grass , polypody , of each six drams ; liquoras , three drams ; leaves of fumitory , succory , of each an handful ; senna , an ounce and half ; rhubarb , half an ounce ▪ tamarinds , an ounce ; anifeeds , two drams : cream of tartar , three drams : let them infuse hours in a sufficient quantity of whey ; then boil them , and to a pint and half of the strained liquor , add syrup of dianicum , three ounces : make it into an apozem . dose , three ounces . a vomit . take oxysaccharum vomitivum , syrup of roses solutive with senna , of each an ounce ; fumitory-water , as much as is sufficient : make it a draught . a sudorifick . take flower of brimstone , antimony diaphoretick , salt of holy-thistle , sal prunellae , of each a dram : make it into a powder , to be divided into six equal doses . a bath . take roots of red docks , briony , of each six ounces ; leaves of fumitory , six handfuls ; camomile flowers , three handfuls ; bran , a pound ; brimstone , two ounces ; nitre , an ounce ; alom , an ounce and half ; common salt , two ounces ; mix them . in a grievous and rebellious scab , the powder of snakes is excellent ; this is the preparation of it : take a snake ( in march , if possible , before it hath laid its eggs ) the head and tail being cut off , and the skin stript off , all the inward bowels ( except tongue , heart and liver ) thrown away , let it dry in an oven moderately warm , to a powder : the dose from four grains to fifteen . vipers dried after the same manner , excel snakes , and are commended in the leprosie it self . a fomentation . take burnt-talk , an ounce and half ; quick-lime , two ounces ; litharge of gold , half an ounce ; bole-armenick , an ounce ; dry tabacco-leaves , three ounces ; white-wine , a pint ; clear water , a quart : let them boil a little , and keep the strained liquor for use . a liniment . take crude brimstone , two drams ; venice-sope , a dram and half ; prepared nitre , half a dram ; litharge of gold , two drams ; mercurius dulcis , a dram and an half ; white camphorated ointment , an ounce ; oyl of rhodium , eight drops : make it into an ointment . chap. xiii . of the fat , nails and hair. it hath been long disputed , whether the fat , hair and nails ought to be accounted parts of the body , or excrements . i neither think them excrements , nor parts properly so call'd . not excrements , for they are bodies , enjoying with the rest life and nourishment , but not nourishing others , and are of singular use for the publick good . they are not parts properly so call'd , being destitute of any certain bounds , and have no particular operation : fat nourisheth in famine ; the hair and nails , without injury to the whole , may be cut off . adeps , or fat , is a similar , soft , white , insensible part , made to preserve the natural heat , to help chylification , to facilitate motion , to moisten the parts , and to nourish the body in famine . hair is a similar part , produced by the worst part of the blood , covering some parts , and in some manner adorning them . 't is outwardly four-square , inwardly hollow ; the variety of colour it owes to the temperament & age of men , to the constitution of the air or country . the nail is a similar part , sprung also from the impurest part of the blood , flexible , hard , defending the fingers from external injuries , as also adorning them . it s root is joyned to a ligament , and is very sensible by reason of the neighbouring tendons . chirurgical considerations . . blood wholly , or in part destitute of fat , is not much to be commended ; for its abundance constitutes fleshy , its unctiousness , fat bodies , as where but little fat , lean ; this fatness of the blood dispersed into the parts of the body , changeth into natural fat more copiously in the cold parts , to wit , in the lower belly , breast , &c. than in the hot . these signs may confirm our opinion , as often as they are required from the blood , after the opening of a vein ; for the upper part of the blood , which is erroneously taken by many , to be the phlegm of the body , and so the vitious part , oftentimes is the very best of it : this may be distinguished by the fire ; for if it be fat , it will flame ; if phlegm , it useth to crackle ; hence it comes to pass , that the fat , when it is any obstruction in the cure of an external disease , may be cut off without any pain , or other inconvenience . . the nails are oftentimes subject to clefts , to be rough , and of ill colour ; the cause is a vicious humor , or some external accident ; these may be cured by the often paring of the superfluities , and the applying the following plaister . take rosin , half an ounce ; turpentine , frankincense , mastick , of each two drams : goats-suet , green-wax , of each five drams : make it into a plaister acco●ding to art. blood sometimes remains coagulated under the nails , which may be discussed by this plaister . take roots of crow-foot , of solomons seal , red mirrhe , of each a dram ; gum sagapenum , an ounce ; oyl of nuts , a dram : make it into a plaister . for the falling off of the nails , a finger-stall may be prepared of green wax , laudanum and amoniacum , &c. . the shedding of the hair is a frequent evil ; the causes of it , are burning fevers , old head-aches , the leprosie , and the french pox ; and there is not to be expected any new in its room , before the cause for some time hath been taken away ; which being done , the following external applications may be made use of . take southern-wood , maiden-hair , mallows , marjoram , of each one handful ; cummin , roots of parsley , of radishes , storax calamit , and liquid , red mirrhe , of each five drams ; euphorbium , cantharides , of each a dram ; gum laudanum , three ounces ; oyl of white-lillies , an ounce ; roman nettle-seeds , half an ounce : infuse them hours in three quarts of fair water , then distil them in balneo mariae . or , take aloes , a dram ; agarick , coloquintida , of each two drams ; rocket-seeds , half an ounce ; salt of camomile , two scruples ; infuse them twenty four hours in fifteen ounces of white-wine , and keep the strained liquor for your use . chap. xiv . of the generation of the blood , and its circulation . we have hitherto treated of the similar parts , properly and improperly so call'd ; from whom are the dissimilars compounded . the blood serves to their conservation , as doth the spirits to the actions from thence proceeding ; but how the blood is generated in our body , and how many spirits are there found , is not as yet sufficiently understood by us . in this thing writers differ among themselves , so that the very truth seems to lie hid in the profoundest darkness ; yet the love and desire of searching out the truth exactly , gives me freedom to declare my opinion , yet still giving place to a better . sanguification i conceive to be performed after this manner : the harder meat received in by the mouth , chawed by the teeth , and by the spittle moistened , is in some manner prepared to be made chyle . this spittle , from whence it hath its beginning , no man as i know of , hath rightly demonstrated : those that derived it from the veins and arteries , it is upon this reason , because they communicate several branches to the maxillerary glandules , through which the late invented ductus salivales pass ; and moreover , a salivation raised by art , seems to confirm this opinion . but how the arteries and nerves can separate so great a quantity of spittle , as we have often known to have been thrown forth in so short a time , seems not possible to me , i do rather derive it from the stomach and limphaducts , which i suppose to adhere to the salivals , upon the following reasons . . as often as voluntary swallowing is designed , we observe the spittle to ascend as it were from the stomach into the mouth it self , especially if the meat be moistened by drink . . the tongue , mouth and the whole stomach have inwardly a common tunicle . . the meat in the mouth , as in like manner in the ventricle , ought to be mixt with spittle . . it would be very troublesome continually to drink in eating ; for it is very easie for some time to keep the devoured liquor in the stomach , and then sensibly to communicate some part of it to the mouth . . the limphaducts are dispersed through the whole body , and they go both unto the stomach and tongue . . i judge no humor to be thrown out of our body , except by peculiar passages ; and so for several reasons , i think the tears also to be shed though particular channels , which a more accurate hand ( whether mine or others ) may sometimes find out : yea , the most noble lewis bills , the great anatomist , attests to have already discover'd them and promiseth to demonstrate them in the body , and in figures to the favourers of truth . if you enquire of me of what nature spittle is , i answer , that it is salt ; yet 't is not always necessary that this saltness be perceived by the tongue , which those that understand the nature of artificial salts , sufficiently know : it is certain that there is some natural salt in all meats and drinks ; 't is also certain , that salt not only helps the commixing and concoction of the meat , but also contributes much to the fermentation of the humors . the ductus salivales , which we have now made mention of , have but one strong tunicle , not unlike the ureters , but that they are lesser . of each side one . they take their original , endued with many roots , from a certain great glandule , lying under the tendon of the musculus digastricus , not far from the upper part of the jaw ; then they run under the tongue , above the great nerve of our eighth pare , to the more inward parts of the mouth , where , in the two ranine glandules , near the bridle of the tongue , they terminate ; from whom being variously perforated , issues out the spittle into the mouth ; of which , the enquiring reader may more largely satisfie his curiosity , out of the writings of glisson and van-horn . the meat thus chewed by the teeth , and prepared by the mouth , through the gullet , by the assistance of proper muscles , is carried into the stomach , which that it may the better keep it , it presently purseth it self together , so that the upper orifice is close shut , but the lower not so straight , that though very lightly pressed , may there find passage . the meat received by the stomach , and moistened by spittle , drink , and its own humidity , forthwith by the heat of the stomach , begins to be concocted ; the order is not observed here , which was in the eating of the meat ; yet in the beginning i have observed the meat to be disposed in the same order , as it was devoured by the animal that was dissected ; but afterwards the stomack continually digesting , first sends away that meat which is of easiest digestion , to the guts , and it doth not detain it , whilst the other is also concocted , which loosnesses and vomiting evidently enough declare , if you look into the excrements . the meat being concocted , assumes a whiteness like to cream , and this is called chile . the chile out of the stomach through the pylorus enters the intestines , in which passage there is a notable peristaltick motion : out of this the venae lacteae suck what is useful to nourish the parts ; and the unuseful is cast out through the belly : the venae lacteae consist of one very thin tunicle , but are endowed with several valves , extended from the liver towards the glandules , they are distributed through all the mesentery , and so are carried for the most part to the small guts , especially the jejunum ; but yet the great guts are not altogether destitute of them , that none of the nutriment may be lost . from the intestine , both these vessels and the chile contain'd in them , go to the three glandules of the chile , the greatest of which is in the middle of the mesentery , called by asellius , pancreas ; the two lesser are call'd the lumbar glandules , situate near the left kidney . each of these glandules send forth a branch , which joining above the left kidney , constitutes a vessel called vena lactea , about the bigness of a great quill . this great lactean vein , lying between the arteria aorta , and the vertebra's of the loins , cover'd with fat , runs upwards , and above the heart , ascends by the gullet , and so hastens to the left subclavial vein , where it ends in one , two or three branches ; here a most thin valve occurs at the very end of the vein looking inwardly , that the chyle might not return back again , or run further into the arm ; out of this subclavial they descend by the ascending trunk of vena cava into the right ventricle of the heart , that there by the help of the heat , and natural quality , it may be changed into blood. being converted into blood , it passeth by the pulmoniack artery to the lungs , which are by part of it nourished , and the rest of it goes through the pulmoniack vein to the left ventricle of the heart , that it may be more perfectly elaborated ; thence by the great artery is carried to all the parts of the body , communicating to them nourishment for the preservation of life . these ways of conveyance is displeasing to some , who would rather retain that by the mesaraick veins known , and so greatly cried up by the ancients , than admit of a new truth ; therefore they say that the chile , together with the blood , may by this way be most conveniently carryed to the liver , seeing that the venal blood is carried not from the liver to the guts ( which was the false opinion of the ancients ) but from the guts to the liver , and so not here to be allowed a contrary motion of each liquor , already sufficiently known . but in truth these opinions they defend , rather by a probable ratiocination , out of their old affection to the liver , than that they can make it out by natural or demonstrative arguments , or answer these queries following . . what is the use of the lacteal veins ? . why is their rise in the guts ? . why the valves are so placed , that they may hinder the regress of the chile into the guts . . why do they all go together with the chile to the glandule of the chile , and none of them to the liver ? . why are the great lacteal veins joyned together ? . for what end doth the chile pass into the subclavial veins ? all which can be made appear in the body to the sight . that part of the blood which is not altogether useless , yet not fit for nutrition , passeth out of the arteries , ever joyned together by inosculations with the veins , into the vena cava and porta , and so by their means is brought again into the liver and heart , that it may be amended , and again concocted . i do not only say that the blood is carried by the vena cava into the heart , but also by the vena porta into the liver , which i prove by these reasons . . the liver is the biggest of all the viscera ; not that i would infer its pre-eminence from its greatness ( see chap. . ) but i suppose nature would never have created so great a body , but for the performing of some extraordinary operation . . it s greatest vein , coming out with a large orifice , forthwith goes to and enters the heart . what necessity is there for the vena cava to be distributed with such numerous branches through the liver , and so presently to ascend into the heart ; for indeed it ought to convey back the blood not amended . it s trunk likewise , and that of the arteria aorta might ascend directly up the body to the heart , without concerning it self with the liver , especially when the vena porta , near the liver , may also yield sufficient ways for freeing all the blood from choler : it ought to receive the blood concocted in the liver , and convey the same to the heart . . it s colour is red . i well know that it is sometimes observed to be white , pallid , yellow , green ; but this colour is to be ascribed to the disease , not to its natural constitution ; for in all bodies perfectly sound , it is found red . what wonder is it , that the liver being red , in weakness should contract a whiteness ; doth not a red face grow pale , when the body is affected with sickness ? how easily likewise that the liver separating the choler , should be died with a yellow or green colour ? 't is also observed in the first xx or xxx days after conception , it is naturally white , neither becomes red before the maternal blood ( concerning which , some of the moderns have far otherwise ascribed ) comes to the nourishment of the already formed parts , which is the same in all spermatick parts , even in the heart it self : but will you conclude from hence , that this red colour only happens to the liver , and is not more proper to it , than it is to the muscles , which yet therefore do not make blood ? to this i answer , that the affluent blood is so necessary here , and so appropriated to the liver , that without it it cannot be called a perfect liver ; but both the colour , substance and number of vessels are so difierent in a muscle , and in the liver , that in no wise the parts deserve to be said to be like one another ; and what absurdity is it to say ; that a muscle sanguifies , when even the heart it self by the principal anatomists and philosophers , is acknowledged a muscle . . the maternal blood comes first up the umbilical vein to the liver , ere it goes to the heart of the infant : and the valves and ligatures evidently demonstrate , that the arterial blood is carried by the umbilick arteries from the child to the womb , but the venal by the umbilick vein from the womb to the child ; but whether the infant is nourished by the maternal blood , or by an external humor , like as a chicken in the egg , is to me all one ; when 't is evident , the blood , which either coming from the mother or infant , passeth first to the liver , before it enters the heart . . the choler is separated from the blood in the liver ; for every one knows , that there can no separation be made , without there be first a concoction . from all these arguments i cannot gather any thing , but that the returning blood is carried by the vena porta to the liver , that it may there be purified , and in some manner concocted , in which its operation , that the blood may be rendred more perfect , 't is carried to the heart , especially when by reason of its continual and necessary pulsation , the blood cannot remain long in the heart : and for this reason i judge , the whole blood must needs be moved about with a circular motion . the blood made in the liver , as is declared but now in the eighth chapter , enters the vena cava , and from thence into the heart . and thus the royal liver , at the same time , when kings are taken away , may yet use a limited power , and may remain with honour in its own kingdom . but what shall we do with the melancholick spleen , which makes many laugh ? it hath many accusers , and not fewer excusers . . it was never accounted by hippocrates the learned greek , a receptacle of the excrements ; or is it any where to be found in him , that he call'd the spleen another liver . . the great number of veins and arteries , and so by consequence the abundance of vital spirits , do not permit the excrements to be collected here . . it hath not any convenient cavity wherein the melancholy , faeculent juice can be received . . and if you imagine that there is no necessity here of a cavity , its parenchyma is too thick , and not porous enough , therefore unfit for the reception of so thick a humor ; which also is never naturally found in it . . it is too great a bowel to perform so vile an office. . in dead men , where melancholiness hath been the cause of their death , upon the examination of the internal parts , there none of them less recede from its natural state than the spleen , the heart only excepted , whom the vital spirits do so greatly defend , that it is less affected than other parts , which seldom happen to the intestines , kidneys , gall and bladder . what is therefore its use ? it elaborates the acid humor , which is very necessary , but not excrementitious , and mingles it as a ferment with the blood , by which it becomes more perfect , and fitter for circulation . in my judgment the salt of the blood affords matter to this humor , which it greatly requires that it may not be corrupted ; but this salt which proceeds from the meat and drink , is never so pure , but that it hath need to be brought to a more perfect state in our body . but this is my opinion . the supremest of the kings is the heart ; to this are two others subject , the liver and spleen ( i beseech you give me leave to make use of this similitude in favour of the ancients ) the heart makes the blood , the liver repeats the concoction , and separates the choler ; the spleen from its own salt , by an innate vigor , produceth an acid humor , which as a ferment by the venal splenic branch , it mixeth with the blood , to render it the perfecter , and the more fit for circulation ; if any excrementitious part should be there separated , it is all by the caeliack artery , and the haemorrhodal vessels sent to the guts . if it appears to any one to be a contradictory , that by salt a humor should be made acid , we advise that person to taste some spirit of salt. about sixteen years since , the great anatomist franciscus sylvius put forth some particular things concerning the use of the spleen ; he was of opinion , that the blood was not made in the ventricles of the heart , neither that it was carried from the heart by the arteries to all the parts of the body , for nourishment-sake alone , but that it likewise underwent some other mutation in the rest of the viscera's , particularly that the spleen further concocts the arterial blood , and brings it to a higher degree , yea that it more then perfects it , so that the blood in a manner in this place assumes the nature of ferment , by whose means in a short time , a great quantity of mass may become acid ; in the same manner he affirms , that the blood more and more concocted in the spleen there receives strength , by which it restores the returned and weakned blood , and preparing together with it the chile , that it may the sooner be turned into blood : the reasons which he produceth for it , are these : . the spleen receives a much greater quantity of blood from the heart , than is necessary , for its nourishment . . that it can be returned back again to the heart , by no other way than by the branches of the vena cava and porta ; for what hath hitherto been delivered of the short vessel , are to be accounted but ridiculous fictions , as may most evidently be made appear in dissected bodies . . seeing this blood is continually mix'd with the returned blood and chile in its passage to the heart , it ought not to be an excrement ; for so the noble parts , and the whole body would not be purged , but the more injured . . chymistry hath long since taught us , that such mutations happen daily in nature . the remaining part of the blood unuseful to the body , therefore excrementious , is thrown out through the guts , ureters , and parts of the skin , &c. concerning which it is not necessary to add more here ; but now we are forced to describe those new watry passages , which the studious in anatomy have long and diligently inquired into . the watery passages , the lymphatick vessels have their rise both from the liver , and from the joints , and receive the liquid juice from the arteries with which they correspond . those which come from the liver , embrace the vena porta , and so pass to the misaraick glandules of the chile , as do those also that ascend from the feet ; thence they discharge their water into the great lacteal vein , which as we have already declared , carries the chile to the heart . those which proceed from the arm , both lie above and under the veins , until they come to the subclavial vein , which they enter about the same place ; where the great lacteal vein doth , being furnished with a particular valve just at their entrance , and so altogether they carry the water to the heart . this water is sweet , not being as urine is , salt. these vessels consist of a very thin tunicle , whence they are soon broke . use of them in my opinion , is to take the superfluous water from the arteries , and carry it to the glandules of the chile , and lacteal vein , by which the chile being made more liquid , may the more conveniently be conveyed through the narrower passages , thence to return the same to the arterial blood , making it fitting to serve to the nutrition of the moist parts , and to the cooling and moistening of the hot . but that it may the more clearly appear , in what manner i conceive , how what hath already been said , is perform'd in our body ; observe that the meat is converted in the stomach into chile , to which part of the drink is mingled , this mixture is carried through the glandules of the chile , and the great lacteal vein into the heart , where it is changed into blood , which is by means of the arteries to be conveyed through the whole body ; every part of this blood nourisheth those parts which are of the like temperament with it self ; the hot part of it nourisheth the hot ; the dry , the dry ; the moist , the moist , &c. that which is here not well concocted , must be brought back again to be perfected . why we say that the veins are not sufficient , and the passages not commodious enough to perform the same , whose office we know is to bring back to the heart the blood not sufficiently concocted ; the reason is that the water always remaining in the vessels , rendered the blood too thin , so deprived it of its natural consistence and strength . from all those so clearly and distinctly laid down , it sufficiently appears what the circulation of the blood is , to wit , a continual motion of the blood out of the arteries into the vena cava and porta to the liver and heart , that in them it may be fitted for the nutrition and the life of the whole body . out of the subtilest part of the blood are the spirits produced , which are two-fold : . vital , which begotten in the heart , carry life to the parts of the body . . animal , who out of the vitals elaborated in the brain , impart sense and motion to the body . the natural at the same time that the circulation of the blood was found out , vanished . chirurgical considerations . . the ductus salivales , when the string of the tongue is to be cut , or the ranine vein to be opened , or any other disease of the tongue that is to be cured by manual operation , warn you to have great care of those little glandules in which they end , that they might not be hurt with the launcet , lest there follow a continual spitting . the great glandule also of the neck , from whence these ductus's take their rise , when it is inflamed , admits not of the use of mercury ; for from hence a dangerous salivation may very easily be raised . . the lacteal veins , either the greater or the lesser , are oftentimes from a contusion or wound so greviously hurt , that they cannot carry the chile to the heart ; and though the wound be cured with great diligence , care , and speed , yet the patient will fall into a consumption , whence follows death inevitably : this truth will defend chirurgeons from many calumnies . in children , and older people , is often perceiv'd an induration and inflamation of the abdomen ; the cause of which is the hardness of the mesaraic glandules , which allow not passage for the chile to the great lecteal vein , except the very thinnest of it ; whence the flesh of the muscles wasts , the body becomes heavy and weary , and at length a feaver , and a wasting of the whole body . this evil i use to remedy without any great trouble , with this external liniment . take compound oyntment of marshmallows ointment of sow-bread , of martiaton , of each two drams ; oyl of white lillies , of camomile , of each three drams : mix it into an ointment . inwardly the following troches are excellent , being continually used the whole time of the cure. take prepared steel , prepared crabs-eyes , of each a scruple ; vitriolated tartar , half a dram ; sal prunella , xvj . grains ; species aromatici rosati , a scruple ; white sugar , two ounces : make them into troches according to art. in this case purging is not to be used , but with cassia , cream of tartar , and laxative syrups ; for the glandules will not bear strong purges . . the blood taken out upon the opening a vein , oftentimes after some few hours space , appears very dry , and destitute of all serum , which for the most part is ascrib'd to its too great heat , and adustion : but this argument is very invalid for if the same day , the same , or another vein be again opened , there will be found a great quantity of serum in the blood ; therefore the true cause is to be deduc'd from the circulation of the blood , but especially in the lymphatick vessels , which at that time draws the serum and humidity , and so leaves the blood dry . it very often also happens , that the body becomes tumid , turgid and languid , upon which the fearful physitian forthwith pronounces nought but dangers . when with the use of internal and external sudorificks , the patient in a short time may be cured : the cause of this disease is not from the intemperature and debility of those parts the ancients call'd noble ; for it may easily be distinguished from the dropsie , which these parts occasion ; for although the sick persons are very dull and weary , yet are they not anxious , but breath free , and the belly swells not much . in the face , and joynts especially , is a watry matter collected ; but if the swell'd parts are compressed by the finger , we perceive much less serum to be contained in the parts , than in a true dropsie ; from whence those that understand not the true cause , are wont to ascribe this inflammation to wind : but the lymphatick vessels when comprest , broke , or by any other way obstructed , so that the natural motion of the lympha is hindred , occasions this evil . . the circulation of the blood , requires all venomous and deprav'd humors , which are thrown out either by nature it self , or that outwardly happen to the body , at the very first instant , forthwith to be expelled out of the glandules and the skin , by the means of attractive medicines , lest that the whole blood in a very short time be infected , and the heart it self opprest , and suffer under it : the which doth sufficiently declare , how dangerous it is to open a vein , and to purge in a venereal and pestilential bubo , nay , in all venomous wounds ; as on the contrary , how necessary it is to cast forth the offending matter ; by the use of sudorifick and attracting medicines : as moreover , how that the invention of the circulation of the blood , is of very great use in the art of physick . chap. xv. the division of the body . man's body is most conveniently divided into the venters , or regions , and joynts . there are three venters . . the head , or the supream region or cavity , to it is joined the neck , which is its prop. . the thorax , breast , or middle region . . the abdomen , lower belly , or lower region . the joynts are the two arms , and the two legs . chirurgical considerations . we divide the body after this manner , that it may be known what place each part of the body ought to keep ; to those that read the following , every thing will become more manifest . but there is so great consent of all the parts , so great concord , that no part may be by it self consider'd , without a consideration of the whole ; therefore i think it necessary , that in a few words the foundation of this mutual consent be here declar'd . . in every part is required a natural temper ; for the liver being too hot , the stomach too cold , the brain too dry , &c. the whole body must be out of order . . a sufficient number , for in the hand , if the least bone , tendon or artery , &c. be wanting , forthwith its operation is injured . . a just magnitude : one foot greater than the other , causeth a troublesome walking . . a natural figure , softness , thickness : yea , colour it self . . a convenient connection and sight . . the presence of the vital spirits , which are brought to the part by the arteries . . the presence of the animal spirits , which are carried by the nerves . . outwardly the skin , that covers the whole body ; inwardly , the dura mater , the covering of the brain , palate , tongue , jaws , breast and lower belly , requires also a particular consideration . . it is likewise necessary that the nutriment be well concocted , naturally carried and receiv'd , that there may no defect be observed in the parts . the end of the first book of the third part. the second book . of the head . chap. i. of the outward parts of the head. the head , as supream lord , both of its own , and of a thousand other bodies , not only governs it self , but others well , when formed with a healthy constitution , and instructed with the knowledge of its own office ; but they live a miserable life , whose head is not justly and with art composed , and who neither enquire into , or know its substance or figure . it s figure is oval , the upper part is call'd vertex , the fore-part frons , the hinder-part occipút , the sides temples , the rest is call'd the face , and consists of the following parts . first appears the skin , in several places endowed with hair , but in all with a scarf-skin . under this lies the membrana carnosa and pericranium , which takes its rise from the dura mater ; and passing through the sutures of the skull , first invests the skull , then all the other bones . anatomists that are very curious , make the pericranium to be double ; the outward retains the old name of pericranium , the inward is called periostium . the bones which lie under these membranes , first we divide into the skull and jaws , then into many other bones . the skull is composed of eight bones , joyned together by proper and common sutures . the proper sutures are true or spurious . the true are three . . the coronal . . the sagittal . . the lambdoidal . the spurious are the two squamous sutures of the temporal bones . the common are three likewise . . the frontal . . the sphoenoidal . . the ethmoideal . the bones themselves which have many perforations and cavities for the passage of the air , of the veins , arteries and nerves , are eight . . the bones of the fore-head , always in children , sometimes in old people , is divided just to the root of the nose by the sagittal suture . , . the bones of the fore part of the head , or bregma . , . temporal bones , or petrosa . . the lambdoidal , or bone of the hinder-part of the head. . the sphoenoidal , or wedge like bone. . the ethmoideal bone , or cribrosum . the muscles of the forehead are the two attollentes ; muscles of the hinder part of the head , are the two deprimentes . the jaws consist of several bones conjoined so by harmony , that in old people they appear but as one ; the one is called the upper , the other the lower jaw . the upper jaw is composed of eleven bones , of each side five , the odd eleventh is placed in the middle . , . os zygomaticum , or yoke-bone makes the lower part of the orbite of the eye , constituting with its apophisis the os jugale , or zygoma . , . os lachrymale makes the internal corner of the eye , having a large orifice descending to the nose . , . os maxillare , or jaw-bone , particularly so called , which is the greatest of all the bones , which constitutes the jaws . , . os nasi , or bone of the nose , which in its end hath five united cartilages . , . os palati , or bone of the palate . . vomer , a peculiar bone above the palate , which supporting the interstice of the nose , and joined to it by harmony . the upper jaw moves not but when the whole head moves , therefore needs not proper muscles . the lower jaw ( which generally remains divided in the fore-part till the eighth year , and afterwards is so closly joined together , as it appears to be but one bone ) hath two processes , and in them a cavity , big enough to allow a convenient situation to the veins , arteries , and nerves , from whence the teeth receive their nutriment and sense : the branches of the nerves about the chin , pass out again through a little orifice ▪ are distributed into the muscles of the lips. it is moved by six pair of muscles , which are , . pterygo●… internus . attollentes . . digastricus . attollentes . . latus , deprimens . . pterygoideus externus , bringing them forward . . masseter . . musculus temporalis . this muscle hath this peculiar to it self , that it is covered by the pericranium , by which the subjacent temporal bones are altogether destitute of it , which is not observ'd in any other part of the body . but no man hitherto as i know of hath yet given the reason of it ; for whatsoever hath been delivered by others concerning this , hath been so slight , that they give little satisfaction to the lovers of truth . but of late , job mekeren an experienced chirurgion of this city , hath in an epistle communicated something particular relating to this matter , the substance whereof i here give you , until he put forth his observations ( some of which i have seen . ) to dr. paul barbette physician at amsterdam . sir , i will truly declare to you my opinion concerning the question i informed you i had moved in the company of some physicians , which was , why the bones which lie under the temporal muscles , are not covered and invested by the pericranium as are the other bones . on the th . of janaury , being commanded by the honourable senate of this city , to open the head of peter jacobs , brick layer , then was my opinion , which i had been hitherto big withal , sufficiently confirmed ; for as soon as i had observed a great depression in the upper part of the skull , i also found a great quantity of coagulated blood , which had part of it past through the ears , and part of it remained yet in the cavity of the ear ; then being very desirous to know the way by which this blood had descended into the cavity of the ear ; which , when i had diligently enquired into , i also discovered the reason and cause wherefore the pericranium covers in this place the temporal muscles , and not the bone under them . first , the opinion and the answer ( which the honourable and experienced dr. tulph burgomaster of amsterdam , had given to the propounded question , to wit from whence this blood should come , which very often in wounds of the head flows out of the ears ? ) i found to be true and reasonable ; for i perceived , as the noble consul had affirmed to me , that the blood from the upper part of the head , did descend between the skull and pericranium , and so did enter the space that is between the os parietale and petrosum , and from thence to be as it was strained through a sieve into the cavity of the ear ; afterwards in searching further , i found the os petrosum to be removed a great distance from the os parietale ; so that in the place where the bones did recede from each other , was a motion observed , beginning at the os petrosum , and ending in the os parietale , there where the toothy unition in the os jugale in the inward part , which is covered with a callus ( as it ought to be in every articulation ) to hinder bruising , is observed . and this being so , it may be concluded , that the pericranium , if it had invested the bone under the temporal muscles , without all doubt it would have passed it self between the os petrosum , whence from its moving and rubbing in eating , speaking , or any other motion , would haue always felt intollerable pain . thus have you , sir , what i thought ( hoping to proceed further ) the reason to the question propounded , &c. farewel . this opinion is indeed judicious , and very probable ; for in dead mens skuls the upper bone of the temple is movable as is the lower ; and in the suture of the zygomatick bone , is a cartilage found , which is necessary in every joynt ; for i confess the motion is little , but greater would not be required than what sufficeth to afford passage to the thick humors , either from external or from internal causes , collected sometimes in the cavity of the ear , by the which the brain and ears may be freed from many and various inconveniences : i hope time and diligence will give us greater light in this thing . each jaw is armed with necessary weapons , which are called teeth . in men , for the most part thirty two ; in women , twenty eight . four are called fore teeth , or cutters . two dog , or eye-teeth . all the rest are called jaw-teeth , or grinders . after the th , th , th . year , oftentimes comes forth with pain , two teeth in the very furthest part of the jaw , which some call the teeth of manners or wisdom , others the late teeth . before we come to the other muscles of the head , we deem it necessary to describe some parts which are not as yet mentioned , that is , the eye , ear , nose , mouth . the eye with the lids , to wit , the membranous coverings before cartilaginous and hairy , defend from external injuries ; hath two corners or angles . in each corner is a glandule ; that which is in the lesser external corner , is great , white , hard ; that in the greater external corner , is lesser , soft , red , and covers the punctum lachrymale . four tunicles contain the three humors . one of them , which comes from the pericranium is likewise common to the lids , and is called conjunctiva or adnata . the other three are proper , and are thus reckoned . . cornea , coming from the dura meninx . . uvea , from the pia mater ; this sometimes dilating it self , then again contracting it self , constitutes the pupil , shewing the many coloured oval circle , call'd the iris. . retina , from the brain it self , or rather from the optick nerve ; which proceeding further , is changed into the aranea . to these three may be added a fourth , vitrea , which is ill omited by many . the humors of the eyes are , . the aqueous . . the chrystalline . . the vitrecus . the second pair of nerves , or the optick nerve brings the spirits for sight ; the third pair , or the motorious , for motion . branches of the internal and carotide-artery bring to it the nutritious blood ; and the superfluous is returned by the internal and external jugular veins . fat and muscles make up the rest of the eye . the fat serving to the calefaction , humectation and better motion , is here in great quantity , every where distributed between the vessels and the muscles . the eye-lid hath four muscles . one straight muscle , three orbicular . the eye it self hath six , of which four are straight . . attollens , or proud . . deprimens , or the humble . . adducens , or the drinking or reading muscle . . abducens . or disdainful muscle . two oblique , which are call'd the lovers muscles ; of these , . obliquus externus , or troclearis , because it passeth through a pully . . obliquus internus . the outward ear , or the cartilaginous auricle , is join'd to the bone of the temples . it hath a very sensible membrane , and behind it also some glandules , to which the head sends the superfluous humors . vessels , it receives from the external and internal jugular and carotide . nerves , from the second pare of the nerves of the neck , as also from the six pare of the nerves of the brain . here is but little fat ; what little there is , is below the lap ; it receives four muscles , of which , the three former are to it common with other parts , the fourth proper to it self . . antrorsum ducens , which moveth it forward . . retrorsum ducens , which pulleth it backward . . quadratus , deorsum trahens , pulling it down . . tripartitus , lifting it up . the inward part of the ear hath four cavities for sound ; and for defence and strength , as many bones . the cavities are . . meatus auditorius , whose extremity a little and strong membrane covers , which is call'd the tympanum , and membrane of the drum. . tympanum . . labyrnthus . . cochlea . the little bones are of the same bigness in children , as in older people ; which are , . malleclus , or the hammer . . incus , or the anvil . . stapes , or the stirrop . . os orbiculare , or the orbicular bones . the noble lewis de bils , the great anatomist , in a particular treatise , shews , that the os petrosum ( which hitherto by reason of its great thickness and solidness , was a vast hindrance to those that had a desire to view these bones of the hearing in their natural situation ) not to consist of one only bone , but to be made up of four , joined together by harmony , which may very easily be separated by 〈…〉 . within are two muscles , the one joined to the meatus auditorius , the other to the malleclus . the nose covered with a scarf-skin , skin , muscles , and the periostium , hath two cavities separated by a cartilaginous septum ; each of these again is divided into that which ascends to the os ethmoides ; and into that which descends above the palat , into the further part of the mouth . the sides of it are called pennae , alae , or wings ; the lower fleshy part is called columna , or the fleshy pillar . in the inside they are invested with a thin membrane , which is very sensible , arising from the dura mater , which is as to the nose , likewise common to the mouth , palat , tongue , larinx , gullet , and to the stomach it self . the bones of which it is compounded , are many and spungy , replete with caruncles , that the snot might not voluntarily distil forth . arteries from the carotide , bring nourishment to it ; veins from the jugular , return the blood that is not perfectly concocted . nerves from the first pare , according to our order , serve for the smelling , as do those from the fifth pare , serve to the feeling . it hath no fat ; its bones we have already given you ; its muscles are six . , . deprimentes , depressing the nose . , . dilatantes , or dilating the nostrils . , . constringentes , or pulling the nostrils together . in great noses there are likewise two other muscles , which we call'd aperientes , which open the nostrils . the mouth , the gate of air , speech and nourishment , hath two lips , the parts of each side , call'd cheeks , as that below is call'd the chin. the lips have two muscles common to the jaw . . quadratus , or drawing backward . in some this motion is performed by the zygomative . . buccinator . the upper lip hath two muscles proper to it self . . sursum trahens , or drawing it upwards . . deorsum movens , or moving it downwards . the under lip hath but one , deorsum trahens , or drawing it downward . common to both the lips , are . obliquè sorsum trahens , or drawing them obliquely upwards . . obliquè deorsum trahens , or drawing them obliquely downwards . . sphincter oris , constrictor , or orbicularis which purseth the mouth together : the inward parts of the mouth , are the teeth , the gums , the palat , uvula , tongue , and os hyodis . of the teeth we have treated . the gums offer nothing worthy a particular consideration . the palat consists of a sensible membrane common to the stomach , which hath its rise from the dura mater . the uvula is a long little body , it hath two ligaments , & as many muscles , but very little . the tongue ( as a sword-cutting out honour either well or ill , as it is moved by pure or impure spirits ) behind , is fastned to the larinx , os hyodis , to the jaws , and to the tonsils ; before , to a certain membranous and strong body , whose extremity makes the string of the tongue . of both sides the string lies a glandule call'd ranina , from the neighboring vessels . it hath two veins call'd raninae , from the jugulars ; two arteries from the temporal ; two great nerves from the seventh pare , as also many little ones from the fourth and fifth . it is destitute of fat. its muscles are , . genioglossus , which brings the tongue forward . . styloglossus , which draws it upwards . . myloglossus , which draws it obliquely upward . . basiglossus , which draws it directly inward . . ceratoglossus , pulling it downwards . os hyodis , by the assistance of muscles and ligaments , is tied to the sharp process of the temperal bones , and to the buckler-like cartilage of the larinx ; it is composed of five united bones ; the middlemost of these , which is the greatest , call'd the basis of the tongue , hath two cartilaginous productions , which often degenerate into bones . it hath four muscles on each side . . geniohyodes , raising it directly upwards . . sternohyodes , moving it directly downwards . . styloceratohyodes , obliquely bringing it upwards . . coracohyodes , obliquely drawing it downwards . all these are the outward parts of the head , which is either solely moved by its own proper muscles , or together with them likewise with the muscles of the neck ; these shall be treated of hereafter . the proper muscles are . . flectens , or the nodding muscle . . splenius , or the muscle that shakes the head. . complexus , the associate of the splenius . , . obliqui , drawing the head obliquely backwards . , . recti , drawing the head straight backwards . chirurgical considerations . very many , as well internal , as external diseases , take their rise from the head , which is is not improperly compared to a house-roof that receives the vapours of the whole house ; which afterwards being changed into a catharre , distils upon the inferiour parts , creating a pain , and palsie in the joynts ; an inflamation in the eyes and jawes , &c. a shortness of breathing in the breast , and in the stomach a depraved chylification ; in the guts a looseness , &c. some of the external diseases shall here be considered by us , the internal belong to the consideration of the physician . . there is often in the head porago , achor , or fav●…s , which is a crusted scab , happening as well in old as young people ; these scurffs are oftentimes very thick , sometimes accompanied with moisture , which causeth great itching and a very ill smell . the cause is salt phlegm ; it is for the most part a stubborn disease , and very easily returning again . the cure ] in this case are generally used , strong purging , bleeding , sweating , salivation , unctions , pulling out of the hairs : but without using any of these remedies , i have often cured this disease , only with this decoction . take ashes , ( which are call'd by the dutch weidasch , in english pot-ashes , ) with white-wine , make a lixivium of a moderate acrimony , in a quart of which , boil the leaves of marjorum , southern-wood , of each two handfuls ; of maiden-hair , a handful and half ; rose leaves three pugils : make a fomentation . with this let the head be washed twice or thrice a week warm ; then dry it well with hot linnen clothes , and in a few weeks space , the patient with thus doing , will be cured : you may likewise sometimes use gentle purging medicines . . in a hydrocephalus , and great cathars , an issue with great success may be made in the nape of the neck , because the cavities of the dura mater are thereabouts joyned to the jugular veins ; especially in children , in whom very often the sutures do too much gape . . fat things hurt the head , because it is not covered with many muscles . . in the skull sometimes a rough matter is collected in several places , which if not remov'd by those medicines that purge phlegm , and outward discussives , in process of time acquire a very great hardness , which still increasing , grow into a perfect horn , not to be cured , but by chirurgery . . upon the skull likewise comes other abscesses , which although they may belong to a steatoma , atheroma , or melicerides , yet in the head especially they are call'd testudo , talpa , natta . these give little hope of cure , where the bone is much corrupted ; otherwise they may be taken away by a thred , or what is better , by a knife , when they reject other remedies . the manner of taking them away by a knife , is this ; the skin being divided in form of a cross , the bladder is to be taken out , then the pericranium being separated , the cranium is to be scraped with a raspatory , till you come to the sound part , then sprinkle upon it some astringent powder , and let the skin forthwith be consolidated again ; which if it be too loose , a little part of it may be taken away , which is very seldom necessary to be done , when it may be closed enough in the time of the cure. . if the sutures of the skull are too open , they bring a weakness upon the brain ; if they are too straightly united , they cause the pain of the head. experienc'd chirurgions affirm , that it is as safe to use the trepan in the very sutures themselves , as any other part of the head. . the muscles of the head occasioning nothing differing from other muscles , except upon a wound , or contusion of the temperal muscle , a convulsion easily follows ; neither ought it to be transversly divided , lest there happen a distortion of the mouth . . the teeth , seeing they neither are furnished with membranes , nor nerves , are altogether insensible ; but they which attribute the pain to those membranes which cover the alveolus , it ought to be ascribed to many nerves that are distributed through them ; yet the causes in this case are various , and must be well distinguished , to wit , . a hot distemperature , . a cold distemperature , . a sharp humor , . a solution of continuity . in a hot distemper , bleeding , and purging is very necessary ; apply cupping-glasses to the neck and shoulders ; let the head be purged with errhins : in the beginning , this water being held in the mouth , profits much . take the roots of tormentil an ounce ; leaves of vervain , a handful and a half ; flowers of balaustians , two pugils ; cypress nuts , two drams ; red-saunders , three drams ; scales of iron , one dram ; vitriol , two scruples ; rose-vinegar , two ounces . let them boil in a sufficient quantity of red-wine , to a pint and half ; keep it for your use . the flux being stayed , we discuss the remaining with the following decoction . take the roots of bistort , three drams ; of flower-de-luce , two drams ; leaves of sage , hysop , of each half a handful ; galls , a dram ; frankincense , sandarach , of each two drams ; juniper-berries , an ounce : boil them in red-wine . in a cold distemperature , the patient must avoid all cold potable medicaments , yea the very air it self , those medicines that purge phlegm profit , bleeding hurt . the following medicine which is of great vertue may be held in the mouth . my spirit for the tooth-ach . take shavings of guaiacum , four ounces ; seeds of stavesacre , pomgranate-rinds , galls , white-frankincense , of each an ounce ; crude opium , red flowers of poppy , camphore , white-ginger , cloves , long-pepper , of each half an ounce , leaves of sage , arsmart , tobacco , horse mint , of each one handful ; roots of henbane , pellitory of spain , mandrake , hounds tongue , nettles the less , of each an ounce and half : let them infuse fourteen days in a sufficient quantity of spirit of wine , then distil it in balneo mariae . a sharp humor falling upon the teeth , is cured almost in the same manner as a hot distemperatur ; but if those remedies are not sufficient , the following mixture is to be used in a spoon , which is not only of great virtue in this , but in all the other kinds of tooth ach . take water of plantane , an ounce and half ; of roses , mint , of each an handful ; alexipharmick water , half an ounce ; cinamon-water , two drams ; julip of roses , or syrup of red poppies , an ounce ; laudanum opiatum , three grains . mix them . in solution of continuity , and rottenness of the teeth , it is best to pull them out . in the breeding of teeth in children , the pain may be mitigated with fresh-butter and virgins-honey , or with a decoction of the brains of a hare or coney in ale ; but in a long pain it is very convenient to cut the gum , to give passage to the tooth . . from the blood and mixt humors ariseth the ophthalmia , sometimes true , sometimes spurious , sometimes seizing on one tunicle of the eye , sometimes on more ; that which happens only in the great corner of the eye , is call'd aegylops ; the white of the eye may be vexed with little bladders called phlyctenae , which being broke , there follows an ulceration , except stayed , corrupting the whole eye . but if this ulcer seizeth only the caruncle , & that the punctum lachrymale afterwards grows callous , it becomes a fistula lachrymalis . if these diseases yield not to these remedies proposed in our chirurgery , others are to be made use of ; phlectenae are soon removed by the following powder . take white sugar-candy , prepared tutty , of each half an ounce ; red coral prepared , camphore , white vitriol , saccharum saturni , of each two scruples : mix them , and make them into a powder . a beginning ulcer of the eye requires first mundifying , afterwards consolidating medicines . a mundifying medicine . take mirrhe , . grains ; aloes , six grains ; sugar-candy , one dram ; the yolk of an egg , goats-milk , three ounces : mix them . a consolidating medicament . take red coral prepared , burnt harts horn , sarcocol of each a scruple ; dragons blood , half a scruple ; burnt-lead , a scruple ; starch , half a dram ; crocus metallorum , half a scruple ; gum tragaganth dissolved in rose-water , a dram ; horse-tail-water , as much as sufficeth to make it into a collyrium . if the punctüm lachrymale , in the great glandule of the eye be callous , and from the continual flux of humors , degenerates into a fistula , first , the callosity is to be removed , before the other accidents will cease , for which the following are used by us ; the phlegm and spirit of vitriol , burnt alom , blew vitriol , verdigreece , mercury water , aqua fortis , unguentum aegyptiacum ; but the best of all is unguentum fuscum of felix wurtz , boil'd to the consistence of a suppository , and put into the fistula . the callosity being taken away , the ulcer may be cured by the following medicine . take roots of flower-de-luce , round birthwort , bark of frankincense , of each dram and half ; mirrhe , mastick , sarcocols , aloes , cadmia fossilis , of each a dram ; honey , as much as is sufficient to make it into an ointment . if the os lachrymale , or zygomaticum be foul , the skin being divided , an actual or potential cautery must be applied , that the caries may be removed , otherwise it is impossible to cure the fistula , that not taken away . . the pain of the ears proceeds from a cold or hot distemperature , or from a solution of continuity , which oftentimes an ulcer follows ; for a cold distemperature , and what accompanies it , the wind , besides the common and particular medicines , outwardly may be applied this with very good success . take oyl of rue , henbane , of each half a dram ; of distilled marjoram , half a scruple ; castor , six grains ; eastern-saffron , four grains : mix them . the smoke of tobacco blown through the bole of a pipe put into the ear , hath done good to many for the pain of the ears , and for deafness ; oftentimes also a decoction of cloves in red wine , hath profited , if two or three drops of it be instill'd warm into the ear , and the ear afterwards be stopt with one of the boil'd cloves . two drops of the following spirit , morning and evening dropt into the ear , is excellent . my spirit for the ears . take ants-eggs , n o , castor , pulp of coloquintida , marjoram , savin , wormwood , rue , a handful ; seeds of cummin , anise , fennel , caraways , of each three drams ; bay-berry-husks pull'd off , juniper-berries , of each half an once ; pomegranate-rinds , six drams ; roots of black hellebore , round cyprus , raddishes , sow-bread , of each an ounce ; middle-siz'd onions , n o vij . bitter almonds , two ounces : infuse them days in a sufficient quantity of rectified spirit of wine , then distil them in balneo mariae . in a hot distemperature , first we ought to divert the flux of humors by bleeding , purging , scarifications , glisters , &c. then the following medicines by cotton inbibed , we may put into the ear. take womans-milk , two ounces ; whites of eggs well beaten , half an ounce ; oriental saffron , half a scruple ; goose-grease dissolved , two drams ; crude opium , five grains : mix them . or , take oyl of violets , sweet almonds , rose-vinegar , of each an ounce ; philonium romanum , two drams ; eastern saffron , half a scruple : boil them , and strain them for your use . or , take roots of marsh-mallows , an ounce ; leaves of mallows , of mandrake , of each one handful ; heads of poppy , no. ij . flowers of dill , camomile , of each two handfuls ; linseed , three drams ; boil them in cows-milk for a fomentation . the flux and pain being ceased , what yet remains , may be discussed by those remedies but now set down in a pain from a cold distemperature . where the inflamation apostumates , which we understand by a feverish pulse , and by the continual increasing , we must assist nature by suppurating medicines . take unguentum basilicon , two drams ; oyl of linseed , three drams : mix them . or , take goose grease , oyl of sweet almonds , of white lillies , of each two drams : mix them . or , take roots of white lillies , an ounce and half ; a large onion roasted in the embers , and beaten together ; add to them the meal of marsh-mallows , half an ounce ; linseed , six drams ; fresh-butter , an ounce and half ; oyl of camomile , & linseed , of each half an ounce ; saffron , half a dram ; make it into a poultice . the apostume being broke , the ulcer is first to be mundified ; for which purpose are convenient honey of roses , of centaury , the juice of smallage , fennel , bete , onions , leeks , decoction of agarick , lupins , urine , lye , oxes-gall , unguentum aegyptiacum . then must be used those medicines that may dry and consolidate the ulcer . take roots of round birthwort half a dram ; of flowerdeluce , a scruple ; wash'd ceruse , prepared tutty , of each a dram ; mirrhe , sarcocols , litharge of gold , of each two scruples ; artificial cinabar , half a dram ; scales of iron , a scruple ; honey of roses , as much as is sufficient : make it into an ointment . where worms come in an ulcer from an impure matter , the following are convenient to kill them . the juice of wormwood , centaury , arsmart , a decoction of coloquintida , of white hellebore , ox-gall , oyl of wormwood , of bitter almonds , &c. or , take aloes , mirrhe , of each two drams ; coloquintida , half a dram ; tops of wormwood , half a handful : boil them in white wine for an injection . . the nose as well as the ear is subject to inflamation , which presently in the beginning we are forced to remedy by the medicaments formerly mentioned in an inflamation , lest otherways its cartilages should become carious , which may cause a great deformity . sometimes a tumour call'd a polypus , seizeth the inward cavity of it , occasioned from impure and pituitous blood ; which is two-fold : for it either resembles a tent or pellet , and is call'd by the general name sarcoma , or it spreads it self with many small branches into the inward parts of the mouth , or into the external parts of the nose , & is in specie call'd a polypus ; that which it of a whitish colour , not painful and soft , is easily cur'd ; but that more difficultly , which is very red ; never that which is livid , black or stinking ; being touched , it turns into a cancer , and overspreads the whole face . the cure of it is performed by medicaments by a thred , or by a knife ; in the beginning those medicines that are dry and astringent are most convenient . take pomegranate-rinds , flowers of balaustians , of each a dram ; cadmia fossilis , two drams ; crude antimony , crocus martis , of each half a dram ; mastick , mirrhe , loadstone , litharge , of each a dram : make them into fine powder . these effecting nothing , exedents are to be us'd . take burnt alom , bole-armenick , balaustians , of each three drams : make them into a powder . another stronger . take vitriol , half an ounce ; alom , pomegranate-rinds , galls , of each two drams ; red mirrhe , burnt birthwort , of each a dram : make them into a powder . another yet stronger . take vitriol , four ounces ; alom , verdigreece , of each half an ounce ; vinegar , six ounces : calcine them in a luted vessel . another , very effectual . take red and yellow arsnick , alom , galls , of each half an ounce : make them into fine powder i have seen those tumors totally eradicated by the water wherein mercury sublimate is boiled . but they seldom are cured by medicine ; for the most part we use here an instrument described by s●nnertus and aquapendens . it may also be drawn forth with a pair of forceps ; they may also be removed by a thred ( if it can be conveniently put about it ) what remains may be cured by application of the medicines but now mentioned . . the mouth is inflamed upon many causes ; the chief are , . the heat of the blood. . the acrimony and saltness of the spittle . . a rheum from the head ; generally there follows little blisters , and an ulceration , which not being carefully looked after , turns to a gangrene , especially in children after the small pox and measles ; in this case , besides the common means , this is excellent . take felix wurtz his brown ointment , two drams ; honey of roses , an ounce and half ; spirit of vitriol , half a scruple : mix them . . under the tongue happens a rannula or baetrachios , a tumor which is more frequently produced from phlegm , than from any other part of the blood ; and it is often cured by this powder . take pepper , ginger , of each a dram ; sal gemmae , and common salt , of each two scruples ; wild marjoram , calamint , orise-roots , hermodactils , of each half a dram ; mastick , a scruple : make it into a powder . strew it often upon the tumor , which if it goes not away , open it in one or more places , that the moisture may come forth , and apply honey of roses to the wound ; some in this case use an actual cautery , but i rather approve of a launcet . . for the corruption of the gums , this powder is good . take roots of comfrey , pomegranate-rinds , of each a dram ; frankincense , mirrhe , white vitriol , of each half a dram ; burnt vitriol , a scruple : make it into a powder . . epulis , a tumor of the gums must be suddenly taken away by a thred or knife , lest it should turn into a cancer . . for the taking off an ulcerated and rotten uvula , bartholine hath described an excellent instrument in his anatomical observations ; but it may be conveniently enough cut off with a pair of scissers , and the bleeding may be stopt with cyprus vitriol , unguentum aegyptiacum , or the like , is sufficient to perfect a cure. fabritius hildanus judiciously took it away by the help of a thred , which is to be imitated by them who fear an incision . chap. ii. of the internal parts of the head. now we approach palas's tower , which is sometimes empty , and sometimes fill'd with folly ; wherein , if an ill mind , be , as it were , a familiar inhabitant , virtue must prudently look to it self ; but yet let it continue its dominion , whilst its enemy in the mean time lurking in some corner , shall no where be at quiet . before we can enter into it , and look into the brain , there are two curtains to be drawn open , the pia and dura mater . the dura mater in the outside rougher than in the inside , encompasseth the brain very loosly , lest its arbitrary motion should be hindred , dividing the same by the help of certain foldings , which is call'd falx , into the right and left part , and also separating it from the cerebellum . in this falx are always found four cavities , sometimes seven ; in which many of the branches of the carotide-arteries are inserted , afterwards joining with the jugular veins . these cavities have the use and substance of veins , so that they may not unproperly be reckoned among the veins . the pia mater is more sensible , & hath more arteries than the dura , which doth not only invest the whole brains , but also enters the winding every where ; which , for this cause may more easily be separated . we do divide the brain into three parts , which are , . the brain it self . . the spinal marrow . . the cerebellum , or little brain . the brain is of an ashy colour , and of a softer substance than marrow ( which is both whiter and solider ) whence also it was wont to be call'd rind ; it receives several branches from the carotide-artery , and is destitute both of nerves and sense . it hath divers turnings and windings , which fold in deeply , especially those in the fore-part of the head , where the great fissure divides the brain outwardly even to the marrow . the marrow is the mother of all nerves ; within the skull 't is call'd the marrow of the brain ; but without it is termed the spinal marrow . the cerebellum , or little brain , is more of an ash-colour than white , receives arteries from the cervicalis and carotide ; yet there are fewer branches here than in the brain , as being much less . it hath no windings , but is made up as it were of several thin plates lying one upon another . these being thus considered , the anatomist takes off some part of the brain with a knife , & forthwith the corpus callosum , and the fornix joyning to it , come in view . under these laterally lie two great ventricles , in figure resembling a horse-hoof , which the septum lucidum distinguisheth into the right and left , or into the first and second . in them is contained the rete-mirabile , or plexus choroides , consisting of many little glandules , composed from the branches of the temporal artery , twisted together in form of a net. in the fore-part these ventricles are united , and make a third . in this third ventricle are two cavities ; the first of them runs to the infundibulum , and to the glandula pituitaria , the other to the fourth ventricle contained in the cerebellum ; above this ventricle are observed four round bodies , which are call'd testes and nates , to which joyns the glandula pinealis , which is falsly call'd by some the seat of the soul ▪ of late the famous sylvius hath demonstrated it not to reside in the ventricles , but without them ; by whom also it is esteem'd but a glandule : and that with more reason , because that both he and i have found in it not seldom two or three stones , but sometimes four , which we yet keep by us . the bodies being removed , eight pair of nerves appear , which we have already treated of ; on the fore-part of whom joyns the rete mirabile of galen , which is a complication of the cervical and carotide-arteries . after these , the cerebellum comes in view , like a double globe , in the midst of which is the processus vermiformis , and pons varolii , under it lies the fourth ventricle . last of all , the spinal marrow shews it self , divided in its beginning into two parts , not unlike a writing-pen , which descending down the back , imparts its branches over the whole body . chirurgical considerations . . in wounds of the dura mater , two symptoms render their cure very troublesome , to wit , a flux of blood and extream pain ; if the skill be not sufficiently open , without any delay the trepan is to be applied on the part affected , and forthwith the extravasated and grumous blood being discharged , let this ointment be applied . take manna of frankincense , two drams ; aloes , one dram ; mirrhe , a dram and half ; the softest hares hair , half a scruple ; white of an egg , as much as sufficieth to make it into a liniment . the powder is also very useful , that is described in the chapter of particular wounds , in the second part of this chirurgery . to mitigate the pain , oyl of roses , violets and myrtles used warm , as also the warm blood of a hen or pigeon , &c. is very much commended . the flux of blood and the pain being ceased , the following medicines are to be used , which are not to be left off , unless the matter begins to flow too plentifully . take oyl of turpentine , two ounces ; spirit of wine , syrup of wormwood , of each an ounce : mix them . but if a gangrene or putrefaction should happen , the following liniment is of great use . take sarcocols , mirrhe , aloes , of each a dram : syrup of wormwood , honey of roses , of each two drams ; ung. aegyptiacum , two drams and an half ; aq. vitae , an ounce and half ; white-wine , an ounce : let them boil gently , then strain them . neither do i apprehend any danger is to be feared in the taking off part of this membrane when putrifi'd , so that you can come at it with a pair of scissers , and that the sinus or pia mater be not hurt . . when the pia mater is likewise affected , the chirurgion must abstain from all oyls , although they be drying , lest a corruption of the soft brain be caus'd : drying cephalick powders are very convenient to be used here . but seeing that these wounds for the most part are mortal , i shall say no more of them . chap. iii. of the neck . the neck under the scarf-skin , skin , and fleshy membrane , and the common and proper membrane of the muscles , hath of each side four muscles . of these , the longus and scalenus bend it . transversalis and spinatus draw it back of each side . it hath five veins , cervicalis , muscula superior and inferior , carotis , interna and externa . and as many arteries , cervicalis , muscula superior & inferior , carotis interna & externa . it hath nerves from the par vagum , and the spinal marrow . in the fore-part of it , are many glandules , which are greater in women than in men. under these the larinx , the organ of the sound lies , composed of five cartilages , which are , . thyroides , or buckler-like . . crycoides , or annular . . arytenoides . . glottis . . epiglottis . it is moved by six pair of muscles , which are , . hyothyrodaei , the pair that lift up the larinx . . bronchii , the pair that pull it down . . cricothiroidaei antici , the pair that dilate . . cricothiroidaei laterales , pursing it together . . thyro-arythenoidaei , that open it . . arythenoidaei , sphincters that close it . after these , the almonds or paristhima ( by some call'd tonsils ) offer themselves ; then the pharynx , to which appertain seven muscles , by whose assistance the meat and drink are swallowed . , , sphenopharyngaei , which raise up the pharinx . , . cephalopharyngaei , moving it inward . , . stylopharyngaei , dilating it . . constrinctor or sphynctor , which closeth the gullet . the back-part of the neck hath seven vertebra's , the processes of some of which are perforated , to give passage to the vessels that carry the blood into the brain . chirurgical considerations . . we have already sufficiently treated of the cure of scrophulas or the kings evil ; i will only give you here the oyl of langius , whose virtues are very excellent , not only in the kings evil , but also in malignant and sordid ulcers , if it be carefully used . take oyl of philosophers or brick , half a pound ; frankincense , mastick , gum arabick , turpentine , of each three drams ; pound them togather , & distil them in an alembick ; then add to the distillation salt of holm-oak , two drams ; and distil it again , and reserve the distillation in a glass for use . in the room of the salt of holm-oak , which grows not in holland , sal gemmae may serve instead of it . . in a hernia gutturis , or bronchocele , seldom medicaments effect any thing , when for the most part the cause of the disease ( to wit , preternatural phlegm mixt with wind ) is contained in a peculiar bladder , and the tumor lies under the muscles , having its original not from the glandules , but from the aspera arteria , or wind-pipe ; yet in the beginning , the following do good . take roots of ireos , galangal , of each a dram and half ; penny-royal , savory , rupture-wort , of each a dram ; seeds of fennel , annise , of each a dram ; parsly-seeds , half a dram ; long-pepper , spikenard , nutmegs , cinamon , of each two drams mirrhe , half a dram ; burnt-alom , half an ounce ; white sugar , three ounces : make it into a fine powder . let the patient take of this powder each morning a dram and half in white wine . take gum ammoniacum , galbanum , bdellium , dissolved in vinegar , of each an ounce ; powder of orrise-roots , two drams ; mustard and nettle-seeds , of each a dram ; pulp of coloquintida , eastern saffron , of each a scruple ; sal gemmae , alom , of each a dram ; naval-pitch , six drams ; rosin of the pine , an ounce : make it into a plaister . these medicines effecting nothing , after this manner the tumor may be taken away . first , take up the skin , and divide it long-ways ; then it being separate of each side to the bottom , from the tumor , take out the bladder , whole if possible ; for if any part of it be left behind , the little artery which brings nourishment to the tumor , must be divided ; lest it increase a new . then let the part affected be washed with vinegar , wherein a little salt and nitre hath been dissolved ; for the flux of blood is not in this case at all considerable ; lastly , bring the lips of the wound together with a stitching plaster , it being not necessary to use a needle here . of the angina and luxation of the vertebra's of the neck , we have spoken of in their places . the end of the second book of the third part. the third book of the thorax or breast . chap. i. of the external parts of the breast . the middle region of the body , whose upper part is call'd the shoulders , fore-part the breast , hinder-part , the back ; under proper and common teguments , hath proper and common muscles . the common are those of the lower belly and scapula's ; those we have shewn already ; these are four . . serratus anticus minor , which brings the scapula forward . . trapesius , or cucullaris , which moves it upward , and obliquely backward . . romboides , which moves it obliquely downwards . . levator . the proper muscles of the thorax are twelve , . subclavius or extensor . . serratus anticus major , or the inferior raiser up the ribs . . serratus posticus superior , or the superior riser up of the ribs . . serratus posticus inferior , or the depressor of the ribs . . sacrolumbus , which draws the breast together . . triangularis , which likewise draws the breast together . under these muscles lie the breasts , in both sexes abounding with quantity of fat , and in the female with many glandules . the back and loins ( whose muscles in this place we are forced to describe ) have four pair of muscles . . quadratus , or the flexor of the vertebra's . . longissimus , or first extender of the vertebra's . . sacrum , or the second extender . . semispinatum , or the raiser up of the back . after the musclers , follow the collar-bones , the shoulder-blades , the breast-bone , the ribs , and the vertebra's ; of the veins , arteries and nerves we have formerly treated . the clavicles , or collar-bones , being spungy bones , are joyned to the upper process of the shoulder-blade , by strong ligaments and movable cartilages . the scapula or shoulder-blade is a broad and thin bone , lying upon the outside of the ribs , furnished with two ligaments , three processes , and five appendices . the sternum , or breast bone being distinguished in infants , by seven or eight lines , and by three or four in old people , is very spungy , and hath in its lower part a cartilage , call'd cartilago ensiformis or mucronata . the ribs in each sex are twelve ; the seven uppermost , which are the true , are joyned with a double tubercle to the vertebra's , but with a cartilage to the sternum , are hard and round ; the five lowermost , which are the bastard-ribs , are lesser , softer and shorter , having cartilages about the os sternum , but not touching it . between these ribs on each side , are muscles found , which are call'd intercostals , eleven within , and as many without ; so that in all there are forty four , the fibres here are placed cross-wise . in the cavity of each rib , formed in the lower part of it , resides a vein , artery and nerve , which extend themselves into the middle of the foresaid muscles . the vertebra's of the back are for the most part accounted twelve , and have nothing considerable . chirurgical considerations . i omit here divers operations , having already treated largely enough of them before . what now offers it self , is a fistula of the breast , of a more difficult cure in that , than in any other part , by reason of the continual motion of the muscles ; therefore 't is highly necessary to distinguish these fistula's ; for the oblique do very hardly admit of any cure : those that perforate the breast , are not easily made whole again ; those that have their rise from between the pleura and the muscles , the matter falls down ; whence it comes to pass , that afterwards it is difficultly discharged ; therefore in this case there necessarily is a short breathing , and a slower motion of the breast : the callous is to be removed by the same remedies we have set down in the chapter of fistula's , and so sometimes the pleura , and the flesh of the muscles unite again ; but if these effect nothing , let the chirurgeon put a little crooked silver-pipe into the fistula , so that the end of it may touch the bottom , through which let him pass a needle fitted with silk , answering to the crookedness of the pipe , which being done , let him with the needle perforate the skin , then the needle being drawn through , let both ends of the thred be tied together , and the thred every day be anointed with some exedent medicines , and the callosity being taken away , let the ulcer be skinned . the instruments which are used in this case , are described in tab. . figure . of scultetus , of the old edition . the breasts of women often in those that give suck , from the great quantity of milk , wax hard and painful , and by the dutch is called drop ; which affect may be cured in one days space , with compound ointment of marshmallows , the watry matter being suckt out by a woman or whelp : but this discharge being neglected or delayed , every day the breast grows harder and harder , nay , becomes enflamed ; then bleeding , purging , sweating is requisite : outwardly this cataplasm may be applied . take meal of marshmallows , of fenugreek , of each an ounce ; flowers of elders , camomile , of each an handful ; red roses , two pugils ; crums of course bread ▪ an ounce and half : boil them in ale , adding to them of rose-vinegar , an ounce . make a cataplasm . the flux of humors and pain being ceased , the remaining may be discussed by the following cataplasm . take meal of beans , of linseed and fenugreek-seed , of each an ounce ; cummin-seed , three drams ; boil them in wine , adding to it compound ointment of marshmallows , oyl of camomile , of each half an ounce : make it into a cataplasm . when it begins to apostumate , maturatives are to be used . take leaves of mallows , marshmallows ▪ of each a handful ; powder of linseed , an ounce ; of fenugreek-seed , an ounce and half ; leaven , half an ounce ; boil them in milk , adding to them vnguentum basilicon , an ounce ; saffron , a scruple : make it into a cataplasm . the tumor being suppurated , must be opened with a caustick ; or , what is better , with a launcet , and put a tent into it , dipt in common balsom of brimstone until the end of the cure ; laying upon the breast emplastrum diasulphuris bulandi . . a gibbosity ariseth from the spine of the back , when the vertebra's are removed outwardly , or of one side , from their natural place ; which is occasioned sometimes by an external cause , some by an internal , especially when some pituitous humor is collected about them ; this humor must be taken away by discussive oyl ; and plaisters , before what is started out , can by a steel-compress , fitted to the body of the patient , be reduced : this reduction is not so much performed by the compress , as it is by the emollient quality of the iron : for this reason , it is necessary that the patient , though cured , for a year or more after , use another bandage , that the soft bones may not again start out . it is here likewise to be observed , that in the middle of the back , about the seventh vertebra , with great success may an issue be made , to intercept rheums flowing to the hip , kidneys , feet , &c. chap. ii. of the internal parts of the thorax . the breast now comes to be opened , that we may view the fountain of life , which the celestial truth affirms to consist in the blood ; for what reason is it therefore that the sovereign sanguification is not attributed to the heart , where every where , and by all , it is call'd the original of life . within , the breast is invested by the pleura , which is afterward doubled , and at length quadrupled , extending it self from the vertebra's to the sternum , and then it is called mediastinum , dividing the lungs and thorax . near to the throat there adheres to the mediastinum , a glandulous body call'd thymus . the lungs drawing in the air , & so cooling the heart , is furnished to this purpose with a trachea , aspera arteria , or wind-pipe ; this lies upon the gullet , and consists of cartilaginous rings , and a double membrane . the outermost of these membranes which is the thinner , ariseth from the pleura ; the innermost , which is the thicker , from the dura mater . the annulary cartilages are joyned together with ligaments , and make not a perfect circle , as being destitute of a fourth part that lies upon the gullet . the wind-pipe distributes branches through the whole lungs , which are strong enough , but not at all cartaliginous . the lungs themselves covered with a thin , porous tunicle , consist of a soft , red , spongy substance . in the fore-part they adhere to the sternum ; in the back-part to the vertebra's , filling the greatest part of the breast . it hath seven lesser vessels , of which we shall speak in their places . the heart , the work-house of the blood , the fountain and origin of life , as the sacred writ it self also witnesseth , is included in a certain case , call'd by anatomists , pericardium : it consists of two membranes , the outermost comes from the mediastinum ; the innermost from the vessels of the heart ; it contains a clear watry liquor , void of all acrimony , which we no longer doubt of to be brought from the ductus's of the limpha . the heart it self consists of a fleshy , serene and hard substance , which is invested with a proper tunicle , furnished with fibres of all sorts , and like a muscle is continually moved . it is placed in the middle of the breast , but the point of it inclines sometimes to the left side . in figure it is like to a pine-apple , having in its upper part two auricles or little ears , which alwayes beat before the heart it self . in old people , the right auricle is bigger than the left , which in infants is the contrary ; in the throwing forth of the blood , the auricles , as well as the heart it self , are purst together , and dilated as often as they take in the blood ; and this constriction and dilation makes the pulse . for the concoction , reception and throwing forth of the blood , it hath two cavities , and four vessels . the cavities are distinguished by a fleshy division , in which i could not yet find any way appointed for the motion of the blood out of the right ventricle into the left , although many anatomists do certainly affirm it . these cavities are divided into the right and left ; the right , which is the greater , receives the vena cava , and arteria pulmonalis , or vena arteriosa ; the left , which is the least , receives the arteria aorta , or great artery , and vena pulmonalis , or arteria venosa . of these vessels , as also of the nerves , and chylous passages , or the thoracick lacteal veins , we have treated of in the first book . under the wind-pipe in the cavity of the breast , lies the oesophagus or gullet , resting upon the vertebra's . about the fifth vertebra of the back , it inclines a little to the right side , that it may give way to the arteria aorta , unto the eleventh vertebra ; thence with a straight ductus it passeth the diaphragm into the lower belly . it consists of a double membrane ; the outermost is fleshy , having streight and round fibres , the innermost transverse and oblique : many add to these a third from the peritonaeum , and rightly in my opinion . the diaphragm , in nature of a fan , serving to respiration , divides the thorax from the abdomen , and adheres to all the bastard-ribs , to the cartilage of the breast-bone about the vertebra's , sending two fleshy processes to the lower parts . its edges round about are fleshy , variously movable like a muscle , but its center membranous and very sensible . it hath three perforations , . in the middle of it , through which the vena cava passeth . . in the left side , through which the gullet , with the adjacent nerves . . about the vertebra's , for the passage of the arteria aorta , with the vena azygos . it receives more nerves than any other part of the body from the collar-bones to the feet , which arise not only out of the brain , from the parvagum , but also from the spinal marrow , and from the fifth and sixth vertebra of the neck . of the other vessels we have already treated . chirurgical considerations . the pleura is not only subject to inflammation , upon which follows a pleurisie , an empiema , and impostumation ; but also a certain pain , which a salt humor produceth : this may be distinguished from a pleurisie , because here is a dry cough , yet no fever , also free breathing enough . i have used to remove this by bleeding and sweating , and if you fear a pleurisie , apply outwardly this plaister . take marrow out of an oxes-bone , ducks-grease , of each three ounces ; the mussilage of marshmallows , linseed , fenugreek-seed , of an ounce ; frankincense , mastick , of each half an ounce ; oyl of nucista exprest , two drams ; yellow wax , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . . mediastinum , hath not so great a cavity in man , as in dogs and other creatures ; yet it happens sometimes that a purulent matter descends between the two membranes of it , which can by means be evacuated by the lungs ; therefore we are forced to perforate the sternum with a trepan , that so through the made orifice , by the use of tents , spunges and other instruments , the matter may be discharged . . in that kind of quinsey , which we above call cynanche , where the patient is almost suffocated , we remedy by laringotomia , or opening the wind-pipe ; the disease it self is far more dangerous than this operation ; therefore it would be well if it was oftener practised ; nevertheless there is required a diligent consideration , that the other parts , to wit , the lungs , pleura , gullet , &c. be not also enflamed , or already full of matter , which may frustrate your labour , & afford cause of scandal ; but every thing being well weighed , the operation is to be performed in this manner ; let the head be a little bent backwards , that the wind-pipe may the more plainly appear , and the annulary cartilages recede the further the one from the other ; then divide the skin according to the length of the larinx unto the hollow , and let a stander-by with his fingers pluck open the skin of each side , that the chirurgeon may see the two long muscles , sterno hyoidei , which he must remove a little asunder either with a knife of wood or bone ; then the larinx appearing , he must make his incision with a launcet , in the middle between the third and fourth annulary cartilage , taking great care that he hurt not the cartilages themselves ; upon the breaths coming forth , take out the knife , and put a silver pipe into the wound , which must not be so long as to reach the hinder part of the wind-pipe , lest it cause a continual cough ; the danger of suffocation being over , which for the most part happens to be about the third or fourth day , or at least ought then to be , the pipe must be taken forth , and the wound is to be cured in the ordinary manner according to art , from which it differs not . . 't is no new thing for worms to generate in the pericardium , which , except kill'd , corrode the very heart it self . they may be destroyed with a decoction of scordium , wormwood , centaury , &c. drunk twice or thrice a day . concerning the wounds of the lungs , heart and diaphragm , see our chirurgery . a wound of the gullet is cured after the same manner as that of the stomach . the end of the third book of the third part. the fourth book . of the lower belly . chap. i. of the external parts of this belly . the lower cavity , properly call'd the belly , is divided into three parts ; of which , . is the epigastrium , each side of which is call'd hypochondria . . the region of the navel whose sides are call'd ilium . . hypogastrium , the sides of which are the groins . the lower hairy part is call'd pubes . the abdomen under common teguments , hath ten muscles , of each side five , very necessary for the exclusion of the grosser excrements contained in the guts ; they are these . . obliquely descending , which in the upper part , the navel ; in the lower , in man , the process of the peritonaeum ; in woman , the long ligaments of the womb perforates . . the oblique ascending . . the recti , or straight . . the pyramidal . . the trarsverse . in the middle of the abdomen , between the two straight muscles , ariseth the linea alba , or white-line , from the meeting of the broad tendons of the other thin muscles , which is very sensible . of the veins , arteries & nerves , both of the outward and inward parts of the lower belly , we have already treated of in the first book ; as likewise something of the bones . but the more curious examiner meets withal , first , five vertebra's of the loins , which are very full of holes , and greater and thicker than all the rest . next to them follows the os sacrum , which is triangular ; in old people being only of one bone , but in young , consisting of five or six . to this is joyned the os coccygis , bent in women more outward , in men more inward . on the sides of the os sacrum is the os innominatum , or coxae , consisting of three bones joyned together with a cartilage . of these , . is the os ilium , much thicker in women than in men. . os pudis , more easily separable in the fore-part in women than in men. . os ischion , or coxae , furnished with a large cavity , which is call'd acetabulum or pixis , appointed to receive the head of the thigh-bone . chirurgical consideration . the outward division of the lower belly , plainly declares what internal parts may be affected : in the right hypochondrium , the liver is situated , extending it self beyond the bastard-ribs two fingers breadth , to the sword-like cartilage of the sternum . in the middle lies the stomach , extending it self to the softer parts of this belly , so that it reacheth four fingers breadth beyond the bastard-ribs ; beyond the soft places near the kidneys lies the spleen . in the middle of the vmbilical region , and about it lies the small gut , which being wounded , is most dangerous . in the right side , about the kidney , the gut colon takes its rise , transversly running between the stomach and navel to the left kidney , where winding downwards , and becoming narrower , is the frequent receptacle of wind , and whence long pain and great tension , which is undeservedly attributed to the spleen on the other side , the intestine rests upon the mesentery , as doth the stomach upon the pancreas . in the middle of the hypogastrium , are the bladder and womb placed , and under them the intestinum rectum . on the side lie the spermatick vessels , and the glandules , in which both benign and malignant buboes are produced . but all these parts cannot be wounded , except the peritonaeum and omentum be first perforated , yet in many men the omentum descends not below the navel ; and contrariwise in others , it reacheth to the os pubis it self . chap. ii. of the internal parts of the abdomen . the first of the internal parts is the peritonaeum , comprehending all the others , before and behind , above and below . it is a double membrane ; its rise is rather deduced from the membranous quality of the soul , than from the meninges of the brain . it is joyned to the diaphragm , and to the first and third vertebra of the loins . it is thicker in women from the navel to the privy parts , and therefore stronger , terminating about the os pubis . in men it is thicker from the navel to the diaphragm , and after it hath received the spermatick vessels , as in a sheath , it sends them through the outer membrane to the testicles , where it constitutes their first coat . between the foldings of this peritonaeum , lie four vmbilical vessels . . the vmbilical vein . , . the two vmbilical arteries . . vrachus , coming from the navel , which is nothing else but an indurated knot of the aforesaid vessels . in infants these vessels are open , in old people altogether closed , and turned into ligaments : yet i could never by any means observe in abortives of six , seven or eight months , the vrachum pervious into the bladder ; for neither probe nor wind would pass . the umbilical vein goes to the liver , the vrachus to the bladder , both the umbilical arteries to the iliack branches of the great artery . the omentum or caul , keeping the stomach and intestines warm , is very fat and double ; yet it consists of very thin coats , which are perforated with many little holes . it takes its rise from the peritonaeum , under which it also lies , for the most part extending it self as far as the gut colon , and sometimes as far as to the os pubis . the stomach , the work-house of the chyle , is composed of three tunicles ; the outwardmost is common from the peritonaeum , the innermost from the dura meninx , the middlemost is proper to it self ; the first is the thickest , the middlemost fleshy , and the innermost wrinkled . it hath fibres of all sorts , inwardly crusted over with spungy flesh . it is situated in the middle of the hypogastrium resting upon the vertebra's of the loins ; its left orifice is called os , or stomachus ; its right orifice pylorus . the guts are joyned to the stomach , which convey the chyle , and expel the excrements ; they are almost of the same substance with the stomach , and are all divided very well into the thick and thin . the thin guts are , . the duodenum , in which the vesica fellea , with the ductus coledochus , and the new ductus pancreaticus are inserted . . jejunum , in which are more lacteal veins than in any of the rest . . ileon , which is the longest of all . the thick guts are , . coecum , with its worm-like appendix . . colon , with two outward ligaments , and one internal valve . . rectum , with the two muscles , ani levatores , and with one sphincter all these guts are joyned together by the help of the mesentery , and also to the vertebra's of the loins . the mesentery consists of a double strong membrane , with many glandules between each membrane , which are so very small , that they can scarce be perceived by the eye ; but commonly after a long sickness , three excepted , they shew themselves , and are greater than their natural constitution , long , white and hard . the greatest of them is seated in the midst of the mesentery , which being prest , yields milky juice , sometimes thicker , otherwhile thinner , which is nothing but chyle , as likewise do the other two , which for the most part are in the left side , under the emulgent vein , above the muscle psoas , not far from the vertebra's of the loins . as these glandules receive many lacteal veins , so each of them again produceth a branch , which forthwith being joyned together , make the thoracick lacteal vein , which ascending , as hath already been declared , carries the chyle to the heart . the pancreas or sweet-bread , lies under the stomach like a pillow , joyned to the gut duodenum , into the which the late invented passage , from the author , call'd ductus wyrsungianus , penetrates ; in this is often choler found , but never blood. the spleen , which perfects the blood , contains an acid humor , which it sends not to the stomach by the vasa brevia , but to the liver by the ramus splenicus . it consists of a rare substance , covered with a proper tunicle , not proceeding from the peritonaeum . it is of a darkish red colour . it joyns to the bottom of the stomach by the means of the short vessels , and to the bastard ribs , and left kidney , to the caul & peritonaeum , and to the fleshy part of the diaphragm , by the assistance of carnous fibres . there is no bowel abounds with so many arteries as the spleen , except the brain . the nerves , which it receives from our seventh pair , are distributed through its tunicle , rather than through its parenchyma . it is not placed in the fore , but back-part of the left side , near the left kedney , lying upon the bastard ribs and vertebra's , which is to be well observed . the liver , the instrument of blood , mother of the great veins , is situate in the right hypocondrium , and covers a great part of the stomach . it is divided ( as it were ) into two parts , by the umbilical vein , which after-birth serves it for a ligament . it is a great , thick and hard body , of a red colour . it is fastened to the diaphragm by two ligaments from the peritonaeum , and to the muscles of the abdomen by the umbilicial vein . some few arteries it receives from coeliaca , and serveral nerves from the spinal marrow , and from our seventh pair . in the right side of it , underneath , is inserted the vesicula fellis , or gall , with the porus biliarius ; the branches of both together with the branches of the vena porta , are comprehended in a certain common bladder , call'd by glisson , capsula ; these branches of the vesica fellis & ductus colydochus , or biliarius , being detained in the liver , are dispersed through its whole parenchyma , every where included in the above-named capsula , which is red , about the thickness of an artery , taking its original , as it appears , from the peritionaeum . the external branches being joyned , perforate the gut duodenum , taking two little arteries from the coeliaca , and veins from the vena porta , call'd gemelle , together with the bladder it self . the kidneys , which depurate the blood , consist of a peculiar hard flesh , invested with a proper tunicle , outwardly they are encompassed with fat , and with a large , loose coat from the peritonaeum . they lie upon the muscles of the loins ( yet the left is higher than the right ) within the folding of the peritonaeum . and above the kidneys are two hollowed glandules , called renaes succenturiati , or capsulae atribilariae ; these are furnished with branches from the emulgent veins and arteries , and with nerves from the par vagum . the kidney being opened , appear the nine carunculae pupillares , through which the serum distils into the pelvis , to be carried through the ureters into the bladder . the ureters or the urinary passage , whilst within the kidneys themselves , is very large , but when come from them , is very narrow ; it is furnished all along with two coats , the innermost is proper , the outer common from the peritonaeum . within the duplicature of the peritonaeum , it descends downward upon the muscles of the loins to the bladder , into whose neck it is inserted ; then it ascends upwards between the membranes , where it perforates the innermost coat ; and through the same hole , together with the ureter of the other side , enters the bladder , which is so very little , & so straightly closed , that there needs not here any valve to hinder the return back again of the urine . vesicae vrinaria , or bladder consists likewise of two membranes , the external is thick and fleshy , the innermost not . it is seated between the duplicature of the peritonaeum , in the cavity of the hypogastrium , which is commonly call'd pelvis . in women it is joined before by its neck to the vagina uteri . the neck of the bladder is very fleshy , and by the assistance of the fibra's , like a sphincter it opens and closeth the bladder ; in men it is longer , narrower , and more crooked ; in women , shorter , wider , and straighter . the vessels that bring blood to the bladder , are the branches of the hypogastrick vessels ; it receives many nerves from the seventh pare , and from the os sacrum . the spermatick vessels yet remain , which wonderfully vary according to the diversity of the sex. in men the spermatick veins and arteries first appear , of each side one , which serve for the bringing of the blood to the testicles for its preparation . the right spermatick vein comes from the descending trunk of the vena cava , the left from the left emulgent , and both the arteries from the great artery . these four vessels being very crooked , and covered by the ureters , pass to the testicles ; but before they come to them : near , and in the process of the peritonaeum , are united by several inosculations , and joining themselves with the nerves , make one body , which is call'd pampiniforme . the testicle , or stones themselves , the organs of seed , have each a muscle , call'd cremaster , they have two common tunicles ; and three proper . the common are , . that wrinkled purse which is call'd the scrotum , to wit , the skin which is thinner and softer than in other parts . . dartos , to wit , the carnosa membrana , which hath many vessels . the proper are , . elytroides , arising from the process of the peritonaeum . . erithroides , from the muscle cremaster . . albuginea , from the spermatick vessels . the substance of the testicles is white , soft , thin , something like to the glandules . upon them with a transverse situation lies the corpus vermiforme , which sensibly becoming narrower , constitutes the vas ejaculatorium , which is epididymis , or parastata . vas ejaculatorium , is white and hollow like to the ureters , which carries the seed about the neck of the bladder into the vesiculae seminales , where it is kept till a convenient time . proceeding a little further , before , you shall find two great glandules , in which , an oily liquor is contained , to mitigate the acrimony of the urine , these are called prostatae . at last comes the penis or yard , appointed for the evacuating of the seed and urine . it s substance is peculiar to it self , the like being not in the whole body . it hath no scarf-skin , and is destitute of fat , even in the most fat bodies . it is covered with a loose skin , which is double , and makes the praeputium , and covers the glans , to which it is tied by means of the froenum or bridle . under the skin and fleshy membrane , lie the vessels above described . near to these are the four muscles , which are the two erectores , and the two ejaculatores ; under the muscles , are two nervous bodies , which make the greatest part of the yard . by their fungousness , rendring it either stiff or flacid . in the lowest part of the penis appears , the vrethra , or passage for the urine , consisting of two coats , the innermost is very thin and sensible , the outermost thick and fleshy . in women , the spermatick parts in this , differ from mens , that they are shorter and less , and by a wreathing and winding approach the testicles ; likewise they communicate several branches to the uterine tubes , and to the womb it self . the softer stones are placed on the sides of the womb , qualified to elaborate the seed ; they are covered with only one coat , and that is proper . they have no parastats . the testicles inwardly are full of little bladders , which both contain the seed , and by means of the tubes conveigh it to the womb. these tubes joyn to the womb of each side , and to the testicles but only of one side . these have a cavity consisting of a double coat , which also contains some little bladders , in which many will have the seed to be further perfected . the womb , the receptacle both of the seed and child , is situate in the middle of the hypogastrium , call'd pelvis , between the straight gut and the bladder . it hath two strong and thick coats the first , which comes from the peritonaeum , the other is proper , and between both many fleshy fibres . it is conveniently divided into the fundus or botton , the orifice and the neck . the fundus , the globous part of the womb , hath four ligaments ; the two uppermost are broad and membranous . which are joyned to the os ilium , the two lowermost are red and round , and pervious to the clitoris , thence like a goose-foot , destitute altogether of their hollowness , they spread themselves upon the forepart of the thigh . the orisice of the womb , which at one time can very straightly close it self together , yet at another is very dilatable , hath in its lower part a tubercle or knotty substance , as also many little holes . the cervix or neck of the womb , appointed to receive the penis , is very much wrinkled within , and almost eight inches long . to the dissector comes first in view the meatus vrinarius , or the passage for the urine , which is short and straight , then in this cavity is the clitoris seated , which is something in softness or hardness resembling to a mans yard . to this joyns the hymen , perforated in the midst for the passage of the urine and courses , to which joyn four caruncles , call'd myrtiformes ; then follows the alae , nymphae or wings which defend it , and the hairy lips. chirurgical considerations . . the coats of the peritonaeum grow very thick in hydropick persons , nay in process of time they acquire a cartilaginous hardness , which is very necessary to be known ; in a paracenthesis or opening of the abdomen , there oftentimes suddenly follows a watry swelling in the cod. after a paracenthesis made by the formerly described instrument ; the reason of it and the passage are true , that the water by little and little sinks down above the process of the peritonaeum , in the space between the peritonaeum and the right muscles of the abdomen . . sometimes between the fouldings of the caul is wind detained , the cause of long continued pain , which brings along with it fear also of a future abscess . in this case , besides sudorificks , we use discussing oyls and plaisters . in the same folding is water also sometimes included , which promiseth no certain hope of cure. steatoma's and other abscesses are often generated in the caul , by reason of its great quantity of fat , and its many glandules , which are very difficultly cured . . the guts , which move themselves variously like to worms , sometimes they fall inwardly into one another , especially when afflicted with great pain ; in this case the excrements cannot pass to the fundament : this malady is call'd miserere mei , or the iliack passion ; ordinary means effecting nothing , a great cupping-glass without scarification , is often to be applied to the part affected , and taken off again ; but whether it is not better to divide the muscles of the abdomen and the peritonaeum , and draw out with the fingers the fallen-in gut , than to suffer the patient inevitably to die . . the mesentery , from it self , and also from the great number of the glandules is subject to inflammation , tumors , vlcers , and to corruption . these diseases , seeing they are very difficultly distinguished from others , require an experienced physitian ; we llkewise speak the same of the sweet-bread , and of the spleen : yet in the mean time , i will communicate to you this plaister , whose virtues i have often experienced in the cure of the tumor of the said parts . take gum caranna , ammoniacum , of each a dram ; quicksilver kill'd with turpentine , half an ounce : make it into a plaister . . the ligaments of the liver , which joyns it to the diaphragm , and to the sword-like cartilage , are often so much relaxt , that the liver descends to the region of the navel ; this we remedy with this plaister . take roots of bistort , three ounces ; bole-armenick , two drams ; cummin-seeds , a dram ; gum galbanum , an ounce ; ol. nucistae exprest , a dram : make it according to art into a plaister . moreover the liver is not freed from inflammations , vlcers , nay not from gangrene it self . . the gall may be broke from an extream cough ; a stone also , nay sometimes many , are generated in it . i was last year with a certain scot , who in the space of four weeks voided two hundred stones and more by stool , and was cured only by the use of the following purging conserve . take electuary of the juyce of roses , an ounce ; powder of jalop , a dram ; spirit of salt , a scruple : make it into a conserve . let him take each day or each other day the quantity of a nutmeg . . for wounds and vlcers of the kidneys , our chirurgery furnisheth you with sufficient medicines . the vreters are also subject to exulcerations , but are cured by the same means , which are proper in vlcers of the kidneys : if they are broke either by a great stone , or other cause , the disease is accounted incurable . . besides stones , worms also are generated in the bladder , which may be expelled by diureticks mixt with those things that kill worms . take aqua antinephritica , an ounce ; water of grass , two ounces ; spirit of salt , six drops ; corallin , a scruple ; syrup of wormwood , an ounce ; mix them . let the patient take one half in the morning , the other in the evening . this injection also is covenient , it bringing them forth in a short time . take holy-thistle-water , six ounces ; mirrhe , aloes dissolved in spirit of wine , of each a scruple ; honey of centaury , half an ounce : mix them . . the testicles may as well as the other parts be inflamed ; where , besides the general means , these outwardly are convenient : in the beginning let this cataplasm be applied . take powder of red-roses , myrtles , balaustians , of each two drams ; barley-meal , two ounces and an half ; oyl of roses , elder-vinegar , of each an ounce ; red wine , as much as is sufficient to make it into a poultice . in a vehement pain . take meal of linced , barley and fenugreek , of each an ounce ; leaves of henbane , a handful ; mallows , half a handful ; hogs-grease , an ounce ; oyl of poppy-seeds , an ounce and half ; milk , as much as sufficeth to make it into a cataplasm . if after the inflammation an ulcer follows , let the chirurgeon assist nature with suppuratives ; the following plaister is excellent to mollifie , ease pain , and to suppurate , which is also very good in any other tumor . emplastrum filii zachariae . take yellow-wax , oxes-marrow , hens and ducks-grease , of each a pound ; the mussilage of linseed , marshmallows , fenugreek , of each four ounces ; oyl of linseed , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . the matter being come to suppuration , must be discharged , which the chirurgeon may do with a launcet ; for i cannot commend to him here a potential cautery , from which i have observed very ill success : let the orifice be little , and penetrate only the tunicles , for in this case although the matter be good , nevertheless the disease is dangerous , and easily degenerates into a cancer or gangrene , which cannot be taken away more conveniently than with a knife , and must be done at the first appearance of it ; then let the chirurgeon endeavour to cure the ulcer as soon as possible , after the following manner ; let the part be defended from all cold , and continually corroborated by medicines , that the natural heat may be preserved in it : this lotion used warm , is good . take flowers of balaustians , red-roses , myrtles , of each two pugils ; aloes , a dram ; franckincense , two scruples ; plantane-water , three ounces ; red-wine , as much as sufficeth : boil them , and strain them . this being used , apply the following ointment , putting over it a plaister or cataplasm moderately discussing . take prepared tutty , ceruse washt , of each two drams ; red-lead , litharge of gold , of each a dram ; sarcocols , three drams ; burnt-lead , two drams ; vnguentum apostolorum , half an ounce ; oyl and wax , as much as sufficeth to make it into an ointment . . if the yard be wounded , for the most part it is mortal : this ointment is very excellent . take washt ceruse , three drams ; mirrhe , litharge , of each a dram and half ; sarcocols , prepared tutty , of each a dram ; tragaganth , two drams ; oyl of roses , as much as sufficeth to make it into an ointment . an inflammation of it is cured in the same manner as an inflammation of other sensible parts ; but if an external vlcer should happen , the cure must be performed both by internal and external medicines , lest it contracts a malignity , and degenerates into a sphacelus . take litharge , half an ounce ; burnt-lead , three drams ; prepared tutty , two drams ; aloes , a dram and half ; pine-bark dried , four scruples ; lapis haematitis , a dram ; seeds of dill burnt , of gourds burnt , of each two scruples ; oyl of roses , quicksilver , of each three drams ; wax , as much as sufficeth to make an ointment . but if it yields not to this by reason of its foulness , take verdigreece , half a dram ; water of plantane and roses , of each two ounces ; white-wine , four ounces ; spirit of wine , an ounce : mix them , and boil them a little . to this may be added , mercury precipitate , if there be occasion . a sphacelus in this case , hath no certainer cure than extirpation in part , or wholly , lest the mischief creep inwardly , and kills the patient . how the internal vlcers of the yard ought to be cured , we have set down in the chapter of particular vlcers : but in this we may describe this medicine , by the use of which a cancerous yard was cured . an vnguent of peter baierus . take the juice of the tops of bramble , stalks of roses , vinegar , of each two ounces ▪ franckincense , mastick , of each three drams ; litharge of gold , an ounce ; sack , four ounces ; juice of housleek , three ounces ; aqua vitae , four ounces : verdigreece , two ounces and half ; vitriol , burnt-alom , of each a dram and half ; camphire , a dram ; oyl of roses , four ounces : powder those things that are to be powdred , very fine , and being searched , let them boil all together upon a gentle fire , except the camphire , which is to be put in at the end , to the consumption of the juices , then add the wax , and make it into an ointment . . the spermatick vessels sometimes in women , are so greatly obstructed , that together with the testicles in the side of hypogastrium , they swell to the bigness of ones fist . . in the tubes of the womb , the womans seed is sometimes corrupted , from which arise grievous symptoms ; the courses being for some months obstructed , oftentimes there follows a dropsie ; the water here collected , we have observed in dead bodies that have been opened , to flow directly through the tubes into the duplicature of the peritonaeum . . the womb , from the preternatural afflux of blood , is often inflamed , especially in lying-in women , and in those whose courses flow disorderly , this inflammation oftentimes is changed into an abscess , if negligently handled ; whose cure belongs to the physitian : but a sphacelus is incurable . for what the ancients relate concerning the extirpation of the womb , to wit , that it may all be taken off without any great danger , is to be reckoned amongst their other errors ; but whether this animal in living creatures , this necessary part , joyning to so many other parts , and furnished with such abundance of arteries , may be cut out without danger of life ? the same thing i believe hath hapned to them in this case , as hath hapned in the describing and curing the falling down of the womb , who here and there have taken the extended tunicles of the vagina vteri for the womb it self ; for i easily grant these tunicles may without any great danger be taken away : but i truly esteem a sphacelus of the whole womb to cause certain death . . the neck of the womb is subject to haemorrhoids in the same manner as the straight gut is ; these flowing , may be distinguished from the courses by these following signs ; in the flowing of the courses , we can observe no branches of the vessels in the neck of the womb , they come out of the womb it self , and they cause no pain , except in the hypogastrium ; these vessels by which the evacuation is made , are the hypogastrick and spermatick arteries ; but the haemorrhoids are the branches of vena pudenda , they may be known both by the sight and feeling , and there is no pain but in the privy part it self : they ought to be treated in the same manner as the other haemorrhoids are ; to ease pain , this ointment is excellent . take mussilages of the seed of quinces , marshmallows , of each half an ounce ; saffron , oyl of roses , hens-grease , of each a dram ; the yolk of an egg ▪ make it into an ointment . this mixture is excellent . take litharge of gold , washt oeruse , burnt-lead , of each a scruple ; purslane-water , five ounces : mix them . let the haemorrhoids be washt with it , and let a linnen cloth dipt in it be applied to the part affected . the end of the fourth book of the third part. the fifth book . of the joynts . chap. i. of the hand . under the name of the hand , we comprehend also the arm , whose teguments , both proper and common , as also its vessels , are already sufficiently described . it is commonly divided into three parts . . the shoulder . . the cubit . . the hand , properly so call'd . the shoulder , or upper part of the arm , consists of one bone , and nine muscles . the muscles are , , . deltoides , and supra spinatus , which two raise it upward . , . aniscalptor , latissimus , and rotundus major , which two pull it downward . , . pectoralis & perforatus , or coracoidaeus , which two draw it forward . , , . infra-spinatus , rotundus minor , and immersus , or subscapularis ; which three move it backward . by these three last moving together , the arm is as it were turned about , and obliquely outwardly raised up . the bone is great and long , its head or upper extremity is invested with a cartilage , membranous ligament , and four tendons , and furnished with a particular cavity , in which the tendon of the muscle triceps lies . the lower extremity is like unto a pulley , which permits the cubit to be bent very much inwardly , but not to extend beyond the right line . the cubit consists of two bones , which are by proper muscles properly moved , which although out of order , we are forced to set down in this place . the lower bone , which is greater and longer than the other , is call'd vlnae ; in its upper extremity are two triangular processes observed , which are call'd rostra or glandes . the lower extremity ends with a round knob , to which is joyned a sharp process , which is call'd styloides . it is moved by four muscles , of which two are flexors . . biceps . . brachiaeus . two extensors . . longus . . brevis . the upper bone , which is less and shorter , is call'd radius , or the lesser focil , it is received in the upper part by the vlna , in the lower part it receives the vlna , in the middle they are a little distant from one another , which space is yet fill'd with a thin ligament . it is also moved by four muscles , whereof two are pronatores , or pullers down . . rotundus . . quadratus . the other two are supinatores , or raisers up . . longior . . brevior . some add to these two other muscles , but they are very seldom found , and diversly described . the hand is divided into three parts , the carpus , or wrist , the metacarpus , or the distance between the wrist and fingers ; and the fingers themselves . the carpus hath four muscles . two flexors , the cubitaeus , and the radiaeus internus . two extensors , the cubitaeus , and radiaeus externus . under these lie eight little bones , as yet without name , which are in the first years cartilaginous and soft , but afterwards become harder ; they are tied and joyned together with strong ligaments . the metacarpus hath two muscles , call'd palmares , longus & brevis . and four bones fastened to the carpus by the assistance of the cartilaginous ligaments . the fingers consist of fifteen bones , which as yet have no certain names given them , and fourteen muscles ; whereof , two are flexors , sublimis & profundus . two extensors . four adductors , lumbricales . six abductors , or interossei . three are external , and as many internal . besides these , the thumb and little finger have a particular flexor and extensor . these are besides to be considered in the hand , . the armilla membranosa , which is a round ligament , comprehending the many tendons of the hand , as it was in a circle , easily divisible into many others . . vagina membranosa , which hold in the tendons contained in the hand . . fissura oblonga , framed in each tendon , for the passage of the tendons of the muscles moving the third joynt ; this serves in nature of a pully . . ossa sesamoidea . chirurgical considerations . . the shoulder oftentimes is broken or put out of joynt , but is oftner afflicted with a cathar and gout . in a cold gout , i never found any thing more efficacious than the stiptick plaister of crollius , mixt with oyl of bricks or philosophers ; as also the following plaister . take naval-pitch , colophony , of each three ounces ; mussilages , of marshmallow-roots , two ounces and an half ; ammoniacum , galbanum , mastick , mirrhe , frankincense , of each an ounce and half ; propoleos , misletoe of the oak , round birthwort , burnt brass , yellow-wax , turpentine , of each three ounces ; oyl of earth , two ounces ; make it into a plaister according to art. in a hot cathar , or the like gout , i have always found this fomentation of singular use . take vitriol , white and green , of each half an ounce ; prepared nitre , six drams ; crude alom , one dram ; mirrhe , two drams : opium , a dram ; white-wine , half a pint ; rectified spirit of wine ten drams : elder-vinegar , three ounces : mix them for a fomentation . under the arm-pits , veneral buboes appear as well as in the groins . . often tough phlegm seizeth upon the joynt of the shoulder and elbow , from whence comes a stiffness . i have learnt by experience to esteem much in this case of balsom of peru , as also of the following ointment . take fox-grease , and rams-grease , fresh-butter , of each two ounces ; oyl of earth-worms , an ounce ; rectified spirit of wine , four ounces ; boil them to the consumption of the spirit of wine , then add oyl of rosemary , of amber , of each three drams ; of tiles , or of the philosophers , two drams : mix them , and make it into an ointment . one or more of the little bones of the carpus oftentimes are dislocated , which , if not presently reduced , becomes an incurable evil . a ganglion is here very frequent , besides the cathar and gout , whose cure we have but just now taught . . in the metacarpus and fingers , both above and below meet many tendons , which are easily injured in wounds and ulcers , which is carefully to be observed , lest a palsie follow : in which no other medicines are needful , than what we have already in the foregoing declared : but these are chiefly to be considered of ; . that the bandage is not to be bound too hard . . you must not put in the probe too deep , nor too often . . the hand and fingers are to be placed upright , not depending . . these parts are easily affected with a sphacelus , which these signs certainly denounce : when there is no matter in due time ; the lips in the beginning are dry , or yield a little thin moisture ; the heat , pulsation , and redness is greater here , than in the fleshy parts ; afterwards the lips are turned in , and become livid , and at length black . in this case , all those medicines are to be applied that may put a stop to the gangrene , and as formerly we have set down . chap. ii. of the foot. the foot is also divided into three parts , to wit , into the thigh leg , and lower foot. the thigh hath but one bone , to whose motion serves fourteen muscles . two flexors , psoas and illiacus . three extensors , glutaeus major , medius and minimus . three adductors , triceps . six abductors , quadragemini & obturatoris duo . the abductors and adductores working together , rowl about the thigh . the thigh-bone is the greatest of all the bones of the body , outwardly it buncheth forth , and is a little bended inwardly , and so descends internally oblique to the knee . it hath three processes , easily separable in infants . the leg consists of two bones ; the greater of which , is in the inside , and is called tibia , or the greater focile ; the lesser , which is in the outside , is call'd fibula , or the lesser focile ; both very much resembling the bones of the cubit ; they are a little distant one from the other , but are tied together by a ligament . it is moved by eleven muscles , which are , four extensors , rectus , crureus , vasti duo . four flexors , biceps , semimembranosus , seminervosus , gracilis . two adductors , longus and poplitous . one abductor , fascialis . between the thigh and leg lies the patella or knee-pan , in infants cartilaginous , in old people , hard and strong , placed on the outside of the joynt . the foot is divided into three parts , the tarsus , metatarsus , and toes . the tarsus is moved by six muscles , viz. two flevors , tibiaeus anticus & peronaeus . four extensors , biceps , two gemelli , and sole●s , to which many add a fifth , tibeaeus posticus . three of these extensors from one very strong tendon , which is called cordia hipocra●●●a . it is made up of seven bones , which are , . talus , or astragalus . . calx , or os calcis , . os naviculare , or cimbiforme . . os tesserae , or cuboides . , , . ossa tria cuneiformia , or shpaenoidea . the metatarsus consists of five bones . the toes have fourteen bones ; for the great toe hath but two joynts . the matacarpus hath no muscles , except plantaris , which is not unlike palmaris . the muscles of the toes are seventeen , to wit , two flexors . one extensor of the four toes , for which use 't is furnished with a fourfold tendon . four adductors or lumbricales . ten abductors , or interossei . to the great toe are peculiar , one flexor . one extensor . two adductors . one abductor . here also , as in the hand , are observed the ossa sessamoidea , which are always placed between the full grown joynts , partly that they may corroborate the joynts , partly that they may defend the tender joynts ; in old people they are alwayes numbred from ten to twenty , never in children . chirurgical considerations . the foot in its natural constitution , as also in its diseases , hath many things agreeing with the hand , therefore it would be superfluous to repeat them over again . . considerable here is the sciatick pain , caused from a sharp humor gathered in the joynt , where the thigh-bone joyns with the os ischium ; when the ligament tying these bones together , is from such an humor relaxed , the bone recedes from the natural places , and brings upon that part a lameness : if the bone or cartilage be corroded , and the vessels comprest , there follows an atrophy of the legs , and sometimes of the whole body . . tumors in the knee , are very dangerous and hard of cure , by reason of the firmness of muscles , the great number of ligaments , tendons , and bones , and the cold and dry nature of the parts , not being of force sufficient to dissipate the moisture ; therefore 't is most necessary to assist it with warm medicines as soon as possible ; and if any signs of suppuration appear , forthwith let it be opened , lest otherwise the patient becomes lame , the part wastes , and at last happens death it self . upon the opening of the abscess , for the most part there follows a gleet of some humor , which renders the cure very difficult : for this i commend the often praised restorative powder . . a great tendon is inserted in the calcaneus , or bone of the heel , which being wounded , or much contused , brings convulsions , and death it self . about this place comes kibes , whose cause is intense cold or heat with driness : here first are observed fissures in the skin , then follows an ulceration : all fat things and plaisters profit here , especially the following . take powder of galls , of round birthwort , of each half a dram , red lead , a dram ; mercury sublimate , six grains ; litharge , mirrhe , of each a dram and half ; camphire , a scruple ; franckincense , two drams ; green wax , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . in the room of green wax , you may take the fat of deer , or of rams . . the fingers or toes being frozen , must be rubb'd with snow , or with a bruised frozen turnep ; then this following plaister is much commended . take hogs-grease ; fresh oyl of olives , of each an ounce ; white wax , two ounces : boil them a little , and make a plaister . . issues are often made in the joynts ; we have formerly declared the place : in the arms , between the muscle deltois and biceps ; in the thigh two fingers breadth above the knee in the inside ; in the leg , the uppermost , two fingers breadth below the knee ; the lowermost , two fingers or three above the ankle . that you may make these issues without pain , instead of a conclusion , take this caustick , which works without pain ; which is also very much to be commended in sordid and cancerous ulcers , and in excrescencies . take crude brimstone , white arsnick , crude antimony , of each two ounces ; the brimstone being melted by a gentle fire , and stirred about with a spatula , add the arsnick and antimony powdred , and mix them whilst they are incorporated with the brimstone , and look red . afterwards , take of this mixture , an ounce ; caput mortuum , of vitriol , half an ounce : mix them , and make a powder ; let it be washt six times in spirit of wine , and dried for your use . a treatise of the plague . the plague is a disease whose nature is not to be comprehended by us ; the cause thereof seems to proceed from a spirituous and infectious vapour , which is powerful enough to make a sudden dissolution of the consistence of the blood , by which means the heart is deprived both of strength and life . i do assert that the nature of it is not to be comprehended by us , as well because it is a punishment inflicted on us by the immediate hand of almighty god , who vouchsafes not that his incomprehensible wisdom and essence ( which is sometimes faintly described to us ) should be narrowly pryed into by his creatures ; as also that it is in it self so mutable , that if we should seriously recollect our selves , and recount the several pestilences wherewith all former ages have been visited ; we shall not thereby be able to instance in two of that whole number which have agreed with each other in all circumstances : from whence we may easily infer , that in the cure of this disease , an experienced physician may much more safely follow the dictates of his own reason , than adhire strictly to the method & prescriptions of others . for although it doth sometimes by the more remarkable symptoms sufficiently evidence it self , yet we cannot likely discover its nature and essence , although we should the most industriously attempt it . but that we may cautiously enquire into it , we must know that it is sometimes not accompanied by any fever : and it is necessary that what physician soever is ignorant of this should either by perusing good authors , or his own experience , acquaint himself throughly with it . i have been sent for to several patients my self , who although they appeared otherwise in good health , not refusing their meat , nor disturb'd in their sleep , have nevertheless had buboes arising in their groin , on their neck , under their arm-pits , or behind their ears , which have apparently discovered a greater malignity than could be discerned in those buboes , which in other persons have been attended by a violent fever : and many hereupon who have been incredulous , and lightly regarded the cautions which i have given them upon this account , have with great danger to themselves experimented , that as soon as those buboes have sunk down , the pestilential symptoms which have appear'd , have been very dreadful , and much more dangerous than in those that have carefully used the means prescribed to them , who have been also much more easily and speedily cured than the other . sometimes the plague is accompanied with a fever ; and again , there are some pestilent fevers without the plague . to distinguish this fever from the plague , i used to observe , that they that are seized with it , complain of pain in their head and stomach , which sometimes is dispersed over the whole body ; sometimes it confines it self to the arm-pits ; the neck , the parts behind the ears , or to the groin . to outward appearance , there is not the least swelling . if the patient by such means as is requisite be provoked to sweat at the beginning of the disease , the pain utterly ceaseth , and in a few dayes he will be perfectly restored to his health , the disease not having at all discovered it self ▪ by any outward symptoms . why such a fever should be accounted a species of the plague , i see no reason ; but there is no one but will confess it to have seized on that body on which buboes , carbuncles , and spots do outwardly appear . the cause of the plague is either internal or external ; but unto which soever we impute it , it is necessary to conclude , that there is in it a power of dissolving the natural consistence of the blood , and depriving the whole body of its strength . as to the inward cause , which is meat and drink , it is evident to all , that it cannot produce in any body whatsoever so great & sudden a change ; but it is most certain , that by a long & continued course of bad diet , the blood may by degrees be after such a manner dissolved , weakned , and corrupted , that some part of it assuming to it self a malignant quality ; a man may be surprized by a sudden disease , & sometimes be deprived of life it self ; which hath been observed in sick persons at several times , when there hath been no contagion in the place , nor any suspected , who have been troubled with perfect buboes , and other symptoms of the plague , much more intolerable than others have been at any time when the air hath been infected . as to the outward causes , every one confesseth that there are such ; but their nature is known but to few : the chymists , who are able by the force of fire distinctly to separate the parts of simple drugs , endeavour to find the original of the contagion in a volatile salt , which suddenly dissolves the fixed salt of the blood ; which hath indeed some appearance of truth , though it will not be relished by all men . if you enquire into the cause hereof from others , their answer will be various , but most of them very idle and impertinent . it hath by some been thought probable that a plague might proceed from the heavens ; they affirming that the stars do actuate the subluminary bodies , both by the influence of their light , and by several other qualities inherent in , and peculiar unto them . but the conjectors raised from hence , are very uncertain , and the foundation of them unsecure . we are not ignorant of the fopperies of astrology , and of the vanity of those predictions , which have no other foundation than the several courses , the conjunction and opposition of the stars ; which are all so frivolous , that we cannot think it worth our labour to refute them . we acknowledge that the air may be several ways corrupted ; from whence the vapors which have been received from the earth , are sent down again amongst us , which like fire may inkindle our blood , corrupt waters , carcasses either not at all buried , or else shallowly interred ; the south-wind , which may be supposed to promote the putrefaction ; men already infected , & successively imparting the contagion to the sound , & by that means spreading the venom through the bodies of men , & the air itself . this pestilential infection may likewise for a long time lie couched and concealed in straw or stubble , amongst garments , hangings , and the furniture of beds ; which we have sometimes observed strangely to impart their malignity to those that have handled them , or approached unto them . but all these things only inform us of the means by which this pestilential poyson is conveyed unto us ; but no one hath as yet declared what it is , and wherein its nature doth properly consist . the symptoms of it are these . the sick persons are seized with a shivering all over their body , which is presently followed with an inward heat , which is oft-times very intense , yet without any great thirst ; somtimes the thirst is excessive , & the fever moderate . but whether the heat of the fever be great or small , it is most commonly accompanied with a dryness of the tongue , & an urine of the same constitution which you might expect from a man in perfect health : they are taken sometimes with a great drowsiness , sometimes with a dilirium , or with an excessive pain in the head ; & in this case , the white of the eyes appeareth of a saffron-colour , & they are more wakeful than is consistent with their ease & quiet : great pain at the heart , the pulse seems small , if not at first when you touch it lightly ( for then it oftentimes appears to beat high ) yet at least when you press it closely with your fingers . the strength fails in the beginning of the disease , & decreaseth much more visibly than in the most burning fever , which hath no malignity attending it . some are taken with a diarrhaea , which can by no means be stopt : others bleed much at the nose , the eyes , the ears , or mouth ; some at the yard or womb. some are troubled with a continual vomiting , others with a nauseousness . on some bodies there appear red or purple spots ; & on others buboes behind their ears , on their neck , under their chin , in the groin , and under the arm-pits : in some there break forth red wheals or pushes ; in others white bladders , or carbuncles . and wheresoever these bladders , buboes , carbuncles , &c. do appear , they are a most certain sign of the plague , although the bigness of them may be inconsiderable ; especially if they either accompany , or are consequents of a fever . as to the prognosticks , we must consider , that the plague is a very treacherous disease , and whilst it flatters us most , it intends us the greatest mischief . a bubo is less dangerous than a carbuncle , and a carbuncle than the spots , which very seldom portend less than present death wheresoever they are display'd . a bubo behind the ears , on the neck , or under the arm-pits , is more dangerous than that in the groin . carbuncles on the hands and feet , may by some be thought less pernicious , because they are more remote from the heart ; but since they happen amongst many nerves and tendons , they are more to be feared than those which appear in other parts of the body which are better covered with flesh . a carbuncle arising after a bubo , is a sign of death . if a bubo or carbuncle appear before the fever , there is less danger than if they follow it at a distance , and arise slowly . a blew circle encompassing the bubo the second day after its appearance , is a sign of death . if a bubo suddenly disappears , the state of the patient is dangerous , unless nature dispatcheth the malignant humour to some other part. thus we have often observed , that upon the retreat of that morbifick matter which hath caused a bubo in the groin , there hath appeared a gangrene in the foot , and on the same side which was before affected , and many have by that means escaped . if a cupping-glass applied to the patient , raiseth no blister , we may reasonably conclude his condition to be desperate . it is an infallible sign of death , if after cauterization , or the application of a cupping-glass , the carbuncle abates not in or hours , as likewise if there is no moisture proceeding from it ; but if a bladder appears , or any separation of the matter be made ( which is so much the better , by how much it is the greater ) with a sufficient purulency , the patient is then past danger . a carbuncle which seems to have a little tail , or push at the end of it , is very dangerous , as are likewise those which look white ; which , unless the fever doth very much abate , are certain forerunners of death . if the patient that hath a bubo in his neck , or behind his ears , be troubled with a pain in his throat , and a difficulty in swallowing , and no considerable inflammation appear , we have always found it a certain rule , that in this case he outlives not or hours . sleep more sound than ordinary , diliriums , waking often in the night , inflammation of the eyes , pain at the heart , a trembling and convulsion of the joynts , are all very dangerous symptoms , but do not always portend death . a great fever without a pain at the heart , is not so dangerous as a lesser , which is accompanied with that symptom . the greatness of the danger may sometimes be judged from the great dryness of the tongue . if by the administration of sudorificks , sweat is not provoked , the patient usually miscarrieth . a flux of blood was heretofore held dangerous in all plagues ; but in our age , all that can either bleed at the nose , or have their menstrua's , come off safe : we have no president of any that have pissed blood ; but a dissentery is the sign of an approaching death . it is very certain , although it but seldom happens , that incurable carbuncles do break out about the eyes , nose & stomach , & even amidst the entrails themselves . if they seize on the bladder , they become mortal to the patient , and put him to excessive pain . i can instance only in one , who after he had for hours or more been troubled with the spots , at length , after exceeding great pain , accompanied with a delirium , he voided first , blood and after that , a purulent matter through his yard , by which means he was restored to his health ; i conjectured that there was a carbuncle in the case , which seized not on the membranous part of the bladder , but on the neck thereof . as to the cure ; blood-letting is very prejudicial to those that already have the plague , and dangerous to such that would prevent it . the poison oftentimes lies hid within the b●dy for some dayes , weeks , or months , before ●● discovers it self by seizing on the conveyances of the blood. wherefore i would advise you seriously to consider , if by opening a vein , you invite it immediately to the heart , whether the diminution of blood , spirits and strength , which is effected by this means , be not the cause why the heart is suffocated and deprived of that vigour which it should make use of to repulse the enemy . i confess some experienced physitians of good credit , have reported , that in hot countries there is no better means for restoring a patient visited with the plague , unto his health , than that of opening a vein , provided it be done cautiously , and at the beginning of the disease ; but whosoever have attempted it in colder climates , have quickly learnt by experience , that it ought to be forborn . purging , which is oftentimes very necessary in other gentle diseases , is excluded by the malignity of this . but every one is not quick-sighted enough to discern when it is requisite to be done , and when to be forborn : moreover , it is evident , that in a malignant disease , the physick which is administred to a patient , ought to be more mild and gentle than at other times ; for besides that the body cannot then bear strong purgations , a dysentery is oftentimes the consequence of them . i have when i have been fully perswaded that there was no malignity in the disease ▪ oftentimes used this , or some such like potion with good success , viz. take rhubarb , a dram and half ; senna , two drams ; cream of tartar , a dram ; scorzonera-roots , half an ounce ; aniseeds , half a dram ; boil them in holy-thistle-water , and to three ounces of the strained liquor , and syrup of succory , with rhubarb , six drams ; spirit of salt , a little ; confection of alkermes , a scrupel : make it into a potion . i never adventured to prescribe any thing purgative to such as have been taken with the plague , before the fourteenth day , at which time the fever and the other symptoms of the disease would be abated . there are some who have attempted it while the carbuncles remain purulent , and before the bubo is perfectly cured . but i dare not advise any one to follow that method , whatsoever remedies they administer at the same time , which may be intended specifically against the plague . but if it happen that the patient for several days be very costive , and troubled with a pain at his heart , and hopes to be relieved by purgation , it is to be considered , that the venom of the disease , and not the costiveness is the cause of the pain at the heart ; it is therefore most requisite to make use of sudorificks , to corroborate the heart , and not to concern your self for the costiveness of the body : but if you desire to open it a little , it is better to make use of a suppository than a glyster , which is not altogether so safe , but hath been prejudicial to many on this occasion : and to others it hath done but little good , and not at all opposed the malignity of the disease : but to such as will not take this advise , which hath been very confirmed by experience and several good reasons , and will still persist to make use of glysters , it is fit however that they forbear to prescribe scammony as an ingredient , especially to women in the time of their flowers . juleps are in this case very necessary ; but all persons may not make use of them , nor any at all times . i am never wont to prescribe them without joyning with them some sudorificks ( which will appear hereafter ) and this i take to be the safest course ; for if the sick person should make use of such things only as refrigerate while he sweats freely , the sweat would oftentimes strike inward , and the venom would be conveyed to the heart , from whence would follow sudden death . there is no means more requisite than that of diaphoreticks and cordials , especially those that are acid , which produce such effects as are certain , and therefore the more laudable ; for they rectifie the mass of blood , and free it from the venom which infects it . they dissolve the pituitous matter which is lodged in the stomach and the entrails , and correct the choler , which in this disease is the cause of much mischief . nevertheless the several disguises of this disease , and the vanity of the symptoms which attend it , do require that they should be often changed ; since when the disease is more gentle , those things are not to be used , which would do good service in an accute one . medicaments against the plague . roots of zedoary , butter-bur , angelica , ditamny , galangal , vipers-grass , gentian , master-wort , lovage , burnet , orrise florentine , and ours , china , sarsaparilla . leaves of rue , scordium , sage , holy-thistle , swallow-wort , wormwood , southern-wood , centuary the lesser , valerian , sorrel , fluellin , balm , marjoram , rosemary , thyme , mint . flowers of borage , bugloss , violets , roses , marrigolds ; st. john worts , rosemary , indian-spikenard , jesamy . seeds of citrons , oranges , rue , st. johns wort anise , coriander , lovage . fruits , citrons , oranges , walnuts , figs , sharp cherries , pippins , ribes , sowre pomegranates , barberries . spices , musk , ambergreece , civet , benjamin , storax calamita , cinamon , mace , nutmegs , cardamums , camphire . animals or their parts ; flesh of vipers , mummy , serpents , quails , thrushes , harts-horn , unicorns-horn , bezoar , stone of an indian hog , ivory , castor . precious stones and earths , the jacinth , granate , emerald , ruby , carbuncle , pearls , coral , bolearmenick , earth of lemnos , and seal'd , gold , silver . salts , common , brought lately from the river nile , which moveth sweat most powerfully ; of scordium , of wormwood , rue , self-heal ; holy-thistle , vitriolated tartar , bezoarticum minerale . threacle of andromacus's , diatesseron , mithridate of damocratis , diascordium of fracastorius , confection of alkermes , of hyacinth . species liberantis . electuaries , of the egg , rob. of currans , of barberies . conserves of balm , mint , rosemary-flowers , borage , bugloss , marigold-flowers . troches , of the juice of barberries , of citrons . out of all which , you may make choice of such as you judge most fit for the purpose . the writings of authors , who have treated of this disease , will give you an account of other compounds , out of which you may chuse such as please you best . i shall here propound such only as i have found to be most efficacious , and which i shall constantly make use of , till by experience i shall discover some others , whose nature is more excellent ; and that the use of them may the more plainly appear , i shall premise some medicaments that some years since were prescribed by my self , and those learned men , dr. francis sylvius , and dr. francis vanderschagen , wherewith we thought it necessary to oppose that pernicious enemy with which we were to contend . our prophylactick water . take roots of angelica , zedoary , of each an ounce ; roots of butter-bur , two ounces ; leaves of rhue , four ounces ; leaves of balm , scabious , marrigold-flowers , of each two ounces ; unripe walnuts sliced , two pound ; fresh citrons sliced , a pound : let them be all bruised together , then poure upon them six quarts of the best wine-vinegar distilled by it self in a glass - cucurbit in sand. let them digest a night , then distil them with a gentle fire of embers to driness , but without burning , and preserve this vinegar for your use . if you desire an extract or salt , poure some of the distilled liquor upon the caput mortuum , or to the remander , and let it digest for three days , till it hath drawn out a tincture , with filtre , and distil the filtred liquor in balneum mariae , to the consistence of an extract : after the extract , calcine the caput mortuum , and draw forth the salt. our prophylactick conserve . take fresh citrons , two pounds , the juice hard prest out , the outward coats separated from the inward pulp , and bruised very small ; adding conserve of white-roses , half a pound ; of red-roses , of borage-flowers , of each half a pound ; preserved orange-peels , four ounces : make it into a conserve . our alexipharmick powder . take roots of contrayervae , half an ounce ; pestilent-wort , tormentil , elicampane , of each drams ; sealed earth , bole-armenick , of each three drams ; shavings of harts-horn , ivory , of each a dram ; red coral prepared , four scruples ; biting cinamon , two drams ; diaphoretick antimony , half an ounce : make it into a powder . i have made use of these three foregoing medicines with very great success , as have also those famous physicians before-mentioned , when they have applied them to several that have been visited with the plague . when i have given them for a preservative against the plague , i seldom mixed any other with them ; but for the cure of it , i never made use of them single , but have always given them with these , or some such like , viz. take diascordium of fracastorine , four scruples ; salt prunella , a scruple ; salt of wormwood , half a scruple ; our prophylactick water , holy-thistle-water , syrup of barberries , of each an ounce : mix them for a draught . or , take our alexipharmick powder , a scruple ; vitriolated tartar , eight grains ; salt of coral , grains ; confection of alkermes , half a dram ; our prophylactick water , an ounce and half ; rue-water , as much as sufficeth , syrup of holy-thistle , an ounce : mix it for a draught . or , take antimony diaphoretick , a scruple ; salt of scordium , of rue , of each half a scruple ; our prophylactick water , an ounce ; fumitory-water , as much as is sufficient ; julep of roses , an ounce : mix it for a draught . take confection of hyacynth , diascordium , threacle , of each two scruples ; our prophylactick extract , fifteen grains ; spirit of salt , half a scruple : mix it into a bole. take our prophylactick conserve , a dram and half ; prepared crabs-eyes , a scruple ; our prophylactick-water , half an ounce ; syrup of limons , an ounce ; elder-vinegar , half an ounce : mix it for a draught . take bezoartick minera , fifteen grains ; sal prunella , a scruple ; lozenges of sugar pearl'd , half a dram : make it into a powder . let the sick person take some of these medicaments for the provoking of sweat plentifully ; to which purpose , let him take mutton or chicken-broth an hour or two after he hath taken his medicament ; let the sweat be gently wiped off with a warm cloth , and another applied to his breast : for we have found it not safe to change the shifts , and other linnen about the patient , unless they are too much moistened by sweat. we may safely administer these , or the like sudorificks twice in a day to the patient , or thrice in hours , and that very much to his benefit . there are some , who every six hours have very advantagiously made use of a new sudorifick . nor are you easily to be persuaded to cease from the use of these means , although the patient should tell you that he is well in health , lest you find the treacherous disease of a sudden to surprize you both again . for young children ( who do usually abhor the taking of physick ) i have found nothing better than the following powder , given them in their ordinary drink two or three times , in the space of hours ; the sugar may be omitted , if the patient digusts sweet things . take diaphoretick antimony , grains ; lozenges of sugar pearl'd , a scruple and half : make it into a powder . or , take crabs-eyes prepared , shavings of ivory , bezoartick mineral , of each six grains : make it into a powder . we will treat of juleps when we come to discourse of the cure of the plague . the symptomes of the plague . they are many , and very various , but most of them are accompanied with some others ; which when the former are cured , the latter are very easily removed . we therefore think it very needless to give an account of them all in this place , it will be sufficient to instance in the chief of them , amongst which , we in the first place encounter with . a fever : of such a nature , that it admits not of any purging , or letting of blood , which the experience of several hath sufficiently confirmed . the sudorificks before prescribed are no less useful for this sympton , than for the plague it self ; but the fever and great driness of the tongue , requiring such things as refrigerate , they are not to be administred , except they are mixed with sudorificks , as we have shewn before . take water of borage , sorrel , of each two ounces ; our prophylactick water ▪ an ounce and an half ; juice of sowre oranges fresh citrons , of each two drams ; julep of roses , as much as will make it conveniently sweet ; oriental bezoar , fifteen grains : mix them . let the patient often take the quantity of a spoonful hereof at once , whereby his thirst will be much better allayed , than if he should drink ten times the quantity of beer , and that without any check or hinderance to the sweat. or , take holy-thistle-water , a pint ; our prophylactick water , two ounces ; syrup of sour pomgranates , two ounces and an half : mix them . or , take scorzonera-roots , butter-bur-roots , of each an ounce ; sorrel-leaves , two handfuls : boil them in barley-water , & to a pint of the liquor , add syrup of violets , two ounces ; sal prunella , two scruples ; or spirit of salt , as much as is sufficient : mix them . for the rich , such like juleps as these may be prepared , which are both pleasant to the palate , and very cordial . take borage-water , three ounces ; holy-thistle-water , a pint ; rose-water , an ounce ; lozenges of sugar pearl'd , an ounce ; amber-greece , two grains ; musk , a grain ; juice of citrons , as much as sufficeth : mingle them . wesop-ale , or some such like , which is well boyl'd , may here be very useful , especially if some nutmeg scrap'd , or a piece of calcin'd harts-horn be tied up & steeped in it . nor need we fear any mischief from exceeding either in the quantity or the frequent repeating of it ; but we must take heed that it be not given cold , lest gripings , flux , and a pain at the heart , & such like maladies should be caused thereby . to such who have weak stomachs , & a pain at their heart , i do use to give the liberty , when their fever abates , to drink mosel , or rhenish-wine with sugar , & the juice of limons , provided that they take it in a moderate quantity : but i believe they do err very much , who prescribe to their patients , whilst the fever continues still very high , some sort of french wine , either alone by it self , or mixt with their sudorificks . that oriental stone , call'd lapis porcinus , or pedro porco , is of very great use , if it be steeped for a while in your ordinary drink ; for it strongly provokes sweat , and very much refresheth the heart . this stone , if i mistake not , is generated in the gall of an hog , for it is exceeding bitter ; and though it be very hard , yet every time it is infused , it abates somewhat of its quantity , which is discoverable by the tincture which it imparts to the liquor . nor is the gall of a man sometimes void of such stones , which are like unto those taken out of an hog , in savour , hardness and colour ; and we might find them too perhaps in their efficacy likewise , if we thought fit to make trial of them . this fever is often accompanied with drowsiness , which forbids the use of the principal sudorificks , such as treacle , mithridate , diascordium , &c. because there is opium in their composition , which makes them not so effectual for the preventing of sleep . it is more requisite to use this following , which is agreeable for dispelling the vapours which infect the head , and the heat about the heart . take salt of rue , of scordium , prunella , of each half a scruple ; vitriolated tartar , grains ; our prophylactick water , an ounce ; balm-water , as much as sufficeth ; syrup of betony , an ounce : mix them for a draught . let sweat be thereby provoked , and let it be the care of the attendants , that after the first or second day , the patient may be kept from sleep , if it be found that he hath strength to bear it . there is sometimes joyn'd with the fever , continual watchings , and a great pain of the head. i do not use to be much concerned for the watchings , although it should continue for the first three days without intermission , for it often falls out , that by the use of sudorificks only , the pain is the first day abated , on the d becomes tolerable , and on the third is quite taken away . opium hath in it the virtue of causing sweat , and is a great ingredient in treacle , diascordium , and mithridate , which without it , would not in my judgment have that sudorifick quality , for which they are now noted . it is also reckoned by several authors amongst those medicines which are famous for dispelling of poison , whose use is very requisite in all malignant fevers ; nor do i believe that there can any other medicine be named which gives so present relief to the patient as opium ; concerning the operation whereof , they are able to give a better account , who have been frequent and curious in the use of it . i have sometimes in this case ( though contrary to custom ) given it sparingly , when i have found the sick person not to sleep in the first , second or third days : but when he hath waked for six or seven days together , and found a great decay of strength , this following prescription , taken every quarter of an hour by a spoonful , till sleep hath seized on him , hath afforded great relief , and the sleep produced thereby , hath been undisturbed , and of long continuance . take our prophylactick-water , an ounce & half ; borage-water , an ounce ; cinamon-water , three drams ; confection of hyacinth , a dram ; lozenges of sugar pearl'd , three drams ; laudanum opiat , two grains : mix them . you may safely make use of opium , after the manner before mentioned ; but in gachectick & infirm bodies , whosoever gives it too boldly , or is fearful of prescribing it at all , discovers that he understands not its virtue and efficacy . before i come to the use of opiat laudanum , i endeavour to ease the pain of the head by these following , viz. by applying ground-ivy bruised to the nape of the neck , and to the soles of the feet , and palms of the hands ; this , or some such like composition . take leaves of rue , a handful and half ; sowre leaven , two ounces ; pigeons dung , an ounce ; common salt , half an ounce ; elder-vinegar , as much as sufficeth to make it into a poultice , to be applied to the soles of the feet , and palms of the hands . or , take bolearmenick , seal'd earth , common white chalk , of each half an ounce ; vinegar of marigolds , as much as sufficeth : apply it as before . to the forehead i have often applied the powder of cloves , moistened with the spirit of wine ; for i take vinegar to be hurtful , as are also all emulsions . vomiting and the hiccough is another symptom of the plague . it hath been observed by several who have been so curious as to open bodies which have died of the plague , that carbuncles have often appear'd in the stomach , and amongst the entrails , whose testimony is not to be rejected , since it is so agreeable both to reason and experience . these ( if they are not the cause of the vomiting and hiccough , may be easily removed by a spoonful of this following preparation , taken cold every quarter of an hour . take mint-water , our prophylactick-water , of each an ounce and half ; cinamon-water , half an ounce ; confection of hyacinth , a dram ; salt of coral , a scruple ; syrup of myrtles , half an ounce ; rose-julep , half an ounce : mix them . by the use hereof , the vomiting is usually stay'd , especially if the stomach be sometimes anointed with this following oyl . take oyl of nutmegs by expression , a dram and half ; oyl of distill'd mace , half a dram ; oyl of wormwood , a dram : mix them . in the mean while , let the sick person forbear to drink too plentifully , and as soon as the vomit is stayed , let him make use of some good sudorifick . another symptom of the plague is a great flux which is usually a sign that death approacheth ; but when the sick person hath not voided meer blood , nor any thing of a bloody substance , i have sometimes found these following prescriptions to be successful . let him abstain from all things that are either acid or salt ; which except in this case , are of great use in the plague ; and likewise from drinking much : but if his thirst be so exceeding great , that he cannot bear it , let him take one , two or three spoonfuls of this following mixture . take tormentil-roots , an ounce ; red roses , a handful ; shaving of harts-horn a dram ; seeds of sorrel and mirtle , of each a dram : boil them in smiths water , and to nine ounces of the liquor , add of the confection of hyacinth , a dram ; syrup of mirtles , an ounce . mix them . many have also from treacle alone received great benefit by swallowing a little of it every four hours , till they have taken the quantity of a dram ; as likewise from this following , taken by spoonfuls . take fracastorius his diascordium , two drams amber , half a scruple ; red coral prepared , dragons blood , of each a scruple ; prepared pearls , half a scruple ; fennel-water , an ounce ; plantane and rose-water , of each an ounce and half ; syrup of comfery of fernelius , an ounce ▪ mix them . clysters of an astringent , drying & emollient quality , given twice or thrice in a day , have likewise in this case been found very necessary . take roots of comfrey the greater , an ounce ; bistort and tormentil roots , of each three drams ; oak-leaves , half a handful ; flowers of balaustians , red roses , of each a pugil ; aniseeds , three drams : boil them in cows milk that hath been burnt to ; into ounces of liquor , dissolve of venice turpentine , two drams : one yolk of an egg , white troches of rhasis , a dram ; honey of mercury , half an ounce ; of roses , an ounce : make a clyster , the bathing of the belly with the lees of white or rather of red wine , and the applying to it afterward a warm cloth three or four times doubled , have by some been found to be of singular benefit , or else the ointment and plaister following may be made use of . take oyl of mastick , of exprest nutmegs of each a dram ; oyl of dill , wormwood , myrtles , of each two drams ; old treacle , three drams : mix them . take bolearmenick , franckincense , mastick , dragons-blood , of each two drams ; mummy , three drams ; powder of galls a dram & half ; seeds of carrots lovage anise , myrtles of each a scruple ; oyl of nutmegs by expression , three drams ; venice-turpentine , as much as sufficeth to make it into a plaister . and thus much may suffice to have been spoken concerning the inward symptoms of the plague ; the outward are three , the spots , call'd petechiae , the bubo , and the carbuncle . the spots can hardly any other way be better removed than by inward remedies , but they do usually portend some mischief . the bubo , i am wont to deal with after this manner following . at the first appearance of it , and although the swelling hath arrived to no considerable height , i draw a blister , without making use of cupping-glasses , which by reason that they cause a great deal of pain , & create a fever , & draw unto them both the good & bad humors , & cause a greater alteration than was before in the blood , i do utterly lay aside : after or hours cutting the blister . i apply unto that part a magnetick plaister of arsenick ; the virtue whereof is so great , that i know not any more excellent ; which will appear to whomsoever shall make use of it ; the account of it out of hartman and agricola , is as followeth . the magnetick arsenical plaister . take crude antimony , yellow brimstone , white arsenick , of each two ounces . when you have beat them very small , let them be put into a viol covered in sand , to which you must apply fire till they are all melted , & appear to be of a dark red colour ; when it is cool , it may be taken out of the vessel , and this is that which they call the arsenical magnet , and hath not in it any thing of poyson , as it may be easily experimented upon dogs afterwards . take gum sagapenum , ammoniacum , galbanum , of the arsenical magnet , of each three drams ; turpentine of the larch-tree , wax , of each half an ounce ; oyl of amber , two drams ; dulcified earth of vitriol , a dram . let the gums be dissolved in the strongest wine-vinegar , and strained through a linnen cloth , let them after that be boiled up to their former consistence , then melt the wax and the turpentine together by themselves , & when you have taken them off from the fire , stir them well till you have brought them to the consistence of an ointment ; then add to them the gums beforementioned , & the arsenical magnet , together with the earth of vitriol , and oyl of amber , & you will have that plaister which is most effectual for drawing forth all sorts of poyson . i have found the virtue of this plaister to be such , that if it be applied to those parts where the skin is somewhat hard , it leaves not the least sign of a scar , and yet doth so plentifully draw forth the malignant humor , that a bubo of the bigness of a walnut , will in the space of or days be utterly taken away ; but because it doth not always so suddenly produce this effect , it is often very necessary to raise a blister for evacuation of the humors . and it is observable , that in some strong bodies it causeth no escar at all , unless when the blister hath corroded , not only the outward , but also the inward skin . but in children , and more tender bodies , it will of it self cause an escar , although there be no blister drawn before the application of it . this escar or crust is the true seat of the venom , which is extracted , & is of that thickness ( especially considering that the skin is but superficially corroded ) that it is well worth our while to consider it . for i do believe that to be the reason why it is much sooner separated than other crusts or scars that are caused by art ; for in the space of or hours , if no scarification hath preceded , it may be easily taken off without any , or at least with a very small pain , if you make use of any antipestilential plaister , and add unto it some treacle , or vnguentum basilicum , or else the severing of the escar may be very much promoted by this ointment . take virgins-honey , ducks-greese , of each an ounce ; soot , six drams ; turpentine , an ounce ; yolks of two eggs , treacle , three drams ; oyl of scorpions , as much as sufficeth to make it into an ointment . but if the tumor is not sufficiently abated when the first crust is taken off by the arsenical magnetick plaister , it is requisite that you create a second or third , and then proceed as before . the ulcer may be consolidated by a plaister of minium , of white lead , diapompholigos , or some such remedy which drieth up the humor , and bringeth the ulcer to a cicatrice : but we must observe this by the way , that this consolidation is not to be wrought too suddenly , lest part of the poysonous humor which still remains in the body , should cause some new disease , which may be fatal to the patient . for want of the magnetick plaister , you may make use of this following , if you take care first to raise a blister , the vertue whereof hath been found to be very great by several , for the taking away of painful scrophula's , and the excellent qualities that are in it , have made it famous by the name of the divine plaister . take gum galbanum , an ounce ; ammoniacum , two drams , oppoponax , three drams ; yellow wax , twenty ounces ; oyl of olives , ounces ; litharge of gold , ounces ; olibanum , two ounces : mirrhe , frankincense , of each ten drams ; verdigreece , long birthwort , mastick , of each an ounce ; bdellium , loadstone , of each two ounces : make it according to art into a plaister . if the bubo is too protuberant , or cleaves to the tendon , a vesicatory is too weak ; but an actual cautery is not so necessary : it will be therefore best to make use of a potential one , and among those several wherewith i have been acquainted , i know not any one that is more corrosive , and yet causeth less pain than this following . take unslaked lime , drachm ; of black sope as much as sufficeth : mix them . there are few which are not acquainted with such things as are useful for drawing of blisters ; among the rest , this prescription following is to be commended . take sowre leaven , half an ounce ; euphorbium , seeds of staves-acre , of mustard , roots of pellitory of spain , of each a scruple and half : cantharides , a dram and half ; strongest wine-vinegar , to make for a blistering paste . if the pain be great , the following poultice may be made use of , unless necessity require that the chirurgeon should make use of a cautery . take leaves of a scordium , rue , hemlock , of each a handful ; camomile and dill-flowers , of each a pugil ; tops of wormwood , two handfuls ; crums of bread , two ounces ; boil them in milk ; adding to it of eastern saffron , half a dram ; yolks of two eggs ; treacle three drams : make it into a cataplasm . the suppuration of a bubo is very rare , the means necessary for it , are such as chirurgeons are very well acquainted with , and are not , if nature inclines to it , to be neglected . the abscessus in this case is to be opened , first by a launcet , and not by the application of any caustick ; but the ulcer that proceeds from hence , is very slowly healed . none but such as are unskilful , make use of the plaister of frogs and mercury ; for it driveth the venom inward , and threatneth much danger to the sick person ; wherein we are confirmed both by the writings of ancient authors , and by our own experience . the carbuncle . called by the greeks anthrax ( for it is to no purpose to insert any nice distinction between them ) shews it self in several shapes ; but the symptoms of it are many times very fallible : it is easie to conclude of it when ever it discovers it self by a little push of a dark purple colour , with an inflammation round about it ; but often appears with a white push without any considerable prominency , which seems to contain a sort of purulent matter that portends no mischief ; but if you squeeze it , you will find it dry and very hard , and it eats very deep into the skin underneath it . sometimes there appears one single bladder filled with limpid matter , which if it be not opened in the space of hours , it grows black , and upon its dissection sends forth two or three drops of black blood. otherwhiles , several little white blisters discover themselves . if these grow hard underneath , and are accompanied with a fever and inflammation , there is no question but that they are malignant ; and i know not why they may not be reckoned in the number of carbuncles , especially since they are wont to dispatch a man in as short a time as the purple ones ; and they are to be dealt with after the same manner , if we expect that our endeavours should succeed . to the cure of it , it is requisite that the suppuration should with all diligence be promoted , and thereby the danger prevented of the infection dispersing it self . and for this purpose i have found nothing more effectual than an actual cautery ; which hath also been approved of by several chirurgeons ; but there are some who apprehending it to be too cruel a remedy , do upon that account reject it , and choose rather a potential caustick , or some medicines whereby blisters may be raised : both which i my self likewise have made use of , when it hath not been allowed that we should use other means , and when i have hoped that these might be sufficiently efficacious . for a physitian is often constrained to comply with the humor of such as are conversant about the sick person , and will pretend to know much , although it be many times to the prejudice of his patient . they that approve not of any of the forementioned remedies , may make use of the magnetical arsenick plaister , which in this case we have found to be of great virtue . for the separation of the scar , those means which we mentioned in treating of the bubo , are very necessary : many have very much commended this following poultice . take roots of comfrey the greater dried , two drams ; marshmallow roots dried , half an ounce ; leaves of scordium dried , two drams ; meal of linseed and wheat , of each half an ounce ; make them into fine powder , poure upon them clean water as much as is sufficient ; let them boil a little , that the mucilages may be dissolved , and till it comes to the consistence of a thick poultice ; then add of honey , turpentine , and vng . apostolorum , of each , three drams ; basilicon , tar , of each two drams ; the yolk of an egg ; eastern saffron , a scruple : mix , and if you please , you may add two drams of treacle . preservatives against the plague . it is the doctrine of the devil to teach that the use of all means is to be neglected ; who once spake to our saviour , and endeavoured to perswade him to cast himself headlong from the top of the temple , because they need no other security , whom god supporteth by his mighty hand : but he that hath given us life and health , requires that we should make use of some helps for the conservation of both ; and therefore if you take my advice , i would wish you to observe the rules following . amongst which , in the first place is challenged , and that deservedly , fervent prayer . flight is very allowable to christians , if it be consistent with their quality and condition of life ; but let those that make use of this , not depend too much upon it , but remember that it is not possible to fly beyond the reach of the omnipotent . and to take these directions with them , viz. that they fly early , go far off , and be slack in their return . when we go out into the air , either by day or night , we ought to take special care that it be clear and free from vapours . to which intent it hath been in such cases very useful , and found exceding advantageous to keep good fires both in publick an private , since the air is by nothing sooner nor more effectually purified . it is also very necessary that the houses be daily washed , which if it be done with vinegar instead of water , it is much better . things of a strong odour , such as amber , musk , civet , benjamin , &c. do not only correct the malignity , but attract the venom to them , and have been found hurtful by experience , and are therefore consequently to be concluded so by reason . it is useless and ridiculous to anoint the nostrils with treacle and mithredate . those things which do really purifie the air , are amber , pitch , mirrhe , frankincense , the wood and the berries of juniper , sulphur , assa foetida , horn ( but especially gunpowder ) being either kindled , or put upon a few lighted coals . such as take tobacco , do very much commend the virtue of that plant ; i do not disapprove the use of it , though as much as i can , i void the smoak . an inordinate diet is very hurtful at all seasons , but especially in a pestilential one . there can be nothing prescribed in general which may agree with each man in particular ; there is very much to be allowed to custom , but we must at all times industriously avoid all meats that are difficult to be concocted , and take great care that the stomach be not overcharged . for our diet ( if we can so contrive it ) we ought to make choice of veal , mutton , beef , pullets , capons , peacocks , larks , chaffinches , quails , hares , conies , &c. perch , pike , whiting , sole , salmon , &c. eggs , butter , green and parma cheese , buttermilk ; cichory , endive , sorrel , lettuce , chervil , parsley , rosemary , sharp-apples , quinces , limons , oranges , capers , &c. on the other side , flesh and fish which hath been dried and salted , are very hurtful ; as bacon , and pork , haddocks , eels , crabs , shrimps , green fruit , and all things that are hard of digestion . walnuts are very much commended , and not without good reason ; for there may be very much use made of them : the green ones preserved , do much good to those that abound with choler ; but such as are come to their full ripeness , whether you take them fresh gathered , or when they are more dried , all that make use of them , will tell you that they are very pernicious . the strongest beer , and wine of a middle strength , are very useful at such times , if moderately taken ; but we cannot allow that any , except such as are very ancient , should dayly make use of strong and sweet wines , nor of spirit of wine and brandy . go not forth into the air with an empty stomach , but always take some preservative against infection . take our prophylactick water , ounces ; julep of roses , ounces : mix them ; take the quantity of a spoonful or two each morning . or , take our prophylactick conserve , ounces ; take the quantity of a chestnut in the morning or as often as you are to go to an infected place . vinegar , and all sharp things have been commended to us by long experience ; but they will not well agree with such as are troubled with a cough , weakness of stomach , or the cholick , if they are taken either alone , or in too great a quantity . i never had any great esteem for outward means , but those that can fancy it , may wear about their neck this amulet . take arsenical magnet , a dram ; benzoes , as much as is sufficient ; make them into great rowls , and sew them up in red lawn . we have before described the arsenical magnet when we treated of the bubo . sleep and watching , exercise of the body , and the use of women , if immoderate , are very hurtful . costiveness is prejudicial , but not so much as a great loosness . sadness , fear and anger will make very strange alterations in the blood ; he who knows how to moderate those passions , is most prudent . practical observations . i. a young man aged twenty two years , being lately returned from the east-indies , on the of july , . in the evening was suddenly taken with a great pain in his head , and a shivering through his whole body , having that day received much injury from the water and air ; the day following he became exceedingly delirous , so that he could not by four men be kept in his bed. the plague at that time raged very much in the next town , which was very populous : but there had as yet appeared no symptoms of it in this of ours : we met with no outward signs of any malignity , nor did those within appear so considerable , as to forbid the breathing of a vein , which the delirium did very much press us upon : i therefore prescribed a cordial mixture , which might also be sudorifick ; whereof spoonfuls was to be taken each quarter of an hour , and after the space of one hour a vein to be opened in the right arm , and seven ounces of blood to be taken from thence : i had more than once before made trial of this mixture in a pleurisie , which was accompanied with spots : the description of it is as followeth . take waters of borage , holy-thistle , bawm , of each an ounce ; alexipharmick water , an ounce and half ; cinamon-water , half an ounce ; confection of alkermes without amber-greece and musk , a dram and half ; syrup of the juyce of citrons , an ounce ▪ mix them . the mixture was taken , and a vein opened , and such things as we thought fitting applyed to the temples , the neck , and the soals of the feet , but all was not sufficient to overcome the malignity of the disease , for he dyed that night . ii. a man and his wife on the th of july , were both taken with buboes in their groin ; she was very drowsie , feverish , and anxious , but by the use of sudorificks and drawing plaisters , she was by the th day following restored to perfect health . he was seized on by a pain in the head , and a small delirium which continued till the th day , on which he was taken with a great fit of bleeding , which with some intermission continued for two days , this according to the opinon of all practical physicians was to be judged very dangerous . but when i considered that his strength was not at all hereby impaired , but on the otherside , the pain in the head and the fever abated , nor did the bubo strike inward ; i cast away fear , and concluded that the judgments of men by time and experience might be much corrected . i therefore thought it not the best course to continue here the use of sudorificks , but rather to strengthen the heart , and to incrassate the blood , and thereby to stop the flux of it . to which purpose i prescribed this which followeth , to be taken by a spoonful at a time . take water of roses and plantane , of each four ounces ; cinamon-water , six drams ; dragons-blood , red coral prepared , of each a scruple ; confection of hyacinth , a dram ; spirit of salt , eight drops ; syrup of barberies an ounce and half : mix them . upon the taking of this , the bleeding and the delirium both ceased ; and thereupon the patient grew well , the bubo continuing for ten weeks after . iii. a maid on the th of september , was taken with a fever , a pain at the heart , and in the head , and with a bubo , which broke out about the inward part of the bending of the left arm , and seized on the tendon of the muscle biceps ; from hence proceeded a very acute pain , not only in that part where the bubo appeared , but also about the armpits by consent of parts , although there was no swelling , which thereabouts appeared . i gave her this sudorifick forthwith . take diascordium of fracastorius , four scruples ; sal prunella , a scruple ; alexipharmick-water , an ounce and half ; and holy-thistle-water , as much as is sufficient ; syrup of limons , half an ounce : mix it for a draught . to the bubo i applied the divine plaister . the sweat came plentifully , but the pain of her arm , a delirium , and continual watchings , after the use of several other things , forced us to use this landanum opiat . take bawm-water , an ounce ; holy-thistle-water , an ounce and half ; alexipharmick-water , an ounce ; confection of hyacinth , a dram ; julep of roses , ten drams ; laudanum opiat , two grains : mix them . of this she took every half hour one or two spoonfuls ; and although it caused sweat , yet it procured no sleep . the chirurgeon for variety , made use of his pestilential plaister ; but neither was the pain hereby remitted : we were therefore forced at length to apply this following to break it . take of unslack'd lime , of black-sope , as much as sufficeth . by the help whereof the fever very much abated , though the pain continued as before ; but yet in the space of or days it utterly left her ; but the bubo remained open for six weeks after , for the whole glandule was consumed by the ulcer , & some part of it which was corrupted , was necessarily to be separated from the other . in the mean while , we had great cause to fear that the putrefaction had pierced deeper , because the ulcer was deep , and the sides of it callous , and a serous matter came from it ; but by the blessing of god the cure succeeded according to our wish . iv. a bookseller in may was very much troubled with two biles , whereof one broke out on his buttock , the other on the scrotum . to remove the cause hereof , and to abate the tumor , i prescribed this following laxative apozem to be taken two or three days together . take tamarinds , an ounce ; cream of tartar , two drams ; senna , drams ; rhubarb drams and an half ; aniseeds , a dram and half ; boil them in whey , and to a pint of the strained liquor , add two ounces of syrup of succory with rhubarb : make it into an apozem . to the swelling i applied the plaister diachilon with gums , by the means whereof they were wholly removed . the same person the th of august ( at which time the plague raged here very much ) was taken with a bubo in his groin , which , when after inquisition made ( that i might satisfie the curiosity of him and his wife ) i had declared to be pestilential , it was strange to see what terrour seized upon them both , but i quickly caused them to chear up again , by letting them know that the life was not at all in danger ; for the man in all other respects was very well , he eat , drank , and slept well , had no fever nor pain at his heart ; nevertheless i gave him sudorificks more than once ; and the chirurgeon drew a blister , and afterwards applied plaisters and drawing poultices , whereby in the space of four weeks the bubo was wholly dissipated without any suppuration . v. a young emdener of years old , on the th of aug. fell into a continual fever , accompanied with drowsiness , trembling of the lips , blackness and driness of the tongue , all malignant signs ; but i restored him again by the th of the same month : to effect which i prescribed him a sudorifick , morning and evening , and for his ordinary drink , this julep . take holy-thistle-water , a pint ; alexipharmick-water , ounces ; julep of roses , ounces & half ; spirit of salt , eight drops : mix them . on the d day there was spots discovered all over his body , nor was his drowsiness or the trembling of his lips abated , but he vomited not at all . i gave him this sudorifick . take salt of scordium , of holy-thistle , of each a scruple ; antimony diaphoretick , half a scruple ; crabs-eyes brused , twelve grains ; our prophylactick-water , mint-water , and syrup of the juyce of holy-thistle , of each an ounce : mix it for a draught . by the use hereof the fever abated very much , and on the eight day i found that he had a thrush ; for the separation whereof , i prescribed this mixture to be taken by spoonfuls . take the juyce of the greater housleek , half an ounce ; water of self-heal , of purslane , of each an ounce and half ; the yolk of one egg , syrup of violets compound , six drams : mix them . this being twice or thrice reiterated , and making use at the same time of a lohoch of the syrup of purslane and violets , by means hereof the thrush was removed , and the fever cured without either purging or letting blood. vi. i was sent for on the th of august to a woman great with child , which was taken with a great drowsiness , and had a pestilential bubo brake forth in her groin , but she had scarcely any fever ; her eyes looked well , and her tongue was moist , and she seemed very heart-whole , she had now gone seven months , & on the night following she was delivered , which i concluded to be a certain sign of death , and found it true ; for on the next day about ten of the clock she departed . the husband of this woman fell sick the same day , he was delirous , his eyes sparkled , his tongue was dry , all which i noted for very ill signs , his fever was but small , but the pain at his heart very great , his urine like that of men well in health . after having taken two sudorificks , he began to come to himself , his tongue was observed to be moist , and a bubo appeared in his groin , and a carbuncle on his back , which on the next day had three or four more joyned to it . these symptoms promised good success , but it happened otherwise ; for as soon as he saw his wife dead , he was so altered , that the bubo striking inward , and the sweat stopping , the d day after he died . an old woman related to him , had a carbuncle without a fever , and by our usual way of proceeding , was cured in nine days . vii . a midwife which went trembling and unsteady , gave me occasion from thence to suspect some extraordinary weakness in her , or a delirium : nor was i mistaken ; for when i came to feel how languidly her pulse beat , i found it evident ; but yet i could discover no outward symptom : nevertheless the driness of the tongue , the difficulty of breathing , and such other signs did discover that some malignity was concealed within ; at length upon enquiry , she told us that she had a push upon her right thigh , which , upon search , we found to be a carbuncle of the breadth of a shilling . she would not grant that she had any bubo in her groin ( which nevertheless i doubted not of ) nor suffer the chirurgeon to search . he gave her what was requisite to be applied outwardly , & i prescribed her a sudorifick ; after two days she recovered her strength & became of a right mind , & the d day seemed to be perfectly well ; but on the evening of that day all was changed , she became restless and almost distracted , and died that night . she had taken before i was sent for , manna with cream of tartar , and after that , tamarinds , all which doing no good , but the disease still encreasing upon her , she conjecturing that there was some malignity in it , took an ounce of plague-water ; which , though it were much weaker than the malignity required , yet she took it for two dayes by my advice ; but on the third ( whatsoever i perswaded to the contrary ) she changed all her linnen , even to her head-cloaths , and drank whey in which tamarinds had been boiled , from whence proceeded her sudden change for the worse , and upon that her death ; and these are the effects of self-conceitedness . viii . helena van wyngaerden , a servant of mine , on the first day had some slight symptoms of the disease , the next she was taken with vomiting , a pain in the head , and at her heart , especially when she endeavoured to rise from her bed , her eyes look'd red , but her tongue was well enough , and her fever was but small ; a few dayes before , without my knowledge , she had been at an house that was visited ; i gave her presently a sudorifick ; whereupon , the third day after a bubo appeared in the left groin ; i continued the use of sudorificks , and the chirurgeon took care of the bubo , by which means , within a fortnight she perfectly recovered , and went again about her business . ix . the daughter of n. domer , on the second of september , complained of a great pain in her head , and at her heart , and her tongue grew black and dry . the first and second day we put her into a sweat , and on the third , she told us that she was perfectly well ; her tongue became moist , her pain , her fever & anxiety left her ; nevertheless i perswaded her to continue the sudorificks , but she arose and ate and drank , went abroad , and after that slept well all night ; but in the morning the former symptoms returned , and in the evening of the same day there appeared spots , and the next morning she died . x. n. n. had lain very ill for six dayes , at what time i was sent for to him on the twentieth of august , he began to be light-headed , his tongue became black and dry , and he had a great anxiety at his heart , his eyes were fixed , his hands trembled , and a great carbuncle discovered it self on his cheek , whose tail reached to his very chin , which was also hard and much swelled . it seem'd to threaten a much greater increase ; for it was very dry , & much inflamed , and not circumscribed within any bounds . to this was added a pain in the throat ( which symptom i conjectured to be mortal ) and a very intense fever . this desperate case put us in mind of desperate remedies ; wherefore being guided by my ow reason and experience , and perswaded by the authority of the most eminent physitians , both ancient and modern , i boldly recommended to him an actual cautery , which was presently applied by the chirurgeon , without any great pain to the patient : this operation was perform'd in the morning at ten of the clock , and between and in the afternoon it appear●d purulent , and the crust began to be separated , nor did the core of it creep any further ; all which effects , i know not from what means they could have been expected besides this . in the mean while he sweat plentifully , and all things gave his friends to hope that he would again recover ; but i was of another mind , as knowing well the nature of this treacherous disease . the same evening he took another sudorifick , and slept quietly enough all night . on the day the cheek that was affected , discovered on it some moisture , the fever continued as it was : between his forefinger and his middle one there brake forth a very painful carbuncle , which affected the whole arm. to this there was applied another actual cautery without any great alteration discerned in the patient ; then we prescribed him a julep which might cause sweat , & some food that was nourishing , but no sweat appear'd , & the affected places being drier than the rest , fore-boded an ill event . at in the morning another chirurgeon was sent for , who approved of whatsoever we had done in this case ; at midnight he fell into an high delirium ▪ so that he could not be held in his bed by those which attended ; about morning he betook himself to rest , & in one hour after departed : some of his friends accused me of being negligent , which ingratitude i can the better bear ; since i am conscious to my self , and give thanks to god for it , that i omitted nothing which the rules of art required to be done . xi . the wife of cornelius janson being fifty years old , was after she had been sick two dayes troubled with a bubo in her groin , and a great anxiety of heart ; but the fever was but small : her eyes ( which i do much observe in all sick persons ( look'd very well ; as soon as she sweat , she began to confess her self better , her anxiety was presently removed , and her fever also after few days : the bubo ( a blister being first drawn ( was dressed by a chirurgeon with the magnetical arsenick plaister : she fell sick on the eighteenth of september , and her son on the d , who was taken with a pain in his head , and refusing all medicines , died within three dayes , but she recovered . xii . everard tessalear , a vintner , was taken on the th of september , with a chilness all over him , and then with a very great heat , his anxiety was great , and his breathing difficult , accompanied with nauseating , a pain in the head , a trembling of the hands , a burning of the eyes , and an intolerable pain on the right side of the groin , yet without an apparent swelling . i gave in my opinion that he was taken with a pestilential fever , and prescribed some remedies for that purpose ; after the first sudorifick , the pain in the head and groin abated , and the vomiting was stopped ; after the second , the pain became tolerable ; and by the fourth , it was wholly taken away , and the feaver cured : being so suddenly restored , he believed not that there was any malignity in it , and went abroad forthwith ; which i did very much disallow , accusing him of unthankfulness to god , and foretelling that he was to suffer somewhat more severe , because i could easily perceive his health and strength not to be confirmed , and that there was need of a further course of physick to settle it . he still refused to hearken to me , till on the day following he was attaqued by the same enemy , and his wife also ; he first complained of a pain in his groin , and then of a bubo , which symptoms confirmed the truth of what i had foretold , and caused him to repent when it was too late : the fear of death made him now desirous of repeating the sudorificks , by means whereof , through the divine assistance , they were both cured in nine dayes , though the bubo continued on the woman for a month after . xiii . albert n. on the second of october , was taken with a great pain at the heart , his pulse was not to be discerned by a gentle touch , his countenance was like one in an agony , he was extream prone to vomit and to sleep ; but he was pretty well in his senses , his eyes were not inflamed , his tongue moist , the fever but small , and the thirst not great : the vomiting was presently relieved by the use of those things which we have mentioned in their proper place ; but the sweat came but slowly : whereupon i gave him the next day a more powerful sudorifick , whereof we found very notable effects , but his thirst by that means being increased , made him drink a great quantity of beer , whereby the vomiting returned , and because he complained of a pain in his belly , we were afraid of a diarhaea ; wherefore instead of beer , we gave him this following mixture by spoonfuls . take rose-water , two ounces ; holy-thistle-water , four ounces ; mint-water , an ounce ; cinamon-water , three drams ; our prophylactick-water , an ounce and half ; syrup of myrtles , two ounces : mix them . and in the evening he took this sudorifick . take confection of hyacinth , a scruple ; treacle , diascordium , of each two scruples ; salt of coral , fifteen grains ; our prophylactick-water , ten drams : mix it for a draught . the night after passed quietly , the vomiting ceased ; the third day after there was a carbuncle discovered on the inside of the left nostril : we applied to it our divine plaister , and inwardly we gave sudorificks , and such things as might refrigerate ; on the th day his nose was observed to be cold , and to look of a purple colour , the carbuncle extending it self to the processus mammiformis ; the pulse beat low and unequal , nevertheless he took another sudorofick , but without success ; for about noon many mortal signs discovered themselves ; and although he was all along of a sound mind , yet after two hours he departed . xiv . the wife of john n. chirurgeon , in september was suddenly taken with a fever , with drowsiness and anxiety of heart . i prescribed this sudorifick . take diascordium of fracastorius ; a dram ; confection of hyacinth , lapis prunellae , salt of scordium , of each a scruple ; our prophylactick water , an ounce ; betony water , as much as sufficeth ; syrup of the juyce of holy-thistle , half an ounce : mix it for a draught . it produced no sweat , which was an ill omen : the next day therefore she took this which is somewhat stronger . take treacle , diascordium , of each a dram & half ; our prophylactick water , an ounce and half ; salt of holy-thistle , a scruple ; syrup of limons , six drams : mix it for a potion . and this also effected nothing : for variety sake in the evening i gave her this following . take salt of wormwood , scordium , prunella , antimony diaphoretick , of each a scruple ; syrup of the juice of holy-thistle , an ounce ; our prophylactick water , two ounces : mix it for a draught . by the help whereof she began to sweat , & the fever to abate , together with the anxiety ; but the third day after the spots appear'd , which carried her off immediately . her husband , after eight days , beginning to visit his patients again , came about eight in the morning to one that was sick , when sitting down on a stool , he was suddenly so taken , that he could not rise again ; about noon , by the help of his son and his man , he went home , where taking his bed , he was presently seized with a great drowsiness , which i call'd a coma ; because whatever i did or said to him , i could not get two words from him ; i presently prescribed him a clyster , and this ointment for his head. take oil of marjoram , a scruple ; oil of rue , a dram ; of amber rectified , a scruple ; rosemary , half a scruple : mix them . i advised also that they should endeavour to make him sneeze by putting tobacco to his nose , and give him inwardly some of this mixture . take anti-epileptick water , of our porphylactick water , of betony and rosewater , syrup of stoechas , of each an ounce . the clyster came from him without any effect , and tobacco did no good ; he took a little of the mixture ; and about evening i prescribed him another clyster , and this sneezing-powder following , was blown up his nostrils with a quill . take the flower of lillies of the valley , leaves of marjoram , of each half a scruple ; white hellebore , three grains : make them into fine powder . by the help hereof he sneezed or times , and a purulent matter came from him at his mouth , but a greater quantity of it went down his throat ; besides which , there remained a great deal of it in his mouth , which we could easily squeeze forth by pressing his cheeks . these were sufficient signs of an abscessus in the brain , and consequently of certain death , especially when we could not perceive that his senses returned to him , not that he was any other way reliev'd , but on the contrary , his voice quite failed him , and he began to rattle in the throat ; nor was i deceived in my conjecture ; for in a short space he died . four of his children , and a maid-servant followed him ; his man was cured of a bubo under his arm-pit by drawing a blister , and by applying some drawing medicines . his eldest daughter and youngest son still survived : he had a fever , but was not very sick ; but she was handled more severely : she had a thrush appeared on the eighth day , which took off not only the fever , but the whole disease ; and thus of ten in family , but three escaped . you have here an account of the true signs and effects of malignity , which none but such as are possess'd with the spirit of contradiction , can deny to be contagious . post-script . i intended to have published at least forty of these observations , but being taken up with giving an account of other things which will conduce very much to the illustrating of our art ( which in their due time may be made publick ) i could make no further progress in this : make use of these for the benefit of your friends , and , if you desire to see them , put us in mind of the other . finis . an index of things and words . a. abdomen , or the lower belly , pag. . hardened and inflamed . pag. abscesses , or imposthumes , their manner of opening , pag. acetabulum , or pixis , pag. achor , see porrigo . aegylops , pag. alae . anaplerosis , what it is , pag. aneurism , its cause and sign , pag. anodins , pag. antrophy , pag. anus , fallen down , . imperforated , and cure , pag. aperientes , what , pag. armilla , the hand , arsnick , its quintessence , pag. artery , its difference , &c. aorta , pulmoniack , . humeraria , axillares , carotis , cervicalis , coeliaca , emulgens , gastro , epiploica , intercostalis superior , lumbaris , phrenica , scapularis , spermatica , splenica , subclavialis , thoracica , . cruralis , epigastrica , hypogastrica , iliaca , pudenda , vmbilicalis , , venosa , , how to be opened , pag. arthrodia , what , pag. articulation , what , ibid. astragalus , pag. atheroma , its cause and cure , pag. atlas , pag. auricles , pag. b. basis of the tongue , pag. batrachios , pag. beensuyger , pag. beenureeter , pag. bleeding , on whom , and how to be performed , pag. bones , what , their nutriment , . their connection , number , vse , . of the arm , . hammer of the ear , , . of the heel , . of the hip , coccygis , ilium , innominatum , iscium , of the breast , of the temples , . ethmoides , forehead , of the head , pag. bone of the breast , its fracture , . of the collar , pag. breast , what , . hardned , inflam'd , apostemated , pag. bronchole , pag. bubo , its cause and sign , pag. bubonocele , pag. bullets ▪ their extraction , . medicines for that purpose , pag. burnings , and their cure , pag. c. cancer , its difference , cause and cure , of the bone. pag. carbuncle , its difference , cause , pag. carpus ▪ pag. cartilage , what , . swordlike , . of the breast-bent , pag. cataract of the eye , the cause , and removing it , pag. catharticks , pag. cautery , actual and potential , . conveniency and inconveniency , pag. , child dead , the signs , . it s extraction , pag. the glandules of the chyle , . it s motion by the intestines , pag. cholerick people , how known pag. chilification , its history , pag. , chirurgery , what it signifies , and the operations thereof , pag. cicatrice , or skars taken away , pag. circocele , pag. closing the womb , pag. comminution , what , pag. contra-fissure , what , pag. , contraction of the member , its cause , pag. convulsion , the remedies , pag. corrosives , pag. cubit , its bones ▪ pag. d. diairesis , what , . its parts , diaphoreticks . pag. diaphragm , and its parts , pag. diarthrosis , what , pag. dislocation , pag. dortos , pag. dropsie , cause and sign , pag. dura mater . e. ear , membrane thin and strong , pain , soreness , its bones , pag. emphyma , its signs , cure , pag. enarthrosis , what , pag. enterocele , pag. , epedymis , pag. epigastrium , pag. epiglottis indurated , pag. epiploica , pag. epulis , pag. erysipelas , its cause , cure , pag. excresis , what , pag. extention , pag. extirpation of a dead part , pag. extraneous bodies , how drawn out of a wound , pag. eye , its parts , lids , their substance and vse , iris , pag. f. face , what , pag. falx of the dura mater , pag. fat , whether part of the body , pag. fibre , its difference and vse , pag. fibula , fractur'd , pag. fissure , what , pag. fistula , its cause , signs and cure , . of the breast , . lachrymalis , pag. flesh , what , . fleshy rupture , its cure , pag. focil , its dislocation , pag. fracture , what , . it s cause and cure , . of the skull , . of the shoulder of the hip , of the jaw-bone , of the nose , . of the ribs , of the breast-bone , of the back-bone , . of the elbow , of the fibula , of the knee-pan , . great and little , pag. froenum , or bridle , pag. frons , pag. g. gangrene , its difference , causes , pag. ganglion , pag. gibbosity , its cause and cure , &c. pag. ginglymus , what , pag. glandes , pag. glandules , of the eye , . of the chyle , of the loins , . of the neck , pag. glotis , straight , wrong , pag. gums . pag. h. hair , its shedding , . whether parts of the body , . hare-lip , its cure , pag. hand , pag. head , what , its figure , parts , &c. . wounds , their cure , . sores , pag. heart , its history , . its wounds , pag. haemmorrage of the nose , how cured , pag. herps , its difference , cause , cure , pag. hip-bones , fractur'd , pag. humors of the eyes , pag. hydrocele , pag. hydrocephalus , its cure , pag. hypocondria , pag. hypogastrium , ibid. i. jaws , their bones , pag. jejunum , pag. iliack passion , pag. inflammation , its cause and cure , pag. infundibulum , pag. internal means , pag. intestines , . intestines , or small guts , their wounds , pag. joynts , what , pag. iris , of the eye , pag. issues , when , where , and how made . pag. k. kidneyes , and their history , , , their wounds , pag. kings-evil , its cause , sign , cure , pag. l. labour natural and preternatural , its cause , pag. larinx , cannot be inflamed , pag. leeches , their choice and use , pag. leg , pag. ligaments , what , and how many , their wounds and wrenches , pag. ligature , pag. linea alba , pag. lips , and their parts , pag. liver , its history , its vse , , ▪ its situation , . its ligaments , . its inflammations , vlcers , gangrene , . its wounds , pag. loosness , pag. lungs , and its parts , . their wounds , signs , cure , pag. lymphatick vessels . pag. m. manual operations . pag. marrow of the brain , spinal , . of the bones , pag. matrix , fallen down , pag. mediastinum , . its cavity , pag. medicines discussing wind , . against too great encrease of flesh corroding , . drawing or attractive , . for a cancer , . provoking sweat , cordials , . against a gangrene , . for the eyes , . against a quinsie , . stopping a flux of blood , . against convulsions . against proud flesh , . to draw forth thornes , bones , bullets , &c. . digestives , , . sarcoticks , , . vulneraries , epulottick , , . against wounds of the nerves , . defensives , . against worms , . against corruption of the bones , . against spreading vlcers , . against fistula's , , against burnings , . purging choler , . purging phlegm , . purging melancholy , . repelling , . resolving , or discussing , . suppuratives , . anodins , . emollients , . purging water , . cosmetick water of minsickt , . taking away skars , pag. meliceris its cause , sign and cure , pag. membranes , what , and how many . pag. mesentery , and its history , its tumors , corruption , vlcer , pag. metacarpus , pag. metatarsus , pag. mouth , its inflammation , vlcer , gangrene , pag. muscle , what , &c. pag. n. nails , whether parts of the body , pag. nates of the brain , pag. nerves , their difference , . their coutusion , its cause and cure , pag. nodes , pag. nose , and its parts , . haemorhage , how cured , pag. nostrils broken , pag. nymphae . pag. o. occiput , pag. oedema , or phlegmatick humor , its cause , sign , cure , pag. omphalocele , navel-rupture , pag. opthalmia , its difference , cause , signs , &c. pag. p. palate , pag. palsie , pag. paracentesis , when , in what place , and how performed , pag. paronychia , its cause , sign , cure , pag. part of the body , what it is , and its division , parts of the body divided , pag. patella , or knee-pan , its fracture , pag. pericardium , its parts and liquor , pag. pericranium , what , from whence , pag. peritonaeum , pag. pia and dura mater , . their wounds and cure , . its history , pag. phlegmatick people , how known , pag. pixis , pag. pexus , choroides , pag. pleura , its divers pains , pag. physick and physicians , pag. pleurisie , its cause and cure , pag. polipus , its cause and cure , pag. po●rigo , its cause , pag. porus biliarius , pag. processus vermiformis , of the brain , pag. prostataes pag. pudenda virginam , if clos'd how to be opened , pag. pylorus , pag. q. qvinsey , its cause , difference , sign , pag. quintessence of arsenick , pag. r. radius , pag. ranula , its cause , pag. rete mirabile , pag. ribs , and their difference , , . fractur'd , dislocated , pag. rostra , pag. ruptures , their causes , . cure , pag. s. sanguine persons , how known , pag. scarf-skin and skin , pag. scirrhus , its cause , sign , &c. pag. scraping , , how it s performed on the bones , pag. scrotum , its watry tumor , how cured by paracentesis , pag. secundine , its extraction , pag. seton , where , how , &c. to be made , pag. shortness of breath , pag. shoulder-blade broken , pag. sinchondrosis , pag. sincurosis , ibid. skull , and its parts , . its fractures , . its bones and sutures , pag. sphacelus , its causes , signs , cure , &c. pag. sparmatocele , pag. spermatick vessels , pag. spinal marrow ; pag. spittle , its use , matter , &c. pag. spleen , its wound , pag. sternum , pag. stitching , in cure of wounds , how to be performed , pag. sticking-plaister , pag. stomach , its history , pag. stone in the bladder , cause , sign , &c. . its extraction , pag. suture , pag. sumphysis , ibid. synerthosis , ibid. synthesis , what it is , pag. syssarcosis , pag. t. talus , pag. tarsus , and its bones , pag. teeth , how many , &c. . their pain , its cause , and cure , . their breeding in children , how remedied . pag. temperaments of men described , pag. , temples , what , pag. terebration , . how performed , pag. testes , of the brain , pag. testicles of men , . in women , . inflamed , . cancer , sphacelus , pag. , thigh , . broken , . dislocated , pag. thorns , things to draw them out of a wound , pag. tibia , . it s fracture , pag. timpanum , pag. tongue-tied , the cure , pag. tophs , pag. tumor , its causes , &c. . flatulent , its cause , cure , &c. pag. tunicle conjunctiva , adnata , retina , aranea , cornea , vitrea , vvea , . elytroides , erithroides , albuginea , pag. v. valves , of the vena cava , . of vena pulmonalis , , of the great artery , . of arteria pulmonalis . pag. veins , their difference , . adiposa , . atteriosa , . axillares , . azygos , . basilica , . cava , and its distribution , . cephalica , cervicalis , . coronaria stomachi , . cordis , . emulgens , . epigastrica , ibid. gastrica minor , . major , . gastroepiloris , . haemorrhoidalis , . hypogastrica , . intercostalis , jugularis , . intestinalis , ischiatica , . lactea magna , . lumbaris , . mammaria , . mediastina , , mediana , . mesenterica , mesocolica , . muscula inferior , superior , . phrenica , ibid. poplitea , porta , . pulmonalis , . saphena , . spermatica , salvatella , . subclavia , . splenica , . thoracica , . vmbilicalis , . which to be cut in particular diseases . pag. venters of the body , what , and how many . pag. ventricles of the brain , . of the heart . pag. vertebra's of the neck , , . of the loyns , of the abdomen , of the back . pag. vlcers , their difference , causes , signs , cure , , . with foul bones , their cause , sign , cure , . spreading and malignant , . fistulous , . of the eyes , . of the legs , . of the nose , . of the bladder , . of the womb , . vlcerous excrescency . pag. vnition . pag. vreter , . exulcerated . pag. vrethra . pag. w. watry passages , . tumor . pag. wind , medicines discussing it . pag. womb , its history , . inflamed , &c. . its falling down , . haemorrhoides , . whether it can be taken away . pag. worms in the pericranium , in the bladder , their remedies . pag. wounds , their difference , causes , signs , &c. . their symptoms and cure , . of the stomach , their cure , . which are mortal , . their lips , how to be joyned , . of the ears and lips , . of the head and brain , . of heart , . of the face , . of the guts , . of the liver and spleen , . of the nerves , their causes , &c. . of the eyes , . of the lungs , ib. of the kidneys . made by gun-shut , . of the tendons , poysoned , . of the bladder pag. wrenching , pag. y. yard . pag. finis . medicina militaris : or , a boby of military medicines experimented . by raymundus mindererus , late chief physician of the electoral court of bavaria , and of the imperial city of aspurg . englished out of high-dutch . london , printed for charles shortgrave at the turk's-head in st. paul's church-yard . . cista militaris , or , a military chest , furnished either for sea or land , with convenient medicines and necessary instruments . amongst which is also a description of dr. lower's lancet , for the more safe bleeding . written in latine by gulielmus fabritius hildanus . englished for publick benefit . london , printed for charles shortgrave at the turk's-head in st. paul's church-yard . . a description of a lancet , for the more secure letting of blood , by dr. lower . forasmuch as it hath been thought convenient by several good chirurgeons , to contrive a safe way of blood-letting , for the benefit of young beginners in that profession ; and whereas dr. lower of late , in his treatise of the heart , hath discovered a plain and secure way of bleeding , and given a figure of the lancet , which he commends for that purpose , i have been advised , for the publick good , to translate what he hath written , and likewise give the figure of the lancet , and description of the use of it , as it is printed in the page of the last and truest edition of his book , printed at amsterdam . in the author 's own words . how great ebullition sometimes happens in the blood , in what vessels , and with what swift motion it is cast about every where through the body , and if an artery be opened how quickly , and with what force it breaks out , it hath been hitherto treated of in the foregoing discourse ; by which it appears , how necessary sometimes blood-letting is , to diminish its quantity , or to stop its career , and how dangerous the administration of it is , if it be performed by a rude and unskilful hand . for it often happening , either by want of skill , or common practice of bleeding , ( which makes the mind fearful , and consequently the hand trembling and uncertain ) that an artery is opened , or a nerve or tendon cut or prick'd , whence follows swellings , pains , inflammations , gangrenes or convulsions , which put the member in danger of being cut off , or render'd useless , i thought it might not be beyond the scope of my treatise , if , by way of appendix , i should shew by what means and instrument any vein might be safely and securely opened , ( if it swell upon a ligature ( though it have an artery , nerve or tendon immediately under it . forasmuch therefore as never any harm happens in blood-letting , unless a vein be prick'd through or slipping aside , the lancet be put too deep into the part , the fabrick of this lancet is such , and ought to be so put into the vein , as both may be easily prevented . for the lancet is so contrived , that it is not cutting on each side , unless it be near the point , but is purposely blunt , and made round on the lower side , which is to be applied next to the skin , that it may more easily slide over it , as it appears by the following table , in which . a the lancet . b the place where the upper edge of the lancet ends in a plain . c where the under edge of the lancet ends , the rest of the under part being polish'd round , and thick , ( but not made thicker than the upper plain part ) that it may not grate or tear the skin ( upon which it must be applied ) by its compression . which figure of the lancet differs nothing from a common ordinary lancet , but that the under edge of it is blunted almost to the point . the way of using it is only this , that the member being tied , and the vein swelling , the lancet must be applied as near to it as possible , but so that the lancet may be depress'd as much as may be ; then the point of it being directed upwards , it must be gently , and by an oblique transverse incision be put into the vein : which if so directed , neither can the vein avoid the point of the lancet , or the parts underneath be any way offended . which way of blooding , as it is most easie , so it will never prove unhappy to any one , though but meanly skilful . and though i do not write this to physicians and chirurgeons , who are expert and frequently exercised in bleeding ; yet having seen many peoples health and life endangered , either by ill blood-letting , or because a good chirurgeon could not timely be called in by physicians , who most commonly forbear the practice of it , therefore i have devised this figure of a lancet , that they may more securely and confidently use it . cista militaris , or , a military chest , furnished either for sea or land , with convenient medicines and instruments . whilst i was in the low countries in the year . in the city of ●orsk , i was entertained with great kindness by that noble and valiant gentleman , alexander de schweichel , governour of the place and works , who amongst the other things worthy seeing , shewed me the military chest of the most illustrious heroe , maurice , prince of orange , &c. wherein not onely medicines and instruments , but also linnen , rowlers , and other necessaries were prepared , and disposed all in order in a room , but not as then put into the chests , which were fitly contrived for that purpose , because that the garrison-souldiers might be supplied with what they needed for their healths ; and also that the medicines that were wanting or decayed , might be forthwith renewed : an evident sign , and great demonstration of the piety , prudence , and care of this prince towards his souldiers . this chest , as often as necessity required march'd with the camp , and in the greatest and most dangerous occasions the souldiers were for the present succoured , and assisted from it . then afterwards they were carried to the next cities , where they were taken care of by physicians and chirurgeons , appointed and paid by the states : and if by chance any souldier lost a limb , or was lame , he was relieved , and had an annual pension from the states . this pious and christian constitution made the souldiers despise all dangers , and incouraged them to be both valiant and daring . therefore that generals may understand what things are most necessary to furnish a chest with , i thought good to set down both the principal medicaments , and instruments , that a chirurgeon , following the camp or sea , ought to be provided with ; and if there should be occasion for any others , he may furnish himself at the next shop he comes at . the chest ought to be so divided into partitions and classes , that all confusion and intermixing of medicines may be avoided , and the virtue and propriety of each preserved . to this purpose i have divided it into twenty classes . the first contains purging simples , which must be put up in leather-bags , except manna and cassia extracted , which may more conveniently be kept in galli-pots . those bags again are to be put into other larger , and writ upon in great characters , purging simples . in the second classis are contained purging electuaries , which are to be kept in galli-pots , writ upon , purging compounds : and so of the rest . syrups , and distill'd waters , are to be put into double glasses , close cork'd , and tied down with bladders . they must be so plac'd , that they may not move , and so break each other , and their cells lined with baiz . pills are to be wrapt up in white leather , rubb'd first with oyl of sweet almonds . cordial powders and electuaries , being put into leather bags , are to be so plac'd in a separate classis , that they may not mix with the purgers . roots , herbs , flowers , and seeds are likewise to be kept in bags of leather or linnen , and to be so distributed , that in the first classis the roots , second herbs , &c. oyls , and common balsams , in glass-bottles , with screwed pewter-heads ; but the pretious chymical oyls , as of cinnamon , cloves , maces , nutmegs , &c. ought to be preserv'd in double glasses well stopt with cork , and waxt . the balsams likewise of these are to be kept in glasses , or silver . vnguents , and fat 's are best kept in galli-pots , or of pewter , well tied down with paper and leather . and turpentine so likewise . plaisters , gums , wax , the sewet of bears , cows , goats , and the like , which are of a solid consistence , are to be put in bladders wrapt afterwards in paper . metals , and subterraneous medicaments , as vitriol , allum , letharge , bole , &c. as also meals , must be put into leather-bags : but prepared tutia , seif album , ostiocolla , and the like , which are to be used in colliriums , or given inwardly , are to be wrapt up in paper , and put into leather-bags , and plac'd amongst the cordials . let all the bags be tied close , and written upon in great letters , to prevent confusion . arsnick , orpiment , crude mercury , sublimate , proecipitate , caustick ▪ minium troches , spirit of vitriol , aqua fortis , and the like corrosive medicines , are not to be plac'd in the chest , lest the glass , or what other things they are contained in , break , and so spoil and prejudice the other medicines , and withal endanger the lives of the sick ; therefore to prevent this , it is more convenient to keep them in some box or chest apart by themselves . the instruments are to be preserv'd in this manner . those that are for cutting , and edged , as rasors , scissors , incision-knives , &c. are to be kept in cases , the rest are wrapt in paper , or rather in flannel . these being thus prepared and in readiness , you must take a catalogue of all ▪ that you may presently , and without trouble , find them when you have occasion for them . as your chest is divided into classes , after the same manner it is necessary to write your catalogue ; and as often as any simple & compound medicine is wanting , mark it on the margin of the catalogue , that you may supply its defect . all which , kind reader , i thought good to advise : the classes following now in order . classis i. contains the purging simples . agerick . aloes . rhubarb . cassia . crocus metallorum . colocinthis . diagridium . senna . hermodacts . manna . mechoacans . myrobalans . juice of damask roses . trochisci alhandal . turbith . classis ii. purging compounds . benedicta laxativa . confectio hamech . diacarthamum . diacatholicon . diaphoenicon . diaturbith cum rhabarbaro . electuarum de succo rosarum . electuarium lenitivum . pulvis sennae praep . brass-savoli . syrup of roses solutive . pill : aggregativa . aureae . cochiae . de agarico . lucis majoris . ruffi . extract : rudii . species for suppositories . classis iii. electuaries , and powders strengthening the heart , and noble parts . aromaticum rosatum . bolus orientalis . camphire . confect . alchermes . de hyacintho . prepared coral . burnt harts-horn prepared . cremor tartari . diaireos . diamargaritum frigidum . diarrhodon abbatis . diatragaganthum frigidum . diatrion santalinum . flower of brimstone . bezoar stone . prepared pearls . mithridate . meconium . vpium . laudanum opiatum . ostrocolla , prepared to be given inwardly . philonium romanum . pulvis ad epithemata cordis . shavings of harts-horn . sal prunella . tartarum vitriolatum . seal'd earth . theriac . londinens . andromachi . diatesseron . classis iv. aromaticks , or spices . calamus aromaticus . cloves . cinnamon . saffron . gallingal . mace. nutmegs . pepper . sugar . ginger . classis v. distill'd waters , and the like . of sorrel . aniseed . burrage . bugloss . marigold . cinnamon distill'd without wine . bawlm . plantain . roses . aqua vitae . absynthii . minthae . theriacalis . juices of barberries . citrons . pomegranats . vineger of roses . common vineger . classis vi. syrups of sorrel . unripe currans . barberries . bugloss . citrons . quinces . pomegranats . limons . liquorice . poppies . roses not laxative . dried roses . violets . mel rosarum . oxymel simplex , scilliticum . diamoron . class . vii . roots of marshmallows . angelica . birthwort long , and round . bistort . briony . avens . onyons . succory . comfrey . sow-bread . elecampane . eringo . fennel . gentian . swallow-wort . orris . white lillies . liquorice . parsley . burnet . plantain . polypody . squills . tormentill . class . viii . herbs . wormwood common , & roman . agrimony . ladies mantle . jack by the hedge . marshmallows , leaves , flowers and tops . betony . carduus benedictus . centaury . knotgrass . cuscuta . dittany of crete . horsetail . eye-bright . fumitory . st. johns-wort . marjerome . balme . mint . mercury . nep. origanum . plantane . self-heal . winter-green . ribwort . rosemary . rue . sage . sanicle . scabious . scordium . golden rod. class . ix . flowers of dill. betony . borrage . bugloss . marigold . camomile . pomegranats . melilot . primrose . roses . rosemary . sage . elder . mullein . violets . class . x. seeds of dill. anise . caraways . coriander prepar'd . cummin . quinces . foenugrick . french barley . linseed . parsley . plantane . reddish . mustard . class . xi . fruits . almonds . bay-berries . acorn-cups . figs. preserved cherries . quinces . galls . acorns . limons . lupins . oranges . pomegranats . mirtle-berries . cypress-nuts . rose-cups . prunes . tamarinds . raisons . class . xii . oyl of almonds , sweet and bitter . dill. aniseeds . balsom of tolu . vigo's balsom . oyl of carawayseeds . cloves . wax . camomile . cinnamon . quinces . fennelseed . st. johns-wort . juniper-berries . white lillies . earth-worms . mastick . mint . myrtles . nutmegs . olives . roses . scorpions . turpentine . violets . yolks of eggs. petroleum . foxes . elder . linseed . class . xiii . unguents . aegyptiacum . album rhafis . apostolorum . aureum . de minio camphoratum defensivum chalmetaei . dialtheae . diapompholigos . nicotianae . populeon . rosatum . ad ambusta hildani . basilicon . linimentum arcei . martiatum . class . xiv . fat 's of geese . beef . capons . deer . goats . men. hens . hogs . bears . class . xv. plaisters . apostolicum . basilicum . de betonica . diapalma . diachilon simplex & compositum . de melliloto . de mussilaginibus . oxycroceum . de ranis . paracelsus . class . xvi . gums , &c. ammoniacum . benjamin . wax , white and yellow . colophony . elemni . euphorbium . mastick . myrrh . olibanum . pitch . stirax calamita . turpentine . tragaganth . class . xvii . minerals , & their like . alome , crude & burnt . antimony crude . arsnick . lime wash'd . ceruse . crocus martis . gypsum . lapis calaminaris . causticus . medicamentosus crollii . sabulosus . lythargirium aureum , & argenteum . mercurius crudus . sublimatus . praecipitatus . nil praeparatum . niter crude prepar'd . burnt lead . realger . seif album . brimstone . tutia prepared . vitriol crude , and burnt . class . xviii . meals of bay-berries . beans . barley . lentiles . darnel . lupines . wheat . mill-dust . pulvis adsistendum sanguinem . classis xix . instruments . besides the above recited medicines , it is also most requisite , that a chirurgeon should be furnished with necessary instruments , without which he cannot perform his duty as he ought . they may be divided into two sorts , some to be fitted for a box , which he ought continually to carry about him in his pocket ; these ought to be made small and little , that they may neither load him , nor afright the patient : the others are to be kept in the chest , whilst occasion calls for their assistance . i never visited my patients without a box of instruments in my pocket , in the which were contained the following : a razor . a pair of scissors . two incision knives , four lancets to bleed withall . a crooked knife to open apostems . a flegm , to divide the gums in the tooth-ach . an extractor , to take out forreign things out of wounds . a pair of forceps for the same use . needles , to stitch up great wounds , which are to be of different sizes , some great , others small , &c. a stitching quill , which is used in stitching wounds : it ought to be of that length , as to contain the needles within its hollowness . wounds of the fleshy parts only are to be stitcht , nervous parts in no wise . in wounds of the face i never use needle , but that which is called the dry stitch . spatula's , great and little . probes . speculum oris , one end of which , in affects of the jaws , and throat , is to depress the tongue , the other to scrape it . vvula-spoon . a burrus quill , to sprinkle powders upon wounds or ulcers . a hook , single at one end , and two at the other . a hone , to set the incision-knives , lancets , &c. i had all these instruments , and many more , made me by a skilful artist in silver , which i used only within the town , patients being less afraid of them than of iron : but at sea and at camps it is not so safe for a chirurgeon to have them of silver , therefore they may be very conveniently made of iron or steel , except the probes , which ought to be made of lead , copper , or latin. these instruments a chirurgeon ought always to have about him , as also a salvatory with six divisions , which ought to be furnish'd . with unguentum basilicon , . with ung . aureum , . apostolorum , . nutritum , . album rhasis , the . with rubrum exsiccativum , or de minio : it ought to be made of horn , or some solid wood , as ebony , guajacum , or box , for unguents are better preserved in wood , than in silver , copper , &c. it is also requisite that he hath about him in a pewter bottle some oyl of roses , to anoint any wounded part , it easeth pain , &c. as also another pot with a digestive . thus much for the instruments , which a chirurgeon ought to wear about him ; now follow the others , and first of those that are us'd about the head. . trepans , by which the skull is perforated in great contusions , to give passage to extravasated and concreted blood collected in the head . . levatories , to raise the depressed skull . . scalpra's , to scrape the carious skull . . a great speculum oris , by which the tongue , in great inflammations of the jaws and throat , is depress'd . . another speculum oris , to force open the mouth , which , as i have seen sometimes in spasmus's , to be so close shut , that a drop of broth could not be poured in . . several instruments to draw teeth . . and because sometimes in eating , a fish-bone or the like is fixt in the throat , and so would suffocate the person , therefore it is necessary for a chirurgeon to have in his chest such an instrument , as i have described in the observation of the first century : but if he hath it not at hand , let him forthwith make fast a piece of spunge to the end of a catheter , and thrust it down the throat . . instruments to draw forth bullets from gunshot-wounds , of which there are divers set down by authors . i esteem that the most convenient , whose description you may see in the . obs . of the first century . . a great saw , for amputating great members . . a little saw for the dismembring fingers , and toes ; it not becoming a rational chirurgeon to separate them with chissels , as i have more largely shewn in my treatise of a gangrene , &c. chap. . . because in amputating , the greater part of chirurgeons use a knife , it is convenient to have one well set , and strongly fixt in a handle . . a crooked knife : its description see in the above named book of a gangrene . . i , in the taking off of members , instead of a knife , use a cautery , made in fashion of a knife , well edged , and red hot : its description is in the above named treatise . he ought likewise to have ready other cauteries , some larger , others lesser ; some sharp , others round , which may be used to stop the flux of blood after amputation , or other great and dangerous hemorages . . and because souldiers , from their debaucheries and impure copulation , are oftentimes troubled with the running of the reins , carbuncles , and suppression of vrine , it is necessary a chirurgeon should be provided with catheters and syrenges . . for the reducing of broken bones , and dislocations there are several instruments , both by hippocrates , orthasius , and other authors , set down ; but i have always found in my practice the instrument of ambrose parey , which is with a pulley , the most convenient ; especially if you join to it the girdle and remora , as in the . observation of the fifth century : it is not only the most convenient , but most useful instrument for all fractures and dislocations , except of the fingers , ribs , and mandibles ( which are set by the hand alone ; it is also little , and therefore not troublesome to carry about one . . a chirurgeon ought also to be provided with splints of several bignesses , some little , others big , according to the qualities of the members broken , which ought to be made of thin pieces of wood , or of scabbards . he must be provided likewise with mortars , sives , skillets to boyl cataplasms in , and also to mix up oyntments ; and with glyster-pipes , whose use in angina's , wounds of the head , fevers , &c. are very useful . the description and cuts of the instruments are given by ambrose parey , joh. andreas à cruce ; but because this should be a compleat treatise of chirurgery , there is added to it several copper-plates of the most useful instruments for almost all operations , but especially of all those that relate any way to the operations mentioned in this book . classis xx. linnen rowlers , and the like . the chest cannot be perfectly furnished , if linnen , and the benefit received from it , in the application of medicines , be wanting ; for what profit medicaments , though the most excellent , without linnen ? especially in great and dangerous fluxes of blood , fractures and dislocations of the bones , and in other accidents , where there is danger in delay ; therefore you must have always in readiness rowlers , both large , narrow , and middle-sized , linnen cloaths doubled , which we call compressors , or boulster-pledgets of tow. lint , which we use to apply medicaments upon , and to keep the lips of the wounds asunder , that they unite not again . tents also of lint , of prepared spunges ▪ gentian roots , and the like , which are to be of several sizes , some big , some little , &c. they ought to be prepared at leasure hours , that they may be ready when occasion requires . he must have also spunges , and oxe-bladders , which are necessary to tye down pots and glasses , and also used in amputation . if a sea or land-chirurgeon be furnished with the above recited things , and have about him both faithful and expert servants , he will be able to give assistance to a whole fleet or army , and preserve infinites from death . candid reader , i have been somewhat prolix in the setting down the medicaments , and other things , by reason i designed to describe a most perfect , and every way compleat furnished chest ; but if thou art to furnish one at thy one particular charge , thou mayst select out of them the most useful and necessary medicaments ; but be sure likewise that it be so provided both with medicaments and instruments , that out of it , when occasion requires , thou mayst be able to assist and relieve the sick ; for what thou art imployed about here , is neither beast , nor pretious stones , but man , for whom the son of god shed his pretious blood upon the cross : therefore if any thing be neglected , it must be answered before the almighty , to whom an account of all our actions must be render'd . finis . a body of military medicines experimented . chap. i. concerning the morals of a souldier . whereas the old philosophers wished to every one mentem sanam in corpore sano , a sound mind in a sound body ; considering how much it conduceth to the health of the body to have the mind free from vice and vexation : it will behove a souldier , as much at least as any man , to endeavour after that soundness and integrity of conscience , which may inspire him with true fortitude , undisturbed from the troubles and anxieties accompanying impiety and injustice . to this end , he ought , in the first place , be constant in paying his duties to almighty god , by serving him in publick and private , by imploring the divine protection and blessing in all his just undertakings , and by returning his humble acknowledgments for every good success . next , he ought to serve his prince faithfully to the best of his skill and power , to obey his officers readily , and to do to all others , as he would be done to , if he were in their condition . chap. ii. what care a souldier is to take of his body . the mind being thus taken care of , thou art to advise with a skilful physician concerning thy body , whether it be not necessary to purge it , the better to secure thy self from agues and fevers . then furnish thy self with some mithridate or treacle , to use it against infection ; taking of it in the morning fasting , against the ill air , the quantity of a hasel-nut . take also with thee a quantity of zedoary , angelica , imperatoria or masterwort , and carlina ; of which thou shalt do well , now and then to eat some for the preservation of thy strength , and against the corruption of the air. but especially keep thy head and feet warm , by the neglect of which thou maist cast thy self into great danger . take heed of surcharging the stomach , which is to prepare and to convey the nourishment for the whole body , and restrain as much as thou canst thy appetite , there being nothing more hurtful to health , than when that is irregular and extravagant . gird thy self well , that thy body may be close , and so be secured from receiving mischief in leaping , falling , storming , &c. and thy bowels from being put out of their place . take also with thee out of the apothecary's shop a powder , called pulvis solutivus de tribus , which is not dear . of this , when thou needest purging , take the weight of a ducat or a little more , according to thy constitution , in warm flesh-broath or the like , early in the morning fasting ; so ordering the matter , that that day thou maist keep thy self warm in thy quarter . fast two hours after the taking of it , and then eat warm meat . the same be done with pulvis sena montagnana , and pulvis solutivus de tartaro . if thou be troubled with corns on thy feet , apply to them every day fresh lard , and continue this , till by the fatness of the lard they grow soft ; and then they will fall off from the very roots without pain . to free or secure thy self from vermin , take a good quantity of wormwood , and the inner cuttings of horse-hoofs , cut out by the farriers when they shooe horses ; boyl these both together in half lye and half water , and so put thy shirt into it , and afterwards dry it in the air , without washing it out any other way , and not a lowse will come into it . this experiment is found approved amongst the old german souldiers ; and although there should be a lowse in thy shirt , it would not stay there . if thy feet be moist and sweaty , ( which is very troublesome not only to thy self , but to others also , ) take the filings of brass , which are sometimes used for dust to dry moist writings with , and put some of it into thy socks , and walk upon it . refresh this every other or third day , and thou shalt soon be freed of that inconvenience : nor be thou troubled , that it makes , as it will do , thy feet look greenish ; for there is no hurt at all in that , since you are not like to put them in your cap. take also with thee some stags or bucks-grease , to make use of in case thou shouldst be galled any where in riding , or going on foot . anoint the part therewith at the fire-side , and it will soon be healed . to prevent rust , draw thy sword through the fat of a goose or a capon , or grease thy arms therewith . take care to have always about thee a hard crust of rye-bread ; for if thou art dry , and destitute of water , wine or beer , to quench thy thirst , chew some of this dry crust , and it will moisten thy mouth , and considerably abate thy thirst . the same may be done with a leaden-bullet , rolled to and fro in the mouth , lead being cooling . it hath been prescribed above , to take with thee the herbs imperatoria and carlina . of this be mindful ; for if it should happen , that thou shouldst be obliged to stand some hours in battel or in the field , take a piece of it in thy mouth for hunger , thirst , and refreshment , and thou shalt find , it will keep thee a good while from faintness . but woe to thy fellows , if they want it ; for they will certainly faint , unless thou be so kind as to give them a share in thy provision . in the best apothecary-shops may be found a root , called costus , somewhat like cinnamon ; which hath the same effect . and if others should eat onions , others drink brandy , and i only hold in my mouth of this root the bigness of half a pea ; i should keep in breath a good while longer than they . but take notice , that this , i speak of , is not the common costus , which hitherto hath been sold for the true in common shops ; but that which comes to us from the indies . if thou art a horse-man , take a good quantity of bay-salt , a little brimstone , clove , and ginger , and mingle with it some of the powder of the two above-said herbs , imperatoria and carlina , and give it to thy horse , or in case of want of provender let him have of it upon his bit , or give him some upon a slice of bread , and it will make him strong and vigorous . if thou art to ride in a german saddle , the two hind-knobs whereof are wont only to be stuffed out with straw or horse-hair ; get thee made two tin-flasks with good screws , fitted for those places . in one of them carry brandy , in the other vinegar . the brandy will serve thee in cold nights , and fresh mornings ; and and 't will be good also for thy horse , giving him a little of it upon bread . the vinegar will be of use to thee for the heat of the day , washing thy mouth with it , as also spirting a little of it into thy horses mouth . besides mingling it with water , it will afford thee a good cooling drink . if it he very cold , put some of that horse-hair , that is wont to be curried out of their mains and tails , into thy boots . i never received on such occasions more warmth from any thing , especially keeping my self dry . a hares-skin is also good for this purpose , making socks of it ; but if it grow wet , 't is naught . gather of the wheel-grease that runs out at the nave of the wheels , and would else be lost , which hath taken in some of the substance of the iron that is about the axel-tree , witness its blackness : this is a good ointment for horses . when thou comest into the field , and art to lye abroad , look out for some rising ground , that the rain , which may possibly fall , may run away from thee : and avoid as much as is possible . vallies , marishes , ditches , meadows , and the like low and moist places . besides , observe the air , and put up thy tent towards the east ; which quarter though it be cool , yet 't is wholsom . but lest it should be too cool , order it so , that thou mayst enjoy that wind , which comes from between the east and south , as being one of the wholsomest of all airs , and temperate , the south-air qualifying the sharpness of the eastern . beware of the western wind , especially that which blows from between the south and west . the air of mid-night is wholsome enough and dry , but sharp and piercing . believe it , a souldier is much concern'd in the air ; nor hath hippocrates without cause written a whole book de aere , aquis & locis , to teach , how the air , water , and places are to be discerned and chosen . moreover , look about thee for good clear water , such as grows warm and cool again sooner than other waters ; and observe this mark for my sake . i know water , that will not boyl pease , vetches , stock-fish , flounders , &c. in some springs iron is turn'd into brass , and great care is to be had in the choice of water for drinking . but if thou canst not have spring-water , but art necessitated to use pit or ditch-water ; have a care not to drink it without straining , least thou shouldst swallow frog or snake-spawn . for i have known and had in my cure a countrey-man , who voided , though not at once but at different times , two hundred fifty and five frogs , and of them many in my own house , in the presence of divers ecclesiastical and secular persons ; and some of the biggest of them , being dried , are still to be seen in the repositoy of mantua , as also in that of mr. philip hainhofer at auspurg . and there is a cook in the hospital of wessenburg or landsberg , who , ( as appeared by the event ) had drunk the spawn of serpents , out of which were bred divers serpents in his body , some of which he voided by vertue of the medicine he took , amongst which there was one of the length of a bavarian ell. the man hath been since in good health , and continues in his service to this day . wherefore it will behove you to spread your handkerchief over the ditch-water , and so drink through it ; or if you take any of it up unstrain'd , quench first a red-hot stone or iron in it , whereby the noxious quality will be destroyed . or , if you lye still , and can get any oyl of vitriol , let some drops of that fall into it , and you need not then fear any corruption or poyson in such water . otherwise , if time will permit , let it boil up and cool again , and put a crust of bread into it , and you may drink of it safely . those waters that run out of stony hills and from under rocks , are the best ; to which may be reckon'd those springs , that flow from high places , and purge themselves in clear sand and pebles . if thou meet with beer or wine , take heed of excess ; and forbear drinking new beer that hath not yet done working , or is not some days old , because new beer causeth the strangury . and in case this should trouble thee , take a handful of hay-blossoms , boyl them in water , and urine over it , drawing into thy body the warm steam thereof , and anointing thy navel several times with warm suet . if thou art hot , and canst not forbear drinking , make water first ; then wash thy mouth , and cool the arteries on both thy temples , and those of both thy wrists , and then drinking will hurt thee less . if you chance to drink whilst you are hot , ( which is so dangerous a thing that some have dyed within hours after it ; others have fallen into consumptive coughs , others been troubled with pains in their sides and with impostumes , &c. ) then take of the leaves of bellis or daisy , which grows in all meadows and pasture-grounds , and is green both winter and summer , and wash them clean , and dress them like a salad with oyl , vinegar and a little salt , and forthwith eat thereof ; and it helps immediately , as i know by much experience . but this must be used presently , the sooner the better . i can say with truth , that in all my practice of physick for above years i have not met with any experiment of so quick an operation from any herb , as from this . but here i must note , that i have always used the red daisy , and have not tryed the other sorts ; though i am apt to believe , the others may have the like effect . you must not eat the flowers , but only the leaves . this experiment should be put up on all posts every where , for the good of courriers , mowers , and other labouring men , that are wont to drink plentifully when they are hot , and thereby spoil themselves in great numbers . but to proceed ; as thou art to beware of excess of drinking at all times , so thou art especially to forbear when thou art to stand sentinel , lest thou should fall a sleep ; whereby thou mayst lose thy life , at least , thy place and thy preferment for ever . neither be fond of gaming at dice , tables , &c. whence are occasioned quarrels , mistrusts , deceit , swearing , and what not ? avoid also the company of base women , lest thou shouldst be constrained to undergo the mercurial salivation , and with it a very lean diet , of thin broth , water-gruel , barley-broth , prunes , roasted apples , and such like , without any flesh-meat at all . chap. iii. concerning the physicians and chirurgeons in an army . every army ought to be well provided with one or more able physicians , such as are not only expert in the cure of inward diseases , but also understanding in outward cases , as wounds , burnings , luxations . dislocations , erysipelas's or st. antony's fires , &c. these physicians ought to be no youngsters , that are lately come from schools and univerversities , knowing only in controversies and disputations , but such as are expert in the cure of diseases , especially such as are most frequent in armies . they are also to be men of good nature , great honesty and condescension , willing to take pains with the poor as well as the rich . physicians thus qualified may so gain the hearts of the souldiers , that these will love and honour them as if they were their parents . likewise the chirurgeons ought to be learn'd , discreet , and affable , such as have been long vers'd , and experienc'd , in all the operations of chirurgery , that can distinguish well of diseases , and with prudence make their judgments thereon : they ought also to be diligent , and careful of those committed to their charge , and very knowing in all manner of outward applications , as unguents , plaisters , pulments , lenitives , stiptiques , attractives , digestives , causticks , escharotiques , as also their mollifying , dissipating , repelling , suppurating and mundifying , &c. medicines . they ought to be skilful in discerning them , and withal in knowing well the cases and times where and when to use them , they are to be very careful in observing the beginning , middle and end of ulcers , wounds , &c. since it often may be impertinent and even hurtful too , to use that in the beginning , that may be pertinent and beneficial in the midst of the cure , and the like . an able and dextrous chirurgeon is a great treasure in an army , and cannot be enough valued , especially if he consult in all dangerous cases with an understanding physitian . these two , physitians and chirurgeons , are to be intimate friends together , assisting one another without envy and pride , for the better relief and the greater safety of their patients . 't is very necessary , both these should go abroad and travel before they undertake to practise , thereby to acquire experience , and to learn also to converse with the more discretion and gentleness with all sorts of humors . and when they come to practise , the chirurgeons ought to advise with physitians , who are but lame doctors , if they be not skilled in chirurgery ; since this is the third part of physick , from which it can and ought not to be separated , being an integral part thereof . it is recorded in history , that above years since , podalyrius and machaon , sons to esculapius , went both with agamemnon in the expedition for troja , and there purchased great honour by their practise not so much of physick as chirurgery . chap. iv. of fevers , hungarian distempers , spotted fevers , and other pestilential diseases , as also of hereditary maladies , together with their remedies . 't is known seldom to fail , that in an army there reigneth some disease or other , according to the nature and constitution of the country , air , and diet. the reasons are ; first , that amongst so great a number of men , raised from so many different places , there are to be found men of very different tempers and constitutions , sound and unsound ; and amongst the latter , some that are scabby , others scorbutical , others labouring under venereal diseases , many inclined to dangerous and infectious fevers , &c. all which a physitian must have a watchful eye upon , and endeavour to prevent their spreading . secondly , that souldiers in an army want conveniences wherewith to take due care of their health ; but are often constrain'd to expose themselves and sleep in the open air on moist ground , the vapours whereof penetrate into their bodies ; and they are careless or want oppertunities of expelling them out again by sweat . whence is caused an inward putrefaction in the blood and humours , which sometimes proceeds so far , as to assume a venemous nature , and to break out into spots , tumors , bubo's , carbuncles , &c. thirdly , that souldiers commonly keep an irregular diet . sometimes they have plenty and do supperabound ; at other times they have nothing ; and then being very hungry , when they come again to a place of plenty , they over-feed and surfeit ; whence are bred crudities in the stomach , and corruption , which causeth malignant fevers in abundance . besides , they often feed upon meat that is unwholsom , as stinking venison , rotten cheese musty bread , &c. which cannot but occasion many diseases . and when they come to places , where fruit abounds , as apples , pears , plums , melons , cherries , grapes , &c. they over-eat themselves , and thereby cause gripings in the guts , diarrhaea's , &c. lastly , sometimes the air is corrupted , especially after a great battel , and slaughter of men that remain unburied ; whereby the air being tainted infects the living that take it in . which is often made worse by the exhalations of low and moorish ground , and by thick fogs . these are the general causes of the common distempers reigning in armies ; against which thou art to arm thy self accordingly . first then be careful in thy diet ; eat not greedily and indiscreetly every thing that comes to hand ; and though it be good , yet eat and drink not too plentifully of it , but restrain thy appetite , considering how destructive every excess may be to thy health . if thou canst and hast no aversion from it , drink every morning of thy own vrine , which prevents corruption in the stomach , opens obstructions in the liver , spleen , mesaraic veins ; which if not removed , there will follow fevers , the yellow jaundice , swellings , and difficulty of breathing . if thou art averse from doing so , eat some bread and butter with rue on it ; or , if it be not hot weather , take in the morning the quantity of a hasel-nut of mithridate or treacle ; or infuse in brandy , or rather in spirit of juniper-berries , some zedoary , angelica , and a little citron-peels , and drink a spoonful of it in the morning . when the air is corrupted , and there be at hand a goat , rub thy self at him , and let not the strong smell keep thee from it . also put quicksilver in an empty hasel-nut , closed up with spanish wax , and hang it about thy neck ; or the zenechton prepared of arsenic , ( after the manner by and by to be described ) sowed up in thin leather ; for if it should touch the bare skin , it would cause blisters and do harm . this zenechton is a plaister , out of which are cut pieces of the bigness of a dollar , which are carried about the neck , and hang down near the heart ; keeping good a whole year . and when the infection is past , this zenechton being reduced to powder , will yet serve to kill rats and mice with . it is to be thus prepar'd , take of yellow and white arsenic , of each an ounce , or ¾ of an ounce ; of gummi tragacanth ½ an ounce ; put this gummi in rose-water or in common water over night , and it will yield a slimy water . then beat thy arsenic in a mortar , and put so much of this gummed water to it , as is necessary to reduce it to a paste having the consistence of dough ; work it well and round it , and then cut off a slice of the bigness of a dollar , somewhat thicker ; let this slice dry in the air , and sow it in a piece of thin leather ( well-dressed dogs-skin is the best for this purpose ; ) carry this about thy neck so as to let it hang down upon , and to touch the place of thy heart . some mix with it a proportion of the powder of dried toads , which i have done my self , it being esteem'd more powerful . some carry about their necks dried spiders ; theophrastus commends celondine , leaves and root , carried about the neck . remember also to burn frequently juniper-wood before thy tent ; though all ordinary fires cleanse the air : upon which account hippocrates advised great fires to be made in greece at the time of a great plague , which was thought to have been remov'd by that means . some burn only a few chips of juniper-roots , or some of the berries of that shrub , which is as effectual . if these means cannot be had , burn some gunpowder , ordering it like a train ; this purifieth the air likewise . and the volleys of shot made mornings and evenings in a camp , conduce very much to the dispelling of mist , and qualifying raw weather . frankincense also , mastick , and such other perfumes as dry and clear the air , may be very usefully burnt ; and even a scholars perfume made of waste paper is not to be despised . if thou canst get rue , smell often to it : and remember me for this general hint , to take good notice of all herbs that are green winter and summer , and which are not eaten by horses or cattel ; for they are endow'd with excellent virtues for the good of man , and therefore made to grow at all seasons of the year . when the air is pestilential , or breeding any epidemical disease , then wash thy face with vinegar every morning . if thou canst get acetum of rue , elder-flowers , lavender , roses , marigold-flowers , 't is the better . or , if you have the conveniency , prepare the following acetum : take rue , elder-flowers , burnet-roots , white dittany , carlina , of each equal quantity ; a few orange or citron-peels , ( of which the latter are the better of the two , ) and a little camphire , and some walnut-kernels ( the fresher the better , ) leaving the bitter skins upon them ; put all these into common vinegar , and with this infusion moisten every morning thy temples , mouth and nostrils , and the beating arteries of both thy wrists ; taking down a good spoonful of it , and thou hast a good preservative . if it be cold weather , take angelica-roots , zedoaria , white dittany , some dried citron-peels , and a little camphir , infuse them all in brandy , especially in such as is made out of wormwood or juniper-berries . of this liquor drink in the morning a spoonful . but if thou be of a hot constitution , then content thy self with the former acetum , in which you may mix a little treacle . some advise to take fasting some of the juice of marigold , freshly express'd out of the flower and leaves , as a good preservative against the infection . this i have not tried ; but i have often in such cases used the acetum of marigold-flowers , especially for a cordial and sudorifick , and , i think , with very good success . or make an electuary of rue and juniper-berries , of each equal quantity , adding thereto a double quantity of walnuts , with their bitter skin on them , some figs , a little treacle , and a little saffron ; beat them together in a mortar , and pour on them , whilst thou art beating , as much rue-vinegar as will reduce it to a thick puls or electuary : of this take the bigness of a hasel-nut or two , fasting . take the roots of the greater burrdock , and those of celondine , both well cleared , and the bark of ash ; infuse them twenty four hours in half white-wine , and half rue-vinegar ; then distil it , and in the distilled water mix a little brimstone-oyl , to render it a little sowrish . of this take two spoonfuls in the morning for a preservative . but if any be already infected with the plague , let him take of the same six or eight spoonfuls at a time , and sweat upon it , it being a very sudorifick liquor , which , under the name of aqua bardana composita , hath been used by me and my collegues in hospitals and other places with very great success . you may mix some mithridate with it , if you please . else take carlina , imperatoria , serpentaria , valerian , saxifrage , tormentil , gentian , angelica and zedoaria , all cut small ; infuse them in brandy , and drink of it a spoonful in the morning for a preservative ; but if thou hast the contagion , take two spoonfuls , to sweat upon it , in case the pestilential poison be not yet broken out , and the patients tongue not dry ; but if it be , content thy self with the newly prescribed acetum , as being more safe , and an inflammation being to be feared from the brandy . hold zedoar , angelica , lovage or imperatoria , in thy mouth ; but if thou be subject to the head-ach , then cut it first small , and infuse it in vinegar , and let it stand infused for the space of hours ; then take it out again , dry it , and use it as prescribed above . amongst the good preservatives reckon this also : take garden-rue , beat it into a mortar , pour vinegar on it , and strain all through a cloth ; mix some treacle with it , set it by in a glass , and take of it in the morning half a spoonful or a whole . put a little camphir to it , if you will have it stronger . or put camphir in worm-wood-wine , and drink a good draught of it every morning when i served in times of great mortality , i infused in wine carduus benedictus , wormwood , scordium , dictamne of creet , burnet-roots , and citron-peels , and after i had taken every morning a good mess of sourish broth , i drank after it a good glass of this infusion . as long as the herbs retain a bitterness , fresh wine may be infused upon them . infuse also white and well cleansed garlick in acetum made of rue , and take of it a spoonful or two in the morning . in the apothecary-shops are pills , call'd pestilential pills : among these cause a little camphir to be mixt , and of it let pills be made ; of which take at once three or four every week , taking them in a spoonful of white-wine , an hour before supper . these prevent all inward putrefaction , and keep off all infection , nor do they suffer any collection , of morbifique matter within thee , though they purge not , but only keep the body soluble . they are made up of aloe myrrhe and saffron . formerly i have printed a whole book of such pills , which i call'd marocostinas in latin ; where i have described their vertues at large . for the rich may serve what follows ; take terra sigillata , bolus armenus , pulvis alexipharmacus , or bezoardicum nicolai , or the cordiales alexandrini benedicti ; item species de hyacintho , aqua stapediana , acetum theriacale , or the red hungarian powder ; all these serving not only to preserve , but also to recover , by gods blessing . provide out of the apothecaries-shops pastils of the extract of angelica or zedoaria ; take one or two of them in thy mouth every morning , and there let them melt down . keep thy body clean every way ; be chearful ; avoid rashness ; nor be affraid , considering that many have been infected by fear , terrour , and melancholy . chear thy self up now and then with a glass of good and sincere wine , but not to excess . never fasting , nor never full . one that is empty will soon be caught with this distemper , especially if he live amongst infected people . if he do , let him drink a good draught of wormwood-wine , juniper-berry-wine , rosemary , sage , or zedoar-wine ; which may keep thee from many dangers . but remember , not to drink more of it than will chear thee up and revive thy spirits . at least , drink a little wine with camphir and vinegar , kindling the camphir and letting it burn in the wine , so as to let it sink into it ; for if it burn on the top , it will there remain swimming : and if the wine be skinned over with it , kindle it again till it be quite burnt out . take of camphir for one draught , the quantity of a pease ; but if thou be subject to the head-ach , then camphir will not agree with thee . in case that any come to be infected , he is forthwith to be separated from the sound , and to be laid to bed , so as his head and shoulders may lye somewhat high ; by which means he will be less subject to faintness . then let him presently take some sudorifick medicine , to make him sweat ; for if the poyson be not speedily driven from the heart , the patient is lost . you are also to take great care , that this distemper prevail not , and to endeavour to discover it before the patient be quite disabled : for , as soon as any begins to droop , grows melancholy , faint and feeble in his limbs , so as that he is hardly able to hold up his head , drawing his breath with difficulty , letting his head fall to and fro , losing his stomach , growing yellowish about his eyes , with the apples of his eyes standing out , finding head-ach , interrupted heats and colds ; as soon , i say , as these symptoms appear in times of the plague , spotted fevers , hungarian disease , &c. you may then look to it by times ; forasmuch as such patients , that are already infected , go often about until the sixth or eighth day , as i have known my self , until the lurking poyson of the heart has got the prevalency ; and then the poor patient is quite cast down , and often dyes in very few days , and even in a few hours . wherefore thou art not to stay , till the swellings and boils appear behind the ears , under the arms , &c. or till the carbuncles , bubo's , and the like , break out ; but thou art immediately to make use of the best medicines , thou canst be master of , to drive out the poyson , if thou wilt save thy life . i never found any thing , that was considerable , done in the plague , by means of purging and bleeding ; but rather on the contrary , all those that had spots , if they were purged or let blood , soon after died . however , i will prescribe nothing magisterially to any man ; let every one endeavour to do , what he can give a good account of . i have , together with my collegues , treated many hundreds in our hospitals infected with the plague , without ever opening a vein , and yet we have by gods blessing recovered near persons , besides those that by the same mercy we have cured in their several houses . now to procure sweat in the very beginning , take the quantity of two hasel-nuts of treacle , dissolve it in common vinegar ; but if thou canst have a cordial acetum , made of rosemary , lavender , elder-blossoms , rue , roses , or elder-berries , use it much rather , and give it the patient to sweat . or take the roots of celondine , boyl them in vinegar , and dissolve some treacle in it : or take carduus benedictus , rue , petasites or butter-burr , a little angelica , zedoaria , or saxifrage-roots , boyl them together in half white-wine , and half vinegar , or only water , dissolve a little treacle or mithridate in it , and let the patient take it warm , to make him sweat . mithridate hath the like virtue with treacle , yet neither of them are safe to take for women with child , old persons and young children . you may also make use to good purpose of the saxon-powder , taking of it the weight of a ducat in caduus benedictus , scabius , or sorrel-water ; which powder is thus to be prepared : take valerian half an ounce ; celondine , or nettel-roots , of each one ounce ; polypody , althaea , ( or marchmallow , ) wild angelica , of each two ounces ; of garden angelica , four ounces ; of the rind of laureola , ( or lowry , ) an ounce and an half : these roots are to be dug up in their best strength , viz. between the middle of august and the middle of september , and being cleansed , they are to be cut small , and then put in a glazed pot , pouring a sharp vinegar upon it , so as to cover it two inches high . then lute on the cover with a lute made of whites of eggs and flower ; let all be boiled upon a gentle fire ; then pour off the liquor , and dry the roots , and reduce them to powder , mixing with it some berries of herbe paris , ( or one-berrie ( which look like pepper-corns , very good against poison ; and thus the powder is made . this herb grows in shadowed and moderately moist places ; i have found of it several times in koshinger-wood near ingolstad : it hath four leaves on one stalk , and one berry on the top . an herb belonging to the family of solanum's or night shades ; whence the leaves of it do very much cool inflammations , especially those of the eyes , when laid upon them . take notice of sorrel , bruise some of it and pour vinegar on 't , ( the rue acetum is the best , ) and strain the juice through a cloth ; put into it a little powder of angelica , about the weight of half a ducat ; or of the root of dictam , or of butter-burr , or a little treacle or mithridate , and give it to sweat . on this occasion of mentioning dictam , i must add , that in our countrey there grows only the white dictam , which is , among others , an excellent antidote , but you must take of it the double quantity and weight to that of creta . you may boil of the root of half an ounce in half white-wine and half vinegar , or , instead of the wine , in carduus benedictus water ; and drink of the decoction warm , and put your self to sweat ; or take of the powder of it a drachm and an half in warm broth with a little vinegar , for the same purpose . the dictam of creta hath hairy leaves and purpureous blossoms , and is used in the prepation of treacle . this herb by its odour drives away serpents . the wild goats being hurt by any arrows eat this herb , and 't is said , that by this means the arrows fall out of the wound . this perhaps hath no other ground than that of the poet virgil , affirming that venus with this herb healed her son aeneas when wounded in the war. his words are aeneid . . hic venus indigno nati concussa dolore ; dictamnum genitrix cretaea carpit ab ida , puberibus caulem foliis & flore comantem purpureo , non illa feris incognita capris gramina , cum tergo volucres haesere sagittae . about this time came in the hungarian infection , which was a disease that bred such a a putrefaction in the bodies of men , that even when they were near death , they fell a vomiting but that with such a stench , that no body could endure it . here those medicines do well , that preserve the body from putrefaction ; for the plague , spotted fevers , and the hungarian distemper , proceed all from inward corruption . and of them , the plague attacks the spirits residing in the heart , and so killeth very quickly ; whereas spotted fevers have their seat in the blood , and therefore do last twelve , fourteen , and sometimes twenty days before they kill . but the hungarian disease is seated chiefly in the putrified phlegm of the head and brains ; whence those that labour under it , are tormented with great and maniacal head-ach . but though these three diseases have their rise from one and the same cause ( putrefaction , ) and are to be cured by the same remedies ; yet is therein required the discretion of a prudent physitian , for the ordering and prescribing of medicines according to circumstances . take a drachm of zedoary , give it pulverised to the patient in acetum of rue , or elder , or marrigold flowers , or even in common vinegar : let him sweat upon it . 't is good against all sorts of venom , and causeth a sweet breath , as resisting inward corruption . in the apothecary shops you find an electuary , called diascordium , found by that famous physician hieronymus fracastorius . it is like to treacle and mithridate ; only 't is red from some ingredients giving it that colour . this may be used with safety by women with child , young children and all sorts of persons , whereas , as was said above , treacle and mithridate may not . it is made chiefly of scordium or water-germander , which hath the smell of leek when bruised . galen in his first book de antidotis , chap. . writeth , that when in a great battel some slain bodies chanced to fall upon this herb , they rotted not as far as they were touched by this herb. the said fracastorius did compound this his diascordium out of this herb scordium , tormentil , serpentaria , gentian , bole armeniac and terra sigillata , and such like ingredients . it is chiefly to be used in the hot diseases of the head ; which i have done many a hundred times . take of it the weight of about two ducats in common vinegar , or in elder-water , or rather in the expressed juyce of fresh sorrel , and sweat upon it . 't is very good especially in the hungarian sickness and other venomous and infectious diseases . to young people you may give a lesser quantity , and proportionably you are to lessen the dose for women with child or in child bed , and little children . besides take notice of the powder of doctor hessius , which hath been used with great benefit , and is thus prepared . take a drachm of sugar-candy , a quarter of an ounce of pulverised ginger , and a drachm of camphir ; reduce all to a fine powder ; give of it to the infected patient the weight of a drachm in vinegar mingled with the water of marigold flowers , scabious or sorrel , and sweat upon it . if you have none of these waters , then look that the vinegar be not too sharp , and to that end dilute it with some wine and water . mean time , though in this case i highly value camphir , yet in stead of ginger i would use zedoary , saxifrage , carlina or imperatoria , or the true petasites or butter-burr . again , brimstone is none of the meanest remedies in these infectious cases ; for it preserves the body from putrefaction . wherefore take of the noble flowers of sulphur a quarter of an ounce , being sublimed from colcothar ; add to it one scruple of camphir , an ounce of the spirit or oyl of cyprian or venetian turpentine . put all this into a glass-head , lute it well and put it upon hot sand or ashes , whereby the oyl of turpentine will come to open the brimstone , and produce a red colour like a ruby , or at least as yellow as a high-colour'd hyacinth . of this give some to the patient three or four times , mingled with a little treacle , or in sorrel , cardobenedictus , or scabious-water . this balsom is excellent also in sore breasts that are growing purulent , taken in warm broth , or in a good wound-drink . but this must be in cases of no great heat or inflammation , in which it would be dangerous . amongst all the remedies , which serve against infectious diseases , that of henricus stapedius , to be found in my book de pestilentia , is an excellent one , and perhaps the best for curing as well as preserving ; of which half a spoonful being taken fasting , is able to keep a man well for twelve hours or more : but if any be already infected , he must take of it at any time immediately , to the quantity of a spoonful and an half , or two spoonfuls , for sweating . which is to be repeated every eighteen or twenty four hours , to make the patient sweat , till he recover , or till the pestilential boyls and carbuncles break out behind the ears , under the arms , or elsewhere . this water , though it be somewhat dear , yet its vertue countervails its price . the older it grows the more vertue it hath . many have ascribed great efficacy to the blood of animals : thus old democritus , ( witness galen , ) prepared an electuary of such blood , called diathaematôn . some esteem much the blood of storks , because they eat toads and snakes ; others value the blood of hens , because they eat spiders and other venomous insects . i should esteem most the flesh or blood of badgers ; which is to be dried in the shade , and that done , you must mix with it saffron , camphir , and some or other of the anti-pestilential roots , as of angelica , zedoaria , or the like , together with a little live brimstone to the quantity of a ducat ; which is to be taken in acetuni of rue , or marigold-flowers , or walnuts , and in case of want of these , in common vinegar : upon which the patient is to sweat . if thou art a good husband , have ready a good acetum of rue , walnut-kernels and marigold-flowers , taking the greater quantity of rue ; and as you use it , fill it up again with acetum of elder-berries . the rich do use for their physick in the time of the plague , the red hungarian , as also the imperial red and gray powder , bezoar , harts-horn , antidotum matthioli , terra sigillata , bole armeniack , scorzonera and contrayerva , species de gemmis , diamargariton de hyacintho , and other high medicines , of which i have largely discoursed in my above-cited book de postilentia . but i , though i have used such remedies among the rich , yet i content my self commonly with the plainer and most common medicines , of which i have more knowledge and experience . the pickle of ebulus or walwort , ( alias dane-wort , or dwarf-elder , ) which is of kin to elder ; as also the pickle of juniper-berries , are also of great use in this case . the physicians of ausburg made great use , in the year . of the red imperial powder ; the composition of which is in the augustan dispensatory at large , as also in my book de peste . these are the several means to provoke sweat , which i esteem to be of great efficacy for that purpose upon a sudden . and though souldiers have not the conveniency of a bed for sweating , when they are in a march , and often cannot put off their cloaths for many nights together ; yet let them use such sudorifick means : for , though they cannot sweat outright , yet they may fall into a dampish moisture , which if it strike not in again , may prove as good as a sweat . yet in this case he must turn his shirt : quod non facit sudor , praestat id tenuis udor . but here is to be noted , that 't is not enough , once only to give a sudorifick medicine to an infected body ; considering that the venom , like a raging sea , is tossed to and fro every way . and though it should seem to thee , as if by thy approved antidote thou hadst overcome the disease , the symptoms of it excepted , yet thou art not to trust in this case ; for i my self have been sometimes deceived , and hard put to it to make good what by confidence i had omitted . wherefore you must not trust to the once taking a sudorifick potion or powder , because such malign and lurking diseases , that keep no stitch , do indeed fly the first time from thy medicament , and hide themselves under it , but they are wont suddenly to re-appear . wherefore you must repeat the antidotes , that were first administred to you , for the time of , , , or hours , according to circumstances , and so long and often , till you judge your sick brothers or friends heart secured from the infectious venom . when the sweating is over , thou must then refresh thy patient , first by drying him well , and next by giving him a little vinegar to taste in a spoon . the rich may afford some slices of citron , of which theopompus chius writeth , that the tyrant clearchus heracleota , who lived in pontus , having poisoned many people , the vertue of citron was at length found out , of which a slice being eaten proved an effectual antidote against it . the same vertue may be found in a slice of a common apple ; and the syrupus de pomis is one of the cordials of our shops . but the thirst , that uses to follow upon sweating , will not be quenched with so small a matter ; wherefore take three parts of water , one part of vinegar , and , if the patient be not too hot , one part of wine , mixing some sugar therewith , and of this let him drink a good draught , and it will cool and refresh him . besides , take some of the guts of hens , and some slices of radish , sprinkle them with vinegar and salt , and bind them to the soles of his feet ; this will draw away the heat . but let not the radish lye too long upon them , because it will give a stink that may increase the head-ach , wherewith the people that have the plague are commonly troubled enough without provoking it . moreover you will do well to tye about his wrists some rue beaten with vinegar . anoint his loyns and back-bone with the unguent of roses , or with fresh butter ; but if there appear any spots , forbear to anoint him , lest they should be driven in . you will do well to have epithemata of good things about you , as of rose water and elder-vinegar , to lay over the heart ; with which mix some camphir . but if you find any thing of specks , &c. broke out , you must use no wet thing . anoint his heart with oyl of scorpions , take the oyl of sea-blossoms and of those earth-worms that appear after rain , of each six ounces , of st johns-wort oyl two ounces , of fresh elder-blossoms and rue , each a handful and an half , of the acetum , of marigold-flowers and roses , each about three ounces , of live spiders forty five : boil all these together , till the vinegar be so qualified , that when 't is thrown into the fire , it cause no cracking there . then strain it , and in this strained oyl put a matter of five and twenty spiders more , of the biggest sort , and add to it of camphir dissolved in the spirit of roses half a drachm ; let it stand in balneo mariae or upon hot embers for twelve hours , and then put to it of treacle and mithridate , of each half an ounce , and let them work together . with this oyl anoint the eight pulses , viz. both temples , behind both ears , both hands , and both knees , as also the heart . and this is an excellent succedaneum to scorpion-oyl , much used by the germans . besides , you must refresh and strengthen the patient with convenient meat and drink ; i mean with good flesh or barley-broath , with a little vinegar in it to make it savoury to him who will have appetite to little else , till he have shaken off this venomous distemper ; which when he hath done , his stomach will be so keen , that you will find work enough to keep him from surfeiting . be also careful to keep thy patients body open ; if he be obstructed , use a clister , or take butter or hogs-grease , mixing a little salt with it , or , if it be to be gotten , a little mice-trickles , and put it into his bowels . physick at the mouth for this purpose is not always safe : when the patient is discharged of the venom , a little liquor of stew'd prunes with some senna-leaves in it will do well for opening the body . some fresh butter eaten in the morning , or melted in warm broath , and taken down , is wont also to keep the body soluble . the drink of these patients may be , water with some bread soaked in it ; or take of such water , wherein bread hath been soaked , one quart , and a little vinegar , with two or three spoonfuls of kitchin-sugar , mingling it well together . if you have no sugar , use such water with vinegar alone : this affords good drink in malignant fevers . among the romans it was drunk by the souldiers , under the name of posca . you may also take a handful of well cleaned plantain-roots , and boil them up in three quarts of water , and then decant the water , which though it be somewhat bitter , yet 't is very good in fevers , and a good drink in hot distempers . if you have oyl of vitriol , let a few drops of it fall into clear water , mingling it well ; and you will have a factitious sawer-brun or acidula . but use no metalline vessel for this purpose . with this kind of water many people have been served in all sorts of fevers ; the oyl of vitriol , in such distempers , if rightly used , being very beneficial . but if a man should have with it any pulmonick disease , in that case he must forbear acid things , and use liquorice , and content himself with ptisane . nor is it at all good to use acids in pestilential pleurisies . and since on this occasion we mention this case , and we having above given warning , not easily to blood in pestilential diseases ; yet may venae-section be sometimes , upon good consideration , used in that pleurisie , provided it be done in the very beginning , and the patient be strong and full of blood. yet this is not to lessen the blood , but only to give it vent ; but before bleeding the patient is to sweat by taking some of the above specified antidotes . if the patient have violent head-ach , lay on his head vine-leaves or fresh cabbage-leaves ; and , if you have no alablaster-salve , take two parts of vinegar , and one part of oyl of olives ( the sea-blossoms oyl , and elder-vinegar were better ; ) dip long rags of linnen therein , and having well squeez'd them again , lay them lukewarm over the face and temples . even vinegar alone is good . of such applications you may make many , of acetum of roses , elder-blossoms , and the like , with a little camphir . the expressed milk of peaches is also very effectual in this case . if at the going off of this distemper , a hot defluxion should fall into the eyes , take camphir and infuse it in water , and often moisten the eyes therewith ; and if it should be cold and windy weather , you will do well to keep your self out of the open air , and not to let this water dry up in your eyes in the cold wind . in case of having lost thy hearing , take of thy own urine , and with it wash thy ears within , but withal dry them very well , because that moisture is very noxious to the ears : and it often happens , that after the hungarian sickness people grow deaf or hard of hearing . others put the water of carduus-benedictus distilled with wine into the ears , or the oyl of bitter almonds . if thy throat swell , or the palate of thy mouth be fallen down , gargarize thy throat with warm milk , wherein figgs have been boil'd , or sweetned with sugar . the flowers of phyllirea or mock-privet , which grows in the hedges , boiled , and used for a gargarism , heals also a sore throat . the same doth the middle rind of oxyacantha or haw-thorn , if boiled , with a little allom dissolved in the decoction . if you have the juice of mulberries , mix a little honey of roses with it , and often take a little thereof . the roots of sloes boiled in red wine , and the mouth often washed therewith , is also very good . if thou hast the squinancy , boil scabious in meath , and drink thereof warm , when strain'd . beat turnips and fry them in butter or oyl , and clap them in a cloth round about thy neck . if thou cast up blood , take mouse-ear , ground-ivy , cumfrey ; boil them in half wine and half water , or in meat , and drink often of it . but if the plague reign not , open first a vein . for a violent cough , boil white turnips , well cleansed in common water ; throw away this first water , pour on other water , and in it let the turnips boil till they grow soft . strain this water , sweeten it with sugar , or infuse in it liquorice cut small ; and drink of it mornings and evenings warm . or make a decoction of st. johns bread , and drink it , abstaining from all four and salt things . the bleeding at the nose is also incident to persons infected ; which is no good sign , though in sound persons it often frees from the head-ach and cools the liver . if this bleeding be too violent , clap ice-cold water about the patients neck , or let him put his pudenda in cold vinegar . chap. v. of the inflammation of the tongue , its rise , and concomitants , together with the remedies . when the tongue is inflamed , the whole oesophagus or weasand is inflamed also , and this from beneath upward , because the inward fire sends up its smoak all along , as it were , that chimney , which like soot sticks to it , drying and blackning the same . but there is another inflammation , much more dangerous , which taking its rise about the heart , and therefore is call'd the inflammation of the heart , which proceeds from the great inflammation of the orifice of the stomach , situate near the heart , in which is inserted the sixth pair of nerves , which maketh the said orifice very sensible of any pain . this part being seized by so great an inflammation , which is venomous withal , it must in a manner harden , and shrink ; and this heat is of that extent that , the inner membrane of the stomach & that of the tongue being one and the same , what befalls the stomach , the tongue must needs be sensible of it . whence it comes to pass , that if the gall overflows and passeth into the stomach , the tongue presently finds the bitterness of it : or if the stomach be full of slime or foul , or the like , the tongue is soon affected therewith . there is another kind of inflammation , by the latins called prunella alba . this is of the same kind with the rest , but not of the same degree ; for 't is not of so dry a nature , as the others are , but commonly is moist , yet overlays all the gums , the throat , and the weasand with such a tough white slime , like a kind of leather , and so covers the almonds with the same , that sometimes it can hardly be removed even with instruments . the tongue is as if it were crusted over with dough , the gums like an oven that by the heat of fire is burnt white , the almonds cover'd as 't were with white leather , and the palate of the mouth likewise . and in this case if the patient will speak , he lalls and stutters , his tongue being burthen'd with a load of slime ; or , if he make his tongue wagg , the slime spins out like a thred , and so invades the teeth as if they were laid over with varnish . and when this varnish on the teeth grows black ( as i have often observ'd it to do ) and drieth on them , 't is a mortal sign ; of which hyppocrates saith , quibus in febribus livores circumdentes nascuntur , his fortes fiunt febres , . aph. . these are the three sorts of inflammation ; for which let us now seek out the remedies , beginning from the last , the white . this is not to be master'd by gargarisins alone , but the hand must be employed also . take therefore cotton-wooll , or flax , and wind it about a stick or rod , and dip this in vinegar , and rake his throat and gums therewith , yet taking care not to make it raw ; let him gargarise between , and wash well his mouth with water and vinegar , or mul-berry-juyce . privet that grows in the hedges , or the middle rind of haw-thorn , boiled in water and a little vinegar , then strained , with a little sal-armoniack put into it , is in this case an excellent gargarism ; but if there be blisters upon the tongue , or elsewhere , then take instead of sal-armoniack a little unburnt allom , and mix it therewith . if you can have the juyce of turnips , or the juyce of fresh house-leek , dissolve therein also a little sal-armoniack , and use it to wet the stick , wherewith thou cleansest the throat of the patient ; dipping it often therein , and carrying it about the vvula or palate of the mouth ; and you will see lumps come away as big as pease . the skin is under this prunella alba fair and red , but tender . whilst thou art cleansing the patients mouth , let him often gargarise with the waters above-specified , and he will clear his mouth of the loosen'd lumps . if thou canst get mul-berry-juyce mixt with honey of roses , the mouth will heal the better ; for upon this sort of inflammation there usually follows a putrefaction of the mouth ; and in case thou perceivest any such thing , take wood-sorrel , and the above said rind of haw-thorn , make a decoction of it , and put in it a little allom , and often gargarise with it . clean thy teeth from the slime with water well sharpned with vitriol . the common inflammation of the mouth may be cured with frequent washing of the mouth , taking a gargarism made of house-leek , lettice , night-shade , or self-heal water , mixing a little honey of roses and mul-berry-juyce with it . of this gargarism the patient is also to swallow a little , thereby to moisten the throat . some take house-leek , and beat it , and put to a pound of it half an ounce of sal-armoniack , mixing it well together . and so they put it for some days in an earthen pot glased under ground ; then they distill of it a water in balneo or in sand : which is excellent both to drink and to gargarise , though the sal-armoniack make it a little unpleasant . but there is nothing better to allay this inflammation than niter ; which is so well known amongst souldiers , that they are wont to give one another gunpowder to drink , which powder performs this effect not upon the account of the coals or brimstone , but the saltpeter . for this cause experienced physitians and chirurgeons endeavour to purifie niter for this use , that it may have the greater effect ; and this they do in manner following : they take of the purest niter they can get , as much as they think fit ; they beat it to a fine powder , and melt it in a large crucible , & whilst it boils up and foameth , they pour into it a little powdered sulphur , and so let it boil together , till the blew sulphur-flame ceaseth ; then they cast in more fresh sulphur : which they repeat often , and then pour out the niter into an earthen vessel glased , making lozenges of it , of which they put one pulverised into a quart of limpid water , and so give the patient to drink of it as much as he needs to quench his thirst . or they give of this purified niter to their patients , labouring under this inflammation , the quantity of a ducat or half a ducat weight in broath , or in ptisan , till they find the tongue cleared of its slime . the use of salt-petre thus prepared removeth also the inflammation of the heart , especially if it be melted upon lead , and then proceeded with as before . for lead is a considerable cooler , of which cooling quality the niter , whilst it is melting upon it , taketh in not a little . let then your lead melt , and when 't is melted , dissolve the niter upon it , and then , to purifie it , cast some brimstone into it , as was said above , till it be cleansed from all impurity ; and then give of it to thy patient two or three times a day , according as need shall require . otherwise , take live crafishes and fresh housleek , beat them together in a mortar , squeeze out the juyce , with it mix a little sal-armoniack , or a pretty deal of thy prepared niter ; make a potion of it , and give of it even cold to thy patient , repeating this several times , every eight or ten hours once , according as you shall see occasion . or , take fresh lard , ( if it be salted , draw it through hot water to unsalt it , ) and cut a slice of it two fingers large , and of the thickness of a knives back ; put this into the mouth of thy patient , it is an excellent remedy against this inflammation ; of which i shall give the reason hereafter . i have seen wonders done with it . but if thy patient do rave , then fasten this slice of lard with a thred and needle to his shirt or doublet , lest he swallow it . or take fresh butter , and put it in cold water , and of it give thy patient at a time the quantity of a hasel-nut to hold it upon his tongue , and let it melt there ; which will keep the tongue always moist . and if thou work among this butter some of thy prepared niter , it hath a wonderful effect , though the taste be not pleasant . i promised above to explain the reason of the cure of these inflammations . when you take a gargarism of the waters of night-shade , wood-sorrel , knot-grass , endive , housleek , and the like , mingled with vinegar , you do well , but this is not enough ; the reason is : if you wet a piece of leather , you make it indeed limber , but when it comes to be dry , it grows hard and shrinks , except you grease it over with some fatty matter , and then it will remain smooth . so it is with the tongue ; though it be made clean with gargarisms , yet will it become again rough and untoward , unless some fatness be used : for which cause i have directed to use lard , or butter mixt with niter . if the almonds be swelled , thou must abstain from all sowre things , and prepare a gargarism of figgs , st. johns bread , mallows-flowers , liquorice , elder-canes , mixing with it some rose-honey , or juyce of walnuts , or the rob diamorom , gargling often with it , seeing that this symptom is a dangerous thing ; for when the throat swells of it , few patients do escape death , especially if it be a pestilential squinancy . and in case there appear any tumor outwardly , take fine flower , milk and saffron , making a pulse of it ; and , to keep it from growing hard , mix with it althea-salve , or hounds-tongue-salve , the oyl of blew violets , mullein , white lillies , camomile , or the like , adding a little oyl of scorpions to it , and applying this outwardly . make also a scraper of alder-wood , if it may be had ; if not , other wood will serve , though alder be best . throw it into cold water , and let it lye there , using it as often as there is need ; yet take heed of making thy tongue sore or raw . chap. vi. of fevers , belly-aches , tumors of the belly , yellow-jaundise , and distempers of the liver . in camps there is nothing more frequent than fevers of the stomach , arising from ill dyet , which souldiers are often put to for want of better , eating what they can get , cheese , herbs , flesh half boiled , stale and musty bread , and the like . hence is gather'd a morbifick matter in the stomach , which causeth putrefaction , and consequently stomach-fevers . in this case thou art first to purge : and for that purpose make use of the pulvis solutivus de tribus , recommended above , taking the weight of a ducat , or a ducat and an half , in warm broath , and fasting two or three hours after it . or fetch from the apothecary of the tabulatum diaturbith cum rhubarbaro , or the diaphoenicon in tabulis , taking half an ounce at a time , and keeping thy chamber . or , infuse sena-leaves in wormwood-wine , and drink a small glass-ful of it an hour before thy breakfast : this will also serve very well , especially if some carduus benedictus have also been fermented in the wormwood-wine . if thou art troubled with gripings or inflation of the belly , take of zedoar , or angelica-roots , or orange-peels , cut them small , and take at a time the weight of a ducat in hot broath . if the inflation be much , take in the morning the quantity of a hasel-nut of mithridate , fasting an hour after it ; and if the pains of thy belly prevail , make a decoction of wormwood in wine , and drink of it as hot as thou canst ; this will allay the pains , and give thee some stools . mean time abstain from raw fruit , and beer , milk , herbs , and such like . if thou art swollen , take half a drachm of rubarb , and about the same quantity or a little less of mechocan ; reduce it to powder , and take it in wormwood-wine , or warm broath , in the morning fasting , and eat nothing within an hour or two after . be careful to take down some treacle in the morning fasting ; but you are first to be purged . otherwise make a decoction of the roots of elecampane and pimpernel , or swallow-wort , in wine , and drink a warm draught of it mornings ; it will provoke urine . if thou canst bear amongst it wormwood , carduus benedictus , or centory , add them in the decoction , and it is a good potion for the liver . an herb , call'd by the latins euphatorium avicennae , in english ( i think ) common hemp-agrimony , hath a great operation in swelled people , drinking of the decoction thereof , made in wine . besides , use in this case parsley and smallage-roots in thy meat . boil horse-radish , and drink of the decoction warm in the morning . thy ordinary drink is to be a water , in which hath been boiled a good quantity of cummin , annis or fennel . you may also now and then drink a little wine , swelled people having no great heat in them . from these obstructions of the liver and mesaraic veins comes difficulty of breathing and a dry cough , which occasions the inflation of the belly , and helps to entertain the crudities and indigestions : mean time there useth to follow upon this the yellow jaundise . for this , take the roots of cyclamen or sow-bread , reduce them to powder , and take the weight of half a ducat in meath , or wine mixt with a little honey , sweating upon it ; and you shall find your sheets discoloured of a yellowish colour . in the same manner make use of the seed of aquileja , or columbine . i have reduced these three to powder , and mixt them together , and given of it the weight of a ducat to sweat ; which hath proved very successful . orange-peels used in like manner , do also much good in this case . the bitter centory boiled in meath , and a good draught drank of it warm in the morning , is also very good . likewise a decoction of the white hore-hound and chicory-roots is also used to good purpose in this case . these things expel also worms , if any do lodge within thee ; for which may also be used the souldiers pills of aloe , called marocostinae . in this case vinegar of squills is also an excellent remedy , taking of it in the morning early a spoonful , two or three , and exercising after it . it will open the breast , and make you expectorate phlegm and slime in abundance . if you be troubled with wind and gripings of the guts , be careful to have your body soluble . boil calamus , cut small , in broath , drink of it hot , putting a little angelica , or masterwort . do this mornings and evenings , and beware of drinking cold , and abstain from all milk , keeping your self very warm , especially about the feet , which you will do well to bathe with a decoction made of asarabacca , camomile , wild trefoil , wild marjerom , wild thyme , putting a little salt into it . for your drink , boil cummin , annis or fennel in water , and now and then a glass of wine may do well . these gripings may also be cured with drinking very bitter wormwood-wine , as hot as you can endure it . this is also opening . if you boil elecampane and orange-peels with the wormwood , it will have the greater effect . and if you add to it allium sylvestre ( crow-garlick ) you have an excellent medicine for this purpose . this i have used my self , and found present relief from it , when in a very hard winter upon a journey i was taken with these gripings . 't is indeed a very unpleasant potion , exceeding bitter , especially being to be drunk hot ; but the good effects will make amends for that . if the pains should not cease after all this , mix with it the quantity of a hasel-nut of treacle or mithridate , and so drink it off together . if you can get malvasy , mix a little oyl of olives with it , and drink of it warm . oyl of sweet almonds would be better , one half of that and the other of malvasy ; though these things perhaps will not so easily be had in a camp. fresh butter may serve instead of oyl . else make a decoction of juniper-berries , or laurel-berries , and elecampane in strong wine , and drink a good draught of it mornings and evenings . or reduce the herb carduus benedictus to powder , and drink its weight of a ducat in warm malvasy or other strong wine ; it will remove the gripings , especially if you mix with it a little zedoary pulverised . for your meat , take larks , if they chance to be in season , draw them , and fill their bellies with garlick , and so rost and eat them . make a decoction of burnet , or of masterwort , and laurel berries , in beer , strain it , and melt a little butter in it , adding a little pepper , and so drink of it hot . for an outward application , take the oyl of rue and wormwood , dip cotton into it , and put it warm to thy navil . or beat onions , and fry them in dill or camomile-oyl , wrap it up in a linnen cloth , and apply it to thy belly , where the pain is most violent , refreshing it often . the oyl of laurel-berries , mixing a little juniper-berry-oyl or nutmeg-oyl with it , may be used with great benefit , anointing the navil therewith , and afterwards put to the navil a warm dry bag filled with bran and camomile-blossoms . or fry cow-dung in the oyl of dill , or of camomile , or of white lillies , and apply it thus to thy navil , keeping thy self , and especially thy leggs , very warm . if you perceive any hydropical distemper in you , make a decoction of wormwood and juniper-berries in wine , drink every morning a warm draught of it fasting . you may also to very good purpose boil with it swallow-wort , burnet , or succory-roots , adding also to it some annis or fennelseed . but it will be requisite first of all to purge with mechoacan and rhubarb ; and now and then to repeat this purgation . abstain from milk , beer , fruit , and all raw and obstructing food . if you knew how to use elder , you would have an excellent purge to free your body from the hydropical water , because the juyce of the roots of elder purgeth hydropical persons exceedingly : but 't is not so safe to use it , unless you do it with great caution , because a very little of it taken inwardly purgeth both by stool and vomit , like antimony . half a nutshel full may suffice . the like effect you 'l find in elder-buds boiled , and then dressed with oyl and vinegar like a salad , eating a very little of it . but i advise you not to use too much of it ; else it will cast you into great faintness . the juyce of the roots of blew lillies hath the like vertue , but is likewise to be used with great discretion . otherwise take earth-worms , and having wash'd them clean in wine , reduce them to powder , and take of it for some mornings the weight of half a drachm in warm broath or wine , mixing a little rhubarb with it . the swelling of your leggs may be removed by heating some tiles and sprinkling them with wine , and clapping them about your leggs to make them sweat . for a swelled groin , take warm milk , wherein calamus aromaticus hath been boiled , and sweeten it well with sugar , and apply it . chap. vii . of all sorts of fluxes ; as also the tenasmus , or vain endeavour of going to stool ; and the haemorrhoid or piles , and marisca's or sore fundaments . in wars and camps , bloody and other fluxes are very frequent , caused by an irregular and ill dyet ; and these distempers , especially the bloody flux , carry away abundance of men. where it is to be noted , that the bloody flux is infectious , and very catching . commmon fluxes and loosenesses may easily be cured . amongst other remedies , take burnt harts-horn , and take it often in broath ; or pulverise medlar-kernels , and take of the powder in broath likewise . also an electuary made of quinces and sloes will cure them . the same does nutmeg , and the roots of tormentil , snakeweed , or the roots of cinquefoil , baked in eggs , and eaten . likewise the seed of dock , broad plantain ; item terra sigillata , or bolus armenus , and wheaten-bread coming hot out of the oven , and dipt in red wine , and eaten . again , mastick pulverised , and put into almon-milk , red wine , or broath , the weight of a drachm , is good for such a looseness especially as comes from indigestion ; adding a little nutmeg or galingal to it . oaken-leaves also , or the rinds of pear-trees , with a little mace boiled in wine , and drunk , cureth common fluxes . again , bursa pastoris ( shepherds-purse ) boiled in steel-water with a little coriander , and drunk , is also very good ; and so are crafishes boiled in vinegar , and the scales beaten to powder , taking a drachm of it mornings and evenings , either in red wine or in broath wherein in red-hot steel hath been several times quenched . hawes also boiled , and made into a thick electuary , and strained , is beneficial , if taken in the morning fasting , and an hour or so before supper , the quantity of a walnut . besides , take new milk with its cream on it , quench therein divers times red-hot pebble-stones , so that the milk may grow hot of it ; then mix with it two or three well-beaten yolks of eggs , two ounces of sugar , melting in it an ounce and an half of the suet of a deer or stagg , and about half an ounce of album-graecum , using it for a clyster , which cleanseth and healeth the guts , and allays the sharpness of the blood and other corrosive humors , that annoy the bowels . but take heed of not stopping too suddenly the bloody flux , or any other laske ; for if you do , the annoyance will remain in the body , and cause impostumes , difficulty of breathing , and other dangerous distempers . wherefore consult with thy strength , and if that be considerable , make not too much hast ; yet keep a bridle upon it , so as to be able to stop it when there is need . mean time , if it be without a fever or heat , you may do much with new milk , drinking it also mornings and evenings warm , some red-hot stones having been quenched therein , and some sugar mixed with it , to prevent curdling in your stomach . this medicine was known to the famous grecian physicians , aetius , alexander trallianus , and galenus himself , l. . de simpl. med. facult . if you add a little album-graecum to it , 't will be the better . i have my self done much good with thus prepared milk , but then there must be no fever ; which if there be , you 'l easily perceive it by a great thirst , quick pulse , hot hands , and little sleep &c. for bloody fluxes are not wont to be accompanied with shaking fevers , but only with hot fits , which spend more of the patients strength in an hour , than shaking agues in several days ; which is to be well heeded . eggs boiled hard in vinegar , and given to the patient , that is troubled either with the bloody or any other flux , it will be stopped . the roots of tormentil , or of snake-weed pulverised , and this powder drunk in a convenient vehicle , the weight of a drachm , is one of the most approved remedies against these fluxes ; tormentil-roots being very powerful not only to stop them , but also to take away their catching malignity . the moss that grows on wild rose-shrubs , reduced to powder , and taken in wine , wherein have been boiled the husks of acrons , is an approved remedy in this case . scrape red lead or rudle , such as carpenters mark their lines with , put it into wine or broath , wherein hath been boil'd the broader kind of plantain and tormentil-roots ; or take it in an egg. hares-blood dried , and taken inwardly , is also a tried medicine in this distemper . item , open a new-laid egg , take out the white , and fill it up with nutmeg , or the pulverised root of tormentil , or of snake-weed , and give it the patient to eat ; or put into it some pulverised blood-stone , and it will do good . i have used with good success the seed of the broader plantain , grosly beaten , and rosted in an egg , against the flux ; and i know it also to have been beneficially used against the bloody flux . take of mummy , a little mastick , bol-armeniack , sanguis dracon● , mix them together , and make a powder of them , and take of it in a convenient liquor , the weight of a dram , once or twice a day . take rye-biscuit , and boil it in water with coriander , and the roots of tormentil or of cranes-bill ; quench some steel in it once or twice , and give of it to the patient to drink . make a decoction of shepherds-purse and meadow-sweet , in water and wine , and now and then drink of it . burn live crafishes in an earthen pipkin well-closed , until they be so burnt as to be reduced to powder ; of which give to the patient mornings and evenings a thimble-full or two in a convenient liquor . a dried liver of a sucking lamb , or of any other such animal , is very good in this case , provided such a liver , before 't is dried , be boiled in vinegar . let the patient take a drachm of it twice a day . also the blood of a lamb , or of a hind , both dried , will have here a good effect . take a pigeon , wood-cock , or patridge , and having drawn any of them , fill them with mastick and a little nutmeg , and so rost them on a spit , and whilst they are rosting , baste them with red wine , and so let them rost till they grow so hard as will make them pulverable ; then reduce them or any of them to powder , and take a spoonful of it at a time in warm broath . the highest experiment in this case is crocus martis , taken in the juyce of the broader kind of plantain , or in a pulse of red beans , or rice-broath ; the dose is half a dram . but when the pain is very great , you may then add to it some opiat medicine , as of the trochisques de garabe , or one only grain of laudanum opiatum . and give the patient now and then a little new-made treacle , or mix with it a few grains of the confection of archigenes ; for of such medicaments a field-apotheque is not wont to be destitute . for the patients ordinary drink , boil water , and in it coriander , dried sloes , dried slices of quinces , burnt harts-horn , mastick , nutmeg , or any one of these ; putting to it some of the roots of snake-weed , tormentil , or such like adstringent roots . of this water the patient may drink according as his necessity shall require . the red juyce of quinces , boiled up without sugar , is also much to be commended in this case , for strengthening the bowels , two or three spoonfuls of it being taken at a time , and that twice a day . in many places a drink is made of sloes , pilosella or mouse-ear , and juniper-berries , infusing them all in common water , and letting them ferment together . this yields a pleasant acid drink , allaying the violence of the flux , and quenching thirst withal . the rich may make granat or quince-wine . but i have here undertaken to deliver such things , as are parable and cheap for the poor common souldier . i am sorry , that in the field there is no conveniency of administring clysters : for , though i prescribe none without great necessity ; yet clysters being of great benefit in diseases of the bowels ; they being to them like plaisters , i cannot but recommend in this distemper clysters of milk , wherein pebble-stones have been several times quenched , mixing a little of the melted suet of a stag or hind , without any oyl or other fat . i remember , i had once a patient of quality , that had about an hundred stools within twenty four hours , who by the use of such clysters , once or twice applied , was fully restored . the cause whereof is , that the milk washes the bowels , and clears them of the sharp humors that annoy them ; moreover , it is healing and repairing , by reason of the pebbles quenched therein . the sugar is abstersive , and helps to clean the injured places . the fat sticks to the parts annoyed , to defend them from being further hurt by the subsequent humors , which running down over it , can find no stay there , and consequently cause no more hurt to those parts . yet must you not put in any greasie fat , or any oyl of olives , because they hinder healing ; and all oyl , except that of linseed , poppies , hemp and almonds , is very sharp ; and you will find , that if any drop of oyl of olives should chance to fall into your eye , no juyce of oranges or limons is so strong as to exceed the acrimony of that oyl . but of this oyl more will be said in the next chapter , to which i therefore refer you . if you would have your clyster yet milder and more sanative , you may beat a yolk or two of new-laid eggs , and mix them with it ; though i have contented my self with the ingredients before mention'd , and found great benefit thereby . else you may in this case use for a clyster the cremor hordei , mixt with yolks of eggs beaten in it ; which is also very good to wash out the bowels . here is no conveniency of making much use of apothecary-shops ; else many things might be prescribed to lay upon the belly and the navil , as also divers fermentations , and stomachical unguents . you may therefore content your self with those plain and easily parable means , already deliver'd , and be thankful to god for them . but then you are also to think upon means to obviate symptoms of this distemper , and particularly drought , which is wont very much to torment people in this disease . 't is true , acid things do quench thirst , but they cannot be used boldly , and therefore you must use them with great discretion and wariness . and as for sweet things , they usually increase thirst , and do easily corrupt , and turn into gall . wherefore give to the patient preserved currans ; or if fresh ones be in season , mix a quantity of them with honey or sugar , and give him of it to eat upon white-bread and butter . or plump dried black-cherries , or dried damascene-prunes ▪ in half wine and half water , and let him hold & squeeze them in his mouth . or , if you can , mingle some almond-milk with chalybeat-water , and let him drink thereof ; and this is both meat and drink . or let him drink water , wherein coriander and roots of tormentil have been boiled . or boil in water dried slices of quinces , roots of bistorta or snake-weed , and burnt harts-horn , put into it a tosted crust of rye-bread rubb'd with nutmeg , but let it not lye in it above a quarter of an hour , lest the water should thicken and become viscous . marmelat also of quinces , black-cherries , and sloes is proper in this case , giving the patient a slice of it to hold upon his tongue , and so to swallow it down . further , you must learn how to remedy a tenasmus , which is more irksome to the patient , and , occasions more trouble to the physitian , than the bloody-flux it self , since it night and day painfully provokes the poor patient to go to stool , and yet to no purpose . for this i have used many remedies , but found almost nothing more beneficial , than fomentations of this nature following : take potentilla ( wild tansie silver-weed ) knot-grass , mullein , and oak-leaves , of each as much as you please , put them into two linnen bags , and let them boil in smiths-water , wherein much iron hath been quenched : squeeze out these bags between two boards , and let them be held alternately to the anus , as hot as can be endured . black pitch , such as is found on larch and fir-trees , put upon a heated fire-shovel , and the fundament held over it , is also a good remedy ; & so is turpentine , used after the same manner . again , take a black well-burnt brick out of the hearth , heat it thoroughly , and wet it with sharp vinegar , and wrap it about with a linnen cloth , and let the patient sit on it as hot as he can endure it . this was the experiment and remedy of old aetius ; but he reduced the brick to powder , and by boiling it in vinegar , reduced it to a pulse , and so put it into a linnen rag , and applied it to the fundament . you may chuse which you please of the two . milk-clysters , such as above prescribed , would also be good , but that 't is not safe with clyster-pipes to vex the anus , which is already sore enough . yet you may give a suppository of deers-suet mixt with some oyl of mullein . and the grey diapompholox , or the white camphire-unguent , or the like , mixt with it , would not be improper in this case . if there be a falling down of the fundament , then let it often take in the fumes of the above-mention'd herbs , adding to them the beaten stalks of sloe-shrubs , and those of red roses , as also mouse-ear , and mug-wort . the outer bark of elder , and of shepherds-purse , doth also well with it . but above all things keep the patient warm , and let by no means any of the abovesaid steams grow cold on the sore part . make also a decoction of garlick , and pour it hot into your close-stool , let the patient sit upon it , to receive the hot steams . besides , put some burnt harts-horn in a linnen cloth , and so strew it upon the fundament , by little and little to drew it up . or heat an oaken-board very well , and cover it over with stags-suet , and let the patient sit upon it whilst 't is hot . put colophonium or the rosin of pinetree upon a heated iron , and let the patient by holding his fundament over it take in the steams thereof , anoint also the part with butter , in which onions have been boiled ; and strew upon it album-graecum very finely pulverised . you may also make a salve of ceruse , bol-armeniack , dragons-blood , stags-suet , blood-stone , oyl of myrrh , or butter in which first hath been boiled broad plantain , mullein , or wild tansie silver-weed ; and with this anoint the fundament . as for the marisca's , which do torment men especially , they may be cured with oyl of eggs , salve of red hounds-tongue , as also with the vnguentum populeum , or with butter stirr'd up and down in a leaden mortar , till it turn grey or blackish , let the patient drink also of scrophularia or fig-wort , infused in his drink , this being a specifick for that evil . also the oyl of mullein , elder-blossoms , water-lilly , and white-lillies , is an excellent remedy for it , a rag dipped therein being laid upon the part affected . to use scarifying on the lower part of the back-bone , is also very good , though it be very painful . if the hoemorrhoid-vein bleed in a convenient time , and do not overbleed , it is an exceeding good thing , and preserves from many diseases , as the inflammation of the lungs , stitches of the sides , the leprosie , melancholly , quartans , and the like . if the same vein should bleed in one that is mad , or disturbed in his mind , or in one that is troubled with the inflammation of the kindneys , these distempers would thereby be allayed . but if it should bleed too often & too violently , it weakens much , causeth a pale colour and the dropsie . my collegues and i have often open'd it by leeches , and thereby found great benefit . but in case it should exceed in bleeding , you must deal with it as you do with the bloody flux , and give to the patient terra sigillata , bol-armeniack , burnt harts-horn , and the like adstringent things . if you can get some teeth of the hippo-potamus , rasp it into powder , and drink some of it in red or white wine ; it stops all bleeding , of the nose , mouth , guts , fundament , hoemorrhoids , the matrix , especially the bleeding of women after delivery . here is also very useful the express'd juyce of plantain , shepherds-purse , and of the tender leaves of ras-berries , or brambles , infused in wine and drunk . chap. viii . of pestilential boyls , vlcers , carbuncles and other venomous sores . above i have prescribed some , both preservative and curative , medicines against the plague , reserving for this place the chirurgical means , to be used against that distemper , thinking it best to discourse of them together in a place apart . concerning then the pestilential bubo's and sores , that rise behind the ears , under the arms , and about the groin , the cure of them consists chiefly in this , that they be ripen'd with speed ; for which end are to be employed meer emollient and suppurating things . yet are you to know to distinguish between boyls , there being some of them that are not venomous , especially in young people ; and they may be hereby discerned , that at the touch they cause no pain , whereas the pestilential ones are very painful ; which are also discover'd by the accompanying venomous fever , and other pernicious symptoms . and of these latter great care must be had to bring them out , and to a speedy maturation , because those that lye deep are very dangerous . some there have been , that have used scarification , and even vesicatories , thereby thinking to fetch out the venom . others have pierced the sores through , about a hands breadth beneath the sores , putting the root of black helebore into them , thereby to draw out the venomous matter . but such means have rather irritated the evil , caused great pains , and put the patient to greater danger . wherefore i judge nothing safer and better , than , as i was intimating , to use emollients . take then of the common diachylon , and lay it upon the invenom'd boyls ; and besides make a pulse of these herbs , viz. of camomile , mallows , melilot , dill , line-seed , fenu-greek , althaea , the roots of white lillies , as also salve of althaea , oyl of camomile and lillies , mixing a little saffron with it , and some oyl of scorpions . of this pulse make some warm and lay it over the diachylon upon the sore . or , boil wheaten-bread in the broath of mallows and camomile , till it grow soft , then saffron it over , and mix march-mallows-salve with it , and lay it on . or make a plaister of figgs and rosted onions ; or , make a pulse of bread-leaven , honey , yolks of eggs , and the juyce of onions , adding a little turpentine to it , and so lay it on . if the meer common diachylon be not sufficient , use the plaister diachylon cum gummis or de mucilaginibus , or mix a melilot-plaister with the common diachylon , make a pulse of it with oyl of lillies , mixing a little oyl of scorpions with it , and so lay it on . in laying on of treacle , i have this consideration , that treacle , hinders putrefaction , which is the thing here most of all desired , because all maturation , which here is a reducing the sore to suppuration , is a kind of putrefaction . here also the plaister call'd basilicon is of good use ; likewise the ceratum oesipum philagrii and mesuae , which cerata are made of gummi ammoniac , bdellium , turpentine , liquid styrax , goose-grease , marrow of cows-bones and oesipum , and a little saffron . some take a dried toad , and lay it upon the boyl , to draw out the venom . now when the sores are softned and ripe , and yet break not of themselves , they are to be opened with a lancet ; and if you have to do with persons so delicate that they cannot endure a lancet , you may make use of the lapis septicus or corrosive-stone , which opens without pain , but is more slow . mean time beware of opening the sores too soon ; for then they will turn to a hard swelling , which the patient will not wear off whilst he liveth . there are also some plague-sores that never break , but wear away by sweat . yet if they should leave behind some hardness , you may , when the danger is past and the sickness overcome , make use of some fomentations of melilot , camomile , march-mallows , mullein and such like : you may also take of the gum , call'd tacamahaca , and mix with it a plaister of melilot or diachylon , and lay it on . the sores being open'd ; they must be kept open with small pellets , ( called by the germans , quellmaisseln , ) dipt in a salve made for this purpose out of fresh butter , yolks of eggs , and turpentine , well mixt together cold . but it happens sometimes , that such bubo's , by reason of the venomous matter , do eat in , or grow fistulous , or make matter-baggs , in which the matter settles . in this case you must use the vnguentum fuscum , apostolicum , or the aegyptiacum : or make the following water , to be squirted into such sores ; namely of celondine , scordium or water-germander , carduus-benedictus , centory , or the like herbs , together with tormentil and whitlow-grass ; all boiled in wine . if the sores be very ill , you may boil with it some quick brimstone , and myrrh , and if need be , mix with it a little fine verdigrease . or , take honey four ounces and an half , a quarter of an ounce of aloes epatica , a dram of salt , an ounce and a half of scordium , mix all well together , and keep it for use ; and when you have occasion for any of it , then dissolve it in wine , and fpirt it in . mean time , enlarge the opening of the boyls with the aforesaid pellets , that so the matter may have vent enough , and come away without any impediment . the unguent of vlysses aldrovandus is also very good , for the clearing of such sores ; and 't is made of oyl of roses , the juyce of broad plantain , sharp-pointed dock , centory , and night-shade , with a little litharge , burnt lead , and prepared camphir . instead of the juyce of night-shade , you may take that of cumfry . as for the sores call'd anthraces , and those they call carbuncles , great care must be taken to break them soon , and to heal them slowly , that so the poysonous matter may all come away . they ripen and break soonest by fatty ( but not hot ) plaisters and unguents ; especially such as are made of butter , leaven , yolks of eggs , and honey ; or if you mix together turpentine , vnguentum populeum , or rose-salve mixt with yolks of eggs , or the vnguentum anodynum mixt with the ointment of hounds-tongue , and laid on it . it must be often refreshed , because such hot sores and ulcers , before they break , do so draw , waste , and , as 't were , lick up those fatnesses , that sometimes of the plaisters , that have lain on them , there remains nothing but the bare ragg . the emplastrum basilicon , or the common yellow drawing plaister , is here the most useful . you must also surround the anthrax with good defensives ; for if it invade the neighbouring part never so little , it will soon make a large halo or circle , which will at length separate from the sound , and fall away like an escarre . for such defensives make use of album camphoratum , or the vnguentum de liquiritia , known by our people under the name of dr. mindererus his licorish ointment . item the vnguentum de lithargyro ; or the vnguentum jovis , prepared of fresh butter , with thlaspi minus , or bowyers mustard , ( otherwise narrow-leav'd wild cresses , ) cranes-bill , elder , poppy , vervain , and some shaved licorish . some take nothing but vervain and the fresh leaves of henbane , beaten together , and the juyce strained , and so used . of this ointment you may make much with confidence ; for it will do you very good service in inflammations , especially in the case of the swelling of the groins . amongst the approved medicines for this purpose , may deservedly be reckoned the plaister made of soot ; which is thus to be prepared : take of the finest chimney-soot one ounce and a quarter ; of leaven , turpentine and fresh butter , ana one ounce ; of venetian soap an ounce and a half ; two yolks of eggs ; of treacle and mithridate , ana a quarter of an ounce : beat all these together in a mortar , and so reduce it to a paste , and then use it plaister-wise . when the anthrax or the carbuncle is broken , you must then handle it very gently and discreetly , using only the above-described egg-salve , putting it into the opening , and covering the sore only with the common yellow drawing plaister , or the plaister prepared of oyl , wax and rosin , or turpentine . let the matter work out well , and when you are sure that 't is very clean , and have a mind to consolidate it , make only use of triapharmacon , vulgarly call'd the brown diachylon ; you may besides put into it some of the vnguentum de tutia , and that of the diapompholox , and one of the plaisters of them upon it . the vlme-plaister also , made of oyl and ceruse , heals also very well . but be very careful , lest any of the matter remain lurking in the ulcer . if here and there any should be found yet remaining , as often happens , then make use of the emplastrum apostolorum . but if you can prepare the diapalma , otherwise called diacalcithros , make use of that . i am wont to call it the fistula-plaister , because it doth not easily suffer fistula's to stink , but keeps them clean and sweet . such a plaister is also that , which is called isis , to be found in galen , and performing the same thing . they are both to be found in the augustan dispensatory , together with the way of preparing them . now what concerns old sores , which many are troubled with , in their leggs especially , because the humors of the body usually settle there ; you must above all things be careful to keep them clean , and to that end wash them , at least once a day , with your own urine : or boil carduus benedictus , egrimony , plantain , and roots of tormentil , in half small meath and half wine , and wash the ulcer with it , as often as you dress it . among the common plaisters for such evils is the brawn diachylum one of the best . else you may prepare this ointment which follows : take the middle rind of elder , and st. johns-wort , boil them in oyl , putting a little wine to it , and so let it boil up till the wine be boiled away ; then take it off from the fire , and let it cool ; this done , stir a little turpentine amongst it , and a yolk or two of eggs , according as you make a greater or lesser quantity ; mixing with it a little allum and vitriol , ( the white is the best , ) stir all well together , and apply it to the ulcer , and make a bandage , and cover it as usually . for a good drawing-plaister , take rosin , bees-wax and oyl-olive ; the quantity of the rosin must be but the half of the wax : let them melt together , and stir amongst it some tartar exquisitely powder'd . use not much of fatty things to such ulcers . i have had under my care such ulcers , that were to be healed with only dry things , as with strewing in of crocus martis , and the red earth of vitriol , of which hereafter . for this reason the antient physicians and chirurgeons invented a dry stone , which they kept so secret , that they called it lapis philosophorum ; which is easily made , as followeth : take allum , hungarian vitriol , of each one pound , beat them to powder , and mix them well together ; then put all into a glased earthen pot , and pour upon it two quarts of water , boil them together , and stir them continually with a spatula , taking off the scum : when 't is boiled in , put to it an ounce of bolus armenus , an ounce and a half of ceruse , a quarter of an ounce of camphir , all finely powder'd , stirring it well about ; lastly , put it to a quart of sharp vinegar , and boil all together to a stony consistence ; which reduce to powder , and of it strew a little into the ulcer , or let some of it dissolve in a convenient liquor , and wash the ulcer therewith , or dip some linnen raggs in it , and lay it over the place . 't is also prepared this way : take green and white vitriol , of each a drachm ; of lapis calaminaris , ceruse , bol-armeniack , of each two ounces and a half ; of sal-armoniack an ounce . beat them all to powder , put them in an earthen pot , mingle and stir them together in vinegar , to be a thick pulse ; then put your pot upon a hot charcoal-fire , to let it grow red hot , so as that the matter be reduced to a stony consistence ; of which dissolve about half an ounce in half a pint of water , dip linnen raggs into it , and put it twice a day upon the ulcer . 't is also very good for purulent breasts . i was speaking above of lavements : these you may prepare of all sorts of wound-herbs , by boiling consound , bugle ; fluellin , ground-ivy , yarrow , snake-weed , avens , arsmart ; you may also , against putrefaction and the settling of purulent matter , mix sometimes a little myrrh , or aloes epatica , frankincense , mastick , quick brimstone , camphir , niter , allum , vitriol , or the like . nor is it needful to bind your self to this or that precisely , but you may take such of them as you can get . i have a peculiar ulcer-salve , which i call vnguentum decameron , being made of ten sorts of juices . of these the principal is the juice of persicaria , ( arsmart ; ) to which are added the juices of groundsel , tobacco , yarrow , sharp-pointed dock , cranes-bill , broad and pointed plantain , centory , st. johns-wort , and celondine . these juices must be well strained , and then kept for some days in glasses or glased vessels to settle , and then very gently pour off the clear from the sediment . which done , boil them with fresh butter , and some good licorish newly scraped , as also some tormentil and cumfrey , adding a little red hounds-tongue salve and oyl of myrrh , and deer-suet : let all be boiled together , till the cracking cease , and the juice be boiled in . then strain it through a linnen cloth ; and add to it some venice-turpentine , gum elemi and a little bees-wax , both the latter melted each a part . of the wax there needs no more than to bring the salve to a due consistence . then is this unguent prepared , to which may be added a little refined verdigrease , which will make it perfect . it is of great efficacy in foul wounds , for both cleansing and healing ; as experience will shew . a chirurgeon , in meeting with ulcers , is to observe well the purulent matter that issues , since he may from thence learn the condition of the evil , whether it proceed from foul blood , gall , corrupt phlegm , or adust melancholy . if the evil grow worse , and the humors of the body force their way copiously thorow , then beware , and withal exhort the patient to purge , or to sweat with taking some sassafrass , or the like . the sanies or matter that is thick , white , and well digested , is the best ; but when there runs but a sharp water out of the ulcer , this is not good , and is withal painful . which to obviate , you must use litharge , ceruse , and the like ; putting also beaten lead upon the place , and cleansing the fistulat holes with lead-oyl , qualifying its sharpness with oyl of eggs. this lead-oyl is made two ways , the the one out of ceruse , which is green ; the other out of litharge , which is yellow or reddish both are prepared with vinegar . boil celondine in wine , and with this wine you may also cleanse the ulcer with good effect . mix afterwards a drachm of verdigrease with about four ounces of the juyce of ground-ivy ; use it with wiecks or raggs dipt therein for the foul ulcer-holes . burn oyster-shells to powder , and use it for old ulcers that need cleansing , which this powder will well perform by reason of the salt that is in those shells . you may sometimes have occasion also of the mercurius praecipitatus , or the mercurius dulcis cosmeticus . if you can prepare this you have a good remedy . as for hard knobs and boyls , they commonly owing their rise to the venereal disease are not so proper for this place . however you may make a plaister against such knobs of the phlegm of althaea or marsh-mallows , gummi ammoniac , galbanum , turpentine , myrrh , missel-toe of the oak , mixing a little bee-wax therewith and some oyl of earth-worms . if you will have it stronger , mix with it gumm elemi , tacamahaca or carana . but this can only be compassed by the rich men ; the poor must be content with the melilot-plaister , mixt with saffron and the oyl of mullain or dill. you may also prepare for such patients a salve of fox-oyl , dill-oyl , turpentine , man-grease , and the like , mixing therewith some oyl of earth-worms and the oyl of mullain-flowers , camomil and white lillies . chap. ix . of the chirurgical means of staunching blood , of wound-balsoms and plaisters , of wound-drinks , and remedies for burnings . this is the most necessary chapter of this whole tract . for , although in every camp , yea in every regiment , and even in every company there ought to be one or more chirurgeons ; yet because in a battle , or the storming of a strong-hold , there may be wounded a very great number of men , who , by reason of the multitude , cannot all be dressed by the chirurgeons , every common souldier , that is sound and unhurt , is obliged to assist his fellow , considering it may soon be his own case . in the first place then , refresh thy fellow that is wounded , with wine , cold water , vinegar , or the like ; then place him in a right posture . for , if the wounds be in the head or about the breast , you ought to lay him high with his head and shoulders , that so the blood may sink down from the places wounded . if his legg be hurt , put it so that it may not hang downwards , and thereby the afflux from the body be prevented , which otherwise might cause a tumour . if the wounds be in the middle of the body , then place him so , that , if possible , he may lye somewhat hollow with his back . this done , wash the wound very gently , ( so as not to anger it , ) with meer wine , or even with pure common water , only with a very little salt cast into it : or with the patients own urine ; and then dry it with lint of long-worn linnen , without much stirring in the wound , for fear of making the veins bleed again . if any one do bleed so copiously , that it is not easily stopp'd , and the patient is in danger ▪ then receive of his blood in an iron pan , and letting it run about therein , hold it over the fire till it be dry and between your fingers friable to powder ; of which strew some into the bleeding wound , and it will stop it . but of this case more hereafter . the wound being cleansed , and the bleeding stayed , take fine linnen-raggs , burn them as you are wont to do for tinder , and quench it in oyl of olives ; and put some of it into the wound , if you have no plaister at hand ▪ take a slice of unsalted lard and lay it on . if that be also wanting , dip a pledget of linnen-raggs in warm wine , and being wrung out very dry , lay it upon the wound , and a dry bandage over it , that so the moist pledget may long keep warm . though in such wounds , as are apt to bleed much , warm bandages are often to be avoided , and sometimes ( but with singular care and discretion ) cold bandages to be used , if the hurt be not in the brain , breast or bowels . whence old hippocrates hath this aphorism : frigido verò in iis locis utendum , unde sanguis aut fluit aut fluxurus est . yet this must be done with great caution , lest in the place affected there should follow a gangrene . after this , take oyl of olives and wine , beat them well together , and warm the mixture ; dip it in linnen pledgets , wring them dry , and lay them on warm with a dry bandage over it . this must de done once every hour , or every two hours , nor let this care and labour seem irksom to you , for it will have a good effect . this dress is almost the only thing , which the knights of maltha make use of at sea to heal their wounds ; for the oyl allays the pain and the swelling , as the wine cleanseth , and these two together cause healing . whence the samaritan in the gospel is said to have poured only oyl and wine into the wounds of him , that was fallen among thieves . you may therefore make out of these two a wound-salve that may be equivalent to almost every common wound-balsom , preparing it thus : take one part of oyl-olive , and two parts of wine , boil them together till the wine be boiled in , and the oyl , when any is thrown into the fire , cracks no more ; and you have a wound-oyl according to wish : put of it with fine linnen shavings into the wound , and it will , for a plain remedy , do marvels . you may also melt lard unsalted , mix it with honey and rye-flower , and so make it into a salve , which , though plain and simple , may when put upon the wound , have as good an effect , as many plaisters that are in great esteem . otherwise , for a very good wound-salve , take of the best aloes cleanly pulverised the weight of a ducat , mingle and stir it with half an ounce of fine honey ; melt afterwards by it self half an ounce of deer-suet , and stir it among the other ingredients : thus you have a good salve against the putrefaction of wounds , and for the asswaging of their pains , as also for healing them , if you duly apply it to the wound : if you 'l add to it a little cyprus-turpentine with the yolk of an egg , you may . the black wheel-grease in a time of need is also a good wound-salve , and is only despised because of its plainness . when you use it , lay only over it the leaves of snake-weed , or of pointed plantain . but by all means keep the wound clean , and let not many look into it , for fear they should by their breath annoy it ; some being fasting , others having eaten one thing , others another . but especially admit not many women , when you open the wound for cleansing and dressing it . but above all things take care to exclude the air as much as is possible from the open'd wound , especially if any artery or nerve be hurt . take notice , that carpenters and joyners , when they have hurt themselves , do almost by this only means of well closing their wounds , and keeping out the air , heal themselves . they take a very thin chip , and lay upon it some of the glue , wherewith they joyn together the boards of their work , and this they apply to the wound , first well cleansed , and let it lye on , till it fall off of it self , and the wound is healed . but this will not do in case any bones be hurt . item , take honey and the dust-flower of the mills , fresh butter and bol-armeniack , and knead it well together , without any fire , until it be as thick as a plaister , and this laid on is very good . item , take cumphrey well cleansed , cut it small , add to it one or two of the vulnerary herbs , such as you may meet with in the field , as pyrola or winter-green , yarrow , plantain , fluellin , orpin , consound , sanicle , bugle , &c. boil this in linseed-oyl and a little wine , until the wine is boiled away ; and this being strained , put to it some raw honey and one or two well beaten yolks of eggs , ( according to the quantity you make ) and a little turpentine , and so thrust it , with some hemp or flax dip in it , into the wound . lime-water is one of the simplest or plainest remedies , but healeth admirably well . take only some unslaked lime , pour on it clear water , and let it stand upon it till the lime be fallen to the bottom : wash the wound with it , especially such as are old running sores , and you 'l find a wonderful effect . these plain means may be used , in case you want a chyrurgeon , taking the assistance of your fellow-souldier in the application ; though those very remedies may challenge a place among the most chargeable ones , prescribed and applied by masters . and provided the chyrurgeon do not under-value these my plain and cheap remedies , but receive them thankfully , i am ready here to teach him some ways , hitherto concealed by me , which i scruple to keep any longer from publick knowledge . know then first , that to a physician belongs also the knowledge of chirurgery , as a third part of the art of medicine , the other two being the pharmaceutica , prescribing medicines for inward diseases , and the diatetica , ordering the patients diet and other necessaries . i have my self , whilst i practised physick , dressed in camps many wounds with my own hands and cured them , carrying always my chirurgical apparatus about me , without any disparagement to my profession ; imitating herein the examples above-alledged , of podalyrius and machaon , two of the chief physicians of the antients in the army before troy , who were not at all ashamed to practise chirurgery , and to attend the cure of wounded souldiers . first of all then , consider well , whether the wound be mortal or no. next , what limb or part it is that hath received the wound : the wounds in the head are commonly the most dangerous , by reason of the symptoms incident to them , as the apoplexy , falling-sickness or other convulsions , the palsey and laming of the limbs by reason of the hurt nerves , as also phrensy , loss of hearing and speech , &c. which are wont to be consequent , according as the respective nerves have been struck or wounded . if the breast be any where wounded , great care also is to be had , and the means must be directed to prevent purulency , ( which that place , by reason of the heat there , is subject to , ) and to heal the pleura or the inner membrane of the ribbs ; the like is to be done concerning the diaphragme , &c. you ought also to observe , what kind of wound it is you have to do with , whether any bone , any nerve or artery be hurt ; whether it be a meer flesh-wound , and the like . if it be a gaping wound , you must , if it hath taken cold from the air , bathe it with warm wine , and keep it very close ; and make use of the strong astringent plaister , prepared of rosin , gumm elemi , turpentine , pitch , with some mastick , frankincense , sarcocolla , as also some blood-stone , mummy , and crocus martis mixt therewith , and keep all on carefully with a good bandage , which is a great matter in all wounds . for , some months since , i had a patient under my cure , whose skull in the place of one of its futures was sever'd , so as that i found a considerable space between the two parts separated . i order'd a chirurgeon of my particular acquaintance to draw those parts forcibly together with good bandages ; which being well done , i caused his hair to be shorn away , and an astringent plaister to be applied , which was almost like a rupture-plaister : whereby in three or four weeks , to the admiration of many , my patient was perfectly healed . this plaister was the ceratum ex pelle arietina , mixt wit gumm elemi , and with a little ceratum de betonica . you must also be provided with good blood-staunching remedies . the common ones are , bol-armeniac , sheep-trickles , blood-stone , tragacanth , terra sigillata , mill-dust , hares-hair , peacocks-dung , &c. avoid by all means causticks , especially sublimat ▪ arsenic , colcothar ; with which you anger a wound , and cast the patient into very dangerous symptoms : for , though they may by their corrosiveness at first astringe the wound , yet they do afterwards so fret and eat it , that you would think , hell-fire were in it . beware also of a hot iron , which many have a refuge to as to a master-piece and the last remedy . among the chief astringents , is frog-spawn ; which therefore you are , when 't is in season , to make good provision of , for the whole year . take therefore in the spring a lump of raggs , and dip it into smiths-water , in which first some crude allum hath been dissolved . let this lump be dried again , and then draw it thorough the spawn of frogs , so as that the spawn may every where hang on it , and expose it to the air to dry ; and afterwards draw the same again thorough frog-spawn : which repeat as often as you can , during the season of frog-spawn ; for the oftner you dip the raggs into it , the more vertue they will receive . this spawn stauncheth bleeding , with a good bandage . i have often used with good success the distilled water of frog-spawn in the bleeding of the nose , first mixt with crude allum , and then drawn up into the nostrils . take a green frog , burn him in a pipkin , not to ashes , but so as to be reducible to powder : this powder put into a small taffaty-bagg , and hang it about the neck of a woman that floods excessively ; and she will find great help from it . having often made mention of allum , which is one of the chief remedies for stopping of blood , i will make publick the magistery of allum , which i have hitherto kept secret . take then of the best and clearest allum as much as you please ; pulverise it , and put the powder into an oxe-or swines-bladder , tying it very close ; then throw it into a kettle of hot water , and the allum will be dissolved ; this solution bring over the helm out of a low retort , until the allum get a caput mortuum ; then cease to urge the fire any more , lest you force corrosive spirits from it , which are noxious to our present purpose . this caput mortuum put again into a bladder , and dissolve it as before ; and do this so long , until the whole body of your allum be brought over the helm . but you must filter the first solution for fear of any dust or other heterogeneous matter mixt with it . this is the magistery of allum , able to draw the veins together without corrosion . apply this to wounds , or any other bleeding part . you may mix with it tragacanth , gummi arabick , sanguis draconis , and well-beaten whites of eggs. take good notice , whether the wounded patient have heated himself in storming a place , or by any other military execution , or whether he be yet distemper'd by passion ; for as long as this lasts , the blood is in a rage , and can hardly be stopped . in this case stop the wound with peacocks dung ; and take vineger and whites of eggs well beaten together , a little allum , and refined salt-peter ▪ put to it as much frog-spawn , shepherds-purse , broad plantain , or other convenient water , as is necessary ; so that there may be three parts of water and one part of vinegar ; dip pledgets into it , and clap them cold to the wound , and the bleeding will cease , crocus martis also is an excellent stauncher of blood , to be used both inwardly and outwardly . for inwardly it cureth the bloody flux and other fluxes ; and outwardly applied to wounds and strewed into them , it closeth the veins . but it must not be prepared with aqua-fortis , or distilled vineger , or any corrosive thing , but only by the heat of a reverberating furnace ; and afterwards distil often from it some proper water , as of roses , speed-well , self-heal or broad plantain , after which preparation it is divers times to pass again through a reverberating furnace , until it grow as light as a down-feather : and then 't is fit for our purpose ; for as long as it is strong and heavy , the body of it is not throughly opened . among other things , you may make use of the red earth of vitriol ; which is to be thus prepared : take vitriol , as much as you please , put it in a new unglased pipkin , into a potters oven , to deprive it of its moisture , and to reduce it to a colcothar : then pulverise this calcined vitriol , and in a large glased earthen dish pour hot water on it , letting it stand so for four or five hours ; then decant the water , and pour other hot water upon it , as before , repeating this three , four , or five times , until all the salt be got out of the said colcothar ; which whether it be done , may easily be found by the taste . then dry this red dulcified earth , and it will prove a very good blood-staunching medicine ; which may also in other cases be variously used ; as you 'l find it hereafter of great use in my plaister for wounds made by thrusting . the water you had poured on this colcothar , you ought not to throw away as useless , but to put it by ; and , for other occasions , you may boil it away , and it will leave a salt behind , as white as snow , with which you may do wonders in foul sores . i have used it with good success in such cases ; in which it cleanseth and maketh a firm ground for new and good flesh to grow upon . for , though there be many things , that cleanse sores , yet they leave the flesh loose and spungy ; but this is both astringent , and withal maketh such a sound and firm bottom , that you may trust to it : whence also it is to be used in fistulous sores . but to return to the stopping of blood ; take the blood of a lamb or sheep , let it stand in a clean earthen vessel , until the serum be sever'd from it ; pour this off , and dry the blood well in a new glased pipkin , upon hot embers : then pulverise it , and mix with it a fourth part of clean pulverised tragacanth , and strew this into the wound . if the issue of the blood be so impetuous , that it washes away the first application , then wipe the wound again , and strew into it of the same powder the second time . putting amongst it allum , crocus martis or the red earth of vitriol , you will do well : bind the wound with the emplastrum santalinum , ( which is called incognitum by our chirurgeons , ) or with the ceratum ex pelle arietina , due to arnoldus de villa nova . the blood being stopt , and the wound cleansed , you must then apply good vulnerary oyls or wound-balsoms . oyls are all , as i mention'd above , fatty ; whence it is , that they do not easily consolidate wounds , unless you put to them some refined mastic , sarco-colla , sanguis draconis , sandarach , or the like . but to open unto you the good affection of my heart , i shall describe here my wound-balsom , wherewith i have , by gods assistance , done much good , viz. take as much as you please of turpentine of cyprus , which comes from venice , and is taken inwardly ; and the same quantity of the red oyl of st. johns-wort , dissolve them together : then take gumm elemy , dissolve it apart , and pour it among the other ; and so let all cool , and when 't is half cold , pour amongst it a little oyl of bees-wax , and your balsom is prepared . i cannot tell you the precise weight of each ingredient , because as often as i have prepared it , i have done it by the eye , and as it seemed good unto me ; only note , that there must be so much of the gumm elemy as to give it a due consistence ; which you may try , by casting a drop or two of it into cold water ; this balsom being to be thinner than an unguent , and yet thicker than oyl . this balsom heals very speedily , especially when used in wounds freshly inflicted , on fine pledgets , and only with a yellow tractif bound over it . be also provided with good plaister for wounds made by thrusting , such as are the opodeldoch of theophrastus , or the good black thrust-plaister ▪ thus to be prepared : take of oyl of roses seven ounces ; of colophonium , black pitch , white wax , roman vitriol , ceruse , frankincense , myrrh , ana eight ounces ; of mastic , one ounce of the oyl of eggs , two ounces ; of spike-oyl , one ounce ; of the oyl of juniper-berries , three ounces ; of mumia , two ounces ; of white vitriol and red corals , ana two ounces ; of heron-suet , one ounce ; of magnet , two ounces ; of well cleansed earth-worms pulverised and of camphir , ana one ounce : of all this make a powder secundum artem . my opodeldoch , that i make use of , is almost like this , but that i mix with it the red earth of the oyl of vitriol , above spoken of in the matter of blood-staunching ; and add also to it turpentine and gumm elemi , with some tutia , aloes epatica , well prepared lapis calaminaris , and crocus martis : and thus the plaister becomes red and hard , like spanish sealing-wax . i take also gummi ammoniac , galbanum and opoponax , the oyl of st. johns-wort and myrrh . this plaister draws from the bottom , and reaches deep . a souldier , having this about him , and , upon occasion , working it only to some flatness , there being no need of laying it on a cloth , may thus put it on the wound , taking it off mornings and evenings to wipe it clean ; and then working it through again , lay it on as before : and so he may heal himself ; which when done , let him clean the plaister , and role it up in a bladder , for another occasion . i have seen considerable opperations of gumm elemi used alone , laid on leather , and put upon the thrust ; but this wound is then to be kept from falling together . to prevent incidental heat and inflammation of the wounds , make use of the oyl of roses , bol armeniac , whites of eggs and camphir . but to avoid trouble , you may find ready , in the apothecary-shops , the vnguentum album , vnguentum de minlo , camphoratum de liguiritia , de lithargyro , santilinum , and the like ; to be put about the wound when dressed . you may with great benefit , and you ought also , especially in the wounds of the head , provided there be no danger of bleeding , lay over the bandage some fine raggs moisten'd in wine , and well dried again . this allays the pain , and withall prevents swelling . and in case the wound be swelled , you may also to good purpose make use of fomentations made of the herb and flowers of mullein , betony , egrimony , cowslips , camomil , melilot , ground-ivy , red roses , bugle , and the like : but beware of all hot things , whatever they be . boil the aforesaid herbs or the like in half wine and water ; but if the wound be not inflamed , take two parts of wine and one of water . with such fomentations i have done much good ; among others upon a fencing-master of nurenberg , called cameysen , who in the publick fencing-school received thrusts in both his eyes , insomuch that by reason of the great swelling that ensued thereupon he lost all his sight ; but by the use of such fomentations , god blessing the means , i recover'd his sight . a bone being broken , set it carefully , and bind it up strongly , having laid upon it oxycroceum or emplastrum de pelle arietina . you may also comfort such wounds with the like fomentations , as before described . on the bank of the rhine is found a stone in the gravel , call'd lapis sabulosus , which is easily reducible to powder : of this , if you can get it , give to the patient , whose bone is broken , a drachm to be taken in broath , mornings ; of which he will find a very good effect . in the case of a limb wrenched , clap to it bran boiled in wine , sometimes , according to occasion , mixing with it a little salt , and marshmallows or red hounds-tongue-salve . if it have happened long ago , then make a pulse of wheaten-flower , milk , and the oyl of camomil or mullein ; mixing a little saffron with it , and clap it on hot . if there be any collection or coagulation of blood , the unguent of hounds-tongue will do well , together with a linnen compress moistened in warm wine . you must also be provided with good wound-drinks ; but they must be prepared diversly , according to the several places wounded . thus in the wounds of the head , betony challenges the pre-eminence and the greatest quantity of all the vulnerary herbs ; in the wounds of the sides , carduus benedictus , claims that right ; in the wounds of the breast , veronica ( or speedwell ) ought to have it ; in those about the kidneys , the herb strawberry must be preferred ; in those near the liver , agrimony will have the precedency , and so forth . mean time , the vulnerary herbs to be used in such occasions , are these ; sanicle , winter-green , ladies-mantle , speedwell , orpine , mugwort , ground-ivy , straw-berry-leaves , agrimony , st. johns-wort , cinquefoil , bugle , tormentil , snakeweed , avens , woodrooff , &c. you may make an excellent wound-drink of these four ingredients , viz. winter-green , orpine , mugwort and snakeweed , boiled in half wine and water ; but in case there be an inflammation , wine is to be forborn , or very little of it to be employed . if any bone be broken into splinters , do not pull them out with any violence , but loosen them with a good ointment of eggs , keeping the wound open the longer . nature her self will not suffer any splinter to remain behind . now you must be ready with some good thing for blood coagulated , in case any person should have been flung down , squeezed , beaten , or fallen from a high place . the right powder for this purpose is thus made : take of terra sagillata , or bol-armeniack , sanguis draconis and mumia , ana half an ounce , of sperma ceti and rhubarb ana half a drachm , reduce it to a powder ; of which give the patient the weight of about a ducat in wine , or chervil-water . or take a good quantity of chervil , boil it in meath or flesh-broath , and let the patient drink a good draught of it warm , three times a day . or let him drink a thimble-full of sperma ceti in beer , adding a little butter to it . or take of mumia half an ounce , or sperma ceti two drachms , of oculi cancrorum ( of which the blew ones , which sometimes fall from crafishes whilst alive , are the best , ) three drachms , adding to it a little licorish and cinnamon , and some tormentil roots : of this pulverised give every day to the patient , mornings and evenings , the weight of about half a ducat , and by this means you will expel purulent matter and blood , and bony splinters , and sometimes even bullets lurking in the flesh ; not omitting other good wound-drinks , and vulnerary balsoms , plaisters , ointments and fomentations . again , take of the red hounds-tongue ointment , of the bigness of a great walnut , dissolve it in warm broath ; it expels all coagulated blood , especially if you mix some sperma ceti with it . if you have any thorns , thistles , bullets , small-shot , or the like , to draw out , where perhaps you cannot reach them with instruments , then burn live crafishes in a new pipkin , until they be reducible to powder , but burn them not to ashes . this powder mix with hares-suet , and lay it on , and you will find a good effect . also take the roots of the big reed that grows in marishes , dry them to be pulverised , and mix virgin-honey with it , and lay it upon the part ; and of the same powder give the patient to drink , twice a day , the weight of half a ducat in wine , or in broath , or in a vulnerary potion , if you have at hand . the first of this i learned of the excellent doctor schleer of constance . the excrement of a gander , being applied , is also powerful in drawing out iron . again , quince-wine mingled with vinegar , and putting some saffron and gun-powder amongst it , if you give it to one that hath been shot , it will do him good . otherwise , they make a plaister of the roots of cumfrey , aron , polypody , juniper , and dried radishes , all reduced to powder , and mix it with hares-suet and grey diachylum , making a thick ointment of it , and spreading it over a piece of hare-skin , and so laying it on . this is greatly praised , especially when seconded with good wound-drinks , of which master-wort is one of the ingredients : but if you have not this at hand , take a beet and boil it in wine , and lay it warm on the wound . likewise young swallows , not yet fledge , burnt to powder , and this powder made by acetum of roses into a pulse , and laid on , does the same . you ought also to be provided for the synovia : and if you proceed aright with my wound-balsom above described , and keep the wound warm , you may therewith do much good . mix with it , ex abundanti , the red earth of vitriol , above discoursed of . this synova is a dangerous thing , and often causeth almost intollerable pain , if it be not well handled ; the herb of straw-berries and its juyce have great vertue in this case . some make use of the white of eggs , bol-armeniack , and the like . the magistery of allum also belongs hither ; for , allum mixed with vinegar , and clapp'd on very warm , allays it also . elder-blossoms likewise , used every way , are effectual in the same case . employ also diligently such defensive-plaisters , as are not fatty , because fat lays no hold on water . to proceed to burnings , i know almost no better salve for burning than this ; take a tench , or any common-pond-fish ; fry one or more of them with good butter , pour the fatness upon cold water in a broad earthen pan , and you have an excellent ointment against burnings . when , some years since , a powder-mill was blown up , and the attendants upon the work so miserably burnt , that they looked as if they had been rosted , they were healed with this ointment , only a little finely powder'd sage being mixt with it . cream and linseed-oyl mingled together , and raggs moisten'd therein , put upon the burnt part , healeth , though the burning were made with aqua-fortis ; for , to my knowledge , a certain chymist that had thus burnt all his arm , was thereby restored . or , take oyl of elder , or stale oyl that hath been long in a burning lamp ; beat half as much , as you take of that , of the whites of eggs amongst it , and anoint the burnt part therewith . if you can get no oyl of elder , take any other cooling oyl , as of nymphaea , ( water-lillies ) poppy-seeds , violets or roses , or the oyl of poplar-buds , or of marsh-marigold flowers . if you can have quince-wine , it marvellously exstinguishes the burning of any shot , dipping a linnen pledget in it , and drawing it through the wound , or left in it , repeating this every twelfth hour . the juyce or wine of quinces must be used as it comes from the fruit , without any mixture of sugar . this i learn'd from a nobleman , a great souldier , of long experience in the wars of france , the low-countries , and hungary . the vnguentum jovis , made of henbane , vervain and butter , is also very useful for this purpose . likewise the ointment of calx viva , which is first six or seven times to be slaked and dulcified with pure water , pouring every twelve or sixteen hours fresh water upon it , and decanting the former , so as to leave always the calx at the bottom ; which is then to be mixed with oyl of roses , or some other cooling oyl , for an ointment . if you be well acquainted with elder , and know how to use it , you may obtain out of it one of the best cures of burnings , especially out of its middle rinds . again , yolks of eggs and linseed-oyl , equal quantities , mixt together , and spread over the burning , is also very good . egg-oyl likewise used by it self , and vernice employed by joyners , do well also ; but the latter of these two , if it be mixed with oyl of spicanard or petroleum , is to be mingled amongst linseed-oyl . spread fresh butter upon cabbage-leaves , having first fryed the butter with some blossoms or the middle rind of elder ; and so lay them to the burning ; elder being a great resister of inflammations , and therefore very good to allay st. antonies fire ; if you pull its mild green rinds from the stem , and lay them on , without moistening them . else they use against the said fire , flower mixed with the powder of licorice , to be clapt on with a ragg done over with red saunders . my way is , to take the shavings of some fresh and juycy licorice , and to fry them in new butter ; then to strain the butter from it , and to fry the like fresh licorice therein , and to strain the butter from that again ; repeating this five or six times . among this strained butter i stir some pure and fine ceruse , whites of eggs and a little camphire . and with this ointment i have , by the assistance of god , done much good in the said inflammation of st. antonies fire ; and the common people do to this very day call this ointment by no other name than that of doctor minderer's licorice-ointment . but to return to the quenching of burnings . if you can have milk-cream , mingle it with cow-dung freshly made , and so clap it on ; though fresh cow-dung alone allays burning . crafishes pounded alive , and fryed in fresh butter or in common suet , the butter strained here from , is also a good ointment against burnings . unsalted lard , melted by a wax-candle , or an hot iron , and dropp'd upon fresh cold water , and then gather'd up from the water , and carefully rubbed from the same , hath the like operation . take one of the cooling oyls above-named , and fresh butter , boil the middle rind of elder in it , and with a sufficient quantity of wax make of it a salve , and this also will cure burning . you ought also to be provided with a fit apparatus , lints , swathing-clouts , &c. and to take deer-suet , oyl of roses or elder , and white wax , and melt them over the fire , yet so as that you melt the wax , by it self , and add of it no more to the rest than to make it a thin plaister . into this compound you must dip some fine lint , and you 'l find it very useful for any angry part ; as also when one limb presses or otherwise incommodes another , as happens in hydropical and other swollen people , whose belly so sinks down , that the thighs suffer by it ; in which case such lints are to be put between the parts , to keep them from immediately touching and pressing one another . a grangrene is cured with sal-armoniac boiled in urine , especially in that of the patient , and clapping such urine upon the part affected : the quantity of the sal-armoniac may be six drachms . for frozen feet , take gander-suet and deer-suet ; dissolve them together , and pour them into a white excavated turnip , and expose this for a while to the air , rain , wind , hoar-frost , snow , according as the season shall be : then mince the turnip , and fry it in the same suet which you had poured into it ; that done , squeeze it out , and let the fat fall upon cold water ; and being there brought to consistence , take it off , and bring it over the helm from burned wine , and decant this carefully from it again , and 't is duely prepared . you may also recover frozen feet with white rotten turnips , beaten with butter or tallow , and so clapt on . chap. x. of several promiscuous medical practices , for the service of the honest souldier . this chapter i have annexed to the former as an appendix , for the ease and good of souldiers ; wherein some things will occurr , not inferiour to those that have preceded . but herein i have kept no order , but set them down promiscuously , yet faithfully , to supply what may have been omitted before . if you be troubled with the tooth-ach , coming from the cold in winter , take the root of pyrethrum ( pellitory of spain ) and boil it in vinegar , and hold this vinegar warm in your mouth , and it will draw out the phlegm that causes the pain . or , take the root of elder , boil it in half wine and half water , and hold it warm upon the teeth . but what you take of this decoction must be often spit out , and other fresh taken into you mouth ; of which i have found wonderful effects . the root of heath boiled together with the same herb in wine , and laid on is esteem'd to be powerful in drawing out thorns and splinters . you may make a good ointment against the itch and scabs , of savin , stale fat , brimstone and juniper-berries oyl . if your limbs after long sickness be weak , boil valerian-roots in camomil-oyl , and anoint such limbs therewith . also the oyl of lillies in the valley , and that of yellow violets , is good for the same purpose . for worms in the fingers , bruise parsicaria ( arsmart , ) and lay it on ; or take of a piggs bladder of gall , and put it on the affected finger like a thimble . if you have any coagulated or congealed blood in your breast , make a decoction of scabious , chervil , and germander , in two parts of wine , one part of water ; and strain it , and drink of it mornings and evenings . against the putrefaction of the mouth , make a decoction of privet in water , adding afterwards a little allum to it , and use it for a gargarism . also a decoction of the middle rind of hawthorn , with a little allum , is of great effect in the same case . cabbage and colewort-leaves burnt to ashes and a lixivium made of it , and clapp'd on , cureth a gangrene , and the wild fire , especially if you mingle a little oyl of elder therewith . if you can have no elder-blossoms for this oyl , take the green middle rind of elder , and boil it in oyl olive , and then strain the oyl ; which done , take fresh rind of elder , and proceed with it as before , repeating it three or four times to make the oyl the stronger . you may add a little wine to it whilst 't is boiling , but that must all boil away , and so long till the oyl cracks no more in the fire . southern-wood stamped with grease and laid on , draweth out splinters . if you have the itch or are scabby , and can light upon some water standing in the hollowness of a beech-tree , wash your self with it . or make a decoction of the brown rind of alder , ( which is under the gray , ) in butter , and anoint your self with it ; mixing , if you will a little brimstone therewith . if you be troubled with the ring-worm , or any running scab , infuse litharge in vinegar , and let it stand a night infused , or make a decoction of the same in vinegar . but your pain or vessel must be of brass . this vinegar mingle with oyl of elder , or of roses , or the like , and it will become a fine gray salve , curing such running scabs as aforesaid , and cooling also inflammations . if your body be bound , take sage pulverised and mix it with grease , and anoint your navil with the quantity of a hasel-nut of it . this i have with very good success advised to women in child-bed , that were thus bound and obstructed . if you will have it stronger , mix with it the gall of a fish or of any animal whatsoever ; but then you must not give it to a woman in child-bed . gromel ( by the latins call'd milium solis ) pulverised , and the weight of half a ducat of it taken in wine or broath , provoketh urine ; yet must the belly be open'd first . the same doth linaria or toad-flax , boiled in wine or broath . likewise distilled water of radishes , repeating the distillation several times from other fresh radishes . which will have the better effect , if the patient bath his lower parts in a bath made of marsh-mallows , melilot , and the like . gromel , above-mention'd , taken in warm broath , expels the birth : and so do the blossoms or buds of walnut-trees ; crabs-eyes also , pulverised and taken in warm broath ; likewise issop boiled in wine , and drank warm . this i have inserted for the sake of poor souldiers-wives , who amongst us often follow the camp. if they have any great after-pains , let them bath their lower parts in a bath made of dill , and camomil-flowers . and the yolks of hard eggs , beaten together with some convenient oyl ( nut-oyl is the best , ) and a plaister made of it , and laid to the belly , is also very good . if they have too great a profusion of blood , let them take a drachm of burnt harts-horn , and burnt ivory , in a convenient vehicle . in case of a mortal wound , take of pure turpentine four ounces , wash it with fresh limpid water , and then dissolve it over a mild fire ; which done , mix with it two ounces or two ounces and an half of white wax , dissolved apart : to this add about three ounces of womans milk , which is sucked by a boy . the turpentine and wax being somewhat cooled together , must be well stirr'd , and then poured on cold vinegar ; whence , when 't is brought to a consistence , it is to be taken off , and made into a plaister , and so laid on . horse-tail ▪ ( in latin , equisetum ) heals the wounds in the urinary parts , the powder of it being taken in broath or speedwel-water , or the decoction thereof being drank . gummi ammoniac is a good discutient of hard tumors and knobs : tacamahaca appeaseth pain proceeding from cold , being laid on the part affected . to make the pellets used to be put in wounds that are to be kept open , ( which here in germany we call quellmaissel , ) take a spunge of the finest sort , put it in whites of eggs well beaten and mixed with rose-water , to make the said spunge imbibe this moisture . which done , bind it close together with thred , and let it well dry in the air , and so convey of it into the wound that is to be kept open : where it will swell again , and so distend the wound . if you be troubled with the gonorrhaea , take house-leek growing on old walls ( call'd by the latins , semper vi●…ninus , ) put it into your shoes , and go bare-foot upon it ; anoint your loyns and privy parts with henbane-oyl ; and take mornings the quantity of two big hasel-nuts of well washed turpentine , for some days together , avoiding all aromatic , hard , and salt meat . an old experimenter hath noted , that whosoever shall wash his head twice a week with a lixivium made of juniper-ashes , his sight shall never fail him , but remain good to his end ; nor shall that person be troubled with any vermin upon his head , nor with any head-ach , nor suffer any change of his hair . for my part , i never tryed it ; but it being a very plain and safe thing , i thought good here to insert it . against the biting of a mad-dog , lay assa foetida with garlick upon the bite ; it will draw out the venom . to free your self from the gravel , make a decoction of ash-wood in wine , and drink of it warm once or twice a day upon an empty stomach ; using withal good baths . vervin also the leaves and roots , beaten together , and drank , is very good in this case . if you have a strong breath , proceeding from a foul stomach , infuse wormwood and carduus benedictus , together with some citron-peels in in wine , and let them boil a little therein , and then drink a good draught of it mornings . chew also and swallow sometimes a little myrrh , and take now and then three or four aloes-pills . i could add many other things , if my leisure would permit : these which i have set down , you will take in good part ; and though i have not tryed them all my self , yet you may rest assured , that such as have not been experimented by my self , have been tryed by my honoured collegues and other honest persons , and approv'd . finis . index . a air , what to be observed of it in the camp. . preservatives against the corruption of the air. , &c. animals , their blood of what efficacy . antonies fire , how to be allayed . b belly , the cure of the aches , and tumors , and gripings thereof . , beer , new beer causes the strangury . blood , how to cure casting up of blood , . and the bleeding of the nose , ibid. blood coagulated , how to be helped . , boyls pestilential and their cure , , & seq . brick well burnt good against a tenasmus . brimstone a good medicine in infectious cases . bread , wheaten-bread coming hot out of the oven and dipt in red wine very good against fluxes . . the same duely prepared good in pestilential sores . bones broken , how to be order'd . ● bran good for wrenching of limbs . ib. burning , how to healed . c carbuncles pestilential , and their cure . carlina good against faintness . chirurgeons of an army , and their qualities . cold nights how to provide against . corns of the feet how to be cured . cough , and its cure . crafishes burnt alive good against the bloody-flux . crafishes , after a certain way prepared , of great use for drawing out of the body thorns , small-shot , &c. . the same fried in fresh butter allays burning . crocus martis a high remedy against the bloody-flux . clysters , and their use in the field . chearfulness good in pestilential times . d daisie and its excellency . diseases in an army , and their cure . diet to be well observed in the camp. drinks how to provide in the field . . the excess of it to be avoided . . the danger of drinking whilst one is hot , and the care to be taken in that case . , . drinks in cold weather . drawing out of thorns , splinters , &c. how to be effected . dropsie , and its cure . drought , how to be remedied . e egg-oyl good for burnings . elder-flowers good in the plague , , elder-vinegar good to apply to the heart in the plague . elder-roots , the juyce of them purgeth hydropical persons exceedingly , . but to be used with great caution . ibid. boiled elder-buds have the like vertue . ibid. emollients in pestilential boils . excrement of a gander is powerful in drawing iron out of the body . f faintness how to prevent . . , feet sweaty how to remedy . . feet frozen how to recover . fevers of all sorts how to be managed and cured in an army . , fluxes , their several sorts and cures . . of the bloody-flux in particular , and its cure . frankincense dryes and clears the air. fundament , the cure of its falling down . g gangrene how to cure . , galling how to cure . garlick useful in fluxes by way of decoction . goat , good for men to rub at them when the air is corrupted . , groin swelled how to cure . guts , the griping of them how to be cured . granat-wine cures the bloody flux . gun-powder purifies the air. gum elemi of considerable use in wounds . gonorrhoea how to be order'd . gravel how to be removed . h hawes oure fluxes ▪ harts-horn , good against fluxes ▪ hearing how to be recovered . heart , the cure of this inflammation . haemorrhoid-vein , the use of its bleeding , horses how to be made vigorous . . ointment for horses . hunger and thirst to be prevented by certain herbs . i iaundise , the cause and cure of it . imperatoria good against faintness , infection , its preservatives and cures , both for the poor and rich. . . the hungarian infection and its cure . . & ●●● . inflammation its several sorts and cures . , — juniper-wood burnt good in times of the plague . itch how to be cured . ● l lard , when fresh very good against the inflammation of the mouth . lard good against burnings . lead a considerable cooler . leggs , the cure of their swelling . liver , the cure of the obstructions thereof . lillies , the juyce of the roots of blew lillies have great virtue of purging hydropical persons , but to be used with great discretion . lapis sabulosus good to heal broken bones . luxations how to be order'd . ib. m marisca's , and the cure of them . mastick , drys and clears the air. mesaraick-veins , and the effects of their being obstructed . milk duly prepared good against the bloody-flux . moss of wild rose-shrubs an approved remedy in bloody-fluxes . mouth , how to remedy the falling down of the palate of the mouth . n niter excellent to allay inflammations . . the way how to prepare it for that use . nose , how to remedy the bleeding of it . o obstructions of the liver , and the cure . oyl of scorpions very good to anonit the heart with in the plague . . a good succedaneum to it described . oyl of vitriol good in fevers . oaken-leaves do cure common fluxes . p pestilential diseases and cure . . & seq . . & seq . physicians of an army and their qualities . pear-trees , the rinds of them cure common fluxes . preservatives fit for souldiers . , , &c. purgatives fit for souldiers . putrefaction the cause of grievous diseases . , . putrefaction of the mouth how to be cured . q quinces-wine good against the bloody-flux , . the same extinguishes marvellously the burning of any shot . r ringworm , how to be cured . rust of arms how to prevent . rye-biscuit duly prepar'd good against the bloody-flux . s scarification and its use . souldiers morals . souldiers care of his body . souldiers diseases in the field ; through the whole book . sores pestilential and their cure . . & seq . spotted fevers and their cures . . & seq . squinancy and its cure . strangury and its cure . sufeits and their cures . swellings of the throat and almonds , how to be cured . . . swelling of the leggs how to cure . sweat and the ways of procuring it . . & seq . see also . & seq . swallows , burnt to powder , good to those that have been shot . synovia ▪ how to be order'd . t tenasmus and its cure . tench fried good for burnings . thirst , how to quench in case of want of drink . . thirst how to quench in fluxes . throat swoln how to cure . tooth-ach its cure . tongue , the cure of the inflammations of it . turnips , after a certain way prepared , or rotten , cure frozen feet . v vermin how to remove . vein , the use of the bleeding of the hemorrhoid-vein . vesicatories and their use . ulcers and their cure . vinegar good to wash the temples with , in times of the plague . venae-section not easily to be admitted in pestilential diseases . , vulnerary herbs for several sorts of wounds , w water , its differences and choice wheel-grease a good ointment for horses . wind in the guts requires keeping the body soluble . worms , earth-worms good against the dropsie , together with the way of preparing them . wounds , their inflammation how to be prevented . . their swelling how to be helped . ib. wound-drinks of several sorts . wounds mortal how to order . worms in fingers , how to be cured . wounds how to be cured , see chap. . finis . by the king a proclamation for remouing the receipt of his maiesties exchequer from westminster to richmond. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king a proclamation for remouing the receipt of his maiesties exchequer from westminster to richmond. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . sheet ([ ] p.). by i.l. and w.t. for bonham norton and iohn bill, printers to the kings most excellent maiestie, printed at oxford : . line of text ends "conside-". "giuen at the court at ricot the one and thirtieth day of iulie, in the first yeare of his maiesties raigne of great brittaine, france and ireland." reproduction of original in: harvard university. library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng england and wales. -- exchequer. plague -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the king . a proclamation for remouing the receipt of his maiesties exchequer from westminster to richmond . the kings most excellent maiestie taking into his princely consideration the great and dangerous increase of the plague in and about the citty of westminster , where his maiesties receit of exchequer hath beene hitherto kept , and willing as much as is possible to prevent the further danger , which might ensue as well to his owne officers , which are necessarily to attend the same receit , as to other his louing subiects who shall haue occasion either for receit , or payment of monies to repaire thither : hath therefore taken order for the present remoue of the receit of his said exchequer from thence to his maiesties house at richmond in the countie of surrey : and hath thought fit by this his proclamation to publish the same , to the ende , that all persons whom the same may concerne , may take notice whither to repaire vpon all occasions concerning the bringing in , or issuing of his maiesties treasure at the receit of his exchequer . willing and requiring all sheriffes , bailiffes , collectors , and all other officers , accomptants , and persons whatsoeuer , who are to pay in any monies into the said receit of his maiesties exchequer , or otherwise to attend the same , to keepe their daies and times at richmond aforesaid , and there to doe , pay , and performe in all things as they should , or ought to haue done at westminster , if the said receit of exchequer had continued there . and this to bee done and obserued vntill his maiestie shall publish and declare his further pleasure to the contrary . given at the court at ricot the one and thirtieth day of iulie in the first yeare of his maiesties raigne of great brittaine , france , and ireland . god saue the king. printed at oxford by i. l. and w.t. for bonham norton and iohn bill , printers to the kings most excellent maiestie . . golgotha; or, a looking-glass for london, and the suburbs thereof shewing the causes, nature and efficacy of the present plagues; and the most hopeful way for healing. with an humble witness against the cruel advice and practice of shutting-up unto oppression. both now and formerly experienced to encrease, rather than prevent the spreading thereof. / by j.v. grieved by the poor, who perish daily hereby. j. v. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing v b estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) golgotha; or, a looking-glass for london, and the suburbs thereof shewing the causes, nature and efficacy of the present plagues; and the most hopeful way for healing. with an humble witness against the cruel advice and practice of shutting-up unto oppression. both now and formerly experienced to encrease, rather than prevent the spreading thereof. / by j.v. grieved by the poor, who perish daily hereby. j. v. p. printed for the author, london : anno . reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- prevention -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion golgotha ; or , a looking-glass for london , and the suburbs thereof . shewing the causes , nature and efficacy of the present plagues ; and the most hopeful way for healing . with an humble witness against the cruel advice and practice of shutting — up unto oppression . both now and formerly experienced to encrease , rather than prevent the spreading thereof . by j. v. grieved for the poor , who perish daily hereby . prov. . , . rob not the poor , because he is poor , neither oppress the afflicted in the gate . for the lord will plead their cause , and spoile the soul of those that spoiled them . psal . . , . blessed is he that considereth the poor , the lord will deliver him in time of trouble . the lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing ; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness . london , printed for the author , anno . golgotha : or , a looking-glass for london , &c. whoever would administer to the cure , must first consider the cause and nature of any visitation , and especially reverence any light given from god , who hath been pleased above all to appropriate this of the pestilence as his imediate sword : and hath acquainted the sons of men , as with the causes , so with the dreadful efficacy and nature thereof , ezek. . . & chap. . . & . . & . . and hath very expresly prescribed the cure in its season , ver . . chron. . . signifying also when it will be so contagious and incurable , as the usual way prescribed shall not effect the recovery of either son or daughter , but him or them that find mercy so timely in a right spirit to apply the preservative the lord directeth ; jer. , . ezek. . , . and his wayes are everlasting , hab. . . so that the present age will experience the advantage of timely applying , or disadvantage of neglecting the antient advice of god , which having no weekly intelligencer , or skilful physician , to set forth , for lack of knowledge the people perish , and the plague doth double it self in defiance of all the directions the most skilful doctors do industriously divulge now daily in the world , and that decree is verifying but the more apparently , isa . . . and the loftiness of man shall be bowed down , and the haughtiness of men shall be laid low , and the lord alone shall be exalted in that day . and to that end therefore i shall endeavour to declare the causes of the present plagues . the cavses . to speak clearly hereunto , we ought wisely to consider the constitution of the country under visitation , whether prophane or professors , whether egypt or israel , or a mingled people much of the same spirit and path , who may be both then ( how-ever they differ in profession ) partakers of the same plagues , jer. . . rev. . . or whether for different causes . and first , for a people of an egyptian oppressing spirit , at enmity with god and christ , and saints and scripture , whereof this nation under profession hath dreadfully abounded , exceeding sodom in odious beastly enmity , and cruel tumults and decrees against the lord's name , wayes and people , fulfilling in their confederacy therein the prophecy , psal . . to the full ; know ye for a certain , as you have lived after the manner of egypt , so are you , and now will be more plagued after the manner thereof , till you in very good earnest let israel go , exod. . & . . yea , till for your own safety you take the good counsel tendred unto you , psal . . , . for certain i am , though some of god's israel may fall by this visitation , yet is the lord hereby gone out further for salvation with his anointed , and this pestilence is the harbinger of that saviour , and high-one , who will surely save his poor people from your fury ; who came out to scatter them as with a whirlwind , to fulfill the third of habakkuk ; and those of them whose habitation in this tempest shall be the most high , shall only with their eyes behold and see the reward of the wicked , psal . . , . it therefore concerns you his most proud vile adversaries to see what this angel did to egypt , exod. . , , . compared with psal . . , , . to zidon , ezek. . , . to the assyrian , king. . . and will do to gog , ezek. . . and the assyrian-like adversary in the latter-day , micah . . o it concerns you to bewail your oppression and hacred of the upright , and to tremble timely unto true subjection to him , who is measuring the earth and driving asunder the nations , and bringing the tents of cushan into affliction , before whom goeth this pestilence , hab. . , , . your way is dark-and slippery , and the angel of the lord doth chase you , psal . . . you shall go into the clefts of the rocks , and into the tops of the ragged rocks , for fear of the lord , and for the glory of his majesty , isa . . . rev. . . yea , flee ye afar off , live ye alene , there shall the angel of the almighty search you , ezek. . . amos . , . this is the word of the lord against you , save only such as shall be reckoned israel , by joyning timely and truly to the lord in the day of these destructions , isa . . . and in israel the divers causes of this visitation have been also signified plainly from their god : as , . neglect of his true worship , laws , statutes , ordinances , exod. . . lev. . . deut. . , . and not being spiritual in them , cor. . , . . false-worship , or bringing into his worship the detestible things of mens devising or invention , to the changing his ordinances ; ezek. . , , . isa . . . . unbelief , especially under signs of his power and presence ; numb . . , , . . carnal security , and confidence in our own righteousness ; amos . . . unthankfulness to the lord under his salvations ; exod. . . . pride , sensuality and violence , under fulness and prosperity ; ezek. . . to . chap. . , . numb . . . compared with psal . . , . . unprofitableness and impenitency under other judgments , jer. . , , . prov. . . . fleshly confidence in the numbers of israel , sam. . . . wandring from the lord after other lovers , provoking him with their abominations ; cor. . . jer. . , . ezek. . , to . . making false refuges in times of judgment , jer. . , . compared with isa . . . & ch . . , . jer. . , . . discontent with the lord 's righteous judgements on eminent malefactors ; numb . . , , . and , . hearkning to false prophets , that abuse promises to comfort the impenitent , in want of humble and mournful subjection to the lord 's fore judgments for sin , in bringing over them those that hate them , and attempts to deliver themselves from the sword of the enemy by any fleshly strength , without true repentance for the causes of their captivity ; jer. . to . chap. . . & chap. . . to . compared with isa . . to . moreover , the pestilence is a sign of , and appointed to prepare for the near approaching kingdom of christ monarchical in the earth , psal . . . hab. . . mat. . . now in as much as all the aforesaid causes for sin have evidently abounded even in the israel of god in this generation , we have great reason to expect ( however some may flatter themselves ) that by this angel israel may lose children , and in their prayer , hos . . . take away all iniquity , and receive us graciously ; may finde it necessary to be brought upon a bed of visitation and dissolution too , to separate from them some beloved sin , which by no means short would be purged away , isa . . . hence god expostulateth with israel , amos . , . i have sent amongst you the pestilence , after the manner of egypt , &c. yet have ye not returned unto me . i have overthrown some of you , as god overthrew sodom , &c. yet have ye not returned unto me . therefore will i do thus unto thee , o israel ; and because i will do thus unto thee , prepare to meet thy god , o israel . and indeed this is not only consistent with , but contained in the new covenant , so to correct ; if need be , to take away the heart of stone , and to make us partakers of his holiness . and when i seriously consider what he did to his dear moses , eli , job , david , asaph , hezekiah , josiah , asa and others , for less provocation , i fear much what the lord may do with me and others of his children , after so long gentleness , goodness and forbearance , as necessary to vindicate his name , which we have polluted before the heathen to their hurt : yea , o the pride , sensuality , covetousness , meanness , indifferency , empty formality and fruitlesness in the profession of the worship of god ▪ yea , apostacy , perjury , treachery , hypocrisie , and yet impenitency under all , that might intercede against israel to the day ! what reason is there upon all , to sigh therefore , and smite upon the thigh before their eyes , as ezek. . , . and to be apart in the spirit of grace and supplication , as zech. . . yea , every one ( though upon the highest mountains of faith and expectation ) to be like doves in the valleys , all of them mourning , every one for his iniquity , prescribed of god for escape from the pestilence and other calamities , ezek. . . & . . o therefore that poor sinners also with israel may imbrace the advice in isa . . . to enter into the rock , and there hide in the dust , for fear of the lord , and the glory of his majesty . and , as in ver . . to cease more from man , whose breath is in his nostrils ; for wherein is he to be accounted of ? yet , as it becomes all humbly to do what they can in a day of such calamity , i shall more particularly cast in my mite towards the cure of this contagion , with my dissent from , and witness against two things directed by the colledge-doctors . the cure . in speaking to the cure , i shall first shew what is not likely to effect it ; dly , what is ; and lastly , giving those that have worthily gone before me , their real due in the prescript of outward medicines , i shall cast in my mite of that sort also , in addition only to any thing i have seen , without detraction from any , or seeking gain , or the honour which is from men , i trust , but that which is of god only . it is not then first to look to the physicians , how able or eminent soever , wherein good asa failed , chron. . . and hath but too many followers . neither would this sort at any time ( and much less now ) be , as other diseases , much abated by all the doctors in the world , except to humbled souls , as hezekiah , to whom then poor isaiah went , and may go again successfully with his bunch of figs , which gave a reverence to the use of outward means , but in the second place . though ( till god weary them with his hand ) it 's feared men will arrogate his healings to their art , when in tender mercy to his people , or for further probation , it may in a moment cease , or be abated , as at this time in holland ; not ( i believe ) as the effect of the pouder , nor perfume , so much boasted of in every news-book , i am perswaded to further provocation and infection , which hath doubled weekly since the published stories of the infallibleness thereof , which consists ( i fear ) but in the filling the purse of some of the projectors . and as to the publick order of the colledge-doctors , though i could wail over the view of those strong-scented ingredients of pride and presumption in the latter part of their epistle , as tending to the infection of themselves , beyond their skill to avoid or cure ; and others that have them in too high esteem , to fulfil the word of the lord , isa . . , . yet i count my self , for my country and conscience-sake , obliged humbly to witness against two principal parts of their advice only : with reverence indeed to most of their prescripts , which yet exceed neither their fore-fathers , nor add much , if any thing , to the common knowledge , capacity and experience of an ordinary man , in this day of removing the face of the covering that hath been over the face of all nations . but first , their advice of observing church-orders for prayer , as in former times , i desire may be carefully mingled with the counter-poisons of the scripture-discoveries already laid down concerning false-worship and neglect of true , as principal causes of contagion , so as the former times they speak of may be explained to be such , as phineas , moses , and samuel , noah , daniel and job , david , jehoshaphat , isaiah , hezekiah , ezekiel , jeremiah , &c. or men of like spirit , influenced in solemn intercession acceptably to turn away wrath from a provoking generation ; and no times wherein the wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land , which is on record to be to visitation and ruine , jer. . , , . else their direction is hereby dissented from . but secondly ; i humbly dissent also from their direction for shutting-up unto such oppression and hazard of both sick and well , shut up , and others , as is unavoidable ruine to many after the manner thereof , and so an high provocation to him , who hath torn , and who onely can heal ; who hath smitten , and can bind up , hos . . . and who visiteth with pestilence ( as i have shewed ) for violence , and ( i fear ) increaseth it for such continuance thereof . now because some carelesly dream of scripture-colour in the case , i shall shew you first how cruelly remote it is from that case . dly . how much it errs from that standing rule amongst men , mat. . . therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you , do ye even so to them : for this is the law and the prophets . dly . what ill effects it naturally hath towards the encrease of plagues . thly . appeal to the experience of all , reflecting upon former and present times , both in this and other neighbouring-nations . first then , the scripture-case is only in the plague of leprosie , when the party onely apparently visited was to be viewed by the high-priest , or his sons ; and being found by him , or them , to be so , was in special over-sight to be separated from the rest of israel , and shut-up but for seven dayes , to be viewed then again by the high-priest , &c. and if found whole , to be cleansed and restored presently , or otherwise so sequestred for seven dayes more , until such recovery , levit. , at large , but not to be shut up after . and hezekiah also being cured of his sore , on the third day was to appear in the house of the lord , king. . , . nor is the scripture colour for shutting-up one well-person , not the sick after such recovery , upon such weekly view of him , if the case in hand held parallel : but well saith the scripture , the world by wisdom know not god , cor. . . and this their way of being wiser than god , is as the tender mercies of the wicked , prov. . . dly . it so errs also from that rule , mat. . . that i dare say the doctors , and those who stand upon their sword to execute this violent advice upon the poor so generally , would not be willing to be so done unto , or have their wives and children so dealt with in their calamity : and he that rolleth a stone so against the very nature of humanity , may fear it will return again upon him , prov. . . let me suppose thex case therefore to their consciences . whether , if four or five , or more , of the skilfullest and hardiest of themselves , who have given this advice as orthodox , against so many thousand poor innocents , were to be coobed-up in one of the poor houses , whereout but one dyed , and have with them an old woman , or some poor ignorant creature ( a stranger to them , as is usual ) for their nurse , and a sturdy fellow without with an halberd ( or some stricter watch , as they have advised for others ) to have each of them no more than the parish allows ; and the searchers , chyrurgions , &c. they have allowed to visit others , to visit them : if in a month or forty dayes after the last man of them dies , at such a season , so used , they do not think in their own consciences , with all their skill , their carcasses would all or most of them be carried away in the night-cart ; which now ( for fear thereof ) are , many of them , got into their country-gardens , after their epistolary vapour and cruel direction aforesaid ? how then may poor . women with child , widows , helpless , friendless , fatherless and sucklings , exposed ( without such help , as many have been ) and half dead before , it may be by the sudden death of their first visited nearest relation , escape the ruine of such further violence upon them ? again , i query ; if one in the parish-meeting-place fall suddenly sick , or dye , after sitting there in the crowd two or three hours amongst the multitude ; were it not as equal the doors should be shut upon the assembly , or they in their several houses shut-up , as that some families ( who were further off from the single sick person that dyed therein ) should be presently so violently used and exposed ? o surely , if we would not be so done unto , these wayes then are unequal , and this violent course not like to abate our plagues , but is rather a sign and earnest of further wrath : and god by leaving the nation to be in love with such unnatural advice ) is , it 's to be feared , paving a way for his anger , in that more general shutting-up , as a just judgment upon many accounts , prophesied of such a provoking city , isa . . , , . the city of confusion is broken down , every house is shut-up , &c. dly . it 's full of evil effects , to the encrease of plagues , and that not only as it provokes god as aforesaid , but naturally distracts men , filling them with horror of heart , both those that are shut-up , and those that live daily in the fear thereof ; most that are shut-up being surprized , unprovided , unsetled in heart and house , needing then most the use of a sure friend , made for the day of adversity . pro. . . an interpreter , as elihu speaks , job . . one of a thousand , &c. and are under soul-sinkings , and none to succour them ; their hearts dye within them , as nabals , upon this bad news ; not a friend to come nigh them in their many , many , heart and house cares and perplexities , compelled ( though well ) to lie by , or upon the death-bed ( perhaps ) of their dear relation , drag'd away before their eyes , afrighted children howling by their side , fitted by fainting affliction to receive the impression of a thousand fearful thoughts of the long night they have to reckon before release , after the last of the family , so dismally exposed , shall sink by degrees , one after another , in the den of this dismal likeness to hell , contrived by the advice of the english-colledge of doctors : no drop of water ( perhaps ) but what comes at the leisure of a drunken or careless halbert-bearer at the door : no seasonable administration being at a certainty then for their support , and innumerable evils of this sort incident hereunto : whereof if the ear of any concerned were opened to the cry of the poor herein , i could ( upon knowledge ) instance and give plentiful proof of one months misery and ruine already hereby upon many , enough to make the ears of every one that heareth , tingle ; and lay the blood of innocents at the door of the devisers and prosecutors of this barbarism ; who also hereby bring no small consternation hourly upon the minds of those who are at liberty thoughtful ( to terror ) whose turn may be next to fall out of the oversight of their nearest friends , into the hands of the halberd , searchers and chyrurgion , all strangers to them , so as it may be plague enough to be haunted with , under such distraction and affliction . hence ( i say ) are a thousand thoughts created , to such , swoondings , faintings , fears , ( fitting for infection naturally ) as have occasioned some already to lose their precious lives , and many have hardly escaped the effect thereof ; who otherwise would not so dread the visitation , that yet sink down and shiver now through fear hereof , but upon the sudden sight of a house shut-up , and clusters of little children and tender ones in their windows , who might more rationally continue well by separation as they are able , or might be advised by a more charitable care of them , than by such miserable , noisom , melancholy , close imprisonment , which exposeth the well ( shut-up ) daily to destruction , and also doth really but prepare a more unquenchable stench , and fest to wreak out of the windows ( whilst so shut up ) and disperse it self into the city by a more violent concourse to them at the window ( though less to their relief ) and by opening the doors ( upon such choaking-up ) for the searchers and bearers of the dead ( so daily more prepared for them ) and other allowed visitors , whose walks are far more perilous than twenty times so many left open to keep themselves clean and at distance from the sick and dead , as else they would , to prevent their own infection . yea , after the house is allowed to be open , and all that are left alive are well after this usage , both they and it are far more dangerous hereby to others , than before , they were crouded up so long to such a nasty and infecting station , being the natural and artificial way also hermetically to effect the most forcible and noisom putrifactions , when the embrio shal be unsealed ; common experience having proved it naturally less perilous to go to twenty visited , kept sweet and clean , than to two so noisomly exposed . to which i may add , that many for fear thereof do hide their sores , and ( after a sweat or two ) their sickness also , and go daily about their business so long as they can stand , mingled to much more danger every way : nor dare any do the office of a nurse or friend to those shut-up ( however ne-necessary for the present distress ) till help can be procured ( whereby some have been neglected ) because it is so pen●l , that they must be inclosed then themselves , how inconsistent soever to their charge and business , by which there comes no small inconveniency to the sick , who are forced to take any ignorant nurse ( or worse ) in haste , to their great hazard . but lastly , i appeal to the experience of this and other parts ; how apparantly did the hand of the lord rest ( as the antient citizens familiarly do observe ) in the former great plagues upon this city , when the people were wearied out of this oppression , under cause enough to mourn unto this day , over the cruelty every mercinary had opportunity to commit ( as now ) under colour hereof . ireland also , about the year , and . ( under a far greater contagion ) was made ashamed hereof , and forced to desist ; and what should now encourage it , under a weekly doubling the destroyed , under ( if not directly by ) it , since the doctors gave this advice ? and some affirm the hollanders , from whence the plague is so soon ( it 's said ) departed , never practised it , but ordered the inhabitants of houses visited , to walk and air themselves , with some mark of distinction , at times appointed : and yet i will shew you a more excellent way for the quick and thorow cure thereof , now positively , if it be not for too long oppression , transgression and impenitency irrecoverable , as in jer. . . ezek. . , . which god forbid . now the scripture-means for effectual healing , whilst it is called to day , are set down as followeth . first , for the lord 's faithful remnant , grieved , as lot , for the filthy conversation of the wicked , and for what hath been committed in the midst of jerusalem , as ezek. . to sanctifie a solemn assembly in the earnestness and humility , joel . and seriously therein ( and in secret ) bring forth these sores before their high-priest in quick and speedy intercession and application of the blood of sprinkling , numb . . , . exod. . . sam. . . secondly , in true sence of , and humiliation for , the plague of their own hearts , timely to seek the face of god , and turn from the evil of their doings , king. . . chron. . , . ezek. . . thirdly , more truly to set their hearts on god , and make the most high their habitation , psal . . , , . and to try the truth hereof as followeth . . by faith in christ jesus , john . . to . . by their soveraign love , john . , . . by their unfeigned obedience , john . . but more particularly , . to make him more their place of residence and safety , as men do their habitation , psal . . . & . . . their place of retirement , and rest from disturbance , psal . . . prov. . . isa . . . psal . . . . to have their conversation more in god , as rev. . . phil. . . that men may know were to find professors more at home . . to be feeding more in him , john . . and entertaining their acquaintance there , cant. . . psal . . , to . & . . . to be working in him , hiding themselves , and placing their safety and treasure in him , more , john . . psal . . , . col. . . mat. . , , . o this life of thus inhabiting god , christ lived ; and this manifests saintship and sincerity in all ages , psal . . . & . . and wandrings from hence , have much exposed god's own people , jer. . . & . , . but this life in god now , is , both an earnest of our habitation at hand , where neither sin nor sickness shall a●oy , cor. . , . and is such a present refuge and safe shelter , as either this pestilence shall not come at all , or coming shall not be a plague , but lose its hurtful nature , to such as do dwell in , or now truly and timely shall make refuge unto , and reside in him , as their habitation , psal . . , to . deut. . . psa . . , , . job . , . rom. . . cor. . . on then that poor souls , who have no refuge but country-houses now , when they will meet with sorrow enough , as amos . . would in the encouragement of the new-covenant , by the new and living way , hasten for refuge unto this safe habitation , heb. . . yea , o that that may be now fulfilled , which is written psa . . , , , . all the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the lord , and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee ; for the kingdom is the lords , and he is the governour among the nations &c. run ye then out of the world whose works will be burnt up , ye righteous , into your strong tower ! turn ye to the strong hold , ye wandering children , hasten into your habitation , prov. . . and ye visited ones of god , happy may ye be by this visitation , o that you may experience , through grace , as hezekiah , that herein is the life of your spirit , isa . . . and be able , as job . . to say with thankfulness , thou hast vouchsafed me life and favour , and thy visitations have preserved my spirit ; and as psa . . , . experience the good hereof , behold , happy is the man who to this end is corrected of the lord : for he maketh sore , and bindeth up ; he woundeth , and his hands make whole , job . . lo , all these things worketh god often-times with man , to hide pride from man , to bring back his soul from the pit , to be enlightned with the light of the living , job . , , . indeed i could dwell on this direction for our cure , for the sake of my own soul , and for the sakes of my poor country-men , of every sort , beyond what this paper may contain , and bring you a most rare experiment of one that made jerusalem run with blood , and was almost as profound to slaughter , as poor m. g. b. who yet found safety in refuge hither in his distress ; though i confess under less light and warnings by signs and wonders , yet also , being under less stumblings by professors , i retain my hope that god may yet shew mercy , even to such as him , making speedy refuge hither : and i could give blessed presidents also to encourage poor wandring children , who have played the harlot after many lovers , to return now quickly to their habitation , as jer. . . but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers , yet return unto me saith the lord ▪ only acknowledge thine iniquity , &c. ver . . towards which i will 〈◊〉 give you a fourth scripture-direction for cure. fourthly then , that the lords people also humbly accept the punishment of their iniquity , considering ezek. . . and declare also all their abominations , even before the heathen , under the hand of the almighty , lev. . , . ezek. , . and lastly , to waite in hope on god for special execution of judgment in general defilement and defection , num. . . compared with psal . . . and jer. . . amos . . and in all , with bowels of compassion to poor infants that know not their right hand from their left , at midnight to awake in the sence of their calamity , as lam. . . arise , cry out in the night : in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the lord ; lift up thine hands towards him , for the life of thy young children , that faint for hunger in the top of every street . for with the merciful , thou wilt shew thy self merciful , &c. psa . . . and to you that fear his name , shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings , mal. . . even so , come , lord jesus , come quickly , amen . a little mite added , to the multitude of outward means , published by many others , towards cure and prevention of the present plague . now seeing so grent a plenty of outward means already prescribed by the colledge in general , and some of their number , and others in particular , amongst whom one mr. dixon hath in an ingenious way performed the office of a real neighbour , according to luke . . i shall but humbly cast in a mite only of such things as i have observed to be very effectual in the like , and this contagion , which i have not yet seen published ; and first for the plenteous use of spirit of sulphur , which i advise all to have by them , it being not above three shillings the ounce , and is ve●y specifick to remove malignity , to open great obstruction , quench cholor , strengthen the spirits , and further sweat , and the effect of other antidotes , if plenteously and rightly used . i advise then , that the general posset-drinks both for sweat , and in stead of julips , may be made hereof thus ; take white-wine , a pint , and spirit of sulphur , forty drops ; mix them , set on three pints of milk , and when it boyles up , pour in the white-wine and spirit , it will make your posset , wherein you may boyl the ingredients for sweat , directed by the doctors , or mr. dixon , &c. butter-bu●-root especially , and cast in half a drachm of whole cochinel ; strain it and give , to cause sweat plentifully , after a dose of metridate , or venice-treacle , or thirty drops of spirit of harts-horn in the first draught thereof . also for julip , either the plain posset before mentioned ( before the other ingredients be in it ) or without the wine , take sixty drops of spirit of sulphur ; with it only you may turn three pints of milk to a clear whey , stirring it gently ; sweeten it with syrup of citron , or oranges , or wood-sorrel , or a syrup made of sage-flowers , or mary-gold , made by a strong infusion , in their own distilled waters , or in borrage , or bawme-waters , the marigolds for the syrrup being first bruised , with which this whey may be sweetned : 't will be very pleasant and profitable drink for refreshment . salt of sage especially , or of harts-horn , or ivory , twenty grains of either of them in broth , expel malignity wonderfully : and by such helps added to the usual antidotes with proper cordials and outward applications , god hath comforted me with the lives of many , in appearance past hope ; and i dare do no less now , than call upon the skilful , as the disease is extraordinary , timely to reinforce the ordinary means of their practice to their uttermost capacity , to reach the head of the malignity within the bound of discretion ( though out of old form ) the neglect whereof will be as hazardous as the handsing these edge-tools on the other hand ignorantly . jellyes of harts-horn and ivory made in white-wine and borrage , or pippin-water , or the like , are needful often ; and for broths , capon or cock , rather than chicken in this case , and with the help of cordial and aromatick hearbs also , ( with coolers ) as marigolds plenteously , sweet majorum , bawm , time , rosemary , with woodsorrel ; and in all pimpernel , and the roots of butter-but , which an eminent doctor who out-lived his brethren and the sore long plague in ireland , thought he could not too often commend unto me upon his observations . sheepshead-broath above all was in esteem there , ( perhaps as more appropriate to the parts affected ) though they had chickens enow . the rich in every draught may drink twenty grains of pearl , and ten grains of confectio de hyacintho , from the first assault of their natural spirits , besides their sweat-drivers . and the poor be refreshed aswel with a draught of french-wine and water , boyled with a blade of mace , and an ounce of burnt hartshorn , or clear sack-posset-drink , made with a quarter of a pint of sack , and ten drops of spirit of sulphur to a pint of milk. in their broath also of sheepshead ( if they take my advice ) a spoonful of vinegar sometimes may do well , or four drops of the spirit of sulphur , about which the extravagant boast of mindererus in his th book de pestilentia , may ( with my own long experience of it ) excuse a sober commendation : of which , and spirit of vitriol , he thus speaketh ; there is no putrifaction whose neck they break not , no infection which they do not overcome ; no pravity of humours but they can conquer : verily , to deal clearly , if i should be forbidden or hindred from the use of vitriolated medicaments , i should never come to cure the plague , or alwayes without my weapons . i have also long used , and commend this tincture , having found much good thereby : take salts of sage , hartshorn , ivory , wormwood and rosemary , equal parts of each ; put them into a glass , pour into them spirit of sulphur six ounces , spirit of vitriol two ounces ; shake them often , and let them stand for use close waxed . of this or the like ( as you can get them ) in dangerous obstructions , turn posset-drinks as aforesaid , with eighty drops to two quarts of milk. of late , since the contagion , ladded to my glass as much cochineel as it will drink ▪ and to the end that all my spirits might not be suck'd up , i added two parts of sage water : a good spoonful hereof readily turns three pints of milk ; but because the curd steals away the best of the cochinel , i order the posset to be made first of white-wine , and then mix the tincture therewith . but these are my private improvements of proper materials , which i mention for an example , to encourage a little beyond old authors . in swellings and carbuncles . in ordinary swellings the doctors have directed many apt poultices ; i remember their emollient with mallows , &c. i used to make at the learned direction of the eldest of them , and other learned physicians , twenty four years since , in my apprentiship , but alwayes with saffron , which perhaps is forgot : i am sure it would help suppuration , and ripen speedily , and cherish the rising . but they do well to refer much to chyrurgions herein : and the antient had need to give the younger chyrurgions good instructions in cases that have not come in their time . the irish chyrurgions ( at last , in the failer of other applications ) used to lance a multitude every morning with good success ; which i advised lately to some that do well , when certainly ripened ; but lest they should be too quick or slow , requires their skill to judge , and conscientious care , as they are tender of lives . but mr. dixons soap-poultice with figgs , i hope may be effectual , and save them much labour ; and i take leave to advantage it with an offer of salt of tobacco , where it may be had , in the room of bay-salt , and abundance may be made thereof quickly ; by which , or only mixt with emollients and suppurators , i have suck'd out incredible quantities of the thinner matter presently , and the very root , or last core , soon after , when it hath lain very deep in the flesh : but sometimes the patient hath not been able to sleep for the anguish , in which case the poultice , with mallows , lilly-roots , figs , lintseed , with hogs-grease , or palm-oyl ; may be laid by night , and the other again in the morning : or white bread and milk , with a lilly-root and oyl only , with advantage , to give ease for necessary rest . the patient must be sure to keep his bed carefully till the sore have run two dayes at least . i have known strong-men cast away by rising against advice , before the swelling be perfect ; and greatest care must be used in the coming out of sweat , with a comfortable draught before ; and before the dressing the sore , especially if lanced , which may then best be tented with fine spunge , to keep on the running , prest in mellilot and basillicon , but not made too big , to put the patient to pain when it swelleth ; which a discreet chyrurgion can easily avoid : but in medling with such wound , for feat of accidents , he must not be absent from the party too long , or give notice where he may certainly be found to give timely ease . if a loosness happen in spots , or whilst a swelling is rising , or before it be discharged , let the party presently take two drachms of diascordium , or diascordium and conserve of red roses , of each one drachm , and mithridate half a drachm ; to which also may be added true bole , or confect de hyacintho , ten grains : also in his drink boyl good store of burnt hartshorn , and some bolaustins . and if the swelling be too sluggish , or by any accident threaten to retire , it might be worth the expert chyrurgions consultation , whether the applying a cupping-glass to it without scarification , might not advantage a cataplasm or dyacilon cum gummis thereon after , to certain effect . the party visited , may do well to have the epispastick-plaister alwayes by him , to apply in diverse parts before the swelling begin to arise ; else it s rational not to come too nigh it ( if there be need of them at all ) left the blister detract from the swelling , and cause it to fall . for example , if the swelling arise in the arm-pit , to lay no blistering application above the elbow ; or if in the groin , not above the knees , &c. and if any inconveniency be sencibly found in the use of the sharp-drink , so frequently as aforesaid , which will soon then , be felt , by the intolerable sharpness of the urine or seige , you may a●ay , or wholly suspend a day or two , and use emulsions and softer julips ; sweetned also , with conserve of red-roses , strained ; in case of cholerich loosness , applying still , suitable sweat-drivers , alone or mixt , at discretion . to which end , i would advise all to have by them at the rate of every six in a family , these quantities at least of these common things following , viz. mithredate and london-treacle , of each four ounces ; venice-treacle and diascordium , of each two ounces ; conserve of red roses and wood-sorrel , of each four ounces ; spirit of sulphur ( set out of the way of children and liquorish ignorant ones , that they tast not of it ) one ounce : the plague-water of matthias , or at least treacle-water , half a pint ; syrup of woodsorrel , as much : the plaisters to raise blisters at first sickning , four ounces ; and as much mellilot to dress them . by which plain and cheapest things , they may have something material at hand for sick and well to preserve , till they can apply to their physician , for want of which it hath gone ill with some shut-up suddenly . but i desire none to follow any direction of mine , that do not first consider humbly the causes of visitation , and above all , apply the blood of sprinkling , and all other helps , as purchased thereby ; and beware lest they render their cure impossible through impenitency : likewise if they first endeavour to set their house and heart in order , they might more sweetly rest , and make the cure the more easie in their sickness . for prevention . a multitude of antidotes are fairly set down by the physitians , but in all ( though but that common one of concerve of wood-sorrel and mithridate , or venice-treacle ; yea in ordinary mornings draughts ) i commend the use of true spirit of sulphur . yet because the pill rufus hath so good report by the colledg , and is especially again commended by dr. middlethwite's print for weekly use , with reverence to them , who may ( perhaps ) use it themselves , and for the weak stomach sake of such as cannot well digest dirt , and then wonder what aile them ; i desire it may be wash'd in spirit of wine , by the art of their apothecaries , who know there is cause through the shameful adulteration of the cheif materials thereof . take then myrrh six ounces , aloes half a pound , mastick four ounces , saffron two ounces ; infuse them apart in boultheads in spirit of wine close stopt in balne● , till the wine be tinctured of a deep colour , then pour the tinctured-spirits from the ingredients , and add more spirits to the feces until it will yeild no more tincture ; then filture all the tinctures through a brown paper , put it then into a glasse body with head and cooler on it , and so distil off the spirits gently ; and when a film cometh on it , take off the head , and stir it to a due consistence . now this pill in surfeits is excellent , and where there is needof purging , safe ; in violent suspition of malignity , having in addition to the three ingreedients of rufus , the cordial friend of spirit of wine , and mastick , to bridle it ; and eminently in that , there is so little lucid aloes of the four sorts that is vended by the druggist , and so much earth and dirt ( to the disadvantage of pills ) both in it and ordinary myrrh , hereby separated from it , the terrene and spurious corruption removed , being as much almost in bulk as all was at first , though spiritless and good for nothing but its center the earth , which should not therefore incumber any corner of a wise-man's stomach . besides , this child is not only as nobly descended , but of age to speak for it self sufficiently , and hath done good service to many hundred surfeited , crude and flegmatick stomachs more certainly . two or three pills at night going to bed , and a draught of warm broath in the morning before you go abroad , will make you in love therewith , and you will find the difference , if you still should be minded to try both for experiment . a pill for a child suspected to have the worms , or to have been surfeited with fruit , or that hath a crude flegmatick stomach , is very excellent , in syrup of violets at night going to bed ; and what pill can be better for old people on young , who are weak , consumptive , sickly , and obstructed ? but i publish it now rather , for fear of grosser and dul●●● purging at such a time ( of surfeiting , &c. ) by the very materials thereof , and hope young physicians will beware of any violent purge in symptomes of pestilence , by which some have been lately purged away by them unawares , and others hardly recovered : but this can scarce have an evil effect ; for though it work not , it will leave nothing behind ; yea , they will find good , that may never feel any motion thereof . for such as cannot take any thing more medicinal , a little conserve of roman-wormwood , or of wood-sorrel alone , in a morning ; or to have two ounces of juniper-berries , and a little sage in each kinderkin of beer , is profitable . the english in ireland found much benefit by the moderate use of angelica and wormwood-waters after meals , and with a toast in a spoonful in the morning : those , and juniper-water so taken , maybe profitable to cold stomachs , especially in winter ; or coffee , received with thanksgiving ( as i fear it too seldom is ) is exceeding wholsome for moist constitutions , though the tipling , tatling , waste-time , and wantonway therein , is a high provocation to wrath from god , a stage of wrong to men , whereby also professors shamefully neglect their families and their own poor souls to mourn at the last , as prov. . , , . french-wines , especially advantaged with marigolds , clove-gilliflowers , juniper-berries , sage-flowers , bawm , rosemary-flowers , spanish-angelica-roots , roots of sinkfoyl , or of burnet , zedoary , orris , tops of wormwood , or the like ( as the party may affect , and is able to attain ) may be very useful , with moderation , at meals , &c. the cask or bottle being first smoaked well with sulphur , and vinegers of elder-flowers , juniper-berries , marigolds , clove-gilli-flowers , sage-flowers , cowslip , taragon , mint , barberries , tender shoots from the orange-seeds , &c. to take in broth ; or with meat , with their substances , except the juniper-berries , which being put into the vinegar whole , may be taken out , and new ones put in , to carry about and ear , as the doctors direct . issues for corpulent and rheumatick persons , men , women and children , were never more necessary , and were used much to good advantage by the english in the irish infection , fo● want of which many suffer more than an aching-head . of smells . of smells those are certainly best , that being taken inwardly , are proper for the heart and head ( the chief seat of the malignity ) and suppress vapours too ; the chief are these : chymical oyls of rhue , wormwood , hartshorn , amber , thime or origany , rosemary , chamomile , castor , juniper-berries , the stinking oyl of sulphur , castor & camphir , &c. and that of tar is a toy now in fashion ; but sweet-scented pomanders were exploded of the learned physicians long since , as a costly mischief , many wayes inconvenient ; nor can any of the former in an ivory-box more mischieve the brain by heat , ( as pomander-men prate ) yet the use of any are best avoided , except for the present passando by anoyance ; because by much use they open the pores , and fit the more ( as they that come out of clear air to stinking and thick ) to receive in ill scents , longer than they hold the other to their nose . and of all fumes ( if i may not countenance the idle use thereof ) i might affirm and demonstrate tobacco to be the best ; because it doth not vanish away quickly , but possesseth and keepeth the place , out of which it driveth other anoyances : wherefore gunpowder , more quickly vanishing through its nitral part , after long use of it in ireland , was left , and tobacco stood in lasting esteem ; as also brimstone by it self , which will abide , whereas the saltpeter-puff is gone in an instant , and makes the air so thin , as way is sooner made thereby also for infection , if you stir abroad : whereas experience shews that tobacco , where it is smoaked much , will furnish a room for continuance , and they that take it will stink of it long . i will now end this subject , with a word of advice to remove a very noisom cause of infection , viz. the multitude of dead dogs and cats , that float on the river , and lie on the shoar , as wind and tide serveth , one of which is more infectious than as hundred alive ; which some already have sadly experienced , and it 's feared more will daily , unless timely removed . finis . a treatise of the plague containing the nature, signes, and accidents of the same, with the certaine and absolute cure of the feuers, botches and carbuncles that raigne in these times: and aboue all things most singular experiments and preseruatiues in the same, gathered by the obseruation of diuers worthy trauailers, and selected out of the writing of the best learned phisitians in this age. by thomas lodge, doctor in phisicke. lodge, thomas, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a treatise of the plague containing the nature, signes, and accidents of the same, with the certaine and absolute cure of the feuers, botches and carbuncles that raigne in these times: and aboue all things most singular experiments and preseruatiues in the same, gathered by the obseruation of diuers worthy trauailers, and selected out of the writing of the best learned phisitians in this age. by thomas lodge, doctor in phisicke. lodge, thomas, ?- . [ ] p. printed [by thomas creede and valentine simmes] for edward white and n[icholas] l[ing], london : . printers' and ling's names from stc. signatures: a-l⁴. running title reads: the causes and cures of the plague. the last leaf is blank. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every 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and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a treatise of the plague : containing the nature , signes , and accidents of the same , with the certaine and absolute cure of the feuers , botches and carbuncles that raigne in these times : and aboue all things most singular experiments and preseruatiues in the same , gathered by the obseruation of diuers worthy trauailers , and selected out of the writings of the best learned phisitians in this age . by thomas lodge , doctor in phisicke . london printed for edward white and n. l. . to the right honorable the lord maior , and to the right worshipfull the aldermen and sheriffes of the citie of london . two causes ( right honourable and worshipfull ) haue moued me to publish this present treatise of the plague ; one is the duetie and loue which i owe to this citie ( wherein i was bred and brought vp , and for which ( as the orator cicero in his offices , and the philosopher plato in his common-weale do testifie ) euery good man ought to employ his vttermost indeuour : the next is a charitable remorse i haue conceiued to see my poore country-men and afflicted brethren turmoiled and attainted with the greeuous sicknes of the plague : and left without guide or counsaile how to succour themselues in extremitie : for where the infestion most rageth there pouertie raigneth among the commons , which hauing no supplies to satisfie the greedie desire of those that should attend them , are for the most part left desolate & die without reliefe . for their sakes haue i vndertaken this prouince to write of the plague , to the end that with a litle charge a poore man may haue instructions by a litle reading both to know and to cure all the euil accidents that attend the diseases . it resteth in your honor & those your right worshipfull assistance , to haue especiall care that this charitable intent of mine may be furthered by your discreet orders , in such manner that these bookes may be dispearsed among those families that are visited , to the end they may finde comfort and cure by their owne hands and diligence . this is the only reward i require , as almightie god knoweth , to whose mercy i commend you . from my house in warwicke lane , this . of august . your honors and worships in all affection , thomas lodge . to the curteous and friendly reader . thou maist wonder perhaps ( gentle reader ) why amongst so many excellent and learned phisitians of this citie , i alone haue vndertaken to answere the expectation of the multitude , & to beare the heauy burthen of contentious critiques and deprauers : but when the cause shall be examined , and the reasons considered , i hope to resolue thee so well , as thou shalt haue no cause to condemne me : there haue beene lately certaine thessali that haue bestowed a new printed liuery on euery olde post , and promised such myracles , as if they held the raine of desteny in their own hands , and were able to make old aeson young againe : amongst these , one by fortune is become my neighbour , who because at the first he vnderwrit not his billes , euery one that red them came flocking to me , coniuring me by great profers and perswasions to store them with my promised preseruatiues , and relieue their sicke with my cordiall waters : these importunities of theirs made mee both agreeued , and amazed ; agreeued , because of that loathsome imposition which was laide vppon me , to make my selfe vendible , ( which is vnworthy a liberall & gentle minde , much more ill beseeming a phisitian and philosopher , who ought not to prostitute so sacred a profession so abiectly , but be a contemner of base and seruile desire of mony , as galen witnesseth in his booke , quod optimus medicus , idem sii & philosophus : amazed , to see the ignorance and error of the multitude , who dare trust their liues to their hands who build their experiēce on hazard of mens liues : and are troubled with the scab of the minde , which plato in alcibiade calleth probrosam imperitiā , and m. a. natta , in his . booke de pulchro , voluntary ignorance . herevpon ( by the earnest solicitation of my friends ) and vnder a great desire to doe good vnto my neighbors , i haue faithfully gathered out of the most approued authors , ( especially out of certaine notes which i receiued from valenolaes sonne now doctor of phisique in arles , in prouince ) a true methode how to knowe and cure the plague , which freely and charitably i offer to the reliefe of those who want meanes to relieue their estates in this time of visitation , and the rather because the world might conceiue of me in such sort , that i preferre a common good ( according to platoes counsell , ) before all the gaping desires of gaine and profit in this world . an other reason was , because such bookes as already are past abroad , are confusedly hudled vp , without either forme or methode , which is an vnpardonable errour in those that indeuour to instruct others . for these causes haue i bene drawne to write and expose my selfe to mens iudgements . now that i study not in this treatise to hunt after vain-glory , god can beare me witnes , and the plain stile i haue vsed therein may easily make knowne , which had i a mind to bewitch the eares and minds of the reader , might perhaps haue bin better tempered : neither haue i a setled purpose to wound other mens fame , ( as all men may coniecture ) since hauing iust occasion offered me to reproue them , yet had i rather conceale that wherein they erre , then discouer their scribendi cacoethen ( as the poets saith ) to their disgrace . truly my resolution is to prouoke no man , and those that know me inwardly of late time can witnesse , that i resemble the mauritanian mare ( of whom plutarch maketh mention ) which being led to the water , & seeing her shadow therin , suffereth her selfe afterward to be ridden by asses : i thanke god i haue indured wrongs , tho i haue had power to reuenge them . but because my desire is to leaue all men satisfied , i must a litle retire my selfe to yeeld men of worth & learning satisfaction in a matter wherein perhaps they might except against me . there is a lerned phisitian that hath lately writtē against amuteles or cakes of arsenick , who perhaps may cōceiue vnkindnes against me , because in this treatise i haue set downe the vse therof as a soueraine preseruatiue against the plague , where he hath condemned them ; but he must excuse me in this case , for i haue no intent to commend the same because he condemneth it , but by reason of their authoritie and experience who haue bin the lights and honors of phisicke , as mercurialis in his book de venenis , chap. . capiuachius in his book de febribus chap. . & heurinus in his booke de febribus , chap. . valeriola and diuers others , who by vniforme consent do allow the same either worne vnder the arme pittes , or about the region of the heart , by reason that by a certaine similitude one venome draweth an other with it , as arsenick , which voideth the poison of the plague insensibly , quod venenum & corpore attrahat & tota forma , & ratione caliditatis . this antipathie in arsenick experience doth allow , authoritie doth confirme , and reason ( which is an other of the feete whereon phisicke walketh as galen testifieth ) doth assist it , which he may easily perceiue that readeth mercurialis , in the place afore alledged . but for that i intend onely to iustifie mine owne actes & not to impugne others , let this suffice . and to conclude , if any man in the ripenesse of his iudgement be more oculatus in this cause , then either these fathers of phisicke or my selfe am , i enuy him not , but leaue him to his better thoughts , till i may be more fully satisfied . thus committing you to him on whose mercy i depend , i take my leaue of the gentle reader , desiring no other reward at thy hands but a fewe deuout praiers for me , which i wil pay thee againe with double vsury whilest god lendeth me life . vale. thine in all friendship , thomas lodge . the causes and cures of the plague . chap. . of the nature and essence of the plague . the diuine philosopher plato ( declaring vnto vs in diuers of his dialogues , the perfect way and path , whereby we may rightly intreat , and skilfully procéede , in the discouery of any thing ) saith , that it behoueth euery man , that indeuoureth by art and methode to attaine the perfect knowledge of that whereof he standeth in doubt , or is desirous to instruct an other in any science whatsoeuer , to begin with the definition of the same , without the perfect grounds and vnderstanding whereof , nothing may be either worthily knowne , or truly explicated : ( which lesson of his , both tully in his offices , and gallen in his booke of the differences of sicknesses haue very carefully obserued : ) since therefore in this treatise of mine , i am purposed ( by the grace and assistance of almightie god ) to manifest vnto you the nature , malignitie , and accidents of the plague , to the intent and purpose that i may instruct you after what manner you may withstand a sicknesse so gréeuous , and accompanied with so diuers and dangerous accidents , by those meanes and medicines , which god of his mercy hath left vs , by the noble art of phisicke , it shall not be amisse , if for your better vnderstanding what the plague is , i take my beginning from the definition of the same . but before i prosecute this my intended purpose , let vs inuocate and call vpon that diuine bountie , from whose fountaine-head of mercy euery good and gracious benefit is deriued , that it will please him to assist this my labor , and charitable intent , and so to order the scope of my indeuour , that it may redound to his eternall glory , our neighbours comfort , and the speciall benefite of our whole countrey : which being now vnder the fatherly correction of almightie god , and punished for our misdéeds by his heauy hand , may thorow the admirable effects and fruites of the sacred art of phisicke , receiue preuention of their daunger , and comfort in this desperate time of visitation : to him therfore king of kings , inuisible , and onely wise , be all honor , maiestie and dominion , now and for euer , amen . the plague then ( as galen witnesseth , is a pernicious and daungerous epidemie , ( that is to say , a generall , or popular sicknesse ) which violently rauisheth all men for the most part to death , without respect or exception of age , sexe , complexion , gouernment in life , or particular condition whatsoeuer : and therefore is it worthily called pernicious , because there can be nothing more daungerous then the same , which by the malignitie and violence therof , inforceth sodaine death , and by the proper nature , proprietie and contrarietie it hath with our bodies , killeth mankind no lesse readily , then violently . but that you may more exactly vnderstand what the plague is , you ought to note that there are diuers sorts of sicknesses ; that is to say epidemick , endemick plague , and priuate disease , ( as galen witnesseth in diuers places : ) an epidemick plague , is a common and popular sicknesse , hapning in some region , or countrey , at a certaine time , caused by a certaine indisposition of the aire , or waters of the same region , producing in all sorts of people , one and the same kind of sicknesse ; as namely burning feuers , tertian agues , opthalimes , or inflammation of the tunicle of the eies , carbuncles , or collicks , or general and gréeuous coughes , accompanied with shortnes of breath , or disenteries , or fluxes of blood , which vniuersally and very often times raigne in some countries about the end of sommer : all which sicknesses when as they are common in any particular place or region , are called endemick , which is as much to say , as sicknesses happening publikely & popularly in the same region or country , by a certaine euil qualitie of the aire that raigneth therein , and produceth such like infirmities in mens bodies . for as both galen and the diuine olde man hypocrates do testifie , euery sicknesse that procéedeth from the aire infected with a venemous qualitie , that is the cause which produceth and begetteth the same , is in his essence epidemick , popular , and pestilentiall . thus farre according to the fathers of phisicke haue i truly discouered what epidemick is . endemick is a common sicknesse , and yet for all that proper to some one country or region : which is as much to say , as a regional , or prouincial sicknesse : for there are certain regions and places which by a peculiar propertie in themselues engender certaine kindes of infirmities , which are particular only to the inhabitants of that region , either by occasion of the aire , or the waters in that country . as in the new found land ( discouered by the portugalls and spaniards ) in that iland which is called hispaniola , and other places of india , there raigne certaine pustules or broad seabs , ( not much vnlike the french poxes ) wherewith almost all the inhabitants of the country are infected , the remedy whereof they haue gathered from the infusion of the wood of guaiacum , whence the vse thereof with very fruitfull successe hath bene discouered and proued forcible here in europe . in sauoy and the valley of lucernes , the most part of the inhabitants haue a swelling in the throate . in pouille and calabria , for the most part all the inhabitants haue the iaundis . and such sicknesses as are these , are called endemiques , prouintiall or regionall infirmities , yet for all that they are not to be accounted pestilentiall or contagious : the plague as i haue said , is a pernicious epidemie , that is to say , a common and popular sicknesse , which is both contagious & mortall . a priuate sicknesse is that which is particular & proper to any one in priuate , procéeding from particular indisposition of the body of him that is attained , or by reason of some disorderly dyet by him obserued , or rather by some excesse committed by him , or through the corruption of the humours in his bodie , yet not contagious ; but such an infirmitie as neither is frée from daunger , nor exempted from mortalitie . these are the differences of such sicknesses as serue for our purposes to declare the nature of the plague , which in her proper signification is a popular and contagious sicknesse , for the most part mortall , wherein vsually there appeare certaine tumors , carbuncles , or spottes , which the common people call gods tokens : which plague procéedeth from the venemous corruption of the humors and spirits of the body , infected by the attraction of corrupted aire , or infection of euil vapours , which haue the propertie to alter mans bodie , and poyson his spirits after a straunge and daungerous qualitie , contrary and mortall enemy to the vitall spirits , which haue their residence in the heart : by reason whereof it suddainly rauisheth & shortly cutteth off mans life , who for the most part is attainted with such a venemous contagion : and for that we haue saide that the plague is a popular and contagious sicknesse , it shall not be amisse to declare and plainly discouer , what these wordes popular , and contagious , do signifie . popular and epidemich , haue one and the same signification ; that is to say , a sicknesse common vnto all people , or to the moste part of them . contagion , is an euil qualitie in a bodie , communicated vnto an other by touch , engendring one and the same disposition in him to whom it is communicated . so as he that is first of all attainted or rauished with such a qualitie , is called contagious and infected . for very properly is he reputed infectious , that hath in himselfe an euil , malignant , venemous , or vitious disposition , which may be imparted and bestowed on an other by touch , producing the same and as daungerous effect in him to whom it is communicated , as in him that first communicateth and spreddeth the infection . this sicknesse of the plague is commonly engendred of an infection of the aire , altered with a venemous vapour , dispearsed and sowed in the same , by the attraction and participation whereof , this dangerous and deadly infirmitie is produced and planted in vs , which almightie god as the rodde of his rigor and iustice , and for the amendment of our sinnes sendeth downe vppon vs , as it is written in leuiticus the . chapter , and in deuteronomy the . if you obserue not my commaundements saith our lord , i will extinguish you by the plague which shall consume you . to the like effect is that of celsus ( a man of famous memorie amongst our phisitions ) who very learnedly saith , that all straunge sicknesses befall mortall men , by reason of the wrath and displeasure of the goddes , and that the necessary meanes to finde recouery and remedie for the same , is to haue recourse vnto them by intercession and prayer● . the same also testifieth homer ( the soueraigne of all diuine science & poeticall perfection ) in the first booke of his iliades . since therefore it is euident by the testimonies abouesaid , that the plague is a manifest signe of the wrath of god conceiued against vs , the first and most wholesome remedie is to haue recourse vnto him , who is the father of mercy , and soueraign phisition of all infirmities , imploring his grace and mercy , by fastings , praiers , and supplications , by almesdéeds , good works , and amendment of life , to the ende we may appease and pacifie his wrath , and reconcile our selues vnto him , and obtaine his grace and mercy , according to the example of penitent dauid , and the contrite niniuites . in imitation of whome , if we shall haue our recourse vnto his mercy seat , we may rest assured that he will beholde vs with his eye of pittie , and graunt vs both health of soule and bodie , according vnto his promises made vnto those who call vpon him in humilitie and sinceritie of hart and conscience . sée here the first rule . chap. ii. of the causes of the plague . those sicknesses which are contagious and pestilent ( euen as al other kinds of infirmities ) haue their causes . for nothing may produce without an efficient cause that bringeth the same to effect : the plague then hath his originall & producing causes , from whence shée taketh originall beginning : and is engendred by a certaine and more secret meanes then all other sicknesses . for , for the most part the causes of priuate sicknesses which are not infectious , are either to great repletion , or a generall deprauation of the humours which are in the body , or obstruction , or binding , or putrifaction , as galen in his booke , ( of the causes of sicknesses ) hath very learnedly written . but the plague hath none of these aboue mentioned causes , but only contagious and pestilent : yet notwithstanding together with these causes of repletion , cachochimie , obstruction , & putrifaction , the plague may bée annexed and vnited ; but yet in such sort , as they be not the proper reputed causes which ingender the plague , for then if that should follow , all sicknesses accompanied with such like causes might be reputed pestilentiall , which were both vntrue and absurde : it behooueth vs therefore , to finde out a proper and continent cause of the plague , and such like contagious infirmities . let vs then conclude with galen , in his booke of treacle , to piso , and pamphilianus , that all pestilentiall sicknesses , as from the proper cause , are ingendred from the ayre , depraued and altered in his substance , by a certaine vicious mixture of corrupted and strange vapours , contrary to the life of man , and corrupting the vitall spirit : which vnkindly excretion sowed in the ayre , and infecting the same , communicateth vnto vs by our continuall alteration of the same , the venome which poysoneth vs. the ready and spéedy chaunges , saith galen , which happen in the ayre , through the euill corruption of the same , produce the plague ; which like a rauishing beast depopulateth and destroyeth diuers men by death , yea whole cities , because men hauing a necessitie to sucke in the ayre , together with the same sucke in the infection and venome : by this it appeareth that the proper and immediat cause which ingendreth the plague , is the attraction and in breathing of the ayre , infected and poisoned with a certaine venemous vapour , contrary to the nature of man. to his effect before his time , the great m. of physique , hipocrates writeth thus , in his booke of humane nature : the cause ( saith he ) of the generall pestilence which indifferently attainteth all sortes of men , is the ayre which we sucke , that hath in it selfe a corrupt and venemous seede , which we draw with our in-breathing . now the causes which engender such vapours in the aire , are diuers and of different kindes , for sometimes such a vapour is lifted vp into the ayre , by reason of the corruption & stench of dead and vnburied bodyes ; ( as in places where any great battell haue béene fought , it often falleth out , according as diuers histories testifie . ) it is ingendred also through euill vapours that issue from the earth , or certaine caues thereof , which yéelde foorth exhalations full of corruptions that infect the ayre , where it contracteth by an euill qualitie . it happeneth likewise by a loathsome steame , of certain marsh in plashie fennes full of mudde and durt , as also from diuers sorts of plantes , and venemous beastes , whose euill qualitie may produce such an effect in the ayre . but the ancient physitians and astrologers , ( as namely auicen , with diuers others ) report : that the plague hath two originals and sources , from whence ( as from a fountaine ) shée taketh her beginning . the first is , in the indisposition of the earth ouerflowed with too much moysture , and filled with grosse and euill vapours , which by vertue of the sunne béeing lifted vppe into the ayre , and mixed with the same , corrupteth the nature and complexion thereof , and engendreth a certaine indisposition in the same contrary to our substaunce , from whence it commeth to passe , that they who sucke this infected aire are in daunger to be attainted with this contagion and sicknesse of the pestilence . especially , if they be of an euil constitution of body , repleate with euil humours , men of vnbrideled dyet , sanguine , and such as haue large and portuall pores : they likewise who are weake and delicate , are men ready to be surprised and infected . an other cause of the plague saith auicen , procéedeth from the celestiall formes , that is to say , the starres and their configurations and malignant aspects , which by their influences cause such sicknesses full of contagion and pestilence , as in generall all other astrologians testifie : but in truth as touching mine owne opinion which is grounded vpon the diuine determination of plato in his epinomides , and his timaeus , of plotinus his chiefe follower , of iamblichus , proclus , mercurius , trismegistus , aristotle , and auerrhois , i finde that this opinion , is both false and erronious ; as namely , to thinke that any contagion or misfortune , incommoditie or sicknesse whatsoeuer may by reason of the starres befall man. because as plato witnesseth in his dialogue intituled epinomis , the nature of the starres is most goodly to behold , wel gouerned in their motions , and beneficiall to all liuing creatures , bestowing on them all commodities of generation and conseruation : if then the nature of the starres be so good that it meriteth to be called diuine ( as in the same place plato intituleth it ) and yéeldeth so many benefites to these inferiour bodies : how can it be that the starres infuse such infection and contagion vpon the earth and earthly creatures , whereas it is manifest that no cause can produce such effects as are contrary to it selfe ? if then the good of inferior bodies procéedeth from celestiall bodies , as namely the generation , production of fruites , and riping of the same : yea and the conseruation of euery ones vertue ( as in truth it doth ) : it shall neuer be truly and possibly concluded that the corruption and extermination of bodies procéedeth from the starres . and therfore aristotle very aduisedly saith ; that this inferiour world is very necessarily coupled and ioyned with the superiour , to the ende that all the vertue therof might be conducted and guided by the same . if the starres by their vertue conserue all the creatures in this world , how can they by corruption , venome and contagion , dissipate and destroy them ? the saide plato also calleth all the planets and starres sisters , for their accord in good doing ; and saith that it is a great folly in men to thinke that some planets are euil and malignant , and the rest good , whereas all are good . for as calcidius the great platonist saith in his commentaries vpon platoes timaeus , no euil may either procéed or take beginning from the heauens , because in that holy place all thinges are good , and such as resemble the diuinitie , and nothing that sauoureth of malice may abide and haue place : neither saith he , can the starres chaunge their nature , because it is simple and pure , neither can they degenerate from the simplicitie and puritie which by the almightie power hath bene bestowed vpon them . why then shall we attribute vnto them a malignant , pestilent , and contagious qualitie , and such as rauisheth and spoyleth all liuing creatures by a venemous and pestilent influence ? for if contagion be as badde a thing as may be ( as in truth it is ) the most disordinate and contrary to nature , or rather enemy to life ) the source and originall of which contagion , is nothing but very infirmitie , putrifaction and corruption in matter , how dare we attribute to the starres & heauen ( which is the beginning of all generation ) such an erroneous and vnnaturall accident ? wheras the planets are celestiall bodies , well disposed , powerfull , without vice , corruption , or matter , subiect or inclining to any contagion : and therefore auerrois the chiefe commenter vpon aristotle saith ; that whosoeuer beléeueth that mars or any other planet disposed in any sort whatsoeuer , doth hurt to any inferiour bodies ; the same man in sooth beléeueth such things as are estraunged from all philosophie . and the same author vpon the ninth of aristotles metaphisiques , saith ; that the celestiall bodies which are the beginning of all things are eternall , and haue neither euil error or corruption in them ; for corruption is of the order of such things as are euil . and therefore saith he , it is impossible to know that which the astronomers say , that there are some fortunate , and some vnfortunate starres , but this only may be knowne , that whereas all of them are good , that some of them are better then other some . behold here the worthy and true opinion of this excellent philosopher , which before him ( in as much as concerneth the first part of this sentence ) aristotle in the ninth of his phisiques , chapter . had testified . the wise philosopher mercury trimisgistus in his dialogue intituled asclepius , saith ; that all that which descendeth from heauen is generatiue ; if then in respect of vs the influence of heauen be generatiue ( as in truth it is ) : for as aristotle saith , sol & homo generant hominē ) it cannot any waies be possible that it can corrupt or cause the confusion of mankinde . the like also is confirmed by proclus , ( who interpreteth vpon platoes booke de anima & demone , ) the celestiall bodies ( saith he ) by a soueraigne harmony containe all thinges in themselues , and perfect them , and conforme them among themselues : and to the vniuers , if then it appeareth that the celectiall bodies perfect all things , and both confirme & conserue them , ( as in truth they doo , and this author witnesseth ) how can these engender contagion and infection in vs , which abolishe our perfection and integritie , and destroy vs by rauishing our liues ? to speake truth , as me séemeth it were a thing impossible . for it is contrary to the nature of contagion , that it should descend from heauen , because contagion is no other thing but an infection procéeding from one vnto an other by communication of a pestilent and infected vapour , and by this meanes if the plague and contagion procéeded from the starres , it should necessarily follow by the definition of contagion , that the starres were primarily or formerly infected , if by their influence they should send a pernicious contagion among vs. but this in no sort may be graunted , because the starres by being celestiall bodies , pure , diuine , and estranged from all corruption , receiuing and containing no infection in them , being no materiall bodies apt to transmutation or chaunge , ( as aristotle and auerrois in his booke de caelo est mundo , doo learnedly alledge ) cannot be capable of infection or contagion , neyther communicate it to the inferior bodies . let vs therefore cast off this vaine and sottish opinion whereby we are induced to beléeue that the plague procéedeth from the heauens : that is to say , from the influence of the starres , ( as by the vanitie of time we haue had inducements . ) but let vs confesse that it procéedeth from the secret iudgements of god , who intendeth by this scourge to whip vs for our sinnes , as it appeareth in leuiticus , and deuteronomy ▪ to conclude , we say that the cause of the plague is a malignant alteration and corruption of the ayre infecting our bodies , as it hath bene declared in the beginning of this chapter . chap. iii. of the signes of the plague , both impendent and present , with the good and euil signes appearing in pestiserous sicknesses . the signes whereby a man may know the infection of the aire which threatneth vs with pestilent sicknesses , are , when as we sée the same continuall and accustomably troubled with thicke , cloudy , moyst , and ill smelling vapours , the skie vnaccustomed to northren windes , but sollicited with southerly blastes ; the aire full of fogges and vapours , making a showe of raine without any showers : for such signes as are of that nature engender corrupt feuours , as aristotle saith in his probleames . if the winter be hote and moyst , and obserue not his naturall temperature , and when the spring time is very dry without raine , and notwithstanding colde , and after for many dayes charged with southerly windes , troubled aire , and then cleare , and afterwards suddainly ouercast , the nights colde , and the day very hotte and soultry , it signifieth that we shall haue an euil plague the sommer after . moreouer , if at that time there appeare any increase of such creatures as are engendred of putrifaction , as wormes of the earth , flies , gnattes , eales , serpents , toades , frogs , and such like foretokening corruptiō and putrifaction in the earth and waters , and when the aire the same day chaungeth from faire to foule , and from cleare to cloudy , when the sunne shineth and afterwards hideth his head in cloudes , in one and the same day , it is a signe that the temperature of the aire is altered . and when as rats , moules , and other creatures , ( accustomed to liue vnder ground ) forsake their holes and habitations , it is a token of corruption in the same , by reason that such sorts of creatures forsake their wonted places of aboade . and when as the birds of the aire fall downe dead , or forsake their nests , it is a signe of great corruption and contagion in the same . long and continuall raines , accompanied with southerly windes , dispose the ayre to sicknesses and putrifaction , as hipocrates , and galen testifie in their epidemies . when as feuers are accompanied with small poxe , or mesels , with spots , or red markes like to the biting of fleas , it is a signe of a pestilent feuer . when the sicke is very much tormented with the passion of the heart , vomitings , soundings , or weaknes , or faintnes of the hart , without great outward but vehement inward both heate and drought , with appearance of swellings , botches , carbuncles , and mesels , without all question he is seized with a pestilential feuer , especially if diuers at the same time and in the same place are attainted with the same griefe : and if so be the partie which is infected hath frequented places both contagious and infected . sée heere the the principall signes of the plague and pestilentiall feuer . the euill , dangerous , and mortall signes in such as are diseased , are féeblenes and weaknes of the regitiue vertue of the body ( which may be discouered by the pulse when it is weake , vnequall , disorderly , lanquishing and intermittent , by often sincopes or soundings , alienation , and frenzie , blewnesse and blacknesse appearing about the sores and carbuncles , and after their appearances the sodaine vanishings of the same , cold in the extreame partes , and intollerable heate in the inward , vnquenchable thirst , cōtinually soundings , vrines white and crude , or red , troubled and blacke : colde swet about the forehead and face ; crampes , blacknesse in the excrements of the body , stench , and blewnes , the flux of the belly , with weaknesse of the heart , shortnes of breath , and great stench of the same , lacke of sléepe , and appetite to eate , profound sléepe , chaunging of colour in the face , exchaunged to palenesse , blacknesse , or blewnesse , cogitation or great vnquietnes . all these signes betoken either certaine death or daunger thereof in the plague ; euen as contrariwise the contrary foretoken recouery of the sicknesse , by reason they testifie vpon the regitiue power and vertue of the bodie , goodnesse of the complexion , and vertue of the same , with strength of the hart . for as auicen sayth : they that are manly , and confidently beare out their sicknesse without any showe of feare , they are those which for the most part escape . likewise to haue a good appetite to sléepe in repose , without disturbance of the body , it is a good signe . the botches , and carbuncles to retaine a good colour , and without great paine to be brought to ripenesse and supponation , to haue a moderate heate mayntained through all the body : the vrines , in disgestion , colour , substance , & contents , to be good : to haue easie breathing , swet warme , & vniuersall through all the body , appearing on a decretory or criticall day . all these signes appearing in the infected person , giue great hope of his recouery . these bée the signes and tokens by which you may gather a sure and vnfained iudgement of that which shall befall him that is attainted with the plague . chap. iiii. a rule and instruction to preserue such as be in health , from the infection . when as ( by the will of god ) the contagion of the plague is gotten into any place , citie , or countrey ; we ought to haue an especiall regard of the generall good , and by all meanes to study for their preseruation who are in health , least they fall into such inconueniencie . first of all , therefore it behooueth euery man to haue speciall care that he frequent not any places or persons infected , neither that hée suffer such to breath vpon him : but as galen hath learnedly aduised , in his booke de differentijs frebrium , chap. . estrange himselfe as farre as him lyeth , from their societie . the first and chiefest remedie then , is to chaunge the place , flie farre and returne late : hipocrates , likewise in his booke de natura humana , saith : that wee ought to forsake the place whereas a generall sicknesse rangeth , according to the common prouerbe , cito , longe , tarde . and if necessitie constraineth vs to frequent the infected , ( either to be assistant to our friends , or otherwise : ) euery man ought to demeane himself in such sort that the sick mans breath doo not attaint him : which may very easily be done , if a man haue the skill to choose & take the winde that properly bloweth towards the sicke & infected , and not from the infected to the healthfull : and therefore in that case the healthfull ought to kéepe themselues vnder , not ouer the winde . the first part of preseruation , is to purifie and purge the ayre from all euill vapours , sentes , stench , corruption , putrifaction , and euill qualitie . for which cause , it is necessary to make good fumes in our houses , of swéet and wholesome wood , as rosemarie , iuniper , and lawrell , or bayes , and to perfume the whole house and chambers with the fume of rosemary , iuniper , the parings of apples , storax , beniamin , incence , dried roses , lauender , and such like , both euening and morning . it is not amisse likewise at euery corner of the stréet , ( at least twise in the wéek ) to make cleare and quicke bonefires to consume the malignant vapours of the ayre , according as acron the great phisitian , commaunded to be done during the mortall plague in greece : as paulus aegineta testifieth in his second booke , chap. . it is good also to weare swéet sauors and perfumes about vs , such as in winter time , are marcorame , rosemarie , storax , beniamin , or to make a pomander after this sort that ensueth , and to weare it about vs to smell too vpon all opertunities . take of the flowers of red roses , of violets , of buglos , of each halfe a little handfull , of the thrée sanders , of each a dramme ; of the rootes of angelica , gentian , and zedoary , of each foure scruples ; of white encens , cloues , nutmegs , calamus , aromaticus , of each a dram , of storax , calumit , and red beniamin , of each a dramme and a halfe , of orientall muske a scruple , of amber-greece halfe a scruple , of ladaum infused in rose-water one ounce , mixe all these together in rose-water where in the gum dragacanth hath béene infused , and with a little of rose-vinegar make a paste , of which you may forme certaine rounde pomanders , to weare about your necke , and smell vnto continually . or take of rose-water thrée ounces , of white vinegar , of roses ij , ounces , of white wine , or pure malmosie two spoonfuls , of the powder of cloues , of the roote of angelica and storax of each halfe a dramme , mixe them all together , and with this liquor it shall not be amisse to wash your hands , bedeaw your forehead & nostrils , and the pulces of your armes , for such an odour and of so wholesome a qualitie , vehemently repulceth the venome that assaileth the heart , and altereth the pestilence of the ayre . it shall not be amisse likewise to carrie an angelica roote in your mouth , or a gentian or zedoary roote , or else the rine of an orange , lemon , or pomecitron , which as auicen testifieth haue soueraine effects in this case . the continual vses of these good odors comforteth the heart and vitall spirites , driueth away all venemous vapours , and rectifieth the ayre that whirleth about vs , as auicen testifieth in his booke , of the forces of the heart . for which cause , they which desire the continuance of their health , ought neuer to be vnprouided of these things . amongst all other medicines that haue the propertie to comfort and reioyce the heart , the easterne hyacinth , béeing worne about the brest , and next vnto the naked skin , or else held in the mouth is very effectuall , as auicen testifieth , in his booke , of the forces of the heart , ( in that chapter wherein hée entreateth of the hyacinth , ) where hée saith ; that the sayd stone hath not only a propertie to fortifie the heart , and quicken the vitall spirites , but also to resist all venomes . for which i aduise all such as haue both meanes and maintenance to get such a iewel , to carrie the same either in their mouthes , or continually about their neckes , neare vnto the region of their hearts , by reason of that excellent propertie which all authors by vniforme consent attribute vnto the same . chap. v. the meanes and preseruatiues which are to be ministred inwardly against the plague . galen in his first booke of the differences of feuers , and in that chapter wherein he intreateth of the pestilent feuer , saith : that to preserue the body from infection , it shall be very necessarie to clense and purifie the same from al corruptions and superfluities , by sit purgations , and to take away these oppilations , and stoppings , which are the meanes that naturall heat cannot bee dispersed , & to dry the body from humidities , and to maintaine such bodyes as are drie in their estates . in imitation of whose opinion and direction , it shall be good to euacuat and expell those superfluities of humours , which abound according to there natures , age , complexion , vertue , quantitie and qualitie , who are forced with the same superfluous humours . it is therefore note worthy , in suspected and dangerous times that no accustomed euacuations either by fluxe of hemeroides , or of the belly , old vlcers , menstruall blood , itches , or such like should be restrained . for those purgations which are of this kinde doo clense the vnnecessary humours , and by this meanes maketh the body healthfull , whereas such humours being either repressed by astringent medecines or such like ointments , might greatly hurt the principall members , and produce strange sicknesses in the same . and for this cause , galen , and hipocrates write : that it is a good signe when as any defluxion is expelled , from the inward and principall parts of the body : where contrariwise , if the same be transported from the outward to the inward parts ▪ it is a most euil and sinister signe . for which cause in the plague time it is the surest way , rather to suffer those superfluities to haue their course , then to stop or stay them by any medecine because by the voydance thereof , the body is purged from the same superfluities which being retained might wonderful annoy it . which counsaile of theirs , may serue for an aduertisement to all those that shall be so disposed and affected in the time of the plague . it behooueth therefore such as be sanguine , full in loue , and youthfull in yeares , to be let blood after a competent manner , thereby to diminish their replexion and aboundance of blood . those that are chollerique , ought to be purged with an infusion of rubarb ; if they be wealthy : and if poore , with the electuary of the iuice or roses , by taking thrée drammes , or halfe an ounce thereof in sorrell , endiue , or purslane water , or else by diacatholium , diaprunis , laxatiue , the sirope of roses , cassia , or the pilles of rubarb , femetorie , or those that for their gentle working are called ( by the phisitians ) aureae . the flegmatique , ought to be purged with agaric , diaphenicon , diacarthami , the pils aggregatine , cochiae , according to the strength of their bodyes , the qualitie of the humor which are offensiue ▪ at the discreton of the learned & experienced phisitians , by whose directions and prescriptions such medecines are to be ministred , & not according to the custome of this time , by foolish idiotes and ignorant emperiques . such as are melancholy should be purged with the infusion of sena and epithemum with a little anice seede , and diacathelicon , with the confection , hamech , diasene , solutiue , the pilles of femitory , and aureae . i forbeare to call the pils , de lape armeno , and lasuli into vse , because they are too violent , and scarcely well prepared . such as are weake and delicate persons ( as woman with childe , children , and aged people , ) it shall suffice to purge them with an ounce of cassia , extracted with halfe or a whole dramme of rubarb , or two ounces of manna , or thrée ounces of sirope of roses , or with the sirope of sucery with rubarb , but with this prouiso alwayes , that the direction be taken from a learned and diligent phisitian , and not according to the fancie of foolish chare women , and ignorant practizers . to those litle children that are subiect to the wormes , you shal giue this pouder in the plague time , which is both fit to correct the one , and expell the other , the vse thereof is in purslane or sorrel water , with one ounce of sirope of limons . take worme-seed , citron , or pomecitron-seed , of the séeds of sorrell and purslane , of each halfe a dram , of the hearbe called scordion one scruple , of rubarb a dram , of bole armenus one scruple , make a small powder of all these , whereof in the aforesaid waters giue halfe a dram or a scruple to the child , acording to former direction . chap. vi. a rule and direction , whereby , by potions , pils , powders , opiates , and losenges ( which are most fit , apt , and conuenient to preserue the body from contagion , ) the plague may be preuented . the diuine prouidence of god , being carefull for his creatures , and the preseruation of mankind , hath produced many remedies to represse and preuent the daungerous insultes and assaults of the plague , or any other venemous contagion whatsoeuer : ( which remedies our ancient phisitians haue called antidotes , that is to say , certaine medecines which in their nature and hidden property inclosed in them , are contrary vnto them , as galen in ij . books of antidotes hath learnedly declared . ) of these remedies i wil set down some , and those the most effectuall in this chapter , as well for the rich as for the poore , whose miserie and distresse we ought more inwardly to releiue then the rest : partly because god hath especially enioyned vs no lesse , partly because they of thēselues haue no meanes to succour themselues , for which cause we are in charitie bound to relieue thē , as herafter shal be proued . and of these remedies we ought to vse some change , to the ende , that nature making vse of one of them do ●ot dispise the vertue thereof , as galen writeth in his fift booke , de sanitate tuenda . the body therefore being first of all well purged , it is good to make vse of guidos electuarie theriacal , especiall in winter or autumne , namely in those who are of a colde and moyst complection , especially where it may euery waies be commodiously applyed . the apothecaries either haue or may conueniently haue the species therof ready prepared , of which a man may take a drā at once in buglos , or sorrel-water , or in good white wine , or in the winter time with claret wine . this powder is very effectuall in this case , if it be wel and faithfully dispensed , neither is the price ouer valued for the poore : of this powder may you make vse two or thrée dayes , either with some fit water , or else in the forme of losings . this powder also which ensueth is a very singular remedie , which in stead of the former , and in way of chaunge , you may vse for two or three dayes space . take the rootes of tormentill , the rootes of zedoary , and angelica , of each a dramme ; fine cinamon , yellow sanders , of the séedes of citrons and sorrell , of each a dramme and a halfe , of the shauings of iuorie , of cardus benedictus , & the rindes of citron , of each foure scruples , of bole armenus prepared two drammes , of fine sugar as much as shall suffice : make thereof a a very fine powder , of which those that are strong and in yeares may take a dram , & the yonger sort , half a dram in scabious water , and sorrell water , or in three good spoonefuls of good white wine . galen , ( in his second booke of antidotes ) setteth downe this singular remedie for the poore , which was made and composed by apollonius . take twentie leaues of rew , two common nuttes , two dried and fatte figges , a little salt , mixe all together and take euery morning a morsell , and drinke a little pure white wine after : if any one fasting taketh this medecine , no venome may hurt him that day , as galen ( according to appolonius opinion ) testifieth , in the place afore alleaged . there is an other easie and excellent medecine which followeth , the which king nicomedes vsed against all venome and poyson . take of iuniper berryes two drams , of terra sigillata as much , make hereof a powder , & incorporate the same with good honie , and reduce it to the forme of an opiate , of which a man may take a bole or bit to the valew of ij . drams for the rich , & for the poore , in stead of terra sigillata , you may vse as much bole armenus prepared . this remedy is set down by galen , in the foresaid place , & is of great efficacy . the electuary de bolo armeno , also is commonly vsed , & hath no vnpleasant taste therwith . the pilles of rufus also are an excellent preseruatiue against the plague , which are made after this manner following : take aloes and armoniack of each two drammes , and make a composition thereof with white wine and vse the same , for they are of paulus aeginetas description : but if you wil more properly dispence the same , leaue out the armoniac , and in stead thereof , put therto a litle saffron , according to the forme which ensueth , and you shall make a most excellent medicine to this effect . take of aloes washed in rose water , one ounce of mirrh and saffron , of each two drammes , of bole armenus two drammes , make pilles thereof with white wine , or the iuice of limons in sommer . of this composition you may forme fiue pilles for a dramme , and take them euery morning . an other preseruatiue , and very profitable for the poore , is this that followeth . take one or two handfuls of sorrell , stéepe them in a uioll in good rose-wine uinegar , and kéepe it close stopped , and in the morning when you rise , take thrée of foure leaues of the sorrell thus stéeped , and eate the same , for it is a profitable medicine : the reason is , because sorrell by his vertue represseth the heate of the blood , and resisteth against all putrifaction . and if you drinke a spoonefull or two of the saide uineger in the morning : or stéepe a toste of white bread in the same , and ouerspread it with sugar , it is both comfortable and wholesome at all times : some there are that vse the leaues of rew after the same sort , but this memedicine is not allowable but in the cold time of the yeare , and in such bodies as are cold and phlegmatique by reason of the heate thereof , iuniper berries also being stéeped in rose uineger and taken in the morning , as wonderfully profitable to that ef●●ct . these remedies which ensue are very excellent and appropriate for the plague . a pomander of excellent sent and sauour good against pestilent aires . take pure and swéete ladanum , beniamin , storax calamite , of the trocisques of gallia moscata , of cloues , mace , spikenard , the wood of aloes , the thrée saun●●rs , the rootes of orace , of eache halfe an ounce , let all these 〈◊〉 beaten to a fine powder and searsed , and then incorporate the whole with liquide storax , adding therevnto of muske ●nd amber , of each a dramme , of ciuet two drammes , make ●●aste hereof with the infection of gumme tragacents in ●ose water . ● prettie preseruatiue to be carried in a mans mouth during the time of infection , which procureth a sauoury and sweete breath . take of fine sugar one ounce , of orace halfe an ounce , of the shell of an egge the inward skin being taken away halfe an ounce , put the shell of the egge into muske rose water till it be mollified for the space of eight dayes , beat 〈◊〉 these to a fine powder , and with rose water wherin gum tracagant hath bene infused , make prettie pellets according so what bignesse you please . these are very wholesome , and make the breath swéete , and comfort the heart inwardly , and are of a temperat qualitie , which you may kéep in your mouth some thrée houres . an admirable and excellent defensatiue in forme of an oyntment to defend the heart in time of infection , profitable both for the healthy and diseased , and of admirable effects . take of the best treacle you can get , or in stead thereof methridate ( but treacle is the better ) take i say two ounces . the iuice of sixe limons mixed together , and put them into a litle glassed pipkin , and let them boyle therein till halfe the iuice be consumed . then suffer it to coole , and afterwards take two drams of beaten saffron , of caroline and white diptamy , of each two drammes , incorporate all these things together after they are well pounded , and bring them to the forme of an ointment , wherwith euery day annoint the region of the heart vnder the left pappe , making a circle with the same round about the pap . afterward take an ounce of christaline & pure arsenick , and wrap it in gossapine cotton and red taffata , after the forme of a litle bag , carry the same about you , being bounde vnderneath or hard vpon your left pap : by this meanes each man may be assured that he shall not be infected , if so be he vse those interior remedies which i shal set downe and haue heretofore declared for the good of my country . an other excellent preseruatiue against the plague . take of the leaues of mary-golds , which the latines call calendula , of uerveine , scabious and sorrell , of each a handfull : of the rootes of gentian , zedoary , and white diptamy , of each two drams , boyle them all together for two houres space in good and pure fountaine-water , from the value of a quart to a pinte , adde thervnto the iuice of sixe limons and as much sugar as shal be sufficient , make a sirope hereof , and aromatise it with cinamom , and take thereof euery morning foure or fiue spoonefulls . a singular water both for the healthy and diseased in the time of the sicknesse , whereof they may take an ounce euery morning with much comfort . take ualerian , carline , zedoary , good mirrhe , bole armenus , gentian , of round birtwoort of aristolochia , of calamus aromaticus , of white diptamy , imperatoria , of each one ounce and a halfe : of fiue aloes two drams , of saffron a scruple , beate all these to a fine powder , and afterwards stéepe them in fiue pintes of excellently wel r●ctified spirit of wine , and let them in●use therein sixe houres , and sée the body wherein you put them be well luted . after the sixe houres be past , adde thervnto fiue pintes of good malmessie , and straine the same , or rather you may leaue the simples in the bottome and dreine it clearly and gently : of this water euery morning fasting , take two or thrée spoonefulls , for it is an excellent and well approued remedy . excellent pilles against the plague . take of aloes one ounce , of mirrh and saffron , of each thrée drammes , of bole armenus , terra sigillata , zodoarie , white diptamus , the rootes of tormentil , of each a dramme , make pilles of these , being all of them well poudered and mixed with the iuice of mary-goldes or redde coleworts , of which , euery day take one , and once euery moneth a dramme . an excellent and approued remedie allowed by diuers learned mens experience . take the rootes of tormentil , and of white diptamus , the rootes of ualerian , and white daises ( and if it be possible to get them gréene it shal be the better : ) take these aboue named rootes , as much of the one as of the other , pound them and make a fine pouder of them : then take the decoction of sorrel , and let the aboue named pouder be infused in the same , then let it be taken out and dried in the sunne ; afterwards beate it to pouder againe , and infuse it anew , and afterwards dry it in the sunne as before : which when you haue done thrée or foure times , reserue the same pouder clearly in some conuenient vessell , and when as any one feeleth himselfe strooken with the plague , giue him presently halfe an ounce of this pouder in rose water , or scabious water , or in nine houres after he shall séele himselfe infected . this remedy in diuers persons and very oftentimes hath bene experimented , and hath wrought wonderfull effects , if it were giuen within the time prescribed . a singular and secret remedie the which i receiued from a worthy man of venice , admirable for his learning in all sciences , who of curtesie imparted the same vnto me , with protestation that he had seene wonderfull effects of the same . take of the rootes of tormentil and white diptamy , as much of the one as of the other , of bole armenus washt in rose water , the quantitie of a great chestnut ; of orientall pearles one dramme : of the sharings of iuory one dramme and a halfe , beate all these into a fine powder , and incorporate them with conserue of roses in a marble morter , reserue this confection in a vessell of glasse well couered . take hereof the quantitie of a great nut in the morning , and drinke a spoonefull of the iuice of mary-golds or lemons with sugar after it . the gentleman that gaue me this , assured mée that hée had giuen it to many in the time of the great plague in venice , who though continually conuersant in the houses of those that were infected , receiued no infection or preiudice by them . a remedie worthy the vse and noting . an opiate against the plague , extracted partly out of galen , partly out of dioscorides , and others of excellent effect . take twentie common nuttes , of dried figges , to the number of . and of rue and scabious , of each twentie leaues : of the rootes of both sorts of aristolochia , the round and long , of each halfe an ounce , of tormentil , white diptamy , pimpernell , bay berries , borage flowers , the kinde of the roote of capres , of each two drammes & a halfe : of galingale , harts horne , mace and mirrhe , of eache two drammes : of bole armenus , terra sigillata , common salt , of each two scruples , beat all these to fine pouder , and incorporate them with two pound of pure clarified hony , and make an opiate therof : wherof in the morning take the quantitie of a nut , and drinke thereafter a litle white rose uinegre and rose water , and you shall find this medicine very effectuall . a perfume for to aire the chamber of him that is infected , correcting the venemous aire . take blacke pitch , rosin , white frankincence , of each sixe ounces , of mirrhe foure ounces , of the wood of aloes halfe a dramme , of storax and beniamin , of eache a dramme , of iuniper berries , and the leaues of rosemary , of each two drammes , make a grosse powder of these , and in a chafingdish and coales cast of the same & perfume the chamber . a powder of great vertue against the plague , which was sent by philip king of spaine , to charles the ninth king of france , in the yeare . when as almost the whole kingdome of france was infected with the plague . take chosen and perfect mirrhe , the wood of aloes , terra sigillata , of bole of armenia prepared , of mace , cloues , and saffron , of each an ounce , beat them to a fine powder , of which you may take a dramme in rose water , or the iuice of limons in sommer , and in winter with good wine . this powder was sent to the king and quéenes maiestie for a soueraine remedy . valleriola in his third booke of his phisicall obseruations the first enarration , setteth downe a composition to this effect , taken out of the best authors in phisicke , especially out of galen , paulus , aegineta , diascorides , and auicen , according to this forme following . take of the best bole of armenia one ounce , of perfect cinamom halfe an ounce , of the rootes of the hearbe called in latin and gréeke pentaphillon , or else tormentil , of each halfe an ounce , of the roote of gentian thrée drammes , of the rootes of both the sorts of aristolochia the round and long , of the rootes of florentine lillies , of each two drammes , of the rootes of enula , campana , thrée drammes , of the dried rinde of oranges or pomecytrons ( which is farre better and more effectual ) thrée drammes , of pomecytron séeds , or in stead therof orange or limon , of tornep séede , and sorrel séede , of each two drammes . of iuniper berries , cloues , mace , nutmegs , zedoary and angelica , of each two drammes , of the leaues of rosemary , sage , rew , bittony , and chama pilis , of each a dramme , of bay-berries , saffron , masticke , frankinsence , the shauings of iuory , orient pearles , white , red , and yealow , saunders , of each a dramme , of the flowers of red roses , of uiolets , of water lillies and buglosse , of each two drammes : let all these be beaten to a fine powder and with clarified hony , or the iuice of limons , make an opiate thereof . the dose of the powder to those that are in health is a dramme for preseruation : and in those that are sick two drammes , with scabious or rose water in sommer , and with good wine in winter , and if a man desire to haue it in an opiate , he may well take halfe an ounce . a soueraine and excellent remedie taken out of alexis . take iuie berries of the oake in their full maturitie , ( gathered if it be possible in such places as are northward ) dry them in the shadow , and afterwards kéepe them in a boxe or leather sachell , and reserue them for an especiall remedy , and when you would make vse thereof , you shall giue of this pouder to those that are infected to the value of a dram , as much as will couer a french crowne , mixe this powder with good white wine , and let the patient drinke thereof , and couer him wel in his bed , that he may sweat so long as he may endure , and afterwards cause him to change his shirt , shéetes , and bed , if it be possible . and by experience it will profite , for proofe wherof the author produceth maruellous effects of this medicine , especially of a millanors being at allep in siria , who witnesseth that he tooke this medicine , and that sodainly the carbuncle or botch brake . and this was in the yeare . the almaines and flemmings in the time of the plague , vse this remedie that ensueth . take one part of aqua uita of the best , thrée partes of malmesie , or other pure wine , of iuniper berries halfe a handfull , or of common nuttes thrée or foure , these doo they stéepe in the abouesaid liquor thrée houres , and afterwards eate them morning and euening . this remedie in old folkes & in the winter time is not to be misliked : treacle and methridate , are excellent remedies in the plague time , if you take a dramme in sommer time in rose water , or sorrell water , and in winter with good wine . but those that take the same ought to abstaine from meate for the space of sixe houres after , and to suppe little or nothing at all the day before : for otherwise the saide medicines takes no effect . see here the most soueraigne and exquisite remedies that may be found to preserue those that are in health , as well the rich as the poore in this contagious time , which interchangeably vpon all opportunities a man may vse . but aboue all things it is behoueful to kéepe a good diet & order euery waies , and to sée the body be soluble , for that it is one of the most principall points to preserue & continue the body in health . but amōgst those things that are most necessary & requisit towards the continuance and preseruation of health , and auoydance of contagion , nothing is more to be respected then sobrietie and an orderly course of life : for continence is the mother & fostresse of all good disposition in mans body , by reason that by sobrietie the health is confirmed and continued in his estate ; the humors are well tempered , and naturall heate fortified , the naturall passages of the body entertained in their due harmony , the operations of nature euery one in themselues well and duly accomplished : and by these reasons sobrietie is the foundation to warrantise the body from all euils : as contrariwise , intemperance is the source and and originall of all mishap and fatall infirmitie . all which is confirmed by hypocrates and galen , in the second booke of the aphorismes : aphorisme , . and hipocrates himselfe in the sixt of his epidemies , where he saith , that the chiefest care that is to be had for to continue health , consisteth principally in this : to liue soberly , to vse conuenient exercise , and not to gorge a mans self with surfets . the like also is confirmed by galen and plutarch , in their writings and bookes , de sanitate tuenda , wherein the error & folly of the common sort appeareth most manifestly , who dare in the time of infection and pestilence , to ouercharge themselues with wine , and fill their stomackes in the morning before they goe out of doores , thinking by this time to coniure the time , ( according to their lewd discourse ) and abate the euill vapour of the ayre , whereas in effect , they effect nothing but the contrarie . for wine being taken fasting , maketh the body more apt to conceiue infection through the heate thereof , and the piercing qualitie and opening it , causeth in the parts & vessels of the body , namely the vaines and arteries , making thē by these meanes more capable to receiue the euill influence of the ayre , if any raigne at that time . let therefore all men be curious to obserue this commendable sobriety , if they be desirous to auoyd the dangers of the plague , by forbearing al diuersities of meats , and surceasing to fil their stomackes with vnmeasurable repastes , and let them féede soberly , and no more then is néedfull to sustaine life , obseruing a temperate exercise in pleasant and delightfull places . let them leade their life in peace , and quiet of minde , in ioy , disport and honest pleasure , auoyding all perturbations of the spirit , and especially sadnesse , melancholy , wrath , feare , and suspect , which are the most daungerous accedents that may encounter a man in such like times : as galen in his booke , ( of the art of medecine ) hath written , and of this kinde of temperate life , i wil make a particular discourse in the chapter ensewing , to the ende that euery one may vnderstand what meanes he ought to obserue , in the maintenance of his health by good diet and order . chap. vii . a briefe methode and rule of life , how to preserue the healthfull in the time of sicknesse . the principall meanes to continue a man in health , consisteth in an orderly obseruation of diet , elections of meate , measure and opportunitie in receiuing the same , and in the quantitie and qualitie thereof , ( which shall be the argument of this present chapter . ) it is therefore especially to be considered and prouided , in this cause , that the body abound not in superfluities and excrements , which may yéelde matter and foode to putrifaction and contagion in humours , which may no better wayes bée performed , but by a good regiment in life . men that are curious of their health , will take héede of all immoderate repletion of meates , and in suspected times diuersitie of meates is to bee eschewed , leaste the stomacke should bee ouercharged thereby , by which meanes diuersities of humours may be ingendred ; but it behooueth a man to féede of one only dishe or two , that in qualitie and nourishment may be conformable to his nature . he ought likewise to beware in these times of such meats as may easily putrifie in the stomack , such as yéeld but grosse nourishment , and bréed oppilation and obstruction that heate the blood and humours , and make them vicious and sharpe . of this sort are salt meates , porke , béefe , scalions , colewortes , garlike , onions , spice , mustard , old chéese , such ▪ fish as are caught in standing pooles and marshes : strong , hote , hie and troubled wines . such meates as are conuenient , are of delicate flesh and easily digested , as capon , chickens , yong pullets , the broth whereof doth rectifie and temper the humours of the body , as mesue testifieth . also the flesh of ueale , kid , or yong mutton are allowed , and the birds of the field , such as are partridges , yong pigeons , turtells and such like are to be admitted . and in the broth of such like things , you ought to séeth sorrel , purslane , borage , and marigoldes , which according to alexander benedictus , in his treatise of the plague , is an excellent medecine . the iuice of sorrell likewise and sowre grapes are allowed , and oranges , and limons with sugar are not amisse , in the iuice whereof you may dip your meat or bread at your meales , and such like . rose vineger in this time is commended . as for all bakt meats ( as pasties or such like are forbidden , ) both for the gluttonous substance that is in them , as for that they engender obstructions . fresh and reare eegges sod in water are of good nourishment , sea fish , as the soale , the mullet , gurnard and such like may be admitted , yet ought they not too oftentimes bée vsed by reason they bréed humidite and waterish blood . amidst the sowrer fruite , the proyne , straberries , and muscadine peare are to be eaten , so they be taken in a little quantitie , as for al other fruit they may wel be omitted , because they fill the vaines with watrish blood , and such as easily corrupteth , except the raison which is very good . in vse of wine , claret and white ( not fuming nor ouer hye coloured , but tempered with good water ) are very fit to be drunke at meales and no otherwise . for exercise , it ought to be cōuenient and temperate accustomed in the morning in places delightfull and pleasant , in the shade in summer-time : in winter-time in the sunne . touching apparell , each one ought to vse decencie and comelinesse therein , and oftentimes to shift both woollen and linnen , especially in summer , in which time if those that are of ability shift once a day it is not amisse . care likewise is to be had , that men heat not their blood by violent trauell , but to vse a cōuenient rest after their repasts . it is behooueful likewise ( as hath béen said ) to kéepe the body soluble , so as once a day or twise in . houres , either by the benefite of nature or the vse of the pilles aboue mentioned the belly may be loosned , & the body no wayes suffered to be bound . especially in those times al vse of women is forbidden . for there is not any thing during this contagious season more forcible to enféeble nature , then such vnbridled desires which stirre and distemper the humors and dispose the body to receiue infection . briefly , to liue in repose of spirit , in al ioy , pleasure , sport & contentation amongst a mans friendes , comforteth heart and vitall spirits , and is in this time more requisite then any other things . this is the order and maner which euery one ought to obserue , in his manner of life in these suspected times , with this finall prouiso , that the houses be kept cleane and well ayred , and be perfumed with water and vinegar in summer time , and in winter time with perfumes , of iuniper , rosemarie , storax , beniamin , and such like . that the windowes thereof be kept open to the east , towards the shining sunne and the northren winde , shutting out all southerly windes , and such as blow from contagious places . the order and policy that ought to be held in a city , during the plague time , and wherin the lord mayor and sherifs , and such as vnder them haue care of the infected , ought to shew their diligence in the maintenance and order of their cittizens . chap. viii . as order conducted by good aduice and counsaile , is in all things , that concerne the administration of a commonweale most necessary , so in this cause , ( which is one of the most vrgent ) order , policy and serious diligence , is not onely profitable , but also necessary ; because the sicknes of the plague & contagion inuading a city , is the totall ruine of the same by reason of the danger and spoile of the cittizens , as we reade in thucidides of the great plague in greece , which for the most part rauished the inhabitants of the same , and in titus liuius , of diuers horrible pestilences that happened in rome , which by their greatnesse and cruelty made that mother citty almost desolate and destitute of the better part of the cittizens thereof , bringing with it both famine and fatal indigence . for which cause such as are in authoritie in citties , as mayors , sherifes , and those that haue the charge to ouersée the sicke , ought aboue all things to procure that their citty remaine in health , to the end that their cittizens remaining in security , may communicate the one with the other by traffike and following their businesse , whereby there redoundeth a common profite and vtilitie to all : whereas on the contrary side ( their city being infected by a popular and pernicious disease , ) their traffike ceaseth , and that which is most dangerous and important of all , the life and health of all men is brought in danger . now to withstand this inconuenience with prudence and foresight , it behooueth the magistrates , first of all diligently to examine what places , either néere or remote , are visited or infected , to the end to warrantize themselues from that infection , not suffering any of those to enter their citty that come from such places as are suspected , except they be men of note , of whose prudence and securitie they may be assured . for it is not alwayes a consequent , that all the inhabitants of a citty are alwayes infected , especially when they are men of respect , who haue the meanes , and obserue the methode to preserue themselues : whereof it is very necessary that the gouernours , and such as haue the kéeping of the gates , should haue respect : but for such as are vagabonds , masterlesse men , and of seruile and base condition , for such i say , they ought not to be admitted . and if by chance , or by the will of god the citty becommeth infected , it ought not incontinently to be made knowne : but those that haue the care and charge of such as are attainted , ought in the beginning to kéepe it close , and wisely conceale the same from the common sorte , imparting it onely to such , who by their good aduise and counsaile may assist them in the time of danger , which counsaile and aduice diuine hipocrates setteth downe in his oath and attestation to phisitians , and consequently to all those that haue the charge of the sicke , forbidding them to reueale that which ought to be hidden for the common profit : which being considered by the diuine philosopher plato , in the third booke of his common weale , he auoweth that it is lawfull for magistrates & phisitians to lie for the safety and conuersation of their citty . for oftentimes to conceale a truth to this intent , is no error in such men , whenas by such means the common weale is conserued and profited : which counsaile i thoght good to make knowne to you , to th end i might restraine the superstitious fantasies of some men , who are of the opinion , that nothing ought to be concealed in these times , but made knowne vnto all men , for feare their reputation shuld be touched , and themselues estéemed liers . the magistrates in these times ought to cōmit the charge of their gates to good and discréet citizens , on whose trust and fidelitie the citty may relie : and therefore the best citizens both in place and reputation ought to haue this place , and not they , who are yong , indiscréet & inconsiderate . which thing hath beene wisely noted by the diuine philosopher plato in the third booke of his common weale , where hée saith , that he that hath the charge of a citty , ought to be strong in person and prowesse , and a philosopher in his spirit , that is to say , sage , prudent , and well aduised . for by such a gouernour and so well qualified , there redoundeth a great profite vnto all men , where to one of the contrary disposition all things fall out frowardly . moreouer the magistrates ought to haue an especiall care , that their city be kept cleane & neat from al filth , dunghils and stinking rubbige that may bréed infection , because the steame of such vncleane heaps and places being drawne vp into the aire , do for the most part infect and contaminate the same . and to this effect hipocrates counsaileth vs to vse the aire in these times , which is most pure and cléere , and to flie the contrary . the like confirmeth galen in his first booke , de sanitate tuenda , and in his commentaries on hipocrates booke , de natura humana . and therefore the magistrate ought to giue charge , that in euery place the streets should be kept cleane , and daily purged , forbidding euery one vnder a penalty to cast out any vncleanenesse or filth out of their dores . they ought also to take order , that the slaughter houses ( for the prouision of the citty ) be not continued and vsed within the citty , but placed in some remote and conuenient place néere vnto the riuer of the thames , to the end that the bloud and garbige of the beasts that are killed may be washed away with the tide . this aduice the nobles of arles obserued by valenolaes aduise , to the great good of their common-weale , who to the westward of the city vpon the riuer of roane haue builded their slaughter-houses . it is no lesse necessary also to take note of such sicke folkes as resort vnto the city , and to know with what sicknes they be seazd with , & whether it be dāgerous or no. for which cause it is requisite to appoint certaine discréet and skilful men in euery quarter and parish within the citty , who may haue the charge to take particular notice of euery housholder , in what estate their family is , or rather to visite them themselues , and if they finde any sicke in these houses , to make a true report vnto those that haue the charge and ouerlooking the sicke , to the end they may cause them to be visited by expert phisitians , who may informe whether the disease be infectious or no , to the end they may be attended and cured according as their disease requireth . and for that in all suspected citties , it is a common custome for the magistrate to shut vp those that are surprised with the sickenesse , or to send them to the hospitalls or pesthouse , for feare lest by conuersing with the healthy they should spred the contagion by breathing on them and touching them : because , as galen saith , it is dangerous to conuerse with them , and god himselfe also giueth an expresse commandement in leuiticus chap. . and numb . chap. . where speaking of the leapers , he commandeth that they should be seperated from the host and company of the healthy . me thinkes it is very necessary at this time to speake somewhat hereof , and to examine euery circumstance , to the end that it may be knowne what is to be done in this case . now the truth is , that our duty commandeth vs to seperate such as are sicke from the whole , for feare lest they should be infected with their disease , neuerthelesse in this case we ought not to vse such seperation before it be truely knowne to be that disease , and that the sickenesse is of the quality , that it deserue shutting vp . for in truth it is a great amazement , and no lesse horror to seperate the child from the father and mother ; the husband from his wife ; the wife from her husband ; and the confederate and friend from his adherent and friend : and to speake my conscience in this matter , this course ought not to be kept , before that by the iudgement of a learned phisition the sickenesse bee resolued on : and when it shal be found it is infectious , yet it is very néedefull to vse humanitie towards such as are seazed . and if their parents or friends haue the meanes to succour them , and that fréely , and with a good heart , they are willing to doe the same , those that haue the charge to carry them to the pest-house , ought to suffer them to vse that office of charitie towards their sicke , yet with this condition , that they kéepe them apart , and suffer them not to frequent and conuerse with such as are in health . for , to speake the truth , one of the chiefest occasions of the death of such sicke folkes ( besides the danger of their disease ) is the fright and feare they conceiue when they sée themselues voyde of all succour , and as it were rauished out of the hands of their parents and friends , and committed to the trust of strangers , who very often are but slenderly and coldly inclined to their good , wanting both seruice and succour . and therfore in this cause men ought to procéed very discréetly and modestly . and in regard of the time wherein the suspected and sicke , or rather those who frequented and serued them , there ought some rule and moderation to be held . for wheras by ancient custome and obseruation they are wont to haue the prefixed terme of fortie dayes giuen them , yet ought not this terme , equally and rigorously be obserued in all . to those that are sicke of the plague this limitation of time ought to be prefixed and furthered for more assurance ; besides the forty dayes , they ought ouer and aboue remaine inclosed twenty dayes , which are in all sixty , before they be suffred to returne to their houses , or frequent the company of their fellow citizens . before which time they that are infected , after their recouery ought to change the place where they haue béene sicke : and to take the ayre in a more healthful place , farre distant from infection , and change their garments , and put off their olde , or rather burne them , for feare they should infect those that might happen to put them on . for in truth , the keeping of such things is very dangerous , and whereas after the plague is ceased , it oftentimes without any manifest occasion beginneth anew , it oftentimes procéedeth from such like accidents : in preuention whereof the magistrate ought to haue no little care and diligence . heeretofore haue wee set down what terme should be prefixed to the sicke ; it now likewise concerneth vs to prescribe a time and terme to those that haue had the kéeping of them , for both publike and priuate securitie , wherein in my iudgement ( which i submit to those of more reuerend authoritie ) wee ought to obserue other rules following . if the sicke be dead in his house , and hath continued all the time of his sickenesse in that place , and his parents and friends cohabitants with him , haue continualy assisted him and ministred vnto him , they ought to remaine inclosed the saide terme of fortie daies , or else transport themselues to their country houses , if they haue any , or to liue apart & seperated from others in their garden houses , and not to frequent amongst the people , during that time . if the sicke hath remained in his house but two or thrée dayes , and hath had but small accesse vnto him , and the assistants that were with him , be men of discretion , knowing wel how to defend and preserue themselues by good remedies and dyet , being men of respect & marke , they ought not to be shut vp so long time ; but it shal suffice in this case to kéep them close some twenty or foure and twentie dayes , or somewhat longer . for in that space by naturall reason , the venome ought to haue wrought his worst , if any of the assistants hath béene seazed therewith : likewise , if they haue béene well purged , and haue taken remedies to preserue themselues in that time . for in truth , if a vapour or contagion be in the body , it cannot so long time remaine inclosed , but that in fortie dayes space it will shew it selfe . and if in the space of xxi . dayes it discouereth not it selfe ( as nature molested with any vehement sickenesse or contagious infirmitie is accustomed to fulfill and execute his forces and expulsion to driue out the same ( as galen declareth in his booke de diebus cicitis ) it will hardly shew it selfe in any time after the xxi . day , for that the venom hath already lost his force , and nature maketh no more account to expel the same , but euaporeth it insensibly without any hurt , if there hath not some new occasion beene offered that causeth such an accident , as it oftentimes happeneth . if any one vnwittingly hapneth to visit one that is sicke in his house , and that but once or twice , we ought not to prefixe him that terme , but to suffer him to kéepe himselfe close some fourtéene dayes or more , prouided that hée obserue a good diet : and to speake my absolute opinion what ought to be done in this case of kéeping the sicke and their assistants inclosed in the plague time , it is necessary to resolue vpon the effects and accidents , which apparantly happen in the saide houses , and according to the rule obserued by those that are shutte vp , as also according to their qualitie and condition , and especially , wée ought to haue regard , and rely on the iudgement of a faithfull and learned phisition , who according to his art , and the effects that he shal discouer in those that are inclosed , may yéelde an assured iudgement of the matter , to whom we ought to giue credit , as to him that is the fittest and truest iudge in such a matter . for in truth this custome hath béene but newly brought in , and was neuer heard of in the ancient and autentike writings , eyther of greek , arabian , or latin phisitions , but only by some late practitioners as guainerius & some other which guainerius in his treatise of the plague , chap. . de tertia differentia hath set downe this terme of forty daies , speaking of the terme wherein a man ought to returne into the house of him that is infected . and in his opinion ( which is not answerable to truth ) he prefixeth three moneths . for if the infected house shal be cleansed from all infection , and perfumed and ayred by those that haue the charge , a man may returne into it after forty dayes , prouided , there remaine nothing in the saide house that is infected or contagious , as the garments , shéets , beds , couerlets , or such like of the diseased . for such things as these kéep the infection inclosed in them long time , especially fetherbeds , as alexander benedictus testifieth in his booke of the plague , where he maketh mention of a featherbed of one that was sicke of the plague in venice , which kept the venome seauen yeares , & the first that slept vpon the same at the end of the same terme were sodainly surprised with the plague , as he reciteth in the third chapter of his booke . loe héere , what i haue thought requisite to be spoken touching the sayd terme ▪ neuerthelesse i submit my iudgement to those that are more learned , to whose mature resolution i shal subscribe when with better & more substantial reasons they shall reprooue me . which purpose of mine , euery true louer of learning ought to follow , as for that i haue said it is but onely my opinion , set downe to aduise the ignorant , and to be censured by the learned . the gouernors also ought to be carefull of those , whom in this sort , and for this cause they haue shut vp or sent vnto their pest-house , foreséeing that they want nothing of that which appertaineth to their health . and if those that are sicke be poore and indigent , let them be supplied by the charity and liberality of the citty . and if they be rich and by reason of infection shut vp , they ought to be supplied with al things necessary till such time , as being at liberty they may make recompence for that they haue receiued . chap. ix . of the building of an hospitall for the plague . that which is most necessary in great citties , is to haue a certaine selected place , whither they may conuey the sicke men in time of the plague , when god inflicteth sickenesse vpon them . and therefore it concerneth a weale publike before necessitie happen , to prouide a house to this purpose answerable to the charitable intēt of those good men , who haue already contributed to the same . the forme wherof , since as yet i perceiue it vnfinished , should ( in my opinion ) be after this manner : it ought to be scituate , ( as already it is begunne ) without the citty in a seperate and vnfrequented place , and not so néere the high wayes or walkes of the citizens as it is , for feare lest the passengers should be infected . it ought also to be builded very amply and largely , that it may be able to receiue the number of the sicke , the aspect thereof ought to be betwéen the orient equinoctiall and the north , to the intent that the heate of the midday warme it not too much , and that in summer it may haue competent fresh ayre : which it will haue if it be thus builded : for it highly concerneth that such a house should receiue the northerne winde , for that it is the most dry , and healthfull , and such a winde as purgeth and driueth away all euill vapors and infection , because the ayre thereof is colde and drie , which consumeth the superfluities of the body , as galen and hippocrates testifie in the third booke of the aphorismes , and hippocrates himselfe in diuers places witnesseth . the like also doth auicen auerre at large , where hée speaketh of the north winde , to which he attributeth this property , to correct all pestilentiall and corrupted ayre . and therefore it is necessary that the aspect thereof should be after this maner : it ought also to be more long than large , to the intent the vpper story may containe eight and twenty or thirty chambers aboue , and as many beneathe . for in regarde of the multitude of the sicke that are likely to bée brought thither , there ought to be many lodgings , and so many , if not more . these chambers ought to be seperated the one from the other , and yet adioyne one an other after the manner of the dortuaries in religions houses . each of these ought to haue a chimney , and be so disposed , that they may receiue lights from the east and the north. in each of these chambers there ought to be two beds , that the sicke may change from the one to the other vpon oportunitie . the scituation and place of the hospitall ought to be in a pure aire , and in no place that abutteth on donghils : it ought likewise to haue many springs deriued into the same , that the ministers that attend the same , may the better cleanse their cloathes and houses : the chambers of the phisition , surgeon , and minister appoynted to attend the sicke , ought to be builded apart from the sickmens lodgings : and likewise the apothecarie , who must haue his shop furnished apart with all necessaries at the cities charge , which custome in all well policied citties is obserued . it behooueth also that all the doores of the chambers open into some gallery , where in the sicke may take ayre for their recreation , and beate their cloathes and bedding , when néede requireth : some fifty foote aparte from that hospitall , an other body of building should be made , wherein they that are recouered may make their probations . it is also requisite that a chapell be builded somewhat seperated from the body , & after such a manner , that the diseased may heare their preacher , and assist him in his deuotions . this is the order i thought méete to aduise in the building of a pest-house , which by the particular liberality and faithfull performance of the deceaseds will , may be builded and furnished . towards the finishing whereof , all they that haue the zeale of our lorde in their heartes , and that haue the means to distribute their goodes to the poore , ought to be diligent and charitable , to the end they may receiue the rewarde which is promised vnto them , whereas christ saith , come vnto me you blessed of my father , because that being sicke you haue visited mee , and being hungry you haue giuen mee meate , i was a stranger and you receiued me ; possesse the kingdom which is prepared for you from the beginning of the world . this is a maruelous rewarde for a litle pelfe and worldly pleasure bestowed on their neighbour , to obtaine the eternall glory of heauen , which is a treasure of incomparable felicitie . thus much as concerning this matter . chap. x. of the manner how to gouerne and heale such as are sicke of the plague , as well in diet , chamber beds , as in fit remedies , both for their botches and carbuncles . as soone as the sicknes hath seazed any patient ( which by the proper signes & accidents is presently known ) as a burning feuer outwardly of litle appearance , but gentle and easie , but inwardly malignant , full of anguish and very tedious to the sicke ; disquiet of the bodie , passions of the hart , vomit , soundings , extreame thirst , paine and lassitude through the whole body , with appearance of spots or markes , or swellings vnder the arme pits , or in the groine or vnder the eares , or in any part of the body , then is it euident that the person so affected is infected with the plague , by reasons of such signes or accidents ( especially if he that is surprised , hath cōuersed with any , or in any place that hath béen infected . ) by these signes and accidents wée may easily know the nature of that sickenesse , as auicen and ra●is do testifie : otherwise the sayd sicknesse is verie often times so fraudulent and deceiuable , that for the most part it deceiueth the patient and the phisition , as auicen after galen doth testifie . for diuers of those that are infected , supposing themselues to be frée frō the plague , make no account thereof in the beginning , nay , during the first and second dayes , they onely suffer a gentle feuer without any other appearance , so that nature desisteth not to performe hir functions , being as yet vnassailed by the venime . for which cause the patient will haue a good pulse , and healthful vrine , almost as perfect as when they were in health , when as sodainly they are séene to die without any manifest occasion , which bréedes doubt and trouble in the phisition , as galen and auicen do testifie . for this cause men ought not to maruell though the phisitions in this case are pusseld and doubtful , since this sicknes in his nature , is so doubtfull , fraudulent , and deceiuable . this notwithstanding , whenas with the feuer , the tokens , tumor , or carbuncle do appeare , there is no cause of suspition or doubt of the disease . then ought they readily to withstand the same by a fit and conuenient diet , and by exquisit and proper medicines sodainly and exquisitely ordained ; for a sickenes of that nature admits no delay without certaine danger of death . and therefore hipocrates saith that it is expedient in such sickenesses to minister euacuations and other meanes the very same day : now for that it is one of the principall intentions of a phisition , in this case , to correct the aire , and prohibite the venime , that it may haue no operation in the body , we will beginne with the same , and so consequently discourse vpon the rest . the preparation of a chamber . first therefore , men ought to make choice of a chamber for the patient , that is wel aired , if it be possible , hauing the windowes towards the north or east . and if it be in summer time , it is good to kéep those windows that regard the north opened , to the end that the ayre of the chamber may be purified and cleansed . care likewise must be had to haue the chamber cleansed twoo or thrée times a day , and that the floore be sprinckled , & the wals bedewed with good rose-vineger , mixed with common-water , or with rose-water , if the patient be rich . the said chamber likewise must be strewed with odoriferous flowres and swéete smelling hearbs , namely in summer time , with roses , violets and pinkes , with the leaues of willow and the vine . it is good also to haue quinces & citrons to smell to , to the end that the ayre may be more odoriferous . neyther is it amisse at what time soeuer it be , to make a light fire in the chamber in summer time , for it purgeth the infected ayre very much . and if it be in winter , it is not amisse to make a great fire in the chamber of rosemary ; bayes , iuniper , and such like , perfuming the roome with beniamin , storax , frankinscence , cloues , iuniper-berries , or such like . and if the patient be of abilitie , so as he may change chambers , it shal not be amisse to do it oftentimes , so as it be prepared , as we haue aduised . the bed of the patient ought to be large , cleane , and perfumed with good odors according to the season of the yeare , as is aforesaide . he ought also oftentimes to change his shéets and his shirt if he haue meanes twise or at leastwise once in the day : round about his bed if it be summer time , and on the top of his couerlets you shal strew floures and odoriferous fruit and boughs , and the sicke party shal haue by him diuerse orenges , quinces , limons , or citrons to smell to : and if he be rich , he shall cause certaine shéets to be stéeped in vineger and water , and hung round about his bed , not onely to refresh the place , but to repulse the euill vapour of the chamber : he shall likewise oftentimes wash his hands , his pulses , and his face and forhead with this mixture . take of white rose vineger foure ounces , or halfe a pinte of rose water , a pinte of good malmsey , claret , or white wine foure ounces , of the powlder of zodoarie , cloues , dried roses , and muske , of each two graines , let al these be beaten and mixed together , and let him rubbe his nose , his eares , handes and face therewith , for it will comforte and quicken the heart and vitall spirites , and driue away all euill vapours : lo here the preparation of the chamber and bed of him that is diseased and sick of the plague . hereafter insueth the maner of his diet . chap. xi . the diet of him that is strucken with the plague . because in this sickenesse the appetite is deiected , and the vertue of the stomacke and all other members is much enféebled , it behooueth those that are sicke , to enforce themselues to eate , to the end they may resist the sickenes , and strengthen nature , as auicene commaundeth , where he saieth , that they who manfully enforce themselues in this disease , and eate couragiously , are they who escape . the diet therefore of the patient ought to be in quantitie moderate , taken by little and little , and often , and in qualitie substantiall and nourishing , and tempered with such things as resist venome . let his meate be of good nourishment , of easie digestion , and pleasant to the taste , as shall be hereafter declared . his meate shall be caponets , chickins , and pullets , yong kidde , veale and mutton , partridge , plouer , turtle , fesant , and quaile , and the pottage made of them very nourishing , shall be altered with sorrell , lettuce , borage , pimpernell , and the leaues of mariegoldes , for in this sickenesse they haue great vertue , as alexander benedictus testifieth in his . chap. de peste , yet must you not mixe them all together , but it shall suffice to vse one or other : and in the saide broathes it shall not bée amisse to mixe some little quantitie of the iuyce of limons , orenges , or sowre grapes in their seasons : the bread and meate which they eate , should be taken with the iuyce of lemmons , citrons , oringes , pomegranats , rose vineger , veriuyce , the iuyce of sorrel vsing one or the other at seuerall repasts : and if sharpenesse be displeasant to his stomacke , you may vse a little of the iuice of mintes with suger and alittle sinimon : barly , creame , almond milke , and panatels , are fit meates in this cause , as also fresh and new egges poched in water , and taken with the iuice of sorrel and alittle suger . and among other restoratiues our ordinary candles of white wine , rose water , yelks of egs , sugar and cinamon is much commended . a coulis also is of very good nourishment , whenas the sick man cannot eate , for then must we restore him with cordiall & strong broths . his drink shal be good white or claret wine , such as fumes not , but is wel qualified with pure fountaine water , for by reason of the weaknes of the vertue in this cruell sicknes , & to resist the operation of the venome , it is not necessary to take from them the vse of wine except the sick be very sanguin , yong , ful , and of an able body . in which case it shal be better to forbid than to licence them to vse it . betwéene meales they may drink barly water , in which they may stéep and infuse some leaues of sorrel , and with their barly water , they may mix sirrop of limons , sirrop of sowre grapes , sirrop of the iuice of citrons , sirrop alexandrine , or sirrop of violets . and if the patient wil not drinke barly water , let him drinke fountaine water , or raine water boiled and mixed with the sirrops aforesaide . the patient likewise may in this feuer drinke water very fréely , and his fill , to the intent he may extinguish the inward heate of the pestilent feuer , and not by little and little , but fréely , as paulus aegineta and auicen thinke necessary in this disposition . for which cause let this serue , both to aduise the sicke & his kéeper to alow drinke fréely , & the vse of water , after which let the patient be wel couered to prouoke sweate , which is one of the best euacuations that profiteth in this sicknes . chap. xii . rules as touching bloud-letting , the potions and euacuations which are necessary for him that is sicke of the plague . as soone as the sicke man by the signes aforesaid féels himselfe strooken , he ought very spéedily séeke out for some remedy for this sickenesse , neither leasure nor delay without danger of death , by reason of the malignitie thereof opposed against mans life : wherefore we ought with all diligent care to withstand the same , and prohibit the venime , and breake the forces thereof , lest it woorke the vtter ruine of our bodies . as soone therefore as any one féeleth himselfe seazed , giue him this potion . take of the iuice of marigolds the quantity of two or thrée ounces , giue it the patient to drinke , with a little white wine or sorrel-water , and couer him wel , that he may sweat . this iuice maketh a man frée and assured from the venime , as testifieth alexander benedictus in his treatise of the plague , and it is a most tryed and notable secret . and if he sweat after he hath taken the same , hée shall be assured by the grace of god of perfect health in stead of the said hearbe you may take the iuice of veruine in like quantity , or the iuice of the hearbe called scabious , which hath great force and efficacy in this case , giue two ounces of the said iuice with white wine , rose-water , or sorrel-water , and you shall sée a wonderfull effect . but these remedies ought to be giuen sodainly . for if the sicke man dally a day or two before he complaine , they haue no effect or force . of blood-letting . as soone as the sicke féeleth himselfe strucken , if he be sanguine , yong , and full , you ought to let him bloud by those rules that ensue hereafter . if the signe or tumor appeare not as yet , you ought to let him bloud in the mediana of the right arme rather than of the left , to prouide lest the venime haue recourse to the hart , and to take blood according to the repletion and vertue of the patient . or to worke more surely , wée may take the veine in the foote called saphena , to diuert the venime from the noble parts , or instéede of letting bloud apply cupping-glasses with scarification on his shoulders and buttocks . from the strong , able , and well complexioned , you may take some sixe ounces of bloud , or at the least thrée or foure : but for such as are weake , they must not be dealt with . and note , that in this sickenesse , we ought not to be busie in taking bloud although bloud-letting be necessarie , because bloud is the treasury of life , whose assistance nature néedeth to combate with the venime . as also for that by much letting bloud mens forces are weakened , and the venime worketh with more aduantage , as shal be hereafter declared . and whenas the patient is letten bloud , wee ought to cause him kéepe in his mouth either a little péece of an orenge or a lemmon , or a cloue or some cinnamon , or else a little rose vineger , and rose water mixed together , to comfort his heart and vitall spirites . but if the markes or botch do appeare , the blood is to be drawne on that side of the body on which the tumor sheweth it selfe , namely , if the swelling beginneth to shew behinde the right eare , drawe blood in the cephalica of the right arme , and so of the left . if the signe appéere vnder the arme pits , you shal cut the median of the same side , namely on the right arm , if the impostume be vnder the right armehole , and that on the left : likewise when the impostume sheweth it selfe vnder the left arme hole . but in trueth the surest way is rather , in this case , to open the veines of the féete then of the armes , to the end you may draw the venime farthest off : if the signe appéere vnder the groyne , strike the saphena on the same side , or rather the inward veine of the ham , if it may be found , the like ought also to be done in the carbuncle when it appéereth , yet ought not the bloodletting be redoubled , but onely vsed on that side where the carbuncle appéereth . but note in this case of bloodletting , that it ought to be done before the patient hath remained infected foure and twenty houres , for after the terme is past , blood letting is both hurtfull and pernicious , because that by the same the contagion is inwardly drawne into the body and heart . whence it happeneth , that the most part of those that are let blood doe die , as by hierome fracastorius an excellent and noted phisitian is sufficiently testified in his treatise of the plague , the third booke and fift chapter , who testifieth that all they , who in the pestilent yéeres of . and . were let blood , died all of them by the reason aforesaide , because that where the interior séede of the venime is scattered and mixed with the blood and humors of the body ( which is done in two daies space or thereabout after a man féeleth himselfe infected ) letting blood is greatly harmefull , because it causeth agitation of the blood , and augmenteth by this means the putrifaction , and by such agitation and motion the contagion doth more inwardly mixe it selfe with the humors , and maketh them , of pure and sincere , corrupt and infected : after no other maner than whenas stincking mud is mooued , it venteth out the more , and maketh the aire infected and stincking , as is séene by experience , or whenas a man shaketh or shoggeth a vessel full of salt or bitter water , the water becommeth more bitter and salt than if it had béen suffered to be settled , without moouing it : for euery matter that is mooued , is worse then that which remaineth in quiet , as testifieth galen in his fift booke de symptomatum causis . and by these reasons the said fracastorius and fernelius likewise , men both of them excellently learned , are of opinion , that blood is not to be let in this case , to whose iudgements i subscribe . and for mine owne part , and in trueth i finde it more expedient , instéede of letting blood , to vse cupping glasses with scarrification , for after the second day is past , phlebotomy is to be omitted . sée héere our instruction as touching blood-letting . of purging . as touching purgation , it ought to be administred in the beginning , but rather with gentle and pleasing medicines than violent , which doe weaken and force nature , and with them we ought to mixe some powlder , as the powlder of the electuary theriacal of guidon , or the powlder of bole armenus , with iuniper berries : or for the rich , with terra sigillata , or treacle , or good mithridate . if then the patient be poore , thou must giue him halfe an ounce of the electuary of the iuyce of roses , or asmuch of diaprunis solutiue , or an ounce of diacatholicon , if hée be cholerike . and if he be phlegmatike , thrée drachmes of diacarthamum , or electuary de citro solutiue . and if he be melancholike , the confection hamech dissolued in water of scabious , or sorrel , or buglosse , an ounce of sirop of limons , or a drachme of good treacle , or the powlder of bole armenus prepared , or the séedes of citron or iuniper berries . the richer sort ought to be purged with manna rubarbe , sirrop of roses solutiue without scammony with cassia and mirabolans , and if néede require , you may mixe a little dose of the electuary of the iuyce of roses , or diaprunis solutiue in those that are cholerike , as in the phlegmatike , a litle diaphenicon : or in the melancholike alitle of confection hamech , mixing with the saide potions for the rich , halfe an ounce , or a drachme of terra sigillata , or of the powlder of diamargariton , or of the powlder theriacal of guidon , with the abouenamed waters , and the sirrope of limons , or the iuyce of citrons . and if they take more contentment to be purged by pils , they may vse the common pils of rufus , made of aloes , mirrhe and saffron , adding thereunto a little rubarbe : for the rich , agaric , with a little terra sigillata , or bole armenus prepared , the poore may vse pilles aggregatiue , or aurea , or cochia , to the quantitie of a drachme or foure scruples , and when their medicine hath wrought his operation , they may take half a porrenger of the broath of a chickin , and make a light meale : and during the working of their medicine , they may alwayes holde in their handes to smel to roses , orenges , limons , marioram , rosemary , and such like , and may oftentimes wash their hands and wet their nostrilles in rose water mixed with vineger and the powlder of cloues or angelica or zedoary as hath béene before times declared : sée héere the methode in purgation . potions against the plague . and to accomplish this chapter , it remaineth to set downe certaine necessary potions to minister to the sicke that may resist the venime , which during the time of their sickenesse , ought very oftentimes to be ministred vnto them , vntill such time as nature ouercommeth the force of the infection , being assisted by the vertue of naturall heate , and by cordiall antidotes , that is to say , by medicines , that are altogether contrarie to the venime of the plague : ( which the arabians in their tongue are accustomed to call bezoatici , and the latines antidotes . ) euerie morning and euening therefore , and if néed be , at midday or midnight ( if the accidents be violent ) you may cause the patient to drinke these potions folowing . if he be poore , take iuniper-berries , and bole armenus , of each a drachme , powlder them wel and mixe them with scabious , buglosse , or sorrel water , and one ounce of sirop of limons , cause him to take it euening and morning , euery day , or else take the powlder of the electuary of guido , giue him a drachme after the same manner : you may also vse with good effect the poulder of betony , dried to the quantity of a drachme or . scruples , taking it in summer time with rose water , and in winter in good white wine , and it worketh wonderful effects , if the patient kéepe himselfe well couered , and sweate therevpon , for it causeth the venime to euaporate by sweat . treacle and mythridate also are soueraine medcines to this effect , being taken to the quantitie of a drachme with rose water in summer , or succorie or sorrel water , and in winter with good white or claret wine . for the rich , let this powlder be dispensed . take the rootes of tormentil , the roote of diptamus creticus , if it be possible , the roots of angelica zedoari and gentian of each a drachme , of the seedes of citrons and sorrel two drachmes , of true bole armenus prepared twoo drachmes , of terra sigillata thrée drachmes , of pearles two drachmes , of red corall foure scruples , of the rinde of the citron or oringe dryed a drachme , beate all these to a fine powlder , of which you may giue the patient in the waters aboue named , the weight of a drachme , or a drachme and a halfe . if you will make an opiate thereof , you may confect the powlder with conserue of roses , or buglosse , or sirrop of limons , and make an opiate , of which you may giue the patient halfe an ounce at a time . this poulder is of most excellent vertue and great effect , if it be wel dispenced , which amongst all other medicines is most appropriate , as by the vertue of the ingredients , the expert and learned phisitian may easily coniecture . these are the remedies which in potions are most assured and are both experimented and alowed ( laying aside the superstitious and vaine opinions , of the vnicornes horne , of which the common sort make so great reckoning . ) for in truth it is a méere folly to beléeue that the pieces of horne , which diuers men beare about them , is the horne of that beast which the gréekes called monoceros , and the latins vnicornu , ( as the simple sorte , vnicornes horne ) for it is a beast so rare to be séene , and in places so strange , that scarsely alexander the great could recouer one to his great charge and expence , ( as plinie , aelian and philostratus testifie ) neither may it be taken aliue , for that it liueth in places desart and solitary in the extreamest parts of india and the east . but leauing these things apart , i say that we ought to trust to perfect tried & experienced medicines , such as are those , which heretofore i haue faithfully set downe for the common good , and the loue i beare vnto my neighbours . in prosecution of which matter , i say by the authoritie of galen lib. . de simpl . fac . cap. . v.t. that bole armenus is by him singularly commended amongst all other simples for the plague : for in that great plague which in his time was in greece , all those that drunke bole armenus were sodainely healed , as the said galen testifieth , who aduiseth vs to take it with good white wine , somewhat qualified and mixed with water , the quantitie ought to be some two drachmes : and here you are to note that in those who are already taken with the plague , it behooueth to giue them a greater dose of your antidotes , then those whom you intend to preserue . for in the venime of the plague is already inclosed in their bodies , it is necessary that the medicine should be more forcible to ouercome and subdue the same , then before that it seazeth the body . and therefore if to the healthy you will ordaine a drachme to preserue him , you ought to giue eare to those that are sicke . and this may serue for an aduertisement to the common sorte , how they should gouerne their sicke in time of visitation . this water that enseweth , is likewise of great vertue , and allowed by many experiences . take two pound of the iuyce of limons , of rose vineger , as much of bole armenus prepared two ounces , of the dried rinde of orenges one ounce , infuse them a day naturall , or xxiiii . houres in the saide vineger , and afterwardes distill them in balneo mariae , giue of this water foure ounces with sirrope of limons , or sirrope of sowre grapes , for it is an excellent medicine , as fracastorius in his third booke de morbis contagiosis , chap. . whose name i héere set downe , to the end i may no waies seeme to defraude any one of the praise due vnto them , or challenge to my selfe other mens inuentions . hitherto haue we sufficiently spoken of those medicines which are to bée taken inwardly , it remaineth that we speake of those that are to be applied outwardly . but before that i intreate of them , i will describe in this place a confection or restoratiue to be ministred vnto him that is infected with the plague . take conserue of roses , conserue of water lillies , conserues of sowre grapes , and buglosse , of each an ounce , of pouldered pearles one drachme , of bole armenus prepared foure scruples , of fine suger as much as sufficeth , reduce all these into the forme of a conduite , with leaues of golde for the rich . as for the poore , it shall suffice to giue them the foresaide conserues , with a little of the poulder of bole armenus , or triasantali , or the séeds of sowre grapes , or citrons , or the barke thereof . it is good also to giue them oft times a tablet of losenge of diamargariton , when they haue the fainting of the heart , with a little buglosse water , or white wine : and if they fall into soundings , giue them confection alchermes after the same maner : for it is a miraculous medcine in strengthening the heart , and reuiuing the spirites . and in this case it is good to restore them with good broaths , wine caudles , and egges , as wée haue héeretofore aduised . manus christi perlata also is good in this case , and pleasant to the eater , which you may giue in brothes , in buglosse water , or in the forme of a tablet . to comfort the heart outwardly , vse this epitheme that followeth . for the rich take rose water , sorrell water , buglosse , and balme water , of each foure ounces , of good white wine or malmsey thrée ounces , of the powlder of diamargariton , and de gemmis , of each one drachme , of powlder of scarlet which we call vermilion , of cloues , of each halfe a drachme , of powlder of zedoary and bole armenus , of ech a scruple , of the trochisques of camphre halfe a scruple , make an epitheme for the heart , the which you shall apply with a péece of fine scarlet vppon the region of the heart morning and euening : for the poore it sufficeth to make an epitheme of sowre grape-water or sorrel water , of balme-water , and rose water , with alittle white wine , and the powlder of sanders and alittle powlder of iuniper-berries : instéed of the said epithemes , you may make certaine bagges of silke for the hart after this fashion . take dryed red roses , flowers of violets , water-lilies and buglosse , of each a little handful ; of rosemary flowers as much , of the powlder of scarlet cloues , sāders , the powlder of diamargariton , of each a drachme , of citron séede , bole armenus of each foure scruples , of muske and amber of each fiue graines , beate all these to powlder , and baste them with cotton in red taffatie , and make a bag thereof which you may easily besprinckle with rose water , and a little white wine , and apply to the hart . an epitheme for the liuer . take of the distilled water , of endiue , succory , sorrel , rose , and wormewood water , of each thrée ounces : of good white rose , wine , vineger , thrée siluer spoonfuls , of the powlder of sanders , one drachme , of the séeds of sower grapes , two scruples , of spicknard a scruple , make an epitheme hereof for the poore , and for the rich you may adde powlder of diamargariton , pearles , corall , and zedoary , of each halfe a drachme . mathiolus of siena a notable phision of our age ( principally in matter of simples ) in his sixt booke of his commentaries vpon dioscorides writing vpon the preface , sets down an excellent ointment of great virtu to withstand the operation of venim in those that are sicke of the plague : the description whereof is long and difficult to be made , and serueth but for princes and great lords , in that it is very chargeable : therefore to auoyde prolixitie , we haue thought good to referre the reader to that place , if he thinke good to cause it to be dispensed : the name thereof is the oile of scorpions , which in trueth is of maruelous vertue to expel poison and venime , as by the maruellous composition and art in making that oile may be séene . but instead thereof , we will set downe an other oyle of scorpions , of a more easie composition set downe by alexander benedictus in the xx . chapter of his booke of the plague : the description whereof hereafter ensueth : take of oile oliue , the oldest that may be gotten one pound ; then take thréescore liue scorpions , and put them in a violl of glasse , in the said oyle , and boyle them ouer a soft fire nine houres , or set the said oyle in our ladies baine , and when they haue thus boyled in the oyle , thou shalt adde vnto them of treacle two ounces , and let it boyle in the said oyle a quarter of an houre , then straine all of it , and kéepe the said oyle in a violl well closed and stopped with waxe , and parchment , and with it annoynt the sicke vnder the armepittes , behinde the eares , on the breast , the pulses of the armes , the temples , and nosthrilles twice or thrice a day . this is a most excellent remedy , and of great force , as the aforesaid authors testifie , who writes , that if this vnction be applied sodainly to him that is sicke of the plague , before . houres be past he shal be deliuered , vsing the remedies aforesaide . the same author likewise reporteth that this oyntment is of great effect : take a glasse that containeth a pint and a halfe and more , fil it with oile that is old , in which oile you shal infuse of elder floures six litle handfuls , of the floures of walworth two handfuls , of the leaues and floures of hipericon , or s. iohns wort a handful , ( but let the oile couer the hearbs , and be more in quantitie : ) set this vessel closely luted in the sunne for the space of fortie dayes , or a whole summer , and reserue it to the abouenamed vses to annoynt the sicke , as hath béen saide . but after you haue annoynted him , you must couer him close , for the oyle procureth sweate , and by such euacuation causeth the venime to vapor outwardly : and , if to the said oyle you shal annex twenty or thirty scorpions , it wil be farre more excellent , if besides you adde two or thrée ounces of good treacle , and boyle them in our ladies bayne , it will haue more force sée here the best outward remedies that you may vse in this strange sicknesse . how a man ought to proceede in curing the plague sore . whenas the plague sore appéereth in any of the emunctories , it is a signe that nature by her power would discharge the member principall of that venim which assaileth it , and therfore hath she by her prouidence created in the heart , the braine , and liuer , certaine glandalous and spungy parts , which are apt to receiue the superfluities that are hurtful to those members . for vnder the arme pittes there are certain kernels that serue the heart , and these are the emunctories of that member , as behinde the eares also there are the like which serue to discharge the braine , and in the groines , for the liuer . and when as the venime inuades any of these principal members , nature , ( to warrantize the nobler part ) dischargeth , and sendeth the venime to his proper emunctory : wherefore , if the hart be attainted with venim , the plague sore will soon appéere vnder the arme pits : if the braine be infected , the sore wil appéere behinde the eares : as also , if the liuer be indempnified , the sore wil breake out in the groine : and because it is an expulsion which nature maketh to the exterior and vilder parts , to defend the interior & principall , we ought to take great héed , lest by cold repercussiue or astringent medicines , we driue the sore inwards , but rather , bicause the said sore is of a venimous nature , it ought to be driuen and forced outward by medicines that draw , and are in qualitie hote and fitte to draw the sore to ripenesse and matter if it be possible . when as the tumor appeareth in any of the saide emunctories , you shall sodainly make incision round about the tumor after the manner of scarification made with the rasor to auoyde the inuenimed bloud , and shall sodainely apply a cupping-glasse therevpon to draw out the venimous poison , if that place be capable of a cupping-glasse , as in the groine and behinde the eares , but vnder the arme-pittes very hardly . and afterwards you shal apply suppuratiue & ripening medicines , and such as draw after this forme . take a white onion and cut out the inward kore with your knife , and make a sufficient hollow therein , fill it with very good treacle , or the theriacall powlder of guidon , couer and close it , and roast it gently vnder the ashes , till it be soft and hote , as it comes from the fire , or as the patient may indure it , apply it to the sore . this is one of the best remedies that a man can apply : or take the hearb scabious , bruise it betwéene two stones , and apply it on the sore , either of it selfe or mixed with salted hogges grease . you may also make a cataplasme according to this forme folowing : take of the roots of white lillies wel cleansed , halfe a handfull of the leaues and roots of mallowes and holy-hocks , twoo handfulls ; of fat figges , to the number of thirty , of linte-séede and fenu-gréek séed , of each halfe an ounce , of leuaine one ounce , of bran , halfe a handfull , of scabious , halfe a handfull ; boyle al these in water , stamp and straine them , and afterwards adde vnto them wheate floure , of lin-séede and fenugrée séede , of each an ounce , boyle them as before with a little water and hony , galbanum twoo drachmes , armoniac a drachme , the yelkes of egges , two in number , common salt , a drachme ; oyle of white lillies , as much as néedeth , of hennes grease , one ounce ; of safferne a drachme , make a cataplasme of all these , and apply it on the sore with fat wooll , remoouing it two or thrée times a day . this also is very good : take the crummes of white bread , to the quantitie of halfe a pound , fatte figges , xxx . in number , leuan , two ounces , liue snayles with their shells xx . in number , fenugréeke séede one ounce , seethe all these together in water , then beate them together , and adde vnto them of salted hogs grease one ounce , of oyle of white lillies as much as néedeth , make a cataplasme heereof , which is very good to ripen and breake an impostume . the ancient phisitions vse the implaster of diachilon magnum , and spread it on the sore , & of that i haue made proofe . for it is a good drawer by reason of the gums that are ingredient . it is likewise very allowable to draw out the venime from the sore to take a chicken or cocke , and to pull the feathers from his taile , and to apply him to the soare , for by this meanes , he driues out the venome , and when he is dead , apply another : in stead of this remedy , some vse to take great pullets and pigeons , and cutting them in two along the backe , apply them hote as they are vpon the tumor or carbuncle , for this is an appropriate remedy , both for the one & the other . when the kore shal be ripe , you must open the same with an actual cautery , which is better thē the lancet or cold yron , because it comforteth the member and driueth out the venome by the actuall heate and violence of the fire : i likewise aduise all those that are sicke of the plague , to endure the same , notwithstanding it shal affright them somewhat , for it is the best and most wholsom remedy that may be giuen , as both albucatus and auicen do testifie in that place , where they discourse of the actuall cautery : and instéed of the actuall cautery , if the patient will not endure the same , you must proceede with familiar ruptories , of which the best is that which is made of ashes and quicke lime boyled together , till such time as the water is consumed , and there remaineth nothing but the ashes and lime incorporated and vnited together , which is a strong and excellent ruptory , and such a one as worketh his operation without any , or very little payne , as at diuers times , and in many patients i haue approoued : and note that in these pestilent tumors , you must not exspect the intire maturation thereof , but must open the same before it be thorowly ripe , to the end that the venome remaine not long time in the body , and there thorough steame vp to the principall members and communicate the venome with them to the danger of him that is diseased , and therefore it is better to open them sooner than later . and whenas the sores or sore is opened , you must not thrust bigge tents of lint into them , but little ones , to the end that the venimous matter may the better issue forth & make no stay in the sore . and in this case alexander benedictus councelleth in the . chap. of his booke de peste not to put any tents of linte or other linnen into the sore , lest the venime be forced backe , and in effect the reason is very good . he likewise willeth vs , not to bind vp the sore too straight , when it is opened , thinking the ligature sufficient which kéepeth the plaisters to the sore . and for mine owne part , i am truly assured that it is far better to vse certaine tents of hollow siluer , lead , or tinne , then of lint altogether , to the end that by the hollow tents , the venime may the better and the sooner be euacuated , and not stayed within , which is the intention that a good and aduised surgeon ought to haue . and this may serue for aduise and counsaile hence forward , although that diuers will thinke this matter somwhat strange vnto them who are accustomed to vse an other fashion , but the truth in all things ought to haue place , and should not be any wayes disguised . after that the sore is opened , you must mundifie the same with these cleansing abstersiue medicines folowing : and note , that you ought to kéepe these sores open a long time , and to suffer them to purge out their venime by the vse of these cleansing medicines following . take of the mundification of rozen , and put it vppon the saide sores within them by hollow tents : or take barley meale sod in water , and honny , an ounce or two , incorporate with good honny of roses , annexing the roote of the lilly of florence and a little salt , make a clensing medicine hereof : or take sarcocolla beaten to powlder , sodden honny , of each a like quantitie , incorporate them togither and make an ointment thereof , for it is a mundifier . but amongst all other vnguents that cleanse loathsome vlcers and such as are of a venimous and euill quality , i haue not found any more excellent , or that cleanseth the loathsome , stinking , and euil matter , then this which i composed my selfe , and haue often vsed and tried the same with good effect . take of the iuices of daffadill and wormewood , of each foure ounces , of hony of roses clarified , eight ounces , boyle these together vntil the iuices , be consumed , then adde thervnto of turpentine of venice , washed in rose water , or aqua vitae , foure ounces of the rootes of the florentine lilly and aristolochia the round , of ech thrée drachms , of the flower of lupins two drachms , make an oyntment of these : in truth i can assure you that i haue séene this medicine work admirable effect in the vlcers of the french pox and such like , cleansing them very purely , not only of their grosse and euil matter , but of the dead flesh and kores inclosed in the said vlcers , as i haue often times tried : or do thus : take of venice turpentine washed in aqua vitae in winter , and barley water in summer , halfe a pound of oyle of roses three ounces , of honny of roses foure ounces , of good and gummy mirrh , aloes , mastike , aristolochia the round , of ech one drachme and a halfe ; of barly meale , thrée drachmes , make an oyntment hereof to mundify these vlcers , for it is very good . sée here the order of cleansing ointments . after the vlcer is wel mundified a long time , you must skinne with the emplaister of diacaletheos , or the plaister of seruse , or the red desiccatiue plaster of tutia , but this is the best . take betony , centory the lesse agrimony , aristolochia the round , of ech one ounce , of déere suet halfe an ounce , of masticke thrée drachmes , of aloes halfe an ounce , of new waxe two ounces , séethe the hearbs in good red wine , and straine them , then adde the pitch , the wax , and sewet , and séethe it againe , and in the end , adde aloes and masticke , and make a good incarnatiue hereof : and note , that if the sore be very painefull , you must asswage the griefe therof with a cataplasme of bread crums boyled in milke , and afterward with the yelkes of egs saffron , and oyle of roses as much as sufficeth , apply it to the painefull sore . or foment the place with the decoction of mallows , holihocks , camomile and melilote floures , and branne sodde in water , and apply it in way of fomentation to the pained place . lo héere the cure of the plague sore , it followeth , that we intreate of the carbuncle . of the cure of the carbuncle . the carbuncle is a malignant pustule procéeding from bloud very hote and grosse in substance , which causeth the adustion thereof , an vlcer with an eschare or crust in the skin , swelling and red , raising thorow the inflammation thereof , those partes that are néere about it , and procuring excéeding paine in him that is possessed therewith . which by galen in his second booke , ad glauconem the sixt chapter , hath very learnedly taught . and of these , though euery sort of carbuncle be malignant and dangerous , ( as testifieth the same author in his third comentarie , on the the third booke of hippocrates his epidemes the xii . aphorisme , ) yet notwithstanding those that haue not with them a contagious and pestilent venime intermixed , are not so dangerous of death , as they that raine in the time of the plague , by reason of the venome which is introduced into the humors and masse of blood , infected by the euil quality of the aire , which maketh such pustules ouer and aboue their naturall malitiousnesse more maligne , dangerous , & deadly , and accompanied with great and mortall accidents . and therefore in such pustules it is necessary to take great care and diligence in curing them readily , and rooting out and extinguishing their venime , as soone as may be possible , which by the meanes heerevnder written , may be orderly performed according to methode : when as therefore the carbuncle shall appéere in any part of any person , the most soueraigne remedy is by actuall fire applied vpon to pustull , to consume and abate the venome ; for there is not any thing that sooner mortifieth and extinguisheth the venime , than fier : and therefore the actuall cautery , applied vpon the pustull , is the souerainty and sure remedy to cure the same : but diuers fearefull patients wil not endure the same , instéede thereof , therefore you shall apply vpon the carbuncle these folowing remedies , which haue a cautsike vertue : take an olde nutte or two , barly flowre , small reasins , without their stones , fat figges dried , of each one ounce , beate them all together in a morter , and afterward séethe them in wine and oyle of poppy , and apply it vpon the carbuncle , for it mortifieth the venome , and helpeth to rotte the euill flesh : take also two or thrée yelks of egges , of pepper , a drachme , of common salt , a drachme and a halfe , of soot of the chimny or ouen , halfe a drachme , mixe al together , and make an oyntment thereof : or this , take of the leaues of rew , halfe a little handfull ; of fat figges , sixe in number , of pepper a drachme , of soote of chimny or ouen , halfe an ounce , two yelks of egges , of safforne , halfe a drachme , of fresh capons greace without salt , one ounce , and with the iuice of scabious , make an oyntment which is very excellent . for it suffereth not the venime to procéede any further , but openeth the carbuncle very quickly and maketh a good eschare : or do thus : take of fat figs , halfe a pound , of mustard-séed thrée ounces , of oyle of white lillies , as much as sufficeth to incorporate them , make a plaster hereof , and apply it vpon the carbuncle . the oyntment called basilicon mixed with halfe an ounce of good treacle of mythridate and the iuyce of scabious is maruellous good , and appropriate , as also the yelke of an egge , incorporate with salt ; and the iuyce of scabious is a singular medicine , and very common . the simple medicines that are conuenient in this case is scabious pounded betwéeue two stones , and applyed ; the hearbe also which is caled cauda equina , that is to say , horse taile , which is a kinde of comfery , and verbascum which the apoticaries call tapsus barbalus & the english , hearb mullen , is a good remedy : the like qualitie is by diuers of our maisters ascribed to the saphire , which hath the vertue to extinguish the venime of the carbuncle , if the sore be diuerse times touched with that stone : mythridate also or treacle are very good to be layd therevnto , and old nuttes applied with dryed figges . and note , that as soone as the carbuncle appéereth , it is good to scarifie it round about , with the rasor ( as galen in the xiiii . booke of his methode saith ) or to apply horse-leaches to draw the venimous blood outward : these are the remedies which you must presently lay vpon the carbuncle . but round about the partes that are néere the sore , you must apply repercussiue medicines , for feare lest the venime attaint them ; to which effect the vnguent de bolo is the chiefest and most ordinary meanes applyed round about : for it conforteth the part , and repulseth the venime . you shall therefore do thus : take of oyle of roses thrée ounces , of rose vineger one ounce , of bole armenus , an ounce and a halfe , make an oyntment thereof , and apply it round about the carbuncle : or thus : take oyle of roses omphacine ( made of gréene oliues ) wine of pomgranats one or two ounces , bole armenus ( and terra sigillata for the rich ) of each halfe an ounce , make an oyntment thereof , and apply it round about the carbuncle : galen maketh a plaster of plantane & pomegranets with theyr rindes and houshold bread , and boyleth them in strong wine , adding lintels vnto them : or take lintells , crummes of browne bread and bran , and boyle them in vineger & make a plaster of them ; you may make the like also of sowre pomegranets , cut into quarters , with their rinde , and sodde in vineger , til they be brought to a pulpe , beate them and apply them about the carbuncle : or else thus : take of oyle of roses as much as sufficeth , dissolue in it bole armenus , sanguis draconis or beaten galls , and make an oyntment to the same vse . the whites of egges likewise beaten , with rose vineger & rosewater , and clouts stéeped in that liquor , may be ministred round about the sore : then are those medicines that defence the partes from the venime of the carbuncle . hitherto i haue taught both what should be applied vppon , and round about the sore ; it remaineth now to set downe the meanes how to breake the carbuncle , which are these : take of opoponax thrée drachmes , of fat figs , an ounce ; of currans , as much ; of leuen , halfe an ounce , beate and mixe al together and apply it on the carbuncle . the doung of a man also is a fit remedy , but for that it is filthy , vse better ▪ yet wanteth it not his effect . take the yelke of an egge and a little salt , and incorporate them with the iuyce of scabious , and minister it . or do after this maner : take strong leuen one ounce , of scabious and the greater comfery , of each one ounce , of smal reasins without their stones , half an ounce , cantarides , sixe in number , of sparrowes doung thrée drachmes , incorporate all with oyle of white lillies . this also is good : take of fatte figges , thrée ounces ; of leuen , two ounces ; of mustard seede , the leaues of rew , common salt , the roots of aristologe the round , of ech an ounce , and a halfe , of the meale of wheate and fenugreeke , of each an ounce , of common hony as much as sufficeth , mixe al together and apply it . to make the eschare or dead flesh to fall out of the carbuncle . take fresh butter and capons greace , of each one ounce , and the yelke of an egge , mix them together , and minister it : you may likewise adde an ounce of basilicon : take also of the roots of holihockes two handfulls , of buglosse , a handfull , séethe them in water , and beat them togither , and straine them , and adde vnto them of the powlder of fenugréeke and lin-séed , of each an ounce , of fresh butter washed in water , of fresh hogs-greace , of each an ounce , make an oyntment . or take of holi-hocke roots , of beare-foote , of mallowes , and herbe robert , called storcks-bill ▪ of each a handfull , séethe them together in water , stamp and strain them , mixe them with fresh butter and capons greace , apply them to the sore till the eschare fall . rasis made a plaster of hony and sarcacoll of each a like , and ministred the same : after the eschare is falne , you must mundifie the vlcer with one of those mundifiers , which are described in the twentieth chapter , and then when the carbuncle shal be well purged from matter and corruption and yéeldeth no more , incarnate the same with this vnguent folowing . take of mastike full of gum , white incense , aristoloch the round , mirrh , of the flowre of orobus , litharge , ceruse , aloes , of each a like , of déere suet as much as sufficeth , a little oyle of roses , make an oyntment of these according to art , and apply it till the sore be thorowly cicatrized : and because in carbuncles , there ordinary happeneth some deformed cicatrice , after they are healed , to repaire and correct the same , you may vse these remedies following : take of borax two drachmes , of camphire one drachme , of white corall halfe an ounce , of gumme dragacanth , starch , cristall , of the stone called dentalis , white incense , common salt , of each thrée drachmes , of white marble twoo drachmes ; let the gumme dragant be beaten in a marble morter , and the rest be beaten and serced , afterwards adde hogges-greace clarified , goats-greace , capons-greace , of each an ounce and a halfe : melt al together in a leaden vessell , and straine it thorow a cloath , and after mixe the powlders except the camphire and borax , séeth all together on a gentle fire , stirring it often with a spatula , and when it beginneth to séethe , put to the camphire , and when they are all of them well incorporated together , kéepe this oyntment in a vessell of lead , for it hath a maruelous effect . for the poore to the saide intent you may take fresh chéese mixed with hony , and a little powlder of ceruse : likewise take hogges grease to the value of a pound , prepared after this manner , boyle it in a little white wine , and afterwardes straine it thorow a cloth , and incorporate the same in a marble morter with goates milke , or plantane water , then adde vnto it litharge of gold , vnmelted brimstone , of each three ounces , of white incense one ounce , of quicke siluer quenched and killed in the iuyce of limons halfe an ounce , of borax two drachmes , of camphire a drachme , make an oyntment hereof : take likewise as much lime as you list ( that is quenched and slacked in water ) wash it sixe times in plantane or raine water , vntill such time as all the sharpenesse thereof be taken away , mixe the same with oyle of roses in a leaden morter , and stirre it well , and you shall haue a good oyntment to repaire the deformed cicatrises which are left after carbuncles . this is the whole forme of the cure of a pestilent carbuncle . chap. xv. the maner how to withstand the most vrgent accidents that happen in the pestilent feuer , the botch and carbuncle . the most troublesome and dangerous accidents in this sickenesse , are weakenesse of vertue , faintings of the heart , soundings , rauing , or frensie , extreame drith , profound sléepe , or continuall waking , crampes , coldnesse of the extreame parts , which we ought diuersly to correct , according as the nature of each of them requireth . the féeblenesse of vertue ( which may be knowne by the weaknesse of the pulse , palenesse of the face , and dulnesse of the patient ) may be preuented or corrected by comforting the sicke by good and cordiall broths and colices , cawdles , or such like , with good wine also , ( as galen commandeth in the twelfth booke of his methode ) ministring it but little in quantitie , and alayed with water , or to make him take a toste of bread with sugar & cinamon stéeped in good white or claret wine : you shall giue him diamargariton manus christi with pearles , and amongest al the medicines that are proper to comfort the vertue , the confection alchermes described by mesue in his antidotary ) is allowed , which hath maruelous force and efficacie to restore vertue almost extinct in the sicke , as by diuerse experiments i am able to auow , to the valew of a drachme in buglosse water or white wine : it shal be good also to comfort the patient , to incourage him with friendly words , to embolden him , & extinguish his feare , for these meanes both quicken and strengthen vertue . the faintings of the heart ( which the gréekes call lipothimiae ) may be eased by the electuary of diamargariton , or the powlder thereof , annexing vnto it the powlder of electuarium de gemmis , or a little of the powlder of diamosci dulcis giuen in white wine , or buglosse , or scabious water , to the valew of a drachme . and in this accident you must comfort the sick with good odors , and rubbe the pulses of his armes and his temples with rose water and rose vineger , or with the mixture of rose water , rose vineger , the powlder of cloues and cinamon : and if the patient be bound , it wil be good to giue him a clister of the decoction of mallowes , béetes , borage , mercury , mellon séedes , and a little annice séede , and branne , and dissolue therein an ounce of catholicon , or cassia , oyle of violettes , and grosse sugar . if the sicke fall into a sound , giue him sodainely two or thrée spoonefuls of pure wine , ( as galen commaundeth in the twelfth of his methode ) and in such a case it is good to giue him foure graines of muske , dissolued in good wine and buglosse water , if the feuer be not ouer vehement : or instéede of this remedie , giue him this drinke folowing : take of powlder of cloues halfe a drachme , of the powlder of pearles and corrall , of each halfe a drachme , make a drinke with buglosse water , and a little good white wine or claret wine . and in such an accident you must crie vpon the sicke , rubbe him violently , make him smel rose water and muske , or giue him a drachme of the confection alchermes , with buglosse water , and a little wine : and halfe a drachme of pearles for the rich : and for the poore , the powlder of cloues . and if he abound in cholerike humors , purge him with a little rubarbe , or the electuary of the iuyce of roses , or the sirrope of roses . it is good also to cast fresh water very oftentimes in his face , for it quickeneth the decayed spirites : these are the remedies for soundings : if the patient fall a rauing , you must giue him some spéedy euacuation to diuert the humors lest they mount to the braine , you must therefore rubbe the lower partes very often , and apply ligatures to the extremities , and make him take sirrope of poppy with water of the decoction of lettuce , purselane , or sorrell , and wash his féete and armes with the warme decoction of the leaues of willow , vine leaues , lettice , floures of roses and lillies , camomile , and the tops of white poppy , boyled in water : and kéepe the patient in silence and in a secret place , and to beware that he speak not , as much as is possible : and if the raging be ouerfurious , you ought to binde him , and to take all thinges from him that may hurt him , as all sorts of armor , and other offensible things finally to procure him to sléepe . the extreame thirst that presseth the patient , must be eased by drincking fréely , ( as paulus aegineta and auicen commaund ) and his drinke shall be fresh water in great quantitie , if the patient be yoong and strong , or mixed with sirope of limons , or sower grapes , or sirop of violets : and note that he must drink largely and aboundantly to extinguish the heate of the feuer that burneth him inwardly : for , to drincke in little quantitie , rather inflameth , then cooleth the same : and therefore the aboue named authors will , that in the pestilent feuer we should allow aboundance of drinke , for it either prouoketh vomite , or sweate , or extinguisheth the feuer : heauinesse of sléep must be remedied by strong rubbings of the féete and handes , by often calling on the sicke , by kéeping him in a lightsome chamber , by clapping cupping glasses , with scarification to the nape of his necke , by sharpe clisters made with the decoction of mallowes , holihockes , béetes , hisope , bitony , rew , sage , and the lesser centory , of each a handfull ; agaric two drachmes , polipody an ounce , coloquintida a drachme , branne a handfull , let all be boyled in water , and strayned , to which you may adde of catholicon one ounce , of the electuary of indie , or hiera piera composita halfe an ounce , of salt a drachme , of common hony , halfe an ounce : make hereof a clister , which he may take in the morning , or after supper , during his heauines , subeth and déepe sléepe . it is good also to make him smel to the powlder of burnt haire mixed with vineger , for it awaketh him much . and if contrariwise the patient cannot sléepe , you shall giue him two ounces of the sirope of poppy , or one ounce , an houre before he take rest , with the decoction of lettuce , and poppy séede , and you shal annoynt his forehead with vnguentum populeonis , or alittle of the séedes of white poppy and annice : you may annoynt his nosthrills also with the oyles of poppy and violets , with a graine of opium , and saffron incorporated together , if necessity require it , and not otherwise : if the patient be seazed with the cramp ( which is a mortal signe , and after which few escape , as hippocrates testifieth in his second booke ● aphorisme ) yet must we notwithstanding assist all that wée may , and annoynt the nape of his necke with oyles of white lillies and violets , and make him holde in his mouth a péece of nutmeg , and chew it often , you shall likewise giue him lenitiue and no sharp clisters , and make him drincke barly water with sirrope of violets , and moysten him with good brothes , for the cramp very often commeth of emptines , and is commonly mortall : if the extreame partes be colde in a pestilent feuer , or other sharpe sickenesse , it signifieth the weakenesse and mortification of naturall heate , and ( for the most part ) betokeneth death . in this case we must minister vnto his handes and féete with hote cloathes , and chafe them , and giue him a little wine to quicken naturall heate , and make him holde a clowt in his mouth , and giue him the powlder of diacameron , or diamoscum , and kéep him warme in his bed , and take héede that no colde touch him : but when the poore patient is come to this estate , there is litle hope of them , as testifieth hippocrates in the fourth of his aphorismes , aphorisme . for it is a signe that death is at hand . chap. xvi . the order and gouernment they ought to obserue who assist and serue those that are sicke of the plague . it is a matter most euident , that they that dwell continually with those that are infected with the plague , are in great danger to receiue the same infection from those that are sicke , by reason they haunt with them night and day , receiue their breaths , and smell their corruptions , and sucke the infected ayre of the infected houses wherein they conuerse ; which is a thing very dangerous , as galen witnesseth in the first booke de differentijs febrium cap. . for which cause , they that are resolued to kéepe them that are sick of the plague , ought to haue a great care of themselues for feare they be infected . and first of all , they must haue recourse vnto god , beséeching him to preserue them , to the end that being thus assisted by his grace they may the better accomplish this charitable office to the sicke , and succor and serue them to their vttermost ; which is an action that pleaseth almighty god. folowing then the order prescribed in the second , third , fourth , and fift chapter of this treatise , he shall vse those preseruatiues there described according to his complexion , age , strength , and the nature of these humors that abound in him , taking fit medicines or pills , powlders , opiates , or tablets against the plague . treacle , or mithridate according to the forme we haue set downe in the places afore alleaged , continuing the same without intermission . when hee shall visit the sicke , hée must not approch ouer néere vnto him , for feare he receiue his breath , but stand farre off him , especially , if he be fasting . also before he enter into the sicke mans chamber , let him perfume it , and cause the windowes to be opened , and make a good fire therein of rosemary or iuniper . hée shall holde in his mouth , an angelica or zedoary roote , or a cloue , or the rinde of a citron , orenge , or limon . he shall wash his handes , face , forehead , and temples with vineger and rose water , and if he haue leisure , doe the like vnder his arme-pits , and in other emunctory places , but this is not alwayes sure and easie to be done : he shall oftentimes , and almost euery day change his garments and linen , and carry in his hand apples , pomanders , orenges , or limons to smell to . he shall holde a spunge steeped in rose water , vineger , white wine , besprinckled with the powlder of cloues , zedoary , and angelica , to which hée shall often smell , and with some of the same liquor he shal gargarise his mouth and throate . he shall perfume al the house and chamber of the sicke thrice a day , and oftner in summer , because the dayes are longer . when he commeth to touch the sicke , he shall cause him to turne his face from him , lest he breathe vpon him , and he likewise that performeth this office , shall doe the like for his better securitie , he shall kéepe himselfe cleanely , purge often with the pilles against the plague , or other fit medicines : he shall be sober in his diet , and auoyde all superfluous meate and drinke : he must be merry and lightsome , and driue away all feare , sadnesse , and melancholy : for those that are fittest to be imployed in this matter , are such as haue a good courage , and are merry , pleasant , and well complexioned that despise the danger of death , and are ready to doe seruice to their parents and frends , wiues or children . these in trueth are they that in these times are in least danger , and whom god ( foreséeing their good zeale ) protects by his mercy , preseruing them from so great danger . neuerthelesse in this time men ought not to be too rash or hazardous , nor trust too much to their complexions , youth , vertue , and force of body . for the secret venome of the plague preuenteth all this , and except a man be wary and prudent , it wil then seaze him when he least suspecteth : because a venime of that nature is accustomed to lie hidden in the body a long time without any effect , or at leastwise notable impression , after the nature of the byting of a madde dogge , which sodainely before it be discouered takes a lamentable effect . for which cause men ought not to be so bolde and rash as to expose themselues to such dangers , except necessitie constraineth them to succour their parents , or faithful friends , to whom , by lawe of nature , they are tied : neyther on the contrary side shoulde they be too feareful , and so cowardly , as to forsake their fathers , mothers , wiues and children for feare of death , but both by the commaundement of god , and law of nature , they ought to imploy all their power , yea to aduenture life and bloud , to preserue those , who next vnder god gaue them life , being , and liuing . chap. xvii . the manner how to cleanse the houses and places that are infected , the woollen and linnen , and the moouables of the same : and how long they may remaine infected , if they be not well cleansed , and in what time they may be reputed cleane . i haue héeretofore declared in the first chapter of this treatise , that the plague is a contagious sicknesse , rauishing life by the malignity thereof , and because that the contagion of the same ( which is no other thing but a like disposition by a certaine hidden consent communicated by touch vnto another ) it remaineth long time hidden , in such things as may receiue the same such as are the aire of the house infected , the walls , the garments of woollen , linnen , cotten , fether , and such like , it is therefore necessary to know how to clense the houses of those that haue bin infected with the plague , to the end , that after they that haue béene infected , shall returne to their houses , they may not be infected anew , by reason their garments , couerlets , beds , and such like , haue not béene well ayred and clensed . and therefore , by way of aduertisement to all in generall , euery one during the time of the plague , ought to shut vp his best moouables in a place apart , that is cleane & neate , and to forbeare the vse thereof , i say , they ought to shutte vp their linnen , tapistry and couerlets , and onely reserue some to their ordinarie vse : for where there is a pestilent sickenesse in a house , it continually infecteth the ayre where it raigneth , the garments , couerlets , bedding , and shéetes , and all things that are capable thereof : or either receiue the breath , sweat , spittings , or vapor that issueth from the sick , and al things that are of a slender substance , and full of pores , are fit to receiue , and that verie easily , such infection , as are woollen , linnen , cotten and feathers : wherefore it behooueth aboue all other things , that such houshold-stuffe be carefully cleansed , aired , washed , and purged . for if they be once attaynted , they long time retaine the infection in them , because the venime inbibeth and incorporateth it self in their substance very vehemently , by reason of the spongines and thinnest of these things : and as oyle , pitch , and rosin and such like norish , conserue , and augmēt the fire , in that they yéeld it a conuenient matter , so likewise doth woollen , cotten , fethers , linnen , and such like nourish and entertaine for a long time , that infection which is imparted vnto them from the sicke , retaining the pestilēt venime , conceiued in them for a long time : euen as we sée chists and coffers where we lay swéet bags to perfume our linnen or garments doe long time retaine that odor which we laid on them , as lauender , roses , oringes , and such like , which sort of odour is maintained a long time in these garments , and linnen , as experience teacheth vs , which also we sée in cotton wherein a man hath wrapped muske or ciuet , which keepeth the said odour an infinite time . the which the poet horace hath aptly expressed in this verse . quo semel est imbuta recens seruabit odorem testa diu — the vessel long time will retaine the odor which it first did gaine . since therefore such infection may long time remaine hidden in the things aforesaide , wée ought very diligently to cleanse them after this forme that ensueth . the garments of such as are dead of the plague , if they be rich , ought to be burned , according as the custome is in italy : or if poore ) whose misery is such , as they cannot buy new ) let the cloathes they haue vsed , be bucked and washed in lie , and oftentimes exposed to the northerly winde and sunne , and perfumed with rosemary , iuniper , and such like , and in time of drith be exposed to the northerne ayre , which drieth al infectious vapors ; for the garments that are infected , may retaine the same foure yeares , nay the feather-beds seauen yéeres , as alexander benedictus testifieth . note also that feather-beds , cannot be cleared except the tikes be opened , and the downe be ayred , till a moneth or forty dayes be past , in which time they may be purified . let each bench , wenscote , and other tables of the house be thorowly washed with water and vineger , so that no sluttish corner be left : let the windowes by day be kept open to the north , and shut when the south wind bloweth : thus in xxiiii . dayes may the wooden implements be ayred . if any sicke man hath afore worne a furr'd gowne , let each man beware how he weareth it after , for furre is too apt to take infection , as appeareth in those xxv . hie almaines , of whom hierome fracastorius maketh mētion , who in the yeare . in verona died one after another , til al were made away by wearing of that gowne . the surgeon that hath assisted the sicke after xl . dayes triall may be admitted to conuerse the citty , and so the rest after sixty ( so preseruatiues and purges haue béene obserued , and especialy , so mirth , ioy , and pleasure haue been their companions : ) if men obserue these precepts , they may by gods helpe , and by kéeping good order , auoyde the plague by those meanes i haue discouered , by which helps there wil be no humors capable of infection , and where there is no matter fit to receiue the same , there can it not surprise any man. generall rules to bee obserued by all men in the plague time . first must we call vpon god , desiring him to defend vs : secondly , but especially ( when we are fasting ) we ought to flie from the conuersation of those that are infected : let the wind be betwéene thée and the person that is sicke , or some perfume be kindled , or hold in thy hand some odoriferous perfume . fly the narrow wayes and stréets where are dunghils : hant no vaine assemblies of feasts , but if thy meanes be to follow hippocrates rule . fuge longe , cito , tarde : or if thou must néeds stay , be temperate , aduised & deuout , and god shal blesse thée , to whose mercy , and thy harty praiers i humbly commend me . finis . a table or index . a. angelica roote , to prepare it , fol. . aptham , how to helpe it , fol. . b. bloud when and where it is to be drawn , fol. , . bolarmoniake , how to prepare it , fol. . botch , in the throte , to cure it , fol. . botch , how to know where it will be , although no signe appeare , fol. . botch , the generall cure thereof , fol. . botch , that is hard , and will not come to maturation , how to helpe it , fol. , botch , how to draw it , from one place to another , fol. botch , when hee strickes in againe , how to bring him out . fol. . botch , how to draw him frō one place to another , fol. . c. carbunkle or blayne how to know him , as also to cure it . fol. . carbunkle with paine and inflammation to helpe it , f. chickens , how to applie them , fol. ▪ cordiall preseruatiues , fol. . cordiall , to be taken after purging , fol. . costiuenes , how to helpe it , fol. . . d. digestiue for a botch , how to make it , fol. . . . dyet to be kept in time of the plague , fol. . dyet , for them that haue the small pockes , fol. . e. eares , how to preserue them from the pockes , fol. . eares running of them , what you must do to it , fol. , epithemation , to comforte the harte , fol , . . epithemation , for a botch , fol. . exercise and orders to be kept in the plague , fol. . eyes , how to preserue them from the pockes , fol : eye , paine , and burning therein to ease it , fol. eye , perle or web therein to helpe it , fol. eyes , fastered and clong together , to helpe it , fol. . f. faynting and pounding , to helpe it , fol. : face , how to preserue it from deformiting , in the small pockes , fol. . face , spotes therein and rednes , after the pockes are gone , to helpe it , fol : : feete , extreame heate in them , with the smal pockes , to helpe it , fol. . floures of wemen stopt to prouoke them , fol. . flixe , how to stop it , fol. . h. handes and feete , extreame heate in them with the small pockes , to helpe it , fol. . head lightnes and paine therein for want of sleepe , f. holes in the face , with the small pockes , what is to bee done to it , fol. : hoarsnes , remayning after the pockes are gone , to helpe it . fol. ▪ i. issues , commended against the plague , fol. . iuleps , cordiall , to make them , fol. . iulep , to quench thirst , fol. . . l. laske , or flixe , how to stop it , fol. . longs , how to preserue them from the pockes , f. . m. maturatiue , to ripe and rot a botch , fol. . . . mouth , vlceration therin , called aptham , to helpe it , fol. . mouth sorenes and vlceration therein , with the small pockes how to preuent , and cure the same , fol. . mundificatiue , for a carbunkle or blayne , fol. . n. nodule , against the plague , fol. . nosgaye , against the plague , fol. . nostrels how to preserue them from the pockes , fol. . nostrels , stopt and vlcerated with the small pockes , to helpe it , foll . . o. opiat , good to expell the plague , fol. . oyntment , to keepe on sollible , fol. . oyntment to prouoke sleepe , and ease paine of the head , fol. . oyntment , to keepe the face from pitting , in the small pockes , fol. . p. parfumes against the plague , fol. pilles , to keepe one sollible , fol , . pilles , to purge the body , fol : . plague what it is , fol. . plague , cause thereof , fol. . plague , forewarnings thereof , fol. . plague , how to preuent it , fol. ▪ plague , how to cure it , fol. . plague , how to expell it , fol. . vnto . . pomanders , against the plague , fol. . potion , to purge the body , fol. . potion , to expell the plague , fol. . preseruatiue , against the plague , fol. . pouder , to purge the body , fol. . pouders , to expell the plague , fol. . pockes , and measels , whereof they proceede , fol. : pockes , and measels how to cure them , fol. : pockes , why they are infectious , fol. . pockes , how to maturate them , fol. . pockes , or measels , that are slowe in comming forth to helpe it , fol. . pocks and measels , how to vse them when they are come forth , fol. . pockes vlcerated how to cure it , fol. . purgation for a strong body : fol. purgation for a plethoricke body , fol. . purgation for a weake body , fol. . purging , when it is tollerable , fol. q quilte , against the plague , fol. . quilte , for the harte after sweate , fol. . r rauing and raging , to helpe it , fol. . raysins laxatiue how to make them , fol. : s signs to know whē one is infected with the plague , f , signes of recouerie in the plague , fol. signes of death in the plague , fol. . signes to know whē one is infected with the smal pox , f. . signes laudable , and ill signes in the small pockes , f. . scabes which chance to come after the pockes are gone to helpe them , fol. . sleepe when it is tollerable , fol. . sleepe , an oyntment to prouoke it , fol. . sounding how to helpe it , fol. . suppository , how to make it , fol. . t thirst , a iulep to quench it , fol. . . . throte botch therein , to helpe it , fol. , throte how to preserue it from the pockes , fol , . throte vlceration therein to helpe it , fol. . v ventoses , when and where to applie them , fol. . vessicatorie , how to make it , fol. . vesicatorie of the sicke , fol. . vnguent , defensatiue against the plague fol. . vlceration of the small pockes , to helpe it , fol. . vnguent , for spots , and rednes of the face , fol. . vomiting extreamely , to helpe it , fol. . w water , good against the plague , fol. water , for spots and rednes of the face , after the small pockes are gone , fol. . y yexing , or yoxe , how to helpe it , fol. , londons lord have mercy vpon vs a true relation of five modern plagues or visitations in london, with the number of all the diseased that were buried: viz: the first in the yeare of queen elizabeth, anno , the second in the yeare , the third in that (never to be forgotten yeare) . the fourth in anno . the fift this now present visitation , which the lord of his mercy deliver london and england from. h. c., fl. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) londons lord have mercy vpon vs a true relation of five modern plagues or visitations in london, with the number of all the diseased that were buried: viz: the first in the yeare of queen elizabeth, anno , the second in the yeare , the third in that (never to be forgotten yeare) . the fourth in anno . the fift this now present visitation , which the lord of his mercy deliver london and england from. h. c., fl. . crouch, humphrey, fl. - , attributed name. sheet ([ ] p.) printed for richard harper, at the hospitall gate in smithfield, london : [ ] signed at end: h.c.; sometimes attributed to humphrey crouch. partly in verse. with weekly statistics for , , , , . the last printed total is for march , . this copy has statistics for april , added in manuscript; the bodleian copy has statistics through may , added in manuscript. reproduction of the original in the british library. year of publication from stc. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion londons lord have mercy vpon vs . a true relation of five modern plagues or visitations in london , with the number of all the diseased that were buried : viz : the first in the yeare of queen elizabeth , anno , the second in the yeare , the third in that ( never to be forgotten yeare ) . the fourth in anno . the fift this now present visitation , which the lord of his mercy deliver london and england from . certain approved medicines for the plague , both to prevent that contagion , and to expell it after it be taken , as have been approved in anno. . as also in this present visitation . a cheape medicine to keepe from infection . take a pinte of new milke , and cut two cloves of garlicke very small , put it in the milke , and drinke it mornings fasting , and it preserveth from infection . reader , what ever thou art , rich or poore , rowse up thy selfe , for death stands at the dore ; if god sayes strike , he must & wil come in for death we know is the reward of sinne . his very breath is so infectious growne , he poysons every one he breathes upon ; he is the rich mans terrour , makes him flye , and beare away his bagges , as loath to dye . what shall the poore doe that behind do stay ? death makes them rich by taking them away . but what shall poore men do , then that doe live , t is surely fit the rich should comfort give , and weekely meanes unto them still afford ▪ oh such rich men shall be rich in the lord ! death startles all , but more the guilt of sinne , which sinfull man long time hath lived in , doth make them fearefull of that punishment . due unto sinne , for time that 's evill spent . oh why was this not thought on long agoe ! when god expected our repentance so ? when sixe yeares since , a little plague god sent , he shoke his rod to move us to repent : not long before that time , a dearth of corne was sent to us to see if we would turne : and the last summer none deny it can , the beasts did suffer for the sinne of man : grasse was so short and small , that it was told , hey for foure pound a load was daily sold. these judgements god hath sent even to cite us unto repentance , and from sinne to fright us . oh stubborne england ! childish and unwise , so heavy laden with iniquities : returne , returne , unto thy loving father , returne i say , and so much the rather , because his sonne thy saviour pleads thy cause , though thou hast broken all his holy lawes : say to thy selfe , my sinnes are cause of all gods judgements that upon this land doth fall , and sin 's the cause that each one doth complain they have too much , sometimes too little raine : say to thy selfe , this plague may be removed , if i repent , as plainly may be proved by niniveh , that citie great and large , for god hath given to his angels charge , to strike and to forbeare as he sees fit ; if it be so , then learne thou so much wit , to use thy best endeavour to prevent a plague , which thou mayst doe if thou repent . let all infe●●●d houses be thy text , and make ●●is use , that thine may be the next . the red crosse still is us'd , as it hath bin , to shew they christians are that are within . and lord have mercy on us on the dore , puts thee in minde to pray for them therefore . the watchman that attends the house of sorrow , he may attend upon thy house to morrow . oh where 's the vows we to our god have made ! when death & sicknesse came with axe & spade , and hurld our brethren up in heaps a pace , even forty thousand in a little space : and now againe he doth with us begin , t' increase the plague , as we increase in sinne : each spectacle of death and funerall , puts thee and i in minde we must dye all . a prayer fit to be used in this time of sicknesse and mortality . o lord god , strong and mighty , great and fearefull , which dwellest in the heavens , and workest great wonders ; we thy miserable children here on earth , doe most humbly beseech thee to be mercifull unto us , to pardon our offences , and forgive us all our sinnes : o lord enter not into judgement with thy servants , for if thou doe , there shall no flesh be saved in thy sight : we confesse and acknowledge o lord , that it is our sinnes which have moved thee to wrath , and to shew such fearefull tokens of thy displeasure towards us in these our dayes ; first by locking up the heavens that no raine should fall to succour the earth , neverthelesse upon our repentance and humility , it hath pleased thee of thy fatherly goodnesse to send downe some sweet comfortable showers of thy mercy upon the earth . o lord increase our thankfulnesse , and give us grace to amend our lives , that thou maist turne from us all those judgements which we most righteously have deserved ; thou hast sent thy messengers of mercy , thy ministers of thy holy word to allure us by faire meanes to repentance , thou hast sent monsters from the sea , and cast them up upon our english shore , fearefull and strange to behold , to cry out against us ; nay , thou hast suffered the tempter , that old enemy of mans salvation , to worke upon the weakenesse of some of our poore brethren , to assume unto themselves the names of prophets , to prophecie evill against this nation ; but thou hast disclosed the subtilty of the serpent unto us , that as he was a lyer from the beginning , so thou hast proved his prophets to be false prophets , by sending downe these sweet and comfortable showers of raine upon the earth , giving us to understand , that prophecying is ceast , and that no man is worthy to know the secrets of thy will. neverthelesse though we are not prophets , nor prophets children , yet wee cannot but expect utter desolation and destruction without speedy repentance : give us , o give us repentant hearts , that we may be truely humbled at the sight of our sinnes , and walke in newnesse of life all the dayes of our life : wee bese●ch thee good father to turne in mercy to us , and remove from us this sicknesse lately begun among us : lord command the destroying angell to hold his hand , that our brethren which are fled from us for the preservation of their lives , may returne againe with ioy , that we with them may praise and glorifie thy name , now and for evermore , amen . written by ● . c. an exact and true relation of the number of those that were buried in london and the liberties of all dieases , from the of march . to the . of december , .   totall . pl. march march march aprill aprill aprill ● aprill may may may may june ● june june june june july july the out-parishes this weeke were joyned with the citie . july july august august august august septemb. septemb. septem . septem . septem . octob. octob. octob. octob. novem. nov. nov. nov. decem. decem. decem. decem. the totall of the burials this whole yeare , . of the plague . . buried in london and the liberties , of all diseases , anno . the number here following .   totall . pl. march march march aprill aprill aprill aprill may may may may june ● june june june june july july july july august august august august septemb. septemb. septem . septem . septem . octob. octob. octob. octob. novem. nov. nov. ● nov. decem. decem. decem. decem. the totall of the bu●ials this whole yeare , . of the plague . . .   totall . pl. march march march aprill aprill aprill aprill may may may ● may june june june june june july ● july july july august august august august septemb. septemb. septem . septem . septem . octob. octob. octob. octob. novem. nov. ● nov. nov. decemb. decem. decem. decem.     baptized . the totall . of the plague . .   totall ▪ pl. iune iuly ● iuly iuly iuly iuly august august august august septem . septem . septem . septem . septem . octob. octob. octob. octob. novem. nov. nov. nov. decem decem. decem. ●● the totall of all the burials this yeare , is of all diseases . of the plague buried of all diseases in newcastle , as followeth . may may iune iune iune iune iuly iuly iuly iuly iuly august aug. aug. aug. septem . septem . septem . septem . ● octob. octob. the totall is . buried in garthhead in newcastle as followeth . may iune iune iune iune iuly iuly iuly iuly august august august august august septem . septem . septem . septem . octob. octob. octob. the totall is . buried in london and the liberties , of all diseases , the number as followeth .   totall . pl. aprill ● aprill this weeke was added 〈◊〉 the city parishes ▪ s. marg. westminster . lambeth . s. mary newington . redri●●e parish . s. mary islington . stepney parish . hackney parish . aprill april may may may may iune iune iune iune iune iuly iuly iuly iuly august august august august septemb. ● septemb. septem . septem . septem . octob. ● octob. ● octob. ● octob. novem. ● novem. nov. ● nov. ● decem. decem. decem. decem. decem. the totall of the burials this yeere . of the plague ● ● . . buried in london and the liberties , of all diseases , the number as followeth .   totall . pl. ianuary ianuary ianuary ianuary februa . februa . februa . februa . march march march march march april     april     april     april     may     may     may     may     iune     iune     iune     iune     iune     iuly     iuly     iuly     iuly     august     london , printed for richard harper , at the hospitall gate in smithfield . a rod for run-awayes gods tokens, of his feareful iudgements, sundry wayes pronounced vpon this city, and on seuerall persons, both flying from it, and staying in it. expressed in many dreadfull examples of sudden death ... by tho. d. dekker, thomas, ca. - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a rod for run-awayes gods tokens, of his feareful iudgements, sundry wayes pronounced vpon this city, and on seuerall persons, both flying from it, and staying in it. expressed in many dreadfull examples of sudden death ... by tho. d. dekker, thomas, ca. - . [ ] p. [by g. purslowe] for iohn trundle, and are to be sold at his shop in smithfield, printed at london : . tho. d. = thomas dekker. with a title-page woodcut. printer's name from stc. signatures: pi¹ (=d ) a-d⁴ (-d ). running title reads: gods tokens: or, a rod for run-awaies. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a rod for run-awayes . gods tokens , of his feareful iudgements , sundry wayes pronounced vpon this city , and on seuerall persons , both flying from it , and staying in it . expressed in many dreadfull examples of sudden death , falne vpon both young and old , within this city , and the suburbes , in the fields , and open streets , to the terrour of all those who liue , and to the warning of those who are to dye , to be ready when god almighty shall bee pleased to call them . by tho. d. lord , haue mercy on london . 〈…〉 london for iohn trundle and are to be sold 〈…〉 to the noble gentleman , mr. thomas gilham , chirvrgian . sir , in this vniuersall sicknesse , giue mee leaue ( in a few leaues ) to salute your health , and i am glad i can do so . to whom , in an epidemiall confusion of wounds , should a man flye , but to physicke and chirurgery ? in both which you haue skill . in the last , the world crownes your fame ( as beeing a great master . ) many of your excellent pieces haue beene ( and are to bee ) seene in this city . no painter can shew the like , no limner come neere such curious workemanship . what you set out , is truely to the life ; their 's but counterfeit . i honour your name , your art , your practice , your profound experience : and , to testifie i doe so , let this poore monument of my loue bee looked vpon , and you shall finde it . the sender beeing sorry , it is not worth your acceptation : but if you thinke otherwise , he shall be glad , and euer rest , at your seruice , tho. dekker . to the reader . reader , how farre soeuer thou art , thou maist here see ( as through a perspectiue-glasse ) the miserable estate of london , in this heauy time of contagion . it is a picture not drawne to the life , but to the death of aboue twelue thousand , in lesse then six weekes . if thou art in the countrey , cast thine eye towards vs here at home , and behold what wee indure . if ( as thou canst not choose ) thou art glad thou art out of this tempest , haue a care to man thy ship well , and doe not ouer-lade it with bad merchandize ( foule sins ) when thou art bound for this place : for all the danger will be at thy putting in . the rockes of insection lye hid in our deepe seas , and therefore it behoues thy soule to take heed what sayles she hoyses , and thy body , what pylote it carries aboord . wee doe not thinke , but numbers of you wish your selues here againe : for your entertainement a far off cannot be courteous , when euen not two miles from vs , there is nothing but churlishnesse . but it is to be feared , some of you will get such falls in the corne-fields of the country , that you will hardly bee able ( without halting ) to walke vp and downe london . but take good hearts , and keepe good legges vnder you , and be sure , you haue hung strong pad-lo●…es vpo●… your doores ; for in many streetes , there are none to guard your goods , but the houses themselues . if one shop be open , sixteene in a row stand shut vp together , and those that are open , were as good to be shut ; for they take no money . none thriue but apothecaries , butchers , cookes , and coffin-makers . coach-men ride a cock-horse , and are so full of iadish trickes , that you cannot be iolted sixe miles from london , vnder thirty or forty shillings . neuer was hackney-flesh so deare . few woollen drapers sel any cloth , but euery church-yard is euery day full of linnen drapers : and the earth is the great warehouse , which is piled vp with winding-sheetes . to see a rapier or feather worne in london now , is as strange , as to meet a low-countrey souldier with money in his purse : the walkes in pauls are empty : the walkes in london too wide , ( here 's no lustling ; ) but the best is , cheape-side is a com fortable garden , where all phisicke-herbes grow . wee wish that you ( the run-awayes ) would suffer the market-folkes to come to vs , ( or that they had hearts to come ) for the statute of fore-stalling is sued vpon you . wee haue lost your companies , and not content with that , you robbe vs of our victuals : but when you come backe , keepe open house ( to let in ayre ) and set good cheere on your tables , that we may bid you welcome . yours , t. d. gods tokens , of his fearefull iudgements . wee are now in a set battaile ; the field is great britaine , the vantguard ( which first stands the brunt of the fight ) is london : the shires , counties and countries round about , are in danger to be prest , & to come vp in the reare : the king of heauen and earth is the generall of the army ; reuenging angels , his officers ; his indignation , the trumpet summoning and sounding the alarum ; our innumerable sinnes , his enemies ; and our nation , the legions which he threatens to smite with correction . sinne then being the quarrell and ground of this warre , there is no standing against so inuincible a monarch ( as god is ) no defending a matter so foule , as our sinnes are . would you know how many nations ( for sinne ) haue beene rooted vp , and swept from the face of the earth , that no memory of them is left but their name , no glories of their kings or great cities remaining but only this , here they liued , here they stood ? reade the scriptures , and euery booke is full of such histories , euery prophet sings songs of such lamentable desolations . for , iehouah , when he is angry , holds three whips in his hand , and neuer drawes bloud with them , but when our faults are heauy , our crimes hainous : and those three whips are , the sword , pestilence and famine . what country for sinne hath not smarted vnder these ? ierusalem felt them all . let vs not trauell so farre as ierusalem , but come home , looke vpon christendome , and behold hungaria made desolate by sword and fire , poland beaten downe by battailes , russia by bloudy inuasions : the turke and tartar haue here their insolent triumphs . looke vpon denmarke , sweden , and those easterne countries : how often hath the voice of the drumme called them vp ? euen now , at this houre , the marches are there beating . how hath the sword mowed downe the goodly fields of italy ? what massacres hath in our memory beene in france ? oh germany ! what foundations of bloud haue thy cities beene drowned in ? what horrors , what terrors , what hellish inuentions haue not warre found out to destroy thy buildings , demollish thy free states , and vtterly to confound thy . prouinces ? gods three whips haue printed deepe markes on thy shoulders ; the sword for many yeeres together hath cut thy people in pieces ; famine hath beene wearied with eating vp thy children , and is not yet satisfied ; the pestitence hath in many of thy townes , in many of thy sieges and leagers ; plaid the terrible tyrant . in all these thy miseries , the spaniard hath had his triumphs ; his fire-brands haue been flung about to kindle and feede all thy burnings ; his furies haue for almost foure score yeeres stood , and still stand beating at the anuils , and forging thunder-bolts to batter thee , and all thy neighbouring kingdomes in pieces . whilst these dreadfull earth-quakes haue shaken all countries round about vs , we haue felt nothing : england hath stood and giuen aime , when arrowes were shot into all our bosomes . but ( alas ! ) hath this happinesse falne vpon her because of her goodnesse ? is shee better then others , because of her purity and innocence ? is shee not as vgly as others ? yes , yes , the sword is how whetting ; dearth and famine threaten our corne-fields , and the rauing pestilence in euery part of our kingdome is digging vp graues . the three rods of vengeance are now held ouer vs. and shall i tell you why these feares are come amongst vs ? looke vpon the weapon which hath struck other nations ; and the same arme that wounded them , smites now at vs , and for the same quarrell ( sinne. ) the gospell ( and gods heralds , preachers ) haue a long time cryed out against our iniquities , but we are deafe , sleepy and sluggish ; and now there is a thunder speakes from heauen to wake vs. we flatter our selues , that the pestilence serues but as a broome , to sweep kingdomes of people , when they grow ranke and too full : when the trees of cities are ouer-laden , then onely the plague is sent to shake the boughs , and for no cause else : as in turky and barbary ; where when a mortality happens , they fall sometimes ten thousand in a day by the pestilence . but we that are christians , and deale in the merchandise of our soules , haue other bookes of account to turne ouer , then to reckon that we dye in great numbers , onely because we are so populous , that we are ready ( as the fishes of the sea ) to eat vp one another . our eyes haue beene witnesses , that for two whole reignes together of two most excellent princes , & now at the beginning of a third ( as excellent as they ) we haue liued in all fulnesse : yet at the end of queene elizabeths foure and forty yeeres , when she dyed , she went not alone , but had in a traine which followed her , in a dead march of a twelue-moneth long , onely within london and the liberties , the numbers of . those , who then dyed of the plague , being . the greatest totall in one weeke being . of all diseases , and of the plague . thus shee went attended from her earthly kingdome , to a more glorious one in heauen , it being held fit in the vpper-house of the celestiall parliament , that so great a princesse should haue an army of her subiects with her , agreeing to such a maiesty . but what numbers god will muster vp to follow our peace-maker ( king iames of blessed memory ) none knowes : by the beginning of this prest which death makes amongst the people , it is to bee feared , they shall be a greater multitude . to queene elizabeth and to king iames ; wee were an vnthankfull and murmuring nation , and therefore god tooke them from vs ; they were too good for vs ; we too bad for them and were therefore then , at the decease of the one , and now , of the other , are deseruedly punished : our sinnes increasing with our yeeres , and like the bells , neuer lying still . we are punished with a sicknesse , which is dreadfull three manner of wayes : in the generall spreading ; in the quicknesse of the stroke ; and in the terror which waites vpon it . it is generall : for the spotted wings of it couer all the face of the kingdome . it is quicke : for it kills suddenly ; it is full of terror , for the father dares not come neere the infected son , nor the son come to take a blessing from the father , lest hee bee poysoned by it : the mother abhors to kisse her owne children , or to touch the sides of her owne husband : no friend in this battell will relieue his wounded friend , no brother shake his brother by the hand at a farewell . this is something , yet this is nothing : many physicians of our soules flye the city , and their sicke patients want those heauenly medicines which they ear tyed to giue them , & those that stay by it , stand aloofe . the rich man , when hee is dead , is followed by a troupe of neighbours : a troupe of neighbours , not a troupe of mourners . but the poore man is hurried to his graue by nasty and slouenly bearers , in the night , without followers , without friends , without rites of buriall due to our church , due to our religion , to our nation , to the maiesty of our kingdome ; nay , to the decency of a christian. o lamentable ! more honour is giuen to a poore souldier dying in the field , more regard to many a fellon , after hee is cut downe from the gallowes . i need not write this to you , my fellow sufferers in london ; for you know this to be too true , you behold this , you bewaile this . but i send this newes to you , the great masters of riches , who haue for saken your habitations , left your disconsolate mother ( the city ) in the midst of her sorrowes , in the height of her distresse , in the heauinesse of her lamentations . to you that are merry in your country houses , and fit safe ( as you thinke ) from the gun-shot of this contagion , in your orchards and pleasant gardens ; into your hands doe i deliuer this sad discourse , to put you in minde of our miseries , whom you haue left behind you . to you that are fled , and to you to whom they flye , let me tell thus much , that there were neuer so many burials , yet neuer such little weeping . a teare is scarce to be taken of from the cheeke of a whole family ( nay , of a whole parish : ) for they that should shead them , are so accustomed , and so hardned to dismall accidents , that weeping is almost growne out of fashion . why , saies a mother , doe i showre teares downe for my husband or childe , when i , before to morrow morning , shall goe to them , and neuer haue occasion to weepe any more ? whilst i am setting these things downe , word is brought me , that this weeke haue departed . soules ( within . ) and that the plague is much increased . o dismall tidings ! o discomfortable relation ! three thousand men would doe good seruice in desending a city : but when in euery weeke so many thousands and more shall drop downe of our great armies , what poore handfuls will be left ? to see three thousand men together in armour in a field ; is a goodly sight : but if wee should behold three thousand coffins piled ( in heapes ) one vpon another , or three thousand coarses in winding sheetes , laid in some open place , one on the top of each other , what a sight were this ? whose heart would not throb with horror at such a frightfull obiect ? what soule , but would wish to be out of her body , rather then to dwell one day in such a charnell house ? o london ! ( thou mother of my life , nurse of my being ) a hard-hearted sonne might i be counted , if here i should not dissolue all into teares , to heare thee powring forth thy passionate condolements . thy rampiers and warlike prouision might haply keepe out an enemy : but no gares , none of thy percullises ; no , nor all thy inhabitants can beate backe the miseries which come rushing in vpon thee . who can choose but break his heart with sighings , to see thee ( o london ) the grandame of cities , sit mourning in thy widdowhood ? thy rich children are runne away from thee , and thy poore ones are left in sorrow , in sicknesse , in penury , in vnpitied disconsolations . the most populous city of great brittaine is almost desolate ; and the country repines to haue a haruest before her due season , of men , women , and children , who fill their houses , stables , fields and barnes , with their inforced and vnwelcommed multitudes . yet still they flie from hence , and still are they more and more feared and abhorred in the country . how many goodly streets , full of beautifull and costly houses , haue now few people or none at all ( sometimes ) walking in the one , and not so much as any liuing rationall creature abiding in the other ? infection hath shut vp , from the beginning of iune , to the middle of iuly , almost ( or rather altogether ) foure thousand doores . foure thousand red-crosses haue frighted the inhabitants in a very little time : but greater is their number who haue beene frighted , and fled out of the city at the setting vp of those crosses . for euery thousand dead here , fiue times as many are gotten hence : with them must i haue about ; to them onely doe i now bend my discourse . to the run-awaies from london . we are warranted by holy scriptures to flie from persecution , from the plague , and from the sword that pursues vs : but you flye to saue your selues , and in that flight vndoe others . in gods name flye , if you flye like souldiers , not to discomfort the whole army , but to retire , thereby to cut off the enemy , which is , famine , amongst the poore ( your fellow souldiers ) and discomfort amongst your brethren and fellow-citizens , who in the plaine field are left to abide the brunt of the day . fly , so you leaue behind you your armour for others to weare ( some pieces of your money for others to spend ) for others to defend themselues by . liue not ( as captaines doe in the low-countries ) vpon dead pay ; you liue by dead pay , if you suffer the poore to dye , for want of that meanes which you had wont to giue them , for christ iesus sake , putting the money vp into your fugitiue purses . how shall the lame , and blinde , and halfe starued be fed ? they had wont to come to your gates : alas ! they are barred against them : to your doores , ( woe vnto misery ! ) you haue left no key behinde you to open them ; these must perish . where shall the wretched prisoners haue their baskets filled euery night and morning with your broken meat ? these must pine and perish . the distressed in ludgate , the miserable soules in the holes of the two counters , the afflicted in the marshallseas , the cryers-out for bread in the kings bench , and white lyon , how shall these be sustayned ? these must languish and dye . you are fled that are to feed them , and if they famish , their complaints will flye vp to heauen , and be exhibited in the open court of god and angels , against you . for , you be but gods almoners ; and if you ride away , not giuing that siluer to the needy , which the king of heauen and earth puts into your hands to bestow as he inioynes you , you robbe the poore , and their curse falls heauy where it once lights . this is not good , it is not charitable , it is not christian-like . in london , when citizens ( being chosen to be aldermen ) will not hold , they pay fines ; why are they not fined now , when such numbers will not hold , but giue them the slip euery day ? it were a worthy act in the lord maior , and honourable magistrates in this city , if , as in the townes to which our merchants , and rich tradesmen flye , the countrey-people stand there , with halberds and pitchforkes to keepe thē out ; so , our constables & officers , might stand with bils to keepe the rich in their owne houses ( when they offer to goe away ) vntill they leaue such a charitable piece of money behinde them , towards the maintenance of the poore , which else must perish in their absence . they that depart hence , would then ( no doubt ) prosper the better ; they that stay , fare the better , and the generall city ( nay the vniuersall kingdome ) prosper in blessings from heauen , the better . to forsake london , as one worthy citizen did , were noble ; it would deserue a crowne of commendations : for hee , being determined to retyre into the countrey , sent for some of the better sort of his neighbours , asked their good wils to leaue them , and because ( the poyson of pestilence so hotly reigning ) hee knew not whether they and he should euer meet againe , he therefore deliuered to their hands , in trust , ( as faithfull stewards ) fourescore pounds to be distributed amongst the poore . i could name the gentleman , and the parish , but his charity loues no trumpet . was not this a rare example ? but , i feare , not one amongst a thousand that goe after him , will follow him . but you are gone from vs , and we heartily pray , that god may go along in all your companies . your doores are shut vp , and your shops shut vp ; all our great schooles of learning ( in london ) are shut vp ; and would to heauen , that , as our numbers ( by your departing ) are lessened , so our sinnes might be shut vp , and lessened too . but i feare it is otherwise : for all the kings iniunction of prayer and fasting , yet on those very dayes ( acceptable to god , were they truely kept , and comfortable to our soules ) in some churches you shall see empty pewes , not filled as at first , not crowding , but sitting aloofe one from another , as if , whilest they cry , lord , haue mercy vpon vs , the plague were in the holy temple amongst them . where , if you looke into the fields , looke into the streetes , looke into tauernes , looke into ale-houses ; they are all merry , all iocund ; no plague frights them , no prayers stirre vp them , no fast tyes thē to obedience . in the fields they are ( in the time of that diuine celebration ) walking , talking , laughing , toying , and sporting together . in the streets , blaspheming , selling , buying , swearing . in tauernes , and ale-houses , drinking , roaring , and surfetting : in these , and many other places , gods holy-day is their worke-day ; the kings fasting-day , their day of riot . i wash an aethiope , who will neuer be the whiter for all this water i spend vpon him , and therefore let mee saue any further labour . and now to you , who , to saue your houses from red crosses , shift your poore seruants away to odde nookes in gardens : o take heed what you doe ; in warding off one blow , you receiue sometimes three or foure . i haue knowne some , who hauing had a childe or seruant dead , and full of the tokens , it has beene no such matter , a little bribe to the searchers , or the conniuence of officers , or the priuate departure and close buriall of such a party , hath hushed all ; but within a day or two after , three , foure , or fiue haue in the same house deceased , and then the badge of gods anger hath beene worne by them , as openly as by other neighbours . for , god will not haue his strokes hidden : his markes must bee seene : hee strikes not one at once , ( when hee is vexed indeed ) but many ▪ one may bee couered , many cannot . as his mercy will bee exalted in our weekely bills ( when the totall summes fall ) so will hee haue his iustice and indignation exemplified , in the increasing of those bills : and therefore let no man goe about to abare the number : his arithmerick brookes no crossing . to arme you therefore with patience ( in this great day of battell , where so many thousands fall ) take a strong heart , a strong faith vnto you ; receiue your wounds gladly , beare them constantly , be not ashamed to carry them about you , considering vnder what commander you receiue them , and that is , the great omnipotent generall of heauen . why should any man , ( nay , how dare any man ) presume to escape this rod of pestilence , when at his back , before him , round about him , houses are shut vp , coarses borne forth , and coffins brought in ? or what poore opinion , what madnesse fastneth that man , who goes about to conceale it , when the smiting angell goes from doore to doore , to discouer it ? hee makes choyce in what roomes , and what chambers such a disease shall lye , such a sicknesse bee lodged in , and where death must ( as gods embassadour ) be entertained . there is no resisting this authority , such purseuants as these cannot be bribed . stay therefore still where you are , ( sicke or in health ) and stand your ground : for whither will you flye ? into the countrey ? alas ! there you finde worse enemies then those of breda had in spinola's campe. a spaniard is not so hatefull to a dutch-man , as a londoner to a country-man . in terme-time , a sergeant cannot more fright a gentleman going muffled by chancery-lane end , than a citizen frights one of your lobcocks , though hee spies him fiue acres off . in middest of my former compassionate complaynings ( ouer the misery of these times ) let mee a little quicken my owne and your spirits , with telling you , how the rurall coridons doe now begin to vse our run-awayes ; neyther doe i this out of an idle or vndecent merriment ( for iests are no fruit for this season ) but onely to lay open what foolery , infidelity , inhumanity , nay , villany , irreligion , and distrust in god ( with a defiance to his power ) dwell in the bosomes of these vnmannerly oasts in these our owne netherlandish dorpes . when the brittaines heere in england were opprest by pictes and scots , they were glad to call in the saxons , to ayd them , and beate away the other : the saxons came , and did so , but in the end , tasting the sweetnesse of the land , the brittaines were faine to get some other nation to come and driue out the saxons . so , the countrey people , being of late inuaded by the pictes , ( beaten with wants of money to pay their rackt rents to their greedy land-lords ) with open armes , and well-comming throats , call'd to them , and receiued a pretty army of our saxon-citizens ; but now they perceiue they swarme ; now they perceiue the bels of london toll forty miles off in their eares ; now that bils come downe to them euery weeke , that there dye so many thousands ; they would with all their hearts call in very deuils ( if they were but a little better acquainted with them ) to banish our briske londoners out of their grassy territories . and for that cause , they stand ( within thirty and forty miles from london ) at their townes ends , forbidding any horse , carrying a london load on his back , to passe that way , but to goe about , on paine of hauing his braynes beaten out : and , if they spy but a foot-man ( not hauing a russet sute on , their owne country liuery ) they cry , arme , charge their pike-staues , before he comes neere them the length of a furlong ; and , stopping their noses , make signes that he must be gone , there is no roome for him , if the open fields be not good enough for him to reuell-in , let him pack . o you that are to trauell to your friends into the countrey , take heed what clothes you weare , for a man in black , is as terrible there to be looked vpon , as a beadle in blue is ( on court-dayes at bridewell ) being called to whip a whore-master for his letchery . a treble ruffe makes them looke as pale , as if , in a darke night , they should meet a ghost in a white sheet in the middle of a church-yard . they are verily perswaded , no plagues , no botches , blaynes , nor carbuncles can sticke vpon any of their innocent bodies , vnlesse a londoner ( be he neuer so fine , neuer so perfumed , neuer so sound ) brings it to them . a bill printed , called , the red crosse , or , englands lord haue mercy vpon vs , being read to a farmers sonne in essex , hee fell into a swound , and the calfe had much a doe to be recouered . in a towne not farre from barnet ( in hartfordshire ) a citizen and his wife riding downe to see their childe at nurse , the doores were shut vpon them , the poore childe was in the cradle carryed three fields off , to shew it was liuing : the mother tooke the childe home , and the nurses valiant husband ( beeing one of the traind-souldiers of the countrey ) set fire of the cradle , and all the clothes in it . a broker in houndes-ditch hauing a brother in hamshire , whom hee had not seene in fiue yeeres , put good store of money in his purse , and rode downe to visit his beloued brother , beeing a tanner ; to whose house when hee came , the tanner-clapped to his doores , and from an vpper woodden window ( much like those in a prison ) comming to a parlee , hee out-faced the broker to be no brother of his , hee knew not his face , his fauour , his voyce : such a brother hee once had , and if this were hee , yet his trade ( in being a broker ) was enough to cut off the kindred , his clothes smelt of infection , his red beard ( for he hath one ) was poyson to him ; and therefore , if hee would not depart to the place from whence hee came , hee would eyther set his dogges vpon him , or cause his seruants to throw him into a tan-fat ; and if ( quoth hee ) thou art any brother of mine , bring a certificate from some honest brokers dwelling by thee ( when the plague is ceast ) that thou art the man , and , it may bee , mine eyes shall bee then opened to behold thee : so , farewell . — with a vengeance ( replyed the broker ) and so came home , a little wiser then hee went. no further from london then pancridge , two or three londoners , on a sunday ( being the seuenteenth of this last past iuly ) walking to the village there-by , called kentish-towne , and spying pancridge-church doores open ( a sermon being then preached ) a company of hobnayle-fellowes , with staues , kept them out ; and foure or fiue hay-makers , ( who out of their countries came hither to get worke ) offering likewise to goe in , to heare the preacher , they were threatned by the worshipfull wisdome of the parish , to bee set in the stockes , if they put but a foot within the church-doores . hath not god therefore iust cause to be angry with this distrust , this infidelity of our nation ? how can wee expect mercy from him , when wee expresse such cruelty one towards another ? when the brother defies the brother , what hope is there for a londoner to to receiue comfort from strangers ? who then would flye from his owne nest , which hee may command , to be lodged amongst crowes and rauens , that are ready to picke out our eyes , if we offer to come amongst them ? the braue parlors , stately dining-roomes , and rich chambers to lye in , which many of our citizens had here in london , are now turned to hay-lofts , apple-lofts , hen-roosts , and back-houses , no better then to keepe hogges in : i doe not say in all places , but a number that are gone downe , and were lodged daintily heere , wish themselues at home , ( as complayning letters testifie ) but that the heat of contagion frights them from returning , and it were a shame ( they thinke ) to come so soone backe to that city , from whence with such greedy desire , they were on the wings of feare hurryed hence . flocke not therefore to those , who make more account of dogges then of christians . the smelling to your iuory boxes does not so much comfort your nosthrils , as the sent of your perfumed brauery , stinkes in the noses ( now ) of countrey-people . it may bee perceyued , by the comming backe of many carts laden with goods , which in scorne are returned to london , and cannot for any gold or siluer be receyued . what talke i of cart-loades of stuffe ? if some more tender-hearted amongst the rest , giue welcome to his brother , kinseman , or friend ; a beare is not so woorried by mastiffes , as hee shall bee by vncharitable neighbours , when the stranger is departed . they loue your money , but not your persons ; yet loue not your money so well , but that if a carrier brings it to them from london , they will not touch a penny of it , till it be twice or thrice washed in a pale or two of water . but leauing these creatures to be tormented by their owne folly and ignorance ; yet praying that god would open their eyes , and inlighten their soules with a true vnderstanding of his diuine iudgements ; i will now shut vp my discourse with that which is first promised in the title-page of the booke , and those are , gods tokens , &c. gods tokens . and now , o you citizens of london , abroad or at home , be you rich , bee you poore , tremble at the repetition of these horrors which here i set downe : and of which ten thousand are eare-witnesses , great numbers of you that are in the city , hauing likewise beheld some of these , or their like , with your eyes . neither are these warnings to you of london onely , but to you ( who-euer you bee ) dwelling in the farthest parts of the kingdome . shall i tell you how many thousands haue been borne on mens shoulders within the compasse of fiue or six weekes ? bills sent vp and downe both towne and countrie , haue giuen you already too fearefull informations . shall i tell you , that the bels call out night and day for more burials , and haue them , yet are not satisfied ? euery street in london is too much frighted with these terrors . shall i tell you , that church-yards haue letten their ground to so many poore tenants , that there is scarce roome left for any more to dwell there , they are so pestred ? the statute against inmates cannot sue these , for hauing taken once possession ; no law can remoue them . or shall i tell you , that in many church-yards ( for want of roome , they are compelled to dig graues like little cellers , piling vp forty or fifty in a pit ? and that in one place of buriall , the mattocke and shouell haue ventured so farre , that the very common-shore breakes into these ghastly and gloomy ware-houses , washing the bodies all ouer with foule water , because when they lay downe to rest , not one eye was so tender to wet the ground with a teare ? no , i will not tell you of these things , but of these , which are true ( as the other ) and fuller of horror . a woman ( with a child in her armes ) passing thorow fleet-street , was strucke sicke vpon a sudden ; the childe leaning to her cheeke , immediatly departed : the mother perceiuing no such matter , but finding her owne heart wounded to the death , she sate downe neere to a shop where hot waters were sold ; the charitable woman of that shop , perceiuing by the poore wretches countenance how ill she was , ranne in all haste to fetch her some comfort ; but before she could come , the woman was quite dead : and so her childe and she went louingly together to one graue . a gentleman ( knowne to many in this towne ) hauing spent his time in the warres , and comming but lately ouer in health , and lusty state of body , going along the streets , fell suddenly downe and dyed , neuer vttering more words then these , lord , haue mercy vpon me . another dropped downe dead by all gate , at the bell-tauerne doore . a flax-man in turnebull street , being about to send his wife to market , on a sudden felt a pricking in his arme , neere the place where once he had a sore , and vpon this , plucking vp his sleeue , he called to his wife to stay ; there was no neede to fetch any thing for him from market : for , see ( quoth he ) i am marked : and so shewing gods tokens , dyed in a few minutes after . a man was in his coffin , to be put into a graue , in cripple-gate church-yard , and the bearers offring to take him out , he opened his eyes , and breathed ; but they running to fetch aqua vita for him , before it came , he was full dead . a lusty country fellow , that came to towne to get haruest-worke , hauing sixteene or eighteene shillings in his purse , fell sicke in some lodging he had , in old-street ; was in the night time thrust out of doores , and none else receiuing him , he lay vpon straw , vnder suttons hospitall wall , neere the high way , and there miserably dyed . a woman going along barbican , in the moneth of iuly , on a wednesday , the first of the dog-daies , went not farre , but suddenly fell sicke , and sate downe ; the gaping multitude perceiuing it , stood round about her , afarre off ; she making signes for a little drinke , money was giuen by a stander by , to fetch her some : but the vncharitable woman of the ale-house denyed to lend her pot to any infected companion ; the poore soule dyed suddenly : and yet , albeit all fled from her when she liued , yet being dead , some ( like rauens ) seized vpon her body ( hauing good clothes about her ) stripped her , and buried her , none knowing what she was , or from whence she came . let vs remoue out of barbican , into one of the churches in thames-street , where a gentleman passing by , who on a sudden felt himselfe exceeding ill , and spying a sexton digging a graue , stept to him , asked many strange questions of the fellow , touching burials , and what he would take to make a graue for him : but the sexton amazed at it , and seeing ( by his face ) hee was not well , perswaded him to get into some house , and to take something to doe him good . no ( said he ) helpe me to a minister , who comming to him , and conferring together about the state of his soule , hee deliuered a summe of money to the minister , to see him well buried , and gaue ten shillings to the sexton to make his graue , and departed not till he dyed . now , suppose you are in kent , where you shall see a young handsome maid , in very good apparell , ready to goe into the towne , to a sister , which dwelt there : but then as you cast an eye on her ( comming into the city ) so behold a company of vnmercifull , heathenish , and churlish townesmen , with bils and glaues , driuing her by force backe againe ; enter there shee must not ( it being feared she came from london ) neither could her sister be suffred to goe forth to her . whereupon , all comfort being denyed her , all doores bard against her , no lodging being to be had for her ; shee , full of teares in her eyes , full of sorrow in her heart , sighing , wailing , and wringing her hands , went into the open fields , there sickned , there languished , there cracked her heart-strings with griefe , and there dyed , none being by her : when she was dead , the den of a serpent was not more shunned then the place she lay in . it was death ( in any townesmans thinking ) but to stand in the wind of it : there the body lay two or three daies , none daring to approach it ; till at the last , an old woman of kent , stealing out of the towne , ventured vpon the danger , rifled her purse and pockets , found good store of money , stript her out of her apparell , which was very good , digged a homely graue ( with the best shift she could make ) and there in the field buried her . the kentish synagogue hearing of this , presently laid their heads together , and fearing lest the breath of an old woman might poison the whole towne , pronounced the doome of euerlasting banishment vpon her . and so was she driuen from thence , with vpbraidings and hard language , and must neuer come to liue more amongst them . into another part of this kingdome ( not full forty miles from london ) did a citizen send his man for thirty pound , to a country customer , which was honestly payed to him ; the young man departed merry , and in good health from him : and , albeit he had so much money about him , yet in his returne to london , hee could get no loging in any place ; at which , being much afflcted in his minde , and offring an extraordinary rate to be entertained , neither money , nor charity , nor common humanity , could get a doore opened to receiue him . patient he was to endure this cruelty , and comforted himselfe , that carrying health about him , he should make shift to get to the city : but god had otherwaies bestowed him , his time was come , the glasse of his life almost runne out , and his iourney must bee shortned . for taking vp his lodging ( by compulsion ) in the open field , there he fell sicke , and wanting all humane helpe and comfort , there dyed . it was soone knowne by those that walked out of the towne , into their grounds , that there he lay dead , and as soone did they consult together what to doe with his body . none was so valiant as to come neere it : it was an eminent danger , to suffer the carkasse lye aboue ground , and a greater danger for any one ( as they thought ) to remoue it from thence . in the end , one more couragious then the other , was hyred ( for money ) to rid the towne of this mortall feare ; who ( whatsoeuer should become of them ) purposing to saue himselfe , muffled his mouth , went into the same field where the dead body lay , a far off digged a pit ( a graue hee knew not how to make ) and then , with a long pole , hauing a hooke to it , taking hold of the young mans clothes , he dragged him along , threw him in , and buried him . the master of this seruant , musing at his long staying , and being loth to lose both man and money , rode downe to see how both of them were bestowed ; and vnderstanding , that the money was paid , and which way his man went for london , came to the same towne , where ( by ghesse ) he thought he must needs put in for lodging ; and vpon strict inquiry , if such a young fellow had not beene seene amongst them ; it was confest , yes , with all the former relations of his death , and where he lay buried . the much-perplexed londoner hearing this , did , by faire meanes and money , get his graue opened , had his body in the clothes taken vp , and found all his money about him , and then in the towne bestowed vpon him , a friendly , louing , and decent buriall . it fell out better with a company of merry companions , who went not aboue ten miles from london ; for they , getting with much adoe , into a country victualing-house , were very iouiall , and full of sport , though not full of money . beere and ale they called for roundly , downe it went merrily , and the cakes were as merrily broken . when the round o's beganne to increase to foure or six shillings , quoth one mad fellow amongst the rest , what will you say , my masters , if i fetch you off from the reckoning , and neuer pay a penny ? a braue boy , cryed all the company , if thou canst doe this . hereupon , the oastesse being called vp for t'other pot , and whilest it was drinking , some speech being made of purpose , about the dangerous time , and the sicknesse , it fortuned that the tokens were named . vpon which , the woman wondring what kinde of things they were , and protesting she neuer saw any , nor knew what they were like ; this daring companion ( who vndertooke the shot ) clapping his hand on his brest ; how ( quoth hee ) neuer saw any ? why then i feare , i can now shew you some about me ; and with that , hastily vnbuttoning his doublet , opened his bosome , which was full of little blue markes , receiued by haile-shot out of a birding-piece through a mischance . at sight of these , his comrades seemed to bee strucke into a feare ; but the innocent oastesse was ready to drop downe dead . they offred to flye , and leaue him there . shee fell on her knees , crying out , shee was vndone . a reckoning then being call'd for , because they would be honest to the house ; the poore woman cared for no reckoning , let them call for as much more ( so they dranke it quickly ) and there was not a penny to pay ; prouided , that they would take the spotted man away with them . they did so , and being gotten some little distance from the house , the counterfeit si●…ke companion danced and skipped vp and downe , to shew hee was well : shee cursing them for cheating raskalls , that so had gulled her . this was a tricke of merriment , but few men , i thinke , would fill their bellies with drink so gotten . it is not safe to kisse lightning , mocke at thunder , or dally with diuine iudgements . the bells , euen now toll , and ring out in mine eares , so that here againe and againe i could terrifie you with sad relations . an ample volume might be sent downe to you in the country , of dismall and dreadfull accidents ; not onely here within london , but more in the townes round about vs. death walkes in euery street : how many step out of their beds into their coffins ? and albeit , no man at any time is assured of life , yet no man ( within the memory of man ) was euer so neere death as now : because he that breakes his fast , is dead before dinner ; and many that dine , neuer eat supper more . let these then ( as terrifying scourges ) serue to admonish the proudest of vs all , to haue a care to our footing , lest we fall suddenly . how many euery day drop downe staggering ( being strucke with infection ) in the open streets ? what numbers breathe their last vpon stalles ? how many creepe into eatries , and stables , and there dye ? how many lye languishing in the common high-wayes , and in the open fields , on pads of straw , end their miserable liues , vnpittyed , vnrelieued , vnknowne ? the great god of mercy defend vs all from sudden death : and so defend you ( the rich run-awayes ) at your comming backe to this desolate and forsaken city , that , as you fled hence to scape the stroke of contagion , you bring not , nor lay heauier strokes of mortality and misery vpon vs , when you returne to your houses . it so fell out in the last great time of pestilence , at the death of the queene , and comming in of the king : the weekes did rize in their numbers of dead , as the numbers of the liuing did increase , who then came flocking to towne : as the fresh houses were filled with their old owners , so new graues were opened for the fresh commers . a heauy and sad welcome they had at home , after their peaceable being in the countrey : and how could it happen otherwise ? they went out in haste , in hope to preuent death ; in iollity , to preserue life ; but when they came backe , then began their terrours , then their torments : the first foot they sit out of their countrey-habitations , was to them a first step to their graues : the neerer to london , the neerer to death . as condemned persons , going to execution , haue oftentimes good colour in their faces , cheerefull contenances , and manly lookes all the way that they are going : but the neerer and neerer they approch the place where they are to leaue the world , the greater are their feares , the paler they looke , the more their hearts tremble ; so did it fare with londoners in those dayes ; but we that are heere , pray that you may speed better : that you may returne full of health , full of wealth , full of prosperity ; that your houses may bee as temples to you . your chambers as sanctuaries ; that your neighbours , kindred , friends , and acquaintance may giue you ioyfull and hearty welcomes ; that the city may not mourne then for your thronging in vpon it , as shee lamented to behold you ( in shoales ) forsaking her in her tribulation ; but that god would be pleased to nayle our sinnes vpon the crosse of his sonne christ iesus , restore vs to his mercy , render vs a nation worthy of his infinite blessings , and plucking in his reuengefull arme from striking vs downe continually into graues , wee all ( abroad and at home , in countrey and city ) may meete and imbrace one another , and sing an allelniah to his name . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e sinne , the cause of the plague . all nations upon earth punished for sinne . gods three whips . hungary . poland . russia . denmarke . sweden . norway , &c. it●…y . france . the miseries of ●…ermany . 〈…〉 for them . englands security . gods three whips ready to scourge england . sin , the offence . it is not the numerous multitude of people causeth the plague . the number that dyed when queene elizabeth dyed . sinnes like the bels , neuer lie still . the plague dreadfull for three causes . how the rich are buried . how the poor ●… . newes for run-awayes . much wayling , ●…ttle weeping . thursday the ●… . of iuly . coffins and corslcts . no gates keepe out thunder . the rich fly . the poore dye . london growes leaues . the countrie too f●… . both sicke of 〈◊〉 disease . foure thousand doores shut vp . foure thousand cro●…es set 〈◊〉 . now to the run-awayes . we may flye : and , we may not flye . londoners must not liue vpon dead pay . the poore perish . the prisoners pine : and ( run-awaies ) all in long of you . a new policy , good for the city . a phoenix in london . shops shut vp . schooles shut vp . our s●…es stand open . a festiuall fasting ▪ no 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 . g●… must haue faire p●…ay . a wound well cared for , is balse cured . angels are heauens harbingers , and appoynt our lodgings . a londoner , a bugbeare . a digression a little merrily , taxing the inciuility of the common people . the old brittaines opprest by the pictes , call in the saxons . the country people the bold brittaines , w●… of moneys are the pictes , and londoners the saxons , at first called in , but now they care not if the diuell fetched them . ouerthr●… horse and foot . the foolish feare of the corydons . an essex calfe , killed without a butcher . sparrowblastings . a hounds-ditch broker entertained like a brother . this was aboue threescore in the hundred . the wisdome of pancridge-parish . the world is altered with londoners . a retreate founded . there be iuries enough to sweare bis . to wash money , is against the statute . burials still passing . bels still going . churchyards still receiving . graues still gaping for more . the horrors of the tune . a woman and her childe . a souldier . a flax-man . a country fellow . another . a woman in barbican . whosoeuer , in my name , giue●… a cup of cold water , &c. t is the prey makes the thiefe . a gentleman in thames street . a kentish tale , but truer then those of changers . thirty pound 〈◊〉 lost , well recouered . the like was done three and twenty yeeres agoe . madnesse in merriment . ●…iserable obiects merry mornings goe before sad euenings . by the king a proclamation concerning the adiournement of the parliament. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king a proclamation concerning the adiournement of the parliament. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . sheet ([ ] p.). by bonham norton, and iohn bill, printers to the kings most excellent maiestie, imprinted at london : anno dom. m.dc.xxv [ ] arms with "c r" at top of sheet; text has historiated initial. "giuen at our court at oatlands, the twelfthth day of iuly, in the first yeere of our reigne of great britaine, france and ireland." reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng england and wales. -- parliament. plague -- england -- london -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion cr diev et mon droit honi soit qvi mal y pense royal blazon or coat of arms ❧ by the king. ¶ a proclamation concerning the adiournement of the parliament . the kings most excellent maiesty , hauing taken into his princely consideration , that the infection of the plague is at this present so generally dispersed and spread abroad , in and about the cities of london and westminster , as that the parliament , late assembled at westminster , could not without manifest perill to the lords spirituall , and temporall and commons there assembled , be continued there , so long as the necessitie of the vrgent and important affaires of his maiestie and the whole realme did require ; hath therefore caused the same to bee adiourned from the citie of westminster , to be holden at the citie of oxford , the first day of august next ▪ and hath thought fit hereby to publish and declare the same to all such , whom it may in any wise concerne ; straitly charging and commanding hereby , as well all the lords spirituall and temporall , as also all and euery the knights , citizens , and burgesses , of all and euery the shires , cities , and boroughs within this realme of england , and all others whom it may concerne , that they and euery of them doe personally appeare at the said citie of oxford , the said first day of august now next ensuing , then and there to proceed in those waighty and vrgent affaires which shall bee there handled , as shall be most expedient for the generall good of his maiestie and his realmes . giuen at our court at oatlands , the twelfth day of iuly , in the first yeere of our reigne of great britaine , france and ireland . god saue the king. ¶ imprinted at london by bonham norton , and iohn bill . printers to the kings most excellent maiestie . anno dom. m.dc.xxv . an order of the lords, for the better direction of the overseers appoynted in the severall parishes of the city of oxford, against the spreading of the infection of the plague. england and wales. parliament. house of lords. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an order of the lords, for the better direction of the overseers appoynted in the severall parishes of the city of oxford, against the spreading of the infection of the plague. england and wales. parliament. house of lords. broadside. by leonard lichfield ..., printed at oxford : . reproduction of original in the bodleian library. eng plague -- england -- oxford. medical laws and legislation -- england -- oxford. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . a r (wing e ). civilwar no an order of the lords, for the better direction of the overseers appoynted in the severall parishes of the city of oxford, against the sprea england and wales. parliament. house of lords d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an order of the lords , for the better direction of the overseers appoynted in the severall parishes of the city of oxford , against the spreading of the infection of the plague . the infection of the plague being much dispersed in severall parishes and places within this city , to the end that all possible care may be taken to provide for the sick , and to keep , the sick from the whole , which by gods blessing may be a great means to stay the infection , it is ordered as an addition to the former order lately made by this borde , that the persons hereafter mentioned in the severall parishes to be the overseers for this important service , take speciall care in the severall parishes and precincts commended to their charge . that when they shall understand that any person is fallen sick in any house , that there be no resort thither by strangers , till it be discer●ed whether the sicknesse be infectious or not . that these overseers use their best care , as soon as they understand who are fallen sick , to informe themselves what the nature of the disease is , and the symptoms thereof , and then give farther directions . that as soon as any house is infected , or probably suspected to be infected , that it be shut up , and the persons in the house commanded ●o keep in the house , till farther order given for opening the house again . that a watchman be set at the fore-dore of the house , both to keep in the persons within the house , and also to fetch them such necessaries as they want , to be delivered to them so discreetly and warily as may not endanger themselves , or those to whom they shall resort . that when the house shall be known to be infected with the plague , forthwith a red-crosse be set on the outward doore of the house with an inscription in capitall letters , with these words , lord have mercy upon us , and this crosse , and the inscription be taken off again when the house is appoynted to be opened , and not before . that the watch-men appoynted take an oath for their faithfull performance of that service . that every such watch-man , when he sitteth or goeth in the streets , carry a white stick in his hand , that so others may be admonished ●ot to presse too neare into his company . that if there be a back-doore or gate to the house shut up , that that back-doore be fast shut , that no passage be that way , and also a pad●ocke hanged upon the fore-doore , whereof the watchman to keep the key . that these overseers appoynt searchers and tenders for the sick persons , and bearers and buriers when any shall dye ; and give oathes to them also , to observe their severall employments faithfully . if any appoynted to any of those places or services , being fit for the same , shall refuse to undertake the employment , or neglect it when it is once undertaken , or deale unfaithfully therein , they must know , that they shall be proceeded against with all strictnesse and severity , according to the quality of their faults . that all burialls of persons dying of the plague be in the night time , after tenne of the clock at the soonest , and without concourse of people , and that the corpse be laid at least foure foot deep under the ground , and be bestowed in such burying places , as to that purpose shall be appoynted . that the church-yards within the citty be spared from these burialls , they being for the most part small , and now very inconvenient to receive the bodyes of these infected persons . that all dogs and cats in the towne be forthwith sent away out of the towne , or such as are found in the streets , or courts of the colledges , to be knockt on the head , and their carcasses carryed away and buried without the works at a convenient distance . that if any colledges or halls be infected or suspected , that the governours of those houses give speedy notice thereof to the ouerseers of that parish or precinct within which such colledge or hall lyeth , and then those overseers by the advice and approbation of those governours of the colledges and halls for the time being , send such officers as shall be so thought fit to performe those offices to the sick or infected persons which shall be fit and necessary . and in such cases so much to be shut up as the overseers , by the advice of the governour of that house , shall think fit . the overseers names of the severall parishes , viz. for st peters in the east , & st bartholomews . alderman sowtham . m. whistler . iohn hopkins . for st maries&st iohnsparish . m. humphrey whistler . m. iohn browne . m. francis bowman . st giles alderman charles . m. selwood . m. surby . iohn white . magdalen parish m. robert cooke . m. nicholas daniell . m. george ladiman . holliwell parish m. baily . m. dickenson . m. watson . all-saints alderman sowtham . m. thomas dennis . m. hen. silvester . st michaells m. baily daniell . m. kerry . m. iames deane . st petersin the baily m. william harris . m. george boxe . m. iohnson . iohn warwick . st ebbes m. chillingworth . alford raunce . m. robert nicholas . st thomas parish m. iohn wright . m. william good . richard miller . st aldates m. carpenter . m. iohn holloway . m. langley . st martins alderman wright . m. francis harris . m. chesterman . printed at oxford by leonard lichfield printer to the university . . the meanes of preventing, and preserving from, and curing of the most contagious disease, called the plague with the pestilential feaver, and the fearfull symptomes, and accidents, incident thereunto. also some prayers, and meditations upon death. m. r. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing r estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the meanes of preventing, and preserving from, and curing of the most contagious disease, called the plague with the pestilential feaver, and the fearfull symptomes, and accidents, incident thereunto. also some prayers, and meditations upon death. m. r. [ ], printed for h. million, at the half moon in the old bayley, london : . "the epistle to the reader" is signed: m.r. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- prevention -- early works to . meditations -- early works to . prayer -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - robyn anspach sampled and proofread - robyn anspach text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the meanes of preventing , and preserving from , and curing of that most contagious disease , called the plague : with the pestilential feaver , and the fearfull symptomes , and accidents , incident thereunto . also some prayers , and meditations upon death . by one who desires it may bee for the glory of god , and the good of all people . amos . . shall there bee evil in the city , and the lord hath not done it ? london , printed for h. million , at the half moon in the old bayley . . the epistle to the reader , kind reader , i must begge one thing of thee , if god by his providence glance thine eyes upon this little peece , to read it throughout , for it is intended for the general good of all , and especially for the poor . i desire thee not to slight this opportunity put into thy hands , for thou knowest not how few dayes may pass over thy head , but thou thy self , or some of thy friends , may perish for want of such directions as this small treatise can afford thee ; which under god , may bee an instrument of much good unto thee , or thy friends . this i do promise thee , that when thou hast bought it , thou wouldest not be without it for three times what it cost thee . therefore neglect no opportunity wherein thou mayest bee doing good . some may say , this is a little pamplet , there bee greater volumns both of physick and chyrurgery , published by men of known abilities : to this i may answer , that the wisest men seldome judge of things by bigness , but trying all things , they embrace the best ; and again , the poor are locked from them several waies . first , they are in latin , so that the poor cannot read them : or suppose there 's are enough to be bought in english , sure i am , the prices of them are so high rated , that the poors purse will not bear it . here kinde reader , thou mayest have directions that tend for the good of thy soul , as well as thy body ; and if thou reapest any benefit by this little piece , return the praise and the glory of all unto god , then have i attained the expected end of this my labour ; farewell . m. r. the means of preventing , and preserving from , and curing of that most contagious disease , called the plague . the plague what it is . the plague is a disease venomous and contagious and hateful to mankinde , and deadly for the most part , accompanied with grievous sores , as carbunkles , botches , blains , and also spots , and discolourings of the skin , by antient writers , called pestities , and in english , gods tokens ; for the pestilential bubo and carbunkle , are more manifest signes of the plague , than the spots , for spots are seen in feavers , which are not pestilential . the plague may bee fitly called the rod of god , for the sins of the world : the word plague , signifies , a wound , a stroke , or a hurt , for whosoever hath this disease , hee is wounded , plagued , strucken , and that by god , it is a killing disease , fearful to man , unawares seizeth upon mans body , sleeping or waking , and being once entred , produceth deadly accidents , it is compared with the basilisk that killeth man by his sight , looking upon man ; the plague killeth those whom it breatheth upon , no man can account himself free from it . many learned writers testifie this disease proceeds from the influence of the heavens , so that , by their great distemperature the ayre is poyloned and infected , which wee are enforced to receive into the secret closets of our bodies . what safety have wee then ▪ or what can be a more fearfuller enemy to man , than pestilential feavers ? which seizeth upon man as a thief , at unawares , and lurks in every corner of the house , in his secret chambers , threatning to take away his life ; when hee least mistrusts , yea , when fast asleep ; such is this horrid disease , from which god in his mercy deliver us and our land. of the parts of mans body the plague invadeth . three parts subject to infection , the animal , vital , and natural faculties , which have their seats in the brain , the heart and the liver , on one or all these the infection seizeth upon , and once entred , tryumpheth over the whole body of man to his destruction , if god bee not more merciful in his preservation . the plague is a feaver , hee that hath it , is not without a feaver , neither is hee freed from the danger of this feaver , till one , or more than one of the crisis happen ; for until the botch , carbunkle , blain , or spots manifest themselves , no account can bee given , what will become of the patient ; wee may expect death , the distemper continuing . symptomes of recovery . the first is this : if a digestion in nature follow , and the feaver cease , the sick rest , a botch come to good perfection , a carbunkle to separation , and the blains drying , and withering , and chearfulness appearing , then wee may hope the worst is past . the causes of this disease . and that is the sins of all people ; sin makes god execute this judgement upon a nation ; shall there bee evil in a city , and the lord hath not done it . now god can put the host of heaven in order , to fight against us , and wee have no way to escape his judgements but by prayer and true repentance , and this is that , which brings a blessing upon the means you use for your recovery . the terrestrial causes of the plague , are these : vapours from stinking ponds , ditches , dung-hills , sinks , channels , vaults , unclean slaughter-houses of beasts , dead carkasses of men ; stinking fish , fowle , any thing that hath contained life and is putrified , and in great cities , as in london , unclean keeping of houses , and lains , alleys , and streets , from these recited , and the like venomous vapours ▪ by the warmth of the sun exhailed , infects the bodies of men , and produceth the plague , which once produced , is too apt to spread it self , and become popular , as experience sheweth . the accidental signs of the plague . they are various and uncertain , not in all persons alike , but to speak in general : the first appearance of the plague ▪ it appeareth cold , pain in the head , and in the stomach , and sometimes in the back , and them took for an ague and little feared . those whole pains begins in the back , all these kinde of beginnings , are more hopeful of healing ▪ then when it beginneth with pain and giddiness of the head and stomach . others complain of pain with great heat inward , in the stomach , and intrails ; when the outward parts are chill and cold , ready to shake . again , some in the beginning complain of great thirst , others of shortness of breath , swelling and soreness of the throat . again , some are taken with desire of sleep , and unfrequent yawnings , and it is unsafe to let these sleep before they are well sweated , and therefore my desire is , that you would not delay , but apply this medicine : take of zedory in powther half a dram , common treacle half a spoonful , white-wine vinegar three spoonfuls ; take this upon any infection of the plague , as soon as you are sensible of it , and sweat upon it , as long as the spirits will bear it ; repeat this over twice , to make the cure absolute ; drink with it posset drink , or veal broth , as in other courses of physick . now as touching signs , and accidents of this disease : no man can speak of any terrible symptome , sign , of any disease whatsoever , that hath befallen any man , but the like hath been seen in some one person or other sick of the plague , and therefore it is called the sickness , as comprehending all other sickness in it self . accidental signes which presage death . as namely , when the patient is possessed with soundings , and faintings , and cold and clammy sweats , often changing the countenance vomiting of slimy , sharp , and ill-coloured flegme either greenish , yellowish , blackish , or blood-coloured saines , or voiding of excrements disordered , and discoloured , either fatty , blackish , unctious , or unnaturally stinking , convulsions , contractions of the nerves , grovelling and piddling with the fingers , as plucking the bed-cloaths . we shall speak something of the three great out ward signs of the plague . imprimis , first the bubo , these buboes , boyles , or pestilential botches , commonly happen in the emunctories , sinkes or cleansing parts of the body , at the artist terms them , and seldome elsewhere if they be pestilential : namely , they come in the glandulous parts , under , or behinde the ears , if the brain bee oppressed , which is the place by which the brain , if nature bee able , driveth out the venome , or poysonous infection which would kill the whole body . in the second place , it cometh under the arm holes , where are certain small glandules or kernels , and to that part the heart sendeth out the venomous vapours , or offending matter , which suddenly groweth there to an imposthume , botch or boyle . the third and last place where the bubo pestilential cometh ; is in the groin , where when the liver is oppressed , and nature strong , she sendeth forth the disease or botch thither , and this is the third part where the botch appeareth . the second outward sign of the plague , is the fierce burning carbunckle , called the burning cole , which happeneth in every part of mans body , without order , rule , or controule , within the body , as well as without , it does appear , first inflamed , hard in the midst thereof , with a burning pain , afflicting the sick like the burning fire , and itching much , which if scratched , will come forth , a redish , yellowish , dusky coloured icour ; and sometimes the pain is so great , the patient will grow mad . the shape of this disease is somewhat round , and the colour uncertaine ; sometimes it is pale , sometimes reddish , sometimes black , or purple , or greenish , and the two last colours are most fearful , and therefore in the beginning of this disease sweat the patient well , if it appear greenish the party commonly dyeth . thus much of the second principal signe of the plague . the third signe of this disease is the blaine , whereof some infected have many , and some againe not one ; and this disease is a painful angry push , somewhat like the small pox , but in colour more red or cloudy , seldome transparent as a small pock usually is , but farre more painful ; some have them big , and some have them little , with a small head , of an angry blew or redish colour , sometimes of a lead colour , hard , or fleshy , growing upon a large root or stool ; this disease is found in every part of the body , but this blain seldome killeth or hindreth the cure of the disease . so much for the third signe , the blaine . the fourth signe of the plague , is the mark or spots , called gods tokens , but not alwaies certaine signs of the plague , nor of death to the patient , as some ignorant nurses , nay most nurses imagine , for many have spots of several forms and colours when venomous feaversreigne , and yet not the plague ; againe , many have suspicious and fearful spots , which the vulgar terme gods tokens , and recover , and live many years after to gods glory ; these spots are upon some bodies like flea-bitings , in others larger , in some as bigge as a penny , their kindes in some like freckles , sometimes found upon the breast , sometimes upon the back , the armes , and leggs of the patient , they are in colour blewish , and of a sad red ; sometimes of a lead colour , and of a purple colour , they are without paine , but many times the very sight of them to the patient causeth fear , but let me desire the patient to fear his sins more , and use the means , and by the help of god you may doe well . by the way , some doctors will give this advice , to fly from the place visited , and that quickly , and that farre , and tarry long from the danger the infected are in , where it reigneth , i deny not , but they are good rules , but remember our god is every where ; now let him that flieth fly from sin , from all sin by true repentance , and this is the safest way , the best way to cast anchor in christ , and depend upon christ . things to be avoyded in time of plague . every fulness is uneasie for nature to digest , and may prove vicious ; in contagious times beware of raw fruites , of oysters , muskles , new wines , or the like novelties , as milions , musk-milions . beware of being abroad too early , or too late , in times of contagion ; observe a good custome with your owne bodies , doe not suffer the body to be too costive or over-much bound , neither is it safe to keep a mans body daily in purging , no nor in daily looseness , for it is not good nor safe ; neither bleed but by good advice if it may be had , no not before nor after sickness , for fearful effects doe ensue often by unadvised bleeding , and purging in contagious times , now preservatives are put before curative medicines , in the disease of the plague , by most learned men the reason is ; as well concerning the sick , as also their friends and attendants , therefore it is not amiss to begin with things that preserve from the infection , and one is to correct the evil ayre in houses . a remedy against the infection . take a handful of rue , and put it in a gallon of vinegar , and drink three spoonfuls in a morning , in half a pint of worm-wood-wine , or dip a peice of bread in the vinegar only and and eate it ; take figgs and steep them in rue-vinegar all night , eate two or three in the morning fasting . a remedy if you are infected . take a penny-worth of venice treacle , and mixe it in two or three spoonfuls of dragon-water , and drink it off and sweat . for the prevention of the infection of the plague , by john jones gentleman , apothecary to his majesties houshold . take two quarts of the purest white-wine vinegar , and sleep in it juniper berries four ounces bruised , and half a handful of angelica stalkes , after twelve houres infusion , adde to it a quart of the purest rose-water , then straine it , power it upon half a handful of red poppy-flowers , and half an ounce of coacheneal , and half a pound of the best double refined suger , dip a peice of bread in this every morning , and eate it fasting , for prevention . doctor mirons receipt against the plague . take one handful of wood-sorrel , half an ounce of pomcitron-seed bruised , half a quarter of an ounce of harts-horn , and a few marigold flowers , boyl all in three pints of posset-drink a little while over a gentle fire , and then take them off the fire , and let them stand until they bee almost cold , then straine out the posset-drink , and then let the patient drink thereof bloud-warme half a pint in two or three hours , or oftner if the patient desire it ; the patient is not to eate or drink any thing else during this distemper , other than water-grewel , without any bread , butter , or sugar in it ; this by known experience hath recovered those which have been raving mad . another for the prevention of the infection . take every morning the quantity of a nutmeg , and at night when you goe to bed of this electuary . take conserve of woodsorrel one pound , which will cost s. .d . cytron bark beaten small , four ounces s. . juyce of kermes half an ounce . . diascordiam one ounce . . london treacle one ounce and half . . .   . . beat this into an electuary with six ounces of the sirrup of the juyce of cytrons , and take it as above mentioned . another when any is infected . take half a quarter of a pint of canary , half a spoonful of rue-vinegar , a quarter of an ounce of london-treacle , mix it together , and drink it hot every six hours , and continue so until the violent distemper be over . drink clear posset-drink made of one gill of vinegar , half a pinte of canary , which will make a posset of a pottle of milk. to prevent the infection . if a house bee infected , to dissipate the infection , keep the house alwaies armed with the fume of this mixture following :   s. d. take six pound of salt-peter three pound of brimstone , assafaetida , one pound . camphry six ounces . myrrhe , four ounces frankincense four pound pitch six pound . fine benjamin two pound , the smallest is best .   beat all these dry substances aforesaid , into a powder , then melt your pitch , and when it beginneth to cool , put in the powders , and stir the powders with the pitch very well , pouring in as you stir them , about a quart of the best vinegar , and when they are cold crumble them into powder , and put them in pots ; burn a small quantity of this morning and evening , to prevent infection , but to cure , keep the house alwaies in the fumes of this mixture . for to make the nosegay antidote . take storax in powder one ounce and a half , juniper berries one ounce and a half , angelica roots , one ounce and a half , gum tragacanth one penny-worth , steeped in a quarter of a pint of rue vinegar six hours , then mix that with the ingredients aforesaid , and beat it in a morter into a paste ; adding thereunto a quarter of an ounce of the oyle of worm-wood , as you finde occasion : then role them up into small balls , and put them into little ivory boxes , or sarcenet baggs , keep them to smell to . for a nosegay antidote , camphris one ounce is good . a preservative for the poor , and a good cordial take bay-berries , the weight of nine pence , and throw away the husks , and grate them to a powder , or beat them to a powther , and take the same in stale beer or ale , or in vvhite wine , and goe to bed , and strive to sweat therewith , and that fully , it provoketh sweat well , and thereby cureth the diseases , and may be taken three or four times if occasion be , for it is a cordial against the plague . againe . also beer of the infusion of wormwood and rue is very good , and to eate of the herb sorrel , or of wormwood , is good to preserve from the plague , and used insauce , is a very good cordial . again . the outlandish angelica-roots are very good chewed in the mouth , and so keep in the mouth a small root thereof for the preserving from the plague . outward medicines to bee used to cure the plague , and draw forward the disease . first , when the bubo or carbunkle appears , take a cock , or a hen , or a pidgeon , or a chicken , or a live pullet , bare about the rump and vent , then strew a little salt thin upon the botch , then binde the birds leggs and wings , as easily as may bee , and let her sit upon the botch until she dye ; burn her , and take another , and use her as the former ; and do this so long till they live , for as long as the venome is in the carbuncle , they will dye , and when out they will live : now you must apply remedies to draw , and hors-leeches are very good to apply to the place ; if the leeches take , it is a sign of health , and to make them take the better , wet the place with fair water and sugar warmed , and gently wiped off again , they will take the better : also pidgeons dung , warmed with swines fat , or hens dung , and turpentine mixed very warm , applyed warm twice a day like to a poultis . a good emplaister to ripen and break the sores . first take the hearb crows-foot , make it into a poultis , by bruising it soft with a pestil , in a cloath ; this will draw it , and blister the skin . secondly , again , mustard-seed and pidgeons-dung , well beaten together , with a little swines fat mixed , and applyed warm , do much draw forward a botch , or carbunkle . thirdly , take plantain leaves , or roots for want of leaves , a good quantity , and shred them small , then bruise them well , and strain out the juyce , with crums of bread , houshold leavened bread , boiled in the fore-said juyce , or in the juyce of sorrel is as good ; make a poultesse of this and apply it , adding in the boyling some barrows grease , apply it very warm , shift it three or four times a day ; it asswageth the pain , draweth the venom out . another remedy . take of the greater cumsrey hacked and beaten , boiled in milk , with crums of bread , then add a little butter , and a few prunes boiled therein , take out the stones ; thus applyed , doth digest and suppurate the bubo . another medicine to ripen a botch . take a great onion , make a hole in the top of it , and take part of the onion out , fill it up with mithridate , or treacle , and roste it in embers , and apply it very warm to the botch ; this is an excellent antidote , to take away the great pain , and to draw forth the venomous humours , and doth utterly quench the maligne power thereof . and thus i conclude , and begg a blessing upon all those that shall use the means , and if any there bee , that shall receive benefit and recovery by these directions : first , let him thank almighty god , that hath created medicines of the earth to heal his people ; and secondly pray for mee a sinner , the writer of this little treatise , for to that intent i took the pains . and now fellow creature who ever thou art , if it bee thy chance to meet with this book , let mee desire thee to read over these meditations and prayers ; the comfort will bee thine own . sect . i. meditations of death . the life of a christian should bee a continual meditation of death . the flight of a bird is directed by her traile , the course of a ship is steered by the helm ; so is the life of man ordered by the serious apprehension of his last end . the first man was called adam , which signifieth , a piece of red earth ; hee was cloathed with the skins of dead beasts , hee was adjudged to the earth , to digge : god would have his name , his garments , and his imployments , remembrances of his grave and mortality : and therefore christians , read over the th . psalm , and meditate thereupon . so teach us to number our daies , that we may apply our hearts unto wisdome , vers . . sect . ii. the meditation of death is good against the sin of pride . whatsoever thy wealth , birth , wisdome , beauty , state , or strength bee , thy foundation is in the dust ; job . . some are cloathed in purple , and fare well every day , others lye at the gates , and have not so much as the crumbs of their tables . but in the grave , rich and poor meet together , and the ulcers of lazarus will make as good dust as the paint of jezabel : kings must leave their crowns and scepters at the grave , i have said yee are gods , and all of you are children of the most high , but yee shall dye like men , psal . . , . sect . iii. the meditation of death is good against covet●●…sness . the rich man in the gospel , when hee had built his barns , and inned his harvest , was called away by death , and carries nothing with him of all his great store hee had provided , luk. . wee brought nothing with us into the world , and it is certain wee can carry nothing out of it , tim. . . bee not covetous , o dust and ashes . the meditation of death , is profitable against lust . the prodigal seeing many spectacles of mortality , by reason of the great famine , leaves his concubines and riotous living , and returns again to his father ▪ luke . i have read of one going to the stews , who meets a dead corps carrying to the grave , the sight whereof makes him goe back , and ever after lived a chaste life . i beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts , which war against the soul , pet. . . the argument used by these apostles to beat down in us the lust of sin , and the sin of lust , is the mortality of our bodies , why then art thou lustful o dust and ashes ? sect . iv. againe , the meditation of death is an antidote against all evil in the world . death is certaine . abraham the father of the faithful dyed , and the friend of god. jacob wrestled with an angel and prevailed , death was too hard for him . david triumphed over ten thousand philistines , and death triumphed over him . solomon a wise man , he knew the nature of all plants , and no plant had the vertue to make him immortal ; man is like an hour-glass new turned up , which never ceaseth running till it be all out . we must needs dye , and are us water spilt upon the ground , which cannot be gathered up againe , sam. . . sect . v. the time when we shall dye , uncertaine . the rich man promised to himself many years , but foole that he was , that night his soul was fetcht from him , luk. . behold now i am old and know not the day of my death ; gen. . . god would have us ignorant of the last day , that we might be ready every day . to defer repentance till to morrow is dangerous ; god hath promised thee pardon if thou dost repent to day , but if thou dost not repent , hee hath not promised thou shalt live till to morrow ; and if it be not an end of thy sins , it may be an end of thy life ; if it bring not forth conversion , it may bring forth confusion . do therefore as the wise steward , before thou beest turned out of this house , make sure of god , and heaven . sect . vi. the place where we shall dye , uncertain . death surprized abel in the field , gen. . . and eli sitting at his door , sam. . . job's children at a feast , job . . eglon in his summer room , judges . . herod sitting upon his throne , acts . . expect that therefore in every place , which in all places expects thee , and let not the place of thy death trouble thee , for the earth is the lords and the fulness thereof . sect . vii . the manner of death is uncertain . there is a natural death , when a man dies as a lamp goes out , because there is no more oyle to feed it . and there is a violent death , when the soul is thrust out of doors , and the lamp of life , not burnt , but blown out . there is a timely death , when a man dyes in a full age. there is an untimely death , when a man is crop'd like an ear of corn , before it is ripe . there is a lingering death , when the soul is besieged with sickness , and as it were , starved , and tired out of her habitation . and there is a death , accompanied with raving madness , and distemperature of body . now who knows which of these deaths are appointed for him ? now the lord prepare us to meet him , for unto god the lord belongs the issues of death , psal . . . death is a sleep brethren , i would not have you ignorant concerning them that are asleep , thes . . . i will lay mee down in place , and take my rest , psal . . . death hath nosting , death is swallowed up in victory ; o death where is thy sting ? thanks be to god , who hath given us victory through jesus christ our lord. cor. . , . is our death uncertaine , and the manner of our death uncertaine , learn to live well , fear god , and keep his commandements ; doe justly , and love mercy ; walk humbly before god , for precious in the sight of the lord is the death of his saints . blessed are they that dye in the lord , for they rest from their labours , and their works follow them , revel . . . some directions . in the time of thy sickness , with hezekiah , call thy self to an accompt for all thy sins , mourn for them in the bitterness of thy soul , confess them to god , and ask forgiveness . send for the minister , and desire his prayers . let him give thee the sacrament of the lords supper , this is the best provision for so long a journey , i say to thee as the angel to elijah , arise , and eate , for the journey is too great for thee ; and if with elijah thou dost eate and drink by faith and true repentance thou mayest travel in the strength of this meat to horeb , the mount of god , king. . , . this will not make thee dye more quickly , but more quietly , remember christ hath purchased heaven , happiness , and glory for thee . if thou beest a father , or mother of children , call them before thee and bless them , so did jacob when he departed . make satisfaction if thou beest able to such as thou hast wronged and defrauded , without restitution no remission ; inquire with samuel whose oxe thou hast taken , or whose asle thou hast taken ; whom thou hast defrauded , whom thou hast oppressed , or of whose hands thou hast received a bribe , and restore it ; send for them who have offended thee , and forgive them , and for those whom thou hast offended , and ask forgiveness . and lastly , resigne and give over thy self to god , behold , here am i , let the lord do to me as seemeth good to him , sam. . . not my will but thine be done ; and if thus thou beest prepared at the day of death , oh well is thee , and happy shalt thou be , samuel . . . blessed is that servant , whom his lord when hee cometh shall finde thus doing , thus dying ; mat. . . and conclude thy life by prayer . a prayer to bee used by a sick , or dying man. i will praise thee , o lord god , that thou hast considered my low estate and hast not shut mée up in the hands of my enemies , nor made my foes to rejoyce over mee ; and now let thy right hand protect mee , and let thy mercy come upon mee , for my soul is in trouble and anguish , because of its departure from the body . o let not the assemblies of its wicked and cruel enemies méet it in the passing forth , nor hinder me , by reason of the sins of my passed life ; o lord , be favourable unto mée , that my soul may not behold the hellish countenance of the spirits of darknesse ; but let thy bright and joyful angels entertain it , that it may give glory to thy holy name , and to thy majesty ; place me by thy merciful arme before thy seat of iudgement , and let not the hand of the prince of this world snatch mée from thy presence or bear mee into hell ; mercy swéet iesu , amen . another prayer in time of plague . o lord our god , in whose name standeth our help , and among other evils , hast promised us to deliver thy people from the snares of the hunter , and the noysome pestilence ; we beséech thée take this thy plague away from us , and as the stench of our sins hath ascended up into thy nostrils to provoke thy wrath against us , so let our humble supplications come before thée to procure our happy and spéedy release from it , lord call back thine angel , and cause him to sheath his sword again , wée are thy children , the works of thy hand , we are sorry for our sins , which are the cause of all this , and we purpose amendment ; wée are but men , dust and ashes , not able to bear long , therefore , lord have mercy upon us , and that soon , send us comfort , and suffer us not to perish after so miserable a sort : wée thank thée o lord , that thou hast not left us altogether comfortlesse , without hope , considering how many thousands are left alive ; wherefore , o lord , wée beséech thée blesse us , and all those that depend upon us ; set thy saving mark upon out houses , as thou didst upon the israelites , and give order to the destroyer , that he hurt us not : put strength to our medicines , let thy good blessing make the preservatives of the physitian , and our shuttings up , places of more security to us , and profitable ; and let us not trust too much in the outward means , but chiefly in thy mercies and blessings upon them , kéep us in our down lying , and uprising , and protect us in our vocations ; have pity upon our distressed brethren comfort the desolate widdows , provide for all the fatherlesse children , gather us together again , that by this means are dispersed , and continue thy merciful work in diminishing our dead numbers , till wée may justly say in confidence and thanks , with the prophet , we shall not dye , but live , and declare the works of the lord : grant this o lord , for iesus christs sake , our onely saviour ; amen . a prayer to bee said in the progress of sickness . o lord my god , blessed iesu , who by thy bitter death and passion hast swéetned the cup of death to us , taking away its bitterness and sting , and making it an entrance to life and glory ; have pity upon mée thy servant , who have so déep a share in sin , that i cannot shake off the terrours of death but that my nature with its hereditary corruption still would preserve it self in a disunion from the joyes of thy kingdome ; lord , i acknowledge my own infirmities , and begge thy pity , it is better for me to be with thée ; but the remembrance of my sins , doth so depress my growing confidence , that i am in a great strait , betwéen my fears and hopes , betwéen the infirmities of my nature , and the better desires of conforming to thy holy will and pleasure : o my dear redéemer , wean my soul and all my desires from the flatteries of this world ; pardon all my sins , and consign so great a favour by the comforts and attestation of thy divinest spirit , that my fears being mastered , my sins pardoned , my desires rectified , as the hart thirsts after the springs of water , so my soul may long after thée o god , and to enter into thy courts ; heavenly father , if it may be for thy glory , and my ghostly good , to have the daies of my pilgrimage prolonged , i begg of thée health and life , but if it bée not pleasing to thée , to have this cup passe from mée , thy will be done : my saviour hath drunk off all the bitternesse ; behold o lord ! i am in thy hands , do with me as séemeth good in thine eyes : though i walk through the valley of the shadow of the death , i will fear none evil , for thou art with me , thy rod and thy staffe comfort me : i will lay me down in peace , and take my rest , for it is thou lord only who shalt make me to dwell in everlasting safety , and to partake of the joyes of thy kingdome , who livest and reignest , eternal god , world without end . amen . a prayer for one in danger of death . o lord iesus christ , our health and life , our hope and our resurrection from the dead ; i resign my self up to thy holy will and pleasure , either to life , that i may live longer to thy service and amendment , or to death , to the perpetual enjoyment of thy presence and of thy glories ; into thy hands i commend my spirit , for i know o lord , that nothing can perish which is committed to thy mercy : for my soul , strengthen it with thy grace against all temptations , let thy loving kindness defend it as with a shield , against all the violences and hostile assaults of satan : let the same mercie bee my guard and defence , which protected thy martyrs , crowning them with victory in the midst of flames , horrid torments , and most cruel deaths : there is no help in me , o lord , i cannot by mine own power , give a minutes rest to my wearied body , but my trust is in thy sure mercies , and i call to minde , to my unspeakable comfort , that thou weart hungry , and thirsty , and wearied , and whipt , and crowned with thorns , and mocked , and crucified for mée : o let that mercy which made thée suffer for me so much , pardon me and save me ; let thy mercies answer for my impieties , let thy righteousness cover my sins , thy blood wash away my stains , and thy comforts refresh my soul , as my body grows weak , let thy grace be stronger , let not my faith doubt , nor my hope tremble , nor my charity grow cold , nor my soul be affrighted with the terrours of death , but let the light of thy countenance enlighten mine eyes that i sléep not in death eternal ; and when my tongue fails , let thy spirit teach my heart to pray , with strong cryings , and groans that are unutterable : o let not the enemy do me any violence , but let thy holy mercies , and thy angels , repel and defeat his malice and fraud , that my soul ! may by thy strength tryumph in the joyes of eternity , in the fruition of thée , my life , my joy , my hope , my excéeding great reward , my lord and saviour christ , amen . a prayer for a dying person , in , or near the agonies of death . most merciful and blessed saviour , have mercy upon the soul of this thy servant , remember not his ignorances , nor the sins of his youth , but according to thy great mercy remember him , in the mercies and glories of thy kingdome ; thou o lord hast opened the kingdome of heaven to all believers , let thy everlasting gates be opened , and receive his soul ; let the angels who rejoyce at the conversion of a sinner , tryumph and be exalted in his deliverance , and salvation , make him partaker of the benefits of thy holy incarnation , life , and sanctity , passion and death , resurrection and ascention , and of all the prayers of the church , of the joy of the elect , and all the fruits of the blessed communion of the saints , and daily add to the number of thy beatifyed servants , such as shall be saved , that thy coming may be hastned , and the expectation of the saints may be fulfilled , and the glory of thée our lord iesu , be advanced , all the whole church singing praises to the honour of thy name , who livest and reignest ever , one god , world without end , amen . o most merciful iesus who didst dye to redéem us from death , and damnation , have mercy upon this thy servant , whom thy hand hath visited with sickness , of thy goodnesse be pleased to forgive him all his sins , and seal his hopes of glory with the refreshments of thy holy spirit ; lord give him strength and confidence in thée , asswage his pain , repel the assaults of his ghostly enemies , by thy mercies , and a guard of holy angels : preserve him in the unity of the church , kéep his senses entire , his understanding right , give him a great measure of contrition , true faith , well grounded hope , and an abundant charity , give him a quiet and a joyful departure , let thy ministring spirits convey his soul to the mansions of peace and rest , there with certainty to expect a joyful resurrection , to the fulnesse of ioy at thy right hand , where there is pleasures for evermore , amen . a prayer for the joyes of heaven . o most glorious iesu , who art the portion and excéeding great reward of a faithful people , thou hast beautified humane nature with glorious immortality , and hast carryed the same above all heavens , above the seat of angels , beyond the cherubims and seraphims , placing it on the right hand of thy heavenly father , and grant to us all the issues of thy abundant charity , that we may live in thy fear , and dye in thy favour ; prepare our souls with heavenly vertues , for heavenly ioyes , making us righteous here , that we may bee beatified hereafter ; amen . books sold by henry million at the sign of the half-moon in the old-bayly . mr. baxter 's saints rest in . mr. baxter 's true catholick , in . his catholick unity , in . burgesse 's godly-man 's choice , in . clark 's apples of gold , in . artimmidorus of dreams , in . the history of the gentle-craft , in . finis . by the king, a proclamation concerning the prorogation of the parliament england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king, a proclamation concerning the prorogation of the parliament england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) charles ii, king of england, - . broadside. printed by john bill and christopher barker ..., london : . "given at our court at salisbury the thirtieth day of august, in the seventeenth year of our reign, ." reproduction of original in the cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london. great britain -- history -- charles ii, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the king. a proclamation concerning the prorogation of the parliament . charles r. whereas since our last session of parliament the same was prorogued by vs until the third day of october then next coming and now near at hand , at which time we did fully intend to have held our next session of parliament at westminster , if it had pleased god to remove the infection of the plague from the cities of london and westminster , or to abate it in such measure that the parliament might have met there , without the manifest peril of the lords spiritual and temporal , and the commons : and whereas the increase of the plague is now become so dreadful , and the infection thereof so generally dispersed in , and about our cities of london and westminster , that we have great reason to fear we shall not be able to assemble our parliament there where we chiefly desired : we have therefore with the advice of our privy council thought fit , and do hereby declare and publish our royal will and pleasure , that the same parliament shall be again prorogued from the third of october unto the ninth day of the same october , and from the city of westminster unto the city of oxford , where we have taken care that good accommodation be made and kept for the several members of both our houses of parliament , to be there holden upon the said ninth of october . whereof the lords spiritual and temporal , and all and every the knights , citizens , and burgesses of the house of commons , and all others whom it doth or may concern , are to take notice , and to order their affairs accordingly ; we letting them know , that although we shall not require any of their attendance at westminster upon the said third of october ( except such only who may conveniently be present at the making of the said prorogation in the usual manner ) nebertheless we do expect , and do hereby require and strictly charge and command them , and every of them personally to appear at our said city of oxford upon the said ninth of october , then and there to proceed in those weighty and vrgent affairs which shall be there handled , and shall be most expedient for the general good of vs and our kingdoms . given at our court at salisbury the thirtieth day of august , in the seventeenth year of our reign . . god save the king. london , printed by john bill and christopher barker , printers to the kings most excellent majesty , . londons disease, and cure: being a soveraigne receipt against the plague, for prevention sake. / by john qvarles, philo-medicus. quarles, john, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). b wing q interim tract supplement guide c. .f. [ ] ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. b ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books; tract supplement ; a : [ ]) londons disease, and cure: being a soveraigne receipt against the plague, for prevention sake. / by john qvarles, philo-medicus. quarles, john, - . sheet ([ ] p.). printed by edward crowch, dwelling on snow-hill, london, : . verse: "there's none so ignorant, i hope, but knowes ..." reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- poetry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - megan marion sampled and proofread - megan marion text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion londons disease , and cure : being a soveraigne receipt against the plague , for prevention sake . by john qvarles , philo-medicus there 's none so ignorant , i hope , but knowes , medicines are good , as well in verse , as prose ; therefore consulting with my thoughts , i found , a rare receipt to make th' infected sound : and knowing that the almighty doth forbid , in times of dangers , fecrets should be hid ; i thought it was my duty to make known , this cath'lick medicine unto every one ; that so their sad distempers may be heal'd , the cruel natre of this ssad disease , is so otragious , that if speedy ease be not presecrib'd , the patient must be lost , but here 's a medicine without price , or cost ; therefore let those that are inclin'd to be my willing patients , read , obeferve , and see that my prescriptions are , they shall be good , and very cheap , not hindring them from food or honest labour ; neither need they doubt restraint , but may with courage go about lawfull occasions ; therefore without a bribe , harken with patience , whilft i thus prescribe ; receipt . warm tears , distilled from a pensive heart , with herb-of-grace , mixt with divinest art , prepar'd in th' morning when the light begins to shew it self , not gathired in our sins ; but when the sun of grace hath spread his rayes , then we must gather hath spread his rayes , then we must gather it , and keep 't with praife ; it must be laid , where neither aire of lust , nor heat of envy , nor th' injurios rust of malice can come near it , nor the breath of covethousness infect , for sudden death will seize upon it , if we take not heed . 't is also good ( if possible ) to bleed , both at the eyes , and heart , for if those veins be not well breathed , the physitians pains will prove invalide ; if occasion urge , the patient must b'advis'd to take a purge , or elfe a vomit ; when th' infected blood is clens'd , a pleasant cordial will be good ; but let the patient not forget to call , with thanks , unto the sacred hospitall ; and then he may with covrage be affur'd the worst is past , and his distemper cur'd : and if he keep a well compofed will , he need not fear th' apothecaries bill ; each item's a receipt , and all his cost , returns to profit , nothing can be lost eut the disease , which the great chyron cures , whilst the physitian all the pain indures . oh happy patieut ( if the doctor please ) 't is health to fall in love with thy disease ! oh teach me to be sick , or i will make my fealf a patient for the doctors sake ! oh ! who is he that would not be content with a disease , to be his patient ? he has an antidote , that can expell all griefs ; 't is dangerous sick ness to be well : oh make me sick to death ( i mean ) of sin , that having done , my doctor may begin ; without all doubt , that patient needs must thrive . that makes affliction his preparative : oh ! who would not adore so blest a god ? good natur'd children often kiss the rod : and so , let us with patience learn t' indure our own distempers , and not doubt the cure ; the grand physitian will not spare his skill , if we submit our felves unto his will ; the more our patience labours to endure , the sooner will he make a perfec cure ; the sacred scriptures this rare cordial gives , to let us know that our redeemer lives : he lives , who by his living gives us breath , he dy'd , and we are living by his death : thus both in life and ' death we must confess , that he 's the author of our happiness ; he is that god , whose cross mst be our scrown , whose shame our honour , whose reproach , renown ; his blood must be our bath , his wounds , our cure ; for 't is his certainty that makes us sure : then let us like the ninevites , be found , whose true ropentance made them truly sound : though as ( like carelesst jonas ) now we lye in the whales-belly of our sins ; let 's cry as jonas did , and heav'n will foon advance , and bless us with a quick deliverance : delayes are dangerous , 't is therefore good to take a remedy , before the blood be quire infected , 't is a sign the cure is difficult , and will not long endure a physicall oppose , let 's therefore ftrive to quallifie it by a corrosive . a bath of tears is good , and will expel the black diseases of an infidedl ; the chymistry of sighs , and doubled groans , will melt those hearts , which sin hath turn'd to stones . but one thing more is singularly good , the dear remembrance of our saviors blood ; nor will it be unto our souls a loss , to take the lignum vitae of his cross ; and that sick-soul that knows how to procure the balm of gilliad , may ( by faith ) asure himfelf a remedy , tears mixt with rue , will make the patient bid his grief adue . finis . london , printed by edward crowch , dwelling on snow-hill . . by the lords and other his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the lords and other his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. sheet ([ ] p.). by leonard lichfield ..., printed at oxford : . signed at end: ed. littleton c.s. cottington. hertford. dorchester. dorset. hen. dover. chichester. f. seymour. edw. nicholas. reproduction of original in bodleian library. eng plague -- england -- th century. public welfare -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . a r (wing e ). civilwar no by the lords and other his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and orderin england and wales c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the lords and other his majesties commissioners . ¶ an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliese and ordering of persons infected with the plague . whereas by an act of parliament in the first yeare of the raigne of our late soveraigne lord king james , severall good and necessary provisions were made and ordeined , touching those that be or shall be infected with the plague : by which act , power is given to justices of peace of counties , majors , bayliffes , head-officers , or justices of peace in cities , borroughes , townes corporate , and places priviledged , and to the vice-chancellor of either of the vniversities , and to the bishop and deane of every cathedrall church respectively , within their severall and respective precincts and jurisdictions , to taxe and assesse all inhabitants , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , at such reasonable taxes and payments as they shall think fit for the reasonable reliefe of persons infected , and to levy the same of the goods of such as shall refuse or neglect to pay , and in default thereof , to commit them to the goale without baile or mainprize untill payment ; and also to appoynt searchers , watch-men , examiners , keepers , and buriers , for the persons and places infected , and to minister oathes unto them for the performing of their offices , and to give them other directions as shall seeme good unto them in their discretions , for the present necessity . and it is thereby farther provided and enacted , that if any person or persons infected , or being , or dwelli●g in any houses infected , shall be commanded or appointed to keep his or their house , for avoyding of farther infection , and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appointment , offering or attempting to break or goe abroad , and to resist such keepers or watch-men , as shall be appoynted to see them kept in : that then it shall be lawfull for such watch-men with violence to inforce them to keep their houses : and if any hurt come thereby , that the keepers , watch-men , and their assistants shall not be impeached therefore ; and farther , that if any infected persons being commanded to keep house , shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously goe abroad , and converse with company , having any infectious sore about him uncured , such person shall be taken and adjudged as a felon , and suffer death as in case of felony : but if they shall have no sore found about them , neverthelesse for such offence , they shall be punished as vagabonds in all respects , and also be bound to his or their good behaviour for one whole yeare , as by the said act may more fully appeare . the lords and others intrusted and authorized by his majesty , by his commission under his great seale of england , for and concerning the safety , preservation , and well ordering of this vniversity and city of oxford , and the county of oxford , and other counties and places adjoyning , in his majesties absence , taking into their consideration , that the due observance and execution of the said law , may ( by gods blessing ) be a good meanes to prevent the farther spreading of this present infection , and that the neglect of the observance of the same law , hath been , and may be , in probability , an occasion of the increase thereof , doe therefore hereby in his majesties name , by vertue of his majesties said commission , straitly charge and require , the vice-chancellor of this vniversity , and the major , justices of peace , bayliffes , and other officers of this city of oxford , and the justices of peace of the county of oxford , and all others whom it may concerne , that with all possible care and diligence , they cause the said law to be duely and effectually put in execution , as well for the helpe and reliefe , as for the governing and keeping in of infected persons , as they will answer their neglect and remisnesse therein at their perills . and they doe likewise in his majesties name , straitly charge and command all persons whatsoever , as well souldiers as others , upon whom it hath pleased , or shall please god to lay this his visitation , that they submit and yeeld obedience to the said law , letting them know , that a strict and severe proceeding shall be had , for punishing of all such as shall wilfully or contemptuously offend against the same , to the endangering of others : and that a very strict account will be required of all , who are , or shall be any way concerned in this just and necessary command , tending so much to the health and preservation of this vniversity and city , and all that are resident therein , or resort thereunto . dated at oxford , the th day of may , in the one and twentieth yeare of his majesties raigne . . ed. littleton c. s. cottington . hertford . dorchester . dorset . hen. dover . chichester . f. seymour . edw. nicholas . printed at oxford , by leonard lichfield printer to the university . . certain orders thought meet to be put in execution against the infection of the plague. england and wales. parliament. house of lords. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e b thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) certain orders thought meet to be put in execution against the infection of the plague. england and wales. parliament. house of lords. sheet ([ ] p.) by robert barker printer to the kings most excellent majestie: and by the assignes of john bill, imprinted at london : . dated at end: die iovis . septemb. . with engraving of royal seal of charles i at head of document. steele notation: upon perform-. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng plague -- prevention -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no certain orders thought meet to be put in execution against the infection of the plague. england and wales. parliament. a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion certain orders thought meet to be put in execution against the infection of the plague . that the bill , lord have mercy upon us , with a large red crosse be set upon the door of every house visited with the plague . that all the stuffe in the house where any have been visited of the plague be well aired , before they be discharged , or the house opened . the house visited with the plague to be shut up , whether any person therein do die or not : and the persons so shut up to bear their own charge , if they be of abilitie . no person to be removed out of any infected house , but by leave of the magistrate . if any person shall flee out of any house , at the time when the said house shall be infected with the plague , such persons so fleeing to be pursued by hue and cry , and the house where they shall be found to be shut up , and they restrained in some such place as the magistrate of the place where they shall be found shall think fit . that the pavements in the streets be made sufficient , and so continued ; the kenels kept sweet and clean ; the soile of the said streets to be carried away , and all annoyances to be removed : and such inhabitants as shall refuse to pay the reasonable rates assessed on them for payment of the scavingers which shall cleanse and carry away the soile , be distrained by their goods for payment thereof according to law . that if any persons shall turn out of their houses any servant or lodger being sick , power to be given to the magistrate or officer to put them into their said house again , or otherwise the said persons to provide sufficient maintenance for them ; and upon refusing so to do ( being able persons ) to distrain the goods of such persons ( for the charge ) that shall so turn them out of doors . if by order of the magistrate any persons visited be removed out of their house or lodging , to the pest-house or other place , when they be recovered and in perfect health , the said magistrate to have power and full authority to return and settle the said persons in their houses or lodging from whence they were so taken out , without contradiction of their landlords or any other . that all such magistrates or other persons that shall be trusted with this service may be enabled to do all other things necessarie , and pursuing the execution of these orders , as occasion shall require . that all collectors in the severall parishes shall be hereby required to perform their dutie in the collecting of the sums assessed upon the said parishes , according to law ; and such as shall fail in the performance of their duties therein , shall be liable to such penalties as shall be inflicted by parliament . die iovis . septemb. . ordered this day by the lords in parliament that the abovesaid orders shall be printed and published . ¶ imprinted at london by robert barker printer to the kings most excellent majestie : and by the assignes of john bill . . a friendly letter to the flying clergy wherein is humbly requested and modestly challenged the cause of their flight. by j. w. priest. j. w. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a friendly letter to the flying clergy wherein is humbly requested and modestly challenged the cause of their flight. by j. w. priest. j. w. [ ], , [ ] p. [s.n.], london : printed in the year . reproaching the clergy for their abandonment of their charges during the plague. copy cropped at head with slight loss of text. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library, oxford university. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng church work with the sick -- england -- early works to . plague -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a friendly letter to the flying clergy , wherein is humbly requested and modestly challenged the cause of their flight . by j. w. priest . rom . . . let him that is a minister wait on his ministry , and he that teacheth on teaching . london , printed in the year . to the reverend and learned clergy , who have left their cures in this time of calamity : sirs , what the sad effects of your flight have been is too too evident to those , who only unite to make a breach in the church , never expressing such mirth as when they see the church in mourning ; to these it hath afforded matter of contempt , not only of your persons , but also of your office : to others , who are the true sons of the church it hath been no small cause of fear and doubting . i heartily wish you had stopt the mouths of the first , however i beg of you that you will satisfie the doubts of the second , whose grief i have experienced to be such , that none can heal them , but you that have given the wound : i have a long time expected what is here requested , but finding a frustration of my hopes , and an increase of the peoples feares , i do by these in all humility request you , and if that will not move , i challenge you faithfully to publish the cause of your flight , whether sense of duty , or fear of danger ; if you answer the first , then tell me what text in the sacred page commands it : is this to abide in your calling whereunto you were called ? is this to stand upon your watch ? is this to gird our selves , lament and howle , &c. as the prophet joel commands , chap. . v. , . is this to be ready to die for the cause of christ , with saint paul ; or to comfort the feeble-minded , and to support the weak , as he enjoines , thes . . . no , no , it cannot be . . which of the fathers have either taught or practised it : is not this contrary to the doctrine of the fathers both ancient and modern , st. austin comparing mat. . . with job . . . concludes , that though in some cases flight may be lawful , yet saith he , quando commune est periculum fugiendum non est , ne quisquam fugere credatur non consulendi voluntate , sed timore moriendi magisque fugiendi obsit exemplo quam vivendi prosit officio epist . . in a common danger we ought not to flie , lest we seem to flie rather for feare of death , then love to live to the good of the church , and so become more hurtful by our example in flying , then we can be profitable by our living . nay , further , he tells us , if the calamity be so great , that we must either all of us flie or die , that it s then to be determined by lot , and we ought to take our lot : semblable to this are those words of that learned and religious prelat , once bishop of exceter , decad. . epist . . we , saith he , are not our own but our peoples , and are charged with all their souls , which to hazard by absence , is to lose our own : we must love our lives , but not when they are rivals with our souls , or with others ; its better to be dead then to be negligent or faithless : all soules must not wilfully be neglected because some are contagiously sick : this is the time when good counsel is most seasonable and needful ; now then , to run away from a necessary and publick good to avoid a doubtful and private evil , is to run into a worse evil then we would avoid . i will not trouble you any further , by instancing in the doctrines and practices of others of the fathers ; i know its needless : only one more , and that is the practice of your spiritual father , his grace the lord arch bishop of canterbury , who ventures his person with us in this common calamity , whom god preserve in health and honour ; had you troad the steps of this holy father , how might you have refreshed your afflicted flock , and stopt the mouths of all those who watch ▪ for your halting . i have hinted the example and practice of this pious and learned prelat , not that i judg it less unlawful for a bishop to remove his seat , then for any of us to remove from one part of our parish to another , ( which in truth is so far from being unlawful , that in some cases i judge it our duty to do it ) but i have thus instanced for the encouragement of my fellow-labourers in the work of the ministry , seeing he hath denied himself his own convenience for our comfort . the romans that fled with pompey , termed their banishment better then their own countrey , because pompey was with them : what encouragement then may it be to us that we have our father with us . . to the shame of som of you that are fled , notwithstanding the large taste you have had of his kindnesse , in kings . ▪ in stead of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the original we finde the vowels set in the text without their consonants ; to intimate , that for the kings own sons to lay violent hands upon their father in the temple , at his devotion , though it was to a fals god , was scelus infandum a wickedness too monstrous to be exprest ; if these were not worthy to have their names written in the book of god , because they had slain their father , who was a worshipper of a false god , then what is due to you to leave your father , who even in this time of danger , not only by doctrine , but example , teacheth the worship of the true god. . pray tell me if it be your duty to fly , who have curam animarum upon you ; how then is it lawful for your curates to stay , nay , is it not a sin in you to request other ministers to stay , if it be a ministers duty to flie : neither can you argue a double cure ; the ablest patient needs the best physician , according to that of our saviour , they that are whole need no physician , but they that are sick ; now i take it for granted , that your abilities surpass those of your curates , or else its pity you should enjoy such preferments ; but it may be you will be more ingenuous and faithful , and confess that fear was the cause of your flight ; consider then . the sad doom of those who betray the truth out of fear : . how much better were it for men of your spirits , to content your selves with more private benefices , whence your flight at such a time as this might be less offensive and prejudicial to the publick ; if the magistrates and other officers of this place had followed your footings , would not this in all probability have induced two greater judgments , famine and the sword , which i fear is wished for by the plague-parents of this place , sectaries and rebels ; for so you finde them numb . . . &c. if magistrates had fled , how should we have been protected ? if inferiour officers , how should the poor have been relieved ? further , besides that it conduces to the publick good , how much might a timely resignation of your livings in this place , have conduced to the glory of god , and quiet of your own consciences ; though i believe you are fearful , yet i dare not think that you are so far void of affection , as not to be troubled at that poison which may be suckt in by your people , from the mouths of sectaries , who have not only crept into your parishes , but also ( as i am credibly informed ) into some of your pulpits : thus gentlemen i have writ to you with all plainness , in order to the satisfaction of the publick , and not out of vain ostentation , though i confess i glory in this , that god hath given me courage to execute my office , notwithstanding the great mortalitie that is in this parish where i am an unworthy minister : i well hope you will either render an 〈…〉 return to your charge , that so the mouths of those gainsayers may be stopt , ( who , like nero , would be glad to see the church on fire , that they might warm themselves at the flame ) that the dubious may be satisfied , and the truth may be vindicated , which is the dailie and fervent prayer of your brother and servant , j. w. dated , sept. . . finis . man ashiv le-yahoweh, or, a serious enquiry for a suitable return for continued life, in and after a time of great mortality, by a wasting plague (anno ) answered in xiii directions / by tho. doolitel. doolittle, thomas, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing d estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : , : ) man ashiv le-yahoweh, or, a serious enquiry for a suitable return for continued life, in and after a time of great mortality, by a wasting plague (anno ) answered in xiii directions / by tho. doolitel. doolittle, thomas, ?- . [ ], p. printed by r.i. for j. johnson, and are to be sold by a. brewster ... and r. boulter ..., london : . title transliterated from hebrew. "the epistle" signed: thomas vincent. first ed. cf. nuc pre- . marginal notes. imperfect: print show-through. reproduction of original in union theological seminary library, new york. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng conduct of life -- early works to . plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - robyn anspach sampled and proofread - robyn anspach text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion הוהיל בישא המ or , a serious enquiry for a suitable return , for continued life , in and after a time of great mortality , by a wasting plague : ( anno . ) answered in xiii . directions . by tho. doolitel . psal . . . for thou hast delivered my soul from death , mine eyes from tears , and my feet from falling . . i will walk before the lord in the land of the living . . i will pay my vows unto the lord now in the presence of all his people . isaiah . . for the grave cannot praise thee , death cannot celebrate thee ; they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth . . the living , the living , he shal praise thee , as i do this day , &c. london , printed by r. i. for ● johnson , and are to be sold by a. brew●er , at the threee bibles at the west end of st. pauls , and r. boul●er at the turks-head in cornhill , . to such whom the lord hath kept alive in the time of so great death by the plague in the land , especially in the city of london . the design of these lines , is neither to commend the author , nor the book , which in these few following sheets is presented to your view ; the former being as needless to them that know his person , as the later to them that read his directions ; but i would commend the subject ( being so seasonable ) to your perusal , and the duties ( being so necessary ) to your practice . it was the saying of a learned divine , who had the honour of being made a prisoner , as well as minister of the lord , that it was great pitty there were no more prisoners of jesus christ , to write songs of his love : i will not say i could wish that more of our citizens had in this late dreadful plague , remained in this , then doleful place , which to the countries seemed more formidable than a prison ; but i believe that many of you whose calling and duty did tye your hands and feet , and shut you up in the city , have found such sweet experiences of the goodness and love of god , that they will be recorded ; and — . will be remembred by you with thankefulness so long as you live . you have seen the destroying angel entering the city , and death riding upon the pale horse triumphant in the streets , arrows flying , the sword bathed , garments rouling in blood , and this grim conqueror breaking in upon houses without resistance , taking captive , men , women and children , and clapping them up in the prison of the grave , where they must remain fast bound in his chains of darkeness , untill the opening of the doors , by him who hath the keys of the grave , who having conquered death himself , will at his appearance loosen the bonds of all deaths prisoners , that they may stand before his judgement seat , to receive their final dooms . in the midst of which slaughter and captivity , the captain of your salvation hath stood by you , held his shield over you ; set his mark upon you , and given you singular experience of his power and goodness in your preservation . you have been in a storm , god hath shown you his wonders in the deep , and when so many ships have been cast away before your eyes , and so many persons have been devoured by the cruel waters , and your selves inviron'd with waves on every side , yet the lord hath kept you alive , like jonah in the belly of the sea , or made a way for you to pass through , when so many not onely egyptians , but israelites have been drowned ; you have been in the water , but the lord hath been an arke about you : you have been in the fire like the three children , but the son of god hath walked with you , and suppressed the violence of the fire , that it hath not prevailed over you ; you have been like the bush which moses saw burning , but was not burn't , because god was in it . and when you look back upon those dark days , and black bills of mortality , where you have had account of so many thousands dying for so many weeks together : do you not wonder at your strange escape ? do you not look upon your selves , as brands pluckt out of the fire ? and must you not acknowledge it is the lords mercy you are not consumed ? you who have continued in the city in the time of the plague , when such throngs of people have been crouding out of this world daily into another , have had singular advantages of looking into and preparing for eternity , which few think of with fixed seriousness , till they be awakened by some dangerous sickness , whereby withal they are usually so weakened in body and spirit , that they are rendred unfit for such cogitations ; but to be in such danger , whilst in so good health , and in such leasure from encumbring employments , i doubt not but it hath effectually moved many of you to soar a loft in your thoughts and meditations , that you might take a view of the other country , which the scripture doth set forth , of the city which hath foundations , whose builder and maker is god. i believe the wicked have had dreadful apprehensions of the burning lake , of the ocean of gods wrath , which every day they were ready to launch forth into , and that however some have been hardened , and are as bad , yea worse than before ; yet i hope others have been so awakened with this dreadful providence , that they have been effectually perswaded to repentance and faith in christ , who alone can deliver from the wrath which is to come ; i believe that others have had deeper impressions of eternity upon them , than ever they had in their lives , which the borders thereof , on which they have been walking have given them so near & frequent a prospect of ; and i doubt not but all of you have made vows and promises to the lord of a holy conversation , of leaving those sins your conscience at that time upbraided you withal , and dedicating your lives to the lord , if he would be pleased to spare your lives : take heed of dropping asleep again after you have been awakned ; of returning again unto sin after it hath been imbittered ; of forgetting or abusing gods mercy after such a wonderful preservation ; retain the same thoughts of sins evil and the worlds vanity , of the worth of true grace and christs beauty ; retain the impressions you had of eternity , when you were so near it in your apprehensions ; hath god laid obligations upon you by his preservations and deliverances ? and have you laid obligations upon your selves by your purposes and resolutions . labor then to live up to your obligations , and if you be at a loss , what return to make to the lord : you have by his providence this little book put into your hands to give you directions ; receive them not as the bare counsel of man , but ( so far as backt by the scripture ) as the prescriptions of god , as if the lord should speak to you from heaven , and say , this is my will , these are your duties , and see that you perform them : hereby you will both please the lord , and rejoyce the heart of the author , and him who is your servant in the lord thomas vincent . the contents . the preface or introduction , p. , , . direction i. containing two parts , viz. since you live after this plague , be not worse , but better . p. . i. the first part of this direction containeth seven questions , p. . question i. whether wicked men wax worse and worse ? p. . six things premised for explication , p. , , , , . proved by scripture instances , p. , to . proved by arguments , p. , to . question ii. what are the several steps or gradations , whereby sin grows from a low ebbe to its highest actings ? or , ten rounds in the sinners ladder to hell , p. , to . where , seven things about gods hardening wicked mens hearts , p. , . question iii. under what dispensations wicked men wax worse and worse ? p. . viz. . vnder gods providences , in prosperity ▪ p. , , in adversi●y . in deliverances , , , , , to ▪ vnder ordinances , word , sacrament , p. , . question iv. why god is pleased to remove judgements , though many men are worse than they were before ? p. , to . question v. what are the aggravations of this great impiety , to be worse , after gods sorest judgments , than they were before ? answered in ten particulars , p. , to question vi. what are signs of a man waxing worse and worse ? answered in particulars , p. , to where six restraints of sin , which keeping from sin do not prove truth of grace , yet sin against , do prove height of sin , p. , , question vii . what considerations may be useful to stop the stream of such mens wickednesse that are waxing worse and worse ? p. , , seven questions to such sinners , p. , , , six directions to such sinners , p. , eight corollaries from this first part of this direction , p. , ii. the second part of the first direction , since you live , be better after this judgement than you were before , directed especially to the godly , p. where , ten lessons to be learned by those in the city , that ( by reason of the plague ) hath been a great house of mourning , p. to ten aggravations of gods peoples sin , if they be worse in their spiritual condition after this plague , than they were before , p. , , seven positions , p. , &c. seventeen arguments to gods people to be better , p. ▪ direction ii. since you live after this plague , pay your vows , and live up to your holy purposes and resolutions , which you made in time of danger , and fears of death , p. — where , seven reasons for care to keep your resolutions , holy purposes and vows , p. twenty helps to perform your resolutions , holy purposes and vows , fourteen aggravations if you come short of your resolutions ▪ holy purposes and vows , p. , &c. where , eleven signs of a beloved sin , p. ibid. direction iii. since you live , and are free from , or cured of your bodily sickness , look after the cure of soul-sickness ; take heed that you lye not under spiritual judgments , when temporal judgment is removed , p. sin is the souls sickness , in particulars , p. , spiritual judgments are worse than temporal , in seven particulars , p. — how a man may know whether he be healed of soul-sickness , in six particulars , p. — how a soul-sick sinner should do for healing , in particulars , p. the excellency of christ our soul-physician , in particulars , p. , &c. what those must do whom christ hath healed of soul-sickness , to improve this cure to the glory of god , in particulars , p. , &c. direction iv. since you live after this plague , be eminently exemplary in the capacity god hath set you , p. an humble exhortation to magistrates , whom god hath preserved , p. , , subjects duties to magistrates in particulars , p. , ministers duties whom god hath spared in this plague , in particulars , p. — peoples duties whom god hath continued to their ministers , p. governours of families duties , whom god hath spared in this plague , in respect of family worship , p. where is shewed why , in particulars , p. , to wherein , in particulars , p. how , in particulars , p. , duties of husbands and wives whom god hath continued together after this plague , viz. mutual love , p. , where is shewed what manner of love it must be , p. why they should thus love , p. wherein they should manifest it , p. , duties of parents whom god hath continued to children , in particulars , p. — duties of children , whom god hath continued to parents , what , in particulars : why , in particulars , p. — duties of masters and servants , in particulars , p. in particulars , p. — direction v. since you live by gods secret way of preservation , watch against secret sins , p. perform secret duties , p. minde secret things in publick duties , p. where , fourteen arguments against secret sins , p. — nine masked sins detected p. , ten preservatives against secret sins , p. , &c. four secret duties , p. , six secret good things in publique duties , p. , six secret sins in publique duties , p. , direction vi. since you live after this plague , be dead to the world , p. viz. to the profits of the world , p. , to the honours of the world , ibid. to the pleasures of the world , p. to the wisdom of the world , p. how a man may know , whether he be dead to the world , p. , , direction vii . since you live , be dead to sin , and be buried with christ , p. believers are buried in respects , p. two differences in burial of our friends , and of our sins , p. five things included in the burial of sin , p. , four things for comfort to those who are buried with christ , p. . direction viii . since you live after this plague , walk in newnesse of life , p. what newnesse of life doth not consist in , in particulars , p. what i● doth consist in , in ten particulars , p. the excellencies of a new life , in particulars , p. the hinderances of walking in newness of life , in six particulars , p. direction ix . since you live after this plague keep upon your heart a constant sense of gods distinguishing providence in preserving of you , p. six helps so to doe , p. direction x. since you live , and many of your relations dead , love god so much the more by how much you have fewer objects of your love than you had before , p. direction xi . since you live after this plague , remember what conscience did condemn you for , in time of fear of death , and avoid it ; what it did commend you for , and do it , direction xii . since you live , after such danger of death , trust god for the future , what this trust is ? eight arguments to trust in god , , , six special times for trusting in god , direction xiii . since you live after this plague , give thanks to god for your preservation , three wayes how we must praise god for continued life , twelve motives to praise god for continued life , , &c. six helps to praise god for continued life , , &c. directions how to live after a wasting plague . question : how should those that have been preserved by god from the grave in this time of plague , live in some measure answerably to so great a mercy ? this is a case of general concernment , to those many thousands whom god hath kept alive in a time of plague , which hath swept so many thousands into their graves , whose bodies are now rotting in the dust , and whose souls are entred into an unchangeable condition of happiness or misery , whose life is ended , whose time is past and gone , who are now receiving their wages or reward , according to what their state was found to be when the plague removed them from time into eternity , from this world into that , which now they must be in for ever , without alteration or redemption . what family is there in this great city , or what person is there in all those families , that are not concerned to enquire what signal and more than ordinary return they should make to god for such signal and more than ordinary preservation from the gates of death : who have walked upon the very borders of the grave , and are yet alive , who have been nearer the brink of eternity , and in more danger of being cut down than at other times , and yet are spared ; and are numbred amongst the living , and not reckoned nor made free amongst the dead . it is the unquestionable and standing duty of all living to live to god , but there is a super-added obligation upon all those whom god hath marked out for life , when the slaughtering angel was going from parish to parish , from house to house , to cut down those whom god had commissioned him to remove from hence . oh! should you not consider with your self , what it is that god expecteth at mine hands ? how would he have me for to live ? and what would god have me to doe ? what is the special work he hath reserved me for ? hath god layd the corpses of thousands in the church-yards , and yet given me a little respit to act for my precious soul , and for his glory ? hath he reprieved me for a while , and am i not a living , walking monument of his distinguishing mercy , and unwearied patience towards me ? when others are dead , i live ; when others must pray no more , hear no more , god giveth me time as yet to do both , and all other duties in order to my eternal peace . thus should you reason your self into your duty , and to a diligent inquiry , what you should doe to live in some measure answerably to so great a mercy . but reader , wilt thou first resolve in the fear and presence of that god that hath redeemed thy life from death , to make a conscientious use of any helps and directions so to doe ? wilt thou indeed engage thy heart ( before thou readest any further ) to use thy utmost diligence in practising and obeying what shall be from the word of god discovered to thee to be thy duty ? yea , in the name of god i charge thee that thou doe it , as ever thou wouldest appear before the barr of god with comfort , and give a good account of this his patience and providence towards thee , and of these lines which now thou readest , that neither the one nor the other rise up in judgement against thee , as an aggravation of thy sin , nor for the greater condemnation of thy soul . what dost thou say ? wilt thou promise , and accordingly obey , or wilt thou not ? if not , better thou hadst dyed in time of plague , and fallen with others into the same common grave , than to out-live the plague , and not out-live thy sin , to live longer to adde unto thy sin , and in the day of gods patience towards thee , to be heaping up wrath against the day of wrath , and the revelation of the righteous judgement of god : but if thou wilt , i shall by gods assistance proceed to resolve this important case , in laying down these following directions : which will also be of use to answer another query , viz. how you may know whether god hath lengthened out your life in mercy or in judgement . if you live according to these following rules , god hath spared you in mercy , if you live contrary to them , and dye so at last , i fear your escaping this judgement will at last prove a judgement to you . the first of these directions will be more general , the rest shall be more particular . direction i. hath god spared you in time of plague , then be better and not worse than you were before . those that before were bad , have now greater engagement to be good ; and those that were good before , are engaged by gods merciful providence to them to be better ; not only better than those that are bad , but better than themselves that before were good . in time of plague you did enquire for the best antidote , and for the best cordial and preservative , and should you not now the plague is thus ceased , enquire what is your best return you are to make to god , especially when in time of plague , gods protection was your best preservative , and the spirits comforts your chiefest cordials . this direction consisteth of two branches , and i will speak of them apart . before the plague begun . be not worse than you were be better than you were and indeed if you be not better you will be worse , as afterwards will be made appear . now because it is to be feared that some men will be worse after this dreadfull , and devouring , man-eating judgement , than they were before , i shall more largely treat of this particular , if peradventure god may by these lines prevent in some so great an evil after so great a plague . where i shall speak to these particular questions . q. . whether ungodly men doe oftentimes wax worse and worse , and why ? q . what are the several steps that men do take in sinfull wayes in their waxing worse and worse ? q. . vnder what dispensations wicked men wax worse and worse ? q. . why god is pleased to remove judgements , though many men are worse than they were before ? q. . what are the aggravations of this great impiety to be worse after gods sorest judgement than they were before . q. . what are the signs of a man that waxeth worse and worse under all the means that god doth use to make him better ? q. . what considerations may be usefull to stop the stream of such mens wickedness , that yet are waxing worse and worse ? section i. whether ungodly men do often times wax worse and worse ? some wax richer , and some wax better , and all men wax older , and many wax worser . tim. . . but evil men and seducers wax worse and worse ; deceiving and being deceived . to encrease in riches is not simply evil ; to encrease in grace is surely good . this increase is commanded : pet. . . but grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our lord and saviour jesus christ . it is commended , cor. . . in every thing ye are enriched by him , in all utterance and in all knowledge . it is to be prayed for , luk. . . lord encrease our faith . col. . . for this cause we also , since the day we heard it , do not cease to pray for you , and to desire you may be filled with the knowledge of his will , in all wisdom and spiritual understanding . vers . . that ye may walk worthy of the lord unto all pleasing , being fruitfull in every good work , and increasing in the knowledge of god. but to encrease in sin , and to grow in wickedness , especially after men have seen gods displeasure against sin , in a wasting plague , is an evil to be lamented , if we could , with tears of blood . when instead of adding grace to grace , pet. . , , . they adde sin to sin ; to drunkenness they add adultery ; to passion malice , to malice revenge . some men make such progress in sin by little and little , till ( as all the little channels meeting in one place ) become a common sewer of all filthiness , and impiety ; sinks of sin and nasty dunghils of all uncleanness . let me premise these six particulars , and i will pass to the proof of this first thing , . that the nature of man is wonderfully depraved , and in all men ( except christ ) equally sinfull . for first , all men are equally under the guilt of adams first transgression . secondly , all men are equally deprived of originall righteousnesse . thirdly , all men have equally the seeds of all sin in their nature , all naturally prone to all sin , gen. . . though by reason of the temperament of the body , some men might be more inclined to one sin than to another , yet all sin is seminally and radically in every mans nature , all men by nature are equally tinder the curse of the law , deserve the wrath of god , and equally liable to the torments of hell , ephes . . . . that every sin that men commit is of a damning nature , and though some sins in comparison of others might be called little sins , yet in respect of the great god against whom they are committed , no sin is small . though degrees of sin , and inequality of sinning , have greater degrees of torment , and shall have inequality in sufferings , yet eternall death is the wages of the smallest sin . therefore let no man think , while i speak of the increase of sin , that he is good , because he is not so bad as others grow to be . . that in the world there are severall sizes and degrees of sinners , as in the church there are severall sizes and degrees of believers . * in the church there are , fathers , young men , children , joh. . . and babes , pet. . . so there are severall sizes of sinners . some morall men , some openly prophane : some are great swearers and great drunk●rds , ringleaders to sin ; the devils lievetenants , provoking others to sin , and incouraging them therein . some are chief among sinners , luk. . . some drink in iniquity like water . job . . some are drawn to sin , and some draw sin to them , and that as with cart ropes , isa . . . some commit sin , and tremble at it : and some commit sin and rejoyce at it . prov. . . some commit sin , and are terrified at it when they have done it : some commit sin and make a mock and sport of sin , when they have done it , pro. . . & . . some commit sin with great remorse and reluctance , and others commit sin with as great and eager greediness , eph. . . . a dreadfull text , having the understanding darkned , being alienated from the life of god , through the ignorance that is in them , because of the blindness of their heart , vers . . who being past feeling , have given themselves over to lasciviousness , to work all uncleanness with greediness . these are sinners of a great magnitude , if you weigh the things spoken of them ( ) having their understandings darkned . * the word doth either signify the faculty it selfe , or the ratiocination , or reasoning of the understanding , and it is true in both respects , their understandings are dark and ignorant , and their reasonings are dark and obscure . ( ) being alienated from the life of god , i. e. * that life , that god commands and approveth , they are too much acquainted with a sensuall , flesh-pleasing , swinish life : but they are utter strangers to an holy , self-denying , sin-mortifying life : because of the ignorance that is in them , as a bruit doth not know the life of reason , so sinners are ignorant of the life of god. ( ) because of the blindness , ( more properly ) the hardness of their heart ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . this word is sometimes rendred blindness , sometimes hardness , because they are conjunct , a blind heart is a hard heart , and a hard heart is a blind heart ; it signifieth the thick skin that covereth the palmes of the hands of hard labourers , that they can handle nettles , and in that part of their hand have no feeling of the stingings , as others are sensible of . there is a thick skin hath over grown the hearts of some sinners , that they are ( ) past * feeling , unsensible as a stone , who are said to have their consciences feared as with an hot iron . but though they feel not their sin here , they shall feel the torments due for sin in the life to come . the hideous howlings , and gnashings of teeth amongst the damned , speak plainly that they feel the punishment of sin . ( ) have given themselves over to lasciviousness , sometime sinners are said to sell themselves to work wickedness , as ahab , king. . ● . sometimes are said to give themselves to wickedness , which denotes their constancy , and complacency in working wickedness , as when st. paul commanded timothy to give himself to reading , he saith , give thy self wholly to them , tim. . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . be thou in these things , a mans heart is in those things he is given to , a schollar that is given to his book , a drunkard that is given to drinking , when his cup is in his hand , his heart is in the cup. he is in drink is our proverb , when the drink is in him . god and christ should dwell in their heart , but their heart is in their sin , and sin is in their heart . ( ) to * work , they work at sin as for gain , when it is the loss of the soul , that will be the issue . sin indeed is a hard labour , and greatest drudgery : sinners work and damnation will be their wages ; they should be working out their salvation ; but they are working out their damnation , they are labouring for hell , and taking pains to undoe themselves ; and what is it they are so much imployed in ; ( ) in uncleanness , in the extent and latitude of it , working all manner of uncleanness , and that ( ) with greediness , or with * covetousness . wicked men are as eager after sin , as a covetous man is after a good bargain , they are covetous to commit sin . but beza , renders it certatim , contending and striving who may sin most , as if they could not get to damnation soone enough , or sure enough . . that the reason why sin doth not rise to its height in all men , is not from themselves but from god. it is god that sets bounds to the ocean of mens lusts that they should no more overflow . god in great measure by restraining grace dammeth up the fountain of sin , that it sendeth not forth so many streames as in others it doth . gen. . . — for i also withheld thee from sinning against me , therefore suffered i thee not to touch her . but some god giveth up unto their lusts , rom. . , . . that men stand not at a stay , in virtue , or in vice , in holiness , or wickedness : if a man doth not increase in grace , likely he is decreasing , so if a man be not mending he is growing worse ; like rotten things every day are worse and worse ; more seared , if not softned ; more resolved to sin if not reclaimed . of good it is said , non progredi est regredi , not to goe forward , is to go backward ; of wicked , i say , non regredi est progredi , not to go backward from sin , is to go forward in sin . . that wicked men might seem to mend in one thing , and waxe worse in another , and so they do not leave their wickedness , but only change it , as one that was a prodigall and licentious , turns to be niggardly and covetous . sect . ii. these things premised , i shall shew that oftentimes wicked men grow worse and worse ; and therefore will appear that this advise is not unseasonable , after such a thundring voice of judgement , as this plague hath been . this will be manifest from scripture , by arguments . first , the scriptures evidencing this , that men oftentimes grow worse , and are more wicked , are such as these , psal . . . blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly , nor standeth in the way of sinners : nor sitteth in the seat of the scornfull . in which scripture there are nine words that set forth the progress of men in sinning ; and their comming up to the height of wickedness gradatim . three respect sinful objects , counsel . way . seat. sinfull actions , walk . stand. sit. sinfull persons , vngodly . sinners . scornfull . and every third of these includes the second , and the second includes the first , non contra , every scorner is a sinner , and every sinner is ungodly , but every ungodly person is not a sinner , i. e. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , emphatically , as the word is sometimes used , luk. . . and behold a woman , in the city , that was a sinner , i. e. a great and notorious sinner , and every such sinner is not scornfull . sitting includeth [ standeth ] and doth suppose it , for a man must stand before he sits in a wicked way ; and standing supposeth a man first to come into that way , or to that seat in which he sits , but not contrary , a wicked man may walk in that way in which he doth not stand , and he might stand in that way in which he doth not sit , and so of the rest . now here observe davids climax or gradation , setting forth the progresse of wicked men in sinning . first they walk , then they stand , next they sit . first they are ungodly , then they are great sinners , next they are scornfull : for the fuller opening of this scripture to see mens growth in sin , i will review them . first , the objects , about which wicked men are conversant , which were noted to be three , . counsel , a wicked men consult how they may satisfy their lusts , they deliberate how they may get an opportunity to sin . thus the malicious man studies revenge , and the adulterer contrives secrecy , psal . . . he deviseth mischief upon his bed , and the devil is near his pillow to be his counsellour . . way , b manner of life is set out by way , in scripture , mens practises are their way , a man that hath a good trade and thrives therein , we say , he is in a good way ; and so the profession , and serving of god in such a manner is called a way , act. . . so that a wicked man maketh sin his profession and trade . thus the common drunkard by his daily wickedness professeth himself a drunkard , that is his way . . seat , by frequent commission they settle themselves on their lees , then fixe their abode in the house of sin , they lye down and like swine wallow in their iniquity , psal . . . he deviseth mischief upon his bed , he setteth himself in a way that is not good : they first consult , then act , then settle in their sin . secondly , the actions which were also three . . they walk , * they take delight in their sin as a man doth in a pleasant walk ; and as the devill ( with whom they walk ) in walking to and fro to tempt and devoure souls : a godly man might possibly step into a sinfull way , but a wicked man walketh therein . . they stand , next they become obdurate and shameless in sin , they are not ashamed of their oathes , and drunkenness , and open prophanations of the sabbath ; a godly man might fall into sin , but he doth not stand in it ; he doth not persist in it , but wicked men will stand and justify themselves in wickedness and plead for it . . they sit , as men secure , will persevere in evil ; a man that sits intends to stay , it being a gesture more remote from motion than standing is . thirdly , the persons , and these likewise are three . . the vngodly , a man that sins and repents not is an ungodly man , septuagint , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . . then they are sinners , i. e. notoriously wicked as was before shewed ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * it signifieth habituall sinners . . then they are scornfull , will be scorners of reproofs , and scorners of the way of holiness , and then are come to such height in sin , that solomon forbids to reprove them as men scarce reclaimed , prov. . , . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the septuagint translate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , pests , plagues . tertullus the oratour called the apostle paul , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pest , a plague , pestilent fellow , act. . . but by the septuagint , scornful sinners are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the pests of a place . thus from this scripture you have the progress men make in sin , accurately described by the psalmist . thus cain waxed worse and worse , and did grow in sin , gen. . . he dealt hypocritically with god , vers . . he brought to god of the fruit of the ground , but kept back his heart . ( ) he envyed his brother abel , and the grace of god that appeared in him , joh. . . and he offered to god and persecuted his brother to death , gen. . . ( ) he lyeth before an all knowing god , speaking falsly , vers . . ( ) he flies in the face of god , as if god had charged him with that which was not his duty . am i my brothers keeper ? ( ) he despaireth of mercy , vers . . my punishment is greater than i can bear , or , my sin is greater than that it may be forgiven . ( ) he flyes from god , vers . . ( ) he takes up with the pleasures and profits of the world without god , vers . . so cain increased in wickedness . so did ahab , king. . . he seeth naboths vineyard . ( ) he doth covet it , and unlawfully desire that which was another mans , vers . . and would have bought that which naboth had not a power to sell , because it was the inheritance of his fathers , vers . . and numb . . . ( ) he was discontent at naboths answer , though he gave him the word of god as the reason of his denyal ver . . ( ) he doth unfaithfully report the words of naboth , as is usual with wicked men to doe , vers . . he leaves out the reason of naboths denyal , because it was the inheritance of his fathers , ( ) he was guilty of naboths death , suffering jezebel to use his seal to effect it , vers . . and elijah the prophet chargeth ahab with his death , as being guilty of his blood , vers . . ( ) he takes possession of that which was none of his own , and which he got with the shedding of innocent blood , contrary to the command of god , ezek. . . the like steps you might perceive in jezebels sin , and if you trace her , you will find her step by step to come up to an height of sin . . she approves of ahabs unlawfull desire , vers . . ( ) she resolves to get by violence what ahab did sinfully desire , vers . , . ( ) she makes her husband guilty of blood by gaining his consent to that which he would not act with his own hand , vers . , compared . ( ) she draweth other men ▪ and makes them partakers of her sin ; the elders and nobles , vers . , . ( ) she causeth two wicked men to take a false oath against naboth . ( ) she suggesteth the charge that should be brought against him , which was high and false , ver . . let them swear that naboth did blaspheme god and the king ; when indeed naboth did neither . ( ) she prophanes gods ordinance , she proclaimed a fast ; she coloureth her wickedness with religious pretenses . ( ) she obtains the murder of naboth , vers . . they stoned by jezebels counsel an innocent man , to death . this was the growth and gradation of jezebels wickedness , till it became monstrous great . so judas encreased in wickedness , and grew worse and worse . ( ) he was an hypocrite . ( ) a theife , joh. . , , . ( ) a traitour to his lord. ( ) he despaired of mercy . ( ) he murdered himself . the groweth of sin is intimated in that expression of the holy-ghost , gen. . . the iniquity of the amorites is not yet full . it was increasing , but their measure was not full , sin would increase in infinitum , but there is a measure that a swearer , or a drunkard , and all wicked men shall fill up , and then god will call them to an account , mat. . . fill ye up then the measure of your fathers . thus from the word of god i have shewn that wicked men do grow in sin , and wax oftentimes worse and worse . sect . iii. secondly , arguments drawn from reason do evidence this , that wicked men are apt to grow in sin ; i will take up with three only , least i be too large in this direction . and they are taken , first , a natura peccati , from the nature of sin . secondly , ab impulsu diaboli , from the instigation of the divell . thirdly , ab absentia contrarii , from the absence of that which should keep them from sinning more and more . removetur prohibens . i. this appears from the nature of sin that is predominant in ungodly men , that swayes , and byasseth them in all their actions , and ruleth in them and exerciseth authority over them . . one sin doth incline and dispose the heart to sin again : the first sin inclined all men to commit more , where grace is predominant , the heart is inclined to love god , and to obey god , the generall scope of such a mans life , and the bent and inclination of his heart is towards god and duty , to grow in grace , and become better and better . now contrariorum contraria est ratio & natura . sin doth dispose the heart to sin , and to depart from god more and more , heb. . . it makes the bent of the heart to backslide further and further from god , hos . . . it makes the heart set to do evill , eccles . . . the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil . as is the tide to the boate , so is sin to mans heart . . sin is of a multiplying nature , as sin committed inclineth the heart to the iteration of the same sin , so one sin begets another , of another kind , as drunkenness and gluttony , begets lust : and malice , revenge ; as one circle in the water multiplies to twenty , out of one root of a tree grow many armes , out of one arme , many branches , out of every branch many twigs . from the same fountain proceed many streames , from the same body of the sun , many beames . so from one sin are many multiplied . so adams first sin hath multiplied innumerably . . in wicked men there is a complication and a connexion of sins , sins thus multiplied are linked one to another ; and are twisted together , as there is a chaine of graces in a godly man , that if you draw one link you move the whole chaine ; when you exercise faith upon a promise , ( suppose ) of eternall life , this sets all his graces on exercise , as one wheele in a watch moveth all the rest : faith applying this promise , stirreth up love to god that made the promise , and hath prepared the thing promised , it inflames holy desires after it , & desires put on to diligent indeavours to obtain it ; it begets a lively hope , which earnestly , yet patiently waiteth for the possession of it . so there is a concatenation of sin , therefore sin is compared to a body , in which all the members by sinewes and ligaments are knit together ; that though all the members do not grow , to an equall quantity , but some are bigger , some lesse ; yet all do proportionably grow ; so though all sins in a wicked man are not of the same magnitude , but in some drunkenness is greatest , in some pride , in some covetousness , yet all sin is growing in them , and therefore must necessarily be worse and worse : as unbelief makes a sinner fearless of gods threatnings , and fearlesness makes him secure , and security hardneth his heart , and when his heart is hard , and his conscience seared , he will be very bad . . sin is of an infectious nature , an infectious disease doth not only spread unto others , as one man sick of the plague may infect a whole parish , but getteth nearer and nearer to his heart , and seizeth upon his very vitals , that he waxeth sicker and sicker , and at last brings him to his grave : so one sin doth not only infect others , as one drunkard inticeth another to the same sin , but sin encroacheth more into the sinners heart and affections , and brings him more and more into bondage to it , and so makes him worse and worse , as a man that was wont to take a cup too much , at length is brought to frequent drunkenness , till at last it brings him to hell and to damnation irrecoverably , where he is as bad as he can be . . sin is of a craving and unsatiable nature , therefore those that would satisfie their lusts , must needs in length of time be very bad . there are four things which are never satisfied , and never say , it is enough , prov. . , . and sin may make a fifth : for though a man drudge under sin all his dayes , yet it thinks the sinner hath not done enough for it . the horse-leech hath two daughters , crying , give , give : such a thing is sin , that never leaves sucking the heart-blood of the sinner , till it hath sucked him to death . sin cannot cease to ask , and sinners know not how to deny ; and they must be wicked indeed , that will be as wicked as sin can make them . i might run through the several kinds of sin , and shew how they are never satisfied : the egyptians thought that the israelites never made brick enough : and sin thinks the sinner never is enslaved enough , that he never doth obey enough ; but i will briefly instance but in three . first , covetousness is unsatiable : it never saith , it is enough : it is not satisfied with having , nor in seeing what it hath , eccles . . . and . . and therefore puts the worldling to go drudge again . crescit amor nummi , &c. secondly , revenge is unsatiable . malice never thinks it hath done enough , and therefore puts on the malicious to consult , to contrive , and never to be at rest till he hath been more injurious to the person that is the object of his malice . thirdly , lust and uncleanness is unsatiable , and therefore such as are addicted to it , and would have it satisfied , must be very wicked , for they never do it . pet. . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , having eyes full of the adulteress , the very looks of their eye betrayes the lust of their heart ; and it follows , and cannot cease from sin , therefore will proceed to great impiety . sect . iv. ii. that wicked men will grow in sin , appears from the instigation of the devil , who is unweariedly diligent to tempt unto sin , and to adde one iniquity unto another : and that because he rules in their hearts , and takes them captive at his pleasure , tim. . . a man will be very wicked , that will sin as often as the devil tempts . a man is never so bad , but the devil would have him to be worse ; judas was an hypocrite before , but yet satan put it into his heart to be more vile , in betraying christ , joh. . . satan tempting without , and sin inclining within , satan never ceasing to tempt , and sinners not knowing how to resist , will be growing ( like the crocodile from an egge ) to a stupendous magnitude . sect . v. iii. that wicked men will grow in sin , appears from the absence of that which should restrain them . if a man hath drunk in poyson , and hath no alexipharmacum , or antidote , his sickness will grow upon him . wicked men want that which should preserve them from sin ; as . the fear of god : this is that which causeth a man to shun evil . job . . job was a man fearing god , and eschewing evil . prov. . . the fear of the lord is to hate evil . but where the fear of the lord is not , there the flood-gates are pulled up : if the devil tempt a man that feareth not god to sport on the lords day , he will do it ; to omit prayer , he will doe it ; yea , if there were no devil to tempt him , he would run on in sin . this is brought in as the cause of crying sins , rom. . , , , , , , . many sins there are enumerated , and at the close of all is , there is no fear of god before their eyes . abraham dared not to trust himself with a people that did not fear god , gen. . . abraham said , because i thought , surely the fear of god is not in this place , and they will slay me for my wives sake . . wicked men want serious consideration , that should keep them from being worse ; they do not seriously consider of death and judgement , of the wrath of god , of the torments of hell ; nor of gods omniscience , that he alwayes sees them . hos . . . they consider not in their hearts , that i remember all their wickedness , now their own doings have beset them about , they are before my face : nor of his omnipresence , that he is alwayes with them and by them ; they consider not , if i sin , i shall lose my soul , and it will cost me bitter tears or bitter torments : they do not weigh in their serious thoughts , the greatness of their danger , the heaviness of gods wrath , nor the eternity of the miseries of another world . god complains of the want of consideration as the great cause of the height of sin , isa . . , , . . wicked men want a firm assent to the verity of gods word , that they doe not verily believe the truth of gods threatnings ; but they have a secret hope that it shall goe well with them , whatever they doe , and whatever god saith . they hear of the evil of sin , and of the torments of hell , but they feel nothing for the present , and fear nothing for the future , and therefore goe on to adde drunkenness to thirst , deut. . , , . and it come to passe when he heareth the words of this curse , that he bless himself in his heart , saying i shall have peace , though i walk in the imagination of mine heart , to adde drunkenness to thirst . vers . . the lord will not spare him , but then the anger of the lord , and his jealousie shall smoak against that man , and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him , and the lord shall blot out his name from under heaven . . wicked men want a lively tender conscience , which should warn them that they sin not , and accuse them , and threaten them with damnation , if they doe . many have cauterized consciences , tim. . . where conscience is dead , or sleepy , or feared , there iniquity will abound . sect . vi. what are the several steps and gradations whereby sin growes from a low ebbe to its highest actings ? there are ten steps to the highest actings of sin , five of which are common to good and bad , the other five proper to the wicked and ungodly . many hypocrites may goe half way with the godly in that which is good , but never ( while such ) goe quite thorow . so too often a man that is godly goes half way with the wicked in sinning , but never goes quite thorow with them in all the circumstances of sin , the rounds in the sinners ladder to hell are these ten : . original concupiscence . . temptation . . inclination . . consent . . action . . custome . . habit. . hardness contracted . . hardness judicial . . consummation or final impenitence . of these briefly in their order . i. natural concupiscence , or the vitiousness of our nature , which is in infants , this is as the tinder or the gun-powder whereby our natures are apt to take fire at the least spark . this is a sin , because it is the absence or privation of that rectitude which ought to be in our nature ; it is a fruit and punishment of adams first sin , and an immediate consequent of the loss of our original righteousness . this is fomes peccati : like to that wherewith the fire is kindled or kept burning : called the old man , sinful sin , the body of sin , sin dwelling , law of members . ii. then there is some temptation , solicitation , suited to this corrupt principle , either by the devil or wicked men : or some object presented to a man that might stirre up and excite this internal principle of corruption in our hearts , and though all men have the seeds of all sin , yet satan observing mens different constitutions hath different baits , ( as men have several baits , for several fish ) some he soliciteth to drunkenness , others to uncleanness , and others to covetousness : where note , that satan hath a wonderful advantage of us , which he had not in our first parents before the first sin ; for there was nothing in their hearts that was corrupt , and yet how did the devils temptation together with the object set before their eyes , prevail over them ! what the warm sun is to the stiff and frozen serpent , it doth enliven it , and then it sendeth forth its venom , and useth its sting ; that a temptation , or an object , proposed is , to our corrupt natures . some call this abstraction , a drawing the minde off from good to evil . iii. then there ariseth some inclination in the soul , or an hankering of the heart after that sinful object ; an entring into a patley with the devil , minding of the motion made by the tempter , thinking further of the committing of the sin . this is called inescation , ( as the fish delighteth to play with the bait ) or vitiosus motus , joyned with some titillation or delight of the heart therein . the first motions of the heart , that are primo primi , though they be involuntary , and before consent of will , and the judgement against them , yet are sins , ( ) because they are motus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , disorderly motions of the heart ; ( ) because they be forbidden by the law of god , and ( ) hinder our love to god. iv. next is the compliance and consent of the will , yielding to the temptation , and closing with the motion made concerning such an act upon such an object . the will as queen and commander in the soul , makes a decree to close with the temptation , and to close with and consent unto the solicitation to sin , upon the understandings mistake in its comparative judgement , apprehending and dictating to the will that to be good which indeed is evil , or the sensitive appetite moving the will by the mediation of the understanding , allureth it unto consent ; and this is the conception of sin , jam. . , . but every man is tempted , when he is drawn away of his own lust and entised , then when lust hath conceived , it bringeth forth sin , &c. v. when the will hath consented it layes a despotical or flat injunction on the members of the body to execute and proceed to action , and this is the actual commission of sin in the execution , in imperate acts . thus when judas had consented to betray christ , he goes forth and covenants with christs crucifyers , and betrayes him . thus the eye moveth to behold , and the hand to act that which the will consenteth to and commands . thus far it is the unhappiness of the people of god in their state of imperfection , to yield . david had a principle of corruption , then an object proposed , then wicked suggestions arose or were injected into his minde , then his will consented , and then proceeded to the actual commission of his after-bitterly-lamented sin . vi. then wicked men proceed to the frequent iteration of the same sin , till it becomes customary . a wicked man is drunk till it is his custom to be so , and to swear till it becomes his custom to do so . this is a great progress made in sin , it is great growth , and such will be hardly reclaimed . jer. . . can the aethiopian change his skin , or the leopard his spots ? then may you who are accustomed to do evil , learn to do well . aethiopem lavare is to labour in vain . ministers endeavour to reclaim men accustomed to swearing , and lying , and drunkenness , and they preach in vain , and study and pray in vain , as to any success usually upon such mens hearts . it is the commendation of a man to be accustomed to a thing , if it be good , for a christian to say , it is his custom to pray ; and a minister , it is his custom to preach ; though it is not good , that the one pray out of custom , nor the other preach customarily : to have it customary to perform holy dutyes is good , but to do them customarily is evil . thus it was christs custom , or he was wont to preach and teach the people . but it is an aggravation to be accustomed to a thing if it be evil , and if it be gross , it is a sign of a graceless person : though some carnal men when reproved for their often swearing , say , i thought no harm , it is only a custom i have got , and i cannot leave it : a custom ! why that is the aggravation and growth of thy wickedness , and thou dost as foolishly alledge that to extenuate thy sin , which indeed doth aggravate thy sin ; as a thief accused before the judge for stealing should plead , it was his custom so to doe . now sin is become the profession of the sinner , and he goes to his sin as customarily as an artificer to his shop or work-house ; but it is not the custom of gods people to make a custom of committing gross sins . david did to the wounding of his soul once commit adultery , but it was not his custome so to doe . peter at one time did deny his lord , but it was not his custom so to do . it is not the custom of a gracious person often to commit the same grosse sin , but it is his custom often to lament a gross sin but once committed . therefore if it be thy custom to commit grosse sins , and thou art wont to do so , thou art gone beyond the people of god in thy sinnings . thy state is deplorable . vii . customary commission of sin begets an habit in sinning ; whereby the love of sin is more deeply radicated in the heart . habits are got by frequent repeated acts , and doth adde a greater facility to act ; and such as are customary sinners will soon be habitual sinners , by frequent swearing they will have an habit of swearing ; by frequent drunkenness they will acquire an habit of that sin , and what is habitual especially in evil things , is not easily lost . viii . then habitual commission of sin begets contracted hardness of heart , and fearlesness of all gods judgements and threatnings ; and contracted hardness added to natural hardness , is a great progress in sinning . * thy conscience is seared , thy heart hard as the nether milstone ; past feeling . when pharaoh hardened his heart , his sinning was great , exod. . . now thou stiffenest thy neck against all admonitions , act. . . and hardenest thy heart against reproofs , prov. . . now thou actest as if thou wert above controul , and if thou couldst , wouldest shake off the very sovereignty of god. exod . . and pharaoh ( who was come up to the degree of hardness ) said , who is the lord , that i should obey his voyce , to let israel goe ? i know not the lord , neither will i let israel goe . so hardened sinners reply to gods ministers exhorting them to let their sins and lusts goe ; saying ( at least in their hearts ) who is the lord , whose name you use ? we know not the lord , neither will we let our sins goe , nor our pleasures and profits goe . now thou sayest to the lord , depart from me , job . . my tongue is mine own , who is lord over me ? psal . . . now thou gloriest in thy wickedness that is thy shame , philip. . . thou rejoycest to doe evil , prov. . . and makest a mock of sin , prov. . . and makest a sport in doing mischief , prov. . . oh if thou couldest vapour it thus at the day of judgement , and make as light of torment as now thou dost of sin , if thou couldest brave it out thus before christ at his comming , and russian like , bid defiance to an almighty god , and angry judge , thy case were not so miserable , but thou canst not , alas , thou canst not doe it : now thou art stout against the lord , mal. . . but then thou shalt sneake and crouch before him . ix . then judiciall hardness is added to contracted hardness , thou hast hardned thine own heart , and god will harden it also . now when naturall , contracted , and judicial , all meet in one mans heart , how hard must it needs be , and how great a sinner is this man in the sight of god ? you read sometime , pharaoh hardned his heart ●●mself , exod. . . and sometimes that god hardned pharaohs heart also , exod. . . so god giveth men up to their own hearts lusts which is a greater judgement , unspeakably greater than all bodily plagues . read rom. . . to the end , psal . . , . rev. . . isa . . . . hos . . , . but here conceive of god aright , when the scripture saith god hardneth mens heart , it is not to be understood , as if god were the author of their sin no more than the sun can be the efficient cause of darkness , for how shall the chiefest good be the authour of the greatest evill . for . god doth not infuse any wickedness into their hearts . . nor doth god tempt them to sin , james . . he may try them , but not tempt them to sin . . god commands no man to sin , for gods command would make it no sin , as in the case of abrahams sacrificing his son , or the israelites taking the jewels and ear-rings of the egyptians : except such things as are intrinsecally evill , as are hating of god , and blaspheming of god , and these things god cannot command , as he is said that he cannot lye , tit. . . . god with greatest severity forbids mens sins , he chargeth you upon pain of damnation , upon perill of hell torments , that you sin not , but commands men to repent , and mourne for sin , therefore doth forbid them to be hard and stupid under sin . . neither doth god co-operate , or concurre to the wickedness of their actions , though without derogation to gods honour we may say , he doth concurre to their wicked actions , for in him all live and move and have their beings , act. . . the action materially considered ( as it is an action or motion ) is good , and so god is the cause of it , but the action formally considered is evill , and so god is not the author of it , as when you spur a lame horse , you are the cause that the horse doth move , but you are not the cause of his halting . . but god doth permit and suffer men to harden themselves , he doth not give them preventing grace , but denieth that ( which he is not bound to give ) which would keep off this hardness from them . so god is said to give men over to their own wicked hearts , to let them alone , and leave them to their lusts , rom. . , . and to give them over to a reprobate mind , thes . . , . . but if some should say , bare divine permission cannot be the reason why god should be said to harden mens hearts , no more than he would be said to steal , because he suffereth men so to doe . some therefore adde , . that hardness of heart may be considered either as a sin , and so god is not the author of it , or as a punishment , and so it may be from * god , as the same thing in divers respects might be a sin , and a punishment of former sin , and a cause of future sinning , so the same thing in divers respects might be from god , and from the creature : as absaloms rebellion against the king was an hainous sin , as from him , yet it was also a punishment of davids sins , sam. . . but the scripture asserts two things however , ( ) that with god dwels no evill , and he cannot be the cause of sin , and yet ( ) expressely saith , that the lord hardned pharaohs heart exod. . . though we know not the manner , that doth not lessen the dreadfullness of the judgement , but when god doth judicially harden , then men are almost ripe in sin and for hell . x. when god hath judicially hardned them , they let loose the reignes of their lusts and now are fit for any wickedness , and stop not at the most abominable and loathsome practises . now they can blaspheme , and mock god , and deride holiness , and act like incarnate devils , when the people in act. . . . saw the wonderfull works wrought by the apostles ; they said , the gods are come down to us in the likeness of men , but when we see the most abominable , and sordid practises of wicked men , might we not say , the devills are come up to us in the likeness of men ? when men are judicially hardened they will commit sins against nature , rom. . , . &c. and could wish there were no god ; nay now they are ( when they have given themselves over to work wickedness , and god hath given them over too , when they say , we will be filthy , and god say , you shall be filthy ) eager and greedy after sin , they weary themselves in committing iniquity , and yet are not weary of iniquity , and do even scorne at threatnings , and mock at judgements , pet. . , . men walking after their own lusts , say , where is the promise of his coming , for since the fathers fell asleep , all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation . is . . . that say , let him make speed , and hasten his work , that we may see it : and let the counsell of the holy one of israel draw nigh , and come , that we may know it . thus sinning with judiciall hardness , and dying in finall impenitency , are at the bottom round , from whence they step into endless misery . thus you see how great a matter a little fire kindleth ; and from how small beginnings some have proceeded to the very pitch and height of sin , that can scarce be worse ( save in the frequent iteration of the sins , that they commit ) for they have got into all kinds of sin , they are guilty of spirituall wickedness , which the devill is , malice , enmity against god and goodness , &c. and of corporall wickedness , as adultery , drunkenness , gluttony , &c. which the devill is not capable of committing , the devill being only a spirit , but men consist of body and spirit , and so may commit more sins for kind , than the devill himself can do . but god forbid that after such a judgement , amongst us should be found such sinners , this will be an evil requitall to the lord for his removing his sore judgement from us . sect . vii . vnder what dispensations do wicked men grow worse and worse ? in the generall i answer , wicked men are the worse in all conditions that god puts them into : more particularly they are worse and worse , under gods providences , gods ordinances . first , wicked men wax worse under all gods providences , whether of prosperity , adversity , deliverances , i. ungodly men are worse under their prosperity , when the world smiles upon them , and when they have all that their carnall hearts can wish and desire : if the sun shine , it hardens the clay , and the more it makes the dunghill send forth unsavory smels , rom. . . or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance , and long-suffering , not knowing that the goodness of god leadeth thee to repentance , ver . . but after thy hardness and impenitent heart , treasurest up wrath against the day of wrath , and revelation of the righteous judgement of god. a wicked man is more hardened by gods kindness to him ; animus iniquus beneficio fit pejor . a wicked heart is made worse by every kindness . as , christ fed judas at his table , and he runs presently to betray him . the more god aboundeth to them in common goodness , the more they abound against god in multiplied wickedness . neh. . . ad . psal . . , . prov. . . the prosperity of fools shall destroy them , isa . . . let favor be shewed to the wicked , yet will he not learn righteousness : in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly , and will not behold the majesty of the lord. they are worse by prosperity . . because they are thereby listed up with pride and carnall confidence ; many men the more rich , the more proud , and the prouder , the worser ; the more their riches increase , the more they set their hearts upon them , and the more a mans heart is upon the creature , the worse he is . prosperity is full of snares ; and we are apt then to forget god , and to lift up the heel against him . deut. . . but jesurun waxed fat and kicked , thou art waxen fat , thou art grown thick , thou art covered with fatness ; then he forsook god which made him , and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation . here is great prosperity , and great impiety ; and god seeing how apt his own people are to be worse by prosperity , doth caution them largely against it , deut. . , , , , , , . . wicked men are worse by prosperity , because then they have more fuell to feed their lusts . sodomites had fulness of bread , and that did feed their uncleanness . they turn gods grace into wantonness , and his mercies into fuell for their wickedness . those things which should be cords of love to draw them to god , they turn to the nourishment of their sinnes against god , and desire riches not that they may glorify god , but gratify their lusts , jam. . . the more abundance of outward things a drunkard hath , the more he is able to please his palate with great abundance of the richest wines ; the more the adulterer hath , the more he bestows upon his harlot : and so the greater plenty , the more they lead a sensuall , bruitish , flesh-pleasing life , and the more of that , the worse they be . . wicked men in prosperity are the worse , because they are apt to gather gods special love to them , from the common bounty he bestowes upon them . because the world smiles upon them , they think god doth so too : because gods hand is opened to them , therefore they think they are engraven upon his heart , and think divine toleration * is divine approbation , when indeed it is a sign of gods great displeasure , to give prosperity to a man in a sinfull course . god was angry with the rich man in the gospel , when he gave him more abundance than he knew how to bestow , luk. . , , . and . , . they are apt to think that is the best way , which is the most prosperous way , jer. . . but we will certainly doe what soever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth , to burn incense to the queen of heaven ▪ and to pour out drink-offerings unto her , as we have done , we , and our fathers , our kings and our princes , in the cityes of judah , and in the streets of jerusalem , for then had we plenty of victuals , and were well , and saw no evil : vers . . but since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven , and to pour out drink offerings unto her , we have wanted all things , and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine . by prosperity they take encouragement to proceed in their iniquity . . wicked men by prosperity are worse , because , they are apt to put far from them the evil day , and the hour and thoughts of death and judgement , and the life to come : in health they have not serious thoughts of sickness ; a wicked man is too apt to think that the sun of prosperity which shines upon him , will never set , nor be clouded . psal . . . their inward thought is , that their houses shall continue for ever , and their dwelling places to all generations : they call their lands after their own names . in prosperity they think little of death . luk. . . and i will say to my soul , soul , thou hast goods laid up for many years , eat , drink , and be merry . they promise themselves a continuance of their outward happiness , and so sin more freely and abundantly . isa . . . come ye , say they , i will fetch wine , and we will fill our selves with strong drink , and to morrow shall be as this day , and much more abundant . this perswasion begets carnal security , and the more secure , still the worse . sect . viii . ii. wicked men are often times worse under adversity , judgements and afflictions that do befall them , the more they are punished , the more they are hardened ; there is nothing in adversity and judgements , in sickness and plagues , in poverty and distress , to make an alteration or a change in the heart of a sinner from worse to better , except god sanctifie it . the plague upon the body is not a remedy in it self to cure the plague of the heart , for men love more the plague of their hearts than they loathe the plague of the body . possibly outward judgements may put a stop to some mens sinnings for the present , but they will return to them afterwards , except god speak effectually to their hearts and consciences , as well as lay his heavy stroaks upon the body . judgement to a sinner may be as a barre to a thief , it may stop him from the present act , but doth not change his heart ; or as a storm to a mariner , may make him cast anchour for the present , but still he retains his purpose of sayling in his voyage when the storm is over ; they are oftner salve for their eyes to shew them their sin , than physick for their hearts to purge them out ; sinners in judgements might declaim against their sin , but without a setled purpose in their hearts to decline their sin ; where there is grace , afflictions work patience and submission ; but where there is nothing but corruption , they often work passion , and repining , not repentance ; the more god sent his judgements and his plagues upon pharaoh and the egyptians , the more they hardened themselves against god and his people ; and by gods judgements were not the better but the worse , exod. . . to . isa . . . why should ye be smitten any more , ye will revolt more and more . psal . . . they were not estranged from their lusts , but while their meat was in their mouths , v. . the wrath of god came upon them , and slew the fattest of them . v. . for all this they sinned still , and believed not for his wondrous works . and as it was with the woman that had an issue of blood twelve years , in respect of her bodily distemper , after great cost and charge and use of means , she was nothing bettered , but rather grew worse , mar. . , . so under gods judgements it is with most wicked men , in respect of their spiritual state , they are nothing bettered , but rather grow worse . and this appears , first , because in time of judgment they are not separated from their dross ▪ ezek. . . in thy filthiness is lewdness : because i have purged thee ( i. e. god used purging judgments ) and thou wast not purged , thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more , till i have caused my fury to rest upon thee . god hath been purging our houses , but many have not been purging their hearts , but retain their heart-filthiness stil , and their life-wickedness stil : if god in judgement say to such , you shall not be purged ; their case is irrecoverably miserable . secondly , because they are not more serious in religion than they were before ; either they omit it wholly as before , or are as dull and formal as they were before . thirdly , because they are not brought nearer unto god , but are rather removed ( were it possible ) at a further distance from god than before . and the reasons of this are , . because , when gods hand is lifted up , they will not see , isa . . . they look more to second causes than to god. . because they search not after the sins that provoked god to so great indignation . . because , if they do see their drunkenness and whoredoms , and sabbath-breaking , yet they will not be humbled for them , nor forsake them . sect . ix . iii. wicked men are oftentimes worse by gods delivering them from judgements and calamitous distresses . take a wicked man upon his sick bed , when god is shaking him over the grave , and threatning him with death , and affrighting him with the terrours of hell , you shall hear him acknowledge his sin , confessing his drunkenness , his neglect of his soul , and you shall hear him , it may be , with tears in his eyes promising , if god will raise him from his sickness , and trust him with life and time a little longer , he will forsake his wicked company , and prophane the sabbath no more ; if god will but try me ( saith the sick , dying man ) how will i live , and what will i doe , and how obedient will i be to the commands of god : and when god answereth his desires in his restoration , he performeth not his promise in his reformation , but is more wicked and more vile than before . you might see this in pharaoh , when the plagues were upon him , oh then send for moses , and let him entreat the lord for me , and then i will let israel goe : then he confesseth , i and my people have sinned , but the lord is righteous . though many wicked men , will not acknowledge nor confess their sin in times of judgement , so much as an hardened pharaoh did . but yet when the plagues were removed he hardened himself more against god still . read exod. . . . . . . and . . . so nehem. . , , , . and the reasons are , . because after judgements removed , they are more secure , and think the bitterness of death is past . . because they break their promises made to god in time of judgements , and so their sin is greater , and their guilt is greater , and therefore they the worser , of this more under another direction . . because judgement is removed from them before they are purged from their sin . when the plaister is taken off before the sore is healed , it will be worse : the course of physick is not continued , till the vitious humours are dispersed and purged away ; but gods people desire the cure may be wrought , before the affliction be removed . but pharaoh was for the removing of the plagues , but not the hardness of his heart . . because they adde incorrigibleness unto all their former sins , and must answer for all those judgements that were lost upon them . wicked men shall not only answer for their mercies , but for the judgements god sent upon them to reclaim them ; sinner , god sent the plague into thy house , and then he looked thou shouldest have hastened to have thrown sin out of thy heart ; but thou hast not done it : god did cast thee upon a bed of sickness , but thy bed of sickness was not to thee a bed of sorrow for thy sin , thou howledst , and cryedst our of thy loathsom running-sores , but not of thy filthy heart , and more loathsome sins ; thy body was pained , but thy heart not broken ; thou hast been punished and delivered , but art not reformed : but know , the more thou hast sinned , and the more thou hast been punished here , and yet sin still , the more shalt thou be tormented in hell . for these thou shouldest look upon as means , which god doth use to bring thee to himself , and the more means thou hardenest thy self against , the more is thy sin , and the more shal be thy misery . thus wicked men are oftentimes the worse by gods providences . but if this be thy case that readest these lines , that wast a drunkard before , and wilt be drunk more frequently now ; that wast a lukewarm formalist before the plague begun , but now thou art quite cold in the matters of religion ; i charge thee in the name and fear of the eternal god , that thou presently bethink thy self , what an aggravation this will be of thy continued and increased wickedness , and that thou turn from it , least god turn thy body into the grave by some other distemper , as an ague , or feaver , or consumption , though he did not by the plague . oh think with thy self , god hath taken away some of thy sinful companions , that were wont to be drunk and swear with thee , who if god should bring them back again from the dead , would tell thee that they are damned for their drunkenness , and that they have been in hell among devils , and have felt the wrath of god to be heavy and intolerable , for those very sins they have committed in thy company , and thou with them : would not they tell thee , if they had thy time , they would pray , but swear prophanely no more , if god had suffered them to out-live the plague ; or would after death and tryal of the torments of hell , entrust them with life again , they would be better . remember , some of them that the other day were drinking unto drunkenness in the ale-house , dying in final impenitency , are now damned with the devils ; that some of them that the other day thou hadst by the hand , and drunkest unto in the tavern , and did sing and roar together at your cups , are now howling and roaring amongst the damned , and are scorched in those flames , and rowling in that lake of brimstone , where there shall be no mercy , no mitigation , no cessation of their torments : and know thou , whoever thou art , that if thou dost not speedily return to god , if thou dost not mend thy life , and that quickly too , if thou dost not repent and reform , and that quickly too , thou shalt be a companion with them in torments , with whom thou wast companion in sinning : it was but a few dayes since , that they were with thee upon the earth , and if thou art not changed , it will be but a few dayes hence , and thou shalt be with them in hell , and when thou art there remember , once thou readest such lines that told thee so . therefore , if thou art not resolved for hell , be perswaded to be better after such an awakening judgement ; if thou valuest thy soul , if thou hast any fear of hell and wrath yet left in thee , let it work to a speedy reformation . tell me , what if god had set thee in some place , when five , six , seven thousand dyed in a week of the dreadful plague ( amongst whom no doubt but many went to heaven , and are now viewing the son of god , &c. ) that thou mightest have seen , impenitent drunkards , and impenitent worldlings , and impenitent swearers , seized upon by devils , and carried into torments , gone crouding in at the broad gate into pains eternal and unspeakable , and couldst but have heard their words , or perceive their apprehensions of their manner of life upon the earth , how would this have affected thee ? after such a sight as this what wouldst thou doe ? be drunk still ? wouldst thou be a sweater and a worldling still ? a formalist and hypocrite still ? then , if thou wilt be damned , goe on , who can help it ? but rather return , repent , that thou mightest have everlasting cause to admire god , that thou dyedst not in this plague , till thou repentest of thy sin , and wast prepared for another world. sect . x. secondly , wicked men will be worse under the dispensations of gods ordinances . but here i shall be the shorter , because it hath been the providence of god in the late plague that hath moved me to this work , to which i would have my words have more immediate reference . many wicked men are oftentimes the worse . for the word of god and the preaching thereof : not that there is any thing in the word to make men so , but it is * accidental to the word ; it may be occasioned by the word , but caused by their own corruptions . ministers might preach till they waste their strength , and yet they will be whoremongers and adulterers still , they will be envious and malicious still . the same sun that softens the wax , doth harden the clay : obed-edom was blessed for the ark of god , but the philistines were cursed for it . ungodly men suck poyson from the sweet flowers of gods word , which yields nourishment to the souls of gods people . weak eyes are the sorer if they look upon the sun. naturalists observe , that the fragrancy of precious oyntments is wholsom for the dove , but it kills the beetle ; and that vultures are killed with the oyl of roses . and st. paul , that the word is to some , the savour of life unto life , and to others , the savour of death unto death , cor. . , . . for the sacrament of the lords supper . that which is to believers , calix vitae , a cup of life , is to unbelievers calix mortis , a cup of death . wicked men call good evil , so they turn that which is good in it self , to be evil unto them . donum male utentibus nocet . good becomes evil to those that use it not aright . st. paul , treating of the sacrament sayes , ye come together not for the better , but for the worse , cor. . . the red sea saved the israelites , but drowned the egyptians . and the reason why the devil maketh drunkards and profane swearers so eager after this sacrament ( as our first parents after the forbidden fruit ) is , because he knowes it will do them harm , not good ; as a bad stomach full of crudities turn the food received not into the nourishment of the body , but for the feeding of their humours . as a mans sea-sickness is occasioned by the waves , but the foulness of his stomach is the cause thereof . they must needs be worse , for ( ) the devil takes fuller possession of their hearts : when judas had eaten the sop , the devil entred into him ; that 's a fatal morsel , when the devil follows it , joh. . , . ( ) their presumption and false hopes of heaven are hereby strengthened ; they think , if they doe but receive , their sins shall be pardoned , and their souls saved . ( ) their guilt is more encreased , because they are guilty of the body and blood of christ . this is dreadful guilt , this is a 〈◊〉 fact . ( ) they prophane gods ordinance , and abuse christs institution . ( ) they are thereby riper for temporal plagues , cor. . ( ) they eat and hasten their own damnation , cor. . . but i dwell not upon this , because i must pursue my design in reference to the late providence in the dreadful plague . sect . xi . why god is pleased to remove judgements , though many men are worse than they were before ? that god should stay his hand , and put up his arrows into his quiver , and his sword into his sheath , and call in the destroying angel , is indeed matter and cause of great admiration ; that when men sin still , god doth not slaughter stil ; when men provoke him still , that he doth not by the plague punish them still : the sins that were offensive unto god at first , are amongst us still ; the sins continue , the judgement removed : oh stand and wonder at this , that when justice hath cut down so many , that mercy yet hath spared so many ; especially if you seriously consider gods holiness and purity , gods justice and severity , gods infinite hatred unto sin , and that it is not the death of thousands that can satisfie gods justice , nor the death of those that are gone down into the grave , that have pacified gods wrath for us that do yet remain alive . what may be the reasons ? . god hath done this for his own names sake : if you goe to the church-yards and burial places in and about the city , and see the heaps of dead bodyes , and ask , why hath god done this ? we must answer , we all have sinned . if you goe into your houses and dwelling places , and finde so many living , after so great a mortality , and ask , why hath god done this ? we must answer , it is for his own name sake . the plague was inflicted because we had displeased him , but it is removed because mercy hath pleased him : we had deserved the inflicting of it , but could not merit the removing of it . in this late providence justice and mercy have been wonderfully magnified ; justice in removing so many thousands , and laying them in their graves ; mercy in sparing so many thousands , and maintaining them in life that have been so long walking in the valley of the shadow of death : this is , because god in the midst of judgement hath remembred mercy . ezek. . . but i had pity for mine holy name , — ver . . therefore say unto the house of israel , thus saith the lord god , i doe not this for your sakes , o house of israel , but for mine holy name sake . so when god gives good things , as well as when he removeth evil , it is for his name sake . god hath taken away your sickness and plague-sores , and given you health . vers . . then shall ye remember your own evil wayes , and your doings , that were not good , and shall loathe your selves in your own sight , for your iniquities , and for your abominations . v. . not for your sakes doe i this , saith the lord god , be it known unto you ; be ashamed and confounded for your own wayes , o house of israel . oh if you have been spared for his names sake , then let all the praise of your life be unto his holy name . but then you must not be worse but better than you were . . god hath removed his judgement in answer to the prayers of his people . prayer hath been an ancient antidote against the plague , and many have been preserved from the grave as a return to prayer ; and so it hath of old been prevalent for the removing of the plague : and therefore magistrates commanding the people to fast and pray , proceeded in solomons course to have it removed : king. . . if there be in the land famine , if there be pestilence — whatsoever plague , whatsoever sickness there be . what must they do then ? vers . . what prayer and supplication ( prayer you see is a panpharmacum , a remedy for every disease ) soever be made by any man , or by all thy people israel , which shall know every man the plague of his own heart , and spread forth his hands towards this house . vers . . then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place , and forgive — prayer is the remedy prescribed by solomon , but what are the persons whose prayers shall prevail for the removing of so sore a judgement ? not those that have plague-wishes so often in their mouthes , but the prayer of any man , that knoweth ( i. e. seeth and is sensible of ) the plague of his own heart . . god may remove judgements for the benefit of his elect that yet may be unconverted , and in mercy to them , who may be yet in their sins , god may stay this plague , it might be for some yet unborn , that may proceed from the loyns of some that are now worse than they were before . the patience and long-suffering of god is conducible to the conversion and salvation of gods elect , pet. . . and doth lead men to repentance , rom. . . many peradventure have not yet repented , whom god will bring to glory ; and he that hath designed them to the end , will preserve them in life till the means have been effectual to fit them for that end . . god may spare some that are worse , by removing judgements , because as yet they are not ripe enough for slaughter : the oxe is spared longer time , because not yet fit for the shambles . thus god spared jerusalem till they had filled up the measure of their sins , mat. . . and so god exercised patience towards the amorites , till their iniquity was full , gen . god may remove and keep off judgement from some ; and this may be in judgement to them , as he may in mercy , deny some mercies unto some . sect . xii . what are the aggravations of this great impiety , to be worse after gods sorest judgements than they were before ? that many wicked men are so , we have shewed before , and given the proof and reasons of it , but wo to you whose case this is : is this the return you make to god ? is this the fruit of his patience and forbearance to you ? do you thus requite the lord ? oh foolish people and unwise ! deut. . . will you seriously consider this evil frame of heart , and this ungodly practise in your lives , in these following particulars ? i. are you worse then you were before , then you are more like unto the devil than you were before , and the more unlike to god that made you . a man full of all sin , and bent to every wickedness is called a childe of the devil , act. . . the devil sins as much as he can , and thou dost as wickedly as thou canst , jer. . . it is a folly in men to picture things immaterial and invisible , and living , by things without life , material and visible ; never send a man to view the picture of the devil with a cloven foot drawn by art , the most exact and accurate lively picture of the devil ( as a devil , that is , as a sinner ) is the worst of wicked men ; and who are worse than thou , that neither mercy can draw , nor judgement drive to god and christ ? ii. the worse you grow , and the further you proceed in sin , the more impudent you will be in the commission of it : the beginnings of sin are often done with blushings of face , but the progress in sin is voide of all modesty ; then you will be drunk and glory in it , then you will swear and not be ashamed of it , jer. . . were they ashamed when they had committed abomination : nay , they were not at all ashamed , neither could they blush — pro. . . iii. the further thou proceedest in making progress in thy sin , the more it is to be feared thou wilt never return , but if thou shouldest , the more thou hast to sorrow for . it is but very rare that god bringeth those back that are come up to an height of sin ; sometimes he doth , that none might despair ; but very rarely , that none might presume . it is to be feared thou art forsaken of god , and he hath left thee to thy self , when word , nor rod , can reclaim thee from thy sin , nor put a restraint upon thee from waxing worse . iv. the worse thou art after such a judgement , the sooner god will be provoked to hast on thy destruction by some other . god hath not spent all his arrows in the late judgement , he hath his quiver full still ; and if thou go on when god giveth thee yet a space to repent , after so great a warning by the plague , he will ere long cast thee into a bed of trouble , rev. . , . thy increased wickedness is to gods wrath , as the blast to the fire , will quickly blow it up into a flame ; though thy conscience is asleep , yet thy damnation slumbereth not , pet. . . . while thou lingerest in thy sin , gods judgements do not linger , but are upon the wing ; and the worse thou art , the sooner will they befall thee , and be more heavy when they come . jer. . . the calamity of moab is near to come , and his affliction hasteth fast . v. the worse thou growest , the more thou heapest up treasures of wrath , and every sin is adding to the pile of that fire by which thou must eternally be burned ; temporal judgements might quickly befall thee , but if they do not , eternal damnation shall overtake thee ; and the higher thou goest in wickedness , the lower thou shalt sink and lye in hell ; god will proportion thy degrees of torments to thy growth and progress in sin . now thou hast a treasure of sin , mat. . . and god hath his treasures of wrath , deut. . . and as thou layest in sin , to the treasury of sin , so god layeth in wrath , to the treasury of wrath . * rom. . . thy present preservation , is but a reservation to greater indignation , then is discovered in a plague . tarditatem supplicii gravitate compensabit deus . he will recompence the delay of thy misery and punishment , with the weight and load of it , job . . vi. to be worse and more wicked after so great a judgement , will be to slight and set at nought the justice of god , when you have seen with your eyes the dreadful heaps of dead corpse , that it hath made in every church-yard . have you not seen that god is displeased with sin , and will you go on to do worse , as if you would bid defiance to god , even when he is angry and displeased ? have you not seen that there is wrath in god ? and that justice will call sinners to his barre by dragging them out of this world ? and will you after all this go on to sin against a just god , and as it were say , let justice do its pleasure , i will have mine ? this doth aggravate your sin . vii . to be worse after such a judgement , will be to sin against the patience and the mercy of god that hath spared thee , and waiteth to see what thou wilt do after such a visitation . the mercy of god is the attribute thou intendest to appeal to , it is that which thou hopest in , but by this thy wickedness thou wilt turn mercy it self against thee , that which thou wilt make thy request unto , must be the mercy of god , but this will plead against thee , and patience will plead against thee . lord , will mercy say , when thousands dyed weekly in london , i had pity upon this sinner and did spare him ; when the angel went through the streets and lanes in london , i mercy marked out this man for longer life , but he abused me , and sinned the more . and i [ shall patience say ] waited some moneths or years after the plague , to see if the mercy shewed him , would any thing work upon him , but i was abused too as well as mercy : the longer i , patience , did lengthen out his life , the more he added to his sins , and therefore now we , both patience and mercy , deliver him up into the hands of justice to deal with him according to his sins , and according to the wrong he hath offered unto us . oh how will thy mouth be stopped when mercy and patience shall plead against thee ; sins against mercy and protracted patience , are aggravated sins ; and the pleadings of mercy and patience against a man , will be the most piercing cutting pleadings . viii . the worse thou art , the more thou wilt have to answer for , and the greater accounts thou wilt have to make when ever thou shalt dye . the more thou sinnest , the more sins shalt thou finde in the book of gods remembrance , and in the book of thine own conscience , when thou shalt be brought before the barr of god : so many sins committed before the plague begun , and so many while the plague continued , and so many when it was stayed , and this sinner spared . when it shall be set down in the book of god , such a sinner was drunk so many times while the plague was round about his habitation , so many oaths he swore , when he saw multitudes buryed every day ; so long the plague was in the parish where he dwelt , and in the house in which he lived , and he never made one hearty prayer unto god all that time : and such notorious sins , in and after a time of a sweeping plague , will multiply thy account and aggravate thy misery . ix . to be worse after such judgements , will be to adde incorrigibleness to thy former wickedness : as before thou didst shew that thou hadst an unteachable heart , so now thou declarest thou hast an incorrigible heart : thou wouldest not be instructed by gods word , neither wilt thou be corrected by gods rod ; thou didst stop thine ears against gods word , and thou hardenest thy heart against his rod. but if thou wilt not be corrected by a plague , thou shalt be tormented in the infernal pit. x. to be worse after such a judgement , will be high ingratitude . thy life was the dearest thing thou hast in the world ( except the sin in thy heart ) for , skin for skin and all that he hath he will give for his life , ( except his sin , and he will venture his life , and lose it too , before he will part with his sin , ) and hath god kept thee , and is this thy thanks to god , to dishonour him more , and to provoke him more ? as if he had spared thee for no other end , but to sin against him ? oh what is ingratitude if this be not ? oh now for gods sake , and for thy precious souls sake , that as thy body hath hitherto escaped the grave , so thy soul may ( if possible ) escape the damnation of hell , be entreated , sinner , to consider the evil of thy present practice , after such a narrow escape of death and the grave : oh wilt thou that art but briars and thorns , set thy self against god that is a consuming fire ? dost thou sleight the wrath of the almighty , or despise his power , or contemn his judgements ? dost thou think that thou canst grapple with omnipotency , and make thy party good against almighty strength ? didst thou ever read of any one that hardened himself against god and prospered ? and dost thou think that thou shalt be the first ? who art thou ? or what is thy strength , or what were thy ancestours , that thou dost thus in pride and stubbornness of thy heart dare the great , eternal god , who can look thee into hell , and frown thee in a moment into another world ? sure , if thou hadst the knowledge of god , of thy self , of sin , of the guilt of sin , of hell and the torments thereof , thou wouldest not thus proceed to adde these new sins to thy former old sins , but wouldest fall down upon thy knees , and cover thy face in the very dust before the lord , in deep humiliation for thy sins , and wouldest own it as a mercy so great , that cannot be express'd , that the plague hath been so vehemently raging round about thy habitation , and it may be hath been upon thy body , and thou yet alive , and thy body not rotting in a cold grave , nor thy soul roaring in a hot hell ? think on this , this is mercy ; and wilt thou so abuse it ? sect . xiii . what are the signs of a man that waxeth worse and worse under all the means that god useth to make him better ? my purpose is not here to speak of the declinings of grace in the hearts of gods people , which never is so much ( because not total ) to denominate them absolutely bad , though they make them worse ( because on the losing hand ) being compared with themselves , when better in the lively actings and daily increase of grace ; but of the growth of wicked men in sin and impiety , which may be discerned by these symptomes . i. the less a man is attending upon god in the use of holy means , the worse he is . thou wast wont to keep up a constancy , or at least a frequency in holy duties , though thou never didst perform them in a right manner , nor from a right principle , nor for a right end ; yet time was , that thou couldest not omit them , but thy natural conscience would reproach thee , and molest thy peace ; and though the performance of those duties in thy manner and way , did never prove thee to be good , yet the total omission of them now , doth prove thee to be worse : inasmuch as thou hast shaked off all form of religion , and dost not profess thy self to be at all religious , but hast stifled natural conscience , and laid aside a sense of a deity , which before did stir thee up to do some homage unto god. thou didst pray , but now thou dost not ; thou didst hear , but now thou dost not ; it is because thou art worse . ii. the lesse thou lyest under the common workings of the spirit of god , the worse thou art : though thou hearest and prayest as before , yet the spirit of god doth not strive with thee as before : thou wast wont to finde thy heart something affected , and to have some common convictions and relentings for sin , and some purposes and resolutions to forsake thy sin , and leave thy wicked wayes and company , and almost perswaded to come over unto christ ; but now thou art no more affected than the seat thou fittest upon , and the pillar thou leanest against ; thou hast quenched the motions of the spirit , and he in wrath hath departed from thee , and leaves thee to the hardness of thy heart , and the blindness of thy minde , and then thou must needs be waxing worse . iii. the more thou art found in the iteration and repetition of the acts of sin , the worse thou art . thou wast wont to swear but seldom , but now oaths are frequent in thy mouth : thou wast wont to be drunk more seldom , but now it is thy weekly , or thy daily practice ; iteration of sin is an aggravation of sin : the number of thy sins , and the greatness of thy guilt is hereby encreased , and thou made worse . iv. the more kinds of sins thou dost usually fall into , the worse thou art . thou wast wont to swear , but not to be drunk , but now both : thou wast wont to be drunk , but wast not given to uncleanness ; but now thou art ; and to uncleanness thou addest scorning at godliness , vvhen sometimes thou seemedst to approve it , and speak for it ; and to thy scorning of godliness , thou proceedest to the persecution of godliness , when before thou didst pretend to favour and to countenance it . thou art increased in thy wickedness . v. the fewer self-reflexions , the worse thou art . thou wast use to reflect upon thy wayes , and sometimes consider of thy deviations from the rule of holiness , and thy conscience did check and did reprove thee ; but now thou goest on and never lookest back , so much as to consider wherein thou goest astray ; and though thou art more wicked , and more vile , yet thou hast more peace and quietness in thy wayes . it is because thy heart is more hard , and thy conscience more seared , and thou worse . vi. the greater light thou sinnest against , and the more thou goest on against the dictates of thy conscience , the worse thou art . conscience discovereth to thee the evil of thy wayes , the wickedness of thy life : conscience threatneth thee with damnation , with the loss of god and happiness , and thundereth against thee , and doth disturb thee in thy sin , and yet thou goest on against thy knowledge , and dost imprison the truths of god ; thou art worse . vii . the more of thy heart and will is in thy sinnings than before , the worse thou art now , than before . the more the will doth give consent , and the more the will doth choose wickedness , the greater progress thou hast made in thy sinful courses . though a childe of god doth commit a sin , yet because his will and the bent of his heart is against it , the lesser is the aggravation of his sin : when he can say , the thing that i doe , i would not , i allow it not . so , when thou art wilful in thy sin , thou frequentest wicked company , and thou wilt doe it ; thou prophanest the lords day , and thou wilt do it , this maketh thee to be very bad . the more of resolution and purpose of heart , the more of the choice and consent of the will in sinning , the greater is the sinner . viii . the lesser force divine arguments have upon thy heart to keep thee from sin , than before , thou art so much worser than thou wast before . time was , that arguments taken from the wrath of god , from the torments of hell , from judgement to come , from the curses written in the law of god , did awe thy heart , and restrain thy hand from the open actings of thy grosser sins ; these were once the banks that dammed up thy wickednesse , but now thou sleightest all these , that hell doth not affright thee , and the wrath of god doth not awe thy heart ; but the spring and fountain of sin within , is risen higher , and overflowes these banks , and like water spreads it self , and diffuseth it self in the general course of thy life . ix . the lesser force humane arguments have upon thy heart , to keep thee from sin than before , thou art so much worser than thou wast before . though abstaining from sin upon such accounts , doth not prove the truth of grace , yet the committing of sin notwithstanding these , doth argue growth of sin . now these humane arguments that did formerly restrain thee , were such as these . . shame amongst men . thou hadst an inclination to wicked company , but thou wast ashamed to be seen amongst them ; and therefore didst not associate with them . but now thou thinkest it no shame , or if thou dost , thou hast a face of brass , and an heart of stone , and blushest not . thou art worse . . care of reputation . thou wast tender of thy credit , and good name ; and though thou hadst a love unto some sins , that would have disgraced thee amongst men , yet now thou wilt blot thy name , and lose thy credit , and sacrifice thy reputation to satisfie thy lust . . costliness of sin . some sins are very chargeable , and call for great expence ; and thy love to thy money , and natural affection to thy wife and children , was a barre which did restrain thee from them : thou wouldest not feed and satisfie thy filthy lusts , because it would be chargeable to thee ; thou refrainedst from riotous prodigals , because company with them would wast thine estate : but now thou thinkest no cost too great , no charge too much , that thou mayest have thy fill of sin , but tradest , and labourest , and workest , to get something to maintain thy lust , and wilt rather that thy wife and children should want bread at home , than thou shouldest not have enough to spend upon thy sins abroad . thou art now grown to an exceeding magnitude in sin , that thou art monstrous to beholders . . health of body . such sins that tend to the impairing of thy health thou wouldest not commit : thou didst refrain , not so much because they would damn thy soul , as destroy thy body . thou thoughtest excessive drinking would shorten thy life , and hasten thy death , and bring thee sooner to thy grave ; that acts of uncleanness would fill thee full of loathsom diseases , and leave some mark upon thy body , whereby thou wouldest be noted for an unclean adulterer . but now thou wilt venture health , and life , and all that thou mayest more freely sin : and the very food thou earest is now not only to nourish thy body , but to provoke thee to lust . verily thou art much worse than thou wast . . fear of death . when the fear of god would not prevail to keep thee from sin , yet fear of death somtimes hath done it , and according to the strength of the fears of death , have been thy restraints from sin : but now thou canst think of death , and speak of thy death , and yet act thy sinne . . displeasure of men . thou hast had dependance upon some that hate such sins that thou lovest in thy heart , but because thou wouldest not loose their favour thou hast bridled thy sin , but now thou layest the reignes loose upon the neck of thy lusts , and wilt proceed to obey them , let who will be displeased thereby . when thou wilt displease thy best friend , and them upon whom thou dost depend for lively-hood and maintenance , that thou mayst please thy lust , it is a sign that sin is very high in thy heart , any one of these formerly were a sufficient bolt to keep thee from grosser sins , but now all put together are too weak ; a signe that sin is so much the stronger . x. the more thou hast had experience of the dreadfull effects of sin , and the more god hath punished thee for thy sin , and yet wilt proceed , the greater sinner thou art . god hath punished thee with poverty as the fruite of thy sin ; with diseases in thy body , with horrours in thy conscience , with the death of thy relations ; when thou hast tasted the bitterness of sin to set against the pleasures of sin , when god hath put worm-wood and gall into thy sin , yet thou art bent upon it : thou art very bad . xi . the more thou justifiest and defendest thy self after the commission of sin than formerly , so much the worser thou art than formerly . when thou wast reproved , thou wast use to acknowledge thy sin , and to confess thy wickedness , but now thou dost plead for thy lust , and pleadest for thy evil wayes , and takest the quarrell of sin upon thy self , it is a signe thy heart is more wedded to thy lusts , by how much the more thou espousest its cause . xii . when thou art more presumptuous in thy sinnings , and addest more contempt of god , and pride and contumacy than formerly , the worse thou art . sins of presumption are scarlet sins , of a crimson dye ; when a man sinneth against god , and blesseth himself in his wickedness , and presumeth of gods mercy , and presumeth upon the patience of god , a man that sins presumptuously makes a bold adventure against express threatnings of the law of god , and is mingled with great contempt of god ; it is no less than reproaching and despising of god himself , num. . . but the soul that doth ought presumptuously — reproacheth the lord ; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people , vers . . because he hath despised the word of the lord , and hath broken his commandment ; that soul shall be utterly cut off : his iniquity shall be upon him . xiii . the more mercies thou sinnest against than formerly , the worser thou art than before . god hath given thee more mercies , and multiplyed many good things upon thee , and yet thou committest more sins , than when thou hadst fewer mercies ; to make gods mercy to be fewel for thy lusts , is an aggravation of sinning , for as much as it is contrary to the end of mercy , which is to draw men off from sin : every mercy thou receivest hath a voice , and its language is , repent of sin , return to god , rom. . . god loadeth thee with mercy , and the more thou pressest him down with thy sin ; the more good , and the more mercifull god is to thee , the more vile and rebellious thou art against god , this is to be highly wicked . xiv . the more thou drawest others into sin by thy entisements or example than before ; so much the worse thou art . when thou art not content to sin alone , not to dishonour god thy self , but drawest and incouragest others to do so also ; and so damnest thy own soul and others too ; and makest thy self guilty of the bloud of those thou allurest with thee into sin . the more sins thou committest thy self , the worse thou art , and the more persons thou dost influence by thy sin to partake with thee , the worse thou art . thus if thou wilt compare thy self what thou art now with what thou hast been formerly , thou mightest discern how much more thou sinnest now than thou didst before . sect . xiv . what considerations may be usefull to stop the streame of such mens wickedness , that yet are waxing worse and worse ? because i am loath to leave thee with a bare conviction , that thou art worse than thou wast wont to be ; i shall add a few considerations to presse thee to put a stop unto thy sinnings , hoping that though thou hast gone far , yet thou mayst return : while thou art out of hell , thou art within our call , and within the reach of exhortation and reproof . god hath called often to thee to return , and yet thou hast not returned , but art going on unto destruction . the son of god hath called to thee , and said , how long wilt thou goe on in thy rebellion against him that would redeem and save thy soul ? he hath told thee , if thou dost proceed thou must be damned , and said , the mercy of god will not save thee , and my merits they will not , they shall not save thee , but if thou wilt return to god , and come to me , here is mercy for thee , here is pardon for thee , and i will give eternal life unto thee . the spirit of god hath often moved upon thy heart , he hath been often knocking at thy doore , that thou wouldest open thy heart and let him in , and he would apply the blood of christ unto thee , and he would fill thee with better joyes , and better pleasures , and better comforts than thou ever foundest in the way of sin . but hitherto thou hast stopped thine ears , and stiffened thy neck , and hardened thy heart , and wouldest not hearken nor obey . the ministers of god have often wooed thee and beseeched thee with tears in their eyes , and sorrow in their hearts , as if their happiness had been wrapped up in thine , and as if they could not have gone to heaven and been saved without thee : while patience waited upon thee , they have been earnest with thee , and now at last one unworthy to preach the gospel , is a suiter to thy soul , that thou wouldest be divorced from thy sin and be married unto christ ; as yet thou art out of hell , and art not yet reckoned among the dead , nor numbred amongst the damned , as yet thou art not irrecoverably lost , this day christ is once more tendred to thee , in the name of god i once more offer thee pardon and eternall life , upon thy repenting of thy sin , and turning unto god. oh that i could perswade thee , or if i cannot , as indeed i cannot ; oh that god would yet perswade thee ? if i might be serviceable to thy soule , oh how should i rejoyce ; if i did but know where thou dost dwell , that hast been wicked all thy dayes , and now art reading of these lines , having a purpose in thy heart to come to christ , i would come to thee ( as opportunity was offered ) and beg upon my knees , that thou wouldest cherish those purposes , and be perswaded to what conduceth to thy eternall happiness : if teares and prayers would do it , i would endeavour ( though my heart is hard ) to shed them for thee ; if putting my hands , under thy feet , and stooping to the meanest office of love unto thy soule , would excite thee to let christ into thy heart , how readily ( by the grace of god ) would i be willing to it . i beseech thee by the mercies of god , by the death of christ , by the coming of our lord , by the love thou bearest to thy self , as ever thou wouldest see the face of christ with comfort , as ever thou wouldest escape the damnation of hell , return at last , and though it be late , yet return at last . but if thou wilt not , let god be my witness , let as many as read these lines be my witnesses , let thy own conscience be my witness , that thou hast been asked , entreated , yea earnestly entreated to reform , and mend , and turn to god. but in hopes that i may prevail , i beseech thee in the fear of god , give in a sober and deliberate answer unto these following questions . first , whether art thou going , while thou art waxing worse and worse ? dost thou know that hell is at the end of the way in which thou art daily walking ? dost thou know , that if thou dost proceed a little further , a little longer in this course , thou wilt be among the devils , those cursed fiends of hell ? or dost thou know it , and yet wilt venture to dance about the brink of a bottomless pit ? who hath bewitched thee ? or what hath made thee mad , that thou seest thou art going unto hell , and yet wilt venture on ? secondly , dost thou believe the scripture to be the word of god , or dost thou not ? and are the threatnings contained therein , true , thinkest thou , or are they not ? wilt thou say they be false , or that they were found out by some precisians , or are the workings of some melancholly brain ? or that they were found out by some politician , to keep the world in awe ? i would have thee know , that to thy eternal sorrow thou shalt finde them all true , even to a tittle ; and to thy everlasting woe shalt know the truth of gods word : when thou art shrieking in the flames of hell , and roaring hideously among the damned , because of gods eternal wrath ; thou shalt be convinced , that the wicked shall be turned into hell , that the unbeliever shall be damned , and that it was true which thou wast told , that without repentance there was no deliverance from eternal condemnation . but if thou dost believe this word to be true , what aileth thee then to live as thou dost ? that thou actest quite contrary to what is contained in the word of god ? doth not the word of god in a thousand places cry down sin , and press to holiness ? doth it not tell thee , the drunkard , the covetous , the unbelieving , the lyar , shall be damned ? if thou never didst observe such places , take thy bible and turn unto them . cor. . , . rev. . . heb. . . gal. . . to . col. . , . eph. . , . mar. . . mat. . . luk. . , . canst thou read and believe these scriptures to be true , and yet goe on in the practice of those things that the eternal , holy god doth forbid upon pain of eternal torments ? wilt thou be worse than thy very beast , which thou canst not force into the fire when he seeth it before him . shall i call out thy neighbours to behold a dreadful sight , viz. a man that knowes he is in the way to hell , and yet will goe on . thirdly , with what face or heart canst thou hope ( as thou dost ) that god will pardon thy sin , or save thy soul , while thou persistest in thy wickedness , and encreasest therein ? shew me an instance of any one man in all the word of god , that was pardoned and saved , who repented not , and i will be thy slave for ever . i know , great sinners have been saved ; and i know , those that have gone far have obtained mercy : manasseh did , chron. . , . mary magdalene did , luk. . but then they turned unto god. canst thou say , there is any one now in heaven that did not repent , and believe before he dyed ? or dost thou think that thou shalt be the only man ? fourthly , whom dost thou set thy self against ? or who is it that thou dost provoke ? whose anger and indignation art thou daily kindling against thy self ? what art thou , that thus dost sin ? or what is god against whom thou sinnest ? dost thou know thy self , and thine own weakness ? and dost thou know god , and his almighty power ? art thou any better than chaffe before the winde of gods wrath ? art thou , any better than stubble before a consuming fire ? canst thou make thy party good against god ? then why dost thou take thy bed , when he layeth his finger light upon thee ? or why dost thou complain and art so restless under the pain of the tooth-ache ? why dost thou roar so much under the pain in thy bowels ? and why dost thou groan , when he makes thee sick ? why art thou sick , and why wilt thou dye , if thou canst contend with god ? but if thou canst not , poor worm , thou canst not ; why then wilt thou proceed and increase thy wickedness more and more , to provoke him more and more ? fifthly , how canst thou call thy self a christian , while thou daily increasest in thy sin against god and christ . christians have their denomination from christ , because they follow his steps , and own him for their lord and master : christ was holy , and so is every true christian ; christ hated sin , and so doth every true christian ; christ did the will of his father , and thou art doing the will of the flesh and of the devil . that which consisteth of a head of one kinde , and members of another , is monstrous . if any creature had the head of a man , and the members were the members of a beast , it would be monstrous . christ is an holy head , and all his members united unto him are holy members ; therefore thou art none of them : take it as thou wilt , thou art not a christian , that should not be thy appellation ; thou art more rightly called a sinner , a childe of the devil . sixthly , how canst thou goe unto thy prayers and yet go on in thy sin , and come to the word preached , and hear drunkenness reproved , and go away and be drunk ? how canst thou sit in thy pew , and hear the minister from god tell thee , the drunkard shall be damned , and all thy neighbours know thee for a drunkard , and yet hold up thy head ? where is thy shame ? art thou become impudent ? where is thy fear of god and his word ? art thou utterly hardened ? where is thy conscience ? is it quite seared ? seventhly , dost thou think that god will never call thee to an account ? dost thou think that time will alwayes last ? dost thou think thy soul shall live for ever , and yet do that which will bring thee to an eternity of misery ? and expose thy self for a little momentany pleasure unto eternal torments ? thus i have set before thee these considerations , whereby thou mayst be brought to bethink thy self , and at last enquire , what would you have me to doe ? i answer thee : . make a stand and pause a little with thy self , whether it be not so with thee or no ? and labour to convince thy self of the hainousness of thy sins , in making such an increase and growth in sin . . when thou art convinced thus , urge it upon thy heart till thou feelest it begin to melt , and to be dissolved in thy breast . use thy reason for thy souls good , after this manner : oh god hath been good to me , and i have been wicked against god ; god was alwayes good to me , and i have been alwayes evil against god ; god multiplyed his mercy upon me , and i multiplyed my sins against god ; if he had not given me bread to eat , i had dyed with hunger ; and if he had not given me drink , i had perished with thirst ; but what he gave me for my nourishment i have abused to gluttony and drunkenness ; i have fought against god with his own mercy , and made his goodness an encouragement to me in my wickedness : he lengthened out his mercy , and i did lengthen out mine iniquity ; oh what rich grace and patience is this , that i am not in hell ! oh this was long-suffering indeed , to bear so long with such a swearer and drunkard as i have been ; and when the dreadfull plague hath taken away my companions in sin , yet i am left behinde ; oh that it may be , that i may repent and turn to god! woe is me ! i have been damning of my precious soul , and have spent my dayes hitherto in dishonouring of a good and patient god. . then resolve with thy self , that by the grace of god thou wilt forsake and leave those practises , and wilt no longer continue in thy wickednesse ; say , now i see this is not my way to happiness ; swearing , and lying , and drunkenness , is not my way to the kingdom of god : the devil hath deceived me , and my companions have deceived me , and my own wicked heart hath beguiled me ; i will , by the grace of god , i will do so no more ; i am resolved i will do so no more : and write down thy resolution , that thou mayest have it under thine own hand , that such a day thou didst resolve to do so no more . . beg of god that thou mayst be deeply humbled for what thou hast already done , and labour that thy sorrow may be proportionable to what thy sins have been . . make haste to christ , and take him and receive him for thy lord and saviour , and submit to him upon his gospel-terms , as willing he should rule thee , as ever thou wast for sin to rule thee . . then endeavour to be as good as thou hast been bad , as holy as thou hast been wicked , as eminent for piety , as thou hast been exemplary for iniquity ; speak for holinesse as much as ever thou didst speak against it ; and love the wayes of god as much as thou wast wont to hate them , and by persevering so to doe , thou shalt finde great mercy will be shewn to thee , who hast been so great a sinner . sect . xv. now i will draw some corollaries from this first branch of this direction , and so pass on unto the second . is it the nature of sin to make men worse and worse ? and do wicked men usually wax worse and worse ? then learn , . the evil that there is in sin : there is a depth in the evil of sin that cannot be fathomed , and a length in the evil of sin that cannot be measured ; that is very bad that makes men so in every condition , as grace is very good that turneth every thing for the best to them to whom it is infused . . learn that wicked men are never from under a curse : let their condition be what it will , prosperity is a curse unto them , adversity is a curse , and deliverances are in wrath . when they do increase in riches , they do increase in sin ; envy not the prosperity of the wicked . . learn the bottomless depth of iniquity in a wicked mans heart : he was bad twenty years ago ; he was a grief to all the godly in the town and parish where he lived , but yet he is many times worse than before . . learn what abundance of guilt an old sinner goes with to his grave when he comes to dye : he was bad when he was born , and worse while he lived , and worst of all when he is to dye . . learn the equity of gods justice in punishing a wicked man with eternal torments for sins committed in time : for he sinned more and more as long as he lived , and if he had lived longer , he would have sinned longer ; and if he had lived for ever , he would have sinned for ever . . learn the over-ruling providence of god : that setteth bounds to wicked mens sins ; if he did not restrain them , they would be worse , and do worse than they do . . learn , that natural men by the improvement of common grace , or the means of grace , cannot work themselves into a state of grace , nor of themselves that are bad , make themselves to be good ; for we have shewed , that without the speciall and irresistible operations of the spirit of god , wicked men grow worse under the administrations of the gospel . . the folly of delays and procrastinations of repentance and turning unto god : wicked men think they can repent when they will , and though they have no heart to turn to god for the present , yet they will hereafter ; but he that is not disposed to turn to god and repent to day , will finde his heart more indisposed to morrow , and the longer they put it off , the more unwilling and unable they will be to do it hereafter . we have heard we must not be worse , now let us see we must be better , and that is the second part of this first direction . sect . xvi . hath the plague been raging , and you yet alive ? then be better than you were before . and here i especially direct my speech to those that had the grace of god infused into their hearts , before this judgement came upon us ; that you would improve this providence by being better than you were before ; if drunkards and swearers will not be better , yet be you ; if sensualists and flesh-pleasers will not be better , yet be you . it may be the wicked will be worse , but will you be so too ? if gods people are not mended by his judgements , who will ? and hath god swept away so many thousands into another world , and shall there be no good effect , or fruit upon neither bad nor good ? god forbid ? london hath been a place of great prosperity , a city of feasting , and a place of plenty of outward enjoyments ; but in this last sickness , god hath filled it with dolorous complaints by the many breaches made by death in so many families and relations ; god hath filled it with pale faces , and sick persons , and running sores ; god hath turned it into a place , an house of mourning . and solomon saith , eccl. . . it is better to go into the house of mourning , than to the house of feasting ; for that is the end of all men , and the living will lay it to his heart . have not your houses been houses of mourning , some dead out of most houses , and you are yet living ; will you then lay it to your heart ? what should you lay to heart ? lay to heart the great judgement that hath been amongst you . lay to heart the sins that did provoke the lord to lay his hand so heavy upon you . lay to heart the goodness of god in preserving you . the city hath been an house of mourning , but have you learned the lessons that are to be learned in an house of mourning ? have you met so many dead corpse carried in the streets ? have you seen the living laboring to carry forth their dead , and yet not learned the lessons that are to be learned in such a place of mourning ? where one is dead in a family , that before was an house of mirth and gladness , it will turn it into an house of mourning and sadness , much more , when many dead in one family ; and this is the case of many families . god hath been teaching you many things at such a time , but is your lesson taken out ? oh , what dull scholars are we in the school of christ that must thus be scourged to learn our lessons , and yet have not done it ? consider , when god hath turned london , by reason of their dead , into an house of mourning , he hath been teaching you such things as these . i. god hath been teaching you the infallible verity of divine threatnings . god threatned our first parents , gen. . . that if they sinned , they should certainly dye , they and their posterity . this threatning was made some thousands of years since , and it hath been made good in all generations . length of time makes not voide the threatnings of god ; men read gods threatnings , but do not believe them , nor fear them , nor tremble at them . many will not practically believe that they shall dye , though they sin , and will not at all believe they shall be damned , though they sin ; but we see that men that have sinned must dye , and wicked men shall feel that they shall be damned according to gods threatnings , but you have learned the truth of gods threatnings in this , and they are as true in all other respects ; therefore do you that are gods people , learn the truth of gods threatnings , when he saith the drunkard shall not inherit the kingdom of god ; and let this move your heart to pity them that are such , that have a threatning of god , which is of undoubted verity , as a flaming sword standing in their way to keep them out of the paradise of god , and be thankful unto god that you are none of these . do you learn the truth of gods threatning , when he saith , the hypocrite and unbelieving shall be cast into the lake that burnes with fire and brimstone , rev. . . and pity and pray for them that are such , and bless god that you are none of them , and so are taken from under the curse of that threatning . ii. in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you what are the wages of sin . you have often heard that death is the wages of sin , rom. . . the greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there used , is a military term , signifying the wages that is due to souldiers , intimating that death is as due to a sinner for his service to the devil , as pay is to a souldier for his service to his general ; it comes from the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifieth properly , all kind of pleasant meats that may be prepared or made ready by fire , so that all the delicates , and dainty dishes that sin prepares for sinners , hath a deaths head in them . do you learn this , and by this learn to hate sin more than you did before , and watch against it more than you did before . iii. in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you the certainty of mens mortality . you have seen that this is the way of all flesh , josh . . . king. . . and therefore learn to live as mortal , dying men should live ; you have seen that thousands have been carryed from their houses to their graves : and , oh what manner of persons ought you to be in all manner of holy conversation , after such a sight as this ? iv. in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you the worlds vanity . you have seen what miserable comforters riches are to men in time of plague , and at an hour of death ; you have seen death haling men from that which they had set their hearts upon ; you have seen death dragging men from their riches , and from their pleasures , and hath forced them to come away to the bar of god , and leave their riches behinde them , and their pleasures behind them . you have seen that riches could not go with them into another world , but left them in a time of need . you have seen that those that loved riches , could finde no comfort in them when they stood in greatest need of comfort . you have seen that what men have been laboring for , and scraping together all the time of their health and life , death hath come and scattered in a moment . oh how weaned should you be from the world , and the riches and the pleasures thereof , after such a sight as this ! oh how much less should you afford the world , of your heart and affections , of your love , desire , and delights that is so unkind to dying men , even unto those that served it most , and loved it most . oh do you learn to deal so with the world , as you have seen the world to deal with others , i. e. turn it out of your heart with as little love and pity to it , as you have seen the world turn its followers out of it , and shake them off , notwithstanding all their entreaties to abide and stay therein . the world may now entreat you , that it might stay in your heart , and live in your love ; but hearken you no more to its entreaties , than it hath hearkened unto others , and you must expect the world ere long will deal with you , as it hath dealt with others ; therefore part with the world , before you leave the world . v. in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you the short continuance of all relations : you have seen death taking husbands from their wives , parents from their children , ministers from their people , and so wives from their husbands , children from their parents , people from their ministers . those that had but one onely son. plague and death hath stripped them of him , and teared one relation out of the others bosome ; fain they would have kept them , but death would not suffer them ; they wept and cryed , but death would not have pity on them , nor hear their cries , nor regard their tears , but said , this is your childe , but i must have him ; this is your husband , but i must seize upon him ; god hath given me a commission , and i always use to do according to the commission i receive from god , if god will not spare you , in vain you look for pity at mine hands . i ( saith death ) am blinde and cannot see the beauty of your childe , that hath drawn out your heart so much towards him , i am deaf and cannot hear your pleadings for the continuance of your childe , or husband , or friend ; if god doth not hear you , i cannot , and if god doth not spare and pity you , i will not , therefore i will smite him , and stick my arrow in his heart , and dippe it in his life-blood , and take him from you . oh how many have thus experienced the dealings of death ! and you have seen it , and will not you learn to sit looser in your affections towards your nearest and dearest relations ? you have seen death hath seized upon them that were most beloved by their friends , and perhaps did therefore do it , because they were over loved ; and took up too much of that love , and that delight which should have been more , and would have been better placed upon god. your lesson then is set down by the apostle , for i would not teach you by rott , nor without the book of gods word , cor. . . but this i say , brethren , the time is short , or rolled up , or contracted ; a metaphor taken from a piece of cloth that is rolled up , onely a little left at the end ; so some . as mariners near the haven winde up their sails , or make them less . when the sails of time are thus contracted , it is a sign we are near the harbor of eternity . it remaineth , that both they that have wives be as though they had none , vers . . and they that weep as though they wept not , and they that rejoyce as though they rejoyced not ; and they that buy as though they possessed not , and they that use this world as not abusing it , for the fashion of this world passeth away . vi. in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you the lesson of humility . how many humbling sights have you seen ? every corpse that you have seen hath been an humbling sight . it may be you have been proud of your beauty , but have not you seen that beauty vanisheth away when death comes ; that beautiful bodies by the plague and death have been turned into loathsome bodies ? and those that you have loved and been delighted to look upon , you have been glad to have them buried out of your sight , when once dead . how many open graves have you seen , and those that have been nice and curious of their comely bodies , have been interred , and given to be meat for worms , and to be a prey to rottenness and putrefaction . have you seen any difference betwixt the poor and the rich , be●wixt that body that was fed with courser fare , and that which was nourished with more delicate dishes ? have you not seen bodies that were made out of dust , been turned to the dust , to be turned into dust , and will you be proud after god hath taken such an effectual course to teach you to be humble ? vii . in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you , that all things fall alike to all , that the wise must dye as well as the fool , and the good must dye as well as the bad . and though god hath promised [ conditionally ] preservation from the plague unto his people , which hath been literally fulfilled to some of his , yet some of his have fallen in this general mortality , god hath been teaching of you , that though grace doth deliver from eternal death , yet not from temporal ; though from the sting , yet not from the stroke of death , that you ( though godly ) should be preparing for your own departure out of this world . viii . in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you the difference between the death of the wicked and the death of the righteous , that though good and bad alike have dyed , yet they have not dyed alike . but as there was a difference in their life , so god did make a difference in their death : have not you seen some wicked dye without any sense of sin , or fear of god , or hell ? and some with terrors in their consciences ? and have you not seen some godly dye with peace and comfort , and giving good evidences of their hope of a better life ? that god hath filled them with joys that they were going to their fathers house ? and that the plague and death had not so much in them to terrifie and affright , as the hopes of heaven had to comfort and support their hearts . it hath been ground of great rejoycing to hear : how many of gods people in this plague did dye with joy and comfort ? and should not y●u by such a sight as this , be quickened in your service unto god , and ever while you live look upon religion as a real thing , that letteth in such real comforts into their hearts , who had real grace , in such time of real discouragements ; after such a sight as this , never think it a vain thing to serve god ( though you must dye ) who comforts his peoples souls in the very gates of death ? ix . in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you the folly of delaying in the great concernments of another world ; you have seen many drunkards did delay to repent and turn to god , but when death once came to arrest them , it would not stay till they had done their work . have not you seen many have been surprized by death ; that those that thought they would repent hereafter , and talked how they would mend hereafter , are gone down into the grave before that time was come ? and wil not you after such a sight as this be quickned to make more haste in doing of the work that god expecteth at your hands ? have not you seen some that have talked what they would do the next year , laid in the dust before this year is past and gone ? god hereby would have you learn not to boast of to morrow , because you know not what may be in the womb of another day , nor what to morrow may bring forth , prov. . . god would have you learn so to number your days that you may apply your hearts to wisdom , psal . . . god would have you learn to do your duty quickly , and to do it with all your might , because it will be too late , when you are rotting in your grave , eccles . . . x. in this great house of so great mourning , god hath been teaching you the great lesson of mortification ; you have seen how many dyed by sin , and should not you be now dead unto sin , you should now in good earnest labor for the death of sin . o be the death of your passion , and be the death of your lusts , and be the death of your worldliness , especially be the death of your beloved sin , god forbid that sin should be found alive in your heart after such a time of death to so many thousand persons . are so many dead and rotting in their graves , and shall not sin be dead and mouldring in your hearts . these be some of the lessons god in his late providence hath been instructing you in , and if you can now do these duties better than before , it is some sign that you are better than you were before , but yet because so great a providence should not be sleightly passed over , with but a little improvement , i shall take occasion to press you to be much better than you were before ; before , god saw a great deal of sin in his own people , and amongst professors , much censoriousness , and rash and uncharitable judgeing one of another , want of love and affection , a great deal of pride in apparel , pride in diet , pride in furniture of houses , pride of beauty , pride of parts and gifts ; and god hath been staining the pride of all families therein . god saw a great deal of neglect of family duties in professors houses , and customary , cold and dead performance of them in others , and doth it not concern all to see where they have failed , and do so no more ? sect . xvii . i know the wicked world thinks that professing people are too exact already , and that they make more adoe than is needfull : but their charge is , . false ; for there is no man is so exact in his life as he ought . . blasphemous ; for what do such but blame god himself in giving such strict rules unto his people . . malicious ; cain envyed abel because his works were evil , and his brothers good . . diabolical ; what could a devil say more , or what is this but to play the devils part , in discouraging , discountenancing , speaking against the pressing after the highest degrees of goodnesse . but let it be your great care whom god hath spared from the grave in this time of plague , that are such as truely fear god , and are truely good : on take heed , that after such a preservation none of you might be found worse than you were ; for though those that once were truely good , shall never so decline as to be [ absolutely ] bad , yet they may so farre fail , that they may [ comparatively ] be sayd to be worse . here consider , . to lose any degrees of goodness and grace , is a grievous and a sinfull loss : if you had lost your life in this plague , it might not have been your sin , but you cannot be in the least degree worse than you were ( after such a providence ) but it is a great sin : because it is our duty to love god as much as we can , therefore to lose any degrees of our love to god , is to come short of our duty , and therefore a sin . . to be worse in your spiritual condition , will be great unthankefulnesse to god for his watchfull providence over you . if a man do a kindness for you , will you be worse towards him than you were before ? and will you deal worse with god than with a fellow creature ? . to be worse in your spiritual condition after such preservation and deliverance , will be displeasi●g unto god , and a grief unto him if god see his children love him less , and fear him less , and delight in him less , will it not grieve him , and displease him ? and had it not been better you had dyed , than to live to be a grief to god ? had not you rather follow your children to their graves , than to see them live to be worse , and dishonour god ? and will you yet do so your selves ? is it not a grief to you , the more kindness you shew unto your children , to see them the more undutiful to you ? and will it not be so in you to god ? . if you be worse than you were in your spiritual condition , you shall have less communion with god than you had before : and had not you better dye than lose your communion with god ? for what is your life without fellowship with god ? . if you be worse , you will have less comfort from god than you had before . if you deny duty to him , which you performed to him before , he will deny that comfort to you , which he gave you before , and what will your life be , without the comforts of god let down into your soul ? is not his loving kindness better than life ? psal . . . and what is life if you have no comfort in it ? and where wi●l you have solid , lasting , suitable , satisfying comfort , if not from god ? . if you are worse in your spiritual condition than you were before , and love god less , and desire after him less , and delight in him less , you will have less evidences for heaven than you had before , you will not so clearly see your interest in christ , your title to his kingdom , as you did before ; and do you live to blot your evidences ? oh what an aggravation will it be to you , to say , before the plague i knew that god did love me , but now i doubt of it . before i knew , if i had dyed i should have been saved , but now if i should dye , i cannot tell . . if you are worse than you were , you will have less experience of the workings of god upon your heart , than you had before . you will not have such experience of his quickning presence , nor of the powerful operations of the spirit upon your heart ; and what is it , if you feel the motions and acting of life , if you do not feel the motions of the spirit so much upon your heart ? . if you are worse , you will dishonour god more than you did before , and that you need not do , you did that too much before : and hath god spared you to live to his dishonour ? i tell you , you had better dyed with others in the plague , than live after it to dishonour god. . if you have less of goodness than you had before , you will have more of sin than you had before . if you love god less than you did , you will love something else more than you did ; if you have less faith , you will have more unbelief ; if you be less heavenly , you will be more worldly ; if you be less spiritual , you will be more carnal : and hath god been using physick to purge out your sin , and shall it be found more in you than it was before ? hath god put you in the furnace , and doth your dross continue , and increase ? it is the nature of contraries , the less there is of the one , the more there is of the other . if the sun be setting , darkness is approaching ; if heat be expelled out of the water , more cold is introduced ; and so it is with your heart in respect of sin and grace . . if you be worse , it will cost you much pains , and prayers , and tears , before you will recover to be as good as you were before . you may lose that with a little neglect , which you will not re-gain without great diligence . thus i have laid before you these considerations , to prevent your being worse : but that will not be a sufficient improvement of this providence , that you be not worse in your spiritual condition , but you must be better : not enough , that you do not decline , but you must increase and thrive in grace and goodness . and before i come to press you to be better , let me lay down these following positions ; and the last shall bring me to my intended work. sect . xviii . posit . . there are many that are really bad , and not so much as seemingly good . there are many that do not profess any goodness ; such are your open , debaucht sinners , that give themselves up unto all licentiousness and sin . posit . . that there are many that are seemingly good , that are not really good . many make a great shew in religion , that have no religion in them . many pray much , and hear much , and talk of good things much , but are not good themselves ; and the misery of these is , . that they lose all their labour ; for if they themselves be not good , their praying is not good , and their talking of good things is not good : for , the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination unto the lord , prov. . . . they have no real communion with god who are but seemingly good : for , what communion hath light with darknesse , cor. . , &c. . they shall have no real reward , in the kingdom of heaven . their goodnesse is but seeming goodness , and their happiness is but seeming happiness . . they are seemingly like to god , but are really like the devil . . they associate with gods children , but are none of gods children ; for all gods children are good . . they have no true peace , isa . . . but god hath really preserved you from death , and really kept you alive , therefore be not satisfied to be seemingly good , but be really so . posit . . that there be many that are really good , that are not gradually good , that have grace in truth , that have not grace in growth . those that are seemingly good are not so many as those that are openly bad , and those that are really good are not so many as those that are seemingly good , and those that are gradually good are not so many as those that are really good . ever the better the fewer , both for kinde and degree . it is so in naturals ; not so many whales as lesser fish ; not so many eagles as little birds ; not so many suns as stars : and so it is in spirituals ; not so many strong men in christ , as babes ; not so many tall cedars , as there are shrubs in gods lebanon . now my purpose is to exhort you ( especially after such a providence ) to be not only really good , but to be gradually good . posit . . that those that are gradually good , are yet imperfectly good , as appears by the remainders of sin in the best ; and would be evident by a particular enumeration of their graces , which is the best thing in the best men ; they know but in part , and they love but in part , and delight in god but imperfectly , philip. . , , , . posit . . those that are really good though imperfectly good , are truly acceptable unto god. god will not break the bruised reed , nor quench the smoaking flax , mat. . . there may be a great deal of smoak where there is but little fire , a great deal of sin where there is but little grace ; but yet it is pleasing unto god , if it be true ; a little grace is of great value , ( a pearl of small quantity might be of great worth ) and better than a great deal of riches , or of gifts ; better than a strong memory pregnant phantacy , solid judgement , quick apprehension , voluble tongue , or any such things ; because the least grace is a pledge of heaven , and so are none of all the rest . posit . . that when a good man doth increase in goodness , he increaseth more or less in all saving goodness . when any one sin is more mortified , every sin is in some measure more mortified , and yet every sin is not equally strong , because some sins are more deeply radicated , have been more strengthened by frequent acts , and are more rooted in the constitution ; so though addition be made in every grace , when a christian growes better , yet every grace might not be equally strong in the same christian , because some grace may be more opposed by the contrary sin , and some grace is drawn forth more into act and exercise than the rest ; yet as a childe growes in all parts truely though not equally ; so it is in a good christian : and this i adde , that you may endeavour to be universally good , and universally better , better in faith , and better in love , and humility , &c. posit . . that those that are good should labour to be better , and those that are better , should strive to be best . you should not rest in goodness positive , but labour to have comparative goodness , and when you have it in the comparative degree , you should aspire after superlative goodness : you see it is so in other things ; amongst scholars men strive who should be the best scholar ; and amongst artificers , men strive who shall be the best artificer ; and now after the plague , you will perceive men to be more earnest in their trading ( i pray god they may not exceed ) to re-gain , what they lost for want of trading : and so amongst christians , every one should strive who should be the best ; and to quicken and provoke you hereunto , lay these things to your heart . consider , sect . xix . . you are not so good as once you were ; i mean in your primitive condition and first creation , we had more goodness as we came out of the hands of god ; then we had good and no evil : and when god hath restored us , we should labour to come up as near to what we were in adam , ( though not by the same covenant ) as we can . . you are not so good as you shall be . you were good in adam , but you shall be better in heaven : in adam we were perfectly good , in heaven we shall be perpetually good ; and should you not labour to get as much of heaven into your heart as you can . . you are not so good as you ought to be , no , not by many degrees ; you come farr short of what you should be in grace and goodness . . you are not so good as you may be : though you cannot be so good as you were in adam , as you shall be in heaven , as you ought to be upon earth , yet you may be better than you are . you have not so many degrees of love to god , but you may have more , nor such strong desires after christ , but you may have more : how weak is thy love ! how cold are thy desires ! how stupid is thy heart ! not only in comparison of what it ought to be , but of what it may be : thou wantest many degrees , oh christian , put on , there is much more that is yet attainable . . you are not so good , but you need to be better . if thou be no better , and shouldst come into some conditions , thou wouldest be found not good enough to go through the same as becomes the gospel . thou mightest be brought into those straits , and assaulted by those temptations , that except thou hast more patience , more love to god , more faith in christ , thou wilt not be able to bear them , nor resist them , as becomes a childe of god to doe : thy burdens might yet be greater , and thy duties greater , and thy temptations greater , therefore thou shouldest hasten to be better . . you are not so good as others are , that have had but the same time , and the same means , and helps as you have had , nay some that have not had so much preaching as you have had , nor such examples as you have had , nor so much time , that did set out for heaven after you , that were bad while you were good , yet have overtaken you , and gone beyond you : oh christian , thou art lagging behinde , put on , least thou shouldest be last of all . . you are not so good , but you are as bad . you have not so much grace , but you have as much sin ; nay , is not your sin more than your grace ? is not your unbelief more than your faith ? and your wandring thoughts in duty more than your fixed thoughts in duty ? and your dulness more than your liveliness ? if thou canst say truely , it is not , do thou go and bless god that it is not so with thee , while i must go and be humbled before god , because it is so with me . . the better you are , the more excellent you will be . riches is not your excellency , and learning is not your excellency , and grace is not your utmost and your highest excellency , but the highest degrees of grace is . reason makes a man differ from a beast ; and the more rational a man is ( by the improvement of reason ) than others , the more excellent as a man ( for a fool might excell a wise man in riches ) he is above other men : so grace makes a christian differ from a man as such , and the better christian he is than others , the more excellent he is than other christians are . . the better you are , the more like to god , who is the greatest , the chiefest , and the best good . when we lost our goodness , we lost our likeness unto god ; and when god makes us good , he makes us like himself , and the better god doth make us , the more he makes us like himself : and should not this provoke thee to be better ? especially considering , to be most like to god , is thy greatest duty : the end of all the rest . desires : oh that i were more like to god. dignity : and therefore our dignity will be greatest in heaven , because there we shall be likest unto god. . the better you are , the more you shall have gods approbation : and what will it be to be approved of god! you may by seeming goodnesse have the approbation of men , but you must be really good , if you will have the approbation of god ; and the better you are , the more he will approve you . god observeth the worst of men , but approveth only of good men ; and only the good actions of good men , not their sinful actions , king. . . . the better you are , the more clearly you will see that you are good . many question , they are not good , and the reason of their doubt is , because they are no better : that time you spend in complaining you fear you are not good , improve in endeavouring to be better , and your doubts will be sooner answered , and your fear expelled . . the better you are , the more profitable you will be to all about you . the better you are in your self , the better it will be for your self , and the better for all about you ; the better you are , the more you will lay out your self for god , and for the good of souls . others shall be the better , for your counsels : you will be directing them how to do good . for your reproofs : you will be telling them when they do evil . for your example : you will lead them in the good way . for your experiences : you will communicate to them how good god hath been unto you , and what god hath done for you . . the better you are , the more inward joy , and the more established peace you shall finde . the great trouble of a christian is , because he is no better ; be you better and you will have the lesser trouble within , though the better you are , the more trouble you might have from men ; but that 's not so great matter . . the better you are , the more glory you will bring to god. herein is my father glorified that you bear much fruit , joh. . . and what is your design in the world , but to glorifie god , and to do that , and be that which tendeth most thereunto ? . the better you are , the more you will credit religion , and realize the wayes of god ; it will appear that religion is a real thing , when it hath made bad men good , and good men better . if there were nothing else to disgrace the ways of sin , this would be abundantly sufficient to behold the great wickedness of those men ( how bad they be ) that walk most therein . . the better you are while you live , the more undaunted you shall be when you come to dye : the reason why we are so troubled in our sickness , is because we were no better in our health ; conscience then remembers at such a time i sinned , and at such a place i fell , and in such company i defiled my soul ; be better in health , you will be the better in sickness and death . . the better you are upon earth , the weightier your crown shall be in heaven : those that be truly good , shall have sure glory , but those that are better , shall have more . there shall be no want of any thing to any one in heaven , but yet some shall shine more eminently in glory , than others . thus i have dispatched this particular also , that you be better after such a signal providence as this , for if you be not , this very thing will be a greater plague , than the plague upon the body ; and if you ask me wherein you should be better ? you must gather up that in the following directions , which shall be more particular ; and such as may be useful to prevent men from growing worse , which was the first thing , and helpful to promote this duty of being better , which was the second thing i have spoken to . direction ii. hath god spared you in time of plague , that you live in some measure answerably to so great a mercy , carefully endeavour to live up to the purposes , and resolutions and vows which you made to god in time of danger and distress . good purposes and holy resolutions , when observed and put in practice , are great helps to an answerable return to god for his mercies conferred upon us ; but holy , religious vows , being something more than single purposes and resolutions ( being a promise made to god with due deliberation , of something lawful in it self , and in our power to perform , as a testimony of our thankefulness unto god for some extraordinary mercy received , or expected , or deliverance from some great evil in extraordinary danger and distress ) do much promote a holy life , whereby we may the better be inabled to walk in some measure worthy of what the lord in mercy hath done for us , or given to us . in time of extraordinary danger , or when we are in expectation of some extraordinary mercy , we have the example of the holy men of god in scripture , to binde our selves to endeavour to walk more close with god. so jacob , gen. . . and jacob vowed a vow , saying , if god will be with me , and will keep me in this way that i go , and will give me bread to eat , and raiment to put on . vers . . so that i come again to my fathers house in peace , then shall the lord be my god. and this he was careful to perform , gen. . . then jacob said unto his houshold , and to all that were with him , put away the strange gods , and be clean , and change your garments . vers . . and let us arise and go up to bethel , and i will make there an altar unto god , who answered me in the day of my distress , and was with me in the way which i went. thus david made a vow to god when he was in danger of his life , psal . . . thy vows are upon me , o god : i will render praises unto thee . vers . . for thou hast delivered my soul from death — and in the like danger , psal . . . the sorrows of death compassed me , and the pains of hell gate hold upon me : i found trouble and sorrow . vers . . then called i upon the name of the lord , o lord , i beseech thee deliver my soul . vers . . the lord preserveth the simple : i was brought low , and he helped me . vers . . thou hast delivered my soul from death , mine eyes from tears , and my feet from falling . vers . . what shall i render to the lord , for all his benefits towards me ? vers . . i will pay my vows unto the lord , now in the presence of all his people . and hath not this been thy case , christian reader , did not the sorrows of death compass thee about ? didst thou not finde trouble and sorrow ? wast thou not brought very low , and received the sentence of death within thy self ? didst thou not then call upon the name of the lord , and resolve thou wouldst walk before the lord , if he would restore thee ? and hath not god delivered thy soul from death , and thy feet from falling ? then pay thy vows to god , and perform to him thy promise , and live up unto thy resolutions . tell me , what were thy purposes when thou heardest the plague had entered into thy neighbours house , when it came unto the family nearest unto thine ? what were thy resolutions when the plague did enter into thy house , and took one away , and then another ? what were thy holy , deliberate , lawful vows , when it seized upon thy body ? when thou betookest thy self unto thy bed , to sweat out thy distemper ? when thou foundest risings on thy body , swellings and carbuncles in several parts , when the apprehensions of death did fill thy minde , and the terrors of the lord did fill thy heart , when thou thoughtest thou hadst not many days to live , and that thou wert near to death and another world , and shouldest certainly dye , if god did not preserve thee ? what didst thou think then ? and what didst thou purpose then , and resolve upon then ? didst thou not determine with thy self if god would spare thy life , if god would give thee health again , and try thee a little longer in the world , that thou wouldest walk more holily , and act for god more zealously ? that thou wouldest pray more frequently and more fervently ? that thou would minde the world less , and heaven more ? that thou wouldest make religion thy business , as long as thou shouldest live ? didst thou not resolve that god and christ , and things above should have more of thy heart and hearty love ? that thou wouldest then forsake loose and carnal company , and associate thy self with those in whom thou couldst discern most of god , and walked most conscientiously before him ? that thou wouldest no more take a cup too much , nor club in the ale-house and tavern , to the neglect of duties of thy family at home . did it not then trouble thee that thou being a professor , hadst been at nights drinking in the tavern , when thou shouldst have been praying in thy family ; that thy wife and children , though they have not gone supperless to bed , yet have almost every night gone prayerless to bed , except they went apart to pray in secret . but did not then thy conscience tell thee , that their performance of their duty would be no excuse to thee , when thou shouldst stand at the bar of god , for thy neglecting of what thou oughtest to have done ? didst thou not then resolve , if thou shouldst live , it should be so no more ? that thou wouldst read thy bible more , as well as look over thy shop-books daily ? that thou wouldst spend some time in secret before god , whereas before thou wast use to waste it in thy pleasures , and taking of thy worldly delights . deal plainly , man , with thy self , and do not flatter thy soul , and daube with thy conscience , was there not some such thoughts and purposes , and resolutions as these in thy heart at such a time ? and didst thou promise and resolve in jest , and not in earnest ; god did afflict thee by the plague in good earnest , and thou waste then affraid of death , and the grave , and judgement , in good earnest ! and didst thou onely purpose in jest , and resolve in jest , and play with holy things when thou wast near another world ? and dally with god , when thou didst not know but within an hour thou mightest have appeared at his bar ? and been set before the terrible tribunal of the great heart-searching god ? but if thou wast in earnest with god , when god was in earnest with thee ; if thou wast in earnest in promising , be earnest in earnest to perform ; if thou didst indeed resolve to reform when thou shouldst be well , then reform indeed according to thy resolution , since god hath made thee well , and saved thee from the grave , to which thou wast so near , so very near . or if god hath been so good to thee to preserve thee from the infection of the plague , amongst the many thousands that have been visited , that thou hast not been heart-sick , yet thou hast often felt shootings , and pains , and prickings up and down in several parts of thy body ; and sometimes hast had such things as thou hast thought to be symptomes of the distemper , and hast apprehended it to be approaching to thee , that hath made thee hasten to thy bed , and make use of thy preservatives , and thy cordials , that thou thoughtest thy self in real danger , and wast possest with real fears : what were thy purposes at such a time as this ? and what didst thou resolve to do ? and how to live , if god would prevent the thing thou fearedst ? or hadst thou no such purpose in thy heart ? no such resolution in thy breast , that if thou livedst thou wouldst be better ? was thy heart indeed so backward unto good , that at such a time of fears and dangers , thou hadst not so much as a purpose to be better ? but if thou hadst ( and let thy conscience be thy witness , and the god of heaven that did fully know the purpose of thy heart ) then now perform , what then thy heart did purpose to perform . i am perswaded if the people in london ( and in country too ) would live up according to the purpose of their heart , in time of danger of the plague , would reform and mend as they did resolve to do , we should be much better than we were before . oh what a difference would there be in the frame of our hearts , and in the course of our lives ! what a change would there be in all our practises ? those that were forward professors of religion , and were not much more then professors , would be zealous practisers of religious duties ; and in order hereunto i shall to follow this direction , do three things . . lay down some considerations why you should be careful to keep your purposes , resolutions and vows . . prescribe some helpes how you may perform your purposes , resolutions and vows . . set down the aggravations of your sin , if you break your purposes , resolutions and vows . sect . i. . great and constant diligent care should be taken in time of health , to keep our purposes , to perform our resolutions , and to pay our vows to god , which we made in time of sickness , and danger , and distress , if you consider these particulars . . that one great deceit of the heart of man doth appear in this , in being forward to purpose in our selves , and promise unto god , but are backward to perform . in time of sickness , what resolutions do men make ? what purposes have they in themselves , to mend and turn to god , and seem to promise this with tears in their eyes , and sorrow in their hearts , for the evil that is past and done , and seem to others , and think verily themselves , that they promise in good earnest , and mean to do as they do speak , and when they think the danger is past , and their fears removed , do nothing less than what they promised : i have known some upon sick beds so to promise , that they would be drunk no more , &c. and yet when health hath been restored , have returned to their wickedness : so did pharaoh promise fair when the plagues of god were upon the land , that he would let the children of israel goe ; but when the plagues have been removed , he hath hardened his heart against them more than before ; and this he often did . exod. . , . & . , , , & . , , . now this deceitfulness of the heart is yet in part remaining in the best of men , and therefore you must be carefull , else though you have promised , you will never perform . . that sin is of a bewitching , encroaching and alluring nature ; if it can prevail , it will keep you from resolving against it ; if you do resolve , it will entreat you that you would not send it farre from you , that your resolution might not be peremptory and universal , that if you resolve to banish it from your heart , it might be only some of its members that are not so dear unto you , and reserve the rest ; or if it be peremptory and universal , that you will part with all sin , it will contend that your resolution may not be perpetual , that you send it not away for ever , but only till your danger of death is over , and your fears thereof are ceased , that then it may be received into your heart , be your favourite again ; or if you do resolve to part with sin , peremptorily , universally and perpetually , yet after a while it will solicit you to change your resolution ; or if you will not change it , it will solicit you to abate the strength and vehemency thereof ; and will come and offer you so much delight , and so much pleasure , and so much profit , if you will not be so severe against it . if you are not carefull , it will encroach upon your heart , and insinuate and winde it self into your love and delight , and allure your will into a consent , first not to be so severe , next to indulge it , then to countenance it , and then to renew its acquaintance , till it again become familiar to you . . that satan will assault you , and set in with sin for its re-admission . if he cannot keep you from resolving , yet he will lay hard at your heart to break your resolution : he will lay his snares and baits , and use his stratagems in sins behalf ; and come to you as he did to our first parents , gen. . . he ( i. e. satan ) said unto the woman , yea , hath god said , ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden ? so satan cometh unto thee , and saith , yea , hast thou said , thou wilt not be kinde unto thy sin any more ? hast thou said , thou wilt be so severe against thine iniquity ? if thou reply , i have said , i will not keep my sin , lest god be angry with me , and send some soret judgement upon me ; he will return to thee , and say , god will not surely be angry with thee to plague thee , it may be thou mayst escape , or if thou yield now , thou mightest repent , and renew thy resolution against it again , do it but this once , take but the other cup ; play but the other game . if you be not carefull to look to your resolutions , when sin , satan , and your own heart do set against you , you will certainly break them . . the world will interrupt you , that you may not live up to your resolutions made to god in time of danger . this is another powerful assaultant , for your heart and affections ; and will plead , if thou didst resolve against sin , that was unlawful , but the things that i have ( saith the world ) are good , my riches are good , and my pleasures are not absolutely evil , and my profits are not unlawful ; if thou wouldest turn off thy drunkenness , why should i be resolved against ? and if thou wilt shake off thy wicked company , yet what have i done , that i must not be loved ? company-keeping ( saith the world ) did impoverish thee , but i will enrich thee , that did consume what was necessary for thy family , but i come with supplyes for them , i will cloathe their backs , and i will furnish their table , and i will bring in portions for thy children , i will make thee honourable and esteemed , and i will lay up in store for thee against thy old age , when thy labour will be past : thus will the world come in for entertainment in your heart again , that though you resolved to spend so much time in secret prayer every day , if god would suffer you to live , yet this worldly business cometh to divert you , and another cometh to take you off from your resolved practice : if you consider what earnest suiters , satan , sin , and the world will be for your heart , and how your heart is as ready to yield , as these are to solicit , your heart is as willing to have them , as these are to have your heart , then without diligent care it is impossible to live up unto good and holy resolutions made in time of danger . . the difficulty of the things you have purposed and resolved to do , calls for your greatest diligence if you would live up unto them . the more excellent and difficult the work is we resolve to do , the more apt we are to flag and faint , and come short in performance . now it will appear that these things are difficult , because they are praeter super contra naturam . first , the things you have purposed and resolved to do , are preternatural . these things are , that you will love god more , and that you will delight and joy in god more . now those things are praeternatural which are added to another thing ( as an adjunct to its subject ) so that it doth not constitute the nature of it , nor destroy it , but perfect it . such a thing is grace , that you have resolved to get greater degrees of . grace and holiness doth not constitute the nature of man , for a man without grace is a man ; neither doth grace and holiness destroy but perfect nature : grace doth not destroy the affection of love , but doth correct it , and place it upon its proper object ; nor destroy our joy , but turns the stream of our joy to empty it self in god , or rather to fetch our joyes from god. secondly , the things you have resolved to do , are supernatural , above nature ; it is not in the power of nature to enable you to do what you have resolved upon . you resolved in your time of fears and danger , to pray to god more fervently ; but nature cannot help you to do this : to believe more stedfastly , to love god more ardently , to walk with god more holily , but all these are above the power of nature ; and must be wrought in you by the supernatural and almighty power of god ; and yet you did well to resolve to endeavour to do all these , if you did remember to make your resolution , in the strength of christ to do this , by whose strength we can do all things , philip. . . thirdly , the things you have resolved to do are contra-natural , against nature , i. e. against corrupt nature : for our love to god doth not destroy the faculty or affection of love , but perfect it and innoble it , but it doth destroy our love to sin , and our love to the world , and the things of the world. now to do that which is against corrupt nature is very hard , you will finde it exceeding difficult , it is swimming against the stream , and rowing against the tide , that if you do not ply your oar , you will be carryed back . . the opposition you may meet withall from your nearest friends , will make it evident that there is need of your greatest diligence to make good your good resolutions . you have purposed in your heart to spend more time for god , and your soul , and for the life to come , if you do so as you have resolved , it may be thy father , the wife of thy bosom , thy fellow-servants , will scorn thee and deride thee , and set themselves against thee . thou hast purposed in thy heart to reprove sinners for their oathes and drunkenness , and prophaneness , and if thou do so , they will envy thee for thy pity , and hate thee for thy love ; it may cost thee dear , it may expose thee to trouble from men , and from those that by bonds of nature are nearest to thee , if thou wilt indeed come up in thy practice in time of health and safety , to thy resolutions , which thou didst believe was thy duty to make , in time of sickness and danger . . the necessary concurrence of many difficult duties that you may perform the purposes of your heart , in living in some measure answerable to the mercy of divine protection in time of plague , calls for your utmost diligence and care , else you will undoubtedly fail and come short of what you did resolve upon . where many duties are to meet , and to be done as necessary requisites to another duty that makes this duty so much the more difficult . there are many things to be done , if you will perform your vows and resolutions to be better , without which it will be impossible , and these are such as watchfulness , self-denyal , fervent prayer , frequent examination , &c. but these i reserve for their proper place , as helps hereunto . but first i would have you to believe the necessity of your utmost care and diligence to perform your purposes of an holy life . that man that thinks it easie to live up to such resolutions , will undoubtedly come short in putting them in practice . sect . ii. ii. i come to the helps to be prescribed for the better performance of your purposes and resolutions of a holy , heavenly , gospel-conversation , made in time of your danger by reason of the plague . if you would live up to your resolution of an holy life , then . evermore take heed of your beloved sin ; take heed of that which is to you peccatum in delitiis ; your darling lust , which by way of special propriety you may call your own . keep a very strict hand over it , for if any sin undoe you , it is likely to be this , and if there be any sin that will weaken your endeavours to live according to your purpose , it will be this : beware of all , but especially of this ; maintain your holy warfare against the whole hoast of sin , but especially fight against this as the general and commander of all the rest : whether it be pride , or worldliness , or the pleasing of your sensitive appetite , or the lusts of the flesh , &c. that you may know what is your darling sin , take these signs . first , that sin you have been more accustomed to , and hath usually broken out to the wounding of your soul , and disturbing of your peace above any other sin , is your beloved sin . secondly , that sin that all other sins doe wait upon and vail to , and bring in their aid and assistance to maintain , is your beloved sin . thirdly , that sin of which you are most impatient of reproof ; you can hear of other sins , and be reproved for other sins , but if you are plainly dealt with about this , you cannot so easily bear it , but you will finde your corrupt heart to bestir it self to finde out excuses to extenuate it , and plead for it ; that is likely your beloved sin . fourthly , that sin is likely your darling , when disappointments of the fulfilling , and pleasing of it , is more grievous to your soul than the frustrations of any other sin . fifthly , that sin is your darling , which you have often found your heart wishing it were no sin , when you wish that it had not been forbidden by god ; which you finde your heart most unwilling to resolve against . sixthly , that sin is your darling , which you are willing to be at any cost and charges to maintain or satisfie . seventhly , that is your darling sin , which you are most delighted in the committing of , and had rather part with all the rest than with this ; it is a sign your heart is indeed marryed to that sin , when you will leave all to cleave to this . eighthly , that sin is your darling sin , which doth most disturb you at the throne of grace , and fill your minde most usually with distracting thoughts . the devil will divert your heart from god in holy duties , and there is no sin he can better make use of for this purpose , than what your heart is most apt naturally to close withall . ninthly , that sin is your darling sin , which doth most interrupt you in your chosen solitudes , and retirements for your souls concernment . it is not every man , but some special friend that will joyn himself unto you , when he knows you are retired for some special business . tenthly , that is your darling sin which conscience doth most reproach you for in time of danger and fears of death . eleventhly , that sin is your darling sin , which usually lies down in your thoughts at night , which your minde most thinks upon in the night when you wake , and first endeavours to salute you in the morning . whatever sin this be , you must resolve to deal severely with it , if ever you would keep your holy resolutions : while you cocker this sin , and be too kind towards it , you will not walk so close with god in time of health , as you purposed to do in time of sickness . and next to this beloved sin , be carefull to mortifie that sin that is next unto it in your love . there is some other sin , besides the darling ( which is chief ) that the corrupt heart hath some peculiar favour for ; and if you ask what sin that is ? i answer , it is that sin which your heart is most apt to change your beloved sin for , when you press your heart to forsake your darling sin : and that which was the second chief sin in your soul , would be first , if the former be taken down and suppressed . . take heed of dallying with temptations , or playing with the baits of sin , and be careful to abstain from the very appearance of evil ; rather deny your self of what is lawful , then play upon the borders of that which is unlawful , if you always go as far as you may , you will sometimes go further then you should : if you venture to the utmost , you will be in danger of transgressing and going beyond your bounds . you will finde the devil and your own heart sometimes to reason thus , so far thou mayest go , and yet keep thy resolution ; so far thou mightest venture , and maintain thy holy purpose ; thou maist go with such a one into the tavern , and yet keep thy purpose to be sober , thou mayst take another glass of wine , and then another , and then another , and yet not break thy resolution . thus the devil will play upon thee , and ply thee , step after step ; till he makes a prey of the peace of thy conscience , and hath brought thee to a violation of thy purpose , principiis obsta , resist the first risings of the sin thou hast resolved against ; thou hast resolved to keep a constant course of secret prayer every morning , but when thou risest , there is this business offers it self to be done first , and then another , till thou dost omit it and neglect it , or there is this business which stayes for thee , and that will make thee first be slight and hasty , and over-short in the performance of it , till at last it brings thee to neglect it . beware then of the appearances of sin . . often press upon your heart , that sin is as odious unto god , and displeasing unto him at one time as another , in time of health , as well as in times of sickness and great mortality , when the plague is over , as when it was slaughtering thousands in a week . though god doth sometimes manifest more of his displeasure against sin , yet he always equally ( because he always infinitely ) hateth sin . if the thoughts of gods displeasure , and the sight thereof in the effects of it , did move thee to resolve and purpose against sin , the believing thoughts of this when the plague is over , will have some special influence upon thee , to make thee endeavour to do according to the purpose of thy heart in dying times . . consider , holiness is as pleasing unto god at one time as another , and if god was pleased with thy purpose , it will be more pleasing if thou proceed unto performance : the moving reason of your purpose in the time of your distress , was that you judged it pleasing unto god ; and would you please god at one time by purposing , and displease him at another by non-performance ? would you please god at one time by resolving to reform , and displease him at another by nonreformation ? sin and holiness is the same in the eyes of god at all times , but it seems it is not so in thine ; if sometime thou dost purpose to forsake sin , and at another dost willingly commit it ; if sometime thou approvest holiness , and p●●●osest to follow after it , but at another time thou art remiss in thy pursuit . . work this upon thy heart , that sin is as destructive to thy soul , and pre●udicial to thy peace and comfort , at one time as another : though sometime the circumstance of time might aggravate a mans sin , and make it more hainous ( as a man to be drunk upon the lords day ) yet sin committed at any time is damnable , and sin loved at any time is damnable ; though sometime we feel the effects of sin , in sickness on our bodies , and terrors and fears upon our consciences , and then have greater and more affecting apprehensions of the evil of it ; yet you can at no time ( when you have your perfect health ) lay sin in your bosom , but it may sting you unto death . in your sickness you thought that sin would undo you , that your evil actions would certainly damne you , therefore you did resolve against it ; think so still , and let those thoughts abide upon your heart , and they will carry you in the strength of christ , to live as you did purpose . . work this upon your heart , that holiness in act , and a godly life in act , will be more sweet unto your soul , than it was onely in your purpose : and that a holy life should be esteemed by you at one time , as well as another , because it will be as sweet and profitable to you at one time as another ; if you thought it would be for your good , to purpose holiness , and to resolve to live to god , and this did something quiet your heart , if you had dyed , that god had given you a real and unfeigned resolution , and fixed purpose of heart to lead ( as you could with utmost diligence ) a gospel conversation , how much more will it be a comfort to your heart to see your purposes end in performances , and your resolutions come unto a real , thorough , continued reformation . get the same thoughts of holiness in time of safety , as you had in time of danger ; and this will help you to live holily as well as to purpose so to do . keep upon your heart a constant , daily sense of your own mortality , and of your nearness to another world : what is the reason that men under sickness are more apt to purpose to forsake sin , and to promise to mend and to reform , than in time of health , but because they have greater apprehensions of death in its nearer approaches unto them ; and things as neer do more affect , than things apprehended as further off ; and was it not the thoughts of the nearness of death , and your daily danger of it , that did quicken you to resolve against sin , and for god , and to winde up your resolutions something higher than at other times ? why you have reason still to walk in daily expectation of your dissolution , though the plague be stayed . if the plague be removed out of your habitation , yet sin is not removed out of your heart ; there is the meritorious cause of death still in you , and there are natural causes of death still in you , and you must as surely dye , as if the plague were raging , and you may assoon dye ; we dye a thousand ways : death might be as near to you by some other disease , and you may fall by some other disease , as so many have done by the pestilence ; though you were not one of those that dyed eight thousand in a week ; yet you may be one of those that dye eight , or five hundred in a week . doe not say the bitterness of death is past , that now there is no danger ; do not put far from thee the evil day . what if so many do not dye every week as when thou resolvedst to be better , yet thou mightest dye every week . an apoplexy , or a feaver , or dropsie might fetcht thee to thy grave , who hast ( through mercy and patience ) escaped death by the plague ; think with thy self , when thy heart is negligent of thy former purpose , when ? and why was it that i resolved to give my self more to a holy , heavenly life ? when the plague did come nigh unto my dwelling , and because i thought every day i might have dyed : why it is my daily danger , if not by the plague , yet by some other disease , that will as certainly be the cause of my dissolution , as if it were the plague . thou didst purpose , because thou thoughtest death was neer , then perform , because death is still as near , yea it is nearer to thee now , then when thou madest this resolution ; for the more days thou hast lived since , the fewer now thou hast to live ; it was near then , but to thee it is nearer now . . frequently possess thy heart with serious believing thoughts of judgement to come . when men , and when thou amongst the rest shall give an account to god of all , thoughts , purposes , promises , vows that thou hast made to god , to walk before him in an holy life : but what account canst thou give to god , when thou hast not performed what thou purposedst ? if it was not good to purpose and to promise to forsake thy sin , and live to god , why didst thou purpose ? if it were ? why dost thou not perform ? if thou fail now , thou wilt be self-condemned at the bar of god : thy purposes and promises will be brought forth against thee ; and god will charge thee before all the world with breach of promise unto him . . work this upon thy heart , that thou walkest daily in the sight and presence of that god that exactly doth observe , whether thou art the same in thy practice when thou art well , as thou wast in thy purpose when thou wast sick : god did see thy purpose , and he did hear thy promise made in thy distress and time of fears ; and his eye is upon thee , to observe how thou livest , and what thou dost ; and do men keep their promises made to men ( as some do from no other principle then ) because the eyes of men are upon them , to observe them , and they would not lose their reputation by falsifying of their promise , and wilt not thou much more perform thy promise unto god , when thou canst never break it , but when god is looking on ? . keep a lively and a tender conscience , and diligently hearken to its admonitions , that thou keep thy purpose ; cominations , while thou art purposing to come short of thy purpose , and accusations afterwards ; if thy conscience is not faithful unto thee , thou wilt be false unto thy promise , and fail of thy purpose ; but if it be , do not choak the voice of conscience , for it is thy monitor and remembrancer to put thee in minde of the bond ●nd obligation that lies upon thee to a holy life , by virtue of thy own resolutions and vows in time of great mortality . . make a prudent choise of some wise and holy christian for thy most intimate associate : one that knows thy ways and practise most , that is most acquainted with the manner of thy life , and hath most occasion to be most in thy company ( supposing him to be faithful , prudent , pious ) tell him what hath been the purpose of thy heart , when the terrors of the lord were upon thee , not onely against sin in general , or in respect of holiness in general , but what was the purpose of thy soul , and the resolution of thy heart against this sin ( if it be convenient ) in particular , which thou hast been most prone unto , and the particular duty thou hast resolved to be constant and diligent in , which thou hast found thy heart most backward to ; and engage him as he loves thy soul , and the promoting of the work of god in thy heart , that he will carefully observe thee , and if he discern thee to be backward to thy duty , that he would admonish thee , if forward to thy sin , that he would reprove thee ; and in all deal faithfully with thee ; this would be an exceeding help to perform our promises and purposes of holy living ; and such a friend as this is to be prized above his weight in gold ; and such a friend as this , is better than a brother , if you finde him , let him not go . . seriously consider and work upon your heart , till you feel your soul affected with it , that gods purposes concerning you and your good , and eternal peace is the same at one time as at another , and he performes all his promises which he maketh unto you : god doth not one time purpose for to save you , and another time purpose to condemn you ; and why should you then be unconstant in your purposes towards god , one time to purpose that you will serve him more , and glorifie him more , and at another time be careless to order your life according to the intention of your heart . when you finde your hearts begin to slink , and goe from the purpose and promise that you have made , press your self with affecting thoughts of the immutability of gods purposes to you , and this might help you to constancy in your purposes towards god. . steel your heart with an holy courage against all oppositions in your way of performance : take heed of slavish fears which enfeeble your resolutions , and put a stop in the way of an holy life you have resolved upon ; fear of danger and of death made you to resolve to keep close to god , and yet your fear of death , and fear of danger for holiness sake , will hinder your living up to those purposes and resolutions . fear of death natural and from god , was the occasion of your resolving to practise an holy life ; but fears of death violent , and from men , will be the cause of your breach of promise so to doe : therefore resolve to live up to your resolutions , though loss of estate , liberty , or life , should attend you for so doing . . fill your heart with an holy zeal for gods glory ; and if you be zealous for the glory of god , you will be couragious against all impediments and obstructions of an holy conversation . courage is opposed to slavish fears , and zeal is opposed to lukewarmness : and lukewarmness is inconsistent with the practice you have resolved upon . you have purposed to pray more fervently than you were wont to do , but if your heart be as lukewarm in religion , you cannot do it ; you have purposed to lay out your self more for the good of souls , to endeavour to help others in their way to heaven , but if you be as lukewarm as before , you cannot do more than you did before : but if your heart be enflamed with zeal for god , more than before , you will perform all your religious undertakings with more life than before , you will pray with more life , and preach with more life , and speak to men about the things of god and another world , than you did before ; and this is the performance of your purpose . . be much in daily reflexions whether you live up to your resolutions , or no. review your life every night , reflect upon your duties , and the manner of performance of them . survey at night before you sleep the actions of the day , whether they have been according to the rule of gods word ; what temptations did assault you , and how you did resist them ; what corruptions did rise in your heart , and how you did subdue them ; what ordinances of god you have sate under , and how you did improve them ; what talents god hath entrusted you with , and how you have employed them ; what company you have been in , and how you did behave your self . if you do not call your self frequently to account , you will live below your purposes , and not perceive it . . be often renewing your purposes and resolutions for an holy life . frequent acts do beget and strengthen habits : actually renew your purpose to pray to god , to walk circumspectly , to discourse of the things of god , and it will at length be habitual to you so to do . if you finde upon reflection and self-examination , that your purposes are weakened , and your heart draws back from that pitch of holiness you did intend to labour after , binde your heart thereto by the renewal of your purposes . if you finde you have broken your resolutions , do not resolve to continue so to do , but repair them . if the mariner be driven back by windes and storms , yet he keeps and renews his purpose of sailing unto his intended harbour . if a traveller fall in his journey , he gets up and resolves to hold on his way . . presse your heart with the evils of coming short , and with the benefits of living up unto your resolutions . the evils of this , i shall speak to in the third general head that follows next in order . the benefits of keeping the purpose of your heart are many and great : your sins will not be so many ; your sins will not be so strong , for resolutions against sin that are firmly made and carefully kept , do exceedingly weaken sin ; and if you should sometime sin , your sin will not be so great , when god doth see you keep the firm purpose of your heart against it , though sometimes you are overborn and bowed down , yea and fall against the inclination of your will , and purpose of your heart . . pray much to god for strength and power to perform your purpose . you resolved to pray more importunately unto god for mercy , but then you must pray to god , to enable you to pray as you have resolved . resolution is our duty , but strength to perform them is not in our selves , but must be fetched from god , and that must be by fervent , frequent prayer . pray that god would not leave thee to thy self , that he would not forsake thee . psal . . . i will keep thy statutes ; there is davids purpose : oh forsake me not utterly ; there is davids prayer . as you must not purpose in your own strength , but in the strength of christ ; so you cannot perform in your own strength , but in the strength of christ . if your resolution be strong against sin , and you rest in the strength of your resolution , and think you shall not sin , because you have strong resolutions against it , you will fail . . mortifie carnal self-love , and be very much in the exercise of self denyal . if you cannot deny your self of what is pleasing to the flesh , you will deny a holy life . you must often deny your own wills , and your own desires , and delights , your own judgements and reasonings , your sensitive appetite , and your profits in the world , and hate all these in comparison of better things , and when they stand in competition with god and christ : if you love your pleasures inordinately , and love your liberty and your life inordinately , your resolutions for strictness of holy walking with god , will not abide , nor be accomplished . the love of self , as well as of sin , is a great enemy to holy resolutions . . often urge your heart with the examples of the holy men of god recorded in the scriptures . they purposed and were carefull to perform . jacob vowed unto god , and payd it . david vowed unto god , and payd it . job made a covenant with his eyes , that he would not look upon objects that should irritate his sinful nature , and said , why then should i do it ? job . . so do you say , when i thought my self to be near the grave , i purposed to honour god more than i did before , if he should spare me , why then should i not do it ? i purposed to watch against my sin , why then should i be careless ? thus i have given you the considerations to press you to be careful of your purposes ; and helps to the performance of them , next i come to the aggravations of neglecting to live according to your engagements in the time of sickness and danger . sect . iii. iii. the aggravations of the breach of your vows and resolutions made against sin , and for holiness , when fears of death were upon you , do exceedingly heighten and increase your sin ; and because sick-bed promises are so seldom made good , and sick-bed resolutions usually prove so ineffectual , i shall desire you who have the vows of god upon you , and who have resolved ( if god would continue to you l●fe ) as god and conscience , and it may be others , are witnesses of , that you would weigh seriously as in the presence of god , the evil of breaking your vows , and being careless of your resolutions . . this is great hypocrisie , to purpose and not perform : you seemed in your affliction to be affected with your condition , and to be afflicted for your transgression , and to approve of an holy conversation , then you could weep for sin , and now you work it ; you could then lament it , and now commit it ; then you seemed to be changed from what you really were before when you lived in some known sin ; but now it appears that you have really lost that good which you did seem to have , and made profession of in time of your sickness . it is usual with hypocrites to be best when they are ill , and to be worst when they are well . hypocrites have their good moods , are good by fits ; sometimes pray , but not alwayes . job . . for what is the hope of the hypocrite , — v. . will he delight himself in the lord ? will he alwayes call upon god ? i. e. he will not at all times , and in all conditions pray to god ; when he is sick , he may , but when his sickness is removed , his prayers are abated ; it is a sign thy goodness was as a morning cloud , and as the early dew , it 's gone away . hos . . . . this is double iniquity ; it is twisted wickedness : it is one sin woven with another ; it is not onely double dealing , but it brings double guilt ; if thou hadst not made thy vow and resolution to pray frequently , it had been but a single sin , if thou hadst been seldom in it , but now it is a double sin , and hath double guilt ; that thou dost omit to pray , this is one sin ; that thou dost omit it , after thou hast promised , and resolved and vowed to do it , this is the other sin ; and indeed is this thy mending in thy sickness and dangers , to be doubling thine iniquity ? . this is great folly , eccles . . . when thou vowest a vow unto god , defer not to pay t●●o● he hath no pleasure in fools : pay that which thou hast vowed : it is folly to do that which is better be undone than done . vers . . better it is that thou shouldest not vow , then vow and not pay . in thy affliction thou shouldest have learned wisdom and not committed folly . . this is to lye to god , to men : a vow is a promise made to god , deut. . ● . that wh●ch is gone out of thy lips , thou shalt keep and perform even a free will offering ▪ according as thou hast vowed unto the lord thy god , which thou hast promised with thy mouth . what is first called a vow , is after called a promise , & if thou madest this promise with thy mouth and didst not really intend the fulfilling of it , but didst it , either to deceive thy self or others ; or ( had it been possible ) god himself , what is this but a lye ? if the words of thy mouth were not conformable to the thoughts of thy minde , that thou spakest one thing in thy sickness , and didst intend another ; thou spakest not as thou thoughtest , thou art guilty of a lye * ethical . but forasmuch as thy words do not agree to the things thou spakest of , thou art guilty of a falshood logical , both are bad , though the first is worst . and is not this an aggravation of thy wickedness to lye to god when thou art under his rod ? do not parents deal more severely with their children , if they finde them lying , when they are under the rod ? are we not like to children , when they are scourged , will promise any thing to be spared , but presently be found in the violation of their promise ? but take heed how thou liest unto god. remember the fearful instance of ananias and sapphira , act. . . peter said , ananias , why hath satan filled thine heart to lye to the holy ghost , and to keep back part of the price of the land . vers . . whiles it remained was it not thine own ? and after it was sold , was it not in thine own power ? why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart ? that thou hast not lied unto men but unto god. vers . . and ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost . the like i might say of thy vow , before thou hadst made it , it was in thy power , deut. . . but if thou forbear to vow , it shall be no sin in thee ; but if thou hast vowed , god will surely require it of thee , and to slack to pay would be sin in thee . vers . . why then hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart , to lie to the holy ghost , in making a vow and not paying , thou liest not to men , but unto god. oh fear and tremble least death should seize thee presently , and thou fall down and give up the ghost . in thy vow thou liest unto god , if thou dost not pay , because we must vow onely to god ; for sacred vows are a part of religious worship , which must be given onely unto god , deut. . . eccles . . . but in thy promises thou hast made to men , thou hast lied unto men ; and all this doth aggravate thy neglect of coming up to thy vows and promises in time of sickness and fears . . to neglect the keeping of thy resolutions and purposes against sin , and for an holy life , is it not a sinning against conscience , and against knowledge ? it seems thy conscience hath told thee , when thou resolvedst to pray more fervently , that luke-warmeness in prayer was a sin , and yet now thou dost not strive against it , thy conscience told thee that the ways of god were the best ways , and best for thee to walk therein , and yet now thou dost not do it , thy conscience hath been so far inlightned to dictate this unto thee , and yet thou goest against the dictates of thy conscience ; thou dost not onely sin with knowledge , but against it , and sins against knowledge and conscience , are aggravated sins , and such a sinner is an inexcusable , and self-condemned sinner , rom. . . didst thou not condemn thy self in time of plague , that thou hadst taken no more pains for heaven , and for thy soul , that thou hadst prayed no more , and lived no better ? and what need we any further witness , when thine own conscience will come in against thee ? . this will make death terrible indeed unto thee , when it comes in good earnest to seize upon thee , and then thou shalt finde that the same purposes , and resolutions will not quiet thee , when in former sickness thou hast had them , and in after recovery thou hast neglected to perform them . thy last sickness will come , and death at last will come , and then thou wilt remember what vows thou hast made , and how thou didst not pay them unto god , how thou hast resolved against sin and a wicked life , but hast made no conscience of living answerable unto them , and this will make thee much afraid to dye . . this will be great unthankefulness unto god for his preservation from , or restoration out of sickness : to god belong the issues from death , but you deny it to him . when hezekiah was restored from his sickness ( its thought the plague ) he was thankful unto god for his restoration , isa . . . the living , the living , he shall praise thee , as i d● this day ; the father to the children shall make known thy truth . vers . . the lord was ready to save mee ; therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments , all the days of our life , in the house of the lord. and is this to give thanks to god for preservation , for restoration from sickness ? hath god given you your life from the very borders of the grave ? and is this the fruit you return to god , not onely not to be so good as you ought to be , but not so careful as you purposed to be ? or do you give thanks to god with your mouth that god hath kept you from the grave , and contradict it in your life ? your orall thankesgiving is nothing without practical thankes doing : or do you praise god in words and dishonor him in your works , and do your lips acknowledge you are engaged to god for his protecting providence , and do you so live as if you had received no such mercy from him , and that your dependance were not now upon him ? is this your thanks to god to break your word with him ? . this will make you loose the spiritual benefit of your sickness and affliction , to be worse by the mercies of god , is to have mercies in judgement , to be better by judgement , is to have judgements in mercy : but when you live no better , and are no better , nor endeavor to walk according to your resolutions in time of sickness , it is a sign your affliction hath not been sanctified to you , that ( as to spirituals ) you are not benefited by it ; god hath put you into the furnace , but you are not purified , your dross remaineth ; god hath corrected you but you are not amended ; if affliction had worked for your good , if you had been bad , if would have made you good ; if you had been good it would have made you better . david could say , before i was afflicted , i went astray , but now i have learned to keep thy commandment , psal . . . but you might say , in my affliction i purposed to walk close with god , but after i have been afflicted i go astray . surely your heart is very bad , when afflictions made you not better , and when mercies makes you worse . . what is this but to like of sin , and disapprove of stricktness of holiness , after you have professed your dislike of sin , and approved of closest walking with god : in your affliction you seemed to be sorry for your sin , but now the affliction is over , you seem to be sorry that you were sorry for your sin ; in your affliction you seemed to repent that you had sinned , else why did you resolve against it ? when your affliction is removed , you seem to repent of your resolutions against sin , else why do not you live and do as you did resolve ? what is this but to smile upon sin after your deliverance , which you seemed to frown upon in time of danger of death and the grave ? what is this but to finde sweetness in sin after you have tasted something of the bitterness of it ? to re-imbrace that which you seemed to have cast from you ? and this is an aggravation of the evil frame of your heart . . what if thou hadst dyed in thy affliction , thou hadst gone to hell upon a mistake , and perished for ever , when yet thou hadst some hope ( though upon false grounds ) that thy condition was good , and that thou shouldest have obtained mercy : when thou wast sick or in danger , thou thoughtest thy condition was good , because thou foundest thy heart to resolve to forsake thy sin , and purpose to close with the closest wayes of holiness , but if thou hadst then dyed , thou wouldest without doubt have been eternally damned , because thy resolutions were not penitential resolutions , as appears by the fruit of them , in my returning to thy sin again , and that thou didst not indeed love god , and his holy ways , for if thou hadst thou wouldest nor so soon , no , never after turned from them in the general course of thy conversation . . this will encourage the devil to more frequent tempting of thee : for if by temptation he can prevail with thee to do that which is contrary to thy resolution ; what hopes will he have to draw thee into sin , against which thou hast made no such particular resolution ? if he overcome thee where thou art strongest , what spoil will he make upon thee where thou art weakest ? it is a great advantage we give unto the devil , when we sin against our resolutions . . this will be a great provocation unto god , when thou dost sin , not only against his precepts , but against thy own purpose ; not only against the obligations he layeth upon thy soul by mercy and afflictions , but against the obligations thou layst upon thy self by thy purposes and resolutions : and in thy affliction and fears didst thou not apprehend god to be exceedingly provoked , but thou must after he hath preserved , recovered thee , go on , to provoke him more . . if this neglect be found in thee who hast the truth of grace , yet it will much hinder thy confidence at the throne of grace , and stop the influences of the spirit of god , and obstruct the illapses of the spirit from descending upon thy heart . when thou keepest thy resolutions , and keepest out of the wayes of sin , thou canst go to god with an humble , holy boldness , and pour out thy heart with much enlargedness before god , and there is sweet intercourse betwixt god and thee , thou feelest thy heart to burn in love to god , and thou perceivest god to bear a love to thee ; and oh how sweet is this unto thy soul ! but when thou neglectest to watch against sin , and to walk with god ; when thou hadst resolved to do both , when thou goest to thy duty , thou wilt finde conscience reproach thee , and thy heart straitned , and thy mouth stopped , and thy confidence abated , thy heart much estranged from god , and god carrying himself as a stranger unto thee , when thou art upon thy knees : and this is the bitter fruit of a careless heart after heightned resolutions . . if this neglect be found in thee that hast the truth of grace , it will much occasion the doubting of the sincerity of thy heart . a childe of god may fail and be remiss in prosecuting of his purposes sometimes , but if he be , it will make him jealous of his own heart , and suspicious that it is not well betwixt god and him ; and is not that a sore evil , and much to be opposed and lamented , which doth blot thine evidences for heaven ? and will make thee question whether thou hast one dram of grace in truth conferred upon thee , infused into thee ? thus i have finished this direction also , shewing how you may live in some measure answerable to the great goodness of god in sparing you in time of plague , when so many thousands fell round about you : by being carefull to be as good when the sickness is over , as you purposed and resolved to be when you were in expectation of death , and waiting for your change and dissolution , when the arrowes of god were flying amongst you , in the time of this sore judgement of the plague . direction iii. hath god spared you in time of so great contagion , that you live when others are dead , or were you sick and are recovered ? then endeavour that the cure may be a thorow cure , that your soul be healed as well as your body , that there be not spiritual judgements upon your soul , when temporal plagues are removed from your body . you may observe , that such that came to christ with diseased bodies , christ healed their bodies and their souls too ; he took away their corporal sickness , blindness , distempers , and the guilt of their sins too , mat. . , . many are delivered from a corporal plague , that yet are infected and in danger of eternal death by the plague upon their hearts : that remain under spiritual judgements , and soul-sickness , when temporal judgements and corporal sicknesses are cured and removed . when st. john wrote to gaius , he desired that it might be as well with him as to his bodily health , as it was in respect of his soul , and spiritual health , ep. john v. . beloved , i wish above all things that thou mayst prosper and be in health , even as thy soul prospereth . but it may be matter of our desire concerning those that remain alive , and are well after this visitation , that their souls may prosper and be in health even as their body prospereth . it is a greater mercy to have an healed soul in a sickly body , than to have spiritual sickness remain in an healthful body : it is not so great a judgement to have the body full of plague-sores , as to have the soul full of reigning sins . if your body be cured and not your soul , the cure is but half done : therefore in speaking to this direction . i shall shew these things : . wherein it appears that sin is the sickness of the soul ? . wherein it appears that sin and spiritual judgements upon the soul , are worse than sickness , and temporal judgements upon the body ? . how we may know whether our souls are healed of spiritual sicknesses ? . what they must do that lye under soul-sickness , that they may be healed ? . what such should do , that are healed of their soul distempers , to improve the cure to the glory of god ? sect . i. i. wherein doth it appear that sin is the souls disease , and the sickness thereof ? in these particulars . . sicknesses and diseases do abate and take away the appetite . sick men have not the appetite to their food as men in health have . so sin takes away the spiritual appetite of the soul , that it doth not hunger after christ , nor thirst after righteousness , and hinders its feeding upon christ , and the word of god , which is the spiritual food for the souls nourishment and growth . . sickness and diseases do abate the strength and activity of the body . so sin doth weaken the soul , and all the faculties thereof , and doth disable it in all its actings to , and for god. . sickness and diseases often fill the body full of pain , aches , and sores , making men to cry out , oh my head , and oh my heart , and oh my bowels , i am pained , i am pained : so sin doth fill the soul full of racking fears , and perplexing torments and doubts , and sometimes make some sinners cry out , i am undone , i am undone , i am damned , i am damned . . some diseases do stupifie and make men insensible , and those are the worst . so sin sometimes makes some sinners stupid and unsensible of their misery and danger . . sickness and diseases do take away mens delight in those things which men in perfect health do take pleasure in . sick men have no delight in the pleasures of the world , and in the riches of the world , which other men finde . so sin takes away that delight in god and spiritual duties , and in heavenly things , which those whose souls are cured do experience . . sickness and diseases do spoyl the beauty of the body : they spoil the fairest complexion , and make the ruddy cheeks to become pale ; and many diseases bring deformity in the room of beauty . so sin doth spoyl the soul of that spiritual beauty wherewith it was adorned in its first creation , which did consist in likeness unto god , so that now instead of the likeness of god , there is nothing but blackness and deformity ; that the soul that was comely and amiable in the sight of god , is now become loathsome and abominable . sect . ii. ii. wherein doth it appear , that soul sickness and spiritual judgements upon mens hearts , are worse th●n sickness and temporal judgments upon mens bodyes ? though most men in the world look upon bodily sickness and corporal judgments to be more dreadful than sin upon their souls , yet if we take a right estimate , and make a true judgment of both : spiritual judgements are the greater evils , in respect of the . cause , or manner of conveyance . . signs of greater wrath . . subject , in which they do reside . . number , being many . . effect , that they do produce . . difficulty of cure . . want of sense . . spiritual judgements and soul-sicknesses are greater evils than temporal judgements and sickness upon the body in respect of the cause , or manner of conveyance , which is by natural propagation , and so unavoidable . sin is born with us , it is derived from parents to children , from one generation to another . there are some diseases that are conveyed from parents to children , but this is not general , nor perpetual to all generations . but the propagation of spiritual diseases is universal and general , it is constant and perpetual . the seed of all sin is derived from adam to all his posterity . . soul-sicknesses and spiritual judgements upon mens hearts are signs of greater wrath than bodily sicknesses are . you may be sick of the plague , and yet god may love you ; you may have bodily afflictions , and god may be at peace with you , and because he loves you , he may afflict you . but spiritual judgements , as judicial hardness , blindness , are signs of gods anger , yea his sorest displeasure , yea ( which is more ) they are signs of gods hatred to such a man that lyeth under them . now that which doth alwayes argue hatred in god to a sinner , is worse than those things that might proceed barely from his anger , and sometimes from his love : god loathes and abhorres that man , the plague of whose heart is not at all cured . . spiritual judgements and soul-sicknesses are greater evils than temporal and corporal sicknesses are , because they be spiritual , and have the heart and soul for their seat and subject : as mercies are better that are spiritual , and that are soul mercies , so judgments and sicknesses spiritual are the greater evils , because they are the disease of the better and more noble part of man ; that which doth corrupt the soul , must be worse than that which doth corrupt the body , by how much the soul is more excellent than the body . . they are worse , because they are more numerous ; there is more diseases in the soul than in the body . if the body be diseased in one part , it may be well in all the rest ; if in more , yet not in all ; if in all , yet your case is not so bad : but there is no sinner but is diseased in every part ; there are spiritual distempers in all the faculties and powers of the soul , in the understanding , will , affections , conscience , memory , phantasie : in the members of the body , no part free : nay there are many spiritual diseases in every faculty : in the understanding , there are many ; ignorance , errour , &c. in the will many , stubbornness , choosing the creature and sin , before god , &c. in every affection of the soul there are swarms of sin : in the heart there are innumerable distempers , evil thoughts , murders , adulteries , fornications , thefts , blasphemies , false witness , ma● . . . spiritual diseases naturally be all in every man , and be in every part of every man. . they are worse in regard of the effects . the effects of bodily sickness , at the utmost , and the greatest , is but the death of the body ; it brings the body to the dust , and the grave , it doth but separate from friends , and betwixt the body and the soul . but the effects of spiritual soul-sicknesses ( except they be healed ) are dreadful , and inconceivably great ; great and dreadful in this world , but greater and more dreadful in the world to come ; they cause gods anger , they deprive the sinner of communion with god , they will separate betwixt god and him for ever , they will bring the soul to the place of devils , and the torments of the damned . . they are worse in regard of difficulty of cure. bodily distempers may be cured by the skill of man , in the use of natural means , but the sickness of the soul with nothing but the blood of christ : of which more afterwards . . they are worse in regard of the want of sense . where one man cryes out of the hardness of his heart , and complains of the unbelief and earthliness of his heart , there are many cry out of the sickness of their bodyes . if their finger doth but ake , they are sensible of it ; but though the whole head is sick , and the whole heart is faint , and exceedingly distempered , yet they are not sensible of it . therefore , though god hath cured the plague of thy body , and not the plague of thy heart ; if thy bodily disease is removed , but the sickness of thy soul remain without cure ; thy case is deplorable : and while thou art rejoycing that thou hast escaped the plague , thou hast more cause to goe unto thy chamber , and be deeply humbled and mourn before god , for the plagues and judgements that remain upon thy soul. sect . iii. iii. how may a man know whether he be healed of soul-sickness ? the cure of these distempers are but partial , yet so far are they healed , that they shall not be the death of the soul . the cure will not be perfect till we die . death ( we say ) cures all distempers , and so it doth those of the soul . there is a double wound that sin doth make , there is the wound that doth certainly destroy the soul , by hindring it from salvation and eternal life , and there is the wound that destroyes the peace and comfort of the soul . so there is a double cure , which christ doth work , the one for the safety and happiness of the soul , the other for the peace and comfort of the soul. the first of these we enquire after . . every man that is healed of soul-sickness , hath been sensible of it : sin hath been thy sorrow and thy grief , and the burden of thy heart ; thou hast groaned under it as the greatest load , as the greatest evil in the world . every man that is bodily sick , and is sensible of it , and is unfeignedly willing to be freed from his sickness , and desireth nothing more , is not cured ; but it is so in spirituals : he that is sensible of sin , and is heartily , and unfeignedly willing to part with his sin , as ever sick man was of sickness , is certainly healed by jesus christ : but such as never found so much sorrow for sin , nor sense thereof , as to make them willing to part with every sin , were never yet cured . how can a man that is wounded , have his sore dressed and lanced , in order to a cure , and not be sensible of the smart and pain thereof ? or how can he be healed , while the sword that made the wound , abideth in it ? it is as impossible that man should be healed of his spiritual sickness and wounds , that is not willing to part with sin , as for a man to be healed of his bodily wound , while he will not have the sword pulled out that did make it . sin caused the wound and the sickness of thy soul , and if thou art not willing to part with every sin , thou art not healed : thy soul is sick , and if thou dost not feel it , that is the worse . . where the soul is healed the sin is killed ; the life of sin is the death of the soul , and that which is the life of the soul is the death of sin ; if christ heal the soul , he wounds sin , he never heals both ; if sin be wounded to death , the soul is healed unto life ; as in the body , the more health is repaired , the more the disease is weakned ; so the more the soul is cured , the more sin is mortified . . where the soul is healed , there grace is infused ; sickness being removed , health is restored . when christ heals a sinners soul , he doth not onely mortifie the sin , but sanctifie the sinner ; when a man is restored from sickness to health , that which made him sick is not onely removed , but that is introduced which maketh him well ; so when christ cures the soul , he doth not onely take down the power of sin , which did make him bad , but he infuseth that which doth make him good . . where the soul is cured of the disease of sin , it is sick of love to jesus christ ; it is not onely weary of sin , but exceedingly longeth after the presence of christ , and communion with god , cant. . . i charge you , o daughters of jerusalem , if ye finde my beloved , that ye tell him , i am sick of love . . where the soul is cured of the disease of sin , it doth receive christ by faith , when the israelites were stung with the fiery serpents , and looked up to the brazen serpent , they were certainly cured , num. . . faith is an healing grace , because it eyeth christ the soul-physician , and fetches vertue of healing from him , mat. . . and jesus answered and said unto her , o woman , great is thy faith , be it unto thee , even as thou wilt . and her daughter was made whole from that very hour . mat. . . and they brought unto him a man sick of the palsie lying on a hed , and jesus seeing their faith , said unto the sick of the palsie , son be of good cheer thy sins be forgiven thee . the blood of christ is the healing plaister , and faith is the hand that takes it and applyeth it unto the sore . . where the soul is cured of the disease of sin , it is getting strength for spiritual work , and employment , more and more ; it is growing stronger and stronger in grace and goodness , as a man whose distemper is broke , and going away , he is recovering strength more and more to go about his calling and employment , he is stronger to walk and work ; he can endure cold , and bear burdens more than before . a man that is spiritually cured is waxing in the fruits of the spirit , and growing in all the graces of the spirit of god , is more and more able to resist temptations , to perform duties , to bear afflictions , and endure hardships for the sake of christ . by these signs you may discern whether your soul is cured , so far of the diseases it lay under , that they shall not be its death and damnation . sect . iv. iv. what should such do that are under soul-sicknesses , that they may be healed ? . you must be sensible that you are sick ; he that doth not feel himself sick , will take no care about the means of health ; it is those that are sensible of sickness that will value the skill of the physician , and send to him , and desire his direction , mat. . . but when jesus heard that , he said unto them , they that be whole need not the physician , but they that are sick . . when you are sensible of your soul-sickness , you must apply your self to christ , the great physician of souls . it is christ that cometh to those that feel themselves diseased , with healing under his wings , mal. . . it is he that healeth the broken-hearted , luk. . . christ healeth us by his wounds , and cureth us by his stripes , isa . . . it is matter of admiration , and to many past belief , that applying of medicines to a sword , should heal the wound made thereby ; but this is above all reason , and beyond all dispute that the bleeding wounds of christ will be healing , to the bleeding wounds of the sinner ; christs golgotha , is our gilead , and that you may be the more encouraged to come to christ when you feel your self sick ; consider ( . ) christ can heal every disease , and cure every wound ; he hath a salve for every sore . there are some physicians that can cure some diseases but not all , but christ when he was upon earth , did heal all manner of diseases , mat. . . whether thy eyes be blinde , or thy heart hard , or thy minde earthly , he can open thy eyes , and soften thy heart , and make thee spiritual ; yea though thy sickness hath been chronical , of long duration , yet he can heal thee ; yea though thou art sick of a relapse ( which is most dangerous ) yet christ can cure thee . ( . ) christ will heal your souls without putting you to any charge ; though you be poor and mean , and have nothing to bring to christ , yet you may come for healing , he will give you his advise and counsel freely , he will give you your physick ( his own blood ) freely , you have nothing and he expecteth nothing . the woman that had been diseased twelve years , and suffered many things of many physicians and spent all , and grew worse , came to christ and was presently and freely healed , mar. . . ( . ) christ will proceed in this cure with all compassion and tenderness ; he will not deal more roughly with you than is needful , he exerciseth bowels of compassions while he is dressing his patient , or if he give you bitter po●ions , or sometimes useth corrosives , he will be exceeding tender over you all this while , mat. . . and jesus went forth and saw a great multitude , and was moved with compassion toward them , and he healed their sick . ( . ) christ is a physician that is always present with his patients , to observe what operation his medicines have upon their hearts ; if you are ready to faint under the terror of a threatning , he is by you presently to administer a cordial from the promise to uphold your swooning souls . other physicians cannot be always present with all their patients , but christ is , psal . . . he is nigh to them that are of a broken heart , and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit : if your heart be broken , he is nigh to binde it up . ( . ) christ can heal your soul-diseases throughly and effectually , and he onely can do it ; others will but skin over your wound , but christ will heal to the bottom , jer. . . they have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly , saying , peace , peace , when there is no peace . thus if you consider what a physician christ is , you may be encouraged to come to him for healing . . if you say you are so sick you cannot go to christ , send for him by fervent prayer and he will come to you : cry to him , o thou physician of souls , i am sick , so sick that i cannot come unto thee , and except thou heal me i am a dead man ▪ a damned soul . i beseech thee use thy skill , for that will save my soul alive , put forth thy power for the curing of my diseases , oh stanch this bloody issue , else my soul will bleed to death ; christ never refused to come to any sick soul that was importunate with him to come with healing under his wings . . if you would be healed , you must come to christs-hospital , i. e. unto christs ordinances , and this you may do ; if you cannot come to christ , yet you may come unto his ordinances , you may come and hear , you may attend at the pools side , and at length he might come , and put you into the healing waters , mat. . . and the blinde and the lame came to him in the temple , and he healed them , psal . . . he sent his word and healed them . . if you would be healed of your soul-sickness , you must follow the directions and prescriptions of christ your spiritual physician . if you be sick , and the physician tell you what you must do , and prescribe you means , and you set them in your window , or let them stand upon your table , and do not do as he prescribes , you may dye of your disease ; you must observe his advise , for the time , when , and for the quantity , how much you must take , or else your distemper will abide , yea and increase ; christ will tell you what you must do , and if you follow his directions , your soul shall recover and be saved . . if you would be healed of your soul-sickness ; you must not let slip the time of healing ; there is a time , a nick of time for healing , if you let that pass , you will dye of your disease . the impotent people that lay at the pool of bethesda , were to observe the season when the angel moved upon the water , and he that stepped in at the very nick of time was healed , joh. . . there is a time to heal , eccles . . . i pray god , this healing-time might not be past and over to thee that readest these lines . cloze then with the present motions of the spirit , if yet thou feel him working upon thy heart . . if you would be healed of your soul-sickness , you must take heed of those things that will continue your disease ; if a man will eat those meats that feed his distemper , and is contrary to his health ; he cannot rationally expect a cure . you must take heed of those sins , that if you do indulge , will not onely hinder your recovery , but will increase your misery . . if you would be healed of your soul-sickness , do not undertake to be a physician to your self , nor go about to heal your souls , with any of your own medicines ; you may heal your own body , but not your soul , we are too apt to be physicians to our selves , and to think to cure our soul-distempers by our duties , and by our own performances . but this will never be . sect . v. v. what must those do whom christ hath cured of their soul-sickness , to improve this cure to the glory of god ? . a scribe the cure unto christ , and not unto any means or instruments : if you are cured of any bodily disease , you are not to ascribe it to your physick , nor physician , but to the goodness of your god ; so if you are cured of your soul-diseases , you must not attribute this to praying , or to the preacher , but to jesus christ , hos . . . i taught ephraim also to go , taking them by their armes , but they knew not that i healed them . thus david blessed the lord , who healed all his diseases , psal . . , . . encrease your love to christ , who hath healed the distempers of your heart ; will you not love that man that saved your life ? and will you not love that lord , that saved your souls ? especially when you consider the manner and means of your cure . that he did it freely , and that with a medicine of his own blood , other physicians make you medicines of other things , but christ of his own heart blood ; he died that you might live , and he was peirced , that you may be spared . . if you are healed , take heed of falling into a relapse , take heed of wounding your soul after healing ; if you are healed go away and sin no more , least a worse thing come unto you , joh. . . . if you are healed , direct others to the same physician , you do so to your acquaintance , that are sick of the same disease that you have been , you tell them such a man is able and skilful , and he hath cured the same disease in you , and counsel and perswade them to go to him ; do so in this case ; you have a friend , a neighbor , a relation in a sinful state : oh speak to them to go to christ . dost thou hear any soul complaining , alas my wound it is incurable , and my sorrow it is intollerable , my heart is sick , my soul is full of running sores ; and i pray , but have no help , and i hear , but have no cure ; now direct such a distressed sinner unto christ , and from your own experience encourage him to hasten unto christ , from whom you have found such healing virtue . and if god hath healed thy body of the loathsome disease , in which thou mightest have said with david , psal . . . thine arrows stick fast in me ( probable david was sick of the plague , which is called the arrow of god , psal . . . ) and thy hand presseth me sore . . there is no soundness in my flesh , because of thine anger — . my wounds stink and are corrupt — . my loyns are filled with a loathsome disease , and there is no soundness in my flesh . . my lovers and my friends stand a loof off from my sore , and my kinsmen stand afar off . this ( it may be ) hath been thy condition who readest these lines ; thy body was full of loathsome sores , and god hath cured thee , and which was worse , thy soul was full of loathsome reigning sins , and god hath healed thee ; what now doth god expect at thy hand ? but that since he hath given health unto thy body , and grace into thy soul , thou shouldest use both unto his glory ; which if thou conscientiously and sincerely endeavor and practise , ere long thou shalt be received into the armes of thy lord , where there shall be no more sickness in thy body , nor sin in thy soul for ever . direction iii. hath god spared you in time of pestilence , then , if you would live in some measure answerable to so great a mercy , be eminenth exemplary in the place : capacity , calling , station , or relation wherein god hath set you . every rela●ion hath some duties peculiar to that relation ; and every calling and capacity , wherein divine providence hath pl●ced you , hath something wherein you may be peculiarly eminent : and , who knowes but god hath preserved you for this end , that you may excell in the capacity and condition god hath called you unto : if your condition be a condition of prosperity , be eminent in humility , self-denial , and charity ; if of adversity , be eminent in submission and patience , in undergoing the will of god. but , that i may speak more comprehensively and distinctly , i shall consider , that every one that is left alive ( after this sore judgment ) stands in one or more of these following capacities or conditions ; in every one of which every man ( whom god hath spared ) should now labour to be eminently exemplary : this capcity is , either political magistrates , or subjects . ecclesiastical . pastors , flock . oeconomical . conjugal husband , wife . parental , or filial . parents , children . despotical , or servile . masters , servants . one of these every person is , that is preserved from the grave : and , if every one would now endeavour in good earnest to do something singular ( but singularly good ) for god , in his particular relation , to do the duty which god peculiarly calls for , and excell therein , that you failed in , and came short of before ; this would be a good improvement of the mercy , and this would be in some measure to walk up unto it . section i. let us consider the persons whom god hath in mercy spared from the grave , in their political c●ci●y , and such are , either , . magistrates and governours for over us by god : le●e , with humility and reverence , minde you of your duty , and tell you , that god expecteth , and requireth , that since he hath intrusted you with authority from himself , and given you life , and preserved you from the grave in the day of his sore visitation in the city , that , though your place and office did oblige you to a less retired life then many others , yet god hath kept you from death by infectious diseases : now , should you not inquire what you should do for god ? and , how you may improve your time and talent for his honour ? should not you punish sin ( that is so indeed ) and countenanc● holiness and religion ( that is so indeed ? ) should not you be zealous for god , in punishing of open-prophaneness ? and the horrid oathes , that have cried aloud in the eares of god , men prophanely swearing by the sacred name of god ; and sabbath-bre●king , and violation of the holy day of god ? did not nehemiah do so ? nehem. . . in those dayes saw i in judah some treading wine-presses on the sabbath , and bringing in sheaves , and lading asses , as also wine , grapes and figs , and all manner of burdens , which they brought into jerusalem on the sabbath day : and i testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals . vers . . there dwelt men of tire also therein , which brought fish , and all manner of ware , and sold on the sabbath ( as many did fruit openly in some places of the streets , and in fields about london ) unto the children of judah , and in jerusalem . vers . . then i contended with the nobles of judah , and said unto them , what evil thing is this that ye do , and profane the sabbath day ? ver. . did not your fathers thus , and did not our god bring all this evil upon us , and upon this city ? yet ye bring more wrath upon israel by profaning the sabbath . vers . . and it came to pass when the gates of jerusalem began to be dark , before the sabbath . i commanded the gates should be shut , and charged , that they should not be opened till after the sabbath : and some of my servants set i at the gates , that there should be no burden brought in upon the sabbath day . vers . . so the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without jerusalem once or twice . vers . . then i testified against them , and said unto them , why lodge ye about the wall ? if ye do so again , i will lay hands on you ; from that time ●orth came they no more on the sabbath . this example is worthy your imition ; and , oh how much good may you do , and how much sin , and dishonour to god thereby might you preven● , if you do indeed obey the laws of god , and execute the good laws of this kingdom , in that case made and provided ? should not you discourage drunkeness , and houses notorious for uncleanness ? that taverns and ale - 〈◊〉 be not so much frequented ? should you not be a terror unto the evil ? why drunkenness and prophane swearings , and brothel-houses are evil : indeed , for which a land is made to mourn : and , should not you be a praise to them tha● do well ? rom. . . are not you gods ministers for good to them that are good ; and revengers , to execute wrath upon him that doth evil ? and , can you w●●k worthy of so great preservation from the plague , if you do not cut down sin , and incourage godliness ? section ii. . subjects , and people governed : many and strickt are the pre●epts and injunctions of god upon people to their magistrates ; and , no less then damnation is threatned , by god himself , to such as oppose themselves against their magistrates , rom. . . let every soul be subject to the higher powers , for there is no power but of god ; the powers that be are ordained of god. vers . . whosoever therefo●e resisteth the power , resisteth the ordinance of god ; and , they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation . vers . . wherefore ye must needs be subject , not only for wrath , but also for conscience sake . true religion we see ( from this scripture ) doth oblige people and subject , in duty and obedience , to their magistrates ; and none will more conscientiously obey , than those that are most religious : obedience to magistrates ( from this place ) is required , because ( . ) they are ordained of god. ( . ) they that resist them , resist an ordinance of god. ( . ) such as do so , receive to themselves damnation . ( . ) they are ( appointed of god ) to be a terror to the evil , not to the good . ( . ) conscience is bound so to do . ( . ) there is necessity we should obey ; we must obey , not only for wrath , but conscience sake : some might obey for favour , and some for fear , but true religion teacheth men to be obedient to magistrates from principles of conscience . strictness of holiness is reproached when it is asserted to make men disobedient : once more , pet. . . submit your selves to every ordinance of man , for the lords sake ; whether it be to the king , as supreme . vers . . or unto governours that are sent by him , for the punishment of evil doers , and for the praise of them that do well . vers . . for so is the will of god , you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. vers . . honour all men. religion doth not teach us to deny civil respects to men : love the brother-hood , fear god , honour the king. religion presses and obliges subjects in duty to their magistrate in these particulars . . obedience to their laws and commandments , tit. . . for their laws and commands are to be according to the laws and commands of god. . honour to their persons , rom. . . for they are gods vice oys , therefore called gods , psal . . . for i have said ye are gods , — but ye shall dye like men . . loyalty , whereby we are bound to the uttermost of our power , to maintain their prerogatives , and preserve their persons . . prayer on their behalf ; if god be angry with them we must intercede for them , if they want any blessings , we must make supplication for them ; if they lye under evil , we must deprecate those evils ; if they find mercy from god , we must give thanks for them ; all this is in tim. . , . . tribute , rom. . . for , for this cause pay you tribute also , for they are gods ministers , attending continually upon this very thing . . subjection to their penalties , rom. . , . this is to live in this capacity , to be peaceable , and rather take a thousand wrongs , than offer one ; and to live in that obedience as becomes the professours of the gospel , that all may see that those that are obedient unto god , dare not be disobedient unto those to whom , and wherein , god commands them to yield obedience . sect . iii. such as are spared from death by the plague may be considered in their relation as pastors and people ; and the protection of god over such , should engage them to discharge their mutual duties , as those that would testifie their thankfulness to god for continuing them in that relation . god hath removed by the plague some ●inisters that the people shall never hear preach more , and god hath taken some from every congregation , of the people , to whom the surviving ministers shall never offer christ and peace unto any more , who are now out of the reach of their reproofs , and exhortations : therefore such ministers as yet have time to preach unto the people , should improve that little time that god hath given them in so doing ; and the people that yet have time to hear their ministers , should diligently do it , and improve their ministry for the saving of their souls . but more particularly . first , ministers that have escaped the plague should be eminently exemplary in a diligent performance of every work that god expecteth at their hands . i. as in improving time , in giving themselves more unto serious , closer studying , that they may be more and more able for their masters work , and more and more eminent in converting and building up the elect of god ; to be more in their studies , than in the streets ; more at their books , than at their pleasures ; at this they should be early and l●te , according to saint pauls charge to timothy , tim. . . till i come give attendance to reading . ver. . meditate upon these things , give thy self wholly to them , that thy profiting may appear to all . such as are to work for god and the saving of souls should be given to study and medi●ation , that they may be more skilful and successful in their work ; they should be as much in their studies , as any worldling in his shop ; especially now such should study more ( . ) the word of god , which is to be the matter of their preaching . such are more apt to study the writings of men , more than the word of god. ( . ) their own hearts , and the dealings of god with their own souls , that they may first experience the sweetness , and power , and efficacy of those truths they are to commend unto the people . ( . ) the stare of their flock , and the condition of their people , who of them need to be reproved , who of them need to be comfortes , and who of them be in doubts , and how they may by their preaching be resolved . they should study their people more , that they may preach on such subjects , not that are easiest unto themselves to speak un●o , but that are most sutable to their people , and so most likely to be most profitable to them . sect . iv. such should be more in improving time in frequent , fervent prayer . they should pray , ( . ) that god would direct their thoughts to the choice of that subject which might be most useful to , and is most necessary for their peoples souls . ( . ) that god would assist them in their meditations upon that subject , that they may speak from thence those things that may be most convincing , piercing , that they may meet with the sins and doubts of those they are to preach unto . ( . ) that god would give them success in their labours . ( . ) that god would give them a door of utterance , and assist them in the delivering of their message ( which they have from god ) unto the people : st. paul was much in praying for the churches , ephes . . , , , , , . phil. . . col. . . , , . thes . , . thes . . , . and in blessing god for the truth , and growth of grace in the hearts of the people ; as matter of his joy , to see them holy , and eminent in holiness ; to see them embrace the gospel , and walk according to it , cor. . , , . phil. . , , . col. . , , . thes . , , , , , , . and looked upon such as his crown and joy , thes . . , . section v. such should improve the time ( that god hath given them from the grave ) in right preaching of the word , and administration of the sacraments unto the people : god hath not spared them to eate and drink , and sleep , and live at ease ; but to be painful in their work. god hath laid ( in this time ) some of his ministers in the dust ; and , they are silent in the grave , whilest others have opportunity to speak for god , in preaching to the people : and , god doth expresly charge them so to do , tim. . . i charge thee therefore before god , and the lord jesus christ , who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing , and his kingdom . vers . . preach the word , be instant in season , and out of season ; reprove , rebuke , exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine : and , there is a woe unto them , if they do not preach the gospel , cor. . . and are described to be such as are apt ( as well as able ) to teach , tim. . . and if they do forbear to warn men of their sins , those men shall die , but god will require their blood at their hands , ezek. . . and though god ( in judgment to a people ) may make his ministers dumb , and cause their tongues to cleave to the roofe of their mouthes , that they should not be reprovers to them , because of their sin , ezek. . . yet , such as are dumb , through ignorance , that they cannot , or through negligence , that they will not speak to men to save their soules , is a great charge of god against them , isa . . . his watchmen are blind , they are all ignorant , they are all dumb dogs , they cannot bark ; sleeping , lying down , loving to slumber . vers . . yea , they are greedy dogs , which can never have enough : and they are shepherds that cannot understand : they all look to their own way , every one for his gain from his quarter . vers . . come ye , say they , i will fetch wine , and we will fill our selves with strong drink ; and to morrow shall be as this day , and much more abundant . and god sharply reproveth such for this neglect , ezek. . . son of man , prophesy against the shepherds of israel , prophesy , and say unto them , thus saith the lord god unto the shepherds , woe be to the shepherds of israel , that do feed themselves , should not the shepherds feed the flock ? vers . . ye eate the fat , and ye cloath you with the wool ; ye kill them that are fed , but ye feed not the flock . vers . . the diseased have ye not streng●hened , neither have ye healed that which was sick ; neither have ye bound up that which was broken ; neither have ye brought again that which was driven away neither have you sought that which was l●st ; but with force and cruelty have ye ruled them : vers . . seemeth it a small thing to you to have eaten up the good pasture , but you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures ? and to have drunk of the deep waters , but ye must foule the residue with your feet ? vers . . and , as for my flock , they eat that which ye have troden with your feet , and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet . ministers diligence in preaching the word ( which , such should be awakened to , much more by gods late providence ) is pointed at by god , in those several names , and appellations ; with which , they , and their work , is metaphorically set forth , as they are , . labourers . mat. . . therefore must not loyter , but should work as day-labourers . . builders , cor. . . must repair gods buildings . . husbandmen , cor. . . must plow up the fallow ground , that they sow not among thornes : they are gods harvest-men , and that is hard work . . watchmen , ezek. . . must see the danger , and indure the cold , and give warning . . stewards , cor. . , . must deal to every one their portion . . fathers , cor. . . thes . . . in begeting , and bringing up spiritual children for god. . guides , rom. . . must direct lost men into their way . . nurses , thes . . . must seed the babes in christ . . physitians , jer. . , . must heale the spiritual sickness of mens soules . . embassadours , cor. . . must parley with sinners , to make peace betwixt god and them . after such a providence as this , those in this office should labour to be more in the most effectuall manner of preaching ; as , . in preaching with more self-denial ; not seeking themselves , nor their own applause , but more the glory of god , and the good of soules : cor. . . for , i seek not yours , but you . tim. . . not greedy of filthy lucre . thes . . . for , neither at any time used we flattering words , as ye know , nor a cloak of covetousness , god is witness . . with more plainness to the capacity of the people ; not with enticing words of mans wisdom , but in demonstration of the spirit , and of power , cor. . . lest such seem to preach themselves , and not christ ; and to speak one word to shew the excellency of christ , and ten to shew the excellency of their own parts . . with more experience of the things they preach upon their own hearts . . more particularly , coming down to the particular cases of the peoples soules : dolus latet in universalibus . . more compassionately ; if possible , shewing the greatest desire after the soules of them they preach unto : when you stand in your pulpit , remember , many of them you preached to the other day are now in their graves , and are entred into eternity ; and , those that are before you must shortly follow after ▪ you have not long to preach unto them ; those that are now alive before you must shortly die , and be damned or saved ; be received to glory , or thrust down to misery : such actu●l believing thoughts as these woul● move great compassion in ministers hearts unto their people . . more livelily ; as those that believe the things themselves which they preach unto others ; remember you are preaching to men that must sho●●ly die , and yet eternally live : and , for ought you know , if you do not prev●il with them by this sermon , they may perish for ever : and , will you be luke-warm in such a case of so great importance ? . what is most necessary to the salvation of their soules : press more the misery of man by nature ; the necessity of seeing the evil ; and be sensible of the burden of their sin ; the necessity of christ ; of regeneration ; of holiness of heart and life ; of justification by faith in the blood of christ ; of judgment to come ; of the happiness of heaven ; of the torments of hell. section vi. ministers , whom god hath spared from the grave , in th● time of great morrality , should improve this mercy in the manner of their holy conversation ; i● 〈◊〉 mens lives should be the application of their doctrine , should press to holiness , and live sho●tly ; press the people to mortification of sin , and self-denial , and be examples to the people in this , else the people will not believe that they think what they say , if they do not in some measure live as they say : drunkards will not believe that that minister is in good earnest , in telling them , that drunkards shall be damned , if he be one himself . look therefore to your life , and copy out that pressed upon you , tim. . . let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of believers , in word , in conversation , in charity , in spirit , in faith , in purity . tim. . . for a bishop must be blameless , the husband of one wife ▪ sober , vigilant , of good behaviour ; a lover of hospitality , apt to teach . vers . . not given to wine , not a striker , not greedy of filthy lucre . section vii . the people whom god hath kept alive should improve their life , in attending upon their ministers ; in inquiring the law of god at their lips ; in mingling the word with faith ; in conforming to the truths of god , that are taught by them ; and being obedient to them , as those that watch for their souls , heb. . . but more particularly . . come to hear the word of god with more preparation then you were wont to do ; knowing it is the word of god , and not the word of men , thes . . . as that which doth concern your immortal souls , and your eternal state in another world. . come with a more teachable heart than you were wont to do , submitting your reason to the word that is taught you ; resolving to forsake every thing which shall be proved to you to be a sin , and to do every thing which shall be made appear to be your duty : hear , that you may obey , and practise what you hear : be not hearers only , but doers of the word . . suffer not your m●ndes to be filled with so many distractions , in time of hearing , as they were wont to be ; when you sit under the preaching of the word , let not your hearts go after your covetousness , ezek. . . . make particular application of what doth most concern your souls , more than you were wont to do : hear for your selves . . treasure up the word ( that you hear ) in your hearts , and suffer not the devil to steal the good seed ( of the word ) out of your hearts , nor the cares of the world to choak the word of god. . meditate more upon the word of god after you have heard it ; work it upon your heart : preparation before , diligent attention in , and meditation after hearing , will make you thrive more , and be more fruitful , by the word preached , than you were for nerly , when you wholly omitted , or were more sl●ght in all these . section viii . such whom god hath spared alive ( in this time of great morrality ) may be considered in an oeconomical capacity , as persons constituting of families ; and these may be considered as governours , or those that are governed : and surely all our families are concerned to inquire what improvement those that are left in families should make of gods signal preservation of them : hath god swept away some families wholly , not a person left , and spared yours ? doth not this call for some return you should make to god ? hath not god visited your family , and taken away some of your children , or some servant , or some friend out of your house , and hath spared you ; hath given life to so many whom he hath so eminently preserved : when god hath sent the plague into your house , he gave it commission to fetch such a one ( in your house ) to his or her eternal state ; but , gave it a charge , it should not seize upon you , or , if it did , it should not kill you : and , doth not this call aloud to you , in all your families , for speedy thorough reformation ? consider the dismal devastations made in some families ; the total subvertion of others : and yet , that god should keep any families in the midst of his burning wrath ; should not this make every person inquire , what would the lord have me to do ? now , the governours should bethink themselves , what is our duty ? and , the children whom god hath continued to their parents , what would god have us to do ? &c. there is not a member in a family but is greatly concerned to study what is the duty which he should excel in , according to the capacity and relation he standeth in , in that family : and that , after such family-visitation there may be family-reformation , i shall consider , ( . ) the duties of the family in general , in reference to their joynt-worshipping of god. ( . ) their duties in particular , in the relation in which they are considered . for , when the family in general , and every member in particular live up to the following duties , they will live in some measure answerably to so great preservation . first , after your families have been in such danger , and yet so many of them , and so many in them are preserved ; it must be your care to set up the worship of god in your families ; else you cannot [ as a family ] walk answerably to so great preservation : what , hath god not turned you out of your house by death , and will you turn the worship of god out of your house ? hath god spared you ( think you ) for this end , that there should be eating and drinking in your houses , and not praying and reading in your families ? that there should be working , and labouring early and late , and no calling upon god ? is this to make a family-return to god ? is this to give to him the praise of his safe-keeping of you in time of danger and distress ? and , this is chiefly incumbent upon you that are the governours of families , to call your children and servants together ( every morning and every night ) to worship the god of your salvation ; the god that hath wrought so great deliverance for you . i beseech you in the fear of god , nay , in the name of the eternal god i charge you , that you carefully , constantly keep up the worship of god in your families . and , that i may follow this , i shall shew you why , wherein , and how , you must worship god in your families . sect . ix . first , the reasons why you should set up the worship of god in your families , are such as these ; . from the example of the holy men of god in scripture , josh . . . and , if it seeme evil unto you to serve the lord , choose you this day whom you will serve ; whether the gods whom your fathers served , that were on the other side of the flood , or the gods of the amorites in whose land ye dwell ; but , as for me and my house we will serve the lord. some will serve the god of this world , that is the devil , cor. . . some will serve their bellies , which they make their god , phil. . . and some will serve their unrighteous mammon , which they make their god ; but , do you take up joshua's resolution , that you and your house will serve the lord. . from the benefit that will come to you and your house , if you carefully and constantly worship god therein : god will take care of you and your family , if you take care of his worship therein . gen. . . and the lord said , shall i hide from abraham that thing which i do ? ver. . for i know him , that he will command his children , and his houshold after him , and they shall keep the way of the lord , to do justice and judgment ; that the lord may bring upon abraham that which he hath spoken of him . . from the great evil that hangs over your family , if you should neglect the worship of god therein ; god will curse your family , and his wrath shall be the portion of you and your children , if the worship of god be excluded from your house : though god hath spared you and your family in this late contagion , yet his wrath is still hovering over your house , if you call not upon him , jer. . . pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not , and upon the families that call not upon thy name . — fury is the utmost of gods wrath : and , this shall not be dropped only , but poured out upon your family ; god will poure down showres of wrath and fury upon those houses that neglect his worship . . from equity ; you would have all in your family disc●a●ge their duties which they owe to you ; you would have your children be obedient to you , and your servants be dutiful to you , and do your work , and serve you ; and , is it not then reasonable that you and they should discharge your du●ies unto god ? and that you and they should serve the lord ? when you and they have more dependance upon god , then they have upon you . . if you neglect your duty herein , you will be guilty of the blood of the soules of those that die in your family , and are damned for ever : you will be bloody butchers to the soules of your children and servants : god hath committed the care of their soules ( in great measure ) unto you , and , can you discharge your trust that god hath reposed in you , in the total neglect of your duty herein ? hath not god charged you in the fourth commandment , that neither you your self should prophane his day , and that you should see that neither your sons nor daughters , neither your men-servants , nor maid-servants should prophane it ; and , if they do , will not god require this at your hand ? . the total neglect of family-worship will be ● flat denying god to be the god of your family ; that you take not god to be the master of your family : would not you say , that your servants deny you to be their master , if they deny their service to you ? and , can you say , that god is the god of your house , if you , in your house do not worship him ? mal. . . a son honoureth his father , and a servant his master ; if then i be a father , where is mine honour ? and ▪ if i be a master , where is my fear ? — if your family disown god , god will disown your family ; and , if god disown and cast you off , will not your family be a miserable family ? . if you neglect the worship of god in your family , this will be a bad example to those that go out of your family to constitute other families ; when your children shall have families of their own , and your servants shall have families of their own , will not they be too apt to neglect them , as they have seen you neglect yours ? and so your sin will have an influence upon them , and you will be , in some respect , guilty of the neglect of gods worship in your children and servants families ; but , if you be conscientious in your family , you will be exemplary to them to do likewise . . god will punish your neglect of his service to him with family-judgments : if you do not make your house a house of prayer , god will make your house an house of contention and strife ; an house of railings and quarrellings ; and will punish you with undutiful children , and disobedient servants : for , how can you expect that they should be good toward you , when you endeavour not to make them good towards god ? if you would press your children and servants to love god , and obey and serve god , they would then obey you from a principle of conscience , and serve you , out of fear to god ; they would be more faithful to you , if you would call upon them to serve god : might not god justly suffer your servants to purloin , and steal from you , when you and they do steal from god that time for the world , which is due to god ? section x. secondly , the duties wherein you should worship god in your families , are such as these ; in praying unto god , and that ( . ) ordinarily : and , your ordinary praying unto god in your family should be daily , and , that at least twice every day ; every morning when you rise , and every night , before you dismiss your family to their rest and sleep . exod. . . now , this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar ; two lambs of the first year , day by day continually . vers . . the one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning , and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even : though the ceremonial part of this be abolished , yet the moral abideth , and is perpetual : and , the reasons for daily prayer in your families are perpetual ; as , ( . ) you have daily family sins , and therefore in your family you should daily confess them , and beg the pardon of them ; that you and your family might not go about your necessary occasions all the day , nor to your necessary rest at night , with the guilt of sin upon your soules . ( . ) you have every day daily wants , therefore you should daily beg supplies for your family : and , christ bids you pray , give us this day our daily bread . ( . ) you have family business every day , and you should pray to god daily for his blessing upon your endeavours , for the good of your family . ( . ) you have every day family mercies , and should daily bless god for them : when you wake in the morning and find your house not fired in the night , is not this a family mercy ? and , should not your family be called together to bless god for this mercy ? in the morning you find your family all in health , none of them dead in their beds : and , should not you , since you all live , all come together , and bless god , that sleep was not turned into death , nor the darkness of the right into the darkness of hell to any of you ? and , have you not many mercies every day , you went out well about your imployment , and you returned well , and god hath blest your endeavours with success ; and , should not you give to god the praise of his mercy before you sleep ? or , if you have sustained some losses , should not you pray to god to sanctifie them to you , and inable you patiently to bear them , and submit to the will of god therein ? ( . ) or , family-prayer is sometimes extraordinary , when your family lies under some extraordinary affliction , or wants some extraordinary mercy , or have had some extraordinary deliverance from evil and danger , then should you in your family send up extraordinary prayer and p●aises unto god : so did esther and her maidens fast and pray , esther . . and i could wish that families apart were more acquainted with , and more frequent in this du●y . in reading the word of god : this would be bet●er then cards and dice . but , in many fam●l●es the bible lies upon the shelfe all the week long , and scarce h●ve it in their hands but when they take it to go to church , and many scarce then neither . god hath commanded you to acquaint your family with ●he wo●d of god , and , how will you do it , if you never read it to them , nor discourse of it with them ? deut. . . therefore shall you lay up these my words in your heart , and in your soul , and bind them for a sign upon your hand , that they may be as frontless between your eyes . ver. . and ye shall teach them your children , speaking of them , when thou sittest in thine house , and when thou walkest by the way ; when thou liest down , and when thou risest up . view this scripture well , ( ye masters of families ) and be ashamed of your neglect of reading the scripture in your houses ; you should talk of it at home and abroad , morning and night when your familie should be with you . you should read the scripture to your family for these reasons : . because the word of god is the spiritual food of the souls in your family . it is the bread of life . it is milk for the nourishing of their souls , pet. . . it is to be preferred above their necessary food , job . . now will you give them bread for their bodies , and deny them bread for their souls ? their souls can no more live without spiritual food , than their bodies can without corporal . take heed you deny not bread to your children and servants souls . . because the word of god is the spiritual armour for the preserving your family from being robbed by your spiritual enemies , the devil , sin , and the world ; you will have some weapon in your house to defend your self f●om thieves . why , the devil will play the thief in your house , and will steal away the souls of your children , and will steal away the souls of your servants , and will you not put so much as a weapon into their hands to defend themselves ? your children and servants will be stollen away by the spirits , if you arm them not with the word of god , which is the sword of the spirit , eph. . . . because the more you read the word of god to them , the better they will be to you , and the better perform the duties of their relation : you complain of disobedient children , why do not you read the scripture to them more , to teach them that god requires them to be obedient to you ? you complain of bad servants , why do not you then read the word of god to them more , that they may know their duty better by reading the scripture to them ? make them but good christians , and then they dare not , but be good children , and good servants . . because the word of god is able to make them wise unto salvation ; you would have your children wise to live in the world ; you would have them wise to get riches , and a great estate ; you would have your servants wise to do your work , and to go about your business : and would you not have them wise for their souls ? would you not have them wise for heaven and the life to come ? if you would , then acquaint them with the word of god , tim. . . and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures , which are able to make thee wise unto salvation , through faith which is in christ jesus . and he is wise indeed , that is wise enough to save his soul . in repeating what you hear in the publick congregation , in discoursing to your family what sin was reproved , and what duty was inforced , and what were the arguments and motives thereunto . what christ preached more publickly , he repeated to his disciples ( which were as his family ) more privately , mar. . . and . . mat. . , . and the apostle commanded wives to ask their husbands when they came home , the things that were delivered in the congregation , cor. . , . this would keep your children and servants better imployed on the lords day , than to be standing idle at your doors , or walking sinfully in the fields . this would make them profit more by the word preached , if you would repeat it to them , and use them to give account of what they hear . in catechizing of your family , and teaching them the principles and fundamentals of religion : mans innocency by creation , mans misery by the fall , mans recovery by christ , and the terms of the covenant of grace ; the meaning of the ten commandments , what sin in them is forbidden , what duties are required ; this is gods plain injunction that you should do so , deut. . , , , . and the meaning of the sacraments , exod. . , , . ( . ) to teach them while they are young is a good means to make them good when they are old , prov. . . train up a child in the way he should go when he is young , and he will not depart from it when he is old : but if you let them alone till they be accustomed to do evil , it will be hard to reclaim them , jer. . . quo semel est imbuta recens , &c. ( . ) this will be an effectual mean● to keep them from being seduced , and led away with e●●ours and false doctrine . ( . ) it will be great cruelty to the souls of your children and servants to neglect it . will you carry your self towards your little ones , as the ostrich doth towards her young ones , job . . which ( speaking of the ostrich ) leaveth her eggs in the earth , and warmeth them in the dust . ver. . and forgetteth that the foot may crush them , or that the wild beast may break them . ver. . she is hardened against her young ones , as though they were not hers . — ( . ) it would be to break your vow which you made when you brought your children unto baptism ; did you not promise they should forsake the pomps and vanities of this world , and that you would bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the lord , and will you dedicate them to god in baptism , and leave them to the devil all their life after ? consider i beseech you , it may be god in mercy and pity to your childrens and servants souls hath spared you in this late-great mortality ; and consider whether your conscience doth not accuse you of great neglect towards some of your children and servants which are now lying in their graves ; it may be there hath dyed a poor servant out of your house , which you never spake to in good earnest about the matters of his soul ; or doth not your heart wish that he were with you again , that you may instruct and teach him , and will you do so to those that do remain ? it may be some of them that have died out of your house are gone to hell through your neglect , and will you have no more pi●y upon those that yet are with you ? the other , now are out of the reach of your counsells and instructions , but these are not , what was wanting in you towards those that are dead and gone , make up to those that live and do remain . in singing forth gods praises , in psalms , and spiritual songs ; this is an ordinance of god , eph. . . jam. . . you must sing with grace , col. . . exercise your grace of joy in god , in commemoration of gods benefits , of holy desires , of godly sorrow , as the occasion and the matter of the psalm require ; this is the sweetest harmony in the ears of god. you must sing with understanding , with sense and feeling , and to the lord , to his glory , as in his presence ; this would be more sutable for your family , than ballads , prophane and lascivious filthy rymes , which you should not suffer under your roof . sect . xi . thirdly , the manner how you should worship god in your family is chiefly to be minded , for it is not any service that god will accept , you may keep up a course of praying in your family , and yet live very unworthy of the great mercy of god in your wonderful preservation . therefore , . in your family worship god really and indeed , with your heart , and mind , and all your strength ; do not seem to pray , but pray indeed , in your family . for this end consider , ( . ) the god whom you serve in your families is god indeed ; he is a real god , therefore worship him indeed , and in a real manner . ( . ) the sins of your families are real sins , your own sins are real sins , and your childrens sins are real sins , and have real guilt , therefore confess them really , and mourn and sorrow for them really . ( . ) the wants of your family are real wants ; you do not seem to want outward mercies , but except god supply you , you will want them indeed . ( . ) the supplies which god doth give you are real supplies : god giveth you real health , and real food , and re●l cloathing for your family , therefore be real in your family worship . ( . ) you and your family are real in following of the world , you work in good earnest , and you buy and sell in good earnest : and will you be real in the things of the world that concern your family , and will you not be real in your family worship ? . in your family worship god livelily ; not only with a true and sincere heart , but with a lively heart , take heed of dulness and formality ; take heed of sleeping at your prayers . and here i would advise that masters of families would not put off their duties too long in the morning , till half the day be past , nor too late in the evening , when the family will be more disposed and inclined to sleep than to pray . . in your family worship god chearfully , go not to family prayer as a task and burden , but as a great favour and priviledge that you and your children might call upon god. . in your family worship god constantly : some will pray on a sabbath night , but it may be not all the week after . thus if you serve god in your family it will be a great step to your walking in some measure answerably for so great preservation , and then it will be a good discovery that god hath spared you in mercy , to do him service in the education of your children , and not in judgment , to the encreasing of your sins only . thus far concerning the duties of families whom god hath spared in this time of pestilence in general . of the several relations in a family next . sect . xii . secondly , if you will live in some measure answerably to so great a mercy , as preservation from death in a time of great mortalitie , is , then fill up the duties of your particular relation wherein you stand . relative sins are very offensive unto god , and a great scandal to religion . the fi●st of these relations in a family is , first , conjugal , betwixt husband and wife ; and the great duty incumbent upon them is mutu●l love , in which many are deficient , and many are excessive , it being hard for such to let out their affections one to another so much as god commands , and no more than god allows ; and both these extreams will terrisie conscience when such come to dye . and this sin is more usually seen when death hath broken this relation , than while god continueth them together ; the surviver then seeth he did not love his wife , and the wife , her husband , with that degree of love as that relation called for , or with a greater degree than was pleasing unto god , when the love of this relation did diminish the love they should have to god : and how many breaches hath god made in this relation to punish the sin of both extreams ? it may be thy love was immoderate , and therefore god hath taken thy relation from thee : or it may be thy love was deficient , and therefore god hath taken thy relation from thee . when thou w●st sick , and thou thoughtest thou shouldest have died , did not thy conscience then accuse ▪ thee for one of these in thy relation ? and yet hath god spared thee and thy wife , or thee and thy husb●nd , then what conscience did reproach thee for in this particular , if thou wouldst answer gods mercie in sparing of thee , let this be reformed . there are many this day may be lamenting not so much the loss of this relation , as that they did not walk sutablie in this relation while they were in it , this being the sting of their affliction . oh! methinks such as god hath continued in a conjugal relation in this time of great mortality , should look upon themselves now more engaged to perform their mutual duties with more care and conscience than before . such a one hath buried his wife , and such a one hath buried her husband , but god hath preserved you in your relation , you cannot live answerablie for this mercie but in a better discharge of your mutual duties . how would you wish you had loved your relation , wife or husband , if god had taken either away by death , so do now when god continueth you both in life . because this conduceth so much to an answerable return for so great a mercie i will a little insist upon it . and in the general , if you would improve this mercie , the direction is , that your love and affection be such one to another , as is the love betwixt christ and the church . eph. . . husbands , love your wives , even as christ loved the church , and gave himself for it . and this love of the husband must be requited with the love of the wife , for it is reciprocal , tit. . . teach the young women to be sober , to love their husbands . — sect . xiii . but more particularly i shall speak to three things : what manner of love is this why they should have this wherein they should manifest this love one to another . if you will improve this mercie god hath vouchsafed you , your love must have these properties . . it must be a superlative love , that is in respect of all sublunarie things ; though your love to god and christ must be more than your love one to another , else it doth sinfully exceed , for if any loveth father or mother , husband or wife , more than christ , he is not worthie of him , yet in respect of all other persons and things in this world , it must be more , else it is sinfully deficient ; a man must love his wife above all other persons , above his estate , or whatsoever is dear unto him in this world , and so the wife . thus christ loveth his church , and a believing soul , above all other persons , and the church reciprocallie loves christ above all other things in the world . . it must be a constant love , it must last as long as life in both do●n last . the longer you live in this relation , the more you should love . length of time must not wear off the commanded and allowed strength of your mutual affection . thus christ alwaies love● his church , and the church alwaies loves jesus christ . . it must be holy love ; from an holy principle , obedience to gods command ; in an holy manner , according to the word of god ; for holy ends , the glorie of god , &c. carnal love , for carnal ends , is not the love that god requireth in this relation , thus christ loves the church , and the church loves christ with an holy love . . it must be a tender , compassionate , and sympathizing love ; if god lay his afflicting hand upon either , in sickness of bodie , in terrours of mind , the other is to be tender , and to sympathize in those afflictions . if god lay his hand upon both , in povertie and want , they should not fret one against the other , ( which is too usuall ) but should both with tenderness of compassion endeavour to bear the same burden , and make up that which is wanting in outward enjoyments in the degree of their love . and this would lighten many burdens , and sweeten the bitter cup of affliction which god may put into both their hands ; as the want of conjugal affection in many doth make that heavie which is light , and that bitter which is sweet . thus christ loveth his church , and sympathizeth with her in all her afflictions , isa . . . acts . . . it must be forgiving love ; that shall hide and cover the infirmities of each from the world , every miscarriage in this relation should not abate the affection of one to the other . sinful infirmities must not be allowed of in one another , because they must be faithful to each others souls , and yet they should not be blazed unto others , because of the love to each others person . thus christ loveth his church notwithstanding her sinful infirmities ; and because he loveth her , he is readie and willing to forgive her . but there is no such retaliation of this propertie of love in the church to christ , because he hath no such sinful infirmities : but there is no such husband in the world besides christ , and therefore in our case it is reciprocal . sect . xiv . the reasons why there should be such love and mutual affection betwixt those in a conjugal relation are such as these : . because god commands it ; and with gracious persons a command of god is instead of a thousand reasons . before this relation be entred into , persons may lawfullie look after attractives and motives of love , but when once they are so rel●ted , this is sufficient reason ( though there are others ) why they should love , eph. . . tit. . . . because they are one flesh ; he that loveth his wife loveth himself , and she that loves her husband loveth her self , eph , . , . it is unnatural in any to h●te their own flesh . . because the comfort of their life , and the sweetness of this relation much depends upon their mutual affection . . because the gospel will be much hindered by the want of this love in those that make profession of it : the gospel much suffers when wicked persons observe that professors fill not up their relative duties , tit. . . teach the young women to be sober , to love their husbands , to love their children . ver. . to be discreet , chaste , keepers at home , good , obedient to their own husbands , that the word of god be not blasphemed . . because else they will be more unfit for spiritual duties , either together , or apart . when there are differences betwixt husband and wife , it is an hinderance to them in their praying one with another , in their praying one for another ; want of this conjugal affection , and breaches in this relation , hath often straitened the heart of the party offending at the throne of grace , and this professing husbands and wives should be careful of , pet. . , , . the apostle had exhorted persons in a conjugal relation to discharge their mutual duties , after the example of abraham and sarah , and the reason he alledgeth is , that your prayers be not hindred . . because else they cannot comfortably dye . breaches in the duties of this relation , will make great breaches in our peace of conscience when we come to dye . when you are to part at death , conscience will be lashing of you : god hath set thee ( saith conscience ) in such a relation , but thou hast not had the love of that relation . god gave thee such a yoak-fellow , but thou di●st not live with that affection as he did require , and now thy relation must be broken . oh the● , saith the offendor , if god would continue me a little longer in this relation , how would i walk more sutably in performing the duties thereof better than hitherto i have done ; but do it now before death doth part you . sect . xv. the duties wherein those in a conjugal relation should manifest this mutual affection , and they are such as are , either proper to each . common to both . the husband manifests his love in direction in cases dubious . protection in cases dangerous , sam. . . provision of things needful , tim. . . the wife manifests her love in inward reverence , eph. . . outward subjection , pet. . . the duties that are common to both do either concern . the body , or things temporal . the soul , or things spiritual . . in the affairs of this life they should manifest their mutual love one to another , in procreation of children . education of children . administration of houshold affairs times of affliction and sickness . . in the concernments of each others souls , or things spiritual , their love should be especially manifested ; love to the soul is the noblest love , because the soul is the nobler part ; to love the body and hate the soul , ( as too many do ) is but cruel love . their love is highest love , that love each others souls , and this love is manifested , . in reproving one another for sin ; this is greatest love ; not to reprove is to hate , lev. . . so job his wife , job . , . so abigail her husband , sam. . , . where you may observe both abigails piety , she reproved nabal : and her prudence , when the wine was out of his head . . in comforting one another under inward terrours ; so manoahs wife comforted him , jud. . , . . in provoking one another to good works of piety , and charity . this is the only allowed contention betwixt husband and wife , who shall be best , and love god most , and do most good : but not to provoke to wrath and wicked works , as jezabel did ahab , kings . , , . wicked husbands are usually very wicked , when wicked wives stir them up to do wickedly , ver . . . in praying one with another , and praying one for another . it is great love in such to improve their interest at the throne of grace one for another . thus if you whom god hath spared , and continued life unto , after thi● contagion , would resolve to live together , you would so far as concerns you in this respect , live in force measure answerably to so great a mercy , else you cannot . hath god spared you to be more unkind one to another ? to be bitter one against another ? to grieve one another ? or do you think this is the improvement you should make of this mercy ? god forbid . sect . xvi . secondly , the next relation i consider in a family , is between parents and children , whom god hath continued after this great mortality . god hath taken away parents from others , and they are lest orphans , but god hath continued thy parents , both , or one to thee . what doth god require from thee in answer to a sutable return for this mercy ? god hath taken away children from others , and bereaved them of those that were dear to them , but god hath continued thine , all , or some to thee , what doth god require at thy hands in answer to a sutable return for so great a mercy ? it is that parents and children should fill up the duties of this relation , else you can never walk worthy of this mercy . but more particularly , first , parents , if they would live answerable to his mercy of children continued to them , must be careful , first , in instructing of them in the things of god : and training them up in the waies of god , this is the duty of both parents , pro. . . my son hear the instruction of thy father , and forsake not the law of thy mother , prov. . . the words of king lemuel , the p●ophesie that his mother taught him . this mothers might do when they are dressing of their children . do not think you do enough if you make provision for your children , and get a portion for them : let me tell you , that is the le●st part of your duty , as hard as you think it is ; but , you must give them instructions , and that . timelily , before they are accustomed to evil ; they are born in natural hardness , and , by frequent acts of wickedness they will contract habitual hardness ; and then , if god clap upon their hearts judicial hardness , your children are undone for ever : children before they can goe , can run from god ; and , before they can speak plainly , can speak wickedly : teach them not to be proud of their fine clothes ; teach them not revenge , by giving you a stroak to beat others ; these be the buddings of pride and revenge in little infants . . instruct them frequently ; they are apt to learn evil , but backward to learn any thing that is good : there must be line upon line , deut. . , . you must whet the things you speak unto them , that they may pierce their hearts ; frequently inculcate the same things upon them , and instil the knowledg of god into them by little and little . . instruct them affectionately ; let them perceive ( when more grown up ) that they are matters of weight and moment , that you speak to them about : when you speak of heaven and hell , of god and sin , let them see that your hearts are affected with what you say . secondly , in correcting of them for the evil of sin : he that spares the rod spoiles the childe : better you correct them here , than god damne them hereafter : the rod is as needful for your children as their food ; prov. . . folly is bound in the heart of a childe , the rod of correction shall drive it far from him . do this , . timelily ; a young twigg is flexible , and easie to be bent ; break them of wicked words and w●ies betimes , or else they may break your heart when they are bigger . adonijah was davids d●●ling , an ●he was wanting in correcting of him , and he rebelled before he died , and usurped the kingdom before his fathers death : king. . . then adonijah the son of haggith exalted himself , saying , i will be king ; and he prepared his horsmen and chariots , and fifty men to run before him . vers . . and his father had not displeased him at any time , in saying , why hast thou done so ? — too much indulgence will make undutiful and disobedient children . . proportionably to their fault ; do not correct a small offence over sharply , nor an hainous sin too slightly ; if you are too severe for a small offence , they will hate you : if you are too indulgent in a great offence , they will despise you . this was elyes sin , that he did not correct the hainous sin , and reprove the abominable practise of his sons with greater severity : sam. . . and he said unto them , why do ye such things ? for , i hear of your evil dealings by all this people . vers . . nay , my sons , for it is no good report that i hear , ye make the lords people to transgress . it is no good report ! that was too good a word for so hainous wicked works : it was an abominable thing that was reported by others , and committed by his sons : but , see what god saith to ely , vers . . thou honourest thy sons above me : and , god severely punished his children for their vile offence ; and the father for his so cold reproof , as you may read in the following verses . . compassionately ; do not correct your children in the heate of passion , but with bowels of compasion : when the rod is in your hand , let there be tender love in your heart . . discreetly ; observing the temper and disposition of your childe which you correct ; if you scourge , and frown upon one , as much as is needful for another , you will discourage him ; if you scourge not another , more than this , that is more tender spirited , you will not break him : correction is like a medicine , in which the physitian hath respect to the constitution of the patient . children are like herbs , some , if you cut and tread will grow again ; but , if you do as much to other herbes , you kill them . . seasonably ; there is much wisdom in parents , in timeing their correcting of their children ; if you correct them for some faults before others , you will discourage them ; take the fittest season . . penitently ; when you correct your children , judge your self first , and repent for your own sin , or else you do but beat your self . . believingly ; when you exercise your child with the rod , do you exercise faith upon the promise . thirdly , in praying much for them ; many pray for children before they have them , but neglect to pray for them when god hath given them ; as though their being were a greater blessing than their well-being : you must add prayer to instruction and correction ; for , it is not onely your instruction , nor correction , but gods blessing given in to servent prayer , that will make your children good . when you look upon your little infants as they are sucking at your breasts , or laughing in your faces , or playing in your armes ; oh consider the seed of sin that they have in their hearts ! that they , by nature , are the children of wrath ; and , when you go to pray for them , use such considerations that might make your heart to mourn over them , and for them : when you consider they are enemies to god , can you not mourn for them upon your knees ? when you consider they are lost children , except mercy find them ; that they are damned children except free grace save them : can you not mourn abundantly , and pray servently for them ? can you consider they are by nature , without the image and likeness of god , and not be grieved at the heart ? that your child is a little traitor against the king of heaven ; a little rebel against the glorious god ; and , will you not pray that his heart may be changed ? could you weep and grieve if your child were a monster , if it had a body of one kind , and an head of another ; if it had an arme too much , or a leg too much , or little ; why , its misery is more by nature then all this , and yet , can you not mourn in your prayers for him ? fourthly , in choosing for them some lawful calling and putting them forth unto some religious familie : choose not a calling that hath more snares and temptations attending it , then usually others have ; and place them in such families , where they may learn the way to heaven , as well as the way to be rich in the world : if you put them forth to an ungodly family , you may loose all your former labour in instruction , correction , and prayer : for , will you give your childe an antidote , and then care not if he run into a pest-house , among persons that have running plague sores ; or , would you not judge it presumption in any so to do , without a special call ? but , the former is greater , and higher , and more dangerous presumption than the latter ; in as much as the death of the body of your child is endangered by the one ; but the damnation of his soul is endangered by the other . fifthly , in careful disposing of them in marriage ▪ that you match them to godly persons , and , if you can , into a godly family ; or , to one that hath religious relations : take heed of marrying them to the children of the devil , though their outward advantage be never so much : thus abraham took care that his son isaac should not take a wife of the daughters of the canaanites , amongst whom he dwelt , gen. . . if you thus take care for your children , whom god hath continued to you in this great mortality , you act , in this respect , in some measure answerably to so great a mercy . section xvii . secondly , children , if they would live answerably in their relation , to so great a mercy , as is , gods sparing their parents , and continuing them unto them , must be careful of filling up the duties of their relation : and , the duty of children is set down in col. . . children , obey your parents in all things , for this is well-pleasing unto the lord : in which observe , . the charge , obedience . . the persons charged ; children , younger , elder , poor or rich . . the persons to whom this obedience is to be given . parents , father , mother . whether poor , or rich. . the extent of this obedience ; in all things . . the limitting and enforcing reason , for this is well-pleasing to the lord ; therefore the all things are to be limitted to things lawful , else it would not please the lord ; but , they must in those things , because it pleaseth god. now , if you that are children would walk worthy of gods mercy , in sparing your parents to you in this contagious times , you must obey them in these particulars . . in receiving instructions from them , in hearkning to their wholsome counsel and advice , prov. . . my son forget not my law , but let thine heart keep my commandments , prov. . , , , . and . , , . and . . &c. and . , , . . in submitting to their correction , without murmuring and repining . . in being content with your diet and apparel that your parents provide for you . . in yeilding them sustenance and maintenance if they come to poverty , if you be able to supply them ; they gave you maintenance when you could not provide for your selves , do you so for them , if they need , though you work hard to help them , tim. . . but , if any widow have children , or nephews , let them first learn to shew piety at home , and to requite their parents , for that is good and acceptable before god. though children can never ( fully ) requite their parents , for they had their being by them ; and , what if they have help by you in outward things , you had your being by them , and that is more : take heed of being ashamed of your parents , if they be poor , and you are raised to an higher degree in the world than ever they were , but , to disown them would be impious . . in submitting to their choise of a calling for you . . in disposing of you in marriage : change not your condition without their consent , as isaac , gen. . and sampson , judg. . , . nay , ishmael obeyed his mother in his marriage , gen. . . and , will you be worse than ishmael ? . in all things , though they be cross to your humour , though it might not please you , yet , if it please your parents you must do it . but , that i may not lay a snare for childrens consciences , and put a staff into ungodly parents hands , to drive their children to hell , you must take this distinction of [ things , ] viz. things are either , simply good and necessary , and these must be done , though your parents forbid you ; as praying , reading scripture , &c. simply evil and unlawful , and these must not be done , though your parents command you ; as to play , or work upon the lords day , to lie and defraud in dealing . neither good nor evil in their own nature ( though every thing is good or evil , considered in all circumstances ) and , in all these you must obey your parents . and , the reasons of this obedience to your parents , are such as these . . gods command , ephes . . . children , obey your parents in the lord. v. . honour thy father and mother , which is the first commandment with promise ; that is the first command with promise in the second table ; for , there is a promise in the second command of the first table , of shewing mercy unto thousands , &c. . this is right , or justice ; ephes . . . thou hadst thy being and thy education by thy parents , therefore it is justice thou shouldest obey them . . christs example ; he was obedient to his parents , luke . . and he went down with them , and came to nazareth , and was subject to them . . gods judgments upon disobedient children : absalom rebelled against his father , and god cut him off in the very act of his rebellion . . it is pleasing to god : if it were in any thing that would displease god , you must not do it ; for you must please your heavenly father rather than your earthly , but , if it be pleasing unto god , you must not deny it ; you please god , when you please your parents in things lawful . . god might punish you with disobedient children hereafter , if you are disobedient to your parents now : thus children also will walk so farr answerably to so great a mercy , as gods sparing their parents to them , if they thus obey them . section xviii . thirdly , the next relation i consider in a family , is , the relation of masters and servants , whom god hath spared in this great mortality ; and , if you would live in some measure answerably to this mercy ( as , it is a mercy to some to have servants ; and , it is a mercy to others to have masters ) then you must fill up the duties of your relation . first , masters duties are set down , col. . . masters , give unto your servants that which is just and equal , knowing , that ye also have a master in heaven : where you have , . the charge that is given , to do that which is just and equal . . the persons to whom this charge is given : masters . . the persons unto whom this justice and equity must be shown : servants . . the reason to enforce it ; knowing that ye have a master in heaven . there is no man , that is a master , but he hath a master , and that is god. . masters must not impose upon their servants any thing simply unlawful , that is not just ; to work , or carry burdens upon the lords day , without necessity , &c. . masters must not impose upon their servants things above their strength , though they be lawful , this is not just . . masters must not deny their servants convenient food , nor their due wages , this is not just . . masters must not turn away their servants when they are sick , who served them when they were in health and strength , without their consent ; this is not just . . masters must not deny them necessary time for the performance of their necessary duties unto god , this is neither just nor equal : it is but equity if servants spend their time in your service , that you should allow them some time for the service of god , and the saving of their souls : for , to wear out their bodies in serving you now , and , for want of time to read and pray , to have their soules damned hereafter , would be a very unequal , unjust , and unreasonable thing . sect . xix . secondly , servants , if you would live answerably for the mercy of god , in sparing you , then performe the duties god requireth at your hands towards your masters . the duty of servants is set down , eph. . . servants , be obedient to them that are your masters , according to the flesh , with fear and trembling , in singleness of heart , as unto christ . vers . . not with eye-service , as men-pleasers , but as the servants of christ , doing the will of god from the heart . vers . . with good will doing service , as to the lord , and not to men. vers . . knowing , that whatsoever good thing any man doth , the same shall he receive of the lord , whether he be bond or free . to this the apostle addeth ; servants , obey in all things your masters , knowing , that of the lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance , for ye serve the lord christ , col. . , , , . in both which places the apostle meets with the usual defects of servants in their relation ; which are . half service . . eye service . . hypocritical service . . prophaneness in service . . irreverence in service . . grudging in service . . baseness of mind in service . to these are opposed service . in all things . . not eye-service . . in singleness of heart . . in the fear of god. . trembling . . from the heart , and with good will. . a glorious reward . . servants must do all the service they owe unto their masters ; not to do one thing , and leave another undone , but , you must obey in all things , i. e. lawful . . servants must not give eye service ; that is , onely in their masters sight and presence , but must be as careful of their masters business in his absence , as if he were looking on them : they must not do their work as those that are serving men , who cannot alwaies see them , but as the servants of christ , serve him , who believe , that he alwaies sees them : and , let servants remember , that though masters do not alwaies see them , yet god doth . . servants must performe the works of their masters service in singleness of heart , with uprightness , and without dissimulation ; they must not be hypocrites in mens service , as they must not in the service of god : servants must do all from obedience to gods commands , and yield therefore obedience to wicked masters in lawful things , pet. . . servants , be subject to your masters with all fear ; not onely to the good and gentle , but also to the froward . so , to poor masters , though they can give them but mean wages . . they must do it in the fear of god : as the servants of god must pray in the fear of god , and hear in the fear of god ; so they that are servants to men , must do their work in the fear of god : then , they must not curse and swear at their work , nor talk sinfully , nor speak or sing obscenely . . wi●h reverence to their masters , tim. . . let as many servants as are under the yoke , count their own masters worthy of all honour , that the name of god and his doctrine be not blasphemed : if thou serve a poor master , yet , being thy master , thou art bound to honour him ; else , thou will be a reproach to the name of god , and his doctrine . . they must not grudge the service they do , but do it from the heart , and with good will : servants hearts must not be set upon their masters business , they cannot give away their heart from god : but , they must do their work from the heart , i. e. willingly , cheerfully . . they must not onely aime at the wages they have from their masters ; that is poor , and low , and sordid to work and labour for such a reward ; but , as those that know , if they do their service , ( be it never so mean and servile ) in obedience to gods command , and for his glory , they shall have a reward in heaven : god will reward the mean service of a poor servant with an eternal crown . . they must be faithful in their masters business ; they must not purloin , steal , and secretly convey away any thing of their masters estate , money or goods ; or sell it at under-rate to his masters real prejudice and dammage , by private contract between himself and the buyer , to consider him for his cheap bargain . tit. . . exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters , and to please them well in all things , not answering again . vers . . not purloining , but shewing all good fidelity , that they may adorn the doctrine of god our saviour in all things . when thy hand is in thy masters box , and thou art pilfring away his money , to game , to keep company , or spend any way without his knowledge , this is theft ; and , god seeth thee , though he do not : and , if thou hast purloined , or stole any thing , thou art bound to restore it , if thou canst , and , to confess thy fault and be humbled , and do so no more . . they must be frugal for their masters ; that , though they steal nothing from them , yet they may sin , by suffering their masters goods to be wasted ; as food to be cast away , and many things to be spent and consumed when there is no need : this is not to shew all fidelity to your masters . so jacob , gen. . , . , , . that which was torn of beasts i brought not unto thee ; i bare the loss of it : of my hands didst thou require it , whether stollen by day , or stollen by night . . they must not answer again out of a murmuring spirit , nor give word for word ; that , if their master rebukes them for their sin , they must not speak as fast as he : nay , though a master should speak wrathfully , and in unjust anger , yet they must not answer perversely to them again , but with meekness and silence ( except they require , or give leave ) go about their imployment , committing their cause to god , who will right them , if their masters wrong them , col. . . but , he that doth wrong , shall receive for the wrong which he hath done : and , there is no respect of persons . god regards not mens outward conditions ; he regards not the mistriss more than the maid : nor the master more than the man ; but judgeth righteously betwixt the greatest and the meanest . . they must remember , when they are obedient in their masters service , they are serving the lord christ : what a poor servant doth in servile labour , in the meanest , lowest imployment , he is serving of god : and , this might sweeten to him more difficult and unpleasing work. thus i have done with this direction , in which all men , in one capacity or other , herein considered , are concerned to make improvement of gods preserving of them in time of so great contagion ; by being eminently exemplary in the conditions , capacity , relations , wherein they stand ; which , if they do ( caeteris paribus ) they live in some measure answerable to so great a mercy . direction v. hath god spared you in a time of pestilence , then if you would live answerable , diligently watch against secret sins , and let your special care be about the hidden and secret things in religious duties . god hath kept you in his chambers , isa . . . come my people , enter thou into thy chambers , and shut thy doors about thee ; hide thy self as it were for a little moment untill the indignation be overpast . god hath hid you from judgment in the secret chambers of his protection , and will you hide your sins in the secret corners of your hearts ? or will you allow your self to sin because you are in your secret chambers ? or will this be to live worthy of gods secret protection of you , to commit secret sins against god ? that you are preserved this is visible ; all that see you walking in the streets know this : but gods way of preserving you was not only by visible means , as antidotes and cordials , but by the invisible guard of holy angels , psal . . . there shall no evil befall thee , neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling . ver. . for he shall give his angels charge over thee , to keep thee in all thy waies . ver. . they shall bear thee up in their hands : lest thou dash thy foot against a stone . the reason why you have been preserved is , because god hath caused you to dwell in the secret place of the most high , and hath made you to abide under the shadow of the almightie , psal . . . when the pestilence was walking in darkness , and the arrows of the almightie were secretly shot and flying abroad , he kept you in the secret of his pavilion , psal . . . for in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion : in the secret of his tabernacle he shall hide me , he shall set me upon a rock . as all visible means would not have been effectual for your preservation , without gods secret and invisible watching over you : so abstaining only from visible sins , and performing only that of duty , which is visible , will not be a sutable , nor answerable return for this great mercie : therefore my advice unto you is , that as gods goodness to you hath been in a secret way of preservation , so your care should especially be about secret things , and that in two respects . in abstaining from secret sins . in maintaining secret duties . first , be careful to abstain from secret sins . do not cherish sins in your hearts and thoughts , though they should never proceed to outward act : for a man whom god hath kept in time of plague , might be no open swearer , no visible drunkard , nor live in open wickedness , and yet might walk unworthy of gods mercy to him . and here i shall answer these two questions . . what are those considerations whereby a man should urge his heart to abstaine from heart and secret sins ? . what are the helps and means for inabling of a man to abstain from heart and secret sins ? quest . . what are those considerations whereby a christian should urge his heart to abstain from heart sins , and secret sins ; not to let into the secrets of his heart what he can , by watchfulness prevent , and not to allow that which notwithstanding all his diligence he cannot prevent . for there is great difference betwixt having sin in the heart , and regarding or allowing sin in the heart , psal . . . if i regard iniquity in my heart the lord will not hear me . a christian may have , yea , cannot in this life but have sin in his heart , but this ( not allowed , but groaned under , and lamented for , ) shall not hinder the audience of his prayers , nor the salvation of his soul . but the regarding and allowing of it will prevent both . sect . i. considerations to keep you from secret sins . god sets your secret sins in the light of his countenance , psal . . . you can never sin so secretlie , as to hide your sins from god. study well these scriptures , psal . . , to , vers . jer. . . heb. . . prov. . . for the waies of man are before the eyes of the lord , and he pondereth all his goings . whether your waies are good or evil , open or secret , they are before the eyes of the lord , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rectà è regione , right over gods eyes . he pondereth , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he weigheth them in scales ; and many of our actions he findeth to be too light . there are some sins so secret that other men might not know them ; and some are so secret that a man might not know them himself ; as sins of ignorance , psal . . . who can understand his errours ? cleanse thou me from secret faults . but no sin can be said to be secret in respect of god ; others see some sin in you , you may see more in your self ; but god seeth all : because he is omniscient . but there ●re many sins which are so secret that we our selves see them not : the causes of this are . imperfection of self-knowledge . . excess of self-love . . decei●fulness of sin . . closeness of sin . . want of watchfulness . but there is no sin can be hid from god , for god seeth the nature , number , and aggravations of secret sins . many indeed have vailes for their sins that they may not be discerned by men , but god looks through them : let me instance in these following sins , that appear to men in the shape of grace , but in the sight of god are manifest sins : or sins vailed and masked with plausible pretences of good , yet are naked to the sight of god. . pride covered with humility ; a proud person often appears in the shape of an humble man. in abasing of himself , discommending himself , that another may commend him , crying down himself , that another may cry him up ; by dispraising himself he would force and wrest a commendation from other men : but if he discommend himself , do you discommend him too ; if he say such a thing was meanly done , if you say , you think so too , a proud man cannot bear it ; he cannot hear another say of him what he saith of himself : but this secret pride god seeth . . hypocrisie masked with zeal ; many seem to be forward in good waies , and zealous in good works ; but self is the end , kings . . come see my zeal , &c. . secret love of the world , covered with pretence of care for their family ; many have a cloak for the hiding of their covetousness ; of which you read , thes . . . for neither at any time used we flattering words , nor a cloak of covetousness , god is witness ; this is seen by god. . secret hatred against mens persons , covered with pretended zeal against mens sins , or covered with plausible expressions of love and amitie . judas had murdered christ in his heart , and yet calls him master with his mouth , and kisseth him , mat. . . many have words smoother than oyl , yet have hatred sharper than swords , psal . . . . vain-glory hidden from men by pretended charity ; many will do good , relieve the poor , help those that be in distress , but they aime at esteem amongst men . matth. . , , , . . self-interest hidden from men by pretence of the good of mens souls , and the glory of god ; so a preaching hypocrite may pretend to lay out himself for the good of mens souls , and yet may use his ministry only as a trade to get a living by it . . blasphemous hard thoughts of god , might be hid from men by speaking good words of god. . inward murmurings repinings against gods providences , may be hid from men by words of great submission to the will of god. . inward fleshy lustings of heart , and contemplative uncleanness , may be kept secret from men by chaste discourse . he may love the presence of a person that is occasion of such secret uncleanness , and commit adultery in his heart , and the person not know of it , and the offender speaking chastly all this while : but i warn you in the name of god to strive against these sins , for though they are secret to men , yet god sets them in the light of his countenance . there are three eyes upon you when you are in secret , viz. . the eyes of angels good and bad , and they may see much of your secret wickedness . . the eye of conscience , and this may see more secret sin , than the angels see in you , the very thoughts of your heart . . the eye of god , and his eye seeth more than the conscience , joh. . . and this view that god hath of thy secret sins when he sets them in the light of his countenance hath these four properties . first , it is a clear and distinct view ; god seeth all the evil there is in thy secret sin . we have a confused sight of sin , and a dim sight of sin : we see not so much evil in the greatest sin as there is in the least : we see not so much evil in open prophaneness as indeed there is in a vain thought : but god seeth all distinctly . what a man hath before his eyes , that is a sutable object , at an equal distance , and having a necessary medium he seeth distinctly . secondly , it is a full view ; as god seeth all the evil in any one secret sin , so he seeth all thy secret sins . man may know none of them ; thou knowest some of them , but god knoweth all . when thou turnest thy back to go into secret to commit sin , remember then , thou art before gods face . thirdly , it is a constant view ; what we have seen with our eyes might be quite razed out of our memories , but not out of gods knowledge ; and when god is said to remember our iniquities no more , it is not to be understood of real oblivion , but gracious remission . fourthly , it is a judicial view ; if we speak of the secret sins of an hypocrite or a wicked man , then god sets them in his sight , as a judge sets before him the crimes of a malefactor , that they may be read ; he accused , convicted , and executed . if we speak of the secret sins of gods people , god sets them before him as a father doth the miscarriages of his child , not to disinherite him for it , but to correct him and chastise him . these are the properties of gods viewing our secret sins , and shall not this move thee to watch against them , and abstain from them ? or hast thou not done that in secret in the sight of god , which thou wouldst have been ashamed to do openly in the sight of men ? there are six comfortable expressions ( among others ) which the scripture useth , to set forth gods free pardon of our sins , viz. that he casts them behind his back , isa . . . blots them out , isa . . . casts them into the depths of the sea , mic. . remembers them no more , heb. . . will be merciful to our unrighteousness , heb. . . hides his face from our sins , psal . . . there are also six terrible expressions ( among others ) which the scripture useth to set forth gods displeasure against men for sin , viz. that he writes them in a book , rev. . . seals them in a bag , job . . remembers them , hos . . . marks them , psal . . . will visit them , jer. . . and . . sets them in the light of his countenance , psal . . . if therefore there be any thing in the believing thoughts of gods viewing your secret sins , ( as doubtless there is very much ) be careful that you abstain from them , and not allow your self in them . sect . ii. to keep you from secret sins consider , that secrecy in sinning is no security to the sinner ; this is a consequent of the former , because god seeth you in secret , therefore you are not safe , though your sin be secret . you may secure your credit and reputation awhile , by keeping your sin secret from men , but not your happiness and salvation . while your sin is secret you may not be reproached for it by men , but you shall be damned for it by god , if it be allowed and not sincerely repented of . many shall be openly damned for secret sins . read psal . . throughout . this will be a notable discovery of the sincerity of thy heart , if thou darest not allow thy self in secret sins . an hypocrites greatest care is conversant about things visible and manifest , viz. his conversation , profession , or open transgressions , these are visible . but the things that are secret and hid from the eyes of men , in those he is careless and negligent . but a true child of god , though he is not careless of his conversation , yet he is especially mindful of his affections , and of the secret frame of his heart , and of the sins that lye lurking within him . consider , god doth not esteem of men by what they seem to be to others , but by what they really are . god doth not judge as man judgeth ; men judge of the heart by the actions of the life but god judgeth of the actions by the heart . men judge of that which is secret and invisible by that which is open and visible , but god judgeth of that which is open and visible , by that which is secret and invisible , mat. . . woe unto you scribes , pharisees , hypocrites , for ye are like unto whited sepulchres , which indeed appear beautiful outward , but are within full of dead mens bones , and of all uncleanness . ver. . even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men , but within are full of hypocrisie and iniquity . luk. ▪ . and he said unto them , ye are they which justifie your selves before men , but god knoweth your hearts : for that which is highly esteemed amongst men , is abomination in the sight of god. a man might be applauded for that by men , for which he shall be condemned by god. that which might set a m●n high in the estimations of men , might be an abomination unto god. it is hainous impiety for a man to encourage himself to sin because he is in secret . kings . . and the children of israel did secretly those things that were not right against the lord their god. — there are many great sins wrapped up in this , as , . damnable infidelity ; they believe not god seeth them , psal . . , , . . desperate security ; they hide god from their eyes , and then think they are safe . . deep stupidity ; a degree further than the former . . daring insolency ; it is bold presumption to sin before gods face . secret sins do provoke god as well as open sins ; god is not like the sinner that hath better thoughts of sin , because it is secret : the openness of sin might add something to the eclipsing of gods glory , and to gods dishonour , but it addeth nothing to gods hatred of sin , because gods hatred to sin , as sin , is infinite . secret sins will grieve the spirit of god ; and causeth him to withhold his influences from thy heart , and to withdraw his presence from thy soul . as , . secret sins will cause the spirit of god to withdraw his witnessing presence , and to suspend his testimony . . they will cause him to withdraw his comforting presence , that thou shalt not have those joyes that thou wast use to find when thou wast more careful to watch against secret sins . . they will cause him to withdraw his quickning presence , that thy heart will be left more dead , and more dull , and thy affections will be more flat and cold . . they will cause him to withdraw his assisting presence ; that thou shalt not be so able to perform duty , to resist temptation , to bear affliction . thus secret sins will make you great losers by gr●eving and quenching the spirit of god. secret sins will exceedingly disturb the peace of thy conscience , they will make great gashes in thy soul ; they will wound surely , they will wound s●ely and deeply ; they may make thee go with a sorrowful heart unto thy grave ; they may cost thee many a groan , and sigh and tear , many a prayer and strong cry to god before thy peace may be restored , and thy conscience healed , and thy heart bound up . they may be the breaking of thy bones , and thy heart too , that thou mayst think god is thine enemy . secret sins will hinder the growth of thy grace ; a constant cours● of allowed secret sinning , argues the nullity of grace ; and secret sins , through carelessness 〈◊〉 by gods people , will hinder much the encrease of grace . they will be like a frost to the blossom ; like a worm and caterpiller to the fruits of the earth . secret sins by experience you will find will much hinder your , . faith ; that you shall not believe so stedfastly . . desire ; you shall not thirst after god and christ so strongly . . love ; you will not love god and christ so ardently . . delight ; you will not delight in god so frequently . . hope ; you will not hope for heaven so livelily . . evidences ; you will not lay claim to heaven so confidently . secret sins will hinder your fervent praying , and will stop the audience of your prayers . they will exceedingly damp your affections at the throne of grace , and make you sneak in the presence of god , that you cannot have that liberty and confidence in prayer , because conscience will be interlining thy prayers , and say , thou prayest against this sin , and yet thou didst not watch against it , but didst knowingly commit it . they will stop thy mouth that thou canst not speak , and they will stop gods ears , that he will not hear , psal . . . if i regard iniquity in my heart , the lord will not hear me . secret sins will harden thy heart , and make thee more prone to commit open sins . they will strengthen the evil habit of sin , and make thee more incline to visible transgressions , and increase the propensity of thy heart to greater evils . thus judas giving way to secret covetousness did ripen the inclination of his heart more and more to betray his master . secret sins will stop the communications of gods secrets to thee ; there are some secrets of god , which he doth not communicate to any man in this life , deut. . . secret things belong to the lord our god : but things revealed belong to us , and to our children for ever , that we may do all the words of this law. but there are some secrets of god that he doth reveal unto his people , and to those that make conscience of secret sins , prov. . . but his secret is with the righteous . psal . . . the secret of the lord is with them that fear him , and he will shew them his covenant . the revealed things of the gospel are secret things to wicked men ; the gospel is hid to them , cor. . . regeneration is a secret to them . faith in christ is ● secret to them . the joyes of the spirit , and the comforts of the holy ghost are things hidden from them . but if you dare not allow your self in secret sinning , you shall have many secret intimations of the love of god unto your soul ; many secret illapses of his spirit into your heart . if you make conscience of secret sins you shall have an open reward . what christ saith concerning secret duties , mat. . . but thou when thou prayest enter into thy closet , and when thou hast shut thy door , pray to thy father which is in secret , and thy father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly . this is true also of abstaining from secret sinnings , god will reward you openly . be most careful against secret sins because in these thou hast least help , and least assistance from others . if thy sin be visible , thy friend may reprove thee , and he may help to recover thee . if thy sin be visible , thy enemy may reproach thee for it , and that may occasion thy repentance . but if thy sin be secret , thou wilt not have these helps nor occasions of repentance ; and therefore where thou art least capable of advantages and helps from others , therein be the greatest friend unto thy self . thus if you would walk answerably for gods hiding of you in the secret of his . tabernacle in time of danger live not in a course of secret sins ; and for your help herein i shall next proceed to the second question . viz. sect . iii. what are the helps and means for the enabling of a christian to abstain from heart-sins , and secret sins . . fill your mind with actual , believing thoughts of gods all-seeing eye . when you are tempted to sin in secret , consider god seeth you : all the thoughts of your heart , and all the motions of your affections are known to him , cor. . . but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty , not walking in craftiness , nor handling the word of god deceitfully , but by manifestation of the truth , commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of god. psal . . . if i say the darkness shall cover me , even the night shall be light about me . ver. . yea , the darkness hideth not from thee , but the night shineth as the day : the darkness and the light are both alike to thee . it is the atheism and infidelity of mens hearts that encourageth them to sin , because it is secret . . firmly believe , and often think of the judgement to come . then will god make manifest every secret thing ; the thoughts of the heart shall then be revealed . if thou wouldst not have thy secret sin produced at the last day , and published befo●e all the world , do not commit i● , 〈◊〉 . . for god shall bring every work i●to ●dgmen● , with every secret thing , whether it be good , or whether it be evil . rom. . . in the day w● god shall judge the secrets of men by jesus ch●ist , according to my gospel . cor. . . therefore ●udge working before the time , untill the lord come , who both shall bring to light the hidden things of darkness , and will make manifest the cou●sels of the hearts , and then shall every man have praise of god. . get a deep ro●ted hatred in thy heart to sin . he that hateth sin truly will not indulge himself in committing sin secretly : for true hatred of sin will set the soul with strongest opposition against it , at all times , and all places : hatred to sin as sin , will be to all sin , whether open or secret . he that hates a toade , will hate it in his chamber or closet , as well as in the field ; yea , the nearer it is to him ( if in his bed ) his hatred is raised so much the more : and , the nearer sin is to your heart , the more you should hate it . he that can sin secretly , when he will not openly , it is not because he hates the sin , but because he hates the disgrace , which that sin would expose him to before men. . possess thy heart with the true fear of god : fear of shame , and lessening our esteem among men , might keep from open sins ; but the fear of god doth steel and antidote the heart against all sins : when our restraint from sin is terminated in god , it will be a general preservative against all sorts of sin . . get , and increase in uprightness of heart ; the more of sincerity , the less in secret sinning . hypocrisie is consistent with a constant course of secret sin , but sincerity of heart doth diminish the acts and habits of sin . . make it your great design to have the approbation of god : he that doth hunt after the commendation of men , will be good when men do see him ; but , he that seekes for the approbation of god , endeavours to be good at all times , and in all places : rom. . . but , he is a jew , which is one inwardly , and circumcision is that of the heart , in the spirit , and not in the letter , whose praise is not of men , but of god. tim. . . study to shew thy self approved unto god. . be very watchful over your heart when you are alone : and over your outward senses when you are in company . he that doth not diligently watch , will frequently sin : there will be many secret stirrings of unbelief in your heart , and of pride , and of vain-thoughts , either injected by the devil , or arising from the corruption in your own heart : a secret enemy must be watched more narrowly , and so must secret sins . . suppress the first motions of sin : crush this cockatrice in the egge : do not dally with secret temptations unto sin : abstain from every appearance of secret sins : if you are too much given to contemplative uncleanness , avoid such things as may occasion it , as beholding of objects , &c. . get a deep impression of gods kindness and mercy into thy soul : many of gods mercies to thee are secret mercies , which none can infallibly see in thee , but thy self : as grace , and the love of god shed abroad in thy heart : and , let the sense of gods secret love to thee keep thee from secret sinnings against god , then wilt thou say with joseph , when he was tempted to secret uncleanness , gen. . , , . how can i do this great wickedness and sin against god ? . if you would be kept from secret sins , be much in secret duties : he that hath all his duties abroad , will have a nest of secret sins at home : and this brings me to the second general head about secret good. section iv. secondly , maintain secret duties , and especially mind the secret things of publick duties : this part consisteth of two branches , maintain secret duties . minde secret things in publick duties . i. keep up a constant course of secret duties : be much with god when you are alone : let not all your religion lie without doores : especially be much in the practise of these four duties in secret . . be much in secret prayer : this hath been the practice of the holy men of god , so jacob , gen. . . and jacob was left alone : and there wrastled a man with him , while the breaking of the day . in this you have the example of christ himself , who was much in secret prayer , ma● . . . and when he had sent the multitudes away , he went up into a mountain apart to pray , and when the evening w●s come he was there alone . you have some secret burdens upon your heart , you have some secret and hidden workings of sin in your soul , which is not convenient for you to express in the hearing of others ; take time then to do this when you are alone in secret : you have the command of christ also for this secret duty , as well as his practise and example , mat. . . . be freqent in self-examination in secret : when you are alone , be much in conversing with your self , and often in looking down into your own heart , enquiring after the truth of grace , and your growth therein : after the mortification of sin , and your growth therein : psal . . . stand in awe and sin not : commune with your own hearts upon your bed , and be still . commune with your self , whether you set a due valuation upon the meanes of grace : whether you thrive in holiness , according to the time and meanes that you have had : commune with your self , whether your conversation be suitable to your profession , and , as becomes the gospel : whether you are fit to die , and prepared for another world : in your secret chamber commune with your own hearts about such things as these . . be much in secret reading of the word of god : a worldling , when he is alone , will spend much time in reading over his writings , his bonds and bills , his leases and acquittances : and , will not you take as much pains in secret reading of the word of god , which are the writings upon which you must both build your evidences for heaven , and try them by . . be much in secret meditation : when you are alone , let your thoughts be dwelling upon the life to come , in thinking of your future happiness ; oh , what inward warmth may you have , when you are alone , if you would but fill your minde with some believing fore-thoughts of the life to come . section v. ii. minde secret things in publick duties : as your preservation is visible , but ( as i have noted before ) the most effectual meanes of your preservation were secret and invisible : you have not seen the way that god hath taken in keeping you ; he hath secretly kept you by his power ; he hath given a secret charge to his angels over you ; so , let your duties ( that god requires should be publick and visible ) be so : but then , let your principal care be about the secret and invisible things of publick and visible duties . the secret and invisible things in publick duties , which we are to mind , are good , bad. i will instance in six of each of them . six things in a gr●cious heart in publick duties , are secret and invisible . . the communion that a gracious heart hath with god in publick duties , is secret and invisible : you may hear a mans expressions , and you may see his tea●es , and he●r his groanes , but , whether he have true communion with god , is such a secret , that none can know but himself . . the joyes that a christian hath in publick duties , are secret and invisible joyes : expressions of joy and praise may be heard , and outward discoveries of joy there may be ▪ but this joy it self is a secret thing : whether you have indeed true spiritual joy in publick duties , none can know but your self . . the principle that puts a man upon publick duties , is a secret and invisible thing : whether you pray or pre●ch , or do any publick duty , out of a principle of love and fear of god , is such a secret , that none can tell but your self . . the manner , in which publick duties are performed , is a secret and invisible thing : whether there be the exercise of faith , and repentance for sin , and love to god , and desire after spiritual things , is such a secret , that by-standers cannot know . . the end a man propounds unto himself in publick duties , is secret and invisible : whether a duty be done for the glory of god , for the good of others , for the enjoying more communion with god , for more strength against sin , or whether it be for self-interest , and carnal ends , is onely known to a man 's own conscience : your duties men may see , but your end they cannot see . . the peculiar aim and design of a gracious soul , in publick duties , against some peculiar sin , and secret corruption , is a secret and invisible thing : a man may be heard to pray against a bosome , darling lust , but , whether his design is to get down the power of this sin , is onely known unto himself . these be the six things in publick duties that are secret , which you must especially labour after in all such duties . section vi. six things in publick duties , that are evil , but yet secret and invisible : as there hath been some secret danger which you have been in , when you have not discerned it , and , some secret infection god hath kept you from ; so in publick duties ( the same may be in secret duties also ) there are some secret evils you are to watch against . . there may be secret unbeliefe lurking in the heart , when a man in prayer is pleading particular promises with his mouth : you may hear a man urge the promises of god for removal of evil , for obtaining of good ; but , whether he act faith upon these promises , or whether there be not in the mean while secret unbelief , doubting of the truth of this promise , or especially of the application of it to himself , is known onely to himself , it is a secret to those that joyn with him . . hypocrisie in publick duties is a secret thing : whether your heart be upright and sincere with god , or false and hypocritical , is a secret unto others ; yea , sometimes it is such a secret that might not be known by a man himself . . inward-heart-pride in publick duties is a secret thing : a man may be full of self-loathing-expressions , and of humble gestures , and yet his heart might be lifted up with spiritual pride , and self admirations , and towring thoughts of his own worth and excellency , and suitableness and freedom of expression , and a by-stander cannot perceive it . . dulness and deadness of heart in duty is a secret thing : a man might h●ve lively expressions in publick prayers , and seeming warmth of affection , and such things that might affect and warm the hearts of others ; and yet his own heart be dull and lukewarm , yea qui●e cold in that duty . . wandring thoughts , in publick duties , are secret things : a man may use the name of god , and the attributes of god , and yet his thoughts may be upon something else : others may see you engaged in the duty , and see your outward gestures , but are strangers to the secret wandrings of your mind . . the inclination of the heart to sin , in publick duties , is a secret thing : a man may confess sin , and bewaile it with tears , and beg for power against it , and yet he may have a secret inclination of heart to this very sin , and secret purposes of heart to keep it , and a secret fear , least god should hear his prayers , which he makes against this sin ; whether you hate that sin in your heart , which you bewaile with your tongue , is known onely to your self : and , if indeed you know it your self , it is a good degree of self-knowledge . thus , as god hath kept you in an invisible manner , and most by invisible and secret means , and preserved you from secret and invisible danger that you have been in : if you would live in some measure answerably to so great a mercy , you must have a special care of minding the secret and invisible things in christianity , and abstain from secret and invisible sins . direction vi. hath god spared you in time of pestilence ; then be dead unto the world , and to things below : take heed that you do not returne with too great an eagerness after the affairs of this world ; as if you had not seen such sights , as you have seen , of death , and the vanity of the world : you are not dead in your grave ; let this mercy move you to be dead to the world , and sinful affections : you are living in the world , but , you must be dead to the world. it is to be feared , that there are many will be as eagerly bent after the things of this world , as they were before ; notwithstanding the course that god hath taken by smarting judgments , to weane them from the world : that will be like unto a stream stopped and dammed up ; when it gets over the bankes , and the obstruction is removed , runneth down with greater force . god hath put many by their way of trade , for some moneths ; now take heed , that through over-much eagerness , to regain what loss you have sustained by the forbearance of your calling , you do not let out too much of your heart and affections upon these things ; nor give them more of your time , than you can well allow from the necessary duties of gods immediate worship , and the things that do concerne the state of your soules in the life to come . be dead to the profits , honours , pleasures , wisdom , of this world. section i. . should not you be dead to , and take heed of returning , in your love , back again unto the riches of the world , after such a judgment as this hath been ? to prevent an over-eager pursuit of the riches and profits of this world , when ( by the removal of this judgment ) you have opportunity of returning to your callings ; consider . . the riches of this world are corruptible riches ; they are perishing treasures : silver and gold are things corrupting others , and are corruptible in themselves , pet. . , . but , you have an incorruptible kingdom and crown before you to strive after , reserved in heaven for believers , and for those that are so vehemently set for heaven , that they will take it by force . . the riches of this world are unprofitable riches ; therefore be not too eager in your pursuit of unprofitable profits : they cannot profit you in tim● of g●eatest need . have not you had the experience of the unprofitableness of riches ? that they are unprofitable ( . ) for diverting of judgments , or removing evils that come upon you ; whether temporal , as sickness , plague , death ; or spiritual , as hardness of heart , blindness of minde , terrors of conscience ; none of all these can be removed by worldly riches . ( . ) for the procuring of good ; whether temporal , for the body , as health in time of sickness , or ease in time of pain ; or spiritual , for the soul , either grace , or comfort , or glory ; if conscience be wounded , they cannot heale your consciences , nor comfort your hearts . . the riches of this world are oftentimes hurtful to the owner and possessor of them , eccles . . . there is a sore evil which i have seen under the sun , namely , riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt . grace and christ can never hurt you : but , your riches may , by being clogs to your affections in holy duties ; by being snares and temptations to you in your converse in the world ; by increasing your account , when you have not well improved them . . the riches of this world are uncertain riches , tim. . . after you have got them , you may presently lose them : the loss of outward riches may arise , . by men ; by force and power ; by fraud and deceit . . by casualty ; your houses may be consumed with flames of fire . . by gods secret curse , hag. . . — he that earneth wages , earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes . . the riches that men get in this world , are easily valued : a mans estate is easily computed ; but there are riches in christ , which are unsearchable : seek and search after more of them , ephes . . . . when you have got them they will not satisfie your desires , eccles . . . ii. should not you be dead to the honours of this world , which will be a bait to many after such a judgment ? should not you , who are yet alive to behold the graves of some honourable persons , now in the dust , call off your heart from seeking after them ? have you not seen , that death respects not the honourable more than the ignoble ? the reverend and esteemed no more than the mean and contemptible ? those that have honourable names and titles , honourable friends and relations , honourable callings and imployments , honourable preferments and enjoyments , are equalized in the grave with others : and , have not you seen some fall ? and , heard of others in this judgment , and yet , after all this , set your heart upon the honours of this world ? iii. should not you be dead to the pleasures of this world , which will be snares for others ? should you , after such a judgment as this , give your self to live a sensual flesh-pleasing life ? and spend your time in needless delights and recreations ? when you have heard so many dying men complain of the loss of time , when they were well , and the want of time when they came to die ? consider what these pleasures be , that you are so much addicted to ; that such sadning sorrowful sights , that you have seen , will not we●n you from them : nay , when gods smarting rod upon your own body , by the plague , will not imbitte● your worldly pleasures and delights ; but , you will go out of such a dreadful judgment of god , to your gaming 's and sports ; to the pleasing of the flesh , in satisfying the lusts and desires thereof , in acts of uncleanness . consider these ( . ) are short pleasures , they are but for a little while ; they are passing away while you are at them : but , these short pleasures may bring you to eternal torments and endless woe , heb. . . choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of god , then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season . ( . ) by giving up your selves unto these pleasures , you deprive your selves of the pleasures of gods house in his ordinances , which others drink of , psal . . . ( . ) you deprive your self of the pleasures of gods house above in heaven ; of the rivers of pleasures which are at gods right hand for evermore , psal . . . ( . ) these pleasures are more brutish pleasures , and do but delight the more brutish , i. e. sensitive part in man : the rational soul , as such , is not delighted in the pleasures of the flesh , in eating and drinking , a horse doth find pleasure in this as much as you ; and some unreasonable creatures herein do excel you . ( . ) they are empty , and unsatisfying pleasures : they do not fill , content , nor satiate them that give themselves most to follow after them . iv. should not you be dead to , and take heed of resting in the wisdom of the world ; in the attainment onely of humane learning ; after you have seen the learned die as the ignorant ; and the wise man as the fool : humane learning is more desirable than riches and honours , and the pleas●res of this world ; but , yet it is not to be acquiesced in , without the knowledg of god in christ . notions in learning will never deliver from the torments of hell : many learned sinners have gone to eternal misery , and their torments there are greater than the torments of the ignorant , and unlearned : the vanity of the wisdom of this world , compared with the knowledge of christ , appeares , in that . it cannot redress the sinfulness of the thoughts , nor help against the vanity of the mind : the wise and learned heathens became vain in their imaginations , rom. . . . it doth not prevent sinful elections , and choise of the will : men of great knowledge choose the world , and honours , and ease , and preferments before christ . . it doth not remedy a sinful conversation : m●ny know things to be evil , and yet do them ; and so is an aggravation of their sin , and will be of their misery . . it doth not season mens communications , nor prevent corrupt discourses ; but makes them more witty , and able to scorn godl●ness ; jest with scripture , and deride the professors of the gosspel : but , the knowledge of christ , i● is ( . ) the sweetest knowledge . ( . ) it is the surest knowledg ; being by the revelation of the spirit of god : ( . ) it is saving knowledge : thus take a true account of all the things ; the best , the most excellent , the most desirable things in this world ; and you will see no reason why you should wholly spend the residue of that time , which god hath ●ent you from the grave , in such an eager pursuit of any thing of this life . section ii. but , that you may know , whether you ( yet living ) are dead to the things of this world , i shall give you this general character , viz. if you carry your self towards the world , as those that are dead to god , do carry themselves towards god , then are you dead unto the world : and , this general is resolved into these particulars . . those that are dead to god , they see no real excellency in god and christ ; but they see something more in the things of the world : they see more excellency in their gold and silver ; in their profits and preferments ; in their pleasures and delights : so , if you are dead to the world , you do not admire the choisest and the chiefest things that are therein ; but , do see more real worth in god and christ , and one dram of grace ; then in all the mines of the most precious things in nature : and , in your practical judgment do account them but dung and dross in comparison of the excellency of the knowledge of christ jesus our lord. . those that are dead to god , do make choice of the world , and the things thereof , before god : the will , following the ultimate comparative , practical dictate of the understanding , in wicked men , doth choose earthly things before god and christ : for , though their absolute judgment might be for god , yet the comparat judgment ( all circumstances considered ) is for the world ; and their will doth make choice of it accordingly : so , if you are dead to the world , you make choice of god for your chiefest good , and greatest happiness . for , though you may , in your absolute judgment , look upon the things of the world , used with moderation , and kept in their proper place , as good ; yet , in your comparative judgment ( all circumstances considered ) you do ultimately conclude , that god is better in himself and for you , yea , in both respects , and your will doth choose him accordingly . . those that are dead to god , though they may pray to god , and talk of god , yet they do this as though they did it not : and pray , as if they prayed not : god hath their tongues , but , the world hath their hearts . so , if you are dead to the world , though you may talk of the world , and trade in the world , yet you do all this as if you did it not : you buy as if you possessed not ; and you use this world as if you used it not : and , though the world may have your hands , yet god hath your heart . . those that are dead to god , they are not troubled at the loss of god , nor rejoyce at the tidings how they may have the enjoyment of him ; so if you are dead to the world , you are not chiefly troubled at the loss of these things , nor count it so great matter of joy , if you have them and enjoy them . a man that is dead to god desireth the world , and let who will look after god : so a man dead to the world , desireth god , and let who will look after the world as his portion , and his chiefest happiness , he will not . . a man that is dead towards god , is not restrained from sin by gods most terrible threatnings ; though god threaten him with eternal death and everlasting damnation , with the loss of heaven and eternal happiness , if he persist in his wickedness , and continue in sin , yet fear of the punishment of loss , nor of the punishment of sense , will not awaken him to conversion and through reformation . so a man that is dead towards the world , all the threatnings of men , that he shall have inflicted upon him , divers penalties , loss of goods , liberty , life , yet all this is not cogent to bring him in to a course of sin , and to do wickedly . . a man that is dead towards god , is not drawn nor allured with the precious and most glorious promises of god to do that which is good ; though god promise him heaven and eternal happiness , the pardon of sin , and his favour , yet all this moves him not to come to christ , nor forsake his sins : so a man that is dead to the world , all the offers , preferments , enticements of the world to allure him into sin will not prevail , he is dead to these things ; and offers and over●ures of the greatest things move not a dead man. thus you may try whether you are dead to the world or no. you live in the world , even after such a devouring pestilence , you cannot live answerably to this great mercy , except you be dead to the world. direction vii . hath god spared you in time of pestilence , then now be dead to sin , kill your sin , and solemnize the funeral of your lusts ; because you live after such a judgment , such a mercy doth oblige to the death and burial of sin . you are not buried with others in their graves , but you should be buried with christ , rom. . . therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death , that like as christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father , even so we also should walk in newness of life . ver. . knowing this that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed , that henceforth we should not serve sin . in which scripture are set down these things . viz ▪ . the parts of sanctification , mortification , vivification . . the cause of our sanctification , viz. communion with christ in his death , burial , and resurrection . . the testimony and pledge of it , our baptism . . the growth and progress of mortification ; we should aime at the total destruction of the body of sin , by the crucifying , destroying , and burial of sin . you have seen the death of thousands , and you have seen the burial of thousands , to all these add one more funeral , and that is the funeral of your sins . do you out-live this judgment , and shall your sins do so too ? god forbid . this would be to live altogether unanswerably to so great a mercy . you live , but your sins should be dead in you , and you unto your sins , rom. . . likewise reckon ye also your selves to be dead indeed unto sin : but alive unto god through jesus christ our lord. though you live , yet must you be buried . now believers are buried in three respects : . in respect of their good names , as they are reproached by the wicked ; the throats of the wicked are the sepulchres , or burial places of the good names of gods people ; this is part of a believers sufferings . . in respect of self-denial . believers must be no more taken with the things of this world ( so far as to draw them from god ) than a person dead and buried and lying in his grave . . in respect of the mortification of sin , and these two last are our duty ; and of this last i would speak a little , following the metaphor , in which there is some difference , and some agreement in the burial of our sin , and in common burial . the difference in these respects . first , we bury our friends weeping for their death , desirous of their life , wishing , o● that this my friend had not died ; oh that i could have kept him in life : but we must bury our sin rejoycing , as those that are glad of its death ; not weeping because sin is dead , but that it once did live . secondly , we bury our friends with hopes that they shall rise again , and live again : but we must bury our sins with hopes they shall never live more ; never return to them more . the resemblance holds in these particulars : . the burial of sin supposeth the death of sin ; never any man yet buried his sins alive : for while sin doth live , it is in the heart as in a throne , and not as in a grave . . the burial of sin supposeth the ceasing of the love of sin , that we see not that beauty and comliness in sin , as we did when it was alive . a man that loves his relation , while he lived , put him in his bosome , yet will not do so when he is dead ; a man while he loves his sin , will never bury it . . the burial of sin includeth the removal of it out of our sight , and as much as may be out of our thoughts . we love not to look upon dead friends , nor many times to think or talk of them , who while they lived were pleasing objects to our eyes , and the delightful matter of our discourse . while sarah lived she was beautiful in abrahams eyes , but when dead , he desired to have her removed out of his sight , gen. . . i am a stranger and a sojourner with you , give me possession of a burying place with you , that i may bury my dead out of my sight . the presence of sin is a trouble to you when it is dead , and you would have it out of your sight ; and this removal of sin , when dead and buried hath these three properties . first , it is a total removal , the whole body of sin , and all the members of it are buried ; death might arise from the disease of some particular part , but burial covers all . he that makes a shew of the burial of sin , and yet keeps any in his heart as his love and delight , hath indeed buried no sin : for who doth so bury his friend as to keep any of his members in his house ? secondly , it is a voluntary removal ; when one is dead , we make it matter of our choice to have him buried : yea , we look upon it as a sore evil and great annoyance to have burial denied to our dead friends : so it is your choice to bury your sins , and the thoughts of not having them buried is a great trouble to you . thirdly , it is a perpetual removal ; we bury our friends so , that we would not have them taken up again and brought into our house : so you bury sin , never to have it brought back to live again in your heart . one that hath buried his sin doth earnestly desire it might be removed out of the sight of god , by free pardon ; out of the sight of his own eyes , by the evidence of the pardon ; and out of the sight of others , by leading a contrary conversation . . the burial of sin includes the rotting of the old man in its grave , the mouldring of it , and the daily wasting of it , as dead corps buried in the earth do consume and wast daily . though a body buried doth not presently totally consume : many years after the burial , if the grave be opened , you may find the bones and the skull ; the reliques of sin in the heart of a child of god , are but as the bones and the skull , but the body of sin is destroyed . . the burial of sin includes , the loss of the power and authority that sin had in the heart while it was alive . though a man were never so potent while he lived , yet when he is dead and buried , he hath no more power nor jurisdiction . though thy sin did sit as a lord , and rule in thy soul while it lived , yet being dead and buried , its dominion ceaseth . now if you are buried with christ , these things will be a comfort to you , viz , . those that are buried with christ are most comely in the sight of god ; a man that is naturally dead and buried , is not so with us , but he that is spiritually dead to sin , is beautiful in the eyes of god. . those that are buried with christ have converse and communion with god ; those that are naturally dead have no more converse with us , but a man hath no communion with god , till he is buried with christ . . those that are buried with christ are past the hurt of death ; as those that are naturally dead have past through all that death can do unto them ; if you are buried with christ , though you must come under the stroke of death , yet the sting of death is taken out . . those that are buried with christ shall be raised at the last day , and shall for ever live with god and christ , and with holy angels and saints in the kingdom of god , rom. . : now if we be dead with christ , we believe that we shall also live with him . thus if you would live in some measure answerably to gods mercy in preserving of you from death and the grave , that you are not buried yet with others , you must die to sin , and be buried with christ . direction viii . hath god spared you in the time of plague , that you yet remain among the living ? if you would improve this mercie , then live to god , and walk in newness of life . god hath not spared you that you should live to your self , or to the flesh , or that you should walk in your old courses : but your duty is now to live to god , and to lead a new conversation . god hath brought you to the borders of the grave , and to the very confines of another world , and shaked you over the grave , and hath recovered and restored you , and hath as it were given you a new life , by reprieving you from the gates of death when you were so near unto it , rom. . . that like as christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father , so we should walk in newness of life ; and the equipollent phrases of this new life are , to walk with , before , and after god. to walk after the spirit , rom. . . to serve god in newness of spirit , rom. . . to walk as children of light , eph. . . to walk in the waies of god , psal . . . to walk circumspectly , eph. . . that you may , being spared from the grave , lead a new life , i shall shew you the signs or nature of it . the excellencies or dignities of it . the impediments and hinderances of it . sect . i. the nature of , or that which is included in , newness of life , doth not consist in these things . . it doth not consist in some new notions , or new speculations , which you had not before , a new light might be made in an old house . new speculations may consist with an old conversation . . it doth not consist in a newness of a bare resolution to lead a new life ; this is but in order to it , though , if it be real , it is a good step towards this walking . . it doth not consist in a bare performance of some new duties which you did not before ; an old course of sin may consist with the external performance of some new duties , as praying , reading , &c. . nor in a bare keeping of some new company ; though this is to be desired , that many would forsake their old wicked company ; or if god hath taken thy wicked companions away by death , thou wouldst not make choice of those that be as bad . . nor in new discoursing of spiritual things ; a man that was wont to swear , and reproach , and blaspheme the name of god , might now talk of god with others , and yet not lead a new life . . nor in forbearing of many old sins , which before you lived in ; you were drunkards before , but not now , i would more were so changed , but yet this comes short of this newness of life ; which doth include these things following . to walk in newness of life , supposeth a new saving knowledge , a new sight , and a new judgement of things . no man can lead this new life with his old judgment which was corrupt , judging that good which was evil , and that evil which was good , pet. . . as obedient children , not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts , in your ignorance . there must be a new sight and new discoverie of these things : . of god , and his excellency . . of christ and his sufficiency . . of ●in , and it● deformity . . of the world , and its vanity . . of grace , and its necessity . . of heaven , and its felicity . . of hell , and its extremity of woe . till a man hath new eyes , and hath his understanding opened to see the nature of all these things , otherwise than he did before , he will not walk contrary to what he did before ; if he see no more of christ , nor in the attributes of god , nor in grace , he will still flight all these and undervalue them ; if he have the same admiring apprehensions of the world , and seeth as much beauty in ( deformed ) sin , he will love it still , and delight in it still . there must be new light , and new saving knowledge before there can be a new life . to walk in newness of life , includes newness of principle ; a man with his old principle can never lead a new life . a man in old courses may live according to the dictates of a natural conscience , according to old customes , but he that leads a new life must have a new principle of love to god , a new principle of true fear of god , he must have new strength from christ , a new heart and new affections . to walk in newness of life , includes the vigorous actings of this new principle , and living in the exercise of these new graces infused into the heart , in the exercise of new love to god , of new desires after christ , of new sorrow for his sin , of new hatred to his sin . to walk is to exert a principle of motion into act . to walk in newness of life , is to have a conversation filled with new works , and to have all things done according to the rule of new obedience . his old work was to please the flesh , but his new work is to please god. his old work was chiefly to get riches and encrease therein , his new work is to get grace and more of it . his old work was to obey the commands of sin , his new work is to obey the commands of god. to walk in newness of life ▪ is to walk according to the new rule , not according to the practises and examples of wicked men , but according to the rule of gods word , according to the example of christ . to walk in newness of life is to live for new ends ; his end is not now self-interest in the world , not his own estimation amongst men , not his preferment in this world ; old ends are inconsistent with a new life : but this mans end is the glory of god ; all the actions of his life are ultimately resolved into this , and all is , in subordination unto this : he trades for this end , that god may be glorified ; he praies , and preacheth , he reads and studies , that god may be glorified . to walk in newness of life includes a newness of objects , about which he is conversant ; such as keep their old course of life look no higher than worldly objects , the honours , and the pleasures and the profits of this world : but such as are risen with christ , to walk in newness of life , have proposed to themselves new objects , things that are above ; god , and grace , and heaven , things that are invisible to the eyes of carnal men . to w●lk in newness of life , it is to walk as christ did after he was risen from the dead , i. e. in our measure . christ did not incumber himself with the things of this world , after his resurrection , he did not converse with the men of this world , neither must we use their company out of choice . christ aft●r his resurrection waited for his ascension into glory : so if we will walk in newness of life , we must have our conversation in heaven , and be continually expecting our dissolution and our translation into glory . to walk in newness of life , it is to do all the actions of out life in a new manner ; to do al● religious duties , to pray , and to hear in a new manner . before he prayed lukewarmly , and with a dull , and hard , and unbelieving heart , but now more fervently , more livelily ; though the matter of his duties might be the same , yet the manner is new . to walk in newness of life , is to be making progress in all these , walking is a progressive motion ; it is to continue , and to persevere in the waies of holiness : not to decline nor to go backwards , not to return or walk back again to old wickedness . sect . ii. the excellency and dignity of a new life is very great , and for your greater encouragement to walk therein i shall instance in some of them . . a new life is a life according to the new covenant which god hath made with fallen man. men that walk in old sinful courses , continue the covenant they have made with sin and satan : but a man that walketh in newness of life , is a man that hath entred into a new covenant with god , ezek. . . a new heart also will i give you , and a new spirit will i put into you ; i will take away the stony heart 〈◊〉 of your flesh , and i will give you an heart of flesh . ve● and i will put my spirit within you , and cause you to walk in my statu●es , and ye shall keep my judgments , and do them ; and to walk thus in gods statutes is to walk in newness of life . . a new life it is the most rational life . when the prodigal left his old waies , and took up a new course , he is said to come to himself , luk. . . men act most unreasonably when they act wickedly . . a new life is the sweetest and most comfortable life ; there are sensual , carnal , brutish delights in the waies of sin , but there is much terrour and bitterness in a wicked course , alwaies at the end of it . such as lead a new life , they have experience of the comforts of the spirit , of the joyes of the holy ghost . all these new waies ( so called as opposed to his former waies , else the best way is the oldest way ) are waies of pleasan●ness , and all these paths are p●●ce . . a new life it is the noblest life , we then live according to the highest elevation that we are capable of in this life . nay , it is a life nearest to the life of glory . . a new life is an evidencing life ; it is an evidence of the great and glorious things that are brought to light by the gospel , all full of delighting comfort . a new l●fe ( t●king in all the particulars before set down , shewing the things included in it ) is an evidence , first , of our election ; his new life is a fruit of gods ancient love , eph. . . secondly , of a new robe of righteousness put upon us for our justific●tion . thirdly , of p●r●on of old sins . fourthly , of our union with christ ; we could not le●d a new life , were we not engrafted into a new stock . fifthly , of the sincerity of our hearts , and the truth of grace . sixthly , of our sure title to heaven , to the new jerusalem that is above . . a new life is ●n encouraging life ; it will be an encouragement to a man to go ●o god in his greatest straits ; it will encourage a man with boldness to look death in the face when it comes . . it is the most profitable life to our selves and to others ; we shall be giving to others a good example , if we lead new lives , whereby they may be drawn to an holy imitation . a new he●rt you may have , and that may profit your self , but a new life will be profitable to others as well as to your self . . a new life is the only life that honours god , and that doth credit the gospel , and the profession that we make . to live in an old course of swearing , and lying , and sabbath-breaking , is to dishonour god : but if you walk in newness of life , you will promote the great end for which you live , i. e. the glory of god ; and the excellency of any thing is according to its sutableness and tendency to the attaining of a mans ultimate end , it is a new life that only glorifieth god , therefore a new life is the only ex●ellent life . . he that leads a new life hath a new guide to direct him in his holy walk ; the spirit of god will be your guide to shew you the way that you ought to go : though ( to you ) it may be a new way , yet you shall not lose your way , because the spirit is your guide . . he that leads a new life is taken into new relations . god is now his father , and the son of god is now his lord , head , redeemer , brother and all the people of god are now related to him in the bonds of grace . these things and many more may be said in commendation of the excellency of a new life : which appears to be so in the eyes of carnal men ( who have walked after their old hearts ) when they come to dye , that they then resolve if god would spare them , they would lead a new life . sect . iii. the hinderances of walking in newness of life are many , and very great , that it is not an easie thing for any man to lead this life . . the old serpent is a great enemy to this new li●e ; he hath old stratagems , and old devices and snares to divert them out of this way . . the old principle of corruption remaining in our hearts is a great impediment to this new life . it is working still in us , to walk in the old waies of pleasures and delights ; the old man within will still strive hard to hinder this new life without . . old sinful company will hinder you in your new manner of life ; they will be tempting , and enticing , and perswading you , to come to your old games , and your old delights ; it will be hard to live a new life amongst old sinful companions . . slavish fear of men is a great impediment of walking in newness of life ; it may be thou mightest displease thy father , thy master , the friend upon whom thou dost much depend , if thou shouldest forsake thy old wicked life , and become a new creature , and lead a new life , thou wouldest meet with new troubles ; but , fear god , and his vengeance more if thou walk in thy old course of sin , and keep thy old heart , then be filled with slavish fear of men , if they should deny their old favour , and friendship to thee , because thou walkest in newness of life . . flesh-pleasing ; and being too much over-powred by the sensitive appetite . . spiritual sloth : for , a new life hath many new difficult duties . thus , if you would improve this mercy , that god hath spared you ; you must live to god , and walk in newness of life . direction ix . hath god spared you in time of so great contagion ; then keep upon your heart a constant sense of gods distinguishing providence , in his preservation of you . let not length of time ( if god give it you ) wear off the greatness of this his mercy towards you ; if you forget gods goodness , you will not walk worthy of it : this was the sin of the people of israel , for whom god did such great things , psal . . . they kept not the covenant of god : and refused to walk in his law. vers . . and forgot his works , and his wonders that he had shewed them . psal . . . they forgot god their saviour , which had done great things in egypt . god hath done great wonders for you , in preserving of you in the valley of the shadow of death : god hath not given you over unto death ; god hath not laid you in the grave , where you would soon have been forgotten : do not you lay gods mercy , towards you , in the grave of oblivion ; nor bury his mercy ( of saving you alive ) in forgetfulness : david laid a charge upon his soul , that he should not forget the benefits of the lord towards him , psal . . . set down therefore , and record your danger , what it was ; such a moneth in such a year the plague was nigh my dwelling ; it came into my house , it took away so many of my children and servants , but god spared me : he took away the wife , the husband of my bosome , but god spared me ; yea , it was upon my body , so many plague-sores were running at once , and god delivered me from the grave , and from the very jawes of death : and , will you forget this while you live ? that you may have , and keep a sense of gods mercy to you , in preserving of you , consider these few particulars . . consider you had deserved the plague , and death by the plague , as well as those that have fallen into their graves thereby ( and it may be more too ) do not think that those that have died were greater sinners than you , luke . . and jesus answered and said unto them , suppose ye that these galileans were sinners above all the galileans , because they suffered such things . vers . . i tell you , nay , but except you repent , ye shall all likewise perish . vers . . or , those eighteen , upon whom the tower of siloam fell and slew them ; think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in jerusalem , vers . . i tell you , nay , but extept ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish : do you think , that those , whom the plague hath slaughtered , that they were greater sinners then all that dwelt in london ? take heed of such conceptions : or , if many have fallen in this judgment , that were of worser lives than you ; yet , none have f●llen that had worser hearts than you naturally h●ve : nay , have not your sins been capable of greater ●ggravations than the sins of many d●unkards , and swearers , and prophane pe●sons , that did never sin against a god that pardoned their sins ; that did never sin against such love ▪ nor after such experiences of the working of gods spirit upon their hear●s as you have had ? nay , consider , that you are not likely ●o do god that service , nor bring to god that glory , that some of them might have done , that are now in their gr●ves , if god had spared them ; and yet god hath lengthened out your life : oh , what an obligation should this be to you to remember gods mercy , that you had plague-deserving-sins , but yet you had not the plague ! that you have death-deserving-sins , and yet you are not dead ! . consider you had a body as liable to infection as many others had ; there were such natural causes in your body , that might have laid you in your grave , if god had not prevented it : and , did not you suck in the same aire as others did , yea , as others breathed out , and yet god hath kept you ? . consider you had no better preservatives , nor cordials , then many others had , that yet by the plague are laid silent in the grave , and are now resting in the dust ; and others , that now are dead , used the same meanes as you did , and it may be more , and better too , and yet god denyed his blessing to the use of those meanes that were more probable to prevent infection then yours were ; by this you may be convinced , that it was the hand of god that hath preserved you : and therefore by this , you should be obliged to remember , and keep upon your heart a sense of gods mercy towards you . . consider you have been in more visible danger ; and , when you were called , did venture further then many others did : some were more reserved , and kept from company more than you have done ; being called to duty , where visited persons have been , as to help them that were sick of this distemper , &c. and yet some that lived more retiredly , and kept themselves more close , were visited , and are dead , and yet you have escaped , this is the finger of divine providence , and will you let the sense of this weare off from your heart ? . consider that you have been more weakly , and more infirme of body then many of them that the plague hath removed : many that were more likely to out-live you , are cut down before you : many that were strong , and of healthful constitutions , are laid in the dust ; while you , ( that have been waiting for your dissolution many moneths , or years , because of the infirmity of your body , and the frequent distempers that have been upon you ) are preserved . . consider how great a mercy your praservation is , not onely to your self , but to those to whom you are related ; you have many little children , that are not able to help themselves , nor to provide for themselves ; that in all likelihood would have been exposed to hardships and to want , if god had taken you from them : they are sharers in this mercy of your preservation ; and , the more are concerned in it , the greater the mercy is ; and , the deeper and more lasting sense it should make upon your heart : the thoughts of your children did increase your feares and trouble , when you were in danger ; and , should not the consideration of this , advance the greatness of the mercy , of being continued to them . direction x. hath god spared you in time of pestilence ; when he hath taken away many of your own relations , then , the fewer objects you have for your love now , the stronger let your love be towards god then it was before : in ste●d of murmuring against god , that you have lost those whom you did love ; the greater let your love be to god , since you h●ve not so many for to love . love l●id out upon many objects , is the weaker ; bu● , love united , and spent upon one object , is t●e stronger : as those , that have but one only son , love that more , then those that have more do love any ; because their love is divided amongst them all : it may be god had too little of your love , and it was ●n offence , and griefe unto your god , that the crea●ure should have that love which w●s due unto himself ; and therefore he hath cut off the s●re●es , that you may get nearer to the fountain . thy relation had more of thy affection then came unto his share ; and therefore , in stead of murmuring , be more in loving of thy god ; and this will be to live answerably to gods correcting , and afflicting of thee , in the loss of thy relation , and to his mercy in sparing of thy self : and , look what relation it is that is taken from thee ▪ while thou survivest ; and get clearer evidences that god will be in stead of that relation to thee , and be better to thee than that was : hast thou thy husband removed by this contagious disease , now make out more to god , that he would be an husband to thee ? hast thou lost thy children , or thy onely son ; see more diligently , that god hath bestowed his onely son upon thee , and this will much satisfie , and quiet thy heart ? hath god done thee any wrong , if he hath taken thy onely son from thee , and hath given his onely son to thee . thus , since you did survive others that are taken from you , improve your affliction , and your mercy , in being advantaged in spirituals ; and , this will be to live in some measure answerably to gods dealing with you . direction xi . hath god spared thee in time of plague , then see what it was that thy conscience did most accuse thee , or commend thee for , when the plague was nigh thy dwelling , or thou wast in fear and danger , and order thy life accordingly : what sin was it that thy conscience did reproach thee for , in a time of danger , and in feares of death ? whether of omission or commission ; publick or secret ; of what nature soever it was : and let it be the design of thy heart , in the course of thy life , to mortifie that sin , and keep it under ; that thou carefully avoid the occasions thereof : that , when death shall certainly come , and conscience shall have no more occasion , or just ground to reproach thee , thou mayest see , that god in mercy did prolong thy dayes , till thou hadst got the victory over , and the pardon , and the evidence of the pardon of that sin . what was it in thy feares , and when thou wast in expectation of death , that conscience did approve in thee ? it did then approve thy diligence in thy family , go on in this still ; it did approve of thy strickt and holy walking with god , go on in that which was good , and thy rightly inlightned conscience did commend in thee ; and , this will be to live in some measure answerably to so great a mercy , as is gods preserving of you in a time of such a wasting plague . direction xii . hath god spared you in such a time of so great mortality and contagion , then learn to trust your self , and all your affairs with god for the time to come : you have lived in time of danger , and have been in hazard of your life ▪ and yet god hath preserved and kept you : god hath called some to abide in the city , because they could not remove their habitation without neglect of duty ; for , where our duty lies and where our work is , that god calleth us unto ; there we may trust god , though our danger be never so great ; because , while we are in our duty , we are in our way , and god hath promised to keep us in all our wayes in time of plague , psal . . . many had opportunity of retiring into the country , without neglect of duty , without running away from duty ( those that went from their duty and work , which god expected they should there have done , have cause to be humbled for their slavish feares of death , and great distrust in god ) and , the use of meanes , for preservation , is not inconsistent with trusting in god , but is supposed and included in it , else it is not trusting in god , but presumption ; but many were obliged to abide upon the place , and god hath preserved you amongst them : oh , what an obligation and encouragement is this for you , for the time to come , to put your trust in god , in the use of meanes , in a way of duty ; and , the more you are able to commit your self to god in future dangers , the more you do improve this providence of god in preserving of you . but , because we need all helps and supports for putting our trust in god , i shall lay down some considerations to help you more and more to trust in god ; premising first the nature of it , that you may perceive what it is , that you are exhorted to , when perswaded to trust in god. trusting in god is a special fruit of faith and hope , whereby the soul looking upon god in christ , through a promise , is in some good measure freed from fretting feares , and cutting cares , about the removing or preventing of some evil , or the enjoying or procuring of that which is good . . it is a fruit of faith ; for therefore a man trusteth in god , because he believeth , and is perswaded of the truth of what god saith , and believeth the performance of his promise , and so it is called fiducia fidei . . it is a fruit of hope ; for therefore i trust in god , because i hope it shall be with me according to his word : if i had no hope of this , i could not trust in god , and so it is called fiducia spei . . this trust hath god in christ , through a promise , for its object ; we trust in god , through christ , eying the promise : for , the promise of god , is the foundation of our trust in god , and the promise of god draws forth the hearts of his people to trust in him , psal . . . — i trust in thy word . . the effect of this trusting in god is the quietation of the heart , and a freeing of the soul ( proportionably to the degree of his trust ) from fretting feares , and cutting cares about good and evil , to be avoided or procured , psal . . . what time i am afraid i will trust in thee . vers . . in god will i praise his word ; in god i have put my trust , i will not fear what flesh can do unto me . the arguments for the moving you to trust in god , for the future , are such as these . . will not you trust in god after such rich and full experience that you have had of gods taking care for you ? hath god cared for your life , and will not you trust him for food and raiment ? experience is a great support for confidence in god , cor. . . who delivered us from so great a death , and doth deliver , in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us . when david had had experience of gods delivering him from the lion and the bear , he trusted in god to deliver him from the hands of the uncircumcised philistine , sam. . . when thou hast been in danger , god hath kept thee ; and when thou hast been in sickness , god hath restored thee : and , if it be good for thee , he will do so again . . will not you trust in god that is all sufficient and allmighty , able to deliver you from any evil , able to bestow upon you any thing that is good ? he can remove your feares , and he can fill your desires : according to your perswasions of a mans ability to help you ( caeteris paribus ) will your trust be in him , cor. . . for we had the sentence of death in our selves , that we should not trust in our selves , but in god which raiseth the dead . that god that can raise the dead , may be trusted in any case or condition : you have found him able . . will not you trust in god , that is so willing to do you good ? you may acknowledge gods all-sufficiency to be a support for your trusting in him , but , the doubts that you find in your soul , whether god be willing to do you good , is a cause of your ( too frequent ) distrust in him : you must believe that god is a god of mercy , and ready to do for his people , whatsoever he seeth conduceth to his glory and their good : and , you may know his willingness by his promises , which are various , according to the condition that you are , or may be in : you have found him willing , and yet will you not trust him ? . will not you trust in a god , that is faithfull in all he saith ? he declares his willingness to do you good , to supply your wants , to preserve you in dangers , by his promise : for , a promise of god is a declaration of his will , for the bestowing of some good thing upon his people through christ , and his will and purpose he will never change , and his promise he will not suffer to faile : will you trust a man that is faithful to his word , and not god ? especially after you have found him faithful in performing promise unto you . . will not you trust in god that is infinite in wisdom , and knowes how to order all your affaires ? when your condition is altogether intricate , and you know not how to winde your self out of difficulties , then your wise god can do it , pet. . . the lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation . — and , will you not trust a god that is able and willing , and faithful and wise ? especially after you have experienced all these in god , in the late dangers and feares of death that you have been in ? or , shall these qualifications of power , willingness , faithfulness , and wisdom in men ( in their measure ) be a ground of your putting civill trust in them ; and , shall not all these , that be in god without measure , be a ground of your putting religious trust in him ? . will not you put your trust in god , since it is his due , it belongs to him of right ? it is a part of your spiritual homage which you owe to god : religious trust doth so belong to god , that it will be idolatry to place it in any thing besides , psal . . , , , , . it doth so properly and solely belong to god , that it is a periphrasis of god to be the confidence of all the ends of the earth , psal . . . give to god the things of god , and give to the creatures no more than belongs unto them : you have nothing else to trust to , you must not place religious trust in men ; not in great men and nobles , psal . . , . nor in riches , tim. . . not in horses and chariots , psal . . not in your own righteousness and religious duties , ezek. . . . will not you trust in god who is so nearly related to you ? men are apt to trust too much in th●ir e●rthly friends and relations : we put civil trust and confidence in our neer relations , because of the affection that they bear unto us : thus children trust to their parents , and wives in their husbands , and one friend in another ; god is your father , your husband , and your friend , and yet will you not put your trust in him ? . will not you put your trust in god for smaller things , since you trust him for the greatest ? you trust in god to deliver you from the torments of hell ; and , will not you trust him to deliver you from farr lesser evils ? you trust in him for pardon , and for eternal life ; and , will you not trust in him for smaller matters ? will you trust him wi●h your soul , and not with your body ? for eternal life , and , not for temporal ? would you trust a man for thousands , and not for pence ? especially , when the providence of god extends to the smallest concernments of his children , even to an hair of their heads , mat. . . when must we put our trust in go● ? in general i answer ; at all times , psal . . . trust in him at all times , ye people ; pour out your hearts before him : god is a refuge for us . in particular , trust in god , . in time of sickness and affliction upon your body , job . . though he slay me , yet will i trust in him . . in time of outward wants ; in the losse of all things , sam. . , to . hag. . . . in time of desertion ; when you have not the smiles of his face , isa . . . . at the hour of death commit your soules to him ; trust him with your soul , psal . . , . . in times of greatest inconstancy , psal . . , , . . in times of evil tidings , psal . . . he shall not be afraid of evil tidings , his heart is fixed , trusting in the lord. thus , if you trust god more because of the experience you have had in gods keeping of you , you do , in this , improve this mercy . direction xiii . hath god spared you in time of so great mortality ; then give thankes to god , and the praises that are due unto him for so great preservation : every person should be very thankful unto god , that hath kept him alive ; and every family should sound forth his praises : you spent time extraordinary , in seeking god by prayer , in your closet , in your family , that he would preserve you ; and , hath god done so , in answer to your prayers ? and , will you not spend some time extraordinary in , and with your own family in thankful acknowledgments of gods love unto you , and his care over you ? oh set some time apart , every family whom god hath preserved , or so many that are left in every family , in solemn praisings of god for his signal preservation vouchsafed unto you . in the time of your trouble , you called upon god , he hath delivered you , and now you should glorifie him , psal . . . and god is glorified by you when you offer praises to him , ver. . in the pressing you to the practice of this direction , i shall do three things : . how , or with what , must those that are preserved from death in time of plague give thanks to god , or glorifie god for this mercy ? . with what arguments should the people of god that are spared press themselves to give praises to god ? . what course must such take to get a thankful heart for so great a mercy ? sect . i. how , or with what , must those that are pre●erved give thanks to god ? this must be done three waies : . you must praise god with your tongues : your lips must shew forth his praises , psal . . . your tongue must sing aloud of gods righteousness and mercy . for this end god hath preserved you , psal . . . thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing : thou hast put off my sackcloath , and girded me with gladness . ver. . to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee , and not be silent : o lord my god , i will give thanks unto thee for ever . by [ glory ] david means his tongue : the tongue is the glory of a man , it being his priviledge above all creatures , with the tongue to form articulate words , having distinction of sound , for the communicating of the conceptions of his mind unto others . thus we should praise god by speaking of his excellencies and perfections of his nature , of his works and waies , of his dealings with us , of the danger he hath delivered us from , of the good he hath given to us , of the salvation he hath wrought for us . . you must praise god with your heart as well as with your tongue ; for as prayer for mercy with the tongue , without the heart will not be profitable to us , so praises with the tongue for mercy received , without the heart , will not be acceptable unto god. to praise god with the heart , is the very heart of our praises . thus david , that before called upon his tongue to bless god , doth also elsewhere call upon his soul to do it , psal . . . bless the lord o my soul , and all that is within me , bless his holy name . god blesseth us , by giving good things unto us , eph. . . we bless god , when we do thankfully acknowledge the good things we receive from god. you must then stir up your soul , and all that is within you unto this great work of praise for so great preservation . . you must praise god in your lives , and by your works and conversations ; you must not only speak gods praises , but you must live to his praise ; you must do it with life , and in and by your life . life is the mercy i call upon you to praise god for , and you must do it by your life . you may praise god with your lips , and not with your hearts , but if you do indeed praise god with your heart , you will also do it by your life . if you will give thanks indeed , you must live thanks . the best thanks-giving is thanks-doing . thus if you would be thankful for the life of your children , shew it by your religious care in their holy education ; that god might not say of you , i spared such a mans children in time of plague , and afterwards he brought them up to dishonour me , and to sin against me ; if you would be thankful for your own life , then lay it out in holy walking with god. sect . ii. with what arguments should the people of god urge their own hearts thus in tongue , in heart and life , to praise and glorifie god for his preserving of them ? work your heart hereunto with these following arguments . consider , . should not you thus praise god for your preservation from danger by the plague , who did make this one of your arguments to prevail with god by prayer in time of danger to preserve you ? did not you reason thus with god in time of sickness ? lord lengthen out the life of thy servant , o lord deliver my soul , o save me for thy mercies sake , for in death there is no remembrance of thee ; in the grave who shall give thee thanks ? what profit is there in my bloud , when i go down into the pit ? shall the dust praise thee ? shall it declare thy truth ? the grave cannot praise thee , death cannot celebrate thee : they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth . the living , the living he shall praise thee . were not these your pleadings at the throne of grace ? and did not you promise to god , and purpose in your heart , that if god would spare you , you would celebrate his praises ? and shall not there be a correspondence betwixt your actions when you were in fears , and your actions , when your great danger ( by the plague ) is over ? . should not you thus praise god for your preservation , who have such examples for your practice , recorded in the scripture . when hezekiah had been sick and was recovered he sang forth the praises of the lord , isa . . , . when david had been in danger of death and was delivered , he deliberates with himself what he should return and render to the lord , psal . . , &c. what shall i render to the lord , for all his benefits towards me ? i will take the cup of salvation , and will call upon the name of the lord. ver. . i will offer unto thee the sacrifice of thanks-giving — for your imitation consider davids practice , ( . ) he propounds a case of conscience . since i was brought low and the lord hath helped me ; since the sorrows of death have compassed me about , and god hath delivered me , what shall i render ? what must i do ? what return must i make ? and he presseth himself to this by four forcible arguments , in these words , for all his benefits towards me . he considered , first , benefits received . kindnesses call for acknowledgments ; favours are obliging . we must give thanks in , and for afflictions , much more when we are delivered . i deserved judgments , but benefits have been my receipt . secondly , the author of them , [ his ] benefits ; the kindnesses of men should not be forgotten , much less the benefits of god. your life is a benefit , and god is the author of it . thirdly , the number of them ; [ all ] his benefits ; they were many , not a few . three things are innumerable : gods mercies to us , our sins against god , the evils that good men suffer , psal . . , . fourthly , the person to whom they were given : for all his benefits to [ me . ] hath god indeed given such mercy to me ? hath god continued life to me , so vile , so unworthy , oh what shall i render ? ( . ) he resolves this case propounded ; i will take the cup of salvation ; i will offer the sacrifice of praise . god hath taken from you ( for the present ) the cup of death , which was to so many a cup of trembling ; he hath removed your cup of affliction , and instead thereof hath given you a cup of consolation , and a cup running over with variety of mercies , and will not you take the cup of salvation , and offer the sacrifice of praise ? do you see david ( in the like case ) so diligent and inquisitive what to render , and so peremptory and resolute , to offer praise to god , and will not you go and do likewise ? . is not this the noblest work you can engage in , to praise god , and to celebrate with thankfulness the greatness of his mercy and goodness ? it is the work of angels to be praising god ; and when you take your flight into heaven , and are perfectly removed from sin , sorrow , suffering , temptation , wants , you shall do nothing else but love , and praise , and admire god ? and will you not in the mean while accustome your self to that work on earth , which shall be your imployment in heaven ? and will you not take occasion hereunto , by so great a mercy as god at such a time as this hath vouchsafed you ? . is not god most worthy of your highest and your heartiest praises ? you were not worthy of gods mercies , you were not worthy of life , but god is worthy of the best of your praises , were they as perfect as the hallelujahs of the saints in heaven . god indeed is above all praise , neh. . . but yet he is pleased with his peoples praising of him . . will you praise the efficacy of your antidotes , and the skill of your able physitian , by whose help you have been ( under god ) preserved : and will you not be much more in praising of god , for your safety , when without his blessing all had been ineffectual ? will you praise the instrument and means , and say , i had an able doctor , and not the principal cause of your preservation , and say , i had a good god. . will not you praise god for his mercy towards you , no , not for your life , when this is all that god requireth at your hands , that you should be th●nkful for your life , and thankfully improve it for his glory ? you cannot make a requital , but god expecteth some return ; you cannot make a retaltation , but god looketh for some retribution : and will not you think an alms ill bestowed upon that beggar , that will not give you thanks ? and will not life be continued to the aggravation of your sin , if you are not thankful for it ? . is not this a duty that will well become you ? a christian doth then act most like a christian when he is praising god , in tongue , in heart , and life , psal . . , . and . . praise is comely for the upright . three things are very comely , to weep as a sinner , to walk as a saint , to rejoyce as a son. . will not you give to god the glory of his preserving providence , when if you do not , ( that are gods people ) none else will ? the wicked that are spared , they will not , they cannot praise god ; they will dishonour him , they will speak to gods dishonour , and act to gods dishonour , so that if you do not praise god for his sparing so many alive , none else will : and shall god be without all thankful acknowledgments of his remembring mercy , in the midst of judgment ? god forbid : that amongst all the thousands that are spared , there should be none found , making some thankful return to god. this number will be but small ; amongst the ten lepers that were cleansed there was but one found thankful . if you would not have god to lose the glory of his providence , then you must be the men that must honour him for it . many wicked men were not found praying to be preserved , much less will they be found praising , when they are preserved . . have you more cause to bless god for life than others have , and yet will not you do it ? your life is more sweet and comfortable to you , than the lives of wicked men are , or can be , forasmuch as you have those comforts with life , and that communion with god in life , that wicked men have not : they live only a natural life , and have only the sweetness of natural life , but you with this life have also the comforts of an higher life , and yet will not you bless god for it ? they are delivered from the grave for a while , but not from the wrath of god too ; from the grave , but not from the danger of hell too , but so are you : and have you so much cause to bless god for life , and will you want an heart to bless him ? . is this the most effectual way to have life continued to you , and yet will not you do it ? to have life continued will be , to be thankful for it ; else god ( finding you unthankful ) when the plague is over , might commission death by some other distemper , to take that from you , which you would not be thankful for . . is not life the sweetest of all earthly mercies , and more to be prized , and yet will not you be thankfull to god for it that hath so signally continued it unto you ? skin for skin , and all that a man hath he will give for his life : and yet will not you give thanks to god for life ? what earthly thing will you be thankful for , ●nd what mercy upon earth will you make returns to god for , if not for life ? . do you finde unthankful men placed amongst the greatest rank of sinners , and yet will you be unthankful ? unthankful persons are numbred among blasphemers , covetous , disobedient to parents , such as are without natural affection ; false accusers , despisers of those that are good , &c. tim. . , , . and , will you yet be unthankful , and that for your life ? thus , by these considerations you should press your heart to give praises to god for this so great preservation . section iii. iii. what is the course that those that remain , after this judgment , should take , to be thankful to god , and to render praises to him for the preservation of themselves , and those of their relations continued to them ? take these rules . . if you would render thankes to god in tongue , in he●rt and l●fe , for this mercy , then get a right judgment of the worth and greatness of the mercy , that you , and some of yours are continued after this visitation . those that do not prize a mercy , will never be thankful for it : what a mercy is life to you , that are not yet assured of the love of god ? what a mercy is life to you , that are not yet certain of the salvation of your soules ? or , if you are sure of heaven , yet is life to you a great mercy ; that you have time to do the works that god hath appointed you to do . consider also what a mercy it is to have your children continued , that you may yet instruct them , and pray for them ; that you may see christ formed in them before you or they do die . . if you would be thankful for life , and have an heart to render praises to the lord , for your own , and your relations ; consider , how uncomfortable your life had been , had god continued you , and taken away your neerest relations ; and , how uncomfortable your life would have been , had god continued them onely , and taken you away from them : you may consider while you live , the discomforts of your relations , and the sorrow of their hearts , if god had removed you by death ; what an uncomfortable widow would your wife ( now ) have been ? what uncomfortable orphans would your children [ now ] have been ! you have enough before you , and amongst you , that are sad instances of this : oh , consider this , and it will be a meanes to make you thankful , and to give to god the glory of your preservation . . retain in your memory the greatness of this mercy , when you have apprehended how great it is ; a forgetfull person will be an unthankful person : when david would have his soul to bless god for his mercy , he layes a charge upon himself not to forget the benefits he had received , psal . . . bless the lord , oh my soul , and forget not all his benefits : record gods mercy to you herein , and get it imprinted on the table of your heart : forgetfulness is a great hinderance to every duty ; as , some men forget their sins , and they will not be humbled for them : some men forget gods mercies , and they will not be thankful for them : some forget both , and are neither penitent nor thankful . so , to remember some things , and forget others , is very injurious to mens soules ; as , some remember gods mercy , and forget their sins : and these presume . some remember their sins , and forget gods mercy : and these despaire . but , it is best to remember both our sins and gods mercy : the one will make us humble , and the other thankfull . . let the relations that god hath continued unto you , have a roome in your heart and affection , according to the measure that god commands : he that hath children spared , and hath not sutable affections for them , will not , cannot be thankful unto god for the continuance of their lives , and so husbands and wives : but , then you must love them , and your own life , but according to the measure that god allowes : for , to love any of these , your relations , or your life immoderately , will not be to be thankful for them , but to abuse them , and make idols of them : let your own life and your relations have their allowance of your love , but no ●re . . pray to god for a praising thankful heart for this mercy . god gives us all our mercies , and god must give us a thankful heart for these mercies , else we cannot give to god the glory of them : when you were in your danger you were afraid , least god should deny you life , when you prayed unto him for it : but , are you as afraid , least you should not have an heart thankfully to improve it , when he hath granted it unto you ? you prayed for life , now pray to god to make you thankful , and thankfully to improve it : . labour to keep your graces lively and vigorous : to praise god is a lively work , and a dull heart cannot do it : you must love god for his mercy , if you would praise him for his mercy : you must delight in god , if you would praise him : the more lively your graces are , the more sweet and comfortable your life will be ; and , the more comfort you have in life , the more your heart will be engaged to give god the glory of it : and so shall you be found amongst those few that do endeavour to live in some measure answerably to so great a mercy , as preservation from the grave , in a time of plague . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e the first p●rt of the first direction contains questions . question first . six things premised , for explication . * pe●de● haec [ peccati ] differentia graduum ( ) a respectu personae a qua admittitur . ( ) a g●nere & natura rei , ( ) ah intensione & remissione actus . ( ) ratione et modo patrandi . ( ) a circumstantiis loci , temporis , &c. ames ●ed . p. . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * vitam ● dei appellat , vitam illam qua deus vivit in suis : quamque praecipit & approbat . beza in loc . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is opera quaestus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . i. e. quasi agatur de lu●●n ita ut ●liu● alium superare conte●d●t . beza in loc . scriptures shewing many wax worse . nemo repente sit turpissimus , sed sensim sine sensu . psal . . v. . opened . a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tam id quod consulitur , quam quod consilio efficitur . by th . b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mos consuetudo , studium quae sunt quasi viae per quas incedunt , versonturque . by th . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ambulavit metaphoricè usurpatur de vita , moribus & actionibus . * nomen plurale absque singulari , ex conjugatione pihel deductum , idcoque significationem intendit , ac habitum denotat . ●i●lmer , in psal . arguments proving wicked men wax worse . from sin . sin disposeth the heart to sin . sin begets sin . sin is linked to sin . rom. . . sin infects the sinner . sin is unsatiable . oculi sunt in amore duces . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . satan . absence of grace . question second . rounds in the sinners ladder to hell . natural concupiscence . temptation . inclination . ●am . . is inticed , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the word signifi●th baiting , as men doe bait for fishes . rom. . . , , , . consent . action . iteration . habit. hardness contracted * peccata sive sint commissionis sive omissionis per multiplicationem diuturnam , in consuctudinem ducta & inveterata , pravum habitum gignunt , ac quasi callum obducunt voluntati simu●●c menti . ames med. p. . hardness judiciall . things about gods hardning mens hea●ts . deus concurrit ad actum non ad malitiam actûs . * excaecatio activa tribuitur deo , satanae & homini scipsum excaecanti ; satanas & homo in ista actione gravissimè peccant , deus autem justissimè agit . strangius , de volun . dei circa peccatum . p . modi notandi sunt , quibus dicitur deus indur●re . ( ) quia deus juste deserit eos , a quibus desertus est , suumque auxilium subtrabit aut denegat , privatque eos donis suis , quibus illi perverse abusi sunt , idem . p. . ( ) viam eis aperit , objecta & occasiones subministrans , quibus illi flagitia exequantur , ut in perniciem suam ruant . . ( ) offert , confert , aut facit ea quae sua natura hominem ad bonum converterent , atque ad illustrandum , & emollieadum volerent , sed abutentium vitio fit , ut magis obdurentur . p. . ( ) flagella , flagellorum remotio , adversa , impiorum indurationem promovent , iisque pulsati inster ineudis sub malleo magis indurescunt . p. . finall impenitence . question third . prosperity makes the wicked worse . * psal . . , , , . adversity makes wicked men worse . deliverances make wicked men worse . wicked men are worse , by the word . * sciendum est , evangelium non perimere quenquam ▪ sed evangelii contemptum . bez. in cor. . . by the sacrament . grande id nefas , quando remedium , non modo , non proficit aegro sed in venenum vertitur . par. in cor. . question fourth . reasons are , . from god. . from the elect converted . . from elect unconverted . . from reprobates . question fifth . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . vnium , quo qui laborat , ad quodvis scelus , paratus est . joh. . . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . in crastinum recondere , quo significatur homines dum cupiditatibus suis quotidie indulgendo existimant se aliquod bonis suis adjicere , tandem pro the sauro inventuros dei indignationem . bez in loc . question sixth . question seventh . corollaries from the first part of this direction . the second part of the first direction , ten lessons to be learned in this city that hath been a great house of mourning . verity of divine threatnings . desert of sin . mans mort●l●ty . the worlds vanity . the uncertainty of all relati●ns . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when they set forth to sea , v●la da●t , when they have done their voyage , vela contra . hunt . humility . parity in ●●t ●●d afflictions . difference ●n the ●anner . folly of delays . mortification . ten aggravations of gods peoples sin , if they be worse . seventeen arguments to gods people to be better . perform your purpose , pay your vows . seven arguments for care to keep o●r resolutions made in time of fear and sickness . the heart is deceitful sin is encroaching . satan will assault . the world will interrupt . you will meet with opposition . concurrence of many duties re-qui-red . twenty helps for keeping our resolutions . watch against your darling sin . signs of a beloved sin . and against temptation . sin is as odious to god when you are well as when you were sick . holiness in ac● , pleasing to god , more than in purpose . sin is prejudicial , ●h●n you are well as when you were sick . holiness in act will be sweeter to you , than onely in purpose . when you are well , you are stil mortal . believe judgment to come . gods eye is upon you . keep conscience tender . choose a choise friend . gods purpose always the same to you . holy courage . zeal . frequent self-reflexions . renew your purpose . it will bring great benefits . pray for strength . mortifie self-love and use self-denial . examples . fourteen aggravations of neglect to live up to our holy resolutions . it is great hypocrisie . double iniquity . crea●●olly . it is to lye to god. * oratio , quando non est conformis menti dicentis , dicitur falsa ethice quando non est conformis rebus , est salsa logice . to sin against conscience . it will make death terrible . it is great unthankfulness for your life . it will make you loose the benefit of affliction . it is to approve of sin after dislike . if thou hadst dyed in thy sickness thou hadst been damned . it encourageth the devil to tempt . it provoketh god. hinders prayer . begets doubtings . since you live , look after the cure of soul-sickness . sin is the souls sickness . sickness of the soul more dreadfull than of the body . signs of the cure of soul-sickness . how to be cured of soul-sickness . christ the soul-●hysician . directions to give to god the glory of our souls cure . the reader is desired to make the following direction the fourth . be eminent in your place and relation . subjects duties to magistrates . ministers should be more in studying . praying . preaching . appellations , shewing the work of ministers . living exemplarily . the peoples duty in hearing the word . governo●s of families must set up gods worship in their houses . why ? wherein in praying . four reasons for daily prayer in families . r●adi●g the word of god. reasons for reading scripture in families . repeating things delivered in publick . in catechizing . reasons for catechizing in families . in singing psalms . how 〈◊〉 really . for five reasons . livelily . chearfully . constantly . duties of husbands & wives , whom god hath spared in this plague . the properties of their love superlative . constant holy , tender . forgiving love the reasons of their love wherein they should manifest this love . ☜ duties of parents whom god hath continued to children , viz. instruction . correction . prayer . choosing them a calling . disposing them in marriage duties of children , whom god hath continued to their parents . reasons for these duties . duties of masters whom god hath continued to servants . duties of servants whom god hath continued to masters . watch against secret sins . abstain from secret sins . considerations to watch against secret sins . god setteth secret sins in the light of his countenance . masked sins detected . properties of gods view of secret sins . secresie is no security . it is a sign of sincerity . god judgeth not by outward appearances . to allow secret sin is great ●mp●iety . secret sins provoke god and grieve the spirit . and destroy your peace . h●nder grace . and fervent prayer , and prevent audience . do harden . stop communications of gods secrets ▪ if you make conscience of secret sin , you shall have an open reward . in these you have least help from others . que. . helps against secret sins . god his eye . e●e judgment to come . deep hatred . true fear . uprightness of heart . design gods approbation . be watchful . suppress first motions of sin . sense of gods love . secret duties . secret duties . secret things in publick duties . secret evils in publick duties to be avoided . since you live after the plague , be dead to the world. to the profits of the world . are corrupt●ble . hurtful . unprofitable . hurtful uncertain . easily valued . unsatisfying . to the honours of the world. to the pleasures of the world. to the wisdom of the world. ☜ signes of a man that is dead to the world ▪ since you live , after this plague , be dead to sin , and be buried with christ . believers are buried in . respects . differences between the burial of our friends and our sins . resemblances . comfort to those that are buried with christ . since you live after this plague , walk in newness of life . what newness of life doth not consist in . in what consisteth newness of life . the excellen●ies of a new life . hindrances of walking in newness of life . since you live after this plague , keep upon your heart a sense of this mercy . helpes to be sensible of the mercy of life . if you have fewer objects of love left you , love god so much the more . since you live , remember what were the actings of conscience in time of danger , and live accordingly . since you live , after you have been in such danger , trust god for the future . description of trust . arguments to trust in god. six special times to trust in god. since you live after this plague , give thanks to god. wayes you must pra●se god with your tongue . heart . life . arguments to thankfulness for life . psal . . , . psal . . . isa . ● . , . mat. . , . jer. . . psal . . . helpes to thankfulness for life . by the king, a proclamation for a generall fast throughout this realm of england england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king, a proclamation for a generall fast throughout this realm of england england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) charles ii, king of england, - . sheets. printed by john bill and christopher barker ..., london : . "given at our court at st. james's this sixth day of july, in the seventeenth year of our reign." printed as broadside, now in sheets. reproduction of original in the cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng proclamations -- great britain. plague -- england -- london. great britain -- history -- charles ii, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion royal coat of arms by the king. a proclamation for a generall fast throughout this realm of england . charles r. whereas it hath pleased almighty god , after many years of health , and many great and miraculous mercies afforded to this kingdom , to visit the cities of london and westminster , and places adjacent with the plague and pestilence , which by the spreading thereof into several parishes , & other the more remote parts of this kingdom , seems to threaten a general and most dreadful visitation : to the end therefore that prayers and supplications may every where be offered up unto almighty god for the removal of this heavy iudgement , and that some solemn days and times may be set apart for the performance of these and other religious duties ; his majesty is pleased , by the advice of his privy council , to declare , and doth hereby publish and declare his royal will and pleasure , that wednesday next being the twelfth day of this instant july , shall be observed and kept within the cities of london and westminster , and places adjacent , as a day of fasting and humiliation ; and wednesday three weeks after being the second day of august , shall be observed and kept in like manner in all parts of this realm ; and so from thence forward every first wednesday of every moneth successively , until it shall please god to withdraw this plague and grievous sickness . and that the solemnization of these days may be with such order and decency as is requisite , his majesty by the advice of his reverend bishops hath directed to be composed , printed and published the form of such prayers as his majesty thinks fit to be used in all churches and chappels at these publick meetings , and also upon wednesdays in every week ; and hath given charge to his bishops to disperse the same through the whole kingdom . all which his majesty doth expresly charge and command shall be reverently and devoutly performed by all his loving subjects , as they will answer to god for the neglect of so great a duty and service , and upon pain of being proceeded against as wilful breakers and contemners of this his royal will and command . and his majesty doth further declare , that upon all and every the said days of fasting and humiliation , there shall be a collection made of the alms and charitable benevolence of the several persons in the respective churches and chappels then assembled : which collections shall be paid in to the bishops of the several dioceses wherein such collection shall be made , or to such persons as the bishops shall appoint to receive the same . and the bishops shall take care , that the moneys so collected and paid in , be in the first place applyed to the relief of such places as shall be visited with the plague within the diocese wherein such collections shall be made . and the overplus , if any be , shall be paid in to the bishop of london , or such as he shall appoint to receive the same , and be applyed to the poor who are sick and visited with the plague in london or westminster , or the parts adjacent . and lastly , his majesty doth command , that the respective preachers on the said fast-days do earnestly exhort the people in the several parishes to a free and chearful contribution towards the relief of their christian brethren , whom it hath pleased god to visit with sickness . given at our court at st. james's this sixth day of july , in the seventeenth year of our reign . god save the king. london , printed by john bill and christopher barker , printers to the kings most excellent majesty , . the vvonderfull yeare. wherein is shewed the picture of london, lying sicke of the plague. at the ende of all (like a mery epilogue to a dull play) certaine tales are cut out in sundry fashions, of purpose to shorten the liues of long winters nights, that lye watching in the darke for vs. . the wonderfull yeare dekker, thomas, ca. - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the vvonderfull yeare. wherein is shewed the picture of london, lying sicke of the plague. at the ende of all (like a mery epilogue to a dull play) certaine tales are cut out in sundry fashions, of purpose to shorten the liues of long winters nights, that lye watching in the darke for vs. . the wonderfull yeare dekker, thomas, ca. - . [ ] p. printed by thomas creede, and are to be solde in saint donstones church-yarde in fleet-streete [by n. ling, j. smethwick, and j. browne, london : ?] by thomas dekker. another edition of " . the wonderfull yeare", originally published in . booksellers' names supplied and publication date conjectured by stc. signatures: a-f⁴. in this edition the last line of a v has "farewell" in italic. identified as stc a on umi microfilm. reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on 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site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - jennifer kietzman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the vvonderfull yeare . . wherein is shewed the picture of london , lying sicke of the plague . at the ende of all ( like a mery epilogue to a dull play ) certaine tales are cut out in sundry fashions , of purpose to shorten the liues of long winters nights , that lye watching in the darke for vs. et me rigidi legant catones . london printed by thomas creede , and are to be solde in saint donstones church-yarde in fleet-streete . to his vvelrespected good friend , m. cutbert thuresby , vvater bayliffe of london . bookes are but poore gifts , yet kings receiue them : vpō which i presume , you will not turne this out of doores . yet cannot for shame but bid it welcome , because it bringes to you a great quantitie of my loue : which , if it be worth litle , ( and no maruell if loue be solde vnder-foote , when the god of loue himselfe goes naked ) yet i hope you will not say you haue a hard bargaine , sithēce you may take as much of it as you please for nothing . i haue clapt the cognizance of your name , on these scribled papers , it is their liuery : so that now they are yours : being free frō any vile imputation , saue only , that they thrust themselues into your acquaintance . but gene●all errors , haue generall pardons : for the title of other mens names , is the common heraldry which all those laie claime too , whose crest is a pen-and-inckhorne . if you read , you may happilie laugh ; t is my desire you should , because mirth is both phisicall , and wholesome against the plague : with which sicknes , ( to tell truth ) this booke is , ( though not sorely ) yet somewhat infected . i pray , driue it not out of your companie for all that ; for ( assure your soule ) i am so iealous of your health , that if you did but once imagine , there were gall in mine incke , i would cast away the standish , and forsweare medling with anie more muses . to the reader . and why to the reader ? oh good sir ! there 's as sound law to make you giue good words to the reader , as to a constable when hee carries his watch about him to tell how the night goes , tho ( perhaps ) the one ( oftentimes ) may be serued in for a goose , and the other very fitly furnish the same messe : yet to maintaine the scuruy fashion , and to keepe custome in reparations , he must be honyed , and come-ouer with gentle reader , courteous reader , and learned reader , though he haue no more gentilitie in him than adam had ( that was but a gardner ) no more ciuili●ie than a tartar , and no more learning than the most errand stinkard , that ( except his owne name ) could neuer finde any thing in the horne-booke . how notoriously therfore do good wits dishonor , not only their calling , but euen their creation , that worship glow-wormes ( in stead of the sun ) because of a litle false glistering ? in the name of phoebus what madnesse leades them vnto it ? for he that dares hazard a pressing to death ( that 's to say , to be a man in print ) must make account that he shall stand ( like the olde weathercock ouer powles steeple ) to be beaten with all stormes . neither the stinking tabacco●breath of a sattingull , the aconited sting of a narrow-eyde critick , the faces of a phantastick stage-monkey , nor the ind●ede-la of a puritanicall citizen , must once shake him . no , but desperately resolue ( like a french post ) to ride through thick & thin : indure to see his lines torne pittifully on the rack : suffer his muse to take the bastoone , yea the very stab , & himselfe like a new stake to be a marke for euery hagler , and ●herefore ( setting vp all ●hese rests ) why shuld he regard what fooles bolt is shot at him ? besides , if that which he presents vpon the stage of the world be good , why should he basely cry out ( with that old poeticall mad-cap in his amphitruo ) iouis summi causa clarè plaudite , beg a plaudite for god-sake ! if bad , who ( but an asse ) would intreate ( as players do in a cogging epilogue at the end of a filthie comedy ) that , be it neuer such wicked stuffe , they would forbeare to hisse , or to dam it perpetually to lye on a stationers stall . eor he that can so cosen himselfe , as to pocket vp praise in that silly sort , makes his braines fat with his owne folly . but hinc pudor ! or rather hinc dolor , heere 's the diuell ! it is not the ratling of all this former haile-shot , that can terrisie our band of castalian pen-men from entring into the field : no , no , the murdring artillery indeede lyes in the roaring mouthes of a company that looke big as if they were the sole and singular commanders ouer the maine army of poesy , yet ( if hermes muster-booke were searcht ouer ) thei le be found to ●e most pitifull pure fresh-water souldiers : they giue out , that they are heires-apparent to helicon , but an easy herald may make them meere yonger brothers , or ( to say troth ) not so much . beare witnes all you whose wits make you able to be witnesses in this cause , that here i meddle not with your good poets , nam tales , nusquàm sunt hîc ampliüs , if you should rake hell , or ( as aristophanes in his frog sayes ) in any celler deeper than hell , it is hard to finde spirits of that fashion . but those goblins whom i now am cōiuring vp , haue bladder-cheekes puft out like a swizzers breeches ( yet being prickt , there comes out nothing but wind ) thin-headed fellowes that liue vpon the scraps of inuention , and trauell with such vagrant soules , and so like ghosts in white sheetes of paper , that the statute of rogues may worthily be sued vpon them , because their wits haue no abiding place , and yet wander without a passe-port . alas , poore wenches ( the nine muses ! ) how much are you wrongd , to haue such a number of bastards lying vpō your hands ? but turne them out a begging ; or if you cannot be rid of their riming company ( as i thinke it will be very hard ) then lay your heauie and immortall curse vpon them , that what●oeuer they weaue ( in the motley-loome of their rustie pates ) may like a beggers cloake , be full of stolne patches , and yet neuer a patch like one another , that it may be such true lamentable stuffe , that any honest christian may be sory to see it . banish these word-pirates , ( you sacred mistresses of learning ) into the gulfe of barbarisme : doome them euerlastingly to liue among dunces : let them not once lick their lips at the thespian bowle , but onely be glad ( and thanke apollo for it too ) if hereafter ( as hitherto they haue alwayes ) they may quench their poeticall thirst with small beere . or if they will needes be stealing your heliconian nectar , let them ( like the dogs of nylus , onely lap and away . for this goatish swarme are those ( that where for these many thousand yeares you went for pure maides ) haue taken away your good nemes , these are they that de●lowre your beauties . these are those ranck-riders of art , that haue so spur-gald your lustie winged pegasus , that now he begins to be out of flesh , and ( euen only for prouander sake ) is glad to shew tricks like bancks his curtall . o you bookes-sellers ( that are factors to the liberall sciences ) ouer whose stalles these drones do dayly flye humming ; let homer , hesiod , euripid●s , and some other mad greekes with a band of the latines , lye like musket-shot in their way , when these gothes and getes set vpon you in your paper fortifications ; it is the only canon , vpon whose mouth they dare not venture , none but the english will take their parts , therefore feare them not , for such a strong breath haue thesee chese-eaters , that if they do but blowvpon a booke they imagine straight t is blasted : quod supra nos , nihil ad nos , ( they say ) that which is aboue our capacitie , shall not passe vnder our commendation . yet would i haue these zoilists ( of all other ) to reade me , if euer i should write any thing worthily : for the blame that knowne-fooles heape vpon a deseruing labour , does not discredit the same , but makes wise men more perfectly in loue with it . into such a ones hands therefore if i fortune to fall , i will not shrinke an inch , but euen when his teeth are sharpest , and most ready to bite , i will stop his mouth only with this , haec mala sunt , sed tu , non meliora facis . reader . whereas there stands in the rere-ward of this booke a certaine mingled troope of straunge discourses , fashioned into tales , know , that the intelligence which first brought them to light , was onely slying report : whose tongue ( as it often does ) if in spreading them it haue tript in any materiall point , and either slipt too farre , or falne too short , beare with the error : and the rather , because it is not wilfully committed . neither let any one ( whom those reports shall seeme to touch ) cauill , or complaine of iniury , sithence nothing is set downe by a malitious hand . farewell . the vvonderfull yeare . vertumnus being attired in his accustomed habit of changeable silke , had newly passed through the first and principall court-gate of heauen : to whom for a farewell , and to shewe how dutifull he was in his office , ianus ( that beares two faces vnder one hood ) made a very mannerly lowe legge , and ( because he was the onely porter at that gate ) presented vnto this king of the moneths , all the new-yeares gifts , which were more in number , and more worth then those that are giuen to the great turke , or the emperour of persia : on went vertumnus in his lustie progresse , priapus , flora , the dryades , and ha●●adryades , with all the woodden rabble of those that drest orchards & gardens , perfuming all the wayes that he went , with the swéete odours that breathed from flowers ; hearbes and trées , which now began to péepe out of prison : by vertue of which excellent aires , the skie got a most cleare completion ; lookte s●●g and smoothe , and had not so much as a wart st●●king on her face : the sunne likewise was freshly and very richly apparelled in cloth of gold like a bridegroome , and in stead of gilded rosemary , the hornes of the ramme , ( being the signe of that celestiall bride house where he lay , to be marryed to the spring ) were not like your common hornes parcell gilt , but double double-gilt , with the liquid gold that melted from his beames , for ioy wereof the larke sung at his windowe euery morning , the nightingale euery nighte the cuckooe ( like a single sole fidler , that réeles from tauerne to tauerne ) plide it all the day long : lambes friskte vp and downe in the vallies , kids and goates leapt too and fro on the mountaines : shepheards sat piping , country wenches singing : louers made sonnets for their lasses , whilest they made garlands for their louers : and as the country was frolike , so was the citie mery : oliue trées ( which grow no where but in the garden of peace ) stood ( as common as béech does at midsomer ) at euery mans doore , braunches of palme were in euery mans hand : stréetes were full of people , people full of ioy : euery house séemde to haue a lorde of misrule in it , in euery house there was so much ●ollity : no scritch-owle frighted the silly countryman at midnight , nor any drum the citizen at noone-day ; but all was more calme than a still water , all husht , as if the spheres had bene playing in consort : in conclusion , heauen lookt like a pallace , and the great hall of the earth , like a paradice . but o the short liu'de felicitie of man ! o world of what slight and thin stuffe is thy happinesse ! iust in the midst of this iocund holy-day , a storme rises in the west : westward ( from the toppe of a ritch-mount ) descended a hidious tempest , that shooke cedars , terrified the tallest pines , and cleft in sunder euen the hardest hearts of oake : and if such great trées were shaken , what thinke you became of the tender eglantine , and humble hawthorne ; they could not ( doubtlesse ) but droope , they could not choose but die with the terror . the element ( taking the destinies part , who indéed set abroach this mischiefe ) scowled on the earth , and filling her hie forehead full of blacke wrinckles , tumbling long vp and downe ( like a great bellyed wife ) her sighes being whirlewindes , and her grones thunder , at length she fell in labour , and was deliuered of a pale , meagry , weake child , named sicknesse , whom death ( with a pestilence ) would néedes take vpon him to nurse , and did so . this starueling being come to his full growth , had an office giuen him for nothing ( and that 's a wonder in this age ) death made him his herauld : attirde him like a courtier , and ( in his name ) chargde him to goe into the priuie chamber of the english quéene , to sommon her to appeare in the star-chamber of heauen . the sommons made her start , but ( hauing an inuincible spirit ) did not amaze her : yet whom would not the certaine newes of parting from a king●ome amaze ! but she knewe where to finde a richer , and therefore lightlie regarded the losse of this , and thereupon made readie for that heauenlie coronation , being ( which was most strange ) most dutifull to obay , that had so many yeares so powrefully commaunded . she obayed deaths messenger , and yéelded her body to the hands of death himselfe . she dyed , res●gning her scepter to posteritie , and her soule to immortalitie . to report of her death ( like a thunder-clap ) was able to kill thousands , it tooke away hearts from millions : for hauing brought vp ( euen vnder her wing ) a nation that was almost begotten and borne vnder her ; that neuer shouted any other aue than for her name , neuer sawe the face of any prince but her selfe , neuer vnderstoode what that strange out-landish word change signified : how was it possible , but that her sicknes should throw abroad an vniuersall feare , and her death an astonishment ? she was the courtiers treasure , therefore he had cause to mourne : the lawyers sword of iustice , he might well faint : the merchants patronesse , he had reason to looke pale : the citizens mother , he might best lament : the sepheards goddesse , and should not he droope ? onely the souldier , who had walkt a long time vpon wodden legs , and was not able to giue armes , though he were a gentleman , had brisseld vp the quills of his stiffe porcupine mustachio , and swore by no beggers that now was the houre come for him to be●●irre his stumps : usurers and brokers ( that are the diuels ingles , and dwell in the long-lane of hell ) quak● like aspen leaues at his oathes : those that before were the onely cut-throates in london , now stoode in feare of no other death : but my signior soldado was deceiued , the tragedie went not forward . neuer did the english nation behold so much black worne as there was at her funerall : it was then but put on , to try if it were ●it , for the great day of mourning was set downe ( in the booke of heauen ) to be held afterwards : that was but the dumb shew , the tragicall act hath bene playing ●uer since . her herse ( as it was●borne ) s●emed to be an iland swimming in water , for round about it there rayned showers of teares , about her death-bed none : for her departure was so sudden and so strange , that men knew not how to wéepe , because they had neuer bin taught to shed teares of that making . they that durst not speake their sorrowes , whisperd them : they that durst not whisper , sent them foorth in sighes . oh what an earth-quake is the alteration of a state ! looke from the chamber of presence , to the farmers cottage , and you shall finde nothing but distraction : the whole kingdome s●emes a wildernes , and the people in it are transformed to wild men . the may of a countrey so pitifullie distracted by the horor of a change , if you desire perfectlie to behold , cast your eyes then on this that followes , which being heretofore in priuate presented to the king , i thinke may very worthily shew it selfe before you : and because you shall sée them attirde in the same fashion that they wore before his maiesity , let these fewe lines ( which stood then as prologue to the rest ) enter first into your eares . not for applauses , shallow fooles aduenture , i plunge my verse into a sea of censure , but with a liuer drest in gall , to see so many rookes , catch-polls of poesy , that feede vpon the fallings of hye wit , and put on cast inuentions , most vnfit , for such am i prest forth in shops and stalls , pasted in powles , and on the lawyers walls , for euery basilisk-eyde criticks bait , to kill my verse , or poison my conceit : or some smoakt gallant , who at wit repines , to dry tabacco with my holesome lines , and in one paper sacrifice more braine , than all his ignorant scull could ere containe : but merit dreads no martyrdome , nor stroke , my lines shall liue ▪ when he shall be all smoke . thus farre the prologne , who leauing the stage cléer● , the feares that are bred in th● wombe of this al●ring kingdome do next step vp , acting thus . the great impostume of the realme was draw●e euen to a head : the multitudino●s spawne was the corruption , which did make it swell with hop'd sedition ( the burnt seed of hell . ) who did expect but ruine , blood , and death , to share our kingdome , and diuide our breath . religions without religion , to let each other blood , confusion to be next queene of england , and this yeere the ciuill warres of france to be plaid heere by english-men , ruffians , and pandering slaues , that faine would dig vp gowtie vsurers graues : at such a time , villaines their hopes do honey , and rich men looke as pale as their white money : now they remoue , and make their siluer sweate , casting themselues into a couetous heate , and then ( vnseene ) in the confederate darke , bury their gold , without or priest , or clarke . and say no prayers ouer that dead pelfe , true : gold 's no christian , but an indian elfe . did not the very kingdome seeme to shake her precious massie limbes ? did she not make all english cities ( like her pulses ) beate with people in their veines ? the feare so great , that had it not bene phisickt with rare peace , our populous power had lessend her increase . the spring-time that was dry , had sprung in blood , a greater dearth of men , than e're of foode : in such a panting time , and gasping yeare , victuals are cheapest , only men are deare . now each wise-acred landlord did dispaire , fearing some villaine should become his heire , or that his sonne and heire before his time , should now turne villaine , and with violence clime vp to his life saying father you haue seene king he●ry , edward , mary , and the queene , i wonder you 'le liue longer ! then he tells him hee s loth to see him kild , therfore he kills him , and each vast landlord dyes lyke a poore slaue , their thousand acres makes them but a graue , at such a time great men conuey their treasure into the trusty citie : wayts the leisure of bloud and insurrection , which warre clips , when euery gate shutts vp her iron lips , imagine now a mighty man of dust , standeth in doubt , what seruant he may trust , with plate worth thousands : iewels worth farre more ▪ if he proue false , then his rich lord proues poore : he calls forth one by one , to note their graces , whilst they make legs he copies out their faces , examines their eye-browe , consters their beard , singles their nose out , still he rests afeard : the first that comes by no meanes hee le alow , has spyed three hares starting betweene his brow , quite turnes the word , names it celeritie , for hares do run away , and so may he : a second shewne : him he will scarce behold , his beard 's too red , the colour of his gold : a third may please him , but t is hard to say , a rich man 's pleasde , when his goods part away . and now do cherrup by , fine golden nests of well hatcht bowles : such as do breed in feasts , for warre and death cupboords of plate downe pulls , then bacchus drinkes not in gilt-bowles , but sculls . let me descend and stoope my verse a while , to make the comicke cheeke of poesie smile ; ranck peny-fathers scud ( with their halfe hammes , shadowing their calues ) to saue their siluer dammes , at euery gun they start , tilt from the ground , one drum can make a thousand vsurers sound . in vnsought allies and vnholesome places , back-wayes and by-lanes , where appeare fewe faces , in shamble-smelling roomes , loathsome prospects , and penny-lattice-windowes , which reiects all popularitie : there the rich cubs lurke , when in great houses ruffians are at worke , not dreaming that such glorious booties lye vnder those nasty roofes : such they passe by without a search , crying there 's nought for vs , and wealthie men deceiue poore villaines thus : tongue-trauelling lawyers faint at such a day , lye speechlesse , for they haue no words to say . phisitions turne to patients , their arts dry , for then our fat men without phisick die . and to conclude , against all art and good , warre taints the doctor , le ts the surgion blood . such was the fashion of this land , when the great land-lady thereof left it : shée came in with the fall of the leafe , and went away in the spring : her life ( which was dedicated to uirginitie , both beginning & closing vp a miraculous mayden circle : for she was borne vpon a lady eue , and died vpon a lady eue : her natiuitie & death being memorable by this wonder : the first and last yeares of her raigne by this , that a lee was lords maior when she came to the crowne , and a lee lorde maior when she departed from it . thrée places are made famous by her for thrée things , greenewich for her birth , richmount for her death , white-hall for her funerall : vpon her remouing from whence , ( to lend our tiring prose a breathing time ) stay , and looke vpon these epigrams , being composed , . vpon the queenes last remoue being dead . the queene 's remou'de in solemne sort , yet this was strange , and seldome seene ; the queene vsde to remoue the court , but now the court remou'de the queene . . vpon her bringing by water to white hall. the queene was brought by water to white hall , at euery stroake , the oares ●eares let fall . more clung about the barge : fish vnder water wept out their eyes of pearle , and swom blind after . i thinke the barge-men might with easier thyes haue rowde her thither in her peoples eyes : for howsoe're , thus much my thoughts haue skand , s'had come by water , had she come by land . . vpon her lying dead at white hall. the queene lyes now at white hall dead , and now at white hall liuing , to make this rough obiection euen , dead at white hall at westminster , but liuing at white hall in heauen . thus you sée that both in her life and her death shée was appointed to bee the mirror of her time : and surely , if since the first stone that was layd for the foundation of this great house of the world , there was euer a yeare ordained to be wondred at , it is only this : the sibils , octogesimus , octauus annus , that same terrible . which came sayling hither in the spanish armado , and made mens hearts colder then the frozen zone , when they heard but an inckling of it : that . by whose horrible predictions , almanack-makers stood in bodily feare their trade would bée vtterly ouerthrowne , and poore erra pater was threatned ( because he was a iew ) to be put to ●aser offices , than the stopping of mustard●pots : that same . which had more prophecies waiting at his héeles , thā euer merlin the magitian had in his head , was a yeare o● iubile to this . platoes mirabilis annu● , ( whether it be past alreadie , or to come within these foure yeares ) may throwe platoes cap at mirabilis , for that title of wonderfull is bestowed vpon . if that sacred aromatically persumed fire of wit ( out of whose flames phoenix poesie doth arise ) were burning in any brest , i would féede it with no other stuffe for a twelue-moneth and a day than with kindling papers full of lines , that should tell only of the chances , changes , and strange shapes that this protean climactericall yeare hath metamorphosed himselfe into . it is able to finde ten chroniclers a competent liuing , and to set twentie printers at worke . you shall perceiue i lye not , if ( with peter bales ) you will take the paines to drawe the whole volume of it into the compasse of a pennie . as first , to begin with the quéenes death , then the kingdomes falling into an ague vpon that . next , followes the curing of that feauer by the holesome receipt of a proclaymed king. that wonder begat more , for in an houre , two mightie nations were made one : wilde ireland became tame on the sudden , and some english great ones that before séemed tame , on the sudden turned wilde : the same parke which great iulius caesar inclosed , to hold in that déere whome they before hunted , being now circled ( by a second caesar ) with stronger pales to kéepe them from leaping ouer . and last of all ( if that wonder be the last and shut vp the yeare ) a most dreadfull plague . this is the abstract , and yet ( like stowes chronicle of decimo sexto to huge hollinshead ) these small pricks in this set-card of ours , represent mightie countreys ; whilst i haue the quill in my hand , let me blow them bigger . the quéene being honoured with a diademe of starres , france , spaine , and belg●a , lift vp their heads , preparing to do as much for england by giuing ayme , whilst she shot arrowes at her owne brest ( as they imagined ) as she had done ( many a yeare together ) for them : and her owne nation betted on their sides , looking with distracted countenance for no better guests than ciuill sedition , uprores , rapes , murders , and massacres . but the whéele of fate turned , a better lottery was drawne , pro troia stabat apol●o , god stuck valiantlie to vs. for behold , vp rises a comfortable sun out of the north , whose glorious beames ( like a fan ) dispersed all thick and contagious clowdes . the losse of a quéene , was paid with the double interest of a king and quéene . the cedar of her gouernment which stood alone and bare no fruit , is changed now to an oliue , vpon whose spreading branches grow both kings and quéenes , oh it were able to still a hundred paire of writing tables with notes , but to sée the parts plaid in the compasse of one houre on the stage of this new-found world ! upon thursday it was treason to cry god saue king iames king of england , and vppon friday hy● treason not to cry so . in the morning no voice heard but murmures and lamentation , at noone nothing but shoutes of gladnes & triumpe . s. george and s. andrew that many hundred yeares had de●●●d one another , were now sworne brothers : england and scotland ( being parted only with a narrow riuer , and the people of both empires speaking a language lesse differing than english within it selfe , as the prouidence had enacted , that one day those two nations should marry one another ) are now made sure together , and king iames his coronation , is the solemne wedding day . happiest of all thy ancestors ( thou mirror of all princes that euer were or are ) that at seauen of the clock wert a king but ouer a péece of a little iland , and before eleuen the greatest monarch in christendome . now — siluer crowds of blisfull angels and tryed marytrs tread on the star-●eeling ouer englands head : now heauen broke into a wonder , and brought forth our omne bonum from the holesome north ( our fruitfull souereigne ) iamns , at whose dread name rebellion swounded , and ( ere since ) became groueling and nerue-lesse , wanting blo●d to nourish , for ruine gnawes her selfe when kingdomes flourish , nor are our hopes planted in regall springs , neuer to wither , for our aire breedes kings : and in all ages ( from this soueraigne time ) england shall still be calde the royall clime . most blisfull monarch of all earthen powers , seru'd with a messe of kingdomes , foure such bowers ( for prosperous hiues , and rare industrious swarmes ) the world containes not in her solid armes . o thou that art the meeter of our dayes , poets apollo ! deale thy daphnean bayes to those whose wits are bay-trees , euer greene , vpon whose hye tops , poesie chirps vnseene : such are most fit , t'apparell kings in rimes , whose siluer numbers are the muses chimes , whose spritely caracters ( being once wrought on ) out-liue the marble th' are insculpt vpon : let such men chaunt thy vertue , then they flye on learnings wings vp to eternitie . as for the rest , that limp ( in cold desert ) hauing small wit , lesse iudgement , and least art : their verse ! t is almost heresie to heare , banish their lines some furlong , from thine eare : for t is held dang'rous ( by apolloes signe ) to be infected with a leaprous line ▪ o make some adamant act ( n'ere to be worne ) that none may write but those that are true-borne : so when the worlds old cheekes shall race and peele , thy acts shall breath in epitaphs of steele . by these comments it appeares that by this time ling iames is proclaimed : now does fresh blood leape into the chéekes of the courtier : the souldier now hangs vp his armor , and is glad that he shall féede vpon the blessed fruites of peace : the scholler sings hymnes in honor of the muses , assuring himselfe now that helicon will bée kept pure , because apollo himselfe drinkes of it . now the thriftie citizen casts beyond the moone , and séeing the golden age returned into the world againe , resolues to worship no saint but money . trades that lay dead & rotten , and were in all mens opinion vtterly dambd , started out of their trance , as though they had drunke of aqua caelestis , or unicornes horne , and swore to fall to their olde occupations . taylors meant no more to be called merchant-taylors , but merchants , for their shops were all lead foorth in leases to be turned into ships , and with their sheares ( in stead of a rudder ) would they haue cut the seas ( like leuant taffaty ) and sayld to the west indies for no worse stuffe to make hose and doublets of , than beaten gold : or if the necessitie of the time ( which was likely to stand altogether vpon brauery ) should presse them to serue with their iron and spanish weapons vpon their stalls , then was there a sharpe law made amongst them , that no workman should handle any néedle but that which had a pearle in his eye , nor any copper thimble , vnlesse it were linde quite through , or bumbasted with siluer . what mechanicall hardhanded uulcanist ( séeing the dice of fortune run so swéetly , and resoluing to strike whilst the iron was hote ) but perswaded himselfe to bée maister or head warden of the company ere halfe a yeare went about ? the worst players boy stood vpon his good parts , swearing tragicall and busking oathes , that how vilainously soeuer he randed , or what bad and vnlawfull action soeuer he entred into , he would in despite of his honest audience , be halfe a sharer ( at least ) at home , or else strowle ( that 's to say trauell ) with some notorious wicked sloundring company abroad . and good reason had these time-catchers to be led into this fooles paradice , for they sawe mirth in euery mans face , the stréetes were plumd with gallants , tabacconists fild vp whole tauernes : uintners hung our spicke and span new iuy bushes ( because they wanted good wine ) and their old raine-beaten lattices marcht vnder other cullors , hauing lost both company and cullors before . london was neuer in the high way to preferment till now ; now she resolued to stand vpon her pantoffles : now ( and neuer till now ) did she laugh to scorne that worme-eaten prouerbe of lincolne was , london is , & yorke shall bée , for she saw her selfe in better state then ierusalem , she went more gallant then euer did antwerp , was more courted by amorous and lustie suiters then venice ( the minion of italy ) more loftie towers stood ( like a coronet , or a spangled head-tire ) about her temples , then euer did about the beautifull forehead of rome : tyrus and sydon to her were like two thatcht houses , to theobals : y e grand cayr but a hogsty . hinc illae lachrimae , she wept her belly full for all this . whilst troy was swilling sack and sugar , and mowsing ●at venison , the made gréekes made bonefires of their houses : old priam was drinking a health ●o the wooden horse , and before it could be pledgd had his throat cut . corne is no sooner ripe , but for all the pricking vp of his eares hée is pard off by the shins , and made to goe vpon stumps . flowers no sooner budded , but they are pluckt vp and dye . night walks at the héeles of the day , and sorrow enters ( like a tauerne-bill ) at the taile of our pleasures : for in the appenine heigth of this immoderate ioy and securitie ( that like powles stéeple ouer lookt the whole citie ) behold , that miracle-worker , who in one minute ●urnd our generall mourning to a generall mirth , does nowe againe in a moment alter tha● gladnes to shrikes & lamentation . here would i faine make a full point , because posteritie should not be frighted with those miserable tragedies , which now my muse ( as chorus ) stands ready to present . time would thou hadst neuer bene made wretched by bringing them forth : obliuion would in all the graues and sepulchres , whose ranke iawes thou hast already closo vp , or shalt yet hereafter burst open , thou couldst likewise bury them for euer . a stiffe and fréezing horror sucks vp the riuers of my blood : my haire stands an ende with the panting of my braines : mine eye balls are ready to start out , being beaten with the billowes of my teares : out of my wéeping pen does the inck mournefully and more bitterly than gall drop on the pale●ac'd paper , euen when i do but thinke how the bowels of my sicke country haue bene torne , apollo therefore and you bewitching siluer-tongd muses , get you gone , inuocate none of your names : sorrow & truth , sit you on each side of me , whilst i am deliuered of this deadly burden : prompt me that i may vtter ruthfull and passionate condolement : arme my trembling hand , that it may boldly rip vp and anotimize the v●cerous body of this anthropophagized plague : lend me art ( without any counterfeit shadowing ) to paint and delineate to the life the whole story of this mortall and pestifero●s battaile , & you the ghosts of those more ( by many ) then . that with the vir●lent poison of infection haue bene driuen out of your earthly dwellings : you desolate hand-wringing widowes , that beate your bosomes ouer your departing husbands : you wofully distracted mothers that with disheueld haire falne into swounds , whilst you lye kissing the insensible cold lips of your breathlesse infants : you out-cast and downe-troden orphanes , that shall many a yeare hence remember more freshly to mourne , when your mourning garments shall looke olde and be for gotten ; and you the genij of all those emptyed families , whose habitations are now among the antipodes : ioyne all your hands together , and with your bodies cast a ring about me : let me behold your ghastly vizages , that my paper may receiue their true pictures : eccho forth your grones through the hollow truncke of my pen , and raine downe your gummy teares into mine incke , that euen marble bosomes may be shaken with terrour , and hearts of adamant melt into compassion . what an vnmatchable torment were it for a man to be ●ard vp euery night in a vast silent charnell-house ? hung ( to make it more hideous ) with lamps dimly & slowly burning , in hollow and glimmer●ng corners : where all the pauement should in stead of gréene rushes , be strewde with blasted rosemary : withered hyacinthes , fatall cipresse and ewe , thickly mingled with heapes of dead mens bones : the bare ribbes of a father that begat him , lying there : here the chaplesse hollow scull of a mother that bore him : round about him a thousand coarses , some standing bolt vpright in their knotted winding shéetes : others halfe mouldred in rotten coffins , that should suddenly yawne wide open , filling his nosthrils with noysome stench , and his eyes with the sight of nothing but crawling wormes . and to kéepe such a poore wretch waking , he should heare no noise but of toads croaking , screech-owles howling , mandrakes shriking : were not this an infernall prison ? would not the strongest , harted man ( beset with such a ghastly horror ) looke wilde ? and runne madde ? and die ? and euen such a formidable shape did the diseased citie appeare in : for he that durst ( in the dead houre of gloomy midnight ) haue bene so valiant , as to haue walkt through the still and melancholy stréets , what thinke you should haue bene his musicke ? surely the loude grones of rauing sicke men : the strugling panges of soules departing : in euery house griefe striking vp an allarum : seruants crying out for maisters : wiues for husbands , parents for children , children for their mothers : here he should haue met some frantickly running to knock vp sextons ; there , others fearfully sweating with coffins , to steale forth dead bodies , least the fatall hand-writing of death should seale vp their doores . and to make this dismall consort more full , round about him bells heauily folling in one place , and ringing out in another : the dreadfulnesse of such an houre , is in vtterable : let vs goe further . if some poore man , suddeinly starting out of a swéete and golden slumber , should behold his house flaming about his eares , all his family destroied in their sléepes by the mercilesse fire ; himselfe in the very midst of it , wofully and like a madde man calling for helpe : would not the misery of such a distressed soule , appeare the greater , if the rich usurer dwelling next doore to him , should not stirre , ( though he felt part of the danger ) but suffer him to perish , when the thrusting out of an arme might haue saued him ? o how many thousands of wretched people ha●e acted this poore mans part ? how often hath the amazed husband waking , ●ound the comfort of his bedde lying breathlesse by his side ! his children at the same instant gasping for life ! and his seruants mortally wounded at the hart by sicknes ! the distracted creature , beats at death doores , exclaimes at windowes , his cries are sharp inough to pierce heauen , but on earth no ●are is opend to receiue them . and in this maner do the tedious minutes of the night stretch out the sorrowes of ten thousand : it is now day , let vs looke forth and try what consolation rizes with the sun : not any , not any : for before the iewell o● the morning be fully set in siluer , hundred hungry graues stand gaping , and euery one of them ( as at a breakfast ) hath swallowed downe ten or eleuen liuelesse carcases : before dinner , in the same gul●e are twice so many more deuoured : and before the sun takes his rest , those numbers are doubled : thréescore that not many houres before had euery one seuerall lodgi●gs very delicately furnisht , are now thrust altogether into one close roome : a litie noisome roome : not fully ten foote square . doth not this strike coldly to y e hart of a worldly mizer ? to some , the very sound of deaths name , is in stead of a passing-bell : what shall become of such a coward , being told that the selfe●same bodie of his , which now is so pampered with superfluous fare , so per●umed and bathed in odoriferous waters , and so gaily apparelled in varietie of fashiōs , must one day be throwne ( like stinking carion ) into a rank & rotten graue ; where his goodly eies , y ● did once shoote foorth such amorous gla●ces , must be beaten out of his head : his lockes that hang wantonly dangling , troden in durt vnder-foote : this doubtlesse ( like thunder ) must néeds strike him into the earth . but ( wretched man ! ) when thou shalt sée , and be assured ( by tokens sent thée from heauen ) that to morrow thou must be tumbled into a mucke-pit , and s●ffer thy body to be bruisde and prest with thréescore dead men , lying ●louenly vpon thée , and thou to be vndermost of all ! yea and perhaps halfe of that number were thine enemies ! ( and sée howe they may be reuenged , for the wormes that bréed out of their putrifying carkasses , shall crawle in huge swarmes from them , and quite deuoure thée ) what agonies will this strange newes driue thée into ? if thou art in loue with thy selfe , this cannot choose but possesse thée with frenzie . but thou art gotten safe ( out of the ciuill citie calamitie ) to thy parkes and pallaces in the country , lading thy asses and thy mules with thy gold , ( thy god ) , thy plate , and thy iewels : and the fruites of thy wombe thriftily growing vp but in one onely sonne , ( the young landlord of all thy carefull labours ) him also hast thou rescued from the arrowes of infection ; now is thy soule iocund , and thy sences merry . but open thine eyes thou foole and behold that darling of thine eye , ( thy sonne ) turnd suddeinly into a lumpe of clay ; the hand of pestilence hath smote him euen vnder thy wing : now doest thou rent thine haire , blaspheme thy creator , cursest thy creation , and basely descendest into bruitish & vnmanly passions , threatning in despite of death & his plague , to maintaine the memory of thy childe , in the euerlasting brest of marble : a tombe must now defen● him from tempests : and for that purpose , the swetty hinde ( that digs the rent he paies thée out of the entrailes of the earth ) he is sent for , to conuey foorth that burden of thy sorrow : but no●e how thy pride is disdained : that weather-beaten sun-burnt drudge , that not a month since fawnd vpon thy worship like a spaniell , and like a bond-slaue , would haue stoopt lower than thy féete , does now stoppe his nose at thy presence , and is readie to set his mastiue as hye as thy throate , to driue thée from his doore : all thy golde and siluer cannot hire one of those ( whom before thou didst scorne ) to carry the dead body to his last home : the country round about thee shun thée , as a basiliske , and therefore to london ( from whose armes thou cowardly fledst away ( poast vpon poast must be galloping , to fetch from thence those that may performe that funerall office : but there are they so full of graue-matters of their owne , that they haue no leisure to attend thine : doth not this cut thy very heart-strings in sunder ? if that doe not , the shutting vp of the tragicall act , i am sure will : for thou must be inforced with thine owne handes , to winde vp ( that blasted flower of youth ( in the last linnen , that euer he shall weare : vpon thine owne shoulders must thou beare part of him , thy amazed seruant the other : with thine owne hands must thou dig his graue , ( not in the church , or common place of buriall , ) thou hast not fauour ( for all thy riches ) to be so happie , ) but in thine orcharde , or in the proude walkes of thy garden , wringing thy palsie-shaking hands in stead of belles , ( most miserable father ) must thou search him out a sepulcher . my spirit growes faint with rowing in this stygian ferry , it can no longer endure the transportation of soules in this dolefull manner : let vs therefore shift a point of our compasse , and ( since there is no remedie , but that we must still bée tost vp and downe in this mare mortuum ) hoist vp all our sailes , and on the merry winges of a lustier winde séeke to arriue on some prosperous shoare . imagine then that all this while , death ( like a spanish leagar , or rather like stalking tamberlaine ) hath pitcht his tents , ( being nothing but a heape of winding shéetes tackt together ) in the sinfully-polluted suburbes : the plague is muster-maister and marshall of the field : burning feauers , boyles , blaines , and carbuncles , the leaders , lieutenants , serieants , and corporalls : the maine army consisting ( like dunkirke ) of a mingle-mangle , viz. dumpish mourners , merry sextons , hungry coffin-sellers , scrubbing bearers , and nastie graue-makers : but indéed they are the pioners of the campe , that are imployed onely ( like moles ) in casting vp of earth and digging of trenches ; feare and trembling ( the two catch-polles of death ) arrest euery one : no parley will be graunted , no composition stood vpon , but the allarum is strucke vp , the toxin ringes out for life , and no voyce heard but tue , tue , kill , kill ; the little belles onely ( like small shot ) d●e yet go● off , and make no great worke for wormes , a hundred or two l●st in euery skirmish , or so : but alas that 's nothing : yet by those desperat sallies , what by open setting vpon them by day , and secret ambuscadoes by night , the skirts of london were pittifully pared off , by litle and litle : which they within the gates perceiuing , it was no bo●t to bid them take their héeles , for away they trudge thick and thréefold ; some riding , some on foote : some without bootes , some in their slippers , by water , by land , in shoales swo● they west-ward , mary to grauesend none went vnlesse they be driuen , for whosoeuer landed there neuer came back again : hacknies , water-men & wagon● , were not so terribly imployed many a yeare ; so that within a short time , there was not a good horse in smith-field , nor a coach to be set eye on . for after the world had once run vpon the whéeles of the pest-cart , neither coach nor caroach durst appeare in his likenesse . let vs pursue these runnawayes no longer , but leaue them in the vnmercifull hands of the country-hard-hearted hobbinolls , ( who are ordaind to be their tormentors , ) and returne backe to the stege of the citie ; for the enemie taking aduantage by their ●●ight , planted his ordinance against the walls ; here the canons ( like their great bells ) roard : the plague tooke sore paines for a breach ; he laid about him cruelly , ere he could get it , but at length he and his tiranous band entred : his purple colour● were presently ( with the sound of bow-bell in stead of a trompet ) aduanced , and ioynd to the standard o● the citie ; he marcht euen thorow cheapside , and the capitall stréets of troynouant : the only bl●t of dishonor that struck vpon this inuader , being this , that he● plaid● the tyrant , not the conqueror , making ha●ocke of all , when h● had all lying at the foote of his mercy . men , women & children dropt downe before him : houses were ri●led , stréetes 〈◊〉 , beautifull maidens throwne on their beds , and rauisht by sicknes : rich mens cofers broken open , and shared amongst prodigall heires and vnthri●tie seruants : poore men vsde poorely , but not pittifully : he did very much hurt , yet some say he did very much good . howsoeuer he behaued himselfe , this intelligence runs currant , that euery house lookte like s. bartholmewes hospitall , and euery stréete like bucklersbury , for poore methrid●tum and dragon-water ( being both of them in all the world , scarce worth thrée-pence ) were ●oxt in euery corner , and yet were both drunk● euery houre at other mens cost . lazarus laie groning at euery mans doore , mary no diues was within to send him a cru● , ( for all your gold-●●nches were fled to the woods ) nor a dogge left 〈◊〉 licke vp his sores , for they ( like curres ) were knockt downe like oxen , and fell thicker then acornes . i am amazed to remember what dead marches were made of thrée thousand trooping together ; husbands , wiues & children , being led as ordinarily to one graue , as if they had gone to one bed . and those that ●ould shift for a time , and shrink their heads out of the collar ( as many did ) yet went they ( most bitterly ) miching and muffled vp & downe with rue and wormewood ●●utt into their ●ares and nosthrils , looking like so many bores heads stuck with branches of rosemary , to be serued in for brawne at christmas . this was a rare worlde for the church , who had wont to complaine for want of liuing , and now had more liuing thrust vpon her , than she knew how to bestow : to haue bene clarke now to a parish clarke , was better then to serue some foolish iustic● of peace , or than the yeare before to haue had a bene●ice . sextons gaue out , if they might ( as they hoped ) continue these doings but a tweluemoneth longer , they and their posteritie would all ryde vppon footecloathes to the ende of the world . amongst which worme-eaten generation , the thrée bald sextons of limpi●g saint gyles , saint sepulchres , and saint olaues , rulde the roaste more hotly , than euer did the triumuiri of rome ▪ iehochanan , symeon , and eleazar , neuer kept such a plaguy coyle in ierusalem among the hunger-starued iewes , as these thrée sharkers did in their parishes among naked christians . cursed they were i am sure by some to the pitte of hell , for tearing money out of their throates , that had not a crosse in their purses . but alas● they must haue it , it is their fee , and therefore giue the diuell his due : onely hearbe-wiues and gardeners ( that neuer prayed before , vnlesse it were for raine or faire weather , were now day and night vppon their marybones , that god would blesse the labors of those mole-catchers , because they sucke sweetnesse by this ; for the price of ●low●rs , hearbes and garlands , rose wonderfully , in so much that rosemary which had wont to be sold for . pence an armefull , went now for six shillings a handfull . a fourth sharer likewise ( these winding-shéete-weauers ) deserues to haue my penne giue his lippes a iewes letter , but because he worships the bakers good lord & maister , charitable s. clement ( whereas none of the other thrée euer had to do with any saint ) he shall scape the better ▪ only let him take heede , that hauing all this yeare buried his praiers in the bellies of fat ones , and plump capon-eaters , ( for no worse meat would downe this bly-foxes stomach ) let him i say take héee least ( his flesh now falling away , his carcas be not plagude with leane ones , of whom ( whilst the ●ill of lord haue mercy vpon vs , was to be denied in no place ) it was death for him to heare . in this pittifull ( or rather pittilesse ) perplexitie stood london ; forsaken like a louer , forlorne like a widow , and disarmde of all comfort : disarmde i may well say , for fiue rapiers were not stirring all this time , and those that were worne , had neuer bin séene , if any money could haue bene lent vpon them , so hungry is the estridge disease , that it will ●euoure euen iron : let vs therefore with bag & baggage march away from this dangerous sore citie , and visit those that are fled into the country . but alas ! decidis in scyllam , you are pepperd if you visit them , for they are visited alreadie : the broad arrow of death , flies there vp & downe , as swiftly as it doth here : they that rode on the lust●est geldings , could not out-gallop the plague , it ouer-tooke them , and ouerturnd them too , horse and foote . you whom the arrowes of pestilence haue reache at eightéen and twenty score ( tho you stood far enough as you thought frō the marke ( you that sickning in the hie way , would haue bene glad of a bed in an hospitall , and dying in the open fieldes , haue bene buried like dogs , how much better had it bin for you , to haue ly●●●uller of byles & plague-sores than euer did iob , so you might in that extremity haue receiued both bodily & spiritual comfort , which there was denied you ? for those misbeléeuing pagans , the plough-driuers , those worse then infidels , that ( like their ▪ swine neuer looke vp so high as heauen : when citizens boorded them they wrung their hands , and wisht rather they had falne into the hands of spaniards : for the sight of a flat-cap was more dreadfull to a lob , then the discharging of a caliuer : a treble-ruffe ( being but once named the merchants set ) had power to cast a whole houshold into a cold sweat . if one new suite of sackcloth had béene but knowne to haue come out of burchin-lane ( being the common wardrope for all their clowne-ships ) it had béene enough to make a market towne giue vp the ghost . a crow that had béene séene in a sunne-shine day , standing on the top of powles , would haue béene better than a beacon on sire , to hau● raizd all the townes within ten miles of london , for the kéeping her out . neuer let any man aske me what became of our phisitions in this massacre , they hid their synodicall heads aswell as the prowdest : and i cannot blame them , for their phlebotomies , lo●inges , and electuaries , with their di●catholicons , diacodions , amulets , and antidotes , had not so much strength to hold life and soule together , as a pot of pinders ale and a nutmeg : their drugs turned to durst , their simples where simple things : galen could do no more good , than sir giles goosecap : hipocrates , auicen , paraselsus , rasis , fernelius , with all their succéeding rabble of doctors and water-casters , were at their wite end , or i thinke rather at the worlds end , for no● one of them durst péepe abroad ; or if any one did take vpon him to play the ventrous knight , the plague pu● him to his nonpl●s ; in such strange , and such changeable shapes did this camel●onlike si●k●es appeare , that they could not ( with all the cunning in their budgets ) make pursen●ts to take him napping . onely a band of desper-vewes , some fewe empiricall mad-caps ( for they could neuer be worth veluet caps ) tu●ned themselues into bées ( or more properly into drones ) and went humming vp and downe , with hony-brags in their mouthes , sucking the swéetnes of siluer ( and now and then of aurum potabile ) out of the poison of blaines and carbuncles : and these iolly mountibanks clapt vp their bils vpon euery po●t ( like a fencers challenge ) threatning to canuas the plague , and to ●●ght with him at all his owne seuerall weapons : i know not how they sped , but some they sped i am sure , for i haue heard ●hem band for the heauens , because they sent those thither , that were wisht to tarry longer vpon earth . i could in this place make your chéekes looke pale , and your hearts shake , with telling how some haue had ▪ sores at one time running vpon them , others . and . many . and . and how those that haue bin foure times wounded by this yeares infection , haue dyed of the last wound , whilst others ( that wer● hurt as often ) goe vp and downe now with sounder limmes , then many that come out of france , and the nether-lands . and descending from these , i could draw forth a catalogue of many poore wretches , that in fieldes , in ditches , in common cages , and vnder stalls ( being either thrust by cruell maister● out of doores , or wanting all worldly succour but the common benefit of earth and aire ) haue most miserably perished . but to chronicle these would weary a second fabian . we will therefore play the souldiers , who at the end of any notable battaile , with a kind of sad delight rehearse the memorable acts of their friends that lye mangled before them : some shewing how brauely they gaue the onset : some , how politickly they retirde : others , how manfully they gaue and receiued wounds : a fourth steps forth , and glories how valiantly hée lost an arme : all of them making ( by this meanes ) the remembrance euen of tragicall and mischieuous euents very delectable . let vs striue to do so , discoursing ( as it were at the end of this mortall stege of the plague ) of the seuerall most worthy accidents , and strange birthes which this pestiferous yeare hath brought ●oorthsome of them yéelding comicall and ridiculous stuffe , others lamentable : a third kind , vpholding rather admiration , then laughter or pittie . as first , to rellish the pallat of lickerish expectation , and withall to giue an item how sudden a stabber this ruffianly swaggerer ( death ) is , you must belée●e , that amongst all the weary number of those that ( on their bare féete ) haue trauaild ( in this long and heauie vocation ) to the holy-land , one ( whose name i could for néede bestow vpon you ) but that i know you haue no néed of it , tho many want a good name ) lying in that cōmon inn● of sick-men , his bed , & séeing the black & blew stripes of the plague sticking on his flesh , which he receiued as tokens ( from heauen ) that he was presently to goe dwell in the vpper world , most earnestly requested , and in a manner coniured his friend ( who came to enterchange a last farewell ) that hée would see him goe handsomely attirde into the wild irish countrey of wormes , and for that purpose to bestow a coffin vpon him : his friend louing him ( not because he was poore ( yet he was poore ) but because hee was a scholler : alack that the west indies stand so farre from uniuersities ! and that a minde richly apparelled should haue a thréed-bare body ! ) made faithfull promise to him , that he should be naild vp , he would boord him , and for that purpose went instantly to one of the new-found trade of coffin-cutters , bespake one , and ( like the surueyour of deaths buildings ) gaue direction how this little tenement should be framed , paying all the rent for it before hand . but note vpon what slippery ground , life goes ! l●ttle did he thinke to dwell in that roome himselfe which he had taken for his friend : yet it seemed the common law of mortalitie had so decréede , for hée was cald into the colde companie of his gra●e neighbours an houre before his infected friend , and had a long lease ( euen till doomes day ) in the same lodging , which in the strength of health he went to prepare for another . what credit therefore is to be giuen to breath , which like an harlot will runne away with euery minute . how nimble is sickenesse , and what skill hath he in all the weapons he playes withall ? the greatest cutter that takes vp the mediterranean i le in powles for his gallery to walke in , cannot ward off his blowes . hée s the best fencer in the world : vincentio sauiolo is no body to him : he has his mandrit●aes , imbrocataes , stramazones , and s●occataes at his ●ingers ends : hee le make you giue him ground , though y● were neuer worth foote of land , and beat you out of breath , though aeolus himselfe plai● vpō your wind-pipe . to witnes which , i will call forth a dutch-man ( yet now hée s past calling for , has lost his hearing , for his eares by this time are eaten off with wormes ) who ( though hée dwell in bedlem ) was not mad , yet the very lookes of the plague ( which indéed are terrible ) put him almost out of his wits , for when the snares of this cunning hunter ( the pestilence ) were but newly . layd , and yet layd ( as my dutch-man semlt it out well enough ) to intrap poore mens liues that meant him no hurt , away sneakes my clipper of the kings english , and ( because musket-shot should not reach him ) to the low-countries ( that are built vpon butter●irkins , and holland chéese ) sailes this plaguie fugitiue , but death , ( who hath more authoritie there than all the seauen electors , and to shew him that there were other low-countrey besides his owne ) takes a little frokin ( one of my dutch runnawayes children ) and sends her packing , into those netherlands shée departed : o how pitifully lookt my burgomaister , when he vnderstood that the sicknes could swim ! it was an easie matter to scape the donkirks , but deaths gallyes made out after him swifter then the great turkes . which he perceiuing , made no more adoo , but drunke to the states fiue or sixe healths ( because he would be sure to liue well ) and backe againe comes he , to try the strength of english béere : his old randeuous of mad-men was the place of meeting , where he was no sooner arriued , but the plague had him by the backe , and arrested him vpon an exeat regnum , ●or running to the enemie , so that for the mad tricks he plaid to cozen our english wormes of his dutch carkas ( which had béene fatted héere ) sicknesse and death clapt him vp in bedlem the second time , and there he lyes , and there he shall lye till he rot before i le meddle any more of with him . but being gotten out of bedlem , let vs make a iourney to bristow , taking an honest knowne citizen along with vs , who with other company trauailing thither ( onely for feare the aire of london should conspire to poison him ) and setting vp his rest not to heare the sound of bow-bell till next christmas , was notwithstanding in the hye way singled out from his company , and set vpon by the plague , who had him stand , and deliuer his life . the rest at that word shifted for themselues , and went on , hée ( amazed to sée his friends flye , and being not able to defend himselfe , for who can defend himselfe meeting such an enemy ? ) yéelded , and being but about fortie miles from london , vsed all the slights he could to get loose out of the handes of death , and so to hide himselfe in his owne house , whereupon , he calld for help at the same inne , where not long before he and his fellowe pilgrimes obtained for their money ( mary yet with more prayers then a beggar makes in thrée termes ) to stand and drinke some thirtie foote from the doore . to this house of tipling iniquitie hée repaires againe , coniuring the lares or walking sprites in it , if it were christmas ( that it was well put in ) and in the name of god , to succor and rescue him to their power out of the handes of infection , which now assaulted his body : the diuell would haue bene afraid of this coniuration , but they were not , yet afraid they were it séemed , for presently the doores had their woodden ribs crusht in pieces , by being beat●n together : the casements were shut more close than an usurers greasie veluet powch : the drawing windowes were hangd , drawne , and quartred : not a creuis but was stopt , not a mouse-hole left open , for all the holes in the house were most wickedly dambd vp : mine hoste and hostesse ranne ouer one another into the backe-side , the maydes into the orchard , quiuering and quaking , and ready to hang themselues on the innocent plumb trées ( for hanging to them would not be so sore a death as the plague , and to die maides too ! o horrible ! ) as for the tapster , he fled into the cellar , rapping out fiue or sixe plaine countrey oathes , that hée would drowne himselfe in a most villanous stand of ale , if the sicke londoner stoode at the doore any longer . but stand there he must , for to go away ( well ) he cannot , but continues knocking and calling in a faint voyce , which in their eares sounded , as if some staring ghost in a tragedie had exclaimd vpon rhadamanth : he might knocke till his hands akte , and call till his heart akte for they were in a worse pickle within , then hée was without : hée being in a good way to go to heauen , they being so frighted , that they scarce knew whereabout heauen stoode , onely they all cryed out , lord haue mercie vpon vs , yet lord haue mercy vpon vs was the only thing they feared . the dolefull catastrophe of all is , a bed could not be had for all babilon : not a cup of drinke , no , nor cold water be gotten , though it had 〈◊〉 or alexander the great : 〈◊〉 a draught of aqua●v●tae might haue saued his soule , the towne denyed to do god that good seruice . what miserie continues euer ? the poore man standing thu● at deaths doore , and looking euery minute when he should bee let in , behold , another londoner that had likewise bene in the frigida zona of the countrey , and was returning ( like aeneas out of hell ) to the heauen of his owne home , makes a stand at this sight , to play the physition , and seeing by the complexion of his patient that he was sicke at heart , applies to his soule the best medicines that his comforting spéech could make , for there dwell no poticary néere enough to helpe his body . being therefore driuen out of all other shi●tes , he leads him into a field ( a bundle of stawe , which with much adoe he bought for money , seruing in stead of a pillow . ) but the destinies hearing the diseased partie complaine and take on , because hée lay in a field●bedde , when before hee would haue beene glad of a mattresse , for very spight cut the threade of his life , the crueltie of which déede made the other that playd charities part ) at his wittes end , because hée knew not where to purchase tenne foote of ground for his graue : the church nor churchyard would let none of their lands . maister uiear was strucke dumbe , and could not giue the dead a good word , neither clarke nor sexton could be hired to execute their office ; no , they themselues would first be executed : so that he that neuer handled shouell before , got his implements about him , ripped vp the belly of the earth , and made it like a graue , stript the colde carcasse , bound his shirt about his téete , pulled a linnen night cappe ouer his eyes , and so layde him in the rotten bedde of the earth , couering him with cloathes cut out of the same piece : and learning by his last words his name and habitation , this sad trauailer arriues at london , deliuering to the amazed widdow and children , in stead of a father and a husband , onely the out-side of him , his apparell . but by the way note one ●hing , the bringer of these heauy tydings ( as if he had liued long enough when so excellent a worke of pietie and pittie was by him finished ) the very next day after his comming home , d●parted out of this world , to receiue his reward in the spirituall court of heauen . it is plaine therefore by the euidence of these two witnesses , that death , like a thiefe , sets vpon men in the hie way , dogs them into their owne houses , breakes into their bed chambers by night , assaults them by day , and yet no law can take hold of him : he deuoures man and wife : offers violence to their faire daughters : kils their youthf●ll sonnes , and deceiues them of their seruants : yea , so full of trecherie is he growne ( since this plague tooke his part ) that no louers dare trust him , nor by their good wils would come neare him , for he workes their downfall , euen when their delights are at the highest . too ripe a proofe haue we of this , in a paire of louers ; the maide was in the pride of fresh bloud and beautie : she was that which to be now is a wonder , yong and yet chaste : the gifts of her mind were great , yet those which fortune bestowed vpon her ( as being well descended ) were not much inferiour : on this louely creature did a yong man so stedfastly ●ixe his eye , that her lookes kindled in his bosome a desire , whose ●●ames burnt the more brightly , because they were fed with swéet and modest thoughts : hymen was the god to whome he prayed day and night that he might marry her : his praiers were receiued , at length ( after many tempests of her deniall , and frownes of kinsfolk ) the element grew cléere , & he saw y e happy landing place , where he had long sought to ariue : the prize of her youth was made his own , and the solemne day appointed when it should be deliuered to him . glad of which blessednes ( for to a louer it is a blessednes ) he wrought by all the possible art he could vse to shorten the expected houre , and bring it néerer : for , whether he feared the interception of parents , or that his owne soule , with excesse of ioy , was drowned in strange passions , he would often , with sighs mingled with kisses , and kisses halfe sinking in ●eares , prophetically tell her , that sure he should neuer liue to enioy her . to discredit which opinion of his , behold , the sunne had made hast and wakened the bridale morning . now does he call his heart traitour , that did so ●alsly conspire against him : liuely bloud leapeth into his chéekes : hee s got vp , and gaily attirde to play the bridegroome , shée likewise does as cunningly turne her selfe into a bride : kindred and friends are mette together , soppes and muscadine run sweating vp and downe till they drop againe , to comfort their hearts , and beca●se so many coffins pestred london churches , that there was no roome left for weddings , coaches are prouided , and away rides all the traine into the countrey . on a monday morning are these lustie louers on their iourney , and before noone are they alighted , entring ( insteade of an inne ) for more state into a church , where they no sooner appeared , but the priest fell to his busines , the holy knot was a tying , but he that should fasten it , comming to this , in sickenesse and in health , there he stopt , for sodainly the bride tooke holde of , in sicknes , for in health all that stoode by were in feare shee should neuer be kept . the maiden-blush into which her chéekes were lately died , now beganne to loose colour : h●r voyce ( like a coward ) would haue shrunke away , but that her louer reaching her a hand , which he brought thither to giue her , ( for hée was not yet made a full husband ) did with that touch somewhat reuiue her : on went they againe so farre , till they mette with for better , for worse , there was she worse than before , and had not the holy officer made haste , the ground on which shée stood to be marryed might easily haue béene broken vp for her buryall . all ceremonies being finished , she was ledde betwéene two , not like a bride , but rather like a coarse , to her bed : that ; must now be the table , on which the wedding dinner is to be serued vppe ( being at this time , nothing but teares , and sighes , and lamentation ) and death is chiefe waiter , yet at lenght her weake heart wrastling with the pangs , gaue them a fall , so that vp shée stoode againe , and in the fatall funerall ▪ coach that carried her forth , was she brought back ( as vpon a béere ) to the citie : but sée the malice of her enemy that had her in chase , vpon the wensday following being ouertaken , was her life ouercome , death rudely lay with her , and spoild her of a maiden head in spite of her husband . oh the sorrow that did round beset him ! now was his diuination true , she was a wife , yet continued a maide : he was a husband and a widdower , yet neuer knew his wife : she was his owne , yet he had her not : she had him , yet neuer enioyed him : héere is a strange alteration , for the rosemary that was washt in swéete water to set out the bridall , is now wet in teares to furnish her buriall : the musike that was heard to sound forth dances , can not now he heard for the ringing of belles : all the comfort that happened to either side being this , that he lost her , before she had time to be an ill wife , and she left him , ere he was able to be a bad husband . better fortune had this bride , to fall into the handes of the plague , then one other of that fraile female sex , ( whose picture is next to be drawne ) had so scape out of them . an honest cobler ( if at least coblers can be honest , that liue altogether amongest wicked soales ) had a wife , who in the time of health treading her shooe often away , determined in the agony of a sicknesse ( which this yeare had a saying to her ) to fall to mending aswell as her husband did . the bed that she lay vpon ( being as she thought or rather feared ) the last bed that euer should beare her , ( for many other beds had bo●ne her you must remember ) and the worme of sinne tickling ▪ her conscience , vp she calls her very innocent and simple husband out of his vertuous shoppe , where like iustice he sat distributing amongst the poore , to some , halfe-penny peeces , penny péeces to some , and two-penny peeces to others , so long as they would last , his prouident care being alway , that euery man and woman should goe vpright . to the beds side of his plaguy wire approacheth monsieur cobler , to vnderstand what deadly newes she had to tell him , and the rest of his kinde neighbours that there were assembled : such thicke teares standing in both the gutters of his 〈◊〉 , to sée his beloued lie in such a pickle , that in their salt water , all his vtterance was drownd : which she perceiuing , wept as fast as he : but by the warme counsell that sat about the bed , the shower ceast , she wiping her chéekes with the corner of one of the shéetes : and he , his sullie● face , with his leatherne apron . at last , two or thrée sighes ( like a chorus to the tragedy ensuing ) stepping out first , wringing her handes ( which gaue the better action ) shée told the pittifull actaeon her husband , that she had often done him wrong : hee onely shooke his head at this , and cried humh ! which humh , she taking as the watch-word of his true patience , vnraueld the bottome of her frailetie at length , and concluded , that with such a man ( and named him , but i hope you would not haue me follow her steppes and name him too ) she practised the vniuersall & common art of grafting , and that vpon her good mans head , they two had planted a monstrous paire of inuisible hornes : at the sound of the hornes , my cobler started vppe like a march hare , and began to looke wilde : his awle neuer ranne through the sides of a boote , as that word did through his heart : but being a polliticke cobler , and remembring what péece of worke he was to vnder-lay , stroking his beard , like some graue headborough of the parish , and giuing a nodde , as who should say , goe on , bade her goe on indéed , clapping to her sore soule , this generall salue , that all are sinnes , and we must forgiue , &c. for hée hoped by such wholesome phisicke , ( as shooemakers waxe being laide to a byle ) to draw out all the corruption of her secret villanies . she good heart being tickled vnder gilles , with the finger of these kind spéeches , turnes vp the white of her eye , and fetches out an other . an other , o thou that art trained vp in nothing but to handle péeces : ) another hath discharged his artillery against thy castle of fortification : here was pass●on predominant : vulcan strooke the coblers ghost ( for he was now no cobler ) so hardy vpon his breast , that he cryed oh! his neighbours taking pitte to sée what terrible stitches pulld him , rubde his swelling temples with the iuice of patience , which ( by vertue of the blackish sweate that stoode reaking on his browes , and had made them supple ) entred very easily into his now-parlous-vnderstanding scull : so that he left wenching , and sate quiet as a lamb , falling to his old vomite of councell , which he had cast vp before , and swearing ( because he was in strong hope , this shoo should wring him no more ) to seale her a generall acquittance , prick● forward with this gentle spur , her tongue mends his pace , so that in her confession shée ouertooke others , whose po●tes had béene set all night on the coblers laast , bestowing vppon him the poe sie of their names , the time , and place , to thin tent it might be put in to his next wifes wedding ring . and although shée had made all these blots in his tables , yet the bearing of one man false ( whom she had not yet discouered ) stucke more in her stomacke than all the rest , o valiant cobler , cries out one of the auditors , how art thou set vpon ? how are thou tempted ? happy arte thou , that thou art not in thy shop , for in stead of cutting out péeces of leather , thou wouldst doubtlesse now pare away thy hart : for i sée , and so do all thy neighbours here ( thy wife 's ghostly fathers ) sée that a small matter would now cause thée turne turk , & to meddle with no more patches : but to liue within the compasse of thy wit : lift not vp thy collar : be not horne mad : thanke heauen that the murther is reueald : study thou baltazars part in ieronimo , for thou hast more cause ( though lesse reason ) than he , to be glad and sad . well , i sée thou art worthy to haue patient griseld to thy wife , for thou bearest more than she : thou shewst thy selfe to be a right cobler , and no sowter , that canst thus cleanely clowt vp the seam-rent sides of thy affection . with this learned oration the cobler was tutord : layd his singer on his mouth , and cried paucos palabros : he had sealed her pardon , and therefore bid her not feare : héervpon he named the malefactor , i could name him too , but that he shall liue to giue more coblers heads the bastinado . and told , that on such a night when he supt there ( for a lord may sup with a clobler , that hath a pretty wench to his wife ) when the cloth , o treachero●s linnen ! was taken vp , and menelaus had for a parting blow , giuen the other his fist : downe she lights ( this half-sharer ) opening the wicket , but not shutting him out of the wicket , but conu●is him into a byroom ( being the wardrob of old shooes and leather ) from whence the vnicorne cobler ( that dream● of no such spirits ) being ouer head and eares in sléepe , his snorting giuing the signe that he was cock-sure , softly out-steales sir paris , and to helenaes téeth prooued himselfe a true troian . this was the creame of her confusion , which being skimd off from the stomach of her conscience , we looked euery minute to goe thither , where we should be farre enough out of the coblers reach . but the fates laying their heades together , s●nt a repriue , the plague that before meant to p●pper her , by little and little left her company : which newes being blowne abro●d , oh lamentable ! neuer did the olde buskind tragedy beginne till now : for the wiues of those husbands , with whom she had playd at fast and loose , came with nayles sharpened for the nonce , like cattes , and tongues forkedly cut like the stings of adders , fi●st to scratch out false cressidaes eyes , and then ( which was worse ) to worry her to dath with scolding . but the matter was tooke vp in a tauerne ; the case was altered , and brought to a new reckoning ( mary the blood of the burdeaux grape was first shead about it ) but in the end , all anger on euery side was powred into a pottle pot , & there burnt to death . now whether this recantation was true , or whether the stéeme of infection , fuming vp ( like wine ) into her braines , made her talke thus idlely , i leaue it to the iury. and whilst they are canuasing her case , let vs sée what dooings the sexton of stepney hath : whose ware-houses being all full of dead commodities , sauing one : that one hée left open a whole night ( yet was it halfe full too ) knowing y ● théeues this yeare were too honest to break into such cellers . besides those that were left there , had such plaguy pates , that none durst meddle with them for their liues . about twelue of the clock at midnight , when spirites walke , and not a mowse dare stirre , because cattes goe a catter-walling : sinne , that all day durst not shew his head , came réeling out of an ale-house , in the shape of a drunkard , who no sooner smelt the winde , but he thought the ground vnder him danced the canaries : houses séemed to turne on the toe , and all things went round : insomuch , that his legges drew a paire or indentures , betwéene his body and the earth , the principal couenant being , that he for his part would stand to nothing what euer he saw : euery trée that came in his way , did he iustle , and yet chalenge it the next day to fight with him . if he had clipt but a quarter so much of the kings siluer , as he did of the kings english , his carkas had long ere this bene carrion for crowes . but , he liued by gaming , and had excellent casting , yet seldome won , for he drew reasonable good hands , but had very bad feete , that were not able to carry it away . this setter vp of malt-men , being troubled with the staggers , fell into the selfe-same graue , that stood gaping wide open for a breakfast next morning , and imagining ( when he was in ) that he had stumbled into his owne house , and that all his bedfellowes ( as they were indéede ) were in their dead sléepe , he , ( neuer complaining of colde , nor calling for more shéete ) soundly takes a nap til he snores again : in the morning the sexton comes plodding along , and casting vpon his fingers ends what he hopes y e dead pay of that day will come too , by that that which he receiued the day before , ( for sextons now had better doings than either tauernes or bawdy-houses ) in that siluer contemplation , shrugging his shoulders together , he steppes ere he be aware on the brimmes of that pit , into which this worshipper of bacchus was falne , where finding some dead mens bones , and a scull or two , that laie scattered here and there ; before he lookt into this coffer of wormes , those he takes vp , and flinges them in : one of the sculls battered the sconce of the sléeper , whilst the bones plaide with his nose ; whose blowes waking his mustie worship , the first word that he cast vp , was an oath , and thinking the cannes had flyen about , cryed zoundes , what do you meane to cracke my mazer ? the sexton smelling a voice , ( feare being stronger than his heart ) beléeued verily some of the coarses spake to him , vpon which , féeling himselfe in a cold sweat , tooke his héeles , whilst the goblin scram●led vp and ranne after him : but it appeares the sexton had the lighter foote , for he ran so fast , that hee ranne out of his wittes , which being left behinde him , he had like to haue dyed presently after . a meryer bargaine than the poore sextons did a tincker méete withall in a countrey towne ; through which a citizen of london being driuen ( to kéepe himselfe vnder the léeshore in this tempest●ous contagion ) and casting vp his eye for some harbour , spied a bush at the ende of a pole , ( the auncient ●adge of a countrey ale-house : ) into which as good lucke was , ( without any resistance of the barbarians , that all this yeare vsed to kéepe such landing places ) veiling his bonnet , he strucke in . the host had bene a mad greeke , ( mary he could now speake nothing but english , ) a goodly fat burger he was , with a belly arching out like a béere-barrell , which made his legges ( that were thicke & short , like two piles driuen vnder london-bridge ) to stradle halfe as wide as the toppe of powles , which vpon my knowledge hath bene burnt twice or thrice . a leatherne pouch hung at his side , that opened and shut with a snap-hance , and was indéed a flaske for gun-powder when king henry went to bulloigne . an antiquary might haue pickt rare matter but of his nose , but that it was worme-eaten ( yet that proued it to be an auncient nose : ) in some corners of it , there were blewish holes that shone like shelles of mother of pearle , and to too his nose right , pearles had bene gathered out of them : other were richly garnisht with rubies , chrisolites and car●unckles , which glistered so oriently , that the hamburgers offered i know not how many dollars , for his companie in an east-indian voyage , to haue stoode a nightes in the poope of their admirall , onely to saue the charges of candles . in conclusion , he was an host to be ledde before an emperour , and though he were o●e of the greatest men in all the shire , his bignes made him not proude , but he humbled himselfe to speake the base language of a tapster , and vppon the londoners first arriuall , cryed welcome , a cloth for this gentleman : the linnen was spread , and furnisht presently with a new cake and a can , the roome voided , and the guest left ( like a french lord ) attended by no bodie : who drinking halfe a can ( in conceit ) to the health of his best friend in the citie , which laie extreame ●icke , and had neuer more néed● of health , i knowe not what qualmes came ouer his stomach , but immediately he fell downe without vttering any more wordes , and neuer rose againe . anon ( as it was his fashion ) enters my puffing host , to relieue with a fresh supply out of his celler , ) the shrinking can , if hée perceiued it stoode in daunger to be ouerthrowne . but séeing the chiefe leader dropt at his féete , and imagining at first hée was but wounded a little in the head , held vp his gowty golles and blest himselfe , that a londoner ( who had wont to be the most valiant rob-pots ) should now be strooke downe only with two hoopes : and therevpon iogd him , fombling out these comfortable words of a souldier , if thou be a man stand a thy legges : he stird not for all this : wherevpon the maydes being raisde ( as it had bene with a hue and cry ) came hobling into the roome , like a flocke of géese , and hauing vpon search of the bodie giuen vp this verdict , that the man was dead , and murthered by the plague ; oh daggers to all their hearts that heard it ! away ●●udge the wenches , and one of them hauing had a freckled face all her life time , was perswaded presently that now they were the tokens , and had liked to haue turned vp her héeles vpon it : my gorbelly host , that in many a yeare could not without grunting , crawle ouer a threshold but two foote broad , leapt halfe a yarde from the coarse ( it was measured by a carpenters rule ) as nimbly as if his guts had béene taken out by the hangman : out of the house he wallowed presently , being followed with two or thrée dozen of napkins to drie vp the larde , that ranne so fast downe his héeles , that all the way he went , was more greazie than a kitchin-stuffe-wifes basket : you would haue sworne , it had béene a barrell of pitch on fire , if you had looked vpon him , for such a smoakie clowde ( by reason of his owne fattie hotte stéeme ) compassed him rounde , that but for his voyce , hée had quite béene lost in that stincking myst : hanged himselfe hée had without all question ( in this pittifull taking ) but that hée feared the weight of his in tollerable paunch , would haue burst the roape , and so hée should bee put to a double death . at length the towne was raised , the countrey came downe vpon him , and yet not vpon him neither , for after they vnderstood the tragedie , euery man gaue ground , knowing my pursie ale-cunner could not follow them : what is to bée done in this straunge allarum ? the whole uillage is in daunger to lye at the mercy of god , and shall bée bound to curse none , but him for it : they should doe well therefore , to set fire on his house , before the plague scape out of it , least it forrage higher into the countrey , and knocke them downe , man , woman , and childe , like oxen , whose blood ( they all sweare ) shall bée required at his handes . at these sp●eches my tender-hearted hoste , fell downe on his maribones , meaning indéede to entreat his audience to bée good to him ; but they fearing hée had béene pepperd too , as well as the londoner , tumbled one vpon another , and were ready to breake their neckes for haste to be gone : yet some of them ( being more valiant then the rest , because they heard him roare out for some helpe ) very desp : rately stept backe , and with rakes and pitch-forkes lifted the gulch from the ground : cōcluding ( after they had laid their hogsheads togither , to draw out som holesom counsel ) that whosoeuer would ve●ter vpon the dead man & bury him , should haue fortie shillings ( out of the common towne-purse , though it would bée a great cut to it ) with the loue of the churchwardens and side-men , during the terme of life . this was proclaimed , but none durst appeare to vndertake the dread●ull execution : they loued money well , mary the plague hanging ouer any mans head that should meddle with it in that sort , they all vowde to dye beggers before it should be chronicled they kild themselues for forty shillings : and in that braue resolution , euery one with bagge & baggage marcht home , barricadoing their doores & windowes with f●rbushes , ter●e , and bundels of straw to kéepe out the pestilence at the staues ende . at last a tinker came sounding through the towne , mine hosts house being the auncient w●●ring place where he did vse to cast anchor . you must vnderstand hé was none of those base rascally tinkers , that with a ban-dog and a drab at their tayles , and a pike-staffe on their necks , will take a purse sooner then stop a kettle : no , this was a deuout tinker , he did honor ●od pan : a musicall tinker , that vpon his kettle-drum could play any countrey dance you cald for , and vpon holly-dayes had earned money by it , when no fidler could be heard of . hee was onely feared when he stalkt through some townes where bées were , for he strucke so swéetely on the bottome of his copper instrument , that he would ●mpie whole hi●es , and leade the swarmes after him only by the sound . this excellent egregious tinker calls for his draught ( being a double iugge ) it was fild for him , but before it came to his nose , the lamentable tale of the londoner was tolde , the chamber-doore ( where hée lay ) being thrust open with a long pole , because none durst touch it with their hands ) and the tinker bidden ( if he had the heart ) to goe in and sée if hée knew him . the tinker being not to learne what vertue the medicine had which hée held at his lippes , powred it downe his throate merily , and crying trillill , he fea●es no plagues . in hée stept , tossing the dead body too and fro , and was sorie hée knew him not : mine hoste that with griefe began to fall away villanously , looking very ruthfully on the tinker , and thinking him a fit instrument to be playd vpon , offred a crowne out of his owne purse , if he would bury the partie . a crowne was a shrew● temptation to a tinker ; many a hole might he stop , before hée could picke a crowne of it , yet being a subtill tinker ( & to make all sextons pray for him , because hée would raise their fées ) an angell he wanted to be his guide , and vnder ten shillings ( by his ten bones ) he would not put his finger into the fire . the whole parish had warning of this presently , thirtie shillings was saued by the bargaine , and the towne like to be saued too , therefore ten shillings was leuyed out of hand , put into a rag , which was tyed to the ende of a long pole and deliuered ( in ●ight of all the parish , who stood aloo●e stopping their noses ) by the headboroughs owne selfe in proper person , to the tinker , who with one hand receiued the money , and with the other struck the boord , crying hey , a fresh double pot . which armor of proofe being fitted to his body , vp he hoists the londoner on his backe ( like a shoole-boy ) a shouell and pick-axe standing ready for him : and thus furnished , into a field some good distance from the towne he beares his deadly loade , and there throwes it downe , falling roundly to his tooles , vpon which the strong béere hauing set an egde , they quickely cut out a lodging in the earth for the citizen . but the tinker knowing that wormes néeded no apparell , sauing onely shéetes , stript him starke naked , but first diu'de nimbly into his pocket , to see what liuings they had , assuring himselfe , that a londoner would not wander so farre without siluer : his hopes were of the right stampe , for from out of his pockets he drew a leatherne bagge with seuen pounds in it : this musicke made the tinkers heart dance , he quickely tumbled his man into the graue , hid him ouer head and eares in dust , bound vp his cloathes in a bundle , & carying that at the end of his staffe on his shoulder , with the purse of seuen pounds in his hand , backe againe comes he through the towne , crying aloud , haue yée any more londoners to bury , hey downe a downe dery , haue ye any more londoners to bury : the hobbinolls running away from him , as if he had béene the dead citizens ghost , & he marching away from them in all the hast he could , with that song still in his mouth . you see therefore how dreadfull a fellow death is , making fooles euen of wisemen , and cowards of the most valiant ; yea , in such a base flauerie hath it bound mens sences , that they haue no power to looke higher than their owne roofes , but séeme by their turkish and barberous actions to belieue that there is no feliciti● after this life , and that ( like beasts ) their soules shall perish with their bodyes . how many vpon sight onely of a letter ( sent from london ) haue started backe , and durst haue layd their saluation vpon it , that the plague might be folded in that empty paper , belieuing verily , that the arme of omnipotence could neuer reach them , vnlesse it were with some weapon drawne out of the infected citie : in so much that euen the westerne pugs receiuing money there , haue tyed it in a bag at the end of their barge , and so trailed it through the tha●●es , least plague-sores sticking vpon shillings , they should be naild vp for counterfeits when they were brought home . more ventrous than these block-heads was a certaine iustice of peace , to whose gate being shut ( for you must know that now there is no open house kept ) a company of wilde fellowes being lead for robbing an orchyard , the stout●hearted constable rapt most couragiously , and would haue about with none , but the iustice himselfe , who at last appeard in his likenesse aboue at a window , inquiring why they summond a parlée . it was deliuered why : the case was opened to his examining wisedome , and that the euill doers were onely londoners : at the name of londoners , the iustice clapping his hand on his brest ( as who should say , lord haue mercie vpon vs ) started backe , and being wise enough to saue one , held his nose hard betwéene his fore-finger and his thumbe , and speaking in that wise ( like the fellow that described the villainous motion of iulius caesar and the duke of guize , who ( as he gaue it out ) fought a combat together ) pulling the casement close to him , cryed out in that quaile-pipe voice , that if they were londoners , away with them to limbo : take onely their names : they were sore fellowes , and he would deale with them when time should serue : meaning , when the plague and they should not be so great together , and so they departed : the very name of londoners being worse then ten whetstones to sharpen the sword of iustice against them . i could fill a large volume , and call it the second part of the hundred mery tales , onely with such ridiculous stuffe as this of the iustice , but dij meliora , i haue better matters to set my wits about : neither shall you wring out of my pen ( though you lay it on the rack ) the villanies of that damnd kéeper , who kild all she kéept ; it had bene good to haue made her kéeper of the common iayle , and the holes of both counters , for a number lye there , that wish to be rid out of this motley world , shée would haue tickled them , and turned them ouer the thumbs . i will likewise let the church-warden in thames stréete sléepe ( for hée s now pasi waking ) who being requested by one of his neighbors to suffer his wife or child ( that was then dead ) to lye in the church-yard , answered in a mocking sort , he kéept that lodging for himselfe and his houshold : and within thrée dayes after was driuen to hide his head in a hole himselfe . neither will i speake a word of a poore boy ( seruant to a chandler ) ●welling thereabouts , who being struck to the heart by sicknes , was first caryed away by water , to be left any where , but landing being denyed by an army of browne bill●men that kept the shore , back againe was he brought , and left in an out-celler , where lying groueling and groning on his face ( amongst fagots , but not one of them set on fire to comfort him ) there continued all night , and dyed miserably for want of succor . nor of another poore wretch in the parish of saint mary oueryes , who being in the morning throwne , as the fashion is , into a graue vpon a heape of carcases , that kayd for their complement , was found in the afternoone , gasping and gaping for life : but by these tricks , imagining that many a thousand haue bene turned wrongfully off the ladder of life , and praying that derick or his executors may liue to do those a good turne , that haue done so to others : hic finis priami , héere 's an end of an old song . et iam tempus equûm fumantia soluere colla . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e vertumnus god of the yeare . description of the spring . vpon the . of march the spring begins , by reason of the sunnes entrance into aries . the queenes ●icknes . her death . the genera●● terror that her death bred . . a more wonderfull yeare than . king iames proclaimed . the ioyes that followed vpon his proclayming . the pl●gu● anthropophagi are scithia●s , that feed on mens flesh . present remedies against the plague shewing sundrye preseruatiues for the same, by wholsome fumes, drinkes, vomits and other inward receits; as also the perfect cure (by implaisture) of any that are therewith infected. now necessary to be obserued of euery housholder, to auoide the infection, lately begun in some places of this cittie. written by a learned physition, for the health of his countrey. good councell against the plague learned phisition. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) present remedies against the plague shewing sundrye preseruatiues for the same, by wholsome fumes, drinkes, vomits and other inward receits; as also the perfect cure (by implaisture) of any that are therewith infected. now necessary to be obserued of euery housholder, to auoide the infection, lately begun in some places of this cittie. written by a learned physition, for the health of his countrey. good councell against the plague learned phisition. [ ] p. printed [by william jaggard?] for thomas pauyer, and are to be sold at his shop at the entrance into the exchange, [london] : . originally published in as: good councell against the plague. printer's name conjectured by stc. signatures: a-b⁴. the first leaf is blank except for signature-mark "a". running title reads: good counsell against the plague. identified as stc on umi microfilm. reproduction of the original in cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- prevention -- early works to . plague -- treatment -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion present remedies against the plague . shewing sundrye preseruatiues for the same , by wholsome fumes , drinkes , vomits and other inward receits ; as also the perfect cure ( by implaisture ) of any that are therewith insected . now necessary to be obserued of euery housholder , to auoide the infection , lately begun in some places of this cittie . written by a learned physition , for the health of his countrey . printed for thomas pauyer , and are to be sold at his shop at the entrance into the exchange . to the reader . for as much as the force and infection of the ordinary diseas called the plague or pestilence , hath heretofore beene too well knowne and felt in sundrie places of this realme : and considering that it hath of late begun to increase in many chiefe citties and populous places ; i thought it good to publish to you in time , sundry preseruatiues against the said disease , the better to defende those that are in health , from the infection of the diseased : and also to cure those that are any way infected , grieued , or troubled with the same . and to this i was imboldened , the rather for that it was written by a very learned and approoued phisition of our time , who desireth more the health of his country , than by discouering his name seeme vaine glorious to the world . accept the same i pray you in good part , and thanke god for the phisitions paines , who hath his desire if it may doe but that which he wisheth : namely expel sickenes , and increase health to this land. which god for his mercie sake , prosper and preserue from all plagues and dangers for euermore , amen . these things ought duely to be looked vnto . ( viz. ) right necessary and conuenient it were , that you kéep your houses , streets , yardes , backesides , sinks , and kennels , swéet and cleane from all standing puddles , dunghils , and corrupt maystures which ingender stincking sauours that may be noysome , or bréede infection : nor suffer no dogs to come running into your houses , neither kéep any ( except it be backeward , in some place of open ayre , for they are verie dangerous , & not sufferable in time of sickenesse , by reason they runne from place to place , and from one house to another , féeding vpon the vncleanest thinges that are cast forth into the streetes , and are a most apt cattell to take infection of any sickenes , & then to bring it into the house . for ayring your roomes . ayre your seueral taimes with charcōle fiers , made in stone pans or chasingdishes , and not in chimneys : set your pans in the middle of the roomes : ayre euery roome once a wéeke ( at the least ) and put into your fire a little quantity of frankinsence , iuniper , dryed rosemary , or of bay-leaues . a fume of great experience . take rosemary , and put it into strong vineger , steepe it in a bason or bowle heat foure or fiue fl●ntstones red hot and cast them into the vineger and so let the fume ascend into the middle of euery roome . another . ayre your apparrell in the same sort , and with the same fume : & beare in your hands some handkercher , spunge , or cloth , wetted in the iuyce of wormwood , hearbegrace , and red rose-vineger , mixt together . to smell to . the roote of enula campna stéeped in vineger & lapped in a handkercher , is a speciall thing to smel vnto , if you come where the sickenes is . another . hearbgrace , and wormewood stéeped in vineger , in some powter péece close slopt , is to be vsed in like sort . to tast or chewe in the mouth . the roote of angelica , setwall , gencian , valerian , or sinamond , is aspeciall preseruatiue against the plague , being chewed in the mouth . to eate . eate sorrell steeped in vineger , in the morning fasting , with a litle bread and butter , sorrell sauce is also very holsome against the same . another . take the kernell of a walnut , mince it with thrée or foure leaues of hearbgrace , and a corne or two of salt : then put it into a figge , warme it and eate it fasting : fast thrée houres after , and take it twice a wéek . a speciall thing to eate , found very comfortable . take strong red rose-vineger , sprinkle it vpon a tost of white bread , spreade butter thereon , and then cast y e powder of cinamond vpon it , & eate it fasting : or eate bread and butter with hearbgrace . another . giue to the diseased for their ordinary foode , some broth made with a neck of mutton : boyled with a good quantity of burridge , sorrell , and buglosse . to comfort the stomacke . aleberries are very comfortable , made with cloues , mace , nutmegs , saunders , ginney grains , and such like . to drinke . take rue , wormewood , and scabias , stéepe it in ale a whole night , & drinke it fasting euery morning . another . take the water of carduns benedictus , or angelica , and mixe it with methridatum , another . the roote of enula campana , beaten to powder , is a speciall remedy against the plague , being drunke fasting . another . drinke the powder of turmentill , in sorrell or scabias water . another . if any féele themseules already infected , take angelica-water mixt with methridatum , drinke it off , then goe to bed and sweat thereon . another to drinke . take a spooneful of bayberries , and huske them before they be dry , heat them to powder , and drinke it in good stale ale or béere , or in white wine : then sweat vpon it , and forbeare to sleepe . to procure sweat. take posset-ale sodden with sorrell , and burridge , mixt with triacle of diatesseron and get you to your naked bed . a speciall preseruatiue against the plague . take of the roote of great valerian , a quarter of an ounce : of sorrell a handfull : an ounce of the roote of butter-bur : boyle them in running water , frō a quart to a pint , two spoonefulls of vineger to it , and let the patient drinke it so hot as hee may , and then sweat vpon it . an other speciall preseruatiue . take an egge , make a hole in the top of it , take out the white and the yolke , and fill the shell onelye with saffron , rost the shel and saffron togither , in embers of charcoales , vntil the shell waxe yeallow : then beat shell and altogether in a marter , with halfe a spooneful of mustard-séed : now so soone as any suspition is had of infection , dissolue the weight of a french crown in ten spoonefuls of posset-ale , drinke it luke warme , and sweat vpon it in your naked bed . an other preseruatiue to be distilled . take halfe a hundred gréene walnuts beeing new taken off as they hang gréene on the trée , and a pound of the inner barke of an ash-trée : then take petimortell , housleeke , scabias , & veruin , of each a handfull saffron halfe an ounce , and mince al these smal together : then put a pottle of the strongest vineger on thē boile them ouer a soft fire in a close pot , and after distill them in a limbecke : keep the distilled water , and giue the patient two ounces to drinke therof , foure times in four & twenty-houres , when he is in his naked bed , & let him be prouoked to sweat , and he shall finde great ease thereby . if the patient be bound in the body . take a suppositor made with a little boiled hunny , & a litle powder of salt : let this be put vp at the fundament with a litle butter vntill it moue him to y e stoole . drinke for ordinary dyet . so néere as you can let the patients ordinary drinke be good finall ale of eight daies olde . for vomitting . vomitting is better then bleeding in this case and therefore prouoke to vomit so neere as you can . to prouoke vomit . take thrée leaues of castrabecca , stampe it , and drinke it in rennish wine , ale , or posset ale . another . a litle quantity of 〈◊〉 helibor , grated and drunke in the like fort procureth vomit . a speciall vomit . take two ounces of oyle of walunts , a spoonefull of the iuyce of celandine , and halfe a spoonefull of the iuyce of reddish rootes : let not the party sleep for two houres after , and in so dooing it is better then any purging . for purging . if the party be full of grosse humors , let him blood , immediately vpon the right arme , on the liuer vein or on the median veyn , in the same arm : so as no sore appeare the first day . a very wholsome purge . put into the pap of an apple , a sixepennie weight of aloes , and so take it : or the pils of rufus . a wholsome water to be distilled . steep sorrell in vineger , foure and twentie houres , then take it out and drie it with a linen doth , then still it in a limbecke , drinke foure spoonfuls with a little sugar , then walke vpon it till you sweat if you may : if not , keep your bed and sweat vpon it . vse this before supper on anie euening . if the patient happen to be troubled with any swellings , botches , carbuncles , or gods tokens : let him sweat moderatelie now and then . outward medicines to ripen the sore . take the roote of a white lillie , roast it in a good handfull of sorrell , stampe it and applie it thereto very hot , let it lie four and twentie houres , and it wil break the sore , another . take of old swines-grease salted , two ounces , with the yolke of an egge , and two handfulles of scabias , stampe them togither , and laie it warme to the sore . another . take a small quantitie of leauen , a handful of mallowes , a little quantitie of scabias , cut a white onion into pieces , with halfe a dozen heads of garlicke , boile these together in running water , make a poullus of it and then lay it hot to the sore . another . the like may be made of two handfuls of valerian , three rootes of danwort , and a handfull of smalledge , seeth them in shéepes suet and rose water , with a few crums of bread , and apply it hot to the sore . another . take a hot loafe , new taken forth of the ouen , apply it to the sore , and it will doubtlesse breake the same but afterward bury the same loafe déep inough in the ground , for feare of any infection : for if either dog or amy other thing do féede thereon it , will infect a great many . other obseruations . let the sicke and infected persons bee seperated and kept from the whole , vntill the sore be healed : but generally let them be kept within the space of a month . for a fume . take a new burnt bricke , & heate it red hote , then put it into a bason of vineger , and let the fume therof ascend into your houses . for ayring apparrell . let the apparrel of the diseased persons , be wel and often washed , be it linnen or wollen : or let it be ayred in the sunne , or ouer pans of fire , or ouer a chasing-dish of coales , & fume the same with frankensence iuniper , or dryed rose-mary . a perfect good plaister for the cure of the sore after it is broken . take vnwróght waxe , white turpentine , the yolke of an egge , a little fresh butter , & a quantity of english honny , boile all these together to a salue , and apply it to the sore , béeing thin spread vpon a cloth , in manner of an ordinarie playster . additions . to preserue from the infection of the plague . take garlicke péele it and mince it small , put it into new milke and eate it fasting . to take the infection from a house infected . take large oynions , péele them , and lay thrée or foure of them vpon the ground , let them lie ten daies , & those pieled oynions will gather all the infection into them that is one of those roomes : but burie these oynions afterward déepe in the ground . another . take new milke and set it in a bason in the middle of the infected roomes , and the milke will draw the infectious vapour into it , letting it stand two daies in the saide roome , against the new burning feuer . if the patient be in a great heat as most commonly they wil , take of faire running water a prety quantity put it on a chasingdish of coles , then put thereinto a good quantity of saunders beaten to powder : and let it boyle halfe an houre betwene two dishes : that done put a couple of soft linnen clothes into the dish , wet the clothes well in water and saunders , and apply the same so hote as you can suffer it to your bely . to drinke for the whot feuer . take two handfull of sorrell , and a handfull of violet leaues with a bunch of sowre graps , beat them together stalkes and all : then straine it into butter-milke , then make a posset of the same butter-milke , and let the patient drinke thereof so much as he will. to procuresleepe to the sicke persons that are diseased either with the plague or the hote feuer . take of a womans breast-milke a good quantiti , put therunto of the like quantity of aqua-vite , stir them well together , and moysten therewith the temples of the patient and his nosthrils , lay it on with some feather , or some fine thin ragge . butter-milke in this contagious time is generally holsome to be eaten , and is a good preseruatiue against either the plague or the pestilent feuer . finis . the charitable pestmaster, or, the cure of the plague conteining a few short and necessary instructions how to preserve the body from infection of the plagve as also to cure those that are infected : together with a little treatise concerning the cure of the small pox : published for the benefit of the poore of this city and not unmeet for the rich / by thomas shervvood ... sherwood, thomas, practitioner in physick. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; :e , no ) the charitable pestmaster, or, the cure of the plague conteining a few short and necessary instructions how to preserve the body from infection of the plagve as also to cure those that are infected : together with a little treatise concerning the cure of the small pox : published for the benefit of the poore of this city and not unmeet for the rich / by thomas shervvood ... sherwood, thomas, practitioner in physick. [ ], , [ ] p. printed by a.n. for john francklin ..., london : . reproduction of original in thomason collection, british library. eng smallpox -- england -- early works to . plague -- england. a r (wing s ). civilwar no the charitable pestmaster, or, the cure of the plague, conteining a few short and necessary instructions how to preserve the body from infec sherwood, thomas, practitioner in physick b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the charitable pestmaster , or , the cure of the plague , conteining a few short and necessary instructions how to preserve the body from infection of the plagve , as also to cure those that are infected . together with a little treatise concerning the cure of the small pox . published for the benefit of the poore of this city and not unmeet for the rich , by thomas shervvood practitioner in physick . kings . . and isaiah said , take a lump of figs , and they tooke , and laid it upon the boil , and he recovered . london printed by a. n. for iohn francklin , and are to be sold at his shop in lothbury , neer the windmill . . to the vvorshipfull alexander read , doctor of physick and chirurgery , one of the societie of the colledge of physicians for the citie of london . sir , having finished this treatise , i considered what entertainment it might find in the world ; and fearing that it would be envied , for the good that it offereth unto this kingdome , as i the author have been for my practice , i bethought my selfe that it might safely hover under your wings , whereupon i am bold to thrust it into your protection , that it may the better be defended from the calumnies of these times . the subject of it is , that which i have practised and proved by experience , so that if there bee occasion , i believe i shall bee able to render sufficient reasons to prove it , from the most authentique rules in physick . and if there be any errors escaped in it , i shall rather desire that they may be corrected by the discretiō of you or any of the colledg of physicians , then disputed upon by new beginners in the practice of physick , who have but small experience . as for those medicines published at the latter end of this booke , i shall not desire your protection for them , because i never made you , nor any man acquainted with them , for i intended that they should be protectors for themselves : but however i hope that my endeavours in this small treatise will not be unpleasant , but acceptable to you , for the good which i believe it will do in the world ; and so for this time i rest in some measure of assurance of your worships favour . your servant , tho: shervvood . to the friendly reader . having considered with my selfe in these dangerous times the great distresses of the poore of this city , by reason of the contagious disease of the pestilence , now reigning amongst them ; and seeing them to be altogether ignorant , in the use of those meanes that are convenient for their cure , as purging , vomiting , bleeding , sweating , and the like : therefore considering what good these few rules ( experimented by my selfe ) may do unto many , i was thereby moved to print them , for the benefit of such who want the helpe of the skilfull and faithfull physician . for the understanding and memory of those that shall have occasion to use them , i have divided them into three chapters , with contents . as for the medicines prescribed , they are sold by apothecaries , who may afford them reasonably to the poore : the others adjoyned i shall give to the poore for gods sake , and the rich shall have them for competent satisfaction ; but i shall esteeme it my greatest reward , if any shall receive good and benefit by my small labours and endevours . thine t. s. chap. . . what are the causes of the pestilence . . how they are avoided . . meanes to preserve the body from infection . there are divers causes of this disease . the first is sin , which ought to be repented of . the second an infected and corrupted air , which should be avoided . the third an evill diet , which should be amended . the fourth are evill humours heaped together in the body , being apt to putrifie , and beget a fever , which must be taken away by convenient medicines . therefore whosoever would preserve their bodies from infection , let them first make their peace with god , in whose hand is the power of life and death . then let them use the meanes , and shun all those things that are able to beget this disease , as all infected and corrupted aire , all fogges and mists that do arise from the earth or water , and all stinking smels that do arise from dunghills , sinks , graves , carrion , snuffs of candles , or rotten fruits , or any thing else that doth putrifie and stink . abstain from all meats and drinks that beget rottennesse and filthinesse in the body ( & so consequently a fever or the plague ) as excessive eating of fruits , especially those that are unripe . also forbear all sorts of fish that have neither scales nor shels , as eels , lampreys , and the like . lastly , take heed of over-charging the stomacke with meats , or drinks , or hot wines ; but especially your unripe medium wines . if any shall find themselves oppressed with gross & corrupt humors , so that they are in danger of this disease they shall be cleansed , by taking one ounce and half , or two ounces , of the infusion crocus metallorum , ( which is to be bought at every apothecaries ) & put to it oximel half an ounce , this shall give them five or six vomits , and almost as many stooles . and after every vomit , let them drinke some warme posset drinke ; so let them keepe themselves warme that day : one houre after it hath done working let them eat a messe of warm broth made with a neck of mutton , or with such fresh meat as the sick are best able to buy ; of which meat let them eat sparingly for the present . those that are so tender or weakly that they cannot brook this vomit , they may be very well purged from corrupt humours , by taking one or two drams of pilulae pestilentiales : but the poorer sort that cannot goe to this charge , may take instead thereof aloes one dram in the pap of an apple , stewed prunes , or else in a little ale or beere . this pill , and this aloes , are excellent remedies for women and children , and they are so safe that women with child may take them . after the bodie is purged , it shall be necessary to draw six or eight ounces of bloud from the liver or middle vein of the arme , if the partie be able to sustain the losse of it . such as have lived temperatly and sparingly , and so consequently are not oppressed with corrupted humours , such shall not need any the asoresaid evacuations or purgations ; but let them shun , as much as they can , all infectious and corrupted aire : but seeing it is a thing almost impossible in the citie of london ; therefore they that are timorous and fearefull may carry about them the roots of enula campana , and angelica , dried or candied , of which they may bite now and then . also the waters of scabies , angelica , or pimpernell , are great preservations for children against the plague , if two spoonfuls thereof be taken in a morning fasting . chap. . by what signes you may know whether the sick be infected with the pestilence . how those signes doe encrease or decrease every day ; whether life or death be likely to ensue ; a caveat not to tamper with those that begin to amend of themselves . those that are infected with the pestilence , in the beginning or first day thereof , are taken with an extraordinary cold outwardly , and a burning heate inwardly , a great paine and girding about the stomacke , a sluggishnesse and drousinesse of the whole body , a losse of appetite , a bitternesse in the throat , with a desire to vomit , & sometimes they do vomit . the disease continuing unto the second and third day , the heate breaketh outwardly , stronger , and stronger , so that there followeth a great paine in the head , and a difficulty of breathing , superfluous sleeps , and sometimes superfluous watchings , they grow frantike and light-headed , and they looke very staringly : and if there doth any swelling appear under the eares , armes , cheeks , or groines , and that these signes aforenamed doe begin to cease , then shall the sick recover immediatly without any medicine , onely give him a plaster or pultesse to ripen the tumour , which must be applyed the next day after the swelling appeareth ; but give him nothing inwardly , except it be a warme caudle , or ale-brue , or broth ; for for if you give him a vomit or purge , you shall strike the swelling into the noble parts , and the sick shall be in danger of his life : and if you let him bloud , you shall draw the venemous humour from the soare into the veins , and disperse it with the bloud through the whole body , and thereby destroy the health of the patient , and shorten his life ; as it came to passe with a good friend of mine . also if you give him any medicine to provoke sweat , you shall restore the fever again , and so the sicke shall die without redemption ; yea , and more miserably , then those that never amended , unlesse god be more mercifull unto him ; whereof i have had a sorrowfull experience . therefore bee carefull that you doe not tamper with those that do begin to amend : for those very medicines that are excellently available against any fevers in the beginning or encrease of them , being given in the declination or recovery , will bring the patient into a relapse , which is worse then the former disease , and which shall greatly endanger life . for how many have died by the unseasonable taking of treacle , mithridate , and other good medicines ? wherefore i have often said , that a skilfull physician by watching his time shall doe more with à cup of warme drinke in the cure of the plague , or any fever , then the ignorant shall do with all the excellent medicines that are in the apothecaries shop . now if the rising doe appear , & that the symptoms or signes aforenamed doe not begin to cease , but rather encrease , then shortly after there will appeare some blains or spots , & so death ensueth , unlesse you draw ten or twelve ounces of bloud ( according to the strength of the sick ) from the liver or middle vein of the arme , on that side where the rising is . but if so be that the sicknesse continueth unto the third and fourth day , and the symptomes remaine in their full vigour , then shortly will the spots come forth ; and then i know no medicine that can deliver from death , except god be more mercifull to the sick : but only on the third day before the spots appear it shall be greatly available to give him one of the cordial sweats prescribed in the ensuing chapter . chap. . here are prescribed certain approved remedies for the cure of the pestilence , the order and manner how to use them . whosoever shal perceive their bodies infected with the plague , let them take on the first day of the sicknesse the vomit , in that order and manner as it is laid down in the first chapter . and after it hath done working with them , they shal find themselves as well as ever they were in their lives : for it clenseth the stomack and bowels from al corrupt humours , which is one of the chiefest causes of the sicknes . but if the sick be weak and cannot bear a vomit , it shall be good to give him one dram of the foresaid pillulae pestilentiales , or instead thereof one dram of aloes , you may give it either in pill or in potion , according as the sick can best take it , and in the workking of it let him drink some warm broth . but if it be so , that this course hath been neglected the first day , or beyond the time of houres , it will bee in vaine to use it the second day : yea , it will bee dangerous , seeing that the infection is dispersed by the bloud throughout all the veines of the bodie . therefore on the second day of visitation it shall bee good to draw from the median veine of the arme so much bloud as the patient can endure to bleed : and if the sicke hath not gone to the stoole during the time of his sicknesse , you shall give him either before or after bleeding this clyster . take of beets , violet leaves , burrage , buglosse , scabios , of each one handfull , french barley one ounce ; boyle all these in a sufficient quantitie of water untill it be halfe consumed , then strain it , and take three quarters of a pint of the decoction , and put to it of the electuary of hierapicra five or sixe drams , oile of rue one dram , red sugar one ounce , the yolk of an egge , and a little salt ; so make you a clyster thereof , and administer it bloud warme . also you may administer to the sick this clyster . boyle an handfull of rue , in a pint of posset drinke , and put to it a piece of sweet butter , a little honey , the yolke of an egge , and a thimble full of salt ; make a clyster and administer it bloud warme . but if that the sick amend not upon this course taken the second day , or that this means hath not been used , but that hee continueth sick untill the third and fourth day , so that the infection hath taken hold of the vitall spirits , then keeping him warme in his bed , you shall use this cordiall to sweat with all . take of the water of scabios , burrage , buglosse , and angelica , of each halfe an ounce , the electuary of egges two scruples , or one dram , of bole armoniak one scruple , syrrup of roses halfe an ounce , make it into a potion , and let the sick drink it up at once or twice : two or three spoonfuls hereof is sufficient for a child . or the poorer sort may take two peny-worth of treacle or mithridate , in a quarter of a pint of dragon water . with either of these medicines you may sweat the sick , untill some tumour doth appeare , or that he commeth to know himselfe amended . for this is the last medicinall refuge we have in the cure of the plague . if you can , keep the sick from drinking and sleeping for the space of three houres untill the medicine hath done workking . but if you cannot , let the patient drinke a little limon posset , made with some marigold flowers , and harts horn . and if signes of amendment doe appeare , doe not take him out of his bed , or let him coole suddenly : but let him sweat on gently of his own accord , for it is natures sweat following the medicine , which will doe him more good than a kingdome . in this last sweat you may give him some caudle or alebrue : & when the sweats begin to cease of themselves , & his skin grows dry and warme , then let him sit up by a good fire ; aire his cloathes , and so let him give god thanks for his life . adde , if any tumour appeare you may ripen it with this emplaster . take six figs , raisins of the sun stoned half an ounce , salt two drams , honey one ounce , beat them all together , and heat it well with some oile of camomill upon the fire , so spread it upon some cloth , and lay it warm to the tumour , shifting it every twelve houres untill it look with a white head : and when it is ripe , if it be difficult to break , lay to it some goose dung made warme with some sweet butter or sallet oile ; also the root of a white lilly rosted , with some sorrell , to which put a piece of sweet butter , & apply it very warm to the soare , but if it will not break with this means , then you must open it with a penknife or lancet ; else the corruption will rot the flesh , even to the very bone , and when you have opened it , squeeze out the corruption with your hands , and put into the soare , a tent made with unguentum basilicon , or aegyptiacum , & mel rosarum , and lay upon the tent a plaster made with diachilon : continue your tents untill all the corruption be drawn out , then the plaster of diachilon will cure it perfectly . if any that are ancient or weak shall be infected with the pestilence , it shall not be necessary to give them any purge , vomit , or sweat , or to let them bloud ; because they cannot beare the losse of so many spirits as are spent by such evacuations . therefore you may lay upon the pit of the stomack of the sicke a young live puppy , and if the sick can but sleep the space of three or foure houres , they shall recover presently , and the dog shall die of the plague . this i have known approved ; and i do believe that it will be a cure for all leane , spare , and weake bodies both yong and old : provided , that the dog be yonger then the sick . certaine instructions for the cure of the small pox . the nature of the smal pox dispersed this yeer throughout many parts of this kingdome , i have found to bee more malignant , then any that have reigned in my remembrance ; so that many of all ages and sexes , but especially children have miserably died of them : because for the most part , the pestilence is joyned with them , as it doth plainly appeare by those spots , blains , and risings , that follow them . i have likewise observed that those medicines , as mithridate , treacle , safforn and the like , that formerly have cured the small pox , now availe nothing : yea , they are dangerous , if inwardly taken ( especially if the patient hath been long sick ) but if they be outwardly applyed , as i shall shew eft-soons , they will prove good remedies at this time . but how many a tender hearted mother have i seen that , out of an unhappie care of her sicke childe , hath by rash counsel & the unseasonable giving to it hot cordiall medicines , encreased the fever , multiplyed the matter of the small pox , and inflamed the spirits , so that the pestilence hath many times followed ? but howsoever the child hath beene uncurable , which otherwise if nothing at all , or else some small thing of little strength , had been administred , might have recovered ; whereupon i observed the sundry ways and meanes practised by physitians , women , and my selfe , and seeing the diverse events of them , i laboured to find out a certain and secure way for the cure of this disease ; which having found by experience i have ( together with this treatise of the plague ) sent it to the presse , hoping that no man will either hate mee , or envie mee , for doing good , and that those that find benefit by it will thank me for it . the primitive or externall causes of the small pox are all one with those which are of the plague , as an evill and corrupted aire , a disorderly dyet , that begets surfets ; as also for the antecedent causes which are corrupt humours heaped together in the body : therefore those meanes that i have prescribed in the first chapter to preserve the bodie from the infection of the plague , they will also bee a meanes to preserve from the small pox . those that are taken sick this yeere with the small pox are affected after the same manner as those that are infected with the pestilence , & in the beginning it can scarcely be discerned by an expert physitian from it , but only by these signes . those that are infected by the small pox are not so violently affected with heat and cold , nor pains in the stomack and head , as those that are sick with the pestilence , moreover , those that will have the small pox their skin is puft up , and blown like a bladder , so that their face and eyes doe shine : they have a great itching in many parts of their bodies , but chiefly about their nose ; they yawn much , also they finde a great paine and heavinesse in their back bone . now if you shall perceive by these signes , that the sick will have the small pox , keep him warm , but not too hot ; neither let him take cold ; but give him breathing room enough , as he lyeth in his bed : then lay a plaster of mithridate or treacle to the pit of his stomack , and if hee be at mans estate , let him drinke up all this cordiall by two or three spoonfuls at a time every houre ; but if it be a child , the one halfe will be sufficient . take of the waters of roses , burrage , buglosse , and treacle-water , of each an ounce & half , of the syrrup of limons , and clove-gilly-flowers of each one ounce , mix them together , and make thereof a potion : also the poorer sort may take roses , burrage , carduus , marigold flowers , and harts horn , of each a like quantitie , and boyle them in posset drinke , turned with a limon , or white wine : for one above twenty yeers of age let him drink three quarters of a pint at severall times , sweetned with sugar ; and for a child halfe the quantitie will suffice . let the sick sweat gently with either of these medicines so long as hee can well endure it : for the longer the better ; seeing the medicines of themselves are no violent sweats ; & during the sweat you may give him now and then to quench his thirst a very little limon posset-drink by it self . if he can you may let him sleep whilst he sweateth . and if hee lie quiet during the sweat , by gods blessing , within the space of eight or ten houres at the most , he shall find himself finely recovered of his sicknesse . then give him no more of his cordial or sweating posset drink , but only of his limō-posset drink , if he be thirsty ; but let him lie warm in his bed til his skin grow dry , then shortly after the pox will begin to shew themselves . but they will not bee many although every one of them will be far greater then the small pox do use to be ; yet none of them will pit except they be much tampered withal , or picked with the nails . but if so be that those which have white heads do burn and rage extreamly , you may prick their heads with a needle and let out the corruption : there is nothing else to be done with those upon whom they are come out , and the fever abated but that they keepe themselves warm , sit still and be quiet . but if that the sick hath not gone to stool in a long time : before you give him this cordiall to sweat , you shall cause him to goe to stoole by a clyster , or else which is better by a suppositor made with honey and salt , or a violet comfit . and if the sicke bee yong , strong , and full of bloud , you shall without danger doe very well , if you draw from him eight or ten ounces of bloud before you lay him to sweat ; for then the cordiall will have more power , room , and liberty , to play upon the disease , and will the sooner and better drive out the pox . if the quintessentia vitae be given in the waters of roses , burrage , or buglosse , it will drive out the small pox without sweating , and cure the sick immediatly . but if the small pox be come forth , and that the fever continue in his full vigour still , so that the sick doth not amend , but grow worse and worse , then you shall not give them any hot medicines inwardly , nor any thing that doth provoke sweat ; for now hot cordiall medicines will encrease the fever ( and in the beginning they would have quenched the fever ) and turn all the humours of the body into the matter of the small pox ; so that there is nothing but a miserable death likely to follow , oftentimes accompanied with the pestilence . this evill is much practised by those women that pretēd they wil drive the smal pox further out , when they are come out already . wherefore they do but beget the fever again , and where there are but ten they will make a thousand . therefore be carefull in this case , what you do , and give to the sick every hower nothing else but two or three spoonefulls of rose water , sweetened with a little sugar . this will coole the body , quench the fever , cause rest , and then a stoole , and thereby the sick shall recover presently . by these meanes i have cured many very suddenly that have been dangerously sick in all mens sight even to death , as many in the city can beare mee witnesse . as i have warned you not to give many hot things when the small pox are come forth , so i would have you beware of giving those that are very cold , as the waters of plantane , letice , purslane , poppy , and the like ; which ( as i have knowne ) have relieved many for the present , and wrought an admirable cure in the sight of the common people ; but by their cold qualities , they have so congealed and setled the humours in the body , that the sick will never be healthfull all the daies of their lives , as i could instance in many . those that desire further information concerning any particulars not expressed at larg in this brief treatise , they shall be fully satisfied , if they repaire to the author living in hony-suckle court in grubstreet ▪ where he hath by chimicall art prepared six catholicall medicines , with which hee cureth the pestilence , small pox , and most curable diseases whatsoever . vomitivum benedictum . this medicine being taken from five graines to eight , in some convenient distilled water or wine , or else with some conserve or pill , doth safely purge upwards and downwards , so that it may be given to a childe , of three or foure yeeres of age : it cureth all diseases that arise from the foulnesse of the stomack , and is good in the beginning of the pestilence , small pox , or any fever , or ague . catharticum catholicum . the dose of it is from ten grains to twenty , it purgeth gently by stoole , and clenseth the lower belly from all offensive humours , & cureth the french pox , scurvy , jaundis , and dropsie , also it freeth children from worms . diureticum aperitivum . this openeth all obstructions of the body , but chiefly of the liver , spleen , reines , and bladder , it cureth the jaundis and the rickets in children , also it helpeth those that cannot make water . diaphoreticum cordiale . this being given in a small dose doth gently provoke sweat , expelleth all venomous humours from the heart outwardly , and driveth out the small pox , thrusteth out the tumours in the pestilence , and some it cureth without bringing forth a rising . quinta essentia vitae . this reviveth the vitall spirits , and hath an admirable vertue in fortifying the heart against all infectious , & venemous vapours ; so that it is good for those that have occasiō to visit sick people . if ten or twelve drops thereof be taken in a mornings draught it preserveth the body from infection , and if twenty or thirty drops of it bee given to the sicke of the pestilence , within the space of sixe houres after they are infected , they shall be cured in one hour , as i have often proved : it driveth out the small pox , and cureth the sick without sweating . iulapium restaurativum . by the vertue this medicine hath in resisting the putrifaction of humours , it doth cure all sorts of fevers and agues , it may be given in any time of the disease , but especially in the latter end of the sicknesse , when no other medicine can be administred without danger . with it i have cured the hectick fever , and those that have faln into the relapse of the small pox , and such as have been nigh unto death , by reason of violent fevers . any of the aforesaid medicines , the author administreth both outwardly and inwardly in many severall wayes and manners , according to the age , temperature , complexion , and disposition , of the bodie ; and according to the nature , degrees , and time of the disease . artis apollineae vis sola est numen olympi , quo sine languenti pharmaca frustra dabis . if that our art from god receive not strength , in vain we seek mans life for to prolength . finis . a brief treatise of the nature, causes, signes, preservation from, and cure of the pestilence collected by w. kemp ... kemp, w. (william) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing k estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a brief treatise of the nature, causes, signes, preservation from, and cure of the pestilence collected by w. kemp ... kemp, w. (william) [ ], [i.e. ], [ ] p. printed for and are to be sold by d. kemp at his shop ..., london : . errata: p. . reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . plague -- diagnosis -- early works to . plague -- prevention -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - jennifer kietzman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a brief treatise of the nature , causes , signes , preservation from , and cure of the pestilence . collected by w. kemp , mr. of arts. london , printed for , and are to be sold by d. kemp , at his shop at the salutation near hatton-garden in holborn . mdclxv . to the kings most excellent majesty charles the second , by the grace of god , king of england , scotland , france , and ireland ; defender of the faith , &c. most dread and gracious soveraign : the glorious sun , who communicates his beams and light , not onely to the stars and heavens where he doth reside , but also to the ayre and water , and the remotest part of the earth , where the lowest shrubs are cherished with his influence , is a fit emblem of your majesty whose pious care was expressed not onely for the nobles and courtiers , that have the honour to be near your person ; but also for the commons and inferiour people , that have the happiness to be in your mind , in appointing and accepting the directions of the learned colledge of london , for the cure of , and preservation from the pestilence . in a great fire begun in the city , when the sheriffs and other officers are principally called to the quenching of it , and though they discharge their places with singular discretion and fidelity , yet many private persons of an active and publick spirit , are admitted to yeeld their best assistance . in an invasion of a foreign enemy , or insurrection of a domestick rebel , others may take armes besides the life-guard and trayn'd-bands . the plague is a fire that is not easily quenched , an enemy which the vndaunted valour of the invincible english nation , is neither able nor willing to encounter with . for their sakes these directions are published and presented at your majesties feet , and may be useful not onely for the cure of those at land , but also for the preservation of them at sea ; in both which places your majesty hath many thousands , in whose breasts the true english good natured and loyal qualities of love and fear , valour and obedience , do most religiously meet , and who would willingly part with ▪ not onely their lives , but even their own ●ssence , to add to the greatness of their soveraign : of which number is he , who daily prays that your majesty may obtain all your desires from heaven , and be obeyed in all your commands on earth ; that being safely guarded from all dangers and diseases , you may live to see your magnificent intentions take effect , not onely for the good of england , but of all christendome , africa , and the indies , and bless the age we live in , with the miracles of your wisdom and government : your majesties most loyal subject , and humble servant , w. kemp . of the pestilence . of all diseases whereunto the body of man is subject , the plague is one of the most venemous and most infectious , peculiarly opposite to the heart , consuming the vital spirits , destroying the natural heat , and corrupting the humours , usually attended with a fever , and accompanied with variety of most grievous and pernicious symptomes , and most commonly ending in death . of the causes of the pestilence . the cause of the pestilence is either supernatural , or natural . . supernatural , when without the concurrence of natural causes , it is immediately and extraordinarily sent from god , as a just punishment for the sins of mankind ; and this not onely jewes and christians , but even heathens , priests , poets , philosophers , and physicians , have acknowledged in their writings . who can choose but with admiration adore his almighty power , who if he will build , creates a world ; if he rewards , it is with paradise ; if he will protect his people , there is a pillar of fire by night , and a cloud by day , to attend them ; the wilderness shall feast them with quails and manna , the rocks remove their station , and give them drink , the sea opens to yield them passage , the sun and moon stay their courses to enlarge and end their victories . but if he will punish , he sends a deluge and drowns the world , fire and brimstone descend from heaven , the elements are the marshals of his camps , all creatures are his host , the angels march in the head of his troops , whereof he hath thousand thousands that stand before him , and ten thousand times ten thousand that minister unto him ; one whereof slew the first born of every house in egypt in one evening , threescore and ten thousand of the israelites in three dayes , and one hundred fourscore and five thousand of the assyrians in one night . if he send the pestilence , as when the israelites murmured , or david numbred the people , there is no natural balm of gilead of sufficient vertue to preserve from it , or recover of it : if solomon had been then alive , and made an antidote of all his gold that came from ophyr , or extracted the quintessence of all those herbs whereof he knew the several operations , it would have availed no more for the preserving the israelites , than the fortification of sennacheribs camp defended the assyrians . can any thing help nature against the god of nature ? can man think to protect himself with medicines fetcht from vegetables , minerals , or animals ? would they not rather prove his enemies , and sooner do him hurt , than afford him help ? was not one of the greatest , pope adrian , kill'd with a flie ? one of the wittiest , anacreon , choak'd with a raisin stone ? one of the proudest , herod , devoured with lice ? but blessed be his glorious name , his clemency hath not left us destitute , but revealed to us supernatural remedies , faith and repentance , prayer and patience ; which though not prescribed by galen or hyppocrates , nor found out by paracelsus , nor sold by chymists or apothecaries , are revealed by god himself , approved by the prophets and apostles , and may be had for asking , and never fail'd those that us'd them . many learned physicians have written of the theory and practise of physick , and experienced doctors have publisht the observations which they have met with in the cure of diseases , searcht into the secrets of nature , discovered the vertues of herbs , treated of the preparations of minerals , enquir'd into the operations of animals , merchants have brought druggs from the indies , rarities have been sought in the wilderness , pearls have been div'd for in the bottom of the sea , the bowels of the earth have been digged out , the universe hath been rifled , the whole creation ransackt ; and yet not one medicine found out to preserve the doctor , or make one patient immortal . the imperial crown cannot cure the head-ach , nor the golden garter keep away the gowt . the best disciplin'd and victorious armies , the most invincible navies , the best fenced cities , are not able to protect from ordinary , much less from supernatural maladies . but these coelestial and supernatural medicines are of a far more noble and certain operation , and if any may be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the hands of god , these are they . faith brings to your help manus christi , better than all confections , it applies the lignum vitae of the cross , of more effectual vertue than xylobalsamum or lignum aloes . it makes a soveraign balsom of the most precious blood of the son of god , that incomparable and unparalelled physician , who died himself , to save his patients life . saint paul calls it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the shield of faith , which will defend you from the arrow that flyeth by day ; which word signifieth also a door , and will keep out the terror by night , and the pestilence that walketh in darkness , and the destruction that wasteth at noon . what shall i say more , for the time would fail me , to tell of gideon , and of baruck , and of sampson , and of iepthah , of david also , and samuel , and of the prophets , who through faith subdued kingdoms , wrought righteousness , obtained promises , stopped the mouths of lions , quenched the violence of fire , escaped the edge of the sword , out of weakness were made strong , waxed valiant in fight , turn'd to flight the armies of the aliens , and raised the dead to life again . repentance purifieth the soul of all corruption , purgeth out the old leaven , and cleanseth the filth of sin ; the smiting of the heart driveth away , and the breaking of it , will not let it hold infection ; poverty of spirit makes it more couragious , sighs clear and cool the ayre , tears are the best aquae vitae , and a better antidote than aqua theriacalis . you have heard of the patience of iob , why , it was a plaister of patience which cur'd him of all his sores . moses rod when thrown down , became a serpent , but patiently took up , was but a rod : and have you not deserv'd to be corrected , and to suffer much more than is laid upon you ? what is the shivering of a cold fit to the gnashing of teeth ? what is a burning fever to the flames of hell fire ? to be shut up for a moneth in your own habitation , or a pest-house , and there to be vexed with the impertinencies of nurses , the directions of doctors , and operation of chirurgeons , for a few dayes , in comparison of being imprisoned and tormented with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire and brimstone for evermore ? is not the loss of gods favour more than the lack of trade , or separation of friends ? is not the worm of conscience more painful than a carbuncle ? is not the death of the soul infinitely more grievous than the death of the body ? why doth the living man complain that suffereth for his sin ? any thing on this side hell is mercy . are you not kindly dealt with , when in justice you ought to lose your head , and in mercy you are censur'd onely to cut your hair . the wise king solomon was a great favourite , and might have obtained any request in the court of heaven , yet when he petition'd concerning the pestilence , that might be sent by god among his people , never intreats that medicines might have their desired effect , to preserve the healthy and restore the sick , but passeth by the helps of nature , and speaks as if there were none to be had , being consumed by famine , destroyed by blasting , corrupted by mildew , eaten by locusts , devoured by catterpillars , and spoiled by enemies , and puts all their hope and expectation of relief in the supernatural remedy of prayer , kings . . if there be pestilence , whatsoever plague , whatsoever sickness there be ; what prayer and supplication soever be made by any man , or by all thy people israel , which shall know every man the plague of his own heart , and spread forth his hands toward this house ; then hear thou in heaven , and forgive , and do to every man according to his wayes , &c. prayers , whether they be gods heavenly and sudden inspirations , or our holy and premeditated desires , are as so many angels of intercourse descending and ascending between god and us ; and it is one of the greatest favours mortality is capable of , at all times , and in all places , and on all occasions , to have free access to the throne of grace , and make our wants known , and be relieved ; for god being universa ! goodness , and willing to communicate and diffuse the same unto his creatures , how can we fail in having our petitions granted , when we concur with him in desiring that help and pity , wherewith his very nature doth most delight . man was but a heap of dust , till the breath of life was breath'd into him , and then he became a living soul , and prayer will keep him a living soul , from returning unto dust again . is wrath begun ? prayer will make an atonement ; phineas prayed , and the plague was stayed : it as it were dis-armes the almighty , and in some sort may be said to bind his hands . it made him when angry , to entreat moses to let him alone . it holds the drawn sword of the destroying angel. it is an incense , that being offer'd up with fervent zeal , perfumes the air above all arabian odors , or the spice of india . hearty prayer availeth much , and is the most effectual cordial , the best preservative , the most excellent restorative , the most soveraign antedote , the most powerful amulet . 't is best to be used fasting in the morning , and last at night , three times a day with daniel , seven times a day with david , alwayes , as saint paul directs . as health is the salt of all earthly blessings , without which they would be uncomfortable , so prayer seasoneth and exalteth the vertue of all medicines ; nay 't is the universal medicine , it cures all diseases , and makes all work for the best , and like the philosophers stone turns every thing , nay the iron rods into gold , and the dreadful marks and purples into gods tokens . secondly , the plague may be caused extraordinarily , by the devil . that evil spirit that by his temptations enticeth men to wickedness , is most ready upon all occasions to reward them with punishment . he that can poyson the minds of men , by suggesting unto them most destructive and pestilent notions , much more can poyson their bodies with pernicious diseases . the devil , though fallen , is an angel , and though he hath lost his happiness , yet retains his power , neither did his knowledge of natural causes and their effects , depart from him with his innocence . he that being permitted to vex iobs body with biles and sores , that could drive winds and tempests together to beat down his house , that could bring down fire from heaven to destroy his cattel , can alter the disposition and healthy constitution of the air , whereof he is prince and ruler . when egypt was plagued , god sent evil angels among them , and those spirits that did corrupt the water , by turning it into blood , and poyson the rivers with froggs , and the cattel with murrain , may also corrupt the air and water , and raise on mens bodies botches and boils , and destroy them with the pestilence . hitherto may be referred that pestilence , which in some countries followeth upon the death and burial of certain witches , which though it may seem fabulous , yet being related out of hercules saxonia by that most candid author the learned sennertus ( whose honoured name must never be mentioned by me , without a particular respect and grateful acknowledgement of his learned labours in the art of physick ) i shall mention it in saxonia's own words . i had ( saith he ) a very strong argument to confirm this thing ; but because it did seem to exceed all credulity , i did not dare to publish it : namely , that in poland and germany the plague is sometimes caused by certain witches , when they are first dead and buried , and doth not cease till the corps be found and taken up ; then it hath in the mouth of it , some pieces of its own grave-cloths , or of some near adjacent carcass ( which it holds fast in the teeth , as if it were about to devour and eat them ) then they cut off the head of it , and set it on a pole , and bury the corps again . th because it seem'd to pass my understanding , i did not dare to write : but afterwards being confirm'd by manifold testimonies , especially of the most learned doctor john ursinus , i did not doubt to publish . the said vrsinus having seen it with his own eyes , relates it thus , in the year of our lord . when a certain woman of rzesna in poland was buried near the church of the exaltation of the holy cross , the plague began to rage and spread extreamly , whereupon the buriers with good reason suspecting that there was a witch there lately buried , dig up her carcass , and find in her mouth some pieces of devoured grave-cloths ; they cut off her head , as the fashion is in such cases , set it on a pole , and bury the corps again , and the plague ceased . for confirmation whereof , the said saxonia brings the testimony of several famous men . and though the reason of it is not easily found out , yet it may not be unpleasant for those that have more leasure to make further enquiry . perhaps these wretched persons being of the same malicious mind with him , that wisht the destruction of the world at his dissolution , and said , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , might indent with the devil to do some extraordinary mischief when they themselves could do no more ; and he , to draw others into the like cursed contract , might get leave to perform his bargain . martin weinrichius hath written a large narrative of the tragedies and troubles that a certain taylor of silesia stirred up after his death ; and histories relate strange stories done by witches in those places that are under the power of the prince of darkness , and without the light of the gospel . i have heard of the plague that hath followed upon great butcheries and slaughters of men that have been denied quarter , though their corpses have been all buried . if the body after death , neither by it self , nor by good , or evil spirits , hath no operation , how comes it to pass , that being taken out of the grave , many weeks after it hath been buried , it will bleed fresh blood at the presence of its murderer ? i have heard of many strange stories of tempests that have attended on the death and burial of conjurers and magitians ; and it is probable there was somewhat more than ordinary in that wind on the third of september , when that detestable tyrant and traytor cromwell died . however the devil can go no further than his chain , nor exceed his commission in afflicting iob , nay he could not enter into the gadarens swine without leave . the indians talk much of the mischief their powowes can do , but yet have no power to hurt the english ; and the wise wife of keith at the intreaty of earl bothwell , could not hurt king iames the brittish solomon . the light of religion destroys the power of darkness , and the infernal spirits are subdued and overcome by the heavenly vertues of faith and repentance , prayer and patience ; these call in angels to our guard , which will take charge over us , that there be no inchantment against iacob , nor divination against israel . secondly , the natural causes of the pestilence are likewise two-fold , . such as generate and breed it . . such as propagate and spread it . one cause of breeding the pestilence is the corruption of the air , which is occasioned , sometimes by the influence of the stars , by the aspects , conjunctions and oppositions of the planets , by the ecclipses of the sun and moon , by the consequences of comets , by immoderate heat , and excessive moisture , whereby vapours and exhalations being drawn up , and remaining unconsumed , do rot and putrifie , and so corrupt and infect the air with a venenate , malignant , and pestilential quality . and though some may think it strange , that those pure and coelestial bodies , as the sun , moon , and stars , should produce any pernicious or hurtful effects to mankind , or creatures here below ; yet when it shall be considered , that individuals have no perpetuity in themselves , but in their species , and therefore there is a necessity of corruption as well as generation , it will not be difficult to answer , that the stars intending no evil , hurt , or mischief , produce it onely by accident ; of themselves they preserve , but by accident destroy . moreover , the effects that proceed from the coelestial bodies , are not so much to be judged by the nature of the superior heavens , as by the disposition of the inferiour creatures : the same heat of the sun doth harden clay and soften wax ; thesame rain that washeth stones , makes miry places the more dirty . do you not see in the four seasons of the year , spring , summer , autumn , and winter , which are accompanied with warmth , drought , cold , and moisture , which are in themselves good , though many individual creatures receive damage thereby . the warmth of the spring is exceeding comfortable , and tending to the good of the universe , and yet that heat meeting with a body full of vicious humors , that had been stored there in the fore-going winter , stirs up fevers , plurisies , and other diseases , whereof many die . the summer season attended with its parching heat , serves for ripening of the fruits of the earth , and yet in some persons it causes calentures and mortal maladies . the rains of autumn , the cold and frosts of winter , though good in themselves and seasonable to the earth , yet in some bodies , occasion gowts , palsies , dropsies , and consumptions . and though these stars , being as it were pestilently bent against us , and have neither pity , sense , nor power to change their influence , or alter their motion , yet our most gracious god , who is the lord of the host of heaven , that made the sun and moon stand still for ioshua , and the sun to go back ten degrees for hezekiah ; that god which iob speaks of , which removeth the mountains , and shaketh the earth out of her place ; he that sealeth up the stars , and treadeth on the waves of the sea , iob . can disperse any hurtful exhalations that are gathered in the air , and suppress any noxious vapours that arise from the earth . he that can bind the sweet influence of the pleiades , can also hinder the malignant aspects of the planets ; and he that can loose the bands of orion , can as well dissolve the conjunction of mars and saturn , whom it is no more difficult for him to over-rule , than to guide arcturus and his sons , iob . , . astra regunt homines , sed regit astra deus . secondly , the corruption of the air may be caused , not onely by the influence of the stars , but also by the vapours and exhalations that ascend from pools and standing waters , from lakes that do not run , from stinking sinks , and ditches that are not cleansed , as also from holes and caverns of the earth ; they which dig in cole-pits , and work in mines , oft-times , to the damage of their health and hazard of their lives , are made sensible of the effect of damps that thence arise . guainerius relates , that upon the opening of a pit in campania , there rushed forth such a poisonous breath , that presently kill'd the by-standers . physicians , out of iulius capitolinus , make mention of an exceeding old chest , which being found and opened in babylon , there began a most deadly plague , that reacht as far as parthia . and ammianus marcellinus relates , that in the time of marcus verus the emperor , apollo's temple was sackt , and his image brought to rome , where some of the souldiers of avidius crassus espied a little hole , which afterward they opened , and thereupon sallied out such a hurtful blast of air , that kindled a most grievous pestilence . the air also may be corrupted by the exhalations and vapours that ascend out of the bowels of the earth , wherein are many poisonous minerals , upon the eruption of earthquakes , after which ( as histories report ) most grievous plagues have followed . lastly , the air may be corrupted by the steams and fumes that arise from carcases not at all buried , or not buried deep enough , or digged up to make room for others before they have been quite consumed . i have read of a great plague that hath begun upon the opening of a grave , and one might guesse worse , if he should conceive this to be one reason why the parish of saint giles in the fields should be more infected than other places ; and those that have ability and authority may do a worse deed than cause the church-yard to be covered over with fresh earth . secondly , the plague may be caused by corrupt and superfluous humours , which being bred by ill diet , unhealthy food , unwholesome meat and drink , and being long detained in the body , at last arrive to the highest degree of putrefaction , and become venemous and pestilential : hence came the proverb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : after famine comes the plague . from this corruption of humours it is , that especially women and children , that are of a hot and moist temper , and of a soft and tender constitution ; and the meaner sort of people that keep little or no order in diet , and have small regard to preserve their health , but having foul bodies , and abounding with peccant humours , become most subject to this pernicious disease ; from the danger whereof , others that guide themselves more orderly , for the most part live more secure . secondly , as the plague may be generated and bred by the corruption of the air and putrefaction of the humours , so is it often propagated by infection , whereby the like venemous disposition and diseased effect is produced in a healthy body , wherewith that sickly person from whence it came , was first afflicted ; and it is most powerful if it be received into such a body , proportionable and of like constitution , to that wherein it was formerly kindled ; whence kinsfolks and those of the same bloud , are soonest infected by one another . the turks are perswaded , that every ones fate is written in his fore-head , and hath a fatal destiny appointed by god , which it is impossible for any to avoid ; so that they believe , those that shall die by the plague , cannot be slain in war , nor drown'd in water , and those that shall die in battel , cannot be kill'd by the plague ; by which credulity , they slight and neglect all care of avoiding the infection , conversing with one another , and buying the goods out of infected houses , and wearing the apparel of them that lately died . i shall not trouble my self to confute this opinion , since at grand cayre and constantinople there have been thousands that have suffered death , and multitudes that have been executed by the plague for this heresie . but would one think there should be any such in england , that in opposition to the good orders of the magistrates , and without any regard to their own safety , or the lives of their families , their children , neighbours , friends and acquaintance , and all with whom they have to do or come a-near , should not refrain the conversation of the sick , and coming into infected places , when they have no necessary occasion , that calls them thereunto . i have seen some sit at the doors , where the houses have been shut up , and have heard them speak ( i cannot say ) reason ) as if there were no such thing at all , as that which people fear and call infection ; they say the scripture doth not say the plague is infectious : why , neither doth it say that whoredome breeds the pox. they will tell you , they and many more have been with the sick and kept them company , and eat , and dranke , and lay with them , and yet themselves never ail'd any thing : they may as well argue that many have had the plague , botches , blains , carbuncles and the tokens , and recovered , and therefore the sicknesse is not mortal . when a phylosopher came to a heathen idols temple , one of the priests shewed him a table of the names of such persons , that in extremity of tempests and other dangers , made vows to their deity , and escaping shipwrack came safe to land ; but quoth the philosopher ; can you shew me how many made their vows and yet perished ? i have observed that most of these people are extream ignorant : and who so bold as blind bayard ? it would be no great difficulty to perswade an indian that never saw a gun shot off , to stand before a canons mouth when it is loaden and discharged : or else they have no good nature , or kindness for mankind ; or else they are exceeding covetous ; or such as care not much to be rid of some of their relations ; or else such as have had the plague formerly ; or else they are middle-witted persons and diseased in the pate , and are as fit for a pest-house as a mad man is for bethlem ; and the proper way to confute them is not with discourse or reason , but with a padlock and a watch-man . are there not some diseases that are infectious ? do not some sick bodies send out fumes and steams from them ? is not the plague as infectious as the itch or pox ? doth not the apparel of several persons smell of such things as they daily use and handle in their trade ? things of a homogeneous nature contain their whole essence in a little quantity ; every part of quicksilver is quicksilver ; the least drop of oyl is oil ; the least spark of fire is fire , and if it meet with combustible matter , what a flame will it soon beget and kindle ! any one that shall consider , what operation there is in a few grains of arsnick , or other deadly poysons ; what dolorous effects , and most grievous symptomes , are caused by the biting of any venemous beast , or stinging of such little creatures as hornets , wasps , and bees , that with their slender stings do make a wound so small , that it is scarce discernable by the sharpest sight ; will soon be perswaded , that a great force and efficacy of contagion may be included in a small quantity of room , and like leaven ( a little whereof leaveneth the whole lump ) will soon dilate and spread it self throughout the whole body , and destroy the vital spirit . this infection is of a hot nature , that it may disperse ; 't is subtil and thin , that it may enter ; 't is viscous and tenacious , that it may stick ; and venemous and pernicious , that it may destroy . it is not conveyed after one manner , sometimes it is communicated by breathing , sometimes by the pores of the skin , sometimes by sweat , or in form of a vapour , and divers other wayes ; but it is then most dangerous , when it comes from those that are in a dying condition , in whom nature is overcome by the strength of the disease ; sometimes it lies hid , and as it were dormant , and lurking for many dayes ; sometimes it quickly becomes rampant , and suddenly discovers its devouring nature ; sometimes a man may carry it about him in his apparel , and not being infected himself , may infect others . hitherto may be referred the infection that is caused by powders , ointments , mixtures , and compositions dispersed by mischievous persons , whereby the pestilence hath been strangely spread abroad , and for which ( as several credible histories report ) many of them being discovered , have been deservedly executed . and here a question may be asked , how it comes to pass , that such mischievous persons escape themselves ? and whence it is , that nurses , searchers , buriers , and such as minister about the sick , are free from infection ? to which i answer , that , perhaps this may not be alwayes true , the pitcher indeed goes often to the well , but at last may come home broken . there have been some chyrurgeons , that have had plague sores ; some nurses have died with their patients , nay have died , when their patients have recovered ; and there have been bearers and buriers that have stood in need of the same office to be done for them , which but very lately they did do for others . perhaps also , many of these persons have formerly had the plague , and recovered , being like some pieces that remain untoucht , when most of the house hath been consumed with the fire ; or like some souldiers , that have escaped with life , when most part of the whole army hath been cut to pieces . this their freedom from infection , cannot be said to proceed from better antidotes which they take , nor from healthier constitutions that they are of , nor better diet and order which they observe ; for many times such persons take little or nothing at all , and are subject to several diseases which many others are free from , and are often of disorderly and dissolute lives , given to intemperance and excess of drink . but it proceeds from an undaunted courage , a bold , ready , and present mind , not distracted with fear , or terrified with any peril , whence they adventure on and perform such actions , as others having their minds distracted with danger , and spirits dismayed and dissipated with fear , could not undertake without the apparent hazard of their lives ; as we see some that slide on ice , that walk on precipices , that swim in deep waters , that climb up tall trees , that dance on high ropes , do it without any great difficulty , because undaunted ; whereas others that should attempt to do the same actions with fear would fail of their enterprise , and break their necks . secondly , it may arise from a particular constitution they have , which is not easily subject to this contagion : before any action can have its effect , and make impression , the subject must be first disposed thereunto , and made capable thereof . a salamander is said to live in the flame , though a flie is consumed therewith . gun-powder and brimstone will take fire presently , so doth not chalk nor clay . it is from some particular constitution , that some persons can neither sing , nor distinguish any tune , neither care they for any musick , and yet others there be which are even ravisht with it . i know one , that playing at gleek , for more than he is willing to lose , cannot reckon his game aright , if he here one sing ; neither could he shake in the cold fit of an ague , if he heard a merry tune on the bag-pipes ; his best remedy against any pain is to hear some pleasant harmony . there are many fine dames that love to play with a squirrel , and carry it in their pockets , and yet i know a lady that will sound if she come neer one . how many are delighted with the fragrant smell of a damask rose , and yet it did blister a ladies cheek when laid upon it , though she was a-sleep . there are some that will even sound and be very faint , not only at the sight , but even at the presence of a cat , though lockt up and concealed in a chest ; and yet how many are there that love their melancholy company ? i have seen some that will put a snake in their bosome , and let it wind it self like a bracelet about their arm , and yet there are others that will be put into strange fits , and be extream sick at the sight of an eel . it is needless to tell how many hate cheese , and yet others think they have not din'd well without it . some persons there be which hardly any thing will make them sweat , others that can hardly vomit , some that nothing will purge ; some there are whom many drams of scamony will not stir , and yet twelve grains will purge others i know a gentlewoman now living , about sixty five years of age , and very well , that about five years ago could not be made to vomit with more than three ounces of the infusion of crocus metallorum , taken three dayes together , and yet would rid her stomach twice or thrice in a morning with drinking a draught of plain ale ; neither could she be purg'd with twenty grains of resin of ialap , and twelve of gambugia , and yet as much swell'd as one that had the dropsie , and withal so feeble , that she could scarce hold a card , wherewith she delighted much to play ; and yet was contrary to the expectation of all her acquaintance perfectly cured , by being about five and twenty times let blood , and is now living and very healthy . also i know a knight that will be as much purged with eating of one egge , as if he had taken a full dose of pills , or a churlish potion . thirdly , this their freedom from infection , may proceed from some custome . there have been some that by using themselves to the taking of venemous things and poyson , have made it as familiar and innocent to themselves as ordinary nourishment . there have been some that have eaten spiders and hemlock , and great quantities of opium , without any hurt or prejudice . what custome will do , one may see by them that are great drinkers , and smoke and chew and snuff tobacco , without distempering either their brains or stomacks . they who work in glass-houses , or near great fires , seldom complain of that heat which would even melt or roast others . many of the poorer sort there be , that in the cold north countrey , go bare-foot and wet-shod without catching cold or ague . some by using to dive in the sea for pearls , can hold their breath the space of almost half an hour . and those who are accustomed , and make it their unhappy trade to empty jakes and privies , scarce perceive , neither are offended with that smell , which is ready to poyson others . secondly , as the plague is propagated by contagion , so likewise is it spread by fear and imagination . from the heart proceed the vital spirits , which are its life-guard , and if they by fear are dissipated , or retire inwards , and leave the outward parts forsaken , which in infectious times , are as it were environ'd and besieg'd with pestilential air , in comes the plague like a prevailing enemy , and easily enters the gates , scales the walls , and surpriseth the heart , which like a coward in extremity of danger , is not able to help it self , or make resistance . secondly , by terror and fear , there is not onely an easie passage made for infectious air to enter in , but also the spirits retiring to the center of the heart , do draw after them such noxious and noisom vapours , which are about the circumference of the body ( as the sun draws towards it the vapours of the earth ) and these arriving at the heart , make a notable motion in the blood , and causing heaviness , compression and contraction , unite that force of the venome , which before was weak and scattered , and makes it stronger and victorious . thirdly , when either by the influence of the air , or disorder of diet , or corruption of humors , there is begotten in the body , a disposition or inclination to , or as it were a seed of the pestilence , fear and terror do excite and stir it up , and quickly bring it into action ; whence that which such timerous persons did most fear , doth unavoidably fall upon them . lastly , as the humors of the body do oftentimes work much upon the mind , in like manner the passions of the mind work no less upon the body . there have been some , who by imagination have been cured of those diseases , wherewith they have been afflicted ; and there have been others , who by imagination have fallen into the same diseases they have feared . thomas a vega a learned physitian , tells a story of one that was light-headed , and sick of a burning feaver , and being in great heat , was extreamly importunate , that he might have leave to swim in that pool there ( pointing with his hand to the floor of the chamber , which he fancied to be water ) for said he , if i should but swim there , i should be immediately well : at length the physician being overcome with his intreaty , gave him leave , and presently with great content he gets out of the bed , and cheerfully rowles himself upon the floor , saying , the water was now as high as his knees , but he could wish it deeper ; by and by after he was more pleas'd that it was up to his middle , and withall he wisht it a little higher , and presently after he seem'd to be over-joyed , for that the water came up to his chin , and then he said , he was very well ; and so it was indeed , for he presently recovered . whereas on the contrary there be other stories , that make relation of some , that did but see one infected with the plague , and of some that did but behold a-far off a corps going to be buried ; of others , who being in the house , did but hear the noise of the buriers , and presently after have caught the sickness , and died of the plague themselves . 't is not seldom seen , that the weeping of one person will draw tears from the eyes of another . when one begin to cough , many presently follow after . 't is very usual , that the laughing of one man , will set another on laughing , that seeth him laugh , though he doth not know the cause why the first man laughed ; and the like effect we see in yawning and stretching , which breedeth the like gaping in the lookers on ; and this doth proceed out of the action of the object upon the fancy of the spectator , which making as it were the picture , resemblance , or image of it self in the others mind , sendeth his spirits unto the same parts , where they produce the same actions . how great the force of imagination is , may be seen not onely by the longing marks that are made on children , when their mothers cannot obtain the thing they so much fancy ; thus some have had the picture of a cherry or mulberry , or some such fruit , imprinted on their body : but also by the impressions of those things that are made on the children , wherewith their mothers were affrighted ; thus some have had the resemblance of a bird , or mouse , or blood , or some such thing ▪ which put the mother in a fear . did you never see some frantick , distracted persons , who imagining that they are bound , and tied , and cannot stir from the place wherein they are , will lie still , and make great complaints of their imprisonment , and not go one step to reach any meat or drink , that should be laid and placed very near them , although they were never so much pressed with hunger , or with thirst ; nay , they would not rise up and run away , though an enemy came to them with a drawn sword , or though thieves were rifling all the room , because the apprehension of being tied and bound , is so strong in their fancy , that it neither can nor will send any spirits into other parts of the body to cause motion . so when any persons being frighted with this grievous disease , shall think of nothing but the plague , and have their thoughts and fancy fixed night and day upon this sickness , whereof they imagine they shall surely die and not escape , it comes to passe that the apprehension of the pestilence is so strong in their imagination , that they forget and neglect to send any spirits unto the heart , to bring it succour and relief , against its mortal and pernicious enemy . now for remedy against these passions , fears , terrors , frights and imaginations , which are more easily discoursed of , than removed . when , nay and before you are forsaken of friends , and hear nothing but complaints of neighbours , the crying of wives and children , the mourning of husbands and parents , the sorrowing of kinsfolks and allies , the sickness spreading , the pestilence raging , and the plague encreasing from tens to hundreds , from hundreds to thousands , and now ready to seize upon your self , as it hath done already upon others ; remember how saint peter and the disciples prayed in a tempest : call to mind what david did when he was greatly distress'd at ziklag , the town taken , sackt , and burnt , by the amalekites , his wives taken prisoners , the inhabitants carried away captive , and those few souldiers that he had left , ready to stone him , sam. . . he comforted himself in the lord his god : cast off then the love of the world , let the distrust of gods mercy be far from you , use the exercise of a holy life and good conversation , and because it is gods doing , repine not at his providence : use the aforesaid approved supernatural remedies . faith is the best fence against fear , patience the best plaister against sores , repentance the best restorative , and prayer the best antidote . of the signs of the pestilence . although after several evil aspects and malevolent conjunctions of the planets after bad constitutions of the air , and distemper of the weather , after dearth of corn and scarcity of provision , whereby the humours of mens bodies have been corrupted , and several diseases have sprung up , yet no plague hath followed ; and on the contrary , though after the signs of healthy seasons , plenty of good and wholesome diet , yea and after a most cold and dry winter , and in a dry and temperate summer , the plague hath risen up and spread abroad ; yet most commonly there have been some tokens , signs , and fore-runners of it , which have given men an alarm to pre●●re for it , expect it , and provide against it . these signs are of two sorts : . the signs of the plague immanent , and approaching . . the signs of it present and raging . first , the signs of the plague approaching , may be observed , first , from the causes producing it : such as are the position of the heavens , the conjunction of mars and saturn , the appearance of comets and blazing stars ( but what and how much may be from thence fore-told , i leave to astrologers ) such also are the alterations of the seasons of the year from their usual temper , such are also the corruption of the humours , discovered by the frequency of malignant fevers and epidemical diseases , the commoness of the small-pox and measils , which often are fore-runners of the plague ; such also are the eruptions of earth-quakes , and digging up several places of the earth , especially old sinks and standing pools that have been formerly stopped up ; such is also contagion , for if the plague is , or lately hath been in any neighbour country , it doth not usually cease there , but travails from one place and nation to another , as physitians and historians do at large relate . secondly , the signs of the plague approaching , may be gathered from the effects . first , in the earth : if herbs , plants and grashoppers do wither almost as soon as spring up , if the fruits and flowers of it be blasted and devoured by caterpillars , spiders , moths , and such like creatures ; if there be more than ordinary encrease of mushromes , if there hath been a murrain among sheep or cattel ; for though the same plague that destroys man , doth not hurt sheep , neither doth the same disease that kills sheep , presently assault men , yet it may so come to pass , that by much and long eating of rotten mutton , bad humors bred thereby may arrive to so great a malignity as to kill men . secondly , in the water : if there be a great increase of frogs and toads , if fishes die in ponds or lakes , if the water of springs , pumps , wells and conduits become muddy and troubled . thirdly , in the air : if there be more flies , locusts and insects than is usual , if birds die , or forsake their place , if flesh sooner putrifie than ordinary , and bread sooner become mouldy . simon kelway in the third chapter of his treatise of the plague , printed at london . hath these words , when we see young children flock themselves together in companies , and then will fain some of their company to be dead amongst them , and so will solemnize the burial in a mournful sort , this is a token which hath been well observed in our age to fore-shew great mortality at hand . and i have heard that one did fore-tell our late unhappy civil wars , by seeing boys and children make officers , muster and imitate the train-bands ; saying , when he was in germany , before the wars did there begin , the children there did do the like . i remember about twenty years ago , one of the chaplains of his late majesty king charles the first of ever blessed memory , did preach at bristol upon this text out of gen. . . and the lord set a mark upon cain : and in his sermon did speak much against black-patches and beauty-spots , and among other things , said that they were fore-runners of other spots , and marks of the plague ; and presently , within a very little while after , the plague brake out among them , and all those persons that did wear them , fled the town . and when saint andrews church-yard wall did break or fall down this winter , i heard some prognosticate the coming of the plague , saying , it fell in like manner the last great sickness in . but what reason these had to say so , i do not fully understand . secondly , the signs of the plague raging , are two-fold : first , such as are common to other diseases . secondly , more proper and peculiar to it self . when the plague first seizeth upon any particular person , before many have been infected , it is very hard to discern it , because it hath divers symptomes attending it that are common to other diseases , and there is no one perfect proper , infallible , and inseparable sign to distinguish it , and many excellent and learned physicians have disputed and differed much about it ; but when it hath continued a while , and spread it self abroad among many , it is very easie to be known . as man is called a microcosme or little world , not only because he partakes something of the ●●●ure of all creatures , he hath a simple being with things without life ; he hath vegetation and growth with plants , sense and motion with bruits , and understanding with the angels ; but also because he hath in him the resemblance of all creatures , his flesh like the soft earth , his bones like the hard stones and minerals , his hair like the grasse , the blood in his veins and arteries distributed throughout the whole body , and all meeting in the heart or liver , like the rivers and waters dispersed in the earth , and all meeting in the sea and ocean ; his breath like the wind , his head like the heavens , wherein are seated his eyes , which some compare to the sun and stars : so also is the plague called the great sickness , because it borroweth the symptomes , and includes and comprehends in it self something of the nature of all diseases , whereof it is the abridgement and epitome . it sometimes begins with a cold shivering like an ague , sometimes continues with a mild warmth like a hectick fever or a diary , and encreaseth with violent heat like a burning fever . it corrupteth the blood and all the humours , it afflicteth the head with pain , the brain with giddiness , the nerves with convulsions , the eyes with dimness , making them look as if they had wept , and depriving them of their lively splendor , it makes the countenance look ghastly , troubling the ears with noise and deafness ; it infecteth the breath with stinking , the voice with hoarseness , the throat with soreness , the mouth with drought , and the tongue with thirst ; the stomach with worms and want of appetite , with hickhop , nauseousness , retching , and vomiting ; the bowels with looseness and the bloody flix , the sides with stitches , the back with pains , the lungs with flegme , the skin with fainty and stinking sweats ; spots , blains , botches , sores , and carbuncles , the pulse with weakness , the heart with sounding and faintness . it makes feeble like the palsie , it causeth sleepiness like the lethargy , watchfulness and madness like a phrensie , and sudden death like the apoplexy . and these symptomes happen not alike to all , but differ and vary according to the several constitutions of the parties that are sick . and as in the times of great infection all diseases turn to the plague , so the plague discovers the symptomes of all those diseases whereof it had its beginning and original . and , though this grievous sickness , most commonly comes in state , attended with a fever , and strengthened with other maladies , yet it is not alwayes so , for sometimes it comes stealing into the heart , whereby many have died suddenly , without the sense of fore-going pain or preceding distemper . iacob de partibus tells us of some that in the plague time bronght him their urine to look upon , and he could perceive neither any symptome or grievous fever that they had , and yet they died either before , or as soon as they went from him . alex. benedictus tells of some that whilst they have been employed about their business in the house ▪ their trading in the market , their devotions in the church , have died suddenly ; and sundry other physitians relate the like , and perhaps the same hath or might have been observed here at london . besides these signs that the plague hath in common with other diseases , it hath some more proper to it self , and doth incredibly destroy the vital spirit , and weaken nature , so that in a very short time , without any manifest reason or fore-going cause , the party is as weak and faint , as if he had endured much pain without ease , as if he had watched long without sleep , as if he had bled extreamly without stopping it , or purged or vomited exceedingly , without staying it . it is the most venemous and infectious of all diseases , it seiseth upon many , and the most of them it kills . what the event of the sickness is like to be , one may from hence conjecture and prognosticate : first , if the sick party in the very first beginning of the disease , and as soon as ever he felt himself ill , did take some proper and effectual medicine , and did not vomit or cast it up again ; and if by chance he did cast it up , if presently after he did take some more of the same , or some other , which did abide in his stomach , and was digested , and did make him sweat , and if he grew lightsomer after sweat ; if the swellings , botches , or carbuncles quickly arise to a place not dangerous , neither to the heart , neck , throat , nor about the ears , and thereupon the symptomes do abate , if the swellings be great , or more than one , and quickly break and run , and come to maturation : if the party hath an honest careful nurse , and but one physitian ( for two physitians , a wicked nurse , and the plague , are able to make an end of any one sick patient ) there is great probability and hope of his recovery . secondly , but if the party hath neglected to take any approved cordial or medicine in the beginning of the disease , before he slept , if the swellings be but small , and arise slowly and near about the heart , if there be more carbuncles than one , if the swellings retire back , and quickly strike in again , if the party continue light-headed , talke idle or hath convulsions , or a deep sleep , or be sick after sleep , or hath no sleep at all , if he hath a great thirst , and the tongue be black and scorcht , if the eyes look ghastly , the voice be hoarse , the nostrils drawn together , if he say that all things stink ; if he purge or vomit , or bleed at the nose , and is not better for it , if he be outwardly cold , and inwardly burn , if he doth often faint or swoune , for the most part death follows . thirdly , there is no disease more treacherous and deceitful , for sometimes , when one may think the worst is past , death is at hand , and when death seems to be at hand , the party sometimes recovers beyond hope or expectation . fourthly , children are most in danger , women with child next , and young maids that are marriageable , more than elder or aged persons . lastly , those that die of the plague , have commonly to be seen upon them spots , or marks , or botches , blains or carbuncles , and though these sometimes vanish or disappear , yet the flesh will be quickly softer in one place than another , and the whole body , by reason of the corruption of the humours , will grow limber , and become more soft than ordinary , and worse coloured than other corpses , the ears also , and the nails and nose will wax blew , as if they had been beaten or bruis'd . of the preservation from the pestilence . death is not a greater enemy to nature , than the pestilence is a friend to death , and though it be so grievous a disease , against which there is yet known no general nor infallible medicine ; yet sometimes , either by the strength of nature , or help of physick , it hath been heal'd and cured . we see there have been some houses set on fire , and yet have been preserved ; there have been possessions that have been enter'd by adversaries , and yet have been recover'd and restor'd again to the right and lawful owners ; there have been enemies , who have invaded countries , and enter'd towns , and yet have been fortunately driven out by the valour of the inhabitants ; but yet the housholder could more easily have prevented the fire , than extinguish it ; the farmer with lesse trouble kept his possession , than have regain'd it ; and the citizens with lesse losse and hazard have defended their towns and countries , than have clear'd them of their enemies . the plague is a fire that consumeth all before it , and may quickly bring the body to dust and ashes ; it is an adversary that riotously makes a forcible entry , and may assault , wound , and evilly entreat you , so that it may be despaired of your life , against whom yon cannot get your damages nor reparation ; it is an enemy that seldome gives quarter , but destroys , spoils , and lays all waste before it , and far more wisdom it is to prevent the malady , than to abide the trouble , cost , and hazard of the cure. the way and means of preservation ( under gods assistance , as in all things , so especially now , we ought to seek by prayer and devotion ) consist in two things : . in avoiding all the causes of the plague . . in strengthening our bodies against them . one cause of the sickness , is the corruption and infection of the air ; for when the plague begins to raign in any place , and the pestilence is as it were sown among the people , the sick continually not onely breath out of their mouths , but send out of their bodies infectious steams and vapours , which being disperst and scattered in the air , are soon after drawn in by the breath of others ; and thence whole families are extinguisht , and the plague not onely creeps , but runs from one house to another : and hence it is that the plague destroyes more in cities than in countries , and more in narrow streets and lanes of those cities , than in open places , because usually there are narrow and little rooms , which are soonest fill'd with infectious vapours , and longer keep them in ; for though the air be never so corrupt , you must draw it in with your breath continually , for without it you cannot live an hour . as meat and drink is the food of our bodies , so is the air the nourishment of our spirits ; and therefore as by unwholsome meat our bodies are diseased , so by corrupt air , our spirits are easily infected , weakened , and extinguished ; and therefore we have good cause to avoid it , and provide against it . hence it was that the ancients ( as plutarch relates in his roman questions ) did alwayes build the temple of aesculapius the supposed god of their health , without the walls ▪ because they judged the country air more wholesome than the city . and in this case the counsel of hippocrates in advising to change and flie the corrupted air , is , and hath been receiv'd as an oracle , and as a proverb generally approved by all , the antidote made of three adverbs , cito , longe , tarde , flie quickly , go far , and return slowly , hath oft-times proved effectual . and if any of those that will strain at a gnat , and swallow a camel , should pretend any scruple of conscience about the lawfulness of this remedy , in flying from infected places , and say , out of envy , at the accommodation of others , or discontent that they are not so well provided themselves , or some secret design ( as i have heard several expresse it ) the lord can follow them and find them out ; they may also understand , that it is not their desire to flie from his presence , but his plague , not from their gracious god , but from his punishing and fearful rod. do you not see this sort of people , if they should be looking out at a window , and it should chance to thunder and lighten in their faces , would they not presently turn their backs , and shut the casement , and retire inwards ? and yet they cannot think that the casement can resist thunder , or the glasse keep out lightning . do they not in winter , frost , and snow , wear muffes and gloves , and put on more apparel ? and yet the psalmist saith , who can stand before his cold ? psal. . but i shall leave these people as diseas'd in the pate , and as i have advis'd all my friends ( though much against my own interest ) if possible to remove and change their dwelling ; so i think it no more unlawful for any persons , whose stay in infected places is not more necessary than their lives , to take the benefit of better air , than for a great man that hath a large house , to remove from one end or side of it , that is infected or set on fire , to another part of it , that is free and safe from burning ; onely this i shall intreat of all that go from infected neighbours , that they would thankfully adore gods bounty in providing for them places of refuge , and part with some of their finery , pride , excesse , prodigality , superstuity , and luxury , for the alms and relief of those that are now brought to great necessity , and send up their prayers for the health of such places , upon which some of their sins may have helpt to pull down plagues . but as in taking of other physick , it is necessary to observe and follow the directions , otherwise you would run into an error , and make the remedy worse than the disease ; so when you fly from infected places , you must observe the rules to do it . . cito , quickly ; you must delay no time , but remove with all speed , least you be arrested by death , before you go , or carry the infection with you , either in your own body , which being stirred and heated with motion , may occasion the humours to putrefie , and destroy your self ; or else in your cloths , whereby those persons among whom you come to dwell or sojourn , having not been accustomed to such evil air out of which you come , may very easily be infected . evagrius lib. . of his history , relates that many sound persons coming out of infected places , did infect the inhabitants , and brought the plague among them ; and the like may be remembred to be done in later years . . longe , far ; when there hath been a little cloud dissolved in the air , it hath been observed to rain sometimes at one end of a town , and not at all at another ; mists have been at the tops of the hill , when there have been none in the valley ; there hath been sun-shine in one field , and rain in the next ; it hath snowed in some grounds , when it hath hail'd in others ; fearful thunders have astonisht the people in some places , and yet twenty miles off they have not been heard ; but in a great over-casting of the heavens , you must not think to get out of the reach of the rain or storm in a little journey . you cannot smell rosemary half a mile in england , but from spain you may smell it many leagues . if the infection be in a country village , a little way will serve to flie from it , but if it be in a great and imperial city , you must go further , and though you fare worse , you will scape the better . lastly , tarde ; as you must flie from the infected place in hast , so you must return to it by leasure ; for you were better stay away a moneth too long , than return a day too soon . when a fox is to passe over any frozen river , he puts his ear to the ice , and if he hear the water run , the memory of being formerly wet , and the unpleasantnesse of swimming in the cold , coming to his mind , makes him retire back . 't is no wisdom for you , having taken up a good shelter , to come out of it into a storm or tempest , till all be calm . those who are to return into their homes that have still remained clear from the infection , may do it sooner than those who are to go into houses that have been visited . infection as well as smells and perfumes , may last a long time in a garment or apparel . fracastorius tells of a furre gown ( sure it was a mourning gown ) that occasion'd the death of five and twenty men that wore it , one after another in verona , and died of the plague . and alexander benedictus speaks of feather-beds that have held the infection seven years ; if you lie in them too soon , the linnen may prove your winding sheet , and the down-bed your death-bed , where you may sleep your last , and instead of having a good-morrow , bid the world good-night . but least any with over-much care should prejudice their own private affairs , or the trade of this royal city of london ( whose wealth and prosperity every true english-man is oblig'd to seek ) he may be informed that in the ending of the last great sicknesse . the people went promiscuously one among another , and the houses were quickly fill'd with inhabitants , and fresh comers out of the country , and yet no new infection followed . and i remember that in the loyal city of bristol ( the place where i was born ) about twenty years ago , many houses were shut up , and hundreds died every week , of the plague , both before and during the siege , whilst it was kept for the kings most excellent majesty , by that most renowned and and valiant commander his highnesse prince rupert ; but as soon as ever the enemies enter'd in , as if the lesser plague vanisht , and departed at the approach of a greater , the souldiers made no great difference of quartering in any houses or coming into any company , and the inhabitants return'd to their forsaken dwellings at one gate , whilst the pestilence went out at the other , and hath not hitherto return'd again . but now if through poverty and lack of means to maintain you , and want of friends to receive and entertain you in better air , or having such callings , from the attendance whereon , you cannot with honesty and good conscience absent your self , but are enforced still to stay , and cannot possibly avoid the occasions of the sicknesse ; you must then , secondly , strengthen your bodies against the causes of it . for which purpose you must look upon the plague as a most poysonous and pernicious serpent , as a most dangerous and deadly dragon , whose venom is increased by destroying , and you tied to encounter with him , where if he assault you , you must either get the victory , or die upon the spot . if you were to defend your self against a thief , a pistol would perhaps affright him ; if to duel a quarrelsome hector , a sword or rapier would preserve you ; a staffe will serve to beat a dog , the shewing of your self would chase a fox , and make him take his kennel ; but the plague is so venemous and destructive an enemy , that to defend your self , and get the victory , you must be more than ordinarily armed and appointed . imagine then your self to be a garrison , whereof you are the governour , and which you are commanded for to keep upon the hazard of your life , and in this case do as a most discreet and valiant souldier would , to defend and maintain his trust , and save his honour . he will remove or secure all traytors , and secret enemies , cut down all trees and hedges , and burn all houses wherein the enemy may take shelter and annoy him ; and spoil all provisions that may relieve and succour him ; he will repair all breaches and weak places , at which the enemy may make a battery , and seek to enter by assault ; he will lay in sufficient stores of ammunition and provision ; he will fortifie the place with trenches , lines , and out-works ; he will raise and muster up a sufficient number of souldiers , and by good discipline have them ready at all postures , marches , and commands ; he will furnish himself with all manner of offensive and defensive weapons , engines , and fire-works . he will be jealous , and examine all strangers and unknown persons that enter in . he will have his spies abroad for intelligence , and never be secure , but alwayes on his guard. now in the body , bad corrupt humours are as traytors , which will soon take part with the disease , and let him in , if you do not suppresse the breeding of them , and purge them out . all slovenly or sluttish nastinesse , all disorder and excess , are as so many shelters , wherein the enemy may lurk and lie in ambush to assault you . the infirmity or weakness of any part , is a breach , by which the sicknesse may enter , and which you must make up and repair to keep him out . issues and fontanels , are as trenches , graffes and ditches ; fumes as fire-works and granadoes ; amulets as fortifications and out-works , which you must make to keep him off : the natural animal and vital spirits are the souldiers , which you must by all means maintain and cherish , revive and comfort , and keep from fear and fainting . good diet and cordials are the provision which you must not want . medicines are your offensive and defensive weapons , to preserve your self , and destroy your enemy . intelligence and knowledge with whom you do converse , or have to do , are your spies , and carefulness your guard and sentinel that keeps you from being surpriz'd ; and little enough , you cannot be too careful ; for there have been places that have been betrayed by the inhabitants , surpriz'd by ambush , yielded up by cowardise , starved for scarcity of provision , surrendred for lack of ammunition , could not be made tenable for breaches , overcome for want of souldiers , taken by letting in unknown persons , and surpriz'd by being secure . the city of troy was taken by bringing in a wooden horse , whose belly was full of armed greeks ; some places have been surpriz'd by souldiers covered with a load of hay ; and others by enemies brought in with houshold-stuffe . but your life is in greater hazard , it may be lost by a pair of gloves , a periwigge or a muffe , or any apparel ; your destruction may be brought upon you by your meat from the shambles , by your wine from the tavern , by your bread from the bakers , by your drink from the brewers ; it may come in a nose-gay from the garden , in herbs from the fields , in fruit from the market ; it may be handed to you by the water you wash in , it may be drawn in by the air you breath in ; and as at other times you are so frail , that your breath ( so in times of infection your death ) may be in your nostrils . secondly , to strengthen our bodies against the causes of infection . one cause of infection , is , the corruption of the air ; and the way to fortifie our selves against it , is , to correct and purifie it . and here the air may be considered two wayes : first , in general . secondly , in particular . the general air , is , that of all the region and place where people live , which is , and may be purged by cleansing and removing all filthy and offensive things out of the streets , and adjacent places . physitians , in the time of great and grievous plagues , have used several means , and tried divers wayes to clear and purifie the air. some direct to make great fires in the streets , as hyppocrates did in the plague at athens , and burning among them sweet odors , spices and perfumes , fragrant ointments and compositions , whereby he freed the city from infection . some would have guns and muskets discharged in the streets , especially in hot weather ; and this makes a greater commotion , though less heat and inflamation . cardanus directs to burn leather , and things that send out strong scents , though they be never so odious and stinking . others , as alexander benedictus , would have dogs kill'd , and left in the streets unburied , that the carrion smell might expel the venom of the putrid air ; and perhaps for this reason , that poysons have not onely an antipathy to their antidotes , but also sometimes to one another , it being no more unusual for one poyson , than for one heat , to drive out the other . moreover , seeing that everything doth work upon its like , and there ought to be something agreeable and suitable between the agent and the patient ( as we see that oylwill presently mixe & incorporate with grease or wax , but not with vinegar , and many gums will dissolve in vinegar , that will not melt nor mix with oil ) it might be probable , that in an extraordinary infection , those odious scents being somewhat of the same nature with those poysonous vapours that caus'd the pestilence , might incorporate with them , and carry them away , whereas delightful and better odors and perfumes , by reason of the contrariety of their nature , might have no effect upon them . rodericus a castro would have kine and oxen driven up and down the streets , that the impurity of the air might be cleansed by the sweet smell of their breath ; and i have heard the smell of sheep very much commended ; and some have also suspected it , least their flesh afterwards when they come to be kill'd should poyson the eaters . but as the same plague and murrain that kills sheep and beasts ▪ will not hurt men , so will not the plague that kills men , hurt sheep or cattel . the particular air is that in our own private houses , and which we breath into us , and this is purified by smells or fumes , of both which , as well simple as compound , there are a very great number prescribed by physitians . i shall commend this . take white-wine vinegar and smell to it , and wash your mouth and nostrils with it , or mixe it with water that you wash your face and hands with ; or wet your face and hands with it , after you have washt them with water , and let the vinegar dry in , without wiping of it off . or else use it thus . take sage and rew , of each a handful , steep it in a quart of white-wine vinegar , and use it as aforesaid . or else use this . take nutmegs , the roots of contrayerva virginia , shakeweed , pestilence wort , angelica , elicampane , zedoary , master-wort , lovage , of each an ounce bruised , infuse them in three quarts of white-wine vinegar close stopped in a bottel , and use it as aforesaid , and smell to some of the root and nutmeg ; and carry some about you in an ivory or other box with holes in it ; or wet a piece of a sponge in the liquor , and carry it about you , and put a piece of any of the ingredients in your mouth . rhasis , a costly physitian , would have linnen cloths dipt in vinegar , and hang'd about the room , instead of hangings . some do commend pomanders and sweet perfumes , and others dispraise them , that they onely recreate the spirits , but being no antidotes-resist not poyson ; but vinegar is a thing without exception , and any or all of those ingredients , do exalt the vertue of it , and make it admirable : and if you cannot get all the aforesaid roots , get as many as you can , and abate a proportionable quantity of vinegar . also , the vrine of a goat is much commended by the arabian physitians , avenzoar and averroes , as having in its smell a specifick and appropriate quality to help the infection of the ayre . and mercurialis tells that he went to vienna to medicine maximilian the emperour of germany , one day when he dined with the chancellor of hungary , he espied a great goat , and asking the reason why it was there kept , they told him for an antidote against the plague . and there is as good reason for it , as the smell of a fox should be a defensative against the palsie ; and it is not for nothing that physitians prescribe the burning of goats horn , as a good fume against pestilential and infected air. for as the air is corrected by smells , so is it also by fumes , of which there are multitudes prescribed , and i shall commend this . take either some plain white-wine vinegar , or compounded as aforesaid , and put it into a perfuming pot , either by it self or with rose water , or any other sweet water , or with any perfume , or put it on a hot fire-shovel , and let it smoke about the house . also , the american silver-weed , or tobacco , is very excellent for this purpose , and an excellent defence against bad air , being smoked in a pipe , either by it self , or with nutmeg shred , and rew seeds mixed with it ; especially if it be nosed ; for it cleanseth the air , and choaketh , suppresseth , and disperseth any venemous vapour ; it hath singular and contrary effects , it is good to warm one being cold , and will cool one being hot . all ages , all sexes , all constitutions , young and old , men and women , the sanguine , the cholerick , the melancholy , the phlegmatick , take it without any manifest inconvenience ; it quencheth thirst , and yet will make one more able , and fit to drink ; it abates hunger , and yet will get one a good stomach ; it is agreeable with mirth or sadness , with feasting and with fasting ; it will make one rest that wants sleep , and will keep one waking that is drowsie ; it hath an offensive smell to some , and is more desirable than any perfume to others ; that it is a most excellent preservative , both experience and reason do teach , it corrects the air by fumigation , and it avoids corrupt humours by salivation : for when one takes it either by chewing it in the leaf , or smoaking it in the pipe , the humors are drawn and brought from all parts of the body , to the stomach , and from thence rising up to the mouth of the tobacconist , as to the helme of a sublimatory , are voided and spitten out . there is also a fume made of brimstone and saltpetor , but of this in the latter end of the book . lastly , to guard your self from the corrupted air , you may do well , not to walk abroad till the sun hath drawn up and disperst all foggy vapours , and to be within doors at noon and the heat of the day , when the pores being more open , are apter to receive infection , and not to be abroad in the moon-shine , whose beams are hurtful ; nor at night , when noisom things may be thrown out of doors or windows into the streets ; or when the diseased persons with sores about them , either by their own craft or contrivency of their keepers , obtain liberty to go abroad . the second cause of the pestilence , is the corruption of the humors , which you must be as careful to defend your self from as against the putrefaction of the air : and how that may be done by bleeding , purging , vomiting , sweating , and observation of diet , comes next to be considered . of bleeding . concerning bleeding , though i beleeve that it is an effectu●l means not onely to prevent , but also to cure most diseases ; and though none be more free and ready to comply with the inclination of any patients desirous thereof , nor more earnest to perswade them to the submitting thereto , and have not in my practise been unfortunate therein ; but have seen diseases that have been exasperated by other medicines , beyond expectation cured thereby ; and do think it most commonly so excellent a remedy , that many patients admitting thereof , would much shorten the time , and lessen the cost and trouble of their sickness , and not stand-in need of one quarter of those medicines and antidotes , those preparatives and corroboratives , those infusions and decoctions , those pills and potions , purges and vomits , cordials and bolus , juleps and emulsions , extracts and juices , waters and spirits , salts and oils , syrups and conserves , electuaries and powders , plaisters and ointments , blisters and glisters , they are made to take ; and though there be many medicines that will purge flegme , choler and melancholy , yet none are yet known , that will safely purge bloud or lessen it ; yet i cannot in this case of preservation from the pestilence , advise any one to open a vein , but rather disswade them from it . and because it may take better from another of more authority than my self , i have gotten iacob sylvius in his book of the blague to deliver his opinion in plain english. as for blood-letting ( saith he ) it is no way profitable for the preventing of this disease , because the bloud ▪ being diminished , the body is made more : open and lyable to external injuries , and the strength decayes by the loss of blood , the food and treasure of life . of the same mind also is the most excellent physitian sennertus , who though in the cure of most other diseases he begins with phlebotomy , yet in this forbids it ; and the most learned riverius is of opinion , that bleeding causeth one to be infected the more easily , as also to escape the more hardly ; it being in this venemous disease as in those that have taken poyson , who by bleeding draw the poyson inward , and very difficulty are recovered , and therefore upon the very suspition of being poyson'd , most skilful physitians abstain from letting blood : nevertheless , they conclude , that if there be any notable fulness of blood , or necessary evacuation suppressed , a vein may be opened upon 〈◊〉 account , ( and then very sparingly ) but not in reference to the pestilence . and as to the present time of the year , galen forbids to let bloud in a hot and dry season of the air. of purging and vomiting . although as hyppocrates saith in his aphorismes , that , those which are of sound and perfect health do quickly faint , and grievously endure a purging 〈…〉 nor superfluous humor to draw out and work upon , doth first dissipate the spirits , and then dissolves those parts of the body which are humid and moist , and afterwards corrupts those which are solid , and although ( as crato saith ) there be no purging or vomiting medicines , which are primarily and directly opposite to the venom of the plague : yet because foul bodies are more subject to infection than those which are pure and clean , and the humours they abound with , may disturb nature , and interpose themselves , and take off and dull the operation of any cordials or antidotes , and being agitated by the disease , might flow and settle to some noble part , and bring the party into a most grievous fever , frenzy , or some other inflamation , whereby he may be endangered as much as by the plague . there have been several purging medicines directed by physitians , and i shall prescribe these . the pills of ruffus , otherwise called the common or pestilential pills , are very excellent , you may take of them once or twice a week when you go to bed ; the dose of them is half a dram for an ordinary constitution , or a whole dram for a strong man. you may have them at any apothecaries , or else make such like yourself . take fine aloes two ounces , fine myrrhe one ounce , english saffron half an ounce , make them into powder , and with venice turpentine make them into pills ; and take half a dram , or a whole dram , as aforesaid . the aloes clears the stomach from bad humors , and the belly from worms , the myrrhe preserves the body from putrefaction , the saffron cheers the spirits , and the turpentine is good against the pestilence . or else take this . dissolve an ounce and a half of manna in six ounces or a little draught of spring water , and one spoonful of vinegar warmed together on the fire , then strain it , and take an ounce of venice turpentine , and put to it the yolke of a new laid egge , and stir it about , and mixe it , and it will look like cream , then by little and little put to it the liquor , being first quite cold , wherein the manna was dissolved , and stir it about , and drink it up , and keep warm , ordering your self as is usual in other purges or vomits , when it works upwards you may take posset drink and downwards broth : if it had a pleasant taste , those that know the vertue of it , would never take any other medicine : it is strong enough for any of the strongest constitution , and for those that are weaker , six drams , or half an ounce of turpentine is dose enough . women with child may use this . infuse a dram of rubarb slieed six hours in six ounces or a little draught of endive or succory-water , or spring-water , then strain it , and put to the liquor one ounce , or else two ounces of manna , and dissolve it over the fire , and strain it , and drink it up . children may take an ounce or two ounces , or half an ounce of manna dissolved in succory of endive-water , or in spring-water , or barly-water , or broth , or posset-drink . but beware of strong purges and vomits , which will sooner bring the plague upon you , than preserve you against it , especially at this time , when it is more probable that the sickness is occasioned by the corruption of the air , than by the putrefaction of humors ; there having been no scarcity of provision , whereby the poorer sort might have been necessitated to feed on unwholsome diet , and therefore no necessity of taking any purging physick . i remember about four years since , many were sick of a malignant fever , and the discontented party did attribute the cause to the keeping of lent , and eating of fish : what would they have said now , if lent had been strictly observed ? of sweating . as purging , vomiting , and bleeding , do draw in the humors and vapours from the circumference and outside of the body , to the center and inside of the heart ; so medicines that cause sweat , expel them from the heart to the outside of the body , and rarifie those humours into light and thin vapours , which turn into a watery sweat , as soon as they come out of the skin into the air , and thereby drive out those humors and vapours , which breed the pestilence . for which purpose it would not be inconvenient to take one or two drams of london or venice-treacle , or of mithridate or diascordium , or confection of iacynth , according to the age or strength of the party ; or one dram of electuary de ov● in white-wine vinegar ; or a draught of posset-drink made of vinegar and water put into the milk instead of beer or ale. or else this , which is most excellent , without heating of the body , or hurting of the purse . take crabs eyes one ounce , burnt harts-horn half an ounce , the black tops of crabs claws an ounce and a half ; make them all into a powder , and take of it one dram , or two drams , in a glass of posset-drink when you go to bed , and drink another draught of posset-drink after , to wash it down . or else you may drink a draught of oxymel posset-drink , made as followeth . boil a quarter of a pint of english honey , with a quart of water , and skum it , then put to it one pint of vinegar , and let it boil nine or ten walmes ; then let it cool , and boil a quart of milk , and turn it with a sufficient quantity of the oxymel , and put away the curd , and drink the posset-drink when you go to bed . or else take a dose or quantity of the antipestilential vinegar , of which hereafter . of observation of diet. although you defend your self never so safely from the evil air , and retain your blood as the treasure , and maintain your spirits as the guard of your life ; though you purge out vicious humors , and sweat out bad vapours ; yet if you by any neglect , disorder , excess , or defect , do recruit those humors , corrupt your blood , or spend your spirits , it will be to no more purpose , than if you had washt your cloths never so clean , and yet afterwards should tumble them in the dirt , or trample them in the mire . by observation of diet , physicians understand , the well ordering of a mans self in those six things which they call ▪ non-natures , the air , sleep , and watching , the passions of the mind , labour and rest , repletion and evacuation , meat and drink , which some have called the six strings of apollo's harp , wherein consists the harmony of health : if these be in tune , the body is sound , but if any of these be skrewed up too high by any excess , or slackened too low by any defect , or intemperately used then is the body put out of tune , and made subject to diseases . . for the air , let it not be too cold nor too hot , and choose rather to wear by day , and to be covered , at night , with too many cloths , than too few ; and let your apparel be rather stuff then cloth , which will soonest catch , and longest hold infection : but take heed of too great heat . mercurialis tells of many smiths and glass-men that died in the plague at venice , who by the heat of fire had made their bodies too open and apt to receive infection . . as for sleep , let it be moderate , and take heed of too much watching . . let your passions be calm'd , and your mind serene , and as much as possible refrain anger and banish fear . . let your exercise be moderate , and forbear over-heating your body , whereby you will be necessitated to draw in more air ; and it hath been observed that many hard labourers , have not onely been infected , but died of the plague . . for repletion and evacuation , take heed of excess , and keep your body neither too loose nor costive : look upon venus to be as great a friend to the plague as mars or saturn , and the venereal marks and swellings no preservative against the spots and botches of the pestilence . it is no lesse unfortunate and wretched , than devillish and wicked advice , for any to get the pox , to avoid the plague ; for experience , which is the mistriss of fools , hath taught some , that have no care of their souls , that it is as dangerous for the body to go into some other houses , as into a pest-house . lastly , for meat and drink , you are to have respect not onely to the quality , that it be good and wholesome ( and take heed of surfetting on any summer fruit ) but also to the quantity of what you take . as the body is not to be weakened , nor the spirits spent with fasting , so is it not to be overcharged with surfetting : they that will eat till they can feel the meat with their fingers , and drink till they can paddle with the liquor in their throats , and be ready to shed it out of their mouths , are in the way of cutting their throat with their tongue , and digging their grave with their teeth . mercurialis saith of his own knowledge , they are much deceiv'd , who think to preserve themselves by eating and drinking ; and tells of many great drinkers both at padua and at venice , that died of the plague , from which they thought to preserve themselves by drinking wine . it was the saying of a politician , that , maxima pars frugalitatis est bene domatus venter ; so it may be the aphorisme of a physitian , maxima pars sanitatis est bene domatus venter . as he that loveth pleasure , will not be quickly rich , so he that is given to excess , will not be long well . temperance and abstinence as they are not onely remedies against most diseases , as lessius treats at large in his spare diet , and cornaro made experiment , by a little and very wholesom food , so are they also a great corrector of any inconvenience that comes by evil nourishment . when the impregnable city of carlile , under the government of the most invincible and resolute governour sir thomas glenham , in the late wars , was besieged by an army of warlike english and hardy scots , there was great scarcity of provision ; the besieged did eat all the dogs and cats , never roast-beef was sold so dear as horse-flesh ; of which when horses were kill'd and sold in the market , no family for their money , might have above their allowance ; the best provision that an officers wife could procure whil'st she lay in child-bed , was a young colt : the souldiers were allowed but two meals a week , and that was a quantity of beans , and the water they were boil'd in , and yet so couragious as to say , give us but a bean a day , and we will keep the town . though the city was full of inhabitants and garrison souldiers , and many of the loyal gentry , and divers valiant knights , and delicate and tender ladies came to live there , to defend , and be defended in the place ; yet during all that siege of above forty weeks , as i have been credibly inform'd , there was not one person sick or died , except one woman , who surfeited upon bread made of hemp-seed . and if you would know what an excellent antidote temperance doth furnish you with against the plague , histories will tell you , that in the most grievous plague at athens , described by thucidydes , socrates the phylosopher lived free and not infected . to conclude , sleep when you are drowsie , rest when you are weary , drink when you are dry , and eat when you are hungry ; and mixe with your diet something that is cordial , as vinegar and nutmeg where it is agreeable , and rise from the table with an appetite . of issues . seeing it may easily come to pass , that in unhealthy times , notwithstanding the most exact observation of diet , some bad humours may be bred in the body , which may prove offensive to nature , it will be convenient to have recourse to issues , one in the left arm , and the other in the right leg or thigh , and by how much the greater is your danger , the more issues you ought to make : the benefit will recompence the trouble , for they evacuate excrementitious humours , which might become a receptacle for the sickness ; for the prevention whereof , they have been found a sovereign and useful remedy . mercurialis in the . chapter of his book of the plague , saith , that he did not onely find these issues to be much commended by nicholaus florentinus , a physitian of great authority , but hath also proved them to be excellent by his own experience , and that he can testifie , that amongst almost an innumerable company which he saw dead of the plague , he never saw but one that had an issue ▪ and desirous to be further satisfied , he made inquiry among other physitians , who testified the same , that they likewise never saw one dead that had an issue . which may be an argument that they are very helpful , and there is good reason for it ; because like sinks they continually drain the body of superfluous humours . and skenkius in his sixth book of his observations concerning epidemical diseases , relates , that many make issues and raise blisters with prosperous and good successe of health and safety , although they do converse with thousands of them that die . and for this purpose physitians forbid the drying up of running sores , the healing of filthy ulcers , or striking in the itch . and though some may say , it is good sleeping in a whole skin , yet it is not good dying in one ; and you were better to have your skin broken with a launce or cautery , than with a botch or blain ; and you will find it lesse cost , pain , or trouble , to go to a chyrurgeon to make an issue , than to have him come to you to dress a carbuncle : or else you may make one your self , for to handle a launcet is as soon learn'd as to sew with a needle ; and you may sooner grow expert to cut your skin , than to work cut-work : and though it may seem irksome to keep them alwayes running , yet there is no more danger of drying them up , when the cause for which they were made is removed , than there would be to heal a cut in the arm , or broken shin , that hath been sore , or run a quarter of a year : and though some have died that have had issues , and neglected other helps , 't is no more disparagement to the medicine , than that a town having good ditches , should be taken by an enemy that entred in at the gates that lay open and secure , and which ought to have been defended by other helps and forces . the third cause of the pestilence , against which for our preservation we must defend our selves , is contagion and infection . seeing it is almost impossible to avoid the occasions of infection , which may either assault you against your will , or invade you against your knowledge , or set upon you on a sudden , to the end that you may break the force of it , that it may have lesse power to enter in , and you more strength to keep it out , you must make use not onely of purges , vomits , and issues , which are not helps directly , and of themselves contrary to the plague ; but also , you must have recourse to appropriate medicines both external and internal , amulets and antidotes . of amulets . amulets are certain outward medicines most commonly made of poysonous things , hung about the neck and worn upon the breast , supposed to have a hidden power and secret vertue to defend the heart from the venom of the pestilence . they are worn upon the breast , because the heart is the place principally affected in this disease : but whence and how they have their operation , the learned differ and vary in opinion . some think that the heart becomes thereby somewhat more familiar and accustomed to poyson ▪ and will not so easily be hurt and overcome by it . others are of opinion , that arsnick , and such like hot things , whereof amulets are made , do dry up noxious humours , and disperse offensive vapours , as we see the heat of fire drieth moisture , and hinders putrefaction . others think that these amulets being plac't neer the heart , the vital spirits do thereupon , by a certain aversenesse and antipathy unite themselves together and become the stronger ; as we see springs and fountains , by reason of the coldness of the ambient air in winter time , do keep in all their heat , and even smoke with warmth . others say it is done by atraction , as it is commonly said , that hot bread and onions will draw unto them all the infection in the room . and these amulets by a kind of sympathy do intercept the pestilential vapours before they can be receiv'd into the body ; or else presently draw them out before they can settle there to do any mischief to the heart , it being in this case as with one that is stricken of a viper or scorpion , who is best cured by applying and binding to the place the bruised body of the beast that stung him , and if they cannot get that , they apply some other venemous creature , and the party will presently be relieved , as if the venome had been drawn out by a cupping-glasse ; for one poyson having a conformity with another , doth move and joyn it self unto it , and affecteth union with it ; even as we see , that holding a burnt hand to the fire , draws out the heat ; and bathing a frozen member in spring-water , helps it of the cold and numbness . but whatsoever the cause be , they are much commended , and mercurialis that prescribes this , saith that pope adrian the sixth did wear one . take of white arsenick two ounces , white dittany and english saffron , of each two drams , of camphire and euphorbium of each one dram , beat them into powder , and with gum arabick dissolv'd in rose-water , make them into little cakes about the breadth of a shilling , and the thickness of two half crowns , and dry them in the sun , or in an oven after the bread is taken out . skenkius commends this : take white arsenick two ounces , yellow arsenick one ounce , powder them , and with the white of an egge , or gum dragon dissolv'd in water , make them into cakes , as aforesaid . some there be , that would have onely a piece of arsenick sewed in silk , and worn in the bosome , and have little or nothing mixt with it , least it should hinder its vertue and efficacy of operation ; others put in many things , that some of them might meet with and resist the pestilential venom , which oftentimes is not of the same , but of a different and various nature . sennertus directs this : take of white arsenick two ounces , zedoary two drams , saffron one scruple , camphire half a dram ; beat all into powder , and with gum arabick dissolv'd in rose-water , as aforesaid , make it into cakes . rhenanus commends this as the most perfect amulet , which hath this property , to be moist , and as it were sweat , at the approach or presence of the pestilential venom , and they are then to be dried at the fire , or over a fume . take ( saith he ) of white and yellow arsenick of each half an ounce , the powder of dried toads two ounces , mercury sublimed , wheat flowre , the roots of dittany , of each three drams , saffron , the fragments of jacynth and emerald , of each one scruple , make them all into powder , and with gum dragon dissolved in rose-water , make them into cakes , and dry them as aforesaid . i need not tell you that you must not eat them , but sew them in a little silk bag , fastening it to a ribbon , and hanging it about your neck , let it lie about the middle of your breast . you are to avoid all violent exercise and over-heating of your self , for fear of growing fainty whilest you wear it . i have known some of these worn in the city of bristol , in the time of the plague , and the parties sometimes would have little pimples like the itch , rise about the breadth of the amulet in their breast , which they did rub and scratch , but never had the plague , and are alive till now . there are also some physitians that praise quicksilver as the best , and prefer it before any other amulet . it s vertue was found out thus , it is usual with the italian women to wear quick-silver in their bosomes , enclosed in a quill or nut-shell , against the drying up of their milk , because by attenuating grosse humours , and rarifying thick blood in the veins , which could not passe the kernels of the breast , the milk is thereby increased : now it so fell out , that during the plague all those women that wore it , escaped infection , and it hath since that grown in request , and hath been fortunately tried several times . and there be those which say they have known the shell break , and the quick-silver fall out at the very instant that the ware was infected , and this might be by the super-abundance of the force and matter of the contagion , which so little quick-silver could no longer resist or contain . it is made thus . bore a hole in a filberd or hazel-nut , and with a needle pick out the kernel , and fill the shell with quick-silver , and stop the hole with waxe , and wear it in your bosome , sewed in a little purse or bag of silk . and whereas divers physitians have not onely spoke but writ against these amulets , so likewise there are many altogether as learned , that have us'd them ; and whereas some might question the receiving of any inward benefit by such external applications , one may also ask them if they did never hear of pigeons applied to the feet , and compounded mixtures to the wrists , and plaisters to the stomachs and navels of sick patients , to draw out such vapours and humours which infest the body . 't is no difficult matter for an apothecary to make a little ball , which being held in the hand , and smell'd to at the nose , will extreamly purge his patient . many have had their bladder hurt , by having a blistering plaister put to the neck . and skenkius mentions some that pist blood , by carrying cantharides about them in their purse or pocket . there be them that will tell you that the liver of a frog applied to the heart will mitigate the fits of a burning fever . a ring made of an elkes claw is good against the falling sicknesse , and some have been helpt by wearing a piony root about their neck . it is for some good reason that gold is given to those that are cured of the kings-evil . several restless and unquiet persons have found ease by wearing of a spleen stone . the aetites or stone found in an eagles nest , if worn above the middle of a woman with-child , preserves her from miscarrying ; but if below the thigh , doth hasten her delivery ; and if not then taken away , her death . a piece of a dried toad sewed in silk , and worn in the bosome , helps bleeding at the nose , so doth the heliotropian and cornelian bloud-stone worn in bracelets about the wrists or neck . why may not then such things whereof amulets are made , have operation against the pestilence ? but if you fear the danger of having them near you , because they are esteemed venemous , it may be said that glass taken inwardly by its cutting corroding quality may prove as deadly as arsnick , which being worn only outwardly , may be as innocent as glass ; and quick-silver worn before your bosome , may be as harmlesse as that behind your looking-glasse . the plague is a venemous disease , and you were better wear poyson on the out-side of your skin , than the in-side of your heart ; and though some have died with amulets about their necks , so also have there with my lady kents powder in their bellies , and the last liquor they have taken , hath been aqua mirabilis , and yet both cordial and harmless . you know out-works may be useful for some garrisons , though perhaps by carelessnesse they have been surpriz'd by the enemy , and have no way benefited that town which they were made for to defend . of antidotes . as the pestilence being the general and great sicknesse ( as hath been formerly shewed ) doth comprehend in it something of the nature of all other diseases ; so we have hitherto already spoken of some general helps that belong to the cure of other maladies , as well as of the plague ; but because it hath in it something more than ordinarily opposite , and pecullarly dstructive to the vital spirits , we come now to speak of such medicines which have a more than ordinary , and especial vertue to resist its venome , and preserve the heart ; and these are antidotes , which are to encounter the disease not onely afar off , where we may chance to meet with it as we go abroad , but also neer at hand , when it comes to assault us at the doors and seize upon us in our houses . and here 't is necessary to give direction , what is to be done , when there is one sick or dead in the house wherein we live . this question may well be askt , because the danger is great , since you are more apt to draw in the infected air , which the sick continually are breathing out ; yet if the sick recover , the venome of the disease is then conquered and dispersed , and seldom any of that family fall desperately ill , after the first hath escaped ; but this danger is far more , when there is one lies a dying , for it is observable , that then many of the family are infected ; since nature in the sick doth by all means endeavour to drive out the venome by the breath and pores . 't is in this case as when a lamp or candle burns , there is alwayes some fume , that rises from the flame , which would blacken any thing held neer or over it ; but this is very little offensive , because the stinking noisome vapour is consumed by the flame before it can reach to any considerable distance , but when it is just burning or blown out , there comes from the the week or cotton , a most noisom smell which spreads it self over all the room . now in this case you must be as careful as you can to avoid the parties breath , and some physitians advise to put a piece of hot bread before his mouth , to receive the infection , and afterwards be sure to burn it . some counsel to put a pail or two of hot water in the chamber : some also put in a handful of green copperas in the water , and afterwards throw in three or four hot burning bricks . but in the mean time , you must be sure to take antidotes , vinegar either simple or compound , as you were before directed , against the infectious air. also for your preservation , this antidote is very excellent : take diascordium two ounces , venice treacle three drams , confection of iacynth two drams , nutmeg , seeds of rew , root of angelica , zedoary and elicampane of each two drams powdered , vinegar two ounces , oil of sulphur twenty four drops , syrup of the juice of citron , or gilly-flowers enough to make it into a moist electury ; and very often , or six or eight times a day , take of it as much as a pease , and let it dissolve in your mouth , and swallow it down . or else use the tincture of roses hereafter mentioned . or if you are hot and drie , and have a desire to drink , you may take as much conduit or spring-water as you please , and drop into it as many drops of oyl of sulphur or oyl of vitriol , or spirit of vitriol , as will make it as sharp as you desire to drink it , and the sharper it is , the better ; then sweeten it with sugar , and drink it up . you will find the excellent vertues of vitriol in the directions how to make tincture of roses . if sometimes you cannot be without strong waters , you may drink aqua petasitis composita , or angelica , or imperial-water , or aqua mirabilis , or treacle-water at the apothecaries ; or some of that water that goes by the name of the lady allens water . if you must needs have wine , you may put to a quart of wine a dram of angelica root , or of contrayerva root , or virginia snakeweed , and one nutmeg bruised . you may sometimes eat this breakfast , sprinkle vinegar on toasted bread , then spread it with butter , and put on it the powder of a nutmeg , and eat it fasting . or else this , toast a nutmeg till it sweat , then powder it , and put to it as much salt as you would eat with one bit of meat , and mixe it with two spoonfulls of vinegar , and eat it . or else this , take twenty leaves of rew , one grain of salt , two figgs , and two walnuts , eat these sometimes in a morning fasting . wallnuts have a strange vertue against the plague and worms , and droetus tells of one that was executed for spreading of the plague , that confest he took nothing to preserve himself , but a wallnut roasted and a little burnt . women with-child , may eat angelica stalks candied , or citron peel candied , or preserved ; or drink a little zedoary and nutmeg , with sugar , in a glasse of wine , beer , or ale. if there be any infants that can take nothing , wash their bodies all over with vinegar , at night when they go to bed ; once or twice a week you may do so to elder children ; and use it your self . if you have neglected to make an issue , you must lay one or two blistering plaisters broader than a five shilling piece , to the in-side of one of your arms , between the elbow and shoulder , and when it hath raised a great blister , which will be in about twelve hours , you may take it off , and lay on the place some melilot plaister , or else a plantain or colewort leaf , and change it twice a day ; and when that blister is heal'd begin to make another in the other arm or thigh , and keep one sore all the while you fear the infection . you may have plaisters at the apothecaries , or else make one your self thus ; take six spanish flies , shread them very small , and mixe them with a little mustard and wheat flowre , or dough , or leaven moistened with a little vinegar , spread it on leather and apply it . let care be taken how bread is brought home from the bakers , because it will draw to it any infection , and therefore you may do well to cover it with a cloth , and put on that cloth another wet in vinegar . be careful that your victuals stand not neer the infected , and if you want room , cover it with a cloth wet in vinegar . again remember what i told you of socrates to be very spare and moderate in your diet , discreet abstinence is as good a medicine as can be bought at the apothecaries . of preservation from the plague , when it may be caused by fear and imagination . the learned galenists in the method of their cure , teach , that diseases are to be help'd by contraries : drowth is cured by moisture , heat with coolers , consumptions with restoratives , poysons with antidotes ; so fear must be cured by its contrary hope . the industrious chymists in their undertakings observe some resemblance and agreement between the agent and patient , the disease and the remedy ; aqua fortis will melt silver , but not brimstone ; myrrhe and frankincense will not dissolve in water , so will gum dragon and arabick , because they are of a watery nature : sulphureous diseases must be removed with sulphur medicines , salt diseases dissolv'd with salts , mercurial maladies with mercurial remedies , tartareous pains eas'd with tartar , and the stone is best cured with stones , such as are lapis lincis , spongiae , iudaicus , &c. so imagination must be cured with imagination , one fancy by another , and conceit is the best receit for an opinion . thus trallianus tells of one that imagined he had a snake in his belly , who was cured by conveying a snake into the bason , when his vomit wrought . another thought he had sparrows in his head , and was cur'd by one that brought some in his sleeve , who fumbling about his ears , made him believe he took them out from thence . one fancied that he had so big a nose , that he could not go abroad for fear of peoples treading on it in the streets , and was cured by a physitian , who coming to the chamber door , seem'd to be stopt for making further entrance , and being askt why he came not in , desired the patient to put aside his nose , that he might get by it , without treading on it ; the patient did so with his hand , the doctor gravely enters by the wall , and seem'd very careful of his staffe and steps ; the patient is well pleased at the doctors plain dealing with him , in acknowledging he had that disease which his friends and family did deny , and said , he was sure he was the man that of all others must do the cure , and desires his help . the doctor scarifies his nose , and let 's run upon and from it a great quantity of bloud that he had brought with him enclosed in an empty gut , and clapt a plaister to it ; and in a few dayes he grew well . imagination directs and moves the spirits and humours to such parts the fancy runs upon ; if one mind eating , the spirits run to the stomach , and help digestion ; if venereal things , the spirits are sent to those parts that serve for generation ; if one be studious , they have recourse to the brain , to help the memory and further invention ; in one that is a coward , they descend to the feet , and help the legs in running ; in one that is quarrelsome they flie to his hands , and his fingers itch to be a fighting ; and in the sick that think well of cordials , the spirits passe presently from the speculum or septum lucidum , which is the seat of fancy in the head , by a nerve which anatomists observe to reach to the very substance of the heart , where it begets hope , and this hope makes confidence , and confidence brings joy , and joy excites heat , which reviveth the spirits , whereby they better digest their medicine , and as it were joyn forces to overcome the malady . this hope makes them obey the doctors precepts , and think highly of his medicines , and those medicines that conceited persons think well of , the stomach desires more earnestly , keeps them the more closely , and digests them perfectly , whereas the best medicine that they are averse to , doth do them little good ; and it is for nothing that people desire a fortunate physitian : think well then of your doctor , and oblige him whilest you are in health , to venture his life to preserve you when you are sick ; and think gold ill saved from apothecaries , to procure you and and your houshold the richest medicines , if it must be laid out on mercers and taylors to provide your family mourning . this electuary is very excellent both against fear , and a good preservative against the plague ; take conserve of roses , gilly-flowers , borage and bugloss flowers of each two ounces , candied orange-flowers , candied citron , of each two ounces , powder of laetificans galeni half an ounce , cinnamon , zedoary roman , doronicum of each two drams , saffron one dram , make those things into powder that are to be powdered , and with syrup of the rinds of citron make an electuary , of which you are to take the quantity of a great nutmeg morning and evening . of the cure of the pestilence . it was the direction of a wealthy citizen , when he took an ingenious youth an apprentice into his house , that by reason of the badnesse of the times , he should think every one that he did not know , which came into the shop , to be a thief : now in these dangerous and contageous times , when all diseases are so apt to turn into the plague , you may do well to suspect every disease to be the same ; and though it come like some old customer , disguised like the head-ach , which you have formerly had after too liberal drinking ; or like some pain about the stomach which hath opprest you after excessive feeding , or some old fever or ague that you have formerly been acquainted with ; yet suspect it to be the plague , and trust not to your own strength , in hope that you shall grow better , for fear you should grow worse ; for he that delayes to take medicines before his strength fails , is almost in as bad or worse case , than he that would not make use of a ladder , till after he had broke his neck . in this case the opinion of the most judicious sennertus is very considerable , lib. of fevers cap. . i think ( saith he ) so many men do die of the plague , because most of them take antidotes too late ; who might have been recover'd , if they had took them sooner , before the venome of the disease had corrupted the humours of the body . i have sometimes observed in pestilential seasons , that some as soon as ever they have perceived themselves infected , have presently taken some antidote , and put themselves in a sweat , and presently after have recovered , and the day following have gone about their wonted occasions : whereas if they did delay . or . hours before they took some medicine , scarce one of a hundred did escape . as that is a happy nation , which provides in times of peace and plenty , for things useful in war and famine ; and as it becomes good souldiers to have their arms ready , and fix'd , before the enemy enters the town , and not have them then to buy at the gun-smiths : so should you be furnished with some medicines ready made , and not lose so much time , whilest you get a physitian to prescribe , and an apothecary to compound them ; and it were far better , that the medicine were lost for want of taking , than you lost for want of a medicine ; and it were far safer to cure any disease , as the plague , than to neglect or cure the plague , as any other disease . first then , as soon as ever you feel your self ill , without further staying for , or expecting the signs or symptomes , the spots , botch , blain , or carbuncle , having called upon god for pardon , favour and assistance , betake your self to remedies , such as are cordials and antidotes , to defend the heart against poyson . the simple are , white-wine vinegar , the roots of virginia snakeweed , contrayerva , pestilence wort , angelica elieampane , zedoary , tormentil , valerian , lovage , divilsbit , dittany , master-wort , &c. the leaves of sage and rew , berries of ivy and iuniper , wallnuts , nutmegs , bole armenick , terra sigillata , fragments of iacynth , emerald and saphire , bezar , bone in a staggs heart , harts-horn , horn of a rhinoceros , vnicorns horn , crabs eyes , and tips of crabs claws , &c. the compound are , venice and london treacle , mithridate , diascordium , confection of iacynth , electuary de ovo , pulvis saxonicus , species liber antis , gascoygne powder , the lady kents powder , compound water of pestilence-wort , compound angelica-water , bezar-water , treacle-water , treacle-vinegar , troches of vipers , oyl of sulphur and vitriol , and a thousand others , as the physitian can direct , as he sees occasion ; all which do serve for cure and preservation . as soon then as ever you feel your self sick , take some antidote to make you sweat ; for which purpose , this contra-pestilential vinegar is excellent . take nutmegs , the roots of virginia snakeweed , contrayerva , pestilence-wort , angelica , elicampane , zedoary , tormentil , master wort , devilsbit , ivy berries , iuniper berries , of each one ounce bruised ; sage and rew washt in vinegar , of each one handful , saffron one dram , juice or syrup of elder berries two ounces . to every ounce of the roots , put half a pint of white-wine vinegar , stop them close in a glass bottle , and let them stand infused till you use them . or else , take nutmegs , the roots of contrayerva , virginia snakeweed , pestilence-wort , angelica , elicampane , tormentil , zedoary , of each one ounce , bruised sage and rew of each one handful , washt in vinegar . to every ounce put in half apint of white-wine vinegar , and stop it close in a bottle , and let it stand for your use . or else , take nutmegs , angelica , and elicampan● root of each one ounce , sage and rew washt in vinegar , of each one handful , put to them for every ounce half a pint of white-wine vinegar , and stop it close in a bottle , and keep it for use . or else , take tormentil and celendine of each four ounces , scabius and rew of each two handfuls : boil them in two quarts of white-wine vinegar in an earthen glased vessel , for a quarter of an hour , and let it cool , and bottle it up . note that the most compounded are the best . now take any of these vinegars , or else ( if you can get no other ) plain white-wine vinegar twelve spoonfuls more or less , but as much as you can well drink down , and mixe with it two drams of london treacle , or venice treacle , or mithridate , or diascordium , or confection of iacynth ; stir it about and drink it up , and go to bed and sweat . two drams of any of these is a sufficient ordinary dose , or quantity , for an ordinary person to take at once ; they that are stronger than ordinary , may take more ; those that are weaker , may take lesse . if you cast or vomit it up ; take presently within a quarter of an hour , another dose or quantity ; and if you cast or vomit up that also , take another and less quantity ; for it may well be that your stomach being loaden with corrupt humors , being a little assisted with the medicine , may rise up and strive to exclude them , and that with fortunate success and hopes of future and more speedy recovery . remember that the saving of your life consists in sweating out the poyson of the disease ; and therefore you must endeavour to sweat as long as possibly you can endure it , whether it be three , six , or twelve hours , the longer the better , and avoid sleeping , and let the sweat be wiped off with hot cloths . all the time you sweat , and afterwards , you may sustain nature , and keep up your spirits , by eating some preserv'd or candied citron peel , or candied angelica stalks , or preserv'd raspices , or syrup of citron , or clove-gilly-flowers ; now and then drinking a spoonful or more of vinegar , or taking some posset-drink made with vinegar , you may afterwards eat some harts-horn gelly , or drink some almond milk , made with distill'd waters , or barley-water , putting into it a few drops of oyl of vitriol , to make it sharp . remember also that you drink not any liquor whatsoever , unless you first make water , though never so little , and then you may drink without danger . during the time of sweating , the sick should be comforted with sweet perfumes and odors that refresh the spirits , and some rose-water and vinegar is convenient to be cast on a hot shovel , or else sprinkled on a napkin and laid neer his nose . also whilest the sick doth sweat , it would be good to apply to the navel a hot loaf with a hole made in it , and two drams of treacle put therein , that the bread may draw the venome : some apply to the heart the pith of a manchet dipt in vinegar , and some apply onely a cloth dipt in vinegar : some bruise radishes and lay them to the feet . when you have done sweating , if you can be perswaded , you are to forbear the changing of your linnen ; but if you must needs change it , as you tender and regard your life , put on no fresh linnen , though never so well dried and aired by the fire ; but put on some linnen that hath been worn by your self or some body else : for if you put on fresh linnen , whether it be by reason of the sope that hath some malignity in it , or for some other cause , it hath been often observed that the sick have relaps'd into great anxiety , and bad symptomes , the forerunners of death , have quickly return'd upon them . some do highly commends this , take of bezar-stone and emerald powdered , of each seven grains , iacynth powdered three grains ; it is best to put them in a spoonful of vinegar , and swallow it down , and drink some more vinegar after it . sennertus commends this , take bezar-stone twelve grains , the bone of a staggs heart one scruple , emerald and iacynth of each seven grains , powder them very small , and take them with vinegar : but because true bezar-stone is hard to be gotten , and there be those in the world that have done as great matters as counterfeit them , that you cannot know the true from the false ; and because the fragments of those precious stones , which be commonly sold , are but the spare and crust of them , i would be loath to venture my life on their operation , neither do i perswade others to relie upon them . the root of virginia snakeweed and contrayerva are most excellent , and you may take the weight of half a dram of each of them in powder , or a dram of any one of them in powder in a spoonful of vinegar , drinking a draught of vinegar after it . for young children that can take nothing , let them be wrapped in a cloth that hath been used before , and dipped in vinegar , and put the child in the cloth so wet , and let him sweat . elder persons may sweat the same way also , being wrapped in a sheet dipt in vinegar . in the works of several physitians , there is often mention of taking vinegar , as it were by the by , in a small inconsiderable quantity , not for its own sake , but with other medicines , as if it were onely a thing to help them down the better , and make them pallatable ; they will tell you that vinegar is good with cucumbers , and gives a pleasing relish to a sallet ; whereas in truth neither one nor the other are good , but onely with vinegar . it is a thing , which is not onely wholesome in it self , but also makes other things wholsome , and takes away their hurtfulnesse . when you speak of this singular liquor , away with cold commendations , which argue rather a willingness to dispraise , than a readiness to commend : if it did whet ones wit , as much as sharpen ones stomach , there could nothing dull or flat be spoken of it . it is food and physick , meat and medicine , drink and julep , cordial and antidote : did you formerly taste it but as a common sawce ? do you now eat it as a common remedy . when you are well , 't is a preservative from sicknesse ; when you are sick 't is a restorative to health . 't is like apparel , which you put on , not onely for comeliness , to hide shame , but also for warmth , to keep out cold . 't is like the swords which gallants wear , not onely for ornament when they walk , but also for defence , to fright a thief when they travail , and slay an enemy when they fight . 't is relish for sawce , 't is sawce for meat , 't is medicine for diseases , 't is cordial for the heart , not onely a cordial for the spirits , but an antidote against poyson ; not onely an antidote against poyson , but against the plague , the chief of poysons : so vinegar is the chief of antidotes , as the sword is the king of weapons . if you look upon the plague as caused by the corruption of the air , you may take notice that the air which deadeneth and sowreth other liquors , doth not hurt vinegar , but rather exalt its vertue . 't is something to preserve it self ; but that 's not all ; its vertue is communicated , and preserves others . if roots , herbs , flowers , and fruits , be steeped in vinegar , they are kept thereby from withering , moulding , and decay . if you consider the plague , as arising from the corruption of the humours ( as indeed it is the supream & highest degree of putrefaction ) you may also take notice there is nothing that resists it more . 't is vinegar that keeps fish , as salmon and oisters , and the like ( which otherwise would soon corrupt ) from rottennesse and stinking ; and if it would not do the like for flesh , why hath it been so much used for the embalming of dead corpses ; nay , it doth not onely preserve , but recover flesh from corruption . roast stinking meat , and baste it with vinegar , and it shall neither offend your nose or palate . if you look upon the plague as a poyson , vinegar is an antidote against it . hence 't is that physitians to suppress & take away the fiery venome of spurge , laurel , mezereon , and other plants , steep them in vinegar , and so give them safely to their patients , whereas otherwise they would kill & be a worse remedy than the disease . some have been choakt by eating of poysonous mushromes , but had they taken a draught of vinegar , they had been out of danger ; but that 's a small matter , not to be choakt with a mushrome . hypoc . saith , that , those who are strangled and foam about the mouth , though they be not quite dead , yet do never recover to life again . yet christoph. a vega tells of one that was strangled with a rope , and did foam about the mouth , and yet was recovered by drinking vinegar . the heart of a viper being dexterously cut out of the body , will live and move . hours after , but cast a drop of vinegar on it , and it dies presently . dioscorides tells you that it resists all poysons hot and cold ; and celsus saith , it is the most effectual remedy against them ; and tells of one that was poysoned by the sting of an asp , and being at such a place where there was no liquor , and not being able to go to another , where any might be had , by chance he found a flagon of vinegar , and drank it all off , and presently recovered . if you consider the plague as bred by ill diet , what is more commonly eaten with dangerous meats with vinegar ? if that go along with it , your stomach is guarded from receiving hurt ; how else could you eat such viands , as muscles , oysters , and mushromes ? malt is a sad thing wherewith to make bread , and yet the meal thereof temper'd with ale vinegar ( nothing to be compared for goodness to wine vinegar ) in a besieged garrison hath been hearty and wholesome . if you look upon the plague spread by contagion , there is nothing that doth sooner choak and smother it . is the plague attended with a burning fever ? nothing doth sooner extinguish fire . let it not seem tedious , to consider a little how it preventeth or assuageth its grievous symptomes . have you not seen when some sorts of liquor have been put into hot milk , how it all presently turns to curds and whey , and upon stirring , the curds go one way , and the whey another ; in somewhat like manner it is , when the plague infects the bloud , the thin and watery part sweats , and is as it were spewed out of the capillary small veins into the skin , and becomes spots , where staying a little while , it loseth its proper colour , and appears various to the eye , according to the humour that is mixed with it , as if it be choler , they encline to a purple or dark yellow ; if from flegme , they are paler ; if from humours , more adust , they are blew and blackish ; but the thicker and grosser part goes to botches and carbuncles on the top of the flesh or out-side of the skin , even as you see in boiling of the said whey , the curds will rise to the top of the vessel . now vinegar hindereth and preventeth both these , the spots , by resisting the putrifaction ; and then the carbuncles , by suppressing the inflamation of the bloud . vis est mirifica refrigerandi sanguinis indege arcendi putredinis , è qua febris pestilens suboritur , & reprimendi fervoris ac incendii sanguinis un●● carbunculi nascuntur . such sowre things ( saith vidus vidius a very great master of medicines ) do work wonders , in cooling the blood , and driving away putrefaction , which cause pestilent fevers , and suppressing the heat and burning of the blood , from whence carbuncles do arise . hath the plague taken away your stomach ? vinegar will stir it up , and get you an appetite unto your meat . is your throat scorcht , your tongue black and chopt , and your mouth sore ? any ordinary nurse will tell you the vertue of vinegar to make a gargarisme , and wash it . are you like to be choakt with flegme ? syrup of vinegar is a common medicine to cut it . is your brain loaden with vapours , that you are like one in a lethargy or dead-sleep ? let some vinegar on a hot iron be smoakt under your nose , and it presently makes you to awake . are you pain'd in the head , and troubled with tedious watching ? wet a rose-cake or cloth in vinegar , and lay it to your temples , and you may go to sleep , and take your rest . but least so much vinegar in any one should cause the heart-burn , and make him look sowre , and set his teeth and tongue on edge to discourage you from using it , as not approving it himself , you may consider , that there be some that laugh at vnicorns horn , and say treacle is too hot , that find fault with tormentil as too binding , and dispraise bole armenick as too stopping . one thing is too dry , another too cold , this hurts the stomach , and that the bladder , every thing must be condemn'd , but what themselves extol . cervantes ( in his time , the wit of spain ) derides in the person of don pedro rezio physi●●●● to sancho panca , such find-fault philosophers . 〈◊〉 will say that broth ingenders rheume , and mutton is cholerick , that brawn breeds viscous humours , and lamb is hard of digestion , that veal turns into waterish , and beef into gross blood , that pork is flegmatick , and venison melancholy , and partridge most dangerous to eat , for fear of surfetting . many antidotes and medicines , as well as some meats , may have some inconvenience , but that is inconsiderable , in regard of the benefit by them . think you not , that it is a disquiet for citizens to make their town a carrison ? and yet who would not receive a regiment , to defend them from an enemy ? i have known souldiers that have been troublesome in the house where they have quartered , and yet have been born with , because of the service they were to do . had you rather a child should be drown'd , than pull'd out of the water by the hair , when one cannot take him by the hand ? they that will not put their mouths out of taste , to put their lives out of danger , are fitter to have their heads purg'd with hellebore , than their hearts preserv'd with cordials . i have heard of one , writing to a judge for a friend , intreated him , if he was innocent , that he would free him for his own sake ; but if he was guilty , that he would yet free him for his sake ; but however he must free him . if vinegar be simple and uncompounded , take it for its own 〈◊〉 mixed with other antidotes , take it for 〈◊〉 ; but however take vinegar . pliny finds fault with physitians 〈◊〉 his time , for not knowing its excellent vertue . vinegar being contrary to most other liquors in distillation , may well have something more than ordinary in operation : the spirits of wine and beer , and other liquors , presently exhale , and flie away , and have nothing but flegme ; but when vinegar is distill'd , the flegme rises first , and the spirits stay behind . now as galen saith of poysons , the hundredth part of a cantharides doth not hurt , nor one spark of fire burn to any purpose ; so it is in cordials , too little will do little good , there must be a considerable quantity , and sufficient dose ; you cannot in reason think one spoonful of vinegar enough to quench such a heat , as the plague brings . 't is for the vertue of vinegar that i wrote this book . i would be loath to present you a glo-worm instead of a diamond , or put a bulrush instead of a spear into your hand , when you are to fight with such an enemy . imagine well , and think highly of this medicine . i value my own life , as much as another man doth his . i had rather take vinegar by it self , than many other , nay then any other single medicine without it . despise it not , because 't is easie to be had , neither let it be contemn'd , because familiar . it is the more excellent , because common ; the more precious , because cheap ; the vertues of it so many , they will hardly be believed ; and therefore the greater , because incredible . but because the pestilent venome hath a power to corrupt , putrifie , and inflame the humours , and oftentimes the sicknesse is accompanied with a fever , which sometimes may be almost as dangerous as the plague , there must be care taken thereof ; so that as you may not by too cold things strike in the plague , so by too hot , you may not exasperate the fever , but have respect to both : for which purpose you may take cordial and cooling juleps , made of distill'd waters , of sorrel , endive , cichory , borage , bugloss , meadow sweet , angelica , dragons dandelyon , betony , scabius , balme , fumitory , to which you may put as much oyl of brimstone , or vitriol , as will make it very sharp to your taste , and to every quart thereof about half a dram of lapi● prunella , or sal niter , or sal peter , and afterwards sweeten it with any cordial syrups , as of gilly-flowers , citrons , lemons , violets , adding to it , if you please , alchermes , and when you are hot and dry , you may drink as much as you please , and as often as you will. as thus , take of meadowsweet and cichory water , of each one pint , of borage and buglosse water half a pint , of dragon and angelica water of each four ounces ; put to it as much oyl of vitriol as will make it very sharp , then adde to it a dram of lapis prunella powdered , syrup of gilly-flowers four ounces , alchermes two drams , and drink as much and as often as you please . or else you may make the tincture of roses thus . boil four quarts of spring-water , then let it cool , till it be but about scalding hot , then put it into a glased earthen pot , and put to it two good handfuls , or two ounces of dried red-rose leaves , and stir them in the water , that they may be all wet , then put to them one silver spoonful of oil of brimstone , or oil of vitriol , or as much as will make the liquor very sharp , stir it all about , and presently the roses and the liquor will be of a delicate red colour ; then let it stand covered about four hours , then strain it gently without squeezing , into an earthen pan , and sweeten it with a pound or two of loaf-sugar more or lesse , as you please , and with more oil of vitriol make it very sharp for your taste , and keep it in glass-bottles , and when you are hot and dry , drink as much as you please ; and if you list , you may put any cordial syrup to it , as gilly-flowers , juice of citron , lemons , poppies , or the like . or else you may take some spring-water , and put it fresh into a glass , and drop some oil of vitriol or brimstone into it , to make it sharp , and sweeten it with sugar , and drink it , both as a preservative against a fever or the plague ; and as a medicine and julep in time of sicknesse ; and let me tell you that plain spring-water and oil of vitriol or brimstone , is a better julep in the plague , pestilent , malignant , and other burning fever , than almost any other distill'd water without it . note that it is a vain and scrupulous error , to take when you are dry and burning hot , but two or three spoonfuls of julep at a time . i never denied my patients drink in the heat of a fever , but let them drink julep as much as they please , for a little julep doth but little good , and rather encreaseth the heat , as the powring of a little water on a smiths fire doth make it flame the more , and burn the hotter , whereas a great deal doth quite extinguish it and put it out . and because this oil of vitriol is so excellent and useful a remedy mixt with water , in this and all hot diseases , i should advise every ingenuous person that lives in the country , never to be without it . these oils you must understand , cannot be taken by themselves , but with spring or distilled waters ; and you must be careful of spilling any drop on your cloths , for then it will fret and make a hole in them . now if you refuse to meddle with them , for fear of receiving any hurt , you may as well do so by fire , which you must not sit by , least a spark light on your apron , neither must men take tobacco for fear of burning their faces . and yet i must tell you that 't is better to have a spot on your gown , or a hole in your cloths , which the negligent slabbering of it may occasion , than a purple in your skin , or a botch or carbuncle in your flesh , which the discreet taking of it will hinder . i have heard of a norwegian , that coming out of his frozen country , into the south parts of the world , saw some damask roses growing in a garden , and said , well may the weather be so hot , when fire grows upon the trees ; at which the hearers fell a-laughing , and told him they were most sweet and fragrant flowers , as pleasing to the smell as delightful to the eye , and gather'd him one , and bid him smell to it , but he refus'd , neither would he take it into his hands for fear of burning his fingers , nor smell to it least he should fire his beard , or singe his furr'd cap. to perswade you not to fear , but use this oil of vitriol , let me tell you what the most candid and judicious sennertus saith of it in his fourth book and th chapter of the cure of pestilent and malignant fevers . great in this case is the use of oil of vitriol , which hath a notable faculty to stay putrefaction , to open obstructions , to cut , disperse , attenuate , cleanse , and separate all corrupt humours , and further the activity , and exalt the vertue of other medicines with which it is most usefully mingled ; for whereas the syrups of succory , endive , violets , and the rest , by reason of the sugar in them , are not sufficient to extinguish the heat nor thirst in a fever , but are rather turn'd into choler ; yet if oil of vitriol be mixed with them , so us to make them sharp , they most happily slake the thirst and allay the heat , and with good success answer the expectation for which they were taken . and mindererus in his . chap. of his book of the pestilence , where he treateth of the oil of vitriol and brimstone , saith , there is no putrefaction , whose strength it doth not break , no infection which it doth not overcome , no depravation of humours which they do not rectifie . in truth , if i may speak freely , if i should be hindred or forbid the use of vitriol , i would never come to the cure of the plague , or if i did come , i should come disarm'd . afterwards , when you find your self at any time of your sicknesse , especially at the end of any burning fit , inclinable to sweat , you are to follow the conduct of nature and endeavour to second it by the use of medicines . for which purpose , take two drams of confection of iacynth , or diascordium , or one dram of electuary de ovo , or of the powder of cantrayerva , or virginia snakeweed , or of the powder of crabs eyes and claws and burnt harts-horn , as formerly you were directed ; or else two drams of gascoyn powder made without bezar . and indeed considering the uncertainty of true bezar , there may be gascoyne powder made as well without bezar as confectio alchermes made without musk ; for as some cannot endure the smell of musk , so many cannot go to the price of bezar . or else you may take some of the compounded vinegars , ordering your self for sweating , as you were formerly directed . as for purging and bleeding , there have been many learned physitians that have made diligent enquiry into the nature of the pestilence , and cure thereof , who would have it wholly omitted , and do commend rather timerousness than rashness in opening a vein ; for neither purging nor bleeding do oppose the disease , but weaken the party . in this case , the saying of hypocrates is very considerable ; where nature aimes its course , thither it behoves the physitian to direct his help . now nature labours by all means to expel the venome of the disease to the superficies and out side of the body , and bleeding and purging draw it inwards towards the heart , the center and seat of life . what is said of war ( non lioet his peccare ( for the first error will be your overthrow ) is true in the cure of the plague , the first errour will be your danger , and the second day of purging or bleeding ( if you live so long ) the first day of your repentance . in this disease the blood is the life of the party , which if you take away , you soon destroy . paraeus , a most expert chyrurgeon , in his book of the plague , relateth , that in the year . when there was a great mortality throughout all france , by reason of the pestilence , he diligently enquired of all the physitians and chyrurgeons of all the cities where he came , what successe their patients had after they were let bloud and purged ? whereunto they answered all alike , that all that were infected with the pestilence , and did bleed some quantity of blood , or had their bodies somewhat strongly purged , thenceforth waxed weaker and weaker , and so at length died ; but others which were not let bloud and purged , but took cordial antidotes , for the most part escaped and recovered their health . of the blain , botch , and carbuncle . the blain is an angry little blister , somewhat like the swine or small pox , but far more painful , sometimes of a blue , reddish , or leaden colour , and being opened , affordeth corrupt matter . it may arise in any part ; sometimes there will be one or two , but never many : it seldome kills or hinders the cure of the party ; but being anointed with oil of saint iohns-wort , will break , heal , and scale of . the botch is a swelling about the bignesse of a nutmeg , wallnut , or hens egge , and cometh in the neck , or behind the eares , if the brain be affected ; or under the arm-pits , from the heart ; or in the groin , from the liver ; for cure whereof , pull off the feathers from about the rump of a cock , hen , or pigeon , and rub the tayl with salt , and hold its bill , and set the tayl hard to the swelling , and it will die ; then take another and another , and do so in manner aforesaid , until the venom doth not kill any more . or else take the pith of a hot loaf from the oven , and clap it to the sore . also it is very good to launce it ; for though some pain do thence arise , yet nature doth not draw back from the place pained , but sendeth humours thither after the launcing . also take wheat flower , honey , and the yolke of an egge , and venice turpentine , of each a like quantity , mixe it well , and lay it on just warm ; this will ripen , draw , and heal it . or else take an ounce of venice turpentine , the yolke of an egge , and oil of saint iohns-wort one spoonful , mixe it , and apply it warm , it will draw and heal it . the carbuncle , so called from its heat like a burning coal , riseth in any part of the body , like an exceeding angry wheal , with a certain rednesse near it , and as if a hole had been made with a hot iron , will quickly eat out a piece of flesh about it . it ought presently to be scarified , to let out the venome ; or else you may burn the head of it with a small hot iron , and you need not fear this burning to be too painful , for it toucheth nothing but the point of the carbuncle , which by reason of the scar that is there , is void of sense . paraeus commends this plaister , take of soot from a chimney or oven wherein onely wood is burnt , four ounces , common salt two ounces , powder and mixe them with the yolks of two eggs , and apply it warm . others highly commend this , take of soot two ounces , sowre leaven , butter , venice turpentine , salt , of each one ounce , castile soap one ounce and a half , venice treacle half an ounce , with the yolks of three eggs make it into a plaister , and apply it twice or thrice a day . some direct to make a circle about the carbuncle with a right blow saphyr , and say , that presently the carbuncle dies as a coal that is quencht with water ; according to that of the poet , sapphyri solo tactu carbunclus abibit . dyet in this disease , especially during the fever , ought strictly to be observed : avoid such things as turn into choler , and breed bad humours , such as are sugar sops and cawdels . i do not commend , but rather condemn the eating of eggs. i have made enquiry concerning milk , and am satisfied , that those that eat it during the fever , never live long after , to complain of the hurt it did them . you may safely take water-grewel and panada with corants , mutton , veal , chicken , or barley-broth , is wholesome , and if you eat any of the flesh , let your sawce be vinegar . almond-milk made with barley-broth , is good and pleasant , but harts-horn gelly is both , meat and medicine , so also is candied and preserv'd citron , eat but a little and often , discretion , moderation and temperance , are as good a dish or medicine as you can either fetch from the cooks or buy at the apothecaries . for a fume . take sulphur vivum , otherwise called quick brimstone one pound , salt-peter one ounce , powder them severally , and melt them over the fire in an iron pan , then stir into it an ounce of yellow amber powdered , and pour it out on a stone or in a mould , and it will be a cake : break a piece of it less than a nutmeg , and light it at a candle , and set it on a trencher , and let it burn in the room where you are . note that , a grain is the weight of a barley corn. a scruple is . grains . a dram is . scruples . an ounce is . drams . finis . errata . pag. . line . for grashoppers , read grasse . p. . l. . real all little enough . p. . l. . read when he went. p. . l. . read non naturales . p. . l. . for the ware was , they were . p. . l. . for with vinegar , read than vinegar . p. . l. . for indege , r. indeque . any one may make these medicines themselves , or be-speak them at their own apothecaries , or buy them ready made , at mr. iohn dansons at the sign of the pestle and mortar in coleman-street , or at mr. hamnet rigbies at the seven stars in fetter-lane . to the readers . courteous , good natur'd , and kind-hearted readers ; the italians have a saying , that , to speak ill of another , is the fifth element whereof every one is made . do not you then wonder that i give you this title , since some either out of envy or ignorance , may be more ready to requite my pains with a hard censure , than a kind acceptance . well , in giving you civil language , i for this time , follow the humour of a certain frenchman , who being near his death , and in despair , was encouraged to put his trust in god , and defie the devil ; but he creepingly replied , that they would please to pardon him , for he would defie no body , onely he prayed to god to keep him & his soul from — monsieur the devil ; at which uncouth and strange expression one of the by-standers being somewhat surpriz'd , ask'd him what reason he had to give the evil spirit such a title , and he answered , that it was convenient to give every one good words , because he knew not well into whose hands he might chance to come . being often requested , and almost tyred , to give directions for preventing the infectoon of the plague , and being since much satisfied with the good success to all that followed it , and considering the self-ended concealing , and the geeat cost in buying several medicines , which many people would , nay , must rather die , than be at the charge of ; and knowing how difficult it is for a doctor , how diligent soever , to attend above twenty sick families , and how ignorant many sick people are , and how little they can learn from nurses , and what errors are committed in bleeding and purging , and how hard a matter it is for those who are sick in the country , to procure speedy advice and remedy , since people are so far from visiting the sick , that they will hardly allow or permit those that are well to visit one another , amongst many distractions , and setting aside my private affairs , i endeavoured to publish this treatise . if you think i have been too brief , upon request i shall be ready to enlarge it , if not , you may do it your self ; if too tedious , you may do as at feasts , where is variety of dishes , take what you please , and leave the rest ; if too plain , there are more sick-folks and nurses that cannot understand latine and hard words , than apothecaries and chyrurgeons that will not understand english. i should be a rich man , if i had five shillings for every one that d●th not know the weight of a french crown . i have heard of elixir vitae , the grand cordial , the infallible antidote against the plague , and i remember a story of a friar , who pretended to have a plume of the angel gabriels feathers , which fell from him at the salutation of the virgin mary , but when he came to shew it after sermon to the multitude , he perceived that his feathers had been stoln out of the box , and a charcoal put in their stead , and very confidently laid the disappointment upon the indisposition of the people , who were not fuly prepared for the fight of so heavenly a relique : neverthelesse out of his own good will he would shew them one of the coals that was taken from under the gridiron that sai●t laurence was broild on . i do not much fancy quid proquo , neither do you greatly care at present for elixit vitae ae●e●●ae , neither would you have such a cordial as should cure you of all diseases , though the antidote may be infallible , yet he that takes it may be deceiv'd : many conceal'd medicines are dear enough , when they cost the taker his life ; and many cried up s●crets do greater cures on the purse of the seller , than on the body of the buyer , into whose handt , as soon as they chance to come , they lose their vertue . if things hard or impossible to be done , would have pleas'd you , i could have given you directions extravagant enough ; how for getting into a better air , you must ride on pegasus every day in the elizian fields , or else take one of the planets houses to dwell in ; and get your goods sent thither in charles's wain : 't is very healthy , to walk a turn or two in via lactaea , and when you are weary , sit down in cassiopoeia's chair . for dyet , you may have your mutton at aries , and beef at taurus , your fish at cancer or pisces ; and let ganymede fill you no wine , but what is fine , neat , and racy , with an excellent scent and flavour , &c. also if things difficult or impossible to be gotten , would have gave content , i could have told you , how handsome and warm a colchos mantle , made of jasons golden fieece would sit upon your shoulders ; how to dress your hair with a myrmaids comb , would cure the head-ach , and help perspiration ; what an excellent cordial a mornings draught of nectar or ambrosia would be , in a unicorns-horn ; how two phaenix eggs for break fast would make a rare cawdle ; how excellent a black swan would be roasted for dinner , especially , if he sang before he was killed ; how sweetly you would sleep after you had supp'd upon a manucodiata or bird of paradise ; how delightful a dish of fruit from the hesperides or pine apples of america , would be in the afternoon . but my directions aye plain and familiar , and easie to be understood by an ordinary capacity ; they which know better , may be provoked by my example , to publish them , with the method and direction how to use them ; which i had rather communicate for the good of the people of my native country , than to have gotten an estate , by giving them a hard name , to keep them secret , and having them sold for my private advantage , ( as the custome now is ) at an apothecaries or stationers shop : and so i hope that the superlative excesse of my love , shall excuse the defect of my skill . holborn , july . . w. k. the plague of athens which hapned in the second year of the peloponnesian warr / first described in greek by thucydides, then in latin by lucretius, now attempted in english by tho. sprat. sprat, thomas, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the plague of athens which hapned in the second year of the peloponnesian warr / first described in greek by thucydides, then in latin by lucretius, now attempted in english by tho. sprat. sprat, thomas, - . thucydides. hobbes, thomas, - . [ ], , p. printed by e.c. for henry brome ..., london : . "let this book be printed, roger l'estrange, march , " from verso t.p. "contents : thucydides, lib. , as it is excellently translated by mr. hobbs." on p. - (first numbering) reproduction of original in the university of illinois (urbana-champaign campus). library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- greece -- athens -- poetry. greece -- history -- peloponnesian war, - b.c. -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the plague of athens , which hapned in the second year of he peloponnesian warr. first described in greek by thucydides ; then in latin by lucretius . now attempted in english , by tho. sprat . london , printed by e. c. for henry brome at the gun in ivy-lane , . let this book be printed , roger l'estrange . march . . to my vvorthy and learned friend , dr. walter pope , late proctor of the university of oxford . sir , i know not what pleasure you could take in bestowing your commands so unprofitably , unless it be that for which nature sometimes cherishes and allows monsters , the love of variety . this only delight you will receive by turning over this rude and unpolisht copy , and comparing it with my excellent patterns , the greek and latin. by this you will see how much a noble subject is chang'd and disfigured by an ill hand , and what reason alexander had to forbid his picture to be drawn but by some celebrated pencil . in greek thucydides so well and so lively expresses it , that i know not which is more a poem , his description , or that of lucretius . though it must be said , that the historian had a vast advantage over the poet ; he having been present on the place , and assaulted by the disease himself , had the horror familiar to his eyes , and all the shapes of the misery still remaining on his mind , which must needs make a great impression on his pen and fancie . whereas the poet was forced to allow his foot-steps , and onely work on that matter he allow'd him . this i speak , because it may in some measure too excuse my own defects : for being so far remov'd from the place whereon the disease acted his tragedy ; and time having denied us many of the circumstances , customes of the countrey , and other small things which would be of great use to any one who did intend to be perfect on the subject ; besides only writing by an idaea of that which i never yet saw , nor care to feel , ( being not of the humor of the painter in sir philip sidney , who thrust himself into the midst of a fight , that he might the better delineate it . ) having , i say , all these disadvantages , and many more , for which i must onely blame my self , it cannot be expected that i should come near equalling him , in whom none of the contrary advantages were wanting . thus then , sir , by emboldning me to this rash attempt , you have given opportunitie to the greek and latin to triumph over our mother tongue . yet i would not have the honour of the countries or languages engaged in the comparison , but that the inequality should reach no farther than the authors . but i have much reason to fear the just indignation of that excellent person , ( the present ornament and honour of our nation ) whose way of writing i imitate : for he may think himself as much injured by my following him , as were the heavens by that bold man's counterfeiting the sacred and unimitable noise of thunder by the sound of brass and horses hoofs . i shall only say for my self , that i took cicero's advice , who bids us in imitation propose the noblest pattern to our thoughts ; for so we may be sure to be raised above the common level , though we come infinitely short of what we aim at . yet i hope that renowned poet will have none of my crimes any way reflect on himself ; for it was not any fault in the excellent musician , that the weak bird , indeavouring by straining its throat , to follow his notes , destroyed her self in the attempt . well , sir , by this , that i have chosen rather to expose my self than be disobedient , you may ghess with what zeal and hazard i strive to approve my self , sir , your most humble and affectionate servant , tho. sprat . thucydides , lib. . as it is excellently translated by mr. hobbs . in the very beginning of summer , the peloponnesians , and their confederates , with two thirds of their forces , as before invaded attica , under the conduct of archidamus , the son of zeuxidamas , king of lacedaemon , and after they had encamped themselves , wasted the countrey about them . they had not been many dayes in attica , when the plague first began amongst the athenians , said also to have seized formerly on divers other parts , as about lemnos , and elsewhere ; but so great a plague , and mortality of men , was never remembred to have hapned in any place before . for at first , neither were the physicians able to cure it , through ignorance of what it was , but died fastest themselves , as being the men that most approach'd the sick , nor any other art of man availed whatsoever . all supplications to the gods , and enquiries of oracles , and whatsoever other means they used of that kind , proved all unprofitable ; insomuch as subdued with the greatness of the evil , they gave them all over . it began ( by report ) first , in that part of aethiopia that lieth upon aegypt , and thence fell down into aegypt and afrique , and into the greatest part of the territories of the king. it invaded athens on a sudden , and touched first upon on those that dwelt in pyraeus , insomuch as they reported that the peloponnesians had cast poyson into their wells ; for springs there were not any in that place . but afterwards it came up into the high city , and then they died a great deal faster . now let every man , physician , or other , concerning the ground of this sickness , whence it sprung , and what causes he thinks able to produce for great an alteration , speak according to his own knowledge ; for my own part , i will deliver but the manner of it , and lay open only such things , as one may take his mark by , to discover the same if it come again , having been both sick of it my self , and seen others sick of the same . this year , by confession of all men , was of all other , for other diseases , most free and healthful . if any man were sick before , his disease turned to this ; if not , yet suddenly , without any apparent cause preceding , and being in perfect health , they were taken first with an extream ache in their heads , redness and inflamation of the eyes ; and then inwardly their throats and tongues grew presently bloody , and their breath noysome and unsavory . upon this followed a sneezing and hoarsness , and not long after , the pain , together with a mighty cough , came down into the brest . and when once it was setled in the stomach , it caused vomit , and with great torment came up all manner of bilious purgation that physicians ever named . most of them had also the hickeyexe , which brought with it a strong convulsion , and in some ceased quickly , but in others was long before it gave over . their bodies outwardly to the touch , were neither very hot , nor pale , but reddish , livid , and beflowred with little pimples and whelks ; but so burned inwardly , as not to endure any the lightest cloaths or linnen garment to be upon them , nor any thing but meer nakedness , but rather , most willingly to have cast themselves into the cold water . and many of them that were not looked to , possessed with insatiate thirst , ran unto the wells ; and to drink much , or little , was indifferent , being still from ease and power to sleep as far as ever . as long as the disease was at the height , their bodies wasted not , but resisted the torment beyond all expectation , insomuch as the most of them either died of their inward burning in or dayes , whilest they had yet strength , or if they escaped that , then the disease falling down into their bellies , and causing there great exulcerations and immoderate loosness , they died many of them afterwards through weakness : for the disease ( which took first the head ) began above , and came down , and passed through the whole body ; and he that overcame the worst of it , was yet marked with the loss of his extreme parts ; for breaking out both at their privy-members ; and at their fingers and toes , many with the loss of these escaped . there were also some that lost there eyes , & many that presently upon their recovery were taken with such an oblivion of all things whatsoever , as they neither knew themselves nor their acquaintance . for this was a kind of sickness which far surmounted all expression of words , and both exceeded humane nature , in the cruelty wherewith it handled each one , and appeared also otherwise to be none of those diseases that are bred amongst us , and that especially by this . for all , both birds and beasts , that use to feed on humane flesh , though many men lay abroad unburied , either came not at them , or tasting perished . an argument whereof as touching the birds , is the manifest defect of such fowl , which were not then seen , neither about the carcasses , or any where else ; but by the dogs , because they are familiar with men , this effect was seen much clearer . so that this disease ( to pass over many strange particulars of the accidents that some had differently from others ) was in general such as i have shewn ; and for other usual sicknesses , at that time , no man was troubled with any . now they died , some for want of attendance , and some again with all the care and physick that could be used . nor was there any , to say , certain medicine , that applied must have helped them ; for it did good to one , it did harm to another ; nor any difference of body for strength or weakness that was able to resist it ; but it carried all away what physick soever was administred . but the greatest misery of all was the dejection of mind , in such as found themselves beginning to be sick , ( for they grew presently desperate , and gave themselves over without making any resistance ) as also their dying thus like sheep , infected by mutual visitation : for if men forbore to visit them for fear , then they dyed forlorn , whereby many families became empty , for want of such as should take care of them . if they forbore not , then they died themselves , and principally the honestest men . for out of shame , they would not spare themselves , but went in unto their friends , especially after it was come to this pass , that even their domesticks , wearied with the lamentations of them that died , and overcome with the greatness of the calamity , were no longer moved therewith . but those that were recovered , had much compassion both on them that died , and on them that lay sick , as having both known the misery themselves and now no more subject to the like danger : for this disease never took any man the second time so as to be mortal . and these men were both by others counted happy , and they also themselves , through excess of present joy , conceived a kind of light hope , never to die of any other sickness hereafter . besides the present affliction , the reception of the countrey people , and of their substance into the city , oppressed both them , and much more the people themselves that so came in . for having no houses , but dwelling at that time of the year in stifling booths , the mortality was now without all form ; and dying men lay tumbling one upon another in the streets , and men half dead about every conduit through desire of water . the temples also where they dwelt in tents , were all full of the dead that died within them ; for oppressed with the violence of the calamity , and not knowing what to do , men grew careless , both of holy and prophane things alike . and the laws which they formerly used touching funerals , were all now broken ; every one burying where he could find room . and many for want of things necessary , after so many deaths before , were forced to become impudent in the funerals of their friends . for when one had made a funeral pile , another getting before him , would throw on his dead , and give it fire . and when one was in burning , another would come , and having cast thereon him whom he carried , go his way again . and the great licentiousness , which also in other kinds was used in the city , began at first from this disease . for that which a man before would dissemble , and not acknowledge to be done for voluptuousness , he durst now do freely , seeing before his eyes such quick revolution , of the rich dying , and men worth nothing inheriting their estates ; insomuch as they justified a speedy fruition of their goods , even for their pleasure , as men that thought they held their lives but by the day . as for pains , no man was forward in any action of honour , to take any , because they thought it uncertain whether they should die or not , before they atchieved it . but what any man knew to be delightful , and to be profitable to pleasure , that was made both profitable and honourable . neither the fear of the gods , nor laws of men , awed any man. not the former , because they concluded it was alike to worship or not worship , from seeing that alike they all perished : nor the latter , because no man expected that lives would last , till he received punishment of his crimes by judgements . but they thought there was now over their heads some far greater judgement decreed against them ; before which fell , they thought to enjoy some little part of their lives . the plague of athens . i. unhappy man ! by nature made to sway , and yet is every creatures prey , destroy'd by those that should his power obey . of the whole world we call man-kind the lords , flattring our selves with mighty words ; of all things we the monarchs are , and so we rule , and so we domineer ; all creatures else about us stand like some praetorian band , to guard , to help , and to defend ; yet they sometimes prove enemies , sometimes against us rise ; our very guards rebel , and tyrannize . thousand diseases sent by fate , ( unhappy servants ! ) on us wait ; a thousand treacheries within are laid weak life to win ; huge troops of maladies without , ( a grim , a meager , and a dreadful rout : ) some formal sieges make , and with sure slowness do our bodies take ; some with quick violence storm the town , and all in a moment down : some one peculiar sort assail , some by general attempt prevail . small herbs , alas , can only us relieve , and small is the assistance they can give ; how can the fading off spring of the field sure health and succour yield ? what strong and certain remedie ? what firm and lasting life can ours be ? when that which makes us live , doth ev'ry winter die ? ii. nor is this all , we do not only breed within ourselves the fatal seed of change , and of decrease in ev'ry part , head , bellie , stomach , and the root of life the heart , not only have our autumn , when we must of our own nature turn to dust , when leaves and fruit must fall ; but are expos'd to mighty tempests too , which do at once what that would slowlie do , which throw down fruit and tree of life withal . from ruine we in vain our bodies by repair maintain , bodies compos'd of stuff , mouldring and frail enough ; yet from without as well we fear a dangerous and destructful vvar , from heaven , from earth , from sea , from air. vve like the roman empire should decay , and our own force would melt away by the intestine jar of elephants , which on each other prey , the caesars and the pompeys which within we bear : yet are ( like that ) in danger too of forreign armies , and external foe , sometimes the gothish and the barbarous rage of plague or pestilence , attens mans age , which neither force nor arts asswage ; which cannot be avoided , or withstood , but drowns , and over-runs with unexpected flood . iii. on aethiopia , and the southern-sands , the unfrequented coasts , and parched land , whither the sun too kind a heat doth send , ( the sun , which the worst neighbour is , and the best friend ) hither a mortal influence came , a fatal and unhappy flame , kindled by heavens angry beam . with dreadful frowns the heavens scattered here cruel infectious heats into the air , now all their stores of poyson sent , threatning at once a general doom , lavisht out all their hate , and meant in future ages to be innocent , not to disturb the world for many years to come . hold ! heavens hold ! why should your sacred fire , which doth to all things life inspire , by whose kinde beams you bring each year on every thing , a new and glorious spring , which doth th' original seed of all things in the womb of earth that breed , with vital heat and quick'ning feed , vvhy should you now that heat imploy , the earth , the air , the fields , the cities to annoy ? that which before reviv'd , why should it now destroy ? iv. those africk desarts strait were double desarts grown , the rav'nous beasts were left alone , the rav'nous beasts then first began to pity their old enemy man , and blam'd the plague for what they would themselves have done . nor stay'd the cruel evil there , nor could be long confin'd unto one air , plagues presently forsake the wilderness which they themselves do make , away the deadly breaths their journey take . driven by a mighty wind , they a new booty and fresh for age find . the loaded wind went swiftly on , and as it past was heard to sigh and groan . on aegypt next it seiz'd , nor could but by a general ruine be appeas'd . aegypt in rage back on the south did look , and wondred thence should come th' unhappy stroke , from whence before her fruitfulness she took . egypt did now curse and revile those very lands from whence she has her nile ; egypt now fear'd another hebrew god , another angels hand , a second aarons rod. v. then on it goes , and through the sacred land it s angry forces did command , but god did place an angel there , its violence to withstand , and turn into another road the putrid air. to tyre it came , and there did all devour , though that by seas might think it self secure : nor staid , as the great conquerors did , till it had fill'd and stopt the tyde , which did it from the shore divide , but past the waters , and did all possess , and quickly all was wilderness . thence it did persia over-run , and all that sacrifice unto the sun ; in every limb a dreadful pain they felt , tortur'd with secret coals did melt ; the persians call'd upon their sun in vain , their god increas'd the pain . they lookt up to their god no more , but curse the beams they worshipped before , and hate the very fire which once they did adore . vi. glutted with ruine of the east , she took her wings and down to athens past ; just plague ! which dost no parties take , but greece as well as persia sack . vvhile in unnatural quarrels they ( like frogs and mice ) each other slay ; thou in thy ravenous claws took'st both away . thither it came , and did destroy the town , vvhilst all its ships and souldiers lookt upon : and now the asian plague did more than all the asian force could do before . vvithout the vvalls the spartan army sate , the spartan army came too late ; for now there was no farther work for fate . they saw the city open lay , an easie and bootless prey , they saw the rampires empty stand , the fleet , the vvalls , the forts unman'd . no need of cruelty or slaughters now the plague had finisht what they came to do : they might now unresisted enter there , did they not the very air , more than th' athenians fear . the air it self to them was wall , and bulwarks too . vii . unhappy athens ! it is true , thou wert the poudest work of nature and of art : learning and strength did thee compose , as soul and body us : but yet thou only thence art made a nobler prey for fates t' invade . those mighty numbers that within thee breath , do only serve to make a fatter feast for death . death in the most frequented places lives , most tribute from the croud receives ; and though it bears a sigh , and seems to own a rustick life alone : it loves no vvilderness , no scattred villages , but mighty populous palaces , the throng , the tumult , and the town ; vvhat strange , unheard of conqueror is this , vvhich by the forces that resist it doth increase ! vvhen other conquerors are oblig'd to make a slower war , nay sometimes for themselves may fear , and must proceed with watchful care , vvhen thicker troops of enemies appear ; this stronger still , and more successeful grows ; down sooner all before it throws , if greater multitudes of men do it oppose . viii . the tyrant first the haven did subdue , lately the athenians ( it knew ) themselves by wooden walls did save , and therefore first to them th' infection gave , least they new succour thence receive . cruel fyraeus ! now thou hast undone , the honour thou before hadst wone : not all thy merchandize , thy wealth , thy treasuries , vvhich from all coasts thy fleet supplies , can to atone this crime suffice . next o're the upper town it spread , vvith mad and undiscerned speed , in every corner , every street , vvithout a guide did set its feet , and too familiar every house did greet . unhappy greece of greece ! great theseus now did thee a mortal injury do , vvhen first in walls he did thee close , vvhen first he did thy citizens reduce , houses and government , and laws to use . it had been better if thy people still dispersed in some field , or hill , though salvage , and undisciplin'd did dwell , though barbarous , untame , and rude , than by their numbers thus to be subdu'd ; to be by their own swarms anoid , and to be civilized only to be destroid . ix . minerva started when she heard the noise , and dying mens confused voice . from heaven in haste she came to see vvhat was the mighty prodigie . upon the castle pinacles she sate , and dar'd not nearer fly , nor midst so many deaths to trust her very deity . vvith pitying look she saw at every gate death and destruction wait ; she wrung her hands , and call'd on jove , and all th' immortal powers above ; but though a goddess now did pray , the heavens refus'd , and turn'd their ear away . she brought her olive , and her shield , neither of these alas ! assistance yeild . she lookt upon medusaes face , was angry that she was her self of an immortal race , was angry that her gorgons head could not strike her as well as others dead ; she sate , and wept a while , and then away she fled . x. now death began her sword to wher , not all the cyclops sweat , nor vulcans mighty anvils could prepare weapons enough for her , no weapon large enough but all the air ; men felt the heat within 'um rage , and hop'd the air would it asswage , call'd for its help , but th' air did them deceive , and aggravate the ills it should relieve . the air no more was vital now , but did a moral poyson grow ; the lungs which us'd to fan the heart , onely now serv'd to fire each part , vvhat should refresh more as'd the smart , and now their very breath , the chiefest signe of life , turn'd the cause of death . xi . upon the head first the disease , as a bold conqueror doth seize , begins with mans metropolis , secur'd the capitol , and then it knew it could at pleasure weaker parts subdue . blood started through each eye ; the redness of that skie , fore-told a tempest nigh . the tongue did flow all ore with clotted filth and gore ; as doth a lyons when some innocent prey he hath devoured and brought away : hoarsness and sores the throat did fill , and stopt the passages of speech and life ; no room was left for groans or grief ; too cruel and imperious ill ! which not content to kill , with tyrannous and dreadful pain , dost take from men the very power to complain . xii . then down , it went into the breast , there are all the seats and shops of life possest , such noisomo smells from thence did come , as if the stomach were a tomb ; no food would there abide , or if it did , turn'd to the enemies side , the very meat new poysons to the plague supply'd . next to the heart the fires came , the heart did wonder what usurping flame , what unknown furnace shou'd on its more natural heat intrude , strait call'd its spirits up , but found too well , it was too late now to rebel . the tainted blood its course began , and carried death where ere it ran , that which before was natures noblest art , the circulation from the heart , vvas most destructful now , and nature speedier did undoe , for that the sooner did impart the poyson and the smart , the infectious blood to every distant part . xiii . the belly felt at last its share , and all the subtil labyrinths there of winding bowels did new monsters bear . here seven dayes it rul'd and sway'd , and ofner kill'd because it death so long delay'd . but if through strength and heat of age , the body overcame its rage , the plague departed , as the devil doeth , vvhen driven by prayers away he goeth . if prayers and heaven do him controul , and if he cannot have the soul , himself out of the roof or window throws , and will not all his labour lose , but takes away with him part of the house : so here the vanquisht evil took from them vvho conquer'd it , some part , some limb ; some lost the use of hands , or eyes , some armes , some legs , some thighs , some all their lives before forgot , their minds were but one darker blot ; those various pictures in the head , and all the numerous shapes were fled ; and now they ransackt memory languish'd in naked poverty , had lost its mighty treasury ; they past the lethe-lake , although they did not die . xiv . whatever lesser maladies men had , they all gave place and vanished ; those petty tyrants fled , and at this mighty conqueror shrunk their head . feavers , agues , palsies , stone , gout , cholick , and consumption , and all the milder generation , by which man-kind is by degrees undone , quickly were rooted out and gone ; men saw themselves freed from the pain , rejoyc'd , but all alas , in vain , 't was an unhappy remedie , which cur'd 'um that they might both worse and sooner die . xv. physicians now could nought prevail , they the first spoils to the proud victor fall , nor would the plague their knowledge trust , but feared their skill , and therefore slew them first : so tyrants when they would confirm their yoke , first make the chiefest men to feel the stroke , the chiefest and the wisest heads , least they should soonest disobey , should first rebell , and others learn from them the way . no aid of herbs , or juyces power , none of apollo's art could cure , but helpt the plague the speedier to devour . physick it self was a disease , physick the fatal tortures did increase , prescriptions did the pains renew , and aesculapius to the sick did come , as afterwards to rome , in form of serpent , brought new poysons with him too . xvi . the streams did wonder , that so soon as they were from their native mountains gone , they saw themselves drunk up , and fear another xerxes army near . some cast into the pit the urn , and drink it dry at its return : again they drew , again they drank ; at first the coolness of the stream did thank , but strait the more were scorch'd , the more did burn ; and drunk with water in their drinking sank : that urn which now to quench their thirst they use , shortly their ashes shall inclose . others into the chrystal brook , with faint and wondring eyes did look , saw what a ghastly shape themselves had took , away they would have fled , but them their leggs forsook . some snach'd the waters up , their hands , their mouths the cup ; they drunk , and found they flam'd the more , and only added to the burning store . so have i seen on lime cold water thrown , strait all was to a ferment grown , and hidden seeds of fire together run : the heap was calm , and temperate before , such as the finger could indure ; but when the moistures it provoke , did rage , did swell , did smoke , did move , and flame , and burn , and strait to ashes broke . xvii . so strong the heat , so strong the torments were , they like some mighty burden bear the lightest coverig of air. all sexes and all ages do invade the bounds which nature laid , the laws of modesty which nature made . the virgins blush not , yet uncloath'd appear , undress'd do run about , yet never fear . the pain and the disease did now unwillingly reduce men to that nakedness once more , which perfect health and innocence caus'd before . no sleep , no peace , no rest , their wandring and affrighted minds possest ; upon their souls and eyes , hell and eternal horrour lies , unusual shapes , and imagies , dark pictures , and resemblances of things to come , and of the world below , o're their distemper'd fancies go : sometimes they curse , sometimes they pray unto the gods above , the gods beneath ; sometimes they cruelties , and fury breath , not sleep , but waking now was sister unto death . xviii . scattered in fields the bodies lay , the earth call'd to the fowls to take their flesh away . in vain she call'd , they come not nigh , nor would their food with their own ruine buy , but at full meals , they hunger , pine and die . the vulters afar off did see the feast , rejoyc'd , and call'd their friends to taste , they rallied up their troops in haste , along came mighty droves , forsook their young ones , and their groves , each one his native mountain and his nest ; they come , but all their carcases abhor , and now avoid the dead men more than weaker birds did living men before . but if some bolder fowls the flesh essay , they were destroy'd by their own prey . the dog no longer bark't at coming guest , repents its being a domestick beast , did to the woods and mountains haste : the very owls at athens are but seldome seen and rare , the owls depart in open day , rather than in infected ivy more to stay . xix . mountains of bones and carcases , the streets , the market-place possess , threatning to raise a new acropolis . here lies a mother and her child , the infant suck'd as yet , and smil'd , but strait by its own food was kill'd . there parents hugg'd their children last , here parting lovers last embrac'd , but yet not parting neither , they both expir'd and went away together . here pris'ners in the dungeon die , and gain a two-fold liberty , they meet and thank their pains vvhich them from double chains of body and of iron free . here others poyson'd by the scent vvhich from corrupted bodies went , quickly return the death they did receive , and death to others give ; themselves now dead the air pollute the more , for which they others curs'd before , their bodies kill all that come near , and even after death they all are murderers here . xx. the friend doth hear his friends last cries , parteth his grief for him , and dies , lives not enough to close his eyes . the father at his death speaks his son heir with an infectious breath ; in the same hour the son doth take his fathers will , and his own make . the servant needs not here be slain , to serve his master in the other would again ; they languishing together lie , their souls away together flie ; the husband gasp'th and his wife lies by , it must be her turn next to die , the husband and the wife too truly now are one , and live one life . that couple which the gods did entertain , had made their prayer here in vain ; no fates in death could then divide , they must without their priviledge together both have dy'd . xxi . there was no number now of death , the sisters scarce stood still themselves to breath : the sisters now quite wearied in cutting single thred , began at once to part whole looms . one stroak did give whole houses dooms ; now dy'd the frosty hairs , the aged and decrepid years , they fell , and only beg'd of fate , some few months more , but 't was alas too late , then death , as if asham'd of that , a conquest so degenerate , cut off the young and lusty too ; the young were reck'ning ore vvhat happy dayes , what joyes they had in store ; but ffate , er'e they had finish'd their account , them slew . the wretched usurer dyed , and had no time to tell where he his treasures hid . the merchant did behold his ships return with spice and gold ; he saw 't , and turn'd aside his head , nor thank'd the gods , but fell amidst his riches dead . xxii . the meetings and assemblies cease , no more the people throng about the orator , no course of justice did appear , no noise of lawyers fill'd the ear , the senate cast away the robe of honour , and obey deaths more restless sway , vvhilest that with dictatorian power doth all the great and lesser officers devour . no magistrates did walk about ; no purple aw'd the rout , the common people too a purple of their own did shew ; and all their bodies ore , the ruling colours bore , no judge , no legislators sit since this new draco came , and harsher laws did frame , laws that like his in blood are writ . the benches and the pleading-place they leave , about the streets they run and rave : the madness which great solon did of late but counterfeit for the advantage of the state , now his successors do too truly imitate . xxiii . up starts the souldier from his bed , he though deaths servant is not freed , death him cashier'd , ' cause now his help she did not need . he that ne're knew before to yield , or to give back or lead the field , would fain now from himself have fled . he snatch'd his sword now rusted o're , dreadful and sparkling now no more , and thus in open streets did roar : how have i death so ill deserv'd of thee , that now thy self thou shouldst revenge on me ? have i so many lives on thee bestow'd ? have i the earth so often dy'd in blood ? have i to flatter thee so many slain ? and must i now thy prey remain ? let me at least , if i must dye , meet in the field some gallant enemy . send gods the persian troops again ; no they 're a base and degenerate train ; they by our women may be slain . give me great heavens some manful foes , let me my death amidst some valiant grecians choose , let me survive to die at syracuse , where my dear countrey shall her glory lose for you great gods ! into my dying mind infuse , what miseries , what doom must on my athens shortly come : my thoughts inspir'd presage , saughters and battels to the coming age ; oh! might i die upon that glorious stage : oh that ! but then he grasp'd his sword , & death concludes his rage . xxiv . draw back , draw back thy sword , o fate ! lest thou repent when 't is too late , lest by thy making now so great a waste , by spending all man-kind upon one feast , thou sterve thy self at last : what men wilt thou reserve in store , whom in the time to come thou mayst devour , when thou shalt have destroyed all before : but if thou wilt not yet give o're , if yet thy greedie stomach calls for more , if more remain whom thou must kill , and if thy jawes are craving still , carry thy fury to the scythian coasts , the northern wildness , and eternal frosts ! against those barbrous crouds thy arrows whet , where arts and laws are strangers yet ; where thou may'st kill , and yet the loss will not be great , there rage , there spread , and there infect the air , murder whole towns and families there , thy worst against those savage nations dare , those whom man-kind can spare , those whom man-kind it self doth fear ; amidst that dreadful night , and fatal cold , there thou may'st walk unseen , and bold , there let thy flames their empire hold . unto the farthest seas , and natures ends , where never summer sun its beams extends , carry thy plagues , thy pains , thy heats , thy raging fires , thy torturing sweats , where never ray , or heat did come , they will rejoyce at such a doom . they 'l bless thy pestilential fire , though by it they expire , they 'l thank the very flames with which they do consume . xxv . then if that banquet will not thee suffice , seek out new lands where thou maist tyrannize ; search every forrest , every hill , and all that in the hollow mountains dwell ; those wild and untame troops devour , thereby thou wilt the rest of men secure , and that the rest of men will thank thee for . let all those humane beasts be slain , till scarce their memory remain ; thy self with that ignoble slaughter fill , 't will be permitted thee that blood to spill . measure the ruder world throughout , march all the ocean shores about , only pass by and spare the british isle . go on , and ( what columbus once shall do , when daies and time unto their ripeness grow ) find out new lands , and unknown countries too . attempt those lands which yet are hid from all mortalitie beside : there thou maist steal a victory , and none of this world hear the cry of those that by thy wounds shall die ; no greek shall know thy cruelty , and tell it to posterity . go , and unpeople all those mighty lands , destroy with unrelenting hands ; go , and the spaniards sword prevent ; go , make the spaniard innocent ; go , and root out all man-kind there , that when the europaean armies shall appear , their sin may be the less , they may find all a wilderness , and without blood the gold and silver there possess . xxvi . nor is this all which we thee grant ; rather than thou should'st full imployment want , we do permit in greece it self thy kingdom plant . ransack lycurgus streets throughout , they 've no defence of walls to keep thee out . on wanton and proud corinth seize , nor let her double waves thy flames appease . let cyprus feel more fires than those of love : let delos which at first did give the sun , see unknown flames in her begun , now let her wish she might unconstant prove , and from her place might truly move : let lemnos all thy anger feel , and think that a new vulcan fell , and brought with him new anvils , and new hell . nay at athens too we give thee up , all that thou find'st in field , or camp , or shop , make havock there without controul of every ignorant and common soul . but then kind plague , thy conquests stop ; let arts , and let the learned there escape , upon minerva's self commit no rape ; touch not the sacred throng , and let apollo's priests be ( like him ) young , let him be healthful too , and strong . but ah ! too ravenous plague , whilst i strive to keep off the misery , the learned too as fast as others round me die ; they from corruption are not free , are mortal though they give an immortality . xxvii . they turn'd their authors o're , to try what help , what cure , what remedy all natures stores against this plague supply , and though besides they shunn'd it every where , they search'd it in their books , and fain would meet it there . they turn'd the records of the antient times , and chiefly those that were made famous by their crimes ; to find if men were punish'd so before , but found not the disease nor cure . nature alas ! was now surpriz'd , and all her forces seiz'd , before she was how to resist advis'd : so when the elephants did first affright the romans with unusual fight , they many battels lose , before they knew their foes , before they understood such dreadful troops t' oppose . xxviii . now ev'ry different sect agrees against their common adversary the disease , and all their little wranglings cease ; the pythagoreans from their precepts swerve , no more their silence they observe , out of their schools they run , lament , and cry , and groan ; they now desir'd their metempsychosis ; not only do dispute , but wish that they might turn to beasts , or fowls , or fish . if the platonicks had been here , they would have curs'd their masters year , when all things shall be as they were , when they again the same disease should bear : and all the philosophers would now , what the great stagyrite shall do , themselvs into the waters head-long throw . xxix . the stoick felt the deadly stroke , at first assault their courage was not broke , they call'd to all the cobweb aid , of rules and precepts which in store they had ; they bid their hearts stand out , bid them be calm and stout ; but all the strength of precepts will not do 't . they cann't the storms of passions now asswage , as common men , are angry , grieve , and rage . the gods are call'd upon in vain , the gods gave no release unto their pain , the gods to fear even for themselvs began . for now the sick unto the temples came , and brought more than a holy flame , there at the altars made their prayer , they sacrific'd and died there , a sacrifice not seen before ; that heaven , only us'd unto the gore of lambs or bulls , should now loaded with priests see its own altars too . xxx . the woods gave fun'ral piles no more , the dead the very fire devour , and that almighty conqueror over-power . the noble and the common dust into each others graves are thrust , no place is sacred , and no tomb , 't is now a priviledg to consume ; their ashes no distinction had ; too truly all by death are equal made . the ghosts of those great heroes that had fled from athens long since banished , now o're the city hovered ; their anger yielded to their love , they left th' immortal joys above , so much their athens danger did them move , they came to pity and to aid , but now , alas ! were quite dismay'd , when they beheld the marbles open lay'd , and poor mens bones the noble urns invade : back to the blessed seats they went , and now did thank their banishment , by which they were to die in forein countries sent . xxxi . but what , great gods ! was worst of all , hell forth its magazines of lusts did call , nor would it be content with the thick troops of souls were thither sent ; into the upper world it went. such guilt , such wickedness , such irreligion did increase , that the few good who did survive , were angry with the plague for suffering them to live , more for the living than the dead did grieve . some robb'd the very dead , though sure to be infected ere they fled , though in the very air sure to be punished . some nor the shrines nor temples spar'd , nor gods , nor heavens fear'd , though such examples of their power appear'd . vertue was now esteem'd an empty name , and honesty the foolish voice of fame ; for having pass'd those tort'ring flames before , they thought the punishment already o're , thought heaven no worse torments had in store ; here having felt one hell , they thought there was no more . finis . a list of some choice books , printed for henry , brome at the gun in ivy-lane . poems lyrique , by mr. henry bold . poems macronique , by mr. henry bold . poems heroique , &c. by mr. henry bold . songs and poems by mr. a. brome , the second edition . all the songs and poems on the long parliament , from till . by persons of quality . songs and poems by the wits of both universities . scarronides , or virgil travestie , a mock-poem , being the first book of virgils aeneis in english , burlesque . scarronnides , or virgil travestie , a mock-poem , being the fourth book of virgils aeneis in english , burlesque : both by a person of honour . also , a list of what damages we have received by the dutch ; and a brief history of the late war with the turks . sir george downings reply . playes . the english moor. the love-sick court. the new academy . the weeding of covent-garden . the royal exchange . the jovial crew ; or the merry beggers . all by mr. bichard brome . two excellent pieces of musick , the division viol , or the art of playing extempore on a ground in folio . the principles of practical musick in a compendious method for beginners either in singing or playing , both by mr. ch. simpson . diodates notes , on the whole bible in fol. the compleat history of independency in parts , by clement walker esq . bp. ushers sermons preached at oxon. blood for blood , in tragical stories . the temple of wisdom , by john heyden . trapp on the major prophets , in fol. the alliance of divine offices , by hamond lestrange . dr. sparks devotions on all the festivals of the year , adorned with sculpture . bp. sandersons cases of conscience , lately published . divine anthems sung in all great cathedrals in england . a brief rule of life . a guide to heaven from the word , or directions how to close savingly with christ , with strict observations on the lords day , in . a geographical descripton of all townes , countreys , ports , seas , and rivers , in the whole vvorld . justice revived , or the whole office of a countrey justice , o. the exact constable : both by mr. wingate esq . all mr. l'estrange's pieces against the presbyterians . another godly letter, lately written to the same h.h. by his owne sister out of the countrey, about eighty miles from london a. h. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) another godly letter, lately written to the same h.h. by his owne sister out of the countrey, about eighty miles from london a. h. sheet ([ ] p.). s.n.], [london : . place of publication from stc ( nd ed.). signed at end: iuly . . resting, your true louing sister, a.h. reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion another godly letter , lately written to the same h h by his owne sister out of the countrey , about eighty miles from london . good brother : i blesse god that yet i see your hand writing : by which his mercy appeareth , in sparing you and yours , among thowsands that fall on your right hand and on your left , in this heauie visitation of gods displeasure : which goodnes of his in yet sparing you ; my hope is you esteeme according to the worth thereof , and make that holy use of the same which god expects , and his ministers every where with earnestnesse call vpon vs all for : namely , to search and try our hearts and waies , and to turne from all our sins of heart and life , and to renew our vowes of better obedience for time to come . the further meditations of these most necessarie things , i commend to your most serious thoughts , as things most precious and requisite for these times : in which most weighty businesse , i as your vnfained louing sister shall , as i am able , continually pray god to assist you , and in the performance of that which may in this kind bee acceptable in his sight , in iesus christ : as also that hee would , as it may stand with his glory , spare you in this common visitation : however , to sanctifie it , both in the feare of it , or inflicting of it : so as euery way his fauour may be discerned , to the peace and comfort of your soule : to which end , the all-sufficient protection of the almightie in mercy and goodnesse be euer vouchsafed vnto you and all yours : and let my sister , your wife , know in particular that in all good wishes i remember her equall with your selfe ; and must to you both rest a great debtor for much loue . for vs here ( in the country , where i now am ) i praise god we are all in bodily health : my selfe and company that parted from you , came hither safe on saturday at three of the clock in the morning ; hauing ridden all night , in regard that we could not bee lodged at d. where we thought to haue lyen : of which you may heare more hereafter : but besides our selues we had very good company , which made our nights trauell very pleasant to vs. brother , my brothers and sisters here doe all wish you well , and pray for you and yours ; especially our deare mother , who wisheth it could bee any wayes conuenient that you and yours , i meane your wife , were here : though indeed my fathers house is already very full ; howeuer , you want not our aged parents prayers and blessing , which they send you , and their loue to your wife ; and our good mother beseecheth you both with teares to loue and cherish each other in the lord , that whatsoeuer hand of his may befall you : yet it may bee sweetned by your mutuall vndergoing it with patience and comfort : and so once more i beseech the lord to stablish your hearts in his feare : and with you to bee good to your afflicted citie , and purge it by this visitation : and prepare vs here in c. for the like : for it is to bee feared wee may not long scape : wee had here on wednesday last the fast kept publikely as in london : and before , i did pertake with m. f. in what he did priuately for preparation to the publike exercises . good brother , commend mee to all your neighbours and friends that i know , which you thinke will accept the same from mee : by name m. d. and his wife , m. l. and his , &c. thus haue i seamblingly imparted vnto you , in hast , my mind , and how things are with vs here : accept all in good will , and whiles we liue let vs loue ; that come life or death we may bee so linked that death may not separate vs : and whiles god spares you , let me i pray see your hand to my selfe ; which be assured i will take kindly : commend mee to little s. for whose mothers death , and that further visitation i am not vnsensible , in regard of my sister your wife : but she is discreet ; whom with your selfe once againe i commit to gods mercy . iuly . . resting your true louing sister , a. h. advice for the poor by way of cure & caution ... by t. cocke. cock, thomas. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing d estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) advice for the poor by way of cure & caution ... by t. cocke. cock, thomas. dixon, roger, th cent. directory for the poore against the plague and infectious diseases. p. s.n., [london : ] caption title. on p. [ ]-[ ] are orders for publication and distribution by the duke of albemarle, lord craven, and others. place and date of publication from wing. reproduction of original in british library. includes: a directory for the poore against the plague and infectious diseases / roger dixon. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng public health -- england -- early works to . plague -- england -- london. plague -- england -- treatment. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - robyn anspach sampled and proofread - robyn anspach text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion advice for the poor by way of cure & caution . being very sensible that it is impossible for all the physitians now in london effectually to attend the cure of this sickness in person ; and that the necessities of people are such , that it requires all that can be done for them both in person and paper ; and also finding nothing of this nature hath as yet been printed , i have therefore for publick use and benefit so plainly laid down the manner of cure in this paper , that any nurse may do as much for the sick she attends for less then d. as is necessary , or the disease will permit . i also assure my self that if care could or rather would but be taken , that every private family , especially the poorer sort , for whom it is chiefly intended might have but a paper delivered to them by publick authority , not only the patient but physician ( if he be candid and without reserve will find it a great help to him in his practice . the use i make of it my self in practice is when people come to me , i bid them read the paper , and do as they are there directed in the cure ; and by this meanes i do relieve and help them more then otherwise ( had i twenty hands ) it were possible for me to do . by t. cocke . the cure god permitting . for all persons so soon as they find themselves ill or infected , ( excepting the very aged and consumptive ) is imediately to ( ) vomit , especially if repletion , or any surfeit was the cause , or they find any inclination to it : in this case don't dispute it but imediately ( ) vomit , with a draught of warm water , and or three spoonfuls of salt dissolved in it , using the finger or a feather , dipt in oyl to provoke it , if it come not away presently . within one quarter of an hour after , whether you vomit or no , go into a warm bed and sweat fifteen or twenty hours ( if it can possibly be endured ) with two or three pennyworth of london treacle , ( more or less , accordig to to the age and constitution of the party ) dissolved in five or six spoonfull of warme vinegar ; ( ) and as often as they thirst during their sweat , let them drink freely hot posset-drink , or mace ale , a little rosemary and sage boiled in it , and drink no other drink for two or three days ; nor any cold drink for four or five days or more : an hour or two after the sweat is over , and the body well dried with warm cloaths , they must wash their mouths and hands with warm water and vinegar , and then ( if their stomach will permit ) they may refresh themselves with some convenient food ; as mutton broth , egg candle , water-gruell , or panada , with a sprig of rosemary , mints , or thyme , boiled in it . this being done they may go to sleep , and at the same time they go to rest , to put on the vesecatories ( ) or blistering plaister of cantharides , ( which may be had at any apothecaries ) under the ears , arm-holes , and groines , and let them lie on six or eight hours , then take them off and clip the blisters if they be not broke , and keep them running till the disease be over , which may be done by buying at any apothecaries a peny-worth of melliolote plaister , commonly called the green plaister ; and applying it to each blister , and renewing it as often as conveniently you can : and if at any time there be in any part of the body any ( ) swelling apply the said green plaister constantly to it , and continue the taking of ( ) cordials , or the former posset-drink of sage untill they be well come forth or break ; and when they are broke keep them running as long as you can , by applying the said green plaister to them : and take great notice , that when you have running sores , there is great hopes of life ; but the least cold being taken , it is certain death , and hundreds have miscarried by going abroad too soon : in such cases therefore ( upon the forfeiture of life ) keep warm within doors for two or three weeks , or until the sores be perfectly well : also if the disease lie much in the head and the body be bound , you may safely at any time give this suppository , viz. a fig slit and fill'd with salt , and so put up into the body , putting up after it a small piece of candle if two or three inches long : or if there be any violent looseness , great burning heat , or drowth , boyle then in their posset drink , plantaine , sorrel , or knot grass ; where these cannot be had vinegar may be permitted , so much as to make the posset drink a little sharpish . these few and plain directions design'd and contrived for the poorest and meanest persons and capacities , being carefully observed may with gods blessing be the meane of preserving such as shall use them , neither ( waving in such exigencies as these , all rites and ceremonies ) can more be done , where the physician can or cannot be consulted . and i do solemnly require all that are concern'd in my practice , as they respect their lives to advise with this paper to all intents and purposes , as if i were personally present . a necessary caution . the great mistake that i find about preventives against the plague hath occasioned the publishing of this paper for publick use and benefit ; it being not only my own , but the judgment of those that ought most to be trusted , that those hot medicines of ( ) sir w. rawleigh , dr. burgess , mr. dixon , and some others so much taken notice of , are , without exception , of very great worth for such as are infected , yet so far are they from being preventives of this present infection , that they are rather great promoters of it , by exalting blood , and disposing of it for feavers , especially in young , leane , sanguine , cholerique , constitutions and persons : but corpulent , rheumatique , aged and infirm people and no others , may safely be permitted the moderate use of them , and other hot medicines , as zeduary , angelica , rue , &c. those that appoint , or shall plead for the promiscuous use of them , either mistake themselves and good authors , or do not consult the causes of this present contagion , but judge of it as of former pestilencies , proceeding from putrefaction , by an intempëries of those first qualities , heat and moysture ; whereas ( things rightly examined ) an arsenickfome by a dyscrasy of heat and drynesse will be found concerned in it ; and as this consideration is ( in the behalfe of better judgments ) propounded ; so also ( till solid reasons be produced to the contrary ) 't is desired that the g●eat error of hot and dry medicines for preventives may be reformed . the great businesse to prevent the plague is to prevent ( ) feavers and ( ) surfets ; and therefore the colledge in compliance with his majesties great care of his people , have prohibited the use of all green , raw crude and unindigested fruits , especially cucumbers , mellons , and cherries , other fruits moderately used may be permitted : neither are they to be understood where they advise hot medicines , that there hot medicines are to be used as preventives but expulsives ; that is for sick , not for well persons . the provision i make for my selfe is to live temperately , to wash my hands and mouth frequently with vinegar and water , and to make the best provision that may be to supply by ( ) artificiall fumes and sents , the defects of a sound , wholsome and well constituted aire . ( ) in the mouth , and let down into the stomack ( by a stiptick property , it hath to close the orifice of the stomach and passages that lead to it ) they resist the attraction of malignancy into the inward parts , by strengthning the lungs , and wonderfully assisting the heart ( by fixing humours ) to resist sudden death : the use of which are of very great benefit for lawyers , clergy-men , and citizens , who have publique converse and concernments with people : i take no other my self , who am not ignorant of most that are extant . an advertisement . the fume and lozanges mentioned in this paper , are to be had at pence the paper , each paper of the fume containing half a pound , each paper of the lozange containing two ounces , at every parish clerks house in and about london and when those clerks are unprovided of any of the said medicines , they or any other persons may be supplyed at these apories , viz. mr wilkinson at the pestel and morter in finch lane over against the french church . and mr reeds at the queens-armes in fan church-street , and nowhere else at present : also all , or any of the medicines mentioned in this paper are to be had at the same apothecaries at reasonable rates , with the paper and directions how to use them ( gratis . ) at the cock-pit , aug. th . . having received very good testimonies of the abilities of dr thomas cocke , and his readinesse to do good to the people in this time of infection , by his directions and remedies in a paper by him published . i do therefore hereby recommend the said papers unto publick use , and do desire that the church-wardens of their respective parishes , do take such quantities of them to be distributed to each severall family as shall be thought fit and convenient . given under my hand and seal at the cock-pit this th day of august , . albemarle . august the third . having very well informed our selves of the benefit of that may be had by the use and carefull observance of the directions and remedies in this paper ; we do therefore recommend them and the said papers of dr t. cocke to publick use , and desire that every parish clerk whom it shall concerne , may have delivered to them a sufficient quantity thereof , and they to deliver them to every respective family in their said parishes , especially the poorer sort , that they may not be left destitute of all good and necessary helps . given under our hands and seals this third day of august in the th year of his majesties reign . present , the right honourable the lord craven . edmond warcupp . john underwood . thomas wharton . a directory for the poore , against the plague and infectious diseases . published for the common good . since it hath pleased god to bestow a small talent upon mee , christianity obliges mee not to hide it in a napkin , but to bestow it upon my fellow christians , who are not able to purchase the advice of those who will communicate nothing gratis . therefore , that every one may know how to prepare for themselves that means of preservation that god hath given us , and the dictates of nature prompts every one to seek after , i have here published such remedies , as , being timely used , will preserve all such as god hath appointed for life . and such as are not able to make it themselves , though the charge be very small , i hope christian charity will move their neighbours of more ability to provide it for them , and not suffer them to perish for want , and thereby endanger ▪ not only a greater calamity , but draw down a just judgment upon themselves . the cordiall antidote against the plague . take sage , rue , of each one handfull , masterwort root , butter-bur root , angelica roots , and zedoary of each half an ounce , virginia snake-root a quarter of an ounce , safron grains , contra yerva a dram ( at the herb shops and drugstors you may have them all ) malago wine a quart , bruise the herbs , and pound the roots , and put them in a pipkin close covered , and set it to the fire , and let it stand hot , but not boil , for the space of an hour or better , then strain it out , and put in a quarter of an ounce of mithredate , and as much venice treacle , which dissolve in it . take hereof half a spoonfull every morning first , and every night last , for preservation ; but if one be taken sick , then let them drink a quarter of a pint , and cover them to sweat . this drink will powerfully fortifie the vitals , and by sweat throw out the malignity of the distemper . if you see that the party sweat not enough , you may give as much more ; and so you may take a larger quantity then before is prescribed for prevention , as you see cause , and the constitution requires . a drink for all malignant feavers . i recommend unto you a posset drink to drink after it , wherewith i have cured many hundreds , in the time of the late unhappy wars , of desperate feavers cousin ( german to the plague ) which was then an epidemicall disease , and used no other medicine . take carduus benedictus , scabious and butter-bur roots , and boil them in posset drink , and let them drink largely of it ; and be not too sparing of your ingredients , for they are easie enough to be had . it may be objected , that it will be so bitter you cannot drink it : to remedy that , boil it in the milk first , and the longer it boils , the lesse bitter it will be ; and when the bitternesse is gone , strain it , and set it on the fire again , and when it boils , put in your drink , and let it stand to raise the curd , which take off . this posset drink hath stayed violent vomitings and loosenesse : by drinking largely of it many have been cured in houres , when nothing but death hath been expected . an outward application for the plague . i will likewise give you an outward medicine , as good as you shall find in any sort composed , which you may make your selves . take bay-salt if you can get it , and pound it small and burn it in a fireshovel till it leave crackling ; if you cannot get bay-salt take white-salt , and powder it very fine , then take castle-sope , slice it thin , and pound it in a morter ; adde to it as much oil of lillies , as will make it soft to an oyntment , then take two parts of sope , and one of figs , and one of salt , and another of mithridate , and mix them together . this will not deceive you in your expectation , for it will break any pestilentiall bubo , or swelling , and turn out a carbuncle , and strongly drawes out the malignity , and makes it fit to be cured by any ordinary medicine . i would admonish all , not to suffer any thirst in any of those that are sick , but forbid small and cold drink ; but let them drink beer of a reasonable strength , heated as hot as they can drink it , the hotter the better ; and such as can attain unto it , may moderately drink fragrant generous wine , and cordiall vvaters . there is one main cause of diseases , by which many people are spoiled , and all are in danger to be infected with some foul distemper or another . nay , there is none in safety , but his life , or at least health is in danger of it , from him that sitteth on the throne , to him that grindeth at the mill , and that is the butchers in blowing their meat , when nothing is more usuall then for stinking fellowes to blow up the meat with their filthy pockey , stinking , putrified breath , whereby they putrifie the flesh ; and thereby are unknown diseases communicated to the people , which is the cause of so many calamitous and strange distempers . it were therefore heartily to be wished , that the right honourable the lord major and the rest of the magistrates were well informed hereof , that by their pious care the lawes made against these pestilent offenders were duly put in execution , which would conduce much to the health and safety of the people , which god preserve . roger dixon . from my house in water-lane near the custome-house , june . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e expulsives . ( ) the best way of vomiting will be to put two or three ounces of oximel of squill , into a pint or quart of carduus posset , and drink it all off ; this will cost about six pence . ( ) but if there be any sharp or pricking pains about the groynes , &c. or the disease lye much in the head ▪ or hath assaulted and weakened the heart , then only sweat ; and at the some time apply outwardly warm , to the fore-head , temples , and heart , bole armoniack , and oyl of water lillies of each one penny worth , with as much vinegar as will make it a soft paste 〈◊〉 ●f you add a little camphere and salt peter it will be the better . this medicine being of great use , ( when the violence of the disease lies much in the head ) is therefore to be had i● a readiness at those apothecaries hereafter mentioned , ( ) or elect , de . ovo drams , or a scruple , or sir walter rawleighs , or mr dixons sudoriffique , or rather dr burgess sulpher auratum against the plague , which doth both vomit , sweat , and purge . ( ) you must spread the plaister upon leather , and cut it into six parts , those two for the ears no bigger then a half crown ; the other each of them about the bigness of a hand : those that are so extream poor that they muct rather begge then buy , rather then they shall want so necessary a help , are to have the plaister gratis ; others to pay six pence . ( ) those that can make use of an apothecary , the best way will be to anoint the swelling with oil of roses , lillies , or unguent of althea ; and then put upon the tumor , the plaister of diacalum cum gummis , or mr. dixons plaister . ( ) and use this for a cordial , a quart of claret burn'd ; and afterwards put into it almost a quarter of a pint of vinegar , and this makes a very pleasant and profitable cordial julip . the richer sort may instead of vinegar , use spirit of vitriol , syrup of citrons or lemmons , ●o much as will make the wine sharp and pleasing to taste ; neither need a better be provided , ●f they use zeduary instead of ginger when they burn the wine . preventives . ( ) one pound of the conserve of wood-sorrel , of london treacle , and bole armoniack ; sirup of vinegar , or sirup of citrons , of each one ounce , is undoubtedly a far more safe and soveraign preventive , taken morning and night , the quantity of a large nutmeg . the poorer sort may put the bole and london treacle in a pint of vinegar , and take a spoonfull morning and night , first shaking it . ( ) by avoiding all things , that may inflame , over heat , and exasperate blood as salt diet , and strong-drinks . ( ) by temperance , and not cooling the blood too fast after it is heated , by a too sudden and eag●r use of cold and crude things , as small beer and fruits . ( ) within doors you cannot , nor is there a better fume to be used , both for the preventing infection , and securing persons infected , then sulphur and nitre , that is brimstone and salt-peter , with a little assa fetida , stone-pitch , mirrh , labdanum or olibanum , and upon very good grounds i judge it to be no wayes inferior to that commonly called st giles's powder , which is common salt-peter disguiz'd , and sold for shillings the pound ; how much it is now improved is left to an impartiall judgment to determine , which with the addition ( things rightly managed ) may be afforded at two shillings the pound . burne this fume in infected houses four or five times a day , about a spoonfull at a time , in houses that are not infected , twice a day will be enough , and good to be used in coffee-houses , and churches , and places of common resort . also i cannot but commend , as the best of preventives , the use of a little diascordium rub'd in the inside of the nostrils when people walk the streets or visit the sick. ( ) take of 〈…〉 prepared orientall bol● florentine orrice , of eac● halfe a pound , sugar tw● pound , tormentil roots on● ounce , mirrh in powder ha● an ounce , with gum dragon dissolved in vinegar make a past for lozanges those that would hav● more ample satisfaction o● the great worth of this mea● medicine , let them read gallen , lib. nono , de med. facult . who in the great and dreadfull plague at rome left this observation to posterity , that very few miscarried that mad● use of it . those that shall except against the authority of so worthy a person as gallen , were but people in such controversies competent judges , they would not suffer themselves under the notion and noise of chymistry to be so easily deceived ; but because they neither are , nor can be , they ought to confide ( as a thing most reasonable ) in those persons , an● that practice that hath undergone by the best of men the test and triall of so many ages , midd. ss . a briefe treatise of the plague vvherein is shewed, the [brace] naturall cause of the plague, preseruations from the infection, way to cure the infected. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a briefe treatise of the plague vvherein is shewed, the [brace] naturall cause of the plague, preseruations from the infection, way to cure the infected. i. w. newly corrected [ ] p. by valentine si[mmes], printed at london : . dedication signed: i.w. signatures: a⁴(-a ) b⁴. imperfect: print show-through. reproduction of original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately 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text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a briefe treatise of the plague vvherein is shewed , the naturall cause of the plague . preseruations from the infection . way to cure the infected . newly corrected with new additions , and many approoued remedies . printed at london by valen●●●e si●●●● . . to the reader . god most merci●●●ly chastineth his children for their sinnes when they forget him : sometime with warre , sometime with famine , and sometime with the pestilence and other diseases , that they might forsake their sinnes , and flee vnto him for help : but the wicked , to their vtter destruction . yet he neuer sendeth a plague or punishment but he continually preserueth some . yea , and those al●o he preserueth by meanes . therefore they worthily are consumed which neglect that lawfull meanes god hath appointed , euen as they were iustly drowned that would not enter noahs ark . and lots sonnes worthily consumed , because they would not forsake sodome , and they iustly partakers of the plagues of egypt which forsooke the land of goshen , and their first borne deseruedly slaine , which marked not the postes of their dores with the blood of the lambe . and were they not iustly scourged to death , which would not behold the brazen serpent moses set vp ? doth not the whole historie of the bible , both the old and new testament comm●nd ●nto vs the law●ull meanes whereby we are to be preserued from dangers . therfore they are greatly too blame that contemne the good meanes which god hath appointed for their safetie , and doe wilfully , rashly , and foolishly runne themselues into all kinde of dangers , saying , god is able to preserue them if it please him , themselues neither vsing the lawfull meanes god hath appointed , not yet eschewing the danger : which meanes according to the iudgement of the best writers vpon this matter , thou shalt heere finde briefely , which i pray god may be profitable vnto thee , and that he will keepe vs from all plagues and dangers which wee haue iustly deserued . val● . i. w. ¶ of the naturall causes of the infection of the aire , and of the plague . of all the diseases whereunto the body of man is subiect , the plague or pestilence is the most terrible and fearefull , and most contagious , therefore we must séeke all meanes , both naturall and artificiall , to preserue our selues and families from it : therefore first we wil speake of the naturall causes of this infection . there be two especiall causes of the pestilence . the first is , an infected , corrupted and putrified ayre . the second is , euill and corrupt hu●●●● ingendred in the ●●●y . the aire is corrupted and infected diuerse wayes as astronomers say , by the influences , aspects , coniunctions , and opposition of ill planets , the eclipse of the sunne and moone , through the i●●oderate heate of the aire , where the temperature of the aire is turned from his naturall state to excessiue heate and moisture , which is the worst temperament of the aire , 〈◊〉 being drawne vp by the heate of the sunne , remaining vnconsumed , doe rot , putrifie , and corrupt , and so with the veneme ●he aire beco●●eth corrupted and infected . also the ayre is often corrupted by the euaporation of dea● c●rcasses ly●●g ●●●●ried , as it 〈…〉 in the ●●rres , 〈◊〉 also by the euaporation of p●●les , 〈◊〉 marishes , stinking and noysome sinkes and kennells . a man falleth into the pestilence by disordering of himselfe , 〈◊〉 in diet , or wi●h other exercises . therefore , during the time of 〈…〉 sickenesse 〈◊〉 must haue a speciall regard , to kéep● himselfe from all 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 ( to wit ) from all excesse of meate , drinke , sweating , bathes , lechery , and all other things that open the pores of the body , and causeth the bad ayres to enter , which entering , inuenome the liuely spirits of man , and infect , and indanger the whole body . and seeing it is euident , that the plague as pestilence is not caused , but through the breathing in of pestilent and corrupt ayre , there cannot be a more ●a●e and present remedy to preserue one , then by ●ying from that corrupt aire , there is no other meanes to 〈◊〉 pestilent ayre , because , whether 〈…〉 we must draw in such ayre , vnlesse we get vs away into some other place where the ayre is not corrupted nor infected , but pure and good , neither must you returne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from that place 〈◊〉 . obseruations to be vsed , preseruing from the plague . bvt if vpon ●rgent occasio● of bu●●ne●●e you may not 〈◊〉 then haue a speciall care that the hou●e in which you must tarry , be kept clea●● and 〈◊〉 , without 〈…〉 or ●●u●●ishnesse , let the windowes be kept close , and 〈◊〉 especially in clowdy and rainie wether , that the pestilent ayre enter not in , but if you will open them , doe it obout mid-day . you must come abroade as seldome as you can , and not ( if you may ) except the element be cleare and bright , but before you come abroade , you must take 〈◊〉 ●e●icine , which is able to preserue you f●om infections , as the roote of ang●●ca , pimper●ell , &c. chewes in the mouth . chewed in the mouth . also you must make ●ires dayly in your house● , 〈…〉 the corrupt ayre that is in the house , may be the better purged and 〈…〉 of the ayre . also if you iuniper , ta●●●●is●●● , bay lea●●●s , rosemary , and such like are very good to purge the house of ●ll aires , and to 〈…〉 and from ●pon it the p●●●er of rosemary , sage , rew , be●on●e , wormewood , mai●ram , orig●n , iuniper berries , m●●h , frankensence and ma●●●ke , cipres●e barkes , angeli●● the r●●ts or ●ea●●s , lau●nder , 〈◊〉 of aloes , gall●● mus●h●●a , c●oues , any one of all these are very good to aire your house withall . it is best in hote weather to corr●●● and puri●●● the aire with co●● 〈◊〉 , as with ●word : 〈…〉 leaues , and branches of willowes , &c. and to sprinckle the ●l●●re with coldwater mixt with viniger , roses , or 〈◊〉 , &c. it is very good when out goeth abroad to haue something in their hands to 〈◊〉 to , the better to auoide those noysome 〈◊〉 and filthy 〈◊〉 which are in euery corner , therefore it is very good to carry in the hand a branch of rew , rosemary , roses , or camphir● and the smel of viniger is very 〈…〉 something like this . take of , lapdanum , three drachmes . storax calamintae , two drachmes . of each a drachme . cinomon , cloues , nutmegs , wood of aloes , a scruple . spiknard , halfe a scruple . of each halfe a drachme . mirh , mastik , frankencense , of each three graines . muske , amber . make them to powder and ●earce them , and take 〈◊〉 water , and rose viniger , wherein 〈…〉 is dissolued , and so make it vp in a pomander . séeing also , that gluttony , excesse , and drunkennesse , is at al times to be shunned , so at this time of infection is most dangerous , breeding the humors , and corrupting the body : therfore they y t loue their health , let them vse temperance in theyr diet , and choose such meats as engender good blood , and bee not ready to putrifie and rot , but be of easie digestion , and eate with them sharpe sauces , as vinigere , or the iuyces of sharpe things , as veri●yce , iuyce of citrons , lemonds , oringes , &c. also vse for pot-herbs , sage , or otherwise , parcely , maioram , balme , hysops , b●glose , endine , succorie , and lettice . also hee must refraine from eating of much fruite , for it doth bréede corrupt blood , and if he eate any it must be 〈◊〉 . also hee must eate little garlik , onions , or 〈◊〉 , for these cause vnkinde heate . also suffer not thirst greatly , and when thou doest thirst , drinke but measurably , and that but smal and thinne drinke , or barly water , 〈…〉 with 〈…〉 . ano●●er special regard must be had in exercises , vbi , qu●●od● , & 〈◊〉 . the place where , must be in a 〈◊〉 and pure ayre , and 〈◊〉 must ●se them temperately and moderately , and 〈…〉 of violent exercises , as dancing , running , leaping : and wh●●soeuer such like kinde of exercise that causeth after breathing in of ayre , ●e must refraine in the extreame heate of the day , and in places where is much con●●urse of people . as for his sleepe and 〈◊〉 , let them be meane and moderate , onely his sleepe must be sufficient to suffice nature , and in a close chamber , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and the windowes and doores , close shut , lest the ill ayre enter into it , and hée must haue regard that his sheetes be cleane and swéete ●agges in chests where they kéepe linnen . it is good also at night afore you goe in bed to ayre the chamber with a good fire , or with a cha●●ng dish of coles , wherein it were good to ●●ro some powder of rew , sage , be●onie , or of iuniper and such like . when you walke in the morning , first empty the body of all super●●uities and excremen●s , and take heed : and beware the body , be not too 〈◊〉 at any time . therefore , if of thy selfe n●●●rally at any time thou canst not voyde out excrements , thou shalt take ●yther a potion of pils , or else a glister o● suppos●●●ry o● 〈…〉 : or el●e take of aloes epatick , two parts , of each one part . amon●ia●●m , mirrh . with white wine or with the water of scabious make pills of them , which minister daylie , if you will one scruple at a time . these pils 〈◊〉 most resist putrifaction , and haue a very great vertue against the infecting of the pestilent ayre . blood-letting also is very wholsome for yong folke , and such as 〈◊〉 great store o● blood , for it doth much coole the state of the body , and bringeth it to a moderate heare , and letteth out the corrupt humors , which doe make the body more subi●ct to infection : bloud-letting is very necessary in the time of infection , and doth much profit , and preserue health . also it is very 〈◊〉 to be too passionate or melancholy : for the passions of sadnesse , anger , hatred , feare , great cares , and heauie thoughts and sighing , do much distemper the body and make it 〈…〉 to withstand the infection : but on the contrary it is very good to vse ioy and mirth with temperance . signes to know the infected . hauing before shewed the natural and original causes of the plague and pestilence , with the best meanes for the preseruation of a mans selfe from it , we wil proceed and shew , first the ●●gnes whereby a man may best iudge of himselfe , whether he be already infected , or not , and the meanes to cure the ●●ck . as concerning the signes that declare one to be already infe●●●● , they are many . first when the outward members are cold , and the inward parts burning hot , when there is a paine and heauinesse of the head , and a great inclination to ●eepe . a wearines , heauines , and difficulty in breathing . a sadnesse and carefulnesse of the minde : a change of countenance , with a frowning looke of the eyes : losse of stomake and appetit● : immoderate thirst and often vomiting : a bitternesse and drienesse of the mouth : the pulse frequent , smal and déepe , the vrine troublous , thicke , and stinking like beasts vrine . the surest token of al to know the infected of the plague , is ▪ if there doe arise and engender botches behind the eares , or vnder the armeholes , or about the share : or also if carbuncles do arise in any member sodainely , for when they doe appeare they betoken strength of nature : which being strong and mighty , doth labour to driue the poyson out of the body , but if botches do not appeare , it is more perillous and daungerous : for it betokeneth that nature is weake and feeble , and not able to expell and driue out the venemous humors , and then you must haue respect to the signes before rehearsed . also 〈◊〉 botches which do appeare , they do declare which members of the body be infected aboue any other , and doe ●●rust out veni●ous humors from them . the infection of the plague entereth into a man in this 〈◊〉 . in a 〈◊〉 are three principall parts ( that i● ) the heart , lyuer , and armes , and each of the●● hath his cleansing place : therefore if they do appeare in the necke , they doe shew the braines to be chiefely vexed : if vnder the arme-holes , the heart , but if they appeare in the share , the lyuer is most infected . for a man hauing taken same venome , it is mingled with the blood , and runnes to the heart , which is the chiefe parte of man : and the heart by kinde putteth the venome to his clensing place which is the arme-holes ▪ and it being stopt , putteth to the next princip●ll part , that is the liuer , and it passeth it to his cleansing place which is the ihigh-holes or share : likewise they b●ing stopt , passe it to the next principall place ( that is ) the armes , and to their clensing places which are vnder the eares , or vnder the throate , and they being stopped , suffer it not to passe out , th●● it is 〈◊〉 xii . houres before it rest in any place , and if it be 〈◊〉 let out within the space of xxiiii . houres by bléeding , it castes a man into an ague , and maketh a bot●● in one of the thrée places , or néere them . the cure of the infected of the plague . the best way to cure the plague is in this , when thou findest thy selfe to be infected , and féelest the bloud flickering , bleed in the first houre , or within sixe houres after drinck not , 〈◊〉 tarry not aboue twelue houres from bleeding , for when thy bloud is so flickering , the venome is then mouing and not yet settled , and after it is to late : those that are fatte may be lette bl●●d , or else not . if the matter be gathered vnder the armeholes , it comes from the heart by the veine cardiall , then bleed on the same side : on the innermost veyne of the arme comonly called b●sollica : but bleed not on both sides , except it be in both armeholes , for that is dangerous , and losse of good bloud . and if the boch doth appeare behind the eares , or aboue the 〈◊〉 , or in any other parts of the face , or neck , you must let blo●d out of veine cephali●a , on the same side let blood with c●pping glasse● for that is the best , or a horse ●each , or horse 〈◊〉 . but if the botch appeare in the share , you must then bleed in the ●●uckle of the same 〈◊〉 , and then in any case bleed not in the arme , for it will draw vp the matter againe . but if there app●●re no botch outwardly , you must then draw bloud out of the same side where is felt the greatest paine and heauines , and out of which veine the paine & griefe of the members aflicted wil declare . for if the members aboue the breast be most grieued and afflicted , cut the cephalica vein . but if the parts about the necke be most grieued , bleed in the basillica , or middle veyne . and if the nether parts be most grieued and vexed bl●●d in the hamme or ankles . and if nature be strong , and other things not letting draw out bloud aboundantly . but if through age or for other causes you may not vse bl●●d letting , then you must fasten cupping glasses and 〈◊〉 them . and if you perceiue the pestilence to infect or inuade you at meate , or vpon a full stomacke , then vomitt straiteway , and when the body and stomack is empty , then take some medicine that can resist poyson as methrydate or triacle . when the patient hath taken som medcines that wil expel the venome , lay him in a warmed bed , being made with soft she●●s , and well couered with cloathes , that there he may sweate well , for the space of foure or fiue houres , or more , according to his strength . but if by this meanes you can scarsly prouoke him to sweate , you may vse some other meanes , as by the heating of tiles , and laying them hote to the feete of the patient , or with stone bottles filled with hot water , and being close stopt with corke , that the water spil not , and so put into the bed to the sick , they wil by their beat prouoke him readily to sweat . and all the time the sicke doth sweate , you must take heed that he neither sleep , eate , nor drinke . and after hee hath sweat , you must wipe diligently off the sweat , with very cleane and fine linnen clothes . then afterward let the sicke rise from his bed , if he either will or can : but let him not come into the open ayre , but eschew it asmuch as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . also let the ayre of the chamber in the which the sicke doth ●ie , be 〈◊〉 and amended and purified with odo●●●ro●● things and wi●h sweet smelling perfumes , such as are before declared . lastly , the principall 〈◊〉 whole body bring cleansed by bleeding , or cupping and sweating , the patient must be very ●ary , and measurable in his diet , for in the 〈…〉 which is accidentall to this sicknes : it is good to eate 〈◊〉 flesh but litle chickens 〈◊〉 with fresh water , but it is best to giue 〈◊〉 him the breath of a chicken two or three houres after he ha●● 〈◊〉 , and often , according to his strength , for the sicke and weake must be norished and refreshed by little and little : if the breath haue in it the iuice of lemons , orenges , ●eriuice , or vineger , it is the better . preseruatiues against the plague or pestilence . take 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 , of each a little , and lay them in a little vineger , then take a spunge and wett it therein , and this you 〈◊〉 carry about you in a 〈◊〉 or any thing else , to smell thereon , and this will preserue you from the infected . another . also take angelli●s roote , and hold in your mouth , for it is excellent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 keepe your body that no corrupted ayre came therein : likewise 〈◊〉 pilles is very good to hold in your mouth , or cloues . another . it is good to kéepe the head and stomake cleane p●●ged , and not to ouerlay it with eating and drinking , nor to eate grose meates , but to abstaine from all manner of 〈◊〉 and grose meats , and to purge your self as oft as you can with some gentle purge , as 〈◊〉 pilles , or such like . another excellent preseruatiue . take a figge or a walnut , and in a morning fasting , take a little rew and a corne of bay salt , and eate them together , 〈◊〉 this will preserue you , that you néede not feare the infection . another preseruatiue by purging the blood . take in your pottage , buglase , b●rr●ge , suckory , ●ettyse , and such like hearbs : it shall be also very good at your meate to eate the inside of a ●ytteron , with a little ●nger , at morning , at noone , and at night when you got to bed : and it would be very good to wash your hands , and to bathe your temples & your pulses with vineger rosset , and it would be good to perfume your houses with vineger and rew vpon a tyle stone being heated in the fire : it is very good to hold your head ouer it : it is excellent good to keepe your body that no infected eyre enter therein . a prooued remedie for the plague . take an oinion , and cut him ouerthwart , or a sunder , then make a little hole in each péece , the which ye shall fill with fine treakle and set the peeces together againe , then wrap them in a wet lynnen cloth , cutting it as you would a warden and so roste him in the embers , séeing it be couered with embers , and when it is rosted inough , stra●●e out all the iuice thereof , and giue the patient a spoonefull thereof to drinke , and it wil heale him by the grace of god. take sorrell and lay it in steep in vineger a day , & then 〈…〉 , & when the patient feeleth himselfe 〈◊〉 , giue him a draught therof , and 〈◊〉 he brooke it , two or three houres after giue him more thereof to drinke , and by the grace of god he shal be healed . another for these that feele themselues infected . take card●●s benedictus , the leafe , and dry it , then beate it to powder , and giue the patient to drinke of it , and then let him sweate , and it will heale him by the grace of god. a preseruatiue . take london treakel , which you shall haue ▪ at diuers apoticaries shops , in london , which do make it themselues ▪ proclamation, discharging trade and commerce with the city of london, and other places of the kingdom of england, suspected of the plague. at edinburgh, the twenty one of december, one thousand six hundred sixty five. scotland. privy council. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). b wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. b ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) proclamation, discharging trade and commerce with the city of london, and other places of the kingdom of england, suspected of the plague. at edinburgh, the twenty one of december, one thousand six hundred sixty five. scotland. privy council. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by evan tyler, printer to the king's most excellent majesty, edinburgh : . caption title. royal arms at head of text; initial letter. printed in black letter. signed: pet. wedderburne, cl. sti. concilii. reproduction of the original in the national library of scotland. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- prevention -- scotland -- early works to . plague -- england -- london -- early works to . trade regulation -- scotland -- early works to . broadsides -- scotland -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion c r honi soit qvi mal y pense royal blazon or coat of arms proclamation , discharging trade and commerce with the city of london , and other places of the kingdom of england , suspected of the plague . at edinburgh , the twenty one of december , one thousand six hundred sixty five . the lords of his majesties privy council , taking to their serious consideration , that albeit by the infinit mercy of god , this kingdom hath been hitherto preserved from the plague of pestilence , which hath long continued at london , and broken out in many other towns and places of the kingdom of england ; yet the danger and fear of infection is as great as it hath been heretofore , by the resore of many people and merchants to the city of london , and other places suspected , for beginning commerce and trade , and adventuring to bring into this kingdom all commodities as formerly , albeit the plague is not yet altogether ceased , and that all goods and merchandise to be imported from thence , may be yet justly suspected : and that merchants and other traffickers may conceive , that the act and proclamation of the twelfth of july last , whereby all trade and commerce betwixt this kingdom and the city of london , and other suspected places , was discharged till the first of november last , is now no more in force after the elapsing of the said first of november ; albeit by the said former act and proclamation , the said restraint and prohibition is not only laid on till the said first of november , but ay and while it should be expresly taken off by another act and proclamation . therefore , that none pretend ignorance , they of new ratifie and approve the foresaid act , in the whole heads and clauses thereof , and ordains all parties concerned to give full and exact obedience thereto , and declares the same to stand and be of full force , untill the first day of march next to come , in the year of god , one thousand six hundred and sixty six , and longer , ay and while the same be discharged : with certification , if any person whatsomever shall contraveen the same , they shall be lyable to the whole pains and penalties therein contained , to be inflicted without mercy . and ordains these presents to be printed , and published by macers or messengers at armes , at the mercat-cross of edinburgh , peer and shoar of lieth , mercat-crosses of dunce and jedburgh , and other places needfull , that none pretend ignorance . pet. wedderburne , cl. s ti concilii . edinbvrgh , printed by evan tyler , printer to the king 's most excellent majesty , . london's deliverance predicted in a short discourse shewing the cause of plagues in general, and the probable time (god not contradicting the course of second causes) when the present pest may abate, &c. / by john gadbury. gadbury, john, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing g estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) london's deliverance predicted in a short discourse shewing the cause of plagues in general, and the probable time (god not contradicting the course of second causes) when the present pest may abate, &c. / by john gadbury. gadbury, john, - . [ ], p. printed by j.c. for e. calvert, london : . reproduction of original in the cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london. plague. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion london's deliverance predicted : in a short discourse shewing the causes of plagues in general ; and the probable time ( god not contradicting the course of second causes ) when this present pest may abate , &c. by john gadbury , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . sam. . . so the lord was intreated for the land , and the plague was stayed from israel . london , printed by j. c. for e. calvert , at the black spread-eagle , at the west-end of st. pauls , . to the worthily accomplished , my singularly approved good friend , mr. luke cropley of st. michaels bassishaw london ; the author , for many eminent ( and never to be forgotten ) favours , in the stead of a better acknowlegdement , humbly presents the following discourse . to the friendly reader . although many in these days , have but an indifferent opinion of astrology , some out of interest , but most out of ignorance , damning and reprobating it . for ignorance we know it is , mater devotionis ; and interest what is it but filius diaboli , the son and he●r of falshood ! and it is no wonder that the best of sciences sit , and suffer under the censure of such malicious and uncapable judges . yet , when the world doth plainly see how far short all other arts fall of giving satisfaction to mankind in the causes and limits of this most terrible pest , that we at present groan under , in comparison of what is afforded by astrology ; me thinks it should abandon and cashier its darling errors , and cease to be at odds with , ei●●er the art , or its honest and able professors any longer . we see apparently , that the science of physick ( next unto astrology i grant the most excellent of all natural knowledge , joyned with it , the most worthy of all ! but alone , ) is much too short to acquaint us , either when such great and terrible plagues shall come ; or when come , at what time they shall cease . the pulse of the times deceives them herein ; the excellent temperature of the season this year we see hath failed all their common prognosticks ; and told them plainly , the true and certain causes of such astonishing effects , are else where lodged ; nor can a crisis or indication thereof , any where be found , but in the study of celestial influences ; unless it please god to vouchsafe an immediate revelation thereof unto any ! in this sence , i and every man must acknowledge the meanest peasant may assoon as the mightiest prince , come to a prevision of the greatest alterations . in matter of miracle , we must be content to submit ; although we are masters of the most demonstrable arts in the world . but among all the noble science wherein a man may argue from the cause to its effect , there is not one by which this pest could be foretold , but astrology . nay , the learned serarius himself ( though a physician ) pretends not to predict the plague by the art of physick , but takes for his subject the stars , and other celestial phaenomena ( as may be seen in his discourse of all the planets meeting in sagittary , december . ) as thereby allowing greater certainty in these things , to the axiomes of astrology , then he could hope to find in that worthy study of medicine . howbeit , physick is a study i exceedingly love and honor , and its learned and legal professors ( whether galenists or chymists ) i truely reverence . but i must be excused if i detest and protest against the unworthy practices of many , who ( under pretence of that worthy knowledge ) so impudently and falsly boast of their success and skill in physick ; painting both posts and walls with their lying oracles in print : every one crying up his own stuffe , for the elixir , or panacaea , &c. and all but to delude the credulous multitude ! who ( as one wittily and truly observ●s ) find their medicines dear enough , when in taking they cost them their lives . some of them pretend to cure the most malignant and inveterate diseases in six hours time , others in twelve hours , or a day or two , at the furthest , if you will believe them . and this they are so impudent as to promise ( by their prints ) infallibly to perform . an artifice the wise and prudent physician disdains , as knowing the success of a cure to depend on his hand that first gave the wound , viz. gods. but notwithstanding all this their pretended skill , and shameless boastings , we find but few good effects ; they all work great cures , and yet the weekly bills increase . certainly god almighty ( as if angry at such a presumptuous and shameless sort of men ) is pleased ( in opposition to their ●●ctitious pretences ) to suffer this great sickness to destroy the more , and devour the greater numbers . it was ●ronically and truly sung of old , saul hath slain his thousands , and david his ten thousands ! but it may ●e truly and without irony sung of this great city ; that be neglect of the people in sickness ; their ill looking uno , penury , and nastiness , &c. have slain their thou●nds ; but the ignorant and confident practices of il●erate and impudent pretenders to physick , have ●urthered their ten thousands ! it is impossible for any ●t the eminently learned , truly to consider and be acquaind with the noble subject of physick ; which is man ! ●e microcosm and the lord of the creation ! gods image ! and yet every bayard does now adays confidently run upon so great a practice , and attempts things out of his reach , with as little remorse , as a carnifex doth the execution of such as the law hath condemned to death . there are such nodi in physick , that the best of physicians many times are to seek of what is proper to unty them . nonest in medico semper relevatur ut aeger : interdum docta , plus valet arte malum . if then , the ablest of physicians , at sometimes are at a stand or non-plus ; how miserably must your pittiful quacks be gravel'd at all times ? if men of parts and learning , are sometimes apt to be at a loss , in the curative part of physick ; how strangely ( and always ) must they be mistaken , that are not able to write true english ? nay scarce able to speak sence ? for some such there are , that take on them the glorious titles of doctors , to my knowledge . and yet they must ( forsooth ) be squirting out their filth and shame against the learned colledge of physicians . the suffering , nay permitting of which , is a scandal upon government at large ; for , by the same rule , any sort of men would destroy or cut off a part of government ; let them but have liberty to go on and they will make but little conscience in destroying the whole . but it is but to add folly to misery , to complain ; and seeing it is so , i 'll resolve to let these cypres● trees alone ; and if men will be any longer contented an● born down with fair and glozing pretences , leaves , instead of fruit ; let master emperick be their doctor ! they 'll find their folly soon enough , i doubt not though perhaps too late for remedy . but a word or two of the book , and i have done ▪ have in the ensuing discourse touched upon several subjects ; yet none but what i adjudged necessary ; and if therein i have unmasked any vulgar errors ( i. e. ) shewn the face of truth without a vizor ; i hope the ingenious will accept my endeavors kindly , and not be ashamed or affraid to behold her brightness and glory . when i speak of the causes of the plague , you are to understand that i tacitly acknowledge , god the chief and supreme cause of all things ! and that it is in his power to alter or suspend second causes , even as he pleaseth ; but this he seldom , nay never doth , but by miracle , as in the days of joshua and good king hezekiah . and when i justly censure persons , that out of a slavish fear leave their habitations , thereby hoping to fly from the judgements of god , i would not be understood as if i condemned all that leave the city . for many have done it rather out of custom and for pleasure , then any fear really ; and many more out of a prudent care , rather then from a servile fear ; as judging it better to be subject to the ●●ll of a slate or tyle , then a whole house ; to the fate of a little village , then to the destiny of so great a city ! and although i believe that the plague is sent , not so much to afflict the city , as the citizens ; the houses , as the owners of them : yet i am perswaded that it is the greatest plague to the city , that so many have run out of it . we know the famousest edifices have a time to flourish , and another to decay ; and as the poeth saith , quandoquidem data sunt ipsis quoque fata fepulchris . even tombs themselves are subject unto fate . and that it is a fate most cruel to this great city , to have her children so subject to fear , that by their leaving her , all trading is at an ebb , and she in summer forced to undergo a dismall , dreadful winter of evil ; there is no one that hath any sence of humane sufferings , but must truly and sorrowfully acknowledge . to conclude , i shall not apologize for my present attempt ; it is sufficient that i saw this great city wanted encouragement , and knew that god ( in mercy ) had enabled me to present them with this celestial cordial ; and to be a messenger of good news unto them . now , that god would graciously vouchsafe to protect this great city and the nations from so great a scourge for the future : bless and defend his sacred majesty , &c. settle us in peace , and preserve the government both of state and church ! is the cordial fervent prayer of the earnest implorer of englands happiness , from my house in jewen garden against the sun in jewen-street , neer aldersgate-street . john gadbury . these few escapes of the press : be pleased thus to correct . page . . l. . r. apodictical , p. . l. . r. and as these , l. . r. cause or causes , p. . l. . dele the , p. . l. . r. from a sickness , p. . l. . for with r. of . licensed aug. . . roger l'estrange . prooeme . whether the doctrine of democritus and his followers ( who maintain that by the worlds which perish without this , and by the strange bodies which from that infinity of worlds run into this , there arise many times the beginnings of plague and pestilence , and of other extraordinary accidents ) be true , i will not take on me here to dispute ; because there would many eminent questions , hard to be resolved ( at least to the satisfaction of many ) arise from such enquiries , and possibly of little emolument unto the readers . or whether the particular corruptions which happen in divers countries , either by earthquakes , excessive droughts , extreme heats , and unusual rains , &c. do infect , disease , and alter the winds and rivers , which arise out of the earth , and consequently the humors of man ; or whether the alteration of drinks and dyet , and other customes , &c. be not the proper and immediate causes of the pestilence in mankind , [ both which are very likely ] is not my present intention to discuss . my design is , not to trouble or consult either physicks or metaphysicks ; but as the stars and their influences have been my study for many years , and are ( sub deo ) the causes of all action and passion in this inferiour world ( which is a physical science too , i must acknowledge , though few physicians understand , and fewer make use of it ) so i shall make it my business at this time , thence to discover the cause and continuance of this great pest ; being assured in this learning to meet with demonstration , whereas all others afford but likelihoods of proof , grounding things upon false hypotheses . in astrology ( god not altering the course of second causes , as in joshua's and hezekia's time he did ) there is an apodyctical proof of the matter in question , without being beholden to the poor shifts and effeminate evasions , that other arts ( not in conjunction with this ) are constantly compell'd to lay hold on . my method then shall be to consider , . the causes of the plague in general ▪ . how long a pestilence may naturally last ? . of the several plagues that happened anno , , , . and how they increased and abated . . of this present plague , when ( according to natural causes ) it may abate . . whether the plague be catching ? . the folly of people in flying from their habitations for fear of the plague , evinced . . that this present plague was foretold by astrology ▪ . the air unjustly suspected to lodge the contagion . . conclusion . chap. i. the causes of the plague in general . it is an axiome agreed unto by all philosophers , that a cause is that , whereupon dependeth , or whence issueth an effect , or that by which any thing happeneth . some hold that there are four causes of every thing , viz. causa essentialis , materialis , formalis , and finalis . plato mentioneth three kinds of causes , and distinguisheth them by these three terms , by which , of which , and for which ; but taketh the most principal to be that , by which , it being the efficient cause . and that the heavens are the efficient and essential causes of plagues , or other contagious diseases , we need not doubt , it being so congruent to reason to believe . physicians tell us , that the plague is a disease most malignant and pestilential ; a fever in the highest degree , which doth suddenly putrifie and corrupt , both the solid and fluid parts of the body ; which having done , by an ( almost ) uncontrolable and unrepellable siecity , dries up and destroys the natural powers , then seizeth or preyeth upon the vitals , and so lets in the everlasting enemy , death . and sith by divine logick we are able to prove , that all effects have suitable and corresponding causes [ men do not gather grapes of thornes , or figgs of thistles ! ] it is most rational to believe , that this so terrible disease , must proceed from some cause or causes , most illustrious , eminent and celestial ; it being so remarkably terrifying wheresoever it settles , or makes its abode . and for men to hope to find out a cause [ i mean of energy and honor sufficient ] here below , is to befool themselves with a vain , empty , and idle enquiry . for we know there is nothing sublunary but is its fellow effect ; and ( though in a different manner ) hath a dependancy on celestial influences with it : and for an effect to produce an effect , is all out as improbable and unlikely , as for a child to beget a child . therefore the true and certain causes of this astonishing adversary [ the plague ] are no where to be found but in the heavens . qualis effectus , talis causa ; if the effect be eminent , so must the cause . all astrologers with good reason affirm , that all popular diseases are irritated by mars and saturn their influences ; and indeed the skilful in the sydereal science , may readily read those dismal effects in their natures . mars is a planet fiery , hot and dry , cholerick ; and therefore author of all pestilential diseases : saturn is a planet earthy , cold and dry , and author of all tedious and durable infirmities . and it is observable that mars ( though his effects are violent , like his nature ) never hurteth so cruelly , or causeth so raging a pestilence , as when in configuration of saturn . nor do their conjunctions and aspects in every part or place of heaven produce such malignant and cruel effects , but only when they are conjoyned or configurated in earthy , fiery or humane signs or asterisms , and receive some assistance from the conjunctional , opposite , or quadrantal rays of jupiter , who ( according to astrologers ) is significator sanguinis . then , i say , and at such times , mars by his cholerick intemperate nature , causeth not onely the plague , but the raging sury of it ; and saturn , by reason of his destructive temper , and inimical qualities to all natural existencies , portends the diuturnity and continuance thereof , and the sweeping away of multitudes thereby . and both these planets natures being so pernicious to mankind , and indeed all other generable and corruptible things , they possessing the two extremes of a mischievous temperature , is ( perhaps ) one main reason why we have seldom any plagues or pestilences , that are not accompanied , of at least attended in the sequel with wars and famine . hear the learned anton how ingeniously he expresseth their natures and qualities , in his philosophical satyrs . thus of saturn , — saturns sullen face , pale and of ashy colour , male-content , a catiline to mortal temperament , that would blow up the capitol of man with envious influence ! — and if there hate be in a heav'nly brest , this planet with that fury is possest . and of mars he saith , blood , death , and tragick stories , mars doth yeild , a golgotha of graves , whose purple-field dy'd crimson with his fatal massacres , craves bloody inke and scarlet characters ; a pen that like a bullets force would reel a marble conscience — other co-operating causes there are of the pestilence , as comets , eclipses of the luminaries , and grand satellitiums of the planets , &c. which as they happen to be more or less in number , so the plague is either intended or remitted . and hence it is , that all plagues are not alike mischievous in their devourings ; their causes being sometimes more or less forcible then at others . aristotle ( that great master of reason ) acknowledgeth , that there is neither generation nor corruption , but is effected by the heavenly motions . and any man though but meanly conversant in history , may find , that there never happened any eminent plague , or other prodigious accidents , as war , famine , &c. but there were either great conjunctions , or aspects of the superior celestial bodies , terrible comets , eclipses of the luminaries , and other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or appeatances , as the certain causes and precursors of them . take a few instances . anno . there happened a plague so great in england ( and indeed in other parts also ) that the chronicles tell us , there were buried thereof in the charter-house-yard london , people . nay , mr. cambden saith , that in that little town of yarmouth , there ( then ) dyed about persons . it is observable , a little before this great pestilence , there happened a very great comet in taurus an earthly sign , as is witnessed by leovitius ; and also a great conjunction of saturn and jupiter , and mars , in aquarius . so terrible were the effects of these celestial appearances then , that it is dismal to mention : god of his mercy grant , that onely the plague be our portion at this time , we laboring ( now ) under the like cruel influences , if not greater . anno . that great plague , called the sweating sickness began to rage : a great and terrible comet , of a bloody colour , appeared but a little before in the heavens . they then laboured also under the weighty effects of a conjunction of saturn , jupiter , and mars in risces , a watery sign , perhaps a main reason why that pestilence was attended with a sweat. anno . anno regni elizab. . there was another very great plague , the celestial causes of which were the two conjunctions and oppositions of saturn and mars from and in capricorn and cancer , tropical signs ; and an opposition of saturn and jupiter from the same signs ; besides three great eclipses of the luminaries of heaven . anno . when the great plague happened then , we may remember that there was a conjunction of saturn and jupiter in sagittarius . and a little before that , a great eclipse of the sun ; and a comet also of great magnitude appeared . anno . that contagion was the consequence of a great conjunction of saturn , jupiter , and mars , in the celestial sign leo , a sign of the fiery triplicity , and representing the heart in the microcosme , ergo , the more dangerous . anno . there happened another plague in london , but not so great as any the former : there were then two conjunctions , &c. of saturn and mars ; and two invisible eclipses ( i mean as to us ) of the sun ; the first on january . the other on july . one happening in aquarius , the other in leo , the greatest dignities of the sun. i purposely omit an infinite of instances more of this kind , as the conjunction of saturn and jupiter in pisces , anno . and other concomitant configurations ; under the effects whereof , we then laboring , ●●ri●ok of the rage of a cruel civil war ; and not onely so , but a plague brake forth very violently , in all the south and southwest parts in this kingdom of england ▪ and in the northwest likewise . thus then we see , that immediately upon eclipses , great conjunctions , the apparitions of comets , &c. the pestilence , &c. hath constantly followed ; and these celestial causes have been more or fewer in number , or greater or l●sser in nature ( for great conjunctions have the preh●minence from meaner conjunctions , aspects , eclipses , &c. and they from comets or other apparitions ) so hath the pestilence been more or less durable and raging : ergo , we may with good ground assert , that the configurations of the planets , eclipses of the luminaries , and other celestial apparitions , as comets ▪ &c. are the most certain efficient causes of such effects . to conclude , if the pestilence be not an effect of the before mentioned causes , it must be an effect of some other causes , more powerful then they ; but there is nothing in nature of equal energy with the heavens : ergo. if it could rationally be presumed to depend on other causes , we might ( for our conviction ) happily have a plague when no such causes are apparent ; but there is never any pestilence , but when either comets , eclipses , or great conjunctions , &c. happen : it therefore roundly ( and without obstruction ) follows , that plagues are caused by celestial influences . for further confirmation of this truth ( if what i have concisely spoken be not enough ) read origanus de effecti●us stellarum , p. . peucer de astrolog . haly pars . p. . cardan in p●ol . guido bonatus , cummultis alii● . foelix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas . chap. ii. how long a pestilence may naturally last ? many there are , who hold an opinion that the plague or pestilence may last eight years ; some others believe it may endure fifteen years ; and others opinionate , it may continue a longer or lesser time . nay , there is one that hath lately printed ( but i confess with small shew of probable reason ) that this great city london , hath not been free from the plague since the year . which is now twenty nine years agone compleat . nor is it usual , with those that determine thus positively of the duration of plagues , &c. to give any satisfactory reason wherefore they so conclude ; so that we are left at liberty either to believe what they assert , or examine whether their assertions be true . if by the plague , they mean onely a fever in the highest degree , as in the definition formerly set down ; i am perswaded they say most true : for it will be very difficult to prove , not onely that a plague may not remain and continue eight or fifteen years in that sence ; but that we are at any time free from a plague : or that we ( indeed ) ever shall be , either more or less , as long as the erratick stars have motion , or whilst the earthly globe endureth ; for , while the nature and influence of saturn and mars ▪ &c. continue , the diseases they signifie , shall never totally abate : for , should once their energy for corruption be presumed to cease , their power for generation must suffer a deliquium likewise ; it being as essentially necessary for the heavenly bodies to spend their influences in order to a corruption and destruction of the forms of things ( there being nothing else really subject to a mutation ) as to employ their powers in the generation or preservation of them . a plague is ( as it were ) a broom in the hand of the almighty ! with which he sweepeth , the most nasty and uncomely corners of the universe , that the more noble parts of it , may remain secure and safe . but if by the duration of the pestilence , for so many years , they mean an enumeration of fevers exalted to the highest degree ( i. e. ) when a great number of particular fates unite forcibly to make up the general calamities [ as in all those plagues which happened in the years , , , , . and now this . ] i say then , they are most grossly mistaken . for a plague in this later sence , cannot last above four years ; neither did any of the plagues , in the years before mentioned last longer , many of them not so long . and of this opinion is the learned cardanus , seg. . aphor. . where he saith , pestem . annis durare nunquam posse ; and origanus ecchoing to him , p. . faith , that experience sufficiently proveth , that the plague never remaineth in one place above four years ; but in that space of time , the contagion removeth ( as it were ) from one place to another ; as lately we know ( by woful experience ) that it came out of turky into germany , out of germany into italy , out of italy into holland , and out of holland into england , where now it rageth ; and all this in less then four or five years time . and in this sence ( faith origanus ) cardanus is to be understood . we know also that an eclipse of the sun , &c. cannot operate longer then four years , scarcely so long . and it is sufficiently known unto artists , that the raging effects of a conjunction of saturn , mars , or jupiter , &c. lasts not longer , then while saturn is transiting one twelfth part of the zodiack ; for in that time the fury of their influences is either wholly abated , or taken off , by configurations and appearances of a contrary nature and quality ; or else they are for some certain time suspended ; as in a conjunction of saturn and jupiter , &c. they may be ; such conjunctions happening but seldom in comparison of other configurations . and how opposite to reason it is for us to presume the effects should remain in force when the cause is removed , i submit to the judgements of the ingenious . thus then we see , the several opinions of the plagues duration , either of eight years , fifteen years , &c. is groundless and uncertain ; since it is proved that no pestilence can last longer then four years time at the most , unless the authors of such appointments will say they are to be understood according to the first part of the distinction ; which if they do , then i aver ( as before ) that the world cannot onely be afflicted with the plague , for eight or fifteen years at a time , but must be content to be united unto it for ever . the angel is gold , as truely as the five pound piece , and endures the touch as boldly ; so the single violent fever ( which it is impossible for the world to be a day freed from ) is as truely the pestilence , as the great united numbers of fevers are ; and it differs no more in nature and essence from it , then the light which appears at seven or eight of the clock in the morning doth , from that which shines at mid-day . and it is an illustrious truth , that single bullets kill as certainly as case●●ot : and it is not the great numbers that dye in war , should make a private man ( if right in his wits ) think a duel less dangerous . chap. iii. of the several plagues that happened anno , , , . and how they increased and abated . having already declared the efficient causes of the pestilence , and shewn how long it is probable for one to last ( viz. to rage at one time ) i shall in the next place consider of the four last several great plagues which happened anno , , , . together with the natural and true causes of their increase and abatement ; thereby evincing to my reader , that what i shall in the next chapter write concerning this present pestilence , and its decrease , shall be upon grounds most rational and safe to be built on . first then it is meetly requisite , that i exhibit briefly , table-wise , the true increase and decrease of the pestilence , in those four years , which take as followeth . a table shewing the increase and abatement of the plague in the years , , , . moneths names . week march.       april . may. june . july . ● ● august . september . october . november . december . by this table you may observe how the sickness increased and decreased in the four several years mentioned ; give me leave now to shew you the celestial cause of its augmentation and diminution , &c. . in anna ▪ by the table ( you see ) th● pestilence but meanly increased , untill the moneth 〈◊〉 june , and then there began to dye above an hundred week thereof ; the envious planet saturn then cam● to the opposite point of the ascendent of the figur● of the world that year . and in july when it bega● to rage , the fiery planet mars passed the quadrat● place of the moon ; and the sun the opposition 〈◊〉 mars and jupiter , and conjunctional place of saturn . in august , when venus was stationary , in loco saturni , you see it abated from almost a thousand a week to under five hundred . and in september , when the same fortunate planet came to the trine of both the luminaries , the plague constantly grew less tyrannous and prevailing . and when in october she came to the trine of the ascendent of the figure ; and in november that the benigne planet jupiter came to the ascendent it self , it vanished by degrees to almost nothing ; there being in the later week of december but dying thereof . . in the year . the pestilence was inconsiderable in its increase , untill the last week in june , and the moneth of july , at which times the fiery planet mars came to the opposite point of the ascendant of the revolution , and also passed the place of the moon . and in august , september , and october , when it raged most , the cruel planet saturn was on the ascendant ●ll the time , and that in a manner stationary to do mischief . but in november when venus came to the trine of the moon , and jupiter to the ascendant and 〈◊〉 the trine of the sun , and venus also to the ascen●ant , &c. the plague began to cease its fury , insomuch ●hat in the last week of december , there dyed thereof ●ut seventy four ; there having in one week in septem●er before , dyed above persons . . anno . the sickness began to increase in may , when mars came to the opposite place of the moon in the vernal figure . in june and july it en●reased greatly ; then mars came to the quadrate of ●he ascendant , and to the cauda draconis , thereby ●dding an envenom'd fury to the plague ; and the sun then came also to the opposite point of mars , and gave it the greater cause to rage . in august , when it raged most of all , that there dyed most of that month above a week ; mars came to the place of the sun , jupiter to his opposite point , and saturn in quadrate of the ascendant , and in opposition to the lord thereof ; transits and stations most prodigious and very naturally shewed the height of this grea● sickness . in september , when jupiter came to the trin● place of venus , and venus to the trine of the sun , and place of the moon , this potent adversary began to loose its force . and in october , when the sun came to the sextile place of the moon , and when jupiter cam● to the same aspect , by gods blessing , this terribl● pest abated apace ; and there being not one cruel aspect to encrease it , but what was counterpoised with two of auspicious import , by the last week in december there dyed but one of that contagion . . in the year . toward the later end of april when the sun came to the opposite point of mars i● the figure of the world , the plague then first began in may and june , when the sun came to the opposit● point of the ascendant , venus to the opposite point o saturn , and afterwards to the dragons tail , it increased but not much . in july , when the sun passed the opposite point of saturn , and after that the quadrate pla●● of mars , it increased more ; and more without doub● it had , but that venus and jupiter both , came then t the moons place . in august , there happened two eclipses , and mars came to the ascendant of the world figure , it now increased greatly . in september an october ( the months this sickness most of all increased ) mars was in the ascendant upon the quadra●● place of the moon , and afterwards passed the quadrate place of the sun , & conjunctional place of saturn ; and the sun likewise passed the place of mars . all which were eminent causes of that great encrease , the sickness then had . in november , jupiter comes to the sextile of the ascendant and the sun in trine to his own place , and then the pestilence began to grow less raging , and by degrees decreased to ( almost ) nothing . by this short examen , we find that the furious and bostile beams of the fiery planet mars for the most part gives beginning to the pestilence , and is the eminent cause of its raging ; and saturn gives it continuance . we find likewise , that the friendly rays of the fortunate stars , do not onely abate the pestilence in conclusion ; but when ( by reason of the most violent transits and aspects of mars and saturn ) the plague most of all rageth , they lessen the fury , and make it as it were stationary . it is plain also , that saturns transits , &c. are of longer duration , and kill more then mars's , though mars's for the time they last , are most violent , as by the table foregoing , compared with my observations thereon , most plainly appears . and so i come to consider in — chap. iv. of this present plague , and when ( according to natural causes ) it may abate . in the first chapter i have acquainted you with the causes of plagues in general ; and here i am to inform you of the causes of this particular great pest we now labor under ; and they are these several following . . the great conjunction of saturn and jupiter october . . in the celestial sign sagittary . . a conjunction of saturn and mars , november . . in sagittary . . an opposition of the sun and saturn , june . . from sagittary and gemini . . a quadrate of saturn and mars , june . . from sagittary and virgo . . the apparition of three comets in the later end of . and beginning of . . the transit of saturn through sagittary unto his greatest dignities , there to continue for above five years together . all which are causes so powerfully impelling , that it is to be feared the pestilence we now partake of , will not be the one moiety of the effects thence to issue , or thereon depending . by this connexion of causes , it is somewhat apparent that this pest should have took its beginning at the later end of . and truly had not the winter then been so extreamly sharp ( it having a frost of almost ten weeks continuance together ) to have kept it back , as we know it did ; it had beyond all question broke forth then . nay , and break forth it did then too , as my self can experimentally testifie ; having been personally visited with it at christmas that year . and my good friend mr. josias westwood the chirurgeon ( whose assistance i then craved , and advice i followed ( i bless god ) to my preservation ) hath told me since , that many of his patients at that time were afflicted with the same distemper , and yet obtained cure against it , the air being then so friendly to nature , and an enemy unto the pestilence . and besides , it was but prudence in people to keep it from the knowledge of the world ( since few or none dyed thereof ) as long as they could ; for we find that it came to a discovery soon enough , to amaze and terrifie the whole nation ; and hath bid fair for the ruine of trade of all kinds in this great ( and once populous ) city . put now let us consider its progress and increase , with the causes thereof , and the possibility of its abatement , with the time when . in this matter i shall consult , but not trouble you with the figure of the suns ingress into the equinoctial sign aries for the year . it being in almost every almanack to be seen ; and thence draw down the several arguments of encrease and abatement : and because the pestilence was hardly perceptible untill the month of june , i will begin there . and in that month ( as if god and nature had appointed this sickness to be ominous in earnest to these nations ) we may observe two most fatal transits to usher it in , viz. mars his then coming to the opposite point of the ascendant , and the sun to the opposite point of saturn . ( malum principium , malus finis sequitur . ) a beginning of a sickness so mischievous , that greater can hardly be ; god grant the end be not as inauspicious : and although ( i presume ) it will not be of many months continuance to this great city , yet we are not to suppose a pestilence ended , when it seemingly acquits one place . in the month of july the pestilence began to encrease considerably ; especially toward the later end thereof : there were then fix oppositions of the erratick stars ▪ and two eclip●es ; and to add to these , mars , venus , and mercury ( then ) came to the quadrate place of the sun , and to the opposite point of saturn by transit ; and the sun then came to the opposition of jupiter both by transit and aspect . all which were very great arguments of its encrease . in the mon●th of august , saturn comes to the quadrate place of the sun , and will be stationary upon it all the moneth ; and the two eclipses last moneth , do now begin to operate , which are testimonies of very great a●gmenta●ion ; howbe●t , the fortunate planer venus coming to the sex●ile of her own place , and of the moons , at the beginning of the moneth ; and coming to a trine of the sun , the later end thereof , and jupiter his then being stationary in trine of the sun also , may so happily contemper the fury of it , that it may not [ now ] encrease or augment to any exceeding great height . a part of september is likely to prove somewhat dangerous , because saturn is in a manner still stationary , and the sun and saturn then come to a quadrate aspect , and this in ill points of the vernal figure ; mars and jupiter ( who is dominus ascendentis ) then also come to an opposition , and both in square of luna's place ; whence it is probable , that in the second and last weeks of this moneth , the pestilence may admit of an abarement ; but indeed i much fear about the middle of the moneth an encrease considerable : nevertheless , i hope , and rationally believe ( favente deo ) that this pestilence cannot ascend to any higher degree , then it may at that time reach unto . the moneth of october seems to promise well , and the pestilence therein , cannot meet with any eminent cause for augmentation : yet i suppose the second and last week will make some s●ight offers at an encrease , because then the sun comes to the opposite place of the moon ; and venus hath a progressional motion to the opposition of the sun , and quartile of saturns places . november and december in this respect ( god not ●●us●rating the course of second causes , or taking advantage of us for our sins ) i question not will prove very kindly ; and the city of london will begin to be in a better heart , then in many moneths before . how●eit , it cannot be supposed that this pestilence should in so short a time totally vanish ; or that so great a sickness should not leave some unkind impressions behind it ; but in comparison of what it hath been , i dare assert , that we shall [ then ] be ( in a manner ) wholly acquitted from it , and its violent , raging , destructive qualities and company . to conclude , london hath at present been the patient , and hath felt the force of the almighties scourge to purpose ; while most other places of england have escaped the ●ash . o utinam ▪ i wish with all my soul , that london might be the scape-goat for them all ! but ah ! i fear , i fear , before the planet saturn be gotten quite out of capricorn , that those other parts of this nation will drink deep of the same cup. god and nature punish none by proxy . it will not be this cities sufferings , that can excuse other towns and cities , from the violent stroaks of so insatiate an enemy . chap. v. whether the plague be infectious or catching . i shall not here stand to discourse largely of atoms , nor yet too strictly enquire into the sympathies and antipathies of things . nor yet shall i trouble my self to enquire whether there are spirits ( in nature ) of so active and subtile a faculty ▪ that can penetrate the pores of the body insensibly , and as easily as lightning is said to me●● the sword ▪ and never singe the s●●bberd : or whether there be a commanding quality in the body of man , of power and ability sufficient to send forth infectious and dangerous spirits or atoms , as powder doth a bullet out of the mouth of a canon , musquet , or pistoll ; which shall admit of no reverberation or repulse , from the body or butt it aims at : or whether the body of one man be a trench or channel , capable of receiving the pretended noxious esfl●viums of another ; or whether cables can be made of cobwebbs ! all such enquiries i shall leave to those that have leisure , and take pleasure to disport themselves with words , and the names and noises of things onely . that which i here aim at , is to examine whether the pestilence be infectious or catching ? if it be infectious and really catching in it self ; it must be so equally to all persons that approach it , or that it approacheth ; and this , either to some degree of danger , or else unto death ; or else it must be infectious to some particular persons onely if it be infectious to all persons , or catching to all alike ; then all persons that come into the sight , or within the scent o● it , must necessarily be subject unto i● ; and this either unto death , or other lesser degree of danger . there cannot be a person , either man , woman , or child , that is either shut up in a house with persons infected , or that shall talk with any of them so shut up , though but at a window , or through a wicket ▪ but m●st be supposed to pa●take of the infection ; ●o●●he t●lo●s of a contagion in this sence lay hold on them all . but how wide this is of the truth , i leave to the judgements of any , that have their five sences free from infection , and their reason from depravation . in every great pest , experience convinceth this opinion of error ; for in this great city we know ( and see it daily now ) that there are divers persons , that have had ( and yet have ) the sickness , the very next door unto them ; on both sides of them ; before and behind them ; and yet their persons , houses , and families not so much as concerned in it , or touched with it . many also are constantly visiting their friends and relations that are visited ; yet ( by gods blessing ) they remain safe and sound . and many that i know ( whose hard hap it hath been to be shut up ( with others ) in an infected house , out of which there have been several buried ) yet , their good fortune hath been such ▪ that they have not only been freed from it , but have not had so much as a head-ach all that time ; or in any considerable time afterward . in this present pestilence , in thames street a poor woman dyed of it , having her childsucking at her br●st at the same time ; yet was the infant preserved from it , and was put unto a nurse , where it yet remains healthful ( as i am credibly informed ) and never had the least of prejudice ( of that kind ) attend it . nay some there are ( on my knowledge i speak it ) that have lyen in the same bed with those that have had the soars upon them , and have nevertheless escaped free from all manner of detriment and danger thereby ▪ how many are there of physicians , chirurgeons , apothecaries , nurses , &c. that are daily among them , and yet escape not onely death , but the disease it self ? if any shall reply , that they may possibly have taken and do take antidotes , and thereby they escape ; i then demand , if there be such a preserving vertue in any anti●●te that can be made use of ; what is the reason that any that take antidotes and preservatives ( as they are called ) at any time are infected , or do dye ? of which i could give many instances . some we know , have fates attending them so strenuous , that ( s●lamander like ) they can bid defiance to the flames of the greatest pestilence ; as others we have known to be safe in the heat of a battle , when men have fallen by the sword or bullets on every side of them . he that hath powerful stars , is not onely shot-free , but plague-free ; and a good nativity , is the certainest am●let or antidote , that a man can have , or be blessed with . i need not labor to be more perspicuous in this , which is so plain and cleer of it self . every parish where the vi●itation hath come , affords instances more then enough ; and therefore it will be but a blotting of paper to endeavor a further eviction of this so obvious and sun-like truth , that the plague is not equally infectious ; nor are all persons in danger of catching it . secondly , if the plague be presumed not infectious unto all , but unto some particular persons onely ; i say then , it ought not to be deemed or esteemed infectious at all , at least not any more infectious , then are all other diseases , viz. small pocks , scurvey , pleuresie , ague , gout , palsey , tooth-ach , &c. since ( though the notion of infection be laid aside ) there is not a person born into the world , that hath not at some time or other in his life ( as his nativity shall truly shew ) some one disease or other . as persons genitures are either mild and quiet , or ragged and violent , so accordingly do they partake of diseases in the course of their lives . never was any person subject to violent diseases , as the plague , &c. but had a violent nativity to shew it , and è contra . and he that hath the sun , moon , or ascendant in his radix , directed to the hostile beams or body of mars , in dangerous places of the heavens ( as the books of astrologie will truely inform you ) shall never escape the plague , although the kingdom he lives in ( at that time ) be free from it . and that the pestilence can be otherways ( in this later sence ) catching , i deny : all persons must grant that to the first person in a pestilence it comes ●x aftris ; if not , i would fain know , from what other cause ? then , if it be possible for the first person to meet with the plague without infection from another ; why is it not so for a second , or for a third , or for a thousand ? a million , & c ? do we think that god and nature cannot suit effects to their proper causes , without being beholding to an infection , from so filly a worm as man ? is it not as easie for heaven to strike thousands of millions of persons with the pestilence at once , as to afflict one poor individual mortal therewith ? poor man ! that hath hardly breath enough to help himself , must vainly suppose he hath some to spare , to hurt , and offend others . we blaspheme one of the greatest attributes of the almighty , when we restrain his power : it is not we that can or are able to infect one another ; but it is god by his power over us that afflicts us all ! and indeed the plague carrieth not in it so much of infection , as it doth of affliction , and so we mortals find it . beyond all peradventure , the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ( i. e. ) small pox , lues venerea , &c. are diseases in all respects as loathsome and dangerous , as the pestilence ; yet how few is the number , that dread infection or contagion from them , in comparison of the vast multitudes of men and women , that bow the knee of their reason to this ! nay i dare aver and maintain , that although the plague be a disease principally known by the spo●s , yet compared to those other vile , noxious , and prodigiously-fcul distempers , it is immaculate , and a companion of far less dangerous tendency . i cannot but smile to think how many there are , that look askew , and hold their noses at the sight of a door with a red cross , and a lord have mercy upon us , on it ; and yet never so much as grutch to eat and drink with their relations , that indeed are onely fit company for an hospital ; or once grumble , or think evilly of lying with a husband or wife many years together , whose breaths or issues ( for wholsomness ) are many degrees below carion , a jakes , or charnel-house . if any diseases be infectious or contagious , to any person or persons ; it is their fear and imagination that makes it so unto them . thus many persons ( who are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of a slavish nature and temper ) come to fight with their own shaddows , and are often ( beyond cure ) wounded in the imaginary encounter ; and others , yeilding obedience to the same tyrant , meet distraction ; as o●estes in euripides , and theoclymenus in homer . stultum facit ●ortuna quem v●lt perdere . the fates first fool the wight , they mean to foil . there are none so apt to catch a contagion , as they that suffer their reason and belief to wander in danger of a captivity ▪ ●en must be resolute , and demur to their impelling fate , if they would avoid being victored by their adversary . crede quod habes , & habes . if thou believest the pestilence cannot escape thee , thou shalt assuredly have it ; thy faith and fancy will be certainly answered : whereas another of a generous confidence , and cleer resolution ( though in the very midst of it ) shall be free , and triumph over fear . philosophers affirm , that the imagination doth work that within , in the understanding , which the object doth without in the sence . we find experimentally , that our reason and understanding , and all our noblest faculties , are led captive by our imagination ad libitum ; and we are slaved by it in ignoble sort , and yet remain such fools as to indulge our injurer : mistake me not , i mean by imagination , onely that truckling passion , fear , which may very well and properly be termed , the reverse of imagination , rather then the thing it self . it being an indiscreet , strange , and ( as a learned author aptly terms it ) inconsiderate passion ; and as it hath its ●ise from terrors , so it many times casteth us into very emine●t hazards . it is a tyrant that hoodwinks reason , and layes the understanding in fetters , and then torments us with masks and vizors of danger ; as we use to affright children with bugbears . how many have fallen into most grieuous diseases , and other mischiefs of all kinds , onely by imagining or fearing them ? the thing that i feared is fallen on me , saith holy job . to conclude then , the infection is in our affections , and keeps court in our minds ; we imagine great dangers from without us , when they have their rise and original within us . it is a sure presage of danger , to be slavishly affected with a sence of danger . the timorous-troubled-yielding-mind , brings a contagion upon the whole body , although it inhabit the fields , and live from the sight or hearing of persons infected . albeit , wisdom inviteth us sometimes to a reasonable doubting , and prudence directs us to shun apparent evils ; but it is an argument of super-insaniated folly in any man to dread any thing to servility , or to conceit or coyn dangers ▪ where none really are to be found . chap. vi. evinceth the folly of people in flying from their habitations for fear of the plague . the reason why many persons , so willingly sacrifice to their fears , in flying from their habitations in the time of a pestilence , proceeds . from the customary advice of physicians . . from a principle of cowardise in themselves . first , physicians in most knotty distempers of a chronick nature , advise their patients to a change of their air , which ( sine dubio ) is very necessary , that being one of the six non naturales ; for they cannot take too much care of that patient , who groans under the ty● anny of sickness . but to prescribe ( unto persons that a●l nothing ) a necessity of removing , because more persons then ordinary dye about them , i see no clear reason for . that ancient , but questionable oracle of hippocrates , — cito , longe , t●rde ; should it with other oracles cease , i prefume would be no injury , but advantage to the humane race ; since it may truly be deemed ▪ that the observation thereof hath destroyed many more persons , then it hath preserved . if flying could preserve men from the pestilence , it were an easie matter for a man to wrestle with the almighty , and prevent divine vengeance ; the creature might frustrate the intention and resolution of his creator , and earth might out-plot heaven . but impossible it is , for the wisest of mortals to contrive so securely agai●●t the decrees of eternity ! or baffle celestial destiny ▪ if fates decrees are sure , in vain we fly them ; if they are not , in vain we fear to try them . how many are there , that by flying from dangers , have fallen into the middest of dangers ? when men plot to save themselves , their contrivances often procure their ruine . in the year . when that great and terrible pest happened , many people by their physicians advice , and many more , by their example , not onely changed their habitation , but their nation also , in hopes to avoid it . but behold ! they that refused to trust god at land , were overtaken by that his judgement at sea , and were forced to make their graves in the bellies of fishes . de●s est abique . god is every where , therefore flye quickly , go far off , or what thou wilt , thou canst not fly from his presence . it is a more witty , then true distinction for any man to flatter himself in , by saying , he flies not from god , but from his plague . for gods judgements are never separate from him ; the rod of his anger is of such a longitude , that it can reach us every where . men may flye from their houses , their families , their companions friends , and relations , and thereby become examples of fear and terror to others ; but t●ey cannot fly from god. in vain they at all attempt it . 't is vain to flee , 't is neither here nor there , can scape that hand , untill that hand forbear ; ah me ! where is he not , that 's every where ? 't is vain to flee , till g●●tle mercy shew her better eye , the further off we go , the swing of justice deals the mightier blow . no advice is prosperous against heaven : the physician himself cannot escape by flying . he that shall undertake to prescribe against the god of nature , shall be proscribed by the god of nature . secondly , men are not onely retrograded in their reasons , by their physicians counfel or advice , more then they are from a principle of cowardice within them . they fear , and therefore they fly . cowards hoping to avoid dangers , rush ignorantly into them . a bullet may sooner kill him that runs from the battle , then him that stoutly and resolutely joyns therewith ; the truly valiant often escape untoucht . a mans own wit ( when bridled by fear ) hunts him into those snares , that above all things he would gladly shun . cowardice throws contempt upon the great creator of all things , as arguing a distrust unworthy of his power . can god preserve daniel in the lions den , and not secure thee from the plague , thinkest thou ? is it harder for him to keep thee sound among the sick , then it was to protect the three children in the oven from the devouring flames , and consuming heat thereof ? in a coward not onely religion , but reason endures the rack ; and where a generous confidence is wanting , the faculties of the soul are frozen . but a well-poyz'd resolution , is a bulwark against the most imminent dangers . audaces fortuna juvat . — the gods befriend the nobly confident . — and valour ( as one well observes ) casts a kind of honor upon god , in that we shew , that we believe his goodness , while we trust our selves in danger upon his care onely ; whereas the coward eclipses his sufficiency ▪ by unworthily doubting that god will not bring him off . sinful adam can't hide himself so closely , but god can easily find him ; and if distrustful jonah will flee to tarshish , god can raise a tempest to overtake him . if god have appointed the pestilence for thy portion , thy flying from it , but throws thee into its embraces . hence it is , that the countries round about us , come to be so suddenly seized with this sickness ; the fears of the heartless fugitives , being as so many nimble chariots , to convey it unto the places , whither they fly or travel . if men will be afraid to trust god , it is no wonder that he refuses to protect them . let us consider , how small a number of worthy generous persons this pest preys upon , in comparison of the vast multitudes of the vulgar that are swept away by it . there hath not been six persons of eminent note and consideration , known to dye in this great and populous city since the plague began . it feeds chiefly upon those people that fear hath slain to its hand . persons of narrow souls & understandings , of confused intellects , and aguish constitutions , are they that principally fall sacrifices unto this great devourer ; when those of a more refined reason and understanding ( as if supported by more noble stars ) remain secure from it . so we see , a vertuous confidence is a security against the worst of evils , and a slavish timidity onely a herauld or harbinger to them . lucan tells us ; — fortunaque perdat , opposita virtute , minas — fates greatest threats be lost , where vertue rules the rost . i read in a book lately printed upon occasion of this great pestilence ▪ that in the time of that raging sickness , anno . many people kept themselves up close in their houses as in castles ; and many retired into deserts and solitary places to secure and preserve themselves from its violence . but the pest ( as if it knew no limits ; nor could be contrould in its rage and fury , untill the hand that scatter'd it , restrained it ) pursues those poor souls into their close corners , and there destroys great numbers of them . and at the last , when they saw , they had ( like a bird in a net ) by striving , entangled and endangered themselves the more ; they assumed a christian and man like boldness ; and ( resolving to welcome death in that terrible habit , if it fell to their lot , they ) went promiscuously together ▪ and became serviceable to each other , in administring to one anothers necessities ; and to crown this happy magnanimity and fearless resolution ; it so pleased god , the plague stayed . and it is ingeniously observed by mr. kemp in his treatise lately published , pag ▪ . that in the ending 〈◊〉 great sickness . the people went promiscuously 〈◊〉 another , and the houses were quickly filled with 〈◊〉 and fresh commers out of the country , and yet 〈◊〉 infection followed . thus we see the conceit of 〈◊〉 hurts more then the thing it self : minus afficit 〈◊〉 ●●tigatio , quam cogitatio . and since peoples 〈◊〉 from their habitations , doth rather betray them 〈◊〉 the arms of danger , then any way secure them 〈◊〉 the thing they fear , it argues professed folly in any 〈◊〉 for men may as well abscond from the 〈◊〉 presence , as to hope to hide themselves from his 〈◊〉 . chap. vii . 〈◊〉 this present plague was foretold by astrology . 〈◊〉 to say much of that impertinent and worthless scoffer , whose mouth satan hath lately opened , not only against most honorable and learned society of men in the world 〈◊〉 the colledge of physicians ! ] but against the 〈◊〉 of the stars and heavens , and the augures coeli ( as 〈◊〉 pleased to term astrologers ) because i 〈◊〉 the flux of his pen , he understandeth the starry 〈◊〉 a little ; ( if at all : ) in that he [ vainly ] goeth about to 〈◊〉 and eclipse them . the man by his writing , seems 〈◊〉 of that number , who for fear of giving that honor 〈◊〉 coelestial bodies is their due , are not ashamed of 〈◊〉 more and greater energy to a dunghill , or unto a 〈◊〉 lake or pond , or a close sluttish ally , &c. then unto 〈◊〉 and ever-busied creatures ; whom god hath over us , that as secondary causes , they might guide ●●ve●n all things in this inferior world . but these are 〈◊〉 prefer a hog to venus , embrace a cloud for juno ! 〈◊〉 aesops ape , they cannot be content to hugg their own ethiopian fancies , &c. but must be idly adventurin● 〈◊〉 corrupt and poyson the better-informed judgements of others . nor yet to examine his frivolous supposition of the plague its taking beginning from the disease called the scorbu●e ; or the lues venerea its rise from a souldier copulating with a foul mare ; as holy helmont and himself dream : a most beastly and unsavory suggestion ! and bespeaks the author and broacher thereof , to be sordidu● in co●tu ; as astrologers say those are , that have sa●urn and venus in their nativities , in quadrate or opposite aspect from beas●ial signs . not , i say , to take further or other notice of the author o● these and many other insolent and unworthy passages in tha● defiled pamphlet , he calls a consolatory advice , &c. it being ( a● i hear ) under the examination of a better hand : i shall in thi● chapter acquaint the world , that this great pest was predicted by astrology , and that not by one astrologer alone , but by several ; as by these several passages cited from several of thei● works is apparent . . mr. john booker in his telescopium uranicum , mentioning a text of haly de judiciis astrorum , of the effect of a □ ♄ and ♂ ( such an aspect happening in the vernal figure thence predicts , that one part of the people of that clyma● ( meaning our own ) shall be destroyed , consumed and wast away . william andrews in his almanack for . in the judicials of the aestival figure thereof , hath these words : a● in regard he ( that is , saturn ) is in the eighth house [ viz. the hou● of death and mortality ] he doth seem thereby to prenote mortality , which will destroy and bring many to the● graves . . thomas trigge in his calendarium astrologicum , 〈◊〉 in his junes observation thereof , hath these words : i 〈◊〉 much fear a sickly season in earnest ; from which evil god of 〈◊〉 mercy protect this great and populous city , for mars possesse● gemini , the ascendant of london . and it 's observable that th● sickness then began to encrease . . in my own ephemeris for the present year . in th● moneth april , at what time the pestilence first began to she● it self , i had these poetical observations . if england keep but from sickness free ; then england may a happy kingdom be . ●hereby you see , i feared not onely the pestilence , but the ●eat damage that thereby this nation hath sustained , and i● like yet to undergo thereby . . and in my discourse of the comets or blazing stars , pag. . thereof ; after a consideration of the natural port●nts of the two first comets , i subjoyn these words ; when we consider these several dreadful significations ( which i there at large mention , a● any that list may read ) it may put us all to our ●●●tany , from war , plague and famine , libera nos do●●ine ! good lord deliver us . and in pag. . of the same book , as having a sufficient 〈◊〉 vision of the present pest , from the apparition of those ●●lestial monitor's the comets , and other eminent occurring causes ; i bewail the world by reason of the many and terrible afflictions they denounce unto it , thus : the sword is an enemy , that by the sword , a man of resolution and magnanimity , may contend with , and be in hopes of a victory ; but the plague and famine are adversaries there is no fence for , or defence against . they are so sure an ambush , that the subtilty of all the machiavils in the world cannot enervate or destroy ; enemies , that the stoutest of men cannot take a revenge upon , although they see their dearest friends murdred by them before their faces . and in pag. . and . in my catalogue of places that were by those comets , &c. designed to suffer and become passive ; i name england and london . and although these predictions be particular enough as to the thing in question , yet had it not been , that i was lo●th to affright folks too much with the sence or thought of danger before it came , i could have been much plainer ; and much plainer i was also , in this very particular pest ( some years before it came ) to many of my peculiar and better knowing friends , as are yet in the city ; ( some of them by my encouragement only ; ) and i am confident are both ready and willing to a●●est the truth hereof , if occasion required it ; or if that , that i have now said from divers others , as well as my self , in print , do not satisfie in this matter . let this therefore ( in this place ) suffice , to prove to the ingenious , that by astrology , this present pest was foretold ; even as hippocrates ( that prince of physicians ) by the same art , was also enabled to predict that raging plague which happened in his time ; for the which curious skill , he is so honorably remembred by sir christopher heydon , in his unanswerable defence of astrology , as also by many other eminent and worthy writers . chap. viii . that the air is unjustly suspected to lodge the contagion . it is received generally for a truth , that the noble element of air doth harbor and lodge the contagion , and that men , &c. sucke in a kind of venesick poisonous matter therewith ▪ and so come to be infected with the pestilence . which i● true , it proves custome a most terrible tyrant , in following whereof , the magistrates shut up people infected in houses or rooms , to prevent the spreading thereof : for , if the air be at such a time infected , and doth really harbor the contagion ; the hotter it is , the more infectious it needs must be , and consequently the plague in far greater danger of encreasing , by this customary care , then if it were wholly omitted . nay , were the air the palace of the pestilence , in a time of sickness , it would be even dangerous for persons to assemble either in churches , or courts of justice ; nay for many to talk together in a street , since the uniting of breaths must make an addition of heat , unto that which was too hot and pestilential before : but we accuse the air unjustly to lodge the contagion , and that for these reasons . . the air is that element , whose office it is to preserve all things , and without which nothing can remain alive ; and can we reasonably suppose it should be able to estrange it self so much from its native quality , as to lodge within its bosom so destructive an enemy as infection ? the air being a pure element , is attracted by the lungs into mans body , and without it ( saith dr. brown ) there is no durable continuation of life . it preserves the body by ventilation , and by its power alone , the natural flame or torch of life , is kept from extinction . that therefore which by its natural vertue , is the preserver of every thing that hath life , cannot be presumed to entertain so unhappy and cruel an inmate , as infection , it being supposed the grand enemy to , and destroyer of life . . anaximenes the milesian , in plutarch , maintaineth that air is the principle of the world ; and as our soul ( saith he ) which is air , keepeth us alive ; so spirit and air maintain the being of the whole world . and we know it is for want of air that the earth refuseth to bring forth its fruits ; and it is for the aires sake we remove some plants , and open the roots of others ; or else they either dye , or bring forth nothing worthy . nay , fishes ( as one ingeniously observes ) though they breath not perceptibly ; yet we see the want of air kills them : as when a long and tedious frost , imprisons a pond in ice . it cannot therefore be , that that element which hath all these noble and preserving qualities , should lodge so foul a guest as the contagion . . the air ( saith learned feltham ) is not corruptible ; we speak falsely , when we say the air infecteth ; the air it self ever clarifies , and is always working out that taint , which would mix with it . every breath we take , it goes unto our heart to cool it . our veins , arteries , nerves , and in most marrow , are all vivified by their participation of air ; and so indeed is every thing that the world holds ; as if this were the soul that gave it livelihood . it were therefore great presumption , for so defiled and unclean a companion as the contagion , to attempt the taking up of so fair and pure quarters , as the air affords : and however the air is come to be charged , it is below reason , to think that pure and impure can at all agree . the air therefore cannot lodge the contagion . . if the contagion should keep its court in the air , as the air it self altered , so should the contagion : but we see the contrary is true , therefore the air hath nothing to do in lodging with the contagion . the learned sir c. h. saith , in a general mortality , we cannot impute an infection to the air , or to the operations of the elements , as to intensive or excessive heat or cold ( which we must do , did the contagion truely lodge there ) sith it is evident even by aristotle himself , that the elements are altered , and have their qualities from ▪ heaven . and besides , the long continuance or duration of a pestilence , as sometimes a whole year , somtimes two or three , doth sufficiently prove , that it cannot be reasonably thought to proceed from the air , or the intention of heat and cold , or any other elementary qualities , because they vary many times in the same day , and much more in succession of seasons : and we know , that the state of the air , &c. is of a quite different and contrary disposition in winter to that which it is in summer ; therefore the contagion cannot remain in the air. nay , in that great pestilence in germany which happened in the years . and . the learned physicians of vienna themselves acknowledge ( at the instance and request of the archduke matthias ) t●at although they might presume some neer cause thereof in the air , yet the true and certain causes of it were in the heavens , the planets and their aspects , as is testified by asuerus in iatromathematicis , p. . my author yet goes further ▪ and says , that they mentioned a preceding comet in the earthly sign taurus ( such a one as happened with us at christmas . ) and some notable conjunctions of the planets , to be ( post deum ) the true and absolute causes thereof . now , if these learned persons had been fully satisfied , that the air had lodged the contagion , or that the infection had inhabited there ; they needed not to have climed to heaven to find a more noble cause thereof . if any shall ask me ( now ) whence cometh the pestilence ? since i deny it to inhabit the air ; i answer , that it comes from the heavens ; as in the first chapter i have already sufficiently p●oved , and it were but actum agere , to do it here again . but if then any shall enquire further , how it comes ? i answer , by that magnetick power of the heavens , by which all things in nature , and natures self is preserved . as a needle will work toward a loadstone , though thorow a board of considerable thickness ; so our bodies bend to the influences of the heavenly bodies , by whose power and vertue , they are attracted higher or tower , in and through all the changes and chances of this mortal life . for ▪ as my worthy friend dr. ed. bolnest , in his med. inst . ● . ● . hath truly urged it , there is nothing above , but hath its lik●●ess below ; and whatever is below , hath the same vertue with 〈◊〉 which is above . heaven and earth , the things above , and things below , are like two lutes equally strung ; the one being touched , the other answers it , with a like sound . conclusion . from what hath been said in the preceding discourse , these several conclusions naturally emerge . . that the true and proper natural causes of the pestilence , are the aspects and influences of the heavens ; and when we attribute so great an effect to other less and inconsiderable causes , we strangely erre : and make the gates too big for the ●i●y : the building too ponderous for the foundation . a mouse can't cast a shaddow like an elephant , nor a molehill like the alpine mountaines . if the effect be great , so must the cause , else nature knew not geometry . . that the pestilence cannot last above four years ( i. e. ) in one place or country ; for in that time , it either abateth of it self , o● is removed unto some other country , &c. as celestial causes please to pre-appoint . and therefore , they that assert plagues to continue , sometimes eight , sometimes fifteen years , or more [ i mean , in its raging effects ] are wrong in their conclusions , and not to be believed . he that by second causes appoints beginnings to pestilences , proportionates unto them proper mediums and periods . . that the several plagues which happened anno , , ▪ and . received their beginnings , increase , abatements , and periods , proportionate to the energy of celestial influences ; and that the stations , transits , and ill aspects of saturn and mars , in a time of sickness , are the ●ugmentors thereof ; and the transits , aspects and station● of jupiter and venus , the alleviators . . that this present plague ( god not a●●ering or suspending the power he hath given to second ca●ses ) will abate about the later end of september . and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 less apace . . that the pestilence of it self● is not catching : that it is the timidity of our affections , which occasions the ( supposed ) infection . . that those persons which flye from the plague , are the most subject unto it ; by seeking to ●hu● dangers , we often rush into them . god hath not a con●roversie ●o much with wood and stones , as with men ▪ and the rod of his anger , is not so much for punishment of cities and houses , as their inhabitants . god can find us o●t ▪ though we hide our selves behind rocks and mountains . . that this present plague was fore●old by astrology ; and that no other art whatsoever , is capable of predictions of this kind . . that the air is unjustly suspected to lodge the contagion : it being so noble an element , and so advantagious , that without it we cannot live or move ▪ it is the only preserver of mankind ; and the causa sine qua ●on , of the vivification of all things . which seriously considered , whispers unto us , this great truth : that th● shutting up of people in a time of sickne●s , and d●nying them the advantage of the air , is no small propinquate cause ( at least ) of the increase of the co●●agion . for by how much the more men are abridged their customary liberty , by so much the more are they subject to fear ; and the greater their fear is , th● seener do they meet the ill they dread . but see more of this in the sixth chapter of the forego●ng d●s●curse . in the time of the levitical law , men were not to be shut up above seven days , and then on●ly the uncl●an pe●son ▪ and this after the priest had seen good reason for it ; and if he amended either before , or at the seven days end , then the priest pronounced him clean . but we in this age , shut up not onely the unclean ▪ but the sound and sick together ; ( the onely way to be rid of all ; if at the least 〈◊〉 be such a thing as infection ) and i● in a family of ten or more , one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though all the rest be sound and healthy , we shut up the living , for the sake of ●he dead ; and debar them the benefit of ( those great and known preservers of health ) the air , and exercise , a month at least together . a custome strangely tyrannous ! and i am afraid savors more of barbarism then christian●ty ; and as it is 〈◊〉 to the laws of old , and to charity ; so beyond question it is , a●●●ath been considerably detrimental , and injurious to the lives of very many thousands in this great city ▪ whose only ●lory is in her numerous inhabitants . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e quarles by the king, a proclamation prohibiting the keeping of bartholomew fair, and sturbridge fair england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king, a proclamation prohibiting the keeping of bartholomew fair, and sturbridge fair england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) charles ii, king of england, - . [ ] leaves. printed by john bill and christopher barker ..., london : . broadside in [ ] leaves. "given at our court at salisbury the seventh day of august, . in the seventeenth year of our reign."--leaf [ ]. reproduction of original in the cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england. great britain -- history -- charles ii, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion cr honi ◆ soit ◆ qvi ◆ mal ◆ y ◆ pense diev ◆ et ◆ mon ◆ droit royal blazon or coat of arms by the king. a proclamation prohibiting the keeping of bartholomew fair , and sturbridge fair. charles r. the kings most excellent majesty , out of his princely and christian care of his loving subjects , that no good means of providence may be neglected to stay the further spreading of the great infection of the plague , doth find it necessary to prevent all occasions of publick concourse of his people for the present , till it shall please almighty god of his goodness to cease the violence of the contagion , which is very far dispersed into many parts of this kingdom already : and therefore remembring that there are at hand two fairs of special note , unto which there is usually extraordinary resort out of all parts of the kingdom ; the one kept in smithfield and saint bartholomews the great , near the city of london , called bartholomew fair ; and the other near cambridge , called sturbridge fair ; the holding whereof at the usual times , would in all likelihood be the occasion of further danger and infection to other parts of the land , which yet , by gods mercy , stands clear and free ; hath , with the advice of his privie council , thought good by this open declaration of his pleasure and necessary commandment , not onely to admonish and require all his loving subjects to forbear to resort for this time to either of the said two fairs kept in smithfield or saint bartholomew the great , and at sturbridge aforesaid , or within the liberties of the university and town of cambridge , or to any other fairs within fifty miles of the said city of london ; but also to enjoyn the lords of the said fairs , and others interessed in them , or any of them , that they all forbear to hold the said fairs , or any thing appertaining to them at the times accustomed , or at any other time , till by gods goodness and mercy the infection of the plague shall cease , or be so much diminished , that his majesty shall give order for holding them , upon pain of such punishment , as for a contempt so much concerning the universal safety of his people , they shall be adjudged to deserve ; which they must expect to be inflicted with all severity . and to that purpose doth hereby further charge and enjoyn under like penalty , all citizens and inhabitants of the said city of london , that none of them shall repair to any fairs held within any part of this kingdom , until it shall please god to cease the infection now reigning amongst them : his majesties intention being , and so hereby declaring himself , that no lord of any fairs , or others interessed in the profits thereof , shall by this necessary and temporary restraint receive any prejudice in the right of his or their fairs , or liberties thereunto belonging ; any thing before mentioned notwithstanding . given at our court at salisbury the seventh day of august , . in the seventeenth year of our reign . god save the king. london , printed by john bill and christopher barker , printers to the kings most excellent majesty , . a treatise of the pestilence vvherein is shewed all the causes thereof, with most assured preseruatiues against all infection: and lastly is taught the true and perfect cure of the pestilence, by most excellent and approued medicines. composed by thomas thayre chirurgian, for the benefite of his countrie, but chiefly for the honorable city of london. thayre, thomas. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a treatise of the pestilence vvherein is shewed all the causes thereof, with most assured preseruatiues against all infection: and lastly is taught the true and perfect cure of the pestilence, by most excellent and approued medicines. composed by thomas thayre chirurgian, for the benefite of his countrie, but chiefly for the honorable city of london. thayre, thomas. [ ], , [ ] p. by e. short, dwelling at the signe of the starre on bred-streete hill, imprinted at london : . printer's device (mckerrow ) on title page. dedication to sir robert lee, lord mayor. running title reads: preseruatiues against the sicknesse, and the cure of the pestilence. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . medicine -- formulae, receipts, prescriptions -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a treatise of the pestilence : wherein is shewed all the causes thereof , with most assured preseruatiues against all infection : and lastly is taught the true and perfect cure of the pestilence , by most excellent and approued medicines . composed by thomas thayre chirurgian , for the benefite of his countrie , but chiefly for the honorable city of london . altissimus creauit medicinam super terram , vir prudens non contemnit illam . imprinted at london by e. short , dwelling at the signe of the starre on bredstreete hill . . to the right honorable sir robert lee knight , lorde maior of the renowned city of london , and to the right worshipful the sheriffes , and also to all the right worshipfull the aldermen their brethren , thomas thayre wisheth all spirituall and temporall blessings from the lord in this life , and in the life to come eternall saluation , through christ jesu our sauiour . considering with my selfe , right honorable , and right worshipfull , that nothing is more necessary , nor more desired in the time of dangerous sicknesse and perill of death , then to present vnto the person so standing , the meanes to preserue him from the violence of the same , and to restore the sick from imminent perill of death , vnto his former estate of health ; and perceiuing , right honorable , that no man had as yet written any treatise , wherein was contained such speciall and excellent medicines , that might be able to resist , and also cure this dangerous and contagious sicknesse ; and likewise to giue sufficient instruction & direction vnto the inhabitants of this citie , for their preseruation in this infectious time : i was mooued in conscience ( my lord ) for the dutie i owe , and for the loue i beare vnto this honorable city , to cōmunicate vnto them such preseruatiues , as are , through gods grace , giuen vnto them able to resist and defend from infection of this sicknesse all such as vse thē . and also i haue set down most excellent & approued medicines , such as i haue practised and approued vnto the great vtilitie of manie , beeing able , through gods mercy , speedily to cure the most and greatest part of al such as shall be infected with this sicknesse , beeing vsed in time , before the sicknesse hath vtterly ouercome nature . and although my insufficic̄cy to write any publique matter , perswaded me to relinquish my intēded purpose in publishing this treatise , i being the meanest of so many in this land , and vnable to write any plausible stile : yet the truth & plainnes of the matter , the excellency of the medicines , & the vtility that many should find thereby , being vsed , ouercame that doubt of mind , and animated me to proceede in my intended purpose ; not doubting , but assuredly trusting in the lord , frō whom commeth all health , that this beeing vsed , many shall bee preserued , and cured thereby , to gods glory and our comfort : he it is on whom we must depend . the lord hath created medicine of the earth , and giuen great vertue vnto trees , hearbes , gums , stones , and minerals , and all for the helpe of his people in the time of their sicknes . god make vs thankfull vnto him for them , & giue vs grace to be warned by others punishment , and to vse thankfully and diligentlie , the good means for our health : and then i trust assuredly that the lord will blesse our indeuours , vnto his glory , and our health ' and comfort . and for as much as i haue written this treatise chiefelie in respect of the citie , i haue presumed to dedicate the same vnto your honor , & vnto the right worshipfull the sheriffes and aldermen your brethren , as a pledge of my loue and humble duty towards you : which if it shall please you to accept in good part , and vouchsafe to patronize mine indeuours , i doubt not but that manie shall finde the benefit therof to gods glory & their great comfort : and i shall be incouraged some other time , as occasion shall be offred , to performe a work no lesse needfull : thus beseeching the almightie to blesse your honor , & the right worshipfull your brethren , with all happinesse your hearts can desire , i humblie take my leaue . your honors and worships to command , thomas thayre . to the louing reader grace and health from the lord. calling vnto mind ( curteous reader ) the saying of tvlly , non nobis solùm nati sumus , &c. we are not born vnto our selues alone , but we owe a dutie and seruice vnto our countrey , our parents , & our friends , and considering with my self vnto my griefe , the sicknesse , the which it hath pleased god to visit vs withall , is greatly increased , dispersing it selfe into manie places of this citie to the griefe of manie : i hauing duly considered thereof , thought it my dutie to vse the small talent that the lord hath lent me vnto his glory , and the good of my brethren : which moued mee to write this treatise shewing the causes of the pestilence : the meanes to preserue vs from the infection of this contagious sicknesse : and the way and methode to cure such as shall be infected therewith , vsing the remedie in time , i meane in the beginning of the sickenesse , before nature be ouercome , obseruing the order of this booke . and for as much as this is gods visitation for our iniquitie , wee must therefore first fly vnto him with contrite hearts , fixing our whole trust in his mercie : and then wee must with all diligence and thankfulnes of heart , vse the good meanes that the lord hath ordained for our health . for to neglect the meanes , is to contemne gods gifts ; and we make our selues guiltie of our owne death , and before god we are no better then murtherers , because we haue despised the meanes of our helpe that he hath ordained for vs. but i trust there are none so wilfull and obstinate in this citie . this treatise ( gentle reader ) i haue penned , and present vnto thee , plaine and simple , barren of eloquence and filed phrase to delight thee : yet herein is contained most excellent and approued remedies , and as effectuall for the curing of this sicknesse , as are , or haue beene knowne . vse them in gods name , and doe not trust vnto light and trifling medicines , considering the strength and daunger of this sicknesse : these haue power and vertue , through gods grace , to expulse and speedily to cure this infectious sicknesse : and for preseruing a person from infection i haue set downe manie preseruatiues . and for curing the sicknesse i haue set downe foure principall medicines , and three others of lesse strength , to bee vsed when the aforenamed cannot be had . all which you may haue readie or speedily made at euery good apothecaries . vse them i counsell thee in the beginning of this sicknesse , for delay breedeth daunger : and death commonly followeth , and medicine comes too late when nature is ouercome by the sicknesse . and for as much as i haue written this treatise for the benefit of all men in generall , that thinke good to vse it , & haue done it in loue & good wil , so i hope the well disposed will censure it . and no godly and vertuous minded physition will be herewith offended , or enuy my endeuours , considering it is for the benefit and helpe of many in this or such like dangerous time , wherein many perish for want of counsel and helpe in their sicknesse , at the beginning thereof . and where anie ouersight or defect hath passed in my booke , as i doubt not but that there are some , hauing so short time , and so little opportunity to ouerlooke it , i desire the learned reader to correct and amend the same : and in so doing i shall be vnto him beholding . and so now taking my leaue , i beseech god of his great mercy to blesse the meanes that we shall vse for our health , vnto the honour , glorie and praise of his holy name , and vnto our health & comfort . farewell luly the ninth . non quaero quod mihi vtile est , sed multis . thine in all friendly loue and good will , thomas thayre . a treatise of the pestilence : wherein is shewed all the causes thereof , with most assured preseruatiues against all infection . this contagious sicknes which is generally called the plague or pestilence , is no other thing then a corrupt and venemous aire , deadly enemie vnto the vital spirits : most commonly bringing death and dissolution vnto the body , except with spéede good remedy be vsed . i mean not that the aire of it self is a verie poison , for then consequently all persons ( for the most part ) that liue within the aire so corrupted , should be infected , and few or none escape the danger thereof : but my meaning is , that the aire hath in it selfe a venemous qualitie , by reason whereof those bodies wherein there is cacochymia , corrupt and superfluous humours abounding , are apt and lightly infected , those humours being of themselues inclined and disposed vnto putrifaction . now i will proceede to shew the causes of this dangerous sicknesse , and also the cure thereof . now hauing briefly defined what the pestilence is , i will ( god assisting me ) prosecute mine intended purpose . first , in shewing all the causes thereof , and the cure , and remedie for euerie cause . entring into due consideration of the causes of the pestilence that now raigneth , christian reader , i find there are thrée causes thereof . the first and chiefest is sinne . the second is the corruption of the aire . the third and last cause , is the euill disposition of the body , bred by euill diet , and the abuse of things called res non naturales , things not natural : not so called , for that they are against nature , but because through the abuse of them nature is debilitated , corrupted , and oftentimes vtterly destroyed . the first cause , i say , is sinne . the holy scriptures sufficiently proueth the same , and giueth manie examples how the lord oftentimes punisheth his people for their sin and impietie of life with the pestilence . reade the . chapter of the booke of numbers , and the . and . verses : where the lord speaking vnto moses , saying : how long will this people prouoke me ? and how long will it be ere they beleeue me , for all the signes i haue shewed among them ? i will smite them with the pestilence , and will destroy them , and will make thee a greater & mightier nation then they . why doth the lord here threaten the children of israel his chosen , to strike them with the pestilence ? the reason is shewed in the same chapter : because ( saith he ) they haue murmured against me , and haue rebelled , not keeping nor obseruing my lawes . and as the lord spake vnto the children of israel by moses , so speaketh he vnto vs dayly by his ministers and preachers of his word . also reade deuteronomy the . chap. the . . . and . verses , and there you shall sée the blessings that the lord promiseth vnto them , that walke in his waies and kéepe his commandements : and it followeth in the same chapter : but if thou wilt not obey the voice of the lord thy god , and keep and doe his commandements : the lord shall make the pestilence to cleaue vnto thee . and many more curses hee pronounceth against them that continue in their sin and iniquitie of life . and further , the lord shal smite thee with a consumption , & with a feuer , and with a burning ague , and so forth . this spake the lord vnto the children of israel his people , and this speaketh the lord daily vnto vs : but we are slow to repentance and amendment of life . reade leuiticus the . chap. and the . verse . and if you walke stubbornly against me ( saith the lord ) and will not obey my word , i will bring seuen times more plagues vpon you , according vnto your sinnes . and in the third verse following he saith : i will send the pestilence among you , and you shall bee deliuered into the hands of your enemies . this spake the lord vnto the inhabitants of ierusalem , and this speaketh hee vnto vs oftentimes by his ministers , whom we ought with all reuerence to heare , and with all diligence to follow . many more places could i cite and inferre out of the sacred scriptures , to proue sinne to be a cause of the pestilence , and sometime the onely cause thereof : example in dauid : example in pharao , and diuers other , which for prolixitie i omit , hoping this may suffice to proue sinne to bee a cause of the pestilence , which is indéede as a messenger or executioner sometimes of gods iustire . manie and great plagues hath this our land tasted of in times past , and it is not yet tenne yeares since this citie of london was visited and afflicted with this sicknes , dispersing it selfe into diuers and many places of this land , cutting off and taking away a great multitude of people : and i doubt not but sin was a great cause thereof . o that man would therefore remember the inconstancie and srailtie of this life ! and consider the end of his creation was to serue and glorifie god : but we daily dishonour him by committing of sinne , and not giuing vnto him that honor and seruice that is due vnto the lord : but placing all our affections vpon the vaine delights and inconstant pleasures of this alluring and deceitfull world , which do as it were bewitch vs , and withdrawe vs from that christian care that we ought to haue of our saluation , abusing gods mercie and long sufferance with our delayes and procrastination to turne vnto him , being misebly deluded by satan , and intised by the glittering shewes of this world , to the loue thereof ; and god knowes how soone we must leaue it . i pray god infuse his grace and holy spirit into our hearts , that sinne may be mortified in vs , and that it may worke in vs a reformation and amendment of life : & that we may henceforth walk in this our short pilgrimage , as christians and seruants of the lord , seruing him in all holinesse and pietie of life , contemning the vaine pleasures of this fraudulent world , which are but snares to intrap our soules , and the baites of sathan to draw vs vnto destruction : then shall we not need to feare death , but say with saint paul , mors mihi lucrum , death vnto me is gaine , saith he : so is it indéed vnto all the godly : but vnto the wicked it is an entrance into a continuall and eternall punishment : from the which christ that hath died for vs , deliuer vs. amen . now hauing shewed sin to be one cause of the pestilence , and sometimes the onely cause , when it pleaseth god to punish the impietie of his people , vsing it as the executioner of his wrath : it followeth that i shewe the other causes , whereof the pestilence may arise . the second cause , is the corruption of the aire . galen the most excellent and famous physition in his booke de differentijs febrium , saith , there be two causes of the pestilence : vnam , aërem vitiatum ac putridum : alterā , humores corporis vitio so victu collectos , & ad putreso endum paratos ; the one cause is ( saith he ) an infected , corrupted , and putrified aire : the other cause is , euill and superfluous humors gathered in the body through haughtie and corrupt diet , which humours be apt and ready to putrifaction . and this is most true , and not onely the opinion of galen and hippocrates , the fathers and princes of physicke , but of all the learned and iudiciall physitions of latter time , and at this day . now let vs consider how , and by what meanes the aire may be corrupted and altered from his wholsom qualitie vnto a venemous dispositiō . entring into due consideration therof , i finde many causes that may corrupt the aire , all which i will compose or include in these two . the first cause whereby the aire may bée corrupted , is through the vnholsom influence of that planets ; who by their malitious disposition , qualitie , and operations , distemper , alter and corrupt the aire , making it vnholesome vnto humane nature . when the temperature of the aire is changed from his naturall estate , to immoderate heate and moisture , then it corrupteth and putrifieth , and ingendreth the pestilence . i emit to write what i haue read concerning the alterations and mutations , that are sometimes caused by the superior bodies or planets here below vpon the earth : for vnto the learned it were superfluous , and vnto the vulgar or common sorte , it woulde rather bréede admiration then credite : but this euerie man is to vnderstand , deus regit astra , god rules the starres : and yet i doubt not , but through the eclipses , exaltation , coniunctions , and aspectes of the planets , the aire may bée corrupted , and made vnholesome sometimes , in somuch that diuers griefes are bred thereby . the second cause , whereby the aire may be corrupted , is a venemous euaporation arising from the earth , as from fennes , moores , standing muddie waters , and stinking ditches and priuies , or from dead bodies vnburied , stinking chanels and mixsones , and multitudes of people liuing in small and little roome , and vncleanlie kept : all these are causes and meanes whereby the aire may be corrupted . the third cause of the pestilence , is the euill disposition of the body , which is bred by euill diet : the bodie being repleat with corrupt and superfluous humors , which humors bereadie to putrifie and rot vpon anie light occasion : and when such a person doth but receiue into his bodie by inspiration , the corrupted and infections aire , he is therewith by and by infected , his bodie being disposed thereunto through superfluous and corrupt humors abounding : whereas contrarie wise , a body of a good disposition , i meane a body frée from grosse , corrupt , and superfluous humors , is not castlie or lightlie infected , because there is not that matter for the infectious ayre to worke vpon . and againe , nature is more stronge to repell the infectious or corrupted ayre , if it be receiued : and this is the cause why one person is rather infected then another ; namelie the disposition of the bodie . now hauing shewed all the causes of the pestilence ; i will ( god assisting mée ) set downe the cure and remedie for euerie cause , which causes being taken away , the effect which is the sicknesse , must néedes cease . the first cause , i say , is sinne : and this ought first to be taken awaie , and then i dare vndertake ( by gods assistance ) my corporall medicines shall soone staie this furious sicknesse . sinne is a sicknesse of the soule ; the cure thereof dooth consist in these two points . the first , is true , hartie , and faithfull repentance , with all contrition of heart confessing thy sinnes vnto the lorde , with faithfull prayer vnto christ iesu , that it will please him to be an aduocate and mediator vnto the lorde for the forgiuenesse of thy sinnes . do this , and thou shalt find god mercifull , hee is readier to forgiue then we to aske forgiuenesse of him . he would not the death of a sinner , but with all mercy , patience , and long suffering wayteth and expecteth our conuersion vnto him . the second point , is newnesse of life : for what shall it auaile vs to haue forgiuenesse of our sinnes , if we fall into the same againe , and walke in our former euilnesse of life ? this will but increase gods wrath and indignation against vs , and exasperate him to punish our impietie of life with all seueritie . therefore , i counsell thee , as thou tendrest the saluation of thy soule , flie from euill , and do the thing that is right ; walke vprightlie before him in newnesse and holinesse of life : for the lord séeth all thy waies , and knoweth the thoughts of thy heart long before . remember thy time here is but short , and death will sommon thee ( thou knowest not how soone ) to giue an account how thou hast spent thy time , and vsed the talent that the lord hath lent thée here on earth . then shalt thou stād before the tribunall seat of the almightie & iust iudge , where all thy whole life shal be laide open , and all thy actions , and thoughts of thy heart made manifest and knowne . then happy and ten times happie are they , vnto whom the lord shall say : come yee blessed of my father , receiue ye the kingdome prepared for you before the beginning of the worlde . but how vnhappie , and in what miserable estate are they , vnto whom the lord shall say : goe you cursed into eternall darknesse , a place of punishment appointed for you : where there is horror , weeping and gnashing of teeth . this is the place appointed for the vngodly worldlings that wallow and continue in their sinne , neglecting the seruice of the lord : for which end they were created . consider this ( good christian reader ) and defer no time to turne vnto the lord : for this life of ours is fraile , vnconstant , and very vncertaine . we haue examples daily before our eies of the vncertainty thereof , to day a man , to morrow none . homo natus muliere paucorum dierum est , & repletur inquietudine , saith iob : man that is borne of a woman his daies are fewe , and is full of misery . for thy further instruction , i refer thée vnto the godly and learned diuines , heare them : for they are the messengers and ministers of the lorde , appointed to teach his people , and in mée it might be noted for presumption , to take vpon mée the office of another man , hauing in this point more néede to be taught my self , then able to instruct others . the cure of the soule belongeth vnto them , and thē cure of the body vnto me . i will now hasten vnto the second cause , which is the corruption of the aire . i haue shewed before all the causes that may corrupt the aire : it followeth now that i teach the correction , purging and altring of the aire corrupted , which is the second cause of the pestilence . and first i would counsel you , that al the stréetes , lanes , and allies be kept cleane and swéete , as possible may bée , not suffering the filth and swéepings to lie on heapes , as it dooth , especiallie in the suburbes , but to be caried awaie more spéedily : for the uncleane kéeping of the stréetes , yéelding as it dooth noisome and vnsauory smelles , is a meanes to increase the corruption of the aire , and giueth great strength vnto the pestilence . also , that al the pondes , pooles , & ditches about the city , if they yéeld any stinking and noisom smels , that they be scoured and clensed : for there ariseth from them an euill and vnholesome aire , which furthereth the corruption of the aire , and worse will do in hotter weather . also , that you suffer no mixsons to be made so néere vnto the citie as they are , but to be caried far off : neither any dead carion to lie vnburied , as i haue séene , but to be caried forth and buried déepe . also , that euerie euening you make small and light fiers with oken wood , in those stréets where the infection is , either two , or thrée fiers , according vnto the length of the stréete or place infected ; the wood being consumed , cast in some stickes of iuniper ; and therewithall , two , thrée or foure rowles of perfume that i haue here set downe in my booke , which i would wish were vsed through the whole citie in your chambers and houses , cast in vpon some coles in a chafingdish or fuming pot , in the morning and euening . this fumigation hath a most excellent and singular propertie , to purge and alter a corrupt and vnholsome aire . but peraduenture some men for want of iudgement , wil think this my direction ouer curious & of small validity : but i do and will affirme , that the vse thereof is very requisite , and of great force & vtility , and the best meanes for the purging and altering the euill qualitie of the aire , that is knowne vnto man. this fumigatiō is to be vsed where the infection is , in the euening , and also in the morning ; & is of great force for the purging of the aire , and altering the euill qualitie thereof : which i wish were dayly vsed through the citie , in their houses and chambers , for the excellent vertue thereof . r. storax , calamint , labdanum , cypresse-wood , myrrhe , beniamin , yellow sanders , ireos , red roseleaues , flowers of nenuphar , of each one ounce ; liquid storax one ounce , cloues one ounce , turpentine one ounce , withy cole fiue ounces , rose-water as much as wil be sufficient to make them vp in trochis , & let them be two drams in weight . the wood béeing consumed , cast in some stickes of iuniper , and after it cast in two or thrée of these trochis , which will yéelde a comfortable smell and purge the aire . another more swéete and delectable for the better sort , to vse in their houses and chambers dailie . r. storax , calamint , labdanum , cypresse-wood , frankēcense , beniamin , of each of thē half an ounce ; red roseleaues dried , yellow sanders , of each two drams ; cinamon , cloues , wood of aloes , of each of them one dramme ; flowers of nenuphar one dram ; liquid storax halfe an ounce , gum dragagant two drams , and muske six graines , withy cole three ounces , rose water as much as will suffice to make it vp in trochis . this i would counsell gentlemen , and citizens to vse dayly in their houses and chambers , for the excellent operation it hath . also it is good for want of these , to burn in your houses and chambers iuniper , frankincense , storax , baylaues , marierom , rose marie , lauender , and such like . now hauing shewed the remedies for the two first causes ; it followeth , that i teach the cure of the third and last cause , which is the euill disposition of the body , through superfluous , corrupt , and euill humors abounding . here is the cause , and these corrupt and superfluous humors must be taken away before the body can bée in any good estate of health . and this is the reason that diuers persons liuing together in one aire , that one is infected and not another , namely , the disposition of the body : for those naughtie , corrupt , & superfluous humors , are of themselues apt and disposed vnto putrefaction , and if it so chance that they do putrefie of themselues , then there arise dangerous feuers , according vnto the nature of the humor that corrupteth . as for example , if choler do putrifie within the vesselles , it ingendreth febris ardens or febris causon , a hot and a dangerous feuer , working his malice in the concauitie of the liuer and lunges and about the heart , & except remedy be administred the person dieth . and so when any of the other humors doe putrefie , there springe feuers , according vnto their nature , as the learned knowe . now such bodies ( i say ) wherein there is such superfluous humors abounding , in the time of any infection , receiuing into their bodies the corrupt and venemous aire , are thereby infected : and these humors turned not only into putrefaction , but into a venemous qualitie , by the operation of the infectious aire whereas in bodies voide and frée from such superfluous humors , there the infectious aire hath not such matter to worke vpon : and againe , nature is more strong and forcible to resist and expell a corrupt and infectious aire although receiued . here the reason is apparant why one person is infected and not another . and very niedfull it is especiallie in this time of sicknesse , that this euill disposition of the body be taken away and amended , by purging and euacuating of the perccant humors . for which purpose i wil set down a very excellent and approued potion , which purgeth the blood and disburdeneth the body of superfluous humors both choler , flegme , and melancholie , opening attracting and euacuating the corrupt and vitious humors of the body , to the great comfort , helpe and ease of those that vse it with discretion , as i shall direct them : the making or composition whereof i haue here set downe . but first taking this sirrup thrée morninges before you purge , two spoonefuls euerie morning , fasting after it two or thrée houres , and vse your accustomed diet as before . r. oximell two ounces , sir . de quinque radicibus two ounces , misce . r. good rubarbe two drammes , spicknarde six graines , sene halfe an ounce , fenill seede , and annisseede of each halfe a dramme , flowers of borage and buglosse , of each halfe a little handfull ; water of endiue and fumitarie of each of them fiue ounces , and so make your infusion . let this infusion be made in some earthen stupot close couered and paasted that no breath or vapor goe forth , and let it stand seuen or eight howers vpon some imbers , or small coles , and but warme : after which time straine it forth and put thereunto of diacatholicon one ounce , diaphenicon halfe an ounce , electuarium succo rosarum halfe an ounce , mix these with the infusion aboue written , and this will be a sufficient quantitie for thrée daies , taking the third part the first day , and on the second day the halfe of that which was left , and the other part the third day : take it early in the morning , and sléepe not after the taking of it , neither eate , nor drinke vntill it hath wrought his effect , & then take some broth made with a chicken or a capon , and for want thereof with veale or yonge mutton , as you can bee prouided , with resins of the sunne stoned , two or thrée dates , a little parsely put thereunto , and thickned with some crummes of bread . when your potiō hath done working you may take of this broth , and also a little of your meate sparingly , and in the euening make a light supper with a chicken , or a rabbet , or such like meat that is light and easie of digestion , yéelding good nutriment : the next day early , take another part of your drinke , and vse your selfe as the day before . and likewise the third day , take that part of your potion that remained , and vse your selfe as before taught . this being done , rest a gods name , & vse a good and a moderate diet , and beware of excesse and superfluitie ; for he that vseth it shall fall into the hands of the phisition , but he that dieteth him selfe prolongeth his life . now if it so happen that your potion do not worke within two howers after the receiuing thereof , which is verie seldome séene in any body , then take a little of your broth , or if it be not readie a little thinne alebrue , either of which will cause it to worke forthwith . or if you feare through weakenes of your stomacke , you shall vomit after the taking thereof , then as soone as you haue receiued your potion , let there be made ready a browne tost , which being dipt and sokened in good vinegar , holde it vnto your nose , and smell therunto sometime . you ought to kéepe your chamber during the thrée daies , that you take your potion . and it is very requisite also , that you kéepe your house the day after your purging : because the pores of the body will be opened thereby . this potion is of great vertue , and not only deliuereth the body from a disposition to be infected with this sicknesse ; but also from many other griefes and diseases springing and arising by repletion , and corruption of humors , and very gently and easily purgeth both choler and flegme from the stomacke without molestation of the body , or weakning of nature . and this is especiallie good for such as want appetite vnto their meate , and such as féele an vnweildinesse , and slouthfulnesse in themselues , hauing no delight in exercise , dulnesse of the wit and sences , more sléepie then accustomed to be , shiuering of the body , mixed with heate , as if they should haue an ague . and if any thinke this a tedious course , and therefore loath , or vnwilling to vse it , let them consider that health is not obtained without some meanes be vsed , and let them not thinke much to take a little paines for the gaining of so pretious a iewell , without the which although abounding in worldly wealth , yet we can take delight , pleasure , or contentation in nothing : as for healthy bodies , such as are free from corrupt and superfluous humours , vsing a good diet and exercise of bodie , such ( i say ) are not lightly infected as others are , in whom there is repletion : it shall be sufficient for them without purging to vse anie of the preseruatiues i haue set downe in this booke . and let them bée assured by the vse thereof , and by gods assistance , from all infection , although the sicknesse were more strong and powerfull then it is : and although i assuredly know , that this potion béeing vsed may suffice to take away the euill disposition of the body , yet because i know many would bee loth to be inioined to kéepe their chamber foure dayes as they ought to doo , that vse this potion or any other purging potion , i haue for their benefite set downe a most excellent pill that purgeth all corrupt , and superfluous humors , and is with all a very good preseruatiue , defending the body from all infection . the composition of the pill . r. good rubarbe one dramme and a halfe , saffron two scruples , trochis of agarick one dram ; of chosen myrrhe one dram , aloes the best two drams , syrrup of roses solutiue as much as will suffice to make them in pilles . take a dram of these pils early euery morning , for fiue or six dayes together , taking two or thrée houres after them a little thin broth , and vse a sparing diet for these fiue or six dayes , and let your meat bée light and easie of digestion : you shall haue two or thrée stooels daily or foure in some bodies . notwithstanding you may safely goe abroad about your businesse , without any inconuenience at all . and hauing now shewed how the euill disposition of the body may be amended , and taken away by gentle purging and euacuating of the peccant humors , bred by euill diet , and the abuse of the six things called , res non naturales , whereof i will briefly speake , teaching what ought to be auoided , as hurtfull and preiudiciall vnto your health . in receiuing of the aire . the aire is one of the elements wherof our bodies are composed ; and without the inspiration , and respiration thereof we cannot liue : and therefore it standeth much with our health , that the aire which we receiue into our bodies , bée swéete , holesome and vncorrupt . and i counsell al men that they auoide all places of infection , all stinking and noisome smels ; and when they are disposed to walke , that they walke in gardens , or swéete and pleasant fieldes : but neither early nor late at night . i haue set downe the making of a good pomander , the which i would wish to bee worne not only of gentlemen , but of others also for the good property it hath both in resisting a corrupt , noysom , and stinking aire , and in comforting the senses . i doe not intend in this place to write of the nature of aires and the election thereof ; it would be ouer tedious , who so desireth it , let him reade hippocrates de flatibus : also auicen , and rasis haue written copiouslie thereof . and you ought to obserue aire as meate , cold sicknesses require warme aire , drie sicknesses moist aire : & so in the contraries , to them that be long sicke , change of aire is very commodious ; & to such as be in health , a temperate aire is most holesom . and where the aire is infected and corrupted , i haue set downe most excellent perfumes , for the correcting and purging thereof both for the stréets , houses and chambers , and by the vse thereof the euill qualitie of the aire shal be taken away . in eating and drinking . in eating and drinking , we ought to consider that the meates that we eate and receiue for the nourishment of our bodies be swéete and holsome , yéelding good iuyce : for such as the meat is , such humors it bréedeth in the body : if it be harde of digestion it dooth debilitate and weaken nature , and ouercharge the alteratiue vertue of the stomacke : if swéet , it bréedeth oppilations , whereof dangerous feuers arise ; sower cooleth nature and hasteneth age : moist dooth putrifie and hasten age , drie sucketh vp naturall moisture , salt dooth fret , bitter dooth not nourish , so that in diuersitie of meates is great diuersitie of qualitie . a man that is in health ought to vse a temperate diet , and féeding sparingly vpon one , two or thrée dishes at the most , and if we meane to liue in anie health of bodie all superfluitie , & repletion of meates is to be abhorred . consider with thy selfe , thou art a man indued with reason , and therefore in thy diet and all other thy actions let reason and temperance gouerne thine appetite & affections : through surfetting manie one hath perished , but he that dieteth himselfe , prolongeth his life . the varietie of meates at one meale bringeth paine vnto the stomacke , offendeth nature , and doth ingender and beget many diseases , as galen witnesseth , reason teacheth , and experience approueth . therefore whoso is in health , and desireth to continue therein , let him obserue this rule . let his meate that he vseth be wholsome & nourishing , such as best agréeth with his nature and complexion : for vnto some men béese is more holesome and better then chickens , or such like fine meates : the reason is , digestion is strong through heate , as in cholerike persons , in whom light and fine meates are rather burnt then digested : therefore grosser meates are for them more holesome and better . and let him also note what meates doe offend , or disagree with him , and let him refuse it as hurtfull : and in so doing he shall be a physition vnto himselfe . note also that thou maist eate more meate in winter then in sommer , because digestion is more strong , by reason that naturall heat is inclosed in the stomacke , but in summer vniuersally spread abroad into the whole body : so the stomacke wanting this naturall heate , digestion is thereby more weake . cholerike persons and children may eate oftner then anie other , by reason of their heate and quicke digestion . time and place will not permit mee to write what i would concerning diet , the obseruation whereof is a verie speciall meanes for the preseruation of health : & many times sicknesses are cured by the benefit of diet . in hote sicknesse vse a cold diet : in a moist sicknesse vse a drying diet , contraria contrariis curantur : all distemperatures are cured by their contraries . i will here end of diet : wishing thée to remember this saying of hippocrates , studium sanitatis est non satiari cibis , the means or studie to preserue health , is to eschue fulnesse or superfluitie of meates and drinkes . so is it indéede , and especially in a time of sicknes , as this is . and it is now excéeding good with all your meates to vse sharpe sauces made with vinegar , or rose vinegar , orenges , limons , pomegranates , and a little cinnamon and maces . but forbeare and refuse all hot spices , and strong wines , onions , garlicke , léekes , cabage , radish , rocket , and such like : the vse of them is verie hurtfull and dangerous . but these are good and holesome : borage , buglosse , sorrell , endiue , cichorie , violets , spinage , betonie , egrimonie , they are good both in salades , sauces , and broth : and your diet ought in this time of infection to bee cooling and drying . of sleeping and waking . god hath created the day for man to labour in his vocation and calling , and the night to rest and sléepe , which is so naturall and néedfull , that without it wée cannot liue . in sléepe our senses haue their rest , the powers animall are therewith comforted & strengthened , the mind quieted , digestion furthered , and finally the strength of the body maintained : and without sléepe wise men should be soone chaunged into idiote fooles . and sléep is no lesse needfull for the preseruation of our liues then foode . these are of themselues good , but we , through the abuse of them , change their natures , and make them hurtfull vnto vs. immoderate sléepe , and sléeping in the day is very euill : it dulleth the wit , it repleats and fils the bodie with euil humours , it ingendreth rheume , and maketh the body apt vnto palsies , apoplexies , falling sicknesse , impostumes ; and finally , slow and vnapt vnto any honest exercise . note also that we ought not to sléepe immediately after meat before it be descended from the mouth of the stomacke , for thereby digestion is corrupted , and paines , and noise in the belly ingendred : also our sleepe is made vnquiet and troubled by euill vapours ascending : therefore i counsell all men that are in health , and desire the continuance thereof , that they auoid sléeping in the day time , especially lying vpon a bed : and if they must néeds sléepe , being accustomed so to do , let them take a nap sitting in a chaire . and in manie sicknesses sléepe is dangerous : so is it after the receiuing of anie poison , or vnto a person infected with the pestilence : the reason is , sléep draweth the blood and spirits inward , & therewithall attracteth the venome vnto the nutrimentall or vitall partes : therefore if a person doubt that he is infected , let him refraine from sléepe , and let him take without delay some good medicine set downe against the sicknesse , and sweate therewithall . and as i haue shewed the inconuenience of too much , or immoderate sléepe : so i say ouer-much watching is no lesse hurtfull vnto nature . it doth debilitate the powers animall : it weakeneth the naturall strength of the bodie , bringeth consumptions , bréedeth melancholie , and oftentimes the frensie . therefore both in this and all other things , we must vse temperance , sobrietie and moderation . of exercise and rest . galen counselleth vs , if we desire to preserue health , that we vse exercise of bodie : it makes digestion strong , and more quicke alteration , and also better nourishing : it strengtheneth the bodie , it increaseth heat , drieth rheumes , it openeth the pores of the bodie , whereby humours offending nature are expulsed : it is indéede the preseruer and maintainer of health , as galen , auicen , and corn. celsus teach , and experience approueth . idlenesse and rest is a contrarie vnto exercise : it is the mother of ignorance , the nurse of diseases , it corrupteth the mind , it dulleth the bodie , filling and repleating it with superfluous and euill humours , which breede manie sicknesses . and as exercise and labour is a preseruer of health , so idlenes is the shortner of life , enemy vnto the soule and body , and very vnprofitable in a cōmon-wealth , and also hurtful in a priuate house . and remember this , that vehement exercise be not vsed presently after meate , for it wil conueigh crude and vndigested iuyce vnto each part , which is very euil & hurtfull . but exercise is good before meate , and two or thrée howers after meate , being moderately vsed . exercise is best and most conuenient , when the first and second digestion is complete , as well in the stomacke , as in the vaines . but in such a time of infection as this is , i cannot commend exercise , because it will too much open the pores , and the pores being opened , the bodie is apt to receiue the infectious aire . much more would i say of the benefit of exercise , and the inconuenience of idlenesse , but that i should be ouer-tedious in this place . of fulnesse and emptinesse . all fulnesse and superfluitie of meates are to be eschued , for as much as they make repletion : and all bodies in whom there is repletion , are apt to bee infected . and such bodies must endeuour to kéepe themselues soluble : all euacuations are good for them , as purging and bléeding , except some speciall cause doth forbid it : and let them vse a sparing and frugall diet . and they may safely , and with great profit vse the pill i haue set downe before in my booke . and as i haue said , repletion is an enemie vnto health , bringing and begetting sicknesse , and sometime sodaine death : so is too much fasting and emptinesse , no lesse hurtfull : it weakeneth the braine , and drieth the whole bodie , consuming the radicall moisture in man , and shorteneth life . and as repletion is to be abhorred and auoided , so is too much emptinesse to be eschewed : and as i haue said , we must vse a mediocritie in all things . of affections of the mind . affections of the mind are called by m. cicero , perturbations . galen calleth them pathemata vel affectus anims , and nothing is more hurtfull in this time of sicknesse , nor greater enemie vnto life , then feare , sorrow , anger , heauinesse and griefe of mind . anger is a dangerous passion : it chafeth the bloud , and disquieteth the heart : it inflameth the spirits : which ascending vp into the head , annoieth the animall powers or faculties . this passion cholericke persons , tyrants and fooles are much troubled withall , and oftentimes in their wrath perform wicked and vnlawfull actions , feare , sorrow , and griefe of mind are no lesse hurtfull vnto the body : for they waste the naturall heat and moisture , wherein life consisteth ; making the bodie leane and drie , whereupon consumption followesh : it dulleth the wit and vnderstanding , and draweth the spirits and bloud inward to the heart : and withall attracteth the venemous and infectious aire , if we liue within the compasse thereof . if i should here stand to write of all the perturbations for the mind , defining and distinguishing them one from another , shewing the wonderfull effects of them , and the inconuenience therof , i should be ouer tedious in this short treatise , and it might seeme impertinent in this worke : onely this i wish thée to remember , sub te erit appetitus tuus , & tudominaberis illi : vnder thée shall be thine appetite , and thou shalt beare rule ouer it , saith the lord. we must therefore maister our affections : for if they be not ouer-ruled and gouerned by wisedome , they will excéede , and proue daungerous enimies both vnto soule and bodie . and in this time of sicknes we ought specially to auoid these perturbations of the mind , and to vse all vertuous and commendable mirth , swéete musicke , good companie , and all laudable recreation that may delight you , and vse the perfumes in your chambers , and in other roomes of your houses that i haue set downe , being cast into a fuming pot or chafing dish vpon a few coales . do this euening and morning : the charge thereof is small , but the vtilitie is great . it purgeth the aire , and taketh away the euill qualitie thereof . now hauing shewed what ought to be auoided , it followeth , that i set downe preseruatiues that may resist all infection : which god assisting me , i will do . first of all , i counsell all men in whom bloud doth abound , the which they may easily know themselues , by the heate of their bodies , colour , largenesse and fulnesse of their vaines , that they be let bloud in the liuer vaine in the right arme : and let the quantitie be according vnto the strength of the person . also that all men in generall auoid all bathes and hote-houses , and all vehement exercise , that may ouerheate the body , and inflame the bloud . also the companie of women this hote and contagious time is verie hurtfull , and therefore ought to be vsed with great moderation . also walking verie early in a morning , and verie late in the euening , is hurtfull and dangerous . also auoide all prease and throng of people where a multitude are assembled , & al noisome & vnsauourie places . now hauing shewed all the causes of the pestilence , and set downe the cure and remedie for euerie cause : i will by gods assistance , for the care i haue of the preseruation of the inhabitants of this honorable citie , and for the loue i beare vnto them and my countrie , communicate vnto them most excellent and approued preseruatiues and of singular vertue : which whose vseth them , shall not néed to feare the infection of this contagious sicknes . first , with an humble and contrite heart desire mercie of the lord : and then commend thy selfe vnto his protection : which being done , vse the good meanes he hath ordained for thy health . pilles of especiall vertue in preseruing all that vse them . r. good aloes half an ounce washed in rosewater : of good myrrhe , of saffron , of each two drams : bolearmoniac . praep . one scruple : seed pearle one scruple : sir . of limons as much as wil suffice to make them in pilles , or in a masse . take halfe a dramme hereof made in pilles euerie second or third day in the morning ; faste after it thrée or foure houres : but it shall be good for you to take a little thinne broth , or a little alebrue , or sixe or eight spoonefuls of wine within an houre after , and vse your accustomed diet , as before . another pill that doth more moue the bodie , and giueth two stooles , or three in some bodies , and this is good for such as are costiue , and in whom humours abound . r. good rubarbe , chosen myrrhe , of each one dram ; chosen aloes two drams : zedoarie roote one scruple : saffron one scruple : sirrup of roses solutiue as much as will suffice to make the masse . this pill purgeth gently , and preserueth the bodie from all infection . such bodies in whom humours doe abound , and are most commonly costiue , may vse these pilles , taking half a dram euerie morning , for thrée , foure , fiue , or sixe dayes together , as they please . take after it either a little thin broth , or of an alebrue , or a draught of wine , if it bée not too hote for your complexion , and vse your ordinarie diet as accustomed , if it be good . another very good preseruatiue , and worthy of much commendations . r. of good mithridatum halfe an ounce , angelica root in powder two drams , of theriaca andro , half an ounce , bolearmoniac . praep . two drams , conserues of roses and borage halfe an ounce , seede of citrons two scruples , sirup of limons one ounce , mix them , make halfe this receite . or this which is very good . r. good mithridatum halfe an ounce , conserues of roses halfe an ounce , bolearmoniack praep . two drams , mix them . take as much of this euery morning as a nut , and fast after it two or thrée howers . a good pill and an assured preseruatiue . r. aloes optima foure drams , lota in aqua rosarum ; myrrh elect . two drams , croci two drams , rad . zedoariae one scruple , boli armeni one scruple , sir . limonum q. s. fiat massa . take halfe a dram of these pilles in the morning , you may mix it if you wil with a little white wine this sommer , and drinke it , and be frée from infection . another of most excellent vertue , and an assured preseruatiue . r. boli armeni praep . halfe an ounce , dictamni albi two drams , cinamoni three drams , rosarum one dram , rad . angelicae two drams , rad turmentillae , rad . gentianae of each two drams , sem . limonum one dram , santalorum omnium ana one dram , cornu cerui rasurae , flo . buglossae . fol. scabi , rad . turmentillae , rad . zedoariae ana one dram , oxyaloes , nucis muscatae , granatum iuniperi , ossis de corde . cerui ana halfe a dram , saphiri , hyacinthi , smaragdi , rubini , granati praep . ana one scruple , margaritarum two scruples , foliorum auri one scruple , puluerizantar & cum sir . exacetosa q. s. fiatelectuarium . this is to be taken euery morning , a scruple or two scruples daily , and is a most excellent and an assured preseruatiue against al infection . another that defendeth all men that vse it , from the infection of this contagious sicknesse . r. theriaca andromachi , mithridatum optimum ana two drams , conser rosarum three drās , boli armeni praep . two scruples , sem . vel rad . angelicae two scruples , sem . citri halfe a dram , sir . limonum halfe an ounce , misce . take of this euery morning , the quantitie of a hasel nut , or any other time of the day if you goe among any throng of people , or where the sicknesse is , but you ought to faste after it a while . the common pils against the pestilence , that defend al them that vse them from infection . r. good aloes halfe an ounce , myrrhe , saffron of either of them two drams , let them be beaten in a morter , and put to them a little white wine or sweet wine , & incorporate it together , make them in pils , & so take them if you will , half a dram in the morning , and drink after them an hower a draught of white wine : these although plaine , are very good : & i would they were more vsed for their vertue . but women great with child may not take of these pils , neither of the other pils set down before : let them content themselues to eate in a morning , some conserues of sorrell , roses , or borrage , wherewith they may mix some sirrup of limons , and let them be mery and vse a good diet , and good company to passe the time away , and this is the best medicine i can aduise them . the vse of orenges , limons , and pomgranats , is very good ; so is vinegar , cloues , maces , saffron , sorel with your meat , or * either of them in a morning with sugar is good . let all your meates be drest and saused with vinegar , orenges , and limons , maces and saffron , and a little cinamon , and auoide al strong wines , and hot spices . now hauing set downe most excellent preseruatiues for the gentilite , citizens and better sorte , it followeth , that i likewise teach the commons how they may preserue themselues in this time of infectiō : but first of the pomanders , which are apreseruatiue against this infection for the gentlewomen and citizens of this place . a very good pomander to be worne of all the better sort against this infection , and stinking and noisome smels when they go abroade . r. labdanum , of the rinds of citrons ana one dram ; of the three kinds of sanders ana half a dram ; wood of aloes , flowers of buglosse , and nenuphar , rose leaues ana two scruples , alipta muscatae half a scruple ; cloues , marierō ana one scruple ; zedoary roote one scruple , beniamin one dram , storax calamita one dram and a half , campher half a dram ; muske , amber greece ana foure graines ; make your simples in fine powder and mix them with rose water , wherein gum dragagant hath bin dissolued as much as will suffice to make your pomander . this is a singular good pomander , swéet and comfortable , to be worne in this time of sicknesse against corrupt aires , stinking and noisom smels . an other good pomander , though not all thing so costly , to be worne against the infection of the aire . r. of the rinds of citrons one dram ; storax , calamint two drams , labdanum one dramme , of all three kinds of sanders , ana two scruples ; flowers of roses , violets , and nenuphar ana half a dram ; liquid storax , beniamin , ana one dram ; campher one scruple , musk and ambergreece ana three graines , with rose water , & gum dragagant a little quantitie make your pomander . but here i had almost forgotten one preseruatiue which many men commend , and is good indéede , but especially for fearefull persons , such i mean as liue in feare of this sicknesse , and although i haue placed it last , yet not the least to be regarded : citò , longe & tarde , we must flie away spéedily , and we must go far off , and returne againe slowly , it is good for those that can cōueniently so do . let vs put our whole trust in the lord , from whom commeth all helpe , and with contrite hearts for our iniquitie vse the good meanes that the lord hath ordeined and created for vs , and cast away all feare , & i doubt not , but by gods assistance this sicknes shall be taken away . to eate euery morning as much as the kernell of a nut of electuarium de ouo , is a good preseruatiue . so is treacle of andromachus description , which you shal haue at the apothecaries , mix with it as much conserues of roses . thrée or foure graines of bezoar stone taken in the morning in a spoonefull of scabious , or sorrell water , is a good preseruatiue . so is a little diascordium taken in the morning the quantitie of two white peason . also to vse the roote of angelica , stieped in vinegar to chew in your mouth as you go in the stréet is good , and to eate a little thereof . gentian , zedoarie , turmentill , chewed and kept in your mouth are good . sorrell eaten in the morning with a little good vinegar like a sallet , is very good : the vse of orenges and limons is very good , pomegranates and vinegar . it is good euery morning betime , to take some good preseruatiue , and before you goe abroade , it shall not be amisse to eate something to your breakfast that is holesome , as bred , and swéet-butter , a potcht egge with vinegar , or some other thing as you are prouided , & vse alway in going into any infected place a roote of angelica to chew vpon in your mouth , a little spunge dipt in rose-vinegar to smel vnto often times is good , put into a pomander box of iuorie . also to weare a pomander about your necke and smell to it oftentimes , is very good . let your chāber be drest with swéet flowers as these , swéet mints , time , penerial , carnatiōs , roseleaues : and let your chamber bee strued with gréene rushes , vine leaues , oken leaues , and willow leaues & mintes . if you haue any windowes towards the north or northeast kéep them open in cléere daies ; your chamber ought also to bee persumed oftentimes , with the perfumes taught in this book ; you may vse iuniper beniamin , storax and wood of aloes . for your diet . yong mutton , veale , kid , capors , hennes , chickens , rabbets , partridge , fesant , quaile , plouers , small birdes of the fields , pigeons , swéete butter , potched egges with vinegar , but not in hot complexions . water-fowles are not good , neither is porke , or olde powdred béefe . but fishes from fresh riuers is very good eaten with vinegar , and good sauce , they coole the bloud well . let your drinke bée small béere , and well brued , and sometimes a cup of white wine mixed with water for hot complexions , with borrage , and buglosse , but eschew all hot and swéet wines . herbes that be good to bée vsed , sorrel , endiue , succorie , borage , buglosse , parsely , marigoldes , time , marierom , betonie , scabious , isope , mints , purslane , pimpernell , rue , angelica , cardus benedictus , lettuce . make your sauce with cytrin , limons , oreng , sorrell , vinegar , maces , saffron , barberies , and such like . raw , & yong fruit is hurtful , so is garlick , onions , léekes , radish , rocket , mustarde , pepper , and hot spices , and al hot wines , and all these are hurtfull , & so are al swéet meates : let your diet be cooling & drying . preseruatiues for the commons and contrymen , who haue not an apothecarie at hand . take of rue or herbe grace two ounces , of the yong buds of angelica , two ounces ; or for want therof , of the roote or séede one ounce , bolearmoniacke prepared one ounce , of iuniper berries one ounce , of walnuts cleane picked from their skins two ounces , good figges in number sixe or seuen , of saffron sixe peniworth , of good wine vinegar that is sharpe foure ounces . let these be well beaten together in a morter the space of one houre , and then put in your vinegar , and incorporate them together . which being done , put it into some swéete gallie pot or glasse , and couer it close : and take thereof daily in the morning the quantitie of a nutineg . or you may eate thereof at anie time going néere , or in any infectious place . another good preseruatiue of no lesse vertue in resisting all infection . r. of holy thistle , or for want thereof , our ladies thistle so called , betonie , angelica , scabious , sorrell , pimpernell , turmentill , of either of these a handfull , gentian roots also , if they may be had . bruise all these in a stone morter a little , and put thereto a pinte of good vinegar , and halfe a pinte of white wine , and put them into a still , and draw forth the water , and take two or thrée spoonfuls thereof euerie morning fasting , and be frée from all infection . the roote of angelica laid or stieped in good vinegar all night , and a little thereof taken in the morning is a good preseruatiue . the séedes are of the like vertue . another good preseruatiue that defendeth all from infection . take of the kernels of walnuts three ounces , rue one ounce and a halfe , fine bole armoniack one ounce , root of angelica & turmentill of either an ounce , good figs three ounces , myrrhe three drams , saffron foure peniworth . let these be beaten a good space in a morter , then put thereto two or thrée spoonefuls of good vnegar , and as much rosewater , and incorporate them well together , eate hereof as much as a hazell nut in the morning , and at anie other time of the day going where the infection is , and bee frée from all infection . now such as desire to liue in safety , and yet would bestow no cost for their preseruatiō , let them vse this . r. figges seuen or eight in number rue one handfull , the kernels of ten or twelue walnuts cleane picked from their skinnes , foure or sixe spoonfuls of good vinegar , beat these together in a morter , and keepe it close in a boxe , and eate thereof euery morning , and it is good to defend thee from the infection . galen commendeth garlicke , calling it the poore mans treacle , but vndoubtedly it is too hote to be eaten of cholericke persons , or sanguine , or in a hote season , and therefore i cannot commend it , except in cold , moist and rheumaticke bodies , for whom it may be good . i haue set downe , curteous reader , diuers and sundry preseruatiues that you may take your choise : vse them in the name of god. and this i dare boldly affirme , there are in my book as good as are known and sufficient for thy preseruation by gods grace . now it followeth , that i write of confections , electuaries , and potions , required in the cure of the pestilence . an electuarie of great and singular vertue in curing of the pestilence , being taken in time before it be setled at the heart , and nature vtterly ouer come . r. bolearmoniack prepared two ounces , terra sigillata one ounce , myrrhe sixe drams , rootes of gentian , zedoary , angelica and dictamni , of each three drams red corrall , red saunders of each a dram and a half , saffron one dram & a half , yellow saunders one dram , turmētil , scabious , leaues of cardus benedictus or holy thistle of each a dram & a halfe , flowers of marigolds one dramme , the bones of a harts heart halfe a dramme or two scruples , basill seede halfe a dram , good seed pearle two scruples , vnicornes horne two scruples , leafe gold two scruples , harts horne one dram . let all these be made in fine powder euery one by itself . thē take sirrup of limons and sorrell , as much as will be sufficient to make it in an electuarie . adde hereunto good mithridatum one ounce . he that is infected with the pestilence , let him take one dram or one dram and a halfe of this medicine , according to his strength with water of scabious , angelica , or cardus benedictus the quantitie of nine or ten spoonefuls , it must be taken warme , and procure the patient to sweate after two , thrée or foure houres : which if he cannot easily doe , then vse the meanes , as i haue taught in this booke , by putting in of bottles fild with hot water , & if it should so chance the patient should vomit , then giue him as much more ; and if he vomit againe , let him wash his mouth with rose water and vinegar , and receiue his medicine againe , the quantitie before taught , and vndoubtedly by this meanes the venemous infection shal be expulsed , the heart comforted , and the life preserued through gods mercie and goodnes . another electuary curing the pestilence , being taken within twelue , sixteene or eighteene houres , after the person is infected . electuarium de ouo . r. ouum gallinae recens , & educto per apicem albumine , id quod vacuum est , croco orientali imple , vitellum non auferendo : postea cum alio putamine iterum occlude , ne quid transpiret , & lento igne tamdiu assa in ollula , donec tota oui testa ad nigredinem deueniat , exempta è testa materia exsiccetur vt in mortario exquitissimè contundi & in puluerem redigi queat , addendo pulueris sinapis albi quantum praedicta omnia ponderant , postea , anaʒ ij . anaʒ iij. anaʒ j. anaʒ myrrhaeʒ ij . ossis de corde cerui scrup . ij . margaritarumʒ i. camphuraeʒ ij . anaʒ i. puluerizētur omnia sing . per se , misc . omnia simul in mortario , & tandem appone theriaca andromachi ad pondus omnium , & iterum pistillo fortiter contunde & commisce per tres quasi integras horas , agitando fiat electuarium . when any person is infected , let him take a dram or somewhat more , according vnto his strength , mixe and dissolue it in water of scabious , roses , or endiue , as you can haue , or in them altogether the quātitie or measure of eight spoonefuls , & make it warme , and drinke it in gods name , sweate well thereupon , and thou shalt be deliuered from danger of the sicknesse , and is a most approued medicine and spéedie remedie , if it be taken in time : for herein censisteth the danger , namely delay , in which time the venome pierceth vnto the heart , and there setleth , and vanquisheth the vitall spirits . for this is most certaine , as i haue often séene and approoued , that those that take and vse in the very beginning of their sicknesse , some good meanes , scarce two in tenne die , but very spéedily recouer their former health . and truly i cannot but lament the folly of many people , who féeling themselues sicke , driue forth and delay the time , some trusting to their strength and youth : other some take some light and trifling medicine to no purpose , and manie other blinded with a foolish opinion , that physicke can doe them no good : and this is the cause whie so manie die of this sicknes , as they now do . note this , that if a person doe vomite vp his medicine , that then you cause him to wash his mouth with rosewater and vinegar , and giue him as much more , if he cast it vp againe , do as before vntill he kéepe it . a singular confection for the cure of the pestilence . r. rad. angelicae , rad . gentianae , rad . zedoariae , rad . turmentillae , rad . dictamni , rad . valerianae , rad . anaʒ ij . anaʒ●j . cinamomi , myrrhae , boli armeni praeparati , terrae anaʒ iiij . anaʒj . succi scordii , succi calendulae ana vnc . . commisceātur omnia cum syrupo acctositatis citri q. s . incorporentur ad formam opitatae , adde mithridatum andromachi vnc . iii. & theriacae opti . vnc . i. & semis . aqua angelicae vnc . ii . misc . take one dram and a halfe , or two drammes of this confection , or two drammes and a half , according to the age and strength of the patient , with water of scabious , cardus benedictus , or angelica nine or ten spoonefuls , made warme and mixed wel together , let him drinke it and sweate well thereupon . another that cureth the pestilence , and expulseth al venemous infection . r. bolearmoniack prepared halfe an ounce , cinamon two drams , roote of gentian , angelica , zedoarie , turmentil ana two drams ; seed of citrons , red rose leaues , harts horne rased , of the three kinds of saunders of each one dram ; iuniper berries , halfe a dram ; nutmegge , the bone of the deares heart , ii . scrup . seede pearle and orient one dramme ; saffron one dram , red corall two scruples , rinds of citrons two scruples , fragments or peeces of the fiue precious stones , saphiri , hyacinthi , smaragdi , rubini , granati praep . ana one scruple , leafe gold one scruple , bezoar stone one scruple . make these into most fine powder seuerally , which being done , put thereto as much sirrup of limons as will make it in forme of an electuarie , making it somthing thick , & putting thereto of good mithridatum thrée ounces , mixe them . this being taken the weight of one dram or a dram and a halfe , or two drams for a strōg person in water of scabious , angelica , or cardus benedictus , sweating therwithal , cureth the person spéedily of the pestilence , expulsing it by sweat & vrine . another for the commons and countrimen , where these aforesaid set downe cannot be had . r. good mithridatum andromachus a dram & a half , good treacle , i meane not the cōmon treacle sold at the mercers , but at the apothecaries , called theriaca andromach . one dram . mixe these together , and take it in a little posset drink made with white wine , and sweate well therewith , and this cureth the pestilence . if any sore doe arise , then vse the meanes , as i haue taught in this booke , to ripen or suppurate the sore : which being done , let it be opened and drawne forth . another medicine or remedie for the commons and contriemen , very good and effectuall . take a great white onion , cut off the top , and with your knife pike forth the core , and make a wide hollownesse in the middle , which you must fill vp with good treacle , from the apothecaries called theriaca andromachi , or andromachs treacle , let it bée in weight one dram and a halfe : this béeing put into the onion , couer it with that you cut off before , and paaste it ouer and rost it in the imbers , and béeing soft stampe it in a morter , and straine it through a cloth , and with two or thrée spoonfuls of posset drinke mixed with it , take it and sweate thereupon as long as you can , and this wil expulse it from the hart . or this which is very good . r. mithridatum two drams , venice treacle one dram , mix them with water of angelica , cardus benedictus , or scabious , or for want therof posset drink made with white wine , and sweate well . these thrée last medicines i haue set downe for them that cannot haue spéedily the other aforesaid ; and although they séeme meane , yet are they of great vertue in this sicknesse , and cure them that take it in time in the beginning of their sicknesse , obseruing the order of this book therewithall . the signes that signifie and declare a person to be infected with the pestilence . the first is , a great paine and heauinesse in the head . the second is , hée féeleth great heat within his bodie , and the outward partes cold and readie to shake , and is thirstie and drie therewithal . the third signe is , he cannot draw his breath easily , but with some paine and difficultie . the fourth signe is , he hath a great desire to sléepe , and can very hardly refraine from sléeping , but beware hée sléepe not . and sometimes watching dooth vex and trouble him as much and cannot sléepe . the fift signe is , swelling in the stomacke with much paine , breaking forth with stinking sweat . the sixt signe is , diuers & heauie lookes of the eies , séeing all things of one colour , as gréene or yellow , and the eies are changed in their colour . the seuenth signe is , losse of appetite , vnsauourie taste , bitternesse of the mouth sowre and stinking . the eight signe is , wambling of the stomacke , and a desire to vomite , and sometime vomiting humors bitter and of diuers colours . the ninth signe is , the pulse beateth swift and déepe . the tenth signe is , a heauinesse , and dulnesse in all the body , and a faintnes and a weakenesse of the limmes . the eleuenth signe is , the vrine most commonly is troubled , thick & like beastes water , & stinking , but smel to it not if you loue your health : but oftentimes the water dooth not shew at all , especially in the beginning of the sicknesse , therefore trust not vnto the water , but looke vnto the other signes héere aboue set downe . the twelfth and last signe , and surest of all other , is , there ariseth in the necke , vnder the arme , or in the flanke , a tumor or swelling , or in some other part of the bodie there appeareth any red , gréenish , or blackish coloured sore , these are most apparant signes to the eye , that this person is infected with the pestilence . but take héede , bée not deceiued : for oftentimes a person is strongly infected with the pestilence , and hath neither apostume , carbuncle , nor botch appearing , in two or thrée dayes , by which time hée is néere his death : therefore when a botch dooth not appeare spéedily , it is alwaies an euill signe and dangerous . the reason hereof is , nature is weake , and the infection and poison is strong and furious : and nature being weake as in children , and in aged persons , and in others also , through the euill disposition of the body , is not able to make resistance against so furious , and puissant an enemie , and to expulse the infection or poison . and this is the verie reason and cause , why in some persons there appeareth no botch , or sore , but other certaine markes , or spots , as i may call them . now contrariwise , when the infection or poison is more milde and weake , and nature strong , then she gathering hir power and force together strineth and resisteth the infection , and expulseth the poison from the heart , and other the principall members vnto some emunctorie or clensing place , where it may be best purged & auoided . now this is a good signe , that nature is strong , and hath preuailed against the infectious poison ; so is it indéede , if the sore arise not néere about the heart , or throat , or som such dangerous place . and againe nature must now forth with bee aided ; least the venom gathering strength , by the putrefaction of the humors within the body , returne againe vnto the heart . therefore i say the heart must be strengthened with cordialles , and also spéedily comforted : and the other principal members likewise . for we commonly sée notwithstanding the botch be thrust forth by nature , yet the person often and most commonlie dyeth , whereof the greatest and most part might liue , if helpe in due time were administred . and sometimes the infection is so strong , and the body so weake through corrupt and vitious humors , that nature is sodainly ouercome , and the spirits of life expulsed . and this infection naturallie flieth with all possible spéed to the heart , as the principal member of life , to surprize it , & pierceth sooner vnto the heart of cholerick persons then any other complexion ; although the sanguine be more apt to be infected by reason of their heat and moisture , and phlegmatick are also apt through humiditie , that is in them : the melancholie are not apt to be infected , but hardlie cured béeing infected now forasmuch as this sicknesse is swift , fierce , and dangerous , and spéedily expulseth life , if it be not preuented in time by good medicine : let vs i say leaue our follie , in delaying to vse the meanes for our helpe , remembring this good counsell principijs obsta , sero medicina paratur &c. we must stop the beginninges , medecines come too late , nature béeing ouercome through the long suffering of the euil . and what is the reasō that so many dy ofthis sicknesse as they doe , i think you wil answere me it is gods hand and visitation , & contra mortem non est remedium : i grant indéede it is gods visitation , and so is all other sicknesses . and this is the difference , this sicknesse is strong , swift , and dangerous , and killeth many through his violence , and venemous quality : some other more mild , yet killeth also in some short time , if it be not preuented : and some other so mild & weake , that nature being strong doth ouercome hir selfe with good diet without the benefit of medicines . the verie causes indeed that so many die of this sicknesse are two . the first is the strength , power , and venemous qualitie of this sicknes , spéedily surprizing the vitall spirits . the second cause is , our delay to vse medicine in time , and not vsing good and effectuall medicines , such as haue vertue by gods grace giuen vnto them for the curing and withstanding of this violent sickenes . we must relie vpon god , fixing our whole trust in him , and thankfully and diligently vse the good meanes that hee hath ordained and created , for our health and helpe in time of sicknes . and against this contagious sicknesse , i haue set downe good preseruatiues , which being vsed , will by gods grace preuent the danger . and also most excellent and approued remedies for this sicknesse , that whoso vseth them in time , shal vndoubtedly by gods grace and mercie be spéedily cured . now it followeth , that i teach the vse of them , and the true and perfect cure of the pestilence , and what is to be obserued in the cure thereof . and first , i will teach the cure of the pestilence when no botch or sore appeareth , and how to preuent the rising of any botch or sore most commonly in all persons . the cure of the pestilence , when no botch , or sore appeareth , and how to preuent the rising of any botch or sores most commonly in all persons . in the cure of this sicknes there are thrée intentions especially required . the first is to aide and helpe nature , to expell the infection and venemous poison . the second is to comfort the heart , and other the principall members of the body . the third is a good obseruation in diet , afterward to be vsed . and at the first when any person féeleth himselfe sicke , let him well consider , whether any of the signes before set downe , that signifie a person infected , be in him or no : & if he find any of them at al in himselfe , then let him be assured it is the sicknesse . but héere hée must not deferre the time , doubting , and making farther trial , whether it bée or no : for in this time when the pestilence reigneth , there are few other sicknesses . the nature of this venemous and corrupt aire is to alter and conuert other sicknesses into the pestilence , as we find most true by experience . and againe , the nature and qualitie of this dangerous sicknesse , is , euer with all swiftnesse to approch and assaile the heart the principall member and fountaine of life . héere may it appeare , how dangerous delay is in this sicknesse , in not vsing some good and approued medicine , that hath vertue through gods gift to withstand the force thereof , and power to expell the venemous infection of this contagious sickenes . now to preuent this lyon of his pray , note what is to be done . first , when any féeleth himselfe sicke or euill at ease , if the sicknes begin hote with paine in his head , if he be of a sanguine or cholericke complexion , or hath a plethoricke bodie , that is , a bodie full of humors , large veines and full : let euery such person in anie wife be let bloud in the liuer vaine & right arme . and if there should be felt anie forenesse in any side of the body more then the other ; then let him bléede in that arme on the side grieued ; which being done , let the chirurgion decently bind vp his arme : and if the person be weake , then let this be done in his bed , and with spéede let him take one of the foure medicines set downe before in this booke for the cure of the pestilencé , the quantitie and the maner is there set downe . let him receiue his medicine warme , and procure him to sweat : which if he cannot easily doe , then must you fill some bottles with hot water , and set them in the bed about him , by which meanes you shall cause him to sweate spéedily . let him continue sweating thrée , foure , or . houres , or according to his strength , as he can endure it , giuing him , if he be verie drie in his sweate , a little of one of the cordiall confections set downe in this booke , to be vsed to a person after his sweat . and the kéeper must take great héede that the sicke person sléepe not : for whosoeuer is infected with the sicknes , must carefully be kept from sléepe , vntill they haue bled , if they may bleede , and taken their medicine , and sweate fiue or sixe houres after , and in so doing all for the most part shall bee spéedily cured of this sicknes . the patient hauing sweat well , drie his bodie with warme and soft clothes , and if the shéetes be wet with sweat , then pul them away , and let him rest in gods name , so hee sléepe not . and giue him to eate sometimes of one of the confections , that comforteth the heart , that giueth great comfort and strength vnto the body and principall members thereof , and therefore not to be omitted . two houres after his sweate giue him to eate some broth made with a chicken or a capon . in which broth boile endiue , borage , buglosse , and a little parsly , raisins of the sunne , and two or thrée dates , and a little whole mace . let his drinke be good , stale , and middle ale , wherein you must boile whole mace and some sugar . and if he be very drie , as commonly in this sicknesse they are , then giue him a spoonefull of one of the sirrups set downe in this booke for that purpose , which doth both assooage thirst and drinesse , and comforts the heart withall , he may vse to take a spoonefull when he is drie . his diet must be chickens , capon , rabbet , partridge or such like : but for want thereof young mutton or veale : and let him vse with his meate limons , orenges , pomegranats , good vinegar , graines of paradise , mace , a little saffron . let his chamber be perfumed with the balles or trochises set downe in this booke before for the purging and amending of the aire . vse them thrée or foure times in the day , and for want thereof take beniamin , storax calamita & liquid , wood of aloes , and burne it in some chafingdish or fuming pot for the purging of the aire in the chamber . and diuers times sprinkle his chamber with vinegar , or water and vinegar together . now within fiue or sixe houres after his sweate , or if it be longer it is the better , let him sléepe in gods name , and remember that you giue the patient oftentimes in the day one of the confections set downe in this booke , to comfort the heart , & giue him his broth and meat a little at a time , and the oftener , and giue him sometimes a cake of manus christito cate . and aboue all things , let him be of good comfort , fixing his hope aboue in the almightie , from whom commeth all help , health , and comfort : for obseruing what i haue taught , there is no danger of death : and for the most part all they that vse this order and direction , recouer and be frée from all danger within two or thrée dayes , except some verie few , that haue vnsound and very corrupt bodies before the infection . and this will i vndertake by gods leaue and his holy assistance to performe , and that not one in sixe persons shall die that taketh a good medicine , and that vseth this order and followeth my direction : for by this meanes of taking away of bloud , euacuation by sweate and purging the bodie , the infection and poisoned matter is expelled : insomuch that seldome riseth anie botch or sore , because the matter whereof the botch ariseth is otherwise cast forth . and if any doe arise , as sometimes there doth , by diligent foresight and good application it may spéedily be brought to suppuration , and drawne forth . but if no botch do arise within two dayes after his sweate , then doth none arise at all , doing as i shall shew you . the third or rather the second day , if he be any thing strong , and no botch appearing , giue the patient this potion vnderwritten , which will purge forth the rest or remnant of the venemous infection . a purging potion of great vertue , that expulseth all venemous and corrupt humours from the body . here i warne all men that they meddle with no purging medicine when the botch or carbuncle appeareth , and groweth towards ripenesse : for so shall they draw the venome in againe , which nature hath put forth before . r. leaues and flowers of holy thistle , scabious , turmentill , three leaued grasse , of each a little handful , gentian , tamarims , of each two scruples : good rubarbe one dram : water of bugloffe and endiue , of each an ounce and a halfe , sene three drams : water of scabious one ounce , flowers of borage a little handfull : make your infusion , which being done , put thereto diacatholicon halfe an ounce , manna halfe an ounce , sir . ros . solutiue one ounce . this potion hath a most excellent propertie in purging the bodie from venemous and corrupt humours , as the learned may iudge at the sight thereof . this potion must be taken of the patient the secōd or third day at the furthest after his sweating , when no botch appeareth . and let him forbeare to eate , drink , or sléep , vntil it hath wrought his effect , which is in giuing fiue , sixe , or seuen stooles . afterward let him receiue some broth , and vse a good diet , and also vse his cordiall confection for thrée , foure or fiue dayes , and rest in health in gods name , for he shall néede no further physicke : if he be disposed he may take the potion aboue written another day , for the thorow-purging of his body , and it shall be good so to do . this is the true and perfect cure of the pestilence , being vsed in time , i meane in the beginning of the sickenes , within foure , or six , or in some within twelue houres : the sooner the better , for in a little time this venemous infection gathereth strength , by the euill humours which it turneth into putrifaction , and swiftly assaulteth the heart , and without spéedy and good remedie , as we see dayly , death followeth . now it followeth that i teach the way or meanes to cure such in whom the botch appeareth , which ( god assisting me ) i will doe . the way or meanes to cure such in whom the botch appeareth . this sicknesse ( the pestilence ) is a fierce , swift , and dangerous disease , and verie quickly destroyeth nature : therefore i counsell all men againe , to vse at the first some spéedie helpe : for giuing it sufferance but a little time it resisteth all cure , neither is it in humaine power to helpe it , as we dayly see . héere i cannot but lament the follie of manie people , who neglect the vse of good means in time : some foolishly conceited , that physicke can do them no good : some other vsing some light and trifling medicine to no purpose : some other vsing none at all , standing vnto the mercy of the sicknesse , which is mercilesse , and thus manie perish daily : not perish neither , therein i saide not well : beati mortui qui in domino moriuntur , blessed are the dead that die in the lord. god giue vnto vs his grace , that wee may learne to contemne this vaine world , and be ready when he doth call , and while we liue here , to vse thankfully his good creatures vnto his glory and our comfort . now vnto the cure of the pestilence , which is my purpose . when any person féeleth himself infected , and that the sore beginneth to arise or appeare , if the sicknesse begin hote , and that he feeleth in himselfe anie great heate aboue nature , being of a sanguine or cholericke complexion , strong , and bloud any thing abounding , then would i haue that person with spéede let bloud , if it be within twentie foure houres of his sickening , and that the sore or botch be not yet in way of ripening , but newly risen . for you must note that blood is to be taken at the beginning of the sicknesse , and before the botch be growing to suppuration , or not at all : for at this time the botch hauing béene forth , and growing to suppuration , you should greatly hinder nature , and weaken the person , and indanger his life . but in the beginning of the sicknesse , it is a speciall good thing in all persons , in whom bloud doth abound . but these persons i doe except , women with child , or lately deliuered ; old men that grow towards thréescore , and children , also weake & féeble persons , wherin is cacochymia and little bloud : these persons may not bléed , but must receiue some medicine before set downe for the cure of the pestilence , and sweate therwith , and take cordials as i will shew them . but such as may bléede must obserue this rule in bléeding , according vnto the place where the sore or botch is placed or appearing . if the sore or botch appeare in the throate , necke , or vnder the eares , then open the head vaine cephalica in the arme , on that side , whereon the sore or botch is . and if the sore or botch arise in the armepit , then open the vaine mediana , which is betwéene the head vaine and the vaine comming from the liuer . if the sore or botch arise in the flancke , then open the vaine saphena in the inner side of the foote : alway remembring this note , that you let blood on that side whereon the botch appeareth : for on the contrary side it is dangerous and euill , drawing the venome ouerthwart the spiritual members , to the great danger of the patient . the quantity must be according vnto the strength of the patient , in those that be young , strong , and full of bloud , it is good to take much away , and in others according vnto their abilitie of body . and in this time of necessitie , when it may not be deferd , you must neither regard time , neither signe nor aspect or coniunction of planets , but in the name of god do it . quouis tempore & hora mittere sanguinem necessitas concedit & iubet : two houres delay in bléeding may be the cause of death . this being done , or not done , in those persons aboue named , who may not bléede : let there be giuen vnto the sicke person , of one of the medicines set downe for the cure of the plague before in this booke , and procure the sicke to sweate well : which if they cannot spéedily do , then you may vse the meanes before taught with bottles , whereby a sweate shall spéedily be brought forth : and let the patient endure it as long as he is able . and remember that you kéepe the sicke from sléepe in his sweat , and fiue or sixe houres after , if he be very faint , giue him of one of the cordiall confections to eate of sometime : and if he be so thirstie that hee must néedes drinke , then giue him of the sirrup set downe in this booke for that purpose . but you ought not in any wise to giue him drinke after his medicine , vntill he hath sweat well : and that which you giue him , must bee warme and comfortable . and hauing sweat well , dry his body with warme and soft clothes : and so let him rest , kéeping him from sléepe . within two houres giue him some good broth to eat made with a chicken , in which broth boile a little whole mace , dates , raisins of the sunne , endiue , borage , buglosse , & rings or some péeces of gold . let him haue oftentimes to eate of one of the cordiall confections , set down in this booke : and let his drinke be the first day betonie water , scabious and borage water , of each of them halfe a pinte , boiled a little with sugar and whole mace . after you may giue him ale , if not strong , boiled with mace and sugar . let his meate be chickens , capon , rabbet , yong mutton , or veale , and let him vse orenges , limons , pomegranets , graines of paradise , and all thing that doth comfort the heart and coole . you must perfume the chamber oftentimes in the day with the perfumes set downe in this booke , which will purge the aire of the chamber ; and sprinkle the floore of the chamber with good vinegar , and giue him to smell vnto oftentimes a cloth wet in rose vinegar . now must the sore or botch be looked vnto . and to ripen and bring it to suppuration , you shall find medicines set downe in this booke . if the sore do arise néere the heart , i haue set downe meanes to defend the heart , and to drawe the sore or botch further off : or if the botch appeare in the throte , then likwise draw it further for feare of suffocation , or choking the patient . if watching or rauing trouble him , i haue set downe meanes to helpe it . if thirst and drinesse vexe him , i haue set downe comfortable sirrupes to remedie it , or whatsoeuer he shall néed in this cure , if aduisedly you follow my direction . the patient ought to change his chamber sometimes , and to vse often the perfumes before set down : and to kéepe the house all the time of his sicknes vntill his sore be well , changing himselfe in fresh apparell well aired , and persumed before . and those that are about him must haue care of themselues , and eate daily euery morning some good preseruatiue . and aboue all , let them take héede of the aire or breath of the sore when it is opened : alway holding some roote of angelica stieped in vinegar in their mouth , or some other strong and good preseruatiue , and let them eate sometimes a little good mithridatum , or anie one of the confections preseruatiue set downe in this booke against the pestilence : and also let the kéeper take héede how to bestowe the plaisters that come from the sore . well now remember what i haue said ought to be done in this cure of the pestilence . first , that with all spéede you vse remedy without delaying the time , for therein chiefly consisteth the danger . secondly , that you bléed , if no cause forbid it , as afore is taught . thirdly , that you take one of the medicines before set downe in this booke , and sweate therewithall , and refraine from sléepe . fourthly , that you vse the cordials to comfort the heart set downe , and that you eat of them oftentimes in the day . fiftly , that if the patient be faint , you must vse the epithymum , and cpithymate the heart therewith . sixtly , that if the sore or botch appeare , and rise néere vnto the heart , that then you vse vpon the heart a defensitiue , and with spéede drawe the botch further off . the seuenth obseruation is , that with spéede you apply medicines to suppurate the sore , and drawe it forth . the eight is , that the chamber be oftentimes perfumed , that the aire thereof may be purged , and made holsome : and that the patient change his chamber oftentimes . the ninth is , that he vse the diet before taught , eating a little at a time , and the oftner . and to vse the sirrups and consections to coole and comfort . the tenth , which should haue béene the first , is , that the patient in anie case be kept from sléepe , from his first sickening vntill he haue taken his medicine , and sweat , and sire or eight houres after , and then to sléepe but one houre , and the next day let him sléepe thrée houres at times , but not aboue one houre at a time : and after the third day you may giue him more sléepe . but in the beginning of his sicknes , it is most dangerous : for by sléepe the spirits are drawne inward , and therewithall the venome is attracted vnto the heart , and also the feuer made more vehement and sharpe . and this is the cause that many die , that might liue if they were kept from sléepe , and therewithall take some good medicine . the eleuenth is , that the patient kéepe his chamber during the time of his sicknes , and refraine all companie , that he hurt not others . the twelfth is , that being well , he giue humble thanks to god , and then let him change his apparell , being well perfumed , and in the name of god goe abroade . and if the botch arise néere vnto the heart , then before you sweate , it were good to apply this defensitiue vnto the heart , being thinne spread vpon a fine cloth , as broad as wil couer the heart . r. good mithridatum one dram , andromachus treacle halfe a dram , red saunders , terra lemna halfe a scruple , with water of roses and vinegar , as much as will suffice , make it in forme of an vnguent in a morter . a good cordial comforting the heart and cooling , to be vsed after the patient hath sweat or purged , and oftentimes in the day to take of it as much as a good hazell nut at a time . r. conserues of roses , borage , and buglosse , of each one ounce : diamargariton frigidum , diarrhodon abbatis , of each halfe an ounce : seedes of citrons two scruples or a dram : manus christi three drams : fol. auri number . bolearmoniack prepared two scruples . mixe them , and let the sicke eate hereof many times in the day . a good potion giuing fiue or sixe stooles gently , which purgeth venemous filthy humours from the bodie , to be taken the third day after sweat , if no sore or botch appeare , or when a sore or botch hath runne , and is growing well , then is it good to vse this . r. flo. & fol. card. benedict . one handfull : fol. scabi , betonicae one handful : root of gentian one dram : good rubarb one dram ; water of buglosse , scabious & borage , of ech an ounce : let there be made an infusion therof . then adde vnto it diacatholicō halfe an ounce , cassia with manna halfe an ounce : sirrupe of roses solutiue one ounce , misce . this ought to be taken in the morning , and neither eate , drinke , nor sléepe vntill it hath wrought his effect , in giuing fiue , sixe , or seuen stooles , and vse your selfe as is before taught in purging . another good cordiall greatly comforting the patient after his sweate to be eaten oftentimes , a little at a time , and to continue the vse thereof three or foure dayes , vntill he be strong , and all danger past , or in his sweate a little , if he be weake , faint , and apt to swoune . r. conserues of roses , borage and buglosse of each half an ounce : spe . diagem . cal . & frig . of each one scrup . bolearmoniack prepared two scruples : spe . diamargarit . cal . & frig . of each one scruple : diarrhodon abba . halfe an ounce : sirrupe of limons and sorrell , of ech halfe an ounce , misce . within two howers after the patient hath sweat , giue him a little good broth , made of a chicken or capon , and let him eate a little at a time , and the oftner , according vnto his strength and stomacke : and let him be of good comfort , and eschew all feare & doubt , fixing his hope aboue in the almightie , from whom commeth all helpe and comfort . let his meat be chickens , or some light and good nourishing meate , as young pullets , capons , partridge , rabbets , or such like : but for want of these , young mutton , or veale , and let it be giuen him with sauce made with an orenge , a limon , and a little good vinegre with mace and saffron : and make vnto all his meate these coole and sharpe sauces : and vse no hote spices , neither strong wines in anie wise . let his drinke be middle ale , cleane brewed and well boyled with maces and sugar : also you ought to keepe him from sléepe the first day vntill it be toward night , & then let him rest in gods name one houre . and if the patient be verie drie and thirsty , as most commonly they are , then giue him of this iulep thrée or foure spoonefuls at a time to drinke . r. water of roses , endiue and buglosse of each three ounces , sorrell water foure ounces , good vinegar foure ounces : iuice of limons foure ounces : sugar one pound , boyle them a little ouer a soft fire : which done , and cooled againe , giue him a little thereof to drinke , the quantity of two or three spoonefuls at a time . also a ptisan made with barley , liquorice , and coole hearbes , is good to asswage his thirst . but vse this , which i do most commend for the asswaging of thirst and drinesse . r. sirrupe of endiue comp . sir . of sorrell of ech three ounces : water of roses , and buglosse , of ech one ounce : sirrup of limons two ounces , mixe them . let the patient haue sometimes , or as often as hée is drie , one spoonefull of this sirrupe , which is verie good : and this shall suffice , for the amending of his heate and drinesse . giue him to eate sometimes of a limon with sugar , or of a pomgranate , which are both verie good . or this asswageth and taketh away all thirst , and drinesse in this case . r. water of roses , and buglosse of ech three ounces : sirrupe of endiue and limons , of each two ounces , oile of vitrioll one scruple . mixc them . the taking of this one spoonefull at a time , taketh away drinesse and thirst . and if the patient be verie faint and weake after his sweating , or before his sweating , then apply this quilt vpon the region of the heart : and let him weare it continually for a while . a quilt for comforting and strengthening the heart , when the patient is weake , to be worne after his sweating . r. flowers of water lillies , borage and buglosse , of each halfe a dramme : red rose leaues one dram : flowers of balme & rosemaric , of each two drams : maces one dram : ofred and yellowe saunders , of each one dramme : wood of aloes , cloues , of each one dram : seeds of citrons , iuniper berries , of each one dram : saffron sixe graines : of the bone of the deeres heart one scruple . let them bee made in grosse powder , & quilt it in crimson or scarlet coloured taffeta , or fine cloth . this quilt being made by the apothecarie , vse it ouer , or vpon the heart of the sicke , in such manner as it may avide without falling away . an epithymum that doth much comfort the heart , when a person is weake . r. water of roses , borage , and buglosse of either three ounces : vinegar one ounce : forrell water two ounces : wood of aloes , red saunders , barkes of citrons , of euery one of them two drams : saffron sixe graines : electuarium de gemmis one dram : diamargariton two scruples . mixe them together , and make an epithymum . a little of this must bee made warme in some pewter dish , and then take little clothes of fine linnen , which fold vp two or thrée double . then moisten one of your clothes and wring it forth lightly , & apply it vnto the heart , kéeping it there a while , vntill it begin to be cold : then take another , and so a quarter of an houre together , and this you may doe two or thrée times in the day , applying afterward the quilt aforetaught . this is to be done when a person is weake and faint . a potion purging gently all venemous and corrupt humours from the body . r. scabi . card. benedict . mors . diaboli ana pu . i. betonicae pu . i. trifolii pu . i. rad . gentianae scrup . i. flo . boraginis , buglossae ana pu . i. sem . citrini scru . i. rhubarb . clectae ʒ j. sene ʒ iij. aqua scab . endiniae & buglossae ana vnc . j. & semis . fiat infusio . deinde adde diacatholicon vnc . j. manna calab . vnc . semis . sir . rosarum solutiu . vnc . i. misce & fiat potio . take this potion the second or third day after your sweating , so it be not on the changing or full of the moone , and the sooner the better , no botch or sore appearing . this will worke gently in all bodies , and purge strongly and effectually , and cleanseth and purgeth the bodie of the remnant of the venemous infection , and corrupt humours . take the other part the second day after early in the morning , you must neither eate , drinke , nor sléepe vntill it hath wrought his effect , which is in giuing you seuen or eight stooles . within an houre after the taking of it , or thereabout it will worke : haue therefore in readines your stoole with warme water . if after the taking of it you feare casting it vp , then vse abrowne toste and vinegar to your nose , and smell thereto oftentimes . within foure or fiue houres you may take a little good broth made with a chicken , veale , or mutton , with hearbes as afore taught . and when it hath wrought his effect , which will be within fiue houres , or thereabout , then may you eate some of your meat , and take your rest a while after , if you haue any disposition to sléep . make a light supper , and kéepe and obserue a good diet , kéeping your selfe within your chamber or house ten or twelue dayes . they that would haue it lesse purging , may take the third part before set downe . and although it work strongly , yet is it gentle , easie and hurtlesse . it purgeth choler , flegme , and all corrupt and superfluous humours . i could set downe many for the purging of the bodie , but none better , or to be preferred before it in this case : and this will suffice . at other times , we commonly giue sirrupes bnfore , opening , extenuating and preparing the bodie , but in this case , where the matter aboundeth , and requireth spéedie euacuation , we stand not vpon it . oftentimes and most commonly in this contagious sicknes the patient is troubled with lightnesse in his head , and cannot sléepe : the reason hereof is , note the braine is distempered by heate : hote vapours ascending and flying vp from the stomacke . and this is the reason they sléepe not : and the cause of their raging is want of sléepe , and a distemperature of the braine . when a person is so troubled , then vse this vnderwritten . an vnguent to annoint the temples and browes of him that cannot sleepe through heat , and distemperature of the braine . r. vnguentum popillion vnc . semiss . vnguentum rosarum vnc . semiss . vnguentum alabastra vnc . anaʒ ij . opium scrup . j. or scrup . ij . in aqua rosarum dissol . misce . with this annoint his temples , and the for part of his head sometimes , when you would haue him to sléepe . and giue him to eat this , which is excéeding good to cause sléepe , and stay raging . r. conserue of roses halfe an ounce : diascordium two drams : sirrupe of popie halfe an ounce : sirrupe of limons two drams : mixe them . giue him the halfe of this to eate , which will greatly further and prouoke sléepe . or this will also greatly prouoke sléepe . r. sirrupe of violets , sirrupe of limons , sirrupe of poppie of each one ounce : diascordium three drams : mixe them . giue the patient sometime of this in a spoone to drink , for it is good to prouoke sléepe and stay raging . a frontall to be applyed vnto the fore part of the head , to cause sleep . r. flowers of roses , violets , and water lillies , of each a little handfull : of the seeds and heads of poppie , one dram : of the three kinds of saunders , of each one dram : flowers of camomill , betonie , & melilote , ana pu . ss . beate them into grosse powder , and let a frontall be made thereof . apply this frontall vnto his head , as afore taught . i haue set downe these meanes to cause and prouoke sléepe , and stay the raging that is oftentimes in this sicknesse . but you must note , that this is not to be vsed in the beginning of his sicknesse : for in the beginning of the sicknesse the person ought in anie wise to be kept from sléepe . for as through sléepe the spirits are drawne inward , and the venome therewith attracted vnto the heart : so the heat is also excéedingly increased through sléepe . therefore this meanes that i haue set downe for causing of sléepe or anie other to sléepe , may not bée vsed vntill the patient hath sweat , and two or thrée dayes after his sickening . and the sore forth , then may you safely vse them to his great comfort & ease . through the great interior heat , the patient his tongue , throte and mouth will be sore , as i haue often séene , then make this gargarisme . a gargarisme to heale the mouth , throat & tongue in this sicknesse , if it be sore through the heat of the stomacke . r. barley excoricated or common barley a handfull , plantain leaues , strawberry leaues , violet leaues , sinckfoile leaues , of either of these a handful : bryer tops halfe a handfull : woodbine leaues and collumbine leaues , halfe a handfull : shred and bruise these hearbes a little , and then boyle them in a quarte of faire water , which beeing well boyled , straine it forth , and put thereto diamoron two ounces , sirrupe of roses two ounces , mel rosarum or honey of roses two ounces : mixe these , and let the patient vse it often to wash and gargarize his mouth . the vse of a little white wine sometimes is good with rose-water , and a little vinegar to wash his moth withal . to vomit at the beginning of the sicknesse is good : for if a person fall sicke at his meate , or within a while after his meate ; then ought hee to prouoke vomite , and when he hath vomited , then to take a medicine set downe for the cure of the pestilence , and sweat therewithall , and do as i haue taught in this booke before : but if he bée much troubled with vomiting in his sicknesse , then let him vse this that i shall teach him . gariphilarumʒ ij . syr . limonum vnc . semis . diamargariton frid . ʒ ij . misc . and if his vomiting should not stay , then were it good for him to take some gentle purging potion to expulse these corrupt humours that sucketh vp that disposition to vomite . i doubt not but what i haue written is sufficient for the interiour part . now will i come to the externall and outward application , and shew what is to bee done in suppurating and opening the sore . hauing taken one of the medicines afore taught , and sweat , vsing the cordiall appointed , apply vnto the sore this vnderwritten , which will drawe it forth , and ripen it : and you must haue special care that with spéede you draw forth the sore , apostume or carbuncle , least it returne againe into the bodie . a plaister to suppurate , drawe forth , and ripen the sore or botch , although common , yet very good and commended of al that vse it . take a great white onion , & cut off the head of it , & with your knife picke out the coare or middle part , and fill that hollow place full of good treacle , not common treacle , but theriaca andromachi , which you shall haue at the apothecaries . put on the head of the onion , and paast it with a little dow or leuen , and set it to roste in the imbers , and being soft rosted , take it forth and pill it , and stampe it in a morter , and lay it hote vnto the sore vpon some double cloth , and rowle it softly that it fal not off , & renew it and lay on fresh , euery sixe houres . and here i must néeds commend the vse of a yong cocke to be vsed in this maner vnto the sore . pull away the feathers from about the fundament of the cocke , and place the fundament vpon the sore , and hold his bill sometime to kéepe in his breath , he shall the better draw the venome : & if he die , then take another , and do so againe . then lay on this cataplasma , which i haue often vsed , and approued to bee verie good to draw forth and suppurate the sore . r. one lilly roote , young mallowes , one handful , let them be bruised in a morter : lineseede two or three sponefuls beaten grossely , boyle them together in sufficient water , or as much as will couer them , boyle them vntill they be very soft and thick , then put thereunto figges six or seuen : halfe a good handfull of raisins stoned , mix these together , and put vnto it oyle of camomil two spoonefuls , and being very warme lay it to the sore , and binde it softly that it may abide on , change it euery twenhoures . another that ripeneth the botch and bringeth it speedely vnto suppuration . r. onions and garlicke heads , of each of them in number foure : rost them in the imbers , then stampe them in a morter , and put thereto of fenegreeck and line seede of each a good spoonefull , snayles with their shelles foure or fiue , figs in number foure : leauen as much as a walnut , barrowes liquor as much as two walnuts , mix them in a morter , and warme it & apply it vnto the sore . an implaister that ripeneth the sore or botch . r. galbanum ammoniacum , bedelium ana j ounce , dissolue them in vinegar at the fire and strain them and put thereto diachilon magnum ij . ounces , mix them and spread it vpon a thick cloth , and lay it to the sore and change it euery xvi . houres . another plaister that draweth forth the sore and ripeneth it speedily . take a white lillie roote , yong mallowes two handfull , scabious one handfull : shred them and bruse them , and boile them in a sufficient quantitie of ale grounds , and put thereto of line-séede two or thrée spoonefuls beaten , and as much fenegréek beaten likewise , sower leauen as much as two walenuts , mixe them , and lay it warme vnto the sore , changing it euery sixtéene houres , two or thrée times vsing it , ripens the botch . by vsing any of these pultesses , or cataplasmes , you may spéedilie ripen the botch or sore , and béeing ripe , it ought to bée opened by the chirurgion in the lower part thereof , that the matter may be the better auoided . and remēber this note , that whatsoeuer you apply or lay vnto the botch must not be cold , i meane cold in qualitie and operation . for cold medicines would driue backe againe that venemous matter true hath expelled , to the great daunger of the that napatient . and if you feare the opening of it , which is indéeds nothing to suffer , then let the chirurgion vse a potentiall instrument , i meane a causticke , and béeing done vse this digestion . r. cleare turpentine washed one ounce , a yolke of a newe laide egge , as much : oyle of saint iohns worte halfe a dram , of good mithridatum halfe a dram . mixe all these together and vse it vnto the wounde vntill it be wel digested , which you may know by the whitenesse , thicknesse , and great quantity of the matter . and notwithstanding it is now running , yet shall it bée good for you to vse one of the pultise afore taught , it will ripen and bring forth the rest . this is dangerous for those that are about you , therefore bée carefull to kéepe your chamber , and also how you bestow the plasters that you vse vnto your sore , that others be not infected thereby . you ought to vse dayly in your chamber the perfumes before set downe thrée or foure times a day , to vse a good diet , and to eate of some of the cordials before set downe , and your sore béeing néere well , then ought you to purge with one of the potions before set downe . what is to be done when a sore or botch lieth deepe and commes not forth . you must take one of the medicines afore set down for the cure of the plague , and sweat therewithall : but if the apostume or sorely déep , notwithstanding your sweat , then must you fasten cupping glasses ouer or vpon the sore , first scarifing the place , and when you haue vsed your cupping glasses , then vse a yong cock or pullet , as before is taught , pulling the fethers from about the rumpe and taile , putting a little salt into the fundament of the cocke or pullet , set it vnto your sore houlding the bil of him sometime to retaine his breath : and if he die take one more , and do as before , and then apply the plaister of onions and treacle setdown before : and then applie some one of the other which will bring it to suppuration , then let it be opened as before taught . what is to be done when the botch wil not come to suppuration , but continues hard . if a botch come not to suppuration within thrée or foure daies , as most commonly it dooth , but resisteth your application continuing hard , then must you vse some caustick or strong vessicatorie , or insitiō which i like not of , the matter béeing vnripe or not altered into corruption : the continuance of a botch vnsuppurated and not drawn forth is very dangerous : the reason is , the venome gathereth strength by putrifaction within the body and returnes vnto the heart againe . then farewell life . this i haue knowne , and i am perswaded may die that might liue , if this were séene vnto . therefore to preuent danger , rather open the botch before it be full turned vnto suppuration , and vse cataplasmes and pultesses to ripen the rest that remaines . but being still hard , then i say you must vse the counsell of a chirurgion , and open it with a causticke , as i before sayd , how and wherewith i woulde teach , but it would bee too long in this place . first , before it bée opened , let it be well epithymated : and vse some cordiall set downe in this book , two or thrée times a day . and then vse digestions and salue to heales . what is to bee done when a botch strikes . in againe . sometimes i haue knowne the botch to appeare , and yet sodainlie to fall in againe , and this is euer a dangerous and deadly signe . but i will shewe you all that may bee done : and manie haue by this meanes béene relieued from death . first , with all spéede giue him some one of the foure electuaries set downe in this booke for the cure of the plague , the quantitie is there set downe : and procure him to sweate as long as he can endure it . then drie him with warme clothes . and giue him cordials to eate of , set downe in this booke . then ought hee to haue a glister , the which i will set downe , and the next day early giue him my purging potion set downe before : the which is good in this case : and giue him often cordials to eate . and by this meanes ( by gods grace ) the patient shall be deliuered from death . the clister . r. maluae , althaeae ambarum cum radicibus ana m. ss . mercurialis , hipericonis , meliloti ana m. ss . scabi m. ss . sem . lim , & fenigraeci vnc . j. fiat decoctio , m huius libra dissolue butyri vnc . i. mellis rosarum vnc . ii . olei violacei vnc . ii . catholici vnc . semiss . succhari rub . vnc . j. misce & fiat clister . take foure ounces lesse of the decoction , for that it will be too much in quantitie . let this glister bée giuen to the patient : and then the next morning receiue the potion set downe before , that purgeth venemous matter from the bodie , and obserue what i haue written . when a botch ariseth neare vnto the heart , or in the throte : then must you desire helpe of the chirurgion , who with cupping glasses may drawe the sore or botch farther off . to set downe the maner héere it were néedlesse , euery chirurgion that hath anie iudgement and practise knowes how to do it . i will here end , beséeching god to bee mercifull vnto vs , forgiue our sins , and make vs thankful for his great blessings bestowed vpon vs , blesse our labours , and cease this sicknesse . amen . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e ne ope diuina ●il valemus . notes for div a -e what the plague is . aerem vitiati ac putridum . ●●metimes the ● is corrup●● by naturall ●ses , & som●●●es by euill ●its com●ded by god ●●e first cause . ●●mb . . . ●ut . . . . ● . leuit , . ● vers . . ●en . de diff ●rium cap . ●ocrat . de ●hus . . cause is corruption he aire . third he is the e●disposition ●e body . note . gal. de diff . febrium lib. . cap. . the second cause of the pestilence . rotten exhaltions may corupt the aire . the aire tha● commeth frō such stinking places corru●● the blood . the third cau●● of the pestilēd is the euill diposition of the body . perfected ●n an● . ●ritudi●●m est . remember this whilst th● liuest here . ●uations . ●e good ●ers were in the of all ●ishes in●● & good persons ●t to be ●ed . yet it were good to take counsell of some doctor . to prepare the body . the potion purging . what is to be obserued in the ●aking of this ●otion . and draweth from all parts superfluous humors . these are the signes of repletion . both in feuers dropsies , rhumes falling sicknesse . galen de humoribus . qualitie . quantity . eccl. . galen iuuent . nēbrorum lib. . cap. . heate is the cause , of digestion . auicen . hippocrat . in aphoris . except one draught for a cold and weake stomacke . arist . de som . somnus causatur ex vapore cibi , qui vadit ad cerebrum . moderate sleep is good , and greatly comforts nature . ●eepe in the ●y makes the ●dy apt to in●ction in this ●●e of sicknes . ●ne nimium ●●turae inimicū . galen . in regim . sanitat . also increa●h wind , ●oler , & me●choly . ●hese passions the mind are ●angerous . take a little o● this euery morning . ●●ld wish to vse dai●me one of ● preserua● and when ●ake no ●se some o● preserua● ●●t commons with ●e and ● water . ●ncely pre●tiue . ●he apo●rie make for you . a good preseruatiue . rufi cont . pest . auicen in lib. . take these pils euery second day . * ●hat is , o●●●ges , limōs , ●●mgranats . ● good po●ander . a preseruatiue . ●he com●●s . for the commons . ●or want of ●ese waters ●●ke posset ●ink made white wine . a medicine of singular vertue in curing this sicknesse . a dram and a scruple is sufficient for a any man. ●elay in this ●knes is verie ●angerous , and ●mmonly ●ngeth death good confe●on for cu●●●g the pesti●●●ce . electuarium contra pestem cum gemmis . . . . . . . . . . . . ●se are ma●est signes ● the heart ● drawne ●venim vnto ●y attraction ●he aire by inspiration ●he arteries the heart . . ●e reason ●y no sore ap●reth in som●sons . ●e reason of appearing sore or ●●ch . the heart ought with all speed to bee comforted . no helpe in some persons but death followeth . venena principes partes petunt . gal. what bodies soonest infected i shewed your before . hote feuers ●he cause so ●any die of ●s sicknes . . intentions required in the cure of this sicknes . beware you sleepe not vntil you haue taken your medicine , & eight houres after . vse help in the first beginning who ought to bleede . ●e him in ● sweating , if be very drie , ●n of the cor●ll sirrup set ●wne in this ●oke halfe a ●onefull , or a ●onefull at a ●e . what drinke the patient ought to vse . to mitigate and take away his drinesse and thirst . but my perfumes set down are far better to be vsed . let him sleepe one or two howers to preuent paine and lightnes of the head . god is the author of health . ●e purging is ●od , & ought be vsed . purging po●●n to be ta●●n the second ●y after sweat no botch or ●●e appeare . if it be not on the change or full of the moone . great folly in many men , to ●suse the means of their ●ealth . whē the botch sore grow●h toward benesse , beare ye neither ●rge nor ●eede , but vse ●rdials , and ●utward medi●●nes to ripē it . who may not ●eed . where to bleed , in what place or vaine . the quantity . any time or houre in necessitie let bloud . the diet the ●cke ought to ●eepe . or rosewater ●● vinegar together . change of chambers is good . ●nd apply an ●pithymum ●nto the heart . ●nd it were ●ry good that ●es were ●ade through ●ut the citie , & you think the ●erfumes too ●ere , then ●e frankin●nse , rosin , and ●urpentine . ●y sleepe the ●oud and ●rits vitall are ●awne inward ●d attracteth ●th it selfe the ●nome vnto ●e heart , and ●taineth it in . a defensitiue for the heart , in sweating to be vsed . a very good cordial confection to be eaten oftentimes in the day of the sick patiēt . a purging potion to be vsed the second day after sweat , if no sore appeare ●t worke not thin two ●ures take a ●tle broth fiue ●● sixe spoone●s . this cordiall ●onfection ●oth greatly ●omfort the ●eart . the diet that ●●ust be vsed . his drinke . a iulep to help drinesse and thirst . against thirstinesse a sirrup . iulep against ●st & dri●e . ●uilt com●ing the 〈◊〉 . an epithymū for the heart to be vsed to a weak and fainting person . ●xing it with infusion ●t was left . ●member to often in ●ur chamber ●t perfumes downe be●e . ●ppocrat . cum ●isque purgare . an vnguent to cause sleepe in watching and rauing . a confection causing sleepe . ●eause sleep ●ntlet to be ●ied vnto ●rowes . ●ote this . ● gargarisme . note this , whē vomit is good . cordials and sweat will stay vomiting . to stay vomiting . breake not selfe by meanes dily . vse cordials to comfort the heart . the cause why the sore coms not forth , is weaknesse of nature . 〈◊〉 with a 〈◊〉 . when a botch ariseth in a dāgerous place what we must doe . a treatise concerning the plague and the pox discovering as well the meanes how to preserve from the danger of these infectious contagions, as also how to cure those which are infected with either of them. edwards, th cent. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a treatise concerning the plague and the pox discovering as well the meanes how to preserve from the danger of these infectious contagions, as also how to cure those which are infected with either of them. edwards, th cent. [ ], [i.e. ] p. printed by gartrude dawson, london : . attributed to edwards (forename unknown)--nuc pre- imprints and wing. imperfect: p. - lacking. reproduction of original in the cambridge university library. eng plague. medicine -- early works to . a r (wing e ). civilwar no a rich closet of physical secrets, collected by the elaborate paines of four severall students in physick, and digested together; viz. the c a. m c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - rina kor sampled and proofread - rina kor text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a treatise concerning the plague and the pox , discovering as well the meanes how to preserve from the danger of these infectious contagions , as also how to cure those which are infected with either of them . london , printed by gartrude dawson , . the printer to the reader . this treatise hath pass'd the view and approbation , both of juditious phisitians and chirurgians , and hath been judged worthy to have a new vesture put upon him , and to be vindicated from the obscurity and darknesse it hath lain involved and eclipsed in this many yeares ; being collected out of the authorities of the most excellent , both former and later writers , and confirmed , strengthened , and approved , by the late experiences of many well practitioned chirurgians ; being formerly commended to publick view , by the approbation of a late famous servant , and chirurgian to king iames deceased ; who seriously considering the facilenesse of providing the medicines , with their approvednesse in a necessitous time , and in places remote , both from able phisitians and chirurgians , the danger of the present infection requiring speedy help , to such as might have occasion to make use of these medicines ; not doubting , but the charitable intentions of the carefull authour , publishing it on purpose for the publick good , shall find the acceptance of so necessitous a work , as is wished by a. m. the author to the reader . whereas there are divers receits set down in this book , which are written in latine , in characters used by phisitians and apothecaries , which cannot so fitly be brought into our english phrase ; and because their quantities are set down according to the latine order observed in the making up their receits prescribed , i have , for the better ease and understanding of the reader , set down the signification of their weights and measures , according to their characters . a handfull is written thus m. . half a handfull thus m. ss. a little small handfull thus p. . a scruple thus ℈ . . half a scruple , x. graines , or thus ℈ . ss. a drachm thus ʒ . . an ounce thus . ℥ . . half an ounce , or half a drachm ℥ . ss. ʒ . ss. a grain thus gra. . a drop thus gut. . the number of any thing thus nu. . &c. half of any thing thus ss. a pound , or pint , thus lib. . twenty graines make a scruple . three scruples make a drachm . eight drachms make an ounce twelve ounces a physick pound . ana. is , of either of them so much . p. ae . is , equall parts , or parts alike . s. a. secundum artem , according to art . so much as shall suffice is marked thus q. s a defensative against the plague . the first treatise chap. i. what the plague is . the antient phisitians in times past have greatly doubted , what the essentiall cause of this disease , which we commonly call the plague or pestilence , should be ; yet all doe agree , that it is a pernitious and contagious fever , and reckoned to be one of the number of those which are called epidemia , chiefly proceeding of adusted and melancholy bloud , which may be easily perceived , by the extream heat and inflammation , which inwardly they doe feel , that are infected therewith ; first assaulting the heart , and astonishing the vitall spirits , as also by the exteriour carbunkles and botches which it produceth ; whose malignity is such , both in young and old , rich and poor , noble and ignoble , that using all the meanes , which by art can , or may be devised , yet in some it will in no sort give place , untill it hath by death conquered the party infected therewith . chap. ii. cause of the plague . there are divers causes whereof this disease may proceed , as sundry writers doe alledge , as by over great and unnaturall heat and drought , by great rain and inundations of waters , or by great store of rotten and stinking bodies , both of men and beasts , lying upon the face of the earth unburied , as in the time of warres hath been seen , which doth so corrupt the air , as that thereby our corn , fruits , hearbs , and waters , which we daily use for our food and sustenance , are infected : also it may come by some stinking dunghils , filthy and standing pooles of water , and unsavory smels which are near the places where we dwell , or by thrusting a great company of people into a close , narrow , or streight room , as most commonly we see in ships , common gaoles , and in narrow and close lanes and streets , where many people doe dwell together , and the places not orderly kept clean and sweet . but most commonly , in this our time , it is dispersed amongst us , by accompanying our selves with such as either have , or lately have had the disease themselves , or at least have been conversant with such as have been infected therewith : but for the most part it doth come by receiving into our custody some clothes , or such like things , that have been used about some infected body , wherein the infection may lie hidden a long time , as hath been too too often experimented , with repentance too late in many places , it may also come by dogs , cats , pigs , and weasels , which are prone and apt to receive and carry the infection from place to place . but howsoever it doth come , let us assure our selves , that it is a just punishment of god , laid upon us for our manifold sins and transgressions against his divine majesty : for as seneca saith , quicquid patimur ab alto venit , what crosses or afflictions soever we suffer , it cometh from the lord , either for a triall of our faith , or a punishment for our sins . wherefore to distinguish any farther thereof i think it needlesse , for my intent is in breif sort , so exactly as i can , to shew the meanes how to prevent the same , as also how to cure it when we are infected . but before i enter to treat thereof , i think it not amisse , to shew what forewarnings and tokens are given us before hand of the coming thereof , thereby the better to prevent the same by prayer and repentance . chap. iii. warnings of the plague to come . avicen , a noble physitian saith , that when wee see the naturall course of the ayre , and seasons of the year to be altered , as when the spring time is cold , clowdy , and dry , the harvest time stormy , and tempestuous , the mornings and evenings to be very cold , and at noon extream hot , these do foreshew the plague to come . also when we see fiery impressions in the firmament , especially in the end of summer , as comets and such like , and that in the begining of harvest we see great store of little frogs , red to ades , and myse on the earth abounding extraordinarily : or when in summer we see great store of toades creeping on the earth having long tailes , of an ashy color on their backs , and their bellies spotted and of divers colours , and when we see great store of gnats swiming on the waters , or flying in great companies together , or when our trees and hearbs do abound with caterpillars , spiders , moaths &c. which devoure the leaves on the trees and hearbs on the earth , it sheweth the ayre to be corrupt , and the plague shortly after to follow . also by the beasts of the field we may perceive it ( especially sheep ) which will go mourning with their heads hanging down towards the ground , and divers of them dying without any manifest cause known unto us . also when we see young children flock themselves together in companies , and then will faine some one of their company to be dead amongs them , and so will solemnize the buriall in a mournfull sort , this is a token which hath been well observed in our age to foreshew great mortality at hand . also when we see rivers of water to overflow without any manifest cause , or suddenly vanish away and become dry : and when clear well-springs do suddenly become foule and troubled . also when the small-pox doth generally abound both in young and old people , all these do foreshew the plague to come . chap. iiii. sheweth how to prevent the plague . there are three principall meanes how to prevent this contagious disease : the first and chiefest is to acknowledge our manifold sins and wickedness unto almighty god our heavenly father , with a hearty repentance and amendment of our former sins committed against his divine majestie . the second means is to fly far off from the place infected , and as rondoletius saith , not over hastily to return thither again for fear of an after-clap : which saying is confirmed by valetius in these words , non enim morietur in bello , qui non est in illo : and the farther from it , the safer shall we be , yet were it a very uncharitable course that all which are of abillity should do so , for then how should the poor be relieved , and good orders observed : but for children it were best to send them far off from the place , because their bodies are most apt to receive the infection , as also for that they cannot so continually use antidots and preservatives , which by their great heat may indanger them almost so much as the disease it self . the third meanes consisteth chiefly in three points , which are these : order , diet , and physicall helps . for the first you shall have a care that your houses be kept clean and sweet , not suffering any foule and filthy clothes or stinking things to remain in or about the same : and in summer season to deck your windowes , and strow your floors with sweet and wholsom hearbs , floures , and leaves , of mints , balme , penniroyall , lavender , time , majoram , red-roses , carnations , gelliflowers and such like for your windowes , your floors to be strowed with green rushes , and mints , oaken and willow leaves , vine leaves and such like : your windowes which stand towards the north and east , do you alwaies keep open in the day time , if the ayre be clear , and that no infected and unsavory smell be near the same , as fogs , dunghils , &c. and every morning before you open either your doors , or windowes , as also in the evening when you go to bed , cause a good fire to be made in your chamber , and burn some odoriferous o●… sweet perfumes in the middest thereof , as hereafter i will shew you , or in stead thereof some juniper , frankincense , bay leaves , rosemary , lavender , majoram , or such like , which you must alwaies have dried in a readinesse , and so in the fume or smoke thereof to breath and perfume the clothes which you are to weare . a good perfume in summer season . ℞ . rose water and vinegar , of either six spoonfulls : rinds of sower citrons and lemons , bay-leaves , of either the weight of two pence which is ℈ . i. camphire , the weight of three pence , which is ʒ . ss. the hearbs and rinds must be dried and put alltogether in a perfuming pan , or instead thereof a peuter dish , set on a chafer of coles , will serve the turn . another good perfume in winter . ℞ . red-roses majoram and myrtles , of either a little handfull : callamint , juniper berries , laudanum , benjamin , frankincense , of either ʒ . i. which is the weight of seven pence . the hearbs , berries , and roses being dried , must be made in grosse powder , as also the gumms , and so mixed together , and when yee list , cast some part thereof on a chafer of coales , and receive the fume thereof . chap. v. now having received the fume as aforesaid , before you go forth of your chamber , eat some cordial electuary or preservative , as hereafter you shall find choise , which i have alwais used with good and happy success , after taking of the cordial wash your face and hands with clean water , wherein you must put a little vinegar , and then if you list , you may break your fast with some good bread and butter , and in winter season a potch'd egg is good eaten with some vinegar , and for plethorick and melanchole bodies , it were good to drink a draught of wormewood wine , in the morning fasting , because it resisteth putrefaction in the plethorick , and purgeth bilous matter in the melancholie . an excellent good preservative which i have alwaies used with good successe . ℞ . conserve of roses and borrage floures , of either two ounces : minardus mithridate , andromachus triacle , of either half an ounce : dioscordium , two drachms , dialkermes one drachme , powder of the seed of citrons pilled , one drachme , sirrup of lemons and sower citrons , of either halfe an ounce . compound all these together in the form of an opiat , you may eat hereof every morning the quantity of three beanes , and drink a draught of rennish wine , beer , or ale after it : but for children and such as are of tender years , so much as a bean thereof is sufficient , and give them onely beer or ale after it : the taking hereof every second or third day will suffice , if you go not into any suspected company . another excellent good preservative . ℞ . kernils of wallnuts and figs , of either four ounces : leaves of rue , one ounce and half , tormentill roots , four drachms , rind of sowr citrons , one drachme , right bolarmoniak , six drachms , fine myrrh , two scruples , saffron , one scruple , salt , half a drachm : sirrup of citrons and lemons , four ounces . the hearbs , roots , and rinds must be dried , the nuts must be blanched , and the bolarmoniack must be made in fine powder , and then wash'd in the water of scabios , and dried againe , you must pound the figgs and wallnuts in a stone morter severally by themselves very small , all the rest must be made in fine powder , and so mix them altogether in the morter , and then add thereto sirrup by little and little , and so incorporate them altogether : you may give this in the same quantity , and in like sort as the other before . another very good . ℞ . of the confection aforesaid made with nutts ℥ . iiii . minardus mithridate , four drachms , andromachus triacle , ʒ ii . fine terra sigillata , four scruples , sirrup of limons , ℥ . i. compound all these together in the morter , as the other before , you may give hereof the weight of a groat or six pence , every second or third day , and drink a draught of rennish or white wine after it in winter season , but in the heat of the yeer , sorrel water is best , and in the spring scabios or carduus benedictus water . also , so much triacle of andromachus description eaten every morning as a bean , with a little conserve of roses , is a very excellent good preservative . valetius doth greatly commend the taking of three or four grains of the bezar stone every morning , in a spoonfull of scabios water . i cannot here sufficiently commend the electuarie called dioscordium , which is not onely good to resist the infection , but doth also expell the venemous matter of those which are infected , being taken every morning and evening the quantity of a bean , and drinke a draught of rennish or white wine after it in winter season , but in summer a draught of beer or ale is best . in strong and rusticall bodies , and such as are dayly labourers , garlick onely eaten in the morning with some butter and salt at breakfast , drinking a cup of beer or ale after it , hath been found to be very good , which is greatly commended by galen , who calleth it the poor mans triacle , but in the sanguine , daintie , and idle bodies it may not be used , because it over-heateth the bloud , causeth head-ach , and universally inflameth the whole body . chap. vi . now when you have taken any of the foresaid preservatives , it were good and necessary to wear upon the region of the heart , some sweet bag or quilt that hath power to resist venome , and also to carry in your hand some sweet pomander , nodule , or nosegay , that will comfort the heart , resist venom , and recreate the vitall spirits , as here following is specified and set down . an excellent quilt or bag . ℞ . arsenike cristaline , ℥ . i. diamargaritum frigidum , ℈ ii . diambrae , ℈ i. you must grinde the arsenike in small powder , and then with some of the infusion of gum dragagant in rose water , you must make a paste , then spread it on a cloth which must be six inches long , and five inches broad , and spread it thick : then cover it with another cloth , and so quilt it together , which being done , fasten it in another bag of crimson taffetie or sarse●…et , and so wear it against the heart all the day time , but at night leave it off : and here you must take heed , that when you sweat , you doe take it away , for otherwise it will cause the skin to amper a little . there are some writers which doe utterly forbid the wearing of arsenike , but thus much i can say , that i have given this bag unto divers to wear , with most happie and good successe , for never did i yet know any one that hath worn this bag , and used any of the electuaries aforesaid , that hath been infected with the plague , but for any inconvenience or accident that hath happened thereby , i never found any hitherto , other then the ampring of the skin as aforesaid . another bag . ℞ . ireos , ℥ ss. calamus aromat. ciperus , ana . ʒ . i. ss. storax calam. root of angelica , ana . ʒ . iii , cloves , mace , anaʒ . i. red roses dried , ʒ . iii . pellemountain , penniroyall , calamint , elder floures , ana . ʒ . i ss. nutmegs , cinnamon , yellow sanders , anaʒ . i. nardi italicae , ʒ . i. amber greece and musk , ana . six grains . you must pound all these in powder , and then quilt them in a bag of crimson ●…affatie as aforesaid . a pomander good in the summer time . ℞ . the rind of citrons , red roses , nenuphare roses , yellow sanders , anaʒ . ss. storax liquid , benjamin , ana . ʒ . i. myrrh , ℈ . ii . ladanum , ʒ . i. ss. musk and amber , ana . six grains . powder all that is to be powdered , and then work them together in a hot morter with a hot pestell , adding unto it in the working some of the musselage of dragagant dissolved in sweet rose water , or rose vinegar , and so make your pomander . another good one for the winter time . ℞ . storax liquid , benjamin , storax calamint , ladanum , and myrrh , ana , half a drachm , cloves one scruple , nutmegs , cinnamon , of each half a scruple . red roses , yellow sanders , lignum aloes , and ireos , of each half a dram . calamus aromaticus , rind of a citron , ana . four grains , amber greece , musk and civet , of each six grains . you may make up this as the other before with some musselage of the infusion of gum dragagant , infused in rosewater . a good nodule for the summer season . ℞ . floures of violets , red roses , and nenuphare , of each one drachm , red , white , and yellow sanders , of each half a drachm . camphire , xii graines . cause all these to be beaten in grosse powder , then knit them all together in a peece of taffetie , and when you will use it , then wet it in rose water and a little vinegar , and so smell to it . another nodule for the winter season . ℞ . the dried leaves of mints , majoram , time , penniroyall , lavender , pellemountain and balm , of each a little handfull . nutmegs , cloves , cinnamon , angelica roots , lignum aloes , of each one drachm . saffron , two scruples . cause all these to be infused in rose-water and vinegar one whole night , then wet a spunge in the liquor thereof , and knit it in a peece of taffaty , or your handkerchief , whereunto you must smell oftentimes . a nosegay for the same purpose . ℞ . hearb grace , three branches : rosemary , majoram , mints , and thime , of either one branch : red-rose buds and carnations , of either three or four . make your nosegay herewith , then sprinkle him over with rose-water , and some rose-vinegar , and smell often unto it . also when you suspect to go into any dangerous or infected company , do you alwaies carry in your mouth a peice of the root of angelica , the rind of a citron dried , or a great clove , which must be first infused or steeped one whole night in rose-water and vinegar . chap. vii . for that there is not a greater enemy to the health of our bodies then costiveness , both in the time of the plague and otherwise , i have here set down how and by what meanes you may keep your self soluble , which you must use once four and twenty hours , if otherwise you have not the benefit of nature by custome . a suppository . take two spoonfulls of honey , and one spoonfull of bay-salt small pounded , boyle them together untill it grow thick , alwaies stirring it in the boyling , then take it from the fire , and if you list you may add one drachm of ihera picra simplex unto it , and so stirre them well together , and when it is almost cold , make up your suppositories of what length and bignesse you list : and when you minister any , you must first annoint it with butter or sallet oyle : you may keep these a whole year if you put them in barrowes mort or grease , and so cover them up close therein . a good glister . ℞ . mallowes , mercury , beets , violets , red-fennell , of either one handfull : seeds of fennell , annis , coriander , of either one drachm . boyle all these in a sufficient quantity of water , untill half the water be consumed , then straine it , and keep it in a glasse close stopt untill you need , for it will keep a whole week . take of the same decoction , a pint . ℞ . mel rosarum , or common honey , one spoonfull : oyle of violets or oyle of olives , three ounces , salt , one drachm , the yolk of an egg or two . mixe all these together in a morter and so give it warm in the morning , or two hours before supper : and if you add unto this one ounce of diacatholicon it will be the better . raisins laxative how to make them . ℞ . white-wine , three pints and a half , senuae , half a pound , fine white sugar , one pound , currants , two pound . you must infuse the senuae in the wine in a pot close stopt , and let it stand in a warm place four and twenty hours , then strein it and add to the straining the currants , being clean pickt and washt , and lastly the sugar , boyle all together on an easie fire , untill the wine be consumed , having care that you do alwaies stirr it about in the boyling for feare of burning , then take them from the fire , and put them up into a clean galley pot , you may eat one spoonfull or two of them a little before dinner , at any time . a good oyntment to keep one sollible . the gaule of an oxe , oyle of violets , of either one ounce : sheeps ●…allow , six draehms . boyle them together on a soft fire untill they be incorporated , then take it from the fire and adde thereto alloes cica●…ine , one ounce . bay-salt half an ounce . the alloes and salt must be both made into fine powder before you put them into the oyle , then stirr them together untill it be cold , and when you are disposed to have a stoole , then annoint your fundament therewith , both within side and without , and if you annoint your navell therewith , it will work the better . good pills to keep one soluble , and they do also resist the pestilence . ℞ . alloes cicatrine , one ounce , chosen myrrh , three drachms , saffron , one drachm and half , amber greece , six graines : sirrup of lemons or citrons , so much as shall be sufficient to make the masse . you must grinde the aloes , myrrhe , and saffron into small powder severally by themselves , then incorporate them together with the sirrup : you may give half a drachme or two scruples thereof in the evening half an hour before supper twise or thrise in a week : rases would have you to take half a drachme or two scruples of these pills every day , without using any other preservative at all , and he hath great reason so to esteem of them , for galen , avicen , and all ancient writers in physick do hold opinion , that aloes doth not onely comfort , but purge the stomack from all raw and chollerick humors , and doth also purge and open the veines called miserayick , and resisteth putrefact on : myrrh doth altogether resist , neither will it suffer putrefaction in the stomack : saffron doth comfort the heart , and hath also a propriety in it to carry any medicine that is given therewith unto the heart , but to conclude , these pills will purge all superfluous humors in the stomack , and principall members , and preserveth the bloud from corruption . chap. viii . i must here give you to understand that the infection doth oftentimes lie hidden within us , without any manifest sign or knowledge thereof at the first , and therefore were it good for sanguine bodies , and such as do abound with bloud , in the summer season to draw six or eight ounces of bloud out of the basilica vein in the right arme , which is a good meanes to prevent a further danger , ( as avicen witnesseth ) but for full and plethorick bodies , it were best to purge themselves once in seven or eight daies with some easie and gentle purgation , as hereafter ●… will shew you : but for leane and spare bodies , once in fourteen dayes will be enough at most : for wisely saith rondoletius , that it is not onely the venemous and contagious ayre which we receive that doth kill us , but it is the present communicating of that contagion with some superfluous humours in our bodies , as in his treatise de peste appeareth : therfore now will i shew you how to purge the body . pills good to purge . ℞ . alloes cicatrine , ten drachms , agarick of the whitest , ℥ . iiii . myrrh , mastick , of either two drachms : saffron two scruples . make these into fine powder , then compound them together in a morter , with so much oximell simplex , sirrup of lemons , or of staecados , as shall be sufficient , you may give one drachm , or a drachm and half of these pills , half an hour before supper : but for a cholerick body , you must leave out two drachms of the agarick in making of the receipt , and in place thereof add two drachms of rubarb , and for the melancholie , two drachms of epithimum , and give the same quantity in weight . a good purging potion . ℞ raisins , the stones being pickt out and washt , of either one ounce : polipode of the oak , elecampane root dried , roots of wild small sorrel , succory roots cleansed , of either half an ounce : leaves of burrage , bugloss , burnet , scabios , morsus diaboli , of either a little handfull : floures of burrage , bugloss , rosemary , violets , broom , of either a little handfull : seeds of fennell , sowr citrons , of either two scruples : shaving of harts horn , half a drachm . boyle all these in a sufficient quantity of faire water untill half be consumed , then strain it . take of the decoction aforesaid , three ounces . rubarb , two drachms and half , cinnamon , half a drachm . slice them both , and put them with the liquor in a close cup , and so let it stand to infuse in a warm place twelve hours , then strain it out strongly , and add thereto one ounce of the sirrup of maiden-haire , and so drink it warm in the morning about six of the clock , and refrain from meat , drink , or sleep two hours after it , this is good in lean and spare bodies : you may for the phlegmatick body , add in the infusion , one drachm of aggarick trosciscated . a purging powder for such as cannot take pills . ℞ . alloes ciccatrine , one ounce , myrrh , cinnamon , of either two drachms , saffron , one scruple . make them all in fine powder , and give one drachm in a draught of white-wine . floures stopt , how to provok them . for that women which have not their naturall course o●… them , are most prone to receive and take the infection , i have here set down good pills , which i have alwaies found excellent not onely for that purpose , but will also resist the danger of infection . ℞ . alloes ciccatirne , one ounce , roots of gentian , aristolochia rotunda , dittander , saffron , of either half a drachm : roots of garden madder , methridate , of either one drachm . cause them all to be ground in small powder , then mix it with the methridate and some sirrup of artemesia , or mugwort , give one drachm of these pills every morning twelve dayes togerher , or untill her tearms break . issues commended against the plague . in plethorick and full bodies , i have found nothing more safer in the time of the plague , then to make them an artificial issue , either in the leg or arm , for never hitherto have i known any one which hath had an issue , or ulcer running on him that hath been infected with the plague . palmarius and forestus , doe both affirm it to be true and certain , but here some ignorant people doe hold opinion that having once an issue , he must be constrained to keep it alwaies , which is most erronious , for then those which have had ulcers running upon them , some six , ten , yea sixteen yeers , may not be cured without some issue to be made in some other place , but therein they deceive themselves , for my self by good proof have often found the contrary in divers people which i have cured , some six , some ten , yea sixteen yeers past , and yet to this day doe remain in perfect good health without any issues . chap. ix . what diet we ought to keep . for our diet as hippocrates teacheth us , we must have a care not to exceed in eating and drinking but to keep a mean therein , and in any case to beware of surfeting and drunkenness , which are enemies both to the body and soule , but as we may not exceed in eating and drinking , so to endure great hunger and thirst is most dangerous , our meat ought to be of a facile and easie digestion , partly tending to a drying qualitie ; as cocks , capons , hens , pullets , partridge , pheasants , quailes , pigeons , rabbets , kid , veal , mutton , birds of the mountains , and such like ; but beef , pork , venison , hare and goats flesh is to be refused , and so are all water fowls , as duck , swan , goose , widgen , teal , and such like , because they are hard to digest , and do increase ill blood , and naughtie juyce in the bodie : lambs flesh , because of his exceeding moisture is also to be refused , eggs in the summer not good , but in winter tolerable : all fishes which are of a hard flesh , whether they be of the sea , or fresh rivers are to be allowed . in fresh rivers the perch , barble , gudgeon , loch , cool , trout , and pike are good ; and for sea fish , the gilthed , turbet , sole , rochet , gurnard , lobster , crab , praunes , shrimps , whiting , and such like eaten with vinegar . there are some authors which hold opinion , that fish is better to be eaten then flesh in the great fervent heat of the year , because they doe make a more cold bloud in the body then flesh ; another reason is , because they doe live under the water , they are not infected with any contagion of the aire , as beasts and birds may be , and therefore more wholsome , but in my judgement flesh is more wholsome , because it doth-breed a more pure , and fine juyce in the body then any fish whatsoever ; your bread ought to be made of pure wheat , not too new , nor too old , but of one dayes baking , or two at most is best : rie bread is to be eschewed , because of his great moisture : your drink is best beer or ale , not too strong or new , but the staler and clearer it is the better , at your meals a draught or two of claret wine is tolerable , but in hot weather it were good to allay it with a little water , for wine doth warm the stomack , help digestion , and comfort the heart . for your pottage you may take in the summer . parsly , lettice , sorrell , endive , succorie , sperage , hopbuds , burnet , burrage , buglosse , thime , mints , hysop , but in winter , balm , bittanie , thime , marigold , hysop , majoram , mints and rue are good . for your sallets take pimpernell , purslane , mints , sorrell , hore-hound , yong cole , hop ▪ buds , sperage , thime , tops of fennell , tarregon , lettice , and water-cresses are good . capers are greatly commended being preserved in vinegar , and eaten with a little oyle and vinegar , and so are olives very good also . for your sauce , the juyce of a limon , citron , or orange is best , the juyce of sorrell and vinegar is also good . all raw fruits are to be refused , except those which tend to sour tast , as pomgranates , damask prunes , pippins , red and sour cherries , and wallnuts , quinces , and peares preserved are very good eaten after meals . all kind of pulse is to be refused , as beans , pease , and such like , because they increase winde , and make raw humours and ill juyce in the bodie . refrain from garlick , onyons , leeks , pepper , mustard , and rocket , because they doe over-heat the body , make adustion of the bloud , and cause fumes to ascend into the head . cheese is not good , because it doth ingender grosse and thick humors . milk is also to be refused , because it doth quickly corrupt in the stomack . chap. x. sheweth what exercise and order is to be kept . you must beware of all vehement and immoderate exercise , which doth provoke sweat , as is tennis , dancing , leaping , running , foot-ball , hurling , and such like , because they doe over-much heat the body , and open the pores of respiration , whereby the infected aire hath the more scope to enter our bodies , but moderate exercise is very convenient , the use of hot houses at this time i thinke very dangerous , because it doth too much open the pores . walk not into the open ayre in the morning before the sun hath had some power to cleanse and clear the same , and in any case goe not abroad when great fogs and mists are upon the earth , for it is dangerous : but if urgent occasions move you , then before you goeforth of your doors be sure to eat some preservative first , and then take some good and odoriferous pomander , nodule , or nosegay in your hand , as before is shewed you . the extream heat of the day is likewise to be refused to walk in , because it chafeth the bloud ; as also in the evening after the sun is set , for then unsavory and unwholsome fogs arise out of the earth , and in any case if you can avoid it come not neer any any place infected , but use to walk in the open aire and dry ground . use venus combates moderately , but none at all were better , the best time to use them is three or four hours after supper , before you sleep , and then rest upon them . beware of anger , fear , and pensiveness of the minde , for by their means the body is made more apt to receive the infection . use pleasant and merry recreations , either with musick , pleasant company to talke withall , or reading some good books . bewar of sleeping at noon , but specially in the winter season , but in summer to take after dinner a nap of half an hour or an hour is tollerable in elderly bodies . watch not long in the evenings but two or three hours after supper is a good time to take your rest . chap. xi . teacheth what orders magistrates , and rulers of cities and townes , should cause to be observed , first , to command that no stinking dunghills be suffered near the city . secondly , every evening and morning in hot weather to cause cold water to be cast in the streets , especially where the infection is , and every day to cause the streets to be kept clean and sweet , and cleansed from all filthy things which lye in the same . thirdly , and whereas the infection is entered , there to cause fires to be made in the streets every morning and evening , and if some frankincense , pitch , or some other sweet thing be burnt therein , it will be much the better . fourthly , suffer not any doggs , catts , or pigs to run about the streets , for they are very dangerous , and apt to carry the infection from place to place . fifthly , command that the excrements and filthy things which are voided from the infected places be not cast into the streets or rivers which are daily in use to make drink , or dresse meat . sixtly , that no chirurgians , or barbars which use to let bloud , do cast the same into the streets or rivers . seventhly , that no vauts or privies be then emptied , for it is a most dangerous thing . eighthly , that all ●…nholders do every day make clean their stables , and cause the dung and filth therein to be carried away out of the city : for by suffering it in their houses , as some do use to do , a whole week or a fortnight , it doth so putrifie that when it is removed , there is such a stinking and unwholsome smell , as is able to infect the whole street where it is . ninthly , to command that no hemp or ●…lax be kept in water near the city or town , for that will cause a very dangerous and infectious savour . tenthly to have a speciall care , that good and wholsome victuals and corn be sold in the markets , and so to provide , that no want thereof be in the city , and for such as have not wherewithall to buy necessary food , that there to extend their charitable and godly devotion : for there is nothing that will more increase the plague , then want and scarsity of necessary food . eleventhly , to command that all those which do visite and attend the sick , as also all those which have the sicknesse on them , and do walk abroad , that they do carry something in their hands , thereby to be known from other people . and here i must advertise you of one thing more which i had almost forgotten ( which is ) that when the infection is but in few places , there to keep the people in their houses , not suffering any one of them to go abroad , and so to provide , that all such necessaries as they shall need may be brought unto them during the time of their visitation : and when it is staied , then to cause all the clothes , bedding , and other such things as were used about the sick , to be all burnt , although at the charge of the rest of the inhabitants you buy them all new , for fear least the danger which may ensue thereby , do put you to a far greater charge and grief : all these aforesaid things are most dangerous , and may cause a generall infection , to the destroying of a whole city , and therefore i do wish that great care be had thereof . chap. xii . doth shew what you must do when you go to visit the sick . first before you enter into the house , command that a great fire be made in the chamber where the sick lieth , and that some odoriferous perfume be burnt in the midest of the chamber , and before you go to him , eat some cordiall preservative , and smother your clothes with some sweet perfume , then wet your temples , eares , nose , and mouth , with rose-water and vinegar mixt together , then take in your mouth a peice of the root of angelica , the rind of a sower citron , or a clove prepared as before is shewed , and have some nosegay , nodule , or pomander , appropriate in your hand , which you must alwaies smell unto , so may you the more bouldlier perform your intent : but herewithall you must have a speciall care , that during the time you are with the sick , you stand not betwixt the sick body and the fire , for that is dangerous ; because that the fire of his nature draweth all vapors unto it self ; but keep you alwaies on the contrary side , so that the sick may be betwixt you and the fire : and for such as are to let any sick infected body to bleed , it were good they did cause the keeper of the sick body to lay open that arme or legg which is to be let bloud before he approach near : the reason is , for that most commonly all that are sick in this contagious disease , are for the most part in a sweat , and therefore suddenly to receive the breath thereof , would be very dangerous . now when you have been with any one so infected , before you go into the company of any whole and sound people , it were necessary you do stand by a good fire , having all the clothes about you which you did wear when you were with the sick , and then turn and aire your selfe well thereby , so shall you be sure the lesse to endanger others by your company . thus have i as breefly as i can devise set down all the ordinary meanes which my self have used , and by others known to be used for preserving you from this contagious and dangerous disease , which in the most part of people will suffice , but for such as dwell whereas they may have the counsell of a learned physitian , i do wish them to take his advice , especially for purging and letting bloud , because none can so exactly set down in writing the perfect course thereof ( which may be understood rightly of the common sort ) so well as he which hath the sight of the body : for that many bodies are oftentimes troubled with some one humour abounding more then another , which here to treat of would be too tedious , neither can it profit the common people , for whose sakes i have taken this paines : and now will i shew the signes to know when one is infected therewith , as also which are the laudable signes , and which are the contrary , and lastly the meanes ( by god his assistance ) how for to cure the same . chap. xiii . sheweth the signes of infection . the signes and tokens hereof are divers , as first , it is perceived by the suddain weaknesse , loosing and overthrowing of our naturall strength , without any manifest cause thereof going before , and sometimes it doth begin with a gnawing and biting in the mouth of the stomack , the pulse will grow weak , feeble , and unequall , with a great streightnesse and heavinesse about the heart , as if some heavie burthen or weight were layd thereon , with shortness of breathing , vomiting , or at least a great desire to vomit , great pain in the head : insatiable thirst proceeding of their great interior heat : sluggishnes , and universal faintness of all the body , with a great desire to sleep , and an astonishment of the mind and vitall spirits : and for the most part they complain of a great paine which is felt in some one place or places of their bodies , where the botch or blain is by nature intended to be thrust forth , yet some at the first have them appearing : and for the most part , they are taken at the first with a sharp and rigorous feaver . good signes . when the botch or carbunkle cometh out in the beginning of the sicknesse with a red colour , and yellowish round about it , and that it doth quicklycome to maturation , the feaver to cease , and the party findeth himself eased of his grief , and quickned in his spirits , these are good and laudable signes of recovery . evill signes . when the botch at the first commeth out blackish , or black in colour , also when the botch is opened , the flesh within doth look blew , and that then there appear not any matter or quitture in the wound , but as it were a spume or froth issuing out thereof , are ill and deadly signes , when the botch waxeth so hard that by no means it will come to suppuration , but resisteth whatsoever is done unto it for the furthering thereof , and so returneth in againe into the inward parts suddenly , is a token of sudden death at hand , and so it is if either before or after it is broken it look of a blewish colour , or of divers colours , like the rainbow , round about it . when the carbunckle or blain doth suddenly dry up , as if it were scorcht with the fire , and that the place round about it doth shew to be of a wannish blew colour , is a deadly sign : if in the skin appear green or black spots , the excrements of divers colours with worms in it either dead or living , having a vile stinking savour , and spitteth stinking and bloudy matter , doth betoken death . when the sick complaines of great and extream heat in the inward parts , and yet cold outwardly , the eyes staring or weeping , the face terrible , the said excrements or urin passing away , and the party not knowing thereof , are evill signes . when in the fourth or seventh day they are taken with a frensie , or do fall into an extream bleeding at nose , or have a great flux with a continuall vomiting , or a desire to vomit and do it not , extream pain at the heart , watchfullness , and the strength clean gone , are deadly signes . when the party being very sick , yet saith he feeleth himself well , his eyes sunk deep in his head , and full of tears , when he thinks all things do stink , his nailes looking blew , the nose sharp , and as it were crooked , the breath thick and short with a cold sweat in the brest and face , and turning and playing with the clothes , the pulse creeping or scarcely to be felt , and greivous unto him to speak , these are infallible signes of death at hand . some , before any of these signes are perceived , do dy , and some likewise which have divers of them appearing , and yet do escape , such is the uncertainty of this disease : there are many other symptoms which do happen in this contagious disease , which would be too tedious to declare , but these as the chiefest may suffice . the end of the first treatise . the second treatise , shewing the meanes how to cure the plague . chap. i. when we perceive any to be infected with this contagious disease , we must with all possible speed seek all the meanes we can how to prevent the malignity thereof , whose property is at the first to assault the principall part , which is the heart , and therefore requires present help ; for unlesse something be done within eight or four and twenty houres , little will it then prevail to attempt it , for by that time nature is either subdued , and clean overthrown , or else hath thrust the same to the exterior parts , or otherwise digested it : yet may we not neglect at any time , to use all the meanes we can , in helping and furthering of nature to the uttermost of our indeavour , because we doe oftentimes see nature so wearied , and weakened in expelling of this venemous matter , that unlesse some help be added to assist and comfort her , the party , for lack thereof , dyeth , which otherwise might be saved : for i have oftentimes seen by diligent helping of nature , that to be effected and brought to good passe , which i have judged most desperate . there are foure intentions required for the curing thereof ; that is , by bloud-letting , cordials , sweat and purging : but the manner how to execute the same , hath bred great contention both amongst the old and later writers , which here to treat of were too tedious , for unto the learned it were needlesse , and for the commonalty little would it availe them , therefore in brief will i shew you what i have observed touching the cure . first , if it be in a plethorick , sanguine , and strong body , and hath pain in the head , great heat at the heart , thirstnesse , the pulse strong , and labouring , or beating strongly , and hath great and large veines appearing ; these ought presently to be let bloud in that side where yee perceive the greif doth proffer it selfe to come forth , and not visibly appearing , tending to maturation : for then we may not draw bloud , but use all other meanes we can devise , in helping nature to expell it , neither may you draw bloud , if the party have a flix or lask ( which is an evill sign ) in the beginning of the disease , for by that meanes you shall hinder nature greatly , but onely give the party cordials ; neither may you stop the flix in the beginning , but if it be extream , and that it stay not the second day , then must you give some purgation , which may leave an astringency behind it , as hereafter in the cure of the flix shall be shewed . for as hyppocrates , in his first book and one and twentieth aphorisme , doth admonish us , we must consider and mark , how nature doth incline her self , for that will teach us what we are to doe . now if you perceive the botch or carbunkle to appear underneath the chin about the throat , then presently draw bloud in both vein̄es under the tongue , and immediately after that apply a cupping glasse ; with scarification in one side of the neck next unto the fore , thereby to draw it from the throat , for fear least suddenly it choke him up , and then apply chickens rumps , or hens rumps to the botch , the feathers being first pluckt away from the rump , and a grain of salt put into the tewell , and so hold the bare place to the greif untill the chicken die , which will be within half an hour , and then apply another , and so continue in changing them so long as they doe die , and lastly apply a mollificative cataplasme or plaister to the same place , as in the fift chapter following is shewed , which is made with unguentum basillicon , and to the botch apply the epithemation and cataplasme in the seventh chapter following . but if it be in the neck , he doth complain , then let him bloud in the cephallica vein in the arm , of the same side where he complaineth . if in the groin or flanke he doth complain , then let him bloud in the foot on the same side , and open the vein called maleola , or saphena , the quantity must be according as the age and strength of the party requireth , but at most draw not above six or eight ounces : for avicen willeth us , to preserve bloud as the treasure of nature . but in a weak , spare , and cachochimious body ( as galen teacheth us ) we may not draw bloud at all , for thereby should you greatly indanger the patient , but help such by cordials and sweat . and here you shall understand , that unlesse phlebotomy be done at the first , that is , within six or eight houres atmost , it will be too late to attempt it , neither may you doe it if the sore doe appear up in height tending to suppuration , for then should you hinder nature , which like a diligent workman , hath discharged and thrust forth that venomous matter , which otherwise would have killed us . and here touching phlebotomy or bloud-letting , you must have this speciall care , that you draw not bloud on the opposite side , as if it be on the left side the sore appear , then draw not bloud on the right side ; if it appear in the flanke , then draw not bloud in the arme , but in the foot , for otherwise you shall draw that venomous matter from the ignoble unto the noble parts , and so kill the body . and although the party complain not more in the one side then the other , yet by the pulse shall you perceive on which side the venome lieth hidden , for on that side where nature is opprest , there shall you find the pulse more weak , feeble , and uneven , greatly differing from the other side . and here you shall understand , that in some it hath been seen , that nature of it self at the first , hath thrust out that venomous matter in some place of the body , with a botch appearing high , and tending to suppuration , or a carbunckle , or spots called purples . now here if you draw bloud , you doe then greatly indanger the body ; but in this case you must onely give cordials , and use all the meanes you can to bring it outward , either by maturation , or evaporation , as hereafter shall be shewed you . and here you shall further understand , that where the age , constitution , nor strength of the party will permit that phlebotomy be done , yet for the better help of nature you must apply ventoses , with reasonable deep scarification , unto the next place adjoyning , where the party complaineth , thereby the more speedily to draw the venomous matter unto the superficiall parts , and there to apply the rumps of chickens , as before is taught you , and so apply to the place some strong maturative , and atrractive plaister , or cataplasme , as hereafter shall be shewed you . if the greif be in the head or throte , then apply ventoses to the neck : if it be in the emunctuaries of the heart , then apply them to the shoulders : if in the emunctuaries of the liver , then apply them to the buttocks or thighs , now when this is done , either by phlebetomy , or ventoses , then within an hour or two at the most after it , you must give the sick some good cordiall medicine , which hath power to comfort the heart , resist the venomous matter , and also procure sweat , whereof out of the following you may make choice as you list . an excellent good powder to expell the plague , which also provoketh sweat . ℞ . roots of gentian , bittanie , petasitis , ana , ʒ . i. roots of tormentill , dittander , ana , ʒ iii . red sanders ʒ . ss. fine pearle of both sorts , ana , ℈ . i. fine bolarmoniack prepared , fine terra sigillata , ana , ʒ . vi . rindes of citrons , red corrall , roots of zedoiar , shaving of ebony , bone of a stags heart , ana , sixteen graines : fragments of the five pretious stones , ana , ℈ . ss. shaving of a unicorns horn , succini , ana , ℈ . ss. leaves of gold and silver , ana , one and half in number , make all these in fine powder , every one severall by himself , and then mix them all together , and give thereof ʒ . i. or ℈ . iiii . more or lesse as occasion requireth , either in sorrell , scabios , or carduus benedictus water two or three ounces , whereunto you must adde a little sirrup of lemons , or sour citrons , and give it warm , the bolarmoniack must be pounded small , then washed in scabios water , and so dryed . another good powder . ℞ . leaves of dittander , called dictami cretici , roots of tormentil , bittanie , pimpernell , gentian , zedoiar , ana , ʒ . i. terra lemnia , alloes cicatrina , fine myrrh , rinds of sour citrons , anaʒ i. mastick , saffron , ana , half a drachm . bolarmoniack prepared as beforesaid , ʒ ii . all these must be made in fine pouder , and so mixt together , you may give two scruples , or one drachm thereof with any of the aforesaid waters . a good opiat to expell venome , and provoke sweat . conserve of the floures of burrage , bugloss , violets , bittanie , ana , ℥ . ii . venus triacle ℥ . ii . red terra sigillata , terra lemnia , mithridate , ana ℥ . i. shaving of ebonie , and harts-horn , orient pearls , roots of tormentill , anaʒ i. shaving of unicorns horn , root of angelica , ana half a drachm . sirrup of the juice of small sorrell and bugloss , ana , so much as shall suffice . mix all these together in the form of an opiat , then take of the same opiat , one drachm and half . scabios water , balm water , ana ℥ ii . dissolve the opiat in the waters , and drink it warm , then walk a little upon it , and then goe to bed and sweat . another excellent good means to expell the venom , and procure sweat . take a great white onyon , and pick out the coar or middle of him , then fill the hole with good venus triacle , or andromachus triacle , and aqua vitae , then stop or cover the hole of the onyon again , and rost him in the hot ashes untill he be soft , then strein it strongly through a cloth , and give it the sick to drinke , and the rest that remains , pound it small , and apply it to the sore , and sweat upon it . now when he hath taken any of the aforesaid cordials , if he chance to vomit it up again , then wash his mouth with rosewater and vinegar , and then give him more of the same again , which must be proportioned according to the quantitie vomited , for if all were vomited , then give so much more : ( if lesse ) then according to the quantity vomited , and if he vomit that also , then give him more , and so continue it to the third or fourth time , if cause so require , but if at no time he doe retain it , then is there small hope of recovery ; i have known divers , which have vomited their cordials three or four times , and at last , giving the juyce of the onyon as aforesaid , hath kept that , and sweat upon it , and so recover their health . also minardus triacle , or andromachus triacle being taken two scruples with one scruple of dioscordium , and dissolved in two or three ounces of this water following , or carduus benedictus , sorrell , and scabios water , hath been found excellent good and available , both to procure sweat , and expell the venomous matter . an excellent good water against the plague , and divers other diseases , which is to be made in may or june . take angelica , dragons , scabios , ana three handfuls . wormwood , sage , salendine , mugwort , rue , rosemary , varvein , endive , mints , ana one handfull . tormentill , pimpernell , agrimonie , bittanie , ana two handfulls . st. johns wort , fetherfew , and pionie , ana a little handfull . you must mix all these hearbs together , then bruise them in a stone morter grosly , then put them into a clean vessell of glasse or earth , and add thereto a pottle of white wine , or three quarts , a pint of rose-water , and a pint of vinegar : then mixe them well together , and presse down the hearbs close together with your hands , then stop the pot close , and so let it stand to infuse two dayes and two nights , then distill it in a stillatorie , this water hath been found excellent good , both to preserve one from the plague , being drunk three or four spoonfuls of it in the morning fasting , as also to expell the disease , being drunk with any of the cordials aforesaid . chap. ii. sheweth what is to be done after taking of the cordiall . now so soon as the partie hath taken his cordiall , ( if he be able ) cause him to walke upon it in his chamber a prettie while , then lay him into his naked bed , being first warmed if it be in cold weather , and so procure him to sweat , but in any case have a speciall care to keep him from sleep all that day , because thereby the bloud and vitall spirits are drawn to the inward parts , and there doth hold in the venomous matter about the heart ; but if the sore appear , or be perceived to present it self in any place neer the heart , then to defend the malignity thereof before he sweat , it were good to annoint the place betwixt the region of the heart and the sore with triacle , or with this unguent following . a good defensative unguent . take triacle , ℥ . ss. terra lemnia , red n , anaʒ . i. mix them together with a little rose-water and vinegar in a morter , to the form of an unguent , and so use it as aforesaid . and unto the sore place apply chickens rumps , as before hath been told you , and then annoint the place grieved with oyle of lillies ; and then epithemate the heart with any one of these epithemations following . epithemation . take the powder of diamargaritum frigidum , ℈ i. triasandalum , ʒ . vi . ebeni , ʒ ii . saffron , ℈ . ss. lettice seed , ʒ i. waters of roses , bugloss , and sorrel , ana ℥ vi . vinegar ℥ . ii . boil them altogether a little . another . take the waters of roses , balm , bugloss , carduus benedictus and white wine , ana ℥ iiii . vinegar of roses ℥ ii . powder of red roses , cinnamon , triasandalum , diamargaritum , frigidum , anaʒ ss. mithridatum , ℥ i. triacle , ℥ ss. ●…oil them together a little , and being bloud warm , epithemate the heart therewith , which being done , then procure him to sweat , and after sweat , and the body dryed , then apply this quickly to the heart . a quilt for the heart . take the floures of nenuphare , burrage , bugloss , ana , a little handfull : floures of balm , rosemary , anaʒ iii . red n , red corall , lignum aloes , rinde of a citron , ana , ʒ i. seeds of basil , citrons , anaʒ i. leaves of dittander , berries of juniper , ana ℈ i. bone of a stags heart , half a scruple , saffron , four grains . mixe all these in grosse powder , and put them in a bag of crimson taffetie , or lincloth , and lay it to the heart , and there let it remain . all these things being done , then procure him to sweat , having a good fire in the chamber , and windowes close shut , and so let him sweat three or four houres more or lesse , or according as the strength of the sick body can endure , and then dry the body well with warm clothes , taking great care that the sick catch not cold in the doing thereof , and then give him some of this julep following , and apply the aforesaid quilt or bag to the heart . a cordiall iulep . take waters of endive , purslane , and roses , ana , ℥ . ii . sorrell water , half a pint , juyce of pomgranats , and for lack thereof vinegar , ℥ iiii . camphire ʒ iii , sugar , one pound . boil all these together in the form of a julep , and give three or four spoonfuls thereof at a time . another iulep . take sirrup of ribes , sorrell , nenuphare , ana ℥ . i. juice of limons , ℥ i. sorrell water , ℥ viii . mix all these together , and take two or three spoonfulls thereof oftentimes , which will both comfort the heart , and quench thirst . and if in the time of his sweat he be very thirstie , then may you give him to drink a tysane made with water , clean barly , and licorice scrapt clean and bruised , boil them together , then strein it , and unto a quart of the liquor add three ounces of sirrup of limons , and give thereof at any time ; small beer or ale is also tolerable , or you may give a spoonfull of this julep following at any time . a iulep to quench thirst . ℞ . sorrell-water , four ounces , burrage-water , scabios water , of either one ounce , sirrup of lemons and sowre citrons , of either one ounce . mix all these together and so use it as occasion requireth at any time : and give oftentimes a cake of manus christi , made with perls for him to eat . but if in the time of his sweat you see the sick to faint or swoun , then apply to his temples , and the region of the heart , this mixture following . ℞ . conserve of roses , burrage , bugloss , broom floures , of either one ounce : mithridate , four ounces , triacle , one ounce , floures of violets , pellamountaine , red roses , of either one drachme , roots of ireos , one drachm , musk , sivet , of either eight graines . mix all these together with a quantity of rose-vinegar in the form of an opiat , this must be spread on plaisters , and applied to the heart and temples , and to the soales of the feet apply this plaister following . take of the aforesaid opiat , ℥ ii . unto the which you must put so much more of an onyon , which must have the middle part thereof taken out , and the hole filled with mithridate ; and aqua vitae , and so rosted in the ashes , and then mix it with the opiat , and apply it to both soales of the feet . now when all this is done , and that one hour is past after his sweat and body dried as aforesaid : it were good you did give the sick some good comfortable broth , although he vomit it up againe , then let him rest two houres , and then offer him more , which you must do oftentimes , and but little at a time . and if after all this done he continue still weak and faint without any amendment , then give him another cordiall , as ye did at the first , and so caufe him to sweat again so long as his strength can well endure it , and after sweat give more of the julep aforesaid , for by this meanes you shall oftentimes see the sore , which did offer it self to come forth , will be clean discussed and consumed away : but if it do not by this means go away , then use all the means you can to bring it to suppuration , and then open it with some caustick or incision , as hereafter shall be shewed you at large . the next day after his sweat , you may tollerate him to sleep one hour or two in the forenoon , whereby to prevent pain or lightnesse of the head , which may chance through want thereof : and if after his sleep the party be sick and faint , then immediately give him some good cordiall , according as the state of his body requireth , either in temperate or extream heat , as before is shewed : and in one hour after that give him some comfortable broth made with veale , mutton , chicken , or such like , wherein some burrage , bugloss , pimpernell , and a little hysop , with some parsley roots , the inner pith being taken out , must be boiled , whereof he must take a little at a time , three or four times a day , and betwixt times in taking of his broth , give him three or four spoonfulls of this julep following , which doth resist venenosity from the heart , and also quench thirst . a iulep to quench thirst and resist venenosity . ℞ . water of scabios , burrage , sorrell , ana ℥ . ii . sirrup of lemons , sowre citrons , and the juice of sorrell , of either one ounce . mix all these together , and give thereof as cause requireth . then at night he may sleep three or four houres more , and the next day , being the third or fourth day of his accubet , you may purge him with one of the purgations here following , but in any case you must take heed that you do not purge with any strong or scammoniate medicine , because it may cause an extream flux , which will be most dangerous , because it will overmuch weaken the body , and hinder concoction , for most commonly in this disease the body of it self is subject to fluxes . a good purgation in a strong body . ℞ . rad. cichoriae , ʒ . iiii . rad. petasitis , ʒ . ss. fol. scabiosae , card. benedictus pimpinellae , acetosae , ana m. i. florum cord. p. i. prunorum dammas no . x. sem. coriandri , ʒ . ss. aquae font . ℥ . ix . boyle them untill a third part be consumed , then strain it . ℞ . decoct. col . ℥ . iiii . fol. senuae , ʒ . iii . rhab. elect . ʒ . iiii . spicae . g. iii . infuse them together twelve hours , then strain it strongly , and add thereto these things . sir . de cichoriae , cum rhab. ʒ vi . oxisacchari , simp. ʒ . ii . mix them altogether , and drink it in the morning refraining from meat , drink , and sleep three houres after , and then eat some good broth . another in a plethorick and full body . ℞ . fol. scabiosae , buglossae , card. b. ana m. i. florum cord. p. i. rad. tormentillae . ʒ . iii . rad. fenic . licho . anaʒ . iiii . passularum enucleat , ℥ . i. prunorum dammas . no . vi . sem anis . coriandri , oxialidis , ana ℈ . i. sennae , polipod . q. ana ℥ . i. boyle all these in a sufficient quantity of water untill half the water be consumed , then strain it , and keep it . ℞ . rhab. elect . ʒ . ii . agarici , tros . ʒ . i. croci . ℈ . ss. aquarum scabiosae , borraginis , card. b. anaʒ . iiii . infuse these together twelve hours in a warm place , then strain them strongly , and add thereto sir . ros. lax . mannae . calabriae ana ℥ . i. decoct. col . ℥ . ii . vel ℥ . iii . mix all these together , and take it as the other before . a good purgation for a weak body . ℞ . fol. sennae , ʒ . iii . rhab. elect , ʒ . i. sem. anis . ʒ . ss. schenanthi , ℈ . ss. aquae acetosae , ℥ . v. boyle them a little , then take it from the fire , and let them stand infused together twelve houres , then strain it out strongly , and add thereto sir . ros. lax . ℥ . i. and then drink it as the other before . another gentle purgation . ℞ . aquarum scabiosae , card. b. aquae ad pestem , ana ℥ . i. rhab elect , ʒ . ii . ss. cinamomi , ʒ . ss. infuse them together twelve hours , and strain them strongly ; then add to the straining sir . ros. lax . ℥ . i. sir . de limonibus , four ounces . mix them together , and so drink it as the other before , you may either add or diminish of the rubarb unto any of these potions as you list . now when you see the purgation hath done working , then give the sick some cordiall thing , as hereafter followeth , which he must also take the next morning following . a good cordiall to be taken after purging . ℞ . conserva burrag , bugloss , mali citri , anaʒ . iiii . confect . alkermis ▪ ʒ . i. boli veri , ʒ . ss. specierum diarhod abb . ℈ . ii . diamarga . frigid . ʒ . i. manus christi perlati , ℥ . i. sir . de lemon , ʒ . iiii . mix all these together , and give the sick thereof so much as a chestnut at a time , you must oftentimes eat thereof if the sick be in no great heat . another good cordiall to be given where great heat is . ℞ . conservae bor●…g , ʒ iiii . conservae fol. acetosae , ℥ i. bolarm . veri ▪ ʒ . i. manus christi cum perlis , ℥ . i. sir . de lemonibus , q. v. misce . you must oftentimes give of this where great heat is , so much as three beanes at a time . a good cordiall potion . ℞ . aquarum buglossae , acetosae , ana ℥ . i. pul. diamarga . frig. ʒ . ss. confectio alkermis , g. ii . sir . de aceto , citri , vel de lemon . ℥ . i. misce . all this you may take after purging as aforesaid , at any time . and here you must understand , that if it be in a plethorick body full of ill humors , it were good that you purge him again the next day . chap. iii. sheweth what symptoms often chance , and how to help them . for that in this contagious disease there are divers dangerous symptoms which do oftentimes chance , i will here shew you good meanes how to help the same . for lightnesse of the head through want of sleep . ℞ . hordei mundi . p. i. amigd . dul . depilatum ℥ . i. ss. sem. iiii . frigid . ma. mund. ana ℈ . i. aqua font . q. . fiat decoctio . decoct. col . l. i. sir . de lemonibus , de papa , ana ℥ . i. ss. sacchari perlati , ℥ . i. boyl them together a little , and then keep it to your use , you must often times give two or three spoonfulls thereof to drink , and anniont his temples with this ointment . oyntment to provoke sleep . ℞ . vnguent popillionis , ʒ . iiii . unguent . alabastrini , ol. nenuphariae misce , ana . ʒ ii . this oyntment is not onely good to provoke sleep but will also ease the pain of the head , if the place grieved be annointed therewith . for raveing and raging ▪ if the party rave , then give him one scruple of the powder of harts-horn burnt , with half an ounce of the sirrup of violets and lemons , and apply this sacculus following to the head . a good sacculus for raving and raging . ℞ . florum nenupharis , p. i. cort. pap. ʒ . ii . santali albi , rub. citri , ana . ʒ . i. florum ros. rub , p. i. florum viol . p. ss. florum camomil . betonicae , anaʒ . i. shread them all small , then pound them grosly , and quilt them in a bagg , and apply it to the head , and it will help you . aphtham , to help it . in this contagious disease , there doth chance an ulceration of the mouth , which is called aphtham , it cometh by means of the great interior heat which the sick is oppressed with in the time of his sicknesse , which if it be not well looked unto in time , it will greatly endanger the body , for remedy whereof use this gargarism . a good gargarism for the mouth . ℞ . clean barley , one handfull , wilde daysie leaves , plantalne leaves , strawberry leaves , violet leaves , of either one handfull : purslane seed , one scruple , quinse seed , one scruple and half . licorice bruised , four drachms . boyle all these in a sufficient quantity of water untill the water be half consumed , then strain it , and take one pint and half thereof , and add thereto sirrup of roses by infusion , and sirrup of dried roses of either four drachms : diamoron two ounces . mix these together , and gargarize and wash the mouth therewith oftentimes being warm , and it helpeth . vomiting extreamly , how to help it . if it come in the beginning of the disease , as most commonly it doth , there is no better means to stay it , then by giving of cordials and by sweating , by which meanes that venomous matter which is the cause thereof is expelled , and breathed out , but if after cordials given , and sweat , it doth not stay , it is a very ill and dangerous signe : yet what means i have used to stay the same , i will here shew you . a good bag for the stomack . ℞ . dried leaves of mints , elder , origanie , wormwood , calamint , mugwort , thime , balme , pellemountaine , tops of dill , of either a little handfull : seeds of carduus benedictus , fennell , annis , of either four drachms : roots of ciperus , calamus aromaticus , of either four drachms : nutmegs , cloves , mace , of either half a drachm . make all these in gross powder , then put it into a linnen bag , which must be made so broad and long , as will cover the stomack : then take rose-water and strong vinegar , of either ten spoonfulls , wherein do you dissolve one ounce of mithridate , then must you first wet the said bag in two parts of clean water and a third part of white or claret-wine , and let him soak therein a little while , the liquor being first warmed on a chafer and coales , and then wet him in the rose-water and and vinegar being warm , and so apply it to the stomack , and when he waxeth cold , warm him therein againe , and let him remain half an hour in all , and then take him away , and dry the stomack with a warm cloth , and then annoint it with this ointment following . ℞ . chymicall oyles of rosemary , sage , of either one drachm : vinegar , mithridate , of either one drachm . mix all these together , and so use it , and if the party be costive , then were it good to give him a glister , wherein dissolve two drachms of mithridate , it is also good to apply ventoses unto the buttocks and thighes . yoxe , or yexing , to stay it . ℞ . dill seed , two scruples and half : white poppy seed , purslane seed , of either one scruple and a half . bruise them a little , then knit them in a fine linnen cloth , and let it soak in the drink which he useth , and when you give him drink , wring out the bag therein , and let him drink it , and that will stay it , also the order aforesaid to help vomiting , is good to stay the yoxe , or yexing , but if neither of them prevaile , then will the sick hardly escape death . flix , how to stop it . you must first give the patient this purpation following , which doth not onely purge away those slimie humors which is the cause thereof , but doth also leave an astringencie behind it . ℞ . rhab. elect . ʒ . iii . cinamoni , ℈ . ii . aquarum endiviae , borraginis , ana ℥ . ii . infuse them together twelve houres , then strain it out strongly , and add thereto one ounce of sirrup of roses laxative , and so drink it warm , refraining from meat , and drink , and sleep three houres after it : and at night when it hath done working , give this confection following . ℞ . conservae ros. ʒ . iiii . dioscordii , ℈ . i. ss. pul. diatragag . frigid . ℈ . i , dialkermes , g. x. sir . de lemon . ʒ . ii . misce . when you have given this confection , then doe you epithemate the region of the heart with this epithemative following , epithemation for the heart . ℞ . aquarum buglossae , burrag , rosarum , oxialidis , ana ℥ . iiii . throchiscorum de camphera , ℈ . i. pul. diamargarit . frigid . ʒ . i. aceti alb. ℥ . i. offa de corde cervi , ℈ . ss. santal . rub. coral . rub. misce . ana ℈ . i. with this you must epithemate the region of the heart warm a quarter of an hour , and if by this meanes it stay not , then the next day give some of this confection following , which i have found excellent good for the stopping of any flix whatsoever . ℞ . conservae ros. siccae . ℥ . i. pul. rhab. troschiscat ℈ . i. térrae lemniaeʒ . ss. lap. hemattitis , sang. draco . bolarmoni . anaʒ . ii . mithridatii , misce , ʒ . i. you must every morning and evening give two drachm hereof , and drink some plantaine water after it . now here you must understand , that if the flix come in the beginning of the sicknesse , and that no botch , carbunkle , nor ▪ spots appear in the body , then in any case you may not goe about to stop it , but suffer nature to discharge it selfe , and onely help nature with cordials , and epithemations applyed to the heart , but if by the continuance thereof , the patient grow very weak and faint therewith , then is it to be repressed , as before is shewed , but it must be the third day before you attempt to doe it . but if this flix come when the botch or carbunkle doth appear , and tending to maturation , then is it very dangerous , for by that meanes the venomous matter is drawn back again into the principall parts , and so killeth the patient . chap. iiii. sheweth the generall cure of a botch when he appeares outwardly . first , give cordials , and use the defensive before taught you in the second chapter , thereby to keep it from the heart , and then bring it to maturation as followeth . a good maturative . take a great onyon and roast him in the ashes , then pound him with some powder of white mustard-seed , and for lack thereof some triacle , and pound them together , and so apply it to the greif warm , and renue it twice a day , which within three or four dayes at most will bring it to suppuration . another . take white lilly roots , enulacompane roots , scabios , and onyons , of either two ounces . roast all these together in a cole leafe , or a wet paper , then pound them with some sweet butter , and a little venice triacle , whereunto doe you adde some galbanum , and ammoniacum dissolved in vinegar , and strained from the fesses and dregs , and so mix them altogether , and apply it , renewing it twice a day . another , where no inflammation is . take unguentum basilicon ℥ . iiii . soure leaven ℥ . ii . oil of lilies , sweet butter , ana . ʒ . iiii . triacle ʒ . i. ss. yolks of two eggs . mix them together , and so apply it , and when it is come to suppuration , then open it in the lowest part , either with a potentiall caustick , or by inscition , but the caustick is best , and when you have opened it , if no matter flow out , then apply the rumps of chickens to the sore , as before hath been shewed : after that put into the wound a digestive as followeth . a digestive , take the yolk of an egge , clear turpentine ʒ . iiii . clarified honey ʒ . ii . mithridate , or triacle ʒ . ss. mix all these together , and use it in the wound untill it be well digested , which you may perceive by the great quantity of white and thick matter that will flow out of it , and upon the sore lay this cataplasme untill it be digested a digestive cataplasme . ℞ . fat figs , and raisins the stones pickt out , ana . ℥ . ii . sal nitrumʒ . iv . sour leaven ℥ . iii . honey ℥ . i. oil of cammomill ℥ . i. ss. you must shread and pound the figs and raisins very small , then commix it with the rest in a morter , in form of a pultis , and use it . and when it is digested , then you must mundifie it with a mundificative , to which purpose unguentum virid . or else apostolorum mixt with unguentum basilicon will serve , and when it is clean mundified , then to incarnate and heal it up , doe you onely annoint or strike it over with a feather wet in arceus linament , which must be molten in a saucer , and over all lay a plaister of diaculum , or a plaister of kellebackeron , which is excellent good in all imposthumes and tumours , and in this order doe you proceed , untill the greif be whole . chap. v. sheweth how to bring the botch out , that lieth deep within the body or flesh . first you must consider , that oftentimes the botch , or carbunkle doth offer it selfe to come forth in some place of the body , and yet no apparant sign thereof , but lieth deep hidden within , because nature is not of sufficient strength to thrust it forth ; which is easily perceived by the great and almost intolerable pain , that by some is felt in the place where nature intends to expell it , which in the most part of people , by bloud-letting , cordials , and sweat , is clean taken away and evacuated ; but if after all this is done it goe not away , then unto these you must use all the meanes you can to bring it to the outward parts . first , by giving to the sick oftentimes some cordiall electuary to keep it from the heart , then ( if no great pain be in the outward part ) you must apply a cupping-glasse with scarification , directly against the place where the greif is felt , and let it remain thereon a quarter or halfe an hour , then take it away , and presently apply the rumps of chickens , hens , or pigeons to the place ( as before hath been shewed ) that being done , then lay some attractive and maturative plaister or cataplasme to the place , which here following is shewed , and every sixth hour you must apply the cupping-glass , as also the rest , untill such time as you have brought the venomous matter to the outward parts , there to be visibly seen , or at least , by feeling to be perceived , which commonly is effected at the second time , then use no more cupping , but onely apply a maturative to the place . a good maturative cataplasme . ℞ . rad. simphyti , ma . liliorum , ceparum , allium , ana , ℥ . i. fol. oxialidis m. i. you must pound all these together a little , then wrap them in a cole leafe , and so roast them in the hot embers , then pound them in a morter , whereunto adde ol. liliorum , auxungiaepor●… . ana . ℥ . i. fermenti acrisʒ . vi . mithridatiiʒ . i. mix them altogether in form of a pultus , and so apply it warm , and renue it twise a day . another ℞ . galbani , apopanacis , ammoniaci , ana . ʒ . iiii . dissolve these in vinegar if the botch be hot and inflamed ( but if it be not ) then dissolve them in aqua vitae , and being dissolved , then strain it from the dregs , and adde thereto unguent . basillici , mithridat . fomenti acris , ana , ℥ . iiii . mix all these together , and apply it . another which is sooner made . take a great onyon , make a hole in the middle of him , then fill the place with mithridate or triacle , and some leaves of rue , then roast him in the hot embers , and when it is soft , then pound it with some barrowes greace , and apply it to the sore , and that will ripen it in short time , then open and cure it as in the chapter before , but if the pain and inflammation in the place be so great , that the party cannot indure cupping glasses to be used , then must you apply a vesicatory to the place , in the lowest part of the greife . a vesicatory . take cantharides bruised in grosse powder ʒ . ss. soure leaven ʒ . ii . mix them together in a morter with a little vinegar , and apply it , which within twelve houres will raise a blister , which you must open , and then lay an ivie or cole leafe to the place , and upon all apply any of the cataplasmes aforesaid , and dresse it twice , a day , and once a day at least , give the patient some cordiall , and when it is come to a sortnesse , and that you perceive it is imposthumated , then open it , and so proceed to the cure , as before is shewed . when the botch will not come to maturation , but continueth alwayes hard . sometime it is seen that the botch , although it appear outwardly , yet will it not come to maturation , which commonly is accomplished within three or four dayes , but will resist whatsoever you apply to it , and remain and continue alwayes hard ; now here you must presently open it , either with a caustick or by inscition , for fear least it strike in again , or at least grow to gangrena , but before you open it , you must epithemate the greif with this epithemation following , and every morning and evening give the sick some cordiall , and betwixt the sore and the heart annoint it with the defensive before in the second chapter . an epithemation . take leaves of mallowes , violets , cammomill , ana , m. i. floures of dill , mellilot , ana . ℥ . i. hollehock roots ℥ . iiii . linseed ℥ . ii . boil all these in a sufficient quantity of water untill halfe the water be consumed , and then wet some wooll or flax therein , being first well beaten and pickt clean , and lay it upon the sore warm , and as it cooleth , doe you take it away , and lay on another warm stewse , and so continue it half an hour together , and then open it as beforesaid , and immediately apply to the wound chickens or hens , as before in the first chapter hath been shewed you : and if you cannot get chickens nor hens , then a whelpe or a pigeon clov●…n asunder by the back , and so applyed warm will suffice , which must be renued so oftentimes as cause requireth , and when that is done , then apply unto the wound a digestive , made as followeth . a digestive . take turpentine ℥ . ss. honey ʒ . ii . mithridate , or triacle ʒ . ss. the yolk of a new laid egge . mix all these together and use it in the wound , and upon all lay the digestive cataplasme beforesaid , which is made of figs , or a plaister of kellebackeron , or of diaculum magnum , and dresse it twice a day , and every dressing epithemate the greif as beforesaid , when it is digested , then mundifie , incarnate , and sigillate it , as in the chapter before is shewed you . chap. vi . sheweth what is to be done when the botch strikes in again . sometimes you shall see the sore will appear outwardly , and suddenly vanish away again , which is a very dangerous and deadly sign ; now when this doth chance , then presently give some good cordiall that hath power to expell the venome , as in the first chapter of this treatise you may find choyce of , and immediately apply this pultus to both the soales of his feet , which must be made with culver-dung , and vinegar mixt together , and spread on a cole leafe , and so applyed ; you must give the cordiall every third hour , and immediately after the first giving of the cordiall , you must epithemate the heart with the epithemation before expressed , in the second chapter of this treatise ; and when that is done , then cause the sick to sweat , if you may , and after his sweat , and the body well dried , then give him an easie glister , the next day parge him with some gentle pargation , as before is shewed you . and if by these meanes you prevail not , then small hope of life is to be expected ; yet petrus forestus willeth you , first to give a glister , and then within two houres after it , to draw some bloud in the same side where the greif is , and to annoint the place greived with unguentum resumptivum , mixt with some oil of cammomill , and then two houres after it to give a cordiall , and procure sweat upon it , and so following the rest of the orders aforesaid , did recover divers . chap. vii . sheweth how to draw a botch from one place to another , and so to discusse him without breaking . first you must apply a cupping glasse next adjoyning to the lower part of the sore , on that side where you would have him to be brought , and next unto that glasse apply another , so neer the first as you can , and if that be not so farre as you would have the sore to be brought , then apply the third glasse , and let them all remain a quarter of an hour , then takeaway the last glasse , but suffer the first to remain , then presently apply him again , and let it remain a quarter of an hour more , and doe so three or four times together , but alwayes suffer the first glasse next the sore for to remain ; now when you have thus done , then take all the glasses away , and presently apply a vesicatory to the place where the last and uttermost glasse did stand , suffering it to remain there twelve houres , then open the blister , and lay an ivy or cole leafe to the place , and upon all lay a pla●…ster of kellebackeron , or diaculum magnum , and dresse it twice a day , the longer you keep it running , the better it will be , and at length ●…eal it up as other ulcers are cured . now so soon as you have applyed the vesicatory , you must presently epithemate the botch with this epithemation . epithemation . take mallowes , violets , cammomill , dill , and mellilot , ana , m. i. hollehock roots three ounces , lin-seed one ounce and a half . boile all these in a sufficient quantity of water untill halfe the water be consumed , in this decoction you must wet some unwashed wooll or flax made clean and well beaten , then being wrung out a little , apply it warm to the place , and renue it every hour , during the time that the vesicatory is in working , and when you have opened the blister that is made thereby , then onely apply this cataplasme to the botch it self . take mallowes , violets and cammomill floures , of either one handfull . boil ▪ them in water untill they be tender , then cut them very small with a shreading knife , and add thereto oil of cammomill and lillies , of either two ounces : barrowes mort two ounces , wax one ounce . m●…lt the wax in the oiles , and then put it to the hearbs , and boile them together a little , then take it from the fire , and adde thereto barly and bean flower , a handfull of either of them , and so mix them altogether , and apply it to the greif , renuing it twice a day , which within three or four dayes will resolve and discusse the botch ; but if it doe it not by that time , then use all the meanes you can to bring it to suppuration , as before is sufficiently shewed you . chap. viii . sheweth how to know a carbunkle or blain , as also the 〈◊〉 of the same . the carbunkle or blain doth first begin with a little pustula or wheal , and sometime with divers pustulaes or wheales together , with a great burning and pricking pain in the place , which pustulaes are like a scalding bladder , seeming to be full of water or matter , yet when you open it , little or nothing will come out of it , and when they are broken , will grow to a hard crust or scarre , as if it had been burnt with a hot iron or caustick , with a great ponderosity or heavinesse in the place . in some it comes in the beginning , without any pustula at all to be perceived , but with a hard black crust or a scarre ; sometimes it lyeth hidden in the inward parts without any outward appearance at all , as if it be in the lungs , then there is a difficulty of breathing , with a cough and foul spitting . if it be in the liver or spleen , then the party feeleth a great pain and pricking in the same side ; if in the kidneyes or bladder it doth chance , then is there suppression or stopping of the urine , or great pain in the making of water ; if it be in the brain , then a delirium followeth , but howsoever it chance to come , the party infected therewith hath a fever , with other accidents , as before in the . chapter of the first treatise is declared ; if it begin with a green , black , or blew colour , or of divers colours like the rainbow , then is it a deadly signe , and so is it , if once it appear and then suddenly vanish away ; but if it be red or yellowish , so it be not in any of the principall parts , or emunctuaries of the body , as the heart , stomack , armpit , flanke , jawes , or throat , then it is laudable , otherwise in any of these places very desperate and dangerous to be cured , but wheresoever it doth chance , unlesse it may be brought to suppuration , it is deadly . the cure of the carbunkle . first , the universall means must not be neglected , as bloud-letting , cordials , epithemations , sweet and gentle evacuation by purging , as the time and cause requireth , which before in the beginning of this treatise hath been shewed at large , and the same order which is used for the cure of a botch , is also to be kept in the cure of a carbunkle , and to rectifie the ayre of the house by strewing it with vine and willow leaves , red roses and such like , as also to sprinkle the floor with rose water and vinegar , and cause the sick oftentimes to smell unto a cloth wet in rosewater and vinegar is very good : these things being done , then use all the means you can to bring it to suppuration , for which purpose this cataplasm following is very good a maturative cataplasm . take fat figs ℥ iiii . mustard seed , ℥ i. ss. pound the seed small by it self , the figs must first be cut very small , and then pounded likewise , and then adde thereto so much oyle of lillies as will suffice to make it in the form of a stiffe pultis , and apply it warm , renuing it twice a day , this must be continued untill the scar begin to grow loose and moveable , and then apply this following to remove the scar . take unsalted butter , the yolk of an egg , and wheat flour , mix them together , and apply it untill the s●…ar doe fall away , then doe you mundifie it with this mundificative . mundificative annodine . take clear turpentine , ℥ iiii . sirrup of red roses , ℥ i. honie of roses , ʒ iiii . boil them altogether a little , then take it from the fire , and add there to barlie and wheat flour of each ʒ . vi . the yolk , of a new laid egg , and mix them altogether , and apply it three dayes , and then use this following . another mundificative . take clear turpentine , ℥ iii . honie of roses , ℥ ii . juice of smallege , ℥ ii . barlie flowre , ℥ i. ss. boil them altogether saving the barlie , untill the juice be consumed , then take it from the fire , and when it is almost cold , adde the barlie thereto , and mixe them together , and use thereof to the grief untill it be clean mundified , and then incarnate it with unguentum basilicon , and lastly sigillate it with unguentum de cerusa decocted . sometime you shall find a little pustule to appear , without any elevation of the parts adjoyning , or outward hardnesse . now here to bring it outwardly you must apply this cataplasm . take lillie roots , onyons , and sour leaven , of either one ounce . boil them in water untill the water be consumed , then bruise them in a morter , and add thereto mustard seed , culver-dung , white sope , anaʒ . i. ss. snails without shels , vi . in number . mithridate , triacle , ana , half a drachm , yolks of four eggs . mix all these together , and apply it warm to the grief , renuing it thrice a day , this order must be continued untill you see the place elevated tending to suppuration , then apply a maturative , and so proceed as next before this is shewed you , and during the whole time of the cure , i hold it better to use rather poultises then plaisters , because they do not so much stop the pores , but give more scope for the venemous matter to breath out . when the carbuncle doth come with great pain and inflammation , how to help it . you must first bath and soke the place well with this bag following , and then presently apply the cataplasm ensuing , for by this means you shall not onely ease the pain and abate the inflammation and fever , but also prevent the danger of gangrena which may chance thereby . the bag . take mallowes , violets , plantain , liblong , ana one handfull . fat figs , ℥ i. hollihock roots , lillie roots , ana ℥ . i. lin-seed ; ℥ i. you must shred the hearbs grosly , and cut the figgs and roots small , then bruise them in a morter , and mingle them altogether , then put them into two little bags of linnen cloth , and boil them in a sufficient quantitie of clean water , untill the water be half consumed , then take out one of the baggs , and wring out the water a little , and apply it to the grief warm , and when it is cold , take it away , and lay on the other , and doe so half an hour together every dressing , which must be twice a day at least . the cataplasm . take mallows , violets , sorrell , liblong , ana two handfuls , henbane , a little handfull . wrap them all in a ball together , and roast them in the ashes , then bruise them in a morter , and adde thereto , mel rosarum , ℥ iiii . triacle , ʒ i. ss. saffron in pouder , half a drachm , yolks of five eggs . mix them together with the rest , adding some barly flower thereto to thicken it , and apply it warm , renuing it alwaies before it grow dry and stiffe , and every dressing you must epithemate the grief first with the baggs aforesaid , and this order must be continued untill the pain and inflammation be gone , then to bring it unto suppuration , if you adde to the foresaid cataplasm some oyle of lillies , and sweet butter unsalted , it will be very good , or you may make this cataplasm following . take soot of the chimney , ℥ . iii . bay salt , ℥ . i. ss. yolks of two or three eggs . mix all these together in a morter , and apply it to the grief warm , which must be alwaies renewed and changed before it grow dry and stiffe , this order must be continued untill the ●…ore come to suppuration , then to remove the scar , and finish the cure , doe you follow the order prescribed in the beginning of this chapter . there are other dangerous accidents which doe sometimes chance in the botch or carbuncle , which here to treat of would little avail the unexpert people , because they know not the means how to execute the same , but if any such thing chance , then doe i wish you to seek the help of some learned physitian , or expert chirurgion , whose counsell i doe wish you to follow . the end of the second treatise . a short treatise of the small pox , shewing the means how for to govern and cure those which are infected therewith . chap. i. sheweth what the small pox and measels are , and whereof it proceedeth . for that oftentimes those that are infected with the plague , are in the end of the disease sometime troubled with the small pox or measels , as also by good observation it hath been seen , that they are fore-runners or warnings of the plague to come , as salius and divers other writers doe testifie : i have thought it good and as a matter pertinent to my former treatise , to shew the aids and helps which are required for the same . i need not greatly to stand upon the description of this disease , because it is a thing well known unto most people , proceeding of adusted bloud mixt with flegm , as avicen witnesseth , which according to both ancient and latter writers doth alwaies begin with a fever , then shortly after there ariseth small pustulaes upon the skin throughout all the body , which doe not suddenly come forth , but by intermission , in some more or lesse , according to the state and qualitie of the bodie infected therewith : for in some there ariseth many little pustulaes with elevation of the skin , which in one day doe increase and grow bigger , and after have a thick matter growing in them , which the greeks call exanthemata or exthymata : and after the latines variola , in our english tongue the small pox , and here some writers doe make a difference betwixt variola and exanthemata ; for say they , that is called variola when many of those pustules doe suddenly run into a clear bladder , as if it had been scalled , but the other doth not so , yet they are both one in the cure , they doe most commonly appear the fourth day , or before the eight day , as avicen witnesseth . what the measels or males are . avicen saith , that the measels or males is that which first cometh with a great swelling in the flesh , with many little pimples which are not to be seen , but onely by feeling with the hand are to be perceived , they have little elevation of the skin , neither doe they grow to maturation , or end with ulceration as the pox doth , neither doe they assault the eyes , or leave any deformity behind them as the pox doth , neither are they so swift in coming forth , but doe grow more slowly , they require the same cure which the pox have , they proceed of cholerick and melancholie bloud . the cause of the pox and measels . the primitive cause as valetius saith , is by alteration of the aire , in drawing some putrified and corrupt quality unto it , which doth cause an ebullition of our bloud . the cause antecedent is repletion of meats , which do easily corrupt in the stomack , as when we eat milk and fish together at one time , or by neglecting to draw bloud , in such as have accustomed to doe it every year , whereby the bloud doth abound . the conjunct cause is the menstruall bloud , which from the beginning in our mothers wombs wee received , the which mixing it self with the rest of our bloud ; doth cause an ebullition of the whole . the efficient cause is , nature or naturall heat , which by that menstruall matter mixing it self with the rest of our bloud , doth cause a continuall vexing and disquieting thereof , whereby an unnaturall heat is increased in all the body , causing an ebullition of bloud , by the which this filthy menstrual matter is seperated from our natural bloud , and the nature being offended and overwhelmed therewith , doth thrust it to the outward pores of the skin as the excrements of bloud , which matter if it be hot and slimie , then it produceth the pox , but if dry and subtil , then the measels or males . but mercurialis an excellent writer in physick , in his first book , de morbis puerorum , cap. . agreeing with fernelius in his book de is rerum causis , c. . doth hold opinion , that the immediate cause of this disease doth not proceed of menstrual bloud , but of some secret and unknown corruption , or defiled quality of the aire , causing an ebullition of bloud , which is also verified by valetius , and now doth reckon it to be one of the hereditable diseases , because few or none doe escape it , but that either in their youth , ripe age , or old age , they are infected therewith . the contention hereabout is great , and mighty reasons are oppugned on both sides , therefore i will leave the judgement thereof unto the better learned to define ; but mine opinion is , that now it proceedeth of the excrements of all the four humours in our bodies , which striving with the purest , doth cause a supernatural heat and ebullition of our bloud , alwaies beginning with a fever in the most part , and may well be reckoned in the number of those diseases which are called epidemia : as fracastorius in his first book , de morbis contag . cap. . witnesseth this disease is very contagious and infectious , as experience teacheth us : there are two speciall causes why this disease is infectious : the first is , because it proceedeth by ebullition of bloud , whose vapour being entred into another bodie , doth soon defile and infect the same , the second reason is , because it is a disease hereditable ; for we see when one is infected therewith , that so many as come neer him , ( especially those which are allyed in the same bloud ) doe assuredly for the most part , receive the infection also . chap. ii. sheweth to know the signs when one is infected , as also the good and ill signs in the disease . the signs when one is infected are these , first he is taken with a hot fever , and sometime with a delirium , great pain in the back , furring and stopping of the nose , beating of the heart , hoarsnesse , redness of the eyes , and full of tears with heavinesse and pain in the head , great beating in the forehead and temples , heaviness and pricking in all the body , dryness in the mouth , the face very red , pain in the throat and breast , difficulty in breathing , and shaking of the hands and feet with spitting thick matter . when they doe soon or in short time appear , and that in their coming out they doe look red , and that after they are come forth they doe look white , and speedily grow to maturation , that he draweth his breath easily , and doth find himself eased of his pain , and that his fever doth leave him , these are good and laudable signes of recovery . when the pox lye hidden within and not appearing outwardly , or if after they are come forth they doe suddenly strike in again and vanish away , or that they doe look of a black , blewish , and green colour , with a difficultie and straitnesse of drawing breath , and that he doe often swoun , if the sick have a flix or lask , when the pox were found double , that is , one growing within another , or when they run together in blisters like scalding bladders , and then on the sudden do sink down and grow dry with a hard black scar or crust , as if it had been burnt with a hot iron , all these are ill signs . avicen saith , there are two speciall causes which produce death unto those that have this disease : either for that they are choaked with great inflammation and swelling in the throat called angina , or having a flix or lask which doth so weaken and overthrow the vitall spirits , that thereby the disease is increased , and so death followeth . how to know of what humours this disease cometh . if it come of bloud , then they appear red , with generall pain , and great heat in all the body . if they come of choler , then will they appear of a yellowish red and clear colour , with a pricking pain in all the bodie . if they come of flegm , then will they appear of a whitish colour and scaly , or with scales . if they come of melancholie , then will they appear blackish with a pricking pain . chap. iii. sheweth the meanes to cure the pox or measels . there are two speciall meanes required for curing this disease , the first is to help nature to expell the same from the interior and principall parts unto the exterior : the second is to preserve both the interior and exterior parts , that they may not be hurt thereby . for the first intention , if the age and strength of the sick will permit , and that the pox or measels appear not , it were then good in the first , second , or third day to draw bloud out of the basilica veine in the right arme , if he be not under the age of fourteen years , but the quantity must be at the discretion of him that draweth it , either more or lesse as occasion is offered : but for children and such as are of tender years , and weak bodies , it were not good to draw bloud out of the arme , but out of the inferior parts , as the thighes , hams buttocks , and the emeroidall veines , especially if the party be melancholie , or else to apply ventoses to the loynes , buttocks , or hams , which may boldly be used both before and after they do appear , either with scarification , or without , as cause requireth , which is a speciall good meanes to draw that ichorous matter from the interior to the exterior parts ; but for sucking children , it were best to apply bloud-suckers unto any of the foresaid places , which is a thing that may be used with more ease then ventoses , neither do i wish either of them to be used unlesse necessity require it , which is , when the matter lieth lurking in the interior parts , not offering it self to appear outwardly : otherwise i hold it better to leave the whole work unto nature , specially in sucking children : for when we see that nature is ready , or doth endeavour to expell the malignity which is in the interior parts to the exterior , which may be perceived by reviving of the spirits , and mitigating of the fever : here we ought not to use any meanes at all , but leave the whole operation to nature , which we must onely help by keeping the sick body in a reasonable heat , being wrapt in a scarlet , stammell , or red cloth , which may not touch the skin , but to have a soft linnen cloth betwixt them both , and then cover him with clothes in reasonable sort , and keep him from the open ayre and the light , except a little , and also from anger , using all the meanes you can to keep the sick in quietnesse , and if the body be very costive , then to give an easie glister . a glister . ℞ . barley , two handfuls , violet leaves one handfull : boyle these in three pints of water untill half be consumed , and strein it : then take of the same decoction twelve ounces . oyle of violets three ounces , red sugar and butter , of either one ounce , mix them together and give it to the sick warm ; you may encrease or diminish the decoction or ingredients according as the age of the party requireth : but if the sick have great heat , then may you add one ounce or four drachms of cassia newly drawn unto it , and when he hath expelled the glister , then rub the armes , hands , legs , and feet , softly with a warm cloth , which is also a very good meanes to draw that chorous matter from the interior to the exterior parts , when all this is done , then if the body be inclined to sweat , you must further the same by covering him with warm clothes , having a care that you lay not more on him then he can well endure , for otherwise you may cause faintnesse and swouning , which are ill in this case , yet must you alwaies keep the sick warm , and suffer him not to sleep , or permit very little untill the pox or measels do appear : and here you must have a speciall care to preserve the eyes , eares , nostrels , throat and lungs , that they be not hurt or offended therewith , as hereafter shall be shewed you , which you must use before he sweat and also in the sweat if need be . eyes , how to preserve them . ℞ . rose-water , plantaine-water , of either two ounces , sumack , two drachms . let them boyle together a little , or stand infused a night , then mixe therewith half a spoonfull of the oyle made of the white of an egg , then wet two clothes five or six double therein , then lay them upon either eye , cold , which must bee alwaies kept upon the eyes untill the pox be all come forth , and as they grow dry , wet them in the same liquor againe , and apply them , but if there be great pain and burning within the eye , then must you also put a drop of this musselage following into the eye : take quinse-seed , half a drachm , bruise it a little , then let it stand infused in three ounces of rose-water a whole night , then strein it , and put one drop thereof into the eye three or four times a day at least , or take of this water . ℞ . rose-water , ℥ . ii . womans milk , ℥ . i. myrrh finely powdered six graines . mixe them together , and use it in the eye as before is shewed : this doth ease the paine , resisteth putrefication , and preserveth the sight . for the eares , you must put a drop of oyle of roses warm into them before he sweat . for the nostrels , cause him oftentimes to smell to the vapour of rose-vinegar , or else vinegar , red-roses and n boyled together . for the throate , let him alwaies hold a peice of white sugar-candy in the mouth , and as it melteth swallow it down . for the lunges give the sick oftenimes some sirrup of quinses , or conserve of roses , a little at a time . and for his drink , the decocted water of barley , boyled with a little licorice is best , being mixed with the juice of a lemon , citron , pomegranate , or rybes : which the sick best liketh , for either of them is very good . and for his diet , he must refrain from all salt , fat , thick and sharp meats : and from all sweet things either in meat or drink , his meat must be of a facile and easie digestion , and that hath a cooling property in it , as broth wherein burrage , bugloss , sorrell , and such like are boyled , and for ordinary drink , small beer or ale is best . chap iiii. teacheth what is to be done when the pox or measels are flow in coming forth . now when you perceive the pox or measels are slow and slack in comming forth , then must you help nature , with cordials , and by sweat to thrust it out from the interior and principall parts , unto which purpose i have alwaies found this drink to be excellent good here following . ℞ . hordei mund. m. i. lentium . excort . p. i. ficuum . no. x. fol. capil. . v. lactucae . ana m. ss. fol. acetosae . m. i. florum cord . p. i. semen fenic . ʒ . ii . semen . . frigid . ma. anaʒ . ss. aqua font , lb. iiii . boyle all these together untill a third part of the water be consumed , and then strein it . ℞ . decoct. col . lb. i. succus granatorum vel ribes , ℥ . iiii . mix all these together , and give the sick four or six ounces thereof to drink every morning and evening , which will provoke sweat , and expell the disease , and if you cannot get the juice of pomegranats , nor rybes , then you may take so much of the sirrup of either of them . another good drink to expell the pox or measels . take a quart of posset-ale , a handfull of fennell seed , boyle them together till a third part be consumed , then strein it , and add thereto one drachm of triacle , and one scruple of saffron in powder : mix them together , and give two , three , or four ounces thereof to drink every morning and evening as cause requireth . but if it be for a strong and elderly body , you may give any of the expelling electuaries which are used to expell the plague , as in the first chapter for the curing of the plague doth appear . but if the sick be so weak that he cannot expell the disease in convenient time , then it is good to epithemate the heart with this epithemation following . epithemation for the heart . ℞ . aquarum ros. melissae , card. b. buglos . morsus diaboli , vini alb. ana ℥ . iiii . aceti ros. ℥ . ii . ss. pul. ros. rub . trium santal-cinamoni , elect. diamarg. frigid . anaʒ . ss. mithridati , ℥ . i. theriacae , ʒ . iiii . mix all these together , and let them boyle a little , and so warm epithemate the heart : and when you have done it , then give some expulsive drink or electuary as cause requireth , and then cause him to sweat upon it , for by this meanes you shall obtaine your desire by gods permission . thirst , how to quench it . now if in the expelling of the pox , the sick be very thirsty and dry , then give this julep to drink morning and evening , which i have found very good . ℞ . sirrup of jujubes , nenuphare , and burrage , of either four drachms : water of burrage , cichore , and bugloss , of either two ounces . mix them together and give the sick one half thereof in the morning , and the rest at night , and cause him oftentimes to lick of this mixture following . take the conserves of nenuphare , violets , and burrage , of either six drachms : manus christi made with perles , four drachms : sirrup of nenuphare and ribes , of either one ounce and half . mix them together : and with a licorice stick clean scrap'd , and a little bruised in the end , let the sick lick thereof . chap. v. sheweth what is to be done when the pox are all come out in the skinne . for that oftentimes the face and hands , which is the beauty and delight of our bodies , are oftentimes disfigured thereby , i will shew you what meanes i have used with good and happy successe for preventing thereof : which is , you may not do any thing unto them untill they grow white , and that they are come to maturation , which when you perceive , then with a golden pinne , or needle , or for lack thereof a copper pinne will serve , do you open every pustulae in the top , and so thrust out the matter therein very softly and gently with a soft linnen cloth , and if you perceive the places do fill againe , then open them againe as you did first , for if you do suffer the matter which is in them to remain over long , then will it fret and corrode the flesh , which is the cause of those pitts which remaine after the pox are gone , as avicen witnesseth : now when you have thus done , then annoint the places with this oyntment following . take elder leaves , one handfull , marigolds , two handfulls , french mallowes , one handfull , barrowes morte or grease , six ounces . first bruise the hearb in a morter , and then boyle them with the grease in a pewter dish on a chafer and coales , untill the juice of the hearbs be consumed , then strein it , and keep it to your use , the best time to make it is in the middle or the latter end of may . you must with a feather annoint the places grieved , and as it drieth in , annoint it againe , and so continue it oftentimes , for this will soon dry them up , and keep the place from pitts and holes , which remain after the pox are gone . also if you annoint the pox with the oyle of sweet almonds newly drawn three or four times a day , which you must begin to do so soon as the pox are grown white and come to maturation , it will cure them without pitts or spotts , and easeth the pain and burning , and helpeth excoriation . some do onely oftentimes wet the places with the juice of marigolds in the summer season , and in winter the juice of the roots will serve : and by that onely have done well . mercuriales doth greatly commend this decoction following to be used after the pustulaes are opened . take barley , one little handfull , red roses , a handfull , red sanders , white sanders , of either one o●…nce : saffron , two scruples , salt , four drachms , clean water , three pound . boyle all together untill a third part be consumed , you must oftentimes touch the sores therewith , with a fine cloth wet therein , and as it drieth in , wet it againe , this in a short time will dry them up . i have heard of some , which having not used any thing at all , but suffering them to dry up and fall off themselves without any picking or scratching , have done very well , and not any pitts remained after it . when the pox , after they come out , do not grow to maturation , how you shall help it . sometimes you shall find that it will be a long time before those pustulaes will come to maturation , or grow white : now here you must help nature to bring it to passe , which you may well do with this decoction . take mallowes , one handfull , figgs , twelve in number , water , a quart . cut the figgs small , and boyle altogether , untill half and more be consumed , and then wet a fine soft linnen cloth therein , and touch the place therewith oftentimes , which will soone bring them to maturation , and also ease the paine , if any be . ulceration , to help it . if in the declining of the pox they chance to grow unto ulcerations , which is oftentimes seen : then for the curing thereof use this order here following . take tamarinds , leaves of ●…entils , mirtils , budds of oaken leaves , red roses dried , of either a l●…le handfull . boyle all these in a pottle of clean water untill half be consumed , then strein it , and with a fine cloth wet therein do you wash and soak the place well , then wipe it dry with a soft and fine linnen cloth , and then cast into the place some of this powder following . take frankincese , mastick , sarcocoll , and red roses , of either two drachms . make all these into fine powder severally by themselves , then mix them together , and so reserve it to thy use . a very good unguent for the same purpose . take oyle of roses , vi . ounces , white wax , one ounce , ceruse washt in rose and plantaine-water , one ounce and half , clear turpentine , iii . drachms , camphire , half a drachm . you must first melt the wax in the oyle , then put in the ceruse by little and little , alwaies stirring it with an iron spalter , and let it boyle on a gentle fire of charcoles untill it grow black , but stirr it continually in the boyling , for feare least it burn : then take it from the fire , and add thereto the camphire , and lastly the turpentine : this unguent is good both to mundifie , incarnate , and sigillate . for extream heat and burning in the soales of the feet , and palms of the hands . petrus forestus willeth to hold the hands and feet in warm water , and that will ease the pain and burning , and may boldly be used without any danger . for to help the sorenesse and ulceration of the mouth . sometime it chanceth in this disease , that there is a great ulceration or excoriation in the mouth and jawes , called aptham , which if it be not well looked unto in time , will grow to be cankers , : now to cure and prevent the same , this gargarisme is excellent good . take barley-water , a quart , red roses dried , a little handfull , sumach , and rybes , of either two ounces , juice of pomegranates , ℥ . iii . boyle them altogether , saving the juice of pomegranates , untill a third part be consumed , then strein it , and add thereto the juice of pomegranates , with this you must often wash and gargarise , as also hold some thereof in the mouth a pretty while . also to prevent the same , the kernel of a pomegranate held in the mouth is very good , and so it is excellent good to lick oftentimes some diamoron , or juice of a pomegranate . for inflammation and paine in the tonsils and throate . take plantaine-water , a pint , sirrup of pomegranates , two ounces . mix them together , and gargarise therewith oftentimes being warm . another . taste nightshade-water , a pint , seeds of quinces , four scruples . boyle them together a little , then strein it , and add thereto two ounces of the sirrup of pomegranates , and gargarise therewith oftentimes . how to open the eye-lids that are fastened together with the pox . sometimes the eye-lids are so fastened together that you cannot open them without great pain and danger : then to open them you must foment or bath them well with a decoction made of quince seed , mallowes and water boyled together , wherein wet some fine linnen clothes five or six double , and apply them warm , and continue it untill you may easily open them , and then if you perceive any web or filme to be grown over the sight , then thrice a day do you put some powder of white sugar-candy into the eye , or if you list , you may dissolve the sugar in rose-water , and so use it in the eye , which will fret it away , and preserve the sight . a good collery for a web or ungula in the eye . take the juice of rue , fennell , salendine , mallowes , of either two ounces . boyle them together in a vessell of glasse , or peuter , over a chafer with coales , and scumme away the froth that doth rise thereof , then add thereto the gaule of an eel , one drachm , and let them boyle together a little , then put thereto four scruples of white copperas , and one scruple of verdigreace in fine powder , boil all together a little , then let it run through a fine linnen cloth , and keep it in a glasse , you must every morning and evening put one drop thereof into the eye , provided that first due evacuation be made so well by phlebotomie as purging . chap vi . teacheth how to help divers accidents which chance after the pox are cured and gone . for rednesse of the face and hands after the pox are gone , how to help it . take barley , beanes , lupins , of either one handfull : bruise them all in a morter grosely , and boyle them in three pints of water untill it grow thick like a jelly , then straine it , and annoint the face and hands therewith three or four times a day , for three or four daies together , and then you must wet the face and hands so oftentimes a day with this water following . take vine leaves , two handfuls : beane-flower , dragons , wilde-tansey , of either one handfull : camphire three drachms , two calves feet , the pulpe of three lemons , a pint of raw cream . you must shred the hearbs small , as also the lemons , and break and cut the calves-feet small , then mix them together , and distill it in a glasse still , also the water of may-dew is excellent good for any high colour , or rednesse of the face . for spots in the face remaining when the pox are gone . take the juice of lemons and mix it with a little bay-salt , and touch the spots therewith oftentimes in the day ; for it is excellent good . a good ointment for the same purpose . take oyle of sweet almonds ▪ oyle of white lillies , of either one ounce : capons-grease , goats-tallow , of either four drachms : sarcocoll , half a drachm : flower of rice , and of lupins , of either one drachm : litharge of gold , one drachm and half : roots of brionie , and of ireos , of either one scruple : sugar-candy white , one drachm . make powder of all those that may be brought into powder , and searce them through a searce , then put them all in a morter together , and labour them with a pestle , and in the working do you put the water of roses , beane-flower ▪ and of white lillies ana a great spoonfull , which must be put in by little and little in the working of it , and so labour them altogether untill it come to an unguent . you must every evening annoint the face therewith , or hands , and in the morning wash it away in the water wherein barley , wheaten-bran , and the seed of mallowes hath been boyled . for holes remaining when the small pox are gone . for helping of this accident i have shewed many things , yet never could find any thing that did perfectly content me , but the best meanes that i have tried , is one day to wash the place with the distilled water of strong vinegar , and the next day with the water wherein bran and mallowes have been boyled , and continue this order twenty daies , or a moneth together . running of the eares , how to help it . sometimes the eares do run very much in this disease , which in any wise you may not go about to stop in the beginning ▪ but suffer it so to run , and the eares to remaine open : but if there be great pain in them , then wet a spunge in warm water and oyle of roses mixt together , and lay it upon the eares . for stopping of the nostrills , to help it . sometimes the nostrills are greatly pestered by stopping them with the pox growing in them , which doth oftentimes cause ulceration in them , therefore to prevent the same , take red-rose , and plantaine , of either one handfull : mirrh in powder half an ounce . boyle all these in a quart of water untill half be consumed , and so being warm , cause the sick to draw the fume thereof into his nostrills oftentimes . also if the sick doth oftentimes smell unto vinegar , it is good . for hoarsenesse remaining when the pox are gone . take licorice , sebesten , jujubes , of either two ounces : fat-figgs , four ounces , clean water , four pints . boyl all these together untill half be consumed , then strain it , and give one spoonfull thereof to the sick oftentimes , and it helpeth . for filthy and moist scabs after the pox are gone . take lapis calaminaris , litharge of gold , and of silver of either two drachms : quick br mstone and ceruse , ana . ii . bring all these into fine powder , and then labour them in a morter with so much barrowes-mort or grease as shall be sufficient to make up an unguent , and annoint the place therewith every morning and evening . finis . some other few additionall observations concerning the passages in this latter treatise . page the eighth of this precedent book , a quilt or bag is commended to be very excellent ; it is reported to be pope adrians bag , which he used against infection , and in the great last sicknesse in london , it was commended to many great persons of worth by some apothecaries , who kept it as a great secret , and affirmed , it would prevent infection , and preserve them safe in that dangerous time ; and thereupon sold it unto them at a very great rate : but that you may not be deluded in the prescription , i have set down the true receit thereof , as it was delivered unto me from the hands of a very noble friend . a preservative against the infection of the air , and the plague , often approved by pope adrian , and many others of great rank and credit . take arsenick two ounces , auripigmentum one ounce , make little tablets thereof with the whites of eggs , and gum dr●…gacanth , and hang them about the neck against the heart . i have also set down a red cordiall water , very good against infection , which i had also from that noble friend . take a quart of good spirit of wine , or very good aqua vitae , infuse it in one ounce of good mithridate , with as much good venice triacle : let it be close stopped some few day●… in the infusion before you use it , then pour the spirit clear off , and reserve it for your use . but to discover what opinions other phisitians have held of that and the like , i have annexed hereunto their severall judgements hereafter , that amongst so many choise medicines , they may select out the best and safest for their own preservations , when need shall require . and to give them the better satisfaction , i have annexed , out of some choise manuscripts , some approved experiments , of some of our london ablest doctors , as also out of some other authors . severall opinions against wearing of arsenick amulets , as preservatives against the plague . the poysonous vapours of arsenick being sucked or drawn into the body , when they find no contrary poyson with whom to wrestle with , as with an enemy , ( for in an infected body there cannot be health ; but we suppose him to be well , whom we desire to preserve so ) those vapours must needs imprint a malignant and venomous quality on the spirit and heart , most adverse and pernitious to nature . and by galens own doctrine , all alexiteries doe in a mann●…r , if they be used too liberally , greatly offend and weaken our bodies ; how can we then think , that ranke poysons and dilaet●…ries , ( such as arsenick is ) being applied , as to penetrate in●…o the noblest region of all other , will no whit violate and wast our naturall , vitall , and radicall heat ? galen libr. de ●…mp . cap. ●… . nor did galen , or any of the antient fathers and professors of ●…hysick , use to preserve from the plague , or any other poison , by administring some other poison inwardly , or prescribing outwardly applications , but proceeded by antidotes , and alexiteries , as will appear in libr. de theriaca ad pis. cap , . wherefore , unlesse we will utterly disclaim or relinguish the method and prescripts of these worthy antients , and prosecute new wayes and inventions , to oppose this man-yelling monster , we must attempt it not with poysons but antidotes . and galen defineth those to be poysons , which agree not with nature , either well or ill affected at any time ; for though there are some poysons , which if they meet in the body with a contrary venome , so fight with it , and oppose it , that both doe perish in the conflict betwixt them ; so that the party , by their colluctation and strugling together , escapes with his life : yet all of them agree in uniform opinion together , that where they meet with no opposition , they ruine the party : and therefore conclude , that arsenick , worn by a healthy man , finding not onely no contrary poyson to make conflict with , but no poyson at all , must necessarily thwart , and oppose , and make an onset on nature her self . and to confirme their opinions , i have purposely introduced the judgements of other learned phisitians concurring with them . gerardus columbus , a learned phisitian , reporteth , that it hath been observed , that the wearers of these amulets , upon unusuall heating their bodies , have fallen into sudden lipothimies , and swounings , with other fearfull accidents , which continued upon them till the amulets or placents were removed from them ; and that others , though not instantly , yet after some time , have by late and wofull experience discovered their malignity , by falling into malignant and pestilent fevers , some of them ending with death . franc. alphanus , a phisitian of salerne , relateth of one , who wearing arsenick , and heating himself with playing earnestly at tennise , fell down suddenly dead . mattheus hessus also thus writeth , as cordiall bags or amulets ought not to be disavowed , so empoysoned amulets can be no way commended ; nor doe i remember , that ever any received good from them , who abstained from other antidotes : but this i certainly know , that divers persons , who carry about them quick-silver in a nutshell , by the vain perswasions of some imposters , have died of the plague , and the counsellours and advisers of such like amulets , have been the first have betaken themselves to their heeles , confiding more in their running than cunning : and yet these quacks perswaded the ignorant people , with glorious promises and protestations , that whosoever carried quick-silver or arsenick about his neck , should be as safe , as if he had purchased a protection from the king of heaven historians also report , that caracalla , though he were a wicked emperour , prohibited by publick edict or proclamation , that no man should wear about him superstitious amulets . and theophrastus the great ( not without cause ) esteemed p●…ricles to have a crazed brain , because he saw him wear an amulet about his neck . and hereunto doctor francis herring , an able phisitian , as a corollary to what hath before been written , addeth the experience of some london phisitians , who report , they have seen foul holes made in the breasts of those that have worn those amulets , and have observed divers to die , who have religiously worn them about their necks , as well as others . and whereas the venters and setters out of these deceitfull wares , make them as a scout , to discover the infection when it beginneth to seize on a man , by clapping close to the heart , to guard that principall part , as the cheif tower : it is a meer deceit and collusion : for whensoever the body is heated , this event followeth necessarily , though no other infection be near , but the poysonous and venomous arsenick itself , whose salutation is rather ioabs imbracing , or iuda's kissing , than friendly preservatives . causes of the plague . there are two speciall causes of the plague . first , an infected , corrupted , and putrified air , secondly , evill and corrupt humours ingendered in the body . the air is infected , when the temperatenesse of the air is changed from his naturall state , to excessive heat and moisture , which is the worst temperament of the air , the vapours drawn up by the heat of the sun being unconsumed , rot , putrifie , and corrupt , and so with the venome infect the air : also dead carkases lying unburied , as it often chanceth in warres , evaporations of pooles , fens , marishes , stinking and noysome sents and kennels , and astronomers say , aspects , conjunctions and oppositions of ill planets , and eclipses of the sun and moon . also disordering ones self , either in diet or exercises bringeth one into the pestilence ; therefore in time of contagion , outrages and surfets are to be avoided , as also all excesse of eating , drinking , sweating , bathing , lechery , and all other things that open the pores of the body , and enter thereby ill aires , which invenome the lively spirits . signes of the plague . the signes which declare one infected already are many ; but the secret token of all to know the infected of the plague is , if there arise botches behind the eares , or under the arme-holes , or about the share ; or if carbunkles suddenly arise in any member , for when they appear , they betoken strength of nature , which being strong , laboureth to drive the poyson out of the body ; but if botches doe not appear , it is more dangerous , for it sheweth , that nature is weak and feeble , and not able to expell and thrust forth the venomous humours , and then you must have respect to the signes before rehearsed . the infection of the plague entereth into a man after this sort . in a man are three principall parts ( that is ) the heart , liver , and brains , and each of these hath his cleansing place : if they appear in the neck , they shew the brains to be chiefly vexed , if under the arme-holes the heart , but if they appear in the share , the liver is most infected , for when a man hath taken infection , it presently mingleth with the bloud , and runs to the heart , which is the cheif part of man , and the heart putteth the venome to his cleansing place , which is the arme-holes ; and that being stopt , putteth it to the next principall part , which is the liver , and it passeth it to his cleansing place , which is the share , and they being stopt , passe it to the next principall place , that is , the braines , and to their cleansing places , which are under the eares , or under the throat , and they being stopped , suffer it not to passe out , and then it is moved twelve hours before it rest in any place , and if it be not let out within the space of four and twenty hours by bleeding , it brings a man into a pestilentiall ague , and causeth a botch in one of those three places , or near unto them the cure of the plague . when thou feelest thy self infected , bleed in the first hour , or within six hours after , drink not , and tarry not above twelve hours from bleeding , for then when the bloud is flitting too and fro , the venome is then moving , and not yet setled , and after it will be too late ; those that are fat may be let bloud , or else not . if the matter be gathered under the arme-holes , it comes from the heart by the cardiacall vein , then bleed on the same side by the basilica vein , the innermost vein of the arme , if the botch appear behind the eares , above the chin , or in any other part of the face or neck , bleed out of the cephalica vein on the same side ; you may bleed with cupping glasses , and scarification , or horseleeches . if the botch appear in the share , bleed in the ankle on the same side , in any case not in the arme , for it will draw up the matter again . but if no botch appear outwardly , draw bloud out of that side where you feel greatest pain and heavinesse , and out of that vein , the greif of the members affected shall point thee out . if you perceive the plague invade you at meat , or on a full stomack , vomit speedily , and when your stomack is empty , take some medicine that may resist poyson , as mithridate , or triacle , or some of these following , which , as choise medicines , i have inserted , as being doctor edwards experiments . for the plague . infuse two peices of fine pure gold in the juyce of lemons four and twenty hours , and drink that juyce with a little wine , with powder of the angelica root : it is admirable , and hath helped divers past all hope of cure . another . take two drachms of juniper berries , of terra lemnia ℈ i. make both into fine powder , and mix it with honey , and take of it as much as a ha●…ell nut in three drachms of honeyed water made up thus : take a pint of honey , and of water eight pints , seeth and scum it at an easie fire , till the fourth part be wasted : it is an excellent antidote against poyson and plague ; if the poyson be taken before , it will expell it by vomit , if not , the medicine will stay in the stomack . another . take zedoary roots the best you can get , great raisins , and licorice , champ it with thy teeth and swallow it , if you be infected it preserveth without danger . another for botches , boyls , and tokens . take of ripe ivy berries dryed in the shade , as much of the powder as will lye upon a groat or more , and put it into three or four ounces of white wine , and lie in bed and sweat well ; after your sweat is over , change shirt , and sheets , and all the bed clothes if he may , if not , yet change his shirt and sheets . some have taken this powder over night , and found themselves well in the morning , and walked about the house fully cured . one having a plague sore under the thigh , another under the left arme-pit , taking this powder in the morning , and again that night , the sores brake of themselves , by this excellent medicine sent by almighty god : it is good for botches , boyles , plague-sores , tokens , shingles , erisipella , and such like , &c. thus farre doctor edwards doctor in physick and chirurgery . experiments tried by my selfe . for the plague . take of pillulae pestilentiales , called ruffi , or of pan●…hy magogon ( or for want of it ) of extraction rudii , of each half a drachm , mingle these , into six pills for two doses , whereof take three at a time in the morning fasting , for two dayes together . another excellent approved remedy . take eight or nine grains of aurum vitae , either in triacle water , or made up in diascordium , fasting . another excellent sweating powder for the plague . take of the powder e chelis cancrorum , of aromatitum rosatum , and of cerusa autimonii , of each half a scruple , mingle these up together in a diaphoretick powder , and take it in four spoonfuls of triacle water well mingled together . the cure of diseases in remote regions . the calenture , happeneth to our nation in intemperate climates , by inflammation of bloud , and proceedeth often of immoderate drinking of wine , and eating of pleasant fruits , which are such nourishers thereof , as they prevent the meanes used in curing the same . to know the calenture . at the first apprehension it afflicts the patient with great pain in the head , and heat in the body , which is continuall or increasing , and doth not diminish and angment , as other fevers doe ; and is oft an introduction to the taberdilla or pestilence , but then the body will seem very yellow . to cure the calenture . so soon as you perceive the patient possest of the calenture , ( except the chirurgion , for danger of the sign defer it ) i have seen the time of the day not respected , open the median vein of the right arm , and take such quantity of bloud , as agreeth with the ability of the bodie ; but if it asswage not the heat by the next day , open the same vein in the left arme , and take so much more like quantity of bloud at his discretion ; and if the body be costive , ( as commonly they are ) give him some meet purgation , and suffer him to drink no other then water cold , wherein barley and annise-seeds have been boyled with bruised liquorice . and if within . dayes the partie amend not , or being recovered , take it again , open the vein cephalick in one or both hands , bathing them in warm water , untill there come so much more bloud as cause requires . suffer not the patient to drinke seven dayes after he is perfectly recovered , any other drinke , then such water , as is before herein directed . the taberdilla , is a disease so called by the spaniards , by the mexicans , cocalista , and by other indians is named taberdet , and is so exceeding pestilent and infectious , that whole kingdomes in both the india's have been depopulated by it , for want of knowledge to redresse themselves of it . to know the taberdilla . it first assaults the patient vehemently with pain in the head and back : and the body seeming yellow , is some sign thereof , and within hours it is so torturous , that the possest thereof cannot rest or sleep , turning himself on either side , back or belly , burning in his back most extreamly . and when it growes to perfection , there will appear red and blue spots upon the patients breast a●…d wrists . and such persons as have not presently requisite means applyed to them to prevent it , will be , by the vehement torment thereof , deprived of their wits , and many to cease their pain by losse of their lives have despairingly slain , and drowned themselves . the cure of the taberdilla . when you perceive it afflict the patient , permit him not to lie very warm , nor upon feathers ( for of what quality soever he bee in spain , having this sickness he is laid upon wheatstraw : ) then immediatly open the median vein , first in one arm , and the next day in the other , taking a good quantity of bloud : let him have water cold , wherein barlie and annise-seeds have been sodden without liquorice ( for the spanish physitians hold liquorice to bee hurtfull unto them ) so much as he will desire , which will be every moment ; but no other drink , nor any raw fruits : assoon as the spots appear , give him some cordiall potion : and laying him upon his belly , set six ventoses together on his back , between and beneath the shoulders ; and scarifying them , draw out ( if it be a body of strong constitution ) ounces of bloud . after which , and that he hath slept , he will find ease within twenty four hours , and such alteration in himself , as he will thinke he is delivered of a most strange torment . then give him moderately nourishing meats , ( for he will desire to eat much ) the fourth day , give him some convenient purgations . and if in the mean while he is costive , provoke him every day by clisters ; and warn him to forbear dayes all other drink then what is ordained : and be very carefull of his diet , for if this taberdilla , which we call here in england gods tokens , come againe unto the patient , he can hardly escape it . and it is no lesse infectious , then the usuall english plague . the espinlas is a strange sicknes , usuall in those parts to such as take cold in their breasts , after great heat or travell . it comes most times to those that lye with their breasts upon the ground ( especially ) in the night . to know the espinlas . the party having it , will be giddie in the head , and have pain and pricking at his breast , as with many thornes ; from whence i thinke it is called , for espina in spanish signifies a thorn ; and there will be upon the focell , being the upper bone of his arm , a hand breadth above the wrist , a little kernell by the which it is certainly known : he that hath this disease , will have appetite neither to meat , nor drinke , nor can digest meat , though he be invited and moved to take it . to cure the espinlas . the espinlas appearing by the former signs , take presently oyle olives , and therewith chafe the kernell upon the patients arm , using so to doe twice every day , untill it be dissolved ; and laying oyle likewise upon his breast , stroke it upward somewhat hard with the hand ; then spread fine flaxe upon it and the kernel , making it fast with a rowler , and within two or three dayes the diseased will be recovered thereof ▪ whereas else it is very dangerous to deprive them of life . camera de sangre . laxativeness , or blondy flux , proceed in those parts of divers causes : as by eating grapes , oranges , limons , melons , plantains , and especially a great fruit growing in the west-indies called pina , like a pine-apple , but bigger then four of the greatest which i have seen , which the spaniars hold for the most delicate fruit that is there , and many other fruits . also by sudden cold , or sitting ( being very hot ) upon a cold stone , or being hot by drinking water abundantly . and also eating of butter , oyle , and fish is so hurtfull to the parties that have it , that they must refrain to eat thereof , and whatsoever else , that may ingender any slimie substance in the intrals . the cure of the bloudie flux . there is more possibility of cure , by how much more expedition the medicine is ministred : and detracting it , the patients often die suddenly , without feeling much grief . for speedy and assured remedie , the patients bodie must be cleansed of the sliminess , ingendred in the passages of the nutriments , before any sustenance can remain in his bodie . to that purpose purge him in the morning , with halfe a pint of white wine cold , wherein half an ounce of rubard being smal cut hath been sodden , putting some sugar candie to it , to sweeten it , and immediatly after he hath so purged , keep at his navell rosemary sod in strong vinegar , applyed in the morning and evening very hot , untill it be stayed ; giving him often quinces bruised , and rouled in marmalade like pills , which he should swallow whole , and none of the fruits or meats before recited , nor any more white wine , but red wine of any sort : and if it be one the land use the livers of goats , ( especially ) sheeps , or bullocks rosted ; not willingly permitting the patient to eat any other meat : and if at sea , rice onely sodden in water , rather then any thing else usuall there , untill the infirmitie bee perfectly asswaged . the erisipela , reigneth much in those countries , proceeding from the unwholsome aires and vapours those hot countries doe yeeld , whereof many perish ; and if it bee not prevented by medicines presently ministred to the sick patients , it proveth incurable . to know the erisipela . hee will be swoln in the face , or some part of him , and it will be of yellow colour mixed with red . and when it is pressed with the finger , there will remain a sign or dint of the same , and then by degrees it will fill again to the former proportion . it speedily infecteth the inward parts , because such swellings come sooner unto perfection in hot places , then in temperat countries , and therefore the diseased thereof , must immediatly be provided of remedie . to cure the erisipela . the savage people first found out perfectly how to cure this disease , ( though it is the spanish name of the maladie ) by bruising so much tobacco as will yeeld four spoonfuls of juyce , and to drinke it presently after they are infected therewith , and to launce the places swollen , thereunto putting casade wet , and made into paste , continuing in cold and shadie places neer rivers : and not to travell and labour till they bee recovered : the spaniards in india doe recover themselves by taking the same juyce of tobacco , and setting so many ventoses upon the swoln places as they can contain , scarifying them , and drawing out the corrupted humour so congealed , using the like in two or three other parts of the bodie , where the disease doth not appeare . the juyce of tobacco is very excellent to expell poison , and is the ordinary remedie used by the indians , and other savages when they are poisoned , and bitten with scorpions , or other venemous creatures : but they make presently some incision where they are bitten or stung , and wash it with the juyce of tobacco , then applying the same bruised thereunto two or three dayes , they heal it up with dried tobacco . the tinoso or scurvie . is an infecting disease sufficiently known unto sea-fayring men , who by putrified meats , and corrupted drinks , eating bisket flourie , or foul crusted , and wearing wet apparrel ( especially sleeping in it ) and slothfull demeanour , or by grosse humours contained in their bodies get the same , to know the scurvie . many have perished when they returned out of hot regions into cold climates , where they have had the parts of their bodies , which with heat , were nimble and tractable to every motion of the spirits , dulled and benummed with cold , which is a token that this disease is ingendring in their joynts ; and soonest appears by swelling of their ankles , and knees , and blackness of their gums , or looseness of their teeth , which will sometimes come forth , when there is no remedie used in season . preservatives against the scurvy . you must have a care to preserve those things before rehearsed well conditioned , the badnesse whereof , in part breed this disease ; they must use exercise of body , and such as are exempted from doing of labour , must hang or swing by the armes twice or thrice every day ; they must not have scarcity of drink in hot climates , and coming into the cold , must be daily releeved with aqua vita or wine : it is also an assured medicine against this disease , to have such quantity of beer brewed with graines and long pepper , as in the morning , twice every week , there may be given a good draught to a man , proportioning three quarters of a pound of graines , and three quarters of a pound of long pepper , to a hogshead of beer : also white wine , or syder , boyled and brewed with graines and long pepper in like quantity , is very singular good : and it is not fit to suffer the gummes to abound with flesh , and therefore sometimes let them bleed , and cleer them with strong vinegar . to cure the scurvy . if the scurvy be setled in his mouth , the corrupted and black flesh must be taken away , and his mouth washed with strong vinegar , wherein graines and long pepper have been infused and brewed , and give him daily the drink that is before prescribed ; and as well such as have it in their mouths , as those that are swoln in their limbs , must have some meet purgation presently ; but those so swoln or stiffe ( for so some will be without swelling ) to scarifie the parts infected , and to apply thereto a poultis or cataplasme of barly meal , more hot than the patient will willingly suffer it ; so doing every morning , permit him not to rest two houres after , although being nummed or faint , he be supported to walk , and suffer him not to eat any salt meats , if other meats may be had . my self having eighty men , eight hundred leagues out of england , sick of the scurvy , i used scarifiing , and to the places scarified ( being destitute of the helps mentioned ) i applyed poultisses of bisket beaten in a morter , and sod in water , which , with the comfort of some fresh meats obtained , recovered them all except one person , and they arrived in england , perfectly sound . other observations concerning the scurvy taken out of other books . . those that are troubled with the scurvy , their thighs are stained with a violet colour , that one would think , that something of that colour were spread upon it , their gummes are corrupted , and their teeth loose ; these ever are signes of that disease . . some are onely pained in their teeth and gums , some otherwise ; some doe never break out , others their whole thighs are stained . observations out of sennertus , concerning the scurvy . . multitude of passions , and change of diseases in it . . greif of mind , and uneasie breathing and stopping . . corruptnesse of the gums , and ill savour of the mouth . . ach of the teeth . . spots . . urine . . pulse . . vein of the legs about the ankles , together with the hands and fingers , the nuch , the knees , and the moving of many parts , with swellings . . pain in the belly , about the forepart of the belly , about the short ribs . . feeblenesse and ache in the joynts . . paines of the reines , and strangury . . head-ache . . plurifie . . gout . . benumming , and the palsie . . trembling , and panting of the heart , and shaking . . cramp , pricking or shooting aches , and epilepsie ▪ . contractions , and stiffenesse of limbs . . apoplexie . . over-much sleeping . watching . . fear and sadnesse . . madnesse . . abundant bleeding about the nose . . memory weak . . ache in the shoulders . . appetite decayed , thirst and drinesse of mouth . . belching upwards . . disposition to vomit , or vomiting . . continuall spitting . . loosenesse in the belly , sometimes with bloud . . belly bound at other times . . muck sweat , with ill savour of the body , and p●…ysick . . ill colour of the face , and yellow jaundies . . swelling of the legs , and dropsie of the belly . . mighty heat . . fevers . . quotidian . . tertian . . quartain . . continuall . . plague or pestilence . . swelling , or puffing up of the flesh . . l●…menesse of the thighs and whole body . . saint anthonies fire . . gangre●…n , when the sore parts rot and mortifie . cures for severall diseases . a water to make a man see within . dayes , though he have been blind seven years before , if he be under fiftie years of age . take smallage , fennel , rue , betonie , vervain , egrimonie , cinquefoil , pimpernel , eyebright , celydonie , sage , ana a quartern , and wash them clean and stamp them , doe them in a fair mashing pan , put thereto a quart of good white wine , and the pouder of thirty pepper cornes , six spoonfuls of life honie , and ten spoonfulls of a man childs urine that is innocent , and mingle them well together , and seeth them till the half be wasted , and then take it down and strein it , and afterward clarifie it , and put it in a glasse vessell well stopt , and put thereof with a feather into the eyes of the blind , and let the patient use this medicine at night when he goeth to bed , and within forty dayes he shall see . it is good for all manner of sore eyes . wilde tansey water is good for the eye-sight ; and eating of fennell seed is good for the same . for the web in the eye . the leaves of white honie-suckles , and ground ivie , ana , ground together , and put every day into the eye , cureth the web . salt burnt in a flaxen cloth , and tempered with honey , and with a feather annointed on the eye-lids , killeth wormes that annoy the eye-lids . for wind in the side , that maketh the head swim . take of cammomil three ounces , a penniworth of pouder of cummin sewed in a poke like a stomacher , boil it well in stale ale , lay it to the side hot , and when it is cold renew it again hot . contra surditatem . . betonica saepe injecta tepid●… , mire proficit contra aurium dolorem & surditatem , & alia vitia , & sonos extraneos non sinit manere . . rost an onion as hot as you may suffer it , lay it upon the ear with a linnen cloth laid between . probatum est . contra lupum , venit saepe super oculum aut pedem . if it be incurable , it stinketh , fretteth , and the wound waxeth black . take salt , and honey , and barley , ana , burn them in an oven , wash the wound with vinegar , and dry it with linnen clothes , and then lay on the pouder , and doe so till it amend , pro cancro & lupo . take half a pint of juyce of mollein , and half a pint of honey , sodden to the thickness of honey , and mingle with these pouders , and lay on the sore . take orpiment and verdi-grease , of either a drachm and a half , juyce of walwort a pound and a half , honey a quartern , vinegar , boil them altogether till it be as thick as honey , lay thereof on the hole of the sore twice every day , with juyce of ribwort , and drinke juyce of avence . ribwort stamped and laid on the sore will kill it . pro oculis . . lac mulieris quae masculum genuit , sed praecipue quae geminos masculos genuit , mixtum cum albumine ovi , & in lana compositum passiones & lachrymas oculorum mitigat , et desiccat , si fronti lacrymantis imponatur : & proficit , etiam ad oculum ictu percussum , & sanguine●… e●…ittentem , vel epiphoras habentem , vel in dolore constitutum . . si quis duarum faeminarum , matris & filiae lacte perunctus fuerit , qui uno & eodem tempore masculos habent , in omni vita sua dolorem oculorum non habebit . . eyebright juyce , or water , is excellent good for the eyes . . annoint a red cole leaf cum albumine ovi , & quando is ●…ubitum oculo applica . for bleared eyes . take the juyce peritory , temper it with the white of an egg , and lay it all night to your eyes , & quando removes , lava cum succo . cornes . annoint thy cornes often with fasting spittle : or cleave a black snail to it . take woodsoure and lay to the corn , and that shall gather out the callum thereof , and be whole , but you must first cut it about with a knife . apostema . . gentian used twice or thrice in a week ad quantitatem pili d●…struit apostema . . drinke water of endive , petty morrell , with the pulp of cassia fistula . . take scabios , red pimpernel , solsickle and fumitorie , make these into pouder ; and use a spoonful thereof in the morning , especially in may . probatum est . pro stomacho frigido . . oates parched and laid in a satchell upon a cold stomack , is an approved cure . . the crust of a brown loaf made hot and sprinkled with vinegar , and laid on a cold stomack , salvabit . . a tile stone made hot and sprinkled with vinegar , eysell or ale , wrapt in a clout , and laid to the stomack , is good . pro dolore stomachi . . stamp fennell , and temper it with stale ale , & bibat tria cocleari●… simul . seeth penniroyall and binde it to his navel as hot as he may suffer it . for winde or gnawing in the belly . take calamus aromaticus , galingale , and a little fennel seed , cloves , and cinnamon , grate or beat them together , and take them in pouder , or drink them with ale . for the small pox . take almonds , and make almond milk , and take the cream thereof , and hath the face twice or thrice , though all the pocks be pulled away , it shall not be pock fret . annoint oft the patients eyes with a linnen cloth wet in the juyce of sengreen , and it will save them from the pox . for a stroke in the eye . juyce of smallage and fennel , and the white of an egg , mingled together , and put into the eye . bloudshed in the eye . five leaved grasse , stampt with swines grease , and with a little salt bound to the eye . pro oculo & aure. sint calida quae aure imponuntur , & frigida quae in oculo . for a venomed sore . take lavender , marigolds , sengreen and betonie , and stamp them together , and lay them to the sore . to make a swelling break . take pisse and vinegar , and sage m. i. stamped , and flour , and boil them together , and lay it hot on a cloth to the sore . for the squinsie . bray sage , rue , and parsely roots , and lay them hot to the throat . for biting of a mad dog . stamp mint , and clear leeks , and lay it to the sore . to breake a botch . make a plaister of woodbine leaves , and lay to the sore . for gnawings . take hearb bennet , and sheeps tallow , and oyle olive , frie them together , and lay it to the sore place . to increase milk . pouder of annise , and the juice of the bark of fennell root drunke . if milk be thick . eat mints , and boil mints in wine and oyle , and lay on the breasts . for botches , wounds , and sores , a salve . boil black rosin , red lead , and oyle olive together ; & flat emplastrum . qui bibit novem dies simul propriam urinam , nec habebit epilepsiam , paralysin , nec colicam . venenum . . qui bibit propriam urinam , sanabitur a sumpto veneno . . garlick , rue , centaury , graines of juniper , valent contra venenum . . pouder hempseed , and mingle it with goats milk , and let them boyle a little , and use this drink three dayes , valet contra inflationem , venenum , bubonem , felon , & squinanciam . pro auribus . green ash leaves burnt , and the liquor that drops out of them impositum valet . euphorbium pounded with oil citron , and laid hot on the eares , cureth sounding of the eares , tingling , and fistulaes . caput-purgium . take the juyce of ivy , and powder of pepper , mingle them , together , and drink it . for the bloudy flix . the yellow that groweth in red roses put into pottage , and so eaten , is good for the bloudy flix . vermes stomachi . the same yellow drunk in ale . valet contra vermes . for a felon . scabious stamped small , a good quantity of tar , and greace ana temper them together , and all raw , lay them to the sore place . for the reines of the back . boyl your own water well , scum it , then take a quart of that water , oyle of bayes one ounce , oyle of roses one ounce , boyle all in a pot , and therewith annoint well the reines in the hot sunne , or against the fire . unge renes , cum nasturtio & propria urina jej●…nus saepe , & juvat renes . coque mel & butyrum simul & unge renes coram igne . seeth smallage , and temper it with wine , and drink it fasting , and you shall be healed . for them that cannot goe upright for pain in their back and reines . take a fat hen , and scald her , and draw her , and fill her with sen●… coddes id weight , and polipody of an oak , and of annis , id weight , boyl her well , and strain her into a vessell , and take two spoonfuls thereof , and give it the sick first and last . for the stitch . take three handfuls of mallowes , seeth them in a litte raw milk , and put thereto a handfull of wheat bran , and let them boyle together , and then wring out the milk , and lay it hot to the stitch , apply it often . take a few leaves of rue , and yarrow , stamp them together , and wring out the juyce , and drink it with a little ale . for the stitch in the side . make balls of red wortes sodden , and burne them in a new pot , and then grind them to powder , and mingle them with honey and old greace , and make a plaister , and lay it thereto when it is well sodden . to heal wounds . take ribwort , plantain , smallage , ana . take well nigh as much may butter as of the juyce , mingle it together , that it be standing , and put it in a box that no air come thereto , and make an ointment , and this is the securest medicine for healing wounds . for swelling of ioynts . bray mallowes , and boyle them in new milk , and make it into an emplaister , and apply it to the place . to knit sinews or veins that are kickt or broke . take two onions in summer , when thou findest two wormes knit together , cut off the knots , and lay them to dry against the sun , and make thereof powder , and cast it in the wo●…nds , and it will doe as aforesaid . ut virga hominis nunquam erigatur . formicas istas pulverisabis , misce cum vaccinio lacte & da cuivis in potu &c. verrucae , porri , ficus . cortix salicis combustus & temperatus cum aceto , & appositus , verrucas , porros & ficus tollit . portulaca fricata tollit verrucas ▪ agrimonia trita & emplastrata cum aceto verrucas tollit stercus ovis si misceatur cum aceto , & fiat emplaistrum , tollit variolas & verrucas . for cornes . take beanes and chew them in thy mouth , and ●…ay them to the corn , doe this at night . for warts . . purslane rubbed on the warts maketh them fall away . . the juyce of the roots of rushes applied , healeth them . for a wound that bleedeth inwardly . take filago , and temper it with ale or wine , and give it him , and anon the bloud shall goe out by his mouth ; and if the patient cannot open his mouth , open it with a key , and put it in , and he shall receive his speech , this hath been proved . if men have any blood within them of any hurt . let them drink eufrase sodden with water , and anon they shall cast it out by vomit . aqua pro scabie , tumore , & prurita . ashes made of green ashen wood sifted clean , and mingled with clean water , and often stirred , all a whole day , the water thereof , that is clear gathered , and mingled with a little vinegar , and a little allome , and sodden together , is a pretious water to wash with , sores of swellings , and for itchings , and cleansing of divers sores . an vulneratus vivat , vel non . the juyce of pimpernell drunk with water , if it come out at the wound of a wounded man he shall dye , if it come not he shall live . also give him trefoile to drink , if he cast it out he shall die ▪ to destroy an imposthume , in what place soever it be . take the roots of marsh-mallowes , wash them and boyle them , afterwards take the same water , and boyle it with the seed of fenugreek , and line , then bake it with the bran of barly , afterwards fry it with bores greace , make thereof an emplaister , and apply it hot , and within a short time the patient will be cured . for warts . . agrimony stampt with salt , and tempered with vinegar , and laid on the warts , within four dayes doth take them away . . take the yolk of an egg well roasted , stamp it with oyle of olive , or oyle of violets , and make it in manner of a plaister , and this will doe away the warts in a night . . rub them oft with oaken apples , and bind a plaister thereof on them , and bray blossomes of golds , and agrimony with salt , and lay them to as a plaister . . burn willow tree rind , and temper the ashes with vinegar , & utere . oleu●… nucum . take nuts whole , seeth them in water , and then break them , and take out the kernels and stamp them , and then wring them through a cloth , and that oyle is noble and mollificative . unguentum dialaehaeae optimum pr●… p●…dagra . take brocks greace , swines greace , ducks greace , capons greace , ganders greace , suet of a deer , sheeps tallow , ana . p. ●… . melt them in an earthen pan , then take the juyce of rubarb , marsh-mallowes , morrel , comfrey , daysie , rue , plantain , mace , heyrif , matfelon , and dragons , ana . p. ae . fry them in a pan with the foresaid greace , secretum pro podagra . for the collick and stone . ℞ . cepas rubras , pista commixta cum mulvasceto , & bibe ealide . aqua propter ulcera & malum mortuum . ℞ . aquam fabri ●…otell . i. salviae , cuprif●…lii ●…asturtii & m●…dicum melli●… , coque ad medium , & lava locum . aqua pro alceribus . ℞ . apii , salviae , semperviv●… , ana . m. i. pista & coque in una 〈◊〉 . . aquae currentis , postea ●…ola & adde , ℥ . iiii . aluminis , medis , 〈◊〉 . ss. bulliet alumen m●…dicum , adde ℥ . iiii . camphorae & reserv●… . capitis dolor . coqu●… 〈◊〉 in malvazeto , & lava caput . pista r●…um , ●…um sale , & fiat emplastrum . for bones broken in a mans head . ℞ agrimoniae contisam fiat emplastrum . item bibe betonicam p. i. & resurgant ●…ssa & sanatis pro acto vusnera . capitis dolor . ℞ . rutae , ●…derae terrestris , folia lauri , coque in aqua vel vino & fiat emplastrum super caput . ℞ . celidoniam , pista & coque cum butyro versus dolorem capitis etsi cranium cecidit de loco , &c. & lava cum decoctione ejusde●… herba . corvi albi . attende cum ●…orvus habet ova , & unge ter vel quater cum melle , & pulli eorum eru●… albi . ebrii . qui prins biberit crocum quam ad p●…tationem inierit , crapulam vel ebrietatem non incurret . acetum . ut acetum redeat in vinum semen porri im●…itte per duas noctes . ova rotunda producunt gallinas , longa vero gall●…s . fistula . hebba roberti fistulae emplastrata , vel succu●… ejus in eam pos●…ta eam curat . succus caprifolii naribus impositus , polypum recentem & cauerum , & fistulam curat . pro virga virili combusta cum muliere . ℞ . sume morellae & sedi & axungiae poreinae , p. ae . frixa & suppoue . contra exitum ani . ℞ . urticas rubras pista , & in olla terrea ●…oque in vino albo ad medium , postea bibe mane & sero calide , & faeces superpone . contra fluxum . . ℞ , cornu cervi , & conchas ostrei , combure & da pulverem mane & sero ꝰ dies . plaister of paris . . ℞ pulverem alabastri misce cum albumine ovi , pone super tempora & alia loca . an virgo corrupta . pulveriza fortiter flores lilii crocei quae sunt inter albos flores , da ei comedere de illo pulvere , & si est corrupta statim minget . ut dens cadat . pulvis stercoris caprae positus supra dentem , facit cadere : cave alia . pro combusto cum muliere . take pouder of a linnen cloth when it is well burnt , and take the yolks of eggs , and mingle them well together , and therewith annoint the sore , and put the pouder into the hole . a drink that healeth all wounds without any plaiste●… or 〈◊〉 ointment , or without any taint most perfectly . take sanicle , milfoil , and bugle , ana , p. ae . stamp them 〈◊〉 a morter , and temper them with wine , and give the sick that is wounded to drinke twice or thrice in a day till he be whole . bugle holdeth open the wound , millfoil cleanseth the wound . sanicle healeth it , but sanicle may not be given to him that is hurt in the head , if the brain pan be broken , for it will slay him , and therefore it is better in another place ▪ this is a good and tryed medicine . unguentum genistae . take flores genistae , floures and leaves of woodbind ; ana , p. ae . stamp them with may butter , and let them stand so together all night , and in the morning make thereof an ointment , and melt it , and scum it well : this medicine is good for all cold evils , and for sleeping of hand and foot . unguentum augustinum is good for all sore legs that be red and hot . take groundsell and petty morrell , and stamp them , and temper them with may butter , and put them in a pot fast closed , and let them stand so nine dayes , and then frie it over an easie fire , and strein it through a cloth , and put it in a box for your use . unguentum viride is good pro erectione virgae , and for the mormale ; no ointment worketh stronger then this . take a pound of swines grease , one ounce of verdigrease , half a scruple of sal gemmae , this ointment may be kept . winters : valet contra cancros , and for running holes , it fretteth away dead flesh , and bringeth new , and healeth old wounds ; put it within the wound that it fester not : put to this ointment , pitch , rosin , and waxe , and it will be a fine heat for old bruises , swellings , and mormales . unguentum nigrum , for wounds , heating and burning . take a quart of oyle of olive , and boil it well , then cast in a quart of red lead , and stir it well with a slice , and boil it till it be black , and then let it cool ; and keep it for drawing and healing . unguentum rubrum . take a pint of honey , half a pint of vinegar , and a portion of verdigrease , boil them together , and it is good for all manner of sores . contra v●…mitum . . ℞ . rosewater , pouder of cloves , and mastick , and drinke it hot . . take mints thre ounces , roses half an ounce , mastick one ounce , barlie meal , and a crust of bread tosted , and this manner of plaister apply to the stomack . . rutae cochleare i. bibe cum vino vel cerevisia , multum valet . . pouder of gilliflowers strewed on his meats , staneheth immediately . note , he must eat no meat whilst he casteth ( ut virtus maneat . fluxus sanguinis narium . . hens feathers burnt , and the smoke thereof applyed to the nostrils stinteth it . . a pig●… turd b●…nt , and made into pouder , blown into the nostrils . . the juyce of smallage drunk restraineth bleeding . probat . . succus menthae & rutae mixtus cur●…t fluxum narium . contra sciaticam . stercora leporis temperata et calido vino applica forma empla stri dolori . f●…eckens of the face . . grease your face with oyle of almonds , & bibe succu●… plantaginis ▪ . annoint your visage well and often with hares bloud . to know if a man be a leper or no . let him bleed , and put the bloud into water , and if the bloud swim above , he is a leper , and if it descend , he is clean . for ache in the loins . take waybread , and sanicle , stamp them , and put thereto bores grease , & forma ●…plastri calide dolori applica . for a scald head . . wash thy head with vinegar , and cammomil stampt and mingled together , there is no better thing for the scall . probat . . grinde white hellebor , grinde it with swines grease , applica capiti . . take culver dung , with salt , and a little vinegar , and stirre them well together , and therewith wash thy head , & sanabit capitis faeditates . ad ornatum faciei . take fresh bores grease , and the white of an egg , and stamp them together , with a little pouder of bayes , and therewith annoint the visage , and it shall clear the skin , and make it white . if the liver rot . eat raw parsely . dayes , and . dayes after eat sage , and that will cleanse that the parsely hath wrought . note , all hearbs whose roots be medicinable , are best in aprill . for stopping of the pipes . ℞ . leaves and tender stocks of horehound , stamp them and seeth them well in butter , then wring it through a cloth , cool it , and adde to that pouder of liquorice , and of hysop , mixe them together , and keep it in a box , and when thou wilt , take a spoonfull , and temper it with hot wine , and use it when thou goest to bed . aliud . ℞ . a good quantity of hysop , seeth it in half a gallon of good wine , till half bee sodden away , and let the sick use it first and last , at evening hot , and at morning cold . probat . aliud . ℞ . the juyce of cinquefoil stamped , and drinke a sup thereof with wine or ale , and it shall clear thee of much flegm , above and beneath . the plague water . take a handfull of sage and a handful of rue , and boil them in three pints of malmsie , or muscadine , untill one pint be wasted , then take it off the fire , and strain the wine from the hearbs , then put into the wine two penniworth of long pepper , half an ounce of ginger , and a quarter of an ounce of nutmeg , all grosly bruised , and let it boil a little again : this done , take it off the fire , and dissolve it in half an ounce of good venice triacle , and a quarter of an ounce of mithridate , and put to it a quarter of a pint of strong angelica water ; so keep it in a glasse close stopped for your use : for preservation you shall take every morning a spoonfull warm , and lay you down to sweat upon it , and so continue to take it twice a day untill you perfectly recover . this water likewise cureth the small pox , the measels , surfets , and pestilentiall fevers . a cordiall water good for the plague , pox , measels , all kind of convulsions , fevers , and all pain of the stomack . take sage , rosemary , rue , celandine , seabios , agrimonie , mugwort , woormwood , pimpernel , dragon , carduus benedictus , rosa solis , betonie , marigold leaves and flowers , centurie , polipodium , scurvie grasse , of each a handfull , wash them and swing them in a clean cloth till they be dry , then shred them small , and take the roots of zedoarie , tormentill , enula campana , angelica , licorice , of each half an ounce scraped , and sliced , then take of the best white wine eight pints ; put them all into an earthen pot well leaded , let them stand two dayes close covered , and stirre them once in the day , then still them in a limbeck , with a temperate fi●…e ; it will be two dayes and a night in the still : keep the first pint by it self ; of which you may take a spoonful at a time ; of the next quart take twice so much ; of the next pint you may give to little children a spoonful at a time : lute the still well , that no aire come forth , and keep it in close glasses . for a child that hath the ague . take the hearb called hartshorn , stamp it , then mingle it with bay salt , and three or four houres before the fit come apply it , spread upon a linnen cloth , to the childs wrists , and when the fit is past , apply a fresh one before the next fit , and in a few fits , god willing , she shall be cured . for a burning fever . take red mints two handfull , boyle them in a quart of running water , to the consumption of half , strain it , and put thereto four or five spoonfuls of white wine vinegar , and as much honey , boyle it to the height of a sirrup . take of endive two handfuls , boyle it in a quart of water , to the consumption of half , take two spoonfulls of this , and one of the sirrup , in the morning fasting , and at any other time you please . for the iaundies black or yellow . take of white wine one pint , steep therein of the root of calidon , the weight of twelve pence , of saffron one pennyworth , a rase of turmarick ; bruise all , and bind them in a fine peece of laun , and let it infuse in the wine a night , drink a part thereof in the morning , one other part at noon , and the rest at night . to bring down the flowers . take of alligant , or muskadine , or clarret , a pint , burn it , and sweeten it well with sugar , put thereto two spoonfulls of sallet oyle , then take a good bead of amber in pouder in a spoon with some of the wine after it , take it evening and morning . to stay the flowers . take amber , corrall , pearl , jeat , of each alike , grind them to a fine pouder , and searse them ; take thereof as much as will lye upon six pence with conserve of quinces , and drink after it a draught of new milk , use it every morning . for the mother . take a brown tost of four bread of the nether crust , and wash it with vinegar , and put thereto black sope , like as you would butter a tost , and lay it under the navill . for the stone . take saxifrage , pellitorie , parslie , eyebright , wild thime , of each two handfuls ; of raddish roots two or three , steep all in a pottle of red cowes milk a night , then still it , make of this quantity two stillings . you must take at a time nine spoonfuls , as much renish or white wine , and the juice of a lemon , sweeten all with sugar , and take it fasting , if your stomack be cold , slice a little ginger , and put into it . for a cold , cough , ptissick , or any defect of the lungs . take horehound , maiden hair , liver-wort , harts tongue , germander , hysope , agrimonie , of each a handfull , wash them and boil them in six pints of running water in a pipkin , till four pints be consumed at least , strain it , and put the liquor into another clean pipkin , put thereto of the root of ennula campana in pouder and searsed one ounce , of licorice so used two ounces , of pure honie eight or nine spoonfulls ; boyl it till it wax somewhat thick , then set it to cool : take the quantity of half a nut at a time , as often as you please . the best time to make it is in may . for a stitch . take of stale ale , two pints , clarifie it , and boyl therein of the tops of green broom a handful , then sweeten it with sugar , and give thereof to the sick warm to drink . also take beer , make it very salt , put a little nutmeg thereto , and drinke thereof bloud-warm . apply upon the grief outward , fennel seed , and cammomile made wet with malmsie , as hot as can be suffered , three or four dayes together . or take a tost of rie bread tosted on a gridiron , and spread tar thick thereon , lay it hot next the skin , and let it lye , or houres , and if the pain be not gone at first , apply it again . for a consumption . take a leg of veal , cut away the fat , and take a red cock , scald him , and wash him clean , then let the cock and veal lye in water the space of three houres , seeth them with two pottles of fair water , and scum it clean : as the fat riseth , take it off , and seeth it till half ●…e consumed , then put in a pottle of the best claret wine , and let it seeth together till it come to a qua●… , clarifie it with three or four whites of eggs ; let it run through a jelly bag ; then set it on the fire again , and put to it of sugar a pound , let it seeth a little , then drinke of it warm three or four spoonfuls at a time , as often as you please . for the green sickness . take an orange , cut off the top , and pick out some of the meat , then put therein a little saffron , rost it gently , when it is rosted , put it presently into a pint of white wine , keep it covered , and drink thereof fasting . a speciall water for all sores . take of running water four pints , of sage , smallage , of each three handfulls , of housleek a handfull and a half , seeth them together to the consumption of half , then strain it , take of allum two ounces , of white copperis an ounce and a half , of camphire two drachms , beat all severally into fine pouder , put all into the water , and let it boyle a little , then put thereto of clarified , honie half a pint , and let it simper a while , then reserve it in a glasse close stopped . wash the sore therewith , and wet a cloth therein , and lay thereto ; if it heal too fast , lay dry lint therein . for the trembling of the heart . take a spoonfull of the spirit of tartar when you find your self troubled . or take lignum aloes , riponticum , eupatorium , red sanders , of each two ounces , beat them , and boyle them in six pints of fair water till two pints be consumed ; of the four pints that remain , being strained , make a sirrup with sugar , and while it is hot , put thereto of saffron one scruple , of ginger one drachm , of musk two carets , cloves , nutmegs , of each a scruple and a half , keep it in a glasse close shut , take thereof a drachm at a time in a little broth , or burrage water , fasting . for a flux of the womb . take chalke finely scraped , stir thereof in whites of eggs till it be thick , spread thereof on brown paper , and lay it on a gridiron on the fire untill it stiffen a little , bind it hot upon the navill . take milk and set it on the fire , when it seeths , throw in a peice of allum , which will turn it to a posset , of the thin thereof , give a glister in the morning , and at four in the afternoon . a purging drink for superstuous humours , for aches in the joynts , sinewes , and for agues . take sarsaperilla , sasafrass , polipodium , of each a handfull , hermodactiles the third part of an ounce , licorice one ounce , cut and slice the above named , and put them into a new pipkin glassed , and having a cover , and put the●…o five quarts of spring water , let all infuse four and twenty houres , then put thereto of fennell seed two ounces , raisins of the sun stoned and picked four ounces , carduus benedictus , red sage , agrimony , maiden-hair , of each a handfull , put all into the pipkin , and close it with paste , set it within a pan of warm water on the fire , and let it boyle two houres , then put thereto of sena one ounce , let it boyle again half a quarter of an hour , and take it out , letting it stand covered two houres , then strain it without wringing , and keep it in a glasse or stone bottle . you must take at a time half a pint in the morning , and fast one hour after , it will not purge in five or six houres , you may use it at any time in the year , but in extream heat , and in frosts . a pretious eye-water for any disease of the eyes , often proved . take of the best white wine two little glasse fulls , of white rose water half a pint , of the water of selendine , fennell , eyebright , and rue , of each two ounces , of prepared tutia six ounces , of cloves as much , sugar rosate a drachm , of camphire , and aloes , each half a drachm . the tutia is thus prepared . in a crusible ( such as the goldsmiths use ) put your tutia and with a charcoale fire let it be made red hot six severall times , and every time quenched in rose-water and wine mixt together ; the last time cast the water away , and grinde the tutia to very fine powder . you must mix the aloes with the water after this manner put the aloes in a clean morter , and pour upon it of the mixt waters , with the pestill grinde it too and fro , and as it mixeth with the water pour it off , putting more water to it , till it be all dissolved . to bring the camphire to powder . in a clean morter beat one almond , then put in the camphire , and beat it to a fine powder , without which it will no●… come to a powder . likewise beat all the cloves to a fine powder , then mix all together in a strong glasse , stop it close and lute it , that no air enter , and let it stand forty dayes and nights abroad in the hottest time of summer , and shake it well thrice a day . the use . drop a drop of the water into the eye thrice a day with a black hens feather , the infirm lying on their back , and stirring the eye up and down . if there be any thing grow upon the eye . take four drops of oyle of amber rectified , and mix with half an ounce of the water , dresse the eye as before . for any ague . take a quarter of a pint of canary sack , put into it a pennyworth of oyle of spike , a pennyworth of sirrup of poppyes , and one grain of bezar , mingle these together , and let them stand infused all night , and exhibite it next morning to the patient fasting . for an ague . boyle two ounces of roch in a pipkin , in a pint of ale , about a quarter of an hour or better , then give the party grieved to drink of it pretty warm , some two houres before the fit cometh , about half of it , and what the party cannot drink at the first draught , let it be warmed against the second fit , and give it as before , after two houres be past , let the party drink as much posset drink as he can . another . take the quantity of a wallnut of black sope , and three times as much crown sope , mix them together , then shred a pretty quantity of rue , and half a spoonfull of pepper finely beaten , and a quarter of a spoonfull of fine wheat flour ; mingle all these together , then take as much strong beer as will make it spread upon a linnen cloth , whereof make two plaisters , and lay to each wrist one , and sow them fast on for nine dayes ; this must be applied as the cold fitt beginneth to come upon them . to make pills to cleanse the backe . boyle venice turpentine in plantain water , then take the turpentine , and bray it in a morter to very fine powder , take the powder and mingle it with powder of white amber , powder of oculorum cancrorum , and powder of nutmeg , of each half a drachm : mix them up into pills , and take three of them in a morning . a bath . take mallow leaves , violet leaves , endive , motherwort , mugwort , rose leaves , lettice , cammomill , bay leaves ; boyle of all these one handfull , in a sufficient quantity of pure running water , and set in the bath about an hour , then goe into a warm bed and sweat awhile , and when you come out of your sweat , and are pretty cool , eat strawberries and sugar , this will clear the body and purifie the blood . for the cough of the lungs , and defluxions . you may take sometimes of sirrup magistrall , of scabious and of oxymell iutianizans , of each one ounce , and of diacodium half an ounce , and of sirrup of diasereos half an ounce : mingle these all well together , and mingle with it also a drachm of pure flower of sulphur finely searced ; and take of this the quantity of a large nutmeg three or four times in a day , at morning , an hour before dinner , an hour before supper , and last at night ; it will cut the flegm , and carry it gently away , without any perturbation or violent trouble of coughing , and cause quiet rest . to cause a woman to have her flowers . take of gladwin roots about a handful , boyle them in vinegar , or in white wine till they be very tender , and after put this into a vessel on the ground in a close stool , so that the woman may sit over it very close stopped , so that the heat may strike up into her body : this medicine is reported never to fail , but to bring them down : but you must have a speciall care that no woman being with child have this medicine administred to her . for the cough of the lungs . take of coltsfoot two handfuls , of hysop , and the tops of red nettles , of each one handful , of horehound , and maiden-hair , of each half a handfull , of raisins of the sun , having their stones taken out three ounces , of liquorice sliced half an ounce , and of elecampane roots sliced one ounce , of annise-seeds half an ounce grosly bruised , boil all these together in a gallon of water in an earthen pipkin with a gentle fire , till the third part be boyled away , then strein it , and take a quart of the decoction , and put to it two ounces of sugar-candie beaten , and let it boil a little over the fire again , till the sugar candie be melted , then take it off the fire , and put it up into a glasse close stopped , and drinke of it three or four spoonfuls morning and evening so long as it lasteth , a little warmed . for cramp or numnesse . take a penniworth of saffron , put it into a little bag , then put it into three ounces of rosewater , and stir it well in the rosewater , then take four penniworth of camphire , and infuse that in the rosewater , and being so infused and mixed ; chafe the place with it warm , and smell to it , as he bathes the place . for a cough , winde , and a cold stomack . take four ounces of good annise-seed water , mingle it with one ounce of spirit of mint , and dissolve it with two ounces of pure white sugar candie , beaten into very fine pouder ; set it upon a chafingdish of coals in a peuter dish , and when it beginneth to walm , burn it with a paper as you doe wine , stirring it well together with a spoon , then take it off the fire , and evening and morning , take a good spoonful of it first and last . it will comfort the stomack , and is good against cough and winde . for a cough and consumption . take of lungwort , liverwort , hysop , violet , and strawbrrie leaves of each one handful , licorice sliced , and scraped , annise-seeds , and fennel-seeds , of each one penniworth a little bruised , a parsly and a fennel root clean scraped , pithed , and cut into small peeces , twelve figs sliced , four ounces of good great raisins having their stones taken out ; boyl all these together in a pottle of clear running water , till it come to three pints , then put into it two ounces of pure white hard sugar , dissolve it upon the fire with the other decoction , then take it off , strein it , and drink thrice a day of it , that is in the morning , about four in the afternoon , and last at night , three or four ounces of it at a time , and it will asswage the driness and thirst , and open the obstructions and stoppings of the liver and spleen , and cause your flegm to com away with more ease . for a cold dropsie . take olibanum , and rost it in a fig , and apply it to their great toe : but if they be swelled in their face or head ; then take anew layd egg roasted hard , take out the yolk , aend put into the hole so much cummin seed as will fill it , and apply it as hot as it may be endured to the nape of the neck . for the dropsie . take a pottle of white or rhenish wine , an ounce of cinnamon , and a pint of green broom ashes , put them together in an earthen pot eight and forty houres , the cinnamon being first bruised ; stirre them all often , and then put them up into a white cotten bag , and let the liquor drain out of them , put it up again twice upon the lees , and then use four times a day of it , drink it cold , in the morning , one hour before dinner , one hour before supper , and when you goe to bed , at each time drink a quarter of a pint ; if the greif be not fully removed , use a second or third pottle so made up , but with most persons one pottle sufficeth . for an ague . take as much black sope as a wallnut , and three times as much crown sope , and mingle them together , then shred about a pugill of rue , and put thereto half a spoonfull of pepper very finely beaten , and with a quarter of a spoonfull of fine wheat flour , or as much as shall suffice ; mingle all these together , then take as much strong beer as will make it spread upon a linnen cloth , and make it up into two plaisters , and apply to each wrist one , and keep them fast on for nine dayes together ; you must apply the plaisters just as the cold fit beginneth to come upon them . sweat is held by all experienced phisitians , to be very good to cure an ague , but they must be put into their sweat before the cold fit come upon them ; you must use this twice or thrice before the ague will be quite cured ; and let them drink no other drink during their sweat but aqua vitae and small beer mingled together , but you must not make it too strong of the aqua vitae . to comfort and strengthen the ioynts and sinewes . ℞ . of the flowers and seeeds of saint iohns wort three steep them three dayes in sufficient wine , and then seeth them in a brazen vessell till the wine be consumed , then strain them ▪ and put to the straining as much of fresh saint iohns wort stamped , and steep it again three dayes , and afterward add thereunto , of turpentine three ounces , of old oyle eight ounces , of saffron one scruple ; of mastick . ss. of myrrh , of frankincense , ana . . ii . ss , afterward put in the straining the space of a moneth , of the flowers and seed of saint iohns wort one handfull and half , of madder brayed , of fine grain wherewith scarlet is died , ana. three drachms , of the juyce of yarrow two ounces , seeth them to the consumption of the juyce , with earth wormes washed with wine two ounces , and a little wine odoriferous . for obstructions of liver and spleen . ℞ . flowers of burrage , buglosse , marigolds , violets , endive , of each a handfull ▪ dates stoned three ounces , of the best blew currans two ounces , sweet fennell ▪ seed half an ounce , graines and coriander , of each one drachm , whole brown watereresses nine leaves , hysop stripped downwards nine little branches , of french barly three ounces ; boyl all these together in a pottle of spring water till a third part be consumed , then strain it , and when it is strained adde of the conserve of barberries three ounces , sirrup of lemons and of quinces , of each three ounces , this is to be taken morning and evening , nine spoonfuls at a time . the flowers are to be had at the apothecaries , dry all the year . for the palsie in the head . for the palsie in the head , take of the oyles , of amber , fox , and beaver , and mingle them together , and annoint the nape of the neck with them evening and morning , chafe it in with a warm hand , and chafingdish of hot coales . and take of the oyle of amber alone , and with your finger put some of it every morning into your nose , and take two or three drops of it , and rub it into your head upon the mould thereof . and take two or three drops of the same oyle , and put it into your beer or ale for your mornings draught , especially at the change or full of the moon , for four or five dayes together . be sure to keep warm , and avoid going abroad in rain , misty , or moist weather . oyle of saint johns wort for ache and pain . take a quart of sallet oyle , put thereto a quart of flowers of saint iohns wont well picked , let them lie therein all the summer , untill the seeds of that hearb be ripe , the glasse must be kept warm , either in the sun or in water , all the summer untill the seeds be ripe , then put in a quart of saint iohns wort seeds whole , and so let it stand twelve houres , the glasse being kept open , then you must seeth the oyle eight houres , the water in the pot full as high as the oyle in the glasse , when it is cold strain it , that the seed remain not in it , and so keep it for your use . for the knitting together and strenthening of bones . give inwardly knotgrasse , plantain , or ribwort water , with sirrup of the greater comfrey , to three spoonfuls of the water exhibit one of the sirrup , so often as they use it : there are also v●…lnerary potions prescribed for this purpose in the dispensatories . for the courses . when you give oculos cancrorum ( truly called lapides cano●… ) to provoke a womans courses , you must give her almost a spoonfull of it , mixed with some water of motherwort , called artemisia , causing her to drink a good glass-full of the water immediately after it ; the best time to exhibite it , is to give it hot in the morning by four of the clock , and let her sleep after it , you must give it about those times she ordinarily expecteth her courses ; if you cannot get morherwort water , you may use in stead of it penniroyall water . you may dissolve your powder of lapidum cancrorum , either with juyce of lemons , or with distilled vinegar , and spirit of vitrioll ; if you put a greater proportion of vitrioll , then of the other , it will sooner dissolve , you need but cover it with the juyce or spirits , and after some few houres poure off the spirits from the powder . a cordiall excellent good for melansholy , panting and trembling of the heart , swounding , fainting , coldnesse , and rawnesse of the stomack , and also for many other greifs arising from a cold and moist complexion , ●…ften proved with happy successe . take of saffron half ●…n ounce , of angelica roots finely sliced one ounce , of cloves six drachms , balm two handfuls , rosemary tops four handfuls , shread the hearbs and roots , and beat the spices grosly , then put them , with half a pound of sugar , into three pints of small innamo●… water , or of small aqua vitae , and let them stand infused three or four dayes together , after boyle them , and let the aqua vitae burn , stirring them well together , till near a pint thereof be consumed away , then strain it , and when it is settled poure off the clear from the bottome ; keep the clear for your own use , and reserve the bottome , which you may give away unto poor people , for it will be good and comfortable , though not so strong : the way to use it , is to take every morning fasting a spoonfull , and after every meal , at each severall time , a spoonfull . a sudden way to make up this excellent cordiall . take of the best of doctor mountfords water , ana . ℥ . iiii . of very good angelica water ana . ℥ . iiii . of clove water , ana . ℥ . iiii . of rosemary water , ana . ℥ . iiii . of balm water , ana . ℥ . iiii . of spirit of saffron ℥ . ii . mingle all these together , and with as much sirrup of pure sugar as shall suffice mingled , make it up , and put into either of these two medicines , of musk and ambergrease , of each a grain . both these are excellent cordials for all the greifes before rehearsed . pills to purge flegm and wind. take of the best aloes succotrina nine drachms , of rubarb , jallop , and agarick , of each six drachms , of mastick four drachms , of red rose leaves three drachms , let all these be beaten severally into very fine powder , and searced , then mix them well , and beat them up into a paste , with sirrup of damask roses as much as shall suffice , at the end add unto it twenty drops of oyle of anniseeds : when you have occasion to use these pills , take about two scruples thereof for one dose made up into three pills . for the gout . take of new extracted honey two spoonfuls , a pennyworth of red nettle seeds finely bruised , mingle them well together , and apply it to the gout : let the party drink every third day for a sevennight in the morning in his bed half a pint of new milk , of a red or black cow . for the gout , my lord denni's medicine . take burdocks leaves and stalks , cut them small , and stamp them very small , then strain them , and cleanse them , and when you have so done put them into glasses , and put pure oyle of olives a top of them , and stop it close from the air , and when you would use it for the gout , poure it into a porrenger and warm it , and wet linnen clothes in it , and apply it warm to the greived place , warming your clothes one after another , as they grow cold that are on . another , very good for the gout . take the yest of ale , and spread it upon brown paper , and apply it upon the greived place pretty warm , the space of twelve houres : some first warm the pickle of olives , and then bath the greived place therewith , putting their feet into it , and after use the former medicine . my lord denni's medicine must not be taken till three dayes after the change of the moon , then after it must be taken six dayes together , then six dayes before the full it must be taken twice a day . to stay the courses when they come down too violently . take half a drachm or a drachm of diascordium , dissolve it in a drachm o●… posset ale , wherein formerly hath been boyled half a handfull of shepherds purse , and as much knotgrasse , and of the greater comfrey , and drink thereof a good draught at a time morning and evening . for the whites . take a quarter of a handfull of white archangell , plantain , sheaphards purse , and of the greater comfrey , of each half a handfull , of the hearbs horse-taile , and cats-taile , of each half a handfull , boyle all these in two quarts of milk till half be consumed away , then strain it , and sweeten it with good white sugar ●…andy finely beaten , and drink of it twice a day for ten or fifteen dayes together . to keep the body soluble and to purifie the bloud . take maydenhair , wild germander , wood-sorrell , and balm , of each a pugill , of wild mercury half a handfull , of damask roses two handfuls , of clarified whey six pints , let it stand scalding hot for an houre stirring it sometimes , after an hour is past strain it , and drink it twice or thrice a day a good draught of it ; and if you wash your hands in beef broth after your taking it , it will take away all roughnesse and haires of the hands , it may be taken safe of a woman with child for the green sicknesse , or yellow iaundies . for cure hereof first purge universally with this or the like purgation ▪ ℞ . of hiera picra four scruples , of rubarb , and trochisces of agarick , of each half a drachm , of rasped ivory , and hartshorn , of each half a scruple , of cinnamon six graines , of saffron four graines , of diacatholicon half an ounce ; infuse these things in the whey of cows milk , or in the distilled water of alkakengie , or in dodder water , or endive water , you may adde oxymell thereto . an electuary for the green sicknesse . take of diatrion santalon , and diarrhodon abbatis , of each one drachm , of diacurcuma , and confection of alkermes , of each half an ounce , of diamargariton frigidum , and calidum , of each two drachms , of rasped ivory , and hartshorn , of each one drachm , of all these make an electuary , and give it evening and morning by it self , or with dodder or endive water , the dose is one drachm , protempore uno . an excellent powder for the green sicknesse . ℞ . four scruples of gentian made into fine powder , of rasped ivory , and hartshorn , of each two scruples ; make these into a fine powder , and give a spoonfull thereof with white wine , or the like , at once . another medicine . ℞ . three or four spoonfuls of flemish madder , boyle it in two quarts of white wine , with a peice of sugar , to the consumption of half of it , strain it , and let the maiden drink thereof morning and evening a good draught warm , and walk , or use some exercise to heat the body , but take no cold ; use this for eleven or twelve dayes together . a singular purging potion against the green sicknesse , and all opilations of the liver , and causeth young maids to look fresh , and fair , and cherry-cheek'd , and will bring down their courses , the stopping whereof causeth this greif , and it is good against all manner of itch , scabs , breaking out , and manginesse of the body , purifying the blood from all corruption . ℞ . of the roots of monkes rubarb , that is red do●…k , and of red madder , ana. half a pound , of sena four ounces , of anniseseed , and licorice , of each two ounces , of scabious , and agrimony , of each one handfull ; slice the roots of rubarb , and bruise the anniseseed and licorice , break the hearbs small , and put them all into a pot with four gallons of strong ale , and infuse them all the space of three dayes , then drink of this drink , for your ordinary drink , for three weeks at the least , the longer the better , and make new as need requireth ; it eureth the dropsie , and yellow jaundies also , if you put in of cammomill one handfull . for the green sicknesse , or iaundies . ℞ . of white briony root sliced half an ounce , boyle it in a pint of ale gently a quarter of an hour , and drink a good draught thereof , and sweat , and in your sweat drink it all , or as much as you can , the next day make new and drink again , but without sweating , and use some exercise to keep the body warm ; use this last order twelve dayes together , use good cordials and restoratives , with sirrup and conserve of fumitory . for the green sicknesse , and iaundies . boyle of rue , and sage , of each a bundle , in a quart or three pints of ale , with one scruple of saffron . to cure this disease , the electuary of steel is excellent , if the body be first purged , for it doth open all obstructions : but the patient must use some exercise after the taking it , to stirre up naturall heat the better ; the dose is half an ounce at a time to take of it . the steel for the electuary is thus prepared . ℞ . of the filings of the best iron , or steel , as much as you please , grinde it subtilly and finely , upon a porphiry , or red marble stone , with vinegar , then dry it at the sun , or at the fire , and grinde it again with vinegar as at the first , and doe thus seven times one after another , and thus you have the steel prepared fit for you . the electuary of steel is made up thus . ℞ . of the filings of steel so prepared half an ounce , cinnamon , nutmegs condited , of each three drachms , of chosen rubarb two drachms , of the species of aromaticum rosatum half a drachm , of chosen honey , and of fine white sugar , of each one pound and one ounce ; mingle these all together over a soft fire , and make it up into an electuary . after the taking of this electuary , let the patient in all cases use some bodily exercises , being first universally purged , for this electuary is most excellent against all obstructions of the liver , spleen , or other disease , and for the green sicknesse . for the green sicknesse , or green iaundies . the green sicknesse , or jaundies cometh of yellow choller , mixed with corrupt or putrified flegm , and corruption of bloud , debility of nature , and faintnesse of heart ; it happeneth also when the liver is weakened that it cannot convert the nourishment into bloud , but the digestion is raw and crude , so that the whole body is filled with water and flegm instead of good bloud ; it is cheifly found in young maidens , who desire to abate their fresh colours , and , as they conceive , to be fine , and fair , and foolishly feed upon trash ( which altereth the colour and state of their bodies ) as of unripe apples , peares , plums , cherries , and raw fruits , and hearbs , or meale , wheat , barly , raw milk , chalk , lime , and the like , and they that have this disease are very pale and greenish ; if they chance to cut their finger , no bloud , but water , will follow ; they feele great pain in their head , with continuall beating , are faint , short-breathed , and their naturall flowers are stopped and stayed , to the prevention and cure whereof , the body must first be well and orderly purged , as by the medicines before prescribed . finis . londoners their entertainment in the countrie. or the whipping of runnawayes wherein is described, londons miserie. the countries crueltie. and mans inhumanitie. petowe, henry. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) londoners their entertainment in the countrie. or the whipping of runnawayes wherein is described, londons miserie. the countries crueltie. and mans inhumanitie. petowe, henry. [ ] p. printed by h[umphrey] l[ownes] for c[utbert] b[urby], at london : . by henry petowe. misattributed to richard milton. on the plague. includes "londons welcome home to her citizens", in verse. printer's and publisher's names from stc. signatures: a-d⁴. identified as stc on umi microfilm. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the 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coded from proquest page images - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - apex covantage rekeyed and resubmitted - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion londoners their entertainment in the countrie . or the whipping of runnawayes . wherein is described , londons miserie . the covntries crveltie . and mans inhvmanitie . os homini svblime dedit at london printed by h. l. for c. b. . london to thy citizens , especially to such right honourable , right worshipfull , and others , as were thy true-borne ministring comfort to thee , in time of visitation . health , peace , and plentie . that london hath beene honorable for her state , admired for her wealth , and famous for her nurcerie , what liuing soule hath not heard or seene . that she is now most miserable , and ouer-whelmed with sorrowes deluge ; witnesse these lines of lamentation : oh time of heauines ! that such royaltie should be prest with miserie . but of her miserie i haue writ at large ; the iudgement whereof ( right honorable , right worshipfull , and wise ) relieth on your fauourable censures , who haue both aucthoritie to conuict , and knowledge to commend . if therfore out of this poesie of greene hearbs , gathered out of a spacious country garden , you make your seuerall choices of some ( though but of few ) to your contents , i shall thinke my trauailes richly guerdoned : suruay them curiouslie , and you shall find much varietie , but especially of rue , wormwood , and tyme : but indeede wee may rue the time that euer that bitter weede wormewood became so sweete a nosegay . my labour is past , my booke newly come from the presse , and it is in your hands to be censured ; if therefore it passe with your good likings , my desires are accomplished , and my expectation satisfied . in hope wherof i rest . the vvhipping of runnawayes . euen then when peace & plenty , like a paire of true borne twins kissed , & most louingly embraced one another , not onlie in the middle center , but also in euery priuate angle and skirt of this stourishing iland-euen then at that swéetest instant of loue and amitie , when the thought of man could not haue comprehended a more blessed time , then , then i say ( note but the suddaine alteration of fortune ) was transformed our so happy and prosperous estate . but alas why should i exclaime against fortune , which is nothing else but the idle fantasie of ignorant men , when indéede the repentant returning from our intollerable sinnes , might haue continued our blisse and happines . what should i say ? what should i write ? but that our summum bonum became our omnimoda miseria , our good , our worse , by that vnexpected change , such is the reward of sinne . no sooner was the lady of felicity ( the diuine eliza ) departed from this chaos of iniquitie , as one too worthy the gouernment of so wicked a people , by reason of her gentle chasticements , but in the selfe same houre of her departure , did our almightie father not leaue vs destitute , but gaue in place of our deceased soueraigne , a royall king of an excellent and princelike substance , moulded with a diuine spirit , ordained before for the full felicitie of this languishing realme , to the end that our disobedience may blush at the sight of his so gratious respecting vs ; such a prince i say that one wrincle seated in his browe , should dart such terror to the heart of sinne , that not one of vs should dare to offende the sacred deitie of the almightie . but alas , such and so great was the root of wickednes grafted in our hardened hearts , that as before so still do the forward branches of horrible sinne spring vp in vs , wherwith we make vs arborss to shadowe our lasciuious desires , vayling one sinne vnder another , without either respect or feare . the king of kings , the almightie glorious essence , noting the stubbornes of so stiffnecked a people , and séeing that notwithstanding all his threatnings , thundred into our eares , by his prophets , the holy ministers of his word , we would not repent , but still perseuer in our abhominable wickednesse ; euen then when wee thought our selues most secure , and shadowed euen vnder the wings of happines : did the god of iustice , the high almighty one , commaund his angell to vnsheath his sword , which séemed euen to haue rusted in the scabberd , by meanes of his long suffering , and much patience , and with that rod of his seuere correction , to lay on heauy load vpon the burthened backs of sinners : oh how vnwillingly did hee procéede to this deadly medicine , like a carefull phisitian , trying all salues for cure , before he put his patient to extreamest paine : yea he hath often tolde vs so , by the tongs of his prophets , and like a louing father sull many times intreated vs wicked and sinfull people , euen at our owne dores , to abstaine from the filthy desires of the flesh , but we regarded them not , neither was there any , no not one that feared the iudgments of the highest . wherefore béeing ouercome w●th the intollerablenes of our sins , at last as it were breaking forth into such like words , since they so slightly regard those whom i haue sent with the tongs of fathers , kindely intreating them to refraine from sinne , and they like disobedient children respect them not , neither him that sent them , he gaue this charge to the angell of his iudgment . let them féele in full measure the iudgments of the highest : therefore sinite them with the plague and pestilence , that they may know , that i the true and liuing god can bridle the lofty heads of the wicked . and forthwith was his power by his iust iudgment of plague and pestilence showen vnto vs , when after we had felt his scourge heauy vpon vs , we could then cry out and say , we haue sinned lord , wee haue sinned , oh forbeare thy rod &c. you know ( most kinde respected readers ) that the first stroke of visitation lighted on the very heart of this realme , london the mother of cities , and the nurce of countries , euen in the prime , and on the neck of englands new borne happines , when the swéets of flora began to diaper the deasie spangled pauement of the earth , vpon the high pinacles of which admired city , the messenger of god ( as i may say ) sitting ready to strike at the commandement of the lord , those , and in such places as his masters should giue him in chardge . at length ( but yet alas too soone ) fell the reward of sinne gently on the skirts which we terme the subburbs of the city . the reason why it pleased god to strike the exteriour members , before the interiour parts : i meane the subburbs before the body of the city , may demonstrate vnto vs , that the lord would yet looke downe in mercy on the body , if that the perishing of some loose members may cause repentance . for as in a faire and costly garment , after it is framed by the labor of the workeman , and through his negligence , or mistaking , it chance to bee made somewhat vnfit , or with some other fault , and therefore dooth displease the owner , yet if it may bee mended by altering the skirts , or extremest parts , without taking asunder of the whole , he will be drawn to a better liking of it : so the lord , that euer taketh delight in sparing and shewing pitty , and doth seeke to recall manie into the way , by the punishment of sewe , in the first breaking forth of his wrath , began to punish the skirts and subburbs of the city , that the city it selfe séeing the rod so neere , should feare betimes . and indéed the action of god so distributing and dispiercing his iudgments , may seeme besides this , to haue had another cause , namely , the excessiue abhomination of filthines practised in those places , more then the rest of the city . that as in a body , all the superfluity of extremities , are by the power of a vegetatiue heate , wronght to the extremetie of the body : so this filthy froth of sensuall beastlinesse , beeing by the force of good gouerment , ( such is the benefit of good lawes put in vse ) expelled from the inner part , and as i may say , the hart of the city , did residence in the vtmost skirts and appendent members thereunto , and became a fit matter for the first burning of gods reuengefull wrath . afterwards , partly by the vicinitie of place , and partly by the vnrespectiuenes of the infected , and the want of care of the sound , but especially the conformity of vnrepented sinnes , kindled the like flame in the inmost places of the city it selfe . and so ere long after it so came to passe , that not only the skirts , but also the whole body of the city was in such sort infected , that the very choice , and speciall members of the body deuided themselues . i make no question ( iudiciall readers ) but you conceaue me rightly ; for this i endeuour to let you know , that i goe not about to diminish the power and might of god , but this only i infer , that the visitation of the body of the city , came likewise by the poisure of the hand of god , rather then by the disorder of any one infected member , for god is almightie , al powerful , and can sooner visit those that are free from affliction , then the visited themselues are able to infect : therefore the only salue to cure affliction , is to make vse of the ancient saying of the wise phisitian the euangelist , luke in his . chapter and . verse . except you amend your liues you shall all likewise perish . so that if we arme our selues with heartie repentance , we may be sure that no infection can haue power to harme vs. so likewise saith dauid in his lxxxi . psalme . . . and , verses , a thousand shall fall beside thee , and tenne thousand at thy right hand , but it shall not come nigh thee . there shal no euil happen vnto thee , neither shal any plague come nigh thy dwelling , for he shal giue his angels charge ouer thee to keepe thee in all thy waies . but to procéede to the miserable estate of the city , which god for his mercy cease , and inuest a new the royalll estate thereof . long had not the hand of the almighty scourged the deserued sinners of the city , to the great terror of the residue not afflicted , but london , that deare fostering mother of many thousand soules , grew into such a general contempt , that shee waxed lothsome and vglie , not onlie in the sight of her owne , borne of her owne wombe , but of aliens and strangers well may you say , no maruell if strangers hate her whom her owne flesh and blood loued not . how many thousand citizens , or rather euill sonnes , as i may rightly tearme them , fled from their mother london , which might better both haue unployed their care in propulsing the infection from the vntainted parts , by establishing a good order , and also their money in reléeiuing y e distressed state of those whō god singled out , to beare publique misery : then thus to haue renounced both these their duties : for though a worthy phisitian prescribeth this as a soueraigne medecine against this contagion . cito fugere , longe abesse , tarde redire . yet feare to forsake their station , and to fly from the performance of their charitable duties , shewes a distrustfull flying from god , flying from god do i say ? oh whither could they flie ? into what countrey ? what towne ? what citie ? to liue secure , and to hide themselues from him that is all almighty . flyest thou to the vtmost bownds of europe , nay to any priuate angle of the world , why there iehouah is : dost thou delue into the center of the earth ? why there is god also . and as the prophet dauid saith in his cxxxix psalme . whither shall i fly from thy spirit , or whether shall i go from thy presence , if i clime vp into heauen , thou art there ; if i goe down into hell , thou art there also . if i take the winges of the morning , and remaine in the vttermost parts of the sea , euen there also shall thy hand leade mee , and thy right hand shall hold mee . is the lord of this might ? of such power ? and such wonderfull omnipotencie : and doest thou thinke thou art frée from his anger and punishment , by flying twentie miles from the place of his visitation : no surely , nay , thou knowest it thy selfe for truth : hath he not strucken thée ? or in sparing thy selfe , hath hee not visited thy wife or children ? i knowe it is true , yea , to thy griefe thou hast found it true . héereupon runnes the terrible mouthie rumour through the country , that this vniuersall plague comes by the meanes of thée , by thy meanes distressed londoner , for those of the country not iudging a right of the cause of this contagious disease , which is indéede the sinfulnes of all sorts , and degrées of this land : and onely looking on the outward meanes of encreasing , and propagating the same , can philosophize about this infection , and say , it was not so much meruaile that london ( in which an infinite nomber of people are compact in so narrowe a roome ) be tainted therewith . but the country being spacious , and the aire cleare , and the houses seated in a well distant vicinitie , might be kept vntouched , without the carelesnes of some amongst them that trading with londoners ; some rather to respect their priuate gaine , then the safetie of many , and also the vaine tymiditie of the citizens , who dispersing themselues in the country , and with themselues , that deadly and pestifferous poyson , drew many into the lamentable participation of their miseries . therefore woe worth thée londoner , saith the country , hadst not thou béene , we had béene frée . i answere no : for assure thy selfe thou country-man , or townes man , whosoeuer thou be , that if thou be visited , it is thy sinne that causeth visitation , for else thou shouldest accuse god of iniustice , and improuidence . of improuidence , by thinking that this thy affliction commeth not to thée , by the determinate purpose of god , but onely by such accidentalll and outward casualties . of iniustice , by not obseruing , how thy sinnes haue deserued this scourge , and that it is the iust hand of god striking . but thou looking no further then the externall occasion , frettest against thy afflicted brothers , callest into question the iustice of god , and so doest hazard loosing of that benefit , might else redownd vnto thée , by this thy visitation . but that the iustice of god , in punishing thée also with this sore affliction , may better appeare , doe but thus reason with thy selfe : if i commit an offence , or if another offend , is an innocent and guiltlesse man called in question ? or doth the iudge condemne thée for my offence ? no. and shall the righteous iudge of the world shew lesse iustice , be it farre from our thought . certainly as the husbandman doth not set his sickle to the corne , but where it is ripe : so god doth not inflict so gréeuous a iudgement , but when our mellow sinnes doe call downe the same . wilt thou auoide this pestilence ? scare thy sinne more then the citie ; if thou remoue thy sinne from the face of the lord , the cities contagion shal not hurt thée : but if thy sinnes remaine vnrepented , the countries wholesomnes cannot help thée . although i say not , that all those which escape are without sinne , or all those which perish , are most defiled there-with . yet this , i say , that thou which dwellest in the country , shouldst not in this thy visitation , blame onely the distressed of the citie , which being as willing to saue their liues as thou art , desire to draw the vntainted aire of the country : and so forget the true cause , which is sinne : but thou saist this it is hath so tainted the country . truly i cannot denie , but that this meanes hath béene subordained to the will of god , in bringing to passe this iudgement ; but how many thousand others hath god preserued to the ioy and comfort of their friends . and i cannot tell whether the inhumanitie of such as thou art , be not a cause of the wrath of god towards thée . but is this the onely cause ? nay , is it the chiefe cause ? i know the contrary , for of my knowledge many haue themselues fetched the fire , by which their owne , and others houses haue béene inflamed : to be short , i cannot excuse many of the londoners vnconscionable flight ; yet also i cannot but accuse thine vncharitable discurtesie . it is not long since one of the simple held argu ment against me touching that point . that had not london béene infected , the country had béene frée , i am sure you will all hold with me , that instéede of prouing this assertion , he proues him selfe ignorant , and he that amongst you thinks otherwise , i pronounce him one of the same sect and fraternitie . for approbation whereof , note this reason gathered from your selues , doe any of you that are carefull farmers , or tyllers of ground ( after you haue sowen your graine , and that it appeareth faire aboue the ground ) suffer anie cockle or wéede to ouer-peare it , for hindering the growth of your séede ? no more wil the eternall carefull and louing husband-man , suffer any vnsauorie wéede , i meane any sinne to ouer-pere , or ouer-sway his good séede , which are his graces , offered by the meanes of saluation he hath vouchsafed , insomuch that when he beholds sinne in his pride , and growne euen to his head of ripenes , he will suffer him no longer , but suddainly cut him off , without any further respect . and thinkest thou , that by dwelling in the healthfull aire of the country , thou art shrouded from the punishments of god. doth hee onely hate sinne in the citie , and not in the country ? or will he punish it in the citie , and not in the country ? no. where it is , there god will punish it , & all meanes are his : thou maist ( as thou hast practised ) kéepe out londoners , but not the iudgment of god. séeing therefore thine iniquities be ripe , the time of gods for bearing is likewise out , that whether london had béene visited or no , thy sinne surely had caused thy destruction . therefore let not the country thinke , that londons sinnes are the cause of the countries punishment , but that their owne wickednes is their owne affliction . but london , now do i speake to thine , i meane thy inhabitants , thy children , how disobedient and vnnaturall they haue béen towards thee : shall a mother bring vp her children with much care , great respect , and greater loue , till they be of sufficient ability to helpe and maintaine themselues , and in her distresse shall they flie from her , oh vnnaturall children . why did you so disobedient and vnkinde londoners ; you , when you saw your mother in miserie , and many of her little ones , your younger brethren in distresse , you tooke you to your héeles , and plaide the runnawayes , when you should haue succoured them , and lent them comfort in their necessitie . hast thou any thing thou hadst not from her , or by her meanes ? hast thou not suckt life from her teate , and wealth from her stocke , and in her extremitie didst thou leaue her ? if thou hadst lent her but a little reliefe now in her want , thou hadst then shewed thy gratitude in that extremitie , and she would haue repaid thée trebble for it héereafter . nay ( which is more ) thy prouident care might haue contained the rage of the infection , and the god of loue séeing thy mercifulnes to the afflicted , might haue béene moued to mercy : but before thou wouldst lend her or hers any comfort , thou wouldst spend prodigally on the country . but i prethie examine thy selfe , and tell mee truly , what kindnes didst thou finde of the country , hadst thou entertainment ? hardly : hadst thou lodging ? if any , thou payedst well for a bad one , and yet wert forced to dissemble thy dwelling , before thou couldest obtaine it : for indéede wert thou known to be a londoner , thy patrimonie could not procure thée a bed , and yet thou wouldest flie from her that gaue thée both lodging , and meate for nothing . nay further , let vs come more néerer to the vncharitable country , hadst thou a brother dwelling in the countrie , whose habilitie by his large reuenewes , might aide thée in that thy extremitie , and didst thou find a brotherlike intertainment at his hands ? it may be hee had more kind nature in him , then thy mother had at thy hands , but my opinion will not beare it . for experience in mine owne trauell hath shown the contrary . i know where a man of thy stature , proportion , & comelie personage , whose exteriour demeanour hath béene admired for courtlike complement , whose tongue hath pleaded more like a learned lawyer , then an vnskilfull citizen , to a man more simple then himselfe , yea to his owne brother , and yet hath found no remorce , no comfort , hardly any meate vpon extreame request , and for lodging a wad of straw , or a réeke of haie , which he hath béene as iocand with , as a bed of downe , when hee hath had all mortall felicitie to attend him . moreouer , i came to another place of the countrie , to a towne of an excellent scituation , vppon whose battlemēts the wholsome winds whistles melodious notes , as if their aire warbling did not at al feare anie infection , at whose northerne gate my horse and i made entrance , no sooner had i gotten part of the gate ouer my head , but a winter-weather-beaten clowne repaires vnto me , with an old rustie bill on his necke , stand , saith he , from whence came you ? the absurd fellowes rusticke behauiour , forced me to spend a little time idelie , by answering rudelie as his demandes were simple : stand , saide i ? why art thou a good fellow , that thou bidst me stand , yea , that i am , saide hee : why then thou wouldest haue my purse , wouldest thou not ? your purse , quoth he ? why do you think that i stand here to kéepe shéepe ? why no , said i , but i thinke rather to take purses : sir , saith he , i haue taken as good a mans purse as yours before now : by my saith not vnlike , said i : why then , saide he , neuer tickle me in the teeth with taking a purse , but tell mée who you are , thou séest who i am , saide i , but i pray thée tel me wherefore doost thou stand here ? why , ( quoth he ) to kéepe out rogues , rascols , and londoners . then by your leaue sir rogue , saide i : and let an honest londoner passe by . no sooner had he heard the name of londoner , but the simple clowne presentlie giues way , and standing a loofe farre from mée , waues his rustie bill to and fro with these words reitterated twice or thrice . you must go that way : you must not come this way . with that , laughing heartelie at the silly hinde , to sée into what a tunerous extacie , the verie name of londoner had changed him , i set spurres to my horse , and rode quite through the towne , without farther molestation . within the space of twenty miles distant from the towne aforesaide , i had gotten another towne ouer my head , the scituation i néed not to stand vpon , only the nature of the people , and the inhabitants thereof . the blacke shadowe of night hauing canopeide the splendant eie of day , and twilight being past , making entrance into the towne , i inquired for lodging at an inne , an inne it had béen , and an iune it was , but that indéed the bush or signe was taken down , for all the people told me the iustices of the countrey , had caused them to be taken awaie , and withall that they should lodge no strangers , which commandement indéede was verie stri●…e obserued , for i could neither get lodging , normeate for any money , being driuen to such extremitie , and séeing my horse very wearie , and that i was destitute of any kinde of prouender , i knew not what shift to make , till at length this refuge i found : within halfe a mile there was a very faire meadowe cut but the day before , and the hay newly made , so that wanting all other meanes , i made repaire to one of the cockes , and slipping the snaffle out of my horses mouth , tied the end of his bridle to my legge , so that my horse well refreshed him , whilst my selfe betooke mee to a little slumbering repose . no sooner had the harbinger of light opened the windowes of the new-borne day , but ( as the necessitie of my busines required ) i went forward on my iourney . i had not rode sixe miles further from those vncharitable people , but an honest plaine fearefull swaine méeting me , gaue me the good time of the day , and withall , saith he , sir , if you loue your life , ride not that way , but ride vp by yonder hedge , it is not a quarter of a mile out of your way , otherwise i assure you , you will ride in great danger : i prethie honest fellow , saide i , why doest thou wish mee to leaue the way , are there any that want money , which make their stand there : no ( quoth hee ) but a worse matter , for there lies a gentleman starke dead : god-a-mercy good fellow , said ●s but if that be the worst , i will not ( god willing ) leaue the way ; whereupon ( arming my selfe with a faithfull resolution ) i made towards the body , where i saw the most lamentablest spectacle that euer mine eyes were guilty of . for in the high-way close by a hedges side , there lay a very proper gentleman suted all in blacke , a faire scarffe about his neck , with a siluer hatched short sword hanging in it , a dagger sutable ; and dead he was , but how long before he died , i could not learne , nor how hee died ; but those that inhebited nearest to the place , tolde me , that trauailers suspected it was the plague hee died of , and i could not otherwise imagine my selfe , for the cause that shewed the likeliest probability , was this ; that as the gentleman lay dead booted and spurd , so his horse ( a most lamentable sight ) went grasing hard by sadled and bridled . what became of him i know not , nor how they buried him , i could not since learne , but no doubt , after the ordinarie course of the country , like a dogge ; for in my trauaile i saw another dead in the like sort , but he séemed to be a country husbandman , with a sustian doublet , a round paire of cloath hose , and a pitchforke by him , he lay ( as i was told ) two or thrée dayes vnburied , vncouered i may say , for god knowes his buriall was simple . if the birds did sing him to the ditch his graue , why then hee had a knell , otherwise a dogge had a more honest buriall . for the manner of his funerall was this , euen tumbled into the ditch , and couered with a little earth , this was all his buriall , and all his funerall . oh where is christianitie become ? charitie long since was key cold , but at this present , i thinke christianitie in the country be starke dead . yet london , london , notwithstanding all thy masse of deadly sinne which thou art burthened with , thou yieldest christian buriall for thy sinfull people , yea , albeit thy receipt for dead bodies be but a spanne , in comparison of the spacious country , yet thou hast with honest respect performed thy last obsequios and dutie to thy dead , and hast interred the liuelesse bodies , of almost fortie thousand of thy deceased inhabitants , yea , and brought thy yonger children more liker to a bridall bed , then to an earthly grane , decked with odoriserous flowers and garlands , and hundreds of people with mournfull hearts attending on them . which speciall instance of christianitie , no doubt but the lord will reward in mercie . therefore thou poore remainder of that famous citie , nowe at the last remember thy sinnes , and while thou hast time call for grace , the lord is readie euerie minute of an houre to heare thée , he hath lent thée longer daies then thy deceased brethren , to sée if thou wilt yet turne vnto him , and leaue to sinne . but without all question , if thou be stubborne , and wilt still persist in thy wickednes , as the fall of them hath beene great , thine will be greater . wherefore while thou hast time , now in thy most miserie call to the lord for mercie ; repent thée of thy former sinnes , and perswade thy selfe , the lord will not onely heare thée , but relieue thée , and send thée comfort in thy extremitie , for hee reioyceth more in the conuersion of one sinfull soule , then in all the glories of the greatest potentate of the world . experience hath euer taught vs , that if but the least member of the body be distempered , the whole body is out of quiet , much more if the head ( being the principall member ) be neuer so little troubled . so fares it with the body of this land england , the admired iland of the world , whose head thou art london . distressed london , whose very eye thou art to illuminate , and lighten the darke members of the same : yea , whose sunne thou art , which ( kéeping thy diurnall course through englands element ) doest dart such comfortable influence from thy horison , that soke vp all distilling teares of sorrowe . but now alas , for so much as that head of ours aketh , that eye of ours winketh , and that sunne of ours setteth , howe can that body of ours choose but perish ? what resteth then , but that each seuerall member according to his place , lament the heads distemperature , endeuouring and labouring by all possible meanes , for some precious balme to cure that same deadly headake . that balme must be the mercie and compassion of the highest , which is to be obtained onelie by prayer , with a hartie repentance of our wicked sinnes . know wee the meanes , yet will not séeke redresse : know we a salue ? yet suffer the sore to ranckle : no meruaile then if the pace of death lie so heauie vpon vs. why should nature haue so little féeling in vs , that wee the inferiour members , should suffer our head to perish , when that a little , little harty sorrow , would salue a thousand wounds . wéepe therefore , o thou country-man , wéepe not onely with vs , but for vs , i meane for wofull london thy head , who is nowe visited for sinne : let not her affliction be thy securitie , let not her plagues flatter thée , and make thée thinke that thou art frée from sinne , because thy visitation is the lesse : for well maist thou perceaue , that the selfe same scourge ( though not in such terrible manner ) yet in some measure , it stealeth vpon thy townes and uillages . therfore perswade thy selfe , vnlesse londons affliction enforce thy speedie reformation , it is to be feared that thou wilt taste the like miserie . wherefore with london doe thou ioyne in heartie prayers , that the lord in mercie would looks downe vpon vs , that not onely the remainder of the citie , but also the body of the country may be so vnited together in his feare and loue , that so long as they haue any being héere in this world , his name by them may be glorified , & they glorified by him in the world to come . but to procéed , no sooner had i mounted the vsuall walks for shepheards , the downes of buckingham , but i might heare a swayne tuning on his harsh pipe such notes ofsorrow , and withall singing to the same so sad an aelegie , that his pretie ewes lest grazing , and would not séede for mourning : the effect whereof followeth . an aelegie . no wonder though i waile , my sheepe are poore , yet sorrowes naught auaile , for all my store . the sommers prime is winter vnto mee , my flocks are gaunt , no wonder though they be . my ioy and comfort dies , drown'd vp in woe : ny lambes by my moist eies , my sorrowes know . they scorne to liue , since they my liuing feare , and pyne to see their masters pining cheere . hust silence , leaue thy caue , thy caue obscur'd : and deigne my woes a graue , woes long endur'd . though thou leaue me , yet take my sorrows to thee , or leauing them , alas thou doost vndoe mee . silence mou'd to pitty , sy , wherefore vndon : shep. wayling for a city , woeful london . whil'st london smyl'd , my stocks did feede them ful skipping for ioy , that london had their wull . woe is mee , they die now , cause they feede not , shepheard , swaynes must flie nowe , cause they speed not . yet when i pipe and sing that london smileth , my sheep reuiue againe and death beguileth . wherefore silence pittie , my lambes mourning : ioine in our sad dittie , till woes turning . ( weepe by you sy. mourne swaynes , mourne sheep , and silence wil and as you weepe for mercie , shepeheards cry you . this passionate dittie was no sooner ended , but i drewe néere the place , whence i heard that vnexpected lamentation , where on a banck of mosse i found a true loue knot of shepheards all woe begun , euen all strooken into an extacie , of whom i demaunded the cause of sorrowe , one of them more free of spirit then the rest , willing to satisfie my demaund , to the intent i might mourne with them , brake into these termes of exclamation . oh spring of sorrowes , sommer of lamentations , autumne of woes , winter of heauines , oh times of miserie , when will your contagion haue an end , your seuerall aires haue béen infectious , whereby manie thòusands haue perished . neuer since i knew the contented life of a slvaine , did i so long sucke on the sower dug of infelicitie , for wee were wont to smile howeuer fortune frowned , but now alas as much subiect to passion as discontent it selfe , wherefore kind stranger ( saide he ) perswade thy selfe , that it is some extraordinarie affliction that forceth such distilling teares from shepheards sunne dried eies . oh london : and there made a colon , whereuppon all the rest of the shepheards ioyntlie with him did beare seuerall parts in this sad following eglogue . the aeglogue . burst , burst poore harts , you haue no longer hope , captiue our eies vnto eternall sleepe : let all our sences haue no further scope , let death be lord of vs and all our sheepe . or if we liue , thus ( liuing ) let vs crie , ( die , ' heauens blesse faire london , or poore shepheards cry , cry aloude , as they that heare our crying , may crie with vs , and fainting , fall a dying . finis . to discribe the particular sorrowes of euery griened soule , were as impossible as to number calice sands ( as the prouerb goes ) the lamentation is so generall . and that not only amongst the swaines , but the whole countrie , and especiallie amongst clothiers , and their poore seruiceable people , for since the memorie of man , almost there hath not béene knowne she like . he that was woont to emploie manie hundreds in his worke , cannot now help twenty poore , insomuch that it procures such emulation and malice twixt them that are wrought , and the rest wanting worke , that it euen brings a confusion amongst them . and in this case what should the clothier doo , some come to him on their knées , some with wringing hands , some crying with infants in their armes , but all of them with such pittifull lamentation , that it pitties the amazed clothier in such sort , that he is weary of life . at length thinking to giue them reasonable satisfaction , he pleadeth , that the want of sale for cloth at london , is the cause he hath so little imployment . but alas this woulde not satisfie the poore multitude , so great is their distresse , and such an vnanswerable argument is importunate necessitie . and thus i may tell you , neuer was cloth better cheape amongst clothiers , yet seldome hath wooll béene known more déere vnto them , and of money i dare say that most of them neuer knew the like want , though they haue money foorth to great value , and the cause of this , saie they , is only londons visitation : if then the mittigation of the pestilent affliction laide vppon that citie , would relieue the want of many thousand poore soules , ( as it is well knowne to euery one of vs it would ) why then let vs vse the meanes to take away the effect , that is , praier to lessen sinne , that god in mercie would pittie londons miserie . and now london , once more doe i speake to thée , thou nurse of people , so louing and kind a mother , doost thou alwaies shew thy selfe vnto thine owne , how disobedient so euer they bée , that thy armes are howerly open to receaue with ioy thy strangling children . they like idle wanderers , haue plaide the runnawaies from thee , yet thou with teares of comfort art readie to entertaine them . and albeit , they haue trewanted long in the country , yet thou must be their refuge , thou art their foster-mother , none will entertaine them but thou : why then did they flie from thée ? onely because thou wert touched with calamitic ; and albeit thou art not yet frée , yet they are now forced to séeke shelter vnder thy wings , and notwithstanding thy aduersitie , like poore prodigals they returne of méere necessitie . thou diddest euer loue them , though they hated thée , so were they hated euen of them to whom they fled . they fled from london to haue harbour in the country , but woe the time that euer london knew such extremitie . will it not be a most lamentable record to our posteritie , to reade this index of the vncharitable nature of the country ? it cannot choose : therefore that londons aduersitie may now turne to prosperitie , that the rude and inhumane country , may tast the wholsome comfort of the citie , let vs all pray for londons health and libertie . which the god of all mercie , power , and consolation graunt , for the loue of that immaculate lambe christ iesus , our onely sauiour and redéemer . finis . londons welcome home to her citizens . are you return'd ? oh wherefore did you flie me , leauing me naked , weeping , and forlorne : how many thousand infants here lie by me , ceaz'd on by death since first i began to mourne : did they want comfort ? wherefore did they die ? i doe not say for want of charitie . you fed them full , but it was full of woe , they had enough ; god wot enough of care , indeede you were to blame , you prest them so , with more then their weake natures could well beare : ill was that well , well bearing had been good , i would haue borne you all , though drown'd in blood . and yet you ranne from me , oh whither then ? into the iawes of inhumanitie , vnto the people that were worse then men , now catalogue in lasting infamie : there were your hopes blasted , being crost , in strange aduentures where your hope was most . haue i beene thus long mother ( wondrous tyme ) vnder whose wings millions of people lie ; hath this child-bearing fruitfull wombe of mine , brought forth so many : ( oh securitie why do'st thou lull my young ones thus a sleepe , slumbring in peace when i their mother weepe . ) oh let them see my teares how fast they trill , am i their mother ? mother to my griefe : are they my children ? children to their will : are they come home againe to seeke reliefe ? oh bid them welcome , for i long to heare their pilgrimage in this same wondrous yeare . welcome poore pilgrimes : what so ragg'd and torne ? haue you not skirmisht with proud pouertie ? i feare you haue ; oh wherfore doe you mourne ? and hang the head ? heere 's russet miserie : indeede it is ; say therefore which is better , a russet banck'rout , or a sattine debter . i am too lauish , yet but heare me speake , i speake in loue , and loue doth make me weepe , should i not weepe , then my heart would breake , and in such passion , who a meane can keepe : i weepe for you , and weeping will not lin , till i am sure that you are purg'd of sin . sinne was the cause of woe , oh welcome then , if thou hast left that sinne of thine behind ? the scourge of heauen is past . oh citizen , or sonne of me poore london , be not blind with squint-ey'd error ; now redeeme my same , which sinne hath pawn'd by an adult'rate name . set pride to sale , let auarice goe bie , enuie's a deuill , gluttonie a fiend , on want on strumpets doe not cast thine eie , abandon sinne , and thus with teares i end : teares that all teares of passion shall surmount , till londons sinne giue vp her last account . finis . charles by the grace of god, king of england, scotland, france & ireland, defender of the faith, &c., to all and singular archbishops, bishops, archdeacons, deanes, and their officials ... to whome these presents shall come, greeting whereas we are credibly giuen to vnderstand, that by reason of grieuous visitation in this time of the great contagion of the plague amongst our poore subiects ... england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) charles by the grace of god, king of england, scotland, france & ireland, defender of the faith, &c., to all and singular archbishops, bishops, archdeacons, deanes, and their officials ... to whome these presents shall come, greeting whereas we are credibly giuen to vnderstand, that by reason of grieuous visitation in this time of the great contagion of the plague amongst our poore subiects ... england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . sheet ([ ] p.). by robert barker, printer to the kings most excellent maiestie: and by the assignes of iohn bill, imprinted at london : . "witnes our selfe at copt-hall, the seuenth day of october, in the twelfth yeere of our reigne." reproduction of original in: harvard university. library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london. london (england) -- history -- th century. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion royal blazon or coat of arms diev et mon droit charles by the grace of god , king of england , scotland , france , & ireland , defender of the faith , &c. to all and singular archbishops , bishops , archdeacons , deanes , and their officials , parsons , uicars , curates , and to all spirituall persons ; and also to all justices of peace , maiors , sheriffes , bailiffes , constables , church-wardens , and headboroughes ; and to all officers of cities , boroughes , and townes corporate ; and to all other our officers , ministers , and subiects whatsoeuer they be , aswell within liberties , as without , to whom these presents shall come , greeting . whereas we are credibly giuen to vnderstand , that by reason of grieuous visitation in this time of the great contagion of the plague amongst our poore subiects , in the cities of london and westminster , and borough of southwarke , and parts adioyning , the inhabitants of some parishes and places are brought into such distresse , as that the parishes are not able of themselues to support and relieue the poore of the said parishes , and to prouide for the infected , and for the necessary watching and warding of the houses which are shut ; and albeit , the justices of peace haue done their best endeauours , by taxing the parishes and townes adiacent , to supply these wants and necessities ; yet so many difficulties haue occurred , that although for the time past they haue prouided in some competent measure , yet by the continuance of the infection , they finde the burden to grow euery day more and more heauy : whereof our selfe being informed on the twenty fifth of september last , haue with the aduice of our councell , thought fit , that for the present , a collection should be made of the charitable beneuolences of well disposed people , within the cities of london and westminster , and in the counties of middlesex and surrey , and borough of southwarke , and to the beneuolence of all cities , townes corporate , villages , and priuiledged places within the said counties , not extending the same further for the present ; because it is hoped , that by gods goodnesse , the infection will abate ( the winter season , and cold weather now approaching ) before it shall be needfull to pray the ayde of more remote counties ; not doubting , but that all good christians , duely considering the misery , and pitifull calamity , which so many poore distressed and deiected christians doe vndergoe by such an ineuitable and grieuous visitation , will in their owne pious commiseration of their great extremity , be herewith moued , out of the bowels of compassion , and forward , as feeling members one of anothers miseries , freely and willingly to extend their liberall contributions towards the reliefe and comfort of a number of wretched creatures in this their great necessity . know ye therefore , that we well weighing the wofull and lamentable estates of our said poore and distressed subiects , and commiserating the same , of our especiall grace , and princely compassion doe order and grant , that a collection be made of the charitable deuotions , and liberalities of all our louing subiects , within the seuerall counties , cities , and townes corporate aboue named , for , and towards the reliefe and succour of the said poore inhabitants of london , and other infected places adioyning : which collection , we will , grant , appoint , and require , shall be ordered in manner and forme following : that is to say , we will , grant , appoint , and require all and singular parsons , vicars , curats of the seuerall churches and chappels within the said counties , precincts , cities , villages , and townes corporate aboue mentioned , with all possible speed to publish , and recommend this collection to the charity of all well disposed persons within their churches and precincts , with an especiall exhortation to the people , for the better stirring vp of their liberall and extraordinary contributions in so good and charitable a deed . and we will and command , that you the churchwardens of every parish within the counties , cities , and places aforesaid respectiuely , to take a care of the furtherance of the said collection : and if any housholder , or parishioner be absent when these our letters patents shall be there published , you the said churchwardens , to goe to the habitations of such persons , and to aske their charity for the purpose aforesaid : and what shall be by you so gathered , to be by the minister and your selues , endorsed on the backside of these our letters patens , or the copy or briefe hereof , in words at length , and not in figures , with your names subscribed thereunto : and the summe and summes of money so gathered and endorsed , to be paid ouer as is hereafter mentioned . and lastly , our will and pleasure is , that the moneys collected in surrey , be paid ouer to the hands of sir thomas grymes knight , and edward bromefield esquire , justices of peace in the said county of surrey , for the present reliefe of southwarke , newington and other places adiacent as stand in need by reason of the infection . and the moneys collected in middlesex , to be paid to the hands of thomas gardiner esquier , recorder of london , and to iohn herne esquier , two of the justices of peace for the county of middlesex , or to either of them , for the present reliefe of westminster , and other places in middlesex adiacent , or neere to the cities of london and westminster , as stand in need by reason of the infection . and the moneys collected in london , to be paid to the lord maior there for the time being , and by him to be deliuered euer , as there shall be any remainder at the end of his yeere , to his successor : which moneyes so collected in london , to be , vpon conference betweene the said lord maior and recorder of the city of london , disposed as shall be most needfull , not onely for the reliefe of such places , as by reason of the infection , doe , or shall stand in need , in london , westminster , and middlesex , but also as occasion and necessity shall require , shall out of the same adde thereunto to the ayde and reliefe of southwarke , newington , and other places in surrey , in manner and forme before recited , according to the true meaning of our gracious intention by these our letters patents , any statute , law , ordinance , or prouision heretofore made to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding . in witnes whereof we haue caused these our letters to be made patents , for the space of foure whole moneths , next after the date hereof to endure . witnes our selfe at copt-hall , the seuenth day of october , in the twelfth yeere of our reigne . dawe . god saue the king. ¶ imprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie : and by the assignes of iohn bill . . by the king a proclamation to declare his maiesties pleasure, that a former restraint inioyned to the citizens of london, for repairing to faires for a time, is now set at libertie. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king a proclamation to declare his maiesties pleasure, that a former restraint inioyned to the citizens of london, for repairing to faires for a time, is now set at libertie. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . sheet ([ ] p.). by bonham norton, and iohn bill, printers to the kings most excellent maiestie, imprinted at london : anno dom. m.dc.xxv [ ] "giuen at our honour of hampton court, the of december. ." reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng fairs -- england -- london -- early works to . plague -- england -- prevention. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion royal blazon or coat of arms ¶ by the king. ¶ a proclamation to declare his maiesties pleasure , that a former restraint inioyned to the citizens of london , for repairing to faires for a time , is now set at libertie . whereas the kings most excellent maiestie , out of his princely and christian care of his louing subiects , by his royall proclamation , bearing date the fourth day of august last , to preuent the further spreading of the great infection of the plague , as much as by all good meanes hee might , did , by the aduice of his maiesties priuie councell , forbid the holding and resorting vnto the two great faires of speciall note , then by course of time neere approching , the one vsually kept in smithfield , neere the citie of london , called bartholomew faire , and the other neere cambridge , called sturbridge faire ; and did thereby also further charge and enioyne , all citizens and inhabitants of the said citie of london , that none of them should repaire to any faire , held within any part of this kingdome , vntill it should please god to cease the infection then reigning amongst them : now , seeing it hath pleased almighty god , of his great mercy and goodnesse , to stay his hand from further punishing that citie , and the places adiacent , and that , that contagion and dangerous sicknesse is now ceased there , his maiestie , taking into his princely consideration , that in the mutuall commerce of his subiects standeth their very subsistence , at least , their well-being ; by the like aduice of his maiesties priuie councell , doth hereby publish and declare his will and pleasure to be , that seeing god , of his mercy , hath graciously remooued the cause of the former restraint , that now the citizens , and inhabitants of the cities of london and westminster , and places adioyning , may freely repaire to any faire , hereafter to be held in this kingdome , and that any other of his highnesse louing subiects , may freely buy of them , any wares or merchandize , comming from those cities or places , the said proclamation , bearing date the said fourth day of august , and one other proclamation , bearing date the eleuenth day of october now last past , or any other proclamation or restraint whatsoeuer to the contrary . and his maiestie , doth hereby straitly charge and command , that no maiors , bailifes , iustices of peace , or any other of his maiesties officers , ministers , or louing subiects whatsoeuer , doe presume , vnder colour of the said former proclamations , or of any other restraint whatsoeuer , to interrupt or hinder the citizens or inhabitants of the said cities of london or westminster , or places neere adioyning , to repaire to any faires , and to vtter , sell , barter , or dispose of their wares or merchandize there , at their free will and pleasure . giuen at our honour of hampton court , the . of december . . god saue the king. ❧ imprinted at london by bonham norton , and iohn bill , printers to the kings most excellent maiestie . anno dom. m.dc.xxv . nevves from graues-end sent to nobody. dekker, thomas, ca. - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) nevves from graues-end sent to nobody. dekker, thomas, ca. - . [ ] p. printed by t[homas] c[reede] for thomas archer, and are to be solde at the long shop vnder s. mildreds church in the poultry, london : . by thomas dekker. in verse. printer's name from stc. signatures: a-f⁴. the first leaf is blank. running title reads: newes from graues-ende. reproduction of a photostat of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- poetry -- early works to . plague -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - spi global rekeyed and resubmitted - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - jennifer kietzman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion nevves from graues-end : sent to nobody . nec quidquam nec cuiquam . london printed by t.c. for thomas archer , and are to be solde at the long shop vnder s. mildreds church in the poultry . tee epistle dedicatory . to him , that ( in the despite and neuer-dying-dishonour of all empty sisted mecaen-asses ) is the gratious , munificent , and golden . rewarder of rimes : singular pay-maister of songes and sonnets : vnsquint-eyde surueyor of heroicall poems : chiefe rent-gatherer of poets and musitians : and the most valiant confounder of their desperate debts . and to the comfort of all honest christians ) the now-onely-onely-supper-maker to enghles & plaiers-boyes , syr nicolas nemo , alias nobody . shall i creepe ( like a drownde ratte ) into thy warme bosome , ( my benefique patron ! ) with a piece of some olde mustie sentence in my mouth , stolne out of lycosthenes apothegmes , and so accost thee ? out vpon t ! the fashion of such dedications is more stale than kissing . no , no , suffer me ( good nobody ) to diue ( like a white-friars puncke ) into thy familiar & solid acquaintance at the first dash : and in stead of worshipfull syr , come vpon thee with honest iew , how doest ? wonder not that out of the whole barrell of pickeld pat●ons , i haue onely made choice of thee , for i loue none really , but thee and my selfe , for vs two do i only care , and therefore i coniure thee , let the payment of thine affection be reciprocall . they are rimes that i have boyld in my leaden inckpot , for thine owne eating : and now ( rarest nobody ) taste the reason why they are serued vp to thee ( in the taile of the plague ) like caveare , or a dish of anchoues after supper . know then ( monnsier verse-gilder ) that i haue failed ( during this storme of the pestilence ) round about the vast iland of the whole world , which when i found to be made like a foote-ball , the best thing in it , being but a bladder of mans life , ( lost with a litle pricke ) i tooke vp my foote and spurnd at it , bicause i haue heard that none but fooles make account of the world . but mistake me not , ( thou spur-royall of the muses ! ) for it was neither in sir francis drakes nor in candishes voyage , that i swom through so much salt-water : but onely with two honest card-makers peter plamius and gerard mercator ) who in their vniuersall maps , ( as in a barbers looking-glasse , where a nomber of most villanous vngodly faces are seene , in a yeare , and especially now at christmas ) did ( like country-fellowes , that is to say very plainly ) and in a shorter time , than a sculler can rowe from queene-hyue to wapping , make a braue discouery vnto me , as well of all the old raine-beaten , as of the spicke and span new-found worlds , with euery particular kingdome , dukedome , and popedome in their liuely cullors , so that i knew constantinople as perfectly , as iobbin , the mault-mans horse of enfield knowes the way to london : and could haue gone to the great turkes serraglio ( where he keepes all his wenches ) as tollerably and farre more welcome , than if i had beene one of his eunuches . prester iohn , and the sophy , were neuer out of mine eye , ( yet my sight was not a pin the worse ) . the soldan of egipt i had with a wet finger : from whence , i trauailed as boldly to the courts of all the kings in christendome , as if i had bin an embassadour ) his pomp only excepted . ) strange fashions did i pick ( like wormes ) out of the fingers of euery nation , a number of phantastick popin-iayes and apes ( with faces like men ) itching till they had got them . and ( besides fashions ) many wonder● wo●●hy to be hung vp ( like shields with senseles , bald , impraesaes ) in the white paper-gallery of a large chronicle . but this made me fret out worse than gumd taffaty , that neither in any one of those kingdomes , ( no nor yet within the walls and water-works of mine own country ) could i either find or heare , ( for i gaue a crier a king-harry-groate to make an oyes ) no nor read of any man , woman or child , left so wel by their friends , or that caryed such an honest mind to the common-wealth of the castalians , as to keepe open-house for the seauen poore liberall sciences : nor once ( which euen the rich cubs and fox-furd curmudgens do ) make thē good cheere so much as at christmas , whē euery cobler has licence ( vnder the broad seale of hospitality ) to sit cheeke by iowle at the table of a very aldermans deputy . what woodcocks then are these seauen wise maisters to answere to that worme-eaten name of liberall , seeing it has vndone them ? it 's a name of the old fashion : it came vp with the old religion , and went down with the new . liberality has bin a gentleman of a good house , and an ancient house , but now that old house ( like the players old hall at dowgate ) is falne to decay , and to repaire it , requires too much cost . my seauen lattin-sellers , haue bin liberall so long to others , that now they haue not a rag ( or almost nothing but rags ) left for themselues : yea and into such pitifull predicaments are they fallen , that most of our gentry ( besides the punyes of innes of court and chancery ) takes them for the seauen deadly sinnes , and hate him worse than they hate whores . how much happier had it bin for them , to haue changed their copies , & trō sciences bin bound to good occupations , cōsidering that one london-occupier ( dealing vprightly with all men ) puts vp more in a weeke , than seuen bachilers of art ( that euery day goe barely a wooing to them ) do in a yeare . hath not the plague ( incomparable nobody : and therefore incomparable , bicause with an aeneas-like glory , thou hast redeemed the golden-tree of poesie , euen out of the hellish scorne , that this worlde ( out of her luciferan pride ) hopes to dam it with ) hath it not i say done all men knights seruice in working the downfal of our greatest & greediest beggers ? dieite io paean , you yong sophisticall fry of the vniuersities ! breake priscians pate ( if hee crosse you ) for ioy : for had not the plague stuck to you in this case , fixe of your seuen academicall sweet-hearts ( if i saide all seuen i should not lye vpon them ) had long ere this ( but that some doctors withstood it ) bene begd , ( not for wards , yet some of them haue lodged i can tell you in the knights warde ) but for meere stones , and chesters , fooles , fooles , and iesters , because whereas some of their chymicall & alchymicall raw disciples haue learnt ( at their hands ) to distill gold and siluer out of very tauerne-bushes , old greazy knaues of diamonds , the dust of bowling allyes , yea & like aesops gallus gallinaceus , to scrape precious stones euen out of dung-hils , yet they themselues ( poore harletries ) had neuer the grace , nor the face , to cary one peny in their own purses . but to speak truth ( my noble curer of the poeticall madnesse for nothing ) where should they haue it ? let them be sent into the courts of princes , there they are so lordly , that ( vnles they were bigger & taller of their hands , than so many of the guard ) euery one lookes ouer thē , of it they giue him any thing , it 's nothing but good lookes . as for the citie , that 's so full of crafts-men , there is no dealing with their misteries : the nine muses stand in a brown study , whē they come within their liberties , like so many mad wenches takē in a watch & broght before a bench of brown bils . o ciues , ciues ! quaerenda pecunia primum ! virtus post nummos : first open your purses , and then be vertuous , part not with a peny : the rich mizers holde their owne by this canon lawe . and for those ( whom in english we call poore snakes ) alas ! they are barde ( by the statute against beggers ) from giuing a dandiprat or a bawbee . in the campe there is nothing to be had but blowes and prouant : for souldiers had neuer worse doings : my sweet captain , bestowes his pipe of rich trynidado ( taking the muses for irish chimny-sweepers ) and that 's his talent . being in this melancholy contemplation , and hauing wept a whole ynck-horne full of verses in bewailing the miseries of the time , on the suddaine i started vp : with my teeth bit my writings , because i would eate my words : condemnd my pen-knife to the cutting of powder-beefe and brewes : my paper to the drying and inflaming of tobacco : and my retirements to a more gentleman-like recreation , viz. duke humphres walke in powles : swearing fiue or sixe poeticall furious oathes , that the goose-quill should neuer more gull me , to make me shoote paper-bullets into any stationers shop , or to serue vnder the weather-beaten colours of apollo , seeing his pay was no better . yet remembring what a notable good fellow thou wert : the onely atlas that supports the olympian honour of learning : and ( out of thy horne of abundance ) a continuall benefactor to all schollers ( thou matchlesse nobody ! ) i set vp my rest , and vowde to consecrate all my blotting-papers onely to thee : and not content to dignifie thee with that loue and honor of my selfe : i sommond all the rymesters , play-patchers , iig-makers , ballad-mongers , & pamphlet-stitchers ( being the yeomanry of the company ) together with all those whom theocrytus calls the muses byrds ( being the maisters and head-wardens ) and before them all made an ●ncomiasticall oration in praise of nobody , ( scilicet your proper selfe ) pronouncing them asses , and threatning to haue them prest to serue at sea in the ship of fooles , if euer hereafter , they taught their lynes ( like water-spaniels ) to fetch any thing that were throwne out for thē , or to diue into the vnworthy commendations of lucius apuleius , or any golden-asle of them all , being for their paines clapt only on the shoulder , and sent away dropping , when as thy leatherne bagges stand more open than seacoale sackes more bounteously to reward them . i had no sooner cut out thy vertues in these large cantles , but all the synagogue of scribes gaue a pla●dite , crying out viua voce , with one loud throat , that all their verses should henceforth haue more feete , and take longer strides than if they went vpon stilttes , onely to carry thy glorious praises ouer the earth : and that none ( but nobody ) should licke the fat of their inuentions : that dukes , earles , lordes and ladies , should haue their il-liberal names torn out of those bookes whose authors they sent away with a flea in their eare , and the stile of nobody in capitall romane letters , brauely printed in their places . herevpon crowding their heads together , and amongst thēselues canuasing more & more thy inexplicable worth , all of them ( as inspirde ) burst suddenly forth , and sung extemporall odes in thine honor , & palynodes in recanta iō of all former good opinions held of niggardly patrons : one of them magnifying thee , for that in this pestiferous shipwrack of londoners , when the pilot , boteswaines , maister and maisters-mates , with all the chiefe mariners that had charge in this goodly argozy of gouernment , leapt from the sterne , strooke all the sailes from the maine yard to the mizzen ; neuer lookt to the compasse , neuer fownded in places of danger , nor so much as put out their close-fights , when they saw a most cruel man of warre pursue them , but suffred all to sinke or swim , crying out onely , put your trust in god my bullies , & not in vs , whilst they either hid them selues vnder hatches , or else scrambled to shoare in cock-boats : yet thou ( vndanted nobody ) then , euen then , didst stand stoutly to thy tackling , step coragiously to the helme , and manfully runne vp & downe , encouraging those ( with comfortable words ) whose hearts laie coldly in their bellies . another lifted thee vp aboue the third heauen , for playing the constable part so rarely : and ( not as your commō constables , charging poore sick wretches , that had neither meate nor mony , in the kings name to keepe their houses , that 's to say , to famish & die : but discharging whole baskets full of victualls ( like vollies of shot ) in at their windowes : thou , onely thou ( most charitable nobody , madest them as fat as butter , & preseruedst their liues . a third extold thy martiall discipline , in appointing ambushes of surgeons and apothecaries , to lye close in euery ward , of purpose to cut of any cōuoy that broght the plague succor . a fourth swore at the next impressiō of the chronicles , to haue thy name , with the yeare of our lord & certain hexameter verses under-neath ) all in great goldē letters , wherin thy fame should be consecrated to eternall memory , for carefully purchasing conuenient plots of ground , onlie for burialls ( and those out of the citie too , as they did in ierusalem ) to the intent , that threescore ( contrary to an act of common councell against in-mates might not be pestred together , in one litle hole , where they lie and rot : but that a poore man might for his mony haue elbow-roome , & not haue his guts thrust out to be eaten vp with paltry worms : least when in hot and drie sommers ( that are yet not dreamed on ) those mustie bodies putrifying , the inavoydable stench of their strong breath be smelt out by the sun , and then there 's new worke for clarkes and sextons . thus had euery one a flirt at thy praises : if thou hadst bene begde to haue plaid an anatomy in barber-surgions hall , thy good parts could not haue bene more curiosly ript vp : they diu'de into the very bowels of thy hartie commendations . so that i , that ( like a match ) scarce gaue fire before , to the dankish powder of their apprehensions , was now burnt vp my self , in the flames of a more ardent affection towards thee , kindled by them . for presently the court brake vp , and ( without a quarter-dinner ) all parted : their heads being great with childe , and aking very pittifully , till they were deliuered of hymnes , hexasticons , paeans , and such other panegyricall stuffe , which euery one thought . yeare till he had brought forth , to testifie the loue that he bore to nobody : in aduancement of whose honour ( and this was sworne vpon a pen & ynck-horne in stead of a sword , yet they al write tam marti quàm mercurio , but how lawfully let the heralds haue an eye too t ) they vowd & swore very terribly , to sacrifice the very liues of their inuention ; and whē they wanted ynck ( as many of them do wanting mony ) or had no more ( like a chancery-man ) but one pen in all the world , parcell of their oath was , to write with their blood and a broome-stick before they would sit idle . accept therefore ( for hansell-sake ) these curtall rymes of ours ( thou capon-feaster of schollers : ) i call thē news frō graues-end : be it knowne vnto thy non-residence , that i come not neare that graues-end ( which takes his beginning in kent ) by twenty miles at least ; but the end of those graues do i shoote at , which were cast vp here in london , to stand as land-marks for euery parish , to teach them how far they were to goe : laying down ( so wel as i can ) the maner how death & his army of pestilent archers , entred the field , and how euery arrow that they drew , did almost cleaue a heart in sunder . reade ouer but one leafe ( deare nobody ) & thou purst vpō me an armor of proofe against the rankling teeth of those mad dogs ( cald booke-biters ) that run barking vp and downe powles church-yard , and bite the muses by the shinnes commend thou my labours , and i will labour onely to commend thee : for thy humor being pleasd , all the mewing critists in the world shall not fright me . i know the stationers will wish me and my papers burnt ( like hereticks ) at the crosse , if thou doest ( now ) but enter into their shops by my meanes : it would fret their hearts to see thee at their stalls reading my newes . yet therein they deale doubly , and like notable dissemblers , for all the time of this plaguy allarum , they marcht only vnder thy cullors : desirde none but thy company ▪ none but thy selle wert welcome to them : none but nobody ( as they all cride out the thine immortall commendatious ) bought bookes of them : nobody was their best , and most bounteous customer . fye on this hollow-hearted world ! do they shake thee off now ? be wise , and come not neere them by twelue-score at least , so shalt thou not neede to care what disgraces they shoote at thee . but leauing them to their old tune , of what new bookes do you lack ? prick vp thine eares like a march-hare ( at the sudden cry of a kennell of hounds ) and listen what newes the post that 's come from winchester - terme windes out of his horne . o that thou hadst taken a lease there ( happy nobody ) but for one moneth , the place had ( for thy sake ) bin well spoken of for euer . many did heartily pray ( especially watermen , and players , besides the drawers , tapsters , butchers , and inholders , with all the rest of the hungry cominaltie of westminster ) for thy going thither . ten thousand in london swore to feast their neighbors with nothing but plum-porredge , and mince-pyes all christmas , ( that now for anger will not bestow a crust on a begger ) vpon condition that all the iudges , sergeants , barristers , and atturnies , had not set a foot out of dores , but that thou only ( in pomp ) ( sauing them that labour ) hadst rode the iourney , so greedily did they thirst after thy preferment . for hadst thou bin there , those black-buckrom tragedies had neuer bin seene , that there haue bin acted . alas ! its a beastly thing to report . but ( truth must out ) poore dumb horses were made meere iades , being vsed to villanouslie , that they durst neither weihy nor wag taile . and though the riders of them had growne neuer so chollerick , and chaft till they foamd againe , an hostler to walke them was not to be had for loue or money . neither could the geldings ( euen of gentlemen ) get leaue ( for all they swet til they dropt again ) to stand as they had wont at rack & manger . ( no , no , t was enough for their maisters to haue that honor ) but now ( a-against all equitie ) were they cald ( when they little thought of any such matter ) to a deere reckoning for all their old wilde-oates . a cōspiracy there was amōgst all the inkeepers , that iack straw ( an ancient rebell ) should choak al the horses : and the better to bring this to passe , a bottle of hay was sold deerer then a bottle of wine at london . a trusse cost more , then maister maiors trusse of forduch , with the sleeues & belly-piece all of bare sattin to boote : which knauery being smelt out , the horsemen grew pollitick , & neuer sate downe to dinner , but their nags were still at their elbowes : so that it grew to be as ordinary a question , to aske , what shall i pay for a chamber for my selfe and my gelding all night , ( because they would not be iaded any more ) as in other countrey townes , for my wife and my selfe , for a beast and a man were entertained both alike , and that in such wonderful sort , that thei le speake of it , in aeternam rei memoriam . for most of their roomes were fairely built ( out of the ground , but not out of the durt ) like irish houels , hung round about with cobweb-lawne very richly , and furnished , no aldermans parlor in london like them : for here 's your bed , there a stable , and that a hogsty , yet so artificially contriu'd , that they stand all vnder one roofe , to the amazement of all that behold them . but what a childishnes is it , to get vp thus vpon their hobby-horses , let them bite a the bridle , whilst we haue about with the men . as for the women , they may laugh and lye downe , it s a merry world with them , but some-body payes for it . o winchester ! much mutton hast thou to answer for , which thou hast made away ( being sluttishly fryed out in steakes , or in burnt carbonadoes ) thy maid-seruants best know how , if they were cald to an account . it was happy for some , that . of the returnes were cut off , for if they had held together , many a one had neuer returned from thence his owne man. oh beware ! your winchester-goose is tenne times more dangerous to surfet vpon , than your s. nicholas shambles-capon . you talke of a plague in london , & red crosses set vpon dores , but ten plagues cannot melt so many crosses of siluer out of lawyers purses , as the winchesterians ( with a hey-pas , re-pas ) iugled out of theirs to put into their owne . patient they were i must needes confesse , for they would pocket vp any thing , came it neuer so wrongfully , insomuch that very good substantiall householders haue oftentimes gone away with crackt crownes , & neuer cōplaind of thē that gaue thē . if euer mony were currant ( à currēdo , of rūning away ) now was the time , it ran frō the poore clients to the atturneys & clarks of bands in small troopes ( here & there ) but when the leaguers of winchester cried charge , charge , the lawyers paid for t , they went to the pot full deerely , & the townesmen still caryed away all the noble and royall victories . so that being puft vp with an opinion , that the siluer age was crept into the world againe , they denyed ( in a manner ) the kings coyne , for a penny was no money with them . whensoeuer there shall come forth a prest for souldiers , thither let it be sent , for by all the opinion of the best captaines ( that had a charge there , and haue tryed them ) the men of winchester are the onely seruiceable men this day in england : the reason is , they care no more to venture among small shots , than to be at the discharging of so many cannes of beere : tush , us their desire , to see those that enter vpon them , to come off soundly , that when they are gone , all the world may beare witnes they came to their cost . and being thus ( night and day ) imploid , and continually entring into action , it makes them haue mightie stomacks , so that they are able to soake and deuoure all that come in their way : a rapier and a cloake haue bin eaten vp at a supper as cleane ( and caryed away well too ) as if they had bin but two rabbet-suckers . a nag serued but one seruing-man to a breakefast , whilst the saddle and bridle were brewd into a quart of strong beere . this intollerable destroying of victuals being lookt into , the inhabitants laid their heads together , and agreed among themselues ( for the general good of the whole towne ) to make it a towne of garrison . and seeing the desperate termers , that stroue in lawe together , in such a pittifull pickle , and euery day so durty , that when they met their councell , they lookt like the black guard , fighting with the innes of court , that therefore all the householders should turne turke , and be victuallers to the camp. by this meanes hauing the lawe in their owne hands , they rulde the roast how they listed : insomuch , that a common iugge of double beere skornd to kisse the lips of a knight vnder a groate . sixe howres sleepe could not be bought vnder fiue shillings . yea in some places a nights lodging was dearer than the hire of a curtizan in venice twice so long . and ( hauing learnd the tricks of london-sextons ) there they laid foure or fiue in a bed , as here , those other knaues of spades thrust nine and tenne into one graue . beds keeping such a iustling of one another in euery roome , that in the day time the lodgings lookt like so many vpholsters shops , and in the night time like the sauoy , or s. thomas hospitall . at which , if any guest did but once bite his lip , or grumble , he was cashierd the company for a mutinous fellow , the place was not for him , let him trudge . a number stood with petitions readie to giue mony for the reuersion of it : for winchester now durst , ( or at least hopt to ) stand vpon prowd termes with london . and this ( thou beloued of all men ) is the very pith and marrow of the best and latest newes ( except the vnmasking of certaine treasons ) that came with the post from winchester , where if thou hadst hirde a chamber ( as would to heauen thou hadst ) thou wouldst neuer haue gone to any barbers in london whilst thou hadst liude , but haue bin trimd only there , for they are the true shauers , they haue the right neapolitan polling . to whose commendations , let me glew this piece more , that it is the most excellent place for dispatching of old suites in the world , for a number of riding suites ( that had lyen long in lauander ) were worne out there , only with seruing amongst the hot shots , that marcht there vp and downe : let westminster therefore , temple-bar , and fleetestreete , drinke off this draught of rosa solis , to fetch life into them againe , after their so often swounding , that those few iurors that went thither ( if any did goe thither ) haue tane an oath neuer to sit at winchester-ordinary againe , if they can choose , but rather to breake their fasts in the old abbey behinde westminster , with pudding-pyes , and furmenty . deliuer copies of these newes ( good nobody ) to none of thy acquaintance ( as thou tenderst me ) and thou shalt commaund any seruice at my hands : for i haue an intent to hire three or foure ballad-makers , who i know will be glad for sixe pence and a dinner , to turne all this limping prose into more perfectly-halting verse , that it shall doe any true-borne citizens heart good , to heare such doings sung to some filthie tune , and so farewell . turne ouer a new leafe , and try if i handle the plague in his right kind . deuoted to none but thy selfe , some-body . newes from graues-ende . to sicknes , and to queazie tymes , we drinke a health in wholesome rymes , phisicke we inuoke thy aide , thou ( that borne in heauen ) art made a lackey to the meanest creature , mother of health ; thou nurse of nature , equall friend to rich and poore , at whose hands , kings can get no more , than emptie beggers ; o thou wise in nothing but in misteries ! thou that ha'st of earth the rule , where ( like an academe , or schoole ) thou readst deep lectures to thy sonnes , ( mens demi-gods ) phisitions ; who thereby learne the abstruse powers of hearbs , of roots , of plants , of flowers , and suck from poysonous stinking weede preseruatiues , mans life to feede . thou nearest to a god , ( for none can worke it , but a god alone , ) o graue enchauntresse , deigne to breath thy spells into vs , and bequeath thy sacred fires , that they may shine in quick and vertuall medicine , arme vs to conuince this foe , this king of dead men , conquering so ; this hungry plague , cater to death , who eates vp all , yet famisheth : teach vs how we may repaire these ruines of the rotten aire , or , if the aires pollution can so mortall strike through beast and man , or , if in blood corrupt , death lye , or if one dead , cause others die , how ere , thy soueraigne cures disperse , and with that glory crowne our verse : that we may yet saue many a soule ( perchance now merry at his bowle ) that ere our tragick song be don , must drinke this thick contagion : but ( ô griefe ) why do we atcite the charmes of phisick ? whose numbd sprite now quakes , and nothing dare , or can , checkt by a more dread magitian ? sick is phisicks selfe to see her aphorismes prou'de a mockery : for whilst shee 's turning o're her bookes , and on her drugs and simples lookes , shee 's run through owne armed heart , ( th' infection flying aboue art : ) come therefore thou the best of nine , ( because the saddest ) euery line that drops from sorrowes pen is due only to thee , to thee we sue : thou tragick maid , whose fury's spent in dismall , and most black o●tent . in vprores , and in fall of kings , thou of empires change that sings , of dearths , of warres , of plagues , and laughes at funeralls , and epitaphes : carowse thou to our thirstie soule a full draught from the thespian bowle , that we may powre it out agen , and drinke , in nombers iuice to men , striking such horrors through their eares their haire may vpright stand with feares , till rich heires meeting our strong verse may not shrinck back , before it pierce their marble eye-balls , and there shead one drop ( at least ) for him that 's dead : to worke which wonder , we will write with penns puld from that bird of night ( the shriking owle ) our inck wee le mix with teares of widowes , ( black as stix ) the paper where our lynes shall meete , shall be a folded winding sheete , and that the scene may shew more full , the standish is a dead mans scull . inspire vs therefore how to tell the horror of a plague , the hell. the cause of the plague . nor drops this venome , from that faire and christall bosome of the aire , whose ceaseles motion clarifies all vaporous stench , that vpward flies and with her vniuersall wings , thick poisonous fumes abroad she flings , till ( like to thunder ) rudely tost , their malice is ( by spreading ) lost . yet must we graunt that from the veines of rottennes and filth , that reignes , o're heapes of bodies , slaine in warre , from carrion ( that indangers farre ) from standing pooles , or from the wombes of vaults , of muckhills , graues , & tombes , from boggs ; from ranck and dampish fenns , from moorish breaths , and nasty denns , the sun drawes vp contagious fumes , which falling downe burst into rhewmes , and thousand malladies beside , by which our blood growes putrified . or , being by windes not swept from thence , they houer there in cloudes condense , which suckt in by our spirits , there flies swift poyson through our arteries , and ( not resisted ) strait it choakes the heart , with those pestiferous smoakes . thus phisicke and philosophy do preach , and ( with this ) salues apply : which search , and vse with speede : but now this monster breeds not thus : for how ( if this be prou'de ) can any doubt but that the ayre does ( round about ) in flakes of poyson drop on all , the sore being spread so generall ? nor dare we so conclude : for then fruites , fishes , fowle , nor beasts , nor men should scape vnteinted , grazing flocks would feede vpon their graues : the oxe drop at the plough : the trauelling horse would for a rider beare a coar●e : th' ambitious larke , ( the bird of state ) whose wings do sweep heauens pearled gate , as she descended ( then ) would bring , pestilent newes vnder each wing : then riu●rs would drink poyson'd aire : trees shed their green and curled haire : fish swim to shore full of disease , ( for pestilence would fin the seas : ) and we should thinke their scaly barkes , hauing small speckles , had the markes . no soule could moue : but sure there lyes some vengeance more then in the skies : nor ( as a taper , at whose beames ten thousands lights fetch golden streames , and yet it selfe is burnt to death , ) can we belieue that one mans breath infected , and being blowne from him , his poyson should to others swim : for then who breath'd vpon the first ? where did th'imbulked venome burst ? or how scapte those that did diuide the selfe-same bits with those that dide ? drunke of the selfe-same cups , and laie in vlcerous beds , as close as they ? or , those , who euery houre , ( like crowes ) prey on dead carkasies : their nose still smelling to a graue : their feete still wrapt within a dead mans sheete ! yet ( the sad execution don ) careles among their canns they run , and there ( in scorne of death or fate ) of the deceast they widely prate , yet snore vntoucht , and next day rise to act in more new tragedies : or ( like so many bullets flying ) a thousand here and there being dying , death's text-bill clapt on euery dore , crosses on sides , behinde , before , yet the ( i' th midst ) stands fast : from whence comes this ? you le say from prouidence . t is so , and that 's the common spell , that leades our ignorance , ( blinde as hell ) and serues but as excuse , to keepe the soule from search of things more deepe ; no , no , this black and burning starre ( whose sulphurd drops , do scald so farre , ) does neither houer o're our heads , nor lyes it in our bloods , nor beds : nor is it stitcht to our attires , nor like wilde balls of running fires or thunderbolts , which where they light do either bruise , or kill out-right ; yet by the violence of that bound leape off , and giues a second wound : but this fierce dragon ( huge and fowle ) sucks virid poyson from our soule , which being spit forth again , there raigns showers of blisters , and of blaines , for euery man within him feedes a worme which this contagion breedes ; our heauenly parts are plaguy sick , and there such leaprous spotts do stick , that god in anger fills his hand with vengeance , throwing it on the land ; sure t is some capitall offence , some high , high treason doth incense th' eternall king , that thus we are arraign'd at death most dreadfull barre ; th'inditement writ on englands brest , when other countries ( better blest ) feele not the iudges heauy doome whose breath ( like lightning doth consume and ( with a whip of planets ) scourges the veines of mortalls , in whom surges of sinfull blood , billowes of lust stir vp the powres to acts vniust . whether they be princes errors , or faults of peeres , pull downe these terrors , or ( because we may not erre , ) lets sift it in particuler , the courtiers pride , lust , and excesse , the church mans painted holinesse ; the lawyers grinding of the poore , the souldiers staruing at the doore , ragd , leane , and pale through want of blood , sold cheape by him for countries good . the schollers enuy ; farmers curse , when heau'ns rich threasurer doth disburse in bounteous heapes ( to thankles men ) his vniuersall blessings : then this deluing moale , for madness eates euen his owne lungs , and strange oathes sweates , because he cannot sell for pence , deare yeares , in spite of prouidence . adde vnto these , the city sin ( brought by seuen deadly monsters in ) which doth all bowndes , and blushing scorne , because t is in the freedome borne , what traines of vice , ( which euen hell hates ) but haue bold passage through her gates ? pride in diet , pride in cloathing , pride in building , pure in nothing , and that she may not want disease she sailes for it beyond the seas , with antwerp will she drinke vp rhene : with paris act the bloodiest scene : or in pyed fashions passe her folly , mocking at heauen yet looke most holy : of vsury shee 'll rob the iewes , of luxury , venetian stewes , with spaniards , shee 's an indianist , with barbarous turks a sodomist . so low her antique walls do stand , these sinnes leape o're euen with one hand : and hee , that all in modest black , whose eye-ball strings shall sooner crack , then seeme to note a tempting face , measuring streets with a doue-like pace , vnder that oyly vizard weares , the poore mans sweat , and orphans teares : now whether these particular fates , or generall moles ( disfiguring states ) whether one sin alone , or whether this maine battalion ioynd together , do dare these plagues ; we cannot tell , but downe they beate all humane spell : or , it may be , iehouah lookes but now vpon those audit-bookes of . yeares husht account , for houres mispent , ( whose summes surmount the price of ransomd kings ) and there finding our grieuous debts , doth cleere and crosse them vnder his owne hand , being paid with liues , through all the land . for since his maiden . seruant 's gone , and his new vizeroy fills the throne , heauen meanes to giue him ( as his bride ) a nation new , and purified . take breath a while our panting muse , and to the world tell gladder newes , than these of burialls , striue a while , to make thy sullen nombers smile : forget the names of graues , and ghosts , the sound of bells : the vnknowne coasts of deaths vast kingdome : and saile o're with fresher winde to happier shore . for now the maiden ile hath got , a roiall husband , ( heauenly lott ) faire scotland does faire england wed , and giues her for her maiden-head , a crowne of gold , wrought in a ring , with which shee 's maried to a king : thou beldame ( whisperer of false rumors ) fame ; cast aside those antique humors , lift vp thy golden tromp , and sound euen from tweedes vtmost christ all bownd , and from the bankes of siluer thames to the greene ocean , that king iames had made an iland , ( that did stand halfe sinking ) now the firmest land : carry thou this to neptunes eare , that his shrill tritons it may beare , so farre , vntill the danish sound with repercussiue voice rebound , that eccho's ( doubling more and more ) may reach the parched indian shore , for t is heau'ns care so great a wonder , should fly vpon the wings of thunder . the horror of the plague . o thou my countrie , here mine eyes are almost sunck in waues , that rise from the rough winde of sighs , to see a spring that lately courted thee in pompous brauery , all thy bowers gilt by the sunne , perfumde with flowers , now like a loathsome leaperlying , her arbors withring , greene trees dying , her reuells , and may-meriments , turned all to tragick dreeryments : and thou ( the mother of my breath ) whose soft brest thousandes nourisheth , alrar of ioue , thou throne of kings : thou fownt , where milke and hony springs , europs iewell ; englands iem : sister to great ierusalem : neptunes minion , ( bout whose wast the thames is like a girdle cast , ) thou that ( but health canst nothing want , empresse of cities , troynouant . when i thy lofty towers behold , ( whose pinnacles were tipt with gold both when the sun did set and rise so louely wert thou in his eies ) now like old monuments forsaken , or ( like tall pynes ) by winter thaken ; or , seeing thee gorgeous as a bride euen in the heigth of all thy pride disrobd'e , disgracte ; and when all nations made loue to thee in amorous passions , now scornd of all the world alone , none seeke thee , nor must thou seeke none , but like a prisoner must be kept in thine owne walles , till thou hast wept thine eyes out , to behold thy sweete dead children heapt about thy feete : o derrest ! say how can we chuse but haue a sad and drooping muse , when coarses do so choake thy way that now thou lookst like golgatha ; but thus , the altring of a state alteis our bodies , and our fate , for princes death 's do euen bespeake millions of liues ; when kingdomes breake , people dissolue , and ( as with thunder ) cities proud glories rent asunder . witnes thy walls , whose stony armes but yesterday receiu'de whole swarmes of frighted english : lord and lowne , lawyer , and client , courtier , clowne , all sorts did to thy buildings fly , as to the safest sanctuary . and he that through thy gates might passe , his feares were lockt in towers of brasse , happie that man : now happier they that from thy reach get first away : as from a shipwrack , to some shore : as from a lost field , drownd in gore : as from high turrets , whose ioints faile : or rather from , some loathsome iaile : but note heau'ns iustice , they by flying that would cozen death , and saue a dying , how like to chaffe abroad th' are blowne , and ( but for scorne ) might walke vnknowne ; like to plumde estridges they ride , or like sea-pageants , all in pride of tacklings , flags , and swelling sailes , borne on the loftiest waues , that veiles his purple bonnet , and in dread bowes downe his snowie curled head , so from th' infected citie fly these swallowes in their gallantry , looking that wheresoe're they light , gay sommer , ( like a parasite ) should waite on them , and build'em bowers and crowne their nests with wreathed flowers , and swaynes to welcome them should sing and daunce , as for their whisson king : feather of pride , how art thou tost ? how soone are all thy beauties lost ? how casely golden hopes vn-winde ? the russet boore , and leatherne hinde , that two daies since did sinck his knee , and ( all vncouered ) worshipt thee , or being but poore , and meanely cloathed , was either laught to scorne or loathed , now thee he loathes , and laughes to scorne , and tho vpon thy back be worne , more sattin than a kingdomes worth , he barrs his doore , and thrusts thee forth : and they whose pallat land nor seas , whome fashions of no shape could please , whome princes haue ( in ages past ) for rich attires , and sumptuous wast , neuer come neere : now sit they rownd and feede ( like beggers ) on the grownd , a field their bed , whose dankish sheetes is the greene grasse : and he that meetes the flatrings● ? fortune , does but lie in some rude barne , or loathsome stie : forsooke of all , floured , forlorne : owne brother does owne brother scorne , the trembling father is vndone , being once but breath'd on by his sonne ; or , if in this sad pilgrimage the hand of vengeance fall in rage , so heauy vpon any'es head striking the sinfull body dead . o shame to ages yet to come ! dishonor to all christendome ! in hallowed ground no heaped gold can buy a graue ; nor linnen sold to make ( so farre is pittie fled ) the last apparell for the dead : but as the fashion is for those whose desperare handes the knot vnlose of their owne liues , in some hye-way or barren field , their bones they lay , euen such his buriall is ; and there without the balme of any teare , or pomp of souldiers , but ( ô griefe ! ) dragd like a traitor or some thiefe at horses tailes , hee 's rudely throwne , the coarse being stuck with flowers by none , no bells ( the dead mans confort ) playing , nor any holy churchman saying a funerall dirge : but swift th' are gon , as from some noysome cation o desolate citie ! now thy wings ( whose shadowe hath bene lou'd by kings ) should feele sick feathers on each side , seeing thus thy sonnes ( got in ther pride ) and heate of plenty , in peace borne , to their owne nation left a scorne : each cowheards feares a ghost him haunts , seeing one of thine inhabitants , and does a iew , or turke prefer , before that name of londoner ; would this were all : but this black curse doing ill abroad , at home does worse , for in thy ( now dispeopled ) streetes , the dead with dead , so thickly meetes , as if some prophets voice should say none shall be citizens , but they . whole housholds ; and whole streets are stricken , the sick do die , the sound do sicken , and lord haue mercy vpon vs , crying ere mercy can come forth , th' are dying . no musick now is heard but bells , and all their tunes are sick mens knells ; and euery stroake the bell does toll , vp to heauen it windes a soule : oh , if for euery coarse that 's laide in his cold bed of earth , were made a chyme of belles , if peales should ring for euery one whom death doth sting , men should be deaffe , as those that dwell by nylus fall ; but now one knell , giues with his iron voyce this doome , that twentie shall but haue one roome ; there friend , and foe , the yong and old , the freezing coward , and the bold : seruant , and maister : fowle and faire : one liuery weare , and fellowes are sailing along in this black fleete , and at the new graues-end do meete , where church-yards banquet with cold cheere , holding a feast once in ten yeere , to which comes many a pilgrym worme , hungry and faint , beat with the storme of galping famine , which before onely pickt bones , and had no more , but now their messes come so fast , they know not where , or which to tast ; for before ( dust to dust ) be spoken , and throwne on one , more graues be broken . thou iealous man i pittie thee , thou that liu'st in hell to see a wantons eye cheapening the sleeke soft iewels , of thy faire wiues cheeke , my verse must run through thy cold heart , thy wife has playd the womans part and lyen with death : but ( spite on spite ) thou must endure this very night close by her side the poorest groome , in selfe-same bed , and selfe-same roome : but ease thy vext soule , thus behold there 's one , who in the morne with gold could haue built castells : now hee 's made a pillow to a wretch , that prayde for halfe-penny almes , ( with broken lim ) the begger now is aboue him ; so he that yesterday was clad in purple robes , and hourely had euen at his fingers becke , the fees of bared heads , and bending knees , rich mens fawnings , poore mens praiers ( tho they were but hollow aires ) troopes of seruants at his calling , children ( like to subiects ) falling at his proude feete : loe , ( now hee 's taken by death , ) he lies of all forsaken . these are the tragedies , whose sight with teares blot all the lynes we write , the stage whereon the scenes are plaide is a whole kingdome : who was made by some ( most prouident and wise ) to hide from sad spectators eyes acts full of ruth , a priuate roome to drowne the horror of deaths doome , that building now no higher reare the pest-house standeth euery where , for those that on their beeres are borne , are nombred more , than those that mourne . but you graue patriots , whom fate makes rulers of this walled state , we must not loose you in our verse , whose acts we one day may rehearse in marble nombers , that shall stand aboue tymes all-destroying hand : only ( methinkes ) you do erre in flying from your charge so farre . so coward captaines shrinke away , so shepheards do their flocks betray : so souldiers , and so lambes do perish , so you kill those , y' are bound to cherish : be therefore valiant , as y' are wife , come back again : the man that dies within your walls , is euen as neere to heau'n , as dying any where ; but if ( ô pardon our bold thought ) you feare your breath is sooner caught here then aloofe ; and therefore keepe out of deaths reach , whilst thousands weepe and wring their hands for thousands dying , no comfort neare the sick man lying : t is to be fear'd ( you petty-kings , ) when back you spread your golden wings , a deadlyer siege ( which heauen auert ) will your replenisht walls ingirt . t is now the beggers plague , for none are in this battaile ouerthrowne but babes and poore : the lesser fly now in this spiders web doth lie . but if that great , and goodly swarme ( that has broke through , and felt no harme , ) in his inuenom'd snares should fall , o pittie ! t were most tragicall : for then the vsurer must behold his pestilent flesh , whislt all his gold turns into tokens , and the chest ( they lie in , ) his infections brest : how well hee le play the misers part when all his coyne sticks at his heart ? hee s worth so many farthings then , that was a golden god mongst men . and t is the aptest death ( so please him that breath heauen , earth , and seas ) for euery couetous rooting mowle that heaues his drosse aboue his soule , and doth in coyne all hopes repose to die with corps , stampt full of those . then the rich glutton , whose swolne eyne looke fiery red ( being boild in wine ) and in his meales , adores the cup , ( for when he falls downe that stands vp therefore a goblet is his saint , to whome he kneeles with small constrain : , when his owne goblet scull flowes o're he worships bacchus on all foure , for none's his god but bacchus then , who rules and guides all drunken men , ) when he shall wake from wine , and view more then tauern-tokens , new stampt vpon his brest and armes , in horrid throngs , and purple swarmes , then will he loath his former shapes , when he shall see blew markes mock grapes , and hang on clusters on each veine , like to wine-bubbles , or the graine of staggering sinne , which now appeares in the december of his yeares , his last of howers ; when hee le scarce haue time to goe sober to his graue . and then to die ! ( dreadfull to thinke ! ) when all his blood is turnd to drinke : and who knowes not this sentence giuen , mongst all sinnes , none can reele to heauen ? but woe to him that sinkes in wine , and dyes so ( without heau'd vp eyne ) and buried so ! o loathsome trench ! his graue is like a tauerne bench . t is fearefull , and most hard to say , how he shall stand at latter day . the adulterous and luxurious spirit pawnd to hell , and sinnes hot merrit , that bathes in lust his leaprous soule , acting a deed without controll or thought of deitie : through whose bloud , runnes part of the infernall floud : how will he freeze with horror ? lying in dreadfull trance before his dying : the heate of all his dambd desires coold with the thought of gnashing fires : his ryots rauisht , all his pleasures his marrow wasted with his treasures , his painted harlots ( whose imbraces cost him many siluer faces , whose only care and thought was then to keepe them sure from other men ) now they dance in russians handes , lazy leiftenents ( without bandes , ) with muffled halfe-fac'de pandars , laughing , whilst he lies gasping , they sit qua●fing , smile at this plague , and black mischance , knowing their deaths come o're from france : t is not their season now to die , two gnawing poisons cannot lie , in one corrupted flesh together , nor can this poison then fly thether : there 's not a strompet mongst them all that liues and rises by the fall , dreads this contagion , or her threats , being guarded with french amulets . yet all this while thy selfe liest panting , thy luxurious howers recanting , whilst before thy face appeares , th' adulterous fruit of all thy yeares in their true forme and horrid shapes , so many incests , violent rapes , chambered adulteries , vncleane passions , wanton habits , riotous fashions , and all these anticks drest in hell , to dance about the passing bell ; and clip thee round about the bed , whilst thousand horrors graspe thy head . the cure of the plagne . and therefore this infectious season that now arrests the flesh for treason against heauens euerlasting king , annointed with th' eternall spring ( of life and power ) this stroke of force , that turnes the world into a coarse , feeding the dust with what it craues , emptying whole houses to fill graues , these speckled plagues ( which our sinnes leuy ) are as needfull as th' are heauy ; whose cures to cite , our muse for beares , tho he the daphnean wreath that weares ( being both poesis soueraigne king , and god of medicine ) bids vs sing as boldly of those pollicies , those onfets , and those batteries , by phisick cunningly applied , to beate downe plagues ( so fortified ) and of those armes defensitiue , to keep th' assaulted heart aliue , and of those wardes , and of those sleights , vsde in these mortall single fights , as of the causes that commence this ciuill warre of pestilence , for poets soules should be confinde within no bownds , their towring mindes must ( like the sun ) a progresse make through arts immensiue zodiake : and suck ( like bees ) the vertuous power , that flows in learnings seuen-sold flower , distilling forth the same agen in sweet and wholesome iuice to men : but for we see the army great of those whose charge it is to beat this proud inuader , and haue skill in all those weapons , that do kill such pestilent foes , we yeeld to them the glory of that stratagem : to whose oraculous voice repaire , for they those delphick prophets are , that teach dead bodies to respire by sacred aesculapian fire : we meane not those pied lunatickes , those bold fantastick empirickes , quack-saluers , mishrump mountebancks , that in one night grow vp in rancks and liue by pecking phisickes crummes , o hate these venemous broodes , there comes worse sores from them , and more strange births then from ten plagues , or twentie deaths : only this antidote apply , cease vexing heauen , and cease to die . seeke therefore ( after you haue found salue naturall for the naturall wound of this contagion , ) cure from thence where first the euill did commence , and that 's the soule : each one purge one , and englands free , the plague is gone . the necessitie of a plague . yet to mixe comfortable words tho this be horrid , it affords sober gladnes , and wise ioyes , since desperate mixtures it destroies ; for if our thoughts sit truly trying , the iust necessitie of dying how needfull ( tho how dreadfull ) are purple plagues , or crimson warre , we would conclude ( still vrging pittie ) a plague's the purge to clense a cittie : who amongst millions can deny ( in rought prose , or smooth poesie ) of euils , t is the lighter broode , a dearth of people , then of foode ! and who knowes not , our land ran o're with people ; and was onely poore in hauing too too many , liuing , and wanting liuing ! rather giuing themselues to wast , deface and spoyle , than to increase ( by vertuous toyle ) the banckrout bosome of our realme which naked birthes did ouerwhelme : this begers famine , and bleake dearth : when fruites of wombes passe fruites of earth , then famines onely phisick : and the medcine for a ryotous land is such a plague : so it may please mercies distributer to appease , his speckled anger , and now hide th' old rod of plagues : no more to chide and lash our shoulders and sick vaines with carbuncles , and shooting blaines : make vs the happiest amongst men , immortall by our prophecing pen , that this last lyne may truly raigne , the plague's ceast , heauen is friends againe . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e a pos 〈…〉 ad ciui 〈…〉 tem . pest-ho 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 orders heertofore conceiued and agreed to bee published by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey, by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie councell, and now thought fit to be reuiued, and againe published. city of london (england). court of common council. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) orders heertofore conceiued and agreed to bee published by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey, by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie councell, and now thought fit to be reuiued, and againe published. city of london (england). court of common council. + leaves. by isaac jaggard, [london : ] caption title. imprint from stc ( nd ed.). imperfect: first three leaves only. best copy available for photographing. reproduction of original in: british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- prevention. london (england) -- history -- th century. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion orders heeretofore conceiued and agreed to bee published , by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london , and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey , by direction from the lords of his maisteies most honourable priuie councell , and now thought fit to be reuiued , and againe published . whereas in the first yeare of his maiesties most happie reigne ouer this realme of england , an act was made for the charitable reliefe , and ordering of persons infected with the plague : whereby authoritie is giuen to iustices of peace , mayors , bayliffes , and other head-officers , to appoint within their seuerall limits examiners , searchers , watchmen , keepers , and buryers for the persons and places infected , and to minister vnto them oathes for performance of their offices . and the same statute also authorizeth the giuing of other directions , as vnto them for the present necessity , shall seeme good in their discretions . it is therefore vpon speciall consideration thought very expedient , for the preuenting and auoyding of the infection of sicknesse ( if it shall please almighty god ) which is now dangerously dispersed into many places within the citie and suburbs of the same : that these officers following bee appointed , and these orders hereafter prescribed be duly obserued . first , it is thought requisite , and so ordered , that in euery parish there be one , two , or more persons of good sort and credite , chosen and appointed by the alderman his deputie , and common councell of euery ward , and by the iustices of peace in the counties , by the name of examiners , to continue in that office the space of two moneths at least : and if any fit persons so appointed as aforesaid , shall refuse to vndertake the same , the said parties so refusing , to bee committed to prison vntill they shall conforme themselues accordingly . that these examiners be sworne by the alderman , or by one of the iustices of the county , to enquire and learne from time to time , what houses in euery parish bee visited , and what persons be sicke , and of what diseases , as neere as they can informe themselues , and vpon doubt in that case , to command restraint of accesse , vntil it appeare what the disease shall proue : and if they find any persons sicke of the infection , to giue order to the constable , that the house be shut vp : and if the constable shall be found remisse or negligent , to giue present notice thereof to the alderman , or the iustice of peace respectiuely . that to euery infected house there be appointed two watchmen , one for the day , and the other for the night : and that these watchmen haue a speciall care that no person goe in or out of such infected houses , whereof they haue the charge , vpon paine of seuere punishment . and the said watchmen to doe such further offices as the sicke house shall neede and require : and if the watchman be sent vpon any busines , to locke vp the house , and take the key with him : and the watchman by day to attend vntill ten of the clocke at night : and the watchman by night till sixe in the morning . that there be a speciall care , to appoint women searchers in euery parish , such as are of honest reputation , and of the best sort as can bee got in this kinde : and these to be sworne to make due search and true report , to the vtmost of their knowledge , whether the persons , whose bodies they are appointed to search , do dye of the infection , or of what other diseases as neere as they can . and for their better assistance herein , forasmuch as there hath bene heretofore great abuse in misreporting the disease , to the further spreading of the infection : it is therefore ordered , that there be chosen and appointed three able and discreet surgeons , besides those three that do already belong to the pest-house : amongst whom , the city and liberties to bee quartered , as the places lye most apt and conuenient : and euery of these sixe to haue one quarter for his limit : and the said chirurgeons in euery of their limits , to ioyne with the serchers , for the view of the body , to the end there may be a true report made of the disease . and further , that the said chirurgeons shall visite and search such sicke persons as shall eyther send for them , or be named and directed vnto them by the examiners of euery parish , and informe themselues of the disease of the said parties . and forasmuch as the saide chirurgeons are to be sequestred from all other cures , and kept onely to this disease of the infection : it is ordred , that euery of the saide chirurgeons , shall haue twelue pence a body searched by them , to be paide out of the goods of the party searched , if he be able , or otherwise by the parish . orders concerning infected houses , and persons sicke of the plague . the master of euery house , as soone as any one in his house complayneth , eyther of botch , of purple , or swelling in any part of his body , or falleth otherwise dangerously sicke , without apparant cause of some other disease , shall giue knowledge thereof to the examiner of health within two houres after the said signe shall appeare . as soone as any man shall be found by this examiner , chirurgeon or searcher , to be sick of the plague , he shall the same night be sequestred in the same house . and in case he bee so sequestred , then though he afterwards die not , the house wherein he sickned , shall bee shut vp for a moneth , after the vse of due preseruatiues taken by the rest . for sequestration of the goods and stuffe of the infected , their bedding , and apparell and hangings of chambers , must bee well ayred with fire , and such perfumes as are requisite within the infected house before they be taken againe to vse , this to be done by the appointment of the examiner . if any person shall haue visited any man , knowne to be infected of the plague , or entred willingly into any knowne infected house , being not allowed : the house wherein hee inhabiteth shall be shut vp for certaine dayes , by the examiners direction . item , that none be remoued out of the house where he falleth sicke of the infection , into any other house in the city , burrough , or county ( except it be to the pesthouse or a tent , or vnto some such house , which the owners of the said visited house holdeth in his owne hands , and occupieth by his owne seruants ) and so as security be giuen to the parish , whether such remoue is made , that the attendance and charge about the said visited persons , shall be obserued & charged in all the particularities before expressed , without any cost of that parish , to which any such remoue shall happen to be made , and this remoue to be done by night . and it shall be lawfull to any person that hath two houses , to remoue either his sound or his infected people , to his spare house at his choice , so as if he send away first his sound , he may not after send thither his sicke ; nor againe vnto the sicke the sound : and that the same which he sendeth be for one weeke at the least shut vp , and secluded from company for feare of some infection , at the first not appearing . that the buriall of the dead by this visitation bee at most conuenient houres , alwayes eyther before sun-rising , or after sunne-setting , with the priuity of the churchwardens or constables , and not otherwise ; and that no neighbours nor friends be suffered to accompany the coarse to church , or to enter the house visited , vppon paine of hauing his house shut vp or be imprisoned . that no clothes , stuffe , bedding or garments be suffered to be carried or conuayed out of any infected houses , and that the cryers and carriers abroad of bedding or old apparrell , to be sold or pawned , be vtterly prohibited and restrained : and no brokers of bedding , or old apparrell be permitted to make any outward show , or hang forth on their stals , shop-boards , or windowes , towards any street , lane , common way or passage , any olde bedding or apparrell to be sold , vpon paine of imprisonment : and if any broaker or other person shall buy any bedding , apparrell , or other stuffe out of any infected house , within two moneths after the infection hath beene there , his house shall be shut vp as infected , and so shall continue shut vp twenty dayes at the least . if any person visited doe fortune , by negligent looking vnto , or by any other meanes , to come or bee conueyed from a place infected , to any other place , the parish from whence such party hath come , or bene conueyed , vpon notice thereof giuen , shal at their charge cause the said party so visited and escaped , to be carried and brought backe againe by night , and the parties in this case offending , to be punished at the direction of the alderman of the ward , and the iustices of the peace respectiuely : and the house of the receiuer of such visited person , to bee shut vp for twenty dayes . that euery house visited bee marked with a redde crosse of a foote long , in the middle of the doore , euident to be seene , and with these vsuall printed words : that is to say , lord haue mercy vpon vs , to be let close ouer the same crosse , there to continue vntill lawfull opening of the same house . that the constables see euery house shut vp , and to bee attended with watchmen , which may keepe them in , and minister necessaries vnto them at their owne charges ( if they be able ) or at the common charge if they be vnable : the shutting vp to be for the space of foure weekes after all be whole . that precise order be taken that the searchers , chirurgions , keepers , and buriers are not to passe the streets , without holding a red rod or wand of three foote in length in their hands open or euident to be seene , and are not to go into any other house then into their owne , or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for , but to forbeare and abstaine from company , especially when they haue bene lately vsed in any such businesse or attendance . and to this end it is ordred , that a weekely taxe be made in euery parish visited , if in the citie or borrough then vnder the hand of the alderman of the ward , where the place is visited : if neither of the counties , then vnder the handes of some of the iustices next to the place visited , who ( if there be cause ) may extend the taxe into other parishes also , and may giue warrant of distresse against them which shall refuse to pay : and for want of distresse or for assistance , to commit the offenders to prison , according to the statute in that behalfe . ¶ orders for clensing and keeping sweete of the streets . first it is thought very necessary , and so ordered , that euery house-holder do cause the street to be daily pared before his doore , and so to keepe it cleane swept all the weeke long . that the sweeping and filth of houses to bee daily carried away by the rakers , and that the raker shall giue notice of his comming by the blowing of a horne , as heretofore hath beene done . that the laystalles be remoued as farre as may bee out of the city , and common passages , and that no night-man or other be suffered to emptie a vault into any garden , neere about the city . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e examiners be appointed in euerie parish . the examiners office. watchmen . chirurgions notice to be giuen of the sicknes . sequestration of the sicke . ayring of the stuffe . shuting vp of the house none to be remoued out of infected houses , but buriall of the dead . no infected stuffe to bee vttered . euery visited house to be marked . euery visited house to be watched . the streetes to bee kept cleane . that the rakers take it from out the houses . laystals to be made far off from the city . an antidote against the plague. or panchrestōn: a salue for all sores which applied and practised, will soone awaken the lords mercy, and suddenly cause the storms of his iust iudgements to vanish away. deliuered in a sermon, preached within the cathedrall church of saint paules, london. antidote against the plague. hastler, thomas. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an antidote against the plague. or panchrestōn: a salue for all sores which applied and practised, will soone awaken the lords mercy, and suddenly cause the storms of his iust iudgements to vanish away. deliuered in a sermon, preached within the cathedrall church of saint paules, london. antidote against the plague. hastler, thomas. [ ], , [ ] p. printed by m. flesher, london : . dedication signed: tho: hastler. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng sermons, english -- th century. plague -- england -- london -- sermons -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an antidote against the plagve . or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : a salue for all sores : which applied and practised , will soone awaken the lords mercy , and suddenly cause the storms of his iust iudgements to vanish away . deliuered in a sermon , preached within the cathedrall church of saint paules , london . iehovae liberatori . london , printed by m. flesher . . to the honorable , & right worthy sir francis wortley knight and baronet , grace mercie and peace from god our father and our lord iesus christ . right noble sir , if i may be bold to looke so high , i dare looke no higher , then your selfe in this my dedication ; were i able to bring forth a birth worthy of a higher countenance , to whom should i present it , but vnto my gracious lord of pembroke , nostri hujus saeculi miraculum , i am sure , reipublicae sustentaculum , vnto whom in spem veni , for earthly encouragemēts . but i neuer yet could so ouerweene my owne abilities , as to think their fruits worthy of such a patronage . and i must deale plainly with you , i am altogether timerous , ( if not a little presumptuous ) to shrowde your honours name in the forhead of such vnliterate lines ; yet since that not onely your noble desires for my good , but also your intensiue & extensiue exhibition of more then common loue , doe iustly challenge some testification of thankfulnesse ( without which i might rightly incurre claudius caesars censure vpon ingratitude ) therefore instead of a better acknowledgement , i dedicate this poore widowes mite , this formlesse first borne issue , and in that my selfe , my best deuoted seruice to your noble protection . i remember what socrates did reply to aeschines his schollar , when being poore he tooke it to heart that he was not able to gratifie him in a more ample manner , an non intelligis quam magnum munus mihi dedisti ? nisi forte teipsum parui aestimas ; doest thou not know ( saith his master ) how great a gift thou hast giuen mee ? belike thou accountest thy selfe little worth . implying that hee accounted his gift ( though poore ) more precious than theirs who were rich ; because ( though his gift was but very small ) yet he cast in all that he had ; likewise it is granted that there is no proportion betweene such a seeming something , such a lesse then nothing as this , and the great loue & obseruance which you haue condignlie merited at my hands ; yet seeing the moralist tells mee , that where onely the qualitie of the affection and not the quantity of the present is to bee attended : modicum non differt à magno , it skils not whether the present bee great or small , so that your affection may alwaies rest beyond desert , and gracious acceptance , farre exceeding expectation , in which hope resting , i craue leaue for writing , and take leaue of writing : praying god to blesse you still in this life , and to crowne you with blessednesse it selfe in the life to come . your honours in loue and duty , tho : hastler . ad lectorem . scripta vide ; monitusque caue : cupit ipse moneri , sed non morderi . neu fallat nominis vmbra : quaerito non a quo , sed quae sint scripta : faueto . mente bona studui prodesse , fruare : ualeto . servus tuus peripsum , & conservus sub ipso , t. h. an antidote against the plague . conf●●●… out of math. . ●●rse . then his disciples came vnto him , and awoke him , saying , lord saue vs , wee perish . christ being wonderfull in his natiuity , wonderful in his ascension , and wonderfull in his transfiguration , is here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , beyond admiration by his miraculous works . in this chapter are specified . seuerall miracles first , the cleansing of a leprous man , the curing of a woman troubled with a feuer , the healing of the centurions seruant , and lastly , the strange appeasing of the wind : & therefore this is rightly called by s. ambrose , scriptura miraculosa . the miraculous scri●●●●● . this miracle is record●● 〈◊〉 such as are either sicke , or troubled , or oppressed , or beset with any danger , that whatsoeuer storme of aduersity shall strike our sailes , or what calamitie soeuer shal befall vs , we may remember , that the blessed disciples , euen the neerest and dearest to our lord iesus , haue tasted of the same whip afore vs ; therefore in thē , as it were in a christall glasse , we may view the common state of christs church militant : it is like the arke that floated vpon the waters , like the lilly , that groweth among the thorns , like the bush that burnt , and was not consumed , like christs shippe , in this place , couered ouer with waues , and yet not suncke , praemuntur iusti , vt pressi clament , clamantes exaudiantur , exauditi glorisicent deum , saith leo the first , the righteous are therefore pressed with sore afflictions , that they might cry vnto the lord , and crying might be heard , and heard might glorifie god , pessima necessitas , optima or andi magistra , saith bernard , the sharpest perplexitie is the best schoolemaster or mistresse of prayer . when the disciples once perceiued , that there was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : a mightie storme , a shaking tempest , which strongly had inuironed them : when the lord had sent forth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a vehement whirlewind , or as lorinus termeth it , plurium conflictū ventorum , a conflict of many winds , which all at once smote the shippe on euery part , and broght the swelling waues euery way vpon it , as if in an instant they would haue buried both ship and passengers in the surges : when the mercilesse ocean vnder them was thus billowing , the brittle ship about them reeling , the mariners for feare of shipwracke , lamentably shreeking , and christ their only hope and helpe in the sterne fast sleeping , when this great ieopardie had euen almost seized on them all , then his disciples came vnto him , and awoke him , saying , lord saue vs , we perish . in which words ( not tying my selfe to tread precisely in the exact steps of logicall rules ) for our better instruction , and further light , we may obserue foure generalls ; first , who procured this calme , ( his disciples ) secondly , of whom did they procure it , of christ , ( they came to him ) thirdly , the effect of their comming , ( they awoke him , ) lastly , the manner how they did awaken him , by prayer : the forme which they vsed being here expressed , lord saue vs , we perish . vpon all these i intend to treat somewhat orderly and briefly , according to gods assistance , and the times permittance . to begin with the first : then his disciples came to him , ( then ) that is , when the sea thus raged , the ship thus tossed , the tacklings thus shattered , the passengers thus trembled and shaked , then and not afore , the disciples came to him : first , they would make tryall , whether the winds would cease or decrease naturally , and the stormes calme of themselues , but when they saw all dangers increased in greater extremitie , and more grieuous vehemencie , when they thought themselues past all hope of recouery , when they despaired of their owne safetie , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , then , when the last waue was ready to sweepe them away , they came vnto him , and awoke him , saying , lord saue vs , wee perish . discipulorum serotina mora , sit christianorum maxima cura : t was an ancient fathers obseruation vpon this place . the disciples most dangerous delay , must minister a great caution to all christians , willing them to be wary in the timous preuention both of present and future euills . time me thinkes should yeeld vs ( in these our contagious and deadly times ) a strong perswasion of a timely returne vnto the right way : wee are all out by sinne , and therefore wee must beginne againe by repentance , that wee may regaine our peace with god in time : for when the time is past , periit spes nostra , our hope is gone , now it is time , yea time , the appointed time is come , momenti transitus , anni transitus , aeui transitus , once lost , and euer lost . will you shew mercy to your soules , by repenting your sinnes ? deferre not from day to day , deterrior posterior dies , saith deuout bernard , delay is dangerous , the longer the worse : say not with thy selfe , i will amend hereafter , for how knowest thou , whether hereafter thy heart shall be hardned , as was pharaohs , exod , , . or whether the grace of the holy ghost shall bee taken from thee as it was from saul . sam. , . or whether thou shalt repent , and lament in vaine , as did esau , heb. . . or whether thou shalt crie peccaui too late with iudas , math. . . it is true , beloued , that our sins shall bee pardoned whensoeuer wee repent : but wee cannot repent , whensoeuer we will , because repentance is the gift of god , and wee haue not god at our command , but as saint augustine truly saith , qui dat poenitenti veniam , non semper dat peccanti poenitentiam . god which alwayes pardoneth the repentant sinner , doth not alwaies giue repentāce vnto sinners , but as they neglected him , so he reiecteth them , and suffereth them to heape vnto themselues wrath against the day of wrath . strike therefore whilest the yron is hote , make hay while the sun shineth , hoyse vp sailes whiles the wind bloweth , time and tide tarie for no man : behold now the accepted time , behold now the day of saluation , cor. . . now god calleth vs per beneficia , per flagella , per praedicatores , by his benefits , by his plagues and punishments , by his embassadors , all continually wooing vs , to apply that most soueraigne medicine of repentance to these bitter wounds , which the sting of sin hath made in our soules . oh! let vs not deferre , and put off this necessarie cure ! one hath said verie well : qui veniam per poenitentiam repromisit , diem crastinam ad poenitentiam non promisit . he that hath promised to pardon vs , if wee repent , hath not promised vs , that to morrow wee shall repent . wherefore let vs lay aside all excuses and delayes , lest by little and little wee grow key cold in loue , & rustie in sin : prolong not an houre , nay , not a moment , for the clouds of gods ance may in an instant ouer-cast thy soule , and in ictu oculi in the twinckling of an eye , the plague tokens of the lords wrath may take a deadly impression in thy body , and then furor arma ministrat , his fierce anger will quickly afford him weapons , & as lactantius saith , tarditatem irae , grauitate supplicij compensabit , he will requite the slownesse of his wrath with the seueritie of his vengeance : for quanto diutiùs deus expectat , tanto grauiùs vindicat : how much the longer god expects and waits for our conuersion , so much the more grieuously wil he be auenged vpon vs , if we repent nor . serior esse solet vindicta , seuerior : god vseth to come to punish on leaden feet , but hee payeth home with iron hands , hee will reach them far , and he will smite them full . and therefore to day if you will heare his voice harden not your hearts , deferre not till the last gaspe , for , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : vnseasonable good is not good at all , vntimely sacrifice auaileth not , prayer , that commeth out of time , is like a messe of meat set vpon the graue when the dead is no what the better for it . how might i ( beloued ) vrge vnto you in all your weightiest affaires the presentest prensation , and speediest apprehension of the very forelocke of time , but cintheus aurem vellit , time calls mee to the pursuit of my text . it followeth in these words , ( his disciples ) then his disciples came to him : disciple , is properly a latine word , and doth signifie in english a scholar , or learner : from the verbe disco . the originall also is of the same expression : so that in a generall nification , all that professed the gospel of christ , were called his disciples : but more strictly they onely did beare the name of his disciples , who were learners of his doctrine , professors of his life & conuersation , & preachers of both to others : and they were of two sorts ; first , and of a lower order , the sent forth two and two before his face , into euery city , & place , whither he himself would come to preach the gospell , and worke miracles , as they are specified by the euangelist , lu. . . who these disciples were though eusebius , epiphanius , and others , tell vs ; yet in the gospell their names are concealed , and christ bade them reioyce , that their names were written in heauen , luke . . the other , and higher order , were the twelue apostles , many times called his disciples , and made knowne by their names . tertullian , ierom , and other learned diuines , say ; herein the truth answered ancient types , both of the twelue patriarkes , and seuentie elders , called their sanedrim , as some , the soules that came with iacob into aegypt : others , the twelue fountaines of water , and seuentie palme-trees in elim . who those disciples were that came to christ by prayer in this extremitie of perill , is a question , because the text doth not cleare it : but out of all doubt they were disciples , not one , or two , but ( as farre as may bee gathered ) euen all the apostles ; and great reason , for as the penitent theife said to his fellow , they were all in the same condēnation : if the ship had suncke into the waues they had all perished , lord , saue vs , we perish . and therefore not onely peter , iames and iohn , though counted pillars , and in many things preferred before the rest , but all , goe to christ to further the common good , and to helpe by their prayers to procure the common saluation . yet take notice by the way , that as all the disciples came , so none but disciples came , and their comming was not tam passibus corporis , quam fide cordis , saith venerable beda : not so much with the feet of their bodies , as by the faith of their hearts : hereby giuing vs to vnderstand whose prayers are so powerfull with god to remoue both a publike and priuate calamitie , either from thēselues or others : not the prayers of enemies to god , and alienates from the house of israel , but of faithfull friends , fauourites and constant followers of our blessed sauiour the lord heareth the praiers of the righteous , and his eares are open to their cries , he will fulfill the desires of such as feare him , he is nigh to such as call on him in faith , psal . , . quia juxta mensuram fidei , erit mensura impetrandi , saith ambrose , because the more faith we haue , the more grace wee shall receiue : therefore christ teacheth vs to say our father , to make vs confident of obtaining , and concludeth with amen , significare indubitanter à domino conferri , quod fide petitur , to signifie , that wee shall vndoubtedly receiue whatsoeuer we faithfully desire , saith saint augustine . it was abraham the friend of god that preuailed so much with his prayer for the sodomites . it was his faithfull seruant moses , would not let him alone , but stood vp in the breach , & turn'd away gods anger , that he could not destroy the people , as he said psal : . . it was religious iosuah , that by his prayer commanded the sunne and moone to stand in the firmament iosh . . . it was feruent elijah whose tongue was froenum coeli saith austin , the bridle of heauen ; opening , and shutting it by his prayer . it was zealous phineas , that prayed and so the plague ceased . and the apostle concludeth in generall , it is the praier of the righteous man that so much auaileth , iam. . . tūcor nostrum fiduciam in oratione accepit , cum sibi vitae prauitas nulla contradicit , therefore the godly haue confidence that god will bee answerable to their requests , because they are correspondent to his will , and then doe they stedfastly rely vpon the grant of their petitions , when there is no prauity of life , nor any wickednesse of conuersation to contradict their profession saith gregory in his morals : and therefore st. basil saith , that a prayer should bee filled vp , non tam syllabis , quam operibus , not so much w th words , as with works ; because god heareth not sinners acts . . but their best prayers ( as the prophet speaketh ) are turned into sin , and when they send thē vp to the almighty for a blisse , they double but a curse , for vsing his sacred name in their mouthes , and hating to be reformed : no matter therefore whether the wicked pray or no ? yea all their fasting , praying , and crying , not worth a straw , but oh ye meeke , ye true disciples , yee that haue your hearts sprinkled from an euill conscience , and bodies washed with pure water ; ye that haue cleane hands & a pure heart , yee are gods fauourites , pray for a calme ; ye are the chariots and horsmen of israel , stand in the gap day and night , keepe not silence , and giue the lord no rest , till hee haue mercy on sion , and hath taken his sore plague from ierusalem : so much for the first part , viz , the persons procuring this calme ( his disciples . ) now secondly , to whom goe they ? where doe they seeke it ? ( to him , ) that is , to christ , their lord and master . the heathenish mariners in ionahs storme did cry euery man to his god. in nothing were the gentiles more sottish then in this , ascribing particular tutelar gods , to particular places : babylon had belus ; egypt , isis ; athens had minerua ; and ephesus , diana : the caldeans had baal ; sidonians ashteroth ; ammonits moloch or milcom ; moabites , chamos ; syrians , rimmon ; and philistims , dagon : yea , the elements had their seuerall gods , to rule ouer them : as the heauen had iupiter , the aire iuno , the sea neptune , & hell pluto : yea , for euery purpose & occasion , for euery time & season , they had one god or other to call vpon . and doe not the antichristian angelites , or angeliques rather ( for so doth saint augustine , and isidore name those heretiks , that either did adore , or were inclined to the worship of angels ) parallel the ethnicks in euery respect ? nay , doe they not transcend them in folly , as much as their hyperdulia to the virgin mary , doth their dulia to common saints ? surely many learned authors will make thē confesse no lesse : for what arithmetician is so perfect in the calculations of the algebra , that he can number the infinitenesse of diuers patrons , aduocates , and tutelar saints , whom they haue canonized , for the vse of euerie countrey , place , creature , and disease . our disciples are better taught ( poperie was not then hatched , nor this point of invocation knowne in the church , for the space of yeares together after the birth of our sauiour ) they doe not in this dangerous storme and tempest , invocate saint grache , st. barbara , saint alivirgo , saint andoche , or saint nicholas : no nor noah , moses , or ionah , who had beene in dangered by seas , and waters before , but they come to christ the true and only lord of sea , and land , and all : whose president must bee our imitation , whose patterne must be our direction , guiding vs to call on god onely in our dayes of trouble , that hee may heare vs , and we may praise his most glorious name . rome would make vs beleeue , that during the time of pestilence wee must pray vnto none but saint sebastian , and his successor saint roche , saints inuented to intercede against such a deadly disease : wilfully and directly opposing & contradicting the cōmand and counsell of the lord of hostes , psal . . . call on me in the day of thy trouble , & i will deliuer thee : athanasius hath obserued that dauid , though oftentimes plunged into many perplexities , and beset with those prim weapons of the lords wrath , the sword , famine and pestilence , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : yet hee neuer prayed vnto any other , but god himselfe for his deliuerance . could isis or any other god or goddesse haue freed pharaohs land from those ten plagues , sent vpon them for open rebellion ? surely then the magicians might haue preuailed : but that iehouah who was the egyptians onely punisher , was the israelites onely deliuerer : and the same lord , whose iustice was the reuenger of our sinnes by this mortall disease ; his all-sufficient mercy can onely succour , aide and deliuer vs. and therefore let vs all with weeping , fasting and praying , returne vnto god , and say with saint augustine , cui alteri praeter te clamabimus ; to whom else should wee cry in our sore afflictions besides thee : and with chrysostome , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; let vs not mediate this saint , or that saint , this angell , or that angel , but onely the name of the lord iesus . there are three vnanswerable reasons why we should only pray to god ; first , because hee onely is omniscient , that is , such a one , as knoweth all things : he that heareth our prayers must be able to search the secrets of our hearts , and discerne the inward disposition of our soules , for the pouring out of good words , & the offering vp of externall sighes and teares , are but the carkasse only of a true praier ; the life there of consisteth in the pouring out of the very soule it selfe , and the sending vp of those secret groant of the spirit which cannot be vttered . but the godhead onely searcheth the hearts , and onely hee knoweth what is minde of the spirit : he heareth in heauen his dwelling place , and giueth to euery man according to his wayes , for hee , euen hee onely knoweth the hearts of all the children of men , as solamon teacheth vs in the prayer , which hee made at the dedication of the temple . may not therefore romish doctors worthilie bee taxed , from whom mentall prayers are presented to the saints as well as vocall : and with whom they are beleeued to receiue both the one and the other . me thinkes anselmus laudunensis in his interlineall glosse vpon that text , abraham is ignorant of vs , and israel knoweth vs not , ( esa . . . ) should make them blush for shame , where he noteth , that augustine sayth , that the dead , euen the saints , doe not know what the liuing doe , no not their owne sonnes : with whom concordeth hugo de sancto victore , in his booke de spiritu & anima , cap. . ibi sunt spiritus defunctorum , vbi non vident quaecunque aguntur , aut eveniunt in ista vita hominibus . the spirits of the dead bee there , where they doe neither see , nor heare the things that are done or fall out vnto men in this life . and if they are ignorant of outward acts and gestures , then much more of inward requests and motions : therefore seeing , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , god alone searcheth the reines , and beholdeth the hidden things , as athanasius speaketh ; let vs conclude this reason with that golden sentence of dauid , o thou that hearest prayer , vnto thee shall all flesh come . secondly , we must call onely vpon god , because hee onely is omnipotent , which can onely helpe vs. none but the almightie could haue deliuered israel out of egypt , that house of bondage and furnace of affliction : daniel out of the lions denne : iehoshua out of that long captiuitie of the iewes : ioseph out of the pit , slauery , and false slanders : moses , ieremie , paul and peter out of their varietie of persecutions and troubles : and therefore those prophets , apostles , and holy men of god did cry vnto god onely , to saue and deliuer them . a third reason as pregnant and forcible as the two former , is obserued by saint augustine , quoniam creaturae exhiberemus cam seruitutem , quae vni tantum debetur deo : because in so doing we should wrong our selues in giuing that to creatures , weh is due onely to the creator : but why should i alledge any mortall men , when as all christians haue beene taught from god himselfe , that no part of his worship is to bee communicated vnto any creature : for it is written , math. . . thou shalt worship the lord thy god , and him onely shalt thou serue . but prayer is such a principall part of this seruice , that it is vsually put for the whole , or at least , as lactantius doth most truly say , summus colendi dei ritus est , exore iusti hominis ad deum directa laudatio : the chiefest part of gods worship is an humble faithfull prayer and praises out of the mouth of a righteous man : and therefore saint paul setting downe the whole armour of a christian , putteth prayer as the chiefest part of all : and so zanchius saith that this is optimum genus , ideoque vltimo ab apostolo armaturae explicatum ; the best part of all our christian weapons , and therefore last expressed by the apostle , because that vnlesse gods helpe be craued by prayer , reliqua arma parum prosunt , all the other armour will auaile vs nothing : and therefore clemens alexandrinus might very well conclude , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; wee doe not without cause honour god by prayer , and with righteousnesse send vp this best and holiest sacrifice . wherunto learned ignatius hath added a monon in his sixt epistle to philadelphia , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; haue god alone before your eyes in your praiers : and great reason , for to be prayed vnto , is so proper vnto a deitie , that to giue it to any creature is truly iudged sacrilegious impietie , which robs god of his glorie , christ of his office , & the agent himselfe of saluation : and god himselfe , to signifie no lesse to the whole generation of adam , hath giuen the publike place of his worship the denomination of the house of prayer . and therefore concerning the blessed virgin , wee honor her name , wee reuerence her memoriall , and with all generations wee call her blessed : but to pray vnto her wee may boldly say with saint bernard , libenter certe gloriosa uirgo tali honore carebit , the glorious virgin is willingly content to want such honour . likewise of the blessed angels and saints , wee gladly confesse , that their commemoration , is like the composition of the perfume , that is made by the art of the apothecarie ; it is as sweet as honey in all our mouthes , and more delightfull then musicke at a banquet of wine : and as for the triumphant saints , whilest that they were concumbitants in the church militant , wee willingly did enioy them as our fellow-souldiers , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 striuing together with vs , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , helping together with their prayers to god for vs , yea , and being receiued vp vnto glorie , honorandi sunt propter imitationem , non adorandi propter religionem ; they are to bee honoured for imitation , not to bee adored for religion , saith saint augustine : to inuocate any of them wee haue neither precept from god , nor practice in the ancient church , nor promise in gods word , to bee heard , and they themselues cannot possibly deserue it , neyther doe they in the least manner desire it . but if it were possible for them to heare such vnlawfull prayers of men , they would with both hands ( as wee say ) put them from them , and labor to purge themselues from such flat idolatry , with their song of obedience , not vnto vs lord , not vnto vs , but to thy name be such honour ascribed . but our romish doctors , to maintaine their inuocations of celestiall spirits , do cozen simple people now a daies , ( as their predecessors did the christians in the apostles times ) vnder the pretence of humilitie , saying , that the god of al things was inuisible & inaccessible , & incomprehensible : and therefore ( as theodoret testifieth ) they counselled their followers to procure gods fauour by the meanes of angels : like as the heathen idolaters , to couer the shame of their neglecting of god , were wont , miser a vti excusatione , dicentes , per istos posse ire ad deum , sicut per comites pervenitur ad regem , saith ambrose , to vse this miserable excuse , that by these they might goe to god , as by officers we goe to the king. the very selfe same rag our romanists haue borrowed from them to couer their superstition with , that the wickednes thereof might not appeare . but saint ambrose hath met well with them , and sufficiently discouered the vanitie of such a grosse and carnall imagination : men ( saith he ) go to kings by courtiers , quia homo vtique est rex , because the king is but a man ; ad deum autem quem nihil latet promerendum suffragatore non opus est , sed mente devota ; but as for the lord , from whom nothing is hid , wee need no spokes man to make him fauorable vnto vs , onely there is required a deuout minde . but aboue all others , s. chrysostome may suffice an indifferent reader , dashing all such replies with this full answer , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. god is alwayes neere ( saith he . ) if thou wilt intreat man , thou askest what he is adoing , and he is asleepe , hee is not at leasure , or the seruant giueth thee no answer : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but with god there is none of these things . whithersoeuer thou goest and callest , hee heareth : there is no want of leisure , nor a mediator , nor a seruant that keepeth thee off : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; say , haue mercy vpon mee , and presently god is with thee . for while thou art aspeaking , saith hee , i will say , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , behold here i am ( esay . . ) but i haue beene ouer-tedious in the satisfaction of this point . i will conclude , and reduce all to that one question of s. paul , rom. . . how shall they call vpon him in whom they haue not beleeued ? where it is manifest , that none must bee inuocated , but such as must be beleeued in : but none must bee beleeued in but god alone : for , credimus paulo , sed non credimus in paulum : credimus petro , sed non credimus in petrum , wee beleeue ( saith s. austin ) paul , but wee beleeue not in s. paul : wee beleeue peter , but wee beleeue not in s. peter . and therefore let vs all conclude with origen , soli domino deo ; let our prayers be offered onely to the lord our god , who doth at all times hear vs , and will vndoubtedly deliuer vs from this deadly pestilence , if wee pray powerfully with a syncere faith and pure conscience . and thus i haue vnuailed the party to whom the disciples came for assistance in this their dangerous case . i am in the next place to discouer the effect of their comming : the text telleth vs , they awoke him . fearfull death , of all miseries the last , and the most terrible : against which an holy father hath made this exclamation ; o death , how bitter is the remembrance of thee ? how quickly and suddenly stealest thou vpon vs ? how secret are thy paths and wayes ? how vniuersal is thy signiory and dominion ? the mighty cannot escape thee , the strong lose their strength before thee , the rich with their money shall not corrupt thee . thou art the hammar that alwayes striketh : thou art the sword that neuer blunteth : thou art the snare wherein all must be taken : thou art the prison wherin all must lye : thou art the sea wherein all must perish : thou art the paine , that all must suffer : thou art the tribute that all must pay . if thou commest but in thy naturall course , thou causest those two amorous twins , soule & body to tremble and quake & at their forced separation , to sweat euen drops of anguish : & if thou only seemest to offer thy vnresistable atachement to any accidentally , and in a violent manner , oh thou art dreadfull beyond comparison . this more then exceeding terror vnawares looking the disciples in the face , and being in all readinesse to seaze on them , caused them suddenly to send forth a pitifull outcry to their lord and master , with such clamours and vociferations , euen as if they had been at their wits end : so that dispensing with all ceremonies and complements , they iogged him , saith alphonsus salmeron , so long till they awakened him : and surely the originall importeth no lesse , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , suscitauerunt , they raised him vp : the same word is vsed in many places of scripture , where mention is made of the resurrection , as , destroy this temple and in three dayes i will raise it vp : and many bodies of saints which slept arose : and , if christ be risen from the dead , how say some among you there is no resurrection of the dead ? in which and many other texts , and specially in that chapter to the corinthians the word of my text is vsed , and not improperly : for what is deepe , fast , and sound sleepe , but mortis imago , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the very image and brother of death , as the heathen could say , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , saith menander , sleep is nothing else but a short kinde of death . now christ was in a fast and dead sleepe , for so much the word ( which is here and in s. marke vsed ) signifieth : his senses were wel & fast bound , as if hee had no operation of life ; and therefore the disciples are said to raise him , as it were from the dead . behold here in the disciples , importunitie ! and in our sauiour , opportunitie ! they awaken him suddenly ; hee awaketh seasonably : they awaken him violently by reason of their fearfulnesse ; he awakeneth voluntarily , to giue them a speedy deliuerance . and are not wee plunged into greater extremities , and more grieuous calamities then euer the disciples were ? yes surely , for our sinnes haue provoked bellatorem fortem , the mighty warriour , the lord of hoasts , the righteous iudge , to whet his sword and bend his bow , and make them ready , to prepare the instruments of death , and arrowes to destroy vs : our eustomary sins haue forced out the lords decree , and haue brought forth three deadly weapons ; his sword , and famine hover ouer vs , being ready to light vpon vs , and wee are already beset plurium conflectu febrium , with a conflict of many diseases ; the angell is a darting the right-ayming arrowes of the lords wrath at euery mans doore : gods deadly tokens , the onely markes of his displeasure , and our disobedience , are sent forth promiscuously to all sinners , especially to wilfull and obstinate transgressors , and though thousands fall on the one side , and ten thousands on the other , and they neuer touch thee , yet sinne will bring them home to thy heart at last . for , like as one that shooteth at a marke , sometimes is gone , and sometimes is short , sometimes lighteth on the right hand , sometimes on the left ; at length hitteth the marke : so the lord of hoasts being incensed with the generall wickednesse of this citie , shootes at great men beyond vs , at meane men short of vs , at our friends on the right hand , at our enemies on the left ; at length hitteth our selues . the longer his hand is in practice , the more certainly he striketh . what , were the disciples in the iawes of such perils ? were they thus beset with the lords vengeance ? out of all doubt they were not , and yet they being conscious , that their sinnes were the cause of this raging tempest , they speed by feruent prayers to awaken their mercifull sauiour : faciamus nos similiter : beloued , let vs doe the like . culpae comes , iustissimè poena semper est , the companions of our sinnes , are many plagues , which continually attend vs , like so many hunger-starued lions , euer gaping to deuour vs. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and our god is fallen into a deepe sleepe . so burdensome , so grieuous , so wearisome haue our sinnes beene vnto the lord , that they haue awakened his slow anger , his righteous iustice , and lulled his long patience , his forbearing mercy fast asleepe . we now finde that verified which s. austin long ago foretold : tunc in te dormit christus , cum oblitus fueris passionis christi , when thou forgettest the passion of christ , then christ sleepeth in thee : and then ( saith hee ) nauis tuaturbatur , thy ship is troubled , thy heart is worthily troubled , because excidit tibi in quem credidideris , thou forgettest him , on whom thou shouldst beleeue : thy passions are great , when thou art vnmindfull of christs passion : and then art thou vnsensible of his passion , when by sinne thou doest pierce thine owne soule , and crucifie thy sauiour afresh ; qui ex proprio & pretioso sanguine , who of his owne pretious bloud made a plaister to cure thy festred wounds . et hinc illae lachrymae , hence our sorrowes and griefes , hence our plagues and punishmēts . and dearly beloued what shall wee doe ? the best aduice i can giue , is that which christ giueth his spouse in the canticles , chap. . . returne , returne o shalamite ; returne , returne that we may behold thee . i thus paraphrase it ; returne o my spouse , daughter of ierusalem returne , returne to mee , returne to thy selfe , returne to thy former feeling of my grace , returne , that both my selfe , and all the company of angells , may see thee , and reioyce in thee . this spouse of christ is the mother of vs all , the holy catholique church , in whose bosome wee are nourished : take wee then the aduice giuen vnto her , for an aduice vnto our selues . returne wee from our euill waies , returne we from our all sinnes , returne we vnto the lord our god , that both hee and all the company of angels may see vs , and reioyce in vs. life is sweet vnto vs , mutet vitam , qui vult accipere vitam , saith s. augustine , if we are desirous to retaine this life , and enioy the blessed life of heauen , wee must change our wicked life on earth . mortificemus peccata , christum excitemus , & fidem recolamus : let vs mortifie our sinnes by vnfained repentance , rowze vp christ by a feruent and liuely prayer , and reviue gods worship in a more syncere , diligent , deuout , and constant manner , and all the stormes of our sore afflictions shall soone vanish away . so i proceed to the last part in the procuring of this calme , viz. their praiers in these words expressed ; lord saue vs : wee perish . the three euangelists who doe record this story , vse three seuerall titles attributed vnto our blessed sauiour in this compendious forme of prayer : all which ( though the latine and our english expresse not ) are significant and emphaticall in their orginall propieties . s. markes title is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , master , carest thou not that wee perish ? the greeke word there specified signifieth a teacher of letters , manners , or any art : in relation whereunto they were called disciples , scholars , or loarners . saint lukes title is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , englished a defender , a present helper ; such as in times of warre are sworne brethren , to liue and die together , commiles succenturiatus : and in times of peace , guardians of infants . shepheards haue the same title , who are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , defenders of their flocks . the title in the text is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which importeth power , or might , answerable to that glorious tetragrammaton , iehouah , which the septuagints constantly translate throughout the old testament in this sacred word , an essentiall name neuer giuen to any but onely the true god. the titles well weighed afford good vse of instruction , and much matter of consolation . in that they call him lord , we are incouraged to pray with confidence , because hee is iehouah , all-sufficient to deliuer vs : and in that they call him teacher and defender , wee are certified of the lords willingnesse to heare vs , and forward readinesse to help and succour vs : in that hee is their master , they pray in loue ; in that hee is their lord , they pray in feare : he being their master and defender , they are not timidi , ouer-fearefull ; hee being their lord and iehouah , they are not tumidi , ouer-bold . the same lord and master is our iehouah , and ready helper , and therefore wee likewise must pray ( in this time of deadly pestilence ) first confidently , not despairing : quia irrisio dei est , si quid illum ores , quod exor aturum te non certe confidas ; because it is a mocking of god , saith pellican , to pray vnto him , and to doubt that wee shall not haue our requests : for this cause christ tels vs , marke . . that whatsoeuer we desire when we pray , beleeue that wee shall haue it , and it shall be done vnto vs , especially if it be petitio decentium , saith damascen , a request of such things as are fit for god to giue , and vs to haue . for these s. iames bids vs aske in faith , and wauer not , and wee shall receiue our desires . secondly , because their lord is our iehouah , therefore we likewise must pray reuerently , not presuming . the very consideration of gods greatnes should moue vs to supplicate with all humilitie . uarus germinus was wont to say to caesar , qui apud te , o caesar audent dicere , magnitudinem tuam ignor ant : qui non audent , humanitatem tuam nesciunt : they that dare speake to thee , doe not know thy greatnesse , they that dare not , are ignorant of thy humanitie and meeknes : i may say farre better , our god is meek and lowly in heart , that we may speake vnto him ; but hee is so great in maiesty and power , that one ought to speake in all humilitie : and that not with the gentiles , whose heathenish fashion was adorare sigillaria suaresidendo , to worship god as they sate ; but meekly kneeling vpō our knees , that we may shew both inward and outward humilitie . for this was the practice not onely of great sinners , but of the holiest saints , thousands of angels do couer their faces , and christ himselfe , the sonne of god did often vse to fal down , to kneele , and prostrate himselfe vpon the ground , when hee prayed vnto his father : et prostratus in terra orat medicus , & non inclinatur agrotus : and shall this heauenly physitian kneele , and wee thinke much to stoope ? consider with thy selfe saith saint bernard , quanta cum humilitate debet rana paupercula adorare eum : with what great humilitie ought we poore wormes of the earth to adore him ? and therefore as eusebius reporteth of that most christian constantine , that it was his vsuall custome , euery day to shut vp himselfe close into some secret place of his palace , and there vpon his bended knees , and with a most submisse humble voyce to make his deuout prayers and soliloquies vnto almighty god. thus confidently , and thus reuerently let vs all draw neere vnto our lord and sauiour , and then our gratious defender , our powerfull iehovah will speedily take from vs this our great ieopardy . before i conclude , it is not amisse to giue you notice , that saint luke , to expresse the disciples zealous deuotion , ingeminateth the title giuē to christ in this short forme of prayer , with a double appellation , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 master , master , wee perish , o gratious defender , o powerfull iehovah , wee are ready to bee cast away and buried in the waues : hereby giuing vs to vnderstand , that breuis oratio , sifortis , penetrat calū , a short prayer , ( though but in words , as was the disciples ) so it be feruent is most powerful , pierceth the skies , and is accepted of the almighty lord. the prayer of the blinde men was short , o lord , sonne of dauid , haue mercy vpon vs , and yet preuailed , math. . . the prayer of the publican shorter , god bee mercifull to mee a sinner ; and yet as auaileable , luke . . the prayer of the penitent thiefe very compendious , lord remember mee when thou commest into thy kingdome , and yet most forcible , luke . . the prayer of the father of the sicke child most briefe lord help mine vnbeleefe , and yet very effectuall : marke . . yea , many times wee find that an earnest seeking with the heart , hath preuailed without any words vttered by the tongue , as moses when hee cryed to god with his heart , and yet opened not his mouth ; for that is most true which saint gregorie saith , tanto minus quis clamat , quanto minus desiderat , & tanto fortius coelos penetrat , quanto fortius desiderat , the more earnestly wee desire any thing , the more lowdly we doe crie vnto god , and the colder is our desire , the slower is our calling on him , and the harder to obtaine it of him . luther to this purpose calleth prayers and supplications , bombardas christianorum ; the christians canons : and surely beeing well charged with faith and repentance , and fired with zeale and feruencie of spirit , they shoote farre , and pierce deepe . here therefore wee may bee informed , what is the very bane and pests of our prayers , and what is the onely cause they are no more auaileable to remoue this mortall sicknesse : surely , because faintnesse , coldnesse , and boldnesse doe so much frequent our prayers . there is first , a faint , a fearefull , and distrustfull praying amongst vs ; there is secondly , a cold , a formall and superficiall praying with vs ; and there is thirdly , a bold , a proud , and presumptuous praying vnto dreadfull iehouah , and this last is the worst : trepida nec procedit quidem nedum ascendit ; the faint and fearefull prayer , cannot get out , much lesse get vp : it sticketh so fast betweene the teeth , or in the throat rather : tepida procedit , sed in asconsu languescit & defecit , the cold and formall prayer cōmeth forth fast enough , but it cannot get vp it freeseth ( for want of spirit and feruor ) by the way , ere it come to appeare in gods presence : temeraria ascendit , sedresilit ; the cold and presumptuous prayer flyeth vp apace , but it is as fast beaten backe againe , for presenting it selfe ouerboldly , and saucily in gods sight : nec tantum non obtinet gratiam , sed meretur offensam , and in stead of a blessing , it bringeth a curse with it : thus farre deuout bernard . i haue read of two ladders by which men climbe to heauen ; seruent prayers , and crying sinnes , the godly by the one , and the wicked by the other . by the sinfull ladder did sodome and niniue climbe . oh let not our sinnes bee such climbers ! rather then they should presse into the presence chamber of heauen , and grow acquainted with god , let vs keepe them downe , and here punish them : for hoc nobis deus insevit . god hath planted this principle in euery mans heart , that sinne must bee punished : must it ! by whom ? saint austin tells you , aut ab ipso homine poenitente , aut à deo vindicante , either by man repenting , or by god reuenging . now if any notwithstanding he remaineth impenitent , neuerthelesse shall hope for mercy , let him heare what chrysostome saith , quomodo deum rogas , vt tibi parcat , cum tu tibi minime parcas ? how canst thou desire god to haue compassion vpon thee ; when thou hast no compassion vpon thy selfe ? aulus gellius writes , that the romanes sent the carthaginians , hastam & caduceum , a speare and a white wand , the ensignes of warre and peace , and offered them their choise : so deales the lord with vs , vpon our repentance ; he offers vs conditions of peace , and protesteth to repent himselfe of the euill intended , and to remoue farre from vs his iudgements already inflicted . ergofratres puniamus peccata nostra : therefore brethren let vs be our owne purishers : punish we our selues , our sinnes , that god may haue mercy on vs : and turne this heauie plague from vs : hee cannot shew mercy vpon workers of iniquitie , quasi blandiens peccatis , aut non erudicens peccata , as if hee flattered men in their sinnes , or had no purpose to root out sin . prorsus aut punis , aut punit , beleeue it either thou must punish thy selfe for thy sins , or god will punish thee : vis non puniat punitu . wilt thou that god should not pun●sh thee , then punish thou thy selfe : and wash away thy sins with the bitter & brinish teares of vnfained repentance , through a liuely faith in the blood of our lord and sauiour iesus christ : that forsaking the ladder of our crying sins we may climbe vp to heauen with the ladder of our feruent prayers : and hauing all brought our selues into the same danger of mortalitie ; let vs all with one accord , sigh forth vncessantly , the disciples powerfull and importunate request ; lord , sauevs : we perish . o lord our god the giue of all graces , the forginer of all our sinnes , and the present helper and ready defender of them , that fly to thee for succor : grant vnto vs wee humbly beseech thee an vnfained remorse for all our misdeeds ; that our heartie ropentance , may awaken thy mercy , and cause thy iustice to fall into a deepe sleepe : so then we shall with all saints for euermore sing helleluja . saluation , and glory , and honor , and power vnto the lord our god for euermore . amen . finis ad lectorem . grammata si desint , si syllaba forte redundet , si praecedenti menda sit vllà libro : ignoscas lector ; quid enim labecula laedit ? et navos penna corrige quaeso tua . tibi in christo addictissimus , a. l. notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e ingratos reuocauit in seruitutem . sueton. notes for div a -e aug. ad licent . epist . . notes for div a -e bernard de pug spirit . diuision , parts . quis , à quo , quid , quomodo . obseruation . diez . loco de poenitentia . aug. serm . de tempore . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . disco . mat. . . mar. . luk. . , . tertul. cont . marci . l. . cap. . ierom , epist ad fabi olam mansio . . luk . gal. . . mat. . . mar. . . obseruation . iam . . gen. . penult . heb. . : exo. . . iam . . numb . . . psal . . . psal . , oratio de carne pudica , de anima innocenti , de spiritu sancto offerenda . tertul . apolog. cap , . heb. . . psal . . . king . . esay . . ionah . . other countries had other gods , the reliques whereof are recorded by tertullian in apol. c. . angelici quia in angelorum cultum inclinati . ang. de bar . c. . angelici vocati , quia angeles colunt . isidor . origen . l. ● . c. s. i ooke francis de croy. g. arth. in his three cōformities . cap , . obseruation . the latter pestilent god is worshipped in venice . athan. ●rat . . cont . arian pag. aug. confess . lib. . cap. . chrysost . in cor. hom. . reasons . . because he is onely omniscient psal . . . sam. . , . rom. . . rom . . chron. . . augustinus dicit , quia mortut nesciunt , eti am sancti , quid agant vivi , etiam eorum sil●● gloss . interlineal . in esai . . aug de cura pro mortuis cap. . psal . . exod. . dan. . , , , . zach. . , ●d . aug lib. . ●ont . max. lactant. de vero cultu . l . c. . f. . zanch. in c. . ad eph. clem. alex. lib. . stromat . esay . . . for denominatio fit à principaliore causa . ro. . . cor. . . vide aug. lib. de quantitale anima & de moribus eccles . catholica , et manieh lib. . cap. . psal . . . col. . . uide theod. ibid , ambr. in rom. cap. . copiosiùs legas apud ambr. in rom. cap. . chrysost . in dimission . chananaea . tom. . edit . savig . pag. . vide cund . serm. . de poenitent . tom. . edit . savil. pag. . & in psal . : aug. tract . . in iohan apud lud. granatens . exercit. de orat. & medit. ioh. . . mat. . cor. . . stulte quid est somnus gelidus nisi mortis imago ? ouid. homer . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ligo , vere soperatus , aut demersus somno profundo icr. . . psal . . , . ferrum . fames . morbus . lyps de constantia . lib. . cap. aug. in psal . . aug. serm . . de tempore . aug. pellie . in mat. iames . . cypr. . ad don. obseruation . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . domine salua nos , lord saue vs. aug enarrat . in psal . . chrysost . in cor. hom . . aul. gel. l. . c. . h●…c augustinus in loco prius citato . vindiciæ medicinæ & medicorum: or an apology for the profession and professors of physick in answer to the several pleas of illegal practitioners; wherein their positions are examined, their cheats discovered, and their danger to the nation asserted. as also an account of the present pest, in answer to a letter. by nath. hodges, m.d. coll. lond. hodges, nathaniel, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing h estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) vindiciæ medicinæ & medicorum: or an apology for the profession and professors of physick in answer to the several pleas of illegal practitioners; wherein their positions are examined, their cheats discovered, and their danger to the nation asserted. as also an account of the present pest, in answer to a letter. by nath. hodges, m.d. coll. lond. hodges, nathaniel, - . [ ], [i.e. ], [ ] p. printed by j.f. for henry brome, london : . with an initial imprimatur leaf. page is misnumbered . reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng medicine -- early works to . plague -- england -- london -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion vindiciae medicinae & medicorum : or an apology for the profession and professors of physick . in answer to the several pleas of illegal practitioners ; wherein their positions are examined , their cheats discovered , and their danger to the nation asserted . as also an account of the present pest , in answer to a letter . by nath . hodges , m. d. coll. lond. in medicis rebus tractandis non solum unusquisque tenetur quantum in se est errores fugere & emendare sed & omnes qui in eos impingunt commonefacere , antequam labes ulterius serpat in hominum exitium , alsar . london , printed by j. f. for henry broom . . imprimatur , to the most reverend father in god , his grace gilbert , by divine providence lord arch-bishop of canterbury , and metropolitan of all england , and one of his majesty's most honourable privy-council . may it please your grace , the neer alliance between divinity and medicine , whose relation is as intimate as the union of soul and body , hath setled such a sympathy in both professions , that they necessarily partake of the infelicity and prosperity happening to each other ; and thence it was , that when the reverend clergy ( during the late rebellion ) suffered according to their sworn enemies implacable fury , the professors of physick also by the prevailing invasion of empericks shared in the common calamity ; and since not without a miracle that storm is over , and the god of order hath moved upon our chaos , so that the heavens are divided from the earth , and our stars shine in their proper spheres , yeilding continually influential vertues in good measure to dispose the feculencies below into a compliance with their refining efficacies : i say , since the restitution of our religion and clergy , physicians do justly congratulate the success of both , and most heartily wish that the church may never fall again into the hands of empirical divines who as rudely treated peoples souls , as the present quacks in physick do their bodies , their crude and extemporary effusions directly answering the others unskilful and dangerous medicaments . and although the condition of physick and physicians is very little bettered , as if it were to be quite excluded from the benefits of the publick deliverance , yet we despair not by reason particularly of your graces readiness and zeal to patronize learning , that the profession of physick and legitimate physicians will after a long confusion be separated and distinguished from the dregs of illiterate practisers : such it seems is the boldness both of our common empericks and upstart pseudochymists , that they presume to entertain as great hopes of their prevailing over all academicks , as the churches enemies impatiently expect a revolution , but i trust god almighty in his providence will utterly disappoint both ; 't is in the mean time our advantage that some of our highest pretending adversaries have made addresses to your grace , whose judgment we esteem as the grand test to discover all those fallacies both in books and men , which by reason of their cunning adulteration pass currantly with others ; but so soon as their mercurial tincture is evaporated , the remain will appear to be only lead or some base mettal . because your grace and many other persons of great honor and worth do approve chymistry as the most probable means to discover a sensible philosophy , and to furnish noble medicines for the benefit of mankind ; some of our mountebanking vulcans have presumed to appropriate these high favors , as if your countenancing all true sons of art did comprehend all who in order to their delusion of the people call themselves philosophers by fire , having neither satisfied the universities nor any other legall judges concerning their abilities and fitness to undertake the most difficult profession of physick : no other construction can be put upon that transaction then a necessary invitation of academical physicians to seek out and prepare the most effectual remedies by art acquirable , and to give the people a just esteem of this way of practice , to which because of the mis-carriages of pseudochymists they are yet utter enemies : but as for ignorant quacks , who being master of reason can suppose that authority will indulge them to abuse the people and oppose a faculty established by law ? as these are diseases in the state , so wholsom edicts in time may happily be provided to deal with their most obstinate complications . i shall not intimate any distrust by the use of many arguments importuning your grace to promote the speedy enacting of convenient lavvs whereby illegal practisers may be restrained and punished ; as medicines when judiciously and according to art applied , are worthily reputed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , so your grace in giving an opportunity of their right use will merit the greatest share in their success and commendations . this small treatise and the author being engaged to encounter multitudes of monsters , like those which pliny mentions whose eyes are fixed in their breasts , their knowledg being naught else but passion , have made bold to shelter themselves under your patronage . may it please your grace to accept this little book on the account of the subjects which it attempts to vindicate , and the author as one who devotes himself to be your graces most obedient servant , nath . hodges . authori clarissimo in vindicias medicinae & medicorum . carmen gratulatorium . ingenium oxonii , dum terrae filius , author protulit , & gratos sparsit ubique sales ; aptius experto erexit medicina theatrum civibus hinc summo parta labore salus : hic liber ingenium sapit oxoniense , stupendum judiciumque artitum medicis dat opem . quum te discipulum clegit turquettus in herba messem conspexit , foenora speque dotum , non instar tumuli condis documenta , magistri funus , at extincti spirat imago senis quicquid spagyrica ars tibi suppeditare valebat calles , galeni scriptaque nota tibi . sic bene miscetur veterum medicina recenti , aetatem inventis ars renovare solet . deficerent laudes si digna encomia tanto authore aggrederer , vel metra digna libro vindicias metuent hostes , calamumque volantem plectere , cum nequeant effugere arte enecem victrices sic quondam aquilas plaga barbara mundi horruit & simili cessit in antra fuga histrio , tonsor , anus , medicaster & omnis eodem succumbent fato , vindiciisque tuis . j. b. m. d. carmina encomiastica ad amicum dignissimum vindicias medicinae & medicorum edentem . non te scribendi cacoethes corripit , urgent sed pia vota , librum facit indignatio , cum tot undique conspicias a crebro funcre doctos depopulaturos patriam ni vindice strictum ostendente ensem , properantia fata pavescant hi mortis socii humanae vitaeque tyranni : audet quisque sacram violare machaonis artem et miscere aegis laethalia pocula , spondens a tumulo vitam , phoenicem suscitat ignis non aliter prolem scintillae , damna salut is vivida spes reparet ; neque morbo pressus ut olim expetat auxilium , cum sola pericula salvum more novo reddant ; medicinae insignia poscunt , carnifices , & quot capitalem infligere poenam officiose optant , scelus illud morte piandum siquis de morbo quaerat , proh ! quanta latronum insidias aegro struat uni turba , crumenam et vitam simul eripiens , his maxima cura est infandis , ut nemo evadat , tollitur ansa tuto occumbendi , ad mortem mors altera ducit . acrius in medicos unita insania frendet quae modo causidicos , clerosque momordit , anhelans doctrinam reduci invidia sub nomine tantum paeoniae artis plectere ; vos exurgite somnum excutite altum , nā fractis ruitura columnis ars asclepiadis jacet , in vos ordine recto odia festinant , medicinae expulsa facultas mox expectandae praedicit signa ruinae vobis causidicis & cleris , quodque dolendum vere , amborum tunc erit immedicabile vulni● qui studia omnino spernunt academic praxi● non volvendo libros certam se discere jacta● ast exercitio , dum pellem quilibet ips●● porrigat infaelix , & ut experiantur 〈◊〉 artes concedat , dum caemeteria dignos testentur , merito doctoratuque 〈◊〉 astrologus , nutrix , obstetrix , 〈◊〉 copol● tonsor , anus , stultus , mendicus , pseudochymaste● perditam eunt medicam conjunctis viribus artem haec malesana cohors sistat vestigia , nondu●● voti compos , hic author ab ipso limin● fat● faelici medicinam languentem arte reduxit . splendescet posthac medicorum famae perorbem non metuens hostes : sic nos servavit apollo . s. i. m. d bella per angliacos plusquam civilia campos grassata , immunis nec stetit ulla domus , per tot lustra suis jacuit medicina medelis , plebs & apollineae surripit arma togae , horum par certamen erat , quot sustulit ensis martius , indocta tot cecidere manu : discrimen superest majus , cessante triumpho mavortis , gliscit perdere saeva cohors , et dum pace fruit liceat , quam poscimus , alta accelerat clades de grege quisque novas ; nulla quies populo , sunt mortis mille fenestrae , certius occidunt pharmaca , quam gladius : sufficit exanguis quae parta est gloria palmae humanum extinguant ne chymica arte genus undique poscit opem gens nostra laborat agyrtis vindiciis pereat noxia turba tuis , nullus inexpertam post hac exerceat artem , pristina compenset damna futura salus ; vindiciae praestant patriae ( vir docte ) perennem pacem , unum exitium morbus & hostis habet : eia agite o cives tranquillam ducite vitam vivere non , sed ab his vita valere dolis j. a. m. d. be pleased ( courteous reader ) passing by literal errors ▪ to correct these following mistakes which escaped observation . page . for spermatick , read wo matick , p. . lesbian , r. lesbiam , p. . proponabit , r. propina●it , p. . pilats , r. pilots , p. . gradatim est , r. gradatim & , p. . arrive , r. arriving . p. . firmissa , r. firmissima , p. . but chymical , r. but difficult . vindiciae medicinae , et medicorum . or , an apology for the profession and professors of physick . chap. i. of empericks , and their practises . self-conservation acted from an innate principle , most powerfully inclines all creatures , especially mankind , to a full compliance with such injunctions , as may best conduce thereunto ; which being our chiefest natural concernment in point of interest , as well as duty , requires our utmost endeavor in avoiding what may be prejudicial , and choosing what may promote this , so just and necessary intent : external dangers hereupon impressing a deep sense of their destructive events , do incessantly sollicite for suitable helps to rescue from those threatning mischiefs , and by a more cogent propensity all the powers of nature are set on work , and medicine called in to assist with its effectual co-operation to oppugn diseases , in order to an happy restoration to that state which suffered by reason of their invasion . so then , medicine is commended to us as the proper means whereby the proposed end of sanity may most probably be attained ; to which application is naturally made in sickness , from a well grounded confidence of its corresponding efficacy , which good opinion of physick , and the general conformity to those primitive dictates of self-conservation , give advantage and opportunity to very many of insinuating their zeal and forwardness to contribute towards the better satisfaction of this obligation to nature ; and most people being easily convinced of the necessity incumbent on them to seek out for help when seized by sickness , and not discerning the deceits of meer pretenders to the science of physick , from the real abilities of true physicians , are upon this account frequently misguided to imploy those who frustrate the end of medicines , and miserably disappoint their ( otherwise regular ) tendency , to preserve themselves . that this delusion may no longer prevail in affairs of such consequence as health and life ; i have essayed to distinguish between those who without requisite qualifications undertake the practice of physick , and such whom learning and experience have accomplished for the accurate discharge of their noble profession . i shall under the notion of empericks treat of the first sort ; and however the term emperick is notoriously known in respect of the vast * swarm of them which pester all places , confidently pretending to physick : yet to avoid mistakes , i shall explain what i intend by it . i style him an emperick , who , without consideration of any rational method undertakes to cure diseases , whose frequent periclitations ( as he conceits ) surpass the notional theory of physick , and his proof of receipts seem to him more satisfactory then the scholastick odd rules of practice : but what can be expected from such rude experimentings , not respecting any indications , or other circumstances very considerable in the right effecting of a cure ? who questions but that such morbos andabatarum more impugnantes , proceeding blindfold to their attempts , must inevitably err ? indeed the empericks voice up their experience , and think it an authentick diploma , capacitating them to practice physick ; i shall therefore enquire what experience is , and then a right judgment may be made whether these answer their pretences herein . true experience is constituted of reason and sense ; for as a judicial observation of sensible experiments produceth apt theorems , so thereby the intellect forms universal conceptions and essays their confirmation by repeated experimental operations , whence issued what men call science , together with all its eternal and immutable truths ; henceforth unquestionable by sense , which having the royal assent affixed to them are standing laws not subject to future censures : so then there is no cause why we should return to the first more rude and imperfect way , since the science of medicine is not only already invented and discovered , but adorned with intelligible rules and aphorisms , and thereby improved to general use . the experience therefore of these empericks being altogether void of reason and dissentaneous from the known maxims of medicine is meerly the effect of sense , and consequently bruitish ; for the enumeration of their presumed successes because of this defect of principles , is not argumentative to conclude an attainment of experience , in regard that reason did not make due collection from those tryals and periclitations ; but these in their practice act not unlike some who take pains rudely to heap stones together , designing thereby to erect an artificial structure , the event being far otherwise ; for the higher the heap adspires , the neerer is its downfal and ruine : and so when the empericks multiply their inartificial experiments to meliorate their knowledg , and to acquire experience , fruitlesness attends their labors , and destruction those who confide in their promised experience : they in the mean time who have the luck to be the a b c of the empericks first attempts , and patiently submit to their embrio experiments run no small hazard , when their best grown endeavors prove molas-like , unshapen , and monstrous births . it is confessed that the advantages to physick have been very considerable upon the account of dissatisfaction with some old tenents , whereupon just occasions of further search and inquiry were administred to make new and more useful discoveries ; but yet i cannot allow the inference by some late writers in favor of the vulgar experimenters , from hence deduced , as if because the medicinal science by successive discoveries was so much improved , a through alteration of what remains , seemed no less necessary to its compleatment and perfection ; and therefore empericism ought to be encouraged as the likeliest means to advance this hopeful work , for the consequence is altogether illogical , and fallacious to conclude from some particular defects in physick , that the whole art is thereupon impleadable of the same misprision of insufficiency and uncertainty ; and that reasoning equally absurd , which pleads for the empericks to be countenanced as if their experimentings might very much further this pretended reformation in physick : the new doctrines are so far from designing the subversion of the ancient foundations , that they appear considerable additions * confirming and establishing them , and they who have been prosperous in making discoveries , did not in order to their scrutiny devoid themselves of all artificial helps , but proceeded under the conduct of firme and allowed principles to their succesful disquisitions , nay were it granted that not only every age ( as is abundantly evident ) but each person should take notice of something before unobserved , yet would not these hereby ruine the settled constitution of the medicinal science , which notwithstanding all such successes , is still permanent and unshaken : indeed many who applaud their service , have troubled themselves rather to question opinions in physick , which are conjectural and the product of fancy , then well formed aphorisms drawn immediatly from sensible observation on which the science of physick is chiefly founded : and to this purpose , not a few have misplaced their pains in examining and disputing the hypotheses of hippocrates , galen , and their disciples about the humors , qualities , and the like sentiments of those authors who thought fit thereby to express their conceptions , if any quarrel with those notions , they may take the same liberty of substituting others more agreeable to the phaenomena of nature ; but the substantials of physick are not altered by the various dresses wherein they appear suitable to every age. as for the empericks fitness to enterprise this pretended renovation of physick , there seems to be no sufficient ground for any such expectation because they in their experimentings wanting directive precepts , can make no true judgment of their performances ; from whence also no rule can be formed as their natural result : they who would become physicians are not educated as the raw lacedemonian souldiers were wont to be , first learning to fight in the dark , being emboldned to desperate attempts by this initiation in night service ; for gross ignorance is so far from accomplishing to attain the greatest difficulties in physick , that it utterly incapacitates for such undertakings . when i have given an account of the several sorts of empericks , their inabilities to advance physick , may be easily apprehended : of which in the next place . the first sort of empericks are such who try accidental and chance experiments on the diseased , not having any sufficient ground of perswasion that the medicaments thus proved are proper : it may seem strange that any who pretend to reason , should after this manner sacrifice to fortune , * and yet they cannot be numbred whom good luck and presumptuous hopes of success encourage to give physick : the business is not so much , how likely or contrary the applications are to the disease , if a cure is wrought thereby ; and i will not deny but that some of these are very prosperous by the use of medicines , not reduceable to any known rules of art ; if the reason is demanded , i know not how to avoid the attributing of their successes to any other power then the infernal spirits assistance : the divines term this an implicite compact , for that person ( as a reverend and late writer notes ) who applies the creatures to those ends and uses , to which either by its own propensity or by god's institution it was never inclined , is at length taken in the snare of prestigious and diabolical delusion : and the excellent matthias mairhofer is of the same judgment ; quando aliquis assequitur effectum propositum non adhibendo causas legitimas & legitimas causarum conditiones licet sciens & deliberate non expetat diaboli auxilium , dat tamen operam in procurando effectu quibusdam occultis dubiisque modis , qui à viris bonis merito judicantur symbolum diabolicae operationis clam intercedentis ( says he ) when any person designs the attainment of any effect without respect to natural causes , and not heeding the conditions necessary to its production , although he doth not wittingly , and with deliberation implore the divels help , yet working by occult and dubious waies he is most deservedly censured by all good men as guilty of a private and more secret covenant with the divel to co-operate with him . i cannot distinguish between charms and other known and solemn methods of sorcery and witchcraft , and these no less prestigious and hellish practises ; in a business of such consequence , i am willing to speak plain , that the busie and officious people of both sexes may understand their adventure , when either out of an ambition to gain the popular repute of doing good , or for profits sake they give medicines at random , not being able either to satisfie themselves or others concerning the true vertues thereof , and the reason of application ; if what is thus given , succeeds not , then must they answer ( at least to god ) the death of the patient , if the party recovers , then is there just cause of suspition that the evil feind is their adjutor with his long experienced skill , being willing to cure the body of one to destroy the soul of another : when learned and experienced physicians are at hand , what occasion is there that these empericks should hazard their best part , and so highly injure themselves in hopes of doing good to others , or any people be so deluded , as to let the devil practise upon them , and even possess them with health . the common plea of these empericks in respect of the hazard of their fortuitous experimentings is altogether vain , they perhaps thought the medicaments by them thus used at random to be innocent and safe ; but i must rejoyn that not only time and opportunity is lost by the interposition of these empericks with their supposedly harmless medicines , and nature thereby suffers an interruption in her methodical course , on both which physicians most judiciously do lay great stress but granting that the things in respect of their nature are not deadly , yet being indirectly given , the event may possibly prove them such : for when a little saphron ( as a good observator writes ) did immediatly kill , a familiar clyster presently occasioned death , a little oyl of roses ( which i have seen ) threatned the same fate , and an opiate collyrium ( if we credit avicenna ) straight-ways depriv'd of life ; i say , when the safest medicines are by these empericks unduly and at all peradventure applied , though contrary to the true and genuine indications of cure , they are so far inexcusable upon the account of such hazards , as that they deserve the severest censure , who kill with reputedly safe medicines . well then , there is no reason why these empericks should make a lottery of mens healths , and in hope of a prize or cure , hazard natures stock ; for in this business there is not only an extraordinary number of blanks , meer negations of advantage and success , but infinite positive evils destructive , and poysonous to mens bodies , and these are most frequently drawn by the unfortunate empericks : ptolemeus therefore ( as a good historian affirms ) not upon a much different occasion , wisely answered , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , h. e. there ought not to be the same hazard of mens bodies as of dice . i shall conclude this head with a weighty saying of a late writer , fortuita nullo modo censenda sunt remedia ; chance applications deserve not the very name of remedies . . they are also empericks who make experiment of any medicine or receipt from an opinion only of its sufficiency and fitness to cure , as chance periclitations prompted on the others , so credulity spurs on these to practise physick , who have no other direction then what proceeds either from fancy or history . geber gives us an apposite description of the first ; qui animam habent opinantem phantasiam quamlibet , & quod credunt se verum invenisse , fantasticum est totum , à ratione devium , errore plenum & semotum à principiis naturalibus , says he , such persons who are wholly guided by fancy , when they please themselves with an opinion of true discoveries , they are meerly deluded and run into error , wanting the safe conduct of reason and natural principles to be the sure foundation on which they ought to build their knowledg . but the profession of physick requires the most improved judgment to a right management and exercise of it , and by no means is the proper business of fancy , which being uncapable of deliberation cannot weigh all necessary considerations in order to a regular cure . 't is true , that the operations of fancy have oftentimes appeared very powerful , so that many wonderful effects owe their production chiefly to their energy ; but yet i deny that the strong conceit of any person can naturally impower any medicine with new vertues to eradicate the disease for which it is to this end directed : the true physicians endeavor to beget a good confidence in their patiens of their abilities , the properness of the medicaments prescribed by them , but the design is only to compose the spirits that they may act uniformly in promoting the efficacy of the remedies , whereas these empericks possess the fancies of the sick by the prevalency of their imaginations , and hope thereby to work something answerable to the impression made upon them ; and i question not but that the effect will resemble its cause , and the presumed cure also prove phantastical and imaginary , yet by all possible means do the empericks strive to credit these operations of fancy , perswading people to obey the strange inspirations and secret impulses , which at any time either they suggest , or else happen to those who give themselves up to follow such delusions : did these consider that their fancies are frequently as diseased as their own , or patients bodies admitting impressions according to the acuteness or greatness of the morbifick invasion , they would seek to physick for help , rather then profess it by the tutorage of fancy , or be matriculated in bedlam before they attempt such kind of practices : i shall produce a sad example to caution others ; a revelation was communicated to one being indisposed , that she must in order to her recovery drink the decoction of an hearb growing in such a place ; but alas ! the hearb proved hemlock , and that impulse of fancy dispatched the patient to another world. i pass over the fond conceit of many who pretend familiarity with their genii or good angels , from whom , as they relate , they learn effectual secrets to remedy most diseases ; for since that the events are not answerable to such extraordinary communications , there is just cause of suspition that these empericks either most pitifully cheat themselves by their easie perswasion , or others by imposture . by history , i intend medicines learn'd by reading and report , for the empericks do sometime study receipt-books to stock themselves with medicines against most diseases , and when they have proceeded so far , they are impatient for an opportunity , to give an account of their ripe abilities ; if also a receipt or medicine is well vouched , many think that they may safely experiment its admirable vertues , and as in some places the execution of the prisoner precedes his tryal , so it is here , for these being fully perswaded that such secrets are not inferiour to the commendation of them , make proof , and afterwards ( oftentimes too late ) reason about their fitness for the disease and patient , because so many employ themselves , their friends and purses , to procure or purchase receipts or secrets in physick : i shall enquire how far not only such as are ordinary , but the extraordinary arcana may enable to practice , and if an ordinary measure of skill by the help of directions and cautions in the use of either may be sufficient for persons not indiscreet . were it not confessed that receipts do little in acute diseases , i would easily prove it , for almost every hour varies the case , nature being in a continual agony to extricate her self by all possible means from the fury of the distemper , and solicitously finding out the most expeditious way , respecting the peccant matter and parts chiefly affected , to free her self from imminent danger , in which sharp dispute sometimes she gains and sometimes loses , altering accordingly all the concomitating symptomes , so that she must be traced in all her anomalous motions , in which hurry what place can there be for a set receipt most commonly fixed to some general intent ? neither in chronical diseases can ever the extraordinary arcana be at the same time physician and medicine , for such diseases are never at a stand , but ( if not interrupted ) do regularly observe their encrease , state , and gradual declination , in which several tendencies though obscure and almost indiscernable , nature is yet highly concerned to promote their methodical completion ▪ and if any defect or obstruction , either delaies or stops this orderly course , it is the physicians business by his experienced skill according to that exigency to remove all impediments , and effectually assist nature in the due prosecution of this hopeful transaction ; but that these arcana should be so fitted to the successive alterations of diseases , as by the same operation to carry on different agencies , seems to me as improbable as the doctrine of elective catharticks ; i rather think that the patrons of these secrets will urge their universal power , as if they were plenipotentiaries , not tied up to a strickt observance of any either private or publick instructions , but left at liberty to act according to the exigency of affairs , and the truth is , these need no physicians if they can rationalize their noble arcana ; but since that these pleaders for such like conceited remedies cannot produce one medicine to verifie and confirm their assertion , we are not obliged to give them credit : fabritius ab aquapendente gives us another account , nihil magis medicos in facienda medicina preclaros reddat , quam distincta differentiarum intelligentia cujusque morbi , & ea accommodata ad singulas remediorum administratio , ubi indicationes potissimum attendendae , says he , the right distinction of diseases , and apt prescriptions according to their several indications , do chiefly advance the repute of physicians . but how can these empericks by the help of their receipts and arcana , and the common directions about the dose , the manner and time of giving them , and such like circumstances be enabled to know the disease to which their secrets are appropriated , distinguishing it from others , which in most of the symptomes agree with it , and exactly discerning the strange intimate complications , of great consequence in the performing of a cure. these empericks with their noble arcana the lawful issue of physicians , but unhappily nursed abroad , seem not unlike him who having procured the pensils of an excellent limner did conceit himself capacitated thereby to draw pictures to the life as the painter was wont to do , whose they were , but upon tryal , he quickly found his error , for it was the direction of the pensil that produced such admirable pieces of work , wherein lay his deficiency : so in physick , an ignorant person may have receipts and noble medicaments which avail nothing without an artificial application by them not acquirable . . the most plausible part of the empericks rely on their observation of what doth well or ill under their hand , with a resolution to prosecute or reject according to their success or miscarriage , these herein presume to justle with true physicians , but should people be as prodigal of their lives as these are of their skill , or had they full license for their accomplishment to depopulate whole countreys , yet cannot they make any certain and infallible observation to be a sufficient directory to them in their future undertakings : * i grant indeed that these empericks do rudely imitate their preceding experiments , with what hopes of success i know not ; for should we admit that one of their receipts or medicaments wrought a cure on a patient , yet why should it have the same effect on another , who it may be differs in many respects more from the person so cured , then another disease from that ; and therefore such a preparation or receipt may by the same rule as well respect distinct diseases as distinct persons : whereas a right practice of physick consists in a due appropriation of medicines or methods to the several constitutions and conditions of the sick ; if the same body every moment somewhat varies from what it was , and the repetition of the same medicine upon this account is not alike beneficial , what probable expectation can be had from the same application to all who labour under the same disease , which more disagree amongst themselves , then the clocks in london and paris . the dialogue in plato between socrates and phaedrus is very pertinent : socrat. si quis dicat , ego quidem illa scio corpori admovere quibus & calescat pro arbitrio meo & frigeat , & vomitus & dejectiones perficiantur & hujusmodi plurima teneo , quibus cognitis & medicum me esse profiteor , & alium quemlibet medicum me facere posse dico , quid alium responsurum autumas ? phaedr . nihil aliud quàm percunctaturum nunquid etiam sciat , quibus , quando & quousque singula horum sint adhibenda , quod si nesciat , necessum est eum insanire qui quod ex aliquo medicorum audierit quicquam vel in medelas nonnullas inciderit à se probatas neque artis aliquid intelligat medicum se evasisse putet , h. e. socrat. if any person says i can dexterously apply those things to the body which at my pleasure shall heat or cool it , and i understand emeticks , catharticks , and other ways of evacuation , besides very many medicines , by which i am not only able to profess physicks , but be a fit instructer or tutor of others ; what thinkest thou a stander by would answer ? phaedr . i suppose he would enquire of him whether he knew to whom , when , and how long those remedies might be useful , and if he satisfies not these questions and doubts , although he fancies himself to be an expert physician , yet seems he rather to be besides himself and distracted , who adventures to give physick by the help only of some receipt-books , or a few medicines learn'd from physicians , not being acquainted with the very rudiments of the medicinal science . besides , it many times falls out that these empericks in their strict noting of the events of their medicines , do greatly mistake in not rightly distinguishing between a true effect and cure performed by their vaunted receipts and the succesful labour of nature , to be with the same pangs delivered of their medicine and the disease for which it was appointed : that deplorate diseases may be sometimes cured by such desperate irritations is altogether undisputable ; as also that these * ignorant practitioners do commonly use such medicaments , but let the world judge what will be the issue , if the empericks not apprehending how it came to pass that the patient recovered , shall be invited and encouraged to give the like medicines as having their probatum annexed to them . neither can these empericks tell when their arcana , or receipts infallibly cure , by which the fierceness of the disease may possibly awhile be check'd , and the raging symptomes so becalmed as if all was well , but soon after like flames suppressed , the distemper breaks out again with more violence . i shall instance in the pox , for which every emperick pretends a secret receipt , and if nocturnal pains cease , the gonorrhea stops , and the virulent ulcers heal , 't is immediatly concluded that the patient is rescued from that tyrannical disease , and the excellency of the medicine is cry'd up , as if it was powerful enough to extirpate certainly this foul distemper in all who shall make tryal of it , but within a few months at least a year or two , it becomes too manifest that the cure at first was only palliated , in regard that it returns so notably improved , when many hundreds , thus abused , are witnesses to the truth of this accusation ; i wonder with what face these empericks can pretend from such disappointments of their patients to an observation , emulating the true physicians collection * made by reason and experience . thus much for the brief discovery of the several sorts of empericks , who notwithstanding their insufficiency , would yet be tolerated and have full liberty ( as they phrase it ) to do what good they can ; 't is not to be questioned but that if such an universal license should be granted , these empericks would more boldly impose on the credulous people : when i consider the mischief which would undoubtedly happen in trade , if all persons at pleasure without serving an apprenticeship or allowance of the respective company or corporation , might set up and enjoy the same priviledges as those who were trained up in those callings , this being the directest way to ruine trade ; since that hereby private interest is advanced above the publick ; he who hath but half an eye may foresee of what ill consequence this universal indulgence will be in physick of an higher concernment then trade ; in this he who miscarries doth chiefly ruine his own fortune , but in the other by how much more unfit the person is who practices , by so much more hazard and danger attends all who have to do with him : i cannot resemble the issue of such a toleration in physick to any thing better then to the ocean which rests not because of its community , either one billow continually dashes against another , or many conspire together to croud themselves into a publick storm : so such liberty to practice physick will as surely produce rude clashings amongst those who so earnestly press for it , raise dismal storms endangering the * peoples lives , and shipwrack the most excellent science of physick . i very much wonder that the honorable mr. boile * should so much favor the practise of empericks , he thinks that the knowledg of physicians may not be inconsiderably encreased , if men were a little more curious to take notice of the observations and experiments suggested by the practice of midwives , barbers , old women and empericks , and the rest of that illiterate crew , &c. and in another place wills that we disdain not the remedies of such illiterate people only because of their being unacquainted with our theory of physick , &c. which expressions seem very much to plead for free practice , for should midwives , barbers , old women , empericks , and the rest of that illiterate crew being unacquainted with our theory of physick , be restrained , then might physicians miss of that not inconsiderable encrease of knowledg promised ; verily the accomplishments of physicians are very mean in the opinion of this honorable person , that may not be inconsiderably encreased by such inferior and improbable additions : but the case of physicians as yet is not so desperate , as that to prevent sinking they should grasp at small rotten sticks and straws to be their treacherous support : did i not believe that these lines fell as a casual blot from this honorable persons pen , i should more strictly examine them . and since that not only a toleration to practice physick is so much desired , but an equal liberty to introduce new maxims into the medicinal science , most agreeable to the experiments of these empericks , i shall enquire whether hereby physick may be advanced , and this request may be gratified by authority , as conducing to the publick good . i am so much a latitudinarian as to conceive that learned and experienced physicians are not obliged to credit the dictates of any author against their own experience , not as if i supposed that the private judgment of such dissenters did ballance the authority of a continued and general approbation : but yet none acting like rational creatures ought to shut their eyes against new discoveries , when they have past a severe examination by competent judges : however the empericks and others alike ignorant ought not from this liberty very cautiously used by those who only may lay claim to it , to fancy an enjoyment of the same priviledg , for should such unskilful persons have free leave to publish their rude conceptions , they would vent horrid & destructive notions suitable to their erroneous and preposterous actings , neither would there be any end of their absurd opinions , both in respect of multiplication and possibility of conviction ; for these illiterate empericks will * endeavor passionately to maintain their sentiments right or wrong , whose zeal is the chiefest argument in the propagation of their absurd perswasions : it was a good law which commanded that all monstrous births should immediatly be destroyed , as well to prevent their encrease least also like conceptions should be formed by means of such impressions on the imagination of teaming women ; and there is as much reason that the monstrous products of the brain should by some publick edict or censure be forthwith stifled to hinder their spreading and progress , considering also how much they may influence in the practice of physick , to the great prejudice of mankind . i shall in the next place give some reasons which incline such a multitude to invade the profession of physick , who if the restraint was taken off , would be numberless . . the excellency of physick invites so many empericks to pretend to it , even as the value of gold makes it more subject to adulteration , when vile and ignoble mettals are not regarded ; the greatest monarchs and potentates in the world have esteemed the knowledg of medicine an addition to their majesty and glory , and the sublimest wits and most enlarged souls exercising themselves herein , find copious matter adequate to their contemplation ; the meanest people also are ambitious to improve that common natural principle inclining them to a desire of knowledg , apprehending that although they cannot reach the highest and most obscure truths in physick , they yet may gain as much skill as will be necessary to their practice : such indeed is the abstruseness of physick , that few have by their indefatigable scrutiny attained to so much perfection , as that all doubts were satisfied and uncertainties insured ; some mysteries surpassing and baffling humane reason and diligence : the empericks taking notice of these difficulties which puzzle the most learned , immediately conclude that they are in the same condition with the eminentest physicians , being as much admirers of what is concealed from both as they , and thinking themselves equally capacitated to understand vulgar notions in physick as the others : i say , the most ignorant of the empericks despair not in a shorter time then trallianus his six months to commence lucky conjecturers ; and if to profess the knowledg of nothing , in respect of the great improbability of a right conception is the sum of ingenuity , and the shortest cut to true knowledg , these have good hopes to deserve promotion and be as soon graduates in ignorance as any . thus do the empericks insinuate themselves into the common peoples favour , who not being able to understand the fallacy , entertain their suggestions as oracles , and are willing to be deceived ; but although the excellency of the medicinal science may be one cause why so many desire to profess it , yet there is reason why hereupon they should be discouraged , since that they are insufficient to arrive at an ordinary measure of knowledg in these profound mysteries : i might instance in the several parts of physick , but having occasion elsewhere to treat of them , i pass to the next reason of the empericks adventuring to practice ; which is , . because the magistrates either want power to punish unskilful practisers of physick , or are remiss in the execution of penal laws upon them : so soon as barbarism was expeld the confines of any nation , and government civilized mens unnatural cruelty into a peaceable deportment to their superiors and an amicable society , respecting the good and welfare of each other ; lawes were timely enacted to restrain the dangerous attempts of ignorant practitioners , but yet physicians in all countreys have not causelesly complained that there still wants another law to command the due execution of the former . i shall not set down the arguments which moved the high-court of parliament heretofore to guard both the people and physicians with fitting laws from the injuries of the numberless illiterate pretenders to the profession of physick ; for the passing of those acts imports the grand concernment and unquestionable necessity thereof for the publick good : and therefore since it appears that those laws by reason of some circumstantial omissions or defects , cannot be effectually observed according to their true intent , we may easily believe that the present parliament being no less careful of the nations welfare then their predecessors , especially in an affair of such consequence , will either vigorate the old statutes with convenient power and enlargements , or make new to prevent such notorious abuses as are now without redress practised on his majesty's subjects . in regard the people claim liberty to employ whom they please , the empericks as well as physicians , i shall enquire whether they ought to enjoy such freedom ; fabritius hildanus thinks it unfit that they use whom they best approve , the ignorant as well as learned and lawfull practitioners ; non licet unicuique ( quod nonnulli objicere solent ) corium suum cuicunque libuerit venale offerre , i know not whether the law will adjudg them felones de se , who take destructive medicaments from the hands of others being well informed of the hazard they run therein , as those who buy and use poysons with intent to destroy themselves ; indeed the first is a more solemn conspiration then the latter , but they differ not in the event , for thereby the king loses a subject and the common-wealth a member ; and however these do not seem to design their own deaths , yet when they take the directest course to it , what good interpretation can well be put upon such practises ; it is at least the highest imprudence wilfully to run upon death in hopes of life . * that all persons ought to be just to themselves will be easily granted , this being their pattern in relation to others in their converse , and wherein can they better express their sense of this duty , then in the use of the best and likeliest means to rescue them from diseases ? they then seem dishonest to themselves who intrust their lives in the hands of those who more certainly kill then cure , whereupon the law which restrains the empericks doth chiefly respect the people , that the opportunities of their harming themselves might be taken away , and all mischief thereby prevented . why the world should so fondly dote on these illiterate , impudent and cruel practisers , as to prefer them before the most learned , modest and experienced professors of physick , he cannot imagine who is unacquainted with the stratagems * by which they insinuate themselves into the peoples esteem . it is my next task to discover the empericks practises , and to strip them naked of their plausible pretences . . the empericks undertake to cure infallibly all diseases in all persons ; if we can think that certain news of recovery can be welcom to a dying man , surely the author of those comfortable tydings exceedingly merits an interest in him who is to partake of such an unexpected and valuable a benefit as life : so then the emperick hereupon is entertained , for great expectations do naturally beget confidence , and self-love works easily a through conformity to multiplied assurances of an escape from imminent danger ; pliny hath a very remarkable passage to this purpose , adeo est cuique pro se sperandi blanda dulcedo ut cuique se medicum profitenti statim credatur cum sit majus periculum in nullo mendacio majus , says he , every sick person doth so please and satisfie himself with hopes of a restoration to health , that he readily commits his body to the care of any one who pretends that he is a physician , whereas there is no such cheat in the world as this . however if these universal undertakers can screw themselves into esteem with their patients by promising what is incredible , not within their , nay , many times any humane power , yet they hereby lay a sure foundation of popularity on which they build steadfast hopes that either by well wishing friends and relations , or else by the patients themselves they shall be called in , that it may appear upon tryal whether they fail in their secured performance : so that the contrivance is subtle , for if these empericks are not employed , what ever they presume to say , speaks them to be no less then what they pretend , there being no publick or sufficient conviction of their vain boastings ; and if by the artifice of promising a certain cure they gain such an opinion of their abilities as to be employed then ( be the event what it will ) their design of being entertained is thereby compassed . the digression may be pardonable , if before i take a prospect of the empericks sufficiency to carry on his rash undertakings , i spend a little time in explicating what is commonly understood by incurable diseases : by the learned , diseases are reckoned incurable in respect of themselves , the patient and the physician . of the first kind are those diseases which tincture the very rudiments of our nature and being , which are conceived , born and grow up with us ; he therefore who imagines himself to be such an expert engineer as to turn the microcosm at his pleasure , must have some unmoveable point whereon to fix his instrument ; who ever ( i mean ) attempts a total alteration of any mans constitution and nature , must suppose some parts free by whose assistance he may perform his engagement ; but the deep stain of hereditary diseases not only antidating the moors blackness , who are not unlike the europeans some minutes after they are born , but being as inseparable as that from its subject , cannot by the ocean of pharmancy be washed out and changed : i might to this add the plague , at least that which is most fierce and severe , which being the rod of the almighty to punish mens impieties , cannot by any medicinal means be frustrated of its designed execution , there being a vast disproportion between natural remedies and supernatural causes , and hereupon the same remedies being divinely impowred , prove effectual to rescue some , when left to their own vertues are baffled and become unsuccesful : i urge not this as if i conceived that the same medicines or methods were applicable to all seaz'd by the pestilence with good hopes of the same benefit , for in this sad disease , as well as others , respect must be had to all considerations necessary to a regular cure ; and hence it is that men are not only commanded but encouraged to use all proper and lawful means upon the account of the frequent reprieves which the great majesty of heaven issues out when and to whom he pleases : but fearing least i should transgress the limits of my intended digression , though i might produce many more instances , yet i shall pass to the patients in respect of whom some diseases are incurable ; and i must in the first place very much blame the carelesness and inadvertency of some patients , who enjoying for a long time good and uninterrupted health , when they find themselves only indisposed , the disease as it were by stealth insensibly creeping on them , are not awakened by such distant alarms to prevent their enemies incursion upon them , by which imprudent delay the distemper takes deep root , and the fomes or minera being inconsiderable at first , quickly enlargeth it self to the circumference of the whole body , so that no part neither internal nor external is free from its insinuation , till like ivy it inevitably throws down its kind support . the impatience and refractoriness also of the sick make their diseases incurable , some of them choose rather to sink under a chronical disease , then submit to a methodical cure , being more weary of necessary preparations then the grand seigneour was of the tedious tuning the instruments , when as a piece of high entertainment he was invited to hear a most harmonious consort of musick : did these patients rightly apprehend the strict regard that must be had to the several intricacies of complicated diseases , and that very often contrary symptomes are to be dealt withal at the same time , and many other like circumstances , they might ( i doubt not ) more securely and speedily be recovered from their distempers , otherwise even upon this account incurable . thus the leprosie , quartane agues , the epilepsy , most consumptions , the stone , dropsy and gout , and many others of the same family ( if not hereditary ) are chiefly remediless by reason of the patients obstinacy and irregularities . besides the tenderness and natural weakness of some persons incapacitating them to struggle with very slight and easie distempers , much less with those which are more formidable and dangerous , makes their condition helpless , when robuster tempers affected with the same disease , by the help of convenient medicaments may be cured , to conclude this digression , diseases may be incurable in respect of physicians , who by reason of the * inextricable difficulties which occur in the discovery of the disease and parts primarily suffering thereby cannot make a true judgment , and this may sometimes be the case of those who are most able , not by reason of any deficiency in them , but either from an ill relation or account from the sick , or a strong and perplexing obscurity in the disease ; but however true physicians may ( though rarely ) in such obscure cases be nonplus'd or mistake , yet they will not be over confident and secure , acting as if they fully understood how to direct exactly what was most fit to be done , as in other known diseases : this excuse will not serve the turn of our emperical conservators , who want skill to distinguish between curable and incurable diseases , engaging to cure both alike . let paracelsus who knew very well their devices give the reason ; saith he , quaestus proprii studio aegros suscipiunt omnes quicunque demum offeruntur ipsis undecunque , h. e. hopes of gain prompts them on to undertake all who are willing to put themselves into their hands ; for let the disease be what it will ( that 's not the business ) the caution money not only rewards the boldness of their enterprize , but secures their patient to them ; and besides the advantage made by the empericks of their physick , good store of which must be bought in order to a cure , when the patient is well they expect a * quantum meruit , a reward answerable to their paines and cure ; if they chance to die , they are then satisfied by the gain of their medicines sold at an extraordinary rate ▪ as these empericks wanting the eye of reason difference not a mountain from a molehil , a great disease from an inconsiderable disorder , so do they often respecting their advantage use the microscope in the discovery of diseases , and what is as a mite almost imperceptible ; being thus greatned is rendred most formidable , hence it comes to pass that every stich , qualm or fancy of infection , is esteemed the most dismal effect occasioned by some of the unheard of epidemical ferments . as for this latter stratagem , although the fear into which these empericks put their patients doth so far prevail as that they immediatly are employed , in regard there is such an evident testimony of their skill in discovering a disease not observable by any others , yet most commonly it happens that what was even nothing when the emperick began to tamper , by his indirect courses proves dangerous , and then what remains , but that he make it answer his first opinion of it least he be discredited in not rightly apprehending the disease . . the empericks pretend cheapness as a prevalent argument inducing people to employ them , the poor shall be cured gratis to be decoys to some of better fashion , who being crazy even force their diseases to a composition , and make them accept of little least they should have no allowance at all , the whole gang of these ignorant undertakers lay very great stress on this project , being sensible that a cheap market will never want customers , and rightly apprehending how much the meer pretence of charity will commend them , especially when they publish their zeal and affection for the publick good , beyond their own profit . i must confess that the empericks herein have the advantage of the true professors of physick , who ( as affairs now stand ) cannot be so kind to the poor as they most sollicitously desire or reasonably may be expected ; for although they freely give their direction to such necessitous people , yet when their bill comes into the apothecary's hand , since there is no set tax on medicines , it is in his power ( notwithstanding the due care taken to prescribe what might not be too chargeable ) to make the physician seem uncharitable , for if the apothecary exacts because the physician took nothing , then is his friendship abused , and some ground of suspition ( though altogether without cause ) that the physician shares in the apothecaries unreasonable gains ; but i shall have a fit opportunity in the next chapter to discourse of this inconvenience both to physicians and the people , and therefore at present i dismiss it . these empericks ( i say ) ingratiate themselves by taking care that their physick may not be so chargeable as the physicians , hereby preventing the ruine of families ( as they would perswade the people ) and the relapsing of the sick , who are apt when cured , to regret at the great expence , and dislike that life which was so dearly purchased ; whereas price adds not to the efficacy of medicines which are only succesful , as they are rationally , and according to art directed : these empericks may poyson mens bodies for six pence if they please , and people may be executed by the hand of these at as easie a charge as by the hang-man : in earnest i think it is a dangerous thrift that men to save their purses ( i mean they who are able ) should be prodigal of their lives , it is doubtless worthy the consideration of physicians that by some special care , provision be made for the poor , and though i know that every true physician is as willing to help the poor for nothing , as the rich for fees , and cheerfully embraces all publick and private opportunities to express his readiness herein , yet these not taking notice of their charity herein run to mountebanks , who by their unskilfulness make their condition worse then they found it , rendring those miserable patients unserviceable to their families and the publick , and a continual charge to the parishes wherein they live . i remember an expedient proposed not long since to some physicians by an honorable person which then seemed very rational to all present ; it was to this purpose : that either the kings colledge in london would appoint certain of their members , or the physicians by mutual agreement oblige themselves twice every week at convenient places , the hour being prefixed , to receive an account from the poor who should bring tickets of recommendation subscribed by the minister , churchwardens and overseers of the poor , he conceived that three or four at one time in distant places might accommodate the city and suburbs of london , and that these having attended their month , others should be appointed to succeed them , and in relation to the physick that the publick officers of the respective parishes might when they received the bills , take care to provide it at reasonable rates ; those physicians consulting ( with respect had to the patients condition ) the nearest and cheapest ways of cure : the whole company returned their hearty thanks , especially the physicians , that a way was thought on , whereby they might do their countrey service , thinking it no disparagement to wait on the meanest person in the faithful discharge of their calling . as for others , there is no cause why they should be discouraged or hindred from the use of physicians , and run to these empericks when they are sick , because the one expects a better reward then the other ; for the expence is abundantly compensated by that success , which in all probability will be the issue of the skilful professors , whose chargeable education also extraordinary difficulties in the attainment of their art and restless care for their patients , are so many arguments pleading , that they deserve a better esteem and respect then empericks , who most of them are of the meanest rank , gained their practice in two or three days time , * and commit their patient to the good usage of the receipts , and the truth is , the people pay dearly for these low priz'd medicaments , when to boot they cost them their lives : but the able and judicious physicians do wisely manage their trust , endeavoring to procure good and lasting health at as easie a rate as possible they can , they daily experience that a common plant growing in every field which costs no more then the pains of gathering , if the use is skilfully directed , doth oft-times out-do a precious medicine , and frequently exquisite , and elaborate remedies of an higher estimate only conquer the radicated disease . the physicians act prudently more regarding the patients sickness then purse , yet are they no less sollicitous , when safely they may , to medicate according to their patients ability ; let strada determine between physicians and the empericks : medici finis est corporum salus quod si quis secus faciat ac medicamenta contra quam finis artis praescribit , usurpet , improbi civis ac proditoris personam gerit , multo magis , si nulla ad salutem , omnia ad perniciem medicamenta conficiat , suique jactet operis , pestem ubique spargere , cuncta venenis inficere & moliri exitium humano generi , says he , the chief end and use of a physician is to recover the sick , but if any one pretending to physick , shall provide medicines not answering that end , he is a profligate wretch and a trecherous villain , and much more if in stead of wholesom medicaments he vents those which in their nature are destructive , propagating the plague , poysoning all things , destroying his fellow citizens , and attempting the extirpation of mankind . if the people would be so considerate as to weigh the hazard , when they employ these empericks for the cheapness of their physick , i question not , but that they would be more cautious to avoid such specious delusions , since that keen medicines * unskilfully handled will certainly wound if not kill . . the empericks as not the least compleatment of their subtle iusinuations into the peoples esteem , do pretend new commanding and secret medicines , exclaiming against all ancient methods of practise as antiquated and obsolete ; these so much extoll'd and even adored receipts either ( as they suggest ) travelled out of some remote countrey meerly out of kindness to be acquainted with those who desire their familiarity , or else they are reported to be no less then the most precious jewels ransack'd out of natures cabinet , when she was by them forced to surrender both her self and treasure into their hands , and to color this design , these empericks do usually bestow strange titles on their medicines , as the planetary extract , the cardiaupnotick spirit , and magnetical balsom ; which tearms are as magical to the vulgar , as agrippa's vionatraba , masgabriel , and abuzana ; hereafter i shall give some account of these , and therefore i pass to the last of their practises . . the empericks to advance their own reputation , do perpetually rail at academical and graduated physicians , accusing either their insufficiency , or laziness ; these observe that by how much more they decry and asperse with false calumnies , those whom their just deserts have made their superiors , by so much the more they gratifie the rabble , desiring to vilifie that which distinguisheth others from them , when the idol called learning is removed , and all people are left to their mothers wit and common ingenuity , there being a common road opened to the science of physick , what impedes but that every one may without interruption journey to it ? and certainly there cannot be imagined a more perswasive argument to the vulgar , then that if they will joyn and yield their assistance to undervalue the true professors of physick ; by the same labour they make way for their own interest ; and hence it is that the empericks in their pamphlets and common discourses , talk so dishonorably of lawful physicians , not because of the art they profess , for then they should condemn themselves , but because of their university distinctions and the priviledges thereby derived to them : but until it be thought a fit expedient to put out the eyes of the nation both in order to phylosophyzing , and also a better way of practising physick , the true sons of art may keep on their course notwithstanding the vain barkings of these empericks . some perhaps may expect that before i conclude this chapter of empericks , i say something concerning those now on the stage in this nation , who are as busie and as ignorant as any of their predecessors ; i shall not defile my self so much as to retaliate their abuses , this course being unworthy of a physician , and contrary to the direction of hippocrates ; but i hope they have no reason to take it ill , if i remind them of the several callings in which they were educated , and ought still with care and industry to have exercised : the most eminent of our empericks are heel-makers , gun-smiths , taylors , weavers , coblers , coachmen , bookbinders , and infinite more of the like quality , beside a great number of the other sex , and these for the credit of the business , either make every post wear their livery , or else procure some booksellers and others to be their pimps , on whose stalls are hung large tables with fair inscriptions ; the sympathetick powder made by promethean fire , pilulae radiis solis extractae , famous pectoral lozenges , diaphoretick and diuretick pills , powders for all purposes , and what not : by which means many simple people are trapan'd to buy and use these preparations , supposing they may as safely venture on a medicine out of a booksellers shop , as read a book : but alas ! some too late perceive their error , for what a man reads may be soon blotted out of his memory , but such stuff taken into the body and appropriated to the patient and disease by the printed book or paper only , is not quickly dismiss'd , being oft-times a continual and lasting disease to them : in the chapter of chymistry , i shall more particularly give an account of these medicines and the way of their application : i shall conclude this subject with one brief observation , that whereas it was manifest that some thousands died more in london these last three or four years then the preceding , and it is as well known that the lawful physicians had less employment at those times then formerly , we may rationally infer , that the true reason of such a mortality was not ( as the author of medela medicinae ignorantly suggests ) from the increase and propagation of the venereal , scorbutick and spermatick ferments , but only by the emperick ferment and its pernicious malignity . chap. ii. of practising apothecaries . that physicians did originally provide and dispense their own medicines , will be ( i doubt not ) easily granted by those who are acquainted with the writings of the ancients , wherein it is evident that hippocrates , * galen , and the chief physicians as part of their employment , prepared what physick they had occasion to spend in their practise : and although their strict obligation to conceal their sacred art , least it should be prostituted to the rude invasion of persons unqualified , might be one argument inclining them ( as the most likely way for its security ) to confine their business to their own closets or repositories ; yet i conceive that other reasons might no less perswade their furnishing themselves with all necessary medicines both simple and compound , for these hereby very much improved their knowledg in the materia medica , so that they were not only able to distinguish all plants , animals and minerals , and being abroad ( if destitute of convenient helps ) readily find out what might satisfie the intent in the designed cure , but to prepare and compound them till they become apt medicines for their use , with all diligence observing the several alterations which hapned in tast , smell , or otherwise , by which means they were throughly informed how to change , add or diminish , as there was occasion , to advance the efficacy of the composition ; their patients also shared in the benefit of their industry and care herein , who having committed themselves into the hands of those physicians , looked upon them as the only responsable persons in that undertaking ; wherefore they prudently considering that their reputation lay at stake and the lives of their patients , durst not intrust others in a matter of such concernment to both , but managed all the business themselves to a general approbation . when the credit of physick by the singular caution of these great physicians , had gained almost an universal authority , so that most in their sicknesses applied themselves to physicians , the vast encrease of practise not allowing them leisure both to prepare their physick , and likewise to attend their numerous patients , and consult all things necessary to their condition , constrained them to commit the charge of answering their prescripts , to the care of others , in whose integrity they could safely confide : and soon after when the bounds of physick were enlarged , being limited before to select families ; as physicians multiplied , so proportionably they encreased whose office it was to dispense medicines : at length the profession of physick became a faculty , and being free to all whose laudable proficiency in its study and knowledg deserved academical diploma's ; the apothecaries art was likewise opened to all , who understanding its mystery passed the approbation of associated physicians , continual additions of such who were trained up in this calling made their number so considerable , as that for their better regulation they were constituted an incorporation , and since by means of innumerable accession of apprentices after a certain time of service made free ; this society is advanced to a bulk greater then the body from whence it came and on which it depends , and as it fares when one member doth monstrously enlarge it self , the rest are emaciated ; even so the vastness of this company deprives physicians of their proper aliment . i know that some give another account of the distinction of physicians and apothecaries , as if the magistrate apprehending the trust of life and death too great for one , did thereupon appoint the other that by two different offices all opportunities of mischiefing the people might be prevented ; but quercitans answer is very pertinent to the authors of this conceit ; saith he , quid aliud hi quam omnium medicorum & pharmacopoeorum iras in se exacuant , quos tam improbae fidei notant , ut si seorsim operentur ac medicentur , non saluti aegrotantium , sed morti accelerandae de industria studeant ? h. e. both physicians and apothecaries have just cause to quarrel with those , who by suggesting that neither ought to be solely intrusted , do thereby brand them with unfaithfulness , as if they rather sought the death , then life of patients . another plea is much insisted on by some of our apothecaries , whereby they endeavor to make a perfect separation between physicians and themselves , claiming a free exercise of their trade as members of the grand incorporation , and fully enjoying all the priviledges of the common charter , whereby they are authorized as well to buy and sell , as any other company ; but although they accommodate physicians in making up their prescripts , yet that is a voluntary undertaking , which they may either accept or refuse at their pleasure , it being their proper business to provide such medicines as the supreme power shall allow for the peoples use , and to furnish their customers , although there should not be any physician to write bills : and thus under the pretext of selling their medicines to all who come to their shops , they also take upon them to advise what they think most agreeable to their conditions who are sick : by this slight , ingratiating themselves with the people , and ( as they conceive ) avoiding the just censure of practising physick . i reply , that physicians did never design to hinder the apothecaries in their known and lawful trade of vending medicines , but on the contrary have much promoted it , by giving them daily opportunities to supply their patients with physick according to their prescripts ; yet if these because of their settlement as free traders , shall hereupon destroy the relation between physicians and them , as if their interest did not much consist in the practise of physicians , they will have no cause of complaint , if the professors of physick take their business again into their own hands , and imitate the most succesful practise of their renowned predecessors ; and the apothecaries may as freely as ever attend their trade in selling to those who will buy of them notwithstanding the physicians preparation of their own remedies . but i observe that very many apothecaries are so far from deviding between theirs and the physicians art , that they endeavor to unite them in their undertakings , as much professing to direct physick as to prepare or sell it , and these i call practising apothecaries , although some who would seem more modest and friendly to physicians ; suppose that none of their society ought to practice physick , yet these would not have any one debarred the giving of such medicines as they should think fit , when there is a special occasion : but since that these apothecaries so much favouring their own advantage must necesiarily be judges of those exigencies , i know not how to distinguish this more close and sly way , from that which being acted above board is owned and justified by these practitioners , for by practising of physick , is understood any application to the sick in order to a cure , comprehending not only long methodical courses in chronical diseases , but sudden directions in those which are acute , respecting as well their beginning * as their subsequent alterations . the ordinary account we have out of the best authors , describing the apothecaries office , mentions not a word of their practising physick , omitting what occurs in others , i shall only recite the opinion of renodaeus ; officium solummodo pharmacopaei est medicamentum tractare , & ad usum salutarem medici probati jussu adhibere , quod ut faeliciter consequatur , debet cognoscere , seligere , praeparare & componere , &c. h. e. it is the apothecaries business to meddle with medicaments only , and in relation to their use to follow the physicians prescript , and that he may be fitted to execute his office he must be instructed to know simples , to select the choicest , to prepare and compound his medicines . and if this be the utmost intent of the apothecaries trade wherein they are educated ; whence should these gain sufficient accomplishments enabling them to practise physick ? as for their knowledg of simples and skill in compositions , although these are necessary qualifications capacitating them to be able apothecaries , yet i understand not how these should upon this account any more become physicians , then cutlers and gun-smiths by their judgment of the mettals goodness on which they work , and their making and fitting instruments of war , be thereby rendred most expert commanders : but these practising apothecaries pretend sufficient helps for their instruction in the vertues of simples , and the true use of compositions , from physicians bills which they constantly book ; and by this means ( as they inform the people ) having seen the practice of many physicians , they may be as good doctors as any . i shall enquire whether the prescripts of physicians can so far improve an apothecary as that by their assistance he may be able to practice physick ? indeed the * lord bacon's opinion , that there ought to be a religious observance of approved medicines as well to retain the benefit of tradition , as to direct a more steady way of curing diseases : seems to favour very much these apothecaries , who are well stock'd with such receipts , which they without any alteration transcribe for their patients ; but i shall oppose what the learned alsarius relates , medicinae leges non ad polycleti immutabilem regulam referendae , sed ad lesbian normam , quam pro factorum personarum ac temporum conditionibus magistratus aequitas commutare solet . h. e. the laws of medicine are not like polycletus's unalterable rules , but the lesbian precepts which the magistrates might change and vary according to the nature of the crime , the condition of the offender , and the circumstance of time , &c. that such receipts without any alterations or substitutions may very much conduce to the cure of diseases , is by that noble and learned person rather presumed then proved : to omit what i mentioned in the precedent chapter concerning the insufficiency of those medicines , in respect of the vast difference of mens bodies , and a greater variation of diseases incident to them ; i assert that there is no medicine rationally prescribed , but what particularly relates to the principal indication which ought chiefly to be taken from the cause , and not from the disease , according to the usual design of those prescripts ; which is confirmed by galen , saith he , if diseases indicated their proper remedies , the patients best understanding what is to be done , might be most helpful to themselves : moreover the medicines shew that not diseases , but their causes do indicate their use , as being not primarily adverse to effects but efficients : so then it being the highest concern of a physician to form his medicaments as he sees occasion , of what use can receipts be , which by ignorant undertakers cannot be accommodated to the most prevalent indications respecting the cause ? these practising apothecaries having another employment , which ought to take up their thoughts , pains and time , may well be supposed uncapable of knowing and making a right judgment of the true causes of diseases which not only alter frequently the same disease as to its appearance and symptomes , but much more in relation to its cure : i remember a story which i have read , to this purpose , a patient by the faithful advise of his physician recovered from a most dangerous disease , but it seems not long after was ill again , the apothecary visits him , and apprehending that his condition was the same as in his former sickness , immediatly repeats the medicines which the physician had prescribed , but all to no purpose , the physician was then sent for , and the patient telling him of the apothecaries ill success , demands the reason why those remedies which before cured him , had not the like operation again , the physician wittily reply'd , medicamenta illa non profuere , quia ego non dedi , h. e. those medicines were not succesful , because i did not order the repetition of them ; insinuating that a physician ought to judg as well of the patients fitness for the remedies , as of the remedies fitness for the patients . to say no more , i cannot think that the apothecaries strict noting and transcribing of physicians bills can more inable them to practise physick , then stenography to profess divinity , the penning of a sermon verbatim , and committing it to memory being as infinitely short of the qualifications requisite to a divines preaching and exercise of his function , as the imitation of these prescripts of the accomplishments necessary to the profession of physick . but these apothecaries besides their unskilfulness to practise physick , are most injurious to physicians upon several accounts , who intrust them with their bills , for when those prescripts express their particular use , and as a weighty trust to that end only , are committed to the apothecaries care , if he ever imploys them without the physicians privity and direction , he is unfaithful in that trust ; and if his practise succeeds not , then doth the reputation of that physician suffer , whose prescript originally it was : as another considerable branch of trust , the true dispensation of all medicines directed by physicians is left to the apothecaries , in whose integrity they place great confidence , and therefore a good author tells us , praestat pharmacopaeum esse virum bonum , quam socratem , h. e. 't is better that an apothecary be an honest men then socrates , both physician and patient depending on his uprightness and the punctual discharge of his office : if then this apothecary shall ingage in the practise of physick , he must necessarily spend much time abroad in visiting his patients , and leave his shop to the management of raw apprentices , who wanting instruction by reason of their masters absence , and not understanding the physicians bill , make odd and too often dangerous substitutions ; neither are the physicians secure that such practising apothecaries do not out of design suffer their patients to be neglected or abused , that so miscarrying in their hands , the repute of the others may seem thereby advanced , as if their practise could not be more unsuccesful then the doctors : certainly these apothecaries cannot give a satisfactory account of the trust reposed in them , and therefore to me it is evident that they give timely warning by forsaking their trade and practising physick , that none commit the breeding of their children to them who have business of more concernment to mind , then to spend their time in teaching ( according to their engagement ) their servants the art which they must be made free to exercise , that the people be not hasty to imploy them in either way , who incapacitate themselves for both ; and lastly , that physicians send not any bills to them , lest they be guilty of prejudicing both themselves and patients . if then these practising apothecaries are so kind to physicians as publikely to acquaint them what may be expected at their hands ; i hope no member of that worthy faculty is so stupid but that he will leave them and their patients to the same adventure which both run , and not be either forward to help them out at a dead lift , or take the miscarriage on him for the advantage of one or two fees ; but it is observable that some of these , conceiving that an open breach between physicians and them may be prejudicial to their design , do plead as an excuse to acquit themselves that the importunity of their customers prevailed with them in such cases wherein was no appearance of danger to direct what they thought most convenient ; but let rondeletius give these an answer , pharmacopaeus inconsulto perito medico nihil cuiquam proponabit , praesertim magnarum virium , sed neque quantumvis parcarum , cum vires nesciat , & auxilia haec quamvis ( ut videtur ) imbecilla , tamen quantitate , qualitate , tempore insalubria , magnorum saepe morborum sunt occasio , & legitimam curandi rationem pervertunt , h. e. apothecaries ought not to give any medicines without the foreknowledg and direction of an allowed physician , neither those which are more or less operative , because they being altogether ignorant of their vertues may err in those which seem weakest and most safe in respect of quantity , quality or time , so as they may prove the causes of most dangerous diseases , the opportunity also of a methodical cure is by this means lost . indeed such is the increase of the apothecaries company , that all of them cannot reasonably expect imployment ▪ who therefore hunt abroad after patients , and prey one upon anothers business ; these inconveniencies would be remedied if the counsel of a grave writer was observed , who adviseth the magistrate to be very careful not to tolerate more apothecaries then are sufficient for the discharge of that profession ; implying , that if they superabounded , they would most infallibly injure the publick , and rather then their medicines for want of timely use should decay and grow worthless , choose to spend them by their own practise , and think it a less crime to harm the people then suffer any damage in their shops ; and when these practising apothecaries have by their insinuations inveigled some to take physick of them , as it is not improbable but that these being ignorant of the direct way of curing diseases must necessarily hereupon spend more medicines then physicians who exactly knowing what is to be done , will not multiply prescripts to tire out their patients and advance their charge ; so how can such patients assure themselves that their apothecary-physicians do not make use of that opportunity as much to rid their shop of physick , as them of diseases : however if the whole is cast up , such patients will find no cause to commend the cheapness of their cure in respect of what it had been , if they had consulted physicians ; not to mention that some of these do confidently take and demand fees for their visits , besides the profitable income by their physick ; i may safely affirm that most of them cannot afford to be so charitable as to wait on their patients without some recompence for their time and trouble , which are usually accounted in the price of the medicines : so then , what a delusion do they lie under who seek to these apothecaries , hoping thereby to save physicians fees. i question not but that these practising apothecaries do also discourage the people from seeking to physicians , not only by undervaluing their skill , but by misrepresenting the charge of such advice , exclaiming against their excessive fees for every little distemper , if they are called in : i answer , that if in such little distempers ( as they tearm them ) any thing is to be directed , a physician ought to be consulted therein , for perhaps what these mis-judging did account light and inconsiderable , when better understood by those who are able to look deeply into it , and have a right notion of the causes , may prove a business of great concernment , and being throughly known by the prudence of the physician in his timely applications the danger so much threatned may be succesfully obviated , and the patient restored without any great expence either in the physicians fees or apothecaries medicines ; i must add to vindicate the physicians from the false adspersion of exacting from the people more then the condition of such patients can bear , that no society of men in this nation can in this point so much clear themselves as physicians , who although they have no publick stipends ( some few excepted ) are yet so moderate in their takings , that without a lessening the honour and repute of their faculty they cannot well condescend lower , and if the seniors whose worth merits a greater respect , and age requires more rest and quiet , shall excuse themselves from night calls , and the drudgery of attending ordinary business ; the junior physicians when sent unto , most readily ( desiring to appear conscientious in the discharge of their calling ) take care of the meanest people either gratis expressing their charity , or at a rate suitable to their condition who employ them . moreover these practising apothecaries are injurious to physicians , by encouraging others to the like attempts , who straight-way conclude , that if these whose chief concernment it is to advance the credit of physicians , and to be faithful to them in their profession , shall so disesteem them as to enter the list , & contend with them in their own science ; well may the common empericks be more emboldned to vilifie them ; nay , physicians would have reason to take it ill from such apothecaries , if it appear that most of the quacks are not only supplied , but assisted by them in their undertakings , and that they most approve of these because they help them with their best endeavor to empty their shops : i might proceed to shew how much the profession of physick suffers by such practisers , and give instances of the fatal mistakes of these pretenders to the medicinal science , but i am not willing to prosecute this argument as far as the subject will bear ; i shall insert some edicts published by the magistracy of brussels , to be a pattern to other states , and to manifest that it is not so much the physicians , as the peoples interest that the apothecaries be not allowed to practise physick . statut. vii . admissi pharmacopaeii ( jure jurando se prius adstringentes ad id quod in articulis eos concernit ) cavebunt absque medici praescripto medicamenta elective purgantia vel scammoniata curandis aegris divendere vel medicorum paradigmata immutare , aut quid pro quo substituere quod si vel in lectione , sensu , aut forma compositionis laborent , medicum adibunt , qui eos dirigat , instruatque sub mulcta septem florenorum duplicandorum , & dividendorum ut ante . statut. viii . nequaquam verò absque medici probati & admissi licentia , venena , philtra , opiata periculosiora , aut abortum mensesque provocantia pharmaca cuipiam porrigant , vel per ministros suos tradi permittant sub mulcta , vii florenorum , &c. h. e. statute vii . they who ( being first sworn to observe faithfully the statutes relating to them ) are admitted to exercise the art or mystery of an apothecary , shall not without a lawful physicians prescript sell any purging medicines either elective or scammoniate to cure the sick , neither shall they alter the physicians bill , or substitute one ingredient for another , and if they are deficient in reading or understanding the prescript , or skill not the preparation , they shall consult the physician upon pain and forfeiture of vii florens to be doubled and divided according to the foregoing direction . statute viii . the said apothecaries shall not upon pain of the like mulct without an approved physicians license , sell or suffer to be sold by their servants any poysons , philtrums , opiates , or medicines either provoking the menses or causing abortion . this senate was doubtless no more concerned to enact such laws on the behalf of the people under their government , then any prince for the welfare of his subjects : if then such edicts were only the natural result of reason and prudence , the like general principle commends the imitation of them to other countreys , and certainly if these apothecaries in this nation did observe their own charter , they would not so much transgress as to assume liberty never intended them , when they were made an incorporation . to conclude , these practising apothecaries are injurious to themselves as well as physicians , for when they fail in their cures , which by reason of misapplications are very unlikely to succeed , the people are apt to suspect that such persons despair of excelling in their own profession , upon which account they betake themselves to quacking : i do not think that the example of the author of medela medicinae , is a sufficient encouragement to others that they should be as free as he professeth himself , to instrust their lives in the hands of prudent apothecaries ; since that person hath not scrupled to adventure greater hazards — then others , either in this respect or any like case are obliged to imitate ; and it is very probable that these apothecaries when they fall sick , will not retaliate his kindness , and with the same danger intrust their lives in his hands . that the design of this discourse may not be misconstrued by any , as if there was an intent to reflect on the whole society of apothecaries , i shall in the next place speak of those who utterly dislike these irregularities of their brethren , foreseeing the event that except some effectual course be taken to restrain such unwarrantable actings , the amicable knot between physicians and them will be either untied or broken , to the prejudice and disadvantage of both , at least theirs ; and therefore these being the worthier , and ( i hope ) the major part of that incorporation , taking notice that notwithstanding the late publick disobligements ( the physicians being yet so generous and friendly as to trust them with their prescripts and patients ) have an honorable esteem of their practise and prudent deportment , sufficient to convince their adversaries , if they had not lost all sense both of humanity and their own true interest , for although there are very many arguments which might perswade physicians to prepare their own medicines , particularly to take off those sugillations , as if either they know not how to make their compositions , or that they are unwilling to undergo so much trouble , and to improve their art , &c. yet had they rather lie under a vain conjecture of their insufficiency in that business or laziness , then be guilty of destroying the company of apothecaries , especially such who confine themselves to their own profession , and religiously over-see the dispensation of their medicines . this better part of that society in testimony of their gratitude to physicians , for that excellent skill they have by their direction acquired in the genuine preparations of vegetables , animals , and minerals , wherein they are inferiour to none of the like profession in any nation , do not only publish the physicians abilities , and prefer them before all pretenders , but by their improuement silence the idle calumny of their doctors being unskilful in pharmacy ; these members of that company have diligently promoted an acommodation between physicians and them , and would gladly that the law , to restrain illegal practitioners might reach any offenders amongst their number as others , being sensible how much the whole company is prejudiced by the extravagancies of some who in hopes of a little gain , do not care to ruine their society , there being at length a good correspondence between the colledg of physicians and the incorporation of apothecaries , each member imploying himself in his profession as the law directs , all will go on with more comfort in their several vocations , and the people reap the benefit . chap. iii. of the lord bishops and their vicar-generals power to license physicians . it doth not appear either by the canon law or prescription , that the bishops and their vicar-generals as ecclesiastical officers , had power to license any to practise physick , or that physicians in respect of their profession were subjected to the jurisdiction of spiritual courts ; 't is confessed that the care of hospitals did appertain to the bishops who provided physicians to cure the sick , but it would seem a strange inference to argue that the bishops exercised the like priviledges elsewhere , because to them was committed the supervision of these hospitals , or that they had a legal right to license physicians who entertained them ; wherefore until good evidence is produced to make out their claim to this authority preceding the statute ; i cannot allow the opinion of episcopal right of licensing to practise physick , besides should i admit that they had such a power in them as ecclesiasticks , yet they must demonstrate the force thereof , since the statute took place , but if it be found upon inquiry that neither de jure nor de facto , the bishops and their vicar-generals did license , and that the statute is of full vertue , notwithstanding any pretence of former authority , it is unquestionable but that all persons therein concerned , the bishops and their vicar-generals , as well as the people are obliged to take notice of it , and to the end that the original and extent of their licensing physicians may be fully known , i shall recite part of the statute relating thereunto . no person within the city of london , nor within seven miles of the same shall take upon him to exercise and occupy as physician or chyrurgeon , except he be first examined , approved , and admitted by the bishop of london , or by the dean of pauls for the time being , calling to him or them four doctors of physick ; and for surgery other expert persons in that faculty , upon the pain of forfeiture for every month that they do occupy as physicians and surgeons not admitted , nor examined after the tenor of the said act , of five pounds , to be employed the one half to the use of our soveraigne lord the king , and the other half to any person that shall sue for it by action of debt , in which no wager of law nor protection shall be allowed ; and over this that no person out of the said city and precinct of seven miles of the same , take upon him to exercise and occupy as a physician and surgeon in any diocess within this realm , till he be first examined and approved by the bishop of the same diocess or ( he being out of the same diocess ) by his vicar-general , either of them calling to him such expert persons in the same faculty ( as their discretion shall think convenient ) and giving their letters testimonials under their seal to him , that they shall so approve upon like pain to them that occupy contrary to this act ( as is above said ) to be levied and imployed after the same form before expressed : provided always that this act nor any thing therein contained be prejudicial to the universities of oxford and cambridg , or either of them , or to the priviledges granted to them , &c. thus the high-court of parliament was pleased ( as the statute imports ) to authorize the right reverend bishops and their vicar-generals , as a trust , to license all persons qualified to practise physick , which business of trust intimates an extraordinary confidence in their faithful execution of it according to direction , and that the same authority may demand an account of the discharge thereof , and accordingly either continue it in their hands or alter it , as may best answer their intent in relation to the peoples health and welfare : 't is not to be doubted but that the parliament was moved by very weighty reasons to intrust the bishops , &c. with the execution of this law , being satisfied that they whom singular piety , learning , and other endowments had advanced to those dignities , would act circumspectly and prudently in the management of a publick trust of such consequence to the nation , in the exact performances of which , the people also promised to themselves much happiness , expecting by means of this devolution of power on the bishops sound minds in sound bodies : and the bishop being out of his diocess , the power of licensing descended with the same limitations to the vicar-generals , who may not plead liberty to act otherwise then the statute allows , because there is no penalty annexed , as if thereupon they were not engaged to observe the several conditions enjoyned : methinks the parliaments good opinion of these chancellors integrity should so far prevail with them , as at least not to seek out ways how they may safely break their trust , and therefore offend because the law doth not provide due punishment ; i want words to express the exquisite dis-ingenuity of such practises , which encourage the violation of all publick and private trusts at pleasure , if thereby no penalty is incurred . i shall in the next place briefly consider the injunctions in the body of the statute , according to which both the bishops and their vicar-generals are to be guided in granting their licenses , and although the bishop of london and dean of pauls , may examine , approve and admit , yet they must call to them four doctors of physick , a competent number to avoid all suspicion of favour or partiality , and that the candidate be throughly sifted before he obtain a license : then it follows that the bishop being out of his diocess , his vicar-general may license according to the statute , whence i collect that if the bishop is in any part of his diocess , his vicar-general may not exercise this power , neither can any such interpretation be put on the bishops being out of his diocess , as if this related only to his judicial attendance in court , and so often as he is not there , his vicar-general may license ; for this is contrary to the letter of the statute , and ( as i conceive ) the designment of it , which was primarily to authorize the bishops and their chancellors only in the others absence from their diocess . i further observe that this power of licensing was by the statute placed in the bishops and their vicar-generals , no mention being made of their surrogates or officials , * in regard that this trust of licensing to practise physick is no part of their office by vertue of the bishops patent to them , i quaere whether they commissionating surrogates according to those patents , can legally invest them with the like authority , since it is limited by the statute to the bishops and their vicar-generals ? it is in the last place observable that four doctors of physick must be called in before the person to be licensed can be approved and admitted ; i question then whether certificates under the hands of three or four doctors of physick without such examination in the presence of the bishop , &c. do answer the command of the statute ? in respect of the whole untill these vicar-generals and their surrogates can produce any legal authority constituting them interpreters of such statutes so as to put what sense and construction they please upon them most agreeable to their profit , and till the reverend judges have otherwise determined , i hope it may not be unwarrantable to understand the statute according to the literal meaning thereof , and then all transgressions of the power granted by it seem illegal , as that bishops should license without a previous examination by four doctors , that the vicar-generals if the bishop be in any part of his diocess , should exercise this power , and without the examination by doctors , or that any surrogates should attempt to license , that authority being incommunicable by patent : and lastly , that certificates should be admitted , most of which probably may be counterfeited : besides i shall leave those who are learned in the law to decide whether since the president and censors of the kings-colledg of physicians in london , by other statutes of later date , were appointed to examine and allow all licentiates , unless such whom the universities authorize to practice physick , the power of the bishops and their vicar-generals granted before , * is not void in law ; and although the bishops and their chancellors proceed on the license , yet whether such licentiates without either the universities or colledges examination and approbation can plead their authority , so as to acquit them from the penalty to be inflicted on illegal practisers ? to pass by other points of great importance in this controversy , because i would not seem to intrench on the profession of others ; i shall endeavor to shew the inconveniencies which happen to the faculty of physick and physicians , by reason of this power of licensing placed in the bishops and their vicar-generals : as for the right reverend fathers in god the bishops , if such a weight of business did not lie on their shoulders , much more considerable , by which they may possibly be taken off from looking after this trust , 't is not to be doubted but that they would be very severe and just in this , as in other affairs , respecting a due encouragement of those who have been equally members of the universities as themselves , and thereupon grant out very few licenses to practise , especially in those places and countreys wherein are seated a sufficient number of learned and experienced physicians , who having performed their exercises are graduates in physick : were the bishops ( i say ) at leisure to regard this business , the true professors of physick could not possibly be more secure , or desire a better improvement of that power to the honour of their faculty ; but their vicar-generals are well pleased that their respective bishops do at least permit them to license whom they think fit , and however there is some engagement on them not only to follow the directions of the statute , but to be kind to the faculty of physick and its professors ; yet i wish that there is no cause of complaint , as if too many of these multiplied their licentiates for their own more then the benefit of the publick , and that since his majesty's most happy restoration , every court-day hath not been a physick act , the fees being incomparable respondents , as if the custom of leiden had prevailed . accipiamus pecuniam , dimittamus asinum . his money's currant , and will pass , though he who 's licens'd is an ass . for on the same account by the master of the revels , are licensed the dancing horses and well-bred bares . i do not at present undertake to accuse any particular persons , as if they have already licens'd so many that there are left no more pretenders to physick unfurnished , but i should wonder if all manner of rude and illiterate quacks , should at the charge of a mark or some such inconsiderable rate , be as much capacitated to practise physick , as those who are academical physicians : mantuan affords us a notable description of such licentiates ; his etsi tenebras palpant , concessa potestas excruciandi aegros hominesque impunè nocendi . although the art of physick these don't skill , to them are granted licenses to kill . had these vicar-generals and their surrogates by law an unlimited power to license all who are minded to practise physick , yet should they exercise it in the utmost latitude , the people might suffer as much by the provision of that statute as they did before , there being little difference between the bold attempts of those who then practised , and very many since no less unfit to undertake the cure of the sick ; indeed these last ( pleading the authority of their licenses ) are without much scruple entertained , as if they had been examined by four doctors of physick , and in every respect were allowable according to the direction of the statute , and thereupon may take more opportunities to injure the people then the others , who being well known never could obtain to be trusted as persons of sufficient abilities : certainly the whole nation will be very sensible of a manifest grievance upon the account of numberless licentiates to practise physick , for it would not serve the turn if each licentiate should apply himself to the cure of a distinct disease , as the egyptians did heretofore in the like case , and that each parish should employ one , but every person will have a distinct spy on his body , who being his diaetical genius must order every bit of meat and draught of drink , and after this manner be inslaved to live physically . as it doth not seem probable that the parliament did intend more , then that the people instead of ignorant practisers who abused them , should be provided with learned and able men to help them in their sickness , so neither can we think that any prejudice to the universities was thereby designed , but if notwithstanding that our academies have sent forth a convenient number of true sons of art , to take care of all that concerns their practice throughout the whole nation , these chancellors and their surrogates should at such a rate license as if there were none to practise , unless such whom they pass , taking no notice of the universities provision , what other conclusion can be deduced , then that such persons seek all opportunities to void the priviledges of the universities , to blast the hopes of many excellent physicians , whose abilities for want of exercise contract themselves and wither : and lastly , to disgrace the profession of physick by admitting such who as they cannot avoid the contradicting of their instruments , so perswade the people that they do as much as the art can perform . physicians do not yet despair that both their faculty and themselves may out-live the boisterous storms raised against them , because the lord bishops sit at the helm as most skilful pilates , who ( as before ) being chiefly intrusted , can direct the power of licensing to the best advantage , either taking it into their own hands , least they suffer in the peoples esteem by reason of the mis-application of the episcopal seal , or resigning it up to the universities , whose concern it is to attend such businesses : when church affairs are compleatly setled , 't is not to be doubted but that every bishop will take an account of all licentiates within his diocess , and inform himself of their abilities for such an imployment , by what means they obtained instruments authorizing them to practise physick , and if the conditions expressed in the statute were punctually observed , calling in all licenses illegally granted , and preventing any further abuses of that parliamentary trust by any of their officers : physicians ( i say ) are so well perswaded of the lord bishops good inclination to uphold the honour of their useful profession , and , to prefer those who are skil'd in all kinds of learning before others whose mother-wit and mother-tongue are their chiefest accomplishments , that they cannot harbor in their breasts any thoughts unworthy of the religious care of their answering every just expectation , and of expressing a particular respect and devotion towards medicine of a divine extract , if we credit st. augustine , saith he , * corporis medicina si altius rerum originem repetas non invenitur unde ad homines manare potuerit , nisi à deo , cui omnium rerum status salusque est tribuenda ; h. e. if we strictly enquire after the original of medicine , it will appear that god was the author thereof , to whom every thing ows it conservation . should the time in which that statute was made , be compared with this present season , an argument might be drawn thence to shew , that although there was a necessity ( in respect of the rareness of academical physicians ) that some should be licensed who satisfied the directions of the statute , yet since that the universities can as well furnish the nation with physicians as divines , these right reverend bishops will no more exert what authority they may have to make such physicians then priests , who never had relation to the universities , but spent their time either in following pass-times , in service , or a mechanical trade . chap. iv. of a collegiate way of physicians , and the kings-colledg in london . the chiefest argument inducing several princes most gratiously to institute corporations , was the advancement of trade , all obstructions which hindred its progress , being thereby removed , and apt priviledges granted to promote the interest and reward the diligence of the respective members of such commonalties : and in order to the perfection and dignity of the medicinal science , a collegiate way was thought on and setled as a meet expedient to free it from all those prejudicial incumbrances , which before were invincible lets , and suitably inlarging its power and authority , to render it more publickly useful and illustrious . the general obstacles as well in medicine as trade , preceding their incorporation as self-seeking , envy , discord , and want of government , being taken away , community , union , and a decent regulation have most fitly supplied those defects , and the additional advantages secured both from all extraneous injuries , and established a full and lasting liberty to improve them as far as they be capable of proficiency . i need not acquaint the world with the wonderful success of trade , which by no other way could possibly arrive at such an height , all scattered and distinct professors by an happy coalition combining together to manage their several arts with twisted ingenuity and counsel , that they might eminently flourish ; the growth of physick hath been no less considerable in those nations wherein are founded colledges of physicians , nay , the medicinal science stood in greater need of this course then trade , being more subject to invasion , every * unskilful person ( as is shewn in the first chapter ) undertaking to profess physick , and the people rather applauding , then discouraging such practises , whereas if any one uneducated in a trade should adventure to set up , the people would be quickly sensible of that injury , and exclaim against any such encrochments as most destructive to trading , and openly tending to undo them who have spent much time and pains in the attainment of their art or mystery ; so that the common dislike of all ( who in respect of trade are competent judges ) was more effectual to prevent an inroad into their callings , then severe laws to restrain those who are ignorant from the practice of physick , besides there is no difficulty in the profession of physick ( as they presume to practise it ) which may equally deterr them from this as any other ( though the meanest and easiest ) imployment , for as panarolus well observes , praxis qua ipsi utuntur trium dierum spatio ab homine vel vilissimo acquiritur : h. e. the arrandest blockhead may learn all their skill and practice in three days time . moreover trade in respect of the event not being of such concernment as the science of physick , did not alike want incorporation , for in traffick the buyers understand whether the commodities are well conditioned , and fit for their use , the chapmans skill preventing all manner of circumventions and cheats , more then the particular laws of societies ; and one bad bargain may be recompensed by future caution and vigilancy , whereas it is otherwise in medicine , for very few know what belongs to the medicaments they take , not discerning the impostures of ignorant practisers ; and 't is too late to repent of inadvertency when once the deadly bolus is swallowed , promises of circumspection for the time to come being good warnings to others , but not available to him who is by such delusions surprized ; for this cause king henry the eighth was most gratiously pleased to found his colledg in london , as the words of the charter express ; cum regii officii nostri munus arbitremur , ditionis nostrae hominum felicitati omni ratione consulere : id autem vel imprimis fore si improborum conatibus tempestive occurramus , apprimè necessarium ducimus improborum quoque hominum qui medicinam magis avaritiae suae causâ quàm ullius bonae conscientiae fiducia profitebuntur unde rudi & credulae plebi plurima incommoda oriantur audaciam compescere , &c. collegium perpetuum doctorum & gravium virorum qui medicinam in urbe nostra londini , &c. publicè exerceant institui volumus atque imperamus , &c. h. e. forasmuch as to our princely care and soveraignty belongeth the welfare and happiness of our subjects , which cannot by any means be better secured , then by a timely disappointment of wicked mens evil designs and practises , we judg it expedient and necessary to restrain the bold attempts of impious and unworthy pretenders to physick , who acting from a principle of covetousness rather then conscientiously , do injure and deceive those who are ignorant and too credulous , &c. it is our royal pleasure and command to appoint and establish a colledge of learned and profound physicians in our city of london , &c. dissention also amongst physicians in respect of their opinions , promoted partly through emulation , and partly by the thirst of not a few after gain , transcending what was in this kind observable amongst traders , earnestly called for a speedy and convenient remedy , and since the settlement of a collegiate way of physicians , in the room of animosity , uncharitable emulation , and private inconsiderable designs , are introduced a decent respect of each other with all manner of mutual kindnesses , and the common interest and joynt improvement of the medicinal science for the benefit of the publick ; if the learned johannes de espagenet had reason to affirm , that love was one of the principles to which all bodies owe their original ; i may well assert , that it is no more a principle of bodies natural then politick , especially in the affairs of medicine , by which means the great business of consultation is regularly carried on , distinct abilities concurring to overcome the strange intricacies of complicated diseases : this love is the bond knitting the whole associated body together by its gentle ligaments in due symmetry , so that the juniors do chearfully adhere to what the seniors propose , submitting to their aged reason and experience , and the seniors as candidly communicate their observations , and admit of partnership in their vast stock of knowledg . as in other corporations great care is taken for the education of apprentices to their several trades , so a collegiate way herein may be more profitable , and i might hence take a fit occasion to recommend the practice of the ancients , who undertook the tutorage of young students in physick , which laudable practice is still continued in some countreys , and helps more in the profession of physick , then the bare turning over of voluminous authors , who ( at least many of them ) designed chiefly their own fame by their books ; the junior physicians ( i say ) being after this manner initiated , can more safely fight under such conduct against the desperatest diseases , and the seniors will be forward to transplant their abilities , and even immortalize themselves in the continued series of their successors . i hope now that the tearms doctor and colledge , do not suffer in the opinion of understanding men , by reason of the unworthy language and vain scoffs which the author of medela medicinae vents against them , for , doctor ( as serjeant dodridg well argued ) is no addition , but a degree , quia gradatim est progressione doctrinae provenit , being the universities reward of learning , and the tearm colledg intimates a lawful association or constellation of physicians to preserve the nation by a prosperous influence , and to advance and improve the medicinal science : neither is that idle objection allowable , as if a collegiate way by differencing its members from other practisers , and seeking for an effectual power to punish ill practice in physick , tended only to make the profession of medicine a monopoly , for there is no stop put to the industry of those who take a regular course to become lawful physicians , the universities embrace and cherish all hopeful students , and when fourteen years are expired , being not wasted , but carefully employed in a most exquisite search after the concealments of nature , these having succesfully run through a course of natural philosophy , they are thereby enabled to enter upon the most difficult study of physick , till at length their abilities arrived at a due maturation , and deserving the approbation of the universities , they come abroad , and may ( satisfying the statutes ) be admitted members of the colledg , and by the same rule every incorporation would be a monopoly , but i need not spend more time in answering such an empty argument ; every person may apprehend the reason why not only that pamphletter , but others of his gang do so bitterly inveigh against the order and government of physick , were these capable either to attain degrees in the faculty of physick , or to be licensed by the colledg , they would be as forward for discipline in physick , as now they are for liberty . it remains that i endeavour to vindicate the kings colledg of physicians in london , from the scandalous suggestions of some , as if they had not answered those ends for which their society was founded ; and although i am very sensible of my insufficiency to undertake a just description of the deserts and performances of this colledg , and likewise that what ever i can say will be judged the product of interest , yet i shall rather hazard their censure for my deficiencies , then be guilty by silence of a seeming compliance with their malicious accusers , and that cannot be interpreted vain ostentation , when there is no other intent then to vindicate our society from the indignities of those who would lessen its splendor : well then , since that the necessity of answering such high provocations makes my apology , and prevents the charge of immodesty , i shall attempt to give some brief account of this colledg and its members ; should i begin with the first doctors whose names are recited in the charter granted by king henry the th , and confirmed by parliament , and continue the catalogue to this day , the worth and fame of each collegiate would compleatly evidence that they were according to direction profound , discreet , groundly learned , and deeply studied in physick ; nay , i confidently affirm , that the most considerable discoveries which in these later ages have merited applause and credit in the world , were most happily made by some members of this society , witness the renowned doctor harvey 's circulation of the blood , doctor jolive 's first observation of the lymphaeducts , and many others , who , though dead , do yet live in their physical inventions , and not a few of the present members of this colledg have paid the first fruits of their vast attainments , whose books having stood the brunt of humorous contradiction unanswered , are above censure , or my panegyrick , and their second prosperous voyages into the america of medicinal truths , cannot but raise large expectations of further discoveries , many of this incorporation did heretofore warehouse their learning and experience , and hoarded up such plenty of all necessary accomplishments , as if they intended to ingross the medicinal science , who being prevented either by mis-guided modesty or untimely death , suffered their acquirements to die with them , leaving a despair in their successors to retrieve those hidden and buried treasures , and the rest of the colledg when they are secured from injurious blasts , will in due time blow with mature and acceptable performances , these are now giving the world an edition of themselves , and at length will publish their most elaborate works wherein the progress of physick may be most legible . i shall further add , that since his majesty hath most graciously pleased to honour his colledg with his presence , and to take notice of their exercises , the whole society is inflamed to approve themselves worthy of their soveraigns favour and patronage ! the reason why these collegiates do at present conceal their abilities , is , because they would avoid the prostitution of them , observing that even their free converse hath emboldned amazon practitioners to handle the two-edged sword of medicine , since therefore the profession of physick is only guarded by the prudence of physicians , there is good cause why they should so far imitate the ancients as not to disclose those mysteries and depths in physick which distinguish them from others ; and although candor opens their breasts to all sons of art , yet their choicest conceptions will be fast locked up , till law secures them , and their authors from usurpation and injuries . chap. v. of chymistry , and the pseudo-chymists in this kingdom . the fierce digladiations between the galenists and chymists , each party contending not only to advance their opinions , but to vilifie their opposites , have in the judgment of most prudent men rather inconvenienced both , then gained to either more credit or authority ; i shall present some of these hot disputes , by which all may observe the weakness of such ineffectual argumentations , and meerly rude and passionate censures , saith zacutus , sanguineis lachrymis deploranda esset calamitas haec ab iis qui hippocratis & galeni se filios esse gloriantur , & horum magistrorum sanissimam doctrinam ex limpidissimis fontibus exhaustam combibere solent , quod chymici omnino adversam & contrariam hippocratis legibus observantes disciplinam impune , proterue & indecore medicinam , summum-omnipotentis donum , dicteriis , facetiis & preposteris auxiliis infament , medicus fugiat a chymicis & documenta eorum parvi faciat : h. e. the true disciples of hippocrates and galen who have drawn all their accomplishments from their pure fountains of learning , have cause to weep blood seeing that the chymist who profess a contrary way of physick , are permitted without restraint by their malevolent reproaches , scorns , and unartificial remedies to blaspheme medicine which is the gift of the great god : and therefore let every physician take heed of these , and lightly esteem their doctrines . but in answer ro this , nemo docti & sapientis viri nomen aut titulum obtinere potest nisi sit chymista , quia nec principia naturalia , nec vera universalis materia cuipiam unquam innotescent nisi per artis chymicae experientiam : h. e. he is most unworthy the name or repute of a learned or wise man , who is not a chymist , because neither the natural principles nor the universal matter can be known to any who are not skilled in the spagyrick art : what riolanus writes is not behind this , princeps tenebrarum delectatur fumis , & ministros habet fumi vendulos , alchymistas , sufflones , carbonarios quorum scientiam cur non appellem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum proprie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicantur fornacarii chymistae , sed veritas filia temporis perdet gratiam novitatis eorum , & fumus iste disparebit : h. e. the prince of darkness doth affect fumes , and his officers trade in smoak ; these chymists busie themselves in kindling charcoal not differencing themselves from colliers , since that amongst their furnaces they are not unlike chimney-sweepers , i know no reason but that i may compare their art to chimney-sweeping , but truth is the daughter of time , and when the novelty of their practice is over , their smoak will dis-appear . penotus extols chymistry as much as riolanus decries it ; quid jucundius quam ea noscere atque oculis pene cernere manuque tractare quae procul a sensu & cognitione nostra peccatum posuit ? quam in ipsam penitus absconditam naturam descendere , quam partes universi in particulas quasque minutissimas scindere ? ipsaque naturae principia in manu habere ? quid publice , privatimque utilius , quam mortalitati nostrae quantum quidem licet subvenire ? morbosque aliaque corporis incommoda arcere & depellere ? & languentem proximum atque jacentem restituere , haec omnia praestat ea philosophiae atque medicinae pars quam spagyricam vocant : h. e. what can be more pleasant then to know by the sure information of the eye and hand , those things which sin hath so far distanced both from our sense and apprehension ? then to dive into the depths of nature ? then to anatomize the universe , and to handle the first principles of all things ? what can be more publickly and privately useful then to retard death as much as may be ? to vanquish diseases ? to recover our sick neighbour ? and all these feats are performed by chymistry . billichius on the other side tells us , medicamenta chymica membris principalibus corporis pravam dispositionem imprimunt , calorem nativum & spiritus individuos animae satellites destruunt , remediis itaque chymicis , quasi periculosis , inutilibus , & pestiferis , jus civitatis in republica medica denegetur ; and more particularly gluckradius , salia arrodunt & extimulant , spiritus caput petunt , olea ventriculum conviscunt & adherent : h.e. chymical medicines are hurtful to the principal parts of the body , by fixing an ill disposition there , by dissipating natural heat , and overthrowing the spirits which are the life-guard of the soul , and therefore such chymical remedies ought to be expunged the catalogue of medicines , being hazardous , unprofitable , and pestilential : and gluckradius further adds , that chymical salts are corrosive and irritate , spirits injure the brain , and oyls by their glutinousness and adhesion do even plaister the stomach . the author of the pharmacopaeia spagyrica tells us another story , says he , ars spagyrica omnium scientiarum nobilissima , utilissima & praestantissima nihil aeque medicum ornet , nobilitet , clarumque reddat , haec firmissa naturae claustra reseret , ei quandoquidem virtutum omnium , terrestrium , coelestium , animalium , vegetabilium & mineralium clavis conceditur , in qua non modo rei essentiae perpenduntur , verum in lucem conspectumque omnium adducuntur , purum ab impuro segregatur , cortex a nucleo , contrarium a contrario , multa denique miranda praestat , & multo majora , quam quae humanus intellectus excogitare possit : and faber seconds this , * siquid est in natura pulchritudinis nobilitatis & utilitatis , id omne a puro ortum habet , quo sola chymia uti novit , quae jure merito scientias omnes naturales tantum antecellit quantum purum illud reliquum naturae superat & vincit : h. e. chymistry is the most noble , useful , and excellentest of all sciences , nothing doth so much grace a physician and make him eminent as the knowledg hereof which readily admits him into natures recesses , and discovers all true vertues terrestrial and celestial , and the nature of animals , vegetables , and minerals ; so that not only the essences of things are made intelligible , but they are subjected to our touch and view , the pure hereby being separated from that which is impure , the kernel from the shell , one contrary from another ; its effects to conclude are so wonderful , that they surpass mans reach or understanding : and faber writes to the same purpose ; if there is any beauty , excellency , and worth in nature , it is the product of that which is most pure , the ordering of which is the proper business of chymistry , and therefore it doth as much out-shine other natural sciences , as this pure the grossest feculencies . i perceive that i need an apology to excuse this tedious recitation of the absurd mutual * clashings of these galenists and chymists , who most earnestly endeavor to perswade the people that they design the sanity of mankind as the common end of their , though divers , nay , contrary directions and practises ; because most authors engaged in this controversie instead of rational argumentations , do chiefly abound with vain boastings and suspitious commendations of their way , no less deriding all those who are not of their mind ; i thought my self concerned to reflect on this fruitless opposition joyning with angelus sala in his just reproof of both . clamant alii a partibus sumus galeni , alii partes tenemus paracelsi mutuas contentiones & dissidia subinde moventes , & interim paucissimi reperiuntur qui in sinceritate proximo suo succurrere contendunt : h. e. some devote themselves to be galens disciples , others are for paracelsus , jangling amongst themselves whilest very few endeavor in sincerity their neighbors restoration . in my opinion 't is preposterous to conclude that any person is to be therefore accounted a good physician , because he stifly adheres to one or the other party , or thinks fit to conjoyn them ; for to the accomplishment of a true physician is required an exact knowledg of all things belonging to his practise , whether they relate to his right judgment of diseases and their diagnosticks , or the regular applications of medicaments artificially prepared in order to a cure , and so far as any one who undertakes to profess physick is deficient in any part of his business , he personally errs , and falls under the censures of an ill practiser , although he either vaunts himself to be a galenist or helmontian : physicians are truths perpetual candidates , more allowing , nay , improving chymistry ( as part of their profession ) then any pretenders to it , who not only employ themselves in the advancement of pharmacy by its help , but in compleating the sensible theory of philosophy and medicine , of which with indefatigable pains our worthy predecessors have most auspiciously laid the sure foundation ; should i use any arguments inciting physicians by the assistance of pyrotechny to analyze all sorts of bodies , as if this was the probablest way to conduct them to all acquirable knowledg of their nature and vertues , other courses proving unsatisfactory , i might herein seem too much an imitator of some late writers , who take upon them to blame the defects of physicians in the study and practice of chymistry , for no other reason then that they by their experimental essays may be thought their dictators , degrading them to advance their own reputation ; methinks these deal herein very unkindly in attempting to ecclipse their brightness from whom they borrowed all their light : certainly physicians need no advertisement to observe the constitution of bodies in their discovering the principles of them , and that the universe after the creation ( when the spirit moved upon the waters ) in an analogous way to chymistry was methodized , the more subtle and etherial parts ascending , and those more feculent , becoming the footstool of the almighty , that also the grand affairs of generation and corruption seem nothing else but spagyrical processes , which i might illustrate if i did not study brevity ; hereupon ( i say ) physicians wisely trace the true original of bodies in the same order as they were made by an artificial anatomy of individuals , rightly judging of the whole in respect of the congruity of all its parts . although chymistry hath not been so succesful to determine the number of principles some resting in the trinity of sal , sulphur , and mercury , others accounting five , water , spirit , sulphur , salt , and earth ▪ zephyriel , thomas bovius making the number eight , and it being not improbable but that our successors may discover more as simple as these , yet in respect of the apt preparation of medicaments , it hath fully answered expectation , physicians being thereby furnished with noble remedies , which skilfully used , give ample proof of their activity in the extirpation of diseases : but these spagyricks take great care in their opening of bodies , especially such as are most compact that the innate or seminal vertues thereof be not altered or marred by corrosive and poysonous dissolvents , * or by destructive heat or fire , antidating the day of judgment in respect of those things which in order to their preparation it consumes * and utterly spoils ; the imitation of nature in her most perfect operations do best direct an artist in his experiments , and therefore as by the mutual conjunction of the celestial and terrestrial sun together with a due supply of an homogenious and natural menstruum , a vegetable is raised and impowred with medicinal vertues , so if the physician conceives that this vegetable needs a further exaltation , at least a preparation to be unloaded of its clogging feculencies , and desires to make a separation of the pure from that which is impure , by the help of chymistry he performs what he designed , choosing an inlivening heat to advance the signatures of that vegetable , and an apt menstruum to which it may readily resign up all its efficacy and vertue , being thereby freed from its useless excrements ; which course is followed likewise in the preparation of animals and minerals , not as if the same heat and menstruum would serve the turn for all vegetables whose vertues are contrary ( as the pseudo-chymists ignorantly practise ) which need diverse and proper menstruums , and what sufficiently wrought on vegetables will not operate alike on animals and minerals ; for although physicians are better acquainted with the universal dissolvent , then some phantastical pretenqers , yet they aim chiefly in their medicinal preparations at the preservation of the true genuine and seminal vertues , and make not each simple to be alike catholick as the menstruum imployed ; besides they respect the safety of their medicaments as much as their prevalency in the cure of diseases , and when by much industry and sweat such powerful remedies are provided by the true physician , he doth not expect that they should work miracles , help incurable maladies , or raise the dead , but if a just occasion is offered , he makes use of them , hoping that by reason of a right application they may be effectual ; however these do not because of their expertness in chymical preparations , impiously conceit that god hath bestowed on mankind no vegetables , animals , nor minerals as effectual helps to oppugn the irreconcilable enemies of life , unless they are renovated by the hermetick art ; for not only the constant experience of the greatest part of the world contradict this fancy , few nations understanding the use of chymistry , and yet the sick in those countreys by nature ▪ provision of remedies recover ; but an observation may be drawn from bruits , which i urge not , as if i imagined that the medicines curing them may be applicable to men , and that the farriers skill may accomplish a physician ; in this point the opinion of jobertus * seems most rational , saith he , quod in brutis animantibus observare quis potuit ad hominem traducere velle ineptum est , quoniam longe lateque differunt hominum brutorumque naturae vel hoc argumento , sturni cicuta & helleboro coturnices tuto vescantur , quae nobis sunt venena & pharmaca : h. e. 't is absurd to appropriate the physick of bruits to men whose natures are so different , which is evidenced by the starelings feeding securely on hemlock , and the quails eating hellebore , which to our bodies are poysonous and medicinal : bruits , i say , when diseased employ no operators , but supply themselves from natures laboratory with convenient remedies , which succeed so well with them that they out-live the proudest pretenders to the great elixir or panacaea , nay , as seneca * affirms by aristotle's authority , quina & dena saecula edurant , they last five , nay , ten ages at least some of them , having no other medicinal help ; and hence it is that the true physicians do not think fit to employ themselves in gaining the quintessence of every simple they use , well knowing that many simples do irrecoverably loose their seminal vertues by ordinary preparations . the anomymus author * of the pharmacopaeia spagyrica before mentioned , doth very well determine this controversie ; quando morbus non est admodum pertinax simplici medicamenti preparatione subigi & everti queat , in diuturnis autem , gravibusque morbis , in delicatulis & his quibus ventriculus nausea premitur , & qui solo adspectu odorem & saporem perhorrescunt longiori artificio utimur nam crebris coctionibus filtrationibus clarificationibus & distillationibus ea adeo gustui palatoque grata reddimus ut ipsis aegris in delitiis veniant : h. e. if the disease is not rebellious it may be cured by an ordinary preparation , but chymical and obstinate distempers require more exquisite remedies , and if the patients stomach is squeemish , or he cannot endure the sight or tast of the medicine , then by frequent coctions , filtrations , clarifications , and distillations , it may be made so grateful , that the patient may be delighted with it . i shall add solon's counsel , consule non quae suavissima sed quae optima : h. e. the patient ought rather to be pleased with that which most conduceth to his recovery , then mind the satisfaction of his palate , which is vitiated in sickness , and hereupon true physicians are not so sollicitous to prescribe palatable medicines * as those which may most powerfully overcome the disease . if i should launch out into a just commendation of the excellency and usefulness of chymistry , it would i am perswaded , by our pseudochymists ( concerning whom anon ) be interpreted an extorted confession , as if their pamphlets had opened our eyes , or forced us to close with them in the advancement of its repute in the world ; but i need not extoll that in words , which we more suitably praise by practice , and i shall comprehend what i intend to say on this subject under these two assertions . . that physicians have been the chief promoters of chymistry , and are best qualified to bring it to perfection . . that the lawful physicians in this kingdom are the truest chymists . he is a meer stranger to this science , who is ignorant that the chiefest chymists were physicians ; i should insert a large catalogue , if i did not suppose that the truth hereof is famously known by their learned works , wherein all chymical operations are more perspicuously delivered then in any other authors , but this will further appear when i have shewn that the qualifications of a physician are the principal requisites for the study and practice of chymistry , of which in the next place . i begin with the physicians skill in the tongues and in philosophy , what * hoglandus writes concerning the necessity of knowing the tongues is acknowledged by all true sons of art , saith he , non putet quis libros chymicos ca facilitate aut veritate in aliam linguam , transferri atque aliarum scientiarum libros : h. e. he will be deceived who imagins that chymical authors can be so faithfully translated as books treating of other sciences : he then who is a sufficient linguist is most capable of interpreting truly and beneficially the mystical and obscure writings of the ancients ; and in relation to philosophy as hippocrates requires a physician to be excellent in it * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , * so arnaldus and geber thinks this knowledg most necessary to accomplish a chymist , saith the first ; qui vult ad hanc scientiam pervenire & non est philosophus , fatuus est , quia haec scientia non est nisi de occultis philosophiae : h. e. he who is ambitious to attain this science without philosophy , is in plain terms a fool , because this science comprehends the secrets of philosophers : and * geber more fully , oportet artificem in scientiis philosophiae naturalis eruditum & perfectum esse , quia quod per ingenium naturale non adipiscitur , hujus defectui per doctrinam subvenitur : h. e. the artist must be compleatly skill'd in natural philosophy that his learning therein may supply all defects of his ingenuity . sagacity is no less necessary to enable a physician , upon which account the forementioned alsarius * tells us , sapientissimus senex artem longam esse jure merito dixit ut tarda & hebetia ingenia ab ea capescenda deterreret , fervida vero & vivida ad comprehendenda atque retinenda medicinae mysteria magis inflammaret : h. e. hippocrates did most wisely pronounce the medicinal art to be long and tedious , that he might discourage at their onset all those who were stupid and thick skull'd , and provoke the acutest wits to pry into the knowledg and mysteries of physick , and sagacity is as considerable in chymistry , if we credit moresinus , saith he , ut quam ingeniose possint chymici naturae secretos thesauros in usus publicos depromere : h. e. that these eagle-ey'd chymists may pierce into the secrets of nature : indeed there is nothing obvious in the spagyrick art , and therefore answerable to the depths of knowledg sought after , are the difficulties in the disquisition of them ; he who observes himself to be besieged with errors , ought to have his wits * about him , as well to secure him in his right proceedings , as to prevent a surprize by false and erroneous suggestions . to conclude , studiousness and industry do compleat a physician whose knowledg and pains encrease alike , for if minima mundi res totius vitae contemplationi sat superque est : h. e. the most inconsiderable thing in the world may imploy the whole time of a mans life to attain a perfect and unerring knowledg of it . certainly then he hath no leisure allowed him who by his diligence is engaged to understand all the affairs of the greater as well as the little world : and assiduity is requisite in chymistry , according to the advice of an excellent adept in that art , exerceat se artifex donec studendo & experimentando cum laboris instantia ad cognitionem pervenerit : h. e. the artist must continually exercise and busie himself that by his constant study and experiments he may gain knowledg . i need not spend time in running over more qualifications both of physicians and chymists , in which they also agree ; by all which it is very apparant that physicians are best capacitated to be chymists , to whom also the spagyrick art is more advantageous then to any others who spend their time and pains in it : curiosity and covetousness are the general ends propounded by all not engaged in the profession of physick , moving them to erect laboratories , that by the help of chymical experiments , they may satisfie their earnest desire either of knowledg or profit , but upon neither account can these be equally benefited thereby as physicians , not they who seek only to gratifie their curiosity , because these rather hunt after rarities in nature then what is vulgar , and then most applaud their happy discoveries when some strange and unexpected effect doth occur ; quod naturae ludus illis miraculum ; the sportings of nature delight them most : and indeed these may at pleasure , sever , mix , make and marr , behaving themselves lasciviously towards nature and her divine mysteries , and at length if these err , their deceptions are not dangerous , so long as their innocent affectation of curiosity is confined to try conclusions on vile and ignoble bodies , which are then dignified when they afford real discoveries of new truths , in subserviency to the good and welfare of mankind : but physicians are not allowed liberty to pick and choose their work , they difference not the subjects on which they operate so much by their disguised variety , as estimate them according to the true and powerful vertues they afford for the recovery of their patients ; being also obliged to more accurateness then the others , for if they mistake in dissolving the intimate closure of bodies on which they work , in stead of separating by such a preparation between what is sound and the peccant matter , they possibly may part the neer embraces of soul and body : physicians then being satisfied that their enterprizes in chymistry relating to their practice be rational in the discharge of their weighty employment , more benefit thereby then those indagators invited to be spectators only of natures curiosities . as for the alchymists , although these out of an insatiable thirst to gain wealth by the great elixir or philosophers stone , and such like tantalizations do night and day moil amongst their furnaces , yet are not they so much profited by chymistry as physicians , for these being deluded , after an endless search for the true matter , and as idle a quest for the mercury of the philosophers , that these two natures whose essence notwithstanding is one , may , being timely after copulation impregnated , bring forth an aethiopian capable of changing his complection by vertue of the milk he sucks , and a suitable education : i say , these alchymists not understanding such and many more like parabolical expressions after their fruitless expence and pains learn only the insufficiencies of their processes , and howbeit they reiterate their work to try if they can hit right , yet nothing comes on it , their skill at length amounting to little more then a treasonable adulteration of coyn , or a pitiful circumvention of novices who are invited to sow gold plentifully in hopes of a succeeding harvest , or turning desperate quacks in physick ; but on the contrary , a physician is never frustrated in his chymical essays , as one well notes , faelices medici qui materiae differentias circa quas versantur optime tenent . he knows the matter on which he works , and brings it by his endeavors to that perfection he at first designed , powerful remedies to vanquish diseases are the chiefest treasure he seeks after , the spagyrical art which he professes , not being concerned to metamorphize base mettals into gold , but sickness into health , which as far excels that red though adored earth as that the basest mettal . physicians also are best qualified to bring chymistry to perfection ; that something already hath been performed in this kind , will appear if the long and tedious processes set down by the ancients be compared with those of later date ; 't was usual with those primitive operators to spend not only months but years in preparing their medicines which they esteemed according to the labour bestowed on them , and stil'd them precious in respect of their cost , which after all was done recompenced not either their trouble or charge , and if it hapned that any patient stood in need of such medicines , he usually had warning to prepare for death before the medicine could possibly be provided to cure him ; but this inconvenience is in some measure helped by the succesful industry of neotericks , who have found out more speedy ways of preparing their chymical medicines then formerly were used , and questionless when the profession of physick in all its parts and offices is established by law , and the apish pseudochymists stopped in their career , the world will have an account that the present physicians are acquainted with variety of powerful menstruums by which they can sooner obtain the vertue of any vegetable , then by expressing its juice or decocting it , and and so proportionably open both animal and mineral bodies to answer all exigencies how sudden soever in their practise ; this i insinuate not by way of ostentation , but that ( if authority shall require ) a publick proof may be given of it . it remains now that i evidence the physicians in this kingdom to be the truest chymists , for certainly they are most able who make it best answer the ends for which it was invented , set down by sennertus ; finis chymiae internus est corpora naturalia concreta purificare , solvere & componere alterare & exaltare , & ita elaborare , ut vel partes seorsim & singulae vel omnes iterum junctae & compositae sint quam purissimae & efficacissimae , atque ad usus in vita humana peculiares , & necessarios aptissimae & commodissimae , finis externus est praecipue sanitas & corporis humani conservatio : h. e. the internal end of chymistry consists in purifying , dissolving , and compounding , altering and exalting , and so ordering all concrete bodies that both the parts distinct or conjoyned , may be more useful and efficacious to cure diseases , and the external end is sanity . i shall rather choose to prove my assertion by shewing that these physicians are skilful , faithful , and succesful chymists : in the universities and colledg in london have flourished heretofore , some physicians eminent for their knowledg and practice of chymistry , though not in those days valued according to their merits ; but this inquisitive age encouraging learned men to employ themselves in spagyrical operations can not only produce a greater number of such artists , but may boast of their accurate search into the phoenomena of nature , as well making new observations , as experimenting the truth of those doctrines they receive by tradition . did i affirm that the lawful physicians in this kingdom are as knowing in rational chymistry as any society in the world ; i should impose an hard task on him who would undertake to oppose me herein : 't is not improbable but that the dispensatory will be objected to me as a publick confutation of our physicians skill in chymistry ; i answer , that the persons ( at least many of them ) intrusted by the supreme authority to compose the london dispensatory , were excellent chymists , i could instance sir theodore de mayerne , and many others : so then , if these who ( as will be easily acknowledged ) knew more in this art both as operators and practisers ) then our pseudochymists , thought fit to insert no more chymical preparations , certainly then we may conceive that they supposed their dispensatory as useful and compleat without , as with them ; however i must inform these pretenders to chymistry , that no publick dispensatory is so well stock'd with spagyrical preparations as this against which such clamors are raised as if it was insufficient to furnish any prevalent remedies : it is clear , that the colledg were not enemies to the spagyrical art , when they appeared for it before any academy or society of physicians in europe , and owned it in their pharmacopaeia as far then as safely they might , for their dispensatory was chiefly intended as a direction to the apothecaries , who though at that time very capable of dispencing vulgar medicines for ordinary use , yet were they not sufficient operators to prepare the noblest and most difficult remedies , wherefore the colledg most prudently attempted by more obvious operations at first to initiate them in chymistry , reserving to themselves the provision of what other medicines they should need in their practice , and those worthy collegiates were so forward to promote this art , that some physicians have rather blamed them for committing such remedies to the care and use too ( as it since falls out ) of every apothecary , the mistakes in both too often ruining patients , and discrediting physicians ; wherefore it seems more adviseable that they who use spagyrical medicines would not confide in common operators who may disappoint their hopes and expectations , but see to their preparations , whereby they may satisfie themselves and all that employ them , and when physicians take this business into their own hands , they can be fully secured that their remedies are no less faithfully then artificially prepared : the trust and confidence reposed in physicians being as considerable as life , calls upon them to express singular readiness and integrity to discharge their whole office which consists not only in prescribing apt medicaments , but a due regard that they be well dispensed according to direction ; when so many contingencies ( especially in such almost unimitable operations ) may intervene to spoil their vertues , and deceive the confidence reposed in them : the faithful physician , i say , ( unless he is extraordinarily perswaded of his honesty and ability , whom he imploys ) will not be guilty of doing his work by halves ; and being experimentally convinced that many who undertake to be operators , are either defective or fallacious , will not lie at stake for anothers miscarriages which he so easily may prevent by preparing what chymical preparations his patients take : but if we compare the physicians practice of chymistry with the pretences of our pseudochymists , according to the old axiom , contraria juxta se posita magis elucescunt , the ignorance of the latter will serve as a foil to set out the eminency of the former : chymistry it seems hath not escaped the common fate of other sciences , and , although by it other things are brought to the test , yet very many illiterate persons , not fearing the subtle exploration of the fire , dare call themselves filios artis hermeticae , hermetick philosophers , and because they erect furnaces , spend charcoal , and break glasses , do fancy and would perswade the world , that they are prime spagyrists , these observe that physicians in some cases do succesfully administer chymical preparations , and hence they take liberty by strange artifices to commend their absurdities to the people , inventing quintessential lyes to carry on their horrid designs , as if they could delude the world by their zeal for the good cause of chymistry , on the behalf of which they express a ready submission to undergo all manner of persecution , and even martyrdom it self , they mean ( i suppose ) by their own furnaces : what ever is produced to justifie or advance the usefulness of chymistry ; these pseudochymists strive to interest themselves in it , as if they were the only qualified persons to renovate the science of physick , and intrust physicians in their profession : because our pseudochymists have dared to sollicite his maiesty to incorporate them , fondly conceiting that they could have deluded authority with the same arguments wherewith they daily cheat their patients : i shall more particularly examine their abilites , answer their pleas , and present the ill consequence to the faculty of physick , and the whole nation if they should obtain a patent or lawful settlement : i shall consider these pseudo-chymists either as university-men or mechanicks , the abilities of the first seem questionable , because they shun tryal , whereby ( if they be found worthy ) they may not only obtain a license to practise physick , but an opportunity of improvement wil be offered them by the friendly assistance of the whole society : and when these procaim most impudently their unjust censures of the learnedst colledg of physicians in the world , i cannot but assent to the comaedians character of insufficiency ; homine imperito nunquam quicquam injustius , qui nisi quod ipse fecerit , nil rectum putat . no person is so censorious as he who is ignorant , thinking nothing well but what he does himself . their association also with illiterate men , shews what may be expected from them , according to our proverb , birds of a feather will flock together : the truth is , these have so mixed with the mass of quacksalvers , that i cannot know one from another , whereupon i am apt to believe that these dealt chymically with the universities when they took degrees , and deluded them with false assurances of their highly volatiliz'd abilities , soon evaporating and taking flight into the land of forgetfulness , where i leave these , and return to the pseudochymists who were educated in several trades suitable to their ingenuity ; can we imagine that he who leaps out of a shop into a laboratory , is fit to mend both philosophy and medicine ? indeed the chymists who are shoomakers may be kind to the peripateticks , and prevent their being gravel'd , and the taylors may patch a mystical garment together taking pity of truths nakedness : but to be serious , what paracelsus said of their predecessors , i may affirm of these ; dolendum graviter tantam artem a tam inscitis , levibusque hominibus tractari , & eo corruptelae agi ut ne ipsi quidem veritati deinceps fides addicatur : h. e. 't is pity that such an excellent art should be practised by such ignorant and unworthy persons , upon whose account truth it self can scarcely be credited . i cannot guess by what means these unlearned pseudochymists should acquire that knowledg they pretend to ? these din in our ears the purity and efficacy of their preparations , but gross conceptions of the phaenomena of nature and medicinal truths , are of worse consequence in the practice of physick then feculencies and excrementitious parts to hinder the full energy of any medicine in the cure of diseases ; should i undertake to discourse of the abilities of these chymists , i should imitate him who attempted to treat de nihilo , for my part i cannot allow them capable of being spagyrical apothecaries , because he ought to be both well read & exercised too in chymistry , who is a good operator & prepares fit medicaments for the physician , a good author alledges , qui in legendis libris deses extiterit , in praeparandis rebus promptus esse non poterit , liber namque librum aperit , & sermo sermonem explicat , quia quod in uno est diminutum , in alio est completum non enim in practica bene assuescere potest , cujus mens in theorica renuit desudare , quoniam procedit ad practicam non secus ac asinus ad coenam ignorans quomodo & ad quid porrigat rostrum & os : h. e. he who is not well vers'd in books cannot be an expert operator , one book comments on another , and one saying interprets anothers obscurity , so that the mysteriousness and abruptness of one is illustrated and compleated by the perspicacity and fulness of another , neither can he excel in the practical part , who hath not by indefatigable industry and pains acquainted himself with the theory , for otherwise he comes to practise , as the ass to his supper , not knowing what choice to make of the things set before him : let me note that by books , arnoldus did not intend shop-books , as if any one skil'd in them , might thereby be enabled to operate in chymistry : if then these pseudochymists are not fit to be allowed the preparations of spagyrical medicines , what qualifications have they to practice physick , the artificial collying of their hands every morning will no longer serve their turn to shadow their ignorance , for experience shews that they are rather nigro carbone notandi ; to be known from black sheep , methinks the blackness of their hands seems a proper emblem or hieroglyphick of death to all who unhappily come under them : let a jew inform us christians concerning these pseudochymists , saith he , multum de arte pollicentur qui eam vix a limine salutarunt unquam , quid mehercle magna remedia aurumque potabile in votis habere , & minimis morbis ne tantillum opis adferre , artis magistros convellere , & inscitiae & supinae ignorantiae incusare , nonne est audax & temerarium facinus ? quorum in pollicitationibus nulla veritas , non modo calumniatores verum insignes mendaces & garruli impostores apud probos merito censebuntur : h. e. these promise much in an art in which they are scarcely initiated , but what do they tell us of noble remedies and potable gold , who cannot rationally cure the most inconsiderable disease ? are not they very impudent and unadvised , who dare boldly censure the ablest professors , accusing either their ignorance or laziness ? there is no truth in their promises , wherefore all good men will account them slanderers , notorious lyars , and pratling impostors ; although the just repulse which these pseudochymists lately suffered when they petitioned for a charter , hath as effectually answered all their arguments as wisdom and prudence can determine for the welfare of the publick , yet because they cease not to make continual addresses both in print and discourse to the people , seeking to elude authority , and to perswade the nation that the design set a foot by them will yet be countenanced ; i shall examine the strength of their arguments which are grounded on the uselesness and imperfection of vulgar methods and medicaments in the curation of diseases , the most certain improvement of physick in all its parts by chymistry , and that there is not any expedient so proper to renovate the art of physick , and to rescue mankind from the tyranny of diseases , as that a society of chymical physicians be founded , who will be obliged to spend their time and pains in promoting this most necessary work altogether unregarded and slighted by the scholasticks or academical physicians : in the next chapter i shall endeavour to shew how far the old methods and medicaments are useful and sufficient , and what rational physicians may expect from them , as also the ignorance of these pseudochymists who undertake to censure them ; as for their commendation of chymistry , the true physicians think them as much unable to express its worth and excellency , as to practice it with credit ; if these pseudochymists by any means can mis-represent the lawful professors of physick to the world , describing them to be mean and dangerous practitioners , they imagine that the common voice will be for them and their preparations , but the colledg did no less heretofore take care to * prevent such injuries , then are still vigilant to secure themselves from their assaults . when these plead a necessity that a corporation of chymical physicians should be instituted , because no particular society takes care to advance the spagyrical art , i must plainly tell them , that their information is notoriously false ; for all academical physicians , especially collegiates ( as said before ) have ever accounted chymistry part of their profession , and if this should be taken from them and committed to the management of others , by the same rule more pretenders may request the like priviledges of exercising distinctly all those offices which joyntly appertain to the accomplishment of a physician , and then one corporation might undertake to feel patients pulses , another to view the water , and a third visit the sick , no more entrenching on the physicians proper business , then these in their presumption to claim the sole use and authority of chymical preparations : but it seems these pseudochymists conceit that their challenge , or appeal to the magistracy is an unanswerable argument , imitating herein their vain-glorious leader , van helmont , to whom his contemporary henricus ab heer affords no better a character then to call him , * semi-virumque asinum , semi-asinumque virum , quo arcadia non peperit asiniorem ; * and in another place rails against his preparation of euphorbium , nay , 't is well known that when he was in england ( where he learned most of his notions ) he generally failed in his cures : but yet his disciples like those of jacob bhemen will presume to understand more then the author , and admire what is not intelligible : the reasons which prevailed with the learned physicians in that age , not to answer him in his folly , hinder us from such unworthy encounters , since that by other ways the impostures of these pseudochymists may be discovered then by tolerating their desperate practice to experiment their unskilfulness ; their strange promises of curing certainly sixteen patiens in twenty laboring of feavers , are intelligible evidences of their deceitful proceedings , seeking only to gain employment by such presumptuous engagements ; if not by chance , but according to a sober expectation two or three more die then they allot , nay , all the twenty , as these cannot make satisfaction for one life , much less for so many , so will not they abate their confidence which stands them in such stead , recommending them to the credulous multitude . furthermore , that no manner of crafty insinuation may be omitted , no stone left unturn'd , these pseudochymists print lists of their pretended cures ; it is not worth any ones pains to examine the truth of them , their expressions and language do sufficiently discover how little they understood the diseases which they treat of , and did not they conceal their preparations , there is no doubt but that the meanest capacity might censure their worthlesness or danger . i having accidentally met with some of their performances , content my self to judg of the rest thereby ; one of this select society of pseudochymists found a patient entred on a course of salivation , to whom ( it seems ) by a chyrurgeon without acquainting either the patient or his friend , an apposite mercurial medicine had been given ; this simple quack looking into the patients mouth and taking notice that his gums were very much tumified , forthwith pronounced that the disease was the scurvy , which was arrived at the height ; and in order to the cure he sends an antimonial medicine which ( not without much hazard ) both vomiting and purging the patient , inhibited the flux by a speedy evacuation & revulsion of the serous humor whereby it was maintained , and this is reckon'd a wonderful cure : another being called to see a large tumour , which by able physicians and chyrurgeons was known to be an aneurisme , and accordingly dealt with by them , most readily undertakes the patient , and promises present help ; then he falls to work , and foments the parts affected with hot chymical spirits and oyls , till the tumour blushed at his ignorance : another when his patient complained that his cough hindred him from sleep , gave a narcotick ; but alas ! expectoration being thereby suppress'd , the patient was suffocated and slept quietly . these few examples may suffice to warn others that they intrust not their lives in the hands of such unskilful practitioners who are altogether ignorant of the causes and symptoms of diseases , right methods of curation , and proper remedies . the ill consequences are so many which would be manifest , if such a charter should be granted , that they cannot be easily reckoned up , for not only physicians would be debarred the exercise of a considerable part ( as hath been shewed already ) of their profession , or two distinct charters grant the same priviledges ; but the apothecaries company will be prejudiced , who are authorized to provide as well chymical as other preparations , and can more skilfully execute both , then these pretended operators , some of them having spent only three or four weeks with mr. johnson operator to the colledg ; others professing chymistry by the assistance of a small crucible or a bal. mariae , and not a few being such titularly , knowing as little in the spagyrical art as in other qualifications necessary to the practice of physick : it was a laudable custom ( expressing the honorable esteem heretofore had of the profession of medicine ) that spurius ad medicinam non erat admittendus ; no bastard might be a physician : if this deserved observation , then certainly no spurious brood of pseudochymists ought to be admitted to practice being neither legitimate physicians or apothecaries : but the universities will mostly suffer if such a corporation should be established , for who will spend their time and pains in those places , when a society calling themselves chymists shall not only scorn and vilifie their book-learning , but be impowred to take in an allotted number of members as they shall think fit , by which means in a few years the most excellent science of medicine will necessarily fall into the hands of ignorant and illiterate practisers ; and as the university will then be deprived of one faculty , so the people ere long would be sensible of their loss , when they must rely on such assistants as gun-smiths , heel-makers , taylors , and the rest , &c. he who pretends not to the spirit of prophecy may foresee what will be the event , for these already slight anatomy , which all true physicians account a most useful and necessary introduction to the knowledg of medicine informing them concerning the admirable fabrick of mans body , its structure , confo●mation and consent of parts , the various liquors and juyces contained in several vessels , their changes and alterations , as also the causes and symptomes of diseases , and the right use and application of medicaments : we as much approve the anatomy of bodies by pyrotechny as they , but judg him an incompleat practitioner who knows not what or where the defect is in the noble engine of mans body , and what remedies whether chymical or others are most convenient to rectifie what is amiss ; and therefore true physicians take especial care to conform their medicaments to this exquisite machine , and when they observe as bausnerus elegantly expresses , in corpore humano nihil sine lege , nihil sine ordine , nihil sine pondere , mensura & numero , nihil deficit , nihil redundat , nihil otiosum aut superfluum omnia summe utilia , semperque operantia : h. e. there is nothing in mans body without law , order , and concord , nothing without proportion , measure and number , there is no defect nor redundancy , nothing idle and unnecessary , but all parts are primarily useful and continually operative : so in like manner , nothing ought to be prepared for , and given to the body without rule and method , without a due correspondency with it , no imperfect or empyreumatical preparation , nothing must be ineffectual or superfluous , but all act vigorously and effectually to set to rights all disord●rs in the body : but these pseudochymists rightly apprehending their deficiency in anatomy to conceal their ignorance , disallow it , at least judg it not of such importance as physicians commonly affirm in the curation of diseasees . also phlebotomy and purgation are by them condemned , the first stiled impious , and the other reputed destructive ; i am sure that botallus was of another mind in relation to phlebotomy , saith he , nos non opinamur , sed cognoscimus & certo scimus in missione sanguinis plus esse opis ad curandā maxmā morbo●ū partem ( si rite usurpetur ) quam in quoquam alio artis auxilio , immo dicere ausim quam in caeteris aliis omnibus simul junctis ; non propterea nos caetera praesidia à medicina excludenda esse censemus , sed omnia suo tempore & modo usurpanda : h. e. i do not guess , but experimentally know that letting of blood ( if regularly ordered ) is more efficacious in the cure of most diseases then any other direction ; nay , i may add then all other remedies put together , and yet i exclude not the use of other helps , which in their season may be beneficial ; because in the next chapter i shall particularly discuss these opinions about phlebotomy and purgation , i shall at present dismiss them . if these pseudochymists shall still prosecute their design and yet dream that a patent may be obtained , i doubt not but that the colledg ( when they shall be called to deliver in their objections against the settlement of such a society ) will offer such weighty reasons , that the expectation of these pretenders will be frustrated . this i thought fit to insert least any one should imagine that my arguments do conclude the colledg , what is observed by me may possibly inform the people concerning the most dangerous project of these pseudochymists ; if i have discharged the duty of a faithful scout in descrying the common enemies of mankind , i return into my rank again , being not engaged to oppose my self to their body drawn up in battalia , my work is done if the intelligence i bring of our adversaries approach alarums every one to arm himself against their publick and private assaults . chap. vi. of the ancient and galenical way of medicine . before i enter upon the examination of the doctrines delivered by the ancients , 't is fit that i remove some stumbling blocks laid by the pseudochymists in our way to imprint a prejudice against the truth and authority of their writings ; the first accusation laid to their charge , that they were pagans , implying that christians hereupon ought not to credit their books ; because all the learning transmitted from them to us , either stands or falls according to the validity or weakness of this censure , i shall spend a little time in discussing it , 't will not be expected that i defend the opinions of these philosophers and physicians relating to religion , the soul and other knowledg distinguishing us as christians from them , but the task i undertake is to evince that hippocrates , galen , and the rest ( though heathens ) were capable of understanding the appearances of nature , and might discover useful truths for the benefit of their posterity ; i am not ignorant that many have taken great pains to prove that most of these both philosophers and physicians saw the books of moses , and many arguments are brought to declare their devotion and piety ; i shall not dispute the reasons urged by these advocates of the ancients , but rather grant that they were heathens : well then , since that the knowledg of which we discourse is acquirable by sense and reason , i scruple not to assert that the heathens might attain it as well as christians , for their sense was sufficient , if not more exquisite then their degenerated posteritie's , and they possess'd rational souls which could readily improve all the communications of their sense ; nay , who doubts but that god endowed these heathens with extraordinary gifts and abilities for the good and welfare of mankind , that their successors might more profitably contemplate the universe with all its admirable furniture ; when the little ant is constituted our tutor , and almost every creature by divine appointment instructs us in natural mysteries , much more may be expected from rational pagans , who diligently observing the causes of things , and their true effects , the several alterations of bodies , and what possibly could fall under their cognizance , might invent and publish those humane sciences we still enjoy ; the most elaborate works of these authors do abundantly express their indefatigable pains , which in spight of opposition to this day continue accurate comments on the book of nature ; considering then that these pagans lay under no impregnable difficulties hindring the success and issue of their studies , what could intervene to frustrate their publike undertakings , or render their industry vain and fruitless ? but i would not be mistaken as if i thought these infallible in their discoveries , if the moon , nay , the sun is spotted , well may these have their imperfections ; yet errorem in homine calumniari , est toti ipsi mortalitati convicium facere : h. e. the exprobation of error in any one is no less then an accusation of all mankind ; but why heathens ? this appellation having neither relation to their mistakes , nor true opinions in natural knowledg : indeed when these ancient philosophers and physicians soared so high in their thoughts , and contended to pierce into the magnalia dei , such profound secrets might disappoint their scrutiny and search , and it is apparent that they never err'd so grosly as in their attempts to discover such close concealments : if these did not make use of the knowledg bestowed on them as they ought , and from second causes ascended not up in their contemplation to an owning and adoration of the first , being unacquainted with the deep mysteries of religion , we ought not to condemn them who have not made the difference between them and us , but gratefully receive their endeavors and carefully avoid any unjust reproaches of those who spent themselves to be promoters of their successors in knowledg , at least pointed out directly the way to us in our disquisition of natural truths . another objection is brought in against the ancients , as if they exercised tyranny over their successors , cramping their industry and strictly confining them to their dictates , the aggravation of this pretended crime stuffs most of the late writers books ; but i must answer , that most of our innovators may be well suspected to condem what they either never read or understood , for hippocrates enjoyns us to make truth the standard of all the notions we entertain ; galen also and the rest are so far from this kind of usurpation , that they not only by example , but by particular direction exhort their readers to examine well all traditions before they give their assent to them : but suppose that the ancients had been so severe as to seek the inslavement of their posterity , yet what restraint could they lay on any physician to conform to their precepts ? if any person who is at liberty will subject himself voluntarily to the government of another , he makes his own condition servile , and the brand of pedantism may possibly reach these who of their own accord swear allegiance to their masters , choosing rather to err with them , then to think right with the neotericks : but i cannot be informed what effectual obligation the ancients can lay on them who follow reason only and are sons of truth , indeed antiquity commands a just veneration when it still triumphs in its mature and aged conclusions only capable of successive confirmations ; but whensoever true physicians cannot be fully satisfied that some old doctrines are true , they as freely and chearfully leave them , as any traveller that path ( though pleasant and easie ) which may misguide him in his journey ; however when these recede from the positions of the ancients , after due reading , and well pondering the arguments on both sides , they adhere to that which affords clear manifestations of its certainty , contrary to the practice of our innovators who are zealous to demolish the ancient structure of medicinal truths under the pretence of a reformation , before they have taken an exact survey of its faults , or laid a new and more rational platform , acting thus not for want of ignorance ; the palace must be turned into cottages suitable to such inhabitants ; the works of these incomparable physicians because they surpass their capacity , deserve their severest censure , and envy prompts them on to poyson these fountains that the reputation at least of all may be destroyed who come thither in order to the satisfaction of their thirst after knowledg ; but true physicians take another course and first inform themselves what progress the ancients have made in their medicinal discoveries , and then note their defects which they supply with new choice observations , and since that by reason of the restless endeavors of physicians in their continuall search after the hidden treasures of nature , no science hath been so considerably advanced as medicine , they candidly and gratefully receive the new doctrines , and expunge the old , but do not imitate him who foolishly commanded that his house should be pulled down because the rain pashed in through three or four faults in the covering or roof , so these do not think fit to cast off the whole science of physick which they received from the ancients for no other reason then because some defects are detected therein : physicians also are not so unworthy as to calumniate the ancients , being ascertain'd that they did not write with design to deceive and abuse their readers or disciples : to conclude these are so prudent as neither to dote on old errors or admire new phrensical hypotheses . did i not avoid prolixity , as also suppose that all sober men are satisfied that the lawful physicians in this kingdom have sufficiently asserted their liberty by forsaking the ancients when they forsook truth , i should here produce all those new opinions which are received as irrefragable conclusions though not consonant to the dictates of hippocrates or galen : that physicians do still savor the old , i mean , the galenical way of medicine no other account can be given , then that it is most agreeable to their reason and experience , and transmitted to them from such skilful practitioners that deserve more to be credited then their antagonists who profess medicine without any rational method , slighting those rules of art which they can't observe by reason of ignorance . i should exceed the intended bounds of this discourse , did i undertake to run over the body of galenical physick , and subject each part distinctly to examination ; it may suffice therefore that i trace our pseudochymists in their opposition of those tenents which seem to them most questionable , relating either to the theory or practice : 't is well known that every scribler thinks himself highly concerned to bawl against the three aristotelian principles ; matter , form , and privation , the four elements ; fire , air , water , and earth ; the four first qualities , hot , moist , cold , and dry ; the four humors , choler , blood , phlegm , and melancholy ; the temperaments and other opinions of galen , and his followers , not unlike these : but when physicians do rightly understand that these terms of art are the products of fancy , and by no means the fundamentals of medicine ( as i hinted before ) these spend their time in beating the air and fighting with shadows which elude their strokes , when other more apposite terms are found out not alike fantastical , we shall soon exchange the old for new : because physicians are obliged in the universities to read aristotle , hippocrates , and galen ; must they needs approve all their notions ? did these apprehend that the mind doth change as much or more then the body , and as this alters by new accessions of aliment , so the other is progressive in its conceptions by further illumination and discoveries , * they would not so peremptorily conclude the physicians knowledg by the books which they are engaged to turn over : if the ancients have not been happy in their expressions , so that their writings are dark and uncertain , yet ought we to esteem them for their noble attempts to reason out and discover the first inclinations of nature ; should i insist longer on these notions , or plead for the necessity of retaining them both in our philosophy and medicine , or repeat the arguments against them , i might deserve as sharp a censure as he who was solicitous to determine whether a crow or goose-quill might be most serviceable in writing . because these terms are by so many accounted prejudicial to right conceptions of natures operations , and thought worthy of no better an appellation then figments ; i shall enquire whether the case is much altered by a substitution of other notions more agreeable ( as our innovators would perswade the world ) to the phaenomena of nature ; and in the first place the term specifick occurs , and although most late writers endeavor to reduce the whole of pharmacy to this notion , yet none have been so kind as to interpret what was intended by it , if they explain themselves by the internal and seminal vertues , that is ignotum per ignotius : i shall guess at what they mean , and i suppose that hereby they would express a peculiar vertue flowing from the essence of any simple , whereby in operation and effect it is distinguished from another , as it is approp●iated to the cure of a particular disease . well then , every simple according to this doctrine is specifical , or else this pretended universal notion comprehends not the true vertues of all simples , but if every simple is distinctly in respect of use specifical , then it necessarily follows that there are as many diseases as specificks , otherwise this defect of a correlate would contradict their chief intent of being specificks ; but let the world judg what an absurd fancy it is to conceive that there are so many different diseases to which mankind is subject , as there are distinct vegetables , animals , and minerals whose vertues are different , as if the great creator did equally furnish the universe with diseases as with simples , and notwithstanding the patrons of the term have not unriddled its obscurity , nor declared the soveraignty of ares , yet do they most confidently assert that diseases may chiefly be cured by their irresistable power , and least physicians should not know where to look for such excellent helps , by good advice they are sent unto illiterate practisers , and common rude empericks , in whose hands ( it seems ) such specificks may be found , because these being altogether ignorant of methods , do wholly rely on them , by frequent experimentings attaining knowledg of their proprieties . but as it is evident that no specifick can be produced which will certainly cure that disease to which it is appropriated , and that if such remedies help three or four , yet failing in the fifth , * the miscarriage is chargeable on their insufficiency , and not on any mistake in application , because the same person might as probably by mistake cure the first , as fail in the last ; so there is no specifick but what may be easily reduced to some common intention as much answering that in divers diseases as the same . the doctrine also of fermentation is as intricate and mysterious as some opinions of the galenists which are laid aside , and thought useless in the explanation of the appearances of nature : i confess that the learned treatise of doctor willis hath fully satisfied very many scruples , and yet they who have made the greatest progress in the discovery hereof , are conscious that they understand little in respect of what is unknown about this doctrine ; before i pass from this subject it may be expected that i take notice of the three notable ferments mentioned by the author of medela medicinae ; if i was appointed to determine , i could not readily judg whether mr. m. n. through ignorance doth more abuse this term then the galenical notions condemned by him , for because the famous doctor willis tell us , that atomical effluviums may act instar fermenti , analogously to ferment : this author disputes not to call them ferments , and because hippocrates acquaints us that there are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , morbid expirations which may pass from one body to another , and in other authors he reads that not only the pox , but the scurvy are contagious diseases , and that there have happened peculiar putrefactions of the air producing worms ; hence he wisely infers , that no body is secure from the most subtle insinuations of those active particles as powerfully penetrating another body at distance as by an immediate contact : should i critically set down this authors errors in these assertions , the reader would be tired with their absurdity ; for in the whole i observe he misapplies the design and intent of those learned authors he cites : but that which i chiefly intend is to distinguish between those who are infected with the mentioned ferments , and the rest who are free . i shall in few words state the business , we deny not that the pox and scurvy may be contagious diseases , but a learned author affirms , non omnem luem esse contagiosam , & plerunque minus contagiosā , esse vetustam & confirmatam , quam recentem & mediam & lues quae ex tophis tantum seipsam prodit non est contagiosa , and the same author gives us two or three histories to confirm his opinion , i shall not transcribe them least any should be encouraged to that vice from which they are deterred by the severity of this punishment , and however mr. m. n. hath put a plausible excuse into their mouths who have deserved the pox , teaching them to plead that some infectious air passed only through their pores insensibly which hath so wonderfully wrought upon them by its power that no part is free from pain and torments ; yet as his phantastical ferments reach not those who avoid impure contacts , so all sinners can experimentally difference the time of their health , and sickness when they meet with persons who communicate that horrid disease to them . mr. m. n. should have set down the conditions necessary to contagion , as that there be such little particles continually transmitted from unsound bodies , a fit mediū or vehicle to receive and carry them to their journeys end , a disposition in the other body to receive them , and a due stay there ; for if any of these necessary conditions are wanting , contagious diseases cannot be propagated mediately or at distance . . 't is granted that to this kind of infection a sufficient emission of minute substances or corpuscles tinctured with the infection must invade another body ; it is possible that in the french disease , as also the scurvy some venemous effluxes may happen , but by no means such as m. n. fancies rendring these diseases as contagious as the pestilence , because the putrefaction in these being imperfect in respect of that , cannot communicate a venom which it was not capable of producing : what kind of taint arises from the pox and the scurvy , and how forcible it is to transmute a distant body , is a business above the reach of m. n. and not my task at present to inform him , i shall only object against his vast collection , that experience confutes his romance of the most powerful effluxes of such venereous and scorbutick ferments , it being most apparent that they who eat , drink , and familiarly converse with , nay , dress the ulcers and sores of both pocky and scorbutical patients are not infected ; to say no more , if these diseases are generally so contagious as without any corporeal commerce to infect , how comes it to pass that some parts in that body from which these exhalations expire are more free then others . . to contagion a fit medium or vehicle is required , authors do very well distinguish inter fomitem perflatum & non perflatum , between contagions which may by the air be diminished , dissipated , and extinguished , and others wherein notwithstanding the several alterations of the air , infectious particles preserve their malignity till they fix in some apt seat or place of abode , and such as pass from body to body directly by reason of ( as it were ) the stagnation of the air ; had m. n. affirmed that no change in the medium could prevent the power of his three ferments from possessing distant bodies , i would have answered him in the words of an author not inferior to him for abilities , si medium tantum aut calescat aut refrigeretur , siccetur aut humectetur aut aliam quamlibet qualitatem nudam suscipiat , alterabitur similiter corpus proximum & non proinde suscipiet morbum corporis longe positi : h. e. if the medium only is hot or cold , dry or moist , or is otherwise qualified then it was , the adjacent body is equally changed , and hereupon not subject to contagion ; and i hope he will not adventure to say , the air may be so quiet between two remote bodies that rays may as indisturbedly pass from one to the other , as between the needle and loadstone , since that the motion or agitation of the air will hinder their operations , which being natural are within their sphere more potent then such preternatural ferments he mentions . . there must be a disposition in the body to receive their impression , whereby i do not only mean passages open to let them in , although to atomical penetration such figures are requisite which fit the pores or passages admitting them , but a similitude in respect of impurity in the body to be infected , i now speak of mediate contact for that which is immediate being more prevalent and discharging more venomous or infectious particles needs a less fomes or preparation of matter disposing to receive such a tincture ; whereas by how much more the bodies are distant from each other , which communicate and receive such contagious diseases , answerable to the intermediate space must be the apparatus morbificus , or fomes to entertain the malignity ; if then all bodies do not abound with humors which tend to such putrefactions , 't is vain to imagine that the pretended ferments do prevail upon those which are free from such impurities , as on others , which being loaded with them , do most easily suffer by such venomous effluxes ; i might here question whether a common or peculiar putrefaction of congested and mixed feculencies , or of some particular juice or humor did more especially if not altogether dispose to the entertainment of the pocky and scorbutick ferments , but such speculations would take me off the business at present designed in this chapter . . the contagious effluxes must have a due stay in the body they infect , but if mans body in a state of health is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in all parts transpirable , or a thorow-fare , these contagious corpuscles may be as soon passed out as let in , and by this means do no execution on other bodies where they lodg not , but if these vapors ( as some conceive ) are viscous , which cannot well be granted , seeing that they so easily separate from their mine , or rather if they meet with any glutinous humor they immediately are intangled , and may infect that body in which they are long detained . if then so many impediments may prevent these most dreadfull effluxes from affecting ( to use the expression of m. n. ) all the families of mankind , which are not infected by immediate contact , but most by these fine and subtle corpuscles darting into grosser bodies , which there settle somewhat of their nature , tincture , or leaven , disposing them by degrees to be unsound ; as also if experience otherwise informs us , with what confidence can this author broach such opinions ? and with his corrupted ink infect more families then the severest contagion that ever hapned to mankind ? but he explains his meaning , and as he takes good care never to want patients who can so easily perswade the whole world that they are diseased , so is he also very kind to provide remedies , for he writes , that he hath on purpose invented fit remedies , the nature of which is to fight against humors both great and small , in old or young , which have been any way touched with such tinctures either through their own default or by figillation of those seminal principles which contribute towards the being of mankind in the act of generation , &c. and this is the natural result of his design : i cannot divine what the medicines are which he hath invented , but i am confident no slight , and at the long run pernicious preparation of antimony and mercury will perform what he promises . but 't is probable that such pretences both of inventing diseases and new remedies may not seduce the world into a credit of either : if any be of such an easie perswasion as to intrust themselves , and neither of the hazardous preparations by vomiting and purging violently can effect a cure , they may be dispatch'd into the country air with a soveraign and rare chymical cordial made by the infusion of three or four dates in a pint of malago : what this authour writes concerning worms is no news to physicians , because they are fully acquainted with the several products of corrupted matter , and in relation to the cure of diseases , take especial care as to prevent any stagnation and putrefaction of humors so to expel all verminous matter , and worms if any whether in acute and malignant , or chronical diseases are bred in the body . i might produce some other opinions besides these of specificks and fermentation , which not being sufficiently explained and demonstrated continue as liable to exception as some galenick notions very much disliked by those who affect novel errors rather then old truths ; but i shall come to that which is of greater concernment , and endeavor to defend the practice of phlebotomy and purgation , which are accounted by the two champions of the pseudochymists , the supporters of the galenick physick , m. n. page . writes that there is seldom any tolerable cause for bleeding in our climate : afterwards in the head of his pretended arguments , p. . he pleads only that we ought to be very wary thereof , as if physicians were not of the same judgment being most circumspect in their direction of phlebotomy ; but if m. n. had been as diligent to understand their books as to cavil at shadows , he would never have mistaken cautions and contraindicants set down frequently in their writings , as reasons to abolish its true use : what is alledged concerning our climate proves nothing , and might pass without observation , if the vanity of such triflers did not beget a dotage in the people to imagine that cause to be just which with verbosity is pleaded . his first objection is , because the scurvy is predominant in most of our diseases , and consequently a crude acid serum in the mass of blood , p. , i answer , that neither of his suppositions are apparent in practice , for we see often in most acute diseases , crises , digestions and separations orderly made by nature truly govern'd , nor if they were would they hinder the use of bleeding when its indication happens ; he had done well to explain himself what he means by the words scurvy and scorbutical tincture frequently mentioned , for i do not remember in all his book one sensible sign or symptom set down to discern them by , and am apt to believe that his young studies are not yet acquainted with such speculations ; to say they are signified , when there is in the blood a crude or an acid serum ( which are all one with him ) implies that the blood must be first seen and tasted before that disease can be discovered ; wherefore i may well suppose that he undertaking practice before he understood physick and meeting with difficulties and diseases , not yielding to his opinionated receipts , fathered his failings on this universal disease , thinking to excuse his ignorance of particulars thereby . . 't is urg'd that the spirituous part of the blood being but little and less in our northern bodies then those of other climates , it must needs be a pernicious course to make it less , p. . i very much wonder by what staticks he measured the proportion to make our spirits fewer then others : we have larger , stronger , and more active bodies , why not then as many spirits ? 't is not good to be fond of an unreasonable opinion , and then dream absurdities to make it plausible , i know not what reason this author hath at this juncture of time to dispirit his native countrey . but the main drift and argument against phlebotomy is , that the letting out the spiritous part of the blood with the rest is a pernicious course , which g. t. urges likewise with a subtle distinction of sanguis and cruor never to be found in any living mans veins , as if hereby many vital spirits were lost , good blood and bad put out together , and the remainder left more liable unto diseases . but what is all this ? by the same arguments they might disswade procreation , suckling of infants , least some vital spirits should be spent , whereas nature is not so penurious of her store , but still furnishes the whole body plentifully to execute all necessary offices whereby life is prolonged , and diseases conquered , and after bleeding like a lamp freed from its choaking snuff shines forth brighter : the want of strength is reckoned amongst the ancients as a contra-indication of phlebotomy , but the loss of a few vital spirits were never accounted a sufficient barr to the practice of physicians who respect the inestimable benefit accruing to their patients by it , though perhaps it may not be approved by empericks and nurses from whom these gather their knowledg and instruction ; and i think that their dislike of phlebotomy because they discern not when it is proper and useful is very commendable , and if they would likewise refrain from other ways of curing diseases upon the same account which are as dangerous , if mistaken , they would free themselves from much guilt not of shedding mens blood , but of keeping it in their veins to their ruine and destruction , and of giving vomits and other medicines unseasonably whereby not a few miscarry . in his other objections are recounted some cases besides the true intention of phlebotomy , when the blood is depauperated who opens a vein ? his conjecture or supposition that our blood in this climate is more inclinable to coagulation proves nothing , neither hath he shewed that sanguification succeeds not well after phlebotomy judiciously directed , every physicians observation overthrows such imaginary prejudices by bleeding ; 't is well known , that some aged persons have for the space of thirty or forty years opened a vein spring and fall , if not oftner , losing seven or eight ounces each time , by which evacuation chiefly they avoided the great inconveniences which otherwise they might justly fear much threatned their lives . i might likewise instance the female sex whose blood is not so spirituous as mens , and yet these suffer not by their customary tribute to nature , but very much when this sanguinary expiation doth not succeed : the physicians by this author termed galenists are so rational , as that they respect strictly the indications of phlebotomy , and if these signifie a necessity of bleeding they stick not to order it even in the small pox , malignant feavers , nay , in the plague it self , as knowing what service the patient will reap by it , and the danger of such a considerable omission : but i am apt to believe that this author and his brethren not understanding the indications of bleeding , may by some miscarriages be deterred from using it ; for my part i think that he deserves a severe censure who lays open the secrets of medicine to such bold practitioners ; had this author been vers'd in the writings of the ablest spagyricks he might have taken notice that some of them being germans commended bleeding in most diseases to their countreymen whose bodies ( as he suggests ) are most like ours in this kingdom ; but perhaps he will answer , that these wanted such arcanums which he and his associates pretend to , as might prevent bleeding : i shall be so charitable as to suppose that he was not ignorant of the practice of these chymists , but rather that he willingly passed them by , least their authority should justifie the galenists in this point . to summ up all , although this author adventures to judg of the state of our blood without any good and warrantable foundation , and thereupon disswades bleeding , and at length plays the mountebank by promising such remedies as may allay the fermentation of the blood , and cure diseases without phlebotomy ; yet cannot physicians by such a weak plea be perswaded to forbear the use of this evacuation which nature directs to by hemorrhages and constant experience confirms , when there is a just cause and proper indication . when so much is said against phlebotomy , it may seem strange that hippocrates should be blamed , because he ( as some interpret the aphorism ) dislikes it in teeming women , i shall recite the aphorism , and then we shall see who is most culpable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 't is urged that physicians being misguided by this aphorism have suffered multitudes of female patients to die under their hands , who probably might have been rescued by a discreet phlebotomy ; but had such censurers of the physicians practice heretofore apprehended the right sense and import of the words , and the construction which hath bin continually put upon them by the ablest commentators , their charity would have preceded their zeal to carp at not only the aphorisms of hippocrates , but the practice of skilful physicians who admired and conformed to these succinct aphoristical sentences ; i shall produce amongst many ( writing to the same purpose ) two authors who explain the meaning of hippocrates , * christoph . a vega says , non putare oportet hippocratem omnino denegare sanguinis missionem utero gerentibus , sed eam esse vult de indicationibus quae dehortantur à sanguinis missione , & est scopus qui viribus correpugnat & docet minori copia sanguinem esse mittendum quàm aliàs : h. e. 't is not to be imagined that hippocrates did absolutely forbid the bleeding of women with child , but only when there happen contra-indications to it , and there is a sufficiency of strength , and he cautions to take away a less quantity in such cases then otherwise might be allowed : and the same author after he hath declared the usefulness of bleeding such patients ratifies his opinion with an eminent example and tells us , that he hath taken away ten ounces of blood twice in the eighth month with very good success and advantage to his noble patient and the child ; but he aptly concludes , non tamen vult hippocrates esse exercendam sanguinis missionem in utero gerentibus nisi magno urgente usu , praesertim ubi faetus est major : h. e. hippocrates advised not to blood teeming women , especially if the child is big , unless there be a necessity or important cause . * heurnius also after he hath affirmed that the upper veins ( as he terms them ) may be opened , more positively gives us his sense of this controverted aphorism , loquitur hippocrates de larga sanguinis missione quae non solebat esse libra minor , hodie autem minorem sanguinis effusionem non aversamur modo vires admittant , morbusque validus id suadeat : h. e. hippocrates did only oppose the exhausting of the veins by drawing a great quantity of blood which in those days was not less then a pound at a time , but we may safety take away a less quanity if the patients strength will permit and the diseases require this evacuation : if then the most excellent hippocrates did not by this aphorism restrain a cautious bleeding of women with child , as well to prevent abortion as to cure diseases to which their condition is liable , and his legitimate disciples have constantly phlebotomized such patients both by their great masters example and authority , when ever a proper indication discovered a necessity of this course ; i understand not with whom our adversaries contend , stigmatizing them with the brand of murderers , and aggravating their crime which at once destroys both the tree and fruit , the mother and child ; what ! must physicians be accused for suffering their female patients to die because their accusers mis-interpret this weighty aphorism ? imitating those who having sore eyes or the jaundice , imagine all others on whom they look to be in their condition ? all that i shall observe from this severe animadversion , is , that such persons do express a great disrespect towards the ancients , who rather then fail will invent a charge against them , and this example gives a sufficient cause of suspicion that other censure of them are as contrary to the common principles of humanity , as besides the sense of their exquisite writings . to proceed , our pseudochymists inveigh also against purgation , which by the galenists is reckoned a medication , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , whereby the body is drained from the mass of vitious and peccant humors which are at least the fuel of diseases , and by their timely removal and expulsion oftentimes a cure is performed : the argument urged against catharticks , is , that they purge out of the body both good and bad together : we are sensible that the patient doth very much suffer when he is causlesly purged , and when good and bad are promiscuously emptied , but when catharticks are given to those who need them not , he errs who indirectly prescribes them ; whereas true physicians do imitate and assist nature in her critical elimination of concocted humors , and not in her symptomatical excretions wherein by means of some powerful irritation the alimentary juice is evacuated , and the spirits be exhausted ; 't is confessed that catharticks operate by way of irritation , upon which account also natural dejections are caused , and when these succeed not well , 't is the physicians office to quicken nature in her work , who therefore do artificially graduate their catharticks according to the quantity , quality , seat , and motion of these excrementitious humors , and this is not only effected by varying the dose of some purgers , but by selection and choice of those which may best answer their designment ; acting otherwise then our empirical pseudochymists , who when they are most wary do only alter the dose of their antimonial preparation , and then very much boast of the safety and inoffensiveness of their emetico-catharticks , inviting the people by the smalness of the dose to make use of it , being ignorant that one or two grains may impregnate a mass of humors , and diffuse into them the same emetick and cathartick vertue ; and hence it comes to pass that by such small quantities of that powder most dreadful evacuations are caused , enervating diarrhaeas , hazardous dysenteries and fatal colliquations , nay , sometimes periodical vomitings and purgings ( of which i could produce not a few examples ) these patients continually languishing until they died ; i hint this because many patients are so apt to nauseate wholsom galenical potions preferring * these which offend not the sent and taste , but the event doth sufficiently prove the difference ; our senna , rubarb , cassia , manna , agarick , &c. are benign catharticks , and so safe that they may be given to teeming women , young children , and in such diseases where other purgers may do harm : our colocynthis likewise and scammony , &c. being more prevalent to extimulate when artificially prepared , and rationally directed are sufficient to cleanse an augaean stable ; and whereas these pseudochymists boast their catharticks to be also diaphoretical , i confess that by accident they are so , for most who take them fall immediatly into cold sweats : thus do they deal subtlely who would have such agonies be reckoned an advantage to their patients . i have followed our adversaries in their way of argumentation who first oppose purgation in general , and then considering that they vomit and purge oftner and more violently those who employ them then any pretenders to the practice of physick , admit the use of catharticks which yet they limit to their mercurial or antimonial preparations , * concealed from all others , least they should judg of their malignancy , and justly censure these arrogant pseudochymists then they all those who dissent from them . galenick medicines in the next place are by our pseudochymists condemned as languid , insufficient , and faulty both in respect of their preparation and composition , in relation to their preparation , the galenists do not pretend to that accurateness which the chymists promise , but yet they suppose that their way doth more preserve the true and seminal vertues of the simples used by them then the other , since that 't is questionable whether spagyrical distillations , calcinations , and other like artifices do not destroy the proprieties of those ingredients on which they work and substitute something else effected and produced by their operation ; if this doubt is cleared , and it is demonstrated that by chymistry the vertues of such simples are exalted only , and not altered , i shall willingly fall in with the ingenuous determination of this point by a galenist , nemo inficiatur , remedia chymice praeparata in morbis propulsandis efficaciora , palato gratiora , & in exigua dosi exhibenda , si dextre exhibeantur , ea ratione galenicis palmam eripiunt . hoc tamen asseverare ausim , si qui obtigerint aegri in assumendis pharmacis morigeri , non nauseabundi & delicatuli , quin per vegetabilia aeque galenicorum , praesertim à medico prudente in cognitione morborum & methodo medendi probe exercitato , à gravissimis & desperatis affectibus liberari , & citius in integrum restitui queant : omnia probanda , quae bona observanda , non autem omnia vetera promiscue rejicienda , & cum animi vehementia sceptice traducenda : h. e. medicines chymically prepared are undoubtedly more efficacious and powerful , more grateful to the tast , and may be given in a far less dose then galenical : but yet if patients will be obedient and not so nice and squeemish , by the direction of an able physician who understands the disease and a right method of curing it , they may more securely and certainly be helped by galenick medicines : 't is convenient to experiment all things , and retain what appears most rational , however they err who promiscuously reject and passionately censure all the remedies which the ancients left us as the fruit of their experience . the galenick compositions in respect of the vast and exorbitant number of simples mixed together are likewise esteemed rather pompous then beneficial medicines , treacle by some reckoned a confused mass of ingredients , the dream of waking andromachus , and discordium a fermented heap : much may be said on behalf of these grand dispensations comparing them to a well disciplin'd army , wherein are some field-officers able in respect of their skill in martial affairs singly to conquer the enemy , but these commanding the body of the army , will more probably by their conjunct fortitude and courage become victors ; i might also liken them to a well governed state , in which every member in his place and station acts uniformly to oppose all who endeavor to disturb the publick peace ; what these at first view do think to be only a farrago or hotch-potch of many things jumbled together , when more strictly examined will appear most artificial and admirable compositions to encounter the several complications of diseases : i need say no more in their defence , then that long experience hath given them a repute in the world which cannot be prejudiced by the satyrical invectives of such who like nothing but their own conceited preparations : physicians also in this age may without any imputation of ignorance in the knowledg of simples , and their peculiar vertues , be allowed to form long compositions not only because of complications which are more frequent and intricate * then heretofore , but that they may hereby conceal their skill , for when the medicine is disguised by putting in such ingredients which obscure its intention , but hinder not its vertue , they are puzled who would make an indirect advantage of such a prescript ; there will be no occasion for this stratagem , when physicians to rescue their profession from the abuses of unworthy and illiterate practisers do dispense their own medicaments , who may then more securely use one simple then now a perplexed composition , and when they have occasion to add auxiliary forces to them in complications , prevent those inconveniencies which , as the case now stands , they cannot avoid . but why should i insist longer on particulars when the whole method of physick is rejected by our pseudochymists as useless , and if multitudes of words would prevail , scurrilities were argumentative , as their stiling it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , satans device and plot to destroy man-kind , and telling us of vast numbers being methodized into their graves , if aenigmatical hypotheses had power to perswade , or the novelty of their notions to bewitch ; the old galenistical method had long received its doom , and its adversaries had triumphed over its ruines ; but true and rational methods * take deeper root by means of these boisterous agitations . i cannot understand the meaning of some stories which i meet with in our late writers , who give us an account that some physicians were not sollicitous if their patients died secundum artem , by the fairest method in the world ; i cannot excuse any personal miscarriages in physicians , but i should be unjust to the most faithful physicians if i did not vindicate them from the failings of others , these subtle accusers of all methodists would not approve of a retaliation , and that i should affirm that one who professes himself to be a philosopher by fire , is not ashamed publickly to thank god that he is no scholar . if that good law was observed , qui affectat ignorantiam est puniendus : h. e. he who affects ignorance ought to suffer severe punishment ; our pseudochymiaster would fall his crest and cease to be proud of his blindness ; or did i relate the words of a famous pseudochymist , who when the patient did suddenly die after a dose of his antimonial pills , commended the excellency of such medicines * which dispatched without much pain and procured an easie death : it were no difficult matter to parallel any stories they can produce to make the methodists infamous , but the meanest people can discern the sophistry of such argumentations , and may suppose that they observe the same way in their curation of diseases ; as for the methodus medendi , our adversaries complain that by it the cause and nature of diseases are not sufficiently discovered , their symptoms not rightly described , and that the remedies set down are impotent , and rather encrease then cure diseases : certainly they presume that their own bare negation or affirmation of what they dislike or approve , is a perswasive argument to others who expect satisfaction in particulars , and are cautious to escape the cheat and delusion which lies in such universal conclusions ; nay , to assert that because some errors may be found in it , the whole hereupon ought to be proscribed and deserted were alike mad and impious practise , as immediately to bury that man whose toes are sphacelated , when an expert chyrurgeon by a mature amputation of the joynts which are mortified may preserve the life of his patient ; but i shall choose to deliver my sense in the words of a learned author , as i have throughout this treatise done in matters of controversie , saith the experienced seidelius , nullus unquam morbus qui curatus arte humana aliter curatus est quam juxta veteris & verae medicinae fundamenta , methodumque ; objicient hic statim , nonne curavimus nos quamplurimos a vobis pro desperatis relictos ? quibus respondeo , nescire me illud , neque hactenus certo rem ita se habere comperisse , praeter privatas enim praedicationes atque laudes & domestica testimonia in conventiculis clandestinis ad libitum conficta levissime , aliud fide dignum nihil auditu percepi ; quot vero homines diris modis jugulaverint , de quo publicis quorundam scriptis sunt accusati id altissimo silentio obruunt & interim de quintis , atque arcanis essentiis immani precio auri extractis nugantur ut imperitis fucum faciant , &c. h. e. there was never any cure wrought by humane art and skill which derived not its succesfulness from the sure foundations and method of the ancient and true way of medicine : but here they will object , have not we recovered very many forsaken by you , i answer , that i know no such matter , neither am i satisfied that what you speak is true , for besides your vain boastings , self-commendations and forged subscriptions and certificates made in your conventicles , i perceived nothing that was credible , but they are willing to conceal how many men by their most horrid devices have been murdered , they crack of their quintessential medicines and precious extracts with design only to delude and cheat those who want capacity to understand their impostures . this author hath afforded us such a description of our pseudochymical non-methodists , that i need say no more concerning them , nor write a comment when the text is so plain and obvious , but because the opposition both by m. n. and g. t. is made between the writings of galen and helmont ; i am willing before i end this chapter ( in which many things are omitted ) to shew the difference between them according to the judgment of thonerus , whose authority in another case is allowed by m. n. saith he , * plaustris librorum carere facile poterit qui scripta galeni sibi familiaria reddiderit , dum omnes authores exin velut e magno oceano depromant & hauriant , ut qui in galeno non sunt versati , existiment ab eorum ingenio profecta , suam hinc prodeuntes imperitiam dum omnia a galeno sint mutuati , and goes on , quid esset ipse helmontius , ni quicquid boni ex galeni & hippocratis monumentis primitus deprompsisset , sed post omnia corrumpens & invertens suas exin nectens argutias , malam rependens gratiam in eos retorsit , aquam veritatis limpidam ex illorum fonte haustam suis sophismatis inquinavit , & totaliter faeculentam reddere attentavit , fretus arguto & insolenti genio : h. e. he needs no library who is well vers'd in the writings of galen , from whom all authors as from the ocean derive their streams , and they who have not read galen conceit what notions they broach are the products of their own brain and invention , betraying their ignorance , when galen was the author of those opinions ; and what is helmont if strip'd of the most considerable truths , which he transcribed out of hippocrates and galen ? and at length he corrupted them , introducing his own whimsies , like an ungrateful person illy requiting them who informed him in medicinal knowledg , sophisticating their sincere doctrines , being of a subtle and insolent temper . it may be expected that i should vindicate the doctrines of critical days and pulses ( which are opposed by m. n. but since that nothing is brought against them worth observation or an answer , and considering also that these are not of such concernment to patients as to physicians , who daily experience the usefulness thereof in their profession , and can discern the motions and concoctions of the peccant and morbifick matter , as also the strength by the pulse , and what other information they can afford , as also that this innovator who measures the knowledg of others by his own , hath effected nothing by his pains ; so until something to better purpose without the mis-interpretations and abuses of authors is offered , i think my self excused from particular replies to his most impertinent cavils . chap. vii . of the pseudochymists pretended panacaea , or universal medicine . amongst the vain-glorious boastings of the pseudochymists , there is no pretence so universal as their acquirement of a panacaea to cure all diseases , generally deceiving hereby all those who through too much credulity become their patients : for not to repeat what hath been already said concerning the incurableness of some diseases , or to add a discourse of the inhability of subjects and of other impediments which may frustrate the highest and most probable attempts of curation , it doth not appear to a rational inquirer that there can be any such medicine which in respect of its puissance can infallibly vanquish all the enemies of mans health : the great disagreement of authors about the matter of this panacaea sufficiently expresses their uncertainty , conjectural suppositions , or fond hopes in relation to their attainment of it , whilest some place it in the essence of individual vegetables , animals , or minerals , choosing those which are most energetical , and fancying that the more incorruptible part of these being by art separated from all terrestrial impurities , and advanced to the condition of the heavens , is the true phaleia , and as one commends it , poterit vitam servare & quodamodo producere & tum ratione similitudinis quam habet essentia haec cum calore insito , tum quia est quodamodo quoddam incorruptibile & temperatum omnibus morbis medicamentum esse contrarium : h. e. such an essence is not only powerful enough to preserve life , but to prolong it , and because of its likeness to and correspondence with our innate heat , as because of its incorruptibility and temperature overcomes all diseases : but should it be granted that the principles constituting that body from which this essence is drawn were catholick , yet when once they are firmly link'd together , and most intimately united , their artificial resolution may possibly alter the individuum , or substitute another particular product , but not reduce it into its original universality ; and however some individuals are of a more durable nature then others , and these are us'd to imprint their perpetuity on bodies more subject to putrefaction , yet such essences being capable of change by that body into which they are received , do lose their supposed universality in operation . the history related by crollius , that he saw a man with one drop of a certain spirit from a dying condition in the space of one night perfectly restored to health , the celestial heat of that medicine being immediately communicated to the heart , and soon after diffusing its rays throughout the body , this , i say , and such like histories do not prove the effect of it in all diseases , or evidence that the preparation of an individual may not perform as difficult a cure ; i know that some conclude that by the same rule an individual especially if essentiated may change the body from a diseased state to a condition of perfect health , as that which is poysonous may cause such a sudden alteration , as that the person who even now was well , may quickly expire by reason of its destructiveness , but such venom hath the advantage on the bodies proneness to putrefaction , and may sooner dissipate the spirits which are upon the wing , then the other fix them or illuminate their darkness ; so that what promotes the effect of the one is the greatest impediment imaginable to the other : i deny not that an individual may remedy a particular disease , and notwithstanding the proneness of our nature to corruption , act so vigorously as to cure a threatning distemper , and i suppose that very many have seen as much done by laudanum ; and other medicines , as crollius mentions in that patient , but yet it were a vain conclusion to infer that such an essence , or that laudanum would hereupon cure all diseases and perform the like impossibilities as are spoken of the panacaea ; no person can be ignorant of the experiments made on gold , because it ( as many think ) contains in it all necessary conditions to the universal medicine which i need not recount ; but unless something is performed by the diaphoretical vertue of the menstruum , no wonders have been wrought by it , so that billichius calls aurum potabile , aurum putabile ; since that all true philosophers in their preparation of their medicinal stone did not mean the common gold , but that of the philosophers , as they mispent their pains who sought out dissolvents to make our gold potable in expectation of making thereby the elixir , so it would be to as little purpose to discourse the possibility of gaining a dissolvent not corrosive to elicite its medicinal tincture which at length will satisfie only a particular intention . the hyperbolical encomiums which have been given to the essences of individuals , might easily delude those who approve all things according to their commendations ; and doubtless in many respects such noble preparations might deserve a just esteem : but the more prudent and wary of the hermetical philosophers * observing the absurdity to expect an universal operation from a limited agent , did busie and employ themselves to find out the universal matter which is so enygmatically discoursed in the writings of chymical authors , as if they rather designed to encourage humane industry in the search after that which for no other cause they would seem to have known , then give them any hopes of interpreting and unriddling their most obscure , perplexed , and mysterious descriptions of it , saith one , fove fodeam usque ad genua & accipe terram nostram in qua est rivulus & unda viva scilicet universale menstruum & aquam nostram ponticam , in qua habitat sal armoniacum nostrum , & spiritus vivus universi qui omnia in se continet : h. e. dig a pit knee deep , and take our earth in which is a living stream , viz. our universal menstruum , and take our pontike water in which is found our sal armoniack , and the universal spirit which contains all things in it ; and saith bacon , elegant rem supra quam naturae tantum primas operationes incepit : h. e. such a matter must be chosen on which nature hath only done her first work . he who is acquainted with the parabolical expressions of the ancients relating to this subject , will be convinced that although they who write best , hint a necessity of some universal matter which may yield by a philosophical preparation a most noble medicine to cure diseases , may yet apprehend their dissentions about this matter , and the improbabilities of others finding it out by their direction ; but if i should grant that the true sons of art might rightly understand the ancients and gain the knowledg of the universal matter , yet in regard that there is not an universal intention in the cure of diseases , i cannot see of what use it can be in medicine ; to comfort the archaeus and to garrison the heart which is the royal fort with invincible vertues , answers only a particular intention : that all diseases do spring from one root is only the supposition of some who would patronize this panacaea , whereas others more rationally inform us that sanity consists not in indivisibili , but that different members in the body enjoy a different sanity , and having a divers complexion , conformation , and operation , stand in need of a variety of medicines to cure their distinct and sometimes contrary diseases : what though there sometimes happens a metastasis of the morbifick matter , which varying its seat alters the symptomes according to the parts in which it fixeth , it is not proved that hereupon what opposed it in one part is as proper and applicable notwithstanding the remove as before , and that in curation no particular respect ought to be had to the parts constitution which is affected ; it may be , that before the metastasis 't was convenient to use diaphoreticks , and afterwards if the matter lodgeth in the breast , what may evacuate it by promoting expectoration , if in the lowest ventricle catharticks or diureticks which may discharge : he certainly knows little of the causes of diseases who discerns not their difference in respect of the vessels or parts which they seize or most afflict , whereupon the methodus medendi is to be altered , i need not enumerate the several causes of diseases which the galenists reckon , but content my self with an observation that the best chymists do account two grand causes of the constant alteration in mans body , disposing it to diseases and death , which are the consumption of radical moisture and the putrefaction of humors ; it is therefore incumbent on the pretenders to a panacaea , to prove that by the same medicine they can prevent this putrefaction of humors , and hinder the consumption of radical moisture : the universalists have been very sollicitous to appropriate to their medicine such vertues as might answer the indication both of a drying vertue to withstand and resist putrefaction , and of moisture or unctuosity to supply the decaies and spendings of natural heat , and therefore they assert that their panacaea in respect of its activity and solar heat doth brighten , fortifie , and encrease our innate heat , and hereby evaporates and dissipates all morbifick meteors which otherwise would stagnate and putrifie , in respect of its substance is oleagenous fix'd and incombustible , aptly recruiting any loss or spending of the radical moisture : it this panacaea can certainly do what is pretended , it may seem strange that they who were esteemed possessors of such a medicine , did not defend themselves and their patients from the disease of old age , and from death ; for old age creeping on gradually , may more probably be opposed then violent diseases , but when its apparant that neither in themselves nor others they were able to stop the course of old age and disappoint the stroke of death , they would excuse their art and medicine by blaming some great neglects whilest they were young , and tell us that if they had then taken such a medicine it might have effected much in the prolongation of life ; but others well pondering the vertues attributed to it unde fit restauratio corporum per morbos debilitatorum prompte & perfecte ea curans & postea juventutem primumque vigorem diminutum & per frigidum annorum acconitum fere extinctum restituens : h. e. it is sufficient to restore the decaies of mens bodies , most expeditiously and perfectly helping all diseases , changing the ruines of old age into youthfulness . these ( i say ) being convinced by experience that such empty vaunts of the panacaea are ridiculous , do otherwise state the business and make little difference between the polychresta of the galenists and these more noble medicines , and if the panacaeas which have been or at present are pretended to in the world are duly examined , they undoubtedly will be found to answer some more general intention , and by no means deserve the appellation of universal medicines in the common and known sense and notion of the term , i might instance in begwins preparation of vitriol , quercitanus of antimony , &c. but above all others andwaldins panacaea in the highest esteem , which as hoffman relates in sherbius's judgment was poysonous , and another author gives us a more accurate account of it , panacaea anwaldina summopere in propulsandis morbis decantata eum effectum assecuta est , non tam naturam confortando quam vi diaphoretica operando quam libavius per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ignis probavit & deprehendit concinnatam ex hydrargyro & cinnabari quae duo mineralia nullam corroborandi facultatem obtinent : h. e. anwaldins universal medicine of such fame for its wonderful effects in the cure of diseases did not operate by comforting nature but by provoking sweat , and libavius examining it by pyrotechny detected that it consisted of mercury and cinnabar which have no corroborating vertue in them . every true chymist who is acquainted with artificial either simple or compound preparations especially mineral , very well skills their efficacy in the satisfaction of either general or particular intentions as they are skilfully applied , these know that a just mixture of mercury , antimony , and gold , or apt chymical compositions will do more in the curation of some diseases then either of them in like manner singly prepared and given , but to conceive that any medicine can keep off old age , and by the same way cure all maladies , is an opinion which no sober person did ever entertain ; if then by a panacaea is only signified any noble preparation which respecting some general intention which in the curation of diseases is observable , 't is not improbable but that the true chymical physicians do not only assent to them , but are furnished with some as powerful as any yet known in the world ; for we must grant that the polychresta of the chymists do infinitely excel those of the galenists , but yet it is considerable that even those authors who are famed to be masters of these panacaeas , did in most cases both use for themselves and others galenical medicines as they had occasion , or the known rules of art required . but our pseudochymists it may be by purchase obtaining one of these noble preparations , and not understanding the true use of it do in hopes of custom proclaim the vertues of their medicine , as if it would most speedily and certainly cure all diseases , strengthning the archaeus , to whose error and debility they adscribe all the several affections of mans body , and enabling nature to discharge her self by the most convenient ways according to the condition and quality , or seat of the morbifick matter , and if all manner of evacuations or most of them can be caused by the same medicine then a proof ( as they suppose ) is given of the wonderful efficacy of their medicine , and a notable stratagem devised to seduce them that are most pleas'd when they are under the hand of a cheating montebank : hence it is that one cries up his mercurial preparation , another his antimonial remedy , a third spirit of salt which is diuretical , and almost every pseudochymist would be accounted the inventor or professor of one ; but methinks people should be better advised then to give ten shillings for a grain , or five shillings for a drop of that which being either illy prepared or mis-applied , more universally kills then cures , and stake their lives against the brags of such empericks , crede & salvus eris , promissis certa fides , nam cum te interficient morb● curaberis omni . believe , all 's well , trust them , there word is sure , in killing thee they work a perfect cure. although i have pretermitted very much which might be said on this subject , yet i hope that it is sufficiently made out that there is no panacaea to cure all diseases in the vulgar acceptation of the word , and as a confirmation of my assertion i shall produce the testimony of angelus sala , with whose words i conclude , quis non vanitatem eorum agnoscat qui vel ipsi persuasissimum habent , vel aliis persuadere conantur esse in rerum natura vel artis beneficio confici posse medicamentum quod instar universalis cujusdam universalissimi nullis vel limitibus , vel terminis circumscriptum , non tantum qualitates elementares aequali proportione commensuratas in se contineat , sed & omnibus insuper proprietatibus specificis quae vel ex varia illarum commixtione , vel a certa aliqua praedestinatione oriuntur , abundantissime dotatum sit ? quod suppresso calore suo jam refrigerare possit , jam humectare , sicut exiccandi potestate nihil damni faciat , jam adstringat , jam incrasset & contrarias interim facultates plane occultetquod idem interdum pervomitum , interdum per fecessum purget , sudores cieat , urinam provocet , venenis tanquam alexiterium resistat , somnum conciliet : denique ut in unum omnia conferam omnes alios effectus quos causarum morbificarum tam particularium quam universaliū diversitas requirit omni tempore & loco , in omni sexu , aetate , complexione & personarum constitutione praestet , omnibus adeo infirmitatibus medeatur , ac nulla unquam ratione corpus offendat ? h. e. how conspicuous is their vanity who either believe themselves or would perswade others that either art or nature can produce any medicine which shall be impowred with the operations attributed to the most universal medicine being unconfin'd and boundless in its efficacy , not only containing in it all the elementary qualities in exact proportion , but endowed with all specifick proprieties flowing from their mixture or essence , which notwithstanding its heat can sometimes cool and sometimes moisten , not at all suffering in its drying vertue , can adstringe or bind and incrassate , and in the mean while conceal its contrary faculties , that now can vomit , anon purge , sweat , prove diuretical , become an antidote against poyson , and cause sleep ; and to say no more , can certainly remove and take off all effects flowing both from the diversity of universal and particular causes at all times , in all places , sexes ages , complections , different constitutions , curing all these diseases without any prejudice to the body ? finis . a letter to the author from a person of quality . sir , your most wonderful preservation during your late imployment of visiting the infected families within the city of london and liberties thereof , hath justly provoked all your friends in our countrey to congratulate your success in that great and hazardous undertaking ; you have doubtless by a faithful discharge of your duty as a physitian in that adventure , when few were free to engage in such service , highly meritted of those honourable persons on whose behalf you endangered your life , and no less obliged all ingenuous persons to esteem your worth : sir , you may easily suppose how big we are with expectation to receive from your hand , an account of what remarkably hapned in this severe visitation ; your promptness to give rational satisfaction , especially in most perplexed cases , wherein difficulty promotes the birth of your happy products , is the onely argument i shall use inviting you to this task ; be pleased also to acquaint me in your next what is become of them who assume liberty to qualifie themselves chymical doctors , in opposition to the kings colledge of physitians in london ; i crave pardon for this interruption of your more weighty business , and shall earnestly expect your answer , which will be most acceptable unto sir , your humble servant c. w. the authors answer . sir , your candid acceptance of the observations , which i have made on this p●st , is a most prevalent argument to incourage the communication of them in answer to your desire : but before i ingage in this task i must crave your pardon , if i proceed not in that method , which is requisite in an exact treatise ; for in this brief answer i can onely point out cursorily some discoveries , which doubtless will be improved by your most sagacious judgment . to omit therefore all those most obvious notions of the pest in general occuring in every author writing on that subject ; i shall confine my self to a particular disquisition of the peculiar nature of this plague as severe as any recorded in our annals . that london or other populous places are seldom free from malignant and pestilential diseases , is confirmed by the long experience of able physitions , who find that humors upon several occasions acquire a venenate quality , and hereupon prove most pernicious ; it is not pertinent to my business in hand to state the question ; whether such ferments are sometimes generated in mans body , which may be exalted to a condition aemulous of the most exquisite poysons , or of the pest it self ? hence is it that some term such putrified humors , arsenical , aconital , &c. as they seem to correspond in operation with such poysons , i may without all dispute affirm , that where the pest meets with matter so prepared , it more inevitably destroys . the highest degree of malignity flowing from the putrefaction of congested humours , however it may be most fatal to the body , wherein it was produced , being yet but the effect of a private cause , is limited at most to an hereditary propagation , and cannot be imagined the original of epidemical diseases , especially of the pest , whose original is adaequate to its effects : but in regard the cause of the plague is most mysterious , and not yet hitherto plainly discovered , most writers after a disappointment in there scrutining the series of natural causes , do betake themselves to supernatural , and acknowledg a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in this disease : i cannot think that because god doth frequently send out the plague as his severe judgment to punish mankind , we ought wholly to desist from all manner of search into natural causes , on the knowledg of which depends the cure , procured both by our devotion , and the commanded use of natural means . amongst natural causes the conjunctions of some planets , eclypses , comets , and such like appearances in the heavens , are by many accused as the authors of the plague , and upon this account some addicted to astrology observing such appearances the forgoing year , have confidently asserted that our pest was the issue of those malevolent influences ; i shall not at present determine how far these have contributed to the spreading , if not the original of our plague , but passing by all other opinions , deliver my thoughts touching its rise . after a most strict and serious inquiry , by undoubted testimonies i find that this pest was communicated to us from the netherlands by way of contagion , and if most probable relations deceive me not , it came from smirna to holland in a parcel of infected goods , whether it began there , or in any other place being unresolved , i shall not intangle my self in a conjectural discussion of its cause , or give a tedious narrative of the nature and effects of pests in those hot countreys ; give me leave to hint , that the same pest grassant in divers regions of a different temperature , may so much vary in its phaenonema , that it may seem totally changed , which i premise least our plague should be judged of another nature from that in smirna or holland , because its symtomes are not exactly the same in all these places . before i proceed , i must advertise that the pest , doth complicate with most maladies which happen during its grassancy , especially such as are contagious , every little disorder at such times ( which i might confirm by many examples ) turning to the plague , and infectious diseases more neerly combining , and symbolizing with it : hence i collect that the scorbute being popular and epidemical in holland , the pest when it fell in with it , did very much partake of its nature , which afterwards invading this kingdom gave ample testimony by its symptomes of this association ; in which condition i shall throughout this discourse consider it : if then the pest by reason of its most subtile and excessive venenate nature is most feral and destructive , when it conforts with another ferment most powerfully ( though not so suddenly ) corrupting the juyces of our bodies , how prodigious must be the issue ! as i have designedly wav'd at present to deliver my theory concerning this pest , so i upon the same account do forbear to intermeddle with the hypotheses of others , but because the learned kirchers late experiments have put most inquisitive searchers into sensible truths upon the quest to discover that animated matter in the air mentioned in his treatise of the pest , i shall transiently deliver my observations touching this particular : i must ingeniously confess , that notwithstanding my most careful and industrious attempts by all means likely to promote the discovery of such matter , and that i have had as good oppertunities for this purpose , as any physitian ; it hath not yet been my happiness ( if such minute insects caused this pest , ) to discern them , neither have i hitherto by the information of credible testimonies received satisfaction in this point ; whereupon i infer , that in regard pests are of a different nature , though i allow that famous authors experiments in that plague at rome , yet it follows not that ours was caused by the like production of worms or insects , as some have rather fancied then demonstrated . the consequences of putrifaction are so well known by an ordinary inspection into the transactions of nature , that the production of worms and various insects upon this account may not be rightly judged a new discovery , considering especially , that malignant diseases do not less then the plague evidence putrefaction by such products ; indeed amongst all that vast number i conversed with during the visitation , i noted very few to have either vomited worms , or by unerring symptomes to have given an indication of verminous matter lodged in any part of their bodies , i onely had a relation of one , who in vomiting threw up a strange figured insect , which appeared very fierce , and even assaulted such as were busie to observe it , whereupon it was crushed by a rude hand , so that its shape is not very discernable ; but t is as absurd from such a particular instance , to draw a general conclusion , as to argue from private causes to universal effects . since that the nature of this pest in relation to its primary cause is most obscure , we cannot more surely arrive at the knowledge of it , then by the discoveries it makes of it self in propagation ; when therefore i do well ponder the wonderful energy of pestilential effluviums , which can instantaneously imprint indeleble characters on bodies before found and healthful , and conform them to the like efficacy in contagious communications , i am induced to think that its principles are chiefly saline , which appears by its activity and power ; i need not produce examples to illustrate the inexpressible vigor of these ferments , it being well known that many have dyed without the least sense of contagion or apprehension of illness thereby : it is reported by such who have seen experiments of the poysoned darts in india , that a fleshy part being prickt or scratched with them , the person so hurt , is not onely killed in very few moments , but his body is so putrified , that one limb falls from the other ; the like is written of some pests in hot countreys by which some places have been depopulated , whether any poisons artificially prepared do in power and activity excel the pestilential tincture which is animal , is besides my business at present to decide . i come in the next place to the manner of the pests invasion , which is unanimously agreed on to be by contagion , viz. when venenate expirations are transmitted from infectious bodies to others working a like change and alteration in them ; whereupon i conclude , that no person is seized with the plague except he receives into his body these pestilential effluxes , which however they do more effectually infect by how much nearer the bodies are , yet it is not to be doubted but that at a very considerable distance where no person is sick , these most malignant corpuscles being carried in the motion of the aire , may so preserve their venome , as to surprize such bodies amidst their greatest securities ; and i am apt to think that such effects are oftimes appropriated to imagination , the operations of which can easily ferment the juices of the body , and raise symptomes not unlike those of the pest ; i was called to three or four affected after this manner , whose conditions at first did seem as bad as theirs who by reason of abode with some labouring of the sickness most apparently took the infection , but upon a strict inquiry into these cases , i addrest my self with success to settle the fancies and bodies of such patients ; whence i opine that pestilential and poysonous emissions or ferments ( as i noted before ) do solely contribute to the spreading of the contagion . notwithstanding that infection is so apparent in the pest , yet some have lately in their discourses and pamphlets , argued that it is not contagious , such persons deserve rather the magistrates censure then my refutation : the order published by queen elizabeth was in those days the most proper expedient to suppress that opinion , which is not otherwise now then by authority to be silenced : these ground their hypotheses upon the escape of some persons who converse with the infected , but this proof is not admittable as sufficient , because there are very many causes why such bodies are not equally obnoxious to contagion as others ; for besides the particular providence of god who is pleased to protect some in the same danger in which others do perish , the security of such persons may be attributed to the shape of their pores not admitting pestilential atoms of a disproportioned figure , or vigour of the spirits to expel this enemy before he can fixe in their bodies , certainly such persons might as rationally affirm that bullets will not wound and kill , because some in the hottest battails amidst showers of small shot walk untoucht by any of them , when as these escape rather upon the account of the various happy postures they are in during the charge , then their fancy of being shot-free . these infectious irradiations flowing from bodies inflamed with the pest , as they constantly issue out by transpiration , and other more open passages , so they diffuse their malignity accordingly as they are more or less subtile and spiritual ; if therefore the snuff of a candle , which emits a gross and visible fume , can in few moments so taint the circumambient air in a large room , so as to render it most offensive to our smell ; certainly pestilential exhalations by very many degrees more fine and subtile , can insensibly and beyond such narrow limits spread their poison , corrupting the air , and making it pernicious to bodies dispos'd to receive such impressions ; the motion of these malignant corpuscles cannot by any help be discerned , neither can any account be given of their sent as some do vainly imagine : touching the steam of infected bodies , i confess that when buboes are opened , carbuncles cast off their eschar , the pestilential emanations being imbodied in grosser vapours issuing from such sores , may possibly be hereupon sensible to the nose , as in opening other impostumes , and dressing common sordid ulcers is evident ; the like reason may be given of their vomitings , stools , and sweats ; hence it is that some have perceived the moment of their seisure , which sent they could not otherwise express , then by a cadaverous , and as it were a suffocating stanch ; but ( although i have been very inquisitive in this particular ) i may confidently averre , that not one in two hundred hath been apprehensive by sent of the infection , the venenate particles communicating their malignity in a way imperceptable to our senses . how these pestilential effluxes do operate on mans body comes next under consideration , supposing that the infection hath newly insinuated it self , the blood and juices do immediately receive the alarum as being to undergo the first assault ; the blood in some by the deleterious quality of the poyson in few moments is mortified , not unlike what happens in the death of such who are kil'd by lightning ; in others the blood is forthwith put into a fermentation , either higher or lower according the state of the blood before infection , or the condition and degree of the contagion , on which also depends the depuration of the blood producing blaines , buboes , and carbuncles , and such patients except something accidentally intervens to contraindicate for the most part escape , but most commonly in this fermentation the blood coagulates in fewer or more vessels , and according to the dissolution and discharge of these grumous parts before further putrefaction , the condition of such persons is more secure or dangerous , if the coagulation encreases , a period at length is put to the bloods circulation ; lastly , the blood doth sometimes suffer a fusion , for when the sulphureous parts are consumed , the pestilential tincture proves a dissolvent , and destroys the fibres of the blood , not onely by way of liquation making it most fluid , but corrupting its saline particles : i have observed that such blood in hemorrhages would not coagulate , but remained like a tinctured ichor , the reduction of such blood to its former state being impossible the case of such patients was most desperate , medicines affording not the least ease or relief : the nervous liquor did also share in this common calamity , and according to its quality suffered as great and many alterations as the blood : in fine those juyces and parts of the body did principally suffer in this pest , in which the scorbute first discovers its self , but i shall have occasion to discourse this more at large in another place . before i proceed to the symptomes of this distemper , it may not seem impertinent transiently to give some remarkable observations which occurred in the propagation of this disease ; as that the infected , were commonly seized after the same manner , and generally had the like issue in respect of a recovery , or death as those from whom they took the contagion , except any thing hapned extraordinary in the case of one more then the other , so that the effects of the plague not onely in relation to the number of buboes , blaines , or carbuncles , but the part and place , did abundantly evince its peculiar and strange designation : physitians in their practice do frequently meet with pestilential ophthalmie's , angina's and pleurisies , which ( as some express it ) specifically communicate their malignity , but these diseases are fixed in this course afflicting alwaies after the same manner all those to whom they are imparted ; whereas although there hath appeared a great variety in this pests propagation in respect both of it self and the subjects it meets with , yet notwithstanding all this difference , there hath been noted a tendency in the malignant corpuscles , as acting by a natural impress , idea or signature to produce their like without any assistance of the fancy , or more immediate disposition of such parts to those particular disafections . furthermore , that opinion that the pest invades no person a second time , if his sores at first sufficiently discharged purulent matter , is now plainly confuted by two many experiments during this sad visitation ; i have known many who although all things succeeded well the first and second time , and each cure was perfected , yet the third seizure upon the account of a new infection , and not a relapse hath proved fatal to them ; some this last year fell the fifth , others the sixth time , being before very well recovered , each of these invasions i supose was not onely from an higher degree of malignity , but a diverse complication of the pest , besides nature being much weakned by preceding assaults , was thereupon more unable to make her defence : such therefore who by gods blessing , and the use of proper remedies are restored to health , may by these examples be duly cautioned , not to run unnecessarily ( according to the practice of some ) into infected houses , presuming that their condition is more safe then others . the symptomes of this pest were many , but i shall content my self , to set down such as were most common and notorious ; most persons upon their first invasion by the sickness perceived a chilness to creep on them , which produced in very short space , a shivering not unlike the cold fit of an ague , which shivering was doubtless an effect of the pestilential ferment insinuating it self into the blood and juices of the body , and rendring them either sharpe , pungitive , or so corrupt by its venerosity that hereupon there happens a vellication of the nervous parts , whence proceeded convulsive motions ; soon after this horror and shaking followed a nauseousness , and stronge inclinations to vomit , with a great oppression , and seeming fulness of the stomack , occasioned by the poison irritating the ventricle , which being a nervous part , is and thereupon most sensible of what will prove so injurious to it ; the pest did sometimes seat it self in the stomack more eminently shewing it self there in carbuncles and mortifications : a violent and intollerable headach next succeeded by reason of the bloods tumultuousness and ebullition exceeding by distending its vessels and convulsing them , hereupon some fell into a phrensie , and others became soporose and stupid , according to the quality and nature of the malignity ; afterwards a feaver began to discover it self , without which no person escaped during this visitation , when therefore the blood was throughly impregnated with the pestilential firment , then the blood fermented and the oeconomy of the body was violated , all parts both internal and external extreamly suffering and expressing their several conditions in this extream agony upon the account either of idiopathy or sympathy . i shall not here dispute , whether the true pest is alwaies accompanied with a feaver , i conceive that in some pests , as also in the highest degree of this , the several parts of the blood have instantaneously been separated , there being no time for any ebullition ; but since that i undertake onely to deliver my own observations , i must ingeniously confess , that during this pest , ( except in the case of such who suddenly died ) i met not with any one patient free from a feaver , which in some was more slow and occult , in others peracute and notoriously apparent , as the blood did more or less abound with sulphureous particles apt to kindle and be inflamed ; and more particularly i noted that those who were over-run with the scorbute , and afterwards took the infection of the plague , had a more obscure and remiss feaver , so as it seemed many times very doubtful whether they laboured of any or no , which i cannot attribute to any thing else then to the state of their blood by reason of its much abounding with a fixed salt , the like assertion will hold true of the several other defects in the blood : in relation to the paroxisms which were observed in this feaver , t is most certain that generally there was some kind of remission so as that the patients could easily find their condition altered thereby , but these fits were altogether irregular and uncertain , however they seemed in some much to resemble a double tertian , i conceive those often exacerbations did proceed rather from the violent impulses and prevalency of the malignity , then from any certain and set ebullitions of the blood , yet in many when the virulency was expel'd and spent , these fits did keep and observe their types , and became either pure or bastard tertians . so soon as this feaver began to appear strange faintness seized the patient , which was seconded by most violent palpitations of the heart ; and hereupon many have suspected that the pest by a peculiar disposition most vigorously bends all its strength to storm the heart which is the most royal fort , but since that we are well assured that the heart doth principally suffer by reason of this heterogeneal matter mixed with blood , and circulating with it through this noble part , i cannot think that the heart is otherwise injured , then in being hindered in its office of animating , and inflaming the blood by its innate ferment to perform its appointed stage of circulation , for if the heart cannot alter or overcome these pestilential ferments mixed with the blood , with its utmost vigour it attempts to expel and dissipate them , and and if the poison of the disease is so powerful as to destroy the ferment of the heart , the blood soon coagulates , the sequel of which is death . here i might particularly take notice of that strange lassitude which was very observable in most affected with this scorbutical pest , as well by reason of the distention of the vessels , as the immediate mixture of the malignity with the serous humours abounding in such bodies , but i shall not any longer insist on the symptomes which are common in pestilential feavers , but descend to those diagnosticks which most peculiarly discover the pest , as blains , bubo's , carbuncles and discolorations , vulgarly called tokens , of which briefly in their order . blains , are pustles , or rather blisters , sometimes greater , or sometime less ; and for number , fewer or more , according to the quantity , or quality , of the pestilential matter segregated from the blood , and other liquors of the body by their fermentation , these were obscurely incircled , and coloured according to the serous humour either flowing to , or discharged upon those parts where they appeared , but as no place could plead exemption , so those parts were most subject to these blaines which did lye nearest to this poysonous humour when it was forced out ; the liquor , contained in these blysters was of the same nature with that which produced carbuncles , but more diluted and dispersed , wherefore the pest was rightly judged not so dangerous where onely blaines were discovered , however if these grew numberless , as i observed in one , who from head to foot was full of them ; as the condition of that patient was most desperate , so a multitude of these blaines do indicate the excess of malignity , and great hazzard thereupon . bubo's are tumours of the glandules , if under the ear they are called parotides , others happen under the armes , and in the groin ; pestilential matter in circulation with the blood being retained in these glanduls whereby they are tumified and inflamed : that some persons without any sense either of the contagion , or any illness by it have complained of these tumors , must be ascribed to the mildness of the malignity , having before upon others spent its virulency ; but most commonly these buboes were an effect of the second sweat promoted by proper alexipharmical remedies , and such risings gave hope of the patients recovery ; some of these tumours were indolent and hard continuing so many months notwithstanding means either to discuss or suppurate them , and when these were unadvisedly opened by incision , nothing else but an ichor gushed forth , and the part wounded was very apt to mortifie : but these risings were generally so painful that most could not endure the fierce and frequent lancinations , and the extream burning they felt until the time of suppuration approached , which upon this account was hastned by suitable applications of cataplasmes and plaisters : the number of these buboes was not certain , some had two , others three , many four , neither was their bigness limited , the risings in some being very large , so as to equal an half-penny loaf , in others not exceeding an hens egg ; very many of these tumors were discussed if the patient at first submitted to effectual sweats , and if afterwards they encreased , great care was taken to further their enlagement , and to break them , the feaver usually going off and declining as these tumours ripened , and were fitted for apertion ; and here i must not omit , to intimate , that according to the condition of the pus discharged , these buboes were more or less secure , but i shall discourse more of these when i come to the method of curation . a carbuncle , is a pestilential sore , appearing at first with a very small pustle , and a circle about it of a red flaming colour , which pustle either opening , or rather the liquor in it being spent by the extream heat of the adjacent part , soon hardens and growes crusty , the incompasing inflammation spreading it self , and by reason of the corrosive quality of the humour cauterizing that place where it fixes : i have seen carbuncles in most parts of the body which proved more or less dangerous in respect of the part affected , and the degree of the malignity ; here i might produce innumerable cases which i have met with during this visitation , but i shall onely relate two or three ; i was called to one patient who had a carbuncle within two or three fingers breadth of a bubo in the groin , though they were differently handled in relation to the cure , yet the business succeeded very well ; also one recovered when there was a large carbuncle directly opposite to the heart , a third with one in her breast , at the same time she gave suck , and the child discovered no other infirmity then a loosness during his mothers cure ; another was afflicted with a large carbuncle very neer the bottom of the stomack , and she lived until cicatrization , but then the malignity retiring within took her away ; my designed brevity in this answer forbids me to relate all necessary circumstances in these histories . carbuncles are sometimes very large , i saw one on the thigh above two hands bredth with a large blister on it , which being opened by the chirurgion , and scarisication made where the mortification did begin , the patient expired under this operation ; but most commonly these carbuncles do not exceed the breadth of three or four fingers , after few hours the skin shrivels into a crustiness of a duskish or brownish colour : at certain times and in some especially scorbutical bodies these carbuncles did mortifie , and except timely care was taken by immargination , scarifications or applications of actual cauteries , the gangreen in few houres overspread that part , and destroyed the patient ; this most saline corrosive humour was not easily and by ordinary means brought to digestion , and consequently not without much difficulty cured , i shall not at present inlarge on the accidents attending these carbuncles , but proceed to the tokens of which in the next place . these tokens are spots upon the skin of a diverse colour and figure , proceeding from chiefly extravased blood , which by reason of its stagnation putrefies and produceth such mortifications discolouring the skin , so then those spots which are the true tokens , are profound mortifications caused by the extinction of natural heat upon the account of highly prevaling malignity , because many spots arising upon the skin were onely cutaneous , and so farre imposed on many searchers and unskilful veiwers of them that they declared them to be true tokens , experiment was alwaies made upon these discolorations by a lancet or large needle to try whether that part so affected was sensible , if not , then it was most apparent that such persons had those fatal marks upon their bodies which were most certain forerunners of death , but if the patient did discover sense upon the pricking or incision , then such spots being onely cutaneous were not esteemed deadly , and i have seen very many recover who were in this condition . anatomical observations have likewise informed us that these tokens have their original and rise from within , and afterwards externally shew themselves , which is evident because the basis of them is larger then their outward appearance , and the internal parts are found very often spotted when there is no discoloration visible on the skin : the figure of these tokens is not alwaies certain , but generally they are orbiculary shaped as i suppose by the pores , to which the extravasated blood most readily tends , and for want of circulation fixing there , corrupts ; the pores thus closed up by any cold check , the dyaphoresis whereupon the malignant corpuscles being retained in the body their attempt to sally out proves unsuccesful , so that they cause a very great putrefaction in the parts where they settle , and soon after , if a speedy vent is not given , these tokens straightwaies appear , foreshewing the event of the distemper , not to number up all those waies by which these deadly mortifications are produced , i shall onely assert that wherever these marks are found , they evidently express a full conquest of natural heat by the highest degree of malignity . these tokens are not of one size or bigness , some being broader then a single penny , others at first very small , by degrees enlarging and spreading themselves , to the touch they seem hard , not unlike little kernels under the skin the superficies being smooth , yet i saw one where these tokens put out with little blisters upon them : very many were puzled to distinguish aright between these marks and the petechiae pestilentiales , or pestilential appearances in spotted feavers , as also scorbutical spots frequently interspersed amongst them , i have taken notice of many mistakes upon both these accounts : some of our mountebanking chymists much vaunted of their in comparable medicines effectual as was pretended to cure such who were stigmatized with the tokens , when as they not for want of ignorance opinionated those little rednesses like fleabites to be these true signs of the pest , which indeed were scorbutical marks and soon vanished , and if other contracted feaver spots were discovered , though these with one sweat usually disappeared , they concluded them to be nothing less then the tokens , and the removal of them an absolute cure of the plague in its worst condition . the colour of the tokens was various , in some reddish with a circle inclining towards a blue , in others they represented a faint blue the circle being blackish , many were of a brownish dusky colour , like rust of iron or moles in some bodies ; that the reddish and blackish tokens were from blood is most evident , but whether the others might not proceed from the nervous liquor extravasated , concreted , and mortified by the malignity , is more doubtful ; when i assayed to prove them , i found them almost impenetrable . i do at present onely mention this , that further experiment may be made by such who have fit opportunities . although no part of mans body is secure from these most pestilential marks , yet the neck , breact , back and thighes are most apt to them , but these things are so vulgar that i may very well spare my pains in giving any further account : that which did seem at first most strange to me , was that many persons who had continued in a delirium throughout their sickness , so soon as the tokens appeared , they came to themselves and apprehended that they were in an hopeful and recovering condition , i might here relate two eminent stories , which i can onely without circumstances mention , one was of a maid whose temper seemed good , her pulse equal and stronge , her senses were perfect at that time when i was called to see her , she complained of no disorder or pain , and concluding her self secure , but when i veiwed her breast and discovered very many tokens , i left her with a prognostick , and within two or three houres she died , not long after i visited an ancient woman and found her at dinner with a chicken before her on which she fed greedily , and had eaten half before i came , after a due inquiry into her case , finding no satisfaction either from her pulse or temper i searching her breast observed the tokens , and she expired within one or two houres : these clear intervals ( as i conceive ) did happen when all manner of fermentations were ceased , the pestilential ferment having gained a compleat victory , and quieted all oppositions which nature made in order to her preservation : that the tokens do sometimes appear after death , is to be attributed to the high ferment in the pestilential matter which vainly seeking to force its way thorow the skin , imprints there indeleble characters of its excessive malignity : to these tokens i might add those oblong stroakes like lashes discovered on the backs of some , but because i saw during the whole time onely one thus marked , and have not been informed of many , i suppose that these are not common ▪ however their cause is the same with the tokens , and they are to be esteemed of the same consequence , the contiguity of these marks not at all altering their nature or effect . what is often mentioned in most authours concerning the flexibleness of bodies kild by the pestilence , hath not been confirmed in this plague , for although such bodies were not so soon rigid and stiff as those which dyed of chronical or common acute diseases , yet due time being allowed , or if the bodies were exposed to the cold air , there appeared no difference between them and others , but i shall not hence conclude that in no pests there is not to be found this flexibleness . the prognosticks in this pest were very fallacious , for oftimes when all things presented fair , and the patient seemed past danger , on a sudden the case was altered by the near approach of death , and on the contrary in some whose condition upon many accounts was judged desperate , an unexpected change at a dead lift hapned , which gave full assurance of a speedy recovery , besides considering that the pest did primarily seat it self in the spirits , it was not easie to determine positively the success of their contest , for the spirits which for a while were almost suffocated and extinguished being almost over-powred with the pestilential venome , did frequently like the fire for some time suppressed , break out into an aspiring flame and thereby evidence their victory ; and many times the spirits which maintained the combate very well the first charge , by the second onset were utterly defeated ; so that the transactions of the spirits are not so certainly foreseen as the progress of diseases fixed on any internal or external member of the body , the best prognostick is taken from the strength of the patient under a skilful hand directing a proper and methodical cure . before i come to the cure of the pest , i shall say something touching the great business of preservation from it , nature instructs us that by all means possible we preserve and safeguard our selves from all things prejudicial to our lives , and art hath most happily by its discoveries furnished apt remedies for this purpose , and the great success of proper and fit preservatives doth irrefragably plead from their use : in this answer i shall not publish any prescripts , but onely hint the intentions which are alwaies to be observed in a true and regular preservation from the plague . care in the first place must be taken to free the body from superfluous humours , which may be a fit fomes for the pestilential ferment , this ought not to be performed by violent catharticks but gentle and yet effectual de-obstructing medicines , and then the noble parts must be corroborated , their ferments and use maintained , and lastly the blood kept in a due and equal briskness ; and hereupon all passions especially fear and anger are worthily censured by physitians as conducing much to the introduction of the pest , a moderate and wholesome dyet must be cauteously observed , and no error committed in the other things termed non-natural , to conclude the society of infected persons is carefully to be avoided , for certainly it is an high presumption , that because some preservatives are and have been effectual to secure some persons , others taking the like antidotes should thereupon adventure into the utmost danger , as this opinion hath cost many their lives , so i fear , if the fire should break out again ( which god forbid ) some will be bold notwithstanding the miscarriage of others , to attempt the like adventures . the therapeutick part comes next in order , but before i enter upon this subject , if the scruple made by some whether the pestilence is curable , was grounded either on authority or reason i would indeavour to remove it , for however medicines do prove alike effectual to rescue all infected persons from the jawes of death , mortality amongst people denoting the plague ; yet since that by gods blessing and the care and skill of experienced physitians very many recover , these living testimonies do suffficiently evidence the absurdity and great impiety of that suggestion ; i rather think that a cogent argument may be drawn from the deadly nature of this distemper provoking all persons concerned to look out speedily for suitable help , especially considering that dispondency is so considerable a promoter of the pests fatality . in relation to the cure of the plague , all the intentions which offer themselves must be diligently observed and truly answered , otherwise no better account can be given of proceedings then what is produced by ignorant nurses , or our pretended chymists , who are arived at such an height of confidence , as that by warranting simple people their lives in order to their entertainment and thereupon advancing some rude and dangerous preparations not fitted to any intention , they do surpass even the pest it self in destructiveness : so soon as any person findes or apprehends himself to be seized by the contagion ( every little illness in time of the plague being justly suspected ) t is adviseable that he forthwith do betake himself to his bed , taking warning by the miscarriage of very many , who if they were not violently sick at first would struggle with the disease , and vainly imagine by walking abroad in the fields to overcome their distemper , until the best opportunities of applying remedies were ircoverably lost ; besides when the patient is in that condition , nature may more certainly shew the waies she designs to expel the malignity and discovering her deficiencies , directs the physitian who is alwaies intent on her motion to succour her by his art : although it is found most convenient that the patient secure himself in his bed , yet t is not allowable that he sleep until a check is given to the venenosity , indeed some not well advised finding themselves drowzy , who perhaps were seized with a stupidness or dulness signifying the worst quality of the contagion committed themselves to rest , and little thought that by calling in the pestilential matter from the habit of the body and fixing it in the brain , such sleep was onely preparative to their deaths ; if then any find themselves thus disposed they must be kept waking and roused up by vesicatories their use , number , and places , the physitian who is called in will advise ; if the patient vomits , judgement must be truly made whether the stomack is clogged and loaded with undigested meat or fruit or ought else taken unseasonably or immoderatly that may burden it , and become a fit fomes for the pest , if the stomack suffers upon this account by carduus posset drink taken in a large quanity with oxymel of squills , not ascending much higher it must be disburdened and cleansed , but if such vomittings are onely symptomatical , as indeed most were , proper remedies must be directed which may stop those inclinations to vomit , and expell out of the stomack that pestilential matter which so strongly irritates , restoring likewise the ferment of the stomack much weakened and injured by this means , for which purpose i cannot too much commend the fixed salts of wormewood , carduus , rue , scordium , masterwort , &c. if likewise symptomes appear of the poysonous ferment fixing in the bowels , and a flux hereupon happens , it is not safe without a most urgent cause to use catharticks , least a dysentery ensue , and the pestilential matter be drawn by such evacuations from the circumference to the center ; our ignorant , but bold practisers , not understanding either this or any other danger in their desperate undertakings , have chiefly dealt in emetocatharticks , not regarding the sad event which generally attended such attempts , and acting herein in opposition to the advice given by the colledge of physicians in their book ; these rash medicasters not so much valuing the lives of the sick , as their appearing in a contradictory way to the skillfullest and most learned society in europe ; and when these chymical cheats have spent the patients strength by such evacuations , they immediately as to a refuge fly to narcoticks ; and if the violent workings of such medicines are a little quieted thereby , and procured sleep alleviates somewhat , and refreshes , they applaud their accomplishments untill the approaches of death do too plainly manifest their unpardonable abuse and delusion of people in the great concern of their lives . but to return unto my business in hand , the chief intention in the cure consisting in an early expulsion of the malignity , proper alexipharmicks did mostly contribute to this end , which by the expert physicians skill were adapted to the constitution and present condition of the patient , their vertue and power perfectly preventing the great danger threatned by delay or the use of insufficient medicines ; for although in the cure of other diseases a progress from lower to higher and more prevalent processes is very allowable , yet in the pest where occasion must be taken by the foretop the slip of one opportunity being infinitely disadvantageous , all true sons of art imployed their utmost abilities to select most proper sudorificks , one dose of which might provoke a seasonable and effectual sweat whereby the blood and juices of the body were depured and freed from that pestilential ferment with which they were lately imbued ; and since that this intention was chiefly to be observed all other directions having respect unto it , physicians were hereupon very cautelous least they should by any means either divert nature from this course , or prejudice her in such designments , hence was it that phlebotomy was justly censured as a matter of dangerous consequence in the pest , by which the fermentation of the blood was abated , the spirits took flight , and nature became so debilitated that she could no longer combate with her implacable adversary . i am not ignorant that in some plagues bleeding hath proved very successful , but in this complicated with the scorbute it was upon every account inconvenient , the confirmation of which truth two many have sealed with their lives , who being easily perswaded by ignorant practisers , did prodigally wast natures treasure , and soon were imprisoned in their graves . it was also matter of great deliberation , to determine , whether in some urgent cases glisters might safely be administred least the poyson of the distemper shall take downwards , and the diaphoreses be thereby interrupted ; of such high concernment it was to maintain a constant and free transpiration , which every fifth or sixth hour , oftner or later , as there was just cause , was to be forced by repetitions of remedies mightily promoting its expected success and benefit , and here another grand difficulty arises , whether during these sweats it is convenient to nourish the patient ? which i shall thus resolve , if by reason of such sweats the patient finds his condition to be bettered , his appetite not much dejected , his thirst abated , and the paroxisme in declination , as also his strength neer spent , in such a case it is most adviseable that the patient be often indulged chicken-broath or what ever may recruit all losses of spirits in the incounter , and by this means that person being refreshed , will be enabled to undergo cheerfully the succeeding paroxisme and to continue his breathings , but if all requisites shewing the necessity of allowing nourishment , do not concur , t is far better to abstain from this course , then adventure its inconveniencies which are so many that i may not at present recite them ; such patients may by taking of cordidials fit themselves for a more opportune season of nourishment . the continuance and length of such sweats were rightly measured by the patients relief and sufficiency of strength to bear them , but unless i should state the several cases which happened in the pest , it is impossible that full directions can be given , especially considering that applications in medicine altogether relate to individuals , and therefore as there is a difference in the same disease seizing many persons , so likewise not onely various methods of cure , but diverse medicines are subservient to that end , upon which account i forbear to set down the remedies , vegetable , animal and mineral , which were used in the curation of this distemper . sir , it is now high time that i should make my apology for this rude entertainment of your with a most imperfect and confused discourse on this subject ; the truth is i have intentionally omitted very much which may seem pertinent to this business , as to assign the reason why the poor were mostly infected which i might have adscribed to the rotten mutton they fed on the preceding autume preparing their bodies for the contagion , their being crowded in little roomes and close alleys , as also their unrestrainable mixing and converse with the infected , and their great want and poverty notwithstanding the magistrates industrious provision for them , i have likewise forborn to express the cause why children were most subject to the plague and so many dyed of it that it may be fitly called the childrens pest ; neither have i touched upon the business of amulets , though many suffered by such as were arsenical , and other things very significant are passed by , as nassalls , issues , fumes , &c. nor have i particularly related any medicines or their designment , or delivered the several waies to treat patients in different conditions , relating to the several complications with the pox , scurvy , &c. but all these pretermissions may fitly serve to inform you of a design in hand to publish a compleat history of this pest in latin , which i hope will recompense the many defaults in this account ; to the end therefore that there may be no deficiency in so great an undertaking , if legitimate physitians , who have made observations , specially our learned friends in your country , would do me the favour to communicate their notes , i shall own their kindness and faithfully insert both their names and such observations . i am so well assured of your candor that you will not measure that work by this loose and hasty essay , pen'd in an hurry and tumult of other businesses , in which great care is taken not to prevent the novelty of those histories and notions which will then be produced : i shall not detain you with any more excuses , least i be forced to supplicate for them also . as to that part of your letter wherein you desire satisfaction concerning our pretended chymists , i can onely make you this return , that the people are now convinced of their designs , their most admired preparations proving altogether unsuccesful , and their contrivances being chiefly bent upon more secret waies and a shorter cut to gain estates , their intituling medicines by strange names , as the quintessence animae mundi , oil of the heathen gods , &c and requiring three pounds for a dose , is a trifling and slow way to grow rich by , when as an estate may be gained by giving one little but most effectual draught ; now the vulgar perceive the practise of the philosophers by fire who can soon upon advantageous accounts sublime mens souls , you will doubtless ere long have a better and more particular information of their transactions , which i at present forbear to recite . these scandalous opposers of the colledg are now for ever silenced , since that so many members of that most honourable society have ventured their lives in such hot service , their memory will doubtless survive time who dyed in the discharge of their duty , and their reputation florish , who ( by gods providence ) escaped : certainly the magistrate will protect and suitably encourage all legitimate physitians who have appeared most ready to serve their countrey in the greatest exigency . worthy sir , i am your most faithful servant , n. h. may . . from my house in red lion court in watlinstreet . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * omnes homines , viri aequè ac foeminoe , anus aequè ac virgo omnes inquam medici videri pruriunt ut si omnes qui medicae artis cognitionem atque scientiam falso nomine sibi adscribunt , numero comprendere velis , prius quot fluctibus mare à condito aevo agitatum sit sermone atque oratione expedias seidel in praefat . lib. de morb . incurab . * multum egerunt qui ante nos fuerunt , sed non peregerunt multum adhuc restat operis multumque restabit , nec ulii nato post mille saecula praecludetur occasio aliquid adhuc adjiciendi , sen. quod aevum tam rude aut incultum fuit quo non aliquod medicina sive ab ingenio sive ab exercitatione additamentum ceu ornamentum quo locupletior quam ante fieret acceperit , carolus pisc . in praefat . lib. de serosa colluvie . * inexperientia facit fortunam , ut experientia artem. sapienter empedocles asserit nervos sapientiae esse non temerè credere . fabrit . ab aquapend . p. . * in medicina cum laude facienda multa & poenè infinita sunt animadvertenda quae à rudi empiricorum popello non annotentur , hieron . b●rd . p. . * sibi egregie sapientes videntur tamen in maxima rerum ignorantia versantur , & ignorantiae tenebris circumfusi doctrinae causas intueri mentis suae acie nequeunt , shegk . in epist . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , gal. lib. . meth . med . * medicina infamis propter eorum qui eam exer●ent imperitiam . * experim . philos . lib. . p. , . * quilibet etsi à veritatis s●●p● saepe multum aberrans tot techins f●catisque demonstrationibus suas palliare studet opiniones ut à cunctis cuncta ferè ingenia primo occursu seducantur : gul. du vai● in nov . mund . subl . anat . nullum fere hominum genus est quod non alat rivalitatem cum medicis , freitag . fabritius hild. p ▪ . * furor e st nè moriare , mori . * em●irici maximam arti faciunt injuriam infignem inurunt maculam , ut periti apud vulgus non modo imperitum , verum etiam prob dolor ●sanioris judicii homines obtineant authoritatem , seid . * medicina exact● indiget contemplatione & laboriosa in operibus exercitatione , utpote quae tantis rerum difficultatibus scatet , alsat . p. . defens . . p. . * sicut prothagoras sophisista qui discipulis & auditoribus relinquebat estimationem suarum lectionum , ut quisque eorum tantum mercedis ei persolveret quantum existimaret se ex ejus lectionibus profecisse atque didicisse , aristo . ethn. p. . * praxis qu● ipsi utuntur trium dierum spatio ab homine vel vilissimo acquiritur , panar . epist . strad . probos . p. . * non licet bis peccare in medicina uti nec in bello . notes for div a -e * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. hippocrat . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . quer● . phar. mac . p. . * principiis obsta , &c. renodaei instit phar. p. . * de augm . scient . lib. . p. ● . alsar . de . quaes . per epistol . p. . gal. de opt . secta . l' obell . p. . med. medicin . p. . notes for div a -e ann. . hen. . * foelix esset artibus si soli artistae de illis judicarent , f●b . * leges posteriores abrogant priores . mant. * aug. lib. . de civitate dei. notes for div a -e * omnes qui vix communem intelligere queunt sermonem , & opera similiter cum difficultate discunt vulgò communia medicinam exercere ambiunt , geb . lib. de invest . sum . perf . notes for div a -e zacut. lus . p. . tract . de sal● dom. de neus . riol . in epist . dedic . pharmac . spargyr . p. . * fab. propugn alchym . p. . * ut turpe esset in senatu patres dum de salute reipublicae deliberatur à votis ad convitia descendere , ita pudend●m est eos qui scriptis editis rem literariam auctam & amplificatam cupiunt rebus missis convitiis certare . sen. p. . angel. sal. de error . pseudochym . p. . * corrumpunt mixtum perduntque , non autem dividunt in sua simplicia . * accidit iis qui se igne oblectant & exhilarant quod ad extremum omne in luctum vertitur , ignis enim multò subtiliora venena contra eos evomit quam minerae , paracels . cap. . tract . . de morb . metall . * dec. . paradox . . p. . * sen. de brev . vitae , p. . * pharmac . spagyr . p. . * medici quidam adulando in pharmacis administrandis aegros interficiunt panarol . p. . * de difficult . alchym . p. . * hippocrat . de dec . hab . * ubi desinit philosophus ibi incipit medicus . * geb . cap. . * de quaes . per epist . p. . * debet chymicus errori subvenire inpuncto . sanch. p. . mor. de metall . metamorph . sennert . de natura , chym . p. . paracels . p. . abrah . è port . leon. mant . p. . * quò vide ant pseudochymici & metito nomine medici celeberrimum hoc nostrum londinens . collegium singulis praeceptis singulisque instrumentis utriusque philosophiae affluere & abundare in arenam descendo , &c. tho. rawlins in praefat . alphabet : ceu admon . pseudochymic . * observat . medic . in spa. cap. . * cap. xxv . leonard . botall . de curat per miss . sanguinis , p. . notes for div a -e * heroici viri quamvis nullam artem quam humana excogitavit industria absolutam nobis reliquerunt praeclara tamen in omnibus artibus indefessis laboribus longissimisque observationibus in venerum posterisque instar testamenti fideliter tradiderunt , bruel . in pref . * illa habentur specifica quae omnibus differentiis alicujus morbi , omnibus hominibus , & omni tempore prosunt , fab. p. . hercul . saxon . de lue ven . p. . med. medicinae , p. . lib. . aphorism . . * christoph . à vega , p. . * heurn . in aphorism . p. . * nihil juvare videtur nisi quod è sanctuariis chymicorum depromptum tamque attonita quorundam animos persuasio occupavit , ut prodesse nisi chymica non putent , billish . in epist . * his parium & superiorum contemptus acsi iis solis cerebrum & cor natura formasset , & reliqui vel in truncos & stipites abiissent , vel peponem pro corde fungum pro cerebro gererent . jonst . * olim non opus erat remediis diligentibus nondum in tantum nequitia surrexerat , nec tam late se sparserat , poterant vitiis simplicibus obstare remedia simplicia , nunc necesse est tant● operatiora esse munimenta quanto valentiora sunt quibus petimur , &c. sen. p. . * ubi de salute humana agitur non standum uniuscujusque judicio sed eorum qui authoritatem longo tempore sibi compararunt , caesalp . p. . * laudo tuam experientiam qui non finis infirmos computrescere sed eos statim è vita liberas , strat. philos . seidel . p. . * thon . epist . medic . p. . notes for div a -e * multi sunt qui ex particulari materia medicamentum universalissimum clicere volunt frustra tamen omnia fuisse experientia attestatur universalissimum siquidem ex universalissimo elici debet . thon . epist . med . p. . angel. sal. de chrysol . p. . by the king a proclamation for the better direction of those who desire to repaire to the court for the cure of their disease, called, the kings euill. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king a proclamation for the better direction of those who desire to repaire to the court for the cure of their disease, called, the kings euill. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . [ ] leaves. by robert barker, printer to the kings most excellent maiestie: and by the assignes of iohn bill, imprinted at london : m.dc.xxxi [ ] arms without "c r" at top. caption title. imprint from colophon. postponing resort to the king until dec. because of plague. "giuen at our court at hampton, the thirteenth day of october, in the seuenth yeere of our reigne." reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng scrofula -- early works to . royal touch. plague -- england -- london -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion honi ❀ soit ❀ qvi ❀ mal ❀ y ❀ pense ❀ diev · et · mon · droit royal blazon or coat of arms ¶ by the king. ¶ a proclamation for the better direction of those who desire to repaire to the court for the cure of their disease called , the kings euill . the kings most excellent maiestie , in his most gracious and pious disposition , being as ready & willing as any king or queene of this realm euer was in any thing to relieue the distresses and necessities of his good subiects , and the good successe vpon those who haue need of his sacred touch for the cure of the kings euill , being as happy , by the blessing of almighty god , as any of his royall predecessours haue beene , yet in his princely wisedome foreseeing that in this great worke of charitie to singular persons , those fit times are necessarily to bee obserued , which may not preiudice the generall health of his people , his maiestie did by his proclamation in march last , declare his royall will and pleasure to bee , that whereas the vsuall times of presenting such persons to his maiestie for this purpose , were easter and whitsuntide , that from thencefoorth the times should bee easter and michaelmas , as times more conuenient , both for the temperature of the season , and in respect of any contagion which might happen in the neere accesse to his maiesties sacred person . and his maiestie did thereby accordingly will and command , that from the time of publishing the said proclamation , none should presume to repaire to his maiesties royall court , to bee healed of that disease , before the feast of s. michael the archangel then next comming , and now last past . his most excellent maiestie ( now considering that the danger of the infection of the plague is very much dispersed in diuers counties of this kingdome ) doeth hereby will and command , and doeth also declare his royall will and pleasure to bee , that from the time of publishing this proclamation , none presume to repaire to his maiesties royall court , to be healed of that disease called the kings-euill , before the fifteenth day of december next ensuing , and in case the sayd infection should continue or increase , which god of his mercie diuert , his maiestie will in the meane time signifie and declare his royall will and pleasure by proclamation for some further time , for that purpose . and his maiestie doeth further will and command , as in his former proclamation aforesaid hee commanded , that all such as shall come and repayre to the court for this purpose , shall bring with them certificates vnder the hands of the parson , vicar , or minister , and church-wardens of those seuerall parishes where they dwell , and from whence they come , testifying according to the trueth , that they haue not at any time before beene touched by the king , to the intent to be healed of that disease . and his maiestie doeth straightly charge all justices of peace , constables and other officers , that they doe not suffer any to passe , but such as haue such certificates , vpon paine of his maiesties displeasure . and to the end that all his louing subiects may the better take knowledge of this his maiesties pleasure and command ; his will is , that this proclamation bee published and affixed in some open place in euery market towne of this realme . all which his maiestie doth command strictly to bee obserued by all and euery person , and persons whom it shall , or may concerne , vpon such paines , and penalties as may be inflicted vpon them , for the neglect thereof . giuen at our court at hampton , the thirteenth day of october , in the seuenth yeere of our reigne . god saue the king. ¶ imprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie : and by the assignes of iohn bill . m. d c. xxxi . solomon's prescription for the removal of the pestilence, or, the discovery of the plague of our hearts, in order to the healing of that in our flesh by m.m. mead, matthew, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing m estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) solomon's prescription for the removal of the pestilence, or, the discovery of the plague of our hearts, in order to the healing of that in our flesh by m.m. mead, matthew, ?- . [ ], p. [s.n.], london : . attributed to matthew mead. cf. bm. reproduction of original in harvard university libraries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng sin. dissenters, religious -- england. plague -- england -- london. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion solomon's prescription for the removal of the pestilence : or , the discovery of the plague of our hearts , in order to the healing of that in our flesh . by m. m. lament . . , , . wherefore doth a living man complain ? a man for the punishment of his sins ? let us search and try our wayes , and turn again to the lord. let us lift up our heart with our hands unto god in the heavens . psal. . , . thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions : and the plague brake in upon them . then stood up phinehas , and executed judgment , and so the plague was stayed . london , printed in the year , m. dc . lxv . the preface to the reader . reader , i had more objections in my own thoughts to the sending forth this paper ; and can fore-think more faults like to be found with it when sent forth , then i shall now stand to tell thee of , or make any answer for . but because amongst all those objections , i met not with this , that it was impossible it should do anie good , i thought the rest answerable ; and because amongst all its faults , thou canst not ( trulie ) find this , that it was not intended for anie good , i perswade my self all the rest are pardonable . what the design of it is , if thou art in haste , the title will tell thee ; if thou art at leasure , and think'st it worth thy while , thou may'st find it in the book it self ; so either way i might be excused from saying ought of it here . but somewhat for thy satisfaction know , when i considered the sore judgment wherewith we have been visited , which so evidentlie declares wrath to be gone forth from the lord against us , i thought it might be an essay verie acceptablè to god , and profitable to our selves , to do the best i could to make the voyce of the rod articulate ; that in the print of its lashes , not onlie gods wrath , but the sin he scourgeth us for , and the duty he would drive us to , might be found in legible characters , that even he that runs may read them . when i lookt on affliction as a medicine for a distempered nation , i thought it was exceeding necessarie , in order to its kindlie working with us , to tell the nature , import and use of it ; and to give directions how it ought to be received . and though i acknowledge my self the meanest of ten thousand for so great a work , yet when i saw or heard of nothing so particular and distinct , as i thought the matter required , humblie depending upon , and imploring divine assistance , i made this attempt ; wherein , whil'st i have guided my self by the physitians own rules , and an impartial consideration of the nature of the patient , i hope i have made no material ( i am sure no wilful ) mistakes . this then was my great desire and hope , to be by this undertaking , a worker together with gods providence for some good to the nation . and surely no man hath cause to be angry with this intention , or with any thing that flows sincerelie from it . had anie man , though the meanest among the people , in the time when nineveh was threatned with destruction , given in a catalogue of those sins they were guiltie of , the removal of which could onlie prevent their ruine ; i am perswaded his endeavours would have been grateful to the prince , his nobles , and the people , though he had spoke to them all with more plainness and boldness , than i have done . and i dare confidentlie expect the same , if our fasting and prayers be not onlie for fashion-sake , but in as good earnest as theirs . two great miscarriages moreover i was prone to fear the most would be guiltie of , which i have especiallie consulted against . the first , of being swallowed up so much with a sense of their suffering , as to be indispose for all profitable reflections ; and therefore fain would i turn mens eyes and thoughts from off this , to the sin that brought it ; and have them onlie to consider the former , so much as to inform themselves more clearlie of the evil of the latter . oh what out-cryes we may hear up and down , what doleful times these are ! so manie thousands dead this week , so manie another ! the plague got to this town , and then to that ! all trading , as well as persons , dead and gone ! but were people formerly thus affected , whilst we were bringing this upon our selves ? did they cry out then , oh how manie thousand oaths are sworn in a week ? and how manie lyes told ? how manie thousands drunk , and how manie commit lewdness ? had we had weeklie bills of such sins brought in , they would far have exceeded the largest sums that ever yet the mortalitie made . but alas ! these with the most were light matters . not half so manie groans and tears for these , nor anie such complaints of them ; nor did the consideration of them make anie sensible alteration amongst us . now this i would fain obtain , to have those dayes thought as much worse than these ; and those actions as much worse than these sufferings , as the disease is worse than physick ; and a childs disobedience to his parents , worse than his being whip't : and he that should weep out of pitie to the child , when he sees it lash't ; and yet could be content to hear him revile and abuse his father , i should think to be a person of more fondness , than discretion ; and for him to be more concerned for the childs smart , than the parents honor , argues him to have no true love for either . and here by the way let me give a caution , viz. that no man bewray so much follie as to argue , that because in mercie god may abate and remove his heavy judgments , before manie , or perhaps any of these sins i have mentioned are put away from amongst us ; and because we may have our former health and plentie restor'd , whilst there is no such reformation of disorders as i have exhorted to , that therefore our sufferings were not intended to chastise us for those sins , nor to bring us to this reformation . if thou be an atheist or infidel that makest this argument , who believest not there is a god , or that he concerns not himself with our affairs , but that all things come by nature or chance , or i know not what , i shall then leave thee to receive satisfaction ( if nothing sooner will give it ) there , where all such as thou , by the feeling of divine vengeance , are at once convinc't what the sin is which hath deserved it , and that there is a god who inflicts it ; but if thou be a christian , then i would wish thee well to examine the nature of the thing , ( that i mean , which thou thinkest god hath not punish't us for , because it is yet continued ) and upon the issue of that examination , pass thy judgment . it 's much to be feared thou wilt see drunkards , and hear swearers , after the plague may be ceas't ; and wilt thou think therefore that these , and the like wickednesses , did not provoke god to afflict us ? but rather stay , if thou art in doubt , till the great reckoning day , till thou hast heard all mens accounts cast up , and those actions which are then approved confidentlie pronounce no sins ; but not all those that survive the heaviest judgments here on earth , which may be sent to punish and reform those that were guiltie of them ; since hardned sinners may frustrate some ends of an affliction , and all are not followed here , as pharaoh was . no , i say , do not justifie all such actions , though thou shouldst hear them openlie defended , and applauded , and those men punish't that dare to oppose and contradict them , and that opposition made the onlie sin . this lower world is full of such mad mistakes and confusions , but all will shortlie be set strait . the other miscarriages that i feared men would be apt to run into , and which i have laboured to provide against , was , that though they might be convinc't that sin in the general , was the cause of all our miseries , yet hardly that it was their sin , or their friends , but some bodies else that they don't love ; and so shift it off to this or that party , whom they would have punish't , had they been in gods stead . such a strong self-love there is in everie man , that his fancie shapes god verie much in a likeness to himself . even the vilest sinners , psal . . . thought god such an one as themselves . and consequentlie they account themselves , and all their concernments dear to god , and so would interpret all his providences in favour of them , to right their quarrel , and to avenge them of their enemies ; for thus would they prescribe god , might they be call ▪ d to his counsel . all would fain carrie it , that god is of their partie , and against those whom they are against ; everie man will be more inclined to accuse others ▪ than himself : nay , and hence it oft falls out , that they who have espoused anie sin , will be so far alone from thinking ill of it , that they 'l rather accuse the contrarie vertue ; and so godliness it self may sometimes bear the blame , or however the most godlie and unblameable men . the pillars of a ▪ land sometimes are accounted the pests of it , on which whilst some men blind with rage , lay their hands to pluck them down , they are about to do themselves , and the people with whom they are , the same courtesie that sampson did to the philistine lords . they who were the salt to savour a corrupt world , were accounted the filth and off-scouring of all things . ahab will sooner count elijah than himself , a troubler of israel . and when anie mischief befalls the empire , then the poor christians must be thrown to the lyons . thus i fear amongst us , manie bitter and undeserved censures will be past by one against another ; which great sin i have done my best to consult against , whil'st i have chieflie laboured to bring everie man to a reflection upon himself ; whil'st i have studied faithfullie to deal , both to this man and that , his share in procuring our miseries ; and whil'st i have made the divisions and parties that are amongst us which occasion this censoriousness , one great cause of our sufferings . however one or otber may interpret what i have done , i am prettie indifferent ; only i hope i have said nothing , which need make anie man presentlie fall a confuting me , which , i ▪ le promise you , it 's an hard thing in these dayes to escape ; say what you will , 't is against sin onlie i have a quarrel : if any guiltie person ( as the pharisees when christ preach't ) shall think i mean him ▪ let him once again know , that it is not against small or great , but the sins of all , that i am entered into the lists ; and i hope they 'l rather see to forsake , than vindicate them . but if otherwise , if leave may be granted , i dare undertake to evidence , that sin is that which brings suffering , and that those things i have mentioned as the sins of our nation , are indeed such . yea , and if it be not thought immodestie to forestall the readers judgment , i dare add , that i have spoken verie great truth and reason in the matters most liable to exception , notwithstanding all the weaknesses and disadvantages in the representing , which i readilie acknowledge to be manie and great . but i have alreadie exceeded the due bounds of a preface ; wherefore to conclude , let all censure as they shall find meet ; only let me make a solemn profession ( which is the more credible from one , who hath no great reason to expect to out-live the general desolation ) that , so far as i know my own heart , i have spoke nothing with a design to exasperate any , or to humor and gratifie one faction , by disgracing or inveighing against another ; but it hath been my care to speak the very truth , according to the infallible word of god , and the clearest apprehensions of my own soul ; with an unfeigned desire to discover what indeed those sins are , which we especiallie smart for , that the inconsiderate and ignorant may be informed , the guiltie humbled , wickedness rooted out , god appeased , and all our mercies , both spiritual and temporal , restored and continued ; and these designs shall be followed with my prayers : ( and i hope with thine too that read'st me ) but how far the success may answer either , i must leave to the readers improvement of , and gods blessing upon my well-intended , though weak endeavours . thine in the service of the gospel , m. m. i kings . , , . if there be in the land a famine , if there be pestilence , blasting , mildew , locust , or if there be caterpillar : if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities , whatsoever plague , whatsoever sicknesse there be : what prayer and supplication soever be made by any man , or by all thy people israel , which shall know every man the plague of his own heart , and spread forth his hands towards this house : then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place , and forgive , and do and give to every man according to his ways , whose heart thou knowest , ( for thou , even thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men . ) the good and gracious god , the ruler and governour of the world , and the disposer of all events , doth nothing rashly or in vain , and therefore hath made it the duty of the sons of men wisely to weigh and consider of his providences , and to learn instructions thence , as well as from the revelations of his mind in his written word , micah . . we are bid to hear the rod. and though in the bounteous dispensations of his favours , we can assign no higher cause than his own meer grace and good will , which is accomplish't in the doing good to his creatures ; yet in the inflicting of judgment which is his strange work , we may be sure to find something out of himself moving him to it . it cannot be well conceived how man should ever be the subject of pain or sorrow , did not sin render him passible , and open a way for the sword to enter his bowels , and give it that edge and force which causeth it to pierce the deeper , and to wound more sensibly . now as a distemper which ariseth from a surfet , is to be look't at only as an effect of intemperance , and is not to be quarrell'd at , but the cause of it to be blam'd ; and as the chyrurgions searching into the festered place is not a wound , but a discovery of the depth of the sore , in order to its cure ; so are the judgments which god sends on a people only to be regarded as the symptomes of , and means to cure that disorder , and distemperedness within our selves , which doth as it were naturally produce such sufferings . it is not the breaking forth of some inward distemper , which is our sicknesse it self , but 't is rather the effect of it . the spots discernable upon the infected , are not the plague , but the tokens . thus are we to account the most grievous things that light upon us , but as the manifestations and fruits of something worse within us . now look when men by outward signes find out those ill humours that lodge within them , they labour not so much to represse the out-side sore , as to correct and remove the inward cause . he that when the pox comes out upon a child , would drive them in , shall but make sure and hasten his death ; but rather will the wise physitian prescribe means for their kindly coming forth and ripening , that by them the corrupt humours may be vented and vanish . he that is troubled with heats and flushings , arising from his liver , would but play the fool to lay plaisters to himself , but will rather take physick that may inwardly purge him . even thus also suffering having its birth and nourishment from sin , the way for the redress of that is the removal of this . and by no other means can a kindly cure be effected . indeed sometimes an affliction may be taken off in greater wrath , than it was laid on , when people so revolt , that god will strike them no more , but because they are joyned to their idols , will let them alone ; but this is but the making way for sorer judgments to follow . and thus will it be wheresoever we are taken from under the rod , before we are brought under the yoke . if outward sufferings turn to hardnesse of heart ▪ desperate is the case ▪ of such a people or person , however they may applaud themselves in their deliverance ; this is but like a venome which may seem to leave a finger or hand , but strikes up to the heart : this is but a skinning over the sore which will wrankle beyond the possi billty of a cure ; it is but a kind of lightning before death , the surest forerunner and saddest presage , that all our happiness is giving up the ghost and departing from us . now we must needs acknowledge it infinite mercy and goodnesse in our god , when we have reduc't our selves to such a dangerous estate by sin , any way to discover it to us , though by sharp and smarting means , so that these prevent our final ruine . oh that i could inculcate this into my own , and the readers soul , that before we felt any pain , we lodg'd within us a greater evil , and that what we now feel proceeds from the hand of love , if we are wise to improve it . poor man , thou criest out of poverty , losse of relations , sicknesse and pain , but didst thou not know it ? thou carriedst these , yea , and worse than all these about thee before , when yet thou could'st go up and down quietly enough and never complain . couldst thou not swear , be drunk , commit lewdnesse , over-reach , defraud , and oppress thy brother , profane the lords day , neglect the worship of god both in publick and private , make a jest of scripture , and mock at holinesse , and corn , and deride , hate , and persecute the most serious christians ? these , these , oh senslesse sinner , were thy sicknesse and misery ; these conceived and bore about in their bowels , all that sorrow which since they have brought forth . sin goes big with all the most dreadful evils in the world ; even hell it self is its natural off-spring . but alas thou feltst no hurt , no smart in all this . thou couldst grieve the spirit of god , and trample under foot thy redeemers blood , and run fresh spears into his side , and nails into his hands and feet , and yet never once in any sober sadnesse reflect upon thy self , and say , what have i done ? thy sin was thy pleasure , thy sport , thy trade ; so sweet , so profitable , that thou thoughtest it as dear to thee , as thy life it self ; and couldst never believe thou wa'st doing thy self so much mischief , while thou was 't pleasing thy flesh , or filling thy purse . how hard a task had he undertook , that would have gone about then to have convinc't thee that thy most delightful gainful sins , were indeed thy wounds , thy losses , and would be thy undoing ? and yet thus it was . he that is swallowing down poison because its sweet , or wrapt up in gilded pills , is then poisoning himself even whilst the sweetnesse is in his mouth , and his palate is pleased with the relish ▪ though perhaps he may then laugh at him , that cries out it is poison , and bids him therefore as he loves his life , spit it out : what , shall you perswade him that can be hurtful , whose taste is so pleasant ? but even he himself when he feels it burn his heart , and gripe his bowels , and torture his inward parts , will then cry out he is poisoned , and roar out in the anguish and bitter torment which he feels , but all this his pain is but the working of that poison , which then became mortal , whilst it went down so pleasantly . you may hear people when in sufferings , make sad complaints and lamentations , that would even melt ones heart to hear them : then they can cry out , oh my my wife , or husband , or child is dead ! what shall i do ? how can i bear it ? oh what course shall i take to get bread , for my self and family ? cry the poor ; what must we starve for want of relief ? oh how doleful is our case ! and they that are under sicknesse , and strook with the visible hand of god , how do their hearts sink within them like a stone ? how pale and ghastly do their looks of a sudden become ? now they are even at their wits end , oh any thing , any thing for help ? what piteous moans now they can make ! oh their head , their heart , their back ! now with what astonishments and horrors , do they every moment expect to breath out their last ? with what amazing fears , what dark and dismal apprehensions of the state they are entering upon , are they now seiz'd ? what passionate out-cries may you hear from them ? what must they dye ? is there no remedy ? no hope ? must they then leave the world they have lov'd so much , and liv'd in so long ? and bid farewel to their freinds and companions , their houses , and lands , their sports and merriments and gainful trading , and all for ever ! oh that ever they should be born to see such a day ! that their dwellings should be within the reach of the contagion ! that this dreadful death of all others should befall them ! that they should be left thus desolate and forlorn , forsaken of all , abandoned of their nearest relations , in this time of their greatest extremity , when they most need succour and comfort ! thousands such hearty groanings , and bitter wailings may you hear : but had you come in amongst these people , a few days since , oh what quite other kind of men were they ? how jolly and secure , following their pleasures or businesse ; and would it's like have laught at him that should have told them of a death so near , or of the judgment that follows after . how few , alas ! how very few should you have then found amongst them , who did at any time cry out , oh blind mind that is so ignorant of god! oh earnal heart that is so averse from his laws ! oh how unevenly do i walk ! base treacherous wretch that i am , thus to depart from god! vile and unthankful creature , that ever i should offend a god of such mercy and love ! oh that i was delivered from the power of my lusts , the temptations of satan , and all the diseases of my soul ! alas ! instead of such becoming language as this , you might from the most have heard , swearing and cursing , idle songs , filthy and ribbald speeches , or at the best , frothy , foolish , or worldly unprofitable discourse . poor stupid sinner , then thou wast stabbing and destroying thy self , then thou wast seiz'd with the most deadly infection . then had it been no uncharitablenesse , nor absurdity to have set a lord have mercy upon me , in capital letters on thy forehead ; yea , wise and holy men saw it there in that wickedness that broke out in thy life , and lookt on thee as fitter for a pesthouse , than converse ; as one not to be accompanied with , except in order to thy recovery . now must we not all in general say , that it is tender compassion in the great benefactour to mankind , that he will so farre concern himself with us in our miserable estate , as by any means to awaken us to a sense of it , whilst there is any possibility of a cure : sottish wretches , that measure all events by their correspondency to flesh and blood , will not believe there can be love in such sore afflictions . they to whom sin was sweet , will hardly be brought to like well of those potions , which are administred on purpose to make it bitter . how will they loath the physick , who love their very sicknesse ? but all whose eyes god shall open by his providences , will see abundant cause to blesse , and praise him for his love , in working them to a timely apprehension of that , which otherwise had been their ruine . tell me man , is it not a wonderful mercy to be awakened on this side hell , let the means be what they will ? if thy present smart makes thee judge otherwise , couldst thou but come to the speech of those undone souls whose hopes are perisht for ever , they would soon satisfie thee that every thing is tendernesse , and very great mercy that comes to discover sin , and prevent everlasting misery . oh lay this to heart in time man , and stay not too long , till feeling give thee a too clear and undeniable demonstration of this truth . if now thou criest out thou art undone , because thy trading's gone , thy friends dead , or thy self in danger of death , and lookst not about thee to find out , and be affected with greater evils than all these , and so to escape much greater sufferings than yet thou hast felt , 't is but a little while before thou ▪ shalt find arguments reaching to thy very soul , which will make thee acknowledge what i now say . oh then , when thou findest thy self under the vials of divine vengeance , and hast taken up thy residence amongst the devils and damned ghosts in the midst of the burning lake , what slight inconsiderable things not worth the mentioning will all the miseries thou underwentst in thy life-time appear to thee ? what desirable things will the most pinching poverty , the most grievous pain then seem , compar'd to what thou wilt endure ? what very trifles , meer flea-bitings wilt thou then judge famines , plagues , and heaviest judgments that can light upon men whilst in the body ? oh what wouldst thou then give to be where thou wast , when thou thoughtest thy self at the worst ? and wouldst thou entertain such a state with joy and thankfulness , which before thou thoughtest the most miserable that a man could possibly be cast into ? then thou wilt confess , that to be shut up from the society of men , hath nothing of dolefulness in it , compar'd to thy being shut up under the burning wrath of an unreconciled god. then at length , whether thou wilt or no , thou shalt see sin , and cry out of sin , and acknowledge 't is thy sin that hath ruin'd thee . now thou canst in thy cold , faint manner by rote , say thou art a great sinner , and perhaps maist cursorily cry god mercy ; but then from the very inwards of thy soul shalt thou repent of sin , with such a kind of hellish repentance , as is proper to those damned spirits in the midst of their tortures ; such an one as thy predecessour judas felt the beginnings of , when he ran to the halter for comfort . then thou shalt not only with those rev. . . pour out thy blasphemies against god , the breath of whose fury like a stream of brimstone kindles and keeps alive those unquenchable flames : but thou shalt also load thy self with heavier accusations , than ever any of gods ministers did whilst thou wast upearth . then thou shalt feelingly confess thy self stark mad and besotted , and wonder at thy own stupendious folly , that ever thou shouldst so wilfully and resolutely plunge thy self into that place of woe . and this will be none of the least aggravations of thy torment , to reflect upon those many ways which god us'd with thee to have convinc't thee of thy sin and danger before it had been too late , of all which thou mad'st light , and wouldst not be taught by them ; when the hand of god here was lifted up , thou wouldst not see ; but then thou shalt see , thou shalt know . then thou wilt easily grant , that the sharpest suffering that had so shewn thee sin , as to have sav'd thee from this wrath , had been the happiest providence that ever befell thee . would any man that hath not lost his wits , as well as his gratitude , take it ill from his neighbour that should waken him out of his sweet sleep , when the house is on fire over his ears , yea , though he pinch and beat him black and blue that he may speedily rouze him ? now from all i have said then , i would gather , that the heavy hand of god upon a nation , as it is laid on for sin , so for the most part not meerly for punishment and destruction , but to discover to us the evil of our doings , that they may be repented of , and put away . and so there is much mercy in the midst of these judgments , if they be improv'd to those eads to which their nature is fitted for , and which we are commanded to make of them . the greatest of these calamities to those that remain , are but like the sounding of a trumpet , the giving an alarm , the shooting off a warning-piece , the hanging forth of a white flag , and all speak to this purpose , that though the sins of a nation have been exceeding great and provoking , whereby the anger of the most holy god is justly kindled against them , which he sends these his judgments to testifie , that yet he is willing to put up all former affronts that have been offered , if now at length they will become a reformed people , and with detestation of their sins turn from them unto god and his holy ways ; but if not , that his anger shall not be turned away , but his hand stretched out still , till he hath made a full end of them , and will follow them with judgment after judgment , till they are cast into the lowest hell . so that you see plainly the rod , hath a voice , and is a kind of sermon , but comes nearer to the sense , and will force an observance more than meer words could do . we could chuse whether we would read a bible or good book , or regard a minister or godly neighbour , giving us this very lesson as plainly , but in a more gentle manner . we could stop our ears , or turn our backs , or harden our hearts against all the most awakening , startling truths : we could make a pish of the most dreadful threatnings in the book of god , denounc't against those very sins we committed ; we could laugh at our teachers and reprovers , and scorn at the offers of their love for our recovery . and when we were sunk into such a deplorable estate , wanting nothing of falling head-long into hell , but the withdrawing of that miraculous patience which kept us out every moment , then in infinite mercy did our god , who like a wise physitian , suits his potions to the nature of the disease , and temper of his patients , make bare his arm , and reveal himself and his pleasure to us , in a way most likely to affect us , if we who yet survive , be not obstinately bent upon our own destruction . let us not then murmur or repine : for if our disease be grown to such an height , that without stronger medicines it would be our death , is it not all the reason in the world that we should submit to those prescriptions which are proportion'd to it ? whoever thou art that sufferest , thou hast reason to be content , for it s thy own doing ; thou mightst have hearkned in time to the plain word of god , and so have escap't this severer discipline . thou who wast wilfully deaf to the still voice , is it not of thy self that a message is delivered to thee in such terrible thundrings ? if thou hadst not clos'd thy eyes against the gentle light , they had never been so forcibly held open by the hand of god , to see those things which are as clear as the noon-days sun ▪ if the word of god had sunk into thy soul , thou hadst not thus felt his arrows in thy flesh , nor been taught thus with briars and thorns , like them , judg. . . god delights not in the smarting and roaring of his creatures ; but yet he that hath bidden parents by the rod of correction to drive out the folly that is bound up in the heart of a child , so he loves the sons of men , that he will not spare his rod when it may ( and if it be not mens own fault , will ) conduce to their advantage . when there is no way but either the gangren'd member , or the life must go , who would not lose that , to save this ? still then here is mercy : afflictions , beside the frightful noise , have a clear sense and meaning ; beside the heat that scorcheth , they have an informing light . god might in a moment have snatch't thee from earth to hell , and there have convinc't thee in such a manner as leaves no room for thy reformation , when as now he hath taken away thy neighbour , and but threatned thee with death , and afforded thee some breathing-time for thy preparation , and for the prevention of the endless death . thou who art reading these lines , mightest have been the first at whom god had level ▪ d his arrows ; thou mightest have been snatch't out of the world suddenly , without any other warning than the word had given thee , as it may have hapned to others . but since it hath not thus befaln thee , whatever thou maist feel or fear further , thou canst not but acknowledge god treats thee very graciously . whilst thou art on this side hell , thou maist learn much by the severest dispensations ; and though this seem a cutting , piercing way of teaching , yet is it ( as i said before ) best suited to thy dulness and senslessness , and most likely to prevail with thee , as not needing so much the pains of a particular application to thy self , which thou wouldst not be brought to in the hearing of the most searching sermons . 't was but forgetting them , and there was an end of all ; but now god speaks words which may be felt , that shall stick longer by thee , and upon which he will keep thy most serious thoughts whether thou wilt or no. it did require indeed deep and frequent consideration to convince thy self of thy lost undone estate by reason of sin , whilst thou wast swimming in plenty and prosperity , and couldst bid thy soul take its ease : alas ! what was it to hear of the wrath of god , a never-dying worm , an unquenchable fire , whilst men felt all well with themselves ; and lookt upon those very sins as essential to their happiness , which the word represented as their misery ? they were not then likely to think very ill of them whilst they perceiv'd no hurt they did them ; but now when god shall manifest his hatred ( and consequently the evil ) of sin by demonstrations reaching to the very bone , he that groans under these loads , may very readily infer , that surely sin is an exceeding great evil , which pulls down such judgments from a compassionate god : which yet at the highest , are but forerunners of infinitely worse to follow , even everlasting destruction from the presence of the lord without timely repentance . and when thou hast so far made advantage of thy afflictions , as thence to inform thy self of the evil of sin in general , and of thy particular sin ; to know that sin is a plague , and to know what is the plague of thy own heart , then thou art in a very fair way towards deliverance and healing . and this is made evident to us by the words of solomon which we propounded at the beginning , which i intend not particularly to insist on , but to make them the foundation of a more general and laxe discourse . the import of them seems to be this , that any man under any calamity whatever , that should be sensible of the sin that procured it , and betake himself to god , by prayer and true repentance , for him the wise man prays , that he may have audience and mercy . for such a man is fit to have the plaister taken off his sore , on whom it hath had a kindly influence , answerable to the end whereunto god sent it ; namely , to shew his sin , humble him for , and turn him from it . two things on the by only , i shall hint from these words , . that we may very well turn this prayer of solomon's into a promise , and conclude that what he beg'd of god , and that with a particular reference to the children of israel , shall be granted to every man , in any place performing the conditions here described . . note , that under the work know , is compriz'd the whole performance of all that is required in other places of scripture , in order to the obtaining of the pardon of sin , and the removal of those judgments which it had procured . there is nothing more common in holy writ , than the making words of knowledge , inclusive of the affections and practice also . to know god , frequently comprehends our whole duty to him ; for our knowledge of him being the beginning and ground-work of all other duties , and producing them where it is in clearnesse and power , may very well be put for all . according to this is our english phrase , i 'le make you know your superiours , that is , perform your duty to them . so here to know the plague of our own heart ( by which is meant sin , the disease of the soul ) is as much as to be convinc't of it , to see its odiousnesse , to be lively humbled for , and sincerely resolved to forsake it . that it must be a working practical knowledge , not resting in meer conviction , is evident from the foregoing words , which mention the prayer proceeding from those who know the plague of their own hearts ; the same also follows , and spread forth their hands to this house ; that is , make their addresses to god , with some kind of particular reference to the temple , where he did in a more special manner reside and manifest himself ; and thus daniel in captivity opened his window toward jerusalem , dan. . . now he that should thus come to god ; what is it for ? not only for deliverance , but also to confesse sin , the cause of his misery ; and if so , then must he be truly grieved for his provocations of the most holy god , and this could not be without promises , and purposes of a reformation . now i need not stand to prove what i before mentioned , that whoever is thus affected shall , if not be freed from the temporal affliction he lies under , yet , be secured from the hurt of it , and have greater blessings bestowed ; this , i say , i need not stand to prove , the scripture being everywhere so full of examples and promises that demonstrate it . and indeed it is fully evidenc't in the very tenour of the covenant of grace , which assures pardon , and salvation , and all things truly good for us , upon the condition of our coming to , and receiving christ ; which none can do , but they who are sensible of their need of him , who have seen the evil of sin , both as to its nature and effects , and are desirous to be delivered from the guilt , and pollution ; and this sense of sin , and aversion from it in heart and life , is true repentance , and upon condition of this it was that soloman pray'd for , and god frequehtly promiseth mercy , and particularly see his answer to this very prayer , and the promise he made to grant it , chron. . , . wherever then the judgments of god , are more eminently inflicted on a people , it is a sign there are some hainous transgressions which have deserved them . if the plague , or any such calamity , seize a nation , it speaks this much , that there is a plague in the hearts of that people ; some such wickednesse which provok'd god , to pour out his wrath upon them . sin is as the body , suffering usually as the shadow that attends it ; the one is as fire , the other as smoak that proceeds from it . wherefore by the putting away of sin only , can we escape the threatned wrath , or rescue our selves out of that we feel . this is very plain , if the knowledge and removal of the plague of our hearts , conduce to our recovery , then our being seiz'd with it was our misery : and therefore the cause being removed , the effect will follow . if the entertainment of sheba into abel , bring joab and an army against it , then to deliver him to them is the only way to procure their departure , sam. . these several truths then are plain , and the words we have taken notice of naturally afford them . . that god is the supream efficient cause of all the sufferings we lie under . is there evil in a city , ( of affliction that is ) and hath not he done it ? . it is for the sin of a people , that god lays these sufferings upon them . . it is a most proper seasonable duty , in times of such calamity , to make enquiry into our wayes , that we may discover what is most likely to be the cause ; what is that achan that trouble us ? this is the great thing whereof we are call'd in the day of adversity to consider ; and accordingly , the most of my business in my following discourse , shall be the practice of this direction : for i shall not particularly handle any of these observations . . if we finding out oursin , bewail and abhor it , put it far from us , and betake our selves to god for mercy and pardon , then will he hear in heaven , and forgive ; remove from us our miseries , and restore his loving-kindness . i shall only answer one objection by the way , and so pass on to what i chiefly design . some may say , they have been sensible of , and in some measure humbled for sin , and yet notwithstanding , have been held under as sharp and as long sufferings as others . here we must distinguish ( ) betwixt national and personal judgments : ( ) betwixt the ends and reasons why they are inflicted : ( ) betwixt the cross and the curse of it . and so i answer . ( . ) if the judgment be national , as sword , famine , captivity , some great mortality , and this sent for a national common sin , it cannot here be expected , that the humiliation of some few particular persons should always serve for the averting such calamities . nay , the righteous themselves may be involved in them ; as we find there were many good men carried captive with the rest into babylon , amongst which , were daniel , and the three children . indeed sometimes we read of one or more standing in the gap , and preventing a deluge of wrath , as moses oft did , but there was then also some kind of general humiliation ; for of the people , it s said , when god slew , then they sought him ▪ psal . . . and though moses prevailed thus far , that they might not utterly be destroyed , yet very sore judgments were frequently laid upon them . noah deliver'd himself and family only , not the old world. lot himself and children , but not sodom and gomorrah ; though then god graciously condescended to have spared them all for the sake of ten righteous persons , could they have been found amongst them . but at another time , so great and general were the sins of the jews , that god tells this prophet , though noah , samuel , and daniel were there , they should only deliver their own souls , ezek. . . ordinarily , 't is an humiliation in some competent measure proportion'd to the sin which must appease the wrath of god broke out upon a people . when all nineveh had sinned , and was threatned , it must be a general repentance that could prevent the execution of those threatnings . ( . ) though particular persons may not by their reformation procure mercy to a whole land , nor yet free themselves from the outward stroak which lights upon the body of the nation , yet shall not their labour be lost , but god will have a special eye to them in the common ruin ; and what is in wrath to others , shall be in love to them . they shall have either such preservation from , or deliverance out of the temporal calamity ; or such support in , and advantage by it , that they shall have abundant reason to acknowledge , that their repentance and supplications were not in vain . fear not , poor christian , if thou be but a mourner in zion , one whose heart bleeds for thine own and others transgressions ; though thy dwelling be in the midst of profane , rebellious sinners , yet thou shalt not be lost in a croud . it is not the oaths , and blasphemies , and crying sins of those about thee , that shall drown thy prayers : but god will hear , and one way or other graciously answer them . if thy soul , thy everlasting life be given thee for a prey ( as a temporal life was promised to ebedmelech , jer. . . and to baruch , jer. . ) thou hast sure no reason to complain . what though the same disease , and death seize thee , as doth them ? it comes not for the same reason , nor shall it have the same effect . what though thou wast carried in the same ship with traitors into another countrey , where they are to be executed , and thou advanc'd to the highest dignity , was this any hurt to thee ? if death take thee from the pressures of all sorts , under which thou maist now groan , and from the evil to come , and translate thee into the glorious presence and full fruition of the ever-blessed god , this is sure a different thing from being snatch't away from thy happiness into the society and torments of the devil and his angels . wherefore thou hast good reason to acknowledge gods distinguishing mercy in those his dealings with thee , which to sense may be the same with what others meet with . i might add also the spiritual advantages which accrue to the godly by afflictions sanctified , but the other contains this in it , and much more . ( . ) thy afflictions may perhaps be more for trial , than punishment ; and so may be continued , notwistanding thy endeavour to find out and forsake sin ; but when they have wrought that particular end for which god sent them , they shall be removed . or they may befall thee for the cause of god , and a testimony of a good conscience , and then thou hast more cause to rejoyce in them , than impatiently to seek their removal . whatever they be , see thou make this use of them , to be more deeply humbled for , and set against sin , which is remotely at least , the cause of all suffering ; and to demean thy self patiently and submissively under the mighty hand of god , and in his due time he will exalt thee . it being then evident , that the knowledge of sin is so necessary to the removing the heavy hand of an offended god from off an afflicted nation , surely , the great work we are all call'd to in this day of our sore visitation , is to give all diligence to know why it is that god contendeth with us ; and wherein we have incenst him thus , to pour out his wrath upon us ; that so we turning from our particular sins , he may turn away his anger , and comfort us . and in order to this , it is the duty of every one , who is an inhabitant of the land , in the first place to call himself to a strict account , and impartially to look into his heart , and review his life , and see what he hath done towards the hastening these judgments upon us , and accordingly apply himself to god , to do his utmost for their removal . every man hath brought a faggot to the kindling of the common flame , wherefore every man should bring his bucket to quench it . and here let me warn every soul to beware of a most dangerous temptation , wherewith its like they 'l be assaulted , to wit , to think but very meanly , and sleightly of their own particular sins , as if they had little or no influence , to the bringing on us such grievous calamities ; and that partly out of self-love , which makes us very tender how we accuse our selves , and ready to extenuate all our own faults ; partly , because we may yet be free from the smart , and therefore take but a cold superficial view of our selves ; and partly , because when we look upon the evils in grosse under which the nation lies , we can discern no proportion betwixt them , and our personal offences , and this comes much from our ignorance of the hainous nature of the least sin . now reflect on thy self , reader , and tell me , hast thou not been very ready in the general to cry out , that 't is for the sins of the nation we are now afflicted ; and to flie out very bitterly against this party , or that ; this abuse , and the other corruption in church or state , but in the mean time , hast been very backward , to charge and accuse thy self , as thou oughtest , as if thou wast not a member of this sinful and suffering nation . let thy conscience answer whether this hath not been thy way , and judge whether this be a just performance of thy duty . if every person thus shift it from himself , where will repentance be found , and what 's like to become of us ? if there were an army to go forth against the enemy , and one person should draw back , and say , what can he do ? he cannot be mist in such a multitude , nor can he do much against such a numerous force , and therefore desires he may stay at home ; and another come , and use the same excuse , and so a third ; and at length all that have the same reason , ( which indeed every man may pretend to ) what 's like to become of the war ? and yet alas ! how doth this senselesse objection , generally prevail in the world , in a case somewhat different from this , viz : hindring that couragious zeal , and industry , for the promoting of religion , and for the destruction of the devils kingdom , which beseems every member of christ hat is listed into his service , by the baptismal covenant , wherein he was engaged to fight under the banner of christ , and that without putting in this condition , that he should have good store of company to joyn with , and back him : for without this he may come off a conquerour . but yet now cries one , what can i do against an overflowing torrent of wickedness ? what can i , a weak , and single person do , for the advancement of holiness , against a wicked raging multitude ? what canst thou do ? why , thou canst strive and dye , canst not ? but what then , shall no-body do any thing , because every man is but one , and hath many difficulties to encounter ? or wilt thou therefore do nothing , because thou canst not expect a successe answerable to thy desires ? or may we not joyn , and unite our strength , and all set to a shoulder , for the carrying on of the work of the lord ? be sure thou shalt always have difficulties to try thee : for 't is thy heart god calls for , he needs not thy hands . why , man , if thou wast alone in all the world , having such a leader and captain as christ , wouldst thou not stick to his cause , and keep to his colours , and die fighting ? if not , thou deservest not the name of a christian . and if there be so few who seek the things of christ , with how much more vigour and resolution ought those few to bestir themselves ; and not also forsake their lord , because the rest of the world do ? but still they should imagine they hear the awakening words of christ to his disciples , sounding in their ears , what , will ye forsake me also ? but this was a digression . let not then , i say , the consideration of thy being a single person , abate any thing of the measures of thy sorrow for sin : for if all do thus , as all may have the same ground , there will be none found to charge sin on themselves , and acknowledge gods justice in all his sharp dispensations . wherefore , whoever thou art , into whose hands these lines may fall , my earnest request to thee , yea , my strict injunction , is this , that thou presently get alone , and soberly sit down to the intent study of thy self : beg of god , to help thee in this work , and do thou endeavour with all faithfulnesse , as in his sight , who will shortly judge thee before all the world , to rip open to thy self all the baseness that hath been lodg'd in thy heart , all the lusts that have been entertained there . and consider well thy life , what known sins thou hast been guilty of , what duties thou hast omitted . and then with all speed and seriousnesse , betake thy self to god , acknowledg thy own vileness , plainly confess , that 't is this or that thy sin , thy loosness , thy covetousness , thy pride , idlenesse , or voluptuousnesse , that may have helpt forward his anger . and own it as a token of undeserved grace , that all manner of woes have not seiz'd upon thee , in thy own person ; that whilst so many are afflicted , and taken out of the world before thee , thou hast warning and leave to prepare , for what may befall thee . and see that thou labour to represent sin to thy self , with all its heightning circumstances , and aggravations , that the review of it may more deeply affect thee ; help thy meditations with those doleful miseries so many now lie under , and that in part for thy sins , which yet are but the beginning of woes to the impenitent ; and then think , if these are no jesting matters , what is the sin that procur'd them : think of that matchless love , that continued patience , that clear light , those great engagements , purposes , and frequent promises , that thou hast sinned against ; till at length , these considerations work thee to such an apprehension of sin , that thou canst not conceive of any suffering suited to its demerit , but the everlasting wrath of the most dreadful majesty : and till thou acknowledge not only thy contributing to the present calamity ▪ but that if the rest of the nation had been like thee , it would surely have been all in flames before now . be sincere and thorow in this humiliation of soul , and take heed of neglecting any such consideration as may help on the same . review thy self , thy place , and relations , and what in them was expected from thee , which thou failedst in performing , and accordingly lay it to heart , and judge and condemn thy self and behaviour . if in any place of honour and service , thou hast not improved thy interest for the rooting out of sin , and advancement of holiness , account thy negligence aggravated by the greatness of the talents thou wast entrusted with . wast thou a man of wealth , wit , power ; a magistrate , a minister , a master of a family ? take a strict account of , and humbly bewail thy unfaithfulness to thy several trusts , and thy carelesness of those duties which thy place did peculiarly engage thee to . and do not think when thou hast discovered , and confess'd sin , that then thy work is over , as if ▪ by thy formalities thou hadst purchased to thy self a dispensation to continue in it ; like many , that think they serve god sufficiently by going to church , and saying their prayers , and in the mean while make this their serving him , but a kind of indulgence for their sinning against him . but when thou hast made this progress , thy next work in order to the obtaining of a pardon , is , seriously and deliberately to resolve upon the putting away far from thee every known sin , upon mortifying thy dearest lusts , and upon a faithful performance of those duties common to all christians , and those thy talents or relations call for . if thou hast been a debauch't , or covetous person ; a careless mispender of thy money or time ; an extortioner , or oppressour ; a racking landlord , or cheating tradesman ; a sabbath-breaker , and neglecter of duty to god , publick or private ; or hast liv'd in any the like sins , enter now into a solemn covenant with god , that by the assistance of his almighty grace , thou wilt never more allow thy self in such a course of impiety . if thou hast abused thy riches , and laid them out only in making provisions for thy own or others lusts ; if thou thoughtest thy dignity above others , did dispense thee a liberty of sinning without controll , and accordingly hast misimprov'd it ; if thou hast been unfaithful in the execution of justice , with which thou wast entrusted , neither looking after sin to punish it , nor punishing it when it was revealed to thee , but hast rather been a terrour to good works , than to evil ; if as a minister , thou hast been regardless of the souls of those committed to thy oversight , only striving to enrich thy self , not better thy people , practising those sins thou hast preach'd against ; or , if as ruler of a family , thou hast been negligent , not setting up the worship of god in thy house , but gone from one day to another without so much as a serious prayer , nor hast instructed thy children , nor servants in the fear of the lord ; whatever , in a word , thy trust and unfaithfulness to it hath been , confess and lament the same , and resolve for the future to do thy utmost to discharge thy duty , to answer and fill up thy several relations . and here again , let not any insist on that silly objection before mention'd ; what can my repentance do to the diverting of judgments that flow in upon us like a deluge ! for if all , i say , use this , who is it must pacifie gods wrath by their reformation ? but , if thou for thy part wilt practise what i have here cursorily directed , thou knowest not but others may do so also ; and so , if every one would set to this work , thy cavil would be wholly silenc'd and answer'd . but again , thou wouldest grant it to some purpose for the whole body of the people to joyn in hearty humiliation and amendment of their wayes , and know , that as to the greatest benefit that would accrue to a nation by such a general repentance , thou shalt procure it to thy self by this personal performance of thy duty ; that is , either the affliction it self shall be kept , or taken off thee , or laid on in so much mercy , that thou thy self shalt , either here , or in another world , bless god for the the same . and i hope this advantage is not inconsiderable , when on the other hand thou remembrest , how certainly thy impenitence will cause thy everlasting , as well as temporal ruine . and take notice from the text , that god will render to every particular man according to his wayes ; but this i have before said something to . oh that now there were in us all such resolutions unfeignedly to search our hearts , and reform our lives , and with our whole souls turn to the lord our god , from whom we have revolted ! what blessed effects should we find of this wise and dutiful demeanour ! oh that i knew how to perswade poor souls to this course , before their deadly enemy , who now doth all he can to harden and stupifie them , shall be fully seiz'd of them , past all possibility of a delivery ; then scorning at all our endeavours , and challenging us to do our best for the rescue of such undone souls , who must be tormented by him , by whom they would be ruled . but if thou art so far perswaded of the reasonablenesse of this duty i have been pressing upon thee , that thou art desirous to know thy self and sins , wouldest gladly find out , that thou mightest expel the plague of thy own heart ; that i may do something farther to help thee in thy self-examination , i shall briefly endeavour to discover what those sins in our nation are , for which especially we are now plagued by the visible hand of god : and the lord awaken us all seriously to lay to heart , and remove them far from us , that so god having accomplish't his own designs upon us , may lay by his rod , and shew us his wonted favour . and let me beseech thee , reader , to accompany me with thy conscience , and let thy eye still be turned off from the book upon thy self , and if thou seest thy own actions described , cry out , guilty , guilty , i am the man ; and so proceed in thy duty , as i have before directed , and shall not again repeat , except on the by. in the prosecution of this design , i shall say something , . of those notorious crying sins which are to be found amongst us ; of which , i shall need to say the lesse , because they are so visible upon us , and so readily acknowledged to be what they are , and because so many books are written to shame and suppress them . . i shall proceed to lay open some such abuses and corruptions amongst us , which are not only sinful in themselves , but also in part , secret causes of the former , which yet perhaps may not be apparent to , nor acknowledged as such by all . and once again , let me desire every reader to place himself , as at the bar of god , and so to passe a true judgment upon himself ; and not to quarrel with the physitian , instead of falling out with the disease ; nor be more averse from hearing the discoveries of the plague of his own heart , than he would be to hear his physitian tell the symptoms of the plague , to convince him he was struck with it , whil'st all this was but in order to his recovery . whoever thou art that are guilty , 't is thou hast wounded thy self ; i would willingly shew thee thy sores , that they might in time be healed ; if thy resolution not to have search't into them , make them uncurable , though i may never have thy thanks for the offer of my help , yet i know whom thou wilt accuse as the cause of thy destruction , which i would fain have prevented , and shall do what i may in order thereto . . in the front of those abominations under the effects whereof we groan , we may well place adultery , fornication and lasciviousness , whether we consider the provoking nature , or the commonness hereof amongst us . this is a sin we often find attended with exemplary punishments in scripture ; for this , together with their idolatry , we read of a plague inflicted upon the israelites , numb . . whereof dyed . for davids commission of this but once , it was threatned to him , that the sword should never depart from his house , sam. . . and in the new testament especially , how frequent are the prohibitions , and how severe the threatnings denounc'd against it ? whoremongers and adulterers , in a peculiar manner , god will judge . and for these things sake especially , we are told , comes the wrath of god upon the children of disobedience . how strict is our saviours exposition of the seventh commandment , making a lustful glance the breach of it ? and upon the mention of that , immediately follows the threatning of the whole body being cast into hell , without the cutting off the right hand , and plucking out the right eye , the subduing the dearest lusts , and renouncing the sweetest sins , matth. . , , . with what repetitions of the same do we find it mentioned , where it 's spoken against , inculcated again and again , to take the deeper impression ? and when the lusts of the flesh are named , usually this is reckoned for the greater part of them in various expressions , signifying much what the same thing , coloss . . . mortifie therefore , &c. fornication , uncleanness , inordinate affection , evil concupiscence , eph. . , . gal. . . now the works of the flesh are manifest , which are these , adultery , fornication , vncleanness , lasciviousness . this sin we find much aggravated by the apostle , cor. . , . to the end ; as that which in a particular manner defiles a man , and renders him indisposed for the in-dwellings of the holy spirit . this loathsom wickedness doth especially soften and brutifie men , and sinks them from god into the sensitive life , and stupifies the higher parts of the soul , and renders them unqualified for a converse with that god , who commands all that will approach him , to be holy , as he is holy. and this is a sinne which upon many accounts , breeds as much confusion and disorder in the world , as it does in particular mens souls : it must needs therefore incense the most high god , to see his creatures endued with reason for the governance of themselves , to whom he hath prescribed rules for their walking , to degenerate into such effeminate impotence , as to be hurried away by their own lusts , to such bestial uncleanness . but alas ! how notoriously infamous is our nation grown for filthiness and lewdness ! it cannot now be charged on the pope alone , that publick stews are erected within his jurisdiction ; only yet here 's this difference , those are ( if history , and common report speak truth ) licenc't : ours are not demolish't . nor yet perhaps are ours so publick , or certainly known , but yet too publick they are , to the disgrace of our nation , and holy profession . insomuch that one would think venice was lost from its foundation , and floated into england . it is not the loathsomnesse of that disease which in a just judgment attends it , that will deter men from this more loathsom sin : yea , so common is it grown , that by many 't is look'd upon as a very light matter , no way so hainous as god and his preachers would make it . and they are ready to censure his laws as severe , for not allowing them the priviledges of bruits ; so strangely doth frequency in sin , wear out the sense of it ! and a sensual life doth even blind the understanding , and bribe the conscience ; till at length with much ado , men almost perswade themselves , that they may do what they have often done , and are resolved still to persist in . whoredom , wine , and new wine take away the heart , hos . . , . even in a literal sense , the spirit of whoredoms cause men to erre . and can it seem strange , if at length god make use of arguments , which such brutish creatures themselves are capable of , to prove to them , that their filthiness is highly provoking to his glorious majesty , who is of purer eyes , than to endure to behold the least iniquity . his word condemned this before , as plainly as it could speak ; but vile wretches , whose senses are their masters , would not understand it ; they acknowledged not his commands , they either believed not , or would not consider his threatnings ; his promises of an everlasting glory , were too thin and spiritual for them to relish , or be allured by . what tell ye them of rivers of pleasures at gods right hand ? they must have their dirt to tumble and wallow in . take those who will for them , they must have their chambering and wantonnesse , and lustful dalliances . nothing must go for reason , with them which contradicted their sensual desires ; and is it not just , they should then be dealt with sutable to their natures ? that since nothing else would do it , sense and feeling may at length assure them , their sweet and pleasant sins are a displeasure to god , and most pernicious to themselves : and if neither seeing the beginning of gods wrath upon others , nor feeling it themselves will prevail with them , god hath judgments in store that shall extort from them , will they , or will they not , most passionate and hearty acknowledgments , that whilest they were satisfying their lusts , they were most studiously contriving their own ruine , and treasuring up wrath for themselves against the day of wrath . if neither poverty , nor shame , pox , nor plague can bring them to such a confession , hell shall bring them to this , and much more . but as if we were not content with those ordinary sins of adultery and fornication , 't is reported that we have amongst us , beside the effeminate , abusers of themselves with mankind also . this in italy had been no such monstrous thing , but can it be accounted lesse in england ? both heathen and popish rome indeed , hath still been infamous for this , amongst other abominations ; and thence 't is most probable , we have derived sodomy , as well as popery . and 't is well , if 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all other projects , for the promotion of holy church , this be 〈…〉 to debauch our gentry , the better to dispose them for the embracing of t●at religion , which can afford them indulgences at so cheap a rate . now let any man but seriously consider the holinesse of god , his infinite purity and justice , and withall reflect upon his omnipresence , his all-searching eye that is upon the most secret actions ; think but how he hath been a witnesse of all that lewdnesse that hath been committed in all places , in the greatest privacies and retirements , not bars and bolts could keep him out , not drawn curtains , nor the darkest night could hide impure sinners from his view ; consider we but these things , and shall we wonder if for these wickednesses the lord be wroth with us , and pour out the vyals of his fury upon us ? how justly might god take up the complaint against us , which he did against israel , jer. . , . when i had fed them to the full , they then committed adultery , and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots houses : they were as jed horses in the morning , every one neighed after his neighbours wife . and what follows , ver . . shall i not visit for these things , saith the lord ? and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this ? and oh now , that all those , whose consciences condemn them for these things , would presently arise , and take shame to themselves , and do no more so wickedly , lest worse things yet befall them . and the good lord awaken those that are in authority , to greater vigilance and industry for the future , in searching after , punishing and suppressing this impiety wherewith we are so polluted ; that the visitation now upon us , which hath so much the same cause with that laid on the israelites , num. . may also have the same speedy and effectual cure , which we may read , psal . . , . thus they provok't him to anger with their inventions , and the plague brake in upon them . then stood up phinehas , and executed iudgment , and so the plague was stayed . the two next sins i shall mention , may passe for appendices to this first , as having been too apparent promoters of it ; which yet if they were not , may upon other accounts be deservedly reckoned amongst the provoking sins of the land. . the former , is the licentiousnesse of the stage , where wickednesse , and amongst other sorts , wantonnesse is more effectually taught , than it is decryed in the pulpit . let their favourers talk what they will , of their advancing virtue , and shaming vice , i should put it amongst one of the wonders of the times , to hear of any man reform'd by a play. if to hear others , be the way to make men leave them ; if to hear the sacred name of god profaned , his word jested with , religion it self derided , be the way to make men devout ; if to hear lascivious discourse , and see impudent persons and actions , be the way to get modesty , then let us all flock to the play-house . and next , from the same reason , let youth be brought up in a brothel-house , to learn chastity ; at a tavern , to avoid drunkennesse ; at a gaming-house , to keep them from cursing and swearing . i have heard but few count it any great wisdom in that nation , where they were wont to make their servants drunk , to shew their children the odiousnesse of it ; and surely there was lesse charity in it , to make some commit wickednesse , that they might prevent it in others . but when vice shall be represented , yea , and commendably too , 't is very great odds ; but that they will soon turn actors when they are gone away , who were even now spectators of it . what is to be learn't at the play-house , let the conversations of most that plead for , and haunt them , evidence . and from the lives , to the consciences of the greatest admirers of a play , do i appeal , whether ever they got any real good from them , and whether they have not oft got evil . the precious time that is mispent either in seeing , or afterwards talking of them , is not to be look't on as a thing of nothing ; however it be sleighted by those wretched sotts , that knowing neither god nor themselves , have more time than they know well what to do with , and therefore are glad to run to their playes and sports , for nothing else but to help them away with it ; and let not such complain , if a plague at once ease them of all that trouble , and carry them into an eternity , where they shall never more have one of those precious moments which here they were weary of , and knew not how to improve . and if they knew nothing they had to do here , but please themselves , god will cast them into a world , where he will find them employment enough , but of such a nature , that they shall wish a thousand and a thousand times over , that they had spent all their dayes in the greatest diligence and strictnesse to have prevented it . let the giddy carelesse ones of the world cry as long as they will , what hurt is there in this , or the other recreation or merriments , that only wasts their time ? if there was any hurt in the fire and brimstone that fell upon sodom , that which caus'd it , was no such harmlesse thing ; and amongst the sins of that city , abundance of idlenesse is nam'd for one , ezek. . . again , were it nothing else but that vanity and frothinesse of mind , and unfitnesse for all religious duties , which playes naturally produce , i think this was enough to make all sober persons regard them as little better than pest-houses : and had our gallants look't on them as such , and accordingly shun'd them , they might not have had occasion to avoid those which are more dreadful , but lesse hurtful . would our wanton youth , and idle dames have kept out of these places of infection , where folly and lightnesse tainted them both by their eyes and ears , there might have been no such infected places , which they are now so careful to avoid . for my own part , i must needs say , that i took it for a dishonourable reflection upon our english prelacy , which a modern poet makes his observation , in a preface to a book of comedies , put forth in these late times , that bishops and playes went down together . and sure , if they could have hindred it , 't is as little for their honour , that they have both been restor'd together . i can scarce ( but that i should prevent my self ) forbear crying out , when preachers mouths are stopt ; and players opened , what sad effects are like to follow ! surely the primitive christians , whose moroseness in refusing to behold the romane spectacula ( whatever difference there may be betwixt them , and our stage-plays ) was one great crime objected against them , would not have thought such lewd and immodest shews agreeable with their profession . but what talk i of them , a company of sullen souls , much what like the people , we are wont to laugh at for puritans ? it is not my business now to argue , what a play is in it self , or what it may possibly be refind'd to ; but i speak of them with all those corruptions with which they are now attended . and i would hope the same policy , a little more improv'd , which hath shut up the play-houses now , to prevent the spreading of the infection , will keep them so , to hinder its return : whoever may be displeased with this motion , i am very confident , god is not , and then i am indifferent who is . . the latter of the two sins , which i mention'd , as related to the first particular , is pride ; and here amongst all the sorts of it , which might very well deserve our notice , and with which no doubt god is provok'd , here i mean especially pride of apparel : a sin grown either so impudent , or so universal , that our pulpits do of late days seldom meddle with it . i am sometimes ready to think , ministers are asham'd to concern themselves with such low and ridiculous things ; ( though i wish they are not silent for fear of offending their fine hearers , which may chance to be of the best in the parish . ) but if people will be so ridiculous and vain , and manifest such childishness and folly , surely their teachers must follow them , and condiscend to discover to them all their mistakes , and the subtle ways of the deceiver of souls , who is very ready to play at any game for the ruine of poor creatures ; and holds more in his slavery by this very vanity we are now insisting on , than is ordinarily thought : we may find the great apostles not thinking it below them to give precepts in this matter , pet. . , , . whose adorning , let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair , or wearing of gold , or putting on of apparel , &c. so also tim. . , . in like manner also , that women adorn themselves in modest apparel , with shamefastness and sobriety , not with broidered hair , or gold , or pearls ▪ or costly array ; but , which becometh women professing godliness with good works . which commands how they have been violated , it concerns the guilty to lay to heart . as i would not be thought of their opinion , who place their religion so much in meats , drinks , or apparel , whether papists in the former , or quakers in the latter ; so i am as far from thinking , that religion extends not to these things : for though it be seated in the heart , it gives laws to the outward man. i rememember , it is an observation of a most judicious and learned divine , that few of those errours or sects that have rose up amongst us , but have call'd upon us , to have regard to some neglected truth or duty , as he instanceth in several ; and to adde one more , i think the quakers are risen up , keeping such a stirre about ribbonds , cuffs , and lace , and such like things , to shame and condemn all , especially the more strict professours of religion , for that very great liberty they have assum'd to themselves in their bravery , gaudiness , and changeableness of apparel . had the professours of these latter times , made those of the former ( who were yet as careful of their hearts as any ) their patterns in this matter , they had spoil'd the poor quaker of half his religion , and not given him an occasion to bring up a sect , that should go in plain and modest cloathing . but wise are they who shun both extreams . doubtlesse , this pride in the outward man , is no such a sleight matter as 't is commonly made . see isa . . . because the daughters of zion are haughty , and walk with stretch'tforth necks , and wanton eyes — therefore will the lord smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of zion . and have we not had multitude , such walking in our streets ? read on that chapter from the verse to the end , and tell me then whither god take not notice of , and is not displeas'd with this vanity , and curiosity in apparel . is not this indeed to be proud of our shame , since cloaths themselves had not been us'd , but for that shame which sin introduc't ? and i may well annex this to the sin of wantonnesse , both as discovering and promoting it : for what 's the design of all that art , cost , and pains that persons bestow upon attiring themselves , but to appear handsome and well set out ? and what 's this for , but to couch others eyes to be fixt on them ? what are naked breasts , and painted , and spotted faces design'd for , but as trapans and snares for the wanton beholders ? and the dresse it self by the lascivious is made but a more plausible kind of pander . it may be worth the noting , that the word rendred effeminate , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cor. . . is joyn'd with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and signifies soft clothing , matth. . . which may intimate to us , that there is some relation betwixt such clothing and effeminency . and whereas by the texts above mentioned , it seems that women only were wont to be guilty of this folly ; the delicate youths of our time , will not suffer that sex to engrosse this sin , and shame to themselves , but are resolved to go sharers . oh the intolerable expence of money and time , for the satisfaction of this base monstruous pride ! how many naked backs might be cloathed with half that cost , which is lavish't to put a man in a fools coat , or to hang about them such baubles , as may serve people to stare at ? and let the guilty bethink themselves how to answer this their liberality upon their lusts , in the day of severe account , when all talents shall be reckoned for . by that time at the farthest , if they be not convinc't that persons of honour and estates , had been better distinguish'd by their examples of charitableness , than by gaudy garments , or rich jewels , let me pass for a false prophet . though i spe●k not this of those robes and ornaments of the magistrate , which are necessary for distinction sake , and to acquire greater reverence to his place and person . but let all those who are at so much charge in their attire , to let the world know they are some-body , remember this , that god entrusted them not with estates for them thus to make shew of , but to use for his service . and i think any body will say , that he 's an unfaithful steward with a witnesse , who when his lord hath given him money to lay out in necessary uses , shall throw it about streets , to let people know what store of money he hath the keeping of : thou who canst condemn such an one , see thou do nothing like him . whoever thou art that hast been guilty of this fault , surely thou wilt acknowledge this is a day that calls for the laying aside of thy braveries and ornaments , and rather to cover thy self with sackcloth and ashes . but if yet thy pride will not suffer thee to part with them , bethink thy self what thy naked soul shall wear in that place whither god hath expresly threatned to turn the proud . dives there must not have his silk and fine linnen , but instead of them , the purple flames are his unchangeable cloathing . is it any wonder then , if as the israelites were plagued for worshipping the idol which was made of their ear-rings and jewels , exod. . , . we meet with the same punishment for a sin not much different , even for making such toyes themselves our idols . strange judgments may well follow strange apparel ; yea , such that wear it , god hath plainly threatned , zeph. . . and what strange apparel for both men and women have the devil , pride , and fraunce help't us to ? and they who caught this sin one of another , pleading fashion for their justification , are they not justly afflicted with a disease that is contagious too ? the spots which pride and wantonnesse , those plagues of the heart , sent into the face before , are they not fitly punish't with spots of another hue ! is it not exceeding just , that they who were so far fal'n in love with their comely carkasses , that they were wholly devoted to deck and trim them ; should have such loathsom botches , and noisom biles and risings upon them , as might convince them how little better than carrion is that flesh they so much pamper and adorn ? and let them now think what pleasure or ease is to be had from putting on their splendid finest array , when the plague-sores shall be running upon them ; even much-what the same that herod had from his royal apparel , when he was eaten up of worms , acts . , . and if in such a case they would have little mind to stand tricking and trimming them , let them know that the ulcers and sores of their polluted souls , and proud hearts , call for as speedy , and earnest reg●rd , and deep humiliation ; and were these once cur'd , such vanities would be thrown aside . the lord grant all those who survive , may take warning in time , before their bodies are humbled to the dust , and their souls to hell , for their daring , impudent pride . . another heinous sin which hath overspread our land , is swinish drunkennesse and gluttony : this also may well be joined with those before mentioned , as being the ground and incentive of all other lewdnesse and wickednesse . but alas ! how hath the commonnesse of this vice , and mens custom in it , taken away those odious apprehensions which scripture helps us to , and all sober men have of it ? oh , how are our taverns and alehouses , in all parts of the kingdom , frequented ! how doth our whole nation seem even ready to reel into its own ruines , being seized with the vertigo of an epidemical drunkennesse ? how gentile , and fashionable a thing is it now grown , for men to be drunk , in civility to the company they are engaged in ? how many tricks have they devised for the maintaining of this sin , notwithstanding the most expresse injunctions and proclamations to the contrary ? profane custom hath so overswayed , that drinking of healths , must be the test of mens loyalty ; and of their respect to those great ones , to whom the beginner shall consecrate his bowl ; as if a disorderlinesse , which scarce any beast will be guilty of , must shew good manners ; and no man could be a good subject to his king , which dare not rebel against his god. those that dare , are valiant men indeed ; but such , as when it comes to tryal , will do little more for their prince , than they do for their maker . so general is this practice of excessive drinking grown , that both the gallant and the clown , rich and poor , young and old , yea , women as well as men , city and countrey , are fadly infected with the same . in too many places , he 's scarce accounted a good house-keeper , that let 's his neighbours go out of his house sober . how can men entertain their friends , or renew their acquaintance , or drive any bargain , without betaking themselves to some tipling-house ? yea , how frequently are drinking-matches appointed , for no other purpose , but to pour down their liquor ? what multitudes are there , who rise up to drink strong drink , who tarry at night till wine inflame them ? yea , to such an height of wickednesse are we grown , that as if there was some excellency in sinning , men strive for the mastery in it ; and to be able to drink down others , goes for a very manly faculty . such enemies have we got to the cross of christ , whose god is their belly , whose glory is their shame . and is there not the same reason , that our crown of pride , and the drunkards of england should be trodden down , as well as of ephraim , isa . . . is it not just , that they whose intemperance hath often deprived them of their reason , should be taken with a distemper that may strip them of the use of it ? that in those very streets where men have staggered and fallen down dead-drunk , they should there fall down stark-dead ? the like might be said of gluttony , and luxurious feastings , a sin more confin'd to the greater sort , who can make sufficient provisions for the flesh , to fulfill the lusts thereof ▪ abundantly confirming what the wise man hath told us , that the prosperity of fools destroys them . and what a wiser than he hath expresly affirmed ▪ though sure believ'd but by very few , that rich men do difficultly enter into the kingdom of heaven . how much money is expended but once , to furnish the tables of these gluttonous epicures ? how do they sacrifice gods creatures meerly to their lusts , eating only for pleasure , and to keep themselves alive from one meal to another , without thinking of that service they owe to god for all . they have lived in pleasure , and been wanton , nourishing their hearts , as in a day of slaughter , as st. james speaks , chap. . . what hath been the life of too many of our gentry , but to eat and drink , and sleep , and rise up to play ? here 's the improvement of the many special engagements god hath laid on them to honour him , that they of all will do least to his honour . what an exact description may we read of many of them , amos . , , , . ye that put away far the evil day , and cause the seat of violence to come near : that lie upon the beds of ivory , and stretch themselves upon their couches , and eat the lambs out of the flock , and the calves out of the midst of the stall : that chaunt to the sound of the viel , and invent to themselves instruments of musick ▪ like david : that drink wine in bowls , and anoint themselves with the chief oyntments : but they are not grieved for the affliction of joseph . and there read on , you may find their doom : if men will bid their souls take their ease , eat , drink , and be merry , well may they expect quickly to hear , your souls shall be taken from you . and when they are thus provoking god to anger with their eating and drinking , what wonder if his wrath fall upon them , whil'st the meat is in their mouths ? if they so far forget their own natures , and the use of his creatures , as wholly to be devoted to the satisfaction of their raging sensual desires , which they ought chiefly to have denied ; and if like unprofitable burdens of the earth , they fed themselves only that they might live longer to taste the pleasure of their delicious meats and drinks , how just is it that when like swine they were fatted , they should there be brought to the slaughter ? . as the next provoking sin which is rife amongst us , i shall reckon swearing , cursing , and profaning the most holy name of the dreadful god. a sin less excusable than epicurism , because i know no sense gratified with it ▪ but though it be less bestial , yet is it more diabolical . oh the horrid oaths that have been daily belch'd out by the black-mouth'd sons of belial ! who almost could walk the streets of the city without stopping his ears ? or else he was like to hear the name of god abus'd ; the life , the blood , the wounds of our dear and precious lord tost too and fro , by the mouths of wretched swearers . who , that had heard all the oaths and curses that were vented but in one day , in this one city of london , would not have admired , that their tongues , who were thus set on fire on hell , did not set our whole nation in a flame ? oh well is it for us ▪ that our god , who is mercy it self , rules in the world ? how quickly would all created patience , though meeting in one person , be quite tired out , and worn away ? these hellish exhalations streaming forth from the hearts and mouths of corrupted men , whereby they have assaulted even heaven it self , might justly have been kindled by the wrath of god , and have been returned upon our heads in showrs of fire and brimstone . and if the polluted breath of these kind of wretches , have infected the very air we breath in , 't is not to be thought strange in the least . could those volleys of blasphemies which have been discharg'd against the glorious majesty , do any other than turn to a black cloud , which should light heavily upon us ? some think it impossible for the soul of man so far to sink into the devilish nature , as to sin meerly , to sin without a regard to some carnal interest : but if any instance will evidence it , i think 't is swearing and cursing ! 't is possible i know ( though this is far from excusing it ) for passion to transport men to an oath ; and sometimes a desire to be believed , sometimes an ignorance that they do amiss , may betray them into it ; but for men to enterlard their ordinary discourse with full-mouth'd oaths , priding themselves therein , as if gentile and graceful , what excuse can be invented for such horrible practices ? nay , when men shall set themselves purposely to swear , and devise new oaths that shall be al a mode , what possible pretence have they for this ? and hither may i refer those strange , unheard of prodigies of profaneness ; wickednesses too transcendental to be rank'd under any ordinary topick ▪ such as killing men in a bravado , drinking healths of their own blood , yea , healthing it to the devil himself : for such — i know not what to call them , as these are we reported to have had amongst us , nay ( canst thou imagine it reader ? ) far worse than these , which let those mention who are masters enough of our language to render them in fit terms : for i profess , i cannot . so unwilling are the daring fellows of our days to go to hell in the old way ! it cannot consist with the greatness of their spirits , to be wicked at these low rates , that their silly ancestours were . in all they do , they would be taken notice of , and appear above the vulgar . and would proclaim to all men , that they are none of those melancholy , weak-brain'd , or mean-spirited men , who are so aw ▪ d with the apprehensions of a god , that they dare not sin freely and boldly . no , but they have so far conquered those prejudices they had conceived of vertue , and vice , sin , and shame , that they dare in the open sun commit those sins , which cowards run into the dark for . they are not asham'd to own themselves the devils vassals , but dance in his fetters ▪ whilst all men hear their cackling . what other design can these swaggering sinners have in such a carriage , but audaciously to affront the great majesty of heaven and earth , in the highest manner they are capable ? ah besotted wretches ▪ let me bespeak you in the language of the prophet , do you know against whom you shoot out the lip , and make a wide mouth ? what could your wit find no other way to vent it self , nor your malice , any other object ? had you no cheaper way to undo your selves ? were you afraid lest you should have miss't of hell ? what ? did you indeed mean by your blasphemies to dare god to his face ? would you force him to give a convincing evidence of his being ? if so , i hope you are satisfied by this time , if not , you shall be shortly . was you resolv'd to try how far his patience would extend ? did you fear he was so merciful , that you should never feel his wrath ? or were you in such haste to be with your everlasting companions , the devils and the damned , that you thought your judgment lingred , and damnation slumbred , and would therefore do your best to hasten it ? or were you so fully bent on the satisfaction of your lusts , that you were resolved to pursue them even to the burning lake , and therefore thought you had ee'n as good go to hell for somthing , & would make to your selves as good a bargain as you could , and do all that in you lay before-hand , o revenge your selves of that god , who will there treat you so severely ? or were you now betimes inuring your selves to the language of hell , that you might not be to learn when you should be thrown thither ? these are strange suppositions the reader may think , but not so strange as the sins i am speaking of , and for which , i can scarce assign other reasons than such as these . and shall we wonder , when such rebels are risen up against the lord , if he grow jealous for his great name , and arise , and vindicate his glory and power from the contemptuous affronts of insolent mortals . moreover , how many times have people in their execrations wish ▪ t , that the pox and the plague might take themselves , their children , servants , or cattle ? and can they find fault , if at length , their desires are granted ? yea , how many roaring ruffians have we got , who , as if they were already entered into the familiarity of devils , make nothing of it to curse themselves to the pit of hell in their common discourse ; who can scarce speak a sentence without their dammee's and sinkmee's ? whose tongues , were they pluck't out by the roots , it was a punishment no way suited to the heinousnesse of their crime . but let them , if they think fit , stay a while longer in their contempt of god , and his threatnings , and their resolute disobedience to his holy laws , and if nothing else will serve their turn , they shall too soon to their sorrow , find all their accursed prayers accomplish't . the devil , whom they have so oft wish't to fetch them , shall very shortly have that commission which he eagerly waits for , and then let them say whether the dreadful god be to be jested with , or abus'd : and then at length shall they hear that terrible question thundred against them , have you provok'd me , saith the lord , have you not provok'd your selves to the confusion of your own faces ▪ . amongst the rest of our commonsins we may account covetousness , together with all the discoveries , effects and branches of it ; such as oppression , extortion , bribery , injustice , either in judgment or mutual traffique , over-reaching each other , uncharitableness , and grinding the faces of the poor . i put all these together , as having some relation to each other , and being all neglects of duty betwixt man and man. if idolatry so often brought the plague , or other sufferings upon the israelites , why may not covetousnesse which is idolatry , by the same reason bring it upon us : is it not as displeasing to god to have men adore an heap of gold and silver , or their houses and lands , as an image of gold made up into humane shape ? and is it not as great a sin , for the heart to run a whoring after these things , as to bow the body to an idol ? and how are men almost every where set with all their might and main to thrive , and rise in the world , to lade themselves with thick clay , and here to lay up their treasures ? was it not time for us then to be told , and told to the quick what we were doing ? that we were not yet at home , and must not therefore think of setling here ? single deaths of men when there died now one , then another , had but little effect on us , to make us sensible of our own mortality , and therefore multitudes are swept away before our eyes , to see if that will have any more influence upon us . with what unwearied , and uninterrupted pains and diligence did the most drudg about their earthly affairs , from morning to night , weeks end to weeks end , without any serious regard to the business they came into the world for ? but were so deeply faln in love with present things , that they dream not of a removal ? and withal were so plung'd over head & ears in their cares and businesses , that they could not find a time , for any serious consideration of the matters of their souls ? how just is it then that god should take them off by his hand , if they knew not how to disengage themselves ? and snatch them away from those estates which they knew no better how to improve , but were even nestling themselves in them , as their durable possessions . and i hope all who are engag'd in such affairs , will call themselves to a strict account whether there have been no such unjust sentences pronounc'd either in condemning the innocent , or acquitting the guilty , that may have provok't the just god to anger against us . and let all merciless rich men , cruel extortioners , oppressive landlords lay to heart their unmercifulnesse , rigour or injustice to the poor , to the fatherlesse and widow , whose cries may have reacht the ears of the lord of sabboth , jam. . . and caus'd him to rise and plead their cause , by sending his judgments upon an hard-hearted generation . and doubtlesse that great want of charity , and christian compassion which ought to be in us , towards our brethren in their necessities and miseries , may very justly have hardned god himself against us , and caus'd him to be deaf , to our cries and prayers . how many have had their money and precious things which they had hoarded , left to strangers , or rifled by theevish hands , which they might in their life-time so well imploy'd for gods honour , and their own good ? but alas , amongst the many that professe the faith , how few are there who will take a promise from god as good security ? and amongst so many that say they love god , how few have manifested it by their love to their brother ? and hath the matter been mended , since we have been under this sore visitation ? nay , rather hath it been worse ? oh how men shut up their bowels against their poor , necessitous , visited brethren ? and suffered ( 'tis sadly to be feared ) thousands to starve for want of needful supplies , whilst they have had enough for their lusts , and to spare ; and need not ( which yet in such a day especially is our duty ) have pinch't their own back or belly to have afforded them relief . and this cruelty have men been guilty of whilst many of them had reason every day to expect their own death ; but they have seem'd resolv'd to hold , and grasp all as long as possibly they can , and to cleave closer , if they knew how , to their dear mammon , of which shortly they must take their sad , and last farewell , oh! who but infidels would not have sent their treasures before them thither , where they expect shortly to be themselves translated . but the sin i chiefly intended under this head , is the common dishonesty in buying and selling , mens defrauding and overreaching each other . a practise which i fear , london hath been more guilty of than corinth which yet was charg'd with it , cor. . . and it concerns citizens and tradesmen especially , to enquire into themselves upon this account , as being most expos'd to temptations to it . thou who yet survivest , examine thy heart , look back on thy former course of life , in thy following the world . does not thy conscience accuse thee for having grown rich by lying , cheating , and deceitful ways ? hath not thy conscience many times flows in thy face , for thy notorious falshoods , and crafty projects , and unlawful devices , to put off thy wares , and enrich thy self ? alas men are ready to plead a kind of necessity for their sin ; and say , if they should always be upright , and plain , and true , they should never know how to live . is not the world then come to a brave passe ? what a matter of course is it with tradesmen to tell multitudes of lyes to every customer almost , and never make matter of them , so they but help off their commodities ? they can go their ways , and wipe their mouths , and there 's an end ; but hold , god will not put it up so . so they can but now get a pound or a shilling , how little do they regard the time of reckoning for all again ? they know not how to keep up such serious thoughts in the midst of their noise and busle , in buying and selling . but if they can't , god will take them off their hot trading , and give them leasure enough to consider what they have been doing . and hath he not done thus ? 't is well for those who so improve their breathing space here , that they have not this work to do in the other world . all that men could think of , was , that mony was to be got , which way it mattered not so much . and well had it been for them , if god had made no more matter of it : but believe it he hath taken a strict notice of all thy ways , and recordeth them with greater exactnesse , than thou wast wont to do thy debts in thy shop-book . see thy sin describ'd and threatned . micah . , , , . after he had spoke of the lords voice crying to the city by his rod , ver . . then follows , are there yet the treasures of wickednesse in the house of the wicked , and the scant measure which is abominable ? shall i count them pure with the wicked balances , and with the bag of deceitful weights ? for the rich men thereof are full of violence , and the inhabitants have spoken lyes , and their tongue is deceitful in their mouths ; therefore also will i make thee sick in smiting thee , in making thee desolate because of thy sin . oh how many are there that will be religious , as far as coming to church , and being devout there , and making some outside profession , who yet in their dealings are stark naught , and will be dishonest for a small gain ? in the church , and perhaps a little in their closets , they can afford to do , that they call serving of god , but in their shops nothing at all . oh by that time all 's reckoned for , when the moneys gone , but the sin in getting it must be answered for , how will men wish , and wish again they had been clear from this guilt , though they had been the meanest beggars in the land ? now how just is it man should be snatcht from those estates , to which theynever had a true title ? and if indeed they cannot drive a trade without so great miscarriages , is it not time that their houses and shops should be shut up ? . the next sin we shall take notice of , is murder ; which surely , if any , hath a crying voice . abels blood soon wrought heaven with its cry for vengeance . and how many murders have we daily heard of , committed amongst us ? how common is it grown for the gallants of our times , to sacrifice one another lives to their lusts , to their passion , or their pride ? and i wish that the impunity of some , may not have encouraged others . is it not time then for god to take the sword into his own hand , and let his audacious creatures know , that their lives they are so prodigal of are his , and at his disposure ? and if they value them at no higher rates , they have no reason to complain if they are taken away , since they knew no better what to do with them . if indeed they are so weary of the world , they shall stay no longer in it . and here especially , let me bring to remembrance that heathenish practice of duelling ; which of late is grown so much in fashion , that none must passe for a gentleman , but he who dare murder his brother ; and to be an hector , is more commendable than a christian . the example and precepts of that pattern , and master of meeknesse the holy jesus , the very mention of them is little less than ridiculous to our brave fellows . alas , those precepts seem suited to the mean state of christianity , when poor fishermen and tent-makers were the preachers , and tradesmen like them , were for the most part retainers to it ; but we must have them calculated again for those of a more elevated meridian ; viz. for our gentry who had the luck to be born of parents that were cal'd christian . the jesuite must fit them with rules that shall allow for their birth and breeding : for surely christ never meant to have gentlemen his disciples , when he tied them up to such strict commands , not practicable by men of their blood and spirits . religion now adays is thought to emasculate men , and render them tame and cowardly . basely to submit themselves to their own unruly passions , with these is courage ; to be bears and tygers , is accounted gentle and manly . these are the lordly creatures that are so tender of their honors , that they will rather violate the laws of the great god , than the least punctilio of it . to humour or win a fantastical mistresse ( 't is well they are not in hearing when i call her so ) they durst venture upon the wrath of their maker . for the wall , or the way , for a wry word , or a straw , they durst venture their necks to the halter , and their souls to the devil . are not these the true sons of valour ? such that even in cold blood , and upon sober deliberation dare damn themselves ? and why ? because forsooth they are afraid of being call'd cowards , and abus'd by every body else , should they have past by one injury . they could tell what this was , but what the hell they leapt into was , they knew not till they found themselves there ; and by that time poor wretches how was their courage cool'd ? and now at length you valiant fighters , wonder not if god himself be stept into the field against you . what ? do you think you have met with your match yet ? nay , but he hath not yet appeared with all his strength . he hath only sent one of his warriours , death sitting upon the pale-horse , but see what a terrible second there is , hell follow'd after him . rev. . . but come try your manhood upon this first . the hour he appoints is , when he pleaseth ; the weapon he now chiefly fights with is the plague , take you what you will ; the place is london . what cowards , do you turn your backs now ? are you afraid to dye , and yet are not afraid to be damn'd ? what will you laugh at hell , and now quake at death , and flie from it ? but think not your heels can secure you , nor any place you can flie to , sooner or later be sure hee 'l find you out . what did you challenge god to the combat and now do you run for 't ? can you deny it ? what else meant all your open , impudent wickednesse , but to bid god do his worst ? for to fin you were resolved , let him right himself how he could . god threw down his gauntlet , when he said , the soul that sins shall dye . you took it up , when y ou rush't upon those sins . what , you miserable caitiffs , you children of the devil , who is a murderer , must you stand upon your terms , and command observance from your companny , and will draw at the least affront , and shall god be carelesse of his honour ? was it not present death for a man to throw a glasse of liquor in your face ? and have you done lesse against god one day after another , by pouring down your superfluous glasses ? did the lye deserve the stab , and shall you go scot-free , who have so often given the lye to god himself , speaking to you by his word and ministers , his spirit and your own consciences ? nay , what you count the most unsufferable reproach , have you not been ready to interpret gods patience for cowardice ? well , you are wont to call your selves gentlemen : know then , that for these , and a multitude of such affronts , god demands satisfaction , and have it he will one way or other . your speedy repentance , and believing recourse to the blood that speaks better things than that of murdered abel , may appease him ; otherwise , when he makes inquisition for blood , hee 'l take the proudest of you by the throat , and cast you to the tormentors , and verily you shall not come thence , till you have paid the utmost farthing . . another very heinous sin amongst us , is prophanation of the lords day , and neglect of the worship of god. how many are idling away their time at home , or which is worse , sinning it away in tipling-houses , whilest they should be attending the publick service of god ? or if they afford their bodily presence there for an hour or two , how soon after do they betake themselves to their pleasures , as if the rest of the day were their own ? or as if when they had prayed to god , to keep them that day without sin , they might boldly commit it ? as if when they had beg'd of god , to teach them to keep ( amongst the rest ) the fourth commandment , they might then take liberty to break it ? and by their after-practice , one would judge their prayer had been , lord have mercy upon us , and give us leave to break this thy law. some go to their drunken companions , some to their sports ; others to walk idly in the streets or fields ; and the most to their common , vain and worldly discourse : to any thing , rather than to private meditation , or family-repetition of what they have heard . how far are men from spending this day , as beseems those who have immortal souls to care for , and can spare but little time on week-dayes for such employments ? oh how exceeding few are there that are willing rightly to inform themselves of the nature , use and end of this day , and accordingly to improve it ? as it is a day set apart to commemorate not only the work of creation , but chiefly of redemption by christ our lord , and especially his resurrection , that being to him as a kind of rest from his labours : and moreover , as it may be to us a type and a resemblance of the eternal sabbatism we shall enjoy in the heavens : when we shall rest from all sinful , troublesom , and bodily works , and be wholly employ'd in the admiration , and praise of that divine love , which contriv●d and wrought our redemption and salvation . to have leave thus to spend a day with and for god , would be sufficient to engage holy and ingenious souls , with all alacrity and thankfulnesse to embrace the opportunity . such would be asham'd to stand reasoning and enquiring whether they might not halve it with god , and rob him and themselves of a good part . what a strange tedious thing is it for poor creatures , that know not god , nor their own necessities , to be obliged to consecrate one day in seven to spiritual services , for which , awakened and experienc't souls think their whole life-time little enough ? how many have we had crying , like those , amos . . when will the new moon be gone , and the sabbath over ? that they might again to their pleasures , or enjoyments ! nay , our people have been in more haste than so , they could not stay till the sabbath was over , but must to their bargaining , their buying and selling . how frequent is this with many shop-keepers in the city , when no necessity requires it ? well , if indeed you are so eagerly bent on your business , that you will not keep a sabbath which god commands you , hee 'l force you to another kind of sabbath than this , which you shall have more reason to cry out , when will it be over ? you shall be made to rest from your works longer than this comes to , if you cannot afford god that small space of time he affords you : and you that were wont to be so weary of the prayer and sermon , and shift postures , first up , and then down , peeping at the glasse , or your watch ; is it not equal that you should be held with those pains which shall make you weary for somewhat ? when you shall turn from side to side , but get no ease , and count all the tedious hours of the night , expecting every moment to sink into that woful state , where are no more dayes , or nights , or hours , where you shall never have a moments rest through a whole eternity ! and then say whether the service of god , or the sufferings you feel from god , be the more tedious . if wicked wretches thus loosely encroach upon the lords own day , may we not well fear lest god should depopulate our land , that so at length it may enjoy its sabbaths ? and is it not just they should be seized with a disease , which admits not of a minister to visit them , who in the time of life and health did so little care for their minister ? how many who have been shut up from all converse with men , were wont formerly to excommunicate themselves from the publick congregation ? and if they would not stir over their threshold to the church , 't is just they should not stir out at all . and may we not see many doors praying now , whose owners were not before wont to pray either in publick , or with their families , on the lords day , or any other time ? nay , perhaps , might be deriders of all serious praying , and only use to take gods name in vain with their formalities : is it not just then , that those who were utterly unacquainted with , and it may be jeer'd at , praying by the spirit , should be taught by the feeling of their flesh , to groan out an hearty lord have mercy upon us . . another very common sin , somewhat related to the former , is the contempt and abuse of the ordinances of christ , especially the lords supper ; whilest so many partake of the table of the lord , and in some sense of the table of devils ; which , what is it but to provoke the lord to jealousie , as if we were stronger than he ? cor. . , . many there are indeed , whose hypocrisie and treachery is only known to god , and though the minister cannot , yet these he will find out . to vow obedience to god , whil'st we intend and perform nothing lesse , this is such a wickednesse , so solemnly to mock him , as he will not bear at his creatures hands : and how many thousands are guilty of such falshood and perjury ? for the breach of these oaths be sure the land mourns . when each member of the church thus covenants to reform himself , and yet still continues in wickednesse . how is the receiving this sacrament made a meer matter of course ? and if it be remembred for a day it 's well , but the engagement then made is presently forgot . but believe it , god will not forget it so . how many have we , that are celebrating the remembrance of christs death to day , who are crucifying him again to morrow ? and such as these , i chiefly intend , who whil'st they customarily renew their obligations , to live to the honour of their lord , do what in them lies to put him to an open shame . and where is the place where difference is put betwixt the precious and the vile , and any scruple made of casting pearls before swine , childrens bread to dogs ? whosoever's fault this is , that it is a fault , and a very heinous one too , can hardly be denied by any that use to read , what qualifications scripture requires of all that are admitted , not only to some more solemn ordinances , but into church-communion . if covetous persons , drunkards , swearers , whoremongers , and all disorderly walkers are to be noted , withdrawn from , and not to be eaten with ( take the word in what sense you will ) then let the most impartial , charitable person judge , what a vast and sad difference there is betwixt the precept , and our practice . si hoc sit evangelium , non sumus evangelici . where are they that walk after this rule ? and 't is not likely that this very sin which brought sicknesses and death upon the corinthians , should have lost its provoking nature by the tract of time , or any difference of circumstances betwixt us and them . it cannot surely be thought that the commonnesse of this miscarriage , nor yet the difficulty and seeming impossibility which some are apt to pretend of having it remedied , should render it lesse displeasing to that holy god , who is so jealous about his sanctuary . if vzzah was smitten for his too bold officiousnesse in staying the tottering ark , and men of the bethshemites for their curiosity in prying into it , how shall they be able to stand before the lord in the day of his vengeance , who have so profan'd his holy ordinances ! interest sometimes restrains men from punishing a crime that is universal , but believe it , this takes no place in god : no , to his mercy we owe it only , that our punishment is not as extensive as our guilt . but surely this his besom of destruction with which he sweeps away multitudes , clearly speaks it self sent to scourge a general sin , and i know none more than this we are now upon . and it is not mens lazinesse , or carnal interests ; their lothnesse to displease either the vulgar , or great ones , by whom they live , that shall here , or in the day of their appearance before the great law-giver and judge , excuse their disobedience to his so expresse and peremptory injunctions . to tell them then , that his commands were inconsistent with their ease , or the favour of men , which is the voyce of their present negligence ; will hardly excuse them who have so often told others , that no man can be christs disciple ( much less then a minister ) without very great measures of self-denial . if any of those , whom they now please by their cowardice and compliance , will then bear them out , they are safe enough ; but if that is not to be expected , they had best bethink themselves in time , how to give a comfortable account of their stewardship . though private members performing their duty , may not justly pretend the pastors negligence to justifie a separation ; yet how far others assuming a power to themselves , if they execute it not , will excuse those who are deputed to dispense these mysteries , when they shall deliver them to such whom they have good reason to think unworthy , it behoves them who are concerned well to consider . the unworthy receiver himself , it may be , hath some pretence or other , to shift the blame from off him , as that he was never admonished nor suspended ; but all these evasions will be too gross to pass for current with a just judge . i hope 't is no scandalous thing to bewail the want of , and earnestly desire a discipline amongst us , as guilty as the word is grown : by whom , or with what circumstances managed , it matters not so much , so we might have the thing ; that the plain and indispensable laws of christ may be executed ; that those very constitutions which are fundamental to such a society as christ hath appointed his church to be , may not be violated ; that there may be discerned some difference betwixt the church and the world , beside what a bare opinion , or verbal profession makes ; that only the credible profession and discovery of that faith and holiness , which makes a man a member of christ , may serve for his being accepted as a member of the church . and i may very safely say , that all they who have promised to god they would see to the removal of such like corruptions as this i have been taxing , are indispensably oblig'd to perform it , since this is no more than what was inclnded in their baptismal covenant , whatever variety of apprehensions there may be as to this point of discipline , yet methinks so much as is judged lawful and necessary , by those who have power enough in their own hands , should not be neglected : but it would very well deserve their care , to see their own laws put in execution . . and now we speak of the execution of laws , we may very well mention it as a most s●d and shameful , and very provoking sin , that after there is so much provision made for the restraint and punishment of vice , by many good and wholsome laws , there should be no more fruit of them seen , for want of their being executed . how rare is it now adays to hear of a man punished for drunkennesse , swearing , sabbath ▪ breaking ? and is it any other than natural to see these and the like impieties abound , whilst the multitude that are most ruled by present things that reach their flesh , find no hurt come of their most profane , and licentious courses ? and if men neglect their duty , can it be expected but that god should take the sword of justice into his own hands , and punish the rebellious ? if it be demanded , what can be done more than to enact laws , and appoint men to put them in force , and by a solemn oath engage them thereto ? if it may n ot appear presumption , i would answer , that it is also of as great consequence to see the execution of laws committed to them , who give probable grounds to believe , that they will be faithful to their trust . scanderbegs sword in a cowards , or childs hand , is like to do no great service . the truth of it is , the most consciencious look upon the charge as so weighty , that they dare scarce undertake it , much lesse do they ambitiously seek after it ; and if they should , 't is a question whether their lesse deserving competitors would not make a greater interest and prevent them . but were all who are concerned so vigilant as they should be , no doubt but that there might be a very great redresse of this mischief . was there a diligent inspection to discover , and a willingnesse to embrace them , there might be found many , who notwithstanding the great discouragements they might meet with , would for the honour of god , and service of their country , engage themselves in this burdensom , but honourable employment . but can they be zealous for god , and for subjection to his laws , who will not themselves be rul'd thereby ? far be it from me to speak evil of the rulers of the people . i know it is the duty of all to do what they can to preserve to their persons that honour , which may contribute to the successeful discharge of their functions . and therefore it is no way fit to charge them with crimes upon suspition , or bare report ; nor to reprove them for secret sins publickly , nor to do it in that manner that may procure them contempt from the people : but if the miscarriages of men in authority are so notorious , that 't is in vain to endeavour to conceal them ; and when the offenders are such and so many , that there is no way to deal with them , but by an open publishing of their reprehension ; and consequently of the faults they are reprov'd for ; it cannot in this case be justly censured for irreverence or undutifulnesse , to mind them modestly of their duty , and their neglects of it : especially whilst the discourse is general , medling with no mans person , nor reflecting on any but the guilty . indeed it may very well become those who are more especially concern'd , and who have the advantages of accesse to , intimacy with , and interest in magistrates and great ones , to deal with them , though with that submission and meekness which beseems inferiours , yet with that freedome and plainnesse which beseems friends , and christians . such that have liberty to speak , without gratifying the corrupt humour of the rabble , that oftentimes dearly love to hear their governours talkt against and disgrac'd ; and they whose own personal knowledge , furnisheth them with matter and ground for reproof , without taking up with the flaunders , and groundless surmises of the malicious , or common rumours of idle , and impudent tatlers and railers ; those i say who have these advantages , are deeply engaged to improve the same in doing their utmost to discover to them their particular sins , with all the aggravations of them , and to presse them upon those duties , which are so necessary for their own and the kingdoms welfare . if this be the effect of greatnesse , to be secured from all faithful , and serious reproofs , and councel , and to be betray'd by base flatterers , and fordid low-spirited temporizers ; it is as great an unhappinesse as can befall the sons of men . to have leave to be sick , and not told of it till its past remedy ; to have leave to stab ones self , and no one must dare to hold our hands , are no very desirable priviledges : and to be suffered to post on to everlasting burnings , without being told plainly whither we are going , is i think , as little for our profit , as either of those . if any be of another mind , as loth to be tormented before their time , i earnestly pray god their experience give not them too full conviction . that which i intend under this head , is the negligence of those who are entrusted with the administration of justice . when i speak most softly , i cannot but say what is very notorious , that they are sadly guilty of a connivance at such grosse profanenesse , as is punishable by the laws of the land. alas , they have got their distinct capacities ; they are gentlemen as well as justices ; and these it seems are inconsistent one with the other . that which religion , their oath , their fidelity to god , their prince , and country engage them to ; is contradicted forsooth by the gentility they bear about them , which forbids all moroseness and severity , especially to their companions , who are as deeply guilty of debaucheries , as the vilest and poorest wretches of the nation . and indeed can they with any modesty , or pretence of reason take notice of , or be severe against those vices , which their own examples encourage even inferiours , much more their gentlemen-good-fellows to ? whether this be a forgery or slaunder , i appeal to the experience of the respective counties where they reside . i intend not the innocent in this accusation ; wherefore none but the guilty have reason to be angry , and they as little as any . why should an honest citizen be displeas'd , to hear another say , there are many knaves in the city ? but if it be grievous to them to hear of their faults , their drunkenness , swearing , and such like loosness , let them think what it is to commit them . how loudly did god cry , who will rise up for me against the evil doers ? or , who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity ? and because none would hearken , god himself hath brought upon men their own iniquity , and cut them off in their wickedness , psal . . , . had our justices , and all magistrates , been as careful to prevent the contagion of sin in themselves , their families and jurisdictions , as they are to hinder the spreading of the infection , this latter labour might happily have been spared them . and now i am speaking of rulers , and men of place and honour , here give me leave sadly to lament it , that the nobility and gentry of our land , the major part of them , are arrived to such an height of prophaneness , that they , as being by their advancements more conspicuous than others , are most infamous for the several vices we have mentioned . oh where are the hop't for fruits of those sufferings many of them have past through ? do they not demean themselves , as if they were delivered to do all these abominations ? are they not too like that king ahaz , who being afflicted , grew worse and worse ? have they taken such a prejudice against the word , reformation , that they hate the very thing too , and the least appearance of it ? what do they recoil with greater eagerness to their vicious courses , as having been under a restraint for a while ? are they resolved not to be behind hand in sin for all that ? or do they think to revenge themselves of god for the afflictions they have lain under ? or did they think themselves now so secure , that without all danger they might provoke the most high god ? why , you poor impudent worms , do you know whom you have reproached ? against whom you have exalted your voice , and lift up your eyes on high ? even against the holy one of israel . why , you sotrish sons of belial , did you think a title or place of honour would dispense with you , for your rebellions against the almighty ruler of the world ? who hath stood by you , and observed all your contempt of him , and his laws , and hath hitherto spared you out of pity , not fear . what , because you could proudly insult and domineer over your fellow-creatures , did you think to out-brave god himself ? what , did you think a feather in your caps , or a ruffling suit , for which fools look at you with so much reverence , would procure his respect ? did you think he would be more tender of your delicacies , than to treat you so roughly , as he doth inferiour sinners ? did you imagine , when he sent his messengers to seize you , when he should commission either death or the devil to lay hold on you , that you should fright them away with swearing and banning , and damming ? or with your swords and pistols , as you were wont to serve the serjeants that came to arrest you ? did you imagine you had made an agreement with death and hell , that they should never swallow you up ? or that your submissions to the devil had made him so much your friend , that he would not hurt you ? at length i beseech you , be convinc ▪ t of your mistakes , and humbled for your folly ; and be perswaded to believe , that the strictest holinesse is no dishonour to your greatnesse , nor think that your interest , which contradicts it . oh be not so monstrously vile , to abuse gods bounty , so as to make it but an help to your sinning against him with more freedom and constancy . make not your estates snares to your souls , by mispending them only in gratifying your lusts , appetite and pride ; but improve them for the honour , and according to the intention of the donor ; that they may not become such an accursed portion to you , that at length you should hear the cutting answer , given to one of your predecessors , in thy life-time thou didst receive thy good things . nor let any of our great ones please themselves with a conceit , that they are not the persons eminently instrumental in bringing down judgments upon us , because as yet they are freest from the same , as having the conveniencies of removing themselves from that stroke which lights most upon the meaner sort ; for we may frequently find in scripture , that the sins of the great ones have brought sufferings upon the commonalty , who also in their place and measure have been as wicked as others . and withall , let them not be too confident , till they are past all danger , till their harness is put of ; or rather , till god hath laid down his sword. if these judgments reach them not , god hath yet more in store for the obstinate ; and if they escape all here , yet if at length they are cast into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone , they 'l have little cause for boasting . since then our great men , like those , jer. . . though they have known the way of the lord ▪ yet have altogether broken the yoke , and burst the bonds : my prayer is , that they may not do as those , v. . who when they were stricken , did not grieve , but refused to receive correction , and made their faces harder than a flint , and refused to return , lest god execute on them those threatnings you may read at large , ver . . oh that they may receive instruction in time , before they feel that iron rod , which will dash in pieces all it lights on , and comes too late to teach them any thing but what will aggravate their torment . . i am verily perswaded , had this plague befal'n us three or fourscore years ago , and had popery been as rife then , as now it is with us , this would not have been accounted one of the least procuring causes , by the most sober divines of the nation ; except this be grown a more innocent thing than formerly , and the idolatry of it distinguish ▪ t away by latter wits ▪ or else idolatry be grown less offensive to god , than heretofore ; we may take the boldness to say , that the licence its professors have had , or have taken to exercise the same , is one of the abominations of our land , provoking to a god jealous of his worship . reason of state , is an abysse which it becomes not short-sighted subjects to pry into ; but if the pretence of this induce any thing contrary to the interest of religion , he that hath imbib'd but the very principles of christianity , may confidently pronounce the deepest politicians that advise it , stark fools . the resolution and constancy of pious prince edward , england's josiah , in denying liberty for mass to his sister mary , was in those times accounted singular piety , even by those bishops who came to request it . 't is somewhat strange , methinks , to see even the poor quakers themselves , drag ▪ d to prisons , and banish'd the land ; whil'st conventicles more expresly contrary to the law of god , and equally , i think , to the law of the land , are ( at least ) overlook't . yea , let me add , this freedom they enjoy , whil'st half a dozen of private christians , in all things so far as concerns laymen , conformable to the church of england , cannot have liberty to meet together for the private service of god ; though it were but to join their prayers on the behalf of our land , that it would please god to remove from off us ▪ the heavy judgments we now lie under . could there be no provision made against seditious meetings , without such restraints as these ? nay , and if they take this liberty by stealth , how much more secure are twice as many drunkards in a tavern , met at one of their conventicles of good-fellowship ? so that the more politick , have found a tavern the safest place for a meeting . and doth not this abundantly evince , how much the humors and private inclinations of men ▪ oversway and prevail in their administrations by the same laws ? if therefore the spirit of the times , and the inclination of inferiour magistrates lay as much against prophaneness , as what they call phanaticism ; that would have no more immunity than this . let none be offended at my liberty of speech , since doubtless these are things that need a reformation ; i hope 't is allowable to say so , yea , and necessary too . and as for popery , though i involve not the magistrate in the guilt of all that liberty they assume to themselves ; yet i hope we may have free leave to lay guilt upon it , and to charge a most intolerable impudence upon the professors , and numerous abettors of it . how many , both openly and closely , are hard at work for the propagation of that , which is much more hurtful , though not so spreading as the contagion now amongst us ? and that it is not so spreading , we owe not so much to their want of will , or pains ; but to the goodness of god , the illness of their cause , and the better temper of our clime fortified with the truth . but surely it would well deserve the care of those in power , to do somewhat more , to keep the healthful from the sick , and to order that there might not be so much license given for people to frequent those places , where 't is not impossible but some may be infected ; even such , whose sense chooseth their religion ; who would have their devotion , like their recreations ; and a chappel , like a play-house : and i wish too many of our gallants be not of this disposition ; but as for others , i would have them go to a mass to be confirmed against popery . it is very notorious , what freedom they take for their meetings in many places in the countrey , as well as city , besides those that may be priviledged : and certainly england is not like to fare the better , for being the stage whereon so much pious pageantry , and historical worship is acted . had dagon been carried about amongst the israelites , with as much reverence ▪ as the ark was amongst the philistines with rudeness ; 't is likely , that had been attended with as great plagues , as was this. he that considers what idolatry often brought upon the jews ; and shall well contemplate the popish devotions , and our present miseries ; may not more clearly discern our punishment like to theirs , than a like probable cause of it ; and look upon us little more beholden to rome , than they were to baal peor . if these meek innocents ( who with much ado bring themselves to talk a little humbly , when instead of fire and faggot , they are forc't to argue with words ) should retort , that we deal as unjustly with them , as the heathens did with the primitive christians , who imputed to them whatever mischiefs befell the empire . i shall be brought to think so too , if they can as easily evade the charge of worshipping angels , saints , bread , altars , crucifixes and images ; as those first christians could free themselves from the palpably false objections made against them : but in the mean time i cannot be perswaded , but that god is highly provok't with all those mockeries of worship which they have devised , and in the midst of us , solemnized . and even for these inventions , may the plague be broke in upon us . . we may well account amongst our provoking sins , the sad and lamentable divisions that have been , and still are on foot amongst us : and whoever have raised and kep't up these , have had not the least influence to procure wrath upon us . well may that people be divided from god , separated from his love , who are so divided one amongst another . when one part of the nation hath suffered , then still the other hath rejoyc'd in their brethrens miseries , as contributing to the advancement of their cause . and successively , what the sufferers call tyranny , cruelty , and persecution , those that inflict it , call it a just punishment for their malignity or obstinacy . oh how just is it then , that a general punishment should at length , work us into a more general compassion ? that at least , we may pity each other , when we are all in the same misery , that appears to have nothing of a party in it , but strikes down on all sides those that stand before it ? many and great factions in the western church , did immediately precede its being over-run by the gothes and vandals : and not only in this , but all other corruptions are we like to them , as may be learn'd from the writers of those days ; god of his infinite mercy avert the further judgments which such disorders presage . such is , and long hath been our case , that the loudest and most earnest intreaties for peace , have been drowned with the contrary noise and clamour of the contentious . what comes from the weaker and oppressed party , is still rejected as murmuring and complaining ; and those that are in prosperity , reject the offers which after they would gladly condescend to . still the side that rules , when they find they can secure their interests without any compliance , partly , out of a jealousie of being undermined , partly , out of a love to to have the preheminence , and partly , out of a desire of revenge , are far from hearkning to the most reasonable motions for unity and peace . and he that mentions , or laments our divisions with never so catholick and impartial a spirit and design , if he charge not all the blame upon one party , shall scarce receive any thanks from either . if he cries out of nothing but antichristianism , idolatry , superstition , and tyranny , then he shall be hugg'd by some ; and if he inveigh bitterly against schism , sedition , faction , hypocrisie , and charge this upon all that are not just of the humour of the times they live in , then he shall please others . but if he say , some are too imperious and imposing , and others too peevish , impatient , and quarrelsom ; and both too guilty of censoriousness and devotedness to their own customs or opinions ; he shall hardly be grateful to either ; but only to the true sons of peace amongst all , who are endued with the sweet and genuine temper of christianity . oh unhappy england ! how long hast thou been tost to and fro by the hands of violence and contention ? how oft hast thou been bent this way , and that , into contrary extreams ? oh when at length wilt thou be set strait , and obtain a quiet rest ? oh that this might be the happy effect of gods heavy hand now upon us ! we , and our posterity then would have cause to say , oh happy plague that befell us in . which discovered to the inhabitants of england this plague of their own hearts , their uncharitableness and animosities one against another , and cur'd them hereof , and reconciled them into a blessed lasting peace . to this wish of mine , let every reader say amen , even so beit . oh what is become of that humble , patient , self-denying , loving spirit , which was once the character of the followers and friends of our gracious , tender-hearted , and compassionate lord jesus . strange , that ever the gospel of peace should furnish the corruptions of men with matters for strife ! when one great , yea , very great design of it , is , to promote the truest , and most solid , and universal peace amongst the sons of men : which is the natural consequent of their being at peace with god , through the great reconciler . and yet what would we have ? there 's scarce a man but speaks for peace , and vehemently declaims against dissentions . few there are but wonder there should be any differences in the world , and that men are not all of one mind . but what mind must that be ? even their own . and this , this is our mischief : the world is full of such magisterial spirits , that they , forsooth , would be dictatours in the church . and though themselves may be always wavering , and crookned by a devotion for a party ; yet would they be the centre where all various apprehensions should meet , their opinions and wills must be the rule and standard of truth and duty . though men be never so much blinded by prejudice or self-conceit , yet they take it ill , if others will not see with their eyes , blindfold themselves , and take them for our guides . now in our nation ; one man wonders what is in the mind of some , that they are faln so much in love with some inconsiderable things , that they rigorously exact from all others an observance of them ; and these wonder there should be any found to scruple at them : but it s well , if either remember their own ignorance , weakness , and liableness to mistake , which might move them both to a more charitable construction of their brethrens actions . the overtures for agreement , which come from the weaker , are sometimes disgrac'd by those of their own way ( the zealots of them ) as proceeding from cowardice and temporizing , and most frequently snufft at by the party that hath got the upper hand , as saucy and impertinent ; the condescensions of those that are in power , are usually little more than to will and command , yes it may be , entreat all that dissent from them to a through-compliance , and then they 'l account them humble and peaceable ; but scarce otherwise , be their demands never so large and unreasonable . and if any true lover of charity , not of the name , but thing , shall propose a way for the reconciling of differences , hee 's look't awry at , especially by the higher side , and becomes less capable of preferment ( except as a means to corrupt him ) as being not thorowly baptized into their party . thus have we got one for paul , and another for apollo , nay , worse distinguishing names than these ; and whil'st both sides are too guilty of inveighing against each other for not coming over wholly to them , how little is done toward a mid-way meeting ? who formerly have been , and who now especially are too blame in the land for keeping open our breaches , is not very difficult impartially to discover : but still it so falls out , that they who are most in fault , may least safely be told so ; for this must needs be acknowledged , that they who have opportunity and power of making a very fair and satisfactory accomodation betwixt those that differ , and yet do it not ; so far as this neglect comes to , are the persons guilty of continuing our divisions . they who had formerly this opportunity , and neglected it , were in their time guilty ; and by consequence they who now enjoy the same advantages , and yet improve them not , must needs fall under the same charge . i think that man undertakes a very hard task , whose confin'd affections , and zeal for his particular opinions , shall engage him to defend all that is done , by the retainers to the way which he himself hath embrac't : for my part i should think it a piece of difficulty to maintain , that even our first reformers from the romish superstitions , were none of them acted by private aims , and secular interest , or miscarried in no circumstance of managing affairs , though the main cause was most just and honourable . let who list then for me , enter into a defence of this side or that , not only for these twenty , but hundred and twenty years ; for so long a date do some of our unhappy differences bear : and many will confidently aver , that a puritan is of as ancient standing , as an english protestant , and was once thought best worthy of that name ; and that a non-conformist was found , as soon as there appeared a martyr for the reformed cause : nor yet am i willing to look so far back , as to give any impertinent rehearsal of all the disorders that did precede or cause , accompany , or immediately follow upon the more open and violent contentions which have been amongst us , which might tend rather to exasperate all , than profit any ; for doubtless such miscarriages have been of all sides ( let particular historians , this way or that , say what they will ) that hearty repentance , and mutual forgiveness , is more becoming all , than self-justification , and spleenish recriminations ; if there be any yet guilty of so much pride and uncharitableness . i heartily pray , that all who have so long surviv'd their crimes , may be deeply humbled for their setting our nation on flame ( which all the blood that was spilt hath not yet quench't ) for the scandal they have brought upon the protestant cause , for all their breach of oaths , vows and covenants , prostituting their consciences , and pretending religion for carrying on their corrupt designs , and wilful letting slip the opportunities they had , for the promoting the cause of christ , and establishing a setled peace in the churches ; for the gaining of which , some excellent spirits did so earnestly ( though too unsuccessfully ) labour . but oh is it not strange and sad , that after we have so long seen and smarted under the deplorable effects of discord , we should yet be as far from embracīng the necessary means of reconciliation as ever ! that after a civil peace hath been graciously restored , the church should still be so much divided ? and this after diverse moderate persons of different perswasions , have so plainly laid down the methods for such an agreement , as might have made us a church glorious to all the world ; yea , for those things which are the true glory of a church , which would have made us also happy in the approbation and favour of the god of peace and holiness . the lord open the eyes , and soften the hearts of all , at length to discern and accept of some such proposals for peace , that the progress of our feuds make us not a spectacle of pity to our friends , and laughter to our adversaries , as they have already made us objects of gods indignation . it is not my business now to prescribe these wayes , which if i were to do , i should only take the boldness to present transcriptions ; and something i may have occasion to say of this under another head , to which i hasten : only in general let me add , this is a certain truth , approved by the joint suffrages of the most sober and judicious divines , that whilest our peace is laid upon the practice and approbation of things in their own nature , to the most learned and conscientious , doubtful and disputable , it 's never like to be firm and universal : and they who would build vnity upon an vniformity in those matters which will never bear the stresse of it , such as we before mentioned , they are the persons that lay the surest grounds imaginable for the hatching of schisms , wherein , though they who take this occasion , may be also culpable , yet will not this excuse those who administred it . wherefore 't is not by names or numbers , or power , you must make a judgment , when you seek for schismaticks , no more than you would , if looking for catholicks , enquire only who call'd themselves so . to evince my assertions , who that hath not lost his common reason , or else is becom'n a papist , but may discern , how impossible it is that ever a stable concord in the christian world , should be founded upon the acknowledgment of the universal headship of the bishop of rome ? and 't is not all their councels and fathers they can make such false brags of , nor the diffusiveness of this gangrene of their perswasion , nor the favour of so many princes , nor the harmony they would make us believe is amongst themselves , can excuse them from the just imputation of being most notorious schismaticks , an d dividers of the church , and a manifest combination of sectaries . once more let me add , all those who have espoused any private interest or party , which they are resolved to prosecute and maintain at that rate , that no man shall have liberty to promote christianity it self , except he will jointly contribute to the advancement of that their design and way ; are like to perpetuate our dissentions , so long as either there are other men of corrupt minds , who have got a faction contrary to theirs ; or so long as there are to be found men of truly catholick spirits and principles , that will serve the humors of no men , nor abet this or that party , as distinct from all other pious , sober , and peaceable professors of the christian faith ; but are resolved to be of that sect only , which in st. paul's dayes was everywhere spoken against . i know there are many that are earnest for peace , oftentimes meaning no more by it , than a stricter combination of all of their own party , or some a little different , against one they account a common enemy : thus no doubt the romanist may be griev'd to consider the struglings in his mothers own bowels , and may passionately exhort the several contenders to an unity , for the more effectual advancement of the catholick faction , and joint opposition of the reformed churches . but alas , what narrow-spiritedness is this ! the peace therefore i am exhorting to , and which it beseems all true followers of the prince of peace to endeavour after , should be built upon such foundations , as may make it extend to , and be comprehensive of all that agree in the essentials of religion , the belief and practice of those things that are revealed in scripture , as necessary to salvation ; and they ought to keep up no other difference betwixt themselves , and any that own the christian name , and the articles of its faith , papists themselves not excepted , besides what the rejection of all innovations in doctrine , discipline or worship will unavoidably produce . and therefore to be so much of a negative religion , as papists tell us we are , denying this or that groundless opinion , refusing such and such needless practises , is a truer sign of a catholick , than imposing any one of those contraverted things . our best disputants against the church of rome , tell us , that the foundations of the churches essence agreed on , and consented to , are alone the immutable grounds of its vnity . and i suppose it may be founded upon this reason , viz. that when a man enters into any society for some advantages there to be had , he is like to be firmly engaged thereto , whil'st the condition of his continuance in it , is an acknowledgment and practice of those things only , that are necessary for every particular member to do , if he would partake of those benefits that are attainable in common in that society ; for every mans personal interest engages him to an agreement thus far . but when any thing is super-induct , that is , consulted only for the gratifying or advancing some few , it cannot be expected that there should be a general compliance in these things . now the church being an aggregate of persons , believing and practising all things that god hath proposed and enjoined , in order to their everlasting happiness ; what more can be thought necessary for their union , than their conjunction , in the acknowledgment and practice of these things ? good god! how clear , methinks , is this truth ! and if this be the way for an union in the catholick church , why not in the particular churches that are parts of it ? for when these narrow and limit the conditions of church-membership , they so far depart from catholick unity . but these things are fully spoke to by others . so then , what miscarriages we are guilty of in this particular , is fully evident ; and what is to be done for their redress , is no way difficult to be found out and accomplish't , if at length we were agreed to make christs interest ours , and wholly to lay out our selves , and improve our power , and enact laws only to promote that , and to enforce the laws he hath already made , and would but bring our acknowledgments of scripture-sufficiency into practice . the lord grant this may be the resolution and endeavour of all in this church and state , who , under god , are in a capacity of restoring health and tranquility to a people so sorely weakned , by their being crumbled into so many sects and parties ; that at length becoming one in holiness and love , and turning as one man to the lord , serving him in a pure language with joint consent , he may be one with us , and the unity of our prayers may help on to their success , even the removal of those judgments , that were inflicted to drive us to such an unity . that i may now , lastly , sum up much in one word , we have been a people guilty of as wilful and malicious contempt of god , his gospel , ministers and people , and neglect of all true religion , as ever any nation of the world was , that hath enjoyed the means and opportunities for , and lain under the engagements to reformation that we have done . how have we trampled our mercies in the dirt , or thrown them in the face of the giver ? how soon have we forgot his rod , when when we have been but just from under the smart of it ? how have we contemn'd the threatnings of further wrath denounc't against us by his word and ministers ? how hath even profest atheism abounded , that hath made a scorn of , not only the duties , but doctrines of christianity ? to renounce all religion , was to be taken for a wit : and by their long impunity in wicked courses , were men more confirmed in their atheistical conceits . was it not fit then that death should reduce them to their right mind , when they are so wilfully distracted ? but especially for practical atheists , who whil'st they profess to know god , glorifie him not as god , but in works deny and dishonour him , how do they abound in our land ! except but some formalities of external performance , and publick worship , and a meer opinion ; how little appearance is there of a church , or christianity amongst us ? seem we not rather a cage of unclean birds ? look into the court , and university , the city and countrey , all sorts and conditions of men ; and say then , whether are we not overflowed with profaneness , which its just should be followed with a deluge of wrath to wash it away ? to what a pass are we come ? amongst whom nothing is so strange as serious holiness and strict walking ? to be a diligent server of the most holy god , is made a matter of reproach ? to live up in the principles of that religion , we all pretend to , is to expose ones self at the least , to scoffs and jears ? all that is past jesting in religion , is accounted fancy and hypocrisie . serious discourse is but fantastical canting . to mention any word of christ or his apostles , without making a jest of it , or the sacred name of god , except in an oath , or to take it in vain , is an offence to many tender ears . to admonish and reprove a drunkard or a swearer , is to become a busie-body , and self-conceited . to speak of god ▪ or christ , death , judgment , and eternity , and the great matters of religion , is the way to have some disgraceful title or other presently put upon you . godliness it self is look't on but as a faction , and as such despis'd and revil'd ; and the most unblameable professors of it , stigmatized with such names , as being design'd for their disgrace , too plainly shew what is their fault , even purity , and precise , circumspect walking . now may we justly revive the complaints made by godly bishops and ministers in former times , that let men walk never so conformably to the law of church and state , only endeavouring to avoid the sins of the times , and in their place and calling to bear witness against them , endeavouring to live convincing , exemplary lives , and to promote godliness in their own families , and amongst their neighbours , presently they shall be called puritans ( for that was , in bolton's phrase , the honourable nickname of christianity in those days ) and consequently , have less favour than ai papist , or carnal gospeller . the most powerful and awakening preaching , and serious , affectionate praying , where it is had to be had in publick ; are disgrac'd by the name of popular things , and such ministers the less favour'd , because flock'd after . and here is the fruit of the afflictions that have so long lain on us , even for such sins as these ! oh how justly may god take up against us all , those complaints that we find in his prophets , he doth against the jews . he hath sent his messengers early and late , giving us precept upon precept , line upon line ; calling to us , oh do not these abominable things ; they will be bitterness in the end ▪ and yet we have turned the deaf ear . nay , when we have pretended to enquire of the lord our duty , yet when it hath been revealed to us , we have at least in our works , said , we will not do all the lord hath spoken , but we will walk after the ways of our own hearts ; we will never live such strict and godly lives ; this is more ado than needs ; there is no such danger in following our lusts ; this is but the device of preachers to terrifie us . it was well enough with us , when we lived in those sins they keep such a stir against ; and we had never good world , since so much preaching and godliness came up . how have we mock'd god by our pretences to serve him , when our hearts have been far from him ? and those very persons , who in the church were confessing their sins , and praying , that they might live a godly and sober life ; when their devotions are ended , will do little less than deride godliness , and run into all excess of riot , and wonder at them as precise fools , who run not with them . and all this must be solved by crying , the temple of the lord , the temple of the lord ; the church , the church ; by being zealous of some ceremony or custom of little concernment , and railing at all that are not of their humour , as disobedient , factious , and phanatical . how is the service of god dwindled to a meer formality , and many understand no more by it , than a devout using some particular form or mode of prayers , and by this they think to purchase heaven sure enough , and make amends for all their neglect of personal and family-duties , for the earthliness of their hearts , for the vitiousness and disorder of their lives ? oh how have fools made a mock of sin , and look't on it as a trifling thing , that men need to be so shy of . how many pretty pleas and excuses have they got for whoredom , drunkenness , and the most monstrous pride ? if the plainest word of god contradict their lusts , it shall be of no value with them : some trick or other they 'l have to evade it ; or , if they have nothing to say , yet they 'l will set their wills against gods commands , and statly disobey them . have not we even wish't there was never a bible in the world , no god in heaven ; and lived as if indeed there was not ? and alas , how small a remnant is there that have escaped the common pollutions ? how few that have been deeply affected with the dishonours done to their heavenly father ? who have stood on the lords side , and been faithful to the cause of holiness ? these have been but as the gleaning of the vintage , as after the gathering of the summer-fruits , here and there one in a town ; and these ( even as the remnant of the faithful amongst the israelites ) have been the wonder and scorn of the rest . these have been the song of drunkards ; and they , together with that word they walk by , have been the sport of those whose hearts have been merry , as sampson was to the philistine lords . they and their scripture serve the profane gallant to shew his wit , and help the poet to matter for his play. these for the most part are looked at as the most pernicious to the places where they live . and upon them malice hath its narrowest eye . he that departs from evil , makes himself a prey ; they have hated , and put to silence him that hath reproved in the gate ; and abhorred him that spake uprightly ; and , after all , wiped their mouths , and said , let the lord be glorified . were not we arriv'd to a most doleful state , when the most exact obedience to the laws of god , was accounted less disgraceful , than the most open violation of them ; and few durst plead for , and practise holiness with that confidence , that others durst commit , and own known sins ? how hath god waited long , and made the power of his long-suffering to appear , striving with us in the ways of love , and mingling corrections with his mercies , that he might prevail with us to pity our selves , but all in vain ? he punish'd us with the sword , and kep't us long in the furnace , and we are com'n out less refined ; again , he tried us with mercies , but we improved them not . he hath threatned , when he might have destroyed , and born with us long to prevent our ruine , and yet nothing would work : but we have prest him with our iniquities , and even made him to serve with our sins ; we have grieved his spirit by our stubborness and rebellion ; and have began to think , because he kept silence , he was such one as we , and liked well enough of our ways ; and because his judgments were not speedily executed , our hearts have been fully set to do evil . and when we were come to this pass , and god was even weary with withholding , and there were so few to stand in the gap to turn away his wrath , and even of them , many in a great measure thrust out of it ; were we not ripe for destruction ? was not our ephah full ? is it then any wonder , if at length , god be risen to plead with us , in a manner that shall make us know and feel , that he ruleth in the world , who will by no means acquit the impenitent ? who , though he bear long , yet will not always bear wit h a stiff-necked generation ? could we expect any other , than that god should make bare his arm , and visit us for these things , and ease himself of his adversaries , and avenge himself of such obstinate contemners of his laws and authority ? and what , shall the lion roar , and not the beasts of the forest tremble ! is god angry , and shall not we fear ? doth he shake his rod over us , nay , lay it upon us , so that thousands feel it in their flesh , and all hear the sound of its terrible lashes ; and yet do we not tremble ? shall not our haughty countenances change , and the joynts of our loins be loosed , now there is an invisible hand come forth , writing such bitter things against us ? hath god such a sore controversie with us ? hath he done so much , and yet will he yet do these and these things against us , and wilt thou not yet prepare to meet thy god , oh england ? oh the dreadful senslessnesse and stupidity of the hearts of our people ! how few are yet careful to learn righteousnesse , by the judgments that are amongst us ! notwithstanding this day of adversity , how few will be brought to consider ? is not this a direful presage of farther wrath ? and that it is even an utter destruction , that is coming upon us ! oh what a spirit of slumber and sottishnesse hath possest the most ! if it is not so with those about thee , reader , thou dwellest in a happy place . though people hear of thousands dying about thee , and have daily reason to expect their turn should be next , yet how regardlesse do they appear of all due preparations for it as ever ? they flatter themselves with a conceit that yet they may escape , and that death shall not come nigh their dwellings , and so post off all thoughts of it , taken up with the very same businesses , designs , and pleasures , they were always wont . but what should we say , can sword , or famine , or plague , or any outward affliction work on them , who have been nothing bettered , but rather hardned by commands , promises and threatings ? can the rod plead with , and importune them , so as the word hath done ? will sickness inform , command , argue and beseech so affectionately as the minister was wont ? where moses and the prophets might not be heard , what can prevail ? if hewing them with the prophets , and slaying them with the words of his mouth , would not affect them , hos . . . shall the execution of his judgments bring light ? why , yes no doubt , god hath his chastisements which setting on , and enforcing his word , do often humble and reform souls , and he hath also those punishments by which he destroys . and if men will will strive against his spirit , and resist it's workings ; shut their eyes against the light , contemn instruction , yea , harden themselves under correction ; and rather hate the god who makes them smart , than the sins that procure it , like those in rev. . who blasphemed god when they were in anguish ; what can be expected but the final ruine of the people or persons , that are guilty of such stubbornnesse and impenitency ? and oh that this were not the case of multitudes amongst us ! the lord awaken those that are yet in a capacity , to a timely prevention of such a doleful misery . and thus i have given an account of those crying sins , that are to be found amongst us , which belong to the first branch , which comprehended under it those sins , that were more evident and notorious . and by this we have made way for the second ; to discover some such miscarriages , which may be lesse evident , but no lesse hainous than these , as being indeed in a great measure productive of them ; and therefore i thought it methodical enough to proceed from the sensible effects , to the somewhat more latent cause . all that i shall speak of the latter branch , i shall reduce to this one head ▪ namely , that it may very justly be presumed , to have a great influence in the procuring our miseries that so many able ministers of christ , have of late been silent , and in a manner useless , compared to what they might have been , had they continued their publick employments . thus far i hope none will be offended ; for if it be granted de facto , that there are many whom god had furnished with abilities to serve him in the ministery , which he had called them to , that have not exercised those abilities , to the best advantage in that function , ( and i think he must have a good stock of impudence who shall deny that many of those , who have been of late unserviceable , were so accomplish't ) then i shall easily evidence , that hereby god hath been much dishonoured and provoked , whosoever the fault hath been ; which is that i shall briefly inquire into and discover , and then give in full evidence of my assertion . i know it may so happen , that what i write , may displease one and another , but for that i am indifferent , as having resolved to give no allowance to my passion or prejudice ; but to use the same impartiality and faithfulfulnesse , to the utmost of my power , that i should do , if , so soon as ever i had finished my work , i was to receive my summons to appear before the just judge of heaven and earth . nor would i willingly speak any thing , but what the undoubted interest of christ and his gospel engage me to , and will warrant me in : and whilst i have the lord engaged in the whole cause which i undertake , and plead ; i value not a straw at my foot , what the most enraged potent malice can do . nay , i dare then bespeak all in the words of the king of egypt to josiah , a little varied , chron. . . what have i to do with thee , oh man , whoever thou art ? i come not against thee this day , but against sin , wherewith i have war ; for god commanded me to this work . forbear from medling with god , who is with me , that he destroy thee not . and i think a man may with as much comfort be a martyr for the unity and peace of the church , and advancement of holinesse , as ever any of our protestants were , for the defence of the reformed religion ( and indeed this was more their cause than christianity it self , if we consider it right ) yea , though he have a sheet of paper pinn'd to his back , that shall call him schismatical and seditious , and as such he be punished ; as they we know were burnt for hereticks . but to the businesse in hand . as to the matter of fact it s well enough known , what conditions were required , of all that would continue in the ministery , and still are exacted , of all that will enter upon it , which multitudes not submitting to , were suspended and silenced , and others , who both by their parents , and themselves were designed for that employment , and accordingly educated , were prevented of their intentions . the ill effects hereof i shall speak something to anon . now that i may deal fairly and plainly , this i must needs say ; that if there have been any of these dissenters , who were convinced in their consciences , that the things commanded were such , as all circumstances considered , they might lawfully have submitted to ; but yet out of faction , humour , obstinacy , a desire to gratifie , or promote a party , or any such carnal principle , did refuse such submission ; they cannot be excused from the guilt of deserting their charges , and of the many ill consequences of that desertion . what can any man in reason desire more ? for it is as such they suffer , and not meerly as misinformed , much lesse sure as invincibly ignorant , or as men that would not sin ; and if they have indeed been guilty of the crimes , for which their punishments are proportioned , i readily joyn with their most forward accusers ; but oh that the punishment had stayed , till the crime had been proved , and laid on those only that were found guilty ? but on the other hand , if there were any , who did use all probable means for their satisfaction , ( being earnestly desirous to have continued in the work of the lord ) and after all remained perswaded , that they could not comply with what was enjoyned them , without wilful sinning against god ; then they who by their impositions did necessitate them to forsake their ministry , are liable to the former charge , viz. are guilty of their ejection , and of the effects thereof ; except they had sufficient reason for so doing . would they have any thing spoke more candidly and gently ? now whether there be any of the former sort or not , i cannot , nor dare expresly affirm ; and i think , till they shall acknowledge , or some other way discover it ; ( more than i for my part have known them yet do ) it can be known only to him from whom no secret thoughts are hid ; but i desire them to deal faithfully with their own hearts , and if they are conscious to themselves of any such ill principles , and grounds of their not conforming to their rulers laws , to be humbled for , and expel them . that there are many such ejected , and prevented from the ministery , as i described in my latter supposition , i cannot but believe , as having for my self , the testimony of my own conscience , in the sight of god ; and for others such professions from men that have done nothing , that i know , to forfeit their credit ; and such reasons to make those professions appear credible ; that i am little less confident of it , then i am that there is such a place as rome or paris , which i know only by hear-say : i say , little less confident of this , that there are many who yield not a conformity to what was imposed , not out of hypocrisie or humour ▪ but out of a fear of displeasing god , and hurting their own souls . if this then be acknowledged , i think those who have cast and kept such out , have very great cause to be humbled for their severity toward them , according to the measure they were instrumental herein : except ( i added ) they had sufficient reason for their so doing . and that i shall grant they had , if they manifest either of these two things ; which are all the grounds i can imagine . . that there are as good effects of this their ejection , as i can produce ill ones . . or that the nature of thethings imposed on them was such , that it had been of as dreadful consequence to have dispenst with conformity to them , as thus to deal with them for not rendring such a conformity . but till either of these be proved , or some other satisfactory reason assigned ( giving leave soberly to debatethe case ) i shall for the conviction , and humiliation of the guilty , mention a very few of the many sad effects of this their exclusion . . the first is , the unreformednesse , and wickednesse of multitudes that through gods blessing upon their endeavours , might have been converted and reformed . and that this might have been in all probability accomplished , we may very reasonably argue , from that eminent successe which god gave to many of their publick labours , and by some fruits , since then , of their private endeavours . let none here willfully mistake and say , that by converting men , i mean nothing else but to turn them to a party , or an opinion : for i professe i intend no such thing ; but the very same that christ doth , when he tells us , that except we be converted , we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven ; and that the apostle doth , when he speaks of our being turned from darknesse to light , and from the power of satan to god : even the turning the bent of mens hearts and lives , from sin and the creature , to god by jesus christ , and to the ways of holinesse , let them be of what opinion they will as to the several forms and modes amongst us . oh how many fewer drunkards , swearers , whoremongers , oppressors and cheaters might there have been amongst us ; had they had their liberty to have preached down these sins , whose only study and businesse it was to decry and shame them , and bring men from the love and practice of them ? how many more might there have been , who as true mourners in our zion , would have been humbled for their own , and the nations sins , and laboured by all means to have prevented gods wrath ; had they in all places enjoyed those means for their conversion , which they sometimes did , and might yet have done . if then the multitudes of provoking sinners , and the scarcity of humble , holy , praying christians , have been any ground of our sufferings , can it be doubted whether that which hath been so much the cause of those , hath done any thing to the procuring of these . oh for the lords sake bethink your selves , all you that are concerned ; was it just and equal dealing , when the prince of darkness was advanc'd with all his might into the field , then to disband , and put out of commission so many experienced leaders , that in their own persons , and by encouraging and guiding the several companies , would have done their best to resist him ? did you herein consult the pleasure of the great captain of our salvation , from whom you own your selves to have received your offices , only for the successful carrying on of his designs , and the fighting of his battels . nay , and all this you have done , because they submitted not to some things , which you your selves call indifferent , and which they believed , were contrary to the former instructions they had received from their lord and master . judge in your consciences , do you think it is more acceptable to christ , that the souls of men , whom he thought worth his precious hearts-blood , should perish , rather than some ceremony or injunction of yours be omitted ? did he ever in his actions or doctrine manifest such a contempt of souls , and such an esteem for a ceremony ? consider his life and death , and read his discourses to the pharisees , and then judge . are salvation and damnation indifferent things ? and shall they be less regarded than such ? oh how will you compensate for the disservice you have already done to the gospel ? it is not all your revenues can do it , though your repentance and reformation of such miscarriages for the future , may do much . be not offended with my freedom of speech : for ( god is my witness ) i speak not out of passion , nor a desire to make you odious ; but out of a just zeal for the cause of our dearest lord , and the concern of mens immortal souls . what amends will you ever be able to make to the poor creatures , who may now be tormented in hell , for want of those means of prevention , which you deprived them of ? though they may have had those other advantages which may leave them inexcusable before god ; yet how will you excuse the denying them the best you might have afforded ? you may deride , storm at , on contemn these expoftulations of a poor worm like your selves : but consider , i beseech you , what answer you will make the great judge of heaven and earth , who will come shortly in glory and power to plead his own and his peoples cause : when he will regard no man for the pompous titles he hath had , or great offices he hath born in his church ( for then , well fare the pope and his clergy ) but they who have done and taught his commands , let them be of never such diminutive titles and esteem here , shall be accounted great in his kingdom . and that , that 's our comfort , by his word we shall be judged at last , if here we may not be tried by it . then we shall all stand on equal terms , and the arbitrary determinations of frail men shall no more take place , but there abide an inquisition . to that bar we appeal , by that judgment let us stand or fall ; thither we refer our selves , and if we may not be heard here , we will patiently and chearfully wait that final , just decision of our cause . but now hear , for your own sakes at least , if neither our beseechings and tears , nor the cry and blood of souls may be regarded . do you think this is a slight matter ? and that you can easily shift it off , if they be required at your hands ▪ did christ die for souls , & shall they escape who murder them ? and do they do any less , who hinder those that would run to help and save them ? if the silent watchman be so damnably guilty , what are they that silence the watchmen ? to conclude , whether it had not been more acceptable to god , more correspondent to your commission , more beseeming your places and profession , more for the advancement of religion , and the eternal welfare of souls ; to have continued and encouraged faithful labourers in the vineyard of the lord , whose only delight was , to be employed in his service ; rather than to have offered them such terms , which christ never bid you , and then exclude them for not accepting those terms , i think , your own consciences may easily determine now , be sure the lord of the vineyard will , shortly . . another effect of their removal from the ministry , is , that many places are left destitute , and many are supplied with negligent , insufficient , scandalous men . had their rooms been fill'd with others as learned , pious , and industrious as they ; yet could they , who cast them forth , hardly evade the former charge , except they could manifest , that the harvest was not great enough , to have required all their utmost conjunct diligence . but it is beyond all contradiction evident , that in many places since their removal , there have been no ministers at all , in some as bad as none , in others worse than none . let none maliciously interpret my accusation largelier than i design it , which is not at all of the innocent . i censure no man as a conformist ; but reverence and esteem all those , who by their lives and doctrines , have apparently endeavoured to advance religion ; of which number , i am confident , there are many conformable men . and i abhor that uncharitable , censorious spirit , which condemns all that are not just of their own way . but on the other side , i think all are engag'd to be as far from palliating the notorious miscarriages of others . oh how many titular ministers have we got , that are far from deserving the name of christians ? that should rather be turned out of the church , than admitted into the pulpit ? this is so manifest , that sober men , though of their own way , acknowledge and lament it . how many are there , that more effectually preach for the devil all the week , than for god upon his day ? whose lives do more to set up profaneness , than their sermons to suppress it ? are there not many openly guilty of that drunkenness , wantonness , swearing , and such like loosness , which they are appointed to turn others from ? and are these wickednesses provoking in the people , and not in their teachers , who can never be guilty alone ? are any men capable of offering such an affront to god , and doing so much hurt to mens souls by their wickedness , as they , from whose lives should be learn't what is acceptable to god , and necessary for us ? 't is , i remember , the phrase of an excellent divine , a profane minister , is the devil in his pontificalibus . i list not here to blaze abroad all the disorders of our clergy ; i shall not insist upon the ignorance and insufficiency of any ; though in point of honour , they were concerned to have provided against such , who did lately with so much earnestness declaim against making priests of the lowest of the people . i will not meddle with that tribe that lives by the cathedrals . i will not tell of mens oblique preaching , against that holiness which they pretend to preach up . i shall not speak of the pride and covetousness , the laziness and negligence of pluralists , non-residents , and of all those , who too apparently seek their own honour and profit , from the places they enter upon , rather then the salvation of souls . these things i shall not dilate upon , because i would not too much swell my paper , and lest i should be thought to rail : only let me beg the guilty to charge these crimes home on their own consciences , as men that value their everlasting happiness ; for doubtless god is much displeased with the sins of those , whose callings hath so near a relation to him ; and especially with the most heinous sin , of making religion only as a stirrup , by it to get up into dignities and preferments ; which they who could see and censure in others , should be careful themselves to avoid . but those i mainly intend , are the grosly vicious , and debauch't , who are most unworthy to take gods name into thier mouths , to declare his covenants or statutes , who themselves hate to be reformed . good lord ! that ever it should come to this in a christian church , reformed from the corruptions that had overspread christendom ; that infamously loose and dissolute men should be ordained into , and continued in the ministry ; when godly , sober men are excluded , and kept out ! oh how might the romanist insult for such an acknowledgment , if the pope and his cardinals , with the rest of their hierarchy , were not known all the world over ? but with us , such doings are capable of far greater aggravations , than with them : oh that i could speak so sharply , as might displease our church-governours into a reformation of this corruption . what , are wolves fittest to be shepherds of the flocks ? can the devils vassals destroy his kingdom ? must stark mad men be made physitians , and sent to recover other men to their wits ? must they that have the plague-sores running upon them , be sent amongst others to prevent their infection ? is not a pest-house a fitter place for such a man , than a pulpit ? are traytors and incendiaries , the fittest men to reclaim others from their rebellion ? are they likely to honour god , and the gospel , and save mens souls , who do as it were , by their actions say , come , parishioners , follow me ; whatever i jest to you in the church , about god and christ , heaven and hell ; these are but idle dreams , or such matters as you need not much regard , god is an hard master , his laws are too strict ; it 's best to take our pleasures , and satisfie our lusts , come on it what will ; you entered into too strict a covenant in baptism , you had better serve the devil , than this jesus christ , who layes such hard things on his followers ; what need you regard his blood , he shed it , that you might have leave to live wickedly ; or however , 't is of no great worth ; for you had better be in an ale-house , or whore-house , than the heaven he hath purchas 't . are not these , think you , sweet preachers of the gospel ? and let them consider then how well they have discharged their trust , who set them up , and maintain them , whil'st they shut forth those who would make it their whole business , to carry on the very same design which christ came into the world for . if any should here object , and say , but these profane men are peaceable , whil'st your godly ones are turbulent and disobedient ? i shall wish him to stay till i come presently to speak a word or two to that ; only here let me answer , it seems strange to me , that those men must pass for peaceable and obedient , who are known rebels against the laws of christ ; when they must be accounted disobedient , who had rather lose their lives , than wilfully break one of the least of these his commands , only because they submit not to humane impositions ; which yet they would do , did they not think themselves pre-obliged by the laws of christ to the contrary . is this fair dealing ? i put it to thy own conscience , reader , be thou who thou wilt , and as partial as thou wilt . and if i went no farther , i suppose i have spoke enough to manifest , that there have been such sad consequences of the ejection of all who conformed not , that doubtless god hath hereby been dishonoured ▪ and displeased , and for this hath a controversie with our land. . i might moreover add , the feuds and animosities which have hereby been fomented and heightned , and are like to be still perpetuated ; whereas , had there been such an abatement of things required , as might well have been granted , in order to the retaining them in their places ; this might have been an happy mean for the composure of our greatest differences ; and people could not have taken notice of such divisions amongst us , nor could papists have had so much reason to hit us in the teeth with them ; nor could they whose spirits were too much exasperated , or judgments corrupted , have had so much occasion to make factions and parties , and so much sin had been prevented . . nor yet think it nothing , that so many innocent men and their families , are exposed to such great necessities , that some of them have scarce had bread and water to keep them alive ; and some have been glad to betake themselves to hard labour , to procure them a livelihood . certainly , the very cryes of their children for bread , sounding in the ears of a most just and merciful god , are not disregarded : and whether they who have reduc't them to these exigencies , have observed the great rule , not only of christianity , but even nature it self , to do as they would be done to , i would wish them well to consider . if any should retort , that they themselves were once so dealt with . i answer , i think they were used nothing near so harshly : but grant they were , the greater was their injustice which was the cause ; and the more inexcusable they , who inflict on others the hard measure , which they themselves lately groaned under ; and make them their pattern , whom they complain of and condemn . and had it been ( as it was not ) those persons who injured them , whom now they cause to suffer , i wonder where revenge is made their duty ; but this in a church-man , must sometimes pass for zeal for the church . it was easie to instance in more effects of this their ejection , which have been injurious to religion , and the souls of men . hence it 's come to pass , that their endeavours in a private way , by personal discourses , or writings , to reclaim sinners , are much frustrated ; for they are looked upon as a kind of distinct party , and so let them be never so careful to insist only on the most uncontroverted truths of religion , yet will many through prejudice misunderstand all they say , as if they were pleading their own cause , and endeavouring to gain proselytes to themselves , whil'st they are only striving to win souls to christ . when they are pressing men upon holiness and diligence for their salvation , some are prone to flatter themselves with a conceit , that this only is their strict and singular opinion ; and all that they say or do in religion , is put upon the score of a party , as if in these things they differed from others , and therefore are they disregarded . and thus it is also as to the people , who are known to love and adhere to them ; for their exact walking is look't on but as the following a sect , and which need not therefore be imitated ▪ and it can hardly be thought how many souls miscarry through these mistakes , which might have been much prevented , by that concord and mutual love which might have made all have been esteemed as brethren . moreover , hence it is , that these being now counted disaffected and discontented persons , many who bore them a spleen ( for their love 't is not impossible ) meet with pretences to vent it ; for they narrowly watch them in all their wayes ( and a little love to the commonwealth , with a dose of revenge and malice , how vigilant will it make men ? ) and are still ready to accuse them of something or other , they know not what , to bring them into trouble . and if they do but with all peaceableness meet together with their neighbours and friends , to quicken , comfort , and build up one another in their most holy faith ; yea , if they do but continue those meetings they were wont to have in times of greatest liberty ; presently they are liable to disturbance and punishment , as men holding unlawful assemblies ; whereas , had no such terms been put upon them , as necessarily put a difference betwixt them and others ; they might have been esteemed as loyal subjects , as they indeed are , and their actions had not been so obnoxious to groundless censures and accusations , nor they ever hurried to prison , or forc't some other way to suffer , for nothing but the meer surmises of the malicious . but i shall not give in more particulars : and whether these things i have mentioned are well-pleasing to god , or whether they may not rather have help't on his indignation against us , let all that are unbyas't determine . as to the truth of what i have spoke , i think it cannot be gain-sayed ; and what can be answered , i cannot devise , except what i before hinted , any should say , that by their removal , the peace of church and state is secured , which otherwise had been hazarded . to which i answer : . might not this peace have been procured better , by laying it upon those things whereon christ hath laid the peace of his church ? and not to make new laws , to which whil'st men in conscience cannot give obedience , they must be judged obstinate , as the courtiers served daniel : surely this is hard measure , when the things required are , in the judgment of the imposers , not necessary till they have commanded them , and so might have been left as indifferent , as they are in their own natures , and then how little contention had there been about them ? . might these persons be excused from those kind of subscriptions and declarations which are commanded them , they are ready to give in all that security , that can in reason he demanded , that they will be careful to preserve and promote the publick peace . if their oaths and promises may not be thought sufficient to oblige them to this , what hold could be taken of those other subscriptions and professions ? but if these were intended as a distinguishing shibboleth , that they might know whom to fall upon ; as a partition wall , to keep off those that may in some punctilio's differ from them ; as a test of a party , which serves to rank men under several divisions . if any in their impositions had such like designs as these , it is not all their power and policy combin'd , that can make such actings pass for current , with that god who is a lover of peace . and all at length shall be convinc't , that they who break the peace of the church , to promote the peace of a party , are not those peace-makers upon whom a blessing is pronounced . . i would fain know what disturbance of the peace there was , whil'st the liberty granted by his majesties declaration was enjoyed ; and upon what account it was likely to have been more violated , had that liberty been secured and perpetuated . . i am yet to learn how this restraint that is laid upon them , doth any whit the more incapacitate them for interruption of the peace , if a sense of their duty laid not a stronger obligation on them . it 's evident enough , that many of them have that influence upon their people , that it was no way difficult for them , to lead them into sects and separations , if they had a mind to 't ; and to lay such provoking pressures upon them , was not the way to prevent such miscarriages . but , blessed be god! their patience and moderation hath prevail'd over the smarting sense of those sufferings , which might have vex't them into extreams . if any have discovered too much impatience and bitterness of spirit , as i excuse it not , so neither are those proceedings which caus'd it , any more justifiable : but for many , it hath been their care , according to their capacities , to heal the distempers of their peoples spirits , to remove the too great prejudices many have conceived , and to reduce all whom they perceived inclined to a party : so that i dare confidently say , they have done more to preserve the peace of the church , than those who censure them , and cast them out of the ministry , as factious , and vnpeaceable . and as for raising any seditions or commotions in the state , not their most quick-sighted adversaries have , that i can hear or know , discovered them in the least guilty . and did his majesty but over-hear or know their daily privat'st prayers to god on his behalf , i am confident he would easily be convinc't , that his kingdom holds not more loyal , faithful subjects , than they , however they may be misrepresented , as deserving all that severity with which they are treated . by this time , i hope , i may on good grounds conclude , that the laying such restraints on so many faithful ministers , who might have been so eminently serviceable to their master , is one of those provocations of the divine majesty , under the effects whereof we groan ; and that therefore those who have been the procurers hereof , ought to lament their sin , and do their utmost to redress this grievance , and restore that liberty of which their brethren have been deprived . and if , when his majesty , out of his gracious nature , was inclined to have given that indulgence , which truly tender consciences did strongly hope for , and which would have rejoyc't the hearts of so many thousands of his best subjects ; if then there were any who stood in the gap to prevent the same , as we were publickly told ( in those very words ) there were ; let all such now soberly consider , what a breach they have help't to make upon us , and by their intercession with his majesty , for that liberty he is so willing to grant , as by one singular means , let them now stand in the gap , and turn away god's overflowing wrath , that we be not utterly consumed . and to you , reverend fathers , the rulers and guides of our church , give me leave to re-inforce my earnest request , in the name of our common saviour , that as you value his blood , and the purchase of it , and the precious souls for whom it was shed , you would yield a gracious audience to those , who beg of you nothing but a freedom to publish the glad tydings of salvation by christ our redeemer , to the lost sons of men . consider what a reasonable thing it is that is beg'd of you , no honours or preferments , but a liberty to serve your lord and ours in the work of the ministry . look over , i beseech you , your commission again and again , and see where you are commanded , yea , or allowed to cast out those whom god hath call'd to this work ; or keep out those , whom he hath in some measure fitted for , and strongly inclined to it , upon such grounds , and for such reasons , as we are thus dealt with . will you thrust and keep such labourers out of the harvest , whom our lord hath bid us pray might be sent forth into it ? was your power given you to any other purpose , than edification ? oh sirs , what is it you seek ? is it indeed to advance christs interest , to save poor souls from the devouring flames ? to set up holiness , and root out wickedness ? why then will you remain at distance from your brethren , whose very hearts are set upon these works ; who had rather than all the riches and honors in the world , be more in a capacity of employing themselves successfully herein ? oh , why will you restrain them from speaking , whose very bowels yearn over poor sinners that are just dropping into the burning lake , and think not where they are ? when the faces of so many thousands gather blackness , and they starve and swoon , and fall in the streets , why do you bind the hands of those who would so fain reach them forth the bread of life ? when their miseries and necessities cry aloud for help , why do you hinder those who would gladly afford them a seasonable supply ? who , though they may employ themselves according to their opportunities with particular mens souls , yet what 's that to the having their congregations to speak to ? review your patterns , i beseech you , and see whether you find any carriages of theirs , in their ruling of the church , which may justifie yours . our blessed lord would not have those forbid to do miracles in his name , who went not with him . nor doth paul intimate any desire to have silenc't those who preach't christ out of envy , much less such ( had there been any pastors of that mind ) who were for eating of herbs only , not meat . he speaks indeed of having the mouths of some stop't , tit. . . viz. they of the circumcision , who would have obtrutruded their mosaick ceremonies upon the christians , and judge whether our cause be like theirs ; and yet even their mouths were to be stop't by sound doctrine , and evidence of argument , ver . . oh how confident should i be of obtaining that liberty i am begging of you ( if reasons of another sort hindred not ) was christ himself alive amongst us , or any of his apostles our governours . had i had the happiness to have lived in st. pauls dayes , and addrest my self to him with all humility and earnestness , imploring a leave to preach the gospel , professing i had no carnal aim in it , but that my soul long'd to be disclosing those mysteries and treasures of love to poor sensless creatures , that were passing on to damnation , as not knowing or considering what christ had done to keep them thence , and that i would endeavour faithfully to declare the whole counsel of the lord , without adding to , or diminishing ought from it ; had i made such an address , do you think in your own consciences , he would have turned me away without my errand ? i have sometimes thought , that should i have put up such a petition to the king , i should have prevailed ; but fears of becoming ridiculous , have deter'd me . but let not this my sute , i beseech you , be rejected ; for what pretence of reason can be alledged against it . it is not i know the things themselves which are required , that you so much stand upon , as if they were in their own nature necessary antecedently to your commands . and was ever yet any answer given to those demands which have been made ( amongst others ) by a person of that judgment and moderation , that you can neither suspect him of prejudice or inclination to a party , when he asks what charter christ hath given the church to bind men up to more than himself hath done ? what grounds there are why christians should not stand upon the same terms now , which they did in the time of christ and his apostles ? and whether christ will ever thank men at the great day , for keeping such out from communion with his church ( we may well add from their service of the church ) whom he will receive into heaven , and vouchsafe not only crowns of glory to , but aureolae too , if there be any such things there ? he tells you there , that the commission the apostles were sent out with , was only to teach what christ had commanded , not the least intimation given of a power to impose any thing else , except what they might be directed to by the immediate guidance of the spirit of god ; and that they made an antecedent necessity , either absolute , or for the present state , the only ground of imposing their commands , and much more to the same purpose ; which , however they are regarded , may shew thus much , that it is not only humour and singularity which judges it most reasonable , that those things , which the defenders of them count indifferencies , should not be rigorously imposed on others , nor the peace of the church suspenaed upon them . but is it indeed the publick peace that by these things you consult for ? why will you then in the room of a submission to them , accept of any the most solemn engagements from those who will enter into them , that they will not disturb the peace either of church or state ? and if you find any acting contrarily , proceed against them as you please . let the world judge what reasonable offers we make . is it our obedience to authority you would have us manifest ? why let our submission in all other things speak for us . or lay on us what commands you will in civil things , or in any thing that may be no snare to our consciences , and by them prove whether we be obstinate or not . in a word , will you accept our promises , bonds , oaths , or what assurance can be desired , that we will labour in all things to act most agreeably to the gospel of our lord , which we all own as a sufficient rule ? and that we will not allow our selves in any prejudice , humour or perversness , but in all things , ( though we would not be made one a rule to another , in matters that will well allow diversity ) will comply with you , so far as possibly we can , without danger of displeasing god , and damning of our own souls ? and surely you have more tenderness than to desire us to do such things . i am bold thus to speak in others names ( though not one be privy to my work ) because i am perswaded there are few but will do thus much , and what can in reason be required more of any ? let none usurp the prerogative of searching hearts , and knowing mens meanings better than themselves , and say , these are fine words , and specious pretences , but the design of all is , but to get more liberty to strengthen a party : for i solemnly profess , and thou god , who standest over me whil'st i am writing these words , know'st it , i abhor such a design . if to raise men to the knowledge and love of god through the spirit of his son ; if to bring them to a careful observance of the precepts of our lord , that they may be obedient to their governours ecclesiastical and civil ; just and charitable to their brethren ; that they may be holy , humble , heavenly , patient , meek , pure , chaste and temperate ; abounding in all the graces and fruits of the spirit ; if this be to make men a party ; then let me be interpreted as earnestly desirous to promote it ; otherwise not . and shall those , who have no other aims than these , be kept out of the ministry , as turbulent , factious , and schismatical ? yea , some that were not born so soon as our civil confusions , and therefore sided with none , offended none ? if you indeed thought there were any thus innocent , and whose intentions were so upright , would you have no regard to them , but reject all their petitions , even such as i have made ? surely you would not . why be assured , if there may any faith be given to men , and if it be possible for men to know their own hearts , there are some , yea , i am confident , many such . well , however after all we may be censured and slandered , yet , whilest we can daily betake our selves to the all-knowing god , and profess before him ; that it is the grief of our souls , that we are deprived of those opportunities of serving him , which we once had or hoped for , which we beg may be restor'd and vouchsaf't rather than any outward advantages whatever ; and that we had rather serve him in the ministry , than ( for any interest of our own ) be made monarchs of the world , onely we dare not pretend his glory to justifie our lie ; we dare not ( for to him we may speak plainly ) say , we consent to those things we cannot find warrant for from his word ; nor that those who have vowed to reform his church , are not oblig'd by those vows , when corruptions are so many and great ; but we beseech him to lead us into all truth , and discover to us our duty , for that he knows we would do any thing but sin against him , to purchase a liberty publickly to serve him ; and therefore to his righteous judgment we wholly commit our cause ; whilst i say in our daily prayers to god , we can make such professions as these ( and that some can ) we may possess our souls in patience , and be comforted with the conscience of our integrity , whatever clamours there are without us , and whatever calumnies men may labour to fasten upon us . and i beseech you , who by your harshness , send such daily to god with tears and groans under the heavy pressures ; yea , and thousands more of the best christians in the land on their behalf , and on the behalf of their own souls , in so great a measure deprived of the precious quickning means they once enjoyed ; bethink your selves how grateful those your proceedings are to god , which thus occasion the just sorrows and complaints of his ministers and dearest people . and let me further put it to your conscience : , whether in your private addresses to god , you can say , that you are griev'd in heart for your brethren deprived of their liberties , and that you have condescended to them as far as possibly you could without sinning , and that you would do all that in you lies for their restauration , that might not provoke him , and be a burthen to your own consciences ; and that it is the interest of christ , and the edification and salvation of souls which you aimed at , in your proceedings against them . can you make such professions as these to god ? or to men , as you will answer it at the great and dreadful day of accounts ? i leave it to your calm and sober considerations . i shall no longer stand to importune you ; but ( as hoping i have not been speaking all this while to the wind ) entreat you to take into your serious review , the petition for peace , presented to you by the divines appointed by his majesty , to treat with you about church-affairs . there may you see what their requests are , and the pressing reasons with which they enforce them : requests so reasonable , that , nothing but experience could have convinced me , they were deniable ; reasons so evident , that i am perswaded they are unanswerable : and in this perswasion i am more confirm'd from their being railed at , and scribled against ( which was all the answer i ever heard of ) by a gentleman , from whom , if my present paper can escape a suppressing , it fears not an answer : for his violence is much more to be dreaded than his reason . now sleight not , i beg you , these entreaties , because you can easily deny them : for the cause i plead is just and equal , and of weighty moment , which i refer to your impartial debates , and leave the event to the disposure of that god , for whose honour it was ( if i know my self ) that i undertook this plea. and him i shall humbly follow with my prayers , that this supplication , which i am writing august . may through his good providence , and the favour of authority , do something to the reversing of the act , whose being in force , took date from this day three years since ) this fatal day that deserves to be wrote in black letters in england's calendar . grant this oh my god , for thy son christ jesus sake , i beseech thee , and let all that seek thy glory , and the prosperity of thy church , say , amen . if any upon the reading of this , should argue me , either of too great confidence in making such an attempt , or want of judgment to conceive there was any probability of the success , when much more likely endeavours have been uneffectual ; let such know , that when i had designed to do my utmost towards a discovery of those sins , which have provoked gods anger against us ; i should have thought my self unfaithful to the cause i undertook , had any fear or pretence of reason prevailed with me , to pass silently over a miscarriage of such a nature , as i have manifested this to be , so fruitful of , and complicate with , many others . and if any thing unequal to be framed by a law , i hope that alters not the nature of it so far , as to make it above a subject to call things by their own names . had an act pass'd for the toleration of drunkenness , or any the like sin , i should have taken the boldness to represent the ill nature and consequences of it . and though it is not impossible but prejudice may spy out very great faults , yet , i hope , both as to the matter and manner of discourse , i have not transgress't the bounds of sobriety , modesty , nor that duty which i owe my superiours . moreover , i conceived , that now god calls us all to search our hearts , and review our ways ; they who themselves put us upon this work , and exhort us to repentance and prayer , will not be unwilling to reflect upon themselves and their own actions , as remembring they are men subject to the same mistakes and frailties that the rest of the sons of lapst adam are . and if indeed it be made evident , that amongst other errands , one voice of the rod now upon us , is , let my people go , that they may serve me ; let my faithful ministers have liberty to advance my gospel . i hope , those , who are particularly called to from heaven , will not be disobedient . again , i was willing so far as was consistent with my main design , to represent to the world ( if any yet be ignorant of it ) the nature of the difference betwixt us ; however to manifest thus much , how willing , yea , how earnestly desirous some ( if not all ) of those suspended from their ministerial employments , are to be re-admitted to the same ; and what reasonable terms they beg ▪ and readily offer a submission to , if they might be heard , that so they , who are so forward to condemn them all as obstinate and perverse , may be more wary of their censures , and confine them to those only whom they know so guilty . and i hop't i might do something to quicken all those , whose hearts are affected with the concernments of the church , to more earnestness in their addresses to god , that he , in whose hands the heart of kings and all men are , would incline our superious to hearken to the requests , and graciously to regard the cause of so many of the servants of christ ; who , when his church so much needs their labours , and they would so willingly spend themselves in the service of souls , are to the sadning of their hearts , in a great measure rendered unserviceable in their generations . and lastly , thus much however i shall attain , viz ▪ the satisfaction of my conscience in the discharge of my duty ; that i can herein approve my self to god and my own soul , that i have done what in me lies , toward the procuring of my own and others liberty ; that , if it shall still be denied , i may have nothing to charge my self with in this respect : and may comfort my self in this , that the improvement of such a liberty , shall no more be required of me , by the righteous judge of heaven and earth , than the improvement of a great estate , or a place of honour , or some such talent , with which i was never entrusted . and if i obtain but thus much ( though i strongly hope for more ) i shall be far from repenting of my undertaken labour : for i must confess , that seems not to me a small thing , which any way conduceth to my having of boldness before my lord , at the day of his appearing . a word or two more i shall take liberty to add upon this head , before i relinquish it . if the removal of so many labourers out of the lords harvest is so grievous a sin , both in its self , and the sad consequences of it , then all others , and even they themselves , so far as they have contributed to this their removal , or have not since endeavoured to prevent those consequences have cause to be greatly humbled . and first , even all the people who have sinned their teachers into corners , by their pride , wantonness , and unfruitfulness under the means of grace . but especially those private persons , who by their malice either did , or at least endeavoured to contribute to their ejection , or to the hastning of it . what volumns might be composed ( even another book of martyrs or confessors rather ) of the sufferings many of these servants of christ have met with , from the arbitrary violence of unreasonable men ? for i speak not of what the law hath imposed on them . how have some been toss't from place to place , their houses searched , and they confined , and all this either upon groundless suspition , or false accusations : for where was the man of them that hath yet been proved guilty of treason or sedition ? oh the notorious gross lyes and perjuries , that some of their people have been guilty of , both before , and since their ejection ? and yet how readily accepted by many ? and what 's the ground of all ? why , alas , they had got many hearers , the great-ones especially , who were scandalized at the strictness of their doctrines and lives , and angry that they might not go to hell quietly , who studied to be revenged on them for the disturbance they had received from them in their sins . thus i dare confidently say , it hath been with many . and though such may have thought they have been doing god good service , whilest they have been persecuting his ministers , yet believe it , they shall have small thanks from him , that sent them upon that errand , the delivery whereof may have brought them so much trouble , and that they shall find to their smart without true repentance , if many of them have not already . what , could not men be content to reject the embassy god sent them , but they must injure and abuse his embassadors too ? shal not god proclaim war against that people that have thus violated the law of nations ? they would scarce have done thus to an embassadour sent from the turk , to perswade us to exchange christ for mahomet , and the gospel for the alcoran . but , oh , let let them alone , they are safe enough . 't is the factious non-conformist , not the christian minister they have medled with . not the holy jesus , that came from heaven to bring men thither , was crucified ; but ( if you will believe his adversaries ) an enemy to caesar , and a mover of sedition ; not paul a servant and worshipper of the most high god , but a certain pestilent fellow , a ringleader of a sect , was accused . the world hath still some policy and modesty in the drawing up its indictments , and dare not directly make holiness a crime . well , sirs , it will be happy for you , if you shall be found to have had so much wit in your anger , as that you shall at last be able to distinguish your selves out of gods displeasure : but if there should be any thing found in christianity , engaging to that you call non-conformity ; or if you have made this ▪ but a pretence for your malignity against that ; i would not for a thousand worlds be in your case , for all your distinctions , when god shall arise thorowly to plead his peoples cause : and even now sure he is beginning to do it . and if under the rod , you continue the sin for which you are lash't , bethink you how to answer that startling question , who ever hardned himself against god , and prosper'd ! and justly hath god suited his judgments to this sin of the people a famine of the word they feared not , and therefore may god have sent upon thousands what they account more dreadful , a famine of bread . 't is just that they who loath'd the manna , and were weary of the bread of life , should want bread to put into their mouths . and they who could not endure these terrible preachers , let them now speak , whether the threatning , or the execution , be the more terrible ? now , sirs , what say you to sin ? is it such a harmless thing as you thought it , or not ? doth not god now speak against it , in something a louder and harsher language , than your bawling preachers were wont ? under them you could sleep , but now sleep away this sermon if you can ; even this awakening sermon , which the plague of god makes to you . and if you go on in your hardness , you shall find to your cost , that the hell and damnation which their pulpits did so thunder against wickedness was but a painted fire , to that you shall eternally feel . but from others who have been the unjust causes of your sufferings , to your selves , i shall address my self : honoured fathers , and dear brethren , with whom my boldness will not , i am confident , be misconstrued . since you will readily acknowledge , that all that hath befal'n you , is just , as from god you cannot then but lay it on your sins ; and these , i hope , it is your daily business to reflect on , and beg pardon for . though i am well assu'd , the holiness , diligence and painfulness of many of you hath been such , that to men you may well acquit your selves , and may be worthy patterns to others , and shame and silence your accnsers ; yet to god you cannot so readily justifie your selves , i know you dare not . oh might not you have done more to promote the interest of your lord and master , than you did ? some of you i mean ; for i profess without all partialitie or flatterie , i think some did strive to the verie utmost of their power , to improve all opportunities for the good of souls , and now in their consciences they have the fruits of it ; but of these there were few , too few . oh be humbled then for all your negligence , covetousness , and self-seeking ; your pride and contentions ; that you were more averse from the offers of peace and union , than you ought ; that you kept so much ado about your own wayes and opinions , and stood wrangling about this trifle or that , whil'st greater works were left undone : and dailie make solemn engagements to god , that if once more he will entrust you with forfeited priviledges , you will be more faithful and vigorous than ever yet you have been , in the work of the gospel ; that you will no more take your ease , nor seek your selves , nor waste precious time in needless controversies ; nor confine godliness to any without book niceties of your own ; nor lay the peace of the church upon your particular opinions , but will readilie join with all that are willing , in the owning and pressing onlie the things that are necessarie to salvation ; and will use all means , both publick and private , for the conversion of souls . and if god grant your prayers , as in his due time he may , see that you remember these promises . but 't is the second branch i would have you chieflie to consider ; and that is your not endeavouring what you might , to prevent some of those sad consequences of your exclusion , which i before mentioned ; in that you have not embrac't all the opportunies that were yet afforded you , for the doing good to the people , to bring them from sin to god ; and so your negligence may have hastned and help't forward gods indignation . let me not be thought too sawcie , sirs , i beseech you , for in the same plain dealing i have used hitherto , i am resolved to conclude . i must needs say then , if they are not to be excused who have deprived you of your publick libertie , no more are you , if you have not improved that private libertie they left you for doing your masters work . i must profess it hath troubled me , to hear men pray so earnestlie , and talk so much for the restauration of their liberties , and to see them make so little use of those the law allow'd them . and it might too much tempt men to fear , that their secular interests went nearest to their hearts ; and that they chieflie mean a libertie , to receive their maintenance again , to live they and their families at their former rates ; or to be able to insult over , and give laws to those in the church , who now trample upon and despise them . i know daily bread may be pray'd for , but the coming of god's kingdom must have the prioritie , both in our prayers and endeavours . the case is weightie , sirs , and deserves your serious consideration , to go and preach the gospel you entered into an engagement , and received a commission , the validitie whereof ( though to some of you given , by the laying on of the hands of the presbyterie onlie ) i suppose you question not , nor i think scarce anie one else , till verie latelie . well , it being thus , i would know how you can shift off the necessitie that lies upon you to preach this gospel , and the woe in case of your negligence . you may replie , you have not leave given you , nor yet any maintenance allowed . but pray you , who give the apostles and primitive christians leave for three hundred years after christ , and who maintain'd them ? where was such a clause inserted in your commission , alwayes provided that the rulers of the world give you leave to perform your duties ? this would agree with the politicks of that gentleman , who being , i fear , design'd to take god out of the world , in courtesie to us , somewhat to prevent our confusion , would set up monarchs little less limited than he. but if our ancestors had gone by this rule , where had the gospel been ? or where is it excepted , that you must have such and such provisions , or else not to preach ? for my own part i acknowledge my self a verie mean casuist , and ignorant of twentie subtle distinctions , which here might be needful . and i am verie confident , i am speaking to few , but are more knowing , and better studied in this point , than my self ; and great difficulties there are to me , concerning the relation betwixt a pastor , and a people , as matters now stand with us ; how far it holds , and how far men are engaged to perform all the duties of that relation ; wherefore to that i shall say little or nothing ; onlie so far as concerns my self , and verie manie more , yea , all in part , i use thus plainlie to resolve the case to my self ; when my understanding is most help't , by a powerful apprehension of death and judgment near at hand . i take it for the indispensable duty of every man , to employ himself to the utmost in his place and calling , in answering the ends of his creation and redemption , the glorifying of god , in doing his best to save his own , and others souls . and if i have been solemnly consecrated to this work , to make it my verie particular calling , no command of the highest emperor iu the world can disoblige me from it : god must be honoured , the gospel proclaimed , souls saved , my vows performed , storm and rage , forbid and hinder it , who will or can . but if there happen such terms to be put upon me , as the condition of my more open exercise of the function i am devoted to , which terms , after the use of all due means for information , i judge i cannot lawfully submit to ; but yet others will , whose apprehensions vary from mine , who will in some competent measure carry on the publick work i was employed in , which i am forbid to meddle with : then , in such a case , ( which , if i mistake not , is ours ) i will cast about which way i may do most , for those ends i am obliged to carry on . and since christianity it self is not forbid to be preach't , only i must not do it , viz. not publickly ; but yet others will , and in many places do : and i foresee that by rushing upon the publick preaching , more hurt would come of my disobedience , than good ; and i should be more out of a capacity for future service , either by imprisonment , banishment , or the like ; ( which are not so much to be shun'd as sufferings , but as they hinder the attainment of my ends ) i will then see what private opportunities are afforded me for those ends , and these with all readiness i will accept , and diligently improve ; as in which , all circumstances considered , i may do most for the advancement of the gospel : and therefore is not to be thought an effect of cowardice , a baseness unworthy him that remembers what it sounds to be a christian ; but as my taking that way , which most conduceth to gods glory , and the interest of religion ▪ and this is no other than the course paul himself took , gal. . . when he communicated the gospel privately , to them that were of reputation ( and why ? for fear , or shame ? no , but ) lest he should run in vain . but if circumstances should so alter the case , that i see , venturing upon publick preaching , be the most probable way for the accomplishment of my just designs , then i will embrace that : or if i should be forbid privately to endeavour the salvation of souls , then i must , and will disobey , let what will be the event ; because such commands directly contradict those ends i must promote , and leave me no way for the attaining of them : yea , though i dye for it , i must tell those within my reach , who gave us our being , and keeps us alive , and to what end ; who shed his blood for us , and why ; and what we must do to be made partakers of the benefits he hath purchased : i must tell them of the evil and danger of sin , whither it leads , and what an heaven holiness will end in . these are matters that the world must know , though a thousand deaths attend upon the publishers : and i would no longer care for a tongue or hand , than whil'st i might speak or write of them ▪ one word more , and i shall conclude this : but it so happening since the loss of my liberty , that my self , and those that depend on me , may be reduc't to such pressing necessities , that i must be taken up much more than i was wont , some way or other for the procuring of a livelihood ( the sad case at present of many precious , eminent ministers ) then i will betake my self to such care and pains as is requisite hereto ; in the mean time not relinquishing my great work , but regarding the world ( as all ought to do , and indeed the most of what i have said , is appliable to private christians ) onlie with a subserriencie to it . and this again we may find justified by paul himself : whom , if you had found busie at work , in making his tents , yet you could not have charged him with neglect of the gospel : for even then he was contriving how to render it most acceptable . and thus i have given in my brief thoughts of this case , which , though it may seem a digression from the matter in hand , yet is it not so from my main design , if it may do the least to quicken any to a sense of their dutie , and the neglects of it , and to put them upon more carefulness for the future . and hence many may see , how guilty they have been , in not laying out themselves for the good of souls , so far as they might , without breaking any law , or running any hazard . oh sirs , you are men sure somewhat sensible of what worth a soul is : and what weighty things salvation and damnation are , which careless wretches do but jest with , as words of course . why have you not then laboured more in these matters ! let none misunderstand me , i speak to the negligent only . could we have done no more for god and mens souls , to inform the ignorant , convince the obstinate , quicken the godly , than we have done ? might there not have been , through the blessing of god even upon our private labours , fewer to provoke , and more to please him , more to strive with him by their prayers to turn away his wrath , than there are ? and upon the same account , i would beg all private christians to lay to heart their lamentable dulness , aud uselessness in the places and towns where they dwell . oh how little are their neighbours and acquaintance , i wish , i might not say their families , better for many of them ! so little do they make religion their business : but in all their converse are even like other men ; only plodding on in a life-less profession , and track of duties ; and appearing a little zealous for some by-opinions of their own . it was time for them to be raised out of their heavy , luke-warm temper , and to be made to mind and relish a little more the weighty truths and matters of religion . reader , art thou an honourer of christ , and a lover of mankind ? why tell me then , is it not a most lamentable thing to consider , that almost all the world , yea , almost all the christian , and reformed christian world is drowned in wickedness : and that there is so little savoury salt in it ; so few that study and labour to make the gospel obtain amongst men in the life and power of it ? how do the most seek their own things , how few the things of jesus christ ? oh that men were once throughly perswaded , that his things were theirs ! some are too busie about puppet-plays , the petty trifles of the world , which , yet to those , who are swallowed upin them , seem weighty and important ; to mind much what becomes of mens immortal souls . let the poor curate , that must live by it , see to such low affairs . others have so much to do to keep up their own parties , opinions and customs , that christ may look to his gospel himself for them , except as it lies in the way to the things they account most their concern . but all you the ministers of christ , if indeed you take his work it self for your honour , pleasure , and wages , though many of you may want those encouragements which are so requisite and desirable for your success ; yet , be awakened to do all the service you can to your lord and master ? let us not stand accusing any for the removal of our opportunities , whilest we have so many before us , if we had the hearts and skill to use them . how glad would the primitive christians , or our protestant martyrs have been of those priviledges we enjoy , though they might earnestly have desired more ? what sirs , are there no poor souls near you , that cry aloud for your help , to save them from the burning lake , to rescue them out of the jaws of death , and snares of the devil , by whom they are led captive at his will ? these , these are they , upon whom especially you ought to employ all your skill and pains , and from him that died for them , you shall have your reward . i know the godly also call for strengthning direction , comfort , and quickning ; but surely your principal ( much less your only ) work is not with them ; the miserable creatures that are just at the graves mouth , and yet know not what they came into the world for , require speedie and seasonable help . oh how many thousands may now be out of your reach , whom you once might have spoken to , but did not ! who hinders you from going to such , and discoursing to them the matters that concern their everlasting peace ? cannot you watch opportunities when they can best have while to hear you , and are most likelie to regard you ? you that live amongst your former people , cannot you go to their houses , and take all occasion of converse with them , and be inculcating on them the great truths and duties of the gospel ? if you never formerly took this course of private dealing with your people , set upon it now , and you know not but it may be more effectual than all your former labours were . some that have tried , have had good success . however , you will have comfort in doing your dutie . oh go often , as you have time , amongst you poor neighbours , and see in what a state their souls are , and be not so uncharitable and hard-hearted , as to see them dropping into hell , and yet do nothing to prevent it . though 't is amongst strangers you are cast , yet acquaint your selves with them , and do them all the good you can , as knowing every man 's your neighbour that needs your help . put then upon reading good books , and take account of them , and learn what their knowledge in religion is , and accordingly instruct and advise them . but far be it from me , to presume to give directions for the work , others have done it fully ; and you know it well enough if you would but set to it with all your might : oh follow then the example of paul , who went about from house to house , night and day , warning and beseething every one with tears . what do you think this is not preaching the gospel ? do you think that 's only , whilst you stand on a high place in the midst of an assemby ? did not christ preach the gospel to a woman alone , and philip to the eunuch ? in some respects 't is evident personal discourse hath much the advantage of publick preaching ; and why may we not expect gods blessing hereupon , as well as on the other ? now sirs , we have an happy opportunity of discovering what pure love to the gospel will do with us , without any hopes of a temporal reward . what moved you to preach to your people before ? i know you will not joyn with the quakers in accusing your selves , and say it was for your tythes . what then , was it a desire to save the souls of your people ? why i hope their salvation is as precious in your eyes now , as then ; and do not they as much need your assistance ? why then do not you continue it ? say not , the people will not bear it , for many will. try them once again , and where any are obstinate , let your love and courtesie do its utmost to overcome them . oh let us but work out own hearts into lively affectionate apprehensions of the great concernments of souls , and study more what god is , and why he made us ; what the death of christ imports , what it is for a soul to be saved or damned for ever ; and we shall scarce be able to refrain speaking to all we can light upon ; but we shall rather ask every man we meet , whether he hath yet done his best to make sure his everlasting happiness ? whether hee 's yet got from under the wrath of god , and out of danger of hell ? these things will be ready to burst from us in the very streets , or open congregations . oh had we but that zeal , and those affections which these matters deserve , and will very well warrant , what work might we make in the world , yet keeping in all due bounds of sobriety and prudence ? though perhaps we might be counted mad-men for our pains , as christ himself and the apostle paul were . but remember then , i would have you spend your zeal upon the things that are worth it ; proportion it to the weight of the truths you insist on . i would not have you take this pains to make men of your opinion , in controverted matters . beware of that , designing a party will spoil all your work . labour you to make them members of christ , what need you care then what particular church they are members of , or wherein they differ from you in matters , that concern not their salvation ? do the best you can to heal all breaches , make none , widen none . let men censure us as long as they will for schismatical and turbulent ; and if all our professions to the contrary may not be heard , yet let our practises witness to god , to the world , and to our own consciences , that we are true lovers of piety and peace . see that you have no other aims but gods glory , and hee 'l own , and crown you for your labour of love . say not now , this is a difficult work , but tell me whether it be not needful ? if the devil and his instruments sit still , then do you so to ; remember what a covenant you made in baptisme , beside all other engagements since . think what you live for , and where you expect to stand shortly , and tell me whether a life thus laid out for god , will not then be your comfort ? oh for the lords sake then all you his servants up and be doing , and fear not : for god will be with you , what are you afraid of enemies ? do you think this will procure you more hatred and sufferings ? and awaken powers to greater jealousies , and cause them to abridge you of the liberty yet reserved ? never fear it , sirs , why don't you know what i am pressing you to ? is it to propagate christianity ; and this is a work that must and shall be done : for god hath said it , and hee 'l see to it ; and for this the world is yet kept up . oh sirs , pure , simple , and uncorrupted christianity , deserves all our time and study , and pains to advance it . and it hath such comforts and crowns , for its resolved friends and persecuted followers , that would make a man even long to be suffering for it ; and the more he suffers , the more he will still love , the firmlier adhere to it . christianity , it is a religion of that force and excellency , that it defies oppositions , and scorns all banks and bounds . it awes its greatest adversaries , and a prisoner at the bar with it , may make his judge upon the bench to tremble , and the sturdy jaylour that even now whipt him , come quaking to beg a pardon . fear not prisons , for the gospel can never be bound . let this alone be your rule , and value not what law or will of man shall contradict it . kings and emperours with all their officers , and armies , edicts and authorities , are but trophee's to its power ; like dams they 'l make it rise the higher , and overbear all before it ; experience confirms what i say . this cake of barley bread will tumble down all the tents of a midianitish host ; the noise of its trumpets , the light of the lamps ( though the pitchers that bear them , these earthen vessels our bodies , be broken ) and crying out ; the word of the lord , and his son christ jesus , will discomfit innumerable armies , and make them run , and cry , and flee . this is the gospel , and let all that read these lines say , let it go on and prosper , let it run and be glorified , and strike its healing sword to the hearts of its adversaries . now this is it , and this alone , which i would beseech all to spend themselves for , and fear not but it will bear your charges . let your work be purely gods , and if he can bear you out he will ; and i hope you don't doubt that . but let me once again beg you , to see that you make the cause you work for , the same that christ and his apostles drove on in the world , and then how joyfully may you suffer for it , whatever men call your actions and designs . 't is nothing strange to suffer for christ from nominal christians ; nor for peace and truth , from men that call themselves orthodox and catholick ; this hath been often in the world ! let then the weighty , but much neglected doctrines and commands of the gospel be urged with all earnestnesse , but lesser things lesse regarded . talk lesse of the times , but more of eternity . stand not discoursing who should have power in the church to men , that are yet under the power of the devil ; nor of a ceremony or form of prayer , to those that know not god , nor their own souls . what strange things would these be to catechize an heathen in ; and are they much fitter for carnal ones ? but oh labour to work men into the true temper , and spirit of religion , which consists so much in love to god and our brethren ; and then the new nature that is in them , the inward relish of their souls , and renewed principles of light , will enable them to judge of things that differ , and all matters of moment god will reveal to them . again , i have need to request that i be not judged immodest , if the confused haste i now write in , have carried me out to a more than seemly earnestnesse ▪ nor yet count me pragmatical for venturing thus to advise , since i desire no more regard then what the reasonablenesse , and weight of the things proposed shall be found to deserve . and thus at length , through gods assistance , i am even com'n to the end of my task . i have endeavoured to shew , wherein it is , we have from the highest to the lowest done amiss , and provoked god against us ; i have also mingled directions , so far as my intended brevity would permit ; for the performance of those duties , that may appease his wrath , and make us happy in his favour . and oh that these weak endevaours might have an issue answerable to their design ! then how confidently durst i say we should be an happy people , by becoming holy , which is all i have aimed at . but what talk i of my endeavours ? what shall be now the issue of gods judgments that have been upon us ? shall we be bettered by them or not ? oh one would think there should scarce an obstinate sinner be left in the nation after this ? but that we should all with one consent return to the god who hath smitten us , from whom we have back-slidden ? one would think we should now imitate the children of israel , whom after eminent judgments we find entring into a covenant , to seek and serve the lord their god , to which their kings were wont to call them . and oh that god would put it into the heart of his majesty , to engage all his people even from one end of the land to the other , to enter into such a solemn vow ; that we will in all things be careful to walk in those ways god hath enjoyned us , and not in any thing voluntarily break his holy laws ? oh that some such an engagement was made the bond of our union ; our entrance into and observance of it the condition of our church-communion ? of what a blessed consequence would even this be ? but this and all other such great wishes , let us reserve for our prayers ; and give me leave with some jealousie to demand , whether all that god hath done shall be lost upon us ? what shall our nation still be drowned in sin ? so soon as ever the rod's from off us , shall we to our old courses again ? shall profaneness abound , and religion be despised again ? shall taverns , and brothel-houses , and play-houses be frequented , and gods worship slighted , and neglected again ? will the abominable and filthy be so still ? shall blasphemy , and swearing , and cursing , be as loud as ever ? will men again to the world , and their pleasures , as busily as ever ? and make as light of his threatnings and promises , and laugh at the talk of death and judgment , as they were wont to do ? shall god still be mock't with formalities , and dishonoured by mens lives ? will the hater of godliness still rise higher in his rage ? will the execution of justice be as much neglected as ever ? and will the man of violence swell his fingers into loyns , and exchange his rods for scorpions ? will men still close their eys against the clearest light , and reject the apparent and only means for the reconciling our differences , and establishing our peace upon sure foundations ? or will they yet strive to aggravate the bitterness of mens spirits , and pursue their design of crushing them into the very dirt ? shall we yet be rent and torn with animosities and divisions ? and shall they that ought to cure , keep up and encrease them ? shall we still , instead of accusing our selves and sin , dip our pens and tongues in gall , and cry out , one side on the tyrannical , cruel and oppressive ; the other , on the murmurers , male-contents , and fault-finders ? will these , and all other disorders be still continued ? oh god forbid that it should be thus , that we should grow worse under the physitians hand , and that none of his strongest medicines should work ? shall we cause god to complain of us , that he would have healed us , but we would not be healed ? that in vain hath he smitten us , for that we would not receive correction ? oh that such a poor worm as i , could do any thing to prevent such a sad conclusion ; for woe to us , if god depart from us , leaving us to our selves , resolving to strike us no more , but letting us alone till he destroy us in our sins . my words are like to spread but a little way , but oh that they might have some effect where they light . to thee , reader , let me betake my self : what have the workings of thy soul been , whil'st thou hast been reading these lines ? and what influence have they upon thee ? what , hath not they conscience smote thee , speak the truth , and told thee plainlie , thou hast been a troubler of the land , and hast help't to bring the plague upon us ? in the sight of god , i demand of thee , hast thou not been guilty of some of the sins here described , covetousness or pride , luxury or oppression , or the like ? and what now ? dost thou condemn thy self for thy follie ? wilt thou make all speed to get a peace confirmed betwixt god and thy soul , and a separation made betwixt thy soul and sin ? or on the other hand , art thou not in a rage , that thy sin hath been too plainlie displayed , and too much disgrac't ? thy darling sin which thou art resolved to keep , though thou have hell with it ? art thou not framing excuses , and saying , thou canst not believe that such and such things which thou hast a mind to , are such heinous matters , and so displeasing to god ? or else art thou remiss and stupid , never thinking this or that , onlie tossing over the book , and passing this censure on it , and throwing it down without anie more regard ? trulie this is it i most fear ; for this is the general prevailing temper : oh therefore that i could but rouze thee to an apprehension of thy self , and thy own estate . reader , sure thou art one that wouldst not willinglie be damn'd ; wilt thou then hearken to a most reasonable request i shall make to thee , before i conclude ? thou hast now been awhile reading these lines , which have been as a bill of indictment against our land , and have deciphered what our especial crying sins are . wilt thou now when thou shut'st the book , get alone , and spend but as much time in reading thy own heart and life , and search and see whether none of these sins be thine ? it may be this is a work thou never didst in thy life yet , but wilt thou now bring thy heart to it ? ' tisin vain to ask thee , whether thou wilt forsake thy sin , if thou wilt not set upon examining thy self to find it out . what say'st thou then in the name of god to this my earnest request ? what , shall i be denied ? is it a great matter i ask of thee , to withdraw thy self from the noise and busle of the world , and of thy own vain thoughts , and to make a diligent search into the state of thy own soul , that being sensible of thy sin and danger , thou may'st yet get help ? wil't thou do thus much , or tell me plainlie , wilt thou be damn'd first ? for i 'le assure thee , thy damnation is never like to be prevented without serious consideration , and that 's it i would beg thee to : which is it thou wilt choose ? to set upon thy dutie , or to venture upon helf ? sure thy mind cannot but answer one way or other . reader , be awakened , take not these for words of course ; from god i speak to thee , 't is god looks on thee ; he knows the thoughts and intentions of thy heart , upon thy reading these demands . and whatever course thou take , whether thou wilt examine thy self , and forsake thy sins , or not , yet thou canst not say but god hath given thee fair warning . he now stands over thee with his rod in his hand , and asks thee , whether yet thou wilt seek , and serve him ? if thy self-examinations shall have made way at all for such a demand , i would know in the next place , whether thou wilt strive to put away sin , every sin from thee , or wilt thou not ? art thou yet willing to be reconciled to god ? be it known to thee , oh sinner , whoever thou art , yet there is hopes ; from the lord thy maker and redeemer ▪ i tell thee so : what would the damned give for such a word ? if thou wilt but impartiallie consider thy wayes , bewail thy sin , and loath it ; turn from it , and from the world , to the lord thy god , with all thy heart , resting on his mercie in and through his son , setting upon a course of serious holiness , and continuing therein to the end , doing this , be assured thy soul shall live . something of this i spoke at the beginning , and cannot stand to say more on it now : here 's enough to inform thee ( if thou knewest it not ) what thy dutie is ? but art thou willing to perform it ? one would think thou shouldest soon be resolved what to do . the question is , whether thou wilt do thy utmost to change thy heart and life , that thou may'st be saved ? or whether thou wilt go in sin , and be damned ? i have told thee upon what terms thou may'st yet escape thy ruine : but withall know , this must be done . speedilie , or perhaps not at all . if thou delayest one hour , thou may'st be in hell the next . god nath born with thee long , now he is making shorter work ; he will not alwayes wait for nothing . they heart quicklie he demands , this he will have , or thy hearts-blood . away with thy sin then with all possible speed ; if thou retain it , it will be thy death ; for a hue and cry's gone out from heaven against it , and the man in whose hands 't is found , shall surelie dye : then cast it away , if thou love thy life , thy everlasting life . but what art thou one of those sensless , brutish , blockish souls , that a man had almost as good spend his breath upon a stone wall , as talk to thee ! art thou nothing moved with all thou readest or nearest , but takest all for words of course , which thou forgettest as soon as the noise is out of thy ears ? dost thou now lay aside the book , and go about thy wonted business , as if thou hadst not been reading for life or death ? but a kind of story , that no way concerns thee ? wilt thou now rise up , and go to thy worldly cares , thy company , or vain discourse , instead of getting alone to god with humble acknowledgments of thy sin , and earnest cryes for mercy ? if thou wast infected with the plague , and had ▪ st been reading what medicines thou should'st use , would'st thou lay by the book , and never mind more , as if thou hadst done enough to read them , without taking care to apply them ? and wilt thou now be guilty of a madness as much greater than this , as sin and hell , are worse than the plague and death ? art thou resolved though christ himself should kneel to thee , and beseech thee ( as he doth by me ) to search they heart , and review thy wayes , and detest thy sins , that he might save thee , that yet thou wouldest not grant his desire , nor ever put thy self to so much labour as conversion will cost thee ? if thou be such a stupid `resolved sinner , that wilt remain in thy old wayes , come on it what will ; yea , and believest all shall be well enough with thee for all that , what can i say to thee more ? god be judge between thee and me ; thou art destroyed , not because thou couldest have no help , nor because it was not offered thee , but because thou didst wilfully resuse it . but , poor creature , my heart even akes for thee , and loth i am to leave thee in this wretched ▪ dull , distracted temper ; wherein if death , that is now so busie abroad , should find thee , thou art undone for ever . oh that yet i could speak something that would make thee feel and fear . tell me then , thou who art now so bold and resolute , so sottish and careless , dost thou not think thou shalt dye ? why , what wilt thou do then ? think on it , and think again , i befeech thee . is it not great odds , but the contagion may shortly reach thee ? what course wilt thou then take , when thou shalt see the tokens of god upon thee ? which way wilt thou look , or what wilt thou do for help ? then go to the sins thou hast loved so dearly , and see what comfort they will afford . now call for a cup , or a whore ; never be daunted man. shall one of thy courage quail , that couldst have mockt at the threatnings of the almighty god! what so boon and jolly but now , and now down i th' mouth ? here 's a sudden change indeed ! where are thy companions ? all fled ? where are thy darling pleasures ? all forsaken thee ! what will thy bags , and bills , and bonds , do thee no good ? why shouldest thou be dejected ? thou art a man of worship , perhaps a lord , or a knight , or gentleman ; go chear thy self , review thy good purchases , think of thy high titles , and rich revenues ! go gallants , get to your galss ; powder and curle , paint and spot , deck and adorn you , as you were wont ? ' what , do you take no pleasure to view your pale faces ? do your hearts sink within you like a stone ? why how now poor creature , what hath the world left thee ? the world thou didst so dearly love , that heaven was but a trifle to it ! what , hast thou misplac't thy heart on a treacherous friend , that fails thee in thy greatest need ? must thou now all in silence and sadness groan forth thy wretched soul into another world ? now , now wretch , what hath thy sin and carelessness brought thee to ? now where is thy life of mirth and sport ? what wilt thou do now , when thy own comforts have left thee , and god loaths thee , and casts out thy death-bed howlings with disdain ? what dost begin to call upon him now ? dost think a few good words shall serve thy turn ? read jer. . . go get thee to thy own gods , see whether they can help and deliver thee . say not i would drive thee to despair ; no , i would fain prevent it ; and so may'st thou , if thou wilt but hearken in time ; and that time 's just now ; for death is even at thy back , and perhaps will take thee up as soon as the book 's laid down . but perhaps thou art one that think'st thy self safe , and that this nothing belongs to thee , because thou may'st be recovered from the sickness , or got out of the reach of it ; or it may be so abated , that thou dost not fear it ; and therefore thou art ready foolishly to cry with agag , the bitterness of death is past ; but oh be convinc't of thy lamentable sottishness ; for thou mayst yet be hew'n in pieces for all that . read amos . , , . and tell me whether god will not find thee out . thou art run away from the city perhaps , but not from thy sin ; and therefore thou carriest the plague along with thee , which sooner or later will break out . but though escape the plague , art thou then secure ? if thou canst but out-live this mortality , dost thou think all is well then ? all danger over ? no , hold there , sinner ; god hath not done with thee so ; believe it , the worst is yet to come . alas , man , death , judgment and hell are behind still . i , but coming they are apace , and overtake thee at last they will , even all of them , if thou look not about thee in time . patch and piece up thy mouldring carkass as long as thou canst ; and shift thee hither and thither , from this disease or that ; but after all be assured , thou shalt dye . and after death hath done its work upon thee , and the judgment past , and sentence executed , if thou then find all well with thee , boast , and spare not ; but till then be silent . but if yet thou art fully bent to keep thy sin , let me beg thee to think a little what is that hell thou art leaping into ; oh think what the wrath , the flaming , unquenchable wrath of god is . dost thou make a pish at it ? 't is because thou art an infidel , or hast lost thy wits . i know thou canst not awhile to think of it now , thou hast pleasanter things to take up thy thoughts , than death and hell ; and therefore thou laughest and singest , and merrily throwest away thy hours , as if no hurt was near thee , whilest thou standest tottering on the very brink of the bottomless pit ! and all this while , how many devils whom thou seest not , stand some gaping to receive thee , and some labouring to make thee sure , and till thee on ? and multitudes of deaths are waiting for a commission , any one of them to thrust thee in , and then farwell all hope for ever . oh spend but one hour , or half an hour in a day , in the sober thoughts of eternity , and go on in sin if thou canst . good reader , let me entreat thee to this course ; but if thou cryest , thou hast somewhat else to do : know , thou shalt shortly have nothing else to do , but to feel that which now thou wilt not be brought to think of , that thou mightest avoid it ; and then say , if thou hadst not good counsel given thee once , if thou hadst had the wit and the grace to take it ▪ one moments experience shall at length convince thee more , than all thy hearing or reading would . thou countest plague , famine and sword , earthquakes , thunder and lightning , terrible things ; oh then what 's hell , the very dregs , the ocean of that furie of which these are but small drops ? there it is that god will make the verie power of his hottest intolerable wrath to appear , and in those rivers of brimstone , those scorching flames of his anger must thou lie down for ever : oh for ever , ever , man , think but awhile how long is that . might but the undone souls return , to describe this place of torments to their old companions , what a language should we hear ? might but dives himself have been sent to his jovial brethren , that little thought where their departed brother was , nor what they themselves were hastning to , in what a passionate manner would he have beg'd them off from sin , that led to all that endless woe ! how would he have disturbed them in the midst of their merriments and feastings , and even have made their hearts to quake , and their hair stand an end with his terrible expressions ? but , reader , if thou art one , who wilt be frightned from hell by no descriptions , but of those that have seen it , thy feeling is like to prevent thy fear . what say'st thou then after all ? art thou yet resolved to prepare for death , and prevent damnation , or not ? if thou art , happie man thou , that ever thou wast born ; but if thou art not , i can stay to say no more , but even take thy course , and when thou seelest the event , then say , whether sound repentance , and an holy life , had not been a cheap and easie , a gainful and happy way , to have prevented everlasting misery . but the good lord have mercie upon thee , and work these convictions with power upon thy soul , whilst they may do thee any good . i shall finish all with a word or two to all those that trulie love and fear the lord : oh sirs , you that have known god , and are interessed in his favor , and are well acquainted at the throne of his grace , to which you have oft in time of trouble and need made your recourse , and thence have received seasonable comfort and supply ; all you to whom prayer is no strange work , now arise and betake your selves to god with all seriousness and speed ; cast your selves down before him , bewailing your own sins , and the sins of the land ; and lie in the gap to stop the farther proceedings of his wrath , that he may not root us up from being a people ; nor yet so far give us off , that we should continue to be a wicked and rebellious people ; for then destruction from the lord will certainly be our portion . strive with him to remove his rod , but above all , to work those ends whereto it is appointed . i have endeavoured to shew you , and your selves are sensible of it , what sins we are suffering for : oh pray that everie abominable thing may be cast forth from amongst us , and those blessed works accomplish't , which would make us in the eye of god and man a people glorious and happy . beg earnestly that the gospel may be advanc't , holiness encouraged , wickedness supprest and punish't , our divisions healed ; that from the prince upon the throne , to the beggar upon the dunghill , there may be an effectual reformation of all we have done amiss ; that we may yet find favour in the sight of god , and enjoy his residence , and gracious presence amongst us ; that he may delight in us , and rejoyce over us to do us good . both alone , and in companies , as you have opportunitie , besiege heaven with your humble and affectionate prayers . god will not be deaf to your cry , he knows your voice , which comes from your very soul ; he will not reject the petitions you present with pure hands ; your prayers are his delight , all you that are his humble , upright ones : 't is you must now prevail , or we are undone . though you may be a people , hated , derided and undervalued by those amongst whom you live , yet must your intercessions be accepted on their behalf , through our great intercessor , or else they are like to perish . 't is you that must run with your censers , and stand betwixt the living and the dead , that so the plague may be stayed . it is the incense and perfume of your prayers , that through christ , must appease an angrie god , and clear an infected air. it is not the lip ▪ service of the profane sinner , or the formal hypocrite , that will do us anie good ; let his prayers be by heart , or by rote , within-book , or without , that makes no great matter ; but if he be one whose heart is far from god , and whose life is a provocation to him , who still goes on in his sin , let him be never so devout in the church , or on his knees , and roar and weep with never so much passion and noise , the howling of a dog is as acceptable to god , as such hypocritical devotion . shall the tongue that was just now cursing and swearing , come presentlie and fall a praying , and think to be accepted ? doth god delight to hear his name taken in vain , as these sensless sinners do in their solemnest services ? no , no , but it is the fervent prayer of you who are indeed righteous , that 's like to be effectual and prevailing . you have the spirit of supplication interceding within you , assisting you with unutterable sighs and groans ; whether with a form , or without , makes not the difference ; and you have a powerful advocate enforcing your requests ▪ wherefore to god betake your selves , lie at his feet . plead with him for rulers and people , his church and ministers , your friends and enemies , city and countrey , your towns and familie ; and for your own souls : follow him day and night , and give him no rest , till he shall hear in heaven , and have mercy , and establish his zion a praise both amongst us , and in the whole earth . and be exhorted also now to lay about you all you can , 〈…〉 and convincing of the poor creatures that are near you , 〈…〉 may not find their souls unready . if you be in places where 〈…〉 on is , or is dailie sear'd , improve such a time with ignorant and 〈◊〉 ones ; manie may be willing to hear you now , who would have 〈…〉 at serious discourse a few dayes since . when they begin to 〈…〉 death as a real thing , and not far off , the fears of it will a little cure 〈◊〉 of their distractions ; and they 'l no longer take heaven and hell for jes●ing matters . this is not a time , sirs to be ashamed of religion ; now , if ever , holiness will be in request , and boldlie shew it self . afford your neighbours then all the helps you can for their precious souls . go to their houses , and lend them good books , and discourse of those matters that you may easily perceive do most concern dying men : and let that be your direction for the future in this work ; which i would never have you cease , whil'st your selves , and those about you , are mortal men , whose eternity either of happiness or woe , depends upon their well or ill improvement of this uncertain moment . and lastlie , all you holie souls , be encouraged chearfullie and confidentlie to receive the sentence of death within your selves . let your spirits revive within you , when you shall see the waggons that come to fetch you to your joseph , even your lord , who is gone before to prepare a place for you . let those that have lived estranged from god , careless of his service , mad of the world , and running after their pleasures , let them be dejected at the news ef dying ; the sad news , that they must leave all their treasures , and their joyes , and be carried into a state they thought not of , nor prepared for , there to be reckoned with for their worldlie , loose , and jollie life , and to bear the effects of their follie for ever . but all you to whom sin hath been a burden , and religion your work and pleasure ; whose hearts have been taken up with gods dealings with mankind , and deeplie affected with his mysterious love in christ ; who have taken it for the business of your lives , to work out your salvation : in a word , who have chosen god for your portion , and lov'd him more than all things here below , and closed with christ as your onlie saviour , to deliver you both from sin and hell , and have taken the holie spirit for your sanctifier and guide ; not allowing your selves in known sin , but labouring in all things to approve your selves to god , now lift up your heads , and comfort your hearts , when you see the day of death approach . let not carnal ones see you dismay'd , for this will make them suspect religion to be a fancie ; so much doth it contradict your profession , and disgrace both it and you . 〈…〉 kind of death by which you may be sent for hence , be 〈…〉 ground of your trouble and fear . why should not god 〈…〉 death for you , as well as all other things ? and let it be of 〈…〉 it will , you have very great reason quietly to submit to it . let 〈…〉 welcome and there is nothing in a plague that can hurt you , 〈…〉 daunt you . be very sensible of gods hand now stretcht out 〈◊〉 us , and so far manifest a reverence and awe ; and with a reliance ●n him , use all due means for self-preservation . but for your selves , dread not a plague , nor any thing it can do upon you ; it can but kill your bodies , and help your souls out of their prisons , and is there any hurt in that ? let the spots when you see them , be regarded by you , as no other then tokens of your fathers love , which he hath sent to shew he is mindful of you , and hath now sent to fetch you nearer to himself : what though it be a rough messenger , as jaylours use to be , yet the message may well make you entertain him with smiles . if it came to lead you forth to execution indeed , you might well tremble ; though not so much for its self , as the errand it came on . oh the stark madnesse of those blind and miserable ones , that are afraid of a plague , and not of hell ; that run away from the sicknesse , and run on in sin ? but talk not you of loathsome sores ? why sirs , do they go any deeper than your flesh ? let those that have made their carcasses their care , be troubled for this ? why what have you any thing more for your bodies to do ? any service for which you shall need them ? and need you care , how the old clothes are rent and torn , so long as you shall never wear , nor need them more ? part willingly with your rags , you have clothes a making , which shall soon silence your complaints . swell , and break , and stink flesh if thou wilt , i shall not be troubled with thee long ? when thou prosperest most , then i was at the worst ; thou hast been so much my enemy , that i cannot but rejoyce in thy ruines ? if my tongue must needs complain , and my sight , and smell be offended with my self , all this shall not reach my heart ? what care i for thy sores and pains , so long as my souls in health : go make hast , and get thee to thy grave , and there turn to rottenness and filth ? i pity thee not , nor will ever sympathize with thee more . nor yet complain of the suddennesse of this death . leave this to them that would serve god , when they had nothing else to do , that put off all to a lord have mercie upon me ; and a few good prayers at their last gasp . but what death can be sudden to you , who are not unprepared for death ; but have made it the businesse of your lives , to fit your selves for it ? nor let this be your trouble that your friends forsake you , and are all afraid to come nigh you . why what would you have them do , they cannot rebuke your disease , or delay your death , or doing any thing for you in the world you are going to ; nor do you need they should . councel i hope you have given them in time of health , and therefore it may the lesse trouble you , that you cannot speak to them now . to take a solemn leave of them , is a poor formality , to trouble the thoughts of a dying man. whatever help they could afford , you 'l quicklie be past all need of it , or them . bear the want of their companie or assistance a day or two , and you will never desire , or want it more . wherefore chear up your spirits , and be not cast down , but to the rock of ages betake your selves , who never fail'd you , nor anie that placed their confidence in him ; hee 's a present help in time of trouble ; hee 'l come in to you when your doors are shut up , hee 'l stand by your beds-side , when no other friend dare . now sirs , what 's your god , your saviour worth ? a god to support you , when the world fails you ; a saviour to relieve you , when you leave the world . now is not an holy life comfortable to your review ? do you now repent of the cost and pains you have been at , or the sufferings you have under-gone for god ? was it not worth while to be laught and wondered at for your holie diligence , which laid in store for such a day as this , and brings you support , when the hearts of others sink for fear ? now sirs , you are come to the end of your pilgrimage ; the long-long-lookt for day is come . sin and satan , the world and the flesh , shall never trouble you more for ever . now shall your prayers at length be all heard , your complainings ended , your expectations and longings satisfied , and accomplished . chear up , chear up , brave souls , but one step more , and then you are at your fathers house . methinks i see the arms of christ stretcht out to receive you , and angels waiting to conduct you to his arms. fear not , nor be dismaid , confidentlie resign your souls to him , who laid down his life for you . the darknesse lasts but a little while , and presentlie you will come into the open light ; oh the difference you will in a moment find , betwixt your dark and silent room , and the mansion that shall be assigned you in your fathers house ! to which the stateliest palace is a loathsom dungeon . oh what acclamations and hallelujahs , what crying , holie , holie , holie ! what glorious praises , and loud noises ! what crowns and scepters , what riches and beauties , will your ears and eyes be presentlie stricken with ! so that you will be amazed , and wonder whether you are come , and where you have been all this while , that you never heard , nor saw these things before . so infinitelie will they exceed your highest thoughts , when faith helpt you to the clearest views . but all your strangenesse and amazement will soon be over , surprisals of joy will dissipate and succeed them ! this is the glorie , the hopes whereof upheld you all your daies , and the glimmerings and fore-tasts did so oft revive you . now you shall at length see the lord who lov'd you , and gave himself for you , and whom your souls have loved . oh is there not life in his smiles ? and if he smiles upon you , all the angels and saints will bid you welcome : for his beck and pleasure it is that rules all . there you shall be entred into that throng of blessed spirits , yours shall their employments be , their priviledges shall be yours . then shall your understandings be enlightened , your affections raised , and all your capacities widened , and all be fill'd with suitable truth and goodnesse , the latent powers of your souls , shall then be awakened into that high celestial life . then shall you be nearer to your saviour , than john , when he leaned on his bosome ; and shall taste the full fruits of his dear and costlie love . then , then blessed soul thou shalt know , and see , and feel , and enjoy thy god , and be brought as near to him as thy soul can desire , and receive as much from him as thy nature is capable . the lord thy redeemer having by his blood and spirit , accomplished his whole designe upon thee , and fitted thee for , will lead thee into the fathers presence , and so thou shalt enter upon the state of constant and full communion with him . and shall be always spending an eternitie in contemplating , and admiring his excellencies and glories , and singing his praises ▪ in the warm-breathings and out-goings of thy heart after him , and in the ravishments of highest mutual love , and dearest complacency , betwixt thy enlarged soul , and infinite essential goodnesse , even the god of loves . this thou shalt have , but what this is , though i had leasure and skill , to say ten thousand times more then i have done , thou couldst not know the thousandth part , till thou doest enjoy it . wherefore with an holy impatience , and eager joy enter upon the possession of all the treasures of love , which death comes to translate thee to . bid it heartily welcome , open thy breast , and let it strike ; 't is but the prick of a pin , the smarts ceast assoon as its in , the pangs of it are gone in a trice . see they are over already , all pain was expired with that last groan , and now thou art entered upon thy joy. farewell blessed souls , whom i hope shortly to follow , and with you to celebrate an everlasting communion , in the presence , praise and love of the great jehovah , and his son christ jesus , to whom in the vnity of the spirit , be rendred all honour , power , and glory , now and eternally . amen . finis . a short dialogue concerning the plagues infection published to preserue bloud, through the blessing of god. balmford, james, b. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. 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dialogve concerning the plagves infection . published to preserue bloud , through the blessing of god. psal . . . he shall giue his angels charge ouer thee , to keepe thee in all thy wayes . matth. . . thou shalt not tempt the lord thy god. anchora . spei . london , printed for richard boyle , and are to be sold at his shop in blacke-friers . . to his vvelbeloved in christ , the parishioners of saint olaves in southwarke , iames bamford wisheth increase of grace and knowledge of our lord and sauiour iesus christ . it is written in the . of ezechiel : that , if the people of the land take a man of their coasts , and make him their watchman , if when he seeth the sword come vpon the land , he blow the trumpet , and warne the people : then he that heareth the sound of the trumpet and will not be warned , if the sword come and take him away , his bloud shall be vpon his owne head . but if the watchman see the sword come ; and blow not the trumpet , and the people be not warned , if the sword come , and take any person from among them , he is taken away for his iniquity , but his bloud will i require ( saith the lord ) at the watchmans hand . so you ( my beloued ) haue chosen me to be your watchman . therefore it concerneth me to giue , and you to take warning of mortall danger , as we wil be free from bloud-guiltinesse . but i haue publickly giuen you warning of that bloudy errour , which denieth the pestilence to be contagious : maintained , not onely by the rude multitude , but by too many of the better sort ; you are therefore to take warning . that ye may the rather take heed to the siluer trumpet , which hath soūded in your eares , i haue thought it necessary to set downe in writing all that i haue publickly taught , together with whatsoeuer else , i perceiue , by priuate conference to be appertaining to that question , that yee may take time , better to consider that which is either misunderstood , or not well remembred , because it was but once deliuered , and the common sort are not acquainted with , and therefore hardly capeable of scholasticall disputations . and yet i endeuoured to speake as plaine as i could . but now i haue contriued al in the forme of a dialogue , which is a more familiar maner of teaching ; hoping that now yee will more readily both perceiue , and receiue the truth herein contained . i humbly and earnestly desire you ( at your leisure ) diligently to examine the quotations : but first to reade ouer the dialogue it selfe . if any desire a more learned discourse , i referre them to that worthy treatise written by that reuerend father ( the light of our age ) maister beza , and translated by that faithfull and profitable seruant of christ , maister stockwood . furthermore , as i desire you to reade this dialogue with good respect : so i pray you do not thinke , that i haue any purpose to traduce you as maintainers of errour , and gainsayers of your teacher . for howsoeuer ( indeed ) i was occasioned by that i saw and heard amongst our selues , to preach this doctrine , and haue committed it to writing for your speciall good , yet knowing that bloudy errour ( which i impugne ) to be commonly maintained in london , i thought it conuenient to publish this dialogue in print , for a more generall good . as for your selues , i am so far from traducing you , that i do ( with ioyfull thankes to god the father , in the name of iesus christ ) giue you this testimony ; that notwithstanding the iudgement of some be not well informed in this point , yet i haue much comfort in my ministery amongst you : for in sundry things ye shew the obediēce of faith . amongst the rest , ye attend the sacrament of baptisme , from which in most places people runne away most contemptuously ; ye frequent friday lecture as diligently ( euer since the plague was kindled ) as in winter nights : wheras many in & about londō are winter hearers , attending the word when they haue nothing else to do : and ye fill gods house vpō the daies of humiliation , & holy rest , notwithstanding there haue died in our parish from the . of may to this day . wheras before the plague our church was partly filled by strāgers , both on sondayes & fridayes . these things i take knowledge of , as to signifie , that in this dialogue i do not taxe you , or any of you , more than other , so , to incourage you to go forward ( & not backward ) in your holy profession , seruing god , and sanctifying his sabboths as religiously hereafter , as ye do now while god is present with you in this his grieuous visitation . for it is a good thing ( saith one apostle ) to loue earnestly alwayes in a good thing : and it is better ( saith another apostle ) for you not to haue taken the way of righteousnes , than after ye haue taken it to forsake it . therfore ( good brethren ) take heed that ye coole not in your deuotion , because the number of the buried in our parish is fallen ( blessed be god ) frō . to . in one weeke , and from . to . buried in one day . shall our loue coole , whē gods loue is kindled ? god forbid . o remember that when moses lifted vp his hands , israel preuailed : but when his hands were heauy amalech preuailed . and when it shall please god to remoue this heauy iudgement , let vs neuer forget this visitation , according to the doctrine we haue learned out of the title of the . psal . let vs not turne backe like a deceitfull bow , and let vs sin no more , lest a worse euill come vntovs , according to the saying of christ himselfe to a man deliuered from a grieuous disease . conceiuing good hope that yee will hide the words of exhortation in honest and good harts to bring forth fruite with patience , i commend me to your fauour , my dialogue to your reading , and your selues to god , and to the word of his grace , which is able to build further . from my study this . of october . . yours in the lord assured and readie to do all the seruice he may , iames bamford . the contents of this dialogue . the occasion of this dialogue , and chiefe points to be discussed . page . people must heare well , before they presume to iudge their teachers . pag. , , . magistrates may and ought to seuer the sound from the infected , and the infected from the sound . pag. , , , . how the poore infected may go abroad for necessarie reliefe , which otherwise they should want . pag. . the infected who want no necessarie releefe should keepe in , and they , withall supposed to come about them , are to forbeare the church for a while . pag. , , , . the plague may be in a garment . pag. , , . the plague may be taken by feare , whereof we are therefore to take heede . pag. , , . how ministers are to visite the sicke . , , , , , , . how the sicke are to be visited by other . pag. , , , , . the sicke of the plague are not to desire the vnnecessary presence of their friends . pag. , , . thronging at the burying of the infected , is to be taken heed of . pag. , , . the law of lepers proueth separation betweene the sound and the infected . pag. , , , , . great care is to be had of that bloudy errour , which denieth the plague to be contagious . pag. , , . the true cause and effects of inordinate feare . pag , , . magistrates are to be resident . pag. , . the escaping of some conuersant with the infected , is not a good argument against the infection . pag. . to . causes why some escape , though conuersant with the infected . pag. . to . an absolute faith touching deliuerance from the plague , is not required . pag. . to . why godly men die of the plague . pa. , , . the plague is contagious , notwithstanding there die none but by the speciall appointmeot of god. pag. , to . who may flie into the country from the plague , and with what cautions . p. . to . gods people are to come to church , notwithstanding the plagues contagion . pag. , , . the plague is contagious , though the scripture doth not expresly affirme so much . pag. . the contagion of the plague may be concluded out of the word . pag. . . the vse which is to be made of this dialogue . pag. , . a short dialogue concerning the plagues infection . professor . sir , i make bold to trouble you , and to desire your resolution in a point wherewith i finde the minds of manie honest men ( better acquainted with the scriptures than i am ) much cumbred and perplexed : i cannot be quiet till i be resolued ; therefore pardon my boldnesse i pray you . preacher . neighbour , you are very welcome : for i take you to be of that discretion , that you will not ( as manie do ) trouble your selfe and others with friuolous , or curious questions . and therefore if i were as able as willing , you should not go away vnresolued : but you shall haue mine opinion with all faithfulnesse , and then iudge therof in the sobrietie of wisedome . tell me then : what is the matter ? prof. may it please you : we heare your selfe , and other faithfull preachers in this citie , reproue such as ( for the cōfort of their soules ) come to church , either with plague sores , or out of infected houses . as also those , that of charitie visite such as haue the plague , and accompanie the diseased of that disease , vnto the graue . in all which duties we thinke ( with your fauor ) that preachers should rather incourage then discourage vs. now because i am vnder your ministerie , and you haue publikely willed vs to resort to you for satisfaction , if we either vnderstand not , or approue not any thing by you deliuered : i am bold to come and craue your satisfaction accordingly . preach . you do well , & i thank you : for there be too many that runne counter in a contrarie course . for whereas they should be swift to heare and slow to speake , they haue heauie eares , and readie tongues to speake euil of things they know not , and so scandalize ( that is , stumble ) themselues and other , in hearing the word , which is to be heard not as the words of men , but as indéed the word of god. but i pray you tell me , in what sense , and for what reasons haue you obserued me and other preachers to reproue the offendors you speake of ? prof. truely sir , sith you put me to it , i must acknowledge mine infirmitie : for assoone as i heare you or other begin to checke pietie and charitie , ( so seeming to me ) i am presently so troubled , that i cannot vnderstand , much lesse rightly remember , what hath bene deliuered . preach . if it be so with you , who professe the obedience of faith , how is it with the rude multitude , whose imaginations are in no good sort brought into captiuitie to the obedience of christ ? but we sée the words of christ fulfilled : that we do not vnderstand his talke , because we cannot heare his word . me thinkes , professors should attribute so much to their teachers , yea such as they acknowledge to be faithfull , as to heare with the athenians , and to examine with the bereans . for doth the law of god iudge a man , before it heare him ? but truely ye presume too farre in censuring your teachers , as those that checke pietie and charitie . what ? is this pietie , with an high hand to breake godly orders of a gracious prince set downe for preseruation of life ? is this charitie , presumptuously to hazard the liues , god knoweth of how many ? is this either pietie or charitie , wilfully to runne our selues into mortall daunger ? prof. i am enforced of conscience to confesse it to be a fault , that we haue presumed to censure our teachers , and that so seuerely , before we well vnderstood and humbly examined their doctrine : for by our deed we speake that in gods eares , which irreligious people , by word vttered to ieremiah his face , viz. the word that thou hast spoken vnto vs in the name of the lord , we wil not heare it of thee ; but we will do whatsoeuer goeth out of our owne mouth . but pardon me , and let me now with your patience intreate you to proue , not by mans pollicie , but by gods word ( according to your profession ) that princes may inhibit , or forbid the works of pietie and charitie . preach . neighbour , you still begge the question , which is the common fallacie of the common sort , who dote vpon whatsoeuer commeth out of their owne mouth , as you said . for it is in question , whether the workes you cōmend , be the workes of pietie & charitie or no. but i will shew you by the word of god , that princes both may and ought keepe from assemblies , such as be no lesse daungerous to them , thā one scabbed shéepe is to an whole flock , and restraine the whole and sound frō vnnecessarie running into eminent daunger . this i will do vpon condition , that you will then shew me , what reasons you haue to doubt of so cléere a truth , or obiect against any thing i haue said , or shall say , that i may either satisfie you , or reforme mine own iudgement . prof. if i do not so , my second error will be worse than the former : for then i should be like them that pretended with protestation to be informed by ieremiah , but yet obeyed not his voyce , when it was against their mind : for the truth is , the longer we talke , the more i remember what is muttered by the common , and what obiected by the better sort . preach . vpon this condition i procéed , yet so , as not intending any large discourse : for i néede not , speaking to a professour ; and i would you should haue time enough to propound al your doubts . in one word therefore consider well this argument : kings and quéenes ought to be nurcing fathers and nurcing mothers to the church , so as that gods people may leade a quiet and a peaceable life , in all godlinesse and honestie . but this is an honest thing before god and men , that kings should ( out of a fatherly care ) preserue their subiects from destruction , by infection , as wel as by the sword . as dauid was no lesse carefull for his people , when the pestilence raged , than valiant in defending them against their enemies . againe , what other thing do sundrie lawes and customes of israel teach vs ? priests were forbidden to drinke wine or strong drinke , that they might put difference betwéene the cleane and vncleane : that euery leaper and euery one that had an issue , and whosoeuer is defiled by the dead , shold be put out of the host : that garments and houses defiled by leprosie , should be destroyed : that euery one to do the worke of nature , should go out of the hoast : and that the dead were buried out of the citie . what ( i say ) do these lawes and customes ( well considered ) teach vs in their equity , but that gods people should be carefully preserued from filthinesse and contagion ? let vs a litle better consider the lawes of lepers , as most nearely concerning vs , and we shall find that they were not onely to haue markes to be known by , but also to giue warning to companie approching , by saying : i am vncleane , i am vncleane . whereby it is euident , that lepers should shunne other , and other should shun them . and it is as euident , that they were not to come into the house of god. for a king being a leper , was kept out thereof all the dayes of his life . much more may moses ( a magistrate ) shut miriam ( though his sister ) out of the hoast for . dayes . but the plague is more daungerously contagious being mortall , then the leprosie which is not mortall : therefore princes and magistrates ( which are called sheapheards ) may and ought to be very carefull , to kéepe the sound frō the infected , and the infected from the sound , especially in assemblies . as the sheapheard is carefull to keepe scabbed shéepe from his flocke , and his flocke from scabbed shéepe . let this suffice for this time : let me now heare your doubts . prof. as king agrippa said vnto paul : almost thou perswadest me to become a christian , so i may say , you haue almost chaunged my mind . but yet for my promise sake , and for further resolution , i will propound certaine doubts : and will first begin with that which i know doth most trouble most men , especially of the poorer sort . to wit , they thinke it most extreame crueltie , to be barred from going abroad to seeke reliefe or maintenance for them and theirs , except they either had sufficient of their owne , or their wants were supplied . preach . i am of the same mind : for lepers might go abroad to séeke reliefe : but yet in such sort , as hath bene shewed . and so i could wish that our infected poore , sith they must néeds go abroad , wold remēber the . lepers , how they stood afar off , & lift vp their voyce , when they craued helpe of our sauior : so they would go abroad in such sort as authoritie directeth : to wit , out of the most frequented way , and with a rod in their hand . i say with griefe ( must needes ) for if authoritie had regarded these things betimes , when there were but few infected houses , they might haue bene well shut vp and prouided for , till they were cleansed , either of their owne , or the common charges . but what say you to those , who are not so poore , but that they may kéepe their houses at their owne charges , till they be cleansed ? profess . they thinke it an hell to be so long shut vp from companie and their businesse : the neglecting whereof is the decay of their state . preach . indéed this impatiencie is the cause why so many smother the plague in themselues and their families , so long as they can to the hazarding of life : but i aduise them to consider the resolution of paul , which was , neuer to cate flesh rather then he would offend his brother : much more ought they patiently to endure a litle restraint and losse , rather then to indanger the life of many . o bloud is a grieuous and crying sinne ! and therefore dauid would not drinke the water of the well of beth-lehem though he longed for it , because it was gotten with the ieopardy of liues , but called it blood . let them beléeue that god is able to giue them more then they loose by following his direction . let them know what this is : i will haue mercie , and not sacrifice . let them shew their faith by patience . for he that beléeueth , maketh no hast , being assured of gods promise : that in quietnes and confidence shall be their strength . let them imitate moses and aaron , who were as hastie in behalf of their sister miriam , but yet were perswaded by god to shut her out of the host seuen dayes . thus much for these goers abroad . but what say you now for those that come to church , in whose behalfe you séemed much affected at the first . profess . i was indeed affected as i seemed : but that which you haue said to goers abroade , belonging for the most part to commers to church , hath stopped my mouth : and the rather because i remember the king , who was kept from the temple , whiles he liued , for the leprosie . why then ( thinke i ) should not the infected with the plague be content to forbeare for a while , sith in the plague they vsually mend or end in short time ? preach . god be praised , for now you vnderstand and remember well , i haue therefore the lesse to say : only this , touching the comfort of soule , which they desire by comming to church . i pray them examine what true comfort they can haue , when they consider that they are more dangerous than they who go abroad . for in the church they sit by it , and that in a throng and heat : whereas if they humble themselues vnder gods hand , and tarie at home , though taking it as a part of their crosse that they kéep so long from the church ; i doubt not but that they shall find god ( who turneth his childrens bed in time of sicknesse ) as a sanctuary to them . and this i further say , that he rather is in the assembly of saints , who is there in spirit , though absent in body ; then he that is present in body , but absent in spirit . profess . all this ( as i vnderstand ) concernes such as being infected themselues , do yet come to church . but what say you to those who haue spacious houses , so as they come not neere the sicke of their family , and be sound themselues : may not they come to church as well as those , betweene whom and the infected there is but a wall ? preach . they may , as i am perswaded . but all things are not expedient which are lawfull . for many too foolishly fearefull ( another extremitie of this time , as generall and daungerous , as presumption ) knowing their houses to be infected , wil verily suppose that they haue béene about the sicke , and that the plague is in their garments ; and therefore if it fal out so that they sit together , their fearefull conceipt may bréede the plague . profess . o sir , are you of that mind , that the plague may be in a garment , and the partie not sicke ; and that one may take the plague onely with feare , and do you beare with such a conceipt ? preach . no , i do not . but i déeme them guiltie of their owne bane , who take it with such a conceipt . and yet i thinke euery charitable christian will grieue at the heart , that he should be the occasion of such a fright , and could wish that he had rather béen from the church a moneth , especially being in some sort gods prisoner , and the affrighted hauing likelyhoods that either he or his garment might be infected . that a garment may be infected , and the plague taken onely by feare , experience and reason do make manifest . concerning the former , it hath béene proued that clothes of infected persons layed vp and not well ayred , being opened though a yéere or more after , haue instantly renewed the plague . againe , we perceiue by the smell that garments wil retaine the sent of wormewood or muske for a long time : the cause is not in the sent by it selfe considered , but in the ayre which is the subiect of the sent . the plague in a garment is a poysoned aire ( being according to the nature thereof called by the learned the death of the ayre ) procéeding from the partie infected , and infecting the garment , though not perceiued by smell : as the open , cléere and wholesome ayre of the heauens is healthfull for the body , though not perceiued by smell . lastly , leprosie infecteth garments : and he that sléepeth or eateth in an house , shut vp for leprosie , must wash his clothes : which argueth that infection may be by the ayre , sith a man may eate in the house , and not touch the walles infected . if leprosie be so contagious , much more the plague , which is a stronger poyson , because it infecteth and killeth . profess . this is more then euer i heard and considered , and i think it reasonable : but i cannot conceiue how the garment can be infected , and yet the person that weareth it escape the plague . preach . i will shew you that in a word . do you not consider that either the infection may be but weake , or the party of a strong and healthfull constitution . cinders will not set fuell on fire so soone as burning coles : neither will gréene wood be so soone kindled as chips and drie deale-boord . profess . i now see and in some sort assent to your opinion : proceed therefore i pray you to giue reasons why by onely feare a man may be infected with the plague . preach . the spirit of a man will sustaine his infirmities : but a wounded spirit , who can beare it ? saith salomon . by spirit here is meant a comfortable heart , which animateth a man in all troubles : but if that fayle , hée is soone ouerthrowne . from the heart procéed ( as phisitions say ) vitall spirits , whereby man is made actiue and couragious . if they by feare be inforced to retire inward , the outward parts be left infirme : as may appeare by the palenesse and trembling of one in great feare , so that as enemies easily scale the walles of a towne abandoned by souldiers : so the plague ( especially in a season disposed to infection ) doth find readie passage into the outward parts of a man , destitute by feare of the vitall spirits which should correct the same . againe , as faith maketh vs partakers of gods helping hand , so vnbeléefe depriueth vs thereof : & feare ( aduersarie to faith ) pulleth to the wicked the euill which he feareth . profess . by this conference i haue learned to feare more then i haue done , and yet to take heed of feare : to feare because the plague may be caried about in garments , and therefore may infect me , keeping company with one that is cōuersant with the infected , i being peraduenture not of so strong a constitutiō as the party . to take heede of feare , lest i be guiltie of mine owne bane . preach . your collection is good , especially if you remember the distinction of feare in that sence which i haue often taught it : to wit , feare is contrary either to security , and so it may be called héedfulnesse , or to faith , and so it is cousin germain to despaire . but hoping that now you see our doctrine against vnruly and vncharitable going abroad of the infécted , either in person or garments , not to be a checke to pietie and charitie , i pray you tell me , what you can say for vnnecessarie and desperate running to the sicke and buried of the plague ? profess . what ? i tell you ( be it without offence ) that many maruell ( i will not say , cry out ) that preachers , who should be examples of loue and faith in visiting the sick according to their office , do yet so flatly speake against the expresse words of christ . for doth not he say : that we shall be iudged at the last day , according to our workes of charity , and amongst the rest , our visiting , or not visiting the sicke ? preach . o neighbour you now lay on loade ! i must therefore ease ( a litle ) the shoulders of preachers whom you charge heauily , for not visiting the sick of the plague ; before i can nimbly encounter your maine obiection . surely ye professours , who so vrge this pretended dutie , are farre from the louing care and kindnesse of the israelites , who would not suffer dauid to hazard himselfe in battell , lest if he , being woorth tenne thousand of them , were slaine , and the light of israel should be put out . againe , ye forget that christ said to him that desired to burie his father : follow thou me , let the dead burie their dead . if ye did consider this well , you could not but thinke , that as paule said , christ sent me not to baptize but to preach : so preachers may say : christ hath sent vs not to visite the sicke , but to preach , and thereupon cōclude ; that the lesse dutie ( if a dutie ) especially being daungerous , must giue place to the greater , and the visiting of a few sicke and lesse capable of instruction , must giue place to the teaching of the whole congregation , and more capable of doctrine and comfort . now if they visite euery one that is sicke , how can they attend vnto reading , and follow christ in the most proper and necessarie worke of the ministerie ? lastly , i sée not ( but herein i humbly submit mine opinion to the church ) that visiting the sicke is a proper dutie of a minister , as he is a minister . for as none can ordaine officers in the church but christ , so none ( as i am perswaded ) can prescribe duties to those officers , but christ . but i cannot find where christ prescribeth visiting of the sicke , as a ministers dutie . if not christ , why should any surcharge ministers , and the rather because they are not ( no not the best ) sufficient for duties prescribed ? did not the apostles pronounce it an vnmeet thing to be hindred from giuing themselues continually to prayer , and to the ministration of the word , by ministring to the poore , and therefore put ouer that duty to speciall men ? if the apostles extraordinarily assisted , by the spirit , both with gifts and blessing , cast off an impertinent burthen ( yea such an one as is no lesse necessarie then visiting . ) alas , why should ministers , who néede all helpes ( as much reading , diligent conference , and frequent meditation , ) be further charged than they are by christ ? indéed i confesse that a minister ought ( as you said ) to be an example of all good workes , especially of that as being the fittest man to satisfie the doubtfull conscience , to humble the stubburne heart , and to comfort the wounded spirit . profess . i neuer heard this matter doubted of before . but ( i pray you sir ) doth not iames say : is any sicke among you , let him call for the elders of the church ? doth he not vnderstand ministers by elders ? if so , doth not this place proue plainely , that it is a ministers dutie to visite the sicke ? preach . i say not but that it is a ministers dutie to visite the sicke , for example sake : and as he is more able to do good than other , but not as he is minister . i graunt also , that long since the same doctrine from this place hath bene gathered , which you now apprehend . so as vpon the same , papistes haue grounded their bastard sacrament of extreame vnction . which taken away , the cursed people ( which know not the law ) neither care to know it ( being euer addicted to superstitious vanities ) must néedes ( forsooth ) in stead thereof , haue a minister to visite their sicke , though they be more then halfe dead . as in stead of dirgies and trentals , they must haue funerall sermons for fashion sake . thus the holy ministery , and most glorious name of god must be abused and taken in vaine , by following the vaine humour of arrogant folly , which neuer cared for ministers , or sermons ( as al ought to haue done ) in time of health . i graunt that some professors ( for all this plague , whereby humours ( i trow ) should be mortified ) haue a mind , that funerall sermons attend their credit . so strōg a temptation is the pride of life incouraged by custome . but to come to the point : this place of iames doth not proue , that it is the proper dutie of a minister to visite the sicke . for the elders were sent for to heale the sicke by prayer and oyle , according to that miraculous grace which was then bestowed vpon them , for confirmation of the word : so that i am of your mind , that teaching elders be here vnderstood . which gift discontinuing , this canon is annulled : so that in time of pestilence , it is absurdly concluded : that because iames inioyned ministers to go to heale the sicke , therefore ministers must vpon euery call aduenture their liues , by visiting the sick of the plague . againe , if it be the proper dutie of ministers to visite the sicke , as it was the proper gift of elders , for confirmation of the word , to heale with oyle , then none must visite the sicke but ministers , as none must minister the sacraments ( which properly belong to their function ) but they . lastly , this word , elders in the plurall number , putteth me in mind , that ministers were in the primitiue church , assisted with other elders , ( for there were two sorts of elders ) who looked to the manners of people , and with deacons who looked to the poore , that they themselues might attend their studie , prayer , preaching , and the sacraments . why then should we thinke , that visiting the sicke , was laid vpon them as a dutie properly pertaining to their ministerie ? but rather that elders by spirituall comfort , and deacons by outward reliefe visited the sicke as there was néed : so that the minister was not troubled but in extraordinarie necessitie . as when none but he could satisfie the despairefull conscience , or mind doubtfull in a fundamentall errour , of one likely ( otherwise ) to die out of the faith . in which case , i thinke a minister ought to hazard his life . my reason is : it is the reueiled will of god that he must saue a lost shéepe : but it is gods secret , whether he shall be infected . and the rather because of the promise made to him that walketh in his way . the premises considered touching ordinarie visitation , thus i conclude , that as ministers are exemplarily ( but not as ministers ) to releeue the poore , according to their abilitie , and where they haue some speciall calling : so they are exemplarily ( but not as ministers ) to visite the sicke , according to their leysure , and where they haue some speciall calling . profess . i know not whether i should be glad or sad , for drawing from you so probable , and ( it may be ) a profitable discourse : but i will suspend my iudgement , sith you submit your opinion to the censure of the church , and proceede ( with your fauour ) to require the iustifying of that vncharitable doctrine ( so seeming ) against visiting the sicke of the plague , and so contrarie to christ his iudgement , as hath bene shewed . preach . but haue you shewed that the plague is expressed ? and haue you neuer heard , that there be few rules so generall , but they admit some exception ? by the same iudgement prisoners are to be visited , and yet none were bound in conscience to go into the dungeon there personally to visit ieremy , though he were the lords prophet . againe , you vtterly mistake the point : for the question is not whether the sick of the plague are to be visited ; which god forbid that any preacher should gainesay : but whether they are to be so visited and with such resort , as other sicke of diseases not contagious . lastly , in the place so much vrged , christ doth not necessarily require personall visitation ( though that also be comfortable in cases conuenient , and so required accordingly ) but real , that is , by reléefe , either brought , sent or procured : for in the . verse of that chapter you may find , ministring to christ vsed , for all other workes of charitie before specified . whereby it is manifest , that christ requireth not so much personall visiting , as charitable ministring to the necessitie of the sick . of all other , princes and magistrates ( who are foster-fathers and shepheards ) are to visite the sicke . but who will say they are to do it in person , and not rather by a faithfull care , that the sicke of the plague be wel prouided for . profess . but how can the sicke be wel prouided for , if none do personally attend them ? and if none be bound in conscience personally to visite , how shall they be attended ? preach . all this is true . but husbands and wiues , parents and childrē , masters and seruants , neare neighbors and deare friends , are mutually to attend each other : if otherwise conuenient attendance cannot be procured . profess . why do you adde this condition ? preach . because life is precious : so that we must not destroy the dam with the yong : and therfore séeing the plague swéepeth where it findeth many together , life ought to be preserued with as much care as may be , by separating the sound from the infected , except there be necessary cause of the sound , or some of their attendance or repaire . moreouer , it may be that the sound , or some of thē , be profitable members in the church , or common wealth : now the more hope there is of good by them , the more care there ought to be of their preseruation ; according to the peoples care for the safetie of dauid , before spoken of . profess . in my conscience this seemes to be very true : but i pray you tel me what you think of them who send their seruants vnto the pest-house . preach . right wel : especially if they want conuenient roome & other means at home : for i vnderstand of the cities right honorable and christian prouisiō for that house : i know diuers there wel vsed , and thence well returned : and it is extant in print , that when there were buried in and about london . in one wéek , yet of all pestred in that house there were buried but six . and therfore i condemne those that raised a slander vpon that house , holding them as despisers of gouernment , and wicked ill speakers of them that are in authoritie . prof. if you conuersed amongst people as i do , and must do , i know your spirit would be griued to see how ready they be to lay hold on euery light occasion and false report , to speake their wicked pleasure of gouernors . o that they would consider the example you lately in a sermon vrged of a plague kindled amongst the israelites , for charging moses and aaron with killing corah and his rebellious complices . well , god amend vs all , and giue vs grace to humble our selues vnder this his heauie hand , that we may be raised again and comforted , according to the dayes he hath afflicted vs. now i speake of cōfort ( that we may go on with the main matter ) i wold know ( if it might be without offence ) whether you would haue those pittifull creatures that are tormēted with the plague , to want the comfort , which they may take by the very presence of their good neighbors & friends , much more by their comfortable words ? preach . o neighbour ! i wish them all true comfort of body and mind , the lord knoweth , and i graunt that the very presence of those we loue , is very comfortable in time of sicknesse : but yet i aduise all visited with that deadly and contagious disease , to manifest their mortification from vnnecessarie desires , & their charitable loue to their friends , by not desiring them to come into far greater daunger than their presence can do good , without necessarie cause . and let them remember how dauid refused that water which was gotten with ieopardie of life , and called it bloud , though he had longed for it , & the daunger was past . as for comfortable words , i likewise acknowledge their speciall vse : but before i answer that point , let vs consider how needfull it is ( especially in time of mortality ) to hide in their hearts the word of life , lest wée be iustly punished with want of comfortable words , when we most need them : according to that of amos , where a famin of the word is threatned to despisers of the sabboth , and that at such a time , when to find the word , they would run from the east to the west . now to the point . sith all sicknesse ( especially the plague , vntill the worst be past , when cōfortable words are not vsually in great request ) maketh vs vnfit for long & learned discourses , & therfore short sentēces may ( through gods blessing ) do much good : whereby attendants & friēds , repairing for necessary causes , may sufficiently comfort the afflicted , according to that which is required by the apostle , in thess . . . except there be extraordinary néede of resolution or consolation , whereof i haue spoken before . again , the spirit of god is called a comforter , because he bringeth the words of christ vnto remembrance : and that especially in time of néed , as when we iustifie wisedome before authoritie , so when we are sick . for when the outward man perisheth , the inward man is renewed : so that we often heare , not onely men but euen children also , speake diuinely and admirably in their sicknesse . we may the rather make account of this holy assistance , if we follow christ his counsel in laying vp his words in our hearts , and praying for the holy ghost . all the premises constdered , i hope that you are now of my mind , touching the restraint , as of the infected from the sound , so of the sound from the infected . profess . indeede i confesse that your probable discourses haue won ( i know not how ) a certaine inclination to your opinion , but yet i must suspend my resolution , till you haue answered certain obiections against the maine grounds of your opinion : but before i come to them , let me haue but one word with you about buriall . i say but one word : for if those that are infected in person or garment , are to keep from church for a time conuenient : and if friends are to forbeare resorting to friends sicke of the plague , except they haue necessary cause , then i may ( of my felfe ) conclude , that we are not to throng after infected corpses ( which haue no good thereby ) without some reasonable cause . that one word ( i spake of ) is this , i would gladly know ( if i may obtaine that fauour ) your iudgement , concerning the direction of authoritie , that but sixe persons , besides the minister , clerke and bearers , should accompany infected corpses . preach . i dare not presume to iudge of the determinations of authoritie without sufficiēt reason , which i want in this case : but rather i am perswaded ( according to that i am commaunded by these words , honor thy father and mother ) to indge the best , and take it as an argument , that authoritie careth more for the liuing then for the dead , their pompe so dangerous in these times and not necessary , as wise men thinke . but mine own opinion is this i could wish the friends of the diseased would respect the preseruation of life more than complements of buriall . but i vtterly mislike that infected persons should thrust into the throng , and it grieueth me to heare how the poorer sort , yea women with yong children , will flocke to burials , and ( which is worse ) stand ( of purpose ) ouer open graues , where sundry are buried together , that ( forsooth ) all the world may see that they feare not the plague . this peruerse course of too too many , in doing that which authority forbiddeth , and despising that which authoritie commandeth , to wit , fasting and praier , occasioneth me to obserue a notable proportion betwéene the plague & the wickednes of this time : by which proportion , god séemeth to teach men to say in their hearts , we would not be ruled , neither by reason nor authority , therefore are so many , as it were distracted in their sicknesse , and by no meanes to be ruled : so that some leape out of the windowes , and some runne into the thames . as the rough spéeches of ioseph caused his brethren to say : as we would not heare ioseph , so this man will not heare vs. i rather obserue this proportion betwéene the vnrulinesse of our sinne , and the vnrulinesse of this sicknesse , because i find in the scriptures , that the plague was especially threatened against , and inflicted vpon wilfull offendors . at your leysure consider these places . leuit. . , , . num. . . and . , , . . sam. . , , , , . and you will perceiue as much . but now let me heare one of your obiections against the grounds of mine opinion . prof. the ground whereon you build your opinion , of separating the sound from the infected , is the law of lepers . which ( vnder your correction ) seemeth to be no rocke , but a sand , because that law was meerely ceremoniall . prea . nay sir , my ground is the mortall contagion of the pestilence , which we call the plague . indeed i receiue confirmation from the law of lepers . for thus i reason : if such care is to be had of infection which is not mortall , much more of the plagues infection which is mortall . and this argument holdeth good , your obiection notwithstanding . for the lawes of separating women in time of their flowers , and not eating strangled beasts , were ceremoniall : but yet husbands are now to forbeare the act of matrimonie in that time , and all are to take héede how they eate of strangled flesh , and both are to be héeded in naturall consideration of bodily hurt , which is still to be feared , in such copulation and eating . so leprosie is still infectiue , as experience sheweth : if now , why not then , notwithstanding the lawe of lepers was ceremoniall ? and the rather because in sacraments and ceremonies , there must be a resemblauce betwéene the signe and the thing signified : so that , as we obiect against transsubstantiation , and say : if the substance of bread and wine be taken away by consecration , how can there be bodily nourishment ? if no nourishment , how can our spirituall féeding be resembled ? so i say to you , if in the leprosie there were no infection , how could the contagion of sinne be signified ? prof. i graunt that in leprosie there was somewhat to signifie a sinne to be shunned . but that was pollution , not infection . for vpon occasion of this question , i haue read both the chapters cōcerning leprosie , and find them still mention vncleanenesse , and neuer infection . againe , if the leprosie were infectiue , how chaunced it that the priestes , who so often viewed the lepers , were neuer infected ? preach . do not you consider , that though all vncleanenesse be not infectiue , yet all infection is vncleane , and therefore you might haue vnderstood infection as well as any other pollution , by the word vncleanenesse . and though you find not the very word infection , yet you may find enough to make it euident , that the leprosie is infectiue . for it was not to be pronounced leprosie , except it were found spreading and fretting as a canker , or gangrene in a mans bodie . and why was the leper to couer his lips , and to to cry , i am vncleane , i am vncleane , but to giue warning , that none shold come within the infection of his breath ? as for the priestes escape , that is to be attributed to the prouidence of god , who set him on worke . as he promised to preserue ieremy and paule for that cause . prof. if my memorie faile me not , i haue heard you say , that the ceassing of man , presently after the children of israel had eaten of the corne of the land of promise , teacheth vs not to depend vpon extraordinarie meanes ( viz. miracles and such like ) when we may enioy ordinarie . so i thinke it may be said , we are not to suppose the extraordinarie prouidence of god , in preseruing priests viewing the lepers , where we may find an ordinarie , to wit , their not touching of lepers , whereby they might be defiled . preach . how find you that to be the cause ? sith you find not in both your chapters touching spoken of . whereas in the next chapter you find pollution communicated by touching and not otherwise in the vncleannesse of a man by fluxe of séed , and of a woman by issue of flowers . nay in this case of of leprosie , a man is become vncleane , by going into an house shut vp for leprosie in the wals , which he néed not to touch , as hath bene said . so that if you consider your two chapters well , it may rather appeare to you , that as the infection of the plague , so of the leprosie was communicated by the ayre , and not onely by touching . but suppose that pollution not infection , were the cause that cleane men should shunne vncleane lepers , lest they should be defiled , not infected ; yet this makes for my purpose . for if . pollution be to be shunned , much more infection , and that deadly . profess . i see i must either depart not fully satisfied , or come to a point which i haue hitherto auoyded , because i wold not offend you , whom i haue heard so carnest against it , so as you haue pronounced it to be a bloudie errour , to wit , it is stiffely maintained by no small number of people , that the plague is not contagious . preach . i graunt that mo than a good many do more stiffely than wisely maintaine that bloudie error , so i will call it againe and againe . for most of that many do wilfully maintaine that opinion , because they cannot abide to be gods prisoners . it is a death to be out of companie , and they had rather indanger a thousand liues , than want any part of their pleasure or profite . as may appeare by the discoured course of many , who hold the plague to be infectiue , while they and theirs be wel : but when they or theirs be infected ; thē ( forsooth ) the plague is not infectiue . so their reason followeth and is framed to their will , and not their will followeth reason to be ruled thereby . but me thinkes euery reasonable man should say to his owne soule : o let me be sure mine opinion touching the ininfection of the plague ( whether negatiue or affirmatiue ) be vndoubtedly true , lest by maintaining an error , in a case and time of so great mortalitie and vnspeakeable miseries , i do infinite hurt . for if it be true that the plague is contagious , then of necessitie , he that maintaineth the contrarie , is guiltie of the bloud of so many , as are incouraged by his opinion to runne into daunger . on the other side , if the plague be not contagious , then he that maintaineth the contrarie , is guiltie of all the wants and miseries of so many as want conuenient reliefe , not ministred for feare of contagion , apprehended by the maintenance of his opinion . but neighbour , i wonder that any should deny the plague to be contagious against so generall and wofull experience . do not the botches , blains and spots ( called gods tokens ) accompanied with rauing and death , argue a straunger infection , then that of the leprosie , to be iudged by botches and spots ? doth not the ordinarie experience of laying liue pigeons to plague sores , and taking them presently dead away , and that one after another , demonstrate mortall infection ? in that the plague rageth and raigneth especially amongst the younger sort , and such as do not greatly regard cleane and swéete kéeping , and where many are pestred together in alleyes or houses : is not this an argument of infection ? thousandes can directly tell , where , when , and of whom they tooke the plague . doth not all this make it more then manifest , that the plague is contagious ? all magistrates , all diuines , all phisitians , all learned men , and all wise men , in all ages , haue held the plague to be contagious . dare any but blind bayard , be so impudent to deny it , without such reasons , as may sway against so great experience , and so great authoritie ? if you haue any such , i pray you let me heare them . profess . that i haue any such i cannot say , in regard of the weaknes of myiudgment , as also of the probabilitie ( at least ) of that i haue heard already spoken to the contrary : but such as they be ( if it please you ) i will bring them out , humbly desiring your answers . the first , is thus vrged with open mouth : this opinion of infection doeth vtterly ouerthrow charitie towards the visited by the plague , being the cause , why they by whose meanes the sick and sound are especially to be prouided for , do runne away , viz. magistrates , ministers , ( such i meane as indeed were neuer faithfull , for ( blessed be god ) many faithful remaine ) phisitians and rich men : and why so many be thrust out of doores , perish in town and field for want of help , and are so cruelly vsed by country people : so that it is a very countermaund to christ his iudgement concerning visitation of the sicke . but by that which hath bin said , and by gathering from the last point we talked of , that the precise commaundement touching lepers to be separated from church and companie , was no hinderance to their visitation , but that they were to be ministred vnto , according to their need : i am for my part induced to lay the blame of all this vncharitable dealing vpon the excessiue feare of people , occasioned perhaps , but not well grounded vpon the opinion of the plagues infection : for though the plague be to be feared , because of the infection , yet ( as i take it ) not so excessiuely and inordinatly . for of such feare , the cause is want of faith , rather then the opinion of infection ; as i may partly gather from that which you deliuered before : i will therefore propound an argument ( so deemed ) which we haue not yet handled . preach . stay here a while , for i can not but thanke god that you iudge so rightly betwéene mine opinion , and others feare of infection . if professors would wisely obserue what is taught , there would not be so many spiders to suck ranke poison out of sound doctrine . then might we hold the plague in the nature thereof to be contagious , and men would not take occasion before it be giuen , of excessiue and inordinate feare : then might we inuey against excessiue and inordinate feare , and men would not take occasion before it be giuen , of inordinate and dangerous presumption : but foolish men ( as wise men obserue ) are euer running into extremities . if paul teach , that we are iustified by faith , without the works of the law ; the carnal gospeller taketh occasion before it be giuen , to neglect good workes . and if iames teach , that faith without workes is dead , the arrogant papist taketh occasion before it be giuen , to aduance good workes to merite and supererogation . mine heart bléedeth to heare of the crueltie and inhumanitie you mentioned : so that if i were in the cuntrey , i would ( by gods grace ) set my selfe against those damnable effects of inordinate feare , and make it euident that the plague is not so contagious as excessiue feare makes it to be . but now i follow this course ( which god blesse ) because i liue where the contrarie sinne of presumption is more generall , and more dangerous ; both because of that bloudy errour , as also of the absence of magistrates , who should sée good orders put in execution : through which default it is come to passe , that men , women and children with running sores , go commonly abroade , and thrust themselues into company , so that some haue perceiued when they tooke the infection of such . how many may be supposed to haue taken the infection from such , though they perceiued it not ? i would be loth to make magistrates neglecting their charge , guiltie of all this bloud : but ( if i were in place ) i would humbly and earnestly intreate them , seriously to consider the nine first verses of the . of deuteronomy , where they may learne , how fearefull they ( of all other ) should be of bloud-guiltines . but leauing them to gods direction , i pray you propound your argument so déemed . profess . that i will , and ( as neare as i can ) in such sort as it is inforced . if the plague be contagious , why is not one infected as well as another ? i haue lyen in bed with many that haue had the plague-sores running on them , i haue bene still about them , when they swet , their sores brake , and breath went out of their bodies , and yet i ( and a great number besides me , who haue done as much ) had neuer the plague yet , and trust neuershal , so long as i haue a strong faith in god : for is it not written , thou shalt not be afraid of the pestilence , for thousands shal fal besides thee , yet it shall not come neare thee ; for thou hast said , the lord is my hope . preacher . this aduenturous argument standeth vpō two points , viz. first the escaping of some , and secondly their strong faith . concerning the former , i answer , ( in the name of the opponent ) is thine eye euill because god is good ? wilt thou by thy bloody errour poison other , because god hath glorified his speciall prouidence ouer thée ? is this thy thankfulnesse for so great deliuerance , to obscure gods prouidence by attributing thine escape to this , that the plague is not infectiue ? consider better the very text alleaged for thy strong faith , and you may ( if you will ) sée clearely , that god doth hereby set forth his prouidence , in that he preserueth those that trust in him , and walke in his wayes , by angels , and then , when by the pestilence , thousands fall about them : for the greater the daunger is , the greater is gods prouidence in deliuering his people : as may further appeare by their walking vpon lions , aspes and dragons , mentioned in the same psalme . therefore take héede how you obscure the prouidence of god , and draw many into daunger by denying the plague to be contagious ; lest as he that feared not the day of the lord , met with a beare when he had escaped a lion : so you méete with a iudgement heauier to you , though you still escape the plague . but neighbour , i will turne my spéech to you , praying you to consider this psalme wel , and you shall sée me proue from the same the plague to be contagious . for if an extraordinary prouidence of god be manifested in preseruing those that beléeue from pestilence , then is the pestilence very dangerous : as be the lion , aspe and dragon , but the former is true , therefore the latter . if then the pestilence be dangerous to one that is in the middest of thousands dying thereof , it must néedes be so by contagion : as may further appeare , in that it is called noisome ; and in that it is said , it shall not come neare thee . but let vs trie the strength of the former part of that huge argument , layed downe in this forme . many haue bene with the sicke of the plague , when they swet , &c. & yet are not infected , therefore it is not contagious . certaine priests said to a philosopher , all these monuments which you sée in this temple , be in remembrance of so many deliuered from shipwracke , by prayer to the god of this temple . but ( quoth the philosopher ) can you shew me how many prayed , and yet perished ? as the philosophers answer was stronger against their god. then the priests obseruation was for their god : so it maketh much more to proue the plague to be contagious , to say : an hundred ( if not a thousand ) infected by being where the plague is , may be brought for one that escaped . againe , if that argument be good , then these be as good : many haue had the plague sores and were sick , and yet died not ; therefore the plague is not in it owne nature mortall . many run vpon the mouth of a canon , and escape , therfore canon shot is not murthering . profess . we see the canon shot to kil , but we see not the plague to infect . preach . by common experience it is obserued , that souring of drinke , and other effects follow thunder , wherunto they are attributed : and children take the small pockes comming where they be : though it be not séene how thunder and being where small pocks are , cause such effects . why then should we not feare aswell the pestilence that walketh in darknes , as the plague that destroyeth at noone day : sith by common experience it is obserued , that thousands fall sicke of the plague presently vpon their being where it is , though it be not séene how the infectiō is conueyed . truly the commō people herein do litle differ from brute beasts : in that ( for the most part ) they are moued by sense , and not by reason . prof. i feare it is so in too many : for going amongst thē , i hardly perceiue one of ten once looke for help , though they haue a rising of the plague in some part of their body vntil they be heart sick , & then often they seeke for help too late . whereas if in reasō they wold cōsider , that as the plague may be some good time in the garmēt , before it infect the outward parts , so it may be in the flesh a good while , before it strike the very heart , no doubt they wold betime preuent the worst . through which default i am perswaded hundreds do perish daily : but commending such to gods gracious prouidence . i pray you tell me what causes are giuen by the learned , why so many escape , though they be continually in so great daunger of the plague , as hath bene said . preach . there be causes both naturall and diuine . for naturall causes i referre you to learned phisitians . onely i will shew you somewhat , which euery reasonable man ( as i thinke ) may conceiue . before any qualitie , good or bad , can qualifie any subiect , the subiect must be first disposed thereunto , or capable thereof . the salamander liueth in the fire , though the flie , playing with the flame of a candle is consumed therewith . gun powder takes fire presently , but so doth not chalke . so persons of a tender constitution , or corrupt humours sooner take the plague , then those that be of a strong constitution , & sound bodies , as hath bene said : & some infected are much fuller of poisonfull corruption then other . the infirmities of many women in trauell , and other diseases turne vnto the plague . we sée few auncient people die in comparison of children , and the younger sort . lastly of those that kéepe a good diet , haue cleane and swéet kéeping , liue in a good aire , vse reasonable and seasonable preseruatiues , and be not pestred many in one house , or haue conuenient house-roome for their houshold , we see few infected in comparison of those , that faile in all these good meanes of preseruation , and yet will thrust themselues into danger . this well considered , may not an argument be drawn from hence , to proue ( euen by reason ) that the plague is not so infectiue as faithlesse people conceiue , and therefore they need not feare the plague so extreamely as they do ? but i will procéed to the diuine causes or reasons . the chiefe whereof is this : god worketh al things after the counsell of his owne will , and therefore he hath mercie on whome he will haue mercie , and none shall die but they who are appointed . for though the pharisies sought to lay hands on christ , yet they could not , before the appointed time came : and therefore be the plague neuer so contagious in it owne nature , none can be smitten with it , but those , whom god hath specially appointed . profess . here i remember an opinion of some people ( with whom i conuerse ) whereby they seeme to thēselues , to reconcile the difference , touching the plagues infection ; and that is this . let one ( say they ) go neuer so daungerously where the plague is , he cannot die before his time , and yet indeed he may take the sicknesse . what thinke you of this opinion ? preach . what thinke i of it ? as i do of other opinions which brain-sicke men ( despising the word of god , and ministerie thereof ) do forge in their owne phantasticall braine-pans . how wittie soeuer it séeme to them , i tel you it sauoureth strongly of epicurisme . for doth god dispose of capitall and principall , and not of lesse matters , as epicures dreame ? shall we say : the issues of death belong to the lord , and shall we doubt with the philistims , whether sicknesse be by chaunce ? if they knew the scriptures they might learne , that god forgetteth not sparrowes , but so regardeth them , that without him , not one of them falleth to the ground . doubtlesse gods prouidence is the same , though not alike manifest , in litle and great matters . profess . the more i conferre with you , the more i perceiue ( i thank god for it ) the presumptuous wit of foolish men , and herein i see euidently , that they measure the infinite prouidence of god , by the shallownesse of their owne capacitie . the lord graunt vs grace to vnderstand according to sobrietie . i haue another argument against the opinion of infection from the prouidence of god , but i would first heare some mo causes or reasons , why so many escape so great danger of infection . preach . neighbour you still harpe vpon , so many , so many . i tell you they be few or nonein comparison of them , who daily are infected by being within daunger of the plague . as for your desire to heare mo causes , i am content to satisfie the same . but i must first tel you , that he is happy who can know the causes of things , to the end you may content your selfe with those few i can presently gather out of the word . god preserueth some to manifest his power and prouidence . as may appeare by the . psalme before discussed : and by esa . . ( ) god will take none hence before they haue done him all that seruice , which in his counsell was appointed , as appeareth by these places , luk. . , , , and act. . . ( ) god reserueth some for an heauier iudgement , as may appeare by these places : . king. . . . king. . , . amos . , . and , towards some he perfourmeth his promise in preseruing them , in their wayes : that is , wayes whereinto god calleth thē : according to the . psalme , vers . . for which cause priests , though taking often view of leprosie , were preserued , as i shewed before , and kéepers , buriers , and such as haue necessarie cause of comming to the infected of the plague , are ( for the most part ) now preserued so that peter may boldly go on the water when christ biddeth him come . as you may reade , mat. . , . profess . i thank you heartily for yeelding me this satisfaction . for amongst all your good notes i take hold of the second with some comfort , and thereon ground this conclusion : if i shall not die , before i haue done god all the seruice i am appointed : why shold i be vnwilling to die , when my time is come , and not rather be prepared to say , yea sing with good old simeon : lord now lettest thou thy seruant depart in peace . but i misse one principall cause of preseruation from the plague : to wit , a strong faith according to the . psalme . preach . i thought verily you wold not let go your hold on that part of the mightie argument . but i assure you there is no such force in it , as it séemeth to haue . nay rather it ouerthroweth the former part of that argument . for in that psalme , the promise of preseruation is not made only , to our taking hold of gods promise , but also to our walking in our wayes . wherefore as that faith which standeth vpon the precept ( which is implyed ) to walke in our wayes , and forgetteth ( as it were ) the promise of helpe , sauoureth of distrust in god. so that faith which taketh hold of the promise , neglecting the precept , sauoureth of presumption , and therefore hauing no promise ( with cōfortable assurance ) cannot hope for preseruation . againe , though faith do equally respect both the promise & the precept , yet sith all temporall blessings are promised , not absolutely but conditionally , so farre as the performance of them shall be to the glorie of god , and good of the beléeuer , as i wil proue if néed require , it cannot be otherwise assured of preseruation , then with respect to those conditions . if without such respect it be absolutely assured , thē it is not faith , but presumption . except you will haue it to be a miraculous faith , which taketh hold of the will of god instantly and by inspiration reueiled . but that faith liueth and dieth with miracles , because ( i say againe ) it hath no promise . for howsoeuer saluation be absolutely promised to beléeuers , because it is reuealed that the performance of that promise is for gods most glory and the beléeuers best good , and is therefore absolutely to be beléeued : yet because it is not reuealed at any time , that then the performance of a temporall promise , is for gods most glory and the beléeuers best good : therefore a temporall promise , is in the nature thereof , conditional , and accordingly to be beléued . lastly , do you not perceiue that the stronger faith is required , the greater danger is supposed . but if the plague be not contagious , what daunger is there ? if no daunger , what néed of faith ? profess . there is no need you should proue your conditions : for they stand with all reason , sith god hath made all things for his owne sake , and promiseth deliuerance for his glory sake , and his promises pretend the good of his people . but yet it will not out of my mind , but that godly men who die in this plague , do therefore die because they faile in faith : i meane not touching their saluation , but touching the particular promise of preseruation from the plague . therefore i pray you for my better instruction , shew me how by the death of godly men dying of the plague , and beleeuing the promises both of eternall saluation and temporall preseruation , god may haue glory and the deceased benefit . preach . i graunt that a right godly man may faile , as in obedience to the precept of kéeping his wayes , by presumption : so in faith to the promise of preseruation , by feare , especially when he heareth nothing but crying of wiues and children , mourning of husbands and parents , sorrowing of friends and kinsfolke , and withall séeth the plague wéekely to increase from tens to hundreds , from hundreds to thousands , and to draw nearer and nearer to himselfe , and that god in visiting him may iustly take hold of this feare : for peter walked on the water for a while , but when he saw a mightie wind , he was afraid and began to sinke . but this position , a godly man dying of the plague failed in faith , touching promised preseruation , i hold to be as vnsound as this : all godly men dying before their dayes be long , failed in honouring their father and mother . but i will shew you in a word how the death of godly men dying of the plague , and in the absolute faith of eternall saluation , and conditionall faith of temporall preseruation , may be to gods glorie and the beléeuers good : for by the death of the faithfull , god glorifieth his iustice and wisedome . his iustice amongst the wicked , in giuing them cause to say , if god spare not the gréene trée , what will become fo the drie ? his wisedom amongst the godly , least they should say , for our righteousnesse we are deliuered . as for the good of the beléeuer , i maruell that you should forget that which is so often taught in funerall sermons , that as the wicked are reserued for a further mischiefe , so the righteous is taken away from the euill to come : besides , that he resteth in glorie from mo and greater labors , then the wicked are commonly subiect vnto . profess . god helpe vs , for our owne conceiued errours will hardly out of our minds , but we easily forget that which may reforme our iudgement . well , acknowledging that you haue fully answered my first argument , i proceed to another , grounded on the prouidence of god , in this sort . if god shoote his arrowes at a certaine marke , and not at randon , if none die before his hower : and if those that are appointed to die , shal dy , and those that are appointed to perish by sword or famine , shall so perish , and none other , as you proued euē now ; otherwise i had those proofes ready for this purpose : then if i go where the plague is a thousand times , i shall not die of the plague , if god haue not appointed me to dy thereof : and if he haue , i shall die thereof though i come not neare it by a thousand miles . preach . how now neighbour , stay you there , shall we haue no conclusion ? all this is granted : but what infer you hereupon touching our question ? profess . trust me sir you pose me now . i haue shot the bolt which many deeme to be a kill cow . but indeed i know not to what purpose . preach . then may you sée what kind of reasoners heady people be : euen such as are blamed by god for darkning the counsell of god with words without knowledge . but to vse the words of paul , if god will , i will know , not the words of them that are puffed vp , but the power . to bring this about , vnderstand that vpon that ground of gods prouidence , you must of necessity frame one of these two arguments , if you will reason to the purpose : none can die of the plague but such as are specially appointed thereunto , therefore the plague is not contagious : or this : none can die , &c. but such &c. therfore we may as boldly resort to them that are sicke of the plague , as to those that are sicke of any other disease . which of these cōclusions do you like better ? or do you like both ? or will you make some other that may serue your turne better ? profess . if neither of these will serue the turne , i cannot imagine any other : for my dull wit could not so distinctly haue gathered these . i see that learning is a good help to iudgemēt : for the very framing of these in this seuerall sort ( which i neuer heard before ) maketh me stagger . for the former conclusion seemeth now to be absurd : for ( as i now conceiue ) by the same reason , the bloudy sword in a furious battell , and extreme famin amongst a multitude of miserable poore people , may be concluded to be in their owne nature without daunger of death : for in the same chapter of ieremy ( now so much vrged ) it is as well said , such as are for the sword to the sword , and such as are for the famine to the famine , as such as are appointed to death vnto death . as for the second conclusion , if the plague be contagious , i see not how it holdeth good . but yet i pray you to say somewhat to it , that i may the better satisfie my selfe and other , as occasion shall serue . preach . certaine anabaptistes of amsterdam , crossing the seas vsually without any weapons , were demanded why they did so , considering the dunkirkers were then abroade ? they answered , if god haue determined that we shall fall into their hands , we shall not escape though we had all the guns and weapons in the world : if god haue determined otherwise , we shall escape though we haue no weapons , nor any shew of defensiue prouision . another being sicke of the plague , and aduised to take some phisick , denieth so to do , vsing the same argument . what thinke you of these conclusions ? profess . if the onely setting downe of your former conclusions , did make me stagger , the laying of these by them ( and that in so goodly proportion ) must needs make me stumble : for now i see not , but that we may as wel hold it vnnecessary to eate and drinke , though it be for a yeare together , if god haue determined that we shall liue so long . preach . there is great difference in the cases propounded by me , and that propounded by you . for it is impossible to liue a yeare without meate and drinke , except god worke a miracle : but the anabaptists might happely escape the dunkirkers by not méeting with them : & there may be in a man , though in outward appearance dangerously sicke of the plague , yet some secret power of nature to preuaile against the disease . profess . all this may be ; and yet because the anabaptist , and sicke man do not know that god hath determined such a misse , and graunted such a power , they both presume ( in mine opinion ) as well as he , that refuseth meat and drinke : because they neglect lawfull meanes , the one of defence , the other of recouery . preach . now haue you hit vpon the very point . for god , who is onely wise , hath in his counsell determined the meanes as well as the euent . which appeareth , as in the case of eternall saluation , wherein we sée , that god calleth all them to faith , whom he * predestinated to life : and cōtrariwise , he leaueth them in their reprobate minds , whom he hath ordained to condemnation : so in cases of temporall deliuerances . for though god graunted hezekiah recouery , yet he prescribed a plaister for his sore . and though paule was assured by an angell , that not one in ship with him should be lost : yet , if they had vsed any other meanes of preseruation , then god had determined , they could not be safe . and howsoeuer christ could not die before his houre ( as hath bene sayd ) yet his life was preserued till that houre by shunning danger . on the other side : as god had determined to giue sihon & his land vnto the israelites , so he made his heart obstinate to refuse peace , the onely meane of his preseruation . profess . i perceiue your meaning ; namely , from all these instances to conclude , that as god hath determined to infect any with the plague vnto death , or otherwise , so hath he determined , by what meanes they should be infected : i graunt all this . but do you thinke that taking infection one from another is the onely meane ? preach . no : for there must of necessity be ( a first ) that is infected , & we sée the godly aswell as the wicked , and not onely yong and poore folke , but ancient and wealthy persons : yea , such as dwell in a good aire , and auoid infection with all care , to haue the plague as well as other : for otherwise how were it a calamity , or a iudgement ? and yet many of them ( i doubt not ) are infected by being in company of some other infected , in person , or garment , though they do not perceiue it many dayes after , for causes giuen before . but to answer your question more fully : i will tell you , what i thinke further : to wit. as god himselfe bringeth some to their destruction , by working vpon , and by the spirituall corruption he findeth in their soules , as pharaoh and sihon , but many moe by outward meanes , as our first parents and rehoboam : so he himselfe infecteth some , by turning the naturall or accidentall corruption he findeth in their bodies into the plague , but ( according to his prouidence ) he visiteth many moe , by the meane of taking infection one from another . but howsoeuer god striketh whom he will unmodiatly , yet the plague being contagious in it owne nature , it cannot be denied , but that one man may be infected by another , except gods prouidence be to the contrary ? now because that cannot be knowne , but by the euent , therefore as the anabaptist , sicke and hungry men presume ( in your opinion ) when they neglect the meanes of their defence , recouery and feeding : so he that doth not keepe himselfe from the daunger of infection , except he haue a necessary calling , doth by such neglecting his owne safety , presume on gods prouidence . for ( to confirme you in your opinion ) it is written : that secret things belong to god , and reueiled things belong to vs. so that i may conclude , that sith the prouidence of god touching life or death is secret before the euent , and it is reuealed , that the plague is contagious : therefore it followeth , that howsoeuer it be true that none can die of the plague , but such as are specially appointed thereunto , yet there ought not to be that bold and free resort to them , that are sicke of the plague , as to those that are sicke of any other disease . to confirme this point further , thus i argue : a wanton or vnnecessary putting of god to the manifestation of his power or speciall prouidence , is a tempting of the almighty : as may appeare by these places , psal . . . . esa . . . math. . . . but to runne into danger of the plague without necessary cause , as they do , who resort as boldly and fréely to them that are sicke of the plague , as to those that are sicke of any other disease , is wantonly and vnnecessarily to put god to manifest his power and speciall prouidence in preseruing them from the plague : therefore to runne into danger of the plague without necessary cause , as they do , who resort as boldly , &c. is a tempting of the almighty . the assumption or second propositiō i proue by the fourth of mathew , verse , . . where satan would haue perswaded christ to cast himselfe downe from a pinacle of the temple , vpon this presumption , that the angels had charge to preserue him , being the sonne of god. where it is to be noted , that christ doth not take knowledge of satan his abusing the psalme . by him alleaged , in putting in these words , at anie time , for these , in all thy wayes : but alledgeth another scripture forbidding vs to tempt the lord our god. whereby it is euident , that to presume vpon gods protection , when we are not in our wayes , or to neglect meanes ( as the staires of the pinacle were ) is to tempt the almighty , and that without necessary cause : to runne into danger , as satan would haue had christ to haue done , is to be out of our wayes , therefore to runne into danger of the plague , without a necessary cause , is to tempt the almighty . thus you sée , that from the prouidence of god , you cannot conclude , that either the plague is not contagious , or we néed not shunne it more than other diseases . indéed vpon that ground , he that hath a necessary cause of resort where the plague is , may thus argue : it is the reuealed will of god , that i am in my way , and therefore haue a promise of preseruation , if it shall be to gods glory , and my good , and it is not reuealed , that i shall be infected , therefore i may procéed with hope and comfort . i say more from the prouidence of god manifested , the beléeuer ought in euery affliction , to conclude thus : howsoeuer i vsed meanes as dauid did to preuent this affliction , yet perceiuing by the euent that god hath decréed it , i will ( by his grace ) take it patiently as dauid also did . thus for your satisfaction i haue sayd that which i thinke sufficient to the second conclusion . but yet if you haue any thing to reply , or any other argument to obiect against the infection of the plague , i would not haue you ( in any case ) to hold it in . prof. if i staggered and stumbled before , how is it likely that i should be able to reencounter now in this skirmish ? i am therefore to seeke supply from another obiection , which if you ouerthrow i must yeeld : for i remember no moe . but before i assault you with that , perceiuing by your discourse , that shunning the plague is the cause of preseruation , as being within the danger thereof is the cause of infection , i pray your iudgement touching flying into the country for feare of infectiō : which some iustifie , by these words of salomon : the prudent man seeth the plague , and hideth himselfe . other say this place is misconstrued , yea some preach against flying into the countrey because of the plague . preach . if you had sayd , a cause , in stead of , the cause , you had more rightly reported my mind : for i haue deliuered sundry causes or meanes of infection and preseruation . amongst the rest , i thinke , going , and abiding in the countrey , to be an excellent meane ( in it selfe ) of preseruation . but that this meane may be sanctified to them that vse it , let it be considered , who may take the benefit thereof , and how it is to be vsed . i thinke that they whose residence is not necessary , may take the benefit of going into the countrey , as well as a man , who hath a large house , may remoue from one side infected , to another not infected . but let vs further examine this point by considering those . sorts of people whō you taxed for running away , viz. magistrates , ministers , phisitians , and rich men . as for magistrates and ministers , i thinke they should be resident : the one for reasons i gaue before : the other for reasons no lesse euident . for when will they offer to god the supplications of his people for helpe and health , if not now , when their miserie is so great ? when will they comfort the afflicted , if not now , when there be so many wofull husbands and wiues , parents and children , friends and kinsfolkes ? when will they preuaile against sinne with the word of exhortation , if not now , when men are humbled with the punishment of sinne ? and when will they do good by preparing men to patience , and teaching them to make good vse of affliction , if not now , when ( euery houre ) they looke to come to the triall of their faith and wisedome in christ iesus ? i will say no more , sith christ hath sayd inough , when he setteth it downe , as a property of an hireling to leaue the shéepe when he séeth the wolfe comming . as for phisitions , i onely propound this question : whether they be bound in conscience to be resident , in regard of their profession , and ability to do good , or they may vse their liberty to shift for themselues , & ( as they thinke ) for their liues , in regard they are no publicke persons , and liue ( not by a common stipend , but ) by what they can get . but howsoeuer this question be answered , i dare say thus much , that a phisition , who may do much more good than a keeper , hath as great interest in gods promise and prouidence . there remaineth rich men to be considered , vnder which name i vnderstand also such as are able to prouide for themselues abroad . i thinke they may go and abide in the countrey , sith the good they can do ( as they be rich men ) is to reléeue the sicke and néedy : which they may do well inough , without their residence , if they were so well minded . to which purpose i spake somewhat before . but though they may be non resident , yet they must not vse their liberty , as a cloake of their naughtines , and therefore let them consider : how , or with what cautions , they are to vse that benefite . the cautions be two : one concerning feare . the other concerning loue. their feare must be neither excessiue , one argument whereof is , their carelesnesse to prouide for their soules , so they shift for their bodies , nor too litle , which appeareth when they forget miserable ierusalem , and giue themselues to pleasure . out of their loue , they are to mourne with , and pray for their distressed brethren , as if they themselues were in their case : they are to be no lesse liberall in reléeuing their afflicted neighbours , then they should be , by order from authority or otherwise , if they were resident , and they are to haue a speciall care , that their seruants whom they leaue behind , may be well gouerned while they be in health , and well prouided for , if they fall sicke . if they flie , not respecting these , or like cautions , or good considerations , preachers ( as you say ) reproue them iustly . otherwise i dare say they do not . prof. indeed your cautions make me remember , that they speake much what to that purpose . but sir , i cannot let you passe without saying somewhat to that place , concerning hiding our selues from the plague : and the rather because some excuse their not comming to church thereby . therefore i eftsoones craue your iudgemēt touching the same . preach . will you let nothing passe ? well . that i may incourage you to séeke resolution , and not ( as many do ) build opinions vpon so vaine imaginations , i am , and will be willing to satisfy you as i may . the truth is , many abuse that place to iustifie their inordinate feare , taking hold of the words plague and hide . amongst other , they who will not come to church because of the plague : of whom i would demaund these questions : whether they thinke that because of the plague , the lords day should , by warrant of gods word , cease to be sanctified by an holy assembly ? if not , but that rather speciall dayes of publike humiliation and prayer , are to be ordained and kept , during the visitation : then what dispensation haue they to be away from holy assemblies , more then other ? againe , if the promise of protection belong to such , as frequent holy assemblies in time of this visitation , as to those that trust in god and walke in their wayes : and if god can strike them with the plague , as well tarying at home , as comming to church , what griefe will it be to their conscience ( if god do strike them ) to consider that they haue failed in faith , forsaken their wayes , and are found in their sinne ? touching the place , whereunto you would haue me say somewhat , thus i vnderstand it . the word plague doth signifie a stripe , or stroke , and therefore not onely the pestilence , but euery punishment for sinne is meant thereby . hiding is put for preseruing , as ioash was , by hiding preserued from murther . but it is to be considered , from what a prudent man hideth or preserueth himselfe . in a plague two things are to be auoided . the wrath of god , and the punishment it selfe . that men may take héed of inordinate feare , let them know that a prudent man hideth not himselfe , or obtaineth preseruation from the former , otherwise then by prayer and fasting , faith and repentance . for we cannot hide our selues from god , who is infinite , but by god himselfe . that is : as the woman appealed from king philip sléeping , to king philip awakened , so a prudent man hideth himselfe from gods wrath , vnder gods mercy , which is as great as himselfe . as we may learne by these sayings of dauid : in the time of trouble the lord shall hide me in his tabernacle . and : how excellent is thy mercy , ô god , therefore the children of men trust vnder the shadow of thy wings . as the prudent man hideth himselfe from the punishment it selfe , he vseth , and may vse lawfull meanes , temporall , as well as spirituall . and therfore a prudent man may vse lawfull meanes of preseruation as well from the pestilence , as from other lesse plagues , or strokes of gods anger : & by consequence , if shunning infection be a mean to preserue , as being within danger is a meane to infect , then a prudent man may flie out of the city infected , into the country not infected : prouided his residence be not necessary , and he obserue cautions conuenient , as i sayd before . this is mine opinion touching flying into the countrey for feare of infection , and that place concerning hiding our selues from the plague . now let me heare your last obiection , if you remember no moe . profess . i haue troubled you so long , that i trow it is high time to come out with my last obiection , and yet ( i tell you ) it is deemed none of the least : for it seemeth to be against all reason , that the plague should be infectiue , seeing it is spoken of in the scriptures so often , and yet in no place is said to be infectiue . preach . howsoeuer that séemeth , i am sure this is against all reason , to make the bible a booke of phisicke : or to conclude thus , the scriptures do not in any place say that the plague is infectiue , therfore it is not infectiue . it may be as well concluded thus : the scriptures do not in any place say that the french disease commeth by whoredom , therefore it commeth not by whoredome , and by consequence whoredom is not to be feared for that cause . i obserue with griefe the humour of most to be this , if they haue a mind to any sinfull pleasure , vnlawful profit , or erronious opinion , thē they stoutly demaund : what expresse scripture haue you against it ? contrariwise , if they haue no mind to any holy duty , then they must know where scripture doth expresly commaund it . but neighbor , tel me , do you not thinke that baptizing of infants is lawfull , sith it may be iustified by sound conclusions from the word , though in all the new testament , there is neither precept for , nor example of baptizing infants ? prof. no doubt of it . but can you proue the plague to be infectiue by conclusions ? if you can , for gods sake let me heare some , & then i wil beleeue , through gods grace , and informe others as wel as i can . preach . what néed you be so earnest for proof out of the scripture , sith i gaue you before an argument out of the . psalm , which may be sufficient to proue a point , wherein the scriptures séeme to be so silent . but that i may giue you contentment ( if i can ) at our parting , i will shew you some other scriptures which speake to this purpose . in the . of ezechiel , verse . god nameth foure principall iudgements appointed to destroy , viz. the sword , famine , noisome beasts , and pestilence : where note , that ( without question ) thrée of them be fit means in their nature to destroy many : why not the pestilence ? consider further , that god doth not threaten to destroy by dogs , buls or such like creatures ; but by noisom beasts , such as should destroy not to satisfie hunger , but to make hauocke : as may appeare by the destruction of thrée and forty children , only by two beares : so in that god doth not kill by the burning ague , consumption , or any other disease , when he meaneth to destroy many , but by the pestilence ( which also is called neisome in the . psalme , verse . . ) it is to be gathered , that the pestilence is a destroyer by infection : and the rather , because god saith in the . of leuiticus , verse . when ye are gathered in your cities to escape the sword , i wil send the pestilence amongest you . why should the pestilence be more noisome when people are thrust together , then when they be seuered , but that it is cōtagious ? lastly , in the . of the acts , ver . . paul is called a pestilent fellow , or ( according to the originall ) pestilence it selfe . and why ? because as the pestilence is contagious , so was he accused to be by sedition and heresie . doth it not now appeare vnto you by the scriptures , that the plague is contagious ? profess . it doth , i confesse it freely , and thanke god that i had the grace to come to you for resolution , beseeching his heauenly maiestie for christ his sake , not to charge me with that bloud wherof i may be guiltie , by incouraging my selfe and other , vnnecessarily to runne into danger , in maintaining that bloudy errour , as you rightly call the denying of the plagues infection : which error i wil neuer defend againe whiles i liue , but will hereafter ( by gods grace ) take heed ▪ as well of headie presumption , as inordinate feare . preach . i also thanke god with you , in the name of christ , for this blessing of our conference : but neighbor , i must put you in mind , and charge you with your promise , to informe others . for it may be that people , howsoeuer ( for the most part ) they learne corrupt opinions one from another , sooner then sound doctrine from the godly and learned ministers , yet they may conceiue this truth better by your familiar talking with them , then by my maner of teaching . as children learne sooner to speake by pratling one with another , then by hearing the discourses of their parents . therefore as christ said to peter , when thou art conuerted , strengthen thy brethren : so i eftsoones require you , that being reformed in iudgement your self , you wil wisely and zealously indeuor to reform the iudgement of other in an error of so great danger . and withal i desire you , that if you méet with any argument against the plagues infection , or for vnrestrained repaire to the infected , that is worth the answering , let me know it , and i promise you either humbly to yéeld to the truth , or clearely to answer it when god shal be pleased that we méet againe . in the meane while let vs pray that god would sanctifie this grieuous visitation both to prince and people , that thereby the king ( whom god preserue from all contagion both bodily and ghostly ) séeing so many thousands of his people dying wéekely , and that in his royall citie , and beginning of his raigne , may be occasioned to take héede that he leaue not his first loue , decline not from his professed sinceritie , and be not drawne away from his owne stedfastnes , but rather to vow reformation of whatsoeuer maybe found by diligent inquirie , to be offensiue in the church and common-wealth , and that thereby the people may be stirred vp out of a true faith to séeke the lord , with contrition of hart , confession of mouth , and amendment of life , that so he may be found in due time to heale the sores of his people , and to restore health and wealth to israel . all which god grant for christ his sonnes sake , in whom he hath professed himselfe to be well pleased , as being the mediatour of the new couenant ; whereby he bindeth himselfe not to take his mercies from vs , though he chasten vs with the rods of men . to whom ( for this time and euer ) i commend you and all our neighbours . farewell . faults escaped . pag. . lin . . reade deceased for diseased . pag. . lin . reade resist for correct . pag. . lin . . reade our for their . pag. . against line . set in the margent pag. . pag. . lin . . reade stronger for straunger . pag. . lin . . reade vaine for name . pag. . against lines , , . set in the margent pag. . math. . . luke . . . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e gal. . . . pet. . exod. . . . psal . . . . . . . notes for div a -e iam. . . e●a . . . . pet. . ro. . . . thes . . . ioh. . . act. . . . . . ioh. . . ier. . . ier. . & . . . esa . ● . . . tim. . . sam. . . & . . leuit. . . num. . . . . leu. . & . deut. . . . luk. . . ioh. . . heb. . . leuit. . . . chro. . . . numb . . . . ezec. . . . act . . luk. . . . cor. . gen. . . psal . . . . sam. . , , . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rom. . . esa . . . & . . numb . : , &c. . chro. . , . psal . . ezec. . . . cor. . . esa . . . . cor. . . . lev. . . & . . pro. . . & . . mat. . . & . . pro. . . phil. . . . mar. . . . tim. . . mat. . , . . sam . . & . . . mat. . . . . cor. . . tim. . . . . luk. . eph. . . mat. . . . . cor. . . . . cor. . act. . . . . . esa . . iam. . . ioh. . . ier. . . . mar. . . heb. . . . chor. . . . . . . tim. . . act. . . . rom. . . . ezec. . . . psal . . . . pag. . ier. . . mat. . . . kin. . . deuter. . , , . iud. . numb . . . . psal . . . . sam. . , , . amos. . . , . ioh. . . luk. . . . cor. . luk. . . & . . ex. . . gen. . . . leuit. . . & . . leuit. . & . leuit. . . . tim. . . . leu. . . ier. . , act. , . ios . . . leu. . : , , . vers . . . pag. . pag. , , . . pag. , , & . pag. . rom. . . iam . . pal. . , , , . mat. . . psa . . amos . . . psal . . , pag. . pag. . eph. . . rom. . . icr. . . ioh. . . psal . . . . sam. . . luc. . . mat. . rom. , . pag. pag. . luk. , . luke . , . pro. . pal. . , & . . mat. . . . luk. . . deut. . . esa . . . rcu . . . luk. . . pag. . iob. . . . cor. . . ier. . . * rom . . . act. . . ioh. . . . math. . . . iude . . kin. . . . act. . . . . . deut. . . . pag. . exo. . . deu. . . gen. . . &c. . chro. . . . deu. . sam. . , . pro. . pag. . pag. . . ioh. . . pag. . . pet. . . psal . . . . & . . . amos. . . ro. . . psal . . . . . heb. . . . cor. . . . . tim. . . . chro. . . psal . . . &c. eccl. . . psal . . . & . . pag. . pag. ▪ . kin. . . luk. . . mat. . . heb. . . sam. . , . loimologia a consolatory advice, and some brief observations concerning the present pest. by geo. thomson, dr of physick. thomson, george, th cent. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing t estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) loimologia a consolatory advice, and some brief observations concerning the present pest. by geo. thomson, dr of physick. thomson, george, th cent. starkey, george, - . aut [ ], , [ ] p. printed for l. chapman, at his shop in exchange-ally, london : . dedication on a v is signed: george starkey, m.d. and philosopher by the fire.rful chymical remedies against the present pest. caption title on p. reads: tria pharmaca loimo-sychia: or, a ternion of powerful chymical remedies against the present pest. 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion loimologia . a consolatory advice , and some brief observations concerning the present pest. by geo. thomson , dr of physick . london : printed for l. chapman , at his shop in exchange-ally . . to the ingenious and industrious iatrochemist , dr george thomson , in approbation of this his work and designe . sir , upon your communicating to me the substance of a designe you had in hand for the publique good , in offering some things to consideration for the prevention and cure of this pestilence which god in judgment hath sent upon us , let me assure you , and by these lines i desire to certifie all whom it doth or may concern , that i embrace your designe ( utrisque ulnis ) and willingly desire , and god assisting shall endeavour to further it in my practice , and hope all that are true chemists will be of the same judgement , and confirm it to the world by effectual deeds , that their mind is so resolved and fixed . god prosper your designe , and bless your endeavours , preserve your person , and incourage your spirit , and increase the number of able iatrochemists , of your mind ; which is the hearty prayer of your cordial friend and brother , george starkey , m. d. and philosopher by the fire . tria pharmaca loimo-sychaia : or , a ternion of powerful chymical remedies against the present pest . scire tuum nihil est , nisi te scire hoc sciat alter : si sciat hoc alter , scire tuum nihil est . as it is the duty of the divine to communicate what he knows to another , otherwise his knowledg is given him in vain : so it behoves the physician to conceal the mysteries of his art , and to be cautious how he layes open those arcana's he possesses , lest they be vilified and disesteemed by the vulgar , who are ready to spurn at , and tread upon the most pretious things : yet withal he is obliged not to put his candle lighted under a bushel , but to expose it to open view , that it may illuminate those that are in darkness , without eclipsing the honour and credit of the noble science of pyrotechnical philosophy . wherefore seeing ignoti nulla cupido , no man can value any thing unless he be acquainted with the worth of it ; i have condescended to the persuasive arguments of my friends , to divulge some active chymical remedies , ( yet much inferiour to the best i am master of ) in these contagious times , which ( being duly taken ) will ( through a blessing from above ) be powerfull in preserving from and curing this heteroclite and feral disease the pest , from which ( to their infinite shame ) the ablest of the galenists cowardly and unworthily run away , leaving this great city destitute of their help , when it most stands in need of it ; causing others through their detestable example to despond , and to become faint-hearted , who otherwise by confidence and resolved magnanimity , the best preservative in nature ( forasmuch as none was ever infected by the pest , but either from an idaea or image of hatred , terrour and diffidence in the phantasie of the individual person , or in the archeus , the innate spirit of every part of the body , as helmont hath proved ) might withstand , exclude and conquer , so truculent , sell and cruel an enemy . needs must the common people , who alwayes look , non qua eundum , sed qua itum est , be possessed with pannick fear , and precipitately betake themselves to their heels , when their principal leaders that should stoutly conduct and animate them , become tergiversators and fugitives . if straglers , desertors , and runnawayes in an army ( when they are to go upon service ) ought to suffer loss of life and estate ; i see no reason why these men , whose function obliges them to stand out to the last , should deserve less punishment if they deliver such a vast populous city to the fury of so implacable a foe , a sickness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , without striking a stroke against the one , or defending the other to the utmost of their power . for my part , although i could enjoy my ease , pleasure , and profit in the country , as well perhaps as any galenist ; yet i would rather chuse to loose my life , then violate in this time of extream necessity , the band of charity towards my neighbour , and dedecorate that illustrious profession i am called to , in hopes to save my self by a speedy discession , a remote procession , and a leisurely recession , according to that infamous , and infidous advice which galen hath given his disciples . far be it from me : i shall rather follow heroick helmont , who hath taught me better things ; and shall by my personal presence , and best medicines , put out my self to assist any one whom god shall afflict in this kind . i therefore shall recommend to the world this ternion of effectual chymical remedies , in the certain experience of whose singular vertues in malignant fevers , i am well instructed , and am assured by some late instances , that they are preservative and alexipharmacal ; and taken in opportune time , therapeutical and sanative . the name i appropriate to the liquor , is tinctura polyacaea , from the excellent vertue it hath of preventing and healing many maladies , according to my long observation of it . it corroborates the stomack and its ferment ; enliveneth and invigorates the archeus , the vital spirit , being circulated with the blood into all parts : it mortifies malignant atoms , enabling nature to profligate and expel the poison of the plague by sweat , cleansing away the morbifick matter by expectoration and urine . it may safely be exhibited at any time , in any place , to persons of whatsoever age , sex , and constitution , according to these instructions following . for prevention , give to children of half a year to two , to the quantity of a spoonful or two : from thence to six years , to two or three spoonfuls ; to elder persons three , four , five , six , or more spoonfuls , morning , noon , and night , or pro re nata , as as occasion requires . if any find himself discomposed in his body , let him go to bed , and take one paper of this powder , which i call pulvis pestifugus , in a spoonful of beer and sugar , drinking strait after a third part of the glassful of tinct . polya . and another part three hours after , and so the third : let the party sweat being moderately covered , and let him not think much if he be sickish after the taking thereof . a third part or half of this powder may be given to those that are under ten years . it is to be repeated twice or thrice , or oftner , with tinct . polyac . according to the magnitude of the disease . let children infected take every half hour or an hour a spoonful of polyacea . the chymical pills which i call tutelares , are to be taken a little before a light supper , one , two , or three , according to the age and strength of the person ; immediately after , three or four spoonfuls of tinct . polyac . and as much the next morning . they are very preservative , opening the spleen , cleansing the kidneys , purifying the blood , resisting corruption , expectorating and diaphoretick , causing sometimes a stool or two in twenty four hours ; if not , they are very safe and profitable . they are to be taken two , and sometimes three nights together , ceasing two or three dayes , and then repeating them . whosoever he be that maketh use of these chymical remedies to a purpose according to my rules set down , will i am certain have cause to be grateful to the most high , and to give that respect to true chymistry which it deserves . as i find these present medicines applied to the welfare of mankind without abuse ; so i shall be encouraged publickly to expose ( salvo honore artis spagyritae ) better things for the benefit of my country-men , whom i plainly see are deceived and wronged on every side , both by galeno-chymists , and likewise pseudo-chymists . if any desire to be accommodated with these or more noble chymical preparations in this sad time of contagion , let him repair to the place of my abode without algate , nigh the blew boare inn. some observations made in reference to the present pest . divers of the learned have narrowly enquired into and descanted upon the cause of this feral truculent disease , many accusing the air , some mephitical , noxious , fracedinous odours from the earth , others condemning our food ; most of the galenical gang ( seduced by astrologers ) attribute the universal cause of the pest to the heavenly bodies the stars , who ( as they say ) through their malevolent aspects , pernicious light and motion , dart an epidemical poison into the air , and so infect it with a tabiferous corruption ; hoping hereby to excuse their fugitive desertion of their patients , and gross ignorance in physick , from an impossibility of curing this grievous calamity . wherefore consulting with the augures coeli , those uncertain conjectural prognosticotors of our times , they have most of them made good the more certain prediction i made in galeno-pale without astroscopie , a good space before this pelt brake out among us , that they if some epidemical contagious disease should reign in the city ( according to their master galen's dictates ) would quickly run out of it . certainly this last opinion is most absurd and ridiculous , not unlike the physicians that patronize it : for 't were in vain for them to shelter themselves in the country at any time from this raging disease , if it depended upon an universal cause , so that the air were generally conspurcated and defiled by the stars according to their sense . i grant that the air is topically hurtful , by reason of those expirations arising from certain limited places , abounding with corrupt , filthy , foetid matter , which contracting a venomous serment , and exhaling , may very well annoy and infect the spirits ; but to impute this to the innocent stars , such glorious creatures , is only worthy of such noxious galenists , who frequently argue a non causa pro causa . if i may freely give my judgement , i shall under correction deliver it thus . 't is well known to all physicians that have been strict investigators of the nature of diseases , that none hath been more frequent and predominant among us , then the scorbute , being very grassant at this day , omnia transformans sese in miracula mundi , disguised in a thousand forms , counterfeiting any disease , even those that it seems to have very little relation to , as i could instance at large . now sometimes contemplating the strange diffusive nature and encrease of the scorbute , the high degree of malignity it did aspire to , and how it crucified and vexed poor mortals , making a meer mock at the trivial medicines of the dogmatists , i could not be perswaded but that in process of time it would at last cause ( upon outward irritating occasions ) some tragical catastrophe among us , and express in a direful manner , the grievous effects of that subtil poison which lay coached and linking in the body . seeing then there hath been in mans body such a previous scorbutick malignity , and still is , being now graduated and exalted to a high pitch of virulencie , from several occasional causes from within and without ; and sith it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as it were an ape imitating most effects , i conceive it no great paradox or absurdity to assert , that this present pest hath principally derived its being from this scorbutical disease with whose nature it much symbolizes , most of whose symptoms are parallel to each other . it is undoubted that they are both malignant , poisonous , and contagious , possessing and affecting the same parts alike , the duumvirate , that is , the stomack and spleen , as appears by the symptoms and products common to both , as great oppression about those parts , suspitious respiration , cardialgie , nauseousness , vomiting , extream pain in the head , vertigo , swimming , agrypnie or want of sleep , lethargical dulness , profound sleep , lypothimy , palpitation of the heart , fainting , sudden debility of the parts , unreasonable fears , terrors , despair , and confusion , dyspnaea , irregular and difficult breathing ▪ a violent flux of the belly , various tumours , erysipela's , virulent ulcers , sugillations , black and blew stroaks , spots red , black , and blew ; all which accidents may be distinguished from other diseases , but are so co-incident with the present pest and scurvie , that they seem to differ but only secundum magis & minus . these are both anomalous and heteroclite from other diseases , arising , ( as i said ) from an absolute poison in their kind , which making an idaea or character in the archeus or vital spirits , play a miserable tragedie in this microcosm , now concise and expedite , then taedious and prolix , according as the venom is wound up to a high or low strain , by a strong or weak preternatural ferment . now the occasional causes remote and more immediate , are multifarious , that concur to the production of this virulent matter in mans body , initiated , promoted and consummated , by the archeus irritated , debilitated , and put by its scope through several outward crosse contingents from those things without which we cannot subsist , which as they are menaged , modified , habilitated , and used , so affect us to our preservation or our ruine . for the archeus , the principal instrument of the soul , is never idle , but is alwayes acting what may tend to the welfare of the whole , unless it be extimulated , interrupted , and debarred by any thing that is hostile to it , so that when it cannot bring to pass what it would , it forthwith delineates the figure of that , which a strange exotick matter endued with a seminal power represents to it : hence emerge and appear the different idaea's of the poison of a mad dog , tarantula , and scorpion , each of which do express inseparable uniform symptoms , that any judicious man may discover , and with confidence conclude , that that venom came from one , and this from another kind of animal . it is well known , that , where there is an affinity , concordance , and proximity of substance , there is an easie conversion of one into another . now since this nearness of kin plainly appears between the scorbute and the pest , we have very good reason to conceive , that the former hath hitherto been in its minority , and that now it is come to majority , or full ripe years , and acts its part with that unwonted celerity , sutable to its magnitude , disposition of the air , and season of the year , and may not incongruously be termed pestis scorbutica , they being promiscuously joyned with each other ; whence come those phaenomena's & signs that i have observed in this modern pest , discrete or discernable from the ancient . 't is certain the pest is morbus peculiaris suae speci●i , and had an existence before the scorbute was known commonly among us ; yet we are forced to grant that there is at this day a strange complication , connexion , mutual contexture , transmigration , degeneration , and transplantation of diseases , insomuch that the cause of the first eruption of the lues gallica revealed in a vision to the laick helmont mentions , seems to me not very improbable , that some prodigiously , transcendently lecherous souldier at the siege of naples , where this disease came first to light , copulated with a farcy mare , whose very vas naturae or vulve was over-run with purulent and carious ulcers . hence this holy man conjectures that the reason why this monstrous plague ( that is truly called flagellum scortatorum ) never appeared before , is , because the like portentous horrid fact ( in expressis terminis ) was hardly ever committed since the creation . now that there is a notable alliance of symptoms between the venereal pox in man , and the farcy in a horse , is well known to those that are acquainted with the nature of them , being both cured by mercury . wherefore upon such an unspeakable unkindly coition , it is no wonder if there was a transition of the virous contagious ferment of the mare into mans body , upon which followed a gonorrhaea , venereous bubo's , nodes , and many stinking ulcers , quite of another tribe and family from those that are ordinary . thus may seeds and ferments of a different kind variously mixt and blended together , produce something of an irregular , heteroclite , unusual and hermaphroditical nature , which afterwards subsisting by themselves , may possibly propagate their like . thus 't is not dissonant to reason , that some salacious seaman , whose sperm was tinged with some foul filthy disease , exercising venery with a nasty leprous-like putrilaginous harlot , did in some short space after , lying with a wholesome woman , infect her ; and so grafted upon her issue that then unknown plague we call the scorbute , which in length of time did spread abroad and diffuse its miasm , or infection , being at first fomented and quickned by maritime unwholsome exhalations and fogs , and is now rampant and grassant in all places in these parts remote from the sea , extending its self like a gangrene , sending out subtil aporrhaea's or effluvium's into the air , that contaminate those that take them in , either by the pores of the skin , or inspiration . one thing is very remarkable , that the symptoms of the scorbute at this day are of a discrepant and diverse face from those of former times : and withal it is to be taken notice , that it lies dormant and latitant in the body , not easily to be detected or manifested but by a physician accurately versed therein . therefore it ought not to seem strange , if such a sly , close , insinuating , treacherous , proteus-like disease doth easily shake hands with the present pest , to which it is so neerly allied . this presupposed , ( and i hope i may live to demonstrate it more cleerly ) may instruct us , that scorbutical remedies mixt with anti-pestilential and alexipharmacal , are very convenient and effectual in this present pest , as i have found by some experience ; and that it is a great vanity to trust to those fruitless dull medicines of the galenists , as theriac . londin . mithrid . diascord . theria . venet. elect. de ovo , &c. if some active chymical preparations can be procured , which i perceive some few honest knowing and ingenious apothecaries labour after , with their own fingers , who are to be trusted and encouraged ten to one before a sophisticating , ignorant , dull , pseudochymist , employed by a company of idle lurdans , a sort of men they call galenochymists . moreover , i observe that the doctine of helment hath much truth in it , that never any one had the pest , but the soul framed a character or idaea thereof in the archeus , through an imagination of hatred , terror , and horror , joyned with a strong credulous conceit that it had received the contagion . wherefore i infer that the principal preservative and cure of the pest , is , to fortifie the archeus or vital spirits , and to expunge that idaea of detestation and fear which caused it foolishly , credulously , and timerously , to give way to the pestilential impression . in this case , all those things that generate audacity and confidence in the spirits , are of high concernment and efficacy ; but whatsoever diminish , enervate , and elumbate them , are to be avoided . wherefore those nations are highly to be commended , that forbear to mure up in too severe , solitary and doleful , manner those that are infected ; which imprisonment being tristissima mortis imago , is enough to make one despair , to be out of heart , and to become heautoutimoroumenos , to destroy that which might otherwise be preserved . to visit , relieve and exhilerate any one whom god hath wounded with this pestilential arrow , is the part of a truly-religious samaritan ; as to flie from him , or keep aloof , when he may preserve or do him good , is onely proper to some distrustful wicked priests , levites , and galenists . the mahumetans may justly reprove and shame us christians , who conceive themselves obliged not to omit general acts of charity for fear of some particular nocument or damage . i humbly conceive , with submission to the higher powers , that it might be more conducible to the body politick and ▪ natural , if this rigid course of enclosing the infected so strictly within so narrow a compass were mitigated : for hereby intercourse of trading might be kept alive , and so miserable poverty prevented , which hath always an equipage and train of sad calamities and plagues attending upon it ; and magnanimity and undauntedness of spirit procured , which questionless would in some measure both exclude and master this pestilential poison . certainly none but such an heathen as galen would have given his disciples such impious and uncharitable advice , as to leave poor distressed wretches to a lord have mercy on them , when their presence ought to comfort , and their medicines ( if they had them ) to heal their grievous sore . well , i hope there will be now a seasonable discovery made how perfidious and miserable comforters these galenists are in time of greatest exigence ; and hereby the world will be rid of a plague far worse then this present . for i believe none but those that are stupid , blinde , partial , interested , and wilfully accessary to their own destruction , will ever look upon for the future with a favourable eye , such basely ▪ pusillanimous , and such egregiously-unskilful physicians . now it appears perspicuously , that they are no better then a crumenaemulga natio , a purse-milking generation , as one says . i wish they were not sanguini ▪ mulga , and had not onely exhausted the purse , but also the veins of their miserable patients , leaving them at length in the lurch . it were not amiss for the magistrate to force these fugitives to return to do their duty , and compel them to visit the sick , and to take ( as well for cure as prevention ) those unnecessary antidotes they have left behinde according to their wise directions . upon my word , if our governours be so pleased , i will without presumption take any of them by the hand , and draw them to some infected patients , to feel their pulses , to peep into urinals and close-stools , view their tongues , as they boldly used to do at other times , when there was least need of them . yea , and because they boast they are such excellent anatomists , we will dissect together a pestilential body , that they may ( if they can ) inform me better where the subject of that disease is : and for prevention and caution , they shall take their preservatives and sanatives , and i mine ; and then let the world judge whom god favours most , and who fares best . if they refuse to condescend to this , i hope the sage magistrate will be pleased hereafter to favour signally the true artists , and to reject these counterfeit and useless doctors , making them ( as they really deserve ) mundi iudibrium , a laughing-stock and a by-word to the world . which if the higher powers be pleased to listen to , some other chymists and my self will be engaged to convince by undeniable instances of fact , that there is means to be put in practise , which may ( through a benediction of the almighty ) be prevalent to preserve many in this vast city from the jaws of this unsatiable monster , which otherwise are like to be devoured by it . lastly , i cannot but take notice how that effectual means ( not to be refused by any wise man , according to solomon ) which the good creator ( who is philanthropos ) hath ordained , is slightly , superficially , supinely , and perfunctorily exercised and pursued , both in reference to the physician , and likewise those excellent medicines that have of late been discovered , in some measure appropriate , sutable and proportionable to the grand diseases that are regnant among us . who , but those that are bewitchedly blinde , wilfully cross and contradictory , beyond a most obstinate jew or fanatick , would still persist to feed upon husks , achorns , and other trash , when they may be satiated with the finest wheat-flour , prepared in a most exquisite manner ? i think some have in them the perverse genius of the wild irish , that would by no admonitions and intreaties whatsoever be disswaded and warned from tying the plow to the horse-tail , out of a superstitious observation and reverence to that old custom of their fore-fathers ; although an infinite better way was made appear to them . i have , i suppose , ( if some refined wits understand any thing ) ripped up , and sufficiently anatomized , usque ad sceleton , ( so far as a short treatise would permit ) the huge deformed bulk of the monstrous , mutilated galenical body ; insomuch that the most wise and acute spectators and auditors of this nation , ( who have taken the freedom to deliver their judgement as the thing is in it self ) have concluded that it was high time for such an unweildy , lazie , cumbersom , goodfor-little , voracious , animal sarcophagum , cruorem consumere natum , a devourer of more then bel and the dragon , having surfeited himself with bloud and humours , should now expire or breathe out his last , and become food for the birds of darkness . yet i perceive there are some of the spawn or issue of this polyphemous gyant left , that ( according to the proverb , cat to its kinde , what 's bred in the bone , will ne'r out of the flesh ) are hunting up and down for their prey ; and rather then fail of it , will feed upon pestilential bodies , which they much loathe and detest , being afraid to come nigh them , were they not necessitated to it . these minorite phlebotomists and cathartists ( being the small remainder of those many considerable ones that are vanished and gone i know not whither in a trice , ( i wish into utopia ) who are still hankering after the food they were first nurs'd up with , have gone about to perswade the world ( some part being so mad to give credit to them ) that they are able to do something extraordinary for the prevention and cure of this present infection . wherefore an inconsiderable number of the inferiour rank , ( left behinde that large drove which is gone to seek out fresh and more wholesome green pasture ) out of i know not what desperate despiteful humour to the spagyrists , to keep a little while above water their now-ready-to-sink reputation , will venture to trust to that very wise directory , a legacie their learned departed forefathers have left the citie , included in their last testament , wherein they manifest they are no longer willing to breathe in this unsanctified impure air , and upon this account have commended to them some of their pupils dignified with the title of honorarii , ( how well deserving , let them look to it . ) these , in hope at least to save themselves , if not their patients , especially if they can but surreptitiously get some chymical medicines from us , will at a hazard , upon this pinch , try what a dry fume of gums will do , a costly pomander , a composition of figs , rue , and walnuts , ( a ruful medicine to trust to , if all were known ) mattbias plague-water , or aqua epidemica , ( i wonder they forgat s. luke's water , for more credits sake ) an electuary of london-treacle and wood-sorrel , ( i am perswaded a leg of veal and green-sauce is far better ) bole-armeniack ( no whit better then tobacco-clay , but that 't is dearer , and farther fetched ) the eating of sorrel for a breakfast in the summer , ( for fear of heating ) and barberries in the fall of the leaf , ( to keep them upright . ) if these avail not , if they light upon rich families , ( let the poor shift for themselves ) then they will provide for them ( taking a share with them ) pearls , hyacinch-stone prepared ( after their gross way ) bezoar-stone of the east , unicorns horn , ( equivalent to harts horn ) lignum-aloes , ( strange they omitted gold , but that i believe they mean to put that into their own purse ) made into a dredge-powder , ( or rather a dreggie powder ) or they will make them up into lozenges , and give them the name of manus christi , ( though , be it spoken with reverence , he never had the least finger in it , nor without doubt ever allowed or approved the prescription of the forenamed concretes for the preservation or cure of the pest. ) if these fail , they have aq. theriacalis stillatitia , ( which indeed every nurse knows is the best thing ( though sluggish enough in comparison ) they possess ; ) yea , and ambergreese dissolved in spirit of sack ( to make them lusty . ) nay , they will ascend one step higher , to balsamum sulphuris , elixir proprietatis , either of which if they can make perfectly right , i will be bound to kiss their hand , had they a plague-sore upon it . had i not spoken of a sore , i should have forgotten their fontanels or issues , by means of which they hope , if the infection enter in at one hole , it will run out at another . lastly , they tell us they have three great remedies ( to be magnified i am sure only for their mischievous effects ) bleeding , purging , and vomiting , which rarely ( they say ) have plate in the plague , but are generally dangerous : ( that 's truth in all diseases whatsoever , menaged by them ) and therefore not to be used , but ( i assert , not at all ) upon some extraordinary urgent indicant or just occasion ( when i pray is that more visible then in the pest , when a mans life is most in danger ? ) and with the greatest caution ( equal with catching the contagion ) which only an able physician ( i would fain see such an one among the galenists ) can judge of . i plainly smell the reason of that : they would fain have their fees , but they are loath to fetch them , ( and truly by my consent they shall never be sent to them ) and therefore no advice in general , ( nor in particular by them ) can be given . and what then signifies your three great remedies ? no more to be trusted to then broken reeds , being so far from relieving and supporting a poor wretch , ( that vacillates and staggers up and down , intoxicated with this venomous disease ) that they penetrate and wound him to the heart , throwing him quickly flat on the ground . if these your great remedies , be not to be trusted to , how shall any venture upon your small ones ? i wish ye had carried them all along with you , both great and small , and we should have had a fair and happy riddance both of such useless doctors and the like remedies together . then perhaps this populous city would have given an ear to those physicians and remedies , which are neither generally nor particularly dangerous , as they were formerly falsly accused by you . it is one of the greatest riddles in the world to me , that some men , very perspicacious and knowing in other things , should suffer their lives to be thus trifled and squandred away by these galenists , the best whereof dare not confide in their own three great remedies , and withall deter others from the use of them , being conscious to themselves that they are not really worthy of the name of remedies , or any way to be trusted to for the cure of this fierce sickness . we supplicate the immense god he would be pleased to give the worthy magistrates of this city an understanding heart , that they may consult , and forthwith execute , what may be efficacious for the preventing the depopulation and ruine that is like to be from this contagion . wherefore we shall humbly propose that there may be a competent number of such able chymical physicians employed , that may visit the infected in this city , take them by the hand , cheare them up by couragious expressions , giving them those active medicines , that will ( auspice den ) if the poison have not too far seized upon the spirits , mortifie and expel it ; using all industry whatsoever to preserve the rest of the family from contagion ; to purifie the air , to clense the utensils of the house to purpose from any venomous odour : which we will undertake to perform , depending upon the bounty and free gift of the magistrate as we may deserve , ( only we desire we may have commission , encouragement and countenance from him ) without contracting for a stipend in a higling manner , as the galenists of late insisted upon , and a certain chymist too much a suffenus postulated , when his majesty out of his gracious care for the town of south-hampton , commanded an election to be made of an able spagyrist to be dispatched away forthwith for the stopping the raging infection in that place . the person whose fortune it was to be chosen , could not rest himself satisfied with the kings royal word and pleasure ( which would have been reward enough to a truely-ingenuous man ) but he must stand upon stipulation , upon a contract and mercenary terms , with the most potent prince in christendome , to the great prejudice and disgrace of this noble art , and the disrepute of the learned professors thereof : which unhandsome action i for my part declare to the world , utterly to disowne , and shall always renounce the subscription to such dirty things : and to take off any aspersion upon my self in this particular , i openly protest that it was done without my consent or knowledg , having not been at their convention this half year . for i am resolved never to joyne with some men that carry an enterprise to bring a black cloud upon learning , and a vile estimation upon schools of sound education ; and shall always defend decency , eutaxie , and good government in the church and state : although the galenical gastri-mytho's , those deluding whisperers , have otherwise ( but falsly ) represented me to the world , by the mouth of that paltry fellow iohnson . yet thus much i profess ▪ that i shall not be wanting to give due respect to the meanest chymist whatsoever in his station , supposed he be philomathes , a well-wisher to literature , industrious , conscientious , and honest in his way ; and shall also joyn with him ( as it becomes me ) for the promotion of the spagyrical faculty , and give thanks to him for the least mite of knowledge he shall cast into this vast philosophical gazophylacium , wherein are contained profound pyrotechnical secrets . after this little digression , let 's return and address our selves to the prudent senators of this great city , to whom we humbly tender our service in our profession for the good of the distressed nation , not in a precarious manner , for want of employment , or a lucriferous design for our own interest and self-ends ( which we scorn and detest , not unwitting that merx ultronea putet , offered ware stinks ) but really and cordially for the relief principally of our calamitous neighbour , whose skin is daily sacrificed to moloch . if we receive an auspicious and serene influence from authority , we shall plainly demonstrate , that ( imploring a blessing from the father of lights ) we are able to save those who would otherwise perish in the hands of the galenists : and then we doubt not , deserving well herein , our generous covernours will shew themselves grateful to us , and will in some proportion recompence us according to our merits : if not , ipsa quidem virtus sibimet pulcherrima merces ; we shall rest our selves contented that we have done what becomes honest and knowing physicians : and that no exceptions may be taken at us by a company of meerly titular pharisaical chrysalides or outsides , some of us here nominated do declare without cracking ostentation ( common to our antagonists ) that we can vindicate our selves graduates , having taken the degree of doctors ex condign● as in right we deserve it , not as a company of unworthy medicasters , asini phalerati , that have acquired it by custom , money , or the intercession of friends ; whose nakedness would become shamefully ridiculous and contemptible to the world , if they were stript of their doctoral gowns . for our parts , we had rather be what we ought , then seem to be : and to this i doubt not but most ( if not all the persons here mentioned ) will subscribe . chymical doctors . chymical students and practitioners . dr iohn frier . mr thornly . dr ios. dey . mr tho. norton . dr william currer . mr mar. nedham . dr thomas troutbeck . mr tho. odowd . dr ever . maynwaring . mr tho. williams . dr p. massonet . mr iere. astel. dr spranger . mr ed. cooke . dr horsington . mr horsnel . dr geo. thomson . mr febure .   mr tho. smart .   mr kefler .   mr tho. tillison .   mr wilson . elogium sulphuris : a brief commendation of the admirable vertues of sulphur . sith many of our unfavoury galenists , whom 't was high time to lay aside , are become on a sudden mercuries , ( 't is strange by what art , considering their dulness , and corpulent indisposition ) and have taken their flight from us , ( certainly timor addidit alas ) we know not whither , perhaps into the new world in the moon ; farewel frost : better lost then found : and we hope we shall never see them more . however , we are very glad they have left us sulphur behinde : truly no thanks to them ; for in promptu causa est , the reason is plain : it is too divine and pure a thing , according to the greek etymon , for such terrestrial , foeculent humorists to meddle with . yet perhaps they would have attempted to have deprived us of it , if their departure had not been vel●cior euro , being hurried away in post-haste : and needs must be go the devil drives . withal , i call to minde , they do not much care for fire and brimstone , forasmuch as it is of too hot a temperament , and puts them in minde of another world , where the causos or burning fever much reigns . thus far comically . to be serious . we have great cause to magnifie the pantocrator and wise disposar of all things , who hath bestowed upon poor unworthy man so choice and rare a thing as the common mineral sulphur in so plentiful a measure . it is deservedly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , divine , from its excellent endowments , and eminent medicinal properties . there is reckoned two sorts of it . one ( which is the best ) is called by hippoc. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because it hath not gone thorow the torture or trial of the fire : it is named in the shops , sulphur vive , graec. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in that it being set on fire , burneth all away , without leaving any considerable caput niort or dross behinde . the other sort , that is usually made up into magdaleons of a cylindrical figure , is extracted out of pyrytes , the copper-stone , and other marchasites . this is justly counted the worser sort , having something arsenical in it , a kinde of poisonous fume arising from the pyrytes . now the sulphur vive was that hippocrates made use of inwardly and outwardly , with which he provoked ( as helment sets down ) large sweats in the plague , impregnating or filling generous wine with the gas or spiritus sylvestris , a most spirituous substance of sulphur , set on fire after this manner : he took an indifferent large narrow-mouth'd glass , putting into it a match made with brimstone , set on fire ; with which after he had sufficiently filled the glass with fumes , he stopped it close , suffering it to stand till such time the foresaid fume fixed to the sides of the vial ; and then poured so much wine into it , that filled about a third part thereof : and stopping the mouth of the glass very close , he shaked it notably , so long , till it had imbibed or taken up all the gas , or subtil fume of brimstone : and this sulphurated wine did the good old man give often with a little fluxed salt , for prevention of the pest , and promotion of the cure. which preparation i cannot but highly commend to the world , being ascertained of the excellent vertue thereof in resisting contagion and corruption , having in it something antidotal adaequately proportionable to such an exquisite poison ; being easily mixable with our archaeus , and thereby mortifying the invisible atoms of the pest , it rectifies the pernicious odour thereof . needs must that which so powerfully preserves bodies from fermentation , acidity , and putrefaction , be a prevalent remedy against this contagious disease . it is very remarkable , that any liquor or juyce well satiated with this fume , will keep fourty times longer then it would do otherwise , as i have often tried in several various humid bodies . moreover , i know not a better antidote against the poyson of a putid slut ; for her nastiness shall hardly offend a man , if the utensils and what she prepares have a sufficient tang from this purifying flame . it kills most insects , especially lice , if the linnen and woollen clothes be throughly and to a purpose sulphurated therewith , that the fume may penetrate them . now this is not to be done carelesly and slightly , as i generally observe it is ordered . for as good never a whit ▪ as never the better . he that desires to reap the benefit of this divine concrete , ought to put the quantity of a walnut or more into an earthen pint-poringer , setting it over quick coales till it take fire , placing it in the middle of a room , or the foot of the stairs , that every nook and corner may be delibuted and tinged with its odour , doing thus four or five times a day . for preventing or taking off any infection from clothes , set this porringer with the sulphur kindled , into a paile or firkin , and lay upon the mouth of it your garments , turning them with discretion . if any thing be well filled with this sulphureous spirit , the contagion will hardly take hold of it : if infected , it may easily be carried off by some repetitions of the ascending fume . take notice that there ought not to be added or mixed with brimstone any thing extraneous , as pitch , tarr , rosin , or the like ; for thereby you do but castrate or geld it of some part of its vertue , as some adulterators commonly do , that they may the better cover over their imposture of selling it at an excessive rate : thus ▪ suffitibus sua apocrypha annexuit satan , most divine things are polluted by humane inventions ; but let it be sincere and pure without fraud . what an excellent treasury of rich endowment the great creator hath infused into the sulphurs of all concretes , acute helmont hath plainly discovered : for , saith he , in sulphure sunt fermenta , fracedines , odores , sapores specifici seminum , ad quasvis transmutationes . these are mysterious stories to the galenists , every whit as strange to them , as regeneration was to nicodemus : wherefore i shall leave them to their wilfully-desired ignorance , without pitie , or further instruction : for i see they are best affected with a nihil scire , so it be lucriferous in their profession , and that 's to them amabilis insania , & mentis gratissimus error . yet what mundified sulphurs can perform , i shall in part satisfie the more ingenious , by the benefit that may accrue to mankinde from the use of the three fore-mentioned remedies of the inferiour tribe , which principally consist of vegetal and mineral sulphurs well purified . to conclude , my advice is , that who desire to preserve themselves from this present pest , do drink every morning either sulphurated wine , strong beer , or what liquor they please , wherein hath been steeped a large quantity of horse-radish-root , with five , six , seven , eight , nine or ten drops of good spirit of salt ; and no doubt they will finde a far better effect , then from a galenical electuary of london-treacle and wood-sorrel . finis . by the king, a proclamation for restraint of disorderly and vnnecessary resort to the court england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king, a proclamation for restraint of disorderly and vnnecessary resort to the court england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . [ ] p. by bonham norton and iohn bill ..., printed at london : m.dc.xxv. [ ] caption title. imprint taken from colophon. "giuen at the court at white-hall, the seuenteenth day of may, in the first yeere of his maiesties reigne of great britaine, france and ireland."--p. [ ]. contains plague precautions for meeting the queen at summer progresses to dover and elsewhere.--cf. stc ( nd ed.). reproduction of original in the harvard university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england. proclamations -- great britain. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion ❧ by the king. ¶ a proclamation for restraint of disorderly and vnnecessary resort to the court. the kings most excellent maiesty , hauing taken into his princely consideration , the many inconueniences which may fall out by the vnlimited concourse of people of all sorts to his court , or the townes or parishes neere the same , especially at this time , and in this season of the yeere , which growes euery day more dangerous for increasing the infection , already begun in the citie of london , and confines of the same ; and being graciously and prouidently carefull to take away and preuent all occasions tending thereunto , hath thought fit by aduice of his priuie councell , by this proclamation to publish and declare his royall pleasure and commandement concerning the same , that although his maiestie cannot but conceiue great ioy and contentment , when his louing subiects , out of their loyall and dutifull affections towards him , shall desire to see the persons of himselfe , or of his deare consort the queene , who is ( by gods blessing ) shortly to come ouer into england ; yet , in his princely care of his people , hee is contented to dispence with those publike shewes of their zeale , chearefulnes , and alacritie at this time ▪ lest the present occasions of ioy and reioycing , should produce a contrary effect , by dispersing the infection into other parts of the realme , where his maiestie shall keepe his royall court and residence . and therefore his maiestie doth hereby straitly charge and command , that aswell in the iourney , which himselfe shortly intendeth to douer in kent , for the reception of his deare consort , the queene , at her arriuall , as also in his , and her maiesties returne from thence , and in all other iourneys and progresses , which they or either of them shall make this summer now ensuing , till they shall returne to a standing house in winter , no person or persons whatsoeuer , not being thereunto called or appointed , or not hauing speciall cause of personall attendance at the court for his maiesties seruice , or for some necessary occasion of extremity concerning their owne estate , doe presume to follow , or resort to the court with petitions , or vpon other pretence , or vnto any citie , towne , uillage , or priuate house within twelue miles of the same , as they tender his maiesties displeasure , and will answere for the same , as contemners of this his maiesties iust and royall commandement . and whereas many of his maiesties louing subiects haue been heretofore wont to pester the court , vnder colour of repairing thither for healing the disease called the kings euill , his maiestie doth hereby publish and declare his pleasure , that vntill michaelmas next , and after his coronation shall be solemnized , he wil not admit any person or persons to come to the court for healing ; and doth straitly charge and forbid , that no person or persons doe in the meane time presume to importune his maiestie in that behalfe : and for auoyding many , and great abuses in that behalfe , his maiesty doth straitly charge and command , that no person or persons doe at any time hereafter resort to his maiestie , or his court for healing of that disease , without bringing a certificate from the minister , and churchwardens of the parish wherein they inhabite , or some other neighbours of more eminent quality , expressing the time they haue been troubled with that infirmity , and that they haue not at any time before been healed by his maiestie , or the late king : and to auoid the great disorder of poore people , who are vsed to come flocking into the high wayes , and streetes , where his maiestie is to trauell , vnder colour of reliefe from the almoner , his maiestie hath taken order , that in all the townes and parishes , through which hee shall passe , his maiesties sayd almoner shall deliuer his maiesties almes to the ouerseers of the poore , to be distributed amongst them , for their better & more equall reliefe , then they should receiue by comming abroad in that dishonourable & vndecent maner ; which therfore his maiesty straitly chargeth and commandeth them to forbeare , and all maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , and other officers , to take due care of accordingly . and for other wandering poore , uagabonds , rogues , and such like base and vnruly people , which pester the high way , and make it their trade or profession to liue by begging , pilfering , or other vnlawfull shifting , his maiestie doth hereby straitly charge and command , aswell the knight marshall of his houshold and his deputies , as all maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , and other his maiesties officers and louing subiects , to cause such as bee impotent , to bee foorthwith returned into their owne countreys , and such as be able to labour , to bee sent to the houses of correction , or otherwise ordered according to the lawes : to which end also , his maiestie likewise chargeth and commandeth the sayd sheriffes , iustices , and other officers , to cause diligent watch by night , and ward by day to be kept by honest and substantiall housholders , in euery citie , towne , uillage , and parish , through which his maiesty shall passe , and within twelue miles compasse of his maiesties passage or court , aswell to be ready vpon all occasions to suppresse disorders and breaches of the peace , as to make speciall search for all such persons , as shall pretend themselues to bee his maiesties seruants , or followers of the court , and craue lodging without hauing billets for the same , and to apprehend all such as they shall finde so lodged or entertained , & not billeted , and to bring them before the knight marshal , or his deputy , and in all other things to be assisting to him and them concerning the premisses , for all occasions of his maiesties seruice . and because his maiestie findeth much disorder in some of his owne seruants , in vnnecessary pestering of the court , when there is no cause for their attendance or imployment , his maiesty straitly forbiddeth , that any of his seruants do either in this iourney of his maiesties intended to douer , or elsewhere in his summers progresse , or vntil his maiestie shal come to keepe a standing house in winter , resort to the court , execpt such onely of his maiesties seruants , as are , or shall be set downe in the liste , or shall be allowed for seruice within doores , and aboue staires , by the lord chamberlaine of his maiesties honourable houshold , or below staires , by the treasurer and comptroller of the houshold , or for seruice without doores by the knight marshall , vpon paine of his maiesties displeasure , and incurring the censure of a high contempt . and to the end his maiesties royall pleasure herein before declared , may bee in all points obserued , his maiestie straitly chargeth and commandeth his knight marshall , and all maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs , bayliffes , and other his maiesties officers whatsoeuer , to see all things concerning the premisses , carefully performed , and put in due execution , according to the dueties of their seuerall places , as they and euery of them will answere for any their neglects herein , at their vttermost perils . giuen at the court at white-hall , the seuenteenth day of may , in the first yeere of his maiesties reigne of great britaine , france and ireland . god saue the king. ¶ printed at london by bonham norton and iohn bill , printers to the kings most excellent maiestie . m.dc.xxv . orders conceived and published by the lord major and aldermen of the city of london, concerning the infection of the plague city of london (england). court of aldermen. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing o estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) orders conceived and published by the lord major and aldermen of the city of london, concerning the infection of the plague city of london (england). court of aldermen. city of london (england). lord mayor. [ ] p. printed by james flesher ..., [london] : [ ] reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london. london (england) -- history -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion orders conceived and published by the lord major and aldermen of the city of london , concerning the infection of the plague . printed by james flesher , printer to the honourable city of london . orders conceived and published by the lord major and aldermen of the city of london , concerning the infection of the plague . whereas in the first year of the reign of our late sovereign king james of happy memory , an act was made for the charitable relief and ordering of persons infected with the plague : whereby authority was given to justices of peace , majors , bayliffs , and other head-officers to appoint within their several limits examiners , searchers , watchmen , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places infected , and to minister unto them oaths for the performance of their offices . and the same statute did also authorize the giving of other directions , as unto them for the present necessity should seem good in their discretions . it is now upon special consideration thought very expedient for preventing and avoiding of infection of sickness ( if it shall so please almighty god ) that these officers following be appointed , and these orders hereafter duly observed . examiners to be appointed in every parish . first , it is thought requisite and so ordered , that in every parish there be one , two , or more persons of good sort and credit , chosen and appointed by the alderman , his deputy , and common-councel of every ward , by the name of examiners , to continue in that office the space of two moneths at least : and if any fit person so appointed , shall refuse to undertake the same , the said parties so refusing , to be committed to prison until they shall conform themselves accordingly . the examiners office. that these examiners be sworn by the alderman , to enquire and learn from time to time what houses in every parish be visited , and what persons be sick , and of what diseases , as near as they can inform themselves ; and upon doubt in that case , to command restraint of access , until it appear what the disease shall prove : and if they finde any person sick of the infection , to give order to the constable that the house be shut up ; and if the constable shall be found remiss or negligent , to give present notice thereof to the alderman of the ward . watchmen . that to every infected house there be appointed two watchmen , one for the day , and the other for the night : and that these watchmen have a special care that no person goe in or out of such infected houses , whereof they have the charge , upon pain of severe punishment . and the said watchmen to doe such further offices as the sick house shall need and require : and if the watchman be sent upon any business , to lock up the house and take the key with him : and the watchman by day to attend until ten of the clock at night : and the watchman by night until six in the morning . searchers . that there be a special care , to appoint women-searchers in every parish , such as are of honest reputation , and of the best sort as can be got in this kind : and these to be sworn to make due search and true report , to the utmost of their knowledge , whether the persons , whose bodies they are appointed to search , do die of the infection , or of what other diseases , as near as they can . and that the physicians who shall be appointed for cure and prevention of the infection , do call before them the said searchers who are or shall be appointed for the several parishes under their respective cares , to the end they may consider whether they are fitly qualified for that employment ; and charge them from time to time as they shall see cause , if they appear defective in their duties . that no searcher during this time of visitation , be permitted to use any publick work or imployment , or keep any shop or stall , or be imployed as a landress , or in any other common imployment whatsoever . chirurgions . for better assistance of the searchers , for as much as there hath been heretofore great abuse in misreporting the disease , to the further spreading of the infection : it is therefore ordered , that there be chosen and appointed able and discreet chirurgions , besides those that doe already belong to the pest-house : amongst whom , the city and liberties to be quartered as the places lie most apt and convenient : and every of these to have one quarter for his limit : and the said chirurgions in every of their limits to joyn with the searchers for the view of the body , to the end there may be a true report made of the disease . and further , that the said chirurgions shall visit and search such like persons as shall either send for them , or be named and directed unto them , by the examiners of every parish , and inform themselves of the disease of the said parties . and for as much as the said chirurgions are to be sequestred from all other cures , and kept onely to this disease of the infection ; it is ordered , that every of the said chirurgions shall have twelve-pence a body searched by them , to be paid out of the goods of the party searched , if he be able , or otherwise by the parish . nurse-keepers . if any nurse-keeper shall remove herself out of any infected house before daies after the decease of any person dying of the infection , the house to which the said nurse-keeper doth so remove herself shall be shut up until the said daies be expired . orders concerning infected houses , and persons sick of the plague . notice to be given of the sickness . the master of every house , as soon as any one in his house complaineth , either of botch , or purple , or swelling in any part of his body , or falleth otherwise dangerously sick , without apparent cause of some other disease , shall give knowledge thereof to the examiner of health within two hours after the said sign shall appear . sequestration of the sick. as soon as any man shall be found by this examiner , chirurgion or searcher to be sick of the plague , he shall the same night be sequestred in the same house . and in case he be so sequestred , then though he afterwards die not , the house wherein he sickned shall be shut up for a moneth , after the use of due preservatives taken by the rest . airing the stuff . for sequestration of the goods and stuff of the infected , their bedding , and apparel , and hangings of chambers , must be well aired with fire , and such perfumes as are requisite within the infected house , before they be taken again to use : this to be done by the appointment of the examiner . shutting up of the house . if any person shall have visited any man , known to be infected of the plague , or entred willingly into any known infected house , being not allowed : the house wherein he inhabiteth , shall be shut up for certain daies by the examiners direction . none to be removed out of infected houses , but , &c. item , that none be removed out of the house where he falleth sick of the infection , into any other house in the city , ( except it be to the pest-house or a tent , or unto some such house , which the owner of the said visited house holdeth in his own hands , and occupieth by his own servants ) and so as security be given to the parish whither such remove is made , that the attendance and charge about the said visited persons shall be observed and charged in all the particularities before expressed , without any cost of that parish , to which any such remove shall happen to be made , and this remove to be done by night : and it shall be lawful to any person that hath two houses , to remove either his sound or his infected people to his spare house at his choice , so as if he send away first his found , he may not after send thither the sick , nor again unto the sick the sound . and that the same which he sendeth , be for one week at the least shut up and secluded from company for fear of some infection , at the first not appearing . burial of the dead . that the burial of the dead by this visitation be at most convenient hours , alwaies either before sun-rising , or after sun-setting , with the privity of the churchwardens or constables , and not otherwise ; and that no neighbours nor friends be suffered to accompany the coarse to church , or to enter the house visited , upon pain of having his house shut up , or be imprisoned . and that no corps dying of infection shall be buried or remain in any church in time of common-prayer , sermon , or lecture . and that no children be suffered at time of burial of any corps in any church , church-yard , or burying-place to come near the corps , coffin , or grave . and that all the graves shall be at least six foot deep . and further , all publick assemblies at other burials are to be forborn during the continuance of this visitation . no infected stuff to be uttered . that no clothes , stuff , bedding or garments be suffered to be carried or conveyed out of any infected houses , and that the criers and carriers abroad of bedding or old apparel to be sold or pawned , be utterly prohibited and restrained , and no brokers of bedding or old apparel be permitted to make any outward shew , or hang forth on their stalls , shopboards or windows toward any street , lane , common-way or passage , any old bedding or apparel to be sold , upon pain of imprisonment . and if any broker or other person shall buy any bedding , apparel , or other stuff out of any infected house , within two moneths after the infection hath been there , his house shall be shut up as infected , and so shall continue shut up twenty daies at the least . no person to be conveyed out of any infected house . if any person visited do fortune , by negligent looking unto , or by any other means , to come , or be conveyed from a place infected , to any other place , the parish from whence such party hath come or been conveyed , upon notice thereof given , shall at their charge cause the said party so visited and escaped , to be carried and brought back again by night , and the parties in this case offending , to be punished at the direction of the alderman of the ward ; and the house of the receiver of such visited person to be shut up for twenty daies . every visited house to be marked . that every house visited , be marked with a red cross of a foot long , in the middle of the door , evident to be seen , and with these usual printed words , that is to say , lord have mercy upon us , to be set close over the same cross , there to continue until lawful opening of the same house . every visited house to be watched . that the constables see every house shut up , and to be attended with watchmen , which may keep them in , and minister necessaries unto them at their own charges ( if they be able , ) or at the common charge if they be unable : the shutting up to be for the space of four weeks after all be whole . that precise order be taken that the searchers , chirurgions , keepers and buriers are not to pass the streets without holding a red rod or wand of three foot in length in their hands , open and evident to be seen , and are not to goe into any other house then into their own , or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for , but to forbear and abstain from company , especially when they have been lately used in any such business or attendance . inmates . that where several inmates are in one and the same house , and any person in that house happen to be infected ; no other person or family of such house shall be suffered to remove him or themselves without a certificate from the examiners of health of that parish ; or in default thereof , the house whither he or they so remove , shall be shut up as in case of visitation . hackney coaches . that care be taken of hackney coachmen , that they may not ( as some of them have been observed to doe ) after carrying of infected persons to the pesthouse , and other places , be admitted to common use , till their coaches be well aired , and have stood unimployed by the space of five or six daies after such service . orders for cleansing and keeping of the streets sweet . the streets to be kept clean . first , it is thought very necessary , and so ordered , that every housholder do cause the street to be daily pared before his door , and so to keep it clean swept all the week long . that rakers take it from out the houses . that the sweeping and filth of houses be daily carried away by the rakers , and that the raker shall give notice of his coming by the blowing of a horn as heretofore hath been done . laystalls to be made farre off from the city . that the laystalls be removed as farre as may be out of the city , and common passages , and that no nightman or other be suffered to empty a vault into any garden near about the city . care to be had of unwholesome fish or flesh , and of musty corn. that special care be taken , that no stinking fish , or unwholsome flesh , or musty corn , or other corrupt fruits of what sort soever , be suffered to be sold about the city or any part of the same . that the brewers and tipling-houses be looked unto , for musty and unwholsome cask . that no hogs , dogs , or cats , or tame pigeons , or conies be suffered to be kept within any part of the city , or any swine to be , or stray in the streets or lanes , but that such swine be impounded by the beadle or any other officer , and the owner punished according to act of common-councel , and that the dogs be killed by the dog-killers appointed for that purpose . orders concerning loose persons and idle assemblies . beggers . forasmuch as nothing is more complained of , then the multitude of rogues and wandering beggers that swarm in every place about the city , being a great cause of the spreading of the infection , and will not be avoided , notwithstanding any order that hath been given to the contrary : it is therefore now ordered , that such constables , and others whom this matter may any way concern , do take special care that no wandering begger be suffered in the streets of this city , in any fashion or manner whatsoever upon the penalty provided by the law to be duly and severely executed upon them . playes . that all playes , bear-baitings , games , singing of ballads , buckler-play , or such like causes of assemblies of people , be utterly prohibited , and the parties offending , severely punished by every alderman in his ward . feasting prohibited . that all publick feasting , and particularly by the companies of this city ; and dinners at taverns , alehouses , and other places of common entertainment be forborn till further order and allowance ; and that the money thereby spared , be preserved and imployed for the benefit and relief of the poor visited with the infection . tipling-houses . that disorderly tipling in taverns , alehouses , coffee-houses and cellars be severely looked unto , as the common sin of this time , and greatest occasion of dispersing the plague . and that no company or person be suffered to remain or come into any tavern , ale-house or coffee-house to drink after nine of the clock in the evening , according to the ancient law and custome of this city , upon the penalties ordained in that behalf . and for the better execution of these orders , and such other rules and directions as upon further consideration shall be found needful ; it is ordered and enjoyned that the aldermen , deputies , and common-councel-men shall meet together weekly , once , twice , thrice or oftner ( as cause shall require ) at some one general place accustomed in their respective wards ( being clear from infection of the plague ) to consult how the said orders may be duly put in execution ; not intending that any dwelling in or near places infected , shall come to the said meetings whiles their coming may be doubtful : and the said aldermen and deputies and common councel-men in their several wards may put in execution any other good orders that by them at their said meetings shall be conceived and devised , for preservation of his majesties subjects from the infection . finis . the prophecie of one of his maiesties chaplains, concerning the plague and black-patches with mr. gadburies happy and joyful predictions, for the decrease of the plague both in the city and suburbs; the time when; the manner how; by god's permission, and according to natural causes; the effects and motion of the planets, and what every week may produce for the thrice-happy and welcome abatement of this sad and dismal pestilence; and the city of london to be wholly acquit thereof about (or before) christmas. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing p estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the prophecie of one of his maiesties chaplains, concerning the plague and black-patches with mr. gadburies happy and joyful predictions, for the decrease of the plague both in the city and suburbs; the time when; the manner how; by god's permission, and according to natural causes; the effects and motion of the planets, and what every week may produce for the thrice-happy and welcome abatement of this sad and dismal pestilence; and the city of london to be wholly acquit thereof about (or before) christmas. gadbury, john, - . [ ], p. printed for g. horton, london : . parenthesis have replaced square brackets around "or before" in the title. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- early works to . prophesy -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - robyn anspach sampled and proofread - robyn anspach text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the prophecie of one of his maiesties chaplains , concerning the plague and black-patches : with mr : gadburies happy and joyful predictions , for the decrease of the plague both in city and suburbs ; the time when ; the manner how ; by god's permission , and according to natural causes ; the effects and motion of the planets , and what every week may produce for the thrice-happy and welcome abatement of this sad and dismal pestilence ; and the city of london to be wholly acquit thereof about [ or before ] christmas . london , printed for g. horton , . the prophecie of one of his majesties chaplains , concerning the plague , and black-patches . although after several evil aspects , and malevolent conjunctions of the planets , after bad constitutions of the air , and distemper of the weather , after dearth of corn , and scarcity of provision , whereby the humors of mens bodies have been corrupted , and several diseases have sprung up yet no plague hath followed ; and on the contrary , though after the signs of healthy seasons , plenty of good and wholesome diet , yea and after a most cold and dry winter , and in a dry and temperate summer , the plague hath risen up and spread abroad ; yet most commonly there have been some tokens , signs , and fore-runners of it , which have given men an alarm to prepare for it , expect it , and provide against it . from whence also is observable the causes producing it ; such as are the position of the heavens and the conjunction of mars and saturn ; as the learned mr gadbury hath most judiciously set forth in those memorable predictions hereunto ●nnexed . but first the reader may be pleased to observe , the signs immanent and approaching of great mortality ; mr. kelway in the third chapter of his treatise of the plague printed at london . hath these words : when we see young children flock themselves together in companies , and then will fain some o● their company to be dead amongst them , and so will solemnize the b 〈…〉 rt , this is a token which hath been well observed in o●r ag● to fore-shew great mortality at hand . and 't is worthy of serious consideration , that about years ago , one of the chaplains of his late majesty king charles the first of ever blessed memory , did preach at bristol upon this text out of gen . ●nd the lord set a mark ●pon cain ; and in his sermon did speak much against black-patches and beauty-spots ; and , among other things , said , that they were fore runners of other spots , and marks of the plague ; and presently , within a very little while after , the plague brake out among them , and all those persons that did wear them , fled the town . and when st. andrews church yard wall did break or fall down this last winter , some there were that did prognosticate the coming of the plague , saying , it fell in like manner the last great sickness in . but what reason they had to say so , is best known to themselves . yet true it is , that this black and dismal cloud was fore-seen and predicted by that great artist in astrologie mr. john gadbury , in his ephemeris for the present year . in the moneth of april , at which time the sickness first began to shew it self visible ; notwithstanding it took its rise at christmas , he himself being visited at that time . and though the plague cometh unawares , and frizeth upon a man on a suddain , yet such is the infinite mercy of god , and the providence of nature , that it giveth alwayes warning enough to any one that will diligently observe it . the warnings are either a suddain head-ache , a vomiting , or a faintness , with a chilnesse , or a loosenesse . each of these symptome she●●th , what part of the body hath been first infected ; the head-ache s●●nises the brains ; the vomiting the liver ; the faintnesse the heart ; and the loosenesse ▪ the stomach and the gut. when therefore any one upon a sudden and without evident cause , findeth him●el● seized with either of these symptomes , let him fly to remedies without the losse of a moment of time : for it is one of the easiest diseases in the world to be cured , if it be taken within hours after the first invasion ; otherways , and for the mo●● part mortal . now assoon as one findeth himself stricken with any of the foresaid symptomes , let him presently repair to a clean and warm room , and kindle a wood-fire in the chimny , to consume and destroy all the infectious vapours that proceed both from the air , and the infected party : let the patient presently be put into a warm bed , wrapped in a sheet and blanket ; & then sweat him well , by giving the party some venice-treace ; and those that have contracted the plague by a fright , put a little saffron into it . venice-treacle being taken in time , is the onely antidote against all plagues and poisons whatsoever . vinegar is a most excellent antidote against the plague , and to drink or spoonfu●s in a morning is very good . hence 't is , that physitians to suppresse and take away the fiery venome of spurge , laurel , mezereon , and other plants , steep them in vinegar , and so give them safely to their patients , whereas otherwise they would kill and be a worse remedy than the disease . and dioscorides saith that it resists all poysons both hot and cold . and christoph . a vega tells of one that was strangled with a rope , and did foam about the mouth , and yet was recovered by drinking vinegar . coffee is commended against the contagion ; and moderate exercise ; be sure to prevent costiveness , and violent passions : sleep moderately , and after you are up uncover your bed , and open the curtains to air it , and have the bed well shaken when it is made , for damps are very dangerous . to go forth with an empty stomach is unwholsom ; bread dipt in vinegar is very good ; but the best breakfast against the contagion is bisket and raisins . and as the great causes of this particular pest were the conjunction of saturn and jupiter octob. . . the conjunction of saturn and mars nov. . so also are they chief causes powerfully impelling , that it is to be feared the pestilence we now partake of , will not be the one m●ie●y of the effects thence to ensue , or thereon depending . ●y this connexion of causes , it is somewhat apparent that this pest should have took its beginning at the latter end of . and truly had not the winter then been so extreamly sharp ( it having a frost of almost ten weeks continuance together ) to have kept it back , it had beyond all question broke forth then . nay , and break forth it did then too , as the learned artist in astrologie mr. gadbury , can experimentally testifie , having been personally visited with it at christmas that year . and many other patients of mr. josias westwood the chirurgeon , were then also afflicted with the same distemper , and yet obtained cure against it , the air being then so friendly to nature , and an enemy unto the pestilence . but now let us consider its progress and increase , with the causes thereof , and the possibility of its abatement , with the time when . in this matter i shall consult , but not trouble you with the figure of the suns ingress into the equinoctial sign aries , for the year . and thence draw down the several arguments of encrease and abatement ; and because the pestilence was hardly perceptible untill the month of june , i will begin there . this month , ( as if god and nature had appointed the sickness to be ominous in earnest to these nations ) we may observe two most fatal transits to usher it in , viz. mars his then coming to the opposite point of the ascendant , and the sun to the opposite point of saturn ; a beginning of a sickness so mischievous , that greater can hardly be ; god grant the end be not as inauspicious : and although ( i presume it will not be of many months continuance to this great city , yet we are not to suppose a pestilence ended , when it seemingly acquits one place . in the moneth of july it began to encrease considerably , especially toward the latter end thereof : there were then fix oppositions of the erratick stars , and two eclipses ; and to add to these , mars , venus , and mercury , then came to the quadrate place of the sun , and to the opposite point of saturn by transit ; and the sun then came to the opposition of jupiter both by transit and aspect : all which were very great arguments of its encrease . in the month of aug. saturn comes to the quadrate place of the sun , and will be stationary upon it i the month ; the two eclipses last month do now begin to operate , which are testimonies of very great augmentation : howbeit the fortunate planet venus coming to the sextile of her own place and of the moms at the beginning of the month ; and coming to a trine of the sun , the latter end thereof , may so happily contemper the fury of it , that it may not [ now ] encrease or augment to any exceeding great height . a ●art of septem . is like to prove somewhat dangerous because saturn is in a manner still stationary , and the sun and saturn then come to a quadrate aspect , and this in ill points of the vernal figure , mars and jupiter who is dominus ascendentis ) then also come to an opposition , and both in square of luna's place ; whence it is probable , that in the second and last weeks of this month , the pest may admit of an abatement ; but indeed , i much fear about the middle of the month an encrease considerable : nevertheless , i hope , and rationally believe ( favente deo ) that this pestilence cannot ascend to any higher degree , than it may at that time reach unto . the month of october seems to promise well , and the distemper therein cannot meet with any eminent cause for augmentation : yet i suppose the second and last week will make some slight offers at an encrease , because then the sun comes to the opposite place of the moon ▪ and venus hath a progressional motion to the opposition of the sun , and quartile of saturns places . november and december in this respect ( god not frustrating the course of second causes , or taking advantage of us for our sins ) i question not will prove very kindly ; and the city of london will begin to be in a better heart , than in many moneths before . howbeit , it cannot ●e supposed that this pestilence should in so short a time totally vanish ; or that so great a sickness should not leave some unkind impressions behind it ; but in comparison of what it hath been , i dare assert , that we shall [ then ] be ( in a manner ) wholly acquitted from it , and its violent raging , destructive qualities and company . la●●ly , london hath at present been the patient , and hath felt the force of the almighties scourge to purpose ; while most other places of england have escaped the lash . i wish with all my soul , that london might be the scape-goat for them all : but ah , i fear , before the planet saturn be gotten quite out of capricorn , that tho●e other parts of this nation will drink deep of the same cup. god and nature punish none by proxy . it will not be this cities sufferings , that can excuse other towns and cities , from the violent stroak of so insatiate an enemy . thus much for the predictions of the learned gadbury . and now the great and principal antidote against the plague is , hearty repententance and fervent prayer : for prayer upon repentance is of all things most powerful with god. and as faith is the best fence against fear , so is patience the best plaister against s●res : let the distrust of god's mercies be far from you ; and arise from sin willingly : read in the bible daily ; take up the crosse of christ boldly , and stand to it manfully , bearing all visitations patiently ; pray continually , rest thankfully , and thou shalt live everlastingly , and come to the hill of joy quickly : to which place hasten us good lord speedily . finis . henoch clapham his demaundes and answeres touching the pestilence methodically handled, as his time and meanes could permit. clapham, henoch. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) henoch clapham his demaundes and answeres touching the pestilence methodically handled, as his time and meanes could permit. clapham, henoch. re., pere. , [ ] p. printed by richard schilders], [middelburg : . editor's envoi signed: pere. re. partly in defence of clapham's "an epistle discoursing upon the present pestilence", for which he had been jailed. running title reads: questions and answeres touching upon the pestilence. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership 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represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng epidemics -- england -- early works to . plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion henoch clapham his demaundes and answeres touching the pestilence : methodically handled , as his time and meanes could permit . . iohn . . try the spirits whether they are of god. . thessa. . . try all things , keepe that which is good . . iohn . hereby haue we perceaved loue , that the ( namely christ ) layd downe his life for vs : therefore we ought also to lay downe ( our ) liues for the brethren . phil. . . looke not every man vpon his owne things , but every man also on the things , of other men . . to the church of god wheresoever dispersed , elect according to the foreknowledge of god the father vnto sanctification of the spirit , through obedience and sprinkling of the blood of iesus christ , ( apprehended with true faith ) grace & peace be multiplied vnto you all , amen . christian reader , it was wy lot to light vpon these few leaves . and being pervsed by som that had in times past bin acquainted with the author him self , and so finding in this canvasing cōference such sound satisfaction for matters of doubt , which in the other epistle of the pestilence , were short & brief , learned and scholerlike reasons , still striving to bring out the kernel of knowledge , which lay couched vnder the shell of obscuritie . and the further he ripped and reached , to make gods glorious power knowen , which others so long had masked : it caused many questions to bee mooved , which in this canvasing conference is answered to the full . i my self being an eare-witnes , to som part of that doctrine : which was as strange to many at the first , as it was to the men of athens in mars street , which counted paul but a babler , because he preached vnto them , iesus and the resurrection . but i heare the author is in prison , and why ? because som ministers complayned that he preached a doctrine ( which they could neither begin nor end ) past the boundes of their knowledge . but henoch wher are thine accusers ? hath the finger ( of * god ) written their faults easie to be read , doe they not stand out to accuse thee ? then i hope the learned will not condemne thee , that haue trod out the corne before thee in the same path . so was the doctrine of possession likewise distilled out of the cloudes , and so high past every lay mans reach , that the layety were driven to their pastors for satisfaction in the doubt of that doctrine ( because the priestes lippes should preserue knowledge ) but they being found nonresidence in those studies , one made answer thus : i am no prophet , i am no apostle , miracles are ceased , &c. these hearers could not be at the beginning & ending of all these sermons , which was the cause they rested vnsatisfied , and so they began to expounde the doctrine them selues according to those parcels which they had gleaned by peece meale from the author , never vnderstanding the author as he meant . but whosoever thou be , that will take vpon thee to say all , before thou heare all , shall be sure to lye all . and so damnable speaches were bruted abroad , before either of the doctrines were finished : but the last sermon of possession , made all plaine , and so plaine , that since that time ( to the glory of god be it spoken ) i never heard of any about london nor elswhere that were so extraordinarily possessed . but ordinary wicked persons that are never dispossessed of a wicked tongue : like the athenians which gaue them selues to nothing els , but either to tell , or heare som newes . but in the end m. marbery set in foot ▪ to maintaine the same doctrine , vpon christes temptation in the wildernes , affirming that [ * if no going in , no coming out . ] so did the last sermon of the pestilence make all attentiue hearers satisfied . these circumstances considered , i tooke it for duty , once towards the church [ who is the piller and ground of truth ] as also for profitable acquaintance heretofore had with the author : i could do no lesse but diuulge it . and so much the rather , for that therein is cleared , what in all points is to be held touching the pestilence : a doctrine hetherto , over-confusedly and slenderly handled of many , if my iudgement fayle me not . thine in christ iesus , amen . p. r. the authour to the reader . the last great pest-time ( i speak of the great plague in london , for otherwise , it is now the greatest pest-time in the country , and throughout his highnes dominions ) it pleased god to give me affection and strength to continue & hold out my ministerie to the end , publikelie teaching , and privately comforting the lords poore flocke abyding in the citie of london ( as occasion here and there , night and day was administred ) what time the citie was much infirmed for civill governement , and well-nigh emptied of due ecclesiasticall cure . satan “ the accuser of our brethren , maligning the happy successe of my labors , he gets som vnwise spirits to bruite abroad , that clapham taught the plague not to be infectious , and that all that dyed of the plague were damned , as dying without faith . the first accusation came readily to the present lo. bb. of london , but the second ( it seemeth ) not so . for about som . wekes after my first cōmitment , the said lo. bb. and sir edward stanhope in court did publikely affirme , that they had not heard of that bruite before : what time i my selfe then first vttered it in their court , that so then in the face of all by-standers it might be checked , so well as other slaūders , forged only for obscuring myne innocency . the bb. beleeving the first tale , he ( without sending for me , or talking with me ) caused me to be taken ( euen presently vpō a sermons ending , wherin i had opposed to such insensible reportes ) and so was conveyed to the * clinck prison . passing by some inter-currentes ( which in som other my writings are layde downe ) he at the eleven weekes end convented me , thē signifying that i had bene imprisoned for teaching , that the plague was not inf●ctious ; as also for publishing an epistle concerning the pestilence ; and that in contempt of the booke of orders for the wednesdayes fast , authorized by the king. to both i answered negatiuely , if so by plague they vnderstood not that stroke of the angel termed of the holy-ghost deber ; but that which grew from corruption of the creature . well to the gate house prison i was sent , and to my booke and the contentes , i should answere in another place . to passe by the second convention , it being to no other end then the former , the weeke before the archb. death , i was called to lamboth . there , after assurauce had of certaine articles their compasse , i tooke my othe to answer truly to them . the next monday at the registers office i did so . the answere was sent to the bb. of londō . he seeing it made not to his purpose , did not convent me , but ( without all adoe ) he let me ly in prison still as afore . my wordes nor writings prevayling any whitt , i complayned to the king on “ easter monday , who appointed the same to be conveyed to the bb. and he thereto to giue in his answer . hearing nothing more of that of . weekes , i on the day of pentecost insuing , complayned to his highnes againe . thereto , sir iulius caesar in his maiesties name subscribeth thus . the kings maiesty hath eftsoones referred this petitiō to the lord bishop of london , who is required by his highnes calling other of the hycommission vnto him , withall convenient expedition and according to the law , to proceede to iudgement , either with or against the partie , as his cause shall deserue ; that his highnes may not further bee importuned herein . so farre the kings commaund . to the bishop i sent it , but hearing nothing from him , a fortnight after , i sent to the king againe . about a week after , i was convented . and after much talke to no purpose , the bishop concluded thus : you may doe this at least ; the doctrines being put downe as supposed to be taught of you , you may subscribe herein , i was truely or not truly vnderstood . i answered , let that be done , and i shall doe what i ought . doctor stanhope then said , maister deanes of westminster & pawles are appointed to that , who ( at their convenient leasure ) will send for you . so the court broke vp . this was the eleventh of iuly last ; and then the first time also of excepting at the doctrine of faithes apprehending deliverance from the plague , taught in the foresaid epistle . being thus left to the two deanes , i writt to them sundry times for speedy proceeding . one of them sent my messenger to the other , backward and forward . at the monethes end , doctor androes sends me word , that he had put the matter from him . and so he never sent for me , according to the courtes depute . passing by inconvenient repeates , about three weekes after , i was sent for to the registers office . coming thither , his man lets me see doctor androes his moneths worke . and what was it ? a flat recantation , and nothing answerable to that which the court ( in myne hearing ) appointed as afore . so much i signified to the bishop , as also to the doctor , but other answer since i could haue none but this : put in bondes so to protest , when and where we shall appoint , and so departe prison . so my cause at the penning hereof standeth . the severall pointes , for the which i am thus handled , in the sequent discourse i do treat of , by way of quere and response ; that is by way of question and answere . wherein my cause is vnsound , reiect ; wherein orthodoxall , accept : and so farre be gods instrument for my good. art thou a magistrate ? then hearken what salomon saith : deliver them that are drawen to death ; and wilt thou not preserue them that are ledd to be slaine ? if thou say , behold , we knew not of it , he that pondereth the heartes , doth he not vnderstand it ? and he that keepeth thy soule , knoweth hee it not ? will not he also recompence every man according to his workes ? thus let the magistrate take heede how he pleades ignorance , and wincketh at the fall of the innocent . for such a looking through the fingers , may fill the earth with innocent blood , till it roare again for heavens iudgement . and so not only such , but also the whole lande shall fare the worse for iniustice . art thou a minister ? then heare what moses and salomon say : and if any haue sinned , namely , by hearing the voyce of an othe , and he can be a witnesse , whither he hath seene or knowen of it , he do not vtter it , he shall beare his iniquitie . open thy mouth for the dombe in the cause of all the children of destruction . some of you are reported to say that clapham hath a good cause , but it is to be doubted , if so he haue sufficient learning to defend it . that i haue , i haue : god make me faithfull in that i haue . but thou that art able to giue in thy testimonie , art bound also to do it . if thou wilt not be a procter for christ in his members , one of the two theeues executed with lesus , shall turne preacher , & giue in s●fficient evidence , to thy condemnation . to the people . also brethren , i beseech you for our lorde iesus sake and for the loue of the spirit , that ye would striue with me by prayers vnto the lord for me , that i may be deliuered from the disobedient , and that my seruice ( which i haue yet to do ) may be accepted of the sanctified : that i may come forth to his people with ioy , by the will of god , and may with you be refreshed . thus the god of peace be with you all , amen . yours , henoch clapham . qu. is the plague infectious ? chap. i. answer . every answer is to be made , either by * affirming or denying , or distinguishing , or by retorting . affirme it to be , or not to be i cannot , for reason ensuing . for retorting an answer i could , by vrging a quere of like nature , thus : is the crab restoritiue , yea or no ? if answer be made , tell me whither you speak of the fruit crab or sea-crab , and then i will satisfie you : euen so i say , tell me whither you speake of the naturall plague , or the supernaturall plague , and then i will say it is , or it is not , infectious . the doubtfulnes then of the answer , doth arise from the doubtfulnes of the question . the question is doubtfull by reason of the word plague , for that it hath sundry significations . for the better vnderstanding whereof , let vs first examine the seuerall senses . plague , is a word taken in the evill part , and spoken of any harme inflicted vpon any creature . all diseases are termed plagues , be they inflicted vpon mankinde , or others . so be crosses in common wealthes , ch●rches , famelies : so be som windes , and weathers to trees , hearbes , flowers , &c. and so egypt had his ten sundry plagues . but passing by all such inferiour sortes , it is in this dispute taken for a speciall kinde of evill inflicted on mankinde . the divine prophets canonicall do terme it in hebrue deber . the divine * septuagint● do specially terme it in greek logos . the ancient heathē phisitians do terme it loimos . the latines call it pestis , and plaga : whereof do come our english wordes , pest. pestilence , plague : but plaga in playne english , a stripe or blowe : and therefore how many stripes , so many plagues . quere . that plague which is so straingly mortall at this time throughout england , is it infectious , yea or no ? chap. ii. answer . i vnderstand that plague , or pest not to be single , or of one kinde . and so farre as i conceaue , no learned divine or phisition , is otherwise minded . thereof it is , that sometimes they vrge textes of scripture for making the angell agent , according to that speach of our king in his parliamentall oration , who termes the pest the viol●●lence of gods devouring angell : and sometimes againe they discourse of corrupt ayre in suing constellations and fuming corruptions . in which respecte , naturall politicall orders are vrged ; as for the other , fasting and prayer . in regard of the first , one ( speaking of the plague in davids time ) writes thus : this plague came not by any caryer or travailer , or by any infected persons travayling from place to place & infecting the people wher they came , but it was sent sodainly from god , as the revenger of sinne . he afterwardes graunteth , that such a plague is not at this day for vniuersalit●e and quick dispatch , but yet still that god hath the same meane at his pleasure , so to do . and this writer must be remembred , to haue beene authorized by the sea of london : and the same booke applauded with the preface of an ancient paynfull * preacher . for the other sorte of pest , namely derived from some corruption of the creature , and not immediatly from the angells stroke , any learned ( skilfull in nature ) do graunt . and for that , take a christian physitians testimonie amongst vs. he having alleadged som reportes from histories touching naturall contagion , doth then conclude thus * this may be sufficient to shew , that the plague is not always the immediat stroke of an angell . in this pestilence generally scattred through the land , there so falleth out some stroke supernaturall , some naturall , as i haue againe and againe taught in my epistle so much traduced . he that is against me in this , is so not contrarie minded to me , but to our king , to our divines , and phisitians also . no marvayle then though another authorized divine do say with the right learned phisitian fernelius , hisunt morbi , &c. these be the diseases whereof i haue said often , they haue som secret cause . and a litle after ; the first causes which breed the pestilence , are so vnknowen , so invisible , and so strange to all our senses , that we are altogeather ignorant of them , &c. necessarily so it foloweth , that som thing in this plague be supernaturall ; and somwhat naturall , as at large i haue delivered in my epistle of the pestilence ; without which observation , one shal deliuer quid for quo , as haue done my articlers ; what is saide of the supernaturall to vrge it as spoken of the naturall , ( et è contra ) to the seducing of the hearers . quere . the stroke of the angell immediatly inflicted , is it infectious , yea or no ? chap. iii. answ. first let me heare what infection is . a domestick doctor , signifying what person is infectious , doeth write thus : * very properly ( saith he ) is he reputed infectious , that hath in himselfe an evil , malignant , venomous , or vitious disposition , which may be imparted and bestowed on another by . “ touch , producing the same and as dangerous effect in him to whom it is cōmunicated , as in him that first cōmmunicateth and spreadeth the infection . so farre he. it being remembred , that infection properly vnderstood , is not that which begetteth another but the same euill , so argumentate . that stroke which the angell inflicteth , is supernaturall , and not within the compasse of phisicall causes : but infection is naturall and within the compasse of phisicall causes : therefore the angells stroke not infectious . for the second proposition , i leaue it till anone . meane time the first proposition would be cleared , seeing the conclusion dependes primordially of it . that the angels stroke is supernaturall , it may appeare , once in that he the angell ( be a good or bad one , “ for either may be so imployde ) he is a spirit , and this his action done by an immediate spirituall power beyonde our reasons pitch . secondly , we see the angell in aegpit , as also in iudea & israell ( nor els where do we ever heare the contrary ) to be imploide in smyting house after house , and city after city , even all along the coastes , from dan to beersheba , and not smyting that which might smyte another , which otherwise ( if but for instruction sake ) would somtyme haue bene done , and mentioned . and this ( no doubt ) caused one to write as afore in the former chapter , that * the pest in davids tyme , came not by any infectious person . thirdly , by the septuagintaes version of the word deber , it may be collected to haue bene then the church of israels iudgement . the word deber in proper english the pestilence , they turne by the greeke word logos in english the word ; as if in the text it were not deber but dabar , this indeed signifying a word ; and the very terme that saint iohn in his first chapter doth giue vnto the son of god , by whom as by a word , the creature had his beginning and beeing . so that the . psal. and third verse , they thus read , he shall deliuer thee from the word , not fro the pestilence . and why ? because that pest ( as the comon creature at first ) had the beginning and beeing solely by the word of god : and this plague for contemning the blessed covenaunt sealed vp in him that is logos the word . afterwardes in the sixt verse of the same psalme , the hebrue-greekes read , thou shalt not be affraide [ apò toû pragmatos ] of the thing , in steed of pestilence . why ? because it was such a rhema , such a pragma , such a thing , as they knew not properly how to terme it in the greeke language : they well vnderstood that the heathen-greekes did terme it loimos , and in respect of the popular spreading epidemia , wherefore then in their translations should they so avoyde these wordes , and rather choose such a terme , as should drive the heathen to a non-plus ? no reason i can render , but that thereby they finely checked the gentiles , as ignorant of that plagues cause , and therfore must be glad ( leaving their great naturians ) to come vnto the written woord of god for better learning . and in so doing , they shall finde that deber is indeed dabar , which not only signifieth a word , but also a thing ; yea , a miraculous thing ; as in genes . . where sarah thinking the woord of promise impossible , the angel thus checkes her ; shall any dabar be heard to the lord ? where that miraculous thing was to be effected by the power of the word dabar signifying both . now if the pest was such a word , or such a thing , effected by a word , then it is to bee nombred amongest supernaturalls , and so not infectious , seeing the partie so smitten , could not by all the corruption in his nature sende out such a word , such a thing , begetting the same effect in another : for so ( which i thinke were a petie blasphemie ) in steed of iehovahs angell , mans beastly corruption should equalize the angell , & take the worke out of his handes , as being iehouahs messenger herein ( for angell is the greeke word , and messenger the english ) which i haue not read of , at least not observed . true it is , that the angells blowe , rayseth vp mudde in mans nature , giving it an head to the heart ; and therefore in psalme . . with logos they ioyne tarachodes turned of vs noysome , but in proprietie , bemudding , as if by such a stroke , the mudde of our vncleane poole , were stirred vp to the poysoning of all the blood and powers ; even as è contra , the angells mooving of bethesda , brought sanitie to the diseased . and true it is also , that that corruption may offend and hurt nature in others , but yet not infect , that is beget the same and as dangerous effect in another : for many things ●e noysom , that be not infectious . fourthly , that the angells stroke is super●aturall , it may appeare from the meanes whereby it is stayed . the meanes by prayer , “ and the offring vp our selues a living sacrifice , which david ran vnto in sam . he seeing the angell smyting the people in ver . . ( and not the people infecting one another ) he humbles him selfe , offring his lyfe ( few such governors ) for the ransome of his people , who are indeed a kings glory , pro. . that this holy interpellation ( and not gallens northeren winds breathing the chambers ) was the meanes whereby that pestilence deber was stayed , the angels hand staying to smyte and longer . to that purpose , one by authoritie thus writeth : “ this noysom● pestilēce ( in . sam. . ) ceaseth here as we see ; but by whose meanes ? did tyme weare it out , or did the phisitian cure it ? or did a fine devise remooue it ? no , no , it was done only by the commaundement of god , enioyning the angell to stay his hand . this consideration moveth also another domestick preacher vpon nombers . . not to teach physicall , but metaphysicall perfumes for putting away this sorte of pest. amongst other things thus he writes : * if the cause of this infection were elementarie , why must holy fier bee taken from the alter ? fier out of the chimney would purifie that : a●terwards . let euery one therefore bring his censer , that is , his heart vnto the lord an hallowed and sanctified vessell for this purpose , to offer vp incense of pray●r vnto god , a vessell layde vp in the holy of holyes . the medicine so being spirituall , supernaturall ; it remaynes ( as afore ) that the stroke is not infectious . lastly , the absolute mortalitie of the angels stroke , doth argue i● not to be infectious : for if it were , then every pestilenced person must dye , without such a supernaturall and “ miraculous recoverye , as wherewith hezekiah was revived . but as none will graunt such a communitie of miracle , so all must graunt the angels stroke not to infect another with the same or like . that the angels stroke is absolutely deading in his nature , it may appeare , once , in that no one smitten with deber is read to haue recovered life . for hezekiah , he was first a dead man in respect of his diseases nature [ els isa●ah● message were vntrue ] howsoever the humbled king was afterwardes miraculously restored : and yet his malady not deber in the text , but a sicknes to death , howsoever not without his boile , or swelling there termed shechin , one with the sixt plague inflicted on aegypt in exod. . . but deber ( for terme ) one with the first plague , englished a moraine ; whereof no beast smitten escaped . secondly , it is to be gathered from the . chro. . where the angel is sent to ierusalem lehashchithah to corrupt it , namely to death ; for shachath implyeth corruption taking head to the death and graue . thirdly the angells stroke appeareth to be deadly , from the epithets giuen to it in psal. . where it is termed a lyon , an aspe , a dragon , who naturally devoure and poyson to the death . such is the iudgment of some * domestick writers authorized by the sea of london so to teach and print . for iudgement of foraigners , take the learned mollerus ( approved of the vniversitie of witteberge , * and his labours printed at geneva , who in the . psalme so vrgeth the epithets meaning , in specialty ( saith he ) i take the prophet willingly alludeth to the pest in these appellations . for it is not to be doubted , but he had respect to the nature of these beastes [ vt vim veneni significantius exprimeret ] for more significant expressing the force of the poison . so farre he. whereby also may appeare the stroke not to be infectious ; seeing the corruption in a man so stoong and poysoned of aspe , or dragon , it sendeth out of that body no s●ch ●avour or power , as whereby the same evill and so dangerous an effect can be begotten in another , not so stoong of the serpent . and herevpon it is , that the same learned man ( so well as * others ) doeth vnderstande that psalme to be penned vpon davids deliverance in sam. . and the angell to be that fowler , in psalme . . whose particular act is , to pitch the same pest-snare and so to strangle people , as the fowler doth birdes . and so ( as afore ) the stroke deadly , and vn-infectious . but because our people are so infidelious touching the angels stroke , it pleaseth god somtymes to let the smitten feele a sensible blow , and both he , and others playnely to see , the print of a blew hande vppon the place so smitten . this indeed was flouted at in my booke , as if there were no such thing . but lett vs heare another writer of their owne authorizing , thus he writes : because the lords power and might more appeares & is more manisest in this great evil , then in any other , i thinke it not fabulous what i haue heard som reporte , that they haue seene ( as it were ) the print of a hand vpon the armes and other partes of the body of sundry smitten with the pestilence . so farre he. wherewith would be noted , that no one so printed doth escape death , so far as i could ever heare ; nor yet that pest●print beget the like in any of the beholders , and so not infectious . thus if men would haue vnderstood them selues ( but nebuchadnetzar had forgot his dreame ) clapham should not haue beene so vnbrotherly , and vncivilly entreated , for teaching the angels stroke to be supernaturall , and in his nature not infectious . but many supposing the doctrine i taught herein , to haue no proppes from some other teachers , to whom sectary-wyse they were addicted ( they holding faith , which saint iames forbiddeth , in respect of persons ) they so in their blind zeale , were helping to hammer my chaynes , adding affliction to my bondes . heavenly father forgiue them , for they knew not what they did . quere . whither or no is that plague infectious which ariseth immediatly from some corruption of nature ? chap. iiii. answ. in his owne nature it is infectious , howsoeuer somtymes bridled of god from infecting ; as the lyons naturally devouring howsoeuer the creator did bridle that creature from touching of daniel . and this to be vnderstood , not only of corruption following open knowen naturall causes , but also ( as afore ) of that muddy corruption raysed by the vn-infectiue miraculous stroke of the angell ▪ for corruptiō can beget nothing but the same , or the like corruption or otherwise be noisome , according as the subiect it worketh vpon , be more or lesse thervnto affected . this in my epistle ( vniustly traduced ) i teach againe and againe . in the addition to the first section there i say thus ; this kinde of plague of pestilence , is of him ( namely galen ) termed loimos , respecting only bodyes bursting out in corruption , which may be cause sometimes of corrupting bodyes ; specially such as are inclinable to , and capable of such corruption . then to the second section this , the angels stroke so is the cause , the plague sores and markes appearing & arising , are an effect . the first not infectious . the second is infectious sometimes more or lesse . afterwards in the third section having said , it is for none to make physicke their staffe , nor yet their first meane , i then write thus : is phisick then in this , and all other plagues to be avoyded ? no , we are not to neglect such naturall meanes , as reason & experience haue found out to avayle against naturall infirmity [ deo non obstante ] the lord not crossing nature . otherwise , we shal be found tempters of god , leaving our way ; rather then faithfull keepers of our way . thus much there , and much more then this , for approving and enioying phisical practise , in regard of such contagious corruption . how greatly then haue they sinned against the evident trueth , who haue said , that clapham taught the plague not at all to be infectious , as also that he reiected the practisers of phisicall meanes for atheistes ? but how deepe haue their sinne bene , * who laying my said epistle before them , haue culled out all spoken of the angells stroke , & of pretence haue skipped over these aforesaid speaches and the like , touching infection & phisicall meanes ; and that for so framing their articles , as it might be thought , that my saide epistle taught no such infection , no such vse of phisicke , and so consequently ( as they speake ) clapham an occasion of the death of thousands . if ( as he , that write the spirituall perfume ) i should haue skipped ouer such naturall respectes ( and why ? may not a divine do it , whose practise is , not to preach phisick ) how would all accusations then haue passed for current against me . yea , the bishop knowes by a letter writ to him , how in the pulpit i said , whosoeuer dee●es pestilenced ayre , earth bodyes to be in their owne nature infectious ; they deserued rather to be taught it in bride-well with stripes , then out of the pulpitt with argumentes . and yet this hath helped nothing . that the plague ( that is , pestilenced ayre , earth bodyes ) should bee infectious naturally ( for we speak not against gods providence , somtimes crossing nature , as once it hindered the lyon from hurtinge the asse , who otherwise according to his devouring nature , killed the disobedient ryder , . king. . but we speake of the nature of the corruption it selfe ) it can not be marvayled at or gaynesayd , when as we finde and graunt , inferiour diseases amongst mankind & beastes to be readily and sharply infectious , and ordinarily to be prevented & healed by naturall remedy . to particularize them are over-lothsom and vnnecessary this discourse . if thou say , thou hast conversed nearly with such as haue bene p●stilenced , and yet that way vntouched : i answer , so haue i , not by way of tempting god , but in way of discharging holy & necessary duty , and also i ( with all my famely somtymes so imployde ) vntouched that way . that this fell out , it is not because there was no contagion in such pestilenced persons , but because god bridled it , that wee so survi●●ing , might speak of his wonderfull workes , and laud him for his mercies . of this naturall pest , the phisitians and clarkes of nature , thus write : * the cause of the generall pestilence , whiche indifferently attaynteth all sortes of men , is the ayre which we sucke , that hath in it self a corrupt and venemous seede , which we draw with our●in breathing . by which ayre , hipocrates doubtles meant not only the common ayre element all investing all bodyes , but also the ayre fluctuated ( as winde ) from out of pestilenced bodyes . were it not for such gust and touch , we need not to feare to converse nearely with such as be taynted with morbo gallico , and other such peculiar peccatorious maladies . but for this worke of nature , i leaue to the reverend studentes of natures secretes ; contenting my selfe only with this , that i know no learned divine , to be heerein contrary minded . and every maister is to be heeded in his owne faculty . quere . can the angels stroke by som essentiall marke be differenced from the taint of naturall corruption ? chap. v. answ for my part i see no such assured ma●ke . the blew hand and blew spots ( commonly called gods tokens , and whereof i yet can heare no phisitian to giue a reason , and therefore they leaue them as vnphysicall , although i take it an acquaintance of mine in the citie was restored of the second ) they seeme to be differenced from the other , and the first in a speciall maner to put vs in minde of the angell smyting . and whereas now of late , many are killed vp ( as report goeth ) without having vpon them , either sore or former markes , as if the lord would giue vs no signe by reason of passed abuse of signes , it might seeme to administer an essentiall marke ; but seeing that cannot be called an essentiall differencing marke , which either holdeth not in all so smitten , or which falleth out besides in another kind of plague ( and contrary thereto , i haue no assurance ) i leaue it with my ignorance : and instead of exquiring , i reverence before the lord , crying out , ô the depth of his iudgments , his wayes are past finding out . one defineth the plague to be , a stroke of divine anger for the ●●nnes of mankind . so are a thousand maladies more , and all stripes inflicted on mankind for sinne ; and so the definition a meere genus without his differentia , vttering what is common to all maladies , but nothing formall to the pestilence whereof he disputeth . such a definition i could frame to the angels stroke , but then i should be as iustly derided for it , as he was reported in a leafe or two , vniustly to impeach my iudgment of the pestilence , physico , physica ; vt theologo , theologia . the cause why god hath not revealed to vs a sufficient difference , as it may well grow from our sinne , so it teacheth vs in such estate to vse and reverently to esteeme of , both phisicall and spirituall remedies ; least fayling in one , we be iudged for that one ; and in neglecting neither , we may haue a good conscience in both . and from this consideration it was , that i not only taught and prayed , but also ( all the time of pestilence ) did vse phisicke my selfe , propounding it also to my family , & som other acquaintance . * all the creatures of god are good , and nothing to be refused , if it be receaved with thankes-giving ; for it is sanctified by the word of god and prayer . and seeing the angels stroke doeth leaue behind it , bodies wounded to death ( howsoever that stroke , beget not the like naturally in another ; more then the stroke of god vpon ananias a●d saphira infected the by-standers and porters , act. . ) yet seeing the elements in such bodies resolue all into hatefull putrifaction , it should be ( at the least , seeme to others ) an act over presumptious to gaine say the vse of naturall preservatiue and medicine . quere . doth the . psalme propound deliverance from the pestilence deber , to som sorte of people ? chap. vi. answ. that it doth at large , as the learned mollerus thus writeth vpon the third verse ; eos qui fide certa in deum recūbereut tut●s fore à pestis sevitia affirmat , the propher avoucheth that they shal be safe from the pests cruelty , which rest vpon god with a sure faith . to him take another writers testimonie sent out this last pest-time . his words are these : how might god make vs a more excellent and fayrer promise , then that he promiseth to deliver from the pestilence , vs that be his children , and that we need not to be afraide thereof , though a thousand dye of the same at our left-side , and ten thousand at our right-side ; yet shall it not reach vnto vs , if we do but beleeue the promise , and let it be our speare and shield . so farre he. of such a beleever , chrisostome thus writeth : securus habitat at in terra & prolixam vitam inveniet , he shall dwell secure in the earth and finde long life . afterwa●des he tels how this is done : totum hoe fit per spem , hope in god bringes all this about . other witnesses might easily be produced , but these shall suffice to shew , that very vnadvised they were , that said , it was claphams sole fancie , to conclude any deliverance from the plague , from psalme . though ( being learned ) they might from the reverend tremellius and iuniu● their notes thereon , haue reformed their iudgment . specially if therewith they had conferred bezaes argument vpon the ● . psalme , attributing much there to mollerus , desiring the● also divines not to take in hand that disputation ( which ought to be sent to the scholes of phisitians ) whither the pestilence be contagious or no ; but rather to beate into the mindes of men , the doctrine which is so necessarie and godly set forth in this psalme . so farre he. but reading not onlie the promise in leviticus . and deut. . made to the obedient , so well as crosses and cursses to the disobedient : and hearing also the apostle teach timothie , in . epistle . chap. that godlines is profitable to all things , which hath the promise of the life present , and of that is to come : and david such an interpretor of the law as therewith ( so well as moses ) secretly delivering the spirituall benedictions vnder corporall blessings , and not the one but both : my adverse-brethren having read all this , i wonder in what other sense they could read and vnderstand the psalme . som new fangled sense it must needs be . let any such one now smite his hand on his thighe , and say , what haue i don ? if they had read only the vulgare latine translation , which ( following the greeke , not the origenall ) doth in psalm . . and . verse , read verbum asperum , a sharpe word , in stead of noysome pestilence ▪ and in the . verse negotium busines , for pestilence , then they in the ignorance of the originall , might haue intended a deliverance from sharpe slaundering tongues , and from wordly businesses or molestations , as doth thē papisticall iansenius . and yet if they had done so , they had run vpō a doctrine which they would seeme to avoid , namely a deliverance from temporary evils , & that from such-ones , as believers are no more freed from , thē middeber hauoth ( turned of frier felix and approved of pope leo the tenth a peste pravitatum . l. confrionum ▪ ) from the noysome pestilence . this chapter then i will finish with iohn campensis , his paraphrase englished here and printed anno domini . the wordes be these on psalme . . it is not for naught then , that i put my confidence in the lord. therefore who so ever thou be that hast vnderstanding , set the lord ( whiche is aboue al things ) afore thine eyes as ● most trusty refuge ; which if thou do , i that write these things dare bee bold to promise thee , that there shal never any suddain evill happē to thee , & that ther shall no plague v●xe thine houshold . so far his paraphrasis in the person of david . quere . what faith is it , which the . psalme propoundeth for apprehending such deliverance ? chap. vii . ans. first i will propound the sortes of faith. for though it bee said of the apostle in the epistle to the ephesians and . chapter , there is one body , one spirit , one hope , one lord , one faith , he meaneth not that there be no moe sortes in any sence : seeing besides the one body mysticall of christ , there is another of antichrist . besides that one spirit which giveth life to the church , the aforesaide body , there is another spirit , that breatheth in the synagogue of satan , & many spirites rationall , &c. so , besides that one , hope , which is the ancker-hold of the true church , there is another of the false . and besides that one , faith , which apprehends christ vnto eternal life , there is a second faith , termed historicall , which is that saint iames speakes of , whē he sayeth ; thou believes ( or thou faithes ) that there is one god , thou dost well , the devils beleeve , and tremble . such , believing the bibles history to be true , the wicked haue in commō with the godly . a third faith , ther is , termed miraculous , by reason wonderme●tes are thereby effected , whereof the apostle speaketh in . corin. . . if i had all faith ( that is as beza well noteth , the whole of this kinde of faith ) so that i could remooue mountaynes , &c. and this faith also the wicked haue in comon with the godly . there is another fatth termed temporary , whereof the apostle speaketh in . tim. . . when he saith , that in the latter tymes som shall apostate from the faith ; that is shall fall away from the ghospell , sometymes meant by faith : for from the first faith abouesaid , there is no fallinge away , no more then from election . and this kinde of temporary faith is peculiar to som reprobate , speaking only of mans-estate since adams fall . otherwise in the time of innocency , adam had faith touching the trinitie , their workes and goodnes ( but not of the son as a saviour , for yet was no need , because no sinne ) from the soundnes of which faith he [ écousios ] frankly and freely fell , admitting a right hard conceypt of god , till hee was restored ( more miraculouslie then was hezekiah ) to the same and a more excellent faith touching a seede ( not seedes ) which should arise from woman , for destroying the workes of satan . of these sortes of fayth or beliefe , the first is of an eternall nature , of a grayne or cranell growing in fine to a tree , having the roote grounded in christ. but as the vine riseth by meane proppes , so this faith ariseth gradatim , som and som by temporarie favoures and promises of this life ; as may appeare thorough-out moses , who by such shadowes leades vs to the substance . in which respect , i approve the distinction of faith temporarie , and faith eternal ; not called temporarie for that it selfe indureth for a tyme , so much as for the obiect , it eyeth and apprehendeth , which is som temporary promise , and blessing : as also the other eternall , for the eternall promises and blessings , it eyeth , apprehendeth , and holdeth . both of them meet in the elect , as two eyes in the soule , to see by , but often times ( as were leahs eyes ) very tender : yea , with the poore man in the ghospell , do often behold mē but as trees : which caused another to cry , i beleue , lord , help my vnbelief . in this distinction of eternall and temporary faith i here rest as fittest to the present purpose , as also to the meaning of such writers as already i haue vrged , and againe must vrge . my answer so to the second question is , that both these sortes of faith are commended and called for in the . psalme . the temporarie is propounded in the first sence , & according to the letter . the eternall and iustifying faith , in the second sence , and according to the myster●e . the first is the shell , the second is the cranell ▪ 〈◊〉 having the promise of both , and both the gift of god , david could teach no otherwise , seeing moses gaue him his text from levit. . and deut. . and can be construed no otherwise . our saviour sends his hearers to moses for triall of his wordes and workes ; and in moses they could never be found , but by seeking a mystery in his historie ; a spirit in his letter ; a substāce in his shadowe , an eternall blessing cōveyed vnder a temporarie . they that teach otherwise , must frame a man of only soule or only body ; or invent a christ with the familistes , that hath litle or nothing to do with the body . when our saviour sayth , all things are possible to him that beleeveth , doth he by all things , meane only the things of the soule ? no , he meaneth also , what so ever may be comfortable to the body . and in that place the point is cleared , seeing by the fathers faith , the child then became dispossessed of an vncleane spirit ; that bodily good being denied vpon his state of incredulitie . a cloude of witnesses haue their faith extolled in hebrues . and for what ? specially or at the first●hand , for apprehending temporary deliverances , though sealing vnto them a greater . * daniell so stopped the lyons mouthes . ananias , azari and misael did quench the violence of fire : david by faith escaped the sword ; samson of weake , was made strong , &c. but what saith a writer authorised by the sea of london hereto ? he shall giue in both demaund and answere . i demand ( quoth he ) whither gods ministers , and good people now , may not receaue as great mercies and blessings ( aswell corporall as spirituall ) by faith , as the people of the iewes did , when christ was conversant vpon the earth ? we know his knowledge , his love , his mercies are not diminished or chaunged ; his power and might is the same & more glorified . surely , then , that which letteth the free course of his graces and mercies from vs , must be in our selues , ignorance , hardnes of heart , and great infidelity . so farre he. if now infidelitie hinder the course of corporeall blessings ; yea , of so great blessings as were vouchsafed to peoples bodyes in our saviours time , then necessarily it followeth , that the lord in . psalme , & any other such place , doth make such promise . and this was it , which mooved another last pest●tymes to write thus : “ if there he now such a faith as giveth credence vnto god , be shall preserue him from wicked imaginatio●s and evill sicknesses . thus clapham in nothing , wil be found odd , & singular : let the accusers therefore be abashed , and leaue of their vnthriving transgression . quere . are they then to be held faithles that dye of the pestilence ? chap. viii . answ it hath bene reported , that clapham should teach , that such so dying , had no faith. hearke what his wordes be wherevpon such bruite was raysed . in his said epistles fourth section he writes thus : but seeing the lord promiseth deliverance from the plague , to all such as rest vnder his winges , & walke in his way , it may be asked how comes it to passe , that som believers dy of the pestilēce ? the answere then is thus there made : the lords promise beeing ever fast to the beleever ( for he is faithfull that hath promised ) there is in beleevers so dying , waant of faith , for apprehēding this particular delivrance , this temporarie mercy : though they haue not lacked faith , for their eternall iustification , and finall salvation , by vertue whereof their flesh resteth in hope of an happy resurrection , and their spirit is gone to god that gave it . so farre there . in them wordes is the former question plainly resolved ; namely , one may dy of the pestilence , having notwithstanding true faith in christ , to their eternall iustification , & salvation : but such a one so dying , wanteth that faith , whereby that particular temporary deliverance might also haue been had . it is not said , that they haue no faith ( for the contrary is affirmed , namely , that such a one may haue true iustifying faith ) but that in such a one , there was a want of faith , for apprehending this particular deliverāce , this temporary mercy : the veritie whereof may appeare , by that which hath been said afore , but here shal be vrged further . had such so dying , such faith , for apprehending , that temporary deliuerance ? if they had it , and yet so dyed , it were to make god a deceaver : for such faith , so well as iustifying faith , is the gift of god. i graunt that such a one , may haue som swimming conceipt , of deliverance , as a reprobate may haue , his vnrooted conceipt , of soules salvation ) but virtually & truly , such faith they had not : for god gives not faith , without the thing faithed . * walke before me ( saith he ) and be thou vpright , i am el-shaddi , the strong god , all-sufficient , ●or answering thy faith and obedience . and this was it , which caused our saviour in the ghospell still to say , according to thy faith be it . if god in his iustice , “ do aunswere the wicked , according to the idol-inventions in their own heart , even to the brawning of them , in their witchery superstitions ; what mravayle is it , though the same god in his mercy , do answere his children , according to his owne grace , wrought in their hearts , by his owne spirit ? but let vs heare , one speake authorized from the sea of london . in psalme . it is thus : the plague shall not come neere thee . it may be demaunded ( saith he ) how this can be true , for that we read both in elder ages , and s●e dayly , that the pestilence , where it is sent , doth not only come neare the godly , but also smites dead , &c. the answer ( saith he ) is this , that either they fayle , in the * particular faith in gods providence , so much commēded , and required in this psalme , . or they keepe not within the boundes of their callings . so farre he with authoritie , but in me , it must be a heresie . he saith such faith for deliverance , is required in psalme . and many of our cleargie haue deried it in me . if faith , for deliuerance from pestilence , bee not in every christian , required , why is our church [ in the collect on trinitie sunday ] inioyned to pray against all adversitie ; as also in the letany to pray directly thus : from the pestilence good lord deliuer vs ? al true prayer , is to be made in faith ; ( for what is not of faith , is sinne ) and as saint iames vrgeth , in chap. . . to bee made without wavering , as we would haue assurance , to obtayne our request . this doctrine so , s● is the doctrine of the heads of our church , enioyned vnder the payne of excommunication ; and may not clapham teach it without inprisonment ? as also in ferre necessarily therevpon , that in the lacke of such faith , the very elect , may iustly perish of the pestilence ? yea , that the lacke of such sayth , is cause of any adversitie inflicted vpon vs ? vnfold this riddle that can , for i can not . augustine is bold ( and the scriptures so teach him ) to impute the correctorie cutting off of moses his lyfe before he came into the promised lande , to titubatio fides , the stumbling of fayth . and no marvayle that lacke of such fayth , should put away temporarie favoures , when as it is said of our savior ( in whom wantes neither habilitie nor will ) that he did not many great workes , in his owne coūtrey● for their vnbeliefes sake , math. . . what doth all this doctrine tend vnto , but to the humbling of vs in our wantes , who haue made our selues vnworthy of , and vnsufficient to apprehend promise temporarie , so well as that is of an eternall nature ; as also , to the iustifying of god in all his proceedings ? the contrary doctrine causeth man to arrogate to much to him selfe , and to giue vnto god to little . but let vs heare how another divine writt last pest time : “ he having said there be two sortes of death , the one after the * comon course of nature ; the other before the time ( stumble not at the latter phrase , for the * scriptures approve it ) of this latter he thus saith : another way , death may happen to a man before the tyme , by reason of his great and grievous sinnes , as the lord hath threatned by moses , that if his commaundements be not kept , he will cause pestilence to raigne : whereout it is certayne , that when they be kept , the plague bydeth out . likewise saith the lord in the commandements , honor thy father and mother , &c. out of the which it is certayne , that his life , which doth them not , shal be shortned . afterwards , the same writer speaking of the promise in the . psalme , he addes thus : of this vntimely death only speaketh this psalme , and promiseth the faith full christian men , that they shal be free from it . for frō the right appointed death , into the which we haue consented in baptisme , we neither can nor shal be deliuered . wherefore if a vertuous christian man dy of the plague , it is certainly his very houre appointed him of god , which he cannot prevent . but doubtles , there dy of it many sinners also beside , which might well live longer if they repented . so farre he. from whose wordes the collection is evident , namely , that none dy of the plague sent out from god , but vpon their disobedience , be they believers or sinners . and then every divine must graunt , that error in fact proceedeth from error in faith ; as from want of faith exhibited in his threatnings or promises . let this my iudgement then remayne good by authoritie from scripture , from writers , and the imposed obedience of the church of england , how so ever poo●e i , must therefore be derided , slaundered , oppressed . quere● haue the wicked then at any time such a faith , as whereby they be delivered from the pestil●nce ? chap. ix . answ. this d●maund hath his answere , before in the seaventh chapter , namely , that the wicked may bee possessed of any kinde of faith , saving that which we call the iustifying faith , the faith whereby the eternall saving promisses are apprehended . “ the wicked may cast out devills , worke miracles , and what not , that bringes with it onlie som temporarie blessing ? but all this not to be so reioyced in , as to haue the name writtē in heavē . here i could note ( which is not much observed ) that pharaoh . nech● the vncircūcised king of aegypt , was countenanced of god by faith in a temporarie ; what time the godly iosiah king of iudah , was checked by vnexpected death for not believing , pharaoh-necho , though he no prophet nor prophets sonne ; nor we heare not by what meanes hee had such skill ; but i passe by it : only let it check all sortes of infidelitie in vs. and because this position is vniversally graunted of all sortes of divines ( be their sect what it shall ) it shall not neede heere any discourse . in my traduced epistle and section . i say of the wicked escaping in middest of strongest pestilence , first , it is not because they have any promise , but because it pleaseth god both to them and vs , to be in many things , many times better then his promise . so i speake of the wicked in generall for their escape , as also of any promise in scripture , as vnto them not belonging , that is properly and blessedly . afterwardes in the same section i adde . secondly , the wicked so escaping are ordinarily such as haue walked boldly thorough the sicknes , bragging of their faith in god , touching deliuerance frō the pestilence ; shewing plainly , that they had of faith in god for apprehending promise of deliuerance , though they have not had faith for apprehending things spirituall and eternall . so far . and herein appeareth , that the conclusion is inferred , not in respect of all wicked escaping in middest of the pests-heat , but of some certaine wicked , namely , such as gloried first in their hope and trust , walking thorough it without feare . now their speach & behaviour compared with the event ( & the . psalme propounding a tempo●rarie cover , to such as had hope in god ) what shall let ( seeing i can iudge but by externalls ) that i may not thinke such to haue had that faith , which apprehendeth that temporarie . true it is , that all promises in proprietie and blessedly , are made to the children of god ( whither we respect christ the sonne of god by nature , or the sanctified mankind , the sonnes of god by adoption ) but yet it followeth not , that therefore ; god cōmunicateh none of the things so promised to the wicked . god hath commaunded both sortes of faith to goe togither ( the one for the good of the body , the other for the soule , and sinne it is to parte them ) but yet , as he is called * the saviour of all men , specially of the belieuers : so , hee saueth the wicked in somti●es of affliction , and vouchsaffeth his temporarie sunne and rayne to pleasure and profit them . for there is no grace that can be seuered from sanctification ( as may be seene in balaam , saul , iehu , iscariot , &c. ) but it may be found with the wicked , be it corporeall or spirituall . if we say ; that the lords disposing of temporaries , are then there , and to whome , he will i answere , ●uen so is the disposing of eternals , then , there and to whome hee will : for as the wind bloweth so the spirit worketh at his pleasure , as our sauiour teacheth the vnlearned rabbin nichodemus in saint iohus . chapter . how soeuer then my adversaries wish it . this their wind shakes no hauour . quere . is it lawfull for inhabitants to fly the place of their habitation , during such time , as the pestilence there raignet● ? chap. x. answ. som look that i should say yea , such as haue at such times giuen them selues voluntarily to flight . but would they haue me graunt that● absurdum pecus pecc●tor , there is no beast to the sinner . graunt that liberty and then ( to the exposing of all , to rogues-ruine , housses , townes , cities , and at this time , the greatest parte of this kingdom ) must be dispeopled and left as cursed ierush●●lem , desolate . consider then the absurditie of that concession . no common wealths● man will euer graunt that ; nor any desire it , that be not madde . may none then departe ? to hold that ( it may be ) would prooue an errour of the right hand , as the other of the left . salomon forbids vs to be * ouer-iust & ouer-wise ; so well as ouer-wicked & ouer-foolish . least i should seeme partiall , let vs heare som others speake . and first to aunticnt eusebius , who handled the churches historie . hundred yeares since . hee giues vs an epistle , written by dionisius the episcop of alexandria in aegipt , running thus , as a doctor of our owne hath turned the greek . many of our brethren ( saith dionisius ) by , reason of their great loue and brotherly charitie , spared not them selues , cleaued one to another , visited the sicke , without wearines or head-taking , attended vpon them diligently cured them in christ which cost them their liues ; and being full of other mens maladies , tooke the infection of their neighbours ; translated ( of their own accord ) the sorowes of others vpon them selues , cured and confirmed other sick persons , and dyed most willingly themselues , fulfilling in deed the common saying , only friendship is always to beretained : and departing this life , they seemed the of-scourings of others . in this sorte , the best of our bretheren departed this life ( whereof som were ministers and som deacons ) in great reuerence among the common people : so that this kind of death , for the piety & strength of faith , may seeme to differ nothing from martyrdome . for they tooke the dead bodyes of the saintes , whose brestes , and hands , and faces layd vpwardes , and closed their eyes , shut their mouthes , and ioyntly with one accord , being like affectioned , embraced them , washed them , & prepared their funeralls . in a little while after , they enioyed the like them selues . for that the living continually traced the steppes of the dead . but among the heathen , all fell out the contrarie . for scarse had the pestilence taken place amongest them , but they contraried them selues , and fledde from their most friendly and dearest friendes . they threw them halfe dead into the streetes ; the dead they left vnburied , to be devoured of dogges ; to the end they might avoyde the partaking and felowship of death ; which for all that they could devise , they could not escape . so farre eusebius . from this recorde of eusebi●● , besides other thinges , i wish these pointes to be observed : first , it was helde piety , a worke of faith , charitie , glorious as martyrdome , to stand by it , doing service one to another , even to the death and buriall . secondly , that the persons so holily imployde , were ministers , deacons and others . as for the heathen set in an antithesis ; first , they fly one from another , euen from their dearest friends , exposing the dead to prophane violation . secondly , for all their flying so , gods hande did overtake them : such being the iudgment and practise of the church in them purer tymes : and such was the behaviour of the heathen ; iudge nowe , who last pest-tyme walked as the christians , and who as the heathen . but let vs heare some what out of a sermon printed last pest-time . his wordes are these : * vnwisely , and vnchristianly they doe , that out of inordinate feare of this plague , leaue their calling and office , malitiously withdrawing the loue , helpe , & faithfulnes , which they out of gods commaundement , are bound to shew vnto their neighbours ; and so do sinne greevously against the commaundement of god. for certainly they do but stirre vp the wrath of god more earnestly against them selues , that he may the sooner take holde vppon them , and pluck them away with this plague . for men may heare on every side , that som do shunne and fly , not only the sicke , but also the whole . yea , that which is more foolishnes , even the platters and candlestickes which came out of straunge houses , as though death did surely sticke therein . and out of such fo●de childish feare it cometh , that not only som sick persons be suffered to dy without any keeping , help and comfort ; but that women also great with childe , are forsaken in their most neede ; for at such tymes , few or none will come vnto them . yea , a man may heare also , that the children forsake their fathers , & mothers ; and one houshold body keepeth him selfe from another , and sheweth no loue vnto him ; whiche nevertheles he would be glad to be shewed vnto him selfe , if he lay in like necessitie . so farre he. vnto the trueth of whose complainte , the very poets them selues haue subscribed , in variable pamphlets published amongst vs at this day . to these let me adde a doctor of physicke his testimonie ; printed after the former : “ it remayneth ( saith he ) that acknowledging the pestes contagion , we notwithstanding ( who are christians ) carefully avoyd that faithles and paganish fearefulnes , whereby wee are made to breake all the bondes of religion , consanguinitie , aliance , friendship , and policie : the husbande forsaking and abandoning his deare wife ; the parentes their children : to sincke , or swimme ; the pastor exposing his flocke to euery devouring wolfe ; and the magistrate his people vnder his charge , to all confusion and disorder . we are apt to rushe into extremities . this were incidere in scillam , whilst we would vitare charibdim , to avoyd one evill , and commit as great or greater . he is to be reputed a grounded & discreet christian , who as he will not rush rashly into every infected and visited house , without iust cause , warrant or calling ; so , when he is called , or tyed by any bonde of pietie , nature , or policy , he will not forsake his station , or detract and fore● slow any dutie or office ; though the performance thereof be with evident danger of health , goods , or lyfe it selfe . so farre he. what haue i taught more in this matter , that i must bee made a gazing-stocke to angells and men ? looke into the last section of my traduced epistle , and if ( eyther by exhorting to dutie , or dehorting from breach of datie ) i haue said more ( yea , but so much ) then lett man haue no mercy on me . from the lords loue and lenitie , i there exhort to coniunct and mutuall humiliation ; in checking some others for abusing the scripture in levitic . . touching leprosie , for vpholding their irregular flight : and if an authori●ed divine may not doe this , actum erit ● ministerio , our ministerie will bee of small reckoning . for my doctrine there of the leprosie , i leaue it to be tryed by gods worde , for already it is vnder the tryall of the bishops sworde . only heere thus much . . the leper was not put off ; till his disease were throughly seene , tryed and censured . but our sicknes are shaken off without tryall : & often tymes vpon false suppositiôn . . the priest then was tyed by dutie , to take such tryall . but the priest ordinarily with vs , is of the rest , furthest from that ; shaking off not only the sicke , but the sound also . . the priest and people got the leper conveyed to some place apart , providing sufficiently for him , that so his lothsom body might bring no grievance to the congregation . but the most of our priestes and people haue beene so farre from convaying forth the sick so provided ; as they rather haue put out them selues , providing for themselues , and leaving the sick behinde them . . the leprous house and garment came also vnder the priestes tryall and censure : will our priestes do the like ? i will hardly beleeue it , till i see it . . the leprous garmentes were to be burnt , and the houses pulled downe : will they deale so with pestilenced houses and garmentes ? then downe with all england . haue i not ( these circumstances remembred ) had iust cause to complayne of abuse committed against the ceremoniall law of leprosie ? sub iudice lis sit , let the church of god all abroad iudge it . as for any rules of politicall decency , or safetie to be drawen frō levit. . or any other scripture , nether haue i ( nor i think any scholler ) ever excepted against . and as farre from my thought it was contemptuously herein to oppose vnto the doctrine of leprosie published in the booke of orders for the wednesdayes fast : besides that my said epistle was published before that book , som dayes , if not weeks , at least in my iudgement ( as they haue vnder my hand and oth ) nor could i euer from pawles church-yard , or otherwise learne the contrarie . but inough of that parenthesis . when men be vnwilling tolay downe their liues for their brethren , to giue their liues for their flocke ; to preferre bodies to soules , & eternall life to temporarie , what law of god & man will bind them ? what evasions will not be devised ? and what transgression will not of such be iustified ; euen somtymes to the harming of such , as haue beene conscionable obseruers of the law ? this chapter then i will finish with other mens wordes . * one saith thus : let not gentlemen and rich citizens by flying ( vnlesse they fly likewise frō their sinnes ) thinke to escape scot-free . another writes thus : “ it is a great shame for a christian man to be afrayde of the plague of pestilence , as to fly from them that he is bound to serue by gods commaundement . another writes thus : * they that fly for meare feare , ought to acknowledge their want of faith , and to bewayle it , as those that consider neither of them selues , nor of the hand of god that stricketh ; perswading them selues , that staying is the only daunger , and that flyinge is the only meane to escape . such men do as litle children , that flye from the fathers rodde , and so make him more angrie . againe another writes so : they must summon them selues vnto the iudgement feate of god , and looke on the plague , as on the messenger of gods wrath , which can not be avoyded with change of place , but by repentance and amendment of life . so farre they . from such authorised sentences , let the reader collect , that howso ever all departure be not gayn-sayed , yet no such departure is graūted , as whereby relatiue duties be omitted and cast aside , or barbanitie may ensue : for the least ( euill may not be done , to the ende that good may come thereby ) for to such ( saith the apostle ) “ damnation is iust . * from the beginning of the world god knoweth all his workes : and therefore neither needeth nor craueth , nor alloweth , the helpe of our false finger . let vs striue in all estates to be helpefull one to another , and blessed is that servant , who when his maister christ cometh , is found so doing . dixi. epilogue . equall is that pentameter , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . euery forced busines , is grievous . almost a yeare is passed , at the penning hereof . so long forbearance , was much and onerous ; specially in so even a cause . if my aduersaries scorpions , haue by lashing enforced this cry , and thou thereby bettered , deo gratias , giue god the prayse , who out of a flint can fetch fier ; and of stones , rayse vp children to abraham . meane tyme , be assured , it had beene more ease for me , not to haue beene so vrged . but though i were slaine , i must ( with iob ) hold fast myne innocencie . innocency ; by how much the more it is innoeencie , by so much the more i should ( by silence ) haue borne false witnes against god , his church , and myne owne soule . but if it bee remembred , what horride reportes , were scattered abroad of me , both touching fact , and matter of faith , notwithstanding all orderly suites , and protestations , subscriptorie , and iuramentall ; yea , against the tendering royal purpose , of our soueraigne : to the possessing of magistrates eares with vntruthes , to the perverting of ministers , and people ; for bending all against me , and so the sword of gods holy angell ( “ yet vn-sheathed ) gainst all ; damming vp the course of my ministerie , cutting of my bodies liberty ; propounding my life to daunger ; breaking the heart of my family , consumed the substance i had paynefully earned : to the gladding of fooes , sadding of friends , procuring murmurations , &c. and al for praying , preaching , visiting , and good-doing , to all sortes , pestilenced : when almost none els would ; if all this be layd to heart , am i iron , that i should not feele ; or am i lead , that i should not sound ? nay is it reasonable ( though i bee therefore cōmitted close prisoner , yea , should dy the death ) but i should speak , and write , for clearing of myne innocencie ? wherein i haue fayled ( and who is it , that in nothing sinneth not ) thou that art stronger , helpe to sustayne me : at least , simpathize so my estate , as i may be helped , by thy feeling and harty prayers . and so with reference of my cause to the iudgement of god , his church in england , scotland , france , ireland , and wheresoeuer , i end . this . of september , . the lord most vnworthy henoch clapham . a letter to a friend . you desire to heare by what law , i was committed , and so am still continued in prison ? i protest , in the presence of god , i know not , by what law , all this is done , there is a law , that toucheth som , concerning iudgement and doctrine of the pestilence . it is layd downe in the booke called the queenes orders for the pestilence : i speake of our late sweet soveraigne , now gone vnto god. the same booke since ( as i take it ) was published last pest-tyme , in his maiesties name , and this is it verbatim . order . item if there be any person , ecclesiasticall or lay , that should hold , and publish any opinions , ( as in som places report is made ) that it is a vayne thing , to forbeare , to resorte to the infected : or that it is not charitable , to forbid the same ; pretending that no person shall dy , but at their time prefixed , such persons shall not only be reprehended , but by order of the bishop , ( if they bee ecclesiasticall , ) shal be forbidden to preach : and being lay , shal be also enioyned to forbeare , to vtter such daungerous opinions , vpon payne of imprisonment ; which shal be executed , if they shall perseuere in that errour . and yet it shall appeare manifestly , by these orders , that according to christian charitie , no persons of the meanest degree , shal be left without succour and relief . admitt now , i had bene coulpable , of such doctrine : my punishment should not haue bene imprisonment , but som inhibition , to preach . but , as may appeare , by all my writings , i am cleared from all such imputation : and so no law ( that yet i can heare of ) in this matter , violated of me . his maiestie commaunded , i should be proceeded withall ; by the law , intending , that there was a law to cleare me , or condemne me : and yet ( as you heare ) i am kept still in bondes , only vpon my l. of london commaund , ( not vpon any law civill , or ecclesiasticall , once spoken of ) others of the hy-commission vnited with him therein , who ( i suppose ) dare not , easilie , be in any thing , vnto him , repugnant : and he having imprisoned me , before he truely vnderstood the cause , doeth thus goe about to make good his imprisonmēt , by wincking at the truth of the cause , seeming to plague me for the contrary . this may suffice , for your question ; wherewith i end , desiring your harty prayers vnto god , for my good : to whose saving mercies also , i referre you and your studies . yours he. cl. another letter . beloued ; i haue maruailed , what may be the cause of your walking thus those . if because of my daily repaire vnto the lords visited people , som moneths since you fear to com near me , you must vnderstand , that i haue bene ayred in prison these ten moneths . but in your iudgement ( it may be ) a man may travatle of the plague , beyond a womans ● weekes . in deed the old womans fable is , that the plague will lye years in a mouse hole , and then come out . that aphorisme ( it is like ) was cause ( as hath eftsoones bene reported ) that a neare preacher , newly beneficed , did plaister the walles faire , tempering the morter with vinger , [ “ eamque ob rem , medici peste grassante , cum in cibo , tum in potu , acc●ivsum mirificè commendant ] but for all that , his hourse was scarfe fimished , before he with plentie of gods tokens vpon him , so well as his predecessour , was buried . but if i may coniecture by your pulse , you feare to bee knowen my friend , whil● i am in bonds . an vngodly feare , to bee ashamed of well doing . such irregular walking , may cause me to call in question , whether ever you were a true friend , seeing one of gods canons runns thus : * a friend loueth at all times , and a brother is borne for adversite . besides , that such keeping aloof ( worse then that of nicodemus , for he came by night ) it weakens neophyts , and str●ngthens the hands of the adversarie . would you , in like case , be so walked with ? do as you would be done to . in the beginning , you kept of , for som such cause , but now you are impeded about episcopall canons , concluded by the province of canterburie : for though yorkes prouince be by proclamation , enioyned to vndergoe the same “ rules , yet ( i vnderstand not ) that that provinces voyce was called for ; and so vsed , as to the making of that coū . ●ell nationall , and one of the canons , concludeth ( as i remēber ) that 〈◊〉 be the voyce of the church of england , which hath bene vttered in ● councell nationall , not provintiall . e●en as the parliament 〈◊〉 nationall , for that euery part of the nation , hath his speaker in it . if that be your case , god and the king helpe you , for i can not . i am here for another gates testimonie , almost for sakē of you all as singular : but if you would have first vnderstood me , and secondly your selues ; all that i did , was but a bringing of that doctrine , into distinct methode , which ( for the most part ) was taught over-confusedly . in so much as sundry that heard you teach two tymes , vpon that argument , could not conceaue , but that in the second sermon , you were opposite to the first . if you had bene more comfortable to others , in their affliction , then doubtles you should not be so long destitute of comfort in any your afflictions , for faithfull is he that saith , the mercifull shall finde mercy . make vpright steppes to your feet , and feare not an happy issue out of all tentations . and so with my hearty prayers to god for your good , i leaue you to his guidance , that neuer for sakes the faithfull . your friend he. cl. courteous reader let me craue in kindnes , that what faultes thou findest , may not bee imputed to the authour : but meere ignorance and oversight in th● publisher . fare well . pere re● the publisher and his friend . question . is the plague infectious , or no ? answer . that is intricate , more then i know . to satisfie som-thing , i will not gr●dge , with some experimentes , then be thou iudg● . i. a sucking childe , suckt his mothers breast , hauing a filter , . or . yeares elder at the least , the mother absented , the eldest out of thrall , not car●ing for the yongest , any thing at all : the yongest liued , and survived , the eldest with the mother greeved and died . ii. a man being marked with gods tokens , looking euery hour , when his heart would be broke● hauing one child , loth to leaue behind him , layed it . dayes and . nights in bed by him : the father dyed , the child survived , and hath euer since prospered and thriued . iii. a plague fore , within a spanne of a womans dugge , whereat the little child , night and day did lugge , som fortnight sick and sore , shee was all that while , the child in midst of mothers grief , at her did smile the mothers sore made whole , & so she mended , the child since neuer sick , nor with grief offended . now my friend , if not my fo , tell me , is the plague infectious , or no ? qu. is there any place in the scripture , that vrgeth men to bee fo●ward in perfection , and striving to be perfect : answer . yes : ye shall therfore be perfect , as your father which is in heauen is perfect , mat. . . also the great commandement doth say : loue the lord thy god with all thy heart , & with all thy soule , and with all thy minde , and with all thy strength . this is the first and the great commandement . and the second is like vnto this : thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe . on these two commandements hangeth the whole law and the prophetes . the whole scripture is giuen by inspiration of god , and is profitatable to teach , to improue , to correct , and to instruct in righteousnes : that the man of god may be absolute , being made perfect vnto all good workes , . tim. . . . this is a straight gate , yet we are commaunded to striue to enter in at the straite gate , luke . . now he that despiseth the teacher & vrger of this doctrine , despiseth the authour of the doctrine even christ him selfe . although no man can be perfect in this life , yet it is no reason that the mouth of the oxe should be moozled , for treadinge out the corne before them : and telling men what they ought to bee , althogh he knoweth , that none can be perfect in this life , no more then a cammell can goe through the eye of a needle , and though this be vnpossible to man , yet nothing is vnpossible to god. when thou art converted , strengthen thy brethren . the god of peace that brought again from the dead our lord iesus the great shepheard of the sheepe ▪ through the blood of the everlasting covenant , make you perfect in all good workes , to do his will , working in you that which is pleasant in his sight , through iesus christ , to whom be praise for euer . amen . p. r. notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * iohn . . . one made that aunswer . * ergo no possession . notes for div a -e “ revel . . . * anno do : . novemb. ● “ . prover . . . . leuit. . . prou. . ● . rom. . . &c. notes for div a -e * affirmando . negando distinguendo . retorquendo . * they were . hebrues that turned the law into greek , at the appointmēt of ptolomy philadelph the egyptiā king , vnder whom daniels people were capti●ed . notes for div a -e w. cupper , on . sam. . pag. . * stephen egerton . * doct. fran hering in his epist. to his defence , &c. see h ▪ hollands spir. preservatiue pag. . notes for div a -e * d. lodge in his booke of the pestilence , cha . . “ touching is of sundry natures . “ bucer in mat. . * w. cupper on . sam. . iohn . “ rom . galen in . lib. de temp . observed by doct katachius in regimine sanitatis . “ w. cupper on . sā . . . * roger fēton in his spirituall perfum● . publisher . “ the adding of . yeares to his life , and the sunne going back . degrees in the diall of 〈◊〉 : without 〈◊〉 help , was 〈◊〉 raculous , . king. . ● isa. . . 〈◊〉 * ma. holland . * m. cupper . henricus mollerus in psalmo● . * beza and others her● at home . h. hol. sp●● preser . p. . ia● . . . notes for div a -e * publisher , was it not doctor andros that culled thē ? * do ▪ lod ▪ from hipocrates de humana natur . notes for div a -e * tim● . ● . notes for div a -e t. c. on psalm . chris. on psalm . . frater feli● his translation on th● psalme . notes for div a -e iame●● . beza on . cor. . . hebrues . eternall or iustifying faith. temporarie faith. mark . ● . * hebr ▪ . . &c. h. hollāds sp . preserva . “ t. c. o● psal. ● notes for div a -e psal . * gen. . . “ ezek. ▪ ▪ &c. h. hollands spir preser . pag. . . * this ter● was flouted , and yet not in myne but in ma. hollands book● augustin on psa . . “ t. c. on psal . . * num. . . * eccles. . . psal● . . luke . . notes for div a -e “ ma●● . 〈◊〉 * . tim● . . . notes for div a -e * eccle. . , . merideth hanmers translat . of euseb & in chap after●y greke . * t. c. 〈◊〉 psal● . “ doctor her. epist. before his def. printed . leuit. . doct. he● . in his rules , pag. . “ t. con psal. . * wil. cup. per on sa. . pa● . h. hollād● pr. preser . pag. . “ rom. . ● . * act ; . 〈◊〉 notes for div a -e “ never raged this sick nes so mightily and vniversally in england , as now it doth notes for div a -e “ in amo●di villanovani exegefi super schol. sale●n . ● . ● , * prover . 〈◊〉 . “ canon ● the greeke : rule is the english. seasonable thoughts in sad times being some reflections on the warre, the pestilence, and the burning of london, considered in the calamity, cause, cure / by joh. tabor. tabor, john. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing t estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) seasonable thoughts in sad times being some reflections on the warre, the pestilence, and the burning of london, considered in the calamity, cause, cure / by joh. tabor. tabor, john. [ ], p. printed for anne seil, london : . in verse. errata: prelim. p. [ ]. reproduction of original in union theological seminary library, new york. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng anglo-dutch war, - -- poetry. plague -- england -- london. london (england) -- fire, -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion seasonable thoughts in sad times , being some reflections on the warre , the pestilence , and the burning of london . considered in the calamity , cause , cure. by joh. tabor , m. a. non placentia , sed utilia . amos . . i have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of egypt , your young men have i slain with the sword , &c. i have overthrown some of you as god overthrew sodom and gomorrah , and ye were as a fire-brand pluckt out of the burning , yet have ye not returned to me saith the lord , &c. and psal . . . let the righteous smite me , it shall be a kindness , and let him reprove me , it shall be an excellent oyl which shall not break my head , for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamity . london , printed for anne sell , . to the right worshipful sir gervase elwes knight and baronet , one of his majesties deputy leiutenants in the county of suffolk , and justice of the peace and quorum for the counties of essex and suffolk . right worshipful ! the knowledge of your piety and virtue , candour and benignitie , emboldens me to address these reflections on our calamities , with their cause , and cure , to the world , under the shadow of your name , and favour ; presuming that with the regularly devout , and truly pious , such as you are , they may find favour , though perhaps not pleasing the nicer wits of this curious age , who will mind more the strain of poetry than piety , and like children throw away the kernel to play with the shell : and since they so freely and impartially taxe the vices of all , yet only the humble , and pious will endure to hear of their faults , and there ? are few such in these atheistical dayes , possibly distasting many licentious and erroneous persons , which yet discourages me not from endeavouring to amend our sad times , the complaint of all mouths , by reforming our evil manners , the care of few . now ( noble sir ) you sheltered my person under your roof , and favour in the late times of tyranny and confusion ; and when i entered into the ministery by the dore , with an episcopal ordination on my head , in a time , and place that would for that cause only render me slighted and rejected of the most , you therefore contracted the beams of your countenance more auspiciously upon me ; nor shunned to impart to me your pious and loyal thoughts of heart for our then persecuted church , and distressed soveraign . a confidence you were pleased to put in me , which hath inseparably obliged my soul to you in the greatest sincerity and dearness of honour and affection ; so that if i may be so free with you , i can sincerely profess , no gentleman in the world possesses a greater love and esteem in my heart than your self . i saw your exuberance of joy , and extasie of spirit when you received the happy tidings of the then parliaments vote for his majesties restauration , as therein for seeing the return of glory and prosperity to our land : and by this , though absent from you , i can easily guess at the greatness of your sorrow for your nations sufferings since : besides , you have been no small sufferer in these woes , chiefly in the fire , in reference to your own concernments and your relations : and therefore i conceive a poem of the nature and design this is , may not be unacceptable to you . and since i have had thoughts of making my reflection on these things publick , thinking to contribute something to the return of our prosperity , by turning if it may be , some from their iniquity , i have been glad hereby to catch the opportunity , to testifie to the world my due resentments of your manifold undeserved kindnesses ; a grateful acknowledgment being the only requital i am able to make for all your accumulated favours , a poor requital indeed , when thus by paying my old score i run but farther into your debt , begging your acceptance from him , who remains your very much obliged servant john tabor . to the pious unprejudiced reader , giving an account of the ensuing poem . christian reader , the dismal dispensations of divine providence towards us , in that series of sad judgments lately inflicted on us , viz. the destroying war , devouring pestilence , and desolating fire in london , having swallowed up my soul in a deep sense of our hainous sins as the true cause of our heavy sufferings , i remained some time in a confused plunge of spirit hereby , all other business and employs superseded , till at last recollecting my disordered thoughts , i brought them to a certain composure , and to render them more profitable to my self , and to allay the sharpness of sorrow with the pleasure of some phancy , i framed them in metre . i began with the war , therein considering not the history as to the management of men , but the calamity as to the judgment of god : i went on with the pestilence guided in my contemplation by the course of that , considering the rise , increase , progress , and deplorable effects thereof , as they happened , but having no thoughts all this time of publishing what i wrote , concluding with my self in regard these reflections would not be sin shed but with the sickness , they would be then less seasonable , acceptable and profitable to the publick , the sense of judgments too frequently wearing off with the suffering , and scarce any thing concerning them than making impression on most hearts . but then the startling and astonishing news of the cities conflagration , hurried my muse to a new wrack of tormenting griefs , rending me as many others for a time capable of nothing but to stand in the way for news , wherein for some days together we still met with job's messengers , with sad tidings of increasing misery : till at length occurring the joyful report of the miraculous extinguishing of the flames , and unexpected preservation of the unconsumed part of the city and suburbs , my mind became more sedate and quiet , and my muse set her self to reflect on this woe as the former , not without some thoughts of publication , imagining this had revived mens sense of gods just displeasure , and might render them capable of remorse for their sins , procuring these dire effects of it in such a dreadful succession of woes : then purposing to discover all our sins as cause of our sufferings , and knowing that by the law is the knowledge of sin , i run over the law of god in my thoughts , and observed how sins of all sorts against every commandment , and others more directly against the gospel abound among us , so that our sins being found so great , and numerous , we may not wonder our sufferings have been so many and calamitous : and what ever god in his merciful providence may seem to be doing for the removal of his judgments , and restoring of health , and peace , and prosperity to us , and we may flatter our selves with hopes of seeing good days again ; yet otherwise than on the foundation of our repentance and better obedience , can we build no assurance of setled prosperity for the future ; for should it now clear up , yet another cloud may soon rise , if we still provoke the god of heaven . and therefore i proceed to add an hortatory part , perswading to repentance and obedience to gods laws , as the most certain cure of our calamities , and sure way to have better times , which , ( if ( as we hope ) our woes are in a manner past , yet ) may be of good use to us all for the securing us in a flourishing condition for time to come , the prosperity of any people usually ebbing and flowing with their piety and virtue . and so at last , i add a consolatory part as a cordial for to chear the penitent and humble , introducing there , the historical relation of our war omitted in the first part. the three first parts i have composed in a familiar kind of compleat verse , as being for the most part reprehensive , and hortatory , therein condescending to the meanest capacities , as meant for the use and benefit of all : in the last , where the subject is more heroick , suitably i use quattrains closing the sense with a compleat , and rise to a little higher , though not aiming ( if i could attain it ) at a lofty strain : i seek where to make my verse serve my subject , and not subject my nobler matter to my metre . now candid reader , i hope the sincerity and integrity of my design in this work may obtain an apology for any defects in the management ▪ and the divinity excuse the want of phansie : i do more than suspect i shall fall under the censure of seduced sectaries , though piously affected , because i tax their errors ; of vitious persons , though loyal and conformable , because i tax their vices ; of hypocrites , especially such as mask traiterous and factious designs with pious pretences to seduce the people , because i lay them open to the world , furtivis nudatos coloribus , and tax their villanies , however palliated , as contributing to our calamities : but my prayer to god is , that he would open all their eyes and turn their hearts , the first to follow after truth , the second holiness , and the third sort the truth of holiness , then i am sure we should be a flourishing church and nation . if thou blame me ( reader ) for any where ripping up old sores , i will assure thee i do not otherwise than for fear that false prophets have healed the hurt of the daughter of our people slightly , to let out the corruption the right way by repentance , lest they fester and break inwardly and kill their souls . if thou complain of rough handling , know it is done with a chirurgeons heart , to heal and not wound : and if my patient cry out of me in searching his sore as an enemy , i am well assured if he would suffer the cure , he would acknowledge me in the end to be his friend : and when in searching thy sore i touch thee to the quick , lay thine hand on thine own heart confessing thy corruption and sin , rather than stretch out that , or move thy tongue to smite me who only mean thy health , and welfare . read on , and the sweetness of consolation at last will allay the tartness of reprehension before : nauseate therefore nothing herein , since all will do thee good , if thou with candor receive and digest it . accept then kindly what is intended sincerely for gods , thy souls , and this nations glory from him who is thine in the lord jesus , john tabor . to the reader . reader suspend thy censure , till thou run the whole book over , and when that is done : the author's meaning rightly understood ; that his design , if not his verse , is good , i doubt not thou wilt say ; and when you see : he layes our woes on our impietie : think not one sin , or party he alone doth here accuse , but all and every one : assure thy self the author doth designe , that times may mend , to mend his heart , and thine . curteous reader . before thou peruse this book , i intreat thee , for thine own sake , to turn to and correct or supply with thy pen , these mistakes and omissions of the printer , and let not his errors be imputed to the author , who fears some will judge he hath enough herein to answer for of his own , but desires thou wilt courteously mend the printers , and candidly forgive his errata . in the epistle to the reader page . line . & . for compleat r. couplet , l. . before where add every . in the poem p. . l. . for chelmford r. chelmsford , p. . l. . for then r. thence , p. . l. before stuffe add their , pag. . that which is under an asterism in the margent refers to the asterism upon lud in the next page ; and the asterism in the margent p. . answers to this on brute , p. . p. . l. . for land r. laud , p. . for lately r. late , p. . l. . before mere blot out are , p. . l. . before him blot out of , & l. . for swettest r. sweetest , p. . l. . for to r. too , p. . l. . for first r. first 's , p. . l. . for religious r. religions , p. . l. . before glory add bliss and , p. . l. . for convey r. conveys , pag. . l. . before please blot out doth . p. . l. . for sottishness r. foolishness , p. . in marginal note for countries r. country as . p. . l. . for own r. one . seasonable thoughts in sad times . reflections on the war. where e're i go , the sighing air rebounds sad ecchoes to my heart , and doleful sounds of lamentation : still the plague and war , in ev'ry place , the talk of all mouths are . the funeral knells continually ring in mortal ears , and thundering guns do sing in the reporting air , by both are brought nothing but death , and slaughter to our thought . death rules at land , devouring as he please ; and sight who will , he 's master on the seas , thousands at land away he weekly sweeps , by sea he hundreds swallows in the deeps . from one poor city , in few months he hurl'd so many thousands to another world ; as against this would a stout army be : unsatiate yet , in town , and country , he hath slain so many thousands , as might serve an alexander , for a sure reserve , if to content his great ambitious mind , another world to conquer he could find : these are the dire effects ( oh god! ) of our transgressions , and thy just avenging pow'r . did then the persian cyrus , from an hill beholding his huge host , his eye-lids fill with brackish tears to think , one age revol'd , all those would into ashes be resolv'd ? and shall so many christians in one year , be turn'd to dust , and we not shed a tear ? o that my head a fountain wore , and i could vent a stream of grief from either eye , weep , and blot out of sin the crimson stain , whereby the daughter of my people 's slain ! sometimes i sit in pensive posture , and form sad ideas of the sea , and land. how while the proud insulting dutch , and we contend in dreadful fights for masterie : hell opes her mouth , and in few hours receives such crouds of souls , as no time ere retrieves : of bodies such huge numbers sinking then , as threaten to earth up the sea with men . so that our ships may for the future strand on shelves of bodies , not on shelves of sand . methinks i see the swelling billows boil , heat by the fire doth from the guns recoil : the roaring guns which pierce the parting air , with terror we on land far distant hear they shake the massie earth , and thunder like , houses , and windows into trembling strike : and each broad side which strikes my ear , i think , now a brave ship with braver men doth sink . enraged mortals striving to out-vie , thunder , and lightning in the lofty skie darken the air with smoak , but fire gives light , or they at noon-day would scarce see to sight . blood from the reeking decks into the main pours down , like water in a showr of rain , discolouring the ocean by its fall , as if 't would turn it to a red-sea all . fire-ships set all on flames , and make a show , as subterranean fires were from below , broke through the waves : and one would think no doubt , fire strove to drink up sea , sea to quench out the fire , and men by their contentious action , put all the elements into distraction : but themselves rue most , while the bloody sight gives blood to them , who do in war delight . now on the decks some shriek with painful and others sinking are in deadly swounds : wounds , here a commander falls , th' opponents hollow , the souldiers soon in death their leader follow : here from torn shoulder flies an arm , and there from shatter'd thigh a leg the bullets tear : here wags a head off , this mans brains are dasht full in the next mans face , his bowels pasht on his next neighbour , and a third is found , groaning his soul out at a wide-mouth'd wound . here bullets force drives a heart out , which dies to mortals rage a bloody sacrifice : there a head from the bloody neck is rent , mounting as if to hit the sun it meant ; thus the dutch heads we well may wish to rise , and be lift up , above their enemies . but i had rather we , and they in peace might live , and war might from all nations cease had not astraea left the earth , and rage possest mens bosomes in this iron age : had not sin first divided men from god , then from themselves , scattering all abroad to seek new countries , all had still been one language , and people , letting warr alone . sin is the onely make-bate in the world , that hath all things into contention hurl'd : but since the prince of peace his happy birth , who came to reconcile both things on earth , and things in heaven , methinks those who professe , themselves his subjects , from all wars should cease : one faith should be of force hearts to unite , in love as much as e're one language might : the second adam should all his restore to the same concord , which they had before by nature in the first , and not pursue their christian brethren , like a turk , or jew . but what a grief 't is to good hearts , to see christians among themselves thus disagree : and those , for whom christ spilt his blood & life , to shed each others blood in lust , and strife : that those , who when they go to sight doe pray to the same god , that each may have the day , and both doe hope alike in death to be translated hence to heavens felicitie , should one another with such fury kill ; and r●uch rejoyce each others blood to spill : good lord ! how will heav'n quietly hold those souls , who just now were here such deadly foes : if some of either side to heav'n do come , and both to dutch , and english be their home , could heav'n admit repentance , grief , and sorrow find a place there , those souls would surely borrow time from their heav'nly joys this to repent , and their unchristian feuds below lament : lament now christians , and leave of your slaughter , there 's no bewailing but in hell hereafter . yet 't is to be bewail'd that such a slood by christian hands is shed of christian blood . thus we contend to blood , but all the while the holy spirit grieves , and devils smile , all the good angels too are grieved for 't , but your contention makes the devils sport ; and the slain carkases of christians drest in blood , and wounds , make lucifer a feast : and at these broils the infidels do laugh , christians should weep , but yet the most do quaff : such direful deeds just god thou sufferest , sinners for their transgressions to infest : in times when blood , and wounds make such ado ; o that our hearts were rightly wounded too ! and with just grief could bleed as fast as those poor hearts , who have been pierced by their foes . slack christians , slack your fury ! and employ your noble valour for a victory more worthy praise , than any you can gain by numbers of your christian brethren slain . you souldiers by profession are , your life a warfare , and you must here live in strife : but 't is a strife more with your selves than others , ' gainst certain foes , and not your christian brothers . the world , the flesh , the devil , these are those you must still combate with , as mortal foes to your immortal bliss ; and these will find tough work enough for the most warlike mind : but while with christian men we do contest , we cherish , and serve these foes in our brest : the world rejoyces , devil takes delight , lusts of the flesh are pleas'd when christians sight . le ts turn our force then against them , and shew what noble acts our valour there can do ; the lord of hosts our captain is , and will with armour furnish you , courage , and skill : you need not doubt success at all , for he who fights gods battails shall have victorie : one lust subdued will you more glory gain , than he whose single arm an host hath slain . for 't is more honour , to o're-come within our selves our lusts , than cities wall'd to win . great alexander , who subdued all nations , continued slave still to his lustful passions . be of good courage then , subdue your sin , and an eternal crown , and kingdom win : or if the warriours spirit can't be laid , but it will still in blood , and slaughter trade let christians valiant , and victorious arm , turn to do turks , and infidels the harm which now amongst our selves , we daily feel , and let the heathen fall upon our steel ! there might be rais'd another holy war , more truly holy , than the first by far : not to get canaan , a land accurst as well for jews , as canaanites at first : but the insulting sultan to restrain ; who hath so many thousand christians slain ; and with his hundred thousands oft doth come pouring destruction into christendome , forraging , wasting all with fire , and sword , defying , and blaspheming christ our lord. leading away such as the sword doth spare , into a bondage worse than death by far : o that all christian princes could agree to hamper this leviathan , and free , from his outragious inroades , all those borders of christendom , where he commits his murders . the asiatick churches when i think upon mention'd in saint john's revelation : oh how it grieves my heart ! to think that there , where sometimes famous christian churches were now turkish mosques do stand , & men adore , the imposture mahomet , where christ before . and those who yet retain a christian name , have little else of christ , beside the same : their low estate allows no means to gain such knowledge , as is needful to retain , religion pure and perfect : besides , must they to this great turk the tenth child yearly pay . the tenth is due ( o god! ) to thee alone , and must an infidel thy tribute owne ? this woe of all their woes is worst , to see their dearest children educated be in blinder turcism , made his janizars , chief souldiers against christians in his wars . when cruel herod mockt of the wisemen slew so many infants , he did kindness shew , compared to this turkish tyranny ; for 't is a greater priviledge to die innocent martyrs , and go hence to glory , than to be train'd up in the cosening story of mahomet : poor babes ! at once must you be from christs bosome , and your parents too , by tyrants-force thus miserably torn ? better it were you never had been born . let us reflect , and think did we now hear the approaching feet of turkish officer , entring to take away our darling child , oh what a plight should we be in ? how wild , and quite beside themselves , would surely be the tender mothers of the infantry ? who , that their senses have , would not desire to see their tender infants soul expire , his brains dasht on the wall before his eyes , and how the sprawling corpse convulsing dies , rather than such should us of them bereave , in thraldom , and idolatry to live ? but who do think on this with pity , and deplores not the sad state of grecian land ? now then it were a noble enterprise , if christian princes hearts , and arms would rise , to pull down this proud sultan , and restore the christian faith where 't flourished before ; and free afflicted greece , once the worlds eye from turkish thraldom , and idolatry ; and all those christian souls which yearly come tribute , and captives from poor christendome . if th' english and dutch fleer would both combine , t' assist the bold venetian , worthy of christian valour ) they would make a designe the vaunting seigniour with his gallies quake : if throughout all christendom were more ( like those brave knights of malta , who have swore destruction to the turks ) that would combine quite to raze out the bloody ottoman line : then christendome might flourish , and be free from devastation , and captivitie . god grant us peace at home , and send us victory abroad , and end all wars 'mong christian men , and cease the plague his war with men ; in peace , and health grant us to live , that we might still a happy kingdom be . but though the lord in war on our side stood , and gave us victory for the price of blood , allaying this sore judgment by success , which in the loss of lives makes grief go less : yet the plague raging far and nigh , destroyes with sweeping slaughter , and doth damp our joys : this casts my soul into a sad reflection , on the just vengeance of such dire infection . reflections on the pestilence . jer . . . shall i not visit them for these things saith the lord ? shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this ? when the just god did visit london first , our danger less , our fears were at the worst : in every place men stood upon their guard , and against citizens kept watch , and ward : had we done so against our sins before , less had our danger been , our safety more : but when this dire destruction still doth last , and round about us fearfully doth wast ; harden'd by custom , we do nothing fear : our dangers greater , but who sheds a tear ? our hearts are stone , were they of marble kind 't were well , marble sometimes we weeping find . on the great city of this sinful land london , with wealth , and folk , abounding , and with sin , the cause of woe too , god first pour'd the brimful vial of his wrath , and showr'd his ireful judgments : there his angel drew the sword of vengeance , and that people slew , at first by tens , which soon to hundreds come , then thousands weekly sent to their long-home . the frighted citizens begin to fly from house , and habitation , lest they die : they leave their livelyhood to save their life ; and where they come , their coming makes a strife . lest they bring death with them , towns are in arms to keep out citizens , as mortal harms : waggons , and coaches still in every road are met with , which they , and their goods do load : where they shall shelter find , they scarce do know , yet durst not stay at home , where e're they go . some who did thure in stately houses dwell , now gladly creep into a countrey-cell : and others wandering up and down the fields ; no town , or village them admittance yields : thus from the rod of god poor sinners fly , not from their crimes , for which they smart , & die . alas ! what boots it from the plague to start , and bear with you a worse plague in your heart ? running will not secure you , you 're undone , unless you know how from your selves to run : had you your selves forsaken , when at home , you need not thus about the countrey roame . had you fled from your sins before as fast , you need not from the plague have made such hast . had you been just , and honest in your trade , to deal uprightly , had a conscience made ; false weights , and measures , and deceitful wares , the snares false oaths , equivocations , lies , for simple buyers , ) had you never us'd : nor with great prizes customers amus'd : for which i' th' countrey you a proverb are ; you ask , say they , just like a londoner : had not your shops been dens of such as theive , and lie in wait cunningly to deceive ; nay oftentimes your cosening with a shew of honesty , and goodness cloaked too : no plague had likely nigh your dwellings come ; you might securely still have staid at home . had you but kept your conscience , so you might your shops with comfort , free from deadly fright : but when you turn out conscience first , no doubt , gods judgments after 't justly turn you out : and if you e're get home again , beware ! more plagues in store for sinners still there are : but for a while here they resolve to be , till london shall be from contagion free : but there contagion is , from which , i fear you 'le never find the sinful city clean . but now le ts think on those who stay behind , distrest in body , and estate , and mind : who know not where to sly , and fear to stay ; but yet must bear the burthen of the day ; a wrathful day , a dismal time , wherein thousands receive the wages of their sin : some have no friends to go to , nor yet coin to make them any , some the laws enjoyn to stay , and do their office , some presume , and others trust no plague shall them consume . but it increases , spreads , destroyes , doth make such as remain , for fear of death to quake . now might you see red crosses there great store , and lord have mercy upon many a doore : the wardsman standing , as if he were sent deaths bayliffe to arrest the house for rent , and turn the dwellers out ; and sure i am , but few could live long there after he came : now knells of death continually do ring , and that same doleful sound of buryers , bring your dead out , mortal ears with terror pierce ; and now a cart becomes the only hearse to bear a heap of bodies to their grave , which neither obsequies , nor rites can have of christian burial , the best of all have now no friends attend their funeral : no cost of heirs , no mourners to be seen , but driven in a cart , as they had been from hanging carry'd , thrown into a pit , no priest to say , earth to earth i commit . now might you see all faces blackness gather , the son lamenting for his dying father , the wife for her deceased husband crying , and parents mourning for their children dying : now might you hear some from their windows cry , bread for the lords sake , or we starved die ; groaning at once under two dismal woes , the plague , and famine , both their deadly foes . now friends , and neighbours keep at distance , fear t' approach their nearest kindred , for life's dear : the father dreads to see his only son , the son to see his father too doth shun , the husband dreads his wife , whom he with dear embraces us'd to hold , durst not draw near , the wife 's afraid her husband to behold , whom in kind arms she used to infold : now such as yet do dwell in health and ease , know not how soon the plague on them may seise : where lately by our kings happy return , all joy , and triumph was , and then to mourn , it was piacular ; behold ! and see how sad now there , and mournful all things be ! and now it were ridiculous to laugh , yet some bold sinners now game , sing , and quaffe : nay ( as 't is told ) some by dead corps do play , away the remnant of their lives short day : poor london ! this thy sad condition is , yet who bemoans thee ? and who weeps for this ? thou sit'st disconsolate , of joys bereft , in thy distress by friends , and lovers left : such as to satisfie their pride , and lust , spend here their wanton summers yearly must ; when they have helpt to bring the plague upon thee now in thy woe , and misery fly from thee : but let them go , if they mend not , no doubt , gods judgments in due time will find them out : though it begins with thee , and you must bear the almighty's wrath , for that you sinful were ; a wrath so killing , that your dead do come unto nine thousand in the weekly sum ; and 't is reported , though bills speak no more , fourteen might be some weeks upon the score . hath god forgotten to be gracious ? is his mercy gone for ever , and your bliss ? o spare thy people lord , thy people spare ! who with thy precious bloud redeemed are : will god his anger evermore retain ? will he still frown , and never smile again ? no , he is gracious , and his mercies sure , his pity doth from age to age endure : humble thy self , and hope well london ! for god will not cast off his for ever , nor be always wrath , slouds at the highest fall ; so now his over-flowing judgments shall : he will consult his bowels , and have pity for mercy sake upon an humbled city : and ere the year went round , the plague was so abated , folk a pace did thither go . theirs ended : now began the countrey 's woe . and as provoking sin its course hath run , avenging judgment after that hath gone . as london like the fountain , sent forth streams of evil through the land , so now the gleams of wrath , dart thence the plague abroad , and thus sent death into the countrey among us : colchester for two years her thousands paid for tribute unto death , poor braintry's made to give her hundreds , chelmford scapes not free , and mousham long hath worn deaths liverie . in easterford kelv'don upon the way , death took into an inne , and made some stay ; but , ( blessed be the god of heav'n ) slaughter was here no dweller but a sojourner : as once the year before he here was sent into a cottage , but no further went. but in most market-towns about us slays , and by his terror puts down market-days . whereby the poor want work , the farmer vent for his commodities , his landlord rent , and such whom god doth in their persons spare , deep in their purses now afflicted are : money is dead as well as people , trade is low , yet payments high must needs be made . for sickness , and the war do both require . though things we sell are low , our rates be higher . this is our woe , this is our great distress , the more 's our sorrow , is our sin the less ? 't were well if so , our loss would be our gain , nor would i doubt to see good days remain : but this i cannot see , and therefore fear no end of these , but a third woe is near : gods knows what will be next , but sure , unless we better prove for these , god will not cease to punish us , he hath more plagues in store , and can for sin afflict us seven times more : since both the war , and sickness still endure , and once to know the cause is half the cure ; let us reflect on that , and throughly try to search the cause , and find a remedy for these calamities , which make so long , have mercy lord , the burthen of our song : let 's see what hinders mercy , and what sure course we must take , his mercy to procure : but while i was about to think on this , another woe befell ; the city is all on a flame , the countrey in a fright , our thoughts distracted , business put to flight , all stand i' th' way to hear what news from thence , as men astonisht , even bereft of sense : but when my muse her self could recollect ; on this third woe began she to reflect , resolv'd at last by light of th' fire to see the cause of all these woes , and remedie . on the bvrning of london . jer . . , . at what instant i shall speak concerning a nation , and concerning a kingdom to pluck up , and to pull down , and to destroy it . if that nation against whom i have pronounced , turn from their evil , i will repent of the evil that i thought to do unto them , &c. the war still slaughters , & the plague destroys , and england mournful sits , berest of joys , abandoned to sorrow : yet gods hand is stretched out against this sinful land : and as the city london still hath been the spring , and fountain of the nations sin , another wrathful vial god doth spill on them , and thence the land with terror fill . heav'n from the former with provoked ire shed death among them , but from this a fire , a wasting fire : scarce had that vial done dropping down sickness , ere this woe begun , and all at once in flaming fury thrown on this great city , quickly burnt it down : god seem'd to slack his wrath , the pestilence was in a manner quite removed thence : and having swept the city , thence did come , and all about the countrey strangely roame : and those who hither fled for safety , fly for danger hence , and gladly homewards hye : london is quickly fill'd , trading returns , no miss , or thought of those are in their urns : and with the people sin returned too unmortified , by all the plague could do : this foster'd in their flight , brought home again in their return , bred their ensuing bane : they come the same men home , take the old course ; whom judgments do not mend , they oft make worse : the beasts god sav'd in noah's ark came out beasts as they went in , and some men , no doubt , have no more sense of mercy , when they live , while god doth others to destruction give : c ham scapt among the eight in noah's flood , yet this deliverance did not make him good ; he 's sav'd , the world destroy'd , yet when all 's done wicked comes forth and proves a cursed son . so when the plague like to a deluge swept in london , and god there a remnant kept alive , and such as to the countrey fled , a life in mercy here in safety led ; london replenisht once , the plagues forgot , and god that sent it too , the folk no jot amended by it , but the plague is still most in their hearts , when lest 't is in their bill : therefore as when the plague of leprosie among the jews , could no way purged be out of their houses , gods law did require , such houses should be burned down with fire : so when the plague of sin could not be purg'd from out that sinful city , sharply scourg'd by that of sickness , god himself in ire burnt down their houses with consuming fire . upon september's second day i' th' year ▪ much talkt of * sixty six , did there appear by two i' th' morning these consuming flames , which did break out first in the street of thames : and then blown on by a strong wind into the city , what e're art , or strength could do of men to stop , or slack its fury , by the friday morning did in ruines lie the greatest part of that within the wall , and much beside of that we suburbs call : for it broke thorough newgate , and went on to holborn-bridge , and had through ludgate gone , up fleetstreet unto temple-bar before its fury stopt , and did burn down no more : if what without the walls is burnt , you count for that which stands within , as tant'amount ; even the whole city in a manner lies a ruinous heap to all spectators eyes : to quench this fire men labour'd all in vain , it wasting run like wild-fire in a train , then you might hear at first the doleful sound , fire , fire cryed all about the city round , and there you might behold with weeping eye , by fire a whole street , quickly ruin'd lye ; th' increasing flame mounting its spire to heav'n , laid th' aspiring buildings with earth even : there might you see the water-engines ply'd with toilsome hands , but god success denyed ; they quickly broke , and peoples hearts while they behold their houses to the flames a prey : thousands did strive to quench the fire , but all labour'd in vain , the stately structures fall before its fury : some do water bear ; others pull down such houses as are near , to stop its progress , but aloft it flies o're th' interval , and makes a sacrifice of the next mansion , thence again doth hast , the rest with sweeping vengeance to lay wast : no church , no hall , no house , no hospitall can stand before it , but it ruines all : what will not burn , it breaks with piercing heat , and tumbling down with rubbish fills the street : as when a field of stubble's fired , and it runs like flowing billows cross the land blown with the wind , or as when torrents fall from some steep hills , they bear before them all stands in their way : e'ven so this fire runs on , and in a little time a mile hath gone : buildings of all materials you can name , as stubble were before the spreading flame ; which like a falling torrent swiftly flows through london streets , it comes and down all goes : which while the tired people do behold with deep astonishment ; their hearts grow cold within them by this fire , when thus they view the fate of old troy light upon the new . now might you poor distressed people meet with streams of tears lamenting in each street : were these for sin , they 'd sooner quench the flames , than all the water of the river thames . some you might see there with extreamest passion , bewail their loss as nigh to desperation . now might you see our soveraign lord the king , water himself unto this fire to bring , i mean in mournful eyes , weeping to see his cities ruines , subjects miserie ; whose sorrow was their solace , as compassion to those in woe 's a kind of consolation : nor did his tears speak pity only , but by comfortable words he solace put into distressed hearts , and night , and day rode up and down from place to place , to stay by all means possible the running flame : giving forth orders look't to see the same effectually performed , ventring where inferior persons dar'd not to come near ; and with his hands to labour did not spare , ( 't is said ) and to expose his life , through care to save the city , for a rumor slew abroad of treachery , if that be true ; to think , i tremble in what peril then our soveraign was among the rout of men , when any foe had opportunitie to act a not to be thought of tragedie : but praised be the king of kings alone , no hand , or tongue was mov'd by anyone against our king , all joy'd , and blest him , when they saw his care , his grief , his labour then ; but nothing would asswage this furious fire , which all attempts to quench did raise but higher : as the smiths forge by water grows more hot ; when fire of water mastery hath got : all limbs , and spirits tired were , but yet their hopes grew lesser , and the flames more great : now faint , and weary , and despairing quite e're to put out the fire , all in a fright , ( giving o're the whole city to the will of god , and fury of the flames , which still rage more , and more ) ( too soon perhaps ) disperse their several wayes , to save stuffe , and purse : as when a town 's besieged , ta'ne and sackt ; their goods away like plunder now are packt : but many , whom the flame surpris'd before , out of their houses they remov'd their store , lost all their goods , and in one hour were some , wealthy before , mere beggars now become : and those who most did save , and bear away , much of their goods left to the flames a prey : th' excessive rates of carrs made much not worth removal , though they safe could get it forth : some hurrying what they snatcht out of the fire to the first friends they thought of , when that nigher approacht those places , now with speed they were compell'd their things away from thence to bear . and the fire still pursuing them as fast , forc't them soon to a third remove in hast : thus some to shift their place were oft compell'd , who still in hopes the fire would be quell'd , would not quite leave the town , until at last , all thinking the whole city it would wast ; no other refuge sought but open fields : man loth at last unto gods judgments yields . moore-fields with piles of goods are fill'd , and there their owners lie abroad in th' open air : thousands who lately went secure to bed , their dainty limbs on doun , or feather spread in stately mansions , now abroad must lie , the earth their bed , and heav'n their canopie . and after three days toil , trouble , and fright , having no ease by day , nor rest by night , nor leisure all this time , due food to eat , now in the fields may sleep , but still want meat : many who late fed on delicious fare , would now skip at a crust , though brown it were : but hold ! with horror think i now upon ( what 's yet forgot ) the sad condition of women then in travail , and such there as in this time sick , weak , and dying were : for scarce a day revolved , but you might here there of births , and deaths each day and night . how many sad benoni's now were born ! while lab'ring mothers through the streets are born . how many frighted parents now miscarry , and travail must , at home they may not tarry ! how many while they in the fields do lie , have pangs of child-birth , and deliverie ! how many dying persons now expire ! breathing their last like martyrs in the fire ; their souls like manoah's angel , soaring on the mounting flames to heav'ns blest mansion : how many dead have roman buryal there ! their houses funeral piles wherein they were now burned , and lie buried underneath the ruines of the place , where seiz'd by death . as when our saviour in judea wrought . his powerful miracles , they sick folk brought on beds , and couches to him ; even so you might see them carried forth the city now ; but with this diff'rence , then to him they came for life , and health , but fly hence for the same : these were the sad disasters , which the ire of heav'n did punish sinners with by fire : the rampant flames went on victorious still , on both hands levelling up to tower-hill , approach't , as if 't would offer an assault , but there receiv'd a blow , and made an halt ; houses blown up , by which a breach was made , prov'd the best rampart now , whereby was staid the fury of this foe , and in one hour gunpowder cool'd his courage , sav'd the tower : is powder then the way to quench a flame : strangely begun , went on , went out this same . stranger experiment sure ne're hath bin , thus by a blast to save the magazin . but had the fire came on , the tower ta'ne , how had that strong and ancient structure lain , great britains strength and glory , in the dust ! for want of ammunition then we must yield to our foes ; but god ( blest be his name ) would not commit the tower to the flame : which elsewhere forward went , newgate can't hold this fire , it broke the prison , and as bold as ever , unto holborn-bridge it straid , but there through mercy was its fury staid . yet still in fleetstreet did it wander far , e'ven to the temple , but god put a barre there to this lawless fire , and here supprest this tyrants raging force , and sav'd the rest ; for which we ought with thankful hearts to raise to him some trophies of immortal praise . now he that once gave forth his law in flame , would not at once destroy ours by the same . now he that saith , from truth he will not vary , gods mercy was the temples sanctuary . had not his mercy now a remnant spar'd , like sodom , and gomorrah we had far'd : the city for the most part ruin'd lies , to gods just vengeance a due sacrifice ; but through his mercy , just like a fire-brand , out of the burning pluckt , the suburbs stand : their goods for the most part too , and lives he saves , who in their houses might have found their graves : but now when i reflect on what 's consum'd , how many churches are themselves inhum'd ! how many hospitals are cripples made ! how many lofty publick halls are laid e'ven with the ground ! my quill in tears i steep , my muse sits down in dropping verse to weep . now stately churches in their graves are laid : altars themselves are sacrifices made : and now old paul a martyr is once more , and that in england , which we must deplore : his temple in the firie ocean stood like to some island , but the raging flood of flames hath drown'd its glory , over-turn'd this wondrous fabrick , wonder ! how it burn'd ! the school it self ignis could not decline : the pulpit could not its own fall divine : yet falling preacht earths glory is a trance : the organs could not pipe , though the stones dance : paul falls away in 's old age , the saint hath by strange apostacy now broke his faith † yet he who when he liv'd wrought many , fell not now 't is said without a miracle . his altar , clothing , canopie remain'd untouch't , and unconsum'd when the sire reign'd o're all the rest , lest some phanaticks shall report the bowing that way made him fall . but since he now lies buried in faith , my heart hope of his resurrection hath : where could the doctor of the gentiles have , than among learned books * , a fitter grave : now some obscure authors , profane , divine , are brought to light , and their names made to shine : some of them said , tempus est edax rerum , but this fire proves it self so , and doth jeer ' um . were i poet only , no divine , i chiefly might lament the loss of wine ; but i care not if it were burned all ; too much of this hath made the city fall . see how this fire did worldly glory jeere ! view the exchange ! o what a change is here ! now from the steeple of the stately bow the bells are shot , and run indeed , but so that scarcely one of twelve well cast is found ; all are like water spilt upon the ground : you that were wont to make the ringers sweat , now are your selves in a far greater heat : ringers keep up your bells ! so we would man , but they will fall too fast , do what we can : now for the bells men wring their hands , to see how the sweet ring of cornhil melted bee : the town 's on fire , ring the bells backwards all ! alas ! they cannot , for they backwards fall : for help to save themselves they cannot call , how sits the city solitary , who was full of people only full of woe ? how like a cottage in a garden shows , or a storm'd garrison sack't , burnt by foes , this ancient city ! which as stories tell , brute * built when samuel judged israel , and call'd it troy-novant , 't was ominous sure , and signified troy's fate it must endure . lud * afterward rebuilt , more ample made this city unto ludgate , which 't is said , deriv'd its name from his , nay some averre , he his name to the city did transferre ; and changed troy-novant into luds-town , which time hath chang'd to london of renown for age , yet beauty , strength , wealth , glory , scarce to be paralel'd in the universe : the ancient fear of kings , and royal place of british , saxon , norman , scottish race ; and which hath hitherto by age , and time , grown but more beautiful , than in its prime : but not without some alteration , true , it hath oft like a snake chang'd skin , and hew : nor did it alwayes scape the fire before , but in the conquerours twentieth year (a) it bore , such marks of wasting flames as at this day : the greatest part in ruines then did lay . saint paul's which ethelbert , (b) of saxon men first christian king , did build , was burnt down then ; this erkenwald (c) its bishop had enlarg'd , adorn'd , enricht , all which this fire discharg'd . but the next year (a) mauritius piouslie , another prelate of this ancient see , laid the foundation of a far more fair , magnificent , and stately structure there ; which in process of time , by bounteous hand of pious benefactors , late did stand this nations glory , others envy , and not to be paralel'd in christian land : the boasted of fair church of nostre dame in paris , might be handmaid to this same ; when our st. paul was in his pomp , i trow , their lady set by him would make no show until the steeples heav'n assaulting spire , by lightning sent from heav'n was set on fire : as if this seem'd to imitate the pride of babel builders , whom god did deride , this lofty pyramis he burned down ; which fire seis'd on paul's roof , & sing'd his crown , and with its smutty beams , scorched his head , black't and defac't the whole structure , and made paul look more like , to such as did him mark , an ethiopian , than an english clark : the marks of which he for a long time bore , nor could regain his beauty as before ; till to the land of god , and his own praise , the reverend archbishop land did raise paul's to its pristine glory ; till late times , when sacriledge , rebellion no crimes , but vertues were accounted : some mens zeal could devour whole cathedrals at a meal : christ's zeal for gods house eat him up , more odd was this , their zeal eat up the house of god : the holy tribe , and service , they cast out , brought horses in , the more beasts they no doubt : thus these phanaticks , o abominable ! turned the house of god into a stable ; and reformation was there never stranger , where altars stood , to set up rack , and manger : temple profaners must on the sacred sloore your horses dung ? what could the turks do more ? the jews indeed did less , they to a den turned gods temple , but it was of men , though thieves , but these more brutish , for the nonce make it a den of thieves , and beasts at once ; and by such usage , paul declin'd a pace ; the souldiers gave him deep scars on his face , his walls lookt sadly , and his gates did mourn , until the late miraculous return of king , and bishops , who remov'd th' abuse , and paul's restor'd unto its pristine use : and daily did re-edifie , repair all parts about it , which lately ruin'd were : but by this raging fire , which now befell the city , sparing neither church , nor cell , paul 'mong the rest into his grave is thrown , whence we expect his resurrection : in king , and bishops , to good works inclin'd we ethelbert , and erkenwalds to find , and generous mauritus too do trust ; who will redeem paul's once more from its dust : nor do i doubt , did we but lay to heart the causes of our woes , by which we smart : or would this stubborn nation but endure the means of their recovery , and cure : th' almighty would in mercy soon restore the city to its beauty , or to more : it should not long as now in ruines lie ; nor noise of war our borders terrifie : the killing plague should in all places cease , our land enjoy prosperity , and peace . let us consider then of all our woe the cause , the cure we shall the better know . the cause of our calamities . the cause of all , in highest heav'ns i seek , and in our sinful bosomes , which do reek with boiling lust , whence sinful deeds do rise , as vapours from the earth , above the skies ascend , and make those clouds of gods just ire , which thunder'd forth the war , lightned the fire , and did on this provoking people pour of mortal sickness a contagious showr : not for the causes meerly natural of all these woes , or means instrumental , search i , but for the prime efficient , and inward moving cause , were our hearts rent with due contrition , this we soon might spy deep in our brests , for that we must look high : god is the author , and our sins the spring ; which on us all these dreadful plagues do bring : how many atheists in this land do dwell ? even owles at athens , blind in israel . there is no god , say some fools in their heart , vvhom war , nor plague would from their atheism start : sure by the light of the late dreadful fire they 'le see their folly , and the light that 's higher . how many with corporeal fancies serve that god who is all spirit ? others swerve from his prescription , after their own will do worship him , and are devoutly ill . many a swearing , cursing miscreant , as devils upon earth , each place doth haunt , and do blaspheme gods sacred name , in spight of all plagues , wish a plague , and take delight to tear christs wounds , & afresh make him bleed ; pray to be damn'd , but sure they shall not need : when neither war , nor plague would these affright , god fir'd their houses 'bout their ears to light them to repentance , and thus let them see an embleme of the worlds catastrophe , and an epitome of that hell infernal in which the wicked after death must burn all . how many do neglect , contemn , profane all holy times consecrate to god's name , and service now ? how is the zeal grown cold , which thronged christian churches so of old ? scarce the tenth part will in some places come to church , but most do idley stay at home ? or to schismatical assemblies run , or make an halt until the pray'rs be done : of those , who in our churches do appear , how few with reverence , and godly fear behave themselves ? some do in taverns wast those precious hours , when here their souls should feast ; and one would think , when such a plague god sent , all christians now would fast , pray , and repent : but on the fasting days , good lord ! how few will come before thee , and for mercy sue ! all holy-days are mere play-days now are made , or consecrate to drunken baechus trade : church doors are open'd , & bells ring for fashion , but th' alehouse hath the greater congregation : gods house indeed is styl'd the house of pray'r , but if no preaching be , few will come there , they think 't not worth the while to call on god , even when they groan under his scourging rod : they hear , and hear , but never learn to do those duties which all preaching tendeth to : others whose lusts , and sins the word controuls , nauseate all preaching , physick for their souls ; and the seduced people , whose blind eyes see not of christ the saving mysteries , yet wholesome chatechizing wont endure , for their souls blindness though the only cure : thus is gods service crucified between two thieves like him , and in his house is seen a den of thieves , one sort rob of him of pray'r ▪ the other rob their souls of his word there : and for the blessed sacrament , so full of sweetest consolation , to the dull a quickning goad , to weak a strong support , assurance to the fearful , and a fort to tempted christians , to such as for sin cry , an handkerchief dipt in christs blood to dry their sorrow up , a cordial to the faint , an heav'nly banquet to the humble saint : how few will sit themselves , draw nigh , and tast this soul refreshing mystical repast : 't was one effect of our late reformation , t' exile this sacrament out of the nation almost , some towns in twenty years had not any communion , they had forgot do this in remembrance of me , and now they 've lost their stomacks by long fasting ; how to bring them to an appetite once more , that the lords table may of guests have store , we scarce do know , they have been so affrighted from that wherewith their souls should be delighted their preachers sounding in their ears damnation , to scare them from communion profanation , which was indeed to rise 'mong some , that durst approach without due preparation first , but still forgetting equally to press their duty to receive , though in the dress of knowledge , faith , repentance , charitie ; that in contempt did as much peril lie ; the poor deluded people did believe , the only danger was if they receive ; fly from their souls food as their certain bane ; to whom christs institution is in vain , so strangely gods commandements were then made void by the traditions of these men . now this luke-warmness to gods worship , we may both in countrey , and in city see : for such contempt of christs authoritie , might justly some be sick , some weak , some die : mens coldness kindled wrath , that fire anon , to make them fervent in religion : you would not come to church a while ago , no churches now you have to come unto : the gates of sion mourn'd ' cause few , or none would enter there , but now you make your mone , and mourn for sions gates , ' cause they are burn'd with fire , and to a heap of ashes turn'd . sion before in silence did lament , because so few her solemn feasts frequent now you may mourn in silence , sigh , and fast , for that the places of her feasts be wast : thus want of zeal hath sir'd the house of god , neglect of worship temples hath destroy'd , nor could you look , but that which burned down god's houses thus , must needs consume your own . thus justly may the war , plague , fire , and all , for our neglect to serve god , on us fall . how many disobedient are to all their parents , civil , spiritual , natural ? how rife's rebellion , while the people strive with prince and priest neither due reverence give ? their princes laws , the people think not right ; the priests their prelates admonition slight : servants rebel against their masters , and wives disobey their husbands sit command : children their loving parents honour not : obedience among all sorts is forgot . what swarms have we of stubborn sectaries ? who all dominion boldly do despise : nor are afraid to speak of dignities all kind of evil , though most grievous lies . the ark had but one cham , our church many , who glad their fathers nakedness to spy , with most reproachful mocks , and taunts discover , and blazon it abroad the nation over . nay rather than fathers in church or state , shall want the ruder peoples scorn , and hate : such whet their tongues to tell the smoothest lies , which these to pop'lar scorn may sacrifice . rebellion though as sin of witchcraft reigns among this headstrong people , whom no reins of law will rule , no power curb , or awe from following their will , their will 's a law to them alone , who without fear , or shame , publickly their perversness do proclaim : saying , if they were not commanded to these , and these things they would them freely do . o stubborn people ! shall there ever rest spirits of contradiction in your brest ? hath god stampt his authority upon your governours , and do you think they 've none ? hath he said they are gods , and will ye then give less respect to them , than other men ? counsels of whispering seducers , how prone to observe , and promptly follow , you are ; but how backwards to obey , we see , lawful commands of just authoritie : and is the lawfulness , and duty less , because enjoyn'd ? nay more your stubbornness to disobey : god is contemned sure , and such contempt from men will not endure . yet when for peoples sins he plagues hath sent , they oft impute them to the government : so the rebellious mutineers of old vvhen the earth strangely swallowed up those bold conspirators of corah's faction , cry'd ye the lords people kill'd , gods hand denied , moses , and aaron with that slaughter charg'd , till god by his just judgment them discharg'd ; by a sad plague sweeping these murmurers thence , brought the whole camp into another sense : now when the like sins among us are spread ; shall we not say for these are many dead ? gods judgments are a great deep , if we dive too far , we drown all charity , alive preserve censoriousness , believe i do all sorts have sin'd , all sorts have suffer'd too ; yet all may hear , what some observe , and dread ; most factious places are most visited . have we not murmurers among us too , like to rebellious corah , and his crew ? vvill , what is moses , and what aaron , say , are we not all holy , as well as they ? to rule , and sacrifice , all would have pow'r : might not for this a fire from god devour the city , which as eminent in sin , hath exemplary now in judgment been ? that whilome was rebellions spring and nurse , and seem'd back-sliding to the former course : is now of england's woe , and sorrow source : sin no more so , lest you are plagued worse . what murthers in this land committed were ; for civil wars on one side murthers are : and god doth know , to whose charge shall be laid that blood which in our civil wars was shed . blood is a crying sin , so much was spilt , this nation cannot but be deep in guilt ; especially when royal blood hath been profanely shed , no doubt a roaring sin ; and who doth know , but the just god doth make now inquisition for that blood , and take due vengeance on us for that barbarous fact , the like whereto no nation ere did act : unless those cursed jews who crucified their saviour , for which they still abide the wrath of god , and shame of men , as we for that through all the world reproached be . nor need we wonder judgment was delaid , that this same vengeance was no sooner paid , if it should be for this : for god is wont to call men to repentance first , he don't suddenly punish , but gives means and time , that men may see , and sorrow for their crime ; and so prevent the plague ; now all the while usurpers rul'd ; our king was in exile ; none openly of this might speak a word ; which to deluded people could afford due information of these hainous crimes , which past for vertues in those cheating times : but since the throne , and pulpit too were free from gulls , impostors and their knavery ; since all men saw , what ever such pretended , in self-advancement their religion ended : since the saints coat was pulled o're their ears , who for a cloak of villany it wears . since that vile murther hath been quite disclaim'd by a free parliament , a fast proclaim'd , wherein the nation annually may humble themselves before their god , and pray the guilt hereof may not lie on their head , to them nor their posterity be laid : since orthodox divines have soundly shown how sins of others may become our own ; and so how many ways men guilty stand of royal blood , before gods bar , whose hand or heart ne're toucht it : not by commission , covnsel , or by abetting the transgression only , or by allowing it for good , but by our not resisting it to blood , or by not mourning for 't enough , or by those sins , which did provoke the deitie , so far to suffer villany to reign , for woe to us , to kill our sovereign : since means , and opportunities have thus of true repentance been afforded us ; the only reason of gods patience ; yet so few shew a hearty penitence , even among those most deeply guilty were ; who where the fast is kept will not come there : but have such seared consciences , that they keep a thanksgiving on that fasting-day ▪ dwell we not stil with those ? whose fine tongues are more soft than oyl , yet in their hearts have war , who smoother are than butter in their words , yet in design , and wish , are drawing swords : such as pretended ever to abhorre , charles the first death , and seemed zealous for the seconds restauration , missing what in church , or state they hoped for by that , seem in their discontent to lay the train of th' old rebellion , venturing again a second charles his ruine , rather then their will shall not be law , and they the men . shall not god visit such a generation , and be avenged on a bloody nation ? and since that sinful city cannot be excus'd from guilt of blood , which was too free in contributing to the war , and killing ; and to the royal bloods inhumane spilling , not ( to the shedding of their own , ) resisting , to that which came to this , too much assisting ▪ ( the bodkins which the city dames did give , our caesar of his life help't to deprive : the tumults raised there were prologue to this tragick act , which other hands did do : ) since they could see their king before his doore murther'd by miscreants , and weep no more : since blood of loyal subjects too was shed i' th' midst of them , and they scarce shook their head . since they so long supported , and maintained usurping powers , who in rebellion raigned under the kingly power unruly were , yet tyrants force so long could tamely heauen might not for this gods justice lately call for those judgments did on the city fall ? in david's time a plague on israel , for what saul did to th' gibeonites , befel . how with uncleanness of all sorts defil'd is this our sinful land , the people wild in their unbridled lusts , like horses they are ranck , each for his neighbours wife do neigh : sodomy , incest , fornication , and adultery ; nay of heart , tongue , and hand , all kind of filthiness is sadly found to be too fruitful in our english ground : in court , and camp , city , and countrey , we this kind of sin grown impudent do see : the nation hath the forehead of an whore , declares her sin as sodom , and doth more : when such as should in others punish it , the same themselves without shame do commit ; sinners are bold , and do not seek to hide their shame , but all reproof thereof deride . we read by plague did many thousands die , when israel did with moab's daughters lie : how sodom , and gomorrah when they burn'd in lustful heat , god into ashes turn'd by fire from heav'n , since first our guilt and blame hath been , well might our suff'ring be the same ; and that same filthy city which doth lie in ruines , how full of adulterie , and all uncleaness was it ? and as some observ'd , the plague did most in places come and rage , where this sin reign'd , yet , health return'd to them , afresh they in their old lusts burn'd : in filthiness they drove on sodom's trade , and now by fire are like gomorrah made : yet have a remnant scap't , like little zoar for shelter unto lot , let such beware ! more plagues in store for sinners still there are . thou shalt not steal , saith god , but o my soul ! how doth our peoples practice this controul ? will they not rob ? yes , god himself they will ; in tithes , and offerings they do it still . in ev'ry parish vicar you may see a witness of the old church robberie : nor can we yet forget the later time , when sacriledge accounted was no crime : when from the church her rights , revenues , lands were pluck't away by sacrilegious hands : when some mens zeal the very bells did melt bullets to make , their enemies to pelt : when heat of reformation our church plate coin'd into current money for the state. and some mens feud with superstition rent each peice of brass from dustie monument : when greedy cormorants stood gaping still for gleab , and tithes , even to the goose , whose quill , thanks be to god , is left us yet to write the shame of those , who in such theft delight ; and was it not commission of transgression against this law , to plunder by commission ? besides their sequestration , decimation , was there not cunning stealing in this nation ? whatever some do reckon of their sin , far lesser theives i doubt have hanged bin . now when i fraud , and cosenage think upon , extortion , bribery , and oppression : i fear almost in ev'ry way and street , go where you will , each man 's a theif you meet : some on the bench are greater theives by far , than such as stand before them at the bar : too often law , and livings too are sold for bribes , and simony , now very bold : such as do sell , or lend to court must stay , and some years hence for expedition pay : in ev'ry shop a cheating thief doth stand , to cosen with fine words , while by the hand he friendly shakes you ; in each market , fair , each buyer finds thieves are not very rare . each brother will supplant , and falsely deal , each neighbour over-reach , which is to steal : and i believe , even to the countreys cost , the king of all men now is cheated most . whom may we trust , whose word now dare we take ? why do we bonds to one another make ? there are we see more thieves among us , then house-breakers , cut-purses , and high-way men . now may i be of jeremiah's mind , and wish some quiet lodging-place to find in solitary wilderness , that so i might from such a treach'rous people go : who bend their tongues as bows for cosening lies ; deceitful men , whom none will trust , that tries : whose tongues are arrows shot out , speak deceit , utt'ring fine words to cheat , they lie in wait : of such god saith , behold , i 'le melt , and try them : reprobate silver , then to be he 'l spy them . shall i not visit for these things , saith he , and on such people now avenged be ? and as the city hath notorious been for sins of this sort , justly now 't is seen low in the dust , sunk under its own weight of cosenage , and oppression , from its height . landlords intolerably rack't their rent , this made them rack their consciences to vent at highest rates their wares ; e'ven forc't to cheat , to get their landlords rent , their family meat : fraud , with equivocations , lies to mask , double the price of any thing to ask , hath been the brand of citizens we know : these things may be the cause of all their woe . thou shalt not bear false witness god hath said : how then are knights of th' post become a trade ? nay those who like saints walk in holy guise , do bend their tongues as bows for telling lies : had there been none who would false witness bear , our martyr'd sovereign had yet stood clear before the worst of judges , calumnies were ever blown into the peoples eyes ( lest they should see his innocence , and wrongs ) by subtile slander from their double tongues , who fought against , yet said they for him fought , vow'd to preserve , yet to the scaffold brought his life , and honour ; still belied his cause , his person , party , and the juster laws ; while in a mockery of justice , they would seem by law their sovereign to slay : falsely accuse god too , religion , reason , while they would make these seem t' allow their treason : had not false rumors , & reports 'mong us , into rebellion gull'd the people thus : they'd ne're have suffer'd charles the first so good a prince , by regicides to lose his blood : still the same trade of lying's carried on under the mask of pure religion : no mountebanck doth use more lying tricks to cheat , than these religious empericks : on womens zeal when they 'd commit a rape , the pander still must be religious ape : to slander king , and bishops , from the church , is still the way , new proselytes to lurch : and of all men the holy tribe are most belyed by some , who of their saintship boast ; nor of her sons alone false tales they broach , but most the church their mother do reproach : schism's backt with slander of the church their mother ; yet all the factions slander one another : but beside slanders , errors , heresies , false oaths , equivocations , perjuries , are in these sinful dayes among us found , to grow , and thrive , and spread in english ground : oaths of allegiance , some like sampsons cords can snap asunder , while a pack of words they call a covenant , contrived by a pack of knaves , must hold inviolably : oaths of canonical obedience many to keep make little conscience , but swallow them , and think no more upon 't , these ne're rise in their stomacks , though they don 't at all observe them , while a squeamish sister , to whom the cross , or surplice , gives a glister , it goes against their conscience to offend though oaths , subscriptions , and all bonds they rend in pieces quite ; nay their good dames to please , to all their duty give a writ of ease : nor is the countrey fertile soil alone to these ill weeds , but they have freely grown within the city , for such sins of late god justly might lay it even desolate . nor is the root of all curs'd evil less of growth in english ground , covetousness : this sin with us hath had the greatest stroke in breach of both the tables , we thus broke : many make gold their god , a silver shrine is their diana , conscience for coin is sold ; truth , honestie , justice , and faith the greedy lust of gain devoured hath : o cursed thirst for gain , what canst not thou compel frail mortals sinful hearts to do : to swear , and lie , rebel , and murther , and turn bauds , or whores , knights of the post , or stand to cry , and rob , to cosen , and betray their dearest friend , church-rights to make their prey , for gain to prostitute wives , daughters , and do any thing , they are at thy command : nay some the form of godliness do make a cloak for cosenage , and a snare to take the simple buyer in : in holy guise some hucksters dare of souls make merchandise ; who like the pharisees pray by the hour only the widows houses to devour : and others will not spare an hour to pray , devoted unto mammon quite are they ; who now do find to leave their shops to pray , had been to keep their shops the surest way : while covetousness in all our hearts thus grew , alas poor london ! is it not too true ? for these things we ▪ and thou above the rest , by the just hand of god now sufferest . nor let the drunkard think he is forgot , his nations stain , and his religions blot : who under one commandement alone is hardly rank't , his sins ' gainst ev'ry one ; or doth at least betray him to commit the heav'n provoking sins , which violate it . the swinish drunkard bacchus doth adore : who oaths , and curses in his mouth hath more ? gods service he contemns , his sundays spends at some good fellowship of drunken friends : he little honour , or obedience shows to whom he honour , and obedience ows ; be they parents or preists , prelates , or prince ; david the song of drunkards was long since : what brawls , contentions , murthers some commit in drunken revels , without fear , or wit : by drinking healths , some drink away their own , and kill themselves , a thing not seldom known : wine is they say the milk of venus , true , a drunkard not a wencher , who ere knew ? nor spares he cosening , sland'ring , and doth covet more liquor still , above his soul doth love it : to sins of all sorts thus he gives the reins , all ill with 's liquor slides into his veins : since now so rise is this abomination , who can expect from heaven , but desolation , and with the noisome pestilence chastise a beastly people , who themselves disguise so much with drink ; some their bowls tossing up , found death even at the bottom of the cup ; when in the midst of jollity were they , death brought a reck'ning up and took away ; and in this city , where this sin was common , a drawer now can show a room to no man : such who o're-charg'd with drink too oft cast in , god out of house , and home hath cast for sin : and he hath pour'd that wine upon the floore , which often laid the drinkers there before : wine in a thousand cellars was burn't all , and pour'd out at the cities funeral : and some for loss of wine did more lament than for their sins , for which our plagues are sent : more of a tavern , or play-house the fall lament , than of a church , or hospital . sick with this sin from head to foot hath bin our nation , sick 't is justly for this sin : their wine inflam'd the citizens before , justly now fire inflam'd their wine therefore : as well with shame , as wine , to make these blush , god now in th' fire appeared in the bush : and for this sin god justly might , no doubt , make this good land to spew the dwellers out . and next to drunkenness , now pride may stand accus'd as cause of all woe in this land : for this the french , whose apes in this we be , may justly be our scourge ; the vanitie of varying fashions ! which doth make us strange to such as know us , and our women change their shape with each new moon , & some do show , by the loose wanton garb in which they go , what ware they sell ; and some do strive by paint , to make the ugly devil seem a saint : some have their faces with black patches drest , as thinking dapled ladies will sell best : methinks it seems as if some feind did place the print of hell burnt fingers on their face : born with such spots should you your children see , you 'd call 't no beauty , but deformitie : god now sends spots , as he would theirs deride , and note to all , that theirs is plaguie pride : and now adays , because within there rests so little vertue in most womens brests , ( which of old won them husbands , that would give dowries to get a vertuous wife to live with them , as helps most meet , and comforts sure , friends in both fortunes till death to endure ▪ ) naked they expose them to youthful eyes , hoping , if not true love , yet lust may rise at such a sight ; and seizing on the heart betray it unto them , and the fond smart of cupid's flames , while these do now deny what they would fainest grant , and only try , by sprinkling water to increase the fire , by their denyal to augment desire : thus hunt they for their dear , and use some wile to bring the simple heart within their toil ▪ vertue can only it a subject make ; beauty a wandring heart may captive take : and now our ladies vanity , and pride , and their neglect of huswifery beside , affright all sober men , who fear to woo , lest they should court their woe in doing so ; or with their wives will now some thousands have to keep them in the fashion fine , and brave . what a fine life our gallants live ? and yet 't were fine indeed , if 't were the way to get to heav'n , and its immortal happiness ; but they 're beside the way i more than guess ; whose days , and years are always vainly spent in dressing , mistressing , and complement ; who rise , and dress by noon , come down and dine , then to a play , thence to the house of wine , and so to bed , it may be drunk before ; perhaps all night embracing of an whore : if these be christians , where 's their masters badge , the cross , and self-denyal ? they can't fadge with these ; if such go hence to glory , hell , and the devil sure are but a story : the way to heav'n is broadest sure , if they who wander thus , can thither find the way : pride doth usurp on god , provoke him thus to plague us for 't , that he might humble us : and that proud city , which lift up her hand above the rest in pride , full low is laid : the parent , nurse , spring , stage , of pride , and vain fashions , and tricks , which our religion stain . and whose proud dames out-vied in garishness , our modest ladies in their countrey dress . to all these sins , wherewith this sinful land before the lord of heav'n doth guilty stand , may many aggravations urged be , from gospel light , whereby men clearly see the evil of these evils , yet do they the works of darkness in the brightest day ; from great ingratitude so plainly shown , when god miraculously poured down incomparable mercies on us ; those , who late opprest under their cruel foes , could own their sins the cause of all their woes , now freed from these , return again to those : a king , a parliament , a church regain'd peace , liberty , religion maintain'd , some desperate god-dammes do begin to war with heav'n by their gigantine sin : the roaring blades aloud do quickly call for thundring vengeance on their heads to fall : when health , and plenty , joy , and triumph , crown'd our land , our hainous sins apace abound : swearing , carowsing , cheating , briberie , oppression , sacriledge , and simonie , pride , lust , and all the rout of sins o're-run our countrey , so our joy , and triumph's done : we first forsook the god of mercies , and god makes his mercies to forsake our land ; and now to mercy judgment doth succeed ; vve surfeited , and god doth make us bleed : abundance of corruption sickness brings ; and heat of lust hath fir'd our pleasant things : yet under all these judgments are we still incorrigible , and perverse in ill : god may say , i have sent the pestilence , that i might bring you to an humble sense of sin : your young men with the sword i slew : your city i as sodom overthrew : yet have ye not returned unto me ; therefore yet seven times more i 'le punish ye : and thus of all our woes we see the cause transgression is against gods holy laws : a gospel unbecoming conversation provoketh god thus to afflict our nation : and in the ripping up our sins to see the root , and spring of all our miserie , i would not have men think , to any one or sin , or party , i impute alone our woes , and judgments , but to one , and t'other , to all , and ev'ry one , i would not smother my own , or friends , but do desire that all would think for their sins these things us befal and each apply the plaister to his wound , which healing ev'ry one will make all sound : nor need we doubt to have a perfect cure if all will but the remedy endure : which now i shall consider of , and try , for all these woes to find a remedy . the cure. and 't is half wrought already , since we see the inward cause of our sad maladie : now to remove the cause is the most sure way to effect a safe and speedy cure : and had i but good patients , then i might promise a cure , and lose no credit by 't : but i must first the patients court , to let the physick be apply'd , for they as yet , how sick soever , scorn our ministry , who would the healing remedies apply : in bodily diseases they will hie them quickly to physicians , lest they die , send , pray , and pay , take what 's prescrib'd , endure all pains , and tortures , for a speedy cure : but in their soul distempers will not give an ear to sound advice , nor seek to live : and when we freely offer , do disgust our wholsom physick , such needs perish must : is earth less worth than heav'n ? or is the soul less to be valued than the body soul ? no reason can you thus preposterous make ; we keep the casket for the jewels sake : or if this transitory life now is in more esteem than heav'ns immortal bliss , yet take our counsel , and our medicines , seeing they 're for the welfare of your present being : receive , apply , and let them work , they health , temporal , and eternal peace , and wealth do bring : and now these remedies so rare repentance , faith , and true obedience are : repentance takes away the cause of woe , faith reconciles us unto god , and so future obedience will our bliss secure , from age to age for ever to endure . go mourning , and hold up your guilty hand before gods bar , there self-condemned stand ; the way here to be sav'd is to confess , your sins cloak not , excuse not , nor make less ; but aggravate them all , mercy implore , from him who keepeth mercy still in store for penitent offenders , ever will exalt the humble , and the mournful fill vvith oyl of gladness , never will despise , but with delight accepts the sacrifice of broken-hearts , and binds them up and heals the wounded spirit , which compunction feels : before gods foot-stool therefore prostrate lie , cry guilty lord , confess , or else you die : judge , and condemn your selves , if you would save your selves , with god such only pardon have . relent , repent , reform , and throughly purge away your sins , and god will take his scourge , and plague away , with him make but your peace , and he will make your vvars with men to cease , or us victor ; quench but the flames of lust , and he will raise the city from the dust . that kindled first gods wrath , and this the flame vvhich sit'd the city of so ancient fame : for this bow down before gods throne , and kneel , this fire might melt you , if you were all steel , into some godly sorrow ; lie as low as doth your city , and bemone your woe . repent in dust , and ashes , as that lies , and god will make it phoenix like to rise from funeral ashes , london then shall yee more glorious in its resurrection see : might this fire be the cities purgatory , god would restore it with far greater glory : thus if repentance make our peace with god , vve may believe he 'l throw away his rod : vvithout repencance faith presumption is , and finds no mercy ; but when mixt with this it never fails to find , and sure ground hath for hope , and trust , and then indeed 't is faith : if we repent , it 's the condition still imply'd in every promise , that god will prevent , or take away his judgments , but th' impenitent the door of mercy shut against themselves , and lock themselves in woe , keep then your sorrows , or your sins forgoe : but if we do repent , we then may trust , god will forgive us because he is just : then pray in faith , with hearty supplication , that god would pardon this our sinful nation , remove his heavy hand , send peace and health , repair our ruines , and restore our wealth . go sin no more , but henceforth him obey , so shall our kingdom flourish , and all they vvho seek its ruine shall confounded be , and snar'd in their subtile iniquitie : no force , nor fraud shall hurt a righteous cause , manag'd by such as keep th' almighty's laws : but we oft see the juster cause o'rethrown in sinners hands , who hardly god will own , the stronger party to the weak a prey , when they will not the lord of hosts obey . if god be for us , who can us defeat ? if he against us , where shall we retreat for refuge ? if we him against us arm whom all the creatures serve , what cannot harm and ruine us ? the angels take gods pay , and one of them a mighty host can slay : the stars in their swift course do slyly fight gods battels against sinners day , and night : clouds are his canons , swift destruction fling by thunder , and their lightnings vengeance bring by fire on sinful mortals : and the wind brings on its wings oft ruine to mankind : the calmer air convey the pestilence , whereby death steals into us without sense : the earth is iron , and the heav'ns are brass , when threatned famine god will bring to pass ! earth once did open , and take rebels in alive , as if it could not bear that sin : the seas do pass their bounds , and us o'reflow with mischeif , when god bids them further go : frogs , locusts , caterpillars , creeping things , will take the palaces of mighty kings when god doth arm them , and their persons seise , and in a land devour all ( when god doth please ) that 's fair , and fruitful : even our breath infects , our very dust turns lice , or some insects to infest sinful men ; a fly 't is spoke ventur'd a pope infallibly to choke : could he souls out of purgatory vote , and yet not keep a fly out of his throat ? but thus we see , when god gives them commission , the feeblest creatures give us expedition into another world : who god not fears hath all the world in arms about his ears : while man his maker serves , he 's lord of these ; but when he sins they are his enemies : when we provoke our god , where e're we go , each creature looks upon us as a foe : god will protect , and bless his servants , but they who rebel , no confidence can put in him : since to believe , and not obey , self flatt'ry is no faith , henceforth i pray , le ts lay the sure foundation of our trust , in purposes to keep his laws most just : then may we trust he will our plagues remove , and showr down blessings on us from above : when we do purpose to endeavour , and do strive to purpose to keep his command : begin a new course then , and never cease to walk in gods ways , for his ways are peace , and pleasantness , to bear christs yoke delight ; his yoke is easie , and his burthen light : to sin is no light thing , did it not press legions of angels to the bottomless infernal pit from highest glory ? hath not man by weight of sin been prest to death ? look upon worldly wealth , and count it dross ; deny your selves , take up your saviours cross ; the worlds crown hath its cross , his cross a crown , her smiles betray , more safety's in her frown . give unto caesar , and to god their due . fear god honour the king , to both be true : since god is one , so let your heart be , and serve him with one heart after his command . think not your wit a better way can find to worship god , than what is his own mind : take not his sacred name in vain , nor swear profanely , but with reverence , and fear mention gods holy name , in justice , truth , and judgment , when call'd to it , take an oath . observe the holy times , grudge not to spare some time each day for holy thoughts , and pray'r ; but on the days to worship consecrate , divide not betwixt god , and mammon , hate to rob god , and your souls , be wholly given to holy service , grudge not one in seven to him that made them all , nor yet refuse the churches holy days , as such to use : nor count to pray scarce worth your coming there , since god doth style his house , the house of pray'r . honour your parents of all sorts , and show to prince , and priest the rev'rence that you owe : their nakedness when spy'd lament , and bide ; and not like cham discover , and deride . hate not your brother , have no murtherous thought : remember what dire vengeance murther brought on cain , and under no pretence be killing ; religion cannot justifie blood-spilling . make clean your hearts , and keep your bodies free from fornication , and adulterie : they are the temples of the lord , be sure the holy spirit hath a mansion pure in you ; that dove likes not a cage unclean : you 'l be th' unclean spirits den , if obscaene . be just , and honest , and do no man wrong , nor cheat , and cosen with a double tongue ; ill gotten goods do not increase your wealth , but are the rust , that wasts by secret stealth : think not you gain , when you a curse do get , this is a canker , and will surely fret . accuse thou no man falsely , nor defame thy neighbour , tender as thine own , his name : the angel durst not on the devil rail ; and shall we call them saints , who do not fail prince , prelates , priests , & all their friends to slander ; nor spare the church their mother , but will brand with calumnies , their schism to justifie : bad is the cause sure , which doth need a lie for its support ; and shall they not be had in more esteem , whom foes by lies make bad ? father of lies the devil 's rightly styl'd ; and he who like him is , is his own child : his own brood then are sure the sectaries , whose constant trade is to be telling lies : truth unto ev'ry one , or friend , or foe , in justice , and in charity we owe. accuse not god as the heretick doth , who broaches his own error , for gods truth . beware of covetousness the root of evil ! mammon of all the swarm's , the master devil : love not the world , nor sell thy soul for coine ; thy soul 's a richer jewel , than doth shine in this inferior orb , keep that , and quit thy wealth , wealth 's of no worth and price to it . love god , thy soul , thy friend , covet more grace ; and care to see in heav'n thy saviours face . leave drunkenness , and lew'd debauchery , your nations , and religions infamy , your souls , and bodies ruine , families bane , estates consumption , only devils gain : god made you man , make not your self a beast ; drink of its reason will your mind divest : drink to refreshment , not to sottishness ; by healths to lose your own is ●o●●ishness ; stay at the third glass , keeping still the round doth often spill the drinkers on the ground : custom , continuance makes the wine inflame , then in thy face beholders see thy shame . leave foolish pride , and garish vanity , and cloath your selves with neat humility : meekness , and grace , with neatness more adorn , than all the foolish fashions which are worn . let not gods mercies be by us neglected ; nor all his judgments leave us uncorrected : his showrs of blessings be more fruitful under , and let his hammering judgments break asunder your rocky hearts , the means of grace regard ; walk in the light , and light shall you reward , light of gods countenance in heav'nly bliss where neither fire , nor vvar , nor sickness is : nay did we thus , i doubt not god would send us here peace , health , and joy , our times amend : and with our former blessings prosper us , for the days wherein we 're afflicted thus : vvhich that our god , and saviour quickly may ; let us repent , return , and humbly pray . deo gloria in excelsis . finis . * psal. . , , . . the lord is on my side , i will not fesr what man can do unto me . . the lord taketh my part with them that help me , therefore shall i see my desire upon them that hate me . . all nations compassed me about , but in the name of the lord will i destroy them . psal. . surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the noysome pestilence . he shall cover thee with his feathers , and under his wings shalt thou trust , his truth shall be thy shield and buckler , &c. thou shalt not be afraid of the terror be night , nor for the arrow that flyeth by day . nor for the pestilence which walketh in darkness , nor for the destruction which wasteth at noon day . a thousand shall fall at thy side , and ten thousand at thy right hand , but it shall not come nigh thee . jer . . . thus saith the lord , behold ! i will bring again the captivity of jacobs tents , and have mercy on his dwelling places , and the city shall be builded upon her own heap , and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof . . and out of them shall proceed thanksgiving , and the voyce of them that make merry , and i will multiply them , &c. i will also glorifie them , &c. . their children also shall be as afore-time , &c. and i will punish all them that oppress them , &c. a cordial to chear our spirits under our calamities * . ( . ) when force of physick quite hath put to rout , the noxious humors did within us reign , the vital spirits almost tired out by the long conflict which they did maintain ; the wise physician doth some cordial give the patients fainting spirits to revive . ( . ) thus when by mournful conflicts we have won the day of sin , and hope our woes do slie : lest tim'rous hearts into despair do run , and when the cure is wrought begin to die ; 't is not amiss to give some consolation to chear the spirit of an humbled nation . ( . ) and if indeed the mighty hand of god hath duly humbled us , we need not fear , we once corrected , he 'l reject the rod ; and from our mournful eyes wipe ev'ry tear ; his face on us shall shine , frown on our foes , and from our land to theirs transmit our woes . ( . ) chear up brave english , fear no foe but sin ! though the ingrateful dutch , and dane combine , and proud french bustle , these shall nothing win , but shame , and slaughter from gods hand , and thine thy thundring guns shall shake the belgick shore , their lyon (a) couch , when ours do rowse & roar . ( . ) their lyon once was a poor sneaking curr broke from spains castle (b) , croucht to us , to gain our aid , in which had we but made demurr , he soon had been remanded to his chain . we succour'd him until he freedom knew , shook chain , and master (c) off , and rampant grew . ( . ) the poor distressed states came suppliants then , now , high and mighty grown , they have forgot , whose blood and treasure helpt to make them men , 't was the brave english , holland was it not ? methinks while lives the noble name of vere , the dutch should blush ' gainst england to appear . ( . ) the valiant acts of the brave veres for these , a second caesar's commentaries make , which whosoe're surveys , from thence with ease the height of dutch ingratitude may take , who by our armies raised to their height , to do us mischief , still employ their might . ( . ) and who may trust a rebel , or expect to find a traytor prove a faithful friend , who violate allegiance , will neglect all articles with others for their end : we hatcht them , thinking we should find a dove , come forth , and loe ! it doth a serpent prove . ( . ) like serpents of a vip'rous brood , which strive to kill the parent gave them life , and growth ; these who by our protection first did thrive , to let us live by whom they live are loath : but now we shall , if stars speak right their fates , bring down the mighty to distressed states . ( . ) so do our magi read in heav'ns bright book , ( god grant who rules the stars , they may not err , ) the shaggy comets have their mischief shook on us , now will as much to them transferr : heav'n hath , and will still take our part no doubt , th' almighty can the high and mighty rout . ( . ) just are thy ways o god , thy judgments right , but we to thee , our foes to us ingrate , therefore at land thou justly us do smite , and them for us at sea dost dissipate : we humbled under thy correcting pow'r , them thou wilt quickly humble under our . ( . ) thrice have the vaunting belgians come to show their numerous navy , by constraint did fight ; thrice have the braver english made them know , their safety 's best pursu'd by hasty slight : twice their expecting people saw them come as prey before the english hunted home . ( . ) once when unlucky shot disabled quite our gen'rals ships that they could not pursue , they getting home , brag'd they beat us out-right , but to get home with them is to subdue : and a thanksgiving wisely they observ'd , for that so many of them were preserv'd . ( . ) but stay my muse ! and on the peaceful shore behold the martial combates on the seas , such as no age ere veiwed heretofore , nor will succeeding times see after these : where god pays home ingratitude and pride ; giving the conquest to our juster side . ( . ) his royal highness first in person goes , with him the brave prince rupert , each of these more worth than all the navy of our foes , whom the bold opdam did not doubt to seise : with what odds fought we them ? if richest prize can whet the valour of our enemies . ( . ) the fleets engag'd (d) and a fierce conflict grew , the clouds of smoke obscur'd the midday sun , from thund'ring canons storms of bullets flew driving out souls , while streams of blood do run from shatter'd bodies , as sometimes you shall in sudden showres see rain from houses fall . ( . ) the frighted sun himself i' th' smoke doth shroud , and threatens night so soon as day 's begun ; to do his office , from no thundring cloud lightning breaks forth , but from the louder gun : when peaceful heav'n denies its purer light to mortals rage , by their own fire they fight . ( . ) forth from the deadly engines sirie womb the sp'rit'ous peter bursting rends the skies , and flaming sulpher raises foaming scum in boiling seas , the fish in water fries ; the earth receiving the report doth quake , but all this cannot english spirits shake . ( . ) no wonder they did deisie of old their valiant heroes , who undaunted run into the arms of death , resolv'd , and bold , for fame , and honour , they no peril shun , but dangers which all others dread desie ; a noble soul 's a kind of deity . ( . ) but if these heroes had so great renown , who stood in noiseless war , pecking out life with flying arrows , hewing bodies down with swords , to let out souls ; a sporting strife : what honours due to him who never shuns the deaths which flies so thick from roaring guns ? ( . ) guns , whose report strikes fearful hearts with death , and more with terror than with blows do slay , whose wind doth snatch from untouch't men their breath , and passing by can whistle souls away : here cowards hearts dead in their breasts are found , though coming off at last without a wound . ( . ) guns whose loud thunder shakes the worlds huge frame into convulsive fits , and seems to threat a sudden dissolution of the same , before the wise creator thinks it fit : yet among these our worthies boldly stand with hearts unshaken , shaking death by th' hand . ( . ) neptune rows'd with their noise comes up to see , what on the surface of his kingdom 's done , rising , he shakes his head to see that he cannot be master of the seas alone : but that two daring fleets are sighting for 't without commission from his watry court. ( . ) he looks upon them , and the dutch he knows , their land was stol'n from him , & all their wealth his tides bring in ; if nurselings proves his foes , he will recover what they got by stealth : he fears them not , though valiant in a cup , he thinks they cannot drink the ocean up . ( . ) but on the english casts a jealous eye , seeing them mantled all in fire , and smoke , he fears they will with him for empire vie , gazing a while , deep silence thus he broke : what mean these daring mortals ? who are these without my leave thus lord it on the seas ? ( . ) he spies the duke (e) and fears that mars is come to ravish thetis , and to rule at sea yet thinks he , i will send him whistling home , and therefore bids the winds to come away : but drawing nearer he beheld the prince (f) . and his mistake , with a far kinder sence . ( . ) he smooths his ruffled brow , and calms the air , comes mildly on , doth thus the duke salute ; accept this trident o thou fiercely fair , and rule at sea , see it is neptune's sute : let all the winds serve thy design , and show to thee , what reverence to me they owe. ( . ) where e're my trident's known , or rule extends , from sea to sea , where e're my tides do flow , and to each river which his tribute sends to me , do thou a conquerour still go ! ride sir in triumph on the ocean wide and tame these hogen mogens swelling pride . ( . ) he said , and on his sea-green couch sits down to see the issue of the kindling sight : by this his highness hot , and eager grown , diffuses valour as the sun doth light , till by his raies the english all on fire , make the dutch valour soon like smoke expire . ( . ) they fire at greatest distance , and the air not us they beat , and make the water fly , they hope the noise us a far off will scare , for they much fear that we will come too nigh : but ours bear bravely up , nor spent a shot till almost certain that they loose it not . ( . ) now near enough , discharged canons send pluto a present of dutch souls , who take a sudden leave of sprangling corpse , and wend to lower shades over the stygian lake : who came in hopes as high as ships on float , now sail to their long home in charon's boat. ( . ) when our brave admiral on lofty deck stands brandishing his sword , confronting death , whose influence to fear in all gives check , and inspires valiant heat by his warm breath . whom as a noble prey opdam espies , and with a daring fierceness at him flies . ( . ) him others follow , all the duke engage , who life to his , and death to their men throws from martial brows , which with a smiling rage strike awful love into his very foes . put five (g) to one is odds , yet so he shows his presence counter-vaileth four of those . ( . ) smith saw the unequal combate , and straight flew with wind fill'd canvase wings the duke to shield , himself between the duke , and dutch he threw , nor gives them time to choose , die , flie , or yield : one broad side given unto opdam blows him up , and blew away the other foes . ( . ) now bragging opdam ( set in chair of state as still alive ( though kill'd before some say ) with cosening shew his men to animate ) sinks down in triumph , leading more the way to stix and acheron , where such as shall descend , will find him pluto's admiral . ( . ) mean while prince rupert doth like lightning fall among the scattered squadrons of the dutch , vvhere he finds none , makes way like hanibal , who many fights have seen , saw never such : with murd'ring broad-sides opening passage wide : his dreadful frigate thorough them doth glide . ( ) passing , on either side he shares his shot , to which dutch hulls so weak resistance make , that speedy death enters at ev'ry plot , and sinking ships a shrieking farewel take , and shiver'd splinters from torn planks that fly to many deaths make one shot multiply . ( . ) thorough , he tacks about , and soon returns , and from loud guns repeats the doom of wounds , and death to them , some sinks , some takes , some burns , and hundreds makes fall into lasting swounds : while his besieged batter'd pinnace stood a floating castle in a sea of blood . ( . ) experience now doth give a just allay to his high metal , both in him do meet so duly temper'd , that he justly may lead a land army , or conduct a fleet : in conduct wary , and in counsel grave , in courage fiery , and in conquest brave . ( . ) here gallant holms too , bold defiance gave to trump , and all his fury , whom he made ' twice quit his sinking ship his life to save , who in a boat got home at last , 't is said : where landing , if the women could have catch't him , for slaughter'd sons , and husbands they 'd have scratch't him . ( . ) now all this time the ecchoing air resounds , the noise of war to many aking hearts on trembling holland , and on english grounds , each wound in sympathizing bosomes smarts : but now the routed dutch invoke the winds , hoyse all their sails too slack for flying minds . ( . ) all steer for nearest ports where their folk stand expecting them laden with spoils to come ; but see them with stretcht canvase fly to land , and the pursuing english drive them home . whose guns , and shouts strengthning the winds the more , hast fleeing belgians to their wisht for shore . ( . ) got into harbour , there they skulking lie , by our triumphant daring navy aw'd : so creeps the tim'rous hare to some wood by , and squatted lies , hearing the hounds abroad : from smitten brests now doleful cries rebound , for sons , and husbands not returned found . ( . ) mean while our crouded shore with shouts doth ring of joyful people , which with longing eye behold the vessels that doth tidings bring , and colours (h) trophies of our victorie : and conqu'ring frigates bringing home their prize , make thundring guns shake th' earth , and rend the skies . ( . ) whose kind salute our watchful forts return with as loud welcome , and the watry store , proud of the worthies on its waves are born , curvets , and foams , and gallops to the shore : where landed captives , and the taken prize do take our hearts , and captivate our eyes . ( . ) now see the fruit of pious management of war , and all affairs , we kept a fast before the fight , and heav'n success hath sent , who sow in tears shall reap in joy at last : le ts owe our glory to humiliation ; for humble penitence exalts a nation . ( . ) what prayers got , let praises give to god ; who in the first engagement turn'd the wind to favour us , and be to them a rod with smoke repell'd to lash them almost blind : nor will our giving god the greatest glory at all eclipse mans honour in the story . ( . ) in giving thanks , we do but sow the seeds of future blessings , and lay up in store that which in time a fruitful harvest breeds ; and praise for what heav'n gives , bespeaks for more . thus do thanks-givings victories obtain , and conquests make thanks-giving-days again . ( . ) now bragging holland saw they could not beat the english by their single strength alone , from france , and denmark they seek aid to get , so hope to match us , being three to one : we dread them not , our trust in god shall be , there 's three in one can make our own beat three . ( . ) our king , and loyal hearts no help require from such consederates , our cause is good , and god will blast our foes designs , as fire consumes with sudden blaze the thorny wood . though nations compass us about , we shall in gods great name , we trust , destroy them all . ( . ) the faithless dane first offer'd friendship here ; and during treaty tempts us to his port (i) to seise the belg'ans indies anchor'd there , a squadron under tyddiman go for 't : and under sail to berghen by the way each sea mans mind is laden with his prey . ( . ) arriv'd they see inclos'd in rocks their prize , first clifford lands the governour to treat , who knowledge of his master's (k) will denies , brib'd by the dutch , he means both kings to cheat : yet bears us fair in hand if once he knows his princes will , he our design allows . ( . ) mean while he lets the belgians plant on shore their batt'ring canons to defend their wealth , and from his castle murd'ring pieces roar , fir'd by the dutch , he saith , got in by stealth : thus basely dealt with , the bold english fall pell , mell to batter castle , town , and all . ( ) enrag'd to see themselves thus tantalize , they seek to sink what 's past their pow'r to gain one on a bed of spices sweetly dies , others by broken diamonds are slain . rich odours fir'd in ships now cloud the skies , as incense doth from kindled censors rise . ( . ) but this did not appease incensed minds , our batt'ring balls now shatter houses down , now thorough castle-wals death entrance finds , and folk now fear the sea will take the town , what will not english spirits bravely dare to do ? for ships to storm a castle 's rare . ( . ) by this the governour seems to relent , desires to treat again , pretending now th' agreement made betwixt the king is sent , the order owns , he first did disavow , that what we in their harbours take shall be betwixt the kings divided equallie . ( . ) now he invites ours to a fresh attempt , but limitted with terms to frustrate it , they saw his proffers did success exempt , and wisely thought a new assault not sit : till they return'd , he would secure the prey he promis'd , they hoise sail , and come away . ( . ) now whether denmarks king new counsels took , or berghens governour his faith did sell , few day 's expired ere the dutch forsook the harbour uncontroul'd , but a storm fell ; whereby just heav'n seeing our wrong did bring , part of the prize we fought for to our king. ( . ) nor shall perfidious denmark lose his due , heav'n will his kindness unto us repay , and he his double dealing erst shall rue , when england shall of holland win the day : and then have leisure to remember friends , whose proffer'd leagues but serve their treach'rous ends . ( . ) mean time the slighted swede may check the dane , and ballance him on the divided sound ; or ancient fame of swedish valour gain by flowing conquests on the danish ground : whom he may soon in field subdue , and then in coppenhagen block him up agen . ( . ) nor wish we munster's bishop better fate , who got our coin , and left us in the lurch , by whose deceit we costly learn too late , the german faith is not in roman church : which keeps no faith with hereticks we know , but did forget that they do count us so . ( . ) holland of france expects a kind protector , 't is envy , and not love that makes him such , i doubt he 'l rather prove a sly projector , and only help that he may rule the dutch : so once the saxons did the britains aid , until this kingdom for their service paid . ( . ) what ruffling france for holland means to do , two summers hence they possibly shall know , the last they complemented to and fro , this their fine fleet abroad shall fairly show : the third he may to show his horns begin , but if a storm comes wisely draw them in . ( . ) yet proud france blusters with his men , and arms as if he 'd win the world , and great plots laies for some invasion , but no land he harms , his mind on holland , not on england preys : the sea 's an hill (l) his forty thousand men may bravely sail up , and goe down agen . ( . ) le roche can tell 't is a design more meet for courtly french to man a lady home , than warlike english on the seas to greet from whose salute doth greater mischief come . if first he had not carried home their queen , france's tall ships portugal ne're had seen . ( . ) yet he with promises doth holland feed of great assistance which he still delays , those haughtiness in belgian spirits breed , but this their expectation still betrays : the greatest kindness he hath done them yet , was by the show he made to part our fleet. ( . ) unhappy parting when prince rupert went to seek the french , nois'd to be put to sea , their joyning with the belgians to prevent , which the dutch hearing came out presentlie : whom albemarle's great duke (m) engag'd alone , though they in numbers were near three to one . ( . ) their numerous navy he no sooner spies , which on the ocean like a city shows , but he with canvase wings to battel flies , whose fleet looks like an hamlet to his foes : more great in mind , in pow'r less by far , he hurls himself into unequal war. ( . ) his captains all bear bravely up , and fear no perils where this gen'ral leads them on , dangers with him like shadows do appear , which where bright phoebus sheds his rays are gone : the name of monk was dreadful still among remembring dutch , his name 's a squadron strong . ( . ) the fleets engage (n) , and they in numbers bold , and ours in spirit , now the fight grows warm , our snugging frigates do their sides unfold , and their 's more lofty built our rigging harm : we ply'd them thick , & made their fleet more thin , each ship its own way open'd to get in . ( ) among their multitude unseen ours lie , like stragling hunters beating in a spring , until the hollowing guns do signifie to partner ships their place ; these answering : then through the dutch they cut their passage free , and let in light ; thus one another see . ( . ) long time our few their many counterpoise , the english valour holds the balance even , if either , the dutch scale did seem to rise , and the advantage to our side was given : but envious night her sable mantle spread , and from our force glad belgians covered . ( . ) the weary seamen lay them down to rest to fresh their spirits for a fiercer fight ; victorious dreams (o) the english minds possest , and black ideas did the dutch affright : those dream of flying dutch , start up , and shout these startle up to run as put to rout . ( . ) aurora drew her curtains , and did peep forth from her eastern bed , and scatter light , our eager souldiers shook of idle sleep , and theirs arose with early minds for flight : with wishing heart each homewards casts his eye , and vessels coming from their coast doth spy . ( . ) which brought a fresh supply of sixteen sail , these rais'd their fal'n spirits up anew : ours heard their shout , and saw : their hearts might fail , if ought the english spirit could subdue : whose strength 's their courage , doubling this they vie th' increasing number of their foes supply . ( . ) our little fleet was lesser grown by war ; a little from a little 's quickly mist : their multitude did many better spare : yet all discouragements our still resist : with such a general they scorn to fear , who doth the prize of conquer'd nations wear . ( . ) the noble duke , what e're his heart revolves , with smiling aspect chears his pensive men , and fills their anxious hearts with brave resolves ; to new assault he fiercely leads them then : long time with even success the fight maintain'd , no conquest ever greater honour gain'd . ( . ) another new supply (p) augments their store , and so the strongest strength increasing get ; while our disabled ships sent off to shore , unto the weaker adds more weakness yet : but day these conflicts weary to behold , gave leave to night her sables to unfold . ( . ) the careful duke commands his men to (q) rest , himself on reeling deck doth watchful stand , a thousand thoughts perplex his anxious brest no gale of hopes his fervent spirit fann'd : yet he resolves no english shore to touch , unless he 's victor o're the vaunting dutch. ( . ) the rising sun now gilds the eastern skie , both fleets prepare the quarrel to decide , victory thus far evenly pois'd did lie , but now inclined to their stronger side : yet are not ours o'recome when they pursue , but to the flying still the honour's due . ( . ) opprest with number mightiest spirits yield , when force , and ammunition both do fail , the truest valour wisely quits the field , thus wants , and weakness , not the dutch , prevail , make our unwilling general retreat , who yet in this doth still his foes defeat . ( . ) in such triumphant order he retires as above former victories doth raise his great renown , big frigates he requires to keep the reer , the less securely lays under the shelter of the greaters wing , and thus his shatter'd navy off doth bring . ( . ) our greatest frigates keep the dutch in awe , if their advancing vessels drew too near , they turn'd , and by a broadside give them law for distance , one was sunk the other fear , and follow as if awfully they come to see our batter'd navy safely home . ( . ) only the prince ( a gallant ship ) did strand , whose presence boldest dutch could never brook , nor durst approach while upright she could stand , but falling fowl , her helpless men they took : her self expir'd in flames , much better so than to be prize to the insulting foe . ( . ) at last the prince (r) whose heart was in his ear , e're since he heard the guns , steer'd by their sound , with flying colours doth far off appear , but french they were , which first did ours confound , and the glad dutch bore up their friends to meet , and him with warlike welcome kindly greet . ( . ) approaching , he red crosses soon displays , which husht their joy , heav'd english hearts , and hands , de ruyter sneaking back with shame , now lays with craft his bragging ships behind the sands , who with a braving shew now hover there to tempt the eager prince into the snare . ( . ) fierce as a lyon he to combate slyes , to check the boldness of this vaunting foe , but the dukes wibfe upon his jack-slag spyes , the signal that he should not forwards go , but first consult ; then with a slighting tack he waves the dutch , and to our fleet comes back . ( . ) with leaping hearts the prince , and duke embrace ; the prince doubts no success , the duke alive , the duke sees victory in the prince's face ; both joy , and weep for joy , and weeping strive to tell their sights , and fears , how parted hence , each shot against the duke did wound the prince . ( . ) they curse their parting hour , but 't is too late : now the dukes wasted stores the prince supplies , and both next morn resolve to try their fate , for night came on , but soon their hunting eyes did catch the breaking day , then rowse their men , and to the wakened dutch stood in agen . (ſ) ( . ) in this one (t) day they three days war repeat ; as if the princes presence healed all , the wounded men , and ships so nimbly treat the dutch with presents of their powder'd ball , that their vast numbers to retreat begin , willing to part stakes since they could not win . ( . ) night interceded for a truce again : her suit was granted , but day calls to fight ; the maimed fleets lie lagging on the main , their chiefest war was now in angry sight ; their eyes shot death , unweildy ships could not ; the princes main-yard down by luckless shot . ( . ) the belgians bless the time , and now with-drew , in joyful triumph stand for holland's coast , our shatter'd generals could not pursue ; and this is that great victory they boast : when we not wont such victories to make , disclaim more right , and call it parting stake . ( . ) now our torn vessels too are homewards bound for swift repair ; the duke displeas'd he brought no triumph home , would touch no english ground , until the dutch with more success he fought : took no content , although he had renown for what he did , in all minds but his own . ( . ) the famous name of monk all lands adore , and though no monks in england bishops be , the monk who soundly beat the dutch before , in spite of them shall rule the brittish sea : he th' honour of three conquer'd kingdoms bore the honour had three kingdoms to restore . ( . ) this sight the earnest was of great success , without a miracle could be no more ; by which wisemen with hopeless hearts did guess the rest for a new fight was kept in store : for if divided us they could not beat , how will they stand by our united fleet. ( . ) our careful king with pers'nal industry quickens his carpenters with active hands to sit his fleet another bout to try , whose double diligence serves his commands : now the streights fleet to joyn come fitly home : and others , newly of the stocks , do come . ( . ) but to maintain the honour they assum'd the hasty dutch were vap'ring on our shore , now all would think them victors they presum'd , who dar'd the enemy at his own dore : nor stayd our ( yet unready ) navy long , but soon appear as numerous , and strong . ( . ) the boasting dutch our coming would not stay , nor th' english durst with equal numbers meet , wisely they hoyse their sails , and go away ; and after them did sail our gallant fleet : now courages must fight , the numbers even , the glory to the valiant shall be given . ( . ) what ours ne're shun to seek , they seek to shun , an equal combate on the watry plain . do victors use from beaten foes to run ? leave bragging belgians ! for your brags are vain . these never will but with advantage fight , nor kindness shew but where they can get by 't . ( . ) behind their dangerous shallows bold they lie , as coward cocks on their own dunghils crow , ours mind no danger but to battel flie , toss't o're the flats by waves that lofty slow : well overtaken , they their foes engage , and on their own coast a fierce battel wage . ( . ) the generals did like themselves , nor can more in their praise be said ; allen was brave : holmes as he us'd still plaid the gallant man ; and spraggs from trump himself shall honor have : harman through fire and water glory sought , and all the rest there like true english fought . ( . ) the fight was sharp , but short , nor could be long where heartless foes so soon did leave the field : they will not fight but when they 're much too strong , whose hasty flight did us less glory yield , they from the waxing sight so soon withdrew , the battel wain'd e're it to fulness grew . ( . ) now fled to harbour close to shore they lay their beaten vessels , where 't was pretty sport , to see the fanfan with de ruyter play ; as if a pigmy went to storm a fort : the prince , and duke had pleasure there to note de ruyters ship fought by their pleasure boat. ( . ) while on their coast as victors thus we lie , holms , holland's scourge , goes on an enterprise ; and with admir'd success burns in the uly a numerous fleet (t) most rich in merchandise ; who when winds serv'd would sev'ral wayes have gone , but end their voyage in the torrid zone . ( . ) this done he lands , and gives a town to flames ; but in this light our fate we did not see , who had a greater soon on this side thames a fire that quench'd the joy of victorie : yet prais'd be god , who under all our woe supports our hearts from yielding to our foe . ( . ) see here the vain attempts of mortals care , with restless toil for wealth by sea , and land , when earth , fire , water , and the blustring air can all devour , what we count sure in hand : with much less labour we might be more wise , if we did trade for heavens merchandise . ( . ) even when the flames our london made their prey , our nimble fleet was hunting foes at sea , both french and dutch were joyned now they say , this the brave prince , and fleet would gladly see : at last they have their sought for foes in veiw ; but her black curtain night betwixt them drew . ( . ) and e're the morn did in the east appear , heav'n as a mediator rais'd a wind to intercept the sight , no ships could steer a steady course , nor place for battel find : this storm might christians furious spirits calm , and on its wings for wounds bring healing balm . ( . ) but if dutch haughty spirits will not yield to terms may suit our nations interest , let foes combine ! god is our rock , and shield , and will the justness of our cause attest : by war we seek an honourable peace , till this may be , war may not safely cease . ( . ) nor shall while england hath , or blood , or treasure , or loyal hearts have votes in parliament , whose princes will is their own choice , & pleasure , assur'd the nations good is his intent : and loyal london which in ruine lies , rak'd from her ashes raises new supplies . ( . ) whose fire hath made her loyaltie to shine , rich to her king even in her low estate , nor doth her bounty to her wealth confine , but makes her want supply the needs of state , and will convince both france , & holland's fleets , her spirit is not fallen with her streets . ( . ) her courage , and her patience both are try'd by fire , and do illustrious appear ; with greater patience none can loss abide or with more courage far less crosses bear ; laid low , her foes to trample on her think , but neither fire , nor water make her shrink . ( . ) relenting heav'n who hath us soundly scourg'd , these vertues , pledge of better times , doth give , and if our sickness hath our vices purg'd , and fire consum'd our dross , we yet shall live , to see the war in our full conquest cease , and london rising from her dust in peace . ( . ) then shall the wealth of nations thither flow , and silver thames be rich as tagus shore , and strangers ravish'd by her beauteous show , turn captiv'd lovers , and go home no more : the east shall her adore with incense , and the west enrich her with her golden sand . ( . ) in ample glory lofty , and more wide , her streets with structures uniform shall stand surpassing all the world can boast beside ; the palace , and the temple of our land : and swains who heav'n some glorious city deem , will this the new jerusalem esteem . ( . ) her royal father , whose dear sympathy in her late suff'rings was her sweetest fare , shall in her beauty , and her loyalty rejoyce , and she in his great love , and care : their twined int'rests and affections shall native , and forreign enemies appal , ( . ) we have indeed been compassed with woes , trials to good , and punishments to bad : we are beset by sea , and land with foes , who in our sorrows , and distress are glad : but let our faith and courage now appear , nor let us ought but god almighty fear . ( . ) who his destroying angels hand hath staid , who much from flames beyond our hopes did save , who twice our navy hath victorious made , whom still the faithful on their side shall have , who to the patient will their loss repair with double gain ; so patient job did fare . ( . ) now for the yet unfinisht part of war : go on brave seamen , and compleat your glory ! who die in this their countries martyrs are , whose worthy names shall live in british story : lawson , and mims with honour now do lie embalmed in the english memorie . ( . ) when bullets flie so thick they darken air , the lord of hosts in such a storm can save ; or if your souls these to light mansions bear , and seas your bodies take , the sea 's a grave trusty as earth , and when the angel sounds gives up her dead safe as the sacred grounds . ( . ) but there 's less fear of death than honour now , your vanquisht foes will scarce endure a sight , scarce will their keels this spring the ocean plough , the conquest 's now less difficult than sight : they , like dull stars the sun with-drawn , are clear about , watch their advantage to appear . ( . ) or as full moons rise when the sun doth set , look big , and fierce , as if the skies they won ; our searching fleet come in , so out they get , and shine as if the ocean were their own . but when the sun looks up , the moon doth hide : so can't the dutch our navy's sight abide . ( . ) but the sun hunts the flying moon until his opposition doth eclipse her light : so seek the shifting dutch our navy will , till they eclipse their honour in a fight . as for the french they meteors are , no doubt ; let them but blaze a while , they will go out . ( . ) those shine like stars , but are indeed a vapour , which hath no proper orb , howe're it shows , but only upwards cuts a nimble caper , and sinks to earth again from whence it rose : perhaps these ignes fatui may jeer the dutch into the ditch and leave them there . ( . ) but let us pious , loyal , loving , prove to god , our king , our church , and one another ; so shall the reliques of our woes remove , and prosp'rous days our griefs , and fears shall smother : our bliss from virtue we may calculate more sure than any stars prognosticate . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * sept. . . by two in the morning began this fire , which was not supp●●st in all places till friday morning following . † the roof of paul's falling , broke strangely through into st. faith's church underneath pauls . * many books by the stationers were put under pauls church , to secure them from the fire , but there were burned . * lud king of britain . * who as stories tell landed at totnes in devonshire , anno mundi , . and before christs birth , . years , and soon after built here a city , calling it troy-novant . (a) anno dom. . (b) king of kent : and moved by mellitus bishop of london , to found this church mellitus consecrated bishop , an. dom. . (c) consecrated bishop of london , an. dom. . (a) anno dom. . notes for div a -e (a) the arms of holland . (b) the arms of spain , from whom the netherlands revolting , were aided by queen elizabeth . (c) king of spain . (d) the first sight with the dutch. (e) duke of york . (f) duke of york . (g) five of their ships set upon the duke 's at once . (h) colours taken from the dutch ships ours took , and sent up to the king , shewed in the countries they went. (i) bergh●n business . (k) the king of denmark who profered our king that his ships might take any dutch ships in his harbours , and the prize to be divided betwixt them . (l) according to the common o●inion that the waters are h●gher than the earth , and lie upon and heap at sea. (m) the second sight with the dutch , in the beginning of june this last summer , when prince rupert and the duke of albemarle went general● by joynt commission . (n) the first days fight . (o) the second days fight . (p) on saturday even . (q) the third day . (r) prince rupert who came into the duke on sunday ever . (ſ) the fourth days fight . (t) the fifth day the fight held but an hour or two e're the dutch withdrew . (t) con●isting of . sail. the dreadfulness of the plague. or a sermon preached in the parish-church of st. john the evangelist, december th. being a day of public fasting. by jos. hunter m.a. and minister in york hunter, josiah, minister in york. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing h estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the dreadfulness of the plague. or a sermon preached in the parish-church of st. john the evangelist, december th. being a day of public fasting. by jos. hunter m.a. and minister in york hunter, josiah, minister in york. [ ], p. printed by stphen bulkley, and are to be sold by francis mawbarne, york : . with a preliminary imprimatur leaf dated jan. . . reproduction of the original in the university college library, oxford. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp 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review (qc) and xml conversion perlegi concionem ●anc , nec quid in eâ uspiam deprehendi , quod pietati promovendae plurimum non inserviat ; proindeque dignam censui , quae imprimatur . edm. diggle s. t. p. reverendissimo in christo patri , ac domino , domino richardo archiepiscopo eboracensi a sacris domesticis . datum episcopo-thorpae jan. . ● . the dreadfulness of the plagve . or a sermon preached in the parish-church of st. john the evangelist , december th . being a day of publick fasting . by jos . hunter m. a. and minister in york . et quamvis jam animadvertunt hominum genus in terra magis magisque indies ad tunc modum attenuatum , absumptumque , nullo tamen timore horrescunt ; quin neque cum illorum omnium omnine interitus crescat & latiu● quotidie ●an●t ●● fundatur , ulla ex par●e reformidant . euseb . hist . eccles . lib. . ca. . york , printed by stephen b●lkley , and are to be sold by francis mawbarne , . to the right honourable george manklins lord mayor , and to the worshipful the aldermen , with the common●lty of the faithful and famous city of york . i have been encouraged to expose this sermon to publick view , by the perswasion of some , that it might at this time conduce to publick good , which if i can promote ( though with the hazard of mine own credit ) i regard not . the great judgment wherewith god hath scourged our nation this year , and the little sense which we express of it , would provoke a man ( otherwise not forward ) to adventure on the censure of the world , if he had but the least hope to do any good against the sottishness and stupidity of it ; which seems to exceed that of the old world , even so much as the execution of divine wrath doth the meer menacing and threatning of it . we used formerly to startle at the report of the plague , but now we are become so brutish , that we mock at fear and are not affrighted : my desire is ( whatever my hopes are ) to remove some from off the lees of this most presumptuous and ill-presaging sencelesness . now after i was perswaded to publish this sermon , i concluded ( if it had any thing of worth in it ) it was due to your lordship and brethren in the first place , an● under you to the whole city , from and amongst whom i have a comfortable subsistence with so much respect and affection , as obligeth me more than i think meet here to express . you may read here what a dreadful punishment the plague is , and consider , if it do not concern you to use your greatest diligence and circumspection to prevent a danger and to secure your city , which the sword hath brought to poverty , and the plague would quickly bring to beggary . when you read what a sore judgment the plague is , and remember how god hath visited other places with it , this will be powerful to quicken you unto a thankeful acknowledgment of gods gracious and miraculous preservation of this city , so much beyond ( not only our deserts ) but even our expectations . having so frequent occasions to speak to you , i forbear to enlarge my self in an epistle : blessed be god , the father of mercys and the god of all comfort , who hath delivered us from so great a death , and doth deliver : in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us : so rests your lordships , &c. most affectionate servant and well-wisher josiah hunter . numb . . . there is wrath gone out from the lord , the plague is begun . in these words i have formerly observed three parts : . irae dei , the wrath of god. . eruptio irae , the breaking forth of this wrath , wrath is gone out . . indicium & effectus utriusque , the token and effect of both , the plague is begun . concerning the two first of these , the wrath of god , and the breaking forth of that wrath , i have already spoken upon two of these occasions . i come now to the third , the token and effect of both , the plague is begun . if you observe the scripture , you shall finde , that plague is used for any notable judgement of god ; the bloudy issue is called a plague , mark . . vve reade of a plague of naile , rev. . . the judgements which god sent upon pharaoh for his stubbornnesse , are called plagues , exod. . . vvhen god doth punish a person , or a people , ( especially if it be in a notable manner ) then 〈◊〉 ●e said to plague them , gen. . . the lord plagued pharaoh and his house , exod. . . the lord plagued the people ; and so in other places : but plague in the text is taken for a certain malignant and infectious disease , distinguished by that name from other diseases : every judgment is a plague , but this in the text is the plague : as all sin may be said to be ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) wickedness , but malice is especially in scrip●ure called ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) because it is one of the greatest wickednesses : so every disease , every punishment may be called a plague , but there is a pestilent , burning , contagious distemper , unto which the name of plague is appropriated , because it is one of the greatest punishments incident unto a people : the very first breaking out of it is terrible , it is wont to be so pestilent and des●ructiv● , for so moses speaks as startled himself , and to stir up aaron to make the more hast : go quickly and make an attonement for them , for there 〈◊〉 wrath gone out from the lord , the plague is begun . the proposition i will give you from hence , is this ; that the plague is a dreadful judgment , a sign of gods great wrath . after i have p oved this , i will answer three questions , subjoine a cau●ion , and so come to application . that the plague is a featful judgment , and token of gods wrath , is easie to demonstrate : when things are more than ordinarily dreadful , it renders the very name dreadful too : the dreadfulness of damnation makes the very sound of the word terrible : and m●thinks the word plague hath something of horrour in it , and is apt to bege● a startling and shrinking , in such especially as are naturally more inclined to fear : the scripture never speaks of it , but always one epithete or other is given to it , as the no●e of a dreadful judgment : when moses sets himself to threaten israel with curses for their disobedience , he places this in the front , deut. . . the lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee , until he ●ath consumed thee from off the land : here are two things attributed to the p●stilence which render it hugely dreadful , cleaving and consuming : in the psal . . . it is called the noisome pe●tilence , it is called one of gods sore judgments : ezek. . . and ver . . it is made a token of gods bloudy fury , if ● send a pestilence into the land , and pour out my f●ry upon i● in bloud . vvhen our saviour speaks of those perplexed and calamitous time● , that should befall the jews a little before the destruction of jerusalem , and the world no● long before its desolution , he puts in this for one aggravation , mat. . . there shall be famines , and pestilences , these are the beginnings of sorrows : the description which the psalmist gives of the plague , hath much of terrour in it , psal . . , . he cast upon them the fierceness of hi● anger , wrath , indignation and trouble , by sending evil angels among●t them : he made a way to his anger , he spared not their soul from death , but gave their life over to the pe●●ilence . i read even of hypoera●es , that he was wont to call the plague ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) a special divine judgment , a stroke of gods own bare hand , as it were : these and such like instances joyned with the experience of all ages , are enough to prove the proposition : for the farther explication of it , i will answer these three questions , . why the plague 〈◊〉 so dreadful ? . what is it that provokes god to inflict it upon ● people ? . if it be such a token of gods wrath , whether it doth befall good men , i mean believers , and those that are in the state of justification ? . why the plague 〈◊〉 so dreadful a t●ken of gods wrath ? i answer , . because it is so destructive , you shall seldome ( if at all ) read of the pestilence in scripture , but consume is joyned with it : we may say of every man infected with it , as david said once to jonathan concerning himself , there is but a step between death and him : in that family or city where the plagve is ve●ement and raging , we may say of them , as god threatned it should be with the jews , deut. . , . their lives hang in doubt before them , and they fear day and night , and have no assurance of their life : in the morning they say , would to god it was even , and at even , would god it was morning ▪ for the fear of their hearts wherewith they fear , and for the sight of their eyes which they do see . what havocks hath this made in the earth ! we may m●re truly say of the plague , than samson of the jaw bone ( wherewith he killed so m●ny philistims ) heaps upon heaps : judg. . . after david had sl●in goli●h , they sa●g in dances ; saul ●ath ●lain h●● thousands , but david his ten thousands : so it may be said here , other diseases have slain their thousands , but the plague hath slain its ten thousands : it is so destructive , that it is called in the abstract , destruction , psal . . . nor for the pestilen●e that walkesh in darkness , nor for the destruction that ●a●leth at noon day . what the apostle affirms of wicked men , may be likewise said of this pestilential disease , misery and destruction is in its way , rom. . . all histories both sacred , ecclesiastical and prophane tell of the great desolations that the plague hath made : we read how it swept away . one time , numb . . . another time . num. . . another time . sam. . . and yet these summs ( though questionless thought very great in those times ) fall far short of what hath been since . those that have dyed in london of this present plague ( i fear ) amount to more than the three fore ▪ mentioned summs put together . eusebius speaking of a great plague in alexandria , hath words to this effect out of dionysius ▪ now all things are full of lamentation , all men mo●rn , sadness and complaining fills the whole city , partly for those that are dead , and partly for those that are dying daeyly : for it is with us now ●s it was with the egyptians , when god slew their first-born , there w●s a great ●ry among them , because not an house , where there w●s not one dead . so evagri●s speaks of a plague that continued two and fifty years ; it spread ( he saith ) over the whole world , nor any mortal man then that did escape the con●agion ; and some cities ( he reports ) it invaded so vehemently , that it left not in inhabitant i● them . the prophet bemoaning the deplorable estate of jerusalem ( amongst other ) hath these words , lam. . . the wayes of zion do mourn , because none come to the solemn feasts , all her gates are desolate : her priests sigh , her virgins are afflicted , and she is in bitterness : and it hath been known ( not only in other countries ) but also in our own nation , when there hath been such a morrality by the plague , that the churches , the schools , the markets , the streets , the high-ways have all mourned , and some of them laid so desolate , that beasts might have grazed where men were wont to trade . . that which renders the plague yet more dreadful , is the suddenness of that destruction which it makes ; the dispatch of the destruction , as i may call it : the suddenness of an evil helps to add much to the terrour of it : this is not hard to prove from scripture , i will give you but a touch , and then apply them , prov. . . his calamity shall come suddenly , suddenly shall he be broken without remedy : eccles . . . the sons of men are snared in an evil ●●me , when it falleth suddenly upon them : isa . . . this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall , swelling out in an high wall , whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant . this is that which god threatens to babylon , isa . . . evil shall come upon thee , thou shalt not know from whence it riseth ; and mischief shall fall upon thee , thou shalt not be able to put it off , and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly , which thou shalt not know : well , this is of the nature of the plague to slay suddenly , it surprizeth men whilst they are eating and drinking , walking and trafficking , and sends them speedily from a state of health and soundness , to take their portion among them who have laid long silent in the dust . if you observe the text with what follows , you shall find how quickly the plague swept away . it is very likely in less than an hour ; in the sam. . we read of . that dyed of it in three days : where the plagus comes it doth not only make great , but sudden breaches : how quickly it makes a sad change , not only in a family , and lesser societies , but even in cities and greater corporations , insomuch that sometimes places of the greatest concourse , have had cause to bewail themselves in the language of the prophet , lam. . . how doth the city sit solitarily that was full of people , how is she become as a widow ? to day ( it may be you have children rejoycing under the wing of their parents , taking care for nothing , but even to drive away care ; and before to morrow ( perhaps ) vou shall hear them crying out lamentably ( as elisha when the prophet elijah was taken from him ) my father , my father : to day ( perhaps ) parents are rejoycing in their children , delighting to behold them stand like olive-plants round about their table , promising unto themselves ( i know not what ) felicity in their well-doing ; and before to morrow ( it may be ) you shall have them ( like rachel ) weeping for their children , and resusing to be comforted , because they are not . i read of xerxes , that ( having gathered an huge army ) he went upon the top of an hill to view them , and while he was doing this , he fell a weeping , to think that within an age not one of those men would be left alive : did he weep to think that an 〈◊〉 men ( perhaps not so many ) would be all 〈…〉 age , what cause of mourning have we 〈…〉 we consider that the plague , hath even i● our 〈◊〉 country , taken away so huge a number , in less than the revolution of one year ? so quick is the dispatch that it makes . . that which makes the plague yet more dreadful , is , because it is so spreading , it is called the pestilence that walketh in darkness , psal . . . first , it is said to walk , it stands not still , but makes progress , spreads it self ▪ and then secondly , it is said to walk in darkness , it diffuseth it self invisibly , it spreads one knows not how . it hath been questioned by some whether the plague be infectious ; yea , by some it bath been strongly denyed : the main arguments which they produce , are these three ; first , that god hath appointed unto every man , not only to dye , but also at what time , and of what kind of death , and therefore there is no great heed to be given to the contagiousness of any disease . their second argument is this , if the plague be contagious , how comes it that some men take infection , and others escape it , being both in the same place , and so to outward appearance in the same danger . they urge in the third place , that the plague comes by the immission of evil angels , and therefore how can it be infectious ? these are the chief arguments that ever i met with against the plagues infection , and yet they are so inconsiderabie , that i think it but wast time to answor them . one calls the opinion ( that the plague is not infectious ) worse than the plague it self : another calls it a bloudy error , and none maintain it but such as cannot abide to be gods prisoners ; it is a death ●o them to be out of company , and they had rather endanger a thousand lives , than want any part of their pleasure or profit . but experience is enough to contradict this opinion ; unto which we may add that concerning the leper , who was to be shut up and none to accompany with him , which shews that there was some contagion in the leprosie : and yet the leprosie is nothing so deadly as the plague , for some have lived having the leprosie many years , but such an instance cannot be given of the plague . evagrius ( speaking of the great plague at antioch , and the manner of its spreading ) s●ith ▪ that some got it by living and conversing together : others got it by only touching them that were infected , or entring into the house : some received it in the streets , and many that fled out of cities which were infected ( though they remained sound themselves ) yet they imparted the disease to those , that before were free & helthful . but i leave the proving of the plagues infection to the physitian ; he will tell you that living birds laid to the feet of one infected will quickly dye ; he will tell you , how it may be diffused by garments , by bre●thing , and many such like : this cannot be denied , but that it is spreading , and so spreading , that where it once breaks forth , a man cannot be too careful , because he can never be too secure , if secure enough . for to say that the plague b●falls none but such as want faith to rely upon and trust in the providence of god ▪ is a● error more bloudy than to say , that it is not infe●●ious . . and lastly , that which renders the plague yet more dreadful is the uncomfortableness of it : is it not a sad thing , when a mans house becomes his prison ? next to our lives we value our liberty , and yet this the plague deprives a man of : i might be large here , but i will confine my self within these three heads : first , the liberty of gods house , how precious is that ! how amiable are thy tabernaeles , o lord ( saith david ) he envied even the birds that might fi● and sing neer the sanctuary , when he was banished from it : and in psal . . as the hart panteth after the water-brooks , so panteth my soul after thee , o god : my soul thirste●h for god , for the living god , when shall i come and appear before god ? and he professeth ver . . how he poured out his soul in him , when he remembred , how he had gone with the multitude to the house of god , with the voice of joy and praise ; but this liberty is a man debared from by the plague ; though the doors of the sanctuary are open , yet his own doors are shut up : he cannot be admitted to hear the voice of those that bring glad tydings of peace : he cannot be admitted any longer to come and participate of those comfortable representations of christ's body and blood : he cannot be allowed any longer to come and joyn with the congregation in lifting up a prayer to heaven . i read that the protestants in france had a church ( though now demolished ) which they called paradise ; it is very likely , they thought the church the only paradise on earth : in this paradise i would compare the preaching of the word , to the tree of knowledge of good and evil ; and the sacrament of the lords s●pper to the tree of life ; but where the plague is , a man is excluded from this paradise , he hath not the liberty to tast of the fruit of it , this is one great discomfort . . the liberty of friends , that is comfortable ▪ next to communion with god , communion with friends is deemed the greatest happiness on earth . pythag●ra● hath a dark riddle ( cor ●e edit● ) eat not thy heart : my lord bacon sets this gloss upon it , he that lacks friends to converse with , and lay open his grief to , must needs be a cannibal and eat his own hea●t : well , this liberty likewise doth the plague deprive a man of ; it was davids complaint , psal . . . my lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore , and my kinsmen stand afar off : thus it is with a man whom god hath visited , his lovers and friends stand afar of , they dare not come neer him in point of security to themselves , they dare not in point of conscience , lest they might disperse the contagion among others ; those are sad expressions in psal . . . lover and friend hast thou put far from me : and in psal . . , . i am like a pelicon in the wilderness , i am like an owle of the desart , i watch and am as a sparrow alone : yet these are the true complaints of such as are shut up under the plague . . the liberty of commerce is very necessary : hereby it is that men get a subsistence and livelihood for their families , without this they cannot provide things honest in the sight of all men : but this liberty likewise the plague debars a man from , none dare traffick with him , and this helps to add yet more to his discomfort : for the merchant will tell you , that upon the ceasing of trade , there is not only ( l●●rum cesfans ) gain ceasing , but there is likewise ( damn●● emergens ) loss arising , because now a man is forced to take from his stock for necessary uses , so that grant a man do escape with his life that is visited with the plague ; i say , suppose he hath his life for a prey , what can he do without a livelihood ? and towards the procuring of this he is much disabled by the plague . so much in answer to the first question , why the plague 〈◊〉 so dreadful a judgment ? . because it is so destructive . . because the destruction , which it make● , is so quick and sudden . . because it is so spreading . and lastly , because it is so uncomfortable , for hereby a man i● deprived of the liberty of gods house , the liberty of friends , the liberty of commerce . the second question is , what is it that provokes god to inflict this dreadful judgment of the plague upon a people ? this is somewhat harder to determine ; what i purpose to say concerning it , take in these three conclusions , . for certain , god hath just cause given him , before he do thus manifest his displeasure , many of his wayes are unsearchable , but none are unrighteous ; he can as soon cease to be , as to be just : if therefore at any time we cannot discerne what should be the cause , let us charge our selves with ignorance , but take heed of charging god with injustice : after god had threatned the jews with the sword , the famine , the noisomebeast , and the pestilence in ezek. . he adds ver . . ye shal know , that i have not done without cause all that i have done in it saith the lord : and he expresseth himself yet more offended with them for standing upon their justification , jer. . . thou sayest , because i am innocent , surely his anger shall turne from me ; behold , i will plead with thee ▪ because thou sayest , i have not sinned . . this we may likewise safely affirm in the general , that sin is the meritorious cause ( as of all other judgments ) so likewise this of the plague : the wrath of god i● revealed from heaven ( saith the apostle ) against what ? all ●nrighteousness and ungodliness of man , rom , . . and it is the observation of a good man , that as vapours ascend invisibly , but come down again in storms and showers , which we both see and feel ; so sometimes secret sins are the procuring cause of open and notorio●● punishments : this of the plague is threatned unto disobedience , deut. . . what sins in particular may be the provoking cause of the plague now , or any other time , is not so easy to conclude . i think the safest way is one of these three , . either to attribute judgments that are general , unto sins that are most general : and what sin hath been of late years and is still most reigning in this nation , would require one better acquainted with the manners of it than i am : whether atheisme , or dissention , or a mutinous inclination against all authority , or violation of oaths , or what else i will not say , but whether these or others are the national sins at present , they are hugely aggravated , because god hath not honoured any nation with more mercy and means of grace than ours ; and therefore we could expect no other , than that he should deal with us , as he threatned he would do with his peculiar people , amos . . you only have i known of all the families of the earth , therefore i will punish you for your iniquities . or , . if we know of any notorious national sin ( though committed several years since ) not yet so universally acknowledged and repented of , we may think that is a great provocation ●nto god to scourge us with the plagu● : for this we have that famous instance of saul's breaking covenant with , and s●aying the gibeonites , for which god punished the land in the time of king david ) with three years fami●e , and would not be appeased , till several of saul's sons were pu● to death , . sam. . . this is likewise a safe course , to observe out of the records of sacred writ , for what sins god hath heretofore sent the plague ; and look how far we are guilty of them , so far may we attribute our visitati●n to them : now in searching the scripture , i find that for six , yea for seven transgressions god hath either threatned or sent the plague . i will but name them , and leave them to your consideration . . despising of plenty , and immoderate lusting after dainties , so we read how the israelites despised manna ( whereof they had abundance ) and called it light bread , but they lusted exceedingly after quails , for which god smote them with a very great plague , numb . . , . . we read how they that brought up an evil report upon the land of promise , to the discouragement of the people , and the dishono●r of god , dyed of the plague , numb . . . . seditious insurrections against authority , have drawn down the plague : this was the cause of that plague in the text. . creature ▪ confidence , boasting of or trusting in an arm of flesh ; this is generally thought to be the cause of that plague in the sam. . . idolatry , for this god wa● so incensed , that he ●lew of the people at once . with the plague , numb , . . detaining and withholding from god his due , unto this he threatens the plague exod. . . when thou takest the summ of the children of israel , they shall give every man a ransome for his soul unto the lord , that there be no plague among them . lastly , to all these , i may add the contempt and abuse of the lords supper : for when saint paul faith , that many of the corinthians were ●●ck and weak , and many dy●d , cor. . . it is not improbable , that god sent amongst them some pestilential and contagious disease . i have done with the second question , what it is that provokes god to inflict this dreadful punishment of the plague upon a people ? i hasten to the third . the plague being such a token of gods wrath , whether doth it befall good men , believers , such as are in the state of justification ? for our satisfaction in this , we may have recourse to that of solomon , eccles . . . . no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that 〈◊〉 before them , all things come alike to all , there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked , to the clean , and to the unclean , to him that sacrificeth , and to him that sacrificeth not , as is the good so is the sinner , and be that sweareth as he that feareth an oath . ahab and josiah's death concurred in the very circumstances : and saul and jonathan ( though different in their deportments ) yet in their deaths they were not divided . here we shall do well to consider three things , . that good men are subject to , and guilty of many sins and enormities , and their sins admit of those aggravations which the sins of other men do not ; and therefore why should we think that they should be priviledged from those temporal punishments , which god is went to inflict for such sins . . consider , that good men , even by their sins do help to draw down a judgment and common calamity upon a nation ; indeed god takes most notice of their sins : concerning the common sort of prophans persons he saith , these are foolish , they have not known the way of the lord , nor the judgment of their god ; but when his own people in covenant with him , when these shall break the bands , then he bursts out , how shall i pardon thee for this ▪ now if good men by their sins be instrumental in drawing down a pest upon a nation , why should they expect any other but to be involved in it ? . consider this , as you cannot tell me any sin ( be it never so gross ) into which a believer may not fall , except it be the sin against the holy-ghost ▪ so you cannot assigne any judgment ( be it never so great ) whereunto a believer is not obnoxious , unless it be everlasting damnation . there is no condemnation indeed to those that are in christ jesus , but for temporal calamities they are so incident to good men , that the scripture seems to make them their portion , and it may be truly said of gods servants ( as augustus said once , when he sat between virgil and horace , whereof the one was bleer-eyed , and the other much given to sighing ) they sit ( inter suspiria & lachrymas ) between sighing and weeping : i am plagued all the day long and chastened every morning , saith david , psal . . . that is a pretty saying of clemens alexandrinus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he that is neer to god is always under the ●●sb . it is a ▪ pestilent doctrine therefore to a●●irm , that none who believe in god , and love him sincerely , can dye of the plague : it is very t●u● , the dying of the pl gu● shall be no more prejudicial to them , in respect of their salvation , than the dying of any other d●●th ; all things ( and therefore the plague ) work together for good to them that love god : but the sentence of j●s●ification , gods acceptation of them into favour , gives not believers an immunity from any disease , but their persons are still subj●ct unto those diseases which the nature is : and it is very soundly observed by one mr. ●●mford ( who writ a little t●e●●ise the la●● great plague , but this , at london ) that god by suffering good men to dye of the plague , glorifies both his justice and his wisd●me ; his justice among the wicked , in giving them cause to say , if god spare not the green tree , what shall be done to the dry ? his wisdome among the godly , lest they should say , for our own righteousness ●e are delivered . thus i have answered the three questions , why the plague is so dreadful a judgment ? what it is that provokes god to send it ? whether it be incident to good me● ? i have now only a cau●ion to subjoyn , and then i shall come to application . the cauti●● is this , though the plague be a dreadful judgment , yet the scripture speaks of another plague , which is far wor●e : and yet whilest we do what we can to ●lie the le●●er plague , we do what we can to pursue the greater : but what plague i that ? solomon will tell you , king. . . the plague of the heart : sin in general is the pl●gue of the heart ; every mans own iniquity , his peccatum in delici●● , his darling lust , that is , the particular plague of h●● own heart : now this plague of the heart is worse than the other plague in several respects . i will name them , t●ough i cannot insist on them . . as in good things the cause is be●t●r , so in evil things the cause is worse than the effect ; bu the plague of the heart is the cause of the other plague : sin brought in misery at first , and m●sery hath ever since pursued sin . . we are more sensible of the pl●gue of the body , than that of the heart , and therefore the plague of the heart is more d●ngerou● : the first st●p to ●ealth is to have a feeling of our disease , therefore there is less hope of c●re , where there is less feeling of the distemper . . nature doth not only feel the plague of the body , but is may by gods blessing upon means , be of force to work out the malignity of it , that it shall not prove mortal ▪ for else none that have the plague should escape death , b●● by a miracle : but corrupt nature ( as it is not sensible of the plague of the heart ) so neither hath it power to work it cut : if the great physitian of souls cure i● not , it is not all t●e strength of nature , the art of man ▪ the power of medicines that can avail any thing , but the soul is inf●cted and will be destroyed . . though the plague of the body be infectious , yet the plague of the heart add● ven●●e and malignity to it : the spirit of a man will hear his infirmity , but a wounded spirit who can hear ? sin em●itters and poysons any affliction : the sting of every p●nal evil is sin , this is the plague of the plague : an affliction consists not in the bulk of it , but the burthen ; what is a serpent without a sting , or a great bulk if it hath no weight ? where the plague of the heart is cured , the other plague is more easily born● : though the cross continue , yet the curs● is taken away . . the plague of the heart is worse than the other plague , because it sei●eth upon , and infects the better part of man , his soul ; that which is more worth than a world , and could be redeemed by no less than the precious blood of christ : look how much better the soul is than the body , by so much worse is the plague of the heart , than that of the body . lastly , as christ said concerning men , so may i say concerning the plague , the utmos● it can do , is but to kill the body , and that for a time ; but the plague of the hears will destroy both body and soul everlastingly : that death which consists only in a separation of the soul from the body , is nothing so terrible as that which consists in an everlasting separation of the soul from god. but some men will never be convinced what a plague the plague of the heart is , till they come to feel the plagues of the damned , then they shall wish for death , but it shall flee from them . i come now to application . . if the plague be such a token of gods wrath , what cause have we of this nation to think that god i● wroth and displeased with us , since he hath visited us with such a plague , as cannot be parallelled since the sweating sickness , and that in such a juncture of time , when it could not have been more prejudicial to the affairs of the nation : it is hard to say , whether we have more cause to tremble at gods judgment in this plague , or to admire at his goodness in the abat●ment of it , when it once threatned the whole nation , as though the lord had purposed to make a full end , that affliction should not rise up the second time . now mark what the prophet saith , the lion hath roared , who will not fear ▪ amos . . when gods hand is lifted up , he expects that we should see it , and express a sense of it : the people of nineveh believed god , and proclaimed a fast , and put on sackcloath , jon. . . and did we verily believe , that god is wroth with us , we should busy and bestir our selves towards the appe●sing of it : this day would be observed with more solemnity , our prayers sent up to heaven with more devotion , the word listen'd unto with more attention , alm● given with more freeness and abundance . all tokens and testimonies of humiliation are little enough , when god shews such tokens of his wrath as the plague is : this is not a time to addict our selves to pride , or d●lliance , or luxury . the romans punished one severely , that in a time of common calamity was seen looking out at a window with a crown of roses on his head . god delights to see a people shew themselves affected with his displeasure : m●rk what he said once to the isr●elites after they had made the golden calf , exod. ● . . i will come into the ●●ast of thee in a moment and consume thee ( it is not an absolu●e determination but a conditional co●●ina●ion ) therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee , that i may know what to do u●to the● : that is , humble thy self , give some testimony of the awe ●hat thou stande●● in of my wrath , of thy sorrow for the sin that hath incensed it , tha● though i be highly provoked , yet i may be ●●ved to have pity on , and shew some favour to the● . . if the plague be so dreadful a judgment , what cause have we of this city to bless god for our preservation from it ? especially considering how many dangers we have been exposed to , some through the necessity of state , others through our own improvidence , and some through the corrupt and covert dealings of passengers and traders : to be preserved from danger is a mercy at any time , but especially then , when we see others overtaken , and our selves encompossed with it : what may we attribute this our preservation to ? shall we impute it to our own diligence and care ? no certainly , for if our watchfulness had been ten times more , yet we read in psal . . . except the lord keep the city , the watchm●n ●aketh but in vain : shall we ascribe it to any merit or desert of ours ? nay , that would be far worse , as job saith , job . . our own mouths would condemne us and prove us perverse . i would it might not be said of us , as it was once of ahaz , that in this time of distress we have trespassed yet more and more : sure it is , vice and profaneness are grown to that height of impudence , as hath not been known in former years : those vices , which heretofore were scarce once named amongst us , are become common : what said god once concerning judah , jer. ● . . when she saw that god had given back sliding israel a ●ill of divorce , and put her away for her adul●eries , yet her treacherous sister judah feared not , but went and played the harlot also : it is easie to apply it here , though we saw what god had do●● to london , ●et we have not feared , but gone on to corrupt our sel●es and do so wickedly , as if we intended to justific them , or as if we thought , that the sins of the nation could not be soon enough filled up , unless we added more measure to them . our preservation therefore can be attributed ●o nothing , but the merciful and gratio● protection of almighty god ; and therefore let us magnify the lord , and let us exalt his name together : let us bless him at all times , and let ●i● praise be continually in our months : for he i● 〈◊〉 that hath held our souls in life , and not suffered our feet to be moved : he hath hitherto delivered us from all our fears , and put a new song into our month , eve● praise unto our god. only let us fear the lord and serve him in truth and with all our hearts , for consider how great things he hath done for us , but if we shall still do wickedly , sin lies at the door , and judgment will find us out . . and lastly , if the plague be so dreadful a judgment , then it calls upon us loudly to pity those , whom god hath been pleased to exercise with so heavy a visitation : think that you hear the great city of the land thus bewailing her misery , and begging your commiseration , as the city jerusalem once ; i am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath , surely against me is 〈◊〉 turned , he turneth his hand against me all the day , be hath bent his ●●w and set me as a mark for the arrow : i envy not your immunity , only desire you to commiserate my calamity : have pity upon me , have pity upon me , o ye my friends , for the hand of god hath touched me , job . . we have no hasty and fearful fleeing out of our city , whole families made desolate , miserere d●u● upon our doors , we hear not that doleful voice , bring out your dead . eusebins faith , that in the plague at alexandria the christians were as careful of one another , visited those that were infected , provided for them , converted with them , buryed them as at other times ; but the heathen regarded not their neighbours and friends , but fled from them , suffered them to starve , and afterwards to lye unburied . i acknowledge there is much difference between the spirits of christians now , from what was in those ages , for then they were willing upon all occasions to hazard , yea to lay down their lives for the brethren . i blame not the christians at alexandria for what they did , because i know not what heroick principle they might have to induce them to it : perhaps they did it for to set a pattern and example to the heathen , among whom they lived ; to let them see , that they were not afraid of death , and that their love to each other was so great , that nothing could separate them . but it is not safe to tempt god and run our selves upon hazards , where we have no warrant ▪ we cannot , we may not in a time of infection converse so freely with , and do those offices to the infected , as we would at another time : yet it behoves us however to do all we can safely : there is no danger sure in pitying them , in praying for them , in contributing toward their necessities : these we may safely do , we cannot salvâ conscientiâ omit them . and now that i have mentioned contribution , i cannot , but i must tell you , that there is no reality in our commiseration without it . st. james declares against such , as say to one that is in wan● , be ye filled , and be ye warmed , but give them not those things that are needful for the body ▪ j●●● . . st ▪ john is yet sharper , john . . whoso hath this worlds goods , and seeth his brother have need , and ●h●tt●th up his bowels of compassion from him , how dwelleth the love of god in him ? giving of alms is one of the man ingredients into an acceptable fast . the fast that god hath chosen is ●o deal our bread to the hungry , ●loath the naked , and not to hide our selves from our own flesh , isa . . ● , . we cannot ●ell , whether it may please god to visit us ; but if he should , happy that man then who hath not been defective in his duty to the infected , whose bowels have melted and turned within him for their calamity , whose prayers have been dayly poured ou● for their redre●● , whose hands have been stretched out wide , and without grudging for their relief , and lastly whose conversation hath been ordered aright , that they and the whole land might see the salvation of god. finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e ●ob . . . cor. . . notes for div a -e d●●emb th . ●am . ● ▪ . sam. . ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. lib. , ca. . exo● . . . neque quisque mortalium , q●● ejus ●ffugerit contagion●m , &c. lib. . ca ▪ king. . . psal . . . jer. . . psal . . ● . ●l●●d . r●m . . . . kings ▪ . . chro ▪ . . sam. ▪ . jer. . . rom. ● . ▪ math. . . acts . . rom. . . luk. . ▪ dan. . . rss ▪ prov. . . mat. . ● ▪ pet. ▪ ● . luk. . ▪ rev. . . nahu . . . is . ▪ ▪ , chr. . ● ▪ eph. . . psal . ● . ● , ▪ , . psal . . . psal . . . ●a● . . ● . ge● . . . num. . . lament . . ● joh. . . mat. . . p●●l . . . by the king a proclamation for restraint of disorderly and vnnecessary resort to the court. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king a proclamation for restraint of disorderly and vnnecessary resort to the court. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . [ ] leaves. by bonham norton and iohn bill, printers to the kings most excellent maiestie, printed at london : m.dc.xxv [ ] caption title. imprint from colophon. arms without "c r" at top. "giuen at the court at white-hall, the seuenteenth day of may, in the first yeere of his maiesties reigne of great britaine, france and ireland." reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- prevention. courts and courtiers -- england. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion honi soit qvi mal y pense royal blazon or coat of arms ❧ by the king. ¶ a proclamation for restraint of disorderly and vnnecessary resort to the court. the kings most excellent maiesty , hauing taken into his princely consideration , the many inconueniences which may fall out by the vnlimited concourse of people of all sorts to his court , or the townes or parishes neere the same , especially at this time , and in this season of the yeere , which growes euery day more dangerous for increasing the infection , already begun in the citie of london , and confines of the same ; and being graciously and prouidently carefull to take away and preuent all occasions tending thereunto , hath thought fit by aduice of his priuie councell , by this proclamation to publish and declare his royall pleasure and commandement concerning the same , that although his maiestie cannot but conceiue great ioy and contentment , when his louing subiects , out of their loyall and dutifull affections towards him , shall desire to see the persons of himselfe , or of his deare consort the queene , who is ( by gods blessing ) shortly to come ouer into england ; yet , in his princely care of his people , hee is contented to dispence with those publike shewes of their zeale , chearefulnes , and alacritie at this time ▪ lest the present occasions of ioy and reioycing , should produce a contrary effect , by dispersing the infection into other parts of the realme , where his maiestie shall keepe his royall court and residence . and therefore his maiestie doth hereby straitly charge and command , that aswell in the iourney , which himselfe shortly intendeth to douer in kent , for the reception of his deare consort , the queene , at her arriuall , as also in his , and her maiesties returne from thence , and in all other iourneys and progresses , which they or either of them shall make this summer now ensuing , till they shall returne to a standing house in winter , no person or persons whatsoeuer , not being thereunto called or appointed , or not hauing speciall cause of personall attendance at the court for his maiesties seruice , or for some necessary occasion of extremity concerning their owne estate , doe presume to follow , or resort to the court with petitions , or vpon other pretence , or vnto any citie , towne , uillage , or priuate house within twelue miles of the same , as they tender his maiesties displeasure , and will answere for the same , as contemners of this his maiesties iust and royall commandement . and whereas many of his maiesties louing subiects haue been heretofore wont to pester the court , vnder colour of repairing thither for healing the disease called the kings euill , his maiestie doth hereby publish and declare his pleasure , that vntill michaelmas next , and after his coronation shall be solemnized ▪ he wil not admit any person or persons to come to the court for healing ; and doth straitly charge and forbid , that no person or persons doe in the meane time presume to importune his maiestie in that behalfe : and for auoyding many , and great abuses in that behalfe , his maiesty doth straitly charge and command , that no person or persons doe at any time hereafter resort to his maiestie , or his court for healing of that disease , without bringing a certificate from the minister , and churchwardens of the parish wherein they inhabite , or some other neighbours of more eminent quality , expressing the time they haue been troubled with that infirmity , and that they haue not at any time before been healed by his maiestie , or the late king : and to auoid the great disorder of poore people , who are vsed to come flocking into the high wayes , and streetes , where his maiestie is to trauell , vnder colour of reliefe from the almoner , his maiestie hath taken order , that in all the townes and parishes , through which hee shall passe , his maiesties sayd almoner shall deliuer his maiesties almes to the ouerseers of the poore , to be distributed amongst them , for their better & more equall reliefe , then they should receiue by comming abroad in that dishonourable & vndecent maner ; which therfore his maiesty straitly chargeth and commandeth them to forbeare , and all maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , and other officers , to take due care of accordingly . and for other wandering poore , uagabonds , rogues , and such like base and vnruly people , which pester the high way , and make it their trade or profession to liue by begging , pilfering , or other vnlawfull shifting , his maiestie doth hereby straitly charge and command , aswell the knight marshall of his houshold and his deputies , as all maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , and other his maiesties officers and louing subiects , to cause such as bee impotent , to bee foorthwith returned into their owne countreys , and such as be able to labour , to bee sent to the houses of correction , or otherwise ordered according to the lawes : to which end also , his maiestie likewise chargeth and commandeth the sayd sheriffes , iustices , and other officers , to cause diligent watch by night ▪ and ward by day to be kept by honest and substantiall housholders , in euery citie , towne , uillage , and parish , through which his maiesty shall passe , and within twelue miles compasse of his maiesties passage or court , aswell to be ready vpon all occasions to suppresse disorders and breaches of the peace , as to make speciall search for all such persons , as shall pretend themselues to bee his maiesties seruants , or followers of the court , and craue lodging without hauing billets for the same , and to apprehend all such as they shall finde so lodged or entertained , & not billeted , and to bring them before the knight marshal , or his deputy , and in all other things to be assisting to him and them concerning the premisses , for all occasions of his maiesties seruice . and because his maiestie findeth much disorder in some of his owne seruants , in vnnecessary pestering of the court , when there is no cause for their attendance or imployment , his maiesty straitly forbiddeth , that any of his seruants do either in this iourney of his maiesties intended to douer , or elsewhere in his summers progresse , or vntil his maiestie shal come to keepe a standing house in winter , resort to the court , except such onely of his maiesties seruants , as are , or shall be set downe in the liste , or shall be allowed for seruice within doores , and aboue staires , by the lord chamberlaine of his maiesties honourable houshold , or below staires , by the treasurer and comptroller of the houshold , or for seruice without doores by the knight marshall , vpon paine of his maiesties displeasure , and incurring the censure of a high contempt . and to the end his maiesties royall pleasure herein before declared , may bee in all points obserued , his maiestie straitly chargeth and commandeth his knight marshall , and all maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs , bayliffes , and other his maiesties officers whatsoeuer , to see all things concerning the premisses , carefully performed , and put in due execution , according to the dueties of their seuerall places , as they and euery of them will answere for any their neglects herein , at their vttermost perils . giuen at the court at white-hall , the seuenteenth day of may , in the first yeere of his maiesties reigne of great britaine , france and ireland . god saue the king. ¶ printed at london by bonham norton and iohn bill , printers to the kings most excellent maiestie . m.dc.xxv . britain's remembrancer containing a narration of the plague lately past; a declaration of the mischiefs present; and a prediction of iudgments to come; (if repentance prevent not.) it is dedicated (for the glory of god) to posteritie; and, to these times (if they please) by geo: wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) britain's remembrancer containing a narration of the plague lately past; a declaration of the mischiefs present; and a prediction of iudgments to come; (if repentance prevent not.) it is dedicated (for the glory of god) to posteritie; and, to these times (if they please) by geo: wither. wither, george, - . [ ], , - , [ ] leaves imprinted for great britaine, and are to be sold by iohn grismond in ivie-lane, [london] : mdcxxviii. [ ] in verse. with an additional title page, engraved. the imprint date is made with turned c's. place of publication from stc. the first leaf bears verses, "the meaning of the title page". reproduction of the original in cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- poetry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the meaning of the title page . behold ; and marke ; and mind , ye british nation● , ●his dreadfull vision of my contemplations . before the throne of heav'n , i saw , me thought , t●●s famous island into question brought . w●th better eares then those my body beare , i b●ard impartiall ivstice●o ●o declare god's benefits , our thanklesnesse , and what small heed , his love , or iudgements here begat . i view'd eternall mercie , how she strove g●●'s just deserved vengeance to remove . b●t , so en●rea●t our sinnes , and cry'd so loud , that , at the last , i saw a dismall cloud e●ceeding blacke , as from the sea ascending , and ●●er all this isle it selfe extending : wit● such thicke foggie vapours , that their steames s●e●'d , for a while , to darken mercies heames ▪ wi●●in this fearfull cloud , i did behold all plagues and punishments , that name i could . and with a trembling heart , i fear'd each houre , g●d woul● th●t tempest on this island poure . yet , better hopes appear'd : for , loe , the rayes of mercy pierc'd this cloud , & made such waies q●ite throug● those exhalations , that mine eye 〈◊〉 inscription , thereupon espie ; b●itaines remem●rancer : & , somewhat said , th●se w●●ds ( me thought ) the storme is , yet , delaid , and if ye doe not penitence defer , this clovd is only , a remembrancer . bu● , if ye still affect impiety , expect , e're long , what this m●y ●ignifie . th●● h●ving he●rd a●d seene , i thought , nor fit nor safe it were , for me to smother it : and , th●r●for● , both to others eyes , and eares , have off●ed , here , what unto mine appeares . i●dge ▪ ●s y● pleas● ▪ ye readers , this , or me : tr●th will be truth , how e're it censur'd be , geo : wither ▪ britain 's remembrancer containing a narration of the plagve lately past ; a declaration of the mischiefs present ; and a prediction of ivdgments to come ; ( if repentance prevent not . ) it is dedicated ( for the glory of god ) to posteritie ; and , to these times ( if they please ) by geo : wither . iob . , , , , , . surely , there is a spirit in man ; but the inspiration of the almighty giveth understanding . great men are not alwayes wise , neither doe the aged alway understand judgement . therefore , i say , heare me , and i will shew also my opinion . for , i am full of matter ; and the spirit within mee compelleth me . i will not accept the person of man , neither will i give flattering titles to man. for , i may not give flattering titles , lest my maker take me away suddenly . reade all , or censure not : for ▪ he that answereth a matter before he heare it , it is shame and folly to him . prov . . . imprinted for great britaine , and are to be sold by iohn grismond in ivie-lane . mdcxxviii . to the kings most excellent maiestie . most royall sir : because i doubted who might first peruse , ●hese honest raptures of my sleighted muse ; observing it the quality of most , to passe rash judgements ( taken up ) on trust ▪ and , that according to the wits of those who censure fi●st , the common censure goes : perceiving , too , with what oblique aspect , some glaring comets , on my li●es reflect ; a while i pawsed , whether trust i might my plaine-pace'd measures to their partiall sight , who m●y upon them ( e're you reade them ) seize , and comment on my text , as they shall please , or sl●ight , or scoffe ; such men were knowne to me ; and being loth , they first of all should be my iudges ; here , i off●r to your eye the prime perusall of this poesie . for , minding well what hopes i have of you ; what course , my fortunes urge me to pursue ; what blu●res , good studies by those fooles have got . who sleight desert , because they kn●w it not ; what freedome nature gives to e●'y soule , to speake just things , to kings , without controule ▪ how farre from noble , and from wise they be , who disallow the muses should be free ; how eas'd we are , when we our minds disclose ; what profit from our honest boldnesse flowes ; what resolutions i have made mine owne , and what good cause there is to make them knowne : all this well weighing , with some reasons moe ( which usefull are for none but me to know ) i did not feare these po●ms forth to bring , to bide , at first , the censure of a king. and loe , on milke white paper wings they flye , reade they that lift , when you have laid them by . but , sir ▪ i humbly pray you ; let not fall your doome , till you have read ▪ and read it all : for , he that shall by fragments this peruse , will wrong himselfe , the matter , and the muse. although a tedious worke it may appeare , you shall not wholly lose your labour here . for , though some he●alesse courtiers censure may that on this booke your time we●e cast away , i know it may your spirits recreate , without disturbing your affaires of state ; and with more usefull things acquaint your eares , then twenty hundred thousand tales of theirs . you also know , that well it fits a king , to heare such messages , as now i bring . and , that in doing so , to take some pleasure , great monarchs thought it just to be at leasure : long since , i have elected you to be moecenas , to my muses , and to me . and if my hopes in you shall be ●ere●t me , i have no other hopes in this kind left me ; nor any purpose , whatsoever come , to seeke another patron , in your roome . nor seeke i now , that i from you may gaine , what , other times i covet for my paine . nor for because my heart hath any doubt , that i shall need a friend to beare me out against the fury or the fraud of those , that openly , or secretly , oppose such works ; for , he that me to this doth call , shall save me harmlesse , or i meane to fall . not that i sleight your favour , speake i this ; ( for deare and precious to my soule it is ) but rath●r , that the world may know and se● , how him i trust that hath inspi●ed me . ( though some suppose i may ) i doe not feare , as many would , if in my case they were . i doe not feare the world deprive me can of such a mind , as may become a man ; ( wh●t ever outward m●s●ries be●ide ) for , god will meanes , or for●itude provide . i doe not fe●re ( unl●sse i merit blame ) that any one hath pow'r to worke my shame : since they who ca●sl●sly my name shall spot , reproach themselves ; but , me disparage not . and , sure i am , though many seeke to spight me , that ev'ry dog which barketh cannot bi●e me . i oft have lookt on death , without dismay , when many thousands he hath swept aw●y on ●v'ry side ; and f●om him have not stirr'd one foot , when he most terrible appear'd . i know of want the utmost discontents ; the cruelty of close-imprisonments ; the bitternesse of slanders and disgrace , in private corne●s , and in publike place : i have sustain'd already , whatsoever despight can adde , to wrong a good endeavor ; and , am become so hopelesse of procuring true peace , ( but by a peaceable enduring ) that , what remaines to suffer shall be borne : and , to repine at for●une , i will scorne . i doe not feare the frownes of mighty men , nor in close-prison to be lodg'd agen : for , goods , life , freedome , fame ▪ and such as those , are things which i may often gaine or lose , at others pleasures : and , o're much to prise what man may ta●e , or give , i much despise . i am not fearfull , as ( i heare ) are so●e , what of the times , now present , will become : for , god to prosper them emploring still , i fea●l●sly attend upon his will ; and am assur'd , by many p●esidents , th●t like proce●di●gs will have like events . i doe not feare those criticks of your court , that may ●y goo● intentions misreport ; or s●y it mis●● seemeth me to dare with such bol● language to sal●te your eare : ●or , as i k●ow your g●eatnesse , i have knowne wh●●●●eedomes on the mu●es are bestowne ; and , that th●ir serv●nts should not whine like those w●o a●e your daily o●ators in prose . i f●●●e not any ●●n that would abuse , o●●n her ●a●full sl●ghts affront my muse , because , perhaps , ex●eptions may be tooke aga●nst some passage in the following booke . fo● , she to non● hath purposed abuse , and ▪ therefore , needs nor shel●er , nor excuse . and when she pleaseth , she hath meanes to fray th●se buzzards , that w●uld interrupt her way . she d●res not onely , ho●by-like , make wing at ●or●s and butterflyes ▪ but also spring those fo●les that have beene flowne at yet by none , ev'n those , whom our best hawks turne taile upon . not only at crowes , ravens , dawes , and kites , rookes , owles , or cuckowes , dare she make her flights , at wily magpies , or the lay that vaunts in others plumes ; or , greedy co●morants ; or those , who being of the kastrell-kinde , vnworthily aspire , and fan the winde for a●rie titles ; or , the birds men rate above their value , for their idle prate . at wag-tailes , busie titmise , or such like ; but , with her pounces , them dares also strike that furnish courtly tables . as , our gull ▪ a bird much found among the wo●●hipfull . our dottrells , which are caught by imitation . our woodcocks ▪ sh●●owing out that foolish nation , who hide their he●ds , and t●i●k se●●re th●y be , when they the●selves thei● da●gers ●●e not s●e . o●r strutting peacockes ▪ whose harsh voice do●h show , that some sh●rpe stormy windes will shortly blow . our herneshawes , slicing backward filth on those , whose worths they dare not openly oppose . our traiterous mallards , which are fed and taught , to bring in other wilde-fooles , to be caught . those fowles , that in their over-daring pride , forget th●ir breed , and will be eglifide . our brittish barnacles , that are a dish that can be termed neither flesh nor fish . ev'n these , or any fowle ▪ ●he durst surprise , if they dare crosse her , when to check she flyes . or , if that any one shall doe us wrong , who for our mounting falcons is too strong ; i can unkennell such an eager packe of deep-mouth'd hounds , that they af●aid shall make our sternest beasts of prey , and cunning'st vermine , ev'n from the fox-fur , to the spotted ermine . in plain●r termes ; if any shall oppose my muse , when in a lawfull path she goes , she will not much be startled ; but , goe neare to tell them what they would ●e loth to heare . she 's none of those that spew out railing rimes , against some publike persons of the times , through spleene or envy ; then , for feare , or shame , divulge them to the world without a name ; or hide their heads . nor can those threats ( that fright such libellers ) compell her not to write , vnlesse she please : for , she doth know her warrants , and sends her messengers on lawfull arrants . she u●ters truth ; ev'n that , which well she knowes becomes her ; at this present , to disclose . that call'd she was , to make this declaration ▪ she stands assured ; and of that vocation such testimonies hath , that i despise his judgement who the pow'r thereof denyes : for , yours i doubt not , and if pleas'd you are , for what mans censure living need i care ? no such like pannick fe●re affrigh●eth her , as that which doth her enemies deterre . but , if sh● list , in spight o● all the rage , ( and all the bitter malice of this age ) s●e dares reprove , and vexe the proudst of them , who her , and her endeavors doe contemne ; and set ( who e're they be ) her markes on those who vertue , in her honest course oppose . yea , them sh●e'll make , whom selfe-conceit besots , distrust , that we discry their secret'st plots , and may at pleasure , lay to open view , both what they purpose , and what shall ensue on their vaine projects ; though when they begun the● , they placed many veiles , and maskes , upon them . sir , no such toyes as those doe make me fearfull ▪ nor of their hate or favour am i carefull . for sh●lter ther●fore , this i brought not hither , nor am i hopefull , or desirous either , to compasse any private profit by it , or , to my person any praise , or quiet . for , i can hope for nothing , till i seee , the world , and my deservings b●tter be . and , howsoever i am , now and then , as fool●sh in my hopes as other men ; y●t , at this present , ( and at ev'ry season , in which my oft we●ke eyes of faith and reason vnclosed are ) me thinks , thos● things , in which the world appeares most glorious , and most rich ; are no more worthy of my serious hopes , then ratles , pot guns , or the schoole-boyes tops . if god will give me bre●d but for to day , ( and , but my soule vouchsafe me for a prey ) twixt him and me , there shall be no conditions for worldly honors , or for large possessions : for , ( as long since an hebrew prophet said , when such like times , as these , had much d●smaid his fearfull scribe ) is this a time for me to seek● preferment , or made rich to be ? no , no ▪ for , if these dayes continue such as now they be , each groome will have as much as hath his lord ; and diffrence will be small betwixt the richest , and the poor'st of all . there are enough already , who desire ▪ to ri●hes , and high places to aspire . there be great numbers , who will projects bring you , and bookes , and tales ; and songs , it may be , sing you , for , their owne profit : but , there want of ●hose , that would their honors , or their livings lose , or hazard their preferments , to declare those ●ruths , that worthy of disclosing are . yet , that is all ( dread soveraigne ) i have sought , in tendring you ●hese lines that i have brought . and , that by my example , others may take heart to speake ▪ what they are bound to say . i know , the ods is more ●hen ten to three , that for this boldnesse most will censure me as mad or foolish : and , my best reward will be this comfort , that i boldly dar'd to speake the needfull truth , at suc● a time , in which the bravest vertue seemes a crime . i doe expect this wise-appearing ag● should at the freedome of my poeme rage , and , that some wi●ty scorners should abuse with taunting epithites , my honest muse ; as if she were produce'd by chymistry , of salt and sulphur , without mercury . but , i am proofe against their fl●shy stuffe ; and for their scornings i have scorne enough . i looke our politicians should d●fame my straines ▪ by censuring them to be to blame , o● over busie . but , my seeming folly m●y make some readers strive to be more holy , then heretofore : yea , some who thinke they know ●nough already ; shall more prudent grow by this. and i am w●llin● to be thought a foole , that they more wisedome may be taught . yet , i co●fesse , that lately when i saw this course , did hate , and wants upon me draw , and that , without a second , i was faine the w●ight of a●l my tr●ubles ●o su●taine ; i h●lfe resolv●● , that i would speake no more so plaine , against abuse , as heretofore ; and ( thinking i had ventur'd well ●or one ) did meane to leave ●he world her course to run : nay , from good words ( al●hough it was a paine ) i fully was resolved to refraine . but , when i silence kept , my heart became as hot within me , as a flery flame . yea , like new wine , in vessels wanting vent , my thoughts did swell my brest to be unpent ; a●d , at the last , i empti'd with my quill a veine , which did the following volume fill : supposing by the publike presse to send it , to them ▪ for whose remembrance i intend it . but , they who keepe the passage , back did thrust in b●fore perusall ; and , ( be like ) distrust it , because my name it cary'd , to be such as might upon their friends too neerely touch . for , some of them have said ; that were my writing as true as that of holy iohns inditing , they would not licence it : so fearfull are these guilty times the voice of truth to heare . when therefore , i had this my offring brought , and laid it at their doore ; a while i thought my selfe discharged : but , my conscience said , my worke was lost , and still my vow unpaid , till i had practis'd ev'ry likely way , to tell the message which i had to say . and , since the common way it might not passe , to bring it by your gate , resolv'd i was . my first determining of such a thing , did many severall doubts upon me bring ▪ oné while i doubted , that those fooles who mock at piety , would make a laughing stock of this and me : and say ( with some disdaine ) that i would make my selfe a prophet faine : and puft with selfe conceit , had pe●n'd a story for private ends , and for mine owne vaine glory . or , that with pride and arrogance deluded , i had upon undecent things intruded . another while i doubted some would prate , that these my lines dishono●e● the state , and on the government aspersions laid ▪ as of their warnings oft the iewes have said . sometime i feared , all my words would make but few or none the better heed to take . because i reade , that many a prophet spoke , what , small effect within his life time tooke , except , in aggravating of abuses , and leaving them the more without excuses . sometime againe , i feared lest if you referring this my poem to their view who misconceive it may , ( and trusting them in censuring , who causl●sly condemne men innocent ) might , by that evill chance be wrong'd ; and suff●r for their ignorance . ●hus kings are of●en injur'd : and , some perish in their disl●ke , whom they are ●ound to cherish . i s●w ▪ moreover , that my foes , of late , had so much wronged me in my estat● , by ne●dlesse charge , and causles●e hindring me , from those due profits , which my portion be ; that to recover them , ( and to pursue my law●ull right ) i havē no meanes but you , and your just favour . which , if i should misse , ( by giving to your eare distast in this ) my adversaries would prevaile , i thought , and , my disgrace , and ruine would be wrought . these carnall doubt● ▪ and many other such , against my reason did pr●vaile so much , that i was halfe afraid to venture on in that , which ought with courage to be done . but , whilst i stagger'd , and began to stay , me thought , within me , somewhat thus did say . base coward ; hath god's love so many dayes , to thee appeared ; and so many wayes ? hast thou so often felt , what thou dost know , from nothing , but the pow'r of god can fl●w ? hath he so plai●ly told thee , with what wiles , the foolish world , her selfe , and those beg●iles that harken to her ? hath he made thee see how little harme , her spight can doe to thee ? nay , hath he pleased bin to bring unto thee , great profits , by those injuries men doe thee . and , shall the feare but of a paltry scoffe , from that which he appointeth , beat thee off ? hath he so often kept thee from disgrace , and fed and cloth'd thee , m●erely o● his grace , that thou shouldft now distrust he will deceive thee , and , when he sends thee on his message , leave thee , without those necessaries , which pertaine to those who in his service doe remaine ? hath he no meane● to b●ing thee fit supplies , but such as thine owne wisdome can devise ? hath god destroy'd so many of thy hopes , and dost thou build them still on carnall props ? didst thou so many times , in secret vow affiance in hi● promises ? and , now hast thou no surer helps to trust unt● , then kings and p●inces ? and , as others doe ( who have not thy experience ) dost thou shrink as soone as any outward stay doth sinke ▪ wouldst thou thy god displease , to keepe a friend , perhaps in vaine , for s●me poore temporall end ? is 't now a season ( when the lands transgressions have shaken all ) to settle thy poss●ssions ? when all the i owne about thee is on fire , wouldst thou go build thy straw-clad cottage hyer ? well ; take thy course . yet , know , if thou forbeare what now thy conscience bids thee to declare , thy foolish hope shall faile thee , ne're the lesse ; thy wrongfull suffring shall h●ve no redresse ; thou shalt have greater wants then pinch thee yet ; new sorrowes , and disgraces , thou shalt get in stead of helpe ; and , which is worst of all , a guilty conscience , too , torment thee shall . ●hen , be advised , and proceed to do that lawfull act , thy heart enclines unto ; and , be thou sure , that god will make thee strong against the violence of ev'ry wrong . be stout ; and though all persons through the land , ev'n prince and people both , should thee withstand , their opposition nothing harme thee shall ; but , thou shalt bide them like a brazen wall ; and if thou suffer persecutions flame , thou shalt be but refined in ●he same . such thoughts we●e whisp●r'd in me . and though some m●y think them vaine suggestions , flowing ●rom distemper'd fa●cy ; i dare boldly say , they lye : and , i their motives doe obey . all doubts , and feares ▪ and stops , are broken through , and loe ( dread sov'raigne ) i have brought to you ( in all humil●tie ) my s●lfe and these my honest and my just remembrances : to passe , for those , to whom they appertaine ; or , here for my discharging to remaine . god is already angry ( i 'me afraid ) because this duty i so long delaid . and , stand , or fall , now i have reacht thereto , i would not , for the world , it were to do . good sir , reject it not , although it bring appearances of some fantasticke thing , at first unfolding : for ▪ those mysteries which we most honor , and most highly prise , doe seeme to be but foolishnesse to some . and , when our sin to any height is come , it brings a height of folly , which oft makes that course to seeme uncomely , that god takes for our reproofe , ( and chiefly ) if it cary the shew of any way not ordinary . which ( out of doubt ) is requisite ▪ when sin that 's extraordinary breaketh in . beleeve not those , who reasons will invent , to make this volume seeme impertinent : for , what is more of moment , then a story which mentioneth to god almighties glorie , his iudgements , and his mercies ? and doth show those things that may prevent our overthrow ? sure , nothing is more worthy of regard : and though a foolish tale be sooner heard , yet , in respect thereof , the glorioust things , that stand upon record of earthly kings , appeare to me as vaine , as large discourses of childish may-games , and of hobby-horse● . give eare to none , i pray you , who shall seeke to move , within your highnesse , a dislike to my unusuall boldnesse , or my phrase : for , who doth listen to an honest cause in these regardlesse times , unlesse it be so dr●●t , as if it seem'd to say ; come see what 's here to doe . mens wits are falne asleepe ; a●d , if i doe not some strange rumbling keepe , ( that is not look● for ) they no heed will take , of what i say , how true soe're i speake . i know there be occasion● , times , and causes , which doe r●quire so●t words , and lowly phrases : and , then , l●ke other men , i ●each my muse to sp●ake such language as my neighbours use . but , there ●●e a●so times which will require , that we should wi●h our numbers mingle fire : and , then i vent bold words ; that you , and they who come to heare them , take occasion may to aske or to examine , what 's the matter , my verse speakes tartly , when most writers flatter . for , by that meanes , you may experience'd grow in many things which else you should not know . my ●ines are loyall , though they bold appeare : and thou●h at first , they make some ●eaders feare i want goo● manners ; yet , when they are w●igh'd , it will be foun● that i have nothing said , in manner , or in matter worthy blame , if they alone sh●ll j●dge me for the same , who know t●u● vertues language ; and how free fro● gl●zing termes , her servants use to be . though bold i seeme to some that cowards are , yet , you i hope , sh●ll finde , i neither d●re thin●s that or need●esse be , or desperate ; o● , that ●oo●e to be wondred at among those fooles , who love to heare it said , that they to breake their necks were not afr●id . fo● , as a seaman , when the mast he climbes , is safe enough ▪ thou●h he in danger seemes to some beholders : so , although that path , in which i tread , a shew of peril● hath to those who see not what fast hold i take , my ●tanding will be firme , when theirs doth shake . and , if i fall , i fall not by this act , but , by their malice , who dislike the fact. heed none i pray , that hath so little shame , to say these times are not so much to blame as i have made them seeme : ●or , worse they are then i have yet expressed them , by far ▪ and , much i fear● , that ●hey who most defend them , will make them to be worse , before they mend them . nor doubt you , royall sir , that from the story of your just raigne , or from your future glory , it ought shall derogate , to heare it told , such evills , whilst you raigned , were contrould . for , we doe reade , that kings who pioust were , had wicked subjects . and , beside , you are so late enthroned , that your government could little inso small a time augment their being good or ill : but , you shall gaine the greater glory , if you can restraine ( and keepe from growing worse ) a time , b●come so grossely wicked , and so troublesome . if any other way my verse be wronged , by readers ill advis'd , or evill tongued , vouchsafe to spare your censure , till you heare what ●ust replies to their objections are . or , if that any to disparage this , to yo● , shall of my life report amisse ; reject their scandals ( for your owne deare sake ) and let them no impression on you make . for , evill tongues sometimes will set their stings vnjustly , on the sacred name of kings much more on mine . but , for my owne repute , so carefull am i no● to make this sute , but for my muses honor . for , in all my outward actions , i dare boldly call your strictest lawes to censure me . and what i am to god , it may be guessed at , but rightly knowne , to none but him , and me . and , though from outward scapes i stand not free , yet , let this mess●ge her due merit win : for , gods most holy prophets had their sin . as in a glasse , here may you , by reflection , behold ( without the hazard ●f infection ) the horrid pestilence in her true forme , which in your kingdome did so lately storme ; and is so soone forgotten , that i erre , vnlesse there needeth a remembrancer . hereby , succeeding times , in such like terrors , may learne to see and to prevent some errors . here , understand you may ( withou● false gloze ) what heretofore your people did suppose of you : their hopes before your coronation , and what hat● beene since then their expecta●ion . here , you may partly see , what you of them may hope : what you should cherish or condemne . here , view you may ( before too far they steale ) the sicknesses of church and commonweale : what b●ings upon your person , and ●he state , such ca●e , and so much trouble as of late : what marres your counsels , and what undermines your most approved , and most wise designes : what makes your armes , your vertu●s , & your friends so little helpfull to your pious ends : what makes your fl●ets returne without successe ; what breedeth doubtings and unsetlednesse in weighty matters ▪ and whence discord springs among the people , and twixt them and kings . and , if it well observed be perchance , what seemes to most a trifling circumstance , shall of it selfe informe , or else prepare to signifie those things that weightiest are : for , they who can my muses reach discerne shall find , that what most think doth but concerne my person onely ; may to that conduce , which serves to publike , and to p●ivate use . moreover ▪ this rem●mbrancer doth show , to what th● folly of these times will grow ; and , what in future daies will surely fall if we our courses long continue shall . he , lastly do●h declare the certaine way , by which , ensuing harmes prevent we may ; take off the skars , our passed sins have given , and , make our present peace with earth and heaven . deare sir ; as you your honor do respect for times to come : as you do now affect your present comforts , and those hopes that are the pledges of that crowne , you looke to weare , ( when you must leave that golden crowne of thornes , which paines your head , as much as it a●ornes ) give heed to these remembrances : command them to passe , in spight of such as would withstand them . doe you reforme , according to your pow'rs . in ev'ry quarter of this i le of yours , give w●y to reformation . in the crimes , and many crying sins , of these lewd times , be you no partner , by conniving at their actors ; or , discountenancing that which may disable them to tyrannize ; who will to hide old sinnes , new faults devise . and , doe not for some few reserve that eare , which should the suit of ev'ry subject heare . but , as you have beene , yet , ( and as i trust you shall continue ) be in all things just ; and as upright , as him it may befit , who doth in place of god almighty sit ; that you and yours ▪ may still in safety stand , what plague soever fall upon the land. and , let not my petition be condemn'd , as over bold ; or my advice contemn'd , because a man despised gives the sa●e ; fo● , sel●ome hi●herto , a m●ss●ge came from god , on such occasions , ●ut som● one in outward sh●w , scarce worthy thinking on , was made the messenger . all heav'nly graces are not intail'd on men of highest places : nor is all that which ev'ry prelate sayes , to be beleev'd as gospel● now adayes . god still ( as heretofore ) calls vulgar men to speake his will to princes , now and then : yea , to delude the world , or to deride her arrogant vaine glory , and her p●iee , god checks her oft , by those of whom we see she most of all disdaines reprov'd to be : th●t , so her loftin●sse he may debase , and to the lowly minded shew his grace . it pe●adventu●e may be though● i come with nothing else but gleaning● , gathered from the common rumors , ( which i faine would s●r●w abroad againe , to publ●sh what i know ) but , let me● judge their pleasures : i am free from those poore ends ; and , so still hope to be . in this , i mov'd not , of ●ine own● intent , nor am i , sir , by any mortall sent : more strong is my commission . and , what e're it seemes to those who una●quainted are with gods characters , a●d his privie seale , the times to come shall openly reve●le what these perceive not ; and , it shall be seene , that i have warrantably called b●ene . meane time my cons●ience knowes i have not run with rashnesse into that which i have done ; but , rather that i maugre mine owne will , was rouzed up , and spurred onward still , in this performance ; when my cowardice , my sloth , my pleasures , or my ava●ice , or worldly po●icie● , their b●its did lay , to tempt and draw my heart another way . yea , so untoward was i ●o conforme my will , this uncouth action to performe , that , many times i quite gave off to doe what i ha● vowed , and set hand unto . for , had not god by terror● ▪ wants , distraction● ▪ and crossing all those temporall hopes and actions which i attempted , since i first began this taske : or , if he had not now and than among those lashes , mixed comfortings , and apprehensions of diviner things then flesh and blood informeth ( as , no doubt , this booke will prove to some who reade it out ) i neither should have knowne what i have told , nor dared in these times to be so bold . for , when the world can tempt me for a day , to cast such meditations quite away , ( and plod , as others doe ▪ in her affaires , ) my courage , and my comforts , it impaires . and , if i happen then , to over-looke some passages in this ensuing booke , i wonder at their boldnesse , just as mu●h as he , whose heart had never such a touch : and , till by reading them , new fire i take , my owne expressions , me doe fearfull make . yet , here are poore and slender things , to that which of these times , time comming will relate : fo● though my fortune hath obscured me , y●t in all matters might it fitting be for me to speake my knowledge of those things which to my eare and eye , occasion brings , so many sad rel●tions i could make , that every ho●est re●ders heart would ake ; and think this nation fo●lish , ( if not mad ) o● , that all reason quit● forsooke us had . yea , had i meanes to prove to ev'ry man , what to my owne experience prove i can ; or were it meet , in publike to declare all things which knowne , and unconsidered are ; my muse would make , perhaps ev'n those to grieve , ( and tremble too ) w●o doe nor yet beleeve , nor care to know how desp'rately diseas'd this land is growne . how ever they are pleas'd who have distemper'd it ; to you i trust i● shall not be distastfull , that i must dilate my minde a little , in such wise , that you may see how sicke your kingdome lie● . for , that alone which fits me to disclose , and what 's already knowne to friends and foes my verse discouers . yea what to conceale more h●rmes , then profiteth your commonweale , is here in part comm●moriz'd , to show that we con●ider not the things we know . and , if i shall miscarie for declaring these ne●dfull truths , ( and , for this honest darin● ) a rush i care not . f●r , i 'de rather die alo●e , before th●se dayes of misery that s●eeme to be approaching ( and for saying what ( being beeded ) might procure the staying of universall plagues ) then live and perish with fooles , who doe themselves for slaught●r nourish . i am no statesm●n , neither ( by pretence of having gotten large intelligence ) would i insinuate for more esteeme then i d●serve ; or , to deserve may seeme . but , being set on such a middling height , where i ( by god's permission ) have the sight of many things ( which they shall never see who far above , or far below me be ) what i observe , i ponder , and compare ; and , what i thinke may profit , i declare . i therefore hope , what e're the pe●s●n s●eme , the matter sh●ll procure it selfe est●eme : and , mak● this age to know , there 's majesty in simplest truth ; and such authority as will command regard , though want it shall those glorious garbs which falshood jets withall . i hope to see all vertue shine in you ; and that your good example will renue decaying piety . i likewise hope that these remembrances shall find no stop by your appointment , nor by any pow'r which taketh her authority f●om yaur . for , when it shall be seene , that you give way to publish t●is : your people justly may , ( and will ) affirme , that you are still the same they hoped of you : that you also blame as much as any , what disordered is ; and , that you se●ke to mend what 's found amisse : yea , they that else will storme and vexe to see my lines , thus ●old , w●ll calme and quiet be . however ; i have said , and , i have done ; let what god pleaseth follow thereupon . my heart is fixed ; and i up have taken those resolutions , th●t will stand unshaken , ( i t●ust ) though earth should sinke , and all the spheare : come thundring downe in flames about my eares . which hopes of mine ▪ some will , perchance deride , and fo●le themselves , to see my patience tride by what they can inflict , ( unlesse you stay that rage , to which my verse provoke them may ) but , see your honour be not wron●ed by it , and , l●t them doe their w●rs● ; for i defie it : because i know , what e're the spight of man ▪ aga●nst this poeme , speake or practise can ▪ it shall continue , when all those be rotten , or live with inf●my , or dyeforgotten , who shall oppose it . i moreover know , that , dead , or living , i esteem'd shall grow , for what t●●y blame . that genius tells me this , which never yet perswaded me amisse , and , i beleeve him : else let me become of all as scorn'd , as i am now of some . yea , if they ever drive me to repent , that honest min●e with which i under-wen● this labour ; let the wishes of my foes befall me , and let ev'ry one of those who either heare me nam'd in future ages ▪ or shall p●rceive , i fail'd in my presages , be bold to say , my heart was never ri●ht , but , that i liv'd and di'de an hypocrit● your majesties most loyall subject , and most humble servant , geo : wither ▪ a premonition . stay reader , and take a few lines by way of prevention : for , though in meere temporall en●eavo●● , i observe with solomon , that , the race is not to the sw●ft , nor the battle to the strong , nor bread to the w●se , nor riches to men of understanding nor favo●r to men of skill , but that time and chance commeth to all ; yet , i know every man is to prosecute likely meanes of convenient things . and , though ignorance wax●th so arrogant , and art so envious , that after much paines in some good performance , wee must otherwhile take as much more to prevent misconstructions ( and thinke our selves well rewarded , if at last we may escape ▪ without a mischief● ) ye● , since it is the common lot , i will ●eare i● p●●iently ▪ and seeke to avoyd as many inconvenienc●s as i may . it is impossible to prevent all : for ▪ some out of meere malice practise the disparagement of every labour whereby the glory of god may seeme to bee advanced ; and if on the worke they cannot fasten their detractio●s , then they will , to disable it , vilifie the person of the author . this was the conspiracy of the iewes against ieremy , ( come , ( said they ) let us devise devices against him , let us smi●e him with the tongue , and let us not give beed to any of his words . ) and this way also in so violent a manner have i beene persecuted , as if my disgrace might advance the publike honour . against my motto , though ( as i ●orespake ) it redounded to their owne shame , so raged my adversaries , that not content with my personal troubles , they sought the disparagement of that booke , by a libellous answer the●eunto : wherein , i was used as most writer● of controversies , in these dayes , use each other : to wit , they objected what i never thought , and then made replies to their owne devices ▪ which being finished , was imprinted with an inscription fal●ly cha●ging me , with labouring to stay the publication thereof ; and then also , it was very gloriously fixed on the gate of my lodging , as if it had been some bill of triumph . bu● , it proved a ridiculous pamphlet , and became more losse and disgrace unto the divulgers thereof , then i desired ; and , non● thought th● worse of me o● that booke for those invectives , save they onely , whose commendations would be more dishonor to me , then their dispraise . hereby , therefore , i seeke not so much 〈◊〉 p●even● the like injury to my person , as to remove those occasions of prejudice , which scandalous censures may raise in some other , who might else , perhaps , re●eive the more profit from this remembrancer : and what i will say to that purpose shall bee very briefe . first ( in regard my ayme in this poeme , is chiefly god's glory , and the welfare of this church and commonwealth ) i desire i may no●●e traduced , though i have here and there inserted some lighter expressions , then seeme at first view to become the gravity of the subject : for , ( considering the common vanity , and how tedious matters of most consequence are unto some eares ) it is necessary , and by good authority warrantable , to make use of all indifferent meanes , to worke on humane infirmities , for our hearers profit . secondly , i request that wherein i differ from the vulgar tene●s , i may not rashly bee rep●oved ; but that my affirm●tions , may with all their due circumstances , be first wei●hed : for , otherwhile the●e is just occasion to hyperbolize . and , as he that rectifying a crooked staffe , bends it somewhat on the ●t●er side : so , in many cases , we are constrained to urge that which appeares over much on the right hand , before those who are too ●ar on the left hand , will beleeve they are ought awry . thus did the fathers of the church when they had to doe with some her●tikes , and have beene thereby mis understood ▪ and mis-censured by heedlesse readers . in the same manner have my writings beene abused ; yea , my hearers have beene so hasty , that had i not explained my selfe to be of their opinion , within some few lines after , doubtlesse they would have robbed me of my owne meaning . but , they who well heed what i affirme or deny , will finde ( i hope ) that i keepe a midling path betwixt extreames . if any conceive ( as i heare they doe ) th●● i did unwisely to remaine in london during the great m●r●ality here memorized , ●et them pe●use the third canto , and they shall there see ▪ what mot●ves and what warran● i had for so doing . i think it will satisfie them ; for , so well it satisfied me , that ( whatsoever others may imagine ) i know it had beene better i should háve perished in that sicknesse , then to have had a heart disobedie●t to such motions . if any ●axe me for inse●●ing so many lines concerning my owne thoughts and resolu●ions ; let them conside● what use some readers may make by application to themselves ; by having my inwa●d co●flicts for their examples ; and by seeing also what nec●ssities ●here were for me to strengt●en my selfe both a●ainst the wo●ld , and against my ●wne f●●ilties , ( in my hazardous undert●kings ) by expo●●ul●●ing wi●h my heart , what my conscience could say , for it selfe ▪ let them , i say , consider what in this kinde is cons●derable , and then , perhaps , those personall relations will not seeme imper●inent . if question be made , by what authority , i took on me to write this ilands remembrancer : in the fif●h canto , and in some other places of this book , they sh●ll finde mention of my commission ; and if they be not thereby perswaded , that i have a good authority , it will be through their ignorance ▪ and no ●aul● of mine . those mercies and iudgements of god's which i memorize , are such as this kingdome is generally witnesse of . the sins i reprove , are none but those which were , and are notoriously committed : i have reprehended them ìn such manner , as god's holy word , and the universall law of nature hath warranted in all ages . i have foretold what shall come upon such transgressors , according to the predictions of the prophets . i have assured , upon repentance , those ble●sings which god himselfe hath promised . i have confirmed all my owne resolution● by the divine covenant , and that working of the bl●ssed spirit , which i have a feeling of in my own heart : and , if in these things i be de●eived , i know not who hath power to make me confident of any thing in this life . if any dislike my personating god ( as in the first canto ) let them search , and they shall finde it usuall not onely in christian poems , but also in the holy text. and if we introduce him according to his a●tr●butes , and speaking according to what in his written word he hath already spoken , it may be justified . if my personating mercy and iustice , or my creating of other objects representative , or my method , or my phrase , or any such like , seeme offensive ; my muse ha●h apologized for her selfe , as much as i thinke need●ull , in many places of this booke as occasion is offered , especially in the second , fi●th , and eighth canto's . ●f the poeme seeme too l●rge , or the particulars to be over tediously insisted vpon ; consider , in how many impertinent and t●ifling discourses and actio●s the best of us doe consume f●rre more houres th● the perusall of this ●equires minutes , and yet thinke it no tediousn●sse : and let them call to minde how m●ny huge volumes this age imprints and reades , which are foolish , if not wicked : let them remember also , tha● our whole life is l●ttle enough to be employed in the meditation of what is here recorded . let them be perswaded likewise , that i have not written t●is for those who have no need thereof , or to shew my owne wit or compendiousn●sse , but to wa●ne and instruct the ignorant ; to whom i should mor● oft●n speake in vaine , i● i did not otherwhile by r●pe●itions and circum●ocutions , stir●e up their affections , and beat into their unders●andings , the knowled●e and feeling of those things which i deliver . yea , let them know , that i know those expressions will bee both pleasing and profitable to some , which ▪ they imagine to be needlesse , and supe●abundant ; and that i h●d rather twenty nice criticks should censure mee for a word here and there superfluou● ▪ then that one of those other should want that which might explaine my meanings to their capacities , and so make frustrate all my labour to those who have most need of it , and for whom it was chiefly intended . if you find any thing which may seeme spoken ou● of due time ; blame not mee altogether ; for , it is above two yeares since i laboured to ge● this booke printed ; and it hath cost me more mony , more pains , and much more time to publish it , then to compose it : for , i was faine to imprint every sheet thereof with my owne hand , because i could not get allowance to doe it publikely : so unwilling are we of remembrancers in this kind . if you find ought else that may be doubted of , or for which i may seeme reprovable , or needing advice ; let me christianly and charitably receive intell●gence thereof : and if i make not a reasonable defence , i will humbly acknowledge and give the best satisfaction for my errors , that i am able . so , i commit you to the blessing of god , and ●o the per●●all of this remembrancer , if you please . geo : wither . brittan's remembrancer . canto the first . our author first with god beginnes ; describ●s his anger for our si●nes ; of all his iudgements mus●er makes ; declar●s how mercy under●akes the pleading of this kingdome 's ca●se , to bring g●d's wrath unto apawse ; and ( for the common ●eader ) sutes high things , with lowly attrioutes . then , steps into a praisefull straine of charles his new-beginning reigne ; empl●res that well-suc●e●d be 〈◊〉 , and , for his weale 〈◊〉 ●ercy pr●y . he iusti●e al●o , in●roduces , complaining on our grosse abuses , who proveth so , our si●full nation to merit utter desolation , that all gods plagues had ●s encl●sed , if mercy had not●nterposed . but , after pleading of the case ; with iustice , mercy do●h embrace , who ( that our sinnes may pun●sht be ) to send the pestilence agree ; their oth●r : plagues a while suspending , to prove how that will worke amending . one storm is past , & though some cl●uds appear , a peacefull ayre becalmes our hemispheare . that frighting angell whose devouring blade , among the people such ahavock made , is now departed , and hath tooke from hence his pois'ned arrowes of the pestilence . god smoothes his b●ow ; and lo , we no● obtaine the cheerfull brightnesse of hi●●ace againe . oh , boundlesse mercy ! what a change is this ▪ and what a joy unto my heart 〈◊〉 is ! run quickly mus● ▪ to cary thy oblation ; and , ( twixt that angell , and the congregation ) some swee● perfume to our preserver bu●ne , before that bloody messenger returne . ● let all affaires keepe of● , and give thee way ; for , though my faire●t outward fortunes lay this houre at spoyle , i would not be advis'd ▪ to speake for them , till i had sacrifis'd ; nor will i , to the world , one line allow , till i have made p●●formance of my vo● . most awfull pow'r , by whom hath formed ●in the globe of heav'n and ear●h , and all ●herein ; thou alpha , and omega of my songs , to whom all glory , and all fame belongs ; to thee , thrice holy and almighty king , of iu●g●ment , ●nd of mercy , now i sing . thou hast unclos'd my lips , and i will raise my thankfull v●ice in setting out thy pr●ise : thou hast pr●serv'd thy children in the flame , and we ascribe the glory to thy name : thou saved hast thy people from ●heir crimes ; and , here , i publish unto ●uture times , what i have s●ene . oh! le● my poeme be a sanctified sacrifice to t●ee . acce●t this poore oblation i prefer ▪ these drams of incens● , and these drops of m●r●h , ( which fired in afflictions flame , perfume thy sacred altars ) gratiously assu●e ▪ and give my lines a date to last as long as there are speakers of our en●lish tongue ▪ that children , yet unborne , may reade the story which now i sing , to thy pe●petuall glory . and , harke ye people : harken you , i pray , that were preserv'd with me to see this day ; and listen you that shall be brought upon this stage of action , when our scaene is done : come harken all ; and let no soule refraine to heare ; nor let it heare my words in vaine . for , from the ●laughter-house of deat● , and ●ro● the habitations of the dead i come . i am escaped from the greedy iawes of hell , and from the furious lions pawes ; with sorrowes i have lodged ; and i have experience in the horrors of the grave ; in those discomfor●s which , by day , assaile ; and those black terrors which , by night , prevaile : despaire , with her grim furies , i have seene ; spectator of gods iustice i have beene ; and , passing through gods iudgements , had a sight of those his mercies which are infinite : and here , i tell the world what i observed ▪ for , to this purpose is my soule preserved . that fatall yeare , in which the forward ●pring be●ame an autumne to our peacefull king ; when iames his crowne and scepter did forgoe , that charles ( of whom this kingdome hopeth so ) might shew , when he did weare hir diadem , how worthily we plac'd our hopes on him ▪ yea , when within the compasse of one hou●e , two king both had , and had not , ●gall pow'r ▪ ev'n then , by thames faire banks ▪ i did reside , where her swe●t waters washeth ev'ry tide the spacious verge of that well peopled towne , which with most princely pallaces doth crowne her goodly streame , and at her ports and keyes , take in the wealth of kingdomes and of seas . our soueraigne citie , then i did espie vpon the couch of soft security ; and , how with peace and plenty being fed , she toyed like a wanton , on her bed . i saw her drest in all that rich attire , which doth inflame her lovers with desire ; and how her idle children , ev'ry day , sate downe to eate , and drinke , and rose to play . for , she was growne insensible of cares ; she had almost forgot●en , sighes , and teares ; and all this iland in her cup of pleasure , with her had quaf●ed ( so much out of measure ) till they gr●w drunke together through excesse , and wilde and giddy in their drunkennesse ▪ they h●d almost forgotten him , from whom their ease and their prosperity d●d come . they spent their houres in laughter and in song , and grew regardlesse of the poore mans wro●g . they alwayes clothed went in soft aray ; they fed themselues with dainties , day by day ; and , that no outward meane● of pleasure might be wanting to accomplish their delight , those iollities , wherein they did appeare , were further'd by the season of the yeare . the windes then breathed on them wholsome aire t●e g●oves , th●ir su●●er clothings did repaire ; the frui●full f●eld● wit● f●esh gr●ene gownes were clad , which flor● curiou●ly embroydered had : the pleasant g●rdens their choyce plaints displaid , 〈◊〉 orch●rd with gay blossomes wore arraid ; the winged choristers did sweetly sing , and with choice musicke welcome in the spring : their streets with m●●chlesse bravery did shine ; their parlers many beauties did enshrine ▪ their costly bowres with rarities were hung , and alwayes filled with a merry throng ▪ of nought but sports & triumphs were their dreams wealth , health & honor , were their studied theam●s no noisome plagues , within their gates were found , of grones , their dwellings did but rarely sound ▪ nor was there ●●y storme or danger feared : for , in this hemisphere so bright appeared new charles his waine , that sunlike he did chase all fogs of discontentment from each place , and , all those clouds of griefe , expelled farre , vvhich rose at settin● of our iacob starre . but , oh how ●●●stlesse are those lying showes of happinesse , on which most men repose their greatest confidence ? and from our fight how swiftl● did these pleasures take their flight ▪ for , whether he , who from his heav'nly sphere beholde●h all our though●s and actions here , did with a searching ey● , examine more our cours●● at that present then before : or , whether hee our carelesnesse had cyde , or our hypocrisie , or else our pride , o● our impiety ; or wh●th●r he did in this iland , or this kingdome see our old idolatr●es come creeping in ; or , whether he some new devised sinne descride to sprout among us here ; yea , whether it were some one of these , or all together , or what it was , i know not : but it prov'd . a crying s●●ne ; and so extreamly moov'd ▪ god 's gentleness● that angry he became ; his browes were bended , and his eyes did flame . me thought ● saw it so : and ( though i were afraid within his presence to appeare ) my soule was rais'd above her common station ; where what en●ues i view'd be contemplation . there is ● spacious round which bravely reares her arch above the top of all the spheares , vntill her bright circumference doth rise above the r●ach of mans , or angels eyes ; conveying through the bodies christalline those rayes which on our lower globe doe shine , and , all the great and lesser orbes , doe lye within the compasse of that canopy . in this large roome of state is fixt a throne , from whence the wise creator looks upon his workmanship ; and thence doth heare and see , all sounds , all pl●●es , and all thi●gs that be . here sate the king of gods ; and from about his eye-lids , so much terror sparkled out , that ev'ry circle of the heav'ns it shooke , and all the world did ●remble at his looke ; the prospect of the skie , ●hat earst was cleare , did with a low●ing countenance appeare : the troubled ayre , before his presence ●led ; t●e earth into her bosome ●hrunk her head ; the dee●s did ro●re ; the heights did stand amaz'd ; the moone an● stars upon each other gaz'd ; t●e sun did stand unmoved in his path ; the hoast of heav'n w●s frig●t●d at his wrath ; and with a voice which made all creatures quake , to this effect , the great eternall spake . are we a god ? and is there pow'r in us ta s●artle all our whole creati●n thus ? and yet , are we despis'd , as if these pow'rs were either lesser growne , or none of ours ? are we , that with our ●entles● breath can blow all things to nothing , still abused so ? hath our long suffring hardned so our foes , that now our godhead into question growe● ? n●y ( which is worse ) have we compassion showne , till we are quite neglected of our owne ? is this the land whom we have lov'd so long , and , in our love , elected from among the heathen iles ( and at the first was burl'd into the utmo●t corner of the world ) that we might raise the glory of her name , to equall king domes of the greatest fame ? is this that iland , which our love did place ( within our bosome ) in the safe embrace of great oceanus ? and , garden like did whar●e about ( within her watry dike ) with mighty rocks , and cliffes , whose tops were higher , then any foming billow da●es aspire ? is this the kingdome , which our band h●th made the schoole and shop , of ev'ry art , and trad● ? the cornucopia of all needfull plenties ? the storehouse , and the closset of our dainties ? our iewell house , and palace royall , where the fairest of our loves maintained are ? is this the cou●t●y which our bounty served with store of bread , when many lands were starved ? and whom we have pres●rved from the spoiles of foes abroad , and from domesticke b●oyles ? are theirs the cities , which doe weare the flag of peace , while rochel , heidleb●rg , and prague , and ●ll the christian world engaged are , in some offensive , or defensive warre ? are their 's the cities , to whose fleets were showne , the pathlesse wayes through many seas unknowne ? whose wealthy merchants have encreast their trade from ev'ry port and creek , that we have made ? whose vessel● have , by our protection , gone past both the tropicks , and through every zone , and made their petty villages , become acquainted with more worlds , then ancient rome ? is this that people unto whom we gave , more lovely bodies , then most nations have ? and in whose minds ( of our especiall grace ) we did the best ●pproved temper place ? is this that people , whom we did restore to humane shape , when as the sca●let-whore had with her charmed cup of poisned wine , tran●form'd them into asses , a●es and swine ? did we in pers●cution heare their cries ? t●ke off , the s●●les of blindnesse from t●eir eyes ▪ win●ke at their follies , when they most offended ? forbeare the punishments ●hat were intende● ? from diverse plagues inflicted them release ? make europe stand and wonder at their peace ? yea ▪ save them f●om the malice of their foe , when all were like to perish at a blow ? and , grace and fav●ur undeserved shew , wh●n they their owne dest●●ction did purs●e ? h●ve we , these threesc●re yeares and upwards b●est th●ir kingdomes●rom ●rom those troubles that i●fest most other states ? and ( when their soules had been nigh famisht else ) did we provide a queene , ( a maiden queene ; with vertues masculine ) to nurse them up in holy discipline ? did we provide , when she her cou●se had ●un , a king who favor'd , what her hand begun ? and now another , who doth both re●tore those hopes they lost in him , and promise more ? did we but here , of late , when they had lost their prince ( that now is king ) when they almos● despair'd of his returne , for evermore , when he remained on th' iberian shore ? did we a●cept their vowes ? observe their teares ? com●assionate their jealousies and feares ? and send their darling home , when few did know whereon to build a hope it should be so ? yea , when throughout the world no other pow'r , could such a work have compassed but our ? h●ve we endur'd their frowardnesse so long ? forgiven and forgotten so much wrong ? sought after them , when they ●ad us forsaken ? so of● , their counte●feit repentance taken ? so many times appa●an● made unto them , wha● mischiefes their owne ●oolish projects doe them ? yea , did we freely ▪ sundry blessings daigne vnaskt , which other lands could not obtaine by labors , vowes , and prayers ? and have they thus , for all those benefits requited us ? is that their vowed thankfulnesse ? are these the fruits of all their zealous promises ? is this their piety ? goe , draw together thy forces , vengeance : quickly march them th●●her , with all our armies ; and consume them so , that we ma● never more displeased grow at their unkindnesse ; or be cheated by the fained weepings of hypocrisie . no sooner had he spoken , but , behold , an hoast ( which he doth alway keepe enrold , to execute his wrath ) did straight appeare ▪ and in his awfull pres●nce mustred were . so many troups , did ●ound about him throng , that , all the wo●ld with plagues , was ove●hung : for not a iudgement is there , which hath name , but , thither to attend his will it came . sterne visag'd war ( whose very look doth strike ) came driving on his charret , iehu like ; arm'd and beset with holberts , bills , and glaves , bowes , a●rowes , pikes pole axes , darting staves , guns , balls of fire , and ev'ry thing that furthers the worke of desolation , wounds , and murthers . his prime c●mpanions , the●t and rapine were , with all those vices wh●ch most c●uell are . and at their heeles pursu●d all those bands of raging mischiefes , that afflict the la●ds on which he falls . this is that roring fiend who lawes , and leagues , doth into pieces rend . this is that bloody tyrant , who o're-turnes the goodl'est monument● , and spoiles and b●rnes the fairest dwellings . this , is he that raze● renowned cities , and the strongest places . this is that sacrilegious theefe , who spares nor hospitall nor temple ▪ neither heares the ●uits or cries of ●ged or of young ; nor is regardfull of men we●ke or ●trong . the suckling from his mo●hers brest be snatcheth and braines it in her sight : the wife he c●tcheth ev'n from her husbands bed ▪ and virgins ●rom their lovers armes , his strumpets to become . a sertile soile he makes a wildernesse , and wolves , and beares , and foxes , to possesse those places , wherein arts did once abound ; and where have dwelled nations most ●enown'd ▪ however , he 's an instrument of god's ; and usually , the l●st of all those rod● which on a thankless● kingdome he do●h lay , befo●e he finally remove away the mean●s of grace . next him , came sneaking in leane famine , with ●are bones , and pa●ched skinne ; with deep sunke eyes , with talons over-growne ; with hungry teeth that would have crackt a s●one ; and , close behind her , and at ei●her hand , such troups did wait , as are at her command . the crawling caterpill●rs , wa●●full flye● , the skipping locust ( that in winter dies ) floods , frosts , & mi●●ewes , blastings , windes , & storme● , drough , rav'nous fowles , & vermine , weeds , & worme● ▪ sloth , evill busdandry , and such as those , which make a scarcenesse where most plenty grows . this is that hungry houswife , who first found the searching out for meat f●om under ground ; to dig up roots ; to rellish , well , the taft of stin●ing garlick , and of bitter mast. she taught poore people ●ow to fill their mawes , with bramble-berries , hedge-picks , hips , & hawes ▪ t was she who finding on the sandy shore a ●eape of oisters ( all bedaubed o're ) first sought within those dirty shels for meat , else we had never dar'd of them to eate ; nor thought , nor hoped , that so foule a dish could bring to table such a dainty fish . twa● she that learn'd the spaniards how to dre●●e their frogs ; the frenchman how to cooke a me●se of ●pu●●y mushromes ; germans how to make a dinner or a ●upper on a snake ; italians on the slimy snaile to feed ; our irishme● to live upon a weed that growes in marshes . and i dare to say , that , but for her , we scarce had heard this day of caveär , and twenty such like bables , vvhich gluttony now sets upon our tables . the broyling of old shooes , was her device ; and so w●s eating carrion , rats , and mice . those dainty pallats which could relish no●ght but what was fet farre off , and dearly bought , she so hath d●●●ed , that they could feed on mouldy scraps ; and beg them too for need . this hag , hath townes and cities famished . vvith humane flesh , she hungry men hath ●ed : she fo●c't them hath to suck their horses blood : to feed on pigeons dung ( in stead of food ) and dearly purchase it . yea , some constrained to drinke their vrine , when they drought sustained . nay , this is that un●quall'd cruell-one , vvho urg'd a mother , once , to kill her sonne , and make unnaturally that cursed wombe vvhich gave him being , to be made his tombe . ev'n this is she , god shield us from her cheere , and g●ant her plagueship never settle here . the pestilence , moreover , thither brought her feared forces , and employment sought . this is that nimble fury , wh● did stay her three and twenty thousand in one day ; and in th' assirïan camp , to death did smite , almost two hundred thousand in one night . betwixt an evening and a morning-tide , from ev'ry house a soule she did divide throughout the land of aegypt ; and could mark their eldest-borne , although the nigh● were dar● . in little space , she quite hath overthrown● great cities , and dispeopled many a towne . she from each other makes acqua●ntance run , before that any injuries be don● ; and of t●e po●s'ning - art hath found the height , for , she know●s how to poison by conceit . a mantle wrought with purple spots she wore , embost wi●h many a blaine , and many a sore . she had a raving voice , a frantick lock , a noys●me breath , and in her hand she shooke a venom'd speare , which , where it toucheth , fills the veines with poison , and distracts , and kills . within her regiment are all diseases , and ev'ry torment which the body seizes ; go●ts , collicks , lethargies , and apo●lexies , obstruction , which the spleene , or stomack v●xe● ; the ●ox of ev'ry kinde , ●heumes , aches , stiches , quick-killing pleurisies , and scabs , and itches ; the burning-fever , who deserveth well the place of her lieutenant-colonell ; consumptions , gangreeves , coughes , and squina●cie● , the falling-evill , cramps , and lunacies , ( vvith other such diseases , many moe then i am able by their names to know ) besides those maladies the sea procures , as , sloath-bred scurvies , and mad calentures ; and all those other griefes , and sorrowes , which those sicknesses doe bring on poore and rich . but , of that hoast which here is mentioned , the maine battalion was both rang'd and led by that slye prince , ( ev'n that malicious one ) vvhich in the ayrie region hath his throne . to fu●ther his designes , he brought in lyes , extortion , bribing , fraud , and perjuries ; vvith many thousand stratagems beside , vvhose dangerous effects are often tride . all ravenous beasts , ( or rather those of whom such beasts are emblemes ) in his troups did come : to worke his mis●hiefes ( with amaze and wonder ) he furnisht was ●ith lightnings , winds , & thunder ; prodigious apparitions , and those sights wherewith mens troubled fancies he affrights ; and , thither did ( for soule-assaults ) ●epaire his two black twins , pr●sumpt●on and despaire . attended by those manifold temptations , wherewith he maketh sure the reprobations of all obdurate finners ; whom in wrath our god , deservedly rej●cted hath . these greedy spoilers , hungry for a prey , stood ready , gods commandings to obey : who having view'd their well prepared bands , ( and pointing out his finger to these lands ) said ; goe ye plagues . and ( had he not beene staid ) lay waste , that sinfull realme , he would have said . and yet , it seems , these dreadfull shews were ra●her the threatnings of a wise and loving father , ( to bring his children to a filiall feare ) then such a wrath as doth in fo●s appeare . for , ne●ther chance , nor time , no● new-desert , was interposed on the guilty part : but , god's owne good●ess● brought the means about that stopt our doome , before his words were out . and thus it was . the great almighty one hath evermore attending on his th●one two royall daughters . one of t●em is she that 's called iustice ; and her emblemes be an equall ballance , and a flaming blade , to weigh the good their due , and fright the ●ad : and , both with hand and eye she threatens those , that her uprightnesse , any way oppose . the other for her hierogliphick weares a box of balme , and in her bosome beare● a sucking lambe , ( which meek and ha●mles creature doth somewhat intimate her gen●le nat●re ) betwixt her beauteous brests , a true co●passion erecteth her perpetuall habitation ; and , su●h a lovely sweet aspect hath she , that 's if wrath saw her , wrath in love would be . we call her clemency . she o●ten makes our peace with god , and his displeasure slakes . this princesse , ma●king well with what inte●t her lord would those great armies forth have sent ; and finding , by that wrath she saw in him , what desol●tions would have followed them ; with teares of pitie , to his throne she ran , to kisse and to embrace hi● feet began ; and ( whilst his halfe-spoke sen●ence god delaid ) these words , the faire-well spoken virgin said . deare , ●h deare fa●her ! wherefore frownst thou s● ? what fearfull thing art thou about to doe ? hold ( i beseech thee hold ) thou backe the doome , which from thy lips is now about to come ; and bear ( dread sov'raign ) heare thy handmaid speak a word or two , before thy iustice wreake deserv●d vengeance on that wretched place which hath so fallen from thy wonted grace . loo● father ▪ looke upon me : it is i , thy best-beloved daughter clemencie ▪ t is i whom thou forget●est . i am she who in thy bosome lay , belov'd of thee before all worlds ; and had a sov'raignty o're all thy creatures from eternity . t is i , at whose intreaty thou wert moved to send thine onely sonne , thy best-beloved ( for mans redemption ) to assume the nature , the forme , and frailties , of a finfull creature . t is i that have presu●ed to become a suitor now , to stay thy heavy d●ome : and , why should i be doubtfull to make triall of thy regard , or fearfull of deniall ? in iudgement , thou hast promised , oh lord ! to thi●ke on me ( ev'n in thy w●itten word ) yea , heav'n and e●rth have often heard thee say , thou nev●r woul●●t , for ever , cast away thy loving-mercy ; and , i k●ow , thou mus● and wilt , be found in all thy sayings , just . but , then , to what intents , doe these appeare ? why are thy dreadfull armies mustred he●e ? vvhat fav●ur is it possible to show , vvhere such a rablement as this , shall goe ? vvhy may not pit●e shew her selfe as well vvithin the bottome of the low●st hell as where these revell ? doubtlesse , these rude bands vvill spare nor lawes nor temples in those lands to which thou send them shalt ; but , from each plac● root out ( with ev'●y present meanes of grace ) all outward helps of present knowing thee , if equall to their hate , their pow'r may be . and , what if then their breathlesse fury shall leave some few trifles which are temporall ? for what will they reserve them , but to breed a race of infidels ? a wicked seed , for them to prey upon ? a brood , to whom the blessings left damnation shall become . thou hast upon that iland ( i confesse ) bestowed favours , great and numberlesse . i know that they may justly blush for shame , to heare how grossely they abuse thy name ; yea , th●y now are , and have a long time bin , growne out of measure sinfull in their sin . yet , if thou look upon them , thou shalt see some there , who bend not unto ●aal their knee ; some left , who for thine honour sirme ha●e ●●ood ; some , who have garments washed in the blood of thy unspotted lamb : and some , which beare those marks , that seales of thy free pardon are . oh! let not them enclos'd w●th sinners be , nor swallowed up with such who know not thee . but , for the sakes o● those forb●are thou , rath●r , the tares , untill thy harvest thou shalt gather : so , by those follies which in them abound , thy goodnesse shall the farther be renown'd . if , therefore , thou this kingdome shouldst not spare , because , repleat with sin her dwellings are , what nation is there , or what habitation , that merits not perpetuall reprobation ? where wilt t●ou finde a people , under heav'n , which hath not ev'ry way occasion giv'n of thy displeasure ? or , what man is there that in thy sight could justifi●d appeare , if thou shouldst mark him with a frowning eye ? and , what a pretty nothing , then were i , if no man lived , that amisse had done , for me , to exercise my pity on ? nay , if transg●ession had but finite been , how should thy mercies infinite . be seene ? though on this field ( which thou hast plow'd & sown with purest wheat ) some wicked-ones have throwne their tares , by night ; yet , somewhat it hath borne for which it may be ●ald thy field of corne. thy fence is yet about it ; and there stands a fort , and wine-presse , builded by thy hands . there are thy sacraments , thy word divine , there , is the schoole of christian discipline . there , may the me●nes of grace be kept in s●ore for those who will hereaf●er prise them more . thy poo●e ●fflicted servants ▪ thither may from forraine persecutions flye away ; ●●d sheltred in a storme , there s●f●ly tary , as in a fortresse , or a ●anctuary . but , whither shall they flye when that lyes wast ? where shall thy sacred oracles be plac'd ? or whither with her sonne that woman goe , who by the dragon is pursued so ? i know that if thou please thou canst provid● a place for her , securely to abide , amid the westerne wilderness● ( and where scarce glimmerings of thy favo●rs yet appeare ) by moulding out the heathen salvages to be a people far surpassing these . this , lord , thou couldst effect ▪ and make of them thy people , whom these most of all contemne . and , since this nation , in their weal●●y peace , have sent out colonies , but to en●rease their private gaine : since they faire show●s have made of publishing thy gospell ▪ when the trade for cursed lucre ( as the times reveale ) was chiefest founder of their fained zeale : since they in that , and other things , pretend religion , when t is farthest from their end : thou didst but right , if thou shouldst force their se●d to set●le on some barbarous coast for reed ; and , there , thy truth , to those , with sorrow preach , whom they neglected , in their weale , to teach . but , since it were no more for thee to doe , this land to save , and call ano●her too , then one such worke so compasse ; why i pray shouldst thou remove their candlestick away ? why maist not thou , who all compassion art , thy people , rather , by thy pow'r convert , then quite destroy them ? wherefore shouldst thou no● their errors forth ●f thy remembrance blot , as heretofore ? and alwayes praised be for that abundant love , which is in thee ? why should their foes and thine , with jeering say , now , ●ow we see our long-expected day ▪ why w●lt thou give them cause to domineere ? ev'n those , who love not thee , to laugh , and fleere a● their destruction , who , thy truth profest , ( if not u●fainedly ) in shew , at least . though t●ey have ill-deserv'd , why should the shame of their off●nces fall upon thy name ? and , thy blasphemers ( by thy peoples fall ) assume the ●oldnesse on themselves , to call thy gospel into question ? or , thereby , t●ei● shamelesse falshoods seeke to justifie ? why should the wicked , take occasion from th●se ●lagues , to say ▪ where is their god become ? where is their pow'r , on which they did r●pose ? where is their ●aith ? where are the hopes of those their s●rvices ? oh! for thine owne deare sake , ( however they des●rve ) compassion take . deare sir , have pittie : and , as often , thou hast granted my request , vouchsafe it now . yea , to those many thousands , heretofore , from thy abundance , adde one favour more ▪ by these , and other motives ( breathed from a zealous brest ) the heav'ns are overcome . his love of us , doth so our sampson wound , that , he hath taught us , how he may be bound . yea , holy-writ informeth us , that he , by such like charmings , will compelled be . and , now they so prevailed , that the rage of our great god , they partly did aswage . which , mer●y by his looke , had quickly heeded ; and taking that a●vantage , thus proceeded , oh! what a co●fort is it , to behold ▪ thine eye speak mercy , and thy brow unfold a reconcilement ! now , i seeme to see thy gracious face , to shine againe on me . i finde it is the jealousie of love , ( and no effect of hatred ) which doth mov● thy wronged patience : and , that when thou hides● thy presence in an angry cloud , or chidest , it 〈◊〉 not alwayes in consuming wrath , ( ●o punish , as the faul● deserved hath ) but , that thy frighting iudgements might prevaile , to worke a●endment , when thy love doth faile . that people whom so much thou didst aff●ct , how canst tho● have a purpose to reject , so long as in their co●fines doth remaine that number , which thy vengeance doth restraine ? who can beleeve ●hat thou defra●a'st such cost , to purchase what , thou meanest shall be lost ? or , labour to erect them , didst bestow , for nothing else , but them away ●o throw ? vvhy should i thinke , thy endlesse ▪ goodnesse , had so little care , to save what thou hast made , that sathans hate , shou●d for their desolation , out-worke thy love , in working their salvation ? or , that the boundlesnesse of m●ns transgression , could over-match thine infini●e compassion ? it m●y not be beleeved ; or , that this pre●ended warre , for finall ruine is . since , if in summoning thy iudgement● , now , thou hadst propos'd their u●ter overthrow , thou wouldst not have discovered an assection , ●y still co●tinu●ng them , in thy prote●tion , as yet thou dost : nor ●a●ly s●nd unto them love-tokens , ( as if kindnesse , thou wouldst doe them vvhich they should never know of ) nor , make show os having ●eft them , when t is nothing so thus hav● i seene , on ea●th , a lover use his best-beloved , when she did abuse his true affection . though he seeme unkind● , that her unkindnesse she may thereby find● ; yea , though he faine some outward disrespec●● , yet , in his hea●t , so truly he affects , that , whats●ever good , he can , he does her : by meanes unscene , to her lost vertues , wo●es her : for h●r well-doing , takes a thousand cares : of her ill-doing , hath ten thousand seares : wakes not , but thoughts of her , in waking , keepes ; sleeps not , but dreameth of her , when he sleep●s . not ceasing to end●avour , 〈◊〉 he see some sparkes of lost affection kindled be . and , as her over sights she doth deplore , so , he his love discovers , more and more ; vntill the fire , that was a long tim● bid , breake forth , and flame as high as e're it did . i never knew thee , yet , to rui●ate a wicked kingdom● , or a sinfull state , professing thee ; but , thou didst first withdr●w from those offenders , thy abused law. and , as in christian realmes , the temp'rall sword cuts off no preacher of thy blessed word , ( for any crime committed ) untill he of holy-orders , first degraded be : so , thou ( most frequently ) dost first remove the scales of grace , and pledges of thy love , b●fore thou give up lands into their pow'r , w●o them , and theirs , shall finally devoure : for , till thy holy things , be fetched from th●ir coast , such desolation shall not come . those , they retaine . and , if conclude i shall from hope of any blessing temporall , that yet thou lovest them ( and dost intend their land , with future favours , to befriend ) that king which thou hast now on them bestowne , some token of thy clemency hath showne . for , if man may by good externall signes , conjecture whereunto his heart enclines : if thou , to whom all secrets open be , see'st that in him , which mortalls hope they see ; and hast not mockt that people , sor their sinne , with shewes of things that have not reall bin : ( as lord forbid ) no kingdome hath a prince , whose infant yeares , gave ●etter ●vidence , ●hat with an earthly crowne he should inherit , a plentious portion of thy sacred spirit . none liveth now , on whom the gen'rall eye did so much gaze , and so few scapes espy . f●w private men were in their youth so fr●e from all those vanities , which frequent be in these rude times ( he having meanes to doe his pleasure , and , perhaps , s●rong temptings too ) who seemed of those knowledges , more faine that might informe him , to obey , and raigne ? how well those crossings was he thought to beare , which in the times of his subjection were ? and , with how brave a temper to neglect , to be aveng'd of wrongs and disrespect ? ●hat sonne , did in his fathers life time , show ●●iliall feare and love , united so ? or , which of all thy vice-royes d●dst thou see app●are more zealously devout then ●e ? thou knowest which : but , if they doe not erre who , things by probability , inferre , it might be said , the world had not his peere in all those vertues , that are mention'd here . and should conf●ssed be , ev'n of his soe , they had not flattred who affi●med so : since , what was of his worth , at home conceiv●d , all europe for a verity received . and lo● ; now by thy grace he sitteth on the seat of rule , and in his fathers th●one ; vvho giveth signes of truer love to thee ? or of more conscience , of his charge , the● he ? vvhat monarke , in appearance , better preache●h by good examples , what thy precepts teacheth ? or which of all his reverend prelacy , in shewes of true religious constancie , outgoes or equals him ? oh! if so cleare his vertues prove ▪ as yet they doe appeare , how glorious will they grow ? and , what a light vvill he become , when he ascends the height of his great orbe ? and , oh ! what pitty 't were his minde should ever fall below that spheare of grace which he hath climb'd ! or , that thy love should wanting be , to keepe him still above ! how grievous would it be , that his beginning ( so hopefull , and such l●ve and honour winning ) should faile that expectation , which it hath ? and , make thee shut thy favour up , in wrath ? let not oh god! let not the sins of others nor any fog ( which vertues glorie smothers ) ascending from his frailties , make obscure his rising honor , which yet seemeth pure . if might , in him , be w●nting of that worth which to the publike view is blaz●d sorth , forgive , and perfect him , that he may grow , to be in deed , what he appeares in show . yea , lord ( as farre as humane frailty can permit the sa●e ) make him , ev'n such a man as now that kingdome needs ; and spare that nation for him , which else deserveth desolation . 〈◊〉 if he be what he seemeth ; thou ( i know ) ●ilt save his land from utter overthrow . thou , in the life-time of a p●ous king , wert never yet , accustomed to bring destruction : for , thou shewedst him compassion , who did but once , well act humiliation ; ●v'n wicked ahab ; and within his times thou wouldst not pun●sh ( no no● ) his owne crimes . oh! be as mercifull , as thou hast bin ; and let this king ▪ thy favours triumph in . ●et that exceeding grace already shew'd him , ( ev'n that wherewith thy spirit hath indu'd him ) be pledges of some greater gifts , with whic● thou shalt in future times , his heart enrich . his br●st inflame thou , with a sacred fire ; teach him to aske , and give him his desire : grant him thy wìsdome , and thy righteousnesse , the wrongs of all his people to redresse . let him the widow , and the orphane save , releeving all , that need of succour have : and , let his mountaines , and each lesser hill , hi● humbler dales , with peace , and plenty fill . as he was honor'd in his preservation , so , let him glory still in thy salvation . as he persisteth to relie on thee ; so , let him sure of thy protection be . be thou his onely joy . be thou i pray his triumph on his coronation-●ay . crowne thou his head with purified gold : make st●ong his scepter , ●nd his throne uphold , to be renowned by thy grace divine , as long as either sunne , or moone shall shine . since thou to rule thine isr●el dost appoint him , let thy most holy spirit , lord , anoint him . make thou a league with him , as thou hast done with david , and adopt him for thy sonn● . to thee , thou art my father , let him say , my god , my rocke of safety , and my stay . throghout those lāds , where thou to raign shalt place him with title , of thy first-begotten , grace him . and , let his kingdomes harbor none of them , who shall deny him to be their supreme . so guard , and so enclose him with thine arme , the man of sinne ; may nev●r doe him harme . to him , his adversaries all subject , and , prosper none that him shall disaffect . lead thou his armies , when his warre beginnes ; make thou his peace , when he the battle winnes . let still thy truth , and love , with him abide ; let in thy name , his name be glorifi'd . doe thou the seas into his pow'r d●liver ; make thou his right hand reach beyond the river ; and , plant so strongly on the banks of rhyne , those fruitfull branches of his fathers vine , ( vvhom late the salvage bore ( with tripled pow'r ) hath rooted up , with purpose to devoure ) that they may spread their clusters , far and nigh ; and fill , and top , the germane empery . yea , minde thou , lord , the scorn●s and de●amations , which they have borne among their neighboring nations ▪ and , please to comfort them , and make them glad , according to the sorrowes they have had . to them , so sanctifie their great affliction , that it may bring their vertues to perfection ; and , fit them for some place , in which they shall helpe reare againe , decaying sions wall . oh! keep for them , a favour still in store ; preserve them in thy league , for evermore ; blesse thou that race , which is or shall be given : as lasting make it , as the day●s of heav'n : and , if thy lawes or iudgements , they forsake , or , if thy league , or covenant , they breake , with rods , let them , in mercie , be corrected ; but , never fall , for aye , to be rejected . the like for this new monark , i emplore : in him , encrease thy graces , more , and more . make ●im a blessing , for all christendome : make him , a patterne , for all times to come : make him , in ev'ry happy course persever ; and , let him live , for ever and for ever . his royall robe , he hath but new put on ; and , i my prayers have but new begun . oh let me to thy majestie prefer these few petitions , in particular : and place them where , they may both day and night , stand , evermore , unfolded in thy sight . first , teach him , to consider , how and why , t●ou hast enthron'd him on a seat so high ▪ and , so to think on his great charge ; and trust , as one who knowes he come to reckning m●st : fo● , honors if by thee they be not blest , make wisest men as brutish as a beast . teach him to minde , how great the favour wa● , when thou , of thy meere motion , and thy grace , didst from so many millions chuse out him , to weare this kingdomes fourefold diadem : and , make thy servants , favour'd in his sight ▪ as thou hast made of him , thy favorite . teach him , the fittest meanes to take away ( and let none murmure at his just delay ) those groves , and those hill-altars in the land , which suffred are unt●ll his dayes to stand : and , give him wisedome , wisely to foresee , that wheat from chaffe , may well distinguisht be . for , some will , else , bring truth into suspition , condemne good discipline , for superstition ; and with faire shewes , of piety , beguile , that underhand they may encroach , the while , on gods inheritance ; and from her teare those outward ornam●nts his bride doth weare . oh! let him purge from church and commonweale , those inflammations of corrupted zeale , and indigested humors , which doe spread distempers through the stomacke ; paine the head : and , by prepost'rous courses , raise a storme to rend that body , which it would reforme . let him , his reformations , first begin , like david , with himselfe : and search within the closset of his heart , what he can finde , which may annoy him there , in any kinde : and let him thence expell it , though it were , as deare unto him as his eye-bals are . his houshold , let him next enquire into , and , well informed be , what there they doe ▪ that , so he may expect thy comming-day with heart upright , and in a perfect way . let him in no prophanenesse take del●ght , nor brook a wicked person in his sight . ●e● no blasphemer in his presence tarry ; nor they that falshoods , to and fro , doe carry . l●t him acquai●tance with all such refrain● ; the lowly cherish ; h●ughty mindes restrain● ; enquire for them that vertuou●ly excell , and take in honest men with him to dwell . no such projector , who doth put in vse great injuries , to mend a small abuse ; nor such , who in reforming , doe no other b●t rob one knave , to helpe enrich another ; and prove themselves , when tryall doth befall , to be , perhaps , the veriest k●aves of all . let him be curst with no base officer , who doth before true honor , gold prefer ; and , ●o enrich his ches● , a little more , would in his reputation , make him poore : or with some needlesse treasure , to supply him , lose him more lo●e , then all his lands can buy him . let no man of his daily bread partake , vvho at thy holy boord shall him forsake ; and , lay thou open their dissimul●tion , who shall approve of na●mans tol●ration . k●epe from his counsells , though their wit excels , all hypocrites , and all achitophels . yea , let thy wisdome , hi● discretion blesse , from rehoboams childish wilfulnesse , vvho lef● his ancient princes good directions , ●o follow his young nobles raw projections . or , if ●e like their counsels , and receive them , harme let th●m bring to none but those wh● gave them : and , if to him some dammage they procure , let present losse his future peace procure . make him perceive that humane policy 〈◊〉 h●nd m●id to rel●●ious h●ne●ty ; and that , the man who doth foundation● lay on iustice , ( and proves co●stant in his w●y ) shall mad the politician ; and ●ake vaine his underminings without fear● , or paine . for , as a fowler seldome doth su●prise that wary bird , which can her s●lfe suffise , with what thy ●and provideth in the fi●lds , or , what the ●orrest , for h●r die● yeelds : so , sl●ights of policy ( although , perchance , they seeme , a while , to worke some hinderance ) can disadvantage no●e , but those , who leaving the pathes of vertue , and themselves deceiving with some false hopes ( which were before them laid ) made them the meanes , whereby they were betrayd . make him as precious in his peoples eyes as their owne blood . far higher let them prise his honor then their fortunes ; and let him , be ev'ry way as tender over them . yea , let the mutuall love , betwixt them bred , vnite them as the body , and the head. ●or , such a blessed vnion doth procure more saf●ty then foure kingdomes can assure ; commands mens hearts , their fortunes , and their lives , is chiefe of all his chiefe pre●ogatives ; and shall more comfort , and more profit doe him , then all those frui●lesse claimes can bring unto him ; whereto , perchance , they urge him will , who shall pretend his honor , when they seeke his fall . such men in princes courts were ●ver found , but , thou their l●wd projections wilt confound ; and , when their vaine devise b●ing on them , confusion , w●o thi● r●all truth contemne ; when such men's fool●sh counsels , shall have brought th●se mischiefs o● them which thei● hāds have wrou●●● ( yea , when opprest , with feares and discontent , they shall , too late , perhaps , their course repent ) then , they in heart shall forced be to say , that , what they sleighted was the safest way . blesse him from those , who censure his intents , his counsel● , or his actions by events : an● saw●ily , his iudges dare appeare on ev'ry sla●d'rous rumor they shall hea●e . preserve him from those minions ( who do raise their credits by another mans dispraise ) that machivillian crew , who to endeare their base immerits , fill the royall eare with tales , and false reports , concerning those who their misdoings legally oppose : they , who gr●wne great with rapine , and made strong , with w●alth extorted to the publike wrong , still add ( to cover what misdone hath bin ) new w●ongs ; and make new partners in their sin , in hope their number ●eep them shall unshent : and , silence and condemne the innocent . make him ab●or such apes , and such baboones , as parasi●es , and impudent buffoone● : such , as would make their princes glad with lies : such , as with filthy tales of ribaldries , with ●curvile songs , with unbese●ming j●sts , and stuffe which ev'ry civill ●are detests , abuse kings chambers . let all those who buy their offices ( which is lay simony ) h●ve alwayes his dislike ; and not recover his good esteeme againe , till they give ove● their evill gotten places . let all such who for the seats o● iudgement , do as much , a●peare to him as men who are detected of 〈◊〉 crimes ; and ever be suspected of some corruption : for , it may be thought , that mony must be made of wh●t is bought . let him the causes of abuse discerne ; let him the cure of ev'ry mischi●f● learne ; let him of what he knowe●h , practice make ; let all his people , his example take . give them repentance for their passed crimes ; as●ist them by thy grace , in future times ; and send thy holy-spi●i● through their lands , to keep them in the way of thy commands . so , thou in their devotions wilt ●e p●eas'd , so , all thine anger will be quite appeas'd ; so , king and people , praise thee shall ▪ together ; and , then , thou need'st not send these armies thithe● . thus mercie spake ; & more she would have said ( for , she could everlastingly have praid ) to this effect . but ▪ ivstice having spy'd gods eye to ma●ke , how she seem'd satisfi'd ; ( and looki●g somewh●t sternly , to betoken that mercie in her injury had spoken ) thus interrupted her . faire sister , stay ; and , doe not think to beare my right away with smoo●hed words . thou art an advocate well knowne to be the most importunate that ever pleaded : and , thou hast a trick with these moist eyes , beyond all rhetorick . so that , unlesse i make it still appeare , what grosse offenders all thy clients are , a bill of mine ( how just soe're the case ) would seldome in this great star-chamber passe . no place , no pe●sons , are so dissolute , but if they whine to thee , thou makest sute on their behalfes . thou wert soliciter for king manasses ( that idolater and gotst his pardon . thou hast proctresse bin for ieroboam ( who m●de isr'el sin ) that hand recuring which he did extend , the messenger of god , to apprehend . thou art f●r any who in thee beleeves , though tray●ers , strumpets , murtherers , or th●eves . thou prayd'st for n●neveh ; yea thou hast prayd for sodome ; and my hand had sure beene staid when i consum'd them , if there had beene , then , in five great cities , b●t tenne righteou● men . i never yet could get a verdict past on any sinner , but thou crost it hast , vpon the teast repentance . and if ●ver to serve an execution i endeavor , thou ; still , one meanes or other dost procure , to mi●igate the strictest forfeiture . thee , for delaying iudgements , i prefer ev'n farre before the courts at westminster . and , if i longer these thy deal●ngs beare , thou here wilt use me , as they use me there . for , lat●ly i survey●d it ; and saw their chauncery had halfe devour'd their law. sweet lady call to minde , there is a due pertaining equally to me and you . as nothing without mercie should be done ; so ivstice shoul● not be encroa●ht upon . i claime a daughters part , and i d●sire to keepe min● owne inh●ritance in●ire . i , for your sake , huge armies , often save , when they had , else , beene rotting in the grave . i suffer you to wipe more sinnes away then twice tenne thousand millions in a day . there 's none whom i doe punish for his crimes , b●t i doescarre him first , a thousand times ( at your entreaty ) when , if i had pleased , i might so many times his life have seized . yea , i shoul● none have injur'd ▪ though i had of all the world , long since , a bone-fire made . for , what effects hath your compassi●n wrought ? what offring● , to gods altars , now are brought by my long sparing them ? nay , have they not h●m , and his aw●ull pow'r , the more forgot ? what did i say ? forgot him ? if they had vs'd him and his indulgence but so bad , thou might'st have spoken for them ; and i could have left thy supplications uncontroll'd . but , they have aggravated their neglect , with such base villanies , such disrespect , and such contempt of him , of thee , and mee , that if we beare it , we shall scorned be . they so presumptuous are , that well i know , were but a petty - iustice used so , he would not brooke it : but , so rough appeare , that all the sin-professing houses neare , of reformation would be much in doubt ; and feare they should not buy his ange● out , though they presented him with coyne and wares ; and b●ib'd his clarke , with whom , t is thought he s●ares . i will not the●efore palliate their despight ; i will not be debarred of my right ; i will not make my selfe a publike scorne ; nor will i longer beare what i have borne . here with ( as if she thought it were in vaine , for vengeance , unto mercie to complaine ) she rais'd her eyes ; she fixed them upon the ●hrone of heav'n , and him that sate thereon : then bowed thrice , and , then to her complaint ▪ she ●hus proceeded lik● an an●ry saint great ivdge of all the world just , wise , and holy ; who sin abhorrest , and correctest folly : who drivest all uncleannesse from thy sight , and feared art , ev'n of the most upright : consider well my cause , and let thou not thy ivstice in thy mercie be forgot ▪ as well as this my sister , so am i vnited unto thee essentially before all time ; and there is cause for me to boast thy favour , full as much as she . for , to maintaine thy iustice ( and approve th●t sacred , never violated love thou bearest me ) great monarkies have drunk thy cup of wrath ; and into ruine sunk . for their contempt of me , thou hast rejected the nation , of all nations , most affected . once , thou the globe of earth didst wholly drowne ; from heav'n thou threw●st the sinfull angels down● : and ( which is more ) thy best beloved dy'd , that my displeasure might be satisfi'd . but , l●t no former favour me availe , if now of reason on my side i faile . i n●ver did a vengeance , yet pursue before it was requir'd by double due . i never plagued any in despight , nor in the death of sinners took delight . why therefore thus is my proceeding staid ? and thy just wrath so suddenly alaid ? hath mercy their offences vailed so , that thou beholdest not what faults th●y do ? and wilt thou still continue thy compassion to this unthankfull and forgetfull nation ? what are they , but a most corrupted breed ? a wicked , a perverse , ingratefull seed ? a peopl● for instruction so untoward , so stubborne in their courses , and so ●roward , that , neither t●reats , nor plagues , nor lo●e can mend ●hem , and therefore desolation must attend them . me they have injured , past all ●ompare ; they flout me to my face ; they me out dare ev'n on my iudgement-se●ts ; they truth deny ▪ although they knew , their hear●rs know they lye . they use my titles , and my offices , but as a meanes to rob , or to oppresse the poorer sort : and he that wrong sustaines , is sure of more , if he for right complaines . search thou their streets , their markets , & their courts ; note where the greatest multitude resorts , and if thou finde a man among them , th●re , that hath of truth or iudgement any care , him let thine angell save . but , thou shalt see that nothing else from heele to head they be , but swellings , wounds , and sores : that they are wholly o'regrowne with leprosies of noysome folly ; and that , among them , there abideth none , whose path is right and p●rfect , no not one . their studies , are in che●ting trickes , and shifts . their practice , is to compass bribes , and gifts . their silver is but dross . their wine impure . th●ir finest gold , will not the touch endure . the poore oppresse the poore . the childe ass●mes an el●ers place . the basest groome presu●es b●fore t●e noble . wom●n t●ke on them mens habits and subjection doe contemne . men grow ●ffemin●te . age dotes , youth raves , the begger 's proud . the rich man , basely craves . the neighbour of his neighbour goes in danger ; the brother to the brother growes a stranger . there is no kin , but cousnage . few professe affection , amity , or friendlinesse , but to dec●ive . if men each ●ther greet , with shewes of wondrous friendship , when they meet , they doe but practise kin●ly to betray ; and jeere , and scoffe , when th●y depart away : th●y labour , and they study , ly●s to make : to grow more wicked , serious paines they take : wolves are as mercifull : their dogs as holy : vertue , th●y count a foole : religion , folly . their lawes are but their nets , and ginn●s , to take those whom they hate , and seeke their prey to make : the patronage of ●ruth , no●e standeth for : the way of piety , they doe abhor : they meet u●seene , the harmlesse to ●eceive ▪ they h●tch the cocatrice : they s●ely weave the spiders web ; and , when in bed they a●e , they lye and study pl●ts of mischiefe ●here . and , why thus fares it ? b●t , because they see that ( how unjust soe're their courses b● ) they prosper in t●eir wicked nesse , and ●hrive , whilst th●y who honor thee a●fl●●ted live . if any man reprove their damned way , they persecute , and slander him , and say ; come , let us smite him with our tongue , that he , and his reproofes , may unregarded be . they desp'rately resolve a wicked course ; and , ev'ry day proceed from bad ▪ to wo●se . themselves they sooth in evill : and professe in publike manner , trades of wickednesse ▪ they impudently boast of their transgressions , and madly , glory in their great opp●essions . yea , some so farre have ●ver-gone the devils in shamelesnesse , that they make bragge of evils which they committed not ( as if th●y fear'd that else they had not lewd enough a●p●ar'd ) whereas , they from themselves would strive to flie , if they could s●e their owne defo●mity . for , what remaineth to be termed ill which they are guil●lesse of , in act , or will ? th●y , gall unto the hungry prof●r'd have : they , vine●er unto the thirsty gave : with brutish fiercenesse they themselves aray : vnsatisfied in their lust are they , and neither earth nor heav'n escapes the w●ongs of their injurious and blasph●mous tongue● . with ev'ry member , they dishonor thee , no part of them from wick●dnesse is free : their eyes , are wandring after vanitie , and l●ere about , advantages to spye . their eares are deafe to goodnesse ; but most pro●e to heare a sl●nder told of any one : and h●ve an itching after ev'ry thin● , which , newes of sensualitie , may bring . their braz●n foreheads , without shame appeare : their teeth are sharper then a sword o● speare : their lips , as keenly cut , as razors doe ; and , under them , is add●rs poison too . their mouthes with bitter cu●sings , over-flow : their oily tongues , contention dail● sow : in heart , they falshood before truth , preferre : their throats , are like a gaping sepulcher : foule belchings from their stomacks doe arise , ev'n filthie speeches ; and ranke bl●sphemies . their hands ( their right hands ) lawlesse gifts receive : with bribes , their fingers , they desiled have . their feet , are swift in executing ill , and , run the blood of innocents to spill . they are corrupt in ev'ry facultie ; in vnde●standing , will , and memorie ; yea , th●ir most specious works of pietie are little else , but meere hypocrisie . all stain'd with murthers , thef●s , adulteries , and other unrepented villanies thy house they enter , as if they were cle●re , or , thither came , but to out brave thee there . there , they display their pride : there , they contemne thy messengers ▪ or , sit and censure them . there , they disturbe thy children in their pray'rs , by tatling of impertinent affaires . the many roving lookes , they throw about , doe prove them , far more wanton , than devout . and , say , they bring devotion for a fit : alas ! what pleasure canst thou take in it ? or , what doe they but mocke thee , when they pray , vnlesse their wickednesse they cast away ? what profits it , to kneele sometime an houre ? to fast a day ? to look demure , or soure ? to raise the hands aloft ? the brest to strike ? to shake the head , or hang it bulrush like ? and , all that while to have no thought of thee ; but on base projects , musing , there , to be ? i many such enormities might name , wherein this people have beene much to blame . and , shall they still , thy gentlenesse contemne ? wilt thou forbeare , for this , to punish them ? shall such devotion be regarded more , then if they brought the ●yring of a whore ? or sacrific'd a dog ? nay , though they had of farre fet calamus an offring made , or , incense brought from sheba ; doe they think the smoke of that , shall take away the stink of their corruption ? shall this wicked throng ▪ ( who partners are in ev'rie kind of wrong , and reformation hate ) still spared be because they can a little prate of thee ? make zealous outward shewes ; and preach thy word , whose pow'r they have deny'd ? ( if not abhorr'd : ) let me consume them rather . for , compassion so often hath prevailed for this nation , that , all my threatnings are no whit regarded , thy pittìe is with disrespect rewarded ; thy blowes doe nothing soften them : but , more hard hearted , rather , make them then before . they neither know nor s●eke thee . they scarce daigne so much as thoughts of thee to entertaine . or if they doe ; yet , thou in kindnesse , hast so frequently , their errors over past with gentle stripes ; that they conjecture , now that thou art like to them , and dost allow their wick●d courses . for , is there ( say they ) in god , or sight , or knowledge of our way ? doth he behold , or car● what things we doe ? will he take vengeance ? tush , it is not so . such fables were devis'd in times of old , and of strange judgements , stories have beene told ; but , who hath seene them ? or , when will appeare that day of doome , whereof so oft we heare ? sure never . for the wo●ld doth still remaine the same it was ; and these are feares in vaine . oh! what will this increase unto , if thus thou suffer them to make a scorne of us ? where is thy feare , if thou a master be ? why , ( if a god ) should they not honour thee ? what meanes thy long long-suffring ? and , what way to worke amendment wilt thou next assay ? thou hast already mov'd them to repent , by threats , gifts , precepts , and by punishment . to stop their wi●kednesse , thou flouds , and drought , frosts , f●●es , and tempests , hast upon them brought . distempers , f●ights , and ( many times of late ) distrusts , and hazzards of the publike state. with ev'ry kind of sicknesse , thou hast try'd them ; with pestilence , and famine , mortifi'd them : with slaughters●hou ●hou has● foild them ; and betwix● each plague , thou mercy still hast intermixt ▪ yet ▪ all in vaine . oh! rise , and suffer me on all at once avenged now to be . plucke from thy bosome , thy sure striking hand , and , let it fall so heavy on that land , that , all their follies may their merit have , and , they be put to silence in the grave . permit them not unplagued to persever , blaspheming thus , thy name and thee for ever . but , l●t me ev'ry plague upon them cast , which thou , for such as they , prepared hast . let them perceive , that they have lov'd and served those gods , by whom they cannot be preserved . let me transport from their polluted coast , those holy-things , whereof they vainly boast : and , let not their prophanenesse be protected by that , whi●h they so much have disrespect●d . for , why shouldst thou forbeare this people more then ma●y other nations heretofore ? since they for their example those have had the lesse excusable their faults are made . yea , though their wickednesse were but the same , yet , they are worthy of a greater blame . 〈◊〉 what are they better then the stubborne iewes ? wherein , doe they thy blessings lesse abuse ? what have their temples , of more worth in them then shilo , bethel , or ierusalem , that we should spare their ma●y sleepled towres , not rather making them the ne●sts , and bowres of noysome vermine , and such fatall fowles , as croking ravens , and loud screeching owles ? why shouldst thou not , as low this i le decline , as milke and hony-flowing palestine ? what ●ave they more deserved of thy pittie then sion , thy so much bel●ved cit●y ? or , wherefore should their seed be thought upon more kindely , the● the br●tts of babylon ? why should their common wealth , more prised be , then thos● great monarchies destroy'd b● me in former ages , whose transcendent fate , ●ach time succeeding , hath admired at ? yea , since the world thou didst for s●●ning , drowne , why should such mercy to thi● land be showne ? if thou a piou● king to them ●ast given , what loseth be , if then from thence to heav'n translate him shall ? from earthly crownes , to weare those wreathes of glory that immortall are ? and from a froward people , to have place with angells , and there triumph in thy grace ? if any man be found observing thee , to him what discontentment can it be to view my hand prevailing over those who me in my proceedings did oppose ? and see those tyrants ruin'd , who have long committed violence , and offred wrong to him , and his ? what b●rme hath he i pray , to passe through all that sorrow in one day , and in thy blessed pres●nce to appeare , who else might here have lingred many a yeare ? of what can he complaine , if being borne above the reach of ev'ry future scorne , within thy heav'nly mansion , he possesse a perfect , and an endlesse happinesse ? why may not ivstice glorifie ●hy name , as well as mercy can extoll the same ? why should thy former favours , being lost , oblige thee to defray a future cost on prodigals , and vnthrifts , who had rather live swineherds , than returne to th●e their father ? why may not that reproach d●verted be , which irreligious men will cast on thee although thou spare not hypocrites ; and them who are the causers that thy foes blaspheme ? what disadvantage can their fall effect to thy pure honour ? or , to thine elect , which may not be prevented ( if thou ●lease ) although thou be not mer●ifull to these ? sure , none at all : and , therefore , i will stay my hand no longer ; but breake off delay . thy sword and ballance , are with me in trust ; to punish sin , i know it to be just ; they both arraigned , and condemned are ; my warrant● , in thy written word appea●e : their crimes , for vengeance , loudly crying ●e : thy iudgements , ready mustred are , by ●hee : thine eye doth speake unto me to be gone ; and , loe ; i flye to see thy pleasure done . as when a mother on a sudden hearing her babe to shrieke , ( and some disaster fearing that may befall ●he childe ) starts up and flyes to see the reason of her infants cries : so quick , was ivstice ; & e're now , had brought her work , to something ; and , this land , to nought . ●ut , to prevent her purpose , mercie cast her arme about that angry virgins waste ▪ look'd sadly on her ; hung about her ; kist her , and ( weeping in her bosome ) said , sweet sister , i pray thee , doe not thus impatient grow , nor prosecute deserved vengeance , so . thou art most beautifull ; sincerely just ; most perf●ctly upright in all thou dost ; for which ●h●ne excellency , and p●rfection , i love thee with an excel●ent a●●ection . and though thou frownest ; yet thy frownings be so lovely , that i cannot part ●rom thee . what though some worldlings offer thee disgraces ▪ sh●ll they ( sweet heart ) make loathed my embraces ? shall thou , and i , ( who near●r are then twinnes ) fall out , o● be divorced by their sinnes ? oh never l●t it said , or mutt red be , that we in any thing can disagr●e . for what 's more lo●ely , or more sweet then thi● , that we each other may embrace and kisse ? and by our mutuall workings , and agreeings , bri●g all gods creatures to their perfect beings . belee●e me ( deare ) heav'n doth not comprehend that pleasure , which this pleasure doth transcend : nor is our father better pleas'd in us , then when he sees our armes emwined , thus . for should we jarre , the world would be undone , and heav'n , and earth , into a chaos runne . what profit can it bring , or what content , to see a kingdome miserably rent , with manifold afflictions ? what great good to us redoundeth by the death , or b●ood of any màn ? what honour can we have ? what praise , from those that in the silent gra●e lye raked up in ruines dead and rotten ? or in the land where all things are forgotten ? seeke not thy glory by their overthrow , that are pursued by too strong a f●e , and over-match'd already ; thinke upon the pow'rfull hate of that malicious one. rem●mber they were f●amed of the dust ; and that to cl●y againe returne they must . when they are dead they passe away for ever , ev'n as that vapour which returneth never . oh ; make them not the butt of thy displeasure , nor give them of gods wrath the fullest measure . i grant this realme is sinfull ; but , what hath that realme , or people equalling thy wrath ? t' is honourable , when we stoope below our selves ; that love or favour we may show ▪ or to correct , with purpose to amend : but if with such we foe-like should contend ▪ it would appeare , as if some empery did arme it selfe , to combat with a fly. when we correction , or forgivenesse daigne , we may correct them , or forgive againe : but in destroying quite , our selves we wound , and to our infinitenesse , set a bound ; for ivstice neither mercy can have pl●ce ▪ in subjects , which we totally deface . we must not seeke for purity divine in dust and ashes ; till we first refine from earthly drosse the gold that we desire , by using of the bellowes and the fire . for till we purge it , what ( alas ) is good , or what can holy be in flesh and blood ? who lookes that figs on thistles should be borne , ●r that sweet grapes should grow upon a thorne ? it cannot be . as therefore hereto●ore god promis●d , ( that he would never more contend with man ) let us resolve the same ; and by some other meanes , their wildenesse tam● . keepe , yet a while , this army where it is ▪ and let us try to mend what is amisse , ( as erst we did ) by sending jointly thither , our favours , and corrections , both together : and if they profit not , there is a day in which thine indi●nation shall have way . as when a father , who , in heat of wrath to give a son correction purpos'd hath , enraged is , untill his lovely wife doth interpo●e her selfe with friendly strife ; but ( pleased in the sweetnesse of her speech , who to forgive the child doth him beseech ) doth lay aside his whole displeasure , then , and turne his anger into smiles agen ; so , ivstice was by mercy wrought upon : and she that would with so much haste be gone , forgot her speed ; her louing sister ey'd with calmer lookes ; and thus to her reply'd . thou , and thy charmings have prevail'd upon me , and to abate mine anger thou hast wonne me . i ●herefore will not cast my plagues on all , but on worst livers , onely , let them fall . nay , nay , quoth mercie , thou must favour show to most of them , or thou wilt overthrow the lawes of destiny ; and crost will be what god did from eternity decree . for , some of these have not fulfilled yet their sinnes , nor made their number up complete . some , that are wandring in the wayes of folly , shall be regenerated , and made holy . of them some have morality , that may be helpfull to gods childr●n , in their way ; some , must be left , as were the cana'nites , to exercise the faithfull isr'elites ; yea some , have in their loynes a generation vnborne , which must make up the blessed nation . and till that seed bud forth , those trees must s●and , although they grow but to annoy the land. it seemes ( quoth ivstice ) i must then abide , ( however they off●nd ) unsatisfi'd . vns●tisfi'd ( said mercie ) is it that , sweet sister , which your zeale hath aimed at ? then , looke you there . and with that word , her eye she pla●'d on him , who sits in majesty at gods right hand . behold that lambe ( quoth she ) by him thou fully satisfi'd shalt be . he poore was made , that he their debt might pay ; he base became , to take their shame away ; he entred bond , their freedome to procure ; he dangers try'd , their safeties to assure ; he scorned was , their honor to advance ; he seem'd a foole , to helpe their ignorance ; he sin was made , their errors to conceale ; he wounded was , that he th●ir wounds might heale ; he thirsted , that their thirst might have an end ; he wept , that joy their sorrow might attend ; he lost his blood , that they their blood might save ; he dy'd , that they eternall life might have . nor canst thou any for their sins condemne , ( since he hath over-paid the price for them ) if by partic'lar faith they shall apply that pardon , which he granteth gen'rally . and lest to that whole kingdome thou deny it , for want of application , i apply it . vvhy then ( said ivstice ) i may quite dismisse this hoast of plagues whi●h here assembled is . not so , replyed mercie : for no curse is greater , n●r is any mischiefe worse then want of due correction : and if i shoul● yeeld to that , it were not clemency , but cruell dealing ; and my love no other then is the kindnesse of that cock●ing m●ther , who spares the rod ( out of her pure affection ) and sends unto the gallowes for correction : as if she thought her children apt for learning , if they could take a hanging for a warning ▪ i s●eme to cr●sse thy workings , and thou mine , to those that n●●ther know my wayes , nor thi●e : but , is the motions in a clocke doe tend and move together to one purpos'd end , although their wheeles contrary courses go● , and force the even ballance to and f●o . ev'n so , although it may to some appeare , that our proceedings much repugnant are ; yet in our disagreeings , we agree , and helpfull to our chi●fe desi●ne they be ▪ we therefore , from gods a●my will select one regiment , this people to correct . not his that is the generall : for , he resisteth us if he prevail●ng be . nor famine ; for , ( unlesse permit we shall that she devoure , untill we starve up all ) she most unequally consumes the poore , and makes the rich to be enriched more . nor will we send the sword ; for , that makes way for ev'ry plague to follow ; yea , doth lay all open to confusion ; and bestowes the pow'r of god oft times upon his foes . but , we to punish them , will send from hence , the dreadfull , and impartiall pestilence . for , she doth neither ri●h , nor poore preferre ; the foolish , and the wise , are one to her : nor eloquence , nor beauty , nor complexion , prevailes wi●h her ; nor hatred , nor affection . s●e seizeth all alike ; she visiteth the palace , as the cottage ; and with death , or else with sicknesse , strikes at each degree , vnlesse our supersedeas , granted be . by meanes of her , in any state , or city , thou maist avenge , and i may show my pitty with little noise ; and both at once , ●ulfill our wishes , and accompl●sh all our will. for , where a noysome we●d is seene to sprout , she shall , at thy appointment , weed it out . or if a plant , or bud , or flow'r we see , that 's ripe for heav'n , and may impaired be by standing longer ; we the same will gather , to m●ke a precious posie for our father . and , as t●ou hast thy purpose , by their fall . or smart , whom she or wound , or slaught●r shall : right so have i : for , if they wicked are whom she removes ; th● better sh●ll they fare , whose conversations truly honest be ; and from oppression live the longer free . if righteous men this iudgements ●rey become , it is appointed to secure them from some greater plague , which must ( perhaps ) be sent to scourge this kingdome , ere it will repent ; or ( peradventure ) that my hand may take them from earth , the citizens of heav'n to make them : and some , who never e●se on god had thought , shall , ( by her whip ) unto his love be brought . this pleased well , and ivstic● did agree with mercy , that it should all●wed be : and , for the swift ●ulfilling of their minde , the pestilence , by warrant , was assi●n'd great brittan to invade ; and limited where to begin the plague ; how far to spread ; how many she should wound ; how many slay ; how many grieve ; how many fright away ; how long abide ; and when her terme was done , on what conditions ( then ) she must be gone . moreover lest her stroke should not amend u● , gods hoast of plagues had warrant to attend us ; that if the pestilence could not prevaile , another might our wicked land assaile ; and then another , till we did repent , or were consumed in our chastisement . the prince of darknes , ( though he could not gaine permission , fully to unloose his chaine ) his usuall pow'r obtain'd to worke despite on some offenders , and to use the sleight of lying-wonders : or by strong temptation to seize upon the sonnes of reprobation : yea many times to buffet ( for correction ) ev'n those that have the seales of gods electio● . dear●h was commanded , that ( to make us feare a scarceness● ) she should scatter here , and the●e , a floud , or tempest ; and at sometime bring a droughty sum●er , or a frosty spring , or mel-dewes , to remember us , from whom the blessings of a plenteous yeare doe come . warre , ( who had quite forgotten us almost ) injoyned was to sit upon our coast ; to saile about our shore , to view our forts , to visit all our havens , and our ports : and with her dreadfull sounds , to rouze and keepe this kingdome , f●om securities dead sleepe . but was commanded , not to seize a hoofe of what w●s ours , till god hath made a proofe how mollifi'd our stony hearts will be ; what fruits of true repentance he shall see ; what change will be effected in this land , by his correcting us with his owne hand ; and what oblations of true thankes , and love , we render will upon this plagues remove . wherein , if we doe faile his expectation , we shall be made a miserable nation . the sea that now doth close us , like a wall , shall be a sea o● terror ; and it shall let in our foes upon us , or with ●louds o're-flow our borders , and devoure our goods . our wealthy traffiques , and that forraine trade , ( whereby so proud , and wanton we are made ) cut off shall be , and faile in ev'ry coast. our num'rous fle●ts ( whereof so much we boast , ( and , in whole pow'r and mu●titude , i feare ou● trust , and hopes too much reposed are ) by stormes , and piracies , that shall pursue them , or want of meanes , and trading to renue them , shall waste away unheeded ; till we see our ha●mes beyond our meanes of curing be . our h●uses shall by strangers be possessed ; our goodly temples , which , ( as yet ) are blessed with gods t●ue worship , shall be raz'd , or bu●ned , or into dennes of theevery be turned . throughout those champain fields , & forrests , where we hunted for our pleasure ; we by feare shall hunted be : and made a prey for them whom we ( perhaps ) did most of all contemne . our people , ( on whose numbers we presume ) shall by degrees be less●ned , and consume . our nation ( late renowned through the world ) shall be unvalu'd , as old rubbish , hu●l●d in some by-corner , and quite round about us our foes , our neighbo●s , & our friends shal flout us . o●r peace , sh●ll make us but effeminate . our riches , and our plentifull estate , shall but enrich our enemies ; and we ( that of our king so glad , and hopefull be ) shall ( for our sinnes , perchance ) be quite d●prived o● those great comforts , which we have conceived . for , e●●he● god may give an ●ll successe to his be●t counsells , for our f●owardnesse ; or leave us some dist●ustings in our heart , to make us censure in an evill pa●t his gracious purposes ; or give a pow'r to some ill-willers of his peace , and our , to sow the seeds of discord , and divide our heart● , which now so lovingly are ty'd : or let some politician wo●ke upon his goodnesse ; and so cunningly goe on , that he shall n●ver finde , how he , and his are injured , till all things are amisse : which god forbid ; yea , grant ( o lord ) that i in these su●posals may not prophecie ; as ( out of doubt i shall ) if any sin ( that may procure it ) we continue in . yea , though our projects may a while possesse our hearts with flatt'●ing hopes of good successe ; th●ugh in aff●ires of vvarre , and in our fights we thrive a while , as did the benj●mites ; although a league with baalam we began ; and ●erodach the sonne of baladan had sent us presents ; and though he shall seeme to have our health and welfa●e in esteeme ; though to his lords the treasures we declare , which in gods temple here among us are : yea , though we g●ve those holy things , to buy his love , and babylonish amity : it should but linger us along , till they ( who seeke our overthrow ) their snares doe lay ▪ vntill they have enlarg'd their growing pow'rs , and by their policy , befooled ours ; or , till our sinnes , or our securities have ma●e us objects for their tyrannies , and , there enthrall'd us , where long since were hung on willow trees , untuned , and unstrung , the harpes of syon ; and where men contemne the heav'nly sonnets of ierusalem . ev'n this shall be our lot , and worse then this , if we continue still to doe amisse , or bring not forth the fruits of penitence , when god hath scourg'd us by the pestilen●● . but , if that stirre us to repenting shall , he will not onely back againe recall that raging plague , to which he gave such pow'● within our peopled cities to devoure : but , he will also on this realme bestow new benefits , for entertaining so , with lowlinesse , his fatherly correction ; and yeelding him our filiall affection . then , ev'ry one beneath his vine shall si● without disturbance ; and with pleasure eate the profit of his labours . men shall goe in ●afety through ●he kingdome , to , and fro . their lands they shall enjoy in peace ; and weare the warmest fleeces , that their flockes do beare . no sonnes of belial , shall from them divert their princes favour ( in the smallest part ) nor shall seditions lovers draw from him their loyalties , by misinforming them ; but god that blessed union shall maintaine , which ought 'twixt king and people to remain● . he , then , will multiply the fruits encrease ; prese●ve our plenty , sanctifie our peace : and guide by land and sea , our preparations of l●wfull warre , to seize upon those nations that are our foes , and his . which , that he may vouchsafe unto us ; let us ev'ry day produce of thankfulnesse some new effect : let us observe ( with ev'ry due respect ) the progresse of that plague sent lately hither ; how clemency & ivstice came togeth●r ; relating to each other what we saw to kindle love , or keepe our soules in awe ; and so record it , that ( should we be rotten ) it may be still p●eserved unforgotten . for , that we might his honour forth declare , we bo●h created , and preserved were . to such a purpose , i doe thus employ that scorned faculty , which i enjoy ; and ( for the compa●●ing of my intention ) have offr●d up the best of my invention ; and what that is ( to those , who doe regard such paines ) the following cantoes have declar'd behold ( o lord ) my purposes from heav'n , accept of me the gift that thou hast given . permit not those , who spite or malice me , to interrupt my m●se in praising t●ee . let none of those , who finde that i neglect the way to wealth , which th●y ●oo much affect , conceive , that i my time have spent in vaine , because their studies yeeld them greater gaine ; let them perceive , though this endevour brings nor riches , honours , nor esteeme of kings ; but rather wasts my fortunes , and doth more increase my charge , and troubles , then before ; let them ( i say ) conceive , and also know , that i am highly pleas'd , it should be so ; and would not change the bless●ng of my fate with those , whom they doe hold more fortunate . and let not that , which i have here comprised ▪ become ( through my unworthinesse ) despised ; but grant it such a moderate respect , th●t i may see my labours take effect for their enc●uragements , who shall apply to such goode●ds , their gift of poësie ; and let all those , who shall peruse my story ▪ receive some profit , and give thee , the glory . the second canto . our muse defends her lowly stile ; and ( having flowne aside a while ) tells , how the plague first entred here ▪ what meanes to stay it practis'd were . some vulg●r tenets are disputed ; some rectified , some refuted . she from the nature , and the cause , of that disease , conclusions drawes ; declareth how it runnes and creepes , and what un●ertaine paths it keepes : how long strict orders usefull stood ; the fruit of christian neighbourhood ; and many other things , be●wixt these mentioned , are intermixt . she sh●we●h ( also ) meanes assured by which , this mischiefe may be cured ; how to apply that meanes ; how those who use it , should themselves compose ; how violent the plague did grow ; who from it might , or might not goe ; how much t' was feared ; how men fled ; how ill , in flying , many sped ; and lastly ( as occasion moves ) she grieves , she counsells , and reproves . let no fantastique reader now condemne out homely muse , for stooping u●to them , in plaine expressions , and in words , that show we love not , in affected paths , to goe . for , to be understood , is language used ; and speech to other ends as much abused ▪ lines , therefore , over-darke , or over-trimm'd , are like a picture with a visour limm'd ; or like poma●ders of a curious sent , within a painted box that hath no vent ; or like peach-kernels , which , ( to get them forth ) require more cracking , then the fruit is worth . let no man guesse , my measures framed be , that wiser men , my little wit may see ; or that i doe not hold the matter good , which is not more admir'd then understood : for , chiefly , such a subject i desire , and such a plaine expression , to acquire , that ev'ry one my meaning may discerne ; and they be taught , that have most need to learne . it is the usefull matter of my rim●s shall make them live . wo●ds alter as the times : and soonest ●heir fantastique rhetoriques , who trim their poesies with schooleboy-tricks . that , which this age affects , as grave , and wise , th● fo●lowing generation may despise . green●s phr●se , and ●●llie's language were in fashion , and had among the wits much c●mmendation ; but now , another garbe of speech , with us is pri●'d ; and thei●s is thought ridi●ulous ; as ours ( perchance ) will be , whē time ( who changeth things changea●l● ) the present phrase estrangeth . let no m●n therefore dreame , i will bestow my precious time in what will vary so ; since that , which , with most ease i shall produce , may have ( for ought i know ) the longest use . let no man thinke , i 'le racke my memory for pen and-inkehorne-termes , to finifie my blunt invention ; trimming it , as they who make rich clothes but for saint george his day ; when they may be●ter ●heape a suite provide , to fit that feast , and many dayes beside . nor l●t unlearned censurers suppose our muse a course unwarrantable ●oes , in framing objects representative , which may imprint ▪ or in the soule revive , true feelings of that wrath or love , which we in god almighty , by faiths eyes doe see . for , though his holy spirit , when he will , can easily the soule● of mortals fill with heav'nly knowledges , by wayes unseene ; yet , he himselfe hath sometime pleased beene by ou●ward object● to employ the senses , in reaching to the soule some excellencies conceal'd before . yea , many times he suites his deity in our poore attributes ; and ( that our weaknesse he may work upon ) our usuall speech , and passions , he puts on ▪ if so ; then we , that have no other way our hidden apprehensions to conuey from man to man , but by the qu●int creation of some ideaes in our contemplation ; that so the senses may become inclin'd to give some information to the mind : then we ( i say ) whose fluid memories would else let goe our ayrie fantasies , may such a libe●●y with warrant use . and i ( no doubt ) my selfe may well excuse , if other while things bodilesse i cloath with mortall bodies ; and doe give them both our speeches , and our gestures ▪ fo● , by this a dull affection often quickned is . nor thus to doe , are poets onely moved but , these are straines pro●heticall , approved . to say , that god is angry ; or that he will of our wickednesse avenged be ; moves little : but , to paint his fury , so that men the dreadfulnesse thereof may know , as if they s●w it : or his love to make so pleading of our cause , as if it spake ( within our hearing ) with such earnestnesse , as friends would plead for friends in their distress● ; doth much incite the reader to attention , and rouseth up the dullest apprehension . me thinks , i doe , ( as with mine eye ) behold the reall sight of all that i have told : yea , that which i my selfe described here , doth touch mine heart with re●ere●ce , and fea●e . i have perpetuall visions of that rout of plagues , and iud●emen●s , which doe rove about to punish us . and , from that dreadfull hoast i see ( me thinkes ) how to invade our coast , the plague march'd hither , like a regiment that is for services of moment sent from some great armie . and , when i can bend my troubled spirits truly to attend gods iudgements , and his mercies , as they goe their daily progresse ; i can reach unto much pleasing thoughts ; and oftentimes foresee , what his intents , and their even●● will be : for , when mans heart is filled with his feare , the secrets of the lord to him appeare . oh! what rich treasures doth my soule possesse , when i doe contemplate the blessednesse , the wisedome ▪ and the way of god most high ? how farre above my selfe rais'd up am i ? how little want i , ●ha● the world can give ? what heights ascend i ? what huge depths i dive ? how much contemne i dangers here below ? how c●rtaine of gods favours can i grow ? and wi●h what sweetn●sse is my brest inspired , when ( by the heat of contemplation fired ) i sit lock'd up within a lonely roome , whe●e nothing to disturbe my thoughts may come ; and where may enter neither sight , nor notion of any thing , but what may ●●irre devotion ? sure , were it not , that i am cloth'd about with flesh , that doth compell me to come out ; or , knew i not the christian mans estate extend●d ●urther , t●en to contemplate ; or saw not them unthankfully precise , who gods externall blessings quite despise ; or fear'd i not ▪ i never should have union with god , unlesse i were in some communion of saints on earth ; whom i might sharers make of those sweet thoughts of him , which i pa●take ; or , if i doubted not , i might with lot , vpon the daughters of my b●aine begot , commit some spirituall incest , had i none to spend the seed of my full soule upon : or , if i found it not unnaturall , to leape out of the world , till god did call ; and that fantastique wayes of selfe-contenting are but the certaine paths to selfe-tormenting ; if all these things i knew not ; i could bide shut up , untill my flesh we●e mummy-si'd ; and ( though the world should woo me ) would disd●in ( for ever ) to unclose my doore againe . for though ( when i come sorth ) i lose agen my ●aptures ; and have thoughts like other men ; because my nat'rall f●ailties , and the fog of earthly vanities , my soule doth clog : yea , though i can as hardly keepe those firings vnquench'd abroad , which are ( in my retirings inflamed in me ; ) as a naked man retaine that heat upon a ●ountaine can , which in a close warme chamber he retaineth : ye● ( for my comfort ) somewhat still remaineth : and in my recollections i possesse more happinesse , then i can well expresse . i view contentments , which i cannot measure ; i have some tastings of immortall pleasure ; i g●immerings have of hid●en mysteries ; my ●ou●e on glorious things doth fix her eyes : and though some whited walls ( who did attempt to bring my muse and me , unto contempt ) endevour still ( with shewes of pietie ) my best-approved paines to v●l●fie : i can with scorne of their base envy , raise my thoughts above their ignorant dispraise : and pitty their dull sottishnesse , who prize their shadowes better , then real●ties . for i have search'd their folly , and espy'd that they have drown'd their wisdome in their prid● ▪ yea , by their partiall dealings , i now see they judge mens merits , as their titles be : and i have gotten those brave things in chase , that shall advantage me , by my disgrace . when , therefore , by my selfe i am enclosed , and for an heavn'ly rapture , well disposed ; i doe not grudge mine enemies to spue their flanders on my name ; or to pursue my labours with reproach ; nor prey to make on all my fortunes : but all well can take . i doe not then repine , although i see that fooles ennobled , knaves enriched be , and honest men unheeded : but i bide as pleased , as i am at whitsontide , to see faire nymphs in country townes rejected , and sluttish milkmaids by the clownes elected for ladies of the may. and if i chance where any of those hobby horses prance ; i can in sport , or courtesie , bestow those termes upon them , which i doe not owe. for when on contemplations wings i flye , i then o're-looke the highest vanity . i see how base those fooleries do● show , which are a●mired , while i creepe below : and by the brightnesse of a two-fold light ( re●●ecting from gods word to cleare my sight ) faiths objects to her eyes , much plainer are , then those which to my outward ●●ght appeare . my towring soule is winged up , as if she over-flew the top of tenariffe , or some far higher mountaine ; where we may all actions of this lower world survey . i am above the touch of malice borne ; i am beyond the reach of ●v'ry scorne ; and could — but what mean i ? this seems a ●●rai● impertinent ▪ sweet muse , come downe againe ; soare not so high . for in these lofty flights the fooles below , doe thinke our eagles , kites . the world , to flout such raptures now is prone ; i will enjoy them ( therefore ) al● alone : of their unhallow'd censuring take heed , and in my former purpose , thus proceed : when ( as you heard before ) the court of heav'n commission to the pestilence had given to scourge our sinnes , and signed her direction● ▪ she tooke vp all her boxes of infections , her carbuncles , her sores , her spots , her blaines , and ev'ry other thing which appertaines to her contagious practices ; and all her followers she did about her call ; appoint them to their places , and their times , d●rect them to the persons , and the crimes they should correct , and how they should advanc● her maine designement in each circumstance . then , on she marched ; not as doth a foe proclaiming warre , before he strikes the blow ; but like an enemy , who doth surprise vpon the fi●st advantage he espies . for ( passing through the streets of many a towne disguised like a fever ) she , ( unknowne ) stole into london ; and did lu●ke about the well fill'd suburbs ; spread●ng there ( no doubt ) inf●ction unperceiv'd , in many a place before the blea●e ey'd searchers , knew her face ; and since they knew her , they have bribed beene a thous●nd times , to let h●r passe unseene . but at the length , she was discover'd at a frenchmans house without the b●shopsgate . to intimate ( perhap● ) that such as be our spirituall wats●men , should the more foresee that they with d●scipline made strong the ward , which god appointed hath for them to g●ard ; and chiefly , at this present , to have care , lest now , while we , and france un●ted are in bodily commerce ; they bring unto us those plagues which may eternally undoe us . for , such like pestilences soone begin ; and ( ere we be aware ) will enter in , vnlesse our bishops , both betimes , and late , be diligent and watchfull at their gate . as soone , as e're the women-spyes descry'd , this foe about the city to reside ; there was a loud all-arme . the countrimen began to wish themselves at home agen . the citizens were gen'rally appal●'d ; the senators themselves to counsell call'd ; and all ( who might advise in such a case ) assembled in their common meeting place ; where , what discretion publikely was used ; what was admitted of , and what refused ; what policies , and stratagems invented ; that mischiefes , comming on , might be prevented , i cannot say : for i had never wit , nor wealth enough , to sit in counsell , yet . b●● if to judge of things it lawfull were by ●hei● events ; the propositions there were such as these . most thought the surest play to save their persons , was , to runne away ; but lest some higher pow'r might then forbid it , they did not pu●lish that , b●fore they did it . some urged , that the scav●nger should keepe the s●reet● more cleane , and oft the channell sweep ; some thought it fit , ( and these no harme did thinke ) that ev'ry morning we should eate , and drinke . some ( to allay the heat ) did hold it meet to sprinkle water often in the street . some did a little further nat'●allize , and these unto the ayre would sacrifize ( in evening fires ) pure f●ankincense or myrrhe , sweet herbes , or odorif'rous iuniper ; or ( for default of those ) pitch , rosin , tarre ▪ and such perfumings as lesse costly are . for if the heart and liver of a fish ( burnt by yo●ng tobit in a chafind●●h ) a spirit from his chamber could expell ▪ they hoped these might purge ill ayres , as well : some others ( not contented herewi●hall ) did into consultation also call the p●iests of ae●culapius , and apollo ; and held it fit their grave advice to follow : nor without cause . for , from the wise physitia● we best sha●l know this enemies condition . and some there were of those , who did advise not onely to assume those remedies which art prescrib'd ▪ but also therewithall observed what was m●taphy●●call . yea , some s●ncerely , and religiously vpon the soules infection had an eye , as well as on the bo●ies : and th●se went the surest way that sicknesse to prevent . but there were others , who derided these , and talked heath'nish●y of this disease . they prated much of humours , incl●nations ▪ conjunction , planetary constellations ; of nat'rall causes , unbeleeved fictions ; impostures , fables , and meere contradictions in th●t phil●sophy , which they professe : vvhich fill'd mens mindes with much unsetlednesse . yet in their disagreeings , they agree'd on that which might their common profit breed ▪ one had a rare perfume of speciall note ; another had a precious antidote , vvhich at constantinople had been tride vvhen there two thousand on a day have di'de . a third , prefert'd a mixture in a bag , of whose large vertues he did largely brag , and said , the same they doe in plague times , weare at rome , ( and so i think when he was there . ) a fourth , by diets , safety did assure . a fifth , by drinkes , the pestilence would cure . a sixth of cordials , and elixars prates ; and some of treacles , and of mithridates . to offer up a portion of the blood ( to save the rest ) for some , it seemed good . for other some to purge : for all to take such meanes as might their purses heavie make . they to the rich prescrib'd preservatives on costly termes : and , to prolong the lives of poorer men , their consciences abated the value much : for , health , to them was rated at some few handfuls of that herbe or grasse , which to be gotten ▪ for the gathering was . this being knowne , the senators dismisse those men ; and by advice it ordered is , that some instructions shall be published , to further what was gravely counselled . moreover , that their discipline might cary some likenesse to proceedings military , a band of ha●be●●s , mustred was , to guard the people from the plague , in ev'ry ward . and , if they found , by serious inquisition , ( or , had but any probable suspition ) where lodg'd it was ( although but for a night ) that host , exiled was from publike sight ; close pris'ner him they kept bo●h night and day , as one that els● their citie might betray . and , to compell that his unwelcome guest should keepe wi●hin ; his doo●e was crost , and blest : and many vvatchmen , strengthned by command , did round about his dwelling , armed stand . i doe not thus expresse , or mention this , as if i thought those orders were amisse : but , that i might , hereby , the better show what miseries , attended on this foe ; and , that this malady , on us did ce●ze , with circumstances , worse then the disease . my muse inspires not me so foolishly , that i all naturall causes doe deny . i doe not thinke , but to this pest●lence , the constellations , by their influence might somewhat adde : and that corrupted ayre , might helpe our healthy being to impaire . i hold , that diets , meats , complexions , passions , with such as these , and all their mitigations , may helpe or hinder much in such diseases as we endeavor shall ; and as god pleases . nor doe i flout the wisedome , or the paine of those who s●ught this mi●chiefe to restraine : nor blame i their much diligence , or care ; but praise it ; and could wish it doubled were ; w●●h som● such observ●tion● , as would make their practices , the mor● successe to t●ke ; and that their naturall meanes had hallowed bin , with so much fait● , and penitence ▪ for sin , as might hav● brought more workes of piety , to san●tifie their outward poluy fo● those dull n●turalists , who think , this foe , doth by meere nat'●all causes ▪ come o● goe , are much deceiv'd ▪ yea , in their he●rts , they say , there is no god , how ●ver gl●ze they may : and as their cogitation● are unholy , so is their seeming wisedome ▪ sottish folly . they are the base conjunctions , and aspects of sin , that this our climate , so infects ; and neither constellations , nor the weather : for , then we had beene po●s'ned all together , by this contagion ; and had breath'd the longer or shorter while , as nature had beene stronger , or weaker in us nothing had beene free , but birds and beasts had dy'd as well a● we ; and this disease had seiz'd on ev'ry creature or more or lesse , as it partakes our nature : it was no n●ysome ayre , no ●ewre , or stinke , which brought this death , as most among us thinke , for , then those places where ill smells abound , had more infectious at that time beene found , then we perceive they were ; yea , this disease , on ev'ry person delicate , would seize , without exception . and where savours ill still bide , the plague should there continue still : then , if they brought the same , they sure feed it , and , keepe it alwayes there , as well as breed it . which god ●orbid ; and ●each us to discerne his providence , and what thereby to learne . vaine thoughts have also they , who credit can that , this infirmity , at first , began , by meanes of populousnesse . for , were it so ; some courts and allies , many yeares agoe , had beene infected : and , th●se places , where throng'd up together , greatest numbers are ; from visitation , had not free remained , when open streets , and borroughs have complained ▪ and , let them not beleeve their fallacy , because great cities , have most frequently , this fearfull sicknesse , or , afflicted be , when little townes and villages , are free . for , as there is in great and popular places , more sin , and more abundance of gods graces : so , it is just ▪ that thither should be sent the greater measure of his chastisement , that so , their eminen●e , might shew abroad , as well the iustice , as the love of god ; whose iudgements being laid on townes obscure , might small respect , and lesse effect procure . as ignorant as these , i reckon those , who this disease , infectious doe suppose to ev'ry one : and , them , who credit not that sicknesse , by infection may be got : for , these opinions can have no defence ; since both will false be found , in common sense . for , if we say , this plague infects not any , how commeth it , we daily see so many consum'd beneath one roofe in little space ? how comes it , that it creeps from place to place , so orderly , as oftentimes we see , in some close lane o● street ? how may it be that twenty villages ( far distant from infected places ) tainted should become within some few dayes after their arriving who in contageous places had their living ? none being there , before they came , infected , nor any such disease neare-hand suspected ? how comes all this , unlesse the malad●e , hath in it selfe , as had the l●prosie , a spreading nature , and envenom'd that which of her poison can participate ? beleeve it ; as the violet , or rose , ( with pure and pleasing sweetnesse ) where it grow●s perfumes the aire , and sendeth odours out , which keepe a certaine distance there-about ; and , more or lesse , affect the passers-by , as they have more or lesse capacity in smelling them ; or , as the calmed aire , is either , more or lesse , corrupt or faire : right so , this plague , ev'n naturally affects a space of aire about it ; and infects , ( at such or such a distance ) ev'ry one , as he hath weaknesses , to worke upon : unlesse , that her malignitie be staid by naturall meanes , or powre divine alaid . and yet , a false position make they shall who thence infer , the plague infecteth all , who breathe her tainted aire . for , how did they escape it ●hen , who long time , night and day in places of infection were detain'd ? and in the bosome of this pest●emain'd ●emain'd , ev'n whe●e they often had their eares and eyes , affronted , by the sad aspect , and cries , of death and dying men ? how scaped he that in the church , obliged was to be among infectious people ; and to speake till tired were his lungs ; and spirits weake ? ev'n when the peoples , thronging , and their heat did vapour up their breathings , and their sweat for him to swallow ? what preserv'd the clarkes , the sextens , searchers , keepers , and those sharks , the shamelesse bearers ? ( who were nigh become , a rout too bad , to picke out hangmen , from ? ) how scap't the surgeon , that oft puts his head within the steame of an infectious bed ▪ and , ev'ry day doth handle , search , and dresse , those biles , that over-flow with rottennesse ? or ( which is more ) how scapt those babes , the pest , that were not only weake , but suckt the brest of mothers deadly sicke , when they did weare those noisome blaines , that most infectious are ? this often chanceth . yea , this hath beene seene when on the ve●y brest , the sore hath beene . nay , i have heard ( by credible relation ) that neare to stra●ford-bow , this visitation , a little infant was preserv'd alive , who sucked on the dying brests of five . how this may be i know not ; if i shall conclude with some , this plague hath powre on al● nor can i finde a reason how it stinted , or how our totall ruine was prevented . for , when it was at height ; and when appear'd , most causes , that infection should be fear'd ; then , no man was confined , as before : no bill , or crosse , was fixt on any doore ; we visited the sicke ; we shunned neither the place nor person ; but met all together . yet then , and ( let us marke it ) not till then , this plague , her fury did abate agen ; and constantly abate , though most refused to keepe such orders , as at first were used . which manifest●th well , that ( howsoe're malignant in it selfe , the ●est appeare ) gods hand restraines it ; many a man protecting immediately : some , mediately directing to such , or such a meanes of preservation , that they might honour him in their salvation ▪ and , as he striketh some , that men might feare his iustice : so , he other some doth spare , that they might love his mercies ; and perceive that he can at his pleasure take , and leave . for , if god saved none ; some athe'st , would not make doubt , perhaps , to publish that he could not ; and , scarce one man would be so neighbourly , to helpe his brother in this malady . which charity to further ( and to shew how safely , men their callings may pursue in ev'ry danger ) we have had , this yeare , of gods great providence , faire token , here . for , 't is observ'd , that he hath few destroy'd who were in this mortality employ'd about those offices , which have to us ( in common sense ) appear'd most dangerous . few sextons , and few surgeons have miscari'd , who in their callings at this want have tary'd . and of those market-folks ▪ who at our need brought in provisions , this weake place to feed , i cannot heare of one , who did become infected ; or , who brought infection home . ev'n in that parish where i did abi●e ; and where , nigh halfe a thousand , weekly dy'd ) not one of all that number perished , that were the common bearers of the dead . but , though from midnight , till the break of day , they did infectious ca●kasses convay from sickly dwellings , to those pits of death , which breathed out a most contagious breath , with life and health , their service , god rewarded ; ev'n though the most of them nought else regarded , but that base gaine which might their want supply , or feed them in some wicked vanity . how then , can we , that of this favour heare , from any lawfull action flye through feare ? or doubt of gods protection , when we make a dangerous attempt , for conscience sake ? and know , beside , that what we ●●rive to do , we are both called , and oblig'd unto ? moreover , since the latter sort here named , are ( for the greater part ) in life defamed ; such , who their needfull offices abused ; such , who nor outward meanes , nor inward used ; to keep their healths ( but , grew the bolder in the practices of ev'ry kind of sin ) such , whom gods iudgements stupified more , and made far harder hearted , then before . since those ( i say ) of such condition were , and yet preserved in their callings , here : for what good use i pray can we suppose those men were so preserved ; but that those who truly seeke gods glory in their stay , might have the more assurance in their way ? and know , that if to such god please to give this mortall life , they shall much rather live ; or else ( which is far better ) if they dye , obtaine a life , with immortality . some wiseman-woud-be , now , perhaps , will prate that this is claphamnisme : and , that the state ( in her good policies to stop the breach of this g●eat plague ) is wrong'd by what i teach ? but , rather they injurious are to me who so affirme ; and vaine their cavils be . for , though to shew the powre divine the more , our muse declares , by what is gone before , that gods owne hand , our citie did preserve , when we scarce mea●es , or order , did observe . let no man gather thence , that we maintaine , all mean●s ▪ or civill orders to be vaine . for , of selfe-murther that man guiltie dies , who , meanes of health doth wilfully despise . yea , doubtl●sse , there belongs a curse to them , that orderly proceedings doe contemne . and , whereas we our orders did transgresse , it was necessitie , not wilfulnesse , that u●ged it ; because , our common woe , did far●● beyond the powre o● o●d●r , goe . at rising of the ●loud we made a bay ; but , at the height , it carri'd all away . in humane policie , we s●w no hope . but , as the stones and timbers whi●h doe stop a breach at first ; when all is drowned o're , doe nothing else , but make the waters rore : so , when our sicknesse , and our poverty , had greater wants than we could well supply , strict orders did but more enrage our griefe , and , hinder in accomplishing releefe . had ev'ry house beene lockt which we suppos'd to stand infected , few had beene unclos'd , yea , our fi●st orders had we still observ'd , the healthie housholds would not halfe have serv'd to keepe the sicke . and who should then have heeded our private cares ? or got us that we needed ? as long as from each other , we ref●ain'd , we greater sorrowes ev'ry day sustain'd : yea , whilst for none , but for ou● selves we car'd , our brethren perisht , and the worse we far'd . this made us from our policies appeale , and meete in love , each others wounds to he●le . this , made vs from our civill orders flie , to make more practise of our charitie . and hereunto , pe●haps , compell'd were we , by meere necessitie , to l●t us see experiments , of that unmatched good , which flowe●h from a christian neighbourh●od ▪ and learne what publike , and what pr●vate case it bringeth in a g●nerall dise●se : and how it may a common-wealth sustaine when carnall wisdome , and selfe-love are vaine ▪ o● , we perchance from vulgar helpes were driven , lest overmuch assurance might be given to outward meanes : or , lest we us'd them so , as if gods powre were chained thereunto . o● else , it was permitted , to d●clare that fruitlesse all our best endevours are . without his blessing : that , no creatures have a vertue to preserve till he will save : that , his immediate powre must countermand , when any plague hath got an upper hand : and , that , such mercy showne in s●ch distresse , might binde us to the greater thankfulnesse . but , lest what here precedeth hath not showne my purpose fully ; be it also knowne , that to restraine , or spurre the pestilence , there is both supernat'rall providence and causes naturall . the first of these can worke without the later , if it please . the later cannot any thing effect , but , as the former shall the same direct . and , though in ev'ry sicknesse , thus it is , yet , such hid properties are found in this , such oppositions in the naturall causes , such knots , and riddles ; that it much amazes the naturall man : because he seldome findes ( as he perceives in griefes of other kindes ) the causes and effects agree together ; for , there is much uncertainty in either . on some , this plague doth steale insensib●y , their muddy nature , stirring secretly to their destruction . some , it striketh so , as if a mortall hand had with a blow arrested them ; and on their flesh hath seene a palmes impression , to appearance , beene . one m●n is faint , weake , sickly , full of feare , and drawes his breath where st●ongst infections are , yet scapes with life . another man is young , light-hearted , healthy , stout , well-temper'd , strong , and lives in wholesome ayre , yet gets a fit of this land cale●ture , and dies of it . some are tormented by it , till we s●e their veines and sinewes almost broken be , the very soule distracted , sense bereft , and scarce the smallest hope of scaping le●t , yet soone recover . othersome , againe fall suddenly ; or feele so little paine when they are seized , that they breathlesse lye , e're any dying symptomes , we ●spy . on some , an endlesse drowsinesse doth creep● : some others , cannot get one winke of sleepe . this , useth ev'ry day preservatives , yet dies : another taketh none , yet lives . ev'n thus vncertainly this sicknesse playes ; spares , wounds , and killeth , many sev'rall wayes . from this experience , let us not conclude , as many doe among the multitude , who misconceiving ( to no small offence ) the doctrine of eternall providence , ( who from the truth of sober knowledge wandring , and gods decrees , and iustice also slandring ) doe so necessitate the fate of man , that , whatsoever he endevour can , his paines is lost ; and that foredoom'd , he must at this or that set moment turne to dust : and that no industry , no innocence , no wilfull carelesnesse , or foule offence , n●r any humane actions helpfull be to life or death , but meerly gods de●ree . ev'n such there be . and , howsoever they preach faith , or workes , in show , yet , th●y denay the pow'r of both ; and secretly maintaine , ( by consequence at least ) that meanes are vaine . for , they affirme that ev'ry thing men doe , they are by god predestinated to before all worlds ; so , that our pow'r , or will , affecteth ; not effecteth good , or ill ; and that we are by doome inevi●able in ev'ry kind of action made unable . which tenet , seemeth rather to arise from those , who write of heathnish des●inies , then from a christian. for , though true it be , that , god almighty , all things doth foresee , and order so , and so dispose of things , that , to perfection his owne worke he brings , in spight of satan , and of every deed that may from his malignant brood proceed : yet , they have actions naturally their owne , which god permits . he likewise hath bestowne on us that are his children , grace , and powres , good actions to performe , which we call ours by gods free gift . moreover , he doth please to promise blisse , or threaten plagues , for these , according to their natures ; that each one may heed the be●ter , what is to be done : be stirred up to put good workes in use , or else be left at last without excuse . for ▪ though i am assured we possesse , by nature , no inherent righteousnesse ; i , naithelesse beleeve that ev'ry one ( whose being , first , from adams loines begun ) received since our universall fall one talent , at the least , to worke withall , with so much powre of working also , that we may and should with god cooperate . as adam all men did of life deprive ; ev'n so by christ , were all men made alive : yea , ev'n as moses did not let remaine one hoofe in aegypt which did appe●taine to isr'ell ; so beleeve i that not one ▪ was left unransom'd by gods only sonne : but that all through the sea of bloud d●d come , as well those other who doe wander from truths path in this lifes wildernesse ; as they who come within the land of promise may . and , though like him , who impudently , laid injustice to his masters charge , and said ; he reaped where he sow'd not , though , i say ; there want not some among us , at this day , who like to him , doe most unthankfully this grace of god in iesvs christ deny ; ( affirming , that he some injoynes unto much more , than he did give them power to ) our maker unto ev'ry soule that lives , so much by vertue of christs passion gives , that whosoever falleth , fal●s not by anothers , but his owne iniquitie ; and , by his actuall crimes , makes unforgiven that debt originall which was made even by his redeemer , who , that , backe will have , ( if we abuse it ) which at first he gave . who ev'r wants powre to doe what god doth bid , lost in himselfe , that pow●e as adam did : yet , we that have it , neither had that powre , no● keepe it can , by any strength of our ; but by his holy spi●it , who hath taught that path of life wherein to walke we ought . and , this is such a mystery , that some which thinke they s●e , are blinde therein become ▪ our guiltie soules and bodies were bereft of all good faculties , and had not left so much as will , much lesse the powre to doe what soule or b●d●es health conduced to . their guilt christ from them tooke ; and by his might depraved nature so much sets to right , that unto ev'ry soule , he gives the will which adam had , of chusing good or ill . and then both life and death , he doth propose before them so , that either may be chose . to them , whom in his church he doth afford to live past child-hood , he doth by his word ( and by no other meanes ) this tender make . with infants , and with heathens , he may take some other course . but , surely , when , or how he that effects ; concernes not us to know . when god doth make this tender ( which is then when he doth please , and no man knoweth when ) if any soule by sathans guile doth chuse , what gods good spirit moves her to refuse , she , then , to put in action doth begin the haynous and impardonable sin against the holy ghost ( which f●arfull crime is made apparant to the world , in time , or more or lesse , by outward actions here , as god shall please to let the same appeare ) and , after this refusall , ev'ry thing , which doth encrease of grace , to others , bring , doth make her grow more senselesse of her state , or else enrage , or make her desperate . and , her freewill , in adam lost before , is lost againe , by her , for evermore . but , if she chuseth as the spirit move●h , the lord , this soule , without repenting loveth ; in her , preserving such affections still , and such a portion of her first freewill , that though the frailties of her flesh doe seeme to choake them often , in the worlds esteeme ; ( and sometime in her owne ) yet she for ever doth in her motion towards god persever , till she arive in him . nor doth she cease of pious workes , her number to encrease : but labours for assurance in election , by reaching ev'ry day at more perfection . an● , far is it from god to take away the guerdon of our faith ; or to denay what he did by his covenant , ordaine , to be the wages of our christian paine : or to command us what should profit nought ; or , to neglect the workes that we have wrought . for , since god heeds those things that are so small , as birds alightings , and as haires that fall ; makes use of ev'ry circumstance , and chai●es ( to further those maine ends which he ordaines ) ten thousand little trifling things together ; not one omitting , none displacing neither , which may be pertinent his ends to fu●ther , or to effect them , in their timely order . how could so fond a crotchet be devised , that god our serioust actions hath despised ? or , that by his foreknowledge , or decree , our deeds should all annihilated be ? or , that he should so oft incite us to what he had giv'n to man , no pow'r to doe ? i dare not venture upon their distractions , who search the order of eternall actions ; nor doe i further seeke what god foreknowes , then he within his word revealed showes ; nor will i ever strive to pry into his hidden couns●lls , as too many doe : but their unwarrantable paths eschewing , and , gods disclosed purposes pursuing , search onely for the knowledge of those things which an effecting of his pleasure brings . since , if i follow them , it cannot be that he would purpose any harme to me ; or in his secret counsell ought ordaine to make his publi●e will to be in vaine . for , though , when abram , isa'k thought to kill , god's hidden purpose , and revealed will did seeme to crosse each other ( and when he did threaten niniveh destroy'd should be ) yet , they appeare not opposite to those whose faith , such holy secrets can disclose . or were it so ; from acts particular none should conclusions generall inferre . god neuer said , as yet , that i could heare , man , such a day shall perish , howsoe're by faithfull workes for safety he endeauour . but , all his promises and threatnings , euer were made conditionall ; and haue fore-spoken our life , or death , as they are kept , or broken . nor is this any barre , or contradiction to gods free grace ; or to his firme election , or never-ending loue. nor helpes it those who , perseverance of the saints , oppose : but , rather , maketh all those doctrines good . yea , being rightly weigh'd and understood , gods iustice , and his mercy it unites , whom mens blind cavills haue made opposites . god knew the doome , and date of adams crime , yet , he did fore-expresse no certaine time ; but , speaking of it , spake indefinitely , and said , that d●y thou sinnest , thou shalt dye . and sure , of all mens deaths ( who e're gaine saies ) it is their sinne that setteth downe the daies . for , till transgression forfeited our breath , there was no peremptory day of death . and , in affirming , where gods word is mute , it is presumption , to be absolute . doe this , saith god , and liue ; doe that and perish . yet some , whose overfights too many cherish , dare contradict it ; and affirme that wee good , bad , dead , liuing , damned , saued be eu'n from eternity , without respects , to any causes , or to their effects . and these imply , that ( whatsoe're we doe , or leaue vndone ) god fore-appoints us to a certaine doome ; which we shall striue in vaine , with all our strength , to shunne ▪ or to obtaine . and wherefore then did god his gospell send ? why doth his word exhort vs to amend ? why doth he ●id vs , this , or that to shunne ? why hath he charged some things to be done ? if he no power hath giuen , or else by fate disableth all men to cooperate ? and leaues them neither good nor ill to doe but what he fore-decreed long agoe ? why threats he stripes ? why promiseth reward ? if there be no compassion , no regard , nor meed for what is done . and what i pray is all religion , if these truth doe say ? i know god reprobates ▪ and doth foresee before all worlds , who reprobates will be . but , none he forceth to be so accurst , saue those who haue his grace rejected first ▪ and vnto those , indeed , he powre denies to worke his will , because they did despise his profered love ; and just it is in him , to make them blinde , who did the light contemne . he doth eternally abhorre the crime ; but he the persons reprobates in time . and none doth chuse , or personally reject ( what ever some conceive ) but with respect vnto his covenant ; which hath implide something to be perform'd on either side . for , were it so , that god hath fore-decreed what should befall unto us without heed to any covenant ; and bar'd salvation , by an eternall doome of r●probation , ( in such like manner as the fantasies of some ( not well advisedly ) devise ) what compasse we by striving therewithall ▪ why spend we time , in rising up to fall ? why linger we to act so many crimes ? to suffer over griefe so many times ? and live so many sev'rall deaths to taste , to be nor worse , nor better at the last ? or wherefore have we prayed , since we know what must be , must be , though we pray not so ? i might be thought o're bitter , if as they i should interrogate , who sharply say ; why doe not these , who this opinion hold , goe hang themselves before that they are old ? or in their gardens , timon like , erect faire gibbets for the schollers of their sect ? what tends their life unto ? why should not they refuse to eate and drinke ; and , wisely , say , " god , for our end , a certaine day hath set , " which we shall reach , although we taste no meat . why doe they shun a danger in the street , since they shall live their time , what e're they meet ? if they to any place , desire to goe , why trouble they their feet to helpe thereto ? since they are sure , that if decreed it were they should come thither , they their paines may spare ? if thus i should have said , some men would deeme me to be more bitter then did well beseeme me : for , i confesse that on the quick they grated , who in this manner have expostulated . and i forbeare it . yet , this generation hath some who need this tart expostulation ; with whom loud noises more prevaile by far , then doe those proofes , that faiths and reasons are . i know to these objections , most replies ; i know their strength , and where their weaknesse lies ; i know what holy scriptures , men mistake , which proofes of their assertions seeme to make : i know , how they their arguments mis-lay , from that of esau , and the potters clay : i know what times and termes they misconceive , and wherewithall themselves they doe deceive . i know with what nick-names of heresie , some readers will for this my muse belye ; and that nor they , who call'd armini●ns be , nor they who reprehend them , will with me be friends for this ; for neither those nor these am i desirous to offend or please . but to uphold the truth , which is bely'd ▪ injuriously by most of either side . i know their spight , their vineger , their gall ; i know what spirit most are led withall who spread the doctrines which i have reproved , and know such reason nev●r to be moved , with favour to them that i dare to say , it is the nearest and the straightest way to all prophanenesse . it the b●idle gives to ●arnall liberties , and makes the lives and hearts of many men so voyd of care : from hence distractions ; hence despairings are . hence mischiefes ; hence selfe murthers doe arise ; hence is it that such multitudes despise good discipline : yea , this contemned makes the life of fai●h , if once it rooting takes : disableth pious practices outright ▪ and where it roots , destroyes religion quite . let no man then admit into his thought , that god almighty hath decreed ought which on his iustice may infringement bring , or on his mercy in the smallest thing : or that his wisedome any thing ordaines without the meanes which thereunto pertaines : or thinke , because our sinne he doth permit that therefore he necessitateth it : or that he wills those errours he foresees , as he the workes of righteousnesse decrees : or , that our humane actions cyphe●s are : or , that within this world there ever were or shall , those persons be , whom god will call vnto account , untill he giue them shall , at least , one talent , which may serue vnto the working of that worke he bids them doe . let no man dreame these dreames ; nor censure this , till he hath well consider'd what that is which i deliuer . for in this darke way , our learnedst clerkes doe sometimes runne astray . nor let them thinke that i concurre with all , who in appearance hold this tenet shall : or that i differ from all men that may in termes dissent from what i seeme to say . for they that in expression disagree in one well-meaning , oft united be . and either ( if that they in loue contend ) shall then at length , obtaine their wished end . oh! labour this , all you that would be thought gods glo●y in your studies to haue sought ; that though offences come , they may not moue disunion ; but gods worthy ones approve . and let us with a true sobriety , so heed his actions of eternitie , that we may see in them a boundlesnesse , beyond our humane wisdome to expresse ; leave quarrelling about his waies unknowne , and take more heed here after to our owne . for , though god pleaseth , other while , to use our vulgar termes , some notions to infuse of his eternall workings , and apply his deeds that way , to our capacity , disclosing them unto us one by one , as if at severall times they had beene done , ( be●ause our shallownesse no meanes can find to entertaine them in their proper kinde ) and though ( respecting us who temp'ral be ) wee say , that god almighty doth fores●e , foreknow us , and pr●destinate ; yet sure , his essence no such termes can well endure in proper sense ; because with him , no doome , word , thought , or act , is passed , or to come . but all things present . yea , all times , and all those things which wee by severall names doe call , our birth● , our lives , our deaths , and our saluations , our free-el●ctions , and pr●d●stinations , are all at once with god , without foreseeing ; eu'n all in one-eternall-present-being . which few observing , many men have thought that gods et●rnall actions should be wrought like ours in time , which is , as if they should endeavour how the world they might enfold within a nut-shell . and while thus men strive ( according to their fancies ) to contrive an order in gods workings , they mistake them blasphemously , and orderlesse doe make them . yea , to define his actions , they neglect that part which is their duty to effect ; themselves and others losing in a path which neither profit , end , nor safety hath ; and , by disputing what from us is hidden , disturb the doing that which god hath bidden : i have digrest enough ; and some there are who think , perhaps , that i have gone too farre . yet , let it not be judg'd impertinent , that i have so pursu'd this argument . for , want of minding what is here rehearsed , hath often times the pestilence dispersed . yea , some who fondly said , that ev'ry man shall live his time decreed , do what he can ; and that each one at his fixt houre shall dye , 'gainst which he seeks in vaine , a remedy : ev'n these , made much good means of health neglected ▪ much wise and wholsome counsell be rejected ; and caused , oft , in this our common wo , that death was brought and caried , to and fro . but , lest in chasing them , i run astray ; i le prosecute againe my purpos'd way . the pestilence doth show her selfe inclin'd so variously , she cannot be defin'd . she neither certaine forme , nor habit wears , but , partly metaphysicall appears , and partly naturall . she oft may cary her progresse on , by meanes that 's ordinary ; but , rarely doth begin , or end her arrant , save by an extraordinary warrant . it doth infect , and it infecteth not . it is an arrow which is often shot by gods owne hand , from his far-striking bow ▪ without the help of any meanes below . it is gods angel , which to death can smite , miraculously , an army in a night . it is a rationall disease , which can pick , with discretion , here and there a man ; and passe o're those , who either marked are for mercy ; or , a greater plague to beare . we see , it suting hath to natures lawes , a nat'rall motion , and a nat'rall cause ; for , as a fire among great buildings throwne , burnes ●imber , melteth metall , cracketh stone , defaceth statues , makes moist places dry , the vaults below to sweat , the tyles to flye and manifests his force , in sev'rall kindes , according to the objects which he findes : so , hath the pestilence a nat'rall pow'r to ha●den , fright , end●nger , or devou●e , ( and divers other changes to procu●e ) as she doth find a sev'rall temp'rature in mind or body , fitting the rejection . or for the entertainment of infection . these things consider'd . they who shall desire to scape from this contagion , must acquire a double ward ▪ for , doubtlesse , there is none that can resist it with one guard alone . in times of danger , vainly we presume vpon our iv'●y boxes of perfume . to little purpose , we defend our noses , with wormwood , rue , or with our radeliffe posies of tarred ropes . small warrant for our lives , are all such bodily preservatives , as cordiall waters , gums , herbes , plants , and rootes , our simple or compounded antidotes . our boezar-stone ; our med'cines chymicall ; or , that high-p●ized iewell wherewithall , for horne of v●icorne , men cheated are : or , those unhallowed charmes , which many weare . for , these are far unable to withstand the vigour of his incorporeall hand , who strikes for sinne , unlesse to these wee adde a plaister which of better things is made . yea nature failes , unlesse adjoyne wee doe , a med'cine metaphisicall thereto . moreover , fruitlesly devout are they , and that they seeke to god they falsely say , who wilfully neglect , or else contemne , that outward meanes , which nature offers them , and god provides , to cure , or to prevent , the mischiefe of diseases pestilent . for , since wee fram'd of soules and bodies are , god pleased is , that wee should have a care to both of them ; and labour how to finde , what appertaines to either , in his kinde . he therefore , who desireth a defence against this arrow of the pestilence ; a compleat armour must from god procure , and still be arm'd , his person to secure . he must put on the helmet of salvation , and shoe his feet with holy preparation . a bel● of truth must for his loines be sought ; his brest-plate must of righteousnesse be wrought . the shield of faith , his target must become , the darts of sathan to secure him from . gods word must be the sword upon his thigh , his praiers , like continuall shot must flie ; and he should keepe for ever his abode , within the shadow of almighty god. or else the workeman looseth all his paine ; and he that watcheth , wake●h but in vaine . he also must expell out of the soule , that filthinesse of sinne , which makes it foule . he must avoid the crimes he lived in ; his physi●ke must be rue ( ev'n rue for sinne ) of herb of grace , a cordiall he must make ; the bitter cup of true repentance take ; the diet of sobriety assume ; his house with workes of charitie perfume ; and watch , that from his heart in secrecie , arise no savours of hypocrisie . he must beleeve , god so doth love him , that his everlasting good , is aimed at in all he suffers ; and , that , god doth know , and marke his nature , and his temper so , as that he will impose nor more , nor lesse , than shall be needfull for his happinesse . for , such a faith , will keepe h●m still content , still lowly , under ev'ry cha●tisement ; still thankfull , whatsoever doth befall ; and blessings make , of what we plagues doe call . he must , moreover with a holy feare , in all his christian duties pe●severe ; still watchfull , and at no time daring ought which may from god divert him in a thought : ( so neere as possibly , the powre of man , so great a diligence endeavour can . ) for , round about him are a thousand feares , a thousand dangers , and ten thousand snares , and , as a traveller , who for his bridges , to passe deepe waters , having nought but ridges of narrow timbers , dares not cast his eye from off the plancke , nor set his foot a wrie ; ●ecause beneath him , he beholds a streame , that runnes , and roares , and gapes to swallow him : so , he that must an hourely passage make , through such like plagues , as this whereof i speake , ( and many dangers waiting on him hath , to catch him , if he slip his narrow path ) had need be carefull that he never stray , nor swarve in any thing beside the way . let , therefore , ev'ry man desire , at least ▪ this pow'r ; that his desirings may be blest , with such pe●formances as he shall need , or , have his will accepted for the deed. and , let him to his calling ever stand : for , whosoe're doth leave that place unmann'd wherein god set him ; ●orfeits that reward ( and is d●prived of that angell guard ) of which his muse doth prophesie , who sayes , we shall pr●s●rved be in all our wayes . far is it from my nature , to reprove with proud insultings , those whom feare did move to step aside : for , good and pious men give way to nat'rall frailties now and then ; and , we whom god emboldned now to stay , hereafter , from lesse frights may run away . yea , sure i am , that if it doe not flow from love , and pity , that their s●apes we show , god may , and will ( our folly to deride ) make them dare stand , where we shall seare to bide . and therefore , hoping none amisse will take what i have writ for truth and con●●ience sake ; ( that men in times to come might looke into this duty , and be heedfull what they doe ) i will affirme , th●t ev'ry one hath erred , who in his lawfull calling , was deterred so much , as in ●his danger to forsake it : and , though a trifling matter many make it , i know , the most apparant showes of terror are not excuse enough for such an error . for , that we should not in such cases dread the greatest perils : god hath promised , that if we keepe ou● wayes , and him obse●ve , he will not onely , from this plague preserve ; but , cause us w●thout ha●me to walke among , ev'n adders , drago●s , lyons old and yong : by which pernicious creatures , and untamed , is ev'●y danger meant ●hat can be named . these things we must obse●ve , if we will hope gods extraordinary blow to stop ; and other circumstances must attend those meanes . but , they so nat'rally depend on what precedes ; that in well doing one , vve cannot leave the other part undone . such were those holy med'cines , which prevented the plague , at niniveh , when she repented ; such isr'el used , and it saved them ; such kept the plague out of ierusalem ; and when the bloody angell came , had pow'r to stop him in araunab's threshing floore . thus hezekiah was preserv'd ; thus david was from the very same contagion saved : and if unfainedly we pra●tise thus , he doth of safety also warrant us . yea ( through this meanes ) we shall be fortifi'd vvith such a coat of proofe , as will abide that murth'ring arrow which in darkn●sse flyes , from god● owne bow , unseene of mortall eyes . and when we thus have done , attempt we may to stop the shaft , that flyes abroad by day ; i meane the nat'rall sicknesse , whi●h doth smite by meanes , that is appar●nt to the sight . for , as god striketh , oft , immediate blowes by some immediate way : right so he showes a nat'rall cure to those , whom he doth please to warrant from the naturall diseas● ▪ thus , he for hezekiah's health revealed that plaister , wherewithall his griefe was healed , thus from this plague have many beene secured , and many saved , who the stroke endured . here i could shew , what med●cines may be tooke to cure or to prevent the outward stroke ; to qualifie the aire , what might be used ; what diet should be taken , what refused ; what symptomes doe attend on this disease ; what good , or ill , from labour , or from ease too much , or over-little , may be got : but , to proceed in this presume i not , for , to prescribe externall med'cines , here to ev'ry man , too hard a taske it were ; since they must often chang'd and mixed , ●e , as we the sicknesse changeable doe see , and as we finde the measure of infection , the parties age , his temper , or complection . to those i the●efore will commit this part , who are allow'd professors of that art ; advising all , that none their aid refuse , nor out of season , their assistance use . for , if , before our peace with god be made , we ( seeking outward meanes ) a cure have had ; that meanes shall be the meanes our death to ●et : that cure shall onely cure us , to beget another plague : unlesse we have repented our solly , and the mis●hiefe , so , prevented . yea such , as take that course , doe sugar o're strong poy●ons , and skin up a festring sore ; because those med'cines , and that watchfuln●sse ( from which they did expect a good succes●e ) not being with repentance sanctifi'd , nor ( in their place ) with faithfulnesse apply'd , corruptd grow ; make what was evill , worse ; and ( in the stead of blessings ) bring a curse . this reason proves , for , since it is from sin whence all our griefes , and sicknesses have bin : we shall as vainly strive th' effects to stay , till we the causes first remove away , as if we went about to draine a river , before to stop the springs we did endeavor . and , as we neither should o're much r●ly on outward helpes ; nor take disorderly the meanes of health ; ●ight so , beware we must that we doe never use it with distrust . for as , in seeking safety , most men use preposterous courses ( whence much harme ensues ) or else ( when likely med'●ines they have got ) presume so farre , on what availe●h not , without gods blessing ; that , from him they take his due , and of his creatures , idols make : so , some there be so fearfull , that their feare corrupts their blood , where no infections were ; begets that plague within them which they shun ; and makes it follow , when they from it run . no place , or counsell can of rest ●ss●re them ; no meanes their hope of safety can procure them : but still they are distemper'd ; ever taking new courses , and new med'cines alwayes making . of all they meet ( if any meet they dare ) for some receipt , their fi●st enquiries are . what e're he be that tells them , that , or this prevents the plague ; it straightwayes practis'd is . they swallow downe hot wa●●rs , sirrups , drinks , choake up their chambers wit● perfumes , & stinks ; with rue , and wormwood cram their bowels up , with phisicke breake their fa●ts , and dine , and su● : yet , still d●spaire , as if that world of sluffe ( which they devoured ) were not halfe enough . and , this their terror , doth to me appeare , a greater plague , then that which they doe feare . mistake me not ; i doe not here condemne the christian , and the filiall feare of them , that are ( with holy dread ) employ'd about such meanes , as wo●keth true salvation out . nor blame it , when a moderate feare doth make alarums in us , reason to awake . for , while our feare preserves a moderation , it is a very necessary passion , and stands for centinell , to bid us arme , when any foe doth seeme to menace harme . nor doe i checke that nat'rall feare , which from the knowledge of our weaknesses doth come : for , want of that , is meere stupidity ; and such , can neither feele a misery , nor ta●te gods mercies , with more profit , than the brutish creatures wanting reason , can ; who , of their paines , or pleasures , nought retaine much longer , then it doth in act remaine . i count not each man valiant , who dares die , or venture on a mischiefe desperately , when , either heat of youth , or wine , or passion shall whet him on , before consideration : for , thus a beast will doe , and hath ( no doubt ) as much foresight in what he goes about ; as those blinde bayards , who couragious be in perills , whose events they doe not see . nor will i any man a coward call , although i see him tremble , and looke pale in dangerous attempts ▪ unlesse he slacke his just resolves , by basely stepping backe . for , as the greater part of men w● find to laugh and blush , by nature , much enclin'd : so , many have a nat'rall inclination , to trembling , palenesse , or some other passion , which , no philosophy can take away , nor any humane wit , or strength , allay : and if their apprehension proveth better then other mens ; their passions are the greater ▪ because their searching wits finde pe●ills out , whereof the dullard ( never having doubt ) hath boldly ventur'd on them , and out-dar'd , wh●t being heede● , him to death had scar'd . give me the man , that with a quaking arme vvalkes with a stedfast mind through greatest harm ; and though his flesh doth tremble , makes it stand to execute what reason doth command . give me the soule , that knowingly descries all dangers , and all possibilities of outward p●rills ; and yet doth persever in ev'ry lawfull action , howsoever . give me that heart , which in it selfe doth warre vvith many frailties ( who li●e traytors are in some besieged fort ) and hath to doe vvith outward foes , and inward terrors too ; yet of himselfe , and them , a conquest makes , and still proceeds in what he undertakes . for , this is double - valour ; and such men ( althoug● they are mis-censur'd now , and then ) enjoy those mindes that best composed are ; in lawfull quarrells are without compare ; and ( when the coward , hoodwink'd goes to fight ) dare cha●ge their sternest foes with open sight . let no man therefore glory , or make boast of courage , when they feele their dread is lost , or thinke themseles the safer , when they finde their feare is gone , whilst perill slayes behinde ; especially , when they besieg'd appeare , with such like pl●gues , as this , we treat of here . for that endangers , rather then secureth ; since custome , or else ignorance procu●eth that bru●ish ●earlesnesse : and , where we see such hardinesse , gods judgements fruitlesse be . there is required , yet , one caveat more to perfect that , which hath beene said before ; ev'n this ; that we grow watchfull , lest the while we trust in god , we doe our selves beguile with fruitlesse confidence , and on his grace ( beyond his warrant ) our assurance place . for , many thousands wondrous forward are in gods large promises to claime a ●hare ; who , those conditions never mused on , which he doth ground his covenant upon . and as the iewes ( from whom they take example ) bragg'd of their outward worship , and their temple , as if gods league extended unto all , who could themselves , the sonnes of iacob , call , without respecting their partic'lar way : so , we have some among us , that will say , they trust in god , and that , in this infection , they full assurance have of his protection : because they formally his truth professe ; performe externall workes of holinesse ; or visibly , with such , partakers are , with whom the pledges of gods love appeare . but , they that on these ou●ward workes rely , without true faith , and true sincerity ; commit those guilded sinnes , whose glosse will weare , and leave their na●urall corruptions bare : yea they , of their professions , idols make ; and , will the covenant of god ●istake , vntill in his conveyances , they see what duties , on their par●s , required be . god promis●th ( indeed ) all such to save , who in his holy church their dwelling have ; and th●t he will vouchsafe them his de●ence from dangers of the noysome pestilence : but they must love him , and inuoke him , then , or else the bargaine is unmade agen . thus much inferres the psalmist , in that ode , which p●ophecies the saving grace of god. those , therefore , too too much on them assume , yea , ( foolishly ) of mercy they presume , who boast of gods protection , and yet tread those paths , which to a sure destruction lead . i doe not meane , when any man mis●does through frailty , or unwillingly mis-goes : but when , with liking , and without remorse , he wilfully pursues a wicked course . for , such , their confidence on god , bely , depending on their owne security ; and cannot see those dangers they are in , because ●heir consciences have seared bin . how many thousands in the grave are laid , who , in their life-times , impudently said they should be safe in god ? yet never tooke his counsell , nor one vanity forsooke for love of him ? how many have i heard presumptuously affirme , they never fear'd the danger of gods arrowes ? though they flew at n●one , at midnight , and so many slew in ev'ry street ? yea , shamelesly professe their trust in god , to cause their fearlesnesse , yet , nothing for the love of him ●ndevour ? how boldly have i seene them to pe●sever in ev'ry ●in , when gods fierce angell stood , ev'n just before them , all embru'd in blood ; and slaught'ring r●ūd about thē neighbors , brothers their friends ▪ their kinsmē , children , fathers , mothers , and some of ev'ry sort ? nay , i have heard of such , who were not any jot afear'd to ba●gaine for their lust , in times to come , vvithin the compasse of the selfe-same roome , vvhere ( at that instant ) they beheld their wives lye newly dead ; or lab'ring for their lives . they waste gods creatures in luxurious diet ; consume their times in wantonnesse , and riot ; they feasts , and merriments , in tavernes keepe , vvhilst others in the temples , fast , and weepe ; th●y p●rsecute their brethren , and the poore ; pe●forme no good ; forbeare no sin the more ; and live so carelesly , as if they thought , that , when the greatest wickednesse they wrought , it prov'd , their trust in god to be the greater ; and , that lewd works , shew'd forth their faith the better ; or else that god the more obligement had , because he was so good , and they so bad ▪ ev'n such there are . and these make boastings will , of ●rust in god , yet such continue still . alas , it is but vaine to say lord , lord , or to professe a confidence in word , where lively faith appeares not : for , god granteth protections unto none , but whom he planteth within his vineyard ; wherein growes no tree , but in some measure , it will fruitfull be ; or ●lse , a storme shall come , which down will shake it , with whatsoever , carnall props , we s●ake it . no high-presuming cedars , nor stiffe oakes , are those whom god exempteth from the strokes of his tempestuous wrath : but , that which bendeth to ev'ry blast , which he in iudgement sendeth , as doth a bruised , or low-stooping reed , which , by the bowing , is from breaking free'd . yea those , who really within the shade of his defence , have their abidings made ; those onely , may depend on his protection , amid the ragings of this hot infection . and who are these , but such , as ( when they see the threa●ned plague ) afraid , and humbled be ? such , as through hearty love , ashamed grow , that they so good a god displeased so : such , as are sory for their passed crimes , and truly purpose , in all future times a better life : such , who , for conscience sake ( and not through servile feare ) themselves betake to pious exercises : such , who strive to mortifie their lusts , and how to live as worthy their free-calling : such , as they , who ev'ry houre , doe labour , watch , and pray ▪ their duties to performe ; and dare not peepe abroad at morning , or at ev'ning sleepe , till they the sacrifice of thankes have paid , for favours past ; and begg'd for future aid . such , as on gods owne pleasure can rely , and , in his faith resolved are to dye . such , as have charity ; and working are their safeties with continuall joy , and fear● ▪ ev'n such as these , securely may repose when twenty thousand dangers them enclose . on these , gods angells wait ▪ and these they shall from stumbling keepe , when many millions fall ▪ from ev'ry kinde of harme they shall be free , and sleepe , where feares , and mischiefes thickest be : yea , though that seize them , which the plague we cal , it shall to them become no plague at all ; but rather be their furth'rance , to acquire that perfect happinesse , which they desire . let no man , therefore , in this visitation tye god unto the temp'rall preservation ; or be discouraged , if he shall please to exercise him under this disease , supposing , he inflicteth it on none ( as some fooles thinke ) but reprobates alone . for he did hezekiah thereby strike ▪ he , by th●s malady , or some such like , afflicted holy david , his elected ; whose reprobation is of none suspected . and though just men from temporall infection shall finde more certainty of gods protection , then others doe : yet sure , that pestilence ( from which god promis'd absolute defence ) is not that sicknesse which the body slayes ; but that , which death unto the soule conveyes . our ●●rthly griefes , to heav'nly joyes doe rear● , and why should any man or grudge or feare a mortall wound , so he might gaine thereby a body cloth'd with immortalitie ? or why should we repine , in missing that , which ( to our dammage ) we had aymed at ; when god doth give us more then we desired ; ●nd lifts us higher , then our hopes aspired ? to him due praises , rather , let us give , whose love to us , is better , then to live . but , i have said enough to this effect , and if , what i have spoken , have re●pec● , we shall ( i hope ) hereafter well dis●erne , what , by this iudgement , we are bound to learne ▪ how much to trust ; how much to hope , or feare ; what outward meanes , or inward helpes there are , vvhereby , this heavy plague may be prevented ▪ or entertained , with a brest contented . so few ( as yet ) have thus prepared bin , that now of late it quickly rushed in in spite of all our halberds , and our watches . and as a flame ( which in a tempest , catches on some full barne ) is blowne about the village , and fi●eth , here , the hopefull fruits of tillage ; a cottage there ; on th' other side the way a well-●ill'd stable , or a rick● of hay ; another yo● ; close by , doth menace harme ev'n to the church ; forthwith consume ● farme ; some dwellings ( now , and then ) doth overgoe ▪ anon la●es waste a dozen in a row ; and still increase , goe forward , and returne , vntill the towne in ev'ry quarter burne : so rag'd the pestilence . and , as we see those wo●kmen , who , repai●ing breaches b● in thame , or trent , at first the banks doe raise ▪ shut clos● the sluce● , strengthen up the bay's , and l●bour seriously with much good hope , vvhile they perceive but some few gaps to stop : but , when they see the flood prevailing more , ( ten breaches made , for ●v'ry one before ) and all endeavors faile ; they worke forsake , leaving the waters their owne cours● to take : so , when this floud began ▪ we had ● thought to keepe it backe ; and to that purpose w●ought : but , when we saw it rise beyond our pow'r , vve gave it way at pleasure to devoure . at first , the publique officers did show their skill in curbing this encroaching foe , not sparing to be prodigall of paine , the spreadings of infection to restraine ; and ev'ry private family beside , against this danger did for armes provide ▪ their yards , and halls , were smoked with perfume , to stop the stinkes , which thither might presume . their chambers furnisht were with antidotes , with viols , boxes , glasses , gallipots , all filled with munition of defence ( as they suppos'd ) against the pestilence . some did in meats their meanes of safety thinke ; some epicures did arme themselves with drinke ; some , foolishly did build up monstrous hope● vpon the smoking of tobacco shops ; ( but this disease , without a conscience making of their presuming on tobacco taking , came thither too , and frequently did cary good-fellowes from their smoaking sanctuary . ) some , one , and some another course devised ▪ yet , ev'ry day more places were surprised . which , when we saw , and how it overcast all temp'rall force ; we thought upon ( at last ) the helpe of god : and then we did repaire to crave his ayd in fasting , and in prayer , then some , through servile terror ; some , for fashio● , and some , out of a true humiliation , emplored ayd from heav'n ; and show'd in teare● their hope , their true repentance , and their feares : but , whether god did for a while contemn● ou● suit , because we gave not eare to him , when first he call'd : or , whether he thought fit , ( that we the longer might remember it ) to fright us somewhat more : or whether we brought not such hearty penitence , as he expected from us : or appointed were some further tryalls of our faith to beare : sure , some such cause there was ; and for that cause , god did not onely seeme to make a pause in answ'ring our petition ; but , to chide more sharply , and to throw it quite aside . for with a doubled , and redoubled stroke the plague went on ; and , in ( among us ) broke with such unequall'd fury , and such rage ; as brittan never felt in any age . with some at ev'ry turning she did meet . of ev'ry alley , ev'ry lane and street she got possession : and we had no way , or passage , but she there , in ambush , lay . through nookes , & corners , she pursu'd the chase , there was no barring her from any place : for in the publique fields in wait she laid ; and into private gardens was convaid . sometime , she did among our garments hide ; and , so , disperse among us ( unespy'd ) her st●ong infections . otherwhile ( unseene ) a servant , friend , or child betraid hath beene , to bring it home ; and men were fearfull growne to tarie , or converse , among their owne . friends fled each other ▪ kinsmen stood aloofe ▪ the sonne , to come withi● his f●thers roofe presumed not ; the mother was constrain'd to let her child depart unentertain'd . the love , betwixt the husband , and the wife , was oft neglected , for the love of life ; and many a ●ne their promise falsifi'd , who vow'd , that nought but death should thē divide . some , to frequent the markets were afraid ; and some to feed on what was thence purvay'd . for on young pigs such purple spots were s●ene , as markes of de●th on plague-sicke men have been ▪ and it appeared that our suburbe-hogs were little better , then our cats , and dogs ▪ men knew not , whither they might safely come , nor where to make appointments , nor with whom . nay , many shunn'd g●ds-house , and much did feare so farre to trust him , as to meet him there . in briefe , the plague did such distruction threat , and feares , and perils were become so great , that most mens hearts did faile ; and they to flight b●●ooke themselves , with all the speed they might : not onely they , who private persons were , but , such as did the publique titles beare . the maior startled , and some say was gone : but , when his charge he truly thought upon , it settled him ; and he at helme did ' bide vntill his roome was orderly supply'd . and ( let me doe him right ) it since appeared , that , with go●d diligence his course he steered . for , on hi● backe were many burthens laid ; the count●y of provisions us denay'd ; the greater part with sicknesse waxed froward ; much want did make the poorer sort untoward ; that when i call to minde his heavy taske , and little helpe ; me thinkes it praise doth aske . most of his gowned - brethren him forsooke , and to their country bow'rs themselves be●ooke ; where , how they pray'd , or what they sent by gift , to feed the poore ; i leave it to the shr●ft of their owne consciences ; which best can tell , what things they have performed ill , or well . physitians were afraid , as well as these , and neither galen , nor hippocrates could yeeld them any warrant for delay ; and therefore ( with the first ) they went away . some leaches of the soule , ( who should have staid ) were much ( nay somewhat over-much ) afraid , and had forgotten so , how to apply thei● heav'nly cordi●ls of divinty , against the feare of ●eath ; that when most dangers beset their flocks ; they left ●hem unto strangers . nay ▪ some there were , who did among us teach , that men should flie ; & that , which they did preach , they taught the people by example too . pray god , in oth●r things th●y may do so . few staid , of any calling or degree , vvho to their country-●riends might welcome be ; or , of themselves were able to provide a place of harbour , where they might abide . yea some , ( to scape uncertaine death ) did flie into the iawes of certaine beggery , by leaving of their callings ; and are flowne so far , and high a flight out of this towne , on borrow'd-feathers ; that their neighbour● feare , they never more will in their shops appeare . those of our wanton gentry , that could brooke no ayre , but londons ; london quite forsooke ; and all that crew of spend-thrifts , whom ( untill this pl●gue did fright them ) nor star-chamber bill , nor strictest proclamation , could compell vpon their owne inheritance to dwell ; were now , among their racked tenants faine to seeke for shelter ; and to ayre againe th●se mu●●● roomes , which ●heir more thrifty sire● kept warme and sweet with hospitable fires . god grant , that where they come , they may do good , among their tenants , by their neighbourhood . of some we hopefull are , they will be such ; and of some others we doe feare as much , that by their presence they will plague them more , then by their willing absence heretofore . in many a mile you scarce could find a shed , or hovell , but it was inhabited , ( sometime with double families ) and stalls and barnes were trimmed up in stead of halls . those burgesses , that walk'd in gownes , and furs , had got them coats , and swords , and boots , & spurs ; and , till you saw them ride , you would have sworne , that , they , for horsemen , might have serv'd the turn . those dames , who ( out of daintinesse , and pride ) the rusticke plainnesse did ( erewhile ) deride , ( and , at a better lodging , fob , would cry ) beneath a homely roofe were glad to lye ; and fawne on ev'ry child , and ev'ry groome , that , so they might the welcomer become . those , who in all their life-time never went so far , as is the nearest part of kent : those , who did never travell , till of late , halfe way to pancridge from the city gate : those , who might thinke , the sun did rise at bow , and set at acton , for ought they did know : and dreame , young partridge sucke not , but are sed as lambes , and rabbets , which of eggs are bred : ev'n some of these have journeyes ventur'd on five miles by land ( as farre as edmunton . ) some hazarded themselves from lyon-k●y almost as far as erith downe by sea : some row'd against the streame , and stragled out a● far as h●un●low-heath , or thereabout : some climbed high-gate-hill , and there they ●ee the world so large , that they amazed be ; yea some are gone so farre , that they doe kno● ere this , how wheat is made , and malt doth grow . oh , how they trudg'd , and busled up and downe , to get themselves a furlong out of towne . and how they were becumbred , to provide , that had about a m●le or two to ride . but when whole housholds further off were sent , you would have thought the master of it , meant to furnish forth some navy , and that he had got his neighbours venturers to be . for all the neare acquaintance thereabout , by lending somewhat holpe to set them out . what hiring was there of our hackney iades ? wh●t scouring up of old , and rusty blades ? what running to and fro was there to borrow a safegard , or a cl●●ke , untill the morrow ? what shift made iack for girths ? what shift made gillian to get her neighbors footstoole , & her pillian , which are not yet ●etu●n'd ? how great a pother to furnish , and unfurnish one another in this great voyage did there then appeare ? and what a time was that for bankrupts here ? those who had thought ( by night ) to steale away , did unsuspected shut up shop by day ; and ( if good lucke it in conclusion prove ) two dangers were escap'd at one remove : some hired palfr●yes for a day , or twaine , but rode so far , they came not backe againe . some dealed by their neighbours , as the iewes at their departure did th' aegyptians use : and some , ( with what was of their owne , content ) tooke up their luggage , and away they went. and had you heard how loud the coaches rūbled ; ●eheld how carres , and cart● together jumbled ; s●ene how the wayes with people ●hronged were ; the bands of foot , the troupes of ho●semen there ; what multitudes away by land were sent ; how many thousands fo●th by water went ; and how the weal●h of london thence was borne ; you would have wondred ; and ( almost ) have sworne the citie had beene leaving her foundation , and seeking out another situation ; or , that some enemy with dreadfull pow'r , was comming to besiege , and to devoure . oh ; foolish people , though i justly might authorize thus my muse●o ●o mock your flight , and still to flout your foll●es : yet , compassion shall end it in a kinde expostulat●on . why with such childish terror did you try to run from him , from whom you cannot flye ? why left you so the place of your abode , not hasting rather to goe meet your god with true repentance , who for ever hath a mercy for us in his greatest wrath ? why did you not your lawfull callings keepe ? but straggle from you● folds like wandring sheepe ▪ that had no shepheard ? and , oh , why , i pray ▪ you shepheards , have you caused them to stray ? your neighbours why forsooke you in distresse ? why did you leave your brethren comfortlesse ? when god did call for mourning , why so fast did you to seeke for mirth , and pleasures , hast ? and take away from other , when you fled , what , in their need , should them have comforted ? if death be dreadfull , stay , and learne to die ; for , death affects to follow those that flie . had you not ●one , you might for ever after have said , that sorrow profits more then laugh●er . you should have known that death hath limits here , and loosed was , where he did bound appeare : that many were prese●ved in th● flame , and many burnt , that came not nigh the same . yea , some of you , be●ore from hence you went , had , of these truths , got some experiment . what ●olly then , or frenzy you bewitches , to leave your houses , and goe dye in ditches ? forgoe the comfort , which your ci●ie yeelds , to venture for a lodging in the fields ? or ( which is worse ) to tràvell farre , and finde those prove ungentle , whom you hoped , kinde ? a plague so bitter , that might plagues be chuse● i would be plague-sicke , rather then so used . did you suppose the pestilence would spare none here , nor come to seaze on any there ? all perish'd not , that did behinde you stay ; nor did you all escape , who fled away . for , god your passages had so beset , that hee with many thousands of you me● . in kent , and ( all along ) on essex side a troupe of c●uell fevers did reside : and ro●nd about , on ev'ry other coast , of severall country - agues lay an hoa●t . and , most of them , who had this place forsooke , were eyther slaine by them , or pris'ners tooke . sometime the pestilence her selfe ●ad bin before them in their lodging , at their inne ; and hath arrested them upon the bed , brought many sicke away , and meny dead . sometime ( againe ) she after them hath gone , and when ( perchance ) she was not thought upo● : among their friends , and in their merriment , hath seiz'd them , to their greater discontent . she divers apprehended on the way , who to so many mischiefes were a prey ; that poorest beggers found more pitty here , and lesser griefe , then richer men had there . i doe not meane concerning that neglect , that barbarous , unmanly disrespect their bodies had among the clownish crew , when from the tainted flesh the spirits flew . for , if their carcasses they did contemne , what harme , or what disease was that to them ? what paine , or torment was it , if that they ( like carrion ) in the fields , unburied lay ? what felt they , being ●ragged like a log , or hurl'd into a saw-pit like a dog ? what disadvantage could that doctor have , who ( learnedly ) was drawne into his grave by na●ed men ? since those things doe disgrace the living rather , and doe wrong the place th●t suffers , or allowes that barb'rousnesse to shame the christian faith , which they professe . alas ; my heart as little can bemone a mangled carcasse , as a broken stone ▪ it is a living body , and the paines , which i conceive a broken heart sustaines , that moveth me : their griefe , in life-time was , and , whilst they liv'd , their sorrowes did surpasse these fained ones , as death , and loathed care , by life , and true content , excelled are . some , who forsooke faire houses , large , and high ; could scarcely get a shed to keepe them dry ; and such , who many bed● , and lodgings had , to lye on straw without the doores were glad . some over-tyr'd with wea●inesse , and he●t , could not , for money , purchase drink , or meat ; but cruelly of succour were deny'd , till , through their faintnesse , they grew sick & dy'd . some , who in london had beene waited on with many servants , we●e enclos'd alone in solitary places ; where they m●ght find leasure , to repent them of their flight . and , when they had supplyes at any need , the bringers did ( like those that lyons feed ) ev'n throw it at them ; or else some where set it , where ( after their departures ) they might fet it . and many a one ( no helper to attend him ) was left to live , or dye , as god should friend him . some , who unwisely did their homes forsake , that triall of the country they might make ; have brought their lives to miserable ends before they could arive among their friends . some , having reach'd the places they desir'd , ( with no meane difficulty , weake , and tyr'd ) have missed welcome , where they sought reliefe ; and , strucken by unkindnesse , dy'd with griefe ▪ the sickly wife , could no ●ssistance have to bring her husbands body to the grave . but was compelled , with a grieved heart , to act the parsons , and the sextons part . and he , that wanted strength ●o beare away his mate , who dead within his presence lay ; vvas faine to let the stinking body lye , till he in death should beare him company . ah me ; what tongue can tell th● many woes , the passions , and the many griefes of those ? what m●rtall pen is able to expresse th●ir great temptations in that lonelinesse ? what heart can thinke , how many a grieuous feare to those distressed people may appeare , who are with such afflictions over-tak●n ? of ev'ry cr●ature in the world forsaken ? without a comforter left all alone , where to themselves they must themselves bemone , without a remedy ? and where none may or know , or pitty , what they ●eele , or say . me thinkes to muse on those who suffer'd thus , should bring to minde the mercy shewed us , and make our pennes and voyces to expresse the love of god , with hearty thankfulnesse . for when no sor●owes of mine owne i had , the very thought of those hath made me sad . and were it not that god hath given me some trya●ls of those com●orting● , which hee for men in their extremities provides , and from the knowledges of others hides : or felt i not , how prevalent gods pow'r appeares in us , when there is none of our : what liberty hee giue 's , when wee doe fall within the compasse of an outward thrall : and what contentments he bestowes on them , whom others doe neglect , or else contemne : yea , had i not beleeued him who sayes , that god doth knowledge take of all our wayes ; that he observes each rubb within our path , with ev'ry secret sorrow , which it hath ; that he is neares● then , when we bemone his absence , an● suppose him furthest gone ; and often in us dwels , when those abroad ( with most ins●lting ) say ; where is their god ? had this beene hidden from me : i had here for ev'ry line i writ , dropt downe a teare ; and in a floud of sorrowes drench'd mine eyes , when first i mused on these miseries ▪ but i have knowne them , to my great content ▪ and felt so oft , w●at comforts god hath lent , when of all outward helpes we are dep●ived ; that ( could the same of all men be beleeved ) it would be thought , true pleasures w●re possessed of none , but men forsaken , and distressed . how ever ; though such mercy god bestowes , and brings men comfort in their greatest woes ; let none of us presume , ( as some have done ) without our circle , foolishly to runne ; nor leave our proper station , that we may goe seeke our fortunes in an uncouth way . conceive me right ; i doe not here deny , or call in doubt the lawfuln●sse , to flye : nor am i of their counsell , who despise all such as fled : nor , judge i too precise those , w●o the person , or the place avoid , which is with any noysomnesse annoy'd . for , when the causes of remove , are just , we then may flye the plague ; nay , then we must ; since , those who will not , ( in such cases ) goe , tempt god , and faile in what they ought ●o doe . if that a king , or prince , should live within a city much infected , it were sin . for he ( no doubt ) hath some vice-gerent there who , in his absence , may supply his care : or , if that place were certaine of decay by his departure ; yet he might not stay . the reason is ; there many thousands are o● townes , and cities , that in him have share . who , would conceive , it were unjustly done , that he should venter all their wealth in one. and make great kingdomes hazards to endure , the welfare of one city to procure . so , counsellers of state , and he , whose charge extends throughout the common wealth at large , vvith ev'ry other magistrate beside , ( except his pow'r to s●me one place be ty'd ) must shun the plague ; because that such , as he , sworne servants to the whole weale-publique be . and since the safest physicke and defence for children , in the times of pestilence , is to remove them : they unwisely do , vvho , having wealth , and f●iends to send them to , neglect the meanes , by being over nice ; or grudging at the charge , through avarice . moreover they , whose calling seemes to lye vvithin two sev'rall places , equally , ( till some plaine causes hinder ) may be fre● to live where safety best appeares to be : vnlesse their secret conscience doe gaine-say ; and who can judge of that , but god , and they ? yea , men , on divers good occasions mo , may from the places of infection goe . for there be times of stay , and times of going , vvhich , ev'ry one ( that is discreet ) well knowing , doth censure no partic'lar man , at all : but calling unto mind , that blessed paul vvas once ev'n in a basket forth convay'd from his pursuers ; yet no iotafraid ( at other seasons ) to continue there , vvhere bloody pe●secutions hottest were . and if my words have done my meaning right , my muse denyes not , but alloweth flight : provided alwayes , that men doe not flie from casuall plagues , to plagues with certainty : from those with whom the bands of charity , of duty , friendship , or affinity , or of their calling , doth requi●e a stay . provided also , when they part away , that as god blest them hath , they somewhat ●●nde , to comfort those , who must abide behinde ; and , that they trust not to their flight , as tho , that , of it selfe could save : but , ra●her know , and use it as the gracious meanes of him , who saves ; and , not as that which saved them . let the● consider likewise , that the sin was partly theirs , which did the plague begin ; and , in their absence ( with a christian feare ) make sute for those , who must the burthen beare , from which they scape : yea , let them all confesse their sins with penitenc● and humblenesse ; avoiding ev'ry pleasure , where they live , which out of minde , their brethrens cares may drive ; lest god pursue them whither they are fled ; there ●eize upon them to their greater dread ; or from them take away all due correction , which plague were greater then this great infe●tion . for , when his iudgements , god , in wrath , removes , his mercy , then , the greater iudgement proves . there be , i know , some people gone away , who mi●ding our afflictions , night and day , have much bewayled our distressed case , and sent up earnest prayers fo● this place : for , of their piety good fruits are seene , and , by their hands , the poore refresht have beene . these , from this den of slaughter , were ( no doubt ) by gods especiall favour called out , who , for their sakes , i hope , those townes will spare , to which , for sh●lter , they es●aped are , as he did zoar. and i wish they may obtaine their lives , and safeties for a prey . but , there be some ; ( and would to god , that some were but a little one ) who parted from our city walls , as if they had not gone with vengeance at their heeles ; or waited on by feares and dangers ; but , so finifi'd , as if their meaning was , to shew their pride in country churches , for a weeke or twaine , ride out like co●kneies , and come home againe : the sorrowes of their brethren they forgot ; in holy duties they delighted not : in drunken meetings they their leasure spent ; in idle visits ; foolish merriment : and , to their country-friends they caried downe those sinnes that are too common in this towne . vvhich ( if they practise there , as here we doe ) vvill bring their wages , also , thither too . these giddy runnawayes , are they that were beginne●s of that great unmanly feare , vvhich did first author of disorder prove . these , caused that improvident remove , vvhich did both wrong the welfare of the citi● , distract the country , make it voyd of pitie ; and , give occasion of those tales which fame hath now dispersed , to our common shame . for , if their flight had timely beene provided , ( vvith conscience and discretion truly guided ) th●i● profit here at home had beene the greater , and ▪ f●iends abroad , had entertain'd ●hem better . and , yet i take small pleasure to excuse t●ose pesants , who so grosly did abuse t●eir manhood and religion , in denying t●e dues of charity , to people dying . for , though their folly might their fall deserve , yet we our christian pitie should preserve , our brother in extremities releeving ; not adding sorrowes to encrease his grieving , nor taking notice of his evill deed● , so much , as of that comfort which he needs : till , he r●freshed by a friendly ●and , his errors , by our love , may understand . and , sure , there was a meanes to succour stranger● in their distresse , and to escape the dangers of that infection , ( which so much was feared ) had vnderstand●ngs eye be●ne better cleared ; and , that selfe-love , and avarice , removed , which kept good path● unseene , and unapproved . but , since that easie knowledge hath beene hid , by wilfull blindnesse , well enough i did , if , here , i ( satyrizing ) should expresse the countries folly , and fo●getfulness● . and yet , i will not write , to their disgraces , what of some persons , and particular places hath rumor'd beene : lest i should spirt a blot so blacke , as that it would not be forgot in future ages ; but , make times-to-come , suspect , they had deny'd their christendome . for , shou●d our muse ( who , if she list thereto , cares not who frownes , or frets , at what we doe ) should she put on that straine of bitternesse , with which their cruelty we could expresse : should we in our description of their feare , cause all their indiscretion to appeare : should we illustrate here , the true relation● , of what hath past in many corporations ; what uproares in some townes have raised beene , when londoners , approaching them , were seene : how master maior was straightway flockt about ; how they to counsell went to keepe them out ; how they their watches doubled , as if some had brought them newes that spinola would come : and what ridiculous actions past among them ; some few , perhaps , wold think th●t we did wrōg thē ; and , they would subjects be of scorne , and laughter , for ●ll their evill willers , ever after . or , should we tell what propable suspition appear'd , sometime , of wisedome and discretion , in goodman constable ; when , in a standing , to wind-ward from the rode ( & there commanding browne bills , and halberts ) he examined such travellers , as from the city fled : and ( at the very lookes of them affrighted ) sent feeble women , weary and benighted , ( without or meat or drink ) to try the field● what charity , their better nature yeelds . if this we told , it might goe hard ▪ when we should apprehended in their watches , be . or , should we shew , what polici●s did pleas● the wisdome of some rustick iustices ; describe that wondrous witty stratagem which for a while was practised by them to starve the plague ; how christianly they sought that no provisions hither might be brought ; should we produce their orders , which of late were put in u●e , and wisemen laughed at : or , publish to the world what we have heard of their demeanors , when they were afeard : how they were fool'd by some of them that fled : what course was taken to interre their dead : how ▪ he who for that worke could hired be , was f●r his labour , chained to a tree a full month after : how , they forced some from their sweet wholsome houses forth to come ; and ( being sick and weake ) to make their bed within a palt●y new erected shed , compos'd of clods ; which neere some common-side their charitable worships did provide : or , should i on some other matters touch vvhich i have heard ; it would enlarge too much this booke : and some of those , perhaps , perplex , vvhom i desire to counsell , not to vex . but , i from aggravations will forbeare , and , those their oversights , at this time , spare . for , some ( although most others did not so ) thei● love and christian piety did show , in counselling , in cherishing , in giving , and , in the wisest manner of releeving . beside ; i love the count●y , as i pitie the sorrowes and afflictions of the citie . and ( since they both are guilty ) being loth to side with either ; i the faults of both have shewed , so , that neither i abu●e . now , they that like it may ; the rest may chuse . the third canto . the house of movrning , which most ●eare , ( and flye so much ) is praised here . it showes that outward ioyes and care , nor m●erly good , nor evill , are ; but things indiff'rent ; which the wise nor over-praise , nor under-prize . the strife within our authors brest about his stay , is next exprest . then doth it orderly recite what reason argu'd for his flight : what faith alleaged , to reprove the motives urging his remove : what armes for him , she did prepare , to bide the shock of death , and feare : what proofe she to his conscience made , that , he a lawfull calling had , in midst of this great plague to tary , by warrant-extraordinary : what , thereupon he did conclude : what ioy , and confidence ensu'd : how much this favour he doth prise , above earths glorioust vanities : how he his time desires to spend : and so , this canto hath an end . how childish is the world ! and what a path her throng of braine-sick lovers trodden hath ! like brutish herds they troupe along together , both led , and leading on , they know not whither . much hoping , where no ground of hope appeares , much fearing , where indeed , there are no feares . in those things pleased , which t●ue mirth destroy : for that thing grieved which procureth ioy : most shunning , what might bring most gain unto thē ; and seeking most , for what would most undoo them . how few are so cl●are-sighted , a● to see what pleasures mi●gled with afflictions be ? or what conten●ments doe concealed lye ▪ behinde the seeming dangers which they flye ? how few have , by experience , unde●stood that god hath sent their troubles for their good ? how few consider , to what fearfull ends , the faire smooth way , of easefull pleasure tends ? and , therefore , oh ! how few adventure dare where mournings , rather then where laughters are ? though god himselfe prefer the house of griese , before vaine mirth ; and pleasures of this life hath termed thornes , that choke the heav'nly seed : yet few of us have taken so much heed of what the sacred volume doth record , ( and , flesh and blood ) distrusteth so the word of his fi●me truth ) that blindly we pursue our owne vaine counsels , and his tract●schew ●schew . 't is therefore doubtfull , it would vaine appeare , if i should labour to discover here , how many secret pleasures i have seene while in the ce●s o● mourning i have beene . and , what contentments god bestowed hath , when i have walkt the solitary path of disrespect ; ( ass●ulted by those feares , which oft affront us in this vale of tea●es ) o● what prevailing hopes i have possessed , when i , beyond all hope , have seem'd oppressed . for , vulgar men , doe such expressions hold to be but idle paradoxes , told by those , who grown distemper'd , through some gri●f vent melancholy passions , past beleefe . and as our vpland pesants , from the shores beholding how the sea swels , fomes , and rores , iud●e foolishly , that ●v'ry seaman raves , who talkes of mirth and safety on the waves : so , they will fondly passe their doome on me , who strangers to the seas o● sorrow be . but , though the world allow not what i say , yet , that the love of god , proclaime i may ; that , i may justifie him in his word ; that for mine owne availe i may reco●d what i have seene : and that experience might encrease my hopes , and hope put feare to flight , in future suffrings : here i testifie , ( and heav'n is witnesse , i affirme no lye ) my soule did never feele more ravishment , nor ever tasted of more true content , then when my heart , nigh broke with secret paine , hath borne as much as e're it could sustaine ; and strugled with my passions , till it had attained to be excellently sad . yea , when i teares have powred out , where none was witnesse of my griefe but god alone , he hath infused pleasures into me , which seldome can in publike tast●d be . such griefe is comforts mother . and i mow oft times with mirth , what i in teares did sow . before my eyes were d●yed ; i have had more cause of singing then of being sad . the lampe in darkest places gives most light ; and truest ioyes arise from sorrowes night . my cares ar● blessed thistl●s , unto me , w●ich wholesome are , although the● bitter be : and though their leaves with prick● be overgrowne ▪ ( which paine me ) yet their flowres are full of down , wher●on my head lyes easie when i sleepe : and i am never saddest when i weepe . yet , long it was before i could attaine this mystery : nor doth it appertaine to all . for , ev'n as sarah had not leave within her body isack to conceive , ( vvhich laughter signifies ) untill in her those customes ●ailed which in women are : so , in our soules , true ioyes are not conceived , till we by some afflictions ar● bereaved of carnall appetites , and cease from su●h vaine pleasures as affect us overmuch . to little purpose doe they looke for these conc●ptions , who are evermore at ease . such comforts are of those but rarely found , vvhose wheele of fortune never runneth round ▪ no soule can apprehend what maketh glad the grieved heart , but his that griefe hath had , and various interchanges : nor can he vvho knowes the joyes that in such sorrowes be as these i meane , a true contentment take in any merriment , this world can make : ( no not in all her pleasures ) if among her sweets , there should be sharpnesse wanting long . for ( being fearfull that his bodies rest the soules true peace might secretly molest ) his mirth would make him dull : his being jolly ( as worldlings are ) would make him melancholy : and ( if no other cause be thought upon ) would g●ieve , because the sense of griefe were gone . whilst i have gallopt on in that career , which youth , in freedome , so affecteth here ; and had the most delightfull blandishment , my youth could yeed me for my hearts content : when i in handsome robes have beene araid , ( my tailor , and my mercer being paid ) when daily i on change of dainties fed ; lodg'd , night by night , upon an easie bed , in lordly chambers ; and had therewithall attendants forwarder then i to call , who brought me all ●hings need●ull : when at hand ▪ hounds , hawkes , and horses were at my command : when chuse i did my walks , ●n hills , in vallies , in grove● , neere springs , or in sweet garden allies ▪ repo●ing either in a naturall shade , or in neat a●bors , which by art were made : when i m●ght have ●equir'd without deniall , the lut● , the organ , or deepe-sounding viol● , to cheere my spirits ; with what else beside was pleasant : when my friends did this provide without my cost or labour : nay , when all those pleasures i have shared , which be●all in praises , or kinde welcommings , among my dearest friends ; my soule retain'd nor long nor perfect rest , in those imperfect things : but , often droupt amid their promisings , grew dull , and si●kly : and , contrariwise hath pleased beene in want , ●and miseries . fo● , when long time , ev'n all alone they laid me , where ev'ry outward comfort was denayd me ▪ to many cares and wants unknowne obtruded ; from fellowship of all mankinde excluded ; expos'd to slandrous censures , and disgrace ; subjected to contempts , and usage base ; with tortures threatned , and what those attends ; by greatmen frown'd on ; blamed of my friends ; in●ulted on by foes ; and almost brought to that for which their malice chi●fly sought : ev'n then , my spirits mounted to their height , and my contentment slew her highest flight . in those di●easings , i more joy received , then can from all things mortall be conceived . in that contemn'd estate , so much was cleared my reasons eye ; and god so bright appeared to my dim-sighed faith ; that , lo , he turned my griefes to triumphs yea , me thought , i scorned to labour for assistance from abroad , or beg for any favour , but from god. i fear'd not that which others thought i feared ; nor felt i paine , in that which sharpe appeared : but , had such inward quiet in my brest , till outward ease made way to my unrest ; that , all my troubles seemed but a toy . yea , my affliction so encreast my ioy , that more i doubted losse of my content , by losing of my close imprisonment , then ever i can feare the bodies thrall , or any mischiefe which attend it shall . for , as if some antipathy●rose ●rose betwixt the pleasures of the world , and those enjoyed then ; i found t●ue ioyes begin to issue ou● , as they were entring i● . ti●l others brought me hopes of my release , i scarcely held it worth my hopefulnesse . i had no frighting dreame ; no waking care : i tooke no thought for meat , nor what to weare ; i sleighted frownes , and i despis'd the threat of such as threatned , were they meane or great ▪ i laught at dreadfull rumors , and disdained of any suffrings to have then complained , i valued not a jot the vulgar doome , nor what men prat●d might of me b●come . i mind●d no such trifles , wherewith you , and i , and others , are oft busied now : but , being , as it were exiled , then , from living in the world , with other men , twixt god , and mine owne conscien●e , to and fro , my thoughts , in a quotidian walke , did go . with contemplations , i was then inspired , beseeming one that wholly was retyred . i thought , like him , that was to live al●●e ; i did like him , that had to doe with none . and , of all outward actions left the care vnto the world , and those who lived there , nor hath god onely pleased beene to show what comforts from a p●ivate griefe may flow , but , that a new experience might be taught me , he to the house of publike-s●rrow brought me in this late pestilence ▪ and , there i saw such inward joy commixt with outward awe ; things bitter with such sweetnesses allaid ; such pleasures , into sorrowes cup convaid ; such fi●me - assurance , in the greatest dangers ; such f●endlines , when others friends were strangers ; such f●eedome in restraint ; such ●ase in paine ; such life in death , and ev'ry feare so vaine , ( which outwardly affrights ) that pleasures court would halfe be robbed of her large resort , ( and stand lesse visited , ) if men could see what profits in the cels of sorrow be . for , he that knew what wisdome there is had , would say that mirth were foolish , laughter mad : that ●ase perpetu●ll bringeth endlesse paine : that carnall joy arives at hope in vaine : that , from all outw●rd perils●o ●o be free , m●y prove most per●llous ▪ that , h●alth may be the d●adl'est sicknesse : that , our pleasures are but pit-f●ll● ▪ our se●urity a snare ; and , that sometimes those things to which we run , may bane us more , then those we s●eke ●o shun . i found it so . and , in my blamed slay , ( whilst others f●om the plague made haste away ) i gained some renewings of that ●es● ▪ whereof i h●d beene formerly possest . it forced foll● , further to depart : it brought gods me●cies nearer to my heart : brave combats in my soule did then begin , which i tooke courage from , and pleasure in . new trialls of my frailty did befall ; and , of gods love , i had new p●oo●es withall . in all my discontentments , such con●ents , and of gods wo●kings , such experiments vouchsafed were ; that crowned should i live , with all those glorious wreathes that king● can g●ve , and had by them obtain'd each happin●sse , which wo●ldlings in their greatnesse do● possesse ; i would not sell the comfort of my s●ay for that , and all which those imagine may . nor doe i over-prise the same , altho , the ignoran●e of some will think i doe : for , it hath left within me , ever since , of gods firme love , so strong a confidence , that , whatsoever accidents betide , i hope to stand the better fortifi'd whilst here i live : and that no time to come can send me to a place , so perilsome , that i shall feare it , or , to undergoe the dreadfull'st perills man can fall into ; if that my calling doe oblige me to it , or god , in iustice , m●ke me undergoe it . in other cases , i expect no mo●e , but , rather , lesse imboldning then be●ore . for , he that any dangerous taske assumes , wi●hout good warrant , fo●lishly presum●s ; tempts god ; and justly perisheth , unlesse the ve●le of mercy hide his wilfulnesse . yea , they who over desp'rately have dar'd bold things at first ; at last have basely fear'd , re●enting their foole-hardinesse ▪ in vaine , when hope was lost , of turning ba●k againe . for , though from dang●r● , griefes , and miseries , far greater comforts oftentimes arise , then from prospe●ity ( if we attend god● pleasure , and accept what he doth send ) y●t , o● themselves , nor paines , nor pleasures can felicitate ; nor is the wit of man so perfect , that precisely he doth know his owne just temper , or his nature so , as to appoint himselfe , what will be needing of weale , or woe , ( nought wanting , or exceeding ) and therefore , as some man hath by affecting ease , wealth , or temp'rall fame , ( without respecting gods pleasure ) often perished by that which his unbounded will ha●h reached at ; so , they who shall that ●ase or wealth contemne ( which god by law●ull meanes doth offer them ) and they , who shall unthankfully refuse , of any outward ble●sing , meanes to use , ( through discontent , selfe trust , or wilfull pride ) when they might honestly those meanes provide ▪ ev'n both of these are g●ilty of offence , against the wise ete●nall providence : and are in danger to be l●ft of god , in those misleading p●ths which th●y have trod . these things i mused ; and in heart revolved a thousand more , before i was resolved to keepe in london , where m●n draw no breath but that which menaced the b●dies death . and , seeing ▪ many have condemn'd the fact . as an unwar●antabl● , foolish act : since , i● may teach them to forbeare to give their verdict , till they evidence receive : since , thus to mention it , a m●ane● may be , to build againe the like resolves in me when ●uture perill so requireth it ; and when , perhaps , this minde , i may forget : yea , since the manner of it , may , perchance , deliver others from some ignorance , and help their christian res●lutions out , when they are thrall'd with carnall feare , or doubt : ev'n for these causes , ( and to glorifie the pow'r of god in this my victory ) i will relate what reason● m●de me stay : what ●opes they were , which drove my feares away : and , with what circumstances , i obtained that knowledg , which my shaking faith maintained . when i perceiv'd the pestilence to rage in ev'ry street , nor sparing sex , nor age ; how from their city-hive , like bees in may , the fearfull citizens did swarme away : how fast our gentry hasted to be gone : how often i was urg'd and call'd upon , to beare them company : what safeties were by absence promist ; what great terrors here my death did m●nace : how , by timely flight i might behold my country with delight : how nothing could be gotten by ●y stay , but wants , and new afflictions ev'ry day : with such like disadvantages , which brought , a hundred other musings to my t●oug●t . they made it seeme , a while , well wor●h reproving , to stay , a minute , longer from removing ▪ but , then my conscience also did begin to draw such pow'rfull moti●es , from within ▪ and , to propose before my understanding such reasons , my departure countermanding , as made me stagger , and new doubts to make , what course it best behoved me to take . at first , i thought by counsell from the wise , to build up my resolves , and to advise by their opinions what i ●hould pursue ; but , of the gravest i perceiv'd so few who could advise them●elves ; that i grew more divided by their counsels , then before . i saw such foolishnesse , and such distractions , appeare among them in their words and actions ; that i perceiv'd they had enough to doe , their owne particulars to looke unto . then , guided by example would i be ; but , that i quickly found no rule ●or me ; for , they who in opinion do consent , oft differ , in ●he active president . and some , who have a tongue the truth to say , have wanted grace to walke the safest way . beside , mens actions , which indiffe●ent are , may foolish , wise , or bad , or good appeare , as their unknowne occasions are who doe them ; and , small respect is to be had unto them , by way of p●esident , till we can finde their outward motives , and their secret minde ▪ this heeding ; and still waxing more molested , with diff●ring thoughts , and reasons undisgested , i knew no better way , then to repaire for counsell unto god , ●y humble pray'r ; beseeching his direction , how to take that course , which for his glory ▪ most should make . and he ( i think ) was please● to suggest , that if i askt my conscience what was bes● , his word and spirit would informe her so , that she should shew me what was best to do . then , from the noise of other mens perswasions , ( from selfe-c●nceit , and from those vaine occasions , which bring disturbances ) i did retire , gods pleasure , of my conscience , to enq●ire . who , finding in my brest a strong contention twixt fai●h and reason ; and , how their dissention was fi●st to be composed ( that i might the sooner understand the t●uth aright ) she call'd a court within me ; s●mmon'd thither those pow'rs , and all those faculties together , which tena●ts a●e in chiefe u●to the soule : their faulty inclinations did controule : and , that she might not without profit chide , some ill advis●d courses rectifi'd . then will'd she faith and reason to debate their cause at large : and , that which they , of late , had urg'd confusedly within my brest , she will'd them , into method , to digest : that so , my iudgement might the better see , to whether part i should enclined be they both o●e●'d . and , reason ( who suppos'd delay bred danger ) hastily compos'd those many strong perswasions , wherewithall she did my person from the city call ; before my conscience , them in order laid , and ( as halfe angry ) thus me thought she said . what meanest thou , thus fondly , out of season , to shew thy boldnesse in contempt of reason ? why art thou alwayes these mad courses taking ? thy lines , and actions , paradoxes making ? why thus pursu'st thou what to ruine tends , to glad thy foes , and discontent thy friends ? by making wilde adventures , to the blame of thy blinde faith , and my perpetuall sh●me ? is 't not enough , that by thy little caring to humor fooles , and by thy over daring to ●eard proud vices , thou h●st lately cros● thy way to riches , and preferment lost ? is 't not enough , that when thou dost become the scorne of foole● , thou wert delivered from a m●●ked hate , ev'n in that day , and place , which malice had assign'd for thy disgr●ce ? and sawst the shame of that unjust i●tention alight on him who plotted that invention ? is 't not enough , that thou escape● hast through many wants and perils und●sgrac'd , when thy advent'rous muse drew downe upon thee those troubles which were like to have undone thee ? suffice not these , unlesse thou now assay a needlesse act ? and foole thy life away by tempting heav'n , in wilfull staying there , where , in thy face grim death doth alway stare ? looke what thou d●st , and w●ll obse●ve ●hine errors , for , thou art round about , enclos'd with terrors . and if thou be not stupid thou maist see that there is cause thou shouldst affrighted be . dost thou not smell the vapours of the gr●ve ? dost thou not heare thy plague-sicke neighbours rave ? dost thou not tast infection in the aire ? dost thou not view sad objects of despaire ? dost thou not f●ele thy vitall pow'rs assailed ? dost thou not finde thy spirits often quail●d ? or with thy judgement hast thou lost thy sense , that thou dost make no greater speed from hence ? marke there , how fast with corpses they do throng ▪ see yonder , how the shadowes , passe along . behold , just now , a man before thee dies : behinde thy back , another breathlesse lies . that bell , now ringing , soundeth out the knell of him , whom thou didst leave , last ev'ning , well . lo , he that for his life , lyes gasping , there , is one of those who thy companions were this very morning . and , see , see , the man that 's talking to thee , looketh pale , and wan , is sick to death ; and , if thou doe not run for helpe , will die before his tale be done . yet , art thou no● afraid ? i prethee , tell why mightst thou not have beene that man as well ? though he this minute hath prevented thee , why maist not thou , the next that followes be ? why shouldst not thou as quick●y drop away , since , fl●sh and blood thou art , as fra●l as they ? what can thy speedy dissolution hinder , since thy complexion is as apt as tinder to take that flame ? and , if it seize thee must , what art thou better , then a heap of dust ? there is no constitution , sex , degree , or age of man , from this contagion free . nor canst thou get an antidote to fit for all infection , though , perhaps , thy wit could learne thy temper so , as not to wrong● thy health , by things too weak , or over strong . for , men oft change th● temper they should hold , are sometime hot ; sometime againe are cold ▪ one while are sprightly , otherwhile are dull ; are now too empty , and anon too full : that , t is a doubtfull , and a curious act , to adde a just proportion , and substract ( in using outward meanes of pres●rvation ) according to the bo●ies variation . and , many , therein failing , lose their lives , by wrong , or misapply'd preservatives . thou shalt have , therefore , but uncertaine hopes from druggists , or apothecary shops . to warrantize thy health ▪ if thou on those in staying here , thy confidence repose . and sure , thou neither harbor'st such a thought , that , thou of any better s●uffe art wrought then other men : nor trustest unto charmes , to keepe off this disease from doing harmes : for , those unhallowed med'cines , and i●pure , breed greater plagues , then those they seeme to cure . nor art thou , of that brotherhood , which sees the booke of gods particular decrees ; and gypsie like ( by heathnish palmistry , or by the lines of phisiognomy ) conjectures dareth not alone to give , who of this plague shall dye , or who shall live : but also wicke●ly , presumes to t●ll which man shall goe to heav'n , and which to hell : of these i know thou art not . for , as yet i hope thou hast not so forgone thy wit : to credit their illuding p●ophanations , which are but fantosmes of illuminations begot in these late ages ( by misch●nce ) betwixt much pride , and zealous ignorance . thou dost not think thy merits greater are then other mens , that god thy l●f● should spare . nor canst thou hope thy safety to poss●sse , for that thy follies or thy sinnes are lesse . since if thou hadst but one time beene mis-led , thy life for that one time were so●fei●ed . and , this disease , with outward ma●ks , doth strike . the righteous , and the wicked , both alike . then , since thou art a sinner , and art sure , that sinne did first this pestilence procure : since thou maist also justly say with griefe , that , thou of all transgressors art the chiefe : since thy offences some of those have bin , which h●lpe to bring this great infection in : nay ; since it may be ( if thou search thy heart ) that thou a principall among them art , who from the ship must ionas-like be throwne , before this tempest will be over blowne ▪ why doth it not thy guil●y soule dismay , and make thee hasten more to flye away ? it may be thou dost vainly hope for fame , by doing this . oh! what availes the same , when thou art raked up quite void of sense , among the slaughters of the pestilence ? what will it profit when thou sleep'st in clay , some ▪ few should praise , and some lament thy stay ? some heed it not ? some make a mocke thereat ? some deeme thee foolish , others d●sperate ? some , judge thy tarying might for trifles be ? some , for thy best intention slander thee ? or with base trash thy breathlesse muse bely● ▪ or , mis-report thy dying , if thou dye ? for , if thou chance to perish in this place , these wayes , and other meanes to thy disgrace , thy foes will finde ▪ and in thy fall contented , accomplish what , thy life might have prevented . but say to scape alive thy lott it be ; a troupe of other perils wait on thee . thou know'st not what extremities may fall , nor how thy heart may struggle therewithall . such poverty upon this towne may seize , e're god asswage the rage of this disease , that meanes may saile thee ; and before supply thy friends can send thee , thou maist famisht lye : for they who now affect thee , and with whom thou shal● , perhaps , to live resolv'd become , ev'n they may perish in this pest , and leave thee to strangers whose affections will deceive thee : in time of health , but slenderly befriend thee : in sicknesse , to a lonely roome commend thee : make spoile of what is thine , and senslesse be of helping , and of all regard of thee . and then it will , perchance , afflict thy mind that thou unto thy selfe wert so unkinde , as to neglect th●t wholesome country ayre ▪ whereto thy friends invited thy repaire . thou maist remember , when it is too late , those pleasures , and that happy healthy state thou mightst have had : a●d wi●h how much respect thou shouldst have liv'd with those that thee affect ; a comfort to thy parents , who with feare , d●e sorrow for thy needl●sse lingring here : for , them thou leavest , an● some friends beside , ( to live , 'twixt hope and feare , unsatisfi'd by this thy doing ) whom thou dost abuse , if that which may d●scomfort them thou chuse . and , when they shall thy wilfulnesse condemne , with what good reasons wil● thou answer them ? thy dwelling is not here ; nor is thy stay compelled by affaires that urge it may . thou hast nor publike neither private charge ; but , maist in any place , goe walke at large . the wo●ld conceiveth not the least suspition , that thou art either surgeon , or physitian , ( whose art may stand this place in any s●eed ; ) or that thy friends will thy attendance need . for thou canst neither broths nor caudles make , nor drenches good enough for horse to take . thou hast no calling , that may warrantize this boldnesse : neither can thy wit devise how thou will answer god , f●r daring thu● an act so needlesse , and so perillous . consider well , that there are paines in death ; consider , that when thou ha●t lost thy breath , thy flesh , the deare companion of thy soule , shall be rejected as uncleane , and foule , and , lodge within a grave , contemn'd and vile , which might have liv'd esteemed , yet a while . consider , that thou hast not an estate of being , which is base or desperate ; but such , as few on earth possesse a better , though each one , that hath ought , enjoyes a greater . consider , that thou dost endanger now the blessing of long life . consider , how thou mightst have lived to a larger measure of riches , of preferment , or of pleasure ; and profited thy country , whereunto thy death , or sicknesse , will no service do . nay , if thou now miscarry , where will be those honest hopes which late possessed thee ? to ●hose thy studies who an end shall adde , which but a while agoe , beginning had ? and , being left unfinisht , make the paine and houres , upon them spent , to be in vaine ? with somewhat thou endued art , whereby thou ma●st thy blessed maker glorifie ; thy selfe advantage , and a joy become to such as well affect thee ; and 'gainst whom ( if thus thy selfe thou separate ) thou shalt commit a most inexpiable fault . oh! the●efore , i beseech thee , wary be , to thinke what service god requires of thee : think , what thou w●st thy selfe ; and call to mind , that some wel-wille●s thou maist leave behinde , whose hopes thou should'st not wilfully bereave , ( whose loves thou should'st not unrequited leave ) by hazarding thy life , which is a debt to their deservings . for , thou know'st not , yet , how that may grieve thy soule , or fill thy head with troubled sancies , o● thy dying-bed . i cannot make d●scovery , by all my faculties , and po●'rs rationall , what worke tho● maist imagine should be done t●at's worthy of the hazard thou dost run . nor can , as yet , my understanding reach ( what hope soever faith may please to pre●ch ) to those felicities ; which after death her supernaturall doctrines promiseth . nor finde i suc● assurances , a● may preserve thee unaffrighted in thy stay . for when within my naturall scale i place those arguments , and promises of grace , which faith alledgeth ; they so ayrie prove , that they my ballance very little move . yea , such transcendent things declareth she ▪ as they me thinks should so distemper thee , that doubts and terrors rather should possesse thy soule , then hopes of reall ●appinesse ; since what in death , or after death shall come , are things , that nature is estranged from . fly therefore , this great perill . seeke a place where thou maist plead more safely of thy case : and , since thy god , with reason , thee doth blesse , now , most thou need'st it , be not reasonlesse . all this ( and what the ca●nall wit of man object , in such an undertaking can ) did r●ason urge , to make my stay appeare an act imp●ovident , and full of feare : and what her seeming rightfull c●use advances , was utt'red with such dreadfull ci●cumstances , that she did hal●e pe●swade me to confesse , my resolution would be foolishnesse . but , when my r●ason had no more to speake , my faith began : & though her st●ength was weak , ( because my ●railties had enfeebled her ) yet , then i felt her with more vigour stir , then in lesse perills . for , she blew aside those fogs whe●ewith my heart was t●rrifi'd : made cleare my iudgement : and ( as having wa●gh'd the speech f●regoing ) thus , me thought , she said . how wise is reason in an ethnicke schoole , and , in divine proceedings , what a foole ? how many likely things she mus●er can , to startle and amaze a naturall man , w●ich , when i am advis'd withall , are found but pannick feares , and terrors without ground ! and yet , how often doth blinde ignoranc● , above my reach her shallownesse advance ? or else of madnesse , wickedly condemne my wisdome , and my safest paths contemne ? yet be not thou ( my soule ) deceived by the foolishnesse of humane sophistry . but , since by thy afflictions , thou hast got exp●rience , which the world attaineth not ; give heed to me , and i will make thee know those things which carnall reason cannot show . yea make thee by my pow'r more certaine be of that which mortals can nor heare nor see , then of the plainest objects that appeare vnto the sense of corp'rall eye or eare : and though my promise , or my counsell seeme to vulgar iudgements , but of meane esteeme , i le so enable the● those seares to bide , w●erewi●h the worldly-wise are terrifi'd ; and , teach thee such contentednesse to gaine , though in deaths gloomy shades thou dost remaine : that , thou ( without all doubtings ) shalt perceive , thou shouldst not this afflicted citie leave . and flesh and blood , with wonder , shall confess● that faith hath pow'r to teach men fearlesnesse , i● perils ; which do make their hearts to ake , who scoffe at her , and part with reason take . it cannot be denyed that this place yeelds dread enough , to make the boldest face to put a palenesse on , unlesse the minde be over much to sen●●esnesse enclinde : because , we nat'rally abhor to see such loathed objects of mortality . ' t●s also true , that there is no defence to guard the body from this pes●ilence , within the compasse of mans pow●r or wit : nor can thy merit so prevaile with it , but that ( for ought thou knowest ) thou maist f●ll the growing number of death● weekly - bill . and what of that ? whìlst i befriend thee shall , ca● such a common danger thee apal● ? shall that , which heath'nish men , and women beare , ( yea tender infants ) without shewes of feare , amate thy spirit ? shall the drawing nigh of that , from which thou has● no meanes to ●●ye , ( and which thou walkest toward , ev'ry day , ( with seeming stou●nesse ) fright thee now away ? is death so busie grow●e in london streets , that h● with no man in th● country me●ts ? beleeve●● thou , the number he hath slaine hath added any thing unto the paine ? or , hast thou lately apprehended more deaths fearfull gast lin●sse , then heretofore , that in this time of tryall thou shouldst finde thy soule to slavish cowardice enclinde ? death is that path , which ev'ry man must tread ; a●d , whe● thou shalt d●scend among the dead , thou go'st but thither where thy fathers be , and whither , all that live shall follow thee . death is that haven , where t●y barke shall cas● her hopefull anchor , and lye moored fast , exempted from those furious windes and seas ▪ vvhich in thy heav'nly voyage , thee diseas● . death i● th● iaile-deliv'ry of ●he soule : thy joyfull yeare of iubilee : thy goale : the day that ends thy sorrowes , and thy sins ; and that , wherein , best happinesse begins . a lawfull act , then wherefore shouldst thou feare to prosecute ; although thy death it were ? full oft , have i enabled thee to bide the brunt of dreadf●ll stormes , unterrifide ▪ and , when thy dastard reason ( not espying that heav'nly game , at which thy faith was flying ) di●heartned grew ; i did thy body free from ev'ry p●rill which enclosed thee : so working , that those thin●s thy praise became , which malice had projected for thy shame ; and , common reason , who suppos'd thee mad , did blush to see how little wi● she had . yet , now againe , how f●olishly she tryes to cast new fogs b●fore thy iudgements eyes ? ●hat childish bug-bea●es hath she mus●red ●ere , to scar t●y senses with a causelesse f●are ? of those loath'd objects wherefore doth she tell , which v●x the sight , the hearing , and the smell ? since , when the utmost of it shall be said , all is but death ; which can but strike thee dead . and when that 's done , thou shalt ( by me revived ) enjoy a better life then thou has● lived . if those hobgoblin terrors of the grave , ( wherewith meere nat'rall men affrighted have their troubled soules ) deterre thee from that path , whereto the will of god injoined hath ; to thee ( oh ! soule ) how dreadfull would it be if warre , with all her feares enclosed thee ? nay , if such common terrors thee amaze , how wouldst thou quake , if in a generall blaze , the world should flame about thee ? ( as it may , perhaps , before thou see another day ) sure , if these scar-crowes do det●rre thee so , thou scarce wilt welcome ( as thou oughtst to do ) that moment when it comes ; nor so rejoyce , as they , who long to heare the bridegroomes voice . here therefore stay , and practise to inure thy soule to tryalls ; that thou maist endure all chang●s , which in after times may come : and wait with gladnesse , for the day of doome . seeke here , by holy dread , to purge away those crimes which heape up terrors for that day . endure the scorching of this gentle fire ▪ to purifie thy heart from vaine desire . learne here , the death of righteous men to dye ; that thou maist live with such eternally . h●re , exercise thy faith , and watch , and pray , that when thy body shall be mixt with clay the frigh●full trumpet , whose amazing sound shall startle h●ll , and shake earths massie round . may make thee leape with gladnesse from thy grave , and no sad horrors in thy conscience have . what canst thou hope to purchase here below , that thou shouldst life unwillingly for goe ? since , there is nothing which thou canst possesse , whose sweetnesse is not marr'd with bitternesse : nor any thing so safe , but that it may , to th●e , become a mischiefe , many a way ? if honourable thou mightst live to grow , that honor may effect thy overthrow . and ( as it makes of others ) make of thee a thing as blockish , as bruit creatures be ▪ if rich ; those riches may thy life betray ; choake up thy vertues , and then flye aw●y . if pleasure follow thee ; that pleasing vaine may bring thy soule to everlasting paine : yea , that which most thou longest to e●joy , may all the pleasures of thy life destroy . seeke therefore true co●t●n●ment where it lies , and feare not ev'ry b●bies fantasies . if life thou love ; death is that entring in where life which is eternall doth begin . there , what thou most desirest is enjoy'd ; and , death it selfe , by dying is destroy'd . though length of life , a blessing be confest , yet , length of dayes in sorrow is not best . although the saylor , sea-roome doth require , to reach the harbour is his chiefe desire : and , though 't is well our debts may be delay'd , yet , we are best at ease when they are paid . if ●itle● , thou aspire unto : death brings the faithfull , to become immortall kings : whose glorie passeth earth●y pomp , as far as phoebus doth outshine the morning-star . desirest thou a pleasant healthfull dwelling ? by death thou gain'st a country so excelling ; that , plenty of all us●full things is there , and all ●hose objects that delightfull are . a golden pavement thou sh●lt walke upon ; and lodge in buildings wall'd with precious stone . if in rich garmen●s to be cloath'd thou seeke , the persian mon●rks never had the like : for , puritie it selfe thy robe shall be ; and like the stars , thy crowne shall s●ine on thee . hast thou enjoyed those companions here , vvhose love and fellowship delightfull are ? thou shalt , when thou from sight of those art gone , of that high order be installed one , vvhich never did false brother entertaine ; vvhereof , ev'n god himselfe is soveraigne : and in whose company thou shalt possesse all perfect , deare , and lasting friendlinesse . yea , there ev'n those whom thou on earth hast lo●ed ●n●●se time ( with such love as is approved ) thou shalt enjoy againe : and not alon● their friendship ; but the love of ev'ry one of those blest men and women , who both were , and are , and shall be , till our iudge appeare . hath any mortall beauty pleas'd thee so , that , from her presence thou ●rt loath to goe ? thou shalt in stead of those poore imperfections , vvh●r●on thou setlest here unsure affections ▪ the fountaine of all beauties , come to see ( wi●hin his lovely bosome lodged be ) and know ( when thou on him hast fixt thine eye● ) that , all earths beauties are deformities . to these , and happinesses , greater far then by the heart of man conceived are , death maketh passage . and , how grim soe're he may to those that stand aloo●● appeare ; yet , if thou bide unmoved in thy place , till he within his armes doe thee embrace ; thou sh●lt perceive that who so timely dieth , enjoyes contentments which this life denyeth . thy feare of painfulnesse in death is vain● ; in death is eas● ; in life , alone , is paine . man makes it ●readfull by his owne inventions ▪ by causelesse doubts , and groundlesse apprehensions . but , when it comes , it brings of paine , no more then sleepe , to him that restlesse was before . thy soules departur● , from the flesh , doth maze , and thee afflicteth more then there is cause : for , of his sting , thy saviou● , death despoiled : and , feares , and dangers from the grave exiled . thou losest not try body when it dyes ; nor doth it perish , though it putrifies . for , when the time appointed , it hath laine , it shall be raised from the dust againe , and , in the s●ead of this corrupted one , thy soule , a glorious body shall put on . but hadst thou not a faith which might procure the● such comforts , and such life in death assure thee : or , though thou shouldst , by dying , be possest of nothing else , but of a senselesse rest : me thinkes thy ●arnall reason should , for that , perswade thee rather to be desperate , and stay , and seeke for death , e'●e languish in perpetuall sorrowes , such as thine have bi● . for , if to god-ward , ●oy thou foelest not , what comfort to the world-ward ●ast thou got , which may desirous make thee to delay , or linger out thy life another day ? 't is true that god hath given thee a share i● all thos● pleasures , that good pleasures are ; and ( to the giver● glory be i● spoken ) h●e hath bestow'd on thee as many a ●ok●n of his abundant love , as he bestowes on any , with so sew external sh●wes . for ev'n of outward things he doth impart as much as fits the place in which thou art ; with full as many pleasures as may serve , thy patience , in thy suff●ings , to preserve : and , when for rest , and plenties , thou art fitter , i know , he will not make thy cup so bitt●r . but if thou live for outwar'd pleasures meerly ; by living thou dost buy them over dearly . for ( if thy peace in god were s●t aside ) so many wayes thou hast beene crucifi'd , that some would think thy fortune ( if they had it ) most bitter ; though most sweet thy hopes have made it . h●re , but a pilgrimage thou dost possesse , i● wandring , and perpetuall restlesnesse . like travellers , in sunshine and in raine , both d●y and wet , and dry and wet againe . with rest , each morning , well refresh● and merry ▪ a●d , ev'ry ev'ning , full of griefe , and weary . to vanity , in bondage thou dost lie , still beaten with new stormes of misery ; and , in a path to which thou art a stranger , assaulted with variety of danger . his face , sometime , is hid , whence comforts flow , and , men and devills , seek thy overthrow . sin multiplies upon thee , ev'ry day : thy vitall pow'rs , will more and more decay : wealth , honor , friends , and what thou best dost love , doth leave , deceive thee , or thy torment prove ; mans very body burthens him ; and brings vnto itselfe a thousand torturings ▪ thy heart , with many thinkings is perplext : yea , by thine owne affections thou art vext : and ( though by overcomming them at last , thy soule hath comfort when the fight is past , ) thou hast perpetuall conflicts , which requir● continuall watchfulnesse : for , no desire or nat'rall passion , ever did molest the heart of man , that strives not in thy brest . in ev'ry pleasure , somewhat lurks to scar thee ▪ in ev'ry profit , somewhat to ensnare thee : whole armies of afflictions swarme about thee , some fight within thee ; some assaile without thee : and , that which thou conceivest shall releeve thee , becommeth oft another meanes to gri●ve thee . yea , thine owne thoughts , thy spe●ches , and thine actions , occasion discontentments , and distraction : and all the portion which thou dost inherit , yeelds nought , but perturbations of the spirit . in childhood , all thy pleasures were but toyes ; in heat of youth , as fruitlesse were thy joyes : thy riper yeares , do nought but ripen care : and , imperfections , thy perfections are : if old thou grow , thy griefes will aged be ▪ and , sicknesse , till thou dye , wil live in thee . thy life 's a warfare , which must quite be done , e're dangers vanish , or the field be won . it is a voyage full of wearinesse , till thou thy wished harbor dost possesse : and , thou of no externall ioy canst b●ast , that may not e're thy dying day be lost . but , truth to say , what thing dost thou possesse , which others thi●ke to be a happinesse ? the world allowes thee little that is hers , and ●hee to very small esteeme prefers . among her minions : but , in ev'ry place endeavors to affront thee with disgrace ; d●prives thee of thy labours , and bestowes on parasites , on foo●es , and on thy foes , thy due : and with a spightfull enviousnesse , thy best approved studies doth suppresse . behold , ●●rothy masq●e , an idle song , the witlesse jesting of a scurrilous tongue , th● capring dancer , and the foining fencer , the bold buffoone , the slye intelligencer ; those fool●sh raving fellowes , whose delights are wholly fixed on their curs and kites ▪ the termly pamphlet●rs , whose dedications doe sooth and claw the times abominations : ev'n such ●ike things as these can purchase grace , and quickly compasse pension , ●ift , or place ; when , thy more honest labours are abused , contemned , sleighted , or at best refused . if such a one as these forenam'd , resort to set abroach his qualities in court , he findes respect , and as an usefull man , his faculty , some place afford him , can . he soone hath entertainment . or if not , yet , something may sor his availe be got . a base invention , that scarce merit may the reputation of a puppet-play , so●e spangled courtier , or some foolish lord ▪ admires , affects , and of his ow●e accord prefers it to the prince , or to the king , as an ingenious , or much usefull thing . and ( ten to one ) if then the author can but humor well his lordship , or his man ( that rules his honors wisdome ) it may gaine him some such like lord as that to en●ertaine him , for his c●mpanion ; y●a , the privy purse may open to him : and , be fareth worse then many a foole hath done , unl●sse e're long ▪ he purchaseth to be enro●l'd among the best deservers ; and arise to be superior to a better man then be . twixt these and thee what distances appeare ? and , twixt your fortunes what a space is there ▪ when thou hadst f●nished a worke divine , ( as much for others profit , as for thine ) thou scarcely found'st a man , to make thee way thy present , at thy soveraigne● fee● to lay . and when thou didst ▪ no sooner laid he by what tendred was , but some in●urious eye did quickly take thereof a partiall view , and with detracting censures thee pursue . yea , those meere ignorants , whose courtly wi● can judge of nothing , but how cloathes doe fit ; how congees should be acted ; how their boy obs●rve them should ; or some such weighty ●oy : those shreds of complement , patcht up for things to fill vast roomes in palaces of kings , ( as antiques doe in hangin●● ) more for show ▪ then any profit , which from them c●n flow . ●v'n those ( scarce worth our laughing at ) have pa●● their doomes on that which thou presented hast ; as if they understood it : and , as those , ●y chance did censure , so the censure goes . if these , or any such like mountebanks , by slavish fawning , or by pickin● thanks ; by ho●eliest services , ( or worse ) by cheating ; extorting from the poore , or by defeating men hone●●ly disposed , ( or , by any of those ill meanes , whereof this age hath many ) can , out of heggery , their fortunes reare ▪ to hundreds , or to thousands by the yeare : they thinke themselves abus'd , if any grutch o● m●rmur , as if they had got too much . but , though thou from thy childhood wert employ'd in painf●ll studies , and hadst not enjoy'd so much externall profit , as would pay the charges of thy troubles , for a day : ( nay , rather , hindrance hadst , and punishment , for that , which gave most honest men content ) yet ( marke their dealing ) when but hope there was of gaine to thee ( which never came to passe ) and though that gaine were lesse then traders can allow sometimes unto a iourney-man : yea though it were to no mans prejudice ; ( ●ut many profiting ) and did arise by thine owne labours : that small yearly summ● expected for , nought , yet , but losse doth come ) was grumbled at ; as if it had beene more then any ever gained heretofore ; and would the common-weale have prejudised , had none , thereof , to frustrate thee , de●ised . some , therefore ( whose maliciousnesse is yet vnanswer'd for ) themselves against thee set ; and , by the dammage of their owne estate , have labour'd , thee and thine to ruinate . some others , as injuriously , as they , laid causelesse nets , to snarle thee in thy way : and have procured , for thy best intents , reproofes , contempts , and close imprisonments ; ( as rigo●ous as ever were inflicted , of those th●t for high treason stood convicted ) yea , that which might an honest wealth have won thee , ●as that , whereby they sought to have undone thee . foule scandals , thy best actions have attended . and ( as if on thine infamy depended the kingdomes glory ) pamphlets false and base , yea , publike ma●ques , and playes , to thy disgrace , were set abroach ; till justly they became , to those that made , and favour'd them , a shame . in rimes , and libels , they have done thee wrongs ; thou hast beene mention'd in their drunken songs , who nothing worse unto thy charge could lay , but , that , thou didst not seeme so bad as they . meere strangers , who are quite unknowne of thee , ( although they see not what thy manners be ) take pleasure to traduce thee , and to draw those things in question , which they never saw . nay , at their publike meetings , few forbeare to speake that s●andall , which they thinke , or heare ▪ ev'n since this plague began , and whi●st thy hand recording was that iudgement on this land ; thou art inform'd , that , westward from this place ( some scores of miles ) a generall rumor w●● both of thy biding here , and of thy death . and , they who said , thou hadst expir'd thy breath , ( supposing , as it seemes ) it could not be that god from this disease would shelter thee ) reported also , that , of grace forsaken , and , by the sin of drunkennesse o'retaken , thou brok●st thy neck . it may be those men thought , that when the plague●hy ●hy life to end bad brought , they sh●uld have added som●what , to have slaine the life of good report , which might remaine . nor was that ayme quite void . for , ( though of all grosse sins , the staine of t●at , least b●ur thee shall ) some straight beleev'd what malice did surmise ; condemn'd thy vertues , for hypocrisies . made guilty all thy lines of evill ends ▪ vs'd thee , as iob was used by his friends ▪ did on thy life un●hristian censures passe ▪ affirm'd , thy death had showed what it was ; and , many a one that heard it , shall not know vntill his dying day , it was not so . but , then they shall perceive , that most of that is false , which men of others use to prate . but , wonder it is none , that thou among some strangers , in thy fame hast suffred wrong : for , ●o , thy neighbours ( though they privy be to no such act as may difparage thee , but unto many rather , which in show , appeared from a christian minde to flow ) ev'n they , in private whisp'rings , many times have taxed thee as guilty of those crimes thou never perpetratedst , but dost more abhor them , then do mizers to be poore . and from th●se blots the more thy life is free , the more is theirs defilde , by slaundring th●e . in wicked places ( where yet n●ver came thy foo● ) some ac●ed follies in thy name : that others present , knowing not thy face , might spread abroad of thee , to thy disgrace , vvhat others did . and , such a mischiefe , none but perfect malice , could have thought upon . thy very prayers , and thy charities have ●●cked beene , and judg'd hypocrisies . when thou wert be●● employed , thou wert s●re the b●sest imputations to endure . when thy intentions ha●e beene most sincere , mens misconstructions alwayes ha●shest were ; and , when thy piou●● action thou hadst wrought , then ▪ they the greatest mischiefe on thee brought . the best , and most approved of those laies , by thee composed for thy makers praise ; have lately greatly multipli'd thy f●es , and , not procur'd alone the spight of those whom brutish ignorance bes●ts among the misconceiving and ill●terate throng : but ▪ they who on the seats of iudgement sate , thee , and those labours have inveighed at . the learned , who should wiser men have beene , did censure that which they had never seene . ev'n they , w●o make faire shewes of sancti●y , ( god grant , it be not with hypocrisi● ) with spightfulnesse , that scarce can matched be , have shamefully tr●duced that , and thee . nay , of the clergy , some ( and of the chiefe ) have with unseemly f●ry , post beleefe , so undervalu'd , and so vilifi'd those labors ( which the tryall will abide , when their proud spleene is wasted ) that , unlesse god had , in mercy , curb'd their furiousnesse , ( and by his might abated , in some measure , that pow'r of acting their impe●ious pleasure ) their place , and that opinion they had gained , of knowledge , and sincerity unfained , had long ere this , no doubt , made so contemn'd those lines , and thee ; that thou hadst beene condemn'd vvithout a triall . and so true a feeling hadst gain'd ere now , of base and partiall dealing , that , disconten●●ight then have urg'd thy stay , in hope this plague , would th●t , have tooke away : but , thou by others , hast receiv'd the ●●ings of malice ▪ otherwayes , in other things . those men , whose over-grosse and open crime● , are justly taxed in thi●●●onest ●imes , have by the generall notice of thy name , sought how to bring thee to a generall shame , by raising causelesse rumors to be blowne through ev'ry quarter where thy lines are knowne . for , there 's no place without an enuious ●are , and slan●rous tongues be ready ev'ry where , to cast , with willingnesse , disgrace on those , of whom , some good report , beforehand , goes . and since thou canst not answer ev'ry man , as he that 's knowne in some few townships , can ; the falsest rumors men divulge of thee , doe soone become a common fame to be . moreover ( that lesse cause there may appeare , why thou shouldst life desire , or dying feare ) the most affected thing this world containes , hath tor●ur'd thee with most heart-breaking paines . for , they whom thou hast loved : they to whom thou didst obliged many wayes become : yea ●hey who knew thy faithfulnesse ; ev'n they , have made their outward kindnesses the way to make thee most ingratefull seeme to be , yea , they have heaped more disgrace on thee , more griefes , and disadvantages , then all thy foes together , bring upon thee shall . and long pursued have , to thy vexation their courses with harsh trickes of ag●ravation ; yet still pretending love : which makes the curse , of this affliction twenty times the worse . i will ●ot say that thou affl●cted art in this ( by them ) without thy owne desert : for who perceives in all how he offends ? or thinks , that god correction causelesse sends ? nor will i say this injury proceeds , fromany malice . for , perhaps , it breeds from their distemper'd love . and god to show some needfullsecret ( which thou best maist know by this experiment ) a while doth please , to make thy late contentments thy disease . thy first acquaintan●e , who did many a yeare enjoy thy fellowship ( and glad appeare to seeme thy friends ) have wearied out their love , by length of time ; and strangers now doe prove . thou also seest , thy new acquaintance be worne out as fast as gotten . for , to thee most come , for nothing but to satisfie their idle fruitlesse curiositie : and , having seene , and found thee but a man , their friendship ended , just as it began . nay , they who all thy course of life have seene , and ( in appearanc● ) have perswaded beene , so well of thy uprightnesse , as if no●ght could move in them , of thee , one ●vill thought : these , by a little absence , or the sound of some untrue relation ( wanting ground ) doe all their good opinion some●ime change ; suspect thy mann●rs , and themselves ●strange , so unexpecte●ly ▪ and without cause , that what to judge of them it makes thee pause ▪ for they that vertuous are , but in the show , doe soone suspect , that all men else , are so . th●se things are very bitter unto such whose hearts are sensible to ev'ry touch of kindnesse , and unkindnesse ; and they make life tedious , where they deepe impr●ssion take . but , many other griefes thy soule doe grinde ; and thou by them , art pained in a kinde so diff●ring from the common sense of others , ( although thy patience much distemper smothers ) that reason might me thinkes contented be , thou shouldst pursue thy death to set thee free . i spe●ke not this , as if thou didst repin● at these , or any other lots of thine : nor to discourage thee , be●ause the world so little of her grace on thee hath hurl'd . for , i would have thee scorne her love ; and know that whe●her sh● will favour th●e or no , i wil● , in thy due season , make thee rise to honor , by that way which me● despise : ev'n to those honors , which are greater then the greatest that conferred are , by men . and , this i mention , in reproach of them whose pride , thy humble mufings , doth contemn● : and ●o remember thee , how vaine it were , to seeke for life , where such harsh dealings are . and , as i would not have thee wish to live ●or love of any thing , this world can give : so , i am loath her troubles should have pow'r to make thee seeke to shorten life an houre . but rather in contempt of all her spight , to lengthen it , untill pale envie quite consume her selfe ; and thou at last be sent from hence , victorious , crowned with content . i therefore , here , perswade thee not to stay ▪ that vainly thou mightst foole thy life away : or , that some poore applauses may be got ; or , for such trifling ends as profit not ; and , whereof , reason her di●like infers : for , my opinion jumps in that , with hers . i doe not counsell thee to cast aside that care ▪ which teacheth wisely to provide for wholsome antidotes : or to observe such courses , a● are likely to preserve thy body sound : nor is it my intent , thou shouldst employ , by way of complemen● , thy time in visiting infected friends ; when to their comfortings it little tends . nor am i pleas'd in him that so presumes , or such a franticke foolishnesse assumes , as desperately to thrust himselfe among the noisome brea●hings of a sickly thro●g , when such a danger nothing may availe : and , where the meanes of lif● will surely faile . nor would i now betray thee to thy sin ; or worke thy losses , that thy foes may win ; or make thee tempt thy god ; or grieve thy friends ▪ or barre thy labors of their wished ends : nor can●●t thou thinke thy rea●on well hath said , to cast such stumbling-blockes , as she hath laid : for , just and comely things , i doe advise ; and , seeke not mischiefes , but their remedies . a carnall wisedome sayes she seeth not what knowledge and assurance may be got of those eternall things , that objects are of chr●stian hope . but , wherefore shouldst thou feare what ●lesh and blood blasphemously hath said ? since , into thee already are convaid ●●th notions , and the reall sense of that which they , who would not see , doe stumble at ? meere humane reason cannot ●each to know of many thousand creatures here below , the s●cret natures : doe not wonder thou , that few celestiall things perceive she can : but call to minde , that to be fl●shly wise , is to be foolish in truths mysteries . give god the praise , who hath on thee bes●owne a better apprehension then thine 〈◊〉 . remember still , to cherish this beleefe ; let prayer daily fet thy faith releefe : and be assur'd that i advise thee best , what e're thy carnall reason shall suggest . if thou suppose that thou hast ought begun , which may thy coun●ry profit , being done , or honor god : proceed thou in his name , with cheerfulnesse , and finish up the same . for god will either give thee life to doe it , ( if cause the●e be ) or call another to it of better gifts ▪ and , if thou grudge at this , thou seekest thine owne honor , more then his : and , though a pious purpose thou pretend , thy holy shew●s have some unholy end . say , thou among the m●ltitude must fall ; say , they that hate thee , thereof triumph ●hall ; or others ( out of levity ) contemne thy course ; or thee unj●stly should condemne , as reason pleads ? what prejudice to thee wo●ld this be more , then s●ch mens pra●ses be ? what harme is this to thee wh●n ●hou art gone ? and hast no se●se of any wrong that 's done ? what needst thou care , if all the wo●ld suppose to hell thou sinkest ; if thy spi●it it goes the way to heav'n ? and in that narrow path a ●lessed being , unperceived hath ? pursue brave actions , as a christian ought , and , care not thou what shall of them be thought : ( except to rouze up other men it be , by making them perceive what rouzed thee ) when thou dost walke uprightly , walke thou on , and scorne to looke aside , who looks thereon : for ▪ he 's a foole ( if not an hypocrite ) that in well-doing feeleth no delight , vntill some witnesse of his deeds he know , or feele some praises his proud sai●es to blow , nay , he that cannot in a vertuous deed , ( wherein , his conscience , warrants to proceed ) persist without returning , though he should , of all the world together , be controul'd ; or , if he thought it not a favour too that god would call him such a worke to doe ; ( yea though that for his paines , he should become abhorr'd of all men ▪ t●ll the day of doome ) ev'n such a man is farre below that height , to which by perfect vertue climbe he might ; and lose he doth , by feares that are in vaine , the bravest honor that his faith can gaine . thy reason sayes , that thou a sinner art ; and , thereupon doth urge thee to depart . but wherefore should the guilt of sin ●ffright f●●m staying , rather then from taking flight ? for , if thou shalt remove away from hence , thy guilt retaining , by impenitence , god hath not so his plagues confined hither , but that they may pursue thee any whither . and whereas here , the danger , and the feare , encompassing this place , might so deterre , so mollifie , and awe thy heart within thee ; so move , and to amend thy life , so win thee , that god shall clense thy soule of ev'ry staine ; and reconcile thee to himselfe againe : perhaps , the wicked vaine securit● , that will attend thee whither thou shalt flye , may m●ke the measure of thy sinnes compleater , thy comforts fewer ; t●y afflictions greater ; when least thou fearest , most of all disease thee ; and keepe off this , that some worse thing may seize thee : and , though thy reason urge thee to beeleve , thy friends may wronged be , or too much gri●ve , by this adventure : i , thy faith , assure thee , that if my motives may to stay procure thee , ( for such good purposes as i propose ) thy god shall pay thy friends what ere they lose ; make some ( by fearing what thy dangers are ) of their owne wayes to take the greater care : k●epe others ( by preserving of them sad ) more watchfull , that might else lesse heed have had ▪ and , sti●re up thee for them , and them for thee , so zealous in continuall vowes to be , as w●ll ( perchance ) worse perils drive away , then those , which are so feared , in thy stay . oh! god , how many soules , by fleeing hence scape this , and catch a deadlier pestilence ! how many hearts whom feare doth somewhat strike with sorrowes , which begins repentance-like , ( and might by staying here , accomplish that , which ev'ry true beleever aimeth at ) will fall from those beginnings , by their flight , and lose the feeling of gods iudgement● , quite ? how many ! by wr●ng seeking to prevent , their heav'nly fathers loving chastisement , incor●igible in their lives will grow ? and bring themselves to utter overthrow ? and oh ! what multitudes , by staying here , shall change their dread , into a filiall feare ? their feare to love , and love , and laud thee too , for sending that , which they abhorred so ! like them , who in the deeps employed be , here , thou the wondrous works of god shalt see . that thou maist tell ●he world what he hath done ; and sing the praise of that almighty-one to this , and future a●es . and ▪ for what did he thy soule and body first create ? for what redeeme thee ? for what end infuse that fa●ulty , which thou dost call thy muse ? for what , but for his honor , to declare thos● iudgements and his mercies which will h●re be showne unto thee ? and to sing the story of wh●t thine eye beholdeth to his glory ? for , if not here , then where ? or if not now , then , at what other time expectest thou so faire an oprortunity , to shew with how much readinesse thou couldst be●tow thy life , and all thy faculties , on him ( and , for his servic● ) who bestowed them ? what nobl●r subject can the wo●ld afford , for thee , or for the muses to record , then will those iudgements , and those mercies be ▪ which god will in this place disclose to thee ? if reason seeke some purpose in thy stay , me thinks , this purpose please thy reason may : for , though those men who love their owne vaine praise , have little care of their creators waies , and finde small pleasingnesse in those relations , which are compos'd of such like observations ; yet , all the glorioust acts of greatest kings , a●e triviall , worthlesse , base , and foolish things ▪ respecting these . and , though some nicer wits scarce think that such a subject well befits their artfull muses . yet , twixt this and that whereon they love to plod and meditate , there 's much more diff'rence , then betweene their laie● and those which they doe most of all dispraise : and they who live ( the time ) i hope shall see , these poems , much , more prized then they be : yea , though it may appeare to common reason , an act impertinent , and out of season , for such an end as this to make thy stay : let not her carnall sophismes thee dismay . for sin●e thou seest a vaine historian dares his person to adventure in the warres , that he ( for fame , or hire ) may w●i●e a story of wha● is done to his commanders glory : this action , wherefore shouldst thou startle from , as if thy iudgement it would mis-become ? if just it be , our safeties to contemne , in such a case ( if that be good in him ) how much more just , is thy adventure , then who sin●●t the praise of god , and not o● men ? how mu●h more safely walkest thou , then they ? how much more glory , and how much more pay , can thy great captaine give thee ? and how small should be thy feare ? if thou should'st feare at all . nor to thy god , or to thy selfe alone , will acceptable services be done by sta●ing here : but , peradventure some that living are , and some , in time to come , may reap advantage by it , and confesse , that thou wert borne for them ; and didst possesse and use thy life , not for thy selfe alone , but ●hat to others profit might be done . the gen'rall notice which men take of thee , will make thy actions more observed be then those of twenty others , who doe seeme in their small circuits , men of great esteeme : and , when hereafter it is knowne abroad , to what good purposes thou mad'st abode in this afflicted city : on what ground , thy blamed resolution thou dost found : how sensible thou wert of ev'ry seare , and of each perill thou adventredst here : how many friends thou ●adst to flye ●nto : how much elsewhere thou migh●st have found to do ; what censures thou shouldst hazzard , in t●y stay : vv●at pleasures wooed th●e to come aw●y : how , thy continuing here was not by chance by discontent , or humorous ignorance : how , no compulsion , no perswading friend , no office , hope o● gaine , or such like end nec●ssitated thee . yea , when by such , vvho are to feare e●slaved ●vermuch , all this is heeded well ; and when men shall consider it , comparing therewithall , vvhat causes moved thee ; what meditation confirm'd thy stay ; what kinde of conversation thou daily practisedst ; and what good use they may from th● experiments produce ; it will perchance occasion some to learne those things , which yet they doe not well discerne : help , in good resolutions , some to arme : some weake ones in temptations much confirme : to some become a meanes to make them see that men despised , may enabled be , by faith , to keepe their place undaunted there , where men of better seeming gifts doe f●are . and peradventure thou maist compasse that which likeher men in vaine have aymed at ▪ for , though it may be said this place hath store by calling and by gifts , adapted more for such a taske ; and that there may be some , that have no warrant for departing from th●se noysome streets , who well enough may take this pain●s ; and thereof thee excused make . yet , shall not that ●xcuse thee . for , all they have callings , which employ them wholly may ▪ yea , they whose wits are ●bler , think not on that worke , perchance ▪ as needfull to be done . or if they doe , perhaps , they may expire before they have performed it ; or tire . and though they should make perfit their designes : yet their obs●urity , may barre their lines from taking that effect , which if thou write , thy being far more knowne , accomplish might . for , fame prevailes with many ( now adaies ) and , if uncout●'d , unkist ( as chaucer saies . ) or grant that many had the same attempted , ( and men of note ) yet wert thou not exempted . for , best it is , when such like things as these confirmed are by many witnesses . beside , if those assurances which thou shalt publish ( and thy ●aith shall well allow ) affirmed were by none but such as they who might not from this place depart aw●y without much losse , or blame : meere naturall men might have contemned all those counsels , then , and all those just reproofes , that may , by thee , or any other man objected be , against their flavish feares : and may reply , that no man staid , but he that could not flye : or that none durst become a voluntary , in such a fire , for conscience sake ▪ to tarie : and , that no mortall man had pow'r obtain'd to bide such brunts , till outwardly constrain'd . whereas thy free abiding here , will move much better thoughts : thy constancy approve ; procure the more beleefe to thy relations ; the more effectuall make thy good perswasions : and stop th●ir mo●thes , who might some other w●y thy paine● have wrong'd , had ought proc●r'd thy stay . oh! f●r , far be it , that lust , ava●ce , the strong d●●●empers of some hat●f●ll vice , a stupid mel●ncholy or the tumors of some wilde passion , or fantasti●ke humor● , should fixe more stoutnesse in the heart of man , then temperate , an● pious knowledge can . far be it , that old women , for their pay , or sextons for as little b●re , as they , we in the w●lks of death should walking see without all f●are ; yet , they deterred be , who boast of knowl●dge ; and have sung , and said , that though in deaths black shadowes they w●re lai● ▪ they would without dism●y continue th●re ; because gods rod , and staffe , their keepers are . oh! let not this be so : and be it far from proving true ; that they who studious are of wisdome , and of piety , should shrinke , where he , whose head peece is but arm'd with drinke ▪ sits fearlesse : or , that vse , or custome shall embolden more , then christian faith , and all the morall ve●tues : or , that thou shouldst yeeld to carn●ll reason , and forgoe the field . moe arguments i could , as yet , expresse , to prove thy staying hath much usefulnesse : as that it were unkindnesse to forsake those persons here , who comfort in thee take . for , some professe already , that th●y bide , by thy example , greatly fortifi'd , ( in their compelled stay ) by seeing thee so willingly , the●r griefes companion be . y●a , many a one , observing thee to stay , confesseth , he doth shame to flye away . thereby , those resolutions they have got , which very lately they embraced not ; and might , perhaps , if now thou shouldst depar● ▪ become afraid , because thou fearfull art . me thinks , it is unmanlinesse to flie from those , in woe , whom in prosperity thou lovedst : yea , t is basenesse , not to share in ●v'ry sorrow which thy f●iends d●e beare , as well as in their pleasures , if they be such friends , as some of thine doe seeme to thee . here , thou hast long continu'd . on the bread of dainties , in this city thou hast fed . here , thou hast laught and sung ; and here thou hast thy youthfull yeares , in many f●llies past ; abus'd thy christian-liberty , and trod that maze , which brings forgetfulnesse of god. here , thy example , some corrupted hath ; here , thou hast moved thy creators wrath : here , thou hast sinned ; and thy sinnes they were , which holpe to bring this plague now raging here . here , therefore , doe thou fast : here , doe thou mourne , and , into sighes , and teares , thy laughter turne . h●re , yeeld ●hy selfe to prison , till thou see at this assize , how god will deale by thee : ev'n here , the time redeeme thou : here , restore b● good examples , th●se whom heretofore thou hast offended : here , t●y selfe apply gods just incensed wrath to pacifie . here , joyne in true repen●ance , to remove ●hat storme which now descendeth from above . and the● , or live or dye ▪ this place , to thee a place of refuge , and of ●oy shall be . nor sin , nor death , nor h●ll , no● any thing sh●ll d●scontentment , fea●e , or perill bring which to thy soule or body , shall become a disadvantage ; but helpe save thee from destruction : ioyes , as yet , unfelt , procure : in all temptation , mak● thy minde secure : discover plainly how thy reason failed ; and , make thee blesse the time , thy faith prevailed . but , thou dost w●nt a calling ( reason cries ) thy staying in this place to warrantize . and , that untill thereof tho● dost obtaine the full assurance , all my speech is vaine . indeed , the glorioust worke we can begin , vnlesse god call us to it , is a sin . and ther●fore , ev'ry man should seeke to k●ow what , god , and what vaine ●ancy cals him to . for , pride ▪ and over-weening arrogance , the devill , or a zealous ignorance , suggests false warrants ; and allureth men to dangerous adventures , now and then : yea , maketh some , from god● commands to fall , and take employments at the devils call . to judge thy calling , then , learne this of me , that , some vocations ordinar● be , some extraordinary if thou take an ordinary calling , thou must make the common entrance , which that pow'r doth give within whose iurisdiction thou dost l●ve : else ( whatsoever cause thou dost pretend ) it is intrusion : and , thou shalt offend . if thou conceivest thou some calling hast in extraordinary ; see it past by gods allowance , from gods holy writ ▪ before such time as thou accept of it . and , then , beware that nothing force thee back , or , make thee in thine office to be slacke . in briefe ; a calling extraordinary , to justifie it selfe , these markes must carie ; and , if it faile of ●hem , but in the least , thy conscience is deluded in the r●st . gods glory will be aymed at , in chiefe : it will be grounded on a true beleefe : it doth not gods revealed will oppose : no step that erres f●om charity it goes : it seeketh not , what cannot be enjoy'd : it makes no ordinary calling void : some cause not frequent must invite thereto : and ( to accomplish what thou hast to doe ) some gift , that 's proper for it , must be given , and then , thou hast thy calling seal'd from h●aven . approve thy selfe by these , and thou shalt see , that , god , no doub● , hath truly called thee . to this adventure . for , thy h●art intends his praise in this , above all other ends . thou dost bele●ve , that ( whether live or dye ) thy st●y shall somewhat adde , to glorifie thy blessed maker ; and that something shall to thine , and others profits , here , befall . thy iudgement , to thy conscience nou●ht discloseth , wherein it gods revealed will opposeth : it well agrees with charity , and tryes to compasse no impossibilities . nor binders it , nor calls it th●e from ought which is more necessary to be wrought . a cause not ordinary now requires thy presence here ; and , god himselfe inspires thy b●est with resolutions that agree to such an a●tion . gi●ts , which none but he can give , he gives thee ; such , as are by nature , not found in any sub●oelestiall creature , but , me●rly of his grace ● and , such , as none can counterfeit , by all that may be done . and , whence are all th●se musiags here exprest ? wh●nce come these combatings within thy brest twixt m● and reason ? who is it that makes thy heart so fearlesse , now such horror shakes the soules of others ? what embolden can the frightfull spirit of a naturall man , in such apparant dangers to abide ? and yet , his reason nothing from him hide , that seemeth to be dreadfull ; neither leave him such aymes , or s●ch like passions to deceive him , as harden others ? who , but he , that giveth each p●rfit gift , these gifts to thee deriveth ? and sure he nought bestowes , but therewithall he sends occasions that employ is shall . few officers shall w●nt a doubtfulnesse that they their places doubtfully possesse , if this be doubtfull ; whether god ( or no ) hath called thee to what i bid thee doe . for , outward callings , most men doe , or may intrude upon , by some sinister way : by symony , by bribe●y , by spoiles , by open violence , or secret wiles . and therefore ( though the se●les of kings they gaine to strengthen what unduly they obtaine ) some doubting of their callings may be had to god ward , though such doubts be rarely made . but , for thy calling thou commission hast so firme ; and it so many seales hath past , that nothing should induce thee to suspect thy wa●rant , or distrust a good effect . god , from thy cradle , seemes to have ordain'd thee to such a purpose : for , he yearly train'd thee through sev'rall cares , and perils , so inure thy heart , to what he meant thou shouldst endure : else why shouldst thou ( whose actions honest were to man ward , though to god ward foule they are ) be more for that afflicted , which doth seeme ( to some ) a worke deserving good esteeme , then are a multitude in these our times , convicted of the most notorious crimes ? why , at thy very birth , did he infuse thy soule with na●urall helpes to forme thy muse , which is a faculty not lent to many , nor by meere art attained to , of any ? to thee , why gave he knowledge , such a way as others l●se it by ? and why i pray did he bestow upon thee so much fame for those few childish lines that thou didst frame in thy minority ▪ why did he then ( when scarce a man ) enroule thy name with men ? and make thee to be prais'd and priz'd before those men whose yeares , and sciences are more ? what was there in thy poems ? what in thee , that seem'd not worthy of contempt to be , much more then of applause ? and what hast thou from scorne to save thee , but gods mercy now ? beleeve it , he divulgeth not thy name for thine owne honor : but to make the same a meanes of spreading his . from p●rills past he sav'd not thee , for any worth thou hast , but , to declare his mercies at this season , he moves this plea betwixt thy faith and reason , not to be passed over , as in vaine ; but , in thy brest true courage to maintaine . thy muse he gave thee , not to exercise her pow'r in b●se and fruitlesse vanities , or to be silenc'd : but , to magnifie the wondrous workings of his majesty . and , as the seales of kings authorize those to whom they doe their offices dispose , so , these are signes which force enough doe cary to seale this calling extraordinary : and , they who sleight the same will in some measure incur the king of heavens high displeasure . mor● might be said ( hereof to make a proofe ) but , more to say , were more then is enough . of this , no further , therefore , i 'le dispute ; but , bid thee stay , thy place to execute . when faith had made this pleading in my brest my reason was perswaded to protest her full assent , to what she first gainsaid , which , that it might be constantly obey'd , my conscience , in her court , did soone decree ; and , all my thoughts were then at peace in me . from that time forward , neither friend , nor foe , could startle me in what i meant to doe . no vaine desires within me did controul● my purpose : no distrusts did fright my soule : nor seemed it , so dangerous , to stay , as ( knowing what i ●new ) to flye away . for , though these arguments , and such as these , can never fit in all mens consciences , the just meridian ( seeing , variations , in manifold respects , make alterations ) yet , mine they suted with ; and may , and shall be some way usefull , to my readers all . i wisht it so : for , i was then inspired with love to all ▪ and all mens weale desired . me thought , i pitied those , who should not see what god within this place did show to me : and should have grieved to have beene constrained , within the city , not to have remained . for by my selfe , when i to censure b●ought my present lott ; it pleas'd me : and , me thought , that , go● vouch●afed to employ me so , and furnish me for what i was to doe , with such a healthfull body , and a minde to act his will so readily enclin'd ; it seem'd more comfort , and more honour far , then if a mona●kes favorite i were , or might for temporall respects become the noblest person of all christendome . a●● , if i shall not still this minde embrace , a dog halfe hanged is in better case . for , when that favour i doe value lesse , i shall grow senselesse of all happinesse . oh! god , how great a blessing , then , didst thou confer upon me ? and what g●ace allow ! oh! what am i , and what my parentage ? that thou of all the children of this age didst chuse ou● m● , so highly to prefer , as of thy acts , to be a register ? and g●ve me fortitude and resolution , to stay , and view thy iudgements execution ? that , i should live to see thy angell here , ev'n in his grea●est dreadfulnesse appeare ? that , when a thousand fell before my face , and at my right hand ( in as little space ) ten thousand more , i should be still prot●cted from that contagious blast , whi●h them infected ! that , when of arrowes thou d●dst shoot a flight so thick by day , and such a storme by night of pois●ned shaft ▪ i , then , should walke among the sharpest of them ; and yet passe along vnharm'd ▪ and that i should behold the path which thou dost pace in thy hot burning wrath , ( yet not consume to ashes ) what a wonder to me it seemes , when thereupon i ponder ! how great a grace it was , whose tongue can say , that i who am but breathing dust and clay , should waking ( and in all my senses , well ) walke downe the grave almost as low as hell , yet come againe unscar●ed ? and have leave to live and tell what there i did perceive ! yea come ( as from the dead ) againe to show the faithlesse wo●ld what terrors a●e below ! ( and justifie , that though a man be sent ev'n from the grave to move men to repent , no faith would in those hearers be begot , who moses and the prophets credit not . ) how great a mercy was it , that when i was thought in dangers , and in griefes to lye , that , for my shepheard i had thee my god ? and in the p●th of best contentments trod ? that i , on sweetest pleasures banqueted , when other men did eate afflictions bread ? that , i had perfect joyes ev'n in my teares ? assured ●afety in my greatest foares ? a thousand ●omforts , whereof they who lived in better-seeming states , w●●e quite deprived ? and much content , which they will never know , who keep those paths in which the vulgar go . what ma●●hlesse benefits were these ! & whence canst thou , that gav'st them , have thy recompence , but from thy self● ▪ or who but ●hou alone can give me heart enough to thinke ●pon these gr●ces as i o●●ht ? oh! therefore , daigne to make my brest suffici●nt to containe that measure of due thankfulnesse , which may accepted be , for what i cannot pay . and , suffer not my frailties , or my sin to hide againe , what thou dost now begin to make me see ; but grant to me thy grace , for ever , to behold thy cheerf●ll face . nor oile , nor corne , nor wine can glad me so : nor shall their brutish lovers ever know what joyes within my brest begotten be , when thy pleas'd countenance doth shine on me . let those who of great kings affections boast , ( and for ●heir ●avours are engaged most ) those , who possesse ( their starveling soules to please ) sweet gardens , groves , and cu●ious palaces , rich iewels , large revenues , princely stiles , the flatteries of lords , and female smiles , the pleasures of the chamber , and the fields , all those which dainty fare , or musique yeelds , the city or the court ; and all tha● stuffe of which their hearts can never have enough : let these , and those who their desires approve , with such entising objects fall in love : let them pursue their fancies , till they finde what so●rowes and disgraces come behinde : and let the●●urfet on them , till they see by tride experience , w●at their fruit will be . i never shall ●nvy their happinesse ; nor cove● their high for●unes to possesse , if thou p●eserve m● still in thy protection , and cheere my spi●it by thin● eyes reflection ▪ for then i shall not feare the scornes of such ▪ my ●ares , 〈◊〉 shall never grieve me much : i shall not 〈◊〉 to ●rouch and sue to them , who thee , and me , and ve●tue shall contem●e ▪ i shall nor shrinke nor startle , when i heare those evill tidings , which men daily feare . not leave my standing , though that in the roome of this great pestilence , a warre should come . or ( which were wo●se ) anot●er fiery-triall , to ●orce us , of thy truth to mak● denyall . and , in these fearfull times , no temporall blisse would seeme a greater priviledge then this , to those , who now with trembling soules , expect what our proceedings will at last ●ffect . yea , they , perhaps , who now are stupifi'd , will praise my lot , whē they their chance have try'd . but ( though ev'n all men living should despise the comfort of it ) i the same will prise . i praise thee for it , lord , and here emplore . that i may praise thee for it , evermore : th●t these expressions of thy love to me , may helpfull also to thy praises be in other men : and ( if it may be so ) in other times , and other places too : and , that the shewing how i did compose the wa●re which twixt my faith and re●son ros● , m●y teach some others how they should debate such doubts within themselves ; and arbitrate ( within their co●rt of conscience ) what is fit to be concluded , and so practise it . for , why so largely , i have this exprest , that , was not , of my p●rposes , the least . i beg moreover , that i may pursue to utter that which i have yet to shew . and , that nor sloth , nor want , nor any let , m●y to these po●●es their last period set , till i have made my readers to conceive , that this was undertaken by thy leave ▪ and , that my censurers may come to say , there was an usefull purpose in my stay : or shew me what they did ; or , what i might have done to better uses in my flight . 〈◊〉 i lastly , crave ( which is , i trust , begun ) that , i ●he way of thy commands may run , the remnant of my talent , and my dayes , employing in good actions , to thy praise : that , i , for ever , may those paths refuse which may unhallow , or pervert my muse : and that , when this is done , i may not fall through pride or sloth ; as if this act were all : but , humbly strive such other wo●kes to doe , as thou r●quir'st , and i was borne unto . yea fu●nish me with ev'ry thing by which i best may se●ve thee , and i shall be rich . this beg i , lord ; and nothing else i crave , for , more then that , were lesse then nought to have : i beg of thee , nor fame , nor mortall praise , nor carnall pleasures , nor yet length of dayes , nor honors , nor vaine wealth , but , just what may the charges of my pilgrimage defray . oh grant me ●his ; and heare me when i call : for , if thou stand not by me , i shall fall . the fourth canto . our muse , in this fourth canto , writes of melancholy thoughts , and sights : wha● changes were in ●very place ; what ruines in a little space : how trades , and how provisions fail'd ; how ●orrow thriv'd , how death prevail'd ; and , how in 〈◊〉 he did ri●e ▪ with all his horrors , by his side . to london , then , she doth declar● how suting her afflictions were to former sinnes : what good and bad effects , this plague produced had : w●at friendly champions , and what foes for us did fight , or us oppose : and , how the greatest plague of all on poore artificers , did fall . then , from the fields , new griefe she takes , and , usefull meditations makes : relates , how flowly vengeance came , how , god forewarn'd us of the same : what other plagues to this were joyned : and , here and there are interlined vpbraidings , warnings , exhortations , and , pertinent expostulations . when conscience had allowed my commission , for staying , & declar'd on what condition ; i did not onely feele my heart consent to entertaine it , with a full content , but also , found my selfe prepared so to execute the worke i had to do , that without paine ( me thought ) i was employ'd , and all my passions to good use enjoy'd . for , though god fre●d my soule from slavish feare , ye● , so much awe he still preserved there , as kept within my hea●t some naturall sense oft is displeasure , and of penitence he gave me ioyes , yet left some griefe withall , lest i into security might fall ; or ▪ lose the fellow-feeling of that paine , whereo● , i heard my neighbours to complaine . he lent me health : yet , ev'ry day some twitches of pangs unusuall ; many qualme● , and stitches of short continuance , my poore heart assailed , that i might heed the more what others ayled . he kept me hopefull : and yet , now and then , his rods ( wherewith ▪ in love , he scourgeth men ) did make me smart ; lest else i might assume the liberty of wantons , and presume . my ordinary meanes was made their prey , who seeke my spoile , and lately tooke away . yet , me with plenties , daily did he feed , and i did nothing wan● , which i could need , which god vouchsafed to assure to me , that when unusuall workes required be ; he will ( e're we shall want what 's necessary ) supply us by a meanes , not ordinary . by many other signes , unmention'd here , gods love , and providence , did so appeare , and so me thought ingage me , to remove what ever to his work a let might prove ; that ( so farre forth as my fraile natu●e could admit , and things convenient suffer would ) my owne affaires aside , a while i threw , and bent my selfe , with heedfulnesse , to view what , worth my notice , in thi● plague i saw , o● , what good uses i from thence might draw . but , ●arre i needed not to pace about , nor long enquire to finde such objects out . for , ev'ry place with sorrowes then abounded , and ev'ry way the cryes of mourning sounded . yea ▪ day by day , successively till night , and from the evening till the morning light , were sc●e●es of griefe , with strange variety ▪ knit up , in one continuing tragedy . no sooner wak'd i , but twice twenty knels , and many sadly-sounding passing-bels , did greet mine eare , and by their heavy towles , to me gave notice , that some early soules departed whilst i slept : that other some were drawing onward to their longest home ; and , seemingly , presag'd , that many a one should bid the world good-night , e're it were noon● . one while the mournfull tenor , in her tones did yeeld a sound as if in deepe fo● grones , she did bewaile the sorrow which attends the separation of those loving friends , the soule and body . other while , agen , me thought , it call'd on me , and other men to pray , that god would view th●m with compassiō ▪ and give them comfortable separation . ( for , we should with a fellow-feeling , share in ev'ry sorrow , which our brethren beare ) sometime my fancy tuned so the bell ▪ as if her towlings did the story tell of my mortality , and call me from this life , by oft , and loudly sounding , come . so long the solitary nights did last , that i had leasure my accounts to cast ; and think upon , and over-think those things , which darknesse , lonelinesse , and sorrow brings to their consideration , who doe know , from whence they came , and whither they must go . my chamber entertain'd me all alone , and in the roomes adjoyning lodged none . yet , through the darksome silent night did flye sometime an uncouth noise ; sometime a cry , and sometime mournfull callings pierc'd my roome , which came , i neither knew from whence , nor whom . and , oft betwixt awaking and asleepe , their voices who did talke ▪ or pray , or weepe , vnto my listning eares a passage found , and troubled me , by their uncertaine sound . for , though the sounds themselves no terror we●e ▪ nor came from any thing that i could feare ; yet , they b●ed musings ; and those musings bred conjecturings , in my halfe sleepi●g head : by those conjectures into minde w●re broug●t some reall things , before quite out of thought ; they , divers fancies to my soule did shew , which m● still further , and still further drew to follow them ; till they did thoughts procure which humane frailty cannot long endure : ev'n such , as when i fully was awake , did make my heart to tremble , and to a●e . and , when such frailties have disheartned men ▪ oh! god , how busie is the devill then ? i know in part his malice , and the wayes and times , and those occasions which he layes to worke upon our weaknesse ; and there is scarce any which doth shew him like to t●is . i partly also know by what d●g●ees he worketh it ; how he doth gaine or leese hi● labours ; and some sense i have procu●'d , what p●ngs are by the soule that while endur'd . for , though my god , in mercy , hath indu'd my soule with knowledge , and with fortitud● in such a measure , that i doe not feare ( distractedly ) those tortures which appeare in solitary da●kness● : yet , some part of this , and of all frailties in my heart continues he ; that so i might confesse his mercies with continuall thankfulnesse , and , somewhat ( ●vermore ) about me beare , which unto me my frail●ies may declare . yea ( thou●h without distemper , now it be ) so much of those grim feares are shewed me , which terrifi'd my childhood , and which mak● the hea●ts of a●ed men , sometimes to quake ▪ that i am s●nsible of their estate ; and can their case the more compassionate , who on their beds of ●eath doe pained lye , exil'd from com●ort , and f●om company , when dreadfull fancies doe their soules af●ight ▪ begotten by the melancholy nig●t . glad was i , when i saw the sun appeare , ( and with his rayes to blesse our hemi●phere ) that from the tumbled bed i might arise , and with more lightsomnesse refresh mine eyes : or with some good companion● , ●ead , or pray , to passe , the better , my s●d thoughts away : for , though such ●houghts oft us●full are , and good ▪ yet , knowing well , i was but flesh and blood , i also knew mans naturall condition must have in joyes , and griefes , an intermission , lest too much joy should fill the heart with folly , or , too much griefe breed dangerous melancholy . but , when the morning came , i● little shewed , save light , to see discomfortings renewed : for , if i staid within , i heard relations of nought but dying pang● , and lamentations . if in the stre●ts i did my footing set , with many sad disasters there i met . and , objects of mortali●y and feare , i saw in great abundance ev'ry where . here , one man stagger'd by , w●th visage pale : there , lean'd another , grunting on a stall . a third , halfe dead , lay gasping for his grave ; a fourth did out at window call , and rave ; yonn came the bearers , sweating from the pit , to fetch more bodies to replenish it . a little further off , one sits , and showes the spots , which he deaths tokens doth suppose , ( e're such they be ) and , makes them so indeed ; which had beene signes of heal●h , by taking heed . for , those round-purple-spot● , which most have thoght deaths fatall tokens ( where they forth are b●ought , ) may prove life tokens , if that ought be done , to helpe the worke , which natur● h●th begun . whereas , that feare , which their opinion brings who threaten death ; the want of cordiall things ( to helpe remove that poison from the heart , which nature hath expelled thence in part ) and then , the sickm●ns liberty of having cold drinks , and what his appetite is craving , brings backe againe those humours pestilent , which by the vitall pow'rs had fo●th beene sent . so by recharging him that was before nigh spent , the fainting combatant gives o're : and he that cheerfully did raise his head , is often , in a moment , strucken dead . fea●e also helps it forward . yea , the terror occasion'd , by their fond and common error , who tell the sick● , that markt for death they be , ( when those bl●w spots upon their flesh they see ) ev'n that hath murthred thousands , who might here have lived , ●lse , among us , many a yeare . for , if the surgeons , or the searchers , know those markes , which for the markes of death do goe , from common-spots , or purples , ( which we must confesse , or else all kinde of spots d●str●st ) then , such as we death-tokens call , were seene on some , that have long since , recover'd beene . before i learned this , i fixt mine eyes on many a private mans calamities , and saw the streets ( wherein a while agoe we s●arce could passe , the people fill'd them so ) appeare nigh desolate ; yea , quite forlorne and for their wonted visitant● to mourne . much peopled westminster , where late , i saw , so many rev'rend iudges of the law , with clients , and with suitors hemmed round : where courts and palaces did so abound with bus●nesses : and , wh●re , together met our thrones of iustice , and our mercy-seat ; that place , was then frequented , as you see some villages on holy-dayes will be when halfe the towneship , and the hamlets nigh are met to revell , at some parish , by . perhaps , the wronging of the orphans cause , denying , or perverting of the lawes there practised , did set this plague abr●eding , and sent the terme from westminster to reading . her goodly church and chappell , did appeare like some poore minster which hath twice a yeare foure visitants : and , her great hall , wherein so great a randevow had lately ●in , did look like those old structure● , where long since me● say , king arthur kept his residence . the parliament had left her , to goe see if they could learne at oxford to agree ; or if that ayre were better ●or the health and safety of our english common-wealt● . but there , some did so counsell , and so vrge the body politike to take a purge , to purifie the parts that seemed foule : some others did that motion so ●on●roule , and plead so much for cordialls , and for that which strengthen might the sinnewes of the state , that all the time , the labour , and the cost , which had bestowed beene , was wholly lost . and , here , the empty house of parliament did l●oke as if i● had beene disco●t●nt , or griev'd ( me thought ) that oxford should not be more pro●perous , yet ; nor c●uld i any see res●rt to com●ort her : but , there did i behold two traytors hea●s , which perching high , did shew their teeth , as if they had beene grinning at those affli●tious which are now beginning . yea , their wide ●ye holes , star'd , me thought , as th● they lookt ●o see that house now overthrow it selfe , which they with powder up had blowne , had god , their snares , and them , not overthrowne . white hall , where not three months before ▪ i spi'd great britaine in the height of all her pride , and , france with her contending , which could most outbrave old rome and persi● , in their cost on robes and feasts : ev'n that lay solitary , as doth a quite-forsaken monast●ry in some lone forrest ; and we could not passe to many places , but through weeds and grasse . perhaps , the sinnes , of late , committed ●here , occasions of such desolation were . pray god , there be not others , in the state , that will make all , a● last , be desolate . the stra●d , that goo●ly thorow-fare between● the court and city ( and where i have seene well nigh a million pa●sing in one day ) is now , almost , an unfrequented way : and peradventure , for those impudencies , those riots , and those other foule offences , which in that place were frequent , when it had so great resort ; ●t is now justly made to stand unvisited ▪ god grant it may repent ▪ lest longer , and another way it stand unpeopled , or some others use those blessings , which the owners now abuse . the city-houses of our english p●eres , now smoakt as seldome , as in other yeares their country-palaces : and , they perchance much better know then doth my ignorance , why so it came to passe . but , wish i shall that they their wayes to minde would better call ; le●t both their country ▪ and their city-piles , be smoaking seene , and burning , many miles . the innes of court i entred ; and i saw each roome so desolate , as if the law had out-law'd all her students ; or that there some fear'd arrestings , whe●e no sergeants were . most dreame , that this great fright was thither sent not purposely , but came by accident ; and so , but little use is taken from gods iudgements , to amend the times to come . yet , i dare say , it was a warning given ev'n by appointment : and decreed in heaven : to s●gnifie , that if our lawyers will in their abusive wayes continue still , the cause of their profession quite fo●getting ▪ and to their practices no limits setting , till they ( as hereto●ore the clergy were ) are moe in number then the land can beare . their goodly palaces shall spew them forth , as excrements that have nor use nor worth ; and , be disposed of , as now they s●e , the priories , and monasteries be . it griev'd me to behold this wofull change , and places so well knowne , appeare so strange . but , oh poore london ! when i lookt on thee , remembring therewithall , thy jollity erewhile ; and how soone after i did meet with griefe and sad complaints in ev'●y street ▪ when i did minde how throng●d thy ga●es have bin and then perceiv'd so few past out or in . when i consider'd that abundant store of wealth , which thou discover'dst heretofore : and , looking on thy many empty stalls , beheld thy shops set up their wooden-wals ▪ me ●hought , thou should●t not be that london , w●ich appear'd of late so populous , and rich ; but , some large burrough ; either falling from her height ; or , not unto her greatnesse come . if to thy port i walkt ; it mov'd remorse , to see how gr●atly , trade and intercourse decayed there ; and what depopulations , were made in thy late peopled habitations . thy royall change , which was the randevow wherein all nations met , the whole world through , within whose princely walls we heard the sound of ev'ry language spoke on earths vast round ; and where we could have known what had bin done in ev'ry forraine coast below the sun : that place , the city-merchant , and the stranger avoyded as a place of certaine danger : and feared ( as it seemes ) they might have had some bargain ther , that would have spoild their trade thy large cath●drall , whose decaying frame thou leavest unrepaired to thy shame , had scarce a walker in her middle i le ; and , ev'ry ma●ble of tha● ancient pile , did often drop , and seeme to shed forth teares , for thy late ruine , though thou sleightest hers . the time hath been , that once a day , from thence , we could have ●●d a large intelligence of most occurences , that publique were . y●a , many times we had ▪ relations there , of things , who●e foolish actors never thought their deeds to open scanni●g should be brought . there , heard we oft made publique by report , what s●●resi●s were whisper'd in the court. the closet-cou●sels , and the chamber work , which many thinke in privacy doth lurke . there heard we what those lords , and ladies were , who m●t disguised , ●hey know when , and where . the●e ●eard we what they did , and what they said ; and many foolish plots were there bew●ai● : there , heard we reasons , why such men were made gre●t lords and knights , who no deserving had , in common view : and how gre●t pr●nces eyes are dazled ●nd abus'd wi●h fallacies . th●re heard we for what g●f●s most doctors rise , and gaine the church●s●ighest ●ighest dignities . the truest causes also there we●e knowne , why men advanced are , or pulled down . why officers are changed , or displaced ; why some confined are and some di●graced ; and w●at amo●g the wise , those men doe seeme , that are great stat●smen , in their owne es●eeme . th●re we have heard , what princ●s have intended , when they to doe s●me other thing p●e●ended . what policies ▪ and projects , men pursue ▪ with publique aymes , and with a pious s●ew . why from the counsell one is turned out ; what makes another counterfeit the gout , and many other mysteries beside , whith hardly can the mentioning abide . but those athenian merc●antmen were gone , who made exchange of newes ; and few or none to heare or make reports remained there . yea they who scarce a day ( as if they were of pauls the walking statues ) staid from thence since london felt the last great pestilence , ev'n they were gone ; and those void iles d●d look as if some properties had them ●orsooke . our theaters , our tavernes , tennis-courts , and gaming houses whither great resorts were w●nt to come ; then , seldome were frequented : not that such vanities we much repented ; but , lest those places , which had follies taught us , might some reward , unlooked for , have brought us . where we with pestilences of the ●oule each other had polluted and made foule , our bodies were infected ; and our breat●s , vvhich had endanger'd our e●ernall de●t●s , ( in former times ) by uttring heresies , by ●candals , and by basest flatteries , or wanton speeches ; put●ifide the ayre , the blood ev'n at the fountaine did impaire , to coole our lust ▪ and they that were the bliss●● of some ▪ mens lives , did poison them with kisses . the ma●kets which a while before did yeeld what ayre , se●s , riv●rs , garden , wood , or field , to furnish them afforded ; no● had nought , but what some few in secret thither brought . for ( as a foresaid ) it was ordred so , that none should with p●ov●sions , come or goe . so , like a towne beleaguer'd thou didst fare , in some respect● : and , but that god had care by m●king others feele necessities which forced them to minister supplies ; thou hadst beene famisht , or beene faine to b●ing provisions in by way of forraging : and then their foolishnesse , had brought upon those men , two mischiefes , who did feare but one . hereafter ther●fore , practise well to use those plenties thou didst he●etofore abuse ; lest god , ●gaine bereave thee of thy sto●e , and never so enlarge his bounty more . for , to co●rect thy surfets , and excesse , thy sleighting of the poore , thy thanklesnesse , and such like sinnes ; god wo●thily rest●ained those plenties which thy pride and lust maintained . thy dwellings , f●om whose windowes i have se●n a thousand ladies , that might queenes have beene for bravery , and beauty : and , some far more faire then they that fam'd in legends are . those s●ood unpeopled , as those ●ouse● doe which sprights , and fairies doe reso●t unto . none to their closed wicke●s made repai●e ; their empty gasemen●s gaped wide for ayre ; and where once foot clot●es and ca●oches were attending ; now stood coffi●s , and a biere . yea coffins oftner past by ev'ry doore , th●n coaches , and caroches , heretofo●e ▪ to see a country lady , or a knight among us then , had beene a● rare a sigh● as was that elephant which came from spaine , o● some great monster spewd out of the maine . if by mischance the people in the street , a courtier , or a gentleman did meet , they with as much amazement him did view , as if they had beheld the wand●ing ●ew . and , many , seeing me to keepe this place , did looke as if they much bewaild my cas● , and h●l●e belee'vd that i was doomed hither , that ( since close-prison , halfe a yeare together , nor private wrongs , nor publique dis-respect , could breake my heart , nor much the same deject ) this plague might kill me , which is come to whip those faults which her●tofore my pen did strip . but here i walkt in safety to behold what changes , for instructio● , see i could . and , as i wandred on , my eye did meet , those halfe built pageants whi●h , a thwa●t the street , did those triumphant arches counterfeit , which heretofore in ancient rome were fet , when their victorious generalls had thither the spoile of mighty kingdomes b●ought together . the loyall citizens ( ●lthough they lost the glory of their well-intended cost ) e●ected those great structures to renowne the new receiving o● the sov'raigne crowne by hopefull charles ( whose royall exaltation , make thou oh ! god , propitious to this nation . ) but when those works , imperfect , i beheld , they di● new c●uses of sad musings yeeld , portending ruine . and , did seeme , me thought , in honor of deaths trophees to be wroug●t ; much rather , then from purposes to ●pring which aymed at the honor of a king. for , their unpolisht forme , did make them fit for d●●efull showes : yea , death on them did sit . his captives passed under ev●●y arch ; among them , as in triumph he did march ; through ev'ry street , upon mens backs were borne his conquests . his b●ack live●ies were wo●ne ▪ in ev'ry house almost . hi● spoyles were brought to ev'ry temple . many vaults were frau●ht with his new prizes and his followers grew to such a multitude , that halfe our eugh , and all our cypresse t●ees , could ha●dly lend him a branch for ev'ry one who did attend him . my fancy did present to me that houre a glimpse of death ev'n in his greatest power . me thought i saw him , in a charret ride , with all his grim companions by his side . such as oblivion , and corruption be . not halfe a step before him , ●ode these t●ree , ( on monsters backt ) paine , horror , and despaire : whose fury , had not faith , and hope , and pray'r , prevented , through gods m●rcy none had ever escap'd destruction by their best endevour . for , next to death , came iudgement : after whom , hell w●th devou●ing lawes , did gaping come , to swallow all : but , she at one di● snap , who now , for many , hath made way to scape . death's carr , with many chaines , & ropes , & strings , and , by a mu●titude of severall th●ngs , as pleasures , passions , cares , and such as they , vvas drawne along upon a beaten way , new gravell'd with old bones : and , sin did seeme to be the formost beast of all the teeme : and , sicknesse to be that whi●h haled next the charret wheele ; for , none i s●w betwixt . time led the way ; and , iustice did appea●e , to sit before , and play the chariote●r . for since our sin to p●ll on death begun , the whip of iustice makes the charret run . there was of trumpets , and of drums the sound ; but in loud cries , and roarings it was drown'd . sad el●gies , and songs of lamentation were howled out ; but , moved no compassion . skulls , coffi●s , spades , and mattocks placed were about the charret . crawling wormes were there and whatsoever else might signifie deaths nature , and weak mans mortalitie . before the cha●ret , such a multitude of ev'●y nation in the world i view'd , that neither could my eye so farre perceive , as they were th●onging ; nor my heart conceive their countlesse number . for , all those that were since abel dy'd , he drove before him there . and ▪ of those thousands , dying long agoe , some here and there , among them , i did know , whose vertues them in death distinguished ( in spight of death ) from others of the dead . i saw them stand , me thought , as you shall see high spreading oakes , which in ●el'd copses be , o're-top the shrubs ; and , where scarce two are found of growth , within ten thousand ro● of ground . o● those who dy'd within the age before this yeare , i sc●rce distinguished a score from beasts , and fowles , & fishes . for , death makes so little difference twixt the flesh he takes , that , into dust alike he ●urnes it all . and ▪ if no vertue make distinction sh●ll , those men who did of much in lifetime boast , shall dying in the common heap be lost . but , of tho●e captives which my fantasie presented to my apprehensions eye to grace this mon●r●es triump● ; most i heeded those t●oups , which next before the carr proceeded , ev'n those which in the circuit of this yeare , the prey of death within our iland were : it was an army royall , which bec●me a king , and loe , king iames did lead the same . the duke of richmond , and his onely brother the duke of lenox , seconded each other . next ●hem , in this attendance follow'd on that noble sco● , the marquis hammilton , sou●hampton , su●folke , oxford , nottingham , and holdernesse , their earledomes leaving , came to wait upon this triumph . there i saw some rev'rend bishops , and some men of law , as winchester , and hubbard , and i know not who else ▪ for to their memories i owe not so much as here to name them : nor doe i vpon me take to mention punctually their order of departing , nor to sweare that all of these fell just within the yeare . for of the time if somewhat i doe misse , the matter sure , not much materiall is . some barons and some viscounts , saw i too ▪ zouch , bacon , chichester , and others moe , whose titles i forg●t . there fol●ow'd then some officers of note ; some aldermen ; great store of knights , and bu●gesses , with whom a couple marcht , that had the shcriff●dome of london that sad yeare : the one of which in piety and vertue dy'd so rich , ( if his surviving fame may ●e beleeved ) that for his losse the city much hath grieved . to be an honor to him , here , therefore i fixe the name of crisp , which name he bore : and i am hopefull it shall none offend , the muses doe this right unto their friend . some others also of great state and place , to me no● knowne by office , name , nor face , made up the concou●se . but , the common rabble to number or distingu●sh , none was able . for , rich and poore , men , women , old and yong , so fast and so confusedly did throng ; by strokes of death , so markt , so gastly wounded , so thrust together , and so much confounded among that glut of people , which from hence were sent among them , by the pestilence , that possible it was not , to descry or who or what they were who passed by . yet , now and then , me thought , i had the view of some who much resembled those i knew . and ▪ faine i would the favour have pro●u●ed to keepe their names from being quite obscured among the multitude . but , they were gone before the meanes could well be thought upon . and passe they must for aye , unknowne of me : for , this was but a waking dreame , i see . these fancies ▪ melancholy often bred : yea , many such like pageants in my head my working apprehension did beget , according to those objects which i met . some , full of comfort , able to relieve the heart wh●m dread●ull thoughts did over-grieve . some full of horror ▪ such as they have had ( it i mistake nor ) th●t grow desp'rate mad . some , like to their illusions , who in s●ead of being humbled in this place of dread ▪ are puffed up by their deliverance : and being full of dangerous a●rogance , abuse t●eir soules , with vaine imaginations , ill-grounded hopes , suggested revelations , and such like toyes , which in their hearts arise from their owne pride , and sathans fallacies . some , such as these i had ; and other some , which cannot be by words expressed from my troubled heart . and , if i had not got gods hand , to help untie the●r gordian-k●ot ; his presence , my bold reas'nings to controule ; to curb my passion ; to informe my soule ; my faith to strengthen ; doubtings to abate ; and so to comfort , ●nd to arbitrate , that i m●ght see i was of him beloved , ( though me with many sec●et ●eares he proved ) su●e , in my selfe , some hell i had invented , wher endless thoughts , & doubts , had me tormented . but , god those depths hath show'd me , that i might see ●hat we cary in our selves to fright our selves withall and what a hell of feare is in our ve●y soules , till he be there . ev'n when i had the b●ight●●sse of the day , to chase my melancholy thoughts away , i was to musings troublesome disposed , as well as when the da●knesse me enclosed ; th●t , by experiments , w●ich reall are , those horrors which to others oft appeare ( and are not demonstrable ) might in part be felt in me , to mollifie my heart ; to stir up hearty thankfuln●sse ; and make my soule , in him the greater pleasure take . for frō those prospects , & those thoughts that g●ieve me , i , those ext●actions make that much releeve me . and when my inward combatings a●e past , it give●h to my joyes the sweeter tast . but leaving th●s , i will againe returne to that for which the people soonest mourne . i lookt along the streets 〈◊〉 chiefest trade ; and , there , perpetuall holiday they made . they that one day in sev'n could not forbeare from trading ; had not one in halfe a yeare . and , all which some had fro● their childhood got , the charges of their flight defrayed not . to m●ke the greedy cormorant regard the sabbath more , and of ill gaines affear'd . false wa●es , fal●e oathes , false measures , and false weights , false promises , a●d ●alsified lights , were punisht with false hopes , false joyes , false fears , false servants , and false frien●s , to them , and theirs . the● who of late their neighbours did contemne , had not a neig●bour le●t to comfort them , w●en neighbourhood was need●ull such as were selfe-love●s , by th●mselves remained here ; and w●nted those contentments , which arise , fro● christian love , and mutuall amities . mo●t trades were tradefaln , & few merchāts thriv'd , save those men , who by death and sicknesse , liv'd . the sextons , searchers , they that corpses ca●ie , the herb-wife , drugg●st , and apothecarie , phy●itians , surgeons , nurses , co●●in-makers , bold mounteb●nckes , and shamelesse undertakers , to cure the pe●t in all ; these , rich become : and what we pray to be delivered from was their advantage . yea , the worst of these grew stout , and fat , and proud by this disease . so●e , vented refuse w●res , at three times more , than what is best , was prized at before . some set upon their labours such high rates ▪ as passed reason : so , they whose estates 〈◊〉 faile of reaching to a price so high , were faine to perish without remedy . some , wolvishly , did prey upon the quick , some , theevishly , purloyned from the sick . some robb'd the dead of sheets , some , of a grave , that there another guest may lodging have : yea , custome had so hardned most of them , that they gods iudgements wholly did contemne . they , so hard-hearted , and so stupid grew , so dreadlesly their course they did pursue , yea so they flouted , and such jests did make at that , for which each christian heart did ake , that greater were the plague their mind to have , then of the pestilence to lye and rave . now muse i not at what thucidides reporteth of such wicked men as these , when athens was depopulated nigh by such a pestilence . nor wonder i , that when the plague did this time sixty yeare oppresse the towne of lyons , that some there were said to ravish women , ev'n when death was drawing from the● their last gaspe o● breath . and when infectious b●aines on them th●y saw , which ●ight have kept their lustfull flesh in awe . for man once hardned in impenitence , is left unto a reprobated sense . till god shall s●nct●fie i● , weale , nor woe , can make us feare him as we ought to doe . his love made wanton is●'●l●purne ●purne at him ; his plagues made phar'oh , his sharpst rod contemn : and as the sun from dunghils , and from sinks , produceth nothing but ranck weeds , and s●inks ; yet makes a garden of well-tilled ground , with wholesome fruits , and fragrant flowres abound : or , as in bruising , one thing senteth well , another yeelds a loathsome , stifling smell ; so , plagues and blessings , their effect● declare , according as their sev'rall objects are . indeed , my young experience never saw , so much security , and so much awe dwell both together in one place , as here in this mortality , there did appeare . i am perswaded , time and place was never in which afflicted men did more endevor by teares , vowes , prayers and true penitence , to paci●●e gods wra●h for ●heir offence . nor ever was it seene , i think , before , that men in wickedness● presumed more . here you should meet a man with bleared eyes , bewailing our encreasing miseries ; another there ▪ quite reeling drunk ▪ o● spewing , and by renewed sins , o●r woes renewing there sate a peece of sh●melesnesse , whose flaring attires and looks , did show a monstrou● daring : for , in the postures of true impu●ence , she seem'd as if she woo●d the pestilence yonn talkt a couple , ma●ter worth your hearing : hard by , were others , telling lyes , or sw●aring . some st●eets had ch●rches full of people , weeping : some others , tavernes had , rude-revell keepin● : within some houses psalmes and hymnes wer sung : w●th raylings , and loud scouldings , others rung . more c●arity , did never , yet , appeare : nor more maliciousnesse , then we had here . true piety was ominentl● knowne ; h●po●risie as evidently showne . more avarice , mor● gapers for the wealth o● such as dy'd ; no former times of health afforded us ; nor men of larger heart , ●hings need●ull for their brethren , to impart . their masters goods , some servants lewdly spent , in nightly feastings , foolish merriment , and lewd uncleannesse . o●her some againe , did such an honest carefulnesse ●etaine , that their endeavo●s had a good successe , and , man , and master m●t with joyfulnesse . yea , good and evill , penitence and sin did here so d●ive each other out and in ; that in observing it , i saw , me thought , in sight of heav'n , a d●ead●ull comb●t fought concerning this whole iland , which yet lyes , to be gods purchas● , or the devil● prise . vice wounded v●rtue ; vertue o' t co●peld the strongest vices to forsake the field . distrust rais'd up a storme , to drive ●way sure-helpe , our ship , which at hopes anchor la● ; and brought supplies with ev'ry winde and tyde , whereby this land was fed and fo●tifi●d . the fort of faith , was plaid on by d●spai●e : but then the gun-shot o● continuall-pray'r ( well aym'd ●t heav'n ) devotion so did ply , that , he dismounts the foes artillery . the spirit and the flesh together strive , and , oft each other into perill drive . presumption , huge high scaling ladders , r●ared , and then the taking of our fort was feared . but awfull reverence did him oppo●● , and with humilities de●pe trench enclose the platforme of that fortresse , from whose towres we fight with principalities , and pow'rs . suggestion lay pur due by contemplation , and sought to disadvantage m●ditation . the regiment of prudence was assailed , by head-strong ignorance , who much prevailed where temperance was quarter'd , there i saw excesse and riot , both together draw their troups against her : and , i some espy'd to yeeld , and overcome on either side ▪ the place that v●liant fortitude made good , faint-heartednesse ( though out of sight he stood ) did cowardly oppose , and courses take , which otherwhile his constancy did shake . for carnall policy her engineer , had closely suncke a mine which had gone neere to blow all up . but providence divine did soone prevent it by a counter-mine . yet morall-iustice ( though a court o● gu●rd was plac'd , and oft r●leeved in her ward ) had much adoe to m●ke a strong defence against her foes . for , fraud , and violence , respect of persons , feare , hate , perjury , faire-speaking , and corrupting brib●ry , did wound her much ; though she did often take avengement ; and o● some , examples make . some vices , there , i saw themselves disguise like vertues , that their foes they might surprise ; as doe the dunkirks , when aboord to lay our ships , an english flag they do display . pride went for come●●nesse : profuse excesse , for hospitality : base drunkennesse was call'd good fello●ship : blunt rashnesse came attyr'd li●e valour : sloth had got the name of quietnesse : accursed avarice , was term'd good husbandry . meere cowardice appear'd like prudent warinesse , and might have passed for a very valiant wight . yea , ev'ry vice , to gaine his purpose , had so●e ma●kes o● vertue-like disguise● made ▪ and , many times , such hellish plo●s were laid , th●t divers morall vertues were gainsaid , defam'd , pursu'd , and wounded by their owne ; whose glory had no● else beene overthrowne . ●ust-de●ling hath beene tooke for cruelty : pure-love for lust : upright integri●y for cu●ning falsh●od : yea , divinest graces have beene at variance brought in divers cases , ( by wicked stratagems ) that vaine inventions , m●ght frustrate pious workes , and good intentions . to furthe● stri●e , great quarrels broached are , twixt faith and workes . there is another j●r begun erewhile , betwixt no worse a pai●e , then preachin● , and her blessed sister pray'r . god grant they m●y agree ; for , i ●e're knew a quiet church , but where they kept one pew . faith and repentance also are , of late , about their birth-rig●t fallen at d●bate . but by the church-bookes it appeares to me their bir●hs and their conceptions mention'd be without such nice regard to their precedings , as some have urged in their needlesse pleadings . and , so it pleas'd the father , sonne and spirit : because that law by which they shall inherit the promist meed ; doth never question move , how soone or late , but how sincere they prove . moreover , in this ●attell i espy'd some ambodexters , fight on either side . the moralist , who all religion wants ; church-papists ; time-observing protestants . all double-dealers ▪ hypocrites , and such base neutrals , who have scandalized much , and much endanger'd those who doe contend this ●le , from desolation , to defend . beside these former combatants , which fought against or for us ; i perceiv'd , me thovght , both good and evill angels fi●hting too , the one , to help ; the other , ha●me to doe . and though thi● battell yet appeareth not to common view , so cru●ll nor so hot as i conceive it : yet it will appeare to all in time , with comfort , or with feare . for , s●ill , and ev'ry day , those enemies stand a●m'd and watc●ing opportunities to seiz● us ; and will seize us , if th●s● times shall make complete the measure of our crimes ; or our continuing ●ollies drive away our ange●l g●ard , which doth our ●all delay . oh st●y them lord ! and make that side the stro●ger , for whom this lan● sh●ll yet be sp●●ed longer . and let us , my dea●e c●untrimen , with speed , of that which so conce●neth us , take h●●d . obse●ve , thou famoust city of this l●nd , how h●avily on thee god layes his hand . the very rumor of this plague did make the fa●th●st dwellers of this i le to shak● : and such a sent of d●ath they seem'd to c●ry , who in o● nea●e about thy climat● tary , that , from the mount to ba●w●ck they were hated , or shunn'd , as persons excommunicated . ●nd three weekes ayring on old sarum plaine , woul●●●arce a lodging for a brother gaine . yea , mark , ma●k london , and confesse with me , that god ●at● justly thus afflicted thee , and that in ev'ry point this plague hath bin according to the nature of thy sin . in thy prosperity , such was thy pride , that thou the countries plainn●sse didst deride . thy wanton children would oft straggle out , at honest husban●men to jeere and flou● . their homely garments , did offend thine eyes : they did their rurall dia●ect● despise ▪ their games and merriments ( which for them , be as commendable , as are thine for thee ) thou laughedst at : their gestures , and their fashions , their very diet , an● their habitations were sported at : yea , those ingratefull things , did scoffe them for their hearty welcomings ; and taught ev'n those that had been country-born the wholesome places of their birth to scorne . and , see , now see , those thanklesse ones are faine to seeke their fathers thatched roofes againe ; and , aske those good old women blessing , whom they did not see , since they did rich become ; and never would have seene , perhaps , unlesse this plague had whipped their ingratefulnesse . yea , thine owne naturall children have beene glad to scrape acquaintance where no friends they had ; to praise a homely , and a sm●ky shed ; a darke low parlour , an unea●●e bed ; an ill drest di●t ; yea , perchance , commend a chu●lish landlord , for an honest friend ; yet be contented bo●h to pray and pay , that they may leave obtaine with him to stay . and peradventure , some of those who plaid the scoffers hereto●ore , were fully pai● . th●n , citizens were sha●k● , and prey'd upon , in recompence of wrong● before time done to silly countrim●n ; and were defeated of ●ha● , whereof , some rusticks , they had cheated . moreover , for the countries imitations of thy fantastick , vaine , and fruitlesse fashions , ( of thy apparell , and of thy excess● in feasts , in games , in lust , in idlenesse ; with such abominations ) some of those who came from thee , shall doubtlesly dispose to ev'ry shire a viall of that wrath , which thy transgression long deserved hath : that , thou and they , who sinners were together , may rods be made to punish one another ; and give each other bitterness● to sup , as you have joyntly quaft of pleasures cup. as to and fro i walked , that i might on ev'ry ruthfull object fix my sight , vpon those golgatha's i cast mine eye , where all the comm●n people buried lye . lie buried did i say ? i should have said , where c●rkasses to bury graves were laid . lord ! what a sight was there ? & what strong smells ascended from among death's loathsome cells ? you scarce could make a little infants bed in all those plots , but you should pare a head , an arme , a shoulder , or a leg away , o● one or other who there buried lay . one grave did often many scores enclose of men and women : and , it may be those that could not in two parishes agree , now in one little roome at quiet be . yonn lay a heape of skulls ; another there ; here , halfe unburied did a corpse appeare . close by , you might have seene a brace of feet that had kickt off the rotten winding-sheet . a little further saw we othersome , thrust out th●ir armes for want of elbow roome . a locke of womans hayre ; a dead mans face vncover'd ; and a gastly sight it was . oh! here , here v●ew'd i what the gl●ries be of pamper'd flesh : here plainly did i see how grim those ●eauties will e're long appeare , which we so dote on , and so cove● , here . here was enough to coole the hottest flame of lawlesse lust . here , was enough to tame the ma●st ambition . and , all they that goe vnbetter'd from such objects ; worse doe grow . from hence ( fo● here was no abiding long ) our allies and our lanes , i walkt among , where those artificers their dwel●ings had , by whom our idle traders rich are made . the plague rav'd there indeed . for , who were they whom th●t contagion fastest swept away but those whose d●ily lab'●ing hands did feed their honest families ? and greatly steed this place by their mechanick industries ? these are the swarmes of bees , w●ose painfull thighes bring wax unto this hive ; and from whose bones the honey drops , that feedeth many drones . these are the bulwarks of this ●enselesse towne , and when this wall of bones is overthrowne , our stately dwellings , now both faire and tall , will quickly , of themselves , to ruine fall . of these , and of t●eir housholds , dai●y dy'd twice more then did of all sorts else beside ; and hungry poverty ( without reliefes ) did much inrag● and multipliply their griefes . the rich could flye ; or , if they staid , they had such meanes that their disease the lesse was made ▪ yea , those poore aged folkes that make a show of greatest need , did boldly come and goe , to aske mens almes ▪ or what their parish granted ; an● nothing at this time those people wanted , but thankfulnesse ▪ lesse malice to ea●h other ; a●d grace to live more quietly together . their bodies , d●y'd with age , were seldome struck by this disease ▪ their neighbours notic● took of all their wants . among them , were not many that had ●ull fam●lies . or if that any of these had children sick ; some good supplies were sent them from the generall charities . moreover , common beggers are a nation not alwayes keeping in one habitation . they can remove as time occasion brings : they have their progresses as well as king ; and most of these , when hence the rich did goe , remov'd themselves into the country too . the rest about our streets did ask their bread , and never in their lives , were fuller fed . but , those good people mentioned before , who , till their worke did faile them , fed the poore as well as others ; and maintained had great families , by ●ome laborious trade : ev'● those di● suffer most . for , neither having provision left them , nor the face o● craving ; nor meanes of labour : first , to pawne they sent their brasse and pewter : t●en , their bedding went. their garments next ▪ or stuffe of best esteeme : at length , ev'n that which should the rest redeeme , their working instruments . when that was gone , their lease was pawned , if it might be done . and peradventure , at the last of all , these things were sold outright for sums but small ▪ or else quite forfeited . for , here were they who made of these poore soules , a gainfull prey . and as one plague had on the li●e a pow'r , so did these other plagues , their goods devoure . when all was gone , afflicted they became with secret griefes , with poverty , and shame . and , wanting cheerfull minds , and due refection , were seized on , the soone● , by infection : for , hearts halfe broke , and housholds fa●●isht neare ▪ are quickly spent , when visited they are . the carefull master , though it would have saved a servants life , to get him what he craved , no kinde of med'cine able was to give him ; nay scarce with bread and water to relieve him ▪ the tender hearted mother , hath for meat oft heard her dearest child , in vaine , intreat ; and had or foure or five on point of dying at once , for drink to ease their torment , crying . the loving husband sitting by her side , to save whose life he gladly would have dy'd , vnable was out of his whole estate , to purchase her a dram of mithridate ; one messe of cordiall broth , or such like thing , although it might prevent her perishing . sometime , at such a need , abroad they came , to aske for helpe ; but , then , the feare of shame , of scorne , or of deni●ll , them with-held to put in practice , what their want compell'd . vpon an evening ( when the wa●ning light was that which could be call'd nor day nor night ) i met with one of these , who on me cast a ●ut●full eye : and a● he by me past , me thought , i heard him , softly , somewhat say , as if that he for some reliefe did pray : whereat ( he seeming in good cloth●s to be ) i staid , and askt him , if he spake to me . he bashfully replyed ; that , indeed he was asham'd to speake aloud , what need did make him softly mutter ▪ somewhat more he would have spoken , but his tongu● forbore to tell the re●t ; b●cause his eyes did see their teares had ( almost ) drawne fo●th tears frō me , and that my hand was ready to bestow that helpe which my poore fortunes could allow ▪ nor his , nor all me●s tongues , coul● mo●e relate , then i my selfe conceiv'd of hi● estate . me thou●ht , i saw , as if i had beene there , what w●nts in his , and such mens houses were ; how empty , and how naked it became ▪ how nasty , poverty h●d made the same ▪ me thou●ht i saw , how sick● his wife mightlye ; me thought i heard his halfe sta●v'd children cry ; me thou●●t i felt , with what a broken heart he lookt upon t●em , e're he could depart to try , i● ( by gods ●avour ) he could meet with any meanes of comfort in the street . and , lord my god , thou know'st , that , when alone the griefes of such as these , i mused on ; my pitie i with watry eye● have showne , and more bewail'd their sorrowes , then my owne ▪ but , since those dewes are vaine that ●ruitlesse be ; and since the share that is allotted me ▪ of this worlds heritage , will not ●uffice to bring relie●e to these mens miseries ; oh! let my teares ( ye ri●h men ) make your ground with fruits of charity the more abound . let me intreat you , tha● , when god shall bring vpon this place , another visiting , you would remember , some reliefe to send to those , who on t●eir labours doe depend , and have not got their impudence of ●ace , who idlely beg their bread from place to place . god , you the s●ewards of his g●ods doth make , and how you use them , he accou●t will take . it will not be enough , that you have paid the publique taxes on your houses laid ; or that ▪ you , now and then , doe send a summe to be disposed , to you know not whom : but , you yo●r selves , must , by your selves alone , those neighbour● , o● acqu●intance think upon , who likeliest are in such a time of need , to want of t●at , whe●ein you do exceed : and , if you know of none , enquire them out ; or leave some honest neigbour thereabout , to be your alm'ner ( when the towne you leave ) that , yo● , and they , a blessing may receive ▪ for , if that ev'ry weal●hy man w●uld find but one , or two , to cherish in this kind : gods wrat● would much the better be appeased , and we should of our plagues be sooner eased as i request the richer men to take this pious course ; a suit , i likewise m●ke that our inferiour tradesmen , would not so abuse their times of profit , as they doe . for , most of those doe live at rates as high , as all their gaines ( at utmost ) will supply . yea , many times they mount above t●e tops of present fortunes , and ensuing hopes : that , if a sicknesse , or unlook'd for crosse , or want of trade , or any slender losse , but for a yeare , a qu●rter , or a terme , befalls them : it soone maketh so infirme their over-strain'd estates ; that almes are neede● , ere any failin●s are by others heeded . of these , and other things i notions gained , whilst in our sickly citie i remained ; and much i contemplated what i saw , some profitable uses thence to draw . but , feeling that my thought● nigh 〈◊〉 were , with over-musing on those objects there : i thought to walke abroad into the ●●eld , to take those comforts , which f●esh ayre doth yeeld ; and , to revive my heart , which heavy grew , with what the streets did offer to my view ; but little ease i found ; for , there mine eye● discover'd sorrow in a new disguise : and in so many shapes , himselfe he shewed , that , still my passion was afresh renewed . her● , dead upon the roade , a man did lye , that was ( an houre before ) as well , as 〈◊〉 ▪ there , sate another , who did thither come in health , but had not strength to beare him home . yonn , spraul'd a third , so sicke , he did not know fro● whence he came , nor whither he should goe . a little further off , a fourth did creepe into a ditch , and there his obit keepe . abo●t the fields ran one , who being fled ( in spite of his attendance ) from his bed , lookt like a lunatique from bedlem broken ; and , though of health he had no hopefull token ; yet , t●at he ailed ought , he would not yeeld , till death had , stru● him dead upon the field . this way , a str●nger by hi● host expel●ed , that way , a servant ( shut from where he dwelled ) came weakly stagg'ring fo●th , and ( crush'd beneath diseases , and unkindnes●e ) sought for death ; which soone was f●●nd and glad was he , they say , who for his death-●ed gain'd a cock of hay at this crosse pa●h , were bearers fetching home a neighbour , who in health did thither come : close by , were others digging up the ground , to hide a stranger whom they dead had found . before me , went with corpses , many a one ; behinde , as many mo did ●ollow on , vvith runnin● sores , one begg'd at yonder gate : at next lanes end , another lazar sate . some halted , as if wounded in the wars ; some held their necks awry , some shew'd their scars ▪ some , met i weeping , for the losse of friends ; some others , for their swift approching ends ; and ev'ry thing with sorrow was affected , on whatsoe're it was mine eye reflected . the prospect , which was wont to greet mine eye with showes of pleasure in variety , ( and lookt , as if it cheerfully did smile , vpon the bordring villages , ere while . ) had no such pleasingnesse as heretofore , for ev'ry place , a mask of sorrow wore . the walks are unfrequented , and the path late trodden bare , a grassie carpet hath . i could not see ( of all t●ose gallants ) one that visited hide-par●e , and mary-borne . none w●ndred through the pastures , up and downe ▪ but , as about some pe●ty country towne : nor could i view in many summers dayes , one man of note to ride upon our wayes . lord , w●at a d●ff●rence did●t thou put betweene that summer , and the rest that i have seene ! how didst thou change our fi●lds ! and what a face of sadnesse , didst thou set upon each place ! yet oh ! how few remember it , or feele the touches of it , on their hearts of s●eele ! and when our banisht ●●i●h thou didst renew , who did returne to thee the praises due ? what others apprehended , they know best ; but if it could be fully here exp●e●● what of that alteration i conceiv'd ▪ when of their pleasures , god our fields bereav'd ; it would much mo●e be minded : for they had nought in them , but what moved to be sad . not many weekes , before , it was not so . but , ●leasures , had their passage to and fro . which way so●ver from our gates i went , i lately did behold with much content , the fields bestrow'd with people all about : some paceing homeward , ●nd some passing out . some , by the bancks of ●hame their pleasure taking ; some , sulli-bibs , among the milk-maids , making ; with musique , some upon the waters , rowing ; some , to t●e next adjoyning hamlets going ; and hogsdone , islington , and tethnam-court , for cakes and creame ▪ had then no small resort . some , sate and woo'd their love●s in the shadowes ; some , straggled to and fro athwart the meadowes ; some , in discourse , their houres , away did passe ; some , playd the toyish w●ntons on the grasse ; some , of religion ; some of bus'nesse talked ; some coached were ▪ some horsed ; and some walked . here citizens ; there students , many a one ; here ●wo together ; and , yonn one alone . of nymphs and ladies . i have often ey'd a thousand walking at one evening tide ; as many gentleman : and yong and old of meaner sort , as many ▪ ten times told . and , when i did from some high towre survey the rod●s , and paths , which round below me lay , obser●ing how each passage thronged was w●●h men and cattell , which both wayes did passe ; how many petty path● , both far and neare , with rowes of people sti●l suppl●ed were ; what infinite provision still came in , and what abundance hath exported bin ; me thought this populous city and the trade which we from ev'ry coast about her had , was well resembled by an a●t-h●ll , which ( in some old forrest ) is made lar●e , and ●ich by those laborious creatures , who have thither brought all their wealth , and coloni●s together . for , as their peopled borrough ha●h resort from ev'ry quarter , by a severall port , and from each gate thereof a great rode hath that branches into many a little path ; and , as those negroes doe not on●ly fill each great and lesser t●act unto th●ir hill , but , also , spread them●elves out of those wayes , among the grasse , the leaves , and bushy sprayes : ev'n s● , ●he people here , did come and goe through our large rodes ; disperse themselves into a thousand passages ; and , often stray o're neighbouring pastures , in a pathlesse way . this , formerly i saw ; and , on that station , where this i markt ; i had this contemplation . how happy were this people , did they know what rest , our god upon them did bestow ! on us , what show●es of blessings hath he rained , which he from other cities hath restrained ? and , from how many mischiefes hath be freed us ▪ which ●all on those that in good workes exceed us ▪ here lurke no ravenous beasts to make a prey on those fat c●ttell which these fields o're-lay . within our gro●es no cruell out-lawes hide , that in the blood of passengers are dy'd . our lambs , unworry'd , lye abroad , benighted ; by day , our virgins walke the fields unfrighted . no neighbouring country doth our food forestall ; no convoyes need to come and g●e withall ; no forraine prince can sudd●●ly appall us , for seas doe mote us , and huge rocks doe wall us . no rotten fennes doe make our ayre unsound ; no foe , doth with a trench enclose us round . we neither tumults have by night or d●y , nor rude unruly garisons in pay . no taxes , yet , our land doth over-load : our children are not prest for warres abroad . from spanish inquisitions we ar● free ; ( god grant that we , for ever , so may be ) we are compeld to no idolatries ; our people doe not in rebellions rise : no sactious spirits much disturbe the state ; no plagues , our dwellings , yet , dep●pulate . no rots or murraines have our cattell kild : our barnes and store-house● , with fruits are fild : on ev'r● thr●sh●ld , store o● children play ; our breeding cattell fill both street and way . and , were we thankefull unto him that gave them , there are no blessings , but we here might have them . see , how like bees upon a summer-eve , ( when their young nymphes have ove●-fill'd the hive ) they swarme about the city , sporting so , as if a winter gale would never blow . how little d●e they dreame , how many times , while ●hey deserved ruine for their crimes , god , naitheless● , hath shewed mercies on them , and s●opt those plagues that comming were upon them ! how seldome is it thought , the pow'r of him , ●hose love they much forg●t ( if not contemne ) might heape upon t●em all t●ose fea●full things , which he upon our neig●bouring nations brings . for , in a moment , he could s●mmon hither his iudgements , and inflict them , all together . ev'n all . b●t , one of those which he hath brought on other cities , would enough be thought . if in displeas●re ●e should call from thence where now it r●ves , the slaugh●ring pest●lence , or else the famine ▪ what a change ●ere that , to them that are so healthy , ●nd so fat ? how desolate , in lesse t●en halfe a yeare , might all our lodgin●s and o●r streets appeare ? how unfrequented would that randevow be m●de , in which , we throng , and just ●e now ? how lonely would these walk●s and fi●lds be found , wherein i s●e the people s● abound ? or , should ●e w●istle for his armed bands , ( which now are wasting ●ther christian lands ) to put in action on our commick stage the tragedies of vvar , and bru●●sh rage : what lamentations then here would be made , and calling unto minde , what peace we had ? should we in ev'ry house ▪ at boord and bed have so●ldiers and rude captaines bille●ed , that would command , and swagger as if they had all the towneship ( where they lodge ) in pay , to w●it upon their pleas●res ; and should see our owne defenders , our devourers be . should we behold these fields ( now full of sport ) cut out with t●enches ; there , a warlike fort ; another here ; a sconce not farre from that ; a new rais'd mount , or some fire-spitting cat , from which the foes our actions might survey , and ma●e their b●llets on our houses play . should we behold our dwellings beaten downe ; our temples batter'd ; turrets over throwne ; our seats of pleasure b●rning from afarre ; heare , from without , the thundring voice of war ▪ within , the shriekes of children , or the cry of women , strucke with feares , or famisht nigh . should we behold , what painfully we got , possest by those that seeke to cut our thr●at ; our children slaine befor● us , on the ground ; our selves pierc't through with some deep mortall wound ; and see ( ●v'n there ) where we have wantonniz'd , our beau●eous wives , by some sterne troup surpriz'd , and ravisht in our view . or ( which is worse ) when we have seen all this , be forc't perforce to live ; and live their slaves that shall possesse our wives , and all our ou●ward happinesse ; and , then , want also , that pure word of grace to comfort us , which yet adornes this place . should such a destiny ( as god d●fend ) this people , and this place , thought i , attend . ( for , this may be ; and ev'ry day we heare that other nations doe this burthen b●are ) should we who now for pleasure walke the field , be saine to search what weeds the pastures yeeld to feed us ; and peake hungerly about , some roots , or hawes , or berries to finde out , to keepe from starving ; and not gaine a food so meane , without the hazard of our blood : should some contagious sicknesse , nois●me make this place , wherein , such pleas●re now we take : should in these places , whither we repaire our bodies to refresh with wholesome ayre , those blastings or serenes upon us fall , which other places are anoy'd withall . should from the wife the husband be divorc'd , or from the parent should the child be forc'd , while here they walk● , and perish by the sword : or , should here be a famine of the word , on which would follow , to our griefe and shame , a thousand other plagues which i could name . should th●se things be ; then w●at our blessings are it would by such a curse too soone appeare . then , fe●le we should , what comforts might arise from those great mercie● , which we now despise , or think not on . yea , so we might enjoy but part of that which now we mis-employ , we thi●ke it would , a greater happinesse , then , yet we finde in all we now possesse . we then should know how much we have b●ene blest in our long time of plenty ▪ health , and rest : how sweet it is that we may to and fro without restraint , or feare , or danger goe ; how much we owe to him that hath so long our granards filled , and our gates made strong ; permitting us to walke for our delight about our fields , whilst others march to fight ; and s●ffring us to least , whilst others fast , or , of the bread of sowre affliction tast . as heretofore the peopled fields i walked , to this effect , my thoughts within me talked ; and though all present objects gave cont●nt , my heart did such ideaes represent of iudgements likely to be cast upon so great a city , and a sinfull one ; that much i feared , i should live to see , some such afflictions , as here mention'd be . and loe , ( though yet , i hope , not in his wrath ) god , part of that i fear'd , inflicted hath : a warning war he hath begun to wage against the crying sinnes of this our age , and of this place : and in a gentle wise pour'd out a taste of those calamities which other feele at large : that , we should mourn● for our transgressions , and to him retu●ne . vouchsafe , oh ! god , that soone returne we may , lest thou , in anger , sweepe us all away . if we observed , well , what god hath done , and in what manner , he with us begun ; how he forewarn'd us of those plagues , which he vouchsafed david should a chus●r be : ( and how , ev'n he himselfe , in mercy chused , to keepe us from what david had refused ) we should perceive , that our most loving god at first did threaten , with a fathers rod. a little while before this pestilence , of his just wrath we had in●elligence by divers tokens ▪ which we did contemne , o● , at the best , but little heeded them . the spring before this plague , one jerke we had by war , which made no little number sad , by calling many from their ease ; by taking some husbands from their wives , & childless making some parents : which permitted was to show us in part , what sha●pe corrections god did owe us . and make us minde , that this unhallow'd place is thus long spared meerly of his grace . else , to awake us with some touch of that which he hath brought on many a forraine state. for , that he might but touch us , he did call no armies hither , to affl●ct us all . but , as a generall in time of war , when all his troupes of somewhat guilty are ; on them the fo●tune of the lot doth try , that some as warnings to the rest may dye : ev'n so , the god of armies , in like case , pickt , here and there a man , f●om ev'ry place , to meet the sword : that , ev'ry place might learne , his mercies , and his iustice to discerne , and , leave off sinne ; which , if we breake not from , his plague● , and terrors all , w●ll shortly come . if any shall object , we lost in these but some corrupted blood , which did disease the common body : let them under●tand , that it portends hot fevers in the land , when suc● phl●botomy is needfull thought : and , that , good blood , as well as what is nought , is lost at ev'ry op●ni●g of a veine . the foot was prickt , and we did feele no paine ; the next blood letting may be in the arme , where lyes our s●rength ▪ god shend us frō the harm of such like surgery ; unlesse we see the signe be better then it seemes to be . god scar'd us , lately , also , by a dearth , and for the peoples faults did curse the earth . the winter last before the pes● began , throughout some no●●herne shires a famine ranne , that starved some ; and other some were faine , their hungry appetites to entertaine with swine , and sheep , and horses , which have dy'd by chance : for , better coul● they not provide . some others on boild nettles gladly fed , or else had oft gone supperlesse to bed . and this was much , considering the soile and o●dinary plenties of this i le . nay , since the si●knesse , we small hope● p●ssessed , of ●hat , wherewith , this ki●g●om , god hath blessed . for , when earths wombe did big with plenty grow , when her large bosome , and full brests , did show such signe● of faire encrease , that hope of more was never in our life-times , heretofore : a later frost , our early blossomes cropt ; the heav'ns , upon our labour● , leannesse dropt ; an● such perpetu●ll showres , and flouds we had , that o● a famine , we were fearfull made , and scarce had any hope ( in common reason ) of harvest either in , or out of season . yet , he wi●h-held that plague . the sky grew cleare ; a kindly weather drove away our f●are ; the floods did sinck ; the mildewes were expell'd ; the bending eares of ●orne , their heads up held ; and harvest came , which fild our granards more , then in the fruitfull'st , of sev'n yeares before . and , doubtlesse ▪ had we gone to meet our god , wi●● true repentance , when this fearfull rod was raised first ; it had away be●ne flung , and not continued in this realme so long . for , as a fath●r , when his dearest chil● growes disobedient , rude , and over-wilde , ●irst warnes ; th●n threatens ; then , the rod doth show ; t●en frownes ; and then doth feare him with a blow . th●● doubles , and redoubles it , untill he makes him grow more plyant to his will , and leave those wanton tricks , which in conclusion may prove th● p●rents g●iefe , and childes confusion . ev'n as this father ; so , our god h●th wrought . vs , by his word of grace , he first besought : t●en ▪ of his wrath , and iustice spake unto us : next , hanging over u● , he plagues did show us . yea , divers months before this vengeance came , the spotted fever did forewarne the same . was made her harbenger ; and in one week sent hu●dreds , in the grave , their bed to seek . which nought prevailing , he did thereupon ( as being loath to strike ) first strike but one . then , two or three : then slaid a while ; and than to smi●e ano●her number he began , and then a greater . neither did god show this mercy , onely , in the publike blow ; but daign'd it , also , in that chastisement , which he to ev'ry man in private sent . to hasten his repent●nce ; first , he smote some one of those he knew , in place remote ; wi●hin a w●eke , another better knowne ; next week a friend ; the next a dearer-one ; a lit●le after that , perhaps , an●ther ; and then a kinsman , or ●n onely brother . which no a●endm●nt working , god did come ( to make him heedfull ) somewhat nearer home : knockt at h●s neighbours house , and took out all or most , who lodg'd on tother side the wall : then called at his doore , and seized on a servant fi●st ; soone afterward , a son ; next night wa● hazarded a daughters life ; and e're that morning c●me , he lost his wife : at last fell sick himselfe , and then repented , or dy'd , or liveth to be worse tormented . thus , as it were by steps , god came upon us , that either love or terror migh● have won us , to seeke our peace . but , yet , so ●ew were warned , ( and this long suffring , so few soules discerned ) that some the nature of this plague beli'd ; the number of the dead , som● strove to hide . on groundles hopes , ●ods iudgmē●s , some deferred . some scofted others , when they were deterred . some rais'd a profit from it . yea , so few conceived what was likely to ensue ; that , when we should like niniveh have fared , for sports , and causelesse triumphs we prepared ▪ of pleasure , in ●xcessive wise , we ●asted . we feasted , when we rather should have f●sted . and when in sack-cloth we should loud have cry'd , ev'n then , we ruffled in our greatest pride . which god ●●rceiving , and that we were growne regardlesse of his smiles , and of his frowne ; he did comm●n● his mercy , to let goe that hand , which did restraine his iustice so . then , catching up a viall of his wrath , ( w●ich he in store for such offenders hath ) he did on thi● our citie , poure it downe . and , as strong poison shed upon the crowne , descendeth to the members , from the head ; and , soone , doth over all the body spread : ev'n so , this noysome plague of pestilence , on our head city falling , did from thence , disperse , and soake throughout this emp●ry , in spight of all our carnall polici● . our want of penitency , to allay gods wrath , and stop his anger in the way , enflamed and exasperated so this f●end , that he did thousands over-throw in ●ome few minuts : and ▪ the greedy grave devou'd , as if it none alive would save . death lurkt at ev'ry angle of the s●eet , and did a●rest whom ever he did meet . there scarcely was that house or lodging found , in which he did not either slay or wound . in ev'ry roome his murthers acted he , our close●s nay our temples were not free from his attemptings ; no not while men pray'd , could his unb●idled fury be delay'd . in sundry families the●e was not one whom his rude hand did take compassion on : nay many times he did not spare the last , vntill the buriall of the first was past . for , e're the bearers back againe could come , the rest were r●ady ●or their graves at home . nor bad nor good , nor rich nor poore did scape him , nor foole nor w●seman , an excuse could shape him : he shunned not the yo●g man in the sadle , nor him that lay and cryed in the cradle . so dreadfull was his looke , so sterne and grim , that many dy'd through very feare of him . for , to mens fancies he did oft ap●ea●e in shapes which so exceedi●d gastly were , that flesh and blood , unable was , to brooke , the horror of his all a●●righting look . ev'n in that house , whose roofe did cover me , of this , a sad ●xperiment had we : for , there , a plague-sick● man ( at least ) conceiued that death a shape assuming , he perceiued deform'd and vgly ; where at lou● he cryes , oh! hi●e me , hide me , ●rom his dreadfull ey●s . looke , oh ! looke there he comes : now by the ●ed he stands ; now at the f●●t ; now at the head . oh! draw , draw , draw the curtaine , si●s i pray , that his grim loo●e no more b●hold i may . to this ●ffect , and such like wo●ds he spake , but that their hea●ers hearts they more did sh●●e . then , rested he a while , and by and by vp starting , with a lamentable cry , ran to a couch , whereon his wife ( w●o waking two nights b●fore had beene ) some ●est was taking ; there , kneeling downe , & both his hands up rearing , as if his eye had seene pale death appearing to st●ike his wife ; good sir , said he , forbeare to kill or h●m● that poore yong woman there : for god's sake doe not strike her ; for you s●e she 's great w●th child . lo , you have wounded me in twenty places ; and i doe not c●re how me you mischi●fe , so that her you spare . ev'n this , and more then i to minde can call , he acted with a looke so tragic●ll , tha● , all by standers ▪ might have ●hou●ht ▪ his eyes saw reall objects , and no fantasies . to others , death , no doubt , himselfe convaid in other formes ; and other pageants plaid . whilst in her armes the mother thought she kept her infant saf● ; death stole him when she slept . sometime he took the mothers life away , and left the little babe , to lye and play with her cold paps , and childish game to make about those eyes , that never mo●e shall wake . som●times whē friends were talking , he did force the one to leave unfinisht his discourse . sometimes , their morning meetings he hath thwarted , who thought not they for ever had beene parted , the night before . and , many a lovely bride , he hath defloured by the bridegroomes side . at ev'ry hand , lay one or other dying ; on ev'ry part , were men and women crying , one for a husband ; for a friend another ; one for a sister , wife , or onely brother : some children for their parents mone were making ▪ some , for the losse of servants care were taking ; some parents for a childe ; and some againe ●or losse of all their children did complaine . the mother dared not to close her eyes , through feare that while she sleepes , her baby dyes . wives trusted not t●eir husbands out of doore , lest they might back againe returne no more . and in their absence if they did but heare one knock or call in hast , they quak'd through feare , that some unluckly messenger had brought the newes of those mis●hances they forethought . and if ( with care and griefe o're-tyr'd ) they slept , they dream'd of ghosts , & graves , & sh●iekt , & wept . he that o're night went healthy to his b●d , lookt ▪ e're the morning , to be sicke , or dead . he that rose iusty , at the rising sunne , grew faint , and breathlesse , e're the day was done and , he that for his friend , this day did sorrow , lay close besid● him in a grave the morrow . some men amidst their pleasures were diseased ▪ some , in the very act of sin were seized : some , hence were taken laughing , and some singing : some , as they others to their graves were bringing , yea , so impartiall was this kind of death , and so extreamly venemous his breath , that they who did not in this place expire , where saved , like the children in the fire ▪ it may be that to some it will appeare , my muse hath onely poetized here ; and that i fa●n'd expressions doe rehearse , as most of those that use to wri●e in verse : but , in this poeme i pursue the story of reall truth , without an allegory : and many yet surviving witnesse may , that i come short of what i more might say . but , what i can i utter ; and i touch this mournfull string , so often , and so much , as in this book i doe ; that i might show to them that of these griefes forg●●full gro● , what sorrowes and what dangers ●hey have had ; that all of us more thankefull may be made : and if to any these things doe appeare or tedious , or impertine●t ; i feare that most of them are they , who take no pleasure , for good and usefull things to be at l●isure . and more delight in poems worded out , th●● those that are gods works employ'd about . me thinkes , i cannot speake enough of that which i have seene ; nor full enough relate what i declare ; but 〈◊〉 it seemes to me i leave out somewhat that should utt'red be . for , though in most , the sense thereof be gone , it was god's iudgement , and a fearfull one . and , london , what availed then thy pride , thy pleasures , and thy wealth so multiply'd ? or , then , oh ! what advantage didst thou get by those vaine thi●gs , whereon thy heart is set ? how many sev'rall plagues did god prevent , befo●e this iudgement was upon thee sent ? how many loving ●avours had he done thee , before so roughly he did seize upon thee ? and , that thou mightst his purposes discover , how long togethe● , did he send thee over the weekly newes , of those great desolations , which he infl●cts on many ot●er nations ? how often did he send , e're this befell , his prophets , of his iudgements●o ●o foretell ? how many thousand preac●ers hath he sent , with teares , to pray , and woo thee ●o repent ? to ●ell t●ee , that thy pride , and thy exc●sse , thy lusts , thy surfets , and thy drunkennesse , thine idlenesse , thy great impieties , thy much prophanenes●e , thy hypocrifies , and other vanities , would bring at last those pl●gues wher● of thou now some feeling hast ▪ how did thy pastors to repent conjure thee ? how st●ongly did gods ministers assure thee that all thy love , thy labour , and thy cost besto●'d on carnall pleasures , would be lost ? that , t●ou hereafter ●houldst become ashamed of that whereof thy comforts thou hadst framed ; and that those evills would at length befall from which no mortall hand reprieve thee shall . ' thou canst not but acknowledge these things were ev'n ev'ry moment , rounded in thine care ; and that thy sonnes of thunder did presage what , for thy sinnes , should be thine heritage . yet , thou to heare their message didst refuse . and , as the stubborne unbeleeving iewes , despised all those prophets , who foreshew'd the times of their approaching servitude , yea , punisht them , as troublers of the land , and such as weakned much the peoples hand : so , thou accountedst of thy teachers , then , but as a crew of busie-headed men , who causlesly , thy quietnesse distu●bing , had for their saucinesse , deserved curbing . but with amazement , now thou dost behold , that they have no uncertainties foretold . for , god in this one single plague , comprised those other iudgements , all , epitomized ; which for thy ruine he at large will send , if this be not enough to work his end . observe this pestilence , and thou shalt see , that as there may be some one sin in thee with other great transgressions interlaced , so , divers plagues in this great plague were placed , it shew'd thee ( in some fashion ) their dist●esses , whom war , in a besieged fort oppresses : for , lo , thou wert deprived of all trade , as if t●y foes blockt up thy river had . and , though no armed host thy wall surrounded , yet ( which was worse ) thou by thy friends wert bounded : for , wha●soever person passed f●om thy ports , upon an enemy did come . and none more cruell to thy children proved , then some of thine , who from thy pl●gues removed . confusion , and d●sorder , threatn●d thee , ( on which attendeth all the pl●gues that be ) for , most of thy grave senate , who did beare thy names of office , far departed were , to other places ; leaving thee , nigh spent and languishing for want of government . yea , they that were thy trust , and thy deligh● , in times of health , did then ●orsake thee quite ; to teach us , that those men , and vanities , which have our hearts , in our prosperities , will in affliction be the first who leave us ; and , when we most expect , then most deceive us . oh! whither then ; oh ! whither were they gone , who , thy admired beauty doted on ? where did thy lovers in those dayes appeare , who did so court thee , and so often sweare affection to thee ? whither were they fled , whom thou hast oft with sweetest junkets fed ? and they , whom thou so many yeares , at ease , didst lodge within thy fairest pal●ces ? where london , were thy skarlet fathers hou●'d , who in thy glory , were to thee espous'd ? what were become of all thy children , whi●h w●re nursed at thy brest , made great , and rich by thy good-huswifry ? and whom we see in thy prosperity so hugg'd of thee ? where were thy rev'r●nd pastors , who had pay to feed thy flocks , and for thy sinne to p●ay ? ( i must confesse ) the meanest , and some few of better sort , were in affection true , and gave thee comfort . but , oh ! where were those , those greater ones , on whom thy hand bestowes the largest portions ? those , who have profest a zealous care of thee , above the rest ? those , who ( as i conceive ) had undertaken a charge that should not then have beene forsaken ? those many silken-doctors , who did here in shining satten casso●ks late appeare ? they who ( till now , a thing scarce heard of ever ) do flaunt it in their velv●● , plush , and beaver . and they , whom thou didst honor far above those meane ones , who , then , shewed thee most love ? where were they ? & , where were thy lawyers too that he●etofore , did make so much adoe within thy courts of iustice ? pre●hee , where were those physitians , who so forward were to give thee physick , when thou neededst l●sse , and wert but sicke , of ease , and wantonnesse ? where did their foot-cloth● wait ? whe●e couldst thou call for their assistance ? what became of all their diets , and receipts ? and why did they in that necessity depart away ? where lurckt those poe●asters , who were wont to pen thy mummeries , and vainly hunt for base reward , by soothing up the crimes of our grand epicures , in lofty rimes ; and doe before each others poems raise the huitlesse trophees of a truthlesse praise ? da●'d none of all those matchlesse wits to tary this b●unt ? that his experienc'd muse might cary this newes to after times ; and move compassion , by his all-moving straines of lamentation ? what , none bu● me ? me onely leave they to it , to whom they s●ame to yeeld the name of poet ? well ▪ if they ever had a minde to weare the lawreat wre●th , they might have got it ●ere : for though that my performance may be bad , a braver subject , muses never had . where were thy t●oups of ro●ers ? where were they who in thy chambers did t●e wantons play ? provoking god almighty , down● to cast those plagues from which they fled away so fast ? yea , wh●ther were tho●e nothings , all retir'd , of whom thou wer● , of late , so much desir'd ? alas ! was there not any of all these who staid to comfort thee , in this disease ? did all depart away ? and , being gone , leave thee to beare thy sorrowes all alone ? left they upon thy tally all that sin , which had by them and thee , committed bin ? yes , yes , they left thee : ev'n all ●hese : and they so left thee , london , when they went away , that thy afflictions they did aggravate , and make more bitter thy deplored fat● . a dearth mixt also in this p●st was found , for they who did in riches most abound , ( and should have holpen to relieue the poore ) departing hence , diminished thy store . to other borroughes they themselves betooke : their sick distressed brethren , they fo●sook● , and , lest on those th●t would be hospitable , a b●rthen which to beare they were unable . those few , of worth , who did in thee remaine , had multitudes of beggers to sustaine ; and , from the country ( as before i said ) the sending of supply was long delaid . there was a famine also , which exceeded this other ; though the same by few was heeded . we had not so much scarcity of bread , as of that food wherewith our soules are fed . for , of our pastors ( in the greatest dangers ) som● left us to the charity of strangers . and , many soules , whom they were bound to cherish depriv'd of timely sustenance , did perish . who could have thought , this vineyard , heretofore so fruitfull ; and wherein the salvage bore of turky rooted not : and whose thick fence hath long time kept , the bulls of bashan thence ; should then ( ev'n in the vintage t●me ) be found so bare of what , so lately did abound ? and , then ( a thing worth note ) when ev'ry field and meanest villages did plenties yeeld ? indeed , not long before , we surfeted , and plaid the wantons with our heav'nly bread . our appetite was cloy'd ; and we grew dainty , and either loath'd , or murmur'd at our plenty . yea , many of us , when at will we had it , by private cookeries , unwholsome made it . for which , and for our base unthankfulnesse , our portion and allowance waxed lesse : and , we who ( like fond children ) would not eat , vnlesse , this man , or that man carv'd our meat , then ( like poore folks , that of meere almes do live ) were glad to take of any that would give ▪ the laborers were few ; the harvest large : and of the best of those that had the ch●rge to sp●ead god● ●able ▪ so●e g●ew faint and tired by th●i● perpetu●ll trav●ile : some expired their p●infull soul ●s , and freely sacrifiz'd thems●lves for us , t●at we might be suffiz'd . among which ●ap●y number i doe ●lesse the memory of learned mak●r●●sse , and zealous eton , who●e l●rge ●●ng●●g●tions , bemoan'd their losse with h●a●ty l●me●●ations . and worthily : for , ●hey di● labour here wi●h cheerfuln●sse and in their c●lli●gs were so truly diligent w●i●st vigour lasted , that they then li●e blood , yea ●hei● spi●its wasted ; and ev'n unslackt the very ne●ves and powres of their owne soules , to helpe enable ou●s . to bury , nigh a hundred in a day , to church , to ●arry , study , preach and pray ; to make b● times ; at ni●h● late watch to keepe ; to be distu●b'd at midnight from their sleepe ; to visit him that on his death-bed lyes ; oft to communicate ; more oft baptize ; and daily ( and all day ) to be in action , as were those two , to give due satisfaction to their great flocks ; mo●e laborers there needed ; and their consumed strengths , it much exceeded . but they are now at re●● : their w●ke is done , their fight is finished : th●i● g●ale is won : and , though no troph●e i to them can raise , save , this poore withe●'d wreath of mortall praise ; their master ( to reward their faithfulnesse ) for them rese●ved crownes of happinesse ; because , unto his houshold , they the bread of life , in season , have distribute● . nor was the ●ood of life diminisht more by such mens want alone , then heretofore . but , to our discontent , we also had our d●e allowances the sho●ter made ev'n by command . fo● , some ( i know not why ) had ●alsely mis in●orm'd autho●ity , that o●r promiscu●us meetings , at the fast , increast the plague : which wa● beleev'd in hast . and being urg'd , pe●haps , with such fane shewe● of reason , as ●onj●cture cou●d in●u●e ; ( the matt●r ●ei●g aggrav●ted too , with suc●●ntruth● , as t●ave●l to and fro ) the publike p●eaching on the fasting day , was , in an evill season , tooke aw●y . for , when the flesh was fed , and soule deprived of two repasts , whi●h weekly we received , prophanenesse , and hard-hea●tednesse began to get new rooting in the mind of man. we miss●● those good helpes , and those examples which had beene prea●hed to us in our temples . the poore did want full qui●kly , to their griefe , those almes the fast b●ought out for their reliefe . and , when with prayers , preaching did not goe , our cold devotions , did far colder grow . vvhat instrument of mischiefe might he be vvho caused that ? and , what a ●oole was he ! if wensday-sermons holpe infect ; i pray vvhat kept us safer on the sabbath day ? since most fast then till noone without refection ? or , what at funeralls , did stop infection ? good god! in thy affai●es , how vaine ( to me ) doth carnall policy appeare to be ? how apt is flesh and blood to run a course , which makes the soules condition , worse and wo●se ? to vent●re on eternall death how toward ! and in a temporall danger what a cowa●d ! su●e , had not such a ●roject , had a scope beyond the reaching of the d●vils hope , and be●n too damnable for any on● to be his procurator thereupon ; some w●●l● have made the motion that we might have liv'd ●xclu●ed from our churches quite : and , that ●ill ●od his hand should please ●o stay , none ●hould in publ●ke , either preach , or pray . ' twa● well the weekly number of the dead , by gods meere m●rcy , was diminished , before t●e prohibition of the fast : the fi●nd had els● , for evermore , di●g●ac't that discipline : and carnall pol●cy h●d so insulted o're divinity , that , in succeeding ages , men unholy , would thence have proved , such devotion , folly. but , god prevented it , that we should take go●d n●tice of it ; and good uses make : and i have mention'd it , that here i may god's wis●dome and man's foolishnesse display . oh ▪ let us to our fasts againe returne ; let us , for our omissions truly mourne ; and not capitulate with god , as tho he , first his rod out of his hand should throw , he●e we would come unto him : for , if thus a son of ou●s should beare himselfe to us , it would our●ire exasperate the more ; and make the fault seem greater then before . why should we in an action that is just the mercy of our gracious god distrust ? or , unto any place be loath to go , where god is to be heard , or spoken to , through feare of that which may be caught at home and in a thousand places where we come ? our sinnes and plagues were publike : so should wee in pray'rs , and teares , and almes , and fastings be . ●or , that s●rong d●vill which hath tortur'd thus our generall body , is not cast from us by single ex●rcismos : neither ●hall our p●iv●cies advantage us at all , except in what conduces to the health of private men , or of their private weal●h . if we in close retirements ( by our feare ) at ma●kets , or where worse assemblies are , infected grow : the devill , by and by with us perswadeth , either to belye the church , our constant fasting , or some one good wo●ke , or pious action we have done . ( as visiting the sick , in ti●e of need , or any other such like christian deed ) for , he those practices doth greatly spight , and , to disparage them hath much delight : because he sees , that such as are inclinde to pious meanes , will soone by triall finde , good hopes to thrive beyond their expectations ; their knowledge , foole his cunning machinations ; their faiths grow strong ; temptations weak appeare ; their joy most perfect , where most sorrowes are ; and know , that when the lord of hoasts is armed , with all his iudgements , that , he least is harmed , who , bold through love , selfe-trust quite f●om him throws and , runs with cōfidence to meet his blows . let no man then be fearfull to repair● vnto the house of preaching , or of pray'r ; or , any whither else , those works to doe , which he by conscience is obliged to : no , though the devill in the passage lay , or strow'd most ●earfull dangers in the way . for , if in such a case , our death we t●ke , our death , shall for our best advantage ●ake . yet , let none thinke i this opinion cary , that ev'ry church , will be a sanct●a●y , to all ●hat come for , sure , if any dare without devotion ▪ in gods house appeare , to them , that pl●ce , more pe●ill threaten● , then , a chamber thronged with infected men . some fainted in the church , as others did within their houses ( where themselves they hid ) yet not so o●ten . for ▪ though some did please to blame the church for spreading this disease , no places were more harmlesse . none did we beh●ld more healthy , or to sc●pe more free from this infection , then those persons , whom we saw most often , to gods worship come . nor were there any houses more infected then theirs , who most th● hous● of god neglected . i spe●ke not this by rumor : for , ev'n thither resorted i , where thronged were together the greatest multitudes : and day by day i sate ▪ where all the croud i could survay . yet , i nor man , nor childe , nor woman saw , to finke , looke pal● , or from their place withdraw ▪ and , d●ubtlesse , if such faintings there had beene , as many prated of ; i some had seene . which , since i did not see , i wish ag●ine , none would at such a time , gods house refraine , except in congregations not their owne , and w●ere in●ection feared is , or knowne : or in their owne assembly , where disorder committed wilfully , the pest may further . or , when their bodie 's weak●ne● , or the aire their ●afet●es may ●ome other wa●es impaire . excepting to ( ●n ●imes of visitation , when they a●e ma●kt with ma●kes of separation , as rising , bl●●es , or so●es . o , newly f●om the ●●mpany of such like pe●sons , come . or , whensoe●er they or do● , or may suppose themselves infectio●s any way . these ( as t●e ●epers did , by mose law ) from publike congregations should withdraw , for , sure , if any such themselves intrude to mixe among a h●althy multitude , ( though p●ayers or devotions they pretend , or whatsoever o●her pious end ) their foolish practise is vnwarrantable ; yea , their condition so uncharitable , that i abhorre it : and bel●eve that for so doing , god their prayers doth abhor●e : and , here , ( although it may impertinent by some be thought ) i canno● chuse but vent , how i dislike , ou● so much liked fashion of b●riall , where the publike congregation are bound to meet : and then ▪ especially , when of ●nfectious griefes great number● dye . i know both custom● , and opinion , have so rooted thi● , that i my breath may save in reprehending it . yet , when i must be tak●n hence , and turne againe to dust , let nought but earth and heav'n my carkasse cover , and neither church nor chappell roof● me over ; nor any other buildings , saving those that on●ly serve , such reliques to enclose . for , though i doe ingenuously confesse , w● should to shew our christian hopefulnesse of rising from the dead , lodge decently their flesh , who in christs faith p●ofesse to dye : and , that churchyards , or plots distinguisht from the vulgar use , doe best of all become that purpose . yet , i know the common guise of bur'ing in the church , did first arise from ancient superstition ; and to gaine some outward profit , to the priestly tr●ine . for , many simple men were made conceive that if ( when they were d●ad ) they might have leave to rest within those plots of hallowed ground , which either church or chappell did surround ▪ no wicked spirit should permittance have , to trouble or abuse them , in the grave : whereas ( which yet old fooles beleeve they do● ) they might else rise , and walke at midnight too about their streets , and houses , or crosse wayes ; till some masse-monger them at quiet lay●s : and then it was suppos'd , how much the nigher they lay unto their altar , or their choïre , by so much more the safer they should rest ; which ●●ought no petty summes to dagons chest : thence was it , that our churches , first of all , were glaz'd with scutchions like a heralds hall ; and that this age in them depainted sees so many vaine and lying pedigrees . thence comes it th●t we now adayes behold some chancels filled up with rotten , old , and foolish monuments . from hence we see so many puppet images to be on ev'ry wall within our oratories : so many ep●taphs , and lying stories , of men deceast ▪ and , thence the guise was gotten , to let so many banners dropping rotten deforme our pillars ; and withdraw our ●yes from picus objects to those vanities . if any man desirous be to lye within a monument , when he shall dye : let ●v'ry noble family erect without their cities some faire architect , within the compasse of whose roofed wall there may be founded some good hospitall or build●ngs for the law●ull r●●reation o● youth , and for the honor of the nation . and of that name or kin , w●en any dyes , there lay their bones ; or to their memories erect there tables . and , let them tha● had such minds , and fortunes , to the structure ad●e . yea thith●r ( if they please ) let them transl●te their ancestors . but , i have spoke too late , those time●●re past in which our noble ones were able to ●rect such piles of stones as might be emin●nt . our kingly race had by the s●ven●h h●n●y such a place erected for them , so magnificent , that to this land it is an ornament . ●et them th●t cannot reach the cost of these , raise cawsies , bridge● , and make docks , and keyes for publike use : which with as little cost as now upon th●ir pedling tombe , is lost , should make them live farre longer in their fames ; for ▪ we would ●hose entitle by their names . all they that love their country , ●ow they know which way they may their money best b●stow , ( ●o memorize their friends , with profiting the publike ) will consider of this thing and build them tombes where we may praise the work ▪ not in a church obscure , unseene to lurke , where few shall view them ; and where most who shall be●old them , take no heed of them at all . if some good patriot woul● begin the fashion , it ●ig●● allu●e , perhaps , to imitation . and if it were not gr●edinesse of gaine am●ng church-officers , whi●h did maintaine such custom●s w● should som●what more forbeare to lay so ●any sti●king bod●es there where god we s●●ke ( and him should seeke to finde , with ●urity of body , and of m●nde ) indeed our s●●ne , alone pollutes ; and y●t an ou●ward decen●y is a●so fit . was 't well , that in the church ( where throngs and beat did mak● us in the croud to pant and sweat ) ev●n in the midst of our devotions too , men should , as oft it pleased t●em to doe , thrust in ( where we could hard●y stand in e●se ) with f●ure or five strong sm●lling carkasses ? was'● fit , so many gr●ves , at such a season should g●●e and brea●h upon us ? was it reason ▪ that heaps of ru●bish , c●ffin-boards , ●nd stones ▪ late bu●y'● bodies , and halfe● 〈◊〉 bones , god's templ● should poll●te ? a●d make it far more loath some , then most charnell●ouses ●ouses are ? was 't fitting that to gaine their griping fees , they should endang●r multitudes to leese their lives , or healths ? or , that they should fulfill a fool●sh motion in a dead mans will , by wronging o● the living ? god ●orbid it should ●e reason ; and yet , thus they did . thus did they ? yea , far worse : f●r should i tell at what high rates , some churchmen , here , did sell their burying grounds : what feet they did exact : h●w readers , clarkes , and sextons did compact , to racke the de●d : to what a goodly summe their large church-duties ( in some cases ) come : what must ●e p●id for bearers , though m●n have their friends to helpe convey them to the grave : what for the b●lls , though not a bell b● rung : what , for their mourning clothes , though none be hung v●on them but their owne : what pay did passe for f●n●rall s●rmons , where no sermon was : and , what was oft extorted ( without shame ) to give him leave ●o preach , who f●e●ly came : if her● ( i say ) i should discover ●hat i might , of t●ese things m●n●ioned , rel●●e , those men who die , that charges they may s●ve , would f●are they might be legger●d in the grave : for , more ●o take th●● lodging ha●●●eene spent , then would h●ve bought a pret●y tenement . thus , a● one matter drew another on , my muse hath diuers things discourst upon to many sund●y purposes : but , what i chiefly in this can●o aimed at vvas , to prese●ue in mind an awfull sense of what we suf●red in this pestile●ce : vvhat we deserved ; and how variously , gods iustice , this one cors●ve d●d apply , to eate out all corruptions , which be spotted our soules , and h●d ere this our bodies rotted . i might as well have memorized here , how diversly god's merci●s did appeare , amid his iudgements : ●ow he comforted , vvhen outwa●d com●o●t failed : how he sed , vvhen oile and meale w●re wasted : how he gaue their lives to them , whose feet were in the graue . vvhat patience ▪ what high fortitude he granted , and , how he still supplyed what we want●d . i might commemorate , a world of grace bestow'd in this affliction , on this place , both common , and in private . many a vow ( of theirs , who will , i feare , forget it now ) was daily heard . ten thousand suits were daigned ; repri●ves , for soules condemned were obtained ▪ frie●ds prayd for friends ; the parents for the lives of their deare children ▪ husbands for their wives ; wives for their husbands beg'd with teares & passiō , and , god with pitie heard their lamentation . in friends , in servants , in the temporall wealth , in life , in death , in sicknesses , and health , god manifested mercy . some did finde a friend , to whom till then , none had beene kind . some , had their servants better'd , for them , there , by gods correction . some , left wealthy were by dying kindred , who the day before were like to beg their bread from doore to doore , some , by their timely deaths were taken from such present paines , or from such woes to come , that they are happy . vnto some , from heav'n , the blessing of a longer life was giv'n , that they might call ●o minde their youthfull times repent omissions , and committed crimes ; amend their courses , and be warisome that they displeas'd not god , in ●imes to come . againe , some others by their sicknesses , and by the feares they had in this disease , grew awfull of gods iudgements ; and withi● their harts , good motions were , wher none had bin ▪ ev'n in their hearts who fear'd nor god nor devill , nor guilt of sin , nor punishment for ●vill . and , some had health continu'd , that they might gods praise ex●oll , and in his love delight . should i declare , in what unusuall wise god op'ned here their soules dimsighted eye● , who blinded were before ; how nig● they reacht to highest mysteries : what things they preacht ev'n to their neighbours , and their family , before their soules did from their bodies flye ; or , should i tell , but what young children here did speake , to take from e●der folke their feare o● sicknesses and death ; what they exprest o● heav'nly blisse , and of this worlds unrest ; what faith they had ; what strange illuminations ; what strong assurances of their salvations ; and with what proper termes , and boldnesse they beyond their yeares , such things did open lay , it would amaze our naturallists , and raise a goo●ly trophee to our m●kers praise . but , this for me were too ▪ too large a task , and many yeares and volumes it would aske , should i in these particula●s record the never ending mercies of the lord. for , he that would his meanest act recite , attempts ●o measure what is infin●te . that story therefore , in particular to med●le with i pu●pose to defer till in the kingdome of eternity my soule in honor of his majesty shall halelu●ah●ing ●ing ; and over-looke with hallow'd eyes , that great eternall booke , which in a moment to my view shall bring each passed , present , and each future thing , and there my soule shall read , and see revealed what is not by the lambe , as yet , un●ealed . meane while i le cry hosannah , and for all his love to me , and mercies generall , his three times holy , and thrice blessed name i p●aise , and vow for aye to praise the same . the fifth canto . the author justifies againe his method , and his low●y straine . next , having formerly made knowne the common feares , he tels his owne . shewes with what thoughts he was diseased , when first the plague his lodging seized : of what god's iustice him accused ; vpon what doubts , or hopes , he mus●d ; on what , and how , he did resolve ; and who from death , did him absolve . the plagues encrease , he then expresseth : the mercies of the lord confesseth : emplores that he himselfe may never forget them , but , be thanke●ull ever : then , mounting con●emplations wings , ascends to high and usefull things . from thence his muse is called downe ▪ to make great britaines errors knowne : wherein , he doth confesse a sailing ; and ( his infirmities bewailing ) is fitted and resolv'd anew , his purpos'd message to pursue : and , having fi●st anticipated , his arrant is , in pa●t , rel●ted . perhaps , the nicer cri●ickes of these times , when they sh●ll sl●ightly view my lowly rimes , ( not to an end , these poems fully reading , nor their occasion , nor my aymes , well h●eding ) may taxe my muse that she at random flyes ; for want of method , makes tautelogies ; and commeth off , and on , in such a fashion , that ▪ oft she ●a●les their curious expectation . it is enough to me , that i doe know what they commend , and what they disallow . and let it be enough to them , that i am pleas'd to make such faults for them to spy . for i intend the method which i use ▪ and , if they doe not like it , they may c●use . they who in their composures , keep the fashion of elder times , and write by imitation ; whole quaint inventions must be trimd and trickt , with curious dressings , from old authers pickt ; and whose maine workes , are little ●l●e , but either old scattred peeces , finely glew'd together ; or , some concealed structures of the braine , found our ( where long obscured they have laine ) and new attir'd : these , must ( and well they may ) their poesies in formall garbes aray , their naturall defects by art to hide ; and , make their old new-straines the test abide . these , doe not much amisse , if they assume some ●stridge feath●rs , or the peacockes plume to strut withall : nor had i greatly h●eded that course of theirs , if they had not proceeded to c●nsure mine . my muse no wh●t envies that they from all their he●thnish po●sies have skumm'd the creame & to themselves ( for that ) the s●ile of prince of poets a●●ogate . for , plautus , horace , perseus , ●uvenal , yea greece and romes best muses , we may call their tr●b●taries ; since from them c●me in those treasures which their princely titles win . sometime , as well as they i play the bee : but , like the silkeworme , it best pleaseth me to spin out mine owne bowells , and prepare them for those , who thinke it not a shame to weare them . my matter , with my method , is mine owne ; and i doe plucke my flow'rs as they are blowne . a maiden when she walkes a●road to gather some herbs to strow the dwellings of her father , ( or fragrant flow'rs to deck her wedding bowre , or make a nosegay for her paramour ) she comes into the garden , and first seizeth the flow'rs which first she sees , or what she pl●aseth ; then runs to those whom use or memory , presenteth to her thought , or to her eye : as toward them she ●asteth , she doth finde some others , which were wholly out of mind● , ev'n till that very moment : while she makes her prise of those , she notice likewise takes of herbs unknowne before , that lurking lay among the pleasant plants within her way : she crops off these , of those she taketh none , makes use of some , and le ts as good alone ; here plucks the cowslips , roses of the prime , there , lavander , sweet marj●r●m , and thyne , yon● iuly●low'rs , or the damask rose , or sweet-breath'd violet , that hidden growes ▪ then some againe forenam'd ( if need she thinks ) then daisies , and then marigolds , and pincks : then herbs anew , then flow'rs afresh doth pull , of ev'ry fort , untill her lap is full . and otherwhile , before that worke be done , to kill a caterpiller she doth run , or catch a butterfly ; which varies from that purpose whereabout she first did come . so , from the muses gardens , when i meane those flow'r● of usefull po●sie to gleane , whi●h being well united may content my christian friends ; or with a pleasing sent perfume gods house , or beautifie , or cheere my soule , which else would rude , and sad appeare ▪ when this i meane ; i paint out ev'ry tho●ght , as to my heart i feele it to be brought : i t●eat of things , as cause conduces to them , and as occasions , unto me , doe show them . some●imes , i ●rom the matter seeme to goe , for purposes , which none but i may know sometime , an usefull flow'r i may forget ; anon , into my nosegay , i doe set some other twice ; becau●e , perchance , the place affo●ds it better use , or better g●ace . a● one conceit i seriously pursue , that , brings perhaps another to my view , and that another ; and that , many a one , which if in m●thods allies i had gone , ha● , peradventure , ●lse remain'd unseene ; and , in my gar●and might have missed beene . e're i my pen assume , i feele the motions of doing somewhat , and have gen'rall notions o● what i purpose : but , mogul doth know as well as i , what path my mus● will goe . what , in particular , i shall expresse , i know not ( as i hope for hap●inesse ) and though my matter , when i first begin , will hardly fill one p●ge ; yet being in , me thinks , if neither faintnesse , friends ▪ nor night , disturbed me , for ever i could wri●e . vpon an in●tant i oft feele my brest with infinite variety possest ; and such a troup of things together throngs , within my braine ; that , had ● twenty tongues i shou●d ( wh●lst i assai● to utter it ) twice more , then i could mention , quite forget . a hundred masings , which i meane to say , before i can expresse them , slip away ; which to recall , although i much endever , oft passe out of my memory , for ever ; and cary forth ( ev'n to the wo●lds ●arre end ) some other thoughts , which did on them depend . whilst i my pen am dipping downe in inke , that 's lost which next to tell you i did thinke ; and , somewhat instantly doth follow on , which till that present , i ne're thought upon . this , fo●ceth me those methods to forgoe , which others in their poems fancy so . this makes me ●i●th to my concep●ions give , as fast as they the●r beings doe receive . left whilst i for the common midwife●ary ●ary , the fl●tting is●ue of my braine miscary . and , howsoe're they please to censu●e me , who but stepfathers to their poemes be ; this , is that way of uttrance that e●ch muse makes practice of , whom nature●o●h ●o●h infu●e : and , warrant from th●ir naturall strai●es do●h fet ▪ whom artifi●iall poets counterfeit . these a●e true raptures ; ●h●irs are imitations , or , rather , of old rap●u●es ▪ new translations . thi● method long agoe , old moses used , when god ●is hymne of ●raise , to h●m in●used . thus , solomon hi● song of songs , compased : and , when thy sin●er , ●s●●el , was disposed to praise the lord or sp●a●e ●nto his god , o● ven● his passiens in a mou●●●u●l ode , in thi● contemned wi●e , from him did flow , those heav'nly raptur●s which we honor so . as god's good spirit cary'd him along , so vary'd he , the m●tter of ea●h song . now prayes ; straight praiseth ; instantly l●menteth ; then halfe d●spaires ; is by and by contented ; the pe●son of the changeth ; oft ●epeate●h one sentence ; and one su●t oft iter●teth . which manner of expression , s●emes to some so methodlesse , and so to wander from a certainty , in what he did intend , that they his well-knit raptures discommend , as broken and di● jointed ; when , indeed , from ignorance ( or from their little heed to such exp●essions , and such mysteries ) their cau●elesse disesteeme , did first a●ise . yea , ignorance , not knowing what they meant , when such an uncouth p●th the muses w●nt ; was wont ( long since ) to call our soule-rapt straines , poetick furíes : and that name remaines . yet , this old tr●ct i follow ; this i use ; and , this no true-borne poe● ▪ can refuse . my scope , i ever keepe , in all my layes ; which is , to please , and profit , to gods praise : but , in one path , or in one pace to ride , it is not fi● a p●●● should be ty'd . sometime he must be grave ; lest else , the wi●e the m●tter , or the m●●ner , may despise . sometime he must en●evor to be plaine , lest all that he d●●ivers be in vaine : another wh●le , he parables must use , and ●iddl●s , lest some should the truth abuse , and th●y that are the nymrods of the times grow mad , in slead of leaving oft their crimes . sometime he must be pleasing , le●t he may drive all his frow●rd re●ders quite away . sometimes he must have bu●er stroine● , to keepe t●e sullen reader f●om a drow●ie sleepe ; and whip those wantons , from an evill course , that , without wa●ning , would be dai●y worse . sometimes againe , he must be somewhat merry , lest fooles , of good instruction , should be weary . yea , he to all men all things should become , that he , of many , might a●vantage some . this , m●kes me chang● the person , and the style , and vary from the matter , other while . thi● , makes me mix● smal things , and great together ; here , i am grave ; there , play i with a fea●her . one page , doth make some reader halfe beleeve , that i am angry : in the next , i give the c●ilde an aple . in one leaf● , i ch●de ; i somewhat in another doe provide , to helpe excuse those ●railties i ●eproved : and those excus●s , are in place ●emoved , from such reproofes ; left following on too nigh , th● che●k , might without heed , be p●ssed by . this course b●c●me● the muses . this doth save our ●ines from just reproofe , when tyrants rave at our free numbers : and when fooles condemne our straine● , because they understand not them . such po●fie is right : and , therefore ▪ they who study matter , ●nd what words to say , doe falsly arrogate to be inspired ; since , when they boast their soules are this way fired , it is but wine , or passion ma●es them rave : and thence the muses their disgraces have . most times , when i compose , i watch , and fast . i cannot find my spirits , when i taste of meats and drinks ; nor can i write a line , sometime , should i but take one draught of wine . men say , it makes a poet , and doth warme his braine , and him with strong invention arme . no m●●vell then , that most doe reckon me for none , who of this age the poets be ; and ▪ that so ●nviously at me they strike , for they and i are not inspir'd alike . in such like workes as these , if i should fill my head , my muse would have an empty qu●ll ; and ▪ that w●ich to expresse she then presumes , would smother'd be , with vapourings and fumes . but , when those write ; thēselves they first make mery with claret , with canary , or with sherry . and these are sure the deities which make a sensuall eare , of them , best liking take . when such as they reprove a sinfull state , or would those great enormities relate , wherein their times offend ; they may be brough● to question for it ; and it may be thought their sple●ne , revenge , or envy , did incite their braines to hammer , what their pens did write , because they did premeditate , and straine their faculties , their projects to attaine . but , when a man one subject purposing , sits downe to write it , and another thing ( vnthought upon before ) qu●te thrusteth out that matter which at fi●st he went about : when he remembers , that nor spight , nor spleene , no● envy , hath his primus motor beene : when he perceives , nor dangers , nor disgrac● can fright him , when such raptures are in place : when he doth find , that with much ease & pleasure he utters what exceeds the common measure of his owne gifts : ●nd that ( although his rimes are none of those strong lines that catch the times ) they from the v●rtuous , good respect can draw , and keepe the proudest vitious-men in awe : what should he thinke , but that the pow'r of god ins●ireth him , to show his will abroad ? what nee● he feare , but , most undantedly , make use of his inspired facultie ? no arrogance it were , if he , or i , should say that god our pe●s had spoken by , to those we live among , since , we might say , he speak●s by all his creatures , ev'ry ●ay : yea , since in elder times it came to pass● , that he declar'd his pleasure by an ●sse . what should we do but speak , when we are willed ? what can we doe but speake when we are filled ? while wicked men we do● remaine among , with david , w● a while may curb the tongue ; but , burne it will within us , ti●l we speake , and forth , at last , some thundring voice will breake ▪ and what should then our hearers doe , but learne their errors , by our poems , to disce●ne ? why should they raile at u● , who neither fea●e then fury , nor for all their threatnings care ? why doe they , childishly , our lines condemne , that strike but at their sollies , not at them ? why , so unjustly still , are we pursued , who shew them ho●v their falls may be eschewed ? and why doe they by seeking of our shame , encrease our glor●es , and themselves defame ? whence comes all this , but from that sot●i●hnesse which doth most people of this age possesse ? but , let these questions passe ; lest by degrees , they draw us on , untill our ma●ke we leese . thus far my muse hath wilfully digrest , and of he● purpose , now she vents the ●est . when divers weeks together ● had wasted in vi●wing th●se afflictions others tasted ; when day by day , ● long had walkt abroad , beholding how the scou●ging hand of god , afflict●d other men , and how , each morning my going out , and ●ow my b●ck ●etu●ning , was ev'ry night in safety ; i be●an gods care and my unworthinesse to scan . and , 't was , me thought , a favour , w●ich required to be both much acknowledg'd , and ●dmi●ed ; that ( when so many houses , ●v'ry day , were visited ) t●e place wherein i lay stood free so long ; co●sidering we were many , and , then , ●esorted to , as much as any . but , th●re was somewhat needfull to be knowne , which no mans griefe could 〈◊〉 me but mine own . and , that i migh● thereof in●ormed be , god sent at last his iudgements home to me . y●a , peradventure , in my soule he saw some ●ailings of my former filiall awe ; some thanklesnesse ; some inward pride of heart ; or over-ween●ng of mine owne desert , arising from the mercifull protection w●ic● he vouchsafed me from this in●●ction ; and t●erefore sent as my reme●bra●cer , his dread●ull , and his bloody messenger to t●ke his lodging , where my lodgings were ; and put his rage in execu●ion there . for , in upon us , that contagion broke , five soules out of our gate , it quickly tooke , and left ●nother wounded ; that i might conceive my danger , and gods love , a●ight . it fell about the time in which their sum who weekly died , to the full was come : then , when infection to such height was growne , that many dropped on a sudden downe in ev'ry street : yea , when some fooles did tell the lying fables of the falling-b●ll at westminster ; and how that then did flye no bird through londons ayre which did not dye . ev'n then it was . and , though some few did please , by such like tales , and strange hyperboles , to overstraine the stories of our so●row : they did but needlesly their fictions borrow to set it forth . nay , their false rumors made our woes appeare lesse great , then those we had . till now , i made th● smart o● othe●s knowne : the griefes i next will tell you , are mine owne . at fi●st , i stood as one who f●om a towre ▪ beholding how the swo●d doth such ●evo●●e ( who in the streets beneath him fig●ti●g be ) accounts himselfe from danger to be free . but , at the last , i fared , as it fares with such , whose foes have made , at unawares , a breach upon their bulw●rke ; and i stood no meane assaults , to make my standing stood . for , both within me , and without me , too , i had enough , and full enough to doe . no sooner to my chamber was i gone , but , i was follow'd straight , and set upon by strong assailants , who did much intrude , and much disease me , by their multitude . my reason , who to faith did lately stoop , revolted , and brought on a mighty troup of trayt'rous arguments , whereby she thought , on this my disadvantage , to have wrought . temptations , slye - suggestions , feare , and doubt , did undermine , and close me , round about . my conscience did begin to be afraid my faith had beene a false one ; who betraid my soule to death : and ( whether then it were the pow'r of strong i●fection , or else feare , occasion'd by those combatings within , or both together ) i did then begin to finde my body weakned more and more , and felt those pangs , till then unfel● before . ev'n many dayes together , so it fared : and sure , if superstition could have scared my better setled heart , there hapned that , which i had fear'd , and somewhat startled at : and ( though i never outwardly complained to any one , of that which i sustained ) that week , in which our house was visited , and made complete the number of her dead ; i had a sleeplesse night ; in which with heat opprest , i purged out ( in stead of swear ) round-rud●y-spots ( and , that , no little store ) which on my brest , and shoulders , long i wore . perhaps , it was the pestilence , which then so ma●ked me ▪ and i , as other men , by her had beene devour'd , had i not through gods great mercy , my free pardon got . which , how , and on what termes , the same i gain'd , i●e now declare . for , though they seeme but fain'd ▪ or melancholy thoughts , which here i tell ; yet , sure , to smother them , i did not well . for , some , perhaps will thinke ( as well as i ) that none should sleightly passe such musings by : and some ( who at first viewing will surmise , that in these things i meerly poetise ) vvill find , perchance , in times that shall ensue , expe●imentall proofe , that all is true ; should d●rk●esse , where her visage , danger , showes , ( ●t such a disadvantage ) them enclose . vvhen all alone i lay , and apprehended , how many mischiefes my poo●e soule attended ; i plainly saw ( ●hough not with ca●nall eyes ) god's dreadfull angell , ready to su●prise my trembling soule ; and ev'ry hideo●s feare , vvhich can to any naturall man appeare , ( in such a case , to aggrava●e his terror ) approacht , with ev'ry circumstance of horror . i ●aw the muster of each passed evill , and all my youthfull follies , by the devill brought in against me , marshall'd ▪ and prepared , to fight the battell which i long had feared . and such a mult●tude of them sur●ounded my conscience , that i was almost con●ounded . a thousand sinnes appear'd which were forgot , and which i till that moment minded not , since first committed ; and more ugly far they seem'd , then when they perp●trated were . yea many things whereof i bragg'd , and thought that i , in doing them , some good h●d wrought , declar'd themselves against me ; and i found that they did give my soule the deepest wound . vvhen these had quite enclosed me , i saw the tables , and the volumes of the law ▪ to me laid open : and i was , me thought , befo●e the presence of god's iustice brought , vvho from her eye did frownes upon me dart , and se●med , thus to speake unto my heart . ( oh! readers marke it well ; fo● to this d●ome , o● to a worse then this , you all must come . suppose thou not , vaine man , thou dost possesse this lif● till now , for thine owne righteousnesse , or that thou merit●st mo●e grace to have then they who now are sent to fill the grave : lo , here , thy foe hath brought of thy offences an army , and so many evidences of thy corruption ; that , plead what thou wilt of merit in thy ●elfe , th●y prove a guilt so hainous , that thy soule thou canst not free : yet other sinfull thoughts of thine i see . i search thy heart , and ●● discover there deceits , which cannot to thy selfe appeare ▪ i know thy many secret imperfections , i know thy passions , and t●y vaine affections ; and , that performances thou hast not made according to those favo●rs thou hast b●d . vaineglory , profit , or some carnall end , thy best endeavor alw●yes did attend ; and , as distrusting , god would thee beguile , an arme of fl●sh thou se●kest otherwhile : not as the second , but the chiefest cause : which from the glory of thy god withdrawes . mine eye doth see what arrogance and pride thou dost among thy f●irest vertues hide ; and , what impieties , thou shouldst have done , had i not stopt the course thou though●st to run . of●●●mes , when others vices , thou hast showne , thou hast forgotten to repent thine owne . and , many times , thy ta●t reproofes have beene the fruits , not of thy vertue , but of spleene . thy wanton lus●s ( b●t that i did restraine their f●ry , when thou w●uldst have slackt the reine ) had horne thee he●dlon to those deeds ●f shame , with which thy evill willers blur thy name . shouldst thou have done the best that thou wert able , thy services had beene unprofitable : but , thou scarce h●lfe thy talent hast employ'd ; and , that small good thou didst , is nigh destroy'd , by giving some occasion , needlesly , of questio●ing thy true sincerity . god of● hath hid thy frailties , and thy sinne , which being knowne , would thy d●sgrace have bin . the show of wit and vertue , thou hast had , he , to the world more eminent hath made , then theirs , who wiser , and much better are , though outward helpes , and fortunes , wanting were ▪ and , though thy knowledge , and thy former layes , among your formall wizzards got no praise , yet what they co●nted foolishnesse , became a greater honor to thy sleighted name , then they obtained : and , that grace ( i see ) begot more pride , then thankefulnesse in thee : and , i was faine , to let some scandals flye , to teach unto thee , more h●mility . in all thy wants , thou still hast beene relieved ; from heav'n thou comfort hadst , whē thou w●rt grieved ▪ when princes threatned , thou wert fearlesse made ; in all thy dangers , thou a guard hast had ; in closest prison , thou best freedome gainedst ; in great contempts , thou most esteeme obtainedst ; when , most thy fo●s did labour to undoe thee , they brought most honour , and most profit to thee . yea , still when thy destruction was expected , then , god , thy peace beyond thy hope , effected . and , in the stead of praising him for this , thou robdst him of much honour that was his . tho● w●rt content , to heare the vulgar say , thy spirit , and thine innocence made way to ●●y escape . whereas , thy ●ons●ience kn●w thou wert a ●oward , till god ●id ●n●ue thy heart with fortitude , and f●●ely gave thee that innocency which from harme d●d save thee . when god thy na●e div●lg'd for some good end , ( which his w●se p●ovidence a●d soreintend ) thou took'st the glory of it for thi●●●wne , and , justly , therefore thy so being knowne , hath beene a m●●n●s whereby t●y fo●● h●ve sent their sc●ndal f●r●her , then they else ha● went. as soon● as , god from trouble ●id release thee , ( o● , but w●th ●●pes of ou●w●rd things possesse thee ) some fruitlesse thoughts d●d quit● thy heart estrange , and after such vaine project●ake ●ake thee range , that he was o●t compeld to put thee ●rom those blessi●g● , which 〈◊〉 to thy lips were come ; lest , being then unseas'na●ly received , thou mightst of better thing● have beene ●ere●●ved ▪ f●w men so nigh g●eat hopes attained ●ver ▪ with such small fortunes and w●thout en●eavor , as thou hast done ▪ and f●we● ha●e beene crost ▪ that way ( which thou h●s● been● ) in what was lost ; that see and kn●w thou mightst , such losse and gaine , he sent ; and , that he neither sent in vaine . yea , that those evils which thou h●dst in thought , should scape the being into action brough● , ill ●ong●es w●●e stirred to prevent the f●ct , by blazing what was never yet in act : bu● , might have beene , perhaps ▪ had not that er●ed thy heart ▪ whereby t●y foes would thee h●ve harmed . thou to refresh thy soule h●st pleas●res had , and tho● by their abuse , hast f●●bl●r ma●e h●r use●●ll f●culties . thou hast ●nj●yed youth , strength , an● health ; and ▪ them hast mis employed . thy god hath made thee gracious in their eyes , whose good esteeme , thy soule doth highly prise ; and ( of ill purpose though il● not condem●e thy love , or meaning , to thy selfe or them ) thou hast full often stole their hearts away , ev'n from themselves ; and made thine owne a prey to many passions ▪ which did sometimes bring vpon your s●lves , a mutuall torturing : because you did not in your loves propose those ends , for which , affection , god bestowes . but , spent your houres ( that should have beene employ'd to learne and teach how you should have enjoy'd gods love ) that flame , to kindle , in each other ▪ wherein , you might have perished together . thou aggravated hast thy pard'ned crimes , and , it●rated them , a thousand times . ev'n yet , thou dost renew them ev'ry day ; and when for mercy thou dost come to pray , thou meri●est confusion , through that folly , which makes thy prayers to become unholy . nay , at this time , and in this very place , where god in iudgement stands before thy face , thou oft forgetst the danger thou art in ; forgetst gods mercy , and dost hourely sin . thou dost neglect thy time , and trifle out those dayes , that should have beene employ'd about the service of th● maker . thou dost give thy selfe that liberty , as if to live or dye , were at thy choice ▪ and that at pleasure , thou mightst pursue his worke ; and at thy leasu●● . thy talent thou mis-spendst ; and here , as though to looke upon gods iudgements were enough for thee to doe ; thou dost with negligence performe thy vowes ; which adde to thy offence . and loe , for these thy faults , and many moe ; whereof thy conscience thee doth guilty know , my spotted-hound hath seized thee : from whom , that thou with life shouldst ●eene have to come , what canst thou say ▪ i could not make reply ; for , feare , and guilt , and that dread majesty which i had apprehended , tooke away my speach ; and not a word had i to say . but mer●y who came arme in arme along with iusti●e , and about her alwayes hung ; did looke , me thought , upon me with an eye so truly pitifull , that instantly my heart was cheer'd , and ( mercy prompting her ) such words , or thoughts as these she did p●efer . t is true most awfull iustice , that my sin hath greater then thine accusations bin ▪ the most refined actions of my soule , are in thy presence , horrible and foule . and if thou take account of what is done , i cannot of ten thousand answer one . as soone as i am cl●●sed from my sinne , to saile my selfe anew ▪ i doe begin . i to my vomit , like a dog , retire , and like a sow , to wall●w in t●e mire . i have within my soule , distempers , passions ; and hourely am besieg'd with strong temptations . my flesh is weake , except it be to sin ; my ●pirit faints , when i the goale should winne . my will●ff●cteth ●ff●cteth most , what is most vaine ; my memory doth ●vill best retaine . that little good ● would , i cannot doe ; those evil● i detest , i fall into . the vapours whi●h from earthly things arise , too often veile heav'ns glories f●om min● eyes . and i , who can sometimes by contemplation , advance my soule above the common station , ( the world contemning ) do● sometime● agen lye groveling on the ground with other men : my faith doth faile ; my mounting wings are clipt ; of all my braveries i quite ●●n stript ▪ my hopes are hid ; my sins doe me defile ; and in my owne esteeme , ●y soule is vile . i will acknowledge all my aherrations , according to their utmost a gravations ; and here consesse , that i deserve th●refore the losse of mercies love for evermore ; which were a greater plague , then to abide all torments here , and all hell plagues beside . but , i repent my sinne : loe , i abhore it , and , with my heart , am truly sory for it . i feare thine anger , ( but , to feare the love of mercy could be lost , would in me prove a greater horror ) and no slavish dread , but loving feare , this griefe in me hath bred . it paines my soule , that i who have conceived such pleas●re in thy favours , and received such to ens of thy love , from day to day , should passe a moment of my time away in any va●i●y ; or live to be one minutes space without a thought of thee . but , more i grieve , that i should more ●ransgresse then many doe , whom thou hast favour'd lesse . although i am a sinner ▪ yet i vow , i doe not in my soule my sinnes allow ; but , i d●t●st them , and oft p●ay , and strive , that , i accord●n● to thy law may live . ( at least i thinke i doe ) and hopefull am , my love to thee is true , though much to blame . in me there how rely rise ( against my will ) those lusts which i should mortifie and kill : and as i am enabled , i doe smite as well the fat , as leane amalekite . but , if i have a sin that is become my ag●g ; or as deare as absolom , i wish a samuel , or a loab may destroy it e're my soule it shall betray . for , if my heart hath not it selfe deceived , it would , wi●h willingnesse , be quite bereaved of what it most affects ( yea , sacrifice that which is dear●r then my hands , or e●es ) e're cher●sh , wittingly , w●thin my bre●● , a thought , which thy uprightn●sse doth detest . thou knowest , that i take no pleasure in that act which i doe feare to be a sin : much lesse if i doe k●ow i● so : and , this doth bitt●r make it , when i doe amisse . though in my wayes my walkings , now and then , appeare irregular to other men ; ( and other while may shewes of evill make ) because from thence offences others take , yet , thought i not , it lesse offended thee to use it , then unus'd to let it be , i would not tread once more in such a path , to save my life , and all the joy it hath . but , should it cost my life i canno● tell if ( in some actions ) i doe ill or well . for , many times , when i doe se●ke to shun a plash , into a whirlepoole i doe run . the wolfe i flye , and loe , a lyon frights me ; i shun the lyon , and a viper bites me . a scandall followes , if i take my course ; if i divert it , there 〈◊〉 a worse . if i persist in that which i intend , it giveth some occasion to offend : if i forgoe it ; my owne knowled esayes i fin , and scandall give some other wayes . i find not in my actions , or affections that thing that is not full of imperfections . i cannot doe a good or pious act but there is somewhat evill in the fact , or in the manner ; and it either ●ends to this mans d●mmage , or that man offends , whatever i resolve upon , i finde it doth not fully satisfie my minde . i am so straitned , that i know not whence to finde the meanes of shunning an offence ; and , if deare mercy , thou assist me not , my fairest act will prove my foulest blot . the wo●ld , our fri●nd● , our passion , or our feare , hath so intangled us , at unaware , with manifold engagements ; and so drawes and win●es us , by degrees , into that maze of endlesse wandrings ; that it leads us to that sin , sometimes , wh●ch we abhor to doe : and , otherwhile so strangely giddifies the reason , and the soules best faculties ; that ( as i said before ) we doe not know what in our selves to b●ke , or disallow . yea , we such turnings and crosse wayes doe finde , that of● , our guides ( as well as we ) ●e blinde . the spi●it and the flesh have their delight , in things , so diverse , and so opposite ; and , such a law of sinne doth still abide with●n our members ; that , we swarve aside doe what we can : and , while we helpe the one , to what seemes needfull , th' ot●●● is undone . if by the spirits motion , i proc●ed to compasse what i thinke my soule may need , my body wants the while ; and i am faine to leave my course , that her i may sustaine : l●ft my engagements , or necessities , might my well meant endeavor scandalize . if i but feed my body , that it may assist my spirit in some lawfull way ; it straight growes wanton : if i fast , it makes my spirit faint in what she undertakes : and , if i keepe a meane ; meane fruits are they , ( and little worth ) which then produce i may . if in a christi●n love some houres i spend to be a comfort to some female friend , who needs my counfell : i doe cause , ●he while , another with hot jealousies , to boyle : nor know i how my selfe excuse i may vnlesse anothers weaknesse i display . which if i doe not , or some lye invent , they censure me unkinde , or impudent . i can nor doe , nor speake , nor thinke that thing ; but , still , some inconvenience it will ●ring ; or , some occasion of anevill , be to me , or others ; or to them , and me . and from the body of this death , by whom but , by my saviour , can i freed become ? oh! therefore , sweet redeemer , succour lend me , and , from these bogs , and s●ares of sin , defend me ▪ deare god , assist in these perplexities , which from our fraile condition doe arise . s●t straight , i pray thee , lord , ●he crookednesse oferring nature ; and these faults redresse . so out of frame , is ev●ry thing , in me , that , i can hope for cure , from none , but thee . to thee i ther●fore kneele ; to thee i pray ; to thee my soule complaineth ; ev'ry day : doe thou but say , be whole ; or be thou cleane ; and , i shall soone be pure , and sound , agen . the will thou gav●st me , to affect thy will , though it continue not so perfect still , a● when thou first bestow'dst the same ; accept it , ev'n such as my polluted vessell kept it . for ▪ though it wounded be , through many fights continu'd with my carnall appetites : yet , i● my h●arts desire to me be knowne , thy pleasure i preferre before min● ow●e . if i could chuse , i would not guil●y be of any ●ct di●pl●asing unto thee . in all my life , i would not sp●●ke a word , but , th●t which to thy lik●ng might accord . i woul● not thinke a thought but w●at might fhow , that f●om thy spirit , all ●y ●usings flow . i would nor hate , nor love , nor hope , nor feare , but as unto thy praise it usefull were . i would not have a joy within my heart , of which thou should●t not be the greater part . nor would i live or dye , or happy be in life or death ; but ( lord ) to honour thee . oh! let this will ( which is the precious seed of thine o●●e love ) be taken for the deed . assist thou m● against the potent evill of my great foes , the world , the flesh , the devill . renew my fainting pow'rs , my heart revive ; refresh my spirits , and my soule relieve . lord draw me , by the cords of thy affection , and i shall fall in love with thy perfection . vnloose my chaines , and i shall then be free ; convert me , and converted i shall be . yea , to my soule ( oh god! ) and to my senses display thy beautie and thy exc●●lencies so plaine , that i may have them still in sight ; and thou shalt ever be my sole delight . the world though she should into pieces teare me with troubles ; from thy love should never scare me ; nor ●ble be to tempt me from one duty to ●he , with all her pleasure and her beauty . behold ; i came to seeke thee , lord ; ev'n here , where , to attend thy presence most men feare . though here i saw the pestilence withstand me , i stand to know what worke thou wouldst command me . from all the pleasures of the world , and from h●r hopes of safety , i am b●●her come where thou art angry : and to see thy frowne am at thy feet , with terror , fallen downe . yet , hence i would not flye ( although i might ) to gaine the chiefest of this worlds delight , till i perceive thou bidd●st me goe away ; and , then , for twenty wo●lds , i would not stay . i came as heartily as fl●sh and blood could come ( that hath in it so little good ) to doe thee service : and , if dye i must ▪ loe , here i am ; and , i pronounce thee just . although thou sl●y me yet my soule well knowes thou lov●st me : and i le trust in thee repose . though in my selfe i feele i am polluted ; i finde a better righteousnesse imputed then i have lost . thy blessed love doth fill me with joyes , that will rev●ve me , though thou kill me . my sins are great ; ●ut thy compassion's greater . i ha●e thy quittance , though i am thy debtor . and , though my temp'rall hopes may be destroid ▪ yet , i have those , that never shall be void . thus , to the lord , my soule i powred out , when i with d●ngers wa● enclos'd about ; and though i was a sinner , this appeased his wrath in ch●ist , a●d my g●iev'd soule was eased ▪ he graciously accepted , in good part , this poore oblation of an humbled heart . his mercy se●l'd my pardon ; and i shook the pestilence ( which hold upon me tooke ) from off my shoulder , without sense of harme , as paul did shake the viper from his arme . that weeke , moreover , god beg●n to slack his bow , and call his bloody angell backe ; vvho by degrees retyr'd , as he came on . for , weeke by weeke , untill it f●ll to none , the number which the pestilence did kill , vvas constantly , and much abated still . vvhen we were fleating on that inundation , at first we sent a carnall lamentation ; vvhich like the raven ( ●rom noahs arke ) did flye , and found nor rest ▪ nor hope of remedy . then sent we d●ve-like mournings : but th●●● feet a while could with no resting places mee● then forth againe we sent them , out from ●ence vving'd with mo●e charity , and penitence . and then , they brought an olive-b●anch of peace , vvhich made us hopefull of this floods decrease . the lord did favour to this kingdome daigne , and , brought from thrall , his iacob , back againe . his peoples crimes he freely did release ; his ir● abated ; his hot rage did cease . his praise had in our land a dwelling place ; and mercy there , with iustice did embrace . and 't was a grace to be considered , that a disease , so generally spred , ( and so contagious ) in few weeks should from so many thousands , to a cypher come . that our infectious beds , and roomes , and stuffe ▪ ( vvhich in all likelyhood had beene enough to keepe the plague among us , till it had our cities , and our townes unpeopled made , should from their noy●omnesse , so soone be ●r●ed ▪ is out of doubt a matter worth our heed . yea , t is a mer●y ( though most mind it not ) vvhich in this land should never be forgot : that from an enemy so dangerous , so great a city and so populous should in three months be purified so , that all men might with safety , come and goe . for , e're the following winter was expired , the citizens were to their homes retired : the terme from reading , was recalled hither , from ev'ry quarter , clients came together ; new trading was begun ; another brood soone fild the houses which unpeopled ●●ood ; our gentry , tooke up their old rendevow ; and such a concourse through our streets did flow , that ev'ry place was fill'd : and , of all those , ( those many thousands ) who their lives did lose ( but some ●ew mon●hs before ) no want was found , the people ev'ry where did so abound . to thee oh lord , to thee oh lord ! be praise : for , thou dost wound and cure , strike down and raise thou kill'st , and mak'st alive : thou frownst at night , and , thou art pleased e're the morning light . vvhen we offend thee , thou a while dost leave us ▪ vvhen we repent , thou dost againe receive us . to ruine thou deliver'st us ; and then , r●turne againe ( thou saift ) ye sonnes of men . for , in thy wisedome thou considered hast ▪ that man is like a bubble , or a blast : a heape of dust , a tuft of wither'd grasse , a fading f●owre , that soone away doth passe : a moment fled , which never shall retire ; or smoaking flaxe , that quickly loseth fire . an idle ●reame , which nothing doth betoken ; a bruised reed , which may with ease be broken : and therefore ●ost in iudgement , mercy minde , yea , in thy greatest anger thou art kinde . as is the space twixt heav'n a●d ea●th , above , so large , to those that feare thee , is thy love . as far ●s doth from È●st , the west●eside ●eside , so f●r thou d●st from us our sins divide . such a● a father to his childe doth beare , s●●h love is thine , to those who thee do feare . t●y iustice thou fro●●ge to age declarest ; but , such as love thee , thou for ever sparest . i thou but turne away from us , thy face , loe , we are breath●esse in a moments space . thy looke doth us with life againe endue , and all our losses instantly renew . as oft as we rebell , thou dost forgive us ; and though into dist●esse , sometime , thou drive us ; yet , alwa●es in our sorrowes we were eyed , and thou didst please to heare us when we cried . with t●●rst and hunger faint , some stray'd aside , to seeke a place where safe they might abide . with , worse then bands of iron , they were chained , and in the gloomy sh●des of d●ath detained . with h●●● and ●ick●esse ▪ they dejected were ; and to deliver them ; no helpe was there . their wickedness● when they were plagued for , their soules th● sweetest mor●●ls did abhor . they for their follies , did afflicted lye , and , to the gates of death approached nigh . their soules within them were nigh dead with feare ; yea , they distracted , and amazed were . but , when to thee they called , they were eased , and out of all their troubles quite released . thou sent'st abroad thy word , and they were healed ; thy wr●t of indignation was repealed frō out of death's black shades t●ey were reprieved ; and in their sorrowes and their paines relieved from east and west , from north & south , and from their sev'rall wandrings , thou shalt call them home ▪ in ev'ry quarter of the realme thou soughtst ●hem ; yea to their city back againe thou broughtst them : and there ( now ) joy●u●l , and in health they be ; from all their feares , and all their dangers free . oh ▪ would that men this love would think upon , and tell their seed what wonders thou hast done : would they , oblations , of thanksgiving , bringing , thy works would praise , and publish them , in singing . oh! would they were so wise that they might lea●ne thine infinite compassion to discerne ; and that they would assist me to declare , how grea● thy iudgements and thy mercies are ! though none can of thy favours make relation , nor fully utter all thy commendation ; yet , let us doe our best , that we may raise a thankfull trophee to thy boundlesse praise . let us , whom thou hast saved , thee con●esse . and to our utmost pow'r t●y goodnesse blesse . let us proclaime thy bounties , in the street , and , preach thee where ou● congregations meet . let us in private , at noone , morne , and night , and in all pl●ces , in thy praise delight . let prince , and priest , and people , old , and yong , the rich , the poore , the feeble , and the strong , men , angels , and all creatures that have name , vnite their pow'rs , to publish out thy fame . but , howsoever , others may endevor , let me oh ! god , let me oh god! persever to magnifie thy glory . let nor day , nor any morne , or evening , passe away , in which i shall not to remembrance bring thy iudgements ; and of thy great mercy , sing . let , never whilst i live , my heart forget those dangers , and that strong entangled net , in which my soule was hamper'd . let me see ( when , in this world , i shall best pleased be ) my dangers such appearing as they were , when me , they ●ound about enclosed here : yea , when , o'rewhelm'd , with terrors , i did call , like ionas , from the belly of the whale , and was deliver'd . lord , remember thou , that with unfainednesse , i beg thee , now , to keepe me alwayes mind●ull of thy love . and , if herea●ter , i forgetfull prove ; let this unfainednesse which thou dost give , an earnest be , of what i shall receive in time to come refresh my cooled zeale , and let thy spirit , thy hid love reveale . let nor the fawning world , nor cunning devill , nor wanton flesh , incite my heart to evill . let not my wand●ing eyes , be tempted by those objects that a●lure to vanity ; nor let my eares be charmed by their tongues , wh● to betray me , chant out syren-songs . let me nor taste a pleasure , nor obtaine that carnall rest , whereof i am so faine ▪ till it shall make me plainly to perceive thy love ▪ and teach me , foolish paths , to leave . let me be still in want ; and ever striving with some affl●ctions ( whilst that i am living ) till they for better fortunes , better me : and , then , let into rest , my entrance be . from yeare to yeare , ( as thou hast yearly done ) new sorrowes , and new trials bring thou on my stubborne heart , till thou hast softned it , and ▪ made it , for thy service , truly fi● : bu● , give me hopes , and daily comforts too , to strengthen me , as thou hast us'd to doe . and , that , in iustice , mercy may appeare , inflict ( oh lord ! ) no more then i can beare . i feele ( and tremble that i feele it thus ) my flesh hath f●ailties which are dangerous , to mine owne safety : and as soone as thou shalt quite remove the feares that seize me now ; my sense of thee , and those good thoughts ( i doubt ) may faile within me , or be rooted out . some l●st may quēch them , or some care may choke them , vaine ho●●s may vaile thē or new-thoughts revoke thē ; the wisdome of the world , or of the devill , or , some suggestion , in my selfe , that 's evill , may urge , perhaps , that it is melancholy , whic● fills me no● ; that superstitious folly begot this awfulnesse ; that ●his disease did accid●nt●lly , our c●t● seize ; and , that 't is vaine to muse so much upon those times or trou●les , that are past and gone . oh! rather , then it should in me be so , some other house of sorrow send me to ; and keepe me , lord , perpetuall pris'ner there , till all such dangers overpassed are . nor weale nor woe i crave , but part of either , as with my tem●er best agrees together . for , joy without ●hy grace , is griefes encreasing , and wealth is poverty , without thy blessing . but if by passing this life 's p●rging fires , thou shalt so purifie my hearts desires , that without perill to my hopes of heav'n , a temp'rall rest may at the last be giv'n ; vouchsafe it lord , ev'n for the good of them who my best resolutions , yet , condemne . let the● discerne , thou blessings hast provided , for that , which they unjustly have derided . thou her●tofo●e didst heare thy servant call , and mad'st me free when i was close in thrall . oh! to those ●o●tals make me not a scorne , who to my sham● my glory seeke to turne : but let it in thy time to them appeare , that thou didst me e●ect , and me wilt heare . let them perceive ( though they my lott disdaine ) the promise of this life doth appertaine to me as unto them . and for their sakes whose weaknesse , otherwhile , of●ences takes at my perpetuall scandals ; let their eye behold the ●urne of my cap●ivity ; and know tha● i have walked in a path , which , in this life time , some smooth paces hath . b●t , nought repine i , though this boone thou grant not . for , that which thou to me deny'st i want not . i know thy wisedome knowes what best will fit me : i know thy pow'r enough those things to get me : i know thy love is large enough to me : i know thy pleasure should my pleasure be : thy will be done , and hallowed be thy name , although it be through my perpetuall shame . whilst on such meditations i was fe●ding my pleased soule ( and gods great goodnes heeding ) that i might fill her with contemplating on him , from whom all happinesse doth spring : a suddaine rapture did my muse prepare for higher thi●gs then she did lately dare . me thought , i saw gods iu●tice and his love installed on one throne in heav'n above . i had imperfect fights , and glimmering notions , concerning some of their parti●●lar motions , about this orbe . i much perceiv'd , me thought , o those their wondrous works which they had w●ough● in former dayes . and , as within a glasse , some things i saw , which they will bring to passe in future times . by helpe of gods great booke , ( which for my ephimerides i tooke ) i had proc●r'd a large intelligence of iustice and of mercies influence . there , learned i theseverall aspects , and , of those st●ries the severall effects : w●ile in co●juncti●n those two lights i saw ; the best alt●o●o●ers could never draw from all the pl●n●t●ry constellations ( ev'n 〈◊〉 ●heir best ) such heav'nly consolations . i co●●d conjectu●e of their wo●ke divine , in s●xtile , or in qu●drine , or in trine ; and what pro●igious plagues the world should fright if their asp●ct were wholly opposite . some things , by calculation i discerned , which this our british latitude concerned ; and most of them not much impertinent for all mer●dians through earths continent . i saw of weale and woe the many ranges : i saw the restlesse wheele of mortall changes : i saw how cities , common-wealths , and men , did rise and fall , and ●ise and fall agen . i saw the reason , why all times and states , have such vicissitudes , and various fates . i saw what doth occasion war , and peace ; what causeth dearth , and what doth bring encrease . i saw what hardens , and what mollifies ; and whence all blessings , and all plagues arise ▪ i saw how sins are linked in together as in a chai●● ; how one doth cause another ; and how to ev'ry linke throughout the chaine , are fixt those plagues which to that crime pertaine ▪ i saw un●eal'd , that hellish mystery , of carnall and meere wor●dly ●olicy , whereby the devill fooles this generation , and brings on christendome such molestation . i saw ( as plaine , as ever i did see the sun at none ) what damned projects be veild o're with piety , and holy zeale : and how , a christian ath'isme now doth steale vpon this age . forgive me that i saw a christian ath'isme ; for , ev'n to betray christ iesus , christ and iesus , those two names , are oft usurped ; and it us defames . i saw , why some abuse their holy calling , and why so many stars from heav'n are falling . i had a licence given me , to come where i might see the dev●ls tiring-roome , and , all the maskes , the visards , and disguises , which he to murther , cheat , or rob , devises . and weares himselfe , or lends false-hearted brothers therewith to foole themselves , or cozen others . here lay a box of zeale prof●ssing eyes , which serve for acting of hypocrisies . hard by , another , full of double-hearts , for those who play the amb●dexters parts . there , stood a ch●st of counterfeited graces ; another , full of honest-seeming faces . yo●n , hung a suit , which , had some traytor got , he might have pass●d for a patriot . close by , were pr●ss● fuls of such suits , as they doe wea●e ( in ev'ry kingdome at this day ) who passe for statesmen ; when , god knowes , they be as far from that , as knaves from loving me . there , hung those masking-suits , in which the popes , and cardinals , pursue their carnall hopes . there , were those fo●mall garbs , wherein false friends disguise themselves , for some unfaithfull ends . faire counterfeits for bishops saw i there , so like their habits that are most sincere , ( and so be●ainted ) that if they were set vpon the back of our arch counterfeit , he could not be distinguisht from the best o● all those prelates , that have christ profest . there , view'd i all those juggling sleights with which men worke false miracles ; and , so , betwitch deluded soules there , saw i all the trick● and fa●tosmes wherewithall our schismaticks abuse themselves and others . there ( with ruth ) i saw false-doctrines , t●imm'd about with truth ; fac'd out , with fathers ; pee●'d , and neatly dea●ned , with sentences , and sayings , of the learned . yea , with gods holy scriptures , interweaved , so cunningly , as w●uld have nigh deceived ev'n hi● elect : ( and , many a one , alas , of these , for christian verities doth passe . ) i saw moreover , with what robes of light , the king of darknesse doth his person dight ▪ to make it angel like ; and how he scrues himselfe among our musings , to abuse our understandings ; how he layes his hooks ▪ and baits , at sermons , and in godly-books ; ( although the authors had , in their invention , a pious meaning , and a good intention ) i saw what venome he doth hurle into our heert'est prayers , and those works we doe in purest charity : and how he strives to poison us in our preservatives . when all these m●skings , and a thousand moe , my apprehensions eye had lookt into : from thence my con●emplation rais'd my thought , and , to a higher station i was brought . there , i beheld what ruine and confusion , was of these m●mmeries , the sad conclusion . there , ●aw i what catastroph●s attend those vanities , wherein ou● times we spend : how god still counterworks ▪ and overthrowes the projects of the devill , and our fo●s . and , tell i could ( ●ut that it would be prated , i some propheti●k spirit arrogated ) strange newes to those m●n● eares , who have not learned what nay , by m●litation , be dis●erned ▪ yet , all th●●● conce●v● i cannot write : nor would i though i co●ld : for , so i might throw pearles to swi●n ; of whom i may be torne ▪ be t●ampled in the m●re , and ma●e a scorne . nay , tell m● sel●e i d●re not , what i spy , when i have ●●oughts of most transcendency ; lest pride possesse me , and should cast me downe , as far below , as i on high hav● flowne : for , when we nearest unto heav'n do so●re , ( till we are there ) our perils are the more ; since , there is wicked●esse which we doe call the wickednesse that is spi●itu●ll in he●v'nly places and as we doe know the●e is a light●ing which dot● oft●n goe quite thr●ugh t●e body , to the vitall pa●t , and kill the very spirits at the h●art , y●t never harme the fl●sh ; becau●● it m●y through v'ry por●us member make it way w●thout impr●ssi●n ▪ so , from our offences , th● devill doth extract some q●●ntess●●ses ▪ which we may rightly nam● , the spiri● of 〈◊〉 ▪ and , til● ou● thoughts have sublimat●d bin , they a●e too grosse for that to worke upon . but , when ●uc● sublimations are begun , he do●h infuse his ●hym●ca●l receipt , and , ●ither w●●k● precipita●●on , st●a●ght , o● m●kes those v●●tues , which pure gold were thogh● when they shall come to triall , worse then nought ▪ i saw this danger ( as my soule did flye to god ward ) and the devills chymistry , i lear●●d how to frust●ate ; by assuming h●mil●●y ▪ and shunning high presuming . i , of those lovel● g●ace● , got the view , which te●ch us how such peril● to eschew . i learned there , how th●y m●g●t be p●ocured ; how the● continu●nce might be still secured ; and , in my pow'● i● is not to expr●sse , how i was fi●l'd with h●pes of happinesse . my thoughts ( yet ) climbed higher and perceive● a ●l●mpse o● thin●s ●h●t ca●not be ●onc●ived . the love of god ; the ioyes that are ●o co●e ; a●d many fights ●hat long were h●dden from my blinded soule . this , set my heart ●n fire to climbe a lit●le , and a little high●● ; till i was up so high , that i did see the world , but like an atome , under me . me thought , it was not worth my looking on ; much lesse , the setting of my love upon . my soule did strive to mixe her selfe among the cherubins , and in their angell-song to beare a part ; and , secrets to unskreene , that cannot by our mortall eyes be seene . and , i would gladly thither have ascended , whe●e joyes are perfect , and all woes are ended . as thus i mounted ; by degrees i felt my strength to faile me , and my wings to melt : my flesh waxt faint ; my objects grew too pure , for my grosse understanding to endure . a kind of shuddring did my heart surprise , like that which comes when sudden thoughts arise . i far'd like him , who sleeping , dreames of store , and waking , finds himselfe exceeding poore . a pow'r unseene , did hold upon me take , and , to my soule , to this effect it spake . " i say it was gods spirit ; if you doubt " i arrogate , come heare the matter out : " for , who the speaker is , that will disclose : " and , if 't were he , his flocke , his language knowes . despaire not soule ( it said ) though thou art faine to sinke from these , to common thoughts againe . nor murmur thou , that yet thou must not rise to thy wisht height . god's favo●r will suffise for that which wants ; and these high thoughts are giv'n in earnest of chat part of thine in heav'n , which by t●y royall master is prepared ; and , in thy time allotted , shall be shared . st●ive to ascend ; but straine not over long , thy cl●mbing spirits , lest thou doe them wrong . the flesh is heavy , though the soule be light ▪ and , heav'n is seldome reached at one flight . mount high ; but , mount not higher then thy bound ; lest thou be loft , and all that thou hast found . search deepe ; but search no deeper then thy pow'r ; lest some infernall depth may thee devoure . obse●ve thy makers glory by reflection ; but , gaze not overmuch at his perfection ; lest that great lustre blinde thee . take thou heed , lest while thou thinkst thou homeward dost proceed , thou quite be loft : for , though these flights do raise thy soule with pleasure , they are dangerous waye● . when higher then the vulgar pitch she towres she meets with principalities , and pow'rs , who wrestle with her , that she may not rise ▪ or tempt her on , by curiosities , to lead the mind astray , untill it wanders among the windings of unsafe meanders . then doth it whirle about , to see things hidden ; pryes after secresies that are forbidden ; and by a path , which tends to heav'n , in show , arivéth , unaware , at hell below . take heedof this ▪ the way to heav'n is steep ; yet , e're thou climbe it , thou must often creep . the worke appointed thee , is yet unended , and , gods good pleasure must be still attended ev'n in this world , untill he cal● thee thence . his kingdome must be got by vi●lence . thou must with many frailties , yet , contend , before thy christian warfare hath an end . the world is brewing yet another cup of bitternesse , for thee to swallow up . thou hast from heav'n an arrand yet to doe , which ( if god hinder not ) will call thee to more troubles , and more hatred bring upon thee , then all thy former messages have won thee . and be thou sure , the devill will devise al● sl●nders , and all wicked infamies that may dispa●age thee : or ●ruitlesse make , that use ●ll wo●ke which thou dost unde●take . thou must prepare t●ine eares to ●eare the noise ▪ of causelesse thre●tnings , or the foolish voic● of ignor●nt ●epr●vers ▪ ●nd expect the secret c●●sures of ea●h g●ddy sect. thou must provide thy selfe , to hea●e great lords talke , withou●●eason , big impe●ious wo●ds . thou must contented be to make repai●e ( if need require ) before the scorn●rs chaire , to heare t●em jeere , and flout , and take in hand to scoffe at what ●hey do● not understand . or say , perhaps , that of t●y selfe thou mak'st some goodly thing ; or th●t thou undertak'st above thy calling ; or u●warranted : not heeding from who●e mouth it hath bin sed , " gods wisdome oft elects , what m●n despise ; " and foolish things , to foole the worldly wise . but ●ea●e thou n●t . for , he that in all places , and from all dangers , wants , and all disgraces , hath hi●herto preserv'd the● ; will secure thy safety now . that hand which did procure release from thy clo●e thraldomes , and maintained thy hea●t content , while thou went so restrained ; will be the same for ever : and , like stubble , consume ; or , like the weakest water-bubbl● . dissolve t●e force of ev'ry machination ▪ whereby the world shall seek thy molestation . thoug● thou in knowledg● ar● a child , as yet ; and , seemest not by outward calling fi● for such a taske : yet , doe not thou disable what god shall please to say is warrantable . his word , remaineth s●ill in date , which sayes , that , on the children of the later dayes , he would poure out a measure of his spirit ; and , thou the●eof a portion shalt inherit . though thou d●spised art ; yet god by thee shall bring to passe a worke which strange will be to most beholders ; and , no doubt , it shall occasion some to stand , and some to fall . for , men to ruine doom'd , will misconceive it ; and , they that shall have safety , will receive it . thy god ha●h toucht thy tongue , and tipt thy pen ; and , t●erefore , feare not thou the face of men , lest ●e destroy thee . for , this day to stand 'gainst princes , priests , and people of this land , thou a●t appointed : and they shall in vaine contend . for , thou the conquest shalt obtaine . al●hough that viperous brood upon thee lights , whose pois'ned tongue with killing slander smites ; and , though the ba●barous people of this i le , doe thereupon adjudge thee , for a while , a man so wicked ▪ that ( although thou hast the sea of troubles , without ship wrack , past ) gods vengeance will not suffer thee to live the life of honest fame : let that not grieve thy heart a whit . f●r , though their eyes doe see reproaches , which like vipers , hanging be , vpon thy flesh ; th●y shall perceive e're long , that thou ( unharmed ) them away hast flung . and they who did exp●ct to see thee fall , for thy firme standing , p●aise gods mercy shall . against oppression , he will ●afe maintaine thee , ev'n god , who oft did his protection daigne thee ; and tooke thy part against all those , that sought how they thy muse , to silence , might have brought . he , that preserv'd thee from this plague , will save thee : for , he thy life ev'n of meere mercy , gave thee , to serve him with thou knowst thou art a brand , snatcht from the flaming fire , by gods owne hand ; and that to him thou owest , all thou art , and all thy faculties , in ev'●y part . take heed , therefore , that nothing thou refuse to utter , which he prompts unto thy muse. be constant : and , elihu-like , beware that thou accept not persons ; nor declare with glozing ●i●les , that which thou shalt say ; left god may take thee suddenly away : but , publish that which he of thee requires , in termes , and words , as he the same inspires . for , to this realme and city thou art sent , to warne , that of their follies they repent ; to shew for what omissions , and offences , god sendeth famines , wars , and pestilences ; and to pronounce what other plagues will come , if their transgressions they depart not from . indeed , of priests and prophets , store have they , and , some of them are like enough to s●y ; when came the spirit of the lord to thee , from us , who no such dangers can foresee as thou pretendest ? these are they that share the pleasures of the time , with such as are the lands perdition . these are they which tye soft pillowes to mens elbowes ; and still cry peace , peace ; ev'n when perd●tion , hanging over the peoples heads , they plainly m●y discover . but , they that are true priests of god among them , and his true prophets , think not , he doth wrong thē , if he doe chuse a heardman : nor will such ●nvy the same ( or at the blessing grutch ) i● all were prophets , and god pleased were to make that gift to ev'ry man appeare . though gods own presence , had made moses wise ; yet . iethro's counsell would he not despise . he , whom the angell fed , did also eat ev'n when the ravers came to bring him meat : and , all that of their spirit partners be , will heare what 's good , though published by thee . behold ; this thanklesse p●ople ( from whose land god hath but newly tooke his heavy hand ) forget already what his mercy hath vouchsafed ; and his late enflamed wrath . s●e , how they flocke together , to pursue new mis●hiefes , and old follies to renew . their evill courses , they afresh begin ; and , ev'n those very purposes of sin , whose p●osecution this great plague hath staid , to finish now they are no whit afraid . those discords which they , many times , pretended , amid their feares , should christian●y be ended , ( if god would spare them ) are againe revived ; and divers new malicious plots contrived . those lusts , of which th●y seemed much ashamed ; those vanities , for w●●ch themselves they blamed ; those bargains , whic● their conscience did perswade were wicked ; & o●●od abhorred made them ; ( thē , that pride ; that slo●● ; that envy ; that excesse ; that c●uelty ; t●at i●religiousnesse ; yea , all that wickednesse pur●ude before , ( and which they fai●●● so truly to deplore ) returnes with intere●t ; and they contemne good things ; as if the plague had hardned them . like phar'oh , they repented while the rod was laid upon them . but , as soone as god removed it ; their mindes they changed too ; and would not let their evill customes goe . goe therefore instantly , goe draw the map of that great plague from which they did eseape : set thou before their eyes , as in a glasse , how great gods mercy , and their danger was . lay open their grosse crimes , that they may see how hatefull , and how infinite they be . declare what mischiefes their enormities have caused ; and will daily cause to rise . pronounce those iudgements which gods holy word doth for the wages of their crimes record . and ( as the blessed spirit shall enable , thy muse ; and , show thee what is warrantable ) tell boldly , what will on their wayes attend , vnlesse their lives and courses they ●mend . d●lay it not ; and let no worke of thine ; no goodly-seeming hope , or faire designe , ( how promising soeve● ) draw thee from this taske , untill unto an end it come . for , no affaire of thine shall finde successe , till thou hast finisht this great businesse . if any man that is thy friend , or foe , shall this deride ; and say it is not so ; but , that thy fancy onely eggeth on thy muse : or , that to doe , or leave undone this worke , were much alike . if any ●ay thou maist proceed herein , with such delay , as , vulgarly , dis●retion thinketh fit : or , as thy common bus'nesse will permit . nay , if thou meet , as thou maist me●t with some , who like a prophet , unto thee will come ; and ( as the man of g●d seduced was , who told in bethel what should come to passe concerning ieroboams altar there ) perswading thee , those thoughts delusions are : that , selfe-conceit , or pride , hath made thee dreame that thou art bound to prosecute this theame : beleeve them not . for , if that man of god here mentioned , did feele so sha●pe a rod , when his delay was but to eate and drinke ; ( perchance through hunger ) and when he did think a prophet sent by god , had licenc'd him : take heed thou doe not this advice contemne . for , since this motion urgeth nought that 's ill , nor contradicteth gods revealed will ; but rather helpes effect it : since he moves it so nat'rally , that thine owne soule approves it to be his act ; beware how thou suspect it , or how thou shalt be carelesse to effect it . let not a worldly wisedome , ( nor the scoffe of any ) from this motive drive thee off . take heed the feare of dangers , not the losse of carnall hopes , thy purpose , herein , crosse . take heed , that ionas-l●ke , thou be not bent to tharsus ▪ when thou knowst that thou art sent to niniveh . for , all thy doubts , and feare , will be as causelesse , as his doubtings were : and be thou sure , that wheresoe're thou be , a tempest and a whale shall follow thee . my heart receiv'd this message ; did allow it came from god ; and made a solemne vow ▪ it would not entertaine a serious thought of any worldly thing , till that were brought to full perfection : no , although it might endanger losing my best fortune quite . but , oh i how fraile is man ? and how unable in any goodnesse to continue stable ? how subtile is the devill ? and what b●its , and undermining policies and sleights , hath he to coozen us ? my soule was raised so high , e'rewhile , that i admir'd and praised my blest estate : and thought , with d●vid , then , my heart sh●ll never be r●mov'd age● . but , see , how soone , if god withdraw his eye ▪ we fall to hell , that up to heav●n did flye . i would have sworne ( when in my con●emplation , i was ascended to t●at lofty station , so lately mention'd ) that i should h●ve scorn'd the goodl'est prize the devill could have subo●n'd to tempt me by . i thought , if god had said , doe this ; that ( though the world had all beene laid to be my wages , if i should delay the doing of the same ▪ but halfe a day ) 〈…〉 ●●ve rather cho●e to have forsaken my life : then so to have beene overtaken . yet , lo● ; so craftily a bait was laid ; s●●h showes of goo●nesse ▪ thereinto convaid ▪ 〈◊〉 meanes of hel●e to piety , pretended ; ●o me so seem'd it , to be re●ommended by god himselfe ; and , such necessity app●ar'd of taking opportunity as th●n it off●ed was , that i suspected i had ●one ill , the same to have neglected . n●y , to my vnderstanding , true disc●etion , and , all the wisdome of this generation , did ●o concur together to betray my h●a●t ; that i did foolishly delay the tas● enjoy'd . yea , what i had bgun , ( proceed●d in ) and pu●pos'd should be do●● before my best affaires ; ev'n that i threw aside ; and other hopes i did pursue . i brake my vow , and i was led awry for that which was mor● light then vanity ; and so my hopes my judgement did beguil● , that , i supposed all was well th● while . most , also , th●ught me wi●ely to ha●e done , and , ●uch a fortune to have lighted on ; that o●h●rs , of my happinesse , began to talke ; and reckon me a prosp●rous man. but , many scandals , passions , and vexations , much hindrance , and a wo●ld of perturba●ions , pursued me ; to let me unde●stand , that i had taken some wrong ●ct in hand . for , though like ionas , i resolv'd not quite from gods commands to make a stubbo●ne slight ; yet w●nt i to his worke the fu●thest way ▪ and , travell'd , as mine owne occasions lay . which he perceiving , s●nt a storme that c●est me ; mad● shipwracke of my hopes ; my labou● les● me ; bef●ol'd my wisdom● ; of ●uch joy bere●t me ; within the sea of many troubles lest me ; and , what with speed and ease i ●ight have done at first ▪ hath long with paine beene lingred on . yea , when the ha●v●st of my g●eat r●pute was looked for ( and most expected fruit ) it proved chaffe ; and , plainly i perceived , that god had suffred me to be d●ceived ; to warne me , that hereafter , i should never ▪ omit , for any reason what●oever , his motions ; nor with holy vowes d●spense : b●t worke his pl●●sure , with all diligence . which after i had heeded , i descry'd by what , and whither , i was drawne aside ▪ i plainly saw , that what i then had sought w●th hope of comfort , would my woe have wrough● ▪ i f●und that likely to have beene to me a curse , which promised my blisse to be . i prai●ed god , as for a savour done , that he did lose m● , what i might have won : and what the world did think me hapl●sse in , i ●ound a gracious blessing to have bin . i s●w my fault ; i saw , in vaine i sought to worke my will , till ● god 's will had wrought . i saw that while the furthest way i went , gods mercy did my foolishnesse prevent : yea , made it ( by his providence divine ) a great advantage to his owne designe . and , for my negligence when i had mourned , to my propos●d labour , i r●turned . i begg'd of god ●hat he would give me grace , to be more constant in a godly race . i did beseech him to bestow againe those apprehensions , which my hopes in vaine had made me lose : and that , for my demerit ▪ he would not q●ench in me his holy spirit : but , gran● me pow'r to prosecute my story , and utter forth his message , to his ●lory . my su●e was heard : i got wh●t i desired : my soule , with m●tter , was anew inspired . m● eyes were clear'd ; my heart was new enlarged : bold resolu●ions h●d all f●ares discharged : and , that which was d●sclosed unto me , doth appertaine , g●eat britaine , unto the● ▪ come heare me the●efore ; for , howe're thou t●ke it ▪ my conscience bids me , and i meane to speake it . within thy pow'r thou hast me ; and what e're shall good and right in thine owne ey●s appeare , thou maist inflict upon me : but , this kn●w , that what i shall declare , god bids me show ; and that , if i for this , have harme , or shame ; my god shall at thy hands require the sam● . oh! let not my requests in vaine be made ; nor to thy former sinnes , another adde . and , my sweet country , and deare co●ntrimen , let not these overflowings of my pen distastfull be ; as if their spring had beene ▪ but either from the gall , or from the spleene . let not this ages false int●rpr●ter , ( which makes both iudgement and affection erre ) corrupt my text , by their false commentary , to make your good opinions to miscary . for , though in me ( as in all flesh and blood ) m●ch error hinders from that perfect good which i ●ffect : y●t i his meed may claime , who makes gods glory , and your weale his ayme ; and , begs but of his words a pa●ient hearing ; and , from your follies a discreet forbea●ing . if there be truth , and reason , in the m●ss●ge , let not my person hinder my ambass●ge . if god shall in his mercy pleased be , to make a factor for his praise of me ; let none the poorenesse of my gifts de●ide , since he to no ●xternall meanes is ty'd . despise not what i speake , for what i am ; vnlesse you find the mat●er be to blame . for , god by babes and sucklings , oft , reve●l●s , what from the wisest worldlings he conceales . both heav'n and earth , to witnesse here i c●ll , i dar'd not speake what now i utter shall , vnlesse i thought , that god did me inspire ; and would this duty at my hands require . nor dar'd i to be silent , though i kn●w that ev'ry m●n had vowed ●o pursue my so●le to d●ath ; because m● conscience takes a●kn●wl●dgement , that god w●thin me speakes . i doe not this , for that i se●selesse am , ( oh! englan● ) of thy infamy or shame : for , thy dishonor doth concerne me nearly ; and thee my he●rt affect●th far more dearly , then cow●rds doe their lives . i would dist●ll my blood ( as inke is drained from my quill ) ev'n drop by drop ; or else , at once , le● all gush forth , to save thy honor from a fall . i aime not at a vaine or fruitlesse glory , b● d●ring : for , i know the mortall story of all the glorioust actions , that are under the heav'ns large curt●in , are but nine daies wō●er . and that the most deserving workes we doe , m●y ruin● us , and helpe disgrace us too . i doe it not that i may wealthy grow : for , i the worlds rewards already know ●n such attempts . experience i have g●ined , what poore preferments this way are ob●ained . my former strain●s ( which did but way prepare for that , which i hereaft●r should declare ) r●ceived evermore the worst reward , as they grew better worthy of regard . a●● ( if god let not ) as these are my best , m● troubles , will for them , exceed the rest . t is odds , but that the wilfull generation , f●● who● i write this large anticipation , ( ●o stay their censur● ) will scarce reade so f●r , a● hitherto , where th●se preventions are : b●t , here , and there , picke out some tart relations , w●●hout observing of those moderations that follow or precede them . else , perchance their brazen and herculcan ignorance will strongly keepe that vnderstanding from them , whereby the pow'r of reason might o'recome them . some also , peradventur● , will ●orget , how , when i formerly was round beset w●th many troubles , i did still despise the r●ging fury of mine enemies . yea some , no doubt , will have a minde to see what kinde of pow'r , there is in them , or me ; and whilst such men there are , he thinks amisse , who thinkes to thrive by such a course as this . t is not from envy of their lott , who grow great men , or wealthy , whence these lines doe flow ▪ for , i rejoi●e in each mans happinesse , th●t to go●s praise , good fortunes doth poss●sse : and they that know my person , witnesse can , my lookes assure , i am no envious man. it i● not malice that hath wrought upon my passi●ns : for , i vow , i malice none . no line or word of this which now i write , proceeds from r●ncor , or unchristian spight . when i have wrong received , if i say wher●in ; what harme doe i in th●t i p●ay ? 't were much if when we inju●y susta●ne , we neither may have helpe , nor ye● complaine . 't were hard , if knowing i had many foes , i might not say so , lest some should suppose what names they bear . to no man this wil show thē , but , unto ●uch as doe already know them . nor ▪ when i mention wrongs , doe i intend their shame who doe them ; but some better end . for , they that yet are enemies of mine , may prove go●s friends , and to my good encline . i wis● them well , what e're they wish to me ; and of their harm● wou●d no procurer be . in gen'rall termes , i point out those that orre ; with none i meddle in particular : for , knaves and honest men a●e so alike , in many things , that i amisse may strike . i finde the faults ; let others finde the men . i no man judge ; let no man judge me then . my m●se●ath ●ath not usurped this commission : no● arrogateth to mine owne condition , more excellence then others : but , i shar● a part in those rep●oofes that others b●a●e . i doe not thinke mine owne a spotlesse eye , because it faults in others can ●spye . i never thought it was enough for me , a criticke in my neighbours faults to be , vnlesse i m●rkt mine owne : which here i doe ▪ and ch●ck the wo●lds and m●n● owne errors too . i meane t● winke at n●n● ; at none i ayme ; to heed or friend● or foes ▪ i doe disclaime . my bow i● bent , and i must sho●t a flight ▪ of shafts , that wil●●n d●ver● places light . perhaps some o● them my best friends may wound ▪ vpo● my self● , som● o●he●s m●y rebound . s●●e ( shot alo●t ) may ●●ar the kites that flye a●ove th● clouds , themselves to eaglifie . some p●er●e t●e●r s●des , who thoght they had bin got b●●ond th● re●ching of my winge● shot . a●● some who thou●ht th●y h●d concealed beene , m●y fe●le my ar●ow●● , wh●re they lurke unseene . ligh● w●ere they w●ll the car●'s already tooke : si●c● none but he tha●'s guilty can b● strooke . hist thou fo●got , oh ! britain● , ( and so soone ) ●hy lates afflictions , and gods graci●us boone ? as soone as e're thy necke unflacked feeles the curbing reine , dost thou let flye thy heeles ? shall nor gods iustic● , nor his matchlesse love ▪ thy flinty nature to repentance move ? but wilt thou still in crooked paths persever , and of thy vanities repent thee never ? oh! looke about thee ; yea , looke backe , and see what wondrous things thy god hath done for thee . thou wert in future times , an uncouth place ▪ that had of wildnesse the deformed face . thou wert long time , the seat of desolation , and when thou had●t but slender reputation , god lookt upon thee , with the first of all those gentiles , whom in mercy he did call . of his beloved vineyards , thou wert one ; and s●●uate like that , once plac'd upon the fruitfulst hill. god , for thy fence prepared a naturall wall , by ●is owne hands uprear●d . he tooke away that stony heartednesse , which did thy heathnish children first possesse ; and hath beene pleased , many times , since th●n , to gather out those flinty hearted men , who by a bloody persecuting hand , did harme thy tender sapling● in thy land. he plucked out of thee the stinki●g weeds of sin and superst●tion ; that the seeds of truth and hol●ne●se might here be sowne , where wickednesse the so●le had overgrowne . the choicest plants ( of that vine-mys●icall , his onely-sonne ) he planted thee withall . the stately watch towre of his p●ovidence compleatly furnished , for thy defence , in thee was builded up ; and did appeare to many other kingdomes , far and neare : and on the lofty turrets of the same he set his flags , and ensignes of his name , whose beautious colours being wide displaid , did make thy adversaries all afraid . within thy borders , hath his love divine the wine-presse , of a christian discipline erected ; and in ev'ry season given ( to make thee fruitful ) dewes & showrs from heav'n . yea thou hast had , since food of life grew scanty , not barely seven , but seventy yeares of plenty . what grace soever might repeated be that god for isr'el did , he did for thee . he from a thraldome , worse then they sustained , while in th' aegyptian bond●ge they remain●d , did bring thy children thorough baptismes flood , and drowne thy fo●s , within a sea of blood. thy coast unto a large extent he stretcheth , for , ev'n from sea to sea it compasse fetcheth ▪ thy land with milke and hony over-flowes . in thee all pleasure , and all plenty growes . god kept thee as the apple of an eye ; and , as when eglets are first taught to flye , their dam about th●m hovers ; so , thy god , doth over thee , display his wings abroad . a land of hils and dales thou wert created ; and in a clime , so pro●itable , seated , th●t whereas many other lands are faine to water all their seeds , and plants , with paine , thou fav'st that labour : for , the dewes yeeld matter to ch●ere thy gardens , and the clouds bring water . faire woods & groves , do yet adorn thy mountain● ; thou a●t a land of rivers , and of● ountaines : springs hot and cold , and fresh , and salt , there be ▪ and , some that cure diseased folk in thee . thee , both in towne and field , the lord hath blest ; thy people and thy cattell are encreast . blest wert thou in thy going forth to war ; and blessed also thy returnings were . he blest thee in thy store , and in thy basket : thine owne request he gave , when thou didst ask it : he evermore hath timely fauours done thee : throughout the yeare his eye hath beene upon thee : he carefull was , what perills might betide thee ; and heedfull all things needfull to provide thee : in grasse , and corne , and fruits , thou dost excell : thy horse are strong , thine oxen labour well : the udders of thy kine grow large with milke : thy sheep yeeld fleeces , like the persian silk : thy stones are iron , and ●hy hills are big with minerals , which from their wombs we dig : thy soile is neither over moist , nor dry : the sun n●r keeps too far nor comes too nigh : thy ayre doth few contag●ous vapours breed : nor doth it , oft , in heat , or cold exceed . still , for thy sins , thou hadst thy due corrections ; and , foundst compassion in thy great afflictions . his prophets and his preachers god hath sent in ev'ry age , to move thee to repent ; and , them thou smot'st , and murtherd'st , now & thē ; yet , gave he not to other hu●bandmen his wronged vineyard : but , doth yet a●tend , in expectation , when thou wilt amend . he , over all thy foes , the conquest gave thee : he did from wrōg , by neighb'ring nations , save thee : and , they to feare and honor thee were moved , because they saw thee , of thy god , beloved . thou hadst a deborah bestow'd upon thee , who freed thee from thy foes , and glory won thee , in spight of sisera : for , god did please to make the stars , the clouds , the winds , and se●s , to fight thy batt●ls . when her turne w●s gone . he raised up another solomon , with●n thy borders to ●stablish peace , who to thy glories added an increase . thou wert as often warn'd , and punished ; as much besought ; as largely promised , as iudah was . thy church that lately seemed like barren hannah ( and was disesteemed of proud peninnah ) in a spirituall breed , doth most of syons daughters , now exceed : and thou hast viewed many of thy sonnes , to sit and governe , on earths glorious thrones . the iewish commonw●alth was n●ver daigned more great deliverances then thou hast gained . nor was their helpe vouchsaf'd in better season ; as eighty eight , and our great powder-●reason , can witnesse well . for , then thy preservation was wrought by god ( to all mens admi●ation ) ev'n when hels iawes , on thee , were like to ●lose ; and when , for humane aide to interpose , there scarce was meanes , or time . all which was done that thou gods love mightst think the more upon . moreover , that no meanes might passe un●ride , which god did for the iewes of old provide ; to thee he also sends his onely sonne : not , as to them , a poore con●emned one , ( that , seeing him , they might not him perceive , and hea●ing him , no knowledge of him have ) not as a weakling , or illi●e●a●e : or meane , or in a persecuted ●late : or one whose person , beauty , and ●●mpl●xion , in th●m , had nothing stirring up affection ; nor as a man that worthy seem'd of scorne , of mocks , of whips , and of a crowne of tho●ne : he came not so to thee for , thou hadst ●hen despis'd and crucified him agen , as well as they : yea , thou perchance , hadst more despighted him , then others heretofore . but , in a glorious wise to thee he came : with pow'r , with approb●tion , and with fame . his fishermen ( that heretofore did seeme to iewes and gentiles , of so meane esteeme ) had won whole count●ies from idol●try , and made them to confesse his sov'raignty ▪ he comes to thee with honor , like a king : he did into ( the church ) his kingdome , bring a setled government . he had assw●ged that iewish and that ethnick spight , which raged at his first comming . emperours became his viceroyes ; and did governe in his nam● . thou sawst fulfilled , many things ( of old ) both by his pr●phets and himselfe , foretold ; which did confirme him , that messiah , whom thou shouldst receive . his doctrines well become his purity : and , witnessed is he by martyrs and confessors , him to be whom thou should'st heare . and ( this hath greater made thy favours , then that grace the iewes have had ) their threats , th●ir punishments , their ignorances , thei● pe●tinacy , and deliverances , their fallings , risings , and relapses , are recorded , that by them thou mightst beware . thou knowst what desolation they are in , in recompence of their despightfull s●n , the murther of their brother : yea , like cain , thou seest , that , yet , they vagabonds remaine . thou hear'st , their fruitfull land hath ever since , beene cur● with barrennesse , for their offence : that , w●thout king , priest , prophet , or good order , they through the wo●ld have wandred for their murther nigh sixteene hundred yeares : and that al●ho they be abhorred , wheresoe're they goe , they have upon them , still , the marke of caine , which will prevent their being wh●lly staine ; lest ( as the blessed psalmist hath foretold ) the people of the lord ▪ forget it should . yet , nor their good examples ▪ nor their fall , nor all their blessings , nor their sorrow●s all , have better'd thee : but , thou continu'st in their obstinacies , and in all their s●n . like them thou murmur'st , if god , but to try thee , some blessing , for a little time deny thee , so , thou dost wanton it , as soone as e're , in any suffring , he thy voice doth hear● . so , thou gods wholsome counsell dost despise , to follow thi●e owne foolish policies . so , thou dost mixe thy selfe with other n●tions , and , learne to practise their abominations . so , on those broken reeds thou dost rely , which will deceive , in thy necessity . so , thou dost stop thine cares ( to thine owne harme ) although the charmer ne're so wisely charme . that which thy prophets teach , and well advise ; iust so , thou dost neglect ; just so , despise : yea , though from time to time , thou seest the path which ●hou dost follow , ill successes hath : though thou hast found , that they who did fore●ell thy course was foolish , did forewarne thee well : though thou dost finde , no rest , nor peace , in that , which thou art yet unwisely ayming at : and , though thy truest lovers , ev'ry day , doe counsell thee , and for thy safety pray ; thou runn●st headlong , still , thy wilfull cou●se , and vaxest ev'ry moment , worse and worse . thy eyes are blinded , and thou canst not see ; thy heart is hard , and will not softned be . to thy best friends thou shewst thy selfe a foe , as if , thou rip'ned wert , for overthrow : and , till god please to turne thy heart againe , all , that speake truth to thee , shall speake in vaine . whence doe thy troubles , and thy losses come , but , from thy carnall policies , and from thine owne vaine projects , which thou dost pursue , by courses , that will still thy cares renew ? what gaine thy children , by their of● alliance with babels issue , or by their affiance , but mungrell off-springs ; which will ready be , to stir up everlasting strifes in thee ? though thou hast heard , the midianites doe give their daughters to no end , but to deceive ; and that the people who to moloch pray , wi●l for their idoll , cast their sonnes away : though thou hast heard what plagues ensu'd upon the wivings of the wise king solomon ; and knowest that by god , forbid it was , a bullocke should be yoaked with an asse : though thou hast seene that their ●ffiniti●s are ev'n , among themselves , poore slender ties ; and such as they doe nought at all respect , vnlesse they serve their p●ojects to ●ffect : yet , in their course , thy children doe proceed , and sow gods garden with a mixed s●ed : o● which , unlesse they t●uly doe repent , and s●eke , by carefell tillage to prevent , what may ensue thereon ( as yet they may ) thy land will suffer for 't , another day . t●y guiltinesse ( oh ! britaine ) makes thee feare , and often troubled where no terrors are . thy faith hath fail'd thee , and thou didst not see those armies , which have round encl●sed thee for thy protection . for , had they beene heeded , thou no aegyptian succours should'st have needed . if thou coul●'●t walke within a constant p●th , this iland should not feare iberi●'s wrath . it should be needlesse for thee , to pro●ure alliances , that cannot long ●ndure . thou shouldst not care ( but , as t●ey christian● be ) what kings on earth , were friends , or foes to thee . no pow'r abroad , should make thy children tremble ; nor home-bred faction cause thee to dissemble : but , being safe in god , thou shouldst contemne the greatest dangers , and get praise by them ▪ oh! call to minde , the times now past away ▪ those , which our fathers , yet , remember may ; and let thine elders tell thee ( for they know ) how strong in gods protection thou didst grow . what ●antedst thou , when thou we●t all alone ? when thou hadst nothing to rely upon , but gods meere mercy ? and such grace bestowne , that thou couldst use those pow'rs that were thine owne ? when blest eliza wore but half thy crown , and , almost all the world , on her did frowne ; when romes proud bishop ; and , of christendome the pow'●fulst monarck , did her foes become . when ●he had no alliance , to make strong her party : but , wa● hatefull growne , among the neighb'ring princes ; for her casting by the yoake of ●abylonish tyranny . when she within her kingdome had a swarme of hornets , which did howrly threaten harme both to her state and person . vvhen their pow'● and fury , w●● more likely to devoure , then at this present it appeares to be . vvhen her owne court ●rom traytors was not free , vvhen she had irish rebels to co●rect ; opp●essed netherlanders to protect ; and france to umpire in : ev'n when all these , and other troubles did her state disease . vvhat glory , wealth , and safety ha●● t●ou got , that she , amid those d●ngers , purchast no● ? religion in her dayes did still en●re●se ; at home she had bo●h plentiousne●se and peace ; abroad , ●he was renow●'d : she did not paus● in execut●ng o● her whol●●ome lawes , through feare o● any malecontents at home ; or any threatnings from the sea of rome . she triple geri●ns forces did con●emne ; her neighbours sought h●r ayd ; she sought not thē . she aw'd the west : she from the sp●nish coast did rend their golden-fl●eces ; and she crost their hopefull'st aimes . they could not unde●mine he● counsells ; nor by any slye designe , defea● her forces : fr●nce was prudent then , and would not stir the w●ath of en●lish●e● : for , they p●eserv'd their honor , by pr●serving their trust in god ; and coastan p●●hs observin● . then , to affront us , did no d●●chman dare , nor , in ou● voyages presume to sh●re , but , with our favour . vve had ●ame by land ; o●r pow'rfull navies did the seas command . to ours , the strongest fleets did strike their sailes ; they , that now bark ; then , d●r'd not w●g their tailes ▪ yea , ●hough our lyons not so many were , our strongest fo● , to ●ouze them , sto●d in feare . no sonne of thine presumed , then , to be so trai●erous unto thy god , and thee , as to allow a popish liberty : much lesse to move , ●or that impiety , in publick hearing . no man sought to sell , for any summe , the peace of israel : no no● within ou● ir●sh●onfin●s ●onfin●s ; tho it somewhat urgent seem'd to have it so : because that peace●●ll pow'r thou hadst not got , which now thou hast : nor , then , the neighb'ring scot so firme unto thy state ; nor so engaged to tame that nation , if a war it waged . thy patriots perc●iv'd , that to begin with ireland , would become the meanes to win great britaine to the romish yoake anew ; and , give the spaniard courage , to pursue his great designe upon the british nations . they saw what civill broyles their tolerations have bred in france . for , if within her wombe , rebecca could not but diseas'd ●ecome , ( whilst she , at once , two sons did nourish there , which fathers of unlike religions w●re ) they ●hought , that if one kingdome should admit two such concepti●ns , to grow ●ipe in it , they ●ould , by daily struggling with each other , afflict the body o● their nat'ral● mother ; and , cause an endlesse warfare , untill one were setled in possession , all alone . thou didst not then , within t●y bounds afford an altar b●th to baal ▪ and to the lord. what thou resolv'dst , was put in execution ; thy zeale was chill'd with no irresolution . no haltings were appa●a●● . no disunion did hazard ( though it troubled ) thy communion : and , though thy many follies brought afflictions , ( which , of tho●e errors , were the due corrections ) yet , was thy faith in god , l●sse violated : apparant evils not so p●lliated : propha●enesse , not so patroniz'd , as now : nor didst thou such impieties allow . but , th●u art changed from what once thou w●r● ; thy worse hath ouercom● thy better part . vpon thin● owne distempe●s thou art ●ost : thy confidence in god is almost l●st . and , thence it comes , that though thou dost ab●und in many blessings ▪ thou art needy found . this makes transgressions to encrease upon thee ; they bring new troubles , and new dangers on thee ; these make thee feare ; thy terror causes thee impatient of thy feared harmes to be : impatience makes thee so unfit to stay gods l●asure ; that , thou ru●n'st another way , and seek'st for helpe in thine owne fantasies , in fleshly leagues , and humane policies . those courses overwhelme thee with new sins : from them , another b●ood of pl●gues begins , whi●● doth not mollifie , but more obdure thy ●linty brest : and will at last p●ocure thy to●all overthrow ; unlesse thou climbe the hill of hea●ty penitence , in time . growne fat with case , & wealth , thou hast forsook thy god ; and many crooked courses tooke . god , who did thee so love , and so esteeme ; who did create thee , and thy life redeeme ; thou hast fo●gotten : yea , r●jected him , and , sought those gods , thy father did contemne his counsells , and his law , thou hast despised ; na● , unto devi●ls , thou has● sac●ificed ; and , them and t●ine owne ●ust● , preferd before his honour , whom ●hou shou●dst have prized more . the corne , and oil● & wine which thou enjoyedst as tokens of his love , thou mis●imployedst . the jewel● he vouchsa●ed to adorne thee , ( for his own pleasure ) thou on those th●t scorn thee bestowst agai●e ▪ the beautie which he gave , that he the more delight in the● might have ▪ thou ba●ely p●ostitutest unto those that a●e thy lust●ull woo●rs , and his foes ▪ thy vines like ●●ose of sodom are become , ev'n like those plants , that are derived from gommorrah's vineyard ; and their clusters all ar● sowre ; or else , more bitter , far , then gall . thy wi●e is dragons poison : yea , thou hast in all thy pleasant things , a lothsome tast . but , thus in grosse , why should i l●nger sp●nd my time , thy wickedness● to reprehend ? since thou art impudent , and hast the face , to make of the●e upbraidings my disgrace ? in my next canto's therefore , i le prefer of thy transgr●ssions a perticvler , so du●y urg'd ; that none shall justly say i utter what i should not open lay : or th●● my verse doth brand t●ee with a crime , whereof their liues not witnesse all this time . observe it ; and if ought i mention here , n●t fitly ●poken t● the publike ●are ; o● if , but in a word , i wrong thee shall ; me to the most impartiall c●nsure call ▪ l●t my good purp●s●s be punisht more , and pittied ▪ also lesse then heretofore . l●t me of all thy chil●ren be reviled ; fro● thy most pleasa●t bord●rs live exiled : and n●ver be recall'd . but , if i tell what thy best lovers shall app●ove of well . i● truth i utter ; and such truth as is to be discl●s'd : then ma●ke what 's found amisse . amend thine errors ▪ le● thy folly cease . love him , that loves unfainedly thy peace . at least , despight him not . but , if thou doe , yet he will serve thee still , and love th●e too : thy w●l●are rather then his owne prefer : and , leave this bo●ke for thy remembrancer . the sixth canto . the poet ( wei●hing w●ll his war●ant ) goes on with his enjoyned arrant . i●partially he doth relate this iland● good and bad estate . what s●v'rall sinnes in her have place ; how grosse they are ; how they ●ncr●ase , he also t●ls : and , then he sn●w●s that nor the gentiles , nor the iewes , we●e ch●ck'd , or pl●gu●d for any crimes , which are not reigning in th●se times . n●xt ●hat , he boldly doth reprove ●he course in which ou● nobles●ove ●ove ; derides their folly , blames th●ir sin , and warnes what dan●ers we are in . ou● g●ntry then he repr●hends ; their foolish humours dis●●n m●nds ; and ( having brought them to their sights ) vpon the guilty clergy lig●ts ; on lawyers that abuse the lawes , on officers , and on the cause of most corruptions : last of all on some enormities doth fall which are in court and city found ; and runs this canto , there , aground . bvt , am i well a●vis'd ? and doe i know from whence , & from what spirit this doth flow ? doe i remember what , and who i am , that i this famous monarchy should blame ? am i assur'd no ill-suggesting spirit ( in hatred of thine honou●able merit ) seduceth me ( oh britaine ) that i might become an instrument of his despight ? have i considered of what esteeme thou art ? how great thy piety doth seeme ? what glorious titles , and trans●endent stiles thou ●ast obtain'd above all other isles ? what attributes unto thy selfe thou givest ? what of thine owne perfections thou beleevest ? and what thy fl●ttri●g priests and prophets say o● thy admired happ●nesse this day ? yes , yes ; all this i ponder'd , and i know what g●o● or evill ●rom this act may flow . i am not ignorant , th●t thou hast beene among the n●●ghb'ring countries as a queene , among ●er ladies ▪ fo●mes of government , o● lawes , or custom●s through earths continent , a●e no●e ●eceived that more pious be , or mo●e upright then those t●at are in thee . among fai●e sions daughter● , none doth sit m●●e frée f●om blemishes ( the● t●ou art yet ) in points of ch●istian doctrine ( though there are some , who that simplenesse begin to marre ) no people doth retaine a dis●ipline more ap●sto●●c●ll , ●hen some of thine . no church that 's visible , hath kept more pure the grounds of faith , nor countenanced fewer of romes innumerable superstiti●●s ; of usel●sse , ●r of burdensome tr●ditions , then thou ha●t lately done . i feele thou hast some warmth yet left . as yet , so brazen-fac'd thou ●rt not growne , but that thou dost despise notorious c●imes , and open heresies ; because the hidden leaven of t●y sin to sowre the lumpe , is ( yet ) but new put in . i●le doe thee right , and give thee all thy due , before thy follies further i pu●sue . i know that thou with patience heretofore ( ev'n like the church at ephesus ) hast bo●e thy christian labours ; t●at , thou hast been moved against offenders ; that , thou such hast proved , who fa●sely did ●ffirme themselves to be apostles ; and , strong ●aith was found in thee . yea , ●hou didst long those heresies resist , which god abhorreth ; and ●idst th●m detest . i know ▪ that like the smyrnian congregation thou h●st through pove●ty and tribulation , got heav'nl● riches : neither didst thou feare , when they , who of the church of satan were , blasphem'd the t●uth , and did themselves professe true isra'lites , when they were nothing lesse . i know , that when ●hy lott it was to dwell like pergamus , ev'n where the throne of hell erected was ( and in their bloody raigne , by whom so many martyrs here were slaine ) thou didst not then the faith of christ deny , not from professing of his gospel flye . i know , that thyatira-like thy love , and t●y devotion did unfained prove ; and that thy piety , and righteousnesse , did ( for a season ) more and more encrease . i know , thy goodnesse i● not quite bereft , but that ( like sardis ) thou some names hast left that walke with christ , from all pollution free , in those white garments that unspotted be . i know , that like the church of philadelph , thou hast a little strength within thy sel●e : gods word , and holy sacraments yet are ( as pledges of his love ) preserved here . an● i doe know , that , sin●e thou heretofore didst love the truth ; god will his grace restore , on thy repentance ; and in all temp●ation become thy sole-sufficient preservation ; yea make all them , who now false boasters be of true religion , to subscribe to thee ; confesse he loves thee ; and to thee hath given that ci●ies title , th●t came downe from heaven . but , much is , yet , amiss● ; and ( to prev●nt thy ruine ) i advise thee to r●pent . remember ( oh ! remember th●u ) from when●e thou fallen ●rt ; and seeke by penitence to ●se againe . thy former works renew ; thy lately practis'd wi●kednesse esc●ew ; what th●u hast lost , ●nde●vor to regaine , hold ●ast that faith which yet thou dost retai●e ; awake , and use thine utmost pow'rs , to cherish those graces , which in thee are like to perish . o● ! doe it speedil● , whilst he doth knock tha● ope● th● doo●e , which no man can unlock , and shuts , where none doth open : yea ( lest he come suddenly , and take away from thee thy pretious candlesticke ) renew thy zeale ; and unto him thy sinne , betimes , reveale . marke , to the churches , what the sp●rit saith ; and purchase thou of christ ( by lively faith ) to make thee rich , gold t●yed in the fire . to hide thy filthy nakednesse , desire the pure white ●●yment of his righteousnesse . thy former sight , tha● thou maist reposs●sse , his eye salve take : the conquest strive to get , that of the hidden manna thou maist eate ; and g●ine the stone inscribed with a name , which none can know , but he that wea●es the same ▪ for , i must tell thee , thou art run astray , and ( like a whorish wife ) hast cast away thy old affection : thy fi●st-love is gone , an● other friends thy heart hath doted on . thou ●st not halse that zeale , which thou hast bore to thy redeemers honor heretofore ; that simplenesse , thou h●st not in thy workes ; put , base d●ss●m●ling in thine actions lurkes . some doctrines also are in thee profest , without ●eproofe , which god doth much detest . thou dost let goe unpunished in thee , those persons that notorious sinners be , and impudently wicked : thou mak'st light of their misdeeds , in vertuous mens despight . thou hast conniv'd at those , who in the land have with an high , and an imperious hand ( like iezabel ) oppressed , and bereav'n thou poore mans portion , in contempt of heav'n . thou hast blasphemers , who d●e falsely say , that they are catholiques , ( and none but they ) yet , if they heeded what their words imply , their owne distinction giv●s themselves the lye. the babylonish strumpet thou ( as yet ) within ●●y territories dost permit ▪ who doth s●duce gods people , and thy n●●ions ; and make them drunken with her fornications . tho hast those hypocrites that make a show of zeal●●s hearts , when they are nothing so . t●ou hast those b●alamites ▪ that in the way of weake prof●ss●rs , stumbling blocks doe lay : and pra●tise cunning slei●ht● o● policy , to bring thee b●●ke unto idolatry . to trouble and di●tract thee ▪ they invent st●ange qu●stions , dou●tfull , and impertinent . by needlesse provings , by their vaine confuting● , by over nice distinctions , and disp●ting● , and by their multitudes of windy notions , they have so in●orrupted thy devotions , so over whelm'd thy fait● ; so tired out thy knowledge , ( with still running round about ) that there is left but lit●le care in thee , how much decayed thy good manners b● . indeed , of thy lost vertues , there 's a fame remaining still ; and thou hast yet a name to be alive ; but , some doe greatly feare that thou art either d●●d ▪ or very neare . though laodicea like thou proudly vauntest , that rich thou art , and that thou nothing want●st : though thou art h●ppy in thine owne esteeme , and dost to thine owne s●lfe quick-sighted seeme : yet , were thy iudgement cleared , thou wouldst finde that thou art wretched , naked , poore , and blinde . thou dost almost that lukewarme temper hold , which neither can be termed hot , nor cold . thy wi●kednesse is ( well neere ) growne as ripe , as hers , that served for thy prototype . nay , gods great volume mentions not a sin , wherewith or place , o● person , taxt hath bin , but thou hast practis'd it ; and of thine owne host added others , to those times unknowne . with our first parents , there are some in thee ▪ who ●trive to eate of gods forbidd●n tree ; and have upon them such an itch to know those t●ing● which he v●uchsafeth not to show : that , from their eyes true wis●dome it hath hid , and m●re en●ang r'd them , then ad●m did . thou hast a brood of cainites , that envi●s their bre●hrens better pleasing sacrifice ; and pe●secut●s , and slanders , ( what it may ) all those that walke not in their wi●ked way : and th●rst with greedinesse to shed t●eir blood , who seeke their safeties , and effect their good . there be , am●ng thee , some just like that race , who ( being made the so●nes of god , by g●ace ) did with mans female issue fall in love ; and these beget a mungrell brood , that prove the giants of their times ; and , those , that will the measure of the worlds misdeeds fulfill . they ( as those carelesse people did , on whom an universall deluge once did come ) eate , drinke , and take their pleasure , without care , how many or how great their follies are . and , though a iudgement on their head is pour'd , they will not heed it , till they are devour'd . as soone as any pla●ue from us is gone , we build and plant , and in our sins run on : or when ( with noah ) blessings we have had , ( in st●ad of being in gods favour glad ) we doe in some vaine mi●th bewray our folly ; i● drunken feastings , or in games unholy . since out of beastly sodom they were got , thy children have among themselves ( like lot ) committed much uncleannesse ; whence proceeds a race , which discord in thy borders breeds . like laban , many wickedly detaine the workmans hire ; and make unlawfull gaine from their owne children . some ( with isma●l ) are bitter mockers ; some ( with esau ) sell their heav'nly birth-rights : & for what d' yee think ? for worse then porridge ▪ ev'n for smoake and slinke . we hav● a● m●g●ty hunters ( now adayes ) as nimrod , and as wilfull in their wayes . som● , of their brethren merchandizes make , li●e iacobs sonnes , and money for them take . with simeon , and with levi ; some , pretend religio●s cause ; when for some other end they doe proj●ct : and , m●●kes of holy zeale doe often bloody cruelties conceale . for wives , for wealth ▪ and for our vai●e d●lights , we change religio● , like the sichemites ▪ we have those iudges , who will ( iudah-like ) their brother , for his fault severely strike ; deride , taunt , censure , and without compassion , to death condemne him , for the same transgression which they are far more guilty o● then he : and , those the plague-sores of this iland be . we have in either sex , of those that are as wicked as the wife of potiphar . ev'n those , who so wil slander , and accuse ; if any to obey their lust refuse . like er and on●n , we have wicked heires , who rather would consume themselves , and theirs , in fruitlesse ▪ vanities , then part from ought by which their brothers welfare might be wrought ▪ with phar'oh , we gods judgements do contemn ▪ and grow the bolder , and the worse by them . when he most plagued us , we most presumed ; and sinned most , when we were most consumed . nor ●lood , nor frogs , nor loathsome lice , nor flyes , nor murraines , biles , nor botches can suffice to make our nations their bad lives reforme ; nor locusts , nor the leafe-devouring worme ; nor horrid darknesse , liable to sense , nor haile , nor thunders , nor the pestilence ; nor bringing us to sp●ings that bitter are ; nor sweetning those things that unsav'ry were ; nor strange deliv'rances by sea and land ; nor gods protecting us with his owne hand ; nor q●ailes , nor manna , ( blessings which be rare ) nor favou●s which more ordinary are : no , nor gods dreadfull anger , nor his love , can our hard hearts unto repentance move ; but , we ( l●ke aegyp● ) in rebellion be , and , full as faithlesse as the iewes , are we ▪ among us , we have wealthy men , who may w●ole groves dispend ; yet on the sabbath day they 'll gather sticks . ev'n to the devill , some with no lesse worthy sacrifices come , then sons and daughters . for , what lesse do they who them in wedlocke wickedly betray to open hereticks ? or , they that make their mar'ages , fo● wealth , and hor●ors sake , without affection ? and ( i pray ) what lesse doe they , who force their children to professe vnlawfull trades ? there be among us , living , too many , that , ev'n whilst the law is giving , do● set up golden-calves . such men are they , who in the church , or on gods holiday , are plodding on the world ; whil●t they should bend their eares to god , and on his will attend . we have ( our best proceedings to withstand ) a iannes , and ●amb●es in t●e land , who ( by their ●orceries ) continue shall some people of this m●narchy in ●hrall : vntill a plague ( like ae●ypts●owsinesse ●owsinesse ) shall make them god almightie , pow'r confesse . young vadab● and a●●h●es , we have some , that with strange fires unto go●s altars come : t●●ir dull devotions kindled are with sticks , and wither'd leaves of humane rhetoricks ; they offer up to god , their vaine orations , compos'd of cli●bings , and adnominations ; which he abhor●es ; with all that frothy stuffe , of which this age hat● more then thrice enough . our b●ethren by extortion we oppresse : true st●ange● , ( nay , our kin ) are harbou●lesse ; and those o●fences we have patrons for , which many heathen p●ople did abhor . with miriam and with laron , we have such , who at their 〈…〉 preferment grutch ; hot spirits , trouble●om● to civill states ; like c●rah●nd ●nd his rude confederates . these a●gue mach for p●p'lar p●rities , and raile upo● all civill di●●iti●s ; but ▪ when they can attaine the● , none speake louder in their de●ence ; nor are there any prouder . we gallants have mo●e imp●dent , then e're , yong z●nri , and his caz●i did appeare : and doubtl●sse we have 〈◊〉 who ●●ve hidden some babylonish things which are forbidden . for all the land much troubled we may see ; and many thinke , it shall not quiet be , till they be found . reveale thou their transgressions , o lord ! and be thou prais'd in their confessions . we have , this day , amongst us , many a bramble , that , like abimelech , knowes how to scramble abov● their owne deservings : and ( though base vnworthy ●hrubs ) durst arrogate a place more eminent , then dares the noblest plant , whereof the mountaine libanus doth vaunt . by others vert●es these ascend on high , and raise themselves to such authority , that our most noble cedars are o're-topt ; our pleasant figtrees , are b●scratcht and dropt ▪ our vines are shadow'd , and unfruitfull made ; our olives robbed of that oile they had ; yea , all our forrest and our garden trees , by their ambition , fruit , or honour , leese . thou nourisht hast , and fondly doted on those cunning dalilahs , who having won thy good respect , doe practise how to spye wherein the chiefest of our strength doth lye ; that ( having by their flatt'ries lull'd asleepe those watchmēs eyes that should our fortress keep ) they may ( unheeded ) steal our pow'r away , and to our greatest foes our lives betray . here want not such as michah , who with ease can make a new religion when they please ; coine ●ormes of worship proper to their sect ; a private church among themselves erect ; make priests at their owne pleasure ; furnish them ev'n with their owne new-fangled teraphim ; and preach abroad for good divin●ty , the tumours of their windy fantasie : nay , some of them far stranger things can doe ; for , they can make their gods , and eate them too . there be of us , as wilfull favourites of wicked men , as were the benjami●es ; and , rather then we will deliver ●hem to feele the stroke of iustice , who contemne the wayes of goodnesse ; we will h●zardize our peace , our fame , and our posterities . we have those prophets , who ( with balam ) know gods pleasure , and what way they ought to goe : and , yet , will for preferment doe their best , that they his plaine revealed will may wrest . and though they are , perhaps , asham'd to say their minds in publique , closely they 'll betray the lords inheritance ; and scripture proofe inferre for all things to their owne behoofe . if of the pop'lar faction these become , and thinke some gaine may be atchieved from that side ; gods word they will produce for those that would disloyally their king oppose : if by the prince advantage may be had , then , god himselfe an instrum●nt is made to warrantize their claimes ; an● , tyranny , sh●ll pr●ved be a lawfull m●narchy . as rash as iephth● , in our vowes are we ; as ehu●s gift , such oft our presents be . in ent●rtainments , some like iael are ; and , in their complements may well compare w●th bloody ioa● : for , they make their table become a snare : and ( when most serviceable they doe appeare ) unheeded , they unsheath so●e fat●ll instru●ent , t●at wounds to death . like old indulgent eli , some connive at all the sins , in which the●r children live : nay , glory in their lewdnesse ; and maintaine in them those follies , which they should restraine ; till their owne shame , and their undoing followes , and their wilde brood be tamed at the gallowes . nor were the sonnes of eli , heretofore more wanton at the tabernacle doore , then some young priests of ours ; whom to correct , the fathers of our church so much neglect , that if they long connive as they have done , the glory of our isr'el will be gone . like those philistians , whose advice it was to fixe god's arke , and dagon , in one place , we have too many ; and , they cannot see , why god and baal in one , should not agree . but , when they raise their i●ol in these lands , lord , let it fall , and lose both head and hands . we are as cur●ous as the b●thsh●mites , and long as much to see forbidden sights : like those of ekron , we professe to know the truest go● , and whence our troubles grow : yet , are so stupid , that we sleight his grace , and , send him from us , to another place . yea , like the gadarens , we for our sw●ne , would banish christ , and sleight his love divine : wi●h saul , we doe neglect what should be done ▪ and sacrifice , when god requireth none . fat sheepe and oxen were prefer before o●edience to the lord ; and follow more our wills then his . when god saith kill , we spare , and where he bi●s , be kinde , we cruell are . no love , no kindnesse , no sincerity , no tokens of unfained piety can stay our furies , or divert our mind . when we are once maliciously enclin'd . goliah like , gods army some contemne ; with r●bsh●k●h , some others doe blaspheme ; some curse ( w●th shimei ) gods best beloved ; as causelesly , to ●rieve them they are moved , and are of gaine as greedy . for , if they have but an us●●sse groome escap'd away , ( o● lost a beast ) for such a petty prise , they will not stick their l●ves to haza●dize . vve have those michols , which will scoffe & flou● at such as are mo●● zealously devout . we have those dog-like doegs in our courts , that gladly heare and utte● all reports , to disadvanta●e them , whose wayes a●e pure , and cannot their impieties endure . vve have those nabals , upon whom all cost , all curtefies , and kindnesses a●e lost . we have ( like vzzah ) those that dare to touch gods holy arke . nay , we have worse then such , ev'n those that rob it ; and themselves adorne with iewels , from the san●tuary torne . with david , some have thought their sins to hide ▪ and , their adulteries , in murther dy'd . officiou● knaves ( like ziba ) we have some , vvho by their masters falls , to gre●tnesse come ; and ( though they did men inno●ent betray ) vvithout reproving , they doe passe away . vve have those wicked a●mons , who defile their sisters . and , to lay a cunning wile for helping their companions to a drab , vve have more subtile bauds then ●onadab . those disobedient absoloms there be among us ●ere●t at wish and seeke to see their parents dea●hs ; like him they can conceale their ends , till they ( by faire dissembling ) steale mens hea●ts away ; and then abuse them so , that all seemes just and honest which they doe . vve have achitophels , that are a● wise against gods honor , projects to devise , as if the delphian oracle were sought : but , still in their owne pit-fals they are caught . for , he that honest purposes doth blesse , conve●ts their wisedome into foolishnesse . vve have with solomon ( though none so wise ) men wonne by women to idolatries . vvith ieroboam , we have those who strive a settled temp'rall fortune to contrive by ruining religion ; and to win an outward peace , by tolerating sin : not heeding , that a greatnesse so procur'd , hath seldome to a third descent endur'd . to serve an idoll we like him proceed , although gods messengers reprove the deed . and though our arme be wither'd , for our sin , our obstinacies we continue in . vve want not re●oboams counsellors , vvhose unexperienc'd policy prefers h●rsh courses , rather then a calme proceeding ; vvhen times are troublesome , & dangers breeding . vve have ( with ahab ) those who covet so their neighbours vineyard , that they f●llen grow , and can nor eate , nor sleepe , till they may plot , how their ungodly longings may be got : and we have iezabels enough , to further their claimes by slanders , perjury , and murther . nor want such elders , and such nobles here , as those that citizens with naboth were . for should ( as god forbid ) our hopefull king , desire to compasse any lawlesse thing , or seeke his loyall subjects to bereave of what their ancestors to them did leave : we have of those ( i doubt ) that would effect it according to their pow'r : nay , project it , and urge him , and perswade him , that ( of right ) he overthrow their lawfull freedomes might . we have of those ( i feare ) that would command a fast ( like iez●bels ) throughout the land , and underneath a maske of piety , proceed to practise any villany , which might advance their greatnesse : and , i doubt some priests would helpe to set the project out . yea , we those iud●es , and those elders have , that if a man his neighbours vineyard crave , he need not , for his purpose , name the king , or letters from the royall signet bring to move the same : nor were it necessary that ( to corrupt them ) he epistles cary from some g●eat lords . for , if he can but make the tongues of golden angels for him speake ; or get some one , on his behalfe to write , that is but servant to a favourite ; the deed is done : and they will feele no sense of others griefes ▪ or o● their owne offence . we have such prophets a● zidkiah was , who are no whit asham'd , in publique place , to speake fal●e messages ; and those to smite , tha● in gods name have spoken what is right . we have gehezies ; fellowes that will take vnlawfull bribes ▪ ev'n those who sale doe make of what their maste●s should have , gratis , done ; and force out fees , where they can challenge none . gehezies did i call this crew ? i fea●e i wrong the leper : for his brib'ri●s were put petty pillages , to those rich preyes , on which some one of these his fingers layes . he askt , and had a willing gratulation , from one both rich , and of another nation : ●ut , these extor● , compel● , and stil● serue vnjust demandings , as a lawfull due . from friends , from strangers , from both poore & rich their fingers to be scraping have an itch . for making their poore suitor , wait and pray , ( when they might have dispatcht him ) he must pay . for surly speeches , and for proud neglect , they must be humoured with all respect . when to their ●lient , they a w●ong have done , he must not seeme to know or think ●hereon ; but , faine all noble thoughts of them to have , or , in some other persons call them knave ▪ and bribe them still , in hope they may be won , yet , at the last , be cheated and undone . we have among us , men as very fooles as na'man was ; who thinke damascus pooles a● good as iordan : and ( like him ) at home some serve one god ; and when to court they come , professe another . we have those that be as trustlesse of gods promises , as he , who in samar●a●s gate was trodden on : these may behold the favours which are done to faithfull men ; but , till they can beleeve , they shall not taste what blessings those receive . here be like haz'el , those who seeme to hate all tyrannizing , in their low estate ; yet , being once promoted , throw aside all pity ; and all piety deride . yea , that which forme●ly they did condemne , ( as vilifying , and debasing them , below a dogs condition ) they allow , vvhen to their height of ●reatnesse once they grow . ( if none yet live ) we had in former time , ev'n those that guilty were of zimries c●ime . most officers like iehu , doe begin good reformation , at first entring in ; their violent zeale doth seeme to say , come see , how just in our proceedings we will be . but , oft they prove mee●e hypocrites , who having acquired meane● to colour their deceiving , surpasse the worst ; and by degrees proceed , till they appeare the men they were indeed . like wicked haman ; some , unlesse they may insult and trample on poore mordecai , are so distemper'd by their haughty minde , that they nor pleasure , nor contentment finde , in honours , riches , or in any blessing , which they already have in t●eir possessing : but , will pursue , and ruine , if they can , vvhole kingdomes , for their malice to one man. as p●oud are we as nebuch●dnezar : in feastings , as profuse as bal●hazar , and as prop●ane as he . vve sometime seeke the god of ●kron , abaziah like . like amiziah ( an informing priest of bethel ) we have those that will resist gods messengers ; and would not heare them bring into the court or chappell of the king ▪ the sound of that reproo●e or punishment , vvhich to pronounce among us th●y we●e sent : and , these , perhaps , wh●n they my arrand see , vvill prove as busie as that priest with me . but , if they doe ( as amos sa●d to him ) although i be no prophet , nor of them that are the sonnes of prophets ; god doth know he called me to thi● ( which now i doe ) from viler actions , then from gathering fruit , or foll'wing herds : and i will make pursuit of what he b●ds me ; though o●pos'd i stand , by all the priests and prelates in the land. and if they contradict , what well is done their heads , at last , the sh●me shall light upon . some ●ourtiers now , like daniels foes , there are , that wi●l object as things piacular , the truest piety ; and s●eke to bring ev'n those to be suspected of the ki●g , who strive most loyally , to keepe his name in honor ; and his kingdome without blame . as iudah had ( in zephaniahs times ) her priests of baal ; the name of chemarims ; those , who the heav'nly army did adore ; those also , who by god , and mal●●om , swore ; and multitudes among them , who did weare fantastick habits : so , we harbor here some shavelings yet ; some romish superstitions ; to saints we offer up some vaine petitions ; equivocating oathes we often take ; and , we our selves , in our apparell , make deformed , by a skittish imitation of ev'ry new-found guise , in ev'ry nation . i doe not think ( nor have i ever thought ) that in it selfe it is materiall ought , what shaped robes i weare : nor do i hold that any fashion , whether new or old , doth so much handsome or disfigure any , as it may seeme to do , perchance , to many . it is the time , or else their mindes , that weare such clothes , which make them good or bad appear . those fooles who bring new fashions first ; and they that hast to follow them ( and thinke it gay and generous ) are those unworthy ones , that bring such folly , shame , and cost upon 's . but , when those garbes grow generall ; then , we that first abhorred them , compelled be to take them up : lest our old clothes be thought new fashions from some forrain kingdomes brought : or , lest we shoul●d by some be thought to erre , in being over nice , and singular . most other people , both at home , and here , doe in their habits , like themselves appeare : but , wheresoe're we come , we change our shapes , and , in our gestures , are all n●tions apes . true gravity , we so are fallen from , and , so absurdly blockish are become ; that , strangers jeere us , to behold how soone we get the garbe of ev'ry fond baboon . yea , they are proud , to see that we condemne ou● o●ne attires , by imitating them . and i doe blush to thinke , that our whole nation should of it selfe admit a transformation , so suddenly ( as oftentimes we see ) to imitate the guise of two or three . but , so it is : and at this present ti●e , our female gentry is so frenchifi'd ; that we have scarce a gentlewoman now , in clothes , more handsome bodied then a cow. those women who e're while were goodly creatures , proportion having , and ( me thought ) sweet features ; doe looke as triple-bodi'd gerion did , when they in their mis shapen gownes are hid : for , either arme , in such a mould is cast , as makes it full as fulsome as their waste . their necks stand sneaking out , before those rustes , which lie behind their backs with wide mouth'd puss as doth a peeled ewes , whose fleece unshorne , was from about her neck with brambles torne . their flaring cu●les about their shag-shorne browes , doe , of the fairest lady , make a blouse . those demy-skarfes , they wreathe about their chaps , ( which may be comely to some● eyes , perhaps ) doe make them seeme as antick-like to me , as hag● , that sent to fright yong children be . and i am sory , that a foolish pride should make our beauties their perfections hide in such a masking suit . and that a few fantastick women , so great numbers drew to follow their new-fangles ; and besot their judgements , by that fashion newly got . for , not meane wits alone ; but , of the wisest ; ( nay , of the most religious , and precisest ) there are great multitudes befool'd in this : and , she , that of that guise their patterne is , ( perhaps ) derides their ficklenesse . for she is from their minde , and from their folly free . nought , but her count●y fashion , she hath worne : and , that which them deformes , do●h her adorne . yea , they have either missed o● her dresse : or else she gives it much more lovelinesse , for to my eye there is some excellence which puts t'wixt her and th●m much difference ▪ and this opinion is not mine alone : for ▪ so much hath beene said by many a one . oh! shew the sweetnesse of your disposition , in hearing me , and granting my petition . lay off your strange attires , that we may know if you be englishwomen , yea or no. your monstrous habit , each true britaine lothes ; and , were your bodies formed like your clothes , ( which , god in iustice , may effect , perchance ) you might go seek your fortunes out in france , from whence your new prop●rt●on hither came : for , we shall never truly love the same . because , if other men have thoughts like mine , it would appeare to be some fatall signe , to see our women leave th●ir native fashion , and , turne themselves into another nation . but , let these females goe i hope that she who shall be mine ( if any such the●e be ) what ever accident or change be●alls , will still retaine her english na●urals . more bl●me then this might in this kind be laid on women : but , unwillingly i said what here is uttred . and , if they had bin in those attires that i have seen them in , i had not on this over-sight reflected ; but , left them to be counsell'd and directed by their neare friends or husbands . yet , ala● ! we have of them , whose levity doth pass the ●icklenesse of these : and , they alone are oft the cause , that th●se have so misgone . nor ever did this folly more appeare , then now it doth ; ●v'n in this very yeare , where●n the pestilence devoured so : and , as that plague de●reased , this did grow . but , in trans●ressions , how we parallell the times before , i will proceed to tell . high-priest have we , who send ou● spies to watch t●e preachers of gods word ; and pick , and catch advantages against th●m . some of us are like the silver-smiths at ephesus , and , for their private lucre will contend against the truth , and heresies defend . we , demas like , have those apostataes , who , for the world , forsake the christian cause . and , some there be , that with diotrophes , affect preheminence in these our dayes . some , like the scribes and pharises do rinse the cup without ; but , have no care to clense the loathsome inside . some , have arrogated such holinesse , that they are separated from others , as a spotlesse congregation , that is without all blame , or prophanation . some , like to those , their brethren d●s●espect : and , lo●dly titles over-much affect , as did the iewish rabbies . some , as they on others backs uneasie burthens lay : which they themselves , to cary do refuse . the orphane , and the widow , some abuse , by shewes of piety . and , we have some , in tything anniseed , and mint , become exceeding zealous : yet , have neither care nor conscience , in those things that waighty are . vve have our sev'rall brotherhoods of those , vvho seriously do sea and land enclose , ( and practise , by a multitude of sleights ) to win unto their sects new p●oselites : not out of love to truth , or charity , but ra●her to advance their heresie . vvho ever all their crotchets doth embrace , is instantly become the child of grace , ( in their opinions ) whatsoever he in other points , or in his manners be . bu● whosoe're he be that shall despise , one branch of any toy , which they devise , is judg'd a reprobate . yea , though in all the grounds of faith , and in his works he shall appeare unblemished ; they will contemne his judgement ; and traduce and censure him . yea , some of those there be who have des●ride a tricke to know who are unsanctifide ; though they have all the ma●kes of holin●sse . nay , some a●e not ashamed to confesse , to know what persons those hid ma●ks do beare , w●ich knowne to no men but their wearers are . like ananias , and saphira , here are they that holy brethren do● appeare , yet want sin●erity . and , i could tell y● of multitudes , who meerly for their belly , doe follow christ. with herod , we have such who heare m●n gladly , till those crimes they touch which are their darlings : but , then mad they grow , and what they truly are , they truly show . like dives , we have those that ev'ry day are fed with dainties ; cloth'd with rich aray , and , full as mercilesse unto the poore , that lye uncloth'd , and hungry at the doore . we have a rattle-brain'd and wilfull crew , that with a purblinde zeale the truth pursue : and would be found , were not their pow'● so small , more bloody , and more violent th●n paul , before his name wa● c●anged : for , they teare that robe , whereof they doe profe●se a care . we have those nobles , who with felix , can confesse the inn●cency of a m●n accus'd before them ; and , yet leave him bound , if ought to their advant●ge may r●dound . we have of those that parcell christians be , as king ●grippa . othersome have we that walke for company , th●y care not whither ; and , some that sleight religion alt●gether . nor want we those , that while th●y christ professe , convert his graces into wantonness● . we are almost as wicked as old rome : of heresi●s we are as full become , as amsterdam . nay , many men have we , that can of three or ●oure profession● be , ( ev'n all at once ) although that ev'ry sect each other doth directly contradict . we have an elimas , who doth apply his cunning to pervert the depu●y : like simon magus , we have merchants here , that were baptized ; and yet without feare , dare buy and sell those things that holy be ; and which , by gods donation , s●ould be f●ee . nay , in the gall of bitternesse they lye , more deepe then he , fr●m whom their symony deriveth name : for , he , in shew , repenting , did crave the churches prayers for preventing of his deserving : whereas , these devise quaint arguments ▪ their sin to patronize ; or make it lesse . else , by equivocation , or , by ●heir tricke of m●ntall reservation , they hide thei● fault : and ( that the s●n they doe may grow compl●at ) themselves they perjure too . there be , that mammon , for their god , adore : that make christs members , members of a whore : and stained be with those offences all , wher●of the gentiles were accus'd , by paul. we all are guilty of much fraud , debate , imp●ety , uncleannesse , envy , hate , backbiting , stealing , pride , maliciousnesse , dissembling , murther , lying , spightfulnesse , truce breaking , disobedience , ignorance , implacability , bold arrogance , want of affections naturall , excesse , inhumane cruelty , ungratefulnesse : blaspheming , swearing ; and innumerable transgressions more , of ●hat ungodly rable : and , some ( when god almighty poured hath vpon their heads the viols of his wrath ) in stead of penitence , encrease the score of their offences ; and , blaspheme the more . nay , that we may be partners of thei● guilt , that have the blood of gods anointed spilt , with pilate and the iewes , we have , againe , the lord of life , both crucifi'd , an● slaine . thou hast , oh britaine , ev'ry thing misdone , that ashur , moab , ammon , babylon , or any kingdome hath transgressed in , which unto piety a foe hath bin . of whatsoever isr'el was detected , for whatsoever iudah was corrected , thou maist be taxed ; for , among thy nation● are daily practis'd their abominations . their tricks thou hast , to hinder and oppresse , those men who tell thee of thy wickednesse . right so thou dost debase ; so slander them : right so , their just reproofes thou dost contemne : and , though their words are daily verifide , yet , thou dost alwayes wilfully deride their admoni●ions ; and , passe all things by , as falling on thee but by casualty . i doe beleeve , and know , that , yet , in thee some obadiahs , and some ezraes be . some courtiers , and some nobles yet remaine , which doe their true nobility retaine : but , most of them their dignity have lost ; and can of nought but painted scuch●ons boast . as did of theirs , the iewish prophet say , thy princes doe procrassinate the day or thy calamity ; and will not heare , o● that affliction which approacheth neare : but , of iniquity they climbe the seat ; and , by extortion make their house● great . their palaces , they seele and trim with gold , gods temples being ruinously old . on beds ( more pretious then of ivory ) they stretch themselves , and live luxuriously . the pasture lambes , and wainlings of the stall , suffice not them ; but they make prey of all . which liveth in the wood , or in the field ; or which the land , the sea , or ayre doth yeeld . their lushious wines in pretious bowles they quaff● ▪ while ioseph is afflicted , they doe laugh ; and sing unto the violl , wanton straines , while syon in captivity remaines . they have but little care of gods commands ; they breake his yoake , and cast away his bands . thy men in honour , without knowledge be , like beasts that perish ; and , dishonour th●e . some have aspired to their present heights of wealth and greatnesse , by ignoble sleights : of others houses , they have got possession , and , furnished their chambe●s , by oppression . their wives and children , waste in brave attire , the poore mans portion , and the workmans hire . their credits they have pawned , to main●aine their luxury , their pride , or gaming vaine . and , by their honors●ave ●ave so falsly sworne . that men their idoll , and their oath do scorne . some , have so blushlesse and so shamelesse beene , to let their coach , and foot-cloth horse , be seene at common strumpets doores : their favorites , ( and they , in whom their noblenesse delights ) a●e gamesters , ●oarers , persons dissolute , and such ; for unto them such best do sute . to bold fac'd rimers , iesters , or to those who make their lordships laugh with foolish prose ; to fence●s , fidlers , tumblers , and to such , w●o any way t●eir sensuall humors touch , their hands are prodigall ; and these obtaine rich favours to requite their idle paine . their tongues , to speak on their behalfe are free ; when question'd for the foulest c●imes they be . ( ev'n fellonies and murthe●s ) but a●e mutes in vertuous causes , and in honest suits . when wise and painful men , have spent their wealth , their strength consumed , or impair'd their health , in profitable works ; and to reveale such ●hings as might advance the publike weale ; their labours ( for the most ) are over-past with●ut encouragement ; sometimes , disgrac●d by arrogant impostors ; who arise to greatn●ss● , by discrediting the wise ; or broaching such good projects for their owne , which were by those mens industry made knowne , whom they have ruined . for , what were some ( that now to places eminent are come ) before they got aloft on others wines , but poore unworthy , and ignoble things ? nay , what ( as yet ) appeare they ( unto those whose good experience their true value knowes ) but gild●d ignorance ? who having got the shadowes of the substance they have not , doe passe for men of worth , in their esteeming , whom they have cheated , by a cunning seeming . admit but some of the●e into such place , vvhich may afford them priviledge or grace , to speak before their prince ; and you shall heare their tongues to run , as if their knowledge were a● great as solomons ; and that of all the pl●nts , ev'n from the hysope of the wall , vnto the cedar , they could tell the nature ; and knew the qualities of ev'●y creature . they , pro●eus like , will any thing appeare ; a sea-man , ship-wright , or an engin●ere , or what soe're they list : and having bought of some poore artists ; or ( some worse way ) wrought their project from them , that they may be showne , as if the quaint invention were their owne : ( and , having gotten also termes of art , to help them in the acting of their part ) to such opinion of themselves they rise , that men of soundest knowledge they despise ; deride experience ; and , ev'n to their face , the skill of most approved men disgrace . m●ke these men counsellors , and though till then they knew not halfe so much as common men , nor had the meanes of knowing any thing , but how to ride a horse , or take the ring , or hunt , or hawk , or caper : yet ( behold a wonder ) in a moment they grow old in state affaires ; and nothing doth concerne or peace o● war , which they have need to learne . if any question be , before these , made , of merchandise ; the skilfull'st in the trade are fooles to them ; and t is an arrogance to offer to instruct their ignorance . if armes be treated of , there 's no man knowes by practice , that which th●se men can disclose by contemplation . and though they have seene no other warres but those at mile end greene , or tutle-fields ; great mars himselfe , of these may learne to be a souldier , if he please . if any thing concerning navigation , be tendred to a grave consideration , these either dare affirme , or to deny what all the masters of the trinity oppos● them in ; and nov●ces would make of h●wkings , frob●sh●r , and f●mous dr●ke , were they now living . and , y●t such a● they , the wreathes of honor soonest beare away . with empty names , and titles , b●ing ●lowne above themselves , they are unweildy growne ; an● g●●ater in their pride , and in their traine , then their consume● fortunes will maintaine . which doth compell them , by unworthy wayes , to seeke the patching up of their decayes : and , still in their p●ofusenesse they proceed , as if thei● pro●●gality should breed new fortunes ; and , were like those wells that fill , and grow the purer , by exhausting still . in feasts , apparell , furniture , and things of such like nature , m●ny christian kings , to equall them shall finde it much to doe : but , them they cannot very far outgoe , vnlesse they meane to draine their fountaines dry , with fooles , in prodigality , to vye . hence comes it , that the rents and royalties of kings and princes , which did well suffice in former times , to keep in comely port an honour'd , and an hospitable cou●t , ( yea , and an army if occasion were ) can hardly now the charge of houshold beare ▪ for , they must either in their large expe●ce , come short of that p●ofuse magnificence among thei● vassals : o● else waste away the price of many lordsh●ps , to defray the cost of one vaine supper ; and , from this , with other such like things , growes all am●sse . for , one exc●sse another still produces ; one foole out-vies his fellow fooles abuses ; vnt●ll their wealth , and hop●s , and reputation , be wasted in a witn●sse emulation : not heeding what is taught them in the fable , that when a toad hath sweld while he i●●ble , an oxe is bigger , and with ease can smite his pride to nothing when it is at heig●t . this over la●ge profusenesse , they are faine by many evill cou●ses to maintaine : by bribery , by g●iping , by the sale of iustice yea of consci●nce , and of all that may be sold for mony . from hence springs deceiving , and mis-leading of good kings . this makes their treasuries to ebbe so low ; this , makes their subjects discontented grow ; this , makes the me●chant , and the tradesman , break ; this , makes the arme of iustice grow so weake ; by this , are states unjointed , by degrees ; by this , their honour and their love they leese ; and , that confusion in upon them steales , which ruines nations , kings , and commonweales . from hence are all those rascall suits derived , by which the common dammage is contrived : hence , they ( who by the publike desolation would raise themselves ) pretend the●reformation they purpose not : and , by their faire pr●tences to ●ure old griev●n●es , breed new off●nces . hence comes it , that to keep ●hemselves on hie , they sell their country , and p●sterity to slave●y and bondage ; ca●ing nought ▪ so they have rest , how dearly it be bought . this , makes the gr●nts of kings ●ecome so tickle , an● o●ders , and de●rees of state , s● si●kle , t●at no man knowes when he hath ought procured , how he , of w●at he hath may be assu●ed ; for , in a righteous cause , though be proceed , a●d hav● it ●atified and decreed , by all authority that may be gained ; a sleight suggesti●n ( without reason f●ined ) may ●●u●tr●t● make the royall-confirmation , o● k●●p him in an endl●sse exp●ctation , till he be quite undone . and , if his foes have weal●h ▪ ( though no good reasons to oppose his rig●tfull cause ) he may be whe●l'd ●bout , with o●ders , tha● will ●●tch him in and out , till he be tyr'd : and , neith●r side is sure o● conq●est , till the other can p●ocure no brib● to give . vvhich is m●re wicked far , then thos● injustices which practis'd are in heathen kingdomes : since , when any t●ere , for iustice or injusti●e b●ibed are ; a man ●h●ll hav● his bargaine . and in this more just they be then many a christian is . for , when some here a●e forced for their owne to give great fines , they afterward a●e throwne from their possessions if another come to buy injustice with a larger sum . o● ! what a madnesse is it , for one day on earth , to foole eternity away ? to sell both soule and body for meere toyes ; and r●all comfort● , for deceiving joyes ? to build the●r house with morter , which will bu●ne the timber , and the structure overturne ? perchance before the finishing be done , but ( doubtlesse ) e're the third descent be gone ? what folly is it for a man to waste at one vaine triumph ( which an houre doth last ) mo●e then the portion , ten and ten times told which all his predecessors leave him could ; that , to his prejudice it may be knowne , how hastily a ri●h man he is growne ? what meaneth he , who doth consume upon one banquet , wh●t a towne of garison might live a yeare withall ; to heare it spoken , that so much cost was but a certaine token of his corruption ? and that all the store he wasts , was got by making ot●ers poore ? or that t●e greatnesse of his new gain'd glory , is of the common wrong● a reall story ? who prai●eth him for this ? or who doth call him honorable , wise , o● l●berall . for those expences ; but ●he rascall rable of coxcombs , and of g●lls , that haunt his table ? what honour is it ? or what can it please , to be the lord of many palaces ? to have their cambers , and their galleries adorned with most precious ●arities ? to feed , and cloath , and patronize a number of parasites , and of buffoones , to cum●er their w●lks and lodgings ? to have ev'ry day th●ir servants following them in rich aray ? rich stuffes , with rich embroyderies to bury , to ride on princely charets ? or to hurry in gilt caroches ? or o● pampered steeds , ( from turky fetcht , or from the barbary breeds ) to p●aance about the streets to show their pride ? or with vaine titles to be magnifi'd ? what pleasure is all this , when they sh●ll heare , how loud the clamou● sounds in ev'ry eare , of their oppressions , ●rau●s , and cruelties ? and how the people curse their tyrannies ? their state , and their ambition to maintaine ; how many , oh ! how many to complaine conftrained are ? alas ! how m●ny a one have their proud followers tyranniz'd upon ? and of their servants , what great numbers too , doe these by thir ambitiousnesse undoe ? the faces of the poorer sort they grinde ; the bread of orphanes ( who the while are pin●e ) they feed upon . the people they have sold for old-worne shooes ● on altars they lay hold ; and , of each holy thing they m●ke their prey , whereon their sac●ilegiou● hands they lay . the portion of their brethren they devoure ; a●d , by us●rping an unl●wfull pow'r , they save each other harmlesse from the lawes ; and overthrow the poore complainants cause . their neighbours , often , and t●eir nearest friends , ( to who● they daigne respect but for their ends ) are so engaged to uphold their pride , that they their foolish heads are faine to hide . som● tradesme● , for their vaine credulity , ( in trusting to their h●nors ) now doe lye imprison'd for their aptn●sse to beleeve : and , what they suffer , or how m●ch they grieve , their lordships care not : for ( except their owne ) of all mens troubles they are sens●lesse growne . their houses , and their lodgings , ev'ry day ▪ are full of suitors , who as humbly pray fo● what 's their owne , as if that they were some who to entreat for charity were come : and oft are answer'd with such harsh replyes , for their compelled impo●tunities , as if it were an impudence or wrong , to aske the debt which had beene ●ue so long . the baker and the butcher , sometime serve great men with bread and flesh untill they sta●ve themselves almost : and , if they doubt they shall be quite undone before it so befall ▪ they oft a●e glad to lose the summe that 's due , through feare that for their own if they should sue , ( in stead of recompence ) receive they might some evill turne , their boldnesse to requite . for , some are growne so base , that now and than their costermonger ▪ yea their butterman , and herbw●fe is halfe begger'd and undone , by suffring them upon their scores to run . oh! with what faces can these tyrants ride along the streets , in such a h●ight of pride , as oft they doe , when they are lookt upon by those poore tradesmen whom they have undone ? what j●y have they to see , or to be s●ene in those gay feathers , which have plucked beene from others wings ; whose nakedn●sse appeares to cry aloud for iustice , in gods eares ? and what a plague is fallen on that l●nd where such as these have places of command ? where t●ese are chose for statesmen , what protecti● is vertue like to finde ? what due correction hath vice where such controule ? or what is he can looke for iustice , where such iudges be ? would i could say , oh ! britaine , thou hast none of these or else might name thee such a one , as lawfully , as i might boldly do it , for thy advantage , were i called to it . but , that authority which i have got , checks faults alone , with persons meddles not . thy ancient vertues are not wholy lost , in all thy families . yet , ●or the most , as are thy princes , now , thy gentry be ▪ according to the height of their degree . they spend their youth in lust and idlenesse ; in impudent p●ophanenesse , and excesse ; in foolish complements ; in thriftl●sse games ; and in oblivion do interre their names : through want of knowledge , and that reall worth which sets the lustre of true gentry forth . the ma●kes of gentle-blood , and that which praise did thereunto acquire , in fo●mer dayes , were iustice , temp'rance , courage , prude●cy , true courtsie , meeknesse , liberality , and such as these . their ex●rcises were those which the mind or body might prepare for ve●tuous practices : as leaping , runn●ng , to handle armes , to shoot , to shew their cunning in m●naging great horse ; in studiousnesse of piety , and of the sciences . which we terme liberall . but now , alas ! th● gentry , britaine , is not as it was . to be a gentlem●n , is now , to we●re fant●stick habits , horrid oaths to swe●re ; to w●ifte tobacco ; to be drunk , and game ; to do a villany , and boast the s●me . to dare the pox ; to talk with impudence ▪ how oft they had it , without griefe or sense , of their misdoings ; no●hin● to pro●esse or p●acti●e , but to live 〈◊〉 ; to quarre●l ; to be in●ole●t , and proud ; to che●t , and brag , and lye , and speak aloud in stea● of ●p●aking reason : to p●esume abov● his wo●th ; unwise●y to ●o●sume hi● p●t●imony ; fast and loose to play ; to borrow ▪ ●ithout purposing to pay ; to spend their time in ●●uitless● visi●ations , in beastly and p●ophane communications ; in telling and in liftning a●ter newes ; in viewing idle sights , or haunting stewes ; with such like exe●cises : as if they were made to flutter all their time away like butterflyes , and lived , pu●posely , for nothing , but to eate , and drink , and dye . their noblest mark , is di●ting a brace ofhandsome nags , to run a ●quitting race . or keep●ng of a cast of norway kites , to show them yearly halfe a dozen flights ; or else , the feeding of a stinking pack of yelping hounds ; that when discourse they lack , they m●y whole d●yes together , pra●e a story , in which so●e dogs , or hauks , or horses g●ory ●s m●gnifi'd ; and him they c●unt a clowne , that in their folly is no partner growne . oh! wou●d these lines had po'wr to make thē see , how fooli●h and absurd their cou●ses be : and that my muses now could reach the straine , might win them nobler t●oughts to ente●ta●ne . but , mine will h●rdly prove such charmes , i feare ; for , at t●e very root we rotten are ; and , where our maladies their cure should have , t●e dangerou● infections we receive . our nurseries of arts are not so pure , but th●t in them our bane we may pr●cu●e . our inne of court have lost their good repute , by ha●boring of persons ●issolute . the ●chooles of law are sanctuaries made for out-lawes , and where once our gentry had that nurture which enobled them ; now , ther● by lewd examples , which too frequent are , o● , by too great a liberty , we gaine a habit in ●ll courses tha● are vaine . a●d most of those , of whom the world beleeves most good ( among them ) are but civill theeves . for , lawyers , and some officers , in thee , ( which ministers of iustice seem● to be ) have made t●e courts and offices , whereby we should of wrongs receive a remedy ; to prove to us things more uneasie , far , then those , for which their just complainings are . so costly b● their wilde interpretations of lawes and customes ; and such variation● are found in their opinions , that few know when they up●ightly , or in safety goe . if any common ba●reter will please by suits u●just his neighbors to disease ; the plea may be mai●tained , though that all his allegations prove untrue they shall : or manifest , ●y d●u●tlesse demonstration , he pu●pos●d nou●ht but wilfull molesfation . for , lawy●rs will defend and plead the cause , which to their knowledge doth oppose both iawes and conscience too ; as if they did contemne his threatnings that pronounced woe to them , who justifie the w●cked in their fin ; or him gainsay which hath not faulty bin . ev'n in our court of co●science , some things are vnconscionable . for , if any here be causlesly compl●●n'd on well is he if uncondemn●d in the ●uit he be . for , this defen●ant h●th small r●medy , save that , an● patie●ce , for his injury . his causl●sse trou●l●s , and his large expence , hath no req●it●ll save his innocence . for , if all they that are u●ju●tly grieved , by h●●ing co●ts o● suits ●●ould be re●●ved ; or if the plaintiffe should his b●ll ave●re vpon his oath , as ev'ry answerer confirmes his an●wer , m●ny ● brawling k●ive w●uld then be quiet , and that court would have far lesse employment : yea , and we●e it not their trave●ses did knit againe the knot , w●ich answers upon o●th , almost unty , suits would not h●lfe so long unended lye . this , many offi●ers doe seeme to feare ; and th●refore ( as if courts erected were to m●ke them rich , by n●urishing contention ; much rat●er then to co●passe the prevention of wrongs and discord ) they continue still , t●at cou●se w●ich brings most grists unto their mil. if i would m●ke a libell , it should be by way of suit : f●r , i did never see a scurrilous rime or pamphlet , so compact o● sl●n●ers ( nor so cunningly derract ) as doe their than-lesse bils , and their replies , who seeke , th●t way , mens names to scandalize . they dare p●etend ( as if with warranty ) those things of which no probability was ever seene . for , thou●h they prove it no● , they kno● the very mention of a blot doth leave a sta●n● ; ●nd , that aspersions laid sup●osedly , are often so ●●nvaid , and so disperst ; a●d in disperting , will such new additions g●the● to th●m s●●ll ; that , at th● last ( althoug● most fal●e they were ) for t●uths , they told and heard , of ma●y , are . but , their i●tergatorie ▪ have a tricke beyond all other l●b●dings , to stick an infamy on any : for , in those , o●●ll which they will causl●sly suppose w●thin their bils ; they may the qu●st●on move , to whoms●ever t●ey preten●● sh●ll prove wh●t they object and , t●ough no p●oofe be broght , n●y , thoug● it never came within his thought , that is complai●'d a●ainst ▪ to doe or say those things which they object against him may : yet , he th●t is examined , or he that ●eads what matters question'd of him be ; suspects , perhaps , ( although he nothing knew con●erning them ) that ev'ry thing is true w●ich their intergat●ries doe imply . for , why thinks ●e ( that meaneth honestly ) should propositions of these things be made , if they no likelihood of being ●ad ? or w●o ( suppose●h he ) hath so abhord a mind , as to suggest , and on ●e●ord to leave aspersions ( o● deserving blame ) o● him , that no way merited the same ? yet , this is frequent : and this li●elling much profit to th●ir common wealth doth bring , who gaine by others losses . and , there 's none o● whom this mischiefe m●y not ●all upon . for ●ne example ●f suc● g●osse abuse , my selfe i can , and justly may , p●oduce . for , sitting lately in a roome alone , my owne occa●●ons meditating on : two men , who talking at the doore had bin , ( and , as appeared , knowing me within ) ma●e entrance and besought me both to heare , ( and witnesse ) what they had agreed on th●re . i heard them ; and , i purposed to do as they requi●ed , being call'd thereto . but , mark what ●ollow'd . twelve months after that th● one of these ( not well content with what his b●rgaine wa● ; and knowing , i alone cou'd re●tifi● wh●t they a●reed upon ) did i● this k●vish c●nn●ng wise project to make my wi●nesse take the lesse effect . forsooth , ●e m●k●s me pa●ty in the cause ; a pitifull complaining bill he drawes ; wherein his le●rned counsell did devise such combinations , and conspiraci●s , such plots , such pra●tices ▪ and such large tal●s , of premises , of bargai●i●gs ▪ of sales , and such like heathrish ●●uffe : and his pretence , was wo●ded out with so much impudence ; t●at , surely , whosoever came to see that peece o● ch●uncery , supposed me a very cheating rascall : or , tha● i ( at least ) was privy to some knavery ; whereas he knew , who then did so abuse me , i blamelesse was of w●at he did accuse me . yea , then so farre was i from any plot , or purpos'd wrong ; that i had quite forgot both man and ma●ter : and , but for his bill , had beene ( i thinke ) unmin●full of them sti●l . a wrong like this , if any please , he may inflict upon me ev'ry other day , with safe impunity . for , such as he , intituled am●●i curiae be : and , many thousand fees would quite be lost , were they ▪ in such like suits , to beare the cost . if i should here disclose what i have seene , the p●actice of some lawyers to have beene ; what cunning in convey●nces they use , how strangely their profession they abuse ▪ and what a glory to them●elves they take , wh●n they an evill cause to thrive can make : or , should i he●e character their delayes , their errors , their demurs , their many w●yes of hindring iustice ; their impertinent and costly ted●ous formes ; their impudent extorting from their clients doubl● fees ; for motions , which they willingly d●e leese : how they doe move by halfes ; how they mistake ( of purpose ) for themselves , new wo●k to make ; how oft their orders have by procrea●ion , made up , almost , the hundreth generation ; what double-tongu'd ●eports , for double fees , are gotten by cor●upted referrees ; ( who when the truth is plaine , can coine a doubt to bring againe the fals●st cause about ) how sense lesse of mens losses , griefes , or paine , they are in all things which concerne their game ; to what expences they their clients bring ; how they doe ride them in an endlesse ring , and prey upon them : or , if here i should disclose as evidently as i ●ould , how full of wicked bribes , their closets be ; what brutish cruelti●● mine eyes did see ; how many honest causes i have knowne , for want of prosecution , overthrowne ; because our tedious f●rmes of triall , stretch much further then the clients purse can reach . how many miles poore men are forc'd to come , for trifling suits , w●ich might have end at home ; but that our higher co●rts more seek encrease of t●eir base profits , then of blessed ●eace . sh●uld i relate , wi●h what strange tyrannies some officers their places exercise ; what par●iality they shew ; what pride ▪ how they insul● on men ; how they d●ride ; how big they speak ; how scur●ilous ●hey be , in taunting and reviling men more free from vice , then they themselves : or ▪ should i tell how little tendernesse doth seeme to dwell vvithin their bosomes , when they do oppresse the needy w●dow , and the fatherl●ss● : if all these things i should insist upon , and so describe them , as they might be done ; the wo●ld would know that all those injuries , for which the law appointeth remedies , are oft lesse grievous to the common weale , then most , w●o most pretend her sores to heale : and that as little help from them she sees , as when she sets her cats to keep her cheese . for , some of them are trusty in their kind , and so , some trusty lawy●rs she may find : yea , those ●here be , that in these evill dayes , like rubies mixt with peble● , send forth rayes of christian p●eties ; which do declare , that some remaine who yet an honor are to that prof●ssion ; and all those are free from being t●xt , or blamed here by me . the rest shall beare their shame ; for , they were bor● to be our plague ; and they shall be my scorne : their torments ●o afflict both night and day , an● there are few such tortu●ers as they . fo● , of those wrongs which we by them sust●ine , we scarcel● a●e pe●mitted to complaine . nor will this ●land better dayes be●old , so long as offices are boug●t and sold. nor shall i ever think that a●y one , much cares , what right or injury be done , that buyes or sels an office ; chiefly he , who chaffe●s that where seats of iudgement be . fo● order s●ke , to ●hese my knee i bend ; or , i to give them titles can descend , and ev'●y outward reverence ; that so the pla●e they beare , con●emne● may not grow : yet , nobler far he seemeth in mine eyes , who , by a due election , doth arise to be but heardma● in some country borrough , then all those lordlings who have passed thorough the greatest office● , by giving pay ; or by some other unapproved way . when mē were sou●ht , that office they might beat and had it gratis ▪ they such persons were , whose wo●t● , whose vertue● , and whose noblenesse , bro●gh● ho●or to t●e seats they did po●sesse . with faithfulnesse , their du●ies they discharged , no ancient fee unjustly was enlarged ; or n●w extorted ; neither did they take the poore mans money , when he mone did mak● : for , by an easie entrance they were able ( when need required ) to be charitable . their just expences , also , to provide ; and to sust●ine a comely port b●side . but , since men sought out offices ; and thought of their owne merits , better then they ough● , ( int●uding , without modesty , to sit vpon that seat , ●or which they were u●fit ) since men expe●ienced ( by serving long in some inferior places ) ha● such wrong , tha● ignorant impostors got possession o● what pertaines to them , by due su●cession : yea-since to sac●ed calling● men are chose by th●m , that should not of such ●hin●s dispose ; what can e're long expected be , u●lesse it be an overflow of barbarous●esse ? since each base fellow ( who , perhaps , by steal●h , by fraud , or by extortion , scrape●-up wealth ) may pu●cha●e , by his evill gotten pel●e , a place o● honor , to ens●once hims●lfe , and fortifie his wickednesse withall ; what hope of good proceedings follow shall ? since needy , worthlesse , base , & shamel●s grooms , may se●ue their persons into noble roomes , by meanes ignoble ; no man must exp●ct from such a cause , to draw a good effect ; or , that he honor gets , who in such times to any honorable title climbs . he'● but a theefe , that in at window comes ; the buyer sells , and sells ●or greater sums ; by bribery , he bribery defend● , of unjust mammon he do●h make him friends , to nourish pride ; or else to make up that , w●ereby possession of his pl●ce he gat ; without compassion , he doth grieve , oppresse , and rack the widow , and the fatherlesse : all places ▪ and all things t●at appertaine to ev'ry place , he put● to sale , for gaine : yea , most men of each other , now , m●ke sale : of th●ir owne liberties , of lives , and all . great offi●ers pretending to the gift 〈◊〉 some inferiour places , make a shift ●o save the giving , and , so dearly sell that their poore underlings they oft compell to serve without allowance ; or to raise their maint●nance , by some unlawfull wayes : vvhich they must co●ntenance ; or else contrive that others at such doing● may connive . vvhereby those places held disg●acefull be , vvhich , otherwi●e , from scandall , had bin free . vvhy then reproach we such with odious names , since they that are the author● of then shames , ( and those to whom base te●me● do appertaine ) are their great mast●rs , who make wicked gaine of what should ●reely be bestow'd on those to whom they ought such places to di●pose ? from them , and their corruption , doth arise the multitudes of base enormities that swarme among our petty officers . it is a sum ●f mony that prefe●s to ev'ry place ; and that makes knaves , and sharks , of sergeants , waiters , and of vnder-clarks . this maketh registers , in ev'ry court , and other ministers , so much extort : this makes them seek out knots , demurs , delayes , and practise many unapproved wayes , to make up that which ●oolishly they paid : yet , in the grave , thei● heads , perhaps , are laid ere halfe recover'd be : and oft their wives , ( vvhose portion bought those places for their lives ) are le●t , with many ch●ldren , to a lot vnpitied , as they others pitied not . for , many a one of these , although you see their wives and children in apparell be as costly as a lords ( that yea●ly may dispend as g●eat a sum , as these did pay for their new offices ) engaged are to vsurers , for twice the better share of ●heir large fines : and , sometime they undoe themselues , their kindred , and their neighbours too . hence comes it , that receivers , bailifes , reeves , and other such , are worse then common theeves ; and ●ack and pill so boldly ; and from hence it flowes , that few suppress their insolence : ev'n from their base corruption , who do thrive by such mens losse ; and not alone connive at their misdoings , but , oft patronize them , and from just censures an escape devise them . for they that else would furze and brambles burn● , will cherish them , where they may save their co●ne . thus , britaine , most of them have used thee , whose offices , by purchase , gotten be . these , and a multitude of other crimes , they cause , and act , and suffer in these times : and are so insolent in what they doe , that they dare practise , and defend it too , without remorse of mind , or seeming sense of being guilty of the least offence . nor come thy priests or prophets much behind the worst of these : but , passe them in their kind . for , though a learned clergy thou possessest , and ev'ry day in knowledge much increasest : although i do beleeve thou hast in thee those guides whose wayes are from reproofe as free as are the best on earth : yet , thou hast more that are perverted , now , then heretofore . of late , thou heaps of teach●rs gotten hast , resembling empty vapours , or a blast that breathes no comfort . what god never ment they publish fo●th ; and come e're they are sent . thy peoples hurts , t●ey cure with sugred speech ; w●●n there 's no peace at all , of peace they preach ; thou pu●bl●nd watchmen hast , and some that see , as blindly walke , as they that blindest be . dumb dog● thou hast , who spend their time in sleep ; and , some who barke , but to affright the sheepe . like hungry curres , some alwayes gurmandize ; yet nothing can their greedin●sse s●ffice . they follow their owne wills , and their owne waies they hunt for their owne profit , their owne praise . they tread the p●ths where common sinne●s wal●e ; amongst themselves , they most prophanely talk ; and , at the tavernes meet , and sit and ●will strong drinke , and wine ▪ untill their guts they fill . in taking gifts , and compassing promotion , they shew more zeale , and practice more devotion then in their holy callings . they delight in flatterie● ; and the fawningst parasite in all t●e cou●ts of europe , cannot prate more heathnishly , nor more ●nsinuate then some of th●m . the blessed sacraments and holy word , are us'd as inst●uments to compasse th●t , for them , which they projected ; and oft polluted are , and of● negl●cted . their sacred orders , are abus'd and made to serve them for an office , or a trade , to be in●iched by ; and to that end the preaching of the gospel , they intend . they come not ●y the doore into the fold ; things holy , they hav● often ●oug●t and sold ; conspiraci●s they m●ke in matters fowle ; they prey vpon the body and the soule ; and , fat and rich , and mighty to become , they daub and plaister with untemper'd ●ome . with lies , and faire pretences they beguile ; and violate the law of god , the while . his altars they prophane , they sla●ve his flocke ; they make religion but a mocking-flocke ; and , by examples horrible and vile , cause other men , gods temples to defile . there is no avarice which theirs exceeds ; no malice which a mischiefe sooner breeds : no pride so sutly as their clergy-pride , except among the beggers , when they ride . they , who but few yeares past , would h●lfe have broke thei● kindreds , to have purchas'd them a cloake ; and in poore threed bare cassocks sought to preach beneath an vnder-curate ; or to teach the chil●ren of some farmers , for their meat : and seem'd scarce worthy so much grace to get , vntill by counte●f●it humility , ( by fawni●g mixt with importunity , and g●lt with fained zeale ) they wr●ught on some ; to bring their wandring feet into their home . ev'n some of these , so well have acted out their part● , of seeming honest and devout ; that ( either like to micahs priest , by leaving their patrons ; and their hopefull trust dec●iving : or , some su●h likely wayes ) they have acquired a ●i●her st●tion , then th●y first desired . they have so quaintly humour'd , and so pleased t●● present times ; that , they have proudly s●ized supremest places : and , now , over peere their heads by whom , they fi●st a●vanced were . and v●ry profit●ble , sure it is , to heed them , since their met●mo●●●●s●s . for , if thou mark , how stately now they beare their lofty heads ; how insolent they are ; how pitilesse to suters they become ; with what contempt poore men be rated from their angry presence ; what imperious lords their docto●ships are grown ; what haughty words they thunder forth ; what antichristian state they take upon them ; how extreame ingrate and inhumane they prove ( ev'n unto those by whom , they from the dunghill first ●rose ) wer 't well observ'd how strangely they contemne their ancient friends ; and twixt themselves , & them , what distances they set ; or , to their kin how harsh and evill natur'd they have bin ; ( except to those , that having meanes to rise as well as they , their folly do despise . ) wer 't knowne , what selfe opinion they have got of their owne worths ; how they themselves besot with arrogance ; how peevish , and unquiet they be in their attendance , and their diet ; in small or trifling matters how severe ; in those which of the greatest moment are , how carelesse growne : how envious of the grace o● gifts bestow'd on those , in meaner place . were notice also taken , with what straine of p●ide and loftinesse , they entertaine their brethren of the clergy , when they are by any summons called to appeare ●efore th●ir lordships ; with what pope like phrase they seek to terrifie , and to amaze their humble suppliants , with what balde conceits t●ey v●nt their humors , that the crew which waits to claw and sooth such follyes , may begin ( in ●tead of some applause ) to fleere , and grin . how tar●ly they can chide , and raile , and play , and jest on those , who but the other day did equall them in tempr'all dign●ties ; and are more worthy , though less high they rise . were these things heeded , and some passages which name i could , as worthy note as th●se ; a man would har●ly think , that these had beene those priests , who but a while before were seene so be●gerly , and so expos'd to scorne ; but , that , they had ( at least ) beene prelates borne . none could have thought that these mē had bin they who lately did so bitterly invey against the pride episcopall ; and plained , to see themselves so sleighted , and disdained of their superiors : no man would ●ave thought these had bin poore mens children , who had nought to give them nurture ; or , that they , bereft of all their friends , were to the parish left . none would beleeve , almost , that any such should from so little , rise to have so mu●h in such a calling ; and so wo●thlesse be in their condition : for , it seemes to ●e , they little con●cience make of that prof●ssion , whereby they have those glories in possession : since then ( me thinks ) so ●ar they would not swerve from his pure word , whom they pretend to serve . oh! pray that god would mak● thos● watchmen see what blots and errors in their c●urses be . and , that , by good example they may teach , what they by word , unto the people preach : for , by their actions ▪ many overthrow the growth of that , which they themselves did sow . or by their failing , or their falling f●●m a christan zeale , make others cold ●ec●me . and , some of these are those , of whom christ sayes , we should embrace their words , but not their wayes . but , many a one will neither say nor doe , what we may follow , or give heed vnto . yea , we have now among us many a one , ( that could have spoken well ) whose voice is gone , by growing over fat with double cures : and pampring up themselves like epicures . how many doctors have we , who before they were advanced , from conditions poore , were glad and willing twice each sabbath day , to preach , and all the publike pray'rs to say ? yea , without any show of being weary , the sacraments to give ; to wed , to bury , and , often in the week , those works to do , which by their calling they were bound unto ? of those how many in these dayes are seene , th●t having to promotion raised beene , are well nigh silenc'd , now performing neither of all those duties , for whole months together ? of these , how many lately have i knowne , so proud ( or else perhaps so lazy growne ) to cast upon their hirelings all that care , and al that pains , which they themselves should bear ? vouchsafing not so much as once a day , ( though they are present ) publike pray'rs to say ; or preach ; or , of the dutie● to be done , to ease their curate , in performing one ? but ( sitting as meere strangers , or as he who thought such works , for him too meane to be ) take ease and state upon t●em ; more i wis , then either needfull or beseeming is . indeed ( when they are any way engaged by publike studies , weak , or sick , or aged ) sometime to ease themselves , deserves no blame : but having no excuse , it is their shame . how unbeseeming is it , to behold our doctors , who nor crazy are , nor old , nor any way disabled , save through sloth , or through their pride ( or else perchance through both ) to leave that charge to some inferior one , which is too worthy , to be undergone by him that 's worth'est , in respect of all those dignities , the world afford them shall ? why should the adding of a new degree , or la●ger meanes ( which no additions be to their essentiall wor●h ) make wise men seeme so highly praised , in their owne esteeme , as to debase that worke , for whose meere sake , gods mercy them so eminent did make ? for , if it were not so , why do they more neglect those duties now , then heretofore ? why , in performing them , respect they so the times , and persons , as we see they do ? at solemne feas●s , or in those places where most honorable personages are , why do they preach more often ? why baptize , and wed , and bury , where their living lies , the richer fort , and let the poore alone ; if what they do , for conscience sake be done ? ala● ! preferment , and the being rich , doth choak up vertues , and the mind bewitch , the daughter sleights the mother . for , devotion brought forth by painfull travell , faire promotion ; and lo , no sooner is preferment borne , but , proud she growes , and doth her mother scorne . they who d●d much sor little ; now , possessing a great abundance , do requite the blessing with doing lesse , in stead of doing more ; and , marre with pride , what paine did plant before . the greater favours we from god receive , the greater thankfulnesse we should conceive . yea , when that he advanceth us most high , we should expresse the more humility ; and think , that ev'n the meanest circumstances belonging to his holy ordinances , could not with reverence enough be done , when we have all our worthinesse put on . and , doubtlesse , when to god most high we raise our hands , in offring up his publike praise , the man ( in my opinion ) fitteth best that work ; who seemes more worthy then the rest . and , whosoever should that act eschew , ( except just cause within himselfe he knew ) i know ( how high soe're his place hath bin ) his calling is dishonored therein : or , if to be assistant he doth shun , when any priestly work is to be done , where he hath cure : for , into others roomes , to make intrusion , no man it becomes . god grant those men humility , and care , who otherwise , in this , affected are ; and show o●r clergie what uncomelinesse appeares in this . for , some herein transgresse by other mens examples ; and indeed , some other men , by want of taking heed of what they doe ; who having weigh'd the fact , will never put the same , againe , in act . lord waken these ; and , humble those , i pray , whom pride , or vanity have led astray . and oh ! ye house of levi , warning take ye ; lest god , for times to come , examples make ye , as he that clergie , your example made , whose monstrous pride , the age before you , had so great a fall . oh! minde it , and be more regardfull of your charge then heretofore : lest they that spight the churches dignities , ( and of her dowry seek to make a prize ) for your ambitious pride , occasion take , on gods inheritance , their pr●y to make . so will our clergie , which is yet respected , be scorn'd , become as poore , and as neglected , as in those countries , where their former pride hath made their calling to be vilifide . oh! leave , oh ! leave your haughtinesse betimes , your avarice , your envy , and those crimes , that are observ'd among you ; left for them god shake the wall of our ierusalem . for , heav'n and earth for me shall testifie , that this my muse in nothing doth belye . your manners ; but that you are mo●e then stain'd , with ev'ry fault whereof i have complain'd . and as it was their priests and prophets sin that brought the deluge of those troubles in , which overwhelm'd the iewish commonweale : so , if with us the lord severely deale , your sinnes and errors will enlarge the rent , through which the mortall arrow shall be sent , that deepest wounds . oh! god defend us from such judgements ; or , if thou be pleas'd they come , vpon our sinfull bodies strike the blow ; and keepe us from a spirituall overthrow . excuse me worthy prelats ; and all you whom god with la●ge preferments doth endue , and raise to honor , out of low degrees , because ingrafted in your hearts he sees such inward vertues , and such outward graces , as doe become your high and holy places ; excuse me if in ought deliver'd here , injurious to your worths i may appeare : for , not a line of these reproving straines , to you or any one of your pertaines ; nor need you cure , if any shall apply , these tart reproofes , to blur your callings by : because you know , that none are this way harmed , who are by true and reall vertues armed . because you also know , that some have shamed your pl●ces by such ●●imes as i have named . i know you will not frowne , though i did say , that some of christs disciples would betray their master to his foes . since this no more redounds to your disgrace , then heretofore it did to his apostles , that he said how he by one of them should be betraid . none taxe you shall , by meanes of this , but heady and hairebrain'd fooles , that are your foes already ; nor would i for the world unloose my tongue , to do the vertuous , or your calling wrong . let no man gather hence , my muse envies the clergie , or the reverend dignities to them pertaining ; or dislike to see great prelates raised up from low degr●e : for , them i honor most , who from a race of meane esteeme , have gain'd an honor'd place , by true desert . and ( might i be as able as willing ) i would make more honorable their holy callings ; and for ever close their greedy mouths , and bind the hands of those who speak , or act , what might infringe their due , who in those places good examples shew . i know , among our bishops , there are some , who make their outward honors to become a meanes to keep religion , and their calling , from being vilified , and from falling into contempt : of s●iles account th●y make not , for their owne glory : to themselves they take not their lordly attributes ; but to adorne their office , and to keep the same from scorne . some such there are : and for the sakes of such it is , that yet our clergie hath so much of that esteeme which our forefathers left them ; and that these greedy times have not bereft them of those endowments which were granted here when kings the churches nursing fathers were . from these reprooses , let such therefore be free ; and fall the blame on those that faulty be . but , as the shepherds have deserv'd the strokes of gods displeasu●e ; so their wanton flocks the same have merited ; and , blame there lyes on all conditions , and fraternities . i woul● not speake what might offend the throne of iustice ; or the king that fits thereon . from all taxation let him scape as free as he is innocent ; yea let him be vntouched : and , let ev'ry vertuous peere , be free from all , that shall be spoken here : for , i will ayme at none , but whom it shall become an honest muse to chide withall . in this , beleeve me readers . for , i pray forgive my bluntnesse . and i dare to say the court is fraught with bribery , with hate , with envie , lust , ambition , and debate ; with fawnings , with fantasticke imitation , with ●hamefull sloth , and base diffimulation . true vertue 's almost quite exiled ●hence , and vice with vice , for chiefe preheminence m●intaineth w●rs . the mo●t profuse excesse , and avarice , one bo●ome oft possesse : the greater pa●t are of a mushroome breed , spring up upon a sudden , without seed , or plant , or graft , and , often , in one day , ( yea som●time in a moment ) swept away . with lyes , they seeke their sover●igne to delight ; and act their impudences in his sight . they flay the people , an● their flesh they teare ev'n from the bones ; as doth a greedy beare . they cannot broo● the mention of their error ; they drive out of their mindes the day of ter●or . deep pits , to hide their mischiefes in , they m●ke ; and think th●t god no heed of them will take . they live upon the commons ; and yet grow more fat , then others in enclosures do and , that which followes t●eir encreasing pow'r , is but to be devoured , or devoure . their wealth consists of projects : their esteeme is that which they to one another seeme . their honors are bare titles ; and , that state which they themselves do fancy and create . their ze●le is wilfulnesse . their faith is such as reason breeds ; and , most times , not so much . their hope is something , but i know not what . their charity is nothing ; or else that which i should call selfe-love . their strength i● in opinion ▪ and in ablenesse to sin . their wisdome , and their policy , ( if we may guesse at things that undiscerned be ) is to resolve on nothi●g : so , the foe shall never compasse their designes to know . their courtesie ( if men will be content to think it may consist in complement ) is wondro●s great . their valour is in oaths . their greatest glory doth depend on cloaths ; in which they are so vaine , that ev'ry morne ( almost ) a new attire by some is worne , of sev'rall stuffes or fashions : and they dresse their bodies , with such tedious curiousnesse , and , such a multitude of hands there are to tr●m them ( and their trappings to prepare ) that halfe so many , of good workmen , may erect a house , e're they themselves aray . of honesty they scarce the name afford : for , should i terme one , there , an honest lord ; it might be thought as clownish , so to do , as it were fal●e , perhaps , to call him so . gods holy sabbaths , most among them , there , observe not much ; except it be to weare their finest clothes . the bus'nesses , that may , and should be done upon some other day , are then debated on , as frequently , as those affaires which by necessity are urg'd upon them . and , all sorts of men ( when they should serve their god ) are forced then to wait upon the world ; to whom god gave sixe dayes ; for ev'ry one which he should have . nor , thereby , many other mens unrests occasi●n they alone ; but , ev'n their beasts are then disquieted ; and cannot have that right , which both gods lawes , & natures , gave ▪ sometime , they to remove , that day , prepare ; yea ▪ then begun , sometimes ; removalls are ; and in the court , more carters , we may see employ'd that day , then through the kingdome be . on sun●ayes far more coaches rumble thither , then doe in some three other dayes together : and , seldome have they leisure for a play , o● maske , except upon gods holy-day . i doe not think we are obliged to a iewish sabbath , as great numbers do : but sure i am , from piety we swarve , vnlesse a christian-one we do observe . and , though to them no fault it may appeare , who on such evenings do but only heare or ( for their honest recreation ) view the action of some enterlude , or shew ; yet , needs it must be knowne , to some of these , that to prepare for such performances , to many persons must occasions be of sabb●th-bre●king in a high degree . in whom this fault most lyes , as yet , my muse descrieth not : bu● , sure i may excuse the king : and if but halfe ●o forward were those clergy men that have his royall ●are , to cause him such enormities to see ; as they are thought in other thing● to be which lesse concerne them ; he would soone fo●bid those customes ; and as nehemiah did , more hallow'd make the sabbath . nay if none o● them , whose wisdome he d●pendeth on , in this have mis-inform'd him ; he will prov● o●r nehemiah , and this fault remove , when he hath warm'd his thro●e : for we have hope that all our breaches he e're long shall stop . but leaving him , i 'le finish the repo●t which fits the greater number in the co●rt . religion they have some , but many care not i●●he●e the use or mention of it were not : some others have divided it betweene our gracious sov'raigne , and his royall queene ; and , till in one religion they agree , they stand resolv'd , that they will neuters be . oh! make betwixt them , lord , a blessed vnion , and , us partakers of thy blest communion . our cities are as wicked as the court ; of he● transgressions they come nothing short : but , rather passe them ; if a man might say that infinites admit exceeding may . and , london , thou thy sisters all hast passed , in all the faults , whereby they have transgressed : to thee alo●e , my speech i therefore bend , and will in ●hine their follies reprehend . i know that thou hast m●ny soules in th●e , who truly zealous of gods glory be : yea , thousands that by prayers and repenting , doe seeke thy peace , and labour the preventing of thy perdition ; and , though they indure scoffes , t●unts ▪ and injuries , from thy impure and faithless● children ●yea , though such as are thy shame , and m●rk● gods heavie wrath to beare , contemne and malice those , and use their pow'r those innocents to ruin● and devoure : yet , they are those who keep away gods wrath ; and for whose sakes be ●o long spar'd thee hath . they make that pl●asing number , who restraine those flames of sulphure , that consum'd the plaine which now the lake asphaltis overflowes . and when ( from out of thee ) god calls for those , thou feele it shalt ; and , not unlike become those asian churches , which departed from their ancient love ▪ and are the loathsome den of satyrs , faries , and of beasts uncleane . a place for zim , and iim ; a nest for owles , night ravens , vultures , and ill-boding fowles . and , then , in ev'ry house ( as heretofore , when popish-darknesse spred this kingdome o're ) men shall be frighted with strange dreadfull noises ; deformed visions , and hobgoblin voices . i know , good-works in ●hee are to be found ; and that , above the rest , thou dost abound in publike charities . i know thou hast all cities , in this kingdome , over-past in plentifully preaching of gods word ; and , that thou bountifully dost afford large voluntary pensions to that end . ( yea , somewhat else i might in thee commend . ) but , if thou take a note of thy transgr●ssions ▪ if thou at thy assises , at thy sessions , or , at thy other courts , observe , or heare , how many horrid crimes detected are ; how many filthy and abhorred things , god there discloses , and to iudgement brings ; and if thou think , withall , how many m●● committed are , which few do come to know . or heededst thou how few , and worthlesse , all those works appeare , which thou dost vertues call ▪ what would they seeme , compared to thy sin ? or to those favours , which have heaped bin , by god , upon thee ? doth he owe thee ought , or hast thou done him services for nought ? oh! london , hath he not advanced thee the mistris , and the soveraigne to be of all the townes , and cities of this i le ? hath he not rais'd thee many a goodly pile ? art not thou plac'd above , and they below ? continuing blessings doth he not bestow ? and many priviledges , yet , deny'd to all the burroughs of the land beside ? behold , thou hast the principallest trade , and all their merchants are thy chapmen made : thou art the royall chamber of the king ; whose residence doth wealth and honor bring to magnifie thy greatnesse . kept in thee his parliaments , and courts of iustice be . among the famoust cities under heaven , god hath to few a situation given for pleasure , health , and profit , well united , to thee compar'd ▪ yea , god did seeme delighted in thee to make his dwelling ( ev'n among thy temples ) by maintaining here so long his harbengers , and ledgers , to provide fit mansions , for his graces to reside . thy god , to be thy hu●band , thou hast had ; and , wer 't by him a fruitfull mother made , so plenti●ull in child●en ; that , they play like swarmes of bees , about their hives , in may. no place in europe , hath been so supply'd with soule and bodies food ; or , fortifi'd by garisons , forts , bulwarks , and munition , as thou art hitherto ( by gods tuition ) without such charge or trouble . and the day will come , wherein , if any man shal● say what peace thou hadst ; and , in what plenty ●ere thy children lived ( without want or feare ) it will not be beleeved , that a nation so blest , could suffer such an alteration . for , as ( by seas ) from ev'ry other part of earths vast circuit , thou enclosed art : so , from the sudden comming of invasions , and from the many troubles and occasions of wars and wants , which in the world , we see ; divided , also , these doe seeme to be . such is thy blest condition ; and , although thou hast , about thee , of all things enough , that may thy pleasure , or thy need suffice ; yet , all the dainties and the rarities , the world affords , are yearely hither sent , from ev'ry quarter , of earths continent . oyles , wines , and fruits , that good & pleasant are , swimme hither through the straights of gibraltar . cold norway , ( or the parts adjoyning ) g●eets thy river with materialls for thy fleets . america doth oft renew thy store with suger , drugs , with gold and silver ore ; with ambergreece ; with woods that sweetly smell ; and other things , that please thy ●ancy well . ormus , with pearle thy beauties doth adorne , the silkes of persia , in thy st●eets are worne . from divers parts of africa , ( and from cham's linage there ) white ivorie doth come ; and apes and fe●thers . china , where they printed , and used guns , ere we those arts invented , ( if fryers be not lyers ) doth impart the f●uits of their inventions , and their art , to thy inhabitants . ra●e stones o● price , sweet smelling gummes , and odoriferous spice , are broug●t unto thee ma●y thousand miles ; ev'n from ●he easterne indies , and their iles. this shewes gods bounty : and of his compassion thou lately hadst , ( ev'n by thy preservation , in thy g●eat plagues remove ; and by his pitty vouchs●fed otherwaies , unto thy city ) such evidence : that all men may confesse he did respect thee , with much tendernesse . what should i mention more , since , to recount god● benefits would doubtlessly amount to many volumes ? and sure none is able to number that which is ina●merable ? this may suffice ( for this time ) to expresse his bounty , and thy great unthankfulnesse . for , what h●st thou returned him , ●or these . and all those ●lessings , which his love doth please to showre upon thee ? what hast thou repay'd for all the charges which he hath defraid , ( in fencing , planting , and manuring thee ) that worthy , such a husbandman , may be ? thou hast faire-seeming grapes , i must confesse , but , they are sowre , and full of rottennesse . thou mak'st great sh●w of charitable works ; but , that hypocrisie within them lurks , which marrs their acceptation . thou hast built some churches ; yet , art tainted by the guilt of sacriledge : and , those thy gifts that eary the pioust showes have ●earce beene voluntary . great numbers , in thy hospitalls are fed , and lodg'd , and cured : but , the men are dead who founded them ; and few doe bring supply to such good works , till they are sick , or dye . thou entertainest proachers , but they must speake pleasing things ; or else away are thrust . thou hast of pastors , some who shewes do make of so much conscience , that they will forsake their livings rather then it shall be said they le weare a surplesse : yet , some are afraid , that most of these , doe cunningly conceale much pride or avario● beneath their zeale , and that their suff●ing of a silencing , doth much more liberty or profit bring , then two good pers●nages : and that , thereby , good meaning folke are brought to beggery . thou hast redeem'd some captives ; but , it was with sparingnesse , and hardly brought to passe . thou plantest colonies ; but , thou dost dra●ne the nourishment away , that should maintaine and settle them . god grant some be not gl●d to flye ( for this ) to them , that should have had more helpe from thee , and in farre countri●s peris● , because those plants they did no better nourish . much know thy people ; but ( alas ) they do as if good life belong'd not thereunto . strict gospellers thou hast , that can professe religion , with much for●all holinesse : but they , like zodoms apples , prove within as loathsome , as their ou●sides ●aire have bin . yea , they ( against their brethren ) oft are found in hate , and pois'nous malice to abound . good orders , lawes , and customes thou hast many ; but , very seldome exercisest any , except for private gaine ; or to acquire some vengeance , which thou dost , perhaps desire . thou hast judiciall courts , wherein i ( heeding their lawes ) saw promises of just proceeding : but , marking well their formes , they seemed , rather , devices for thine officers , to gather rich fortunes by ; then to afford redresse for those , whom their oppressors doe oppresse . thou hast a magistracy , to maintaine the peace of honest men ; and , to restraine the rage of wickednesse : but , loe ; ev'n some of those are patrons of mis-rule become ; disturbing quiet men , and thriving by befriending sin ; else i have heard a lye . yea , some are famed , to encrease their living , by cunning rig●ur , mixed with conniving : deceiving honest people , by strict shewes of punishing of those whom they excuse . for when by doing iustice they compell a wicked man beyond their bounds to dwell , ( some thi●k ) their griefe , and losse , it doth augment , as much as losing of a tenement . thou hast correction-houses ; but , thou mende●t not many , whom to chasten thou p●etendest : for , thither they are oftner ●ent to ease thee of them , or of their pilfrings , which disease thee ; then out of christian purposes , to force such vagrant people to a better course : and , therefore are thy suburbs pestred now , with beggers ; yea , for that , so large doth g●ow the number of thy vagrant rogues , and cheaters , that they begin to imitate their betters , in government , and method : and , are growne to have both lawes , and language , of ●heir owne . thy children yeeld some good conformity to rules and precepts of morality : but , most observe good orders , to enjoy their owne state safe , and to prevent annoy that might be●ide themselves ; much ●ather , then in true obedience unto god , or men . within thy corporation , i likewise have notice taken of societies , which be●re a goodly shew of ordering thy sev'rall trades : and i in many a thing theire use commend : yet , some of them , to me , grosse monopolies , doe appeare to be . which do in secret , with some open shewes of publike good , the publike weale abuse . nor would it be a●isse , if some things were m●re free , which by their meanes restrained are : or if the state would better looke unto those injuries , which many of them do . fo● , when these bodies politick oppresse , their pow'r doth make the wrong without redresse ▪ their purses , and continuance , may o'rebea●e the righ●full'st cause ( if so they pleased are ) the friends , and oft , the very noise they 'll make , ( because a multitude ) much hold doth take for their advantages ; although the cause be both against good consci●nce , and the lawes . nay , should the common●weal●h her s●lfe , oppose these corporations , for some wrong that flowes from their proceedings ; it would scarce obtaine that pow'r which could these petty-weales restraine . for , having gaine or losse , accrewing by their claime , which doth concern thē , far more nigh , then that , oft seemes to touch those men , who stand to take the kingdomes gen'rall cause in hand , it makes them t● pursue it , more then they ; more patrons to procure , more bribes to pay ; and , at the last , to conquer ▪ by that course , which makes the better cause to seeme the worse . this brings to mind same wrongs that i have had , and what a●count of honest suits is made , if once a greedy foolish multitude vpon the right of any doth intrude . but , left by thinking on it , mixe i may my private harmes , with what i meant to say for publike ends : here breathe i will a space , vntill my present thoughts i can displace . forgive me , lord , if i have guilty beene in this my worke , of any private spleene . my musings h●llow thou ; confirme thy love : infuse me with thy spirit from above , with better things then flesh and blood discernes ; inspire me with each ve●tue which concernes the finishing of what i undertake : make profitable all that i shall speake . and , to thy name some honor let it be , although it should both shame and ruine me . the seventh canto . first , of himsel●e he somewhat speakes : then , of the cities errors , makes a larger scrowle , and , therewith●ll inserts abuses generall . he sh●wes ( by reason of her sin ) what misery this land is in ; what ill successe , and what dishonor , is , for her follies , come upon her , in forraigne parts , and here at home : how senselesse , also , she 's become : what sev'rall wayes against this land , god hath of late stretcht out his hand . and , how the blame for what 's amisse , from one to th'o●her shift●d is . by many symptomes , he declares how sicke this commonweale appeares ; disputes ●he late distemper bred , be●wixt the body and the head : and layes the blame , whe●e lye i● should ; yet , therein , proves not over-bold . t●en aymes he at some imperfections in burgesses , and their election● ; and , briefly pointeth at the way by which our cure effect we may . when i ( whose lawfully emboldned muse the faults and errors of her time pursues ) have by some slips , or frailties of mine owne , alaid that flame , which gods good sp'rit hath blown ; or when such heat within me , waxeth lesse by fainting , through a nat'rall wea●inesse ; or , by that willing , or constrained pause , whereof my friends , or bu●●nesses , are cause : at such a time , when i perusall m●ke of these beginnings ; and , strict notice take what here is dared ; i oft find , as then , such feares in me , as move in other men . and , being flesh and blood , as fraile as they , i stagger in my best approved way . e're i thus farre proceeded , i was tyr'd , ev'n in this present worke ( although inspir'd with all that zeale thereto , which you may see in some fore-going leaves , exprest by me ) my heart was oft assail'd ; and i , almost , my best confirmed resolutions lost . yea , twice , at least , since i this taske assaid , it hath by false suggestions beene delaid : and , many painfull strivings are within me , when from this worke , temptation fights to win me . lord ! ( thinks my heart ) somtimes , what means my soule to make me in this desp'rate wise controule those carelesse times ? have i done well or no , with nests of angry waspes to meddle so ? hath he , or wit , or common sense , that stirs , a f●oward beare ? or playes with testy curs ? will any think me capable of reason , thus bold to be at such a dangerous season ? nay , will not all account me mad to vent such lines as these ? adventuring to be shent , and be undone , perhaps , to no more end , then that whereto my labor seemes to tend ? doe i conceive the times , or manners , be amended ought , by what is said by me ? am i , that have , my selfe , unwisely done , a fitting man , to hurle this heavy stone at other sinners ? what may many say , but that in this i raile , or else doe play the witlesse furie ? it hath brought me losse , ( thinke i ) already ; and will surely crosse the setling those affaires of mine , which are nigh rip'ned , with much paine , expence , and care . and then the world , and my necessities , begin to tempt me , by such fallacies , that i halfe yeeld . how wilt thou live , or pay where thou engaged art ? they seeme to say . by what , or whence , thy wants wilt thou supply , if thou for this imprisoned shouldst lye , divided from thy friend● ? or , on the bed of sicknesse , shouldst by god be visited ? nay , though thou nothing wantest ; yet thou ha●t so universally thy censure past , on all offenders , ( and it will so vexe in private , and so openly perplex great multitudes , so many sev'r●ll wayes ) that , it will make thee hated , all thy dayes . where dost thou live , or whi●her canst thou goe , but there thou art assured of a foe ? the city , and the court , thou hast controld , with commons , and with nobles thou art bold ; vnconscionable lawyers here are checkt . thou dost some faults of clergy-men detect , with so much evidence , that be thou sure of all the mischiefe which they can procure ; and that , not one of them thy friend will be who from those imputations is not free . all they that are notoriously , transgressors , all schismaticks , and all our false professors will bitterly oppose thee . and no spight is like the malice of an hypocrite . in briefe ( excepting those that are sincere in life and doctrine ) no man will appeare as thy partakers : and , what are those ●ew . to that great army , which will thee pursue ? if this deject me not , another thought is by another way upon me brought● it whispers to me , that these li●es will wake de●raction ; and that she revenge will take , for interrupting and reprouing sinne , that in security would faine have bin . nor , is that now unpractiz'd : for , there be a world of dogges already ba●ting me . hypocrisie ▪ and envy doe combine , with guil●y malice , how to undermine my good repute , ( that by a dis-respect of me , my words may take the lesse effect ) they compasse me about , they watch my wayes , and marke my speeches ( as good david sayes ) that if but sparkes of error , they can see , they blow them may , till flames they seeme to be . let but a foolish word , slip out among my c●mmon t●lkings , ( for alas ' whose tongue doth never erre ▪ ) they straight to censure take it , and , such a piece of wickednesse they make it ; that , should on them a judgement ●o severe from god be past ( or by the world ) i feare it would so heavy on their pe●sons come ; that they would think the same a cruell doome . if they but see me doe what they suppose may tend to folly , ( though my maker knowes the deed suspected , is as far from fin , as that which i am best employed in ) they instantly a rash conclusion draw ; and speake their dreame , as well as what they saw . they fancy in their owne corrupted thought , what may at such a time , or place , be wrought , by evill minded folks : and , thereupon , conclude the very same by me was done . then they ●elate it : and though nought were seene which might indeed a likelihood have beene of such an act ; they , by themselves devise to fashion out faire probabili●ies of what they speake : and , by the devils aid , acts innocent , sometimes are so betray'd ; so mis reported by the spight o● those whose wickednesse , perhaps , i did oppose ▪ yea , blamelesse circumstances , otherwhile , are so mistaken ; and do so beguile with shewes of proving and confirming , that which was conceived by prejudicate and false opinion ; that , it makes them ●old , to think their fained slander may be told , with good beleefe : then to divulge about their lyes ( of me ) they search companions out . and as they are of sundry minds who raise such scandals ; so , they vent them divers wayes . if of the sort they be , whose open sin , hath in my poems reprehended bin ; or such as they , who dai●y guilty be of doing that , wherewith they flander me : then , in despight , or to extenuate their owne offences ; thus , of me they prate . this man ( say they ) that strips & whips the times and , doth so thunder in his rayling rymes , ( against the faults of others ) is no lesse ingul●ed in the sinck of wickednesse then he that 's worst . his dalilah hath he , and his beloved sinnes , as well as we . he such a place frequenteth ; he hath beene met there , and there : him , we have daily seene with such or such a one , at such a season : doe so , and so ; for which we know no reason : thus he is thought to be , and thus to doe : yea , some of them will impudently to , affirme they saw , what they but misconceived ; if they doe find their slanders vnbeleeved . and when they speake such things , they neither care to whom , nor when , nor yet how false they are . if they be such who meerely out of spight , or envy , to disparage me , delight ; ( as doe some poetasters ) they forbeare to speake downeright ( because they doe not dare ) and utter parables . they , knavishly , their f●lshoods to some truths , doe closely ty , to get beleefe . things proper unto me , they mixe with attributes that cannot be to me apply'd , that so they may evade , when question of their purposes is made . they speake but halfe their matter out ; and leave the rest , for those that heare them to conceive what they shall please : but , first disclose they will enough to make their best coniectures ill . with words ironicall , they doe revile me : the valiant poet , they in scorne doe stile me . the chronomastix ; and when taxt they are that me they meant , their meanings they forswea● . when these applauded wits , have at the po● some novice , or some new admirer got of their strong-lines ( which warmed by the heat , of sack , or claret , they , perhaps repeat ) t were worth your sight , to see how soone the fire of bacchus , their large braine pans doth inspire . with mimmick straines : and how they shuffle i● selfe-praises ; and how grossely they begin occasions , that they may enthrall your eare with some new-pe●ee of theirs , which you shall heare perforce ; yet heare it with so much adoe , that you must thinke you have a fauour to . for with as many tedious circumstances as doth some capring foole before he dances , ( or singer , which must tyred be with wooing , to doe what willingly , he would be doing ) they doe begin to read , or to rehearse some fragments of their new created verse , with such a gesture , and in such a tone , as if great tamberlaine upon his thro●e , were utt'ring a majesticall oration , to strike his hearers dead with admiration . which oft so works upon their auditory , that , to the great aduancement of their glory , they lade them with applauses , and with drinke till they themselves ▪ the kings of poets thinke . to which opinion , when once rais'd they be , then shall t●e draw●● , or the tapster see their nat'rall humor , which ( if true some say ) is better worthy seeing , then a play. among the rest , 't is odds , but e're they goe , the poets must be summon'd in a row to bide their drunken censure ; which doth shame those few they praise , much more then those they blame . among the rest , it chanceth , some by-stander by naming me their catalogue doth slander . if then a man of fashion he appeare , who undertakes my name to mention there , the man ( say these ) may passe ; but , such as he ( by us ) no poets are esteem'd to be . a haz the way of making pretty rimes , to fit the apprehension of the times ; and , him for that , the multitude doth favour : but , in his lines , there is but little savour of reading , or antiquity . thus far they go , if they perceive their hearers are indifferently affected . and if they do find them jealous of my fame , they 'll say , most fawningly , sometime those wo●ds of me ( in way of praise ) that i should blush to be within their hearing . yet , they 'll interpose some jestings , now and then ; or , in the close , induce , by way of merriment , some cause to bring their good opinions to a pause . affirming , that though drunkard i am none , yet , i reputed am a wanton-one : by some such way their ●pleen they 'll satisfie . but , if no friend of mine appeareth by , so freely , then , they vomit all their gall , that they scarce make me any thing at all . and some , who neither knew them well , nor me , have thought me baser then the basest be . some others , by their malice , thought i had some worth in me , which them so envious made ; and came to know me ; and when me they knew , they told me this , which i have told to you . some other , shew at large , they wish my shame , but to their libels will not set their name , for feare of danger . and though such can gaine no prudent man ( at first ) to entertaine their fatherlesse reports : yet , sure they are , the world hath knaves and fooles enow , to heare the falsest tales ; and that , when far they go , the best suspect , and oft beleeve them too . there be some other , who ( out of a light vaine hum●ur ) love to heare , and to recite mens personall defects ( without intent of doing right or wrong in what they vent ) they speak at randome , whatsoe're is new , not much regarding whether false or true ; and , do but serve to beare the tale about , and blow the fire , which else would smother ou● . there is another brood of these detractors , who in traducing me , are common actors : and , they are such who cunningly conceale their hate and envy with a holy zeale : they , whose religion , and whose honest●es consist in judging those infirmities that are in others . if these men espy some little atomes in their brothers eye ▪ they straight as busily do heave at them , as if the smallest were a mighty beame . their lying suppositions must be took for verities ; or ●lse they will not brook a word you speak : nay ( if you do misdoubt their ●ensures ) from the church they thrust you out . they charity pretend ; and , though they are well pleas'd when they have something to declare vvhich may disgrace another , they will seeme , to have his reputation in esteeme . as loth to speake ; they 'le bring it round about ; and thus ( or some such way ) divulge it out . now verily it gri●ves our very hearts , the man whom god hath blessed with such parts , should walke in such unsancti●●ed wayes . and then , they white me over with some prayse to make the spots the blacker which they meane to spirt upon me , from their mouths uncleane . and though those tales they build their censures on vvere first receiv'd from some such wicked one vvhom they in other matters doe distrust , yet is their criticisme so unjust , that in disgracing me , their words they le take ▪ and , ●lso , of themselves , conjectures make to justifie their scandal● ; that they may the su●er be , their staines on me to lay . thus by the seeming sanctity of those , my good intention ( in these poems ) growe● more frustrate , then by all the rage of them ▪ vvho , with an open impudence , contemne my best designes . these , strike me deeper than the wounds of twenty thousand others can : ye● , by their meanes the w●rke th●t i have wrought ( vvith such a minde , as th●t it might have brought more good repute , then many others get ) serves but to make me seeme a counterfeit : yea , all my doings which are most upright they judge as actions of an hyp●crite , vvhich is the worst of sinners . and in this ▪ if they have plac't their bitter doomes amisse , vvhat sinne is theirs ? or , when can greater wrong , be done at any , live he nev'r so long ? thou knowst oh ! god ( for thou all hearts dost know ) that though through frailty , of● astray i goe ; and , otherwhile may tread that doubtfull path of which the world a wrong opinion hath ; that neither i allow of any sinne vvithi● my selfe , nor would continue in the ●mallest error , if i knew the same . thou knowst that what hath caus'd my greatest blame among some censurers ; is that by which i am indeed , become most truly rich : and that it also maketh me reforme my wayes the better ; and those workes performe to which thou callest , with fa●re greater ease . and i am likewise hopefull , thou wilt please to blesse my cou●ses . for , thou lord hast knowne ▪ ( in that rough track , through which my feet have gone : ) how griev'd i am , when i misled have been , or in my actions , if ought hath beene se●ne of●ensive unto others thou dost view my path ; and with what mind i doe pu●sue the way i goe ▪ thou knowest lord , that i have oft refrain'd the christian liberty i might have tooke ; left many that are weake might of my lawfull freedome , evill speake . thou knowest this ; and i am certain to th●t pleases thee which in thy feare , i doe . by these , and such like mischiefes which i see this wicked wo●ld hath power to bring on me , i oft wax doubtfull ; and sometime i shrinke ev'n from those just im●loyments , which i thinke god calls me to and then i halfe desire i might into obscurity retire from whence i came ; and be discharged quite from this great warfare , wherein , yet , i fight . for , many heavy waights on me are thrown by these engagements ( to the world unknown ) yea private combats there are fought in me , so many , and so dangerous they be , that oft my hopes are almost driven from me , and , dull despaire would surely overcome me , were god not alwayes ready to defend me , and , as mine faileth , his own pow'r to lend me ▪ but , when my selfe o'recharged i do find ; when flesh and blood begin to shrink behind ; and when i see my foes have mustred all their force against me : i start up , and call a better ayd then mine own vertue gives me ; and , by his holy spirit , god relieves me : he makes me strong , in each good undertaking ; a●d answers all the doubts my heart is making , in ●his , and all good purposes , whereby i have been hopefull him to glorifie . he warrants me i have no cause to feare these lines the fruits of thoughts distempred are , though some shall judge them such ; since he whose mouth doth speak the words of sobernes and truth , may seem to those , who thought judicious are , as mad , as paul , to festus , did appeare . he hath assured me , i cannot run this honest way , a course to be undone . he doth perswade me , that if i grow poore by doing well ; my wealth shall be the more . he sayes , that if his glory i have sought , ( and for no wicked purpose closely wrought ) i shall no mischiefe , nor displeasure have ; nor any losse , by which i shall not save . he makes me ce●taine that my former paine , and this endeavor , some effect shall gaine ; although it compasse not that reformation , which i desire to see in this our nation . for though their present evills be not staid from growing worse , by that which i have said ; it shall to other times a warning give , and aggravate their faults who now do live ; if , having such a plaine remembrancer , their ( called for ) repentance they defer . he bids me know , that though i am not sainted , so much , as of all sin to live untainted , yet ▪ to oppose each vice , as i am able , ( in word and deed ) it will be warrantable ; and , that , to strike at sin , t' will all become , though persons may be touched but of some . he tells me , that ( although the world shall please to terme it railing , when such messages are utt●ed forth ) it cannot bring me shame , to call g●osse sinners by their proper name ; and , that gods blessed saints have done as much , who aid the fol●ies of their ages tou●h . he wills me that on him i should depend ; and , not distrust that while he me doth s●nd about his bus●nesse , he will suffer mine to be unprosperous , or my soule to pine . since unto him that for his glory strives , the promise of all needfull things he gives . he strengthens me , and gives me satisfaction against all envie , malice , or detraction : sayes , that a guiltlesse conscience needs not care how bitter or foule ▪ mouthed others are : perswades me , that if my repute be needfull to honor him ; he will , himselfe , be heedfull to keepe it faire : else , glorifi● his name the more , perhaps , by bringing me to shame . and , so the name of god i glorifie , i pleased am , though i have infamy . by these , and many other such like things which god ( i trust ) to my remembrance brings , my fainting soule is cheered , when she droupes ; these , raise againe my courage when it stoupes : and though illusions these appeare , to some , yet , to approve of them a tim● will come ; and , when that day of tryall , on shall draw , ( which i attend for , both with joy and awe ) it shall be knowne , whose heart was most upright ▪ or mine , or theirs , that in my harme delight : for , then their iustice which a vaile yet weares . will shine like phoebus when no cloud appeares . thereof ( just now ) i have an earnest given : these musings drew it ( for me ) downe frō heaven : i feele them warme my heart , and fetch againe my chilled blood , to run in ev'ry veine . they rouze my spirits , and my drouping soule they so revive , that now i could controll an hoast of kings . for , now ( ju●t now ) the glowing , of their kind ●eat , i find more strongly growing : iust now i feele in me their operation , to urge me forward to the consummation of what my fo●mer canto's have beg●n : and , go● assi●ting that shall no● be done to thee oh london , i directed last my just reproofe ; and i will back●a●d cast an eye on thee againe : for , off i brake my speech before my mind i fully spake . i have not vented yet , what i could say of many sinnes abounding at this day ; as , thy intemp'rancy , and thy excesse in food and rayment , thy loose drunkenesse ; thy multitudes of beggers , which encrease for want of orders , in thy times of peace . thy sloth , lust , avarice , and all that rabble of vices , and of things abominable which in each corner of thy streets appeare , as if they justly tollerated were . i toucht not thy corrupted officers , i have not mentioned thy senators , nor have i showne as yet what scandall growes to thee , and unto thine , by some of those ; how partiall , nor how ignorant they be , how prejudiciall many times to thee , and to thy publike weale , for private gaine ▪ how cowardly thy customes they maintaine ▪ how ●eadily thy freedomes they betray ( if their promotions , it ought further may , or spare their purses ) this , i have not showne , for , what belongs thereto , is better knowne to others then to me . yet , much hath beene of them reported ; and i much have seene of their condition , which deserveth blam● ▪ nor doe i greatly wonder at the same ▪ but i , much rather marvell that in thee so many prudent senators there be ; since , very few of all thy double dozen for courage , wit or honesty are chosen . wealth makes an alderman ( however got ) if he be pleased to accept the lot. in hope to gaine his fine , thou wilt adventer to let the most ignoble fellow enter that is but rich ; and worthy men forgoe , who to thy government , might ho●or doe . thou seldome carest how he did become so●●ch , if he but harrow up the sum th●t makes him capable of such a place ; nor heedest thou , a jot , how base he was . no honest occupations i contemne , nor their professors ; but i honor them , though of the lowest order ; if i find they have not lost the vertues of the mind , in those meane callings ; and , have sought as much in knowledge , as in mony , to be rich : yea , those ( when from poore fortunes they ascend , to wealth ) to honor also i commend . but , is it possible , that man whose minde to serve his mammon only , was enclin'd ; or is it possible , the man that had by birth and breeding , nothing but a trade to get experience by ; ( and , that perchance ●ome handicraft , which furthers ignorance in usefull knowledge ) or , that they who scrape and scratch together an unweildy heape of needlesse riches , by penurious fare ; by sparing●esse , in what they should not spare : or , which is worse , by cruellest extortion ; by robbing others of their lawfull portion , by rapine , guile , and such impieties ; is 't possible ( i say ) when these m●n rise to weare thy skarlet-robe ; that they will be or honor , or advantage unto thee ? if those black aeth●ops , if those leopards , change their spots , or colour , i shall think it strange : if ever they regard what weights be throwne vpon thy back , so they may ease their owne : or for thine honor stand ( who have no sense of any thing ▪ but saving , and expence ) i shall beleve that wolves will tend our sheep , and greedy kites , young chickens harmlesse keep . i might have mention made of that report which is divulged of thy orphanes court : of those perpetuall iurors , which for pay attend judiciall trials day by day : of those ingrossers who thy trades abuse ; of those who make thy freedomes and thy dues a dammage to thee : and of other some , who other wayes injurious are become , i might have spoke ; and would ; but that i hear● they do already sound in ev'ry eare . truth is , the spreading leprosie of sin , into thy very wals have eaten in , and will not thence be scraped out ( i feare ) as long as there be stones , or morter there . thy vineyard brings not forth wilde grapes alone , in lieu of all thy god bestow'd thereon ; but , also , of it selfe prevents his curse , and hath produced what is ten times worse : thornes , bryers , nettles , hemlock , and such weeds as choke all pleasant plants , and fruitfull seeds . no place , no person , calling , nor degree , nor sex , nor age , is from corruption free . within thy chambers lodgeth wantonnesse ; vpon thy boards is heaped all excesse : with vomitings , they oft o'reflowed are ; and , from uncleannesses no roome is cleare . thy hals are daily filled with a rable that stand and sweare about a shove-groat table . within thy parlours , i can little see , but visiting of mistris-idle-be . within thy wardrobes , pride layes up her store ▪ vpon thy couches , sloth dot● lye and snore . within thy pleading-courts , are shameles railings , and , of upright proceeding , many failings . thy churches ( be it spoke without offence ) are full of rudenesse , and irreverence . thou usest in thy shops●alse ●alse weights and lying ; vnpitied at thy dores , the poore a●e crying . within thy closs●ts , mischiefes are invented ; thy theaters a●e usu●lly frequented wit● perso●s dissolute : disparag'd are sometimes , the most de●erving actions , there . there , see you may uncomely p●esentations , and often heare unchristian p●ophanations . yea , ev'●y corne● , ev'ry street , and p●th an overf●●w of sinne , and folly hath . am●ng thy feasts , are surfetting● uncleane ; vaine curiosities , and songs obsceane . thy merry m●etings the procurers be of most disor●ers that are found in thee : there , lawlesse games are used ; there , are broched vile sl●nders ; and , good men are there reproched . there , they that a●e not good , are oft made worse by lewd examples ▪ or prophane discourse . and , few contentions have occasion'd bin , but , at such meetings , they did first beg●n . thy aged-folke are froward , avaritious , selfe willed , and imprudently ambitious . the yonger fort , are ●eadstro●g , rash , and haughty , thy children are forgetfull of their duty . the men imperiously their power abuse , and counsell from their helpers doe refuse . thy women ▪ too much dote on vaine attire● , and are incon●tant in their owne desires . the magistrates doe bad examples give , and , as men borne but for themselves they live . of persons , they retaine too much respect : their places , for their credits , they affect ( o● for their gaine ) but n●t for conscience sake ▪ inferior officers , doe also take the selfe-same courses : and ( in what they doe ) are parti●ll , cruell and unfaithfull to . few single-persons live in chastity ; in mariage , there is much disloyalty . perpe●uall suites , and quarrels i doe see among those neig●bour● , that sh●●●d loving be : no malice is like that which i have knowne , twixt brothers , when dissention hath beene sowne . their p●actices , who friend●hip doe p●ofesse ( in my op●nion ) promise nothing lesse : for , all their form all kindnesse , oft is spent in visitings , and fruitlesse complement . and , all t●ey seeke ( for ought that i perceive ) is , how they one another may deceive in friendly terme● ; or , how to doe as they who act the parts o● friendship in a play. thy richmen , doe idolatry commit with m●mmon , and gods benefi●s fo●get . am●ng the poore are many wicked t●ings ; impaciency , ungodly murmurings , theft , scolding fightings , cursings , taleing , lies ; and though they live by others charities , n● people will pursue each other so with malice and d●spig●t as they will doe . at d●ores and windowes , strumpets impudent d●e si● ; and wanton gestures there invent to woo , by their allu●ìng provocations , vaine men to drinke their cup of fo●ni●ations . t●y suburbs , are the coverts , and the den w●●rein are sh●ltred many beasts uncleane . thy tavernes , are the places where most soule and hainous things are done , without controule . there ▪ d●ink they healths , till health is drunk away ; and , nought ashamed are to let the day be w●●nesse of their drunken vomitings , brawles , ●eelings , ravings , and such brutish things : nay , to consume the day in drunkennesse , a●d all the night , is nothing now , unlesse t●e hoboyes , cornets , drum and trumpet sound , to tell the neighbours how the healths go round . and when , acco●ding to their heathnish fashions , they offer up their devillish drink-obla●●ons , what do they better then idolatries , and festivals , to bacchus solemnize ? in thee ( beside thy proper faults ) are found those also which are common , and abound throughout thy kingdomes . and ev'n thou , and they have beene companions in one evill way . we all , as in one teeme , have drawne on sin ; gods promises and threatnings mockt have bin ; the lust mans righteousnesse we have bely'd ; and , sinners , in their sins , have justifi'd . of good and evill , we exchange the name ; and , that , which to remember , is our shame , or should with griefe repented be ; ev'n that we tell with laughter ; and make jests thereat . gods iudgements work not on us ; we are scourged ; and yet , unto amendment are not urged . we break the sabbath-dayes , and we despise the churches pow'r , and her solemnities . her holy-times to us are wearisome ; and in our hearts , we wish the morrow come , that we might freely buy and sell againe . those messengers we soonest entertaine , that of strong drink , and wine , do prophe●ie ; and , truth is not so welcome as a ●ye . we sooth our neighbours in their sinfulnesse : and ( that their secrets , and their nakednesse we may discover ) we the wine bestow ; then , work upon then to their overthrow . vpon our lusts , the precioust things we spend ; and unto god the lame and blind we send . we rob him of his tythes , and his oblations , our publike fasts , are publike prophanation● : for , ev'n our pray'rs , our fasts , our almes , and all , are oft for show , and hypocriticall : and used more , our safeties to provide , then that our maker may be glorifi'd . our hearts against gods prophets hardned are ▪ and what they preach or threat , we little care . the land , throughout , because of othes doth mourn ; we stagger in our paths ; and to returne to aegypt ready seeme ; unlesse god grant ( ●t our first longing ) ev'ry toy we want . the blood of innocents hath spilled been vpon our skirts ; most filthy things are seen within our vessels ; and , yet , some of us presume to say ( ev'n to our brethren ) thus ; stand off , for we more holy are then ye . and , these like smoak within gods nostrils be ▪ we stumble at noone day : and as the blind , we groap , uncertainly , the wall to find ▪ with death , and hell , a bargaine we have made ▪ and , nothing for our hopes , but lies have had . if any morall verues do appeare ; with some unsavorinesse they leaven'd are . if any do a kindnesse to his brother , it is in policy to get another : or else , with some upbraiding , or vaine boast , whereby the comfort of the deed is lost . if ought be spoken to anothers praise , it is some p●ofit to our selves to raise . if comfort to the grieued be p●etended , the grieved party is as ill bef●iended as iob : for , what we doe is but for fashion ; without good meaning , wisdome , or compassion . if we instruct , we doe it but to show that we much more then other men doe know . if we our brethrens errors doe reprov● ▪ it is not as it ought to be , in love : but , with such bitternesse as plaine doth shew , we more the person , then the vice pursue . we cann●t give an alme● , but we must sound a trumpet : neither wall a rod of ground for publike use : nor set a pane of glass● in some church-window , where it needlesse wa● ; nor trimme a pulpit , nor erect a stile ; nor mend a foot path , though but halfe a mile ; nor , by the highway side , set up a stone to get a horsebacke ; but we fixe thereon our names , or somewhere leave upon record , what befactors we have beene ( good lord ) for such hypocrisies , and sinnes a● these on other places , doth gods judgements seize : for these , thy pastors oft have warned thee ; for these , they said thou shouldst afflicted be : and , at this present , veng●nce is begun ; thoug● ignorant thou seeme of what is done . for these offences , god did now of late make all thy fairest lo●gings desolate . for them , the pestilence continues yet , a●d we with scabs , and sores , and blames are smit . for them , thou of thy braveries uncloth'd , wert in thy greatest sorrow , left and loth'd , for them , a famine lately did begin . for them , have goodly habitations bin consum'd by fire . for this , the goods of some a prey to seas , and pyrats are become . for them , thy tradings faile , that were enlarged ; and thou sor single gaine , art double charged . for them , the sword ( that such a while hath hung sheath'd up ) is newly drawne , and will ere long devoure thy sons and daughters ; if there be no more repentance then yet seemes in thee : yee throughout all this iland , it will rage and lay it wast before another age . for , not our ●ities onely tainted are with sinnes contagion ; but ev'n ev'ry where this land is so diseas'd , that many doubt ( before it mend ) some blood must issue out . there is not any towneship , village , borrough , or petty hamlet , all this kingdome thorough , but merits ( in proportion ) as much blame , as any city of the greatest fame . the simple seeming peasants of the land , ( who for their names do make their sh●epmark● stāl and have not so much cle●k●hip , as to sp●ll ) can play the subtil● cheating knaves , as well as m●ny cu●ning sophisters ; and cogge , and lie , and prate of law , and pettifogge as craftily ( som●times ) as ma●y a one who , divers yeares hath studied littleton . yea , they who never had the wit to learne those knowledges which honesty concerne ; have witty craft e●ough to entertaine or plot a bargaine for unlawfull gaine . they persecute each other ▪ they envy their neighbours welfare , and prosperity ; they drive each other from their tenements ; and are the causes of inhauncing rents , by over-bidding ( for their neighbours land ) those fines the land-lords purpos'd to demand ; yet stand their farmes already rackt so high , that ●hey have begger'd halfe their tenantry . in divers townes they have decayed tillage ; depopulated many a goodly village ; yea , joyned field to field , till for the poore no place is yeelded , nor employment more : and , where were housholds , lately , many a one , a shepheard and his dog , now dwell alone . to make of griping vsury their trade , among the rich , no scruple now is made in any place : for , ev'ry country village , hath now some vsury , as well as tillage . yea , they that lending most of all detest , though but for tollerated interest , do nathelesse take those annuities , which often prove the biting'st vsuries . by nature , mony no encrease doth bring : most , therefore , think it a prodigeous thing that mony put to lone , should bring in gaine . yet some of these , by practice do maintaine as monstrous usuries , and nought at all are tou●hed in their conscience therewithall . in usury of cattell , or of leases , we may disburse our mony for encreases more biting far , then those he dares to take , who by meere lending , doth advantage make . as mony nat'rally produceth nought , so , by the earth small profit forth is brought vntill both cost and labour we bestow , for little , else , but thornes and weeds will grow . the landlord , therefore , here i dare aver , to be no lesse a griping vsurer then is the mony-master , if he break the rule of christian charity , and take more profit then his tenant can affo●d ; and such as these are hated of the lord. of vsurers , there are some other sorts , who keep no certaine place : but , both in courts ▪ in cities , and in country townes they dwell , and in the trick of griping they excell . there be of these , that vse for silence take . some others , an usurious profi● make of their authorities ; and do advance their wealth , by giving others countenance . their cariages , their neighbours fetch , and bring ; they have their seed-time and their harvesting , dispatcht almost for nothing : such as these , are many of our country iustices . some , by another engine profit catch : they must be pray'd and payed for dispatch . yea , cla●kes , and many other officers , are greater , and more hatefull vsurers , then they that most a●e hated for that crime ▪ since these do often for a little time ( which they delay unjustly ) take what may of no meane sum , the annuall interest pay . these men are cruell . and , yet worse by far , most treasurers , and their pay-m●sters are . for , that which due unto us doth remaine , they do not only overlong detaine . but , oft , of ev'ry hundred , twenty take , e're payment of our owne , to us , they make . they must have bribes ; their wives must have caro●hes or ho●se , or jewells ; after which encroches their servant also , for some other dues ( as they p●etend ) which if we doe refuse to pay unto them , twise as much we leese . this tricke inricheth also ●eferres in chancery , and in some other courts and this or makes , or marreth most reports , this , is that common cheat , and meanes by which meane officers , so speedily grow rich , although they give large incomes . by this way their wives doe on a sudden grow so gay , that were but kitchin-maid● few yeares before . yea , many in the blood of orphanes poore , have dide their gownes in scarlet by such courses , and cloth'd , & fed themselves , with widdowes cu●ses . but , these destroyers , make not spoyle of all ▪ for , ●ull as many into ruinefall by complement , and foolish emulating their neighbours ; otherwhile , by imitating the city fashions . yea , by these , and some such other wayes , are many men become so wėake in their estates ; that most of those who live in fashion , and make handsome showes of being rich , would prove ( i am afraid ) far worse then nothing , if their debts were paid . this floweth from our pride , or from excesse ; and this is cause of other wickednesse ▪ but , in our iland , one thing i have seene , which ( though it hath not much observed beene to be a fault ) will make a large addition to fill the measure of this lands transgression . and much i am afraid , that all in vaine i shall of this impiety complaine . for , avarice , who nought will give away , whereon her griple fingers she can lay , pleads for it : yea , and custome hath so long confirm'd it , that , it is a lawfull wrong ▪ i doe not meane the laities retaining of tithes , or lands unto the church pertaining . for , though i would not build my house with ought ▪ which from the sanctuary had been● c●ught , to gaine the world , y●t , i may doe amisse to judge of others consciences in this . it is the barbarous usage , wherewith we doe entertaine those men that shipwra●kt be , which here i meane : for , many people have lesse mercy then the tempest , and the wave . that vessell , which the rocks had pitty on , the cruelty of man doth seize upon ; and him that is oppressed , quite bereaves of what the quicksand und●voured leaves . when some poore ship upon the billowes tost , is driven by a storme upon the coast , with rudder lost , with t●cklings rent and torne , with maine-mast split , and fore-mast overborne ; and reeles and rowles , and takes in water so that all the mariners through feare forgoe their crazie charge , some swimming to the shoare● on peeces of the decke , or broken oares . some on an empty chest ; some holding fast o● splinters of a yard , or of a mast ; now riding on the waves ; straight sinking downe ▪ now hoping life , anon afraid to drowne ; pu● off , and on ; yet lab'ring to attaine the land , in hope more pitty there to gaine : i● this poore plight , when they ( with much adoe ) a dryer ●lement have ●ea●ht unto , and , wet and tyred ( both on feet and hands ) come creeping , or else staggering on the sands ▪ the neighb'ring people ( who in this are far more s●lvage , then most barbarous nations are ) in stead of bringing comfort and reliefe , add new afflictions to their former griefe , by taking that small meanes which is reserved to keep them living , when their life 's prese●ved . fo● , those remaining fragments of the●r store , which god , sometimes , in pity sends ashore to help n●w cloath and feed them , till there come some friends to aid them ; or supplies from home ; ev'n spoile of those they mak● : and of th● prey ●o greedy are ; that often when these may mens lives preserve , they leave them to their chance , in hope their death , their profit will advance . and , if that b●uised - bark which they fo●sook ( to save their lives ) upon some ouze hath strook , or on some shelve ; from whence , by timely aid , the goods to land may safely be convaid . or if ( as chance it may ) the hull be saved , yet , thereof , is the owner qui●e bereaved . for , by a brutish custome ( which , i know , nor co●sci●nce , nor good reason doth allow ) some officer who farmes the royalties within that place , doth make thereof a prize . else , he that owns the land whereon it fals , doth seize it : and , his right , the same he calls . pa●l did a peop●e , ev'n at malta , find , ( although a barb'rous iland ) far more kind . men wrackt , they comforted ; but we bereave them of those remainders which the sea doth leave them ; except some living thing abiding be aboard the ship. for , then the same is fr●e from being pr●v'd a wrack ( we say ) though that which there surviveth , be some dog , o● cat : a goodly matter , surely , whereupon poore men should be reli●ved , or undone . some dw●llers , also , on those borders , where such wofull sights , too often viewed are , rejoyce to see them ; yea , some people say , that , for such mischiefes , they both watch and pray ; with curs●s , banning the● , who set up lights , to guide the seaman in dark stormy nights . and ( though they ●eek it with a devillish mind ) gods-good , they call , what on the shore th●y find . gods-gift , in●eed it is , which unto them do●h from the seas , without an owner swim : yet , when the master of it shall be knowne ▪ god 's gift it is not ; but a bai● , that 's throwne to catch the soules of those , who seek to raise their fortunes on distressed mens decayes . no marvell , while such cruelties are found ( vpon the coast ) the sea o'reflowes her bound . no marvell , she so often , here and there , doth from their fields so many furlongs teare . no marvell she , sometime , their cattle drownes , and , sweeps away the rich●s of their townes : or , of those people , otherwhile , devoures so many housholds , in a few sho●t houres : for , since they grieved others , in distresse , the sea , to them , is justly mercilesse . of many other things , complaine i could , which th●ough this kingdome , i amisse , behold : but , should i now an inven●ory make of each abuse , whereof i notice take in all professions ; sure , it would goe neare , to finde my readers , reading for a yeare . i feare , our gen'●all body f●reth so , as , in the● sicknesse , they often do who feele not their disease , when they are nigh ( without good help ) upon the point to dye . they would not be distu●b'd ; but , vex and fret , at those who do prepare them wholsome meat , or needfull physick : and , perhaps , with me my country , also , will displeased be . but , for unjust displeasure , 't is no matter ; as faith●ull friends ( to sick men ) will not slatter , nor humor them in any such disease ; no more will i be fearfull to displease a sickly people , when i truly know , i do that work my conscience calls me to . i tell thee therefore , britaine , thou art sick ; thy sins have made thee so ; and thou art like to perish in them , if thou physick take not , and , for thy safety , good provision make not . if thou nor feelest , nor wilt ●redit give to what is spoken : mark thou , and beleeve the symptomes of it . for , they will declare so truly , how ( at this time ) thou dost far● , that they who are not reasonlesse , shall see and say ( in times to come ) i loved thee . behold , ev'n at this day , throughout the land , most manu-factories are at a stand ; and , of those engines , some main wheeles are broke , though where they faulty be , small heed be took . thy mer●hants , by whose trade great profit comes ( and , to the kings exchequer , royall sums ) those m●rcuries , by whose industrious paine . thou di●st becom● the mistresse of the maine , and art maintain'd with ships , which are the walls , by which thy temp'rall gr●atnesse , ●t●●ds , or falls . ev'n they , begin to sinke , for want of trade , and through those boo●ies which of them are m●de . their ship● without advantage are employ'd ; and if the wars , or time , had them destroy'd which are in being ; they have ( to augment or fill the number ) no encouragement . the present muster of thy shipping , failes of what it was , in many scores of failes , not long ●ime since : and , thy next neigh'bring nation growes rich in thy decaying navigation . yea , some suspect , that of our publike trade ( for private profit ) sale to them is made . indeed , ●ost office●s , if so they may enlarge thei● profits , for the present day ; or gaine , or save the king , but for a yeare , some tho●●and● , do suppose they much endeare their service to the state : when ( 't is well knowne to us abroad ) the gaine is most their owne : and that , before two ages more be spent , the waies by which their incomes they augment , will cost this kingdome , for each ounce of gold so got , hundred , if their courses hold . it is by them , the prince becommeth poore . and ( thou●h they would be thought ( forsooth ) much more then all his other subjects , to maintaine the dues belonging to a soveraigne ) they rob him more , then all men else beside : they lose him ten times more then they provide . they make him needy first ; and then they grieve , and begger them , that should his wants relieve . the vulgar cit●z●ns do much complaine for want of tra●e sufficient to maintaine their families ; and , many , lately broken , are of that poverty a certaine token . that famous and that wealthy merchandize , which from our clothings , and our wooll● arise , is much decay'd . for work , the poore man prayes : the clothier hath not mony ; and he layes the blame upon the merchant ; who doth sweare , his ships and goods , so often stayed are , and times so giddy , and so little got ( with so much perill ) that he dareth not to make adventures , as 〈◊〉 e●st hath done ▪ and , so , to ruine all is like to run . for , from their voyages so oft have some beene hindred ( or have beene so long from home in fruitfulesse services ) that it hath brought rich owners , and their vessels , unto nought . some others , also find it , to maintaine their , shi●s so costly , ( without hope of gaine ) that to repaire them they do stand in feare it may undoe them , e're things better'd are ; that ( might their men be safe ) they do protest ▪ they know not , if to sink , or swi● were best . the winds and seas , that here●ofore ha●e borne us good will ; have prov'd our foes , and 〈◊〉 & torne u● . our mariners are like to run away to serve our foes , for want of work ▪ and pay . those places , and those portion● , which belong to mens deserts ; and should to make them strong , and to encourage them , conferred be ; are otherwise d●spos●d of : and w● see the most deserving men are in disgraces ▪ or else neglected ; or else , in their places impoverished ( or else disheart●●● so ) t●at some men will not ; and some cannot do their country that good service which they might . and , if this hold , we lose our honor quite . by those adventures , which are just and free to ev'ry nation , where good patriots be , thy sons , to fetch thee wealth , and honour home , would prodigall of goods and lives become ; by private cost , augment the publike store , and by encr●ase of shipping guard thy shore ; if they might freely seek , and keep that lot , which by their cost and valour might be got . but , men that are of courage , and of worth , disdaine their goods and lives to hazard forth , on servile termes ; or , to be prey'd upon when they returne , by some ignoble drone : and , by this meanes , oh thou unhappy i le , thy ●oes grow strong , & thou grow'st weak the while . i do protest , i see not that condition of man , that hath a fortune in fruition , that is not perilsome ; but , he that 's borne the mischiefes of this present life to scorne . nor from the highest to the low'st degree , doth any man well pleased seeme to be . the king complaines of want : his servants say , they stand ingag'd in more then they can pay : and they who in their person service do him , want much of that which should oblige them to him . the charge of war , still more and more doth grow ; the customes faile as trading falleth low : there 's new occasion ev'ry day of spending , and much more borr'wing , then good means of lending . 't is said , some royall rents to sale were profer'd ; that iewels of the crowne to pawne were offer'd : tha● church revennues , for the present need , sequestred are ( to stand a while in stead of temp'ralties ) and ▪ some themselves perswade , that , they shall now be lay possessions made . but , god forbid : for he that shall bereave the church of her inhe●itance , doth leave a curse upon his children ; which will stay vn●●ll his whole descent be wo●ne away . to help thy wants , ( so great it seemes they prove ) there be of those who did not blush to move religion might be set to ●ale ; and that we might promiscuous worships tollerate . the common people murmur of oppressions ; of being robbed of their due possessions ; of impudent abuses , done by those who should redresse them : ev'ry winde that blowes , brings tidings of ill luck ; yet , still men feare there 's worse untold , then that which they do hear● . for , we have lying newes authorised so long ; and falshoods , have so many spread ; that , when of that a true report is told whereof a firme beleefe receive we should , we cannot credit it : and , this , perchance , may to our safety be some hinderance . if in our selves , we feele not what 's amisse , observe we , by ●eflection , what it is . the germane emp'rour , and two king● , that be as rich and pow'rfull , ev'ry way as he , are foes pro●essed ; and they bend their pow'r , our countries , and our nation to devoure : and , while to fight gods battel●men do faine ▪ the kingdome of the devill they maint●ine . our friends , and our consederates ; for us , engag'd in undertakings dangerous . have suffred losse ; and yet , in hazard are by an unequall and injurious war. some , who possesse an vnion with our land , do work their owne advantage underh●●d , to our disgrace and losses . other some , are neuters yet , who will our foes become , and with our enemies the spoile divide , if any ill adventur● shall betide . that princely branch of our most royall stem , made poore by the bohemian diadem , ( but , rich in her owne vertues , and that trea●●re of heav'nly graces , which in plenteous measure gods bounty gave her ) that illustrious d●me , ( to whom i owe , ev'n more then all i am ) lives banisht , ( oh ! the mischieves of this age ) and quite excluded from her heritage . her lord , and all those deare and hopefull peeces , drawne off by them ; the nephewes , and the neeces of our dread sov'raigne , are as pilgrims , faine within a forraine country to remaine . our costly treaties , do but crossely speed . our new alliance , proves a broken reed . our fo●raine enterprizes , full of charge , do serve but others glories to enlarge . our mighty navies strongly furnisht ou● , have lost their pains , in what they went about . one little towne keeps all our ports in feare ; vpon the seas , our coasters scared are ; and , we that bore the trident of the seas ; we , who of l●te , with smaller fleets , then these which now we set aflote , did once constraine the carraks , and the argofies of spaine to strike their sailes : we , that have aw'd the deeps , and ev'ry foreland , through the world , that peeps above the seas : yea , we that from each shore , whereon the brinish waves of neptune rore , have brought rich trophees of our valours home , now , back with neither spoiles , nor honors , come . god , with our fleets , and armies , doth not so go forth of late , as he did use to doe . but , divers yeares together , as of●ended , his arme ag●●nst our forces h●th extended ▪ that hopefull voyage , w●ich brave rawleigh made , to prosecute tho●e golden hopes he had , was overthrowne , and , ( to enlarge the cost ) in him , we more in wit , th●n mony lost . for , to resist us , god himselfe did stand : and , st●ll against us , he extends his hand . vpon a●geir we had a faire designe , that much extracted from our silver mine , but ▪ nothing prosper'd , which was then projected , nor was there ought , but losse and shame effected ; for , god preserv'd our enemies from harme : and , still , against us , stretcheth he his arme . when in virginia we had n●rsed long our colonies , and hoped they were strong ▪ and , almost able to subsist alone : by n●ked people they were set upon , and , sore endanger'd : for , on us ▪ fo● ill , god laid his hand ; and layes it on us still . auxiliary forces , forth we se●t ; ( or , voluntarily from us they went ) to settle on bohemiahs fatall throne , him , whom that land had cast her choice upon . but , there our men were wasted : and in steed of iacobs staffe , we proved egypts-reed : for , god against our pow'rs his pow'r did set ; and , he his band doth raise against us , ●et . we made new leavies , and marcht up the rhine , to guard the country of the palatine ; but , all in vaine . for , nothing did we there , except prolong the miseries of war. god , would not that deliver'd they should be by people that so wicked are as we . but , scourged them and us , in bitter wise ; and , still , his heavy hand upon us lies . then , mustred we ambassadors together ; we sent them oft , and almost ev'ry whither ; but , by our treaties we acquired nought : nay , many disadvantages they brought ; for , then , our foes for battle did prepare , when we of peace together treating were . yea , god hath caus'd the h●rme that they have done us ; and , still , his hand li●s heavily upon us . the fortune of the war we tride againe by mansfield ; which did ●●kewise prove in vaine . to denmark also we did send supplies , and there , moreover , sick and bleeding lies o●r honor . and , yet still , against our land the lord of hosts hath stret●hed out his hand . throughout the easterne indies where we had a wealthy and an honorable trade , a petty nation , doth now baffle , dare us , and , out of trading , hope e're long to weare us . our glorious fleet , that lately braved cales , of her exploits affords not many tales . another ▪ and another too , since then , was put to sea , and driven home agen all shaken and be●atter'd . some , the wind sent back , and frustrate made what was design'd . some others , were by other lets delay'd , and , made to faile , in that which they assail'd : for , god with this our nation was offended ; and , yet , his hand against us 〈◊〉 extended . another n●vie , worthy greater note , then all of these forenamed , now doth flo●e vpon the seas : and such a fame it beares , that all the neighb●ring kingdome● it deters . for , land and sea it threatens : and we heare before the i le of ree , at rode they are , where they of brave atchievements hopefull grow . i wish , and i do pray it may be so as they desi●e , if god be ●l●as'd therein . but , much i feare , that we have guilty bin of somewhat unrepented yet , that will make all our undertakings prosper ill , till we are humbled more . for , god hath laine his heavy hand upon us , long in vaine . and , though our hearts with foolish hopes we fill , his arme , against us , forth he stretcheth still . or else it could not be our forces great , so many times should suffer a d●feat . ●or when a lesser fleet was sent to do a mischi●fe , it had pow'r enough thereto . but let us take a little further heed ; how ill our hopes in forraine parts succeed . the french and germane churches , in w●ose ca●e , and in whose persecutions we do share ; have beene afflicted in a grievous wise , and still a heavy but then on them lyes . gods foes , and theirs , and ours , have cras●ily combined in a strong confederacy the tents of edom , and the ishma'lites , the seed of agar ▪ and the m●abites , with ashur , and the sons of lot conspire ; with gebal , ammon , amalek , and tyre . yea , gog and magog ; close and open foes , e●'n all those armies which gods truth oppose , ( and by the names , here mention●d , figur'd were ) confederated , and resolved are , to prey upon us . come , now come , ●ay they , let 's root their nation , and their name away . and , if our god be silent over-long , their strength encreasing , will encrease the wrong his church endures : our cause will be o'rethrowne , and , they will take gods houses for their owne . if yet , thou dost not feele thy sickly case , nor in these forraine glasses view thy face , look home agen ; and i will shew thee there moe things , that worthy notice will appeare . there , thou shalt find distr●ction in the state ; the commons , and some nobles , at debate ; the court it selfe disturbed with disunions ; some following others ; some their owne opinions ; some striving , ●rom their seats , their mates to thrust ; few knowing in who●e friendship they may trust . there see thou shalt most seeking the disgraces of o●hers ; and in all their fellowes places men so experienc'd , that they leave to do those duties , they themselves are call'd unto . there , thou shalt see such foolish imitations ; such complements ; such grosse ●issimulations ; such ●ractices ; such projects , and devices ; contriving o● such foolish paradises ; such doing and undoing , what is done ; that , 't will be matter worthy musing on ▪ those offices , and those high seats of state , ( est●em'd mo●t honorable ) are of late become so sk●ttish ; or the men that get them , such artl●sse riders , that they cannot sit th●m . when liv'd , at once , so many , who did c●ry , ( and left disgrac'd ) the st●les of s●cretary , of chamberlaine , chiefe-iustice , treasurer , of lord high keeper , and lord chancel●r ? of these , and other ●itles , when was s●ene such chopping and such changing , as hath beene in later yeares ? sure , something is amisse , that such uncertainty among us is . those pers●nages , whose words were heretofore as oracles ; are credited no more then cheaters are . their hand & seale doth stand for nothing , if no other come in band . so void are some advanced to high place , of common understanding , and of grace , that neither shame , nor losse , which doth befall to other men , can move them ought at all . but , as men markt for venge●nce , or else sent for thy dishonor , and thy punishment , they dare proceed t● practise ev'ry sin for which thei● predecessors shent have bin . nay , some who for corruption were remov'd to give those place , mi●ht well have beene approv'd respecting them ; if all the peoples cries , from just occa●ion may be thought to rise . yea ▪ they have just●fi●d , and honor done them , who went before , in having overgone them in doing wrongs . and , in those wrongs they do , they are so p●actised , and hardned to , that no examples , or faire warning shall ta●e place ( 't is thought ) till they have ruin'd all . some offices are growne so over large for those who undertake them , to discharge , else , they that have them , so unable are , or of their duties have so little care , th●t suiters poo●e have many times attended whole months together , e're they were befriended , so much , ●o have their humble suits perused . yet , these , as if they had not else abused the common-wealth enough , do often add to those employments which before they had , new offices ; and take so much upon their feeble shoulders , that no good is done . if thou observest mens communication , thou heare it shalt so full of desperation , as if they feared god had us forsaken , and , to some other place himselfe ●etaken . but , thou , indeed , his covenant hast b●oke ; his word distrusted ; his commands forsook ; and , aid from egypt , and from ashur sought , whose tru●●lesse f●iendship will availe thee nought . nay , some there be , that in these dayes of evill , advise to make atonements with the devill . for , they doe little better who would call the turk● , to helpe maintaine the churches wall . yea , they who make that foe our ayd ●ecome , do save a hou●e , by firing ch●istendome . the land appeares , as if ●t rip●ning were for desolation : and ev'n ev'ry where most ●en are growne so p●odigally vaine ; so greedily pursue they pre●en● gaine ; and , from this pleasant kingdome have so rent her woods , her grov●s , and ev'ry ornament , ( with●ut all care of pla●ting , or renewing for their posterities , in times ensuing ) as if they either thought , or did foresee , that when they dy'd ▪ the world would ended be ▪ or that , before the following generations , this land should be possest by other nations . we have not pow'r their counsell to receive , who for our safeties best advisement give : for , in themselves , such basenesse most retaine , that , all are thought to ayme at private gaine . and doubtlesse we have many mountebanks , who arrogate the profit and the thanks of others labours ; or else seek to crosse their good designes , to their disgrace and losse . yea , such extreame corruptions ev'ry where in men of ev'ry quality appeare , that whatsoever reasons may be rendred , to prove that by some courses which are tendred , ( to be proceeded in ) the common peace or profit might in future times encrease , and be advanc'd , a million by the yeare : yet , if but any p●ivate persons feare it may some income● f●om their ch●sts withdraw , for which they neither conscience have nor law : these men ( if they attempt it , and be able to give a bribe that may be valuable in any measure ) quite shall overthrow that good designment : and not onely so , but these and they that were their instruments shall purchase him who that designe invents , ( for his reward ) both infamy and hate ▪ and make themselves appeare unto the state good patriots ; who ( being sifted well ) are scarce so honest men as go to hell . rapt by a sp●rituall vision , i have seene the thin and crasie wall , that stands betweene our fight , and their concealed practices , who have the place of elders in these dayes : and spying there a hole , i dig●'d into their se●resies ; to see what works they doe . w●ere ( not without gods warrant , and his ayd ) most foule abominations i su●vaid . i saw their chambers of imagery , and all those objects of idolatry to which they bow , upon the wals depainted : i saw t●ose toyes ado●ed and besainted : i saw what strange devo●ions there they use ; how they in private do the world abuse ▪ and from their censers seemed to arise a cloud which dimm'd the sacrificers ey●s . there ( oh ! good god ) how many did i see , who zealous prelats do appeare to be ? how many statesmen , and how many a one that ou● high s●ats of iudgement si●s upon ? how many who ●igh● honest men appeare ? in outward show how many draw●ng neere vnto their graves ? how many learned men ? how many , that will stoutly now and then m●int●ine an honest cause , to some g●od end , ( for ought we k●ow ) when they no good ●ntend how many ill-disposed men ( oh ! god ) who otherwise aff●cted seeme abroad , beh●ld i there in secret prostituting th●mselves to breathlesse idols , and imputing great pow'r unto them ? and how base are those sometime i● private , who make goodly showes of noblest thoughts ? some , to the rising-sun directly kneele ; s●me , fix their eyes upon the moone , which from his beams receives her light : some , stand devoted to the works of night : some , deifie their ●ride , and some their lust : in ca●nall policy , some put their trust : some ( as a goddesse ) v●ngean●e do emplore : v●●ighteous mammon , othersome adore : with worldly honor , some idolatrize ; some other , to their nets do sacrifise : to pleasure , many offer their estates ; h●ms●lfe to en●y , one man dedicates : another makes vaineglories altars fume , till all his pa●rimony he consume : a third , to sloth and idlenesse doth bow . before excesse ▪ a fourth doth fall as low : yea , horses , dogs , and hanks ; ev'n beasts and fowl●s , are idols of their love . nor hath their soules id●lat●iz'd with brutish things alone , but , ev'n with gold , and silver , wood , and stone . nor have they only of such things as these , ( that reall be ) set up vaine images within their hearts ; but , they goe● further , far , and worship fictions , which the likenesse are of nought in heav'n , ea●th , sea , or in the waters below the earth ; but , meere fantasticke matters . and , that by such l●ke gods , as are their treasure , their honor , their preferment , and their pleasure , they may be happy made ; what things i pray , to shew their zeale ( suppose you ) offer they ? ev'n those , respecting which , these gods are vile . for , they do give unto them , otherwhile , their naturall rest and sleep ; sometime their heal●h ▪ sometime what 's due to god they take by stealth , to waste upon their mawmets ; and of these , one ostred is , another to appease . their beautious daughters some of them have given to moloch : other some their wives have driven to passe the fire : great numbers make oblations of all their friends , to those abominations . to serve them , some , their country set to sale ; her love , her wealth , her honor , peace , and all . yea some , ev'n their owne lives to losse expose , ( their consciences , and soules ) for love of those ; and ( lest unto a reprobated sense ) with gods and natures lawes they can dispence● of these , a vision did appeare to me : iudge readers , whe●her true or false it be . if no such doings be , my word● contemne , and let this vision passe but for a dreame . if really thou find it to be so , then think oh ! britaine , what thou haft to do . but , thinke it seriously : for , things that are in foulest plight , wi●l often f●ire appeare . bel●eve not all that shall reported be ; but , prove and search ; and trust what thou dost see . the land is over-spred with wickednesse ; y●t , no man will himselfe in fault confesse . men daily talke how bad the times are growne , yet , few men see an error of their owne . the country is distressed many wayes , and on the cities pride , the blame it layes . the city finds her trading salleth short , and thinks the cause thereof is in the court , the court complaines , and railes as much agen , against the farmer , and the citizen . our parliaments imputed have of late , our troubles to some errors in the state. the state off●nded is , and discontent with some proceedings in the parliament . our court divin●s , protest the lawyers stand so much upon the customes of the land , ( the lawes and ancient freedomes , which belong vnto the commons ) that , the king they wrong . the people vow , the prelats flatter so to get preferment , that they will undo both church and common-wealth ; & some conceive , if we their state-divinity beleeve , it will of ev'ry priviledge bereave us , and no more law , but will and pleasure leave us . and , as the iewes , to save their place , and name , did that , which losse of both of them became : so , thought it is , th●t if our prelats fall , the way , they seek to stand , effect it shall . the followers of arminius some revile , as troublers of the churches of this i le . some think the doubts & questions they have moved shal make the truth more known , & more approved . the papist sayes , that we afflicted are , because their superstitions banisht were . som● protestants beleeve we fare the worse for fav'ring them ; and that they bring a curse vpon the la●d . some others , do accuse the separatists , and those men who refuse vnto this churches orders to conforme . they , on the other side , as much do storme against our discipline and hierarchy , as parts of antichristian-heresie . and though we all are nought ; yet , we do all each other censure , persecute , miscall , and so c●ndemne ; as if we had no such infirmities , as we in others touch . but , as her vertue may be ne're the more , who first , in scoulding , calls her neighbour whore , so , he that soone●t check abuses can , ( at all times ) proveth not the holiest man. ev'n i , that in whole volumes , do complaine against those faults , which in my times do raigne ; may be a villane , when all that is done , if other signes of goodnesse i have none . but , why speak i of symptomes , when all see thy sicknesse , to be evident on thee ? thou hast a fearfull trembling at thy heart , and , a quotidian fever shakes each part . thine eyes do see thy flesh doth fall away ; the lovely colour of thy cheeks decay . thy veines grow empty , which did lately swell ; those parts are naked , that were clothed well : those limbs are weakned , that e're while were strong ; and into gronings thou hast chang'd thy song . yea , thou maist feele ( unlesse that sense be dead ) a paine betweene thy body , and thy h●ad . the staves of god , of which we read it spoken by zachary ▪ are bruized , if not broken . the staffe of bands ( or vnion ) hath some cracks : and , that of beautie now so little lacks of being shiv●r'd ; tha● thou art almost the scorne of christendome : and hast nigh lost thy form●r glory . neither art thou ●oly despised and dishonor'd , by thy folly ; but in those mischiefes which thy sin● procure , thy prince a disadvantage doth endure . his ver●ues are repulsed from that height o● honour , whereunto ascend they might , wert thou lesse wicked . he , whom as our eyes we seemed ( as but yesterday ) to prize ; he , for whose absence we so much complained , and wept , and pray'd , and vow'd , whilst he remain●d divided from u● : and at ●hose returne we did so many ●iles to ashes burne : ev'n he , hath not received that content from us , which he expected , and we meant . some spirit of dissention loos●d hath bin ; some sparks of discord have beene hurled in , and blowne among us ; so that he and wee not so well pleased in each other be as both desire . and should this flame encrease , god knowes how much it would offend our peace . thy body , england , representative , vnable was prevention to contrive for such a mischiefe ; neither dare men say ( although they could ) on whom the blame to lay . some , doe accuse the parliament ; some blame another facti●n ; and , i doubtfull am , some rashly taxe the king : but , to provide a iudge , by whom such parties may be tride , who knowes ( i pray ? ) or what is he that can such points as these , without reproving scan ? nay , where is he , from faction or from feare so free , that ( though he knew it needfull were ) he da●es pre●ume in any publike wise , so much as mention such state-mysteries ? yet , sure , ●hey must be mention'd ; and they may , by those who know good reason , and the way of so unfolding them , that no offence be given ; whatsoe're be taken ●hence . and therefore , though such men who cannot see what calling at this present warrants me , or , by what spirit i am urged to those actions which i undertake to do ; though such conjecture may , that i presume too far , and on my selfe too much assume , ( beyond my place ) yet , in ●y selfe secure , i 'le put my selfe their censure to endure ; and all that perill , which the●e coward times suppose may follow my truth-speaking rime● . direct thou so , oh god! my hand by thine , that i in this may draw an eaven line . for , no advice from carnall wits i crave : nor any counsellor , but thee , to have . my prince and country ▪ though perhaps i be not much to them ; a●e both most deare to me . and may i perish , if to save my life i woul● betwixt that couple nourish strife . or if for one of them i that would say , which might from toth●rs due take ought away . if god direct me not , i may do ill in this performance ; but , i know , to will and to desire their welfare , is from heaven ( ev'n by his grace ) to me already given . i may perchance in what i best intend , have neither king nor people to my friend ; yet will i speake my mind to profit them , though both should , for my labour me condemne . for , from all other ends and hopes i 'me free , s●●e those , which in an honest man should be . if that which profits e●th●r i propose , they both shall gaine , and neither party lose . but , if that harme shall by my words be done ▪ i 'le weigh them so , it shall be mine alone . my censure i will give in things , which none have da●'d to passe a publike iudgement on . come , marke me , you who thinke i now begin to tread a path which i shall stumble in : and , if you see , what justly you may che●k ; trip up my heeles , and make me breake my neck● although we heed not ▪ or else will not see , those maladies which daily growing be ; i find ( and i doe much compassionate what i behold ) a rupture in the state , of this great body . lamed are the feet ; the legs , that sho●ld support her , scarcely meet , for that gr●at structure which upon them stands ▪ the sine●● are enfeebled ; and , the hands vnfit for action ; deafned are her eares , and what concerne● her most , she hardly heares . her eyes ( which are her wa●chmen ) are become halfe blind ▪ her tongue is almost waxen dumb : it cannot speak the truth for her owne wealth : her nose , that should distinguish , for her health ▪ twixt things that wholsome , and unwholsome were , hath lost that faculty : her pulses are vncertaine : her digestion is not good ; and , that hath filled her with tainted blood : her iudgement , and her common-sense so failes , that she ▪ her selfe perceives not what she ayles : her spleene is stop● ; and , ●hose obstructions make bad fumings , which have caus'd her head to ake . and he ( alas ) is bound about the crowne with cares , that make him bow his forehead dow●e . thou art this body , england , and thy head is our dread sov'raigne . the distemper bred betwixt you two , from one of you doth flow ; and which it is , i purpose here to show . be bold to heare me readers ; for , in season i speake ; and here 's not fellony , nor treason . in this that followes ; to have pow'r or aime to touch the lords anointed , i disclaime . i have no warrant ; neither know i ought , to reprehend him for , although i mought . and , they of my upright●●sse judge amisse , who think i flatter , in affirming this . for , as my princes fault● i may not blaze ▪ so , i am also bound ( as there is cause ) to justifie what vertues i doe heare to be in him , or , see in him appeare . the gen'rall faults of others , mine owne eyes have seene ; and that 's enough to warrantize a generall reproofe : but never , yet , in him beheld i , what did unbefit hi● pe●son or his place : much have i seene , that , rather , hath an honor to him beene . and , whatsoe're shall mutter'd be of ●ome , there reignes not any king in christendome , of whom there was divulg'd a better fame ; or , whom a royall throne so well became . and , what is lately done , to blot the story of his desert ? or to deface his glory ? or wherewithall can any tongue tradu●e his actions , which admitteth not excuse ? what if his people have expected more ( from hopes , by them conceived heretofore ) then yet succeeds ? what can from thence redound to prove his vertues or his wayes unsound ? why may not this effect arise from them that so suspect , much rather then from him ? as god long since unto those iewes did say , ( who judged him unequall in his way ) so say i england ; is thy sov'raignes path vnequall ? or is 't rather thine which hath such indirectnesse ? wherefore may not all which is amisse , by thine owne fault befall ? why may not ( england ) a diseasednesse ( occasioned by thy unrighteousnesse ) make him unpleasing in his course to thee , whom thou hast praised ? and whose graces be the same they were ? thou knowest many a one , in bodily diseases , thus hath done . those meats and drinks , that are both sweet & pure , they can nor truly rellish , nor endure . we seldome see the bodies torment bred by ought which first ariseth in the head ; but , oftentimes we feele both head and eyes diseas'd by fumes which from the body rise . and though downe from the head there may distill some humour , otherwhile , which maketh ●ll the lower parts ; yet , that first vapor'd from those crudities and noysome fumes whi●h come from ●ll digestion ; or , from stoppages which are in our inferior passages . 't is thus in nat'rall bodies ; an● the like may be observ'd in bodies p●litick . the head and body both are evill pleas'd , when any part of eithe● is diseas'd : but , their distempers , wo●se or easier are sustained , as their fi●st occasions were . when lungs or liver doth defective grow by ought within it selfe , it paines not so the head , as when from thence doth also fall those ●hew●●es and humors , that by tickling shall occasion coughs and strainings , to distend the passages , as if each part would rend . nor is the stomack so distempered , by any hurt or bruise upon the head , ( by its owne fault receiv'd ) as when it ake●h , through fumings , which from parts below it taketh . so fares it with a people and their king. ev'n all their e●rors , griefes and cares doe bring vpon each other so , that what the one misdoeth in , doth b●ing some smart upon the other party ▪ but , they shall not be afflicted with it , both in one degree . for , if the princes oversight or sin , of any publike plague first cause hath bin , the greatest mischiefe will at last be his . and , if the subjects have so done amisse , that vengeance followes it , the king may g●ieve ; but , they shall be consumed , i beleeve : and , that for each ones personall defect the greatest harme will on himselfe reflect : what then to be performed is remaining , but , that we leave repining , and complaining on one another , and our labours bend , our selves , as much as may be , to amend ? let ev'ry one examine well his way , and , for himselfe , and for all others pray . for , this is far more likely to redresse the present mischiefes , then o●r frowardnesse . the party that hath innocency , shall be sure to stand , though all about him fall . and , if we all perve●sly wicked prove , we sh●ll have all , one judgement from above . if in thy king ( oh britaine ) ought amisse appeares to be ; 'twixt god and him it is . of him he shall be judged . what to thee pertaineth it , his censurer to be ? if thou shalt suffer with him ; thy offence deserv'd it ; and nought else ●ut penitence becomes thy practice ; neither shall there ought that 's wrong , by other meanes , to right be brought . thy generall voice , but newly , did confesse in him much vertue , and much hopefulnesse ; and , he so late assum'd his diadem , that there hath scarce beene time enough for him those evils to performe , that may in●erre a generall mischiefe . neither , do i heare of ought , as yet , which thou to him canst lay , but that he doth to thee thy will den●y . or with a gentle stoutnesse claime , and strive , for what he thinks his just prerogative . and why , i prethee , may not all this flow from some corruptions which in thee do grow without his fault ? why may not , for thy crimes some instruments of sathan , in these times , be suffred to obscure from him a while the truth of things ? and his beleefe beguile , with vert'uos showes , discreet and good pretences , to plague and punish thee for thy offences ? why may not god ( and justly too ) permit some sycophant , or cunning hypocrite , for thy hypocrisies , to steale away his heart from thee ? and goodly colours lay on projects which may cause him to undo thee , and think that he no wrong hath done unto thee ? nay , wherefore may not some thy king advise , to that which seems to wrong thy liberties , yet in themselves be honest men , and just , who have abused been by those they trust ? thy wickednesse deserves it : and that he who in himselfe is good , should bring to thee no profit by his goodnesse , but augment thy sorrowes , till thy follies thou repent ? for , what is in it selfe from evill free , is evill made , to those that evill be . why may it not be possible , that thou demandedst what he might not well allow without dishonor . or , if all were right which thou requiredst ; yet the manner might distast him ? or , who certaine is , but some ( pretending publike grievances ) might come with private spleene and m●lice , to pursue those faults in others , which their conscience knew that they themselves were guilty of ; and had no peace with god by true repentance mnde ? if so it were , i doe admire the lesse that thy petitions had a● ill successe . if any single man hath ought misdone , it is so little while since he begun his being to receive ; that , in respect o● thine , his errors could small harme effect . but , t●ou hast heap'd up sin for many yeares ; and , thy exceeding guiltinesse appeares , with so much evidence , that ev'ry man of some particular faul●s accuse thee can ; and , openly r●prove thee , to thy face , for evils , done in ev'ry time , and place . then , blame not him , if god hath falsifi'd some hopes , of late , or to thy griefe , denide that refo●mation , which thou didst require ; and add●d ( in the stead of thy desire ) new grievances . nor too too bitterly pursue those errors of infirmity , which were by others , heretofore commi●●ed : but , let all past offences be remitted . if thou perceive but hope of reformation , goe offer up to god , for thy oblation , a true forgivenesse of their injuries , who heretofore have wrong'd thy liberties . and , do not this in policy ( altho the times now present may require it so : ) but , so forgive , as by the god of heaven thou dost desire thy sins may be forgiven : for , by thy faults , dishonor'd more is he , then thou by ●hei●s that have offended thee . and if to them thou t●ue compassion showest , god will not urge , perhaps , the debt thou ow●st . of reformation thou dost show great zeale ; but , some corruption maist thou not conceale that mars the bl●ssing ? a●● thou ●ure thou hast no just occasion given to distast thy king ? doe thy complainings all , intend the publike welfare , without private end ? and , in preferring them , didst thou commit no errors ; nor no decencies forget ? i will not say thou didst ; but i do feare , that they who wisest are , in some things erre ▪ forgive me thou high court of parliament , if i shall utter what will discontent thy disunited members , who have sate in former times , grave matters to debate . for , though i will not arrogate the wit to teach so great a counsell what is fit ; nor censure any act which thou hast done , when all thy parts have joyned been in one . yet , i will take upon me to reprove their private errors , who in courses move repugnant to thy iustice ; and oft be the cause of much dishonour unto thee . for , none ( thogh thou art wise ) can wrōg thee ought to think , that thou hast members may be taught . and , as in pitched battels , when by-standers do apprehend mistakings in commanders , ( as oft they do ) 't were better they should say what they observe , then let them lose the day : so also ( though i may be thought too bold ) 't were fitter my experience should be told , then that a publike mischiefe should ensue , and i , in times to come , my silence ●ue . for , some ( no doubt ) will well approve the same , though other some will think i was to blame : yea , that which i will speak shall help , perchance , ( in times to come ) thine honor to advance : for , i will speak no more then what is due , and , what my conscience bids my pen to shew . thou art an honor'd counsell : but upon thee such blots are cast , and so much wrong is done thee , ( by some , who sca●cely nat'rall members be ) that , as this kingdome represents in thee her body ; so , thou dost become likewise a representment of her vanities . yea , when at first , to be , thou dost begin , thou art conceived , and made up in sin . for , to thy ho●se of commons , whither none thou shouldst admit , excepting , such a one whose life or knowledge that respect may draw , which doth become the maker of a law ; too oft el●cted are , in stead of those , the rich , and them that make the gre●test showes of youthful gallantry ; and , otherwhile , the very'st humorists of all this i le . when choice was of thy members to be made , th●ir ent●ances , but little signe have had of prosperous ends : for , they that should have past a f●ee election , have their voices cast by force , constraint , or for some by-respect , on those , whom others , for their ends elect . there be in court , and bord●ing round about thy burroughs , many wiser men , no doubt , then some that in elections have their voice ; and , by their ayd , there is sometime a choice of good and able men : yet , best it were , that all men le●t to their just freedomes were . for , they to whom the providence of heaven , the right of chusing burgesses hath given ; are also by that providence ( how wise or foolish e're they seeme in others eyes ) in making of their choices so directed , as best may serve to make his will e●tected . and , though the same shall just as well be done by meanes of them who lawlesse courses run , yet , not for their advantage , to the best , who from their proper motions such things wrest . why did the king from his prerogative , to any place a priviledge derive , but , that they might enjoy them ? and , i pray , what conscienc● tyes the people to obey those lawes or acts , in parl'ament concluded , by those that have by force or fraud intruded ? what reason is it that a stranger should entreat me to commit my best freehold , to be dispos'd of , by some one , whom he shall ( for i know not what ) commend to me ? what man but he that modes●y doth want , can be so impudently arrogant , to sue by f●iend● , or lett●rs , pl●ce to take in such a counsell ▪ yea , and lawes to make ? as if , because he hath a little pelfe , he ther●fore might some solon think himselfe , or some licurgus ? or , as if he thought the common-wealth would surely come to nought , vnlesse his knowledge , or his vertues , were elected , to be exercised there . whereas ( god knowes ) too many do aspire to such employments , either through desire to shew their wits ; to gaine some vaine repute , themselves , or friends to furthe● in some sute ; to keep off creditors ; or else , perchance , to entertaine their curious igno●ance with mysteries of state. beleeve it , those whose modesty forbids them to expose themselves to be elected , i think far more apt for such employments then they are that seeke them : a●d 't is fittest that in all such places , men should sit till they do call ( of their owne will ) to whom the choice pertaines ▪ for , those god sends ; and unto them he daignes fit graces for the worke . the other , hast ( mov'd by their owne ambition ) to be plac'd in that great couns●ll , with a mind corrupt ; which doth dishonor oft , and interrupt their best p●oceed●ngs . and from hence it is , so many things among us are amisse . hence is it , so much time is spent about the searching of undue elections out . hence is it , that in stead of persons grave , such numbers of our burgesses we have in those assembl●es , who come ●uffling ●n with habits which have far more fitting bin for theat●rs ; then for the reverent and sacred presence of a parliament . thence is it that so many children are elected to have place and voices there ; yea chosen counsellers , when hardly past their tutors rod : beleeve me , this is hast . although it might excused be , if some youngmen should thither for experience come : it is not tollerable , nathelesse , that many should admitted be : much lesse those no●age youths , to whom our lawes deny a pow'r in things that smaller trust imply . hence is it that sometime the very noises arising from the multitude of voices , foiles reason . this maintaineth also factions , and makes in plainest ma●ters great distractions . t●is , to those meetings much disturbance bring , and doth occasion many foolish things . thence is it , also , we admit of those , in making lawes , who either do oppose proceedings legall ; or , protections g●ve to them that in contempt as outlawes live ▪ i hold it not amisse , that they who spend their time the publike bus'nesse ●o attend , should have their servants from arestings free , whilst they themselves in those employments be ; nor is it worthy blame , if they protect poore debtors , who endeavoring to ef●ect their creditors contents ( as they are able ) and using time ( in courses warrantable ) for such a purpose ; or else to prefer complaints against some vile extortioner : or to such ends . but , when they doe by dozen● ( to ev'ry p●odigall , that cheats and cozen● ) vouchsafe protections ; yea , to those that are meere strangers too ; it worth reproving were : and , them who do it , i suppose unfit in places of lawgiver● there to sit . m●reover , an election out of order , doth other inconvenie●t matters further , not mention'd yet . the party that is chose by suit , or ill-got favour , seldome goes against his chusers , if it chance that ought in opposition unto them be brought : whereas ▪ in such a case , each man is bound to be as if new risen from the ground he should not know his father , nor the son of his owne body : no nor any one o● all his neere acquaintance , or his kin ; nor any that his friend or foe hath bin . but , fixe his eye upon the cause alone , and , do as that requireth to be done . had this beene practis'd , many a good conclusion had follow'd more then did . yea , much confusion , much needlesse cost and pains , had beene prevented ; and , many had not gone so di●contented to their owne homes , when they with hearts o'regrieved , besought the parli●ment , to be relieved . for , if the●r causes ( which but right had bin ) their trials had receiv'd , as they came in ; if no man might , by savour of a friend , prefer new suits , b●fore all those have end which entred are before ; poore sui●ers might have hope of sooner compassing their right . yea , spare much cost , and many months attending , to b●ing their endlesse bus'nesse to an ending . for then , what day , or week , or month , at least , they should be heard , it partly might be gu●st . but p●ivate friendship showne at such a season , to work meere private ends , opposeth reason . it doth put off and on ; and so employ one friend , anothers friendship to destroy , ( and , so delayeth him in his just suit , who is of such acquaintance destitute ) that , many a one whose cause deserv'd regard , is quite undone , before he can be heard . fo● , to attend three sessions on a row , with lawyers often feed , the cause to show , ( perhaps , a ●undred miles , or two , from home , with witnesses which on his charge do come as far as he ) may make a rich man poore , and , homeward , beg his bread from doore to doore . there also were ( and they who came unsent , are likely to be they that now are meant ) vnwise , and undiscreet ones , mixt among ou● parliaments , who did those meetings wrong ▪ by controverting of religion there , and moving questions that improper are to that assembly . for , there is provided a synode , whe●ein ought to be decided such matters ; and what they determine shall , th● parli●ment may ratifie ; and call , and censure those , who either shall proceed to crosse or vilifie what is dec●eed . but , we may blush to see , how much amisse some stretch the parliamentall pow'r in this . how , they doe cause the weake offence to take ▪ and , say our parliaments religions make ; how much the due proceedings hindred are , by spending time in such like mat●ers , there , to that high courts disturbance ; and how muc● the common-wealth is damnifi'd by such impertinent , and over-busie wits , who know not what the parliament befits , and what the synod . but , mistake not me , i doe not think the parliament should be restrained so , as not to shew her care that true religion be maintained here . far be it from my heart : i wish they should religion to their utmost pow'r uphold : but , my de●ire is also , that ●●ey further the church affaires , in their owne place and order : and that they would be pleas'd ( as hitherto they g●avely were accustomed to doe ) to check their busie novices , who breed much scandall when unwisely they proceed . for , though some threaten fearfull things to those who dare a parliamentall p●w'r enclose within a bound : yea , though some talking things 〈◊〉 , as if they might make and unmake kings ; coine new religions ; yea , and gods , for need ; yet , i shall never entertaine their creed , nor feare , when good occasion i have got , to say what may be done , or what may not . for , they who make that pow'r or more or lesse then ought to be , doe equally transgresse . this , many members , a● some former sitting , not heeding , or else ove●much fo●getting , have scandaliz'd that meeting ; and made bold to run a great way fu●ther then they should in their discourse ( if not when they have sate , where they did matters publikely debate . yea , 't is the property of most of those , who by their owne procurement have beene chose for knights or burgesses , to stand it out more boldly ▪ and more obstinately slout , for some fond custome , then for what befitteth his iustice who in such a counsell sitteth . of these they be , whose indiscretions bring so many discontentments to the king , through want of more exp●rience , or sound reason ; or by t●eir urging matters out of season : and , such as these you easily may know from wiser men . for , thus themselves they show . if while a session lasteth you shall chance to meet them , where themselves they do advance in some discourse ; assure your selves ye may , by their perpetu●ll ta●ling , which are they . for , they ingr●sse the talke , w●ere e're th●y come , and speak , as if their lips nought flowed from but apothegmes ; or , as if each cause they undertook should passe among the lawes . and , what another sayes , th●y'll ●o condemne . as i● a whole committee spake in them . in my poore judgement it doth much concerne our parliament● , that those their members learne mo●e silence : for , no sooner come they out ▪ but ev'rywhere they p●ate , and spread about the secrets of the house ; and blast them so by their rank breathings , e're they ripe can grow ▪ that oft they perish , or are shaken from the tree , before the gathering time is come . in this , our peeres i have not quite excused ▪ nor said , that no ill customes they have used in this great meeting : for , the best have some blameworthy things ( no doubt ) if all should com● to bide the censure : and , among the rest , the voice by p●oxi ▪ hold i not the least . for , unto me , it doth unfit appeare , to give my voice , untill the cause i heare . who knowes the hearts of other men so wel● ▪ or , of their judgements , who the depth can tell , so punctually , that ( whatsoever shall proposed be ) he trust them should in all ? our owne affaires ( though wisdome sayeth nay ) to other men we absolutely m●y refer to be determin'd on : but , that which doth concerne the gen●rall estate ▪ it were injustice , and a thing unfit , to others , at adventure , to ●ommit . for , most selfe-lovers are ; and we do know ▪ that many p●blike inju●ies may flow from this one root ; i will not say they do , although i think i might affirme that too . thi● custome seemeth ancient : and ( if tol● the truth may be ) as evill as ti● old : and ▪ from what cause soe're it first did flow , it wa● n●t fr●m the firs● beginning so nor , should old presidents ( growne out of season ) be follow'd , for their age , by m●n of reason : nor will this custome last , p●rchance , when they who may remove it , well the same shall weigh● . for , i perce●ve it usefu●l to no end , but indirect proceedings to bef●iend . and , they whose courses are m●st indirect , are they that will such ●ustomes most prot●ct . if this ▪ and other errors yet unnamed , had well beene heeded : some had more bin blamed , some lesse : some highly praised , who have seemed vnactive mem●●rs , and beene disest●emed . yea , thou hadst ●●lt most grievances amended ●'re this ; and many troubles had beene ended . but now ( what faults soe're concurring be in others ) those defects that were in thee oh! england , were sufficient to procure those perturbations thou dost yet endure . thy ove●-soone fo●getfulnesse of that g●eat pestilence affli●ting thee of late ; thy thanklesnesse for gods admired ceasing that strong contagion ▪ and the new encreasing of thy transgressions , since his mercy daigned ; deserveth mo●e then thou hast yet sustained . yea , that which thou wert overseene in there , w●ere thy assembli●s cong●egated were to ●ectifi● thy selfe ; ev'n th●t , alas ! suffi●ient to deserve these t●oubles was . and therefore , w●ensoe're thy soveraigne shall be pleased , for thy helpe againe to call in such a publike meeting ; let , in god , thy knights and ●urgesses ( now spred ab●oad ) collect●d be : and , let not any f●om thy b●rroughes , by und●e election come ▪ let lords and ladies letters , to such ends move none ▪ but only , witnesse who are friends to base corruption . let their suits be scorn'd , and , no respect unto them be retu●n'd . le● ev'ry one of those that shall be sent to represent thy body ; represent thy true repentance . let them lay aside prejudicate opinion● , faction , pride ; and ( to their utmost ) in t●emselves restraine , all those enormities which they retaine : that , setting to their owne desires , a law , they may the more enabled be to draw a rule for others . let all they that come to serve the publike , leave such thoughts at home as meerly private are : for , in them lu●ks an enmitie to all good publike works . let none propose in such a congregation , what is not first prepar'd by consulta●ion , for otherwhile , their pretious houres are spent about a needlesse tr●fling argument : and , oft , from matters of least moment spring those disagreeings which great harme ●o bring . what their forefathers unto them did leave , let them not suffer any to bereave their children of . for , they m●y that deny ev'n to th●ir king , provided , loyally they do it , in ●esi●ting his demands by legall pleading● ; not by force of hands . it ●s as naboths vineyard ; and , to live he merits not , who doth repine to give his life to save it : yea , accu●st is be that would not zealous in those causes be . let them , therefore their ancient rights maintain , by all just meanes : and let them yeeld againe , the royall dues . for , those things prosper not , which are , amisse , ●●om god , or cesar got . all wrongs shall be revenged : but none brings such vengeance , as the wrong to god , and kings . if but in word alone ( nay , but in thought ) we have against our prince committed ought which is disloyall , hid it shall no● lye , but , be revealed by a winged-spy . let ▪ therefore , all just freedomes of the land , that can be proved , ●orth in publike stand ; and not in old records ( halfe smother'd lye ) in danger to be lost by casualty ; or else embezel'd ; or , by wormes and dust to be devoured : or , by those we trust . let us not whisper them , as men that feare the claiming of their due , high treason w●re . nor let us ( as we doe ) in co●ners prate , as if the sov'raigne power , or the state encroacht injuriously ; and so defame the government : disgrace the royall name ; and nourish , by degrees , an evill spirit , that us of all our peace will dis-inherit . but , let us , if we see our ancient right inf●inged ; bring our grievances to light , speak loyally , and orderly , and plaine , those things which for our owne we can maintaine : so , kings the truth perceiving ; and their ends who did abuse their trust , will make amends ●or all our suffrings : giv● our foes their doome ; and make us more secure for times to come . but , bring not , when ye come to plead with kings , ( against their claimes ) some bare conjectu●ings : for , what thou hast no ce●taine evidence to be thy right : the right is in the prince . it is a royalty , to mona●ks due , but , if for any freedome , ye can shew a law enacted ; or , a custome old , or presidents , that have not beene controld ( as often as produced ) ye may lay your clai●e ; and keep it , ev'ry lawfull way . each president , and every demand which doth from time to time opposed stand , concludeth nothing this , let ●ach man heed , and with a conscionable awe p●oceed in such affai●es let pure humility , true piety , true love , and charity , be brought along and , when all these ●e bring , then goe with l●yalty and m●et your king , in his and your affaire● without mistrust : and then ( as certainly as god is just ) in ev'ry due req●est ye shall prevaile , o● , gaine some g●eat advantage , if ye faile . desire of god to teach and guide you so , that in this narrow path you straight may go . if you would have a king be just to you , be ye upright , and to his honor true . yeeld first to him , i● ev'ry fit demand , and , long capitulating do not stand , on what you may determinate with speed . because perhaps , delay may danger breed . af●ord him his requests , unto you● pow'rs ; be his the fault , if he denieth yours ; or if miscounselled he shall re●u●re what shall his weale oppu●ne , or your desire . goe cast your selves before him with submission ; present him with petition on petition . with one accord , and with a fea●lesse face , informe him how much hindrance , or disgrace , or danger to the land there may accrue , if he your loyall counsell shall eschew . for , god because his lawes we disobey , vs at our soveraignes feet doth meane to lay , to humble us a while . if we repent , to all our loyall suits he will assent . if otherwise ; god will give up this land , our lives and freedomes all into his hand . go offer , while to offer you are free ; and what you give him , shall peace-offrings be ; if that which for atonement you provide , with love and penitence be sanctifide . the world ag●inst our state doth now conspire ; intestine dangers also , doe require that we in concord should united be , and to supply the kingdomes wants agree . lest while we st●ive , and fondly froward grow , we be surprised by our common foe . vnwise is he that in a dangerous place doth stay to wash a spot out of his face , when outlawes he approaching heares , that may his body wound , or take his head away . if i should heare a lyon neare me roare , i 'de arme my selfe , though i with wounds were sore , and what i had not leasure then to cure , would seek to heale , when i of life were sure . in times of trouble all must look for crosses ; and they must ●eare , who cannot shift their losses ▪ there may be smart by what we s●ffer shall ; but , better smart , then not to be at all . when i do think a blow my head may harme , i 'le ward it off although it break mine arme ; for , though my arme be lost , yet i may l●ve ; but , on my head , a blow my death may give . i am not so besotted , as to think , we ought to give the wanton pall at drink , vntill the head be giddy , ( left it may bring all the body head●ong to decay ) nor praise i them that are so over-wise , to spare what shall be need●ull to suffise the gen'rall want ( although to needlesse ends , some private h●nd , the publike wealth dispends ) this , only , is the scope of my petition , that all be done with love , and with discretion . for , we must understand , that m●ny things which are not just in us , are just in kings ; and , that it is a kind ●f trait ' rousnesse , to give them more then due , as well as lesse . they , who deny the king free pow'r to do what his republikes weale conduceth to , because some law ga●nsayes ; ev'n those deprive their sov'raigne of a due prerogative ; since , for the common good , it just may be , that some injustice may be done to me , or any few . moreover , men that say kings may do more , then of true right they may , and that no law doth bound them ; make a king and him that is a tyrant , all one thing . in my opinion , these men are like those who in sweet meats , a poison do enclose that kils a twelvemonths after . t is as tho we should affirme , that god may evill do if so he please . it is a needlesse pow'r that serves for nothing , but to help devoure the owner . yea , it is as if we ●hould prepare our f●iend all instruments we could , wherewith if he should sick , or foolish grow , he might have meanes himselfe to overthrow . and they who to themselves this pow'r do take , do silken halters , and gilt ponyards make for their owne throa●s : or , nero-like to kill themselves , with poisons , golden viols fill . for , though a ri●hteous king will never stray from what is just ( though none with hold him may ) because he to himselfe becomes a l●w ; yet , vicious princes , thence , occas●on draw to perpetrate that act which them d●prives , o● kingdomes , lives , and all prerogatives . and they that were as wise as solomon , or as vpright as david , being gone , may leave a son or grandchild , as did they whose wilfulnesse shall cast t●n tribes away . and , then , their trait●rous couns●ll curse he will , who told him , he had pow'r of doing ill . for , though such couns●llors may think they doe their sov'raignes honor , and much pleasure too , in over straining their prerogatives ; yet are they to their honor , states and lives , egregious tra●tors ; since a plot they lay , whereby thei● princes shall themselves betray to th●ir owne follies ( if they vicious grow ) yea , by this meanes they l●nd a pois●ned blow to king , and realme ; which while the traitors live , will ea●e to some impos●ume seeme to give , or cure a wart , upon the body bred , and , fester to the heart when they are dead . abhor ye these ; and do not favour th●se that would their king mor● n●rrowly enclose th●n shall be honora●le , or befits his majesty that as god's viceroy fits . when he compelled by necessities , requireth of his people due supplies . they must be had : although some oversight , forepast , may make it seeme to wrong the right and freedomes of the land ▪ we are not bound to keep a priviled●e , that shall confound both us and all our l●berties . they have no blame , tha● yeeld up what they cannot save without a greater losse : nay , wise is he that serves on● day , to be for ever free . your wisdomes may , at ease , a course invent to ple●se the king yet make no president to future tim●s , from whence there shall arise infringement of our lawfull liberties ; or to our cause reproach : an● , to be taught you need not , ●f together you were brought , according to the freedome of e●ection : for , no man then would need my poore direction . but , th●re shall full be some th●t will in●rude , and i for their instruction , am thus rude . some cry , the land is poore , and cannot give . t is poore indeed : and yet i do beleeve few kingdomes are so rich . ●is poore become , respecting that innumerable sum o● our arrear'd repen●ance , yet u●paid . t is poore , if all our vertue should be weigh'd with what is wanting : or , if we compare ou● worthies , living now , with such as were . t is poore , if we on those r●fl●ct our eyes , on whom the labour of this k●n●dome lies : those people , whom our great and wealthy ones have rackt , opprest , and eaten to the bones , to fatten and ado●ne their carkesses ; the land ( i must confesse ) is poore in these . nay , if we should consider , what a rate the richer sort among us liveth at ; how many needlesse wayes they do enlarge ( without all temperance ) their yearly charge : and how each one his humor to enjoy , doth emulate his friend in ev'ry toy . or , were it heeded well , how out of measure some wast their fortunes on a wicked pleasure ; ev'n ( otherwhile ) for that which for a bubble of mirth , doth bring them halfe an ages trouble : or , were it well observ'd what beggeries , what shifts , what basenesse , what necessities , this brings on those that richest men are thought : what costly suits and troubles it hath brought ; and how indebted and ingag●d they stand to one another quite throughout the land. these things , i say , consider●d , well we may affirme this realme is beggerly : and say the rich are poore . but , he this i le belies who taxeth it of other poverties . yes , he or blinded is , or maketh l●sse ( to gods dishonor ) out of wilfulnesse , his matchlesse bounty . what one kingdome , yeelds th●ough europe , in barnes , granards , stalls , and fields , of cattell and of corne , in ev'ry kind , more plenty , then among us , yet we find ? where do their gardens or their orchards beare , more fruits , for food or physi●● then are here ? our sheep , fine wools enough afford us do , to cloath ou●selves , and other nations too . and , by their golden fleeces bring in sums as la●ge , as any that from india comes . our b●es do gathe● honey from our flowers ; our meads are fruitfull by our aprill showers . within the land rich minerals do lie ; our ayre hath fowle , in great variety . in stately pallaces , we doe abound ; with many townes ▪ our hills and dales are crown'd : in woods , and groves , this kingdome hath excelled , ( and , some yet stand though most of thē are felled ) faire ports we have ▪ sweet rivers , and the sea● surrounding us ; and wealth comes in by these . our fruitfull waters fish enough doth yeeld to feed us , though we had nor grove , nor field . yea did we riot lesse , and labour more , our fish alone , would feed us all at shore . if yet , this kin●dome needy seeme to be , goe looke upon her cities , and there see and marke , their costly piles , their precious wares , what choice , and store of rarities appeares within their magazines . observe their state ; their clothes , their jewels , furniture and plate ; and tell me , if they doe not signifie that there is farre more pride , then poverty . gold , silver , pearles and diamonds doe glare and glitter in your eye-sight , ev'ry where . himselfe disgrac't the meanest cobler thinks , vnlesse his beere and wine in plate he drinkes , and eates in silver . yea , the poorest ones must of that mettall have their bowles or spoones : on every thing , almost , pure gold is spilt . the meanest instruments are hatcht , or gilt . their servants , in their garments are as gay , as if that all the week● were holy day . their feastings are abundant , and their pleasure , maintained is not , with a little treasure . but , cities are the treasuries you 'l say , wherein the kingdomes riches up we lay survey the country then , and tell me where the rusticke villages replenisht are with such faire booties . other kingdomes have their cities , peradventure rich and brave , but in their scattered villages , we see that few or none , save peasants dwelling be , possessing nor good house , nor houshold stuffe , nor comely clothes , nor wholesome food enough . our farmes are stor'd with usefull implements enough to purchase all the tenements , and lands in many forraigne realms , that are as large as this our cou●try doth appeare . of yron , and of brasse enough have we to buy their gold . our pewter should not be exchanged for their fi●v●r ; if all were summ'd up , that 's found with ev'ry cottager : nay , there be many houses in this land that in remote obscurity doe stand , which to the foe would yeeld a richer prize then many townships which they might surprize on other shores : and yet , some doe not shame with poverty , this iland to defame . war threatens us ; and we of want complaine , not knowing how our safeties to maintaine : yet we doe nothing want that may conduce in warre or peace , to serve a needfull use . armes , victualls , men , and money we have store ; yet , still , we falsly cry that we are poore . we are so greedy , that we will not spare , to save the hogge , one farthing worth of tarre . gods blessings we so long time have abused that now we know not how they should be used . or else we thinke each other so unjust , that no man knows with whom the meanes to tru●t . oh! pray to god , to take away the cause of these distempers ; and to breake the maze in which we wander . for , like those we fare , who sitting at a banquet , starved are . if we had peace with god , and could agree , this kingdome which so needy seemes to be , might with her superfluities maintaine far greater armies , then the king of spaine , with all his indies . we might begger him , and make all who feare him , to contemne his winning projects ; if we had but eyes to see and take the course that open lies . it is his gold encreasing his ambition , which to the christian world will bring perdition : and if prevention longer we delay , ( or if we doe not find a better way then yet is trod ) the current of his pow'r will grow so strong , that it will all devoure . for , w●ere a streame runs broad , and swift , to stop his fury there , i see but little hope . materials both for war and peace , must come to him from divers quarters ; for at home his country yeelds him little . but the yeare as it renewes , with us , reneweth here our food and rayment ; and though no supplies come in , a staple of commodities our iland is , which both in war and peace will still be in request , and still encrease . let therefore those who on t●e continent doe feare him , use their utmost to prevent his greatnesse there ; and let our sea-gi●t ile ( forbearing on land forces for a while , to spend their strength ) intirely bend their pow'r , ( as in preceding times ) the seas to scoure : for , with more profit , and a lesser charge , that shall our lost advantages enla●ge , and , make his armies , which are now so strong , draw ba●k , decay , and mutiny , e're long . were we resolv'd our course this way to bend , of our maine stock we needed not to sp●nd one moitie . for , halfe of what is lost , within this kingdome ( sav'd ) would quit that cost , let all , according to the port they beare , forbeare but one vaine feast in ev'ry yeare : let ev'ry houshold , for the publike wealth , ( which also would advance the bodies health ) fast but one meale a week , and separate the price thereof , for service of the state : or spare from their full boards of fl●sh or fish , the dressing , or the sawce , but of one dish : le● us but lay one lace or gard the lesse vpon our clokes ; or save the co●●l●nesse in our ap●arell , which we well might spare , yet , no defect upon the same appeare : let us ●ese●ve but halfe the ●ithe of those ●xpences trifled ou● in gam●s and showes ; which do not only needl●sse charge encrease , but still the kingd●me full of idlen●sse : o● these , and many other such expences , ( which wast our wealth , and multiply offences ) i● we but part would give ; perhaps , that cost would save our lives , and all , from being lost . tobacco ( which the age that went before , nor knew , nor needed ) doth expend us more then would maintaine an army : for , few think how much there is consum'd in smoake and stink . pride is so c●stly , that if ev'ry girle should give t●e worth but of one lace or purle , which trims her crosse cloth , it would sailes provide ●or halfe the ships which now at plimouth ride h●d we but ev'ry forfeiture that 's due , ●●om those of our notorious drunken crue ; or , ●f the value were together got , although but of their twentieth needlesse pot , i am perswaded it aflote would set a greater fleet then we have armed yet . the very oaths which we may daily heare , ( the men , the women , and the children sweare ) if thundred forth together ; would rore louder , ●hen all our cannons : and , great shot and powder , much more then would at ●ea and land suffise , might purchas● be , by halfe the penalties which might be justly taken ; if we had r●g●rd to execute the l●wes we made . god grant that of his honor , and of what conce●nes the gen'rall safety of the state , we m●y mo●e zealous grow ; and that some course may stop that mischiefe , which ye● wax●th worse . and th●t f●om this , or from some better light , the meanes of ●eformation tak● we might : of which i hopefull am , and that e're long , our commonwealth shall sing a sweete● song . when such ● time i see i shall be sure t●es● lines , oh ! england , will thy love procure ; and , i who for thy weale this paines bestow , shall find more favour then 〈◊〉 for now ▪ yea , then shall i t●at yet have beene desp●s'd , ●ewa●led dye ; o● , li●e much better priz'd . but not till then : no● shall i live to v●ew thy sorrowes ended , ● thou do not ●ue thy sins with speed ▪ oh! the 〈…〉 he to turne ●o god , ●hat he may t●rne to thee . b●s●●ch him , england , to unclose thine eyes , and let thee see in what thy sicknesse lies . ●mplore thou him to mollifie thy heart , thy children from their f●llies to divert , and , break tho●● chaines of ignorance and sin ▪ which at th●s present thou ly'st fetterd in . endeavor to be friends with god againe : and , he will all thy furious foes restrain● . thy faulty members , who doe now disturb thy peace ; he either will remove or curb . those g●ces thou perceivedst heretofore adorne thy soveraigne , shall be hid no more by those darke fogs which from ●hy sins do rise , for , god will take the skales from oft th●ne eyes . on thee , his countenance againe ●hall shine ; that thou maist la●d him in a song divine : and , th●y who now lament thy ●ad ●st●te , in hym●es of joy shall praise thy happy fate . the eighth canto . our poet having ●oucht againe wh●t fr●il●ies in hims●lfe remaine , d●cl●res , th●t many plagues doe steale as well on chu●ch , as commonweale : rel●tes wh●t cro●che●s doe possesse some , who religionsn●sse professe : w●at n●ysome ●lants , what tares and weeds , a●e sprung , ●o choake the holy seeds : wh●t fai●ed zeale , and affectation , h●th fool'd this formall generation : and , how from some , great scandall growes , who ●eare the keyes , that bind and loose . next , he delivereth predictions of plague , of sorrowes and afflictions , which on this ●●and will descend , vnl●sse our manners we amend . and , whensoever civill j●rs , or mischiefes , by the rage of wars , oppresse this realme ; his muse doth show ▪ who shall occasion it ; and how . which fearfull iudgement to prevent , he calls upon her to repent : by ●en apparant signes , hath showne , gods patience nigh expir'd is growne : then , for the publike-wea●e , he prayes : then , for himselfe ; and , there he stayes . i doe not wo●der , as i e●st have don● , that when the prophet ionas should have gone to n●niveh , gods word he disobey'd , and would himselfe to tha●sus have convey'd : for , i have now a sense how flesh and blood the motions of the holy ghost withstood , and feele ( me thinks ) how many a likely doubt the devill , and his frailty , found him out he was a man ( thoug● he a prophet were ) in whom no li●tle weaknesse did appeare : and , thus he thought , perchance , what shall i doe ? astrange at●empt my heart is ur●ed to : and , there is somewhat , earnestly incites that i sho●ld hasten to the ninivites , and , preach , that if they alter not their wayes , their time of standing ▪ is but forty dayes , my soule perswadeth god injoynes me to it ; and sle●pe in peace , i cannot ▪ till i doe it : b●t common reason strivet● to rest●aine th● motion , and p●rswade● me tis in vaine . i● saith , i am a sin●er ▪ and so fraile , that , many times , my best endeavors f●ile to rectifie my s●lfe . how shall i then be hopefull of recl●iming other men ? to isr'el ● have threa●ne● many yeares gods judgements : yet , no fruit thereof appearess although the , hav● some knowledg● of the lo●d , and are within his league , they sleight ●is word : what hope then is there , that a he●then nation will prove regardfull of my exhortation ? the stile of prophet , in this land i cary , and such a calling , here , is ordinary ; but , in a forraigne state , what warranty have i , to publ●sh such a prophesie ? how may th● king and people take the same , if i shall in the open streets d●fame so great a city ? and , condemne for sin , a place wherein i never yet have bin ? if i shall say , the lord comm●nded me : then , they perhaps , will answer : what is he ? for , they professe him not . nay , some suspition they may conceive , that i to mo●e sedition am sent among them . or , if otherwise they sh●ll suppose ; how can they but d●s●ise my person , and my counsell , who shall from so f●r a place , som●ere a stranger come , that no man knowe● , or what or who i am , or from what countr● , or from w●om i came ? such thoughts ( belike ) delay'd ▪ and fear'd him so ; and , so the spirit urg'd him still to go for n●niveh ; that nor to goe , nor stay , could he resolve : but , fled another way . from which rebellious course , god fetcht him back with such a vengeance , that he did not lack sufficient proofes , how reason did betray him , and , in his calling ▪ causlesly aff ay him . yea ( mark heav'ns providence ) thou●h io●as went another way , it crost not god's intent , but furthred it . for , doubtl●sse , e're he came to niniveh , the miracle and fame of his deliverance , was s●nt before ; and , made his preaching worke on them the more . now , though i doe nor arrogate , nor dare my selfe ( except in frailties ) to compare with blessed ionas : yet , i may be bold to say , o●r causes a resemblance hold ▪ my heart ( and when that moves , as one averres , it more prevailes then many counsellers ) my heart ( i say ) perswaded me e're while , to reade a warning lecture to this i le . and in such manner moved ; that , to say it came from god , me thinks , be bold i may . yet , my owne nat'rall frailty , and the world , among my ●houghts so many doubtings hurld , that ev'ry step had rubs . i lev●ll'd some in my last canto . yet , i could not come to eaven ground , till i had overtopt some other mountaines which my passage stopt . beware , said reason , how thou u●dertake this hazardous adventure , which to make thou hast resolv'd . for , this wise age denies that god vouchsafed any prop●●sies concerning them ; or , that the application of ought for●told , pertaineth to this nation . she saith , my constancy is no true si●ne that god first moved this intent of mine ▪ since hereti●ks , and t●aytors oft are seene as bold in all their causes to have beene as martyrs be . and , that for what they d●e ▪ they can pretend t●e holy ●p●●it too . and she pe●s●ades , t is likely i shall passe ( at best ) for on● that much deluded was she saye● , more●ver , that if these times be indee● , so wicked , as they seeme to me , i shall in stead of movin● to repent , nought else but stir their fury , and be rent perhaps in pieces , by their hasty ●●age . for , what 's more likely in a wicked age ? when people in their sins grow hardned once , she sayes i may as well goe talke to s●ones , as tell them ought . for , they are in the dark ; and , what they see and heare , they do not ma●k . she urged that the prophets in old times did speak in vaine against the peoples crimes ; and if in them their words bega● no faith , much lesse will such as mine , my re●son saith . she tells me also , that this i le hath store of prophets , and of preachers never more : she sayes that thou●● 〈◊〉 calling none suspect , their paines appeare to take but small ●ffect● : and , if suc● men authorized as they , doe cast their words , without successe , away ; in vaine my muse ( whose wa●rant most contemne ) doth seeke to work more piety in them . a t●ousand things unto the like effect , yea , all and more then any can object , ( who shall peru●e this book ) my reason brought before me , and objected to my thou●ht . and , as a pilgrim ( who occasions hath to take some extraordinary path ) arivall making a●a double way , is doubtfull whether to proceed or stay : so fared i ; i was nigh tired quite , before i could be c●rtaine of the right . yea , twixt my doubts , and all those replies which in my meditations did ari●e ; i so amazed grew , i could not know which way it best befitted me to goe . but , at the last , god brought me thorow all my doubts and feares , as through the storm & wha●● , once ionas came : that so , all they , who are ordained for their good , these lines to heare , the more may profit , when they think upon what straits i passed , e're this work was done : to that intent my frailties i h●ve so insisted on , as in this book i do . yea , i am hopefull also , they that read these lines of mine ( and mark with how much heed and christian awfulnesse , my heart was won to censure and reprove as i have done ) will plainly see , these numbers flow not from fantastick rashnesse ; nor from envy come ▪ nor spring from faction ; neither we 〈◊〉 by their distracted zeale , who ( knowing not what spirit guides them ) often are beguiled with shewes of truth ; and madly have rev●led both good and ill : and whose unsavory rimes defames mens persons more then che●k their crimes . dishonour kings ; their sacred names blaspheme ; and having gain'd some notions in a dreame , or by report ( of what they know not well ) desire their gid●y thoughts abroad to tell : in hope to merit : as in deed they doe , sometime the pillory , and g●llowes too . i trust , i say , these lines will seeme no such ; or , if they doe , truth is ▪ i ●are not mu●h , because i certaine am what pow'● infused those matters , whereupon i now have muzed : and know , that none will these or me condemne , but they whose rage and follies i contemne . yet , that they may be sure i neither care who c●nsures me , nor what their censures are , ( when honest things i doe ) here , somewhat more i 'le adde to what is me●tioned before : and give thee , britaine , a more perfect sight of thy distempers , and thy sickly plight . yea , thou shalt know , i have not seene alone a bodily consumption ste●ling on , and was●ing of thy temporalties ▪ but , that i also have discovere●●f late , a lethar●y upon thy soule to steale : and that as well the church as commonweale doth need a cure . oh! doe not quite neglect the good of both ; but ▪ one ( at least ) respect . though iudahs sicknesses unheeded be , ( although thy t●mporall wounds afflict not thee ) yet ▪ looke on syon : yea , behold and see thy spiritual●ies ▪ how much empair'd they be . the churches pa●●●mony is decay'd ; and many a one is in her spoiles araid : those patrons ( as we terme them in this age ) who of her dowries have the patronage , doe rob and cheat her , many times of all ; and , their donations basely set to sale . those cananites , whom thou pres●rvest here , ( and by thy lawes to be expelled were ) are in thy borders now so multiply'd , that they are thornes and thistles in thy side . they are become a serpent in thy path , which bites unseene ; and nigh unhorsed hath some able riders . on thy places-high thy people do commit idolat●y ▪ and reare strange altars . in thy fields are found those cunning harmfull foxes to abound , that spoile thy vines . and , some i have espy'd , twixt whose oppo●ed t●les , are f●●ebrands ●y'd , which waste thy fruits . thy ha●v●st se●meth fai●e ; but secret blasting● doe so much impai●e and blite the corne ; that when it come● to bread , thy childr●n oft unwholsomly are fed . men use religion as a stalking-horse to catch preferment ; yea , sometime to wor●e and baser uses they employ the same ; like that bold harlot , who quite , 〈…〉 did of her vowes , and her peace of●●ngs make a sinne , lascivious customers to take . yea , some ( resembling him , from whom was cast one devill ) when one sin they ●ave d●splac't ▪ of which the world took notice , sw●ep a●d ●l●nse themselves ( in show ) from a●l thei● other si●s ; yet secretly , let sathan reposs●sse , and foul● them with a seve●-fold wi●kedne●●● . an univ●rsall dulnesse will ●enu● thy senses , if thou doe not soone become more heed●ull of thy state , then thou a●t yet : for , ev'●y pa●t hath ●elt an ague-fit . thy academs , which are the famous places in which all pious knowledges and graces shóuld nourisht be ▪ and whence thy chiefe supply of teachers , com● , ( as f●om a nurse●y ) ev'n those faire ●ountaines are much tainted grown , with doctrines hardly found , which thence are blown through ev'●y quarter . in their schooles are heard vaine ●●ggs and jangling● , worthlesse of regard . the ●very pulpi●s , and their oratories , are stages , whereupon their owne vainglo●ies men often act . yea , many a vaine conceit , is brought in stead of arguments of weight : and ( which is worse ) disorder is so rise among them ; and the weeds of evill life have so o'regrowne those gardens , that ( unlesse good government shall speedily redresse that spreading mischiefe ) it will overtop the plants of syon , and destroy her crop . to be thy shepheards , wolves are stolen in ▪ and , thou hast those who ev'n by day begin to sow their tares among thy purest se●d ; and , with mixt graines thy lands pollution breed . for hire and money ▪ prophesies the prophet : the priest do●h preach , to make a living of it , ev'n meerly for a living ; and , ●ut few th●ir holy charge , for co●science sake pursue : w●ich i by many signes could make apparent , but t●at it is not yet wi●hin my warrant . loq●untur c●rae leves ▪ little cures doe 〈…〉 preach , whilst poverty endures . ing●nt●s s●upent ; but , large livings make our doctor● dumb : condemne not my mistake : for , though i doe the lat●ne sent●nce wrong , that 's true i tell ●ou in the engl●sh●ongue ●ongue . our n●tion , which of l●te prophanenes●e ha●ed , is in that sin almost itali●nated . the scriptures without reverence are used : the ho●y phrase , in jestings ▪ is abused : to flout , or praise , or cu●se , we ●an apply gods holy word , most irrel●giously : instead of emblem●s , moving thoughts divi●e , the filthy pictures of lewd aret●ne , are found in many clossets . foolishlies , prophane and most lasciviou : ele●●es are publike made . yea , those whom heretofore a heathen emperour did so abhor , that he ▪ for them , their wanton author sent to undergoe perpetuall banishm●nt : ev'n these , we reade ; and worse then those , by far , all●wed passe , and unreproved are . nay , their vaine authors often cherisht be : at l●●st , they have the favour to goe free . but , if a graver muse reprove thei● sin , lord , with what hasty zeale they call it in ! how libellous they make it ! and how vile , thou know'st ; and at th●ir fol●y thou dost smile . full war●ly , the politick divi●e , ( who should allow it ) scanneth ev'ry line before it passe ; each phrase he doth su●pect ; although he findeth nothing to be chekt , he feares to licence it and if by chan●e it passe abroad , forthwith doth ignorance mistake or mis●pply ; and false and bade constructions are , of good expressions made . yea , they who on the ●ea●s of iud●emen● fit , are o●t , most ready , to miscensure it . i would they were as fo●ward to disgrace those autho●s , who have filled ev'ry place with fruitlesse volumes . for d●spersed are ev'n qui●e throughout this iland ev'ry yeare , ev'n many thousand reames of scurri●e toyes , songs , rymes and ●allads , whose vaine use destroyes or hinders vertuous knowledge , and d●votion . and this we doe to f●●ther the promotion of our diana . yet , behold , if we to publish some few sheets required be , containing pyous hymns , or christian songs , or ought which to the praise of god belongs : we doe so feare the hindrance of our gaine , that like th' ephesian silver-smiths , we faine a great complaint . as if to have enlarged a little booke , had grievously o're charged the common-weal●h . whereas if it were weigh'd , how much o● late this land is overlaid with ●●iviall volumes : ●r , how much they doe corrupt our manners , and religion too , by that abusive matter they containe ; i should not seeme unjust●y to complain● these times do swarme with pamphlets w●ich be far more dangerou● , then mo●tall poysons are ev'n in thos● bookes , whereby the simple thought to fi●d t●u● knowledg● th●y their bane have caught : for , thence , strong heresies ( there b●ing hid amid some doub●l●sse truths , a while unspid ) steal out among the people , by degrees ; more mis●hi●fe working then each reader sees . and , so , to ruine knowledge ▪ that is made an instrum●nt ; whereby it rais●ng had for ( by their lucre , who the chu●ches peace d●sturb , their p●ivate profit to encre●se ) tho●e doctrines which are unauthori●ed , are so promiscuously divulg'd , and spread , among approved v●rities ; that some are in those lab●rinths amaz'd become : and ▪ such a contradiction is in that wh●ch their confused pamphlets doe relate ; that , common readers , know not which to leave , nor , which the church of england doth receive . and , f●om this mischiefe many others flow , which will , in future tim●s , more ha●mfull grow . this , spins vaine controversies to their length ; by this , most heresies receive their strength . and what distraction it already makes , our grieved mother wofull n●tice take● . in stead of active knowledge , and her fruit ▪ this filleth men with itching● of dispute , and empty words ; whereby are set abroach a thousand quarrells , to the truths reproach . the sectaries , the mun●ey●s , and the apes , the cubs and foxes , which do mar o●r grape● ; the wolves in sheep-skins , and our frantick rable of worship-mongers , are innumerable . and , as the churches quiet they molest , so they each other spightfully infest . we have some papists : some that halfe way goe : some semi-puritans ; some ▪ w●olly ●o ; some anabap●ists ; some , who doe refu●e black puddings ; and good porke ; like a●rant i●wes : some also term'd arminians are among our priests and people , ve●y lately sprung . what most , so call'd , professe , i stand not for : and what some say they teach , i doe abhor ▪ ●ut , what som● other , so misnam'd , beleeve , is that whereto best christians credit give . for , as we see the most reformed man , by libertines , is term'd ● puritan : so ( by our purblinde formalists ) all those who new fantastick crotchets doe oppose , begin to be mis-term'd arminians now . and , hence e're long will greater mischieves grow then most imagine . for , the foolish feare , lest they to be arminians may app●are , or else be termed puritans , will make great multitudes religion quite forsake . and , i am h●lfe perswaded , thi● will on● of those great schismes ( or ea●●hquakes ) cause which 〈◊〉 foretold in his apocalyps ; and they are bl●st , who shall not thereby fall away ▪ some brownists , and some familists have we ; and some , that no man can tell what they be ; nor they themselves . some , seeme so wondrous pur● they no mens conversations can endure , vnlesse they u●e their plaistrings , and appeare in ev'ry formall garbe which th●y sh●l● w●are ▪ the●e be of those who in their words de●y , and hate t●e practice of idol●try , yet make an idol of their form●l● z●ale , and underneath strict holin●ss● , c●nceale a mystery of evill , whi●h dece●ve● them , and , when they think all ●a●e in danger le●ves th●m ▪ their whole religion , some d●e pla●e in hea●i●g : some , in the ou●w●●d action o● fo●b●aring ill deeds ; or in wel doing ▪ though the heart in t●at performance beare ●o ●eall pa●t . some othe●s , of th●i● mo●●ll action , make small conscience : and , affirme that god doth take no notice how in body they transgresse , if him they in th●i● inward man conf●sse : as i● a soule b●loved could reside wit● in a body quite unsanctifi●e . some , not contented in t●e ●ct of sin , are growne ●o impudent , that they begin to justifie th●ms●l●es in wickedn●sse ; or , by quaint ●rguments , to make it lesse : and , by such monsters , to such ends as this , the christian-liberty defamed is . n●w fanglednesse , religion hath o'rethrowne ; and , many as fantastica●l are growne in that as in ●pparell . some , deligh● in nothing more then to be opposite to other men : their zeal they wholly spend the present government to reprehend ; the churches discipline to v●lifie ; and raile , at all , which pleads antiquitie . they love not peace : and therefore have suspition of truth it selfe , if out of persecution : and are so thankleffe , or so heedlesse be of gods great love , in giving such a free and plenteous meanes of publishing his word , that , what his prophets of the iewes record , some verefie in us . much praise is given to that b●inde age , wherein the queene of heav'n was worshipt here . and , f●lsly , we ●xtoll those dayes , as being much more plenti●ull . some , at the frequency of preach●ng gru●ch , and , tyred with it , thinke wee have too much : nay , impudently practise to suppr●sse that exercise , and make our plenty lesse . and , that their d●ings may not want some ●ayre or goodly coulor , they doe call for pray'r , in stead thereof ; as if we could not pray , vntill our preaching we had sent away . as these are foolishly , or lewdly , wise ▪ we have some othe●s wantonly precise . so way wardly dispos'd , amidst our plenty , and through their curiositie , so dainty ; that , very many cannot w●ll dig●st the bread of life , but in their m●nner drest . now will gods manna , or that measure serve which he provides ; but , they cry out they starve , vnlesse they feed upon their owne opinions , ( vvhich are like egypts ga●licke and her oynions ) some like not prayer that 's ext●mporary ▪ s●me love not any t●a● s●t fo●me 〈◊〉 ●ary . some thinke there 's no devotion , but in those that howle , or whine , or snuffle in the no●e ; as i that god vouchsafed all his graces for ●●ined gestures , or for sowre faces . some think not that the man , who gravely teacheth , or hath a sober gesture when he preacheth , or gentle voyce : hath any zeal in him , and the●efore , such like preachers they contemne . yea , th●y suppose that no mans doctrine saves the soule of any one , unlesse he raves , and rores aloud , and flings , and hurleth so as if his armes he quite away would throw ; or over-leap the pulpit ; or els breake it : and this ( if their opinion true may make it ) is to advance their voyces trumpet-like ▪ a● god commands : yea , this ( they say ) doth strike sinne dead . vvhereas , indeed , god seldome goes in whi●lwinds : but is in the voyce of those vvho speake in meeknes . and it is not in the pow'r of ●oyse to shake the walls of sinne : for clamors , ●ntique actions , writhed looke● ▪ and such like mi●●micke rhetoricke none brooke● that hath discretion : neyther doth it move the heart of any , when we so reprove ; ex●ept it be in some contrary motion , which interrupts the hearers good devotion . the well aff●ct●d christian pit●ies it ; it makes prophanest men 〈◊〉 naught to set god● o●dinance . mee●e mor●ll men despise such affectation : much it ter●●ies the ignorant : but very few srom thence rece●ve sound knowledge , or ●ive penitence . some relish nothi●g , but those points th●● are in controversie : some would nothing heare but songs of mercy ; some , del●●h● i● none but sons of th●nder ; and sc●rc● any one is pleas'd in what he heares . nay , of th●i● preachers , m●cha●●●k arroga●e to be their teachers . yea most of us , what 〈◊〉 our pastor sayes , keepe sti●l ●ur owne opinions and our wayes . to heare and know gods word , to some among our nation , seemeth only to belong to clergymen ; and , their implicite faith is built on what the common rumour saith . some others fill'd w●th curiosity affirme that ev'ry sev'rall mystery within gods book included , doth concerne ev'n each particular christian man to learne : whereas they might as well affirme , each guest that is invited to a publike feast , is bound the sev'rall dishes there to heed , and upon ev'ry meat b●fore him feed . nay , some have almost this imagination , that there is hardly hope of their salvation ▪ who speake not hebrew . and , this now adayes , makes foolish women , and young prentises to learn● that holy tongue ▪ in which they grow as cunning as doe those who nothing know , save to be arrogant , and to cont●mne those pastors , who have taken charge of them . the appetite of some growes dull , and ●ailes , vnlesse it m●y be pampered with quailes ; high flying crotchets , which we see d● fill not halfe so m●ny soul●s as they do kill we cannot be content to make our flights , for that which god exposeth to our sights , and search for that which he is pleas'd to show , but , we must also p●y , what god doth know . w●i●h ●as inde●d an a●c●ent fallacy o● sathans ; and the v●●y same whereby he cheated eve. from seeking to disclose beyond our warrant , what god only knowes , proceedeth many erro●s . thence doth come most questi●ns that have troubl●d christendome . yea , searching things conceal'd , hath overthrowne the comfo●table use o● what is knowne . hence flow●s their fruitlesse fond asseveration , who blundred on eternall reprobation , and many groundlesse whimsies have invented , whereby much better muzings are prevented . of reprobation i no doubt have made ; yet , those vaine quarrellings which we have had , concerning her , and her antiquity , ( but that the world hath wise● fooles then i ) appeares to me to bring so little fruits , that i suppose i● fitter for disputes in hell ( amo●g the reprobated ●rue ) then for a church of christia●s to pursue : at least to braule about wi●●●●ch hot rage , as hath poss●●● so●e ●p●rits of this age . for , some have u●g●d this p●●nt of ●e●●obation , as if the chi●●e●● ground-w●●k of salvation depended on ●●●e●ving , just , as they ( deluded by their fancies ) please to say . and , though they n●ver found god● holy wo●d did any mention of the same affo●d , but , as of that which did begin since time ; and with respect to s●me committed crime : they , nathelesse , their strengths together gather , to prove the child is older then the fat●er . and , since that f●tall thr●d , there , finds her spinning , but from of old ; at fa●thest from b●ginning : they reprobation , otherwhile confound with our predestination : which is found no where in all the scripture ▪ to ●e●pect the reprob●tes , but ●nely gods elect. and then they are compeld to p●ove the sense of their dar●e tenet , by an inference ; and to affirme ( ●rom ●eason ) that election eternall , doth infer the like ●ejection . ( as if an action of eternity , were fit to square out shallow reasons , by ) which a●gument because it hath not tak●n true faith , to ground on , may with ease be shaken ▪ their tottering structure , there●ore , up to keep , they into gods fore know●edge boldly peep , beyond his warrant ; searching for decrees and secrets , farther then an angell sees : presuming then , ●s if all things they knew , and had eternity within their view . but , that hath such an infinite extension , beyond their narr●w-bounded comprehension , that , th●●e they wa●●er on , ●ill they are madd : and 〈…〉 lit●le knowledge w●ich they had : fo●●spa● they but m●● men who maintaine the g●●di●-●●●cies of their owne weake braine , for theses of religion , which we must beleeve as they affi●me t●em , or be thrust among the repr●bates ? what lesse , i pray , are they then m●d● , who fool●●heir wits away in wheeling arguments which have no end ? in ●traines which man shall never apprehend ? in seeking what their knowledge do●● exceed ? in vaine disputings , which contentions breed . in strange chymera's , and fantastick notions , that neither stirre us up to good devotions , nor mend our manners ? but our w●yes pervert , distract the iudgment , or puff up ●he heart . if this i may not ●adnes call , or folly , t is ( all the best ) religious-melancholly . what shal we iudg of those who strive to make gods word ( who●e termes and scope they much mistake their proofes for that wh●reof no proofes they are , and sleight these truths , for which the text is clear ▪ what shall we deeme of these , who quite mistaking good authors , ( and their volumes guilty making of what th●y never meant ) do preach and write against those bookes , with rancorous despight , which being well examin'd , say the same which they affirme , and check what they do blame . such men there be , and they great noise haue made by fighting furiously with their owne shade . what may b● thought of them , who likely , ever , in their perverse opinions to persever , take knowledge up on trust : and follow those who leade them on , as wild-ge●●e fly in ●owes ? and when their multitude is waxen great , do then so wilfully prejudicate , become so confid●nt of that they hold , and in their blind assurance , so are bold , that they can brook no tryal● , neither see their oversights , how plaine so ere they be ? but fondly think ( though we beleeve it not ) that they infall●●ilitie h●ve got ? some pious men ; yea , some great doctor● tread , such loabrinths ; and often are misled by holding that which t●ey at fi●st were taught , without due proving all things as they ●ught : and vulgar men are often led awry , by their examples and for company . for , as a trav●ller , that i● to come from some far count●y , through large desarts , h●me ▪ ( not knowing well the way ) is glad to take his course with such who showes of cunning make , and walks along , d●pending s●ill on them , through many a wood , an● over many a streame , t●ll he and they are loft : there to remaine he finds no safety , nor meanes back againe , nor list to leave his company ; because he hopes that nearer homeward still he drawes , and that his guides full sure of passage are , although they cannot well describe it , there . so , when plaine men doe first attempt the way of knowledge , by their guides , they walk as●ray , without distrust ; and when ariv'd they be where many troublesome windin●'s , they do see , and where no certaintie they can b●h●ld , yet , on their leaders knowledge they are bold , o● on their multitude ▪ yea , though they know , and , see them erre , and ●u●ne , and stagger so , ( in da●ksome paths ) that well suppose they may , they rove and wander in an unc●uth way ; yet , still they are unwilling to suspect the wild me of the fathers of their sect. yea , though no satisfaction t●ey can find , though feare , and doubtings ●o affl●ct their mind , they still impute it rat●er to their owne infirmities , or to the depths unknowne of those mysterious points , to mention brought ; but never call in question what is taught : lest being by those teachers terrifide , they might forsaken in d●●p●i●e abide . their doctors , also , fail●ng to d●vise strong arguments , their h●arers to suffice ; this course , to salve their credits , la●e have ●ot ; they say ( forsooth ) faith 's doctrine ●eules not with naturall capac●●ies ; and that the spirit must those men illuminate who shall receive them ▪ and , indeed in this , they doe both say the truth , and say amisse : this is a lesuitish juggling trick , and , if allow'd it be , each lunatick , and ev'ry brain-sick dreamer , by that way , may foist upon us all that he can say . for , though gods holy spirit must create new hearts within us , and regenerate depraved nature , e're it can be able to make our outward hearings profitable ; we must not think that all which fancy saith ( in termes obscure ) are mysteries of faith. nor make the hearers want of pow'r to reach their meanings , to be proofes of what they teach . there is twixt ●en , & that which they are taught , som● naturall proportion ▪ or t is naught ▪ the deepest mystery ●f our profession , is capable of literall expression , as well to r●probates , as men elected ; or else it may of error be suspected yea wicked men a power granted have to understand , although they miscon●eive . and can of d●●kest points make plaine relations , though to themselves they faile in applications . god never yet did bid us take in hand to publish that which none can understand : much lesse affecte●h he a man should mutten rude sounds of that ▪ whose depth he cannot utter ; or in uncertaine termes as many doe , who preach non sense , and oft nonentia too . for those whi●h man to man is bound to show , are such plaine truths , as we by word may know ; which when the hearer can expresse againe , the fruit hath equalled the teachers paine . then , though the soule doth many ●imes conceive ( by faith , and by that word which we receive ) deep mysteries , and that which farre transcends a carnall knowledge : though she a●prehends some glimmerings of those objects , that a●e higher then humane reason ever shall a●pire ; though she hath tastings of th●t blesse●n●s , which mortall tongue could never yet expresse ; and though the soule may have some earn●st g●ven on earth , of what it shall enjoy in heauen ; though god may when he list ( and now and then for cause not ordinary ) to some men vouchsafeth ( for their secret satisfactions ) a few reflections fr●m eternal● actions : t●ough this be so , let no man arrog●te that he such sec●ets can by word relate . for , they are things ▪ of which no voyce can preach ; high flights , to whi●h no mortall wing can reach ; t is gods owne worke , such raptures to convay , to compasse ●h●m there is no other w●y , but by his blessed spirit . and , of tho●e most can we not ; some must we not disclose for , if they onely touch out pri●ate state , they were not sent , that we should them relate ▪ but d●igned that the soule they stren●then might amid the perills of some secret fight ; when men to honor god , or fo● their sinn , the terrors of this life are glun●ed in . and , as it i● reputed of those things . which foolish people thinke some fairy b●ings . so , of euthusiasmes speak i may ; discover them , and straight ●hey flye away . for ▪ thus they fare who boast of revelations , or of the certainty of their salvations , or any ghostly gift , at times or places , which warrant not the mention of such graces : yea , by revealing things which they should hide , they entrance make for over-weening p●ide , and that quite marres the blessing they possest , or , for a while , obscureth it , at best : and yet , if any man shall climbe so high , that they attaine unto a mystery , co●ceiv'd by few ; they may , if they be able , dis●lose it where it may b● profitable , but , they must know , that ( if it be , indeed , of such transcendency , as doth exceed mee●e naturall reaches ) it should be declar'd to none , save unto those who are prepar'd for such conceptions ; and more apt to know them by their owne thoughts , then are our words to show them . else , all they utter will in clouds appeare , and , errors men for truths , away will beare . would this ha● beene observ'd a little more , by some who in our congregations roare of gods unknowne decrees , eternall-callings , of perseverance , and of finall , fallings , and such like mysteries ▪ or else , i would that they their meanings better utter could , ( if well they meant . ) for , though those points afford much comfort and instruction ( as gods word hath mention'd them ) and may applyed be , and opened , when we just occasion see ; yet , as most handle them , who now adayes doe passe for preachers , with a vulgar praise ▪ they profit not : for , this ripe age hath young and forward wits , who by their fluent tongue , and able memories , a way have found to build a house , e're they have laid the ground . with common places , and with notes purloin'd , ( not well applyed , and as ill conjoyn'd ) a garb of preaching these have soone attained , which hath , with many , approbation gained beyond their merit . for , they take in hand those mysteries , they neither understand , nor studied on . and , they have much distracted some hearers , by their doctrines ill compacted : yea , by enquiring out what god fore-sees , and medling much with his unknowne decree● , the churches peace so much disturb'd have they ; so foule and crooked made faiths plainest way ; such scandals rais'd ; and interrupted so . by doubts impertinent , what men should do ; and , their endeavors nullifide , so far , that many of them at a nonplus are . i am not of their minds , who take from this and other things , that are perform'd amisse , o●casion to disparage frequent preaching ; or , to abate our plentiousnesse of teaching : for , of our harvest , lord , i humbly pray , the store of labourers continue may . and , i could also wish , that none were chose to be a seed man , till he truly knowes the wheat from tares ; and is indu'd with reason , and grace , to sow in order , and in season . and that those a●tlesse workmen may be staid , w●o build before foundations they have laid● ▪ lest , when our church well built , suppose we shall , it sink , and overwhelme us in the fall . it pities me to marke what rents appeare within our syon ; and what daubings are to hide the ruines ; and i feare the frame will totter , if we long neglect the same . our watchme● , for the greater pa●t , are growne lesse mindfull of gods honor , t●en their owne : for either almost wholly we omit that worke , or undiscreetly follow it . some , speak the truth , without sincere intention , as they who preach the gospell for contention . some , by their wicked lives do give offence , and harden men in their impenitence . as if nor hell nor heav'n they did beleeve , they riot , game , drink drunk , and whore , and theeve . for avarice , and envy , none are worse ; they are malicious , and blaspheme , and curse , as much as any others . none are more regardlesse of the soule that 's meane and poore ; among their neighbours , none more quarrelsome , or , that more hardly reconcil'd become , then many clergie-men . and as we see they are the best of mon , when good they be ; so , there are none that wander more astray , when they have left a sanctified way . some pastors are too hot ; and some too cold ; and , very few the golden temper hold . some , at the papist with such madnesse fling , as if they could not utter any thing of them too vile ; though ne're so false it were : and , we so used by their iesuits are . some others at the puritan do strike , so furiously , that they are often like to wrong the protestants : for , men impose that name , sometime , upon the best of those . yea , they who are prophane , that name mis-lay on all who make a conscience of their way . some shepheards , on their flocks are go●g'd at full , and sumptuously arayed in their wooll . but , those that are diseas'd , they make not strong ; their sickliest sheepe they seldome come among ; they take no care , the broken up to bind , the sheep that 's lost , they doe not seeke to find ; they let such wander as will run ast●ay ; and , many times their fury so doth f●ay the tender conscience ; that their in●iscretion doth fright their hearers headlong to perdition . gods bounty hath large pastorage provided ; but , they have not his flocks with wisedome guided : for , in the midst of plenty , some be ready to starve in ignorance . some sheep are headdy ; some get the staggers ; some the scab ; and they infect their fellowes . some , the wantons play among the thornes and bryers , which have torne the marks and fleeces , which they should have worn . some straggle from the flock ; and they are straight surpriz'd by wolves , which lye for them in wait . some , sought large feeding , and ran●k pastures got , which prov'd not wholsome ; & they caught the ro● . for , many preach themselves , and fancies broach , that scandall preaching , to the truths reproach . yea , some terme that ( forsooth ) gods word divine , which would halfe shame me , should they terme it mine . and they we see , that longest pray and speak are priz'd of most ( though head nor foot they make ) because the common hearers of this land , think best of that , which least they understand . some , also , by their feet disturb the spring● ; or trample and defile gods pasturings ; and they are either such who make obscure faiths p●inciples ; or , such who●e lives impure prophane their doctrines . other some have we , who ( like the beasts that over gamesome be ) doe push their ●eaker brethren with their hornes ▪ and hunt them from the flock , by wrongs , or scorne . gods horses , also , much neglected are ; and of his sanctuaries , few have care . a barne , or any common house , or roome , is thought as well gods worship to become , as in the churches infancy ; or there , where wants , and wars , and persecutions are . amidst our peace and plenties , we do grutch our oratories should be trimm'd as much as are our vulgar dwellings ; and repine that exercises which are most divine , should with more rites , or ornaments , be done , then when the troublous times afforded none . as if a garden , when the flow'rs are blowne , were still to look as when it first was sowne . to worship so in spirit , we pretend that , in our bodie● , we doe scarcely bend a leg , or move a cap , when there we be , where gods most holy mysteries we see . yea , many seeme so caref●ll to have bin , to let no superstition enter in , that they have , almost , wholly banisht hence , all decency , and pious reverence . the church , by lukewarme-christians , is neglected by brutish athe'sts it is disrespected ; by greedy worldlings , robbed of her fleeces ; by selfe-will'd schismaticks , nigh torne in pieces ; by tyrants , and by infidels opposed ; by her blind guides , to hazard oft exposed ; by hypocrites , injuriously desamed ; and , by the fr●ilties of the best , oft shamed . a pow'r ecclesiasticall is granted to them , full often , who those minds have wanted becomming such authority : and they play fast and loose , ev'n with the churches key . they censure and absolve , as best shall make for their advantage ; not for consc●ence sake . as they shall please , they punish or connive ; and , by the peoples follies they do thrive . of evill customes , many are we see insinuated , and so strict are we to keep them , that we sottishly deny to leave them , for what more would edifie : and we so much do innovations feare , that needfull reformations no●e appeare . we have prophan●d ev'ry holy thing ; ev'n out most christian ●●asts , which are to bring god● mercies to our thou●●t ; and memorize of saving-grace , the sacred mysteri●s : some have ev●n those gain-sayed ; and , in that have evill spoken , of they know not what . some others keep them ; but , as heathnishly , as feasts of bacchus ; and impiety is then so rife , that god is rarely nam'd or thought upon , except to be blasphem'd . by these , and other wayes , the ●hurch doth lose much honor , to the glory of her so●s , and our great sham● and losse : for , her decayes shall be this realmes disprofit , and dispraise . god hath a controversie with our la●d ; and , in an evill plight affaires do stand . already we doe smart for doing ill ; yet , us the hand of god afflicteth still , and many see not ; as many be so wilfull , that his hand they will not see . some , plainly view the same , but nothing care : some , at the sight thereof amazed are like balthazar ; and have a trembling heart , yet , will not from their vanities depart . about such matters , other some are loth their thoughts to busie ( meerely out of sloth ) like him , who rather would in hazard put his life , then rise from bed the doore to shut . some , dreame that all things doe by chance succeed , and that i prate more of them then i need . bu● , heav●● and earth , to witnesse i invoke , that , causlesly , i nothing here have spoke . if this , oh sickly iland , thou beleeve , and for thy great infirmity shalt grieve , and , grieving of thy follies make confessions ; and so confesse thine infinite transgressions , that thou amend those errors : god shall then thy manifold distempers cure agen ; make all thy skarlet sins as white as snow , and cast his threatned judgement on thy foe . but , if thou ( fondly thinking thou a●t well ) shalt sleight this message , which my muse doth tell , and scorne her counsell ; if thou shalt not rue thy former wayes ; but , frowa●dly pursue thy wilfull course : then , harke what i am bold , ( in spight of all thy madnesse ) to unfold . for , i will tell thy fortune ; which , when they that are unborne , shall read , another day ; they will beleeve gods mercy did in●●se thy poets brest with a prophetick muse. and know , that he this author did prefer , to be from him , this iles remembranc●r . if thou , i say , oh britaine ! shalt retaine thy crying sinnes , thou dost presume in vaine , of gods protection . if thou stop thine eare , or burne this rowle , in which recorded are thy just inditements ; it shall written be with new additions , deeply stampt on thee with such characters , that no time shall race their fatall image , from thy scarred face . though haughtily thou dost thy selfe dispos● , becau●e the sea thy borders doth enclose . although upon the rocks thy neast is plac'd ; though thou among the stars thy dwelling hast ; though thou encrease thy ships ; and unto that which is thine owne , with king iehosophat , ioyne ahabs forces . though thou watch and ward , and all thy ports and havens strongly guard ; although thou multiply thy inland forces , and muster up large troups of men and horses ▪ though like an eagle , thou thy wings display'st , and ( high thy selfe advancing ) p●oudly say'st ; i sit aloft , and am so high , that none can ●etch me from the place i rest upon . yea , though thou no advantages didst want , of which the glorioust emperies did vaunt ; yet , sure , thou shalt be humbled and brought low ; ev'n then , perhaps , when least thou fear'st it so . till thou repent , provisions which are made for thy defence , or others to invade , shall be in vaine ; and still , the greater cost thou shalt bestow , the honor that is lost shall be the greater ; and thy wasted strength , be sick of a consumption , at the length . thy treaties , which for peace or profit be , shall neither peace , nor profit , bring to thee . or , if thy counsels prosper for a while , god will permit it , onely to beguile thy foolishnesse ; and tempt thee on , to run some courses , that will bring his iudgement on . yea , all thy winnings shall but fewell be , to feed those follies that now spring in thee ; and make ( with vengeance ) those the more enrag'● who shall for thy correction be engag'd . what ever threatned in gods book ha●h bin , against a wicked people for their sin , shall come on thee : his hand shall be for ill , on ev'ry mountaine , and high-raised hill. thy lofty cedars , and thy sturdy oake● , shall feele the fury of his thunder-stroakes . vpon thy ships , thy havens , and thy ports , vpon thy armes , thy armies , and thy forts , vpon thy pleasures and commodities , thy crafts mechanick , and thy merchandize ; on all the fruits , and cattell in thy fields , on what the ayre , or what the water yeelds , on prince , and people ; on both weak , and strong ▪ on priest , and prophet ; on both old , and yong ; yea , on ea●h person , place , and ev'ry thing , the plague it hath deserved god shall bring . what ever thou dost hope , he frustrate shall ; and , make what e're thou fearest , on thee fall . this pleasant soyle , wherein such plenty growes , and where both milke and honey overflowes , shall for thy peoples wickednesse be made a land as barren , as what never had such plenties in it . god shall drive away thy pleasant fowles , and all those fish that play within thy waters ; and for whose great store some other nations would have prais'd him more . those rivers , that have made thy vallies rich , sh●ll be like sh●ames of ever-bu●ning pitch . thy dust , ●s br●mstone ; fields as hard and dry as i●on is ; the fi●mament , on high , ( ●●ke b●ass● ) shall yeeld thee neither raine nor dew , the ●ope of wasted blessings to renew . a leann●ss● , shall thy fatnesse quite devoure ; thy wheat shall in the place of wholsome flowre , yeeld nought but bran . in stead of grasse and corne , thou shalt in times of harvest , reap the thorne , the thistle , and the b●yar . of their shadowes thy gr●ves shall robbed be . thy flowry medowe● shall sterile waxe . there shall be seldome seene sheep on thy downes ; or shepherds on the greene . thy walks , thy gardens , and each pleasant plot , shall be as those where men inhabit not . thy villages , where goodly dwellings are , shall stand as if they unfr●quented were . thy c●ies , and thy palaces , wherein most neatnesse and magnificence hath bin , shall heaps of rubbish be ; and ( as in those demolisht abbies , wherein dawes , and crowes , now make their nests ) the bramble , and the nettle , shall in their halls , and parlou●s , root , and set●le . thy princes houses , and thy wealthy ports , now fill'd with men of all degrees and sorts , shall no inhabitants in them retaine , but some p●ore fisherman , or country swaine , who of thy glories , when the marks they see , shall wonder wha● those mighty ruines be ; as now they doe , who old foundations find , of townes and cities , perisht out o● mind . the places where much people meetings had , ●hall vermine holes , and dens for beasts be made . or wal●s for sprights , who from those uncouth room● shall fright the passenger , which that way comes . in stead of mirth and l●ughter , lamentation shall there abide : and , loathsome desolation , in stead of company . where once was heard sweet melody , men shall be made afeard with hideous cries , and howlings of despaire . thy very climate , and thy temp'rate ayre , shall lose their wholsomnesse , for thy offences ; and breed hot fevers , murraines , pestilences , and all diseases . they that now are trained in ease , and with soft pleasures entertained ; in stead o● idle games , and wanton dances , shall practise how to handle guns , and launces : and be compell'd to leave their friends embraces , to end their lives in divers uncouth places ; or else , thy face , with their owne blood defile ▪ in hope to keep themselves , and thee , from spoile . thy beautious women ( whose great pride is more then theirs , whom esay blamed heretofore ) in stead of paintings , and of costly sents , of glittering gems , and pretious ornaments , shall weare deformity about their faces ; and , being rob'd of all their tempting graces , feele wants , diseases , and all such like things , which to a wanton lover lothing brings . thy god , shall for thy overflowing vices , scourge thee with scorpions , serpents , cockatrices , and other such ; whose tailes with stings are armed , that neither can be plucked forth , nor charmed . thou shalt not be suffiz'd when thou art fed ; nor shalt thou suffer scarcity of bread and temp'rall food alone ; but , of that meat , whereof the faithfull soule desires to eate . that curse of ravenous beasts , which god hath said , vpon a wicked kingdome shall be la●d , he will inflict on thee . for , though there be no tygers lyons , wolves , or beares in thee , by beastly minded men ( that shall be farre more c●uell then those bloody spoilers are ) thou shalt be torne : for , each man shall assay his fellow to devoure as lawfull prey . in stead of lyons , tyrants thou shalt breed , who nor of conscience , nor of law take heed ; but , on the weak mans portion lay their paw , and , make their ple●sures , to become their law. in stead of tigers , men of no compassion , a furious , and a wilfull generation , shall fill thy borders . theeves , and outlawes vile , shall hunt the wayes , and haunt the woods for spoile ▪ as beares , and wolves . a subtile cheating crew ( that will with tricks and cousnages pursue the simpler sort ) shall here encrease their breed ▪ and , in their subtleties the fox exceed . that hoggish herd , which alwayes rooting are within the ground , and never upward reare their grunting snouts ; nor fix their eyes on heav'n ▪ to look from whence their daily food is giv'n : those filthy swinish livers , who desire to feed on draffe , and wallow in the mire ; those , who affect ranke pudles , more then springs ; to trample and despise most precious things ; the holy to prophane ; gods herbs of grace to nouzle up ; his vineyard to deface ; and such like harmes to doe : these spoile thy fields , marre worse , then those wilde bores the desart yeelds . if thou remaine impenitent , thou art like egypt ; and , so stony is thy heart . for w●ich obduratenesse , those plagves will all descend on th●e , wh●ch did on egypt fall blood , frog● , and lice , great swarms of uncou●h flies , th' infectious m●rraine , whereof cat●le dyes ; boiles , scab● , and bl●ine ; fierce h●il , & thunder-storm● ; the ●ocust , and all fruit devouring wormes . grosse darknesse , and the death or those that be thy darlings ; all those plagues shall fall on thee , according as the letter doth imply , or , as in mystick sense th●y signifie . thy purest rivers god shal●●u●ne to blood ; with ev'ry lake , that hath beene swe●t and good . ev'n in thy nostrils he shall make it stinke ▪ for , nothing shall thy people eate or drinke ▪ vntill their owne , or others blood it cost ; or , put their lives in hazard to be lost . most loathsome frogs ; that is , a race impure ▪ of base condition , and of birth obscure . ( ev'n in unwholsome fens , and ditches , bred ) shall with a clownish rudenesse over-spread thy pleasant'st fields ; thy fairest roomes possesse ; and make unwholsome ( by their sluttishnesse ) thy kneading troughs , thy ovens , and that meat , whereof thy people , and thy princes eat . this hatefull brood , shall climbe to croak and sing , within the lodging chambers of the king. yea , there make practice of those naturall notes , which issue from their evill-sounding throats : to wit , vaine brags , revilings , ribaldries , vile slanders , and unchristian blasphemies . the land shall breed a nasty generation , vnworthy either of the reputation or name of men . for , they as lice shall feed ev'n on the body whence they did proceed ; till poverty , and sloven●y , and sloth , have quite disgrac'd them , and consum'd them , both ▪ there shall , moreover , swarmes of divers flies , engendred be in thy prosperities , to be a plague : the flesh flye shall corrupt thy savory meats ; musketoes inte●rupt the weary traveller ; thou shalt have drones , dor●s , hornets , wasps , and such l●ke angry-ones , who represent that sw●rme whose buzzing tongues ( like stings ) are used in their neighbours wrongs ▪ and , still are flying , and still humm●ng so , as if they meant some weighty wo●ks to do , when as , upon the common stock they spend ; and nought performe of that which they p●etend . thy butter-flies shall plague thee too ; ev'n those , who waste their lands and rents , in gawdy clothe● , or idle flutterings ; and then spawne their seed , vpon thy goodly'st flow'rs , and he●bs to feed . as beasts destroyed by the murraine be , so , they that are of beastly life in thee , by lewd example shall infect each other ; and in their foule diseases ●ot toge●her . on all thy people , of what so●t soe're , shall scabs , and biles , and running sores appeare , the fruits of their corruption . yea , wi●h paines ( within their conscience , and with scars and blaines of outward infamy ) ●hey shall be grieved ; and , in their to●tures perish , unreli●ved . tempestuous stormes , upon this i le shall fall , hot thunder-bolts , and haile-stones therewi●hall ; men ▪ either too too ho● , or too too cold ; or else lukewarme . but , few or none sha●l hold a rightfull temper : and , these meteors will thy borders with a thousand mischieves fill . the locust also and the palmer wro●es , shall prey on what escapeth f●om the stormes : not they alone , which on the grass● do breed ; bu● , also , they who fro● the ●it proceed which hath no bottome : and , when any thing doth by the dew of heav'n begin to spring , they shall devoure the same , till they have left thee , nor leafe nor blossome ; but , of all bereft thee . then , shall a darknesse follow , far more black , then when the light corporeall thou dost lack . for , grossest ignorance , o'reshadowing all , shall in so thick a darknesse thee inthrall , that , thou a blockish people shalt be made , s●ill wandring o● in a d●ceiving shade ; mistrusting those that saf●st paths are showing ; most trusting them , who counsell thy undoing ; and aye ●ormented be with doub●s and feares , as one that o●tcries , in darke places heares . nor shall the hand of god from thee returne , till he hath also smo●e thine eldest-b●rne . that is , till he hath taken from thee qu●te , ev'n that whereon thou se●●t thy whole delight ; and filled ev'ry house throughout this nation , with deaths unlooked for , and lamentation . so great shall be thy ruine , and thy shame , that when the neighb'ring kingdomes hear the same their eares shall tin●le . and when that day comes , in which thy follies must re●eive their doom●s ; a day of clouds , a day of gloomin●sse , a day of black despaire , and heavinesse , it will appeare . and , then thy vanitie● , thy gold , thy silver , thy confederacies , and all those reeds on which thou hast depended ; will faile thy trust , and leave thee unbefriended . thy king , thy priest , & prophets , then shal mourn ; and , peradventure , f●inedly ●e●u●ne to beg of god to succou● them : but , they who will not ha●k●●●his voice to day , shall c●y unh●ede● : and he will despise their v●wes , thei● prayers , and their sacrifice : a sea of troubles , all thy hopes shall swallow : as waves o●● wav●s , so plague on plague shall follow : and , ev'●y thing that was a blessing to thee , shall turne to be a curse , and helpe undo thee . thy sov'raignes have to th●e thy fathers bin ; by meanes of them hath peace been● k●pt within thy sea-gi●t limits : they , thy weale befriended , the blessed faith they stoutly h●ve defended : and , thou hast cause of goodly hopes in him , who hath , of late , put on thy diadem . but know , that ( till thou shalt repent ) no part belongs to thee of what is his desert . his princely vertues , to his owne availe , shall profit much : but , they to thee shall faile . to thee his clemency shall seeme severe , his favours all , shall injuries appeare ; and when thy sin is fully ●ipe in thee , thy prince and people , then , alike shall be . thou shalt have babes to be thy kings ; or worse ▪ those tyrants who by cruelty and force shall take away thy ancient freedomes quite , from all their subjects ; yea ▪ themselves deligh● in their vexations : and , all those that are made slaves thereby , shall murmur , yet not dare to stir against them . by degrees , they shall deprive thee of thy patrimonies all ; compell thee ( as in other lands , this day ) for thin● owne meat , and thine owne drink to pay . and , at the last , begin to exercise vpon thy sonnes , all heathnish tyrannies , as just prerogatives . to these intents , thy nobles shall become their instruments . for , they who had their bi●th from noble races , shall ( some and some ) be brought into disgraces : from offices they shall excluded stand : and all their vertuous off-spring , from the land , shall quite be worne : in stead of whom shall rise a brood advanced by impieties , by flattery , by purchase , and by that which ev'ry truly-noble one doth hate . from stems obscure , and out of meane professions ▪ they shall ascend and mount by their ambitions , to seats of iustice ; and those names to beare , which honor'd most within these kingdomes are ▪ and being thither got , shall make more strong their new-built greatnesse , by encreasing wrong : to those , will some of these themselves unite , who by their births to lordly stiles have right ; but , viciously confuming their estate , did from their fathers worths degenerate . by this confederacy , their nobler bloods shall countenance the others ill got goods ; the others wealth againe , shall keep from scorne their beggery , who have beene nobly borne : and , both together , being else unable , ( in their ill course to make their standing stable ) shall seek how they more great , and strong , may grow by compassing the publike over-throw . they shall abuse thy kings , with tales , and lyes ; with seeming love , and servile flatteries . they shall perswade them they have pow'r to make their wils , their law ▪ and as they please to take their peoples goods , their children , and their lives , ev'n by their just and due prerogatives . when thus much they have made them to beleeve , then , they shall teach them practices to grieve their subjects by ; and , instruments become to helpe the screwing up , by some and some , of monarchies●o ●o tyrannies . they shall abuse religion , honesty , and all , to compasse their designes . they shall devise strange projects ; and with impudence , and lyes , proceed in setling them . they shall forget those reverent usages , which do befit the majesty of state ; and raile , and storme , when they pretend disorders to reforme . in their high counsels , and where men should have kind admonitions , and reprovings grave , when they offend ; they shall be threatned there , or scoft , or taunted , though no cause appeare . it is unseemly for a iudge to sit and exercise a jibing schoole-boyes wit vpon their trades , or names , who stand before their judgement se●ts : but , who doth not abhor to heare it , when a magistrate objects , birth , poverty , or personall defects in an upbraiding wise ? or , who with me derides it not , when in out courts we see those men , whose bodies are both old and weake , ( forgetting gr●ve and usefull things to speake ) vent giant● words ▪ and bristle up , as tho their very breath could armies overthrow ▪ whereas ( poore we●klings ) were there in their place● no more authority , then in their faces , their persons , or their language , all their chasing ▪ and threatning , nothi●● would effect but laughing . for , unto me big looks , and crying hoh , as dreadfull seemes , as when a child cryes boh to fright his nurse : yea , such a bug beare fashion effecteth nought but scornfull indignation . but in those times ( which neare● are then some suppose perhaps ) such rhetorick will come to be in use ; and arguments of reason , and just proceedings , will be out of season . their wisdome shall be folly ; and , goe nigh to bring contempt on their authority . their counsell-table shall a snare be made , and those 'gainst whom they no just matter had ▪ at first appearance , shall be urg'd to say some word or other , e're they part away , which will betray their innocence to blame , and bring upon them detriment and shame : yea , many times ( as david hath of old , concerning such oppressors , well foretold ) to humble crouchings , and to fained showes , descend they shall , to worke mens ove●throwes ▪ and , what their subtlety doth faile to gaine ▪ they shall by rigour , and by force obtaine . what ever from thy people they can teare , or borrow , they shall keep , as if it were a prize which had beene taken from the foe : and , th●y shall make no conscience what they do to prejud●ce posterity . for , they to gaine their lust , but for the present day , shall with such love unto themselves endeavor , that ( though they knew it would undoe for ever their owne posterity ) it shall not make those mo●●ters any better course to take . nay , god shall give them up for their offences , to such uncom●ly reprobated senses : and , blinde them so , that ( when the a●e they see ev'n hewing at the root of their owne tree , by their owne handy strokes ) they shall not griev● for their approaching fall : no , nor beleeve their fall approacheth ; nor assume that heed which might prevent it , till they fall indeed . thy princes , brittain , in those dayes , will b● like roaring lyons , making prey of thee . god shall deliv●r thee into their hand , and they shall act their pleasure in the land ▪ as once his prophet threatned to that nation ▪ which doth exemplifie thy desolation . thy kings ( as thou hast wallowed in excesse ) shall take delight in drinke , and wantonnesse . and , those whom thou dost call thy noble-o●es shall to the very marrow , gnaw thy bones . thy lawyers wilfully shall wrest thy lawes ▪ and ( to the ruine of the common cause ) shall mis-interpret them , in hop● of grace from those , who may dispoile them of their place ▪ yea , that whereto they are obliged , both by conscience , by their calling , and their oat● to put in execution ; they shall feare , and , leave them helplesse , who oppressed are . thy prelats in the spoyle of thee shall share ; thy priests , as light shall be , as those that are the meanest persons . all their prophecies ▪ or preachings , shall be heresies and lyes . the word of truth in them shall not remaine , their lips no wholsome knowledge shall retaine ▪ and all his outward meanes of saving grace , thy god shall cary to another place . mark well oh brittain ! what i now shall say , and doe not sleightly passe these words away ; but , be assured that when god beginnes , to bring that vengeance on thee , for thy sinnes , which hazzard will thy totall overthrow , thy prophets , and thy priests shall sliely sow the seeds of t●at dissention , and sedition , which time will ●ipen for thy sad perdition . ev'n they , who forme●ly , were of thy peace the happy instruments , shall then increase thy troubles most . and ▪ ●v'n as when the iewes gods truth-presaging prophets did abuse , he suffred those who preached in hi● name , such falshoods as the chiefest cause became of their destruction : so if thou go on to make a scorne ( as thou hast o●ten done ) of them who seeke thy wel are , hee will send false prophets , that shall bring thee to thine end , by saying all things thou wouldst have them say : and lulling thee asleep in thine owne way . if any brain-sick fellow , whom the devill seduceth to inflict on thee some evill , shall coyne false doctrines , or perswade thee to some foolish course that will , at length , undoe the common-weal : his counsell thou shalt follow ; then , cover'd with his bait , a hooke shalt swallow to rend thine entrailes : and thine ignorance shall , also for that mischiefe , him advance . but if that any lover of thy weale , inspir'd with truth , and with an honest zeale , shall tell thee ought pertaining to thy good , his messag●s shall stiffly be withstood : that seer shall be charged not to see ; his word shall sleighted as a po●sherd be ; his life shall ●e traduced , to disgrace his counsell● ; or , his errant to debase : in stead of recompence , he shall be sure , imprisonments , or threatnings to procure ▪ and , peradventure ( as those prophets were , who did among the iew●sh peers declare their states en●r●ities ) h●s good intention may be so wrong●d , th●t he , by some invention , may lose his li●e , wit● publ●ke shame and hate , as one that i● a trouble● o●●he state. but , not unl●sse ●he ●riest thereto consent : for in tho●e ●aye● shall ●●w men innocent be g●iev'd ( t●r●●●h any qu●●ter of the land ) in which thy c●e●g●e●hall ●hall not have some hand . if ever in thy 〈◊〉 , ( as god ●orbid ) the blood of t●in● owne children shall be shed by civill discord , they sha●l blow the flame , that will become thy ruine , and thy shame . and thus it shall be kindled . when the times , are nigh at worst ▪ and thy encreasing crimes almost compleat ; the devill shall begin to bring strange crotchets , and opinions in among thy teachers ; which will breed disunion ▪ and interrupt the visible communion of thy establisht church and , in the steed of zealous pastors , ( who gods flock did feed ) there shall arise within thee , by degrees , a clergy , ●hat shall more desire to fleece , then feed the flock . a clergy it shall be , divided in it selfe : and they shall thee divide among them , into sev'rall factions , which rend thee will , and fill thee with distractions ▪ they all in outward seeming shall pretend gods glory , and to have one pious end : but , under colour of sincere devotion , their study shall be temporall promotion ▪ which will among themselves strange quarrels make wherein thy other children shall partake . as to the persons , or the cause , they stand affected , even quite throughout the land. one part of these will for preferment strive , by lifting up the king's prerogative above it selfe . they shall perswade him to much more then law or conscience bids him do ▪ and say , god warrants it . his holy lawes they shall pervert , to justifie their cause ; and , impudently wrest , to prove their ends , what god , to better purposes , intends . they shall not blush to say , that ev'ry king ▪ may doe like solomon , in ev'ry ●hing , as if they had his warrant : and shall dare ascrib● to monarchs , rights that proper are to none but christ ; and mixe their flatteries , with no lesse grosse and wicked blasphemies , then heathens did : yea , make their kings beleeve , that whomsoever they oppresse or grieve , it is no wrong ; nor fit for men oppressed , to seeke by their owne lawes to be red●essed . such counsell shall thy princes then provoke , to cast upon thee rehoboams yoake . and , they not caring , or not taking heed how ill that ill-advised king did speed , shall m●ltiply thy causes of distraction . for , then , will of thy priests , the other faction bestir themselves . they will in outward showes , those whom i last have mentioned , oppose . but , in thy ruine ▪ they will both agree , as in one center , though far oft they b● in their diameter . with lowly zeale , an envious ▪ pride they s●ily shall conceale ▪ and , as the former to thy kings will teach meere tyranny : so shall these other preach rebellion to the people ▪ and shall straine the word of god , sedition to maintaine . they shall not feare to say , that if thy king become a tyrant , thou maist also fling obedience off ; or f●om his crowne divorce him ▪ or , by the ter●or of drawne swords enforce him . which false divinitie , shall to the devill send many soules and bring on thee much evill . oh! be thou therefore watchfull ; and when e're these lambs with dragons voyces doe appea●e , repent thy sinne , or t●ke it for a token , that some great bulwark● of thy peace is broken , which must be ●oone repair'd or els , all the greatnes o● thy glory , downe will fall . take heed of those false prop●ets , w●o will strive betwixt thy prince and people to cont●ive a disagreement . and , what euer come , thy due allegeance never sta●t thou from . for ( their oppressions though we may withstand by pleading lawes , or customes ) not a hand must move against them , save the hand of god ▪ who makes a king , a bulwark , or a rod , as pleaseth him . oh! take ye therefore heed yee people , and yee kings ( that shall succeed ) of these impostors . of the last beware yee subjects : for , their doctrines hellish are . and though they promise liberty and peace , your thraldome , and your troubles they 'll increase . shun oh ! yee kings the first ; for , they advise what will your crownes and honors prejudice . when you doe thinke their prophecies befriend you , they doe but unto ramoth-gilead send you , where you shall perish ; and poore micahs word , though lesse esteem'd more safety will afford ▪ they will abuse your piety , and all your vertues . to their wicked ends they shall apply the sacred story ; or what ever may seeme to further their unjust endevor . ev'n what the son of hann●h told the iewes , should be their scourge ( because they did refuse the sov'raignty of god , and were so vaine to aske a king which over th●m might raigne a● heathen princes did ) that curse they shall affirme to be a law monarchiall which god himselfe established to stand throu●hout all ages , and in ev'ry land . which is as good divinity , as they have also taught , who doe not blush to say that kings may have both wives and concubines ; and , by that rule whereby these great divines shall prove their tene● , i dare undertake ( if ●ound it hold ) that i like proofe will m●k● of any iewish custome , and devise authority for all absurdities . but , false it is . for , might all kings ●t pleasure ( as by the right of royaltie ) make ceasure of ●ny mans possessions : why i pray did ahab grieve , that naboth said him nay ? why made ●e not this answer thereunto , ( if what the proph●t said some kings would do , we●e justly to ●e done ) thy vineyard's mine ; and , at my pleasure , naboth , all that 's thine assume i may . why , like a turky-chick , did he so foolishly ●row sullen sick , and get poss●ssion by a wicked fact of what might have beene his by royall act ? thus god is pleas'd , to humble and to raise : thus , he by sev'rall names , and sev'rall wayes , the world doth govern . yea , thus , ev'n in one nation , and in one state , he makes much alteration in formes of governme●t ; oft changing that which is but acc●dentall to a state. and , such his iustice , and his wisdome is , that he preserveth by the meanes of this , those things which doe essentially pertaine to that great power , which over all doth raigne . nor is he pleased thu● it should be done in states that meerely civill are alone ▪ but , also , in the churches governments , allowes the change of outward accidents . yea , they to whom he gives the oversights of some particular church , may change old rites , the customes , formes , or titles , as occasions are off●ed them ; or , as the times , or nations , require a change : provided so , that they take nothing which essentiall is , away ; nor adde what shall repugne or prejudice gods lawes , his kin●dome , or the liberties of them that ar● his people . for , in what hath any church a pow●r , if not in tha● which is indifferent ? or , in what i pray will men the c●urch authority obey , if not in such like things ? o● , who should be the iudge what is indifferent , if not she ? a private spirit knowes what be●t agrees with his owne fancy ; but the church best se● what fit● t●e congregation . from what gives offence to one ▪ anothe● man receives much comfort : and , his conscienc● edifies , by disciplines , which many doe despise ▪ a parish is a little diocesse ; and , as of cities , townes , and villages , a b●shoprick consists : so , that doth rise by ●ythings , hamlets , and by families . and lit●le diffrence would be in the same , ( excepting in the la●genesse and the name ) i● their opinions were allow'd of all , who savour not the stile epis●opall : fo● , ev'ry priest would then usurp the same aut●ority , wher●of o● some hate the name . yea , many a one would then his parish make a little popedome , and upon him take ( con●ide●ing his mean● pow'r ) as much as h● that v●ive●s●ll bishop claimes to be : and , prove more p●oud , and troublesome , then they against whose lordlinesse they now inveigh . this therefore is my rule ; that government ( what e're it be ) in which to me god ●ent my birth and breeding ; that , untill my end , i will obey , and to my pow'r d●fend . yea , though it tyrannize , i will denay no more obedience , then by law i may : ev'n by those lawes and customes which do stand in force , and unrepealed in that land. what right another had , e're i was borne , or how , or for what sinne , gods hand hath torne his kingdome from him , i will never care ; let them go answer that who subjects were , ( when lost it was ) and had that meanes , and calling , and yeares , which might prevented have his falling . or should another country take me home as one of hers ; when thither i did come i would nor seek , nor wish to innovate the titles , or the custome● of that state , to what some other countries better thought : but , leave such things to those to whom i ought . and , there , if any faction shall constraine that i one pa●t must take , i will maintaine what bore the sov'raignty when i came thither ; and , i and that will stand and fall together . the same obedience , also , keep i shall . to governments ecclesiasticall where e're i come ; if nothing they command which doth gods word , ess●ntially , withstand : or , indirectly , or directly , thwart his glory , or the purity pervert of ch●istian principles ; nor further strife , nor c●use , nor countenance an evill life . the hye●archy , here , i will obey , and reverence , while i in england stay . in sco●land if i liv'd , i would deny no due respect to their presbyterie . g●neva should i visit , i would there 〈◊〉 my selfe to what their customes were . yea , wheresoe'●e i am , i will suppose the spirit in that church much better knowe● what best that place befitteth , then i do : and , i will live conformed thereunto , in ev'ry thing that 's me●rly politick , and injures not the doctrines catholick . to ev'ry temp'rall pow'r i 'le be the same , by whatsoever cognizance , or name , m●n please to call it . if i should be sent to poland , where a mixed government establisht is ; i would not t●ll them , there , that any other custome better were . were i in switzerland , i would maintaine ●●mocrity ; and , think to make it plaine , that for these times , those can●ons , and that nation . there could not be a better domination . in venice , far before a monarchy i would p●efer an aristocratie . in spái●e , and france , and in great britaine here , i hold no governments more perfect are then monarchies . and , if gods will should be , bene●th a tyrant to envassaile me , i would p●rswade my selfe , that heavy yoake were best , for some respects ; and , to the stroke ev'n of an i●on mace would subject be , in body ▪ with a minde that should be free from his inforcement , ( ●f he did withstand , or bid me what gods law doth countermand . ) there is , i know , a middle-way that lyes ev'n just betwixt the two extremities , which to sedition , and to faction tend . to find which tract , my whole desire i bend ; and wish it follow'd more . for , if we tread that harm●●sse path , we cannot be mis-led ; nor sham'd , though blam'd we be . to ev'ry man i faine wou●d give his due ; and all i can i doe endeavor it . i would not wrong my country ; neither take what doth belong to cesar : nor infringe , or prejudice , the vniversall churches liberties ; nor for her outward discipline prefer or censure , any church particular ; or any state , but as befit it may , his muse , which nought but needfull truths doth say . nor have i any purpose to withdraw obedience , or respect from any law that 's positive ; or , to dishearten from those customes , which a christian state become . if such divinity , as this were true , the queen● should not have needed to pursue poore naboth , as she did ; or , so contrive his death ; since by the kings prerogative , she might have got his vineyard . nor would god have scourg'd that murther with so keene a rod , o● ahab , had he asked but his due . for , he did neither plot , nor yet pursue the murther ; nor ( for ought that we can tell ) had knowledge of the deed of iezabel . till god reveal'd it by the prophet to him . nor is it said , that naboth wrong did do him , or disrespect ; in that he did not yeeld , ●o sell , or give , or to exchange his field . the iewish commonwealth did so instate , that , their possessions none could alienate , but for a time ; who ever , for his mony , or in exchange , desir'd their patrimony . and ▪ doubtlesse , we offend , who at this day those freedomes give , or lose , or sell away , which were in common right possest of old , by our forefathers ; and , continue should to all their after-commers . for , altho we may dispose of what pertaines unto our persons : yet , those dues which former ages have left unto us for our heritages , ( and whereunto , the child that borne must be , hath ev'ry whit as good a right as we ) those dues we should preserve with all our might , by pleading of our just and ancient right , in humble wise ; if so the sov'raigne state our freedomes shall attempt to violate . but , when by peacefull meanes we cannot save it , we to the pleasure of the king must leave it , and unto god our iudge : for all the pow'r in us , consists in saying , this is our . a king is for a blessing , or a ●urfe : and therefore though a f●ole he were , or worse , a tyrant , or ●n ethnick ) no man may so much as in their p●ivate clossets , pray against his person ; though they may petition against the wickednesse of his condition . nor , is this ●uffrance due to those alone , who ●●bject are unto a monarchs throne , but , from all those who either subjects are to mixed governments , or popular . for , though irregularities appeare in ev'ry state ; because but men they are whom god exalts to ●ule : yet , it is he by whom all governments ordained be . and ev'ry government ( although the name be different ) is in effect the same . in monarchies , the counsell ( as it were an aristocracy ) one while doth beare the sway of all ▪ and though they name the king ▪ yet , him they over-rule in ev'●y thing . sometime a●●ine , the pop●lar voice we see , doth awe the counsell , when in them there be some pop'lar spirits . aristocracies are otherwhile the same with monarchies . for , one great man among them gets the pow'r , from all the rest , and like an emperour , doth act his pleasure . and we know t is common . to have some foolish favorite , or woman , to governe him . so , in a pop'lar state , affaires are manag'd by the selfe same fate ; and , either one or moe , away do steale the peoples hearts , and sway the commonweale . thus god is pleas'd , to humble and to raise : thus , he by sev'rall names , and sev'rall wayes , the world doth govern . yea , thus ▪ ev'n in one nation , and in one state , he makes much alteration in formes of governmen● ; oft changing that which is but accedentall to a state. and , such his iustice , and his wisdome is , that he preserveth by the meanes of this , those things which doe essentially pertaine to that great power , which over all doth raigne . nor is he pleased thus it should be done in states that meerely civill are alone ; but , also , in the churches governments , allowes the change of outward accident● . yea , they to whom he gives the oversights of some particular church , may change old rites , the customes , formes , or titles , as occasions are offred them ; or , as the times or nations , require a change : provided so , that they take nothing which essentiall is , away ; nor adde what shall repugne or prejudice gods lawes , his kin●dome , or the liberties of them that are his people . for , in what hath any church a pow●r , if not in ●hat which is indifferent ? or , in what i pray will men the church authority obey , if not in such like things ? o● , who should be the iudg● what is indifferent , if not she ? a private spirit knowes what be●● agrees with his owne fancy ; but the church best se● what fit● the congregation . from what gives offence to one ; another man receives much comfort : and , his conscience edifies , by disciplines , which many doe despise ▪ nor h●ve i any thought to scandalize , or speake amisse of principalities ; or , to traduce mens persons : but , i fall on errors of mens lives in generall , and , on those great abuses , which i see to blemish ev'ry calling and degree . of dignitie● and persons , i observe all me●nes i can , their honors to preserv● , when i reprove their faults . and , ev'n as he that hunteth foxes , where lambes feeding be , may fright that harmlesse flock , and suffer blame of some by-standers , ( knowing not his game ) when from his dog● , those innocents are free , and none but their devoure●s bitten be . so , though my reprehensions , often are mistook by foolish readers ; they are far from repr●hending those , or taxing that which is unfitting for my shooting at . i speake those things which will advantage rather then harme : and hence this blinded age may gath●r m●ch light . this little volume doth relate nought else but what is like to be our fate ; if sin encrease ; and what in former times did fall on other nations for their crimes , i utter what our welfare may encrease , and helpe confirme us in a happy peace ; which they will never compasse , who p●●sue to speake what 's pleasing , rather then what 's true . how ever , here my thoughts deliv'red be : let god as he shall please , deliver me . and if what here is mention'd , thou dost he●● ( oh britaine ! ) in those times that sh●ll succeed , it may prevent much losse , and make thee shun those mischiefes , whereby kingdomes are undone . but , to thy other sins , if thou shalt adde rebellions ( as false prophets will perswade ) which likely are to follow , when thou shalt in thy profession of religion halt : then , will thy kings and people scourge each other , for their offences , till both fall together : by weakning of your pow'rs , to make them way , who seeke and look for that unhappy day . then , shall disorder ev'ry where abound , and neither just nor pious man be found . the best shall be a bryer or a thorne , by whom their neighbours shall be scratcht & to●●e . thy princes shall to nothing condiscend for any merit just , or pious end ; but either for encreasing of their treasure , or for accomplishing their wilfull pleasure : and un●o what they ●ell or daigne for meed , there shall be given little trust or heed . for , that which by their words confirme they shall , ( the royall seales uniting therewithall ) a toy shall frustr●te ; and a gift shall make their strictest o●ders no effect to take . the iudge , without a bribe , no cause shall end : no man shall trust his bro●her , or his friend : the parents and the children shall despi●e and hate , and spoile each other : she that lies within her husbands bosome , shall betray him : they who thy people should protect , shal stay them : the aged ●hall reg●r●ed be of none : the poore shall by the rich be trodden on : such grievo●s inf●olencies , everywhere shall acted be ; that good and bad shall feare in thee to dwell ; and , men discreet shall h●te to be a ruler , or a magistrate ; when they behold ( without impenitence ) so much injustice , and such violence . and , when thy wickednesse this height shall gain , to which ( no doubt ) it will e're long attaine ▪ if thou proceed : then , from the bow that 's bent ( and halfe way dr●wne already ) shall be ●ent a mortall arrow ; and it pierce thee shall quite through the head , the liver , and the gall . the lord shall call , and whistle from af●rre , for those thy enemies that fiercest are : for those thou fearest most ; and they shall from their coun●ries , like a whi●le wind hither come . they shall nor sleep , nor stumble , nor untie their garments , till within thy fields they lye . sharp shall their arrowes be , and strong their bow . their faces shall as full of horror show as doth a lions . like a bolt of thunder , their troups of horse shall come , & tread thee und●r their iron feet . thy foes shall eate thy bread , and with thy flocks both clothed be , and fed . thy dwellers , they shall cary from their owne , to countries which their fathers have not known● ▪ and , thither shall such mischiefes them pursue , that they who seeke the pit-fall to eschew , shall in a snare be taken . if they shall escape the sword , a serpent in the wall to death shall sting them : yea ( although they hap to shun a hundred plagues ) they shall not scape ; but , with new dangers , still be cha●'d about , vntill that they are wholly rooted out . the plowman , then , shall be afraid to sow ; artificers their labour shall forgoe ▪ the merchant man shall crosse the seas no more ▪ ( except to flye and seeke some other shore ) thy ablest-m●n shall faint : thy wise-ones , then , shall know themselves to be but foolish men . and th●y who built and plant●d by oppression , shall leave their gettings to the foes possession . yea , god wil scourge thee , england , ●even times more with seven times greater plagues then heretofore . then , thy allies their friendship shall withdraw ; and , they that of thy greatnesse stood in awe , shall say ( in scorne ) is this the valiant nation , that had throughout the world such reputation , by victories upon the shore ? are these that people , which were masters of the s●as , and grew so mighty ? yea that petty nation , that were not worthy of thy indignation , shall mock thee too ; and all thy former fame , forgot shall be , or mention'd to thy shame . mark how gods pl●gues were doubled on the i●ew● when they his milde corrections did abuse : marke what , a● last upon their land h● sent ; and , look thou for the se●e same punishment , if them thou imitatest . i or their sin , at fi●st , but eight yeares bondage they were in . their wick●dn●sse grew more ; and god did then , to eglon , make them sl●ves , ●ight yeares and ten . they dis●beying , still , the god of heaven ; their yeares of servitude were twenty seven , to iabin and to midian . then , prevailed philistia fo●ty yea●es ; and , when that failed , to make ●hem of their evill wayes rep●nt , there was , among themselves , a fatall rent ; and , they oft scourg'd each other . still , they trod the selfe same path ; and , then the hand o● god brought ashu● on them ; and , did make them beare his heavy yo●ke , untill the seventie●h yeare . and last of all the rom●ne empire came , which from their country rooted out their name . that foolish project which they did embrace , to keep them in possession o● their place , did lose it . and , like cain , that vagrant nation , hath now remain'd in fearfull desolation nigh sixteene hundred yeares : and , ( whatsoe're some l●tely dreame ) in vaine , they look for he●e a temp'rall kingdome . for , as long agoe their psalmist said ; no prophet doth foresh●w this ●hraldomes end . nor shall it end untill the gentiles their just number doe fulfill : which is unlike to be untill th●t houre ▪ in which there shall be no more temporall pow'r , or temporall k●ngdome . therefore ▪ gather them ( oh lord ▪ ) unto thy new ierusalem , in t●y due time . for , ye● , unto that p●ace they have a promi●t right , by thy meere grace . to those who shall repent , thy firme electiòn continues in this t●mpo●all rejection . oh! ●hew thy mercy in their desol●●ion , that thou maist honor'd be in th●ir salvation . yea , teach us also , by their fearfull fal , to hea●ken to thy voice , when th●u do●t ca●l ; ( lest thou in anger , unto us protest , that we ●h●ll never come into thy rest ) for , we ●ave follow'd them in all their sin : su●● , and so m●●y , have our warnings bin : an● ▪ 〈◊〉 thou st●●l prolong not thy compassion ▪ to us belongs the selfe same desolation . and it will ●ho●tly come ▪ with all those terror● t●at were on them inflicted , for their errors . then , woe shall be to th●m , th●● hereto●ore by joy●●●g house to hou●● , 〈◊〉 the poore ▪ and field have into field incorporated , vntill th●ir tow●esh●ps were depopulated . for , desolate their dwelling shall be made : ev'n in their blood the lord shall bathe his blade : and they that have by avarice , and wiles , erected pallaces and costly piles ; shall think , the stones and timbers , in the wall , aloud , to god , for vengeance on them call . then , woe sh●ll be to them who early rise to eate , and drinke , and play , and wanton●ize ; still adding sin to sin : for , they the paine of cold , and thirst , and hunger , shall sustaine ; and be the servile slaves of them that are their foes ; as to their lusts they captives were . then ▪ wo to them who d●rknesse more have lov'd then l●ght ; and good advice h●ve d●s●pprov'd : for , they shall wander in a crooked pa●● , which neit●er light ▪ nor end , nor c●m●ort hath and , when for guides , and couns●ll they do cry , not one sh●●l pity them , who p●sseth by . then , wo to them that have corrupted ●in , to justifie the wicked in his sin ; or , for a bribe , the righteous to condemne : for , fl●mes ( as on the chaffe ) sha●l seize on them : their bodies to the dun●hill shall be cast ; their flowre shall turne to dust ; their flock shal wast ▪ and all the glorious t●●les they have wo●ne , shall but encrease their infamy and scorne . then , wo to them that have beene rais'd aloft by good mens ruines ; and by laying soft and easie pillowes , under great mens armes , to make them pleas'd in their alluring charmes . then , wo to them , who being growne a●raid of some nigh perill , sought unlawfull aid ; and , setting gods protection quite aside , vpon their owne inventions have rely'd . for , god their fo●lish hopes will bring to nought ; on them , their feared mischiefe sh●ll be brought ▪ and , all their wit and strengt● , shall not suffi●e , to heave that sorrow off , which on them lies . yea , then , oh britaine ! woe to ev'ry one , that hath without repentance evill don● : for , those who doe n●r heed , no● beare in mind his visitings , gods reaching hand will find ; and they with howling cries and lamentation , shall sue and seeke , in vaine , for his compassion . because they car●lesse of his m●rcies were , till in consuming wrath he did ●ppea●e . but , still , we set far off that evi●l day ; in dull security we passe away our pretious time ; and with v●ine hopes and toyes , build up a trust which ●v'ry puffe destroyes . and therefore , still when healing is expected , new and unlookt for troubles are effected . we gather armies , and we fleets prepare ; and , then , both strong and safe we think we are . but , when we look for victories , and glory , what followes , but events that make us sory ? and t is gods mercy that we turne our faces with so few losses , and no more disgraces . for , what are most of those whom we commend such act●ons to ; and whom we forth do send to fight those battels , which the lords we call , but , such as never fight for him at all ? whom dost thou make thy captaines , and dispos● such offices unto , but unto those ( some few excepted ) who procure by friends ▪ command and pay , to serve their private ends ? their la●guage , and their practices decla●e , that entertained by gods foe they were . their whoring , swearing , and their drunkennesse , do far more plainly to the world expresse what generall they doe belong unto , then all their feath●rs and their ensignes doe . these , by their unrep●nted sins , betray thy cause . by these , the honor , and the day is lost : and when thou hopest tha● thy trouble shall have an end , thy danger waxeth double . we wisht for parlia●ents ; and them we made our god : ●or , all t●e hope that many had to remedy the publike discontent , was by t●e wisdome of a parli●ment . well ; parliaments we had ; and what in being , succeedeth ye● , but greater disag●●eing , with g●eater gri●va●ces then heretof●re ? and reason good : for , we depended more on outward meanes , then on gods will that sends all punishments ; and all afflictions ●nds . beleeve it should our parliaments a●ree in ev'ry motion : should our sov'raigne be so gracious , as to condiscend to all which for his weale and ours , propose we s●all ; ev'n that agr●●ment , till our sins we leave , shall make us but secure ; a●d helpe to weave a snare , by whose fine threds we shall be caught , before we see the mischie●e that is wrought . whilst we by parliam●nts do chiefly se●k meere temp'rall ends , the king shall do the like : yea , till in them we mutually agree to helpe each other ; and unfained be in lab'ring for a christian reformation ; each meeting shall b●get a new vexation . this iland hath some sense of what she ayles , and very much , these evill times bewayles : but , not so much our sinnes doe we lament , or mourne that god for them is discontent , as that the pla●ues they bring disturb our pleasures , encrease our dangers , and ●x●aust our treasure● . and , for these causes , now and then we ●ast , and pray , as long as halfe a day doth last . for , if the sunne doe but a li●tle cleare that cloud , from which a tempest we doe fear● ▪ what kind of g●iefe we took , we plainly shew by those rejoycings which thereon ensue : for , in the stead of such du● thankfu●ness● , as christian zeale obligeth to expresse ; to pleasure ( not to god ) we sacrifize ; renue our sins ; revive our vanities ; and , all our vowed gratitude expi●es , in games , in guns , in bels , in healths , or fires ▪ we faine would be at peace ; but few men go that way , ●s y●t , whereby it may be so . we have not that h●mility which must effect it : we ●re f●l●e , and cannot trust each other ▪ no nor god with true confessions : which shewes that we abhor not our transgression● ▪ it proves , t●at ●f our errors , we in heart repent not , neither purpose to depart f●om any f●lly 〈◊〉 or all they that are sincerely penitent ▪ doe nothing feare so much as t●●ir owne ●uil● ; nor seeke to gain● oug●t more , then to be reconc●l'd againe : and , they that ar●●hus minded , never can be long unreconcil'd to god , or man. when we should ●●oop , we most our selves exalt ; and ( though we be ) would no● be thought in fault . nay , tho●gh we faulty be , ●nd thought , & known , and proved so ; and ●ce that we are th●owne by our apparant erro●s , into straits , from which we cannot g●t by all our sleights : yet , still ou●selves we vau●t and justifie , and struggle , ●ill the sn●re we faster ●ye . we sin , and we to boast it have no shame , yet s●●rme when othe●s doe our follies name : and rather then we will so much as say we did amisse ( though that might wipe away the staine of all ) i think that some of us so wil●ull are , so proud , and mischievous , that we ours●lves w●uld ruine , and our nation , to keep our shadow of a reputation . oh! if we are thus headstrong , t is unlike we any part of our proud sailes will strike till they have sunke our vessell in the sea , or by th● furious winde● , are torne away . t were better ▪ tho , we did confesse our wound , then hide it till our s●ate grew more unsound . t were better we some wealth , or office lost , then keep them , till our lives , and all , it cost : and therefore , let us wisely be advised , befo●e we by a tempest be surprised . downe first with our top-gallants and our flags ; in stormes ▪ the skilfull'st pilots make no brags . let us ( if that be not enough ) l●t f●ll our misne-yeard , and strike our top-sailes all . if this we find be not enough to doe ▪ strike fote-saile , sprit-saile , yea and main-saile too . and , rather then our ship should sink or rend ; let 's over board , ●oods , mast , and tackling send . save but the hull , the master , and the men ; and we may l●ve to scoure the seas agen . beleeve it england , howsoever some ( who should fo●esee thy plagues before they come ) end●vor to perswade thee that thou hast a hopefull time ▪ and that the wo●st is past . yet i dare bol●ly tell thee , thou hast nigh worne out gods patience by impiety . and , that unlesse the same we doe r●nue by penitence , our folly we shall rue . but , what am i , that me thou should'st beleeve ? or , unto what i tell thee , ●redit give ? it may be this adul●rous genera●ion expecteth tokens of her desolation ; and therefore i will give them signes of that which they are almost now arived at . not signes , so mysticall as most of those which did t●e ruine of the iewes●isclose ●isclose ; but , signes as evident as are ●he day . for , know ye britanies ▪ that what god did say ierusalems destruction should foresh●w , he spake to ev'ry state that should ensue . and , tha● he nought of her , or to her sp●ke , for hers alone , but also for our sake . one signe that gods long-suffring we have tired , and that ●is patience is almost expired , is this ; that many iudgements he hath sent , and still remov'd them e're we did repent . for , god ( ev'n by his holinesse ) did sweare , ( saith amos ) such a nation ●e will teare with brye●s , and with fish hookes rend away the whole posterity of such as they . cl●ane teeth ( saith god ) i gave them ; and with bread in many places , them i scantly fed ; and yet they sought me not : then i restrained the dewes of heav'n ; upon this field i rained , and not on that ; yea , to one city came some two or three , to quench their thirsty ●lame ; yet , to ret●rne to me , no care they tooke : with blastings then , and mildewes , i them strook ; and mixt among their fruits the palmer-worme ; yet , they their lives did not a jot reforme : then did i send the pest●lence ( said he ) devoured by the sword , ●heir youngmen be ; their horse are slaine , and up to heaven ascends their stinke ; yet i discover no amends . the selfe same things thy god in thee hath done , oh en●land ! yet , here followes thereupon so small amendment , that they are a signe to thee ; and their sharp iudgement , will be thine . the second tohen which doth fore declare when cities , states , and realmes , declining are , ev'n christ himselfe hath left us : for , ( saith he ) when desolation shall approaching be , of wars , and warlike rumors ye shall heare ; rare signes and tokens will in heaven appeare ; downe from the firmament the stars sh●ll fall ; the hearts of many men , then , saile th●m shall ; there will be many scandals and offences ; great earth quakes , schismes , dearths , and pestilences ; realme , realme ; and nation , nation shall oppose ; the nearest friends , shall be the greates● foes . against the church shall many tyrannize ; deceivers , and false prophets , shall arise ; in ev'ry place shall wicked●esse abound ; and , charity shall very cold be found . this , christ himselfe did prophecy : and we are doubtlesse blind , unlesse con●est it be , that at this houre , upon this kingdome here , these ma●ks of desolation viewed are . how often have we s●ene prodig●ous lights , o'resp●ead ●he f●ce of heav'n in moonlesse nigh●s ? how many dreadfull met●ors have there beene in this ou● climate , lately heard and seene ? who knoweth nor that but a while agoe a blazing star did threat , if not foreshow gods iudgements ? in what age , tofore , did here so many , who did saints and stars appeare , fall ( as it were ) from heav'n ? or who hath heard of greater earth-quakes , then have lately scar'd these quarters of the world ? how oft , the touch of famine have we had ? but , when so much devou●ed by the pestilence were we , as in this present yeare our people be ? of wars , and martiall rumors , never more wer● heard within these confines heretofore ; when were all kingdomes , and all nations through the world , so opposite as they are now ? we know no country , whether nigh or far , but is engag'd , or threatned with some war. all places , either present woes bewaile ; or else things feared make mens hearts to faile . false prophets ▪ and deceivers we have many ; we scarcely find integrity in any : the name of christ , begins in ev'ry place to suffer persecution ●nd disgrace ; and , we the greatest jeopardies are in , among our neighbours , and our nearest kin . strange heresies do ev'●ywhere encrease , distur●ing sion , and exiling peace . impietie doth multiply . true love growes cold . and , if these tokens doe not prove our fall drawes on , unlesse we doe amend : i know not when our folly shall have end . a third apparant signe which doth d●clare when some devouring pl●gue approacheth neere , is when a nation doth anew begin to let idolatry to enter in ; and openly , or secre●ly give place to heresie , where truth establisht was : or when like ieroboam , to possesse an outward profit , or a temporall peace , they either change religions , or devise a worship which doth mixe idolatries with truth . for this , ev'n for this very crime , the king of ashur , in h●shea's time led isr●el captive . and , both from the sight of god ; and from the house of david quite , they were c●t off for ever , and d●d neither serve god nor idols ; but ev'n both toge●her ; in such a mixt religion as is that which some among us , now , have aymed at . marke , england ; and i prethee marke it well , if this offence which ruin'd israel , on thee appeare nor : and , if so it be , amend ; or looke for what it threatens thee . the fourth true token which do●h fore expresse the ruine of a land ●or wickednesse , is when the p●iests and magistrates begin , to grow ext●eamly impudent in fin . this signe , the prophet micah●iveth ●iveth us ; and he ( not i ) to you cryes loudly thus : heare , oh ye house of iacob , and all ye that princes of the house of is●ael be : ye iustice hate ; and ye pervert what 's good ; ye build the wal● of sion up with blood ; ierusalem with sin , ye up have rear'd , your iudges passe their censures for reward ; your priests doe preach for hire , your prophets doe like them ▪ and prop●ecy for mony too . and , for this cause shall sion mount ( saith he ) ev'n like a plowed field become to be ; and like a forre●t hill where b●shes grow ▪ the city of ierusalem shall show . change but the names , oh britain , and that token of desolation , unto the● is spoken . for , what this day thy priests and princes are ▪ their actions , and the peoples cries declare . a fifth sure evidence that god among thy ruines will en●omb thy fame e're long , ( if thou repent not ) is ev'n this , that thou dost ev'ry day the more ungodly grow , by how much more the blessed meanes of grace doth multiply it selfe in ev'ry place . god sends unto thee many learned preachers , apostles , pastors , and all kind of teachers ; his visions , and his prophecies upon thee he multiplies . and ( that he might have won thee to more sincerity ) on all occasions , by counsell , by entreatie , and perswasions , he hath advis'd , allured , and besought thee : with precept upon precept , he hath taught thee ; by line on line ; by miracle ; by reason ; in ev'ry place ; in season , out of season ; by little and by little ; and by much ( sometime ) at once : yet is thy nature such , that still thou waxest worse ; and in the roome of pleasant grapes , more thistles daily come : and , thou that art so ●aughty , and so proud , for this , shal● vanish like an empty cloud ; and , as a lion , leopard , or a beare , thy god , for this , shall thee in pieces teare . if thou suppose my muse did this devise , goe take it from hosea's prophesies the sixth undoubted signall when the last good dayes of sinfull realmes are almost past ▪ is when the people neere to god shall draw in word , to make profession of his law : and , by their tongues his prai●es forth declare ; yet , in their hearts from him continue far . to such a land , their de●●iny displaye● isaiah : for even thus the prophet sayes : god will produce a marvell in that state , and doe a worke that men shall wonder at ; the wisdome of their wisest counsellor , shall perish , and their prudent men shall erre . on their deepe counsels , sorrow shall attend ; their secret plots shall have a dismall end ; their giddy projects which they have devised , shall as the potters clay be quite despised . like carmel , lebanon shall seeme ; and he like lebanon , shall make mount carmel be . their pleasant fields like desarts shall appeare ; and , there shall gardens be , where desarts are . god keep ( thou brittish ile ) this plague from thee ▪ for , signes thereof upon thy body be . thou of the purest worship mak'st profession ; yet , waxest more impure in thy condition . thou boastest of the knowledge of gods word , yet , there unto in manners to accord thou dost refuse . thou makest protestation of pietie ; yet hatest reformation . yea ▪ when thy tongue doth sing of praise divine , t●y heart doth plot some temporall designe . and , some of those , who in this wise are holy , begin to shew their wisedome will be folly . ●or , when from sight their snares they deepest hide , by god almighties eyes they are espide . the seaventh symptome of a dreadfull blow , ( if not of a perpe●uall overthrow ) is when a slumb●ing spirit doth surprize a nation ; and hath closed up their ey●s : or when the prophets and the seers are so cloud●d , that plaine truths do not appeare : or when the visions evidently seene are passed by , as if they had not beene : or when , to nations who can reade , god gives his booke ; and thereof doth unseale the leaves , and bids them reade the same , which they to do deny ; or ●lead unablen●sse thereto . black signes are th●se . for if that book to them , still darke ; or as a book unsealed seeme ; or , if they heed no more what here is said , then they that have the booke , and cannot reade ; the iudgements , last repeated , are the doome , that shall on such a stupid nation come . this signe is come on us ; for , loe , unsealed gods book is now among us ▪ and revealed are all the mysteries which doe concerne the children of this present age to learne . so well hath he instructed this our land , that we not only reade , but understand the secrets of his word . the prophecies of his chiefe seers , are before our eyes , vnveiled : true interpretations a●e made , and many proper applications ev'n to our selves ; yet is ou● hea●t so blind , that what we know and see , we do not mind . we heare , and speake , and much adoe we keepe ; but we as sens●lesse are as men asleep what th●n we doe . yea , wh●le that we are talking , what sna●es are in the way where we are wal●ing , we heed not what we say , b●t passe along ; and many times , ●re fast ●●snar'd among those mi●●hiefes , and those faults we did condemne , before our tongues have left to mention th●m . for our negl●ct of god in ●ormer times , ( or for some present unrep●nted crimes ) a slumbring spirit●o ●o p●ssesseth us , that our estate is wondrous d●ngerous . we s●e and heare , and tell to one anoth●r our perils , yet we headlong hast together to wilfull ruine : and are growne so mad , that when our friends a better course perswade , or seeke to st●p us ( when they s●e we run that way in which we cannot ruine shun ) we persecute those men with all our soule , that we may damn our s●lves without controule . the eight plaine signe , by which i understand that some devouring mischiefe is at hand , is that maliciousnesse which i doe see among ●rsfessors of one faith , to be . we that have b●t one father , and one mother , doe persecute , and torture one another . so ho●ly , we oppose not antichrist , as we our fellow brethren doe resist . the protestant , the protestant defies ; and , we our selves , our selves doe scandalize . our church we have exposed to more scorne ; and her fai●e seamlesse vestment rent , and torne , by our owne fury , more then by their spight who are to us directly opposite . to save an aple , we the tree destroy ; and , quarrels make for ev'ry needlesse toy : from us , if any brother differ shall but in a crotcher , we upon him fall as eagerly , and with as bitter hate ▪ as if we knew him for a reprobate . and , what event all this doth signifie , saint paul ( by way of caveat ) do●h imply . take heed ( s●ith he ) lest while ye bite ●ach other , you , o● your selves , consumed be ●ogether . another s●gne which cau●eth me to feare that our confusion is approaching neere , are those disunions whi●h i have espide , in church and commonwealth , this pr●sent tide . we cannot hide th●se rents ; for they doe gape , so wide , that some their iaw●s can hardly scape . would god , the way to close them up we knew , else , what they threaten , time will shortly shew : for , all men know , a city or a land , within it selfe d●vided , ca●n●t stand ▪ the last black signe that here i will repeat , ( which doth to kingdomes desolation threat ) is when the hand of god almighty brings the pe●ple , into bondage , to their kin●s . i say , when their owne k●ng shall take delight , those whom he should protect , to rob , and smite . when they who fed the sheep ▪ the sheep shall kill , and eate them ; and suppose they doe no ill . when god gives up a nation unto those that are their neighbours , that they may , as foes , devoure them . when ( oh england ! ) thou shalt see this come to pa●se , a signe it is to thee that god is angry ; and a certaine token that into pieces thou shalt quite be broken : i● not by so ra●ne strength , by force at home ; a●d , that thy greater torment will become . this vengeance , and this fearfull preparation , of bringing ruine on a sinfull n●tion , ( if they remaine impenitent ) the lord doth menace ; and , by zachary●ecord ●ecord , to make us wise . oh! let us therefore learne ▪ what now is comming on us , to discerne . for , ( well considered if all thing● were ) from this captivity we seeme not farre . it now already seeme● to be proj●ct●d ; nay , little wants of being quite effected . for , they that are our sheph●●rds , now , are they that fleece us , and endevor to betray our lives and freedomes . those g●eat men that be our nei●hbours ( and can claime no more then we ) would sell us : and , att●mpt to gaine a pow'r , whe●eby they may , at pleasure , us d●voure : and , h●d not we a king , as loth to make his people slaves , as from hims●lfe to take his lawfull right ; ( or , were there not some lett vnheeded , which is unremov●d yet ) e're this ( and justly too ) the hand of heaven into perpetuall bondage us had given . and , if we do not more gods will regard , that mischiefe is but for a time deferr'd , our king is just and mercifull ; and th● some may ( with loyall , and a gilded s●ow of pious equity ) a while ●ssay to lead his judgement in his youth astray ; yet , god ( i hope ) will keep him so , that he shall still be just , ( though we ungodly be ) and , make him in the fitteft houre expresse his royall iudgement , and his right●ousnesse : but , if god should from us ( as god forbid ) take him , as once he good iosiah did , he also will ( unlesse we mend ) perchance , in times to come , a shepheard here advance , who shall not plead for what his youngmen say is just ; but , take the same , perforce , away . an ido●l shep●eard , who shall neither care to find or seek , for those that strayed are ; nor guard the lamb● ; nor cure what hath a wound ; nor cherish those that fi●me to him are found ; but , take the fat , and rob them of their fleeces ; and eate their flesh ; and b●eak their bones in peeces . more signes i migh● , as yet , commemorate , to shew gods pa●●ence is nig● out of date . but , these are signes enough ▪ an● so apparant , that twenty more w●ll give no better warrant to what i speake . yet , if these ●●lse appeare , that 's one signe more , our fall approacheth neere . be mind●ull , therefore , while it is to day ; and , let no good occasion slip away . now rend your hearts , ye britains , wash & rinse them from all corruption : from all evill clense them . goe offer up the pleasing sacrifice of righ●eousnesse : from folly turne your eyes . seeke peace , and follow it , with strict pursuit : relieve the needy ; iudgement execute : refresh the weary ; right the fatherlesse : the strangers , and the widowes wants redresse : give praise to god ; depend with lowly faith , o● him ; and what his holy spirit saith : r●member what a price thy ransome cost ; and , now redeeme the time that thou hast lost . returne , ret●●ne thou ( oh back-sliding nation ) and , let thy teares prevent thy desolation . as yet , thou maist returne ; for , gods embrace is open ●or thee , if thou hast the grace , to give it meeting ▪ yet , repentance may prevent the mischiefes of that evill day , which here is menace'd : yet , thou maist have peace , and by dis●reet endeavo●ing , enc●ease each outward grace , and ev'ry inward thing ▪ w●i●h will additions to thy comfo●t bring . if this thou doe ; these fea●full threatnings all , ( repea●ed h●re ) to mercies change he shall . we cannot say , it will excuse thee f●om all cha●●isement ; or that no blow shall come . for , peradv●nt●re , thou so long hast bin vnpe●i●ent , that some loud-cring sin hath wak'd that v●ngeance , which upon thy crimes mu●t fall ( as once in ier●mi●hs 〈◊〉 ) without pr●vention ; to ex●mplifie gods hate of sin to all posterity . but , sure we are , that if he doth not stay h●● threa●ned hand , the stroke that he doth lay will fall the lighter ; and become a bl●ssing , thy future joyes , and vertues more encreafing ▪ then all that larg● prosperity and rest which thou , so long tog●ther , hast possest . god ( wi●h a wr●ters ●●ke horne ) one hath sent , to set a marke on th●m that shall repent ; and bids him promi●e in his n●me , that they who shall ( recantin● ) leave their evill way , and in th●ir heart● , bewaile the grievous crimes , and miserie● of sion , in their times ; that they shall be secure , and s●●ed ●rom the hand of these d●stroye●s ▪ which must come : or else by their dest●ucti●n find a way to that repairing which will ne●re d●cay . yea thou , oh britaine ! if thou couldst reforme thy manners , might'st expell the dreadfull storme now threatned ; and thy foes ( who triumph would , the ruine of thy glory to behold ▪ and jeere thee when thou fallest ) soone s●all see thy god returning , and avenging thee on their insultings : yea , with angry blowes he would effect their shamefull overth●owes . or turne their hearts . for when from sin men cease , god makes their enemies , and them , at peace . moreover , thou shalt have in thy poss●ssing , each inward grace ▪ and ev'ry ou●ward blessing ; thy fruit●ull h●rds shall in ●ich pastures feed ; thy soile shall plentiously encrease thy seed ; thy flock , shall neither shepherds want nor meat ; cleane provander , thy stabled beast shall ●at● ; there shall be rivers in thy dales ; and fountaines vpon the tops of all thy noblest moun●aines : the moone shall cast upon thee beames as bright as now the sunne ; and with a sevenfold l●ght the sun shall bl●sse thee ▪ he that reignes in thee , to all his p●ople reconcil'd shall be ; and they shall find themselves no whit deceived , in those good hopes which are of him conceived : but he , ( and they , wh● shall his throne possesse when he is gone ) shall reigne in righteousnesse ; and be more carefull of thy weale ( by far ) then parents of their childrens p●ofits are thy magistra●e● , with wisdome shall proceed in all that shall be cou●ell'd or decreed . as harbours , w●en it blowes tempestuously ; as rivers , unto places over-d●y ; as shadowes a●e to men opprest with heat ; as to a hungry stomac● , wholsom● meat ; to thee , so welcom● , and as much con●enting , thy nobles will become , on thy repenting . thy priests shal preach true doctrine in thy teples ; and make it fruitfull by their good examples . thy god , with righteousnesse shall them aray , and heare and answer them , when they do pray . thy eyes , that much are blinded , shall be cleare ; thy ea●es that yet are deafned , then shall heare ; thy tongue , that s●āmers now , shall then sp●ak plain ; thy heart shall perfect understanding gaine ; the preaching of the gospell shall encrease ; thy god shall make thy comforts and thy peace , to flow as doth a river ; they who plant , the blessing of their labour shall not want ; thy poorest people shall at full be fed ; the meek , shall of no ty●a●t stand in dread ; thou shalt have grace and knowledge , to avoid those things , whereby thy r●st may be annoid ; t●ou shalt poss●sse thy wished bl●ssings all ; and , god shall heare thee still before thou call . but , as a chime , wh●se ●rets disord red grow , can never cause it selfe in t●ne to goe , nor chime at all , untill some cunning hand doth make the same againe in order stand : or , as the clock , whose plummers are not weight , strike● sometimes one for three , and sixe for eight ; so fareth it with men and kingdomes all , when once from their integrity they fall . they may their motion●urry ●urry out of frame , but have no pow'r to r●ctifie the same that curious hand which first those pieces wrought , must mend them still ; or they will still be nought . to thee i therefore now my speech convert , thou famous artist , who creator art of heav'n and ea●th , and of those goodly spheares , that now have whirled many thousand yeares , ( and shall untill thy pleasure ●ives it ending ) in their perpetuall motion , without mending . oh! be thou pleased , by thy pow'rfull hand , to set in order this depraved land. our whole foundation , lord , is out of course ; and ev'ry thing still groweth worse and wor●e ; the way that leads quite from thee , we have tooke ; thy covenant , and all thy lawes are b●oke ; in mischiefes , and in folly , is our pleasure ; our crying sins have almost fill'd their measure ; yet , ev'ry day we adde a new transgressi●n , and still abuse thy favour and compassion . our governors , our prelats , and our nobles , have by their sins encrease , encreast our trou●les . our priests , and all the people , have misgone ; all kind of evill deeds , we all have done . we have not lived as those meanes of ●race require , which thou hast gra●ted to this place : but ●ather wo●se then many who have had less● helpes then we , of being better made . no nation under heav'n so lewd hath bin , that had so m●ny w●rnings for their sin , and such perpetuall callings on , as we , to leave our wickednesse , and turne to thee . yet , we in stead of turning , further went ; and when thy mercies and thy plagues were sent to pull us backe ; they seldome wrought our stay , or moved to repentance one whole day . no blessing ▪ no affliction , hath a pow'r to move compunction i● us , for one houre , vnlesse thou worke it . all that i can speake ( and all that i have spoken ) till thou breake and mollifie the heart , will fruitlesse be , not onely in my hearers , but in me . i● thou p●epare not way for more esteeme all these remembrances will foolish seeme . nay these , in stead of moving to repent , will indignation move and discontent ; which will mens ha●dned hearts obdurate more , and make their fault much greater then before . vnlesse thou give a ●lessing , i may strive as well to make a marble stone alive , as to effect my p●rpo●e : yea , all this like wholesome counsell to a mad man is , and , i for my good meaning shall be torne in pieces , or exposed be to scorne . ●or , they against thy word doe stop their eare ; and , wilde in disobedience , will not heare . in this , we all confesse ourselves to blame , and that we therefore have deserved shame . yea , lord we doe acknowledge , that for this there noth●ng else to us pertaining is , ( respecting our owne worth ) but desolation , and finall ●ooting ou● , without compassion . but gracious god , though such our merit be , yet , ●ercy f●ll pertaineth unto thee . to thee the act of pard'ning and forgiving , as much belongs ( oh father everliving ) as plagues to us : and it were better far our sinnes had lesse then their deservings are , then that thy clemency should be outgone , by al● the wickednesse that can be done . as well as theirs whose lives now left them have , thou ca●st command those bodies from the gr●ve , who slink , and putrifie , and buried be in their corruption . such , oh lord ! are we . oh! call us from this grave ; and shew thy pow'r vpon this much polluted land of our , which is not only sick of works unholy , but almost dead and buried in her folly . forgive us all our slips , our negl●gences , our sins of knowledge , and our ignorances ; our daring wickednesse ; our bl●ody crimes ; and all the faults of past and p●esent times . permit not thy just wrath to burne for ●ver ; in thy displeasure doe not still persever ; but , call us from that pit of death , and sin , and from that path of hell which we are in . remember , that this vineyard hath a vine , which had her planting by that hand of thine . remember , when from egypt thou remov'dst it , with what entire affection , then , thou lov'dst it . how thou didst weed and dresse it heretofore ; how thou didst fence it from the forrest bore ; and think ▪ how sweet a vintage then it brought , when thy first worke upon her thou hadst wrought ▪ remember , that without thy daily care , the choicest plants , soone wilde and fruitlesse are ; and , that as long as thou dost prune and dresse , the sowrest vine sh●ll bring a sweet ●ncrease . r●member , also lord , how still that foe , w●● fi●st pu●sued us ▪ doth seek to sow his ●ares among thy wheat ; and to his pow'r , b●eak down● thy fence , and trample , and devoure the seeds of grace , as soone as they doe sprout ; and is to● strong , for us to keep him out . o● ! let not him prevaile , such harme to do us , as he desires , but , lord , re●urne unto us . returne in mer●y . though thou find us slack to come our selves , f●tch , draw , and pull us back from our owne courses , by thy grace divine , and set , and keep us , in each way of thine . we from our foes have saved beene by thee ; and in thy love , oh lord ! triumphed we . but now behold , disgrac'd thou throw'st us by , and we before our adversaries flye . a● us our neighb●ring nations laugh and jeere , and , us they ●co●ne , whom late we made to feare . oh god a●ise , reject us not for aye ; no longer hide from us thy face away : but , come , oh come with speed to give u●aid , and let us not be lost though we have straid . vouchsafe that ev'ry one in his degree , the secret errors of his life may see ; and , in his l●wfull calling ▪ all his dayes , pe●forme his christian duty , to thy praise ▪ give peace this troublous age ; for , perilous the times are growne , and no man fights for us but thou oh god! nor do we seek or crave , that any other champion we may have . nay give us troubles , if thy will be ●o , that we may have thy strength to beare them too ; and in affliction thee more glorifie , then heretofore in our prosperity . for when thy countenance on us did shine , those lands th●t boasted of their corne and wìne , had not that joy which thou di●st then inspire , when we were boyld and fryde in blood and fire . oh! give againe that joy , although it cost us our lives . restore thou what our sin hath lost us thy church , in these dominions lord preserve in purity : and teach us thee to serve ●n holinesse and righteousnesse , untill we shall the number of our dayes fulfill . defend these kingdomes from all overthrowes , ●y forraine enemies , or home-bred foes . our king with ev'●y grace and vertue blesse , which may thine honour and his owne encrease . inflame our nobl●s with mo●e love and zeale , to thy true spouse , and to this common w●ale . inspire our ●lergie in their severall places , with knowledge , and all sanct●●ying g●aces ; that by their liv●s and doct●ines they may reare th●se part● of syon , which decayed are . awake ●his peo●le , give them soules that may beleeve thy word , and thy commands obey . the plagues deserv'd already , save them from . more wa●ch●ull make them , in all times to come . for blessings past . let hearty thanks be given . for present ones , let sacrifice to heav'n be daily offred up . for what is needing ( or may be usefull in the time succeeding ) let faithfull prayers to thy throne be sent , with hearts and ●ands upright and innocent : and let all this the better fu●thred be , through these rem●mbrances , now b●ough● by me . for which high favour ▪ and emboldning thus my spirit , in a time so dangerous ; for chusing me , that am so despi●able , to be employed in this honorable and great employment ▪ ( which i more ●steeme , then to be crowned with a diadem ) for thy enabling me in this embassage ; for bringing to conclusion this my message ; for sparing of my l●fe , when thousands dy'd , before , behind me , and on ev'ry side ; for saving of me m●ny a time since then , when i had fo●feited my soule agen ; for all those griefes and poverties , by which i am in better things made great , and rich , then all that wealth and honor brings man to , wherewith the wo●ld doth keepe so much adoe : for all which thou to me on earth hast given ; for all , w●i●h doth concerne my hopes of heaven ; for these , and those innumerable graces , vouchsafed me , at sundry times , and places , ( vn●hought upon ) unsained praise i render : and , for a living s●crifice , i tender to thee ( oh god ) my body , soule , and all , which mine i may , by thy donation , call . accept it blessed maker , for his sake who did ●his offring acceptable m●ke , by giving up himselfe . oh! looke thou no● vpon those blem●shes which i have got by naturall corruption ; or by those polluted acts which f●om that ulcer flowes . according to my ●kill , i have enroll'd thy merci●s ; and thy iustice i have told . i have not h●d thy workings in my brest ; but a● i could , their pow'r i have exprest . among our great assemblies , to declare thy will and pleasure , loe , i doe not f●a●e : and th●ugh by princes i am checkt and blamed ▪ to sp●ake ●he truth , i am no whit ashamed . oh! ●hew thou , lord , thy mercy so to me , and l●t thy ●ove and truth , my guardians be . forgive me all the foll●es of my youth ; my f●ul●y deeds ; the errors of my mo●th ; the wandrings o● my hea●t , and ev'ry one of those good workes that i have lest undone . forgive me all wherein i did amisse , since thou ●mployd'st me in performing this : my d●ublings of thy calling ●e unto it ; my f●are● , which oft di●heartned me to doe it ; my sloth , my negligences , my evasions , and my defe●ring it , on vaine occasions , when i had vowed that no wo●ke of mine , should take me up , till i had finisht thine . lord , pardon this ; and let no future sin , nor what already hath committed bin , prophane this w●rke ; or cause the same to be the lesse effectuall to this land , or me . but to my selfe ( oh lord ) and others , let it so moving be , that we may ne're fo●get it . let nor the evill , nor the good effect it takes , or puffe me up , or me deject : or make me thinke that i the better am , because i tell how others a●e to bl●ame : but , let it keep me in a christian feare , still humbly heedfull what my actions are . let all those observations i have had , of others er●or● , be occasions made to min● me of mine owne . and , lest i erre , let ev'ry man be my remembrancer ; with so much charity , as i have sought to b●ing their duties more into their thought . and , i● in any sin i linger long ▪ without repentance ; lord , let ev'ry tongue that n●m●s me , check me for it : and , to me b●come , what i to ●thers faine would be . oh! let me not be like those busie broomes , which having clensed many nasty roomes , doe make themselves the fouller : but sweet father , let me be like the preci●us diamond rather , which doth by polishing another stone , the better shape and lustre , set upon h●s owne rou●h body . let my life be such , as that mans ought to be , who knoweth much of thy good pleasure . and , most awfull god , let none of tho●e , who sp●ead of me abroad vnjust reports , the dev●lls pu●pose gaine , by making these my warning● prove in vaine to those that heare them : but let such disgraces , reflect with shame , upon their authors fac●s , till they repe●t . and let their scandall se●ve within my hea●t true me●k●●sse to preserve ; and that humili●y , which else , perchance , vaine glory , ot some naturall arrogance might ove●throw , if i should think upon ( with carnal thoghts ) some good my lines have done restrai●e , moreover , them who out of pride , or igno●ance , this labour shall deride . make them perceive , who shall prefer a story composed ●or some temporall friends glory , before those poems which thy works declare , that vaine and witlesse their opinions a●e : and if by thee i was appointed , lord , thy iudgements and thy mercies to record , ( as here i do ) set thou thy mark on those , who shall despightfully the same oppose : and let it p●●likely be seene of all , till of their malice they repent them shall . as i my conscience have disch●rged here , without concealing ought for love , or feare ; from furious men let me preserved be , and from the scorne of ●ooles deliver me ▪ vouchsafe at length some com●orting refection , according to the yeares of my affliction . on me , for good , some to●en please to show , that they who see it , may thy bounty know ; rejoyce , with fellow-fe●ling of the s●me , and joyne with me , in praising of thy name . and lest ( oh lord ! ) some weake ones may despise my word● , because of ●uch necessities , as they h●ve b●ou●ht upon me , by their spight , who ●o my s●udie h●ve beene opposite : oh! give me that which may suffic●ent be , to make them know that i have served thee . and that my labours are by thee regarded , although they seeme not outwardly rewarded . those honors , or that wealth , i doe not crave , which they affect , who most end●vored have to please the world. i onely aske to gaine but food and rayment , lord , for all my paine ; and that the ●launders , and the poverties , wherewith my patience thou shalt exercise , make not these lines , or me , become a scorne , nor leave me to the world-ward , quite forlorne . yet , in preferring of this humble suit , i make not my request so absolute , as that i will capitula●e , or tye ●o such conditions , thy d●ead majesty . for , if to honour bu● an eart●ly prince my muse had sung ▪ it had beene impudence to p●ompt his bounty ; or , to doubt he might forget to doe my honest labours right . doe therefore as thou pleasest : only give thy servant grace contentedly to live , and to be ●hankfull , wha●soever shall in thi● my weary pil●rimage befall . such thing● thou dost command me to require , with earnest , and an absolute desire : with which i come : beseeching i may finde thy love continue , though none else be kinde ; that blessednesse ete●nall i may get , though all i lose on earth , to compasse it ; and that , at last , when my accompt is eaven , my payment may be summon'd up in heaven . lord , this will p●ease me : call me quickly thithe● , and pay me there my wages all together : not that which mine by merit seemes to be ; but , what by thy meere ●race is due to me . the conclusion . so now ( though not so fally as i ●●ght ) my vow is paid ; and to an end is brought t●is worke , for which god pleas'd my life to spare , whe● thousand● round about me slaughtred were . n●w , live or dye i care rot : for i see but little useful●esse , or need of me . because no●e knowes what god may call him to ; i will not say precisely what i 'le doe : but , in ●his kind of muzing , to endeavor , or he employ'd againe , i purpose never . for , if this ●rofit not , it will be vaine for me to strike upon this st●in● againe ▪ if these doe not prevaile , i shall suppose , words are not wanting here so much as blowes ▪ and that the filthy will be filthy s●ill , till th●y the measure of their sin f●lfill : or , that god wil● to f●ee us from pollution , put some ●●●sall plague in execution . whi●●●o prevent , to him i 'le humbly pray , and , whilst i live , ende●vor what i may my cou●t●ies welfare ; se●king meanes to finde , to spen● for her availe , my dayes behinde ; and lab●ring so , my talent to employ , that i may come in●o my masters joy . and , though ( when all is done which i am able ) my service will be but unprofitable : yet , still i will be doing , that , wh●n he shall come , i be not idle found to be . if any blame what is or shall be done ; my conscience k●oweth i would injure none ; and that i doe not meddle further , than becommeth me that am a priva●e man , though otherwise it seeme to those who weigh not wh●n private men may spe●ke , and when th●y may not . the buildin● of a towne we doe preserre vnto the mason and the carpenter ; but , when it is on fire , we care no● who doth come to quench it , so the same he doe . and , thoug● in setled times , the statutes awe the ruder sort , sometime there 's martiall law. t is true indeed , that ordinary times , and those that are but ordinary crimes , may by the commo● iustice be amended , and shoul● not be by others repre●ended ; except it be in termes , respecting all states ▪ persons , times , and sin in g●nerall . yet ( as king david sayes ) if overthrowne foundations be ; what then amisse i● done , by honest men , if god to sh●w our fall , shall some , in extraordinary , call ? we now have those that neither stand in awe of ordinary magistrate , or law. nay , law is made a mockage , and a scorne , and , they who have appointed beene , and sworne to j●dge us by ●he lawes , deny their pow'r , except , when they may serv● them to devoure . we now have sinners , who are got above the reach of men appoin●ed to reprove in ordinary course . yea , sins have we , which brook not , toucht , or mentioned to be : no not so much as pray'd against , through feare of ●ngring those that their wel willers ●re . and , this ●reat impudency daily growes so str●ng that all our freedome● we shall lose , and natures lawes e're long will all be brok●n , if none shou●d speake ; and therefore i have spok●n . and ●f for this i may not live as fr●e as i was borne ( and as i ought to be ) i hope to dye , doe malice what it can , an ho●est and a constant englishman , whose fall shall be no ble●ish to his name ; but , in●am● to those , who caus●d the same . but , s●ffer this ( will politicians dreame ) an● , such a president will hearten them to libellize , who wanting grace , and re●son , d●vulge t●eir sharp-fang'd poems out of season : and they who write for nothing but to show their spleens , or that the world may come to know their facul●y , mens persons m●y abuse , and brave it thus , their boldnesse to excuse . but , wh●t is this to me ? ( if others will because i have done well , be doing ill ) let them and those , whom thereby they offend , about that matter , by themselves contend . t is fit for so●er men their swo●ds to weare , altho●gh by drunkard th●y abus●d are . which freedome i ▪ have claim●d , and us'd you see ; and from the claime will never bea●en be . in ev'ry worke ▪ some passage will d●scover to k●ow●ng men , what was the ch●ef●st mo●ver : which ●hey who have the spirit of d●scerning , should marke ; for , t is a matte worth the learning . and , when they find an autho● should be shent , let him receive his worthy chastisement . but , when his paines deserveth a rew●rd , affl●ct him not , though him you nought regard . a libeller is impudently bold , when he hath times , or patrons to uphold his biting straines ; and soone is he descry'd ; for ●e , to strike all faults , is t●rrifi'd : and feares what perills may his act attend , if none ●e knowes save god to be his friend . but , they who have my minde , will be so far from feare to write , although you doe not spare to punish me , that they will write the more ; make up the summe that ●anteth on my score ; and , reprehensions forth so loud will thunder , that at your follies time● to come will wonder . for , outward hopes , have not my tongue unloo●'d , nor can my mouth by outw●rd feares be clos'd . what i have done is done : and i am ●as●d , and ●lad , how ever others will be pleas'd . let t●em who shall p●ruse it , praise , or lau●h , revile or s●●ffe , or threat , or sweare , or chase , all 's one to me ; so i within be still , without me , let men keepe what noise they will , for , sure i am , though th●y my flesh confound , the soule , i seeke to save , shall still be sound ▪ and this i know , that nor the br●t●sh rages of ●his ●ow p●esent , or succeeding ages , shall root this poeme out ; but , that to all ensuing times , the same continue shall , to be perused in this land , as long as here they sh●ll retaine the english tongue : or , while there shall be errors , and offences , disorders , discords , plagues , or pestilences . and , if our evills we depar● not from , before the d●y of our destruction come , this book shall to the times that follow show , what sin● they were which caus●d our overthrow : and testifie to others ( for their learnin● ) that vengeance did not seize us without warning . if they who know the state of this our land , can justly say that her affaires doe stand in such a posture as was ordinary ; or , th●t these times the face d●e seeme to cary which t●ey have had : or , if th●y see not here , more wants , more doubts , and ter●ors , then therewere : or , if ●his message ( whatsoe're succedeth ) be more ( or more insisted on ) t●en needeth : or , if it giveth any just suspition that thence may spring o●casions of sedition ; nay if th●t ●ll my rea●●rs may not g●ther good mot●ves thence , to 〈◊〉 ●edition , rather ▪ and such like me●nes of r●●●ifying that which is , or may be har●full to the state : let me be strictly ques●●on●d , an● blamed , and conf●r'd too ; as one ●hat hath defamed or inj●red his country . or , if they who sh●ll per●se this booke , can truly say , that i have caused this remembrancer to spe●ke l●ke ev'ry v●lgar messenger ; if any c●rcumstance ca● prove , i bend my purposes to wo●ke my private end ; or , that i persons scandalize , o● fl●tter ; or that i in the manner , or the matter , resembl● s●ch a pamphl●ter , as feares the losing of his lib●rties , or eares : o● , that i speak● like them who railing come , they neither ●●re at what , nor yet at whom , so they may raile ; or , if i have not sh●wed my messages from such a spirit flowed , as is well knowne unto him , and whereby he can def●nd them , with good warrantly : if these , or ought like th●se things may be said , ( to prove the part of an impostor plaid ) let him who thinks he can unmask me , strive to do it , and as he shall doe , b●leeve . but if they find ( which doubtlesse they shall find ) who view this poeme with a single minde ) that i have here delivered thing● exceeding my me●ne ▪ of knowledge , or my he●ps of breeding , so far , as that my readers cannot chuse b●t know some pow'r divine d●d them infuse : if they shall find , by my confessions h●re , that i am subject to the selfe same feare which others feele ; and yet have dare● more in some respects , then others heretofore : if they ●erceive , that i did oft desire thro●gh frailty , from this action to retire ; a●d , that i had a supernat●●●ll w●ll , my naturall desi●es resisting st●ll , an● forcing me , ev'n in my owne despight , that ●atter of this volume to en●ite : if they perceive , as well per●eiue they may , that i had ma●y lets within my way , so cumbersome , as made the ●ork a●peare scarce possible ▪ to him that w●lling were ; and , how god made such hindrances become more helpfull at the last , then troubl●some . if they observe , how wh●n my fortunes all at hazard lay ( and were to stand or fall according to their wils , who may , with me , for this , if god forbid not a●●●y be ) that i , though many did the same condemne , did ( this to finish ) quite give ever them , which then i might have setled ; had i thought gods kingdome ought not first to have been sought . if they did know how we●l i know the rage , the sottishnesse , and malice of this age ; how little conscience some doe make to kill , oppresse , or ruinate , to get their will ; or what small meanes , or hope of friends i have , my body from their violence to save : if these , and such like things as these were heeded , all these preventions should not now have needed : for , they would see , this had not beene effected , vnlesse gods hand had strengthned and directed ▪ and they who else my person may contemne , would feare , that they in me would injure him . i know , some please to say , that thus i vent bold words ; because i seeke imprisonment : as if to me thereby there might arise a profit , by conceal'd g●atuities . thus many schismaticks indeed have done , and honest men and women prey'd upon , to charities abuse : but , god doth know that yet , with me it never hath beene so : but that my heart both scor●es and h●tes to be so false and base , as these d●e ●ensure me . i doe , and will confesse unto the praise of him , who unto me my friends did raise , that when i did , in thrall oppressed grow , with wants , which none but g●d and i did know ; and was mew'd up so close , that to no friend , i might a prayer , or petitio● send , but unto god : he mov'd the hearts of some to se●d me su●cour : and , i vow , to whom , except to him , i should my thanks repay , ( for much there●f ) i know not to thi● day . it was enough to show me , that god will in all extreames , provide things nee●full s●ill . and decently , and well did it suffice in my restraint , for all nec●ssities . but , what soe're some thinke , i brought not forth into the world with we , one farthing worth above my charge : but , there just eaven made of all which from gods bountious hand i had . for , what was more then serv'd to set me free , i gave to others , as he gave to me . which , not in boast , i mention ; but , i speake the truth , that this the more effect may take . a foo●●sh policie in me it were ( for such a base uncertain●y as here objected is ) to venture as i doe the ●●sse of th●t which i had rea●ht unto f●re now : had this beene left , to settle that which doth concerne my ●emp●rall estate . the king hath showne me favour : at this houre , i doe not know that ●an , of name , or pow'r whose person i envy , or disaffect , or whom of any malice i suspe●t to me o● mine : with me they all are friends , that w●re at odds ; and to attaine my ends in my ●ff●ires , i never had a day so probable as now , if i would stay this message : and perchance , this bring me shall in all my outward ho●es unto a fall ; yet , this shall first be told , that you may see , my hopes are greater , then my feares can be ; and that it may be knowne , i d●e disclaime those ends , at which most thinke i basely aime . these arguments , as such like words as may anticipate , i here , beforehand , say ; not that i thinke it possible , by them to change their mindes that will this booke contemne , for , t is not in the pow'r of argument , or words , to make the wilfull provident . it lieth not in honest prot●stations to overthrow malicious combinations ; no nor in miracles , till god shall please ( who of all hearts doth keepe the locks and keyes , to shut and open them ▪ ) for they that heard and liv'd to see fulfil'd , what was declar'd by ieremy against ierusalem ; his counsell they did nathelesse contemne , when he their slight to aegypt did oppose ; and so became of their owne overthrowes the wilfull cause . nay , when our saviour spake to iudas , and that band which came to take his person ; to the ground those men he strooke ev'n with his voice : and , on the crosse , he shooke the ea●th , and rent the temple with his cry ; yet , that and all the rest was passed by of most beholders , a if they had beene vnsensible of what was heard and seene . i therefore , these preventions doe insert , to aggravate the hardnesse of their heart who shall be obstinate . and here declare what may be said or done , e're done they are ; that all may know , when such things come to passe nought fals on me , but what expected was ; and that the better working this may have on those who shall gods messages receive ●y this remembrancer . for , god hath sent , though i ( unworthy ) am his instrument . him , unadvisedly compos'd i not , nor was he by a miracle begot . to fit him for this purpose ; i have thrice imprisonment endur'd : close-prison twice . much trouble i have past which thence ensu'd ; through wants and slaunders not a few i s●ru'd ; and , being guarded by gods providence , i lately walked through the pestilen●e , and saw , and felt , what nature doth abhor , to harden me , and to prepare me for this worke. and therefore he , who thinkes he shall wit● his big lookes or speeches me appall , must look more grim then death ; more ugly , far , then vizards , or the shapes of devils are ; breathe ranker poison then a plague fill'd grave ; and stamp , and rore , and teare , and stare , and rave , more dreadfully , and louder then a man infected with six pestilences can : else ; i ( to play with terrors being borne ) shall laugh both him and all he doth , to scorne . and , though i may , perchance ( as did the best of all ●ods children when they were opprest ) sometime bewaile my suffrings , or declare that i doe feele them when their waight i beare ; yet murmur will i not , at what is laid vpon me , neither seeke to flesh for aid . by what 's here done , may trouble come upon me ; but , not performing it , had quite undone me : since , i through feare of what the world may doe , neglected had , what god had call'd me to . for , of his calling me , the , meanes and wayes wh●reby my weaknesse he to this did raise , vnquestionable evidence doe give . and , they who doe not , yet , the same beleeve , will think the same , perhaps , when they shall see themselves enclosed with new plagues to be . thus i beleeving , a●d considering , what fearlesnesse this act therewith doth bring , ( with what assurances , i doe possesse ) me thinks it were a matchlesse wickednesse to disobey . yea sure , i more in that wrong'd god , then i shall seeme to wrong the state ▪ in uttring what some few are loth to heare . how ever divers thinke ; this is my feare . yea , to my soule , so horrible a thing the wilfull disobeying that great king appeared hath ; that , n●ver should i sleepe in peace againe , if i did silence keepe . and therefore , neither all the royall graces of kings ; nor gifts , nor honourable places , should stop my mouth . nor would i smother this , though twenty kings had sworne that i should kis●e the gallowes for it : lest my conscience should torment me more , then all men living could . yea , though this minde were but my ignorance , or fancy ( as it will be thought , perchance ) yet , since this fancy may present to me as hideous feares , as things that reall be , i 'le hazard rather twenty deaths to dye , then to be tortur'd by my fantasie . for , i had rather in a dungeon dwell five yeares ; then in my soule to seele a hell five minutes : and , so god will be my friend , i shall not care how many i offend . and , yet , ( now i remember ) troubled is my heart a little , for one thing amisse which i have done . this m●ssenger hath bin long time kept out ; and i did thrust him in without a licence ; lest he comming late , might shew you a commission out of date . i could excuse the fact , and lay the crime vpon the much disorder of the time : for , most men know , that in a watch or clock● when it is out of order once or broke , the wheeles that are unfaul●●e move awry as well as they in whom the faults doe lye . but , that you may not thinke i doe professe against the state , as wholly mercilesse , or that i thinke it nothing to misdoe against good order , though compelld th●●eto ; for this i aske forgivenesse ; and submit my selfe to them , who shall in judgement sit vpon the fact . for which if i obtaine my pardon , i shall humbly entertaine their favours with my thankefullest respects , and , hope this message will have good effects . if otherwise i finde ; my body shall be ready to subject it selfe to all their strictest penalties : and when i am enough affl●cted for what is to blame in this , or me : i know , god will release by body , or my soule , againe in peace . to him alone , for patronage , i run : lord , let thy pleasure , and thy will be done . the glory be to god. the faults escaped in the printing , wee had not such meanes to prevent as we desired ; nor could we conveniently collect them , by reason of our hast , of hazard , and other interruptions : wee therefore leave them to be amended , censured , and winked at , according to the readers courtesie or discretion . a memorandum to london occasioned by the pestilence there begun this present year mdclxv, and humbly offered to the lord mayor, aldermen and commonality of the said city / by george wither ; thereto is by him added, a warning-piece to london, discharged out of a loophole in the tower, upon meditating the deplorable fier, which consumed the house of an eminent citizen, with all the persons and goods therein, at the beginning of most joyful festival in december ; also, a single sacrifice offered to almighty god, by the same author in his lonely confinement, for prevention of the dearth-feared, and probably portended, by immoderate raines in june and july, , morever, in regard may have reported and believed this author to be dead, we have annexed his epitaph, made by himself upon that occasion. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a memorandum to london occasioned by the pestilence there begun this present year mdclxv, and humbly offered to the lord mayor, aldermen and commonality of the said city / by george wither ; thereto is by him added, a warning-piece to london, discharged out of a loophole in the tower, upon meditating the deplorable fier, which consumed the house of an eminent citizen, with all the persons and goods therein, at the beginning of most joyful festival in december ; also, a single sacrifice offered to almighty god, by the same author in his lonely confinement, for prevention of the dearth-feared, and probably portended, by immoderate raines in june and july, , morever, in regard may have reported and believed this author to be dead, we have annexed his epitaph, made by himself upon that occasion. wither, george, - . [ ], p. s.n.], [london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. errata: p. . created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a memorandum to london , occasioned by the pestilence there begun this present year mdclxv , and humbly offered to the lord maior , aldermen and commonalty of the said city . by george wither . thereto is by him added , a warning-piece to london , discharged out of a loophole in the tower , upon meditating the deplorable fier , which consumed the house of an eminent citizen , with all the persons and goods therein , at the beginning of our most joyful festival , in december , . also , a single sacrifice offered to almighty god , by the same author in his lonely confinement , for prevention of the dearth-feared , and probably portended , by immoderate raines in june and july , . quia legit haec , &c. who read such lines as these ? how few men , do they please ? moreover , in regard many have reported and believed this author to be dead ; we have annexed his epitaph , made by himself upon that occasion . imprinted in the year , mdclxv . a seasonable memorandum humbly tendred to the city of london , the lord maior , aldermen , and the whole commonalty thereof , by occasion of the pestilence , begun this year , mdclxv . by their old remembrancer , george wither . the psalmist , when he saw truths foes grow strong a while resolved to withhold his tongue ev'n from good words ; ( as i have often done ) but , in his heart , new-musings then begun to muster so , that , he was forc'd to break his resolution , and his thoughts to speak . so fares it now with me ; and i must do that which my mover hath inclin'd me to : vouchsafe it hearing , and god be my speed , for , it concerns you , and deserves good heed . this , now commencing , is the fourtieth year , since first , the greatest plague that raged here , within our time , was sent for our correction , to scourge us , with a pestilent infection , that , god's intention , being timely heeded we , by repentance , might have superseded those following judgments , which have ever since inflicted been , for our impenitence ; and , are still multiplying , as if from god's quiver , sharper arrows were to come . that year , i having lived , till the sun had thrice twelve times , quite through the zodiack run , consider'd i had spun out half that time within your walls , and might be one of them for whose transgressions , that sharp visitation came to destroy , or work a reformation ; and , thereupon ( without constraint ) intended to wait on god , where i had him offended ; that , if to spare my life , vouchsafe he should , i might as truly serve him as i could , by heeding both his actings , and our own ; and making those things unto others known , which i should then observe , might best promote his honour ; and from being quite forgot , keep that upon record , ( though to our shame ) which might hereafter , glorifie his name . during that plague , not one night , all the while , remov'd i thence , the distance of one mile , or shuned either person , place , or sight , which , me , experimentally then might acquaint with any thing , whereby to learn my duty , or what would my work concern ; by which means , i found reason to confess ( as job in his probation did profess ) that i , who heard of god , but by the ear , before that time , then ; saw him as it were ; and , had some things , likewise , to me reveal'd which were from many wiser men conceal'd ; so that i both foresaw , and then foretold what many thousands did fulfil'd behold soon after : yea , moreover , some of them who , many years , my cautions did contemn , ( and scofft at my predictions ) justifi'd that , which in times past , they did much deride . but , in their old waies , most men did proceed as if they took a very little heed , of any thing , past , present , or to come , which might preserve peace , or prevent their doom . what i then saw , and foresaw would befall , i did record , in that which i did call britans remembrancer ; and have not been regardless , what transactions , here were seen during tho●● fourty years of provocation , wherein , god's spirit , by this generation hath greeved been . of that large premonition , at least four thousands at the first impression were publisht through these islands , to prevent what seem'd at hand ; and , to the same intent in several modes , at several times before this present day , five times as many more premonitory hints , whereon ensue as mean effects , except among those few for whose sake ( next his sons ) god , yet hath pity on these three nations , and on this great city , though they have prosecuted and opprest ▪ those , in whose weal their welfare doth consist . but , this comes not within the creed of many nor can be possibly believ'd of any , whom pride , self-love , and ignorance bewitches either with dotage upon pleasures , riches , or power exorbitant ; because no grace can get admittance , where those fill the place , for , these , are part of those things where withall the devil tempted christ ; and they who fall by not resisting him in that temptation are drawn , at last , to yeeld him adoration ( though peradventure they perceive it not ) and , when he that advantage once hath got ; it is not in the power of any one to dispossess him , bud of god alone . judgements and mercies , in the common mode move not without th' immediate hand of god , or , some impulses extraordinary when from his dictates , wilfully they vary . the most convincing truths , make them but madder ; they , to the wisest charmer like the adder , still stop their ears ; and them he works upon no more , then if he sung unto a stone . this renders these more brutish then a beast by whom christ is but formally profest : for , beasts will shun the dangers that pursue them ; meet those who feed them , when their meat they shew them ; know their preservers , yea return them too , requitals , in their kind , for what they do : whereas besotted men , ev'n when they may perceive themselves beleagured ev'ry way with mischiefs ; although plainly they may see that their endeavours unsuccesful be in spight of all their policy or power , and , god , avengments threatning every hour by p●o●●gies , and by events , that from no mortall hand , to cross their hopes can come , they either look on them as casualties , or , them not to concern , in any wise : then , with full sailes , run head long on that rock which is in view ; at their good counsel mock , who tell them lovingly , how to avoyd that , whereby , they shall else be quite destroyd , if they proceed ; or , cast an anchor where , they , now in hope of preservation are : and , if these be not madmen , there are none in bedlam , where we hear is many a one . ev'n as a nice and wanton appetite , longs after kickshaws , and takes more delight in dishes made up of they know not what , and not so wholsome , as plain solid meat ; so , most men , with expressions are best pleas'd from whence , one sentence , hardly can be squeas'd which well consider'd , any way conduces to civil manners or to pious uses , though you should strain out all , that every word for caution , or instruction , might afford . to all such true phanaticks , this will seem , to be perhaps , of very small esteem , because , it speaks plain sense , and is not deckt and trim'd up with such gawds as they expect . yet this , & th●se strains which they much dispise . may be a means to make some fools more wise . god promis'd to his servants long ago , he would upon their children shed forth so his holy spirit , in the later ages , that they should be inspired with presages of things to come ; and ( to his name be praise ) this we have seen accomplisht in our daies . strange visions have appear'd , truths are foretold , by men and women too , both young and old , which ( though to carnal men vain dreams they seem ) with such as know god , they have more esteem , and will appear to be his dispensations ; as proper also , to these generations , as those , which were dispenc'd in ages past , unto the jews at first ; or , at the last , when , as phanatik , and ridiculous , their prophets to them seem'd , as ours to us . for , oft by their inspirer , they were moved to speak and act , what was by few approved ; sometimes , to personate , what was abhord , or seem'd not with good manners to accord , ev'n in their judgements , who appeared then the wisest and the most religious men ; especially , when god impos'd on some , things to be signal of what was to come . but , all his dispensations heretofore , and now in use ( or whatsoever more , shall be hereafter ) scarcely will suffice to make us , in these doting ages wise . god , hath omitted nothing to recal us or , to prevent that , which may else befal us ; for every year , and upon each occasion that did occur ( to cause a perturbation or breach into our peace ) he moved some so zealous of our welfare to become , that they their own peace have oft hazarded , ( and lost it too ) by things endevoured for our avail ; yea , though their pains and cost , as to themselves ) was likely to be lost persu'd their aime , sometimes , by general precautions , which did much concern us all ; and , otherwhile , by memorizing that which in particular seem'd to relate to persons or to places , as it best might bring advance to publick interest : forewarnings have by god vouchsafed been to you by others , ( as they cause have seen ) who seem'd to come with more authority and trusted with credentials , whereof , i unworthy am ; but , whatsoever they or i appear , that , which i have for you prepared by gods help , i offer now , in hope , it will be heeded somewhat more then that , which hath been tendred heretofore . this year his former judgements god repeats . and , once again , your sinful city threats with pestilence . he , over us doth shake a dreadful rod , wherein i notice take of three sharp twiggs ; and he above knows whether they shall be singly felt or all together , because , he onely knows what will be done to stay that , which already is begun , and keep out those two , which your city threat , but , have not yet got entrance through the gate . london , i fear , unless thou take more heed in what course thou hereafter dost proceed ( although that god's long-suffering towards thee continues yet ) at once , with all the three thou shalt be scourg'd : for mockt , god will not be . i am resolved therefore , whatsoever may be the consequent of my endeaver , now to proceed in what he moves me to , and , i in duty am oblig'd to do ; because , though my good will you should abuse . your faults , my negligence would not excuse , who , look for my reward ( if any due ) from him , whose work i do , and not from you . my first memorials , in their title page hold forth an emblematical presage , besides much thereby verbally exprest ( relating to the plague which doth infest your city now ) which worth the observation may be , in every such like visitation , and might have had , if heeded , good effects ( which have been lost by manifold neglects ) and still may , were things better thought upon which thereby , are advised to be done . but here , to adde that , will spend too much time , and therefore , i referring you to them , that , now will prosecute , which more then reason perswadeth me , is at this day in season . your city , i have lov'd and honored , and , no less now , then heretofore i did , for , god hath made it , the most honour'd place that is within these isles , or ever was ; he hath inrolled , and renown'd her name among the cities of the greatest fame , that either are , or were below the sun since men to dwell in cities first begun . large pledges , he upon her hath bestown of his especial love ; some favour shown vouchsaf'd to few of them ; and such a measure hath stored up in her , of his hid treasure , and intermixt , from time to time , so often mercies and judgements , hardned hearts to soften ; so in long-suffering , also doth persevere ( though we are at this day , grown worse then ever that i perceive in her a seed and root , which to his glory shall bring forth good fruit in his due time ; and this inclineth me to send these memorandums now to thee , intending in thy sickness , here to stay once more , when thy false-lovers fly away ; and in , or near , thy borders , to remain till god restores thee unto health again ; or , till by being quite deserted here , i shall be forc'd to seek my bread elsewhere ; of which i dreadless am : for , i depend upon that powerful , and most faithful friend who hath preserv'd me often since my birth , from worse things then war , pestilence , & dearth . physitians , and all else , who ere they are that , of sick persons undertake the care , do challenge and ought also to assume ( though them , it may be it will misbecome at other times ) a freedom to speak so and , and as occasion moves them thereunto , to act what 's pertinent to their disease in way of cure , although it may displease . i may , and do , as justly challenge now ( since neighbour like i mean to watch with you ) like liberty ; and will be bold to tell that which i know will help to make you well , although , therewith displeas'd , you froward be , harsh words for my good will return to me , and rage like those , who seem to loose their wits when they are in their pestilential fits : for , i shall sober be , though somewhat sad , to see those , whom i would keep tame grow mad . and you i hope , what er'e shall now be said will patient be , when well my words are weigh'd . consider well ( for now high time it is , that you and all men should consider this ) i say , consider how you have improved god's mercy since his ●udgments were removed ; how , that provoking sinfulness abates , and , that abhomination which god hates : nay well consider if it be not more abhominable , then it was before . i fear it much , and ev'ry day this fear increaseth by what i do see and hear ; for , since i knew the world ( which i have known and heeded , till an old man i am grown ) i never heard this nation so defam'd as now of late ; and sins not to be nam'd by modest men , with so much impudence so often acted with so little sence of manhood , nor with such impunity by persons of no vulgar quality both old and young men , high , low , rich and poor , out acted have transgressors heretofore ; children are left so loose to speak and do what their corruption doth incline them to , ( and ill example teach ) that if their course continue long , we shall at last grow worse then sodom and gomorrah ; which god knows i do not mention ( as some may suppose ) to scandalize this city or this nation but to provoke them to a reformation . to that intent , ( so far forth as it shall concern this city ) speedily let all who are in power , with prudence and in love the strength of their authority improve them to indulge and keep from violence , whose conversations are without offence ; and , by their executing of the law in purity , strive to keep those in awe who either shall malitiously transgress ( by an infringment of the publick peace ) or wilfully commit , abet or teach what , of the moral law may be a breach . that nothing may by you be done unto another , which you would not have him do to you , if in his case ; search what you find , that may on you be charged , in that kind , and heartily repent it . that , moreover you may faults , which will else lye hid , discover ; consider , whether you have not with gladness insulted over men opprest with sadness . afflictions heaped up , upon afflictions , or , added cruelty to due corrections , by seeking more to satisfie your lust , or vengeance , then to execute what 's just for justice sake ; or else , to please their foes , condemned innocents , their lives to lose . your waies examine , & search out what crimes you have of late , more then in former times been guilty of : as , whether you have been or not , defiled with that scarlet sin , which in times past your city did abhor , as being a peculiar heretofore of that malignant city , where the whore bestrides the beast : be heedful also , whether it be not partly , or else altogether his work , to be in cruelties delighted ; to see meek , honest , harmless men dispighted for conscience sake ; inhumanly exil'd husbands from wives , the parent from the child imprison'd to the loosing of their lives their little children , their beloved wives , and their whole families expos'd thereby to that unspeakable extremity of wants and sufferings , which no flesh and blood can bear , without immediate help from god. whose will is thereby wilfully withstood . and why all this ? not for transgressing laws of god or nature , but alone , because these could not condiscend the world to please by an infringment of their consciences . heed what this may deserve ; if you desire to stop the plague begun ; lest else the fire which may be kindled in your habitations , do quite consume them ev'n to their foundations . for , god , of his prerogatives is jealous to vindicate all those he will be zealous who suffer for his sake , although perchance they may be blamable through ignorance , or other , humane frailties ; for , where he sees faith and love , their sins he will not see . as for their persecutors , though he may his just avengments , for a while delay , the patience of his people he doth mind , and , they who shew no mercy , none shall find . examine , whether since you made your peace with god , the renovation and increase of wilful sins deserved not renewing of plagues removed , and of worse ensuing . it is not without cause , that god now hath such complicated judgements , in his wrath on thee and thine inflicted , when grown great in hopes , thou thoughtst thy happiness compleat : nor is it hidden from thee altogether for what sin , god sends this , or that plague hither . in truth , all plagues are due unto each sin when with impenitence , persisted in , yet , frequently the rod's wherewith we are corrected , shew forth in particuler what we offended in . for superstition was gideons family brought to perdition ; king davids pride , made manifest in him by numbring of the people ) brought on them a pestilence : god visited the earth for wilful breach of covenants , with dearth ; and ( as to zedikiah and to saul it did for that provoking sin befal ) the chief offenders and their children too , stand liable to death for sinning so . oppression , cruelty and idolizing the creature ( or things of our own devising ) have been chastiz'd with servitude and fear , and , when will-worshipings imposed are on others , with inhumane violence , injustice acted with such impudence as jezabels and ahabs , rarely shall such , scape from that , which did to them befal . but , when that hipocrites , by lying hid as annanias and saphira did , ( till god discover'd them ) may possibly obscure the grouth of infant piety ; when they , who truths foundations overthrow , when , her malitious persecutors , grow so mighty , that the saints unable are to calm them , or their furious rage to bear ; or , when prophaness and abhominations like sodoms , wholly hath corrupted nations or cities , till there shall appear in men nor will nor power , them to reclaim agen ; god , in such cases , to himself alone assumes the punnishing of what 's misdone and very frequently doth punish too , in such a mode as mortals cannot do : sometimes , by sudden death , when they are in their jollity , or in the act of sin ; sometimes , by sicknesses that long endure , whereof no man can find the cause or cure ; sometimes , by that , which ( till their provocation of god ) had been a means of preservation ; sometimes , they of their lives have been bereaven by lightning , or by thunderbolts from heaven ; and , otherwhile ( struck with d●spaireful fears ) are made to be self-executioners . this gives a hint of that which more affords then fully is expressed by my words to make it plain ; but either thou , no doubt or , some for thee , will search and find it out ; or , by the the searching after it , discern somewhat , which thee as nerely will concern . take heed of neighbours , and familiar friends , who fawn upon thee for their own base ends , and love thee not , ( though they respect profess by many shews of hearty friendliness ) for , some of them , already cause have bin of adding much both to thy plagues and sin . but , specially , of thine own self take heed for , thence thy greatest dangers will proceed . consider therefore , by thy self alone , what thou omitted hast , and what misdone ; whether thy folly , falsehood , fickleness , apostacy from what thou didst profess , falling from thy first love , by mis-advice ; thy luxury , thy sordid avarice , or , some vain hopes , deserv'd not deprivation of that , whereof , thou hadst an expectation ; heed whether , to have cured , or prevented one plague , thy self thou hast not complemented into a score ; ( at least , to stop one curse , indanger'd drawing on thee many worse . ) observe , if ever beggery and p●ide ; did both together , upon one horse ride so frequently as now , through every street , or walk so often on the self-same feet ; and , whether mischiefs which at present fall on some , will not at last extend to all . mind well what thou art doing ; what is done ; what is designed , but not yet begun , for what thou both with words and sword hast pleaded ; what , thou hast most affected , or most dreaded , what thereon follow'd , or might have succeeded ; what factions thou hast favor'd , and what still wouldst favour , were thy power like thy will. london , if seriously thou ponderst this thou wilt perceive that what succeeds amiss flowes chiefly from thy self ; and how can those be friends to any who are their own foes ? thy chiefs , care not how others they inslave , so , they themselves from servitude may save , yet , these in fine , by that which doth befal become to be the basest slaves of all , ev'n bondslaves to their lusts , and to the devil by getting an habitual love of evil . they hunt for honour , but , their ●iery title will adde to them , less honour then a little . they covet to be rich ; but wealth shall more increse those wants and lusts , that make them poor . in policy and powre , their trust is plac't yet , they become dispised fools at last . yea , we have seen those whom wealth , wit , and powre supported , sink down breathless in one hour , that , we may know , there is an unseen hand which oft strikes those , who without fear , may stand of humane justice , and beyond the reach of mortals : that , therefore , which this may teach let all those heed , who , yet much heed it not : and , let them ( by whom this is oft forgot ) remember ther 's an all beholding eie , which ev'ry secret purpose can espie ; and , angels alwaies ready at command . to execute what no powre can withstand ; and such , as will for no bribe or respect , the prosecution of their charge neglect . let likewise , those who most oppressed are be taught hereby , still patiently to bear the cross impos'd for trial of their faith : ( what ever , their oppressor doth or saith ) in perseverance , let them still attend on god with meekness , till their trials end , and leave all carnal weapons , to their use who , must be ruined by their abuse . i do presume , among you many are who , to this wholesome principle adhere , and , that if into practise carried on it shall both supersede the plague begun and ev'ry other feared plague prevent if timely they their other sins repent . for god , will winck at many faults in those who love , and leave revenge to his dispose ; yea , oftentimes experience we have had that , worse it makes things which before were bad , when through impatience we in our own mode , attempt to do , what must be done by god. or , our suffering shall prolong ( at lest ) by our self-actings , when we do our best . this pestilence , which now is brought in hither , i am assur'd , proceeds not altogether from causes meerly natural , but comes to execute god's just deserved dooms , from his immediate hand ; and will therefore , those medcines need , which must do somewhat more to cure , or stay it from proceeding on , then can be , by joint art and nature done . if you desire a soveraign antidote the best i know ( if you neglect it not ) is metaphorically call'd herb-grace , and will be very useful in this case ; some , term it rue , because t will not begin to operate , until we rue our sin . take rue and reasons then , which signifie repentance and discretion ; these apply as you find cause ; which , if you do , and fast from things that were offensive in times past , keep from thenceforth a constant wholesome diet , and in your hearts endeavour to be quiet , my life for yours , god will your souls deliver from ev'ry hurtful arrow in his quiver . nor this , nor any plague shall you anoy , although as to the flesh , it should destroy , for , that can adde to mans loss or grief vvhose expectation is a better life . god , to this pestilence hath joyned war , and famine , seems not from us to be far ; vvhich , if it now shall come will make the trouble vve feel already , to be more then double , because , our fellow feeling is no more of what they suffer , whome these times make poor ▪ for , such are our deportments , as if neither s●o●d , pestilence and dearth , put altogether were no more , but an army which did stand arayed , to be at our own command , to execute our pleasures upon those , ( although our friends ) whom we repute our foes . and therefore , have rejoyced when they seiz'd on them , with whom we highly were displeas'd . when , unto us , ill grounded hopes appear whereby , of mercies we presuming are ; we are frollick , as if god did see our gross h●pocrisies , no more then we . but , let men heed well whether , to acquire the sequels which they naturally desire is to insult when god corrects their foes , or , censure his intents concerning those whom he afflicts ; as if for wrong to them it rather were , then for offending him : or , as if sins to others onely known , were more considerable then their own . there is observ'd , much arragance and folly in some of thy relations ; from which wholly thou for the time past canst not cleared be ; therefore to keep from future scandal free , and also , for thy credits reputation take these memento's to consideration . consider , if it sober men befits to sing with jollity about the streets vain triumph-songs , when war is but begun as when a final victory is won ; since t is well known , that many who at first have thrived best , at last have thrived worst ; and , that god justly suffereth sometime , ( for causes which are onely known to him ) those , more then once , before their foes to fall , whose cause he best approveth ; and who shall be conquerors at last : and that , where guilt is equal , he lets blood be often spilt , and war prolongs or maketh peace twixt them who disagree , as they make peace with him . therefore , when you are underneath the rod , remember , you are in the hands of god. when he hath crown'd your hopes with good success , demean your selves with christian lowliness : for , when his mercies much inlarged are . he doth expect a joyful filial fear : this , labour to preserve , lest else , the lack thereof , may bring reversed judgments back . consider , whether ships , arms , men and horse , with policy united unto force , can prosper to th' advancement of their end , who , upon those things , or themselves depend : who , all their opposites as much dispise as if their armies were but gnats and flies , think to subdue them with jeers , mocks & taunts , puff up each other , with braggs , shameless vaunts , and lies devised by their foolish makers to keep from fainting cowardly partakers , whose consciences accusing them of guilt , ( because , their hopefulst refuges are built on quicksands ) they become heart-sick with fear , as oft as any evil news they hear ; and , on earth slight report of good success , insteed of pious and meek thankfulness , run to the taverns ( which are much more free to all , then pious meeting places be ) there , heathen like , nay rather more uncivil , offer up drink oblations to the devil . and , to chear up each others drooping souls sing songs between their glasses and their bowls ; or intermix reports of what was won or lost , though that was never said or done . such sacrificers , may find some effect in part , according to what they expect , but neither for their faith or righteousness ; nor will our hopes , longlasting be , unless use , of the common means for our defence , be sanctified by true confidence in god , and we with his known will comply , bearing what ere betides us patiently ; improve each favour and deliverance , to somewhat which his glory may advance ; and whereby , they who are opprest and grieved may some way charitably be relieved : for , it is no beseeming thank-oblation for mercies , when a city or a nation shall solemnize it with but little else , save gunshot , bonfires ▪ jangling of the bells , or , making others of their joys partakers , onely , in smoke and stinck , of squibs & crackers ; or gathering rude throngs of men and boys , to make about those flames a barbrous noise , which must be fed with fewel forc'd from some who had none left to make a fire at home ; then drink healths to each other in the street untill they cannot stand upon their feet , or else loose their own healths : what thus to do can wise men think it will amount unto but meer dispight of god , contempt of grace , and , throwing ( as it were ) durt in his face for , benefits receiv'd ; though they make shew as if they had return'd him all his due , when , they but please themselves , by doing that whereby they sing their own magnificat ? what can be deemed a just recompence for such ingratitude , for an offence so foul , so capital , but that insteed of future blessings , curses should succeed ? london , heed this , and if thou wittingly of such prophaness and impiety art guilty now , or hast been heretofore , repent it , and henceforth , do so no more . but , herein , some will more concerned be then thou art , yet , i mention this to thee with some hope , that , they will the less contem what 's written here , because , not writ to them . much more i have to adde , which i forbear lest , i by adding more then thou canst bear with patience , may destroy what i design for this whole nations welfare and for thine , by so displeasing thee , with what i write that , thou slight all whereto , i thee invite : for , though thy flattrers make thee to believe , thou art in better case , then i conceive , thy best friends know , that thine own provocations , imprudency in some of thy relations , ( ev'n of thy watchmen ) who should cures provide for thy distempers , are so giddifi'd , and , that their eies , their ears , yea and their brains ( with every faculty which appertains to thy weal ) are obstructed so , by fumings from their self-seekings , & their , high presumings , that thou art , by what these inthee have wrought into an dangerous consumption brought ; for , thy decay of trade , much hath increast their poverty who thereby are distrest : thy hands and feet whose labour heretofore supplyd thy wants , now , can do little more , because , thy ablest members , by whom these employd have been , partake of their disease : and ; such confusions daily do begin to multiply , and farther to break in , that , i am at a stand , what more to say or , what on thy behalf , i ought to pray . yet , one expedient , i now think upon whereby , it may be , somewhat will be done for they availe , if thou shalt not omit ( as god inables ) to endeavour it . and therefore , let that which i next express be read , and minded with due heedfulness . in thee , are at this day , the chief well-springs , of all those good , and of those evil things which throughout these three nations are disperst ; and of the later , were the stream reverst or dam'd up at the fountain ; and , the first set freely open here , it would become a rivolet of waters , flowing from that river , which through new-jrrusalem his currant hath , still issuing out of him who , of those living waters is the head vvhich through all nations will at last be spread . and london , three times happy , shalt thou be if this blest fountain may break forth in thee , to sweeten ev'ry cistern in these lands , vvhich now , brimful of stincking water stands , and breed all these infections in our clime , vvhich are so baneful ●o us , at this time . there is a possibility of this if we our parts do , as god hath done his ; or , but endeavour to co operate . with him , as he enables us , in that which he requires ( thereto vouchsaving still assistance to our deeds , and to our will. ) by this compliance , that new heaven and earth vvhich is expected , would ere long come forth ; and righteousness , then from thy habitations as amply flow out , thorow all these nations as wickedness doth now ; or heretofore it did , when ill examples made it more . this change , more happiness would hither bring then , when in triumph thou broughtst in the king , and of rejoicing , give more cause by much , then we shall have when we do beat the dutch , and are from dread of that delivered too , vvhich some suspect the french intend to do ; yea , and from what , more dangers threats then either of those two singly , or both joyn'd together : ev'n from those , which are possible to come from factiousness , and male contents at home , but this joy will encrease , and all our fears abate , when men do more incline their ears to what 's proclaimed by those trumpeters vvhom god reserved , to make proclamation of that , which most concerns this generation ; and , when the influences of god's graces by supreme persons , and by powerful places shall not obstructed be , as we have seen of late , and as they very long have been , by antichristian wiles ; and those through whom they are more dangerous to us become , because their formal piety makes showes to be for him , whom , chiefly they oppose . thou art abused by misinformations , not thou alone , but likewise these three nations by those mintmasters of untruths and lies , who cheat the whole world with fallacies , yea , much dis-serviced , dishonor'd too , is he , to whom , they yet pretend to do good services ; and they by their deceits , have him reduced unto may streights which will destroy him , ere he is aware , unless , god shall unsnarle him from their snare ; and , in what misbefals , thou wilt have share . to take my counsel , then , think it no shame , ( although , a poorer man then he i am who sav'd a city ; for , a mouse may gnaw that snare asunder , which , nor lions paw nor teeth can break . go , quickly , quickly lay your skarlet gowns , and your gold chains away ; fast , watch and pray ; do as king david did ; ( when he the pestolential angel spide ) of somewhat , unto god an offring make which is thine own ; that he a gift may take made acceptable , by , and in his son , to stay the plague ; which newly is begun . shut up your selves awhile , and throw aside your factiousness , your malice and your pride ; lust , avarice , and them with ev'ry sinn whereby the wrath of god provok'd hath been . fall down before his feet with humbleness , your misdeeds , with true penitence confess , especially , those crying sins , whereby you often have insenst his majesty . among which , no crime can offend him more then when you shall ( as cain did heretofore ) destroy your bretheren , because , to god they dare not sacrifice in such a mode , as they believe he neither doth command nor takes , with good acceptance , from their hand . your priviledges , they do not invade by violence ; but , lovingly perswade to what they do believe , promoteth best gods glory , and the publick interest . be thou as charitable unto them ; leave that to god alone , which unto him alone belongs , when he into the land hath cast his seed , permit the crop to stand till harvest ; pluck not that away , which looks like wheat , though it may prove but ray but , weed out that alone , which ev'ry one knows hurtful to the corn , and will be none . thus , having way prepar'd to make your peace , with god ; in faith and love emplore his grace . this being done ; the next work , which to do thou art , as i believe , oblig'd unto , is to improve the powre thou hast in him who over all these island is supream , and with whom ; thou dost in more favour stand then any other city of this land , whilst his esteem of thee , doth seem to last ( and ere fit opportunities are past ) unto his royal throne make thy address , emplore him , with deliberate advice , to hear and heed that , without prejudice which may in season , offred be by them who fear god , and both love and honour him , with an intent to serve him faithfully , without selfends in ev'ry thing whereby their services shall really consist with god's , with his , and with their interest , for whose sake , he originally gave all those prerogatives that princes have . for , though men so unbiassed , may dare to speak some truths which all men cannot bear , ( when cause requires ) they will with moderation so heed what tendeth to the preservation of common peace , and of the dignity belonging to his royal majesty , ( whom god hath honor'd by restoring him unto his predecessors diadem ) that , neither he , nor they , nor i , nor you . shall have cause , to dislike what will ensue . if you believe this , and endeavour so to prosecute it , as you , may yet do , who knows , what he , who hath the hearts of kings ( and the disposing of all other things vvithin his powre ) will do , although this may proposed seem , in a dispised way . t is an adventer ▪ which though partly lost vvill bring in some return , that 's worth the cost : and those streights ( if well heeded ) wherein he this city , and all these three kindoms be adventrers needs , and somewhat to be done vvhereof , no likelihood is yet begun . for , that which must draw order from confusions , to our destractions , timely , put conclusions , and , so , divine and civil pow'rs unite that , neither , may infring each other right , effected cannot be , by hauty words , by policy , or temporary swords , nor by that formal sanctity with which the grand impostors of this world bewitch deluded souls ( that all things may become subjected to their arbitarry doome ) but by such instruments and by such waies , as those , by which christ did begin to raise his kingdom at the first ; and by which here it shall continue untill he appear with that powre , which shall batter & beat down , more idol temples then were overthrown . since his first coming ; and , root out all those idolatries , which out of them arose ; together with the thrones of all those kings , that are partakers in such worshippings . and made drunk with her cup who rides the beast ; the subjects of his kingdom , have opprest , and shall oppress them without penitence , for provocations , by that great offence . more might be said , but , this shall now suffice ; " god make us all unto salvation wise , " preserve us in his love , so knit together " that we in his love may preserve each other ; and , that all we can think , or say , or do may now , and in the close , conduce unto the glorifying of his holy name though to our selves , it may occasion shame . amen . a further ingagement . many years after that grand pestilence , in , during which i wrote my book called britans remembrancer , and after publication thereof ; some eminent persons , having respect thereunto ; endeavoured of their own accord , ( without my seeking ) that the office of their city remembrancer , then void , might have been conferred upon me ; which motion , though it took not effect , was by me as thankfully taken as it was by them lovingly intended . had it been successful , i should then perhaps have been more obliged upon outward considerations , then i am now , to continue my abode here during this visitation , then i was in that aforementioned . nevertheless , i yet resolve to partake with this city in god's dispensation , at this time also , unless i shall be constrained by necessity , to seek place of abode , and means of subsistance elsewhere . yet , i have little external incouragement thereto ; for , to mee , it appears by many symtoms , that some here , are malitiously affected towards me , ( who have no disaffection to any person ) as appears in particular , by their declaring already , that my house is infected with the pestilence and shut up ; whereas ( god be praised ) not so much as one hath been there sick of any disease , since that plague last begun ; nor is it , to my knowledge , near my habitation . what was designed by the publishers of that report , i cannot imagine , unless it were because , they knowing , i had no means of livelihood left ( save what was supplied by the charity of my christian friends onely ) they hoped , i being deserted of all , might be the sooner exposed to destruction ; as i hear some are , whose condition is more to be considered and pitied , if it be so . but this troubles me not in respect of my self ; for , god cannot be kept from me , who is my onely all-sufficient refuge and protection : and if this pestilence , and famine , also , visite my dwelling , ( into which her sister poverty is already come ) they shall be welcome ; for , they are angels of god , and it is better to fall into his hands , then into the hands of men . written in june . a warning-piece to london , discharged out of a loophole in the tower during the authors close imprisonment there . it was meditated upon the deplorable consuming of an eminent citizen with his whole family , in the night , by a sad and suddain fire , at the beginning of our most joyful festival , in decemb. . the author conceived , that it would better stir up the hearts of some , by being sung , then read : therefore , he composed it in lyrick verse , fitted to the tune of the lamentation , at the end of the singing psalms , if the last strain of that tune shall be repeated with the two last lines in every stanza . wake london wake , fast , watch , and pray , well heed likewise this warning-song ; to eat and drink , rise up and play , hath been thy daily practise long : oh! from henceforth , remember more , thy brethren , whom oppressors grieve ; refresh the sick , relieve the poor ; for none without good works believe . if hardly sav'd the righteous are ah! how shall wilful sinners fare ? . the rich man , heedlesly discerns the near approaching day of wrath , to fill his warehouse and his barne , is all the present care he hath . at large , he preparation makes for offerings to his belly god , till justice an occasion takes to mixe those offrings with his blood ; when fools in folly most delight , they , often , loose their souls that night . . our love is cold , nigh ripe our sin , and , in their march , god's judgments be ; at his own house they do begin ; then , from them , who shall now be free ? to make us thereof take more heed , one house they singled out of late , and , in a bright flame-colour'd weed , upon the top thereof they sate and when to sleep they laid their heads , consum'd her dwellers in their beds . . why should not each man to whose ear this news was in the morning brought , upon himself reflect with fear , thus , thereon musing , in his thought ? lord , this unlook'd for stroke of thine , hath often been deserved by me ; this sad mishap might have been mine this night , had it so pleased thee ; but , ( praised be thy holy name ) here , yet alive , and safe i am . . oh with what terrors , were they stroke how sadly were they discompos'd , to find themselves when they awoke with stifling fumes , and flames inclos'd it made their terror much the more , if to remembrance they did call what they had done , awhile before , and , what so quickly did befal . more dreadful it appears to me , then dungeons , racks , and halters be . . thus will they fare , when his last doome to pass on sinners , christ appears ; thus , in a moment , he will come , when least the world his coming fears . thus whether then her heedless heart is either sleeping or awake , surprized with a suddain start , they shall with horrid terrors quake , when they behold with sad amaze , all things about them in a blaze . . unless my thoughts misdictate me , a secret judgment , in this act , may doubtlesly discerned be to shew god's hand was in the fact . for , though his waies are in the dark , forth from the cloud , a flashing breaks to shew us , ( if we such things mark ) his purpose , by the course he takes . in darkness he hath perfect light , and all mens deeds are in his sight . . but , though this judgment be severe , let not us who escape it , ween them , greater sinners then we are ; but , judg what our deserts have been . christ doom'd not those whom p●●at slew as more to blame , then other men , though with their blood he did imbrew , that , which they sacrifized then ; and of those persons judg'd as well , on whom the towre of silo fell . . hereof , small sense have carnal men ; this , for sad news , at noon they tell , return unto their sins agen , and sleep next night at brink of hell : that , which concerns their safety most , as quickly slips out of their mind as letters written in the dust , blown out with ev'ry puff of wind . of others harms , how senseless grown are they , who do not mind their own ? . this came to pass within thy walls that , thou mightst thereof take good heed , mind , who thereby upon thee calls , and think , what further may succeed : it was not from those places far , where much to be , thou dost delight , that thou shouldst heed thy dealing there ; and , it befel there in the night , that , thou , a stricter watch maist keep : for sathan wakes when men do sleep . . hereof , likewise , let heed be took , that , when thy heart was most supine , this judgment , in upon thee broke , amidst thy musick , mirth and wine ; and , that , unless for sin thou mourn , relieve and comfort men distrest , thy feasts , to fastings god will turn , and , smite thee when thou fearst it least . when sodom sinned without shame , down thereon , fire and brimstone came . . the drowned world , was warn'd of old of what would in short time befal , by words and doeeds it was foretold , yet unregarded still by all . they married and in marriage gave , did eat and drink , as we do now , did so , the wrath of god outbrave , and , as we , liv'd they car'd not how : but , lo , when in least awe they stood , out break the deeps , in came the flood . thou , london , whosoe re doth weep , dost , on thy viol , play and sing ; thy children ▪ daily revel keep , ev'n when their passing bells do ring . themselves on costly beds they streach , regarding not how joseph fares ; to them , who of repentance preach they listen , but with adders ears . and , well he speeds , who shall be heard , if mischiefs be not his reward . in sixteen hundred ten and one , i , notice took of publick crimes , with mine own faults , i first begun ; observ'd the changes of the times : and , what god had on me bestown employed for the common good ; therein , i sought to find mine own , which , was so oft misunderstood , that i , for being so employd , have been three times , nigh quite destroyd . . in sixteen hundred twenty five , when thou wert sick , i watcht by thee ; then , did my first forewarning give , and , this perhaps , my last must be . for , now , my tools away are took , some things half wrought , some but begun ; quite being rob'd of alll my stock , concludes my work , before t is done ; and that flesh rugg , by me yet worn , may soon drop off , or , off be torn . . here , i yet live , where , what me grieves , but few of thine , have heeded much ; nor mayors , aldermen , or sheriffs or any noble , great or rich ; but , in long-suffrings being old , ( if not relived by the poor ) by sickness , hunger , or by cold death had ere now , unlockt my door . lest thou as much neglected be , think more on god , though less on me . . my publick warnings , are supprest , as once , was jeremiahs roll ; which god , will when he sees it best , revive , with an inlarged skroll : meanwhile , by stifled musings tir'd , the flames within me closly pent , like powder in granado's fir'd , do tear my heart , through want of vent , and crack my earthen vessel more then all my suffrings heretofore . . within thy west and eastern jail . now twice ten months confind i 've lain , denied both relief , and bail , which law allows , and rogues obtain : to tell , what others did , or said , is thought in me a grand misdeed , though being of their harms afraid , i did but bid my friends take heed : if this be falls for words well ment , woe to ill deeds , with ill intent . . alas ! how apt are we to fear , or fancy danger , where is none ? yet how unapt , how loth to hear , what may prevent a certain one ? except propounded in their mode , who , in their own conceit are wise , the counsels both of men and god they , either frustrate , or dispise : which being well weigh'd , is a signe , that , to destruction they decline . . seaven daies before the late sad night , thy praetor , seized in my hands what god inclined me to write , for timely warnings to these lands ; so , that , which to their weal conduc'd , hath hitherto been fruitless made ; and , i more strictly have been us'd , though , i before , hard measure had . but , god , by whom it was begun , will gard me , till my work is done . . no more seems now within my powre , but , down to lie , beneath my lode , attending my redemption hour , with patient waiting on my god. yet , there is hope , that prayers may to what is feared stoppage put ; and , since , to heaven ther 's open way , ( though from the world , i close am shut ) as jonas did ( when in a whale ; close prisoner kept ) to god i le call . . correct us lord , but not in wrath , purge rather , what misdone hath been , by any temporary death , then by correcting sin with sin , for all the blood that hath been spilt , let us , who think our selves most clear , in private , search out our own guilt , and , wherein else , we faulty are , that , by a self-condemning doom , we may escape the wrath to come . preserve thy church , lord , bless the king and , seeing thou hast him restor'd , him , out of all his troubles bring , and , make his will , with thine , accord , that under his protection here , we , without faction , hate or strife , ( in all uprightness , without fear ) may live a sanctified life , and , he indulge the conscience tender , as best becomes , the faiths defender . thus , on what lately did befal , i sung my musings , to the wall , which gave thereto , as much regard as most will , when abroad t is heard : for , little have such lines as these , which may a carnal pallat please . the wanton huggs a wanton strain , the miser , that which treats of gain ; ambitious men give most applause to that , which their , ambition claws ; in lies and follies , fools delight , and , if this ever come to sight , it will by none , be relish'd well save those , with whom the graces dwell . the more precautions are in season . ( the more agreeable to reason ) their rage it will the more increase , who are inclined to oppress ; and , if i die not in this place , it will be meerly of god's grace , to make it known , the rage of man , is bounded , do the worst he can . these musings , and some other too , escap'd surprize , with much ado , and , that whereof i was bereft me , for awhile , in sadness left ; yet , much more sorrowful am grown for others sakes , then for mine own , because , the world so misbefriends , what to her own well being tends . god , never any place bereaves of saving means , till him it leaves , nor is their any man quite lost , till he resists the holy ghost . he , helpless leaves no willing one in acting what he would have done ; but , when to selfness , man adheres then , as he worketh , so he fares god , gives first motion to each wheol , in motion also , keeps it still , if he with him compliance feel , else let 's it go which way it will. thus he will do , and thus hath done , ev'n ever since the world begun . that , men his works and mind might mark , he preach'd by noah and his ark , and , to prevent their threatned doom allow'd them six●one years to come . that , sodom timely might repent , he , lot to be exemplar sent ; when balam misaffected was he made a preacher of his ass ; and by a whale , he jonas sent to bid the ninevites repent , who , more thereto inclined were though heathens , then most christians are . what did to israels weal belong , he gave by moses in a song , that , when records could not be had , they , thereof mindful might be made . when their transgressions were nigh full , to babel they were sent to school ; since which time , they still growing worse ( till they incur'd cains dreadful curse , for shedding of their brothers blood , who died zealous of their good ) them , out of their good land , god hurl'd , to rovee like him about the world ; depriv'd ( now sixteen hundred years ) of prophets and remembrancers : and , in this mode , with ev'ry nation god deals , e're final reprobation . lord ! from their wandrings call them home ; into thy fold , back let them come . we got advantage by their fall let it increase by their recall , since they , and we in ev'ry sin , have paralels , a long time been , let our joint force , henceforth be spent to move each other to repent , that , they and we may in that place , become partakers of thy grace , where jews and gentiles shall be saved , by our redeemer , and thy david , by wiser men , in times of old , much was exprest , which i have told , and , they have both in prose and rimes , forewarnings given in their times ; declar'd in season , how god deals with wicked realms and common-weals . our own records likewise declare god's frequent dispensations here ; how constantly , avenging wrath in ev'ry age pursued , hath the greatest tyrants in their turns , though sometimes , he their doom adjourns , but , that , no just excuse will be either , to other men , or me , if we shall negligently do what , god inclines our hearts unto , and may , now , or in future daies advance mans welfare , and praise . for , on us lieth obligations , to bring forth in our generations , vvhat needful seems to be exprest ; in such a manner also drest as best that ages temper fits in which we live , and best begets a timely heed , in those to whome vve serviceable would become : yea , we to them must hand it too ; else , lamely , we our duties do . thus , i according to my powre have done , and therefore kiss the towre from whence , i send this warning-shot by ammunition hardly got . london , as moses gave a song to be israels memento , i give this to thee ; to shew , that ( though the world doth me deprive of what was hers ) i somewhat have to give which i by god's free grace , may call mine own , and , is not needlesly on thee bestown . but , e're some change , the means thereof bereave , now , both of friends and foes , i le take my leave ; adue my foes ; for often , by event , you did me good , though none to me you ment . to pray for you , i know , i am your debter , and , therefore so i do ; god , make you better , and so to mark and mind what he intends , that , we may in his love , henceforth be friends . my friends , farewel ; and no whit grieved be though you should me no more in babel see , for , at the holy lambe , we fafe shall meet , e're long , in new jerusalems high street . written in the towre . the meek , and humble to advise i write ; but not to teach the wise . you must not therefore , here expect , such strains as these times best affect for , you may have enough of those by others writ , in verse and prose . a single sacrifice , humbly , offred to almighty god , by the author during his lonely confinement in the towre , to mediate his gratious preventing the dearth feared , and probably portended , by immoderate rains in june and july , . that he with tools might for this work be fitted , his jailer , and his keeper , he outwitted ; for , t was his greatest suffring , to be pent from means , to give such meditations vent . sin , like the ocean ( but , not so well bounded ) these islands hath on ev'ry side surronded , and , many breaches , lately made it hath which to the furious tempests of god's wrath exposeth us ( ev'n quite throughout these lands ) so , that , hills , dales , and all in danger stands . the air , whose cloudy brow , upon us lowrs , dissolves it self , into destructive showrs , to move us unto tears of penitence by feeling that , whereof we have no sense . for , they , who are most sensible of spoyl ( by rains or droughts ) of corn , and wine and oyl , feel not in heart , the least remorce for sin ; but , when they should bewail it , laugh and grin . they , who are very froward , and repine if they loose but their monk● or their swine , ( and , sometimes vex them selves till they are sick , for losses , not amounting to a chick ) and can with many bitter tears , bemone small suffrings , for their greatest sins shed none . in mine own person , i much need not fear such temporary plagues , as threatned are by rain or winds , by cold , or scortching wether , by suddain floods , or fires ; for , i have neither estate to lose , nor hope of getting ought which , by such things ▪ may be in hazard brought ; and , am at present , with my daily bread , by his own hand , miraculously fed , whose all-sufficiency , should me sustain though all the world were to be drown'd again . external things , are little pertinent to my chief fafety , or my best content : for , should a famine ; me of life bereave death would be more advantage then to live a life like mine : and as i have been us'd , a speedy death , is rather to be thus'd . yet , whilst , i may be serviceable made to him , from whom , this life at first i had , i am content to live till it expires , although it were in stormes , in floods or fires ; and , likewise , am so sensible of that which to the common welfare doth relate , that up to god a prayer i le prefer to crave prevention of what many fear : for , though i am not suffred to present a prayer to king , lord , or parlement ; here to god's throne i free access have got , and he doth hear me when men hear me not : of which assured , in this loneliness , my self to him , i humbly thus address . almighty and most merciful creater , of heaven and earth , of fire , of aire and water , with whatsoe're , consists of forme or matter , of all invisible , or to be seen , of all that is or shall be , or hath been , felt , heard or understood ( excepting sin , at whose birth all privations did begin . ) thou , by whose wisdom all the whole creation , is ordred , and hath still a preservation , make acceptable in thy sight , i pray , what i shall meditate or write this day and , let not my requests be flong away , though we have often forfeited again that grace , which we did heretofore obtain , and liable to all thy plagues remain . we must confess , that in these last three years , thou hast abated many of our fears , for thine own sake , and for the sakes of them , whom thy blaspheamers and their foes contemn . awhile ago , we were surpriz'd with dread of hunger , and the scarcety of bread , by such distemper'd seasons , as foreshew'd that chastisement which here , is now renew'd ; and , was remov'd , ere many had much sense , of what some felt , or of their own offence . once , we were frighted with such sicknesses as seem'd forerunners of the worst disease ; and , till this hour , a brutish discord , keeps us in daily hazard , that the sword will be again unsheath'd : yea , though we are preserved still , from what we justly fear , and that , thy patience might be more disern'd , have year , by year , been gratiously forewarn'd ( by signes and wonders probably foreshewing , the sad events , that seem to be pursuing . our crying sins ) yet , we do ne're the less , continue still in our obduratness . though , much instruction , likewise , we have had , examples , premonitions , publick made , and extraordinary dispensations , to draw us , from our wilful aborrations , we so increase them , that , it renders me , exceeding fearful to petition thee , those ●emporary judgments to withdraw whereof , we at this present , stand in aw , lest they , whom no good counsel mollifies thy justice and thy mercy quite dispise ; and fall into that reprobated sause , which brings unchangeable impenitence : for , that , the consequence hath often proved , when plagues before repentance were removed . the fields were lately cloth'd beyond our hope with an appearance of a fruitful crop , which moisture by unseasonable showrs , so evidently , by degrees , devours that , most men are afraid the teeming earth insteed of plenty , wil produce a dearth ; and , they among us , who do most neglect removal of the cause , most dread th' effect . yet , humane pitty , me doth so incline to make the common fear , a part of mine , that , though i am not likely much to gain or loose thereby , whether it shine or rain , i , ( as i am a man ) well pleas'd could be thy peoples votes , might be vouchsaf'd by thee . to that intent , i meekly do assay to mediate ; but , now i come to pray , that spirit whose assistance is expected , withdraws , as if my suite would be rejected ; so , that i know not how to speak or write , what gain thy gratious acceptation might though , fear , my prayers may be turn'd to sin , considering , what postures we are in . for , who , the pleading of their cause dares own , on whom , a righteous king doth justly frown ? they being rebels too , in whom appears no penitence , but onely slavish fears ? who , conscientiously , can pray for them who persevere all justice to contemn ? who turn away their eies , when thou forth sendst foretokens , of what thou for sin intendst ? who hide them too , so far forth as they may from other men ; or , ( if that fails ) assay to misinterpret them , when they do see the things nor hid , nor disapprov'd can be ? who , can with faith , thy grace for them implore , who , are unmerciful unto the poor ? who , daily to thy burning wrath add fewel ? who , both to others , and themselves are cruel ? who , their afflicted brethren to dispaiers expose ? close up their ears against their prayers ? and most injuriouslys with those men deal ? who , most endeavour , to advance their weal ; yea , for whose sakes it is , that they are not destroy'd like sodom , when thou caldst forth lot ? who , are so far , from striving to be better , that still , to hide one sin , they act a greater , till they on one another heap so many that they have little shame , or sense any ; although their impudent abhominations have their infection spread , through all these nations ? lord ! who , on their behalf , can mediate for any of those blessings which relate unto their temporary weal alone , who , of their brethrens welfare , care have none ? who , do employ their powre , but to oppress ? turn all thy graces into wantonness ? fling , as it were defiance aginst heaven ? and , though by thee , they freely were forgiven innumerable debts , ( and likewise are by thee inrich'd more then before they were ) take ne're the less , their fellows by the throat , vvho owing them not much more then a groat , forbearance crave , and at their feet do fall , with , promise , when they can , to pay them all ? vvhat can such look for ; but to be bereaven of that grace , whereby they were once forgiven their debts ; or think deserv'd but , to be laid in chains , till ev'ry farthing shall be paid ? vvho , can to thee be advocate for those vvho , both to truth and righteousness , are foes , though they profess both ? who , though ever learning , can never get the knowledg & discerning of what pertains to thy essential truth , because , they being all ear , or all mouth , neither hear willingly , or speak of ought vvhereby they may to stedfastness be brought ? but rather itch to hear , and speak , and do that , which their own self-will doth prompt them to ; and , was infus'd into them by false teachers , whom they suppose to be the foundest preachers , vvhen they confirm them , in what doth belong to their will-worship , be it right or wrong ; and keep up those diana's , which were made their goddesses , but to uphold their trade ? these , twixt beleivers , do contests maintain for trifles , which tend more to their own gain then godlines , or those means to increase which may conduce to setlement of peace , in christian charity , and righteousness . all , i ( with hope to speed ) can pray for such is , that they may not love the world too much ; or , by hypocrisie , and lip professions , ( to get themselves a share in her possessions ) obstruct the blessed work of reformation by factions , to the final extirpation of all those dispensations , which have yet some use ; and which , whilst thou dost them permit , they to advance thy glory may improve : and , by sincerely seeking truth in love , so exercise thy graces , whilst those last , that , they will perfect be , when their times past . my god , for these , to this effect i may and , do ( i know ) with thy allowance pray ; because , i hope , t is no malitious pride which hath to selfness , drawn their hearts aside . but , as for them , who have inclinde their ears so long time , to ungodly counsellers , so persevered , in the sinners way , and , therein with delight , so long made stay that , to the scorners chair advanc'd they are , resolving with themselves to settle there ; the dictates of thy holy ghost contemn , absolve the wicked , innocents condemn , term evil , good , the best things evil call , ( or , make twixt them no difference at all ) ascribe thy attributes unto the devil and his vicegerent ; make thee , of all evil prime author ; thee , detrude out of thy throne to set their idol , and themselves thereon ; pervert the lawful use of ev'ry creature , till their depraving the whole humane nature for vengeance calls , and as it were , inforces thy justice to turn blessings into curses ; what can be spoke for these , to save them from thy judgments here , or in the world to come ? i cannot , lord , thy mercy comprehend , nor know how far their malice doth extend , such things , are knowable to thee alone ; therefore , concerning these , thy will be done . the best of us have gone astray so far , in provocations , that , perhaps here are now , very many in the state of those for whom , we are forbid to interpose our mediations betwixt them and thee , as touching judgments , that now threanned be : such , ev'n among thy people heretofore , made thee forbid a prophet to implore withholding of those plagues , which at that time , were threatned to be hurled down on them . yea then , though thy choice worthies should have pleaded . that , thy decree might have been superseaded , thou didst resolve , their suite should not be heard for any , save themselves , with good regard . when sins grow ripe , and scandalous become , they seldom scape a temporary doome , though thou vouchsafest mercy , as to david whereby , the souls that sinned , shall be saved , lord , though that growth , our guilt attaineth hath , alway remember mercy , in thy wrath . some such like barr , and prohibition now , from thee is issued forth , for ought i know . alas ! if so ; what possibly can we endeavour , till it shall reversed be ? or else dispens'd with ? i can never pray with confidence , for what suspect i may is not precarious : and , as qualifi'd we are , things grantable may be deni'd , at least , so long time , as that shall be wanting which makes their chief condition of their granting ▪ t is not a slavish terror ( without love and faithful penitence ) that will remove the plagues that lie upon us ; or prevent a threatned judgment , when 't is imminent . t is not wil worshippings , though much applauded , by their approvers , and by them begawded with superstitious dressings , that can please thy majesty , and thy just wrath appease : t is not our formal whinings , or orations , or , our confessions , or our deprecations , or , bablings with the tongue , without a heart that , will thy threatned judgments quite divert , till thou hast done thy work which is in hand , or , till we more conform to thy command ; whereto , perhaps , that , which we fear , may more conduce , then that , which we to scape implore . for , few do conscience of their duties make much longer , then the rod is on their back . yet , somewhat , makes me hopeful , that thou hast against what i would ask , no sentence past ; and , fain would i obtain from thee , this day , a publick blessing , e're i go away , which might in some degree , abate the dread whereby , now , many are distempered . to thee , thy children for a blessing cry upon those fruits , which drench'd in waters lie ; and ( though unworthy ) jacob like , i am resolv'd with thee , to wrestle for the same . let , not my lord , be wrath , that i go on to prosecute the suite i have begun ; for , i with filial fear approach thy throne . direct us , how in this , and such like cases , we may make acceptable our addresses , lest , we grow overwhelmed with dispairs , or , come with over peremptory prayers : for , somewhat thou , at all times , hast to grant to comfort those , who consolation want , when they are sensible of their condition , and come before thee with unfaind contrition . yea , though , when we are outwardly distrest , we may not absolutely make request for what seems needful ; yet , when we resigne in all our sutes , our own will unto thine , our wants ( if in particular deni'd ) are with a fatherlike respect suppli'd some other way , by mercifully granting a better thing , then that , which we thought wanting . for , thou , till he himself shall bar the door , excludest no mans prayre , who doth implore in faith and charity , that , which may tend to give him , a well-being without end . of this , experiment i oft have had , and , me thou confident thereof hast made . this creed , thou hast been pleas'd to teach me , lord , both by thy holy spirit , and thy word , confirming my experience day by day , that , i to other men declare it may , as i in duty , am oblig'd to do , when thou my heart inclinest thereunto . and , by thy favour , now proceed i can in that , which , when these musings i began , i neither able was to prosecute , as i intended ; or commence my sute , in terms , which i could think fit to present to thee ; or , to my self , could give content . but , now the bars remov'd and i can make a shift to stammer , what i could not speak . by thy assistance likewise , i believe that , what i now shall pray for , thou wilt give ; ev'n ev'ry thing ( implicitly at least ) which shall in this my prayer be exprest : i , therefore , in thy sight , now spread abrode my private meditations , in this mode ; and hope , it shall be spread , where many may and their amen to that , for which i pray : and , that their joyning in this my oblation , will gain us all shares in thy acceptation . oh! i should then sing , with a joyful heart lord , let thy servant , now , in peace depart . that everlasting gospel make more known , by which , thy love eternal is forth shown to all mankind ; and which , a glorious throng of angels , publish'd in a joyful song , ( unto the glory of thy blessed name ) when first thy son aray'd with flesh became ; that , all the world may know , the same goodwill which thereby was exprest , continues still : and , that , desire to know both good and evil , proceeded from our selves , and from the devil , but , not from thee , who , didst intend salvation to adam , and to all his generation ; not reprobating any of his race save such as wilfully dispis'd thy grace , and , justly , caused the product of that which , thou didst never prenecessitate . thy love to all mankinde , compels me oft ( though for it , i maligned am , and scoft ) to preach it to the world , that , men may more mind it with thankfulness , then heretofore . i know this truth is own'd , ev'n among those vvho , unto thee are yet , apparent foes ; and , that , hath hindreth many to embrace the doctrine of thy universal grace , because , they are not heedful , that , unless these held some truths with that unrighteousness vvhich they maintain , not many would believe that mistery , by which they do deceive . but , to prevent their wiles , unclose their eies , vvho cannot yet perceive their fallacies ; and let it be made manifest to them vvho do not wilfully the means contemn , vvhich , thou vouchsafed unto all men hast , and alwaies wilt , at first , or at the last . let that large mercy , our hearts work upon , more then thy judgments hitherto have done ; to which intention , let thy saints improve that influence which thy eternal love hath shed on them , to work throughout this nation by love and gentleness , a reformation ; which will be then more speedy , and sincere ▪ then that , which is compel'd , & wrought by fear . preserve that pretious seed , sown in this land ; now , many ages past , by thine own hand ; it hath been often watred by the blood of thy elect ; hath many storms withstood , and took such root , that , now it doth extend by sev'ral branches , to the worlds far end . permit it not to suffer diminution either by calms , or storms of persecution . let not the lofty cedars over-top it , the wild-swine root it up , or tame-beast crop it ; nor weeds or brambles ( among which it grows ) starve it , or choak it ; nor the greedy crows devour it ; nor the swarms of locusts , which in smoke , ascended from th' infernal ditch ; but , let it , when appearing most opprest , palm-like most thrive , and be the more increast , till th' earth it fills ; and till up-rooted be all plants , that were not planted there by thee . this , i first pray for lord , because possessing hereof , doth lay the ground of ev●ry blessing . correct thou not these nations in thy wrath , but , in that measure , which shews mercy hath an intrest in thy justice . let them hold the same proportion which they did of old , in thy severest chastisements ; that , neither both good and evil , be destroy'd together , nor , their hopes thereby vacated , by whom there is a kingdom look'd for , yet to come . five wicked cities might have spared been , had twice five , righteous men been found therein : yea , thou ( although in them there was but one ) defer'dst their dreadful doom till he was gone . lord , i hope , here are many thousands yet . on whom thy seal , on whom thy mark is set . who trust in thee , whose faith doth not yet fail ; who , their own , and the nations guilt bewaile : for their sakes , lay aside thy wrath again ; let thy sun shine , and let thy clouds drop rain both on the just and unjust , as thou hast been pleased to vouchsafe in ages past ; that , spring and summer , seed and harvest-times untill the world shall end , may in all climes be from each other still distinguished , as long ago , by thee was promised . at this time also , to this sinful nation , extend thy wonted favour & compassion , by blowing hence those clouds , whose frequent showrs spoil not alone grass herbs and pleasant flowers , but , threaten also , to destroy those crops , whereby the painful husband-man hath hopes to be rewarded for his toil and cost ; yea , let this isle , which now despairs almost , of such a blessing , be secured from that famine , which we are afraid will come . both of our earthly , and thy heavenly bread , preserve the means , that therewith being fed , in soul and body ; we may for the same in flesh and spirit magnifie thy name ▪ till christ shall come . continue in this place , the special pledges , of thy special grace , close up those rents , which malice hath made wide ; unite by love , those whom self-will and pride have dis-united : for , thy love was that which made thee at the first , this world create ; and , 't is the same essential love ( by thee in thy elect made active ) which must free the world again , from that confus'd estate whereto 't is brought by envy and by hate . to that end , let thy spirit , ( unto whom all dispensations , till thy son shall come committed are ) the hearts of men incline to be obedient ●o that discipline , in ev'ry form , which they believe to be to them injoyned by thy word and thee ; and , that accept of , which they shall profess and practise with unbiast consciences . make thy elect to stand out all the shocks , of tyranny , like never moved rocks ; and give them prudence , to discern the wiles , whereby , their antichristian foe beguiles unstable hearts ; and please to pardon that wherein through frailty , they shall deviate . indow them withall sanctified graces that may enable in their several places to do the honor : and , lord , let the pride of their oppressors , break so , and devide their power and counsels , that , they may at length be ruined , by their own wit , and strength . behold , the many troubles of this nation , with mercy , and vouchsafe it thy salvation . make haste to our deliverance oh lord , and , succour us according to thy word . let them be turned backward , and with shame confounded , who blaspheme thy holy name ; who , with their own inventions do defile thy ordinances , and pursue the spoil of those who seek thy face . let them who cry aha , aha , and say insultingly , so we would have it , when thy people are opprest , be caught at last , in their own snare , that , they who love thy truth , may to thy praise rejoyce in thy salvation all their dayes . but , gracious lord , beside that wasting rain , which makes this nation with much fear complain and brings me now to thee ; there is a flood portending inundations too , of blood , ev'n blood of innocents , for whose prevention to be petitioner i have intention . a portion of thy word , concerning cain to me , a mystery seems to contain implying somewhat which relates to those who were , and shall unto thy saints be foes throughout all times ; and doth relate , likewise , to them , who offer thee that sacrifice in which thou most delight'st : for , ever since that day , will-worshippers have took offence at their oblations ; and proceeded on in that , which he so long ago begun . cain was the first that persecuted them who in their worship differed from him ; and , i collect thence , that , ev'n from that hour thou didst subject them to the temp'ral power of all those persecutors , of whom , he became the type , whoever they should be . and , as i understand that hystory , therein is couched the whole mystery of that iniquity , which now is grown almost full ripe , and shall be overthrown in thy appointed time ; but , not till then , nor by the weapons or the hands of men : for , thou hast markt them to be saved from destroying , till their fatal hour is come . and i conceive likewise by what thou hast in that memorial to the world exprest , thou wilt avenge it , on all , who withstand their persons , with a life-destroying-hand , though they are murdrers ; & , that , this suctjection tends to thy glory , and the saints perfection ; whereof , some of them , take so little heed , that of precautions they may have some need . this hath inclin'd me , conscientiously to shun opposing them destructively in whom there is a visiability of sov'raign power , although tyrannical ; untill that some way , it grow doubtful shall to whom it appertains ; as , here of late , when it was thought , thou didst that power translate to other hands , and when he , who bereft them thereof , to an anarchy , us left . and , thou , who knowst my heart , knowst i did never to pull down , or to set up thrones endeaver : but , only , to preserve the common peace , complide with that , which did the throne possesse , till thou restor'dst him , who was driv'n hence , and , to whom , true , i have been ever since . now , also , to preserve , still , as i ought , that peace , whose preservation , i then sought ; i do implore thee , on behalf of him who wears this day , the supream diadem , that , from those evil counsellors , he may deliver'd be , who do , or shall assay , to bring him to a wilful resolution , of being partner in that persecution which they intend : and that , in all temptations ( and maugre all severest provocations ) thy saints , may be preserved from contriving and acting , what may tend to the depriving them of their lives or power , who e're they be , on whom that power shall be confer'd by thee . and , grace vouchsafe them , alwayes to persist in that obedience , which may manifest that , conscientiously they may submit to what thou hast ordain'd , or shall permit for their probation ; till the fewd and war 'twixt good and evil , at a period are : and , that , upon thy will they may attend untill that good and evil , hath an end , which had form us proceeding , and gives place to that eternal goodnesse , which is , was and shall be , when all evil heretofore in being , shall a being have no more . meanwhile confer all means , whereby both they and he , may walk on , in a peaceful way . thy judgment to the king vouchsafe to give that , he , and we in righteousness may live : that , he may to the prisoners and the poor , shew mercy ; to the wrong'd , their dues restore ; and be as kind and merciful to them , who are opprest , as thou hast been to him : that , our high mountains may produce thy peace , and little hills , the fruits of righteousness ; for , whether high or low , all shall receive such measure , as to other men they give . i know this will be done , even by the drops of mercy , which to keep alive my hopes , are in this place , to me derived from thy bounty , to fore-shew , a shower will come that shall refresh both me , and those , at full , who , at this time , each others case condole . be pleased to confirm this my belief , redouble still , our courage as our grief shall be augmented : and although among thy foes , our bodies perish in the throng ; by those external judgments , which we shall occasion to be epidemical , inflict them , rather then permit thy name to be exposed to reproachful shame , by suffering wickedness with proud despight , to violate thy justice in thy sight ; or , wantonize with grace , till it becomes the saddest of all temporary dooms : for , common mys●ries less grievous are unto thy saints , though they in them have share , then all their private sufferings , when they see their insolence who sleighted them and thee , so winked at , as if thou either wouldst not , avenge thy self upon them , or else could not . thy souldiers will be pleas'd amid thy foes to die , e're any honor thou shouldst lose , since death by them , needs never to be fear'd , who know with what life , thou wilt them reward . let dagons temple then , be overthrown though sampson die , in pulling of it down : for all thy souldiers , seek their glorifying in conquering , although it be by dying . our general , in person , led the van that way , when he his glorious conquest wan , bereft death of his deadly sting , thereby , and , over hell , triumphed gloriously . preserve those , in thy truth by faith and love , whom thou shalt please in these last times to prove by fiery tryals : so , what e're wind blows , whether , it rains or shines , or hails or snows ; whether thou shak'st the heavens or the earth , or both ; whether , war , pestilence , or dearth shall visite this deprayed generation , thine , shall be free from inward pertubation , and sing , a blessed requiem to their soul , when their oppressors gnash their teeth and howl . to that salvation which thou dost design for thy elect , preserve thou , me and mine ; and , in our several passages thereto , whether , the way in which we are to go be either rough or smooth , or short or long , keep us content ; and let our faith be strong although the flesh is weak . let our afflictions and , our prosperities ; with benedictions so sanctified be throughout our dayes , that , thou mayst in our lives & deaths have praise a large petititon ( whereof now bereft ) before thy face , long since ingrost i left , whereby , i thee besought to this effect , for my posterity ; and to direct and keep them in thy ways : lord , though to me the words are lost , they are not so to thee ; my spoilers , cannot hide them from thine eyes , nor wilt thou , my requests therein despise . rememember those , by whom we have been fed , when we were by the world depriv'd of brea● vouchsafe thou , for their charitableness , they , never want a friend in their distress ; or comforts , when on their sick beds they lie , or , freedom , though on outward bands they die : mind them , when i of them forgetful grow ; know them , though i their persons may not know ; their alms-deeds , which they labour to conceal , let thy son , before all the world reveal ; and , what for me or mine , in these my prayers , i have desired , grant to them and theirs . my foes have some way been my benefactors , ( though , therein , they against their wills were actors for , that , which to afflict me they design , adds more to their vexation , then to mine ; and , that , whereby , they thought me to have harmed , against all future mischiefs , me hath armed . in which respect , without dissimulations , they , are to me , an object of compassion , and , i beseech thee , so their hearts to turn that , for their sins , they heartily may mourn . to operate in them a preparation , to prosecute the means of their salvation , their , too much loving of themselves abate ▪ which hath inclin'd them other men to hate , and more to punish them , who reprehend , their sins , then those , who , against thee offend . bereave them of that wealth , in which they trust , and spend , in giving fewel to their lust ; that power exorbitant , make to be less , which doth but pride , and tyranny increase ; lest they may make themselves the slaves of sin , and to be devils , who might gods have been , forgive them their offences against thee , when for them , truly penitent they be : for , all their wrongs to me i can forgive as i from thee forgiveness would receive . this charity of mine to them , is thine ; thou , thereunto my heart dost now incline ; then , surely , if thou hast a love for those who hate thee , yea whilst they continue foes , thou wilt on them bestow all i can crave , if they contemn not , that which they might have , and , who , can then , be hopeless of thy grace , who , in true faith , and love shall seek thy face ? oh hear me , in what to their welfare tends , for all in general , both foes and friends , ( to whom , christs ransom shall not bounded be , more by their own fault , then by thy decree ; and who against themselves , shut not that gate which thou to all mankind , hast open set . ) make us true lovers , as we ought to be , and , we shall be beloved still of thee . incline us charitably to regard the poor mans prayers and ours shall be heard . make us upright , and then shall rich and poor , more advantageous be then heretofore unto themselves ; and they who hate each other , shall love , and live in amity together . none , then shall make a prayer , to enjoy in private , what weal - publick , may destroy . but , all our suits , ( as in destructive rains or droughts ) shall be prefer'd for what pertains unto the common good ; and very many be benefitted , without harm to any . i shall , moreover , be permitted then , to do thee service with my tongue and pen , and , thou , with other blessings , wilt send hi her what i now pray for , seasonable weather . lord ! should these meditations be despis'd , or , ( as some have been lately ) here surpriz'd , and smother'd ; i beseech thee , let them not by thee , be dis-regarded or forgot ; nor that , which yet remains to be exprest , be stifled any longer in my brest : for , that , hath been more torment to my mind , then to my body , to be here confin'd . but , each branch only grant of these requests as with thine own good pleasure best consists , and , that in chief , which hath preferred been to work in us , repentance of all sin ; lest else , when from one judgment we are freed , another , and another still succeed , till e're from all our fear● , thou us deliver , we feel the sharpest arrows in thy quiver . though all alone , the world hath shut me here , and , from her self , exil'd me , as it were , she , being part of that great work divine , in which there is aswel a share of mine as hers : ( and , though no sense she seems to have of what i suffer in this living grave ) i have a fellow-feeling of her fears , as by those private musings it appears , which often , heretofore i have exprest , on her behalf , and now , by this request ; which god ( i know ) for his own sake hath heard , although my prayer merits no regard . the last great rainy-day , i first begun these meditations ; and , e're they were done , the clouds were blown away , the sun appear'd , the face of heaven was from thick vapours clear'd , and , he , who lately mustred them together , continues , yet , a seasonable weather that will renew the hopes ( if it holds on ) which this year promised , when it begun . for , ( to the blessed name of god be praise ) the earth begins her face again to raise , out of her watry bed , chear'd by those rayes whose absence made her many weeks of days sit melancholly , and aside to throw , those dressings , wherewith she is trimmed now . this , doth to me , appear to be a sign that , to compassion , god doth sti●● incline , and , will , once more make proof what reformation shall be endeavour'd after this probation . oh! in some measure , let this grace effect that , which be justly , may from us expect , lest worse befall : for , god will not be mockt ; the doors of heaven , are not yet so fast lockt , but , that , he suddainly may send again , not only such another wasting rain , ( or in the stead thereof a scorching drouth and make the tongue , cleave to the parched mouth ▪ ) but fire and brimstone too , if he so please ; whereas , now , whilst his mercy doth appease his wrath a little hearty penitence , improv'd may keep some other plague from hence , and , for one sin that truly is repented , three may removed be , or else prevented . meditated and composed during the authors close confinement in the tower , july . . psalm . . oh! that men would praise the lord for his goodness , and for his wondrous works to the children of men . the whole psalm is very pertinent to stir up to a due consideration and practise of this duty . june , . a precaution relating to the time present . two years are past , since what precedes was writ when here , excessive rains occasion'd it . the present drougth , now makes us as much fear , a dearth may probably conclude this year : for want of timely moisture , in the spring , hath in the bud , ni●t many a growing thing ; and that defect continuing to this day , starves herbs , and turns the standing grass to hay . the winter corn , as yet , prick up their ears ; but , to decay , the summer crop appears ; and both ( if god prevent not ) may consume before our usual harvest time is come . as , when to cure , or give their patients ease , ( who long have suffred by a strong disease ) a good physitian first applies for cures his best known helps in such distempratures , that f●iling , tries another ; and that done , doth then , through ev'ry course of physick run , repeats it often too ; and as events occasion it , makes new experiments : ev'n so , hath god proceeded with this nation , to bring us to a timely reformation ; yet , our habitual wickedness is such , that , nothing works upon us very much , except it be the quite contrary way : for , when we should repent , and fast and pray , we feast and triumph : when we should release the prisoner , we the freeman do oppress . when we the poor and needy should relieve , the rich we begger , and the poor we grieve . when princes should put mourning garments on , each vassal is arayed like a don. the meanest pinnaces weare silken sailes , and like the peacock spread their gaudy tailes . yea , in the steed of due humiliations , in publick , here are publick provocations , still multiplied quite throughout the land , ev'n whilst we lie beneath god's heavy hand , and manifestly see , both ev'ry blessing withdrawing , and plagues ev'ry day increasing . he therefore justly may , if so he pleases , do , like physitians , when they find diseases to , be incurable . they then permit , such patients to take what course they think fit ; leave them to any emperick , who will pretend to that wherein he hath no skill ; send them to epsom , or the tunbridge water , or , that at lewsham ( to which t is no matter ) or to that country air , where first they drew their breaths , to try what thereon will ensue . thither , if god sends after them a blessing , t is more then they deserve , and worth confessing : for , t is of his meer grace ; and , this , sometimes he doth vouchsafe ere men repent their crimes . such mercies none can sound , much less express ; for they are infinitely fathomless . and if they work not , in a timely day , god's will be done , is all , that i dare pray . the authors epitaph . composed by himself , upon a common fame of his being dead and buried . it hath a short preface prefixed , and an epilogue added after it , for a copartment to set it off . the preface . rumors of things that shall be , are begun sometimes , before they actually are done , that , we thereby forewarned , may prepare to entertain them , when in act they are ; and , four times , at the least , ( though yet i am surviving it ) my death hath been by fame divulged so , that some , no credit give to those men who affirm that i yet live . at this time also , a report doth goe that , i was lately dead and buried too : perhaps , not without being fore-design'd that i , in prison might be hunger-pin'd : for , having nothing left , that was mine own , or ought allow'd , save what should be bestown , by their compassion , who have me preserved from being in my close confinement starved , i might have dy'd indeed through want of bread , had all my friends believed me to be dead . it may have likewise , an ill consequent , if , i shall be releast ; which , to prevent i have compos'd this following epitaph , thus prefaced , with this short paragraph , and , sent it to my friends , that , they may know i live , and live in hope , that what i owe to them , repaid ( in life or death ) shall be , by god , although , not probably by me . that , also , what this epitaph expresseth may mind me of my duty , till life ceaseth ; and , be by others , with some profit read , both whilst , that i am living , and when dead . the epitaph . by way of epitaph , thus sed george whither , when fame voic'd him dead . if , i did scape the dooms of those , whose heads and limbs , fed rats and crows , ( and , was not thrown into the fire or water , when breath did exspire ) then , here , ( or somewhere else ) my bones , lie raked up , with earth and stones . their burial place , you shall do well to learn from those men who can tell , and in what mode inter'd they were ; for , i do neither know nor care , or , what was either sung , or said , by others , when i there was laid ; nor any whit , suspitious am that , they shall be expos'd to shame nor fear i troubling of their rest , by those who living men molest , because , how e're the world shall please to use them , they shall be at ease , when that , which her despight intends to me , shall ceaze on her own friends as it befel to some , of late , if that be true , which fame doth prate . my life was nor too long , nor short , nor , without good and ill report ; and , profited , as many waies i was by scandals , as by praise . great foes i had , and very many , friends too , a few , as kinde as any and , seldome felt their earthly hell , who love , and are not lov'd as well : for , that , whereof they had sharp sense , i knew , but , by intelligence . a wife i had , as fit for me as any one a live could be ; yea , as if , god , out of each other had made us , to be joyn'd together . and , whilst she lives , what ere is sed of my death , i am but half dead . beside the issue of my brain , i had six children , whereof twain did live , when we divided were , and , i , alive was buried here . when , portious , i had none to give god gave them ( as i , did believe he would ) a means , whereby to live : which is here mention'd , to this end , that others , may on him depend . i priz'd no honours , bought or sold , nor wish'd for youth , when i was old , but , what each age , place , and degree , might best become , best pleased me . i coveted nor ease , nor wealth ( no , not enjoyment of my health ) ought further , then it had relation to gods praise ; and my souls salvation . when i seem'd rich , i wanted more then e're i did when deemed poor ; and , when in body , most confind , enjoy'd most freedom in my mind . i was not factious or seditious , though thereof , many were suspitious , because , i humor'd not the times , in follies , and destructive crimes . in things , that good or evil were , i had abundantly my share ; and , never wish'd to change my lot for what another man had got , or , that , in any time or place , my birth had been , save where it was so wise i was not to be mad though much opprest ; or , to be sad when my relations did conceive i had exceeding cause to grieve : for , god , in season , still supplide those needful things the world denide , disposing ev'ry thing , so well to my content , what ere befel , that , thankful praise to him was due ; and , will be , for what shall ensue . i sold not honesty , to buy a formal garbe of sanctity ; nor to hate any was inclin'd , because , they were not of my mind ; nor fear'd to publish truths in season , though termed heresie or treason , but , spake , what i conceiv'd might tend to benefit both foe and friend ; and , if in love , they seem'd sincere , with their infirmities , could bear . i practis'd what i did believe , and pinned upon no mans sleeve , my faith or conscience ; for , ther 's none judgd , by what other men have done . my sins were great , and numerous grown ; my righteousness , was not mine own , yet , more prevail'd by grace divine , then if it had been wholly mine . i loved all men , feared none except my self , and god alone ; and , when i knew him , did not make esteem of ought , but for his sake . on him , in life time i depended , by death are all my troubles ended , and , i shall live again , ev'n here , when my redeemer , doth appear , which ( by what i have seen and heard ) i know , will not be long defer'd ; nor that raign , here on earth , among his saints , which they have look'd for long . but , that , which we shall then behold , may better be believ'd then told ; because , we may presume as well to put the sea into a shell , as to demonstrate , unto men ▪ of flesh and blood , what will be then . nor oft , nor much desire had i , long time to live , or soon to die ; but , did the work i had to do , as i enabled was thereto ; then , whether it seem'd good or ill , left that , and all things , to gods will ; and , when this mind is not in me , that , i am dead , assured be . do reader , what i have well done ; what i have err'd in , learn to shun ; and , when i must no more appear , let this , be thy remembrancer . the epilogue . this , i perceive will take up too much room , within a church , or , on a chappel tombe ; and , peradventure , need a larger stone then my estate will buy to write it on : i le therefore , let it wander on betwixt the two poles , till it finds where to be fixt : for , though it seems brought forth before the time , it may , whilst it continues in this clime , some way advantage me , by bringing that into my minde , which i might else forget , that , whilst i live , i might conform thereto so far forth , as i am oblig'd to do . moreover , i shall know , ( when this is read ) what will be said of me when i am dead ; which , that man cannot hear , who shall not have an epitaph , till he is in his grave . some part thereof , may likewise useful seem to others , who my words , now disesteem : for , through the spatious earth , i know not ought , that is , or may be said ▪ or done , or thought , but , hath a tendance , if we heed it will , either to what is good or what is ill : a single haire , or fluttring of a bird , may providentially , sometimes afford hints , or precautions , to incline us , to what we ought to observe , beleive , or do . this , also will be , as it were , to some a messenger , who from the dead is come , to preach what is agreeable to reason , ( although it be a preachment out of season ) but , now , both dead and living preachers too , are sleighted , whatsoe're they say or do . and , if such predicants found no regard , where moses and the prophets were not heard , what , probably , from those can be expected who christ and his apostles , have neglected ? yet , from dead letters , and from men deceast there comes ( from what in lifetime they exprest ) a voice sometimes , to which men will incline , a willing ear ; and so , there will from mine . a petitionary meditation on the behalf of f. s. the authors much honoured and charitable , friend then visited by a languishing sickness . in my contemplatings , verse , is to me what david's harp , to him , was wont to be ; and , ( on occasions offered ) unto god ) i , often , make addresses , in this mode . lord , thou didst raise me friends , when few or none i had , whom i could much depend upon ; and , none of those , had they not first been thine , could possibly have been a friend of mine , in such a manner , or at such a time as when thy kindness did appear in them : for , such respectiveness , to men that are in my case is at this time , very rare . thereby , they worthily therefore , are grown more precious for thy sake , then for their own ; and , me to them it binds , in bonds more strong , then if their frindship , from themselves had sprung . my god , to thee , for one of those by whom thou hast refreshed me i now am come to offer what my poverty affords ; which ( though it be no more then hearty words ) be pleased to accept , for those proceeds , that were extended unto me in deeds ; and , thereunto , vouchsafe thou to impute that vigour , which i cannot contribute ; since , there is nothing in my best oblation ▪ which of it self , can merit acceptation . on his behalf , whom thou to me hast given , i , here on earth , petition thee in heaven , not for our own deserts , but for his sake , who did for all mankind atonement make ) that ( if it shall be pleasing unto thee ) his crazed health may now renewed be , and , he continue by thy preservation , a faithful servant to this generation , till he those works hath finish'd altogether , for which thou principally sentst him hither ; and , till they who yet want him , less may miss his passage from them , to eternal bliss : for , life , and all that therewith is bestown , he had , as well for their sakes , as his own . thy people thought themselves oblig'd to plead to christ for him , who for them , had but made a synagogue : elias thou didst hear for , her , by whom , refresh'd his bowels were : and , thou hast promised an easie bed , to them , by whom the hungry soul is fed ; whereby i am incourag'd , and inclin'd , to pray for him ; who hath to me been kind , with hope , it shall some good product beget both to thy glory , and his benefit . for , thou hast to the prayers of the poor , an ear as open , now , as heretofore , and grantst the humble sutes of faithful men , aswell , as of thy greatest prophets , then . to thee , i dare not absolutely pray for ought , belonging to the present day , save what that patern warrants , which hath taught to whom , for what , and how to pray we ought . when therefore lord , my frailty shall incline my will , to what repugnant is to thine , ( though i should ask it ) let it be deny'd , and , wants , according to thy will supply'd . the objects , and the subjects , of my prayers are positively , nor hopes fears , or dispaires , or paines , or pleasures ; neither joy nor greif ; no nor a temporary death or life , ( though they concern my self ) except they fall within the verge of that conditionall with which thou bound'st them : for enough there is besides that , grantable , unless amisse we ask it . and soon'st , thou wilt that dispence , when faith assaults thee with most violence . such things as thou hast promis'd , we may crave ; such things in their best season , we shall have , though they are oft deferr'd , till we know better how , by their use , to make the blessings greater : such things , i dare to ask , and persevere in asking them , untill vouchsafd they are ; and , such things , i le now beg of thee , for him whose cause i plead : lord , therefore grant thou them confirm him in that love , whence all things had their beings , when created things were made ; and , which at last , will knit up all in one that was created , when the world begun . contentment give him , with what change soere thou shalt be pleas'd to exercise him here . preserve him in the saving faith of christ , which will secure the blessed interest that , he to all men offers ; and to none denieth , who , to lay fast hold thereon not wilfully , and finally neglects , thou having cur'd his natural defects . grant him true self-denyal : him befriend , with constant perseverance to the end of all his tryals : every sin forgive committed in the flesh , whilst he shall live . enable him , whilst he hath time and place , to make such an improvement of thy grace on him conferred , that , as day by day , sin sprouts up , it may rooted be away . in all , whereby the world , the flesh , or devil may him assault , deliver him from evil , and all distemperatures , that may begin either from things without him , or within . let these petitions , for his consolation be sanctified by christ's mediation , and lie still spread before thee , whilst in life , my friend is sensible of pains and grief . so far forth also , as that , which by me is pray'd for now , shall with thy will agree , let him with faith , in our redeemers name both for himself and me , desire the same . and ( to conclude this prayer ) let all those by whom , thou hast been pleased to dispose ▪ thy manyfold love-tokens unto me , in all , here prayed for , partakers be at ev'ry need ; till thou translatst us thither where , all thine , shall with thee , live still together . amen . errata . page l. . read persecute . p. . l . r. persever . p. . l. . r. war for fear p. . l. . r. our own p. . l. . r. so to p. . l. . r. their fallacies p. . l. . r. harvest time , & p. . l. . god , praise p. . l. . r. through , & for reb. r. rebels p. l. . r. the , for there . p. . l. . thee for the p. . l. . r. on for in . finis . van helmont's works containing his most excellent philosophy, physick, chirurgery, anatomy : wherein the philosophy of the schools is examined, their errors refuted, and the whole body of physick reformed and rectified : being a new rise and progresse of philosophy and medicine, for the cure of diseases, and lengthening of life / made english by j.c. ... works. english. helmont, jean baptiste van, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing h estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) van helmont's works containing his most excellent philosophy, physick, chirurgery, anatomy : wherein the philosophy of the schools is examined, their errors refuted, and the whole body of physick reformed and rectified : being a new rise and progresse of philosophy and medicine, for the cure of diseases, and lengthening of life / made english by j.c. ... works. english. helmont, jean baptiste van, - . j. c. (john chandler), b. or . helmont, franciscus mercurius van, - . [ ], , [ ], - , [ ] p. : port. printed for lodowick lloyd ..., london : . "an index": prelim. p. [ ]-[ ]. includes a reprint of the first edition of john chandler's translation of the ortus medicinae, including original t.p.: oriatrike, or, physick refined ... now faithfully rendred into english ... by j.c. london : printed for lodowick loyd, . includes a translation of the preface of the original edition by f.m. van helmont. special t.p. on p. [ ] following p. : opuscula medica inaudita, that is, unheard of little works of medicine : being treatises . of the disease of the stone, . of fevers, . of the humors of galen, . of the pest or plague. . special t.p. on p. [ ]: tumulus pestis, or, the plague-grave. "a table ..." [i.e. index]: p. 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first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng medicine -- early works to . medicine -- philosophy -- early works to . fever -- early works to . plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion van helmont's works : containing his most excellent philosophy , chirvrgery , physick , anatomy . wherein the philosophy of the schools is examined , their errors refuted , and the whole body of physick reformed and rectified . being a new rise and progresse of philosophy and medicine for the cure of diseases , and lengthening of life . made english by j. c. sometime of m. h. oxon. london , printed for lodowick hoyd , at the castle in cornhill , . oriatrike or , physick refined . the common errors therein refuted , and the whole art reformed & rectified : being a new rise and progress of phylosophy and medicine , for the destruction of diseases and prolongation of life . written by that most learned , famous , profound , and acute phylosopher , and chymical physitian , john baptista van helmont , toparch or governor , in morede , royenborch , oorschot , pellines , &c. and now faithfully rendred into english , in tendency to a common good , and the increase of true science ; by j. c. sometime of m. h. oxon. job . . there is a spirit in man , and the inspiration of the almighty giveth understanding . pro. . . i wisdom dwell with prudence , and find out knowledge of witty inventions . aeternarum rerum seria contemplatio eò usque animum nostrum subvexit , ut divina loquuti videámur de rebus naturae subjectis , quae tantò perfectiores sunt , quanto propriores aeternis , &c. london , printed for lodowick loyd , and are to be sold at his shop next the castle in cornhill . . to the english reader . as the bare report of solomon's wisdom , was enough to attract the eastern queens attention ; and that , to travel her to the fountain-head it self : ( which she relished at first , as pretious wine , but then as divine nectar ) so doubtless , the loud fame of learned helmont , ringing in the ears of our ( as well as other ) nations , must needs excite the attentions , and level the affections of those that can value the wisdom found in the true knowledge of nature and art ; and so sharpen their appetites , as to induce them to find where the fruit grows ; and there to feed their fill : their fill of essential ( not formal ) learning ; of experimental ( not historical ) knowledge , of hermetick ( not culinary ) practice . so that , methinks 't is sufficient to tell thee , that great helmont now dictates in thine own dialect . wouldst thou then find a clear efflux of pure ( not fleshy ) ingenuity ? here it is . wouldst thou behold acute invention , in its unmixt clarity ? here it is . wouldst thou contemplate the depth of exact and solid judgement ? here it is . wouldst thou be acquainted with arguments impregnable , to the production of truth , and conviction of error ? here they are . wouldst thou understand the vanity of evolving unweldy volumns of vegetables ; and neglecting the utility of powerful medicines ? wouldst thou discern the vast difference between the efficacious kernel and useless shell of natural products ? between potential essences , and impotent superfluities ? between heterogeneal co-mixtures , and artificial separations , purifications , and exaltations ? in a word , wouldst thou not dwell in the circumference of knowledge , but dive into the very center it self ? here then imploy thy faculties , here exercise thy abilities , here impend thy studies . then wilt thou moreover find ( to omit his humanity , magnanimity , piety , and charity ; wherein he much excelled ) his disputes subtile , grave , and of great validity : his assertions soind , his demonstrations clear , and his conclusions infallible : eradicating error , and implanting of truth ; and that with rare integrity , and indefatigable industry . but ( saith zoilus ) diruit quidem , non autem aedificat . a position well becoming the owners of it ; granting a verity to infer a fallacy . as how ? as thus ; that learned helmont hath demolished the feeble fabrick of an erroneous method , is apparently true ; not onely in it self , but confest , even by his adversaries ; but that he hath not rebuilt a stronger structure on a firmer foundation , is as false : and that it is so , this his unparallel'd works do demonstrate , to any intelligent reader , that is not drunk with envy ; or poysoned with malice ; or infected with prejudice . his own works indeed , do best express his worth . neither can i suppose , that another pen can preface any addition to it . canst thou reader , sum up the perfections required in a philosopher not traditional ; in a christian not hypocritical ; in a physitian not verbal , not superficial ? then art thou nearest his true character . but he that shall attempt to tell thee the summa totalis of him , or these his eminent emanations ; may sooner want wind for his words , than work for his pen ; and whilst he recounteth their excellencies , seem to numerate the sea's sand . i therefore desist , and refer to thy experience , which may happily evidence thy proficiency ; that , thy industry ; and both render thee gratefully joyful , for so great a jewel : whose due rate and proportion , that thou mayst rightly apprehend , is wisht by thy well-willing friend . h. blunden , med. lieentiat . יהוה to the unutterable word , the author offers up a sacrifice in his mother tongue . o omnipotent , eternal , and incomprehensible being ! the original of all good. thou hast committed unto me a talent , the which i expose to open usury : but i acknowledge and confess my nothing impotency , my vile and abusive unprofitableness . thus being overwhelmed in the abyss of my own nothingness ; i pray thee , o thou all-providing good , that thou wouldest clementiously accept of this book , o thou eternal beginning , and end of all wisdom : let thy saving will be done , o lord , in the grace of thy love , by this dry tree , this meat for wormes ; this fewel for the flame , thy unprofitable servant , the son of thy hand-maid . unless at length thou perfect me , and preserve all thy gifts they shall perish in me for ever . this i ingeniously confess , from the knowledge of my very innermost part , before thee , o lord , unto whom all things are thorowly known in truth ; and before the world , unto whom most of the most excellent truths lay hid : i am amazed at the largeness and greatness of thy benefits towards my nothingness . so being prostrated i celebrate thy most glorious name , and that name i invoke from above , o jebovah , thou most faithful lover of men ! o holy and incomprehensible name ! at all times and alone to be sanctified , and the onely free sanctifier of his saints alone . favourably behold from the throne of thy omnipotency , the miseries of the living , help the sons of men , seeing it is thy delight to be present with them . remember the word of thy promise , no longer to be the god of our fathers , as in times past , but now as a god declared to be our father : no longer the god of abraham , the god of isaac , and the god of israel ; but as god , jesus , the god of mary our mother , and who art made our brother in the love of thy grace . all the end and scope of my desires tendeth to this , that thy incomprehensible name may be sanctified , not only because thou art called the thrice most great and excellent ; but also , because thou onely art all , unto whom every wish of sanctifying love doth properly belong ; seeing that thou standest in no need of us , neither can we devote unto thee any thing else . the prophet did accept , a , a , a , lord , i cannot speak , behold i am an infant : but i reply to this prophet , o , o , o , lord , my thoughts fail me , and do melt in a naked wish of love , of the sanctifying of thy name ; for loe , o lord , i am nought but nothing , nor any thing besides , but as it hath pleased thee , that i may pertain unto thee . o all , of all , and all my desire ; i deservedly seem to offer unto thee in my mother tongue , and also to vow the feude or fee-farm of my essence and property , wherewith i being invested by thee , i enjoy the use of them for the help of my neighbour . for although the first conception of the soul consisteth out of words , and so is without a proper tongue : yet i perceive that it is as yet crude , and not sequestred , as long as it is not polished , and not being joyned to the mind , doth depart into cogitations , words , and writing . this crudity , i perceive doth make an infirm and unstable object of my first conception , and soon darkens it again : therefore thy eternal wisdom hath granted that it should be carried further , even unto my mind . t is true indeed , that thou wilt be worshipped by men in the spirit , but not in such a manner that it may remain in the undistinction of the first object : but moreover , the angels , and pure simple spirits , although they nakedly adore thee in cogitation , as spirits ; yet they are busied by a certain , and unknown song to us , in sanctifying thy sanctifying name without intermission . wherefore also , thou commandest to be loved , not onely from the whole soul , and whole spirit , but also from the whole heart , and with all our strength : so that the prayer that is spiritually framed , and naked worship , do even exclude that which is verbal , which is unexperienced of the attention of the mind . bestow on me , o most beloved lord , that i may suggest that thing to my neighbours thy servants by similitudes . an organist hearing a new tune or song , doth not presently , at first , play it without difficulty : his soul doth in part indeed perceive the sound , but his fingers ( which are as it were the framers of sounds , even as his other members are the formers of words ) do not so fitly follow , neither is it granted unto them to attain an absolute perfection of the song , so speedily , quickly , and distinctly . he beholding indeed the organ table or book , doth presently play it ; to wit , his capacity being wont to carry his fingers towards it at the first sight of the book ; but that song being composed according to the laws of musick , but not turned into a table , he as less accustomed thereunto , doth the more difficulty play it ; seeing a table is accustomed to be first composed out of the musick , for his spirit before he plays : but as yet with a greater difficulty and rarity , the table and plat-form of a lute , is extemporarily expressed in the organ , or that of the organ in the lute . there hath not seemed unto me to be an unlike reason of the first conception of the soul , as of a sound as yet crude or raw ; and the mind desires to have it reduced into words or writings , through defect whereof , not a few do stick in a good object , the which by reason of an undistinct mind , vanisheth without fruit . but moreover , i perceive , that the first idea of the soul doth follow an accustomed instinct of the mind , whereby it being even there polished or corrected , is perceived by words or writings : but indeed , whereas man being from the beginning , seasoned with the property of his mother tongue , doth obtain it as incorporated or inspired ; and besides is wont to communicate unto his mind and mother tongue , his cogitations which depart into meditations , languages , or writings ; it seems an inconvenient thing , and a wonder to the soul , to endow an object of the first conception ( being decyphored in the mind by words in the mother tongue ) besides the inbred custom , with a forreign idiome or dialect ; wherein the understanding labouring by changing the dialect , it over-shadows , weakens , and wearies it self , and also doth alienate the pure and plainly spiritual conception of the first object . but in very deed , the object of every first cogitation , departing into words , i have certainly found to be alwaies first had in the mother tongue ; even in a man using none but tbe spanish dialect , who also heard a spaniard ; he being mortally wounded , and weak of mind , spake many things , but in italian , and heing called on in spanish , scarce understood . i have likewise seen a germane that was sick , sitting , or lying , ( even as they placed him ) like an image , who never was capable of replying unto things asked him , neither did he understand what words either his wife , or any one of his sons did pronounce ; in any other than in his own proper germane tongue ; when as notwithstanding , within the walls of his house , he alwaies used the italian and french tongues : yea , and which more is , he being a little after freed from this waking coma or sleep , was scarce perswaded to believe the same . and so , o lord , i have cast down this poor dedication of my book in my mother tongue , before thy most high throne , to wit , the song of my object , which dammage of my neighbour , thou hast not disdained to let down into me . unto thee be all the honour ! i now proceed to signifie to my neighbour the wretched ignorance of the heathens , whereby thy sick people have been hitherto seduced by the universities , and so , miserably slain , the precept of the prophet uttered in thy name , nothing hindring it ; thus saith the lord , do not ye teach like unto the gentiles . wherefore , o lord , grant that my soul may retain the gifts granted unto it , unto thine honour , whereby i may imprint thy goodness , a part of my debt , in this path of death , on my neighbour . be thou unto me every hinge , who alone art the way , the truth , and the life : this is the one onely thing which it becometh us to love . thou my angel , defender , and intercessor , who beholdest the omnipotent good ; beg in my name , that which is wanting unto me , insist thou in the steps of raphael ( the divine physitian ) who carried the works of burial of the dead , performed by night , unto god ; thou diligent curer , carry thou the present work , performed in the night of my darkness , unto god , that man may not hereafter , be thus killed , nor so soon undergo death : offer up this my work , before the holy sacred trinity , whereunto i dedicate it ! so act thou for the glory of god. the translators premonition to the candid reader . friend , whoever thou art , know thou , that as the things contained in this work , were not at the first , written by the honest , conscientious , most learned and judicious author , from a vain ostentation , or to draw out peoples minds after the tree of knowledge , whereby they might have something to admire at , and talk of , to deceive the time ( as they say ) and so to neglect the tree of life which is appointed for the healing of the nations : but rather that man having eaten of the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil , and having experimentally known evil ( whereby he is expelled from the tree of life , which before the fall was his food , and is become captivated in understanding , will , and affections , from whatsoever may be known of god , either within in the light of his immortal mind , which by creation was in the very image of its creator ; or without in his visible creation , in whose invisible power and unity all things consist and subsist ) might come to know himself and his creator in the unity of the spirit , and all other things in that unity : so neither was it translated into our mother tongue to any other end , than that naked and simple uniform-truth might appear , to the confounding of that which appears to be truth but is not ; but is masked , various , compounded and confused ; whose false plea is antiquity , and chief support , the self-ends of ambition and avarice . it is a saying in the scriptures , he that is first in his own cause , seemeth just , but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him . also , that the rich man is wise in his own conceit : but the poor that hath understanding , searcheth him out . how truly these sayings may be applied unto this author , with respect to the schools both of logick , natural phylosophy , astrology , theology , and in particular those of medicine , both as to the theorie and practick part thereof , i may singly refer the judgement thereof unto him that hath the least measure of true understanding , without any further enlargment ; because such a one , who with the lamp or candle of god being lighted in him ( whereunto the author bears his testimony in opposition to blind reason , in the chapter of the searching or hunting out of sciences ) is able to see in his measure , eye to eye , or as face answereth to face in a glass : nevertheless , for the sake of some simple-hearted reader , who though not yet come unto such a discerning , so as to separate the light from the darkness , may notwithstanding , truly hunger and thirst after the knowledge of the truth , i shall speak somewhat . that the schools of the gentiles have had their time , is well known , wherein they have become vain in their imaginations , exercised themselves in vain phylosophy , and opposition of science , fasly so called , as the apostle paul observeth , and whereof he admonisheth the true christians , as to take heed they were not deceived by it . and although histories mention , that at the coming of the first-born son into the world ( whom all the angels of god were to worship ) the heathen oracles at delphos , and elsewhere , were struck dumb and gave no answer , as a sign , that all falshood , false voices , deceitful juggles , vain inventions , &c. were to give way and be abolished at the appearance and rising of the day-star , and sun of righteousness , on and over the earth ; the star of which star the wise men of the east saw , and by its direction came to worship the child , laying down all their wisdom at his feet ; for a lively token , that all true wisdom and science was to be received from him , in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge dwell ; and not by the dim and dark illustrations of mans own reason and discourse : yet such hath been the subtilty of the fleshly serpent , that under the pretence of owning and professing the name of christ , he hath taken up in his , paganish means and instruments to build withal , calling the dregs and dross of the minerva of the heathenish schools , hand-maides unto divinity , and true principles of medicinal science ; but this counterfeit fiueness can no longer dazzle or blind the eyes of those unto whom god hath given eye-salve that they may see , and gold tried in the fire ; for such are able to discern an image from a man , and true and pure mettal from counterfeit coyn ; so that the abettors of such deceits shall proceed no further , but their folly shall be made manifest to all men ; forasmuch as that which alone tends to the healing of the maladies of mans spirit , and the breaches there , which sin hath made , is seated in the invisible life of god , as is applied thereunto as a remedy , by the virtue of christs blood alone , who is the lamb of god , and a quickening spirit : and so also , seeing that which tends to the healing of any disease radically , in the body , is the internal faculty or property , seated in the first being of medicines ; which by due preparation being uncloathed of their gross corporeal cloathings , are made fit to be applied by the wisdom of a true physitian unto the archeus or vital air of the body wherein its diseases radically dwel , & not in relolleous qualities , nor in feigned elementary complexions , as in the following treatise is clearly manifested : and so that nothing can be a true handmaid unto divinity , or medicine , but the gift of him who is lord of the whole man. and that which gives the children of wisdom , an ability to justifie wisdom her self , and a power to judge and condemn the wisdom of this world , whether it be conversant about things visible or invisible , things temporal or eternal , is the son of god , by whom the world was made , and all living souls created , even the everlasting father of spirits , who hath committed all judgement to the son , in whom they all subsist , who filleth all in all : this son of god is the eternal eye of the father , which runs thorrow the whole creation , beholding the evil and the good ; it is that eye which knows and sees the essence and frame of all things : it doth not behold any thing in its essence to be evil ; because every thing in its essence and being is good , and that , because it is one , and true ; but that which is double , varie-form , seeming , or false , that it sees to be evil , and that is the fleshly and sensual apprehension and desire in man , which vailes or taints his spirit of understanding and will , that they are not able to give a right tincture , or rightly to apply themselves unto objects intelligible or desirable , whereby irregular and evil effects , in word , action , and conversation , do visibly appear ; even as an engine , whose innermost spring or wheel being defective , all its other parts and motions are out of order ; for the body is but the shell or vessel of the spirit . that eye being opened in man , or candle lighted , so far as it is lighted or opened , makes first to behold the evil and the good , and the evil from the good in a mans self ; and so far as he doth this , he is truly said to know himself ; for he consists of darkness and light , till by a holy war , the light hath comprehended the darkness : the truth of this is not to be disputed , for it hath been experimentally known , and witnessed by all the children of light , in all generations . this being granted to be true , it must needs be accounted the christians epoche or stop of time , from whence he is to reckon upon his progress in all , or any other true knowledge or science whatsoever ; for as the father knoweth all things , and no man knoweth the father but the son , and him to whom the son will reveal him ; so , as the son revealeth the father unto any one , according to the measure and manner of his revelation , other things are known also ; as in the bulk of unity , wherein the almighty compasseth all things in the hollow of his hand , and swallows them up as out of sight ; which is the knowledge of the blessed ; so also as from this blessedness , a reflex act goes forth with a pure clear ray or beam , towards particular things or objects , apprehending or looking thorow them , according to their particular natures and properties placed in them by the word , the creator : this kind of knowledge , is not the fruit of the forbidden tree , but of the tree of life ; for life is its root , and love is its branches ; first extended towards god the creator , in the measure of whose image , the understanding doth apply it self by an intellectual act , unto the particular thing understood , and so in that image adoring his wisdom and power therein . secondly , towards the neighbour , in directing such a particular knowledge or knowledges , unto the use , service , benefit , necessity , and health of the same , in this mortal life . now to bring this home unto our present purpose ; such a root and branches do i judge , yea and feel to be , of this present authors knowledge : for although he was as to his visible profession of religion , a member of the romish church , after the tradition of his fathers , and so in that respect , was in the captivity in some things , which may well be accounted hay , stubble , &c. yet as daniel was a true israelite , yea and a man of an excellent spirit , though in babylon , who saw over the babylonians , and was hated of them even to the death , for his wisdom , and uprightness ; so may it be said of this author , who by a divine gift from god , in the light of sound judgement and true understanding , out of love to his neighbour , hath as a modern , come after the schools , the sons of antiquity ( as they would be accounted ) and so searched them out in their principles , that being weighed in the ballance of true science , they are found lighter than vanity . neither hath the errors of the chymical schoole in divers particulars , escaped his pen : yet well observe thou , ( whatever carping self-ended partialists may say ) that the author doth as well build up his own , as pull down others doctrine . i do not speak this from a desire to boast in another mans lines , or to glory in man , or as thinking him infallible even in the mysteries of nature , for that were not only to derogate from gods honour , to wrong my own soul , but also to wrong the deceased author himself , while i should seem to own the gift of god in him ; for i find him in his writings wholly renouncing all vain glory , self exaltation and ambition , or to receive honour from man , as knowing that every good gift descended from the father of lights , and so that he had nothing but what he had received . therefore whosoever thou art , who desirest to be bettered in the reading and considering of this work , see that thy mind be somewhat stayed and composed out of the giddiness , lightness , and wantonness ; for wisdom is too high for a fool : desire above all things , and in the first place , the fear of the lord , for that is the beginning of wisdom , and a good understanding have all they that do thereafter ; so may wisdom pour forth her words unto thee , and give thee knowledge of wise counsels , secrets , and of witty inventions ; but the wicked shall dwell in a dry land : for friend , believe me , the hour is coming , and the day hastens , wherein all things shall be seen and enjoyed in the root which beareth them , that all the pots of jerusalem may be holy to the lord , and holiness seen even upon the horse bridles : and this was the word of the lord to daniel concerning the last times ; that he should stand up in his lot at the end of the days ; and that before the end came , many should be purified and made white , and tryed ; but the wicked should do wickedly , and none of the wicked should understand , but the wise should understand : such are those who depart from evil , and abide in gods fear , as i have said . and as for the manner of rendring the sense of the author , i have been careful and faithful according to my ability , to make himas plain to be understood by my country-men as the work would even possibly bear ; therefore have i not studied for abstruse words , or high flown language ; for veritatis simplex oratio ; the speech of truth is simple or plain ; also that might have proved not a true genuine translation , but a subversion to the readers apprehension : it is not words but things , not names but natures , not resemblances but realities , not sublimities but simplicities , that the sons of truth do seek after . yet the jews seek a sign , and the greeks seek after wisdom , but all in the wrong part ; and so wherein they think to be wise , they become fools : so that i may truly apply that antient observation , unto the seeming wise and learned of this age , satis eloquentiae , sapientiae parum , abunde fabularum audivimus . enough of eloquence , fables abound , but of true wisdom , little is to be found . wherefore be sober , be watchful , be humble , be gentle , be courteous , be impartial , wait in silence , and desire of the lord god , in faith and love unfeigned unto the truth , as truth , that thou mayest receive it as it is in jesus ; for there is no truth out of him ; for thou lord in the beginning hast laid the foundations of the earth , and the heavens are the work of thy hands ; they shall perish , but thou shal remaine , and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up , and they shall be changed , but thou art the same ( truth ) and thy years shall not fail . so the god of peace and truth be with all the upright in heart , who seek the lord with their whole hearts , in this backsliding generation ; and with every truly honest-hearted reader of this book ; that it may answer the laborious ends of the author , and the poor endeavour of thy real friend . john chandler . to the friendly reader s. d. francis mercurius van helmont , a philosopher , by that one in whom are all things ; a wandring hermite . i had at sometime concluded , by reason of many wandring thoughts , that it would be hardly obtained of me to write any thing to be published for the use of my neighbour , in this present age ; seeing that i have hated feigned , varie-form , vain , and deceitful words , which the men of the world do thirst after . but now i being constrained by the reasons and letters of many moderate wise men , out of divers kingdoms and states here and there , who perswaded me that i was devoutly engaged by the pledge of health , to commit all the writings of my deceased father unto the press ; and to annex thereunto , when , and after what manner he closed his day : also in what state or condition he left the aforesaid writings : and moreover , to supply those things which were lacking , for the vindicating the life of man-kind , from many errors , torments , and destruction . it is [ that ] which hath extorted from me , to leave all other things , and thorowly to review the aforesaid writings ; which being finished , i gave up my self to hearken to their calls : i suspended my former purpose , discoursing in plain and most simple words , the following narrative , in my mother tongue , according to the tenour of the fore-going dedication of my father , the which i also imitate , by following him in the very same intent thereof . the death of my father , happened on the thirtieth day of the tenth month , december , of the year one thousand six hundred forty four , at the sixth hour in the evening , when as he had as yet , a full use of reason , and had first required and obtained all his sacred solemnities and rights . his life it self was his disease , which remained with him seven weeks , beginning with him after this manner : he at sometime returned home in hast , on foot , at noon , in a cold and stinking mist , which was a cause unto him , that when he endeavoured to write a small epistle of about fifteen lines , or did indulge himself with too large a discourse , his breathing so failed him , that he was constrained to rise up , and to draw his breath thorow the nearest window ; whereby a pleurisie was provoked in him , at two several times , from the which notwithstanding , he restored himself perfectly whole ; yea the day before his death , he being raised upright , as yet wrote to a certain friend of his in paris , there being among other , these following words ; praise and glory be to god for evermore , who is pleased to call me out of the world ; and as i conjecture , my life will not last above four and twenty hours space : for truly i do to day sustain the first assault of a fever , by reason of the weakness of life , and defect thereof , whereby i must finish it . the which accordingly followed , after that he had bestowed a special benediction or blessing on me , the which i esteem for a great legacy . i do not here more largely extend the property of his disease , by reason of the straitness of time ; seeing that i am besides , to make mention of him , in my compendium , from all things unto the one thing , the which i endeavour ( god willing it ) to publish in a short time . a few days preceding his death , he said unto me ; take all my writtings , as well those crude and uncorrected , as those that are thorowly expurged , and joyn them together ; i now commit them to thy care , accomplish and digest all things according to thy own judgement : it hath so pleased the lord almighty , who attempts all things powerfully and directs all things sweetly . therefore attentive reader , i intreat thee , that thou do not at the first sight , wrongfully judge me , because i have taken care to have the more crude writings printed , as being mixed with the more digested ones , those not being restored or corrected : know thou , that the desire of promoting this great and laborious work , hath been the cause thereof ; at length thou maiest experience , that the desirous reader was to be by all means satisfied no less in this , than in the aforesaid writings , and then thou wilt judge , that i have well and faithfully performed all things , seeking nothing for my own gain ; the which shall more clearly appear by this my preface . i call god to witness , that my desire ( unto whom it is known ) doth extend unto the help of my neighbour : wherefore read thou , and read again this writing , and it shall not repent thee for ever ; for i tell thee in the height of truth that i have published these things from pity alone , as taking good notice , that men by reason of their own imaginations , are so little careful of or affected with , the safety of an eternal and temporal life . stop your antient in and out-steps , enter ye into the royal path eternal , dismiss ye those innumerable by-paths , which i my self have with exceeding labour and difficulty thorowly beaten , in seeking whereby i might come unto the knowledge of the truth ; endeavourm in the mean time , to find out the ordination of all created things , and their harmony , and that by all the more internal and external means , which i was able to imagine . i then bent all my senses , whereby i might make my self known unto wise men so called , hoping at length , to find some wise man , not learned according to the common manner , in all places where i should passe thorow ( which i might call nations : ) of whatsoever profession or condition they were , i spake to them according to their desire , that i might joyn in friendship with them by discourse , and according to my abilities , i imparted unto them the whole cause : by this and other means i touched at many clear fundamental knowledges and arts ; all which , i heare advisedly pass by : and when i understood , all and every of them , to be onely the esteemed workmanship of a great man , i discerned , that by how much the more a thing was absurd , vain , and foolish or frivolous , by so much the more it was exalted , and respected or honoured ; the which servitude i perceiving , became voluntarily averse thereto , as being one who did prosecute plain simplicity . i descending , ascended unto essential and occult or hidden properties , and for my aid , the understanding of some latine books seemed to be desired ; to this end , i read over diverse times the new testament , in the latine idiome , and the germane , that by that means i might in a few days , not onely understand the latine stile , but also , that in the aforesaid testament , i might find the perfect , and long wished for , simple , one onely and eternal truth and life , which the one thing ( to wit god ) doth onely and alone earnestly require , and is averse to all duallity or plurality ; so also , whatsoever god hath created , he created all of it , in that one , and by that one thing , otherwise he had not kept an order . and by how much the more i knew this amiable , free , and one only thing in all things , and did enjoy it ; i addressed my self to a quiet study : i was outwardly cloathed with simple or homely raiment , and for the more inward contracting of my mind , as also for curing thereof , i acted many things known to god alone , as also for the preservation of my health , and increasing of my strongth , i lived soberly for many years together , i also abstained from fleshes , like as also from fishes , wine , and ale or beer ; and that so far , that i incurred the contempt and disdain of my kindred , who upbraided me as i conjecture , from a good zeal : what unwonted thing doth he again begin ? he renders himself unfit for every condition and function , as well ecclesiastical as secular : he will at length become mad , when he shall no longer find any novelty for his delight , or shall adict himself to magical arts , or shall attempt a new heresie : it is become with him , as with other wise mens children , as to persist in obstinacy . others moreover , redoubled ; his father is in the fault , for he hath rashly educated all his children , he admitted them from their tender years , unto the art of the fire : this man being now become foolish , hath lost the oportunity or occasion of happiness ; when isabella clara eugenia , the infanta of spain , received him , and appointed him for a noble service with her nephew the chief cardinal , he refused it : it were better he had died instead of his brethren , some good might have been expected from them ; this man is serviceable for no employment : if he gapes after studies , let him submit himself to his teachers , as it is the manner of others to do ; or he is to be induced to marry a wife , who may shake off these strange things from him . on the contrary , others retorted ; this is too late , replying by a mock , he is a philosopher , he is too stubborn , he is no where seen except in the company of most unconstant , strange , and uncouth persons , of whatsoever profession and imployment ; he will also incur a misfortune , for he knows not how to dissemble , he spareth none , neither great nor small , when he discerns that which is unjust ; we are now dejected from all hope , he must needs be reduced unto wants , for he hath yeelded up all his patrimony , both that which he did possess , and what should have fallen to him , unto his sister ; and moreover , as joyful , he hath departed hence , far from home , as shewing that he is never to return ; who ever remembred the like ! he must needs undergo some changes , notwithstanding , it matters not us concerning what , so that he be not to be accounted foolish , so as to cast off his old dresses , except better , and more certain ones should supply him . conjectures fail us , seeing that he hath entred into these things without our counsel ; let himself also look to what the end will be ; when he shall stand in need of us , let him be accounted as a stranger . after that i had quietly , and joyfully overcome these , and many other chances , i forthwith devised of the following course or process of unburthening my conscience , the which , at my importunity , a man unknown to the world , fearing god , proposed unto me ; the chief heads whereof , i will deliver in a compendium , by questions and answers , the subsequent whereof shall at some time hint out more , than is manifestly declared in the precedent answers ; the which is done to the intent , that the reader might likewise in the mean time , somewhat earnestly endeavour , and that it might be manifest unto him , that the aforesaid answers do abound . at a certain time , a certain man called a friend , came to visite me ; whom , among other things , i asked , whether he did as yet remember his promise made unto me , of administring some things to be joyned unto my fathers work , for the further instruction of the courteous reader ? to which he answered ; minde brother , i thorowly weighing and meditating of thy words all the night last past , and also the new and unheard of deliberation of mercurius , trismegistus , poimander , my lamp being extinguished , and natural nourishment being first for some time withdrawn from the body , whereby i might wholly be at leasure in the inner man ; hereupon , when i had sustained a great swooning fit , i am made to see ( the use of my eyes being suspended ) from a certain light , transparent , weighty , thick or dark , and compacted created bodies , in their beginning , middle , and end , and i my self also piercing my self ; and at the very moment of the vision , i was found placed in a clear , living , circular , double chair or pulpit , wanting a foundation , being embracingly enlightned ( toward its beginning ) by the stars , being engraven on every side with a circular letter , which some do call zenith , others nadir , the which also by its aspect spake unto me : hear , see , understand , and talk thou with one in all , and all things in one : the time hath appeared , that all the blind may see , and all that see may remain blind : follow ye me , and i will make manifest unto you , my illumtnated lights or stars : my most stable heart is created old and new , which is hung up for every man as a prize , being as it were a thing unknown by an express quality ; proceed ye , earnestly endeavour ye , ye may reach the bottom of my necessary body , together with all its durable , quiet , and acting members ; which parts are entire , praising their creator singularly and universally by their effects , who hath made me perfect , that i might help thee , and such as thou art , in the moment of necessity ; for i am subjected to thy service , and am nothing besides . i hearing these things , it was manifest that they were truths , and at that very instant , i saw the prize hung up , whereat i being as it were over furious , attered these words : thou art a young man , as also thy children which shall be born of thee , for thy brethren are like thee , who are equal unto thee in age , thy body was created most clean , ponderous , exceeding well compacted , and conspicuous , thy one-two , or single-double colours , are skie coloured and red , which do contain all the colours of the universe , and the which colour hath transchanged thee into black darkness ; thoubeing a white and red virgin , shalt bring forth unto him even ten children at every birth , with the unblemishing of thy virginity ; for truly , thou , and thy children do constitute a light , whose parts are entire , neither heat nor cold , and not any the most ●●●arpest sword , shall loosen thy bond ; for the sun is thy father , and the moon thy mother : therefore here thou all things as not seeing them , and see thou as not hearing them , and speak thou within in the silence , that all things are in one ; then shalt thou know a double co-united one thing in all things , as neither shalt thou be able to dissolve , as neither to knit the eternal band , without loss of time . these things being spoken , a great horrour invaded me , and i soon converting my self unto those like unto me , i there saw an innumerable company of men of all forts of nations , learned , and unlearned , wise , noble , and ignoble , young men , together withold , who all were divided into strife among selves , for the knowledge and science of the truth ; i well perceiving the ground of this division , attempted by my wish , to prepare my self for the implanting of a mutual concord . first , i observed that a certain little book , being a part of another to follow after , entituled , opuscula medica inaudita , or , unheard of little works of medicine , had in part raised this discord , the which had recalled the more young , godly , studious , and other reverencers of the truth , out of the long and obscure night , into the dawning of the day , that they might believe , that a light more perfect , nor hitherto learned , did remain , from whence this dawning did shine unto them ; and by how much the more thorowly they looked into the aforesaid little book , by so much the more they were glad , because they found therein , the promises of the coming of a more perfect desired light ; it being that which did so heighten their mind , that a certain one of them , did not fear publickly to propose this parable with a shrill voice , unto some eminent famous professors of universities , and christians , yet ungrateful ones , with interrogatives , and admonitions : it is no wonder that these our words do seem the more hard to the flesh , seeing they are spiritual , whereof the flesh cannot give judgment ; even as he spake , who had never looked against the light , by reason of the sickness of his sight , and when he saw the least light , he detested it , relating among other things , that it was the worst of poysons , because it brought an intollerable pain upon him ; so that therefore , he remained uncurable , who could not through his obstinacy , endure any mention of curing , seeing that he loved darkness before light , and so was made a son of the same darkness . some of the professors took notice , that this similitude was uttered concerning them , and not knowing how to moderate themselves , as being possessed with fury , they flung out this ; ye novices , and seditious seeds-men of heresies , ye ought to be burnt alive , together with your abettors . these words being spoken , they in a rage rushed forward toward the house of the seniour professor , and there called a company together by night , that they might foresee among themselves , what might be taken in hand , whereby this new doctrin might be subverted : the patron of this family was a most covetous old man , as also very aged , who after he had received them all with a solemn salutation , began his speech , saying ; my fellow brethren , and my sworn sons of our profession , it is very well known unto you , that our doctrin hath been firmly established , whereof nothing is to be doubted , seeing it is so antient , nor ever hath sustained any adversity of the nations which might brand it with a blemish : in our dayes , it is least of all to be granted , that by this schismatical doctrin , it can go to the wall , or that the glory , esteem , and the things suggested by us , eminently appearing in print , can altogether perish ; for the preserving of them , let us earnestly endeavour with all our might ; by which deed , we shall render our selves immortal unto our successours , and shall bear away a solemn reward for our famous deeds ; let us be unanimous , then shall we perform many things ; i will first produce my opinion : if any one of us shall be adverse to our purpose , let him be imposed upon with a fine ( by a plurality of voices ) agreeable to every ones wealth or ability ; i as the first , will bind my self to this , by a copy ; and assoon as any one shall come to be fined , let the money rebounding from hence , he laid aside for the use of suppressing the enemies ; and least discord should grow among us for the future , and that we may fitly reach our seasonable conclusion , it is needful , that all things which shall here be dispatched , be committed to writings ; whom they presently obeyed in every thing , and committed it to the effect ; besides they incited him , that he might proceed as he had begun , saying , both these propositions are just and equal ; for truly , all of us have by this our doctrin , gotten our wealth ; and so also , it is meet and just , that the goods gotten thereby , should have respect unto our doctrin , and should defend it , whereby we may as yet attain to be more wealthy . the aforesaid seniour hearing these words , with a very grateful , and pleasant countenance and gesture , adjoyned thereto ; i hold it most exceeding necessary ; and also to procure other wealth of the schools , that they may joyn with us , and enter into a mutual covenant , because the matter toucheth them also ; which being obtained , we will presently implore the magistrate , to condemn that seditious little book to the fire , under a further injunction , that they which should make use of it , shall pay the punishment of goods , and body . secondly , it should be diligently endeavoured by us , that we presently setting upon the one only son of the author of the aforesaid little book , by subtilty , who possesseth his other writings , by an hereditary right , should promise him a certain summe of money , some third man interceding , as for a congratulation or restoring of his fathers books unto us , the which we should allege , were to be committed to the press , as feigning to take part with his father , that by his means , we at least might understand , where he might keep them in secret , whereby we might obtain the same to be burnt by the fire ; for when these books shall behold the light , we shall suffer greater things ; neither should any other remedy avail , than procure a book to be set forth in the authors name , containing perverse doctrin , or hellish arts , and to disperse it throughout the whole world : also that this thing might the better succeed , the said heir should be taken out of the way , least he should hinder our purpose : all which things , it is lawful freely to commit without sin , seeing that we are able to demonstrate , and confirm these things , by a received custom , and doctrin of very many famous writers , of a certain predominating order . these sayings being ended , he intreated the chief doctor next unto himself , no less to endeavour with all his might , to abolish so gainsay-ing a doctrin , and to preserve the profitable one ; whereto he as the second , to the first , replyed , he was at this command . he was otherwise , an honest and sincere man , who had secretly recalled many miserable sick from the grave , through his integrity ; whereby , as oft as opportunity gave leave , he chastised forms or sorts of remedies , from the quantity and violence of his said collegiates : this man also understood of , and expected the present coming of elias the artist , the which he vehemently desired , and had learned many years before , from a certain studious man of the brethren of his profession ; and besides , he excelled in the strength of reason , and in a firm health of body , who dying , seemed to know something beyond the common sort of men. he once before his death , went to minister to the poor freely out of charity , he wrought many works of mercy in the hospitals and prisons , until he brought back with him , a common disease , who presently sent for his professours , who much rejoyced , that he himself would make tryal of the fruits of their professed theory : these professours calling a wonted counsel , withdrew blood largely from him , they gave him purgative medicines to drink , and so they plainly prostrated his strength : but it opportunely happened , that his remaining strength , and youth , overcame the disease ; he appeared to have received his lost strength , whereby he was confirmed , that professours and licensed persons , were true physitians , reckoning from their relation , that he had deserved or was in danger of death , and that he owed his life unto their torments : hence they took of him a double reward , but not according to their deserts . the young man renewing his former pious steps , was the second time oppressed with the very same malady ; and he hoped by their endeavour , again to escape the same cruelty ; but alass , his spirit failed him , and from sound reason , and a knowledge of the truth , he cryed out unto this his brother : it hath befallen me , as to all others , and it shall so long continue , untill physitians so called , do in very deed feel and see this present time to be for eternity ; but now they forget the time past , believing that they possess the present time , they deny the time to come , seeing they cannot see that , and so they take no care for a longer life ; for they have never been destitute thereof , even as of any other frail or mortal good , whereof there is made a repairing , but they possessing one only life , and loosing that , all shall be ended : it is a vain thing to employ ones self in studies , when no necessity is urgent upon us : the servant who ought readily to serve us , is beaten , which doth perpetually provoke this man whom he shall name his master , by all his qualities , he shall be ignorant of his thraldom , although all men , except a few , are bound up by his servitude , the which for the most part , deprives of life both now and hereafter : i despair of a temporary life ; for they who are said to bring help , do want the knowledge thereof , and they are first constrained to obtain it by brawlings and discords , which will arise among them , through hatred and envy , wherewith those called doctors or teachers have never laboured , seeing they are but few , who by running up and down day and night , do excel in wealth , whereby they scrape together an abundance of money , as well among the healthy , and sick , as those that are dead ; and so they might continue in concord , the which shall remain so long , until the last times appear , which thou shalt discern by that , when thou shalt see the number of junior and licensed doctors of medicine , so to increase , that they shall scarce have employment : the seniours shall be offended with the juniours and young beginners , because their dayly revenues shall be diminished , and because they shall find forreign or accidentary juniours , being constrained to learn more sure principles , for to get their living , to cure some sick , whose like , being under their care , did undergo death ; which thing , the seniours shall envy , wishingly desiring , that all the sick-folks might die , unto whom the juniors should be called : lastly , they shall reproach them publickly before all the people , saying ; these wicked young men do cure by enchantments , they should of necessity , be forbidden to practise . by these and the like means , they shall labour to subvert them , and and they shall offend god , that it may add courage unto other godly and industrious juniours to perfect that , which they shall propose to the seniours , in these words : when we have invited you , to suffer us publickly to cure some sick of an hospital , appointing a prize or wager for the benefit of the poor , ye also to be solicitous or diligent on the other hand , and that they who had not answered the effect , should pay the reward thereof , ye have refused that thing ; ye seek not the poor , but [ give ye ] ye resemble beggars in that thing , who disdain their fellow beggars , and are unwilling that their number should increase ; for they have a confidence in some rich mens houses and places , where a larger bounty befel them for their deceitful words and tricks , that so they may leave their arts , and these houses to their children for a dowry ; which very thing also , ye cherish in your mind , but it shall have a bad success ; because through this publick discord , which shall spring from covetousnesse , that dayly deceit shall be made known to the world , and they shall receive only true doctors , who may be discerned by their good fruits , and who shall imitate the steps of the samaritan . these words being finished , he felt his life to fail ; therefore , lifting up his eyes towards heaven , he with sorrow subjoyned ; oh most merciful lord , abbreviate thou the term of mans salvation , and change thou the frail doctrine of the doctors their flesh , into the natural or peculiar love of the spirit , that the innocent may finish their life to thy glory ; i pray thee oh my saviour , do not thou impute my death to the doctors , hereafter , for an offence , for truly they know not what they do commit ; but vouchsafe thou to open their eyes , that they may assent to the truth , and that the people may publish those things of them , as in times past of holy paul. which saying being ended , he wholly committed himself to the divine will , and breathed forth his last breath in the armes of this his brother , who did alwayes ponder these words aforesaid . this man in his turn , uttered these following words ; we are all of us , being brethren in christ , engaged to patronize the truth ; the which , is not better perfected than by opposing , and defending : hence we will prosecute two things ; one is , that the strength of our enemies may be made known unto us ; the other is , that we may add more strength to our own , and so , that we may be the more confirmed in our purpose . after that they had heard all these words , they compelled [ him ] to undergoe this charge , with the threatning of a fine , for so much as he had taken this voluntary office on himself : and he alleaged ; i being the second of the seniours , am desirous to be instructed by any one , in this difficult matter ; i being a servant of truth , do after some sort yield to the two former propositions ; but unto the third , i can in no wise assent , to wit , to subvert the aforesaid books by interdictions and brands of censures : for if we should endeavour that , we should act altogether rashly , we thinking to extinguish them in one place , should also again raise them up in a thousand other places : men are no longer so ignorant and unwary , as in times past , when as all examples or patterns of religious obedience were published by favour : which thing is chiefly manifest in printers and booksellers , they making gain here and there , and it cannot be forbidden and hindered : doth not the thing it self bespeak that ? we need not go far : that author himself , set forth a discourse , inscribed , of the magnetick or attractive cure of wounds , which was stoln from him , and about five hundred of them printed in letters , by his enemies ; whereupon , they divulged three divers books , in great number , of the divines and doctors of medicine of all europe , maintaining their athiesm , consisting of blasphemous censures , the which censures they had easily collected , because they live in all countries ( under every kind of habit , and countenance of religion ) where money , or merchandise abounds ; and these censorious infamies , they did every where spread abroad in temples , and other publick places , whereby the little book was made known , and was hunted after by every one : i have known many seeking to compass it at a dear rate , neither could they obtain it ; for no printer had any thing of it to be found , seeing that they kept it only to themselves , it being so often printed , only for the collecting of the stripes of censurers , they suffering the loss of above fifty thousand royals , whereby they might overthrow the author thereof . moreover , because the aforesaid little book or discourse was approved of by some wise , learned , and moderate men , great injury was done to the author ; god foresaw otherwise , and blessed him that he should not be suppressed according to their desire : and lo , in this restraint suffered from above , he published upon it , another little book , instead of a forerunner , and this other principal book was to follow after , that it may cleerly be manifest , those writings of his , are not afraid of a censors rod. fourthly , that the authors own original copy of his book or writings , in the heirs possession , should be by craft or prize , apprehended , it cannot be accomplished to be abolished by the fire , before that it be printed : for i certainly know , that some disdainful persons , have by sending a certain bookseller before them , offered to the fore-threatned heir , a thousand crownes in hand , and besides , offering an assurance of another thousand , on the condition , that he would deliver up all the writings of his father , which were in his possession , no one piece being detained : the heir smelt out the deceit , as being void of the desire of money ; he heard him spake , he asked him many questions , he enquired into all things , and plainly confounded him , so that at last , he imprudently brake forth into reproaches , departing home with a vain journey . these and many such like attempts being acted , which the heir hath had experience of , do breed in him a distrust , so that he only requires a preservation from him who aspireth unto those things , that he may not be deceived . besides i have understood , if i rightly remember , that himself hath taken care to have those writings imprinted by an honest and faithful man , who will be diligent to sell them into all parts . fiftly , to suborn ba●●ard books on the author , containing strange and false doctrine , that would be made manifest ; for the reason of invention , doth now every where plainly appear : besides we should so awaken the heir thereby , and according to the signification of his name , he would so loudly exclaim , that it should be perceived by all , unto whom means should not be wanting , although he wants a patrimony ; for truly it is affirmed , and is the very truth , that he hath found elias the artist , and hath made him his familiar friend , by help of whom , he shall propagate the phylosophy of pythagoras , whose ultimate tables he doth by unwearied labour , dig up , with the signification of the parent of the metallick rod. the matter being thus , let us not provoke him , let us spare our pains , and preserve our charges or expences ; for if this doctrin doth bear any evil intent before it , it will soon goe to ruine of its own accord ; and if it descend from god , and we resist it , we could not satisfie our purpose , and we should spend our pains and costs in vain , bringing on our selves destruction both now and hereafter . when as all the rest of the doctors had now heard these solid reasons , they returned him great thanks , and esteemed his disprovement of what the other had said , for a decision of the matter ; except the aforesaid seniour : this man hearing those things , through grief and fear , was smitten with an apoplex●e , and so died an exceeding sudden death : his sons cryed out with loud howlings or lamentations , his neighbours were awakened , and resorted thither apace , being ignorant of what was done , they found all his family exceedingly perplexed : whither likewise , a studious man approached , who had observed this rout , he presently sacrificed to his own profit ; for when he saw all those writings there laying up and down , and left , he taking them up , hid them under his cloak , and presently withdrew himself : asson as the day shone forth , he did his endeavour to read them unto every one of his friends and favourites , who spread it abroad , and made it known : hence it was further spread abroad , that thou in digging , hadst obtained the will or testament of pythagoras , and it was declared by the supream lord of hidden treasures ; this lord did presently commit thee to custody , because thou hadst not brought forth the testament of pythagorus to light , the which ought not to be attained by theft , but by gift ; the lord appointed three of his wife men ( the seekers or lovers of peculiar natural science , whom many of all sorts of nations and conditions , yea and the great ones of the world , did follow or defend ) to go thither where thou wast detained , who thus spake unto thee ; be of good cheer , this sentence shall be to be sustained by thee , which our lord hath brought upon thee , the which begins after this manner ; by the command of thy supream lord , unto whom it is certainly known , that thou mercurius van helmont , in digging , hast found a treasure , which he had commanded to be enquired after by his subjects , by whom , thou being accused , and convicted by certain and full proofs , art condemned to death , unless thou shalt bring forth that very patched and covered testament of pythagoras , and likewise shalt most fully discover , by what way and knowledge thou hast found that : these things being performed , a liberty shall be allotted thee throughout all his empire . thou hearing these things with a sorrowful mind , and being again refreshed with cheerfulness , didst certainly know , that by proceeding in denyals , thou couldest not escape death ; wherefore thou answeredst , unto those that were sent in message unto thee , after this manner following : i intreat you oh ye wise , like as also prudent sirs , if i can prevaile any thing with you , that ye mutually attest my thankful mind unto our lord , for so clementious a sentence , wherewith he hath vouchsafed to prosecute me , and to demonstrate unto him , that i have imprudently retained that testament , as being ignorant that it was to be delivered : i now prepare my self to preform it , together with all the experience and knowledge , whereby i have obtained it , and that indeed , unto whom it shall please our lord , so that his goodness may grant me the space of a whole week , within which time , i am to satisfie our lord , whereby i may re-obtain my liberty , according to the tenour of his sentence , hoping that that will not be refused : for in very deed , and according to a just computation , i stand in need of two dayes , to wit , that of saturn , with that of sol , whereby i may with my self , begin and perfect every enterprize , or that i may dispose of all things , in order , which in the following day of lune , and so afterwards , in the whole week following , i shall distinctly signifie : whereto the wise men answered , oh mercurius , we are instructed with a full command from our lord , by whose authority we condescend to thy petition , as being supported with equity ; thou shalt perform all things according to thy own sentence , that the wise sirs being not learned after the common manner , and moderate or courteous men , may find no fault in thee , when they shall hear thee in the said day , or subject thee to examination and even as thou hast bound thy self to be kept in custody for thy own , and that an ample limitted term of dayes , until thy promises are accomplished , we will alwayes remain with thee , for an enquiry into thy conceptions , the which thou shalt frame in this two precedent dayes space . thou rejoycedst in their company ; for whosoever he was that beheld them , gathered by their habit and gestures , that they were godly ; for truly , their countenance , did carry a divine gladness before it , and thou didst say unto them : seeing that the day cometh , for the winning whereof , my obediences are not in the least to be contested , know ye , oh my wise men , that i prefixed no time for the recollecting of my memory , nor any the like thing , because i have no need thereof ; but considering , that to day is the first day of the week , but to morrow the last day , the lords day , the seventh day , wherein he had finished all things , and wherein he had rested : it hath seemed meet unto me , to distribute and contain my knowledge , according to the rate of the dayes of the week ; i beginning the future day of lune one the sixth day of the week , after the custom of mortals ( for before god , all things are eternal and present ) so that unto us , as unto mortals , the first day may be accounted the last ; and i beginning from saturns day , to number backwards , have need of two and forty dayes for the fulfilling of the whole week , that which would stir up a weariness in many , through the largeness of time : in the mean time , i will briefly rehearse all things . i mercurius , being from my tender years , brought up by my father in the select school of hermes and there after some sort seasoned , my spirit being unquiet , was not content therewith , as desiringly desiring thorowly to know the whole sacred art , or tree of life , and to enjoy it : neither would i set my hands to work , unless i could certainly understand this , from the beginning to the end . moreover , i concluded in my mind , that through an approvement of the truth , i might be brought thither at the last , without the help of outward instruction . i distributed with my self , all creatures , first those external and corporeal ( as i may so say ; ) and then those internal , spiritual , and corporifying ones ; which parts i did again refer or reduce towards and into one : i was not able to subdivide and know those creatures called corporeal ones , without the adjoyning of the spiritual corporifying ones : i beheld those with an unwonted countenance ; even as according to my judgment , i had consequently placed all , in every one his own order , as being free from the anticipated or fore-possessed , false , and obstinate opinions of the heathens , who have never frequented universities , as by this my unpolished style doth sufficiently appear . nevertheless , well observe ye , i utter no saying in vain , but that it doth signifie something , and pertain to the whole . my spirit could perceive no delight or desire of study , in temporary and fraile or mortal things ; i did alwayes thirst and breath after perfect and eternal ones ; i was taken up into admiration within my self from momentary necessary created things , and from hence on god , who created heaven and earth at once , the which the prophane phylosophers cannot apprehend : and they who desire to come hitherto , they must worship god by a firme faith , with an humble hope , and in true love : then shall they obtain a perfect knowledge of himself , and of all other creatures , before their beginning , in their being , or essence , and after their transchanging ; the which i will more largely and manifestly make out , so far as may be done by words , for the temporal , and eternal health , and preservation of the soul , and body , according to the measure of every ones capacity , which all have not alike , nor had they : and that they might be the further holpen towards salvation . god out of his goodness , raised up moses of the prophets , who might be useful to them in a type ( which after the dutch language , is also as much as to say , books ) and by his writings ; to wit , in his first book of creations , which containeth all of whatsoever can be desired , the which i in part , as the whole , had sometimes learned by heart ( according to jerom's translation ) the rather , because it comprehends all things , which man in his own-ness , selfishness and my-ness , and the like appropriations cannot understand : for whatsoever god hath created , he hath created free , and at liberty by one , and in one ; and he that arrogates that thing to himself , makes that very thing it self , his own , seperates himself from god , and doth in himself , enter into the way that leadeth towards utter darkness : and as god is an incomprehensible , eternal , piercing , and a filling fire , light , and glory , wanting beginning , and ending ; such is he in the men his saints ( hy-lichten , according to the dutch , is as much as to say , he shineth ) in a co-united love and glory ; and in the godly ( sa-lichten according to the dutch , expresseth , ( he ought to shine ) he will be so , according to more and less or a greater and less measure ; but in evil men , who are eternal in the dark , and separated , he is also an eternal burning fire , even as it is said . therefore , even as god is the eternal good ( in the dutch idiome , it expresseth god ; ) so also , all whatsoever was created , he created good : the first man was constituted into light , and good , as being created of god ; yet not united in eternal rest and glory ; but as being created after the image of god , in a freedom of will ; the which is now become● property in us , through the seducement and transgression of the prohibition and admonition of god , in the touching and eating of death , or of the fruit of the forbidden tree , which [ hevah , or eve ] the mother of all living , touched and ate . those called the wise men , did speak unto thee ; run thou not out so far , before we perceive , whether thou hast known thy self , and that thou hast told us what thy self art . mercurius ; i am a man , created by the almighty god , after his own image and likeness , possessing my body of the clay of the earth , which in the dutch idiome is ( litch-aem ) as if to say ( a vessel of light ) having obtained a spirit and soul from him ; and one thing ought to be made of these , the body , spirit and soul ought to be sanctifyed ( hy-lichzijn ( he shineth ) or blessed , sal-lichzijn ) he shall be shining ) but if not , the vessel and spirit must needs be damned . wise men ; we observe or take notice , that thou endeavourest to express thy self to be threefold , but not a unite , and thy spirit to be darksome , or lightsome , the darkening of it to proceed from the flesh , which is earthly , deadly , and obscure ; the illumination , or enlightning of it , it shall attain by the spirit , by beaming in , emptying out , and subduing the darkness : but we covet to hear , whether there be a third thing ; because thou namest the light of the vessel , and a soul ; are there two diverse lights , or at leastwise , do they constitute or make one light , of one light ? mercurius ; there is one only eternal light , entirely and eternally , externally , and internally in all parts , because the life eternal , and the whole eternal part , was inspired into man by the almighty god , even as moses testifies in the second chapter of the book of genesis ; man was made into a living soul ; which soul , made or constituted the seventh day , as is demonstrated in the very same chapter : therefore the heavens and the earth were perfected , and all the ornament or dress thereof : and god compleated work which he had made , on the seventh day ; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made ; and he blessed the seventh day , and sanctified it : because therein god had ceased from all his work which he had created , that he might make , to wit , man into a living soul. wise men ; if this light be the seventh day , what dost thou think of the six foregoing dayes , and of that which is extant in the eighteenth chapter of ecclesiasticus ; he who lives for ever created all things at once ? mercurius ; in the beginning , god created all things , the heaven and the earth , and whatsoever was created ; the wich moses at the entrance of genesis , comprehends into the first day , where he denotes the making of the other five dayes , saying : in the beginning god created the heaven and the earth , but the earth was empty and void , and darkness was upon the face of the deep ; and the spirit of god was carried upon the waters : and god said let there be light , and light was made : and god saw the light , that it was good ; and he divided the light from the darkness ; and he called the light day , and the darkness night . and the evening and morning was made one day . insomuch that man doth constitute the sixth day , which dayes were distinct from each other , whereby man may know himself , what he is , what he is to do , and what power he hath , or may have by his spirit , as a man ( not likewise as a soul ) over the foregoing dayes , or created things , as it is found in the aforesaid chapter of genesis ; and god said , let us make man according to our own image and likeness ; and let him bear rule over the fishes of the sea , and over the fowles of the heaven , and over the beasts of the whole earth , and over every creeping thing which is moved in the earth . wise men ; thou dost satisfie us , and besides , dost also over-signifie , that man was the sixth day , and that he seperated the light from the darkness on the first day , which light or spirit , he called day , and his blood , flesh , or darkness , he called night , which evening , and morning , constituted the sixth day ; and so consequently , the other five , although according to every ones peculiar nature . but dost thou make no mention of the seventh day ? mercurius ; the seventh morning , light or life , is the spirit of god it self , even as was said : and therefore in moses his description of the seventh day , it is not expressed , that the evening and morning was made the seventh day , as in the six precedent dayes ; and that for this cause , because there is no beginning , or evening granted to be in god the father , because he is he who [ is what he is : ] but it is so accounted , because on the seventh day , he inspired into man his face , the breath of life , and this man became into a living soul ; so that of man , and the breath of god , the seventh day was made . wise men ; from thy relation , we have fully understood the beginning and ending of the first day , and of the sixth day following , with the seventh day not ended , that man was conjoyntly made into a living soul : but we desire to hear , what moses will have to be meant by the word , in the beginning ? mercurius ; the beginning is god the son , by whom , in whom , and from whom the heaven and earth were created ; as the evangelist john doth most exceeding evidently testifie , in his first chapter , in these words : in the beginning was the word ( which with the dutch also sounds , woort , that is fiat or let it be done ) and the word was with god , and god was the word . this word was in the beginning with god. all things were made by him , and without him was nothing made . in him was life , and the life was the light of men ; and the light shineth in darkness and the darkness hath not comprehended it . there was a man sent from god , whose name was john. this man came for a testimony , that he might bear witness of the light , that all men through him might believe . he was not that light , but that he might bear witness of the light. that was the true light , which enlightneth every man that cometh into this word : he was in the world , and the world was made by him , and the world knew him not . he came into his own , and his own received him not : but as many as received him , to them he gave power to become the sons of god , to these who believe in his name ; who were born not of bloods , nor of the will of the flesh , neither of the will of man , but of god. and the word was made flesh , and dwelt in us , and we saw its glory , as the glory of the only begotten of the father , full of grace , and truth . john gives his testimony concerning him , and cryeth out saying : this was he , whom i said ; he which is to come after me , was made before me ; because he was before me : and of his fulness , we all have received , and grace for grace : because the law was given by moses , grace , and truth was made by jesus christ . no man hath seen god at any time : the onely begotten son , who is in the bosom of the father , he hath declared him . wise men ; now we have perceived this testimony of saint john , that it contains every thing serving to perfection : but deliver thy opinion unto us , after what manner thou art like unto adam ? and in what respect in him ; and how thou hast proceeded from him ? mercurius ; before that man was made into a living soul , god spake unto himself , as the first chapter of genesis witnesseth ; and god created man according to his own image ( which image is god the son ) after the image of god created he him , male and female created he them . and god blessed them , and said , increase and multiply . which command was enjoyned to adam , in respect of his spirit , and humanity , but not as to his soul ; for this is eternal and immutable : so also , all his parts are like unto him , whereof i also possess the whole : now even as man was made of the mud or clay of the ground ; so also it behoves him to increase as other terrestrial living creatures , by a growing and uniting , and eating of living creatures , which foods are required to die in the stomack , and to be changed from their substance , if they ought to be converted from a more vile substance , into a more excellent one , or to be promoted by the spirit of man , unto a united life , from which co-nourishing and increasing , my vessel or body , and substance , i hold as adam did ; because i proceeded from him , after that he was made into a living soul , as it is found in the second chapter of genesis ; but for adam , there was not found an helper like unto him : therefore the lord god sent a deep sleep into adam ; and when he had slept , he took one of his ribs , and filled up the flesh in the room of it . and the lord god framed the rib which he had taken from adam , into a woman ; and he brought her unto adam : and adam said , this now is bone of my bones , and flesh of my flesh , this shall be called virago or wo-man , because she was taken from man : wherefore a man shall leave his father and his mother , and shall adhere to his wife , and they twain shall be in one flesh . wise men ; thou hast explained unto us , what thou hast been wholly in adam , according to thy spirit and soul , and in eve according to thy body : likewise , that the vessel hath received the spirit , and the spirit the soul. now we could desire to hear , in what respect eve was produced by god out of adam , and what the sleep sent by god into adam , before he framed her , doth denote ? mercurius ; adam from the beginning was perfect in his essence , as being the first man created by god , so his spirit did shine thorow his flesh and vessel , and did illustrate it ; even as now , the light did illuminate his darkness , and was able to subdue it , so it ought to excel and overcome the darkness ; because it was internal , stable , eternal , and good in its own essence ; the which spirit existing , adam could not of his own accord produce his like , without sleep sent into him ; for he persisting in his essence , was without sleep , and because he had divided himself from himself , all his parts had remained proper unto him , and again , had returned unto the whole into one , assoon as he had listed , because by his spirit predominating , he had divided the body subjected unto it self ; which parts were inwardly and outwardly enlightned , from his own light , which gave an essence unto all his members . but some may ask , how in the next place had it gone with adam , if he had not eaten the poyson from eve ? it is answered , there had alwayes been in him a combating with his spirit or light against his darkness , the which on the first day god divided , of which two also man was composed , even as the said chapter sheweth , which is further explained at the end of the same chapter , on the sixth day , in these words ; and replenish ye the earth , and subdue it : and when they had fought to the utmost , they had filled the earth and the darkness , with their spirit or with their light , and had so subdued it , that the former darkness had been supped up , and co-nourished , which was his proper and one only work , alwayes to be done and perfected . but some one may further query , seeing in adam the said light being separated from the darkness , had overcome the darkness , as it was shewed to be by the very same light ; whether or no , according to a spiritual returned or restored united body , he had been entire and eternal in all his particular parts and members ? this being so , by that reason , he might have been divided into innumerable , eternal , and infinite men , without the aforesaid sleep preceding ? i answer ; it is certain , that this deified man , would have been entire in all his infinite parts ; likewise that all those parts would again as one , have constituted one entire body : he having himself in such a manner , had been likewise to be one deified man ; he being reduced hitherto by his necessary strife , would by grace in his life , have enjoyed or rejoyced in the same , with christ our saviour after his resurrection ; whereby many such men might now have been begotten or brought forth ; and whereby , all also of them might have enjoyed that very same grace , for which adam was procreated , and whereby they might have attained it by that very same strife : it pleased the lord god to send the aforesaid sleep into adam , to shew , that he soundly sleeping , had not contributed any thing to the structure of eve ; but she was now founded in this sleep by god. moreover , the curious might busily enquire , why eve was framed of the rib of adam , but not of his flesh ? i return an answer ; the former man was adam , the second eve , made for his help , and conjoyned procreation ; now propagation consisteth partly in man , as in other living creatures , by conjunction , or nourishing , as was said ; and it is further to be observed in all increase of created things in this world , before they are able to grow ( because they consist of two things ) that the one ought first to die , to wit , the body and form , which consist of water and earth , and do arise from the light of the moon and stars , as of the lights of the night , every thing according to their different nature , none excepted ; and that this might be perfected in adam , the lord god took a rib out of adam , which is a bone , according to its being made in adam , a progeny of veins ( the which , with the dutch sounds also , a progeny of vipers ) which bone is governed by the moon , as shall be found , that when the moon increaseth , the marrow likewise of the bones doth increase , like the waters , and together with it doth decrease : it will further be found , that when flesh is burnt in the fire , it looseth that form , a bone not so , yea that is so stable ; that the examiners of the goodness of coyn do make their crucibles thereof , wherein they melt and search gold and silver : so that a bone or rib is , and doth retain nothing besides the humane earth , as it is a second production in man ; like that of the earth out of the waters , so far it differs from the first and one thing . wherefore eve , as she was procreated from hence , she is likewise of a second and lesser thing , according to her body , not likewise according to her spirit and soul ; for these she holds from adam , which are eternal and permanent , and a part whereof eve possesseth , and all that , even as all their parts , are eternal , even as was said . now in a further consideration or avouching of the premises , thou shalt find , that women do therefore suffer monthly issues or menstrues , serving for propagation , because they ought to beget a man , as to the body , in that respect as was said . wise men ; we acquiesce ; and moreover , through occasion of two words , which thou from the dutch idiome , hast considerately produced , thou recallest two places of scripture unto our remembrance ; one rehearsed by the evangelist mathew , in the twelfth chapter , where christ saith to the pharisies ; he that is not with me , is against me ; and he that gathereth not with me , scattereth . therefore i say unto you ; every sin and blasphemy , shall be forgiven unto men , ( flesh ) but the blasphemy of the spirit , shall not be forgiven . and whosoever shall speak a word against the son of man , it shall be forgiven him : but he that shall speak against the holy spirit , it shall not be forgiven him , neither in this age , nor in that to come . either make ye the tree good , and its fruit good ; or make ye the tree evil , and its fruit evil : for truly , the tree is known by the fruit. ye generation of vipers , how can ye speak good things , seeing ye are evil ? for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh . the other is mentioned by luke in the third chapter , after the citing of a place of the prophet jsaiah , who saith ; and all flesh shall see the salvation of god. therefore be ( to wit john the baptist ) said unto the multitude which went out to be baptized of him : ye generations of vipers , who hath shewn you to flee from the wrath to come ? do ye therefore fruits meet for repentance , and ye shall not begin to say ; we have abraham for our father . for i say unto you ; because god is able of those stones , to raise up sons unto abraham . which two . words are also repeated in these two texts , not badly agreeing with the signification of the dutch word ; and thou shewing unto us by all thy demonstration , that the serpent so called , which seduced eve , and her spirit , was certainly her own flesh and blood , which desired the fruits of the forbidden tree , and spake to her spirit for that end ; so that the name of serpent , is not only accounted the serpent , but as well the serpent , a living creature , as a man , according to the flesh , the which is also , moreover seen in the infancy , or old age of a man , or when the spirit is weakened , that he is and doth become a serpent . wherefore , after god had committed unto man the dominion over the living creatures , over all the earth , and over every creeping animal , which is moved in the earth , this last dominion is the greatest , whereby he ought to work his own blessedness , that which thou shalt more cleerly make manifest from the text , assoon as leasure shall permit ; for now we hasten , because half of the second day of those prefixed , hath soon passed away , therefore proceed thou and hasten , and declare unto us the difference between thee and adam , when he was to strive against his darkness , whereby he as well as thou might have subdued it . mercurius ; in no other thing , besides that darkness was increased in man , by the touching of the fruits , and eating of the forbidden tree ; in so much that darkness holds the prize against the light , and doth now possess it , even as in adam , the light in adam did possess his darkness , and did illuminate it before his fall. wise men ; how comes this to pass ? mercurius ; this hath come to pass , through a fermenting or leavening , contagious , darksom , and deadly or destructive eating . wise men ; what wilt thou insinuate thereby , explain thy self by similitudes . mercurius ; as darkness was in the face of the deep , before that the spirit of god was carried upon the waters ; in like manner , thou shalt find a certain vessel , or place , which being shut up , or hoary and filthy , doth even in a very little time , render all that which is cast into it , alike stinking or rank , and surther to infect it ; neither doth any thing of the first more principal ferment and filthiness depart . moreover , that it may be demonstrated , that this filthy place is also darksom , is well learned by those that pertain to wine-cellars , who being desirous to know and experience , whether a hogs-head be hoary or filthy , or no , do open its mouth , and by an end do let in a burning candle , and when the vessel shall be clean , and infected with no muck or filth , the candle being let down athwart it , will remain burning , until its own begetting vapour doth choak it self : but if the hogs-head be filthy , the flame or light , cannot pierce through the orifice of the hogs-head unto the thickness of the wood. therefore it manifestly appears , that the darkness doth also uncloath or discover it self , and make other things darksom , just even as the light doth operate , and that , when the darkness doth overcome the light , or the light overcome the darkness : these and the like darknesses , must needs be before all light ; and by how much the more stable they are , by so much the more stable also , is the body arisen from thence . now it is further to be noted , that as a temporal light doth illustrate out of it self , one thing more largely than another , according to their stability , magnitude , or increasing ; in the like proportion and manner , the darkness powers forth its beams out of it self , as was shewn : also as a burning and consuming fire , can by its light , enflame , burn , and stir up many seeds into a growth or increase , according to the rate of their more stable nature , that which i take notice of , thou shalt evidently perceive by this experiment ; it is seen and felt , that by how much the nearer a fire is kindled , by so much the more it shines or enlightens , and heats : now this heat and brightness is one and the same thing , as long as it is in the fire , as by a collection of those hot beams through the help of a certain burning glass , may be proved , whereby the hot beams are again collected , and are made like unto those which exist in the fire , to wit , hot and burning ones : now when we permit a temporal , dispersed and decaying fire freely to burn , we shall discern by the light which shines forth through the fire , that other created bodies are burnt at diverse distances from hence , to wit , in the nearest body , the more stable and combustible one , and as the beams are diffused , so far also the heat is diminished , and will enflame the less stable created bodies : the reason is , because that which is soon made , must needs also have that which soon perisheth : wherefore cold and moist regions do bring forth larger fruits than hot and dry jurisdictions ; yet are they less durable than others which are less hot , because their light which is in them , is more divided , and that as well in-bruits as in men ; men of moist coasts or climates are homely and big , neither can they undergo so much heat , as men which live in high , dry , and hot countries , as also the thing it self doth moreover testifie : yea thou shalt find that even dead carcases which are slain by a violent death , even as histories do declare , and we are able besides , dayly to experience , when a slaughter hath been made , or shall be made of men who had gone out of cold and watery coasts , to wage war against those of the more hot provinces , that the slain on both sides might be discerned a long time after , because they of the more cold regions did sooner putrifie , these waxed dry , and remained surviving , these did longer endure entire in the heat , because their balsam is more durable than that of the other , even as they contain more or less of a moist matter , or do partake more or less of a night light , and they which are the more destitute of that , those do more rejoyce in a day light : now even as the sun is a perfect , and the greater day light ; so the moon being the nearest planet unto us , is a perfect night light , which are perpetual in their essence , and likewise do render those bodies perpetual and durable , which are born , and renewed by their help . furthermore , as there is one only sun , and one only moon , their created bodies , no otherwise than those like unto them , may be compared thereunto , they being one only and also perfect , as gold , which the phylosophers have called sol , and silver , lune , and the other five metals likewise according to the thing brought forth , after the rest of the planets , wherein they have rightly done , and have delivered the truth , because , those one only bodies are perfect ; the fire cannot hurt them , they remain stable therein , gold lives in the fire , therefore the phylosoyhers have marked that , with the name of salamander , the which now is falsly accounted for a living creature : a temporary and fraile fire , possesseth its fire , only in part as was said ; but the sun is a perpetual fire and life , and can live only in that which is like it self , the which also must needs be a stable body : and as there is a temporary body in all things , except in these two aforesaid which are like them , and do wholly participate of them , in what respect , bodies ought to be returned , into their first essence ; by the same reason likewise , the light ought to be returned unto its original ; for a frail or mortal thing cannot reach unto a perpetual thing : furthermore , the stable darkness must needs be present , before the light , wherein the light is raised up ; but if this darkness be perpetual , the light also may perpetually dwell in it : first , according to the spirit , and then , according to the soul ; which spirit , seeing it is eternal , doth illuminate eternal darkness , and the darkness grows together or increaseth into light , and is made silver , which is twofold , constituting a body in the flesh and bones of gold , which is threefold : now as the sun is a great day light , so it overcomes the moon , and silver is altogether converted into gold , by that ; the other five earthly planets , may be transchanged and brought thorow unto a perfection like unto that of them , because they also are nocturnal lights . further , we must know , that there are many innumerable minerals , mutually differing like as do the stars from each other , all which do expect their perfection , and some of these can more easily and swiftly attain unto their last perfection than others . gold and silver ; how smally soever they may be divided , they may be re-united without loss , because all their least parts are entire and perpetual : notwithstanding , they may be rendred mortal , because they have not as yet co-met or con-joyned into one ; but this death cannot begin of and from themselves , neither by reason of the gold , nor of the silver , because they are stable bodies . now some lovers might ask , after what sort , or by what means that might happen ? i reply ; after the same manner or means , whereby it happeneth in all created things , whereby also it happened in eve , through an increasing of the darkness , which draws its original out of the principles of their bodies , as was shewn ; yea the darkness may so grow up , that it may convert the whole spirit into darkness : but it that lune or the spirit of sol , doth call the soul or heat unto its aid , before it be subjected and overcome , the spirit shall be strengthened , not as it was before its corruption , but by this strife and victory , it shall be so strong , and the spirit thereof shall be so greatly multiplyed , that it is able to render ten of the imperfect brethren , stable ; but this spirit hath not by this contention attained unto a liberty even entire , and an eternal union ; but it ought so often to repeat this conflict , which shall always more and more increase , according to the increase of the spirit , and darkness , until it shall come unto the utmost , and can suffer no more ; and the watery body or darkness shall be plainly consumed , and then it is a pure , everlasting , united , and double light , which will illustrate all things , without dammage and diminishment , and will be able to perfect all its brethren into the likeness of it self , it s own virtue being retained ; and when this thing doth happen in sol , the light of lune is changed , and supped up into sol ; so that it is equally made an eternal , united , and trine sol , that which is the last in eternity ( out of man : ) and hence it may be demonstrated , that the evangelist john , in the third chapter of his revelation , doth use the same similitude , saying ; i exhort thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire , that thou mayest be made rich , and to be cloathed with white garments , and that the confusion or shame of thy nakedness may not appear ; and anoint thou thine eyes with a collyrium or eye-salve , that thou mayest see . i whom i love , do reprove and chastize : be ye therefore zealous and repent . behold i stand at the door and knock ; if any one shall hear my voice , and shall open unto me the gate , i will enter in unto him , and will sup with him , and he with me . he that shall overcome , i will give unto him to sit with me in my throne , as also i have overcome , and have sit with my father in his throne . he that hath an eare , let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches . wise men ; we rejoyce that we understand from thee , and do know the shining and quickning light ; likewise the effluxing , acting , fermental , contagious , and mortal darkness ; whereby we understand , how eve hath touched and eaten of the fruits of darkness , and that she became darksom and contagious from thence ; through her effluxing darkness , she delivered that which she had eaten , as she who was to do that very thing in adam , who did eat of the same : in like manner , through the diversity of the shining light , from the darkness uncloathing it self , we understand , after what manner the ministers or servants of god , are able by the light , to perform external , and everlasting works , as to remove mountains , restore sight to the blind , hearing to the deaf , to raise the dead ; and likewise on the other hand , how evil and dark men , are able or powerful only in committing or acting works which are seperated , and mortal or noysom , through their darkness issuing out of themselves : we have perceived also , that the tree of life , was placed in the midst of the garden , and likewise the tree of the knowledge of good and evil , which we may collect out of the second and third following chapter of moses . we also apprehend the tree to be good , but its fruits to have been evil : besides , now we know this tree , together with paradise , from thy words , and the same from the second chapter of moses ; but the lord god , had from the beginning , planted a paradise of pleasure ; wherein he placed the man , which he had formed . and the lord god , produced from the ground , every tree that was beautiful to behold , and sweet to eat : also the tree of life in the midst of the garden , and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. and a river went out from the place of pleasure , to water the paradise , which was from thence divided into four heads : the name of one is pison ; he it is which runs about or encompasseth all the land of havtlah , where gold is bred ; and the gold of that land is the best . furthermore , we also conceive of this which is found in the third chapter ; and when they had heard the voice of the lord walking in the paradise , at the coole air after noon day : that which is further explained in the nineteenth psalm of david ; the heavens declare the glory of god , and the firmament sheweth the works of his hands . day unto day uttereth the word , and night unto night sheweth knowledge . there are no languages , nor speeches , of which , their voices may not be heard : their sound hath gone out unto all the earth , and their words into the borders of the circle of the earth . he hath placed his tabernacle in the sun : and he as a bridegroome proceeding out of his bride-chamber , hath rejoyced as a gyant to run his race or course : his going forth is from the highest heaven , and his encountring even unto the highest part thereof , neither is there he who can hide himself from his heat . the law of the lord is unspotted , converting soules : the testimony or witness of the lord is faithful , giving wisdom to the little ones . the righteousnesses of the lord are right , making glad hearts : the precept of the lord is lightsom or cleer , enlightning the eies . the fear of the lord is holy , remaining for age of age. the judgments of the lord are true , being justified for their very own sakes : they are to be desired above gold , and much pretious-stone ; and are sweeter than the honey and the honey combe . for thy servant keepeth them , in keeping them there is much reward . who understandeth his faults ? cleanse thou me from my secret ones , and from strange ones , spare thy servant ; if they shall not have dominion over me , then i shall be unspotted , and i shall be purged from the great fault : and the speeches or oracles of my mouth shall be such as may be well pleasing : and the meditation of my heart , alwayes in thy sight , oh lord my helper , and my redeemer . we have also known that mortal man might reach to the tree of life , and enjoy it , when he shal be a cherub , and he may be made one , as moses witnesseth in the third chapter of genesis ; and he said , behold , adam hath become as it were one of us , knowing good and evil ; now therefore , least happily , he stretch forth his hand , and take also of the tree of life , and eat and live for ever . and the lord god , sent him out from the paradise of pleasure , that he might labour the earth from which he was taken : and he cast out adam , and placed before the paradise of pleasure , cherubims , and a flaming sword , and that which turned about to keep the way of the tree of life . seeing that now , that two days limited space is slipt away , and that thou art to be left by us in a short time , we first covet to hear , because thou art instructed in the four lesser orders , whether likewise , thou dost ambitiously seek the other three , or to be promoted into a doctor of medicine ? mercurius ; the priesthood is a great office , and requireth many things , now especially they ought to answer concerning many things , and to be perfect , when they will rightly discharge their duty , the which i never should dare to undertake but constrainedly . the doctorship of the art of medicine i deservedly shun , because the professors of the same , do for the most part foster other mens opinions , and do the less follow the truth : but i shall intreat god , that it would please him , to grant me daily to perform his will , with all my might , even as long as life shall last . the prosperous wisemen of the night , did bless thee with their prayer , exhorting ; proceed thou in thy purpose , and act thou , that thou mayest 〈…〉 ( through the mediation of the day of saturn , in the day of lune , by the day of sol ) liberty to thy self , as was said . and next , we commend thee to the supplication of our followers , who have charged , accused , and convicted thee , that thou mightest bring forth all the aforesaid things , or secrets to light : speak to them , and hear them gently , as they shall observe all things which thou dost put in practise ; for this two days space , we have stood to our commission . for these things , thou having performed thy due thanks towards these wise sirs and masters , didst say unto their followers ; ye lovers of the truth , ye that are most honoured , together with ye that are lesse honoured , noble , ignoble , and ye who are present , i have known none of you apart ( although i have been pricked forward by you ( because your countenance is now vailed unto me ; know ye , that i do humbly beseech you all , known and unknown , not displeasantly to receive my ready poor labour , and courteous affection , which devotes it self readily to serve all and every one of you with all its might . which words they hearing , did aloft testifie their acceptation , and a great number of those that were known , did begin to undo their vails , some did read written , letters unto thee , others sounded out hymns in honour of thy father and his writings ; they being sent unto thee , whereby they might be prefixed unto thy fathers work : this applause ceasing , after thy thanks being most perfectly performed , thou didst go on ; i have known many of you , some by sight and talk , others by a great celebration , letters and verses , which were taken from me by the count of giline , when in my absence he had spoiled my castle , where , amongst the rest of my houshold-stuffe , he had discerned the aforesaid books , writings , and hymns ; all which , together with his galenical paultry physitian , he was not able to endure to survive ; this destruction i lament , as the one onely cause , that they could in no wise see the light : whereupon thou didst wish them all prosperity and health in the lord , saying , i will from your earnest desire , commit all things that have been rehearsed , unto the press . all which things , after that my intimate friend upon urgency , had declared unto me , i contained in few words , and did shew them unto him ; the which being seen , he counselled me to divulge in print , subjoyning ; if any one shall desire more things , so he be fit for them , i shall never be wanting , but will serve every one more fully according to the thing begun or brought forth in him . follow me , i walk thorow the whole world. an acrostick upon the great philosopher , john baptista van helmont . incomparable work ( beyond the reach of humane praise ) which justly doth impeach huge heaps and volumns of largeful-cram'd sheets , nicely compos'd , where subtile learning meets , ( born up by lofty-winged fame ) which can ascend no higher now ( since learned van pres'd into th' croud ) but ( as attached ) must take sanctuary in despised dust , ( inevitable dis-esteem and shame surprizing them ) whilst , onely , helmont's name takes hold of meriting transcendency ; advancing by the hand of truth , whereby virtue , unvails the blinded eye of vice ; ambition , cruelty , and avarice , ( notorious crimes ) which with prevailing force , have long continued on the world a curse ; ent'ring by ignorance and sloth , whence all lame , and imperfect sciences did crall ; ( mustring , like weeds , a multiplying birth ) ore-running the whole surface of the earth , none , knowing how , those errors to unmask , till , painful helmont , undertook this task . john heyman . an index of the treatises set forth by john baptista van helmont . . prophesie concerning the author , expressed in a poem . . the authors promises . pag. column , . column , . column , . . the authors confession . . the authors studies . . the searching out of sciences . . the causes and beginnings of natural things . . archeus faber or the master workman . . logick is unprofitable . . the ignorant natural phylosophy of aristotle and galen . . the elements , . the earth . . the water . . the air. . the essay of a meteor . . the gas of the water . . the blas of meteors . . a vacuum of nature . . an irregular meteor . . the earth-quake . . the fiction of elementary complexions and mixtures . . the image of the ferment begets the masse with child of a seed . p. . the stars do necessitate ; not incline , nor signifie of the life , body , or fortunes of him that is born . . the birth or original of forms . . magnum oportet , or a thing of great necessity or concernment . . nature is ignorant of contraries . . the blas of man. . endemicks . . the spirit of life . . heat doth not digest efficiently , but excitingly onely . . the threefold digestion of the schools . . a sixfold digestion of humane nourishment . . pylorus the governour . . a history of tartar. . a history of tartar of wine . . the rash invention of tartar in diseases . . nourishments are guiltlesse of tartar. . tartar is not in drink . . an erring watchman or wandring keeper . . the image of the mind . . a mad or foolish idea . . the seat of the soul. . from the seat of the soul unto diseases . . the authority of the duumvirate . . the compleating or perfecting of the mind . . the scab and ulcers of the schools . . an unknown action of government . . the duumvirate . . a treatise of the soul. . the distinction of the mind from the sensitive soul. . of the immortality of the soul. . the knitting of the sensitive soul and mind . . the asthma and cough . . the humour latex neglected . . a cauterie . . the disease that was antiently reckoned that of delightful livers . . a mad or raging pleura . . that the three first principles of the chymists , nor the essences of the same , are of the army of diseases . . of flatu's or windinesses in the body . . the toyes of a catarrh or rheum . . a reason or consideration of diet. . a modern pharmacopolium and dispensatory . . the power of medicines . . a preface . . a disease is an unknown guest . . the dropsie is unknown . . a childish vindication of the humourists . . the author answers . a treatise of diseases . . a discernable introduction . . the subject of inhering of diseases is in the point of life . . a proceeding to the knowledge of diseases . . of the idea's of diseases . . of archeal diseases . . the original of a diseasie image . . the passage unto the buttery of the bowels is stopped up . . the seat of diseases in the sensitive soul is confirmed . . the squaldron , and division of diseases . , . things received that are injected . . some more imperfect works . . in words , herbs , and stones there is great virtue . . butler . . of material things injected . . the manner of entring of things darted into the body . . of things conceived . . a magnetical or attractive power . . of sympathetical medium's or means . . of things inspired . . things suscepted or undergon . . things retained . . a preface . . of time. . life is long , art is short. . the entrance of death into humane nature , the grace of virgins . . a position . . the position is demonstrated . . of the fountains of the spaw : the first paradox . . a second paradox . . a third . . a fourth . . a fifth . . a sixth . . a numerocritical paradox of supplies . . the understanding of adam . . the image of god. . the property of external things . . the radical moisture . . the vital air. . a manifold life in man. . a flux unto generation . . a lunar tribute . . life . . short life . . eternal life . . the occasions of death , . of the magnetick curing of wounds . the tabernacle in the sun. . the nourishing of an infant for long life . . the secrets of paracelsus . p. . the mountain of the lord. . the tree of life . unheard of little works of medicine . . of the disease of the stone . . of fevers , . a passive deceiving and ignorance of the schools the humourists . . the plague-grave . a prophesy concerning the author , expressed in a poem . . medicine before hippocrates , hath appeared naked and wandring about . . a saying of hippocrates , inviting her unto the cities . . she having admired , answers to hippocrates . . the praise due to hippocrates . . hippocrates the first of physitians , after what manner he manured medicine . . galen gave an ornament to her tongue , he nourished her not , therefore she grew not . . the arabians have done the same thing . . the followers of both these sects have done the same thing hitherto . . paracelsus unhappily endeavoured ambitiously to compass the title of the monarch of secrets , and prince of medicine . . medicine despiseth paganish attire . . she desireth a looking glass that she may become the clearer by a reflex light. . the book of the author shall serve those that shall succeed , for a looking glass . . medicine unfolds her own and the authors destinies , by a prophetick poet. . medicine praiseth the authors studies . . the prophet declares the wished fruits of his labors . . the judgement of medicine concerning the book of the author . the doleful'st daughter of a high born birth , by chance doth wander up and down the earth , in places strange , among wild beasts so fierce , and spiting her own wishes , doth rehearse then her misfortunes : blames the powers unkind , as cruel gods : she blames them in her mind , through troubled sense , and straies with ire too rife , whose cause of wandring was the cause of grief . thus here 's a double slaughter ; for she knew her wretched brother did not death eschew : but perished by vengeance from above of th' scorching flame of iracundious jove . this aepidaurius , while he boldly brake the iron statutes of three sisters make , is said to perish by aethereal fumes . from hence , uncertain errour straight presumes to walk in doubtful steps ; from hence proceeds much tears from checks , beclad in mourning weeds . cous saw her wandring fortune , who when seen did love her straight , whose beauty pleased him ; because t was em'lous of the snowie rose , he speaks unto her thus , here 's i suppose my nymph , the mayden druides such are , and jolly rout of the god corniger . for why , thy presence halloweth these fields it hallow's them : which lofty fairness yields a comely grace unto the grecian queen . but what delights thee to visit i ween , valleys of mountains ? what the hilly tops assimilated unto stony rocks ? do not the city pallaces thee please , with lofty roofes , built up for princes ease ? art thou not pleased with the multitude of citizens , men with great fame endis'de ? for a more tender life , apt habitation , is it not better in thy estimation ? and to enjoy a more sublimed state , th' unlearned rout may vilifie thy rate : mean peasants with their tects of rustick name , and little houses , much disgrace the same . the comely nymph , was now astonished , to see the look , majestick grace of head , and gesture of this noble man that spake . straight from her purple cheeks all tears did sla'ke , and no complaint eccho'd , with mournful sound she beam'd her starry lights upon the ground which was so green ; and utter'd certain votes of joyfulness co-mixt with merry notes . she in a little moment meditated , touching the words which he to her related , and such respondent answers she began , to render unto cous , the old man. i am well pleas'd with these thy words , thou art one of the mortals which affect my heart : my proffer shall be like a gift to thee : with thee i 'le dwell ; through thee , i 'le make to flee both plagues and poxes ; yea and all disease , when 't shall but see thee , shall be ill at ease . the bright aurora , whereby cynthius hill doth rise above the waters , and doth fill its drowned horses in the western stream : yet shall thy glory climb more high , suprem in every kingdom ; yea thy praises hie , shall gently touch the lofty starry skie . posterity hereafter shall declame thee th' only medel'-master of great fame , nor shall there be a fewel for thy praise , whereby it can it self more highly raise : while fatal goddesses shall break thy fate , thee , living fame shall plainly celebrate throughout the world. cous returning due thanksgivings for so great a gift ; ( in lue ) upon the naked goddess doth bestow such gifts as these : the nymph as white as snow , he doth array in linnen clean and fine , which doth surpass white lillies in their prime , with snow be sprinkled . whether apollo rose whether his chariots hot to rince he chose i' th western ocean , yet his golden hair ne're saw the like , with which it might compair . medicine remain'd long with such trimmed grace , the first ag'd fathers did her thus embrace : until five ages after , galen came wholly to deck her , not to feed the same : for he bestowed on her , garments fil'd with tyrian die , the which a hem unskil'd as being writh'd with many knots , adorns his neat gay bubbles , of his glistring horns of rings distinguish : his fair flags bespread , also enrich her virgin daughter head . next cometh avicennas as the glory of the sabaean nation ; and the story also reports , that he spent all his time in decking her with robes as gay and fine . after which two , did many moe suceed in their vast number , yet in very deed , they were such men who acted nothing more , than t'garnish coats which those had made before . and finally , from the helvetian coasts comes paracelsus , and he proudly boasts , himself to be the monarch of the flock , saying he was the goddess very stock . yet she contemns their glistring gems , and eke their pretious jewels hanging on her neck : those help not goddesses she said . beside ornaments breathing forth the antient pride can bring no help , and that brings greater wrong which hath the more of art , it spent upon . to what end are your thousand robes ? i cry ; and ostentations of luxury ? but certainly , this vain laborious toil , doth not become my lofty goddess stile : what! to have sought out ornaments alone , for many hundred years forepast and gone : woe and alass ! it may be shame enuff , t' have watch'd so hard for faulty triffling stuff . and would it might be lawful but for me , my comely countenance once for to see : for should i not in glass , appear more fair unto my self , than now my judgements are ? and is my beauty now beheld indeed , if godesses be judges of my weed ? and do all men ' prove of my majesty ? but haply they do fear ( oh nymph ) i spie if thou should'st see thy face , thou mayst despise all , and wouldst live alone by beauties guise . if thou belov'd narcissus hadst not seen thy proper figure in a well to gleen , the crime , of water being look't into , would not have prov'd thy death thee to undo . but he was mortal i a goddess am , god's daughter , doing , what i desire can : but he alone what the godesses would . who gives to me a glasse ? iun-contrould require a glass , than which i 'le shew more clear , and it all to be-freckled shall appear . who gives to me a looking-glass ? but stay thy just and mournful notes ( oh nymph ) i pray : for loe there 's one who doth provide that mirror , which will direct thy visage , mar'd by error . john baptist will it give , who drew his name from helmont , whom bruxels his pleasant dame hath nourish'd in her bosom . but if this be true , which of a sp'rit departing , is reported , from one vessel into another to enter ; then i do protest , moreover , that i ( most great hipocrates ) do find thy very genius in this authors mind . thy imitated form within this glass , thou wilt admire , whereto disease ( alas , death , and the destinies do greatly stoop : old age no longer with its wastful look , shall snatch away the wonted comely grace , nor oldish wrinkle be in antient face . nor henceforth in a labarinth reflex shalt thou be interrupted , or shalt vex : because a straight way is made manifest , from every by-path where there is no rest . the nymph said to the prophet , that the god of heaven hath determin'd with his rod , to scourge the world with unaccustom'd griefs , throughout its circle , that mankind's beliefs ( which is a wretched rout ) may fixed be in this , how great ignorance they do see , in med'c'nal doctors of the common sort . choice ones , he would have famous of report , indeed by their withstanding of the new , and barb'rous number of diseases crew . and on the other hand , that vulgar ones the cruel murtherers of many sons , he would they voluntarily decay , by a discharge peculiar , in that day . for every one of them sticking among the beaten words of his own masters tongue , thinks that a touching of art med'cinal is of that art , the very top of all : while they proceed by circuits or by rounds , and do restore afresh their parents grounds : and into new centuries them compose : therefore they have not durst , or have not chose to walk in co-us steps : for why they thought , the healing art could be no further sought . but what will mortals do , accustomed , now by this med'c'nal law to be misled ? and suffer all things each in his own skin ? the cred'lous multitude still pressing in the fixed footsteps of its antient train , by 'ts own deceit ( alasse ) is sadly slain . long academick robes ( for cities health ) nor bubbles hallowed by the common-wealth , were not as yet deposited , while hee the author ( young ) requir'd with instance-ee , our bride-beds , swiftly running ( to those ends ) through devious rough ways of old fathers pens . indeed he had procur'd unto himself chief friends , who many pray'rs on his behalf , did poure abroad unto the god above ; and whereby he through suppliant words ( from love ) might nakedly behold sick bodies plight , as cous old by h's pray'rs , had had the sight . he pass'd through many years with various cost ; his busie members with sore labour tost : whether clear phoebus drave his shining carts , or cynthia fair did shine i' th' brightsom parts of heaven . he knowing of mee alchymie , my abstruse heart ( his houshold servant i ) the inward secret privy chambers , there , have not lain lurking close , beyond his sphere . he sought her favour great , by many gifts , and by strong prayers utter'd with humble lips ; that so at length she might our love procure , and joyn with us in sacred marriage sure , of grateful bed . he with a rest-less brest poured forth ' plaints , and sorrowful cheeks be-drest with luke-warm showers . he would not that the great governour of the skiee olympick seat , should from his throne dismiss his deprecations as being frustrate through deaf acclamations . and thou prophetick poet , this relate : promise , and things shall follow'f greater state . now whatsoere disease or grief shall light , to cure shall be of one and equal weight . a dowry sure , i am ordain'd to give , unto the author for his labours hive : that i a woman worthy of such a man , may be conjoyned in bride-bed and ban . and he both bodies shall associate in sacred bond of love . do thou relate , such joyful messages to humane kind as these : no sad contagions thou shalt find of any malady , but such a one , hath here confer'd a med'cine for his mone . the plague , the queen of sicknesses , the gowt shall flee ; the stone shall be expelled out : ascites watry conduits shall be bor'd ; and thin-jaw'd phthisis shall be well restor'd . and whatsoere distempers , eve so bold , in humane generations did unfold , after that she , not knowing what she ded , drew weapons on her own and husbands hed . now therefore let my judgment of this glass to th' book , as for a sign of wedlock pass : so the bride-mistriss of the marriage bed . ( but soft , before our poesie be sped ) three r's occur . r , notes the antient ausonia . r , pelasgia continent . r , finally , an hebraism doth denote , and banks of witty daedalus betoke . thus hath s. d. d'a . sung to his uncle , in a prosperous poem . the authours promises . i will shew the errours of the schooles , about things which they have rashly judged to be the fundamentals or ground-works of nature ; afterwards , in the decay of nature , i will shew the defects , or diseases unknown to the antients : to wit , that they do not arise from the co-mingling , fight , contrariety , or unequal tempering of the elements ; nor also from the qualities , which they feigne to be the first , and proper to the elements . wherefore , that vain are the meditations of complexions , as well in temperate , as in intemperate bodies . i will also teach , that the four humours are frivolous , and that whatsoever hath hitherto been attributed to them , hath been devised by the heathens ; and of these , the unhappy or evil spirit , to the destruction of mankinde . to wit , that the composition , connexion , qualities , effects of humours , and the diseases that are dreamed to arise from thence , are meer fictions : also that the lessons touching laxative medicines , supposing the elections or seperations , with drawings , and lessenings of humours , are false . indeed , that vain hopes , uncertain healings , dangerous experiments , in so great a sluggishness of ignorance , have not constituted the art of medicine : but uncertain conjectures , students covering their errours by privy escapes , and in the dust . at length , that hopes no less vain than pernicious , have been set to sale instead of true ; but that bloud-letting never helps , unless it be by accident , to wit , through want of art , and a more courteous or bountiful medicine : but , that cuttings of a vein do alwayes take away long life . also that cauteries or searing remedies have been brought in without ground , after that by the effect , they had already bewailed in vain , the uncertain and weak help of their remedies . next i will make manifest , that neither are tartarous humours the causers or patrons of infirmities . likewise , that neither do diseases arise from three beginnings as neither out of the essentials , which che●neia or chymistry boasteth of . i will also discover the vanities or fictions of a catarrhe , or rhume , that , that may not be a disease , which may be begotten by this parent : at length , i will lay the ground work , that errours have been diligently taught concerning winds . lastly , i will vindicate the heaven to be free , or harmless from seminal diseases . the value of medicines , and also the abuse of physitians , on both sides , for charities sake , i will explain . in the mean time , i will frame an anatomy , or difecting of diseases by their true roots , and now and then i will unfold some , under an occasion of discourse , by seperating them from the common errour : to wit , the apoplexie , leprosie , asthma , the dropsie ascites , gout , disease of the stone , silthinesses of the wombe : at last , i have represented the tragedies of poysons , and of the plague that medicines and healing remedies may be appointed , not by contraries , nor by alike things , but onely by things that are endowed and appropriated : which way indeed , was the work , to destroy the whole natural phylosophy of the antients , and to make new the doctrines of the schools of natural phylosophy . last of all , i will treat of the root of life , whereof none hath treated . i beg of the lord god , that he may vouchsafe to illustrate his free gifts sent into the place of medicinal exercise with more able wits , to make them fruitful with the large showre of his dew , and at length , speedily to perfect a cause of so great concernment , in this age , that is full of misery . an index or summary , of the first columne or section . . the intent of the authour . . the rise of medicine , and the continual succeeding corruption from thence . . the rise of schools and sects . . the credulous sloath of the europaeans of greater success . . medicine which entred through galen , after it ran into a circle , it was carried about like a mill. . the penurious blindenesses of the schooles . . a shamefac'd composed catalogue , of incurable difeases . . against bloud-letting from its indication , or that which sheweth it . . the errours of solutive , or loosening medicines . . the entrance of knaves into medicine , . some deceits of galen . . with what case galen obtained the chiefdom of healing . . that the sharpness of wit hath prevailed nothing , as neither the schooles of the heathens . . how much any one can profit in the heathenish schooles . . why medicine is the highest , and obscurest of sciences . . the end of medicine hath continued neglects . . the errours of its ends are demonstrated . colum . i. although self-love for the most part excludes the knowledge of truth , than which notwithstanding , nothing more pretious , is given to man : yet i have judged it a thing full of christian piety , to teach , how much disciplines delivered unto me , have profited . therefore i have consulted of a quite unwonted matter , to wit , to overthrow the cups of giddiness and sluggishness , wherewith , the schooles being hitherto made drunk , have deceived the world , and blinded its eyes , for one and twenty ages . first , hypecrates , a man of a most rare gift , and a partaker with the adeptists , hath set forth some tedious things of his own experience , without any false paint , because there are a very few proper things of his extant : and those as yet , forced afterwards , to serve other mens pleasures , and commentaries : although most of his works are corrupted drogs . therefore this his industry , others have not boren ; yea , such is the rottenness of dayes , that vertue and truth , have presently , from their first rise , emulous companions : whence , any humane works are alwayes subject to ruine . for those things which in the more homely , but more sincere ages , were for charity sake embraced , straightway , in gain , they found profits , riot and glory ; therefore afterwards a boasting of piety , succeeded charity , and the vanity that arose from lucre , blotted out pity . so indeed , the purity of healing changed into tongues , boastings , controversies , brawlings and conjectures , and the faithful credit of former observations being left , they erected theoremes or speculations , gently applyed to sloath and giddiness . afterwards galen ( his junior by five hundred years ) framed suppositions of complexions , humours and degrees , promising in an easie method , mathematical demonstrations of those things , which nature onely is able to measure : which same things , he kept secret to himself , and at length , laid open some things to alchymists alone . galen the mean while , dispersed his theoremes into a great body , which afterwards , the prattle of the greeks increased into a huge one , and which , the schooles even to this very day , do superstitiously worship , because they have made themselves trophies by others labours . hence therefore , study hath passed into profession , and universities , for as much as it hath not repented the latines ( whom the greeks call barbarians ) galens followers , to propose this man as their authour . for from the word healing , they have leaped over into physitians , and erected medicine , and so have erred in the entrance : also even to this very day , they have written their misfortune in their name : to wit , because they practised medicine , and were physitians , not from the work of healing ; but from speaking onely , should they be called physitians , and their profession ; medicine : and their whole medicinal art , by their own confession , should be hereafter , onely talkative . neither have they pointed out by their diyining etymologie , that they can hope for reputation by their art , who have gotten a name onely from talking . the moores afterwards promised the vittory , when as the custom of the greeks had almost lost the flowre of studies . but the europeans despairing , as if the whole strength of their minde were feeble , have held it sufficient for them , to stay in barbarous inventions , and to have practised strange ones . but their fictions daily to have reduced into conturies , they never accounted an ignoble thing , but have held it an honour , to be wise by a commentary onely . hence the cup of sloath hath tainted the schooles with drowsiness , every one being more willing to assent , than to search carefully . neither from hypocrates , hath medicine hitherto made any progress thereby : but that which as yet returned through galen , afterwards was carried about into a circle : whence the schooles conceived a giddiness , and galens delusions , imitating the cutkow's note , alwayes wheeled about into the same circle . for while studies are set up for gain , medicine is rowled about the mill. for seeing that besides cutting of a vein , and the shop of laxatives , the schooles as yet to this day , do scarce acknowledge other remedies , and all their endeavour is , that by bloud , dung , bath ; a cautery , sweat , and so not but by the diminishing of the body and its strength , and likewise by the corrupting of the bloud ( which they call a purge ) and by miserable butchery , they do presume to take away all griefs of the body . hence it comes to passe , that ( as he himself hath done ) the admirers of those frail effects , have erected , a plentious company of incurable diseases ; as it were driven with despair , they make none but a shamefac'd mention of those diseases , and have brought in a dissembling kinde of cure , full of calamitie and despair . i say plethora , or the abounding of humours alone , is called the shewer or betokener of bloud-letting , which as it hurts for the future : so hunger , and the withdrawing of meat in the beginning of a sharp disease do , together with a destructive disease , easily empty out all abounding humours , in the first dayes . neither that the vain device of revulsion and derivation , hath greatly profited , at sometimes , by their own position , i have demonstrated in the treatise of feavers . but laxative medicines , since they do at leastwise wipe away very new bloud out of the meseraiok or sucking veins , and change it through the disposition of their poyson , by divers waves corrupting it : truly , they have given hitherto none but a weak hope of healing by the event , full of confusion , sorrowes , and uncertainty . therefore we are blinde , unless with a stout heart we ( being at length moved with compassion ) do go to meet so great a slaughter of mortal men , and the sighs of sick persons , or phanes , and of widowes , and of the dead . for besides that , the helps of the schooles for the sick , are so uncertain , and of so little credit , i intreat you , let us mutually commiserate mans condition , which hath committed his life and fortunes , to an art filled with conjectures and uncertainty : also that it hath admitted of all sorts of knaves and harlots , whereby it may without punishment , exercise cruelty on our kinsfolks . when i exactly consider with my self , the so great sluggishness and blindeness of schooles and ages , i give praise to the thrice glorious god , that he hath made manifest to the little ones in himself , much truth , which he hath hidden from noble persons , and those in chief seats : and therefore , i admiring the depth of the judgements of god , do religiously adore him . but galen snatching the glory of his predecessors into himself , extended his own art , contained in a few rules , into huge volumes . it pleased him indeed , that all bodies should be framed of four elements , and from thence to snatch their wholethingliness or essence , and so that , to the square of these elements , he confirmed , or framed four qualities , and as many simple complexions , straight-way so many couples of compound qualities ; and from thence also foure constitutive humours of us : before , dreamed of by others . and then , from their strife and discord , joyned as well with a simple , as with his own feigned humours , he determined to derive almost all diseases , and the scopes or indications of healing , even as health , from their fit proportion : also that every disease is a meer disposition in quality : wherefore that of contraries , there are onely contrary remedies . with which necessity , he being at length constrained , distinguishing the vertues of simples , word for word out of diascorides , and the elementary degrees , he copied out their seminal and specifical power , neglecting on both sides , because not knowing either . by what facility of art indeed , he allured the chiefdom of healing to himself , he obtained it , and posterity being allured with so great a compendium , a drowsie sleep crept into the schooles thorow the doores of sloath ; for the awakening whereof , i would , god might take his honour , and morta●● the experienced fruit which i wish , by my labours . many i know well enough , will prate , grieving that themselves , and their ●iresome readings will be diminished , if i shall resign the sound truth of medicinal science unto the gift of the glorious god alone , but shall have very little hope in the sharpness of wits . but however they may gun , man is a plained and naked table , and ought to get his learning else-where , and from one onely master : of whom it is said , that the scholar shall never excel that master , because there is onely one father , and one onely master , who dwelleth in the heavens : from whom is every good thing , all light , and clearness of understanding . truly we christians , do profess the lord jesus to be the onely wisdom o● the father , the beginning , and the ending of all essence , truth and knowledge ● and so , s●eing every good gift , not onely of vertues , but also of knowledges , doth descend from the father of lights : who could learn perfectly the skill of the science of medicine , from the schooles of the heathens ? for the lord , not schooles , hath created a physitian . the heathenish schooles indeed , may have an historical knowledge , the observer of things contingent or accidental , of things regular , and necessary : which is a mem●rative knowledge of the thing done : they may also get learning by demonstration , which is the knowledge of applying things unto measure . and lastly , they may promise rational knowledge , which is derived from either of these , by the fitting of discourse ; and i wish they had soundly and sincerely performed what they might have done by those meanes ! they may i say historically have known the reflux , or going back of the starrs and sea , that the water bends to a levelled roundness , and downward , draw divers sequels from thence , and stablish them into maxims . they have known i say , the craft of composing , and how to fit the necessity of causes ( in some measure conjoyned ) by discourse . but to understand and savour these things from the spring or first cause , is granted to none without the special favour of christ the lord. therefore the science of healing is the last of all sciences , and chiefly hidden , so that it is no wonder , that its first beginnings are even at this day desired from types or figures . the more diligent heathens have as yet promised the world to continue by its own law , and things to have their roots in the whole , and in the particular kindes or species , whereby by its own proper force , it was to be preserved for ever , and so an independency , or deity to be in things . alas ! thereby , from the true phylosophy and truth of medicine , even as drunken men , about wan deities and blindnesses , they have stumbled in the dark : and therefore they have of necessity , been ignorant of created things , and the seeds , roots , and knowledge of these . therefore the knowledge of nature , hath indeed been attempted by the heathens , through childish conjectures ; and very little ever obtained . therefore i have grieved with pity , that hitherto the beginnings of natural things have not been fetched forth elsewhere : the which , as i have determined to discover by this my labour : so i humbly intreat that god may grant , that he hath not yielded me his talent for a recompence of punishment , although in this work i could not do so much as i would . for the whole faculty of natural phylosophy is committed to man ; and therefore this ought to respect both his life immediately , and all his defects . therefore all natural phylosophy is limited for the use of life , the finding out of causes , the disease and remedies : in which last point , i finde , that hitherto little pains hath been taken , no hing known , but much promised , and very much neglected , long expectations , and every where errours . for the knowledge of diseases containeth the knowledge of the causes , the dependance and appropriating the same to our defensive faculties : in which hitherto there hath been an universal wandring . but the finding out of the remedy , doth presuppose the aforesaid knowledges ; and moreover , of the faculties and powers , i say , the manner and the meanes of acting : but the application of those remedies , their preparation , and deriving or extracting , to be according to the safeguards , and scopes or i●●ents of the parts . it also necessarily contains the knowledge of simples , their powers or vertues , their actions , changes , defects , alterations , interchangeable courses , and connexions or dependances , as well amongst each other , as in respect of the vitall powers . but every one of these do require the gift of god in a peculiar thing , to wit , understanding , and experience of selection or chusing out , of se●uestration or separation , of preparation , and graduation or subliming : of which i will shew , it hath not as yet been treated of by the schooles . the summary of the second columne . . an unwonted kinde of doctrine is to be required . . that art hath stood by conjectures hitherto . . the authour excuseth his roundnesses . . he had no light from predecessors . . why all things are new and unheard of . . the prerogative of physitians before other artists and professions . . the signes of a true physitian . . the prerogatives of physicians out of the holy scriptures . . the resigned liberty of the authour . colum . ii. i ought from the beginning , wholly to set upon philosophy . a matter i say , never theoretically , or speculatively searched into , and lesse proved and known by exercise , that is , i have determined to lay open an unheard of truth . for unless we shall deal with diseases , even like as other arts do , with their objects : and unless we shall be able to promise , and foreknow an undoubted end of diseases , by answering for the most part , the wished desire of the sick , after the manner of other artificers , it is a sign that the meanes and end do stand committed to a conjectural and uncertain art : where ignorance being the leader , and the way , a path of uncertainty , darkness doth at length lay hold of him , that goeth and leadeth thorow unknown paths . i know many will be angry with me , especially those who ascribe my roughness and severity in reproving , to intolerable boasting . and then , as well those whom all things displease , that are not brought forth by their own will or judgement , do scoffe and abhorr all new things : as those who thinking that they know all things , do refuse to learn. notwithstanding , i could not , because of haters , bury my talent in the earth , and not make manifest my zeal to my neighbour . therefore the free gifts and knowledge given me , i will discover to my neighbour , without envy , deceit , hope of gain , or the vain glory of ambition , and will willingly shew as much as my experiences have made sufficient : hoping that the truth being once sh●wen , those that are endowed with a richer talent , will be hereafter more profitable to the common-wealth than my selfe : for so it becometh , that disciplines by proceeding by additions , should be daily enriched : and therefore thus far shall those that come after , be obliged to those that have gone before . indeed it is believed , to be of great help , to have rowled over the books of many that were before me , because it is easie to add ones own to the inventions of others . but in the business which i have taken on me , all kinde of help from scholars hath been feeble , and therefore the counsel and aid of my auncestors , loose unto me . because where i declare that the very quill of all writers , hath been ignorant and diseased ; it is very easie to discern , that no mans judgement hath at all profited me , but greatly hurt me . therefore that the writings of my auncestors have fought with me , for some years , for the glory of truth , i do sincerely and candidly protest and profess . but since i draw out all things new and unheard of , i will not interpret others inventions , as neither will i contend with their authorities : and i have seemed to my self , to be a new authour of medicine , hitherto known onely by way of name . and therefore have i put the gifts to usury , for which , god the creditor , hath ingraven me his poor debtor , in his book . all things are paradoxes , or against the common opinion , i confess : for if they should otherwise appear , i should think my self to be an unprofitable brawler , one prodigal of my dayes , and an unprofitable presumptuous repeater . wherefore if it hath well pleased the father of lights in the dayes of our auncestors , to increase the number and tartness of diseases : i likewise may believe , that i do not suppose it an unsuitable thing , that goodness have opened its treasures , that at length , she may quickly , safely , and gloriously anoint the marks and wounds , which the father of mercies hath inflicted : to wit , he who appointed a physitian , or a mediator between god and man from the beginning : yea , he made it his delight , that he would be overcome by a physitian ; indeed he testifieth , that he created and chose him to this end , for a peculiar testimony of his praise . it is so in truth ; for no sooner doth he punish , weaken , and threaten to kill man , but he desireth a physitian opposing himself , that he may conquer himself , being omnipotent , also in sending deserved punishments : by the proper gifts of his clemency . this is the charity of the most high , upon all frail creatures , to be esteemed , which he hath bestowed on physitians chosen by himself , from age to age. he , he , is incomprehensible , sweetly disposing all things . but of this sort are physitians which are fitted from their mothers womb ( for this , the word : the most high hath created him , importeth ) exercising his gift , with respect to no gain , and they are nakedly cast upon his good pleasure ( yea the command ) of him , who alone being truly merciful , commands us , that under pain of infernal punishment , we be like to his father . obey those that are set over you , is a precept indeed : but , honour thy parents , honour the physitian , is more strict than to obey , seeing we are constrained even to obey our youngers . for the physician is a mediator between the prince of life and death . i desist , timely enough , considering the benefits undeservedly bestowed on me . moreover , i neither require the reader to be courteous , nor do i fear the scoffer . for it may be lawful to displease either , to whom it is lawful to dispraise all pains and knowledge . for god hath so appointed , that new things do for the most part procure their hard censurers , and ungrateful ones . for i have renounced with great endeavour , to please courts and nobles ; also to hang on the opinions of others , alwayes esteeming this to be a servile thing , even as on the contrary , it is plainly a free thing , not to submit with that being , which is subject to none but god. for although it was hard in the beginning : yet it being accustomed to me , i have chosen that kinde of harshness , afterwards i made it full of pleasure through custome , and i have found it sweet ; and god grant , it may not increase in me , so much from arrogancy , as from the possession of more trim knowledge ! for now and then , the while , i am mindeful of that word : god hath scattered the bones of them who please men : they are confounded , because god hath despised them . therefore i certainly know , if the pleasure of the bestower will suffer , he will send his dew upon the corn , he will give increase , and so my conceptions shall be profitable to the common-wealth of man-kinde , if the fulness of dayes be come ; but if not , he at least-wise , knowes my inward parts , and i will expect the rewards of his clemency . let god therefore , be between me and the world , who is to judge both the one and the other . let his name be thrice gloriously sanctified , and let his sanctifying will alone , be done in all . amen . the summary of the third columne . . by what meanes , understanding may be given . . how the author hath found out falsehoods . . the capitall ignorance of physitians . . the hardships of the author ( being as yet a junior ) with other physitians . . he hath forsaken all books . . what , and how little , he learned by travelling . . he thought long agoe , medicine to be an imposture or juggling deceit of the greeks . . how much he hath profited by paracelsus . . the authours ingenuity . . from whence the schooles are to beg their excuse . colum . iii. charity intreats , desire seeketh , and necessities do knock in the soul , out of compassion . thus is understanding given . truly it shamed me , even from a young man , that a work-man , being called to a work , should promise that work , and stand to his promises : but that i being called to a sick man in the beginning of the disease , and his strength as yet remaining , should suffer the same man to die . for i being full of fear , believed , that it was not enough to say , it is not in the physitian , that the siok party alwayes-be eased : and by a liberty springing from thence , rashly to proceed , and continue in the work of a physitian , by saying , i shall be excused , because i have done what i could , according to the maxims of art : if i know my self every way defective , and that the suppositions of art themselves are rotten in their root . for indeed the ignorance of physitians proceeding ill in healing , is almost capitall : because it is not to be blotted out with god , where , a man will give skin for skin . for it is a signe that such a physitian entred not in by the doores , but by the windowes , and attributed a false name to himself : i indeed , even from my tender bones or years , have esteemed knowledge before riches . indeed physitians demanded , why i lesse cured according to galen , and refused to follow them , or the flock of those that went before them ? they also promised , that i should gain more duckats yearly , than many of their own together : but after that , their speculations were of suspected credit with me , i being careful , sought for a more safe path . for i more breathed to know , than to be enriched . and i wish it be purely in me for god! at least , sufficient riches came together with any kinde of knowledge . straightway i learned , the more to doubt of the stedfastness of galens speculations , after i had beheld the very maxims of the schooles themselves , to be full of sores and defects ; then at length , by little and little , i more and more confirmed this conceit , by discourse and experience ; to wit , that every way , the seeds of ignorance , by the same contagion , pierced even into the root of healing , and mindes of the healers . therefore i straightway left off all books of all , accurate discourses , and empty promises of the schooles , firmly believing every good gift to come down from the father of lights , and rather also , that of medicine adeptical . i have thorowly viewed some forreign nations , and i found almost the same sluggishness and ignorance amongst them all . but those who were the more diligent searchers after knowledge , indeed i found also more stedfast in their purpose , and more circumspect in presuming : but alike , yea more ignorant than the rest . in the mean time , it ingeniously grieved me , of the pains i before took , and of the disquictness i endured in learning . but in multitude of books there was no where comfort or knowledge ; but vain promises , abuses , and very many errours . therefore i long since considered with my self , that the art of healing was a meer juggle , brought in by the greeks : till at length , the holy scriptures better instructed me ; i considered , that the plague was a most miserable disease , in which , every one forsook the sick , and unfaithful helpers , distrusting their own art , more swiftly fled , than the unlearned common people , and the homely curers of the plague : therefore i proposed to my self , to dedicate one salutation to the miserable infected . although then no medicine was made known to me , but trivial ones ; yet god preserved my innocency from so cruel an enemy . for though i was not sent for , i went of my own accord to see them ; not so much to help them , as being desirous to learn : yet all that saw me , seemed to be refreshed with hope and joy ; and i my self , being fraught with hope , perswaded my self , that by the meer free gift of god , i should at sometime obtain the science of the adeptist . but after ten years travel , and studies , from my degree in the art of medicine , taken at lovaine : at length , in the year , being now married , i withdrew my self from the common people , to viluord , that , being the lesse troubled , i might proceed diligently to view the kingdoms of vegetables , animalls , and minerals ; by a curious analysis , or unfolding , by opening bodies , and by senarating all things , i went about to search for full seven years . i searched into the books of paracelsus , filled in all parts with a mocking obscurity or difficulty , and i admired that man , and too much honoured him : till at length , understanding was given , of his works , and errours . for not a friend , the thief of dayes , never riotous feasting , or drinking bouts , detained me , who then as yet , could not bear wine : but continual labour , through extraordinary watching nights , did accompany my desircs . and at length , being perfectly taught , that the corporeal faculties or powers , were bound up in their principles or beginnings ; and those not worthily to be known , without an unlocking of their bolts , i sung a hymne to my god , that it repented me not of time , pains , costs , and gain neglected , being recompenced with the sweetness of knowledge adepticall . in the mean time , reader , i am angry with my self , because it is scarce lawful to open my conceptions , in the truth , without hurting the esteem of authours gone before 〈◊〉 . but the 〈◊〉 of former ages hath raised me up , which made galen to 〈…〉 ●●ished , yea to be praised , although he frequently made erostratus , 〈◊〉 , protagoras , erisistratus , herophilus , ( i here make no mention of moses ) and many that were before him , guilty of errour : yea , and he hath often carped at quintius his master , whom notwithstanding ( though an emperick ) he witnesseth , that he hath followed in most things . but what shall be for a dammage to them that have trodden in the beaten way , but were ignorant of the safe path of healing ? for who hath understanding , which he hath not freely received ? i confess indeed , that the 〈◊〉 of the schooles have not come through the fault of imprudency : if gi●● do alwayes depend on the free will of the giver , and those do not spring up before the due and ripe fulness of dayes . but to have been unwilling to acknowledge errours once laid before them : this then at leastwise , becomes guilt . certainly hipocrates had knowledge to cure the devouring plague , and with him , that knowledge slept , the most high so willing it . are those that come after , therefore to be blamed ? for it is not of him that willeth , nor runneth , but alone of god that sheweth mercy : like as it is a fault of the despiser , not to have rested quietly in the truth set before him , and to have lifted up his hand unto him . chap. i. the authours confession . . the muttering or murmuring of the authour . . the physitians in ireland , are preferred before the italians . . the romanes without physitians , lived the better . . a dream sheweth to the authour , his soul. . the manner of the minde in understanding . . what is the vicarship of the minde . . what is the appearance of the soul. . the minde hath required from the authour , a disposed or fit intention in writing of this book . . the privy escape of selfishness in the authour . . the answer of the minde . . a confession of vanity that is apt to happen . . that which the authour saw after repentance . . another vision intellectual . . the authours repentance . when i had thorowly read over this my labour , and had ( as it were in one point ) comprehended in my abstracted intellect or understanding , the content of this book , i said with a sigh : oh the cares of men ! oh what emptiness there is in things ! which way is it meet , to pursue the errours of the schooles ? or what profit shall the christian world perceive ? whether we have known diseases to proceed from conceived beings ; or at length from heats , or to overflow with feigned humours ? for o wretched man , hast thou not laboured in vain ? for to what end is so great brightness of speculation ? have not all these things the fewel of presumption ? for i remember that a nobleman of ireland , gave land to his houshold physitian : not indeed , who had returned instructed from universities : but he healed the sick . for he hath a book , left him by his auncestors , filled with remedies . and so the heire of the book , is alwayes heire of that land : that book deciphers the signes of diseases , and the proper remedies of that countrey . and the fick irish are more happily cured , and are far more strong than the italians , who have their paultry physitians in all villages , living by the bloud of miserable men . therefore i said to my self , what vain errour hath intieed thee ? that thou lastly , hast meditated of a thing that will be of great moment , if the universities shall scoffe at thy debates , and tread them under foot ? and although thou hast not written , so much as for thy small glories sake , yet all things are vain in the hands of men . thou hast thought indeed , if thou shouldest do otherwise , that thou hadst buried thy talent granted unto thee . truly , lived not the romanes for five hundred years , without physitians , and in a far more happy health , than afterwards , when they had vanquished the greeks from whence they privily received physitians . would age , if the pricks of speculation , together with the thistles and thorns of 〈◊〉 were burnt , and the tares being left behinde , that we should feed upon whear alone ? cerminly , i know not , whether through the tiresomeness of reading , or indeed , by sleep creeping on me , these injuries of the truth , unworthy an answer , did terrifie my minde . at leastwise , a great repose straightway invaded me , and i fell into an intellectual dream , and memorable enough . for i saw my soul small enough , in a humane shape , yet free from the distinction of sek . straightway i doubted , having wondred at the sight , not knowning what selfishness there was in me , which should see my soul distinct from it self , and should understand my understanding out of it selfe ? and then a certain light entred into my soul : in comparison whereof , the visible light of this world , seemed to contain dreggish darkness . for neither was that light seperate from the soul it self , and therefore it had not any thing like it self , in sublunary things . then presently , i perceived , that we which are now together with the flesh , are withdrawn by the same , from the true and clear understanding ; and that the soul understands in peace and rest , not in doubting , and by the leading of enforced reason , for the most part bringing into it self , blinde likenesses of that which is true , intricate fallacies , and unlucky perswasions of the truth : neither rejoycing in running out to things like , should it level similitudes , and the proportions of these , purging them from the lees , by relations or things referring : neither should it let it self downward , to faculties beneath , stooping down into an analysis or solution , and a synthesis or composing : neither should it weigh all things , as being driven about with divers blasts of uncertainties , passions , and confusions of infirmities . but i have taken notice , that the former majesty , or greatness of the minde , being fallen , another birth did arise : wherein the sensitive soul , did exercise the vicarship of the minde : the which , seeing it wanted ( through a confused knowledge ) the stirring up of conclusions and disciplines , it now supplies the place of true understanding , and proudly attributes to it self , all selfishness . for hence have i learned , that i● happens , that we do not perceive that we do understand any thing , so long as the chief agent of this wre●ched and frail understanding , hath not turned its force even to the bounds of sense . wherefore also , neither do we remember that we do understand , unless the same action be propagated or planted into us by a sensitive order or government . for neither therefore do we mark that we do know , but when there is made a certain mutual passing over of faculties , and as it were the corners of actions ( through divers agents playing their parts ) are wrapt together about the middle . therefore in this duplicity of understanding appointed unto me , the threatning of the lord , who is to judge our righteousnesses , is turned against my soul. because i had purposed to search into all things , which are under the sun ; and because the thrice glorious god hath given to every one of the sons of men , their peculiar occupation , that they may exercise themselves . therefore the soul determined to examine it self in the image set before it . according to that saying , for who knowes the things that are of man , but the spirit of a man that is in him ? afterwards then , the soul opened the eye-brow of the right eye , for it was not indeed , in the likeness of a mans eye , distinguished by coats , the apple , and diversity of humours : but the eye was the onely , round , clear , even as the seat of venis seemeth to be afar off : which eye , although it was most exceeding beautiful in brightness : yet through its unaccustomedness , it struck me to the heart . but it shone as well inwardly , towards the bottom of the soul , as without , thorow the whole soul ; and it sent forth a beam into the splendor of that understanding , afore hidden , which had framed a selfishness , severed from it self . but it desired an account from the animosity or sturdiness of the sensitive soul : to wit , whether in the composing of this book , it had alwayes with a resigned will nakedly offered up all things into the most pleasing goodness , and well liking of god ? or indeed , it at any time had presumed of it self , like those that are busied all their life time , in thinking of the title of a sepulchre ? or what posterity should think of it ? but the selfishness , as it were the light of a disoussing intellect , refusing to suffer , endeavoured to sink it self within the body , by privily i lifting of the diligent examination of contemplative truth . but in the same kinde of visions , wherein the understanding apprehendeth the selfishness : this standeth as besides the body . where ore it not being able to hide it self from the ray of the soul , which did shine thorow it , after a wholly unaccustomed manner , it sought a crafty evasion : as though , for the bashfulness of the thing , and newness of the place ; it required a truce till the next day after the morrow , hoping that perhaps , by one dayes delay , the understanding might be unmindeful of its enterprise . but the soul said , every day hath its burden , and desires its own account : there is no need of delay to the confession of truth : also the morrow will give no aid . thus therefore , withdrawing and delay are taken away . then therefore the selfishness confessed ; i confess , and willingly abhorre , that the general frailty of men , disposed to custom , hath forthwith defiled me . i believing , that honour did deservedly , and worthily nourish all arts , according to the saying of the heathens : which being said , the selfishness it self perceived its deformity . and thereupon , even the intellect being the more smitten with grief , as it were sighed , knowing my want , yea , and too much miserable want of understanding in the body , the which , as yet notwithstanding , with the applause of men , and having enjoyed a little unconstant glory , it would carry out . for by a special priviledge , all honour and glory belongs to god. i knew therefore , that i had denounced war against god , and had brought in an estrangedness on the whole universe , by a vain endeavour . because the universal order of things , is , that all things be primarily , in their ultimate end , and totally , for the honour of god. therefore , that my labour might not be wholly reprobate ( as yet far off from goodness ) it was altogether needful , seriously to purge by sacrifice , this my blot . wherefore hither did repentance look ; and was expected from above , with an importunate suit . which coming to me , another eye at length opened it self . for then i saw , that the searching into all things which are under the sun , was a good gift , descending from the father of lights , into the sons of men , for a diligent study , and a certain serious amending of forepast ignorance , otherwise the danger of a vain complacency , or well-liking , would sometimes vex by the by. wherefore i humbly begged of the lord , for the good pleasure of his own piety , with the every way displeasure of my own vanity , that he would spare me , and vouchsafe to mortifie the selfishness , alwayes reflex or returned upon me . in the mean time , i decreed with a resolute minde , to bury this book in the fire : which very thing i had also performed , and was now ready to execute , had not another intellectual vision offered it self unto me : for i saw before me , a most exceeding beautiful tree , spread forth as it were thorow the whole horizon ; whose greatness and largeness , notably amazed me . it was bespangled with flowers innumerable , odoriferous , and of a most pleasing and lightsome colour : every one whereof , had a bud behinde them , a pledge of fruit. therefore i cropt of one of so many ten thousands , for my self , and behold , the smell , colour , and whole grace of the flowre , straightway perished . at the same instant , an understanding of the vision was given to me . to wit , all the gifts of god to be like flowers , and more glorious than salomon in his throne : indeed of great expectations , if they shall remain in the tree . but if man doth appropriate the gift to himself , or dareth to crop it off from its original , although the flowre doth vanish from him : yet the cropper remaineth the debtor of the promised fruit. therefore i decreed hereafter , to leave the gift of god in its own tree , nor to arrogate any thing to my self by cropping it off ; and i willingly confess my aforepast ungratefulness towards the tree . because whatsoever i have of his , hath been freely bestowed , and granted me for a time , conditionally : but from the bottom of my soul. do i detest my vain and foolish ignorance , because i thought , that gift , falling with a strange beam into me , in the first place , to reflect upon my self . for as from mud or dung , there ascends a stinking sent or smoak : so from learning , a pride of learning . indeed i delighted , rather in the being of reason , than in the sound truth : thinking it would happen , after an honourable death , that none shall make himself great by desert . indeed that honour would be an applause , of many , through the judgement of those that erre . therefore i abhorre , i refuse from this day , and renounce the prayses , whatsoever they be , that any one , at any time , shall give me . now at length i perceive , what spots , the love of a little vain glory may have , i have denounced open warre against the same , knowing , yea feeling by the afore-past vision , that although it be easie not to take praise , while it is not given : yet how hard it is , not to delight in the same , while it is offered . because i have experienced how horrid a thing it may be in the age to come , to have attributed part of the whole glory due to god , to ones self , upon any trifling account . therefore i did desire , that this book might issue out for the common good , the name being suppressed , that i might testifie that i do hereafter despise the common air or applause . but the decree of the powers hindereth . every soul is subject to the powers . let god the fountain of all good light , help me , that i may proceed to scorn my self in good earnest , while as sometimes behinde , and anon on the side , vain presumption hath in times past crept in , that hereafter it may not any way trouble me . he will send his dew upon the corn ; if happily it shall please him to increase , what i have sowen for the use of my neighbour . in the mean time , i wish , oh ye faithfull in christ , that i be judged an unworthy , evil , ignorant , and rash man , so my neighbour shall not feel dammage in healing , thereby . for he shall not esteem me unprofitable and ignorant in vain : yea , if these things shall not become guilt unto me , i attribute it to his bottomless clemency , which turns all things into good to those that love him , for his great goodness sake : unto whom i humbly offer , return , and lay down , my vain prayses , from the weakness of my confession and submission . chap. ii. the authours studies . . the birth and life of the authour . . the authour hath laughed at the masked industries of professors . . the nakedness of the authour . . he hath prosecuted more solid sciences at leasure . . he did vilifie astrology . . he despised a canonship . . what furtherance there is of studies among the jesuites at lovaine . . stoicisme displeased him . . stoicisme is to be despised from a command . . the authour is snatcht into medicine , as it were by chance . . the defect of herbarists . . medicine onely flowes down from above , and therefore it cannot be delivered by rules . . those that are instructed in an infused knowledge , are not to be taught by authours . . the juggle of a certain professour of medicine . . why he left off the study of the law. . how great the authours barrenness and nakedness was , by studies . . what he hath done for the beginning of studies . . practise hath discovered the nakedness of physitians . . a prayer for the errours of the schooles . . raphael is promised in a dream . in the year , the most miserable one to all belgium , or the low countries , my father died . i being the youngest , and of least esteem of my brethren and sisters . for i was brought up in studies . but in the year . i had finished the course of philosophy , which year was to me the seventeenth . therefore since i had onely a mother , i seemed at lovaine to be made the sole disposer of my right and will. wherefore i saw none admitted to examinations , but in a gown , and masked with a hood , as though the garment did promise learning ; i began to know , that professors for sometime past , did expose young men that were to take their degrees in arts , to a mock : i did admire at the certain kinde of dotage in professors , and so in the whole world , as also the simplicity of the rash belief of young men . i drew my self into an account or reasoning , that at leastwise i might know by my own judgement , how much i was a phylosopher , i examined whether i had gotten truth or knowledge . i found for certainty , that i was brown up with the letter , and ( as it were the forbidden apple being eaten ) to be plainly naked , save , that i had learned artificially to wrangle . then first i came to know within my self , that i knew nothing , and that i knew that which was of no worth for the sphere in natural phylosophy , did seem to promise something of knowledge , to which therefore i had joyned the astrolobe , the use of the ring or circle , and the speculations of the planets . also i was diligent in the art of logick , and the science mathematical , for delights sake , as often as the reading of other things had brought a wearisomness on me . whereto i joyned the elements , or first principles of euclide ; and this learning , i had made fociable to my genius or natural wit , because it contained truth ; but by chance , the art of knowing the circle of cornesius gemma , as of another memphysick , came to my hand . which , seeing it onely commended nicholas copernicus , i left not on , till i had made the same familiar unto me . whence i learned the vain excentricities , or things not having one and the same center , another circular motion of the heavens : and so i presumed , that whatsoever i had go●●● concerning the heavens , with great pains , was not worthy of the time bestowed about it . therefore the study of astronomy , was of little , or no account with me , because it promised little of certainty or truth , but very many vain things . therefore having finished my course , when as i knew nothing that was found , nothing that was true , i refused the title of master of arts : being unwilling that professors should play the fool with me , that they should declare me master of the seven arts , who was not yet a scholar . therefore i seeking truth , and knowledge , but not their appearance , withdrew my self from the schooles . a wealthy cannonship was promised me , so that i would make my self free to theology or divinity ; but s. bernard affrighted me from it , because i should eat the sins of the people . but i begged of the lord jesus , that he would vouchsafe to call me thither , where i might most please him . for it was the year , wherein the jesultes had begun to teach philosophy at lovaine , the king , nobles , and university , being against it ; and that thing , together with them , was forbidden by clement the eighth . but their scholars aspring to their degree , they had assembled them to the school houses ; but others , and the more rich , they did allure with the pleasant study of geography : and one of the professors , martine del rio , who first being the judge of turma in spain , and afterwards wearied in the senate of brabant , being allured to the society , and had resorted thither also , did expound the disquisitions , or diligent examinations of magick . both the readings i greedily received . and at length , instead of a harvest , i gathered onely empty stubbles , and most poor patcheries , void of judgement . in the mean time , least an houre should vanish away without fruit , i rub'd over l. annaus seneca , who greatly pleased me , and especially epictetus . therefore i seemed , in moral philosophy , to have found the juyce of truth : and then presently i thought , this was that for which pythagoras might require the strict silences of so many years , an excellent indgement , and therefore notable obedience . at length , a few years being changed , i saw a capuchin to be a christian stoick . indeed study for eternity , smiled on me ; but for so great austereness , my more tender health was a hinderance . i prayed the prince of life divers times , that he would give strength , whereby i might contemplate of the naked truth , and immediately love it . thomas of kempis , increased this desire in me , and afterwards taulerus . and when i presumed , and certainly believed , that through stoicisme , i did profit in christian perfection , at length , after some ●ay and weariness in that exercise , i fell into a dream . i seemed to be made an empty bubble , whose diameter reached from the earth even to heaven : for above hovered a flesh-eater ; but below , in the place of the earth , was a bottomless pit of darkness . i was hugely agast , and also i fell our of all knowledge of things , and my self . but returning to my self , i understood by one conception , that in christ jesus , we live , move , and have our being . that no man can call even on the name of jesus to salvation , without the special grace of god. that we must continually pray , and lend us not into temptation , &c. indeed , understanding was given unto me , that without special grace , to any actions , nothing but sin attends us . which being seen , and savourily known , i admited my former ignorances ; and i knew , that stoicisme did retain me an empty and swollen bubble , between the bottomless pit of hell , and the necessity of imminent death . i knew i say , that by this study , under the shew of moderation , i was made most haughty : as if trusting in the freedom of my will , i did renounce divine grace , and as though , what we would , we might effect by ourselves . let god forbid such wickedness , i said . wherefore i judged , that blasphemy to be indulged by paganisme indeed ; but not to become a christian : and so i judged stoical philosophy , with this title , hateful . in the mean time , when i was tired , and wearied with the too much reading of other things , for recreation sake , i rouled over mathiolus and diascoxides , thinking with my self , nothing to be equally necessary for mortal men , is by admiring the grace of god in vegetables , to minister to their proper necessities , and to crop the fruit of the same . straightway after , i certainly found , the art of herbarisme to have nothing increased since the dayes of diascorides ; but at this day , the images of herbs being delivered , with the names and shapes of plants , to be on both sides onely disputed : but nothing of their properties , virtues and uses , to have been added to the former invention and histories : except that those who came after , have mutually feigned degrees of elementary qualities , to which the temperature of the herbe is to be attributed . but when i had certainly found , happily two hundred herbes , of one quality and degree , to have divers properties , and some of divers qualities and degrees , to have a symphony or harmony ( suppose it in vulnerary or wound potions ) in producing of the same effect ; not indeed the herbs ( the various pledges of divine love ) but the herbarists themselves began to be of little esteem with me : and when i wondred at the cause of the unstableness of the effects , and of so great darkness in applying and healing : i inquired whether there were any book , that delivered the maxims and rules of medicine ? for i supposed , medicine might be taught , and delivered by discipline , like other arts and sciences , and so to be by tradition : but not that it was a meer gift . at leastwise , seeing medicine is a science , a good gift coming down from the father of lights , i did think , that it might have its theoremes and chief authours , instructed by an infused knowledge , into whom , as into bazaleel , and aholiab , the spirit of the lord had inspired the causes and knowledge of all diseases , and also the knowledge of the properties of things . therefore i thought these enlightned men to be the standard-defending professors of healing . i inquired i say , whether there were not another , who had described the endowments , properties , applications , and proportions of vegetables , from the hyssop , even to the cedar of libanus ? a certain professor of medicine answered me , none of these things might be looked for in galen or avicen . but since i was not apt to believe , neither did i finde , among writers , the certainty sought for , i suspected it according to truth , that the giver of medicine would remain the continual dispenser of the same . therefore i being carefull and doubtful , to what profession i should resign my self , i had regard to the manners of the people , and lawes , and pleasures of princes ; i saw the law to be mens traditions , and therefore uncertain , unstable , and void of truth : for because in humane things there is no stability , and no marrow of knowledge , i seemed to passe over an unprofitable life , if i should convert it to the pleasures of men . lastly , i knew , that the government of my self , was hard enough for me ; but the judgement concerning good men , and the life of others , to be dark , and subject to a thousand vexatious difficulties : wherefore i wholly denied , the study of the law , and government of others . on the other hand , the misery of humane life was urgent , and the will of god , whereby every one may defend himself so long as he can ; but i more inclined with a singular greediness , unto the most pleasing knowledge of natural things ; and even as the soul became servant to its own inclinations , i unsensibly slid , altogether into the knowledge of natural things . therefore i read the institutions of fuchius , and fernelius , whereby i knew that i had lookt into the whole science of medicine , as it were by an epitome , and i smiled to my self . is the knowledge of healing thus delivered , without a theoreme and teacher , who hath drawn the gift of healing from the adeptist ? is the whole history of natural properties , thus shut up in elementary qualities ? therefore i read the works of galen twice , once hipocrates ( whose aphorismes i almost learned by heart ) and all avicen ▪ and as well the greeks , arabians , as moderns , happily six hundred , i seriously , and attentively read thorow , and taking notice by common places , of whatsoever might seem singular to me in them , and worthy of the quill . at length , reading again my collected stuffe , i knew my want , and it grieved me of my pains bestowed , and years : when as indeed i observed , that all books , with institutions , singing the same song , did promise nothing of soundness , nothing that might promise the knowledge of truth , or the truth of knowledge . in the mean time , even from the beginning , i had gotten from a merchant , all simples , that i might keep a little of my own in my possession , and then from a clark of the shops , or a collector of simples , i had all the usual plants of our countrey ; and so i learned the knowledge of many by the looks of the same . and also i thorowly weighed with my self , that indeed i knew the face of simples , and their names : but , than their properties , nothing lesse . therefore i would accompany a practising physitian , straightway it repented me again , and again , of the insufficiency , uncertainty , and conjectures of healing . i had known indeed , problematically , or by way of hard question , to dispute of any disease , but i knew not how to cure the very pain of the teeth , or scabbedness , radically . lastly , i saw that fevers and common diseases were neither certainly , nor knowingly , nor safely cured ; but the more grievous ones , and those which cease not of their own accord , for the most part were placed into the catalogue of incurable diseases . then it came into my minde , that the art of medicine , was found full of deceit , without which , the romanes lived happily , five hundred years . i reckoned the greeks art of healing to be false : but the remedies themselves , as being some experiments , no less to help without a method : than that the same remedies , with a method , did deceive most . on both sides , i discerning the deceit and uncertainty of the rules of medicine in the diversities of the founders of complexions , i said with a sorrowful heart . good god! how long wilt thou be angry with mortal men ? who hitherto hast not disclosed one truth , in healing , to thy schooles ? how long wilt thou deny truth to a people confessing thee ? needful in these dayes , more than in times past ? is the sacrifice of moloch pleasing to thee ? wilt thou have the lives of the poor , widows , and fatherless children , consecrated to thy self , under the most miserable torture , of incurable diseases , and despair ? how is it therefore , that thou ceasest not to destroy so many families , through the uncertainty and ignorance of physitians ? i fell withall on my face , and said , oh lord , pardon me , if favour towards my neighbour , hath snatched me away beyond my bounds . pardon , pardon , oh lord , my indiscreet charity ; for thou art the radicall good of goodness it self . thou hast known my sighes , and that i confess , that i am , know , am worth , am able to do , and have nothing , that i am poor , naked , empty , vain : give o lord , give knowledge to thy creature , that he may very affectionately know thy creature , himself first , other things besides himself , for thy command of charity , all things , and more than all things , to be ultimately in thee . which thing , when i had earnestly prayed from much tiresomness , and wearisomness of minde , by chance i was led into a dream , and i saw the whole universe , in the sight or view of truth , as it were some chaos or confused thing , without form , which was almost meer nothing . and thence i drew the conceiving of one word ; which did signifie to me , what followes . behold thou , and what things thou seest , are nothing : whatsoever thou dost urge , is lesse than nothing it self , in the sight of the most high . he knowes all the ends or bounds of things to be done ; thou at leastwise mayst apply thy self to thy own safety . yea in that conception , was there an inward precept , that i should be made a physitian , and that at sometime , raphael himself should be given unto me . forthwith therefore , and for thirty whole years after , and their nights following in order , i laboured , to my cost , and dammage of my life , that i might obtain the natures of vegetables and mineralls , and the knowings of their properties . the mean while , i lived not without prayer , reading , narrow search of things , sifting of my errours , and daily experiences written down together . at length , i knew with salomon , i had for the most part hitherto perplexed my spirit in vain , and vain to be the knowledge of all things , which are under the sun : vain are the searchings out of curiosities . and whom the lord jesus shall call unto wisdom , he , and no other shall come ; yea , he that hath come to the top , shall as yet be able to do very little , unless the bountiful favour of the lord shall shine upon him . loe , thus haue i waxed ripe of age , being become a man , and now also an old man , unprofitable , and unacceptable to god , to whom be all honour . chap. iii. the hunting , or searching out of sciences . . the minde is not rational , if it be the image of god. . the opinion of the schooles concerning reason . . a vision in a dream concerning reason . . a dialogue or discourse of the minde with reason . . the chief juggle of reason . . the minde hath chosen understanding . . reason becomes suspected by reason of her juggling deceits . . the weariness of the minde concerning reason . . reason began from sin . . what kinde of knowledge there is of the soul , being seperated from the body . . the minde hath withdrawn her garments from reason , in her flight . . reason enters into the counsel of the minde , from an abuse . . reason burdens the minde . . reason being reflexed towards it self , doth produce many errours . . the great art of lullius is sifted . . the manner of seperating reason from it self . . an unutterable intellectual light. . a feeling of the immortality of the soul. . reason is not the lamp of which solomon speaks . . in what part a syllogisme dwells . . reason generateth a dim knowledge . . knowledges of the premises are from the light of the candle , or lamp. . the minde is not deceived , but by its own reason . . reason burieth the understanding . . reason is known in its poorest nakedness . . the understanding refuseth the use of reason . . reason and truth , are unlike in their roots . . reason doth not agree with the knowledge of the conclusion . . a definition of reason . . the most refined reason , is as yet deceitful . . what reasoning and discourse are . . what intellectual truth is . . imagination is a crooked manner of understanding . . bruit beasts are discursive . . a rational creature for man , is disgraceful . . a true definition for a man. . the schooles hearken more to aristotle than to paul. . an animall , or living creature , in the definition of a man , belongs to corrupted nature . . what kinde of skeleton or dry carcase , that of reason is . . a progress to chase after sciences . . double images , or likenesses in the soul. . where the progress of the minde is stayed . . how a truer progress may be made . . new understanding , or the labour of wisdom . . the understanding doth strike in , or co-agree with things understood , and how that may be done . . why there is made a transmigration or passing over of the understanding . . the memory and will are supped up . . the thingliness or essence of an intellectual thought . . how the image of god lightens or shines all over . . how the minde beholds the understanding under an assumed form . . the errour of the rabbins concerning this state of the soul. . the quality of the understanding , while it stands in that light . . why , and after what manner the understanding transformeth it self . . after what manner the understanding beholds it self . . what intelligibility or understandingness may be . . how the soul understanding it self , shall understand any other things . . whence that difficulty of understanding is . . why accidents cannot be comprehended by the intellect . . the errours of the schooles about the dividing of the intellect . . in things pertaining to understanding , it is more noble to suffer than to do . . aristotle knew not a true understanding . . the phantasie or imagination doth not pierce things , neither in like manner , do things enter into it . . eight maxims touching the understanding , which aristotle knew nor . . a dividing of the predicament of a substance . the hunting or searching out of sciences , begins from [ know thy self . ] reason is accounted to be the life of the soul , or the life of our life . but i believe , that the almighty is alone , the way , the truth , the life , the light , of living creatures , and of all things ; but this is not reason . and therefore , that our minde ought to be intellectual ; but not rational , if it ought to shew forth the most immediate image of god. that paradox is to be cleared up , for the searching out of all things knowable , and especially of things adeptical , or the attainment of great secrets . by my will , or according to my assertion , all phylosophy begins and proceeds from the knowledge of ones self : whether it be natural , or morall . i will therefore propose , so far as i ( through my slenderness ) do attain , the understanding , and the abstruse or hid , or inward knowing of our selves . for the undoubted opinion of the schooles , beares in hand , that god hath bestowed on man , nothing more pretious than reason , by which alone , we are distinguished from bruit beasts , but bear a co-resemblance with the angels . so i being also perswaded from my tender years , believed . but after that , discretion had waxed ripe , and i had once beheld my soul , i perceived altogether otherwise : i confess in the mean time , that i had rather be wise in secret , than to be willing to seem wise ; but to be alwayes more desirous to learn , than to be one that endeavoureth to teach . notwithstanding , i ought to teach some things , least i be found to have buried my talent received , in the earth . wherefore , reason once shewed it self to my soul , in the form of a more thick and dark little cloud , or mist : and proposed ; that it was the nurse , guide , and tutouresse of the minde , so ordained of god , for the obtaining of all , even of solid good . yea it protested , that it was the sterne of the course of our life , the fore-deck and sterne of the minde , and so the inventer of all sciences . for at the first sight , my soul entertained reason , wished to rest in her possession , with well pleasing , in joy , and much rejoycing . because the minde being so diligenty instructed , had once so perswaded it self . nevertheless , least it should offend through a gentleness of credulity , or rash belief , it presently assaulted reason with its own weapons , saying , if therefore o reason , thou art ordained for my service , i ought not to follow thee , but thou me . because thou art she , which affirmest , or demonstratest nothing by discourse , but i have first begotten that in thee . in what sort therefore dost thou , now being a scholar , pretend a tutorship over thy mistress , thou being a daughter , over thy parent ? that first argument , arising from my arrogancy , taught me , that nothing is more nigh to the soul than pride : which lifting up , nevertheless , arisen from disobedience , it hath covered with the cloak of vertue : to wit , least it should be led away by credulity . but reason answered , not indeed affirmatively ; but onely , that it might breed a fear in the minde , and so , by scrupulousness , might draw it unto its desires . for it said , there is no safety to the soul , to be attained without reason : to wit , that mortalls would perish under the allurements of the senses , unless vices should be restrained by the raines of reason . to whom , the wrothful minde , saith : away for shame , none of these things are from thee , or by thee : whose knowledge i receive from faith , and attainment or performance , from clemency . yea , faith commands , that for her , we forsake thee . for thy flexible juggling deceit hath brought forth a hundred sections , or divisions , and clefts in faith , even in the more refined men . but every section , hath its rational induction , or bringing in of sophistry . because reason doth on every side , bring forth onely a thinking , instead of faith ; but faith is of grace : not of thee , subtill reason : who dost delude , and miserably lead aside the most witty , or quick sighted men , that trust in thee , unto a hell of miseries . finally , my minde considered by faith , that there was one onely form and essence of truth ; and that all understanding was alwayes , onely of true things . wherefore in the choyce , my minde esteemed it meet , to magnifie understanding before reason . and therefore it began to fear , least reason , which through a shew of piety , truth , and religion , under a multiplicity of erring , did guilfully deceive so many thousands of men , as a pleasing flatteress , and crafty seducer should seduce it . and therefore , my minde suspected , that reason did not onely feign perswasions , for the deceiving and flattery of it self , as oft as the minde did design it for a judge and assistant : but also , that reason did plainly yield it self for a parasite , and to the servitude of the desires , even of those that are most religious : and did bring with it , more of thinking , rashness , and blockishness , than of knowledge and truth . because it was that , which would easily be bended at a beck , by tongues , sometimes to one , but sometimes to the other extream : and would every where , finde out , feign , and prostrate reasons , according to the pleasures of the desires : yea , it oft-times proceedeth in discoursing of that which falls without that which is reasonable , and it remains indefinitely undistinct , and uncertain in ignorances , the which notwithstanding , it did promise to untie . also , now and then , reason hath made souls mad , who trusting too much to its perswasions , had enslaved themselves unto it . in the next ●lace , in others , through foolish , importunate , undiscreet , and vain cares , it cuts off the thred of life . the minde therefore hath drawn a wearisomness from the command of reason ; and the rather , for that it knew reason to be a houshold servant of its family ; but being a chamber-maid , it presently did presume upon the whole government of the soul. and the minde having remembred that divine word , that those of his own house , are his enemies : conceived a loathing over reason . and its turning away on both sides , was not yet sufficiently founded , yet it got strength in going . from the first , therefore , after that , the soul began no more to contemplate of reason , as a part or power of it self ; but as it were a strange guest , plainly divided , and a newter from the essence of the minde . and afterwards , the soul knew that thing by faith , that it being once separated from the body , it stands no longer in need of reason : and therefore that this is frail and mortal ; yea , and that it hapned to us together with death , in the corruption of nature . indeed , the minde knowes that it is , after death , to inhabit all its knowledge at once , full , naked , not successive , not wrung out or extorted by force of premises , not conquered by convincement , not deceitful , disputable , or doubtful . neither that it shall make demonstrations after death , that it may conclude , draw , compel , derive , or reflect , whether that thing shall be to conceive , or indeed to signifie or give notice . therefore the minde seised on frail reasons coat , she being also a fugitive from the soul , and hath spoiled her of every garment , even unto nakedness : but then it was confirmed to the minde , that reason being left with us , came to us , as it were , a brand from a tormentor , for a remembrance of calamities , and of our fall . and that the knowledge of good and evil , attained by eating of the apple , was reason its very self , which is so greatly adored by mortal men . afterwards therefore , my minde endeavoured to depart ; not indeed against , but from the use of reason : to wit , by abstaining from all discourse , in the contemplation of a thing , as a thing is good , true , and a being in act . but that thing i could not presently obtain , because reason did continually accompany my soul against its will , as a shadow doth the body , the which , without bidding , comes into the counsel of the minde , from an antient possession , and a not sufficient concealing of our councel . and by this title , the conversation of reason was afterwards as yet , more burdensome , sorrowful , tedious and clowdy unto me . for truly , then i began to perceive , that reason did vex the soul with a multiplicity , with a vain complacency of sciences , and did tempt with it a ridiculous enquiry after virtues , promising an ornament of life , before the world , which doth adore its starry goddess reason . wherefore it did miserably draw the understanding and will into its pleasure , and did so load the memory , that even now , in my man-hood , my memory did fall as an asse under his burden , and got a defect . my minde therefore had often banished reason , but it hath alwayes privily entred afresh , against the endeavours of the minde , hath discovered its learned hypocrisie , and hath placed its batteries against the most weak wall of the minde . indeed it hath alwayes promised a vulgar applause , the foolish rewards of ambition , boasting , that it is nourished under it . but then it first rose up against a strictness of life , against which , as against harsh phylosophy , and disswaded from that , as follies , and fraudulently excused many things here and there , unlawful , with the priviledges of youth , or of custome already in many places received ; and even readily serving for the flattery of the minde , it by a learned industry , followed it as it were a chamber-maid , feigning reasons at the pleasure of the minde , now inclined . at length , my minde asked , what knowledge reason could give ? whereto she presently answered , she could effect by the great art of lullius , that a man may be able to discourse of every knowable thing , as it were an omniscient person , with the admiration of the whole world. then my minde was wroth , and said to reason , be gone wicked pratler : for first of all , i detest discursive matters , therefore have i certainly known , that reason doth alwayes forsake the soul , with an unsweetness of dryness , stumbling in the dark with disquietness , uncertainty , and bitterness . last of all , as i knew , that there was no help to me in nature , nor seperation from so troublesome and tedious a guest , i hid my self within the prayer of silence , so that sometimes , i could altogether , and now and then in part , uncloath my self of reason , and all its appendices . it happened therefore , that without , or at leastwise , besides those things , which may be known by reason , or be any way conceived by its help , i came down as it were by a dream , under an unutterable light . of which , i have nothing to say further : because that envious reason hath presently withdrawn me from thence . for , as soon as reason , being not yet putrified , waxing dim under the accustomedness of the light , had entred with my minde , it raised up an admiration in me , who i was , from whence , after what manner , and why i had come down thither : and so i fell out of the light , into miserable darknesses , under the day , or in the day-time . but in my judgement , that light was delayed , scarce the space , wherein any one might drawingly pronounce four syllables . nevertheless , from thenceforth , i felt my self changed from that which i was before . for i even tasted down the immortality of my soul , the foundation of faith and religion , a knowledge that is to be preferred before all frail or mortal things . i proceeded therefore with a greater study , or endeavour , to depart from reason : because it was that , which hath never assaulted me naked ; but deceitfully covered with fighting , and deceitful juggles : but it had never truly forsaken me , but with uncertainty . salomon calls the spirit of a man , the lamp or candle of god. but not that god is in darkness , or that he hath need of the splendor of the spirit of a man. but altogether , because the hidden knowledges of things , are infused by the father of lights into us , by meanes of this candle . i apprehended more certainly , daily , that reason was not that spirit of a man , and therefore neither that candle of god. yea neither the light of that candle : but that there was a far different light of that candle , by the vigour or efficacy whereof , it might pierce a knowable thing , granted unto it . indeed , i throughly beheld , that the soul was not in need of , yea , nor the framer of a syllogisme , because it will not use it , being once severed from the body . for truly , its native knowledge , was far more noble , and certain , than any demonstration , which is the top of reason . then in the next place , i knew , that neither did sense frame a syllogisme ; but that reason , the framer of demonstrations , did possess the animall understanding , or imagination , which is a meane between the senses and the intellect . wilt thou ask , why the light shineth ? why the water is moyst ? yieldeth to a finger that enters it , &c. and thou shalt finde , that , by how much the more clear any thing is , by so much the reason thereof is the more stupid , remote , and dull . then therefore , i clearly beheld , that reason is wallowed up and down , among thick darknesses . and then , that , wheresoever there is no discourse , no premises ; there also no conclusion , consequence , or reason , is found . notwithstanding a knowledge of the premises , is more certain than of the conclusion : because , seeing it is supposed from things that are firstly or chiefly true : also that knowledge is in the soul without reason : because , before a demonstration . whence i concluded with my self , first , that reason doth generate nothing but a dim or dark knowledge , or a thinking . then next , that the knowledges of the truth , of things , and premises , do proceed , not indeed from reason ; but from a far different beginning , to wit , the intellectual light of the lamp or candle . wherefore i straightway observed , that the discourse of reason , doth extenuate or lessen , overshadow , hinder , and choak that noble act of understanding , whereby the knowledges of the premises , are implanted in us . and i learned more and more , that reason was far of from , and moreover also , out of the light of truth , because like bats , it onely cannot endure or bear the light , being content with its own borrowed glow-worm light . because it is that which is properly nothing else , but a wording faculty of discoursing , co-bred with us as mortalls , from sin . so that i say , it more wearieth the addicted or ready following soul , by operating , and covers the scull with dogs hairs , than it is able to produce within us , a true knowledge of the truth . forasmuch as i have found , that the soul wishing to know , by the hunting of reason , for the most part , embraceth lying meanes , and false satisfactions , instead of the truth , for a reward of its labour . for thus the minde being deceived , beholds a lie , a false paint , deceit ; and in summe , a thinking instead of truth , as long as it , as yet , doubts nothing of the juggles of reason . for in this respect it hath happened , that there are so many juggling deceits , and false doctrines , as well in religion , as in the art of medicine , so that i cannot thorowly view any one corner of the schooles , from whence truth is not overthrown by the aims of reason . therefore , i have seen and learned , reason to be a naked thing , because reason , for every event , did bring forth nothing but a thinking or truth , by which meanes , it did bury the intellectual understanding . because that the minde cannot at once embrace and follow two lights , which are so diverse . but the world is every where miserably misled , and deluded by thinkings . and first indeed , because every one thinks reason to be the image of god , and our best treasure , &c. i pray you , let a reason be asked about a doubtful question , of ten witty men apart : and mark , how much they differ from each other , every one is deluded by his own reason , and how stoutly every one fights for his own thought . for truly , seeing my minde did spoil reason of its garment , i observed , that the world is chiefly deceived , by its own thinking ; because it calls ●e inquisition of the knowledge of things by their causes , the seeking out , or invention of reason . but therein , i have first of all discovered the false paint , and most wretched condition , and most poor nakedness of reason ; because it blusheth to appear , unless under the covering of a false etymologle , or pretended true reasoning , or derivation of words , and a begged cloak . for truly , reason is by no meanes , a cause , part , or essence of the thing caused , much lesse doth the rational faculty in man , reach unto things . for a thing is that in it self , which it is , without the reflexion of it on any discourse , and invention of humane reason . therefore the outmost garment of reason is a mask . indeed , the cause is the beginning , and original of the thing caused . but reason is no such thing . in the next place , i have observed , that the schooles gave reason place , in the middle of the essence of the minde ; and that from thence , they did denominate the soul to be rational , as it were by an essential property . as though reason should be given to it for a lamp , or candle , in the innermost essence thereof . when as , otherwise , in very deed , in the minde , or the most immediate image of god , there is no room for reason . because , the soul being seperated from the body , doth not use the discourse of reason : yea , when the soul , being as yet the in mate of the body , doth intellectually understand any thing , it plainly refuseth all use of reason . because that when it makes use of reason , it plainly resembles the savore of a corporeal soyl. seeing the rational power is in the lower part of the soul , as being bound with bodily fetters . finally , presently after the uncloathing of reason , it offered it self as alike frivolous a covering from , the thinking of reason . to wit , that whatsoever is akin to truth , this reason judgeth rationable , and agreeable to reason . when as notwithstanding , reason and truth are unlike , or disagreeing in their roots . for truth is a real true being ; but reason is a mental , problematical , or intricate being , onely appearing : for hence the being of reason a non-being hath arisen from its mother , though . for the rational faculty , and reason derived from thence , doth oft-times embrace false things , for true , and true things for falses . whence at length , i seriously considered , that reason did not agree with the conformity of a thing proposed by discourse , and the knowledge of a conclusion found by us . because reason properly , is not the judgement of the outward man , or of his imagination , whereby it rubs together , truth , appearing unto it self , according to the shapes , or figures of sciences , which are supposed to be inbred in man : from whence it wandering , the imagination doth then first frame a knowledge agreeable to it self . but reason , that steward , reputed in the minde of so great worth , is nothing else , but a disposition of the aforesaid conformity , found by discourse , with the shapes or idea's co-bred in the imagination , which conformity in the next place , as it is in it self , confused , obscure , moveable : so of necessity , it ought to be unstable , from the nature of the subject of its inherence . for so also , the most refined reason may be in it self deceitful : neither must it be of necessity , that it should compel , contain , or conclude any certainty within it , mathematical science excepted because this doth plainly consist in the measurings of co-measurable things . for therefore more heretiques are converted by the examples of a christian life , than by the discourses of disputations : next , the aptness of that disposition unto the species , or shapes co-bred in the imagination , is reckoned to be , rationality or reasonableness . but reasoning , or logisme ( from whence is a syllogisme ) is an act whereby the conformity of the same disposition , is made to approach unto the species , co-begotten in the imagination , or as my opinion carries it , finally raised up , or awakened there . as soon as by putting of the shooes of reason , i found most things to be in nature , which the understanding judgeth necessary , the which reason refuseth as impossible : i knew from thenceforth , that reason did not dwell in the possession of a true understanding ; but without the same . because that in the understanding , truth is immediately , because truth being understood , is nothing else , but a suiting of the intellect to the things themselves . indeed , the understanding knowes things as they are ; and therefore likewise , the understanding is made true concerning the things themselves , by the things themselves ; for as much as the being of things from themselves , is alwayes true : and their essence is truth it selfe . and therefore the understanding which is carried about them , or brought over them is alwayes directly true . but seeing the imagination , or the reason thereof , is a certain cr●aked manner of understanding , proceeding by reasons and discourses ; but not by a transformation of adequation or suiting : therefore that rational manner , is an abusive and deceitful understanding . but good , right , one , and true , have themselves alwayes after one and the same manner , in the intellect ; because they stand alwayes in one point of suicableness in the intellect : but evill , crooked , athwart , false , and manifold , are made after many manners , by reason , in the imaginative part . therefore i have certainly known , that reason is not to be had in so high an esteem , as hitherto it hath been . and the rather , because reason and discourse , do not obscurely flcurish , or grow in b●uit beasts : for , that an aged fox is more crafty than a younger one , by rational discourse , doth happen to be confirmed by the remembrance of experience : yea , bees do number : because if there be hives placed in order , a small bee flying out in the morning , numbers out of what hive she went forth , and then , doth not return nor enter , unless she first re-number the rank : which is easily proved ; for if the fifth or sixth hive be removed into the seventh , or any other place , and the number being turned in and out , the bees , which return laden with hony and wax , thinking to lay up their fardle within their own common-wealth , do reck on again , upon the fifth or sixth numbred hive : the citizens whereof , seeing they are strangers to that little bee , coming unto them , do kill the same . and in this manner , 〈◊〉 do in one night , destroy all the hives . for the serpent was more crafty than the other living creatures . and i will confirm by one example , instead of a thousand , a rational discourse in beasts . a man of a neighbouring village , brought up a house , the chief watchman of the night-prey . but it happened , that in full of the moon , a wolf , ran up and down about the village , at whom , that dog , straightway barked , and followed the fleeing wolf. but this being impatient of hunger , reterted himself on the dog , and followes him . but the dog running away , and leaping upon his oven , retired himself in safety , and from thence continually barked ; and waking his master , discovered the presence of the wolf. but the day following , the wolf returned , whom the dog , as he did the day before , assaulted by barking . for the wolf feigning a flight , until he knew by conjecture , that his fellow wolf , which he had brought with him , had hidden himself under the oven . when therefore , he turned himself towards the dog , who running away from the wolf following him , and thinking to retire to his oven , as it were to a most safe castle , another hidden wolf bewrayed himself , who laid hold on the dog with a grinning mouth , and hindered his leaping upon his oven . therefore i have noted a remarkable diligence in all bruit beasts , also in most insects . i think it therefore a disgraceful definition , whereby a man is decyphered to be a rational or reasonable living creature , as it were from a description of his essence . for truly , he was to be defined from his ultimate end , by the properties of appointments in creating , if the end be the first of causes , according to aristotle . wherefore , neither was the definition of a man , to be begged from the fountain of paganisme , which hath been plainly ignorant of creation , and the ends thereof . for as my philosophy is unknown to the heathen , so likewise their philosophy is with me , of no value . indeed , i write for the sake of christians , for whom it is a shame , to follow heathens , contrary to gospel-truth . neither also am i willing to be accounted a brawler about names , as oft as i treat of the ends , prerogatives , choiceness , and dignity of the divine image . i reject , first of all , the follies of paganisme , in-definitions , especially those made concerning man. for truly , according to the testimony of st. anthony , described by blessed jerome : paul , the first of anchorets , is referred among the number of the gods. also by relation of the same anthony , faunus is read to be a talking rational creature : yea , knowing and worshipping the god of nature , and of the christians , and beseeching anthony , to pray for him and his . it is manifest in the first place , that this faunus was not a man , from the assertion of anthony , and his monstrous figure or shape . next , neither that he was an evil spirit , is gathered , because this is so proud , that if he knew he might be saved by prayer , he would not so much as ask , that any one would pray for him , neither would he prostrate himself for to beg pardon . for blessed jerome calls faunus , not a man , as neither an evil spirit . therefore faunus is neither of these , as the same man witnesseth , by whom that paul obtained the first place among the anchorets , and was reckoned among the saints . therefore a faunus is a living creature , as a being in reason , speaking his own proper country dialect ; but not a man. so in times past , a live satyr , and afterwards seasoned with salt , was shewen for money , being carried thorowout aegypt , phrygia , and greece . finally , in scotland and zeland , and elsewhere : there are fished monsters , using reason , yea , exercising mechanick arts , in the half shapes of men . indeed man alone was made after the image of god , with an excluding of all creatures or things . but these rational bruits , being in their own elements , are also different among themselves : yet are they the images , or likenesses of us , and not the images of god. man therefore , is a creature living in a body , by an immortal minde , sealed to the honour of god , according to the light , and image of the word , the first example of all causes . for the day , and its light were sometimes without the sun , and the sun shall at sometimes be without light . but the soul of man , cannot be considered without the image of god , seeing the kingdom of god , with all its free gifts , is more intimate to the soul , than the soul it self is intimate to it self . therefore , i am deservedly angry , that the schooles do badly season youth , with heathenish phylosophy , and that they do even till now , delight in acorns , the banquets of the first , or original truth , being now found . oh lord , the light of thy countenance is imprinted upon us ; for none hath perfectly known the image , and whether it doth well answer to its type , if he shall not first know or acknowledge the type . wherefore , as many as do badly define a man , do not know or acknowledge god , as neither themselves in essential things . the phylosophical schooles therefore , have rested more in the lessons of the heathens , than of paul. hence i contemplate , that they have meditated of a man , onely according to his dead carcase ; but not according to the intention of the creator , or efficient , and the finall ordinations of man. for otherwise , the almighty , had declined from his scope , if the end be the first or chief of causes , in creation , and there be something considerable , as first , in the adorable authour of things . therefore the creature was to be defined , and that from the intention of the efficient creator . for he erreth not in his ends , who frameth the properties themselves , which flow from the very ends of their appointments . wherefore , man , although he hath from his body , some animal or sensitive , and bodily conditions : yet , from the intent of god , he is created into the living image of god , in an immortal substance , that he may know , love , and worship god , according to the light of the type or figure imprinted on him . but after that man hath lived in the flesh , as an animall or sensitive living creature , god hath said , my spirit shall not remain , or alwayes strive with man , because he as flesh . for the proper genus or general kinde of the thing defined , in the definition of a man , which the schooles name an animall , or living creature : that very thing , god nameth degeneration , a turning out of his wayes , the corruption of nature , and destroying of his intention in creation . but , that their constitutive difference of a man , or the rational part , doth belong to bruites is without doubt : and also the penury of logick , which is altogether destitute of all definition , and constitutive difference . but reason being now stript even unto a nakedness , i got its every way displeasure , because it seemed to me an empty skeleton , its masks and coverings being taken away . lastly , i beheld the narrow poverty , and unquiet foulness thereof ; especially , when i was mindeful of the confusions and uncertainties , wherewith , it , according to its wonted manner , had intangled me . i began therefore afterwards to contemplate , that my intellect might more profit by figures , likenesses , & visions of the phantafie in dreams , than by the discourses of reason . yea , that frequent discourses did ordinarily render their man , foolish , wrathful , mad , stotmy in his judgement , and moveable , or weak , and so also of a tender health . and at length , i more fully looked into the progress of figures and idea's : and then i found those , as yet , encompassed with miseries and anguishes : because images were estranged , by reason of their adulterating from the very truth of the thing , and of its essence , by an unexcusable disagreement of every similitude , remote from identity or sameliness . and then i thus judged , because the distinction between the images of the phantasie , and the images of the intellect , had not yet been made known unto me : the which , after their abstractions , do remain in the very centre of the soul ; for i was for the most part wearied all the day , about some knowable thing ; the which , although it was unknown to me , as to its foundation and manner , yet by likenesses , i determined it was by much labour to be known unto me . at length , when i perceived my self to be hindered from further proceeding , because astonished , i framed inwardly , that any likeness of a thing not yet perfectly known , is adorned with a possible adiacence of its essence . under which , i once afterwards , ere long , beholding that , in my imagination , and as it were , talking to the same , i being at length , notably wearied with study , fell asleep , that at least , i might stir up a dreaming vision , whereby i might draw out that desirable thing to be known . according to that saying , night unto night sheweth knowledge ; and surely it is a wonder , how much light , those kinde of visions unfolded unto me , especially , my body being not well fed for a good while before . for i do not deny , but that , the essences of the thing sought for , which were for the most part , covered under the cloak of a riddle ; or confused ; and as yet , very much subject to pluralities , and interchangeable courses : i many times attained by this meanes of knocking , especially , the helps of seeking having gone before , and the ayds and wings of prayer , being adjoyned . and a holy man ( to whom , i had uncovered every corner of my conscience , and the wearisomnesses of labours and years through restless nights ) said unto me : ah , i would to god , i had laboured as much , and had spent as much time in loving of god , as thou wretched man hast done , in the searching out of knowable things , whereof , the last day will not require of thee a reason or account ! truly , i then praised the lord , that he had freely bestowed on me a certain nearer meanes of knowing and learning , than reason could be : the which did never pierce unto the former , or cause , and seldom unto the latter , or effect , and that , moreover , with much uncertainty . for then , i believed , that the original misery of corrupted nature , could not proceed further , unto the once tasted light , than by the aforesaid images of the phantasie . by the perswasion therefore of that man , i desisted from a more narrow wishing , seeking and searching into any thing , i stripped my self of all curiosity and appetite of knowing , i betook my self unto rest or poverty of spirit , resigning my self into the most lovely will of god , as if i were not in being , not in working , in desiring meer nothing , in understanding nothing : most especially , because i knew manifold imperfections in my knowledges ; i conceiving great indignation with my self , because that for a frail knowledge , i had bestowed so many and so great labours . therefore i my self wonderfully displeased my self : therefore i begged of the lord , that he would wholly sweep out of my minde , every knowable thing , and the profane desires thereof : the which minde , with this inscription , i wholly offered unto his good pleasure . in the mean time , after two moneths , in this renouncing of knowledges , and naked poverty , it once again happened unto me , that i intellectually understood . i placed my athanar , or the instrument of my reception and operation , another way . but i straightway returned into my self , neither knew i , how long that light had remained . that indeed i knew , that the newness , amazedness , and rejoycing of the unwonted matter , then stole away that light , and made me to fall out of it , into my antient confusions of darkness ; because that reason was not yet mortified . aristotle , although he was wholly void of this light , yet he hath seemed from some other , to have described the perceivance of another , concerning the labour of wisdom , or things adeptical . it is better for a man to be disposed or inclined , than to be knowing by description . to wit , by the deaf suggestion of another , he calls it a better thing to have men disposed , than if they were knowing : that is , by the help of demonstration . by meanes whereof alone , he elsewhere alway boasts , that all knowledge in man , doth arise . i likewise acknowledged , that we must bid farewell to reason and imagination , as unto brutall faculties ( and that by reason of the misery of our fall ) if by hope , we are drawn into the deep , for a sound knowledge of the truth . i have known likewise , that an easie translation of the understanding was required , and a pleasing transchanging of it self into the form of the thing intelligible ; in which point of time indeed , the understanding for a moment is made ( as it were ) the intelligible thing it self . but seeing the intellect is perfected by understanding , and that nothing is perfected , but by that which hath a resemblance with it in its own nature ; therefore i gathered that the understanding and things understood , as such , ought to be , or to be made of the same nature ; but this ought to be done without labour , and disquietness : but with rest , in the light proper to them , with the withdrawing , depriving , and wanting of any other created help whatsoever . but if a forreign help doth concur , now , it shall be with the labour of a desire stirred up without the understanding . furthermore , that passing over and transfiguration of the understanding , otherwise natural to it , they do signifie to be sometimes subordinate poets , the name of protheus , even as a fable . but i have now known more clearly than that , that that transchanging of the understanding ought to be made , because the intellect is in it self , wholly pure , simple , one onely , and undivided . wherefore , for that cause also , some onely , simple , uniform , and single act , should belong to it , plainly undivided from the understanding it self . otherwise , the understanding should loose the homogeneal simplicity of its unity , by a duplicity of interchangeable course . notwithstanding ; i have sufficiently found , that it is not of the full and free power of our will , now thus to enjoy its own understanding . and that there is more required unto that thing , than to think , endeavour , wish , will , &c. and that not onely by reason of an accustomedness , whereby , we have been wont from a childe , by animal or sensitive acts , to obey the imagination : but much more , because the will it self , together with the memory , ought for that space of motion , to be wholly supt up , and as it were , annihilated in the understanding . the which surely , is the weight of a great mystery . for else , as soon as any one doth think of his soul , or of any thing as of a third ; with a seperated interchangeable course , without the understanding , for that very cause , there is not yet the thought , or operation of a pure , and onely intellect . but when the soul thinks of it self , or any other thing , as it self , without an interchangeable course of the thinker , and of the thing thought of , without an appendency , out-turning , or respect to duration , place and circumstances ; then indeed , such a thought is intellectual , or of the understanding . but it is not as yet , therefore illustrated , or made lightsomely famous , although that understanding is already a far more noble thought , than that which rusheth in by things that happen : whether those do come in to it by likenesses , without a sequel , as being infused ; or next , being drawn from experiences and observations , do by influence , flow to it of their own accord . because the soul , in that state of light , doth thus apprehend the more inward and formerly essence of the thing understood , because the intellect it self doth transform it self , by passing over , or thorow , into the thing understood . hence indeed , it followes . if intellectual knowledge be with a similitude of the thing understood in the understanding it self : that also the kingdom of god , doth as it were come to us , and is renewed , or doth spring again , as oft as we in faith do intellectually and presentially adore the goodness , power , infiniteness , glory , truth of god , &c. in the spirit : and thus it is unto god a delight , to be with the sons of men . surely it is thus . our understanding is as it were all to be sprinkled with a new dew of perfection , as oft as any thing that is super-celestial or heavenly above , is intellectually contemplated of : because for that moment , it passeth over into that , and tasteth down that . then indeed , the image of god shines all over within , and becomes glorious . good god , whitherto dost thou bring mortalls ? but surely , such an intellectual thought , is not made with a distinction of words , or properties of speech : neither with the girding of the sences or reason : neither with a certain more swift conception of a whole discourse , abundantly drawn in ; nor with a dependance and sequel of things before thought of : nor being environed with circumstances , of here , now , white , great , bitter , like , pleasing , &c. but one is not in the understanding without the other : neither with-the other under an interchangeable course : neither also , even as it may be conceived by reason , or imagination , or be thought by imaginations or likenesses . but in that state , now , here , sense , reason , imagination , memory , and will , are at once melted into a meer understanding , and do stand obscured , under darkness , by the light of understanding . then , then i say , a certain light falls upon the soul. and that in my judgement , is all of whatsoever could ever be declared by word , thought , speech , and writing . but whether that light be altogether supernatural , or that the understanding be of its own nature thus kindled , or enflamed , i had rather experience than determine . that one thing at leastwise , i know , that it doth not happen without grace . wherefore , whether the understanding be transformed , or whether it doth transform it self into the image of the thing understood , surely it had need of help from god , and that indeed a singular one , because then , at leastwise , the soul beholds its own understanding , under a form taken on it , in the said light : and in that its glasse , it beholds it self intellectually , without a reflexion of interchangeable course ; and so it conceiveth a knowable thing , together with all its properties . for that , this light of knowledge , is not that which issues out of the understanding , but remaineth within , reflexed upon the understanding , which may be perfected in all truth , and perfect certainty . indeed , some rabbins do fear this state of the soul , as dangerous . the mystical school also feareth the danger of arrogancy , and spiritual adultery . but both , as they do avoid or shun that which is hurtful . and the adeptists think , if it should often invade one , or long continue , undoubted death would be brought , together with a sickness , which the rabbins call binsica : which properly , is an unnourishment , or pining away of the organ of the phantasie . notwithstanding i pray , let them pardon me , if i shall think otherwise . first of all , because the instruments of the imagination do not labour in this act : but they sleep unmoved , as if they were not . therefore likewise , they suffer nothing . then , because that act , is not in our power : for i believe that that principal act , is of clemency . which clemency , doth never give , make , cause , or admit of that which is inordinate . therefore , although clemency should the more often , and longer abound , yet neither therefore , could it contain , or argue an inordinacy . i beseech therefore , that the father of lights would vouch safe , to prevent , and follow me with his clearness , that he may bring me unto the calling which is pleasing to him , in his grace . the light therefore which falls from above , upon the soul ( when it is lesse tied and bound to the organs of the body , and the which is in it self not capable of suffering , and immortal ) cannot also , hurt the life . for truly , after the receiving of a small quantity of the light , i finde a man scarce to suffer any thing by three dayes fasting . wherefore it comes into my minde , that the friends might stand by job , as companions , for the full nine dayes , without meat or drink . moreover , according to my opinion , that light , doth so dispose of the understanding , without the help , endeavour , and labour of the understanding , that it may come into its own freedom , which else , through the slavery of the body , is plainly moveable , dark , and confused . otherwise , the understanding makes not use of instruments , besides and without it self . and therefore , neither is it wearied , as is the imagination : neither is it of it self , subject unto diseases , changes , disturbances , alterations , interchangeable courses , or co-mixtures . for errour , juggling , a lie , or deceit , doth not fall on the understanding , while it stands in that light . for neither do , drowsiness , sleep , or defect , inhabit in it ; neither doth it receive aid from any created thing , as neither from the body , reason , or any imaginary power : but it carries its own native light , above all the circuite or ambush of reason . yea , which is more , the understanding is not then provoked , by any power more inferiour than it self , nor from the things themselves , even as they are known , subject to deceit , a juggle and lie : because they are those things which stand in the nakedness of their being before the understanding , that they may be as it were informed by this , and in passing over , be quickned . all things therefore are in such a manner in their understanding , that all things of the soul are their own intellect . yet so , that although the understanding doth by an intellectual act , transform it self into the likeness , or kinde of the thing understood : yet it keeps its own property and essence , unintermixed : whereinto it again returns , as soon as it hath ceased from that act : indeed , the soul possesseth this prerogative from clemency , that it may be the image of god : and therefore a simple created unknown light . so that , as oft as it conceiveth any forreign thing in it self , it ought of necessity , to desist from the being of a most simple light , of the divine image , or to transform it self into the figure of the thing conceived . so indeed , as that the essence of the thing conceived , is a naked essence , and yet essentially in the understanding , even as an apple in the kernel of an apple . hence therefore , it comes to passe , that intellectual knowledge is void of all errour . because reason is absent , which doth every where , make us to stumble . for essences do stand naked , and uncloathed in an intellectual conception : the which , as such , the soul , therein , doth now behold in the glass of its own understanding , as while the eye doth behold it self in a glasse , in its own reflex beam . therefore it is reputed for truth , that it is no eye , except so far as it is conceived in the intellect as such . wherefore aristotle was constrained to confess , that the principles of understanding , are wholly the same . that is to say , that the truth of essence ; and the truth of an intellectual knowledge are one and the same . and therefore , as a being , or to be , true , good , and one , are convertible : so essence , goodness and truth , ought to be co-melted with each other , into the form of a being , in the oneness of understanding . for truly , in the understandingness of the understanding , there is not any interchangeable course of the intellect which understandeth , and of the thing understood : because that , before the act of understanding , every reciprocal or mutual relation , rebounding , and reflexion on each other , is first nullified . seeing the very understandingness of a thing , is nothing but a coming to , and immediate approach of the unity of the understanding , and of the thing understood : or a destroying of interchangeable courses in a relation . the which , that it may be made more clear by an example ; the understanding intellect , is no otherwise different from the thing understood , than as a beam of light which is direct , differs from it self , being reflexed . therefore the essence of a thing understood , in the light of understanding , is made a spiritual and essential splendor . yea , by a co-passing unto a unity , it is after some sort made the light of the understanding it self . that which cannot happen to the souls of bruit beasts . therefore also , our soul understanding it self , doth after a sort , understand all other things , because all other things , are in an intellectual manner in the soul , as in the image of god. wherefore indeed , the understanding of our selves , is most exceeding difficult , ultimate or remote , excellent , profitable , beyond other things . for a man knowing the divineness of his soul , he cannot but preferre the same before any kinde of decaying and filthy pleasures , and those of no value . but the difficulty of the aforesaid understandingness , doth chiefly consist in that , that it is the image of god , which very image also , as well in it self , as in respect of the type which it resembles , is almost impossible to the understanding . and then , the soul not having in it any image of it self , distinct from it self , it cannot at all understand it self by idea's or resembling likenesses . but seeing it is simple and uniform , neither can it understand it self in an image ; neither also is it agreeable or convenient , that by reason of the highest and homogenial simplicity of the soul , it should make use of divers manners and meanes of understandings in understanding , in respect of it self ; and again , of other manners and meanes , in respect of other things understood . hence of necessity , the soul , for the preserving of its own homogeneal simplicity , due to the image of god , hath whereby to understand all other things , without a shape distinct from the things themselves . but seeing the soul wants a proper shape of its own divine image , that it may transform it self intellectually into it self : therefore it cannot properly understand it self after an intellectual manner , but in the light , and faithful witnesse of him , whose image it is . for the knowledge which we have of god , is of tradition , faith , and so of merit . although it be plainly negative , as it is not this or that , which may be conceived by the sense , or minde . and therefore , the knowledge of the soul , as of the divine image , hath a negative abstraction , or withdrawing of other things adjoyned to it , which it calls , non ens , or , a non-being ; but of a non-being , no conception , no figure , and no understanding , doth answer . that is of a negative abstraction , seeing its companion is privation ; but negative and primitive things are destitute of an idea , or equivalent shape : therefore the light of knowledge which the soul hath of it self , is of clemency , freely given , nor ever at the full in this world or life . but if a happy soul shall sometimes conceive of god in it self , by the beatifical vision , then by the same beam of light , he shall behold and know god himself , and all other things inwardly . for therefore , by how much the soul doth understand intellectually , of it self ; by so much it profiteth in the most profitable knowledge which can be had of created things in this life . because that in the light of its own light , it doth after a sort , behold the properties , essences , effects , interchangeable courses , distinctions and defects of all things : whither therefore , that knowledge hath once brought , there , all the more clowdy speculation and aid of reason languisheth ; even as on the other hand , a true understanding is suppressed in us , under the precepts of reason . wherefore , seeing the proper object of understanding , is the essence of things it self , for that cause , accidents being as it were abstracted , and rent asunder from the things in which they are , ought to be conceived by the imagination , and that by shapes and likenesses : but in no wise , by the understanding . wherein , after another manner , i finde all accidents co-knit together in a point , under the essence of the things understood . because accidents properly are not beings : but of the beings on whom they depend ; therefore accidents have not an essence , which doth co-pass unto the unity of the understanding , or into which essence , the understanding may transport it self . but the schooles do divide the intellect into the agent and patient . for they will have that to be conversant about the invention of meanes , and premises of a demonstration ; to wit , that the sealing marks of the termes , may imprint an understanding on the patient , as it were , on wax subjected to it . therefore they call the agent masculine , noble , and formall . but they liken the patient to the woman , and ignoble matter . and these their dreams they perswade to young beginners ; as nature doth every where operate toward the perfection of it self : but operation or action is alwayes more noble than passion or suffering : but i do every where pity so great dryness . first , because demonstration is not an effect or of-spring of the understanding , neither doth it any way supply meanes for sciences or knowledges . i have seen an aethiopian swiftly to roule a reed about , in the hole of a plank , with a towel placed between : and not long after , the reed with the towel took fire . and then , i have hidden a reed in a bright burning fornace , and the inflamed reed , hath more speedily , cleerly , and perfectly shined . when as , nevertheless , the reed did act nothing : but onely suffered an inflaming . so that , although the acting principle , may now and then be more noble than the suffering one , while the effect tends to perfection : or while the patient ought to be perfected by the agent : yet while a pretious pearl doth putrifie under the dunghill , i may not believe the agent to be more perfect than the patient . i have sufficiently shewed elsewhere , that in whole nature , the doctrine of aristotle is vain , and meer trifles : how much lesse therefore could he subsist in the court of understanding ? whose being and operating do depend onely on the soul ? for we christians , are constrained to believe , that our intellect or understanding , is an immortal spirit , light , and image of the almighty , whose beginning , as it exceedes nature , so it cannot be fitted , or squared to its rules : seeing it hath a most simple being , never to be divided into the strifes of agent and patient , or into heterogeneals , or divers kindes . seeing also that it dependeth immediately , totally , and continually on its original type : and so that without particular or special grace , it cannot understand any thing : because the object of understanding is truth it self . wherefore neither doth it understand with a perfect understanding , but by receiving . but that which receives onely , that suffers , but doth not act therein : for neither is that proper to the understanding , which comes to it by grace . the will also , while it suffers , is more noble , than while it wills : to wit , while it is ruled by the will of the superiour powers . the imagination indeed , knowes by acting , and therefore it is wearied , and this aristotle knew : but not the understanding . because it is that which suffers ( in understanding ) by way of enlightning onely . for it is a more troublesome , servile , and obscure thing , to operate in understanding , than to suffer : because , by suffering , it receives a more noble light , freely conferred on it . lastly , seeing that in understanding , it alwayes passeth over into the form of the thing understood : therefore that which partakes of an unlimited light , is perfected without weariness and labour of understanding , and the light understood , shineth , in understanding , in the light of the intellect it self . so as the things themselves , seem to talk with us without words , and the understanding pierceth them being shut up , no otherwise than as if they were dissected and laid open . therefore the understanding is alway perfected , by suffering and receiving . but the imaginative knowledge or animal understanding , which was known to aristotle , beholdeth things onely on the outside , and frameth to it self images or likenesses thereof , according to its own thinking ; and with all wearisomness of labours , runs about them into a circle . it sees indeed , the rhines , and husks , but never reacheth at the kernel : because the imagination doth not enter things ; as neither on the other hand , do things enter and satisfie the imaginative part . for at most , the imaginative part , satisfies it self by likenesses , if it hath long admired the outward signate : the inward sealer whereof , notwithstanding , it least of all embraceth . for how unjustly doth it square , that the schooles should acknowledge the soul to be the immediate image of god , and to divide the understanding , into two supposed things , which differ in offices and effects ? for truly , a two foldedness it self in the understanding , disagreeth with the simplicity of him , whose image it hideth in it self , throughout its whole being . i believe in the first place , that nothing doth pertain to the knowledge of truth , but faith and understanding . secondly , that all truth doth issue from one onely and primitive truth . thirdly , that all understanding deriveth it self , from one onely , and infinite understanding . fourthly , even as all light from one onely light. fifthly , therefore that the essence of truth doth nothing differ from the essence of the understanding . sixthly , that our understanding is vain , empty , poor , and dark . seventhly , that all its clearness , nobleness , fulness , light and truth , do come to it , by receiving and suffering . eightly , that it is so much the more ennobled , by how much the more it suffers by the light , which is beyond all nature . finally , the schooles of the heathens have failed of the knowledge of a true understanding . and therefore , man is not a rational living creature . but the predicament of a substance , is to be divided into a spirit and a body . a spirit is abstract , or withdrawn , or concrete , or joyned with a body . man alone is a concrete spirit , but not to be placed among bodies . if his denomination be to be drawn from the more especial part : and essential determination , from the more famous thing signified . therefore man was to be denominated and defined from a spirit , and an intellectual light. chap. iv. the causes and beginnings of natural things . . the authour excuseth himself , why he is paradoxical . . some bodies want causes in nature . . a fourfold order of causes , makes manifest the ignorance of nature in aristotle . . some errours of aristotle . . that the form , the efficient cause , and the end of aristotle , are not the causes of natural things . . the form is not the act. . a false maxim of aristotle . . he erreth in the attributes of the form. . he knew not the true efficient cause . . the father is not the efficient cause of the son. . there are two onely causes in nature . . the end hath no reason of a cause in nature . . that the three beginnings of bodies , of paracelsus , have not the nature of causes . . whence the definition of any sort soever of natural things is to be required . . the definition of a horse . . the division of sublnnary bodies among the auntients , is dangerous or destructive . . the definition of animalls , plants , and mineralls . . the name of subject , sounds improperly in philosophy : why 't is to be called a co-worker . . things without life , that are produced , how they receive their ends . . why the seminal power is attributed to the earth . . that there is not a conjunction of the elements . . the principles of the chymists , have not the power of principiating . . that there are two onely principles , or beginnings of bodies : to wit , that from which , and by which . . what the ferment or leaven of things is . . what are ferments in their kinde . . what is immediately in places . . the ferments of the air and water . . there is onely a speculative distinction of the ferment , and efficient cause . . the ferment is the original of some seeds . . the principiating ferment of what sort it is , and where . . ferments are immediately in places , in things themselves , as if in places . . the name of matter is speculative ; but that of water is practical . . what the inward efficient cause is . . a false maxim of aristotle . . the efficient cause in natural things is explained . . fire is not of the number of seminal efficient causes , as it hath deceived the aristotelicks : neither is the influence of the heavens among the number of efficients . . the diversity of the efficient and effective cause . . the wit of aristotle is ambitious and idle . . a false maxim of aristotle . . aristotle was more able in the mathematicks , or learning by de monstration , than in nature . . how great hath been the ignorance of the schooles in natural things hitherto . . aristotle is in the things of natural philosophy ridiculous and to himself contradictory . i come into a forsaken house , to re-melt the dross that is to be swept out by me . most things are to be searched into , and those things to be taught which are unknown ; those things which have been ill delivered , are to be overthrown ; what are unclean , are to be wiped off , and what things are false , are to be cast away : but all , and every thing , duly to be confirmed . but let it be sufficient to have forewarned thee of these things , to withdraw wearisomness , if happily new and paradoxall things do more trouble , than true things delight . the knowledge of nature , is onely taken from that which is in act , and in the thing it self : for it is that which no where consisteth in feigned meditations . indeed , the whole composure of nature is individual , in very deed , in act , and fastned in any body , except the number of abstracted spirits . lastly , and chiefly , i seriously admonish , that as often as i speak of the causes of natural things , these things are not at all to be taken , for the elements , or for the heaven : because they supernaturally began with the title of creation , and to this day , do also constantly remain the same which they were from the beginning . therefore i understand the causes of natural things , to presuppose a being subject to change . and although the bodies of the elements have come under nature , yet their speculation is of another manner of unfolding , and another kinde of philosophy . for they who before me have thought that to all generations or births of bodies , four elementsdo co-mix , have beheld the elements after the heathenish manner , & have tried by their lies , or devises , to marry the elements , & obey them . therefore every natural body , requireth no other than corporeall beginnings , for the most part subject to change , and succeeding course of dayes ; but nature doth not consist of an undetermined hyle or matter , and an impossible one , neither hath it need of such a principle , as neither of privation : but order , and life , are in the efficient cause , of necessity . and every thing is empty , void , dead , and slow , unless it hath been constituted , or sometimes be constituted by a vitall , or seminal principle present with it . and moreover , those lawes should rush down together , unless there were a certain order in things , & which did interpose , which might incline proper things to the support , or necessities of the common good . aristotle hath declared four constitutive causes of things , which have made also their own authour ignorant of nature . for in the first place , he confoundeth the principle with the material cause , to wit , calling the first cause an undetermined , or unlimited matter , or a corporeal subjected heap , wanting a formall limitation . and then he confoundeth the other cause , even the inward essence , or form of a thing with another of his principles . next the third , which is external , he calleth the efficient cause ; and at length the fourth , he nameth the end , to wit , unto which every thing is directed . but this cause , in the minde of the efficient , he would have to be the first of the three former causes : and so natural things not onely to be principiated , or made to begin by the being of reason , and mental : but also , as if they were inanimate things , they did lie hid through the end , in the minde of the efficient cause . but if therefore he doth badly search into natural causes ; he hath far worse appointed a supernatural end in the minde of the first mover , in the room of a natural cause , or he requireth a mentall conceit of the end in things without life . truly , i who have not been accustomed through the floath of consenting , to serve others enterprizes , without foreweighing them , have very much found , that the three latter causes in natural knowledge , are false , yea and hurtful . but the first of the four , i will by and by shew to be fabulous . for first of all , since every cause , according to nature and succession of dayes ; is before its thing caused . surely , the form of the thing composed , cannot be the cause of the thing produced : but rather the last perfect act of generation , and the veriest essence and perfection it self of the thing generated : for the attaining whereof , all other things are directed . therefore i meditate , the form to be rather as an effect , than as a cause of the thing . yea , more . for the form , seeing it is the end of generation , is not meerly the act of generation : but of the thing generated , and rather a power that may be attained in generation : but the matter , or subject of generation , as it is in act ; so also its act , is an inward worker or agent , the efficient , or archeus or chief workman . therefore it is false , that by how much the more a thing hath of the form , by so much the more it hath of the act , of the entity or beingness of vertue and operation . because the form is not gotten or possessed by parts or degrees : neither therefore are beings more or lesse capable to receive from the form : yea , although they were more capable to receive , yet the activeness of the agent , is not of the form it self ; but of the master-workman , or archeus , of whom by and by . therefore the form cannot be divided . for whatsoever aristotle hath attributed to the form , or to the last perfection , in the scene or stage of things , that , properly , directively , and executively belongeth to that agent , or seminal chief workman . in the next place , seeing that the efficient cause of aristotle , is external ( as he saith the smith to be , in his view of the iron ) i easily knew that he hath set to sale his fictions , for true foundations , and all his speculation , about artificial and external things of nature , to wander . the whole efficient cause in nature is after another manner , it is inward and essential . and although the father generating be effective : yet in order to causing , or doing , he is not but the cause efficient of the seed , wholly outward , in respect to the being which of the seed is framed by generation . for in the seed , which fulfills and contains the whole quiddity or thing liness of the immediate efficient , that is not the father himself : but the archeus or chief workman . for that the father in respect of the thing generated , hath the reason of nought but an external cause , and occasionally producing : for by accident alone , the effect of generation doth follow , although , the agent applies himself to generation with his whole intent . therefore the constitutive constituter efficiently , causing inwardly , perfectively , and by it self , is the chief seminal workman it self , really distinct from the father , in being , and properties . even as in vegetables . herbs indeed are the productresses of seeds , but they are but the occasional and remote causes of herbs arising from that seed ; and therefore although they are natural causes , yet not sufficient and necessary ones : for neither of every seed will therefore rise up a plant. therefore the seminal being is in the seed , the immediate efficient cause efficiently , the internal , as also essential , of the herbe proceeding from thence . but the plant that goeth before that seed , is the remote cause , the natural occasion indeed of the seed , which by it self , and immediately frameth the plant , and effects it , with the assistance of that which stirs it up . for otherwise , if the herbe causing , should be the efficient of the herbe produced , the working or begetting cause could not be burnt up , but the plant produced should also perish . therefore the seed is the efficient inward , immediate cause of the herbe produced . wherefore after a diligent searching into all things , i have not found any dependance of a natural body , but onely on two causes , on the matter and the efficient , to wit , inward ones , whereto for the most part , some outward exciter or stirrer up is joyned . because that these two are abundantly sufficient to themselves , and to other things , and do contain the whole composure , order , motion , birth , sealing notions , or tokens of knowing properties : and lastly , whatsoever is required to the constituting and propagating , or increasing of a thing . for the seminal efficient cause containeth the types or patterns of things to be done by it self , the figure , motions , houre , respects , inclinations , fitnesses , equalizings , proportions , alienation , defect , and whatsoever falls in under the succession of dayes , as well in the business of generation , as of government . lastly , since the efficient containeth all ends in it self , as it were the instructions of things to be done by it self , therefore the finall external cause of the schooles , which onely hath place in artificial things , is altogether vain in nature . at leastwise , it is not to be considered in a distinct thingliness from the efficient it self . for that which in the minde of the artificer is the being of reason : can never obtain the weight of a cause real and natural : because in the efficient natural cause , it s own knowledge of ends and dispositions , is infused naturally by god. indeed all things in nature , do desire some generating juyce , for their matter ; and lastly , a seminal , efficient , disposing , directing principle , the inward one of generation . for of these two , and not more , have all corporeal things need of . but the three principles of bodies , so greatly boasted of by paracelsus , although they should be found in all things that are to be framed : yet it would not therefore follow , that those have the force of principiating , because those three , seeing they are the fruits of seeds , they do partake as it were , of a specifical diversity : which they should necessarily be ignorant of , if they should be true principles : that is , if they should be present before the framing of the particular kinde . nor also could one thing passe into another , which notwithstanding , is a thing natural or proper to the three first principles of paracelsus . moreover , since matter , and also the efficient cause do suffice to every thing produced , it followes , that every natural definition is not to be fetched from the general kinde , and difference , things for the most part unknown to mortal men : but from the conjoyning of both causes , because both together do finish the whole effence of the thing . and then , it also followes , that the thing it self produced , or the effect , is nothing but both causes joyned or knit together . which thing truly , is to be understood of things without life , to things having life , life is otherwise to be added over and above , or the soul of the liver . for so a horse is the son of his four-footed parents , created by virtue of the word into a living horse-like soul . sublunary things are commonly divided into elements , and things elementated : but i divide them into elements and seminal things produced . these again into vegetables , animals , and minerals . so as every one of them may shut up a peculiar monarchie , secret from the other two . therefore minerals and vegetables , if by any condition , they may seem to live , since they live onely by power , and not by a living form in light enlivened ; they may also fitly be defined by their matter alone , and internal efficient . for every effect is produced , either from the outward agent , and it is a thing brought forth by art : or from an outward awakener , and nourisher , which is the occasional and outward cause : which notwithstanding , hath an efficient and seminal causewithin , and remains the efficient , even until the last period or finishing of the thing brought forth : yet the occasional cause is not the true , but mediate agent . but the subject which the schooles have called the patient or sufferer , i call the co-agent or co-worker . but in respect of both limits , or in the disposure of the working motion to the co-working , the action doth re-bound . therefore things that are produced without life , do not receive their forms , through the makeable disposition of the working terme or limit , but onely they do obtain the ends or maturities of their appointments and digestions . for while from the causes of minerals or mettalls , a stone doth re-bound , or from the seed of a plant , while a plant is made : no new being is made , which was not by way of power in the seed ; but it onely obtains the perfecting of the appointed ripeness . and therefore power is given to the earth of producing herbes : but not to the water of producing fishes . because it is not so in things that have a living soul , as in plants . for as their monarchies are plainly unlike , so also their manners of generation and generating . for therefore the natural gift of increasing seeds , durable throughout ages , is read to have been given to the earth , not so in living creatures : although these in the mean time , ought to propagate . therefore the seeds of things that are not soulified , are indeed propagated no otherwise than as light taken from light . yet in the partaking of which enlightning , the creator is of necessity the chief efficient . but the creator alone , createth every where a new light , ( whether it be formal , or also vitall ) of the individual that is brought forth : for neither was that light before , not so much as in part , although from the potential disposure , or fit or inclinable disposition , the seeds of things not soulified may in some sort be reckoned to obtain a form ; so are things that have life : yet the formal virtue is not so neerly planted in these , as in plants . for souls and lives , as they know not degrees , so also not parts . and although the seed of a living creature may have a disposition unto life ; yet it hath not life , neither can it have it or effect it of it self , for the reasons drawn from the rise or birth of forms . wherefore i shall teach by and by , that there are not four elements , nor that there is a uniting of the three remainders , yea nor of two , that bodies ( which are believed to be mixt ) may be thereby made ; but that to the framing of these , two natural causes at least , do abundantly suffice : the matter indeed is the veriest substance it self of the effect : but the efficient , its inward and seminal agent : and even as in living creatures , i acknowledge two onely sexes ; so also are there two bodies at least , the beginnings of any things whatsoever , and not more , even as there are onely two great lights . for the three beginnings of bodies which the chymists do call salt , sulphur and mercury , or salt , liquor and balsam , i will shew in their place : that they cannot obtain the dignities of beginnings , which cannot be found in all things , and which themselves are originally sprung from the element of water , and do fail , being dissolved again into water ( as at sometime i shall make to appear ) for it behoveth the nature of beginnings to be stable , if they ought to bear the name and property of a principle . therefore there are two chief or first beginnings of bodies , and corporeal causes , and no more , to wit , the element of water , or the beginning , [ of which , ] and the ferment or leaven , or seminal beginning , [ by which ] that is to be disposed of ; whence straightway the seed is produced in the matter : which ( the seed being gotten ) is by that very thing made the life , or the middle matter of that being , running thorow even into the finishing of the thing , or last matter . but the ferment is a formall created being , which is neither a substance nor an accident , but a neutrall thing framed from the beginning of the world in the places of its own monarchie , in the manner of light , fire , the magnall or sheath of the air , forms , &c. that it may prepare , stir up , and go before the seeds . this is indeed a ferment in general . but what things i here suppose , i will at length evidently shew every thing in its place . i will not treat of fables , and things that are not in being : but of principles , and causes , in order to their ends , actions and generations : i consider ferments existing truly and in act , and individually by their kindes distinct . therefore ferments are gifts , and roots stablished by the creator the lord , for the finishing of ages , sufficient , and durable , by continual increase , which of water , can stir up and make seeds proper to themselves . surely , wherein he hath given to the earth the virtue of budding from it self , he hath given so many ferments , as expectations of fruits : that also , without the seed of the foregoing plant , they may out of water generate their own liquors and fruits . therefore ferments do bring forth their own seeds , not others : that is , every ones according to their own nature and property : which the poet saith : for nature is subject to the soil . neither doth every land bring forth all things . for there is in places a certain order divinely placed , a certain reason and unchangeable root , of producing some appointed effects , or fruits , nor indeed onely of vegetables , but also of minerals , and insects , or creatures that retain their life in a divided portion . for the soils and properties of lands do differ , and that by reason of some cause of the same birth and age with that land. indeed this i attribute to the formall ferment created in that place : whence consequently divers fruits do bud , and of their own accord break forth in divers places : whose seeds being removed to another place , we see for the most part , to come forth more weakly , as counterfeit young . but that which i have said of the ferment or leaven placed in the earth , that very thing thou shalt likewise finde in the air and water : for neither do they want roots , gifts , fermental reasons or respects , which being stable , do bring forth fruits dedicated to places and provinces , and that thing not onely the perseverance of fruits doth convince of : but also the voluntarily and abundant shedding abroad of unforbidden seeds . therefore the ferment holds the nature of a true principle , divers in this from the efficient cause : that the efficient cause is considered as an immediate active principle in the thing , which is the seed , and as it were , the moving principle to generation , or the constitutive beginning of the thing : but the ferment , is often before the seed , and doth generate this from it self . and the ferment is the original beginning of things , a power placed in the earth , or places , but not in seminal things constituted . but the ferment which growes up in the things constituted or framed , together with the properties of seeds , hath it self in manner of the efficient cause unto the seed of things : but the seminal ferment , is not that which is one of the two original principles ; but the product of the same , and the effect of the individual seed , and therefore frail , and perishing . whereas , otherwise , the principiating ferment , laid up in the bosoms of the elements , continues unchangeable , and constant , nor subject to successive change , or death . therefore it is a power implanted in places , by the lord the creator , and there placed , for ends ordained to himself in the succession of dayes . while as othewise , the seed in things , and its fermental or leavening force , is a thing , which the scene of its tragedy being out of date , doth end in an individual conclusion . for a thing , although it successively causeth off-spring from it self : that comes to passe not but by the virtue of the ferment once drawn , which therefore ceaseth not in its own places , uncessantly to send forth voluntary or more prosperous fruits , by the seed of the former parents . these things are easie to be known , in mineralls sprung of their own accord : but in plants , and living creatures , generating by a successive fruitfulness of the seed , it is not alike easie , as neither in things soulified , counterfetting indeed a confused sex by putrifaction ; but straightway causing off-spring also by a mutual joyning . but there is every where the same reason of the ferment , and so that the ferment is on both sides the same principle . for in the seed , it is placed by the parent , and undergoes an identity or sameliness with the same , or it is imprinted in the matter elsewhere , from external causes ; and at leastwise , it on either side holds the place of a true inward efficient . because the framer of things , hath ordained proper and stable places for some ferments in the cup or bosome of the elements , as it were the store-house of the seeds , therefore the first figures of efficient causes . but in other things , he hath dispersed them thorow individual things , and kindes , as if they were places : for elsewhere , he would have these beginnings stedfast , in regard of the nature of bodies in which they are in : but in another place , that they might passe from hand to hand , into the continuances of things . but in this he would have them to differ , that the stable ferments of places , should be as it were , the chief universal , simple , and inchoative or beginning beginnings of seeds , or the efficients of natural causes : which indeed , should beget with childe the element of water in it self , in the air , or in the earth . but that the sliding ferments of frail bodies , and those ferments drawn from the parents , should onely concern the matter prepared , and should sit immediately in the bosom of the seeds : and therefore also that they should contain the inward necessity of death . likewise the other universal beginning of bodies which is the water , is the onely material cause of things , as the water hath the nature of a beginning it self , in the manner , purity , simpleness , and progress of beginning , even as also in the bound of dissolution , unto which , all bodies , through the reducing of the last matter , do return . which thing , i will straightway in its place typically demonstrate . a beginning therefore differs from a cause , onely speculatively ; as that is an actual initiating being , and thus far causing . but a cause may be a terme of relation to the thing caused , or the effect , happily , neerer to a speculative being . or distinguish those as it listeth thee . i at leastwise understand , causes to begin , and beginnings to cause , by the same name , whether it be in the bosom of the elements , or in the very family of material seeds . therefore in the history of natural things , i consider the matter for the most part begotten with childe by the seed , running down from its first life , unto the last bound of that conjoyned thing ; but not the first matter of aristotle , or that impossible non-being . but i consider the reall beginnings of the efficient cause conceived , as the first gifts , roots , treasures , and begetting ferments . or if the reader had rather confound , the efficient cause with the ferment of things , and the matter of bodies , with the element of water , i willingly cease to be distinct , onely that it be known how those things have themselves in the light of nature . thus at least i have discoursed of beginnings , and causes of bodies , as i judge , and have found by experience ; also i promise much light to those , who shall have once made this speculation their own . therefore first of all , they shall certainly finde the maxime of aristotle false : to wit , that the thing generating , cannot be a part of the thing generated . seeing that the effective principle of generation is alway the inward agent , the inward doer or accomplisher , and the thing generating . which appeareth clearly enough in those things , which bring forth living creatures by their onely mother , putrifaction . wherein there is no outward univocall or simple thing generating : but the seminal lump it self , or the generative seed , doth keep in it self all things which it hath need of for the managing of generation . but truly , neither is it sufficient to have shewen a couple of causes : but rather it hath holpen more plainly to have brought forth the efficient , or chief builder of the fabrick . wherefore i do suppose in this place , what things i will demonstrate elsewhere , to wit , that in the whole order of natural things , nothing of new , doth arise , which may not take its beginning out of the seed , and nothing to be made , which may not be made out of the necessity of the seed . but the tragedy that hath done its office in the bound of the end , is nothing out the period or conclusion of the seeds , overcome with pains or ended : unless happily they may be compelled by violence to depart . wherefore i except the fire ; because , as being given not for generation ; but for destruction . chiefly , because there is a peculiar , not a seminal beginning of it . indeed it is a thing among all created things , singular , and unlike ( as sometime in its place . ) last of all , i except the influences of the heavens , which by reason of their most general appointment , have no seminal power in themselves . because they are too far distinct from the lot or interest of things to be generated : and therefore influences are chosen to be for signes , times or seasons , dayes and years , by the creator , nor ordained for any thing else : but not for the seminal causes of things . moreover of efficient and seminal causes in nature , some are efficiently effecting : but others effectively effecting . indeed of the former order , are the seeds themselves , and the spirits the dispensers of these : and those causes are of the race of essences , through their much activity , worthily divided from the material cause . but the effective efficients , are the very places of entertainment , and the neerest organs or instruments of the seeds : such as are external ferments , the disposers of the matter into the interchangeableness of the passing over of one thing into another . also hither have the dispositive powers of circumstances regard , likewise the cherishing , exciting , and promoting ones : because the seed being given , yet not any things promiscuously do thence proceed . besides , our young beginner shall learn , the wit of aristotle , ready in founding maxims , that as oft as he found any thing agreeable to his own conceipts , he would presently draw it into rules , under an universal head , by binding or tying up the roots of weaker authority that were taken from one to another . which maxims indeed of his , the following age wondered at , to wit , being prone to sloath , and therefore easily worshipping him , and those maxims . also oftentimes he brought learning by demonstration into nature , by a forced interpretation , as that he would have natural causes wholly to obey numbers , lines , and letters of the alphabet , by a rashness altogether ridiculous . by way of example : he taking notice , that fire did sooner burn about dry wood than moyst , he thereupon straightway meditating on a general maxim , would ; that the act of active things , should onely be on a matter disposed : which thing notwithstanding is enclosed with many ignorances . for first , as soon as he saw the fire , an external agent , to agree with combustible matter : he shewed hence also , that every other agent in nature , ought to act by the meanes of fire , not knowing the fire not to act by meanes of a seminal agent , and to be a peculiar creature . therefore with the like ignorance , he judged every efficient cause , like the fire , to be of necessity , external . he was also deceived in this , that he determined every natural agent to require a disposed matter : when as otherwise , the agent in nature doth dispose of the matter that is subject unto it . for neither doth any counsel of a natural agent act for any other end , than that it may dispose the matter subjected to it , unto aims known to it self , at least , appointed for generation . indeed out of one onely juyce of earth , and one onely garden , four hundred plants do grow and fructifie . for if the agent doth finde a friendly disposition in the matter , 't is well indeed : but if not , he easily prepares the same for himself . what if hereafter i shall plainly shew , that all tangible bodies do immediately proceed out of the one onely element of water : by what necessity i pray you , shall the agent require a fore-existing disposition of the matter : or if the disposed matter do fore-exist , who shall be that disposer , or fore-runner of the agent ? by it self sufficient to the disposing of every matter , wherein it is ? but if thou sayest , the ferment . at leastwise , thou oughtest again to have known , that both causes differ not in nature from the thing produced ; unless in ripeness ; nor is the agent to be distinguished from the ferment . the which , if the schooles , seasoned with the discipline of a better juyce , did know , they would also know aristotle to have revolted from his own rules , which being at first true , he erected into the premises of scientifical demonstrations . he had even become mad about the wondrous generatings of stones in us . and although , before the elements of euclide sprang up , he was more ignorant of the mathematicks : yet aristotle being far more skilful in this , than in nature , endeavoured to subdue nature under the rules of that science . for he knew the circle to be the most capable of figures in a plain . therefore he suddenly forced it into a general maxim , that also ulcers , and wounds that are round , were more hard to be cured , then any others that were alike in extension . but truly , a piercing wound by a broad dagger is more difficult , than a round one in the flesh . but in ulcers , the fistula of the fundament , or weeping fistula , are more laboursome in healing , than any ulcer of the shanks or leggs , extended into a circuite . indeed he thought , being deceived with the aptness of rules , the incarnating of a wound to promote it self onely by an external working plaister , and that outsideness , not onely to be in relation to the superficies of our body : but in a figural respect of the distance of the lips of the wound ; in order to its centre . i will relate a story . a trooper infects his wife with the pox or foule disease : but this through extream want of a remedy , enlarged it self into an eating sore or ulcer . one at least i saw wasting the fleshy membrane or coate , from the ear into the neck , shoulder and elbow , behinde thorow the shoulder blades , the whole side of the ribs , and breast . which membrane , as it is fatter in women , so it contains a deeper depth . she said she had many other and lesse sores , thorow the bottom of the belly into the legs , and she shewed a humane body , almost without a skin . the woman was carried by my authority , into the hospital of vilvord , the nuns refusing : but might prevailing , also sometimes for a while commands the nuns . the chief chyrurgion , tow being steeped in aqua fortis , with incredible pain toucheth the quick muscles , and smites the house with a miserable howling . but passing by , i asked why he had done that . he saith , it is an ulcerated cacner , and wholly so , and by how much the sooner she died , by so much the happier she would be . the complaining nun hearing that , said , she was not bound by the rules of her house , to entertain the cancer , leprosie , or pox , &c. forthwith therefore before the twilight , they bring forth the woman to the suburbs , and laid her on the dunghill . but a poor country man , pitying the unknown woman , makes her a little cottage of boughes , against the rain , but he applieth some colewort leaves to the abounding or running filthy matter , and to drive away the unkindeness of the air. he tells the chance to me , i gives her the corallate of paracelsus , prepared by the white of an egge , and in twenty six dayes she was wholly well . for the great ulcers , with a hastened force , were covered with skin , some exceeding small chaps , from the beginning , keeping a longer continuance . a little after , a certain kinsman dying , bequeaths to this most poor woman , a house and land. her husband perished behinde the hedges : she marries the second time , being now rich in a herde , a flock , and in lands . for i having admired in her husband and the chyrurgion , robbers or murderers : in the monks , lightness ; in the countryman , the samaritane , and in the woman , job , i knew the god of job to be the same , and the continual almighty ruler of the universe . from whom , although man hath privily stolen the titles of majesty , highness , excellency , clemency , and lordliness , he hath reserved at least one onely perpetual one to himself , which is that of eternity . in respect whereof , man is a mushrome of one night , on the morrow rotten . therefore let the schooles know , that the rules of the mathematicks , or learning by demonstration , do ill square to nature . for man doth not measure nature ; but she him . for neither shall a heathen man that is ignorant of the wayes , shew more the wayes , than a blinde man , colours not seen before . therefore , besides the ignorance of nature in its root , and thingliness , or what it is ; the schooles have not known the causes , number , requirance of things . lastly , the fluxes of ripenesles , slownesses , and swiftnesses . and likewise they have not known , the composures , and resolvings of bodies , made as well by nature as art. likewise the necessities , ends or bounds , dispositions , defects , restorings , deaths , consequences of seeds , also of ferments , also their nearnesses and dependencies , for that they diligently taught the natural agent to be a forreiner and a stranger to things . also by way of consequence , they have been ignorant of the births of forms , as also of the properties proceeding from thence . in whose place they have exposed fortune , chance , time , a vacuum or emptiness , & that which is infinite , although they are all strangers to nature , and those things which did contain ridiculous disciplines . yea , they have followed the authour , who believed , the world to be extended from eternity unto eternity , by its own proper forces or virtue , and he contradicteth himself , by denying an infinite . since the first moreover , being to abide for ever , to make all things in his eternal power , doth necessarily include an infinite . chap. v. the chief or master-workman . . the archeus or chief workman is the efficient cause . . how it is in seeds . . the properties and differences of the same . . the composition of the natural air. . the birth of seminal idea's or shapes . . the seminal garment of the chief workman . . the places of hospitality , with curers , appointed for the seed . . the conjunction of the stars imitated in seeds . . the first mover hath not the vicarship in a man. i have touched at the birth and causes of natural things , and least i may seem to have placed the efficient cause , undeservedly within , i will the more fitly explain the workman , the vulcan or smith of generations . whatsoever therefore cometh into the world by nature , it must needs have the beginning of its motions , the stirrer up , and inward directer of generation . therefore all things however hard and thick they are , yet before that their soundness , they inclose in themselves an air , which before generation , representeth the inward future generation to the seed , in this respect fruitful , and accompanies the thing generated , even to the end of the stage . which air , although in some things it be more plentiful : yet in vegetables it is pressed together in the shew of a juyce ; as also in mettals it is thickned with a most thick homogeniety or sameliness of kinde : notwithstanding , this gift hath happened to all things , which is called the archeus , or chief workman , containing the fruitfulness of generations and seeds , as it were the internal efficient cause . i say , that workman hath the likeness of the thing generated , unto the beginning whereof , he composeth the appointments of things to be done . but the chief workman consists of the conjoyning of the vitall air , as of the matter , with the seminal likeness , which is the more inward spiritual kernel , containing the fruitfulness of the seed ; but the visible seed is onely the husk of this . this image of the master-workman , issuing out of the first shape or idea of its predecessour , or snatching the same to it self ; out of the cup or bosom of outward things , is not a certain dead image : but made famous by a full knowledge , and adorned with necessary powers of things to be done in its appointment ; and so it is the first or chief instrument of life and feeling . for example . for a woman with child , fashioneth a cherry in her young , by her desire , in that part , in which she moveth her hand in desiring . a cherry , i say in the flesh , true , green , pale , yellow , and red , according to the stations , in which the trees do promote their cherries . and the same cherry sooner waxeth red in the same young , in spain , than in the low-countries . therefore a cherry is made by imagination : so through the imagination of lust , a vitall image of living creatures is brought over into the spirit of the seed , being about to unfold it self by the course of generation . but since every corporeal act is limited into a body , hence it comes to passe , that the archeus , the workman and governour of generation , doth cloath himself presently with a bodily cloathing : for in things soulified , he walketh thorow all the dens and retiring places of his seed , and begins to transform the matter , according to the perfect act of his own image . for here he placeth the heart , but there he appoints the brain , and he every where limiteth an unmoveable chief dweller , out of his whole monarchy , according to the bounds of requirance , of the parts , and of appointments . at length , that president , remains the overseer ; and inward ruler of his bounds , even until death . but the other floating about , being assigned to no member , keeps the oversight over the particular pilots of the members , being clear , and never at rest or keeping holyday . moreover , as sublunary things , do express in themselves an analogy or proportion of things above : so every thing , by how much the more lively it is , by so much the more perfectly it imitates the stars , so that sick persons do seem to carry in themselves sensible ephemeries , or daily registers , being skilful of future seasons . indeed in the bowels , the planetary spirits do most shine forth , even as also , in the whole influous archeus , the courses and forces of the firmament do appear . but the first mover , hath no where had a member in men : but onely under the archeus of the wombe , it meets by meditating by way of similitude , as it were in the last finishing of created things . for happily a woman is therefore more stirred , or troubled in her first conceptions , as she drawes with her , other orbs , by her first motions . as often as the wombe being swollen , with the ascending rule of imagination , doth suffer an animosity , or angry heat , it snatcheth the particular archeusses of the bowels into the obedience of it self , by striving to excel manly weaknesses , and for the most part , wretchedly deludes physitians with a feigned image . the archeusses of bruit beasts , are almost like unto mans . neither shall we draw an unprofitable knowledge of the shop of simples , from the difference of plants , and their sexes . because neither is it without a mystery , that in creeping things and insects being born in corruption alone , nature invariously sporting her self , intends nothing so seriously , as the proportionable differences of sexes on both sides . wherefore , neither must we think the same things to have been neglected in plants , although they may make one onely seed blessed with a promiscuous sex , and a most fruitful of-spring . but the most able effectress of the greater forces , is discerned under the signatures or impressions of venus : she being very bright , there is a care of the sexes , and now and then a hermaphroditical confused mixture . for whatsoever plants are femalls , they do allure or procure the violent motion of the first mover . therefore the natural astrologie of the humane seed , frames its directions according to the general motion of the heaven , but it doth not beg it abroad : for if every vegetable could send forth its seed , before the creation of the stars , surely it became man to rejoyce in no lesse priviledge : to wit , to have his subsistence , moving , and his bearing from above , from the inbred seed , but not from the stars ; in the book of long life , those things are at large cleared up , which are here desired , concerning the archeus or master workman of life . chap. vi. logick is unprofitable . . the authours protestation . . the omen or presage of this book . . what meanes he used in the composing of philosophy . . the authour writes , as it were from a command . . the distribution of logick , by its parts . . the ridiculous penurie of differences for a definition . . the misery of division . . the method of dividing , deserves not the name of philosophy . . the vain boasting of discourse . . logick brings forth onely an opinion . . why nineteen syllogismes do not bring forth knowledge . . the boasting syllogistical pomp is examined . . why every conclusion is annexed to a doubt . . why the conclusion of syllogismes is not of necessity . . in true premises , false conclusions , and on the contrary . . that the knowledge of demonstration is not to be generated in a learner . . why a syllogisme doth not bring forth knowledge . . true sciences cannot be demonstrated . . the knowledge of principles is not in reason . . what may be found out by logick . . the schooles of logick oppose themselves to the holy scriptures . . by logick is onely re-taken , what was before known . . a double , and almost an unprofitable end of logick . . no knowledge but it is from above . . to sell logick for philosophy , contains a juggle or deceit . i shall be called a presumptuous brawler , it displeaseth any of those that went before me , to understand , like the boar , that utterly destroyes the vineyard . but i know that it would go ill with me , if my soul should stand subjected to the judgements of men . for i began from my manhood , to look a squint upon ambition , or that vainest of things , depending on the unstable will or judgement of men . my eye alwayes directly beheld the calling , which ( my mother being against it ) i had made mine . but now i know , that i am compelled to teach the truth , & therefore the doctrine of this book , although it self shall cease with the number of dayes , yet that , that shall remain even to the end of the world. what if i shall shew the ignorance , sluggishness , impieties , and cruelties of physitians , about things that are to be had in the greatest esteem , and whose losse is irrepairable , and lastly , most dangerous to souls , and it shall be answered me with despight , scoffing , and taunting : truly from this very time , i rejoyce in my self , and am contented with the living hope of that recompence . for it was needful , that in the composing of new philosophy , i should break down almost all things that have been delivered by those that went before , and many things ought to be set in good order , and restored , which every one will not receive with a like acceptance . neither am i ignorant that it is alway the lot of those that deserve well , to undergoe the sharp , and for the most part , ignorant censurer . but if i teach things that are profitable , it is a command , not to bury ones talent received in the earth . i might say with jerome , in his prologue of isaiah , let them read first , and afterwards despise , least they seem to condemn things unknown , not from judgement , but from the presumption of hatred . but i nothing esteem , whether i shall be read , and reproved , or not . it is enough , that i have sufficiently yielded to the command . for neither was there any animosity or heat of ambition in me , of being made known , who willingly do confess , that i have no good thing that is to be imitated . yea the book had been put to the press without a name , if it could have been done without offence . i began from my youth , to accustom my self to practise upon the itch , physitians , chyrurgeons , and apothecaries speaking against me , that the rest of the common people , might despise me as an alchymist and a philosophe , a few onely favouring me , and from whose favour i have hitherto withdrawn my self what i could . surely i have spent much time and labour , and have withdrawn much more profitable leasure from my self , that i might satisfie the command of this study . let the praise be to the first truth , to which alone belongs the recompence of well doers . in whose glasse i have seen , and held it confirmed , that the judgements of men do for the most part directly differ from the judgments of god : that the common applause is foolish , full of errours , infamous , and alwayes hurtful : but that the universal judge , knowes no errour . therefore i will begin with things pertaining to discourse . logick consisteth of three parts , of definition , division , and discussing by argument . first of all , they teach that a definition consists in the genus or general kinde , and in the constitutive difference of the thing defined . but seeing that scarce any other constitutive difference of the species or particular kinde is known , besides rational , and irrational , which is a specifical difference , and neerest to individuals , and that one of these two is hitherto negative : truly , the first of these , i shall sometime prove to be frivolous : wherefore one foot being taken away from that which hath three feet , the logitian must needes fall , that hath trusted in such a seat . especially , because division also is so miserable a member of logick , that it may be deservedly doubted , whether through a ridiculous barrenness , it hath remained almost neglected by the schooles themselves . for the former is as well the knowledge of the whole and entire thing , as of its parts . and as concerning essence , it belongs to an universal one , to be one in many , and therefore it is more knowable . for he that hath known one thing , and that which is profitable , he hath known more things , and particular things : but not on the contrary . because one thing , and profitable , is in the understanding ; but plurality , or dividing , is in the sense . for by how much the more any thing is divided into parts , by so much the more it approacheth to things infinite , and therefore it is the lesse to be known , sliding unto irregularity , and the more subject to change and opposition . but since logick treateth of universals , and that it may be said . . of the latter : that we erre less in vniversals than in particulars : surely , logick leading us by division unto singulars , it is so far from leading to the knowledge of those things , according to aristotle , that it rather thrusteth us down into errours . truly if we more fully consider of the member of division , it is able to perfect no part of philosophy , it is a certain naked method of dividing , so rude and raw , that scarce one supposition , maxim , property , mood , and progress thereof , can be taught or dictated to young men . therefore logick being barren , and deprived of two feet of the three , was long since ruinous with me . for philosophy is penurious , and worthy of pitty , which boasteth , that with such scanty houshold-stuffe , also with all necessaries so small , it is the begetter of sciences . but the third member of logick , being lifted on high , is accounted to be of great weight with discursary men : although in the true uses of nature , it is alike inconvenient . because nature is that which hateth brawlings , neither doth it willingly bear discords : indeed the world hath suffered it self to be circumvented by aristotle , because he boasteth of logick to be the mother of sciences , nor that we do know otherwise than by demonstration . and least idiots should laugh at this boasting of the boaster ( most of whom are more crafty and skilful than logicians , and have known more things ) he hath made logick as it were native , and proper to us by nature . therefore he finely extolleth the method of disputing invented by himself , with many prayses , and he takes away all knowledge from man , as being a plained table , unless he hath yielded himself to be instructed in logick . truly , i do even admire at this vanity , and the credulities of the world : especially for that he hath been compelled to grant discourse , or natural logick to men , by a native endowment . and so he esteemeth his own philosophy , his finder out of all sciences , no more a certain hidden science , but a certain natural strife of scolding in words , and a method composed to this end . therefore in this place , we must enquire , how much of truth , power , and profit it may have . as to that which concerns my self , i know , that every dispute doth at length , bring forth a conclusion ; but that every conclusion , brings in onely an opinion . yea , that the most strong reasoning ( they call it a syllogisme ) never afforded any knowledge at all , or is fit to give it . wherefore knowledge shall be lesse to be expected from any other small form of argument whatsoever . among forms of syllogismes , do conclude negatively : but no negation ever brought forth knowledge , seeing it containeth something privatively ; and reacheth that to be nothing which it denyeth to be any thing . but knowledge must needes be positive , because it is onely of a positive , and from a positive thing . lastly , since the foundation of every syllogisme is placed in that , that if two things agree together , the same things ought to agree in some third thing , the conformity of whose agreement , ought to appear in the conclusion it self : therefore the knowing of that conformity doth necessarily fore-exist in us before the conclusion : so that i have altogether foreknown that in the general which is demonstrated by the conclusion . for that lies hid in us , as it were fire under the ashes : and shewes it self openly , through the natural power of discourse , as often as it shall come in use , no less than by the rules of logick : which thing aristotle himself dared not to deny . for otherwise , he which thus should seek knowledge by logick , hath after some sort , and in some measure known , what he seeketh . for if he had not known that , and could not know it ; how should he know it when he had found it ? unless logitians had rather to have knowledge that is sought for by demonstrations , to be found by chance . to sum up all , the knowledge which we have by demonstration , was already before in us , and onely is made a little more distinct by a syllogisme : but yet it remains as before , joyned with doubting : because every conclusion doth necessarily follow the weaker part of the premises : hence it comes to passe , that it is composed with a doubt of the contrary . yea , the conclusion or a syllogisme for the most part , may deny particularly , whose premise was a universal negative , nor dares it to infer any thing affirmatively , where there is any thing of a negative in the premises . as a sign , that it teacheth nothing by way of affirming , but doth most willingly deny . moreover , since knowledge lies hid under the ashes , in the intellect or understanding , this is able as often as it seemeth needful for it self , to shake off the ashes , neither hath it need of moods and syllogistical forms , to this end . yea seeing , that according to aristotle , we are not to dispute , but with those that do admit of principles , and those which he thinketh to be chiefly true ; it comes to passe , that from unlike principles , a strange conclusion may often follow , to wit , from false premises . nothing that is to be worshipped is the creator ; and every image is to be worshipped : this true conclusion followes : therefore no image is the creator . therefore it cannot be thought that the conclusion of syllogismes doth constrain of necessity . for otherwise , from a lie doth necessarily follow that which is false , in true understanding , and true knowledge . from an impossible thing , followes that which is impossible , and from an absurd thing , nothing but that which is absurd : which thing , all learning by demonstration proveth . therefore even as in a lie , truth and the knowledge thereof , is not contained , or doth lie hidden : so it followes , that in the premises , the knowing of the conclusion is not necessarily included . for either it is false , that no lying tree , doth make the good fruit of truth : or it is false , that of false premises , as of principles , a true conclusion may arise . yea seeing it appeares from thence , that there is not a necessary dependance of the conclusion on the premises : it is also easily understood , why the soul hath hitherto made such a scanty progress by demonstration . wherefore b. augustine saith , even as in false sciences there may be true conclusions , so in true sciences there may be false ones . moreover , where i have more narrowly weighed the nature of demonstrations , i have found demonstration , and the knowledge thereof , to be in the teacher , but not in the learner : and so not so much to finde out knowledge , as to boast of it , being already found out . but in a learner , a syllogisme , blowes of the ashes from the fire : because whosoever makes a syllogisme , he already before distinctly knew that which he endeavours to have granted him by the conclusion . to wit , he knew the termes , the mean , and the mood . for neither doth any one make a syllogisme , with unknown termes . therefore demonstration hath seemed to me , to serve school-masters that stir up their young beginners to attend those things which they themselves know . who certainly , have hitherto found out few and profitable sciences , however they may boast , that by demonstrations , they do seek after the meanes , and do attain sciences . for every syllogisme , hath first conceived an opinion of the thing , and perswades , that that opinion is sure to it self : the which , that it may afterwards confirm , for it self , or for those that learn , it seeketh termes , a mean , and a mood , that it may force its demonstration into a form . therefore a syllogisme is not to finde out sciences , but rather , that it may demonstrate to others , opinions found out . and seeing that a syllogisme doth cause a certain remembrance of that in the learner , which he knoweth , and no other thing : but sciences are not gotten by remembrance ; as if all knowledges of all things , had fore-existed in us : hence , a syllogisme cannot bring forth , or finde out sciences , which onely maketh knowledges found out , and known , more clear . but i know , and confess , that the knowledge of my understanding doth dwell immediately , in understanding , and since ( according to aristotle ) those immediate knowledges ( that is intellectual ones ) are not to be demonstrated : it also followes , that every kinde of true , or intellectual knowledge , is not to be demonstrated : that is , true sciences cannot proceed from demonstration . for every demonstration consisteth in discourse and reason ; indeed it is a simple and perfect reasoning . but according to aristotle , the knowledge of principles is not in reason : but altogether above it . therefore to know by a syllogisme , cannot be an intellectual , essentiall , as neither a principiative thing , or from a former cause ; but only from suppositions of predicaments and rules being placed , there is derived a supposed opinion of the syllogizer ( i have written more and sufficient things concerning this matter , elsewhere . ) therefore blessed jerome doth not unworthily compare the art of making syllogismes to the plagues of aegypt : and he calls logical demonstrations , dog-like discourses . but the apostle would have them to be wholly avoided ; doing nothing through contention , and to strive with words , profitable for nothing , but to the subversion of the hearers . because they are that which do quench faith , and the rewards of faith. but they say , logick is the finder out of the meanes : to wit , it is for the finding out of the meanes , and form for demonstration . dost thou think , that perhaps the apostle was ignorant , what and how much logick could profit ? that he speaks without , besides , and against the spirit of truth , when he commands logick to be avoided ? or is more to be attributed to such feeble discourse , than to the apostles command ? but truly , logick doth not finde out the meanes of being , having , doing or knowing : but onely of a more brief shewing some kinde of thought or opinion : and so it invents composed brawlings , even to oppose the truth . for therefore doth the apostle call logick ( by a title despised enough ) contentions . which surely he had not done , if it were the mother of sciences , the finder out of profitable meanes , or if it were profitable to christians . therefore the schooles teaching and doing otherwise , supposing logick as necessary , and daily much using it , do oppose themselves to the command of the apostle . therefore invention in logick is not properly invention , as neither is demonstrable science a true and intellectual one . because we do not properly finde out those things which we do any manner of way know , as we do not finde out , what things we already have in the hand , or in the chest ; but things not known before , are properly invented or found out , even as also things not had , nor possessed , are gotten by invention or gift . for when any one sheweth me lapis calaminaris , the preparing of cadmia or brasse oare , the content of , or what is contained in copper , the mixture and uses of aurichalcum , or copper and gold , which things i knew not before , he teacheth , demonstrateth , and gives the knowledge of that , which before there was ignorance of . but such like things logick never taught . therefore logical invention is a meer re-taking of that which was known before . and therefore what is not known , logick knowes not . for our spirit was already before in the possession of that , which they promise is to be found illustrious by logick . because it is impossible to know whether the premises are true , appearing , or false , unless the knowledge of the termes shall be in us first , with all knowledge of their matching , or suiting & confirming . therefore the whole service , office , and profit of logick , consisteth onely in two things : to wit , that the teacher may be able distinctly to imprint his opinion in the hearer ; and that the hearer , may stir up his memory or remembrance , through the conjoyning , fitting or squaring , matching and suitableness of the termes . which thing indeed , is not the inventive office of sciences : but a certain following order of discourse , to that which was found out . lastly , neither doth any thing so made , any way have respect to sciences : but onely to words . but wisdom , the son of the everlasting father of lights , onely gives sciences or knowledges . but the meanes of obtaining sciences , are onely to pray , seek , and knock . in the mean time , i wonder at the so great blindness of the schooles on every fide , in so greatly extolling and magnifying logick . truly i could desire to know let the schooles tell me , what science logick hath ever brought forth to light ? whether happily geometry ? musick ? making of glasse ? printing ? husbandry ? medicine ? drawing or conducting of water ? or mineralls ? of warring ? of arithmetique ? of building ? or any profitable science ? verily none . therefore at length , with blushing , must the schooles of logick confess , that the same thing hath befallen logick , which hath hitherto , the doctrine of galen . to wit , that through boasting , deceits , and ignorances , it hath deceived the credulous world. but the heathens , in setting demonstrations , and sciences to sale , have had no other light , than what hath flowed from corrupted nature , seduced by dark opinions , into disorder , and inordinatenesses , slavishly obeying the changes of circumstances , and opinions springing from thence . these things therefore have i communicated to learned men , who at length have confessed , that logick was given to be drunk by young men , at that age , wherein they could not bear any other more sound meat , and that it served them for the sharpening of their wit. ( i would god that logick did not serve for divers abuses , and that being once drawn in in youth , it did not afford a plentiful age of pernicious wits , and of logical deceipts . ) to which i add . that deceipt is not wanting , if they may in the mean time , commend logick for true philosophy , for the finder out of sciences . they say , but logical discourse is at leastwise , very necessary for divines , whereby they may refute the subtleties of heresie . that thing i have judged would be to be wise above the apostle , and so to commend the abuses of the schooles above the holy scriptures . for gospel truth , desires not logick , or contendings : but it requires godliness of life , in faith , an example of living , an uncorrupted conversation , abstinence from inordinate desires , and pride of life , th●● the word of god may be made fruitful . it hath been sufficiently disputed by enlightned teachers , from the beginning of the church ; many testifie with me . chap. vii . the ignorant natural philosophy of aristotle and galen . . aristotle is altogether ignorant of nature . . that thing is proved . . what nature is , among christians . . the same thing is again confirmed by thirteen other reasons . . in nature , there is the agent , the matter , the disposing of instruments , and the effect , or thing produced . . that heat is not an agent in seminal generation . . why aristotle hath not known the truth of nature . . his books of natural philosophy , contain onely tristes . . how young men are to be instructed in the place or room of schoole-philosophy . . into what great apolloes young men might climbe . . the prerogatives of the fire . . what a young man so instructed , might judge . . privations do not succeed in the flowing of seeds to generation . . there is no form of a dead carcase . . that generation and corruption do not receive each other . . the vulcan of life , vanisheth , without the corrupting of it self . . death is not the corruption of life . . the distinction of privation and corruption . . of forms there is no corruption . . the ignorance of galen . . his ridiculous volumes concerning the decrees of hipocrates and plato . . his books of preserving of health are foolish . the schooles have so sworn constancy , and their end to their aristotle , that even to this day , they ( by putting one name for another ) do call him [ the philosopher ] whom notwithstanding . i certainly finde to be altogether ignorant of nature , and it grieveth me not to write down some causes , which have enforced me hereunto , and that for no other end , than that hereafter , as well professors , as young beginners , may not through an aptness to believe , and a custome of assenting , be made to wander out of the way , nor may suffer themselves hence-forward , to be led by a blinde man into the ditch . for otherwise i tell no mans tale ; nor am i more displeased with aristotle , than with a ( non ens ) or [ a non-being ] . therefore first of all , aristotle defineth nature . it is the principle , or beginning of motion , as also of rest in bodies , in whom it is in , by it self , and not by accident . wherein i finde more errours and ignorances of the definer , than words . first therefore the word [ it is in ] sheweth that he speaketh of a body really existing , but not of his impossible matter . . he denotes , that such bodies , are not of the number , or supposed things of nature . for truly it belongeth not to bodies to be in bodies by it self , and not by accident . . he takes away any accidents from the catalogue of nature , as if they were without , besides , and above nature , because accidents are in by accident . . he sets down , that bodies which have motion , or rest by accident , are likewise without nature . . that the being of things is in nature , in nature it self , before the day , or motion , or rest of the same . because it must needs be , that something first be , before that it move , be moved , or doth rest . and so the principle of being , goes before the beginning of moving , or resting : notwithstanding , nature cannot be , before its existence . for if the beginning of motion or rest , should be latter , or an effect as to their being : nature should be an effect , as to its being a natural thing . . what if god after creation , had enjoyned neither motion nor rest ( rest indeed according to aristotle , presupposeth the bound of motion ) there had now been a creature , and not nature . for god , in the beginning , created the heaven and the earth . now nature was not understood by aristotle , to wit , there was sometimes a creature , and it actually existed , before , or on this side nature , here defined . . bodies , in which the beginning of motion is external , and by accident ( suppose thou , when 〈◊〉 heat of the sun moves the seed , to increase , or a woman with childe , by accident , transforms the imperfect infant , by her own imagination ) should not be under nature , as neither that accidental beginning . . to rest , is not , not to be moved , but to cease from motion , and so not to be moved is more general than rest . therefore nature absolutely taken , should be onely after the existence of nature . . if the beginning of motion in a moveable thing , be nature , and the efficient cause be properly called the beginning of motion , ( as he saith heat not elementary to be ) therefore it must needs be , that the efficient cause is inward ( which is against aristotle ) or that nature , in as much as it is the beginning of motion , is not in bodies most neerly or inwardly by it self . . every outward efficient cause , is the beginning of motion in a thing , by accident . but every efficient cause , according to aristotle , is external : therefore no efficient cause external , is natural , which is contrary to his second book of physicks . . whatsoever things are moved by the mathematicks , and also a mill moved by the winde , or a stream , should not be moved by nature . but i believe , that nature is the command of god , whereby a thing is that which it is , and doth that which it is commanded to do or act . this is a christian definition , taken out of the holy scriptures . . but aristotle , contrary to his own precepts of a definition , takes the difference , which he thinketh to be constitutive , for the general kinde of the thing defined in nature : to wit , the formall beginning of motion and rest . but for the constitutive difference , he takes the matter , or body , wherein the said beginning of motion is . but christians are held to believe , nature to be every creature , to wit , a body , and accidents , no lesse , than the beginning of motion it self . . death also , although it be the beginning , by it self , of rest in a dead carcase , yet christians do believe it not to be created by the lord , and so neither to be nature : and although it may light naturally on it , yet that happens not by reason of the death , but of its natural causes . but aristotle in another place , a like stumblingly touching on nature , saith : every power of the soul seemeth to be a partaker of some other certain body ( for neither dares he positively and simply to affirm it ) than those which are called elements . for even as souls do differ , so also the nature of that body doth differ : the seed contains the cause of fruitfulness , to wit , heat : which is not fiery , but a spirit or breath in the froathy body of the seed , and the nature which is in that spirit , answereth in proportion to the element of the stars . this precept , praised by the schooles , containeth almost as many errours as syllables . and at length , this writer of natural instruction , being exceeding doubtful , knowes not , what he may call or ought to call nature . for first he saith it to be , a corporeal power of the soul , and therefore he banisheth the understanding out of the powers of the soul. . he saith , the power of the soul which he afterwards calleth heat , is a partaker of another body than those that are called elements . as if it were a partaker onely of a body above an elementated one , and heavenly . . it is absolutely false , and an ignorant thing , that any power of the soul is a partaker of the body , although it be tied to the body . for every power is an accident ; and no accident , or quality can be a partaker of a body : but on the contrary , a body is a partaker of accidents . . that souls do not differ , but in respect of that body ( which at length he calleth meer heat ) notwithstanding that all souls are a power , partaking of a heavenly body : therefore souls do not differ in respect of that body , in which he hath said , they all do agree : or if there be any difference between souls , let it be in respect of the matter of a body , or of an unnamed client or retainer , being neglected by , and plainly unknown to aristotle . and so , in so great a dress of words , he hath spoken nothing but trifles . . if souls do differ onely for that bodies sake : the act shall be now limited by the power , the species or particular kinde , by the matter , not by the form . . the seed contains the cause of fruitfulness ; it is a childish and triflous thing : because the seed ceaseth to be seed , if it be without the cause of fruitfulness . . every power of the soul , is a partaker of some other body , than those which are called the elements . yet he would have the bodies of all soulified or living creatures , to be of necessity mixt , of non : but actual elements . . the seed is not fruitful , but by heat . as though fishes were not more fruitfull than four footed beasts ; and as though fishes were not actually cold . . he knew not another moderate heat , from live coals , which nourisheth eggs , even unto a chick . and he knowes not that all heat is in one onely most special kinde of quality , being distinguished , onely by degree . . he is ignorant , that heat , onely makes hot by it self , and that it should make fruitful by accident . and therefore , although that heat be the principle of motion , and the power of the soul ( that is , nature ) by it self ; yet as it should make the seeds fruitful by accident , it should be the beginning of motion by accident . therefore in respect of the same nature , it should be a beginning by it self , and by accident , or with relation to the same nature , it should be nature , and not nature . . he confoundeth the quality of heats , with the spirit , and air of the froathy seed , which notwithstanding , do differ no lesse than in predicaments . . heat is the spirit of the froathy body , and the nature which is in that spirit , is heat . therefore the spirit shall be in the spirit . . nature is in that spirit , and that spirit is not nature defined by aristotle for the subject of natural philosophy ( yet that spirit is the principle of motion in the seed , and of life , in living creatures ) and he much more strictly denies , the froathy body of the seed , to be of the account of nature ( as though the seed of things were a froath , and not the more inward invisible kernel , in a corporeal seed ) but that onely the power of souls ( which with him , is nothing but heat ) were nature . . because every power of the soul is encompassed with heat , he excludes out of the account of nature , any other bodies and accidents . . that power of souls , for whose sake , souls do differ , is onely heat , not indeed a fiery one , but agreeing in proportion with the element of the stars , that is , it hath not been understood by aristotle , nor is it to be any way to be understood by the schooles , how heat doth agree with a body , & with an element : what agreement there can be , between such various dependants of predicaments . . he denieth this power of souls , to be of the race of elements . that plural number , rejecteth not onely one element : but by reason of the strength of negatives , all elements . . every power of the soul is , a meer heat , not indeed answering to the heat of the element of the stars , but altogether to the element it self . . for truly he acknowledgeth no other heat , than that of fire : nor any other element of fire , than that which is of the kitchin , ( because he distinguisheth elementary heat , from the element of the stars ) yet by his own authority , he hath inclosed fire that is not of the kitchin , between the heaven and the air. . at length , as oft as he was positively to tell what nature was , the privy shifter saith , sometimes that it is the power of the soul , sometimes the fruitfulness of the seed : and at last , he neither perceived , nor ever knew , what the heat not fiery was , and makes a fifth element of the firmament of the stars , after he hath cast away the other four , by denying them . therefore he runs about in denying , by far fetched speeches , and least he should be laid hold on , he denyeth nature to be of the race of elements . as if it were enough to have said , there is a chymera , or certain fabulous monster , not of the elements , but of the fifth element of the stars . it is not a body , not an accident : but a heat answering to the element of the heavens , not to the heat of the same . . and he would not say that indeed ; these things are so , bur that they seem to him to be so . seeing that according to the same man , many things may seem to be , which yet are not . . and if thou wilt not believe it , go to see , or expect it for ever . . as though the whole action of nature were made by heat . . also that mettalls , which elsewhere , he writeth to be co-thickned or condensed by their own cold , because they do abound with heat , should now be out of nature . . and as though the seeds of vegetables , because they are not froathy , should not be endowed with fruitfulnesses , or should not contain nature in themselves . . therefore he denieth the heat of living creatures actually hot , to be elementary ( the which notwithstanding , i shall at sometime , in its own place , prove to be true ) being unmindeful of his own maxim ; that the cause is of the same particular kinde , with its thing caused . he knowes not , i say , that our heat doth make any other things to be hot , by a naked elementary heat . and likewise , that since not onely elementary heat ( which he placeth in the sublunary fire , distinct from the common or kitchin fire ) but also the kitchin fire , do heat us in a degree fitted to us : therefore they ought to be of one and the same species , or particular kinde . . at length he rashly affirmeth , that nature , or the power of the soul , or seminal truths , are nothing , besides that heavenly heat . . therefore , he acknowledgeth heat , actually cold in fishes , to be the cause of fruitfulness , seeing it distributes from every power of the soul. for that is to have sold trifles , instead of phylosophy . and as oft as he feareth , his toyes are not saleable , he provokes us to the element of the stars : after that , he had provoked us , ( it seemes ) by one affirmative , and many trifles of denyalls , to the proportion of the element of the stars . surely it is a shame for christians , as yet , to follow that patron in natural philosophy ; seeing that we believe by faith , that plants budded forth by a seminal virtue , before the stars arose . for in nature , there is alway found the agent , the matter , and thing brought forth , or the effect , the instrument , and the disposition , but every agent , measureth his instrument , and fits the dispositions , unto the end or finishing of the thing produced . but heat , whether thou wilt have it elementary , or heavenly , may indeed be a disposition brought forth by the seed , and likewise the instrument thereof : but it can by no meanes be a seminal agent , measuring , and squaring its dispositive instruments . for neither is the operation of heat , any other than to make hot , whether that thing be called elementarily , or firmamentarily . therefore the operation of heat in generation , is not ordained for the end of specifical dispositions , and much lesse is it directed to the bringing in of a specifical thingliness . for if that heat should be this seminal agent , or the nature of seeds , besides that , it being one , hath so many specifical differences , as there are kindes of things generated in nature ; it ought to have , without it self , an instrument ( seeing that it is not granted to be , without essential properties ) measured , and manifestly limited , to the bringing in of any kinde of specifical thingliness : but no such instrument , or mean , is present with heat : therefore the co-measuring of every instrument , according to quantity , manner , motion , figure , durance , and the appointments of any operations whatsoever , dependeth on the seminal agent , in which such kindes of co-measuring knowledges of proportions are , and no way on heat . for seeing the knowledge of natural truth , doth necessarily depend on nature , and the essence thereof , aristotle , who was ignorant of the thingliness of nature , also knew not the truth thereof , and so prostituted nought but his own dreams to be diligently taught in schooles . truly the operation of generation depends on nature , and its proper instruments . he therefore that looks on heat , for every instrument of nature , and accounts this very instrument for the seminal and vitall nature : he supposeth one of the kings guard , to be the king , or the file to be the workman . yea heat , as heat , is not indeed the instrument proper to nature : but a common adjacent , concomitant , and accidental thing produced in hot things onely : but the knowledge of nature , and essence , is not taken from improper , adjacent , and accidental effects : but from the knowing of principles , which hitherto ( even as it plainly appeares ) the schoole of the peripateticks hath been ignorant of . i say the principles of nature are the matter and the agent . but the principles of bodies are water , and the seed , or vulcane , things answering to both sexes : which thing i will by and by , teach in its place . wherefore since aristotle knowes not the nature , properties , and likewise the causes , and thingliness of generations , who shall not shew , that the schooles have hitherto drawn the waters of philosophy out of dry cisterns ? for his eight books of natural instructions , do expound dreams , and privations , instead of the knowledge of nature . i say they do suppose a matter , or impossible corporeity or bodyliness , with mathematical abstraction , for the principle , prop , and seminary of nature : the which , as it never existeth : neither shall it have the efficacy of beginning , or of causing . likewise privation is given to be drunk down as another principle , which the schooles themselves do rashly confess to be a meer [ non ens , ] or a non-being . and at length they diligently teach , surely by an over rash dotage , the form , which is the end , top , and utmost aim of appointment , and the thing it self produced , for a beginning of nature : to wit , they place the effect in the room of a beginning . but in another book , he sets to sale the causes of nature , for principles : to wit , the matter and form , privation being omitted . as i shall sometimes shew , concerning causes . as though they were the principles of nature , or could principia●e by causing . but fortune and chance , as if they were the proper passions of nature , are handled in a particular book . for events do not deserve a place in the contemplation and doctrine of nature . lastly , a vacuum or emptiness , and an infinite , things not belonging to the knowledge of nature , and well high privative things , or plainly negative , have obtained his treatises . but time and place , the schooles do no lesse ignorantly , than impertinently , reckon among the lessons of nature . and last of all they bring in locall motion , as it serves to science mathematical or learning by demonstration , alike foolishly , and with an undistinct indiscretion , into nature . certainly i could wish , that in so short a space of life , the spring of young men , might not be hereafter seasoned with such trifles , and no longer with lying sophistry . indeed they should learn in that unprofitable three years space , and in the whole seven years , arithmetick , the science mathematical , the elements of euclide , and then geographie , with the circumstances of seas , rivers , springs , mountains , provinces , and minerals . and likewise , the properties , and customs of nations , waters , plants , living creatures , minerals , and places . moreover , the use of the ring , and of the astrolabe . and then , let them come to the study of nature , let them learn to know and seperate the first beginnings of bodies . i say , by working , to have known their fixedness , volatility or swiftness , with their seperation , life , death , interchangeable course , defects , alteration , weakness , corruption , transplanting , solution , coagulation or co-thickning , resolving . let the history of extractions , dividings , conjoynings , ripenesses , promotions , hinderances , consequences , lastly , of losse and profit , be added . let them also be taught , the beginnings of seeds , ferments , spirits , and tinctures , with every flowing , digesting , changing , motion , and disturbance of things to be altered . and all those things , not indeed by a naked description of discourse , but by handicraft demonstration of the fire . for truly , nature measureth her works by distilling , moystening , drying , calcining , resolving , plainly by the same meanes , whereby glasses do accomplish those same operations . and so the artificer , by changing the operations of nature , obtains the properties and knowledge of the same . for however natural a wit , and sharpness of judgement the philosopher may have , yet he is never admitted to the root , or radical knowledge of natural things , without the fire . and so every one is deluded with a thousand thoughts or doubts , the which he unfoldeth not to himself , but by the help of the fire . therefore i confess , nothing doth more fully bring a man that is greedy of knowing , to the knowledges of all things knowable , than the fire . therefore a young man at length , returning out of those schooles , truly it is a wonder to see , how much he shall ascend above the phylosophers of the university , and the vain reasoning of the schooles . first of all , he shall account it a shameful thing , for the schooles to be ignorant ( for example ) in an egge , that in that space of time , while it comes to be a bird , a thousand dispositions do succeed each other in the way , and all of them to be external , and accidentary to the seed : neither that in the mean time , it ceaseth to hasten to the aims of its appointment . for the figure of the yolk of the egge , together with accidentary dispositions succeeding each other , do passe over it indeed : yet there is not a new generation of the form of that puttified egge , present at every disposure of the putrifaction . indeed , one onely vitall form of the chick being excepted , there comes to it no other : which by degrees is stirred up by foregoing dispositions , and at length , the ripeness of dispositions being attained , floweth into it . for neither when the bird dyeth , is there a certain essential form , and generation of the dead carcase . because all generation in nature , is enclosed in an essential form , which a dead carcase wanteth , even as also a seed , and an archeus , the governour , as shall be shewed in its place . even as the essence begins him with the vulcan of the seed , and the same essence continues with the product , or thing generated : so the same product failing , the same essence perisheth . but the essence perishing , the form , the governour or president thereof , also goes to ruine . for the vulcan or master-workman forsaking the body , the flesh , heart , veins , &c. do begin to putrifie , for that they are now deprived of the vital balsam their leader . for under life , the flesh , and the bone , &c. were distinguished . in its particular kinde , and proper form , the flesh was flesh , and was formally severed from the bone , in which form , in the dead carcase , they do forthwith appear . and so , through death , no form , or essential thingliness , comes upon the dead carcase , in the whole , or in any particular parts . onely that which was vitall , is seperated . therefore let it be an erroneous thing : that the corruption of one thing is the generation of another . because the corruption of life happens onely through the quenching of the vitall balsam , or form , therefore without a new generation of a creature . therefore no privation happens in things that have life , and so neither can privation there , have the force of a principle : seeing that from the seed , even unto the vitall being , there is but one progress , promotion , and ripeness ; about the end whereof , the form is given . therefore also , generation doth reciprocally or cursarily happen , without any corruption , as often as the matter being now brought to the ripeness of its appointment , by the seminal vulcan , hath obtained a form coming to it from elsewhere . yea that vulcan through the departure of life , departs , flies away , and vanisheth , without any corrupting of it self , no otherwise , than as light perisheth without the corrupting of it self . indeed life vanisheth , after the manner of light perishing . and the vulcan , seeing it is a certain vitall air , fleeth away . both of them , without the corruption of themselves ; and the body , which is deprived of life , properly ( for that very cause ) is not corrupted : although through the failing of the vitall balsam , corruption doth soon succeed . which thing sufficiently appeareth in mummies , and also in vegetables , which being dry , and deprived of life , are kept for uses , yea they do very often , drive away all corruption . so far of is it , that their life perishing , for that very cause they should be corrupted . therefore death in things that have life , is not the corruption of their own life , as neither of that which lives : but the extinguishing of life . and although in some things , the corruption of the body may follow : truly that is to life , and the body by accident : which thing is manifest . for truly , dead carcases are preserved from corruption by art . therefore now aristotle , confounds privation with corruption , and doth not distinguish his own principle [ non ens ] or a non-being , from the [ being , ] corruption . lastly , the forms of things are not subject to corruption , and therefore neither are they corrupted : but annihilated or brought to nothing . wherefore neither can the withdrawing , or the extinguishing of the form , include any corruption on behalf of the form . furthermore , i have hated metaphors , or figurative translations of words from their proper signification to another , in the history of nature , and family of essential things : because they are those things , which have introduced the errours of the schooles , brawls of disputing , and religious worship given to aristotle . but besides , if aristotle be unskilful in nature , and ignorant of all natural philosphy , truly galen hath hitherto , every where manifested a greater ignorance . for first of all , i will make it manifest , that there is not a quaternary , or a fourfold kinde of elements , nor a congress or conjunction of these , for bodies which are believed to be mixt : much less a strife , or fighting of qualities or complexions , or for the causes of diseases . and so that neither doth the treatise of the elements properly belong to medicine . truly i finde galen diligent in opinions , and a boasting writer , without judgement , or discretion . for neither hath he better perceived of nature , diseases , causes , and defects , than of the decrees of hipocrates and plato . for i profess , i have twice read over those volumes of galen with attention , but i have found the poverty and undistinct ignorance of galen , to fight with his rashness . for truly those books , do touch at nothing lesse than the doctrine of hipocrates or plato . neither also hath hipocrates any thing common with plato . and so that i have not found any one , who hath judged them worthy of a commentary , as neither to have been written concerning the preserving of health . this one thing is alway to be found in galen , that the names of authours being suppressed , he hath willingly snatched the inventions of others to himself ; a man wholly scanty , or very poor in judgement , as oft as he hath expressed the conceptions of his own judgement . i ought to declare these things concerning the two standard-defenders of natural philosophy : that the schooles may abstain from worshipping these masters . chap. viii . the elements . . the doctrine of the elements , in healing , is wholly impertinent , and so that in galen , such a heap of those books is ridiculous . . the vain opinions of the schooles concerning the elements . . the true beginnings of naturall science , are delivered . . six conclusions out of the holy scriptures . . that there are onely three elements . . the content of the heavens . . that there are two first-born elements . . that fire is not an element . . the errour of paracelsus , touching the matter of the heaven . . a quaternary of elements , for the mixtures of bodies , and for diseases , falls to the ground . . a proposition ; that all things which are believed to be mixt , are materially of water onely , with a mechanicall or handicraft demonstration . . what the elementall , and virgin earth is . . from whence the two elements may be called , the first-born . . an objection from artificial things . . the force of the artificial fire of hell. . another objection from arts. . why the water may be reckoned the first-born element . my sight is carried on a useful good , but not on vain reasoning . wherefore seeing the auncients do call back nature , and every of its operations , to the account of elements , qualities and complexions , resulting in mixture , and the schooles do even to this day , hand forth this doctrine to their young beginners in medicine , to the destruction of mankinde ; i will again and again , set upon the dissection of the elements , whereby it may appear that they have erred hitherto , in the causes of diseases . i will every where , relate paradoxes , and things unaccustomed to the schooles , and it will be hard for those to cease from the doctrine drunk in , who do believe , the whole truth to have flowed into galen . galen hath delivered in many volumes , and with a tedious boasting of the greeks , that every body , the earth , water , air , and fire excepted , doth consist of the wedlock of these four united together , and so from hence , that a body is to be called mixt . moreover , that the whole likeness and diversity of bodies , doth arise from the unlike conflux or concurrence , and continual fight of four elements . but the schooles that came after , do as yet dispute it as undecided , whether the elements with their forms , do remain in the thing mixt ; or indeed , whether in every particular mixture they are deprived of their essential forms , and the which , by a peculiar indulgence , they do re-take from the seperation , and general privation of the form of the thing mixed . at length , from the unlikeness , and combate of the elements , they bid all the infirmities , and first-born fewels of our mortality to descend . surely , it is a wonder to see , how much brawling and writing there hath been about these things : and it is to be pitied , how much these loose dreams of trifles , have hitherto circumvented or beset the world : they have prostituted destructive vain talkings in the faires of the schooles , instead of the knowledge of medicine , and so , so damnable a delusion , hath thereby deceived the obedience of the sick , in healing . therefore the juggling deceipts of pagans , being cast behinde me , i direct my experiences , and the light fteely given me , according to the authority of the holy scriptures , at the beholding of which light , the night-birds do fly away . therefore it is chiefly to be grieved at , that the light of truth being had , darkness is as yet taught in the schooles of christians . in the beginning therefore , the almighty created the heaven and the earth , before that the first day had shone forth . afterwards in the first day , he created the light , and divided it from the darkness . secondly , he created the firmament , which should seperate the inferior waters from the waters that were above it self , and named that , heaven . therefore it is hence plainly to be seen , that before the first day , the waters were already created from the beginning , being partakers of a certain heavenly disposition , because they were hidden under the etymologie of the word , heaven . yet they were a-kinne to these lower waters , to which they were once conjoyned , before their seperation . in the next place , that darkness covered the face of the deep , and that , that deep did point out the waters : because then , all the waters above the heaven , being as yet conjoyned to ours , upon the earth , did make an abysse of incomprehensible deepness , upon which , the spirit ( whose name is eternall ) was carried , that he might with his blessing , replenish his new creature of water . therefore it is manifest , that the creation of the heaven , the water , and the earth , was before a day , neither that it may be numbred with the six dayes creation , afterwards described . because it pleased the eternall , also to rest on the seventh day , which in respect of the aforesaid creation , would have been the eighth , if it had been a day . and therefore it is not reckoned among the number of dayes , because the creation of the elementary matter was made before a day sprang forth . lastly , by this text , the firmament is not onely the eighth starry heaven : but and also that , which , by our authority , we distinguish into seven wandring orbs or circles . which the teacher of the gentiles , hath seemed to contain in one : but the chrystalline , and first mover , for another : and at length , the huge heaven of an incomprehensible greatness , wherein every righteous man shineth like the sun , for the third ; although that empyrean heaven joyned with its two fellowes , being taken for the second , perhaps another may remain for the third . which may be the bottomless retiring place of fountain-light , full of divine majesty , and unsearchable . at leastwise , the firmament reacheth from the moon , even to the conjoyning of the starry heaven , and seperateth the water that is above it , from these lower ones , and therefore the heaven , with the hebrews , soundeth , [ where there are waters . ] but the lights , and the stars , began on the fourth day , and were set in order in the firmament . therefore , in the beginning , the heaven , earth : and water , the matter of all bodies that were afterwards to arise , was created . but in the heaven were the waters contained , but not in the earth ; hence i think the waters to be more noble than the earth : yea , the water , to be more pure , simple , indivisible , firm or constant , neerer to a principle , and more partaking of a heavenly condition , than the earth is . therefore the eternall would have the heaven to contain waters above it , and as yet something more ( by reason whereof it is called heaven ) that which we call , the air , the skie , or vitall air. for therefore neither is there mention made of the creating of the water and air , for that , both of them , the etymologie of the word , heaven , did include . therefore , i call these two elements primigeniall , or first-born , in respect of the earth . but no where , any thing is read of the creation of the fire : neither therefore do i acknowledge it among the elements , and i reject my honour or esteem with paganisme . neither also , may we with paracelsus , acknowledge the fire , by the name of lights and stars , to be a superlunary element , as neither to have been framed from the beginning : the which notwithstandig , it should needs be , if it ought to resemble or partake of the condition of an element . therefore i deny that god created four elements ; because , not the fire , the fourth . and therefore it is vain , that the fire doth materially concurre unto the mixture of bodies . therefore the fourfold kinde of elements , qualities , temperaments or complexions , and also the foundation of diseases , falls to the ground . for our handicraft operation , hath made manifest to me , that every body ( to wit , the rockie stone , the small stone , the gemme or pretious stone , the flint , the sand , the fire-stone , the white clay , the earth , cocted or boyled stones , glasse , lime , sulphur or brimstone , &c. ) is changed into an actual salt , equall in weight to its own body , from whence it was made : and that , that salt being sometimes forced to a mixture with the circulate salt of paracelsus , altogether looseth its fixedness , and at length may be changed into a liquor , which also at length passeth into an un-savory water : and that , that water is of equall weight with its salt , from whence it sprang . but the plant , fleshes , bones , fishes , and every such like , i have known how to reduce into its meer three things ; whence afterwards , i have made an un-savory water . but that a mettall , by reason of the undissolveable co-mixture of its own seed , and the sand ( quellem ) are most hardly reduced into salt. i have learned therefore by the fire , that god before there was a day , created the water and air , and of the water an elementary earth , which is the sand. quellem . because it was the future basis , or foundation of creatures , for man their standard-defender : and therefore , in the very beginning it ought to be created , although in its own nature , it was not truly primo-genial , or first-born . wherefore i finde two onely primitive elements , although there is mention made of neither , in the holy scriptures , because they are comprehended under the title of heaven . but with the two , he also created the earth . wherefore he created two great lights ; that the moon , and the lesse , by shining , might govern the water : but that the greater , should shine upon the earth . but i shall by and by teach , that these first-born elements , are never changed into each other . indeed the water putrifying by continuance , in the earth , doth obtain a locall , or implanted seed . and therefore it passeth either into the liquor ( leffas ) for every plant , or into the minerall juyce ( bur ) according to the particular kindes , chosen by the direction of the seedes . which seedes , are replenished by the ferment of the earth , at first , empty and void , and then straightway , by the blessing of the spirit boren upon the waters . but my experience of the fire , hath taught me , to wit , that the three first things , the salt , sulphur , and mercury of the water , do alwayes remain undivided , whether in the mean time , the water be lifted up in manner of a vapour , in the form of a cloud , or be made thin like unto invisible things , or at length also it doth flote in its antient shape of water . for , that paracelsus would have the water , by evaporating , to be wholly brought to nothing ; let that be his own idiotisme or property of speech , at leastwise not to be winked at by the ingenious distiller . truly i have certainly found , that the water being lifted up into the atomes or moats of clouds , yet doth alway remain the same , in number and water , in kinde , which the atomes of the mercury of the water , do shew to us in the likeness of a cloud . but there is never made in the water a seperation of the three former things , and much lesse any essentiall transmutation or changing . for truly there is a simple turning outward of the inward parts by the fire , the which again return inward , as oft as the vapour is co-thickned into drops . but the cause why i may think the earth not to be reckoned among the primary elements , although it was also created in the beginning , is , because it may at length be turned into water by the depriving of its essence . and therefore i believe the water to be the first and most simple body , seeing that never returns into earth , but by the vertue of the seeds , and so the water takes the turns of a composed body , before the earth or sand quellem , be made . which thing , i shall hereafter more largely demonstrate . chap. ix . the earth . . that the fire is neither an element , nor co-mingled materially with bodies , nor that it is a matter , nor that it hath a matter in it . . the earth is not a part of the thing mixed . . the virgin-earth is demonstrated by handicraft operation . . grounds or soils in the earth , are distinguished . . the water within the earth , doth more than a thousand times exceed the water of the sea , and rivers . . the true original of fountains . . how waters do of their own accord ascend . . the continuity or holding together of a thread is proved , in the waters . . by what chance , the earth happens to bodies , that are believed to be mixt . . the number of elements , and their temperaments , are most destructive trifles , after that the same are translated into the art of healing . . the earth is the wombe , but not the mother of bodies , and that is demonstrated by many arguments . . water and air do not convert any other thing into themselves . . what kinde of thing mixture is , and what the adjoyning or application of bodies . . objections concerning glasse , and the tile or brick are resolved . . the operations of the fire of hell. . how out of glasse , sand may be safely separated from its alcali or lixiviall salt. . that the center of the world is sometimes changed . therefore , neither is the fire an element , nor is it materially co-mixed in bodies ; because i will shew , the fire neither to be a matter , nor to have it in it self . yea the earth doth no where offer it self to be co-mixt with any natural body besides it self , which may be re-taken thence by any labour . therefore i have lamented , and been angry with my self , that the foundation of healing hath been stuft with trifles , and that the sick should be constrained to yield obedience to so great mockeries . but i name the original earth , of the virgin-element , the constant body of sand it self : but the rest of every kinde of earth , the fruit of the earth , from a mineral off-spring . the which by the art of the fire , is sufficiently and over proved . for , that the sand is the original earth , first of all , its hard reducement into water , proveth ; because the sand out of a flint , or an adamant , may be sooner reduced into water , than the sand , quellem . and then , that thing also the spade proveth , because in digging , truly divers soils do meet nigh the light , indeed made to differ in colours , and thickness , and the which , although by the rustical or homely etymologie of the schooles , they are believed to be black , white , yellow , read earths , &c. yet they are fruits of the earth , and do consist of a seed : under which , is a sand , also elsewhere manifold in its varieties of soils , as well in one onely , as in divers places : at length , under those , doth the sand reside , which our countreymen call , keybergh , or the flinty mountain , from whence do flow the originall of rocks and mountains , and the chief riches of mines . at length ( the last of them all ) the white or boyling sand quellem , doth shew it self in a living and vitall soil , which the spade or mattock never pierceth . for how much soever sand , and water thou shalt take away from thence , so much doth there succeed in the room of that which was taken away , filling up again the same place . this sand i say being unmixt , is a certain hair-cloth , or sieve , and the foundation of nature , by which , all waters are strained thorow , that all of them may keep a communion among each other , from the beginning of the creation , unto the end , and from the superficies or upper part of the earth , even to its center . and moreover , the water detained in this soil of sand , is perhaps , actually greater by a thousand fold , than the whole heap of seas and rivers floating on the superficies of the earth . and that is easily verified , by supposing , the whole superficies of the earth also to be covered with waters to the depth of paces . therefore it followes , respect being had to the diameter of the earth , that there is easily a thousand times more water , under , than upon the earth . for truly dry sand , drinks up at least , about a fourfold quantity of water , in the same extension of place : yet i will not have it , that although , the quellem be the last ground or soil to the digger , that all subjected grounds are every where to be found by order . for the aforesaid sand , which sometimes overwhelms it self perhaps to a thousand paces beneath the horizon , elsewhere boils up with speed under the open air , yea , and oft-times in the top of mountains . of which thing the schooles , with their aristotle , being ignorant , do toughly hold , that all true springs do owe the cause of their continuance from the air co-thickned into water , when as notwithstanding , they cannot maintain that thing ; because in the tops of the highest mountains , springs do oft-times leap forth , where another mountain of the like height is not neer , nor a water-channel extended on either side to this . therefore they hold their peace with a lofty look , and are silent at the unwonted miracle of the thing . surely , as long as waters do wander in the living and vitall soil of the earth , and are detained in the sand quellem , so long i say they are not constrained to bring forth by the water drawing lawes of scituations , no otherwise , than as the bloud , while it is nourished with life in the veins , so long also , it knowes not above and beneath , and it is as well in the fore-head as in the feet . but at the very moment , wherein it once falls out of the veins , or the waters do disgorge themselves out of the quellem , they cease not to flow down by obeying the lawes of scituations . therefore the sea in its own ground , doth sup up the received waters in the sieve of the virgin-sand . for so , according to the wise man ; however all waters do flow into the sea , yet it never re-gorgeth them again . because by one onely thread , there is a continuall passage out of the virgin-sand , into springs , streams , rivers , and the sea , to moysten the earth , and appointed to enrich it with mineralls . whither again , the waters being driven , they are supt up partly by the quellem , and partly do snatch the air. so indeed doth the universe distribute its waters , and lay them aside for divers fruits . and therefore i have meditated with admiration , that the almighty hath set before him the necessities of ungrateful immortal men , as the aims of things . i return to the earth . i have found for certain , that the original earth doth no where of its own accord concur to the mixtures of fruits , slide thereto by chance , nor that it is assumed by nature , nor is found to have assumed the works of nature or art . and therefore the reason of mixtures waxeth lean , the number of elements , qualities , and temperaments ceaseth ; and so they are lying fopperies , which have been hitherto stifly and ignorantly garnished out by the schooles . for of a man , wood , &c. be it dust , or ashes that is left by the fire , yet earth is never drawn out : for else our burying places would soon swell . therefore the earth is at least the remaining wombe , but not the mother . which if it should sometimes have a conflux unto fruits or mixt bodies : it would either abide in the same , and so by the solution of art or nature , would sometimes be found , or should return from thence ( which is false ) or plainly should be taken to the mixt body , and in it should cease to be earth , being already changed into another thing : and so should be elsewhere diminished ( which i will straightway shew to be alike false ) or by the death , or dissolution of the thing , should return again into earth , and there should be a daily and repeated returning of one and the same element , from a privation to a habit . or if this should not return into earth , it should remain changed into fruits , and so the whole earth had long since gone into fruits , and nature had lost her constancy , and had mocked the first aims of the creator , or the earth had returned from the dissolved mixt body into another element : the impertinency whereof ceaseth . for truly , it is not natural to water or air , to turn another element into its own substance . from hence i will straightway demonstrate , that never one drop of water is turned into air , or likewise air changed into water . which changes notwithstanding do appear lesse labour some , than of the earth into water , or into air . and therefore if nature hath not as yet attempted the more easie transmutations ; after what sort shall it presume on the more difficult ones ? for otherwise , the earth should be ●upt up and brought to nothing by elements that are so much more large , co-touching with it , and more active . but the father of the universe , being a lover of concord , hateth discord and brawlings , and chiefly in the elements , which , that they might be the stable props of nature , he hath not created the same , fighting ones . for he hath also directed the elements to their appointed ends , and lawes of continuance , to wit , that he may bring forth , and nourish his own fruits , for his own honour , and the use of man. notwithstanding , neither the honour of god , nor mans necessity , did any where , or any way require , the battels , devourings , strifes of the elements ; their trampling on each other , as neither the exchanging , or nourishing of one by the other . nor lastly that at the end of an element to increase it self by covetousness , hunger , luxury , or necessity , with the destruction of anomer . for neither are they guilty of the fault of coverousness , or hatred , as neither do they desire to be nourished . last of all ; neither have the elements obtained an archeus , a kitchin , or properties for that transchanging . therefore the whole doctrine of the schooles concerning the elementary war , is an old wives fable . therefore the earth is never taken , or of its own accord doth materially run out of it self , into the constitution of bodies . and there is by right , made no mixture in nature , which can firmly grow together under the unity of the natural composed form , unless it be between juyces and spirits . on the contrary , no pulverous or powder all co-mixture doth tend to generation : but there is onely an apposition or applying , presently of its own accord , and again quickly decaying . therefore all earth , clay , and every body that may be touched , is truly and materially the off-spring of water onely , and is reduced again into water , by nature and art . neither doth that hinder , because of clay and sand , a tile or brick is boyled , even as of sand and ashes , glasse . for truly , whatsoever is of clay , is at length of its own accord resolved into a salt , the same sand remaining , which the clay had contracted into it self . glasse also , as it hath passed , by art , and without a seed , into an artificial composure : so by art again , its bond being unloosed , it refurns to its auntient beginnings , so that sand is drawn out from thence , altogether the same in number and weight , the which by the flowing of the furnace , had grown together with the fixed salt , into a clear stone , or glasse . for from hence it appeares , that the sand , or the element of the earth , doth never concur to natural and seminal generations . and that as oft as it serves for artificial things , for often the sand doth alway remain unchanged in the bright burning-glasse , being hidden in the flux of the salt , and taken into transparent glasse . for silver hath not lost its being , when it is dissolved by aqua fortis , although the eye hath lost that thing , and it hath obtained a clearness like christall . seeing therefore , the sand or original earth , doth resist as well art , as nature , neither can it by any helps ( the one onely fire of artificial hell-fire excepted ) of nature or art , depart from its first-born constancy ( under which artificial fire , the sand is made salt , and at length water , because it hath the force of acting upon any sublunary things , without a re-acting ) it followes also , that the original earth is never by any meanes taken unto the seminall generations of nature . neither doth that convince , because some unskilful man will have glasse to be the last subject of art , and the which can therefore be blotted out , neither by art , nor by fire . for he will be instructed , if he shall co-melt the fine powder of glasse , with more of the alcali , and shall set them forth in a moyst place ; he shall straightway finde all the glasse to be resolved into water : on which , if chrys●ca be powred , so much being added as sufficeth to the filling or satisfying of the alcali , he shall presently finde in the bottom , the sand to settle , it being of the same weight , which at first was fitted for the making of the glasse . therefore the earth remains unchanged , although it may seem throughout the whole world , to be moveable , and to have been moved . yea a mold , by digging thorow an heap , makes an inundation of a great tract or space of land , and so the despised creature , can remove the earth from its centre , and the world from its place , if we believe the centre to hold the place of an equall tenor of height : and we do see the seas lately to fall and lean on the back of the earth . in rekem , high the passage of the river mose , a sea-ship was found under a sandy hill , in the year . in the region of peele , pine-tlees were found standing in rank , under the earth , which willingly grow not but in mountains . in hingsen nigh scalds , twelve foot under the horizon , in a moyst meadow , was found an elephants tooth , with the whole cheek-bone , whose third part , being two foot long , i keep with me . and so living elephants were once in this countrey . but , very lately , groenland hath ceased to be found subverted by the sea , whence the centre of the earth ought necessarily to be changed or removed . chap. x. the water . . the scituation of the earth and water before the floud . . the authours meditation . . a whirle-poole of waters , or a gulf. . the distributing of that whirle-poole . . the cutting of the veins of that whirle-poole . . the fruit of the minerall soil on ground . . salts do passe into bur. . the progress of mineralls to their ripenesses . . from whence fishes are digged out of the earth . . the right of the veines over their contained liquor . . the scanty place of the wise man coheleth or the preacher . . the rise of fountains , were unknown to aristotle . . that the world is round from east to east : but from south to south , that it is long and round . . a prevention of objections . . the centrall property takes its limitation from necessity . . a reason from springs . . from the motion of the sun. . from the true figure of the heaven . . from the authority of the holy scriptures . . from shadowes , and the quantity of the day . . from the sight of the sun by saylors . in like manner , after that the firmament did seperate the waters from the waters , the eternall gathered together the sublunary ones , and their collection , he called sea. from the opposition of a diameter , the dry land appeared , which he named earth ; and both these framed one globe , the which in the middle of the earth , should be therefore a little more eminent or standing out , because in the midst of the earth , it should gape with a huge gulf , from whence a fountain should break forth , appointed for the moystening of the earth . for if neither besides the wonted roundness of the globe ( whereby all lines do equally differ from their center , within their circumference ) the earth in its middle , had not been far deeper , the fountain could not have thence run down unto the more steep sea : but straight way from its beginning , had stood as a pool . whence i conceive , that the earth in the beginning , was con-tinuall or holding together , and undivided . because it was that , which wholly ought to be watered by one onely fountain . lastly , neither that it had islands ; but the whole globe shewed in one part sea , and in the other land. this indeed was the face of the world before the floud . under which afterwards the earth did cleave into divers divisions , and from the deep pit of chaps , the waters abundantly brake forth . the great falls of waters as well of the iower abysse , as of the heavens , were opened , that they might wholly drown the whole globe of the earth . great god i thou intendest to cut off thy vine from the unprofitable branch , and to punish the world for its desert , but yet thou couldest not abstain , but being mindefull of thy fatherly affection , in the midst of thy most just anger , thou seperatest the earth , and rentest it asunder for their greater profit , necessity and commodity . the sea which being onely one , stood onely on the whole side of the globe , thou sendest over into divers coasts of the earth , neither ceasest thou from a new blessing upon the ungrateful work of thy hands . for upon the earth guilty in thy sight , thou abundantly powrest out the lively effusions or showers of thy super-celestiall waters , which do far exceed the dew in fruitfulness . but the earth , being sufficiently made drunken with them , again appeared , and incontinently returned to her wonted workmanships . at length , the one onely fountain , and spring of waters , which thou hadst placed in the heart and top of the earth , is afterwards spread abroad into a thousand veins , which did almost every where pierce thorow the globe of the earth , to far better uses . and moreover , thou hast also dashed the sea almost into every creek of the earth , that there might be the greater fellowship of mortalls thereby . therefore if thy punishment be blessed and happy ; what shall the free gifts of thy blessings be ? oh lord , keep us for the exceeding greatness of thy goodness , within that number , who shall praise thy great and mighty deeds for ever , in the sanctifying of thy name . but although that one onely fountain now ceased , neither lands being now rent asunder , one alone was not enough yet perhaps the same entrance of waters remained . because , in the sweet sea , between roest and loefelt , according to the table of gothland , a gulf of waters is described by olaus , whereinto ships , marriners being not aware , and their endeavours being in vain , are supt up . for indeed it is the mouth , into which the waters of that ocean do fall , and by one onely passage , were before the floud , carried thence unto the aforesaid fountain . but afterwards , that passage like the hollow vein , was diversly distributed , and hedged in by a rock , by some thousands of veins ending upon the face of the quellem , from which , afterwards , the waters being drunk up , do hasten from far , unto their appointed offices . moreover , that whirle-poole or gulf , if it ought to be any where , and olaus be a true writer , or if not , at leastwise , it is fitly in the sea , as well for the sweetness of the sea , as for the long and round figure of the world , by me straightway to be proved . in the next place , if one onely fountain were for the moystening of the earth , the aforesaid whirle-poole shall be sufficient , especially because the bottom of the sea , hath the sand quellem longly and largely laying open , which would be sufficient for the drinking up the water . and the rather , because the sea doth sometimes wash upon , and rince the earth on every side , and thorow many middle spaces . therefore the sea being supt up in the said whirle-poole , it is by little and little brought thorow stony channels , and hence by lesser pipes , thorow a great part of the earth : notwithstanding they are scarce over whelmed beneath the soil [ keyberch ] : but as often as the veins of the whirle-poole do cut , or touch at the quellem rising up thorow middle places , and rushing forth into a fountain , indeed the sweet veins do perish , and veins of sea-salt , are produced . otherwise the briny liquor , if there be also any in the gothick sea , doth through the lively archeus of the earth , lose by degrees , the nature of salts : or if the ferments of salts in places do any where exist , those very waters do put on the seeds as well of divers salts , as of stones and mettalls , and are changed into the same fruits . for so neat , gemme , nitre , aluminous , vitriolated , sea , salts do grow of the water , they as it were promising the first birth of the water to themselves . and then from hence they do decline or decay into [ bur , ] or the first off-spring of mineralls , and degenerate by the guidance of the seeds . so some fruits of the water do stop up the passages of their own fountain ; and by their last ripeness , do attain the perfection of that minerall , whose appointments the seeds did bear before them , which were entertained in the ferments of places . moreover , as that northern whirlepoole or gulf , doth also sup up fishes within it , so it sups up the same exceeding small ones , the greater being detained within the channels . where oft-times , they are either made rockie , or wax filthy through putrifying , or also are seasoned with the balsam of the soils , as also that fishes are oft-times found digged up , which the husband-man , and others being amazed at , do think they were born in undue places , and without a seed . furthermore , whether the conduits have received the water , or at length have drunk up that quellem : the waters are at least , there endowed with a lively and seminall property . for no otherwise than as a vein , even in a dead carease , preserveth the bloud contained in it , from coagulating or curdling ( which is a corruption of the first degree ) : truly by a stronger reason , that right agrees to the veins of the earth which is not yet dead . therefore the water is supt and drawn within the lively soil of the earth , whence it having gotten a common life ( come let us worship the king , by whom all things live ) it knoweth not the scituations of places , it easily ascendeth unto the tops of mountains without trouble , together with the quellem , that it may from thence send forth fountains without ceasing . vvhich things surely being unknown to the schooles , they have left that place of the wise man coheleth , or the preacher , scanty or barren : where he saith , all rivers hasten towards the sea : the which notwithstanding doth not therefore re-gorgethem again . for truly , rivers do return to the place from whence they came forth , that they may flowagain . which words , have been corrupted heretofore with divers modellings or qualifications . because springs in the tops of mountains , were not seen to proceed from the sea , whither they at length do rush . therefore springs have been hitherto falsely judged by the schooles to take their beginnings and causes , from air condensed or co-thickned by the force of cold , between the hollow places of mountains , ready to fall upon each other . the which , i , in a little book concerning the fountains of the spaw , printed in the year at leidon , have shewne , that they have themselves after the manner now delivered in this place . therefore the true originall of true springs being manifested , it hitherto remains unknown to the schooles . the scripture-text , entire , and cleared . but seeing the same law , course , and re-course of waters , from the quellem into fountains , and at length from fountains into the sea , was kept , no lesse in dayes wherein it hath not rained for three years and more , than when the whole year doth almost wax barren with a continual showre : we must know , that it is sumcient for the earth , that it doth not send forth such bountiful springs through its water-pipes , and steep-running brooks , as by the common besprinkling of dew and rain . moreover , before i shall come to the unchangeable substance of the water , wherein the schooles do promise that air is easily changed into water , and this likewise into it , i will first clear up another paradox . to wit , that the globe being composed of earth and water , is indeed round from the east thorow the west into the east : yet not from the north into the south : but long and round , or of the figure of an egge . which thing , in the first place hath much deceived saylors . because the waters do slide with a more swift course from north to south , than otherwise from east to west . for very many waters do alwayes descend by rivers from the north , which do never run back unto the north. so the river danubius , with many others , doth slide thorow the hellespont or greek sea , into the archi-pelago or chief sea : the waters descend , neither doth any thing return from the mediterranean sea. whatsoever doth once descend into the mediterranean , is never spread into the ocean . for the river nilus , alwayes descending in a right line from the mountains of the moon , is wholly plunged into the zebunutican sea with its dresses : neither doth the mediterranean sea in the mean time increase , nor become the salter . which thing notwithstanding should be altogether needful so to be , if in manner of a naked vapour , the waters powred into it , should exhale out of the sea. but the eternal wisdom , hath in most places made the mediterranean sea deeper than the ocean , that the virgin-sand might drink up the waters together with its salts like a sieve . for mans necessities ( which do seem to have dictated a law to god , out of his goodness ) did require springs and rivers falling down from the highest tops . lastly , the waters being turned forth of the quellem , by fountains do ( by a continuation ) draw after them , the following waters , and therefore also , in the bottom , do they drink up the sea-waters by supping . therefore properties are added to places by divine providence , by reason of necessities . the flowing of the north sea about kent of england , doth prevent or go before the flowing of the west sea , almost for half an houre . whence i conjecture , the earth and sea to ascend in the northern climate or coast . for the whole northern earth is named scandia from scandendo or climbing . and the north sea should not be frozen to ice , if it were salt . if it be sweet , it points out , that the salt of the ocean , cannot by ascendding be co-mingled with it , but that the northern waters , do uncessantly rush into a steep place . for it is likely to be true , that , as well in the first mixture of the deep , as in the floud of the generall overflowing , all waters were once again co-mixt , and that the co-mingling of these , was therefore called sea. which waters therefore in the beginning were once salt , and straight way afterwards , were sweeter : it is certain , that those waters have continually flowen downwards , because they are sweet at this day : and so scandia is far higher in scituation than aegypt . but let us imagine onely , earth of ten foot , to have framed a banke to the sea , in the shoares on every side , and let us keep an equall roundness : at least nilus , which is carried head-long in a straight line from the south , into the mediterranean sea , for a thousand leagues space , if besides the roundness of the sphere , which is not any where steep , it also hath it self in manner of a plain , with relation to its center , it should have onely ten foot fall at the highest , from its rise , even into the sea. which is , to call nilus a quiet pool , but not a steep running river . for when a ditch was devised at gaudave bruges , there was found a declining height of foot , the dimension being taken by night over the flame of a candle , and that by the withdrawn roundness of the sphere . if therefore by a slow rowling or running , there is foot of fall or descent in eight leagues , nilus flowing alike slowly , shall have need of foot in height at least , in its beginning . but if it shall flow after the manner of nilus , it shall of necessity have need of four times as much at the least : or of nine thousand foot . but if nilus doth measure this height of the earth by degrees from the southern tropick or turning point , unto the mediterranean sea , where the figure of the globe is as yet sphericall or round , the which altitude therefore , is it not lawful to conjecture to be from the mountains of the moon , even to the south ? an unwearied fall of the waters from the north , promiseth a notable elevation of the earth : so it is . but thence it is not granted to collect , that all the waters ( that being supposed ) do forsake the north ; because the lawes of scituations are silent , where the water falls down on every side about the center of the world. and so hath been the necessity of the universe , and the rule of properties . for i feign a subiunary place , without a palpable body : but a flint of an egge-like form , to fall down from heaven , and him to rest in his center : yet shall his length be inclined towards some part of heaven . what if this be towards the poles ; it will express to us the figure of the world. for it hath not therefore lost its auntient weight ; yet should it not fall towards heaven , because that is against the nature of every weight : neither should it fall crooked-wise , seeing that so it should fall into an infinite , and should have no bound of motion , which is alike absurd . therefore that stone , with its weightiness , should be stayed in that place wherein it was laid . but since that thing happens not under the moon , it must needes be , that besides the weight of things , there be some property in place , at the sight whereof it be remooved , and may make the respects of upper and lower . therefore , if that thing above and beneath , is not but in respect of bodies and perhaps onely of sublunary ones , those kindes of respects do wholly subsist , from the intent of the creator , which is the original cause of all rest and motion . wherefore if his intent hath been to make the figure of the universe , egg-like , ( because that was the more commodious habitation of mortalls , for the needful nourishments of the heat of the sun ) and hath alwayes made that which is far the best in all things : he hath also limited an oyall or egg-like figure to the waters , and the same respect to their center . or that the ovall figure , should keep almost the same intention to the center , as a round figure hath . what if fountains do ascend to the tops of mountains : the water of the pole might also hold the reason of an ovall scituation , no otherwise than of a round one : otherwise , if the heaven , as the adequate or suitable husband of the earth , be plainly spherical or round . . it would follow , that the sun makes a greater circle under the aequinoctials , than under the tropicks . . the sun to be so much the swifter moved under the aequinoctiall , than under the tropick . . the motion of the sun , to be daily inordinate , and unequall to it self . . houre-glasses , which do measure the motion of the sun in order to slowness ; and the pins of sun-dialls , which measure motion , in order to the scituation of the orbe or circle of the sun , should not answer to each other . . if those instruments should agree under the aequinoctial lines , they should varie at leastwise , under the sol-stices or sun-steads . also the heaven , which is as it were the sheath of the earth , nigh the poles , is deeper than under the compass of the sun ; for if lucifer or the day-star , being willing to place his seat over the north , may be understood to have been guilty of pride : truly , if he were not higher in the same place , that should not be imputed as a signe of arrogancy : especially since in the places , where the holy scriptures were written , the pole-star hath alwayes seemed very neere to the horizon , neither doth the heaven there promise any thing of height , as to sight . but in our horizon , i have seen the whole body of the sun to have given a shadow on the pin of the diall , a little after the ninth houre , in the fourth moneth , called june : but in the morning i have seen the whole body of the sun above the horizon , about the fourth houre : for it did not as vet , cast a shadow , by reason of the thickness of the air and vapours . therefore the shor●est night is onely of seven houres at the most : but in the winter solstice , the sun ariseth ● minutes before the eighth , but sets minutes before the fourth . therefore the shorest day ; is at least houres and minutes . but it d●rogates or takes away from the roundness of the sphere , to have more of light , than darkness . at length , modern or late made navigations , have seen the sun under the north for a moneths space , before that the perfect roundness of the heaven had suffered that thing . chap. xi . the air. . the dreams of the schooles concerning the maystness of air. . a foolish or unsavory objection . . they pre●uppose impossibilities . . the air is never made water through a condensing of its parts . . they beg the principle . . a ridicu●ous thing of the schooles , concerning the ●●tive heat of the air. . the old wives fiction of an antiper●st●si●●● compassing about of the contrary . . the deep stupidit●●● of the schooles are discovered . . arguments . . another alike st●pidity . . that the air is colder than snow . . an exhortation of the authour unto young beginners . a mathematicall demonstration , that the air and water are primige●iall or first-born elements , and ever unchangeable , by cold , or heat , into each other . the schooles with their aristotle do hitherto endow the air with eight degrees , that is , to be most moyst ; but to be hot unto four degrees , or to a mean : but they give the greatest coldness to the water , with a slack or mean moystness . and so they command the air to be twice as moystas the water ; for that , because the air by its pressing together and conjoyning , doth generate the water . but i pray you , what other thing is that , than to have sold dreams for truth ? for if the air be co-thickned , the moysture thereof shall be also more thick , greater , and more palpable in water , than it was before in air : seeing that condensing cannot make a new essential form , nor is it a principle of generations ; what other thing is that , than impertinently to trifle ? at least , the water , should not be but air co-thickned in the moysture , to ten fold , or rather to an hundred fold , and more active , and therefore , and straightway it should moysten more , and stronger , than the air , by a hundred fold : so far as it , that therefore the water , should be lesse moyst than the air. but if a naked condensing doth dispose the air to a new form ; seeing the same disposition of the inward efficient , is the necessary cause of that thing generated , it must needs be that the same doth remain in the thing produced ; and so , if the air co-thickned , be water , there shall now be but two elements , to wit , water and earth : whiles the water shall be as moyst ; as while it was being at first air , to wit , wherein the condensing alone came , which is a co-uniting of parts , but not a formall transchanging of a thing into a thing . for truly the form every way re-bounding from the moysture of the air , being condensed into an hundred fold , it shall be even moyster , and shall more moysten by an hundred fold , than the auntient air. but surely , the water doth not moysten by reason of thickness ( for otherwise the earth should , hitherto , more moysten ) because moysture onely doth moysten , and not thickness . for else quick-silver should more moysten the wooll or hand than water . for whatsoever doth more moysten , that it self is also more moyst ; and on the other hand , whatsoever in an elementary nature is moyster , that likewise doth more moysten . nature laughs , to require belief of things known by reason of sense , from a dream , and even till now , to teach the shameful devises of airstotle for truth . but the schooles will say , we must thus teach it for a maxim : that by reason whereof every thing is such , that thing it self is more such ( as though that for the honour of a maxim , we must belie god! ) but the water is not moyst but for the air ; therefore the air ought to be moyster than the water . but they shall sweat more than enough , before they will prove the subsumption or second proposition : but the air is neither moyst nor hot in it self , and whatsoever of moysture there is in it , that is a stranged contained in it ; never touching at the nature of air , although vapours may be contained in the porinesses or hollow places of the air. for what doth it belong to the nature of glasse , if it shall inclose water within it ? for i shall teach by and by , that it is impossible for air and water to be changed into each other . and so by absurdities , the schooles do wholly suppose impossible speculations . for it also contains an absurd and impossible thing , that air condensed , should be made water , and be the perpetual matter of fountains . for there hath been air pressed together by some , in an iron pipe of one ell , almost the breadth of fifteen fingers , which afterwards in its driving our , hath like a hand-gun discharged with gunpowder , sent a bullet thorow a board or plank . which thing verily could not be done , if the air by pressing together , might by force , be brought into water . especially , because that experiment did no lesse succeed in the deepest cold of winter , than in the heat of summer . what if therefore the air being pressed together by force in a pipe , and cold season , be not changed into water ; by what authority shall the schooles confirm their fictions , touching the co-thickning of the air , for the springing up or over-flowing , and the continuance of fountains ? for cold hath not the beginnings , causes , and properties of generating , in nature . yea , no moysture at all is found in the aforesaid pipe ; and moreover , wet leather in the end of a hand-pistoll , drieth presently . it is also a ridiculous thing to prove the air to be moyst by the original of fountains : and likewise to prove the rise of fountains from the supposed moysture of the air. both arguments of the schooles is from the scarcity of truth , and a childish begging of the principle . and that they may adorn the four elements with qualities , they attribute to every one , one , the highest quality , but another , a slack one , and the schooles command nature to obey their fictions . therefore they say , that the air is slackly bot ; because they will have it neer to the seigned element of fire : that is , or because it borroweth that slack quality of its neighbour : and it changeth its proper and native disposure , at the pleasure of its neighbour ; and that impertinently , while the speech is of native properties . or because it hath that quality of its own disposition , and although slack , therefore notwithstanding , it shall also have such a neighbour , which thing is alike impertinent and naught . and that they may prove the moderate heat of the air , they carry on the like foolish invention of an antiporistasis or a compassing about of the contrary . to wit , that the air in its uppermost part is hot by reason of a nearness of the fire ( and so they seign , not an essential heat , but a begged and improper one by accident ) and that nigh the earth it is likewise hot , from the reflexion of the sun-beams . which heat is for a little space , a stranger by accident , and therefore a seigned property of the air. but they will have the middle region of the air to be wonderful cold , by reason of an antiperistasis : to wit , because both parts of the hot air doth compass it about . whose like , they say doth happen to deep wells , they being cold in summer , and luke-warm all the winter . but i wonder at the deep or profound benummednesses of the schooles , and the drowsie distemper of the auntients . . because from this their whole structure , it appeareth , that the air is generally cold , but not meanly hot . . for truly the fire is not an element in nature , and much lesse is it under the hollow of the moon , neither therefore can it make hot the uppermost part of the air , except by a dream . . for if the air be hot by it self , and of its elementary property : then is it alwayes and every where hot , even in deep wells . . but if it be hot through any other thing proper of familiar unto it , which makes it hot : then besides that it should have something besides it self mixt with it , from whence the elementary simplicity of its own body should cease ; it should also alwayes and every where actually be hot ; or lastly , should be hot by reason of something applied to it , acting by accident . which thing is impertinent , as often as the thing to be proved , is taken as concerning essential things . therefore if the air be not by it self hot , it must needes be cold by it self . since those two do subsequently exclude each other in nature . . if the fire be never cold or moyst , and the water be never dry : so the air can never be lesser than intensively or most moyst , and slackly hot , if the schooles speak truth . . they would have that to be the middle region of the air , which is scarce distant half a mile from us , being unmindeful of their own doctrine . to wit , that the diameter of the air , exceedes the diameter of the water ten fold : but that this is greater than the diameter of the earth two fold : which fiction being granted , the semi-diameter of the air should be deeper than miles . therefore half a mile should be as nothing in respect of the middle air. oh ye schooles , i pray you awake ! for if the air should of its own accord , and of its own nature be hot , by what cause at length should it be cold in its middle part ? for is it because its neighbour on both sides is hot ? but then the air would not propose to it self wrathfulness , but rather joy , from the agreeableness of its neere nature . for why doth the air put off its natural property , because it did on both sides touch the luke-warm air , agreeable to it self ? for how shall luke-warm powred on luke-warm , wax cold , because it doth finde luke-warmness on both sides ? or if cold be placed between two colds , shall it therefore wax hot in its middle ? i cannot sufficiently wonder at the unpolished rudeness of the schooles , who deliver the doctrine of antiperistasis , which desireth so great credulity , not judgement . for although that fiction should please us , while the air is hot about the earth ; but certainly it could by no meanes , in the winter seasons . for truly , neither then indeed is that middle region of the air adorned with a native heat . . it is a wonder i say , that such absurd falsehood and doctrine hath not yet breathed out of the alps. and so hence it is manifest , that the peripateticks do even from a study of obstinacy teach known falsehoods , least they should not swear in the words of aristotle : or that no judgement at all is left them , that they may ingeniously perform their office : and that they may think they have done enough , if they follow the herds of those that went before them . therefore antiperistasis is a dream of his , who when he knew not the least thing in nature ; yet would seem to have known all things , and to be worshipped for a standard-defender by the schooles his followers . but because aristotle fleeth to the heat of wells in winter , for the demonstration of an antiperistasis , that shall straightway fall to the ground , through the instrument whereby we measure the just temperature of the encompassing air : wherein we see by handicraft-demonstration , that the air in deep wells and cellers is stable in the same point of heat , whether it shall please us to measure it in winter , or lastly in the greatest heats of summer . . but it being granted , that there were not an equall temperature in wells : but yet surely it would be a foolish thing , for the air otherwise , naturally , moderately hot , sometimes to be cold , sometimes again to be hot , as it were through despight , by reason of the applied alteration of the encompassing air . . the holy scriptures declare the snow to be colder than the water ( because snow is water , in which the utmost power of cold is imprinted ) and the air to exceed the snow in coldness : hence it is read ; he that spreads abroad the snow and the wooll , that the wheat may be kept safe under the snow , from the cruelty of the cold air : as it were under a woolly covering . for we see by handicraft operation , that a member almost frozen together , waxeth hot again under the snow , and is preserved from putrifaction or blasting ; because else the air would straightway proceed wholly to congeal it ; or if it be suddenly brought to the fire , it dieth by reason of the hasty action of another extream . therefore this is to have gone thorow [ meanes ] if it be to go from the cold air , thorow snow , water , and then into a slack luke-warmness . therefore snow is lesse cold than air . . but why , to the moystness of the water , do they implore its thickness for moystening ( which is a ridiculous thing ) doth it not assume the same thickness of water , even by reason of cold ? for so they had at least spoken something likely to be true . give heed therefore whosoever thou art , that endeavourest by healing to work out the salvation of thy soul , what a patron the schooles do hitherto defend . by what counsel have they made the elements , complexions , and degrees of qualities , the foundation of healing ; who being seduced not but by a sleepy credulity , have yielded the number , essence , use , properties , fruits , and passions of the elements , and their own names to heathenish blindness . behold how slavishly the schooles have borrowed their elementary qualities , and would have them be obedient at the pleasures of dreams ; they have coupled , increased , blunted or repressed , and divided them ; they have even sent abroad as it were wan devises for the causes of natural things , knowings of diseases , healings , and destructions of the temples of the holy spirit . therefore the air , water and earth are cold by creation , because without light , heat , and the partaking of life . heat therefore is a stranger to them , external to the elementary root . but the air and earth are by themselves , dry : the water onely , is moyst . these are the qualities of those bodies , which none may vary as it listeth him . but the air hath emptinesses ( as in its place else where ) whereby it drinks up and withholds vapours . this is the state , order , complexion of the elements . and which belongs not to the profession of medicine , unless by the way . and so i will shew , that in the schooles , that which least belongeth , hath been very much searched into , as if it were of the greatest moment , and that which is of the greatest moment hath been hitherto neglected . because the whole pains of physitians hath given place to mockeries , and unprofitable brawlings . therefore if the elements do not enter into mixt bodies , vain is the doctrine of the schooles touching the number , composition , temperaments , concerning the contrariety , proportion , strife , and degree of elements : for degrees are bound to the seedes of simple bodies ; not to an element . they are vain trifles , whether the forms of the elements do remain in the thing mixt ? because they are those things which are not in it , as an element : it never ceaseth from that which it once began to be , except the water ; to wit , when being espoused to the seeds , it departs into a body , which hath hitherto been believed to be mixt . vain therefore is their fight , interchangeable course , victory : and that hence , every disease , dissolution , ruine , healing , and restoring , doth depend . vain also is the method which is framed by contraries fetched from hence . for the schooles being by degrees guilty of those ill patched lies , however they may a long time prate concerning complexions , at length they fail , and being contented with feigned humours , they scarce any more do debate concerning the fight of the elements , except in the six things besides nature , and the frivolous commands of diet. . the air and water , are bodies not to be changed into each other . the demonstration . the air which is in a being made thin by the heat of that which encompasseth it , increaseth by the increase of dimensions , and therefore it takes up more room than before . which thing notwithstanding cannot be , unless it drives the liquor b. c. into c. e. ( otherwise a poriness or fulness of little holes of the vessel should be admitted , or a rupture of a. which contradicteth the supposition of heer ) and successively the air which was in c. e. into the vessel d. but d. cannot receive that air , unless it drive away so much air through the hole of the pipe f. the conclusion . therefore without the opening in f. the liquor b. c. had not been moved from its place . therefore it is no wonder , that the liquor of vitrioll hath by little and little exhaled of its own accord , through the necessary opening in f. therefore the stupidity or dulness of n. is laid open ; to whom , when i had given many instruments of like sort , yet he had never observed the opening in f. yea although i had plainly shewen these things to him ( many being present ) before that he had set forth his ridiculous fable against me ; yet he feigned afterwards that he wondred : because that liquor had perished by degrees . he saith , that he found the whole vessel most perfectly shut ( for neither doth that which is not exactly shut deserve to be called shut ) yet he grants that a motion of the liquor was made , which had shewen the temperature of the air . and that the liquor was changed into air , the glasse being shut . therefore false observations being supposed , i will discover his misfortunes . it being granted , that the vessel d. is as equally shut , as is the vessel a , according to his supposition . the thing required we must demonstrate . that the water b. c. cannot be moved . likewise that it cannot teach the temperature of the air ; also that it could not be dried up or exhale . likewise that it could not be turned into air . the preparing of an absurdity . for if he admitteth of the motion and dryness of the water , he ought to admit absurdities and contradictories , or to confess his errours . the preparing of the demonstration . let some heat be applied to the vessel a. exceeding the temperature of the air encompassing : for then the air included will enlarge it self , according to the more or lesse heat , and according to , and as it exceedeth the true temperature of the air shut up in the vessel d. against which , it driving forward the water b. c. it shall destroy the equall tenour through too much action . so that the air shall be pressed together , and co-thickned by restraint , that it may yield to the enlargement made in a. the demonstration . therefore according to the supposition of heer ( that air pressed together is turned into water ) the liquor had never failed in the vessel . yet his own observation will have it : that the glasse being on every side exactly shut , the water was nevertheless dried up and made air . but he cannot admit of dryness in a glasse exactly shut , unless his own supposition be destroyed ( to wit , that air pressed together is changed into water ) neither again can that supposition subsist , unless he shall admit of the continuance of the liquor ; which notwithstanding doth contradict his own observation . likewise he cannot admit of the moving of the liquor b. c. unless he shall grant the glasse to be opened in f , and by consequence he confesseth , he hath erred in his observation . and which thing , although by the force of demonstrations , he was constrained to confess , before that he vomited forth his apologie with all kinde of reproaches against me , yet he hath persisted therein , to discover his own ignorances . the conclusion . therefore it must needes be , if the water b. c. be moved through some temperature of the air , that both the vessels a and d , are not shut . for else the instrument should not be convenient for measuring of the temperature of the air ( which is contrary to his supposition ) for seeing the air is of the same heat about a , and about d ; the liquor b , c , shall also necessarily take rest . because the quality of the air which encompasseth , is the moving cause of the water b. c. acting with an equall strength , and giving an equall tenour . now , through the supposition of that which is false , i will demonstrate , what may follow upon his ignorance . let i say the water b. c. according to his observation , be changed into air . in the first place , this observation cannot be admitted , without rarefying , caused by heat . nor can that rarefying be granted , without an increase of place , beside the heat . and the increase of place cannot subsist without the enlarging or breaking of the vessel . because he confesseth the glasse to be exactly shut , with a continuation of the glasse , without ruine , or poriness . . a transchanging of the water into air cannot be granted , without co-thickning and restraining ; and restraint is not given without the addition of parts , by pressing together , actually within the same space or magnitude . which ought altogether to be named a condensing of the air , which in this place , cannot be made but by cold alone ; which supposeth the air to turn into water ; therefore not the water into air . since therefore neither heat , nor cold , can turn water into air , much lesse shall that which is temperate do that . for that , this doth not beget an alteration in those elements . likewise air is not turned into water , because this conversion cannot be admitted , being made by rarefaction , because the rarefying of the air doth not happen in this place without the mediation of heat . but heer will have it , that the air is co-thickned into water by cold . therefore water shall not be generated of air by heat . . that transchanging of air into water , cannot be admitted , but by condensing and restraining , which cannot happen in a glasse perfectly shut , but by cold . which agent upon the air being shut up within a and d , should change it into water , according to the supposition of heer . for so water , had been increased by generation , in vessels perfectly shut . which contradicteth his own words . this pretious liquor perished , it is no more , it hath ceased to be , and that indeed in the raging winter . therefore , since neither heat nor cold can co-thicken air into water : much lesse shall that do it which is temperate . therefore never . it is a wonder therefore , why it hath not hindered the drying up of the liquor in vessels . since according to his own prattle , those should be onely buried under the snow , that they might be filled with water . now there shall not hereafter be need of rain , if the cave being perfectly shut and cold , continual cisterns should be made . and likewise , when the water should over-weigh the air , that water shall fall into the bottom of a great vessel very closely shut , from whence , as oft as one would list , the water should be drawn out . and so that vessel should be changed into a winter fountain . for as heer saith , the vessel was very closely shut , it wanted little holes , neither had it need of opening , as well for the entrance , as the transpiration of the air . but if a new air might afterwards enter the same way , and by the same meanes , whereby the water that was changed into air , the glasse being shut , flew out : hereafter therefore , sweet water shall not be wanting to marriners in a ship , if by the cold of the night , the air growes together by drops into water . venice and antwerp , shall frame fountains in the belly of a brasse cock , which in the pinacle of the temple sheweth the windes . for by the night-cold , the air shall weep , being turned into water . and although the pipe be moyst to those that play on flutes ; that is not from the air : otherwise organ-pipes also should be moyst within , which is false . for the air utters the sound or tune , and the salt vapour , drops water out of the pipe. they having pressed air of one ell , together , in a gun , to the space of fingers , even in the cold of winter : and so far is it , that the air so pressed together in excelling cold , was changed into water ; that it cast out a leaden bullet thorow an oken plank , more strongly than a hand-gun or pistollet . now i will proceed to prove that thing by positive reasons . because an applied esteem or thinking , hath on every side overshadowed the schooles with a manifold absurdity . chap. xi . the essay of a meteor . . a vapour raised from the heat of water differs from that which is made by cold . . that air is not made of water . . that air can neither by art or nature be brought into water . . that the air doth not subsist without an actuall vacuum or emptiness . . it is proved by handicraft operation , that the subtilizing or rarefying of art , however exact or fine it be , is nothing but a sifting . . by handy operation the same thing is shewen in the sifting or making of leaf-gold . . the water is examined by three proportionable things , and the doctrine of necessity in the highest degrees of cold of the middle region of the air is delivered . . the likeness of mercury with water . . the nature of mercury . . the rashness of antient chymists , concerning mercury . . that earth and water are never made one thing by any co-mixture . . how art exceedes nature . . the earth is properly the fruit of the two primary elements . . a neere reason of an uncapacity in mercury , of being destroyed . . aquae fortesses do not operate upon the center of mercury . . nor the spirit of sea-salt , upon the body of it . . the inward sulphur of mercury . . how water may give a weight more weighty than it self . . after what manner there is an ordinary piercing of bodies in the way of nature . . in the way of nature , there are not the three first things , although in its own simpleness there is a conceivable difference of kinde , which is to receive the seedes . . smoak is meer water . . why clouds do stink . . what the dew is . . what a mist is . . wherefore it behooved the air in the middle region of the air to be cold . . in this cold , all seeds seperated by atomes or motes , do die , and therefore the water returns into the simplicity of its own element : but in earth and water , if things are spoiled of their seed , they do not return unto that simplicity : but do conceive a new seed . . by handicraft operation the errour of paracelsus is laid open . . the errour of the galenists about the savours of things elementated . . what the gas of the water is . . the unconstancy of paracelsus concerning the seperation of elements from elements . it is already sufficiently manifest , that the water by the force of heat , is lifted up in manner of a vapour , which vapour nevertheless , is nothing but water made thin , and remains as before ; and therefore being retorted or struck back by an alembick , it returns into its antient weight of water . yet it may be doubted , whether water consumed by the cold of the air , is not changed into the nature and properties of air . because after the floud , the almighty sent the windes , that they might dry the face of the earth . and even unto this day , water is sooner supt up under the most cold north , than in summer heats . also a fountain falling into a place or vessel of stone or marble , under the most chilled cold , with a continuall gulf , the motion of the steep falling fountain , hinders indeed the water from congealing ; yet a certain vapour is seen to ascend , which being straightway invisible , is snatched away in the air. that which is presupposed , is , that the every way nature of air , is at least , consumed by cold , if not by heat . first of all i answer ; that absurdity being granted , the schooles in the first place , have not any thing for themselves from thence , that therefore , the air , by it self , should be moyst : so far is it that the air ( as they determine ) should be far moyster than the water . because it is at least , water dried up . for that which is transchanged , doth alwayes loose the properties which it had in the terme or bound [ from which ] and borroweth the qualities of the thing transchanging . for however , either the whole air was sometimes water , or that onely should be moyst , which was born of water : but the other first-born air , should be dry from its creation . and so there should be two aires essentially different . but that the air in its own purity , is dry by an inward property , it appeares from the objection of the aforesaid cold : because if the air from its root were moyst , windes had not been sent to dry the earth . but if indeed through the windes , the waters of the floud were truly changed into air , there should be much more air after the floud than before . consequently , either some part of the world had been empty , or certainly , now by reason of a pressing together , and thickning caused by a new air of so great an heap , we should be choaked ( which thing shall hereafter be manifested , by the handicraft operation of a candle ) or an equall part of air ought successively to had been annihilated or brought to nothing , under the generation of so great a new air . for the text will have it , that so deep waters , and the whole superficies of the earth also , was dryed by the windes . or if before the floud , the waters had been air in the floud-gates of heaven ; in like manner therefore in the whole floud , there had been an emptiness in those floud-gates of heaven : to wit , if the water be thicker and more condensed by a hundred fold at least , than the air . therefore , i lay it down for a position , that the water doth never perish , indeed not through cold , or that it can be changed , by any endeavours of nature or art ; and likewise , that the air in no ages , or by no dispositions ( not so much as in one onely small drop ) can be reduced into water . for the water doth not endure an emptiness , as neither the co-pressing of it self , in being pressed together by any moover . onely it is pressed together in a seminall in-thickning , through a formal transchanging of it self . but on the contrary , the air cannot subsist without a vacuum or emptiness , ( which thing i will prove in its chapter ) and therefore it suffers an enlarging and straightning of it self . therefore there are two stable elements , differing in nature and properties among themselves ; because it is impossible for them to be changed into each other . i confess indeed , that out of the stone-vessel of a fountain , a watery exhalation doth ascend like a mist , from the smallest atomes of the water ; which exhalation , although departing but a little from thence , it be made altogether invisible , it doth not therefore corrupt the doctrine delivered . for truly of one equall agent , there is one onely , and equall action . wherefore , if cold doth first change the water into an icy exhalation , the same cold cannot afterwards have another action upon that exhalation , than of more extenuating and dispersing the same ; so as that through its fineness , it may soon be made invisible ; and afterwards may be made more and more fine . for neither could the hundredth extenuation of the same exhalation , more transchange the water , than the first . because it is an element and body , impossible , by its appointment , to be reduced into a greater simplicity : since subtilizing made by the division of parts , is nothing but a certain simple shifting . for example , beat gold into plates , and then into the thinnest leaves , but thence into the gold of painters ; straightway again , make it smooth or plain , in a marble morter . and then with minium or red lead , and salt , bring it into an impalpable , or exceeding fine powder ; seperate the minium by the fire , and wash away the salt with water , and repeat or renew it often as thou listest : at length , also with sal armoniac , stibium , and mercurie sublimate , drive it through a retort ; and renew that seven times , that the whole gold may be brought into the form of a flitting oil of a light red colour . for it is a very smooth , yea and a hard , sound , that which may be hammered , and a most fixed body , which now seemeth to be turned into the nature of an oil. but truly that dissembled liquor , is easily reduced into its former weight and body of gold. what if therefore gold doth not change its antient nature , by so many manglings ; nor doth by any meanes loose its own seed ; much lesse doth water , a thing appointed for a simple element by the lord of things , for the upholding of the universe . although water should be potent in the three divulged beginnings , and should truly consist in salt , sulphur , and mercurie , mingled together : yet it suffers no seperation of the same things , by reason of the most exquisite simpleness of its nature , and the most firm continuance of its constancy . for bodies when they are made subtile or fine to the utmost , that they could be no more fine ; if they should continue in making them fine , at length they depart into another substance ; with a retaining of their seminall properties . and in this respect , the alkahest of paracelsus , by piercing all bodies of nature , transchangeth them by making them subtile . which happens not in the elements , water and air ; because , by reason of their highest simplicity , and priority of their appointment , they refuse to passe , or to be transchanged into any thing that is before , or more simple than themselves . therefore when exhalations being gotten with child by the odours or smells , and seeds of compound bodies , are translated from the lower parts to the middle region of the air : there , through the most subtile dividing of the vapours by cold , as much as is possible for nature to do , they are reduced indeed , into their most simple and primitive purity of elementary water : but in that last sub-division of their finenesses and atomes , all seeds , odours , and ferments , which they lifted upward with themselves , do dye together , and do return into their first element of water whence they were materially formed . hence clowdes , as long as they are clowdes , do stink in mountains : but not after they are by the greatest colds , there extenuated into the last division of fineness . and this necessity hath been in nature , that the middle region of the air should ( not far of from us ) be most cold . for therefore the water alwayes remains whole as it is , or without any dividing of the three beginnings , it is transformed and goes into fruits , whither the seedes do call and withdraw it . because an artificial diligent search hath shewen me indeed , after what sort , the three first beginnings , and that in a proportionable sense , are in the water , yet by no art , or corruption of dayes , are they to be divided from each other . for an element should cease to be a simple body , if it be to be seperated into any thing before , or more simple than it self . but nothing in corporeall things is granted to be before , or more simple than an element . the water therefore , is most like to the internall mercurie of mettalls ; the which , seeing it is now stript of all manner of spot of mettalick sulfur , it as well cleaves to it self on every side , by an undissolvable joyning , as it doth radically refuse all possible division by art or nature . hence geber had occasion given him to say , that there is no moysture in the order or course of things , like to mercury , by reason of the homogeneall or samely kinde of simplicity continually remaining with it in the torment of the fire . for truly either it being wholly changed in its own nature , flees away from the fire ; or it wholly perseveres in the fire through the transchanging of its seedes . i confess indeed that i learned the nature of the element of water , no otherwise than under the ferule or staffe made of the white wand of mercury . but since i have from hence , with great pains and cost , thorowly searched for thirty whole years , and i have found out the adequate or suitable mercurie of the water ; i will therefore endeavour to explain its nature , so far as the present speech requireth , and the slenderness of my judgement suffereth . first of all , the alchymists do confess , that the substance of mercurie is not at all capable to endure any intrinsecall or inward division , and they shew the cause : because by a homogeneall and sweet proportion , its watery parts , are by an equall tempering conjoyned to its earthly parts ( the aiery and fiery ones , being suppressed in silence , for that these should flee away , if they were in it , neither do they contain the cause of constancy here required ) and therefore that both these cannot forsake each other , by reason of their just temperature , they embracing each other , though against the fires will. in the first place , the errour of the auntients hath deluded them , concerning the necessary confluence of four elements into the mixture of mixt bodies . but surely , that errour was not to be indulged by alchymists : because they are those , who durst not enforce or comprise the air and fire of mercurie , when as they treated of its constancy . and then , because it was very easie for them to experience , that the water , after what manner soever , either by art , or natural proportion , it was married to the earth , yet that it never obtains a constancy in the fire , as neither to be at any time truly radically joyned to the earth : because water , after what manner soever it be co-mixed with earth , ceaseth not to be water . for neither shall manner or proportion ever make water to degenerate from its own essence , as neither shall any conjoyning of it with earth , be able to procure that thing . but water remaining water , is born , alwayes to flee away from the fire . surely it is a ridiculous thing , that the water should rather love a proportioned weight of earth , than an unequall one , and that , for that loves sake , it should against its will , the rather forsake that temperament of earth . for truly when the speech is concerning the co-mingling of four elements , it is understood of pure elements , and those plainly unmixed together , and so not defiled , with any spot of mixture , or otherwise prevented by any disposition . for neither doth the water carry a ballance with it , nor beares a respect as to weigh the earth that is to be co-mixed with it , that it may be the more toughly conjoyned to the same . i greatly admire , that the wan errour of the co-mixing of elements being received , hath brought forth such so●tish absurdities among all the schooles , and that they by that absurdity alone , have locked the gate of finding out of sciences and cau● mercurie doth not indeed admit into it , or contain so m●ch as the least of earth , 〈◊〉 is alwayes the son of water alone . yea earth and water can never be compelled into any naturall body , or be subdued into an identity or sameliness of forme , by whatever skill that thing be attempted : for t●les or bricks , if from moyst earth they are boiled into a shelly stone , they do not receive water , but for the guidance of the clay : but earth hath a seed in its own salt , whence the clay becomes stony through the coction of glasse-making . therefore of the water and earth , there is onely a powring on , and applying of parts ; but not an admixture of growing together . for whatsoever is meet to depart into a compounded body , and of divers things , to be converted into [ this something ] this must needes be done by the endeavour of the working spirits , and so far , of those things that do contain them , as they do promote the matter by transchanging it into a new generation . but the elements are bodies , but not spirits , and much lesse do they also act into each other . the earth therefore , ought first to loose its being , and be reduced into a juyce , before it should marry the water , that by embracing this water gotten with childe by the seed , it might bring it over into the fruit ordained for the conceived seed . but what agent should that be , which should transport the earth into a juyce , and not rather into water ? since the earth being a simple body , should be changed into nothing but into a simple body its neighbour ? surely another co-like element should not cause that ; seeing nothing of like sort , hath been hitherto seen to agree with the water or air . nor , at length , should the earth intend the corruption of it self , since this resisteth the constancy of creation . therefore although part of the earth may be homogeneally or by way of simplicity of kinde , reduced into water by art ; yet by nature onely , i deny that thing to be done : seeing that , in nature , an agent is wanting , by which agent alone , onely mediating , the virgin-earth , or true earth , is reduced into salt , and from thence into water . let it be for a lesson to chymists ; that the earth , although it was in its first constitution , created , yet properly it is even a fruit of the water . therefore neither do generations or co-mixtures ever happen in nature , but by a getting of the water with childe . and so that as long as the water is chief in the seed , never any generation proceedeth from thence . therefore much lesse , is there a flowing compound body to be exspected from thence ; because it resisteth the fruitfulness of the fire . and that thing least of all , as oft as water and earth are mutually connexed to their own bodies . therefore the constancy of bodies is onely in the fire , in the family of mineralls , and indeed most perfect in the purest mettalls . because the eternall , hath not created moysture to be ●●kened in its constancy , to metallick mercurie . and therefore there is in mercurie it self , even as in the elements , a near reason of an uncapacity to be destroyed . for truly i have discerned in mercurie , a certain outward sulphur , containing the originall spot of mettall ; the which , because it is originall , therefore is it also taken away from it , with difficulty . which at length , nevertheless , being seperated by art , skilful men say , that the mercurie is cleansed of a superfluous sulphur , and superfluous moysture . because afterwards , it may not by any fire be precipitated or cast into the form of earth , by reason of its greatest simpleness , whereby it is compared to the element of water . for it hath lost its earth , that is its sulphur , which earth in the center of its essence , is no less from the element of water , than its remaining refined mercurie , which earth , albeit , it had from its first beginning most deeply co-mixed with it self . if therefore the mercury in its former state , had a suitable temperament of earth and water : therefore at leastwise , after the taking away of that sulphurous earth , it had lost its an●ient uncapacity of being devided , the which rather , by a contrary disposition of relation , it ha●h hence-forward c●nfirmed far more firm to it self for ever . for mercurie , after it is spoiled of that sulphur , is found not to be changed by any fire : because it is the mercurie of mercurie . but the sulphur is death and life , or the dwelling place of life in things : to wit , in the sulphur , are the fermen●s or leavens , putrifactions by continuance , o ●ours , specificall savours of the seedes , for any kinde of transmutations . the mercurie therefore being cleansed of its originall spot , and being a virgin , doth not suffer it self to be any more laid hold on by sulphurs or seeds ; but it straight-way consumeth , and as it were slayeth these , except its own compeere . for other sublunary bodies , are to weak , that they should subdue , pierce , change , or defile mercurie of so great worth : even as it well happens in other bodies , where the seed which lurketh in the sulphur , sends it self into water . but the salt and mercurie of things , as it were womanish juyces , do follow the conceptions of the sulphur . for aqua fortis is not wrought upon mettalls , or mercurie , but by the beholding of the sulphur . for the spirit of sea-salt , without the conjoyning of some embryonated or imperfect shaped sulphur , doth not therefore so much as dissolve the common peoples mercurie . therefore the sulphur onely is by adjuncts immediately dissolved , and changed by the fire ; which successive change , the other parts of the compounded body do afterwards undergoe , not but for the sulphurs sake . therefore mercurie of mercurie , or in mercurie , remaineth safe , as well in fires as in its liquor the air . otherwise , if a corrosive matter should touch on that mercurie , the pains of many might happily be recompenced : because the whole root of transmutations is in the sulphur . therefore there is another sulphur of mettalls , internall to mercurie it self , and therefore it remains untouched by every corrosive thing , no lesse , than from the destructions of fire and air . yea a totall ruine of things should follow , if every thing dissolving should pierce into the innermost root of dissolving . and although silver dissolved in aqua fortis may seem to have perished , as being in the form of a water ; yet it remains in its former essence : even as salt dissolved in water , is , remaineth salt , and is fetched from thence , without the changing of the salt. which thing surely should not thus come to passe , if the thing dissolving , should in the least be joyned in dissolving , and should not be stayed by the mercurie of that composed body . therefore the inward kernel of the mercurie , is not touched by dissolvers , and much lesse is it pierced by them . but the ignorant being astonished at the novelty of the paradox , will urge : if the water be not pressed together , nor its parts go to ruine , and gold be of water alone , whence therefore have gold or lead their weight ? for truly , water hath not pores , bigger by ten fold than the whole water . in the first place , as this doubt doth not take away doubts , so it argues nothing against the matter of gold , to be taken from water onely . for truly , if gold should be of four proportioned elements : and air and fire are light ones : i therefore may likewise object , from whence hath gold its weight ? but if it consist onely of earth and water , from whence hath gold its ten fold weight ? therefore an argument which of it self doth not drive away difficulties , doth nothing presse the adversaries . but since it behooves an interpreter of nature to be ready to search into , and render the causes of nature ; i will shew from the premises , that the seed of gold hath a power of transchanging the water into [ this something ] which is far different from water . wherefore it is agreeable to nature and reason , that in transmutation , the water doth sustain as much pressing together , going to ruine , and aduniting , as great stones or mettalls do overpoyse the water in weight , and as much as the necessity of the seed doth require : because that , of nothing , nothing is made . therefore weight is made of another body weighing even so much ; in which there is made a transmutation as of the matter , so also of the whole essence . therefore the water , while it undergoes the lawes of the seed , it is also bound to the precepts of the dimensions of its own weight , co-thickning , and going to ruine . for if the water of its own accord flies up , out-flees the sight , in the shew of a vapour a hundred fold lighter than it self , and yet remains water ; why shall not the water , while it is made , [ this something ] neither is any longer formally water , also receive thicknesses greater than it is wont , by ten fold ? for indeed on both sides , the matter doth follow the properties of the seedes . therefore the liberty of nature is perpetuall , of its own accord , to cause , and to suffer the pressings together of a watery body , and will not undergoe those by any guidance of an artificer ; yea mountains are sooner overturned by gun-powder . therefore there shall be sixteen parts of water pressed together into the room of one part , where gold is framed of water . wherefore , so far is it , that the piercing of dimensions becomes impossible , seeing that nothing is more natural or home-bred to nature , than to co-thicken the body of the water : but indeed , although there may something appear in the water like to the three first things , yet also there is no hope that they should be rent asunder from each other , because in the every way simplicity of the water , an adequate or suitable sulphur is after a certain sort hidden , which cannot be seperated from the other two , but they all do accompany together . those are not the three true principles , which are abstracted or seperated onely by the imagination . the water therefore , since it doth on every side vary off-springs according to the diversity of their seedes ; thus so many kindes of earths , mineralls , salts , liquors , stones , plants , living creatures , and meteors , do rise up in their particular kindes , from the blast or inspiration of the seedes . for the water putrifies by continuance , in the earth , is made the juyce of the earth , gums , oyl , rosin , wood , berries , &c. and that which of late , was nothing but water materially , now burns , and sends forth a fume or smoak . not indeed , that that fume is air , but is either a vapour , or a drie exhalation , and a new fruit of the water , not yet appointed to be wholly turned by its seed . it is proved . for the body of the air cannot make a shadow in the air ; but whatsoever doth exhale out of a live coal , doth make a shadow in the sun. for since the air hath a limited consistence and thickness , and that agreeable to its own simpleness : it followes , that whatsoever is thicker than the air , that is not air . moreover , that which being made thin by the heat of the fire , doth now exhale , is as yet thicker than the air ; and so for that cause , makes a shadow ; surely that shall become far more thick in the cold , and shall be made visible in clouds . whatsoever exhalations therefore do from the earth climbe upward , and are joyned in clouds ; for this cause also , those clouds do stink , no otherwise than as water doth under the aequinoctial line : and there the ferment and seed of their concretion or growing together being consumed , they are turned into pure water , no otherwise , than the water is , after it hath escaped and overcome the bounds of its putrefaction : which it had conceived under the line . the dew therefore is a cloud belonging to the spring , not yet stinking , falling down , before it can touch the place of cold . so a mist or fogg , is a stinking cloud , not as yet refined through the putrefaction of its ferment : because as many as have passed over the alps with me , have known , how greatly , clouds taken hold of with the hand , do stink ; but the rain-water collected thence , how sweet and without savour it is , and almost incorruptible . for when any thing doth exhale , whether it be in the shew of water , or oil , or smoak , or mists , or of an exhalation , although indeed it brings not away with it , the seedes of the concrete or composed body , at leastwise , it carries the ferments upward , which that they may be fully abolished from thence , and that the remaining matter may return into water , it behooves , that they be first lifted up into a subtile or fine gas in the kitchin of the most cold air , and that they passe over into another higher region , and do assume a condition in the shape of the least motes or atomes . and that the ferments do there die , as well through the cold of the place , as the fineness of the atomes , as it were by choaking and extinguishing . for cold is therefore a principle not indeed of life , but of extinguishment . to wit , as it doth sub-divide the parts of the atomes , as yet by more subtilizing them , even as i have above taught . and so that woods are also the sooner consumed by fire under cold , as if they were driven by a blast . from which necessity , verily that place was from the beginning , alwayes chilled with continuall cold . because the authour of nature , least he might seem to have been wanting to the necessities of his creature , hath every where fitted ordinations according to necessities . therefore cold is naturall and home-bred to that place : but not from the succeeding chymera of an antiperistasis . indeed the matter of fruits being brought thither , must needes return into their first being ; and the infections of the ferments are therefore first to be removed , by the mortifications , sub-divisions , subtilizings , piercings , choakings and extinguishings of the cold . the air therefore is the place , where , all things being brought thither , are consumed , and do return into their former element of water . for in the earth and water , although bodies sprung up from seedes , do by little and little putrifie , and depart into a juyce ; yet they are not so nearly reduced into the off-spring of simple water , as neither into a gas : for bodies that are enfeebled or consumed , do straight way in the earth , draw another putrifaction through continuance , a ferment , and seed : whence they flee to second marriages , and are again anew increased into succeeding fruits . but the fire , the death of all things , doth want seedes , being subjected to the will of the artificer , it consumeth all seminall things , but brings over their combustible matters into a gas. paracelsus affirms , that three beginnings are so united in all particular principles , that one cannot wholly be freed from the other , by any help of art . but saving the authority of the man , our handicraft-operation containing his secret , samech , hath affirmed , that which is contrary to his assertion , by the spirit of wine being turned into an un-savoury water . and so neither can that man cover his ignorance . indeed the spirit of wine being wholly capable of burning , made void of phlegme or watery moysture , and oil ; it alwayes for the one half of it , passeth into a simple , un-savoury , and elementary water , by a touching of the salt of tartar on it . again , the same thing is made by repetition , as to the other part . for that man was ignorant of the thingliness of a gas ( to wit , my invention ) and next of the properties of cold in the air ; yea he thought that the vapour of the water was plainly annihilated : which sottishness of that his proper form of speech , is least of all to be winked at in so great a distiller . especially , because he would have the elements to be seperable from feigned elements , rather than the three first things . wherefore from the dissection of the water delivered , it now sufficiently appeares , that the simple water is not crude or raw , and that fire doth not take away the crudity from it , which it hath not . because the whole action of the fire , is not into the water , but into that which is co-mixed with it by accident . galen according to his manner , transcribing diascorides word for word , and being willing to measure the elementary degrees of simples , he hath not attempted it by the discretion of his tongue : and so he divined , that more of the fire had concurred to a mixture , where he found the more sharpness and bitterness . which thing , the schooles even till now hold as authenticall ; although opium being bitter , hinders it , although flammula or scarrewort ; ( the glasse being close shut ) layeth aside its tartness ; as also water-pepper , and the like . and what things are moyst , do burn or sting , but dried things do binde . neither shall the galenists easily finde out a way , whereby they may bring fire for water-pepper , under dirt . for it hath been unknown in the schooles , that all properties , not onely those which they call occult or hidden , but also that any other properties , do flow out of the lap of seeds : and all those which it pleaseth the schooles themselves also to call formall ones . surely i do experience four elementary qualities , to be as in the outward bark of things ; the second qualities to be more dangerous or destructive : but the most inward ones , to be immediately pressed in the archeus . yet all of them to be from the bosom of the seede and forms : but no quality to come forth from the first matter , as neither from the wedlock of the elements , because they are both feigned mothers . but because the water which is brought into a vapour by cold , is of another condition , than a vapour raised by heat : therefore by the licence of a paradox , for want of a name , i have called that vapour , gas , being not far severed from the chaos of the ●●untients . in the mean time , it is sufficient for me to know , that gas , is a far more subtile or fine thing than a vapour , mist , or distilled oylinesses , although as yet , it be many times thicker than air. but gas it self , materially taken , is water as yet masked with the ferment of composed bodies . moreover , paracelsus was altogether earnest in seperating four elements out of earth , water , air and fire ; and so from his very own elements : which seperation notwithstanding , he denieth to be , from the three first things , possible : as if those three first things , were more simple , and before the elements : being unmindefull of the doctrine many times repeated by him : to wit , that every kinde of body , doth consist onely of three principles ; but not of elements : because elements were not bodies : but places , and empty wombs of bodies or principles , void of all body . for although the elements are among us commonly not believed to be undefiled ; yet paracelsus calls them so : the which he teacheth , are by art to be seperated from pollutions . but this description receiveth the air in one glasse , common water in another ; but the earth , either of the garden , or the field , in a third ; and at length , the flame of the fire in a fourth . but he shuts the vessels with hermes's seal , by melting of the neck : and the water for a moneth , continually to boyl in its vessel . as though that thing could possibly be done , and the glasse not the sooner leap asunder : especially , because he commands the water to be shut up without air , unto the highest brim of the vessel ( and the glasse to be melted , to wit , with the water . ) lastly , he conceives a flame in the glasse , and in the very moment wherein it ceaseth , it is no more fire , but an aiery smoak : nor is the fire a substance . last of all , nor can the fire be detained within the compass of the vessel . in another place , he denieth any element of fire besides the heaven ; but now , he calls the fire , the gas of the thing burnt up . and he exalts these his trifles for causes of great moment , the which notwithstanding , he dared not to name . because the doubtful man hath exposed his dreams to the world , in hope of deserving thereby , the name of the monarch of secrets . chap. xiii . the gas of the water . . the gas of the water differs from a vapour . . a demonstration from creation . . that the air in genesis is signified by the heaven . . that in the firmament is the operative principle of dividing of the waters . . the seperating powers of waters in the air . . a history of a vapour . . gas differs from the exhalation of the auntients . . a supposition of principles . . the manner of making in a vapour . . the gas of the water . . an example in gold. . the gas of the water is shewne to the young beginner . . the incrusting of the water . . the heat of the alps is great , yet not to be felt . . that gold is not the absence or privation of heat . . why gas is an invisible thing . . why the stars do twinckle . . why the heaven is of an azure colour . . the air knowes not the motion of snatching . . above all clouds , the air is not voyd of all motion . . what quietness there may be in that place . . gas is the mother of a meteor . . gas and blas , do constitute the whole re-publick of a meteor . . the sun is hot by it self . . the soils of the air are the folding doores of heaven . . why some are side-windes , but others perpendicular or down-right ones . . from whence the blas of the air is originally stirred up . . two causes of every meteor . . the water is in the same manner that it was from the beginning . . from whence there is a stability in the quiet perolede or soil of the air. . peroledes are proved . . a solving of an objection . . the water is frozen of it self occasionally , but not effectively , by cold . . why ice is lighter than water . . the proportion of lightness in ice , by handicraft-operation . . the constancy and simplicity of the water . . that all beings do after some sort feel or perceive . . a vapour doth sooner return into water than into gas. . the changing into a vapour , in respect of the air the seperater , is oblique or crooked . . the air is dry , and cold by it self . . in an elementated body , there is not a simple and an every way sameliness of kinde . . the rarefying of the sulphur of water , gives smoothness to ice : but not the immixing of a strange air . . in the patient or sufferer , re-acting differs from resistance . . it is proved by reasons , that air is never transchanged into water , nor this into that . gas and blas are indeed new names brought in by me , because the knowledge of them hath been unknown to the antients : notwithstanding , gas and blas do obtain a necessary place among natural beginnings . therefore this paradox is the more largely to be explained . and first , after what sort gas may be made of water , and how different a manner it is , from that , wherein heat doth elevate water into a vapour . and likewise we must know after what sort these things do happen , by the dissection of the water . i will therefore repeat , that the thrice glorious god , in the beginning , created the heaven , and the earth , and the great deep of waters . but the great deep began from the hollowness of the heaven , and was bounded upon the globe of the earth . nothing is there read of the creating of the air , which notwithstanding is a body , and created into an element , not indeed after the six dayes creation , that it might fill up the place , where the air now is . therefore the heaven designeth or signifieth the air , and the matter of the heavens , is otherwise , hitherto unknown . and then the eternall created the firmament , that it might seperate the waters which ought to remain under it , from those that were to remain above it . but the firmament was not as it were the floud-gate , or as it were an idle partition of the waters : but rather the operative principle of that seperation . even as the sun , is not the middle partition between the day and the night ; although it was made to seperate the day from the night : but the sun is the maker of the day it self . therefore the heaven or air was appointed the seperater of the waters , to endure as long as the very world it self . for which cause , it hath obtained two notable powers . to wit , exceeding coldness , and dryness proportioned thereunto . it hath indeed great lights in it , which are rowled about in it , and the which , however they may mitigate its in-born cold : yet the air ceaseth not from that office of a seperater . and in what part that kinde of seperation ought to happen ( which is neere to us ) there are no lights at all ; yea , nor also far aloft . but by how much the neerer that air toucheth at the chambers of the blessed , it abounds with many lights . thus is the air it self disposed . but now i will set upon the history of an exhalation , which contains a vapour and also a gas , and so we must examine the thing contained in the air . for neither is gas a dry , and oily body , which the antients have called an exhalation : but it containeth moreover , another watery body also , besides vapours , from whence the body , manner , and progress of meteors will be known . i consider the body of the water , to contain in it an elementary , and native mercury , liquid , and most simple : next an un-savoury , and alike simple salt. both which , do embrace within them , a uniform , homogeneall , simple and unseperable sulphur . these things i suppose , even as astronomers do their excentrices , that i may go to meet the weakness of our understanding . therefore the salt of water , as it is moved , and waxeth hot from the least lukewarmness being impatient of heat , straight-way climbes on high , as it were to the place of rest and refreshment , with a proportionable part of its own mercury . and for that cause , the sulphur also being unseperable from both , ought to accompany them . the three things being thus conjoyned , are the vapour , which being brought into the luke-warm air , for the same reasons , hasteneth to ascend , untill it hath touched the places of its refreshment , provided by the creator . whither the vapour being now brought , the heat which troubled it being presently laid down , the salt as it were repenting of its flight , could wish , that it might again receive a resolving in its mercury , and return into its former state of water . but the lofty and troublesome cold of the place hinders it . by occasion whereof , the mercury of the water is so frozen or congealed , that it is unfit for the resolving of its salt. wherefore that vapour is presently changed into a gas , and gas hanging in doubt , in a shape , wanders up and down : so that , unless the cold did dry up the sulphur of the water in a bark or shell , and in this respect divide it , every vapour and cloud ( even as in our glassen vessels ) as being heavier than the air , should by and by rush downwards . hence we see , that vapours having slidden down a little beyond their bound ( even as straightway after great colds , when as the south winde blowes on it at unawares ) the mercury of the water being unfrozen , that the salt is at length easily resolved within its mercury . for the importunities of cold and heat , do command the beginnings of the water , to be turned inward or outward . for so the lesser rains and the dew , do fall down in the least atomes , as it were descending and resolved vapours . therefore there is not a new and substantiall generation , while of water , a vapour is lifted up ; since it is onely an extenuating , by reason of a turning of its parts outward : as neither also , whiles the mercury of the water doth resolve the salt , which it again shuts up within it self , and is changed into rain . which is nothing but the resolving of the former atomes of the water , and a co-uniting them into greater drops : for a changing of the essence doth not interpose , where there is onely a locall dividing ; and turning of parts outward . for example , yellow and malleable gold doth not change its essence , while being dissolved by aqua regis , it hath the colour of iron rust , nor while it waxeth black in chrysulca , and is beaten into the smallest powder . moreover , that thou mayest know gas ; in the first place , meditate , the air to be the seperater , next to be simple in its root , so likewise to be simply cold and dry . since therefore heat and cold , are more active than moysture and dryness : therefore the moysture of the mercury doth first suffer by the coldness of the air : and seeing that the mercury and salt of the water , are more cold than its sulphur , therefore they are more speedily affected , and first of all indeed the mercury , because it is the coldest of the two companions . but since every thing desireth to remain in rest without the change of successive alterations , and since the elements also ought to remain without destruction ; therefore the mercury and salt of the water do hasten to preserve themselves from the coldness of the air . and so they co-thicken , arm , and incrust themselves in ice , that they may the more resist in soundness , which otherwise , being changed into gas , are lifted up ( for it is alwayes a property of the air , to seperate the waters from the waters ) or else they stop or hinder that changing and flight . but if indeed the water being stirred or disturbed , is not made ice , then the cold and dryth of the air do lay hold on the three first things of the water , so as the mercury of the water is made uncapable of resolving the salt in its moysture . and so the salt doth , under the cold , after a sort wax clotty in the mercury and sulphur : so as that the sulphur being more dry than the other two , doth also more easily suffer than its fellowes , and more from the dryth of the air , than from its coldness . wherefore the sulphur is enlarged into the smallest parts , and the mercuries and salts of all which parts being made clotty , they thrust their sulphur outward , that it might suffer from the dryness of the air . wherefore , seeing the sulphur is equall , to either of them both , the other two must needes be divided , and enlarged , according to the measure of the sulphur . from whence the mercury with the salt of the water , are also most easily frozen within the sulphur , by the cold of the air . wherefore seeing the salt and mercury are unfit for the moystening of the sulphur , they are likewise necessarily changed into gas , and being more and more made fine , they are sub-divided even into the utmost and possible fineness of the element . therefore gas differs not in substance and essence ; but by way of alteration onely . for the salt in the vapour being impatient of heat , riseth up with the mercury , and they have the sulphur included in themselves : and gas turns the sulphur of the water outward , throughly dries it , and sub-divides it . for the vapour , while it toucheth at the place of its refreshment , doth for the most part wander up and down ( half congealed in the shape of a cloud ) nor doth it ascend : but the cold of winter coming on , when now that region of the air doth beyond measure wax cold , straightway the air becomes clear , the clouds do sever or disperse , and are changed into gas. in the mountains of helvetia and subandia , the clouds do float under ones feet , and through their holes , we behold the world downward , by reason of the cruel cold of the place : but whatsoever is above the clouds , is without a cloud , because that whole vapour is by degrees extenuated into gas , and ceaseth to be seen . indeed the sun shines clear in that part , unless it do snow ; but the heat thereof is not to be perceived , although i have seen my companion , on that side whereon the sun-beams had directly struck him a whole half day , to have scorched his face and neck , no otherwise than as if he had applyed cantharides . and that , without the feeling of heat or pain . for neither doth this come to passe , through the too much subtility of the air and heat . for truly degrees of heat , but not the fineness and purity thereof do burn : yea the thicker body , as iron , burns more fervently than the live coal that is thinner . and much lesse , by reason of the reflexion of beams . for truly he was burned in that part , whereon the sun , but not the adverse reflexion of the mountain did strike him . for the cold of the place causeth , that the heat of the sun is the lesse felt . hence indeed it is manifest , that cold is not a meer absence or privation of heat , or a [ non-being . ] for truly here , both of them do stand , also distinctly operate , and that indeed in a high degree . and do make the air , by their tempering , to be almost the sweetest in the whole world . yet the snow cannot be melted in the mountain by that heat of the sun : because the cold of the snow , and also of the place , are both suitably equal to the heat of the sun. but by how much a man is hotter than the snow , by so much indeed the heat of the sun doth prevail , and mightily burn ; for that humane warmeth doth almost wholly exclude the cold of the place , and the heat of the sun doth almost act alone by it self . while vapours and clouds are made gas , they are made fine , and by how much the finer they are , by so much the higher also do they climbe in sub-dividing , and do more shun the sight . for otherwise the sun , by reason of the multitude and thickness of the clouds , should never shine on us , and much lesse should it heat the earth . therefore the stars do twinckle , and the whole heaven being void of colour , is bright or cleare ; yet it sheweth an azure colour . for although gas be a most subtile thing , and invisible in its own body : yet because it as yet , differs from the every way clearness of the air , therefore in so great depth of it self , it dissembles a skie-colour . for gas , which in its first division , i have said , to give a shadow , in a thousand sub-divisions of it self , doth not appear , unless that in much depth , it , at least sheweth the aforesaid colour . it is also a frivolous thing , that the air is carried about by the snatching motion of the first moover . because clouds do follow the guidance of the windes : but the motions of the windes are irregular , because they are of the blas of the stars ; but not of the mooving of the orbs. and moreover , far above the clouds , the air is almost unmooved . for truly , a dutch merchant ascendeth a mountain in the canaries , which at this day is thought to be the highest of the whole world. but there was one guide , two masters , and as many servants , five camels , one whereof was appointed for victuall and fodder . in the fourth moneth called june , early in the morning , they went up : but they had scarce gone an houres space , when as the cold offended them , and they complained all the day , that about night , it would be so unwonted , that they ought to increase their garments . on the third day in the morning , about three houres after sun-rising , they came to the top of the mountain . for there in the sand , were the steps of camels , imprinted a year before , being as it were new made , and the names of certain persons written on the ground , as if it had been with a yesterdayes finger . for , besides a most exceeding sweet air , they found no vegetable for want of rain . therefore they hastened to descend , the camels all the five dayes space , being nothing at rest , except a little while , wherein they might take their fodder . but all the third day , they were distant perhaps fifteen italian miles from the horizon . but although this region of a quiet air did not so feel the tempests of windes ; yet notwithstanding , it must needes have a sweet flowing air , and an alterative blas ; not onely , because it suffers day and night , cold and heat : but also because it transmitteth the blas of the stars , receives the lower gas , and suffers other consequences from thence . and , as that region sends thorow it the alterations of the stars , so also it conceiveth and partaketh of them . for the sun ( let the same judgement be of the other stars ) cannot but heat , which burneth bladders in the coldest mountains , and it is required , that this heat be there in the day-time : because also the night there wanteth this heat . therefore those successive changes must needes be in that very place entertained . after the same manner also , the beams of the stars , with their full forces , do passe thorow the vast monarchie of the air , and in it do sow their alterations . for neither , although they do not produce their proper effects , but in the bound of their scope into which they are directed for the use of mortall men ; yet they cease not to season the air ( by altering it ) with their impressions , throughout the bounds where they passe . and as yet the rather , because in this part are the floud-gates of heaven : that is , in the huge space of the quiet air it self , is the gas of the water , which by the most exact rarefying of subdivision , is many times re-shaken & sub-divided by the colds through which it hath passed . this gas at least should never of its own accord return into its auntient water , nor should descend unto the most cold places through which it escaped by climbing upward , unless the uppermost blas of the stars should force its descent . and so the region of the still air is not void of successive changes , but that the rain doth not there moysten the ground , nor the rage of windes serve for the commotion of the waters . for since the gas which it keepes in it self , is now reduced to so great a fineness of it self , and all its atomes being as it were roasted with heats in the outward superficies of the sulphur ; surely they cannot return into rain , unless by a sweet winde , they descend to the middle region , where they do re-take the beginnings of coagulating , under the luke-warm blowing of the air . for a certain alteration opposite to that place from which the gas departed , ought to reduce the gas into water . for a sweet luke-warmth in the still air , maketh the atomes of gas being covered in their own sulphur , to divide : which sulphur ( a skin being as it were broken thorow ) or like a glasse , that is brought suddenly from luke-warmth into the cold ) is broken ; and so the mercury of the water doth dissolve its salt , at the dissolution whereof , the sulphur it self may be melted into its former water . and that kinde of inversion or turning in and out of the body of the water , and that torture through the exact searching of the cold , is necessary , that all the power of the ferment , may be wholly taken away out of the clouds . for else , much corruption , and the much stink of mists , would soon destroy mortalls . as in silver being melted , the exceeding small atomes of gold do slide to the bottom ; so do the atomes of the gas settle , and by sliding they do increase or wax bigger , which otherwise , being infirm by reason of the coldness of the air , are again lifted up , unless a gentle or favourable luke-warmth , in the coldest place , did now and then hinder it . for so indeed rains , shoures , storms , so hail , snow , mist , and frost , are through an alteration by accident , having arisen as well from a motive , as an alterative blas , in the most cold places . and so gas and blas have divided the whole common-wealth of a meteor , into colonies . in like manner , i have learned by the examples cited , that the sun doth not heat by accident , but by it self , and immediately . and that heat is as intimate and proper to it , as its light is to it . the air hath therefore its grounds or soils , no lesse than the earth , which the adeptists do call peroledes . therefore the invisible gas is entertained in the various beds or pavements of the air , if the water hath its depths of its gulfs ; it s own gates are in the peroledes , which skilfull men have called the floud-gates and folding doores of heaven . for neither is gas falling down into the place of clouds , carried out of the depth of heaven without its directer blas . yea it falls not down but thorow ordained pavements and folding-doores . for all the folding-doores do not promiscuously lay open to the planets : but all the planets in particular , are by their own blas , the key-keepers of their own perolede . which thing i submit to be examined by astrologers that are the shewers or disclosers of meteors , and i promise that they shall finde out a rich substance . for so windes do sometimes hasten perpendicularly downwards , and smite the earth , but otherwise they go side-wayes out of their folding-doores , they beat down houses and trees ; as also bring miserable destruction on all sorts of shipping . but the more luke-warm air , doth foreshew the winde to come out of the depth of the air and the gas to bring with it the blas of heaven downwards . whence gas is straight-way again resolved into a vapour , and afterwards into rain . indeed clouds do then appear , which not long before , were not beheld at any corner of the world : because the invisible gas slides downward , out of the depth of the upper air , the which growes together into vapours , and from thence into drops . for that is the appointment of the air , that it may continually seperate the waters from the waters . but seeing that one part of water , is extended at least to a hundred fold of its dimension , while it is made a vapour , and so much the finer , by how much the gas thereof is sub-divided into the more lesse parts , and since there is that order , and that law of universe , that all things may be carried on for the necessity of man , and the preserving of the world ; indeed in this respect , do heavy things tend upward , & light things are drawn downward . hence it hath seemed to me , that the blas of the stars is disturbed into rain , and is carried into clearnesses , and other seasons , as oft as the pluralities of gas it self , in the still perolede of the air , do seem to threaten , almost choakings , and the too-much com-pressions in the air . yet i am not so carefull concerning the occasionall causes of a meteor ; it is sufficient that i have known an exhalation arising from beneath , to wit , a vapour , and gas , to be the materiall cause of every meteor . it sufficeth to have known blas to be the effective cause , by the authority of the holy scriptures . the stars shall be to you for times or seasons , dayes , and years . this therefore is the unrestable appointment of the water , that by proceeding continually upwards and downwards , it should answer no otherwise than as the windes by an inordinate and irregular motion , do answer to their blas of the stars . and so the water which existed from the beginning of the universe is the same , and not diminished , and shall be so unto the end thereof . but i meditate of the peroledes or soils of the air to be as it were the bottles of the stars , by which they do unfold their blas , ( even through their determined or limited places ) for the uses and interchangeable courses of times or seasons . and chiefly , because the upper and almost still perolede , doth contain the cause , why there are windes , fruits , dewes , and especially things pertaining to provinces . for seeing that the winde is a flowing air , and so hath an unstableness in it , we must needes finde the locall cause of stability in the more quiet perolede . therefore the folding-doores are shut , or laying open in the perolede , according to the blas of the stars which they obey . nor is it a wonder that there are limits , or invisible bounds in the air , of so great power , and capable to restrain a heap ; for the visible world doth scarce contain another common-wealth of things , and the least one of powers . for who will deny , that under a rock or great stone of scotland , scarce foot broad , and deep , there is not some division of a perolede , ( that in the mean time i may be silent concerning the equinoctial line , and its wonderfull properties ) that a canon being discharged on one side of the stone , not any noyse or trembling should be heard on the other side thereof : the which therefore is called a mute one . so also we must needes consider that there are side folding-doores , or gates of peroledes in the air , because the windes going forth for the most part with a side motion , are also by the blas of the stars , agreeably carried a crosse their bounds . from the aforesaid doctrine of gas , i at length object against my self . if the water be frozen by cold into snowes , hail , and ice : then the water shall not be dissolved by cold into gas , if of a uniform agent and patient , there ought to be the same action and effect . where i must seriously note , that the water freezeth it self , but is not frozen efficiently by another . for although cold may be hitherto thought to congeal ; yet that is onely occasionally , not effectively . the water therefore , after the sense of its measure , perceives the cold of the air , not indeed a certain absence , or privation of heat ( even as i have already demonstrated by an ordinary example in helvetia ) but as a positive cause in a naturall quality . for truly first of all , it is without doubt , and is manifest by the sight , that the cold air , doth by degrees consume water , snow and ice : yet these two more slowly , and the other , more swiftly . in the next place , it is easie to be seen , that whatsoever the air thus privily steales away , that presently , for that very cause , passeth over into an invisible gas. if therefore the cold of the air should harden water into ice , a further action of the air , would also ( the ice being now made ) continually cease ; but the consequent is false : therefore also the antecedent . for the sulphur of the water doth easily wax dry , and is divided by the cold ; wherefore the mercury and salt of the water , perceiving the frost of the air , that would seperate the waters from the waters , and that they ought to suffer the extension and drying up of their sulphur , and so an alltogether violent impression of the seperater , and that they do desire to remain as they are : hence the whole water at once , doth arm it self by a crust , that it may resist the seperater . which thing indeed it could not accomplish , but that also some part of the sulphur , hath already suffered an extenuating of it self , and so also in this respect , the ice doth swim upon the water . but , that the sulphur of the water , although it was extenuated in the ice , yet hath not laid aside the nature of water , is proved by handicraft-operation . fill a glassen and great bottle , with pieces of ice , but let the neck be shut with a hermes seal , by the melting of the glasse in the same place . then let this bottle be put in a balance , the weight thereof being laid in the contrary scale ; and thou shalt see that the water , after the ice is melted , shall be weightier by almost an eighth part than it self being ice . which thing , since it may be a thousand times done by the same water , reserving alwayes the same weight , it cannot be said , that any part thereof was turned into air . for such is the continuance and constancy of the elements , that although the water departs into a vapour , into gas , into ice , yea into composed bodies ; yet the auntient water alwayes materially remaineth , in some place masked by ferments , and seedes coming upon it ; and else-where , onely by the importunities of the first qualities , made to differ in the relolleum of paracellus , that is , without a seed . but from what hath been said before . some remarkable things do arise . . that the water hath a certain kinde of sense or feeling , and so , that all beings do after some sort partake of life . come let us worship the king by whom all things live . . seeing that the water doth not incrust it self in the fabrick of a vapour ; therefore a vapour as well in the cause , as in the manner , is more acceptable to the water than a gas is . and that thing doth argue in the water something like to choice . . and that therefore a vapour doth sooner return into water than into gas. . that the changing of water into a vapour , is , in respect of the seperater , oblique or crooked , and as it were by accident : but that gas consisteth of a proper appointment of the air , whereby the air doth seperate the waters from the waters . . that the air is far more cold in it self , than the water . . that it is dry by it self . . that the unity or connexion of entire parts , is as acceptable to nature , as the dividing of the same is to things opposite . . that the fabrick of gas , shall afford another intimate principle to the water ( since it hath not a compositive beginning ) or part that is the cause of some small difference of kinde , besides that which is touched by heat in the rise of a vapour . . that all created things , by how much the more simple they are , by so much the more of the same kinde : yet an every way most simple homogeniety or sameliness of kinde , is not found in bodies . . that the sulphur of the water being extenuated in the ice , is the cause of smoothness in congealed things , but not the enclosing of a forreign air : because alwayes and every where , water doth exclude the wedlock of air . . that the cold and dryness of the air , can act nothing else into the water , but to extenuate its sulphur : but that the congealing or hardening it self , is an action proper to the water , whereby it puts a stop to the seperater . . that the air acts upon the water , without the re-acting of this , and the suffering of the air : since it is appointed by divine right , the seperater of the waters . . that even in unsensible naturall things , re-action differeth from resistance . for truly there is no re-action of the water , on the air , and yet the water is with a resistance . . that the schooles have erred , because they have dictated every action of nature to be made with a re-acting of the patient , and a suffering of the agent . . that the changing of gas into air is impossible . . for otherwise the air should alwayes increase into a huge body , and by consequence , all water had long since failed . . because , besides that which i have elsewhere demonstrated , that the air can by no meanes return again into water , the same thing is manifest from the but now aforesaid particulars . . for truly it is proper to water , to suffer by air , and not likewise to re-act on the air : therefore air being once made by water , should alwayes remain air : seeing a returning agent is wanting , which may turn air into water . . but for air , by it self to return into water , opposeth a generall maxim. that every thing , as much as in it lies , doth desire to remain in it self . . especially because air wants in it self , a dissolutive principle of it self , caused by the rottenness and interchangeable course of parts . . if air should at any time be made water ; that thing should especially be , while air is pressed beneath the water . and if in water there should be the action of water , it should then chiefly obtain its effect upon that air . therefore fill a glass bottle half full of water , and stop its mouth with a cork , that nothing may breath out , then shake the vessel strongly a thousand times upwards and downwards , that all the water may as it were froath into bubbles : at length notwithstanding thy pains , thou shalt not finde air to have departed into water , or water into air . . if therefore water doth not change air into it self ( otherwise , a natural agent works to this end , that it may make the patient like it self ) there is no other thing afterwards , whereby the air may be made water . where , as it were by a parenthesis , it comes to be noted , that the aforesaid maxim looseth its universality and truth , not onely in the elements ; where a mutuall action happens among each other without a desire of changing one into themselves : but also in the heavens : yea , and also in very many compound bodies . for neither doth mercury in its whole and indivisible substance , therefore kill lice , that it may make them like it self . so neither doth amber draw chaffe , that thereby it may make it amber . therefore by a strawie argument , the maxim of the schooles falls to the ground , which otherwise is blown away with a light winde . . for if air were changed into water , that would chiefly happen where those two elements are co-mixed with each other in their smallest parts for that is in the clouds : but in the clouds this comes not to passe : because , in whatsoever place , degree , manner , and quality , the air hath touched on the superficies of the water , the water is alwayes lessened by the air , never at any time increased . therefore there is no action of water into air : for if there were any , it should be in the hollow superficies of the air , where the force of the element of water , residing in its native place is strongest , and most conjoyned : but there the air consumeth the water , because it divides it into a vapour . therefore air never departs into water . . seeing therefore no element hath in it self a root , by which , it being as it were affected with wearisomness , may change it self into another element : for truly , every transmutation , proceedeth from a duality or a twofold thingliness , elsewhere , but there is not a voluntary desire in an element , of dying , and converting into another ; and an appetite , appointment , and necessity of increasing , of nourishing , of exchanging it self , or of changing the nature in which it was created of god , is wanting . . vain therefore is the contentious co-mingling of elements in compound bodies , and frivolous is the transmutation of one into another , seeing none of the elements is careful for the passing over of its being , from another , nor from it self . wherefore i have first concluded with my self , that the water and air are primary elements , nor that they can ever make a retrogression or return . . for the blessed parent of nature would not that the elements should be hostilely opposite and applied , that they should breath forth mutuall destruction and devouring continually , and that they should be so often made , fail , and with so many daily formall privations , should rise again from death unto their former state , without the interposing of a more simple mean. which mean surely should otherwise be desired to be a partaker as well of air as water , and yet ought to be neither of these . . therefore the holy scriptures do name the air , the seperater , but not the destroyer or annihilater of the waters . nor is it right , that the air should be drawn to other offices , than those which are enjoyned to it by the workman and lord of things . . finally , rarefying , or condensing , do not change the essential form of the water , because they are materiall dispositions destitute of an archeus . . moreover , if water having suddenly taken to it a ferment and seed , be transchanged into a concrete or composed body : yet that is perpetuall to it by an elementary priviledge , as neither therefore , that it ever layes aside the matter of elementary water . . it is granted indeed to seeds , to frame their composed bodies out of water , and to act their tragedy ( by the defluxion of forms ) untill death : but the forms of composed bodies do not therefore destroy the simplicity of water , and sameliness of its form : much less than the soul coming suddenly on a body , doth destroy the form of flesh . for subordinate forms , do every where , in composed bodies , suffer together with each other : therefore much more doth the form of a composed body , suffer also the form of its own element to be untouched . last of all , although the air by its greatest coldness , doth change the water into gas , yet it never desisteth from the office of seperater of the waters . so that if its cold be restrained , at least by its dryth , it ceaseth not to raise a vapour out of the water . for the action of the heavens in their circumvolving , is uncessant , and next also the obedience of the air and water is continuall ; yea , there is an interrupted thread in the acting of all seminall things . for truly , created things do alwayes respect the will of their creator , which man alone neglecteth . chap. xiv . the blas of meteours . . what blas is . . the blas of a star , worketh more famously by locall motion , than by light . . what the motive blas of the stars is . . what the winde is , and whence it may be moved . . that the stars are made for us . . divers activities in blas . . that the activities of the stars are brought down by blas the executer of motions . . the errour of paracelsus . . the two great lights do work their own properties , . how the influences of the stars may be reduced under the two lights . . the births of rains and meteors . . putrefactions by continuance do arise straightway after the sliding down of the waters , whence are the ferments and seeds of things . . a history of cyprus . . a resolving of a question touching the rest or quiet of the summer-air , and the continuall breathing of the winter-air . the stars are to us for signes , times or seasons , dayes and years . therefore they cause the changes , seasons , and successive courses or interchanges . to which end , they have need of a twofold motion , to wit , locall , and alterative . but i signific both these by the new name of blas . and they do rather stir up a blas by their mooving through a place , than by their light . indeed in a dark night , the south winde oft-times followeth the blowing north-windes , and this likewise , it . therefore because blas breaths forth a luke-warm winde , it hath need , not of the heat or light of heaven it self ; but of place , direction and connexion . whither , when the light of the stars shall descend , the folding-doores do open and shut themselves . therefore let the key-keeper of the folding-doores , be the motion of the stars . which also moveth the peroledes or pavements of the air. therefore all heat is not made by fore-existing fire , or light , nor doth cold shew a naked absence of heat : but the motive blas of the stars , is a pulsive or beating power or virtue , in respect of their journey through places , and according to their aspects . which circumstances in the stars , do cause the first qualities on these inferiour bodies ; no otherwise than bashfulness , anger , feat , &c. do stir up cold and heat in men . and that thing the stars have by the gift of creation . the winde according to hypocrates , is a flowing water of the air : but i defining it by its causes , say , that the winde is a flowing air , mooved by the blas of the stars . and that for a naturall winde : but otherwise , it is often granted to an evill spirit , that even without a blas he should stir up windes , or increase a tempestuous blas . therefore the air , unless it have a blas , remains quiet , nor hath it the principle of motion from it self , but it comes to it from elsewhere . therefore the motive blas stirreth up windes , tempests , over-flowing of waters , by running thorow the divers peroledes of the air , sometimes upwards , sometimes downwards , across , long-wayes , side-wayes , into all the coasts of the earth : although the elements have no need of motion , yet mans necessity requireth that motion . but seeing nothing was for mooving of it self ( except the archeus granted to seedes ) it hath well pleased the eternall , to place in the stars , a flatuous , violent , motive force , not much unlike to the command of his mouth . so that blas is for a testimony to us , that god of his excelling goodness , hath made the elements , and stars for us , by measuring out bounds of these according to our commodities . blas therefore mooveth , not so much by light beames , and motion , as motion : but as the stars have come down unto certain places , whereunto these stars do owe their offices . therefore there are stable properties in those places : but if they are not stable , that happens in respect of other stars brought with them by an analogicall or proportionable motion , for the interchangeable courses of continuance . blas therefore as a masculine thing in the stars , is the generall beginning of motion ; it seemes no lesse to respect the earth , than the air and water . for the moon according to the holy scriptures ruleth the night , as the sun doth the day : although the moon for her own half , runs not under the night . for the globe of the earth is divided into four parts , into two accesses or flowings , and recesses or ebbings of the ocean daily . and it spends almost houres therein ; and so much the lesse , by how much the sun and moon shall in the mean time , depart from , or draw near to each other . blas therefore stirs up also a raging heat in the waters , the winde being still . but the alterative blas , consisteth in the producing of heat and cold ; and that especially , with the changings of the windes . but the stars , neither have nor give moysture or dryth of themselves . for neither is moysture to be considered in nature as naked quality without a matter , and therefore neither is it brought down from the stars unto us . for all moysture is from the water , which was before the stars were born . therefore paracelsus erreth , who saith , that rains , snow , &c. are so the fruits of the stars , that they are boyled to a ripeness in the stars , as it were in bottles . dryness also was in the air the seperater of the waters , before the stars : nor is it to be considered without a body , in manner of a quality . but heat and cold are rather qualities abstracted from a body . therefore there are onely two great lights , and therefore two onely qualities of them are spread into the air , from whence all meteors are stirred or mooved . for the heat of life , is the property of the sun ; but cold , of the other star. also the other stars have given their names or honours to these two lights . as often therefore as the stars of the nature of the moon , are brought thorow places of the sun , a luke-warmth is made in the air ; but if stars of the nature of the sun do run down under the same places , heat is made ; according to which qualities of the air , the gas of the air is also diversly altered . hence indeed blas heats after the same manner , thorow the soils of the air : therefore gas also , is either detained in its pavements or soils , or is brought downward to us . so as that the atomes of gas , being invisible through their too much smallness , loosing their constriction , and excess of cold , do again fall together or decay into the smallest drops , and hasten downwards . but if indeed the luke-warmth doth affect the lower peroledes , when gas being provoked by blas , wandereth downwards , summer snowes are made . surely gas being grown together through frost , a luke-warmth presently arising , it is melted , and rusheth headlong downwards . for the mercurie of the water , resolveth its salt , and the sulphur doth as it were rowl up these two : and so , they fall down into rain . but if indeed that thing happens in the upper perolede , the drops descending , are frozen in the middle cold pavements ; and so they are cast down headlong into snow and hails . but if luke-warmth do bear sway thorow some continuall peroledes of the air , daily rains do accompany it . hence also it appeares , that an unequall blas , in divers soils of the air doth bring forth divers effects . for oftentimes the lowermost peroledes are luke-warm , and the day is plainly clowdy , and there are very many clouds . but else , the second and the third perolede are luke-warm , the lower being cold ; whence are snowes . and so the other troop of meteors is caused unto us . therefore i am now confident , that by gas materially , and by blas operatively and motively , their causes and manner do more clearly appear than heretofore they have done . from whence astrologers and physitians shall be able from a founder ground , to presage of some things . in the mean time , i leave the matters of presages untouched , which god by his ministring spirits hath laid up among his signes of good or ill . onely i will relate what fryer stephen of lusignan , the last of the family of the kings of cyprus , of the order of s. dominick , in his description of cyprus , printed at paris in the year , page , rehearseth in french to this purpose . about the end of the year , an earthquake happened at famagusta , which continued eight dayes . but afterwards , raging or whirle-windes arose , passing over the island , and entring into the market-place of famagusta ; for there by beating down a great pallace , they presently take away very many houses , with some men. so that if some marriners had not by the chance of fortune , come suddenly unlooked for ; famagusta had been destroyed . therefore let the reader know , that the eastern marriners were wont , on the day that they do observe such windes , to take a great knife , wherewith they make the sign of the cross in the air , and do utter these words . in the beginning was the word , and the word was with god , and god was the word ; and suddenly all the whirle-winde , and tempest , seperates it self , and ceaseth . for i have seen this experiment twice : and on the second time , while i returned out of cyprus into italy . for neither do i finde any thing of superstition therein , but that the knife must have a black handle : and so i can determine of nothing certainly . thus far he . a wonder at least : that this divelish tempest should cease , and the devill spare the whole city , perhaps for the sin of one sinner . moreover about blas , this is as yet considerable . if in the great heat of summer thou holdest a burning candle about the hole of a window , there is no foot-step , for the most part , of mooved air to be perceived : but throughout the whole winter , however small the hole be , a troublesome winde breatheth , and that continually . but since there is not a greater quantity of air ( let us now take the air for its magnall or sheath ) being constrained by reason of cold , than of that which is rarefied by reason of heat ; there seemes not to be a stronger reason of this than of that , to stir up the winde . therefore there is a twofold motive locall blas in the air : one indeed which stirs up the windes , and so includes a violence or swiftness , from a native power or motion : but the other , which followes as for an alterative blas , for co-thickning , or rarefying in the air . but since this is almost universall , by reason of summer and winter ; it also sends forth a certain slow flowing of the air. and although cold may equally condense the magnall , and the air be in this respect unmoved , by reason of an alterative and violent windy blas ; yet seeing in the opposite coast of the sphere , the magnall or sheath in the air is generally made thin onely by reason of heat , the air in the northern coast must needes partly go back , be knit together , and so occupie the lesse room , and partly be gently driven forward by the rarefying and rarefied magnall of the air that co-toucheth with it from the other half of the orbe . and this is the cause of the question proposed : to wit , of the slow and uncessant flowing in the winter air , which we do experience through a chap , be it never so small , also the winde ceasing : but not so in the summer-time . for the magnall being once made thin through heat , the air stands unmooved amongst us . chap. xv. a vacuum or emptiness of nature . . the true definition of the winde . . the undistinct sincerity of former ages . . whither the authours invention tendeth . . an examining of the air by an engine like to a hand-gun . . a vacuum or emptiness in the air is proved . . a vacuum is easier believed than a piercing of bodies . . a handicraft demonstration , by fire , in behalf of a vacuum , and five remarkable things of it . . a handicraft operation concerning a sulphurated torch or candle . . subsequent collections from both the handicraft operations . . pores of the air are demonstrated . . opposite suspitions are taken away . . inward heat and inward fire being shut up together in a glasse , how they act diversly into the air. . that it acts more strongly by the pressing together of its smoak , than by the enlarging of heat . . of what sort the sense or feeling of the air is . . a new end of the air. . that the fire lives not by the air , but onely is choaked through penurie . . vacuities or emptinesses in the air are needfull . . that every thing hath hated pressing together made by its guest , by the lawes of self-love . . a vacuum being an impossible thing with aristotle , hath now become a requisite thing in nature . . that there is given in the vacuum of the air , a middle thing between a body and an accident , and so , a neutrality . . what the great magnall may be . . how the blas of the stars is communicated without species or particular kindes . . the tristes of the aristotelicks , concerning the winde . . a ridiculous multitude and plenty of exhalations according to aristotle . . the opinion of galen touching the windes , is hissed out . . the opinion of galen , concerning quicksilver , badly from diascorides , and worse copied out . . the nature of rarefied air for the confirming of a vacuum . . while the air is commonly thought to be made thin , it is indeed , pressed together by reason of the extension of of its magnall or sheath . . the body of the air , hath its just extension under cold . . why in a hotter climate , the favours of the heaven are the greater . . the magnall is proved to be increased and diminished : but not the air to be properly rarefied or condensed . in the beginning of the blas of a meteor , i have defined the winde , by a true definition , that is , by its constitutive causes . seeing that a thing without , or besides the containing of its causes is nothing , and every thing produced doth naturally shew an originall and essentiall respect unto its own producer , which is inward to it . therefore a naturall winde , is a flowing air , mooved by the blas of the stars . and that for distinction from a prodigious or monstrous winde , raised up by the malice of evill spirits . hypocrates calls the winde a blast ; and saying , that all diseases are from blasts , he reckoueth up his [ to enormon ] or forcible blast , among the chief or first causes of diseases . for such was the plainness , and candour or simplicity of former times , wherein , because they being more blessed , there was not yet , such knowledge , nor cruelty , nor frequency of diseases : for all things were not granted to hypocrates . for it hath well pleased the almighty , since hypocrates , to have also created his physitians . he made known indeed to hypocrates , that there is in us a spirit , stirring up all things by its blas , which spirit , he afterwards by a microcosmicall analogie or the proportion of a little world , compared to the blasts of the world , and restrained into the order of a blast , whether they were partakers of life , or indeed did contain the causes of death and destruction . lastly , he left it undecided , whether they being stirred up from the heaven , they should shew the suitable proportions of the heavenly circle , or at length were stirred up by a sublunary law . for the race or descent of the vitall spirits had not yet been plainly made known . for none had hitherto learned by experience , that the matter of gas was water , and so it had not been as yet known , that the windes of the world did wholly differ from the vitall spirit . from the knowledge of the windes , handed forth by me in the fore-going chapters , i now at length proceed to a diligent examination of the air. for i have therefore said , that it is to be proved by handicraft-operation , that water is not from the co-pressing of air , how cold soever it be : and so that they have hitherto erred in the mixing of the elements , originall of fountains , &c. but the handicraft operation is true ; that air may be pressed together in an iron pipe of an ell , about the length of fifteen fingers , at the expansion or enlarging of which co-pressed air , the sending forth of a small bullet thorow a board or plank , should happen , no lesse than if it were driven out of a hand-gun . which thing surely could not so come to passe , if the air by so great a pressing together of it self , under the cold of wintery iron , were to be changed into water . for from thence have i first of all learned the matter and conditions of the air ; that it should sometimes most easily sustain a pressing together , and enlarging of it self , as the sight doth shew . from whence i consequently have supposed , that by all meanes there must needes be in the air enlarged , some free space and vacuum , according to the double extension of it . suppose thou , if from the breadth of twenty eight fingers , air be shut back under a pipe of five fingers , without any destruction of air , it followes , that almost the fingers , and almost half of the air , are void of a body . for either of the two must needes be so , under this mechannick proof ; that either absolutely , there is ordinarily granted a vacuum in the nature of the air , or a piercing of bodies in the air , being pressed together as was said . many surely will with me , more easily admit of a vacuum , than of an existence of divers bodies in the same place : seeing a vacuum doth not far differ from nothing ; and since the action of nothing , is more weak than the action of a doubled being : and since nature began of nothing ; it is neerer to nothing than to a double being . and so nature doth more skirmish against a double being : for gun-powder over-turns mountains , mines and cities : but an example of the same force is never offered in behalf of a vacuum . but besides , i again thus prove an ordinary vacuum in nature , in the air . let a piece of candle be placed in the midst of the bottom of a dish , being fastened to its melted tallow in the bottom : let it burn , and let water be powred round about it , to two or three fingers space ; but let a deep cupping-glasse be set over the flame , the flame appearing three fingers space out of the water , so that the mouth of the glasse set over it , may stand upon the bottom of the dish : thou shalt straightway see the place of the air , in the aforesaid free glasse , but the water by a certain sucking to be drawn upwards , and to ascend into the glasse in the place of diminished air : and at length the flame to be smothered ; wherein many things come to hand . first , true things . . and in the first place it is not to be doubted , but that the flame is a kindled smoak . . that that smoak is the body gas. . that a smoakiness or fuliginous vapour doth ascend from the top of the burnt smoak . . that one part of the tallow or wax is easily extended into ten thousand fold as much as it self . from whence i conclude , that the place of the air , ought not to be lessened by the flame , but necessarily to be increased , unless some place in the air were empty , which is lessened . nor otherwise doth it want an absurdity , that an element should be brought to nothing or consumed . for indeed , a gun , or fiery mines or burroughs , should not work those monstrous things of our age , nor the breakings asunder of the hardest and greatest stones in mines , unless a small quantity of powder , being kindled as it were at one moment , did send forth ten thousand times as much flame as it self at least : which flame cannot be stayed with the former place of the powder ; it rather breaks asunder all things , than that smoak should pierce smoak , or flame , flame . . to which particulars , the extension of the air through the heat of the flame , hath access , and not a pressing of it together as it otherwise appeares to the common sort . lastly , let a sulphurated toreh or candle be hung up by a thred in a glasse-bottle : but let there be some small quantity of water in the bottle , and let the bottle be exactly stopped with the bark of the cork-tree , that nothing breath out : thou shalt see the flame , and smoak of the sulphur , to fill up the whole floore or space of the bottle in which the air is , and at length the fire to be quenched : yet that there is not made a lessening of the air , nor a sucking of the water upwards , because the water ought to be put in the place of the air , so that sucking here should make no gain , nor should recompence the defect in the air : well indeed , because the cover being opened , a sucking is discerned . but the flame doth not so toughly stick on the candle , that it may be for the lifting up so great a weight of water , which flame is dispersed from its candle , by the least blast : and so the flame doth not immediately lift up the water : but a sucking being caused through a consuming of some part in the air , doth lift up the water , and for many dayes , the water remains as yet advanced , after the extinguishing of the flame . wherefore i have meditated , that the air hath pores or little holes , which should suffer a violent constriction of the air in the pipe , and some certain naturall annihilation in the dish . but that the air should be co-thickned in the glasse by reason of the heat , flame , and smoak , that opposeth mathematicall demonstration . and the instrument sheweth , that by how much the degrees of the encompassing air are measured , the heat doth enlarge , but not contract the air . therefore the aforesaid objection opposeth the supposed position , wherein it is granted , that there is made an addition of matter in the air , by a new matter of flame and smoak . but if it be said that there is something in the air that is inflameable , which is consumed by the flame of the candle ; now a new absurdity ariseth : to wit , that some body is plainly annihilated , or burnt up by the flame , and in burning up that it is not enlarged . again , by supposing something to be wasted away ; it is at leastwise necessary , that that inflameable matter be turned into nothing , or into something : but it is the property of fire , that in burning up , it doth extend every thing that is inflameable , but doth not presse that thing together : as before i have taught by gun-powder . but if we say , that the air in the glasse is lessened by the flame : now i have what i intended : to wit , that there is in the air something that is lesse than a body , which fills up the emptinesses of the air , and which is wholly annihilated by the fire . nor that indeed , as if also it were the nourishment of the fire it self : for although that thing be impertinent to this question and place ; yet that which is not truly a body , can nourish nothing . and then , seeing it is neither a body , nor a fat thing , it cannot be inflamed , kindled , or wasted or consumed by the fire . then also i will demonstrate in the chapter of forms , that the fire is not a substance : but that which is not a substance , doth not require to be nourished . lastly , seeing the air is an element , and a simple thing , it cannot admit of composition , or a conjoyning of divers things or beings in its own nature : nor are there in the essentiall substance of the air , diversities of parts , some whereof may be consumed by the fire , but others not . for therefore , if the fire had found a part in the air capable of inflaming , the whole air being kindled , had even by one onely candle , long since perished : for neither had the fire ceased , if having need of nourishment , it had known that to be in the air which was neighbour to it : yea , if the air could be burnt up by the fire , the air should passe over to some more simple and formerly being , and should cease to be an element : for the flame of the candle should be before the element of the air , and more simple than it . therefore it is manifest , that the flame in the aforesaid glasse , although in respect of heat , it enlargeth the quantity of the air ; yet that naturally it will have its smoakes entertained in the hollownesses of the air , so far is it , that the air doth extend it self : and this is the one onely cause of the diminished space in the air , whence the flame is also consequently smothered . for the heat that is externall to the glasse , seemes to inlarge the air in the glasse : but the fire within , by reason of its smoakes , doth actually stir up a stifling and pressing together of the air . therefore the heat doth by it self enlarge the air , as appeareth by the engine meating out the degrees of the encompassing air : but the fire by reason of its smoakes , presseth it together . and so it followes , that smoakes do more strongly act by pressing together , than heat doth in enlarging : and then also that smoaks are more importunate or inconvenient to the air , than its own naturall vacuum , yea than is the enlarging of its own vacuum . seeing that the enlarging of the space of the air , made by heat , is delightfull to it , in respect of com-pression caused by smoakes . for from hence i conjecture , that all particular members of the universe , have a certain sympatheticall feeling . and so , seeing the air essentially hath porosities or little hollow spaces , it grieveth it , that they should be filled up , and over-burdened by a strange gas. yet unless the air should have empty porosities ( at leastwise the doctrine of naturall philosophy founded upon a vacuum negatively , falls ) bodies could never admit of an enlargement of themselves , or of a strange gas : because by the changing of them into gas , they should require a thousand fold bigger capacities , and so room would fail for the breathing our of belching blasts . therefore the air was created that it may be a receptacle of exhalations ; wherefore also it must needes have an emptiness in its pores : yet it receiveth those exhalations , by its set and just proportion : and where it hath its emptinesses filled up to a just measure , the air fleeth away , and in its flight , it forceth or gathereth all the flame into a pyramide or spire . but if the air being detained from its flight , be loaded with too much smoak , it straightens it self , and extinguisheth the fire , which fills it self with smoak above due measure . these things have not as yet been thorowly weighed by the schooles , and therefore they have thought , the fire to live , and be nourished by the air , neither have they proof for this , unless on a contrary sense ; because fire being stopped up with air , is straightway smothered . but that idiotisme of the schooles doth sufficiently make it self manifest : seeing the fire is not a body , for as much as it is fire ; nor is it a creature of the first constitution , for neither doth it live , nor is nourished , the which is like unto death . even as shall be manifested concerning the birth of forms . but the air is a simple element . for neither doth the stifling of the fire presuppose a necessary life ; as neither nourishment : nor is there for this cause , an increase of the fire , although it be built in an abundantly open air : neither also doth fire consume even the least quantity of air , or convert it into its own substance ( which it hath none ) as it were its nourishment : they are fables . for the fire being deprived of air , perisheth : not indeed in respect of denied nourishment , or of a participated life ; but for want of room , which cannot contain the smoak , by the pressing together whereof , the fire being stifled , is extinguished . for after another manner , from the too much and hasty blown up air , the flame straightway perisheth , when the flame being lesse toughly fastened to the candle , is presently taken away by a blast , and being once taken away from the candle , it cannot have afterwards a subsistence in the air , as neither having a substance in it self . therefore the pores of the air being filled up with smoak , they fly away , and give place to another air coming to them , that they may also receive their juyce or moysture from gas : which flight of the air , stirs up , as also requireth winde . in the salt pits of burgundy , a plain earthen pot being filled up with water , and placed nigh the grate of a furnace , doth far sooner freeze , than any other which is set out in the open air and frost , by reason of the continuall flux , and passing over of the air , which by the schooles , hath been rashly thought to flow thither for the life , or nourishment of the flame . therefore the empty places of the air are moderately filled : but if they are over-loaded , the space of the air doth presently straighten it self , and shuts it self up in a narrower room , the empty porosites being consumed , that it may by stifling the exhaling fire , divert it from its enterprise . that thing is inbred in all created things , through self-love . for neither otherwise doth water incrust it self in ice , than that it may not be snatched away by the cold of the air into gas. there are therefore necessary vacuities or emptinesses in the air , that according to their capacity , they might entertain the fluide vapours that are to be evaporated , for whose sake , the air hath seemed to sustain a pressing together , and enlarging . for else , a vacuum of the air being taken away , the least motion should move almost the whole universe , through its continuity or un-interrupted joyning , and exhalations soon arising , the mortalls that are near being choaked , should go to ruine , no otherwise than as doth very often happen in the burrowes of mines : where those that dig mettalls are stifled , not through want of air abounding , nor also alwayes through a choaking poyson : but especially , for that , the air in the burrowes , being filled by the gas of the minerall , is not renewed . and so from hence it also happens , that the lights , and lamps , are presently of their own accord extinguished , together with the diggers . wherefore they do beat the burrowes very much , and do draw out the air that is filled up with the exhalation , with divers engines , and powre on them , and inspire into them , new air . but the air doth refuse too much exhalation , no otherwise than as the water doth of the air , and any other thing violently coupled with it in the same mine . let there be a brassen bottle ; in whose bottom let the water be a , the air b , the neck c , the hole of the bottle d , by which with a sypho or pipe , the air may be strongly snuffed up . but then let the neck be rowled about , that it may violently withhold the air under it . i say therefore , that while the neck is again swiftly rowled about , that it gives utterance to the air ; for it shall not onely snuffe up the air b , that is pressed together , but also together with it , a shall wholly fly upwards with a great force . the air therefore , doth sustain an unvoluntary co-pressing of its emptiness ; therefore it also brings up the water a , with it , which surely sheweth that a vacuum is more pleasing than the pressing together of the air ; because it is that which approacheth to the unvoluntary penetration of a body . now therefore , of a vacuum , an impossible thing with aristotle , is made a thing ordinarily required of nature . notwithstanding , those porosities of the air , however they may be actually void of all matter : nevertheless they have in them a being , a creature ; that is , some reall thing , not a fiction , nor a naked place onely : but that which is plainly a middle thing , between a matter , and an incorporeall spirit ; and neither of the two , i say , of the number of those things which in the beginning of the chapter concerning forms , i have denied to be a substance , or accident . it is the magnall or sheath of the air , the which seeing it hath not in created things , its like , therefore it refuseth to be made manifest by that which is like unto it . the magnall indeed , is not light : but a certain form assisting the air , and as it were its companion , and as it were conjoyning to it by a certain wedlock : an assistant i say , not conjoyned to its essence , and therefore an associate in its pores : to wit , by this , the blas of the stars is immediately and without hinderance extended on every side , and by a momentany motion : but not by a thousand generations of a thousand kindes , finished as it were at one onely moment , as oft as the light , or heavenly influences do strike inferiour bodies . these very things are the fables of the schooles , to wit , least they should be compelled to grant one accident to passe over from subject into subject , they had rather that a thousand generations of a thousand particular kindes of light should be made in an instant , while the sun doth at so far a distance shake his beams at us . for that which the schooles do in this respect determine to be as an unpossible thing , i will teach to be the ordinary course of nature , in the entrance of magnum oportet . now therefore the natures of gas and blas are sufficiently manifest , and which way blas may descend unto us . the doctrines of the schooles concerning the windes are to be added . first of all , the schooles of aristotle do teach , that the winde is a dry exhalation , ( but not an air ) lifted up from the earth by the vertue of heat ; the which , when it is hindered by a cloud , from climbing upwards , it , as furious , runneth down side-wayes , and effecteth the strength or force of so great an heap or attempt . as if it had lost its antient lightness , through the first repulse of the clouds , and that therefore being mad , it runs down sidewayes ! as if there were a continuall co-weaving of the clouds , nor should there in any wise be granted any entrance , and any passage to the climbing exhalation , being once repulsed by so small a cloud ! as though a bottle filled with air , and pressed down under the water , but ascending , should finde a hand against it , and therefore should run down sidewayes thorow the water ! and as if it had lost its former endeavour upwards , for the future ; so as having forgotten to climbe upwards , although it should not finde a continuall cloud , it should wish thenceforward , rather to be carried sidewayes ! for neither have they considered , that the side motion of the windes ought to be broken or weakened , and also of necessity to be more feeble than its motion upwards : and so that the winde is more able to beat down high towers , than to remove or scatter the vaporous cloud about it . surely in all things i wonder at the subscribed sluggishness of the schooles , through a custom of assenting . for aristotle writes , that the salt of the sea ( which notwithstanding he thought to be co-eternall with the world ) hath its originall from an exhalation ( he understood not an exhalation in the least ) because it is that which is volatile or swift of flight , and the salt of the sea a fixed body : for neither can sea water , otherwise sweet , fix the volatility or swiftness of an exhalation any more , than sal armoniac it self ) also all metcors , and especially windes , yea the earthquake , and comets ( whereof that of the year , was a thousand times bigger than the earth ) likewise small stones , rocks , great stones , he hath dedicated to exhalations alone . a suitable store-house whence so great exhalations should proceed , hath been wanting to his dreams . and nevertheless , the schooles subscribe to those trifles , nor do they awake out of their drowsie sleep , but while aristotle doth expresly spurn against the faith . but galen thinketh , the winder or blast , to be vapours lifted up out of the water and lakes , by the force of heat : but now and then , that it is an air resolved out of a mixt body : but both of them , he salth to be cold , being likened to decrepite age , to inbred heat failing , and to cold effects : surely he stumbling in all , and every thing , hath hugely spread his childish dreams for truth . for in the time of galen , the art of distilling was not yet made known , who never saw rose-water , as neither argentvive or quick-silver . for he had badly read diascorides , together with pliny ; he writing , that quick-silver , by reason of its great weight , cannot be detained in leather , not in wooden boxes , but is to be kept onely in cases of mettall : as if one onely ounce thereof , should weigh more than an ounce of lead . wherefore galen must needs have been deeply and heartily ignorant of the deepest things of philosophy , and of the most inward principles of nature , and of the seminall resolutions and exhalations of any properties whatsoever . at length , to shew an emptiness in the air , it is convenient more deeply to search into the thingliness or nature of its rarefying and condensing . for first of all , whatsoever i have hitherto spoken concerning the rarefying of the air , that i confess hath been done for the capacity of the common sort : else , to speak properly , although the air may seem to be pressed together , and to be enlarged in the space of place : yet rarefying it self doth not belong to the air its self ; that is , that the very body of the air may be made thinner than it self , in the same manner , wherein a vapour is made of water . because i have already divers times shewn , that a vapour is a cloud of the atomes of the water rent a sunder from each other by the middle parts of the air interposing , and that therefore the water in the vapour doth also alwayes remain water ; neither that it suffers any thing besides the extension of it self , and division into atomes , made by its seperater . for if the body of the air be therefore made thin ; this should be , either as it should be changed into another body more slender , thin , and simple than it self , which is to feign a new and unheard of element , actually cold , thinner than the others , and more simple than the air : or the air should be made thin by the seperation of the atomes , and the interposing of another unknown body ; and then the body coming between , should admit of degrees of thinness . and therefore the rarefying it self , should not be so much referred unto the air , as unto the unknown body coming between . nevertheless rarefying is not of the air , but in the air ; and that not onely by reason of admitted smoaks ( as in the handicraft operation of a dish ) but through a naked quality of heat ( as is manifest by the instrument meating out the qualities of the encompassing air ) therefore as oft as rarefying doth appear in the air , it must needes by all meanes happen through an increase of the magnall : which sounds , that a vacuum being increased in the air , the pores of the air are enlarged and extended ; and so , so far is it , that by reason of heat , the air by it self ; and in its own body doth sustain a rarefying , and that the body of the element is changed : that rather it is coagulated , at least is pressed together , and that the little holes of the vacuum , do extend themselves , or that the magnall it self is multiplied in the air . wherefore there is also an improper speech , while we signifie the air to be tarified by it self , when as rather it is thickned or pressed together by it self : but the magnall that is co-bred with it , is therefore extended . but from what hath been said before , is deducted , that the body of the air is under cold , brought unto its just extention . and again , that which followes from thence is , that cold is naturall or pleasant to the air : but that the magnall is contracted under cold . but as oft as the magnall is straightned , the wayes or passages of the stars to us are straightned . and hence it is plainly to be seen , why the land of promise is very hot : that is why in the more hot zone , there are the more happy confanguinities or neernesses of alliance of the heaven with the earth , the more plentifull fruits , and the more savoury ones : therefore the magnall is like light , and is easily made , and easily brought to nothing . for that which is in it self the vacuum of the air , is almost nothing in respect of bodies . for it came forth from nothing , also it may be reduced to nothing : but not but against the will of the air ; because it hath need of this vacuum . alas ! how nigh to nothing is all nature , which began of nothing . in the aforesaid instrument meating out the encompassing air by the heat , or cold of the sun , the place of the air is seen to be greater or lesse : but we perceive , that at the rarefying of the thing contained , the air is expelled : whose breathing place , if it then be shut up for want of air , a sucking is felt . therefore by more fully looking into the matter , the vacuum or magnall of the air , is increased and lessened ; but the air is not rarefied . so also the condensing or pressing together of the air , is not in respect of its body : but onely of its magnall or sheath . chap. xvi . an irregular meteor . . the mysteries of the rain-bow , and the images of the sun. . that before the floud there was no rain-bow . . that the rain-bow was given for a signe of the covenant ; yet that the cause thereof is not yet known . . yet the rain-bow doth daily bring its own covenant to remembrance . . the mystery of the covenant is as yet under the rain-bow . . in what thing the rain-bow doth denote the end of the world. . the dotages or toyes of the schooles concerning the rain-bow . . things required of the schooles . . that the rain-bow hath not its colours immediately in a cloud , but in a place . . that the rain-bow is of the nature of light. . the existence of colours immediately in place , is proved . . the object of the sight is immediately in place , the object of hearing is immediately in the body of the mean. . creatures of neutrality do subsist immediately in place , without a body . . paracelsus concerning the rain bow is refuted . . the frequenoy of a miraole doth not reduce that miracle into the number of nature . . some supernaturall things are ordinary . . an atheisticall , and childish opinion of the schooles , concerning thunder and lightning . . wonderfull sights or visions in high mountains . . the spirit all noyse or cracking is the blas of the evill spirit . . a historie of thunder . . the noyse of thunder , how it putrifieth . . outward salt preserveth . i have said that meteors do consist of their matter gas , and their efficient cause blas , as well the motive , as the altering . but the rain-bow is irregular , a divine mysterie in its originall . i judge the same thing of the parelia or image of the sun , whereby two or three suns do appear at noon-day alike equally clear or lightsome . but for thunder , it doth not alike include a mysterie and monstrous token . we being admonished by the holy scriptures , do believe by faith , that the rain-bow was given for a sign of the covenant between god and mortall men , that the world should no more hence forward perish by waters . for first i draw from thence , that the rain-bow was never seen before the floud ▪ otherwise mortalls had justly complained : for we have oftentimes already seen the rain-bow , and yet the world hath perished by a deluge : what safety dost thou therefore promise us by an accustomed rain-bow ? this covenant is suspected by us , it takes not away our fear . the rain-bow was therefore new to the world , when it first appeared for a sign of the covenant : wherefore , mortalls were amazed at that unwonted being , and being ( otherwise incredulous ) gave credit . secondly , from hence i learn , that the rain-bow was given for a meer sign : wherefore , neither that it hath even to this day , any reason of a cause , with relation to any effect . thirdly , seeing now the world before the floud , had been about two thousand years old , and yet there had been causes in nature , which to this day , the schooles do attribute to the rain-bow ; yet there was no rain-bow : surely that convinceth of the falshood of those causes . whence at length in the fourth place it followes : that unless the rainbow be also at this day , for a sign of the covenant , and for the sake of its first appointment , it otherwise appeares for a frustrated purpose . therefore also the rain-bow doth now and then remember us of the covenant once stricken , that we may believe , and alway be mindfull , that god the avenger on sinners , sometimes sent the waters , that they might destroy every soul living on the earth , that the same god might be a conscious or fellow-knowing revenger and judge of our sin . for all flesh had corrupted its way by luxurie , which ought to be choaked by waters . by the rain-bow therefore , god will alway have us mindefull of threatned punishments , who by this sign doth signifie , that he is the continuall president or chief ruler , & the revenger of nature . but that the rainbow might signifie , that the world should be no more drowned with waters , it was meet that it should bear before it , not indeed a certain unwonted spectacle in the air , without difference to any other thing : but the mystery of the promised covenant , ought to lay hid in the rainbow , which might declare the promlse and belief of the thing promised , by a signe . surely i seem to my self , to admire with noah three colours in the rainbow , and the pleasing splendours of three sulphurs shining forth in co-burnt mineralls . and so the colours do give testimony , that the earth being the womb of mineralls , is at length to satisfie the wrath of god , by the extream melting of the burning of her sulphurs . therefore the rainbow doth not henceforth presage water , but fire . i wonder at the schooles , who will not hearken to the truth of the holy scriptures delivered ; but that they even to this day , proceed to make young men drunk with heathenish toyes or dotages . for they hand forth , that the rainbow consisteth of a twofold cloud , to wit , one being deeper and thicker , but the other being thinner , and moreover extended over that other , that in manner of a glasse , it may resemble the sun from the contrary part . verily it is a vain devise , like unto an old wives dream . for i have sometimes kicked the lower part of a rainbow with my feet , and have touched it with my hands : and that not onely in cloudy mountains , but in an open and sunnie-field . and so i have certainly known by my eyes , hands , and feet , the falshood of that supposition : seeing that , not so much as a simple cloud , was in the place of the rainbow . for neither , although in the morning i did cleave the rainbow , and drew it by the colours of the rainbow , have i perceived any thing , which is not every where , on every side in the neighbouring air. yea therefore were not the colours of the rainbow troubled , nor suffered confusion . the schooles ought at least to declare , why it should have alwayes the figure of a bow , or semi-circle , but never the resemblance of a glasse . why if it be the image of the sun reflex , doth it not shine in the middle of it self : seeing the parelia shines like the sun , with an undistinct and ruddie light ? why should those two clowds be alwayes folded together with the equall form of a bow , and variety of colours ? why doth not the glasse that is against the sun , represent those colours , if that double cloud be in the room of a glasse ? why doth not that doubled cloud , at least in its more outward and conjoyned part , change the wandring latitude of the clouds , if its hollow part be pierced with an abounding light of the sun declining or going down ? why doth a rainbow also appear , the sun being hid under the clouds , and no where shining ? why doth the sun i say , paint out alwayes those uniform and various colours , and so neerly placed together , and not one onely colour , according to the simplicity of its own light ? wherefore do many rainbowes now and then appear together in one field ? for truly , in so vast a circle of the air of the horizon , the reflexion falls not in one or two miles : but the cloud opposite to the sun , hath not its reflexion directly , unless on the opposite part answering to it self in the horizon ; but not on the part near to its side . lastly , it is absurd , that the upper and thinner cloud which is void of colour , and which the light of the sun doth easily pierce , should fashion colours in the other thicker cloud , which neither the sun , nor either of those clouds have in themselves . surely i have very much admired at these vain positions of the schooles , while as i should handle a rainbow with my hand , and should see no cloud at all round about . wherefore i have noted that the rainbow by a peculiar priviledge , hath its colours immediately in a place ; but in the air , by the place mediating : and so , i have taken notice , that those colours , and the figure of the rainbow , in their manner of existing , are of the nature of light : that is , the winde blowing , the colours which are immediately in a medium or mean , do walk together with the mean , and are dispersed , according as the mean in which they are , is : but the colours or lights which are immediately in place , are not changed , although the air or mean in which they appear , may change its place , and flow . so neither the winde blowing , doth the rainbow perish or walk . for from hence it is , that the object of sight is at one onely instant brought to the eye : but the object of hearing , because it is not immediately in place , but in an air placed , doth presuppose a durance of time and motion . wherefore the rainbow not onely is not in a cloud : but moreover , not indeed in the air , but immediately in place ; but in the air immediately , to wit , as this is in a place : for so , the light of the sun doth the more swiftly strike it self in an instant , even unto the earth , because it is immediately in place , but in the air mediately , to wit , as this is in a place . but that the sun is the cause of the rainbow , that i believe is naturall ; but that a bow , immediately in place ; is appointed to be so coloured by the sun , but in no wise in the air ; that hath the force of a sign . for the schooles have hitherto been ignorant , that light and colours can subsist , unless they do inherit or stick in some certain substance . but it is no wonder ; for truly they have not known some creatures , some whereof they have brought back into a substance , ( to wit , the fire , substantiall forms , &c. ) but others they have surrendred into meer accidents ( as the rainbow , light , the magnall , &c. ) the which notwithstanding i shall demonstrate in their place , to be created things of a neither sort : but let it be enough to have said it , in this place . but if the rainbow should be immediately in the air , and not in a place ; it must needes be , that by any little winde , it should straightway flow abroad , and be puft away by blowing , together with a cloud , or the air : which is false in the rainbow , the which doth also remain a great while under the windes , sometimes without any presence of clouds , and yet in the same constant figure of a bow or semi-circle : therefore the rainbow seeing it is immediately in place , it is a new figure of a coloured light. indeed the rainbow began supernaturally , for a sign and mystery of the covenant struck with mortalls : and since it hath at this day its root in the air , without any matter , yet after the manner of naturall things ; i do reverence its efficient cause , and its presence , and do ponder with my self , that the rainbow is at this day given for a sign : of the covenant ; even as in times past . paracelsus supposeth the rainbow to be the evestrum of the sun ; but the evestrum he calls the spirits or ghosts of men . the which from the absurdity of it self alone , as sufficiently rejected , i passe by . for truly the sun hath neither a soul , nor ( being as yet alive ) hath an evestrum after its buriall . there are some , who will laugh at me , for these daily miracles . but certainly , while i do more fully look into things , i see divine goodness to be actually , alwayes , every where , and immediately president or chief ruler : because , all which things , he in very deed , even from end to end , reacheth to , strongly , and disposeth of all things sweetly . for in god we live , are , and are moved , in very deed and act : but not by way of proportion , or similitude . for truly , when the lord the saviour said , i am he , to wit , by whom ye are , live , and are moved , he withdrew onely , that his power whereby they were moved , and straightway all the souldiers fell on the ground . and although the instrument in nature whereby we are moved , be ordinary ; yet there is another principall , totall , and independent cause of our motion , and the originall thereof , being a miraculous hand , doth concur in every motion . so also in the rainbow , the sun , and place do concur as it were second causes : yet there is another independent , totall , miraculous and immediate cause , which hath directed the rainbow to the glory of his own goodness , and of the covenant stricken , not onely indeed with noah and his family ; but with the sons of men his posterity , even to the end of the world. and so from the same originall ; and for the same end for which the rainbow began , it is promised to endure as long as mortalls shall be : and seeing it is a sign of the covenant with the sons of men , but not onely with the sons of noah , it also includes a certain covenant or agreement . therefore there is a miraculous thing in the rainbow , that its colours are not in any body ; but immediately in place it self , like light , and that immediately from the hand of god , without the concurrence of a second cause : nor is it a wonder , that from the condition of the covenant , a supernaturall effect should interpose : because that in many places , continuall miracles do offer themselves . therefore as the rainbow is a sign of an everlasting covenant , and a messenger of divine goodness ; so thunder causeth an admiration and adoring of the power of god. for there is nothing in the catalogue or number of things , whose rains , the almighty creator doth not immediately rule . surely he every where inforceth his love and fear , and so will have man to be ordinarily put in minde of his power . according to that saying , the voyce af thunder hath stricken the earth . for a sudden and monstrous blas is stirred up in the air. the heaven is oft-times clear , straightway also , being without winde , it is suddenly bespotted with a black cloud : for often times it thunders , the heaven being clear without any small cloud : and so , thunder doth not require a cloud ; but if it doth suddenly stir up any , it is made , as the cracking noyse shakes the peroledes , and as gas settles downwards , into a thick cloud , being drawn together by the cold of the place . therefore the doctrine of the schooles is frivolous , determining , that an exhalation is kindled between the sheath of the clouds , that it dasheth forth lightning , and that there are so many rentings of that cloud , as there are sounds and cracking noyses . for i have seen in mountains , wandring clouds , and most cold in the touching ; yet none of any firmness , or strength , that they being discontinued , can utter so great a noyse , or cast down lightning of so great a power , by a mooving downwards , and with so violent a motion , and that besides the nature of ascending fire . i have seen , i say , lightnings about me , and have heard thunder also under my feet . notwithstanding , i have even least of all discerned those firmnesses of clouds , and trifles of thunder . i say , i have seen lightnings and thunders diversly to play under my feet , where at first , there was no cloud ; and a cloud to descend , as if it had been called to them by the voyce of the thunder . and so i have beheld lightning , with a magnifying of the divine power ; but not with fear , although i have been twice in a house that was smitten with thunder . for i , by so much the more admiring , have praysed the magnificencies or great atchievements of the lord , by how much the nearer his effects were unto me . i have seen also once , nigh vilvord and again at bella in flanders , a certain black sheath , as if it were a long horsemans boot , to fly among the groves of oaks or forrests , with a great cracking noyse , having behinde it , a flame , as it were of kindled straw : but great snow succeeded it . therefore , seeing thunder hath no cause plainly naturall in the clouds of a meteor , i believe that it hath wholly all its cause , not above , but besides nature ; and so that it is a monstrous effect . for first of all , we are bound to believe , that the evill spirit is the prince of this world , and that his principality doth not shine forth amongst the faithfull , unless onely in the office of a tempter : for so it is said , that the adversary as a roaring lyon , goeth about , seeking whom he may devoure : but that , not from the office of his principality . therefore he hath obtained the principality of this world , that he may be a certain executer of the judgements of the chief monarch , and so that he may be the umpire or commissioner of thunder , and lightning ; yet under covenanted conditions . for his bolts being shaken off , unless his power were bridled by divine goodness , he would shake the earth with one onely stroak , and would destroy mortall men . the cracking noyse therefore , or voyce of thunder , is a spirituall blas of the evill spirit , surely an effect of great strength . but thunder is not conjoyned with a miracle : but it contains a monstrous thing in nature . so moreover , although the fire of lightning , be naturall ; yet the manner and mean are divelish powers . for god , as a most loving father , will be loved in the first place : but by himself immediately , he doth not willingly cause or inforce feares : because it belongs not to his goodness to be loved from the fear and fearfullness of pain or punishment . therefore the terrours of his power , and angry feares of his majesty , he causeth or enforceth not but by appropriated spirituall sergeants , his ministers , that is , by a terrible spirit . and that thing all antiquity hath alwayes judged with me , which hath declared jove or jova ( as much as to say with the hebrews , jehova ) to be the god of thunder . seeing the lord and father of things , doth unfold his thunder by the bound hand of a tormenter ; the evill spirit thereupon , would not indeed be contented with the title of prince of the world ; but would have the name jehova , to belong unto himself . therefore thunder and lightning , although they may have concurting naturall causes ; yet the moover of them is an incorporeall spirit . atheists may laugh at my philosophy , who believe , that there is no power , or god , and no abstracted spirit : but at leastwise , they cannot but admire at the effects of thunder , and accuse themselves of the ignorance of its causes . one history at least i will tell , among a thousand . in the year , in the coast of leydon , the tower of curingia being taken away by thunder , no where appeared : after fifteen dayes , a grave is opened in a herbie plot of grasse of the burying place , wherein a shooe-maker was buried , and behold under an unmooved and green turf , first the brass cock with the iron crosse , appeareth , and then a pinacle of the tower , and at length the whole tower is digged out . i have seen , my self being present , by one onely thunder-clap , some thousand of oaks and hazels to be burnt up , in their first bud and leaves ; to wit , the whole wood being named from a place neer vilvord , where the birch , the beech , and alder-tree , being frequently co-mixed with other trees , in a thick confusion , had the mean while remained unhurt by the thunder . but elsewhere , by one onely stroak , he strikes many things at once , that were far distant asunder . for who can sufficiently unfold the thousand various crafts and wiles of the cunning workman ? it sufficeth , that many spirituall actions do concur being divers from the ordinary course of nature , they being also alike powerfull at a distance , as nigh at hand . therefore that terrible voice of thunder , striketh the earth , kills silk-worms , shakes ale or beer , and constrains it to wax dead , causeth the flesh of a slain oxe hung up , to be flaggie , it curdles milk by the sudden leaven of its sourness , &c. but salt applied without , to the brim of the hogs-head , or earthen-pot , doth turn away such kinde of effects . surely a weak resister for such an agent , if in nature the thing resisting ought to prevail over the agent . but why ? the evill spirit hateth salt , and therefore salt is alwayes said to fail or be wanting in his sabbaths of his imps : he being sufficiently expert , that salt is adjured for holy water , as oft as the baptizer useth salt. also salt that is not blessed , may trample upon his commands . if therefore the tree is to be known by his fruits , therefore the authour by his works ; and so much the rather , because so weak remedies do resist so great strength . nor surely doth that make to the contrary : that god appearing to moses in the mount , in continuall lightning and thunder , environed the mountain before israel : yea rather it is thereby confirmed , that the cracking thunder , and lightnings , do belong to spirits his ministers , to spirits i say , his tormenters and executioners : for truly , israel was driven away from ascending the mountain under pain of death : for neither therefore were the thunders in the top of the mountain , but beneath , round about the mountain : neither also appeared the almighty to eliah in the whirle-winde , or in the strong winde ; but in the sweet air. as an addition i will hitherto referre the decree of the church , which in the blessing of a bell , doth prescribe certain forms , wherein it confirms the same presidentship in thunder , which i have prescribed in this chapter . for in the words of their adjurations , they have it . let all layings in wait or treacheries of the enemy be driven far away , the crashing of hails , the storm of whirle-windes , the violence of tempests : let troublesome or cruel thunders , blasts of windes , &c. beallayed . let the right hand of thy power prostrate alery powers , and let them tremble and flee at this little bell of the hearer . before the sound thereof , let the fiery darts of the enemy , the stroak of lightnings , the violence of stones , the hurt of tempests , &c. be chased far away . whence indeed , all adjurations do conspire against tempests . for , hail , winde , rains , clouds , &c. are meteors of nature : but a tempestuous darting , exceeding the fall of a body in grains and the flowing of the winde , are understood to be done by malignant powers . these things indeed , concerning tempests of the air , hail and the sea , are thus confirmed : but in thunder , not onely the very casting of the thunder-bolt , or stones ; but moreover , the cracking noyse of thunder , doth depend on the powers and enemies of the air : because that no renting of the clouds , or air , can naturally utter such noyses , and the effects of these , unless monstrous and hostile powers do immingle themselves , and play together . chap. xvii . the trembling of the earth , or earth-quake . . the name of the moving of the earth , is improper . . the opinion of copernicus . . a shew of the deed. . all schooles do agree with aristotle in causes , for ages hitherto . . the opinion of the schooles is demonstrated to be unpossible , from a defect of the place . . the same thing may after a certain manner be drawn from the force of exhalations . . likewise by the rules of proportion and motion . . the rise or birth of exhalations , their quantity , power , progress , manner of being made , entertainment , and swiftness , are all ridiculous things . . all these are demonstrated to be impossible things . . the cause of their birth is wanting . . it is proved by the rules of falshood and absurdities . . that those trifles being supposed according to the pleasure of the schooles , the manner is ( as yet ) impossible . . that an exhalation being granted according to their wish , yet an earth-quake from thence is unpossible . . rentings asunder or disruptions for fear of a piercing of bodies , do differ from that which might happen through the supposed gentleness of exhalations . . an impossibility is proved , from the nature of the composition of exhalations . . those things are resisted , which were granted from the connivance of a falshood . . wells and caves , are all the year , in their depth or bottom , of an equall temperature . . that there is no fiery exhalation , as neither a fiery gas. . an exhalation cannot lift up the earth with its lightness . . a bladder filled with air , doth not spring up out of the water efficiently , by reason of its lightness , but occasionally . . weightiness is an active quality ; but lightness , seeing it hath no weight , doth signifie nothing . . three remarkable things drawn from thence . . that the manner of an earth-quake delivered by the schooles , is impossible . . the ignorance of the schooles concerning the properties of lightness . . a faulty argument of the schooles , from ignorance . . after what sort the schooles are deluded in this thing . . a new sophistry by reason of errours . . an earth-quake declareth monstrous tokens . . the earth trembles , being shaken by god. . the one onely cause of an earth-quake . . an objection of a certain one , is resolved . . the earth doth not feel or perceive after an animall manner . . what an earth-quake may properly portend . . sacrifices for the purging of offences , do differ according to sins . . the proper inciting cause . . what an earth-quake in the lords resurrection , denoted . . an answer to a friendly objection . i being to speak of the earth-quake , its causes , and ends , will first of all , begin with its name . it is wont to be called , a moving ; but it seemes to me , to be a name too generall , and very improper : for truly , while the earth , or any other heavy body doth hasten downwards ; it is said to move it self ; so that water flowing , moves the wheel actively : but in an earth-quake , the motion seemes to be passive , and so by accident , as improper to it . nicolas copernicus , by very many fictions , doth contend , the earth to be circularly moved , with the orbe of the moon : and seeing that no motion is proper to a globe , but a sphericall or round one , and that doth not agree to the earth , according to the decree of the church ; therefore i have withdrawn the name of moving , from the earth , and have changed it , to wit , that it being rather fearfull , is said to tremble . for truly the earth being passively smitten , or threatned by a certain huge force , it is as it were jogged or shaken through fear and horrour , but doth not leap or skip for joy ; because it seemeth to undergoe some cruel and horrid thing besides the ordinary course of nature . therefore the name of quaking , being first established , next the shew of the deed comes to hand . for truly , there was a night , between the third and fourth day of the second month called april , in the year , indeed a quarter past the third houre after midnight , the moon being at full , two dayes after that time , and it being the fourth day of the week called wednesday , before easter , when as mecheline ( where i then was by reason of some occasions ) notably trembled , and leaped with three re-iterated approaches or fits , and at every onset the trembling endured a little lesse than there might be of the space of repeating the apostles creed ; but a certain roaring in the air , went immediately before every fit , and as it were the action of wheeles whereby great ordinance are carried thorow the streetes , shooke the earth . i say the night was fair , clear , void of windes . for truly , for the cause of the revisall then to be sifted , a little before midnight , i returned home : but i rested nigh dillie in the commendatory of almaine , commonly called pitzenborch ( being received through the courtesie and humanity of the famous man , the lord wernher spies of bullensheim , of the teutonick order , he being provinciall commendatour of the confluence of bullensheim , and commendatour of pitzenborch , toparch or president in elson , herren-nolhe , &c. ) but i was removed for the space of seventy spaces from the streetes : and then , i learned of my friends , that almost at the same moments of time , and with the same three re-iterated turns , seperated by an equall intervall , and the same roaring accompanying them , bruxells , antwerp , lire , gaudan , the mountains of hannonia , namurc , camerac , trembled : afterwards we heard ; that the same thing happened in holland , zealand , friesland , luxemburg and gilderland ; yea , that even francford upon menus , no lesse trembled . that at mentz , some towers were beaten down , and that new buildings nigh theonpolis fell down together : also that westphalia ; yea ambiave , and the nearest coasts of france trembled . truly all these places trembled at the very same instant of time , although by reason of the roundness of the sphere , the dialls , the messengers of dayes , did necessarily differ . it is a tract of land , at least of three hundred and sixty leagues , in every one of the least places of its circle , the ground every where trembled with an equall fear . for neither was the watchman in the most vast tower of the temple of mecheline , any otherwise shaken , than any one that lay in a low cottage : no otherwise , i say , a borderer of scalds , an inhabitant of the islands , and citizen of the medows , than they which stayed in the more high hill. then was the fortune of all , and every one alike . lastly , i understood , that the ships in the havens of holland and zealand were shaken in their masts and sails , without winde . concerning the immediate causes of so great an effect , there is much agreement among writers . the modern or late writers , i say , supping up the lessons of aristotle , have not gone back from thence , a nails breadth hitherto : although they have added their own inventions to the precepts of the auntients . the schooles therefore , do teach , that the earth trembles by reason of air , winde , or an exhalation gathered together in the hollow places and pores of the earth : which seeking , and sometimes making a passage for it self , doth make the earth to leap or dance . for from hence , it oft-times suddenly breaking out thorow gaps and clefts , hath given a rise to destructive diseases . this is a tradition of the schooles , received throughout the whole world , for one and twenty ages . which , if it had seemed to me to be agreeable to the ends of the divine power , i had desisted from writing . but truly , it hath seemed to me , to be sowen with heavy perplexities , and an unavoidable absurdity ; so that it containeth not a little of an old wives fable . indeed man-kinde doth of its own accord so incline to drowsiness , that the hope of learning being as it were beheaded , it hath commanded all the treasures of sciences , being drawn out in one aristotle , to have been as it were left off from a further diligent search . first therefore , i will shew the impossibility of that doctrine ; and then , i will perfectly teach my own opinion , not stablished by heathenish dreams , but confirmed by the doctrine of a higher authority . for first of all , the earth is actually distinguished by certain pavements , soils or grounds ; for truly , the outward soil of the earth , is plainly sandy , clayie white , else-where clayie-yellow , muddy , grisely or grayie , white , yellow , black , red , &c. sporting with divers varieties . under which , for the most part is a sand , and this very sand differenced every where with great variety . but under this soil , is at length the flinty mountain ( which they call keyberch ) being the pavement and originall of rocks , and first root of mineralls . and at length , every where under this soil , is the living or quick sand , the boyling sand , drif , or quellem , which is extended even into the center of the world , being thorowly washed in its un-interrupted joyning , with waters . and although all the aforesaid soils , do not every where succeed each other in order ; yet the quellem is every where the last pavement of the world , although oftentimes , immediately exposed to the air , and plain to be seen . ( as , concerning the originall of fountains , in my book of the fountains of the spaw . ) this therefore being once supposed , i say , that the place where the exhalation should be , which is believed to be the cause of the earth-quake , ought to be placed or appointed in some , or amongst some of the said soils , seeing that in the earth , there is not a place out of the aforesaid pavements . but to the overthrowing of that doctrine , a demonstration is required , which from a sufficient enumcration of the pavements , may shew , that such an impossible exhalation cannot be contained , or be raised up in any of the said soils ; or if it should be there stirred up , yet that it hath not the power of forming an earth-quake . as to the first of the three members , ( to wit , that not any exhalation can be contained under the earth , which may actively cause its trembling ) i prove . first of all , not under the outmost , clayie , or first soil of the earth next to the air , and designed for the habitation of mortalls : because so , s. rumolds tower , had not trembled , as neither buildings built immediately upon the quellem . as neither had ships , without the raging of windes , been removed , in deep waters , far from the ground of the sand. for it being granted , that the bottom of the sea , did tremble , just even as the earth else-where inhabited ; yet the superficies of the water could not keep the tenour of the same trembligg sand , without winde and storm : which thing notwithstanding , is discerned to be false : for flying birds also , feeling the trembling of the earth , would not fall down , they being as it were sore smitten or astonished ; for a sign , that the air it self doth tremble . for the elements shall at sometime melt in the sight of the judge . therefore if the water doth tremble , no lesse than the quiet earth it self , the cause thereof is signified to be in the globe , or because the earth and water do at the same stroak of smiting , together with the air , feel a fear , or hand of the smiter . secondly , neither can an exhalation , the cause of an earth-quake , dwell in any of the soils of sands : because then , fens , medows , and places wherein the quellem is immediately prostituted beneath the clay , had not trembled : vvhich thing is as equally different from the truth of the deed , as the former . next in the third place , neither can the same exhalation be hidden under the keyberch : for in the whole circle , a few places excepted , wherein the earth then trembled , at the same moment of time , the ground keyberch is not extant . at length , neither could an exhalation arise or be detained between the quellem , which is sufficient to shake so great an heap with an equall fury : because the quellem ( that is oft-times next the air , and conjoyned even into the center of the universe by its continuall unity , and thorow mixture of waters ) should easily puffe out such an exhalation , before it could equally lift up so great an heap at once . for it is of an unexcusable necessity ; because such an exhalalation should break forth , out of the more weak , lesse heavy , and lesse resisting part : that is , in the place that is least ponderous : and so under the position of the granted exhalation , there could not be an alike trembling of all places , which resisteth the thing done . for before that the exhalation should lift up so great weights , through so vast , and various spaces of ground and waters , at once , and at one moment , it had sought , and had found out easie following , and the more weak places , through which it had made a way for it self to break out at . for otherwise , the exhalations should fight against the rules of nature , proportion , and motions , which should lift up equally , and at once , all the parts of the low-countries , and a great part of germany . especially where there is not an equall capacity of every place wherein the exhalation should be entertained , not an equall fardle of the incumbent burden , or resistance of weight ; as neither is there an equall awakening of that exhalation , possible to be ; that at once , and almost at one onely moment , it should alike act thorow so many regions : which is to say , that it is impossible that the exhalation the mover of the earth-quake , being granted , there should be an equality in the sameliness of time , and power of motion , through so great a space , through so great a difference and resistance of the soil , and of the heaven , and diversity of weight ; seeing such an acting exhalation , meating out its efficacy by the variety of places , difference , greatness , activity , swiftness of the mover , being of necessity unlike , ought also to obey the unlikenesses of places . therefore let the quantity , rise , power , entertainment , and swiftness of exhalations be ridiculous , which should at one and the same moment , after a like manner , and re-iterated course , shake so many cities , mountains , valleys , hills , watry places , meadows , rivers , islands , and so vast a heap , longly , and largely displaced , and sooner , than it should seek , finde , and make a passage for it self . but now i coming to the second member of proving ; to wit , that in the aforesaid pavements of the earth , the raising up of an exhalation is impossible , which may be the cause of an earth-quake : let every kinde of naturall vapour be determined and examined by its causes . the exhalation , which may be supposed to be the mover of the earth , is not in the first place , a vapour , or watery exhalation ; because that most swiftly returns again into water daily by pressing together , of its own accord , in our alembicks : but an exhalation according to aristotle , that is chiefly necessary for these bounds , is a hot and dry flux , or issue out of bodies ( for the most part also oylie ) lifted up from the dry parts , by a sharp heat into the form of air , or a rising smoak . but i could wish , that the schooles may answer , what therefore at length , shall that actuall , equall , and connexed heat , under the sea , rivers , pooles , meadows , and under the quellem , be ? for truly , it behoveth heat , and dryth , to be actuall and strong , which may there be sufficient for so notable an effect : but not potentiall , naked , remote , possible , or dreamed qualities . what is that heat , from what and whence is it rowsed in the more deeper cold ? what is that heat , so short , so strong , and so interrupted , which after a few rigours or extremities of tremblings , ceaseth ; nor which doth shake the earth a new by trembling ? for if the cause of so great motion be in heat , there shall not at leastwise after the motion , be in heat , the cause of so sudden rest . lastly , what is the dryness connexed to the fire , which may forthwith kindle under the earth and waters ( the waters being all alike dryed up throughout all the low-countries ) a fire , the patron of so great exhalations ? but go to , let us feign by sporting , and grant a heat to be actually under the earth and water , which is made by kindling : likewise , that great and stubborn heat , and its unwonted action , which may raise up the exhalations before the dryness of the thing ? it is verily an irregular effect , not as yet hitherto seen among the artists of the fire . again let us feigne also other absurdities , that actuall fire , violent in the water , or under watery bodies , may there be bred without fewel , and be sustained , proceed , and long persist without fodder : but at leastwise , that fire shall not be able to raise up vapours , and much lesse inclosed exhalations , and to detain them in a narrow place , which may not choak that fire , out of hand ; and make the sufficiency , forces , and successive generation of those exhalations void . for truly in the burrowes of mineralls , if the lights are not forth with from above refreshed with a new blast of air , they are presently extinguished , and the diggers also are deprived of breath and life . but if that the fire , and that the exhalation do subsist untill a sufficient breathing be given : now , for that very cause , the motive exhalation its off-spring , shall first expire from thence ; or if there be not room for a sufficient breathing , the fire verily shall of necessity be stified , nor shall there be place for so great a successive exhalation , or for the repeated onset of an earth-quake . let us feign again , not indeed that actuall fire or heat is entertained under the waters , in the aforesaid soils of the earth : but that all the low-countries have had something in all places , like to gun-powder , which at length , by its own ripeness , or a hidden conspiracy of the stats , is enflamed at once and every where , and for that cause , doth afford a sudden exhalation , in every place equall . but neither truly , under so many trifles , should all the low-countries then jogge any more than once , and it had gaped in the more slender , and lesse deep , and weigh y places , and some pieces thereof had leaped forth on high , and a chimny of that exhaling flame , would there follow . but the low-countries , and part of germany , had not therefore trembled : for once , and at once , the earth had some where rose up on the top , where it had gaped ; but it had not often trembled , as it were with an aguish rigour . for truly the supposed action of inflaming , should be made onely , that the piercing of bodies might be hindered , therefore as to the third point ; to wit , that also a sufficient exhalation being granted to be under the earth , nevertheless an earth-quake is impossible ; i have begun indeed , already to prove , by some granted fictions : otherwise , after what manner soever an exhalation may be taken , and wheresoever that of the pavements may be supposed , the earth should not thereby tremble : but , where the least resistances should be , it should rise up into a heap or bunch , untill it had gaped , and the exhalation had made a passage for it self , by expiring thorow a huge gulf. which things , seeing they are not found to have happened , the tradition of the schooles doth in this respect also , go to ruine . for first of all , that it may more clearly appear , that the action and manner of the action is divers , when as for fear of a piercing of bodies , a thing leaps forth , and that nature doth operate after another manner , by reason of the supposed lightness of exhalations striving to break forth : observe a handicraft-operation : let there be a glasse-bottle , spatious , thick and strong ; infuse in it four ounces of aqua fortis , being prepared of salt-peter , alume , and vitriol , being dryed apart . but cast into that water , one ounce of the powder of sal armoniac , and straightway let the neck of the glasse be shut by melting it , which is called hermes seal : as soon as the voluntary action shall begin , and the vessel is filled with a plentifull exhalation ( yet an invisible one ) and however it may be feigned to be stronger than iron , yet it straightway dangerously leapeth asunder into broken pieces , for fear of piercing , but not by reason of the lightness of many exhalations . for truly , although it bursteth , by reason of the multitude , and the pressing together of most light and invisible exhalations ; yet the lightness of the same , in this things hath nothing of moment : because if any of these things should happen for lightness sake , the glasse vessel it self , before its bursting , would be lifted up into the air , and fly upwards : because it is a thing of lesse labour , to lift up a weight of three or four pounds , than to break asunder a most strong vessel . therefore the exhalations which do break the glasse , should much more powerfully lift up the glasse , if the schooles did not beg the vain help of lightness from exhalations , for an earth-quake . if therefore exhalations are not able by their lightness , to lift up the vessel wherein they are shut , much lesse so great a quantity of earth , and vast an heap . lastly , seeing that every exhalation is of some body , and every body if it be to be seperated , is divided into salt , sulphur , and mercury ; and the mercuriall part be the watery part of the body : therefore it must needes be , that every exhalation is of a salt and oylie matter : and that , that is first to be raised up before the watery part : which thing hath not as yet so happened in our glasses , by the an equall action of heat . if therefore an exhalation be salt , it is easily soaked or imbibed into the earth ; which may be seen wholly in all waters and exhalations of what salts soever , which in acting upon the earth , are coagulated in it , and loose all activity . therefore , if they should be stirred up in the earth , they had failed , before they were , or in the making , had ceased to be . but if the exhalation be oily , surely that being laid , deposited or laid up into the earth , it retakes the former shape of oyl , and so growes together : which thing , seeing it easily comes to passe , it cannot be thought , how an exhalation may by its lightness , make so great a heap of earth , and of huge weight to stumble , sooner then to consult of coagulating . and upon every event , there should not be room , but for one elevation of the earth , and one onely settling of the same , after some gaping chap is found ; but not of stirring up a quaking trembling . but let these dreams be in watery places , meadows , clayie places , pooles , the sea , rivers , &c. therefore the absurdities , which i granted before in jest , i will now oppose in earnest . first of all , i demand , what is that so unwonted heat , which from the year , even unto the year , was not seen at mecheline ? as neither an earth-quake ? wherefore not every year ? wherefore in the d moneth called april , under a most cold night , when as the day before , it had snowed much ? under the continuall north winde ? and not under the dog-star ? is it because the more inward parts of the earth are then hot ? why therefore not every year in the eleventh moneth called january ? but this argument of the antients ceaseth , after that the instrument meating out the degrees of the encompassing air , is found . for wells and caves are found , all the year , of an equall heat and cold . again , why doth so great heat , the stirrer up of exhalations , cease so suddenly ? especially where it may stir up an exhalation , the moover of so great an heap ? by what fewell it is kindled under the water ? by what fodder doth it live and subsist ? by what law is it not in the same place stif●ed ? by what priviledge doth it despise the respects of bodies , places , and weights ? at length , by what prerogative doth it stir up an exhalation of so great a vastness , out of moyst bodies , without moyst vapours : or if it doth also allure or draw out vapours after the ordinary manner , why do not these mitigate a heat of so great moment ? do they extinguish ? do they choak together with their sisters , and forthwith following exhalations ? or what is that exhalation , which shaketh the vast tower of mecheline , with no greater respect than a low cottage ? nor that respecteth any resistance of a huge weight ? or which doth in a like manner operate near at hand , as at a distance ? or which doth at once , every where , and alike , finde throughout its whole superficies , the collected power of its own center , that at once , every where alike , it may operate in one moment , equally and alike strongly ? why through the necessity of naturall causes , is not the thred broken in the weaker part : but all things do at once undergoe , yea and sustain the same law of violence ? surely if these things be rightly considered , there is found in the earth-quake , a certain operative force , of an infinite power , which lifts up mountains and towers , without respect of lightness , or weight , as if nothing were able to resist this moving virtue . but i have proved , that an exhalation , if in any there be an efficient moving cause of an earth-quake , is neither of the race of salts , nor of sulphurs , as neither of mercuries ( because that this is not an exhalation , but the vapour of the watery parts . ) therefore it remains , that it is not an exhalation : but gas it self , not an eflux of bodies stirred up by heat ; but rather an effect remaining after the fire : to wit , the gas of the flame of the fire alone , or of the smoak sprung from this . but neither of these exhalations also , can be the effective cause of an earth-quake . therefore if none of these exhalations be the mover of the earth , there shall be none at all ( since another is not found ) and by consequence , it is a vain fiction of the schooles , which they will have themselves to be believed in , in the earth-quake . but if indeed they thinking of an escape , do say , that they do not understand an exhalation raised up by heat , not brought forth by dryness , but an unnamed vapour constituted by its causes : to wit , like as aristotle writeth , that all rockie stones , small stones , mineralls , and likewise the salt of the sea , comets , although a hundred fold bigger than the globe of the earth , and all windes , do proceed from some irregular and un-explained exhalations , distinguishing the windes therein , against the air : this i say , is to be willing to doat with aristotle , and to remain ignorant of naturall philosophy , with the same aristotle . lastly , it is an impertinent thing , for them to have cited aristotle , and by his authority to be willing to defend their errours . notwithstanding , i will treat against the schooles by reason , that seeing they do publish themselves to be so rationall , they may deliver up their weapons to reason . i say therefore , that no exhalation can be more light , simple , or subtile , than the air : because , this is the simple body of an element ; but , that is a composed body ; and so however it be , it hath in it a weighty body , which the air wanteth : yet the air is not lighter than a body that is without weight : that is , the air is not lighter than it self , nor can it lift up any thing besides it self , unless by the motion of a flatus or blast , or of flowing , that is , by a blas : which ceasing , the body which it lifted up , setleth . from whence i conclude , that the air or winde , whether it be shut up or free , cannot lift up the earth , by reason of its lightness alone , unless it be by chance stricken by an externall and violent mover : but in this case , the force of the exhalation ceaseth , seeing it is a constraining force which moveth , but not the exhalation it self : because it is that which in such a case , is onely the mean or instrument of motion , but not the chief motive force . and much lesse is that agreeable to an exhalation ; because it is that which is thicker and weightier than the air , as it containeth water . i prove it by handicraft-operation . a bladder stretched out with air , springs up out of the water ; not primarily ; because the air is lighter than water : but because the water is a heavy and fluide body ; and therefore it suffers not it self to be driven out of its place by a lighter body . for indeed it is the first endeavour of the water , to joyn it self to the water , from whence it was seperated : its secondary endeavour , or that as it were by accident , is to presse out by its falling together , whatsoever is lighter than it self . therefore weightiness , not lightness , doth operate in this thing , for the reason straightway to be shewed . let a bladder able to contain three pounds or pints of water , be put in a small trench or ditch , and let it be covered with earth : truly it shall not shake off from it , half an ounce of the dust poured upon it : yea , neither shall the bladder desire to appear out of the dry more weighty sand. let it therefore be ridiculous , that a bladder weighing half an ounce , doth ever from any lightness of air , of its own accord fly up into the air. if therefore much air cannot lift up a bladder ; surely , much lesse shall the air rise up , being pressed down under the huge weight of the low countries . for indeed the elements , do in the first place , and onely respect themselves ; truly they act all things , for their own sake : and therefore , a glasse-bottle being filled with air and buried , can never a whit endeavour to spring up out of the earth ; because the air is every where in its own naturall place , as oft as the space of its place is not filled with another body , neither is it carefull for passage . therefore if there are hollow places under the earth , the air doth naturally rest in those places , from all locall motion : but in places where sands fall down as it were a fluide body , there , because the dust fills up the empty place , and falls down through its weight , it also by accident presseth out the air . but that motion of the earth or water is not therefore efficiently from the lightness of the air ; or , that the air , by the proper motion of its own lightness , doth move it self , and climbe upwards . but ( mark ) in this thing , weightiness it self , is the active , primary , and totall efficient cause : seeing weightiness , hath a reall weight , and is an active quality : but on the contrary , the lightness of the air is the effecter of nothing ; seeing it hath no weight , it of necessity betokeneth nothing , neither can it have any efficacy of acting . from whence it followes , . that the lightness of the air , worketh nothing : nor , that a bladder , which should be great , and weigh onely six grains , could be of its own accord , lifted up by the inclosed air , how great soever , otherwise ( which is false ) the air should be lighter than that which hath no weight . . that the air doth not appear out of the water , by reason of its lightness , as it were the active , or the moving quality of swimming ; but weightiness is the reall quality which expells the air. . and therefore the position of the schooles is absurd , wherein air , or an exhalation is appointed for the efficient cause of an earth-quake , by reason of its lightness , as if it should shake the earth by lifting it up . wherefore , seeing it is now sufficiently proved . . that there is not a place in the pavements or soils of the earth , wherein any aiery body may be entertained , whether that body be a winde , or an aiery exhalation : but by how much the deeper that place shall be sought for , by so much the greater difficulties do arise , as well by reason of the greater abundance of water , as the greater fardle of earth , from above ; so that , that is as it were of an infinite power , which should cause a trembling of the earth . . and then , that there can be no fire , heat , driness , or any other stirrer up of an exhalation of so great power : or that which is co-related to it : that there is no possibility of such an exhalation in nature , there to subsist . and at length , thirdly , that no exhalation , by reason of lightness , doth operate any thing , or lift up a heavy body , much lesse , so vast a country of earth . therefore i conclude , that it is an empty fiction of the schooles , whatsoever hath been hitherto diligently taught concerning an earth-quake . wherefore i will perfectly teach , that the manner of an earth-quake diligently taught by the schooles , is altogether impossible . let us therefore again feigne absurdities , that , as it were , by the rule of falshood , the errour of the schooles may be discovered . to wit , let us grant a bladder to be of a matter that is tractable or easily to be beaten thin , being a thousand times stronger than all iron , and to be spread ( it is unknown in what soil ) throughout all the low countries and germany , under the foundation of mountains , cities , seas , and rivers : but a thousand huge paires of bellowes , most firmly , and excellently annexed thereto . therefore that they may be able to lift up all the low countries at once , it must needes be , that those bellowes , and the posts and axles of these , be so strong , as that they might be sufficient to lift up the weight . and then , a hand should be required , or an agent of so great strength , that it might be able to lift up all the low countries with its palme , or else it could not presse together those bellowes which are full of winde : but such an agent is not in the sublunary nature of things , although the other granted absurdities should be present : therefore the vain lightness of the air or an exhalation , is frivolous , and the inbred desire of their breaking forth . therefore , i never a whit doubt to deny the naturall cause rendered by the schooles , invented by the devill , that my god his own honour may be over-clouded . because the schooles have been hitherto ignorant , that lightness is not an active quality , and so much lesse should it be an overturner of mountains : but they have sometimes considered , that a mine which was before over-covered , hath straightway after an earthquake , belched forth a stinking poyson , and made a gap for it self : therefore , they have dared through inconsiderateness and ignorance , to refer this effect of an earth-quake by accident , into a cause by it self . which things , that they may more clearly appear , let us again feign the aforesaid bladder under the low countries , to be stretched out with an aiery body , of its own accord , or by the influence of the stars ( for when reason faileth , those that are ignorant do alwayes run back to the stars , and causes afar of , ( and for witnesses not to be cited ) and no bellowes to be , as neither holes round about . then at leastwise , the body of all the low-countries , laying on it , should so presse the aforesaid bladder with its weight , that , if it burst not , it should at least , in its weaker ; and lesse ponderous part , belch forth that which is contained in it . which thing being obtained , now indeed the cause of the pressing together of the bladder , and of the fall of the low countries , together with the opening of some gap , is present . but the cause of the lifting up of that bladder , is not yet to be found , and much lesse , of the repeated succession of trembling and quaking . lastly , neither is such a bladder , and its substance possible to be , without which , although there should be room in the earth , yet it is not fit for nourishing , or receiving that exhalation . yea the bounds of the aforesaid bladder being set or supposed , at leastwise , the air , or exhalation works nothing , that it may lift up the earth by its lightness ; but if the earth fall down or go to ruine , it findes not a cause for it selfe , as to this thing , in the lightness of the detained air ; seeing it shuts up the whole cause in the fist of its weightiness ; and the pressing out of the air is to be measured , according to the measure of the weight that layeth on it . therefore the bladder being again supposed , if any winde or air should blow from without into the aforesaid bladder , being pressed together , laying on the ground , and void of every body : however most strongly it should blow , yet it could not at all blow up the bladder , because , the low countries laying on it , should presse it together . but if indeed , a fiery exhalation be sought for , in the place of the winde , or air , i have already demonstrated before , that fire to be impossible , and the exhalation of so great an effect throughout all the low countries , to be fabulous . at length , that continuall bladder , so strong , and capable to be hammered thin , also faileth , which may sustain , with its back , the low countries , seas , rivers , and far more : for although , i have granted the same , it is not because i think it to be ; but because , that bladder being supposed , so great absurdities may also follow , and the schooles at length be squeezed to an impossibility . mountains , sulphurous places , and the mansions of mines , have afforded to countrey people ( whence the schooles have them ) the beginnings of this dream . alass ! is there every where a miserable drowsiness , in searching into the causes of effects ? the mountain soma or vesuvius , nigh naples , hath burned now for some ages , with sulphur or brimstone , and fire-stones . but it hath a gap in its top , large enough , whereby the smoaks and flame might expire or breath out : to wit , perhaps to the largeness of three filed measures or acres of land : but a vault that was next to the flame , as being now sufficiently roasted , and full of chaps , at length , about the sixteenth day of the tenth moneth or december , of the year , by one sudden fall , fell down into the gulf of the flame : but it is the property as well of some metalls , as of bright shining fire-stones , while they are melting , that if any thing of water shall fall in among them , they all leap asunder : therefore the sulphurs with the fire-stones being melted in the bowels of vesuvius , they did not endure the roasted fragment falling down from the rocks , without a great deluge , but the flame did vomit out all of whatsoever had slidden down from above , and more . neither was this sufficient : but moreover , some fountains were loosed from above , into the chimney of the fire : but what have the melted sulphurs , or what the raging tempests of smoakes , common with an earth-quake ? do sulphurs thus burn throughout all the low countries ? for an earth-quake had gone before at naples , and did accompany that danger of sodom . and although they shall happen together , they do not therefore partake of one onely root , the which do obey divers causes : that earth-quake fore-shewing a wonder , did also inclose in it a monstrous token , and doth alwayes inclose some such : but the belching out of metallick veins , stands by its natural causes . surely a wretched sophistry it is , to argue from not the cause , as for the cause : for neither are exhalations to be believed to have been enclosed in that earth-quake , a chimney is produced , having long since , a way opened for exhalations . i would , the schooles hath hearkened to their pliny , that oft-times , at the present time or urgency of an earth-quake , birds , the winde being still , being as it were sore smitten with fear , do fall down out of the air : that in a quiet haven , the oare galleys do leap a little . but what fellowship interposeth between the air and the sea , with an exhalation shut up under the earth ? for doth the air tremble , when the earth doth ? is so small a trembling of the air sufficient to cast down birds , which fly in every winde ? for because the sand of the sea ( and that indeed without gaping ) should leap a little , for the depth of half a foot ; ought therefore the superficies of the deep sea , void of winde , together with ships , to tremble ? a manuscript of the curate of s. mary beyond dilca of mecheline was shewen , wherein he had written , that in the year , once every day for three dayes space , the earth trembled , before that lightning inflamed its sand-port , and also the gun-powder contained therein : whence the city , by an un-thought of slaughter , being almost utterly dashed in pieces , went to ruine . lastly , in the year , the second houre after noon , the fury of the windes ceasing , the city trembled , two dayes before the english invaded mecheline , and took it for a prey . but what have those events ( happening from a fatall necessity ) common , in the joyning of causes , with a dreamed exhalation under the earth ? for what could a supposed exhalation portend , besides or out of it self ? for why should it include a future signifying of a vvar-like invasion ? or lightning to come , and to kindle the vessels of gun-powder there also kept , shaking the sandy tower , and throwing down the whole city ? for before that the mountain vesuvius , belched out its bowels , and covered very many small towns , with a minerall clod , and denyed hope to the husband-man for the time to come , thick darkness under the sun went before , in the air , lamentable howlings , and the earth trembled , things stirring up the required devotion of the nation . truly the earth trembled , from its own cause , for a fore-knowledge of the future slaughter threatned : but the slaughter it selfe followed by its naturall causes : but the fore-going signes , have never any thing common , with the event of future fire . since therefore now it is certain , that there is no place among the pavements of the earth , nor exhalation that layes under them ; and if any should be under , yet that it were impossible to cause an earth-quake ; yet that it is an undoubted truth , that the earth doth truly and actually tremble , without the dis-continuance of its pavements , or through the opening of some gap , i have considered that trembling to be in the earth , no otherwise than in brasse , when as the clapper hath smote the bell. for as long as the bell trembles without a cleft , so long it gives a tune . the earth also , while it is shaken with its super-natural clapper , sends forth a deaf sound , because its body toucheth together indeed by sand and vvater , even into its center ; yet it is not holding together by a continuance of unity without intermission . and it may tremble without the dis-continuance of touching together ; indeed by so much the more freely , if the mettall be bended without the renting asunder of that which holds together : the earth also in trembling , hath its inward clapper more famous than the voice of thunder . but because the stroak waxeth deaf in the sand and vvater , therefore it is shaken together with a certain tune or note , while it trembled : yet the roaring which is sometimes heard , is not of the earth , but a strange one ; not proper to the earth-quake , but an accidentary howling of spirits , which by the italians is called baleno . at length , i weighing the cause of an earth-quake , do know , that in the first place , there is a motive force in the air , whereby the air doth commit to execution , the spurre conceived in the stars : for the stars shall be to you , for signes , times or seasons , dayes and years . moreover , i know , that in the sea , and deep lakes , there is their motive force , whereby they suffer a raging heat without windes , whereby , i say , our ocean is rowled six houres , and else-where , six constant months , with one onely flowing . lastly i know , that the earth is at rest , nor that it hath a motive force actively proper to it self . therefore , i believe , that the earth doth quake and fear , as oft as the angel of the lord doth smite it . behold a great earth-quake was made : for the angel of the lord descended from heaven , mat. . the word ( for ) among the hebrewes , doth contain a cause , as if he should say ( because . ) for this is the onely cause of an earth-quake , whereby all things , do without resistance equally tremble together , as it were a light reed . in the revelations , the third part of mortalls , trees , and fishes perished at the very time , wherein the angel powred forth his viall : for abstracted spirits do work by the divine power , and nothing can resist them . evill spirits also , as oft , as it is granted them to act by a free power , they act without the resistance of bodies , or a re-acting of resistance . for matter is the client of , or dependant on another monarchy , and it cannot re-act into a spirit , which it by no meanes toucheth , and with no object , affecteth . even as the angel useth the powred out liquor of the viall , unto the aforesaid slaughter ; so , for the earth-quake , he for the most part , makes use of a note or voice . for a wandering note was heard in the air , no otherwise , than as the creaking of wheeles driven : thereupon , as it were a tempestuous murmuring sound succeeded ( yet without winde ) and at that very time , the whole tract of so great provinces trembled at once , with a huge horrour : which same note , accompanied the trembling of the earth at every of the three repeated turns . the same thing almost , happens in lightning : truly the lightning burns , and causeth melting : but surely , it smiteth not : according to that saying : the voice of thunder shall strike the earth , because it smiteth . for silk-worms die , milk is curdled , ale or beer waxeth sowre , a slain oxe hanging up , retains flaggie flesh unfit to take salt , and that onely by the thunder-stroak , the lightning doing no hurt there . therefore let the voice of thunder , and the voice of the earth-quake , be the note or tone of ministring spirits . but the stars do not stir up a motive , and alterative force of the air or water , through a note : but do act onely by an aspect , which they call an influence : and it hath its action and direction in a moment , even as light , sight , &c. for otherwise , there should be need of many years , before the audible species or resemblances that are to be heard , should come down from saturn to the places of a meteor . and then , a note or sound , although it be great ; yet it faileth by degrees in the way . but that the earth doth tremble , with a tempest of windes , or that the tempest doth sometimes run successively thorow villages , cities , and as it were thorow street by street in its wheeling about : that is wholly by accident , and according to the will of him , who shaketh the earth for a monstrous sign . likewise , that else-where , it doth oft-times tremble ; in quick belgium , very seldom : that changeth not the moving cause : for it stands in the free will of him , who encloseth the universe in his fist , who can shake the earth at his pleasure , and alone do marvellous things : at the beholding of whom , the earth shall at sometime smoak , and the mountains being melted , shall go to ruine . but that in another place , gapings , chaps , after an earth-quake , have sometimes appeared , and a filthy poyson , and fumes of arsenicall bodies have breathed forth , that is joyned onely to its naturall causes ; nor are they the effects of an earth-quake , but by accident , but not the causes . but this blindness of causes of the earth-quake , hath been invented , the devill being the authour , whereby mortall men might set apart all fear of the power , and so , might prevent , if not wholly neglect the ends which god hath appointed to himself , for the serious reverencing of the power of his majesty , that they being mind-full of the faults of their fore-led life , might repent . deh ! qual possente man conforzze ignote il terreno a crollar si spesso riede non e chiuso vapor como altro crede ne sognato stridente il suol percuote . certo la terra si rissente , & scuote , perche del pe●cator sa aggrava il piede : et i nostri corpi impatiente chiede , per riemper se sue spelonche ●uote . e linquaggio del ciel che l'huom riprende il turbo , il tuono , il fulmine , il baleno , hor parla anco la terra in note horrende , perche l'huom ch' esser vuol tutto terreno , ne del cielo il parlar straniero intende : i l parlar della terra , intenda al meno . behold ! with what a mighty , yet unknown a force , the earthy body makes a noyse , and with so thick a rushing gives a groan : 't is not a vapour hot shut up ( they 'r toyes ) even as some believe , which beats the ground [ or thumps its entrails ] with a whistling sound . truly , the earth it selfe doth feele and quake , because the sinners foot doth load its back and our impatient [ mortall ] bodies fall in , to fill up its own deep vaults withall the language of the heaven which reproves man , is the whirle-winde , thunder , lightning flash , and sp'ritous howling in the air [ ecchoes . ] now speaks the earth more-o're , with horride lash of signall tokens , ' cause since man which would be wholly earthly , doth not understand , the linguo strange of heaven , yet may or should at least the earth it 's language apprehend . these things nothing hindering , there hath not been one wanting , who said , that from a most deep well of the castle of lovaine , he by a sure presage foretold , an earth-quake was shortly to be , because the water of the same well , three dayes before , sent forth the stinking savour of brimstone , and that its contagion , yellowness , together with the turbulency of the water , did bewray it . but let that good man know , that that well is one hundred and fifteen foot in depth , because they go up to the castle ( from the street that is next unto it ) by ninety three steps : and so , that well in one part , is not deeper than its neighbouring wells , although in the other part where it is co-touching with the hill of the castle , it is deep , as i have said . but seeing that a vein of sulphur is not hidden in the hill , the water could not breath sulphur , which was not there : but if it cast the smell of sulphur , a sign might precede , god admonishing : but it had not sulphur , which neither is in that place , nor was enflamed : therefore neither could it cause an earthquake unto all belgium or the low countries . therefore there is no naturall reason , why the water in that well , should be more troubled by sulphur , than in its neighbour-wells , wherein no such thing was seen . lastly , we must know , that an earth-quake is not made by the long preparation of causes from three dayes before : because then the earth could not be lifted up in one manner , at once : yea , if any exhalation of sulphur , had now three dayes before , fore-timely made a passage for it self , at that very time , it had now found a passage for it self , and had sooner breathed forth that way thorow that well , before it had lifted up so great an heap on every side : yea , a passage being found , it had made the water by its blast , and boyling up , to sound in the boyling , and much more prosperously in the streetes that were so much lower , and the exhalation had broken forth in the more neighbouring places , and had burst in sunder the hill it self more easily , by rising into an heap ; but the earth had not trembled : therefore i reject the example of the deed , as long as the reasons opposed by me against it , from its impossibility , are not overthrown . therefore the earth trembleth , not because it feeleth or feareth after the manner of a living creature : but it denounceth unto us , something like it , and doth as it were speak unto us , accusing of the stroak of the angel , or the hand of an angry god. but the earth is smitten , and trembleth by the command of god , pointing out , that sin hath ascended up to heaven , crying out for vengeance before his throne : indeed the smiting doth presuppose indignation , and indignation , a heaped up measure of sin : but the end of an earth-quake , is , that the sinner may amend himself , and that the righteous man may as well beware that he doth not sin , as of the threatned punishment of sin . therefore an earth-quake , doth alway threaten punishments . but all particular offences , have chastisements suitable to themselves : for luxury , and uncleanness , have plagues and diseases , for purging sacrifices and punishments : but adulteries pay their punishments , by diseases , imprisonment , disgraces , poverties ; also barrenness , of off-spring , untimely death , or the like ; according to that saying : he that someth in the flesh , shall reap in corruption . but pride of life is punished , by poverties , barrennesses , wars , destructions , sudden death , a miserable losse of friends , &c. at length , covetousness payes its punishments , by deceits , thefts , juggles , discommodities of some member , &c. but if two or three sins do abound at once among a people , then punishments are also co-mingled : to wit , in-clemencies , tyrannies , breakings of a vow or oath , juggles or deceits , extorsions , plagues , barrennesses , wars , &c. but if sins are conjoyned in powers or princes , as well of the church , as in secular ones & judges , the prophesies are full , that for the injustice of the same , kingdoms are translated from nation to nation : which things , if they happen , with the rise of arch heresies , scandalls , and subversions of altars , and especially , where the poor suffer together with them ; it is a signe that these evills do proceed , from filthinesses , in-clemencies , ambition , covetousness , breakings of a vow , and drunkennesses or gluttonies . for the prophesies do abound with threatnings , that jerusalem shall be plowed as a field ; the city shall be made as a heap of stones ; that the pestilence , and enemy shall take away all the prey , and shall lead away the chief of the church bound ; the holy place shall be defiled , that they may be for a derision among the nations . but if wars do not touch religion , the sins onely of princes and judges are taken notice of . but the earth trembleth , being smitten especially , for the sins of bloud , which cry out for heaven to be a revenger . therefore after an earth-quake , punishments are to be expected , which are deservedly due to excess , cruelty , and injustice . the trembling of the earth therefore , denotes nought but the judgements of god a revenger : to wit , a good thing from an evill cause ; as it containeth an inflicting of punishment on the impenitent . therefore from the lords resurrection , the earth trembled , signifying the desolation of the city , and of the jewish monarchy , which the gospel , together with the teares of the lord foretold , and which josephus hath written down at large . for no calamities are without the lords permission , nothing without its cause , neither doth grief or misery spring out of the ground . job . isai . neither do calamities at any time happen unto us by chance . it was the most rare or un-couth wickedness of men , that slew the guiltless son of god for his benefits : wherefore a most rare kinde of purging of the offence , ought also to rain upon that nation , which had been educated with so great favour , to the killing of the men , and lasting destruction of the common-wealth ; as was fore-seen by daniel , isaiah and psal . . but when an earth-quake runs as it were thorow , street by street , a tumult of a city against a city is signified , and the streetes to be desolate or forsaken . for a friend saw this chapter , it being as yet in writing ; he presently perceived that a naturall cause was wanting , and he consented : but he was angry , because i had deciphered the manner , and that the earth should be smitten , not indeed with a staffe , but by a note , or voice , and he laughed at the conjecture . why hath not god ( he said ) done those things by gun-powder , by winde , an exhalation , and a vapour ? wherefore hath not he said it or spoken it , and the earth was moved ? with god there are a thousand wayes , neither is it certain what mean he hath used . first of all , if i have given a reason , why the earth trembling doth necessarily chap , by the example of a bell which trembles after the stroak ; certainly , he ought not to be angry with me ; for , neither intended i , that he that exceedes every manner , doth tie up himself to manner and meanes : but in-as-much as that friend doth inter-ject naturall meanes ; as are the winde , a vapour , an exhalation , gun-powder , laid under the low-countries : these things were already sufficiently refuted in my writings , as to be possible in nature : wherefore , they are again unseasonably alleadged , as if god should have need of those meanes ; because when god makes use of meanes in working miraculously , he also often-times useth naturall things ; but he doth not then make use of things which are reckoned as fellow-causes : for those meanes rather are , and do contain mysteries , than the vigour of any causality . therefore , i have drawn my conjecture of the smiting voice or tone ( not that i am a conscious or a fellow-knower of , or a searcher into divine counsel ) out of that word . the voice of thunder shall strike the earth . moses smote the waters of aegypt , and they were turned into bloud , and the frogs over-covered the land of aegypt : he smote the sea with his rod , and the waters stood still : he smote the rock , and it brought forth a fountain . elisha commanded the king , to smite the earth , and was wroth with him , because he had not smitten it oftner , because the number of commissionary smitings , did contain the number of victories , and repeated turns of the enemy as yet to be beaten . therefore for the keeping of peace with my friend , i have explained my self . i confess ( i say ) willingly , that i would not search into divine mysteries : but the manner and meanes which god useth in the earth-quake , i have attained onely by conjecture . but neither at length , have i desired to make these things known , nor that i might be taken notice of as a brawler ; but that the fear of the lord , which is the beginning of wisdom , may arise from the trembling of the earth . d. streithagen cannon of hemsberg , in his germane flourish , hath writ down a chronograph , or verse of the time of this earthly trembling , by reason of its unwonted strangeness , and largeness of the places . smitten ( the th of april ) was the earth with tumult wide , from which unwonted slaughter , covered bodies down do slide . from the face of the lord the earth was moved , from the face of the god of jacob. chap. xviii . the fiction of elementary complexions and mixtures . . why the earth hath seemed not to be a primary element . . that the fire is neither a substance , nor an accident . . that all visible things are materially of water onely . . why the place of the air which is called the middle region , is cold . . what the three first things of the chymists may be . . some bodies are not reduced into the three first things . . the unconstancie of paracelsus . . the errour of the chymists . . the reducing of the three first things , into the water of a cloud , is demonstrated . . the swift or volatile salt of simple bodies , may be fixed by co-melting , . the three first things were not before , but are made in seperating , and that indeed , a new creature . . the oil of things is nothing but water , the seed of the compound body being abstracted or withdrawn . . the same thing is proved in a live coal . . what the wilde gas of things is . . how a gas is bred in the grape . . the gas of wines . . why much of the grape may hurt . . that the gas of new wine , is not the spirit of wine . . an erroneous opinion of paracelsus . . a twofold sulphur in tinne , from whence , the lightness of the same . . gun-powder proves gas. . some things do mutually transchange themselves into gas. . the mutuall unsufferableness of some things that are melted together . . that gas , materially is not earth or air. . the same thing , by a supposition of a falshood , and seven absurdities . . that a mixt body is not converted into an element , by the force of an element the conquerour . . a handicraft operation of the liquor alkahest . . gas is wholly of the element of water . . it is proved by the handicraft operation of a live coal . . by handicraft operation , that every vegetable is totally and materially of water alone . . so a stone is wholly of water . . fishes and all fatness , are wholly of water . . every smoak is onely of water . . all sulphurs are reduced into a smoak and gas ; but these are reduced into water . . why fire cannot make air of water . . ashes and glasse are of water alone . . the gas of salts is nothing but an un-savourie water . . the gas of fruits is nothing but water . . the comments or devises of schollars concerning exhalations . . naturall philosophie is in darkness without the art of the fire . . the spirit or breath of life , is materially the gas of the water . . the sweat before death , is not sweat ; but the melting of a liquor . . by an endemicall or common gas , we are easily snatched away . i have said , that there are two primary elements ; the air , and the water ; because they do not return into each other : but , that the earth is as it were born of water ; because it may be reduced into water . but if water be changed into an earthy body , that happens by the force or virtue of the seed , and so it hath then put of the simpleness of an element . for a flint is of water , which is broken asunder into sand. but surely , that sand doth lesse resist in its reducing into water , than the sand , which is the virgin-earth . therefore the sand of marble , of a gemme , or flint , do disclose the presence of the seed . but if the virgin-earth , may at length , by much labour be brought into water , and if it was in the beginning created as an element ; yet it seemes then to have come down to something that is more simple than it selfe ; and therefore i have called those two , primary ones . i have denied the fire to be an element and substance ; but to be death in the hand of the artificer , given for great uses . i say , an artificial death for arts , which the almighty hath created , but not a natural one . but now i take upon me to demonstrate , that bodies which are believed to be mixt are materially the fruits of water onely ; neither that they have need of the wedlock of another element : to wit , that bodies , whether they are dark , or clear , sound , or fluide , bodies of one and the same kind● or those that are unlike ; suppose them to be stones , sulphurs , mettalls , hony , wax , oils , a bone , the brain , a grisle , wood , barke , leaves : lastly , that all things , and all particular things , are wholly reduced into a water , altogether without savour , and so that they do consist , and are contained in simple water onely : for indeed , most of those things are destroyed by fire , and do straightway of their own accord , give their part to the water : which part , although it after some sort resembles the nature of the composed body , at length , at least-wise , the contagion of that composed seed being taken away , that water , or mercury of things , returns into the simple and un-savoury water of rain : so oils , and fats , being seperated by the fire , a little of the alcali salt being added to them , do at length assume the nature of soap , and depart into elementary water : yea , whatsoever things are inflamed by an open fire in the very entertainment of the clouds , are reduced voluntarily , into water : for such was the necessity of the cold of that place ( as i have already taught above ) that whatsoever things should rise up thither from the lower places , should forget their seeds , by the mortall cold in that place , and their sub-division into a gas of almost infinite atomes . for salt , sulphur , and mercurie , or salt , liquor , and fat , are in the most speciall particular kindes or species : not indeed , as certain universall bodies which are common to all particular kindes ; but they are similar or like parts in composed bodies , being distinguished by a three-fold variety , according to the requirance of the seeds . therefore if the seminall properties shall the more toughly remain in the three things now seperated : then , by things being admixed with them , the impressions of those properties are taken away , and estranged ; from whence they do afterwards passe into the element of water . but some bodies , do refuse to be divided into the three things ; at length , the liquor alkahest of paracelsus being adjoyned , they decay into a salt , and that salt is destroyed by passing over into an un-savory water . the art of the fire being despised , hath made these things to be unknown in the schooles . but i have not onely a war with those that are ignorant of nature , the despisers of the searching mistress of philosophy , but also with paracelsus , the standard-defender of the chymists : for whom , when it was hard to have declined from the beaten road , he sometimes would have those three things to consist in the co-mingling of the elements ; and sometimes he thought the elements of the world themselves , not to be bodies , but the empty places , or wombes of things : but in another place he denieth all of whatsoever is corporeall to be elementary , but the masse onely of the three first things . and again in another place , he hath taught , that the very elements ( yea the flame of the fire ) do reduce themselves by a method , into the four elements : and so they cease to be naked elements , in the place of three principles : but the flame it selfe ( which is nothing but a kindled smoak ) being enclosed in a glasse , straightway , in the very instant , perisheth into nothing ; so that a glasse made in a glassen fornace , with a bright burning fire , and being shut , could never contain any thing besides air. he being unconstant to himself , hath made himself ridiculous , and all those particular things , in fit places , are to be refuted by me . for the chymists have hitherto believed , that the elements do lay hid in the three first things . for they had seen air and fire , in burning wax , to fly away together ; and thereupon they have thought , that the water doth in part challenge to its self its air and fire : but they have thought , that the earth flies away with the smoak . which thing they have likewise supposed concerning those things which do leave a coal and ashes behinde them ; placing ashes in the room of earth : but they have believed that the fruits of the earth and mineralls , are indeed , as it were the allied pledges of the water ; but they have believed them to be stirred up by the wedlock of the other three elements : but i come to the hand . let there be aqua vitae excellently well purified from its dregs , which burns oily bodies through its whole homogeniety or sameliness of kinde : for that aqua vitae by salt of tartar which is near akin to it , is presently changed as to its th part , into salt , and all the rest becomes a simple elementary water : and one onely part is made a salt , although it be of the same kinde with the other , and so is equally reducible into water , because that in actions of bodies and spirits , under their dissolving , there are made divers coagulations of the dissolver . in like manner also in the operation of the fire , salts which before were volatile or swift of flight , may partly be co-melted into a fixed alcali , no otherwise than as salt-peter and arsenick , being both volatile things , may be fixed by co-melting . therefore the three first things are not onely seperated , but are sharpened , changed , do vary the nature of the composed body , and so are made by the fire , a new creature , not indeed being created anew , but being brought forth by the fire . so a sile , is no more the earth of the potter : but now a stone : so ashes and smoak are no more wood , nor an alcali , nor sand glasse : because the force of the fire doth not produce seeds , but by consuming doth transchange them , and by seperating , alters all particular bodies . moreover , none dares to say , that the salt of tartar , in the case proposed , doth produce an element out of that which is not an element , as if a salt were the father of the element of water : but the sulphur of the wine , the seed being taken away , doth leave the matter of the aqua vitae to be such as it is : but the part , which may be fixed in the salt of tartar , which hath taken to it the condition of a salt , was fat : it being before wholly capable of burning , volatile , and of the same condition with its fellowes . immediately therefore after the destruction of the seed of the sulphur of the wine , it is nothing but an elementary water . so every oil is materially simple water , which a small quantity of seed translates into a combustible masse , and playes the maske of a sulphur : and every seed is ( according to a chymicall computation ) scarce the part of its body : which part , if the fire shall change into families , it shall not be hard for it also to return into water . for the fire burning the fatness into air , it wholly flies up to the clouds , and there doth sometimes grow together through the cold of the place , into water : for fishes , do by the force or virtue of an inbred seed , transchange simple water into fat , bones , and their own fleshes : it s no wonder therefore , that fishes materially , are nothing but water transchanged , and that they return into water by art . i will also shew by handicraft-demonstration , that all vegetables and fleshes , do consist onely of water : but all things , if not immediately , at least-wise with an assistant , they do again assume the nature of water . also every small stone , rockie or great stone , and clay , doth passe into a fixed alcali of its own accord , or by things adjoyned ( for an alcali is that which before was not a salt , yet its combustion being finished , it is a residing salt. ) so ashes is by its own proper alcali made a meer salt : but every alcali , the fatness being added , is reduced into a watery liquor , which at length , is made a meer and simple water ( as is to be seen in soaps , the azure-stone , &c. ) as oft as by fixed adjuncts , it layes aside the seed of fatness . for otherwise , it is not proper to the fire to make a water ( rather a flame ) but onely to seperate things of a different kinde . therefore , if water may be made out of sulphurs , and not by the proper transmutation of fire ; it must needes be , that sulphurs are begotten of meer water : for truly , neither is water seperated from oils , but that is truly made of these ; because the water was not in it by a formall act , but onely materially : to wit , the mask of the seeds being withdrawn . moreover , every coal which is made of the co-melting of sulphur and salt ( working among themselves in time of burning ) although it be roasted even to its last day in a bright burning furnace , the vessel being shut , it is fired indeed ; but there is true fire in the vessel , no otherwise than in the coal not being shut up ; yet nothing of it is wasted , it not being able to be consumed , through the hindering of its eflux . therefore the live coal , and generally whatsoever bodies do not immediately depart into water , nor yet are fixed , do necessarily belch forth a wild spirit or breath . suppose thou , that of pounds of oaken coal , one pound of ashes is composed : therefore the remaining pounds , are the wild spirit , which also being fired , cannot depart , the vessel being shut . i call this spirit , unknown hitherto , by the new name of gas , which can neither be constrained by vessels , nor reduced into a visible body , unless the seed being first extinguished . but bodies do contain this spirit , and do sometimes wholly depart into such a spirit , not indeed , because it is actually in those very bodies ( for truly it could not be detained , yea the whole composed body should flie away at once ) but it is a spirit grown together , coagulated after the manner of a body , and is stirred up by an attained ferment , as in wine , the juyce of unripe grapes , bread , hydromel or water and honey , &c. or by a strange addition , as i shall sometime shew concerning sal armoniack : or at length , by some alterative disposition , such as is roasting in respect of an apple : for the grape is kept and dried , being unhurt ; but its skin being once burst , and wounded , it straightway conceiveth a ferment of boyling up , and from hence the beginning of a transmutation . therefore the wines of grapes , apples , berries , honey , and likewise flowers and leaves being pounced , a ferment being snatched to them , they begin to boyl and be hot , whence ariseth a gas ; but from raysins bruised , and used , for want of a ferment , a gas is not presently granted . the gas of wines , if it be constrained by much force within hogs-heads , makes wines ●urious , mute , and hurtfull : wherefore also , the gra●e being abundantly eaten , hath many times brought forth a diseasie gas. for truly the spirit of the ferment is much disturbed , and seeing it is disobedient to our digestion , it associates it selfe to the vitall spirit by force ; yea , if any thing be prepared to be expelled in manner of a sweat , that thing , through the stubborn sharpness or soureness of the ferment , waxeth clotty , and brings forth notable troubles , torments , or wringings of the bowels , fluxes , and the bloudy-flux . i being sometimes in my young beginnings deluded by the authority of ignorant writers , have believed the gas of grapes to be the spirit of wine in new wine . but vain tryalls have taught me , that the gas of grapes and new wine are in the way to wine , but not the spirit of wine . for the juyce of grapes differs from wine , no otherwise than the pulse of water and meal , do from ale or beer : for a fermentall disposition coming between both , disposeth the fore-going matter into the transmutation of it self , that thereby another being may be made . for truly , i will at sometims teach , that every formall transmutation doth presuppose a corruptive ferment . other more refined writers have thought , that gas is a winde or air inclosed in things , which had flowen unto that generation , for an elementary co-mixture : and so paracelsus supposed , that the air doth invisibly lurk under the three other elements , in every body ; but in time onely , that the air is visible : but his own unconstancy reproveth himself , because , seeing that he sheweth in many places else-where , that bodies are mixed of the three first things ; but that the elements are not bodies , but the meer wombs ' of things . but he observed not a two-fold sulphur in tin ( and therefore is it lighter than other mettalls : ) whereof one onely is co-agulable by reason of the strange or forreign property of its salt , whereby jupiter or tin maketh every mettall frangible or capable of breaking , and brickle , it being but a little defiled with its odour onely : but that the other sulphur is oily . for gun-powder doth the most neerly express the history of gas : for it consisteth of salt-peter ( which they rashly think to be the nitre of the antients , ) and the which is at this day plentifully brought to us , being dried up from the inundation of nilus ) of sulphur , and a coal , because they being joyned , if they are enflamed , there is not a vessel in nature , which being close shut up , doth not burst by reason of the gas. for if the coal be kindled , the vessel being shut , nothing of it perisheth : but sulphur , if ( the glasse being shut ) it be sublimed , wholly ascends from the bottom , without the changing of its species or kinde . salt-peter also being melted in a shut vessel , as to one part of it , gives a sharp liquor that is watery ; but as to the other part , it is changed into a fixed alcali . therefore fire sends forth an air , or rather a gas , out of all of them singly , which else , if the air were within , it would ●end forth from the three things being connexed . therefore those things being applied together , do mutually convert themselves into gas , through destruction . but there is that un-sufferance of sulphur and salt-peter , not indeed by the wedlock of cold with hot , as of powerfull qualities ( as is believed ) but by reason of the un-cosufferable ●lowing of boyling oil and wine , no lesse than of water ; or of copper and tin , being melted with wine . for in so great heat , when they co-touch each other throughout their least parts , they are either turned into a gas , or do leap asunder . for so lead being roasted with mercury and sulphur , departeth into a sudden flame , a small lee or dreg being left , almost of no weight , yet enlarged to the extension of the lead . vvherefore if the gas were air , all the gun-powder should be air , and the lead it self should be wholly air . but it is not possible for the fire to produce out of the same elementary fruit , sometimes air , sometimes water , with an ultimate reducement , unlesse the fire loose also its uniformity of working that was planted in it by the creator . in the next place , it is already above sufficiently manifested , that air and water , can never be brought over into each other . therefore if gun-powder , or salt-peter , may observably be reduced into an elementary water , by fire or any other mean whatsoever , a transmutation thereof into air is not possible to be . but some thousands of pounds of gun-powder being at some time enflamed at once , have not yielded any thing but an inflamed gas : which hath growen together in the clouds , and at length , returning into water . furthermore , a coal is reduced in some fountains , into a rockie stone . likewise i have known the meanes , whereby the whole of salt-peter is turned into an earth , and the whole of sulphur being once dissolved , may be fixed into an earthly powder . what if therefore these three earths should contain three or four elements : at leastwise , the earth should occupie the greatest part , nor that reducible into its former gas : neither is it consonant to reason , that a body , which wholly flies away into an aiery gas , should be converted into air , or into earth , as man listeth . next , seeing the three aforesaid powders are at length made water , under the artificer , which afterwards cannot any more through humane cunning , return into earth or air : it also followes , that the convertings of the sulphur , coal , and salt-peter , into a gas , or into earth , are not the ultimate , as neither the true elements of air and earth . lastly , let us measure these things in a rusticall sense : as if the aforesaid simple bodies should be sometimes turned into air , but sometimes into earth , because there was a mutuall transmutation of the elements into each other : but at leastwise , the agreed on opinion of the schooles doth resist these determinations , to wit , because a mixt body , in its corrupting , ought to restore the elements whereof it is composed in generation . . because a mixt body , consisting almost wholly of the element of air , the same cannot almost wholly consist of the element of earth . . because the conversion of the elements , is made by the action of one element , and its superiority over the other . . but not that the forms of mixt bodies , or fruits , suffering by the inward elements , have power to turn one element into another . . next , because the fire cannot dispose the mixt body , that it should be sometimes turned into air , after inflaming , but another time wholly into the shape of earth . . at length , because that in the corrupting of mixt bodies , there is not an immediate converting of one element into another . . last of all , because the variety of converting a mixt body into elements , doth not depend on the will of man , who is able onely to joyn active things to passive : to wit , whose activity is in the victory it selfe of the superiour element . which kinde of element , man neither bringeth , nor hath he it in his hand . that may here stand for a position , against them , which hath been sufficiently demonstrated in the chapter concerning the birth of forms : to wit , that the fire is neither an element , nor indeed a substance . which things being supposed , it followes , that the three aforesaid simple things in gun-powder , are not to be reduced from air into air , while they fly away into gas , neither that they are to be reduced from earth into earth , while the salt-peter doth by a certain sulphur incline into earth ; but the coal and sulphur are changed through waters , into a rockie stone , and into earth . and so the mixt suffering body , is not turned into an elementary nature , by the action of a proper and conquering element , as hath been thought . wherefore , since it hath been already sufficiently demonstrated , that air and water , are by no possibility of nature , ages , or art , to be transchanged into each other ; it altogether followes , that while those three simple things do wholly yield themselves , sometimes into the likeness of earth , but sometimes , into the form of air , they are not true earth , or true air ; but such an earth , and such a gas , which by their last reducement do return into water , dissembling a strange maske , according as they follow the guidance of forreign seeds . for i have known a water ( which i list not to make manifest ) by meanes whereof , all vegetables are exchanged into a distillable juyce , without any remainder of their dregs in the bottom of the glasse : which juyce being distilled , the alcalies being adjoyned , it is wholly reduced into an un-savory elementary water : neither indeed is that a wonder ; for i will shew in its place , that all vegetables do materially arise , wholly out of the element of water alone . if therefore every mixt body doth at length return into meer rain-water ; it must needes be , that every gas proceeding out of mixt bodies , is materially of the element of water . therefore the gas , which by the fire exhaleth out of a live coal , although it be enflamed , yet materially it is nothing but water : which very thing i have shewen above in the handicraft-operation concerning aqua vitae . macchab. . nor else-where is there mention made in the holy scriptures , of a thick water , which should be a perpetuall fire , perhaps not unlike to ours . for i have put equall parts of an oaken coal , and of a certain water , in a glasse hermetically shut : in the space of three dayes , the whole coal was turned by the luke-warmth of a bath , into two transparent liquors , divers in their ground and colour ; which being distilled together by sand , in the second degree of heat , the bottom of the glasse appeared so pure , as if it were newly brought out of a glassen furnace : straightway the two liquors do first ascend , through the bath , both being of equall weight with the masse of the coal : but the dissolving liquor , remaines in the bottom , being of equall weight and virtues with it self . moreover , those two liquors being mixt with a small quantity of chalk , do at the third distilling , ascend almost in their former weight , and having all the quality of rain-water . therefore the gas of a coal , which doth not otherwise exhale , but in an open and fired vessel , together with its ashes , are materially nothing but meer water : for the seminall property of the composed body , which remains in the gas , by the force of cold , and maturity of dayes , dieth , and the gas returneth into its antient water . but i have learned by this handicraft-operation , that all vegetables do immediately , and materially proceed out of the element of water onely . for i took an earthen vessel , in which i put pounds of earth that had been dried in a furnace , which i moystened with rain-water , and i implanted therein the trunk or stem of a willow tree , weighing five pounds ; and at length , five years being finished , the tree sprung from thence , did weigh pounds , and about three ounces : but i moystened the earthen vessel with rain-water , or distilled water ( alwayes when there was need ) and it was large , and implanted into the earth , and least the dust that flew about should be co-mingled with the earth , i covered the lip or mouth of the vessel , with an iron-plate covered with tin , and easily passable with many holes . i computed not the weight of the leaves that fell off in the four autumnes . at length , i again dried the earth of the vessel , and there were found the same pounds , wanting about two ounces . therefore pounds of wood , barks , and roots , arose out of water onely . therefore a coal since it is wholly of water , if it be reduced in any fountain , into a stone , it shall not be able to be by water changed into a stone , unless also that whole stone be materially meer water . for fishes , as they do make of waters , much grease ; so likewise , all fat , with the alcali salt , is made a soap , which being afterwards distilled , doth return almost wholly into water , the which , when as by adjuncts it is spoiled of the seed of the soap , it becometh an un-savory water . but every smoak is partly the volatile salt of the composed body , being preserved from inflammation , by reason of the co-mingling of a water that flies away , and is partly an oil , which through the swiftness of flying away , escapes combustion . for so the sharp liquor of sulphur drawn forth by a campane or glassen bell , doth shew that a great part of the sulphur being untouched by the flame , ascended upwards , the which is again seperated safe from that liquor by rectifying . for sulphurs , or fats , although they are many times distilled ; by any degree of the fire : yet they do alwayes remain fats , and even do retain their nature , as long as they do enjoy or obtain the seed of their composed body : the which , when as the flame or artificiall death hath touched , they straightway flie over into gas , but not into water : for that , every gas doth as yet retain some condition of its composed body . for smoaks of the flame do differ by their generall , and speciall kindes : which surely should not be , if they should immediately depart into their first element . the fire indeed destroyeth simply , but it generates nothing : for why , seeing it wants the power of a seed ; and those things which it cannot destroy , those it at leastwise seperateth , or leaveth untouched : and in this respect they are called fixt bodies . but the fire doth not prevail in that , as to exchange that which is in it self materially water , into air : for otherwise it should have the seed of the air. it is also sufficiently manifest before , that water is made air , or air water , by no help of art or nature . therefore wood , since it is wholly of water , its ashes , and likewise glasse shall be of water . but that the gas of salts is nothing but water , the following handicraft-operation proveth . take equall parts of salt-peter , vitriol , and alume , all being dried and conjoyned together ; distill a water , which is nothing else than a meer volatile salt : of this , take four ounces , and joyn an ounce of sal armoniac , in a strong glassen alembick confirmed by a cement of wax , rosin , and powder of glasse , being powred most hotly on it ; straightway , even in the cold , a gas is stirred up , and the vessel , how strong soever it be , bursteth with a noyse : but if indeed thou shalt leave a chap or chink in the juncture of the receiving vessel , and after voluntary boylings up , thou shalt distill the residue , thou shalt finde a water somewhat sharp , the which by a repeated distillation , and an additament of chalke , is turned into rain-water . therefore one part of the salts yielded into water , but the other part into gas. but the salts that fled away by a gas , are of the same kinde of nature with those that were reduced into water : therefore the gas of salts is materially nothing but water . but the gas of fruits , i have likewise already shewen to be nothing but water , as arising immediately out of water . so the raisin of the sun being distilled , is wholly reduced by art into an elementary water : which yet being new , and once wounded or bruised , much new wine and gas is allured or fetched out . if therefore , the whole grape , before a ferment , be turned into a simple water ; but the ferment being brought , a gas is stirred up : this gas also must needes be water : seeing the disposition of the ferment cannot form air of that which is materially nothing but water . therefore the unrestrainable gas of the vessel , breaks forth abroad into the air , untill it being sufficiently confirmed , and by the cold of the place spoiled also of the properties of its composed body , passeth over into its first matter , and in the air the seperater of the waters , it recovereth its antient , and full disposition of the element of water . but exhalations , which in the account of the schooles , are the daily matter of windes , mists , comets , mineralls , rockie stones , saltness of the sea , earth-quakes , and of all meteors , seeing they have no pen-case or receptacle in nature , nor matter sufficient for so great daily things , and those for so great an heap , they are wondrous dreams , and unskilfully proportioned to their effects : and therefore i passe by these unsavourinesses or follies of the schooles by pittying of them : at leastwise it followes , that if rockie stones , if all mineralls do proceed from exhalations , and being now fixed , do resist the agent which should bring them again into an exhalation , there shall be in the remaining earth , matter for new exhalations , producing effects of so great moment : especially because , scarce any thing exhaleth out of the saltness of the sea ; and such is the aptness or disposition of heat , that it scarce stirs up exhalations , unless it hath first lifted up all the water by vapours . what matter therefore , shall be sufficient even for daily windes alone ? truly , it is altogether impossible for the schooles to have known the nature , and likewise the differences , causes , and properties of bodies ; for as many as have set upon philosophy without the art of the fire , have been hitherto deluded with paganish institutions . at length , i have written touching long life , that the arteriall spirit of our life is of the nature of a gas : which thing is seen in the trembling of the heart , swooning and fainting : for how much doth it die to a lively colour , to a vitall light , and to a swollen or full habit of flesh , and the countenance it self being the more wrinckled or withered , how quickly doth it decay , straightway after the aforesaid passions ? for the spirit , which before did as it were unite all things by a pleasing redness , doth straightway fly away , and being subdued by a forreign air , is changed . for truly , seeing the archeus is in it self , a gas , of the nature of a balsamick salt , if it shall finde the air of another salt to be against it , or in its way ( even as sal armoniac , when it meetes with the spirit of saltpeter ) it is subject too easily , and forthwith to be blown away or dispersed through the pores , as having forgotten to perform its duties and office of the family : for neither is it gathered into drops , because it is prepared of an arteriall bloudiness . if any thing of sweat ( at the time of faintings and death ) doth exhale , that is the melting of the venall bloud , but not of the arteriall bloud . therefore the vitall gas , because it is a light , and a balsam preserving from corruption , from the first delineation of generation , it began to be made suitable to the light of the sun : but after the aforesaid failings of the spirit , the in-bred spirits of the other members as it were smoaking , are again kindled by the sun-like light of the heart , even as the smoak of a candle put out , touching at the flame of another candle , doth carry this flame to the extinguished candle by a mean : seeing that the spirit of our life , since it is a gas , is most mightily and swiftly affected by any other gas , to wit , by reason of their immediate co-touchings . for neither therefore doth any thing thereupon , operate more swiftly on us , than a gas ; as appeares in the dogvault , or that of the sicilians , in the plague , in burning coals that are smothered , and in persumes : for many and oftentimes , men are straightway killed in the burrowes of mineralls ; yea in cellars , where strong ale or beere belcheth forth its gas , an easie sudden death and choaking doth break forth . wherefore i have greatly grieved , and pittied mans condition , that by so gross negligence of the schooles , the more profound remedies of fumes are almost suppressed , whereby not onely those who faint are refreshed ; but also whereby the healings of most diseases are performed : which thing concerning odours or smells , at sometime explained in the matter of medicine , every one shall with me , more easily disclose . surely almost all medicines are neglected which do restore the strength , and they have applied themselves onely to the diminishments of bodies , by the with-drawings of bloud , and solutive scammoneated potions , and by cauteries , baths , clysters , sweats , and cantharides . for a gas is more fully implanted , and odours do keep a more immediate co-touching with the vitall spirits , than liquors ; if they are not partakers of a poysonous infection , at leastwise of the dulled properties of second qualities : and the which qualities , or especially that sublime one of the first digestion , they do lay aside , as it were soils covered with clay , if they are not as yet received with a great averseness of the archeus , or they being rebellious and stubborn , do with anguish resist the digestive powers . notwithstanding , the scripture might be opposed against me , which saith concerning man : thou art earth , and into earth thou shalt go . how therefore , shall flesh , bone , &c. be materially of water alone ? but i will say this from the force of the same argument : if man be earth , how therefore do the schooles affirm , that man materially is not one onely element , but foure elements ? therefore from that text , those things which i have spoken above , are confirmed : to wit , that the earth is not in the holy scriptures , a primary element ; but every thing co-agulated of water , is called earth , because by its consistence , it is more likened to earth than to water ; and so the veriest earth it self , the prop of nature , is of water , no lesse than man , wood , ashes , a stone , &c. chap. xix . the image of the ferment , begets the masse or lump with childe of a seed . . there is no seminall successive change without a ferment . . handicraft operation is brought into a circle by ale or beere . . the ferment makes volatile that which otherwise is changed into a coal . . it is proved by handicraft-operation , in the venall bloud . . the bloud attains its own various ferments in the kitchins of the members . . the unconstancie of paracelsus is taken notice of . . the beginnings of paracelsus are made by the fire ; but they are not in bodies . . there are double ferments , from whence are the seeds of things . . the birth of insects . . 't is not sufficient to have said , that insects are born of putrefaction or corruption . . a twofold manner of generation . . how seedes are made . . in what manner an odour or smell causeth a ferment and seed . . a scorpion from basil . . the ferment in voluntary seedes , reacheth to the horizon or bound of life . . the ferment of diseases and healings . . almost all medicines do act by way of an odour onely . . therefore seedes are strong onely in a specificall odour . . an odour and light do pierce the spirits . . odours do cause or incite , and cure the plague and divers diseases . . art having forgotten its perfume , is translated into a servile rage or madness . . vnappeaseable pains , are presently appeased by the odour of an outward application . . the ferment is the parent of transmutations . . of what quality the ferment of the stomach is . . why very many do abhorre cheese . . a sharp fermentall thing differeth from soure things . . from whence belching is . . the labour of wisdom . . all things which are believed to be mixt , are onely of water and a ferment . . the ferment of the equinoctiall line . . the progress of seedes and ferments unto propagation . . the originall and progress of vegetables . . ferments do sometimes operate more powerfully than fire . . paracelsus is noted . as no knowledge in the schooles is scantier than the knowledge of a ferment , so no knowledge is more profitable : the name of a ferment or leaven being unknown hitherto , unless in making of bread : when as notwithstanding , there is made no successive change , or transmutation , by the dreamed appetite of matter , but onely by the endeavour of the ferment alone . in times past , leaven , and all things leavened , were forbidden , and the mystery hidden in the letter , was then of right interpreted according to the letter : for as leavens or ferments were altogether the way-leaders , and necessary unto every transmutation of a thing : so they did denote corruption , unconstancy , and impurity ; and therefore a flight from leaven was enjoyned . i will first of all explain a thing surely so paradoxall in naturall philosophy , by an example : the purest of ales or beeres ( which is deservedly the nourishing juyce or meat , melting , or finished right of the grain ) requireth so much grain , by how much there is capacity and largeness in the vessel or hogs-head : and so indeed , that the bran being taken away , all the meal doth melt into the ale or beer , and the water onely supplies the place of the bran. that ale or beer , by a very little ferment or leaven being administred , doth boyl up by fermenting in cellars , it waxeth clear by degrees , and the dreg falls down to the bottom : at length something doth fermentally wax soure , by which tartness it consumeth all its dreg : and then , it looseth more and more , daily , its sharp , or pricking soureness : at length it is deprived of the taste , virtues , and body of the meal . and last of all , it , of its own accord , returns into water . that ale or beere , being distilled , layeth aside very much residence in the bottom , like a syrupe , which at length by proceeding , is changed into a coal : but if that same ale or beere , by the degrees of the ferment shall passe over into water , it leaveth no more dregs in the bottom while it is distilling , than otherwise , the water from whence it was boyled , did contain , because the natall sediment of the waters is not subject to the ferment of the grain , since it is not the object thereof ; but the client of or dependant on another monarchy . therefore the grains do return unto their first matter whereof they are , which is water , and that by the virtue of the ferment onely . in the next place , every one of us doth daily frame to himself , or ounces of bloud ; but ( at leastwise in our standing age ) as much bloud must needes be consumed , as is a-new , generated : for else a man might straightway fear a hugeness or excessive greatness . and then , the bloud is by degrees , changed into a vitall muscilage or flimy juyce , the true , immediate nourishment of the members of which it is wont to be said , we are nourished by those things , whereof we consist . but they will have this nourishment to be sprinkled on all the particular members ; in manner of a dew ( but i believe it to be framed in all the least kitchins of the parts ) whereby it may moysten the same , and for that cause , defend them from dryness , the calamity of old age , as much and as long as it can . at length , that dew doth unperceiveably flee thorow the pores of the skin , neither doth it leave any thing of a solid sediment remaining behinde it : for so do nourishments at length exspire thorow the skin in the shew of a vapour , and like water . but the schooles will have this secondary humour , after that it hath slidden like a dew into the parts , to be assimilated or made like them , and to be informed by the soul : but i permit it to be assimilated , onely under the growing of youth , but no longer afterwards ; seeing that neither is it any longer turned into the substance of the similar parts . for which way should that dew be assimilated to a bone , in strength , hardness , and driness , &c. if the bones do now no longer receive an increase ? let the same judgement be of the other parts : for all particular things in nature have a birth , an increase , a state or standing , a declining , and a death . this is therefore the tragedy and metamorphosis or transforming of the bloud , by the virtue of the seed . but otherwise , the bloud being distilled , doth at length lay down much of its salt coal , neither hath it any manner of volatility , which the operation of the ferment doth consequently grant unto it under the other digestions . because heat , seeing it wanteth a transmutative ferment of things , it onely seperates the parts , but doth not change them . therefore the bloud doth obtain its aforesaid ferments , in the very cook-roomes of our body , and is thereby made so volatile , that moreover it leaveth no remainder of it selfe . i admire at paracelsus , that he teacheth , the bloud to be the universall mercurie of the body , as also of meats ; yet that he will have sweat to be an excrementitious sulphur . seeing all bloud doth exhale thorow the skin ; but if together with the watery liquor or juyce of sweat , but a very little of fat flowes out ; it is not therefore presently of mercury , made sulphur , unless he be unmindfull of his own doctrine ; although something of fatness , may infect our garments in manner of sweat ; for greases are not unchangeable , but they perish daily even as they do increase . surely i have hated the proportionable resemblance of the principles of paracelsus brought back into the three principles of nature : because they are those things which are neither in bodies actually , nor are they present , nor are seperated , unless by changing them first as it were by the fire , or by the reducement of melting , they are prepared as it were new things . for truly , i do willingly behold a naked naturall phylosophy every where ; surely , i do not apply figures or moving forces in mathematicall demonstration unto nature : i shun proportionable resemblance , as also metaphoricall speeches as much as i can . i have dedicated every necessity of nature to the seeds ; but the seeds of many things , i fetch not so much from the parents , as from the ferments . there are therefore double ferments in nature : one indeed containeth in it a flowable air , the seminall archeus which aspireth by its flowing into a living soul : but the other doth onely contain , the beginning of the moving , or the generation of a thing into a thing : the which indeed , although in its beginning , it should not have a seminall air , which may embrace or contain the aims of things to be done ; yet it straightway obtains a vapour , which , as well the locall ferments , as those things which the disposition of the matter it self attaineth by externall nourishing warmth , do awaken : whence something like an archeus is made , which changeth , fitteth , and increaseth it self , and its own perceived entertainment : moreover , afterwards it acteth the other things unto a proportion of perfection , and to what is required of that air : for this seed doth at first abound with a certain , and that a genericall largeness : for although it rejoyceth to have directed the masse subjected under it , unto the scope of the conceived ferment ; yet oft-times it receiveth the fewels of a more hidden light from elsewhere , and a rash boldness being taken , it aspireth also into a living soul . for from hence , not onely lice , wall-lice or flies breeding in wood , gnats , and worms , become the guests and neighbours of our misery , and are as it were bred or born of our inner parts , and excrements : but also , if a foul shirt be pressed together within the mouth of a vessel , wherein wheat is , within a few dayes ( to wit , ) a ferment being drawn from the shirt , and changed by the odour of the grain , the wheat it self being incrusted in its own skin , transchangeth into mice : and it is therefore the more to be wondered at , because such kinde of insects being distinguished by the signatures of the sexes , do generate with those which were born of the seed of parents : that from hence also , the likeness or quality of both the seeds , and a like vitall strength of the ferments may plainly appear : and which is more wonderfull , out of the bread-corn , and the shirt , do leap forth , not indeed little , or sucking , or very small , or abortive mice : but those that are wholly or fully formed . now and then , the lowsie evill ariseth in us , and a louse , mans upper skin being opened , goes forth : he is also otherwise generated in the pores , being not indeed enclosed in the egge-shell of a nit ; but small , and scarce to be beheld . but the gnat is alwayes not generated , but by the ferment being drawn more outward . neither hath it been sufficient to have said in the schooles , that such insects do proceed from putrified things : for birds eggs also do notably putrifie , and stink hugely , before the constituting of a chick . therefore life is in those putrified things , no lesse than in eggs : nor is it sufficient to have doubted from whence those kindes of insects may draw a uniform and specificall vitall spirit out of our body , seeing a natural generation doth presuppose an imprinted seal of likeness : for truly in an irregular generation , an archeus sufficeth , not indeed a humane one , but such a one , which by a fermental virtue , and for identity or sameliness sake , doth alwayes generate in excrements , such insects of a like or an equall form : and so , although in respect of us , it be a monstrous and irregular generation , yet it is naturall and ordinary in order to its causes , to wit , we affording onely a ferment and nourishing warmth : therefore the ferment of the shirt being sprinkled on the wheat , doth resolve the matter by going or entring backwards , and so a youthful mouse , but not a new one is born : for that , it hath respect unto another manner of making . therefore in the former , and vitall seedes , the generater inspires the archeus , and the vitall air , together with the masse of the seed , with his own likeness : but in the latter , the odour onely of the ferment is snuffed in from the containing vessels , or from the contagion of the encompassing air : which when they shall be rightly fitted together , they are straightway formed into a plant , or insect , to wit , the air being stirred up by the odour , and ferment of putrefaction by continuance , which afterwards is exalted into a ruling archeus : even as concerning forms elsewhere . therefore seeds are made by the conception of the generater , making his own image through desires , or from the odour of the ferment , which disposeth the matter to the idea or first shape of a possible thing : for even as the matter drawes from the odour a disposition of transmutation ; so from the image is afterwards made a disposition of the matter , which procureth and promoteth a specificall ferment : but in this the ferment differs from the seed : that , that is an odour , or quality of some putrefaction by continuance , apt to dispose unto an alterity or successive alteration , and corruption of the masse : but the seed is a substance wherein the archeus already is , which is a spiritual gas containing in it a ferment , the image of the thing , and moreover , a dispositive knowledge of things to be done . therefore whatsoever things do contract a filthiness , or putrefaction by continuance , from an odour , do also presently conceive worms : and therefore also balsams know not how to putrifie , or breed worms : for the odour of the herbe basil being inclosed in the seed , produceth that herbe , together with an air that existeth within it ; which odour , if it be changed by a putrefaction through continuance , it produceth true scorpions : for neither is it a fiction ; but in very deed , the herbe being bruised , and depressed between bricks , and exposed to the sun , aquitane after some dayes , hath yielded unto us , scorpions . but the more curious one will say , that the scorpion came from without , to the sweet smell and food of the herbe : but that doubt is prevented . for truly , the two bricks being mutually beaten together , did suitably touch each other , so that they hindered the entrance of the scorpion , as well by their co-touching plainness , as by their weight : but a trench did contain the herb in the middle . the ferment therefore in a voluntary seed , doth after a neer manner reach to the horizon or terme of life : for neither is one thing changed into another without a ferment and a seed . which things , as they have stood neglected hitherto , all things have been ascribed to naked or bare heats , and the healings of many diseases have remained desperate : for truly they have hitherto laboured onely about the correcting of the first qualities , and the withdrawing of a feigned humour , either alone by it selfe , or together with the bloud ; but they have not a whit considered , that every disease is poysonous , if not to the whole body , yet at least , as to a part of it : and so although it be not contagious to every part , yet it ceaseth not to imprint its fermentall odour from its self , on the part whereon it setteth . therefore healing for the most part , is perfected by odours , as also , contagions being imprinted on the skin , do forthwith depart from odours : for because an odour doth contain the resembling mark of the ferment , and from hence the seminary cause of transmutation ; i conclude , the virtues of things , and their masculine strength to be from odours ( even as in magnum oportet , in its place . ) yea , if the thing it self be more fully looked into , even inward medicines , as well solutive as corrective , do work onely by way of an odour : for hence it is , that the smell of a medicine being once put off , the faculties or virtues of the same do perish . for i have often seen the quartane-ague , over-flowings of the wombe , melancholy , pains of the colick , &c. to be seperated by ointments alone : but it is certain , that not the ointment it selfe , but its odour onely creepes and acts inward : for so one that hath the falling-sickness , falleth by an odour , yea the brain in the falling-evill , which heareth not , which perceiveth or feeleth not , nor which , if it hath fallen into the fire , doth withdraw it self , obeyeth onely odours . for so an erisipelas or anthonies fire , is healed by the odour of a towel dipt in hares bloud , if it be bound on drie : so wounds , ulcers , and impostumes or corrupt swellings , do through odours applied by anointings , wax milde , or are exasperated or enraged . therefore if the seeds of voluntary living creatures are to be born of odours , and a putrefaction by continuance , nor do differ in the particular kinde , from others which are procreated by a conjoyning of the sexes : the seedes of all living creatures also , must needes have their specificall odours , whereby there are made suitings or fittings of the archeus to the matter , and the more easie obedience for transchanging : from whence at length are made diversities of impressions into any bowels organs , and powers , and in the strength , and life : surely specificall odours do affect the matter , and subdue it into their own protection : and an inclination , and selfe-love ariseth from the specificall odour : next , through custome , there is an easie receiving , and a more perfect fitting : and at length , a love snatcht into all desire of its selfe : therefore fragrant or sweet smelling things do delight : even like as the light pleaseth good natural inclinations , so it displeaseth reprobate ones ; and that not , because both do see alike well , without , or with light , or have need of the use of a clear air , or not ; but by reason of the abstracted , and almighty light , whose image the light of the day is : for the spirits are delighted with an odour and light , because light and odour do immediately touch and pierce them : for the spirit of the bloud in one that fainteth , ought to be more refreshed by the smell of roasted flesh , than by a sweet smell , unless the fragrancy should as soon as it toucheth the life , prepare herein a purity , and sweetness . odours therefore are seen to reach even unto the abstracted spirits , even as a pestilent smell being not perceived by the nostrils , shakes the archeus with horrour . for there are odours which do move , and by their contagion imprint head-aches , loathings of the stomach , vomiting , coughs , the hicket , giddiness of the head , falling evill , apoplexie , bloudy-flux , &c. and therefore there are others also , which in a co-like manner , do cure the same , or at least do mitigate them , though they have taken a more fast root : and there are some odours , which choak without a perceivable astriction of the matter , and some are also convulsive or pulling together , and there are some , which do likewise infatuate or befool , as it very often comes to passe in affections of the womb . for the antients worshipped their perfumes even unto superstition , whereby they would drive a man as it were into an extasie , and they supposed that they thereby profited the awakened : for they infected their bed , garments , head , and things that they used , with their odours , whereby they might provoke their minde to studies : whereunto when satan had joyned his hidden deceits , the art of perfumes being first suspected , straightway after remained wholly rude or untilled . they had learned in the law , that sweet smelling sacrifices were pleasing to the gods above ; and the israelite was enjoyned in the camps , daily to cover his excrements in the ground , least it should grieve the angel to go over , or compass the night camps : for i remember , that a certain man was well nigh consumed with a grievous pain of the stomach : for four houres after meat , he wailed , howled , and was drawn together , unless he laying on a table , did strongly presse the place : for i being deceived with an aptness of belief then thought , with paracelsus , a canker of the stomach to be incurable : for it was the place where the bastard ribs do approach the mouth of the stomach . this man , i say , i saw cured in a few houres , by a fragrant emplaister extended scarce to the breadth of the palm of ones hand . after what manner the ferment is the parent of transmutations , i have not better found out , than by the art of the fire : for i have known , that as often as a body is divided into finer atomes than the necessity of its substance doth bear , a transmutation of that body doth also continually follow in an element : as the ferment being drawn , and snatching to it the aforesaid atomes , doth season or besmear them with the strange character of it self , in the receiving whereof , there are made divisions of the parts , which diversities of kindes , and divisions of parts , a resolving of the matter doth follow : for this cause indeed , chymistry doth digest , and send putrefactions before hand , that a ferment being received , the parts may cleave asunder into the smallest things : and so meats in the stomach are resolved through the ferment of the place , being seasoned with a sharpish quality : but in the liver , and other places , continually by other ferments . for so , although people are fed with much sugar , yet straightway , they sometimes vomit up that which is soure : yet neither is the ferment of the stomach , as it is sharp , the ferment : for neither do therefore , vinegar , or raspes leaven , although they are soure and harsh : but the sharpness of the stomach , is the proper specificall mean thereof . but yet also , in one particular kinde or species , it undergoes much latitude : for this man beares grievously , potherbs , another pulse , some one , fishes , or wine ; because he doth not digest them . very many do not eat cheese : not indeed because it is a meer tartar , or a meer salt , ( both , by course , so paracelsus willeth ; ) but the new , waxeth breachily sharp , which doth easily stir up torments or wringings in a soure stomach : but the old casts a smell of rottenness or corruption , which it hath from the dead curd , being before excrementious in it self . therefore it breedeth worms , and easily putrifieth , because it hides part of a stinking or dunghilly ferment under the soureness of the milk ; in many , it is manifested , and ariseth into a degree : and therefore it displeaseth many , onely with its smell : therefore the latitude of a sharp ferment , although specificall , happeneth to be in the stomach , because there are divers alterations of the framer and receiver , in acting : but in this , a sharp fermentall thing , differs from soure things ; that what things that pierceth , it doth also make volatile by the same endeavour : but every sharp spirit , in dissolving is it self coagulated , according to that chymicall maxime . the bread of one , is broken small by a man , a dog , horse , cow , sheep , bird , fish , and so , by as many specificall and soure ferments being distant in kinde . boyes say that sparrowes wax wondrous sharp in the throat , and therefore they are also devouring : for it happens , that a sparrow hath snatched at the tongue of a boy put out , and hath endeavoured to swallow , by which meanes , they say that they have tasted the sharpness of his throat : for so many living creatures are constrained for the asswaging of sharpness sake , to eat chalk , lime , bricks , or white earth . therefore the more fine , and the volatile atomes of meats are easily changed by the ferment of the stomach , into a windy gas , when as the other part is content to be resolved onely into a juyce : for chymistry is carefull in searching for a body , which should play together with us by a harmony of such purity , that it cannot be dispersed by that which corrupteth . and at length , religion is amazed or astonished at the finding of a latex or liquor , which being reduced to the least atomes possible to nature , as loving a single life , would despise the wedlocks of every ferment : therefore , desperate or without hope is the transmutation of that , it not finding a body more worthy than it self which it might marry : but the labour of wisdom , hath caused an irregular thing in nature , which hath arisen without a ferment diverse from it self , that may be mixed with it : that the serpent hath bitten himself , hath revived from the poyson , and knowes not hereafter to die . and indeed , because the schooles have been ignorant of ferments , they ought also to have been ignorant , that solid bodies are framed onely of water and a ferment : for i have taught , that vegetables , and grain , and whatsoever bodies are nourished by those , do proceed onely from water : for the fisherman never found any thing of food in the stomach of a salmon . if therefore the salmon be made of water onely ( even that of rivers ) he is also nourished by it . so the sturgeon wants a mouth , and appeares onely with a little hole beneath in his throat , whereby the whole fish draweth nothing besides water : therefore every fish is nourished , and likewise made of water ; if not immediately , yet at least by seeds and ferments , if it be great with young . from the salt sea , almost every sweet fish is drawn : therefore it turneth salt , into not salt , or at leastwise , water into it self , not into water . lastly , shell-fishes do form to themselves stony shells of water , instead of bones ; even as also all kinde of snails : therefore the salt of the sea , which scarce yieldeth to bright burning fire , waxeth sweet by the ferment , in fishes , and their flesh is made volatile , and at the time of nourishing it is also wholly dispersed , without a residence , or dreg . so also salt passeth over into its original element of water : and so the sea , although it receiveth salt streams , yet it is not every day the salter . for the purest water , although it be free from all defilement , nevertheless under the equinoctial-line it waxeth filthy or hoary , stinketh ; straightway it becomes of the colour of a brick half burned , and then it waxeth green ; and lastly , it waxeth red with a notable horrour or quaking : which afterwards , of its own accord returns entirely into it self again . truly , these things happen by the conceived ferment of the place ; and that being consumed , they cease . so the most pure fountain-water waxeth filthy through a ferment of the vessel putrified by continuance , it conceiveth worms , it brings sorth gnats , yea is covered with a skin . fens putrifie from the bottom , through continuance : hence arise frogs , shell-fishes , snails , horse-leeches , herbs , &c. and moreover , swimming-herbs do cover the water , being contented onely with the drinking of water putrified through continuance . and even as stones are from fountains wherein there is a stony seed and ferment existing ; so the earth stinking with metally ferments , doth make out of water , a metally or mineral bur. but the water being elsewhere shut up in the earth , if it be nigh the air , and stirred by a little heat , it putrifieth by continuance , which is no more water , but the juyce leffas or of plants : by the force of which hoary ferment , a power is conferred on the earth of budding forth herbs : for that putrified juyce , by the prick of a little heat doth ascend into a smoak , is made spongie , and encompassed with a skin , by reason of the requirance of the ferments therein laying hid . therefore that putrefaction by continuance , hath the office of a ferment , and the virtues of a seed , hastening by degrees into the archeusses , through its seminall virtues , into a quantity of life . therefore the juyce of the earth putrified through continuance , is leffas : from whence ariseth every kinde of plant wanting a visible seed , and from whence seeds that are sown , are promoted into their appointments : therefore there are as many rank or stinking smells of putrefactions by continuance , as there are proper savours of things ; for that , odours are not onely the messengers of savours , but also their promiscuous parents . the smoak leffas being now gathered together , doth at first wax pale , afterwards wax yellowish , straightway it waxeth a little whitishly green ; and at length it is fully green . and the power of the species or particular kinde being unfolded , it assumeth divers colours and signates : in which flowing , it imitatets the leading of the water under the equinoctial-line : yet in this it differs , that these waters have borrowed too spiritual a ferment from the star and place , without a corporeal hoary putrefaction ; and therefore , through their too frail seed , they straightway return into themselves : but leffas is constrained to perfect the tragedy of the conceived seed . therefore rain conceiving a hoary ferment , and being made leffas , is drawn into the lustfull roots by a certain sucking . and it is experienced , that within this kitchin , there is a new hoary putrefaction of the ferment the tenant : by and by , it is brought from thence to the bark or liver , where it is enriched with a new ferment of that bowel , and is made an herby or woody juyce , and at length , a ripeness being conceived , it becommeth wood , becometh an herb , or departs into fruit : but the trunk or stem , if it sooner putrifies under the earth than the bark or rhine becomes dry , it cleaves asunder by its own ferment , sends forth a smoak thorow the bark , which in its beginning is spongie , and at length hardens into a true root ; and so planted branches become trees by the abridgement of art . therefore it is now evident , that there is no mixture of the elements , that all bodies primitively and materially , are made onely of water through a seed being attained by a ferment , and that the seeds being exhausted or overcome with pains , bodies do at length return into their antient inne of water : yea that ferments do sometimes work more strongly than fire , because great stones are turned into lime , and woods indeed into ashes , and there the fire makes a stop : the which notwithstanding , a ferment in the earth being assumed , do of their own accord , return into the juyce of leffas , and so also at length into simple water : for otherwise , stones and bricks do of their own accord decline into salt-peter . lastly , glasse which is unconquered by the fire , uncorrupted by the air , in a few years putrifieth by continuance , rots under the earth , and undergoes the lawes of water : for whatsoever things may be melted in water , do forthwith return into water ; but other things are made volatile by the ferments , and what things soever were compacted , and not to be thorowly mingled , being brought by the ferments of putrefactions by continuance , into a necessity of transmutation , are opened , and do hastily consult of seperating . but the most clear fountains , although they climbe thorow the rocks and sand , out of the un-savoury soil of nature , or the quellem , are purified far from the contagion of clay , a ferment , and corruption : neither do they also fall down by chance , but are appointed for great uses : yet seeing they contract at least the hidden odours of the rockie stone , unperceivable by us , they hasten into other bounds . therefore , streams , springs , rivers , fens , pooles , seas , and whatsoever things are contained in the belly of the water , do likewise , even from the very birth of the fountains , conceive their seeds , and in wantonizing , do ripen them by their course . also great storms of rain , being struck down through the putrefaction of thunder , are fruitfull ; but sober rains are great with young of dew , or a conceived exhalation : for i have perfectly learned by the fire , that the dew is rich in a sweet sugar . they deliver , that in snow , northern worms are bred : therefore the mountains to be covered over with a long snow ; and although their grass be sparing , yet that it is most apt for the fatting of lesser cattel ; so that unless they are driven away in time , they will be choaked with fat . but the waters which contain a melting , paracelsus doth call corporeall ones , and he ignorantly denieth that they contain an element in them . therefore ferments do by seeds play their universall part in the world , under the one element of water . chap. xv. the stars do necessitate , not incline , nor signifie , of the life , the body , or fortunes of him that is born . . naturall philosophy without medicine , wants its end . . the objects of the stars . . by what argument the admittings of ephemerides or dayes-books may be supported . . the errour in admitting them . . however influences may be taken , they do alwayes include a necessity . . what the works of the lord in psal . . are . . the fore-knowledge of god is infallible as well in things freely happening , as in those of necessity . . death is foretold to hannibal . . how the devil foreknoweth things to come . . the confession of the authour . . how much and from whence an evill spirit hath a foreknowledge of things to come . . which way foreshewing signes may be made , which scarce any one understands . . the foreshewings of the stars determined out of the holy scriptures . . in what manner , or what thing the stars may act . . the action of government . . a diversity of government is shewen from their motion , and from their light . . sick persons foreshew things to come . . why insects have better known things to come , than men . . vvhy diseased persons do fore-perceive tempests . . foreshewing doth not take away a liberty of judging or willing . . the figures of the windes are described in the heaven . . the knowledge of the signification of the stars , is unknown to man. . the magitians or wise men of the east . . from new wine , sooth-sayers or diviners of god. . the prophesie of feasters was from new wine . . that the drunken or besotted gift of paracelsus was made known to the hebrews . . three histories of predictions . . the stars onely to incline , resisteth the scriptures . . the inclining of the stars , how far it reacheth . . the stars the solemn prayses of god , do not necessitate as causes , but as signes bewraying the will of the lord. . a solving of an objection . . the common explaining of the proverb , derogates from the grace of god. . that the heaven doth not incline . . the seed of man doth of its own accord deflux into a living , animall , and dispersing soul . . vvhat the seminall properties of inclinations are . . a fourfold inclination . . the inclination of calling , is onely from god , but not from the stars . . the morall inclination , is from the seed , and from education . . the inclination vitall or of the life , is from the seed , and education . . the vain and proud presumption of astrologers . . the inclination of fortunes is immediately from the hand of the lord. . the schooles seduced by the evill spirit of paganisme . . the sloathfull or careless negligence of astrologers . . how the sensitive soul of man differs from the soul of a bruit beast . . how custome brings forth inclination . . how a wise man shall have dominion over the stars . . why predictions from the stars are fundamentally vain . . the error of the authour . . astrologers confess their deceipts . . they suppose astrall or starry effects from causes not in being . hitherto concerning the elements , their qualities , complexions , and contrarieties , in order to the science of medicine , without which indeed , i have thought the study of naturall philosophy , to have lost as it were its end : no otherwise , than if a clergy-man shall treat of the state politique , or of war-like affaires : for why , s. paul drives every sacrificer from the like things . no man ( he saith ) going a warfare , intangleth himself with the affaires of this life : therefore , the studies of naturall philosophy ; have i directed to a farther end , to wit , to the profit of men , but not to the delighting of the readers : for this cause also i declame concerning the stars , because they are thought to be the causers of any kinde of diseases , inclinations , and fortunes . and indeed , paracelsus at length consented in this thing , although he be refractory in all other things , to the study of the antients . first of all , i will take the text : the heavens declare the glory of god , and the firmament sheweth his handy works . for that soundeth , that the heavens were chiefly created , that they might declare the large majesty , power , goodness , and wisdom of god : to wit , on which four pillars the whole globe of the universe stands , and is supported : but the star-bearing heaven doth as it were a preacher , shew the wonderfull works of the lords hands to intellectuall creatures : for thus far the church admitteth of meteorical predictions , the barrennesses of years , and their fruitfulnesses , the stations of sowings , the dangers of sailings , the deaths of chief men , plagues , inundations , yea , whatsoever things do not depend on the direction of our will or judgement : to wit , as all those things are believed to be connexed with the first qualities of the elements , by a contingent or accidentall consequence : even so that , although it doth admit of the deaths of great men , the tumults of wars , and fires , to be prognosticated of in ephemerides ; yet it will have those things to be beheld , not as free contingencies , or arbitrall , and much lesse as necessary ones ; but nakedly , as it were the effects of the first qualities and complexions . wherein , how much they have erred , i have already demonstrated in the premises : and moreover , how far they have in this thing gone back from the holy scriptures , i will here shew . if the heavenly influences do obtain the reason of a cause , surely their effects shall of necessity be connexed to their causes , and so also thus far at least , necessary , after the manner of other second causes ; whose effects , the causes being placed , do necessarily succeed , unless they are supernaturally hindered , or changed . which thing is alike proper to all causes , neither doth it include a singularity for the heaven : but if the influences of heaven are onely after the manner of a sign and fore-shewing ; surely , neither shall they import a lesse necessity ; but a far more strict one , if we believe the certain foreknowledge of divine providence , and do believe , the handy works of the lord to be fore-signified by the stars . therefore , after what manner soever it may be taken , the stars do necessitate . the stars shall be unto you for signes , times or seasons , dayes and years . but these works of the lord shewed from a necessity , by the stars , and by the firmament , are not the works of the first six dayes : for neither could the stars shew forth either themselves , or what things were created straightway after them , without an absurdity of speech . in the next place , the stars ought not to foreshew winter and summer , which they actually cause by their blas , and which we do ordinarily know , and perceive to invade us by degrees : but they ought indefinitely to foreshew the handy works of the lord , and rather those which are called contingent ones , than otherwise , necessary , and ordinary revolutions : which contingences do not therefore respect the fruitfulnesses of victuall , which they do cause ; but for the majesty , wisdom , and goodness of the creator , the stars ought to foreshew those future handy works of the lord , whence he hath taken to himself the name , the god of armies , by whom kings reign , a zealous god , a revenger , translating kingdoms from nation to nation by reason of injustice : which kinde of works are contained in the life , birth , vertue or power , continuance , change , interchange , motions , and interchangeable courses of successive things : and so the preachings of the stars must needes have place in the removing of scepters ; and by consequence , in the foreshewing of the meanes by which those things are done , framed , do depend , and subsequently follow , as it were by second causes : for such kinde of effects , are not to be taken away from the handy works of the lord , without blasphemy . therefore of this sort , are also tempests , earth-quakes , wonted and unwonted flouds of waters : for the lord of hosts giveth scepters to the shepherd , which he taketh away , and translates from the king , by reason of the injustice of kings , of clergy , and judges . therefore by consequence , the stars do foreshew this injustice also , if the translations of crowns are the works of the lord , if the lots of all men do stand in the hands of the lord : for neither doth faith permit fortune , or misfortune to be else-where , or to be expected from elsewhere : for he is the prince of life and death , the alpha and omega of all things , he giveth , and taketh away victories , wars , famine , and pestilences ; also second , partaking causes , also free mediating con-causes , and occasionall ones accompanying them : over all which , notwithstanding god is , sits as chief , as the totall , immediate , and independent cause . therefore the firmament is a preacher of all these works : for neither doth god more erre in these free contingent things , than in animall , accustomed , and necessary things , if the firmament was made by god , ( the mover and knower of all things ) to foreshew . the land of libyssa shall over-cover the dead carcase of hannibal , as appian relates it to have been foretold by an oracle of the evill spirit . hannibal hoped ( he saith ) that he should therefore die in lybia or africa , who died in bythinia near the river libyssus : for the devil cannot foreknow the lots , or events of future wars , which are in the hand of the god of armies , and as yet in the future will or judgement of man , unless he shall first read them decyphered in a fore-telling star. which picture of the stars ; while they no where finde mentioned , but cannot deny but that the devill declares things to come ; they have meditated of a privy shift , and do say , that the knowledges of future things are nearly related to angels , and so are co-natural to them : but that they differ according to the quires or regions from whence they were expelled : so that , they which fell down from the highest hierarchy of the angels , should have a much more clear understanding of future things ; which understanding , because it was naturall , god had not took away from an evill spirit : for neither is it more naturall to the devil to have known the enlightnings concerning future things , than to have known the natures and names of living creatures not seen before , like adam . but i conceive with dionysius , that the inferior angels are enlightned by the superior : but this light continually to beam forth from the wisdom of the father , and never to have been natural to angels , but to be a free and beatifical gift . next , that every good gift doth descend from the father of lights , that the gift of the counsels of god , and of his future works is not to be searched out by creatures , by their gifts of nature : else , the naturall knowledge of evill spirits , should be almost infinite , if it should include in it self , the fortunes of mortall men to come , distinguished in their second causes : yea if an evill spirit , otherwise , had had this natural participation of divine counsel , he had not been ignorant of future effects , which he himself as the fire-brand of all evills was to raise up , and suffer ; and so he could scarce have sinned . therefore it is more safe to believe , contingent or accidentall things to be painted out by the stars , not indeed all , but perhaps those of one age : and likewise , the tragedy of every man to be deciphered in his own star ; the picture whereof ceaseth , with the closure of his life . they will say , hannibal took poyson , satan perswading him : but this he did not certainly know , as neither could he foretell it , if man hath free will , and therefore neither did he know that hannibal would certainly obey his perswasions : neither doth hannibal die by the foolish perswasion of satan , which could not be knit to its causes depending on the divine will : for neither doth he die by the poyson , but first he is a run-away from many adverse battels : but the lord , the onely god of armies , hath victories in his own hand , neither is the evill spirit chief in battels : therefore to have foreknown the issue of wars , is the same , as of free contingencies : for truly , victory doth for the most part arise occasionally , from a contingent thing not premeditated of : therefore i conclude , that the infernal enemy doth read the pictures of the stars , whereby the firmament is said to foretel the handy works of the lord. but thou wilt say , whence do the heavens make predictions , which no mortall men have known , and the which to be known by the evill spirit , is wickedness ? in the first place , it should be sufficient , that the fore-tellings of future things do chiefly declare the glory of god , and the infiniteness of his wisdom , and fore-knowledge ; to wit , that it may not remain unsignified . and then , the lord hath not done a word , which he doth not signifie to his servants the prophets . lastly , if the number of mortall men , be scarce the hundreth of angels that are good spirits : it sufficeth , that these at least , do read the foretokens of future things , and therefore do they praise the lord anew . lucifer indeed hath waxed proud by the much knowledge of things , both of those that do exist , and of things afterwards to be , and it was naturall to him , the which he breaths in without grace : but it doth not therefore follow , that he hath known all mortall men to come , and their fortunes , vices , defects , sins , grace , and whatsoever things should be hereafter , like to a second cause ; as neither the secret mysteries of god , that are revealed in succession of dayes , and added to a connexion of causes . but , whether plagues do arise , and rage , or tyrannies , wars , destructions , tumults , or the beginnings of arch-hereticks , the lord permitting them , at leastwise those things shall be as well connexed to their own necessary , and second causes , although arbitrall and occasionall ones , as otherwise , meteors are to theirs : for neither is the office of foreshewing the handy works of the lord to be restrained to the changes of the air alone ; but absolutely unto all the works of the lords hands : because if the stars can be preachers of the threatning effects of the wrath of god , which without second causes should be committed to the smiting angel : why shall they not also , in like manner , shew the works of the lord deputed or reckoned to second and free causes ? for truly , what things soever god foreknoweth , he can also , if he will , shew them by his instruments : but those proper instruments of god are the firmament , and the lights thereof , as the scripture witnesseth . yea truly , i have been bold to attribute more authority to the heaven , than what hath wont to be given unto it by the holy scriptures : to wit , that the stars are to us for foreshewing signes , seasons , or changes of the air ; lastly , for dayes , and years : wherefore the text takes away all power of causes , besides in the abovesaid revolutions of seasons , dayes , and years : neither do they act , i say , but by a motive and alterative blas . but the stars are said to act by motion and light onely ; but motion in the schooles is said to act onely by reason of the divers aspects of light ; for , that the motion of the heavens , even the swiftest , as well as those remote from us , should produce as well heat , as motion ; is a devise or fiction . for truly , the daily motion of the heavens is almost equall , therefore also the heat should be alwayes alike : but seeing the property of light by it self , is not but to enlighten , but by accident , by reason of its conjunction , to make hot , or make cold : and the dayes are now and then cold , and clowdy unto us , under the summer solstice : hence surely i ought to have borrowed other causes from the blas of the heaven . there is a certain action indeed , hitherto unknown to the schooles , which in the proper limit of government i have taught , which operates on the objects subjected unto it , almost like to abstracted spirits : and even as the soul moveth , and altereth its own organs or instruments : thou mayest call it for me , an influence , so that a connexion of the stars be moreover understood , of stirring up the gas beneath , according to the lawes of directions given , and fixed by the almighty : for otherwise , seeing that a beam of light may be hindered by a covering , every blas also of the stars on us should cease , if they should act on us onely by light , and motion : yea , and in an over-clowdy heaven , no action on the waters , or on the things sowen in the earth , should be beheld : for diseased persons do perceive a proportionable resembling motion of the moon , and for this cause do they foretell tempests to come ; because there are in the very seeds of things , the co-bred , and allied lights of heaven , which do suit themselves to the motion of the nearest , or neighbour-lights , and so to the most universall blas of the stars . for therefore , hot-houses being shut , the same effects are felt con-centred or harmonious : not indeed , because they light on us from without ; but we carry a heaven within , in our vitall beginnings , and the almighty hath sealed things soulified with that pledge or signet . notwithstanding , that con-centring , and conformity do signifie a connexion of suitableness with the more large superiour heaven . and moreover i may easily believe , if insects do utter the foreshewing signes of seasons , that we also at the time of health , might foreknow all things , unless corruption had bespattered our whole nature in the ground , and had left us naturally so much the more stupid , and miserable than those small beasts : for sin hath withdrawn the celestial familiarities of talk from us : in diseased persons onely , it hath left its marks of antient foretelling ; whereby we may know , that the marks of things to come are left us from nothing but the misery of corrupted nature : which else , in her purity , had made us true diviners of the heaven , no lesse than adam knew the natures of living creatures . and although the stars do foretell the effects depending on free , and contingent causes ; yet i would not be understood , that a gift is given to the stars of bringing in the causality of future things : for it is sufficient , that in this thing they perform the office of a preacher , as it were meanes depending on the fore-knowledge of god : for as the fore-knowledge of god doth not take away from man a liberty of willing or judging , and his tie with the fore-knowledge doth not take away the infallibility of events : nevertheless , it least of all contains an unavoidableness : much lesse doth the fore-telling of the firmament induce any necessity of contingency , or accidentall event on the wills part , although it doth altogether happen in respect of events coupled to their free causes . truly i have oft admired at those that refuse a denouncing of the stars in free causes , as though they did therefore necessitate , and did take away a liberty of willing , when as in the mean time , they do admit , that divine fore-knowledge doth not cause any thing against free will , but that it can denounce : seeing the reason of necessity in the fore-knowledge of mans glorification is far greater in the power of god , than in the fore-shewing of the stars , it being of its own nature tyed to change by reason of the repentance , and unstable or frail nature of sinners . for it hath happened , that sometimes the stars have foreshewen onely threatnings , whereby the antient mortalls through the terrour of punishment , do return into the way , as did the ninivites : in which case , although the stars do loose much of their certainty , and strength : yet they do not forsake a certainty of necessity , as oft as the signes do shew forth the fore-tellings of events . wherefore , i reckon with my self , that the figures of things , successive throughout ages , are decyphered in the heavens , as it were in tables ( which figures , they name the lawes of destiny ) and that , not indeed , by an hebrew alphabet ( as some of the rabbins dream ) but that provinces , kingdoms , and men , have their stars , on which the stage of things accidentally happening to their subject , appointed for every one of them in the revolutions of dayes , is decyphered : wherefore neither is it a wonder , if evill spirits shall know how to foretel many of these things : and so much the lesse , if to every one of us , are designed good spirits our keepers . even as the mountain garganus , kingdoms , and common-wealths , have spirits for their own rulers , and defenders . for so the fore-shewings , not onely of the rising , and period of kingdoms are therein painted forth ; but also the races , and ends of all men are historically figured out by their peculiar star , which are also typically decyphered . which knowledge indeed , although it being known to spirits , naturally forbidden to man , i do oftentimes read it by its true name , the divining of the heaven , yet , i finde it granted onely to the servants , or prophets of god , according to his good pleasure . for your old men shall dream dreams , and your young men shall have visions , and shall prophesie ; for this which containeth all things , hath the power of a voice , it openeth future contingencies shewed by their stars , onely to whom , and when it will. on some in the mean time , he bestoweth a figurative knowledge of the stars , even as to the wise men of the east : but to others , he giveth dreams , as to joseph , and the same wise men ; and that the same may be truly interpreted , as to joseph , and to daniel a man of desires . also there are some at this day , as mad men , and drunkards , fore-telling things to come , and not knowing , what , to whom , in what manner , or by what meanes , or why they do presage : for so according to josephus , jesus , a certain man , foretold the destruction of the holy city with a continuall cry , and for that cause , he was beaten . but the apostles spa●● from the comforter , with the tongues of all nations which were then under the sun ; but by the hebrews and pagans , they were accounted to be drunk with new wine . although there was no new wine then to be found in palestina : for they prophesying , glorified the lord jesus : for neither is it read , that any was then preached unto , or converted . therefore they were accounted to be drunk with new wine , but not with wine , because drunkenness by new wine , among the gentiles , did stir up , those that kept bacchus's feasts , to predictions . therefore prophesie from new wine , or otherwise foretelling , seemeth to be in some men , almost foolish , but if they were drunk , familiar : which constitution or frame , paracelsus calleth a drunken or besotted gift , which was made known to the jewes , and therefore falsly attributed to the apostles . moreover , that i may demonstrate , the events of men to be described in the stars , i will shew at least three examples of d●abolical predictions , instead of a thousand : nor those drawn out by the evill spirit from any other place than out of the decyphered figure of the stars . first of all , roderick the fourth , the last king of the gothes , reigning , the castle of toletum which had now stood shut even from the dayes of king bamba , was through the curiosity of roderick , opened ; but there was nothing found in it , besides one onely chest : but in the chest , a cotten towel , rouled up , shewing the garments , and persons of the africans . but there was in it thus written , when this castle and chest shall be unlocked , a nation shall break into spain , of this similitude and cloathing , and shall obtain victory over the spaniards . but the moores were decyphered with a cloathing , as it was to be above years after . two others are modern examples . the duke of biron being apprehended by his king , for the crime of treason , straightway busily enquired , of what nation the tormenter or executioner of paris might arise : whom , when he understood to be a burgundian , he fearing , sighed , and said : alass , i am undone ! for truly he had sometimes understood by a soothsayer , that he was onely to beware of a mortall stroak , which a burgundian was to give him in dayes to come . the earl of loniguium was slain in a duel nigh bruxels , itching with a desire of combates , and being the more bold , because he had understood by fortune-tellers , that ●e should be mortally wounded by a wolf. but there was a young man , a companion in the duel , to the earl de sancto amore , whose sur-name was loup , or wolf , who being deadlily pricked , thrust loniguius thorow . let the devill be the authour of these predictions . but it is at leastwise of faith , that the lots of every victory , are in the hand of the lord. let us grant , that the devil stirred up roderick to open the chest , and also to have pricked on very many kings of the moores to invade spain ; yet he could not know , that he was to obtain this , beyond the will of so many persons : much lesse , that the arabians should obtain victory ( which the lord alone gives to whom he will ) unless he had first read the consent of the lord , painted forth in the stars : for neither could the evill spirit have known this by the motion and light of the stars , that was to come for two ages from thence . in the two other histories , the devill , besides the houre and place , had foretold also the nation of the killer , and his name : but at leastwise a name is not shewen by the planets . moreover , the divulged rule ; the stars do incline , but not necessitate , hath seemed to me contradictory to the text of holy scripture ; the stars shall be to you for signes , seasons , dayes , and years : because it is not lawfull for any mortall men to extend the bounds , effects , or appointments of the stars , above , without , or besides the intention of the creator . whether therefore they are for fore-shewing signes onely , or at length , for causes of seasons , dayes , and years : seeing that they are meanes for both ends , which god useth as second causes , they ought to have a relation of necessity , by reason of the certainty and independency of him whose meanes they are . but so far as it hath regard to inclination , which the schooles do grant to the stars : it no where appeareth in the holy scriptures , that the stars are to us , causers of inclinations ; but as oft as the stars are the causes of causes , so oft also , they are the necessitating causes of the thing caused , by the meanes of other second causes for the sun doth with no lesse necessity bring on the day and summer , than burning or flaming straw under a dry fagot , doth kindle this fagot . but when stars do obtain the nature of a signe , preacher or messenger : then also they do not exceed the conditions of a presage , nor in any wise assume the office of a cause ; but they do onely then foreshew from the infallible fore-knowledge of god , and so also do import a necessity as much as is from them , and from mans free will , as fore-shewing signes of the handy works of the lord. and although they do not necessitate causatively , things to come , yet they do necessitate as they shew the will of the lord. for free contingencies do depend on their causes , also sometimes primarily on those not intending such kinde of effects which by divine permission do proceed from thence unthought of : for neither in the mean time , are those things which come to passe from free causes immediately , understood in any respect to be inclined by the stars ( although fore-shewing ones onely ) to produce their effects : for truly , a strong native , continuall , soliciting , repeated , &c. inclination , doth after some sort import a necessity over free will , which i do not indeed grant , in the least point of it , to be inclined by the stars : for even so as a friend is not the inclining cause of war , or the inciting cause , if he doth secretly declare to his prince by an epistle , that an enemy doth prepare war , and plot the invasion of his camp. but the schooles defend themselves by that saying : a wise man shall rule or have dominion over the stars . as though , if the stars should stir up any one to murders , thefts , man-slaughters , adulteries , seditions , drunkenness , &c. yet a wise man , might by the liberty of his own free will , make those inclinations void ; and this they call , to rule over the stars . but surely the authority of the scriptures being badly understood , brings forth perverse consequences . for , first of all , it is not in a wise man , to resist evill inclinations : but it is of grace : and so , a wise man in this place , is not understood to be him which is fenced with sufficient grace : because if he shall rule over the stars , there is no cause why he should fear conquered inclinations , even as , the word , to dominate or bear rule doth import ; yet this is false throughout his whole life . next also , they presuppose a falshood , because it is by no meanes of the appointment of the stars , that they should cause inclinations in us : but onely , that they are for signes , seasons , dayes , and years ; and no more . in the next place , the heaven was created without spot : therefore it is absurd , that it should be unto us in the room of the devill the tempter , and which is more , of an incliner : because it should infuse into us a continuall fewel unto vices , and a headlong inclination . far be it , to think these things of the divine goodness . every evill inclination , doth not come unto us from without , elsewhere ; but it hath increased it self within , from sin . out of the heart , are murders , adulteries , and evill thoughts : surely not from the stars . therefore according to a humble protestation of my slenderness or weakness , i do utterly renounce the opinion , teaching , that the stars have a power of infusing an inclination . for i was in the beginning , held in opinion by divers effects , that the seed of a beast did of its own accord flow into a living soul , and that not obscurely running to and fro : and although that in the conceived embry● , or imperfect young , first of all a certain power doth clearly appear , as if it were a certain vegetative soul ; yet the same is at length perfected , and ariseth into the degree of a sensitive soul . and seeing that the seed of man is not more imperfect than a beasts , i did also suppose , that to flow with the like pace , and at length to be perfected into a sensitive soul ; yet , not so , as that this sensitive soul doth likewise passe into the nature of mans minde : for since two masters at once , not subordinate to each other , no man can serve , but he must hate either of the two , because they are unsufferably opposite : so in nature , one onely body cannot serve two determined or limited souls ; and the sensitive soul is not a substance ; nor lastly , an accident ( as i shall teach in the chapter of forms ) but the minde of man is a spirit , also a living substance in the abstract , and immortall : hence indeed it comes to passe , that the sensitive soul surviving , nature doth also willingly receive the humane soul , or it s perfectly ultimate act , and that both souls do peaceably suffer with each other within . which thing being premised , i began to consider , that a dog is a devouring , biting , envious , watchfull , barking , and hunting living creature , and for one crust , unmindfull of all benefits , ungratefull , flattering , &c. all which things , as seminall properties , and specificall ones , are in the seed of a dog , but not imprinted on him by the stars ; but i have known very many of those properties proper to the kinde ; but some of them to be moreover , peculiar to them from their parents : even so that from hence , the race of dogs doth differ in price or esteem : therefore , i have known the like conditions to be in a dog from the stock of the seed , and not astrall or from the stars ; and so , where i have beheld the like conditions in a man , i have also presently thought , that these have from some dog-like property lurked in the seed of man. again , i have noted some living creatures , to be conjugall , but others to be born by a promiscuous , and incestuous copulation : so i have noted , tame , wild or bruitish , crafty , uncapable of learning , theevish , cruel , fugitive , fearfull , milde , &c. living creatures : which conditions , as being common to the whole kinde , or dispersed throughout famisies , i have learned , not to arise from the stars , or from the planet that is lord of their nativity ; but wholly , and onely from the seed : and therefore i have also likewise thought , that such inclinations of men do increase in him that is born , from some bruitish property of the seeds . i have also found amongst men , oft-times , whole families to be furious , stupid or blockish , crafty , insolent or proud , lascivious , &c. whence some are called , a viperous generation . likewise , tell ye ( herod ) the fox ; wherefore i have begun to remove wit , judgement , memory , manners , inclinations , yea , the dispositions of death , and fortune , wholly from the stars . again , it is also in the hand of the causer or begetter to generate a male , or a female ; but masculine conditions , inclinations , wits , properties , are far distinct from female ones : for the church prayeth for the devout femall sex : wherefore morall inclination , or devotion , is due to the sex , not to the stars : for horses are judged by the colour of their hairs ; but colours are varified in conception , by art . moreover , conditions , and inclinations are changed by ages : to wit , children are delighted with other things than men : for a sober young man sometimes becomes an old drinker , and on the contrary . a liberall young man is oft times covetous when he growes old : also a greedy desire of seed ( which he lesse wanteth , and ought lesse to desire ) doth oft accompany him : which surely do not depend on the direction of the stars , if the same lord of the nativity doth govern the whole life . for truly , i have distinguished of inclinations : to wit , that one is that whereby any one doth naturally incline into professions , religions , arts , sciences , merchandise , or affaires of exercise : this i name , an inclination of ones calling . but the other inclination , concerneth manners , virtues , vices , which i call morall , or ethicall : but the third respecteth , health , diseases , a long , or short life : and therefore , i name this inclination , vitall . at length , the fourth , is of fortunes . but so far as belongeth to the first , we believe by faith , that god immediately creates mans minde , and directs it to a certain calling of its own , in which it may please it self most ; which way , he reacheth to it worthy talents , . . or one onely talent . therefore the inclination of calling , whereby any one is made a physitian , a geometrician , a musitian , &c. is given to the soul by the creator himself , from whom every good gift cometh from above : therefore all inclinations of calling , for that very cause are good . but a morall inclination , as it is meerly beast-like , so , i have already demonstrated before , that it dependeth on the being of the seed : for truly , the stars should be simply evill if they should incline man to vices : and the creator had erred in judgement ; because he had seen that whatsoever things he had made , were good : therefore an inclination to evill , springs from nature corrupted in its root , and seed : out of the heart do spring evill thoughts , according to gospel-light , and from the soul , consents ; even as a strong inclination , from a custom of sinning : but good , springs from grace , will and exercise . surely it is in no wise a stranger to us by reason of the stars : for the first things which constitute us were equally defiled by corruption ; but unequally distributed , and participated of from the goodnesse of the seed , the conception of the mother , education , &c. or on the contrary . and therefore all inclinations seminall , do grow , are increased , or do decrease according to the properties of the flowings of the seeds to increase , or declining . but that the third inclination , is from the weakness , or strength of the seeds , and wholly subject to the archeus the directer in nature , none but an astrologer will dispute , who being ill prepared , refers all things to the motions of the stars , even unto idolatry ; and attributes to himself the right of unfolding them : first of all , not distinguishing the power of shewing , from the effective virtue : nor knowing that the seven planets or wandring stars are onely to be chief over the blas of the elements ; but that the fixed stars do contain particular tragedies : and therefore , when besides the wont of nature , there shall be signes in the sun , and moon , they do signifie the monstrous signes of a future ruine of the universe . but such blockishness hath more and more grown on the common sort , that they think every one must be believed in his art : in this indeed rightly , that the astronomer hath learned to measure the motions , and distances of the stars : but we must not therefore believe him as a prophet of the stars , unless he shall also bring very authentick or warrantable marks whereby he may be believed , as did aholiab , and bezaleel . therefore as to the vitall inclination , i do praise the proverb : strong men are created , by strong , and good seeds or parents . moreover , so far as concerneth the inclination of fortunes , that in its very etymology hath exceeded the catalogue of inclinations : therefore i think that all the fortunes of all , as well those prosperous , as adverse , do concern a divine disposing , but not an inclination , much lesse to depend on the stars , although they are fore-signified in the firmament . for truly this fore-signifying also , doth plainly shew , that those do depend immediately on the will of the signifyer : for our lots or conditions are in thy hands o lord : therefore i believe that all the lots of all , are good in themselves , and to be fully in the hand of the lord. i believe moreover , that , by how much the more remote any one is from this opinion , by so much he is nearer to heathenisme . indeed the heathenish schooles did see that living creatures had suitable inclinations according to their kinde ; yet being amazed at the plurality of morall inclinations in one onely humane kinde , expressing all the inclinations of all beasts , and therefore not knowing in what cause they might settle so great a number of inclinations ; the evill spirit perswading them , they by their sooth-sayers of the heaven , confusedly fled to the uncertain , and momentary coupling , and estranging of the stars . never searching into the cause , why mankinde is capable of many bestiall inclinations : for they neglected to consider that bruit beasts should have their specificall inclinations from the being of the seed , not the signe of the horoscope to be due to bruit beasts . that man likewise had his inclinations like bruit beasts : wherefore in like manner , nativities are not to be searched into for the inclinations of men : for neither do they naturally happen to man from any other place than from a part of his body , which wholly , whatsoever it is , it oweth to the seminall being , no otherwise , than the bodies of bruit beasts do : for truly the soul is immortall , wholly simple , and uniform ; and seeing it is immortall , it cannot have its inclination from the frail , and sliding motion of the stars ; but onely it hearkeneth to the nature corrupted by sin , in adam and his posterity : wherefore in a late or young nephew , do oft-times the manners , behaviours , and inclinations of his grandfather not before seen by him , rise again : indeed the schooles also are content that these should be given to the being of the seed , and not to the stars : but being ●ulled asleep through a custom of assenting , and by the importunities of astrologers , they have neglected thorowly to weigh , that the aforesaid inclinations of the grandfather are of no other dignity with , nor seperated from the company of the other inclinations ; and therefore that they are tyed by the same law , to the being of the seed : i know not how deservedly they do as yet teach to this day , that a man is so subjected to the stars , that he is continually tempted by them , to wit , that the morall inclinations of vices , and goodnesses are to be drawn from the houre of ones nativity : but surely , god hath appointed man in the hand of his own will : for the sensitive soul , the vicaresse of the minde , doth surely rejoyce in a greater liberty than the souls of bruit beasts , by reason of the seals ministred to it by the minde . but the souls of bruit beasts live contented with the inclinations of their own particular kinde , under a small latitude ; but mans sensitive soul is enlarged to all inclinations : for as a humane young , as soon as it begins to be nourished in its own square or quarter , is not a plant of any kinde , even as neither a bruit of any kinde , while the sensitive soul floweth together with the rational : so the sensitive humane soul being not tied to a brutall kinde , doth wander through all the latitude of brutall inclinations , and easily hearkeneth to the strange inclinations of the immortall minde brought into it at its own pleasure : for the minde sliding into corrupted nature , doth easily fall into the motions and enticements hereof , and being alwayes shaken out of its place by an unbridled appetite , doth serve as a lackey or chamber-maid to disturbance , which hath driven it from its place : whence , there is a strange inclination : by the frequent use , or desire whereof , there is a strong custom , which at length doth imprison the minde . it likewise appeares , that a morall inclination is in the innermost properties of the sensitive soul , dispositively sliding out of the being of the seed : and that the stars have obtained over us , no power of causing , except by the blas of meteors . but although the inclination of calling , or a morall one , may change the vitall inclination : as when a pruner of trees becomes gowty , a brawler is wounded or slain ; so a gilder miserably trembleth , a digger of mineralls , and likewise a chymist perisheth by an asthma or stoppage of breathing ; yet those things come to passe occasionally onely , neither do they bring with them any right to the astrologer . cease therefore for shame , hereafter to believe , that the stars were created to tempt , incline , destroy , make happy , infuse sciences , or to prevail by an acquired right or authority : for thus is the power of desert or punishment taken away , also a way is opened to athersme , and the fatalities or destinies of appointments . therefore a wise man shall rule over the stars : not indeed , that he can hinder , change , suspend , and pervert the courses , or lights of the stars ; as neither the successive changes of times or seasons , dayes , and years following from thence . therefore it followes , that a wise man shall not rule over the effects which are coupled to the revolutions of the stars , as causes ; neither shall he rule over the stars , as signes , to wit , that he is able to change them at his pleasure : but he onely foreseeing , that the seven wandring stars are about to stir up a motive , or alterative blas , whence barrennesses , colds , heats , dearnesses of victuall , or the like , do necessarily follow , he shall be able to provide himself with necessaries , and so by meeting the discommodities bred by the flux of the stars , he shall from consequence ; in some sort rule over them . an astrologer with this authority , not exceeding the bounds of a meteor , is reckoned by the holy scriptures , among wise men : which square , if astrologicall predictions shall through a rash boldness exceed , they are not onely vain , and conjectural ; but driven out of both testaments of the holy scriptures , with the name of sooth-sayers of heaven : so that st. ambrose doth rightly compare them to spiders webs , which indeed do serve to take flies , and gnats ensnaring themselves , but by a stronger living creature they are most easily broken asunder : so indeed these predictions , do catch onely those that are apt to believe , and lesse firm in the faith . but that they are vain in themselves , and framed by conjecturall rules , i prove , because they are supported with a double foundation , to wit , with none at all , and by a false one : that which concerns nothingness , is , that they will have attributed to the seven planets , the figure , inclinations , strength or valour , wit , fortunes , and death of him that is born , seeing god hath appointed the stars onely for signes , seasons , dayes , and years , but not for the causes of predictions : and so , if those predictions do contradict divine appointment , for that very cause , they are null , and false . secondly , because it is not yet agreed among astrologers hitherto , concerning the scheme , or order of the heavens . to wit , whether mercury , and venus are carried in particular orbs beneath the sun , according to ptolomy , and all the antient judiciaries ; or whether they are rowled about in like or equall circles , round about the sun : which thing , the optick-tube or glasse hath thus searched out : therefore the aphorismes of predictions supported by that foundation , that those two planets are alwayes lower than the sun , do fall to the ground : and then , if two of the planets ( venus being the greatest or chiefest star except the sun ) be carried about the sun , and they are of so great power in judgements , and so near to us , those spots , or stars in the sun , or most near to it , shall likewise be of far greater authority to refell all the aphorismes of the antients : and the stars which have lately been found to be moved about jupiter , shall conjecturally convince of the rules of almegistus , whether they were written from a foundation . that in the mean time i may be silent touching the opinion of copernicus , which at this day doth not want its followers , and those of no small authority , although they do presse their consent under silence : which opinion notwithstanding , once breaking forth , will ruine all apparitions in the heaven , and predictions . fourthly , the point of nativity is uncertain : and seeing that the stars do vary in every point , every prediction is of necessity uncertain : i being sometimes deceived in my younger years , have attributed very much to the significations of the stars ; but when i could not satisfie my self , that by the remarkable accident of him that is born , i could finde the point of his nativity ; which is plainly necessary , if those accidents do any way proceed from the stars : at length , in behalf of a great nobleman , i described or wrote down his accidents , to wit , that in the eleventh year of his age , a wife of six years was married unto him , he having obtained the degree of knight of the garter , having travelled far , even to the nineteenth year , that he had received a wound in a duel , that his right thigh was broken by chance , in a coach , the precise houres being adjoyned , with very many observations of things : the countrey where he was born , being added ; on the ninth day of the fourth month called june , and the houre , between seven , and ten in the forenoon , of the year . i my self went to the most skilfull judiciaries , the question being also sent away into other countries , with a promise of crowns to him who could divine or tell the point of his nativity ( to us known ) from the aforesaid accidents : at length , none touched at the true point , but he that came nearest , did differ as yet the space of seven points above half an houre from thence . there were in the mean time , standard-defenders , who denied that such a point was between the seventh and tenth houre , by which such accidents could be signified ; but indeed , that point was found to be presently before the fifth houre in the morning ; yet in the truth of the matter , he was born at london , i being present , seven points after the ninth houre solar or according to the sun , and not horologiall or according to the diall or clock . afterwards therefore , i with a notable repentance , lamented my aptnesses of belief . moreover , touching the falseness of the foundation of predictions , it as yet more clearly appeareth : for indeed , they themselves do confess , that their eccentricks or things not having one and the same center &c. to be meer fictions , and almost impossible to save or preserve their speculations : which soundeth , that they are ignorant of the orbs or circles of the heavens , and the carryings of the stars : and so these absurd fictions being supposed , it s no wonder that many near akin to them do follow . i have known a remedy whereby otherwise the young would stick in the birth for the space of a day , and houres , and that drink being taken , the woman brings forth presently after a quarter of an houre ; and so the point of nativity is deceived ; and likewise herms's scale of empsuchosis or quickning ; but this remedy , i have written else-where , to consist in the liver , and gaul of an eele , being dryed and powdered . lastly , the falshood doth more appear ; for they say , that saturn is a cold , and dry , melancholy planet , and therefore envious , and stirring up to thefts , and treacheries , plainly evill , because of the nature of the earth . but that mars , because he is hot and dry , ( not the sun ) is evill , cholerick , a warriour , murderer , and cruel , because of the nature of the element of fire . but that jupiter and venus are of the nature of air , merry , sanguine , good , even as the moon , and mercury being cold and moyst , are of the nature of water , and phlegme : and so also therefore of a middle nature . but a moderateness agreeth to the most hot sun , not a humour , nor an element . wherefore , either the sun shall languish by reason of injury , or the feigned powers of the elements are badly attributed as causes of the properties of the stars , whose property it is , not to change , but to give an alterative blas to these inferior bodies . wherein , many falshoods come to hand . for first of all , they do causatively ●ink evill within the heaven . secondly , that the qualities of the earth are evill or naught . thirdly , they place the fire among elementary bodies . fourthly , the stars also , even the two elements which god had made , were not to be good . . they falsely compare the stars in their causative property , to elementary qualities . . therefore they do falsly attribute to the stars a causall virtue of fortune , wit , &c. with respect to the first qualities . wherefore , since there are in the judiciall part of astrologie , so great nakednesses , falsehoods , vanities , and in brief , nothing but conjectures supported by meer lying rules ; it is no wonder , that the cunning workman doth immingle himself with those thousand , that he may have now again his four hundred prophets opposite to one mica●ah . therefore reader , whosoever thou art , be not ( after my example ) wise in things on high : but the heaven , as well in its scituation , as through the deep blindness of our ignorance , none doubteth to be high . wherefore surely , i would not search into the secrets of heaven , who truly have not in the least known earthly ones : but if god do of his own accord reveal them , sing to him prayses with a thankfull heart . i am sure nothing is to be revealed , but what shall have respect unto his own glory , and the usefull fruit or benefit of men . i have written , in the treatise of the plague , more things concerning epidemical or universal diseases . chap. xxi . the birth or originall of forms . . the schooles do abusively teach the birth of forms to be from the heaven . . the belief of the authour . . it is proved . . what hath deceived the schooles . . an errour about the causing or begetting lights of the sun. . the unconstancy of the schooles . . at length , they had rather that forms should arise out of the power of the matter , but not from the causing light of the heavens . . the opinion of s. thomas is refuted . . the contradiction of the same thomas . . the opinion of scotus is refuted . . the dull opinion of the school of others is refuted . . atheisme beginning . . the schooles do conclude against themselves . . augustine thought excellently well . . as oft as the schooles do stumble , they easily nod with doubting . . seven positions of the author . . how much the creature can give to the producing of forms . . what kinde of thing a fruitful seed may be . . the progress of the seed to the wished light . . the like flowing of mineralls . . a faculty in some sort sensitive , is proved in mineralls . . a heathenish errour hath seduced both those nobles into five absurdities . . and likewise they had knowingly learned nine remarkable things . . that the fire is neither a substance , nor an accident . . the demonstration of the proposition . . the proof of the subsumption by handicraft-operation . . that light wanders from subject into subject . . what the flame is . . the definition is proved by handicraft operation . . the fire is a positive artificial death . . some positions teaching the nature of the fire . . a conclusion out of the premises , and positions . . a mathematicall demonstration . . the schooles do contradict themselves in answering . . some further proofs . . the schooles intangle themselves . . they contradict the holy scriptures . . what the vitall spark is . . how the light of the sun differs from that of the moon . . the light of the sun is plainly changed in the stars . . why the moon , although lesse than the other stars , may be called a great light. . the moon rules the nights by a night light , even while she accompanies the sun upon the opposite horizon . . the moon is not onely a receiving , and reflecting light. . she is proved to have a light proper to her self . . a cold blas of the moon is from the property of her own proper light. . demonstrations upon that light. . the difference of the beames of the sun , and moon . . to rule the day and the night , to seperate the light from the darkness , and to seperate the day from the night , do differ . . the moon by the light borrowed from the sun doth not rule the night . . how living creatures that wander by night , do perfectly see under the thickest darkness . . they do not send forth a light out of themselves . . what darknesses that may be felt , and what utter darknesses in the superlative degree are . . why evill . spirits do the more willingly make tumults or noyses in a dark night . . a history of a night-walker . . a wound is hardly cured , if a moon-bea●● hath shone on it . . the light of the moon cureth excrescences or over-growings of flesh . . a whole frog by a blas of the moon-and cold , doth return into a chrystalline muscilage . . gluten de aquatico , or the glew of the watery thing , is commended . . why the moon doth respect plantations . . why plants are digged up , and cropped off before the rising of the sun. . that two great lights are sufficient . . the manner , and progress of budding or springing . . a bright lightning is at length in the archeus . . from whence the fruitfulness of mineralls is . . brightness is not the form it self , as neither is the brightness of the candle the form of the flame . . nature by it self , doth not contain , nor reach to the form . . a progress in hot bruit beasts . . a fourfold form of things . . that no substance is of right , to be brought to nothing . . the schooles fight against their own doctrine by a maxime . . the mystery of the creation of man. . there are more species of lights , than of materiall things . . how the brightness of seeds differs from a formall light. . the light of the form dissers from fire in its whole generall kinde . . the power of framing or creating of forms , belongs to an infinite wisdom and power . . in what manner the minde pierceth other forms , according as its own sensitive form . . properties are in-bred by a formall co-touching . . god toucheth and pierceth all forms ; but is touched of no form but of a good minde . . the innocencies of aristotle are the blasphemies of christians . . that the soul suffers nothing destructively from frail bodies . . the sensitive soul in us , is not the specificall one of a bruit beast . . how the sensitive soul is limited or disposed of by the minde . . the vegetative form in a bruit beast is not of the species of plants . . fire is made hotter than fire . . the vegetable soul is indeed vitall , but it is not properly to be called , living . . the offices of one soul are extinguished , those of another being unhurt . . the differences of the archeus . . the solar light is in the bird , and four-footed beast ; but the lunar light is in the fish . . the schooles are ignorant of the degrees of simples , so long as they know not the powers of formall lights . . the fire of hell doth seperate the archeall being . . quercetanus deceived in ice . . the errour of paracelsus in the degrees of simples . . the light of the sun is not the constituter of a being . . the seeds of solar , and lunar things are distinguished by the sight . . the two great lights do answer to the two primary elements . . light is drawn into a slint out of the light some body of the sun , and is for some time kept in darkness . . the use of breathing assigned by the antients , is fallacious . heathenisme doth yet so remain with us , that we being diligently taught by the schooles , do even still believe , that the whole governance , and successive change of sublunary things do depend on a certain ( that is , an unnamed , unknown , conjectural , and uncertain ) motion of the heavens , on the scituation , light , and aspect of the stars . not considering , on the contrary , that the gift of multiplying , or generation was powred forth before the stars were born ; and therefore , that the blessing of generation , and of successive changes following thereupon , would be after a sort frustrate , if the whole government of the inferiour things were from the heaven ; and that also should be true , that a man and the sun doth generate a man : for the first man that was formed was made of the mud or dust , and was endowed with a soul by the in-breathing of the divine blast : but i have already sufficiently proved above , that the heavens are neither to confer manners , nor knowledge , nor fortunes . now i will prove moreover , that indeed they can neither give life , nor form : for truly these opinions of the schooles have in times past so infatuated or befooled them , that it hath stood believed that the immortall minde it self is naturally produced by the seed of man , and the influence of the stars ; and although the church hath forbidden that thing , yet the schooles being even till now , seasoned with the errours of the heathen , do teach , that besides the minde of man , all forms , essences , beginnings of all things , and consequently , that our life , inclinations , perfection of properties , properties , and fortunes , do proceed from the motion , and light of the stars , and perhaps moreover from their influence . but i believe far otherwise ; for i profess , that he who by the onely word of his good pleasure , made the universe of nothing , is all in all , and at this day also , the way , originall , life , and perfection of all things : so that although second causes are , and do operate as it were partiall causes , directions of motions , and all dispositions necessary to generation ; insomuch , that therefore , the almighty will in nothing more , give his honour to any creature ; yet he alwayes remaineth , as the totall cause , continuing the perpetuall parent of things , the framer of nature , and its governour by creating : therefore i profess , that as in the beginning , nothing was made without him ; so also , that at this day , the creation of every form is a thing made of nothing , by the very same creator : which thing i not onely speak in behalf of the matter once formerly created , but also of any kinde of forms : because as the form , is as it were a certain light of the thing , and the top of that light ; so none can cause or beget the forms of things , but the father of lights , who giveth all things to all , nor is not far off from every created thing : neither may i believe , that the heavens do frame naturall forms of nothing , or that they give the seeds , or souls of things , which they in no way have : because faith , and also religion do teach me , that god is also at this day , the immediate principle of things , every where present , working all the perfection of all things . and therefore , whatsoever is any where , essentially , that that thing doth owe to god its whole , as much as it is , can do , knoweth , or hath . for creation hath respect , and sheweth a disposition unto a thing existing in perfection ; but the perfection of a thing is the proper internall essentiall form of every thing : therefore its immediate beginning cannot be from any other than creation : and therefore is immediately from the one onely unutterable creator of things . the schooles therefore thinking the contrary , were deceived , when they saw the light by it self , to make fire thorow a glasse . i say , they thought the light to be an accident ; but the fire to be a substance , and in their thoughts of both , they stumbled . and therefore they waxing blinde at the natural light of the sun , flee together unto it , as it were the creator of the substance of fire , doubting in retiring , whether the heaven should as yet frame the form of the fire , or whether there were any other artificial light equivalent in this work ? for such a sluggishness of the schooles doth alwayes remain , that having gotten an example ( erroneous and supposionall ) they straightway slide to a generality : least by diligently searching through particular kindes or species , they should be wearied , and finde something which should constrain them to depart from the possession of a supposed knowledge : i say they could not understand , but that they should believe the light of the sun to be a creator , and also of all essential forms . but they stumble , and fall in the place of exercise , and being unconstant , do run away : for when they thought that one essential form of the fire was generated immediately by heat , putrefaction , and rubbing ; and now to be taken from another light without respect to the heaven , and its co-working , they sand a recantation , they fought against the heavens , and their own former opinion , and will have the creation of forms to be fetched back from these ; the which notwithstanding , they do sometimes freely , and credulously yield unto them , as being uncertain , to what authour the birth of forms may be due : wherefore , when they saw fire to be taken or drawn from fire , and so that in a combustible object , there was fire potentially ; straightway also , by the same right , that all seeds did contain a potential form , and so far indeed , that at length , an actual form is brought and procreated out of a potential disposition , which they call the power of the matter ; but surely ridiculous : for at first they thought , that the same thing did happen to the generations of all seeds which they had already experienced in the light , and fire : therefore they afterwards began toughly to maintain , that every substantial form ( but i do grant an essential form to any things whatsoever , yet a substantiall one to none but to man , by reason of his immortal minde ) or act , was produced without a mean , out of the power of the matter : that is , that it was created by the onely dispositions of the matter , which is to say , by accidents . and as this knowledge of those forms was brought forth from the brain , as it were minerva the daughter of jupiter : it was also doubtfull , unconstant , without sense as to the subject of its inherency , and soon rent a sunder into divers sects . and indeed first of all , s. thomas reacheth , that accidents do in truth indeed generate a substance ; but that is onely in respect of the substantial form , whose instruments they are . in the first place , here s. thomas hath forsaken his aristotle , and will have the efficient cause to be internall , sliding out of the bosom of the form , and dependent on it , & in this respect the generating efficient cause thereof . . he declareth these intricacies : one substantial form , doth not cause another , of it self ; but its accidents , do in truth , do that likewise , accidents do not in very deed of themselves , cause substantial forms ; but it is the virtue of substantial forms , whose instruments onely accidents themselves are : or as he elsewhere saith ; that accidents are the properties of substantial forms , & whatsoever they do work , that that is done by virtue of the forms : but surely , by the leave of so great a man , it is not in the things of nature even as it is in humane affaires , where the judge , or priest doth work by the name or authority of an office , and not as john : for such kinde of respects , nature is ignorant of , and those she hath even hitherto willingly wanted : for every thing in her possession acteth that which it doth act , without the relation of authorizing : to wit , an accident doth act as much , and such as it is in it self ; but not as by the commission of that whereof it is the instrument : because nature is ignorant of under-appointments , and every fallacy of right or authority : for a thing operateth , as much as , and what it can , without a commission . for what doth it belong to the effect of producing of forms , that accidents do act , in as much as they are the instruments of the substantial form , or in any other respect , if in the mean time , essential forms are in very deed , and actually constituted by accidents themselves ? but surely an instrument , although it may generate something in mathematical science , yet in no true understanding is it a generater in nature , because it is external to the thing generated , and singularly , to its form , nor indeed containing the essential idea or first shape of the form , much lesse the archeus thereof : for truly , accidents as they proceed from the generater for the intent of generating , ought to contain a thingliness , and seminall properties requisite to generation : whereof , accidents as they are such , are deprived : because at the most , they are onely dispositive meanes of the matter to receive a form , but not to procreate it : therefore it seemes , according to d. thomas , that accidents as they are the instruments of the form , should be as it were the instrumentall pipes , by which the form of the generater should breath a form into the thing generated , if the matter hereof be first well disposed by other accidents , but then , the immediate generation of the form should not agree , or belong to accidents : as ( indeed ) accidents , are never ( under the understanding of an instrument ) substantiall producers . but scotus insisting on the same delusions drawn from the producing of fire , declareth , that accidents do no manner of way generate substantial forms , but that one substantial form doth in very deed actually produce another out of it self . this saying , at leastwise , taketh from the heaven , and sun , the generation of forms . secondly , it maketh every seed actually animated , to be endowed with a substantial life , and form , with the doating thomas fienus , physitian at lovaine . a third there is , which holds , that accidents by their own proper virtue , and without the concourse of a substantial form , do immediately produce a substantial form : for this man , ( as i have said ) being most exceedingly over-blinded by the presence of the fire , and light , like bats , is constrained to confess , that the solemn command of that great blessing , increase and multiply , is given onely to accidents : for others like africa , do alwayes bring forth new monsters out of the presumption of humane knowledge ; so that although the foregoing opinions were absurd : yet these men do here set up as yet more superlative absurdities : for indeed , if nature doth require ( as the naturalists do suppose ) a certain seminal succession , and continuance of one flowing from another , as a principle or beginning , con-substantial , and conjoyned with the thing begun : how therefore could accidents , being any way taken , procreate , or contain a substantial form ? they confess that every form is the inward perfection of the thing , the essence , substance , and originall of the accident of its composed body ; yet they will have it to be born , produced , and as it were created of nothing , by accidents , as it were dependances of the essential form its predecessor : but seeing that all natural things do produce their like in the special kinde : therefore it followes , that they will have the essential form to be of the same species with accidental forms : yea that accidents have have snatched that prerogative from substances , that accidents should produce accidents , and moreover the essential forms of substances : but that substantial forms as it were growing dull through rest , should keep holy-day , and had committed the whole weight of their business to accidents their vicars ; that they might falsifye their own proper maxim , and that of aristotle : that every agent , is naturally born to produce its like . seeing accidents should not in producing , be onely accidentall , but also substantial forms , and the which they teach also to be substances . therefore the maxim of the schooles , seemeth to me to contain a falshood , and something of atheisme ; that every agent which disposeth to a sorm , doth also give that form : because if a substance differs in its predicament from accidents , their principles ought not lesse to differ : for the active , motive , dispositive , and essential principle of generation is the very efficfent cause , and the archeus faber or master-workman . therefore the glorious god , doth at length , create the forms of substances : therefore , whose principles are in the general kinde and predicament , divers , the effects of those things do equally differ , even as the same like causes are like to the like things caused . but it followes from what hath been already said . that heat produceth heat , not fire ; and much lesse by far , the form of a chick : in the next place , not any other thing besides heat , because seeing the efficient cause is internall , and of the essence of the thing caused ( which thing i will afterwards prove against aristotle ) therefore one and the same thing cannot be constituted by high causes different in the particular kinde ; and much lesse by things differing in the whole predicament : for neither is a thing granted to be without its essential properties , as neither an agent without an instrument , and mean. by what mean theresore , or at length , by what property out of it self , shall heat be an agent in the producing of a form , or any substance ? and by what co-touching shall heat touch a form , that it may produce this form in another general object , from the participation of its own being ? for truly , according to the schooles seasoned with heathenish errour , every form of substances is a substance . from whence christians ought to infer , that the heaven , as neither accidents dispositive to a form , can frame any substance out of nothing : because the creating of a substance is proper to the creator alone . therefore b. augustine rightly thought ; if god contains all particular kindes or species , ( yea and their individuals ) in his eternall understanding , how should he not make all things ? would he not be the artificer of some things ? of effecting which , his laudable minde should have the art and knowledge unutterably ? therefore , although the seed doth contain the image of the begetter , an archeus proper to it self , with all things requisite to generation ; yet unless the essential being of a form did depend originally , wholly , exemplarily , perfectively , issuingly , and immediately on god , nature could never work any thing to attain a form , because it should plainly want an active power , if it should be deprived of that relative respect : therefore in the first place , the heaven , or stars , in no manner of understanding , by motion , light , influence , concurrence , co-operation , or coupling , do efficiently , and immediately produce the essential forms of things : which indeed are onely alone to us for signes , seasons , dayes , and years ; and whose offices , none may compell into new services . jeremy : according to the wayes of the gentiles do ye not learn , and be not afraid of the signes of heaven , which the nations fear . if not of the signes , much lesse of the stars , because they have not the reason of causes , but as they are for seasons , dayes , and years . neither can a christian without wickedness , give them other offices : for there is according to gregory , a power conferred on the earth , of budding , from it self ; even as also i esteem it wickedness , to attribute the power of increasing , and multiplying to living creatures , as to the heaven but the schooles do easily go back from the heaven to dispositive accidents . but i on the contrary , state it for a position : that accidents neither by themselves , nor as they are the instruments of forms , do produce the forms of substances . neither that they do produce any other form of one substance : seeing the form of the thing generating is locally without the seed . . the earth also , although it hath received a power of budding , and the seeds of fructifying , without the intervening of the seed of heaven , or any other cause ; yet it is not the productive or effective cause of forms . . i suppose therefore , that god is the true , perfect , and actually all the essence of all things . . but the essence which things have , belongs to the being , or the creature it self : but is not god. . for although a being hath its essence from god dependently , for a pledge , gift , league , or talent : yet it is proper to the them by creation . . but it agreeth to a being , with its essence , that it doth , and operateth something for the propagation of it self , according to the blessing , increase and multiply . hence indeed , it hath the place of a second cause . . therefore god concurreth to the generation of a being , as the universal , independent , totall , essential , and efficiently efficient cause ; but a created being concurreth , as the dependent , partial , particular , and dispositively efficient cause . but what the creature can contribute to the producing of a form : mark , that since beings have nothing from themselves for generating , but do possess all things from a borrowing , and freely : they do confess for that very cause , that god worketh all things mediately , and immediately , but that a living creature doth not generate a living creature , but the seed well disposed to a living creature : therefore , it doth not generate the form thereof : but the seed is as it were the disposing master-workman , as to the form of a living creature ; but not as the maker of the form : indeed it borroweth the archeus from the thing generating , not the form , yea nor the light of life wherein the form shineth . therefore in the beginning of generation , the archeus is not as yet lightsome ; but it is an air , into which the form , life , or sensitive soul of the generater hath a little twinckled , untill it had sufficiently imprinted some shadowie seal of its brightness . which air being greedy of the splendor felt in the generater , once , and shadowily conceived in it self , intends by every way possible for it , to organize the body or fit it with instruments , for the receiving of that light , and of the actions depending on that light : which way therefore it breathing in desire , enfiames it self more and more ( this thing in a metaphoricall figure , is for nature through a desire of self-love , to pray , seek , and knock ) and runs most perfectly that it may receive that light , form , or life , which at length , it obtains not else-where , than from him , who is the way , the truth , and vitall light , or light of life . whither therefore when the archeus hath come , nor in the mean time can proceed any further , and is stayed : at length it receives forms from the hand of the father of lights , after that it hath fully performed its offices . christian philosophy dictates these things thus , which in living creatures , and plants is made easie to be understood . : but in stones , mineralls , and metalls , and so in fruits of the water that are without life , the same things are fuitably to be interpreted : for although this family doth not propagate by virtue of a seed , neither doth send forth its posterity out of it self , a being is not therefore wanting in it which may thorowly bring it unto the appointed bounds of maturity : for indeed , since nothing doth any where dispose , or move it self , unless it be a seed ; it must needes be , that whatsoever is generated , that hath a disposer within , who sits in a soft , watery , salt , clayie , &c. air : not indeed that it floweth here , or wandereth thorow that masse , even as it doth in bruit beasts , or that therefore it dwelleth in a perpetual juyce ; but the air is incorporated throughout the whole body , nor varying from the disposition of the fruit produced : yea in the number or rank of mineralls , that disposer is almost vitall , and sensitive . because chymicall adeptists do with one voyce deliver , that if the seed of the stone which maketh gold , being once kept warm in their egg , be afterwards , in the least cooled or chilled , its conception , and progress to a stone would be afterwards desperate : which thing , seeing it is like to birds eggs , it also therefore cannot subsist without a sensitive life . truly , it is to be wondered at , that the schooles do acknowledge all second matter to flow from a certain universal matter , yet that they do not admit , immediately to derive every life , or all forms from the primitive life , and first act of all things : to wit , to derive all the perfection of things from the universal , and super-essential essence of perfection : yea rather , that they at this day do deride plato with his principle of the gods , and avicenna , with his cholcodea panto-morphe or goddess of cholchis that gives a form to all things : who nevertheless , have far neerer saluted the truth in this thing than christians , who maintain , that the very lives , substantial forms , and essential thinglinesses of things are produced by the aspiration or influence of the heavens , by the endeavour of accidents , and the favour of material dispositions . i set forth the blindness of the most rare men , made under or in a time of light . for they think the fire to be a substance , and the light to be an accident onely : they have consented through the strong belief of credulity , into the errours of the gentiles , and have been seduced into many absurdities . . they have been constrained , absolutely to deny the forms of things to be lights . . that lives , or forms , and lights , are placed among substances : seeing they acknowledged no middle being between a substance , and an accident . . matter , although it is a substance , to be constantly abiding , and alway remaining ; but forms to be privative substances , yet to be annihilated like accidents . . that matter doth b●rrow its substantial essence from a form not constantly abiding , but to be annihilated or brought to nothing . . that forms do yield to the matter in supporting , and subsisting : which absurdities , unless they had been credulous , they had by looking back taken notice of . . for they had known , that the minde onely among forms , is a substance . . but all other forms to be of the rank or number of life , without an accident , and substance . . that it is impossible for matter ever to be made an accident . . because matter is not to be annihilated . . that it is impossible for an accident to be changed into a substance . . that an accident taketh to it degrees , but not a substance . . and that therefore an accident being on both sides graduated , cannot lay aside its graduality , that it may be made a substance . . that although light be accounted an accident , it shall never make fire of it self , unless fire cease to be a substance . . that it is a frivolous question , how an accident doth make a substance , seeing it presupposeth an impossibility . therefore an accident shall not produce a substance from it self , seeing this is impossible : neither can an accident make a substance of a substance : for also , the question doth not presse , how a substance is made of a substance ; but how an accident doth produce a substance : for although a dispositive and accidentall operation doth interpose in the producing of a substantial thing : yet the producing of a substance it self doth not any way respect an accident , as its productive principle . moreover , seeing the two chief leaders of the schooles , waxing blind under the beholding of the light , and fire , have been made to wander from the truth , i have judged it worth my labour , for me to demonstrate to the young beginner of the art of the fire , that the fire is neither a substance , nor an accident ; but a creature peculiar , and seperated from both , which no where hath its like : but that kitchin fire is not a substance : for indeed none is elementary ; yea if it were , it should be of no use ( as i shall shew in its place . ) for four elements cannot concur to the composition of bodies which are believed to be mixt : because the substance of elementary fire doth not descend from so many leagues , that it may joyn it self to its fellow elements for the constitution of those mixt bodies , and that hastily and presently , at the pleasure of the seeds . neither is it the property of fire to descend , as neither is it the property of the water to call to it fire for a mixture for the future to be made . for those co-mixtures of elements are the dreams of heathens , and their ridiculous mockeries , whereby the schooles have hitherto without controversie , suffered themselves to be circumvented : because if there were an elementary fire nigh the moon ; that it might be true fire , it ought plainly to have the same properties , which kitchin fire hath ; or this likewise should not be fire , and the properties of this should not be essentially common to elementary fire : for the heavenly , or elementary fire ought actually to consume , and to have a nourishment , not indeed one more outward about it ; but wholly very well mixt within it ; seeing one part of the fire , ought to be nourished as well as the other : yea , for unless this should thus happen , the fire that was neighbour to the air , as to its nourishment , had devoured and consumed that its nourishment , and in the mean time , the fire near the heaven had before perished without nourishment . also i have shewen in its place , that it is a ridiculous thing for the air to be the nourishment of that fire , and that being as yet granted , that all air had long agoe failed , that fire cannot make an excrement out of air , nor any thing more pure , simple , before it , or finer . and moreover , if it should make fire of air , there is not afterwards an element a neighbour to fire , which of fire may at length produce another element : now of necessity , there had long since been no longer air , but whatsoever had been of an aiery form had been onely fire : or if elementary fire ought not to be nourished , although it hath most exceeding devouring qualities , at leastwise , the schooles ought to have shewen , why fire is lesse nourished , or doth turn the guest its neighbour into it self , than they suppose the other elements to do that . and likewise why kitchin fire , seeing it is true fire , hath this adjoyned necessity of nourishment for its support , or decay , and why the primary element of fire it self is deprived of the same : for they have not considered that true fire stands in the will of the artificer , and is forged , slackened , and heightened for his uses : for he stirreth up fire at his pleasure , out of things which it is virtually in ; neither also promiscuously out of all things : otherwise , man shall be a creator of the fire , who is onely the stirrer up thereof . furthermore , i call accidents all the properties , powers , and qualities of things : but the beings which have those qualities in themselves , besides their essence , are not accidents ; but the originall or entertainment of these : so the heat of the fire , is 〈…〉 property , and accident : neither is fire more heat , than fire is dryness , as neither is drynes●●eat : and seeing there is a distinct duplicity of these , those two cannot be together in the fire , that they may be the immediate essence hereof . but fire so differeth from both , that it may rightly be denied , that the fire is either heat , or is dryness : therefore the fire hath also its many properties , and first qualities ; to wit , heat , and dryness : and likewise other properties , as there is in it a force of seperating , destroying , burning up , making glass of that which is not glass , of promoting , ripening , &c. thirdly , there is light in the fire , as it were a property more intimate , and formall to it . but the first and second of the aforesaid qualities in the sire are meer accidents , distinguished in themselves apart from the fire : to wit , whose subject of inhering the fire it self is ; but light doth little differ in essence from fire , although in a formall piercing , and congress , the light may receive a degree requisite to the being of fire . therefore i will shew , that the fire is not a substance , or matter : yet it is the subject of inhering of those accidents , or of its aforesaid properties : therefore the fire is a certain true , and subsisting being , the which notwithstanding , as it is not a substance , so neither is it an accident , but a creature of a neither sort , appointed by the lord for the uses of men , and given under the leave or pleasure of the same . indeed i admire that the schooles have not hitherto acknowledged , have not looked into , have not sifted out a thing so plainly to be seen ; but that they have believed it to be an element , and by the onely beholding of the fire , have feigned it to be a fourth element , and have supported its subsistence with so many absurdities : neither likewise have they once heeded , that if the greatest heat should be fire , that heat should have the other accidents of fire infolded in it ; and therefore the heat of the fire should cease to be a simple thing . therefore the ignorance of the fire , and that which st. thomas , and scotus have subscribed to the invented mockeries of pagans , hath afforded the cause of the errours set down in the beginning of the chapter . therefore my proposition is ; that all substantial forms ( the soul of man excepted ) likewise the fire , light , place , the magnall or sheath of the air , life , &c , are neutrall creatures between a substance and an accident : for concerning the magnall , i have partly treated in the chapter of a vacuum : but i thus prove my proposition ; because they are actually something , and a being ; they likewise act , and have instruments , and properties ; yet they are not substances , as neither accidents : therefore [ neither ] creatures . which things , for the stating or confirmation of so great a paradox , are desired more liberally to be explained . wherefore the glasse which sends thorow it all the conceived beames of the light of the sun , and gathers them together in the air into the point of a cone or crest , teacheth , that this light being united , is true , and actual fire , yet not any thing diverse from the light it self , except onely in its collection . but light is not a substance , according to the schooles : therefore neither that fire . but moreover , that fire in the air is not diverse from that which is in the flame : for , for that it hath a combustible matter in the flame , but not in the air , that is to the fire by accident ; even as it is to be nourished , and not to be nourished . the major proposition , that it is true fire , is proved ; because it acteth all things after the manner of fire , by heating , drying , kindling , burning , melting , &c. and it hath the same meanes , and properties which true fire hath ; but no accident doth act by other meanes , or other properties , out of it self : but light being knit together , is an agent by properties , and other meanes out of it self : because it is the property of light , onely to inlighten : therefore light is not an accident . neither doth that shew it so to be , although the light being collected in the crest , liveth without nourishment : because it is sufficient , that the light of the sun , or flame doth sustain that light in the crest , without any other corporall food : and so that it liveth , and subsisteth in the crest by the same priviledge of the sun , or flame . truly to be nourished , or nor , is an accidentary thing , and an effect as to the essence ; and so the question of nourishment is impertinent in the question , whether the thing be . therefore , there is true fire with all its own properties , in the point of the crest , but a little above , or beneath the crest , there is likewise light , not any longer burning fire . but since the same thing cannot be in one place a substance , but in another an accident ; and now there is fire sound , which is nothing else but meer light knit together : therefore , there is now a creature found , which is not a substance , nor an accident : seeing there cannot be of one and the same thing , essences diverse in the whole predicament , and that thing in speaking absolutely , and without any respect , is thus true . therefore , there is meer actual fire found , which is nothing else but meet actual light connexed or knit together . therefore all fire wholly , is essentially nothing but light . neither is there room for supposing that light in its connexion is made a compound body diverse from it self , being not connexed : for we should be thrust thither onely for the difference of fire wanting nourishment , and refusing it . wherefore in looking more fully into the matter , truly kitchin fire is by no meanes nourished : for nourishing doth convert the thing which is to be eaten up , into it self , and for it self , that it may convert that which it taketh to it , for its own subsistence , or increase : but that thing happeneth not to the fire , which acts onely for the necessary ends of its own appointment : which are to seperate seperable heterogeneals , or things of a different kinde that are to be seperated , to change by the flame , and the which otherwise , if they cannot be inflamed , it onely seperates . but the fire hath need of air , that it be not stifled : first of all , surely that doth not come to passe that it may be nourished by the air , or be sustained by the same , or in any wise convert the air into it self , but onely that it may thrust forth its smoaks into the air , which the combustible matter hath provided , by inflaming : but fire is no where found , which ever appropriated any thing of a combustible body to it self , which was nourished , or increased thereby , which thing notwithstanding , the schooles have even hitherto without any controversie supposed : to wit , that the fire is necessarily fed , not onely with woods and coals , but also with air ; and so that it is alwayes of necessity , to be nourished with a double food : because it shall beneath appear that the beams in a connexed crest , do as yet keep their own property , and essence , not throughly mixed . in the next place , if connexion should change the essence of light , truly it going from the crest , should not be like to it self while it tended to the crest . and therefore , here is to be noted , that light is immediately in a place , but not in the air , or a mean. lastly , the beams do not onely proceed in a straight line , from the light to the object ; but also they are sidewayes , and crookedly collected , and go together , and do passe from subject into subject , whether thou shalt suppose a place , or the air. therefore by their fruits and works ye shall know them : that is , the works of the fire do prove the fire to be true : but those are , heat , drying up , raising up of vapours or exhalations , burning up , melting , kindling or enflaming , or producing of another fire from it self , a generating of its like , together with enlightning . the flame indeed is the kindled , and enlightned smoak of a fat exhalation : be it so ; but as the flame is such , and true fire , it is not another matter , being kindled , and not yet kindled , neither doth it differ from it self ; but that light being united in its center , hath come upon a fat exhalation ; which is the same as to be enflamed . let two candles be placed which have first burned a while , one indeed being lower than the other by a span ; but let the upper be of a little crooked scituation : then let the flame of the lower candle be blown out ; whose smoak , as soon as it shall touch the flame of the upper candle , behold the ascending smoak is inlightned , is burnt up into a smoakie or sooty gas , and the flame descendeth by the smoak , even into the smoaking candle . surely there is there , a producing of a new being , to wit , of fire , of a flame , or of a connexed light ; yet there is not a procreation of some new matter or substance . for the fire is a positive artificial death , but not a privative one , being more than an accident , and lesse than a substance . which thing since the schooles are as yet ignorant of , we must more largely declare , as well because it is a paradox , and hath respect unto the knowledge of forms , as that because from the ignorance thereof , most grievous errours have crept into medicinall affaires . wherefore , that i may perfectly teach the divers inclining nature of the fire , i will suppose some positions . . that the fire in an inflamed body , is so united to the inflamable matter , that it is like an essential form to it ; when as notwithstanding , it is the destroyer of the same . . that the inflamed matter is converted into a smoakie gas , which is not yet water , because although the fire hath consumed the seminall forces of the thing ; yet some first fermentall marks of the concrete body do remain ; which at length being consumed and slain , that gas returns into the element of water . . that every essential form is as for the essence of the thing in which it by it self is : and that the fire doth destroy even the fat smoak , or coal , the which it inflameth , and converts into a wild gas ( of which in its place . ) . that every essential form is so united to its own matter , that it being once seperated from thence , by extinguishing , or withdrawing , it returns no more to the same habit , or formall act . . that every form coming upon a matter , is impatient of another totall form : but a metall , or any other fixed body , being fired , the presence of the bright burning fire being withdrawn , returns alwayes into its former state . . that every form of a substance hath a specificall matter wherein it is : but the fire hath wood , wax , pitch , and as many subjects as there are particular fireable kindes . . that every substantial form doth at length rise up in the matter disposed by a foregoing seed : but the fire wants a seed , yea if there are any , it consumeth or wasteth them away . . that the forms of substances , have not degrees , but the fire doth admit of a degree by the bellowes . from which particulars i conclude , that fire is not a substance , not the essential form of substances ; but a positive death of things , and their destroyer , a singular creature second to no other : from whence i proceed thus to demonstrate it . there is no doubt , but that a coal is far more porie than iron , and that it hath lesse of soundness ; but yet , iron being fired doth more burn than a coal : therefore of necessity , iron contains more of the fire , in matter , and form ; but the consequence is false ; therefore fire is not a substantial composed body , consisting of the matter , and form of fire : because otherwise , if there were any substance proper to the fire , it should not pierce the dimensions of the body of the iron . the schooles answer to this against themselves , to wit , that the matter is more compact in iron , than it is in a coal ; and therefore it burns the more powerfully , as the iron is capable of the more fire : for that thing i assumed , to wit , that i might draw this argument from thence : if fire were a substance , consisting of a fiery matter and form , after the manner of any other substance ; the iron should of necessity be capable of lesse fire than the coal , for that it is weightier than a coal , and hath lesse , and fewer pores wherein the fire may be entertained : but if therefore the iron be capable of lesse matter , it ought to burn lesse : but the consequence is false , therefore also the antecedent : because two matters , or bodies , as neither the essential , totall , or ultimate forms of these , cannot suffer each other at once in the same place and subject . wherefore iron , and fire ( it this were a substance ) could not lodge together in the same subject . but if the schooles endeavour to evade , and say , that iron indeed , becomes on a fire , yet that it is never changed into fire : i answer , whatsoever obtains every property of fire , is fire : or fire hath not proper , but common passions with another being of another particular kinde : but the properties of fire , are to kindle , burn , seperate heterogeneal things , to melt lead , copper , wax , to burn in a combustible matter , and to consume : but all these things , iron fired doth more powerfully perform than a coal ; therefore in fired iron there is fire , and so much the more of fire , by how much it doth more burn than a coal . again , if iron fired , hath not in it true fire , but the properties of fire without fire ; those therefore shall be brought in , and left in the iron by the fire : from whence it followes , that the formal properties of the fire have left the proper form of fire in which they were ( suppose in the coals , or flame ) and have wandred into the substance of the iron diverse from them : for truly , they will not have it called fire , but as the inflamable body is kindled . add to these things , that if fire be a material substance , the substance of glasse ( which the detaining of the most subtile chymical spirits teacheth to have no pores ) and the substance of fire , should pierce each other at the pleasure of the artificer ; which things the schooles themselves do utterly deny . but besides the aforesaid absurdities , another doth accompany ; to wit , that heat in the fire doth onely make hot , but its dryness dryeth up , and nothing else : so also , the kindling , enlightning power doth kindle and enlighten , the seperating power seperates , the destructive doth destroy , &c. all which properties should not onely be generated by the form of the fire , in the strange matter of iron ; but should also there subsist without the proper subject of their inherence . wherefore the fire that is infired , is true fire not a substance , as neither an accident ; but a neutral creature , having in it self divers properties , after the manner of substantial beings . if the schooles , i say , had known this thing , they had known that light doth generate light and fire , not indeed as differing in the particular kinde ; but onely in uniting , dispersing , and so to be different onely in degree : neither therefore that an accident doth produce a substance in any respect : indeed they think that a fat smoak is the matter of fire , but the flame to be the form of fire , and by that thought , they feign it to be a composed body after the manner of other things : but as many absurdities as i have before repeated do hinder it : therefore the iron remaining iron , doth receive into it self true fire , together with its form . so the air remaining air , receives fire in the crest of the uniting beams , with its forms , and all its properties : but iron retaining the antient form of iron , cannot at once be informed by the form of the fire , if the form of the fire were any way substantial ; that is , unless the form of fire can leave its matter , that it may be onely the assisting form of the iron , but not the informing : for neither can air , remaining air , be at once also another body , as one body cannot be two , really distinct . but i pray you , if iron be not throughout its whole body fireable , but a coal altogether fireable ; what should move the fire , that having left its own matter , it should wander into the body of iron which is uncapable of fire ? therefore surely , the iron is fired , and it is capable of fire throughout its whole body , and so , as it hath thicker parts than a coal , so it self is capable of more fire : therefore it is manifest that fire is not a matter . lastly , it is not the property of elements presently to devour and consume other things ( as i have elsewhere largely taught : ) but fire plotteth the destruction of the thing wherein it is : therefore it is not an element , not a matter , or a substance ; but a destructive creature , and a death serving for crafts , and given for the great uses of mortall men . none ever reckoned light among substances ; therefore neither light connexed : for truly to be knit together , or not , is an accidentary thing ; which substantial thing is not generated ( as they think ) by an accidentary being . but moreover , the fire consisting in a slack degree of light , is for the most part the companion of life . but light being united , burns up things that have life . it is the vulcan or smith of arts , dedicated to humane necessities : for it hasteneth ripenesses , it promoteth the seeds to their ends ; it also hasteneth the seperations of things , the closure or end whereof , shortness of life could not else expect without grievous discommodity . for in this respect , it openeth , it teacheth to dissolve secrets , or things hidden , to hasten the operations of nature , otherwise oft-times , slow , drowsie , and buried . next , it seperateth and expelleth superfluities , it by the vertue of an adjoyned ferment , removeth the middle life of things , whence are , chearfulnesses , and increases of strength : it also seperateth the pure from the impure , the pretious from the vile , the hurtfull from the profitable , and the crude or raw , from the mature or ripe , yea , it ripeneth crudities themselves . and then , the fire prepareth the instruments of arts , which our life stands in need of . therefore let the father of lights , the creator of the light be highly exalted throughout ages , who hath placed a tabernacle in the sun , that he might comfort or supply all necessities by the light of his sun. now i will conclude from what hath been said before . . that fire , and hot light , do not differ but by accident ; to wit , in connexion and degree . . that the beames of light do pierce each other . . that in piercing , they notwithstanding do keep their essence and properties , not thorowly mixt . . that light is primarily in place ; therefore also fire . . that light and fire do pierce their mean. . that a thick , dark body , seeing it cannot be pierced by the light , is first affected by light in its superficies , and then this heats the succeeding parts even to its opposite superficies . . that heat is heightned in an object by degrees , and that in every degree it hath singular operations . . that whatsoever the fire affecteth , it is by reason of the place which the thing placed doth occupie ; and so , by accident ; seeing the chief intention of the fire is to heat by enlightning . . that the fire being at length the conquerour , overcomes the difficulties cast in between it , by the thick dark body . . that fire , seeing that it acts immediately , and primarily acts into a place , it burns all things indifferently , without respect to bodies cast in between , as it were removing the impediments . . that a thick , dark body being fixed , and resisting kindling , is at length enlightned by the fire . . that the fire or connexed light finding a combustible matter , doth remain con-centrated or centred together in its degree of connexing , neither are the beames of light seperated ; because it continually increaseth new fire which proceedeth in consuming ; but the old fire continually perisheth so long as the ascending doth continue . at the end whereof , the whole light perisheth , since it hath not light from whence it may be enlightned . whatsoever therefore , hath been hitherto spoken of united light , i understand it onely of the light of the sun : for truly the light of the moon being sent thorow a glasse , is so far from having fire in the crest , that it is also felt to be colder than the rest which environeth or goes about in the crest : therefore , i call for touching to be the judge . and that which is more wonderful than that , that the splendor of the sun which is hot , being reflexed in the glasse of the moon , doth actually wax cold : for the almighty hath created two great lights : and although most of the stars are bigger than the moon , yet they are not reckoned great , because all their activities are comprehended under the two lights : therefore he created those , first , that they might seperate the day from the night . secondly , that they may shine upon the earth . thirdly , that they might rule the day and night . fourthly , that the greater might rule the day , and the lesser the night . yet we learn from the speculations of the planets , that the moon shines as many houres upon the horizon by day , as she doth by night : yet the almighty hath appointed the moon , to shine , and onely to govern the night : and seeing the creator cannot erre , it must needes be , that the whole light , and governance of every night doth depend on the moon as much as the day depends on the sun. therefore , the moon was created to shine as well in the heaven , as upon the earth , the full of all nights . therefore the moon is not like a receiving glasse , reflecting on the light of the sun , and void of her own proper light : for although our eye findes no proper light in the moor , be it little : for we must give more credit to the scripture , than to our eyes , according to that saying ; the sun shall be darkened , and the moon shall not give her own light. from another place this truth shall by and by appear . first of all , it is manifest by the aforesaid handicraft-operation of the glasse , that the light of the sun being united , is made meer fire , with every thing requisite thereunto . and then , that the same light of the sun falling upon the icy glasse of the moon , doth loose the property of his own heat , and is made a cold light : which comes not to passe ; if it shall fall upon ice , glasse , water , a white wall , &c. therefore the moon hath powers or faculties , whereby she altereth the sun-beames : and that cold blas , ought to be of the nature of her own light , if between the agent and patient a co-resemblance ought to interpose : for truly , another cold object re-percussing or smiting back the sun-beames , cannot therefore change these into cold beames . truly neither heat , cold , rough , brickle , sweet , or bitter , do act on the light ; but onely visible , and dark objects : therefore the moon hath a lightsome force or power of her self , which as it is such , doth act upon the hot light , and changeth it into a contrary property . what if the astrologer doth foretell the future colours of eclipses , do not those colours promise some certain light proper to the moon ? for truly , they are not conjectured of from a mean or vapours : because colour cannot be foretold from the quantity of vapours , in the calculation of a future eclipse . therefore let the colours of the moon failing of light , be the tokens of a light proper unto her . and in this the beames of both lights do differ , that the sun strikes his light by beames in a right line ; but the moon doth never respect the center of the world , or the earth in a right line ; but her center is alwayes excentrical : for she respects the center of the world onely by accident ; that is , when she is con-centricall with the world : and therefore as oft as she is con-centricall in full moon , and new moon , there is an eclipse . therefore the dragons head and tail , are night-points , wherein onely the sun is directly opposed to the moon in an excentrical diameter . therefore the moon-beames , do not strike the earth in a right line ; but they are dispersed into an excentricall space , and so she , by way of influence , or by the action of government ( of which in its place ) displayes her forces on the night , or on nadir the point underneath the horizon right opposite to our feet , whether she accompany the sun , or indeed be estranged from this sun by a full diameter : for such is the appointment of the moon , which the exundations or spring-tides of the sea do confirm , which are wont to be no lesse under the moon laying hidden , than at the full of the same . therefore one end of the lights is to rule the day and night : next , another end is to seperate the light from the darkness ; and another end to seperate the day from the night . neither is that repetition to be imputed to a solecisme or incongruity : for truly , the sun shining , or the moon restoring her light received from the sun , the light indeed is sufficiently seperated from the darkness ; but the light of the sun never rules the night , as neither doth he shine in the night : therefore , that the moon likewise may satisfie her appointment , she can never rule the night by a borrowed light of the sun. which thing sufficiently appeareth , at leastwise , while she runs with the sun by day , according as by night . therefore if then also , the moon ought to satisfie the divine intention , she must needes have also by all meanes , another light , whereby she may shine all nights , and may rule the night , and a far other manner of powring forth her light , than that wherein she reflecteth the light of the sun. indeed the moon sends forth her proper displayed light , beyond , no lesse than beneath the hemisphere of the air , water and earth : which way , the supposition of the center of the universe maketh or tendeth , according to the opinion of tycho : yet so , that the action of government of light , and influence operates more powerfully in the night , from whence the sun is absent : the which , that he may seperate the day from the night , ought to seperate the properties of the moon from his own , although the moon be conjoyned with him . diseases belonging to the moon do prove that thing , which are exasperated a little before night , also at the new of the moon : and so she worketh thorow the bones , and marrowes of those who are shut up in their bed-chamber : which thing , is not so proper or natural to the sun. therefore the moon doth sometimes make a stronger influence on that part of the sphere that is opposite unto her , than on the part where she is placed . this light being unknown to the antients , hath been called an influence : but i had rather reserve the sense of the scripture ; because it is said , the moon was created to give light by night ( that is , all nights indifferently ) even so as the sun gives light by day . therefore that which they have called an influence , is the property of the moones light , and that is not to have named a thing from the effect , but from the causes . the bat , dormouse , mouse , owl , and whatsoever creatures do distinguish their objects afar off in the night , under the thickest darkness , and do note the swiftest motions of objects , which our eyes can scarce observe at noon-day ; some of whom , although they may bear before them a grayish , or skie-coloured brightness ; yet they never enlighten the mean by that brightness , that they may see perfectly through it at a far distance : therefore there must needes be some continual light in the thickest night , and shut up den , for which lights sake such living creatures do perfectly see : but if it be unperceived by us , and yet doth in truth exist , it is no wonder if the light proper to the moon hath deceived our eyes . but that it may be plainly made known , that night-wandring animalls do send no light out of their eyes , which may be for the enlightning of a medium or mean , to know distinctly an object placed afar off ; and so that those creatures do see onely for the light of the moones sake . let a looking-glasse be placed between the eye of a living creature , and its object , and that under the thickest darkness ; and surely thou shalt not finde the least reflexion of light in the glasse : yet if thou shalt put a small candle at the utmost end of a large hall , but if in the other furthest end of the hall there be a hole , thorow which that feeble light may passe into another dark hall or room , in whose end let a looking-glasse be ; truly that weak light being shaken by the direct beame of the flame of the candle , is received , and will appear in the glasse ; yet it is not sufficient for a man to discern any object . therefore much lesse shall the brightness or shining of the eyes , a beam whereof doth not fall , and appear in a nigh glasse , be fit to enlighten the mean , that they may perfectly discern all things . for there is under the earth a light even at midnight , whereby many eyes do see ; being witnessed in the holy scriptures , and bewrayed by those kinde of bruit creatures , which owes not its rise but to the moon : for therefore there was darkness that might be felt : which should far exceed ours , although thick , because it was deprived of all help of the moon : nor is it a wonder that darkness hath its degrees , seeing the infernall pit hath its utter , or uttermost darkness ( because an hebraisme wants the superlative degree ) without the favour of the moon . for happily , abstracted spirits have something which for seeing , may answer to our eyes , that it may not see wholly throughout the whole , of what belongs to it self ; and some of these spirits are seers by night , but others being mute or silent like to bats , may as it were wax dim or dark under the sun or in the day time ; and therefore they do the more willingly appear to their own in the dark , and mid night : therefore i will subscribe a history of this . i had in my time of being at the university , a chamber-fellow born of honest citizens . this man , his eyes being shut , did for the most part rise , and wander in the night ; but he carried away the key with him , and returning , opened the lock that he had shut after him . in the evening therefore , i arise , and secretly hide the key under the bolster ; but he arising in his sleep , takes the hidden key , as if he had seen it , and goes his way . i taking my coat , followes him : but he climbed an antient wall , the bound of the colledge , beset with mosse , and hay : for there was an arch , whereby , on the other side of the river , the wall did support the wall of a neighbouring garden . it was full moon , and a frosty night . i was amazed at the sight , and by reason of the cold returned . but my chamber-fellow by and by returning , he so quickly or cleverly , hid the key in a hole of the cloyster , that any one seeing , could scarce do that thing so undelayingly at noon day : but in the morning , he was unmindefull of all that he had done . for those walkers , their eyes being shut , do see clearly under the thick darkness , they climbe securely , without giddiness of the head , because they do enjoy a moon light . a small wound becomes oft-times hard to be cured , because it is inflicted on a member by the moon , appearing or advancing . under the equinoctial line all things do soon putrifie : not indeed by reason of excess of heat ( which is now and then greater , and more constant elsewhere ; for truly , under the line it sometimes raineth for dayes together ) but surely , by reason of the continual nearness of the moon , and the long and round figure of the globe , as i shall prove in its place . if a dead man , or a bruit beast , shall passe ( one night at least ) all the night under the moon ( for there she smites the near places with a full beam ) on the morrow morning the dead carkase flowes abroad or abounds with corruption . by occasion whereof , it is related among experiments , that if any one ( the light of the moon being collected into a cone or crest ) doth cast her beames through a glasse , upon warts , apostemes that have a humour like hony , small tumours called nats , and the like excrescences , untill they shall feel the cold within , they do easily vanish afterwards of their own accord . nor is it a wonder ; for such defects do heatken to the moon increasing : hence also in her decrease they shall the more easily perish . indeed i know , if the moon shall shine upon a wound , that its lips do straightway wax black and blew , or envious , and resist healing . in the next place , if a frog be at the full of the moon , in a most sharp north winde of winter , digged up , washed clean , and tied to a staffe in a field , the morrow morning a certain white , and transparent muscilage is found , resembling gum dragon dissolved , and the shape of a frog . for that is not the workmanship of cold ( which by it self onely cooles , and occasionally freezeth ) else the full of the moon should not be required : wherefore i impute it to be a passage into its first matter . moreover , that first matter of a frog doth very much prevail in the healing of a cancer , life . and is called by paracelsus , under a riddle , gluten de aquatico or the glew of the watery thing or creature ; therefore the sun doth call forth the flowing of seeds , unto the bound of the last life . but the moon on the contrary , drawes to the first matter of a thing . for seeing the moon doth draw waters , and fat or nourishable things into the juyce leffas , therefore a profitable observation of planting , and dunging is referred to the moon . also that plants do profit no lesse by night than by day , the family of mustromes and pompions doth shew . neither is the gathering of plants before sun-rising , superstitious : not indeed because nature like unto serpents or creeping things , ceaseth from its works by night ; but because they being the more plentifully nourished by the night , have obtained a full nourishment . therefore the moon is chief over the night , darkness , rest , death , and the waters ; as all things do return to death , rest and water : and for that cause doth the moon bring in a passage to transmutation . indeed she doth primarily behold , and move or affect rather the seminall powers than the matter of the same : yea truly , because the light of the moon drawes back seminall things especially , to their first life , or matter : therefore some adeptists do begin the labour of wisdom with the light of the moon , according to that saying ; night unto night sheweth knowledge to those that seek it . therefore two great lights are sufficient for all motions , and progresses of seeds , from the first into the last life , and from this into that : for because they do abundantly suffice to the fruitful use of nature ; hence they do enroule the other stars among their bands : and therefore the scripture hath made mention onely of the two greater lights . thus far of fire , and light. i being now about to speak of the birth of forms , will rehearse that the masse of seeds do receive into them a corporall air , the vulcan , which i name the archeus or master-workman . some seeds of woods , or kernels , or oil , do contain him in them , as almonds , pine-kernels , pistack-nuts , and the seeds of many pot-herbs : or they are mealy seeds , as acorns , chesnuts , and corny or grainy seeds : or they do powre forth a milky fruitful muscilage or slimy juyce : for the archeus inhabits them , being drowsie , and sleeping in the curd of the seeds , being content with his condition as long as he is negligent of propagation : but when his seed is once committed to the earth , he cannot but drink in his liquor , and become swollen , and then contract a scituation , and presently snatch to him a ferment putrified by continuance : which odour , and savour , although it be putrified by continuance , yet in every seed it is specificall , and therefore altereth by its obtained ferment , the proper savour of the seed , and consequently , is disposed thereby into a transmutation of it self : for through the putrefaction by continuance , that native or seedy moysture as soon as may be thinks of its resolving , whence is a certain vapour , and afterwards an exhalation : a gas ( which indeed doth easily ascend out of putrifying things ) is stirred up , and there ariseth out of them a heat at the time of that putrifying , of what sort soever it be , such as plainly comes to passe in woods rotting by laying under the ground ; and the which , do straightway thrust forth a spongy smoak : because that smoakiness , the signifier of the heat , and dissolved body , doth threaten a seperation of things of a different kinde , and so that vitall air , although but even now more deeply shut up , threatens a breaking forth out of its seminall liquors , yet its reins being loosed , it wanders first within : so new , and moyst hay hath made the un-looked for firings of houses : truly not tokens of a slack heat , but of heat rising to a degree . therefore the air having once gotten a moderate heat , it by degrees meditates of the perfection of an archeus , doth aspire it , and provoketh the lump of the body placed under its charge , to the archieveable dispositions of forms . but what hath been already said concerning vegetables , that doth more plainly appear in the eggs of fishes , flying birds , and creeping things , and most manifestly of all , it shines forth in the seeds of four-footed beasts . at length therefore , the thin , shining , and twinckling or bright light doth kindle the aforesaid air of the archeus , so as thereby he may be made vitall . furthermore , as mineralls are not diminished , nor made great by the substituting of off-springs , and their manifold propagation : yet because they do contain in them their beginnings from whence they have increased , and are : therefore , although they are not blessed with a fruitfulness of issue , yet they have in their own monarchy the constitutive , radicall , and seminall beginnings of themselves within . i have already said , that this air is awakened in the seeds of things by a fit matter ; and then , that by the young birth of an inward heat , by reason of a received putrifying through continuance , it doth conceive a heat , and at length a brightness , as in fishes ; or a shining , as in things actually hot : not indeed that that splendor is the soul or form of a plant , bruit beast , &c. ( for otherwise there should be of every plant the same form in the species , or particular kinde ) notwithstanding , there is in the splendor it self , another specifical thingliness conceiving with young by a specificall odour , nor far different from the splendor which limits the light it self unto [ this something , ] or particular essential thing : so indeed , that although that splendor be stirred up by the force of nature alone ( as putrified woods , things salted , and the sea it self do teach ) yet it is never made vitall but by the creator , the specifical form of a certain light being added to it , the effectress of a thingliness or essence : to wit , which alone draweth the odour , splendor , and all the properties of the enlightned air at once into the unity of it self . indeed this is the life , or form of a thing , for want of whose supply , the young degenerateth into a hard piece of flesh in the womb , a monster , or corruption . and although the vitall air , and its splendor be present , and do increase ; yet because the formall and vitall light faileth , which draweth the subaltern or coursary succeeding properties , and diversities under unity , the young is corrupted , and straightway putrifieth . wherefore the father of lights alone doth immediately frame or create the lights of forms , and the forms of lights : who giveth life and all things to all , nor is not far off from every one of us . moreover , the progress of generation in hot seeds , is of a more easie conception : for the seeds do presently putrifie by reason of heat , afterwards the archeus of those doth easily borrow a splendor , as the betroathed air of a greater light : for being not yet contented with the obtained vegetative faculty of his own kinde , he breatheth further , and proceeds to the light co-promised to his seed , and stayeth , and is quiet in the sensitive soul , as not being able to climbe beyond it . but even as in the systeme or constitution of things , there are onely four degrees ; so also there is a fourfold form of them : one of them indeed is of those which do promise scarce any manifestation of life , as the heaven , the stone , metall , fire-stone , salt , sulphur , liquors , earths ; likewise barren vegetables , dry bones , &c. whose form is a certain material light , a form containing , and giving a being to the thing , and therefore it is also deservedly called essential . but the other rank of things , seemeth to contain a vitall beginning , and character of a soul by the vigour of nourishment and increasing : as are plants , whose form varying from the fore-going form , are graced with the title of life : therefore is it to be called the vitall form : not indeed that such a form is a living soul ; but vitall onely , as it beares the entrances or flourishes of a sensitive and living soul. at length , the third order of things , obtains a living form , not by similitude , but truly motive and sensitive : and therefore it is likewise called a substantial form ; not indeed by an absolute name , a substance : but substantial onely , as if it should carry it self after the manner of a certain abstracted spiritual substance . and lastly , the fourth is truly , and one onely substance among them all : so it ought to be callod a formall substance , never to perish through the infiniteness of its continuance . but i have demonstrated , the light and fire to be a neutral creature between a substance and an accident . the same thing in this place , comes to be understood concerning every natural form , to wit , the essential , and substantial , as they are of the race of light. but that the angel , and minde of man are formall substances , and truly spiritual ; their abstracted manner of existing doth prove : which is denied to other forms , who do subsist , and perish after the manner of every light . whence i collect it into a new position for the schooles . that no substance is to be annihilated by the force of nature , or art . it hath alwayes seemed an absurd thing to me , that a matter imperfect in it self , barren , and impure , should after its creation , be thenceforth eternall , and that forms that are to be annihilated by death should be true substances : that substances , i say , should be so much more lively than matter , and yet momentary . wherefore it now appeareth , that the consideration of the fire by the discourse of nature , doth unlock the gate of nature , and enlighten all philosophy , and hath excluded all despisers of the art of the fire . i considered in times past with trouble : if the form of a thing be most chiefly , and principally a substance , and so an act whereby the matter is [ this something ] or particular subfisting thing : truly the form ought most principally to subsist , and endure , or that maxime is false ; that by which every thing is such , that thing it self is more such . but the consequence , together with the maxim is false : for all the souls of beasts , and all their forms are frail or mortall ; for therefore i reckoned with my self , the antecedent also to be false . indeed all created things were made of nothing , and so they keep the disposition of that principle , and therefore the forms and being of things , do in the first place return of their own accord into their former nothing . notwithstanding , god created not man immediately of nothing , but of the mud or dust of the earth ; and therefore his creation was far otherwise , than that of other things : for the almighty took dust from the earth , not indeed that which was equall in weight to a man , like an image-maker ( for of one onely rib , he formed the whole body of the woman ) that he might manifest the mystery of this irregular creation not to be after the manner of other things ; but substantial as to the form : i say , the whole mystery directed to its ends , or to the soul , manifesting that the soul of man was not onely an out-law , and one onely substance among other forms ; but also , that from the unequalness of mud , or the rib , to a whole person , we might see that our soul is a formall substance , not of quantity , but meerly spiritual : and that which being at sometime abstracted by way of a truly sub-standing or remaining being , should afterwards ( by the gift of creation ) endure for ever . therefore every form is created by the father of lights , into a proper particular kinde , and is a certain light of its own body . but forms are distinguished among themselves , not onely by the degree of light , but in the whole species : and therefore there are as many species of lights in nature , as there are of things . and seeing that also angels are numbered among things ; it followes , that there are far more species of lights , than of material things . but we must deservedly call to minde , that there is a brightness or splendor in the archeus of seeds , and so something like to a formall light , which brings the matter to the suitable bounds of its particular kinde : yet that that splendor doth far differ from a formall light ; for truly that is forthwith , and immediately created by the father of lights ; but the splendor proceedeth out of the lap of nature . and the largeness of the difference and unlikeness , is placed in this , that amongst it or at the most , the splendor of the seeds , is the effect of the master-workman ; but the formall light is a cause and vitall act . again , the splendor differs from the archeus as light doth from matter , and therefore the whole being of the splendor is terminated in shining ; but the light of the form is so annexed to the thingliness or essence of it , that they are formally one and the same , being distinguished onely by a relation : and so , although the formall light doth shine ; yet its act is not terminated in shining , but in an essentificall thingliness . and therefore brightness and shining are indeed the beginnings of degrees to a fireable light , and the heats thereof ; whereas the formall light , differs in the whole general kinde from a fireable light , and therefore it knowes no degrees ; but hath distinct , and distinctive species or shapes in its formality , as well in the specificall essence , as in the individual essence : and therefore nature ought to receive its specifical distinctions from the formall light , it not being otherwise able to distinguish it self from it self , unless by some former thing which may contain an act of distinction : as neither to perfect it self , by it self , unless it doth receive that from some former thing , efficiently perfecting . and seeing that forms do actively distinguish things themselves , and perfect them , a power of infinite wisdom , foreknowing from end even to end , is considered in them . i have already taught before , that the light of the sun falling on the earth , meeting with the light of the moon , they do mutually pierce each other : so the light of our soul may touch , and immediately pierce all the forms of all things , so it hath but once lost the contagions of its body : but as long as it is the companion of the body , it pierceth forms subordinate to it self : which thing is signified in the word ; he hath put under his feet the birds of the heaven , the cattel of the field , and the fishes of the sea. for whatsoever the immortall soul ( i speak not of the sensitive ) doth issuingly think of , it also reacheth to that very thing , even as in the treatise of the hunting or searching out of sciences ; and in the squaldron of diseases . so likewise the minde pierceth also its sensitive soul ; and so they do derive the thoughts of the soul into the body . on the other hand , the conceipts of the sensitive soul ( to wit , while a man being asleep , thirsteth , is hungry , &c. ) do ascend into the heart , and oft-times do strike the immortal minde . hence therefore it followes , that all the properties of things , as well hidden , as manifest , are imprinted on bodies by reason of a formall co-touching , so that at length they do also defile even the deliberations of the formall substance : as when a mad man doth but even lightly wound the skin with his tooth , presently thereupon , the resembling mark of madness is propagated or increased in the light , whereby the sensitive soul , and minde do touch each other . but god , although he hath an immediate co-touching of all forms ; yet he is not likewise touched or reached by any form ; but by the soul actually mediating or intreating in the symbole or resembling mark of good ; and that , as being his image , reflecteth it self upon god. but other forms as they are frail or mortall , so they have no right of acting on the infinite , substantial , and thrice glorious light . therefore from what hath been said before , it is certain , that what things are innocency in aristotle , are the blasphemies of the schooles ; in saying , that if god should act any thing immediately , he ought also to suffer are-acting . and that the immaterial god , doth make use of immaterial instruments , that he may work or do any thing . moreover , seeing the minde of man doth most nearly shew forth the image of god , is immortall , and therefore is not capable of suffering ; i could not perswade my self that it is so restrained to the lawes of the body , that it can suffer by this body . i know that this is true , that while health remains , the chief powers of the minde are often troubled : therefore i acknowledge one health in the being , and another in the mind : yet i cannot comprehend that an immortall , spirituall substance can suffer by an infamous excrement which in no wise reacheth it : for whatsoever suffers , that is made by a stronger agent , and subjecteth it self unto it . but a frail agent , capable of sliding every hour , and every way limited , cannot be stronger than an immortall and spiritual being , with which it hath no resemblance , nor co-touching . therefore the immortall minde is not mad , doth not doare , sleepeth not through opiates or sleepy medicines , is not estranged through the exorbitancy or irregularity of hypocondrial melancholy , doth not vary through lunatickness or frantickness at a certain time of the moon , neither stumbleth it through wine , as neither doth it feel madness through the stroak of a mad dog , or the tarantula . therefore madnesses , and the alienations of reason are not proper to the minde : but this being afterwards afflicted by corrupted nature , through the weariness of the body , hath committed its vicarship to the sensitive soul , which it pierceth onely with a vitall beam , that it may be , and live , may be entertained , and rowled up in it ; but as to any thing else , it beholds it ill-favouredly , onely crookedly or by the by . but the sensitive soul in a man , is not the specifical form of any bruit beast , and much lesse an individual one , that it may be a bruit beast , before it is a man. they were doubtful in this thing , as many as before me have thought the forms of bruit beasts to be substances , and to be taken immediately out of the very substance of the matter , not a new light to be brought down from above by the creator , which may not be a substance ; but a light which may be the band of a specificall oneness : without which , all the endeavours of nature , dispensations of bodies , excitings , and splendors of the air , are void , and so whatsoever endeavours of seeds are enticed out of the bosome of nature are vain and barren . for the archeus cannot give that which he hath not , neither hath he that which is far narrower than his own nature . therefore the creator doth enlighten or illustrate the archeus with a light of specifical essence of thingliness , after an unutterable manner , and also co-knits it into the unity of a composed body : and there is in the sensitive creatures a soul , or sensitive life : therefore in its moments of maturity , and period of appointment , the bruitall conception is soulified with a specificall formall light : but seeing the seed of man hath not a specificall determination unto brutall dispositions ( unless a woman with young doth by chance through imagination , alienate the figure of mans seed ) and the almighty hath knowledge , whence , and whither all seeds do flow ; when now it is come to a life in man , it receiveth an undistinct sensitive soul , as to its brutality , in splendor , enjoying onely life ; and also at the same instant , together with life , the creator coupleth an immortall minde , that by this ultimate act the sensitive soul may be limited to a species or particular kinde by a humane individual : yet it is to perish together with the life of man , because it is coupled indeed to the formall and immortall substance ; but is not united , nor pierceth the same , but onely toucheth it irregularly , even as in the chapter of long life : therefore the sensitive soul is specifically limited by the minde , as it were light by a clear substance , else it should be unfit for the union of the body : and so its subordination to a further act , in the conception of the creator , takes away from the sensitive soul a specifical limitation : because the being of a subordinate form doth not appoint or limit the name , or species of a thing , although it actually exist in the individuall . and that also , because the sensitive soul is not a substance , or an accident , but a neutrall lightsome nature : for neither is the vegetative soul the form in a bruit beast , whiles he onely groweth , and doth not yet perceive : because it is subordinate to the sensitive soul. many therefore have thought , that two formall acts do not suffer together with each other , because they thought they were two substances ; and they contradicted themselves in the fire , while they might see light to ●ierce light , fire iron , yea and fire to be pierced ( by the bellowes ) with adjoyned fire . lastly , the sensitive soul in bruit beasts is not a naked promotion of the vegetative soul , or a passage to a more perfect state of it self : that , that coming to it , this should decay , or that this should be changed into that : for none hath said , that the souls of plants are an accident ; but all confess them to be a vitall subsisting being : for they are vitall souls , but not proper living souls : for so a plant waxing dry , its vitall light perisheth with its soul ; yet for the most part , the virtue of that simple remaining long : i have said for the most part , because the root of anemony or wind-flower being plainly dried into wrinckles , doth as yet wax green or revive again , &c. therefore the operations of souls , and their effects do remain different ; so that the functions of one soul may be extinguished , those of the other being unhurt : therefore the severed lights of the soul , and the subordinate ones , are limited to the bound of an appointed duration , in motion : in which bound , unless they are pierced by a light coming upon them , they straightway cease to be . therefore this vitall light differeth from a fiery light ( as i have said ) in the end , meanes , instruments , effects , and properties : because a fiery light in a slack degree , is not at any time living , not vitall , unless occasionally , as it stirreth up : but in a heightned degree , being reduced by the folding up of it self together , it is a destroyer , and an artificial death , and a simple creature : whereas otherwise , the lights of forms are divided throughout all the species of things : seeing things do not elsewhere draw their thingliness , than from lightsome forms . and we may easily measure the diversities of lights , if the same light of the sun being repercussed or struck back by the moon , can so easily change its properties . last of all , the archeus of mineralls is plainly materiall , liquid , covering a hidden and drowsie brightness under thickness , which is more growing , and liquid in plants : but in the four-footed beast it openly flo●teth and shineth ; so that the living creature dying , a failing splendor may be presently seen in his eyes . for feign an oxe of pound weight , which the light of life being extinguished , is straightway cold : therefore that hot light must needes be of so much moment , that it may preserve so many pounds rushing into cold , by its continual nourishment , from cold . therefore the light of four-footed beasts , and birds is sunny , no otherwise than that of fishes doth prove it a splendor of the moon : for there is no seldom example of the cold light of fishes : by night i say , in shrubs or tamarisks , earths , and combustible things : for there is a light , and that a kindled one , a shining exhalation without fire and heat : for now and then , i under the thickest darkness of the night , clearly distinguish lines under the aforesaid light . suppose also after the same manner , vegetables to obtain a twofold light , from the nature of light , but not of an element , because all things do consist of one onely element . seeing therefore the schooles have been ignorant of the properties of lights , it is no wonder that they have stumbled in the degrees of simples . and so , another judgement is hereafter to be given concerning the degrees of simples , according to their participation of more or lesse light from their governing light . that which the art of the fire declareth , by the separation or withdrawing of the lightsome being from the other part of the composed body : which thing is scan●y or difficult enough to many ; but to the ade●tists very easie : for by the fire of hell , which is the liquor alkahest of paracelsus , it may be known , how great a part of either light a vegetable ( even unknown , bruised , and covered in its scituation ) may possess , no lesse than with what shape or figure it was adorned : and that , not by the perswasion of quercetanus , who when he had seen a weak lixivium or lye to be congealed , thought the seminall being of a nettle after its turning to ashes , to have ●emained in the salt of the ashes ; because the ice beginning , doth contract its drops point-wise . paracelsus also is deceived , because he writeth that all vegetables cannot exceed a heat of the first degree . indeed the great lights have wonderfully shone in simples , and their seeds do ascend for the grace of the universe , to a largeness of degrees , and therefore all forms have a light of essentificall thingliness , reduced to the conjunction of either light . yet the lights of the luminaries are not the constitutive forms of simples ; for that , the light of the sun is combustive or burning up , even in its simplicity . therefore it is a shamefull thing , that a man and the sun doth generate a man : because it is that which is stuffed with the idiotisme or proper form of speech of heathenisme . in the next place , the seeds of birds , and four-footed beasts are at first muckie or snivelly , because they are perfected by a very small help of the light of the sun : but they are contracted and thickned by little and little , that they may be sufficient for the consistence of their generated young . in the mean time , the eggs of fishes are at first more hard , and straightway the light of the moon assisting , they wax tender into a snivelliness . therefore there are two great lights , and those sufficient , as there are so many primitive elements . the sun is chief over the air , as the moon over the wombs , or motherly waters . wherefore a living creature brought forth by the light of the sun , hath need of a continual sucking of air ; as also fishes are constrained uncessantly to draw waters for the sustaining of themselves , and the refreshment of their light . i have known indeed , the light of the sun to betake it self into a flint ( to wit , onely by the preparation of the flint ) that without the presence of the sun , that attained light may remain for some space under the thickest darkness ; and again , the light is drawn out by a new exposing of the flint to the sun in the day-time , although clowded . therefore this was the necessity of inspiration , not to be despised by us ; to wit , as a restauration of the lights contained by a certain consanguinity in seeds , doth happen ; but not onely a desired temperature of cold alone ; as the fish witnesseth . it sufficeth therefore , that no form of naturall things is produced by the heaven , by the sun , out of the dreamed appetite of the matter , or whatsoever disposition of the seeds ; because that all these things are included in the race of accidents : neither have they known the way to a creating of nothing : for nature is not able of it self , ever to ascend to the procreation of a vitall light : but christ the lord of the universe , is alone the life and parent of all things ; neither will he give this honour to any creature . therefore god alone is the father of lights . but he is not so called , because he made the stars : for as he is not called the father of stones , or of things not living ; so neither of the s●ars . yea , neither is he therefore called the father of vegetables , although they have a certain vitall light in them . therefore the father of all lights , is he alone to whom onely the name of father belongs : and who is onely to be called father , and is in the heavens . for although a fleshly father doth give of his own , whence the name of paternity or fatherliness is given unto him : yet because he is not the giver of vitall lights , or the creator of forms , ●he name of vital fatherliness is forbidden to be given to the creature . therefore god is the father of lights , or of vitall forms . and there are as many of those diverse lights , as there are of vitall forms : for because souls are not known by a notion from something before them , or of a precedent thing : therefore , are they by a general etymologie , called lights , with a son-like property , whose correlative is a father : yet so , as that paternity is by way of proportion or similitude : for although he truly createth all living souls , yet beasts do not assume the sonship of a proper name ; because , neither the likeness of that their father : for their souls do perish with their life , in manner of the flame of a candle : therefore the mind of men onely is an immortall substance , shewing forth the image of the father of lights : and therefore power is given to him of becoming the son of god. which things , seeing we believe by faith , i am angry that even still to this day it is taught by christians , that the forms of things , and souls of bruit beasts are true and spiritual substances ; by consequence , that they are not vitall lights , nor created by the father of universal lights , but are given and made by the sun , and likewise raised up out of the power of the seed . as though a spiritual substance could be created by the power of a matter . for i esteem that thing to be retained in the schooles among the sweepings or drosse of heathenisme ; but not without wronging the divine majesty : to whom all filial or son-like love is due . chap. xxii . magnum oportet , that is , it is a thing of great necessity , or concernment . . the unconstancy of paracelsus . . the birth of voluntary things by their generall kinds . . the disagreement of archeusses . . very many accidents do remain in a new generated thing . . species are to be added to , or diminished by oportet or necessity , contrary to aristotle . . the errour of paracelsus in oportet it self . . accidents do change their own proper formall objects . . a contrary perswasion hath hitherto overthrown natural philosophy . . how the same accident doth wander with the middle life of a thing . . from whence there are so many diversities of natures in a man. . that feigned whorish appetite of the matter . . a demonstration of the errour . . whence the necessity of things , really , and principiatively , is . . the schooles have not taught true beginnings . . some things are corrupted in the air , but other things are preserved . . whence the corruption of things is . . corruption is onely of the matter . . what corruption is . . corruption is not from privative things , contrary to aristotle . . carruption and generation do not reciprocally succeed . . the unadvisedness of the schooles . . what magnum oportet may be . . the earth , but not the water shall bring forth thistles and briars . . what kinde of digestion there was before sin . . what is the misery of thistles . . odours and savours are fundamentall ferments . . the errour concerning the eight tasts . . the three lives , their flowings and ebbings thorow the three monarchies of things . . why warts do perish through the touching of an apple . . the foundation or ground of sympathy . . the going backwards of life . . a threefold life of mineralls . . properties are in a place , and in the thing placed . . what the double nothing is , in the words ; the earth was empty , or without form , and void . . it is proved by the handicraft-operation of a flint , that light is a being without a shining light . . perceivings are in the instruments of the senses . . which way the magnall is serviceable . . who are the immediate citizens of places . . the originall , and progress of metalls . . a more manifest progress of life in metals . . whence mineralls are of so great efficacy . . the dignity of the archeus before sin . . which are the ambulatory or walking qualities . . that which the schooles cry out to be impossible , is necessary in nature . . whence that errour is . . some absurdities following from thence . . a frivolous maxim. . the blindnesses of the schooles are to be pitied . . why the objects of sight do more work in one that is with young . . adeptists do walk through the objects of sight . . some speculations in the position of the appearances of spirits . . the distinctions of qualities by modern writers or philosophers . . the occasions of diseases . . the manner whereby a hydrophobiaor a disease causing the fear of water is made . . the same concerning other poysons . . the successive alterations of poysons . . the manner whereby poysons do work . . considerations about the activity of poysons . . the blowing out or extinguishing of life , in what manner it happeneth . surely i have thus at unawares fallen from the elements into the birth of forms , and there i have distinguished of a fourfold form , diverse in kinde from each other . . to wit , an essentiall form. . a vitall form. . next a substantiall form. . and at length , the excellency of a formall substance , i have added for the end or top of nature . for when i had explained my doctrine concerning the elements , i fell by degrees into the history of vitall things , and consequently also i perceived my self devolved into the necessities of diseases and death ; indeed , that i might apply the beginnings of naturall philosophy to the end of humane appointment : therefore have i come to magnum oportet : to wit , i have come down to the flowings and ebbings of life , and so to the hidden calamity of death . wherefore all our consideration of nature shall hereafter become medicinall . for truly , paracelsus being not constant enough to himself , stumbled in the finding out of the cause of a disease , in the mean and manner whereby every thing tends to a declining : ( to the clearing up whereof , i have already taught before , that the fruits which antiquity hath believed to be a heap of elements , are the off-springs of the one element of water , begotten with childe by the seed , which disposeth the water to generate in places , as it were in wombs : for wheresoever the water obtains an odour , it straightway also conceiveth in that very moment , a ferment , and after that a seed , in the begun disposition of the matter disposed by the ferment : for truly most things are made for the sake of the odour alone . for oft-times , the root , stalk , pith , leaves , and history of a whole plant , is born by reason of the flour of the odour , or odour of the flour , and the odour is the ultimate end of many particular kindes , as well in plants that are for sauces , as in those for medicines . because out of sand , or simple earth , and water , doth grow nothing at first , but a moyst filthiness or mouldiness , they contract a putrefaction through continuance , or odours . for nothing putrifieth by continnance far under the earth , neither doth a plant grow in the sand. but almost nigh the light or day , the odour is putrified by continuance , and leff as brings forth its plants . if one part of mud or dung do putrifie in the earth , it may beget the water with childe in a five fold weight of it self , and send forth fruit : for the water being void of all odour , unless it shall conceive the ferment of an odour in its sulphur , surely it remains in its antient simplicity , as rain-water , without fruit . therefore in the deep pavements of the earth , where there is a departure far from filthiness , putrifying , and corruption , although there be no leff as , yet the waters are got with childe by a hidden odour of the place ; first of all , by an unconceivable contagion of a certain salt , straightway they do hasten to the more wealthy colonies of fruits , and do break out . indeed it s own strange fermentaceous odour dwells every where , which may get the sulphur of the water with child , and sleeping within it , may at length grow together ; as in mineralls : or being grown together , and even over-spread with a thicker air , may grow , as in plants , and creatures that bring for h eggs : or wholly from the beginning , the form of the air doth glister ; even as in things that bring forth a living off-spring . therefore the archeus being now conceived , remains every where the keeper of life , and the promoter of transmutations , and by and by , a change of his life doth follow the change thereof , to wit , from his first life and matter , into his last . for the archeusses of things do agree in this ; as being vitall , they do possess a certain splendor : yet they differ , as they are unlike fore-runners , and stewards of the form. yet they do not mutually receive each other , least their government be disturbed ; but for order sake ( which they do badly explain by the title of self-love ) he remains master , who shall be the stronger : which way indeed they liberally dispense the impressions of their ferment , that one may restrain the forreign disquietnesses of his fellow archeus , and may subdue him : for even as under the immortall minde , the subordinate forms of a bone , membrane , &c. do not perish : so also it happens in the transmutations of things . indeed , although the food doth by an every way transmutation , obtain the form of bloud ; yet this keeps no obscure accidents of the former food , which do therefore walk from one matter into another . surely this is a hard and paradoxall saying in the schooles : which i will presently prove by an example of the deed : nigh the mountain at zome , a hog , the sea departing , is fed with sea-onions , shell-fishes , &c. his flesh savours of the grease of a fish , yet it is hogs-flesh , forbidden to the hebrews . therefore it is vain , that the species of things , are as it were the species of numbers , whereto , not a unite is added , or substracted , but the species it self is continually changed . for one onely flesh of a living creature , doth receive strange savours through the variety of meats . irish oak doth so retain the properties of an antidote , that it chaseth spiders from our buildings : which property , our countrey oak wanteth : for the passings over of accidents do not happen in meats , through want of a perfect and essential transmutation : neither also doth urine smell of terpentine , mace , or asparagus , as some excrementitious part of the meat may remain with the bloud in the flesh : for that lesse resisteth a perfect transmutation , separation , and election in things due to the archeus , in whom , to wit , there is perfectly a transmutative , dispositive power of the matter into figures , odours , colours , and every property of accidents . for paracelsus hath now and then made mention of a middle life , and matter ; but he hath not owned himself in the greatest necessity , whereby he dreamed of tartarous humours : for he had seemed to secure the matter to himself by the example of living tartar , if he had obliquely or by the way immingled a co-like tartar in meates and drinks , to the finding out of the matter , and originall of diseases , not yet discovered before . for neither hath he explained , from whence it is , that notable favours do survive after the true transmutations of meates . wherefore it must needs be , that the same accident in number doth passe from its subject , that it is ( i say ) in the formall transchanged thing , which was first in the thing to be transchanged , although the form of the subject of inherency shall fully perish . because although the matter doth not remain , yet the middle life remains , of which nothing hath hitherto been heard in the schooles . indeed the middle life remains in the transchanged archeus , no otherwise than the form of a bone , a man being dead . for although there be a fermentall virtue in the stomach which resolveth things carried into it , and afterwards , the same things be perfectly transchanged in the other shops or places of digestion : yet so , that nothing can be so perfectly transchanged in us by assimilating or making like , through the immediate flowing of digestions , as that there do not remain for the future , the more dull qualities of the middle life of the former composed body . by which necessity indeed , the accustomed nourishment of divers climates doth imprint into the sound parts , very strange or forreign contagions of properties . whence do happen , so many unlikenesses of deformities of one humane nature : the which surely , i could never dedicate to the vain complexions of qualities . indeed swines flesh is swines flesh , although the horrid taste of fish-grease shall remain in its middle life . which thing being never before considered , hath made the whole contemplation of nature , barren . for truly this hinge hath been neglected in the schooles . for oportet is a thing altogether necessary , whereby the qualities of the middle life do remain in things that are transchanged : for unless that be granted , there shall be no power of medicines , as neither occasion of diseases : for nothing doth more prosperously operate to heal , than that which hath most fully entred by the transmutation of it self , and is neerest united to that which ought to be healed . so a grain dies in the earth , that by its middle life , it may stir up new off-springs for usury . also in meats , although the former forms of meates have wholly perished ; yet the operative properties of the former middle life have remained ; and that into the second , and now and then the third transmutation of the thing generated . for the native property of the middle life sailing by degrees , under the dominion of the archeus ascending , to wit , of whose ferment it is the subdued matter : that indeed is magnum oportet in this valley of successive changes ; but it is not the whorish appetite of an impossible matter : for aristotle feigned a matter deprived of every accident , as also of all essential forms , and he appointed this chymera to himself for the beginning of nature : and so he constituted for a material principle , not indeed a naturall being existing in act , or possible in power ; but a mathematicall corporality or bodiliness ; but not [ this something ] or a principiating beginning : for he thought that nature was at an imaginary pleasure , to hearken to figures , and measures . in the mean time , that that matter might be principiating , he feigned that a certain motive principle did agree or belong to it , to wit , a universall appetite unto any forms unknown to it self : which dreams , although they are ridiculous , agreeable to no end , use , or necessity , and bringing forth many absurdities from them ; yet are they at this day adored by the schooles , who have made themselves ridiculous thereby : seeing there can be no appetite of that corporiety , breathing to any perfection which it had not before in it self : to wit , that it may be capable of forms , and figures . for otherwise , in the consideration of nature , and indeed in a principiating being , every appetite of a being is carried to perfection ; not any one , but that of the seed fore-existing in the disposition of the ferments , and so also operating : but a seed doth not aspire but to the limitation delineated or represented in the disposition of the archeus . for truly as learning by demonstration doth propose to it self a body capable of all figures without any accident ; so aristotle hath brought this speculation according to his pleasure , into nature , unknown to him , and hath introduced an appetite into this matter , the lover , and one onely cause of successive change : even so that he reckoned the first matter to be void of all quality and form ; but endowed or given up to all and any forms , onely by a whorish appetite : not knowing in the first place , that successive change doth proceed not from the appetite of the matter , but from the instruction of the seeds . neither have the schooles once looked back , that the desire of remaining is more antient , strong , and naturall than the desire of permutability or much changeableness ; and that the schooles themselves do contradict their own aristotle , who will have every being to desire to remain from the proper endeavour of nature : seeing it is of necessity a being , before it can think of a change , or wish for it . therefore the matter ought to have obtained to be perfect , before it should disdain to be old , and should desire a successive change . for to be , is before , to please ; and to please , is before , to displease ; and nothing can displease , or wish for a successive change , but as a pleasure being gotten and known , something more perfect , possibly also better , is shewen . for in the more crude seeds which nave conceived their first ferments by odours , the odour goes before the complacency or good pleasure ; but this doth generate a desire of it self , and of a thing remaining : but in things possible , desire causeth the same appetite of remaining , but not of perishing , by the changing of its being . but if indeed by reason of the hidden impediments of death , a permanency is not granted ; there is made a dissolution in bodies , but thence a weariness : but from weariness there is a proceeding to a remove or change through the ruling virtue by degrees declining , from whence at length destruction is not intended , but following after through necessities . it belonged to the schooles to have known , that to be , doth alwayes go before a wearisomness unto a non-being : because this wearisomness is not of the intent of nature , but rather an imaginary metaphor or translation succeeding upon the defects of things : at least , that this wearisomness ought to precede the desire to a non-being : and much more a desire to a new being , and unknown to it self ; seeing a new being is not granted before the death of the present being . in brief , because also the wearinesses of the displacency of the appetite do but dreamingly agree to a non-being : and at length , because from dreaming principles so absurd , nothing is to be exspected besides errours full of confusion . therefore successive change in nature , is not from the desire of the matter , but from the power of the efficient vulcan : wherein the odour and savour of the middle life : do generate a seminall image , the beginning of transmutation : for neither are the schooles as yet constant enough to themselves in that appetite of the matter ; yea the schooles do not seem to have taught the speculative principles of nature for the service of the truth . for truly , when they descend to the things themselves , they do no more blame the appetite of the matter for the corruption of a thing ; but they blame the air as the effecter of all corruptions whatsoever : but i know that many things are dried under air , which otherwise , under the earth , or water , do putrifie presently . for truly , glasse the last of things putrefiable , doth in the air : main as it were for ever : but being buried , after some years it admits of a putrifying through continuance , is covered or enrowled with a crust ; its salt being dissolved , it decayes , and its constitutive sand remaineth . the air is a case , in whose porosities some things do dispose themselves into successive alterations , some things under the water , and many things also under the earth , according to the dispositions of the seeds . for truly , those things which do spinkle from themselves an odour , do loose the same by the flowing and snatching wind ; or the vessel being close shut , they do retain the same within : for if the former , the pores of bodies being afterwards empty , they do receive air ; which being there enclosed , doth putrifie through continuance , with the odourable thing , whence the residue of the odour doth receive a ferment , doth draw a warerish filthiness from the said putrefaction by continuance , and becomes rank , or muckie : but if the latter comes to passe , then the air there detained doth cause the composed body , to putrifie by continuance , and brings it to corruption , unless the odourable body hath the properties of a balsam : because a new ferment thinks of a successive change . volatile , or exhalable and swift flying things do easily decay ( because for the most part , they have a diversity of kindes , through want whereof , distilled things are scarce corrupted ) one whereof doth ferment or leaven another , from their true element they are even choaked , and do putrifie through continuance , or do conceive an air as before . therefore the ferment changeth the thing , as it alters its odour according to the essence of the matter imprinting of the vessel of the place , or of the thing adjoyned : which things i prove by this handicraft-operation : for truly , i do preserve the broaths of fleshes , of fruits , even as also any boyled things , ( otherwise soon subject to corrupt ) for years , from corruption , so that i shall poure a balsamicall ferment into the air , and that ferment being continued , i shall restrain it . with me therefore , corruption is thus , as i have said : forms are never corrupted : they die indeed , onely the minde of man departeth safe , but all other forms do perish : but matter neither departeth nor dieth ; but is corrupted : and so , corruption is onely of the matter . therefore corruption is a certain disposition of the matter , left behinde by the ruling vulcan decaying . for as the body saileth its ruler or pilots being in good health , it being safe doth not hearken unto strange ferments . neither is corruption therefore to be numbred among privative things , if it consist of positive causes : wherefore another beginning of aristotle in nature falls to the ground : for truly the archeus is not of his own accord taken away , dispersed , changed , or estranged , unless by a new one troubling him under another ferment . therefore strange ferments are chief over all corruptions , and by the interchangeable courses of ferments all corruption begins , doth by little and little ascend unto a degree and pitch , and at length having obtained its period , is terminated : for there are some things in whom the proper lust of their seeds is wanton , and calls them away from the tenour of constancy , to undergo the transmutations of successive changes , not indeed by reason of a desire to another form ; but because the implanted balsam of nature is easily blown away , and perisheth ; as are fleshes , and fishes : but others do change their wedlock , not without a putrifying being first stirred up , and do put on the careful governments of new seeds : as are woods , stones , and glasse which is most constant in fire : among which , they do interpose in a middle degree , for whom the touchings of the place do cover their superficies with a hoary putrefaction or mouldiness : from whence odours being dispersed , they do disjoyn the wedlocks of the antient seeds , and meditate of a new generation by dissolving . it is a mark naturall or proper to the air , uncessantly to seperate the waters from the waters ; and there are many things which do not endure such a successive alteration without a spot or corruption ; hence therefore they do most immediately slide into a sudden disorder : therefore corruption , as it includes an extinguishing of the naturall balsam ; so the constancy of a thing desires its continuance : for in such things whose balsam doth voluntarily flow forth or expire , it being joyned to fixed things , they are seasoned therewith , it sticks fast , is restrained by the bolts of dryness , or at leastwise is nourished by a predominating ferment that is no stranger to the disposition of a balsam : for so , sweet things , smoak , salt , pepper , aqua vitae , vinegar , distilled oils , do preserve fleshes . but at leastwise about the end of life , there is on every side a great confusion of the thing , and a large losse of strength : so that seeds serving to the lower conjunction , do oft-times die together , from whence the chief assisting vulcans of things being as it were sore affrighted with fear , and as mercenaries , do first run away . therefore although corruption doth induce a transmutation , with the death of another thing , it is not a privation , neither doth it therefore necessarily follow generation , as neither this , it : even as those things which exclude each other by a succeeding presence , as otherwise , light and darkness do . first of all , our death subsisteth without the failing of the form , without a necessitated destruction of the matter , if the mummy doth continue ; although it includes a seperation of the life or form : for that doth not shew corruption to be present , although it doth straightway follow of its own accord , and be preserved by art : at leastwise it sufficeth , that corruption is not made the immediate heir of the thing constituted , nor that it necessarily succeeds from its dying without a will. so neither , when a thing proceeds out of a seed , not any corruption of the seeds doth go before , or accompany it : for it is an incongruity in word and deed , that the promotions , perfections , and maturities of seeds have regarded corruption . an errour of rashness is maintained in the schooles , through ignorance of naturall principles : as that those things which are the works of nature , are thought to be non-beings , to be banished into the abstracted considerations of learning by demonstration . truly when aristotle was connived at , to put ( by a large word ) privation between a being and a being , he began by taking a liberty , to substitute corruption in the room of privation . for that privation , as it was not a being , and so a dreamed being of reason , it was yielded to by a liberty transumptive or of taking one thing for another , without taking heed . but the schooles had understood that the same right ought not therefore to agree to corruption , if their sluggishness of assenting could have suffered them to be distinct . wherefore the whole stage of nature hath stood neglected through the thoughts of the gentiles : for truly , the ferments , vulcans , and flowings of seeds being neglected , all the efficacy of nature hath through the undeserved orders of privations , been wrung aside into the fables of heats and colds , their discords , hatreds , skirmishings , and contrarieties , and have made the searching into naturall philosophy ridiculous . moreover , i have called magnum oportet , a necessary remaining of the properties of the middle life , in the thing nourished and constituted . from whence it followes , that the same remainder of the middle life , from meats and drinks , are the thistles and thorns which the earth was to bring forth after the fall , or departure out of the right way : otherwise , thistles & thorns , as they are plants , are creatures , made for the use and adorning of the world before the fall . i have also sometimes vainly thought , that the tartarous humours of meats and drinks were those thistles and thorns : because the middle life subsisting ( but it subsisteth by a reall and true act ) it was in vain , to feign forreign tartarers , as shall be shewen in its place . but observingly , it is not included , that the water shall bring forth thistles and thorns , although it may bring forth its discommodities : for the fleshes of men , and bruits living on the earth , do shew forth the aforesaid thistles . but fishes are nourished within and without , and are washed thorowly with salt , yet are their fleshes sweet : but those which inhabit in mud , do express the thistles in the savour of their fleshes , not from water , but from earth . before sin , our archeus had not only perfectly transchanged meats after a daily manner ; but had supt up the whole properties of the middle life into his own rule or jurisdiction , as if he were their master . for truly , the immortall minde being then as yet , without the mean of the sensitive life , was the very immortall life it self unto , and not capable of suffering by its own body : even as touching long life , in its place : for paradise , in this respect , had excluded death , because it had excluded a successive change of us : but the tree of knowledge of good and evill alone , had retained a property to it self , that it could imprint , to wit , the dualities or double properties drawn out of things on our archeus ; because the companions of the middle life do easily adhere to each other : whence a gate was laid open to duplicities , interchangeable courses , successive change , and disorder . at length jarring , the breaker of agreement , thus brought in the apple of discord . for we afterwards feel the perpetuall tyranny and multiplicity of thistles and thorns . for as many specifical savours and odours as there are in things : so many forreign properties of the middle life are suggested daily by nourishments : for these are the strange ferments , by whose interchangeable course we are wearied or much troubled : for truly no generation doth any where happen , which a foregoing disposition in the matter hath not stirred up : therefore such a ferment alters the inbred savour and smell of things , whence the archeusses are by little and little withdrawn from the obedience of the seeds , and do hearken to the mockeries or enticements of a forreign ferment . in brief , the remainders of the powers of the middle life , as well in nourishments , as excrements , are almost the occasionall beginning of all sicknesses , and in this respect to us , of the thistle and thorn. for odours and savours do bring forth a desire , a dislike , or a neutrality in the bodies of seeds : but an appetite being thus moved , doth paint an image in the archeus , no otherwise than in the young of one with childe : which image is the invisible essence of seeds , stirring up to embrace , or abhorre : but the neutrall odour serveth for station and rest . if therefore in the middle life , savours do as yet remain in things transchanged : it is frivolous , that things shall weigh their vertues , and essences by eight material , and not specifical tasts . furthermore , seeing it is called the middle life , in respect of two extreames : the first shall be of the received and working seed seated in the archeus , he being endowed with a power of managing things : which , when it hath obtained some maturity , as when the seed is a body , having flesh , and tender bones , according to the requirance of the species ; then is the middle life of a thing present : for it is meet to measure the life it self by the archeus , as it were the mediator , the instrument of life . therefore the first life doth glister in the seeds , but in the embryo or imperfect young , the middle life : but the last life is , when the total perfection of the constituted thing is present : which indeed , although it be the last life of the thing , yet is it the middle life of the archeus , if the first life of the thing doth begin with the last life of the seeds : for in herbs , although seeds may seem to begin their life when they swell , and chap ; yet they do then rather die in the last life of themselves , that they may bud in the first life of the thing that is to be constituted . therefore the first life of the fruit is the last of the seed . in the middle life , herbs , roots , and stalks do grow or increase : but floures , and fruits do threaten a period to the last life : to wit , this life must needs die in things , if profit be to be hoped for from nourishment , and medicine . medicines hanged about the neck , or head , and what things do act by the force of rule or government ( of which sometimes ) i except . indeed the last lives of things ought to go backwards , that the thing in the juyce , which the archeus from the beginning , married , may unfold its vertues , to wit , by laying aside the title and property of the last life , that it may rise again to a middle one : which death , is not an exstinguishing , and a true death of the thing ; but rather a transmutation : which shall presently appear in an apple . for grain is eaten : truly at that very moment , the last life of the grain dieth within , is reduced into its own life , the which our archeus coming upon , over-shadoweth , and bringeth the middle life into its first life , by transumption or translating it , but the remaining properties of the former grain being dulled . in the death of the grain , or the last life of the seed , the first life of a new creature ariseth together with it . to be brief : as oft as the archeus of a thing is transplanted under a strange guide , so oft is there a changing of life made from the last to the first being : which first being is translated into a new life of the thing , and a middle life of the archeus the conquerour , onely the blunted property of the middle life remaining , whereby the going backward is made . let an apple be cut asunder , whose inward pulp let it be rubbed on warts untill it shall be luke-warm , and the half pieces being tied fast by a thred , untill the apple shall putrifie : for then thou shalt see that the touched warts have dispersed : for as soon as the last life of the apple perisheth , unto which the impression of the warts was glewed , the last life of the warts perisheth , by going backward through the middle life : for here words , faith or confidence are not required : because , if that apple be eaten by a sow , or a mouse , the warts perish not : for that , the stomach doth as it were preserve the last life of the apple , in the going backwards of the middle life , which the archeus taketh to himself : but in the death , and extinguishing of the last life of the apple by putrefaction , there is not a preserving , nor a going backwards into the middle life : and so with the death and extinguishing of the last life of the apple , the absent warts do perish together with it , by a sympatheticall action of government : for the resembling mark of sympathy is seated in this thing ; because the pulp of the apple which cloathes the kernel , is as it were the mushrome of its own branch , no otherwise than as warts are the mushromes of their own flesh . therefore the impression of the warts being translated into , and sealed on the co-resembling fruit , together with the death of the last life of the apple , the seal dieth , and that whereof it is the seal : for by no lesse reason , doth an eflux bear a co-resemblance with its own body from whence it was taken , than a tune or note doth with its own musicall instrument , not so nigh at hand placed : for in a unisone or one and the same sound , it manifestly leaps and triumphs for joy on a ring being hanged or laid on the string of the instrument ; but in other notes , although far greater , and otherwise higher ones , it is quiet : for where the sense of a little leaping is beheld , there is also a possible sense or feeling both of gladness , and of sorrow , and of death . therefore it hath seemed to me to be void of superstition , if the wart consume through a natural sense of sorrow , a sense of its own eflux being imprinted in the death of its last life ; and so much the rather , because the apple is as it were the mushrome of the primary intention of nature , and of a more strong effect ; but the wart is not of a primary intention , neither hath it a root in the whole archeus : for the death of the apple doth not intervene , if it be eaten by a dormouse , as neither a death of the added impression ; because the middle life is preserved , being transplanted under the preserved archeus of the apple , into the archeus of the living creature . wherefore , although the schooles have made mention of one onely corruption in generall ; yet there are divers destructions : for some things do return from the last life into the first ; but others there are , which go back unto the middle life : but those things which go not back unto any life , do expect the last resolution of themselves , that they may passe over into a new seminall generation ; but they rise again by their first life , at the coming of a new seed out of a ferment putrifying by continuance . of this sort , are those things which perish by the poyson of life , or by the death of the fire : for so , an apple putrified of its own accord , and any dead carcases , do either wax herby with the juyce leffas , or do first breed worms . at length , mineralls also do shew three lives by a distinct order . it is thus : mineralls indeed , have not a seed , with the image of their predecessor , after the manner of soulified things ; which thing notwithstanding , hath deceived many , a proportionable or resembling flux of seeds being not rightly well weighed : for mineralls are tied to their constitutive causes no lesse than other things ; and so do proceed from a necessity and flowing of their own seeds : and therefore they cannot want a threefold difference of a seminall life : for whatsoever doth proceed without a father , unto [ this something ] ( as do mineralls ) it findes its seed in the inne of places : wherefore some things are immediately in place , but other things in the body placed . the winde indeed doth uncessantly flow in a place ; yet its property is in some places stable : there are certain windes , and stated tempests in provinces : which things i attribute to the place , not to the air , or the unstable waters . therefore god hath endowed , not onely bodies with virtues ; but also places he hath immediately replenished with an incomprehensible treasure of seeds , to endure to the end of the world : for he hath loaden places with riches , to come forth to light in a set maturity of dayes , and to put on the garment of water : for the earth was at first without form or empty , and void ; to wit , after a twofold manner without form ; because it was spoiled of naturall endowed vertues , as well in its own body , as in the places of its retirances : which thou shalt thus behold . for although the air do flow under the blas of the windes ; yet light ( because it is immediately in place , and mediately in the air ) remaineth stable : for if light may be thought to flow together with the air , even at every instant in the flowing of the air , light should be generated anew . thou mayst know that the light is in very deed , a being without a shining light : for i keep a flint in my possession , which if i shall expose to the air ( the sun existing above the horizon ) for the space of three or four pauses at least ( neither also is it materiall , whether the day shall be clear or clowdy ) and from thence shall bring it into a dark place , it keepeth the conceived light of the sun , perhaps for some such like space : and that is done as oft as the aforesaid enlightning is repeated : and so from hence it is manifest , that light is a being subsisting immediately in place , nor having another being of inherency ( besides the placed essence of it self ) seperable from a shining creature : and so , if it depart from the air into a stone , that it might also passe from the air into the next air , if its immediate existence were in the air , and not in place : for truly it is alike to light , to wander out of place ( its immediate subject ) into the air , or into the flint : in that is only the difference ; that the essence of light doth not subsist in the air besides the continuall warmth or nourishing of shining , as neither doth the flame without a combustible smoak : but if it hath the flint a fit retaining place for it self ( as it comes to passe when fire possesseth iron ) it remaineth therein for some time . for hence it comes to passe , that the sight doth at one instant perceive its object , because as well light , as colour is immediately in place ; but in the body of the mean , as it were by accident , and secondarily . for seeing place is its subject , it findes not resistance in transparent placed bodies , but in one onely moment light is shaken from the eight sphear , even on the earth : but sound , or the object of hearing , is immediately in the case of the mean , and walketh without the flowing of the air , from subject into subject : although the schooles in this thing are made half deaf . but an odour or smell is not dispersed without that which is odourable , which is the gas of a thing , which is dispersed thorow the emptinesses or magnall of the air. and the magnall is a case or sheath , wherein every gas is reduced into its first matter of water . therefore , not onely lights and colours do inhabit in places , as it were immediate guests : but ferments , reasons ; and therefore they are placed by the creator the word , that they may be the roots of successive seeds even to the end of the vvorld . therefore mineralls are not promiscuous every where ; but certain mineralls in set years , and places : for suevia is as rich in copper , as cyprus in times past could be : therefore cold is guiltless , as heat is vain , to the constitutions of their seeds : for places which have wanted mines in times past , will at sometime in their day , their seed being ripe , restore usuries not unlike to the more rich ones ; because the roots or ferments of mineralls , do sit immediately in place , and do breath without disdain , for fulness of dayes : the which , when it hath compleated a seed , then the gas environing the water in the same place , receiveth a seed from the place , which afterwards begets the sulphur of the water with childe , condenseth the water , and by degrees transplants it into a minerall water . for it oft-times happeneth , that a digger of metalls in mines breaking great stones asunder , the wall cleaves or gapes , and affords a chink , from whence a small quantity of water of a whitish-green colour hath sprung , which hath presently grown together like to liquid sope , ( i call it bur ) and afterwards its greenish paleness being changed , it waxeth yellow , or growes white , or becomes more fully green : for thus that is seen , which else without the wound of the stone , comes to passe within : because that juyce is perfected by an inward efficient . therefore the first life of a metallick seed , is in the buttery or cellar of the place , plainly unknown to man. but when as the seed comes forth to light cloathed with a liquor , and gas hath begun to defile the sulphur of the water , there is the middle life of the seed : but the last life is when it now waxeth hard : but the last life of the metallick seed , is the first life of the metalls , or at leastwise very nearly conjoyned to it . but while that masse doth breath sulphur , and shuts up its mercury within ; then i say , is the middle life of metalls : but their last life is , when it hath attained a fixedness , and the proper stability of a vein . wherefore there is a more manifest progress of a life , and seed in metallick bodies , than in the two fellow monarchies : for that metalls do not require a figure , nor their whole body so exquisite or exact : yea if the image of seeds in things that have life , do flow forth from their own father or begetter ; surely the typicall images of mineralls are to be fetched from the cellers or store-houses of divine bounty . hence also the seeds of mineralls are not defiled with the filthiness and wantonness of their begetters ; nor therefore do they offer themselves as monstrous : but because they are undefiled , therefore they are of famous power in healing . mineralls therefore are to be spoiled of the possession of their last life , no more than other things , if we do expect obedience from them in healing : else they will bring a feeble help , and will bewail that they have come in vain , because they have attained the ends of their appointments ; but are directed for the leaders of whoredoms and riots . i will repeat what i have said above in eden : our archeus was able fully to subdue all the archeusses as well of poysons as nourishments , into his own increase , without any weariness of himself , or re-acting of the same poysons , or nourishments : to wit , he could take away every impression of the middle life , and overcome it without difficulty : for the archeus was immediately governed by the immortall soul , and so also therefore was not capable of suffering : for god not onely made not death in paradise ; but moreover , neither was there created a medicine of destruction ( that is a poyson ) for man , in the earth : but man being straightway cast out into the earth , this earth clasped thistles and thorns : that is , although our archeus being conquerour , doth subdue the archeusses of meats to himself ; yet the surviving reliques of strange properties do remain . for the last life indeed of meates , departeth , the middle life surviving : wherefore the more weak stomach , feels a greater load or grief about the end of digestion , than presently after food ; as if the archeus were mindefull of his antient lost dignity . therefore i call these surviving qualities of the middle life , ambulatory or walking ones . and so that which the schooles do cry out of as impossible , is a common and necessary journey in nature : as though it should be necessary for the matter of generation to be wholly stripped of every accident of its former essence , nor that it could overcome fore-going dispositions ; and as if corruption or privation should precede every generation : and so that it should be of necessity for a first matter , or summary hyle , to be actually underlaid , and immediately to go before generation , which notwithstanding , they will have to happen in an instant : for unless previous dispositions , and the ferments of those to be generated , should fore-exist in being made , any thing might indifferently be generated of any thing : when as the authority of principles being badly understood , hath forced the schooles against this rock , they thinking that all accidents do immediately and originally depend on the totall form of a thing : as though the form coming to it in the point of generation , should have all the characters of its seed in it self , and had infused them before it were : but if the dispositive properties are sent into the archeus by the form of the generater , at leastwise they differ in the whole individual of the thing supposed , neither shall they have respect unto the form of the thing generated . the schooles have neglected the perfect act of the seeds , and the archeus ; as also the actualities of subordinate forms : and they have not known , that from the beginning of generation , even unto the voluntary end of the thing generated , there is not but the flux of one seed , not at all reaching to the forms of things generated . therefore the powers of seeds arising unto vitality or liveliness , and the lives or forms of the living thing underlaid , are concealed in the middle life of the archeus : therefore the properties of the middle life do passe with the transchanging archeus of meats , and are transplanted into the jurisdiction of the humane archeus , yet much more dull than themselves . therefore it is frivolous , that there is no accident in the ●●ing begotten , which was first in the seed ( which they do badly call corrupt . ) likewise also , that from the form of a thing is all the off-spring of accidents : for so , from the univocall , simple , and homogeneall immortall minde , should so many properties and inclinations of men badly be fetched : but if thou shalt adjoyn the stars to the minde , these will soon forsake thee : and the far-fetcht aid doth faint in the journey , and faileth before its striking upon it . it should also go ill with the seeds , if from the form of a vitall thing , which onely comes to it afterwards , every property and efficacy of seeds were to be borrowed . therefore the opinion of the schooles brings a disagreement ; that generation doth presuppose corruption , and this likewise , it . otherwise , if the middle power consisteth in the totall form , and last life of the thing ; surely physitians deceive or blinde the eyes of the sick , when as the vitall form being withdrawn out of plants and living creatures , they make use of these for the refreshment of the diseased . they see indeed , that oft-times in the urine of a sucking childe , the odours of the things which the nurse hath taken , do subsist : to wit , oil of anniseed , mace , &c. that which the nurse hath took , casts a smell in the urine of the sucking childe ; and so they are drunk down by the nurse to that end : yet they forbid the same accidents to remain safe in the thing born or begotten , which was before in the thing corrupted : notwithstanding , that rather in every naturall point of motion and alteration , or between one and another instant , all accidents are renewed . indeed the schooles had rather that the light from the firmament even to the earth , should in every instant of places , and motions , actually produce infinite kindes of light , propagating each other by a continuall thred in every mathematicall point of a mean , than to grant that light is immediately brought through a place by the shaking of its beam : they had rather i say , that the smell of asparagus should spring from the specificall form of the urine , than from the middle life : for they have not known any being but a substance and an accident , nor a light subsisting , but immediately within the substance of a mean. neither do they observe that they acknowledge an equivocall or double generation of accidents , while they acknowledge one to be sprung from an accident , but another from the specificall form . but there are reasons , why the objects of sight do more strongly move the imagination of women with young , then the objects of the other senses that are more corporeal . the first is , because a visible object is in place immediately , and so doth more affect , and reacheth nearer , and pierceth the soul , by reason of the alike manner of existing : to wit , they reach to one another by an intimate touching . . the other senses do readily serve the sight : to wit , a woman with childe seeing a salmon , is carried into a desire of eating : for then whatsoever she shall take , affords her indeed actually the taste of salmon , and the taste serves the sight as its master : but it falling down into the stomach , nor she having salmon really in a visible object , she perceiveth her deceit which her appetite causeth unto her ; and therefore she hath a loathing , and the woman is weakened , trembling or panting at the heart : for the appetite feigneth the taste of salmon , but the womb is angry at the deceit ; but it cannot transform the meat into salmon , yea , although she shall eat of another fish , and there is an easie passage in things that have a co-resemblance ; yet she cannot thereby form the longed for salmon , because it is the object of taste , but not of sight : whereas otherwise , suddenly by the object salmon , or duck , she easily transchangeth her young into such a monster : for the objects of taste sitting immediately in some body , cannot by reason of their corporeal thickness , form a tranchangeative image . therefore they who study in adepticall things , do strive to promote their labour of wisdom by the objects of sight , and indeed by the light of the moon ; that indeed the soul may be touched by a formall light , and night unto night may shew knowledge . as touching the young , surely i consider it as a forreign branch implanted in the stock of a tree , which although it be nourished by its mothers liquor , yet it liveth presently within , in its own proper quarter : for neither is it within as an entire part ; but as it were an entertained souldier , it snatcheth all things into its pleasure or desire , and enlargeth the vessel it self for its own command or government . but i consider the womb as an empty house , possessed and enlarged by a stranger : whereinto therefore , pictures do more easily fall , than into it being exactly shut . . the object of sight is more spiritual , and therefore its image more naked , spirituall , and more active . a fourth reason is ; the father of lights in this thing , doth by a similitude manifest , that in thinking only of the light , he created all things of nothing : i say , he brought forth the particular kindes of things into a created essence , which he from eternity comprehended in himself , onely by cogitation or thinking . so also the imagination of the lust of souls , by the object of sight , poures forth its own image into seeds , that so they might be fruitfull from the command of god. it might here be said , how may the apparitions of spirits be made immediately in place , colour , figure , and light , but not in a body ; and by consequence , why may they be seen by one , and not by another that is nearer . by what way may lights and colours cut thorow each other in place , the existence of every one being nevertheless unchanged ; after what sort may they pierce each other , and deceive the rules of the optick science : that is , how may a bewitching or charm be made : how may a colour have a dark splendor , invisible in the middle or mean , visible in the repercussing or re-bounding bound : although that brightness be no less in the mean , than in the said bound or terme , nor in any beam , but in a direct one onely . but these things i leave to others , under the positions by me framed i rather treat of naturall science . modern writers have distinguished of qualities by their ranks or orders : to wit , that the first might shew forth the elementary countenance of heat , cold , moysture and dryness , ( of which two latter i have demonstrated my judgement elsewhere : ) but that the second qualities might contain light , heavy , soft , hard , rough , smooth , brickle , tough , white , black : and likewise odours , and savours , as sweet , bitter , salt , sharp , breachy , soure ; because they think they are those which do most nearly rebound from the mixture of the elements : which is false , seeing the elements were never mixed : therefore the aforesaid qualities do follow as it were the formall beginnings of seeds , their own gifts , and have themselves by way of a fermentall putrefaction by continuance : as appeares in the particular kindes of mushromes . and then , the third qualities , they call specificall and formall ones , and they have as yet added to those , fourth qualities , as the more abstracted ones . therefore the third quality is a special aromaticall savour in cinamon , saffron , cloves , &c. keeping every one to its own species . the fourth therefore are more formall , and more remote from the body ; such as is a poysonous quality in poysons , a solutive one in laxative or loosening things , an attractive one of iron in the loadstone , a productive quality of milk in fennel , &c. the three former sorts at least , do operate corporeally by vertue of the seeds , as they have espoused the matter to themselves : but the two latter are plainly formall ones , and do act by a lightsome , and an abstracted power tied fast to their composed body , and therefore they have a power to imprint their actions on vitall forms . indeed the three former do scarce pierce other bodies , and much lesse are they co-mingled with them radically : and therefore they are transchanged by our archeus ; so that although they may as yet carry with them from their being transchanged , an obscure property of their middle life ; yet they are subdued into our protection , and are made our citizens : although many things at the time of their transchanging , do remarkably disagree with the archeus , because they have an untamed valour , and other incapacities , i say , dregs and impediments : to with , they are incorporated in us with a mark of their own middle life , which they difficultly put off ; yet are they subdued : but if not , they are rejected , after their own contagion is left in us : and therefore they degenerate into dregs or filths , the occasions of diseases : whereby the archeus being divers wayes troubled , and wroth , doth afterwards form diseases . but formall , and wholly abstracted properties do spring out of the forms , and are lightsome , and therefore also being sparks of the form it self , have a force of piercing the archeus throughout the whole light thereof , likewise the life , and forms of the parts . therefore i long agoe thought , whether the biting of a mad dog might bring down a certain signall phantasie which might convert ours being as it were its patient or sufferer , into it self , and might form unto it self a proper lightsome property , the effectress of an hydrophobia or a disease wherein water is exceedingly feared ; or whether our archeus might frame a poysonsome image of his own proper accord ? but at length , that dispute seemed to me to be onely about a name : because i found in these kinde of lightsome actions , a co-knitting of unity in a point , to wit , of the occasionall cause , and of our efficient archeus ; for that they do pierce each other after the manner of lights , and do radically unite without any other distinction than that of relative termes . that which is now judged concerning the outward poyson of a mad dog , let the same judgement be of a cancer , and other things : for a formall poysonsome light being budded in our life , is it self living ; and so , even as the archeus being mad , doth fermentally receive an externall infection ; so also in a cancer , he wandring , transplants himself into suries , whereby he locally troubleth or vexeth the flesh : for whether they are carried inwards by an externall chance , or indeed be raised up within , and so thus far , do in some sort differ as to their principiative beginning ; yet in the mean time ( notwithstanding ) it is the same , by application of the poysonsome light , the manner of propagating and piercing being kept according to the properties of the seeds , and also , the sphere of activity proper to every poyson being kept : for some poysons do suddenly propagate themselves into the whole body , and do straightway bring on death ; but others do exercise a locall poyson , because the property of these is , that although from the nature of poyson , it pierceth ; yet it enlargeth it self onely according to the prescription of its own poyson . this is indeed an immediate acting of forms into forms , by the penetration of a fermentall uniting , with the transmutation of our archeus . therefore a new poyson is not properly stirred up in the archeus , that it may form a poyson to it self : even as otherwise elsewhere ( as in a fever ) an occasional matter stirs up the archeus into futy ; not indeed to frame other occasionall feverish matters ; but naked idea's of fury , to expell the addicted ones which he decyphers in the very substance of himself . but the formall lights of poysons do pierce the vitall light , by changing it efficiently and powerfully , by reason of the occasionall poyson implanted in them , being present , and radically piercing our middle life , and it disposeth it into the last life , by the first life of the poyson : for they are formall sparks , soulified , or not soulified , be it all as one : because they do not act by a formall leave and liberty , whereby they pierce in a point , and insinuate in an instant : and they do act that which they are commanded by the lord to act . and then , we must consider after what manner they so easily prostrate or destroy our life . . to wit , whether they do transchange ours their own . . or indeed do drive the archeus into a fury , that being mad , he may destroy himself , and diffuse himself throughout the whole body . . or whether indeed they do mortifie by a depriving of light , to wit , by blowing out the light of our spark in the archeus . . or at length , do press together the archeus under them by a poysonsome exaltation of themselves ? first of all , it is certain , that this is not done by contrariety , the which is demonstrated elsewhere , never to have entred into nature . . it is certain , that it is done by gifts conferred by god on the poyson , which are called properties . . and it is certain , that poysons do divers wayes act into us , and that their differences have appointed a fourfold manner of poysons . . and at length it is certain , that god hath not created death , as neither poysons as the destruction of men , whom he endowed with immortality : notwithstanding , his integrity being corrupted , things became to him deadly , which before were not poysons unto him . in the mean time , some poysons are fermentall , which do not destroy us so much by the force of a lightsome spark , and by a formall property , as by a certain ferment almost odourable ; and so one onely life doth on every side fear many enemies unto it : for such sort of ferments do more approach to the nature of bodies . thou seest that thing in a sulphurated torch or link , the which being lighted , and hung up in a glassen vessel , will burn indeed , and will fill the vessel with the sublimed smoak of the sulphur : the which , although thou shalt cause to exspire , and again shalt put into the vessel a burning torchor link , in the very moment that it entreth , it is extinguished : not indeed , by the sulphurous smoak ( the which seeing it self is as yet sulphur , ought rather to be enflamed ) but by a wild gas , the onely odour whereof extinguisheth the new flame : not indeed by a materiall blast , but by its odour : yea , it not onely extinguisheth a sulphurated torch , but also the flame of a candle : and that is proved : because if thou shalt send the flame into a spatious hogs-head , so long as the vessel casts the smell of a hoary putrefaction , or otherwise doth contain any small quantity of dregs putrified by continuance , it blowes out the flame of the link or candle . understand thou therefore the same thing proportionably in vitall formall sparks : for so indeed in vaults and mines , men are easily killed by the odours and gas of the place . so also a pestilent poyson doth oft-times without delay , slay the vitall light : because such kinde of poysons are positive , and blowing out , mortall , but not privative ones : for neither can they be endowed with any other etymologie , than that they do efficiently blow out by their poysonsome gas , the formall light , sensitive soul or substantial form of our life . and therefore they have place among reall beings , and indeed among the most mighty or potent beings . chap. xxiii . nature is ignorant of contraries . . the bruit beasts were not in paradise , that man might not see a brutall coupling , but that he might remain innocent of shame . . the bruit beasts were brought from elsewhere to our first parent , in eden , that he might name them , might thereby praise god , and acknowledge himself . . what kinde of trees were there . . many individuals were created in every particular kinde , but not in man. . man alwayes ate fleshes , and of the sacrifices themselves , besides the turks , and calvinists . . the first contemplative philosophy of weeping adam . . tillage , the first of arts. . zoosophie or the wisdom of keeping living creatures , the second . . meteoricall astrologie , the chamber-maid of tillage . . the entrance of medicine was the last . . they stand as yet , in the first principles . galen hath brought in a method too easie , and therefore suspected . . galen hath feigned one onely naturall indication ; to wit , by contraries . . the deceipt of that maxim is discovered . . paracelsus being badly constant to himself , scoffed at galen : . he badly judged , that all healing is made by like things . . that seeds do not operate by contrariety ; but by a command known from a former cause to the onely lord of things . . they know not which way the necessities of seeds may be directed . . the blindness of heathenisme is hidden in the maxim of contrarieties . . the foolishness of aristotle concerning the first matter , is noted . . the argument out of aristotle is retorted upon galen . . some arguments concluding the same thing . . the schooles are deceived by a metaphoricall , and hyperbolicall or excessive introduced nature . . that in the elements contraries are not to be granted . . that the greatest cold doth peaceably combine with the greatest heat , in the same point of air , and that without contrariety . . what a relolleum is . . water doth not wax hot by fire by reason of an introduced contrariety . . water doth not quench fire by reason of contrariety . . it is proved from the elements , that fire is not a substance . . moysture and dryness are scarce qualities to be understood in the abstract . . neither are they relolleum's , after the manner of heat and cold . . that there is not a radicall co-mixture of moyst with dry . . one onely question of the authour propounded to all the learned , who believe a temperature of the elements in a mixt body . . that the elements are not contrary to each other . . that the elements do not waste or consume each other . . that the elements do not fight . . that things without life , have not contrariety . . it is proved from faith , and then by some arguments , that the action of nature is void of contrariety . . the same thing is shewen in other things . . what nature may be . . the name of a crisis is impertinent . . paracelsus is noted , because he will have a remedy to work by reason of likenesse . . in what the vertue of a medicine may be seated . . why hunger kills . . what things are required for healing . . the doctrine of paracelsus is refuted . . a foolish objection . . sin is not opposed to virtue , simply , in a privative manner . . that the poyson of a mad dog , of serpents , of a bull , &c. have not at all a contrariety of causes , from whence they are made . . a declaration of what went before . i having already sufficiently contemplated of the integrity of nature , afterwards , by little and little , i descended into the defects , and successive alterations of the same , while i reach or aim at medicine : to wit , i have shewen that there are not four elements in nature , and especially that the fire hath not the thingliness of an accident , yea neither of a substance , much lesse , the nature of an element : wherefore , the quaternary of elements and complexions being broken asunder and made void ; therefore also the constrained knot of four humours . so that although from hence it be sufficiently manifest , that the causes and essence of diseases have been untouched in the schooles ; yet i would elsewhere demonstrate that very thing from their own positions , in a peculiar chapter . but in this place , i will demonstrate , that nature is ignorant of , and likewise , that she doth not admit of contraries in desire . in the beginning , god created the heaven and the earth , and whatsoever is contained in the universe . but he placed the man in paradise , after he was created : for neither had he a lion , sheep , with him , or tyger contrary to him , or wolf his companion : nor lastly , any other creature , which might lay in wait for him , or for the fruits of eden : yea neither would the almighty , that man should behold the bruitish copulation of the sexes , whom he withed to live in the purity of innocency ( as elsewhere concerning long life . ) but god brought even one at least of all living creatures of every species , to adam , even from the remotest coasts of the earth ( for truly the ranging creature remains not long alive but in his own climate ) that adam might give them their proper names : but it was not of so great moment , to give a name to the bruit beasts , that god should without a further end , lay these before adam for to name them . but that was done , that he might know the knowledge of all things to be freely given him from god , and that the judgement or umpire of so great an heap , might constantly worship or adore in spirit , for so many benefits : for from that whereby he named all bruits according to the proper nature of every one , his own knowledge of himself was included ; which is the top of wisdom . for he had known himself to be wholly ( not indeed himself to be a fruit ) not a disagreeable , and the immortall image of the divinity . therefore the bruit creatures were brought to him from every part , chiefly for the honour of god ; and next for his own profit , that by an utter denyall or renouncing of the bruits which he had not seen before , he might extract the knowledge of his own self , and so might depart from the mockeries of the tempter . the bruits might want sir-names , when as especially they ought not to name each other ; also it was not required for one to know another , or judge of the nighness of their kin , by a name . therefore , after their naming , all of them were again restored to their naturall places : for man wanted a bloudy banquet by slain living creatures ; but he bare the good pleasure of his creator , in granting him the fruits of the trees . there then , every tree did look fresh and green , with a perpetual leaf , did bear a successive flower : lastly , a perpetual fruit , not wormy , nor falling before ripeness ; as neither brought it forth a barren or untimely flower . such was the daily race or increase , pleasure , abundance and happy plentifulness in paradise : for even as herbs fit for meats , are to us for corns , pulses , pot-herbs , and spices ; there the trees also , did bring forth one of these , if not the four , or some of them connexed at once : for truly the manifold acorn did there represent the divers corns : olives , and nuts did note out as many pulses ; even as the apples also , so many pot-herbs . the trees also , the mother of spices , did present herbs fit for sawces . and last of all , many things stood connexed , under one onely particular kinde , even as now also , the apple doth now and then consist of an oily kernel . indeed , all things did flatter mans senses . but after that the majesty of man became of no value , by reason of his departure from the right way or fall , and his nature was now polluted , he ought to die the same day ; and the vigour or force of the declared sentence had stood , unless he by whom all things were made , had impledged himself a surety before him who made all things , that he would die for man in the fulness of times , that love might kisse his justice : whence there was peace . man is to be cast out of paradise into the earth , where the more barren trees offered themselves , nor those sufficient for the continual necessities of foods . but before that he was driven away , when as now himself was ashamed of his own nakedness , god cloathed them both in coats of skin . indeed that great priest and lamb , was offered up an unspotted sacrifice , from the beginning of his loving promise , who for a mistery , therefore sacrificed two lambs , without spot to his eternall father , before man : one indeed for the burnt-offering of his future passion : another also , without the breaking of its bones , to be 〈◊〉 sacrificed , and partly to be eaten , for a peace-offering ; he gave both to the man and woman that from the foundation of the world , the lamb might be one and the same , for a continuall sacrifice , oblation , and food : with the skins of which lambs , our parents were covered : which first tenor or right of sacrificing , heathenisme afterwards imitated . although two sexes onely of every particular kinde , entred as companions into the ark ; yet the lion fasted not for a year , that he might divide the first hope of the flock together with the leopard , and wolf ; and he had afterwards again abstained for a year : for the lord replenished the earth with a sufficient number , which before was empty and void : for neither would he have any thing to be wanting : even as he enriched the sea with a multitude of individualls , so also the earth with a plurality of individual bruit beasts : for although onely two living creatures of a sort , entred voluntarily , yet noah by the command of god , took food for himself , and necessary foods for the other creatures . therefore it is a vain and foolish question ; why at this day there are more sheep than wolves ? man therefore had fleshes from the beginning , wherewith he might be fed , and might sacrifice ; and the rite of sacrificing was even from the beginning of the world , that the sacrificers might eat of the thing sacrificed . and at this day , onely the mahometans , and calvinists do fail , being as it were destitute of a sacrifice . let them therefore give place , who write , that mortall men before the floud were not wont to eat flesh ; because it was written , fleshes shall henceforward be like unto pot-herbs : for otherwise abel had in vain led● flock and herds ; neither had another been slain in the hunting of wilde beasts , and nimrod should have a vain name . therefore i may believe , that mortalls used as well tame as wild beasts ; yet scarce fishes before the floud : because then , one onely fountain did water the whole earth , and the sea stood on the other part of the globe , whose other half was calfed dry land : and so fishes were onely of the sea , while the whole world was an undivided continent : in the middle or heart whereof , one onely fountain being divided into four rivers , did water the whole earth : therefore cock-boats or skiffs , had not as yet been made known : so fishing in the sea , was unaccustomed . neither also did the habitation of men occupie the shoares : for one onely , and vast continent of the earth gave pleasures enough to the husband-men , that they detested the barren sea , made frightfull by a thousand tempests . gen. chap. . v. . it is read , that first of all , the dominion of the sea was given to man , and then , over the fowls of heaven ; and thirdly , over all living creatures which move upon the earth : yet when as the speech is of meats , chap. . v. . every herb and tree is given for meat . and chap. . v. . all living creatures of the earth , and birds of heaven , and whatsoever is moved upon the earth , having a living soul , is given to men , that they might have that which they might eat : yet the fishes are no where read to have been granted , as neither the fishes of the sea to have been brought over to adam , that they might obtain their names . from which particulars , it is presently plain to be seen , that no herbs , trees , or any creeping things , were contrary to man , or for a medicine of destruction unto him . likewise the restriction , for birds , and what things do move themselves upon the earth , doth exclude the fishes . wherefore , as soon as after the floud , by the dividing of the one continent , the springs and floud-gates diffused themselves from the lowest bottom , fishes being allured by the sweetness of the down-sliding waters , some remained in rivers , and fens : others in the mean time through a new thorow-mingling , and liberty of the floud , ascending out of the sea : therefore let fishes be fleshes , although before , not used by man : fleshes i say which after the floud should be like unto pot-herbs : otherwise , the flesh of flying fouls , did nor repay or supply the rooms of pot-herbs ; but corns , as four-footed beasts , had now long since from the beginning , supplied the place of pulses . therefore our first parent being banished into the earth , and being full of miseries , weariness , and repentance , through the leasure of most ample ages , perceived his nature now to be defiled with corruption , and wanting preservation . lastly , as necessity is the mother of wits and inventions , he began to meditate , by what reason or meanes he might prevent the inward calamities of life , and especially the injuries of a meteor . in which labour , the eldest of his sons began thorowly to weigh the nativities of fruits , their prosperous , and unfortunate increases . whence agriculture or tillage was the first philosophy . the other son also , noted the properties and societies of living creatures ; whence by the undoubted hope of a flock , a quiet life is led : this indeed , was zoosophie or the wisdom of keeping living creatures together . but their successors making afterwards , a more plentifull progress , joyning the decrees of the stars with the observations of their predecessors , observed the denounced successive changes of things , with a profitable , and pleasant observation . therefore astrologie , the chambermaid of tillage thus arose . notwithstanding , the dispensations of naturall things have remained altogether obscure ; even as also , among all men , the knowledge of ones self is the last and hardest of all things . but the generations or births of diseases , their remedies and curings ( which as yet then were most rare or seldom ) were far more obscure : for at first , every one brought the remedies which had profited him , into open view , without envy : but hypocrates first laid up his observations into a written style or method : in which labour , he felt the divine assistance , which he had not known : but galen ( as it were the north winde ) having seemed to himself to have dispersed the vain clouds of desires , & having filched many things from every place , boasted that he had raised up the speculations of the elements , first qualities , complexions , and humours : and dedicated all the works , and fortunes , as well of found , as invalid nature , to these : which things afterwards , the greek nation plentifully increased : by which suppositions , the moores striving for the victory , built loose experiments upon them . this therefore was the originall , and condition of bringing forth medicine ; and these were its inventers . at length , in these it was at a stand , neither afterwards made it a progress . galen being instructed by his elders , observing that fire was quenched by water , and that water being heated by fire , did vanish away , supposing that he held the hare by the eares , boldly constituted almost all diseases , and their remedies in those first bodies , and their qualities : for he said , the fire was at enmity with the water , and this with it : whence he established it by a generall decree , that there is in us the combate of four elements , fighting in us by a continuall warre : and that there doth skirmish in us a continuall and unexcusable strife of contraries : wherefore , although nothing should weary us from without , yet it would come to passe , that sometimes a distemper , or disease , and ruine should happen of their own accord : that death i say , should break out of the composition of the elements . this indeed was to be winked at in galen : but not in christians , if they do not teach , that in adam , there was a like necessity of composition before , as there was after sin : to wit , if the composition of adam , stood connexed unto four encountring elements : therefore all the schooles do determine , that onely contraries should be the remedies of contraries : to wit , whereby every excess ( being notably marked with the name of a disease ) might be reduced into a mediocrity or mean. that plausible and stupid doctrine easily pleased all that were inclined to a sluggishness of subscribing : because it was that which might easily be conceived by a rusticall sense , a great compendium , and in all places by any one ; and , hence therefore it was most greedily drunk in . galen ( the while ) although he knew that cutting off or resection was privately opposite to a being that is born , yet he doubted not to reduce the withdrawing of parts , or humours , in respect of the members , unto the order of contraries : and he neglected the family of privations , as born by an adulterous congress : hence all things universally , which should disagree in number , scituation , magnitude , proportion , afflux , or eflux , he took from their due order , as though they were contraries , that he might make an establishment of his own foolish rule : as if medicine did not work naturally , but stood by learning by demonstration alone . hence at length , by a most generall absurdity , he dictated the naturall indications or betokenings of diseases , to be made onely by the oppositions of contraries : for he would have necessities to be subservient to his own maxims ; but he erected not maxims conformable to necessities : which fictions therefore are commanded to work ruine , as many of them as are handed forth at the pleasure of so great ignorance : therefore that maxim hitherto remains adored by the schooles , and common people , ( as it were the top of healing ) which by contrarieties , that is , by brawlings , strifes , wars , fighting , and crises or judicial periods , do mark out the beaten path of healing : for it hath so been credited , so wrote , and feigned hitherto , and that , so without controversie ; that nothing is thought to be alike plausible , and fit for subscribing , and doth through its own facility of understanding deceive , by delighting , and captivating every unwary person . but the knowledge of the causes and roots of healing , do grow from a far more hidden stock , than that the vulgar by a rusticall perceivance can crop the flowers of the same : neither hath galen considered , that one contrary ought so often to be predicated of ( according to aristotle ) as oft as another , because both of them stood under the same generall kinde , and did rejoyce in an equall priviledge : wherefore neither hath he at any time diligently searched , what that generall kinde should be , under which , positive coldness , or cold , might stand contrary to so manifold a putrified heat as he seigned particular kindes of fevers : to wit , where he might finde cold contrary to a malignant , putrified , and hectick or habituall heat ; and resisting heat in so many excesses of spaces : or what might be that singular and individuall action of cold ; of so diverse degrees and species , whereby as many heats being brought under the yoak , they should be compelled to a due proportion : which thing surely , so long as it hath been neglected by the galenists ; also a just remedy for every fever hath remained unknown , and remedies have been administred , being prescribed by guess and chance : for through galenical scantinesses , they on both sides prostrate their lies , conspiring for the death of mortalls . paracelsus indeed scoffed at galen with an helvetian taunt , although as being constrained , he now and then runs back to the same method , being unmindfull of his own continuall chiding : for oft-times he would have contraries to be coagulated in things resolved , and resolving : yea , many times , he uncompelled , runs back to hissed-out elementary distemperatures : at length through a heat of contradicting , he constituted the healing of all diseases in the likeness , as well of nature , as of the causes making diseases , with the remedy it self , being indeed every where , full of indistinction . but i under a phylosophicall liberty , being addicted to no master , do perceive that if by the taking away of the causes , all co-knitting of affects is thereby cut off ; that every healing of diseases ought also to be defined by the same law of causes : so that a correcting , withdrawing , and extinguishing of the immediate efficient cause ( which doe suitably enclose within themselves a privation of the effect following from thence ) should contain the chiefest substance in healing : but not the likenesses , as neither the contrarieties of remedies . in the first place , the products of diseases ( suppose the stone ) as they retain in themselves their own agent co-agulated in them ; so also , they are very often cured by taking away of the effect onely : because , sometimes the co-knitting of the inward cause , or of the immediate efficient is taken away , together with their matter . add to these things , that onely a solution of the co-knitting of the efficient cause to the matter ; and so a strained , or loosened fitting , and quenching and appeasing of a privative disturbance in the archeus ( which do sometimes include in them a meer privation ) do oft-times compleat the history of healing , without any contrariety , or likeness of the remedy to occasionall causes : which very thing paracelsus ought to have remembred , if he had once looked back unto his own arcanums or secrets : for he had soon taken notice , that any one of those arcanums do of right chase away almost all diseases , without any respect to likeness , or contrariety ; but through the besprinkling of a vitall tincture alone , by a secret gift , that is , by an over-flowing of goodness : for indeed , whatsoever is made or born in nature , is made from the necessity of efficient seeds : but seeds themselves do in no wise operate for the scope of likeness , or contrariety ( as otherwise is commonly thought ) but onely because they are so commanded to operate by the lord of things , who alone hath given knowledges , bounds or ends to seeds , known to himself alone from a former cause : else seeds do wander , and whither , they know not : and indeed , they direct themselves as though they were strong in knowledge ; but they tend by the meanes granted unto them , unto ends unknown to themselves : for we do improperly call them the intentions of medicines , or scopes of nature : not that they have prefixed an aim to themselves , from the beginning , as if they were potent in a minde and fore-knowledge : but because by a created gift , they are born to flow down voluntarily and naturally by their own direction , unto such limits as are known to god : for christian philosophy doth thus dictate this thing ; but the heathenish schoole is ignorant of it . therefore even in the light , i do admire at the boldness of the schooles , which have not acknowledged the seminall beings of nature in diseases ; and have placed qualities in the room of beings subsisting by themselves , and that diseasie ones : nevertheless , they would have them to be esteemed after the manner of will or judgement , of feelings , and animosity , as they should possess antipathies and contrarieties by their own proper force . truly , i have thus accustomed my self to play the philosopher , as i coveted to mere out things themselves by a radicall foundation , according to the whet-stone of sacred truth , as near as might be lawfull for humane wits . therefore , that i may shew the positions of contrariety to contain meer incongruities in nature , it is first of all to be observed , that they have suffered the frivolous invention of aristotle to prostitute a matter wholly deprived of every accident , for the subject of generation , as well in a sound nature , as in a corrupt one ( to wit , in the grief of a isease ) for he thus prosperously beginneth from a twofold , and every way privation of accidents , and forms , for the original beginning of things ) therefore that every accident as well inbred , as suddenly hapning , doth also consequently depend , and issue out of the bosome of forms . so indeed , that from the forme , and its first essay , all activity in the archeus , as well of matter as accidents , doth necessarily depend : in the mean time , the schools were thorow taught by this aristotle ( they support it even to this day ) that nothing can be contrary to substances , as well those material , as formall : i do not see therefore whence accidents shall beg their own contrariety to themselves , especially those which are the naked , immediate , and meer instruments of their own forms ? for from whence had they drawn their own contrariety , whose matter , and form ( indeed the total principles of accidents ) do repulse all contrariety far from them : especially , because accidents being considered in themselves , are not so much [ beings ] as [ of beings ] ; and so that of themselves they are nothing , do work or prevail nothing : therefore it must needs be , that if there be any intention of contrariety in nature , that is primarily in the active principle , that is in the bosom of the forms : so that even in this respect , forms themselves ( the which notwithstanding without controversie , they have banished into the number of substances ) should be actually , and potentially contrary by a primitive right . consequently also the maxim of the schools is false , that nothing is contrary to substances , or it behoveth accidents to have the same contrariety , not depending on forms , and from their own proper nature , without , and against the possibility of forms : that is , not to be the immediate means , products , and instruments of forms ; but to arise , stand , persevere , and act of themselves , even against the will of forms , without , and besides forms ; to be i say , independent beings , and no longer [ of beings ] : or thirdly , at length they must confesse with me , that there is no contrariety in nature , except among free and elective agents . i adde , if the equality of contraries subsisteth according to the aforesaid maxim , it must needs be , that the relation of a relation to be founded between contraries , depends on a substantial root , or on a radical respect of contrarieties , and an intimate suitableness of proportion most fully present ; which is as much as to say , that the essence of the relation of contrarieties to be founded ( otherwise more former than the existence it selfe of forms can be ) is altogether seated in the most full , or innermost substantial principle of forms it self , wholly uncapable of contrariety : and that , whether thou dost respect god himself , or any other created substance : and so it must needs be , that contrariety in nature doth include a contradiction in its own beginnings , and those of phylosophy . but if thou considerest these things even as supernaturally , and in god , they are not also therefore made contrary ; and so , neither shall they flow from god into nature , as contraries . and this very thing i say , i also urge further , if one contrary may be declared so many wayes , as oft as also another ; neither is there any thing contrary to substanstial forms ; therefore there is also no friendship , co-resemblance or likenesse between forms , which is false : for truly , from hence doth appear a character of things not to be blotted out , because all things were created by god the lover of peace . for after that i submitted my self to be instructed by better beginnings , i seriously knew for certainty , whether i should behold substances , or at length accidents , that there is no contrariety in nature , unless among angryable or wrathful beings , and moveable living creatures : so far is it , that the action of every agent on its patient , should onely proceed from the term of relation of a contrary unto its contrary . therefore i have found contrariety only in the wrathful power of sensitive creatures , and not else-where : whence perhaps by an improper metaphor , or hyperbole or excessiveness , contrariety hath been also wrested unto all individuals of the world . whether the schooles feeling a proper animosity of disputing , have also meditated that the other products of seeds also , are in like manner stirred up only by anger ; to wit , by the action of the greater to the lesse , of the conqueror to the thing conquered , and of the stronger to the weaker , by reason of the relations of contrariety : therefore the sense of that negative maxim , wherein it is said , that nothing is contrary to substances ; is equivalent to the position fore-placed in the title of this chapter : to wit , that nature is ignorant of or knows no contraries . if there should be any power of contrariety in nature , except in the wrathful faculty of sensitive creatures ( for of terms , and applyed relations of logick , i do not speak ) surely that should be in the manifest and primary qualities of the elements ; but in these there is no contrariety ; therefore in no place elsewhere . the assumption is proved , for that the schools do draw the first qualities in mixt bodyes from the very contrarieties of the composing elements : but the subsumption i have proved elsewhere , here to be repeated : a young man in the morning descending from the alpes , which are covered with continuall snow , yet on the side respecting the sun , his whole neck was burnt into bubbles or bladders : and there the aire is exceeding delightfull , and poured all abroad , as it were with a new sky : ( learn thou thence in the mean time , first of all , that cold is not a privative absence of heat , but a true being ) therefore cold and heat being there heightned at once in the same place , time , and subject of the aire , do mutually suffer each other ; which thing , the schools will not admit to be possible in contraries : for truly , they are such things which they will have mutually to beat down , break , expell , slay each other , and to bring to a middle and neutral state . we must note here by the way , that in the same place the heightned cold is entertained immediately in the aire ; but the heightned , and bladdering heat to be there in respect of the light , and so immediately in the place it selfe of the aire , but mediately in the aire : but seeing that place doth pierce the aire throughout its whole substance , and the enlightned place doth heat also the aire it self , which therefore the light doth at once pierce ; therefore in the same point of the aire , there is a heightned heat , together with heightned cold : the knitting of both which , brings forth an acceptable , and friendly luke-warmth to the sense ; yet a mocking one , because the effect of both qualities being knit together , bewrayeth a great heightning or degree under that luke-warmth : and therefore neither is luke-warmth caused as both qualities being equally heightned , do dash or batter each other through the fight of contrariety , and reduce each other into a middle , and plausible mediocrity ; but the senses , and schools ( which according to sensualities , suffer themselves to slide , every where , without a more inward narrow search ) are too improper , and rusticall judges of natural things . likewise hot water being powred into cold , of a like proportion , although they do presently stir up a luke-warmth in the thing co-mixt ; yet both qualities in a heightned degree , are in that luke-warmth , no otherwise than as in the aforesaid aire of the alpes , although the sense doth not distinguish them : for otherwise it is not possible , that that heat of the water gotten by the moment of degrees , should perish in an instant ; yea , neither is it the fight of contraries , which hath presently generated that luke-warmth , as neither the victory of cold excelling the heat , while the former heat is slackned ; but the heat in the water is a transitory relolleum , because it is violently brought in : for therefore , the fire ceasing from which it was produced , of its own accord , it presently is diminished , and ceaseth , being no longer cherished : that the heat in the hot water being divided throughout the least atomes of its subject , perisheth of its own accord , but is not overcome expulsively by a contrariety . because a relolleum is an efficient quality , not proceeding out of the ferments and seeds of things : and it is twofold ; to wit , one in its own body , but the other in a strange body . amongst proper relolleum's , some are seperable , as cold in the air and water : but others are unseperable , as heat in the light of the sun , candle , and fire , which can never wax cold : a strange relolleum is violent , by which , if it be not nourished , it therefore perisheth by its moments and degrees : and therefore it is called transient , as is heat in the water . therefore aire , and water are not made hot by the fire , through contrariety , but by the generating of a strange relolleum , as it acteth that which was commanded it to act , after a different manner of acting with seeds . and therefore , it neither acteth to , or for a form . in like manner , when water extinguisheth fire , or fire lifts up water into a vapour , that never happens by the force of contrariety : because the whole fire of the universe cannot blot out , or lessen the least moistness from one only drop of water ? wherefore , the contrariety of the fire should be in vain and foolish , or its fight vain and invalide : but that aire cannot in any ages , by art or nature , be converted into water , or this likewise into aire , as i have elsewhere demonstrated by science mathematical , and by other means sufficiently enough demonstrated : for neither is the fire quenched by the water , by reason of the presence of a contrary cold in the water : for so hot water should not quench fire : and fire burns more strongly under the blowing and cold of the north , than of the south ; and the coldest blowing of bellows doth the more kindle or enflame the fire : therefore water slayeth fire , but not fire , water : also fire gives place , not being overcome by cold , but being choaked it perisheth : and so hot oyl doth extinguish a bright burning coale . if therefore contraries ought to be under the same generall kind , fire cannot be contrary to water ; seeing fire is not a substance ; even as i have sufficiently demonstrated elsewhere . lastly , if they were contrary , they should be primarily , by themselves substantially , and immediately contrary , as simple bodies ; and that being granted , their action ought to be a like and equall sight , which thing i have already before shewn to be false , even as also that nothing is contrary to substances : for by the beholding of which two things , to wit , the fire , and the water , the schools have feigned every contrariety of mixtures and complexions in the universe : what wonder is it therefore that the contrariety of nature dreamed of in the schools , is now to be had in suspition ? seeing their own privative contraries are without contrariety , likeness or equality , combate , co-mixture , and grappling of forces ? furthermore , moysture , and dryness are qualities scarce to be understood in the abstract ( even as otherwise , heat is considered in the hand , besides or without the fire : yea in its improper subject , as is the water ) but moystness , and dryness are rather very bodies themselves qualitated or endowed with qualities : neither therefore are they attained by parts and degrees ( with the leave of the schooles ) after the manner of qualities : for moystness is not properly produced , but a moyst body being added to a dry one , more of the moyst body is applyed , and so moystness improperly waxeth great : that is , moysture increaseth quantitatively , but not qualitatively : but water doth never wax dry , although it may deceive the eyes by vanishing away : even as concerning gas elsewhere . again , siccum or dry soundeth properly , ex-succum or without juyce , and contains onely a denyall of moysture : but although through the admixture of dry , water may seem to be diminished in clay , yet the water doth alwayes keep its own intrinsecall moysture : as also the dry body keeps likewise its own dryness ; because there is not a piercing co-mixture of those in the root , but onely an applying of parts : therefore moysture , and dryth are so tied to a body , that they can in no wise be distinguished from it . and therefore they are not relolleum's , in manner of heat , and cold , which are brought in by degrees . the whole water indeed vanisheth away into a vapour : yet it never assumeth even the least quantity of dryth : but if of meal and water , pulse or bread be made , and at length , the nature of a fermentall seed being conceived , they do passe into a stone ; yet truly those things are coagulated ones , which do cover and vail the antient moystness of the water ; but at length , the antient water is fetched again from thence : for it was not dryed up , nor hath it perished , although it were coagulated by the seed of things : for i have demonstrated elsewhere , mechanically , and mathematically , that all solid bodies are onely of water , nor that they do admit of the congress or concourse of the other elements : or that every rangible body is at length resolved into a simple elementary water , such as falleth down through rain ; yea , being of equall weight with its former solid body : which onely head , destroyeth the compact , temperature of the elements , and the intestine , and uncessant warr of qualities in us : wherefore it behoves the schooles diligently to search for altogether other causes of diseases ; which i have declared by the unheard of beginnings of naturall philosophy : therefore it is a part of blockishness to be admired at , to have dreamed that moysture cometh to a thing by degrees , and likewise , that moysture , and dryness are slackened in the elements : and so that it is a huge fiction , to have introduced these stupid dreams into the families of diseases , and cures , and confidently to have built upon these , the whole foundation of healing : so that throughout the whole ranks of moystures , and dryths , they have married each other , as well by their mutuall kinne , as by the bawderies of heat , and cold : to wit , for one onely fault , that their neighbours might mournfully deliver their substance unto their vanities of temperaments . being altogether ignorant , that there is no piercing of moyst with dry , in nature , no radicall union , co-mixture , or radicall temperature , whereby they may divide between each other in the bosom of a form. and i do propose one question at least , to all , by me resolved elsewhere , how many contrary elements soever they hitherto suppose to conflux into the constitution of bodies which are believed to be mixt . since indeed they suppose two weighty ones , to wit , the water and earth , and two light ones : and likewise do suppose a penetration of bodies to be impossible in nature . thirdly , also seeing they suppose , that gold without controversie is a body mixt from a reall wedlock of the aforesaid elements ; how can it come to passe , that gold doth exceed water in weight , sixteen times at least ? for if there be in gold , parts of air and fire , mixt by an undissolvable , and equall tempering : ( for that thing they affirm to be altogether necessary , seeing they assign the perpetuall remaining of gold in the greatest torture of the fire , to be from an equall mixture of the four elements . ) therefore water and earth in gold being constituted , shall two and thirty times out-weigh their own matter , from whence the gold ariseth : shall therefore earth pierce it self two and thirty times at least , while gold is made of it ? therefore seeing the weight it self doth bewray infallibly , a ponderous body , neither doth weight wholly consist of nothing ; they must resolve me of this question , before they shall draw me to their own opinion concerning the mixtures of the elements . in the mean time , shall be room for me to shew by way of handicraft-operation , that solid , and ponderous or weighty bodies , do afford out of them , water of an equall weight , deprived of all manner of taste : neither that an element in nature is , as neither that the elements can ever by any skill , or endeavour of nature , be knit together into a formall unity : these things already , more largely above . therefore it is a deaf kinde of doctrine , that there are four contrary elements , which flow together to the co-mixture of other bodies ( which hitherto are deceitfully supposed to be mixt ) and that they fight also in such mixt bodies wherein they are enclosed , no otherwise than as in their own simplicity , by reason of contrarieties ; and that therefore they do mutually slay each other by an uncessant war , and that they do as oft rise again immediately by privation , that they devour ; and again vomit up each other . that stupidity of the schooles is not to be borne , whereby they do without scruple , subscribe to each other in these trifles , not enquiring , what that appetite in an element of enlarging it self should be ? or what the motion beyond the bound once appointed for it by the creator ? for first of all , there is not any hunger , thirst , penury , or any the like defective thing , to which they should be subject , from their creation : neither also , do they suffer defects , much lesse an actuall feeling of defects ; seeing every one is in it self a first and simple being , neither doth it admit of vvedlocks , neither is it wasted by nourishments , and through the exchange of it self hath it , or doth it cast out excrements , nor doth it suffer rust ; neither doth it by waxing weary or declining , degenerate into any body more pure than it self , more former than it self , more simple than it self . therefore a necessity is wanting , whereby the elements may consume each other after a hostile manner : for god saw , that whatsoever things he had made , were good . if therefore two good things should fight against each other ; that fight at least , could not but be a great and continuall evill , the authour whereof should be the creator himself : for from thence it would follow , that such a property of the elements should not be from god , as neither from sin , therefore , from some greater than god is : but if the elements are said to be so created by god , that one should continually change another into its own nature ; not indeed by reason of mutuall hostility , but for the necessity of nourishment : although , that presupposeth a ridiculous thing ; yet i have what i wished : to wit , the taking away of contraries : therefore , it is a vain privy shift , and a false devlse : for truly , that supposition cannot subsist together with the position it self : for that excuse being supposed , it must needs be , that there should be a fight and resistance : else , one element should presently convert all the other that co-toucheth with it , into it self : because there is no difficulty of overcoming , where there is no necessity of fight or resistance ; because every part of an element should have the same passion , motion , and desire to consume its neighbour , such things as are supposed to be in parts akinne to themselves . and so that therefore , those activities should be heightned into a hugeness , that it should easily and presently convert the element subjected unto it , into its own nature , without a re-acting : and these being thus converted , afterwards uncessantly others , and successively others : at leastwise , that uppermost air , and that which is at the farthest remote distance from the water , being pressed with a most tiresome and long thirst , had long agoe perished , or at least should languish through wearisomness or grief , as being deprived of its naturall nourishment . therefore , however these things may be excused , the creatures at least , should be ordained by god , with a desire of troubling the order and harmony of the universe , and of their first constitution : to wit , of bringing in the first dissolution , and disproportion , by overcoming , slaying , and transcnanging their neighbour into themselves : truly , humane frailties are the inventers of these fables , brought in by the paganish schooles . because through ignorance of nature it self , the common people have brought in lawes , confusions , contrarieties , fights , hostilities , reducements , and repeated resurrections , that men might excuse their own angry contrariety , and might apply it to things that want it . indeed the schooles , and also the common people , who have been deceitfully , thorowly instructed by these , have esteemed , that in nature it is a greater , more glorious , and better thing to overcome , than to be overcome ; to subdue equalls , than to be subdued : but god hath taught us otherwise : to wit , that in the top of perfection of nature , it is more glorious to suffer , than to do wrong : that it is a more blessed thing to be overcome of a stronger , than to have cast down a weaker . and seeing god cannot erre in his judgements , hence the judgements of the schooles and common people , have sprung , not from the truth of nature ; but indeed from our animosity and frailty : and therefore they are erroneous and abusive , as as being opposite to the divine judgements : neither also , shall those which god hath despised in man , be able to praise him in the simplicity of a law , and necessity of nature , if they were glorious : but if there were any true contrariety in things that want sense , they had rightly judged , that that doth necessarily arise , and presuppose a conception of hatred and hostility , being radically sealed in their own first and formall beginnings ; by reason whereof , the agent from its own self-love , should stir up to it self a hatred against the patient : or it should have that hatred singularly put into it by nature , for resistance , unlikeness , and an endeavour of successive alteration : and that , which way soever it may be taken , is to confess radicall , seminal , and most inward contrarieties in substantial forms : and so substances themselves to be immediately contrary to each other , unlesse they had rather deny forms to be substances . but i am provided to teach , that nature doth act all things by its own middle properties , no aime of contrariety , hatred , or fight being proposed to it selfe . for truly , in the first place ; we believe it by faith to be true , that god is the daily authour and governour of nature ; and that every where his own creature doth as much as it can , expresse and witnesse him in goodnesse . in the next place , that god is the fountainous beginning of love , concord , and peace ; also that he hateth discords and contrarieties , so that if he could have framed the universe without brawlings and contrarieties , there is no doubt but he hath done it : but he could do that very thing most readily , because he is almighty , and hath made all things as he would ; therefore also hath he done it . the subsumption is plain , because nothing could resist him , but what he would make free : but the seeds of things , or the agents of nature , he hath not endowed with a freedom of willing ; therefore neither could the agents of nature resist god : and by consequence , he made the agents of nature , according to the good pleasure of his own love , goodnesse , and peace : for so , when i take meat , i never find in my self a contrariety , as neither in the meats ; but if its abundance or quality shall offend me , i find indeed a defect in me , but not a contrariety : if any one be averse to cheese , it argueth not a contrariety , but a seminal disposition working some hurtfull thing , through a seminal power directed by god : for it listeth not us by reason of the necessary successive changes in things , to call any hurtfull qualities the hostilities & enmities of things : because we must speak properly in phylosophy ; whereas otherwise , words do change the sense , and do estrange the essences of things , and especially , when as thereby the whole constitution of healing is wrested aside to the destruction of man : for contrariety doth not only bespatter the face of nature with as many vices as there are agents , and properties of things ; but also seemeth to have accused the parent of nature himself , as if he were the maker and favourer of hatred and brawlings : and so that the whole universe should be only an inne of hostility , a perpetuall duel , and a true infernal fury , no where expressing the figure of its creator . therefore contrarieties in nature are not from the creator , who despiseth them in things capable of choice ; much more in those things which himself hath framed , according to the example of the arch-type or first pattern . again , the creature , seeing it came out of nothing , bears before it no property from it self : but if therefore , contrarieties should proceed from errour alone , from the accustomedness of seeds being wrested aside ; then at least they should not subsist , but in monstrous effects , and therefore should be thrust rashly into the composure of nature . and lastly , from hence it followes , that the contrarieties of seeds are only from god : of which assertion , a christian judgeth the folly . for the schools have never hitherto thorowly weighed , how much these might differ from each other ; to have done any thing through a conception of contrariety , and to have wrought any thing through the obedience of the seeds due to the properties given them by god : for therefore , to admit of contraries , is to place errors in the intention , means , and end of nature . therefore we must know , that nature doth altogether refuse contraries , if we hope to attain its in-most tone or highest strain . but that which the schools have devised concerning radical heat , at least they have forgotten , that radicall cold doth marry it under the same vitall principle , that contraries might rejoyce in their own equall right : and they have opposed death only unto it , out of the general kind : wherefore , they have left that principal quality single without a contrary : and leaving their own false maxim , that contraries are under the same general kinde , and that they are predicated by as many equal turns on both sides . for seeing death is a privation and non-being , it can never supply the place of a contrary ( according to the dictate of the schools ) that it may be opposed to life or radicall heat ; seeing that which is not , and which is nothing , doth not stand under the same generall kinde with radicall heat : concerning the fables whereof , and the fictions of primogenial or radical moisture , i have treated very largely in the treatise of long life . again , the schools being dashed against the rocks , do now and then treat of heat , and cold , as potential things , yet not as contraries ; because in every small drop , or the least atome of simples , they determine heat and cold to be connexed , and very excelling in strength : to wit , they declare in opium , a heightned cold to be , and also a heat in its bitternesse : and so also , i have now rendred their knowledge drawn from savours , ridiculous , from one only example touching relolleum's : because seminal and specificall powers have by the schools been rashly brought over into elementary qualities , or 〈◊〉 : for they divine cold to be in opium , although bewrayed by no judgement of the senses , from its effects ; because they by a ridiculous dream , have tied up the seminall , sleepifying power unto cold : as though the most high , when he would send sleep into adam , had stirred up cold in him ! and as if , after dinner a notable cold in us should ascend into the head ! truly , the schools do every way require an understanding for the obedience of an incomprehensible faith . but if the herb flammula , or scarwort , although it hath it self after an univocal or simple manner ( as much as in it layes ) unto all things whereunto it is applyed ; yet it doth not embladder a dead carkasse , even as it doth a living body : because a dead carkasse is not moved actively , or by its own motion , by the poysonsom ferment of the flammula : because those potential qualities are no more those of heat and cold , than the elementary ones are ; but the proper and formall-specificall efficacy of things . wherefore the device and testimony of rudeness or ignorance for contrariety , is vain or foolish , whatsoever hath been by the schools subscribed to the desires of the gentiles concerning heat , and cold potential ; seeing they deny potential heat to be the companion of actual heat under the same kinde , under which notwithstanding they do collect contraries : and so , the rash history of temperaments hath drawn to it the vital and seminal faculties of things ; for it is unknown in the schools , that whatever acteth by reason of salts , is not of the proper power of the seed , but an accident varying by reason of the obiect : for they have esteemed lime as a most hot simple , because by its salts , it moved an escharre or crust in a wound : neither minded they , that in calx vive , even as in snow , worms do of their own accord arise : what is desired in this place , i have elsewhere more largely explained concerning actions , even as also touching the knowings of diseases . therefore hitherto i have taught , that qualities are , and do operate in the elements without respect to contrariety : but now i descend unto a systeme or collection of things . first of all , oneness or a unite is not contrary to a binary or that which is twofold , although they go back divided by interchangeable courses : likewise , neither are upwards and downwards , east and west , contraries , but oppositions of scituations , which do vary through respects : and so , that which is above , in respect of another thing , is beneath : neither therefore is the right eare contrary to the left , although opposite : for neither do i speak of contradictory terms , which do only contradict in a relative respect , but have not hostile properties in things : neither also is my speech concerning privative things : yea , neither do i deny contraries in the wrathfull power ; but i constantly affirm onely this one thing alone , that god hath not made contraries in nature , which by hostility may kill and set upon each other : or , i deny contrary properties in natural things ; that is , i deny positive and reall contraries to be in the order of natural actions : for vertue hath it selfe opposite to vice , from the disposition of the thing depriving : neither also is a flying creature contrary to a creeping one , for the same silk-worm is both : neither is generation it self contrary to corruption ; but there is one only flowing of the seeds , from point to point , by wearying , withdrawing , losing , or extinguishing the strength or faculties . likewise , neither is great contrary too little , nor straight too crooked ; seeing one and the same thing may sometimes be small , sometimes great , strait , and crooked . let the same judgement be of sweet and bitter , hard and soft , rough and smooth , heavy and light , sharp and blunt , coagulated and resolved , or of white and black : for all the powers of things are in themselves absolute ; neither do they respect others that are diverse from them ; because every thing is even as it existeth by it selfe : but for that they are opposed by us , even as if they did disagree among themselves , that is unknown to things , and plainly by accident , or forreign unto them . in the mean time , a hatchet doth not cut wood , or a knife cut bread , by reason of contrarieties or hostilities , but every property acteth without reflexion on an opposite one , that which it is commanded to act . it is a foolish thing to will things to be contrary , wherein there is no pretence of hatred , disagreement , victory , or superiority : and therefore , neither is there any intention of contrariety in nature . therefore every thing acteth even as it is commanded to act . for within an egg-shell , a war of contrariety is not inclosed , although the seed may flow through various successive alterations of dispositions , far unlike from each other ; a unity and concord of nature is on every side kept , which is no where contrary to it self : yea , it abhorreth every contrary , and whatsoever disturbeth unity . for indeed , there is in the seed a transchanging of the water existing in the earth of a garden ; and so that one onely water passeth into a thousand hot , sharp , bitter , sour , and cold herbs : for not because any seed is contrary to the juice or water in the earth ; or that another sharp simple doth envy a sharp one that is neighbour to him , which doth lesse answer to him in the resembling mark of unity ; far be it : for they proceed indifferently from the vitall beginning of their own seeds , wherein hostile contraries are not entertained : for accidents , seeing they are the dispositions of seeds , or of absolute beings in themselves , not of relative ones , and therefore ignorant of contrarieties , they follow also the guidance of their own seeds , whose instruments , and products they are : therefore the table of repugnant things admits of contraties onely in the sensitive and wrathfull power of free agents . secondly , it admits of privative things . thirdly , last of all , of those things which do contradict in relative terms . since therefore there are not things absolutely contrary in nature ; how carelesly it hath hitherto been proceeded in the fictions of complexions , and healings of the sick , they shall see , whom the mournings of widows and orphans shall one day accuse ; to wit , that for one only sluggishnesse , they have rashly subscribed to stupid heathenish doctrines : and so , that indeed they have not hitherto so much as known the definition of nature , which i thus define . nature is that command of god whereby a thing is that which it is , and doth what it is commanded to do : but that fitly , because the schools reject their own theorems or speculations ; and do seem to set their speculative art to sale , the which as oft as they please , they do not follow : for in the plague , and malignant feavers , they give triacle , and other things not obscurely hot , as also medicines causing sweat , to drink , the indication or shewing token of heat being neglected : also an erisipelas the most fiery of apostems ( as they say ) they cure by applying of the best aqua vitae . lastly , if nature the physitianesse of her self , can overcome diseases by her own goodnesse , but not by a fighting quality : let them shew i pray , what kind of cold it may be in a feverish body , which may slay the heat of the same disease at set hours . and moreover , if nature be her own phyfitiannesse , what necessity is there i pray , that the disease should be bounded by a crisis or judiciall period , where there is no strife , nor disease cited , heard , or admitted for judgement ? where the patient in the beginning , is more able to strive , than himself , being brought nigh a recovery of his health ! to wit , after many labours , pains , fastings , watchings , and evacuations ? so now he of necessity ought rather to faint for feebleness , than to overcome strife , and to conquer his enemy by his own power : yea , if any strength had been known to have been in the entrance of the disease , plainly it ought to have been judged in the beginning , when as he had a judge and witnesses in his behalfe , and an equall cause against the trayterous disease : at least it is an unjust thing , and worthy of loud laughter , that the judge himself be a party in the crisis . let sports depart in serious matters : for if nature be ignorant of contraries ( as i have shewn ) surely these could not fight in us , and least of all so long as the creature stands in need of help or ease , and the disease was present : for truly , our nature doth alwayes work a univocal or single thing , whether it resolveth coagulated things , or at length coagulateth resolved things : for it doth no otherwise than as gold-finers powder , which giveth a hardnesse to lead , a difficult melting to quick-silver , and tinne , both which qualities it taketh away from iron : not indeed , because that powder is contrary to it self , and to metalls ( which it perfecteth ) in working , and adds to these what is wanting to themselves ; to wit , that one only powder doth afford to every one of them , their own , and far diverse dispositions which they have believed to be contrary , as hardnesse in gold is to softnesse in lead . let paracelsus likewise give place , because he hath inclosed all healing in things that are alike , by admitting in the mean time , the tempest of contraries : and although liknesse doth involve a familiarity , and easie receiving of a remedy , its union , entrance , piercing by reason of an agreement of co-resemblance ; yet that good man was ignorant , that those are not agents sufficiently requisite to healing ; but are only occasional , external means , or reconcilers of healing : such as is also the purity and subtility of a medicine . wherefore i judge , that a medicine doth properly , immediately , and efficiently consist in that which belongs or agrees , or in that which is appropriated : to wit , whereby nature doth rise again from its fall . for truly , there are native endowments within things , which differ from that which is like ; to wit , they are those wherein our archeus doth find his delights . for example ; hunger is as it were a very sharp disease , killing in good earnest , at least , through the sufferance of a few dayes : but it is not cured by contrary food , nor lastly by like food . neither also doth hunger argue a defect of wasted bloud : otherwise , bloody-fluxes , and blood-letting , should necessarily make men hungry : but in hunger there is a consuming of the nourishment of the stomack it self , from the vigour of the digestive , or hungry and devouring ferment , whence at length a cough is the perceivance of hunger . indeed , as oft as the ferment is well disposed , nor having an object on which it may act , it consumeth the proper nourishment of the stomack ; therefore food doth allay hunger , not in as much as it is contrary to the ferment , nor as it is like to the same , but because it is an appropriated remedy . the like thing is to be required in the healing of any deseases whatsoever ; to wit , a suitable fitting of the remedy to the indisposition of the archeus , and a taking away of the occasional cause : which appropriated agreement , or natural endowment of a remedy , doth presuppose a proportion , as well in degree , as in quantity , a fitting , and application , together with a specificall matching of conformity . in this respect also it includes a shewing and knowing of the end , the disposition , and necessity of our faculties , and their agreements with the remedy , whereto again the dose is supposed . for so , remedies may not onely answer to the likenesse or equality of objects ; but also to the determinations or limitations of the ferments . paracelsus sometimes supposed , that no simple is fit for healing , unlesse it self doth first dye . and again in another place , that it is not sufficient for a simple for that cause to dye , unlesse it be first reduced into the three first things , salt , sulphur , and mercury ( so he calls them : ) which errour of the affirmer , hath raised up in the authour a frequent unconstancy : because there are not a few simples which do unfold the specifical property of their form , the subject wherein they in-here being safe : of which sort that comes first to hand , are medicines tied about the head for the head-ach , and very many amulets , which himself calleth zenexton . so indeed , we have pleasantly noted , that tremblings or beatings of the heart , the disgraceful pain of the hemorrhoides or pyles , inordinate fluxes of bloud , falling-sicknesses , stranglings of the womb , and fevers themselves , have been appeased by things hung on the body . so on the contrary , not a few distilled remedies do scarce know how to dye , or to passe into the family of man ; yet great is their effect in diseases . let paracelsus also pardon me , because that resolution of simple remedies is never made in our body : for i have elsewhere sufficiently taught , that the digestion doth never tend to those late three first things ; nor that we that are ever nourished by these things , but by the one only , and the same , or colike liquor whereof we consist . many things also , through their first boy sing , do lay aside their former virtues : for so asarum or fole-foot , of a vomiting medicine , becomes a provoket of urine : and by the dividing of a thing into those three first things , its specificall property is for the most part destroyed : for although they keep some kind of constitutive temperature of their composed body ; yet they are by the fire made a new creature . also he is happy , who by crude or raw simples , hath known safely and readily to take away diseases : for it is the more antient method of healing , noted in the scriptures ; because the almighty hath created medicine from the earth : for truly , a specificall being cannot but be altered by the fire : therefore not un-often , extracts , and magisterial medicines are weakened . for indeed as alchymie brings many things to a degree of greater efficacy , as it stirs up a new being : so on the other hand again , it by a privy filching , doth enfeeble many things . indeed , he accuseth nature of sluggishnesse and imperfection , whosoever thinketh the same to have perfected nothing without the fire : let the seeds of things be the witnesses of these things : for some seeds do bud of their own free accord ; but some do want sowing , and harrowing , but very few stand in need of the art of preparing : at length none do admit of the fire , or of a resolving : for the powers or virtues which immediately stick fast in the bosom of nature , do act after the manner of an influence , neither will they willingly be submitted to the fire . but those powers which are immediately in the forms , not indeed of a simple , but of heterogeneal parts , do very often shine again in the more abstracted part of them : for so mace , terpentine , and asparagus , do even paint their mark of resemblance in the urine . but the powers which arise out of things by the fire , although they owe something to their own composed body , as it were the pledges of its family ; yet certainly they are new , and transplanted branches , for the most part the vassalls of another monarchy , even as elsewhere concerning the faculties of medicines . for i have alwayes greatly esteemed the ordination of the creator in the endowment of simples : for in very deed , according to his mind , very many , or most diseases do give place by simples , as if they were driven out by a most old wedge . but because i speak in the praise of simples , i would not be received into a sleighting of the art of the fire : but i speak only to those who admit of nothing besides those three first things , and do far preferre the sweets drawn out of herbs by stilling , before their bloody juices . for first , they may learn , that the juices of herbs , and likewise the broathes of fleshes , do season and keep from corruption for yeers , without salt , vinegar , honey , sugar , and fire ; then at length they will easily despise the stilled waters of herbs , no lesse than syrupes : but when as the disease hath arisen into a degree , and hath intimately married , prostrating nature ; higher remedies are required , than those which nature hath of her own accord produced . at length perhaps , i shall by many , be judged to have strived about goats wool , and onely about a name : and that , what the schooles do call a contrary , i have strove to mask with the etymologie of an opposite : but this punishment remaineth with me from the ungratefull onely . i speak to the physitians , and schooles , which admit onely of those remedies of diseases , which by a contrary hostile property , are reckoned to set upon diseases by fighting : and who , by a contrary distemper ( as they say ) do diligently teach , that a temperature is onely to be obtained ; of which sort of things that none hath at length , hitherto been , and plainly appeared in nature , i am satisfied : neither is it sufficient , that they do require in a remedy , superior forces related to the disease ; but also they will have that to come to passe , with the vvar of contrariety , strife , and a crisis , if victory be thence to be hoped for . truly i have shewen , that such powers are not found in nature : likewise , that neither do the seeds of things act from a hope and endeavour of victory , or of trampling on their patient , as being contrary to it : nor also of overcoming the activity of the patient : and so that there is not any contrariety , striving , hatred , vvar , combate of arrogancy , or superiority to bear any shew , or be preferred in naturall things , but that they act without an intention and foreknowledge of the end , as they were so created by god their umpire , and were so endowed , and so commanded by him to act : therefore it is clear , that contrariety as it is taught in the schooles , to be implanted in any kinde of things , is banished from whole nature , except from the wrathfull faculty of living creatures : and so , although self-love , sympathy , antipathy , choice , yea and some sense or perceiving may be attributed to things without life ; let it be an analogy , or proportionable resemblance re-shining rather in their effects , and causes ; than in the direction of the creator , or ordination of ends ; because , in a proper sense , they are deprived of choyce , intention of acting , and foreknowledge of ends . but seeing any of these sort of things do plentifully witness , that they have a directer , strongly moving , and sweetly disposing the ends of all things even to their bounds ; the unfoldings of their properties are testimonies , that the most glorious god doth rule the rains even of things of small esteem , by powers given unto them , ignorant thereof : and so , that they are wholly right , withut a knowledge of the end : that is , without their violent force , anger , strife , and hatred . so far is it therefore , that i judge the actions of things , and remedies , to be made by opposites ( in the room of contraries ) that i have equally banished , as well opposites as contraries , from nature ; but i have admitted opposites , after the manner of a relation of termes ; but not in the way wherein they act on each other : for i have alwayes from the age of a man , supposed ; that if there should be contraries , or they should act as such , nature should not totally , exemplarily , formally , and dependantly respect its creator : and that , of such a creature , it could not be fitly said ; and god saw that whatsoever things he had made , were good : if it could not unfold the properties planted in it , without hatreds , after a hostile manner . at length , how much opposite things , which i have reckoned among repugnant or resisting ones , may differ from contrary ones , those physitians have known , whosoever do not burn with a pleasure of reproaching : therefore let young beginners mark , whether he who overthroweth the first principles of healing , from the intent of the creator , striveth with me about a naked name who would have all things operate according to the endowment of nature conferred on it ; not by contrariety , or a desire of destroying each other , but for the ends foreknown to god alone , who is love and peace ; but not hatred , strife , or the fewel of contrariety : therefore , from the intention of the creator , are created things to be weighed . the vvoolf hath deceived the schooles , who kills if he could , not one sheep onely , but also the whole flock . contraries are in man , and beasts , by a power of animosity or angry hear , which is banished as well from the minerall , as vegetable kingdom . at length , in mortall men , sins are opposed to virtues privatively , seeing sin is reckoned a non-being . i may think habituall virtues not to be contrary to vices , as they do as yet reside in the understanding ; but onely when the issuing of them out of the understanding is in the consent , wherein it is opposed to an animosity willing another thing , which in the progress doth at first bring forth anger , hatred , grudges , that is , contraries : for out of the heart proceedeth murders , adulteries , &c. but a meer non-being doth not proceed , as neither doth it fall under a conception ; seeing it hath not a species of its own wherein it may represent it self . therefore sin is not onely a turning away from the creator ; but also a mentall or mindelike act of a determined wickedness or malice : but an act of the minde doth alwayes put on matter , whereon it decyphers its own idea which it hath formed by conceiving , or imagining ; and thus far it springs forth according to the soyl of the soul , into the faculties of the body . hitherto , i have discoursed of faculties created from the intent of the creator : to wit , that there is not given an incentive or inciting faculty of contraries and enmities , unto things existing without the animosity of sensuality : but it shall be profitable , to shew in this place , that by the same animosity , some things are made , which express a beast-like hostility ; as , by the spittle of a mad dog , the stinging of serpents , bees , &c. yet the same things do operate after the manner of poysons , and poysonsom plants ; which divine goodness , hath not created to hurt , or kill , or unto an ill end ; but for other ends directed for the glory of his majesty . but it will be very hard to attribute the contraries of hostility to inaminate things by an accustomed , and wanton analogy of powers , to consider a matter or thing ( to wit , the spittle of a mad dog , or of serpents ) to be imprinted by anger on a man , without that contrariety which we of our own accord grant to be in a bruit beast from whence it sprang : but surely , he shall with me , easily perceive it , if he consider , that poyson , whether it be created by a beast , or prepared through the contagion of animosity , doth not therefore cease to be poyson , and to act according to the nature of poyson : the property whereof is , to act by a naturall force or power ; yea although having risen from the impression of anger ; yet this quality is no more anger to it , but a certain naturall product : and so wherein there is indeed a mark of anger and contrariety , but not anger it self : and therefore there is not a certain product like unto love , wherewith a man being stricken , or anointed , may by so much profit , by how much he is deadlily smitten by another product . whence it is manifest , that that poyson , however it be produced by anger , and be mortall unto a man ; yet that doth not happen through any contrariety ; seeing that a direct contrary is wanting unto it , which doth equivalently or equally help , and promote the life , even as this poyson hurts it . and so , if these kindes of poysons do act by reason of contrariety , now the maxim is false ; that so many wayes one contrary is said to be , by how many wany wayes another is so said . therefore it hath now beensufficiently shewen , that poysons indeed , are made from the anger of beasts ; but it doth not therefore follow , that the poysonof a plant , if it act ( as was shewen above ) by reason of its own naturall endowment implantedin it by god , and not by reason of any contrariety , that the poyson of bruit beasts is more capable of contrariety , than that of other simples : otherwise , the same thing is wholly to be judged concerning the poysons of those that have the art of poysoning , sorceresses , &c. for although they are compounded , and given to the drinker ; to hurt the minde : yet those do operate either naturally , and so without an intention of contrariety , or fight : or they operate by the power of the devil ; which is either solitary or singly alone , and so is truly a hostile effect ( because from the evill spirit an enemy ) or naturall : and then , not by the force of contrariety or fight ; but onely by the unfolding of its naturall endowment : the which i have already shewen above , to be void of contentious contrariety . furthermore , through occasion of these things , the efficacy of poyson prepared by animosity , is to be explained : it is known to the common people , that the bloud of a bull doth strangle him that drinks it ; but not the bloud of an oxe or cow. and that thing i have elsewhere referred to the fury of the bull , with the desire of a dying revenge , after the manner of serpents . but a hog , although he perish with anger ( perhaps therefore , god forbad the bloud of living creatures under pain of indignation ) yet that is done with a fear of death . but the bull is struck with so great a fury , that he suffers no apprehension of death : and so , although his bloud be poysonsom , yet not his flesh ; because his fury approaching nigh unto death , hath not space enough to defile his flesh . but a mad dog , because he was a good while mad before death , doth also infect his flesh . therefore fearfull animalls , as the mouse , toad , &c. do centrally besprinkle their fleshes , and bones with a certain fear : even as i have demonstrated elsewhere in the plague-grave . but hitherto hath that maxim regard , morta la bestia , morto il veleno : the beast being dead , his poyson is kill'd : which surely hath place in a poysonsom living creature ; because between while , he burns with a fury of revenge . in brief , if the vertues and endowments of simples be adverse to us , that proceedeth from divine ordination ; but net from the idea or image of revenge , or hostile contrariety : for these do far differ from each other ; to be contrary to any thing , and to have hurtfull endowments in nature : for truly this proves gods order and variety of powers appointed in nature ; but that declareth hostility , an enemy to god and nature : therefore they differ in their end ; that is , in the institution and direction of god in nature : which is , in the order , intention , ordination , and so in the whole scope of the minde of god : according to which , i consider contrarieties in bruits , and in man , and not in other simples , and least of all in the elements . and therefore to conclude ; the question is not here , about a name ; if i shall overthrow the contrarieties of elements , and their fights , and successive courses of complexions in things falsly believed to be mixt : even as also , whatsoever hath from these suppositions , been hitherto pratled in the behalf of life , a disease , death , and remedies . chap. xxiv . the blas of man. . the errour of the schooles about the first moover . . aristotle contradicteth himself . . blasphemy in a christian . . an errour hath slown from science mathematicall badly appropriated . . the blas of man doth imitate the flowing of the stars . . when our blas doth go before , and when it followes the blas of the stars . . why the blas of bruits goes before that of the stars . . a voluntary blas is not annexed to the stars . . a twofold blas in us . . whence unsensitive things are moved . . galen resisteth aristotle in the pulses . . he sought into the measurings of pulses , but not into the efficient cause . . the use of the pulses with galen . . a third use unknown to galen . . the consideration of the authour . . that a cooling refreshment is not the end of pulses . . some suppositions . . none hath treated concerning life . . contradictories concerning the fire of the heart . . whether a pulse be for the procuring of colds sake . . why the pores in the inclosure of the heart , are triangular . . wherein the venall bloud , and the arteriall bloud do differ . . the sensitive soul is the framer of pulses . . to what end the motion of the heart is . . the absurdities of the schooles concerning radicall heat . . the motion of the heart cannot be judged to be for cooling refreshment sake . . why a feverish pulse is swiftly moved . . a thorn in the finger teacheth that from the swiftness of the pulse heat is increased , but not cold . . five chief ends of the pulses . . how the kindling , and enlightning property of fieryness do differ . . that the spirit of the bloud is not from the liver . . it is a rotten doctrine which confoundeth the ends of pulses with breathing . . the necessities of pulses have been hitherto unknown . . the use of the pulses hath respect unto the digestive ferment . . the sluggishness of the schooles about these things . . why healthy sailers are more hungry than themselves not sailing . . the air cannot nourish the spirit of life . . an alcali is formed by burning up . . the wonderfull coal of honey , and divers speculations of chymistry are cleared up . . the common-wealth of alcalies . . the fabrick of the balsam samech of paracelsus . . an alcali is made volatile , and so interchangeably under the same formall property of a composed body . . of the labour of wisdom . . an handicraft operation of distilled vinegar . . some handricraft operations of chymistry are re-taken for the finishing of the venall bloud without a dreg . . a new and unheard of use of the pulses . . there is an unwonted pulse from the part grieving through a thorn. . pus or corrupt matter being made , why sumptomes wax milde . . whence the hardness of an artery may straightway be made . . what a hard pulse may portend . . that the use of the pulse differs from the use of breathing . . while pus is made , the labour is greater . . the quality of a vulnerary or wound-potion . . it is false , that the bowels are by nature hotter in vvinter . . a contradiction of the schooles . . a begging of the principle . . an eightfold scope or aim of the pulses . . as there is not a livery spirit in the venal bloud ; so neither is there an animal or sensitive pulse of a proper name , in the , shop of the brain . the elements , complexions , compositions , and causes of natural things , for natural phylosophie , being already dispatched : to wit , after the birth of forms , the ignorance which circumvents mortal men about the beginnings of healing , being unfolded ; also the necessity of ferments , and of magnum oportet , being perfectly taught : now therefore i will examine the beginnings of life . the schools have raught , that in every locall motion , a first unmoveable mover is of necessity to be appointed : which thing , i neither find true by art , nor nature : for the demonstrating whereof ; a drunken man of an unstable mind , and foot , in a floating ship , goes and hangs a weight on a clock : therefore in voluntary motions , there is not required a first stable or unmoveable mover . likewise , the sun doth with his beam enflame gun-powder through a glasse . this first mover hath not any thing in his possession , that may be unmoveable : that thing is also already manifest in the fire , an irregular being . thirdly , in nature every seed being once conceived in a due place , doth not cease afterwards by its own motion , to stir the lump subjected to it : therefore the true and first mover of seeds in nature , and work-man of all things moves himself first , & doth not require a motion beyond his own motion : and whatsoever doth stir up any natural mover to move , is its very own proper and internal beginning of motion , and it falling into improper places , dyes ; and its motion ceaseth . therefore the aristotelicks , who call nature the principle of motion , or the first mover , do by an absurd forgetfulnesse , require an unmoveableness in the first mover . and although seeds have need of an external fewel or nourishing warmth , or stirrer up , yet the stirring up is not an inward motion , nor a mover of the same motion ; but is only an alteration accidentally hastening or ripening the power of its own motions , or the activity of the first mover , otherwise , weaker than that which may be for the moving of its own matter : which activity seeing it is a certain accidental successive alteration , which in very deed , is not in it self at rest ( so far is it from being unmoveable ) neither also doth it remain in its antient and one state : surely it confirms the archeus , that he may the more strongly unfold his inbred strength of moving , and may direct it unto his own ends . but if indeed the schools would have their aristotle , ( although unfitly a naturalist ) yet in this place to have had respect in natural things , unto the one and first supernatural mover of all things , who is the independent beginning of all motion ; truly , i respect that as impertinent , it being without natural phylosophy : for that most glorious mover hath given powers to things , whereby they of themselves , and by an absolute force may move themselves , or other things . indeed , it is impertinent to run back to god the mover , to demonstrate the natural motion of bodyes . but neither also is the blasphemy to be endured in a christian , which requireth god of necessity to be unmoveable , that he may be able to move other things : for truly , god doth not move by a touching of extreams , and by an attraction , or expelling of things . lastly , neither doth a thing that is moved , attain vertues from the unmoveableness of the first mover , as it fore-requires this : but the divine beck or pleasure strongly reacheth all things from end to end , but not being constrained by a necessity of co-touching of extreams , pressed with consequence , led by manner , or subjected to a law : but being altogether free , as well in his beck and motion , as in rest , he indifferently and alike powerfully moveth all things : therefore his own unmoveable essence doth not import a necessity required of the schools , but the meer good pleasure of his glory . for his own word ( fait or let it be done ) hath departed into nature , which afterwards is for the moving of it self . so b. gregory saith , that there is a power conferred on the earth , whereby it may thrust forth plants from it self . therefore it is a paganish doctrine drawn from science mathematical , which necessitates the first mover to a perpetual unmoveablenesse of himself , that without ceasing he may move all things . the errour is to be indulged in aristotle , not in christian schools defiling young beginners : for otherwise , there is no motion naturally made , but from a motive principle , which moveth not other things , unlesse it be by it self , and in it self moved . and moreover also , in artificial , and natural things , if any thing be moved by an external mover , and in that motion if the mover himself be supported by some unmoveable foundation ; as suppose when a marriner thrusts back a ship from an unmoveable bank by a staff , the shoar or bank doth not move the ship , neither doth it naturally contain a motive power in it , but it is onely a means by which the mover measureth his motion ; to wit , on which the mover himself stablishing himself as it were on a bottom , doth by weight and the acting forces of science mathematical , frame his own motion , ( which otherwise is wholly moveable , and is actively moved : ) for so a gun doth the more strongly cast out a bullet , if it hath a resisting unmoveable body behind it . but surely , as that body is not motive , so it doth not but by an absurdity , require an unmoveable mover , and is unfitly compared to the first mover : yea in natural bounds , the first and totall mover is gun-powder enflamed , which that it may be moved , it requireth no unmoveablenesse , but that it may measuringly move , it hath need of a measured instrument : therefore it is impertinent to think , that all motions are made by god the first mover , as if he did move all things moved , with a certain staffe . it is also an impertinent thing while it is searched into , whether the mover as he is such , ought of necessity to be unmoveable : it is answered , that the first mover shall measure his motion , and more strongly move , if he be unmoveable , or it is strove against an unmoveable foundation . is that to have taught christian phylosophy ? for indeed , it is not to be doubted , but that the stars by their various aspect which they beg from motions , do infuse a blas motive of the water and aire , that they might be to us for seasons , dayes , and yeers . again , in that the earth hath received an internall beginning of propagating plants before the stars were born ; therefore bruit beasts ; although they were more latter than the stars , yet the seeds of these are not more ignoble than the seeds of plants , or annexed to the stars by the band of a greater subjection : because the stars were before the creation of sensitive things ; therefore it was meet , that the blas of men should not indeed follow the guidance of the stars , but only that it imitate the motion of those , not as of motive powers , but no otherwise than as by a free motion we do follow the foot-steps of a coach-man or post : for so our bowels have perhaps assigned the planets as their fore-runners : for every bowel forms a proper blas to it self within , according to the figure of its own star , which also hence is called astrall or starlike : because it imitates the foot-steps of the heaven , as well in the priority of the dayes of the star its fore-runner , as in the laws of appointments in nature . otherwise , in infirmities , as all the endeavour of nature is sumptomatical ; so then the blas of man goes before , and fore-sheweth future tempests ; whereas otherwise in health , a humane blas doth ordinarily follow after the remarkable successive changes of times or seasons . but bruit beasts , as they were created in a day before man , so their blas doth alwayes go before , and fore-run the blas of the stars : wherefore many prognosticks of a meteor are drawn naturally from beasis : and superstition hath had access thereto , which hath added divinings and sooth-sayings to the credulous and superstitious . yet the blas which is by the will of living creatures , directed to a local motion , surely that is by no means connexed unto a supernatural or coelestial circumvolving motion : because all carnall generation flows out of the power of the seed , and the power of the seed from the will of the flesh : therefore fleshly generation hath a blas of its own , readily serving for the uses of its own ends , flowing out of the beginnings of its own essence , which are the will of the flesh , and the lust or desire of a manly will. therefore there is in us a twofold blas : to wit , one which existeth by a natural motion ; but the other is voluntary , which existeth as a mover to it self by an internal willing . hence therefore it is impossible , that the predictions of the stars should rightly conclude in us . it hath now been sufficiently demonstrated , that there is something in sublunary things which can move it self locally , and alteratively , without the blas of the heavens , and an unmoveable natural mover . the will especially , is the first of that sort of movers , and moveth it self ; also a seminal being , as well in seeds , as in the things constituted of these . moreover as god would , so all things were made : therefore from a will they were at first moved : for from hence whatsoever unsensitive things are moved , they are moved as it were by a certain will and pleasure or precept of nature , and have their own natural necessities , and ends ; even as is seen in the beating of the heart , arteries , expelling of many superfluities , &c. for galen hath artificially enough distributed the pulses , yet being by aristotle deluded therein , who supposed the end , and efficient to be externall causes , and thought the ends of pulses to be their totall causes . for he passing by the proper blas of the pulses , searched only into the ends , and necessities of nature , for which things sake , indeed , the pulses should not be made , but rather measured or modelled . and therefore he hath distributed the differences of pulses into a scheme or figure , only by their ends : and so that therefore he hath not reached their more potent and efficient respects : therefore he hath reduced the causes of pulses unto two heads of necessity : to wit , to the cooling refreshment of the heart , to which end the heart and arteries should at once dilate themselves , and to the casting out of smoaky vapours stirred up by heat : for which cause indeed , the heart and artery should at once presse themselves together , and fall down at once for fear of choaking : which two , by variously interweaving them with their correlatives , according to strength , swiftnesse , weaknesse , hardnesse , and greatnesse , he hath compiled the differences of pulses by an artificial diligent search : and i wish that his other writings did not bewray , that these things were transcribed our of some other authour . but the antients being not contented with two ends ; to wit , cooling and refreshment , and expulsion of smoakinesses , have added a third , which was the nourishment of the vital spirit by aire : as if indeed aire could ever be made vitall spirit : for if the spirit be increased or nourished by aire adjoyned to it , ( seening a simple body is not to be digested ) now only by mixture , vitall spirit should be made of aire , and now all things shall no longer be nourished immediately , of those things whereof they consist : therefore it hath been the ignorance of the antients , who knew not the constitution of the vital spirit , thinking that a little water being co-mixed with much wine , or a little tinne co-mixed with much melted gold , should be made wine , or gold . i will tell here what i have perceived , after that i made more use of discretion , than of the sloath of assenting . therefore i began first to consider , that heat was not primarily and of it self in the heart , but to be a companion of the life and soul , a sign , and mean of operation in living creatures that are hot from the nature of the light of the sun. but in fishes that the life is of the nature of a cold light , and therefore that it subsists without an actual , that is , a true heat . and therefore , that a pulse is not made in nature , for a cooling refreshment of the 〈◊〉 , and puffing out or dispersing of smoaks , a dissected frog will teach : for in a living frog thou shalt see his heart and arteries to be moved , his heart at every pulse , or by dilating , to wax red , and by contraction or pressing together , to wax more pale , although it be not transparent : notwithstanding , seeing the antients thought heat to be the cause of pulses , yet there is none that hath decyphered that heat by its heats , by what way , reason , and mean that heat is stirred up , kindled , and doth persevere in us , because none hath meditated of life and forms ; and therefore none also , of the efficient cause of pulses . none indeed hath hitherto doubted , that heat springs from the heart , and none contesteth , but that the young is at first nourished by its mothers heat , untill that through maturity of dayes , a fewel of its own be kindled in it . but what that fewel is , and why it being once kindled , doth not presently dye , and doth continue even to the end ; none hath diligently searched into , because all have passed by the life . the schools indeed do feign a fiery heat in us ( contrary to aristotle , who will have this heat to answer in proportion to the element of the stars , and hath distinguished it from an elementary and fiery one ) also that it lives by devouring and consuming of the radical moisture : whence it would follow , that the heart is the torch of a consuming fire : but notwithstanding , seeing the substance of the heart , and pericardium or case of the heart , and also of the bloud , is not fit for fire : they have been forced to confesse that fire not to be fire , and that heat not to be fiery , yet devouring ; but they have said , it is sufficient for them to have described the fewelor torch , or beginning of heat metaphorically ; as if nature should admit of metaphors : for first of all , i remember that some swooning virgins were beref't of pulse and breathing , so far as was conjectured by humane judgement , and so for some hours were bewayled among the dead ; yet that they revived , and being married , afterwards to have lived without sicknesse , and to have brought forth five or six times . for they were cold as ice , assoon as their pulse had failed : from whence i began to be doubtful , whether the pulse were not made rather for the effecting of heats sake , than through the occasion of fetching in cold : whence i began to account the final causes of pulses to be frivolous , and so also i suspected the presaging part of healing to be weakened : and that i thus prove : for there is hedge or partition between both bosomes of the heart , in it self , as long as life remains ; so porie , that by the attraction of the ears of the heart ( for on both sides it is reckoned to be eared by way of proportionable resemblance , because it hath as it were bellows ) the veinie bloud doth passe from the hollow vein ( forming the right bosom of the heart by its passage ) and wanders into the left bosom ; not likewise from hence to the right bosome : because the pores in the hedge or partition it self are triangular , whose cone or sharp point ending in the left bosom , is the more easily encompassed or pressed together ; but the base of that triangle in the right bosom , never but by death : but the bloud of the left bosom , is now arteriall , and is the bloud of a true name , being diverse from the bloud it self , as being yet in the hollow vein , in colour , and subtility or fineness . wherefore i must needs , not without cause , have found out a new or fourth digestion in the left stomach of the heart : for no otherwise than as the bloud of the veins differs from the cream and chyle ; so also doth the bloud of the arteries differ from the thick bloud of the veins , although by a neerer kinne , and cloathing of the heavens , they have after a sort returned into one family : yet in that is the specificall difference of both , that the arterial bloud is informed by the immortall soul , in the left bosom ; but the venall bloud not , and that it is illustrated onely by the light of the sensitive form participatively , but not informatively : for the other digestions do require rest : but the fourth is perfected by an uncessant continuation of motion : not indeed that the very motion of the heart is the formall transchangeative cause , but onely that it concurs dispositively . indeed , in the left bosom of the heart , as it were in a stomach , doth a singular , most vitall , and lightsom ferment dwell , which is a sufficient cause of the venall bloud its being transchanged into arterial bloud , even as it is chief in the transmutation of arteriall bloud into vitall spirit . because all venal bloud doth naturally tend into its own end , which is nourishment ; yet at last it is dispersed and vanisheth away into a vapour , or into a gas , unless it be stayed by the coagulum or co-thickning of growth : but the arterial bloud , hath for its aim , not indeed that it may incline into a smoakiness , or excrement : for if that thing come to passe , it happeneth to it from a disease , and by accident . after another manner , the proper object of the arterial bloud is to be brought over into vitall spirit : which if afterwards it doth also vanish , let this be unto it besides its intent ; seeing that every being doth naturally desire to remain : for the vitall spirit is a light originally dwelling in the ferment of the left bosom , which enlightneth new spirits bred by the arterial bloud , to wit , for which continuation of light , the arterie is lifted up : for thus the spirits are made the partakers of life , and the executers thereof , even as also the vulcans of continued heat . therefore the life of man is a formall light , and almost also the lightsom or clear sensitive soul it self , and so death doth forthwith follow the blowing out of this : because the immortall minde is involved in the sensitive soul , which after death slies away , this other perishing . but far be it , that that vitall light be called fiery , burning , and destroying the radicall moysture , and that by the continuall plenty of the smoakie vapours hereof , it should defile the heart and arteries : but it is a formall light ( even as i have said before concerning forms : ) for neither shall he ever otherwise describe the in-most essence of life , who had seen the formall lives of things even in an extasie : because words are wanting , and names , whereby these may be shewen or called , as it were by an etymologie from a former cause . and although god had shewen to any one the essence of life in a composed body ; yet he will never give his own honour of teaching it , unto any creature ; seeing life in the abstract , is the incomprehensible god himself . for so by little and little , the meat and drink ascends into the chyle or juyce of the stomach , into the juyce of the mesentery or crow , into venal bloud , and at length , by arteriall bloud , unto a most thin skie or air , the vitall spirit , and the prop of the soul : which exchanging doth presuppose a motion of the heart : for neither is it sufficient , that the ferment be effective efficiently , that the arterial bloud be quickened , and turned into spirit , and it to dwell in the left bosom of the heart , unless a pulsative motion doth concur , which is likened to the motion whereby sowrish milk or cream by a true transmutation is changed into butter . for by the motion is made an extenuating , not indeed of the soure , but of the salt arterial bloud ; neither therefore is it turned into a fat or butter ; but into vitall spirit , of the nature of a salt , and so of a balsam : for so the arteriall bloud , is by motion , heat , and the ferment , changed into an aiery or skyie off-spring , the immediate inne of a vitall light . wherefore , the bloud , vvater , and spirit are one and the same : for if that light be in the spirit , but this be carried thorow the arteries into the whole body ; also that light ought to be on every side continuall to it self , seeing it is the property of light else to be extinguished . therefore the arteries ought to remain open ; so indeed , that they do never remain long pressed together : wherefore it was also meet that the pulse should dilate the same , nor so to be pressed together , that the whole arterie should wholly rush or fall down on it self : perhaps therefore it is not unjustly cloathed with a double , and harder coat . for the discontinuance of that light , is the cause that in one moment , every chief faculty of the brain in those that are hanged , doth perish : but not that the spirit had so quickly vanished from the brain . again , if a pulsative motion should not be made , a deadly cold would straightway arise , and we should be more cold than a frog : so that , although many things do live in the winter time , without breathing , under the clay , yet not without a pulse . also the ferment of the left bosome doth transchange its own arterial bloud , not without a slow delay , and would send it thorow the body every way , too slowly , and therefore it should not satisfie the importunate necessities of the spirits . for let us feign a bottle seasoned with an odour , but to be filled with liquor up to its half : for that liquor shall scarce snatch the odour of the bottle ; but if it be shaken together , that odour also doth presently insinuate it self through the least parts of the liquor . so indeed , is the vitall ferment of the left bosom presently given to the arterial bloud by the motion of the heart , and doth compel it also to a hasty obedience of its own impression : for light is easily kindled by light ; and therefore also the arteriall bloud being now quickned , it easily snatcheth to it the light of that sunny lamp , and is brought into a skyie or aiery off-spring . therefore the blas of the heart is the fewel of the vitall spirit , and consequently of its heat ; but the spirit being thus enlivened , is the mover of the heart , almost neglected in the schooles : also by consequence , that motion is made for a necessary heat in sunny constituted animals , and for the framing of spirit in them : therefore i may not believe , that the pulse is appointed for a requisite cooling refreshment of the heart : for truly things that have life , do not war under the deadly ensigns of cold : neither do they intend or hearken to cold , but onely do meditate on vitall things . indeed , cold in us , is a token ( because a companion ) of death : and therefore whatsoever it should attempt in the fountain of life , it should intend a taking away of life ; as also it should be destructive to our monarchy , so far is it , that cold should be for necessity and co-temperaments sake : for without a pulse , heat is not over-much kindled ; but straightway also , life remaining , heat dies . for the schooles being deceived , do thus judge , they thinking elementary fire to be for the composition of bodies , and that fire in its heightned degree , ( without which its fire ceaseth to be fire ) doth consist in the heart ; and that indeed kitchin fire , seeing else a ridiculous fire is to be far fetched from the concave of the moon ; otherwise , it should not by a loosed bridle , slide downwards safe , at the pleasure of inferiour bodies , and contrary to its own disposition , thorow so many colds of the air , unto the ordinary constitution of simples . and so , if the schooles had instead of radicall heat , understood a fire feigned to be under the circle of the moon , they should improperly say that the same doth onely subsist in us , as it were the torch of radicall moysture : seeing else they dream that the fiery element ( which they rashly feign ) doth ( alike unwisely ) live without a necessity , and consuming of nourishment . therefore the schooles do understand that there is in the heart a kindled , kitchinary and smoakie fire , and that it is hot in a great degree , and so that unless it be tempered by a continuall blast of new air , and all the smoakiness raised up by this fire be fanned out , there is danger of choaking , burning up , and enflaming : for so , false authorities do bring forth false positions , and through the ignorance of causes , the speculations of healing have perished . truly in my judgement , the schooles ought at least to have remembred , that the very blowing of the bellowes doth not refresh or cool the fire , but rather enflame it : neither do i see by what reason the motion of living creatures may be the cause of their cooling refreshment . in the next place , i know that fire is in no wise to be joyned to the other elements , being divided by their least parts , but that in an instant it is exstinguished . i know also , that its impossible that fire should be able to exist , which is not truly fire , and hot in the highest degree : and so that if nature should attempt refreshment or cooling by a pulse , its endeavour should be foolish , vain , and impossible : whence a horrible thing followes ; that god in the ends proposed to himself , hath actually erred : therefore let the schooles repent . but besides , there ought to be a speedy transmutation of venall bloud into arteriall bloud , and of this , into vitall spirit , least that after faintings , and tremblings of the heart ( under which are made most speedy divisions and scatterings of those spirits , so that the little pits of the small pox or measills , before not to be beheld , do straightway appear ) as it were a necessitated death , do invade . therefore aid was not to be fetched from far ; and to be deferred , which his speedily required . indeed , this is the reason , why in a fever the pulse is swifter , but not an expelling of smoakiness , nor a greediness of cooling refreshment . for truly , let a thorn be put in the loose or fleshy top of the finger , there is presently a hard , strong , and more swift pulse , but afterwards for the increase of the pulse , there is every where presently an increase of heat , but not of cold ; and indeed , as well before as without the births of smoakie vapours . and then , at the beginnings of intermitting fevers , after some houres , and as long as the cold is delayed , the pulse is little , slow , deep or depressed ; yet putrefaction is kindled ( if the schooles have spoken truth ) and therefore also the present smoakie vapour in the schooles , is the cause of the fit ; and they do thirst greatly in their cold , and vomit up yellow choler : therefore also there ought to be a most frequent pressing together of the pulse , and the whole pulse to be most exceeding swift : especially , because many dying in those fevers , do perish in the cold a little before the feverish fit , through a great want of the spirits , and being as it were choaked . but in troublesome heats , also in an erisipelas , the burning coal or fever , the persick fire , &c. the vitall spirit being incensed , and as it were provoked to anger by the diseasifying cause , waxeth exceeding hot ; as appeareth in the aforesaid locall , also burning inflammations : whereas otherwise , a temperate lightsome kindling , doth on every side shine forth under a vitall harmony : yea , that a little before death or sounding , the horny membrane of the eye is seen to be deprived of light , the fire being not before in a burning rage . furthermore , the transmutation of the arterial bloud into spirit , which is begun in the heart , is ripened in the current of the arteries , or stomach of the heart : neither therefore is it a wonder , that in the spleen abounding with so many arteries , a ferment , and the first motions of the heart are established instead of a stomach ; the mentall and sensitive souls , being indeed saturns kingdoms : for the digestion of the heart , is with a full transmutation of the arteriall bloud into spirit , without a dreg , and smoakiness : because it is that which neither containeth filths , nor admits of diversities of kinde ; neither doth the spirit the son of heat , degenerate by reason of heat . indeed it is the immediate operation of the sensitive soul , alwayes univocall or single , like to it self , and to life , for the life that is uttered by vitall motions . therefore the chief aims of the pulses , are , . a bringing of the venall bloud from the bosom of the hollow vein , unto the left womb of the heart . . an increase of heat . . a framing of arterial bloud . . and again , a producing of vitall spirit . . and then there hath been another ultimate aim of pulses , to wit , that the original life residing in the implanted spirit of the heart , may be participated of . therefore i will repeat what i have said elsewhere : to wit , that some forms do glister , as in stones and mineralls ; but some moreover , do shine by an increased light , as in plants ; but others are also lightsome or full of light , as in things soulified . and so a vitall lightsomness is granted to the vitall spirit , by a kindling , not indeed of fieriness ; but of enlightning , and specificall or differing by its particular kindes : so indeed , fishes do not live more unhappily , are more straightly , and lively , and longer moved than hot bruit beasts . the schooles in the room of those things which i have already demonstrated , do suppose the bloud in the liver to receive the nature of a spirit , which perhaps they therefore call naturall : to wit , such an air as is wholly in all juyces of herbs , and from hence at length , they will have the vitall spirit to be immediately bred and made : but i do from elsewhere derive the spirit , and from a far more noble race : but whether the schooles , or i , do more rightly phylosophize , let the reader judge , who now drinks down both doctrines together : he being at least , mindefull of that which i am straightway to say , to wit , that sometimes the whole arterial bloud , and the nourishable liquor created from thence , or the nearest nourishment of the solid parts , are at length dispersed by the transpirative evaporation of the body , without any dregs or remainder of a dead head : and therefore , that the reader may from thence think , that the arterial bloud is of it self inclined , that it may sometimes be made spirit ; which is not equally presumed of the vapour of the venall bloud : for therefore they have been ignorant , that the whole bloud of the arteries , is often turned into a spiritual vapour , or vitall spirit : but the venall bloud , if it be changed in our glasses by a gentle luke-warmth , into a vapour , it leaves a thick substance , and at length , a coal in the bottom . therefore the doctrine of the schooles is far remote from the knowledge of the spirits , who think the vitall spirits to be framed of a vapour , or watery exhalation ; for they have neglected in this vapour of the venal bloud , how , of bread and water , and venal bloud prepared thence , not indeed a watery exhalation ( as they think ) but a salt , and enlightned spirit is stirred up , and its heat not onely made hot , but also making hot : for no authour hath hitherto diligently searched into that vitall light whereby the spirit is enlightned , and is after a sort made hot : so that the life , light , form , and sensitive soul , are as it were made one thing . again , the rotten doctrine of the schooles , confoundeth the ends of pulses and breathing : to wit , that breathing is made for the nourishment of the vital spirit , the life of the fire ( which they will have to be nourished with aire ) the cooling refreshment of the heart , and expelling of smoaky vapours : for they intend or incline to nourish the vitall heat , and coolingly to refresh , or to diminish it : which things , how they can agree together , let others shew ; i am willingly ignorant thereof , at least in the greatest want of vital spirit : and while the increase thereof is chiefly desired , then indeed there is the least , and slowest elevation of the arterie : and on the other hand , while the spirit aboundeth , there is the greatest elevation of the artery . i confesse indeed that breathing is drawn by the bridles of the will , or by the instruments of voluntary motion , but the pulse not so : but seeing that a sound breast may satisfie by its breathings , the ends of the pulses , the pulse should not therefore be necessary , as long as any one is cold , and his breathing doth sufficiently inspire . but seeing notwithstanding in the mean time , the pulse doth not therefore pause ; surely there must needs be one cause , or necessity of the pulses , and another cause , or necessity of breathing : for we percieve the necessities of breathing , we also do measure our breathing at our pleasure , and some can wholly press it together , or suppress it in themselves ; but why do we not feel the more vitall , and no less urgent necessities of the pulses ? chiefly seeing it is the life that is the original of sensibility , which alone indeed doth feel all its own necessity , and doth alone exclude us from every act of feeling : wherefore hence i conjecture , that there are other necessities unknown to the antients . i know indeed , that from the arterial bloud , and from the vital spirit , there are no dregs , filths , or superfluities expelled ( as i shall shew in its place ) but that smoaky vapours are wanting where there is no adultion ; but that the venal bloud in the wasting of it self , by the voluntary guidance of heat , doth produce a gas , as water doth a vapour or exhalation : and that , that gas ( which the schools do signifie to be the spirit of the liver , or natural spirit of the venal bloud ) is subsequently of necessity expelled , it remains without controversie : for otherwise a man being almost killed with cold , should the sooner wax hot again , if he should for some hours hold his breath ( understand it , if the breath should be drawn for cooling refreshment ) notwithstanding neither indeed in that state doth he notably stop his breath upon pain of death . also a fish wants lungs , and breathing ( for the bubbles which do sometimes belch forth , are blasts of ventosities of digestion , but not breathings . ) but frogs , and sea-monsters that utter a voice , have little bellows which perform the office of lungs ; yet fishes are not colder than frogs : yea frogs , and horse-leeches are preserved under the mud all the winter , from corruption , and do live without breaching ; yet not without a pulse : therefore there is one use of the pulses , and another of breathing , and ●●●ther for heat only : for in the most sharp and hot diseases , to wit , as oft as there is the greatest breathing drawn , and that like a sigh , the pulse is small , and swift , also the strength remaining : therefore the use of breathing , and the pulse , do not answer ; especially , because we are more refreshed by a great draught of cold water abundantly drunk , than if the same quantity be drunk at many times : i say , we are more refreshed by one only sigh , than by many small , and more frequent breathings : even so as a pair of bellows doth perform more by a great , and continual blast , than by those that are lesse exact , although many : whence it may be sufficiently manifested to a well considerate and judicious man , that there is another use of the pulses of greater moment : to wit , that which respecteth the ferment of digestions . whence i repeat a handicraft operation : to wit , that at length , under the last digestion , all our arterial bloud doth perish and exhale , neither that it leaves any dreg behind it : yet whatsoever doth exhale by heat alone , all that , as well in living , as in inanimate things , doth leave a dreg behind it ( the skilfull do call this the dead head ) which dreg being at length thus roasted , doth resemble a coale . for the action of heat is of it self every where simple , univocal , and homogeneal , differing in the effect , by reason of the matter . therefore if the vitall bloud ought to be wholly so disposed in us , that it be at length wholly blown away without a dead head , it was altogether necessary that that should happen by some other mean than that of heat : but the aire was alwayes and from the beginning , every where the seperater of the waters from the waters . this hath not been known in the schools ; to wit , that the whole venal bloud , that it may depart into a gas , it hath need of two wings to fly , the aire , and a ferment . wherefore observe thou , that as oft as any thing of bloud becomes unfit , or is not by degrees disposed of , and undergoes its degrees in the outward part of the body , that it may wholly throughout the whole be made volatile and capable to flye away or thorow the po●es , at the same moment , now scirthus's , nodes or knots , and apostems are conceived : but if that thing happen in the more inward part thereof ; for the most part fevers , apoplexies , falling evills , asthma's , likewise pains and deaths do soon follow . let us see therefore what the aire , or what a ferment may conduce hereunto . first of all , every muscilage of the earth which else is easily turned into worms ; likewise starch , fleshes , fishes , &c. being once frozen , at that very moment do lose their muckinesse , and return into water ; as the aire was once very well combined to the ice ( as i have sometimes spoken concerning the weight of ice ) and so it is the first degree whereby the aire doth resolve a tough body into water . and then under the greatest colds , and purest aire , we are more hungry , yet we sweat , and less is discussed out of us , with a small and more hard siege or excrement . therefore one that saileth in the sea , eats more by double , if not by treble ( unlesse he be sick ) and le ts go less excrement than himself doth , living at land : whence is the proverb , the water causeth a promoting of digestion : as if indeed , he that saileth should not float in the aire , but in the water ! but floating doth renew the aire in us , and from hence there is a stronger digestion : therefore , if we do eat more strongly , and do cast forth less excrements , it necessarily follows , that the more is discussed , or doth vanish out of the body ; which is to say , that the more pure northern and sea-aire doth conduce to a transpiration or evaporation of the body , or doth dispose the bloud unto an insensible perspiration or breathing out of it self . surely for that cause is breathing made , not indeed , that the air may depart into nourishment for the vitall spirit , but that it may be connexed with it , being sucked to it thorow the arterial vein , and venal artery of the lungs , and that the air being for this cause transported into the heart , it may receive a ferment ; which accompanying it , they both may dispose the venal blood into a totall transpiration of it self . after another manner , many things are made fixt , and do resist a breathing forth , if they are provoked by heat , otherwise , they were in themselves volatile : wherefore an alcali is not generated in ashes by the fire essentially , although effectively it proceed from thence : for the office of the fire is indeed to kindle , consume , and seperate , yet not to produce any thing . seeing the fire is not rich in a seed , it is the very destroyer of seeds : but from seeds all generation proceedeth : when therefore an alcali is fixed out of a salt that was before volatile , it is not a new production of a thing , but only the alteration of a thing : for the alcali was indeed materially in the composed body before burning , and did flow together with its mercury , and sulphur : notwithstanding while the fire takes away the mercury , and sulphur , the salt indeed as being a principle more subsisting in the melting of the combustion , doth snatch to it self the neighbouring part of the sulphur or fat , and when it is not able sufficiently to defend it from the torture of the fire , it partly also flyes away under the mask of a gas , and attains the odour of corrupted matter , and is partly incorporated in the laid-hold-of co-melted sulphur , and is made a true coal : wherefore the sulphur being now fixed by the wedlock of the salt , it doth not speedily incline from a coal into a smoaky vapour : but by degrees , and not unlesse in an open vessel ; and so with the former sulphur ( for from hence the sulphur of a thing being for the most part sharp , doth retain the savour of a volatile salt ) and at length , with the coalie sulphur , the just weight of its volatile salt flies away : which thing surely is no where more manifest than in the coal of honey : for if this be urged or forced by a shut vessel , it remains not changed in a bright burning fire ; but the vessel being open , both do so depart , that moreover , no remainder of ashes doth ever survive . therefore the alcali salt doth fore-exist materially in the composed body , before combustion . because all the salt was formally volatile in the composed body , and not in the form of a more fixed alcali , which thing is now especially manifest in the bloud ; which being wholly volatile , exhaleth unsensibly through the pores without any residence : but if it be combusted or burnt , it leaveth very much fixed salt in its own ashes . in the next place , the wood of the pine-tree , which affordeth little ashes , and less salt in the preparation of ashes barrelled , is by calcining wholly turned into an alcali : for barrelled ashes are brought to us out of scandia , called weedaschen , combusted for the most part out of the pine , and some out of the oak , which do infect the hogs-head wherein they are carried , with a more moist aire , to wit , with a melted salt : therefore the woods of the hogs-heads being thus salted , when they are burnt , they melt like horn , and do almost wholly degenerate into salt : for part of the ashes also is made a salt , by reason of the contained salt , which afterwards they name , potaschen : for else , the ashes of the same wood , the salt being taken away , do remain ashes , and are not made salt. whence indeed it is manifest , that the salt of the ashes doth afterwards make a salt like to it self by co-melting , and that indeed a fixed one : and therefore there doth arise a fixedness in the composed body by reason of the salt , and co-melting , which otherwise doth not exist . so when tartar of wine is burnt , sixteen ounces of it doth scarce yield two ounces and a halfe of alcali salt : therefore thirteen volatile ounces and a half have perished in the calcining : yet if these are distilled , and are at length imbibed in their own remaining coal , they will as yet yield four ounces and the third part of an ounce of salt , by co-hobating . therefore what thou seest to be done ( thy self being judge ) concerning the four ounces and a third part , judge thou the same , touching the two ounces and halfe of the former alcali . hitherto doth that belong , which i have elsewhere spoken of aqua vitae , being fixed in the alcali of tartar , and the same thing happens in distilled vinegar . hence therefore it appeareth , that the volatile salt of a thing is fixed in its own fixed alcali or salt. yea likewise , that the whole ashes was before , volatile ; and fixed , under the first co-melting of combustion : but that the volatile salts , which were nigher to their essences , departed together with their essences , in the first torture of the fire . yet note , that although an alcali be made of the spirit of wine in the fixed salt of the tartar : nevertheless , as the salt of the aqua vitae was changed by the wedlock of essence , yet one is to be separated and distinguished from the other in the univocal or single fixedness of them both ; as the alcali of the spirit of wine being powred on aqua fortis , becomes red , but the alcali of tartar doth not change its colour . wherefore also there is among alcalies , their own common-wealth , and the adulteraters of money do labour very much about salt of tartar , he alcali of salt-peter being contemned . also an alcali salt being prepared , as is here said of the spirit of wine , doth by the joyning of it self , change the savour of the lixivium or lie of tartar : so as that it becomes the astringent balsam samech of paracelsus ; the which , before it had the savour of a lixivium , was an expert balsam , and did resemble a caustick on . at length , hitherto that suits , that rotten and putrified woods do scarce leave a salt in their ashes ; because the volatile salt departed with the sulphur , through a ferment of putrefaction : and so , there was at least , as much volatile salt in the thing or composed body , as is found to fail in the ashes ; that is , the whole : whence it followes , that the volatile salt fetched as well from the sulphur , as from the mercurie , is materially the same with the alcalized or fixed salt. and therefore a volatile salt is fixed , and likewise a fixed salt is made volatile , the formal property of the composed body remaining . again , it followes , that the sulphur of a composed body being distilled , and the sulphur of a coal , are of the same particular kinde , although this be imprisoned , but that is free . truly handicraft-operation taught me these things ; after that i knew how to seperate the three things from ordinary composed bodies , without a corruption of matter , i learned that every combustible body hath in it a volatile salt , which by the snatching of its own sulphur unto it , is fixed into an alcali . in the mean time , that part , for the most part aboundeth , which escapeth the embraces of the co-melting volatile sulphur : in which co-melting , the action springs into the sulphur of the thing : which , understand thou by an example of distilled vinegar . this i say , seeing it is water impregnated or got with childe of a sharp volatile salt , if it shall through the action of its sharpness touch any thing by biting , it is straightway co-agulated , which afterwards by combustion , is found to be a fixed alcali . yea , if the sharp and volatile spirit of vitriol shall corrode a mercurie alike volatile , the sharpness of the vitriol is fixed into a true alume . which handicraft-operations , i do moreover shew , in drawing them to the scope of a totall consuming in the venal bloud . if the air ( let him who can , comprehend the secret ) doth in the first place , volatize the sulphur of the composed body , with the every way seperation of its salt , this salt ( which else in the coal , should be fixed into an alcali , by the fire ) is made wholly volatile , and climbs upwards , sometimes in a liquid shape , and oft-times , in the form of a sublimate , and hath the whole constitutive temperature of the composed body . this salt is demonstrated by handicraft-operation ; but its demonstration is known to few , although it listeth us to make it plain . at least , it from thence appeareth , that the true use of the air in the pulse , and breathing , was not made known to the antients , by reason of the ignorance of the art of alchymie . likewise from thence it is manifest , that from a continual necessity , the air is drawn inward for a peculiar end , that it may cause the bloud of the veins ( else through our heat not to be discussed , but rather to be condensed ) to be plainly volatile , without the remembrance of a remaining dead head. but in fishes , as the venall bloud is not stirred by heat , but onely by the vitall ferments of the parts ; so neither was there need of breathing : for truly those living creatures might freely want breathing , whose venall bloud wants the fear of heat : because it is a thing unseparable from heat , that the more watery part of the venal bloud being exhaled , the remainder doth wax clotty , and at length doth degenerate into a dry lump , unless by the uncessant attraction and wedlock of the air in the bride-bed of the lungs and breast , the air it self should be co-mingled with the sulphur of the bloud , it being as it were the seperater of the waters , and should bring forth the sulphur changed in its last essence , and breathed thorow the pores , together with a watery vapour , by an unperceiveable gas. that was not a naked office of cooling refreshment ( although it be in the schooles so thought , who are wont to measure all things by heat , and cold ) but the vitall ferment of the arteries being adjoyned ( for this cause perhaps , and that especially , the arteries do accompany veins thorowout the whole body ) there was need of a greater moment and necessity : and so , that neither is the pulse any more to discuss or puffe away the smoakie vapours of the venal , than of the arterial bloud , not of this more than of that , but it meerly especially serveth ( besides the framing , enlightning , and continuation of the vital spirit ) to prepare the arterial bloud in to an exspiration , without a dead head : which thing indeed , is altogether requisite to nature : not indeed to chase away smoakie vapours bred by heat ( although no smoakie vapour doth properly exhale out of moyst bodies ) but rather to hinder , least by the ordinary endeavour of heat , vapours ( which they undistinctly call smoaks ) should be bred : or by speaking more properly , least vapours departing out of the venal bloud , the other part of the venal bloud being thickned , should cause a totall destruction . to which end behold , that the finger being pained , hot , and wounded , presently an unwonted pulse doth bewray it self in that place , because the air is hindred from entrance unto the bloud there chased out of the veins , and detained in the lips of the wound : and there is a fear , least the bloud should grow together , and harden into corrupt matter . but corrupt matter or pus being made , that fear is diminished , because it stops in the deed : for before the wound , a hidden pulse , straightway a violent one ariseth in the same place , even before heat , or a presupposed smoakiness were present . in like manner also , as soon as any night doth invade the inward membranes , the artery doth presently after a wonderfull manner , wax hard throughout the whole man , and brings forth a hard , extended , shaken pulse ; yea , and a pulse like a saw : but by no meanes ( as the schooles think ) that the arterie is dried , that it may foreshew in the heart , and open to a physitian , the quality and nature of the part affected ( which is ridiculous ) : for nature doth every where intentionally employ it self in the ripenings , promoting , or removing of causes ; but never at all in uttering or setting forth the pathological or sumptomaticall signes , the diagnostical or discernable signes , or prognostical or foreshewing signes : for these are signes by accident , and to be noted and observed by the physitian , besides the intent of nature : for if in the progress of nature , a thing conringent or happening , be drawn into our knowledge , that is unto it by accident , and wholly forreign , which ( the stars excepted ) doth work nothing with an incent of foreshewing : but whatsoever it doth , that is by a command , which is the natural endowed property thereof . the artery therefore , doth not produce a hard pulse for that it self is made more withered and dry ; because there should never be any hope , after the dryness of the membrane , of a softer pulse ; as neither of a re-moystning of the part once dried up . old age it self , being dry or withered , and without juyce , is a witness . neither lastly , doth the pipe or trumpet of the artery wax hard for a sign , but for the cause , end , and meanes of another intent : to wit , if the lesson of the schooles be true , that the arteries do beat to the end that they may draw air which refresheth or cooleth the heart . surely , if they were alwayes mindful of that their own doctrine as they ought , the arteries should at least by that hardness of extention , more fitly breath-in air ; seeing otherwise a soft artery , doth by attracting fall down , it creeping , and being watery , slides on it self , and so that its mouth , which in the hardness , gapeth , in the looseness , is closed . therefore a hardned pulse doth betoken a contracted artery , but not one that is dryed up : for if the pulse should be uttered to this end , that the defect and quality of the parts should be bewrayed ; surely in an apoplexie there should be a most soft pulse ( because the brain being wholly a marrowie part , shall be concluded to be offended ) which at the same time is alwayes hard , and strong : so also the breaking of a bone should make the hardest pulse of all : and corrupt matter being now made , the pulse should be more great , and frequent , than while it is making : because the fore-going labour hath brought forth a want of spirit , and the present corrupt matter or putrefaction doth want a speedy discussion . likewise in an enflamed tumour or a phelgmone , the contraction of the pulse should be more fit or due , and far more manifest than the dilating thereof : which things , seeing in the truth of the deed they are not so , the schools must needs have erred in the ends of the pulses . and moreover , the coat of the artery , at the coming of sweat , however it was before , harder , it again waxeth soft : to wit , seeing there was a greater necessity of expelling smoakiness , than of attracting air. i say the artery ought to be both spreading , and more hard , with a frequent pressing together ; but not to fall down with a great pulse , more slowly , after the manner of waters . at length , in affects of the lungs , the neighbouring cords being on every side filled with so many veins , arteries , and gristles , the pulse is loose and watery , and in the vomiting of corrupt matter , with some kinde of intermission : the lungs i say , being opportunely importunate in its own expulsions of smoakiness , should want a most hard , extended , and strong pulse . whether perhaps is the double coat of the artery , now besmeared with a future sweat ? doth it hitherto wax moist with a strange moisture ? or else is it void of moisture ? whether it doth retake its hardness after the hour of sweat ? and shall almost recompence at pleasure it s own driness by a successive or coursary softness ? for how full of weakness are the medicinal speculations of the schools ? for truly in the aforesaid affects of the lungs , a most loose artery , and watery pulse do plainly shew unto us , that breathing is given for the service of the breast : for nature is conscious that there would be no need of a provoked pulse , as neither of an extended artery , when as breathing hath undertaken its office , first for the breast , and consequently or secondarily for the rest of the body : by that very thing is shewn us , that the use of breathing was chiefly appointed for another end , and over another part , than for and over that which the pulse is . as oft therefore as there is need of very much aire for the blood dispersed thorow the veins , to volatize that which threatneth to be hardned , so oft doth the artery strain , extend , and contract it self , but is not dryed : but that air is attracted , not for the nourishment of the spirits , or the expulsing of smoaky vapours ; but altogether , that ( as that which is in it self the seperater of the waters from the waters ) it may adde a spur to the ferment of the last digestion , that after the performance of its offices , it may expell the whole nutritious liquor , without any residing remainder of it . therefore the in-breathed air is serviceable to this ferment , not for cooling or refreshment , not for the food of the spirits , as neither for the bellowes of smoakie vapours : for otherwise , the looseness of the artery is uncapable to breath-in sufficient air . but the future and prepared swear , seeing it is already in it self volatise , and presently flowes forth in manner of a latex , or liquor , it doth not require very much labour , nor hardening of the artery : for the strength decaying , the pulse is watery before it be creeping . because nature , being weakned , doth not any longer meditate of great labour : but an apoplectical pulse is the chief and most hard of the pulses , by far and especially a little before death . the schools will have that to come to pass , because there should be the same , and an individual necessity and end of the pulse and breathing : as ( they say ) the heart will recompence the defect of breathing . but the swooning of virgins in the affects of the womb , whose breath is stopt , and their strength strong ( for from thence they do for the most part rise again ) have their pulses very small , for a reproof of the foregoing doctrine . so likewise the pulse of those that are diseased in the lungs , is watery , and feeble , for whom notwithstanding nature ought to be diligent in supplying the penury of breathing . but why in an apoplexy , the pulse is hard and great , we must search it from the nature of a disease , which i will at sometime profesly touch at in a book , and that of the disease of the stone . now for the neernesse of the matter , i will explain two aphorisms . the first whereof is ; while pus or corrupt matter is made , the labour and pain is greater than when the pus is made . every aposteme ending into corrupt matter , doth necessarily contain a sharpnesse , which forceth the venal blood into a clotty lump : and therefore it is afterwards uncapable of transpiration . wherefore nature moveth every stone , and stirs up the arteries and breathing , that the ferments by aire may hinder such an effect : and at length she profiting nothing , ceaseth from that endeavour : for the venal bloud is troublesome to nature , not only as it waxeth clotty , but as it containeth some forreign thing ( for else an aposteme should not be made : ) for it is the property of sharpness to coagulate or curdle every immediate nourishable thing : from hence corrupt pus ariseth . therefore hippocrates spake more rightly than galen ; diseases are not hot , or cold , &c. but soure , sharp , bitter , and brackish . for a wound as soon as it feeleth corruption , its lips do swell , and corrupt pus is made , unless a more violent force do compel a worse thing , or the thin matter sanies to wax duggy or curdy : but the corrupt pus is called by idiots , a good digestion of a wound ; that is , more rightly to be reckoned a less evil : but if the wound be new , and fenced by ballam from corruption , corrupt pus happens not thereto : but when a sharpnesse , the token of putrefaction , doth contract or draw the bottom or lips of the wound together , corrupt matter is made : for worms are oft-times plainly to be seen in wounds by reason of corruption . in kitchins , if fleshes do begin to corrupt , their broaths do wax foure . wherfore every vulnerary or wound potion , ought to contain in it a hidden alcali , and indeed a volatile one , if it ought to resist the accidents that sprang from the corruption of tartness : in as much as every alcali doth slay all sharpnesse which it toucheth : for so indeed , the stone of crabs is a provoker of urine , and vulnerary ; which is manifest enough : for it being steeped in wine , doth after a dayes time savour of a lixivium . the other aphorisme saith bellies are by nature hotter in winter than in summer . truly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sounds or imports hollownesses , not bellies . it is a suppositive aphorisme , not agreeable to its neighbour ones , nor agreeable to the genius of the old man. in the first place , it is false . again ; for in winter i eat hot things , likewise , i do not drink cold things ; yet after food i am cold within , none whereof i feel in summer : for in tangible things i take the touching to be judge . the schools excuse themselves and say , that the outward cold drives our heat inward , whence there is a more plentifull digestion . first of all , i have sufficiently taught elsewhere , that digestion is not from heat . and then , after meat cold is more felt within , in winter , than in summer . i confess indeed , that all heat is from the vital spirit of the arterial blood : if therefore by cold , the spirit be driven inward with the arterial bloud , there shall be perill of choaking , and the pulse should give a token , if smoakinesses that are to be expelled , do import the use of the pulse : likewise the pulse should be greater and swifter in winter than in summer , if the supposition of the schools be true : but the consequent is false ; therefore also the supposition . but if they will have heat to fly inward alone without the spirit ; now they shall against their wills admit , that the same accident doth wander through subjects . at length , which way should heat go inward unto its own fountain ? and indeed should that be done generally in all , at winter ? for whether a sound heart , which by reason of the abundance of heat , and fear of smoakie vapours , should beat from a continual necessity , shall not be able by reason of winter , to provide it self of a sufficiency of heat ? or why doth it not rather cease in beating , than that it should by reason of an ordinary want , repeat or renew the heat dismissed from it ? the schools after their manner , leap over these things with a light foot : for they say , that a greater quantity of nourishment is consumed in winter , than in summer , by reason of the abundance of heat : and again , they divine a more plentiful heat to be in winter , from a want of the more nourishment : for the same thing , and that in the same respect , should be the cause and effect of the same thing : the father and the son , before and after , in respect of themselves . but i blame the air , which as oft as it is colder , is also nearer to its own natural quality , and a more potent seperater of the waters : and so , by how much the air is colder , it doth the more volatilize the venal bloud into a gas : no otherwise than was said concerning sailers . otherwise , the dreams of the schools do vanish , as to the heat of hollow places and wells , by an instrument meting out the qualities of the encompassing air . and likewise as concerning the belly of man , if it live in a somewhat luke-warm stew : but the instruments of sense cannot exactly distinguish the moments of heat , where there is a six-months interval ; because they themselves remain subject to the alterations of seasons . therefore also the application of sensible objects , to the instrument of sense , is at a different station , deceitful . also stomacks seem more hot in winter , because we want the more nourishment . neither is it a wonder because we therefore drink more liberally in summer ; but we are more speedily nourished with drink than with meats . therefore the use of the pulses are . that the venal bloud may through the partition , be transported into the least bosom . . that therein , and in its dependent arteries , the spirit of life may be made of the arterial bloud . . that of venal blood , may be made a yellow arterial blood . . that it may be informed by the mind of man. indeed the arteries are the stomack of the heart , as the sucking veins are the kitchin of the liver . . that there may be a continuation of the vital light throughout the whole body . . the blas of the pulses is for the framing of heat , but not of cold . . that the venal bloud being dispersed into the habit of the body for nourishment , may be made wholly capable to be breathed thorow the pores , without a post-hume or future remembrance of a dreg . . but breathing hath for its aim , only this last use of the pulse . at length , i also adde this ; that there is not an animal spirit in nature : because the change which the vital spirit receives in the brain , is not unto a formal transmutation , but is a perfective degree to the appointment of it self . indeed the in-bred spirit doth intend of a vital influx to generate its own , like to it self , and that in all the particular shops of the senses , and giveth to it the seal of its own instrument : for so the optick or seeing spirit doth not taste ; yet they do not therefore both differ in the particular kind , although in their own offices : for in the vitality or liveliness of the heart , it is at once quickned by the mind , and is made the universal instrument of that life . chap. xxv . endemicks , or things proper to the people of the countrey where they live . . the schools have stated whence it was to be begun : . that the encompassing air is not breathed into the arteries : . it implyeth , that the air doth inspire at every turn , and that smoakie vapours are expelled . . the mutual unsufferableness is demonstrated : . it would thence follow , that the artery is not lifted up but that it may fall down : . the end , manner , and possibility of air , attracted by the pulses , should cease : . that endemical things are drawn by breathing : . that vapours are not drawn inward by ointments . . it s own generative vertue is wanting to the vital spirit . . the humane load-stone of paracelsus is a fiction . . that no smoakiness is to be granted in the heart and arteries : . that the whole knowledge of the schools by signs or tokens , is polluted . . the progress of endemical things . it is not sufficient to say ; that the mines of veins do belch forth the wild gas of a hurtful arsenick , and a metallick malignity ; fens , a stinking vapour ; breachy rivers , and shores , a diseasie mist , and a contagion of the soil putrifying by continuance : but by coming nearer , the suitings of causes do every where give understanding to those that search diligently , but neglect to the ignorant or unskilful . for without doubt , man was to dwell in the air , to be thorowly washed round about with the air ; yea and to be fed , and to be subjected to the violent tyranny of its impressions , and to the interchangeable courses of its successive changes , whereby the air is the continual seperater of the waters . therefore the air is promiscuously drawn thorow the mouth and nostrils , into the lungs in its chiefest part : but whether the air , and by consequence also an endemical being , be drawn inward by the encompassing aire through the arteries ; the schools affirm it : but i as the first , being supported with the much authority of reasons , and the great authority of truth , have doubted of it : by consequence also , that oyntments applyed to the places of pulses that they may be drawn inward , are made vold . first of all , these propositions do resist themselves ; the aire is drawn through the skin into the arteries : and the depression of the pulses is to drive away smoaky vapours successively raised up by the heart . because if continual smoakinesses are stirred up by continual heat , and the heart doth uncessantly labour with the arteries for the expelling of those ; surely there shall be no room nor space of motion for the attraction of the air from without to within . for if there be a successive , continual , and uncessant expulsion of the pulses from the center of the heart by the arteries ; of necessity also , the whole channel of the arteries shall by a continual thred , from the heart even unto the skin , be filled with a smoaky vapour ; of the expulsing of which smoakiness , seeing there should be a greater necessity , than of attracting air ( for fire is most speedily extinguished by smoaks , but doth not so soon consume the whole , through extream want of cooling or refreshment ) there is no leisure for the attraction of the air . and moreover , the pulse being stirred , the attracted air , and that in the least space of delay , should be besmeared , being involved in smoakiness , so also the aire in the smallest branches of the arteries , that it should rather increase the use of expulsion , than satisfie the cooling refreshment of the heart . therefore the supposition of smoaky vapours standing , the air is in no wise drawn by the arteries from without to within ; and so the schools do unadvisedly dictate their own , and yet do subscribe to each other . and moreover , it follows from the same supposition , that the artery is not lifted up by it self and primarily , but that it is only principally elevated that it may fall down ; next that by that endeavour it may shake of the fardle , and drive away the fear of choaking ; seeing that should be the chief end of the pulses , but the other which is that of cooling refreshment , is in respect of the former , a secondary end . again , if the arteries should suck the air inwards , to what end i pray , should that be done ; seeing the sucking of the more crude endemical air should rather hurt than profit ? for not for the cooling refreshment of the heart ; seeing all the pulses should scarce allure the smallest thing from the air , by the least and utmost mouths of the arteries , which being the more swift in drawing , should not straightway afterwards be expulsed by the depression of the artery : yea it should so most speedily in that very moment be co-united with the smoaky vapour , and made hot by the arterial bloud , that the heart should not feel in it self any cooling or refreshment thereby : especially seeing the air should not by one only attraction , proceed that way from the skin to the heart ; but by a manifold depression of the artery coming between , it should wax so hot in the way , that it should deceive all hope of cooling refreshment . wherefore if the arteries should allure the air from without the elevation of the artery , should of necessity alwayes far exceed its depression in swiftness & greatness ; which is abusive : as also , that the air should keep the quality of a cooling refreshment undefiled , being introduced by little and little , through so many windings of the arteries . in the next place , neither should the artery draw the air , that the vital spirit may take increase thereby : because with the consent of the schools , the vital spirit is not made of air ; but of the vapour of the venal bloud elaborated in the heart to the utmost , and ennobled with a vital faculty : and it is a dull affirmation , which supposeth the vital spirit to be nourished by a simple element : seeing we are nourished by the same things whereof we are generated . wherefore seeing the in-drawn aire is an elementary body , it hath not the nature of a sanguine spirit ; as neither seeing the air can ever be made individual by a humane determination , it shall not be able to nourish a composed body , as i have taught in its place . moreover , it alwayes keeps the properties of a universal element , but doth not attain the condition of an archeus . for the aire is neither akin to us , nor is it capable of a vital light : and therefore the artery shall abhor a forreigner , neither doth it admit the air into its family , before it be elaborated in due shops ; neither doth nature attempt any thing in vain , as neither to prepare the aire , that it may be made that , toward which it plainly hath not a possible inclination : otherwise , the vital spirit should be made in vain , through so many preparations of digestions , long-windings , and shops of the bowels , if by so light a breviary , and without usury , it may be ripened from without . for this hath deceived the schools , that it hath hitherto been believed , that fire is necessarily nourished by air : therefore also that vital spirit as the authour of all our heat , doth want for its food , the element of air . but i have already cleered it up above , that the fire is neither a substance , nor that it is nourished by air : yea , neither by a combustible matter , unlesse that in hastening to the ends of its appointments , it doth require an inflamable matter for its object , but not for its nourishment . also for want of an object , it perisheth in an instant , when it hath attained the end of its appointments : because , seeing it is neither a substance , nor an accident , it also perisheth for want of an object , for that its own object is also its subject . and so also , that is a thing most singular to it , and hitherto unknown . therefore the supposition of smoakie vapours standing , the end ceaseth for which the outward air should be drawn through the skin into the arteries , the manner ceaseth , and the possibility ceaseth . again , if the arterie sucks the air by the pulse , it should indifferently suck , and such an attraction should be promiscuously endemicall , and so , hurtfull : which i have observed to be false by often experience . especially , because that as oft as a forreign or strange plague is contracted from without by the breathing , the suiting or setling thereof is not made but nigh the stomach : which thing is made manifest by the sense of the place , anguishes , vomiting , sighs , head-aches , and doatages : and so that part in us which feeleth , and formeth the first motions of apprehensions , doth also feel the first onsets of the plague . i grant indeed that the plague is contracted by the contraction of a defiled matter , and that forthwith the pain as it were of a pricking needle is felt : but this doth not prove , that therefore the sucking of the air is made by the arteries , when as the poyson it self is apt to infect the skin , and forthwith to burn it into an eschar . surely it is a far different thing , for the pest to be drawn inwards by the arteries , or to be allured by sucking ; and another thing by force of its own contagion , to creep inwards by touching , as it were by the stroak of a serpent : for emplaisters , baths , and oils do alter the skin ; and consequently , they do either proceed to alter , or do draw from the center to the skin : but not because vapours fetched from thence , are drawn materially inward . then at length , the pulse is not after the manner of breathing , which by one sigh doth blow out whatsoever is of air in the breast : but the motion of the pulses is interrupted by an opposite ; and therefore the expiring motion is most frequent , no lesse than the inspiring ; and those successive motions do so much hasten , that if they had attracted any air , that should enter for a frustrate end , seeing it would be knocked out in an instant : for truly , that which is nearer to the mouthes , that should also first be blown out : and so the air should not have hope , ever to be more thorowly admitted , or that it should satisfie the cooling refreshment of the heart . lastly , a generative faculty is wanting to the vital spirit , whereby it should bring the air into spirit by a formall transmutation ; seeing that power belongs to the ferment , and shops , without which , venal bloud is not made : for neither can venal bloud generate venal bloud , and the chyle of the stomach being granted to be in a vein or arterie , venal bloud should not therefore ever be made thereby , or arterial bloud . therefore the air , although it should be a fit body , yet it could not be made the nourishment of the vital spirit , unless it had first been elabourated in the heart , being quickned and enlightned therein individually , according to a humane species : all whereof do resist an element . therefore the frivolous device is made void , and the cooling refreshment of the heart by the attraction of air inwards by the arteries , is feigned : and the load-stone of man celebrated by paracelsus , is feigned ; seeing the arteries do not suck inwards , and the air so introduced , should be for a greater load to the arteries than the feigned smoakie vapour of the schooles . if therefore the arteries do not draw air , certainly much lesse should flesh do that , being an enemy , wanting the hollowness of the air : for indeed , that the air is drawn from without unto the heart by the arteries , as well for its cooling refreshment , as its nourishment , and increase of the spirit of the archeus , is nothing but a meer device . so is the invention of the schooles alike frivolous , that the necessity alone of expulsing the smoakie vapour bred in the heart , should depress the arteries ; for truly in the foregoing chapter , i have already shewen at large , that there are other aims of the pulses : for whatsoever is made in the heart , is either a pure being , and a meer refined thing , and vital : for there is no adustion , corrupt matter , dryth , nor efficient cause of smoakinesses : for it is an unsavoury or foolish thing , thus to have compared the fabrick or frame of life to destroying fire , that it must be feigned , the arterial bloud there to be burnt to , and to send forth smoakie fumes : for if any forreign vapours do sometimes besides nature disorderly touch the limits of the heart , we straightway feel the numbers of beatings , and the defects of intermitting storms . but if an ordinary framing of smoakinesses should be in the heart , how should they be seperated from the vital spirit ? and by what trench should they remain divided from each other ? how should the expulsion of smoakie vapours be possible , which should not also abundantly power forth the vital spirit most intimately co-mixed with themselves ? and so , as the schooles have nothing of pure doctrine , do they also suffer no unpolluted thing , no undefiled thing without an excrementitious and dungie smoakiness ? do they think that the essential offices of life do indifferently belong as well to a smoakie vapour , as to the spirit of life ? and so hitherto also to be co-mixed ? how should the depression of the arterie thus far tend unto a good end , and that appointed by the creator , which together with the smoakiness , should also puffe out the vital spirit thorowly mingled with it ? and so shall it forthwith bring death and destruction ? how had not that vmpire of things , most highly to be honoured , even from mans creation , made death by the contraction of his pulses ? last of all , if a smoakie vapour should be the musical measure of the pulses ( as they will have them ; ) what should be that seperater , who should compel the smoakie vapours rather to depart into the habit of the flesh from without , than thorow the chief arteries with a straight line , into the head ? or if a co-mingled smoakiness doth indifferently hasten with the vital spirit into the bosoms of the brain , why do they not continually disturb the family-government of the senses ? what if the pressing together of the arterie be dedicated to the expulsion of smoakie vapours ; for since the arteries are thumped sidewayes , so also thus far they do bestow spirit and vital powers on the places thorow which they passe : therefore that way also they should mutually expell smoakinesses : which surely should be more pernicious to all the bowels , than to the arteries themselves , because these are judged to be refreshed by fresh air , but not the bowels . if therefore they will have smoakie vapours expelled by the pressing of the arteries together , let them first shew us that smoakie vapours cannot be otherwise purged , than by the last or utmost mouths of the arteries , and that with the continual safety of the spirit that is thorowly mixt with the smoakinesses . truly , the schooles do support their defiled doctrine by a smoakie vapour , and by a blinde perswasion of sluggishness do subscribe their genius unto galen . seeing therefore they have been ignorant of the matter , heat , residence , content , and circle of the urine , but have passed by the efficient cause of pulses , but have fled back chiefly to heats and colds , and have neglected their true ends , the whole significative knowledge of healing hath remained polluted : therefore the schools are prophesied of as it were from a three-legged stool , as well in the knowledge of diseases , as in the progress , and end of the same : which thing i shall hereafter , much more plentifully prove . therefore endemical things do affect or stir all things whereby , and which way they enter : to wit , the head , breast , and the dependants on these : and by how much they do prevail , by so much do they operate and effect : for some do imprint a spot or defilement on the part , and afterwards depart : such as are misty or clowdy things , stinking things , things putrified by continuance , &c. but some do enter in the shape of a smoak , and are breathed into minerals , which are again divers wayes coagulated within : for some are spewed-forth spittings , if they are not hurtfull : but others do for terme of life toughly adhere on the walls of the pipes of the lungs , and do exercise their tyranny for their entertainment . of this sort , is , whatsoever doth fume out of the veins of minerals : wherefore also the fume of minerals , by reason of its malignity , & an arsenical poyson , have become sunonymalls or things of one name : to wit , the arsenick , and smoakie vapour , and smoak of metalls fall together or agree in one : whence are hoarsnesses , tremblings of the heart , faintings , asthmas , pleurisies , inflammations of the lungs , coffs , spittings of bloud , consumptions , imposthumes full of matter , &c. in the mean time it is not manifest , that endemicks or things proper to people in the countrey where they live , are drawn by the arteries , neither that the same are immediately affected : but if mercury doth bring forth tremblings , that at least is impertinent to the arteries . neither also do they therefore tremble , into whom mercury is driven by ointments : but they are bladdered in the mouth , throat , the uvula falls down , and their teeth are ulcerated , do shake or are loose , and wax black , their head swells , and they spit stinking things greatly . also guilders , diggers and seperaters of mercury , because they do inspire a deadly poyson into the head , and sinnewy parts , they do work or effect endemicks in us as much as they can . chap. xxvi . the spirit of life . . the doctrine of the antients concerning a threefold spirit : . they have stated whence we must begin : . the spirit of wine doth contain onely two chymical beginnings , flexible at the pleasure of the artificer . . vital spirit out of spirit of wine . . how drunkennesse comes . . how the spirit of wine , and aqua vitae or water of life do differ . . whatsoever is stilled onely by fire , doth go back from the virtues of its former composed body . . the ferment or leaven of the stomack , and of bread , differs . . the plurality of ferments . . gas being unknown , hath brought forth many absurdities in the distinction of things . . the soul is in the arterial bloud , and not in the venal bloud : . the venal blood is without a spirit of the liver . . drunkennesse . . the progresse of the vital spirit through its offices . . the declared disposition of the spirit it self . . what things are by sense reckoned to be one , are severed or discerned in their effects . . from whence the spirit of life is balsamical . . the spirit of aqua vitae only by touching , looseth its oylinesse . . it is presently made a salt. . the whole venal blood is turned into a salt. . of the life of the vital spirit . . the light is now and then extinguished in the matter of the spirit . . there are as many particular kinds of sublunary lights , as there are of vital lights . . the definition of the vital spirit . . the heat of life is not the constituter of its own moisture . . that heat is an adjacent to life . . the undistinction of the schools , of the effects of heat , and of a ferment . . whence heat is escharotical or the maker of an eschar in us . . whether the animal spirit be distinct from the vital . i have discoursed already before of the archeus , as it were the vulcan in the seed , and after what manner he may dispose of all things , as well in generation , as in the transmutations of meats , throughout the course of life ; which office doth properly respect the inbred or implanted spirit : but now , how , and whence the spirit floating in the arteries may be constituted by occasion of the blas of man already described ; consequently i have undertaken to explain in this path , their office , and properties . the schools teach , that nourishments are first changed into chyle , and then into digested juice and venal bloud , and so that a certain naturall spirit is made in the liver , which afterward by a repeated digestion of the heart , is changed into vital , and at length is in the brain made animal or sensitive , so as that the natural spirit is ordained for nourishing of the parts , but the vital for the preserving of the same , and the animal for the functions of sense , motion , and the soul . but i think it hath been far otherwise phylosophized , and farther proceeded : for they had known out of hippocrates , that a certain spirit is that thing which causeth violence , or maketh the assaults . but it was not sufficient to know , that there is a certain spirit to have told by what instruments it should be made , or what it might act , unlesse they should explain also the disposition , substance , and properties of the same , together with the manner of its making . i have elsewhere delivered , that of any plant , and fruit , a ferment being applyed , aqua vitae or a water of life may be made ; which thing seeing it is commonly known , while out of grains , hydromel or water and honey , and juices , it frameth a water of life ; the proposition needs no demonstration . but aqua vitae is a volatile liquor , oylie ( as it is wholly enflamed ) and wholly salt ( as being sharp , biting , as being detained the longer in the mouth , it burns the upper skin of the gums and lips ) and is one and the same simple thing , and so it containeth two only , and not the three chymical beginnings : so indeed , that according to the will of the artificer , the whole aqua vitae may be made salt , or oyl , that is , that those beginnings are not beginnings not constant things , but changeable at the will of man. but the wine as to its winie part , contains a spirit answering to aqua vitae : for this is searched through the arteries of the stomack unto the head , without the maturities of other shops . so that if more wine be in the stomack than is meet , drunkennesse follows , as the spirit of the wine doth flow more largely into the head , than that by a fit space or interval , it can be changed by an individuating humane limitation : for from hence the changing , and likewise the operation of the ferment is manifest . notwithstanding , in wine , that spirit is milder than aqua vitae which is drawn forth by distillation : which thing appears from the like in oyl of olives : for the oyl ( which they call oyl of tiles or bricks , or olem phylosophorum ) being distilled , doth far differ from the oylinesse which is drawn out of simple oyl , by digestion only with the circulated salt of paracelsus : for that circulated salt is seperated the same in vertue , and weight , after it hath divided the oyl of olives into its diversities of parts : for a sweet , and twofold oyl is seperated out of oyl of olives , even as a most sweet spirit out of wine , being far severed from the tartnesse of aqua vitae . whence i have learned by consequence , that whatsoever is distilled only by fire , doth far recede from the vertues of the composed body . but in us , although meat doth putrifie after its own manner ( to wit , if that putrefaction be a mean of transchanging a thing into a thing ) yet in our digestions , by that putrefaction ( i speak of the action of the ferment of the stomack ) aqua vitae is not extracted out of potherbs , graines , apples , or pulses : for truly , the intention of nature is not then to procreate an aqua vitae ; and there is one ferment in us , whereby things are resolved into chyle , and another whereby things do send forth an aqua vitae or a water of life out of themselves : for while herbs do putrifie in water through a ferment , the stalk , stumps or stocks , and leaves do remain whole in their antient figure and hardness for the extraction of aqua vitae , which being eaten by us , are turned into chyle and loose their first face . wherefore i have comprehended as many varieties of putrefactions , and as many dungs of one bread different in the particular kind , as there are particular kinds of living creatures nourished by bread : yea , further , far more ferments of bread , because bread doth putrifie as yet by more means as well of its own accord , as from an appointment : but what is spoken of bread , as much is said of other meats . the schools indeed knew , that nothing doth profit us , which should not contain a beginning or essay of life in its root ( and so therefore they do admit of the air for the increase of spirit , being deceiued by the lessons of poets , who call them vitall airs ) to wit , they would have in the venal bloud , a spirit of the liver , naturally actually to be , and to glister like air . for they thought it to be a vapour ; being ignorant that a vapour is never made an uncoagulable gas , an air , sky , or wild exhalation , but that it alwayes remains water . therefore they thought a vapour exhaling from the venal bloud , hunted outwards ( even as out of a certain luke-warm liquor ) should be that spirit of the venal bloud , whence vital spirit should be materially framed . but surely the venal bloud , as long as it flowes in the vessels of the mesenterie and port vein , is void of spirit ; wherefore it being also called out by laaxtive medicines , it is voided forth stinking , without any notable token of weaknesse , which comes not so to passe , if it hath once well touched at the hollow vein : because then the venal bloud is homogeneally or after one and the same kind sealed in its entrance , that it may be made the bloud of the artery , and spirit ; and therefore it is in the holy scriptures indifferently with the arterial blood , called a red spirit , in which the soul inhabits : although that be properly understood of the arterial bloud ; because the scripture is there speaking of men stabbed or slain , whose venal bloud is poured out , together with their arterial bloud . i shall at sometime teach concerning digestions , that whatsoever is made or composed in the stomack , that doth wax soure there by a ferment , ( also sugar it self , not indeed with a sournesse or sharpness of vinegar , oyl of unripe olives , citron , or vitriol , but by its own like ferment , and with a specifical sowrenesse , although it symbolizeth or coagreeth with other sowre things , in that which is sowre : yet the sharpnesse is diverse from them all by an internall power . and that sowreness of meats is perfectly volatile : neither doth that hinder , that the chyle in youths doth assume the fixednesse of a bone , as also in the fractures of bones : for the chyle of the stomack is the same after growth , as it was in a youth : but all that is at length discussed without any remainder of it self : it again retakes the nature of a bone in a callous concretion in the solidness of fractures : and therefore for that very cause all chyle is volatile , and thus far it sometimes doth assume the disposition of spirit in the venal bloud : not indeed because there is a natural spirit in it , and diverse from the venal bloud ; but rather because the whole venal bloud hath obtained a spiritual character in the promise , john . the water , the bloud , and the spirit are one . but i will teach concerning digestions , after what sort that sowreness in the chyle may be transchanged into a volatile salt , whose excrementitious part is banished with urine and sweats . but the very masse of venal bloud , through the fermental virtue of the heart , and assistance of the pulses , doth passe over into arterial bloud , of yellow , looking reddish ; whence it is made vital spirit ; and so , is not the air or vapour of the venal bloud , but the venal bloud it self is brought into arterial bloud , and from thence at length into vital spirit . for the office of the liver is univocal , and is called sanguification , but not the creation of spirit , which do differ far from each other . for neither do so many , and so diverse offices belong to one bowel , especially because the rude heap of venal bloud , is not yet a fit seminary for the spirits : for it is sufficient for the liver being enriched with so few arteries , and a communion of life , that it performeth a true transmutation of the chyle into venal bloud , and a true generation of a new being . but in the heart , as it were the fountain of life , it is first of all meditated concerning vital beginnings : for the venal bloud is there extenuated into arterial bloud , and vital air : which two are wholly perfected by one only action , according to the more ready , and slow obedience of the venal bloud : for the venal bloud is made with the in-thickning of the chyle or cream , therefore by the separation of the liquid excrement , or urine : but the spirit is made with the attenuating or making thin of that which is in-thickned : both which actions so opposite , do not therefore agree with one liver . but if the schools will have a natural spirit to have fore-existed in meats , but to have received a perfection in the liver : but yet it easily expires in things boyled , cocted and roasted : and if any doth by chance remain , that spirit is not the hepatical or liverie one of our family goverment . i confesse indeed , that the spirit of wine is the spirit of vegetables , and is easily snatched into the arteries , as it were a simple resembler , previously disposed , that it may easily passe over into vital spirit : but from thence the schools do frame nothing for their spirit of the liver : for the spirit of wine is immediately snatched into the arteries , out of the stomack , without digestion : neither is it taken as a vital companion by the degree of venal bloud ; it is also easily from thence gathered , that the vital spirit doth not presuppose a natural one : and what i have said is manifest : for truly , they which suffer fainting or trembling of the heart , do presently and immediately feel the spirit of wine to be admitted into the fellowship of life , for neither then also are they made drunk by much wine abundantly drunken . otherwise , wine being as yet corporally existing within the stomack , drunkenness doth not from elsewhere proceed , than because the winie spirit is abundantly snatched into the heart , and head , and there breeds a confusion of the fore-existing spirits , it self being a stranger , not yet polished in the shop of the heart . therefore the venal blood it selfe , let it be the spirit of the liver , corporal , coagulated into a matter , and subjected to a vital goverment : with me it may be so ; so that we understand it rhetorically : to wit , the venal bloud it self to be an object capable , and a matter that it may thereby be made spirit . and in speaking phylosophically , or properly , there is no spirit in the venal bloud made for it self by the liver , because the labour of sanguification , seperation of the liquor latex , urine , and sweat doth employ the liver : to wit , while those do most swiftly pass thorow the slender flood-gates of small veins . for the venal bloud although it received an entrance of it self in the meseraick veins , yet the true generation of the same is made , also the endowments of small threds , and coagulation , under the most swift passage , together with its whey , through the small trunks of a hairy slendernesse . but if also the generation of spirit , doth moreover employ the liver : truly , besides the vain generation of the same , the liver is to prostrate it self like an asse , with too much fardle , and plurality of offices : and it is sufficient for the venal bloud , that being made a citizen of the veins , it doth partake of life , and be illustrated with a vital light . therefore even as by the ferment , and labour of the heart , the venal bloud is made arterial bloud , and volatile spirit ; so a ferment the vicar of the heart , being drawn from the arteries , they are also made so volatile , that after their consumings they leave no remaining lees that do go forth with a totall transpiration of themselves . therefore the heart doth frame out of the venal bloud , arterial bloud , which it fitteth and extenuateth by the same endeavour , and makes so much vital spirit in the arterial bloud , as the groseness of the venal bloud , and the resisting substance of the same doth permit in so little a space , wherein it is agitated and shaken together within the bosoms of the heart : yea indeed , neither is it enough to have known the venal bloud to be spirit , also to be brought over into arterial bloud , and to grant a vital spirit , by whose favour it may be informed by the minde , and be made animate ; and from hence at length to be translated into the bosoms , or stomachs of the brain , there to receive the various limitation of characters ; so that it is made motive in the thorny marrow or spina medullae , as we have seen in the shops optical or of the sight , which if they are through some errour brought to the tongue , they are plainly unprofitable for tasting : wherefore it comes to passe , that oft-times the fingers are benummed , some moveable part , looseth ( its sense being left ) either feeling or motion , for that the parts are bedewed with a strange , and wandring spirit : for the authours of touchings are unfit for motion , and those of this likewise for them ; but moreover , it behoveth to have known the disposition of the vital spirit : for truly , it will sometime sufficiently appear , that of soure chyle , partly venal bloud , and partly salt urine , and the excrements are made : but that , that excrementitious saltness is a volatile , and salt spirit , which being co-fermented with earth , doth at length in part assume the nature of salt-peter . the venal bloud also , doth by distillation afford this salt spirit , plainly volatile , and not any thing distinguishable from the spirit of urine : yet i have considered that they both do differ in this essential property , that the spirit of the salt of venal bloud doth cure the falling-evill , even of those of ripe age , the spirit of the salt of urine not so : therefore it is manifest that in the venal blood , a salt and volatile spirit is contained : but after what manner all the venal bloud may be transchanged by the ferment of the heart , into spirit , without a diversity of kind , as much as may be said , i have explained in the treatise of long life : because otherwise , natures are not to be demonstrated from a former cause , as neither the operations of ferments , because they are essentiall causes for the transmutations of things . therefore the vital spirit is saltish , and therefore balsamical , and a preserver from corruption , and that not so much by reason of the salt , as in respect of a light conceived in its own salt : and so , neither can air be made the addition or nourishment thereof : for although the aqua vitae be easily assumed into vital spirit , yet this is not oylie and combustible , but the spirit of wine onely by the touching of a ferment , doth easily ascend wholly into a saltish volatile nature , forthwith assoon as it looseth its oylie or enflamable property . even as i have taught by handicraft operation in the treatise of duelech : to wit , after what manner , at one onely instant , aqua vitae may be truly changed into a yellow gobbet or lump , not inflamable ; which thing doth more evidently happen to aqua vitae , by a saltish vital ferment . therefore the spirit of wine , is straightway snatched into the heart without delay , or by a further digestion , through the arteries of the stomach , and restoreth the strength , because it is by small labour perfected in the heart : yet we must not think that the vital spirit is soure , because the spirit of salt-peter is pleasingly sharp , and is made at length of the spirit of urine : because the spirit from whence salt-peter is coagulated in the earth , was not soure or sharp while it was the spirit of urine : therefore the vitall spirit is salt , not soure ( for that which is sharp out of the stomach , is an enemy to the whole body ) being nearer to the spirit of urine than to salt-peter , and it is as yet much more divers from the spirit of salt-peter , by the adustion , and co-mingling of the adjunct with the thing extracted : but they do easily perceive the saltness of the vital spirit , who have had some stupid member , which by degrees receiving touching , doth suffer pricking and stingings , which are the true tokens of saltness . indeed the saltness of the spirit may be known , but the light of the same proceeding immediately and fountainously from the father of lights , doth drive away all further search of mortall men . furthermore , that the whole venal bloud is a meer salt , it desires not more strongly to be proved , than because the whole venal bloud is in ulcers , the dropsie ascites , &c. homogeneally made a liquor , by an immediate degeneration : for the venal bloud is intensly red , but it growes yellow while it is made arterial bloud ; because redness waxeth yellow when it is as it were dissolved by a volatile salt. it is as yet a dead thing , whatsoever i have spoken of hitherto . the vital spirit performs the offices of life : but the famous top of life is not proper to a liquor , or exhalation , as they are salt things : and that the life of things may live , it ought of necessity , to have a light from the father of lights : therefore it behoveth , that the spirit , or vital skie or air , be enlightned with a light simply vital , not indeed universal , but specifical and individuating : nor also with a fiery , burning , enfiaming light , and conspicuous by concentred beames ; but it is a formal light of the condition of a sensitive soul. in which word , the descriptions , and further diligent searches of mortal men are stayed : to which end , imagine thou , that glow-worms have a light in their belly a little before night , ( as also bubbles of the sea have a night brightness , and very many things , which through purrifying , do proceed into the last matter of salts ) yet vital , and that which is extinguished together with their life . suppose thou a certain a like light to be in the spirit of life , which as long as it liveth , shineth , and when it forsaketh the eyes of one dying , they appear horny , and made clean . and that light is now and then extinguished , the material vital spirit being as yet safe , in the plague , poyson , sounding , &c. yet thou mayst not think , that the like essence of light is in us , and glow-worms , that indeed lights do differ onely in the tone or tenor of degrees : but in very deed , there are as many particular kindes of vital lights , as there are of creatures that have life . and that is an abundant token of divine bounty , that there are as many particular kindes of lights , which are comprehended in us under one onely notion and word , and that there are as many vital differences as there are species of vital things : because that those lights are the very lives , souls and forms of vital things themselves ( yet i except the immortal minde , while i treat of frail lights , although it self also be a certain incomprehensible light ) and so by the same lights themselves , is the alone and every distinction of particular kindes : therefore the father of lights delighteth in the unutterable abundance of generall kindes of lights , with a far greater bounty , than in fashioning almost infinite varieties in one onely humane countenance : for there is with himself , a certain common-wealth of lights , and a legion of unmemorable citizens , a certain likeness whereof he expresseth by the forms of vital things , in the sublunary world. therefore the vitall spirit is arterial bloud resolved by the ferment of the heart , into a salt air , and enlightned by life : which light is in us hot , of the nature of the sun , and is cold in a fish , neither doth it ever aspire unto any power of heat , wherefore our heat is not a consumer of the original moisture ( even as concerning long life ) seeing fishes have not hitherto escaped death . neither could the first men who before the floud , saw a thousand solar years , have had more radical moisture by ten fold , than us , unless they had had all things ten fold more extended ; which is an impertinent thing : for truly , it is probable , that adam being formed by the hand of god , obtained the most exceeding perfect stature of the lord jesus christ , neither to have exceeded the same . lastly , fishes should naturally be immortall , under the frozen sea , seeing their radical moisture should not there evaporate by heat . some of our religious country-men are almost for a whole year so cold from the foot even to the belly , that they do not feel that they have feet : wherefore they should likewise be longer lived than us , yea and their legs should be like young mens , when as their whole breast is crisped with old wrinckles , if primogeneal moisture being consumed by heat , should afford an unavoidable necessity of death . and likewise , as well fishes as those religious men , ought to refuse the daily refreshments of nourishment , because scarce any thing doth exspire thorow the pores : or if heat should be of the essence of our life , certainly the part languishing with continual cold , should either die , or at least should be changed into a fish . whence it is plain , that heat is onely an adjacent to our life , and its concomitant token , but not the primary foundation thereof . therefore the schools may see , how unfitly they have hitherto circumscribed the whole constitutive temperature of nature in heat : for far be it hereafter so blockishly to phylosophize , and not to know , that the consuming of moisture by heat , which is terminated with in-thickning , is one thing ; and that which is wholly moved forward to transpiration by an extenuating ferment , is by far another : for this leaveth no residence behinde it , but that a sandy stone , or coal . but if an increased heat doth sometimes rise up in us , so that it is that which doth as it were burn the members , gangrene them , and like fire make an eschar , or now and then doth eat into the flesh like a dormouse , those indeed are the works of corrosive , degenerating , lawless salts , that are banished from the vital common-wealth : so also by laxative poysons , and fluxes , the whole venal bloud is resolved into putrefaction , and the venal bloud being resolve by other poysons into a liquor sunovie or gleary water , poyson , jaundous excrement , &c. doth flow sorth , oft-times most sharp , and oft-times raging without a corrosive ; for such kind of errors do happen in the life ( for therefore in a dead carcasse they do cease ) as they by a proper blas , do put on the animosity of nature corrupted by the life , and the life doth enflame a sword , whereby it doth manifoldly hurt it selfe , even as sometimes concerning diseases . at length , whether there be any animal spirit to be distinguished in the species from the vital , or whether the disputation thereof be a true brawling about a name . i have shewn what a thing is in it self , whereunto a name adds nothing , or can take away nothing . the vital spirit doth climb through the chief arteries into the head : but in the heart or middle of the brain , there is one onely bosom , which being beheld above , seemeth double ; but its vault being lifted upwards , it sheweth a onenesse . moreover in this bosom the arteries do end into a certain wrinckled vessel , plainly of another weaving or texture , than is the other compaction of arteries . hereby indeed , the vital spirit flowes abroad , and exspireth into the bosom of the brain , for the service of the chief faculties , to wit , of the imagination , judgement , and memory . hereby also it proceeds to be distributed into the small mouths of the sinews , beginning from the brain : so that , if it be to be called animal , as receiving or under-going in the brain , a limitation of the part , it doth obtain the properties fit for an appointed function , yet it doth not therefore seem diverse from the vital , by its matter , and efficient cause . for truly , in the largeness of its own vital light , it is capable of all those properties without the thorow changing of its native essence : for that spirit which is thrust forth unto the tongue , doth exercise the tasting , but that same doth not tast in the fingers , but doth every where receive a particular character of organs or instruments , and puts on a particular property : the which if thy mind carry thee to distinguish from the vital spirit , there shall again be as many essential divisions of the spirit , as there are offices , and as many as there are services divided by the pluralities of offices . in the mean time , understand the thing , and call it as thou listest : for i am not contradictory to the schools out of a stomackful passion : for i being admonished by a superiour authority , ought only to have laid open their errours , and to teach things unknown . let they themselves likewise disclose my errours or mistakes with an equal mind , surely i shall rejoyce , if so be that onely my neighbour do obtain the profit , which i wish . chap. xxvii . heat doth not digest efficiently , but only excitatively or by way of stirring up . . heat is not the proper instrument of digestion . . what hath deceived the schools herein : . the defences of the schools . . the rashness of paracelsus . . the anguishes of the schools . . they forgot their own maxim concerning contraries . . they have constrainedly made heat , and the predicament of heat , more powerful than fire . . digestion , and seething do differ . . ferments are angry because they are put after . . what the univocal action of heat is . . a fish digesteth without heat . . there is no place for potential heat in things to be digested . . an argument of hunger . . another from the unity of specifical heat . . the third from a maxim. . another argument . . why sowre belching after the savour of burntish ones is good . . why one sick of a fever abhorreth fleshes . . from the scope of healing . . the admiring of paracelsus . . an error of the same man. . the digestive sorce of hens . . the authour being as yet a boy , learned the true cause of digestion . . he knew resolving to be from sowrnesse . . we grow old only through extream want of ferments . . the quality of a fermenting sowrnesse . . whence is the dislike of some meats . . the forces of ferments . . mice accuse the schools of errour . . why the ferment of the stomack is divers from it self . . a commendation of the spleen . . degrees of heat and cold do vary . . the errours of the schools concerning the degrees of elements . . the degrees of chymicall heat . . the authour hath made degrees of distinction . . moisture , and drynesse are not to be considered as qualities . . why they do not admit of degrees . . hence trifles were introduced by the antients into the doctrine of the elements . because the whole foundation of nature is thought to hang on the hinge of heat , and the elements , mixtures , and temperaments are already banished far off ; therefore to establish the progeny of the archeus , and vital spirits , we must hence following speak of digestions : the which , because the schools have enslaved to heat , i will shew that heat is not the proper instrument of digestions . indeed , the metaphor of digestion hath deceived the schools : to wit , it being by a poetical liberty borrowed from a rustical sense , introduced , they have made concoction of the same name with digestion . and as they knew seething or boyling to be concoction , therefore they translated digestions to boyling , and on both sides where they thought heat to be the natural , total , and one only cause of them : for they saw that by seething , and roasting , very many things waxed tender , and were altered : therefore a liberty being taken from artificial things , they translated a kitchin into the amazed transmutations of the bowels and meats : not indeed by way of similitude , but altogether properly and immediately , and by thinking , the matter passed over into a belief , and then into a true opinion ; and all the offices , and benefits of our nature , they translated into heats , and temperaments , as it were into totall causes : especially indeed , because they perceived the bellies of men , and four-footed beasts to be actually hot ; even so that afterwards they laboured more for increasing of heat , than for strengthening of digestion : for neither have they diligently searched further into it , although the event did for the most part deceive their hope : thinking it sufficient that heat might be found as well in boyling , as in the natural digestion of the belly , from which , they slumbered as expecting abundant help to themselves . in the mean time they were in doubt , when they took notice that meats were not by seethings , wholly transchanged into juice by a total metamorphizing : for fleshes ( the vessel being shut ) they resolved into a consummated b●oth , a true portage being pressed out and melted : but indeed they observed their errour , because fleshy , tough , and hard remaining threds did abide , and never melt by a true transmutation into juice yet through an aptnesse of belief , and antiquity of errour , they suffered their eyes to be vailed ; seeking privy shifts , and biding places , they presently thought themselves safe , while that they had implored the divers degrees of heat , if not also its particular kinds and general kinds ( as is a fiery , elementary , radical , correspondent to the element of the stars , &c. ) yea , and the moments of heats for a help of their excuses ; so that every degree should almost in every moment , have its own constitutive temperature in digesting . in which stupidity paracelsus also involved himself , who will have one only bread in so many particular kinds of living creatures , to receive a specifical diversity of venal bloud , and dungs , by reason of the moment of degree alone , in heat : as if the latitude of heat could frame a species , or vary in the substance . but while the schools did presume to have taken away every knot in the bulrush , they afterwards fell into the spongy differences of digestive heat , natural , and likewise into , that of besides , and against nature : and at length , they ought now and then against their will to fly back unto the sacred anchor of hidden secrets or properties in digestions ; so indeed , that there should be some certain heat the authour of digestion , as well in diseases as in health . having forgotten in the mean time , that as they had feigned one only kind of contraries , and both to be said or declared after like manners , that there should be one only , and a uniform condition of both : wherefore they forgot to devise the like particular kindes and properties of colds : to wit , of what so it that natural digestive cold , besides , and against nature should be . and likewise they ought to have taught some radical and primogeniall cold : so that if radical heat doth answer in proportion to the element of the stars , and doth differ in the whole general kind , from any other luke-warmth , also radicall cold ought to differ in as many numbers , and faculties , from any other cold , unlesse through the great want of truth they forsake their own wisdom as barren . so indeed , although heat not natural should proceed into natural , and this into it by an unheard of license of seeds ; yet they have banished native , and feverish heat into distinct species ( yea also into generall kinds ) that they might save the effects attributed to digestive heat . so that while they would believe that some birds do digest those things which otherwise do defend them against the fury of the fire ; they have acknowledged some fire to be more powerfull than fire : for a dog doth digest swallowed bones , which fire never dares to convert into chyle : therefore , the diversities of which effects , have constrained the schools to erect heat into the latitude of a predicament ; opposite colds being in the mean time neglected : when as in the mean time , there is only a specifical diversity of heat , which is not able to with-draw it from the number of other things . for truly , whatsoever is cast into the stomack , digestion being at length finished , is transchanged , and far separated from boyling and other coctures , after whatsoever degree prepared . because the one only ignorance of ferments hath caused digestions , and the remedies of unconcoction to be unknown , and a faulty argument to be promoted , of not the cause , as of the cause : where it is not an idle brawling , as it were about a name , while fermentall effects are ascribed to heat ; because the resolving of this question doth change the intentions of healing . therefore i willingly accustome my self to enquire into the proper causes , to wit , at the meditation whereof , profit follows , diseases tremble , or the strength or faculties are made vigorous . therefore ferments are worthily wrath , because they are against their will believed to war under a relolleum or quality not having a seminal being : for it never belonged to heat to withdraw a thing into a formal transmutation ; seeing heat by it self and primarily doth nothing but make hot , but by accident it separates watery things from stiff or tough things : which univocal or single action of heat , is no wise a digestion , being wholly included in transchanging : for although digestion doth happen in us , heat accompanying it , yet that is not heat , although it be by accident connexed with heat . for therefore in a fish , there is no actual heat , neither therefore notwithstanding , doth he digest more unprosperously than hot animals : neither is he after the manner of men , badly affected by things cast into him . therefore it is a frivolous thing to flee to potential heat for a fish ; for in sensible things known by sense , the touching only is witnesse and judge ; but not to flee to dreams : for if digestion be to be attributed to heat not actually hot , but to a virtual power ; i now enjoy my wish : for otherwise , what is that i pray , but ignorantly to brawl about heat as such ? and in the mean time to confesse , that there is something besides a sensible heat , which is the containing cause of digestion : for what can more foolishly be spoken , than that potential heat doth actually make hot , and that digestion is made for this heatings sake ? can a thing in power , now act actually ? but at least in a dog-like hunger , there is a most swift digestion , and implacable hunger . therefore a troublesome and offensive heat even then ought to be felt in us hot creatures , if digestion be made in us by actual heat . for if a little heat causeth a small digestion , and amean heat , a mean one , verily , at a powerful and troublesome digestion , a great heat ought also to be present : which thing notwithstanding , although i have divers times the more curiously searched into , i have not found to be true . then at length it is to be noted , that the digestion of bread in a man , dog , horse , fish , bird , differ in the whole general kind , no otherwise than as a manifold venal bloud , and filths sprung from thence : wherefore from one only particular kind of digesting heat , those kinds of varieties of digestions cannot proceed : therefore let the schools erect , and defend so many general kinds of heats , and colds , before they do require for themselves to be believed . i therefore do draw so great a difference of venal blood from formal properties , and specifical ferments , never from heat . for truly , i perfectly know , that whatsoever things have divers essential efficients , have also divers effects and attributes : to wit , so that products divers in the general kind , do necessarily require their own efficient causes diverse in the general kind : for otherwise any thing should produce any thing indifferently : to wit , even as one and the same thing doth arise from the same nigh causes . for how frivolous a thing is it to have adjudged the vital powers , and the formal and specifical parents of transmutations , unto luke-warmths . for if the digestion of heat were needful , a more prosperous and plentiful digestion should continually follow a greater heat : for by how much every cause is more powerful in nature , by so much it doth also more powerfully perfect its own proper effect : by consequence the stomack of one sick of a fever , in a burning fever , should more powerfully digest , than that of a healthy person ; but surely in the stomack of him that hath a fever nothing is rightly digested . for eggs , fishes , fleshes , and broths , are presently made cadeverous or stinking within , and therefore they do cause adust or burnt belchings , the which , if sowre belchings do soon follow after , hippocrates hath reckoned to be good , as well from the sign , as from the cause : yet there is in one that hath a fever a heat , also sometimes that heat is temperate , to wit , while it is not troublesome , neither doth stir up thirst , yet the digestion is void . impure bodies , by how much the more powerfully thou nourishest them , by so much the more thou hurtest them : which in a feverish man is manifest , wherein we must presently use a most slender food , & easie of digestion : and we must abstain from the more strongmeats , to wit , those consummated or accomplished in growth , & from meat broths , because the ferment being absent , they do easily putrifie , contract an adust savour , and turn as it were into a dead carcass : no otherwise than as raw flesh being bound on the wrist , breast , soals of the feet , or neck ; so far is it that it should be resolved into chyle , that straight-way after some hours , it putrifies and stinks , although it be salt . the same thing is in an impure feverish body where heat is present , but a digesting ferment is wanting : for if heat be the cause of digestion , otherwise , digestion is wanting in a feaver , but heat is present ; but we must more apply our selves to digestion than to cooling refreshment , especially if no very troublesome heat be present . therefore we should rather study the increase of heat , than cooling : and so the scope of the physitian should be changed , while it should be devised concerning the increase of heat in a fever , for digestion , nourishing , and increase of strength . neither also shall sharp and hungry medicines of sulphur , vitriol , salt , niter , citron , and the like , help ; but the heat should be stirred up , and increased by sharp things . he speaketh something like madness , who saith , that the snow makes cold , as it is white : so it is a ridiculous thing to affirm , that the specificall ferment of the stomack doth digest by reason of vitall heat existing in it . surely it is to be lamented , that the credulity and sloath of those to whom the care of the life is committed , have changed burying-places into a meer sumen or fatting juice , despairing of the searching out of natural properties , whence notwithstanding , they have their sur-name . paracelsus also being deluded by a digestive heat , and ignorant of the ferment of the stomack , admires that some things which are most hard , are changed into chyle in a few hours , and that a bone is consumed in the luke-warmth of the stomack of a dog : who aspiring to the monarchy of healing , failed thereof , after that he named this a power to be admired at , was ignorant of and knew not the ferments . for being unconstant to himself , he wrote elsewhere , that this digestive property doth agree no lesse to the mouth being shut , than to the stomack ; and so also from hence , that anchorets have spent their long life happily without swallowed meat . but surely , that idiotisme is to be left to his own boldness ; while in the mean time , whatsoever hath perhaps remained within the hollownesses of the teeth , is straight-way made like a dead carcasse , with a horrible stink , but is not digested . for i remember that a white and thick glasse being cast out of my furnace , was swallowed by my hens , they being deluded through the heat of milk , but the fracture of glasse is always sharp-pointed ; but after a few dayes some hens being killed , the glasse was found to be pointingly diminished on every side , and to have lost its sharp tops , and to have been made roundish or globish . but the other surviving hens and guests , had presently after a few dayes , consumed the rest of the glasse , although they had also devoured the small pellets of glasse taken out of the hens formerly slain . thou shalt take notice in the mean time , that glasse doth resist waters which resolve any mettals . indeed the ferment in many birds is so powerful , that unlesse they are now and then fed with tiles or bricks , chalk , or white earth , they are ill at ease through the multitude of sharpness : but on the contrary , that the stomack of one that hath a fever , is wholly of an adust savour , he rejecteth meats of three dayes continuance , being oft-times as yet distinguished by the sight , or sometimes turned into a yellow , or rusty liquour , to wit , through the straining scope of the ferment . i learned the necessity of this ferment of the stomack , while being a boy , i nourished sparrows ; i oft-times thrust out my tongue , which the sparrow laid hold of by biting , and endeavoured to swallow to himself , and then i perceived a great sharpness to be in the throat of the sparrow , whence from that time i knew why they are so devouring and digesting . and then i saw that the sharp distilled liquor of sulphur had seasoned my glove , and that it did presently resolve it into a juice , in the part which it had moistned ; which thing confirmed to me a young beginner , that meats are transchanged by a sharp or soure thing , and so that a ferment doth inhabit in the stomack , which should change all things cast into it , although sweet ; presently into a sowreness : wherefore also all things are sharp which are given to drink to him that wants an appetite , as are oyl of un-ripe olives , vinegar , juice of citron , of orange , mùstard , also salt , and salt-peter , as it hath a spirit in it that causeth hunger , and most pleasingly sharp : and likewise , the berbery , rasp , cherries , quinces , &c. in this respect they give content to silk folks that want digestion or concoction . therefore the contemplation of this ferment is so necessary , that it is chief in the government of life , and therefore it is to be grieved at , that the knowledge thereof is hitherto suppressed in the schools . and although the dryth of the whole body waxeth strong with old age ; yet we do not wax old , unlesse by the penury , poverty , and extinguishing of some ferments : for truly , the stag , crow or raven , eagle , goose , &c. in their first yeers of youth , are far more dry than we , yet they remain alive for some ages , yea youth is voluntarily renewed to the eagle , and stag. but that digestive ferment is not placed in any kind of sharpness only : for neither doth vinegar , or the broth of citron leaven or ferment the meal ; yea , neither is leavened meal therefore the ferment of the stomack ; but this is a sharp , hungry , stomatical , specifical , and humane ferment : indeed so specifically distinct throughout all the species of bruits , that it is appropriated to themselves : for mice , dormice , and swine do sooner perish with hunger , than they do eat of a ring-dove or wood-culver : but in a man it for the most part aspireth to the largeness of a general kind . in the mean time , many do abhorr cheese , wine , milk , or do despise other things , because they do not digest them ; and therefore what things soever do strive with our digestion , are specifically contrary to the property of that ferment , and do endeavour to oppress the ferment . therefore the digestive ferment is an essential property , consisting in a certain vital sharpness or soureness , mighty for transmutations ; and therefore of a specifical property : for the falcon dyeth before he will eat up bread. i have already said elsewhere , that if the venal bloud be stilled , by whatsoever degree of heat , yet it is alwayes thickned , waxeth dry , and leaves a coal behind it ; yet that and the same venal bloud doth wholly exhale by our ferments , with an unsensible transpiration . seeing therefore heat doth alwayes univocally or singly operate it , cannot by digesting change the meat into chyle , into bloud , into a nourishable liquor , and at length banish it by an unsensible efflux , without any remainder of it self : one only heat cannot i say , in a youth , change venal bloud into bones , and likewise in the breaking of a bone , constrain the venal bloud into a callous matter , which in those of ripe yeers , and likewise in healthy people , doth wholly fly away into exhalations , unless besides heat there are other powers , knowledges and perceivances , the chief effectresses of these things : for truly it is proper and natural to heat to consume moisture , and to retain the thicker part by drying up . for mice are fed only with meal , without drink , and do resolve it into their own juice or chyle ; which thing , surely , is far diverse from the scope of heat : therefore heat is not the authour of digestion , but there is a certain other vitall faculty which doth truly , and formally transchange nourishments : and that i have designed by the name of ferments . but there are many ferments in us , even as i shall by and by explain concerning digestions . but seeing the stomack doth now and then want a ferment , it is manifest from thence , that its own ferment is not proper to it selfe ; but that it flowes thither from elsewhere , and is inspited : and therefore the spleen doth so rest upon the stomack , that hens have their spleen most unitedly heaped about their stomack , and therefore do they also the more strongly digest . i do here lay open the blindness of the schools , exceedingly to be admired , and bewayled with tears of bloud ; who have dedicated that noble bowel of the spleen for the sink of the worst melancholious excrement , by the assistance of which one bowel we live , and do possess life , and the golden kingdoms of saturn : but they have devised , that the sharp and black excrement , which being now and then seasoned with too much ferment , is rejected by the spleen by reason of the indisposition of the bowel , is therefore black choler : which things shall hereafter in out duumvirate , and likewise concerning digestions , be made more cleer . moreover , before the conclusion of this question , we must note that among physitians there are only four degrees of heat , and as many of cold , in simples : to wit , from the temperate degree even unto causticks and escharrers ; because they treat only of a virtual and potencial quality , the which i shall sharply touch , in its place elsewhere : for therefore the fourth degree of heat is with physitians , in the nature of things , and temperate as to the touching . but the phylosophers do measure heat according to the sire , and so even to the fire , they feign eight degrees , whereof the fifth , sixth , and seaventh , they have not yet designed , because men are wont to believe their positions . they will have the eighth to be only in the elements , and into this they have believed the passage of the elements to be ; for they supposed to have proved something in the fire ( as if kitchin-fire were an element ) and never elsewhere . but i have already before demonstrated this whole opinion to be of no value . first of all , it is ridiculous , that they have made the degree of heat in the fire equall to the cold of the water , to the moisture of the air , and to the dryth of the earth : wherein they being notably deluded , neither therefore have they bravely shewn the same degrees to be so violent elsewhere , as in fire . indeed in this eighth degree they affirm , that the elements do destroy , devoure , and consume each other , no otherwise than as fire doth consume wood . and then , he chymists after the custome of physitians , have made only four degrees in the fire it self , taking little care to themselves touching the other elementary qualities , because they had enslaved themselves only to the art of the fire ; which degrees indeed they distinguished , so that the first is from a luke-warmth under a wandring latitude , even unto the fire of sublunation or cleering up of oylie spirits : but the other from hence , even to the sublunation of dry spirits : and then a third is , even unto an obscure fierynesse : but the last is , even unto the utmost power of the flame of a reverbery or striking back . but i for a more cleer doctrine , do in chymicals , distinguish the degrees , that the first may be where the greatest cold is more remiss or slack : for i who conceive chymistry to be the chamber-maid , and emulating ape , and now and then the mistriss of nature , do subject the whole of nature unto chymical speculation . therefore the second degree in nature , may be heat as is that of water not yet frozen . the third is , where it is remisly cold , even as well water : otherwise , absolute heat is deceived at our touching ( which is luke-warm ) and it is thought to be cold , whatsoever doth heat lesse than it self : and seeing the touching is more or lesse hot , it makes and unconstant token or signification of heat . at length , a fourth degree is that of a gentle luke-warmth . the fifth is now luke-warm . the sixth is ours . the seaventh is now feverish . the eighth is of a may sun. the ninth is distillatory , and that which now overcomes the touching . a tenth distilleth with boyling up . the eleventh sublimes sulphur , and dry spirits . a twelfth doth melt , and sublime the fire-stone . the thirteenth is in a somewhat brown fierynesse . the fourteenth is a bright burning fierynesse . the fifteenth , lastly , is the ultimate vigour of the bellows and reverbery . lastly , although heat , and cold are real qualities , and do undergo degrees ; yet moisture and drinesse are not to be considered but in their own concrete or composed body , and therefore neither do they constitute qualitative degrees , but only quantitative ones : because moisture in one only drop is as deeply moist in dry white earth , as in its own element ; because moist and dry do co-mingle themselves in their root , neither do they mutually enter , and pierce each other ; and therefore neither do they mutually dispose of , and affect each other formally : for those kind of appropriations , do agree to seeds , but not to elements . therefore moisture , and driness do not admit of degrees , neither therefore do they change , as neither do they alter each other : because properly , they are not qualities in the abstract , but qualified bodies themselves . but heat and cold do mutually pierce each other throughout their least parts , and do break , and graduate each other : and therefore it is no wonder that the schools have remained so dumb in the degrees of moisture , and drinesse : for to the air , that there is a moisture heightned unto eight degrees , but to the water , that the same is remiss or temperate , to wit , to the fourth degree : lastly , that driness is heightned in the earth to eight , but remiss in the fire unto four degrees . but these trifles of complexions , as well in elements as in bodies which they have hitherto believed to be mixt of the elements , have fell to dung , being on every side already sore shaken by a manifold necessity of going to ruine . chap. xxviii . the threefold digestion of the schools . . the generall scope of this book . . the first digestion , in the stomack . . the first region of the body . . two things are to be admired in this work . . another digestion , and second region . . the third digestion . . the last region of the body . . the forgetfulnesse of the schools . . the state of growth . it is not enough to have shewn that there are not four elements in nature , as neither the material mixtures of them , and complexions , and strifes resulting from thence : lastly , not their congresses or combates , embraces of humors feigned from thence , and the madness of these ; but that contrarieties sprung from thence , and the abounding of humors in the body , are the meer dreams of the gentiles , brought into medicine , and even till now adored by the schools : neither is it enough that i have shewn elsewhere , that the three-first things are to be banished from the rank of diseases , and cures : likewise to have refuted the causality of the stars in healing ; also to have hissed out winds , to have rejected the consumptions of radical moisture , as vain terrours : last of all , to have expulsed catarrhs , and the hard , and new invention of tartarous humors ; and so to have shewn that a disease as well in the general , as in the particular , hath hitherto lain hid from the schools , and consequently that mortall men do languish under a conjectural art , as yet fundamentally unknown , unless i shall even discover the proper causes of diseases . and seeing the causes of the most inward enemies are for the most part intimate or most inward : i will before all things propose a history of the functions or offices ; but after that done , i will demonstrate some principles of nature necessary to be known , hitherto unheard of . the schools affirm that the meat and drink are by the force of heat transchanged in the stomack into a liquor ; the which , by reason of its likeness to barley cream , they have called chyle : but they say , that afterward , this chyle is by the veins inserted in , and accompanying the stomack , and whole guidance of the bowels , therefore being annexed by the mediating mesentery ( which in the room of a third coat , doth cloath , encompasse , and involve the bowels ) by little and little sucked forward , and drawn inward : but that the more grosse remaning part is left in the bowels ; as it were unprofitable dross , to be expelled thorow the fundament . indeed this first coction , they have called the first of the three digestions : and so that the first region of the body begins from the mouth ; but to be terminated in one part , in the fundament ; but in the other part in the hollow of the liver . two things sufficiently admirable do concur herein ; to wit , that in a few houres , hard meat is resolved into juyce , and that the veins are terminated into the bowels by their utmost mouths , that by these i say , they suck thorow as much liquor every day , as is cast in , and made ; but that they do not suck to them any thing of a blast more subtile than that cream : yet the bowels are not found porous or holie in life more than in death : nevertheless , the whole chyle passeth thorow the veins of the mesentery , into the liver ; wherein they say , the whey of the venal bloud is again seperated for urine , which passeth thorow to the reins ; but they will have the more corpulent cream to be changed in the liver , into venal bloud : for in the first digestion , that which is more hard and thick , is excluded : but in the other , the thick is retained , the transparent part being secluded : therefore the second region and shop of the body , begins from the very body of the liver , and is terminated in the ultimate branches of the hollow vein . and then in the third place , the bloud falling down out of the veins , and being snatched into the nourishment of the solid parts , is by degrees perfected , and transchanged into a humour , which they call secondary : and that they divide into four degrees of affinity , before it being truly informed , be admitted into the solidity of the sound parts : therefore , in this alimentary humour , is bestowed the labour of the third and highest digestion . and therefore , they call this last shop of the body , the habit of the body , and do forget the bowels : the which indeed do also themselves , by the same right , concoct for themselves , and are thereby nourished . for truly , in this humour , every part lives in its own orbe ; and every part hath a singular cook-room in it self , for it self : but besides , even till a certain age , and measure inbred in the seeds of things , the nourishment departs into increase : then it stayeth , and is no more mixed with its first constituters : and therefore this nourishment is opposed onely for the retarding of the dryness of old age , even unto the closure of life . this indeed is the distribution of the digestions , and regions of the body , among the antients , and modern schooles : which hath never seemed to me to be sufficient ; but full of ignorance : because it is that which ( besides rude observations ) hath brought no light unto the art of healing . chap. xxviii . a six-fold digestion of humane nourishment . . the miserable boastings of the galenists . . whence the first dissolution of the meat is . . a sharpness being obtained , is presently changed into a salt salt. . the use of the gut duodenum neglected in the schools . . sharpness or soureness out of the stomach , doth hurt us . . the variety , and incompatibility or mutual unsufferableness of the ferments . . an example of that ready exchanging . . nothing like a ferment doth meet us elsewhere . . the volatileness of sharpness doth remain in a salt product . . the latitude in ferments . . whence it is known that the first ferment is a forreigner to the stomach . . why sawces do stand in sharpness . . sharpness is not the ferment it self , but the instrument of the same . . too much sharpness of the stomach is from its vice . . a receding from the schools in the examination of the gaul . . that choler is not made of meats . . that the gaul is not an excrement , but a bowel . . the membrane of the wombe is a bowel , even as also that of the stomach . . why the gaul and liver are connexed . . what may be the stomach of the liver . . vvhy it goes before the ferment of the gaul , and is the second digestion . . vvhy the venal bloud in the mesentery doth as yet want threds , neither therefore doth it wax clotty . . the wombe of the vrine , and the wombe of duelech or the stone in man , are distinct . . the stomach of the gaul , and its region . . the rotten opinion of the schools concerning the rise of the gaul , and its use . . nature had been more careful for the gaul its enemy , than for phlegme its friend . . the separation of the vrine differs from the separation of wheyiness out of milk . . the second and third digestions are begun at once , although the third be more slowly perfected . . what the stomach of the gaul is . . the gaul doth import more , than to be chief over an excrement . . birds want a kidney and vrine , but not a gaul . . fishes also do prove greater necessities of a gaul , than of filths or excrements . . that the schools are deceived in the use of the gaul . . the liquor of the gaul with its membrane , being a noble bowel , doth now and then banish its superfluity into the gut duodenum . . how excrements do obtain the heat of the gaul , yet are not therefore choler , or gaul . . the proper savour of the dung doth exclude the gaul , and fiction of choler . . gauls seem what they are not . . whence the vein hath it , that even after the death of a man , it doth preserve the venal bloud from coagulating . . the extream rashness of the schooles . . the solving of an objection . . it is proved by many arguments , that the veins of the stomach do not attract any thing to themselves out of the chyle . . the authour is dissented from the schools , in respect of the bounds of the first region in the body . . the true shop of the bloud is not properly in the passage of the liver . . the action of a ferment doth act onely by inbreathing , neither doth it want a corporeal touching . . the absurd consequences upon the positions of the schools concerning touching , and continual nourishing warmth . . the ferments of the gaul and liver do perform their offices by in-breathing . . why flatus's or windy blasts do not pierce an entrail . . the errour of paracelsus about the pores of the bladder . . the first digestion doth not yet formally transchange meats . . where the absolute transmutation of meats is compleated . . it is false , that nourishment is not to be granted without an excrement . . it is false , that the stomach doth first boil for it self , and secondarily for the whole body . . the gaul hath the nature of a balsam . . a miserable objection . . the gaul taken for a balsam in the holy scriptures . . against the gaul of the jaundise . . two idiotisms in paracelsus . . how the salt of the sea is separated from salt-peter . . out of water there is vinegar . . the fourth digestion and region of the body . . why the heart is eared . . the fifth digestion . . that the vapour in the venal bloud , is not yet a skyie spirit . . the nourishing of the flesh , and the bowels , is distinguished . . that the animal spirit doth not differ in the species from the vital . . the fourth , and fifth digestions do want excrements . . what the sixth digestion is . . the diseases in the sixth digestion are neglected by the schools , because not understood . . in the designing of the kitchin , and shop , there are some errours of the schools . . why an artery doth for the most part accompany a vein . . paracelsus is noted . . the errour of fernelius concerning butter . . the rashness of paracelsus concerning milk. . a censure or judgement of milk. . the best manner of drawing forth goats bloud . . an undoubted curing of the pleurisie without cutting of a vein . . why asses milk is to be preferred before other milks . . the education of a child for a long and healthy life . . some things worthy to be noted concerning the vrine . . why dropsical persons are more thirsty than those that have a hectick fever . . the proper place of the ferment of the dung , is even as in a wolf. . the proper nest of worms , and the history of the same . . the difference of ascarides from vvorms . . that a clyster is injected in vain for nourishment sake . i have observed notable abuses committed throughout the whole description of functions , or of the use of parts : although galen doth not more gloriously triumph in any place , than in the treatise of pulses , and in the use of parts ; the which notwithstanding , the modern anatomists do shew , that he never thorowly considered : wherefore it is altogether probable , that without the knowledge and searching out of the truth , these treatises described by galen from elsewhere , and prostituted for his own , are as yet to this day worshipped in the schools . wherefore i have premised the digestions which antiquity hath hitherto known , and hath confirmed each to other by subscribing ; and i will subjoyn those things which singular experience under divine grace , hath taught me . without controversie , it belongs to meats and drinks , together , and in like manner , to be dissolved into a cream , plainly transparent in the hollow of the stomach . i add , that that is done by vertue of the first ferment , manifestly soure or sharp , and borrowed of the spleen : for i have found as many suitable ferments , as there are in us , digestions . again , neither is it of lesse admiration , that that cream is spoiled wholly of all drawn sourness of the ferment , as soon as it slides out of the stomach into the great bowel or intestine , than the power of that ferment in the stomach , was wonderful . that intestine is called the duodenum , from the measure of fingers , and it is immediately under the pylorus or lower mouth of the stomach . truly anatomy complains of trouble in this place , by reason of the stretching out the offices of the kernels and vessels , to wit , in so small a space , for instruments of so great uses ; and so that in the whole dissection , nothing doth offer it self alike difficult : for neither are there so many vessels and organs in vain , although their use hath stood neglected . for first of all , when i learned that the ferment conceived in the cream of the stomach , was pernicious as well in the intestines themselves , as in other parts , by reason of many torments or wringings . i not sloathfully noted , that all particular parts have obtained particular ferments , seeing there is an unexcusable necessity of these , in transchanging . and so i also from hence further concluded , that all particular ferments do abhorre strange ones to be their companions , and the commands of strange patrons , as if they were forreign thieves , and such as thrust their sickle into another mans corn : and that indeed through no vice of jealousie , as though they did envie the activities of others : but from an endeavour of executing the office ; which was enjoyned them by the lord of things . it is a wonder to be spoken , that a sour cream in the duodenum , doth straightway attain the savour of salt , and doth so willingly exchange its own sharp salt , into a salt salt. no otherwise almost , than as the vinegar which is most sharp , hath forthwith ( through red lead ) put off its former sharpness , and doth presently change into an aluminous sweetness ; even as also the sharpness of sulphur , is forthwith changed in the salt of tartar , but by a far more excellent vigour of transmutation , that sour cream is presently made salt in us . for truly , that is made without any co-mixture of any body , even as when vinegar waxing sweet , it is constrained by the addition of the lead , or a sharp distillation is drunk up in an alcali-salt : because in very deed , nothing is any where found , which can fully answer to the force of a ferment ; seeing ferments are the primitive causes of transmutations , and that indeed from a former cause : and therefore it must needs be , that the similitudes of those , drawn onely from a latter effect : do very much halt . therefore our sour cream is made salt , only by a fermental , and unchangeable disposition : wherefore also , the volatile sharpness of that cream doth remain in its antient volatility , while it exchangeth its own first obtained soureness with saltness : for the volatile stillatitious sharpness of vinegar , doth not thus remain volatile as before , while it dissolveth litharge , minium , or ceruse : because in dissolving , it is coagulated , and doth assume the form of a more fixed salt , now separable from the liquid distillation of the vinegar , which it had lately married ; but in dissolving it is coagulated , and doth assume the form of a more fixed salt : because it is the action of a thing dissolving , and dissolved , but not of a transchanging ferment , which doth continually tend to a new form on either side . for indeed , the stomachs of some do more easily digest potherbs , pulses , or bread-corns ; but those of others do more succesfully digest fishes , abhorre cheese , prefer water before wine ; whereas in the mean time , the stomach of others , is a devourer of flesh , or addicted to apple ; to wit , by reason of a specifical , yea and also an appropriated property of that ferment : yea neither is it sufficient to have said , that the sour ferment of the first digestion , and totall cause of the melting of the harder meats doth freely inhabit in the stomach , unless that very thing be more plainly explained . first of all , the stomach hath not this ferment in it self , or from its own self : for the digestion of the appetite , and family-government of the stomach do sometimes depart , and return without extinguishing ; because they are not of the stomach it self . wherefore i have said , that the membrane of the stomach hath all the efficacy of its digestion , and government thereof , from the spleen : for surely , the spleen together with the stomach , doth therefore make in us one onely duumvirate or sheriffdom , from whence indeed , the poets have erected the golden and prosperous kingdoms of saturn , and in pride , the liberal feasts of saturn . the antients have smelled out some history of antient truth : to wit , that whatsoever things , meats being digested , are cast out by vomit , are of a soure taste , and smell ; yea although they were seasoned with much sugar : for soure belchings coming upon adust ones in diseases , are reckoned to presage good , according to hypocrates . hence indeed , all saltnesses or seasonings , and sauces of meats for sharpening of the appetite , are sharp ; as the juyce of citron , orange , pomegranate , the unripe olive , tartar , vinegar , berbery , vine-branch , mustard , and likewise salt of the sea , as it containeth a sharp spirit in it : in which respect , also the liquors of sulphur , vitriol , salt , sal niter , &c. are commended : for i will not that the sharpness of any of those be consumed into increase of a specifical and appropriated ferment dwelling in the spleen : far be it ; for ferments have nothing besides , or out of themselves in nature , which may worthily be assimilated to themselves ; seeing they are specifical gifts of a vital nature : for therefore a ferment , in what respect it is a ferment , is a vital and free secret , yoaked to no other quality : for it is sufficient for sawces , that sharp things do prepare meats for a more easie entrance of the ferment of the spleen . in the next place , although the ferment of the stomach hath a specifical tartness , yet that tartness is not the vital ferment it self ; but onely the instrument thereof : for the ferment of the stomach hath a sharpness , as a singular companion unto it self , it being also divided by properties , by general kindes , and species : but digestion in it self , is the work of the life it self , whereof , sharpness is in this shop , the attaching or guarding instrument : but in the other shops which are afterwards , the life associates to it self a secondary quality on either side , as a minister of its intention to the fermental quality , and suited to the vital scope . for from hence , there is no seldom offence of the stomach , it having arisen from a degree of a forreign sharpness : wherefore , an orexis or inordinate appetite to meat , and such like perplexities or the stomach , do offend in an adulterous tartness : for from hence , are prickings in the stomach , difficult concoctions ; lastly , very soure belchings , and vomitings : wherefore , if a ferment should consist in soureness ; vinegar , oyl of vitriol , and the like , should ferment the lump of bread , and should digest our meats by a perfect transmutation : but they do neither of these ; therefore the ferment is a free secret , and vital , and therefore it every where co-fitteth to it self a retaining quality in its own borders : because , seeing ferments are of the rank of formal and seminal things , therefore they have also severed themselves plainly from the society of material qualities : but if they have associated unto them a corporeal ministring quality , whereby they may the more easily disperse their own vital strength ; account that to be done for a help ; and so it cannot but contain a duality with the ferment : and therefore also , that quality may offend , as well in its excessive , as in its diminished degree . for in that thing i greatly differ from the schooles : because first of all , they teach , that the gaul is not a vital bowel . . that it is not a noble member . . that it is nothing , but a very unprofitable superfluity it self , and banished from the masse of venal bloud ; to wit , least it should infect the venal bloud . . that it is therefore a product besides the intention of nature . . being onely profitable for the expelling of dung , and urine . . and therefore that the little bag of the gaul , is not of the substance of a bowel , but a sack or sink of dregs and superfluities . . that at length , sanguification or the making of bloud doth begin , and is compleated in the liver : which things indeed seem to me , dreams . for first of all , seeing choler is not required to the constitution of venal bloud , that bitter gaul or choler should not of necessity be procreated of all kinde of meats , unless it be propagated by a proper agent , and in a particular shop of its own , for a profitable , vital , and necessary end : for much lesse hath the gaul seemed to me , to be an excrement , than the water of the pericardium or case of the heart . it is a wonder at least ; why fishes , of water , and cattel , of grasse , do nevertheless alwayes daily make so bitter a liquor . truly that simple identity or sameliness of the gaul , through so many particular kindes , seemed to me to prove some necessity in the workmanship of life : and so , the gaul not to have the necessity of an excrement produced by any nourishments whatsoever , but rather the constitution of a necessary bowel : for i ceased to admire , by considering , how great tragedies of rule , the paunch ( which is nothing but a sack and skin ) might stir up ; and that it obtained the room of a principal bowel ; by considering i say , how great a prerogative the membrane of the stomach might challenge to it self ; so that it hath snatched to it self , the name and properties of the heart before the other bowels : whence surely i ceased to admire , that the name of a bowel should be given to the little bag of the gaul , and to the gaul it self : especially , because the wrathful power is believed by most to be bred in the same . surely i have found in the family-administration of mans digestion , bodies , and ferments connexed of two bowels ( the gaul and the liver ) for sanguification . to wit , the gaul to precede in the work of sanguification , and for this cause to be nearer to the stomach and entrails , than the liver : for the gaul is nourished in the bosom and lap of the liver , as it were in its mothers bosom ; for it is the balsam of the liver and bloud . for seeing sanguification is not a transmutation , which may be introduced by a momentary disposition ; and since the liver is deprived of a remarkable hollowness , whereby it may be able to contain within it , the juyce that is to be made bloud , for the leisure or terme of digestion ; that is , the liver in it self , is a solid body , having few and slender veins , and so the whole cream being accompanied with so great a heap of urine ; it ought to passe thorow the liver with a swift passage ; but the crude cream , cannot by so swift a passage onely , be straightway changed into venal blond . wherefore a perfect sanguification could in no wise be made in the liver ; because the liver was not a kitchin , but a family governour by its own sanguificative ferment , whereby as it were by a command , it chiefly by successive dispositions , executes the office enjoyned it from its creation . therefore the plurality of the mesentery veins is the stomack of the liver it self , and the preparative shop of the venal bloud : and the perfection thereof , the liver doth breath into the venal bloud , as yet naked , after that it is laid up into the hollow vein . truly , as sanguification is a certain more exquisite digestion , and a more manifest transmutation of a thing , than is the melting of the meat into chyle , it could not fitly or profitably happen in any large vessel , but in many the more straight ones , which together , may equalize some notable capacity ; whereby indeed that fermental archeus may most strictly , narrowly , and neerly touch , and comprehend them all , and his liver may communicate a ferment in changing , and may inspire a vital faculty . forthe spleen doth inspire its ferment into the stomack , a large vessel ; for neither doth the spleen touch the meats immediately : so also doth the liver inspire the act of sanguification by the breathing , or ferment of its own life into the veins subjected under it . and even as the meat slides from the mouth into the stomack , and there expecteth the end of digestion : so from the entrails the cream is immediately snatched into the stomack of the liver : but seeing that cream is much , and for a great part of it excrementitious ( for as yet it containeth the urine in it ) it ought first to be unloaded of its excrement , that it may the more conveniently be made bloud : because that cream is as yet wholly undistinct ; neither therefore doth it acknowledge an excrement : what therefore shall the liver act by a single action of sanguification ? for shall the severing of the excrement , the degeneration of the cream , and sanguification of the cream , be made and finished by one and the same work ? nay , surely the cream had need of a ferment its transchanger , distinct from the sanguificative ferment , whereby indeed that part of it that is less fit , is changed into a meer excrement ; for the action of sanguification could not make an excrement of that which is not an excrement : for both those do differ too much from each other : for the action which prepares an excrement out of the greatest part of the cream , is not made by the coagulation of the venal bloud , and separation of the more wheyie part : seeing the venal bloud in the meseraick veins is not onely not coagulated , but neither indeed is it as yet coagulable , as long as it is conversant in that stomack : as is manifest in the bloody flux . therefore there is made a seperation of the wheyie excrement from the venal bloud , in the meseraick veins themselves , and indeed from a far other acting ferment , and bowel , than that which is employed about sanguification or making of bloud : for it is a certain act which condemns a part of the cream into an excrement ; but it preserveth the venal bloud , and leaveth it untouched : therefore a production , and seperation of the excrement goes before sanguification . and so the womb of the urine beginneth before the meseraick veins : yet the womb of the stone is not as yet in the same place , because the ferment of the rein or kidney changeth the spirit of the urine in the liver , and round about it . therefore whatsoever was soure in the cream is changed by the ferment of the gaul , into the salt of the urine : but the stomack of the gaul is the duodenum , and the following reed of the neighbour bowels , and it ends in the beginnings of the veins of the mesentery . but because this use of the parts and ferments is hitherto unheard of in the schools , it is therefore to be dilated by a large discourse . first of all , the doctrine of the schools standing ; that the venal bloud is made in the liver , and that together with the venal bloud , the gaul is also made : therefore of necessity also , the seperation of the gaul shall in motion , and nature be after sanguification : wherefore the chest of the gaul ought to be above the liver , and not beneath it , nigh the port vein . for by way of supposition , i now grant the fictions of four humors ; at least it had far more commodiously purged the matter , bloud , from superfluous choler , than the chest of the gaul ( seeing indeed the choler should as yet be mingled immediately with the urine ) and especially because they teach , that the urine ought to be tinged by the gaul , and therefore in vain . for why should the gaul be so precisely separated from the urine , if it ought again straight-way to be added unto it ? i conjecture the liver to be loaded for every event , with a vain and importunate baggage , by the little bag of the gaul hanging on it ; by the little bag i say , onely of cast-out dung , dedicated to the provoking of urines . and being by so much more unhappy than the bladder , because seeing it is that which is a membrane of the first , and spermatick constitution , yet that it ought to be nourished by the gaul alone ; seeing it wants a vein propagated by running through its little bladder . for since we are nourished by the same things whereof we consist ; where shall that little bag find a spermatical nourishment from the gaul ? which in it self should be nothing but an excrement ? but if the gaul be said to be collected into the chest under the liver , for the wiping away the dregs of the paunch ; at least , the agent which procreateth in the urine a salt of not salts , had more commodiously left a part of its own urine for the washing and cleansing of the entrails , and disturbing the superfluities of these , as it had freed the liver of the stinking ; and ●edious burden and consociation of the gaul . neverthelesse it is of faith , that our body is so ( workman-like ) framed by god , that nothing therein is in vain , and nothing therein diminished : because that , it is far more artificially and commodiously made , than our understanding can comprehend . therefore , if the ends of the gaul granted by the schools , should be true , verily the reins had far more commodiously satisfied those ends ( as i have said ) than that the workman of things had therefore loaded ; the liver with that unprofitable weight : but the consequence convinceth its antecedent of falsehood . therefore the whole doctrineis false . if birds do want reins a bladder and urine , whereby they may the more fitly fly , but the gaule should serve onely for the wiping or cleansing of the blood , at least the bloud had more willingly wanted the refining of the gaul , than the refining of the urine ; that is , if nature be able to seperate drink in a bird , without urine , and therefore likewise to want reins , and bladder , would it not bemuch more easie for it to have severed some small quantity of the gaule with the urine , and superfluities of the paunch , than to have loaded a noble bowel with a chest , and so by the unprofitable baggage of an excrement , to have troubled sanguification ? even in birds ? certainly nature at least reckoned to be more indulgent to choler , than to phlegme , because she hath framed for it a peculiar little bladder or bag : for it is a foolish or unsavoury thing , that nature had placed the gaul in the lap of the liver , for the dregs of the paunch , and bladder ; when as otherwise she had dissembled choler to be abundantly thorow mixed with the venal bloud . wherefore i more fully looking into the matter , have observed , that the chest of the gaul is as it were the kernel of the liver , curiously kept in its hollow part from injuries ; but the liver to be as the rhine or bark of the gaul : and then , that the gaul is so much the nearer tied to the duodenum , because its digestion , and ferment should go before the digestion of the liver , or sanguification . indeed the wheyie superfluous part ought to be seperated from the lively cream , which seperation therefore is not to be compared to whey and milk , which are not severed from each other , but with the corruption of the milk : for truly , in the cream a separation of the whey happeneth , together with the rectifying and preserving of the venal bloud : that is , the ferment of the gaul is the perfective one of the cream , the preservative one of the bloud , and the cor●uptive one of the whey : which three things do together concur in one point , whereby the gaul doth convert the sharp salt of the stomack ( except that which is hurtful & corruptive in the stomack ) into a salt salt. moreover , although i have said , that sanguification is the latter in respect of the seperation of the urine , and transmutation of the sour into salt : yet both ferments , as well indeed of the gaul as of the liver , do begin at once , because neither of them keeps holy-day or is idle : for as the ferment of the liver is of a greater work and perfection ; so it doth more slowly perform its charge , than the ferment of the gaul : for the aforesaid transmutation of the cream ought to proceed , that the liver being somewhat eased of an unprofitable burden , might the more commodiously employ it self in sanguification . therefore the second digestion or that of the gaul , is distinct from the first and third , in the ferment , bowel , womb , taste , effect and end : all which the schools are hitherto ignorant of , because erring in the use of the gaul . for in the first digestion , the stomack is the receptacle , but the spleen doth inspire from it self , a sour ferment into the meats , and a sour cream is thereby made : but in the other , the slender entrails are the stomack , but the ferment is inspired from the gaul , for the corruption and seperation of the watery part , and a sharp volatile salt is changed into a salt volatile one : but that this might be done by a speedy touch , i shall at sometime shew by some handicraft operations : to wit , that the oyl of vitriol is by the only touching of mercury , converted into a meer alum , vinegar , and salt , &c. also straightway after drink , there is oft-times a watery pissing made , yet salt , and the mark of the first digestion is scarce conceived , but that a notable part of the drink slides forth under an errour of the pylorus , and by consequence , there was not made a seperation of the urine from the bloud in the liver : because the venal bloud is not as yet made in the liver , if the chyle it self be as yet made or concocted out of meats in the stomack : to wit , when drinkers do very often make water after meat : therefore also urine is made of watery drink , yea out of drink from whence venal bloud was not made ; and so the generating of urine doth there go before sanguification . at length , the very veins of the mesentery , are the stomack of the third digestion , which way the liver inspires a bloudy ferment , and a very red or ruddy salt venal bloud is the effect thereof . for the wounds of the gaul are presently mortal , but those of the liver not so . if the e●ore the gaul were likewise choler , death would of necessity follow every effusion of the gaul . nevertheless , the yellow jaundise is not mortal , although the gaul ( as the same schooles do teach ) is not onely diffused over the entrails , but throughout the whole body , equally , longly , largely , deeply , and throughout its least part : therefore either a wound of the gaul doth import more than the effusion of choler , or the jaundise is not effused choler , or both is necessary . wounds of the bladder also , being inflicted above the share ( as successful wurtz is witness , in my judgement the standard-defender of the more modern chyrurgio●s ) are cured , although the urine , together with its gaul ( as they will have it ) cannot but be powred forth at that very time or moment . therefore the chest of the gaul hath a necessity , and integrity , fast tied to the life by reason of sudden death : neither is it the effusion of that gawly superfluity , which doth necessitate that speedy death . again , birds do live prosperously without kidneys , or a bladd●r , yet not without a gaul : wherefore there is a more conjoyned necessity of the gaul , than of kidneys : because that the kidneys being rockie and putrified , the life is safe . and then , fishes ( according to the doctrine of the schools ) do abound with very much phlegme , and are destitute of actual heat : they are onely nourished with cold bloud , and watery food . at length , their excrements easily glistering , they had no need of a spur , the gaul . wherefore , seeing the ends , matter , and efficient cause of the gaul attributed by the schools , should fail in a fish ; surely we shall believe that the liver is vainly , deceitfully , and by the errour of nature , yea and of the creator , wearied , unless we had rather acknowledge perpetual errours in the schools , and to contemplate some greater moment of a necessary bowel to be in the gaul . from hence therefore , i determine the gaul to be a vital bowel , and its very body to be a bitter liquor prepared of the best venal bloud , containing the balsam of the liver , and arterial bloud : but whatsoever it by chance casts back of it self , into the bowel duodenum , is the excrement of it self , and a liquor now despised of the gaul . but that these things have themselves after this manner , i have at sometime shewen under the impostures of choler , by the example of a calf , who●e motherly , and sweet milk waxeth sour , and is coagulated in the stomach , and therefore affords runnet for cheeses : for milk is made a watery cream , but little of coagulated milk : but that cream contains urine and venal bloud ; but another coagulated body , which of pale , begins to wax yellow , is made dung : but that baggage straightway falling into the duodenum doth proceed unto the ileos , being coagulated , and waxeth of a citron colour , the more , by how much it hath departed farther from the stomach ; and at length it waxeth green ; yet there is not bitterness in the yellow , but a nitrous taste : but in the green , the smell of dung doth now plainly appear : but the wheyie cream is presently drawn and supped up with greediness by the meseraick veins , for the use of sanguification . likewise milk is stirred in infants , whence also those that are the more young ones do cackie all yellow , not from the plenty of choler , neither by reason of the domination of the chest of the gaul ; but surely , because the ferment of their dung is feeble . therefore the ferment of the gaul doth not change the sourness of the stomach into bitter , but into salt , for the reasons explained concerning the spirit of life . spare me ye more tender eares , because i ought to treat of dungs . i will therefore shew , that the savour of dung excludes the gaul , that it befools the use of the gaul invented by the schools , and convinceth choler of a fiction . a boy of four years old had fowled in bed ; but being much afraid of whipping , he ate his own dung , yet ●e could not blot the sign out of the sheets : wherefore being asked by threatnings , he at length tells the chance . but being asked of its savour , he said it was of a stinking , and somewhat sweet one : for among other things , he had eat pease-pottage ; but he complained , that the undigested husks or brans of the pease were notably soure : for there is not an equal vigilancy of the ferment of the gaul , over thick , and undigested dungs , as there is over transparent things , and those things which are to be prepared into the dignity of venal bloud . i came by chance unlooked for , the same day , and i diligently enquired , a price being also added , whether those things which he had eaten , were bitter . he answered negatively , and the same as before . likewise nuns did board noble maids sufficiently sober , at their table : but they continually preached , that they who did eat dainty fare , should have their parts with the rich glutton ; but that they onely should be saved , who by the every way denyal of mortification , did eat any the most vile things . therefore a noble little virgin being very desirous of her salvation , and much moved by the aforesaid perswasion , eats her own dung , and was weak or sick . but she was called home again by her parents , and at length told the chance : she was asked thereupon , of what savour it was , and she answered , it was of a stinking , and waterishly sweet one . thirdly , a painter of bruxels , being mad between whiles ; about the beginning of his madness , escapes into a wood near by , and was there found far from the sight of men , to have lived dayes by his own dung. he was straightway brought home ; i went to see him , and the lord healed him . but he was perfectly mindeful of all things past at the time of his madness . i asked him , whether he remembred of what savour his dung was : he said , it savours as it smells : and being afterwards examined by me through the capital tasts , he answered , it was not sour , not bitten , sharp , salt , but waterishly sweet : yea , he said , that by how much the oftner he had re-earen it , by so much it had alway been the sweeter . but being asked , for what cause he had rather eat dung , than return home ? he said , that he throughout his whole madness abhorred men , being perswaded by his own fury , that men sought to destroy him by a snare . therefore it is manifest , that there is not even the least drop of gaul in the dung : for the gaul being once burst , however a fish may afterwards be most exactly washed , yet the bitterness of the gaul conceived by the least touching , is never laid aside . for if yellowness should bewray the gaul , the dung of infants should be especially gawly , which notwithstanding is licked by dogs , because it hath as yet retained some kinde of savour of the milk : but whatsoever hath not been fully subdued in the stomach , nor hath assumed the beauty of a transparency , may not hope to be digested in the bowels by the ferment of the gaul , although it be tinged with a yellow colour ; because it goes not to the second , or third , but thorow the absolute first . whatsoever therefore is thick , and tinged with heat in the ileos , that is wholly banished into an excrement , and under a certain sweetness , doth attain the savour of putrefaction ; no otherwise than as soure fruits wax sweet by a little heat : but whatsoever was before sour in the stomach , that is made salt in the duodenum , and is severed from the dung : but if any thing do persevere sour , which may resist the ferment of the gaul , wringings of the bowels , &c. do presently follow : but the excrement of man doth putrifie , because the ferment of the dung is chief over that place : but that which slides out of the stomach undigested , also is not digested in the bowels ; it is cast out whole , but it keeps , and now and then increaseth the part of sournesses which it assumed in the stomach : for from hence do the brans in bread , provoke the stool , by reason of sharpness ; but other things do wax more sharp , and stir up wringings of the guts : therefore from the duodenum , the chyle doth forthwith begin to exchange its own sharp volatile salt into an equall saltness , it being resolved in the cream : but the remaining , and more corporal substance of the cream doth expect a sanguification in the veins of the mesentery , from the inspired ferment of the liver : the salt liquor in the mean time being attracted by the reins thorow the liver , is it self committed to the reins and bladder for expulsion . therefore the third digestion begins in the veins of the mesentery , which is terminated in the liver : for the venal bloud as long as it is in the mesentery , is not yet digested , not yet thredded , or perfect : for the venal bloud of the mesentery , doth therefore not grow together in the bloudy flux : but otherwise , a vein of the stomach being burst , the venal bloud doth forthwith wax clotty in the stomach . for the ferment of the liver is so much inclined to sanguification ( for it is its univocal and one onely office ) that the veins do even by the right of league retain or hold that from the liver , and its proper implanted archeus thereupon confirming it ; so that the bloud in the veins of a dead carcase is not coagulated a long while after death , which being elsewhere powred forth , doth presently wax clotty : for the cream running down afterwards thorow the bowels , becomes the dryer , and also the liquid matter thereof being sucked upwards into the veins : but thereby , the rest doth more and more putrifie , so that , when it is almost brought down to the ends of the ileos , now not a little of a more liquid dung is generated ; because before it hath fully putrified , it is snatched to the mesentery , that it may be thorowly mingled with the urine , profitable for its ends : even as elsewhere concerning fevers , and likewise concerning the stone . which yellow dung , the schooles have believed to be choler and gaul ; and so out of the dung , they have founded their demonstration for one of the four humours , and a gate hath thereby layen open to miserable errours , and wicked slaughters : for it was of little regard for them hitherto , to have built up their false significative knowledge by the unknown substance of the tincture of the urine ; but to have made choler and gaul the constitutive humours of us , the causers of all diseases ; to wit , to have feigned yellow choler , and that a little the more digested , to be adust , and like the cankering of brasse , and from thence , to be dry , and scorched melancholy or black choler ; but the gaul it self to be the sink of superfluous choler ; but the venal bloud to be nothing but an artificial body , connexed of many things or humours , which being again seperated , they should be the same after their death , as before in their life ; but that a body is not born of mother nature , by a true transmutation of the chyle into univocal or simple venal bloud ; and at length , to have instituted healings about the removing of accomplished causes , which never will be , or were in nature . surely that thing doth exceed gross ignorance , and renders the snorters of the schooles unexcusable . but perhaps they will object to me ; thou sayest that the veins do suck the cream , being slidden out of the stomach , into the intestines : therefore the same office belongs to the veins of the stomach , that they may draw that sour cream into themselves , without the interceding of the ferment of the gaul ; that is , without changing of the sour into salt : and by consequence , thy ferment of the gaul is a dreamed and invented thing : yea meat broath injected by a clyster , shall be able to pierce to the liver , without the knowledge of the gaul ( touching the right of a clyster , i have finished this question in the book of fevers . ) i answer , that it is an antient abuse of the schooles , who have equally attributed the same use to all the veins : as if the veins seperated in the arms , should busie themselves in drawing of the cream ? first of all , i have already shewen , that the bloud in the veins is coagulable , the bloud of the mesentery not so . and then , we must know that all sour cream is an enemy to the veins , but that these do draw no hostile thing unto them : from whence it followes , that the veins of the stomach do not allure any thing of the cream under them ; and that all bloud , before it be attracted by the veins of the mesentery , hath boren the hand of the ferment of the gaul , in its own stomach of the bowels : yea , although the arteries being dispersed throughout the stomach , do suck the spirit of wine , yet they draw no juyce : for which way should the arteries draw juyce , seeing they can never do any good thereby ? seeing sanguification doth not belong to the heart , but to the liver ? seeing the juyce being attracted in the artery , should of necessity be a hinderance , and ought to be corrupted ? if therefore the arteries have a natural endowment of avoyding things hurtful , and likewise of drawing vital things unto them , and things appointed for them by the lord of things ; shall that discretion be denied to the veins in the stomach ? for nature should have dealt ill with horses , who being content with one onely draught in the morning , are fed all the day after , with straw , hay , chaffe , oats , or barley : for truly dry or unjucie things , should straightway contract thirst in the stomach ; if the veins of the stomach should draw drink unto them , horses should be thirsty all the day : therefore the drink ought of necessity to remain in the stomach so long , as that it may expect there an end of future digestion , least the sour liquor be drawn into the veins , which is plainly hostile , or least the cream being half cocted , be supped up by the veins , before the appointed time . therefore there is another use of the veins of the stomach , than that which is of the meseraick veins : and therefore the argument objected falls to the ground : because the meseraick veins are the stomach of the liver , and there is not another besides those : the veins of the stomach are not likewise that which are onely dedicated to the nourishing of the stomach . again , whensoever the pylorus is not exactly shut , it happens ( as in long drinkings ) that the stomach doth almost with a continual thred , as it were make water downwards , by dropping into the bowel : but in those that have fevers , whose pylorus doth erre through too much straightness , the drink doth sometimes remain a full three dayes space , and at length , more is cast back by one onely vomit , than was taken in two dayes ; which thing surely doth oppose that , that the veins of the stomach do attract juyce . it hath oft-times befallen me lying in a coach with my face upwards , that i should hear through the jogging of the wayes , my stomach to contain a chyle floating in me like to a bottle half full : but that i have often gone to bed after that , without a supper , or drink ; yea that i felt my stomach in the morning , as i did the day before : wherefore i being somewhat curious , have provoked my self to vomit , and i vomited up cream somewhat sour , plenteous , transparent , so that my teeth were astonished by reason of the sourness ; and although i felt no burden before vomiting , yet after vomiting , i perceived an easement or lightning : whence i observed , first of all , that if the veins of the stomach had now sucked the chyle hours , i had not been as yet able to have cast back so much , from a moderate yesterdayes dinner . . that the sour cream is not allured by the veins . . that that sourish cream was not as yet dismissed from the stomach , not indeed through the vice of digestion , but through the errour of the pylorus . . that digestion differs from the expulsive faculty , if one be perfected , the other being absent , or failing . . that now and then , the digestion beares the unguilty fault of the expulsive saculty , and this of it . . that as i did offend by too much shutting of the pylorus , so drinkers do offend-by a too much negligent bolting of the pylorus . . moreover , at the beginnings of diseases things are often cast back , which were taken three dayes before . . that it belongs not to the veins of the stomach to attract the cream . . that nevertheless the doctrine remaineth , which hath made it a foolish thing for a clyster to be injected by the fundament , for nourishing of the sick . . that the upper orifice of the stomach in fevers , offends by too much opening and thirst ; but that the pylorus errs through a strict closure of himself . . that in fevers , both digestion , and also expulsion do offend . . that the key of the orifice or upper mouth of the stomach is in the spleen , and that of the pylorus , in the gaul , by reason of the divers seats of a twofold ferment . . that the reason of scituation for the spleen , and gaul , is from the reason of their office . for indeed , the schools do extend the first region of the body from one extream , from the mouth even into the fundament ; and from the other extream , even into the hollow of the liver : but i do describe the regions by digestions , seeing otherwise , without these , a region it self is a being of reason : for what doth it belong to a digestion , that there is the utterance of an excrement ? what doth it pertain to the stomach , that its drosse departs thorow the fundament ? for the dung of the intestine is no more the excrement of the stomach , than sweat is : therefore if the fundament belongs to the first region , by reason of the excrement of the stomach ; therefore also , the skin shall belong to the first region by reason of sweat , and the bladder by reason of urine . therefore not an excrement ; lastly , not the departure hereof , but digestion alone , doth prescribe a limit unto a region ; and therefore , there are as many regions , as digestions . in the next place , the shop of sanguification is not the liver it self in its own substance : because even the liver of fishes should also make their venal bloud : but yet seeing every thing generates the like to it self , it should of necessity be , that either the liver of fishes should be red , or their bloud to be white ; both whereof are false : whence we learn , that sanguification it self is made in the liver it s own stomach , which is the manifold vessel it self of the mesentery : otherwise , the liver hath too few and slender veins for the due perfecting of the juyce of so great a heap : for out of them , the last perfection of sanguification is inspired into the hollow vein on the venal bloud , by the ferment of the liver . and the schools do think , that sanguification is made by an actual nourishing warmth of the liver , and cream ; because they are ignorant of any other actions , than those which happen through a daily touching or comprehending . and therefore also , that every agent ought necessarily to suffer , by reason of a resistance , are-acting of the patient ; and that is the unexcusable containing cause of our death , because the radical heat ( for they hold it a firm thing , that they have attributed all things to heats , and colds ) being by degrees wearied by the re-acting of patients , should be extinguished : which two maxims of aristotle , having more place in the mathematicks , than in nature , have deceived the schools : which thing i shall elsewhere abundantly prove . in returning to our purpose , i conclude , that the gaul , and the liver do perfect their own offices , not indeed by a corporeal co-touching , congress , or co-mingling of themselves ; nor lastly , by embracing , or receiving within their own bosom : but the gaul dismisseth its own fermental blas into the bowels , and the liver his into the veins of the mesentery : which actions , although unaccustomed in the schools , i will demonstrate in its place . furthermore , the schools stand amazed , why windes cannot passe thorow the coats of the intestines , in wringings of the bowels , while notwithstanding so great a glut of liquor is every day , abundantly snatched into the meseraick veins , and yet pores are not seen in the intestine , thorow which so much liquor may daily hasten into the veins : yea neither indeed , although after death , the bowel being swollen with winde , is strongly , and even unto its bursture , pressed together . truly as oft as by heats , and colds , figures , and similitudes of artificial things , ( which are of the schools instruments , and sacred anchor ) they do not attain the thing , they presently fly to miracles , or at least to the hidden mysteries of things : being frighted away by the greatness , or unwontedness of the astonished matter , they with the sloath of a narrow search , acquiesce in the admiring of hidden properties . paracelsus for the framing of medicinal vitriol out of brasse , bids old or decayed salt to be hanged up in a brasse kettle of hot water , in the bladder of a swine , and so that the whole salt will presently be dissolved : wherewith he dids the plates of brasse to be anointed , and promiseth that vitriol will be bred in the air. i was indeed as yet in my young beginnings , yet i knew from phylosophy , that salt could not be resolved into water in its own weight , without its substantial transmutation : yet on the other hand , the authority of paracelsus perswaded the contrary ; to wit , that without the adjoyning of water ( for else the bladder should be in vain ) the salt should melt into water . wherefore i being a young beginner , decreed to try the rash monstrous assertion of so great a man : but presently by a slow or gentle heat , i found the water in the kettle to be not much less salt than that which was in the bladder , whose neck was tied fast to the handle of the kettle appearing above the water ; from whence i knew , that the water did pierce within and without the bladder ; to wit , that the bladder was passable by salt , and hot water , but not by air : for seventy seven parts of rain water do resolve twenty three parts of dryed salt : but whereas one of the seventy seven parts of the water flies away , a crust of salt swims on the brine . therefore paracelsus doth vainly command by a bladder , those things which are commodiously done without it : and that , besides the supposition of a falshood hitherto . therefore i observed that a bladder is porie in a degree of heat , but not in the heat of our family-administration : hence therefore i gathered , that throughout the conduit of the veins , the bowels do abound with more , and very small pores , than elsewhere , to which pores others should answer being passable throughout the conduit of the veins . therefore the cream doth pass thorow the bowels , partly by its imbibing of them , even as salt water doth a bladder , and partly by a proper sucking of sympathy thorow the aforesaid pores , open indeed in our life time ( even as also in heat , waters do pierce a bladder ) but shut in the time of death . but wind is not imbibed by the bowels by moistening , neither is it sucked by the veins , and therefore neither doth it for this cause pierce the bowels : and that especially , because it wanteth the drawings of agreement , and a motive blas , whereby the wind the severer of things to be drawn , may be drawn , and doth resist . the veins therefore that are dispersed between the double coat of the stomack , do want the aforesaid pores : but the porous ones , with which outer coat they being encompassed , do sweat thorow them the elementary venal bloud : and so the proper kitchin or digestion of the stomack is from without to within ; but the kitchin which is made universal in its hollowness , is there also wholly composed and enclosed ; and that , least the digestion of them both should breed confusion . indeed , there is a twofold cook in the stomack ; one from the spleen ; and the other being proper to it self sends forth divers digestions . moreover , the sharp ferment in the stomack dissolves the meats into juice ; but the ferment of the gaul , by saleing the sour chyle , doth seperate the juice for venal bloud , and from thence doth with-draw the liquor latex , urine , sweat , dung , being yellow and liquid , and the parts of a thicker ballast . neither therefore is digestion in the stomack , a formal transmutation of meats : for example ; for magisterials among chymists , do indeed melt the body of a thing , and do open it with a seperating of some certain dregs also : yet they do not therefore include a transmutation of it ; even as neither doth salt being resolved , differ substantially from it self being dried ; because the same seminal archeus is as yet on both sides chief ruler . so neither in an egge is there a formall transmutation , although at the time of nourishing heat , the yolk doth melt and contract a stink ; but they are onely material disposures required unto a formal transmutation , resulting at length from thence again . neither is the digestion of the gaul in respect of the lively cream , as yet reckoned a formall transmutation , although in respect of excrements , it doth formally transchange : for the unlike parts of the cream , of which an elementary application is not intended for them , do putrifie through a dungie ferment , and are deprived of their middle life , as also of an archeus : but there is onely pretended a transmutation of the homogeneal cream , as also an enjoyment of the same . therefore meats are not truly and essentially changed , unlesse when the venal bloud is made in one part , and the dung in the other part is fully become putrified . also the bowel deputed for the making of venal bloud , cannot be at leisure for preparing of yellow dungs in the ileos and colon : and the dung differs from the eaten meat essentially , but it must not be believed to be putrified in a few hours by heat onely , the which , neither is it turned by heat into a certain kind of cream , but by the proper ferments of the kitchins . therefore the meat is not yet fully transchanged , unless when its own archeus being subdued , our vital one is introduced with a full vassallizing of the former : for so wine is wholly changed into vinegar , quick-silver wholly into gold , an egge wholly into a chick , and the bloud wholly into the last nourishment . from whence i conjecture it to be a falshood , that there is no nourishment without an excrement : for the schools have meditated of dungs : and have not minded that homogeneal things do onely concur to generation : therefore , although before the transmutation of the food , there are made the seperations of dregs ; yet that afterwards , dregs are no more made in transchanging ; to wit , after the obtaining of homogeneity or parts of the same kind : for a seperation of dregs from that which is homogeneal is impossible , wherein one thing doth not any thing differ from another : but in meats , or under the first ferment , there is a diversity of kind , by reason of the difference of the meats , and parts of the same , the unequality of chewing , and an unlike application of the received ferment : for the sood doth partly hearken the more easily to the ferment , and being partly rebellious , doth resist ; whence also a disagreeable capacity of the ferment doth arise . that also of the schools is false , that the stomack doth primarily coct for it self ; secondarily , only for the whole body , and so that it self is truly nourished by a sourish chyle : and so that if it should not be nourished by its own chyle , neither would it begin , or attain a cocture ; because that from the self-love of nature , every thing doth act intentionally for it selfe . . if that thing may have place in a totall agent ; yet surely not in the direction of all particular parts . . because no part doth act any thing in the body from a proper pleasure of self-love ; and much lesse do the shops dedicated to the service of the whole , so act : but nature doth on every side obey the appointments of the creator , which were measured out by use and necessity , in the power of the lord of things . . we are nourished by the same things whereof we consist ; but we in no wise consist of the cream . . the stomack is nourished with no other matter than the other rank of membranes , which is destitute of the cream . . the cream doth not receive life , but by the degrees of venal bloud ; but the stomack cannot be nourished by a nourishment not yet vitall . . the cream is a melted food , having as yet the archeus , and properties of the food ; but spermatick and similar members of the first constitution , cannot be nourished by a liquor not yet limited unto a humane species . . the veins are not dispersed into the stomack that they may suck venal bloud , but that they may diffuse nourishment ; but they do not contain the cream : therefore the family-administration of the members being unknown , faulty arguments , from not the cause , as for the cause , do every where sprout forth in the schools , and do bring forth capital errours , and deaf experiences , to be purged in another tent. francis alvares an eye-witness writeth , that the abyssine , or aethiopian nobles are delighted in their feasts with raw oxe flesh , with a seasoning , or sawce of its own gaul , yet they are not any thing weaker than the strongest europeans . if therefore the gaul be an excrement ( as it hath pleased the schools ) and of so great cruelty ( as they think ) that the gaul being detained in the stomack , doth produce a fainting of the spirit ; yea that within few dayes , choler , through a disease , doth kill us : how shall a raw and cadaverous gaul , make men sound , and the more strong ? perhaps they will object ; if the gaul be so necessary a bowel ; pigeons or doves could not want that : but they know not that the scituation of the members , and heart in a pigeon , is turned upside down : for if an emmet hath his choler in him , pigeons have also their gaul , although it be not bitter , nor distinguished by a little bag , as neither in emmets : for it is sufficient that the blas of the second digestion is established in another part : for the heart of a pigeon sits in the four lobbets of the hollow of his liver , they being overwhelmed above , and its bunch hangs forth downwards : the pigeon being a great fighter even unto bloud , doth want a little bag of gaul : but the lamb hath a large gaul , even as also every the least , and mildest of fishes . they gave me gaul to eat , and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink that was wine of myrrhe mixed with gaul , which they offered to the saviour of the world , now fainting with the pains of an unwonted passion , and wearied out with the weight of his own crosse : not indeed that he might presently swoon , even as otherwise they are threatned with fainting , who undergo bitter vomitings ( which the schools falsely call gaulie ones . ) the jews therefore , did acknowledge the gaul for a balsam preserving life ; and it fat differeth from that yellow poyson rejected by vomiters : therefore the sacrilegious did offer gaul , whereby they might the longer torment the lord jesus under pains , before death . therefore the gaul if it be a bowel , and its action be altogether vital , it can scarce be restored , and at least , is by no means delighted with material remedies , as neither with solutive ones , but with an equivalent ferment , of the nature of a blas : for there is a certain immediate and mutual traduction or passing over , and easie operation of powers into powers ; because there is a touching of each other , and that mutual , in a co-resemblance , and therefore also a piercing one . for i remember that i saw the diffected dead carkass of a certain comptroler to a king , & of another , a school-master , who were dead of the yellow jaundise , yet the emunctory of neither gaul was brought close to the duodenum ; but in some of the meseraick veins , were pellets , which i judged to be liquid dung there detained , molesting the action of the ferment of the gaul : also sorrow hath oft-times given a beginning to the jaundise and doth nourish it being begun . if therefore sorrow doth inhabit in the spleen , the seat of melancholy ( according to the schools ) why therefore should the gaul be stopped from sorrow ? and not the spleen ? therefore , . sorrow doth not only hinder the digestion of the stomack , but also of the gaul ; by the errour whereof , the liquid dung , which is especially carried through the fundament , doth immoderately , and unseasonably arise into the veins . . therefore the gaul is a noble , and vital bowel . at length , the cream sliding out of the pylorus or neather mouth of the stomack , into the duodenum , being straight-way snatched within the sphear of activity , by the in-breathing of the gaul , doth exchange its sourness into salt , and its more watery part is made severable from its more pure or un-mixt part , which is drawn by the reins . whence the urine is sufficiently salt ; but the venall bloud , a little . but that paracelsus will have the urine to be brought into the bladder , not by the reins and urine vessels , but by the habit of the flesh that is indulged by his own idiotisme or property of speech : even as also that , that oyls and emplasters are the true food of wounds , so that a wound is truly nourished by them , and that the corrupt matter is the excrement of that nourishment . therefore the sour salt of the cream , seeing it is destitute of an object , and the which , seeing it wandreth through the action of a dissolver , into a fixed salt ( as i have taught before concerning volatile spirits ) it is suitably exchanged into the volatile salt of urine ; and that not by the action , or re-action of sournesse on a certain object , but by a true fermental transforming ; for the spirit of life it self is of the nature of a volatile salt , and of that which is salt : and so even from hence alone , the vital action of the gaul is proved : for sea salt being oft eaten , doth remain almost whole in the excrements . which thing the boylers of salt-peter do experience against their wills : for they are constrained to seperate salt out of the dung of jakeses , being sometimes eaten up by the salt-peter , through a repeated boyling , and coagulation of cooling : for the sea salt being coagulated , doth stick fast to the spondils or chinks of the vessels , being nothing changed from it self long ago eaten ; and that , before the salt-peter hath obtained a sufficient drying up of its own coagulation : and therefore from hence it is known , that sea-salt is more readily coagulated than salt-peter : therefore humane excrements are lesse fit for salt-peter , than otherwise those of goats , sheep , and herds : yet as much of that sea-salt as is subdued by the ferment of the stomack , so much also is sour , and volatile : consequently also , although any one do use no salt , his urine should not therefore want salt ; because it is that which is a new creature , and a new product out of the sour of the cream . the salt of the urine therefore hath not its like in the whole systeme of nature : for not that of the sea , fountain , rock , gemme , not nitre , not that of salt-peter , alume , or borace ; lastly , not of any of natural things , as neither the salt of the urine of flocks or herd , with which although it may agree in the manner of making , yet the salt of mans urine disagreeth from them throughout the general and particular kinds ; no lesse than dungs do vary throughout the species of bruits , although bruits are fed with common fodder , to wit , by reason of the diversities of an archeus and ferment : therefore of meats , and drinks , not sour , or salt , is made a salt sour , and at length a salt salt , and it is easier for a thing of a sour salt , to be made salt , than of not salt , to be made sour salt . i remember that i have seen a chymist , who every yeer did fill a hogs-head of vinegar to two third , parts with water of the river rhoan : he exposed it to the heats of the sun , and so he transchanged the water in it self without savour , into true vinegar , a ferment being conceived out of the hogs-head : this i say he was thus wont to do , by reason of the singular property of that vinegar : for truly , out of the vinegar of wine , the weaker part doth alwayes drop or still first , but the more pure part a little before the end , riseth up with the dregs : but this vinegar made of meer water , as it wants dregs , so it alwayes doth minister an equall distillation from the beginning even to the end . wherefore as the ferment of a vessel doth by its odour alone change water into vinegar ; so indeed , by the fermental odour of the spleen breathed into the stomack , meats are made a sour cream , which afterwards is turned into a urinous salt ; yea , and into a vital one : because the schools never dreamed of these things , neither had their followers read them in the labours or night watches of their predecessors , therefore they have been ignorant of the use of parts , and ferments , and the celebrations or solemnities of transmutations , but they have introduced both the cholers into the masse of the bloud : lastly , they have not known the contents and be-tokenings of the urine : therefore the third digestion is made by the president-ferment of the liver ; which is by the blind odour of a gas , doth begin sanguification in its own stomack of the mesentery , and at length perfecteth it in the hollow vein . furthermore , the fourth digestion is compleated in the heart , and artery thereof ; in which elaboration the red and more gross blood ofthe of the the hollow vein is elaborated , made yellower , and plainly volatile : for the heart is said to be eared on both sides , and hath at its left bosom , one onely beating artery , inserted in a great trunk fit for it , that by a double rowing , it may the more strongly draw the fenced venal bloud which is between both bosoms in the middle of the heart . refer thou hither , what i have above noted concerning the porosity of the hedge or partition which distinguisheth the bosoms of the heart , and why the arterial bloud doth not return from the left bosome into the right , but only the spirit of life as it were through a thin sive . therefore the venal bloud of the liver , differs from the arterial bloud , by the fourth digestion , manifested by the colour , and consistence of the matter digested . but the fifth digestion doth transchange the arterial blood into the vital spirit of an archeus , of which i have discoursed under the blas of man , as also under the spirit of life . i could not satisfie my self , that in the venal bloud of the liver there was any spirit , although it hath gotten a degree of its perfection , after that it hath overcome or exceeded the mesentery : but that venal blood alwayes seemed to me as it were a certain masse of mummie , and the matter ex qua or [ whereof : ] but not as yet to be accounted for perfect vital blood . for if the blood of the hollow vein had begged a spirit from the liver , the right ear of the heart had been in vain , which works uncessantly for no other end , than that some spirit may be drawn from the left bosom thorow the fence of the heart , that the blood in the hollow vein nigh the heart , may begin to be quickned by the participation of that spirit : but seeing from the left sides there is an ear , and especially the notable trunk of an artery ; hence also the ●●cking is stronger from the left bosom . and from hence by consequence also , little of the vital spirit is communicated to the venal blood : for truly , the blood of the liver is alwayes throughout its whole , moist with too much liquor , whereof it ought to be deprived before that it be made a fruitful and worthy support of spirit ; neither finally hath the liver had a fit hollowness in it self for the framing of spirit . wherefore as i have intellectually seen throughout the whole scene of generation , one onely framer , and ruler of the spirits of life in the seed ; so also , i admit of one onely spirit of the vital family-government . for the venal blood slides indeed within the stems or threds of the muscles , and is made flesh , but it doth not easily transcend unto the bowels that are to be nourished , and to the threds or fibers of the flesh : for an infirm man being extenuated by a long disease , a recovering even after youth , doth easily retake the former state of his flesh ; but he which is waxen lean by the vice of a certain bowel , doth not therefore likewise rise gaain unto his former state : and this is the difficulty of healing the consumption , and of healing the ulcers of the bowels , whereas in the mean time , external ulcers being far worse , are healed by medicines taken in by way of the mouth , although they are at a farther distance from the mouth than internal ulcers : because the bowels and inward membranes are nourished by arterial blood : more than by venal blood . but life hath received its bound from god : therefore also whatsoever things are nourished by vital bloud , they stop their increase at a certain number of dayes : whereas the while , the flesh of the muscles ( which is nourished onely with venal bloud , and the fibers of the mufcles which are nourished with arterial blood ) doth uncessantly increase as oft as it faileth , and groweth up to a hugeness , to the destruction of some : so also broken bones are made sound by a bonie callous matter , at any age . but seeing the bowels do cease to increase , all the spermatick fibers also , and those of the first constitution do cease from growing : for which of you shall adde a cubit unto his stature ? for i have observed that women with child being long afficted with notable grief , have brought forth the less young. first of all therefore , i do not admit of a livery spirit to be in the venal bloud . and then , neither do i distinguish the animal spirit from the vital : for truly in one onely ship , one only pilot stands at the stern , neither do more suffer themselves to be together , without confusion : neither do i admit of a new digestion for animal spirits in the bosom of the brain . like as also , that the spirit doth not differ in the species , from it self , in all the particular organs of the senses , and executers of motions : although the senses dirfer among themselves in the species , as also from motion : so i think it to be a confused argument , that deviseth many archeüsses to be in a man : for although the gas shall draw a singular disposition from the instrument , yet this doth not prove a specifical diversity . therefore in the fourth , and fifth digestions , there are no excrements , nor unlike things or parts , nor do they proceed from them . and therefore it is false , that in every nourishment there is an excrement : for the arterial bloud , and spirit do agree in a simple and vitall unity : but if any superfluities of the former digestions do rush into , or are ingendred into the arteries , let that be a diseasie , turbulent and confused government : i now speak of the ordinary digestions . at length , the sixth and last digestion is perfected in all the particular kitchins of the members : and there are as many stomacks , as there are members nourishable . indeed , in this digestion , the in-bred spirit in every place , doth cook its own nourishment for it selfe ; under which digestion , as there are divers dispositions incident , so also divers errors of those dispositions do happen : and so the diseases which the schools do attribute unto their four feigned humours , should rather be owing unto things tranchanged : but i call things transchanged , dispositions , which afterwards do in the arterial blood , consequently succeed into the true nourishment of the solid parts . the schools divide these transchanged things into four successive coursary dispositions ; and as if in these , no errour could offer it self , they have forgotten the diseases which from hence ought to be attributed to a rank or order . indeed , they say the first is , because the venal bloud doth within the extremities of the veins , obtain the muscilaginous substance of a raw seed . presently in manner of a dew it is diffused or falls out into the empty spaces of the flesh . thirdly , when it is now applyed to the solid parts . and lastly , when it is assimilated or made like to the thing nourished , and is truly informed hereby , it assumeth the nature of a solid part ; which to be the dross of the schools , surely they do not diligently mind . for in the first place , neither the arterial , or venal bloud do wax white in the extremities of the veins , seeing the extream or utmost parts are not potent with any other power of ashop or office , which its whole more former channel of the vein hath not : and so the vein , although it be the vessel of the prepared nourishment for the kitchins of the solid parts , yet the vein is not the kitchin of the solid parts . indeed all particular solid parts do nourish their own and proper kitchin within . therefore the venal , and arterial blood are not altered , unless they be applyed to the solid parts ; because they are diverted by the property of the solid parts , into a raw seed , but not of their own free accord in the utmost part of the veins . secondly , the spermatick muscilage is not be-dewed by the veins in a solid member . for a muscillage is badly consonant to a dew . but the thin and fluid arterial , and venal bloud slideth along within the kitchins of every part , which are only transchanged by the ferment of the place . thirdly , neither are there empty places of flesh , which are devised to be greedy of a dew . fourthly , neither is nourishment applyed to the sound or solid parts , in manner of a dew , which but a little before was a muscilage . fifthly , neither at length is this dew united , and assimilated to the solid parts , but what soever happens to be assimilated unto them , this is within the yeers of growth ; but afterwards , as the venal , and arterial blood have throughly crept into the solid members , by a continued sucking of nature ; so they are there digested , and suited , and at length expulsed by transpiration : therefore these four dispositions feigned by the schools , and badly harmonized , i meditate to be digested into a quaternary number ( for peradventure a hundred dispositions do interpose , before of an egge , of a chick , a solid part i say be constituted of arterial blood ) with the blemish of the blindness or giddiness of the schools : wherein nothing is right or true , but they do behold the very history of the matter bespotted , and to them it is a truth , because they have no nourishment of truth without the excrement of fables . therefore also the veins themselves , as they are nourished only with the arterial blood of the first constitution , even so also in this respect perhaps , an artery doth every where accompany a vein . for from hence it comes to passe , that through the more cruel issuings of bloud , at last , not venal blood , but a whiteness flowes forth , or the immediate nourishment of the veins , by reason of the penury of venal bloud . but paracelsus every where bringing nature over to his own desires , saith , that in the digestion of the stomack , a stinking or putrified sulphur is seperated from the two other beginnings : but in the liver , that the salt is seperated from the mercury ; but the venal blood to be the mercury , and the true nourishment of the whole entire part . neither is it worth ones labour , by scoffing at this man ; to be drawn any longer on the stage , while himself doth infringe this his own doctrine : for he diligently searching into the original of ulcers , saith , that the whole venal blood is nothing but the salt ( now he makes no mention of mercury , unlesse he confoundeth the mercury with the salt , in name and thing ) although the urine of those that are ulcerated doth not contain a crum of salt less than themselves not ulcerated . but surely it is a shamefull thing to reckon the three first things of the venal blood , as if they were excrements , whose arterial bloud is one of the three . also he every where compareth milk to the arterial blood ; not knowing that a thing transchanged , is not any more like it self being not transchanged , as neither is a chick like to an egge , or to an yolk . indeed he calls the buttery part of the milk swimming upon the milk , the sulphur of the milk ( never in the mean time , not indeed analogically , doth the buttery part swim upon the arterial blood ) but the cheese or curds he calls the salt of the milk ; therefore also the whey of the milk shall be also the mercury of the milk , and by consequence its best part , and the best nourishment of the milk : and the whey of the milk shall be the mercury , out of the mercury of the arterial bloud . i will willingly , and smilingly grant paracelsus the whey , and will my self take the cream ; because the butter resembles the smell of flowers , where-with the cow is fed ; but not the whey . but fernelius thinketh butter to be nothing but the froth of the stirred cream : not knowing a presupposing of a sour ferment in the cream , that it may be truly transchanged into butter by shakings together : for from hence , if a little ashes , soape , sugar , or of those things which do participate of a lye or lixivium , be immingled with the cream , there will never be butter made thereby , by reason of an alcali which flayeth every sour ferment : for therefore in winter , the co-shaking of the cream is more tedious , before the butter be brought forth ; because heat doth promote sour things , and all putrefactions . but paracelsus being elsewhere unmindful of his own doctrine , doth prefer the cream before the whey , and cheese , as well for health , healing , as for the goodnesse of the food : but the galenical schools do prefer the thin and waterish milk before the more fat milk. for this cause they determine ewes milk to be the vilest , and then cows milk ; thirdly , goats milk ; and at length , they prefer asses milk before the rest , by reason of its thin substance , and very much wheyinesse . but i know , that this one only milk of beasts fed in dry pastures , is the best , as well in healing , as in eating , and to be least wheyie : for they command a goat ( let the same judgement be of milke where the like reason appeareth ) whose venal blood the schools do prescribe in the shops , and in many places sheeps blood is sold for goats blood ) to be first nourished with things diuretical or provoking urine . therefore the virtues of milk are to be measured by the soundnesse , life , and meats of the beast , but never by his grossnesse or fatnesse . and physitians being called to give their judgement of milk in a nurse , do come badly instructed ; neither are they ready to judge otherwise , than of the venal blood drawn out by phlebotomy : that is , minds being blind through ignorance , do not see with open eyes . i have observed also , that of the same cow , of the like quantity of milk , there is an unlike quantity of cream , although she rejoyce in the same pasture ; for that also is according to the unlike soundnesse of the cow. but i , for blood , hang up a he-goat by the horns , and do bend his hinder legs to his horns : i cut off his testicles , and his venal blood being received from thence , i dismisse him without bloud for the butcher . but this venal blood being dried is like unto glass , and of a most difficult sifting , and very far differing from the goats blood of the shops . but it being taken in the weight of a dram , doth straight-way cause sleep , and cureth the pleurisie , &c. without cutting of a vein : neither will it ever fail thee . for asses milk doth more refresh and recreate or renew , yea and thus far it nourisheth ; not as it is more wheyie ; for that is to have judged of the virtues of a kernel never before seen , by the shell . but a she-asse , as she is long-lived , her milk is more excellent than that of other four-footed beasts . for it must needs be , that her milk also hath an archeus endowed with a long life : and for this cause indeed , her cream doth not seperate it selfe till a long time after : because it doth more slowly hearken to corruption : for that sequestration doth tend unto a duality and destruction . hence it is manifest , that seeing in child-hood the nourishment is converted into our very constitutives , asses milk doth more conferre a long life , and healthier , on children , than other foods . wherefore also , womens milk , although it be most like unto us , immediate , mumial , and nourishable , yet it gives place to asses-milk for long-life . but the she-asse is to be combed like unto horses , and so it may be known by the taste of the milk , whether the asse were combed that morning , or not . therefore let the schools learn a better judgement concerning nurses , concerning milk , and diet ; likewise to judge of the contents of the urine , nor to acknowledge choler , or gaul in the urine , or dung ; let them know i say to distinguish the urine of the venal bloud from the urine of the drink : and then , that the drawing of liquor out of the veins of the mesentery , doth cause natural thirst , but not from the exhausting of the lesser veins , by reason of the impoverishing of the venal bloud . for otherwise physical or consumptional persons should alwayes thirst , and more than those that have the dropsie ; and the repeated thirst should bewray a repeated consumption of the bloud , distinguished by small intervalls . we must also know , that at the end of the bowel ileos , there is a little sack , which they have called the blinde gut , in which the ferment of the dung resideth ; the which , seeing it is the work of corruption , and not of nourishing , its putrefaction is never to be accounted among the digestions of nourishments : for the ferment of the dung doth not proceed from any bowel , or vital faculty ; and therefore in this terme of mutation , more secure wringings do happen , while the matter seasoned with a dungie ferment , doth go back , or contract the sudden stains of a defiled putrefaction . moreover , the blinde gut is small , yet the necessary receptacle of all dung : which is manifest : for indeed , a wolf , hath beneath the middle of his intestine , two membranous bottles , or little round sacks , which are to him in the room of a blinde gut : for his meat falls from a long conduct of the intestine , into one of the little sacks , but presently into the other ; and at length it is brought hence into the following bowel . but humane worms are not generated in the duodenum , and much lesse in the stomach : yea , if they should the longer remain there , they would be digested after the manner of the food : for whither the ferment of the gaul doth not reach , there is the worms country : for they are made of nourishment half digested , the which when it is brought down unto its own places , it is incrusted with a skin , as it were luke-warm milk , and it beateth , and by degrees is endowed with life : for worms do scarce creep upwards out of their vital nest , unless by reason of an obstacle horrid unto them , and of an ill contagion ; and so they do scarce presage any good , which are voluntarily ejected upwards : but worms do presuppose a ferment of the gaul . for otherwise , in the caeliack passion , worms should be continually stirred up : for the cream would presently putrifie , unless the gaul did presently season the cream with its salt. in the right or straight gut , about the end of the colon , ascarides do come forth , which are not worms of the substance of man , or bred of the cream ; but of putrified superfluities , even as in flesh , cheese , fishes , and ulcers , worms do come forth . therefore ascarides are cadaverous or as from a dead carcase , worms not so . lastly , worms are in us without increase of off-spring ; but ascarides do bring forth their own eggs. common water boyled with quick-silver , in a little , and unhurtful drink , killeth all worms , as well in the bowels , as elsewhere ; but in ulcers , if that water be powred on them . last of all , for an over-plus , i will add , seeing the bowels wherein worms are bred , cannot digest the same ; thence it followes , that clysters put up for to nourish , are frustrate of their hope , and they shall sooner nourish worms , and ascarides , than the man. nature therefore , hath with me , constituted six vital digestions ; but in the seventh number she her self resteth . chap. xxix . pylorus the governour . . the use of the pylorus delivered by the antients . . the chief diseases of the pylorus . . he is the moderator of the first digestion . . of what sort the closure of the pylorus is . . the command or government of the pylorus . . how vomiting happeneth . . the blas of the pylorus . . the stern of the first digestion . . the eccen tricities of the pylorus . . some originalls of diseases neglected by the schools . . some positions . . whence the diversity of matter vomited up , is . . what that gauly thing may be , which is cast forth by vomit . . the sluggishness of the schools . . their ridiculous admonition . . the shutting and opening of the pylorus . . the reason of the scituation of the gaul . . whence fluxes , wringings of the bowels , bloudy fluxes , the hemorrhoids or piles , &c : are . . an errour about hunger and thirst . . some absurd consequences upon the positions of the schools . . a sense of appetites in the pylorus is demonstrated . . the remedy of the bloudy flux or dysentery , and flux , hath opened the office of the pylorus . . giddinesses of the head , whence they are . . an example in a cock. . the leekie liquor of the stomach , is not that of the gaul . . thirst doth not shew a necessary defect of moysture . . whence there is a yellow and bitter vomiting at the beginning of a tertian ague . . the use of the pylorus is confirmed by four histories . . thirteen notable things resulting from thence . in what part the stomach layeth open at top , and being conjoyned to the throat , doth lay under it , that by the figure autonomasia , is called its orifice or mouth : but its utterance beneath , is named the pylorus or porter : for in those that are well in health , the pylorus is shut , while the stomach hath received the meats , or drinks , untill that the digestion of the stomach being finished , the chyle or cream be made . for then , not before , the pylorus openeth himself : but the orifice of the stomach is shut , at least , fulness being present ( if there be not sufficient cast in ) when the stomach begins to give it self up to the performance of its office . these are all things that i have hitherto found delivered by the schools concerning the pylorus : but i have apprehended a great hinge of health , and sickness , to be involved in the pylorus . for first of all , i have seen now and then , in fevers , that as to day , undigested things have been vomited up , which were the third day agoe cast in : but on the contrary , in the caeliack or belly passion , the pylorus is never shut : yea some , after that they have been filled with dainty fare , they do not desist from rioting all the night , and therefore they do pisse continually : therefore it must needs be , that their pylorus being notably passable , doth not onely distil drop by drop , but by a continual thred ; neither that it doth expect any bound of coction : for straightway even from the beginning , that it was not suitably or exactly shut , or at leastwise , that it doth somewhat lay open in divided wrinckles , after that the stomach was not sufficient for the entring drink : for that happens in healthy persons , when there hath been a defect of the closure of the pylorus . there are others also , whos 's pylorus is a more stubborn keeper , they vomit drinks after they are half digested : because the digestive faculty being not equivalent to the drinks received , being provoked , doth cast forth the whole . indeed there is too much obstinacy of the pylorus , where three dayes meats are cast forth . which things surely do convince , that the pylorus is not onely the porter , but also that it doth govern the first and most evident digestion ; and so that in this respect , there is a drowsie carelesness of the schools : for that i may give enough to their insufficiency , i say , that first of all , the pylorus is shut , not indeed by a muscle , after the manner of the fundament , or bladder ; for it is not the client of a voluntary motion . neither in the next place is it shut by contracted fibers or threds , like the cramp , or wringings of the bowels : for it performs its office of a porter without feeling , and trouble . but no otherwise than as the womb after conception , doth the pylorus shut his neather mouth on every side , by his own proper blas : thus i consider both the orifices of the stomach to be shut : yet so , as that the upper orifice , being in a healthy person once shut after meat , doth easily open it self wholly , at every importunity of a morsel , or pertinacy of a draught ; seeing it can scarce endure that any thing should hang above over it in the throat : although in sick folks , and those that have suffered hunger or want , its opening doth happen with pain and great anguish ; because in the same persons , that closure of the orifice doth depend on an inordinacy . therefore the closure of the pylorus is more obstinate , and exact , than that of the orifice . again , it is not to be doubted , that the motive faculty of either part doth not obey the will , and so that it is naturall , or diseasie . the pylorus is said in the schools , to be subject to the retentive faculty : but certainly , it sheweth an absolute power , when as the expulsive faculty being against it , the digestive failing , the attractive loathing , and so others being trodden underfoot , the pylorus is oft-times stubborn , as well in its closure ( as i have said above to happen in fevers ) as in its opening ( as in caeliack passions . ) for vomiting is made while the pylorus being shut , it doth contract it self upwards , not indeed by the co-wrinckling of the stomach , but by a totall motion of the stomach upwards to the throat ; and so the pylorus doth command vomiting , and hearkeneth not unto the retentive faculty . seeing therefore the power of the pylorus is not the chamber-maid of other faculties , nor subjected to fibers , but monarchal , and so that the fibers ought to yield obedience to its very pleasure ; it must needs be , that this power is absolutely vital , and that it hath a proper motive blas , like the womb , independent on the will of man : and that so much the more potent a one , by how much the duumvirate of the stomach shall now come to light . and although the pylorus be wearied oft-times by external and occasional causes ( to wit from medicines , poysons , or dregs ; yet its blas is free unto its self , which is implanted in its part , or archeus . wherein notwithstanding , i admire a certain power from above , like unto the influences of the stars : for the blas of the pylorus doth as near as may be , express the blas of a free will : for truly an external inciter rushing on it , it can nevertheless at pleasure oppose as to shutting , or opening , that as long as the pylorus is well in health or able , it may be moved for lawful ends , or at leastwise those that appear so to it , for the straightning , or loosening of the passage . yet when a man being inordinate , doth transgress against those ends , the pylorus as the governour or orderer of digestion , doth oftentimes constrain the man to expiate his ofence by punishing him : but seeing there may be defects in that blas ( in some sort , as it were an arbitrall one ) not onely from occasional causes , but also in its own motive mad principle , so that through fury it doth preposterously open or shut it self freely , like the womb ; surely , it is a wonder , that these things , with the other beginnings of healing , have stood neglected by the schools . every power , and especially the motive , doth easily wander abroad , being stirred up as well by contingent causes , as by a proper beck of madness , seeing they are free , and as it were independent ; in the errour of which motive power , the pylorus doth for the most part , and easily stumble : even as the womb not being shaken from elsewhere , doth rush it self headlong , ascend , or being furious , doth writhe it self on the sides , doth alienate , straighten , enlarge , contract the throat , weasand , yea and the sinews readily serving the will , against their office , and doth now and then exhibite cruel motions , scarce unlike to magical ones , as the motive blas is excentrical in stirring up divers tragedies of tempests . and these things are diligently to be attended by physitians , that as oft as through occasion of the provoking cause , the pylorus doth wander from its aims , he may straightway study a removing of the cause . but if the pylorus be exorbitant through the errour as it were the fury of its own proper blas , let him think that he must fight with excentrical powers , and not with matter ; and least of all , that evacuations must be trusted to . for we may think that in a temperate state , a man having eaten moderately , his pylorus is suitably shut , least any thing do drop down out of his chinks ; and that at length digestion being finished , the pylorus doth open it self : surely neither doth this come to passe from a forreign pricking quality of the chyle ; but because the pylorus is expert of things to be done in the stomach , and therefore is to be reckoned the moderator of digestion , by whom indeed are the bounds of government , and the keyes are kept : for otherwise , if the pylorus be shut longer than is meer , seeing that which was sufficiently digested doth not therefore cease to undergoe a further force of the digestive ferment , therefore also it is cocted more than is meet : not indeed , that the chyle is therefore more excellently cocted like glasse in the furnace , by how much the longer ; but through too much delay it is alienated and corrupted , which afterwards must needs bring forth very many difficulties , as well in the stomach , as in its own neighbouring parts . notwithstanding , if the pylorus be lesse exactly shut , surely the new drink cannot but be ( together with its former crudities ) carried into the bowels ; about which surely since the digestion of the stomach is not employed , a ferment of the gaul being received , it is changed into a strange substance , and at length doth procreate divers infirmities in the veins ; because the first digestion being omitted , it is come to the second : for so inspired tremblings and shakings of the hands , beatings of the heart , faintings , sharp fevers , tumors , and joynt-sicknesses do break out : so the tartness of wine being not yet corrected by the first maturity of digestion , being a stranger to the veins , with the aqua vitae inbred in it , doth cause the proper nourishment of the veins to degenerate with it self ; and an unnamed and unknown guest doth bring forth unwonted and unknown infirmities : even as for the most part , if the chyle being well ripened , doth slide down into the duodenum , and at the same instant , new food be injected from above , be sure , that the pylorus being well appointed , is presently shut , the former baggage being not yet plainly dismissed : therefore the detained part of the chyle is corrupted , doth wax sour more than is meet , and defileth the new food with a fore-ripe ferment ; and the whole chyle is made a forreigner , unless that before an exact coction it be banished by the pylorus , which is by exciting divers appetites , wringings , and fluxes . therefore the errour of pylorus , whether it be proper , or stirred up from inordinacy , doth cause many difficulties . but that new food sliding in , the pylorus is presently closed , it is manifest ; for else , the new and raw food should slide forth together with the chyle which should appear in the excrement , as if it were bred from the affect of the passion of the belly , which is sometimes otherwise seen in devouring children , their pylorus being not yet sufficiently able to obtain its own ends . therefore weaker stomacks do complain that great sournesses do arise in them , which in the morning they do cast up with their yesterdays food , or at night , with the chyle of the precedent noon , and the reliques of their last meats . furthermore , for a more full knowledge of these things , we must repeat , that it belongs not to the veins of the stomach to suck to them the chyle detained in the stomach : likewise , that vomiting is made by the pylorus being shut , and that the whole length of the stomach is contracted from the neather parts , upwards to the orifice . lastly , that this motion is made by the pylorus , which if he should be opened , he should certainly unload the stomach of a lesse trouble ; but seeing he openeth not himself , he judgeth it to be inconvenient for health , to have those dregs dismissed beneath : and so he hath seemed to me , to be the rector or governour of digestion . but that vomiting doth happen two manner of wayes ; to wit , by the proper blas of the pylorus ; but then it is without pain : but the other is made by provokers ; and that , although it be made also by the pylorus , yet not by its own proper will. therefore also it is troublesome , and grievous : at leastwise , vomiting is not made , unless by the shutting of the pylorus : else that should fall down into the duodenum , which is expelled by vomiting : for when vomiting is made by the proper motion of the pylorus , all of whatsoever it judgeth to be hurtful to it self , parteth at the first vomit : but if the pylorus be provoked by a repeated vomit , other things are ejected , than those which bewrayed themselves in the first vomit : to wit , yellow , yolkie things , and then those things do follow , which are of a more transparent yellowness like the oyl of rape-seeds , and which are believed to be gaulie , by reason of their bitterness : and at length , now and then , things skie-coloured and green , which by taking of the more cruel purging medicines , do happen straightway after the beginning . here the pylorus was opened between the first , and following vomits , so that whatsoever doth lay hid in the empty or fasting gut , and in neighbouring places , the pylorus may pull upwards unto himself , whereby he may wash off as it were the mark imprinted by the medicine : but those things are for the most part bitter , both because they have again and again undergone the ferment of the gaul , and that an exorbitant and angry one ; then also because they are besides their custom , snatched up into anothers harvest , where they are corrupted into an excrement , made notable by the quality of the ferment which it hath immediately drawn : therefore the chyle in the same place becomes gawly and bitter . but in this place i do behold the schools with admiration , that they should prescribe meats of an easier digestion to be sent into the stomach , before those which are of a harder cocture ; being unmindful of their own doctrine , which sheweth , that all contents of the stomach are turned into a single or simple chyle ; but the pylorus to be so shut from the beginning , that it suffers nothing , even so much as a drop , to slide forth before digestion be finished . next , that coction is made by the un-cessant heat of the stomach , and so for this cause also , the digestion continued from the beginning , to begin , neither ever to keep holiday , as long as its valcan heat doth remain : but that all particular things contained , do receive that digestive heat after the manner of the receiver : which doctrine indeed standing , seeing all things are reduced into a liquid chyle , and are thorowly mingled exquisitely in the one onely pot of the stomach ; it followes , that in feeding , those things are first to be sent in which are of a harder digestion , because they are cooked by so much the longer space of heat . suppings ( say the schools ) and things of a more ready coction , if they are taken last , would putrifie , if they expect the ultimate bound of the more hard assumed things : as if the digestive faculty were the parent of putrefaction ! neither that there should be made a co-mixing of things eaten ! or a conversion into a fluid chyle ! but that those things which are taken by morsels , should lay secret by soils or grounds : as if i say , the pylorus should open it self by set periods or turns , that the order may be kept in dismissing the chyle , which there was in receiving of the meats : which things , if the schools shall believe to be possible , the pylorus at leastwise , should have a greater power of discretion in observing the priorities of meats , than that the schools should so sloathfully neglect its office . but the closure of the orifice doth not conduce unto digestion , neither doth it govern the appetite : but the pylorus doth command both ; because a sufficient satiety is indeed for the most part present ; yet moreover , we as yet do eat and drink from vice : therefore the closure of the orifice is not from an appetite , as neither from fulness : but weariness , loathings , and aversion from fleshes , do begin presently after fevers , and the rise of diseases of the stomach , and they have the orifice shut . therefore the orifice is neither shut from fulness , nor for the necessity of concoction ; as neither is it continently or sparingly opened by reason of appetite ; to wit , if it be shut without appetite , fulness , and concoction , and doth remain open after fulness in time of coction : for belchings are uttered in the morning , the stomach being fasting , empty , and desiring ; yet belching doth denounce a closure of the orifice . in the next place , the orifice is shut in those , who being pressed with long hunger , do languish , and who have been infirm through a long continuing abstinence from food ; to whom the unstopping of the orifice is very difficult , grievous , and painful . if therefore the orifice be not necessarily shut from hunger , appetite , fulness , and coction , therefore the closing or opening of the orifice doth not respect necessities in the coction of the serving faculties ; but the orifice doth especially serve for this , least to him that layes down , the chyle should re-gorge into the jawes : whence first of all it is manifest , that the service of the pylorus is more famous than that of the orifice . for truly he is the ruler of the whole family-administration of the stomach , even unto the last circle of the intestines or greater bowels : wherein , because seeing the operation of the gaul is perfected , therefore also the gaul ought to be superstructed and incumbent on the pylorus . of both which , if there be not a full consent , fluxes , wringings of the bowels , dysenteries , the hemorrhoids or piles , and divers miseries of the abdomen or bottom of the belly do arise . it is also an erroneous thing in galen , and his modern schools , that we do hunger and thirst onely through the penury of venal bloud , and so that as many ounces of venal bloud ought to be filled up , as are unfilled . first of all , if that be perpetual , therefore let the schools choose , to wit , either whether they will make the manglings in cutting of a vein , to be vain , or the appetite not to be stirred up from the sucking of the veins , accusing the defect of venal bloud : which thing first of all , is not to be doubted of in time of health : for if there be hunger by reason of want of venal bloud , therefore phlebotomy is badly instituted in the penury of venal bloud : but if that be considered in diseases , suppose in a fever , where there is no appetite , there also shall be no defect of venal bloud : but if as many ounces of bloud are supplyed , as are consumed , of which consumption , hunger should be the token : therefore in a fever , either there is not a consuming of venal bloud , or hunger is not the sense of venal bloud consumed . but if the venal bloud be also wasted in a fever , phlebotomy shall be in vain . likewise for every event , after two or three dayes , as much bloud , shall be now consumed by the fever ( seeing a fever doth consume and extenuate more than right health ) as a plethora or the abounding of humours ( the one onely betokener of bloud-letting ) should command to be emptied out : and by consequence , the positions of hunger being supposed , phlebotomy shall every where be made vain : for the schools suppose that the bloud is dispensed into the lesser veins out of the hollow vein ( as if a vein were a dispenser , and there were not a difference between the vessel it self , and the dispenser , or the power proportionally dispensing ) and at length into the small little branches , whereby in the last place , it may be dispersed into the habit of the body : and therefore onely from the sense of hunger , that the last small branches of the veins do suck the greater trunk ; but that this doth afterwards suck the veins of the stomach and mesentery , from whence at length that hunger and thirst are felt . which thing being supposed , first of all , those whose veins do swell , should be pressed with no hunger , or thirst ; and then , there should not be a sucking of that sense , unless the greater veins were first emptied : likewise in the third place , this position doth resist the doctrine of the schools , who teach , that the stomach doth cook onely for it self in the first place ; but secondarily , or by accident , for the whole body , as the stomach doth undergo a common self-love : for that being granted , the stomach shall neither cook , nor desire , and hunger for the body , but onely for it self ; therefore neither shall it feel , that it may supply the penury of the veins : but the veins shall primarily thirst and hunger , the stomach onely by accident ; neither for it self , but for the veins : for the ignorance of the truth , hath made the schools every where rash : they have not known i say , that hunger is inspired from the spleen into the stomach ; to wit , that the spleen hath known the scope of things to be done , as the chief bowel for the governing of decoctions ; and therefore , it is effectively the chief governour of the appetites , to whom notwithstanding , the pylorus , the ruler , and executer , is an assistant : for the pylorus for all that , hath a free blas of opening or shutting it self at pleasure , which in time of health is moved by reason of its knowledge of the ends known to the stomach , for which , coction , and appetite are created by the spleen , as if the pylorus were conscious of the secret ends of the spleen : but in sickness , the pylorus openeth and shuts it self preposterously , and with an invented order being as it were stricken with a symptomatical fury . for i being about to buy a village , i did walk with a notable appetite , then by chance i wrung my foot awry , i slid down , rigour presently came on me , with a loathing , vomiting , and the former appetite to eat , being suppressed ; but i straightway reposed my writhed foot , and that , half put out of its place ; and at the same instant , my former appetite was restored unto me , and the nauseousness of my stomach was ceased . indeed my orifice was open , as well in appetite , as in nauseousness ; but i had my pylorus shut in my appetite , and straightway opened in my nauseousness , and again shut in my vomiting : for as i said , vomiting is not made but by the shutting and inverting of the pylorus upwards : but in the hicket or sobbing , there is made an inversion of the stomach it self upwards , which therefore is far different from the inversion of the pylorus beginning to vomit . but that those things were after this manner , is apparent : because seeing my stomach under notable hunger , had not wherewith to vomit , being greedy of meat , the pylorus by his own consent , presently closed himself : who again , even from the distortion or writhing of the ligaments of my foot , being as it were mad with fury , opened himself , and called unto him the filths from the duodenum : for at the time of my vomiting , that the pylorus might expel the conceived ballast , he shut himself , and again had opened himself for a new accumulation or heaping up of filths , unless by the restored small dislocation , the fury of the pylorus had been appeased . therefore if with the closure of the pylorus , my withdrawn appetite straightway returned , who seeth not that the appetite afforded by the spleen , is governed by the pylorus ? i have said , that the pylorus doth snatch the filths out of the duodenum upwards into the stomach ; that he who before being the porter , was thought to be dedicated onely to detaining and expelling , may think of attracting hurtful things : which things , although they do happen by a common sorce , whereby all things being once banished , do put on a hostile character , and are thereby presently made worse ; yet they are in an inverted order drawn unto the stomach , by a raging blas of the pylorus . i have likewise herein discerned , that the pylorus is not onely the cause of appetite , nauseousness , and vomiting ; but also , to be the one onely causer of the disease called choler of the dysentery , or bloudy flux , and flux ; and i have experienced , that oft times , a small remedy being administred , the furies of the pylorus were appeased , and the aforesaid hurts corrected . surely it is a thing to be grieved at , that nothing hath hitherto been weighed by the schools touching these things ; and that their whole aid is placed in a clister , neither that they have come unto the nest of the evil . they have onely converted themselves unto the thorow passage of the thing produced , like the dog that bites the stone that is cast at him . for i have seen a young man exceeding well in health , and enjoying a notable appetite , in the morning to have eaten some fresh ripe mulberries well washed , with bread buttered , and straightway to have felt a sweet delight of cooling refreshment in his stomack thereby : and then his appetite being by chance half an hour after sore troubled or destroyed , he fell with the pain of the colick into a flux , and he had daily perhaps seventy stools of a milkie colour : but presently restringent cordials were administred as well within as without : to wit , the juice of quinces , with confection of alkermes , of diarrhodon of spodium , de hyacintho , and the like exhilerating things . in the mean time , very many clisters of whey steelified , and the like sweepings were injected , and all in vain : at length also opiates were annexed to other things , and nature laughed at the learned ignorance , and sporting experiments ; but the sick man grieved at the vain remedies : and at length at the utmost danger of life that was appointed , the lord healed him . for i administred two hard yolks of eggs , tempered with rose-vinegar : his dejected appetite , and the restoring of his appetite by the yolks taken , do testifie that the flux arose from the vice of the pylorus : for he perceived a manifest ease , the medicine being as yet detained within his stomack . i remember also that by horse-hoofs fryed in buttel , and the same being afterwards powdered , the fury of the pylorus hath been oft appeased , that dysenteries and fluxes have stopped , and felt the bounty of healing , that strong smelling remedy being as yet detained within the stomack . but if the hoof be the superfluity of a wanton colt , it is said to bring certain destruction on those that have the dysentery or bloudy flux . therefore the pylorus being the ruler of the closure of digestion , and appetite in the stomack , it doth also through a long journey of the intestines , govern as well the contents , as the exorbitances of the neighbour-veins : for the undigestions of meats , and excrements , their corruptions , and quick passages do testifie , that the indignation of the pylorus only is to be confirmed by remedies . for so yesterdayes gluttony doth stir up giddinesses of the head , not so much over night , as in the morning , the stomack being void of meats , and those do for the most part cease , the break-fast being taken ; because then the pylorus doth open , and is beset with filth , and afterwards he closed himself at the coming of the break-fast , and doth as it were forget the former discommodity . a cock of ours , of two years of age , eats bran and oats in the morning , according to his custom : but a little before evening he refuseth to roost on his accustomed staffs ; he layes on the ground , and the morning following is averse to meat : being giddy-headed , he runs down side-wayes , and doth oft-times fall backwards : at length , he shakes or smites his comb and fore-head harder on the ground , and dyes before noon : but by dissection were found some lesser flints , not indeed in the first sack or stomack , but in the more inward and true stomack . but a greater flint had shut the pylorus , which being lesse than a flint , had cut of the hope of passage : for neither was there any other cause found of so great giddiness , and unwonted death , but that the pylorus because it was by force and against its will , shut in the place of coction , it had confected or made a leeky liquor above the greater flint : which surely , could not have come thither out of the gaul , seeing the flint had stopt up the passage from gaul its coming within the stomack , out of the gaul , thorow the duodenum : therefore that green and leeky liquor was bred in the stomack , through the vice of the stopped pylorus . likewise concerning thirst , i have often observed that those that are thirsty in fevers , have again vomited up the drink , with a fourfold quantity . therefore thirst is not of necessity , by reason of the defect of moisture , nor also through the penury of bloud , as that for the same cause the same veins may sometimes be the cause of hunger , and sometimes of thirst , and the messengers of a defect of venal bloud ; yea now and then of both together , as well of hunger , as of thirst : but the bowel inspiring a ferment on the stomack , doth stir up hunger and thirst : for in fevers , the cause of the fever is an alcali abounding ; hence neither doth the thirst cease , although the stomack doth abound with its own drink : for neither doth the drink come unto that alcali : for so salt and peppered things do prepare thirst , no otherwise than as putrified alcalies or lixivial salts do ; because they exclude the sour ferment out of the stomack . as salt doth hinder the resolving and transchanging of the food , that is , the entrance of the digestive ferment breathed from the spleen ; so a quantity of the more pure drink , things peppered , hard , and undigestible , are causers of thirst : but not because they are hot and dry things in the middle waters detained in the stomack ; but because they do resist the aforesaid ferment of the spleen . but sour things on the contrary , as they are neer to the ferment of the spleen , they do refresh thirst . therefore thirst in the like cases , is not through defect of nutritive moisture , but by reason of the ferment of the spleen being hindred , which at length overcomming ( by a longer time of sleep ) the aforesaid difficulties , therefore sleep takes away thirst . also thirst ariseth in fevers by reason of burntish putrefactions , and coagulated things ; but not because nutritive , and cooling refreshing moisture is desired ( as they think ) but a resolver of that which hu●ts : and so it doth not so much shew and require a nourishment , as a remedy . and therefore neither doth thirst cease by drink , unless this hath brought a co-resembling mean for the receiving of the ferment . seeing therefore the pylorus is the governour of coction , and no less the moderator of thirst , than of appetite , as well meats as drinks shall be also the perceivances of the same ruler , distinguishing the bounds or ends of digestion . for in the beginnings of tertians , a plenteous vomiting of a yellow excrement , together with much thirst , doth molest ; and those two do concur with the shutting of the mad pylorus , and for this cause he doth instead of a sour cream , frame that yellow or cankered excrement or liquor , which being detained in the stomack of the cock , caused his death . moreover i will adde four histories which will confirm the efficacy of the pylorus in the action of government . my wives brother was by chance ill at ease for the space of eight dayes , at mecheline , from a solemn and gl●ttonous feast : but a physitian of the city offers him a vomitory potion , whereby he vomited twice every day : and so he had written the day before , that he the next day would come from mecheline to bruxels unto us : therefore being boored , and now fitted for his journey , the day following before noon , he dyed , after that in the foregoing night he had been ill , and had vomited often as before , somewhat black liquor , or venal bloud there corrupted . but his dead carkass being dissected , shewed no vice , except that in his stomack a blackish liquor floated on the shut pylorus . . a girle of three yeers old , and noble , takes a vomit to drive away an ague , of a boasting italian physitian , being a few grains of a certain powder . also another noble young daughter , not yet exceeding the second yeer of her age , took the same : both of them indeed straightway after the taking of it , vomited ; but both of them had their right eye wrung or wrested aside , and their whole side as it were beset with the palsie ; their arm indeed wholly , but their leg not altogether so : for the elder being wholly given to tattle , yet her sorely annoyed ; but the younger , slumber and vomiting now and then interrupting each other , both of them dye . i am called unto both , and i attempted some things in vain : perhaps indeed because late , and life failing . but both their carkasses are opened : and the same stinking liquor detained in the stomack ( the pylorus being exactly shut ) the cause of the murder , comes to hand . . a hen , when she would pick grain on the ground , she retorted her neck to one side , and in picking was rowled into a circle on her left side , and her legs fayling , at the taking of every barley corn , or crum of bread , she slid on her hinder part upon her tail : and that had remained thus perhaps for eight dayes space , before it might be declared to me , i ran unto the unwonted spectacle , i unfeathered her most lean breast , and a certain old woman opened her former or memb●anous stomack with a razor . but i found that she had swallowed a small gobbet of rocky chrystal : but that woman sowed up her stomack again with a thred , and afterwards she survived in perfect health . . one of my house-hold servants forming some vessels about distillation , with a most sharp fire of pit-coals , melted a glasse by sporting : the fragments and vessels themselves were dark and white , from green glasse , and the sweepings of my distillations , but the fragments of his new vessels being cast into a corner of the floor , the hens devoured them , being deceived in the whiteness of glasse : they were well in health : but it happened that the fifteenth day after , the two fatter were killed for the table : but that there were found in their first stomack some of the aforesaid fragments , which were easily conjectured to have stuck in the same place many dayes : but they were diminished ( so that when as glasse is not broken , but point-wise ) as well side-wayes , as corner-wise : those fragments were on every side obtuse or blunted . but i have hence collected to my self things worthy of note . . that the pylorus being shut , my brother did alwayes vomit : for truly , also after death , that stinking liquor was found in his closed stomack , which else had been in the bowels without any notable dammage . . that that shutting of the pylorus was furious , otherwise it had opened it self , and had not so hurt . . that the motions of the pylorus are of another re-publick , than all others are : for all contractures do cease with death , those of the pylorus not so . . that in the vomitory medicine , its poysonous faculty had stirred up the indignation and contracture of the pylorus : for he was not only contracted or drawn together , but he drew forth or allured a bloody juice out of the veins of the stomack , which was forth-with made black , and stinking . . that the same things happened in the two little girls . . that the indignation of the pylorus doth also produce palsies . . but an ae●uginous or cankery liquor , death . . that in the cock , the only stubborn stoppage , from the even-tide , caused his giddinesses . . the hen which had swallowed the chrystal , doth more strongly prove this , besides which , no other thing was found in her fore-stomack . . that the detaining of glasse in the stomack did remain with health , because the pylorus was not thereby stopped up . . that glasse is of easier digestion than rocky chrystal . . that an aeruginous , or black liquor was made from the indignation and shutting of the pylorus , but not from the detaining of a body , or glasse besides nature . . that glass was consumed by little and little in the stomack of the hens . chap. xxx . a history of tartar. . that a treatise of the four feigned humors , is to be joyned in this place , for the integrity of the work . . after the rejecting of a quality , being an elementary distemper , we must then also treat of tartar , and the three first things or principles of the chymists . . the birth and life of paracelsus . . he first brought tartar into a disease . . strife unhappily fell out between the humorists and paracelsus . . they afterwards made use of remedies borrowed from our fugitive servants . . humours were long ago silenced , which i at length have demonstrated in a particular book , never to have been in nature . . an epitome or summary of those things which paracelsus hath here and there written concerning tartar. it hath seemed to me a meet thing to premise natural things in order to the matter of medicine , because i am he who have alwayes thought the knowledge of the whole of nature to have no respect but unto the health or welfare of man : therefore have i treated of the elements alone , whereby i may drive away the fictions , of the schools , touching the composition of four elements in every single body , which hitherto is reckoned to be mixt : that i might shew i say , that there are no mixtures ; nor strifes , nor distempers , or complexions of the same , even as neither that the catologue of diseases of the feigned temperatures of elementary qualities can stand with truth : that is , that the schools have not hitherto known the causes of diseases , all which almost they have ascribed to those qualities . moreover , now the same labour remains to me concerning the four feigned and false humours , and the wandring corruptions of these ; it was to be written & shewn , that such humours were never in nature ; therefore also that they have alike perniciously erred hitherto , as well in the doctrine , knowledge , subscription of d●seasifying causes , as consequently in wandring remedies , and the universal directions and applications of these : and seeing that thing is already performed by me in a peculiar book printed in the yeer . at colonia , by jodoc calchove , directed for a fore-runner of this work : and nigh the same yeer i set forth two other books , to wit , concerning the disease of the stone , and the plague-grave wherein i have shewn● , that hitherto the causes of those diseases are unknown in the schools : therefore it is enough here to have attested it : although those books are to be ●ansferred hither for the integrity or en●ireness of the work . therefore the causes and essences of diseases , have even unto this day stood neglected by the schools , and they being neglected , therefore the more weak have been destitute of right remedies . now at length , because paracelsus hath lately dared to remove the general cause of almost all diseases into tartar : and although paracelsus first , hath rashly made that sufficient ; yet he hath remained uncertain and unconstant , whether he might rather determine the three things ( which by his own authority he called the three principles of all corporall things ) to wit , salt , sulphur , and mercury , for the general cause of all diseases , than his own brought in tartar : and therefore he hath left both of the aforesaid assertions to strive : neverthelesse the more famous physitians have at this day yielded themselves unto tartar. wherefore , seeing there is not in either , at this day , the truth of the causes , and remedies of diseases , i have held it worth my labour , and for the good of my neighbour , to brush and sweep away both those errours of paracelsus out of the schools ; that physitians , who while they do now incline unto the doctrine of tartar , all errours being at length removed , they may betake themselves to the true knowledge of diseases and remedies : and that from thence my neighbour ( which thing i onely have wished ) may receive profit . for the knowledge of things according to the principles by me delivered , is drawn by the definition : but a definition is to be taken from a knowledge of the causes : and therefore in so great darkness on every side , and ignorances of medicine , i will endeavour to bring those that shall succeed ; yea and likewise modern young beginners , into the true knowledge of diseases and remedies . for i have long since lost my hope of the seniours , who will refuse to learn , being brought to that pass , as well by reason of sluggishness of assenting to the inventions of pagans already drunk up , and converted into nourishment , and of labouring about furnaces , as through a bashfulness of learning of me a poor man of little esteem , the last of phylosophers . the father of paracelsus being a bastard of the master of the teutonick knights , went for a trivial physitian , rich in a famous library ; who committed his son aureolus philippus theophrastus of bombast to tritemius of sphanheime : whence he being rich in the substance of secrets , went unto spagyrick or alchymistical works under sigismund fugger : for he was not there given to venus ( indeed a sow in a place where three wayes met , had gelded him . ) secondly , not to sloath , nor spent he his life in flattery , being earnestly desirous of knowledge : for he , about the twentieth yeer of his age , searching into the divers mines of the minerals of germany , at length came into muscovy , in whose borders he being taken by the tartars , our gelded physitian is brought to the cham : from thence , with the prince the chams son , he is sent away to constantinople . at length about the th yeer of his age , he obtained the stone that makes gold , it being given unto him ; for which things sake , he took up his inn in basil , where when he now became famous through many cures of diseases , he obtained the chair of medicinal phylosophy , that he might give himself wholly up to spagyrical labours . indeed as the stone that makes gold lifted up his mind , and he saw the narrow substance of physitians , and wandring errours of the same , he had long since aspired unto the chief-dome of healing : indeed he taught at basil full three yeers space , and expounded a book concerning tartar , and likewise of degrees , and compositions ; surely both , the work of his owninvention , and burdened with many anxieties . in the mean time , as every one 's own pleasure draws him , he indulging drinkings more than was meet , began to despise the chair ; yea and the latine , whence , he had almost forgotten it , and he supposed that he ought to speak truth only in the germane tongue . therefore although he was born with a rare wit , yet he was more happy in the gift of the azoth or practick , than in the searching out of the theory . he i say , first obtruded tartar on us , into the cause almost of all diseases , and accused us , when he perceived that neither in the schools of the antients , as neither in his own three first things , he was sufficiently credited : to which patron , the schools at this day have subscribed . i also at sometime thought my self wholly gratified as it were with a found treasure , till the lord otherwise instructed me . first of all , the pages of galen , and paracelsus have disputed , whether the matters of a tartarous humour and phlegm were not the same , and onely pure sunonymal things : but at length , being amazed at coagulations , , or neither daring to ascribe so great a troop of diseases unto one onely phlegme , the more learned galenists admitted of a tartarous humour , and began to use remedies which they begged from fugitive servants . which things , although they were all poysonous , base , and adulterate , and are at this day as yet more ; nevertheless , they have invented a knowledge with pots or boxes , that they may be daily drawn forth for uses . likewise tartar rising up , the humours have almost failed among the more refined wits . therefore the disgrace or reproach of physitians from the ill success of curing , hath perswaded them to look back unto chymical remedies , and the grounds of their own art being neglected , they began promiscuously to use as well those chymical remedies , and most miserable poysons , indifferently , as those which their dispensatories do describe , as well to abolish heats , as to shave off the phlegms of the stomach ; so that the sloath of the remedies , and speculations of galen being well perceived , the galenists do by degrees decline unto tartarous humours : therefore what things i have read out of many books , which paracelsus writeth concerning tartarers , i will contract into a brief tract . nature being at first a beautiful virgin , was defiled by sin ; not indeed by her own , neither therefore for a punishment to her self ; but seeing she was created for the use of ungrateful man , she was as it were defiled with the fault of her inhabitant , that even by the defect of nature , he might in some sort purge the guilt . it after some sort repented the creator , that he had commanded nature to obey the disobedient : therefore he appointed ; that the earth should hence-forward bring forth thistles and thorns : under the allegory whereof , the curse and rise of tartarers are designed unto us ; to wit , their matter which should exceeding sharply prick us : for the words do shew the progeny of the earth , by the use whereof they do signifie , that diseases should at length be incorporated in us : for first of all , the hostile tartarers do trayterously enter with meats and drinks , they pierce into the bottom , are radically co-mingled , and shut up with a hidden seal : therefore some of them do even presently separate themselves within , from the pure noutishment ; but others do remain together with the nourishment , which being wasted away , the surviving tartarers are coagulated under the form of a muscilage , clay or bole , next , of sand , or a stone , which then , are not onely uncapable of receiving the breath of life ; but moreover , they keeping their wild thorn , have become as the most inward immediate causes of all diseases , the daily nurses of the calamity of mortals : for as soon as the bloud is converted into the substance of the thing nourished , and afterwards consumed , this off-spring of thorns doth often remain , surely inconvenient through a forreign coagulation , if not also through acrimonies or sharpnesses : for it waxeth more hard daily , and bespotteth its own inn with a hostilities : but a tarterer or tartarous humour , differs from the humane excrements of meats in that , because these do putrifie , but that is coagulated : therefore that stomach , and liver is onely happy , which have known how to banish the sweepings of tartar from the stinking excrements , in the beginning . as these thorns are procured unto us by our antient tartarous enemy ; so the stone that adhereth to the joynts or ribs of the wine-hogs-heads , giving by reason of its manifest prerogative , a name to the other ranks of coagulable vices , is called tartar : for truly the wine in the vessel is on every side incrusted with a stony bark , which is tartar , diverse from the lees : for this falls down to the bottom , knowing no coagulation ; but that being extended round about , doth arm the vessel , and preserve it within , for ever from corruption : but that guest being through nourishments , a stranger , is called a forreign tartar , to distinguish it from that which groweth together within us , with a fatall spectacle , by a microcosmical law : for whereby any violent thing doth rush into us , for that very cause the nourishable humours being destitute of life do appear hostile , are coagulated , and called the tartar of the venal bloud : whence are apostemes , stoppages , and other calamities , according to the delighted property , and pleasure of every tartarer : and so tartar insinuating it self from the mouth , even into the ultimate coasts of the pipes , is also the principal cause of all diseases . these are the things which i could collect out of paracelsus here and there , into one , concerning tartar. chap. xxx . a history of tartar of wine . . a fishing for the whale . . the spirit of wine is depressed unto the center of the vessel , by reason of cold . . how vinegar differs from wine . . why the wine in the superficies of the vessel , is lesse good . . the manner of making tartar in hogs-heads . . why it affixeth it self on the vessels . . it is coagulated in affixing or cleaving on them . . the things foregoing are proved . . the errour of a chymical maxim. . the history of wine coagulated in tartar , is not a like to that of the excrements coagulated in us . . the difference of tartar , and duelech or the stone in man. . tartar is not wholly , or truly the superfluity of wine . . the first errour of paracelsus . . the tartar of wine doth wholly differ from a coagulated superfluity in diseases . . another rashness of the same man. . why tartar is not incrusted upon the lees of the bottom . . wines are distinguished by their tartar. . tartar is neither wine , nor the lee thereof . . why an alcali or lixivial salt out of wine , or tartar , doth dissolve tartar. . the wine-lee , as to a part of it , is matter for tartar. . how badly tartar doth square to our coagulations . . tartar is among coagulated salts , not among stones , as neither among excrements . before i shall reject the necessity which paracelsus hath feigned to himself for the constitution of tartar in every nourishment , for the finding out of the causes of diseases , and that the vanity of that fiction may be made manifest , it shall above all things be profitable , to expound the manner how tartar is bred in wine : for truly ( even as it is begun to be believed ) all causes of diseases do stablish their family , and draw their name from thence . the cantabrians , whom they call biscons , before they were associated to our dutch , for the catching of the whale , being oft-times under groynland ( which is at this day thought to have failed ) being prevented by cold under the quick-sands ( they call them atalaians ) had their boyled wines , otherwise generous enough , frozen . therefore the hoops being taken from the hogs-heads , they exposed the naked ice of the wine , in the form of the former vessel , unto the open air : that by one onely night following , the remainder might be wholly congealed . which being done , they did beat the ice , and about the center of the ice , a liquor of the colour of an amethyst came to hand , the meer spirit of the wine , and a fiery and vital liquor , not knowing how to be frozen : therefore they drank the ice of the wine melted by the fire , a small quantity of that vital liquor being added unto it . the history is brought for that end , whereby it may be manifest , that the spirit in wine doth naturally flee from cold , and that it doth by degrees , betake it self out of its proper habitation , unto the center of the wine . but on the contrary , wines are laid in the sun , that they may wax sour , and the spirit of the wine slies away , and leaveth behind it vinegar , the sunned dead carcase of it self . but seeing it is a far more desirable thing for the spirit to go into the center of the wine , than to vanish by flying away ; therefore necessity hath caused cold and deep cellars to be invented for the preservation of wines . indeed the austrian wines working continually , as it were through the heat of the ferment , are clammy : for from hence the cellars of vienna are for the most part no lesse than a hundred steps deep . the spanish wines would undergo the same thing , unless a caution be administred by admixing a parget of lime , while they are pressed in the press , which they call hieso . therefore in cold cellars , the spirit of wine by reason of cold , runs back unto the inner part of the wine , and hides it self . therefore wine , because cold doth strike the vessel in the bark round about , hath lesse spirit than in its more inward parts : whence it followes , that as through want of the spirit of the wine , wines set in the sun do wax sour ; so also proportionally , that the most outward bark of the wine being pierced in cold , is more sour than in its central parts . therefore when new wines are brought into the store-house , and while they have waxed cold , their spirit doth straightway flee inward , avoyding the cold , and therefore the bark of the wine , being now made small , and also somewhat sour , it begins to act upon the lee as yet swimming on the troubled wine : for truly it is impossible that there should be any sourness , but that its proportionated object being found , it should not also presently operate on that . indeed this is the law and necessity of natural things : for example , vinegar , how weak soever it be , if it finde the stone of crabs , it cannot contain it self , that it should not straightway operate unto its dissolution , and exchange it into a transparent liquor . therefore the sour matter in the wine being now filled with a small dreg , and now stripped of its own activity , inclineth it self to coagulate : but it cannot be coagulated in the middle waters , but it hath need of a fermenting odour of the side , whereby it doth as it were putrifie : therefore coagulation is made on the sides of the vessel , to which it fastneth it self . according to the common chymical maxim ; every spirit dissolving , by the same action whereby it disselveth bodies , is it self coagulated . therefore the more sharp wine dissolveth the lee in its bark , because a sharp salt of the sour dissolving spirit is presently coagulated together with the dissolved lee or dreg , and applyeth it self to be neighbour to the side or concave of the vessel : and that , least both ( to wit , the thing dissolving , and thing dissolved ) be hindered from coagulating ; but at least , that it be not on the other side encompassed by liquor : therefore tartar the new off-spring of coagulation , is affixed . understand thou also , that before it be coagulated , there is not yet a coagulation , and therefore that somewhat sour wine , the lee being now dissolved by it , in an instant , before it is coagulated , snatcheth hold on the vessel , and doth affix , and glew it self on there , by the proper solder of its cream : else it should settle to the bottom . this very thing is the tartar of wine , of which we are speaking . that these things are on this wise , vinegar it self proveth ; for wine set in the sun , and the vessel being heated by the sun , the vinegar never hath tartar in the vessel ; yet it is the same matter , differing onely in cold , or heat : there indeed with tartar , but here without it . first of all , a remarkable thing plainly appeareth from what hath been before deduced , that the aforesaid maxim of chymistry erreth in that , because it will have the dissolution of a body to be made together with the coagulation of the spirit , by the same action in number : for if divers moments of motions should not intercede , the coagulated thing it self should not adhere toughly glewed to the hogshead , as if by that which is melted , it should be there powred on it ; but if it should be coagulated in the very motion of dissolution , it should fall down to the bottom in the shape of a coagulated matter , but should not adhere to the sides . but on the other hand , in the region of the lee , tartar is not found . let there be another remarkable thing , and of greater moment ; that the tartar of wine is altogether impertinently taken according to the likeness of coagulated things in us : wherefore the name , history , manner , and end of tartar of wine hath been impertinently introduced into the causes which make diseases : and these things shall be made manifest , when as i shall make the devise of tartar in meats and drinks plainly to appear . likewise as to that which belongs to tartar of wine ; for that is not a strange forreigner to wine , produced by a forreign mother , matter , against , or besides the nature of wines , as neither to expiate the wickednesses committed by wine , by those things which are adjoyned for a curse . and then , neither is the tartar of wine ever coagulated by a cream proper unto it ( although paracelsus hath otherwise so supposed ) but the tartar is coagulated after that the dissolutive sourness of the wine is woren out and glutted by the lee. that is , the sourness being overcome by the dissolved content , doth think of making a coagulation : not indeed to make a true stone ; but a feigned one , because it is that which is again dissolved in hot water , as it were a sharp salt in liquor , which is therefore commonly called cremor tartari , or the cream of tartar. all which things surely do badly square or suit with our coagulations : yet they all have by a like identity or sameliness of tartar , in all particular nourishments , been intruded by a winy devise . lastly , and that a violent one : because tartar is not an excrement of wine , unless in respect of one part , which is a solved dreg , which thing surely was not also hid from paracelsus , who now and then doth extol the tartar of wine far above the wine , as it were an heir of greater virtues . wherefore he doth badly accommodate or fit the tartar of wine by the identity of being , and framing , with diseasie tartarers , which he calls an excrement , yea a curse arising from the thistles and thorns , or an ill endowed entertained being in a pure saphirical being of things : therefore the tartar of wine , although there should be any other , being erected into the matter of diseases , in taking the tartars of diseases , they should even according to the minde of paracelsus , badly agree together : and so he hath also but impertinently referred the cause of diseases unto tartar : seeing they do not any way agree in the matter , efficient , manner , cause of coagulations , in the bound of a cream , in their object , as neither in their principles : for the sand or stone are not resolved by elixing or seething , even as otherwise the tartar of wine is . therefore the whole metaphorical transumption of name and property is frivolous , and a bold rashness of asserting , by bespattering all created things with a curse , so as wholly throughout they should be nothing but of tartar : and the boldness hath proceeded so far , that they seign tartar to be even in the marrows , yet not coagulable , which neither hath paracelsus ever seen ; but hath asserted onely by a boldness : now he maketh tartar not to be tartar , nor coagulable : and so that not onely every coagulable thing , and that which hath solidness ; but that every liquory thing , that is , the whole creature should be nothing but tartar , appointed for a punishment of sin . now when new wine hath waxed cold , hath lost its sweetness , and hath assumed the qualities of wine , the whole lee hath fallen to the bottom ; and then the transmutation of the more sour part of the wine , beginneth to act of the lee : for truly that which is more fruitful than the spirit of wine desiring by degrees the more inward parts , doth forsake the superficies of the hogs-head ; but this beginning thereby to wax sour , nor finding an object nigh to it self , on which it may act , but onely in the bottom , it by degrees dissolves that object in the same place ; and thus indeed , the sharpness thereof is by degrees the more confirmed : but seeing every sour thing doth as it were boyl up in corroding , hence it comes to passe , that when the sourness which is about the bottom hath acted upon the dreg , it ariseth from thence , and is substituted or affixed in another place . therefore the generation of tartar is slow ; and therefore cannot the tartar be affixed in the bottom , by reason of the disquietness of that continual boyling up : wherefore generous wines , nor wines easily forsaken by their fleeing spirit , do not readily wax sour , and they do yield , none , or but a little tartar. but old rhenish wines , do become weak indeed in the acceptableness of a winie tast , as their sourness was drunk up in the lee , yet are they stomatical , because that their spirits are not wasted according to the proportion of the dregs , and sharpness : but red french wines , unless they shall keep their lee , and the which , they therefore say is the mother or nurse , they dissolve their own tincture , and drink it up together with their own sourness ; and therefore those of two years old become discoloured , unless they are exceeding generous : for truly the tincture of wines is a certain separable body : but generous red wines , because they do more slowly wax sour or sharp , they are kept for many years : but those bearing a little white , unless they are severed from the lee , they presently grow weak : for the lee being taken away , when their sourish part doth not finde an object which it may dissolve , the wine remains in its own former state. therefore tartar is no longer wine or lee , but a neither thing , constituted of them both . but that the thing is on this wise , it plainly appeareth , because more tartar is dissolved in ten ounces of rain-water , than in two hundred ounces of wine , however it be stirred by boyling ; to wit , by reason of the sharpness of the wine , whereby the tartar was coagulated . lastly , six ounces of salt of tartar do dissolve seven ounces of crude tartar , because the lixivium or lye of that salt doth drink up the sharpness of the tartar. but that tartar doth consist of the lee of wine , and not of wine onely , printers do prove , who do prepare the lee of wine or tartar , to be a suitable ink for them : and both of these in distilling do belch forth altogether the like odour , and the like oyl : but tartar is not dissolved in cold water , because the lee of the wine doth so compass the salt in the tartar , that cold water cannot the more fully dissolve it , by piercing . therefore seeing the nativity of tartar doth not elsewhere consist than in winy juyces actually consisting of spirit of wine , and lightly waxing soure by reason of the flight of the spirit inward : let the schools of paracelsus from hence know , how badly the speculation of tartar doth suit even with those diseases , for whose sake it was invented . for truly our stone is by no meanes solved in boyling waters : because tartar is rather to be reckoned among the number of salts , or juyces coagulated with salt , than among stones . chap. xxxi . the rash invention of tartar in diseases . . no disease doth arise from tartar. . galen is unsavoury about the matter of the disease of the stone . . galen was often deceived herein . . he thought the stone to be hardened in us by the element of fire , in the middle of the vrine . . some ignorances of the same man. . a neutral judge is called for . . the drowsiness of the humorists , unexcusable . . an explaining of the thing granted . . paracelsus came nearer unto the nature of stones . . but he also slid in stumbling . . paracelsus recanteth . . his rashness brake forth from the ambition of a monarchy . . blockishness is the companion of ambition . . the nodding unconstancie of paracelsus . . he was deceived by the metaphor of a microcosme or little world. . his hidden boasting . . the like boldness of aristotle . . that the metaphor of a microcosme differs from the truth . . paracelsus . hath not sufficiently trusted to his invention of tartar. . two ignorances of the same man are demonstrated . . the rise of hereditary diseases . . the schools have erred in both extreams . . the phylosophy of paracelsus concerning tartar , is rustical or rude . . his errour is proved . . the incongruities of paracelsus . . paracelsus was ignorant of a formal transmutation of things . . he blockishly proceeds . seeing that tartar hath first entred into medicine for the consideration of the stone , i have finished a treatise touching the disease of the stone , and i have shewen in print , that tartar is a stranger unto the nature of the disease of the stone . now at length , i will make manifest , that plainly no disease doth arise from tartar , but that the meditation thereof in diseases , is vain . galen had known a man to be grieved with stones and sands in his reins and bladder ; but he knew not to what cause he might ascribe so great a hardness in us : at length i found , that not any thing can be condensed or co-thickned , except one onely excrement , which i call muck or snivel ; but he names it phlegm or a waterishness : and when he discerned the stone to grow in the remote , and so in the ultimate coasts of utterance , and did think that nothing had access thither besides his own humours ; he boldly affirmed that the same thing doth happen in the urine , and therefore that the stone cannot otherwise be constituted than from a watery phlegm . vvhich thing , because he marked with the element of water , and watery properties , therefore that it ought to grow together at the water-pipes in us : the invention smiled on him , especially because a stone being brought into the bladder , there was a continual voyding of muck , together with urine . therefore he thought that our fire , because he believed it to be one of the four elements which do concur unto the constitution of us , was necessary for the hardening of the matter of the stone , and that the phlegm should dry up even in the middle of the waters , seeing he knew no other operators in nature besides heat and cold . for he knew not , that all things did at sometime arise out of nothing : now at length , that from a necessitated continuation in nature , all things afterwards should flow forth from a certain genealogy of seeds ; but not that from a casual conflux of elements , and by the virtue of supervening heat and cold , they are so fitly adorned with vital powers : neither considered he , that those first qualities at the most and utmost , could not generate , or contribute any thing unto a new being ; but onely occasionally to promote or fore-flow the vital dispositions of seeds , in their own simplicity , but not as the elements should be combined . surely it grieveth me for his pains , and that all posterity of sick folks doth hitherto pay the punishment of its own credulity ; because he never deservedly measured , or of himself once desired the causes of the disease of the stone ( as otherwise he ought ) before he erected a method of healing : so his soul is made the chamber-maid of his own desires , and he feigneth plausible reasons to himself , according to the appetite of disturbance , which removed it from its place to a consent of himself . therefore a strange judge is called unto the reasons found out by us , least being credulous , we worship our own fictions , and love them as it were sons , and pledge for the same against equity , as parents . therefore let the fire , the sieve of reasons , be that judge : but the art of the fire was not yet known in galens time , but it was hidden among privy counsellers under an oath , in the silence of pythagoras . for galen never law even the distillation of roses : therefore in so great a want of knowledge , his ambition unto the chiefdome of healing might happily be excusable , if he had once at least boyled the snivel coming out of the nostrils , or out of a stony bladder , in urine , under a luke-warmth most like to ours , or had by it self dried it without urine : for he had undoubtedly found that phlegm which he supposed to be hardened in us unto the consistence of a stone , never , or any where by any degree of heat wholly to become a stone , no snivel or muscilage ever to be hardened ( unless otherwise great with child with the seed of a stone : ) but to be constrained into a light and brickle tophus or sand-stone , or to be again resolved like glew : for so it had behooved the monarch of medicine to have proceeded , and not to have exposed himself as a laughing-stock in time , among his coequals of posterity , and of a wiped nose , because he being content with so wan a devise concerning diseases , had filled huge volumes concerning the griefs of the sick , their life , and healing . indeed i do not deny , but that any muscilage doth now and then become a stone ; but i constantly deny , that that comes to passe , in as much as it is slimy or snivelly ; but onely if it be great with young of a stony or rockie seed : for the more brickle stones do not consist of a pure and transparent liquor , but of a clayie and muscilaginous one : wherefore the whole muckie and phlegmatick doctrine of galen , hath been dried up in a seminated or seedied stone , hath remained barren in the schools without an ear , and fruit , and hath there grown sick under the chair , and as brickle , being even now presently scattered into powder , shall vanish away . indeed the following ages being more prone to believe than diligently to search , have followed the flock of their predecessors , going not in the way wherein they were to go , but wherein it had been gone ; and through the ignorances of their ancestors , under the conduct of sloath , the easie schools do hitherto subscribe to so great ignorance . wherefore paracelsus aspiring to the new monarchy of elias the artist to come , not resting in the luke-warm and drowsie dreams of snorters , seeking more firm principles of stones , finally admiring amongst his diligent searches , the tartar of wine , he conceived and nourished great hope in his minde , thinking every stone , as well in the great universe , as in the little world , to be meer tartar. and then , through a rashness of boldness , his progress began to affirm , that every body doth extract its own solidity with the same coagulation of tartar , that those which he had said before to come upon things , from the curse , now he may recant , that they were from the beginning , by the appointment of the seeds . he afterwards withdrawing this his own intent of tartar , and that ingenious enough , plentifully collected , that even as tartar was a stone of wine ( a metaphorical stone i say , because resolveable in waters ) so that the stone in man should be hardened out of meats and drinks , by a co-like curdling : for so he supposing that he had the sure beginnings of the stone , believed that he held the hare by the eares : his boldness pleased him , and being thereby raised with a hope of monarchy , he begun to commend in many volumes and glosses , or compendious expositions , almost all diseases unto his tartar , so that he believed the plague also to arise from tartar. moreover , so great was the consequent of this prosperous and easie invention , that he thereby promised himself the monarchship in healing . but when he had sufficiently well weighed , that the elements , complexions , and humours failed , nor that they were sufficient for diseases , and so the true cause of a disease not yet to have been made known in the schools , and the which he did promise to himself to have unfolded together with tartar ; at length , that he might establish the causes of diseases , he affirmed that all solid things were either meer tartar , or that they did contain , for a great part of them , the same for our destruction : as if the vast goodness in the obiect of creation , being solicitous of a disease , had likewise gaped greedily after our diseases . the labour of paracelsus , and his emulation of finding out the cause of a disease , are to be gratified by us ; who knowing the vain trifles , and shameful sloaths of the schools , wholly contended for the publick good : and i shall believe , if he had been more negligent of ambition , that through the most bountiful grace of god , he had come unto the true fundamentals of healing : but as ambition is swelling , and alwayes hanging on others wills or judgements , therefore god doth alwayes suffers ambition to float into uncertainty . therefore paracelsus being unconstant , could never satisfie himself by the invention of tartar , wherefore he runs sometimes unto complexions , and then to the stars , but then to his three first things , and calls upon the elements themselves , that he might confirm the causes of diseases : for sometimes he accuseth chrystal in the fourth degree of heat , as the off-spring of the fire ; but then , as being the daughter of water , he saith , it is hardened by the greatest cold : and then , he affirmeth that a great heap of glasse burnt up by a continual fire , and diminished into pieces , doth passe over into a beryl ; having forgotten his tartar , and being addicted to the first complexions of qualities through elementary degrees , he affirms the beryl to be the off-spring of heaven , and of a deeper fire : being unmindful that he had seen in his own helvetian rocks , ice to lay knit together by great cold , perhaps for a thousand yeers , yet not to be chrystal , but to remain ice as from the beginning : therefore he was not yet at quiet in full rest , to have tied up the eyes and credulity of his followers in tartarers , and to have framed to himself a glorious name ; as being confident , he fleeth unto another the last anchor of his hope ; to wit , he translated the metaphor of a microcosme into the truth it self ; willing , that we should express every way and fully , the whole universe exactly or as to the square , and in very deed , to contain it in all the differences of earths , mountains , fountains , stones , mines , plants , fishes , birds , four-footed beasts , creeping things , also of the stars , with all the properties , motions , tempests , diseases , defects , and interchangeable courses of the same : asserting , that unless we do fully and fundamentally know and believe this thing knowingly , quick-sightedly , distinctly , most certainly , most profoundly , and most properly , in every created thing , we are unfit for to exercise phylosophy , to practise medicine , or to dispute against their suppositions : and moreover he saith , that this undoubted particle , and optick science is easier to be learned by ten fold , than unwholesome latine : by which elogie or commendation , he is thought amongst his own , to have shined exceedingly in the knowledge of these things , who by a late testimony of the world , hath onely vanquished uncurable diseases . so also aristotle aspiring unto the sameliness of name of [ the philosopher ] despised the contradicters of his own , and indeed false beginnings ; no otherwise than as necromancers do require to be credited without demonstration . let eternal prayse and glory be to my lord in all benediction , who hath formed us not after the image of the most impure vvorld , but after the figure of his own divine image , therefore hath he adopted us for the sons of election , and co-heirs of his glory through grace . surely the condition of that similitude were to be grieved at , and too much to be pitied , which had hitherto subjected us under the law of all calamities , from our creation even till now , and that before sin we should onely be the engravement of so abjected a thing : as if the vvorld had been framed for it self , but not for us as the ultimate end ; but we for the vvorld , whose images indeed onely we should be ! to wit , we ought to be made stony , that we may represent stones and rocks : and so we should all of right , be altogether stony , leprous , &c. for indeed , seeing we are by creation , that which we are , and a stone should be made in us , that we may represent rocks ; now death and a disease were in us before that we departed out of the right way or fell : let heresies depart : for neither do we all suffer the falling evill , neither do they who labour with it , have it , that sometimes we may represent thunder , or the earth-quake , or an unknown lorinde of the air its unconstancy : but now , if there were at least , the least truth hereof , verily he who suffers dammages according to justice , ought also to perceive the profits of the microcosme , even so that , especially we ought to fly ; seeing it is more rational , for us sooner to shew our selves birds , than great stones , or storms of the air , or water . therefore let allegorical and moral senses depart out of nature . nature throughly handles beings as they do in very deed and act , subsist in a substantial entity , and do flow forth from the root of a seed , even unto the conclusion of the tragedy : neither doth it admit of any other interpretation , than by being made , and being in essence , from ordained causes . i observe also , that paracelsus , tartar being invented ; and introduced into diseases , hath not yet stood secure enough : for truly , he immingles tartar also in the first beginnings of our constitution , and so neither doth he require the seeds of things themselves out of tartar ; but he will have tartar to be radically , intimately , and most thorowly immirgled with the seeds , whereby he may finde out the seminary of hereditary diseases : of which mixture he being at length forgetful , calleth it ridiculous . he saith that a vvoman having conceived by the seed of man , it doth separate , snatch , lay up tartar into it self , and that the seed being as it were anatomized , doth constitute it self the flattering heir of that tartar : on the contrary , that the spirit of wine is never so refined by possible circulations , as that it doth not as yet contain its own tartar in it : as if tartar were the chief root of the universe , or an immediate companion thereunto : but i know , if any forreign thing be materially in the seed , generation doth never follow : next , that the seed of adam being materially prepared in paradise , had not generated a more perfect off-spring , than that which afterwards after the fall was made in him , cain and abel do especially prove that thing . at length , if tartar should so intimately grow in seeds , that after many years from generation , it should cause hereditary diseases by materially separating it self from the whole ; surely that tartar should not so soon be separable by the magnet or attraction of a vvoman , seeing , if any thing be separated from the seed , it is a gas , diametrically opposite unto tartar : for if the womb should separate any thing from the seed , that should happen by drawing : but such is the condition of drawing things , that they draw for themselves and unto themselves , and then cease : but if the womb shall extract for separation sake , there shall now be no fear of an hereditary evill , because the womb hath a power of serving that which is hurtfull . lastly , although diseases shall come by degrees into the place of exercise , yet they were never materially thorowly mixed with the seed , after the manner of tartar ; that not tartar , not a gowty chalk fore-existed in the seed , but that diseases derived from the parents , do lay hid in manner of a character , in the middle life of the archeus , whose seal doth at length under its own maturity of dayes , break forth , and frameth a body fit for it self , and so is made the archeus of a disease , together with every requisite property of the seeds : for a disease also , is a natural constitution proceeding from the seed , consisting of an archeus as the efficient cause . it hath otherwise rustically been thought in the schools , that diseasie bodies do materially conflux unto the generation of hereditary defects . it also contains an idiotism , to exclude a disease out of the number of natural agents , and corporal beings , seeing the matter also ( which they say is diseasifying ) is now and then obvious to the finger , if it be thorowly viewed by the eyes . if therefore a disease be now reckoned among the beings of nature , why should it not be established by a necessity of its own seed ? it is rude phylosophy , that tartar had been from the beginning in the seed , and that after thirty whole years , it should begin the first principles of a cream , and should meditate of an increase , and as it were a particular republique for it self , and that wholly without the direction of the seed . god made not death , nor therefore hath he connexed tartar unto seeds , as the matter of diseases : for if so stupid errours should happen unto the seminal archeus , the ruler of nature hath already forsaken the rains of the same , and mankinde shall shortly go to ruine . also that saying of paracelsus is absurd , that not so much as the spirit of wine doth want its own tartar : for although it should be circulated for the space of an age , yet it shall never in very deed separate any tartar. for paracelsus , who never saw or found that tartar of the spirit of vvine , will therefore be credited in his own good belief , no otherwise than as elsewhere , where he thinketh , that water , as oft as it hath ceased to be seen , doth wholly depart into nothing , and that something is created anew : for it doth not follow , a salt is made out of the spirit of vvine , it receives a coagulation in the salt of tartar , therefore the spirit of vvine doth contain tartar : because although every coagulated thing , should be tartar ( which it is not ) yet those bodies do not contain those things which at length are made of them : to wit , milk is made of grasse , of milk arterial bloud , and from hence the seed of man ; yet grasse doth not contain a man in it self , as neither doth grasse contain cowes milk. therefore he bewraies his own idiotisme , because he will have every coagulable body of what sort soever , to be tartar : that is , whole nature to be tartar , for the introducing of the cause of diseases also out of the most refined liquors : for even as if he had been to have said , that the matter of a disease is taken from created bodies ; but what then had he made himself besides ridiculous ? doth he not the same thing now ? while he tieth up every body , as well that which is coagulated , as that ever congulable , under tartar , to finde out the cause of a disease ? for what new thing doth he bring which before was not known , besides the name of tartar ? hath not galen known , that the material cause of diseases is coagulated , or coagulable ? therefore by the name of tartar , he hath at least dazled the eyes ; seeing coagulable bodies do not assume a hardness elsewhere than from the appointment of their own seed ; but not after the manner wherein vvine and lee do strain themselves together in acting . first of all , these things do resist the holy scriptures , and his very own position , which teach , that diseases have come into man from sin , and the position , that tartar was sprinkled on the virgin nature : and by consequence , that before transgression , bodies had their creams in them , and not from tartar : for he had found in the history of nature , if not an idiot , that no liquor doth undergoe a coagulation by virtue of tartar , but from the intention of the creator shining forth in the seeds : and therefore whatsoever is condensed , is a new generation ; but not the ripening of a fore-existing tartar : for else there had been tartar not onely in meats before sin ; but whole nature had been nothing but a disease , and the cause of death a punishment before an offence , and death had arisen from the creator . for paracelsus elsewhere thorowly weighing , that favours do remain in the thing transchanged , wandering as yet farther off , thought , that essences do not die , that they are not corrupted , lastly , that they are not transchanged ; but that they remain safe in the dungs of living creatures ; and he perswaded himself , that where no , or perhaps the slender footsteps of favours did remain , that their antient essences also remained safe ; being badly instructed by the schools , that the same accident did not wander from subject into subject : and so if he had been pressed , he had denied also the the transmutations of things : for he would have fruitful fields dunged , because that the essences of vegetables being safe in the mud , as knowing no death , should sub-enter into the roots of things sowed : being no more mindful of his own doctrine , wherein the dung of living creatures is deprived of every property of the composed body , and is onely the last matter of salts : but elsewhere he will have the dung to contain the most especial matter of the tartar , and that in this respect , the undunged fields of bohemia do yield lesse tartarous fruits than those which were fattened with a stony , or earthy juyce or food , or at length with the dung of living creatures , wherein indeed abroad in the air in a long race of years this earthy sumen or fattening juyce doth voluntarily melt : because this sumen-soil should produce a tartar in herbs , more wild and rockie than dung so often re●cocted and refined into the matter of salts : in which respect , some filths do wash out of towels like soap . and paracelsus hath grown to that insolency with his tartar , that as oft as any thing did gnaw the bladder , or bring on the strangury or pissing by drops , he presently nameth that thing , a chalk or lime , a frosty tartar , or any such like thing : as if lime , and tartar were now sunonymalls ! as though any thing could be calcined in the middle of the urine , without burning ! as if lime did not presuppose the matter whereof the stones consist ! seeing there is not ashes which was not before a coal . finally , he acknowledgeth also the tartar of marrow , not to be coagulable : but how knew he this tartar , which he could never see ? for he will have himself believed in all things , who knew most perfectly the beings , and all the properties of the microcosme : but why doth he now call tartar a being not coagulable ? but that all diseases , will they , nill they , may obey his fiction of tartars ? for i being a christian , could not admit of microcosmical dreams , as they have been delivered by paracelsus : that is , by literally , and not metaphorically understanding them , which sense or meaning , doth alwayes banish it self from the history of natural things : neither do i suffer his tartarers : but according to the same paracelsus i will say , we must believe no man [ in that ] which he cannot prove by the fire : and therefore i may not consent that lime is burnt in us , as neither that tartar is bred in us , because tartar is not to be acknowledged but in winy liquors : but that the matter of tartar doth remain from generation to generation , through the shops of the digestions , i reject it as a fable . chap. xxxii . nourishments are guiltless or innocent of tartar. . physitians at this day do by little and little accustom themselves to the doctrine of tartar. . an argument against tartar. . the tartar of a disease should not be a creature . . the thistles and thorns not to signifie tartar. . two womb sisters in nature . . by what means the transmutations of solid things may be . . an unbelieving invention . . an impossibility , some impertinences . . the unconstancy of paracelsus . . a frivolous thing . . absurd consequences upon the position of tartar. . the archeus prepares matter for himself , while he doth not finde the same . . the errour of paracelsus about the idea of the microcosme in bread , about anatomies declared in meats , and medicines . . other absurdities . . some notable things against the tartar of meat . . manly age is lesse subject to worms . . a stone growing to a tooth , hath deceived paracelsus . . hence another fiction hath sprung . . the aforesaid assertion , and some absurdities are discovered . . some absurdities concerning the stone of a tooth . . a frivolous thing of paracelsus . . what a dental or tooth-stone is . . it s birth and manner of making . . the family government of the teeth . . teeth have their age. . why cold is an enemy to a tooth . . an errour about the hardness of stones in us . . why the stone of the reins doth at length arise pale . . the unconstancy of paracelsus . . the neglect of the same man. . an instance brought on a maxim. the more refined physitians do so by degrees go back from the humorists the schools , that with paracelsus , they now ascribe almost all diseases unto the one thing , tartar : wherefore it hath behoved me to decypher the beginnings of my repentance , and how far youthful and inconsiderate credulity hath in times past seduced me . in the mean time , seeing the counsel of judgement doth spring forth from the understanding , through the grace of god , with a free choyce of the assenting will , i will not compel any one . every one may uncompelledly choose , as much as the free gifts received of the truth , shall shew themselves in the understanding . i likewise being also greedy of the truth of nature , although a dull searcher , began to meditate , if there be any tartar in us , with a property of subsisting ; to wit , all or every digestion being neglected and finished in us by the retentive faculty , of re-assuming a cream against our will ; that shall be either miraculous or supernatural , or plainly natural , or deceitful , or divelish ; which although it be not above nature , yet by reason of its unaccustomed order in nature , it is sequestred into a peculiar rank : but whatsoever doth subsist onely by art , seeing essential forms are secluded from the power of artificers , the artificial being thence arising , doth not fall under a medicinal consideration : therefore from a sufficient numbring up of parts , the aforesaid division of tartar is commended . again , although tartar were diseasie , and thus far besides the intent of humane nature , yet it should not be in its own entity besides nature ; seeing every material being is enclosed in the bosom of nature : therefore whether tartar be supernatural , or meerly natural , at least it should be a creature : therefore tartar should be created from the beginning , seeing none is read to be created forthwith after sin , neither any matter to be formally transchanged by the curse : therefore the creator had made the punishment before the fault , and death in the matter : which resisteth the truth , and text. after what manner soever therefore tartar be taken , it was not created by god ; and therefore it is not any wise created . indeed the seeds of thistles and thorns were promised to the first husbandmen , not that thenceforth through the curse , a new creature in all nourishments should be transchanged or immingled into or with tartar , which it had not been before the fall : for the curse had gone before the sin , and the punishment had been brought in before the guilt : for paracelsus ought to have known that there are in nature two sisters of the same womb or mother , among tangible things ; to wit ; resolving ; and coagulating ; which do mutually receive each other by course . for a liquor waxeth solid , and solid things do likewise melt : because that successive change is a law written in the stamp of bodies . for truly a solid body is never transchanged into another body , but it is first reduced by resolving into its first matter , which is the liquor , to wit , which it had before it was coagulated : neither must we believe that there is any body at this day , whose matter was not created from the beginning : neither was there after the first six dayes , any void thing in the body , which by a new creation of tartar following after sin , was supplyed : and much lesse , that god had created tartar in us for thistles and thorns , which our first parent and capital transgressor , had not much more principally , originally , and capitally felt , and by consequence , likewise all diseases , which paracelsus deviseth to arise from thence ; seeing god is not an excepter of persons ; but a just and severe revenger for every one their deserts . lastly , very many things do hinder me to believe , that any tartar doth traiterously enter into us , and that although it be rightly subdued and transchanged by our digestion , yet that being afterwards mindful of its malignity , it severeth it self from the company of the good nourishment , doth retain its antient inclination of hurting , and its antient hostilities of coagulating : for indeed , although adam had not sinned , yet wine had not therefore been without tartar , milk without cheese , rivers without stones , and meats without excrements . surely , the emunctories of dungs were before sin , neither appointed , that onely after the fall they should serve for their uses . surely the tartar of wine it self , hath deluded this first inventer of tartars , being ignorant , that that tartar had proceeded from its creation , as a profitable and good creature , having proper ends according to the intention of god ; by how much the more , that the inventer of the tartar of a disease doth confess tartar to be more excellent than wine ; but excrements are not more excellent than the bodies whose superfluities they are : at leastwise , it is not reasonable , that a being should possess a great virtue , which it had drowned in nature , from the curse of sin : but if a body in as much as it is coagulable , is tartar ; now the whole universe shall not be free from this guilt , but it is the son of cursing , and not of creation . in the next place , tartar of wine is resolved by the boyling of water , and the water being evaporated , it again groweth together into a powder , which is now called a cream : but it being once subdued by our digestion , it is no more afterwards coagulated into a powder : for even as there is need of boyling water to dissolve ; so there is need of the digestive faculty to transchange . therefore he should be a physitian of wicked counsel , who should give tartar to drink , if it might again be coagulated within , and should traiterously adhere to the vessels : for if after absolute digestion , any thing should retain its antient force of coagulating , and thereby should bring forth some centuries of diseases , that thing by all prerogative , should be the very tartar of wine it self , under whose banner , the others have given their names in the power of paracelsus : but besides , the tartar of wine is not any more coagulated into its antient state , but it layes aside all hope of hardening , so that it cleanseth the stomach of muckinesses or filths : therefore much lesse could the tartars of meats do that . furthermore , if any tartar having entred out of the earth , into meats , should again retake the drawn counsels of a cream in us , surely that tartar first undergoing in herbs and lesser cattel , and so in meats themselves , the same lawes of transmutation , it being banished and separated from the same , had either been like tartar , or otherwise ; it had lost in them the wild nature of coagulating : but seeing it shall not exercise in meats that treason of hardening , neither shall it retain , or hath it the properties of tartar : after what sort i pray , shall it resume that in us , which at first when it was made an herb , or afterwards , when the flesh of cattel ? for how shall it forget its treachery , in its first transmutation into an herb , and afterwards in its second , into a beast , and should at first repeat it in us by its third transmutation , with pot-herbs , with milk ? but if it had been formally transchanged , and had lost the essence and property of tartar , while it did put on the vital spirit , and substance of a cabbage , grasse , milk , and flesh , and was truly made vital in these , the bruitishness of tartar being laid aside , how i say , and whence shall it finde in us its antient and unchanged principles of coagulating a diseasie tartar ? or if it shall not lay aside the properties of tartar , while it was made an herb , while chyle , cream , bloud , and at length milk , why doth it not shew it self an open enemy ? for neither doth phylosophy permit , that it should be both a tartar , and also a cabbage , or at length , living arterial bloud , and tartar also . wherefore , if tartar hath lost its own essence , and departed into a strange one , it could not have retained its own , and much lesse , rather have passed in us from a privation unto a habit , than in herbs , than in bruits : at length , if there be real tartar in things , surely that should be persevering through all the transmutations of a body , nor suffering any thing by the powers of sublunary things , which should suffer nothing at all by so many transmutations succeeding each other , unless being taken by us alone : but this is absurd , to endow any thing with the excrements of perpetuity , which should not be familiar to their pure being : yea , either a field that is dunged ( rape roots springing a fourth time therein ) should bring forth fruits laden with no tartar at all ; or it is absurd , that at the third or fourth turn , tartar should even manifest it self , before it be hidden . moreover , if every growing or increasing thing should have a proper and unseparable tartar in it , that in us onely , but not in the milk and bloud of bruit beasts , tartar by an appointment should be made ; it should needs be , that tartar began from the beginning of the creation , and not from the reproof of sin : but if tartar should not be in other creatures , but onely in us , now its original should be supernatural , and no disease should be natural ; but every disease should arise from a miracle ; and our digestion should be viler , and life shorter than that of the vilest little beast , whereof to wit , there is a digestion unto a true transmutation , and in respect of them , all tartars of meats do remain miraculously changed in its first matter : this i say , phylosophy destroyes , which teacheth , that a transmutation is never made without the death and decease of the former being , and the destruction of the terme , from whence , to wit , least one onely thing should consist to be in two terms or bounds at once : for that the juyce of an herb may be made venal bloud , the essence of the arterial bloud of the herb must needs first perish , with the properties of its own archeus , and for this cause also all tartar to perish in every transmutation of things . vvhat if stones in cherries , peachies , medlers , peares , &c. be the created tartars of those fruits , surely they ought rather to have been brought on the stage of tartars , and into the causes of diseases , than the very tartar of wine it self , which is resolved in boyling water : also the medicinal schools should be wicked and pernicious , who do give the shells of those fruits to drink to their sick folks in manner of a powder , in as much as whatsoever should melt through our digestions , should contain tartar , and therefore should necessarily increase our stones . and moreover , tartar being granted for the cause of diseases , of necessity a kernel had before sin , been in a cherry , without a shell , and so every created thing after sin , had been forthwith changed , even unto the sciences and idea's of seeds , and had put off its former disposition and figure , and should presently increase from the curse , and not from the virtue of the blessing , increase and multiply . therefore are the shels of those fruits vainly adorned with so great a grace , are sealed by providence , and do keep every where a specifical sameliness , if they are the off-springs and reliques of excrements or tartars , if they are not the appointed works of seeds ; but the accidental structures of tartar . so also thorow the stalk of a cherry ( surely a small thred ) a liquor should passe , the future tartar of so great a hardening , which had never grown together in the stalk or body of its cherry , but onely about the kernel : and moreover , the appointment of nature is rather and more prime about the skin , and shell of the cherry , than about its winy juyce : and so nature should intend an excrement , before the thing it self : but in us , onely by the co-touching of the teeth , tartar should straightway wax hard : also tartar should exceed in a notable knowledge , because it being taken , doth not yet wander thorow the plant , nor also while it being chewed by a bruit beast , is it wasted or grinded ; but being in the possession of man alone , should be formed into tartar , but elsewhere it will not , or knowes not how to be coagulated : truly if in fruits , tartar doth not follow its own appointments ; but first , onely in man ; i can scarce believe , that this command was enjoyned it by god , while it enters into us in manner of meat : but rather , if any thing of meats doth degenerate within , from the banishment of that which was accustomed in nature , let that be our vice , not the vice of things great with child of tartar : but if tartar should lay hid in things , the errour should be in the archeus , from the ignorance of the lawes of his own nature . let that be an absurdity , to wit , to deny that through digestion , the thing digested and transchanged from the former visage and inclination of its seed , can be changed into the nature of the digester : for indeed by one onely and homogeneal juyce , four hundred herbs , and as many diverse trees are sumptuously nourished : not indeed that from that similar juice that is separated for wood , which containeth more of rozin , and a stronger cream , and as many separations of the same juice of the earth are made , as there are diversities in the aforesaid plants : far be it : that is unworthy of the archeus , who hath fully known the office of his own life , and hath obtained means for the perfecting those things which are to be done by himself in the matter subjected to him : for not any thing is separated from the seeds , for a root , stalk , leaf , flesh , bone , or brain : the diversity of members is not drawn from the truth of a simple liquor , for the archeus wanteth not a little , and unperceivable diversity thereof in seeds , on whose power every interchangeable course doth depend , and of which fore-existing disposition , indeed the archeus himself is the principal and one onely workman , to wit , from the same vulcan the diversities of things do issue forth , no lesse than the properties of diversities ; for else the archeus should not be a transchanger , but onely a ripener and cook . for was not wood a juice in its beginning ? and so a meer herby liquor waxed hard by a seminal virtue , but not by a fore-existing hardnesse in the matter . that also of paracelsus is absurd , that although material dispositions , the causes of heterogeneal members , do not actually exist , at least wise there is a spiritual humane idea in the bread , without which the food should not be turned into nourishment : and this idea or image he calls an uttered anatomy , and he boasts that it is visible by art : i think that in the same bread there might be thus together , the idea of a sparrow , a carp , a swine , an oxe , a dog , an horse , an ape , &c , which idea's should pierce the humane one , in the same morsel of bread , so that paracelsus did not shew always an humane idea , but now and then he offered a swiny one ; unlesse a spiritual separater were present , who might remove the other idea's as oft as he will , from the humane one , to wit , who makes himself appear visible in an humane idea to whom he will. away for shame , with serious trifles in healing . furthermore , a bean being set or sowed , the bean presently comes forth to light , neither hath it lost its heterogeneal parts to be propagated into a root , stalk , branch , and leaves : but a thing separated being granted , which should be made in the seeds of things , according to the varieties of parts to be constituted ; therefore how much more curiously hath the archeus watched over tartars to be separated from the meat or food ? nevertheless , if any tartar be granted in the food , surely that is never sent into the veins ; but when it shall be converted into a true chyle , that is , after that it shall cease to be tartar : and therefore coagulation being taken away , it is no more a tartarous matter , otherwise the whole universe should be nothing but tartar. for a certain young man loosing with us from cales , sailed eighteen whole dayes , even unto bilbo , and he did eat daily , not lesse than as much as he had eaten in six dayes on land ; but he went once aside on the ninth day , and again on the eighteenth day to unload his belly , but his excrement scarce exceeded the bignesse of two eggs : whence i infer , that so great an heap of foods was changed and consumed into juice , straightway to be blown away in nourishing : if therefore his meats did contain tartar , and that young man should not expel this by excrement , he had of necessity been sick ; seeing indeed tartar is not digested or turned into good arterial blood ; but according to the lawes of tartar , it being snatched into the veins , ought to have been coagulated ; yet he lived in health above four years after : therefore the tartarous trifles do fall to the ground . again , a man being made not a little lean by a more durable disease , recovered ; but he could not abstain from much meat , because he was exceeding hungry ; neither yet cast he forth thorow his bowels the sixtieth part of the food taken : so that whatsoever he is wont lately to deject by excrements , did then repair his flesh : for so a more strong stomach doth easily coct even the harder meats without hurt , or remembrance of tartar , which meats notwithstanding , the archeus separates abroad , as a true excrement , being lately become more sloathful than himself ; to wit , he sometimes is luxurious within , while with threatnings to himself , he corrupts with a superfluous delight , those things which otherwise are unhurtful unto him , and banisheth whatsoever lesse pleaseth him , although it be full of juice : for whatsoever he will not overcome , that he is not intent upon , doth not attempt , but repelleth from him , and condemneth : but as much as he doth not resolve in the shape of a transparent liquor , but leaveth troubled or besmeared with colour ; all that he leaveth as unprofitable , to run down in hast : but that which is fully resolved , being fit for himself , he chooseth , retaineth , and suits with a conformity , draws it inwards , and entertains it within his own possession , being then stript of the inclination of every cream , and it borrows that inclination from the archeus of the members that are to be nourished : but so much as the archeus hath once despised , it is either a superfluity in it self , or it presently becomes such , for a repulse ; but whatsoever he hath once repelled , that he hopes will never be assumed again afterwards . therefore it is manifest , that if meats are not changed into good venal blood , that happens through the vice of digestion , but not for the sake of any tartar : for a more slow and delicate digestion doth loath all things , as it were with much huckstery , and reserveth but little to it self from much meat , though full of juyce ; but it despiseth the rest , being affrighted through the abundance , no otherwise than as being enraged by its own unaptnesse or drowsinesse : for i remember , that a cock being filled with wheaten bran , expelled the brans whole by excrement , without the floure of the meal ; but that he being by and by pressed with hunger , again ate up the ejected brans ; and in his second dung , that all the bran returned into a liquid excrement . whence i have learned , that if any thing among the excrements doth appear lesse bruised , or changed , that is not from the vice of tartar , but from the errour of the digestive faculty : vvherefore also i have conjectured , that manly age is lesse subject to wormes , than old age , or childhood is : for one onely bread in this is almost wholly reduced into blood , which in the other departs into an excrement . likewise , the venal blood is made a bone , flesh , liver , gristle , &c. and it undergoes various hardenings , not for the sake of tartar , but of the transchangeative virtue of the archeus . therefore finally , we are constrained or cannot admit of any tartar in meats ; for that hath deceived paracelsus , because he saw● yellowish stone to grow to the teeth , which although it neither had its like elsewhere in the body , nor abroad in the world , yet because it after some sort answered to the stone in the bladder , in hardnesse , he rashly affirmed this stone of the teeth to be the tartar of meats : moreover , to be the harder , by how much the neerer it should be to the meats , and mouth . lastly , he thinking that nothing of a meaty tartar did belong to the bladder , said , that the stones of the reins and bladder are onely the tartars of drinks , not of meats : and to be fitly of that property , that it was the harder , by how much the farther it proceeded or went from the mouth . surely an elegant devise , which he also imposed so much the harder on it , by how much the longer he persevered in it . for he plainly shewed therein , that he neither knew the original and matter of tartar , nor of stones in the kidneys or bladder , yea , nor of the stone of the teeth : and therefore he also hath rashly brought tartar for to be the father of any diseases , which things surely are here more largely to be explained . first of all therefore , i will suppose ale or beer of the best and wholsomest water , ( to wit , rain-water , and refined from all suspition of tartar ) and heavy , to be made strong , and to be drunk by one inclined into the disease of the stone ; verily notwithstanding , this man shall not therefore be free from the stone , because his drink hath nothing but a meaty matter , but not the tartar of drinks . vvherefore if paracelsus hath not dictated fables , that ale or beer could never supply matter for a stone : yea , the tartar ( which he feigneth ) in comgrain , should lose its meatie property of coagulating it self afar off , and should assume the property of the tartar of drink , by the onely coction of it self : and by consequence , that the same thing should happen unto bread baked with fire , as also to other meats ; and the aforesaid rule of paracelsus should be onely for raw meats : so that he which eats onely boiled things , should not be apt for a stone of the tooth : as if he who drinks pure distilled water , should not be subject to the stone ! which thing paracelsus himself denieth concerning frederick the emperour , abhorring tartar : and he will also have drinkers to be subject to tartarers , by pure water , and boyled , because water once boyled , easily putrisieth : therefore putrefaction , in respect whereof tartars do decay , shall now be made the mother of tartar , which one onely thing otherwise , is wont to be the enemy of coagulated things : as if indeed decoctions , or the broths of fleshes , should either not be subject to putrifying ! or unwholesome , as being boyled ! or that tartar in waters not boyled , were instead of a balsam : why therefore doth paracelsus prescribe preservatives to be chewed with every food , least the drink wax tartary , if this hath lost its tartar by boyling ? or if water shall suffer nothing by boyling , why doth he say that it is unwholesom ; soon putrifiable , and the cause of a stinking breath ? but if urine be made of drink , through a sufficient mixture of meats ; how therefore will it make the stones of the reins and bladder out of the tartar of drinks alone , and not likewise out of a promiscuous meaty tartar ? doth he perhaps intend to say , that none doth pisse solid meats ? but that is a folly , if it be spoken in earnest : but if he will have that to be a property to drink , that it makes tartar so much the harder , by how much the father it shall be brought down ; yet then likewise he shall badly distinguish the tartar of drinks against the tartars of meats , seeing ( if there were any ) the tartar of the meat should be as alike well immingled , as the tartars bred in drinks : for what journey or delay should drink give to tartar ? or what shall this obtain for its hardning by running down ? for truly the stone is not coagulated by heat , course , or digestion , ( as shall be made manifest in its own place ) but from the seminal root of its own internal coagulation . therefore it must needs be , that tartar should lesse exactly inhere in meats , than in drink . first of all , ale or beer contradicteth this , which although it consist of a water not tartarous , yet it begets stones , and the stone of the teeth , no lesse than simple water . secondly , waters do contradict , which in falling , do at any obvious thing presently wax stony , and so much the less , by how much the farther they shall decline from their spring-head . vvherefore , seeing at the time of digestion , separations of superfluities do happen , which digestion doth want a flowing water ; surely the drink should under the first narrow examination of digestion , put off every stone , and that which is most exceeding hard and sincere , and the tartar should hang too loosely in meats , which by chewing onely as soon as may be , should fasten it self to the teeth , and should separate it self from the meats wherein-it had lurked before through so many circles of years , and metamorphoses of forms , in plants , beasts , milk , &c. but i pray , what separating faculty is there in the teeth , which through a naked , mill-like bruising of the meats , should not onely draw the tartar out of meats in healthy persons , but also may be for the severing of the grosse from the fine , and the hard from that which is less soundly durable ? but if this do not happen by the severing and election of the tartarous parts , then the whole meat should be of the same condition , and whatsoever is of the meats , all that should be suitably tartarous : thus far therefore god made death , and all things whatsoever he saw were not good . if all meats are tartars and excrements , why likewise do not earthen pots of the kitchin affix to the tartar of the teeth , unto the thicknesse of some fingers ? and while it is stinking and smelling after the manner of the teeth ? for how shall the tartar of meats being separated from the meats by biting , be able to be affixed in biting , if the teeth do cleanse and moisten themselves by biting ? yea , that tartar should equally grow to all the teeth without exception , because all things do equally concur , to wit , the teeth , meat , and chewing . but many have their teeth free from being invaded by that stone ; for besides the ethiopians , whose gums do end into a sharp point upon their tooth , these especially do not easily fasten a stone to then teeth . but on the contrary , whose bloody gums do swell , do end into an obtuse or blunt one , and are badly joyned to the teeth , such a stone is often co-heaped on them . prince radzvil tells , that he hath observed a thousand jaw-bones of dead carcasses in egypt , seasoned now for two thousand years with a mumial balsam : and that he found none whereunto a tooth was wanting , that was rotten ; or lastly , black : for such is the goodnesse of the climate , for the teeth , and their brightnesse , which surely it punisheth another way ; because there is scarce a third man in the same place without bleareydnesse , or a notable vice of the eyes . lastly , if such should be the property of the teeth , that it should separate such a tartar from meats ; now the teeth of all should be altogether equally beset with stinking tartar : and likewise if any co-chained order or row of teeth , and that deteined with the hand , should be led or held by bruised meats , even the meats with that order should be bruised as it were with a pest , and the row should be so much cleansed by washing , as one onely draught being profesly taken doth rince our teeth for us , yet never any stone should grow to those teeth , and much lesse that which should stink like a stone of the teeth , because it is that which makes the breath to stink . and then to him that hath a fever , who eateth or cheweth nothing for four dayes space ; a muscilage is not therefore wanting to his teeth , which at length becomes a stone ; yea , he hath it more plentifully than one that is well in health . therefore it is manifest , after what manner the muscilage becomming a stone first about the roots of the teeth , where they do appear without the gumme , can be the tartar of , meats : and then , that meer drink should readily cause the same hardnesse which he feigneth to be proper to the tartar of meats . next , another who eareth nothing , and that drinketh by a cane through the defect of his mouth , palate , tongue , jawes , &c. and therefore cheweth nothing , and so touching not any nourishment with his teeth , yet he daily affixeth a stone to his teeth , no otherwise than he which eateth . likewise , after every repast , although the mouth and teeth be exactly cleansed by washing , yet in the morning a new stone and stinking muscilage is conversant about the teeth , which at least could not have remained of the meat , and the which , if it should be the tartar of meats , this should also be as often diverse , as there are interchangeable courses of meats ; which the carthusians have , the same , and alike smelling , as the devourers of flesh have . likewise they who are fed with simple bread , and apples , have it no otherwise than those who do eat bread , and likewise cheese ; even those irish , who live by trifoil or three-leaved grasse ( which they call ciambrock ) instead of bread and water : with the norwayes , who are content with raw and dried fish ; all do agree in the same stone , except a few of a more happy disposition . therefore it was a frivolovs thing to have founded the invention of tartar for diseases , out of the tartar of meats , by reason of the tooth-stone , which certainly in the first place doth not issue from a dreamed microcosmical property ; because the macrocosme shall never in chewing affix a stinking stone to its teeth . if therefore the stone be not from the tartar of meats , neither surely shall it also be from the tartar of drinks ; because seeing it is that which seldome toucheth at the teeth , it swiftly flowes thorow , and should sooner wash off the same tartar , than apply it . therefore i will shew from whence the tooth-stone may have its matter , and efficient cause ; because it will afterwards as yet be certainly manifest , that the reasons of tartar are vain . therefore it is an undoubted truth , that the tongue is cloathed with a fimbrious or seamy coat like unto whole silk ; and if it shall wet any thing of the meat , or drink in the mouth , that this is conteined within those seams or hems , until they are filled up with the same moisture : yet that is not any tartar of the meats , or drinks , as if it were a coagulable body separated from that which is not coagulable ; but it is foundly the whole substance of the meat , which perhaps became wet by the spittle , and is deteined within that whole silk . and moreover , that filth being shaved off from the tongue , yet it doth not attain the hardnesse of a tooth-stone , with whatsoever lukewarmth it may at length wax dry : it stinks indeed , yet not altogether , by reason of the cadaverous smell of the stone of the teeth : for if presently after feeding , the tongue be shaved or scraped with a file , or rubbed with a more course towel , in the morning indeed thou shalt again scrape off lesse muscilage , but not therefore lesse strongly smelling . the like thou shalt find concerning the teeth . understand thou therefore , that this ballast of the tongue doth spring , not onely from the meats , but also from the spittle and superfluity of the tongue : for if the meat that is deteined in the hollow of a tooth , the same excrement whereof is drunk up in the coat of the tongue , hath remained there all night , it breatheth forth a far more stinking vapour , than the aforesaid shaved muscilage of the tongue : so also between the gums and the cheek-bone , how clean soever thou shalt wash thy mouth after supper , every morning a certain white muscilage is co-heaped , which being wiped off from thence by a towel , and dried on it , doth smell with a proper stink : therefore by an oblique passing thorow the matter , i will give notice , that this muscilage of the tongue is the special cause of the difficulties arising in the jawes ; consequently also , those that are subject unto these evils , to have freed themselves by a frequent filing , or scratching , to wit , as after every meal or time of feeding , and in the morning , they do claw their tongue : for truly the tender and neighbour parts abhorring this muscilage , when it puttifieth , do wax wroth through a horrid contagion on themselves ; therefore they do kindle a thin inflammation , by reason of the presence of a guest that is a foreigner unto them . but that tooth-stone is not the son of the spittle or meats ; seeing neither , nor indeed both of them together , can ever be coagulated into such an hardnesse , and much lesse into a smell so stinking , infecting ten thousand times every day the whole air of a stinking mouth and breath . i have long since admired with my self , that a generation or birth , so frequent , strongly smelling , and manifest , hath remained unknown for so many ages , and by so many wits of men : therefore , as being afraid , i sighed ; what therefore would the schools act about more abstruse or hidden things ! i will shew what the mistris of things hath taught me : in the mouth nothing is conversant , besides spittle , meat , and drink : but the tooth-stone is of none of these , but in its first rise is like a white snivelliness , which on the morrow becomes of a pale-yellow colour : thence at length it growes to the teeth into the hardnesse of the stone of the bladder , from whose gums it begins to be of a clayish colour , and in the teeth oft-times manifest with black spots , yea , and makes the tooth to be rotten and black : so that the most hard and dry thing of the whole body , that is , the tooth , doth also most speedily putrifie . i have known indeed that the muscilage of meats , and the spittle , did grow together , but never into the consistence of a stone . for which cause we must note , that the tooth is nourished , not onely in its bottom and root , but also side-wayes from the gums themselves ; gums themselves that are bloody , or lesse sound , are witnesses , which do not fitly to-here unto the teeth , because they forthwith from the beginning of their indisposition , do leave pits or little trenches at the tooth that is badly nourished , and do tinge the tooth with the blacknesse of their out-hunted venal blood . then lastly also , because the tooth is of a most acute feeling under the gum , which out of it , it wanteth : therefore in so great a livelinesse of sense , the tooth lives , and therefore also is nourished . therefore the excrement of the gums , as it was of prepared venal blood , for the nourishing of the tooth ; so also it hath received some kind of limitation , or power , of a tooth-like hardnesse : which excrement surely of the teeth , when as it hath drunk up the muckinesse of the meats and drink , it straightway also hastens to harden unto its appointed hardnesse . for that which i have said in my book of the disease of the stone , concerning the stony seed , and so of petrescency or the manner of making in stones ; that also not incongruously doth totally agree to the tooth , for the framing of a tooth-like stone : for it once received the seal of a cream , and seed of a stone making for the tooth , the which , although it were already made a superfluity , it as yet reteined ; not indeed , that it might therefore be tartar , but from the determination of the archeus , whereby it had been already appointed for the making of a tooth . but a spear-like gum is there a sign of the most perfect health , or foundnesse , and therefore it scarce createth a tooth-stone : for the gum co-touching with the tooth , even unto the end of it , doth not admit the tooth to bring forth excrements , but preserveth the tooth : even as a tooth being bared of gums , doth easily ake , doth putrifie , and affix a stone : for the eyes do weep forth a liquor , which in the morning in the eye-lids , looks like amber , and the which by the germans is for this cause by way of similitude , called [ augstine ] or austine . but the excrement of the eares , like unto a yellow oyntment , is a great comfort in the pricking of the sinews : therefore it hath not been an unaccustomed thing for the teeth to produce an excrement , and this a strong smelling carcase resolved out of stinking bloud : for the muckiness cast on the tongue from the meats , is dried , neither doth it wax stony , unless it shall be admixt with an excrement which doth unsensibly break forth between the tooth and the gum : for as that is the excrement of the tooth , it had drawn a limitation of hardness from the beginning : and so it being grown to the tooth , it deceives with the shew of a stony crust . i have observed also a tooth to grow even unto the fortieth year , with a true growth : for that which is opposed to the tooth pulled out , through the penury of attrition or grinding , doth exceed its own rank , and enters into the opposite rank , even unto the aforesaid terme : therefore a tooth , after it ceaseth to grow , scarce wanteth nourishment , or but little ( because it is a substance scarce capable of diflation or blowing away ) ; then therefore the gum is fruitful in more superfluity , snatcheth somewhat more of nourishment , becomes bloudy , and being swollen , is presently lessened , and becomes as it were rotten : for from hence is there often tooth-ach , rottenness , hollowness , and putrifying , especially in those whom a little after due season , they do in youth suspend their growth : therefore the teeth , as they do live in a peculiar family-administration , so also they have their own ages , which i thus remarkably distinguish . for the tooth which after a mans eighth year doth shew forth the clearness of dark or thick glasse ( which from the colour of milk , artificors call lattime ) or of a snail-shelt , is a young one ; it is a white colour , bright and polished : and then by degrees it waxeth pale : presently afterwards it becomes dully white , as it were ivory ; it is the youth of the tooth : then afterwards it becomes obscurely pale , as is seen in those who swoon , & in deceased virgins ; and this is its manly age : and at length it waxeth palely yellow like a bone , and looseth its former brightness ; then doth the old age of a tooth begin : for so much as a gristle differs from a membrane ; but the tooth-ach is frequent , while the gum decreaseth , and the tooth is of a bony colour : but last of all , a rotten , hollow , black , wormy and strong smelling tooth , is the frail or declining age of that tooth : therefore cold is an enemy to the teeth . for it hastens their old age : the greyness of hairs doth argue the old age of the same , even besides the old age of the man , and one hair waxeth grey long before another : so also one tooth waxeth old before another : whence it is plain , thas every tooth doth live in his own quarter . southern people have brighter teeth than northern ; because they enjoy a more bountiful air for the teeth : the teeth of children before the seventh year of age , do easily feel rottenness , because they are driven out of their ditch by another growing up , are deprived of nourishment , and loaded with a tooth-like excrement : therefore the hurting , or anointing of the teeth is to be esteeme● 〈…〉 the annoyance of the gums : to wit , from the plurality , and bruitishness of 〈…〉 : no otherwise than as the brain being hurt , doth heap up very much muck , 〈…〉 other part being discommodated , many dregs ; so the teeth and the nourishing parts of these , if they are hurt , do thrust forth not a little of a stony , and stinking superfluity : but because that excrement is not so much the superfluity of meats , as the excrement of man ; therefore all nations have very equally a stinking tooth-stone , which doth circumvent paraceljus , and hath increased the suspition of tartar in us . hence therefore it is manifest , why of the same urine , the same stone doth first grow together a● brickle , in the reins ; and afterwards in the bladder is most exceeding hard : not-indeed , because there is tartar in the urine , which by how much the farther it slides down , by so much it is the harder : that is a childish thing : but surely every stonyfiable juyce hath its own determined , and not a forreign hardness , from the virtue of its own seed : for this juyce being oft-times mixt with a matter not becoming a stone , waxeth greatly hard : suppose though rie meal doth not become a stone ; but being at length resolved into dung , it fails in rottenness or a worm : notwithstanding , if it be joyned to lime which is conjoyned with its saud , it affords a stony , and not perishing morter : so likewise the bladder at the time of the stone being its guest , weeping out the muckiness of its own nourishment , doth also co-mingle it with the stonifying juyce of its urine , affords a hard stone to the bladder far different from the disease of the stone of the kidneys . wherefore the reins also being vexed with a stone of long continuance , do no longer produce a reddish and sandy stone ; but a whitish and hard one : to wit , when the superficies of the substance of the kidneys being wasted , the fibrous parts , and seedy or spermatical stuffe or threds do supply a white co-like muckiness , from a spermatick alimentary juyce : wherein , it hath no lesse been erred hitherto , than if thou shalt say , that rie meal is of it self stony , which borrowes that from an adjunct , which it had not from it self : therefore the muscilage in the stone , is not phlegme ; but a spermatick nourishment separated under the burden , being not of it self stonifyable , but onely by its adjunct : for thus in distinguishing causes by themselves , from causes by accident , sufficient ones from co-assisting ones , primitive causes from transplanted or derived ones , we come down to the knowledge of the thing . for paracelsus doth for the most part ascribe the hardness of bodies unto feigned tartars , but elsewhere , all hardness to be from salt or from one of the three things : however , both together cannot stand , seeing one of the three first things doth not subsist as a beginning , nor without the fire : also if it should subsist , it should differ from tartar , as it were a principiating material cause from a formal effect . so i have sufficiently and over-proved , that neither of them is true : for it hath hitherto been unknown , that all bodies are materially of water onely . indeed paracelsus had seen mettals , and wood to stonifie , and to be immediately reduced into a salt ; yet he knew not that the hardness of things , as also their solidity , compactedness , and weight , is not from the nature of his thorowly taught principles ( because they are those things which are demonstrated to be non-beings in the nature of principiating ) as neither from a material virtue elementarily ; but onely from the appointment of the seeds . therefore i collect two things ; one is , that paracelsus is unconstant to himself touching the coagulum or curd of bodies , and concerning tartars : but the other is , that the maxim of aristotle falls to the ground ; that for which every thing is such , that thing it self is more such : for although hardness do proceed from the seed , and its appointments , the seeds ought not therefore to be harder than the things constituted : for the archeus , which disposeth the bones to their hardness , is not therefore harder than the bones : yea neither are the means directed to the end , more hard , solid , or compacted than the things constituted : for aristotle being readily inclined unto maxims , brought over his experiences from artificial things into nature : therefore hath he every where slid in nature , because he being wholly ignorant of nature , doth miserably quarrel . chap. xxxiii . tartar is not in drink . . some suppositions proved before . . that tartarers are not in things constituted . . three monarchies of things , whence a threefold stone . . it far differs from the tartar of wine . . the stone in man is made from errour , but not from the intention of nature . . an argument from the like , is not of value . . some arguments taking away tartar out of drink . . an opposite argument . . the rashness or heedlesness of the schools . . two histories . . the boastings of paracelsus . . the swellings in the neck or kings-evill , are not from tartar. . wine is innocent of humane tartar. . whether stony or rockie waters do contain tartar. . whence there are strumaes or swellings in mans neck , and not in that of bruits . . a remedy against those swellings . . a remedy against scirrus's , and swelling pimples in the face . . a preoccupation or prevention . . a distinction by a maxim. vvhatsoever arguments do take away tartar out of meats , are like premises in this place : but seeing waters do immediately wax stony , the proposition is to be confirmed by a stronger engine . in the first place , i have taught , that every stone is immediately the son of water , but not of tartar : and then , that the concretion or growing together of every body is from the seed , but not from the law of tartar. thirdly , that the concretion appointed by the seed , is from the integrity of nature , and so from the gift of creation ; but not from tartar , which according to paracelsus , is nothing but the excrement of a thing . but a natural product is of its mother matter , but not of a step-mother ; and moreover of a seminal or efficient beginning , in which , all the figures , idea's , and knowledges of things to be done , are . at length , the types or figures of tartars are not in things by creation , framed for our destruction , as neither a medicine of destruction in the earth : what therefore doth it make to the introducing of the nature of tartat into diseases , that a stone is the fruit of water , if the condition of tartar be not in a stone ? or that tartar is the fruit of wine , if there be no such thing in other things ? for what doth it prejudice nature , if the phantasie deluding a stone external , or the stone internal with a name , shall call it tartar ? and he weakly enough , and without proof affirmeth , that stones , and every solid body do mutually agree with tartar of wine in every property ? for truly that his own assertion is free , without truth and probability : for the stone in us is generated by another seed , mean , and progress , than tartar out of wine , or a stone out of water , are : to wit , there are three monarchies of bodies in the universe ; the animal , vegetable , and mineral : therefore there is a threefold stone , and that distinct in the whole monarchy : for a mineral stone differs from the case of the kernel of medlers , peachies , &c. and both these again from the stone of crabs , bezoar , snall-shels , fish-stones , the stone of man , &c. again , those three stones do also far differ from the tartar of wine , which is not to be reckoned among stones , seeing it is the concreted liquor of a salt : for a mineral is either a rockie stone , which may be turned into lime ; or a small stone , which is not calcined , as gems , marbles , flints : but both are now concluded in one onely name of petra or a rock : but a vegetable stone , seeing it is burnable , as the jeat or agath , otherwise also , mineral sulphurous stones , it is rather a knotty wood , than a rockie stone : but an animal stone is rather a stony bone ( because it is partly burnt ) than a rockie stone . also for distinction of the stone of man from other stones , that is by paracelsus called duelech : because rockie stones , as well the mineral as vegetable ones , are fruits , natural , necessary , and of the first intention in creating : but duelech is onely a disease , and like to a monster : but in other enli●ened creatures , the stone hath obtained a profitable appointment . whence it is made manifest , that although waters do beget a rockie stone ; yet that they do not therefore follow the essence , seed , and manner of generation out of the tartar of wine : for duelech after sin , doth from a diseasie excrement , but not from the intention of nature , nor from a rockie or tartarous matter , but by accident , to wit , through the errour of the faculty , breed a diseasie seed , through the necessity of a connexed agent : wherefore i do not admit of tartar rather in drink than in meat ; but if it be potentially in wine , that comes to passe by the necessity of a connexed agent , and by accident ; neither can it have place of exercising forces , or actuating in us , to wit , that by a power , a potential tartar may be actuated in us ; and therefore i do not admit of a tartarous generation in drink , appointed by god for our destruction : for what if bones are found in the flesh , and the seeds of a mineral rock are stablished in the waters , shall therefore the seed and immediate matter of bones be in fountains ? or the seed of a mineral rock , and its immediate matter , be in the flesh , or venal bloud ? if not in the venal bloud , then neither therefore in drink and meat : for death is not the handy-work of god : and god saw that whatsoever things he had made , they were good ; as well in his own intention of goodness , as in the essence of the creature : therefore there is no matter in the waters , which was created to stir up the tragedy of tartar , or a duelech in us . moreover , if there be any evil now , or that may come to passe among the digestions , surely that is not from the creation , appointment , property , efficient of matter , and the finall intention of the creator ; but doth issue wholly from our errour , and the corruption of nature : indeed such things do happen through a received importunity of forreign seeds , a defectuous transmutation of nourishable things , or a not sufficient severe expulsion of hurtful things . tartar fore-existing , and being solved in the drink , if it were so , verily it should by its appointment presently wax corrupt in us , before digestions , putrefactions , and resolutions , neither should it expect the counsels of coagulating into the last passage of the urine : and the same should rather stonifie equally in all : notwithstanding , seeing the stone doth not grow up in the drink , but onely in the excrements , by the admission of the salt of the urine , and the assistance of other co-workers ( even as abundantly in my book of the disease of the stone ) it is presumed , that duelech doth not consist of a fore-existing tartar of the drink ; which is made plain by a handicraft resolving thereof in the fire : for duelech being distilled , the glasse-vessels also being shut , doth produce a stinking oyl , lastly , the spirit , and chrystals of the salt of the urine , being such kinde of things as are allured out of mans urine by distilling : for it is certain , that the stomach , bowels , veins , liver , and kidneys , do not generate duelech or the stone in man , of their own nature , much lesse do they continue the same , and as yet much lesse of a prepared and fore-existing tartar in drinks : for else all likewise which do generate mans urine , and in any man without exception , no otherwise than as little stones do grow in crabs without exception , should procreate duelech : but duelech doth wax stony from a seed , being at length generated in the urine by a transmutation of a matter : that seed is so prevalent , that although one subject to the stone , drink nothing but distilled water , he should not therefore cease to generate duelech . but they say , red wines do generate very much sand in those subject to the stone , therefore they do contain a sandy tartar : therefore not onely in those subject to the stone , but in all altogether , they should bewray a sand ; but seeing that thing happens onely in defectuous persons , hence it is made manifest , that the sand is not made by way of matter , but some other way : for truly the stomach of those that are defectuous , should separate the sands before they should come down to the kidneys . the ignorance of the schools hath arisen from hence , that they know not , or do not thorowly weigh , that many things are made by transmutation , which were no way materially within : for truly , none but a ridiculous man will say , that bones are in grasse : this dispute will cease , when i shall shew that duelech is formed of things far estranged from coagulation : for neither doth it follow ; some wines do contain more of the spirit of urine , or of a volatile earth ; therefore they contain the stone tartar , or therefore the tartar of wine doth materially generate the stone of man by its separation of it self . ginger brings forth much sweat , therefore ginger containeth very much sweat materially : for the schools do give their judgement after a rustical manner concerning the things of nature , not knowing , that many things are brought to passe by the endeavour of the efficient of transmutation , i say , by the seed of the thing coagulating , and at the time of the operater's transchanging : which works are never due to matter , nor to their heats , and feigned combates of the elements . for i have seen two that were twins , educated also by the same nurse , and meats , the elder whereof was subject to the stone , the younger not so : for the milk did contain no more of tar●●r the one , than for the other . likewise the childe of a certain governour or chief ruler , being born of two healthy parents , had three healthy brothers and sisters before him ; but being nourished onely three moneths by a nurse that had the stone , he underwent lithotomy or cutting for the stone , once at seven years , and then again at ten , and thirdly , two years after ; and the last time , he gave up the ghost under the knife : these two histories at least , happened not from the coming of a forreign tartar. seeing therefore there is not matter , existence , truth , knowledge , necessity , or consequence in things taken , which may square themselves unto tartar ; paracelsus hath to braggingly boasted , that he first found out every cause of diseases , that he was the chief monarch of secrets and medicine , and that by this his own invention , he hath accused others of ignorance : but moreover also , that he did discern by the tartars of countries , to what diseases the inhabitants were subject : for if there never were tartar either by creation , or from the curse , which may be the original of diseases ; surely its a frivolous thing , that he hath searched into the same by distilling , and hath found that which never was . indeed he had seen great stones to be generated in the bottom of waters : also that in stiria , subaudia , valesia , horrible strumaes or swellings in the neck , did with a miserable spectacle , deform the shape of man : and he being deceived , hence he concluded , that from the tartar of waters , there were stones , strumaes , and consequently every stopping thing : for he was badly ignorant , and that for the destruction of his followers , that all things do arise from seminal agents , and that it is granted to them to bring over the matters subjected unto them , according to the appointments and ends of the seeds : for indeed although some drink be more hurtful to those that have the stone ; yet that is neither tartar , nor doth it from hence contain it , neither is any thing of the form of tartar co-thickned into duelech ( as i have taught in its place ) but it is the work of that which operates , whatsoever is in the waters , by an actual seed , unto a rockie stone or bole. but if there be any thing in wine , it shall be as to the lee , by it self , but as to tartar by accident ; but not as to duelech : for thou shalt ask in vain , whether waters in distilling , are potentially made a rockie stone : for rivers and springs do teach that without labour and expences : but of wine , a rockie stone , or tartar is never made , & much lesse duelech : neither shall also the plurality of lees or dregs accuse tartar : as neither the stone : because duelech is of another family than tartar : hence , by how much the richer vvines are , in tartar , they ought to be so much the more healthful against duelech , if tartar , otherwise , be given to drink for the cleansing of filths . i agree indeed , that rockie waters are of a wild disposition , of a mineral condition , and the causers of undigestions , as they do contain strange or forreign things : but they do not therefore materially contain duelech in them , altbough they do occasionally destroy digestion , do imprint a rockie middle life : whence the enfeebled vegetative faculty of man puts on that wild inclination : but that makes nothing for the author of tartars : for truly , it is a far different thing to be made stony occasionally , from a stonifying virtue of the middle life of things , imprintingly and sealingly introduced into the archeus : and to be made to have the stone from tartar melted and resolved in waters , which at length in the period of dayes , may re-assume its former coagulation in the drinker : for this latter to be in nature , i deny : but the former i affirm to be among ordinary effects . but as concerning strumaes or kings-evil-swellings in the neck , and swelling pimples in the face , many think that they proceed from mineral waters being drunk ; also paracelsus , from the use of waters of an evil juyce or disposition : but i could wish according to the mans own doctrine , that he may shew by the fire those evil juyces in waters , whose property it is to be coagulated onely in our last digestion , nor elsewhere than about the neck or throat-bone : but i know that he never found in waters such a tartar : therefore he may be condemned by his own law , wherein he gives a caution , that none is to be believed , but so far as he is able to demonstrate that thing by the fire . i confess indeed that there is in the water a middle life , whose property it is to stir up the archeus , and to infect it in the exchanging of good nourishment ( but not of a forreign tartar existing in it materially ) into a rockie hardness : but unto strumaes a matter is required , which by the property of its own archeus , may be bred to stop up our jawes , and as it were to strangle us , and that without the tast of astriction , or an earthly sharpness or harshness ( for otherwise this tast sticking fast in the bosom of the matter , being ripened by the first digestion , dieth ) and which being transchanged into nourishment , and retaining the antient virtues of the middle life , performs its power more about the throat , than elsewhere : which power being left to it by an heredicary right , in nourishments , and from hence in the venal bloud , doth convert the nearest nourishment of solid bodies into a rockie excrement , which goes unto the throat by a strangling faculty of the directer . and i narrowly examining that thing in germany , have found mushromes to be strong in the aforesaid poyson of strangling ; and that those do often grow out of the root of a fountain the fir-tree , and pine-trees , in steep rocks , toward the north , where black agarick , an heir of the same crime , is often in the trunk or stem . i have learned therefore , that the whole leffas or planty juyce of the earth is there defiled with a mushromy disposition : therefore i have believed that hard swellings of the neck are bred by the use of herbs and waters , which have drunk in this sort of leffas . furthermore , that an archeal power of the middle life in things , doth beget strumaes , but not a reviving ill juycy tartar of the water , the thing it self doth speak : for otherwise , a struma should bewray it self no lesse in the bottom of the belly and liver , nor more slowly , than in the throat . for river or ill juicy waters do not respect the throat , nor should promise so great hardness : not surely should the hard swelling of the neck or throat dissolve by an astrictive and earthy remedy , whereby i have many times seen very great strumaes or hard swellings of the neck to have vanished away in one onely month , and the strangling suddenly brought on people by a poysonous mushrome , to be cured : which remedy is on this wise . take of sea-sponge burnt up into a coal , ounces ; of the bone of the fish sepia burnt , long pepper . ginger , pellitory of spain , gauls , sal gemmae , calcined egg-shels , of each ounce , mix them with the stilled water of the aforesaid spongei , and let it be dried up by degrees . take of this powder half a dram , with half an ounce of sugar , the moon decreasing , that it being melted by degrees , may be swallowed : or make a lincture or lohoch . it shall also disperse botium or the swelling pimp●● in the face . others for want of the sponge , did take the hairy excrescency growing on wild rose-trees , very like to the outward rhine of the chesnut , rough , and briery or hairy : the powder of which alone , they did use succesfully . likewise i have used an unction in strumaes , and schirrus's ; of oyl of bay ( not adulterated by hogs-grease ) ounces , of olibanum , mastich , gum arabick , rosin of the fir-tree , of each ounces ; distil them , then distil them again with pot-ashes . if therefore the hard swelling of the neck , or a hard scirrhus elsewhere , should grow together from a forreign tartar , it should rather wax hard by hot remedies , neither should it be so easily dissolved : therefore the struma is a defect of the archeus the transchanger , and not through the coagulation of tartar : even as concerning duelech or the stone in man , i have more clearly and abundantly demonstrated : for the archeus transchangeth every masse subjected unto him , unless being overcome by a more powerful middle life , he shall give place : therefore the strama is of good venal bloud , on which , a strangling power of the middle life is felt . and botium or the swelling pimple of the face , a remedy being taken , perisheth , which is not for dissolving a rockie matter , if it were of tartar brought over thither : otherwise , it is altogether impossible that tartar ( if there should be any ) should conceive a breathing hole of our life , be made lively , be co-sitted to the members , and be admitted inwards unto the last digestion , & conceive a ferment of the arterial bloud , but to be discussed or blown away by an unsensible transpiration ; as also schirrhus's bred of vital venal bloud , the aforesaid remedy being administred . but besides , the contention is not about the asses shadow : for truly it is not all one to have denied tartar to be materially in meats and drinks , and likewise to remain throughout the shops of the digestions , and therefore at length to be coagulated in miserable men ; and it is far remote from thence , to admit of a thing in us , to be transchanged out of a good cream , chyle , or venal bloud , into an evil one , by virtue of the middle life transplanting the directions of the archeus : for as there is one order of generation ; so also is there every where another of fore-caution , and healing : therefore there is no foundation , truth , appearance , or necessity of tartarizing : for which way doth it conduce , to devise tartar to be the stubborn prince of coagulations , which oweth his birth to a fiction ? for truly the dispositions , coagulations , and resolutions of things do depend on their own seeds . duelech is made no lesse of the purest meats and drinks , than of those lesse exact , if the middle life do badly season the archeus . and then , which way is it convenient , to render meats and drinks which the lord hath judged good , infamous through a tartatous treachery ? i suppose indeed , that it was invented by tartar hell , or the infernal , when satan did now conjecture , that there would speedily be a banishment of humours out of the schools of medicine . and indeed , seeing every thing is dissolved by the bursting of the bonds which tie the same , it helpeth to have admonished , that coagulated things are not made in us by drying up ( the gowty chalk excepted ) ; neither by tartar privily existing in us : surely much lesse from a stony and limy condition of the microcosme : for that chalk after the attained thickness of the sunovie or degenerated spermatick muscilage , is afterwards by degrees dried up : even as elsewhere concerning the gout . after another manner , even as any schirrhous thing , and likewise a bole , clay , muckinesse , sand , and duelech , are in their beginning coagulated and resolved by seminal beginnings , and are far otherwise solved and coagulated , than if a stubborn and unchangeable tartar of any kind of things , had of its own free accord yielded a foreign curd in us . it is a sophistication , to have accused not the cause , for a cause , or to have neglected the cause , as not the cause , which sophistry , if it be wont any where to bring on great straights : surely in healing , as great as may be , full of dangers of life , and damnation , as also of dammages : for one doth well digest , and difficulty separate , but another doth successfully expell , and troublesomely digest . lastly , a third doth briefly digest and cause meking ; but doth vitiously transchange for himself under the command of a foreign seed . therefore it is one thing to chastize a forreign impression of the middle life ( which consisteth in the concretion or growing together of the thing digested ) & it is another thing to expel or separate that which else being retained , would hurt . and that is contained by dissolving and expelling . finally , if there should be any tartar in things taken into the body , ending at length into a stubborn coagulation , which it had treacheroufly brought inward with it , it should every where even contain a desperation of healing : and in this respect a medicine of destruction in the earth had been framed in nature from the beginning by the lord of things . last of all , tartar is not in meats , as neither in meaty drinks ; but in the water there is indeed a seed of small stones , but that stone is no more tartar , than a rocky stone is bread : wherefore also from a stonifying seed , the presence , or power of tartar can in no wise be concluded . likewise , although in superfluities or degenerated venal blood , there be a power unto a duelech or schirrhus , yet not unto tartar ; and much lesse that there is tartar naturally as well in the blood , as in superfluous excrements : for whatsoever is bred by accident from a foreign and estranged seed , and by a metaphor , by reason of its coagulation , is likened unto salt coagulated in wines , is onely by an abusive alienation called back unto tartar : for nature hateth metaphorical and poetical liberties . therefore tartar is not the internal occasional matter of diseases . chap. xliv . an erring watchman , or a wandering keeper . . the schools nod or doubt concerning the four humours . . the authours repentance . . a position , with proofs . . what muck or snivel is , and in what sheath it is generated . . who the keeper in the terms proposed may be . . the unexcusable necessities of the keeper , hitherto unknown . . it is proved , that snivel is not the excrement of the brain . . the brain is from thence concluded to be most miserable . . the vanity of diseases dedicated to a catarrhe or rheume . . snivel is not made of venal blood . . an argument from a like suitable thing . . from the pose , or distillation of the head . . from the likenesse of the other bowels . . from the supposed doctrine of the schools . . from the identity or samelinesse of the archeus . . from anatomy . . from an absurdity . . from the necessity of stoppage . . from the constitution of the brain . . from its scope or aime . . from experience . . the rashnesse or heedlessnesse of the schools in a matter of so great moment , and so plain , is taken notice of . . that the excrement of the ears is brought forth by a vapour . . a necessity of watchmen or keepers . . it is proved by the pose . . by hoarsnesse . . by coughs . . the keeper is an unheard of power . . the schools thought both powers to be a certain distemper , even in healthy persons . . a diversity from other powers is proved . . the testimonies of the keepers . . a stuffing in the head , or descending rheume is never healthy . . the cough is examined . . a wandring keeper . . a dry cough . . the difficulty of curing , from whence it is . . the remedies are taken notice of . . the rashnesse of the schools . . remedies out of sulphur . . a twofold asthma or difficulty of breathing . . the difficulties of healing . . the use of the keeper . . the erring watchman of the wind-pipe is the more destructive one . . snivel differs from a spitting by reaching . . that the keeper differs from the other faculties in the brain . . that the diaphragma or midriff is pory . the schools pointing with the finger at the muck or snivel from the brain , and the spittle of coughs , have said , behold , phlegm is one of the four constitutive humours of us . and afterwards they alwayes subscribed to themselves . that boldnesse in wantonizing increased , being confirmed by the prescriptions of so many ages , and subscribed authorities of schools : as if the brain had consumed the three other supposed and feigned humours for the nourishment of it self , phlegm onely being excluded , although most like to it self , and otherwise , according to the minde of galen , most fit to be totally transchanged into venal blood . also sometimes the doctrines of the four humours being forgotten , they have sent away the same muck or snivel , no longer as a phlegm , or a snivelly phlegm , but as a superfluity of the brain , being as it were a banished enemy , a superfluity resulting from digestion . it hath deservedly shamed them of that their own doctrine , because they have acknowledged snivel to be an excrement of the last digestion , but not any longer a humour produced in the liver , as it were one part of four of venal blood : for an excrement resisteth a vital humour . therefore they do oftentimes nod , and stagger , and doubt again , while they do promiscuously point out a snivelly man , ( to wit , from that dung and diseasie affect ) to be phlegmatick , and afterwards they thereby measure and divine of his strength , wit , manners , and fortunes . in the mean time , the beginnings of the schools are unfortunate , which from an excrement known to themselves , do denominate the essence , existence , properties of phlegm , of elements , and the constitutive humours of us : for the phlegm which about the beginning of a pose , doth rain down out of the nostrils watery ( as they say ) and thin , after some dayes is made thicker , and yellow , because it is thickned by a daily cocture of heat : as if perhaps for full forty years , without the corruption of it self , the scull being empty , it had exspected a thickning as its chiefest good ? nor otherwise being more thin , should it finde chinks enough for utterance ! these dreams do not deserve reproof by argument , unless by a serious credulity , they had translated the method of healing into the destruction of mortalls . i confess indeed , that at the time of my young beginnings , i believed , that snivel , if it arose not from one of the four humours , at leastwise , that it was an excrement of the digestion of the brain : but afterwards , through a more liberal diligent search , i declining from the schools , began to observe , that in summer i seldom cleanse my nose , but in winter very often : notwithstanding in either station , i through the grace of god , do enjoy a brain and its fruitfulnesses or operations , alike strong at both seasons : for i moreover considered , that my winter venal bloud is alike lively with that which i make or digest in summer : ( for the life according to the holy scriptures is placed in the arterial bloud ) and that the digestion as well of my brain , as of my other parts , is alike wholesom , because compleat : which things should not be on such a manner , if the brain should daily draw out at least four ounces of an excrement , and therefore sixteen ounces of venal bloud , for the onely nourishment of it self , and the abundance of so great a quantity of phlegm ( to wit , besides that which hath remained in the nourished body for a pledge of nourishment ) which ounces , it should otherwise in summer leave in the venal bloud : or if they do suppose that to be made by a more exact digestion of the brain : or if they had rather to have the brain , by reason of the injury of a winter air , to be badly disposed ; and which way soever it be taken , the snivel must needs be caused at least from some indisposition : therefore not from the abundance of phlegm , and so from the vice of the liver , as neither from a more exquisite separation of vvinter phlegm , and the neglect of summer phlegm . neither in the next place doth that indisposition happen through the vice of the brain , as not of the venal bloud : for that resisteth the position proposed . therefore that very thing doth spring from elsewhere : for if those superfluities should remain in the venal bloud , or brain , in summer-time , which are otherwise , expelled in winter ; a place should be wanting for the entertainment of the phlegm which was collected in the whole summer . hence i lay it down for a position ; that the snivel of the nostrils is more watery , and plentiful , and therefore there is a continual cleansing of the same in winter , but not in summer : whence it followes , that that thing is caused by reason of an untemperate station : which if it doth occasionally hurt the digestion of the brain , that shall be , either throughout the whole brain , or in its lower plain , whereby the cold strikes : if it be offensive throughout the whole brain , all the functions of the brain should be hurt together with it , the imagination , the discourse , &c. which is false : for it should denote a superiority of the encompassing air over the spirit , the fountain and ruler of all functions : and then the snivel ought to be made , and to descend from all the intimate , connexed , and least particles of the brain , and not onely from those which may immediately be shaken by the entring air. whence it is manifest , that snivel is onely an excrement of the lower parts of the brain , degenerated from the totality or wholeness of its nourishment , before it could nourish : but that it is not an excrement surviving from the last digestion , which they affirm to be dispersed in manner of a dew , by the least pieces , into the solid parts : for this also doth equally exhale in manner of a vapour , no lesse from the brain , than from the whole body . if therefore snivel be naturally stirred up by external occasional causes , and hurtful seasons , and hath its effective cause about the plain of the brain , which way it toucheth the air , but not from cold ; for that would sound that the brain were conquered , overcome , and its powers as it were extinct ; therefore the matter of snivel ( which i shall teach in its place , to be the matter of the liquor latex , and also of nourishment ) is converted for a good and ordinary end : which conversion of that matter , seeing it is natural , is extended as it were a coat of mail on the part stricken by cold . and seeing the matter is vitiated through the injury of the air , surely it doth not adhere , but doth distil a continual drop of water : therefore i call this effective power of snivel , the keeper : which thing , to have thus now supposed , let it be sufficient . furthermore , the the excrements of the paunch , and bladder , are indeed the superfluities of the whole body , and of the parts wherein they are made and do grow , they being superfluous and unprofitable , from within themselves : but sweat , and an unsensible eflux , are superfluities now made in the last digestion , and expelled after the utmost discharging of their ends . but snivel is of a neither kinde : for it is made by the keeper onely , provoked indeed ; but he is that , which that he may defend and oversmear the part , doth thus change the more crude juyce , and also the venal bloud ; and that changing of the same is plainly natural , ordained to a good end , as long as it ariseth from a well appointed keeper . truly i do also greatly wonder at the drowsiness of the schools for so many ages : that because they saw the snivel to distil thorow the nostrils , therefore they suddenly by an undoubted statute , decreed , that the same was nothing else besides the excrement of the brain : yea whatsoever is thrust forth by spitting and cough ( because the likeness of colours deceived their eyes ) they dictated it to be nothing but a descending excrement of the brain : for neither have they once by the way enquired ; if it be an excrement of the brain ; therefore it ought to be the remainder of the last digestion : when indeed the arterial bloud , after that it is made a nourishable humour , and distributed in manner of a dew , throughout the equal masse of the brain , should not indeed be consumed in the same place , although now first being assimilated to the substance of the brain , and being expelled , should depart thorow the pores without any remainder of it self , by an unsensible transpiration , but altogether by a diverse or strange kinde of defilement , after that it had put on the condition of a spermatick muckiness ( for we are nourished of those things whereof we consist ) the snivel being as it were recalled from the remote windings of diversity of kinde , and being collected at length into its cup-board , nigh the nostrils , should be expelled : for they which touching at the uses of parts , have so greatly provoked themselves to the gummy itch of a well-pleasing laughter , have not indeed once touched at what should be the cause of so great an abuse in this digestion . because , if an excrement be a superfluous part of digestion : should an old man consume more arterial bloud in his brain ( because he cleanseth out more excrement ) than while he was young ? is therefore the arterial bloud being now half cocted , and vital , then at length corrupted into a similar substance of sperme ? and being thereby on every side recalled from the remote or far scattered places of the brain , is it also collected by the least atoms of reliques ? are these things thus daily performed in healthy persons ? and is an estranged corruption of the arterial bloud , together with the enjoyment of health ? wherefore hath not the same thing happened to the rest of the bowels , which hath happened to the head ? what if three ounces of snivel be daily expunged , hath there happily remained a tenfold quantity of good bloud ( to wit , forty ounces for the brain , and as many at least for the other parts ) that it may there be co-sprinkled in manner of a dew ? for by what priviledge , or by what necessity doth the lawless brain rejoyce , being a bowel so noble , that it should endure a daily slaughter or ruine of its own family-government , without hurt ? the confusion of corruption and alienation ? after what sort in the middle way of transchanged venal bloud , shall the brain wander unto a spermatick and vital muscilage by so ordinary an exorbitancy , and should be corrupted by the errour of digestion abounding ? for was not the use of another thing even thereby made manifest , and the necessity of that which is not yet known , which might not return backwards from on every side out of its hidden and least cells ( to wit , in the likeness of the identity of the substance of the brain it self , and of a digestion capable of equality throughout the whole ) corrupting by an ordained motion , it s own & proper nourishment , with the same force whereby it had entred , that it now departing into an excrement , it might be ad-united within the cup-board : for if that thing do happen in the middle of digestion , or for fear of labour ; now that cannot but bewray an unexcusable corruption , native to the brain : or if that doth happen in the end of digestion ; for besides the diverse kinde , and as well the same and ordinary rule of so alienated a digestion , and now also the course and tract of the venal bloud into the remotest and similar parts of the brain , and the re-course of the excrement from the remainder being left of arterial bloud ; the pains of the brain should be altogether vain , its digestion cruel , its errour intolerable , and its daily labour foolish . for if any of these things be true , i suppose the brain to be the most miserable cottage of the whole body : to wit , to want a greater nourishment , the troubles and labours of the brain to be more intensly increased , whereby the force , efficacy , and digestion of the head is the lesse , slower , and sluggisher : for what had compelled the brain thitherto , which while the more vile parts do rightly digest their nourishment , and do well disperse the whole into air ; that the onely and miserable brain , through so plentiful a deluge of snivel , had alienated its own and lively nourishment . i as yet pass by the trifles of catarrhes or rheums , raining down with so large and continued a shower , into the breast , and the whole habit of the body : for after what sort shall the chief powers remain safe , which they will have to abide in the case of the brain , while there is so great a rumour , confusion , and so abundant a diversion of digestion , to wit , a tumult of muscilage returning , and arterial blood going expresly to the corrupting of it self ? but it hath not been once thought even hitherto , whence so great plenty of snivel should proceed : but the schools have slept epimenides dream or sleep , being as it were fed with lotus or a feigned tree ; so that they may treasure up a little advantage from their credited catarrhe : for neither is ordinary snivel from venal blood . and that thing the schools might have easily taken notice of , if they had not been accustomed in subscribing to trifles : for truly , from great thirst a large quantity of drink doth presently bring forth a pooly muckinesse in the throat , instead of spittle : and so the diseas●e affects of the throat do presently thicken all spittle : and therefore the faculties , which from the use of their necessity , i call the keepers , it s no wonder if from the whole race of our reeds or pipes , they do naturally allure unto themselves another liquor besides venal blood , ( which i therefore first do call the latex , and will describe in a particular tract ) and adopt it into their own borders , to wit , no more unprosperously than the kidneys do separate the urine from the venal blood , and draw it unto themselves . for i do here thrust in the urine , because it is not an excrement of the reins , as if it should be the remainder of the nourishment of a kidney , or a committed errour of its digestion . therefore i give the same judgment concerning snivel . therefore , in the pose , as long as the evil doth mostly rage , and the north wind is more fierce ; by so much also is the snivel the more watery , yet under an equal digestion of the brain , and the health of the senses , as well internal as external . therefore the thicker , tougher , more sparing , and more yellow snivel is praised about the end of digestion ( as they say . ) then next , i consider , that from our small brain , so great a quantity of excrement cannot daily be severed , by reason of the unaptnesse of nourishable venal blood : especially , because the liver doth bring forth no excrement from it self , or from its owne nourishment ; yet is it nourished , and the like fortune of digestions and equal weight of excrements ought to grow on all the bowels proportionable . at length , i remember that the nourishment of the solid parts are made , with the transmutation of the whole venal blood into nourishment , without a separation of the pure from the impure ( because it is that which should be too troublesome for the bones , sinews , bowels , &c. ) neither do the solid members therefore yield another excrement in their nourishing , unlesse , after that the nourishing liquor hath satisfied the hunger of the parts , the whole is equally consumed into a very transpiring vapour ; that is , there is not made an excrement of all the solid members , while nourishing is in making , but onely in its being made . indeed then the whole doth exhale , according to the consent of the schools . therefore , because the brain is held by the lawes of all the solid members and bowels , which the archeus prescribeth , there shall be no muck of the brain , neither shall it yield any other thing in the place of an excrement , than that which it wholly exhaleth by transpiration , after the manner of other members . again , an excrement is a relative unto digestion , which is made in the thing nourished , because it supposeth the same : but neverthelesse , snivel is not an excrement of the aforesaid digestion , or the univocal or simple work of the vital archeus should cease to be in the digestions of the similar parts . moreover , if snivel should be an excrement of the brain , it should be collected from on every side from the whole , and should betake it self unto a like cell , but not unto the basin : but a collection of the snivel , ( that is , of a common excrement , and of the whole brain ) from the unperceivable , and all the least parts of the brain , should be difficult , but that it should leave very many obstructions , &c. behind it , which neverthelesse do never stand in the way ; especially because the brain is nourished by a few and slender veins throughout its whole body ; neither doth a passage or channels appear , whereby the snivel may be derived . likewise also , the thorny marrow should in like manner have its own muck , and while it should endeavour to evacuate it , that ought to be done , either from above by the fourth little bosome of the brain , or falling downwards ( as a body otherwise fluid , when it is deprived of life , is born alwayes to fall down ) it should stop the common principle of the moving sinews , and especially because snivel hath the toughnesse of a muscilage , it should not be so easie a follower , but that it might alwayes leave from it self a sorrowful fear of stoppages . in the next place , snivel , after what manner soever it be taken , and stirred by a luke-warmth , doth never wholly fly away , or is unsensibly dispersed without its remaining dreg : but its vapour being assumed , it is plainly hardned into a tophus or sandy stone : and so an excrement of the solid brain , or from the whole similar part thereof , is unprofitable , yea unpossible . for it wholly resisteth the thicknesse of the brain , the which , seeing it is not open by pipes or channels , yet that it ought from on every side to be every where continually filled with a tough excrement . at length , by having respect unto the ends for whose sake every thing was made by the creator : surely , there doth not any aim appear , why th● brain doth prepare snivel as the superfluous excrement of its own digestion , and doth thus far make it self an out-law from the rest of the bowels : for the whole nourishing liquour is at length severed from the whole body by an unsensible transpiration , without any remainder of it self . seeing therefore there is such an evident unequality of snivel in winter and summer , that could not come from an internal foundation of mixture , but from elsewhere : and so snivel is not the dung of the venal blood , much lesse of the brain . for it happens to a man well in health , and sleeping , that he doth not eject any thing of snivel for eight hours and more : under which period notwithstanding , the brain finisheth a full digestion : how much more , because the natural faculties of the brain , as also of the whole body , do never keep holiday . therefore the snivel is not an excrement of a thing , neither is it made by the intent of a natural digestion , neither is it a forreign excrement collected here and there by the brain , and brought back into the basin its natural emunctory or expunging place , nor framed through the vice of digestion ; seeing that else the brain shou●● suffer a continual disease , and especially in winter . therefore the testimonies of the schools in the behalf of phlegm do fall to the ground ; and then their foundations of a catarrhe ; and lastly , those helps which are drawn forth by the method of healing , from both the foregoing particulars . indeed they have erred in the shewings of causes and remedies from the matter , efficient , beginning , place , conveyance , sliding or falling down of snivel . wherefore , we must fitly take notice in the first place , that healthy eyes have no excrements or filths . but that bitter excrement which the ears do sweat forth , is little in one in sound health , and it is exhaled in the last period of digestions , which is plain enough to be seen : for truly by how much the deeper thou shalt scratch within thy ear , thou shalt find so much the lesse of filth , as a sign , that it hastens outward in manner of a smoaky vapour : no otherwise than as the toes do collect their own moisture , bran doth grow to the bafin , &c. for indeed the air ought by every storm and coursary succession of tempests , to be immediately drawn inwards , as well to the lungs , as to the instrument of smelling . therefore the parent of things , suiting ends or bounds , and dispositions to their own uses and necessities , as it were to a direct mark , hath appointed one keeper beneath in the last confines of the brain , and another in the winde-pipe ; a power i say , before me , neglected , whose property it should be , that as often as the injury of an unexcusable air should rise up against either part , that it should as often oppose the snivel or muck , out of the latex , or more crude venal blood , as it were a garment , and as a partition against it ; against which , the raging air , the inclemency of its first stroak being partly laid aside , should wax mild , and partly conceive within it self the blemish conceived by the air , and should wash off the gotten brand , ( if happily any should be imprinted on the part by a sufficient quantity of snivel . and that thing is first of all w●itten on the distilling pose . for a small offence of the evening air , or a blast of a more cold north-winde , i suppose hath given occasion , that the keeper might object his own muck , which being exorbitant , besiegeth the spongy bone , through which the organ of smelling doth receive its odours ; which wandring and watery snivel , the keeper doth at first endeavour to wash off with a plentiful liquour latex . and then , when as this is made void unto him , he brings forth a more tough snivel , to wit , while the other is made more glewy in the ethmoides or straining bone . in like manner also , hoarsnesses do happen through snivel objected by the keeper . for the keeper being a delegated power , that he may break the injuries of the air , and fence the part from cruelty through errour , he doth now affect the wind-pipe , and affixeth muck on it for a co●t : then , as if it repented him of his errour , he first brings forth watery , and then glewie excrements , wherewith he intends to wash off the opposed filths . but that which i have now determined concerning hoarsnesse in the beginning of the throat , let the same thing be judged , if the trunk of the rough artery or wind-pipe be the more low or downwards beset , to wit , when as that which i but now before spake concerning hoarsnesse is cast out of the breast by coughs . therefore the snivel of the nostrils dropping down from above , even as also that which is ●●it out by co●●bs , doth take its rise from the keeper the faculty , an excrement indeed in it self profitable , but through errour of the keeper , hurtful . but i call these powers placed at both the solding doors of the gates of the air , keepers or watchmen , and oft-times erring or wandring ones , while by reason of a frequent strife with forreign injuries , the keeper doth not rightly execute his offices . yet the keeper is not to be numbred under the quaternion of faculties ( to wit , the attractive , digestive , retentive , and expulsive . ) because it doth not onely expell its own , but also frameth its own , and indeed onely excrements , which are not made by digestion , but by an abortive or miscarrying power . wherefore the schools have altogether neglected both these faculties prefixed before the doors of the brain , and lungs , and have dedicated both , onely to the brain , and have accused onely the distemper hereof , in those who are in the most perfect health . as long the keeper is in its right-strength , as a conqueress of the cruelty of the air , it overcomes : but when , by reason of its much broken strength , it cannot satisfie its first ordination , according to its desire ; it at least frames much snivel , that it may wash off the conceived blemish , in separating , about which it was not at first bruised . therefore the keeper differs from the digestive and family-administring property of the brain . and it happens that one is hurt , the other remaining safe ; which truth , sneezing medicines do discover unto us , which do , presently after the neighbour snivel being dispatched , stir up meer waterishnesses , most speedily brought forth by the provoked keeper ; so that at length , if the sneezing medicine shall be the sharper , fibers of venal blood do fall down with the thin muck , and a salt water waxing pale , is expunged from the red : according to the proverb , he that expungeth too much , doth at length draw forth blood . for the red blood beg●n to wax palish , which through the troublesomnesse of sneezing , was untimely drawn o● allured , otherwi●e it had been snivel . therefore the keeper doth first of all witnesse divine providence to have watched over both bowels , in so ready and frequent a necessity : also they do bewray the effects , not indeed of the digestion of the brain , and lungs , but of their own proper power , which neither brings forth diseasie effects , unlesse it wander from its mark . therefore it is false , to have said that a pose is healthy , as being the expunger or wiper out of filths : for the offices of both the keepers , and their errours , i have by the way already touched : now moreover , for the confirmation of the granted doctrine , i will explain the exorbitances of the wandering or e●ring keeper . as the keeper hath received its lievtenantship , chiefly by reason of the cruelties of the adverse air ; so it also moderateth the same , taking to it a matter obeying its functions , to wit , out of the masse of the whole , to wit , of the liquor latex , and venal blood : which doctrine , although it shew a novelty , and for that cause may carry difficulties with it ; yet the ignorance of ages is never able to prescribe to the truth . for first of all , a multiplicity of matter being drawn out under the errour of the keeper , sheweth the same not to be the excrement of the brain , otherwise sound and strong : therefore the instinct of preparing , speedy , ready , and diverse mucks , is raised up from ●lswhere . indeed the powers are for the washing of the filths off the atomes of the air , therefore placed at the doors or entrance of the bowels that are passable for air : surely all things proceed well , and orderly so long as the keeper doth not exceed its own limits : but seeing all humane things are exposed to ruines , where , as often as the keeper wandreth from its aim , presently , poses or distillations , hoarsnesses , coughs , &c. do invade us after a miserable manner . concerning the grief or stuffing of a distilled rheume or pose , i have already spoken sufficiently : now moreover i will speak of the cough . the cough ariseth from a feeling of that which is hurtful , troubling the wind-pipe from the beginning thereof even unto the bottome or depth of the lungs , to wit , smoaks , smoaky vapours , sharp exhalations , minerals , and likewise moist vapours , stinking ones , &c. at length , cruel cold overcomes the force of its inne , as if tending to the extinguishing of the vital guest . the cough therefore is an effect of the act of feeling : for as soon as the spirit implanted in those parts is grieved with a trouble lea●ing on it from without , the keeper presently performs his own office : for that unnamed faculty doth readily call to it as much out of the mass of the juyce latex , as seemeth fit for it , and transchangeth it into snivel , which in manner of a dew it thrusts forth unto the wind-pipe ; whereby the injury of the air may the lesse nakedly and immediately affect the solid p●●● it self ; but may break it self against the aforesaid coat of snivel . but alas i when either the outward injury is greater than that which may ●●ffer it self to be mitigated by touching , or doth more deeply strike the very substance of the wind-pipe , or lungs ; now the keeper stumbleth : neither doth it withdraw its aid onely from the late● ; but doth alienate the very substance of the next nourishment , and wander into a muckie glew : indeed so much the nearer to the immediate nourishment of the bowel , by how much it shall come deeper unto a colour of yellow , looking ruddy , and nearer to redness , and having slidden from that colour , it returns into its former colour , while it shall approach from a ruddy colour , nearer to the yellowness of chaffe , and from thence at length unto the similitude of the white of an egg. hence on the other hand , in hectick fevers , the snivel becomes bloudy , and assumeth the colour of the more dark ashes , while the very substance of the nourishment it self being transchanged , departs , and doth there shew forth a failing integrity of life : then indeed the stinking smell of a dead carcase beginning in the breath , doth bewray the faintings or doata●●s of the archeus of the lungs : therefore the snivel doth readily serve for a partition wall between the hurtful thing coming unto it , and the forces or strength of the inn : wherefore it hath a saltness brought to it as the prick of its expulsion , that it may provoke the feeling of the wind-pipe . and in the smallness of salt snivel , coughs are dry . but because old age is likened to a defect , and the lungs are first deficient ( as above ) hence coughs are natural to old age , as it were by property , and they are scarce silent , do scarce cease , or are restrained , woren-out nature not admitting a restauration : these things of the cough concerning the remedy thereof , nothing hath been dreamed of which may be profitable : for first of all they have given to drink the decoctions of herbs and colts-foots , but with what an unprosperous event , almost every house doth mournfully detest by its own law. at length , decoctions being lesse succesfully used , it hath made the physitian to meditate of tablets made or confected of sugar : lastly they have rece●ed into syrupes and lohochs , hoping ( i have shewen that to be ridiculous in its place ) that by swallowing slowly , the spittle together with the eclegma or lohech would slide down through the think of the voice into the vvind-pipe : nor having regard , that there would be a straightning of breathing , coughs , choaking , and expectorating , of greater misery , by reason of the admitting of a forreign guest , than the cough it self becomes , which stirs up such unhappy fictions of help : which things i have elsewhere on purpose opened at large . alass ! and a wretched remedy of fox-lungs hath also entred , whereby the poor living creature may bestow the power of his daily race , which living , he possessed , on sugar , after death : for the schools , and the dispensatories of these , have been wholly ignorant , that the lungs in only a sieve of brasse , neither that it doth bring any help at all unto the in-breathings of a daily motion : they are ignorant i say , that it affords no comfort to him that is lame , or hath the palsey , although be should daily eat hares feet , or stags-feet . at length , the root of chymists succeeded , who when they saw the ground where sulfurvive groweth , to wax dry and barren , ( but i call the vive or quick , naked sulphur , & that which is not exacted out of the firestone , or from elsewhere ) they likewise hoped , that snivel the off-spring of the keeper , was to be dried up by sulphur : which thing the schools hoped to finish by the flour of brimstone : therefore some have sublimed that from aloes , saffron , myrrhe , and burnt vitriol : but others afterwards tryed to solve it by lime , and alcalies , which they have ●amed the milk thereof , surely a stinking one : but that lost its credit , after that the milk , yea the yellow liquor of the sulphur being prepared with lime , vinegar being powred on it , the antient sulphur returned again unto it self . indeed they have covered the stomach with a various vifard , that they might restore the defects of the keeper placed in the entrance of the wind-pipe , and the apprehended blemishes of hurtful things : for so the hope of the sick , and the purse hath been divers wayes deluded . i deny not indeed , that sulphur fitly resolved , doth relieve or help the asthma or shortness of breathing : but that asthma is not the guest of the lungs , to arise from its proper epileptical passion : to wit , whither those sulphurs have not entrance : but the nest of that asthma is about the stomach ( which i shall teach afterwards ) which way also there is an entrance for the sulphur the helper : furthermore the saleable floures of sulphur are from the vein of brasse ; for the veins are burnt with a slow fire , that they may thence drive away the theevish sulphur : for else the sulphur would snatch a great prey of the brasse : therefore let every one who hath known why arsenick hath obtained the name of the fume or smoak of mettals , well consider the strength of that remedy . truly , the lungs doth speedily hearken to the destruction of it self , and there is a very difficult restoring of its sliding life : also the lungs doth scarce obtain help by nourishments , which have through so many shops of digestions , long agoe laid aside the endowments of their natural disposition , before they enter unto the lungs : and it is little , although they have reserved a small quantity of their antient odour from their own composed body , in then middle life : for that is unefficatious enough and unsuitable or unequal for restoring their weakness : and that is especially more manifest in the inn of the lungs , where the power of the keeper , according to his pleasure , doth retort , alienate , and corrupt its proper nourishments that are immediately to be assimilated or made like unto it : wherefore i have expelled minerals from this aim or scope ( except the greater secrets ) because they are those which neither have a passage to , nor have contracted a familiarity with the implanted archeus of the lungs . i have also examined the remedies throughout all their ranks or orders , and those vulnerary ones have promised singularities , which do appease the archeus ; next , which do divert from corruption , and hence do restrain the wonted furies accustomed to the wound : but not that i hope that those remedies can reach unto the lungs , or vvind-pipe in their former power ( even as i shall elsewhere make manifest more commodiously on purpose : ) but onely i did meditate , that although the defects of coughs were not separations of the continual , as neither that spittings were corrupt pus ; yet that a vulnerary potion is that which might afford a nourishment to the whole inn of man , of such a sort , that it might materially , and efficiently by it self , employ it self in restoring the exorbitancy as well of the archeus , as of the keeper . therefore there was a great necessity of both keepers to wipe of the inspired filths , which else being brought inward , would willingly affix themselves to the moyst sides of the ribs , and the breast would presently thereby in all its parts , be filled up with a clay : wherefore the snivel which should receive those opposite filths , ought to sweat out , as well in the entrance of the wind-pipe , as before the organ or instrument of smelling : snivel i say , and not water was necessary , because this would presently hasten drop by drop into the bottom : but the inward parts ought to be moyst , least through a continual in-breathing of air , they should chap or cleave asunder : therefore a certain distributive virtue ought to accompany the continual moysture , such as is that which dispenseth the spittle : i say a moderate , and slow or gentle moysture , ought to be borrowed out of the masse of the juyce latex , in healthy persons : but when as the keepers are ill affected , they do continually weep out part of their own nourishment , which they ought to assimilate to themselves ; to wit , it being diversly altered in the form of water , or also of a transparent , or thick muscilage , according to the variety of passions whereunto the keepers have hearkened . but the restoring of the keepers from weakness , is very difficult , and that of the vvind-pipe more dangerous or destructive than that of the nostrils , because it threatens a consumption , doth alwayes gape , and is molested with a plenteous air. at length , it never satisfied me , that the snivel of the nostrils , although not much unlike to the snivel of coughs , in colour , tast , and aspect , should be the same with that which is expectorated from the inward pipes of the lungs : for i could not perswade my self , that the same snivel should proceed from two bowels so diverse : ( for if it be the same and co-like , then that one onely snivel is not the superfluity of both bowels ) therefore , as the keeper being well affected , doth scarce produce any snivel , and that likewise according to opportunity ; so being provoked , it brings forth snivel according to its own indignation , and the property of the bowel receiving : to wit , a fury being snatched to it , it brings forth a salt , biting , sharp and stinking thing or quality in its snivel , exceeding a mean in quality and quantity ! for from hence are their gnawings of the vvind-pipe , and from thence consumptions and bloudy spittings , &c. for although an imposthume full of matter may bring forth divers difficulties of breathing , and straightnesses of the breast , yet scarce consumption-coughs : therefore i have thought these to spring from the hurting of the rough artery or vvind-pipe . but that the keeper doth not touch at the essence of the brain ; i conjecture from a strong young man , to me known , who morning and evening , hath daily undergone miserable spittings by reaching , for some years , he being in the mean time , strong enough in his brain , sinews , and muscles : but where one of the faculties is notably hurt , but the other not at all , they must needs be both divers in property and essences : wherefore also the keeper of the vvind-pipe , and head , do far differ . therefore the air , after that it is brought down thorow the lungs into the breast , and thrusts downwards the very transverse partition ( which is named the diaphragma or midriffe ) into a circular form , then therefore the diaphragma pierceth the pores thereof , and straineth the drunk-in air thorow it self : which thing , odours drawn by some nostrils , and at length returned by belching , do teach : for so the fume of coals doth provoke vomit , and doth sooner affect the stomach than the heart : yea the sent of a dead carcafe is felt about the stomach long after . so also a vvoman great with young , bearing 〈◊〉 a dead child , the very dead carcase smells in her breath . for that smell passing thorow her womb , and midriffe , teacheth that breathing is serviceable , not onely for the cooling refreshment of the heart , but for the whole body : so also from a pining fume , others have shewen that their stomach was tinged with yellowness by reason of smoaks : so also the stomach abhorreth the smells of loosening medicines received , although those very purging medicines are cloaked with sugar and spice , because it perceiveth the same odours by its own smelling : therefore if an odour doth proceed in a straight line unto the stomach , the air also doth . the plague it self being introduced by an inspired breathing , is forged for the most part , about the stomach : therefore vomitings , head-ach , drowsiness , &c. do accuse and shew the stomach to be affected . chap. xxxv . the image of the minde . . the fear of the lord is the beginning , and charity is the end of wisdom . . man was made after the image of god. . three ranks of atheists . . the authours wish . . the intellectual vnderstanding of the minde . . the intimate integrity of the minde , suffereth by frail things , without the passion of extinguishing . . the action of the minde is scarce felt or perceived in us . . the first atheists are scoffers at the divine image . . the second atheists have newly arose . . the atheistical ignorance of this is manifested . . the variety of vital lights . . the minde , how it differs from an angel. . an intellectual vision of the authour . . every wish or desire without god , is vain . . the authours misery . . the vision of the minde being separated from the body . . that the minde is figured . . the minde is an immortal substance figured with the figure of god. . a common errour about the image of god. . the errour of those who think the image of god to be placed in a ternary of powers . . against the opinion of taulerus . . the image of god in man hitherto not evidently shewen , because it is incomprehensible . . the minde is damned by accident . . after death there is no more memory , or remembrance . . the will was accidentally over-added to the minde after its creation . . in heaven the will is void . . a will appeares in heaven , not indeed a power , but a substantial intellectual essence . . if the minde be the image of god , this was known to plato . . the definition of the minde . . that reason is not the image of god. . the authours opinion . . these two thinglinesses or essences , do lay hid in the soul , through the corruption of nature . . this love is onely raised up by an extasie ; not otherwise , in the miseries of this nature . . a precision or abreviating of the vnderstanding . . an objection is solved . . that a triplicity or ternary in the minde , is unfolded in every susteme or constitution of the world. . a similitude for the image of god is far another thing than that of a ternary . . a repeated description of the minde . . how the minde doth behold itself . . the constitutive birth of the phantasie . . the minde doth understand far otherwise . . the prerogative of the minde . . an explaining of living love . . the differences of vnderstandings in mortal men . . why that desire doth not cease in heaven . . a description of desire . . how sin is in the desire of the mind . . the love of the mind is a substance even in mortal men . . how great darknesse hath veiled the minde by the corruption of nature . . the image of god quite marred or trodden under foot in the damned . the beginning of wisdome is the fear of the lord ; but the fear of the lord begins from the meditation of eternal death and life : but most of the moderns ( with 〈…〉 stoicks ) suppose the end of wisdome to be the knowing of ones own self . i call the ultimate end of wisdome , and the reward of the whole course of life , charity or dear love , which accompanieth us after other things have forsaken us . wherefore also , the knowledge of ones own self , according to me , is onely a mean unto the fear of the lord. and the knowledge of life doth presuppose the knowledge of the soul ; because the life and soul are as it were sunonymals . and indeed , it is believed by faith , that man was created into a living creature of nothing , after the image or likenesse of god , and that his mind is never to perish or die ; but that other souls , when they cease to live , do depart into nothing ; the weights of which difference elsewhere , concerning the birth of forms . but hitherto it is not sufficiently manifest , wherein that likenesse with god , our arch-type , or chief or first example , doth consist . i will speak what i perceive under an humble subjection to the church . there is no knowledge more burthensome than that whereby the soul comprehends it self , although none be more profitable , because the whole faith doth stablish its foundation upon the unobliterable or undefaceable substance of the soul . i have found indeed many demonstrations divulged in books , about this truth : but none of them at all , wherefore , or for what cause it is so , in respect of atheists , who deny the one onely and constant power , or deity from everlasting . indeed plato hath determined of three ranks of atheists ; to wit , one which believeth no gods : and then another sort , which indeed doth admit of gods ; yet such as are uncareful of us , and despisers of small matters , and therefore also ignorant of us . lastly , a third sort , which although they believe the gods to be expert in the least matters , yet do suppose that they are flexible and indulgent toward the smallest cold prayers or petitions . this most frequent sort of atheists is among christians at this day , especially those who professe themselves the most perfect . indeed they dare do any thing , they grievously impose burdens on the shoulders of others , which they touch not so much as with their finger ; they sweep the purses of those that believe , and set heaven to sale to dying men , and do every where mingle themselves in secular and unknown political affairs , as they have married religion to political matters . and as they see themselves schoolmasters , deputies for the instructing of sorts of children ; so also they being ignorant persons , bear in hand , that they are fit for the stern of the common-wealth . verily , it should be my greatest desire , that it might be granted to atheists , to have tasted , at least but one onely moment , what it is intellectually to understand , whereby they may feel the immortality of the mind , as it were by touching . i am even willingly ignorant of the rules and manner , whereby i might illustrate the understanding of another : yet i am deservedly sorrowful , that they who do alwayes enquire into the truth by studying , do never , notwithstanding , come unto the knowledge thereof . because those who are blown up with the letter , have not charity , but avarice and ambition doth hide atheism in them . but i long since learned , that our mind doth understand nothing by imagination , nor at length by figures or images , unlesse the wretched and miserable discourse of staggering reason shall have accesse to it . but when as the soul doth comprehend it self , or in it self , intellectually , reason faileth it , and the image of its own self , whereby it may represent it self to it self ; that is , the soul cannot apprehend it self by reason , as neither by images or likenesses . after that , i had known that the truth of essence , and the truth of understanding have pierced each other in unity , and identity or samelinesse , i knew the understanding to be a certain immortal thing , far separated from frail or decaying things . truly , the mind is not felt or perceived , yet we believe it to be within , not to be tired , nor disturbed by diseases . therefore sleep , fury or madnesse , and drunkennesse , are not the symptoms of the immortal mind being hurt , but onely the pages of life , the passions onely of the sensitive soul ; for bruit beasts also do even undergo such passions : for neither do i think it a meet thing , that an immortal thing should suffer by things mortal , and be subjected , or overcome by these : for the mind feeleth and suffereth the torments of hell , yet it is not overcome , as neither is it extinguished : so it being knit unto a frail light , it suffers by frail things . but as the minde is in us , yet is not perceived by us ; so the continual , and unshaken operations thereof are unperceivable : for that which is in it self perceiveable or sensible , cannot at all be spiritual , and meerly abstracted . and indeed neverthelesse , although it may seem to us , 〈◊〉 understand nothing by a total abstraction or withdrawing of discourses , and sequestration from all things which may fall under sense , under the mind , and understanding , ( and that under the beginnings of contemplations ; ) yet the mind acteth in those things , after its own unsensible manner and spiritual efficacy ; which i have thus perceived . for he that confesseth , doth oft-times not feel the effect of contrition , and he greatly bewaileth that his own unsensiblenesse : yet he being asked , whether he would sin ; perhaps he would answer , that he had rather die . therefore in confessing , there is an unsensible operation of the mind , an effect of a supernatural faith : because the actions of the understanding are the clients or retainers of another magistrate . therefore indeed mystical men do teach , that the minde doth more operate , and in operating , doth also more profit in faith alone , without discourse and cogitation , than he who prayeth with many words , and by discourses doth stir up compunctions in himself . but he is happy to whom it is granted to perceive those unsensible operations of the mind , and to reflect the same into , and over the powers of the sensitive soul , as operative faith makes a beginning : because these do for the most part leave their foot-steps on the life afterwards , and do stir up the memory operating for the future , together with grace , in faith . the first atheists and christian libertines do laugh , as either that the image of god in us , is feigned , or that we were created after the image of god. but other atheists of the second sort , do believe , not onely that we were created after the image of god , but they feign in us an identity with the immense or vast , and uncreated deity : neither that man differs in substance from god , otherwise than as a part from the whole ; and that which had a beginning , with that which was not principiated : but not in essence , or internal property : surely it is that which besides blasphemy hath very many blockishnesses : for truly , whatsoever began , for that very cause it is a creature : but it includes an impossible imperfection in god , that he could create any thing besides himself , in substance or essence , a compeer , or co-equal to himself . for it even is manifest by philosophy , that all the parts of an infinite , are of necessity altogether infinites ; but the creature cannot be more infinite according to its substance , than according as it was to be , exist , and endure , as a coequal or second to the eternal being . and therefore it is a foolish thing to believe , that the soul , which began of nothing , is a part of the substance of god , or essentially like to him in power , greatnesse , duration , and glory . if therefore god could not make the soul of man as a part of his own divinity , seeing there are no parts or minorities of that which is infinite : therefore the soul was not made by god after that manner : therefore it voluntarily flowed forth of nothing , and had made it self otherwise than before it was . therefore they do greatly erre , who believe the essence of the divine image to be seated in the mind , by the identities of substance and essence , seeing they differ from each other every way in the term or bound of infinitenesse ; and the mind of man should of its own accord slide or turn , and be dissolved again into nothing , whence it began , unlesse it were preserved in its essence by the divine goodnesse : and the mind hath an eternal permanency henceforward , not from its own essence , but from the essence of eternity freely given unto it , and kept with it : therefore from elsewhere , and from that which is infinitely more powerful than it self . therefore it is sufficient , that the mind is a spiritual , vital substance , and a lightsome creature . and seeing there are many general kinds and species of vital lights , that light of the mind differs from other vital lights in this , that it is a spiritual and immortal substance ; but that the other vital lights are not formal substances , although they are substantial forms ; and therefore by death they depart or return into nothing , no otherwise than as the flame of a candle . but the mind differs from the angels , that it is after the likenesse and image of the eternal god : for the mind hath that light , and lightsome substance from the gift of creation , seeing it self is that vital light ; but an angel is not a light it self , no● hath it an internal light natural or proper to it self : but is the glasse of an uncreated light : and so in that , it faileth of the perfection of a true divine image : for else , seeing an angel is an incorporeal spirit , if it were lightsome of it self , it should more perfectly express the image of god than man. moreover , whatsoever god more loveth , that thing is more noble for that very cause : but god hath loved man more than the angel , who to redeem the angelical nature was not made in the figure of the evil spirit ; even as the thrice glorious lamb , the saviour of the world took on him the nature of a servant that he might redeem man. neither also doth that withstand these things , that the least in the kingdome of heaven is greater than john : for the son of man is not lesse in dignity and essence than an angel , although he be also made a little lesse o● lower than an angel ; because the son of man in his condition of living , was diminished a little lesse than the angels , while he was made man ; so also was john : therefore also an angel doth alwayes remain a ministring spirit ; but he is no where read to be the friend , or son of the father , the delights of the son of man , and the temple of the holy spirit , wherein the thrice glorious trinity hath made its mansion : for that is the famous or royal prerogative of the image of god , which the eternal light imprinteth on every man that commeth into this world . in the year . after a long wearinesse of contemplation , that i might obtain some knowledge of my mind , and because i then , as yet thought , that the knowing of ones own self was a certain compleating of wisdome ; i having by chance slidden into a dream , being snatched out of the paths of reason , did seem to be in a hall , dark enough ; on my le●● hand was a table , whereon there was a bottle , wherein there was a little liquour , and the voice of the liquor said unto me , wilt thou have honours and riches ? i was amazed at the unwonted voice , i walked about , weighing with my self what that should denote : in the mean time , on my right hand , a chink was seen in the wall , through which , a certain light with an unwonted splendour , dazled mine eyes , which made me unmindful of the liquor , of its voice , and former counsel ; because i saw that which exceeds a cogitation or thought expressible by word ; and then that chink presently dispersed : i returning thence unto the bottle again , but sorrowful , brought this away with me : but i did endeavour to taste down the liquor , and with long pains i opened the bottle , and being sore stricken with dread , i awaked out of my sleep . but the foregoing and great desire of knowing my soul , remained ; with which desire i breathed for full years : for at length , in the year . in the vexatious afflictions of fortunes , yet with the rest or quiet of my life , given me to drink from the safety of an innocent life , i saw in a vision my mind in an humane shape ; but there was a light , whose whole homogeneal body was actively seeing , a spiritual substance , chrystalline , shining with a proper splendour or a splendour of its own : but in another cloudy part it was rouled up as it were in the husk of it self , which whether it had any splendour of it self , i could not discern , by reason of the superlative brightnesse of the chrystal spirit con●eined within : yet that i easily observed , that there was not a sexual note or mark of the sex , but in the husk . but the seal of the chrystal was an unutterable light , so reflex , that the chrystal it self was made incomprehensible ; and that , not by a denial , otherwise , than because it cannot onely not be expressed in word ; but moreover , because thou knowest not the essence or thinglinesse of the thing which thou feest : and then i knew that that light was the same which i had seen for twenty three years before , thorow the chink : i likewise from thence comprehended the vanity of my long desire : for howsoever beautiful the vision was , yet my mind obtained not any perfection to it self thereby : for i knew that my mind in the dreaming vision , had acted as it were the person of a third ; neither that the representation was worthy of so great a wish . but as to that which hath respect unto the image of god , i could never conceive any thing , not indeed in the abstracted meditation of understanding , which would not by the same endeavour , bear some figure before it , under which it should stand in the considerer : for whether i shall conceive the thing in imagining it by its own idea or shape ; or whether the understanding doth transchange it self into the thing understood ; a conceipt hath alwayes stood under some shape or figure : for neither could i consider the thinglinesse of the immortal mind with an individual existence , deprived of all figure , neither but that it at least would answer to an humane shape . for as oft as the soul being separated , doth see another soul , angel , or evil spirit , that is made with a knowledge that these things are present with it , while it distinguisheth the soul of peter from that of john. for truly such a distinction doth happen onely by a proper vision of the soul , which vision of the soul includeth an external interchangeable to urse , and therefore also a figural one : for truly an angel is so in a place , that at once , he is not elsewhere ; wherein as well a local as a figural circumscription is of necessity included . and then , the body of man as such , cannot give unto it self a humane shape : therefore it hath need of an engraver , which might be shut up within the matter of the seed , and that had descended into it from elsewhere : yet that engraver , for as much as it was of a material condition , it hath of it self no more power of figuring , than the masse of the body it self . therefore something doth precede in the masse or lump , which should be plainly an immaterial , yet a real and effective beginning , wherein there should be a power of figuring by the impression of a seal ; therefore the soul of the begetter , while it slides outward , and doth lighten the body of the seed , in a certain air , it delineates the seal and figure of it self , which is the cause of the fruitfulness of seeds : otherwise , if the soul should not be figured , but the figure it self of the body , should as it were of its own accord be formed ; now the trunck in some member , should also generate nothing but a trunck : for that the body of that generater is not entire , but at least faileth in the implanted spirit of that member . if therefore the shape be implanted in the seed , it shall , receive that image from a vital and former beginning , out of it self : but if the soul doth imprint a figure on the seed , it shall not dissemble a forreign or strange face , but shall decipher its very own image : for so the souls of bruit beasts do keep their own particular kinde in generating : but the minde , although by reason of its beginning , it be above the laws of nature ; yet by what foot it hath once entred the threshold of nature , and is incorporated and joyned unto another , it is afterwards also restrained by its own laws : because there is a univocal or single progress , ascention , descention , limitation , and end of vital generations : for neither otherwise doth it want absurdities , that the operation of so great a thing ( as is the generation of man , and the continuance of his species ) should happen without the co-operation of the minde . therefore it must needs be , that fruitfulness is granted to the seed by a participation , and specifical determination of vital principles : which thing surely , doth not otherwise happen , than by a sealing of the soul in the spirit of the seed ; whence the matter obtains a requisite maturity , and a delineated shape or figure , that at length it may obtain by request , a formal light of life from the creator , or the soul of its own species , the similitude whereof is expressed in the figure . furthermore , it is of faith , that our minde is a substance never to die : the new framing of which substance of nothing , belongs onely to the creator ; who if it hath well pleased him to adopt the minde alone , into his own image , it also seems to follow , that the vast and unutterable god is of a humane figure , and that from an argument from the effect , if there be any force of arguments in this subject . but because the body is oft-times defectuous , they have thought the glorious image of god the arch-type , represented in the minde , to consist onely in the power of reason : not knowing that the rational power is a servant to the understanding , but not of its essence , as neither its unseparable companion : which thing i have already explained in the treatise of the searching or hunting out of sciences . but others hold the soul most nearly to express the image of god , by a single simplicity of its own substance , and a ternary of its powers , to wit , of understanding , will , and memory : which similitude hath alwayes seemed to me fabulous , that the minde should be the image of god by a singular valour or ability : for truly an image doth involve a similitude of essence and figure , but not an equality or likeness of number onely : yea if the soul doth in its substance represent god himself , now understanding , will , and memory , shall not be the powers , properties , or accidents of the soul : and so the likeness of ternariness shall cease , & such an image shall badly square with the type , whose image it is believed to be . and than it is absurd to compare the persons of the trinity , to memory , or will ; seeing no person of the holy sacred trinity , doth represent the will onely , or the will a separated person in god. also the three powers in the soul cannot any way expresse the image , or a nearer supposed thing , than a naked threeness of accidents collected into the substance of the soul : in which sense , the soul doth lesse denote the image of god , than any peece of wood : to wit , because it by its resolution , doth express salt , sulphur , and liquor , but not ( like the minde in the aforesaid similitude of its own powers , and the divine persons ) three powers onely , or a naked ternary ; for every wood hath three substances concluded under a unity of the composed body , separated indeed in the things supposed , which in their connexion , do make one onely substance of wood. but tauterus severeth the soul or minde , not indeed into three powers , but into two distinct parts : to wit , the inferiour or more outward , which by a pecullar name , he calls the soul ; and the other the superiour , the more inward , and the which he calls the bottom of the soul or spirit : in which part alone , he saith , the image of god is specially contained : unto which there is not access for the devil , because there is the kingdom or god. but to either part , he assigneth far unlike acts and properties , whereby he distinguisheth both from each other . but at least , that holy man , doth blot out the simple homogenity or samelinesse of kinde of the soul , whereby notwithstanding it ought especially to express the likeness of god : or at least , he thus far denies the image of god to be propagated throughout the whole soul of man. surely i shall not easily believe a duality of the immortal soul , or the interchangeable course of a binary or twofold thing , if it ought to shew forth in its very own essence , a unity : but rather i shall believe , that the minde is rather made like unto god in a most simple unity , by an indivisible homogeneity , of spirit , under the co-resemblance of immortality , and undissolution , and identity without all connexion . therefore the glorious image of god is not separated from the soul ; as neither to be separated ; but the minde it self is the glorious image ; as well intimate to the soul , as the soul it self is to it self : for therefore , the likeness between the minde , and god , cannot be declared , or thought , seeing god himself is wholly incomprehensible , neither can therefore the character of identity and unity wherein that likeness is founded , ever be thought or conceived . it is sufficient , that the minde is a spirit , beloved of god , homogeneal , simple , immortal , created into the image of god , one onely being , whereto death adds nothing , or takes nothing from it , which may be natural or proper to it in the essence of its simplicity . and because from the constitution and appointment of it , it is a partaker of blessedness : therefore damnation coming upon it , is to it by accident , to wit , besides its purpose , and by reason of a future fall or defect . therefore the minde being separated from the body , doth no more use memory , nor the inducing of remembrance , by the beholding of place or duration : but one onely thing is now unto it , and there it containeth all things . and therefore if any memory should survive in it , it should be vain and burdensome for ever : as also remembrance or calling to minde ; because it is that which is drawn forth into act by the discourse of reason , which is now dead : and so in eternity it hath no longer place : where indeed the soul stands out of the necessities of remembring , by the beholding and enjoying of naked truth , without declining , weariness , and defect . likewise the soul that is blessed should stand out of the aforesaid ternary of powers , and therefore neither should it any longer represent the image of god : for which things sake alone it was notwithstanding created . yea by looking more fully into the matter , i do not finde in man being mortal , memory to be a singular , or separated power of the soul , but a naked manner of remembrance ; whereby those that are unmindful , through the aid of the imagination ( which is the vicaresse of the intellect ) do fit or forge an artificial memory , and far more strong than else a natural memory would be of those things . and moreover , together with the life , the will also departs from the soul ; and therefore it seems to be accidentally , as it were added to the soul : for god , after man was created , placed the same in the hand of his own free will : which denoteth not onely a posteriority , but also in a proper manner , that the will is not originally essential to the minde , which from a grant , was added like a talent unto it ; that man might follow the way which he had rather choose . otherwise surely , in the whole stage of things , there is no power more destructive to man than free will , because it is that which alone brings forth all disagreement between god and man. wherefore , such a faculty , in the blessedness of eternity , cannot likewise have place : but a liberty of willing being taken away , the will it self also perisheth , or it shall be frustrated by torment . therefore they say , the will is confirmed in heaven , or rather therefore taken away : that is , in heaven there cannot be a willing , or a willing to will , except that which god willeth : and they who are in charity and glory , cannot but will those things which belong to charity : therefore the will of man ceaseth , when the liberty of willing is melted away : and by consequence , the will is a frail power of the soul ; because it cannot be serviceable to , or profit a blessed soul : while a wishing onely , neither can , nor could any more be brought into act , which is not in heaven , where there is full satiety and possession of desirable things with all abundance . therefore the will of a blessed soul should be a burdensome appendice . let it be sufficient , that there hath been a treasuring up in this life , by a power of willing . therefore together with life , a power of willing perisheth , and a substantial will manifesteth it self from the understanding , and essence of the minde , not any thing distinct , and therefore having its essence distinct from the free accident of willing : for as the power of the imagination or phansie , is estranged by doatages , doth doat , and perisheth with the life ; so the free power of willing , ceaseth . plato his parmenides at sometime understood , that there are not accidents in god , neither that there is a duality , distinct from his essence : wherefore i conclude , if the minde ought to shew forth his image , likewise that every property of the minde ought to dissolve together into the intellective substance of a simple light : even so as the smoak being kindled by the slame , is the same with the flame in figure and matter : so ●he soul is a naked and pure intellect or understanding , and image of the uncreated light. and so as the eye doth behold nothing more truly and properly than the sun , and all other things by reason of it ; so also the soul that is blessed doth not understand any thing more truly , than the light , wherewith it is inwardly enlightned , and which it enjoyes , from whence indeed , it wholly and immediately dependeth . but as the eye doth not bear a stedfast beholding of the sun ; so the minde cannot understand god , unless according to what charity it shall have , according to the measure whereof it also possesseth god gloriously within : for its understanding being free , it doth attain the use of the thing understood , as by removing , it transformeth it self in well-pleasing , and a study of complacency , unto a unity of the light , which pierceth the minde it self , and in piercing , makes it blessed . so indeed , the minde doth principally and primarily contemplate of god by understanding , is illustrated by way of piercing , and so the image of god which it shewes forth , by transforming the same , doth make it like unto it self . but they which have placed the image of god in reason , do argue ; that the law is the image of god , but the law is written in our souls by reason ; and so they think the soul to be the image of god , as it is rational : but they do not consider , that the soul might so indeed contain the image of god : but not that the minde should therefore essentially be the very law it self : no otherwise , than the law and the soul do differ in the supposingness of essence : for there was not yet a law , when the soul of man was now created . but i , concerning the searching out of sciences , have shewen , that it is a blasphemous thing , to have brought back the image of god into reason ; seeing there is no likeness of reason , or comparing of an uncertain and frail faculty , with god. therefore i will speak my own : for the understanding hath an intellective will , coequal , and substantially co-melted and united with it self , not indeed that which may be a power , or an accident , but the intellectual light it self , a spiritual substance , a simple essence , undivided , separated from the understanding by a supposingness of its essence , after an incomprehensible manner , and not in essence . in the minde there is likewise a third thing , which for want of a true word , i call love , or a perpetual desire : not indeed of having , attaining , possessing , or enjoying , but of loving or well-pleasing , equal to the two aforesaid things , equally simple in the unity of substance : which three , under the one onely and indivisible substance of the soul , are co-melted into unity . but that love is not any act of the will ; but it proceeds together from the substantial understanding and will together , as it were a distinct , and glorious act . neither in the next place , is that love a passion ; but a ruling essence , and a glorifying act . therefore the will and love of this place , hath nothing common with the will of man , or flesh : because they are essential titles , whereby for want of words , the minde doth after a certain sort , represent the image of god : because the intellect doth understand , is intent upon god , and doth love him with all the minde , with an undivided act of love , and one onely act of complacency or desire , in the every way simplicity of it self : but these two intellectual things , to wit , will and love , were together with the understanding from the beginning of creation : neither must we think , that the same are stirred up anew after death ; seeing they are of the essence of the minde , or of the image of god : but as soon as the disturbed understanding gave place to the sensitive imagination ; so also the will , and love that were intellectual things , have through corruption of nature , admitted of a will , and memory , which together with the mortal soul , depart into nothing , the integrity of the minde remaining : for in an extasie , the understanding , will , and memory do oft-times sleep , the fiery act of love alone surviving , but so distinguished from those three , that notwithstanding , it is not without the understanding and will which are substantial , and also suited to it self . therefore love , the other being as it were laid asleep , stands in the superficies or upper part , as long as it shall sup up the other into it self : but in this life , love is before desire , because it is a passion of the amative or loving faculty , which proceeds from that supposionality of the minde , which is substantial love , and resembles the image of a corporeal faculty , in this life ; and therefore , all things do inclinably or readily rush into disorder , and into dissolution : but in the heavenly wights , that love doth neither constitute a priority , as neither a distinction from desire , neither hath it the nature of a power , as neither is it a habit , or act of willing , neither doth it subsist out of the understanding . therefore the intellect or understanding is a formal light , & the very substance it self of the soul , which beholdingly knoweth without the help of eyes , even as also it discerneth , willeth , loveth , and desireth without eyes , in its own unity , whatsoever it comprehendeth in it self , and sheweth by willing : for neither doth it then any longer remember by a repetition of particular kindes , of a thing once known in an image or likeness ; neither is it induced , any longer to know by circumstances : but there is one onely-knowing at once , of all things understood , and a beholding aspect of them within it self ; yet so , as that it may know one thing more personally than another , while the understanding doth reflect it self upon the things understood in a distinct oneness of truth ; no otherwise than as now in the artificial memory , where that remembrative memory is not a distinct act from the inductive or brought-in judgement of the understanding . therefore that is a thing more proper to the minde , being now once dispatched from the imaginary turbulences of understanding . for neither doth it hinder these things , that in living persons the memory decayeth or perisheth , the judgement being safe , or on the contrary : for the faculties of the sensitive soul are of a diversity of kinde , distinct in the body , because they are conceived by the mortal soul , after the manner of the receiver . even as also unto inanimate things , i observe a certain deaf knowledge of the object , likewise a feeling , and affection of the object , to belong : and the which have therefore begun to be called sympathetical things or things of a like passion or affection : which deaf perceivance of objects , is to them like sight and understanding : for there is besides , in those ( for whatsoever things do the farther depart from the simplicity of the minde , for that very cause they are more ready for multiplicities of offices ) a certain vital virtue , and natural endowment , of a certain goodness , ability , and efficacy , for ends ordained by the creator : even as there is also a third power , resulting from both the foregoing ones , which is for rejoycing at the meeting of things helpful or delightful , or of turning away from things hurtful : wherein is beheld a certain affection toward things abjected or cast off , and likewise fear , flight , &c. which threefold degree , is as yet more manifest in the more stupid insects , and in outragious or mad men , in whom no understanding is chief , and onely a power of a visual light the governess , doth shine forth : yet in these moreover , there is an act of vital virtues and functions present , by reason whereof they do subsist : and thirdly , there is in them a far more clear act of rejoycing and turning away or aversness ; which things are yet far more powerfully declared in other sensitive creatures : to whom indeed belongeth a certain sensitive imagination , with a certain kinde of discourse of reason , shining forth in them instead of understanding , more or lesse in every one . so that wittiness or quick-sightedness , will , memory , do happen unto them under the apprehension of understanding ; yet the objects , and offices or functions being continually changed , according to the matter that is apt for divisions and singularities : which matter doth therefore indeed accuse the diversities of receivers . also in these , there is an issuing power of goodness and virtues , whereby souls do more or lesse favourably incline into the exercises of their own virtues , or cruelties : and at length there is also in them their own complacency or well-pleasing , weariness , and animosity or angry heat , for the considerations of objects ; so co-united to sensitive souls , that it is scarce possible to behold two persons , but we are presently addicted to one more than to another : and these being incorporeal things , after the manner of the receiver , shall for that cause , in man , be more clarified . finally , i will not therefore have the image of god to be considered for any ternary of faculties , which doth thus far belong to other things in the systeme or frame of the world : because the dignity of the image of god , is not any way participated of by other created things : for truly the image of god is intimate onely with the minde , and is as proper to it , as it s very own essence is unto it self : but the other properties are not the very essence of the minde ; but the products and following effects of essences : because it is not beseeming the majesty of the divine image , to be drawn out of qualities . for the properties of other things do co-melt into the essence of the soul , by virtue of the divine image : but if they are reckoned as it were attributes , or products ; that is by reason of a miserable common manner of understanding , and an accustomed abuse thereof . for truly , the minde is one pure , simple , formal , homogeneal , undivided , and immortal act , wherein the incomprehensible image of god doth immediately , incomprehensibly , and essentially consist and forme the minde ; so that in that image , even all the powers do not onely lay aside the nature of attributes , but also do collect their own supposionalities into an undistinguished oneness : because the soul is in it self a certain substantial light , or a substance so clear , that it is not distinguished by things supposed , from the very light it self ; and its understanding is so the light of the minde , that the minde it self is a meer clear or lightsom understanding : for in this its very own light , the minde being separated from the body , seeth and understandeth it self , wholly throughout the whole : to which end there is neither need of a brain nor heart : to wit , in which organs or instruments , the substance of the minde doth seem onely to assume the race of properties . surely , while the abstracted understanding it self doth make use of corporeal instruments in the body , unto which it is bound , and as by its seat of the sensitive soul , it is drowned in the depth of the corrupt nature thereof , it representeth and assumeth a qualitative faculty , which is called imagination : the which , from the society of the imaginary power , the splendor of the sensitive soul and understanding it self being degenerated in the organs , doth rise up by a certain combination , into the aforesaid qualitative power : therefore that faculty is wearied by imagining , faileth or waxeth feeble , also it oft-times becomes mad , and by imagining , the hairs wax white or grey : but the minde being once separated , is never tired in understanding . moreover the imagination in living persons , is not onely wearied ; but also it hath not from it self intellective representations , which it hath not drawn from sensible objects : and therefore the intellective power which concurreth with the imaginary office of the sensitive soul , doth follow the disposition of the organ , and the will of the sensitive life , no otherwise than as elsewhere in natural things , the effect doth follow the weaker part of its own causes . but whatsoever the soul doth require to know and will , for once , or for oftner times ; that it hath wholly from it self , and not from a stranger without : for the good substantial will of a blessed soul , doth not arise from the thing understood ; but it is its own goodness of love , by which the blessed minde is substantially , and not qualitatively good . which prerogative it hath , because it is the typical image of the divinity . but bodies do slide by a perpetual free accord , into the attributes of forms , their diversity of kinde , successive changes and dissolutions . therefore the love or desire of the minde , is not the office of an appetitive power ; but the minde it self is intellectual , and willing : which things are undivideably coupled under unity , in as great a sameliness and simplicity as may be : yet in mortalls they are separated as well by reason of the necessity of organs , unlikenesses of functions , as the mixture of the sensitive soul. for truly , now we often desire those things which the understanding judgeth not to be desired , and the will could wish not to come to passe : but it must needs be , that things whose operations are different , the same things should be distinct in the root of their own essence , after the manner whereby all particular things are separated : in the minde indeed , by a relative supposingness only ; but in the sensitive soul , according to a corporeal and qualitative nature . and therefore that amorous or loving desire of the mind , is the substance of the soul. and although in heaven there be a full satiety of desirable things , and a perpetual enjoyment of them ; yet the desire of the minde which is a study of complacency , doth not therefore cease , neither doth this bring a passion on the minde , any more than charity it self ; because they are those things which in the root are one and the same : otherwise , the aforesaid desire ceasing , a satiety or full satisfaction should cease , or an unsensibleness of fruition or enjoyment should even presently arise in heavenly wights . therefore that desire or love is the fewel of an unterminable or endless delight : therefore it is manifest , that understanding , will , and love , are things substantially co-united in the minde : but in the sensitive soul , that operations are distinguished , from the root of divers faculties , while we understand things that are not desired , we also desire things we would not , nor do plainly know : lastly , we will ( while any one inclines to punishment ) those things which we do not desire , but we would not have it so : from whence it happens , that desire doth overcome the will , and likewise the will doth compel the desire , and so that there are mutual and fighting commands : all which things do happen in mortal men , as long as the sensitive soul doth draw its own powers into a manifold disorder of division : so , impossible things are foolishly desired , things past , likewise things present , are desired , or wished not to have happened . but the desire whereof i speak , laying hid in the minde , unless it were of the essence of the minde , he that hath seen a woman to lust after her , should not sin before a consent of the will : therefore we now desire by the faculties of the minde , emulous or striving in the sensitive soul , the effects whereof are refused by the will and judgement : also in the manner ; for now the desire or love worketh one way , and the will another . likewise in the motion of the day , or in duration , desire goes before , or followes willing , and one thing successively overcomes another , that it may restrain any thing distinct from it self , and that wholly in mortal creatures ; because it is from the animosity of the sensitive soul. but in those that are in heaven , that love riseth again , as it were the substance of the minde : for there , nothing is desired which is not willed : and that is collected into a oneness , as well in respect of act , as substance ; although they have their suppositions in the root , diverse : which doth plainly exceed the manner of understanding in mortals : because , indeed the kingdom of god is now in man , but after an incomprehensible manner : but after death , the same kingdom collecteth all things into its own unity : therefore the chief or primary image of god is in the minde , whose very essence it self is the veriest image it self of god : which image or likeness can in this life be neither thought with the heart , nor expressed by words , because it shewes forth the similitude of god , without which , there is to other image in us which may be offered to our conception : for therefore the very minde is also wholly unknown to it self . and then , in the husk of the minde , or in the sensitive and vital form , there is the same image shining back in the powers , according to the manner of the receiver ; because it is over-shadowed by a brutal generation , being frail and defiled through impurity : at length , the body hath not borrowed so much the essentifical image of the light of god , but the figure onely . but the miserable minde being devolved into utter darkness from the uncreated light , whereby it hath separated it self , hath so lost the native light of the image , by reason of appropriation , as if it were proper unto it from a due behoof ; whereby it afterwards understandeth , willeth , or loveth nothing besides it self , and for it self : and therefore in rising again , it shall not represent the image of god that is strangled or stifled in it , unless , in a corporeal manner of adamical propagation , that is , in manner of a figure : wherefore it also afterwards understandeth , willeth , loveth all things by a blinde apprehension , alwayes addicted unto it : for it hath known its own immortality , as it feels or perceives its damnation , and it complains that that is done to it as an injustice : because the love of it self is onely to excuse its excuses in sins , as it were committed in the dayes of ignorance and innocency , with much frailty , layings in wait of enemies , and a want of sufficient grace : neither that an eternal punishment is deservedly due for a momentary transgression : therefore it is mad , and hateth god , especially because it knoweth the arrest of the losse to be unchangeable , and a liberty of escaping to be prevented for ever : therefore its hope being cut off , it passeth into a finall and enduring desperation , from the very beginning of its entrance , unto place , where there is no piety , compassion , consolation , or revoking . and because the understanding doth naturally transform it self into the idea of the thing understood ( which was known to the heathens , and deciphered by the figure of protheus ) that is , into the similitude of evil spirits its objects : from hence there is alwayes within a present hatred of god , and of the blessed , desperation , cursing , damnation , and the raging torments of infernal spirits . the almighty vouchsafe out of his own goodness , to break the snares extended in the way for us by hellish hatred . amen . let these things suffice concerning the soul , for the natural knowledge of its own self . now therefore i enter unto nature , that i may make manifest the seat of the soul in the body . chap. xxxvi . a mad or foolish idea . . a doubt of the authour about mortal poysons . . the ignorance of the authour from the idea unknown . . a very powerful force of those idea's . . ignorance is the guide of physitians . . another ignorance . . the doubting of the authour . . the confession and , acknowledgement of the same . . a prayer of the authour . . the existence of the minde in us . . the floating of the authour . . a history of the authour about the examination of poysons . . what hath incited the authour hereunto . . what he hath learned from thence . . that the understanding is of the essence of the soul. . that our will and memory dwells in the frail life , and why love is required from the whole . . how the understanding shakes its beams into the head. . a distinction of some lights . . a certain act of feeling of the powers of the duumvirate , and the proper manner of the soul in its own state of lights . . a difference of knowledges in respect of place . . a clearing up of remedies for the head. . what the schools do well teach concerning these remedies , and what defectively . . there is a diversity of understanding in the state of innocency , and now . . the difficulties of the authour . . the knowledge of the faculties of the minde is far different from that of any other whatsoever . . the difficulty of searching for madness , and the manner proposed by the authour . . a co-knitting of the minde with the sensitive soul. . why the minde is not in the heart , as neither in the head. . a convincing argument proveth that it is in the duumvirate . . the glory of divine compassion doth shine forth in our griefs or weaknesses . . the first degree of madness . . the second is in a drowsie sickness . . the inward obstacles of the sensitive soul. . the memory doth first fail . . the following arrivals or commings of defects . . the conceits as well of a sound man , as of a mad man , are made with idea's . . some mad idea's are alwayes , and every where equal , others not . . the implanted spirit of the midriffs being hurt , madnesses do remain for life . . things worthy to be noted . . the confessions of mad men , being cured . . what conceptual idea's may do for a mad man. . excentrical and poysonous idea's , wherein they may co-agree . . the power in a mad man which overcometh colds . . the immortality of the minde is proved from hence . . whence the treatise concerning madness may be derived . . an extinguishing of a mad idea is intended . . the manner of extinguishing the allied blot , and a double manner against madness . . some histories of the thing done . . the remedy of a hydrophobia or a disease causing a fear of water , and of the biting of a mad dog before a hydrophobia . . a repeated history of a mad man. . considerations of plungings under water . . a ridiculous thing in an added remedy of galen . . a miraculous curing of madness . concerning the action of government , and likewise concerning the duumvirate or sheriff-dom in office , even as becometh a natural philosopher , i have written ; that i might discover the seat of the phansie or imagination , and might describe the strife about the 〈◊〉 or seat of the faculties of the minde . notwithstanding , i being long since in doubt , knew not , after what manner an understanding , man might degenerate into a mad man. i knew indeed , that in sordid and poysonous things , there were certain natural endowed powers , not indeed understanding ones ; but those which might answer in affinity to those : so as that they might seduce our understanding against our wills into their own obediences ; as the biting of a mad dog , the stroke of the tarantula , the eating of night-shade , &c. for i thought that in feverish filths , their own co-like faculties did inhabit : wherein the dance presently troubled me : to wit , because in the same fever , cruel raging madnesses had succeeded ridiculous ones : i from thence perswading my self , that in the agreement of madness there were not disagreeing effects : for neither at the first view , did i sufficiently heed , that poysons do wax mild , or are exasperated by ripening . and then , i looked back on a lunacisme , because it did invade , and go back , together with its own conjunction of a star , without all society of poyson : also that madness did return , and was silent , without any vice of the life running between . i wholly doubted , being ignorant as yet , that besides corporal poysons , there were also poysonous images , impressions , the most absolute and most efficacious mistresses of the vital spirits , the which , our intellectual powers do as willingly as readily obey , as long as we are enclosed in the prison of our body . in the mean time , i have known by faith , that the minde is immortal , and that by the same right , it s own understanding doth remain unpolluted by the contagious of the body ; because it was not meet , that that which was immortal and infinite or without end , should be diminished or hurt by frail or mortal things . on the one side therefore , i did willingly confess humbly my own ignorance ; but on the otherside , i did contemplate on the miserable , and never narrowly searched into condition of a mad man , and the so scanty remedies in the greatest evils , and those mostly to be pitied : because physitians deceiving the world by a vain doctorship , did perswade it , that they had thorowly viewed all things , neither that there was a medicine for so great an evil ; because the brain had equally put on an unequal distemper , as it were a garment : yet they being asked , which was the primary distemper of the qualities , could not hitherto express it by a suitable etymology . wherefore the barren whisperings of the schools being despised , after that i had taken notice , that hypochondrial madnesses were without controversie , belonging to the midriffe ; i at first began to doubt , whether that cursed poyson should be brought unto the brain , through certain singular or particular arteries ? but at least , that suspition presently displeased me ; because every one should labour with an unexcusable madness ; unless perhapt in wise men , those channels should remain perpetually stopped , and so they should be diseasie persons , that they might not become such . likewise i have noted a difference between feverish doatages , and madness ; because this indeed might very often remain safe for a long time , without a lavishment of the health ; also in late nephews , without the discommodities of the seed , and life . indeed i often left off the matter , then to me unsearchable ; and i oftentimes from compassion , took it up again : and at length i saw clearly , that i was supported by false principles , that i was led aside by the credulity and authorities of the heathens , and deluded by the unknown qualities of diseases : and that thing i thus at first conceived , and by degrees , being more and more confirmed , i stript my self of the doctrine which i had supped up in the schools , concerning the soul , and concerning diseases : and then , from the search of the functions of the understanding , i committed my minde in rest , and poverty , unto the lord , that he might perform what should be his good pleasure concerning me : yet i was not so indifferent , but that i alwayes had a desire to profit my neighbour . therefore i begged of the lord , that i might become known to my self , not onely , in acknowledging my own deep nothingness , morally ; but that as a natural phylosopher , i might behold or clearly view the very powers of the minde : for truly i did suppose nothing was alike pleasing , or profitable , after the wisdom of divine things , as once to behold my soul as the image of god. wherefore i revolved the question concerning the seat , or marriage-bed of the immortal soul , and therefore i diligently enquired with my self , whether it were so wholly in the whole body , that without a dependance on the bride-bed , or central seat , it should wander as a banished person , not being tied unto certain cottages or mansions ? and it being wholly so in the finger , that this being cut off , the whole should depart from the whole , or through a hastening or speedy chance of fear , it should return inwards : therefore i found the soul to be homogeneal or one and the same in kind , simple , and not to be divided ; else , neither could it be immortal . and then i knew , that its whole did shine only radially on the ignoble parts , after the manner of the light of the sun , which should in the mean time as it were lurk in its throne or seat , and from thence should shine throughout the whole body , being altogether unknown to the sensitive soul , whose life neverthelesse , the mind it self should be : verily , even as the god of all , is intimately present with every one of us , yet is he naturally unknown , nor felt or perceived by us . and then a debate arose in my mind , whether there were many centers , and those divided according to the vital necessities of the radicall bowels . but at length i knew that the mind was more tied up to one bowel than to another , as well in respect of the offices of seeing , as of understanding . and at length therefore i was reduced unto the individual bride-bed of one bowel . and while i enquired into the head , and heart , and weighed the doubtfulnesses of authours , i presently for certainty found , that i ( which i formerly until now detested ) should depart into the precepts of the heathens , who , as they were denied the knowledge of the true god , so also the knowledge of the divine image , which neverthelesse is the object of healing . therefore i being destitute of authorities and companions , knew not whence i might begin the judgment of so great an heap : untill at length , god permitting it , i being destitute of humane help and endeavour , under many years diligent search , and hope of knowing the bride-bed of the soul , an unwonted chance befel me , the history whereof i will declare : for i was diligently heedful about the poysons of vegetables , believing , that the poysons of so great moment were not hurtful to adam before sin ; seeing the almighty created neither death , nor a medicine of destruction , and so to have sent forth such cruel things , not indeed that they might kill man ; but because he was constrained in the sweat of his face to eat his bread , to which diseases he was made subject also in sweats , that he should extract medicines for diseases . and therefore i did promise to my self , that that poyson after the manner of a keeper , and a huske , did cover some notable and virgin-power , created for great uses , and the which might by art , and sweats allay poysons , and cause them to vanish . wherefore i began divers wayes to stir or work upon wolfs-bane : and once , when i had rudely prepared the root thereof , i tasted it in the top of my tongue : for although i had swallowed down nothing , and had spit out much spittle , yet i presently after , felt my skull to be as it were tied without side with a girdle . then at length some businesses of my family unadvisedly befell me , i cast up a certain account , wandred about the house , and finished all things according to what was requisite . at length this besel me ( which never at another time ) that i felt that i did understand , conceive , savour , or imagine nothing in the head , according to my accustomed manner at other times ; but i percieved ( with admiration ) manifestly , cleerly , discursively , and constantly , that that whole office was executed in the midriffs , and displayed about the mouth of the stomach , and i felt that thing so sensibly and cleerly , yea , i attentively noted , that although i also felt sense and motion to be safely dispensed from the head into the whole body , yet that the whole faculty of discourses was remarkably and sensibly in the midriffs , with an excluding of the head , as if the mind did at that time , in the same place meditate of its own counsels . therefore i being full of the admiration and amazement of that unwonted percievance , i noted with my self , my own notions , and began the examination of the same , and of my own self after a more precise manner : and i plentifully found and sifted out , that i did far more cleerly understand and meditate all that space of time : and so that , that sense whereby i did percieve that i understood and imagined in the midriffs , and not in the head , cannot by any words be expressed . and there was a certain joy in that intellectual cleerness ; for it was not a thing of a small time of continuance , nor happened to me while i slept or dreamed , or being otherwise diseasie ; but fasting , and in good health : yea , although i before had had experience of some extasies , yet i took notice , that those have nothing common with this discourse and sense of the midriff understanding , which excludeth all co-operation of the head : because that i discerned with a sensible reflexion ( as before i had been forewarned ) the head altogether to keep holiday in respect of the imagination ; because i did wonder , that the imagination should be celebrated out of the brain , in the midriffs , with a sensible pleasantness of operation . in the meane time , i somtimes in that joy , being in doubt , feared least the unwonted chance should lead to madnesse ; because it had begun from poyson : but the preparing of the poyson , and only a somwhat light or gentle tasting of the same , did insinuate another thing . in the mean time , although the joyous unthought-of cleernesse or illumination of my understanding did render that manner of understanding suspected , yet a most free resigning of my self into the will of god , restored me into my former rest . at length , after about two hours space , a certain gentle giddinesse of my head twice repeated , invaded me ; for from the former , i perceived the faculty of understanding to have returned ; and from the other i felt my self to understand after my wonted manner . and then , although i afterwards divers times tasted of the same wolfs-bane , yet no such thing ever happened unto me any more . but i from thenceforth perfectly learned many things . and first indeed , that as by extafies , certain flourishes of the soul do cleerly appear ; so by the aforesaid rule of knowing , it appeareth that our understanding , as long as we are tied to the body , is originally formed in the duumvirate or sheriffdome . secondly , and that thing is by so much the more unthought of , because the ordinary framing of discourses is about the mouth of the stomach , but not in any bowel , but as it were in the membrane or filme of the stomach , as if in an undividable place . nor much othewise doth there inhabite in the membrane of the womb , a certain monarchy of the whole ; yet so , that a wound of the stomach doth presently import life , but a wound of the womb not so . thirdly , that for about two hours , i did perceive after an unlooked-for manner , nothing to be acted in the head ; and after an undeclarable manner , the whole soul most cleerly to meditate in the midriffs . fourthly , that the like thing doth almost happen in the prayer of silence , and more and more manifestly in an extasie . fifthly , and that therefore the intellectuall soul is centrally entertained in the same place . sixthly , then also , that as madnesse is a defect of the understanding , so therefore that it is stirred up from the part about the short ribs : seeing the same faculty , which in health performs a healthy function , suffereth under diseases , a defect of the same ; to wit , as oft as the understanding is ecclipsed in its own seat . seventhly , i have also certainly sound , that the power of willing doth inhabite in the heart , for from the heart proceed murders , adulteries , &c. eighthly , that the memory sits in the brain , there imprinted by the soul ; and that therefore it is in comparison of the other faculties , most easily hurt by a disease and old age : yea , if any one doth labour that he may remember a thing forgotten , he sensibly perceiveth this his labour in the fore-part of his head . ninthly , again , seeing the will and memory differ , are at a far distance from the seat of the soul , or understanding ; i have concluded with my self , that the understanding is of the essence of the soul , and unseperable ; but the will and memory , as they are possessed in the frail life , to be frail faculties , and of the sensitive life . tenthly , to wit , that sins are made in the heart and will , in the flesh of sin , in the will of the flesh and of man : therefore that love is required wholly from the whole mind , which ( by reason of its unseperablenesse ) is taken for the understanding , from the whole heart or will , from the whole imaginative soul , and the powers thereof dispersed throughout the whole body . eleventhly , i have found the understanding to cast its beams lightsomly into the head , yet by the means of a corporall connexion through an aiery spirit , which while it strikes the bosomes of the head , should bring on it a certain giddinesse and cloudly understanding : so although for sense , and fear , the spirits in that state should be plentifully diffused from the brain , yet there was likewise need of a singular light , which ascending from the midriffs , should enlighten the spirit the meane , through which it did passe ; which lightsome beame is no otherwise expressible , than that it is intellectuall and exceeding a sublunary contexture or composure : because it is that which ought to be framed by the soul alone , which in it self is nothing but a meer understanding , or a substantiall and intellectuall light. twelfthly , that because sense and motion stood free , i did think , there was another light brought from elswhere , or they did denote , that there was in that state a free passage of the spirits through the nerves or sinews : but my giddinesse did signifie that there was a certain obscurity in the head , before not perceived , and that it was dispersed in the bosomes of the brain , by a new light shining from beneath . thirteenthly , that the liver should be of a due strength , or prosper well , also the heart of the spirit should uncessantly blow out into the brain , and likewise the required will of acting should persist indeed ; but the intellectual powers onely , being stupified in the brain , should as it were sleep , if they should not be enlightned by the midriffs . but this light pierceth the whole body , which way it casts its beams : even so as the light of a candle doth ruddishly shine thorow the bones of the fingers in younger persons , as if the bones themselves were transparent . fourteenthly , that from that time , i am wont also to have more significative dreams with a more formal discourse , and a clearer than before : for the minde once as it were retaking the offices of its own body , doth afterwards better understand : from whence also afterwards , i attained the knowledge , how day unto day doth utter the word , and night unto night sheweth knowledge . fifteenthly , i was more assured , that then , my state was one ; but that of madness the lethargie , apoplexie , &c. another : for i seriously weighed my self with circumspection , whether that were the way , whereby men became foolish ; seeing that in my full judgement , i was so void of all fear , that i did contemplate of my own matters not as mine : for i looked back on them crooked-wise or by the by , they being as it were shaken into the head of a man of another world. sixteenthly , i learned also , that life , understanding , sleep , &c. are the works of a certain clear or shining light , not requiring pipes or channels ; seeing the shining light pierceth the vital light : therefore also the soul doth retract , diffuse , and withdraw it self by a motion proper unto it , and altogether diversly in sleep , watching , contemplation , an extasie , swooning , madness , doatage , raging madness , by its own disturbances , voluntary confusions , yea and the violent impressions of some simples : because the minde doth embrace an entire monarchy in spiritual things , divided in many general and particular kindes ; no lesse than bodies themselves shall differ among themselves , so also shall lights . seventeenthly , at length , that the understanding being raised by invention and judgment , with a reflexion on places , on circumstances , on things past , said before , premised , and so on things absent , as absent , is made by an ultimate or the last endeavour in the brain , through the afflux or issuing of a beam out of the midriffs , as such an understanding doth presuppose memory : but that those things which are concerning future or abstracted things , without respect of circumstances , as if they were present , are wholly forged in the midriffs : and for this cause , mad men do behold and prattle of all things as if they were present , as though they did talk of present things . eighteenthly , therefore poysons which have a power of displacing the imagination , do not primarily affect the brain ; but the midriffs onely : which thing , the history of a lawyer , who had drunk henbane-seed ( elsewhere by me rehearsed ) doth sufficiently prove : for whatsoever the stomach doth conceive , that very thing is plainly transchanged , and doth wholly passe into another essence , before that the least quantity doth from thence reach to the brain , and whatsoever thereof doth come thither , is already venal bloud , which hath put off all the qualities of its former condition in the entry of the first shops ; or at length , it slides cut of the stomach , and together with the drosses , is thrust out of doors . and so no simples , after what manner soever they are taken , are materially applied to the brain : therefore it is false , whatsoever the schools do set to sale concerning pills for the head , pills of light , &c. for truly neither do pills allure any thing out of the head , neither doth the head afford any thing which it hath not , besides snivel , which it sends unto its own basin , and not to any other place : but if any medicines or things do strike the head , alter it , and profit it ; that wholly happens in regard of the midriffs , from which there is an unshaken action of government into the head , even as hath been already sufficiently proved before . indeed they have rightly taught , that giddinesses of the head , and coma's or sleeping evils , are stirred up by reason of a consent of the lower parts : but neither is their grain without chaffe : for the schools have introduced grosse , smoakie , and sharp vapours : and then , and that for the most part , in such distempers , they will have the brain to be affected with the first or chief contagion : and therefore it s a blockish thing to have applied remedies to the head , to the mark i say , and without the archer : to wit , because they have not known the true internal efficient cause , and its connexions , nor the accustomed manner of making diseases , and because they have plainly neglected the action of government , and the conspiracies of light . nineteenthly , also lastly , hence i have understood , that the immortal and untireable soul , while it did of due right govern its own body before sin , it understood all things intimately , optically or clearly , and that without labour , tediousnesses , and wearisomness : because it did understand all things that were in its power , in its own center and unity , without the help of organs or instruments : but now being detained in a strange inn , it being as it were wholly hindered , hath committed the diversities of functions unto the sensitive soul its hand-maid . in this place , i presume to give a reason of the thoughts of others , who cannot sufficiently promise , or grieve for my own : for i have proposed to phylosophize concerning the more hidden spring of cogitations , and of the most abstracted ones , concerning the vices , and exorbitances of floating and uncertain cogitations : yea we must pierce deeper , when as we must take aim at the powers of vitiated cogitations themselves , and must come unto the fountainous and occasional causes of these vices . surely it is a matter , hard , obscure , and unpassable , wherein the speculations of the schools , the succours of bodies do fail before the threshold , yea and of diseases , whose causes and effects do fall under sense , or are proved by the dissections of dead carcases : wherein i say , the patient or suffering imagination doth indeed enlarge it self ; but the agent or active one is hidden . in other diligent searches , that which is vitiated is known by a knowledge of the whole ; but in those of the minde , the cause and manner of a violated understanding , should as yet be far more easily conceived , than of a sound one : because that a sound faculty doth more ascend unto the likeness of god ; but a defectuous one doth more incline it self unto the meditations of corrupted nature . and therefore that which is sound or entire in the faculties of the minde , is not demonstrated by a former cause : but that which is deficient , doth after some sort make it self known by a rupture of the co-knitting of causes . also madness is alwayes of a most difficult learning , because it contains in it a denying , together with a privation : wherefore in the case proposed , i have judged of the same in another way ; whether perhaps , by searching into the manner of making in any one kinde of madnesses , i might finde an utterance for the other : therefore i have proposed that madness which ariseth from a strong , and continued contemplation , feat , and passion : forthwith afterwards , i concluded that the quality of the poysonous matter , was to be known , and the dispositions of instruments which should concur , when as any simple being taken , or something inwardly generated , had stirred up madness : but the knowledge of one sort of madness being attained , it shall be the easier to measure afterwards the diversities of the same , by descending into the ampleness of the manners or measures , strength , approaching , application , and variety of particular kinds : for therefore i first of all reckoned to search into the seat of the sensitive soul , to wit , the exorbitances whereof do cause madnesses . for truly i have considered , that in what seat the animal form should abide , in the same also the immortal mind should co-inhabite , as being tied unto it , which should refuse a duallity , difference and diversities of mansions : for neither was it meet for that mind to be tied to the body without a mean , when as the seed of man , no lesse then of a beast , by voluntarily flowing down , should be limited even into a living soul exclusively : and so that it was meet for the mind to be tied to a social form , and a formal light , with which it might best agree ; as in the chapter of forms , and the book of long life concerning the entrance of death . therefore i first of all decreed , that the immortal mind hath not chose a mansion for it self in the heart , indeed a bowel so unquiet , and greatly extended with so many disturbances and divers offices of the body . also , i have shewn , that the head is not a fit inn for the immortal mind , because it was busied in governing the motion and sense , and especially because its conspiracy being stopped up from the lower parts , at one only instant , the faculties of the mind being cut off , do perish , neither do they meditate of the least matter , and therefore that it hath not in it the proper operation of the mind the princesse ; yea rather , i have seen the ill disposed duumvirate for the most part to disturb the head ( otherwise well disposed ) into madnesses : and therefore i having admired at the quiet of the spleen , and likewise the withdrawing thereof from the government of the body , i intentively considered of this convincing argument . if the mind , the image of god , be centrally in the head , it shall be either in the bosoms , or in the very substance of the brain : but not in this , because it is that which wants sense and venal blood , being destitute of commerce , whereby it may be present with the whole body , to which it is bound . indeed it is controverted by none , that the head doth rule by sense and motion : but that is a lesse , bruital and beast-like government . but we are constrained to believe , being perfectly taught by the disorders of diseases , that the head is governed from elswhere , in the suspensions or withholdings , and exorbitances of the mind . but that the soul is entertained in the hollow of the brain , i have judged it unmeet that the immortal soul should have married a wandring and fluid spirit , daily arising out of the venal blood for every moment . wherefore it desired a more stable and quiet inn , than that which should be slideable every hour . it hath rather rested in the center or middle of the body , in the substance of a bowel , whence it might equally commune with all the members , by reason of the unity and continuation of the implanted archeus . but seeing the organs of the body , in respect of the mind , are dregs and husk , it hath chose out to it self the kernel of the body , to wit , a gentle spark , a formal light , or the sensitive soul , to wit , which the mind hath married by the command of the lord ; and what god hath joyned together , man may not separate without guilt . in the mean time , the miserable state of mortals is to be lamented , to wit , that the mind is tied to the sensitive soul ; indeed to an impure being , given to concupiscences , enticements , and pleasures , and that the immortal mind doth so easily assent to it , as if it would now sleep for ever in the carelesnesse of its own self . but not so ; for by so much is the glory of divine compassion the greater , which by its own grace alone , doth freely revive , and support out of the drowsie sleep of death , those whom he will have saved : surely else , the sensitive soul being subject to diseases and madnesses , should be alwayes prone into any kind of pleasures . for the first degree of madnesse doth plainly appear in sleep ; yet is it naturall , while with the title of honest recreation and leisure , it sinks it self with a pleasure of rest , into its own inn. moreover , all drowsie sicknesses are the excentricities , vices , defects , and expresse madnesses of natural sleep ; which indeed do now no longer issue from a proper liberty and pleasure of the sensitive soul ; but arise from excrementitious filths , as it were feverish ones : for even as natural thirst is the feeling of lack of moysture , but feverish thirst is from the deceitful wilinesses of an excrement ; so drowsie sicknesses are not made by a natural faculty , whereby the soul stirs up sleep to it self ; but being seduced , or overcome by the strange impostures of impurities . therefore sleeping evils , and likewise the apoplexy , speechlesnesse , &c. are not so much the vices of the erring soul , as the weaknesses of the same , contracted by the wedlock of vitiated organs : for the companies of impurities do as soon as may be , occasionally invade the monarchicall state . not indeed that it is necessary that those materiall impurities do diffuse themselves into the animated or soulified light by a connexion ; for it sufficeth that they have a stupefactive poysonous force , destructive to the sensitive soul ; because they do alienate the imaginative faculty , even so that as of the spittle of a mad dog in the fear of water ; so also the madnesse of carelesness is introduced by those soporiferous things ; that power is in those filths potentially and seminally from the beginning , very unlike to it self , after it hath come to maturity , no otherwise than as an acorn from an oake . therefore the dregs or filths do imprint a forreign phantasie on the sensitive soul against its will , which manifestly appeareth in opium , henbane , &c. and which filthy heap of impurities , besieging the sensitive soul in its own original bowel , doth make the act of the understanding of the mind , drowsie , it not being able to shine freely into the sensitive soul thus besieged . wherefore the sensitive soul being destitute of a governess , doth stir up tumultuous storms , and lists up its own tempest by degrees into the case of the will , whence it also becomes wrathful , and is carried after an headlong and inverted order . at length the head by a preposterous knitting or conjoyning , draws out its own images of witty or pleasant things : whence it comes to pass , that the doatages being for the most part consumed , no remembrance of things done remaineth ; because the sensitive soul being violently smitten by the besieging , hath rashly moved all things ; whereas otherwise , madnesses , being void of such filths , are for the most part mindful of things done . for i have many times certainly found , that doaters have felt before-hand , intellectual images or representations to be dismissed from beneath , to be troublesome upwards , and that they have first been weakened about the memory : and so that hence also i have gathered , that the intellective power is seated far from the head ; no otherwise than as the parts remote from the heart , do first of all feel a defect of a vital bedewing . in doatages i have observed the memory of things once conceived , first to stagger , and then , that instead thereof , an importunate and continued remembrance of one thing hath arisen , which hath it self in manner of a repeated dream , with a most troublesome inversion or confusion , and a labour of sleep , which labour , watchings do presently follow , to wit , while the foregoing dreamie images have enfeebled the memory of the brain , then a certain waking dream , with an expresse doatage from the midriffs , doth enter . for , neither is the doatage made with a cessation of understanding , even as in the apoplexy , sleepy evil , swooning , &c. but there is a confused , uncessant propagation of idea's formed in the midriffs , shaken like beams upward . and seeing that in health , conceptions are not otherwise made without idea's : in a dotage also , there must needs be its own mad idea's : but altogether with this distinction , that idea's or likenesses in health , are formed from a liberty of the soul ; but mad ones are sealmarks brought into the sensitive soul against our will , and therefore they doe also violently withdraw this out of its path : so far is it , that mad idea's should be formed by the mind , which knows not how to play the fool . for it is manifest that idea's doe follow the disturbances of things from whence they are made ; which is most clear in a mad dog , and the tarantula , whose poison doth produce a proper , determined , and equal madness , and idea's alwayes co-like to themselves : so also a strong disturbance of our imagination doth forge an image , and imprint it on some filths ; but if not on the nourishment it self , yet even on the solid and constitutive part of us : whence indeed there is a continued propagation of new idea's , 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 and ample●ess thereof in mad folks 〈…〉 or truly , from fear , contention , envy , ambiti●● , love , study , care , shame , coverousness , and 〈◊〉 co-like disturbances are madnesses made : and so much the more miserable are those which are stirred up without the infamy of excrements , because they do either continually persevere , or do return at set periods of relapses . otherwise , the filthine●ses being consumed , the blemishes sprung from thence do voluntarily cease . but madnesses , whether they do rage with a continuall heat , or do return by intervals , they at least have so defiled the spirit of the duumvirate , that they have radically imprinted the storm of furious-images received after the same manner , as a blemish branded on the young from the exorbitancy of its mother great with child , is durable for term of life . indeed , even as the mark of a cherry in the young , doth every year wax green , yellow , and red , with the fruits of the trees ; so also maddish idea's arising from disturbances , have in the spirit of the midriffs , their incentive or provoking intervals of repetitions , accesses of periods , and imbitterings ; or also their uncessant fewels of continuations : which thing a lunacisme doth cleerly expresse unto us , to wit , it keeping the conjunction of that star. neither verily is it a wonder , that those madnesses have themselves in the duumvirate , in manner of a blot ; for the spirit is capable of seeing in the eye , not elsewhere in the whole body . therefore seeing the duumvirate doth by a radical ordination of the lord , continually employ it self about imaginations , therefore the incidencies or chances that are brought on it , ought so to vitiate the family-government of the imagination , that it receives a re-planting of the relapses of the idea conceived . in the meane time , we must take notice that a lunatick person could not be cured , but by the casting out also of the unclean spirit ; whether this shall be a companion of the night-star , or finally the chief effecter . i likewise in all madnesse do find a great arrogancy , in taking to it a certain unmortified sociall passion , which doth also remain for terme of life , and being transferred on modern nephews , doth shine forth : because the mad idea hath pierced the implanted spirit , whence at length it violates the seed , being made proper or natural to it . for i have the more curiously searched into many mad men , and have cured not a few , as well those who had become mad from great disturbances , passions , and other diseases , as those that so bec●me , from things taken into the body ; and they have told me , that they fell by degrees into madnesse , which was wont with a foregoing sense to ascend in them from about their short ●bs or midriffs , as it were an obscure phantasie and cloudy temptation of madness , wherewith it first they were pressed as it were against their will , untill the idea at length , had gotten a full dominion over them : but being returned to themselves they were mindfull of all things acted ; for they boldly or confidently complained of all things , to wit , that at first they were spoyled of all consequence of discourse , and that they remained in the punctual plunging of one conceipt ( without which they thought of no other thing ) with grief , trouble , and importunity : for they thought no otherwise , than as if they had alwayes beheld that conceipt in a glass ; yet , neither did they know , that they did then think that , or so behold it in their own conception : although they did so stedfastly think , that if at length they should happen , a little before the entrance and dominion of madnesse , to stand , they had stood for some dayes , without weariness , neither should they know that they did stand . for it thus befell them , that that idea of foolishness which had driven away discourse ( by which else they had been eased from their immoderate and inordinate weighing or examining ) was imprinted with a dominion over the spirit , the lieutenant to the understanding : yea , that which these persons had made in themselves by a long delay , & continued cogitation , was attained by others , by a sudden and violent disturbance , in a short time of delay . in the mean space , some complained , that while it was a working , they were oppressed with an unwilling and importunate troop of thoughts , as it were a smoak being stirred up from beneath , the which if they would suppresse by discourse , yet a repeating of the same conceipts alike troublesome and importunate , returned . but others , who had not power over themselves , or were otherwise without comfort , presently after they were diverted from a strong and fixed contemplation , as oft as they would sleep , or were otherwise at leisure , they returned with a plausibility into their forbidden or hindred speculation , yet altogether troublesome : therefore rejoycing in solitarinesse , they withdrew themselves from the talks of others . because conceipted idea's as yet wanting a body , have and hold themselves in respect or manner of an intellectual light , and therefore they do pierce the first constitutives of us , which is not likewise lawful for meats and other bodies to do : therefore they do pierce and cloath themselves with the aiery body of spirits , and by means hereof do infect the vital forms of the parts . yet with this difference , that idea 's , which were forged by the excentricity of conceits , did indeed enter , and more admitted more powerfully , but were imprinted more slowly : whereas otherwise , 〈…〉 that cause madness , a disease mediating , ●●d by degrees sow their own ferment on their proper objects ; but at length they did 〈…〉 imprint it on them , as it were sealed on nature . and it is a thing proper to mad folks , that however naked , he doth lay on the ground , or doth lodge all night in marble , in the sharpest blowing of the north wind , he shall not be frozen , or his joynts d●e together with himself : whence it is not sufficient to have said , a mad man feels not cold , nor knowes that he is cold : for truly a depriving , or denying of knowledge or sense , affords no real thing , and much lesse doth it make hot , or take away the forces from the cold , that therefore it should cease to freeze the flesh : for although a child in the cradle doth not fear the plague , nor knowes that it is present , the plague hath not therefore lost its right over him . therefore there is some kind of power which overcomes colds , neither doth it submit to a sublunary tempest . and hence it is chiefly manifest , that the mind in us is immortal , and not capable of suffering : indeed the mind it self marking , that the sensitive soul doth not govern man according to the requirance of our species , doth as it were out of compassion toward a guiltlesse blindnesse , by its own virtue , wherein it is superiour to the elements , issue forth an unsensible beam , which deprives the body of a mad man , of the mortal importunity of cold . furthermore , seeing all madnesse doth arise from a budding or flourishing , conceptual , forreign idea implanted into anothers ground , and that all this speculation is directed unto so●e profitable end , and not onely to curiosity or ostentation : i have considered also , that a mad idea , to wit , already imprinted on the radical principles of life ( and so also hence to be propagated into families ) cannot be taken away , together with the subject which hath cloathed it : therefore a remedy was to be found out , which might slay , kill , take away , or obliterate that aforesaid image of madness , or the blot now charactarized ; no otherwise than as a blemish imprinted on the young , by the moving of the hand of a dead carcasse on it ( which was killed by a long consumption , & stripped of every property of life , until the cold shall pierce the blemished part , which is done in the space of one miserere ) doth for the future vanish away of its own accord . after the same manner also that the idea of madness ought to perish , the immediate subject wherein it doth inhere , being in the mean time safe : whether that be done , by introducing a death of the idea , or by in-generating an idea of equal prevalency , or one that over-powreth the foolish idea : for from hence it comes to passe , that a remedy for madness hath been hitherto despaired of , because none hath hitherto carried up the nature and properties of madness above the distemper of the first qualities : yea , paracelsus himself , otherwise injurious against heats and colds , hath enslaved madnesse wholly unto heat , and blood-letting , and hath therein rendered himself ridiculous . i confess the scope of curing hath seemed difficult , because not onely the idea of a corrupted imagination , and a sealie mark and blemish is introduced into , and imprinted on the innermost point of the understanding ; but also because the restoring of the in-bred spirit is accounted plainly impossible . indeed a wished aid of secrets hath been implored , but the progress hereof hath been slow , because a stubborn enemy did resist within . but medicines have been administred , wherein a symbole or mark of resemblance doth inhabit , that is , the fermental imagination of a sounder judgment . for truly , as there are poisons of the mind , causing alienation for a space , or for the whole life-time , to wit , which do introduce a proper phan●●sie into us ; as a mad dog , the tarantula , &c. so also there are in simples their own fruits , of the knowledge of good , and evil , in their first face indeed poisonous ; under which notwithstanding , the more rich treasures and renewings of the faculties of the mind are kept . but seeing it is not safe to cast those remedies on common physitians , by reason of the manifold abuse of the wits of this age : lastly , seeing neither is it fit or meet for every one to go to corinth : therefore in another way , which is of the mortifying of foolish images , have i thought meet in this place to proceed . but some histories have confirmed in me the consideration conceived : the which , as those that are to be imitated , i will here rehearse . there is a castle , scituated by the sea-●●le , four leagues distant from gandt , which they call cataracta : i saw a ship swimming beyond it , and therein an old man naked , bound with cords , having a weight on his feet ; under his arm-pits he was encompassed with a girdle , wherewith he was bound to the sail-yard : i asked what they meant by that spectacle : one of the marriners said , that old man was now hydrophobial or had the disease causing the fear of water , and to have been lately bitten by a mad dog : i asked , toward what part of the sea would they carry him ? did they intend his death ? nay rather ( saith the marriner ) he shall presently return whole : and such is the blessing of the sea , that such a kind of madness it would presently cure : i offered them an earnest-penny , to take me along with them as a companion and witnesse : therefore we had sailed about the space of an italian mile , when as the marriners did open a hole in the bottom , whereby the whole ship was almost sunk even to the brim : indeed they used that brine to recoct spanish salt . and when as that hole was now again exactly shut , two men withdrawing the end of the sail-yard , lifted up the top thereof , and bare the old man on high : but thence they let him down headlong into the sea , and he was under the water about the space of a miserere , whom afterwards they twice more plunged , about the space of an angelical salutation : but then they placed him on a smooth vessel , with his back upwards , covered with a short cloak : i did think that he was dead , but the marriner derided my fear : for his bonds being loosed , he began to cast up all the brine which he had breathed in , and presently revived . he was a cooper of gandt , who being thenceforth freed from his madnesse , lived safe and sound . from hence , as our soul is a chamber-maid to find out reasons before unknown , i presently understood the idea of the madnesse , and the mark of the imprinted poison , to be like as is a mortified blemish in the young : for i knew that warts , and likewise ulcers , and forreign , future , and strange poisons lighting on the first constitution , were separable , the vital root of the individual remaining . also the marriner did relate , that the dutch , by a raw herring salted , for three dayes space renewed , and applied to the biting of a mad dog , do take away all fear of madnesse . but where negligence had hindered that thing , at least , that by the beheld manner of plunging , they are all cured : for they who abhor water , it s no wonder if they are cured by water . afterwards it remained deeply imprinted in my mind , perswading my self , that that would not be unprofitable in other kind of madnesses . therefore it happened at antwerp , that a carpenter , perswading himself , that in the night-timehe had seen horrid appearances or ghosts , became wholly mad with the terrour thereof : and he was sent unto the tomb of st. dympna the virgin , where those who are possessed by an evil spirit are wont to be freed ; the matter being thereby wrested into an abuse , that all mad men should indifferently be sent thither : as if the condition of those that are possessed , and mad , were the same : the carpenter therefore is nourished a whole year , and mad , however the wonted remedies were implored ; and when as moneys were not sent from antwerp , for the last half year , they sent back the mad man bound in a waggon , who , when he had loosed his bonds , he leapt out of the wain into a deep and neighbouring pool : he being at length drawn out was laid up into the waggon , for a dead carcasse ; but he lived for eighteen years after , free from madnesse . by which example , i ( being raised unto an hope ) knew , that not only the madnesse from a mad dog , but also that an inveterate or ancient mania or madness might be cured : and that thing i afterwards often tried ; neither hath the event deceived me , but as oft as through fear , i drew these mad persons over-hastily out of the water . i likewise learned by the example of the carpenter , that it would be all one , whether the aforesaid plunging , or choaking of the mad idea , should happen to be in fresh water , or salt . a certain woman , to me known , commendable for her much honesty , in the moneth november , in a dark evening , rushed head-long from a bridg , into a small river or brook , with a carr of two wheels : and when they were intent about the horse , they neglected the poor ●id woman , but she remained under the water , until they had unloaded the carr of some wares : at length , being mindful of that poor old woman , they brought her to a neighbouring village , as it were a drowned dead carcasse , wherein , the wife of the inn laid that woman on a table , with her face placed downwards , and her head hanging downwards : and it came to pass , that she thus dismissed the water drawn into the lungs . it seemed to me like a fable , until mat in the mountains of hannonia or hungarie , a young man drowned in swimming is brought unto a noble matron , a companion of my journey ; who bad the mother , bewailing the death of her son , to be of good cheer : therefore she stretched the young man with his face placed downward upon his knees ; and when the feeble young man thus hung , being altogether naked , he at length ( the water being cast back ) began to breath again , and revived in our sight . again i remember , that in the year . i returning in the evening from the castle of perla , two leagues distant from antwerp , found a company on the bank of the rotomagian channel , because they complained , that a young man , the only son of a rich widdow , was drowned , who was sent for , and found his dead carcass laying on the ground in the stubble or straw ; she took him up into her lap , and kissed him , weeping bitterly : i bad that she should turn his body , with his head and shoulders hanging downwards , and his back upwards ; and the young man began after a quarter of an hour , to breath again . i have learned therefore , that drowned persons do not easily die , seeing both the aforesaid young men , lurked perhaps for the space of half an hour under the water : neither must there be a cessation from prayer , as soon as he which is believed to be dead , doth cease to take breath . galen , for madnesse of the biting of a mad dog , before the fear of waters hath arose , gives cray-fishes or crabs calcined to drink , for fourty dayes : yet if that calx be not given presently after the beginning , it profiteth nothing : and so also thus the use thereof hath remained unaccustomed . in the mean time , it is ridiculous , that in burning of crabs , they add myrrhe , &c. or when they melt silver for to make a cup or flagon for a perfuming-shop , that they add triacle ; the antidote whereof the devouring flame consumes , before the living creature be roasted . but paracelsus affirms , that the hydrophobia is cured by sharp loosening medicines ; but surely the event hath not answered his promises . therefore catholiques despairing , nor trusting to these remedies of the universities , our country-men flee to st. hubbert , where by some rites performed , they are cured : yet this is remarkable therein ; that if the rites be not precisely observed , the madness which otherwise did hitherto long lay hid , doth forthwith arise , and the hydrophobians are left without hope . there is a robe or gown of s. hubbert , locked up in a chest with six divers keys , and also kept by six divers key-keepers : but they do every year cut off part of that garment , the garment the while remaining always whole , for eight hundred years now , and more : neither is it a place of jugling deceit , because it is not known at this day , whether the robe be of fine flax , wool , hemp , or cotton ; and so neither could a new one be yearly substituted in its room : but they cut off part of the garment , that they may incarnate a thread or rag thereof , within the skin of the forehead of every one that is bitten by a mad dog : for from hence there is another miracle : that he who hath once recovered by his rites , through the thread or rag taken out of the robe , may delay the time for another that is bitten , and stupifie the prevailing madnesse for fourty dayes , and that for some years , until they to their own profit , can at length come to saint hubbert : yet with that condition , that if any one do tarry never so little above fourty dayes , and hath not ( as was said ) before obtained by request , a prolonging of the limited time , he presently falls into a desperate madness . for the lombards do thus run to the saints , belline , and donine , and so do request preservation : and they require the healing to be from a madnesse arising from a deed done : but for foolish madness or being out of ones mind , they do not hitherto ( as i know of ) invoke any heavenly patron . chap. xxxvii . the seat of the soul. . the matter is as yet before the judge . . a third opinion . . the head being dead , a certain bride hath over-lived for eight hours at least . . the mouth of the stomach being smitten , hath brought a sudden and total death . . a paradox of the authour concerning the seat of the soul. . the creation teacheth this seat . . physitians do occultly consent to those very things unwittingly . . the lord confirmeth the paradox of the authour . . some reasons . . against the existence of the vegetative soul. . the heart is a servant to the stomach . . the seat remains fixt . . that the first powers of conceptions are felt in the mouth of the stomach . . they unwillingly place the faculty of concupiscence in the stomach and liver . . whither this speculation tends . . they have also against their wills assented to the paradox of the authour . . the seat of the mind is the same with that of the sensitive soul . . the manner of existing in its seat . . a piercing of souls . . what the sensitive soul is . . a similitude of its existence . . heat is not the fountain of the light of life , but the light of the archeal life , or product . . what the mind is . . by the comming of the sensitive soul , death hath entred . . a comparison of the dignity lost , and obtained . . the spleen , for the duumvirate . . the dignities of offices . . all foolish madnesses do from hence take their beginning . . a remarkable thing touching the examination of remedies , a further progresse being denied . . how immortality did stand . . a change of the state. . a corollary of what hath been said . . the errour of the schools . the sur-name of a duumvirate , or sheriff-dome may astonish the reader with the terrour of novelty : wherefore i am first to render a reason of its etymologie , and afterwards i shall explain its government . before all things the seat of the mind is to be searched into : for although the soul be every where , where the life of it is ; yet as the sun is not properly but in his own place , in heaven , although the light thereof be wheresoever he casts his aspect : there is altogether the same judgment concerning the central place of the soul : but there is a strife about the center , or place of exercise of the soul in the body : and the standard-defenders , being as it were hung up in the air , do encounter over this thing , no● having a foundation where to fix their foot . for plato contends for the heart , for whom the holy scriptures seem to vote , while they reach , that out of the heart proceed murders , adulteries , &c. but physitians do respect the head , as it were the inn of discourse and understanding ; especially because the heart , by such an unwearied motion of a stirred pulse , cannot but make the soul to be troubled and unquiet . those that baptize do follow the opinion of physitians . neither are there those wanting in the mean time , who determine the immortal mind to be so every where , and equally in the body , that they will have it to abide in no certain seat , no more than it can be tied or bound by the body : and so they suppose the soul to be a wandring , ●oving inhabitant of an uncertain cottage , and to be every way dispersed where life is present : but they do not regard , that some parts are cut off , the life remaining safe ; but that others being lightly smitten , do presently bring death on the whole body : some one oftentimes , by his mangled face , and head as it were diminished , testifies death to be present with him , whose heart notwithstanding , by its lukewarmth and pulse , doth promise the soul to be as yet present : and that thing is daily seen in those that do long play the champion . a certain bride , being willing to celebrate her marriage in opdorp nigh scalds , because the governour of the place was there , is saluted by her retainers with the noyse of guns : but one of them dischargeth a gun laden with a ledden bullet , but it pierceth the coach , and the temples of the bride : she presently falls down , and is reckoned a dead woman : but opdorp is seven leagues distant from vilvord , whither when she was brought , proceeding to bruxels , her head was a dead carcase , cut in thin pieces , and plainly cold ; yet nigh her heart , i noted a luke-warmth and pulse . likewise a certain image fell from a high place , on the crown of a woman , so as that the whole top of the scull had depressed the brain , almost two fingers in breadth : she was reckoned to have been dead , yet there was a slender pulse in both arms , six houres after , and it was noted by many . a certain studious man , being strong , strikes another sitting at the table , with his fist , about the orifice of the stomach , who presently fell down with a foaming mouth , and being lifted up by us into his seat , he was forthwith deprived of pulse , and before grace was read , his whole body was cold as ice . a carter being thrust thorow about the mouth of the stomach , with a dagger , with a foaming mouth , presently dieth ; he is also deprived of all pulse , and heat . therefore under a humble censure of the church ; i will declare another paradox . although life be a token of the soul , and this life be every where ; yet , as by the cutting of a finger , or foot , the soul doth not fly away , nor the life of the whole body ; neither yet can the soul or life be divided into parts , that the soul in its whole integral part may be any way dividable , and that death seemes to be near , through the hurting of a more noble member : in the mean time , it is certain , that the life in the member cut off , doth presently perish , although a part of the soul be not therefore taken away from the whole body : therefore it is manifest from thence , that the soul doth not sit centrally in whatsoever part there is an operation and presence of life : and it must needs be , that the seat of the soul is in some place , as it were its proper and central mansion : for from thence it dismisseth its lightsom and vital beames , by the archeus the instrument of the vital light : because the soul it self is a certain light , and clear substance in the minde ; but in other souls , it is indeed a light , yet not a substance : as elsewhere concerning the original of forms . the creator ( to whom be all honour ) hath kept a certain progresse from a like thing , who instructs us in the seat-royal of the soul , that from the more grosse things we may consider things more abstracted : for in a tree ( an argument is peculiarly drawn from a tree , by reason of the prerogative of the tree of life ) is seen a root , the vital beginning of it self : for truly , in the root as it were in a kitchin , a forreign juyce of the earth is cocted , altered , is alienated from its antient simplicity of water , and undergoes the disposition of a vital ferment there placed : but being cocted , it is distributed from thence , that it may more and more be constrained , and become like , according to the necessity of every further cook-room , which hath established lawes for the spirit inhabiting . so in the middle trunck of the body of man , is the stomach , which is not onely the sack or scrip , or the pot of the food ; but in the stomach , especially in its orifice or upper mouth , as it were in a central point and root , is the principle of life , of the digestion of meats , and the disposing of the same unto life , most evidently established . for whatsoever natural phylosophers have ever thorowly weighed concerning the heart that is of great moment ; they , will they , nill they , they have made all that common to the stomach . so as cardiogmus or the griping biting of the heart , cardialgia or the pain of the heart , have been withdrawn from the stomach , by a transchangeative and borrowed name ; and likewise swoonings , faintings , and epileptical insults or fits of the falling sickness , and those things which do seem to carry the rains of life , do take their original from the mouth of the stomach : for in bloud-letting that is daily seen ; wherein very often , presently after a vein is opened , giddinesses of the head , and likewise dulnesses and obscurings of the sight are manifestly felt to spring from the stomach , and to cease again , as oft as the finger is laid upon the opened vein , and it being removed from thence , the same sumptoms are again felt to arise from the stomach , and to be stirred up from thence . again , the authority of the word confirmeth my paradox , in the entrance , while it asketh , what cogitations have ascended unto your heart ? it doth not say , they descend unto your heart : as neither what cogitations are bred or do arise from your heart : for therefore also , many times , the stomach is called by the name of the heart , when as adulteries and sins are reckoned to arise from the heart . for every cogitation , in its first original , ought to spring from elsewhere than in the heart : for the pulse and vehement and uncessant motion of the heart would have forbid that thing : because that cogitation or thinking ought to be made in rest or quiet . as oft therefore as cogitation is attributed to the heart , that manner of speaking is according to the acceptation of the vulgar , by taking the heart for the seat of the soul. and although the necessity of seeds in plants do tend further , unto a multiplicity of functions , and consequently also doth proceed into the diversities of kindes of parts , yet the vegetative power , doth not therefore depart out of its antient , and vegetal bride-bed , wherein it hath once fixt its seat , neither doth it wander , or divide it self by reason of the dispersing of the kitchins . that thing happens after a more formal and manifest manner , after that the disposition of the seed hath adorned a beast-like figure , and hath ordained a variety of members : for then the sensitive and motive soul is given , and it is not stablished in any other place than in the root , wherein it afterwards prepareth all fewel or nourishment for it self . indeed , in speaking properly , and understanding distinctly , there is not a certain vegetative soul in plants or bruit beasts ; but there is a certain vital power , and as it were a fore-runner of the soul : but the sensitive soul takes into it self the rains of that archeal power , and that vital fore-running dispositive power doth melt in the archeus , and afterwards submits it self unto the sensitive soul : for the head being as yet occupied with an animal discourse , or the heart stirred with continual pulses , and working uncessantly in the framing of vital spirits , and in transplanting of venal bloud into arterial bloud , are not fit instruments for the soul of a beast : but when as this findeth an inn prepared for it in the root , it there resideth , remaineth , nor doth wander from thence to another place . for in very deed , the heart is a servant to the stomach , while it all its life long onely employeth it self in framing of the vital spirits : for the entrance of the life of a very tender young , begins from sucking , and sleep , and for some time so continues : both which things do happen in the stomach : where indeed the vital spirits are established and preserved by the soul in the root , in which the same soul doth for the future , hope especially to be nourished , cherished , fewelled , and increase : for it was never the study or office of the soul , to wander or passe from place to place , that it may chuse out a bride-bed for it self ; because that which is directed by an understanding in-erring , is stablished in its own and certain seat , from the beginning of life : and there is that center designed from the beginning of creation , for the original of seeds , with a command and tye , that the soul doth not change its seat , or enquire after strange places , as it were more commodious for it self : for he who rules all things strongly , and disposeth of them sweetly , hath known the bounds or ends of every appointment . there is indeed in the brain of a living creature , a motive virtue , and sensitive shop : but not , that therefore , the soul being shaken from its original and primary seat , shall wander from its radical inn ( designed unto it by the creator ) unto the head : for the faculties and functions of the sensitive soul , are indeed distributed into a plurality of parts . in the mean time , the soul it self , remains unshaken from its antient place , where it was first bound and tied : for neither is it divided by reason of the diversities of offices ; because it perfects all things by the ministring organ of an archeus , and it being as it were every where present , is an assistant to that vital beam . first of all , it is easily perceived , that all the force of the first conceptions , and every entring and primitive stirring of disturbances doth happen about the mouth of the stomach : for if a gun send forth a noyse unexspectedly , a shaking about the mouth of the stomach is perceived by the same stroak : so , if a sorrowful message be brought on a sudden , a sudden and speedied alteration is no where felt , but in that central inn of the soul . so that persons against their will , and at unawares have before me , there placed the desirable inn of the soul : which inn , because it is first in duration , discourse , motion , and the act of feeling of the external senses ; so it denotes , yea convinceth , that the original inn of the soul is in the same place : and that thing hath seemed to me most exceeding necessary to be known for the curing of diseases , as i shall demonstrate in its place , concerning diseases . for very many have remained without hope of recovery ; because remedies have been applied to a member appointed for functions , but not to the root from whence the errour sprang : for the habitation and court where the edicts are formed , being unknown , medicines have been rashly administred unto the places of executions : for the place of the sensitive soul being unknown , it hath been unknown hitherto , that that soul doth there receive the primitive blemish , disturbance , and contagion of most diseases : and in the same place , medicines ought to be appropriated , if from the root , a medicine for diseases is to be appointed : wherein surely , they have most grievously erred hitherto . at least , the first motions or assaults which are not in our power , are long since admitted to happen about the orifice of the stomach , and to climbe upwards to the head : but it is a certain thing , that every first motion doth begin from the center , and so that the center of the soul is wheresoever the beginning of conceptions is felt : but those are called forces , which are not in our power ; because they are the first conceits of the sensitive soul , as yet out of order , and not yet diligently examined by the command of the minde . but that which i write touching the seat of the sensitive soul , i understand also for the immortal minde : for truly , the minde hath not a subject more near and like to it self , wherein it may be entertained , than that vital light which is called the sensitive soul , wherein indeed the minde is involved , and tied by the bond of life , by the command of god. but the sensitive soul perishing , through the annihilating of it self , the minde cannot any longer subsist in the body ; and therefore it hastens to the being of beings , that it may passe unto places appointed for it . therefore the radical bride-bed of the sensitive soul is in the vital archeus of the stomach , and it stands and remains there for the whole life-time : not indeed , that the sensitive soul is entertained in the stomach , as it were in a sack , skin , membrane , pot , prison , little cell , or bark : neither is it comprehended in that seat , in manner of bodies enclosed within a purse ; but after an irregular manner , it is centrally in a point , and as it were in the very undividable middle of one membranous thickness : and it is in a place , nevertheless , not plainly locally . but because every soul is a light given by the father of lights , and creator of things ; but i have proved elsewhere that lights are immediately in place , and mediately in a placed air : so also the sensitive soul is in a place or seat , whereof i write at this present : but the minde , seeing it is a lightsome substance , it pierceth a created light , which is the sensitive soul , and this likewise pierceth the minde , and blunts it with its contagion of the corruption of adam : of which , in the book of long life , concerning the entrance of death into man. therefore the frail , mortal sensitive soul , is a meer vital light , given by the father of lights , neither is it declarable after another manner or word ; seeing that in the whole world , it hath not its like , besides the light of a candle : the which , because it burns , may be compared to a spark , yet onely by an analogical , and much unlike similitude , and as it were by the more outward husk . therefore indeed , that sensitive soul , although it be locally present , and be entertained in a place ; yet it is not comprehended in a place , otherwise , than as the flame of a candle is kindled in an exhalation ; and the light in that flame , is as it were life in the aforesaid soul : yet vital lights are never parching , but are separated by as many diversities as there are differences of souls . and from thence is god called by s. james , the father of lights . therefore the heat of things soulified , is not of the fountain-light of the soul ; but a heating light of the vital life ; and so it is the product of life ; but not the life it self : and therefore also it is emulous of a sunny light ; even as in a fish , the vital light is actually cold , because it is of the nature of the moon : and for that cause , god made onely two and sufficient lights , for the life of sublunary things : yet the light of which light , or the souls themselves , are the subjects of inherency : and they are altogether neither creatures , between a substance and an accident ; because of the country of the intelligible world : therefore in the sensitive soul ( for neither ever elsewhere in frail things ) as it were a spiritual light , made by the father of lights , is the immortal minde conjoyned , and the which also , by the hand of the almighty , every where present , or by an angel , is co-knit unto the sensitive soul , by the bond of life , that is , of a vital light : which is an unseparable property of the aforesaid light . but the immortal minde it self , is a clear or lightsome , incorporeal substance , immediately shewing forth the image or likeness of its god , because it hath received the same engraven on it , in creating , or in the very instant of enlivening or quickning : for both souls are created at once , and conjoyned by god , who will never attribute his own honour of creator unto any creature . but before the fall of adam , there was not a sensitive soul in man ; but by what meanes or after what manner , that , together with death , hath descended at once into humane nature , that shall be shewed in its own place . at least by the coming of the sensitive soul , death hath entred , and the corruption of our whole nature , and the majesty and integrity of our former nature was obliterated or blotted out . for truly , while the minde did immediately perform the offices of life , neither was the sensitive soul as yet present , immortality was also present , neither had beast-like darkness occupied the understanding . and so man indeed suffered ship-wrack in his own nature , and that an unrestorable one : but by the new birth , under the calamities of tribulations , ma●●s exalted in a far more excellent manner , while from the image of god , he is taken , as adopted for his son. furthermore , it is altogether necessary , that every motion of the first force , and of the first conception of the soul , doth happen in the chamber of the soul : which thing , although it be chiefly felt about the orifice of the stomach , and god be admirable in his works ; because indeed , it hath well pleased him to dispose such admirable powers in the membranes of the stomach , womb , and skins that cover the brain , because they do bear before them as it were a certain image of a common-wealth ; yet i have found the spleen readily to serve for the ferment of the stomach , and for the sun , cocter , and directer thereof . therefore i have decreed , to call the conspiracy of both bowels , the duumvirate or sheriff-dome . for although the digestive ferment , and the like aids , may seem to shew forth a family-service of servants ; yet the service of houshold-servants in vitals , as it contains a power and strength , so also it promiseth dignity and authority : so that , as in the stomach there are feelings , faintings of the whole body , and most sensible , manifest , and open priviledges of coctions ; neverthelesse , the vital breathing-hole , causing the digestions of so manifold arteries , and so mightily of the stomach , hath commanded , that without a duality , disagreement , or powerful preferrence , there ought to be made one family-administration of both bowels ; indeed by divers offices , into one conspiring scope , although both do singularly attend on their own work , therefore also separated in place . truly , there is one onely endeavour of the duumvirate , and agreeing , and set harmony of intention . therefore the neighbouring spleen doth lay on the stomack without , as if it would nourish the same by a lively co-weaving of arteries : not indeed that the arteries do give all force or virtue to the spleen , but they have themselves as bowels , after the manner of stars : for although the stars do borrow their light from the sun , yet there is in every one of them his own peculiar property , and strength of acting , which is far most evident in the moon , about the ebbings , flowings , and overflowings of the sea. be it therefore , that the arteries of the spleen do supply the place of the sun ; yet the spleen it self hath obtained a double and native dignity peculiar to it self , although the family-service of the heart rejoyceth in the preparing of vital blood and spirit . therefore the spleen is the seat of the archeus , the which seeing he is the immediate instrument of the sensitive soul , doth determine , or limit or dispose of the vital actions of the soul residing in the stomach : for the sensitive soul doth scarce meditate of any thing without the help of the archeus , because it rejoyceth not being abstracted , as doth the minde ; the which in its ebbing or going back by an extasie , doth sometimes , and without the props of the archeus and corporal air , intellectually contemplate of many and great things . also in exorbitances of the archeus , an aversion , confusion , exorbitancy , and indignation is administred . and the sensitive soul it self , being as it were the husk of the minde , doth alwayes , will it , nill it , make use of the archeus : hence indeed all foolish madnesses ( some whereof onely have been made known ) are called praecordial or midriffe ones , and are ascribed to the place about the short ribs : the which notwithstanding , do spring from the same seat , and the same fountain of the soul , as it were by the hurting of one onely point . also remedies do scarce materially go without the hedges or bounds of the stomach : and therefore , they are rare , which are brought thorow , unto the spleen : which thing in the difficulties of a quartane ague is plain enough to be seen : for the immortal minde is read to be inspired into adam , by omnipotency , and that without the wedlock of the sensitive soul : and that breath of life , he calls a substance : and therefore that is not found to be breathed into bruit beasts . therefore the minde was first of all immediately tied to the archeus , as to its own organ or instrument , the which , therefore it could at its pleasure , daily substitute a-new , out of the meats , being sufficiently , and alwayes and perpetually alike strong : and from thence to awaken the immortal life , worthy of or meet for it self : for truly , the immortal minde being every where present , did perform all the offices of life immediately by the archeus ( and the which therefore doth borrow his own liveliness from the minde ) who also is therefore after some sort , superiour to mortal things , and seemed to be the foster-child of a more excellent monarchy , than of a sublunary one . these things were so , before the fall of adam : but seeing that in the same day of their transgression , they were made guilty of death ; a soul subject to death , came unto them , the vicaresse and companion of the minde : to wit , unto whom the minde it self straightway transferred the dispositions of the government of the body : for at first , there was an immediate wed-lock of the immortal minde with the archeus . presently after the fall , and the stirring up of the sensitive soul , the minde withdrew it ●●lf like a kernel , into the center of the sensitive soul , whereto it was tied by the bond of life . the minde is not nourished by foods , it could chuse meats for its own archeus , and prepare them for him , who now is constrained with an unwearied study to watch for his own support of nourishment : and that , by degrees , he lesse and lesse fitly prepares and applies to himself , by reason of the defective duration , and power of the sensitive soul . thus therefore , i ought to speak concerning the seat of the minde , of the material occasion of mortality , and the necessities of diseases and distemper : for truly , what things are here required , in the treatise of the entrance of death into humane nature , is demonstrated at large , with an explication of that text : from the north shall evill be stretched out over all the inhabitants of the earth . therefore , for a summary : the central place of the soul , is the orifice or upper mouth of the stomach , no otherwise , than as the root of vegetables is the vital place of the same . the minde sitteth in the sensitive soul , whereto it was consequently bound after the fall : but the brain is the executive member of the canceipts of the soul , as it sits chief over the sinews and muscles , in respect of motion ; but in respect of sense or feeling , it possesseth in it self , the faculties of memory , will , and imagination : therefore the stomach failing or being defective , there are palenesses , tremblings , drith's , consumptions of the flesh and strength , wringings of the belly or guts , the asthma or stoppage of breathing , jaundises , palsies , convulsions , giddinesses of the head , apoplexies , &c. for the most famous physitians do wonder , that oft-times extream defects are overcome , not otherwise , than by remedies pertaining to the stomach , and that the evil of the stomach doth bring forth diseases far distant from it self . and the more modern physitians are amazed , that vulnerary potions should succesfully cure wounds of the joynts : and that according to paracelsus , the cancer , wolf , the eating inflamed ulcer , are cured by a drink . therefore the errour of those that cure the more outward parts that are ill-affected , as if they were fundamental ones , and they who do translate all healing about the head , it being hurt by the lower parts , proceedeth from hence , by reason of the ignorance of the seat of the soul , life , and government . chap. xxxviii . from the seat of the soul unto diseases . . a greater sense is proved to be in the mouth of the stomach , than in the eye , or fingers . . the schools do every where , being unconstrained , consent to the paradox concerning the seat of the soul , although they do openly dissent therefrom . . the wayling of those that are exorbitant through much leachery . . the life of the stomach is chief over the other digestions . . the ferment that is a friend to the stomach , is afterwards , an enemy to all the particular shops of digestions . . divers diseases are stirred up by the ferment of the stomach being transplanted . . the snare of gatarrhs . . the foundation of diseases . . the joynt-sickness proves that thing . . very many diseases do flow centrally from the stomach , which are feared , and healed by the head. . of what sort the co-mixture of the character of some diseases may be . . how medicines applied to or bound about the head , do operate . . it is proved , that the seat of the soul is not in the heart it self . . remarkable things about the character of diseases . . why the effects of fear do vary their own effects . . the same thing is considered for a poysonous occasional cause . . they are appropriated to the vital light . . an objection . . the intent of the author . . a most notable decree or opinion about the direction , power , progress , &c. of remedies . . the healing of a remote wound , and the notable force of alcalies restraining remote sharpnesses from the stomach . . the schools are deceived about the remedies of wounds . . a lixivial salt doth potentially lay hid in herbs , and performeth other things , which the alcali of things calcined do not so easily do . . whence the diversity in the remedy of a wound , and vlcer is . . the diuretical or vrine-provoking virtue in a vulnerary potential alcali , is examined . the mouth of the stomach doth ( very often ) not endure the hand laid on it , although on both sides supported by the ribs ; for a sure token , that it doth there undergo a most acute and precise sense or feeling , which otherwise did seem to be required rather in the tops of the fingers for the distinguishing of things to be felt : but that it cannot suffer the hand laying upon it , by howsoever acceptable a luke-warmth , obvious , nor burthening it with its weight ; that very thing bewrayeth , that the life , the fountain of all sensibleness , is there : which notwithstanding , as it doth primarily accuse it self to be thus affected ; so also it makes it plain , that it is the sensitive soul , principally obvious to hurtful things , being involved in the immortal minde . but loe , i look back to the schools , who being uncompelled , do confess the tenderness , or the too much acute , exact , and precise feeling of the orifice of the stomach , to cause almost all swooning of the minde . and these things they so say , neither in the mean time , do they reflect themselves on their own maxims stablished concerning the heart , neither do they consider , that that sharp sense , thus named by them , doth argue nothing else besides a vital aptness , but not that more , or more open or manifest sinews have happened to one part more than to another . in the mean time , they have not once considered , that the life or soul is entertained in that seat ; they being unwilling to have the soul beheld in a sack or membrane : and they had rather believe it to be laid up in the bellowes of the eares of the heart , or in the idle or slow brain : for although they delivered their hands bound , while they marked or perceived that there are virtues in the membrane of the womb , troubling , or stirring up commotions in the whole body ; yet the priviledge hath not been as yet granted to the schools , of beholding , and confessing , that that thing is likewise granted to the stomach . indeed by the complaints of many that do wan●onize with foolish leache●● they were compelled ; because they did bewail that they were oppressed with an eveni●●●owling and vexed about the mouth of the stomach : but the schools have n●● therefore recalled the traditions of the heathens into a doubt , nor at least , being p●icked by the way , have they doubted to hold it confirmed ; whether happily there might be in the same place , the light , or entrance of a vital beginning , which being primarily affected by ●rovoking causes , might first feel its own discommodities : for neither is the command decreed but by the court ; as neither is the power of life delegated or appoynted , but by the life the president , that is , the soul. for it is from thence first manifested , that unlesse a granted character be imprinted on the seed by the sensitive soul , that very seed is to remain barren and monstrous ; no otherwise than as the flower of a pompion , whereto a small pompion is not seen joyned , or grown behind . therefore , if the soul doth sit as in an inn , whence seeds do originally borrow the character of their own fruitfulness ; it is also not to be doubted , that the powers , as well those vital , as propagative , do lay hid in the same place : and moreover , because that seat of the sensitive soul doth not only govern the digestive faculty of the stomach , and doth stir up an unnamed sou●ness of the ferment of the stomach unto this purpose , and suffers it to be clean taken away from it self , according to the vigour of the laws of nature , and to be cut short of its bound : but the very life of the stomach is chief over all the digestions of the whole body , however dispersed into hidden , or also remote d●ns : indeed , that is proper to the soul , by a singular radiation or in-beaming , and as it were participating of its own life , as though by an only and naked beck , and command of the du●mvirate , it did constrain obedience from on every side , and that it were due unto it from every one : whence it likewise follows , that the same vital vigour is every way dilated , and by an erroneous guidance , that the exorbitances of the same are also diseasedly transplanted even to the fingers ends . so indeed , that hostile sourness , the which , although it be acceptable to the stomach , yea and very meetly requisi●e ; yet now , in strange soyls , it becomes an enemy : for neither is the proof of that hostility to be borrowed from far : for truly in the dog-dayes it is plain enough to be seen , that fleshes , presently after they have entred the threshold of their begun corruption , they afford sour broths , and those tinged with an unwonted colour . therefore a forreign guest of the stomach being brought by a vital beginning , unto a strange field , some strange defect doth for that very cause presently follow , which doth for the most part also , presently bewray its presence . indeed , it is a disease , which if it be brought into the veins , through the errour of the du●mvirate badly enraged or enflamed , it brings forth fevers : but if the hostile sourness or sharpness be brought into the habite of the body , or joynts , divers apostems , and errours of the joynt sickness are straightway present : apostems i say , which , with the least matter , do bite , no otherwise than as thorns , or an enforced d●●● do at length hasten into corrupt pus , a weeping liquor , and thin corrupt sanies . this indeed is the deceitful snare of catarrhes or rheumes , which hath ensnated the schools even unto late dayes , through the various descendings , defluxions , falls , and slidings of humours not existing : and it was easie for satan to have driven readily inclined minds , seduced by paganisme , headlong , hitherto ; no otherwise than as astrologers have intentively noted the undeclarable scituation of the moon and planers , have feigned excentricall ones relatively , and simply , the which indeed they knew to be vain , and feigned for the necessitie of scituatioins found by measuring . but in healing that was nearer for satan , thus to have deceived his own , that is , pagans ; because sense , an industrious and importunate perswader was at hand , whom to prevent , it hath been neglected , while art began in hast to be drawn unto lucre . for truly , from those things which are alleadged in the treatise of catarrhs , concluded demonstratively and necessarily , that is obvious to any one , that there is no matter for rheums , likewise not a kitchin , place , wherein , or where they should be pr●pared , as neither a channel through which they should so diversly flow down even unto the most distant coasts of the body . but that it is a far more easie and nigh thing ( but only the hand being once delivered to gentilism , hindereth , and that by a credulity they have stopt up their own way of enquiring into the truth ) to meditate that the life is to be on every side continued from the principle of life : next also , that from a vital errour , errours are spread throughout the whole body , also into the whole body , even into the part as well containing , as the part contained . again , it hath been rashly and frivolously devised , that this foundation being once passed by , any kind of remedy would be made ●oyd by successors , thenceforth deceived by satanical craft : which thing , i would those that come after , might with me sufficiently contemplate : for from thenceforth they should also easily with tears , discern the great blindness of mortal men , as well in physitians , as in all places , in medicinable things . for gowty persons are first ushered in , and they should accuse the stomach , and that they do there feel the first motions , and as it were feverish disturbances , as the fore-●unners of a fit : for the tar●ness conceived and bred in the same place , only by the aspect and in-beaming of the vital light , is erroneously translated into a seminal glew ; which they now call sunovia , and it is the transparent nourishable seed of the joynts , and it is there the more plentifully laid up , by reason of the frequency of motions , and a strong com-pressing of the bones : for truly otherwise , the bones should very shortly rage with heat , and be dryed by a mutual rubbing together . but although these things are much more fully described in the chapter of the gout , yet it is profitable for me more plainly to enlarge them . surely , divers diseases are met withal , which draw their original centrally from the stomach , whose rise and remedy are hitherto by an unhappy guesse , unknown : for there are in the concave or hollownesse of the stomach , sharp or sour , bitter , salt , burntish or stinking , poysonsom , unsavoury , &c. savours , & especially the sour , fermental , & digestive or trans-changeative savour is not proper or natural to the stomach ; but it is prepared and inspired into it , by the kitchin of the spleen , being a neighbour unto it for this end ; which ferment indeed failing , for that very cause there is an un-concoction in the house , a difficult or slow coction , a dejected appetite , a loathing of meats ; which things are presently beheld to be proper to , and stamped on fevers . wherefore the old man hath said , that sowr belchings coming upon burntish or stinking ones , is a good sign . also it somtimes happens that a sparing ferment doth flow unto the stomach : from thence also that an unnourishing or wasting of flesh is stirred up , and that meats do become hard to be cocted : yea , the stomach which seemeth to be deprived of its ordinary feeling , neither which feels any things but those which are hurtful , and that as oft as it is unworthily affected by forreign things contained within it ; it presently under the smalnesse of the ferment , brings forth a watery liquor , and is busie in thrusting it out with a loathing . but i call that watery , which now and then is nothing but a meer water , likewise a slimy muscilage , also oft-times , unsavoury , and not seldome seasoned with a forreign tartness , which doth as far differ from a vital ferment , as a dead man doth from a living one ; so that , although they do participate in tast , yet they very far differ from each other ; which may be seen in the bitterness of wormwood , and of asses or wild cucumber , or coloquintida . for while the drink , & also the nourishment to be adjoyned in the stomach , do offend through the penury of a lively ferment , they presently decay into a yellow liquour , which the schools have hitherto falsly called the bowel gaul , yea also one of the four constitutive humours of the venal bloud ; being ignorant the while , by what authour and guider , choler should be seperated unmixt from the venal bloud , nigh akin to , and intimately well mixed with it , and that ( surely much changed from choler swimming on the bloud ) should be all alone brought unto the stomach ; seeing there is not a passage from the liver unto the stomach , but by so many windings , which may worthily accuse this invention of the schools of blockishness . but when the nourishment approacheth to the stomach , that it may be made like unto it , and nourish it , and it faileth through the penury of the ferment , or a storm otherwise arisen in the stomach , it presently pu●rifies and becomes infamous with a burnt savour : for that being detained in a lukewarm place , which hath now entred the threshold of life , and hath been received into the number of things by an by vital , it presently also putrifies , is made burntish , yea if delay shall have accesse , it becomes cadaverous : whence are the disease of choler , lienteries or smoothnesses of the bowels , belly passions , &c. also now and then the archeus of the stomach , being even unwilling to supply the smalness of a sour ferment , is wroth , and brings forth a sharp , sour , cruel one ; from thence are inordinate appetites , and likewise wringings as well in the stomach , as in the bowels themselves , for the most part cruel ones . but if the plenty or harshness of food , doth flow unto , and overflow a moderate sour ferment , then the whole food waxeth bitter , that excrement by such a degeneration grows yellow , and gross , and a various troop of evils being thereby kindled , it riseth up into a flux , unless the whole be at once presently cast forth by stool . somtimes also the archeus of the stomach doth conceive a fury , & is enflamed of his own free accord , so as the tartnesse doth not strike into the meats , but doth wandringly infect the archeus himself : then indeed the joynt sicknesse or gout is conceived , and the archeus being diffused throughout the whole body , doth notwithstanding immediately affect with its sharpness , the sunovia or raw seed immediately adjudged for the fashioning of the bones , and therefore laid up within the joynts : but he defiles the sunovia or raw seed of the more weak part in the strength of nature : therefore the joynt sickness is reckoned to choose at pleasure , the part which it apprehendeth . and because that tartness being received in the center of the stomach , is dispersed by the archeus unto remote places ; therefore it is false that defluxions are propagated from the head , through the sinews and veins . so indeed , great wringings of the belly , by a conserving or consent of parts , do stir up a hurtful sharpnesse in the stomach , which afterwards do oft-times wondrously shake the hands , and feet with a convulsion , and likewise straightway after , doth also resolve them with a palsie . therefore an undue tartnesse of the stomach , if it lay hold of the dewy nourishment , and the spermatick nourishable juice thereof , how slenderly soever it be , it stirs up giddinesses of the head , and by so much the more troublesome ones , by how much these do the more behold or respect its hinder part . but an apoplexy ariseth , while as an unsavoury muscilage , plainly by a strange motion and entertainment , doth enter from the hollow of the stomach into the veins thereof , about the orifice , and doth keep the rightness of its own side , and distinguisheth a great one from a lesse , by theabsence or presence of poysonsomnesse . but there is for the most part in such chronical diseases , a certain sealing character : so indeed the gout doth oft-times issue from the beginning of the parents into the off-spring , and doth there patiently wait very many years , before that the proper fruit thereof doth obtain its own ripeness . therefore in the vital beginnings and radical organs of the stomach ( which are the local , or implanted archeus it self ) that post-bume and translated gouty character or impression , doth stick fast by a hereditary right ; and consequently , likewise also , that entired character which is gotten by an inordinary of living , that sits in the archeus of the orifice of the stomach ; the which , while it is wearied by the insolency of a strange guest , doth sharpen it self for an expulsion of the same , and from thence also the fruit of an apoplexy issues : for neither is that silent gouty character materially laid up in a certain nest within , and received in a separated stable , in the folds and wrinckles of the stomach , as it were some forreign tartar adhering to it ; but it is a committed character in the very archeus of life . for let us feign a unity of the thing supposed , and of the property whereby that character doth lay intombed for the gout , apoplexy , or falling evil , and is stirred up at the set stations of its own ripeness , or is much stirred by certain meats taken , or smels . and then let us consider the natural sharpness of the stomach , now degenerate , and likewise the tenderness of its orifice , stirring up swoonings and falling sicknesses ( which testifies nothing besides an easie feeling , hurting , suffering , disturbance of the life , and so an enemy present , tumulting from very many things ) therefore if the sharpness which is co-mingled with the archeus , be stirred up besides nature , and seeing this is chief over all the particular digestions , that sharpness is beamingly brought down unto strange cottages , whereto is wholly an enemy ; and from thence doth the gout or joynt sickness issue forth . but if it be co-knit to the meat , or drink , pains of the colick , wringings of the guts , and other exorbitances of the parts occasionally are present . but if that the sharpness of the stomach doth degenerate , and associate it self with an opiate or drowsie poyson , with a piercing toward the seat of the soul , the falling evil is straightway present . but if a stinking muscilage inclining to bitterness doth arise , there is a giddiness of the head ; and that more strongly insulting , doth stir up an apoplexy . for neither is it meet to distinguish those precisely from each other , while it is better to have the matter or occasion exhausted . likewise some external medicines bound about the head , do preserve from an epileptical fall and fit , which is for a signe , that either the fruit of the character is hindered , or the applying of the occasion to the archeus : indeed in either manner the hurtfull matter is to be letted or prevented , to be extinguished or annihilated , that it be not co-mingled with the archeus . and moreover , as vegetables are wont for the most part , to sleep in winter , and to be as it were awakened at spring , that they may send forth a bud , leaves , flowers , or fruits ; so a gouty , epileptical , &c. character , is also stirred up into a ripeness at a fet period , unlesse the importunity of provoking things do forestal it : at leastwise , the giddiness of the head , and apoplexy , &c. although they are brought back within occasional causes ; yet they do sit immediately within the very nest of life , in the archeus , which indeed is implanted in the orifice or upper mouth of the stomach . for in how easie a breviary , by things hanged on the neck or body , is the falling-evil suspended and detained ? because an entrance of the hurtful cause into the sensitive soul , is hindered ; for there is a piercing of the hurtful cause lurking in the archeus , to within , and the which doth therefore wholly take away the mind : indeed it leaves a pulse , to wit , of the heart , but it so tramples on the sense , imagination , and every principal power of the soul , that for that space of time , they seem to be plainly withdrawn . from whence also we must note with a pen of iron , that the soul so trampled upon , doth not dwell in the heart , which never a whit stumbleth . but the gout , as it tends to without , so the character thereof doth not so much affect the secret chamber , or seat of the soul , as the archeus the president or chief ruler of the digestions : which things do therefore happen , because an hereditary character of the gout is stamped on the young , from the beginning of generation , and long before its quicking : and therefore , it respecteth only the archeus ( but not the soul ) which then alone bare the whole burden on himself . but he that hath gotten the character of the gout by the exorbitances of his life , although it shall come to him being a man in years , yet it keeps the nature of its own property : whence it is made manifest , that the stamp or character of every disease is promiscuously to be admitted into the lap of the sensitive soul . so that as great fear hath made many persons epileptical or to have the falling sickness for their life time ; so a co-like fear hath afterwards rendred many free from the gout . indeed in the one , the fear generated in the conjunction of the life and sensitive soul , an epileptical character ; which fear being more slack by one or two degrees , and more outwardly , killed the character of the gout , and rendred it either congealed by the fear , or even oppressed the root thereof . black choler according to hippocrates ( which seeing it hath no where ever existed , is to be taken for the effect attributed to that choler ) subsisting in the midriffs ( for he hath had respect unto the seat of the soul or the duumvirate , not yet known ) if it he dispersed into the body , provoketh the falling sickness ; but if into the soul , madness . for such was the plainness of the first age , which indeed did candidly fift things ; but for want of light from above , it came not unto the grounds of the matter . there are some simples which are without a valuable abhorrency , which by eating of them , do produce true madness ; but others cause sleep : some also produce madmen for term of life , but others do bring forth doatages only , as it were certain drunkennesses ; according also to the equalities whereof , i will have the characters of diseases to be judged : because not only such hostile things being taken , health , the mind , or life is alienated ; but hurtful matters being conceived , bred , and procured within , or also characters only , divers properties are introduced into the life , or into the archeus the instrument of life : and not only those good inclinations of fathers , or grandfathers , are propagated into the seed ; but also , certain diseasie seedinesses , such as are in simples , are co-bred , being as it were hardly threatned on us : the which indeed , as they do deserve a serious observation ; so much the more , as oft as that hostile and diseasie poyson is divers wayes coupled , somtimes to the ferment of the stomach , somtimes to the implanted archeus , then next unto the arterial spirit , also oft-times beamingly to the life it self , which indeed is nothing but a central light , capable also to be pierced by any radial or beamy light : so indeed the vital light of the sensitive soul is pierced by a forreign light , being coupled with it , no otherwise then as light thorow coloured glasse , doth tinge a simple light in the wall . truly in the monarchy belonging to life , and the which descendeth from the father of lights , are those living lights , which otherwise do shine in a simple sunnie light , or in a coloured light , being attributed wholly to a fraile or mortal light : and there is a combination of living lights , not only capable of bearing each other , but also active on each other : so that from hence it is plain , that the father of lights doth restrain the bridles of life , and of whole nature . therefore in the arteries of the spleen , or in the very substance of that bowel , is now a property stamped ( which i call the characteristical one of a disease ) or next in the very coat , veins , sinews of the stomach , or also in the vital archeus of the same ; which property doth propagate it self by intervals or spaces , into the sensitive soul ; or it shineth thorough it with a continual fewel , and compels that soul to be its chamber-maid ; so that the soul it self , or the life or vital archeus thereof , being vexed or troubled by turns , they are carried headlong into some motion of fury , madness , swooning , giddiness of the head , falling evil , apoplexy , palsie , convulsion , &c. i know well enough , that the adverse party that is not desirous to learn , will accuse the mist which i spread , while i wrest these sublunary things aside unto the life , unto vital lights , or unto the invisible world , where the father of lights is president : but i pray , let them remember , that this is the right way , which else , cannot be searched into from a former cause : and let them know , that vital motions are not disturbed by , and doe not depend on the life ; whether the while we contemplate of our life , or in the next place , of the life and vital properties , which do appear to us diseasie , mortal , and hateful . truly i every where behold it to be nothing but the common good of my neighbour , for to open the windows , whereby the light of nature , hitherto obscured , may come into the schools , and wits more successful than my self : wherefore i have withdrawn the complexions of elementary qualities , and likewise the humours , tartars , and these kind of dreams of writers : i could wish , that in the room of them , a true knowledge of nature , and diligent search of our selves were introduced . lastly , i have taken away catarrhs or rheums out of the midst of them , as vain fictions , and broken staffs , wherewith mortals have been hitherto supported : and se , whatsoever hath deceived these , through the fraud and deceit of a humour flowing down , as the cause making a disease , all that is to be referred into the fruit and product of a vital cause : and that which is thought by the schools materially to flow down out of the head , that is darted , shot , 〈…〉 forth and propagated from the vital seat of the soul , by a common guidance of the archeus , or is in stilled by a participation of life . * good god , how far do i dissent from the tradition of the antients ? i would there may be such , or at least i would thou mayest make them such , who may comprehend me , and nourish the hope of the sick with a richer talent ! but thou , o god , wilt do in these things , according to thy own good pleasure , to whom i totally refer and offer all things , and every thing , which i have , know , see , and am able to do . i return therefore unto my path . first of all , i have elsewhere shewn , that vulnetary or wound-herbs do operate , by virtue of a certain in-bred alcali or lixivial salt. indeed i have taught , that vulnetary mercury , as well the praecipitate , as sublimate , are easily to be revived , a clarified juyce being imbibed by boiling : whence it follows , that those herbs are the more excellent in this degree , that juyce of whom , being boiled with the praecipitate , and afterwards washed away , shall the more easily and plentifully revive the mercury . wherefore also in healing , the stone of crabs doth excell , if it be drunk with wine , more than if in water ; because that stone , in wine , doth most easily put on the virtue and savour of a lixivium or lye. neither i pray , therefore , let the physitian abhor the use of wine in a wound , or fever , &c. for at that very time that it savours of an alcali , it loseth the virtues & property of wine : for so , the lixivial salt of the teil-tree is successfully given to drink , no otherwise than that powder of crabs . for the goodnesse of god hath invited us , that by reason of the rarenesse whereby that stone doth subsist in a little space , mortals may be drawn into an admiration thereof , and thereby also may learn its virtues , and may sift out its property alike wonderful , whereby it profiteth wounded , bruised people , and those that have fallen head-long from an high place . and here presently a wonder not yet declared , comes to light ; to wit , that a wound in the foot , and also in the leg , or in the most remote parts from the mouth , is healed ; whither notwithstanding no alcali hath ever obtained accesse ; to wit , as the lixivial salt of this stone doth correct the sharpnesse , which is kindled in the utmost members , or habit of the body , and which is prepared to be kindled . for neither doth the force of the alcali passe from the stomach thorow the veins , even into the toes : but neither is it admitted thither : and although it should be admitted , yet it could not proceed free and unbroken , thorow the foregoing questions and examinations of digestions : for there is no man , which may be ignorant of this , and not grant me what i have said . therefore from thence it is altogether manifest , that that alcali , although it go not materially even unto the habit of the body ; yet it is sufficient , that it doth disperse its property even thitherto , beamingly onely , that it shall forbid a sournesse or sharpnesse in the stomach , the fountain of digestions , and the chief court-house of life ; wherein is manifested the power of the stomach over all the families of digestions . wherefore from a contrary sense , they have sometime perceived , that wine , because it easily waxeth sour within us , it enflames , and perverts wounds , unlesse by a vulnerary lixivial fixed salt being administred , that sharp faculty of the wine become mild : for truly the hurt or dammage of a wound is onely an inward fermental sharpnesse , which being absent , the lips of that which was continued , do hasten to run together . wherefore the schools being deceived , have universally forbidden wine to those that are wounded ; which thing the use of a vulnerary remedy at this day hath disallowed , to the disgrace of the schools : for neither doth an alcali go materially unto places far off , to restrain sharpnesse ; seeing neither indeed is it able to pierce unto the spleen , the seat of a quartan ague . therefore it sufficeth , that it restraineth sharpnesse in the stomach , the ruler of all the digestions : not indeed that it destroyeth the sour ferment of the stomach , but as it is corrected , and the translation of the ferment unto remote places , is hindered : which thing also the aforesaid paradox it self confirmeth , to wit , that the digestion of the stomach is chief over the particular digestions of a thousand kitchins . and then , that there is not made a wandring of lixivial salts , materially ; & that it is better to drink the alcalies of these stones , than calcined shell-fishes : because that although they do help , and the alcali in calcined things is far more powerful ; yet it hath under an actual vigour , vitiated the ferment of the stomach , or at least doth incline it : whereas the stone of crabsis carried not so much into the ferment , as into the product of the ferment . also there is a plain reason , why that stone , and herbs like unto it , do heal great and remote wounds , yet that they do not any thing help small ulcers in the throat , wind-pipe , or bladder . for it is also hence confirmed ; because every wound doth sharpen its state , if the sournesse beaming forth out of the stomach unto the wound from the vital digestion , be also hindered to be in the remedy : but because an ulcer doth not arise out of the sharpnesse of the stomach , ; but from the proper vice and received contagion of the archeus of the parts : the which also therefore , is not appeased by the taking of an alcali , and there is need of secrets piercing every way . for meats , drinks , and medicines do lose their own virtue or strength about the first digestion of the stomach ; neither do they go ; or are carried deeper ; because they onely nourish simply , and therefore do there put off , and plainly detest every mask horrid to nourishment , or are otherwise changed into excrements : and so also they are made unprofitable for the conceived curing . but if indeed the stone of crabs be a provoker of urine , it is not that therefore the coming thereof even into the bladder is to be hoped for , or that its virtue remains untouched , and unbroken ; far be it : for let it be sufficient , if that stone do spoil the whole drink of a souring faculty ; because it is that which onely , how little soever of it be brought down in the urine , belongs to the breeding of the strangury or pissing by drops , dysury or difficulty of pissing , and heats familiar in the disease of the stone : for the sharpnesse , although it be most excellently subdued by a sound gaul ; yet the least quantity of it may be hostile in the urine , and to the parts subservient unto it , and no lesse unto the whole remaining family of digestions . now at length i return unto the authority of the duumvirate , that it may be manifest in what sort the soul doth divers ways exercise its own commands in its own body , and doth act by way of a command , government , rule , as also of cruelty , fury , and tyranny ; neither that to this end , it stands in need of pipes , winds , vapours , smoaks , and least of all , of the help of heats , colds , and defluxions . the schools beholding the effects of the duumvirate , and thinking to knit causes to them all , have transferred all things into heats , or humours , and the declinings or cessations of these ; as if those things which naturally happen in us , should happen only through an urgent necessity of weights , heats , and imaginary humours . and seeing they have gone back from the soul , from living strength , unto the artificial , or dead examples of learning by demonstration ; at length they have quieted themselves , that they wrought in vain , with the admiration , unwilling experience , and wonted obseruation of the vulgar , that many diseases being among the catalogue of incurable ones , or the number of wonted diseases , are of their own accord cured under the care of the kitchin ; so that they had but forsaken the vein , and the paunch , oft-times unto the death , or voluntary wearinesse of rhe sick . and at last , for the most part , a jugler or fortune-teller , or an aged old woman cureth them , whom the very experiences of physitians had deserted . chap. xxxix . the authority or priviledge of the duumvirate . . an aphorism of the old man is illustrated . . the falling-evil and madnesse are proved to proceed from the duumvirate . . that sleep is from the duumvirate . . an argument against the prerogative of the head . . the same thing is confirmed from galen against his will. . a privy shift of the schools for the head . . what all particular senses can attribute unto the thing generated . . the vegetative power is in and from the dunmvirate . . the young lives divers wayes . . the phantasie of the brain doth presently die , unlesse it be nourished by the lower parts . . why the soul is said to be in the blood . . conceipts ascending from the parts about the short ribs , are presently seen in the countenance . . the first conceptions are proved to be formed in the seat of the soul . . sleep and dreams to be from the duumvirate . . the mare is in the stomach ; therefore sleep and dreams are from thence . . but the gumm-ich before the comming of teeth , from the sensitive soul onely . . the opinion of the schools about the mare . . it is noted for an absurdity . . balaams asse spake not the word of the angel. . an history of my own steep fall . . some dignities of the pylorus are reckoned up , and astonishing remedies , by reason of their easinesse . . concerning the seat of the soul for the duumvirate . . an history of madnesse from a medicine as yet existing in the stomach . . the same by fainting or swooning . . from a maxim of the schools . . from the suffering of hunger . . that troublous passions of the mind have respect unto the duumvirate , not the head . . too much study brings forth madnesse to be felt or perceived first in the stomach . . an errour of the schools . . by the maxim of the schools it is contended against the schools . . sleep is from the midriffs . . a remedy of opiates . . vesalius carps at galen . . of what sort the state of innocency was . . that the first conceptions are badly said to be those out of our power . . a power of remembring in the scull , and others elswhere . . the memory of the mind is divers from that of the imagination or phantasie . . the lustful , and wrathful seat of the schools . . the leasures of the spleen . . the head follows the midriffs . . a stupefactive virtue . . the stone-vessels or cods . . tickling or provocation to leachery is not to be attributed to the kidney , or reins , but to the stomach . . that a frail or mortal life hath entered , and is established , where the soul also is . . the mouth of the stomach is the center of the whole trunck of the body . . what it may be to have carried the messiah in his loynes . . a remedy for a woman in travel . . judiciary astrology fals to the ground . . an external spleen , what virtue it may have . . why a woman at the time of her going with young , is troubled with wondrous conceipts . . the mind doth not become mad . . splenetick conceipts . . curable , and desperate diseases , which they may be . . the natural endowments of simples . . conclusions deduced from an ignorance of the foregoing things . . sleepifying remedies do not heal madnesses . . the lydian whet-stone for a physitian , in madnesses . . an objection of those that are ignorant or skillful . . fatness limited . . the majesty of the duumvirate is to be admired . . risibility or a capableness of laughter , what it is , and whence it happens to man alone . . the dominion of the duumvirate over the lungs . . the original of spittles . . the virtue of sulphur is determined . . why the stomach commands the lungs . it is a saying of hipocrates , in whom a vein doth strongly beat in the part about the short ribs , their minde is presently sick or distempered : for the artery of the spleen is most frequent , yet the pulse thereof is not manifest , as long as it is in good health , and doth rightly imagine : but when it is rash , it presently , with a strong pulse , even into the left ear , being also oft-times audible by the sitters by , denounceth madness : but that thing is manifest in a thorn imprinted in the finger , whose pulse before unknown , is presently after , before the swelling of the finger , stirred with a troublesom and hard beating . therefore , madness is denoted to proceed from a thorny spleen . the same old man hath placed black choler in the midriffs ( for the name of the midriffs , doth sound , that the stomach doth undergo or supply the room of the heart ) and from thence he presageth the falling-sickness , if it shall get into the body ; but madness , if into the minde : therefore he drawes both weaknesses of the minde out of the midriffs : but they do especially flourish , where their occasional cause is near at hand : and so the schools do testifie , where the shop of madness , layeth hid , that there also in health , is the seat of right judgement ; according to the maxim ; the function of the same part is vitiated , the function whereof in healthy persons , is sound , and on the contrary . for all madnesses ( except the sisters of sleepy evils ) do undergo watchings : as a sure argument , that sleep , the drowsie evil , watching , and madness , do live in the same inn : because sleep , watching , imagination , dreaming , are powers conversant about the same subject , and are made in the same organ and inn. i confess indeed , that sleep is after watching ; but that doth not argue a variety of the inn the subject : for it is not to be doubted , that in a moment every operation of the minde doth cease by 〈…〉 , &c. therefore if the head should be the proper place 〈…〉 imagination , the operations of the minde should remain , which notwithstanding do perish , presently after light is denied from the lower parts . galen proposeth ashes of burnt crabs , against the madnesse proceeding from a dog : which madness rageth in the desirable or lustful faculty , or in the fear of liquid things ; from whence the name of hydrophobia is given unto it : therefore madness by a dog , layeth in the part of the desirable power : for neither is the lixivium of crabs fit to be brought unto the brain : for nothing goes thither , which was not first transchanged in the stomach , neither doth it go to the fifth , or sixth , but through the first and second digestion : therefore that madness is by intervals , to wit , the cup being offered , it rageth into the desirable faculty ; but none hath dedicated the lustful power of drinks unto the brain : therefore when a mad dog bit the finger of dr. bald , that poyson crept from the finger into the stomach , as the chief instrument of the sensitive soul ; as also to the spleen , bending about it : whither the remedy of that lixivium creepeth , as it is the subject for the hypochondriacal passion . but least the schools should detract from the dignity of the brain , they grant that madness , to have indeed it s bound [ from which ] in the spleen ; but the bound [ to which ] they will have to be within the brain : wherein they say nothing that is excusable : for although the doubt doth cease at least for a time : it is sufficient , that the first motion of the vitiated phantasie be in the bound [ from which ] . they will answer with the more speed , that that humourable and occasional cause in the spleen , doth not accuse , that therefore the framing of imaginations ought to be be made out of the head : but i will presently make that by degrees manifest by the strength of many arguments . peter bor , a christian , in his annalls of belgium , relates , that in the year , at bruxels , a sow brought forth six young ones , the first whereof ( for the last in generating , is alwayes in bruit beasts , brought forth first ) had the head , face , arms , and legs of a man , but that the whole trunck of the body , from the neck , was of a swine : for there was no doubt but that the mother was a sow : and therefore , the heart , spleen , and also the other organs of the vegetative soul were like to the mother : therefore although it had the head of a man , yet it had onely a sensative soul . indeed a sodomitical monster is more like the mother than the father . so of a sheep the mother , and a he goat the father , a lamb comes forth , which besides wooll and tail , hath his other parts like a sheep . so a mule , his father being an asse , and his mother a mare . and so a horse of a bull and a mare . lastly , in seven coneys , from their father a dormouse , and their mother a coney , nothing besides their tail was like unto the ●e ●●tter . if therefore that monster had the soul of a swine , therefore the soul followes the condition , not indeed of the head , but of the inferior members : and the very prerogative of the phantastical soul inhabits in the duumvirate ( although the head be a part which is the conductresse of conceits formed in the lower parts ) for it is in the center , and very middle of the body . for i have demonstrated elsewhere that the spleen doth inspire a digestive ferment into the stomach ; that is to say , that the spleen is the beginning of vegetation or growth ; but that the vegetative power belongs to the sensitive soul , that is , unto the duumvirate : for truly , there is not a vegetative soul singly by it self ; but it is a vital power imitating the soul . but the young is grown before quickning , onely by the influx of participation from its mother , so long as it is at it were an entire part of her ; but presently after quickning , it lives by a kitchin of its own . and therefore there is onely a sensitive soul in bruits , the which , because it is also in a man , and the minde is fast tied unto it , therefore the conceits of the soul , are first in the seat of the soul , which although perhaps they may be refined in the head , yet they do not deny their fountain , yea , although they should be a new stamped in the brain , yet they have not need of a succession of motions from the soul into the head , as it were a pilgrimage for this purpose : for the commands of the will are far more grosse than those of the conceptions ; yet the command of motion being scarce conceived in fidlers , their finger doth most swiftly execute that command . therefore the actions of government do beam forth on their objects , with an un-interrupted light : and therefore the discourse being suited unto its own shops , doth receive lawes on both sides , and likewise appointeth others : otherwise , the apparitions of the brain are loose and consused , if a hurt of the spleen doth interpose : which is manifest in hanging , in a feverish doatage , in those that are diseased about the short ribs , in outragious or mad , apoplectical , epileptical , &c. persons . from 〈◊〉 it sufficiently manifesteth , that the brain doth obey the doating duumvirate . for it is most agreeable to truth 〈…〉 the wisdom of flesh and bloud ( which is the sensitive soul ) hath its scituation in the most sanguine or bloudy bowel of all : therefore it is read in the holy scriptures , that the soul and the life are in the bloud : for if thou dost mark the bowel of the spleen , and its substance , thou shalt perceive its substance to be bloud newly made clotty , covered with a skin , and to be enriched with so manifold a co-weaving of veins & arteries , that there is not another bowel in the whole body , which by about a tenfold quantity , is so rich in so many arteries : but the brain hath scarce a vein , or bloud , or but sparingly in its whole lump . the coats indeed , or covers of the brain , have their own small veins : and although , there be in the bosom of the brain , an arterial vessel fit for the transpiring or breathing thorow of spirits labourated in the heart ; yet the lump of the brain is almost wholly void of bloud : it is no wonder therefore , that the spleen doth form strange idea's , and strange conceits , under a forreign guest : the expulsion of which guest , while the spleen doth meditate of , it stirs up a strong pulse , even as a thron driven into the finger , doth shew a present and hateful guest . for i have observed seriously , the eyes and countenance of one distempered about his short ribs , to be writhed presently as oft as he would relate to me his foolish and first conceits ; whom while from the beginning of the doatage i would interrupt ; presently also at that very moment , his eyes and countenance did return into their former health . i did wonder in a fellow-feeling , that so swift an innovation of the whole countenance , so often a repeated one , and so great a one , should be propagated by the action of a lower government , into the tower of the brain . furthermore , for neither are rude and uncomposed conceptions onely from the spleen ; but likewise also , the understanding of the brain being laid asleep under dreams , we must not despise the light of gifts , it reacheth to the minde . act. ap. chap. . v. . and it shall be in the last dayes , that i will poure out of my spirit upon all fl●●● and your sons and your daughters shall prophesie . and your young men shall see visions , and your old men shall dream dreams . to wit , significative ones . nighr unto night sheweth knowledge , if the watchmen do fore-learn to withdraw his thoughts from things or affaires , place , and motion . i have also not undeservedly affirmed , that the first conceipts of disturbances are felt in the midriffs ; seeing that if a sorrowful message be brought unto a hungry man , his appetite presently perisheth : therefore the message and appetite do light into one and the same inn. i have also taught elsewhere , that the stomach of the liver , is not some notable hollowness spreading within its own bowel ; but that the mesentery veins themselves are the sheath of sanguification or bloud-making , into which the liver doth beam forth the first breathing-holes of sanguification : but that the stomach of the spleen is the stomach it self , which it therefore nourisheth by embracing , that it may inspire into it the vulcan of digestion : yet there is another and proper stomach of the spleen , admirable for the manifold winding of arteries , wherein the milt doth cook for it self alone : under which digestion , if the least errour rusheth on it , the spleen ceaseth in digesting , and denies the ferments due to the external stomach : which thing is evident in a fever , while as instead of a sour digestion , burntish or stinking belchings do come for witnesses , which are emulous of a certain putrefaction . the brain also , through its own unsensibleness , hath relation to the milt , as also the coats of the brain unto the stomach it self , in this respect : for the action of the stomach is powerful , and hath in it the vicarship of the heart , and doth execute the offices thereof , against the will of the schools . for neither doth the spleen by an unbroken , vital , and wealthy number of arteries , flourish in vain , in its own conceptions ; but as oft as it makes its conceipts drowsie through the delights of another nourishment , it grants a truce from its work , that is , sleep : which if they shall be lesse perfect , or troubled by the too much care or anguish of the stomach , it also produceth confu●ed dreams . no physitian hath hitherto doubted , but that the ephialtes or mare is stirred up from the midriffs : for it comes for the most part , through the taking of a larger supper of the more hard meat ; or the stomach otherwise labouring : and therefore that happens , not indeed to one laying on his right side ; but onely sleeping on his back with his face upward , or at least on his left side : indeed when he hath almost slept enough : for they feel or perceive obscurely , they discourse , they think they do touch with their hands , and see with their eyes ; yet they are not able to move themselves : for oppressions are perceived to be heard , and felt : otherwise , in sleeping , others ( even sick solks ) do move themselves freely : for the stomach is loaded and burdened , and the concoction thereof is not yet finished , and therefore it happens to those that lay on their left side , to wit , which way the mouth of the stomach is wrested : from whence it becomes first of all , evident , that the stomach also doth command the motion , and especially that in this , it doth govern the sleep , dreams , and also the motion : for the dreams of the mare are almost always the same , as also the impotency of moving , as long as the stomach being thus ill affected , is stretched forth in sleep . for the schools do assign the causes of the mare to be grosse vapours invading the thorny marrow : and indeed they are carried into vapours , by reason of the momentary solving of that distemper : for if the sleepers are forthwith awakened , the mare also presently ceaseth : and so those vapours ought to cease at the will of the awakener . in the next place , i hardly hear , that grosse vapours should be accused in many or most causes of diseases . i hitherto confess , that for fifty full years i never as yet saw a grosse vapour of distillations . there are indeed corporeal exhalations , in which a volatile matter is sublimed , and doth climbe to the sides of the vessel : so indeed out of sulphur , orpiment , woods , arsenick , sal-armoniack , camphor , urine ; and likewise from mercury , lead , brasse-oar , brasse , &c. grosse smoakinesses do ascend upwards : but vapours , to wit watery ones , i never saw or knew to be grosse , unless among university-men , who are ignorant of vapours : yea , however grosse they should be , they should at least , both loose their grosseness at the pleasure of the awakener , and the heat which had stirred up those vapours should presently be stopped : both of them surely , ridiculous things . again , they conjecture the marrow to be affected , by reason of motion denied in the dream : and so every affect of the marrow , and every stopping vapour should cease at the will of the awakener ; which is alike full of frivolous rashness . but how shall one laying with his face upwards , send grosse vapours out of the stomach into his loins , and the marrow enclosed within the turning joynts , and covered with membranes ? to wit , whither , in another place , they say , that not the more thin windes do pierce ? especially because such a scituation of him that layes down , should of its own nature , rather banith vapours out of the stomach into the bowels , or should carry them upwards thorow the stomach , into the navil , than downwards unto the marrow being shut up and loaded with the bowels . what community passeth betwixt the speech with the thorny marrow ? or why shall grosse vapours out of the stomach , desire onely the back-running sinews ? for the mare doth not onely cause a hearing of inward whisperings , and granteth to discourse , also to fear ; but also external , true , and appearing objects are heard : but he cannot move his tongue , how much soever others may speak in time of dreaming . do the schools perhaps think , the motions of the tongue to be made by the thorny marrow ? therefore those grosse vapours shall be far different from dreamy ones , they not hindering the use of motion of the tongue , yea of the whole body : for while they apply themselves to the sinews that they may afford the causes of unmoveableness , the schools themselves become dumb and unmoveable : while they shall never understand what they say , as neither , after what manner those grosse ( that is impossible vapours ) shall pierce the stomach , bottom of the belly , hollow vein extended through the back , with a beating artery its companion , and likewise the ligaments of the turning joynts . and how those things shall be silent , appeased , and cease at a moment , if haply he be awakened who suffers the distemper of the mare . surely they had more rightly learned the action of the government of the duumvirate , to wit , that an impediment brought on the stomach in its vital government alo●●● , doth without vapours , or truncks , trouble the brain , doth vitiate the sinews , and first conceptions , as it interrupteth the comforts of the spleen : for so it happens , that those who have the apoplexie and palsey , do eat , hear , and sleep , &c. yet that they cannot speak : for the schools do accuse the back-running sinews to be stopped : why therefore shall not the mare have regard to these sinews rather than to the thorny marrow ? why do remedies for the duumvirate , help those that have an apoplexie , a giddiness in the head , that know not how to go and speak ; those very medicines i say , being as yet present in the hollow of the stomach ; but are unprofitable to the back-running sinews , and head ? hath a pie perhaps those sinews stuffed together before speech ? shall a cow which thrusts forth her tongue moveable into the nostrils , have her tongue bound , and doth she want back-running sinewes ? or else she shall have them in vain , if they are perpetually and naturally stopped . a certain voluntary command is brought down from the head unto the sinews of the tongue , that is denied unto four-footed beasts ; but not unto some birds : likewise that thing , not at the first turn , but by degrees , through an accustomed going : but he that hath an apoplexie , doth not put this command into execution , because he is dismayed or astonished almost like a four-footed beast . indeed the conception of an asse , god permitting it , once passed thorow unto his tongue : not indeed , that the asse was the instrument of the angel : for then he had spoken the iudgements of god ; but not his own conceivings , neither had he complained of his stripes : from occasion of the asse , i will speak my own . in the year . the day before the calends of the th month called january , i sate beginning to write in a close . chamber ; but the cold was great , and i bad an earthen pot or pan to be brought , with burning coals , that i might sometimes comfort the cold stiffness of my fingers . my little daughter comes unto me , who as soon as she sented the hurt or offence , wi●hdrew the earthen pan , and unless she had chanced to come , i being choaked , had perished : for i presently felt about the mouth of my stomach , a sore-threatned swooning ; i arose from my study ; while i would go forth abroad , i fell like a straight staffe , and was brought away for dead : for there was a two-fold affect , one of the bruised hinder part of my head , which filched away my tast , and smelling , but did over-cloud my hearing : the other was a sounding affect stirred up from the stomach : for in the first dayes , my head turned round with giddiness , as oft as i looked on one side , much more if upwards . i thought that that befel me from the stroak of the fall , with the naked hinder part of my head suddenly , and from my whole statute , on a hard stone : but by little and little , i was better assured , and i for many dayes , revolved all things within my self . i knew therefore at length , that my giddiness proceeded from my-stomach , and that it was there nourished by the same root , from whence the swooning had proceeded : for some meats did promote that my giddiness , and specially about the evening , to wit , while they were not as yet cocted ; and so that the same thing happens in the mare , from meats well nigh concocted . i had remembred also , that as oft as i had passed over the sea in time past , although i was in due health , and was very much given to eating ; yet my head ran round and staggered for many dayes after , until that by a gentle vomit , i had shaved away the filths out of my stomach , whereon that whirling idea was imprinted : for i certainly found , that my giddiness did not onely accompany the offensive meats ; but moreover , almost an hour of finished digestion , and that food being taken , and moderate wine , my giddiness was alwayes presently mitigated . and moreover , although i had long after that , escaped wholly free , nevertheless , at the eating of some meats , i suffered a relapse about the evening : therefore ( as they are wont to say ) i believed experienced robert , that all giddiness of the head doth climbe up from the parts beneath , without a vapour or smoak ; but that the head doth hearken to the stomach , through the government of action alone . and which is more , at the time of the giddinesse which threatned my fall , all discourse began to reel or wheel about , 〈◊〉 presently after the taking of wine , was restored : and so i comprehended , not indeed the meat left in the stomach , but the first fuel of my swooning , to have received an hurtful impression from the stain of the more unworthy food ; from whence by the sulphur of vitriol i was also made free . i have elswhere explained the pylorus the governour , together with his dignities , whereby it is manifest , that the stomach is on every side , and in every corner , the seat of the soul : yet so , that as the mouth of the stomach is chief and bears rule over the head , and chief faculties ; so also the pylorus commandeth the lower parts : for i have observed the more cruel colick , sometimes to passe into a palsie , but at another time to have brought forth a convulsion of the hands , feet , arms , and legs . i have also seen the griefs of the stomach , by reason of the sharpnesse of pain , to have taken away all motion , and to have caused an affect like unto a tetanus or straight extended cramp : which affect , our countrey people have called ( geschor ) an in-darting , as if it were suspected or overlooked , and sent in by witches . and the ischiatick passion or sciatica doth oft-times accompany those in-dartings ; whereupon i have seen cuttings of veins , likewise solutive medicines , clysters , emplaisters , oyntments , cauteries or seating medicines , and the like , administred , and with an unfruitful event : for theirs were mocked endeavours , who would establish a remedy unto the consequents or effects , or products , and would passe by the springs issuing from the pylorus : for i have observed the four lesse hot seeds , for the most part to have appeased the storm ; because they succour the most inward archeus and houshold remedy of the bowels , and appease him being wroth . wherefore i admonish the reader , that he take good notice of the stumblings of the schools , who impute it to their catarrhs and deffuxions of phlegm , for a sacred anchor of their ignorance . but surely an history is worthy to be noted : a man of fifty years of age , that was burst , suffered a rupture of his entrails through the carelessenesse of a bond or trusse , which presently encreased to the bignesse of ones head , and waxed hard after a wonderful manner : he renewed hot fomentations of milk and cows dung , all night , and they tried to put it back ; but in vain : for truly one only hard swelling had become continual or firm , like an earthen pot , and took away the hope of a possibility of its going back through an hole that was ten times less . therefore we offered him a draught of wine being once boiled with seeds bruised , ( to wit , of anise , caraway , fennel , and coriander , of each a like quantity ) and presently the hardnesse was made soft or tender , and the burstness was suffered to be thrust back : wherein the hardnesse , with so great a swelling , is stiffly to be considered ; the which indeed owed not their existence unto wind , nor to dung ; but hardnesse is subject to the pylorus : and therefore it seemed not to be a body co-touching from the passages of the ileos , but it seemed one only continual body : and then , the ileos did not fall on that which fell down , neither rushed it of its own accord , forward , into so great an heap ; but it was thrust forth thither by a more powerful force of government . again , it doth not appear in women with so great a swelling , and so great hardness : wherefore the injury of the stones stirs up the pylorus into fury : and therefore the whole remedy consists in the mitigation of his fury . but i have seen some great men to have miserably perished , being seduced with an hope placed in physitians , locally , according to galenical absurdities . furthermore , hence i return unto the duumvirate , wherein the soul sits . for plato hath determined the heart to be the seat of the foul , as well in a man , as in bruit beasts . but the galenical schools do therefore attribute all understanding , and madness to the head , and they think that they are confirmed by the church , which baptizeth the head , not the heart . neither do the schools regard , that from the heart do come murders and adulteries . but the common people are of my opinion , which for the vital beginning , or seat of the soul , do shew with the hand , the orifice of the stomach , as oft ss they are pressed with straights , to wit , as well with the anguishes of the body and life , as with the afflictions of the mind . for i consider in the young , a sensitive faculty to be at first hidden in the bowel dedicated to nourishment , and that it is the knowing of things helpful , and hurtful . next in an infant , and a child , more distinct conceptions to be formed by degrees : and therefore the brain and its clients are by little and little moved , that they may obey the principiating conceipts : but the soul hath not therefore receded from the bowel which was at first made chief over growth . for all spirituality doth respect the sensitive soul : for the head is baptized , because the sensitive brutal soul being by organs , there placed for a spectator , first deceived eve in the same place , and death invaded . for the schools do on the one hand scoff at the words cardialgia and cardiogmus , as rustical and barbarous words ; but afterwards , on the other hand , they have viewed swooning , so immediatly to spring from the mouth of the stomach , as if it did wholly consist in the same place , to wit , did proceed from thence , and were there also presently restored by sweet smelling or spicy injected liquours : but they have taken notice in swooning , the understanding , sense , motion , and together also the pulse to f●il ; and so that it climbs suddenly out of the stomach from the functions which are ascribed to the 〈◊〉 and the heart together ; yet without a deeper diligent search , they have attributed the 〈◊〉 constitutive temperature of the life , understanding , and soul , unto the head ; not being able to conceive , that the beginnings of life do belong to the duumvirate , although they should be put in execution by subservient organs or instruments . as if the beginning of motion were in the muscles , and bones , because they are moved ! a certain lawyer had taken two drams of henbane seed bruised , instead of dill-seed , which had been prescribed to him in the colick ; but he presently became so mad thereby , that he could not utter an intelligible word ; and so mad , that i have not seen any thing more blockish and foolish : he sate indeed nigh the hearth upright , but wholly an unsound and mad blockish man. therefore by that which provoked vomit , he recovered within lesse than half an hour ; and there had been medicines snuffed up to purge the brain , sneezing-medicines , and a cap to the head , and also epithemes or things laid on the heart , in vain . and moreover , whatsoever of that seed he had drunk through the errour of the apothecary , which was as yet in his stomach , and wholly involved in a muscilage , that he presently cast back by vomit ; neither could any thing of it fume up from thence unto the head , in manner of a vapour ; yet he was wholly without hurt , and raging mad , because he understood nothing ; yet the motive functions of his head stood strong . from whence i collected , that the intellectual powers were dashed together in the duumvirate . but i had him a guest with my self in a dinner . for those that faint , do affirm that they feel the fainting to be threatned in the midriffs , more swiftly than by all the activity of vapours , and that every conception is suspended without sleep ; whence every one that is not stubborn , will cleerly see the first conceipts of the soul to be formed in the midri●fs , and those being taken away , that the light of understanding doth also presently fail or die : so also a timorous person in a sudden terrour , feels the token of fear in the mouth of his stomach , if any great noise ( suppose the nigh stroak of a gun ) be suddenly and unthought-of awakened , which doth prevent and cut off all action of discourse . therefore , if the maxim of the schools be true , that from the hurting of the actions the part hurt may be made known ; also the seat as well of madnesse , as of swooning , and of every defect , may be found under the diaphragma or midriff . for therefore mad-folks are most able to endure hunger and thirst . for i have seen in the year . . at alost , a girle of nine years old , wanton enough , the little daughter of a steward to an hospital , which now for three years space , had eaten nothing at all , unlesse that perhaps every eighth day , or above , she drank about four spoonfuls of pure water : for she being at first notably affrighted by thunder , had ceased to eat . for it is without controversie , that affrightment , sorrowful things , &c. do in the first place or chiefly affect the midriffs , and presently take away all hunger . indeed they do sensibly reflect themselves on the stomach , neither can they therefore be referred to the head , because none of those perturbations is felt to aim at or smite the head and heart , unlesse the mouth of the stomach be taken for the heart . neither is it also likely to be true , that if the head should first apprehend and feel sorrowful things , and sudden fears , that it should presently dismiss them into the stomach , and not rather unto the sinews over which it is more intimately chief : for besides an absurdity , it would also be a cruelty , to vex the part not subjected to it self , and to leave the subjected part safe : for a greater authority of the stomach over the head is beheld , than of the head over the stomach , which i have above already demonstrated by many arguments : for truly , drowsiness , sleep , watching , doatages , and whatsoever sumptoms are wont to be attributed to the head , are abolished by stomatical remedies , but are not mitigated by cephalical ones , or head-remedies : for hence is the proverb , oh head , that art worthy of hellebor : for although manifold vomitive medicines are not wanting , yet a peculiar virtue is attributed to hellebor for a mad brain : not indeed , that the poisonous and hurtful quality doth reach into the head : for truly , hellebor being present within the stomach , and that being afterwards cast up , convulsions do happen thereupon , such as i have noted above , from frettings or wringing in the guts . therefore black hellebor easeth madnesses before other vomitive medicines commonly known , because it unloads the antient fevers of the midriffs , and unloads the spleen : for that , nothing strikes the head by arteries , or vapours , hath been already , fully , and by many arguments demonstrated above . therefore the aforesaid diseases , and their remedies have regard unto the duumvirate , neither do they affect the brain , unlesse by government , or by a secondary passion : for students do inordinately feel a fulnesse within , composed of giddiness , and anguish , with sighs , and they point at the mouth of their stomach with 〈…〉 : but from thence they accuse the pains of the head . but if at length they are 〈◊〉 through continuance , they perceive about the mouth of the stomach , a certain swooning , and afterwards their imagination to be disordered or turned upside down : and therefore unlesse they do speedily desist from studying , they keep a foolish madness returning by intervals , all their life long . therefore where the hurt is felt , there is the blemish of the understanding , and the soul doth principally reside . the schools on the contrary , do contend , that the spleen is the sink of black choler , and that it unloads it self of its own dungs , into the stomach : and that which i call the ferment of digestion inspired into the stomach , that the universities will have to be the excrement of a pernicious humour , and so , the digestion of the stomach to be stirred up from such dross . but after that i certainly knew that there was no black choler in nature , it was easie for me to depart as well from the humours , as from the use of parts delivered by galen , and to forsake the black cholery schools ; concluding by their own maxim ; if the cause of madnesse be in the sp●en ; therefore the inn of the judicious understanding is due to the same place : if there be a hurt action of the same faculty , function , and organ , whereof there is a sound one , and to the contrary . whence also i further concluded with my self , that the somniferous or sleepifying power is to be placed in that part whose office it was , first to frame watchings , and vain dreams , where also phantastical apparitions are stirred up in watching : from hence indeed a hungry man dreams of feasts : and fevers , before that they end into doatages , sleeps with labour are first made : and then come nights without sleep , and at length doatages ; which things do testifie the duumvirate to be badly affected , and that that is the workman of sleep and dreams . for old men whose coctive faculty is the weaker , although their venal blood be more scanty , yet with a sober supper they sleep the better : and younger persons after a sparing supper do most 〈…〉 rest ; yet none hath ever thought , that ●id folks do send the more vapours to the 〈◊〉 , if they are abstinent from a small supper . yet drowsie sleeps , as well diseasie ones , 〈…〉 ones , or those of opiates , are most excellently vanquished by lixiviums , whi●● notwithstanding , are by no means acknowledged for remedies of the head : for he that hath a desire to make water , dreameth that he looseneth his bladder , and pisseth at a corner ( for is happens that some , by the same consent , have much bepi●sed their bed-cloaths ) yet the consent granted in his sleep to be withholden : for although the brain do fully sleep throughout the organs of all the senses , yet the discerning faculty of the sensitive soul is not laid asleep in the part about the short ribs : for we do often feel sleep in the eyes , but none about the stomach , and thereupon , that nights do almost slide away without sleep . also two having drunk , and being drunken with the same wine , do notwithstanding declare divers conditions : for this man becomes devout , another trips or dances , a third scolds or brawls , &c. also the wine as yet existing in their full stomach . because the phantasie of the duumvirate doth vary its conditions according to the peculiar affects of the sensitive soul . galen hath feigned a certain folding or small net of arteries in the bosoms o● the brain ; which thing , anatomy ha● not yet found ; and therefore vesalius doth oft-times convince galen , that he never saw 〈◊〉 humane dead carcasse dissected , how great volumes soever of anatomy , he hath set forth : and therefore it is to be suspected , that he wrought the same word for word out of another , who had dissected an ape , as the same vesalius proveth ; because it is that which hath the aforesaid folding in its brain . and however galen was even rashly de●uded in that folding ; yet he determined the judgment to be in the head , by reaso● of that folding that doth not exist . but are not the beginnings of imaginations rather to be drawn from the folding of arteries in the spleen , from the saturn of the spleen ( whence satur●s kingdomes are wished to return , in the innocency of the first conceptions ? ) that the the spleen may communicate the letters , or answers of its own p●●asure to the brain , by the influence of government , without vapours or truncks , and that in an instant , even as i have above demonstrated by the readinesses in fidlers . for our first parent was not to be presumed ignorant and stupid before the fall ; for he was ●e who put proper and essential names upon all living creatures : but the state of innocency was guiltlesse about luxury , which is covered with the ignorant word of nakednesse : for 〈…〉 not yet a sensitive soul ; and so the immortal mind beholdingly understanding all things 〈◊〉 its own seat , looked reflex on it self , and in the image of god , did intimately know within it self the living creatures put under its feet : but after that man entered into the way of corruption ; as if it were fire out of a flint , so the sensitive soul after sin , the crea●●ur co-working , bewrayed it self , and from hence the conceptions of the mind were obscured . but such conceptions as are modern , in the first place , ( while i say the first conceipts or first forces to be formed in the midriffs ) i do not understand them to be the forces of the wrothful power , which the schools have falsly demed to be in our power , as if they were plainly guiltlesse of crime : but i consider now and then , through discourse , that there is a thing altogether ponderous , or weighty in the conceipts of the soul which are felt to be formed about the mouth of the stomach , and in the mean time , the mind sends away the same conceptions unto the head , to lay them up , it being as it were the sheath of the memory . and then , the memory remembers indeed , some conceptions committed to its trust , but it hath forgotten the distinction of the same : therefore also the soul cannot any more form the same conceptions in its own bride-bed , seeing that the memory hath lost the same . therefore those are the first conceipts , the first motions , and forces of motions , and the which are no longer in our power , to wit , which the soul hath not in its pleasure ; neither can it forge the same again , if they are not again produced to the view of the soul : and so from hence they are called the first , because they are but once only forged , not by the pleasure of the will , but of the understanding alone ; which unlesse they are kept in the brain , or case of the memory , they perish , until perhaps the soul doth sometimes of its own accord form unto it self the same conceipts : then indeed the memory being mindful of its fall or slip , doth by calling to mind , ru● hard or renew with grief in the mind , as if it should say , lo , these are the conceptions which thou didst require of me memory , and i had then lost the same . whence i see , that although the soul doth sit in the midriffs , yet that it hath placed the power of remembring in the head , and the other of willing in the heart ; and so that both these are in this life , frail , and companions of the sensitive soul , which although it be centrally the bond of the mind in the midriffs ; yet nothing hinders but that it hath its own powers distributed or placed by organs or instruments : no otherwise then as the visible power is in th●●ye , the tasting power in the tongue , not elswhere , and the touching power almost ever●●here : for seeing they are the frail and beast-like powers of the soul , the soul it self hath after the manner of bodies , subjected 〈…〉 bodily rules . the mind after another manner , is wh●● 〈◊〉 ●●vided , and contains its own memory and will under the unity of understanding : bu● 〈◊〉 being after a wonderful manner wrapped up together , and lulled asleep under the bond of the sensitive soul , unto which the mind is bound and co-knit , it feels a law every where resisting its own law , that is of the mind : for the schools do assign the desirable or lusting power to the liver , but the angryable or wrothful power to the heart : yea , if they could find more bowels , they had given separated inns prone to disorder , unto all the particular disturbances of the mind ; when as otherwise , the same disturbances are felt to be exceeding hot in the duumvitate , and that in their first motions : and it is an absurd thing to separate the desirable and wrothful power in their seats : for while any one resisteth a thing desired , if any one be angry , it is even one and the same power : for neither without injury of the other powers are the two aforesaid ones sequestred from the bowels . for fear , love , desire , hatred , drowsinesse or unaptnesse , and joy , have not divers stables : because all such powers , are of the one soul , but not dis-joyned houshold-servants of any kind of perturbations . for truly , when the soul is angry , and while it rejoyceth , or loveth , although it be diversly affected , and ●●cyphereth as it were divers masks in idea's ; yet , this is not the office or work of the org●●s , but the passions of the one and only soul , which because they are the works of the flesh , and the interchangeable courses of the conceipts of the sensitive soul , they are framed by the soul in the seat of the duumvirate . therefore the spleen being by intervals intent on its own reflexions , delights , and remedies of wearinesses , filcheth away a third part of our life by sleep ; and as it brings forth dreams in sleeping , so waking , it propagates the knowledges of conception , they being a little distincter , and lesse drowsie . truly , unlesse the lord do nourish us with his grace , we dream throughout our whole life , wholly by a confused conc●●pt ; yea , neither do we perceive that we do understand , while the light of the spleen being troubled , and ceasing , the brain receiveth the first conceipts of idea's , scarce any longer worthy ones . therefore sleep is stirred up in the midriffs , and doth notably manifest it self in the head , and so the head doth not blush to bring forth at the consent of the midriffs . and therefore sleeps are the be-lyed parents of vapours and stoppages of cold : for there is in the sulphur of the vitriol of copper , a stupefactive , sleepifying , and hot virtue , and sweeter th●●●●ey , which in opium is bitter : whence it becomes easie to be seen , that there is not a ●●●vative stopping , and cooling virtue ( especially after feeding , and drinking of wine ) but a created faculty that over-tops watching in the spleen . so also some poisons do alienate the mind , and its own native imaginative power , whereby they do dispose of ours at their own pleasure ( as in the apple of adam , in the spittle of a mad dog , the pricking of the tarantula , in jusquiamus or he●bane , &c. so also stupefactive medicines do withhold the spleen from a working exercise of serious visions or representations dismissed into the brain , besides the case of the memory , by virtue of a soulified or quickned light of government : for indeed , god formed the last top of creation , not of the skin , bloud , or grease of the man , but of a rib about the spleen . also the vessel or kernel assistant to the stones , on the left side , is not derived into the stone of a man , even as on the right side : for truly , one is taken out of the sucking vein before the kidneys , but the other out of the trunck of the hollow vein it self : not indeed ( as galen being deceived , otherwise thought ) to beg a tickling of the seed from the salt of the urine ; but that the vessel of the kidney might be proper or natural to the seed : for who doubteth but that the salt of the urine , or of an excrement , doth not take away all fruitfulness of the seed : especially if a small piece of the hair of a horses mane or tail , how small soever it be , be thrust within an egg-shell , it extinguisheth the hope of a chick ? galen being wholly excrementitious and ignorant , who thought our beginnings or first principles to want a tickling , and begged also the last compleating of fruitfulness from excrements : therefore at the beholding of this mans ignorance , i will moreover add a paradox . the schools ascribe venus or carnal lust , and the tickling or provocation to leachery , to the reins or kidneys ; and paracelsus and all antiquity subscribes thereunto : all of whom ( i being silent ) fishes themselves , and birds do presently convince of errour : for birds do want kidneys , and urine , and birds are most leacherous : i at least do believe , that venus is the office of the sensitive soul , and so that it is to be placed in the part wherein the first motions , also while we sleep , are made : because nature was in nothing more careful than in the difference of sexes : and so from the beginning of the pourtraying of the young , she is straightway busied in the instruments of venus . and so perhaps , this , even the antients would imply , when as they have ascribed the spleen , the first paternity , to saturn the first of the starry gods. yea therefore they deciphered their fauni or country gods , and satyrs ( a most leacherous and scurrilous kinde ) in the figure of saturn : for i have alwayes abhorred it as a filthy thing , to have placed venus the greatest star next the sun , in the kidney the sink of urine . truly birds in this respect , should be far more noble than us . pollutions also or defilements of the seed , do not happen in time of waking ; because sleep is the effect of the spleen , and to this , after delights : otherwise , what common intercourse is there between the reins and sleep ? do we not oftner make water waking than sleeping ? as ( according to the schools ) sleep doth withhold any kinde of avoyding of excrements , except that of sweat , and unprofitable seed ? surely otherwise , voluntary pollution should be more subject to a waking , than to a sleeping man : but such an excrementitious expulsion issues forth with the sleep of wantonness , that it may be manifest , that there is the same instrument of sleep , dreams , and pollution , as they are the workmanship of one soul : for as bloud-making begins in the veins of the mesentery , as it were the stomach of the liver ; so the cocting of the sperme or seed is made in the stones by the spleen : for i remember those that have been stony in both kidneys , yet to have been much inclined to leachery : but it were an absurd thing that a healthy and lascivious power should remain , or be manifest under a disease of its own radical organ : for the liver being badly affected , a good sanguification doth not arise , neither is there a fit seeing to an eye beset with sand : neither shall i ever believe , that the reins moystening with a continual urine , and being busied about the expulsion of an excrement , and never keeping holiday , are intent on luxury . therefore it hath seemed an excrementitious opinion , that the motions of propagating the species , the summons's of the vital faculties , and character of the minde , should beforged in the stable of forreign dregs or filths . for the first motions of lust are manifestly felt about the mouth of the stomach , no otherwise than as the late repentances of leachery : for if death entred by the first motions , it is agreeable , that the frail degenerating life , ought in the same place to have radically taken its beginning : for the orifice of the stomach , obtains the place of a center in the trunck of the body , whence the beams are most fitly spread upwards , as downwards . but that it is written , that abraham carried the messiah in his loyns : that is unaptly withdrawn from the spleen unto the reins , from a bowel i say chiefly vital , unto an excrementous shop and sieve . i have noted also very many who from a quartane ague , had retained their spleen ill affected , to have been very much curtail'd in the provocation to leachery . i have also observed women in a difficult labour for some dayes , an adventurous or experienced draught being offered them , to have brought forth at furthest , within the space of half an hour : and that thing hath been proved times and more : for surely the medicine being as yet in the stomach , the mouth of the share is opened , and the folding-doores of the ossacrum are opened in the loins , and the young is presently expelled . indeed i have noted the stomach to keep the keyes of the womb : and this medicine i have divulged willingly , for the good of my neighbour , that she who is in labour , may not hence-forward undergo the danger of her life : but it is the liver , together with the gaul of an eele , being dried and powdered , and drunk in wine , to the quantity of a filburd-nut . the gift of god is in this simple : that seeing the woman ought to bring forth in pain , by reason of the envy of the serpent ; god whose spirit was carried upon the waters , hath filled them with his blessing : he would have the eele or water-serpent by his bowels of a sanguifying power , to appease the rigour of that curse . the liver of serpents would effect the same , and perhaps better ; but in the experiment of the eele , the event hath never deceived . from this time likewise , the judiciary divination by the stars , hermes his scale , and whatsoever is supported by the point of nativity , falls to the ground . but upon occasion hereof , i shall a little digress : in what part the young is knit to the womb by the navil-strings , and without the coat of the secundines , or the swadling-band of the young , it hath a substance in form of a spleen , as vesalius witnesseth . and so it hath as it were an external spleen , to wit , wherein as it were the venal bloud of the kitchin , and the arterial bloud of the mother is re-cocted ( the spleen in this respect , stirs up in me a suspition of a more exact sanguification , than that of the liver ; to wit , as the venal bloud being there re-cocted by so manifold a winding of arteries , doth go back as it were from the stomach to the heart : even so , as birds , and beasts that chew the cud , do rejoyce in a double stomach ) : at least it is manifest , that that external milt doth command the conceits of her that is with child . for the mothers themselves do wonder , that they are then affected with such unaccustomed conceits , longings , furious frights , and storms of troubles : but it is no wonder to me ; seeing nothing is milty or like to the milt , if it do not swell with the properties of the milt : but that is a wonder , that this flesh of the milt is not informed by the soul of the mother or young ; but that it enjoyes a life of its own , being communicared on both sides : for it hath not a sensitive soul , seeing that it is also , long before quickning : but it possesseth it self in manner of a zoophyte or a plant alive ; such as are sponges , and also the thicker muscilages swimming in our sea , which do enlarge , embrace , strain , suck , and shew forth rare testimonies of life being present with them . moreover , if the poyson of a mad dog , or a tarantula do make a madness limited , and that like unto it self ; it is now wonder also that this milty lump , is enlightned participatively , doth live balsamically , and move the minde of the woman with childe , with a diverse passion : as well because it performs the office of a kitchin , as because there are in the things themselves their own vain visions or apparitions ; as is manifest in a mad dog. but besides , the minde of man being the near image of the most high , wholly immortal , doateth indeed with the sensitive soul , but is not capable of suffering by a little liquor ; because the passions of the sensitive soul , do affect the minde , which they cover within themselves , do roul up and co-knit in a bond : the minde indeed properly is not sick , although it hearken to the frailty of the sensitive soul : whence it is made manifest , that the sensitive thoughts or cogitations are from flesh and bloud , according to that saying , for flesh and bloud have not revealed these things unto thee . therefore discourse and conceit is from the milt or spleen , as being a bowel most sanguine of all , and rich in very many arteries : but i have proved elsewhere , that the conceit of a woman , although it be formed in the spleen , yet that it is brought down for the most part , with a straight line unto the womb , whether there be a young within it , or not : and therefore the principality of the womb doth war under banners of its own : neither therefore is it evidently seen in its own rest ; but onely while according to a wicked pleasure , and fury , it strains , wrings , blunts , choaks , resolves , and looseneth its clients , poureth forth bloud , &c. but the duumvirate doth on every side keep a due proportion of life , and that with so sweet a pleasant tuning or musical measure of the life , that therefore it hath hitherto been passed by by the schools : but as soon as it withdrawes its government , the strengths of the parts ( how chief soever they are ) are eclipsed : for so there are faintings , apoplexies , epilepsies , heart-beatings or tremblings , giddinesses of the the head , and madnesses . and so indeed , that as the occasional root of which defects , is voluntarily consumed , and the circuits and durations of the same do vanish away , even as in the milder fevers ; so also they may be voluntarily silent , that they may forget to return : however the boastings of physitians do differ in this thing . for those whose roots do the more stubbornly cleave unto them , they are the more fully con-tempered , therefore , after another manner , they altogether resist a voluntary resolving , and therefore they wax old together with it , together with the nourishments of the stomach , and do expect their own relapsing fruits unto the end of life . and therefore an epitaph of uncurableness of these defects not voluntarily ceasing , is now every where read to be subscribed : because , they have hitherto wanted a meet secret , whereby they may be rooted out : but the roots of these diseases , as long as they do affect onely the inflowing spirit , they produce off-springs proper to their own seed , and inn : for so the falling-sickness , because it besiegeth both spirits , it dashneth together as well the faculties of the body as of the sensitive soul : and so , that hath distinguished a great apoplexie from a little one , that the lesse hath besieged the inflowing spirit ; but the greater , the implanted spirit . likewise there are in simples , those faculties which make drunk , do bring sleep , drowsiness , forgetfulness , blockishness , foolish madness , furies , raging madness , or doatages ; because they contain them in themselves : for in the apple there was the knowledge of good and evill . and there are other things which are carried into loves , angers , yea toward certain persons onely ; so that the monarchy of the life and body being firm , they trouble only the functions of the soul. and furthermore , there are some which also keep degrees ; as they who lately complained of adverse , troublesom , tedious and unvoluntary sorrows , do at length also obey madnesses : and therefore there are some which do add faint-heartednesses , and the terrours of certain objects onely . others also do remember all things acted at the time of their sury , and the judgement of the minde is seen onely to be sorely shaken . that all these things i say , do strike at the head , but that they do not arise from the head , the one only hypochondriack passion teacheth : for it presageth a storm , and fit , if a vein do beat strongly , and with an unwonted tempest : but the action of government hath hitherto stood neglected , & the very soulified or quickned faculty of the duumvirate hath wandred about as a stranger , and they have vainly bestirred themselves onely about the lying purgings of black choler : that is , about the meltings or weakenings of the strength . ( in the mean time , the quartan ague hath alwayes laughed at , and cut off the hope of the schools , and the boastings of these ) : therefore all the command of madnesses , and of struggling diseases , is attributed to black cholerick vapours . therefore it is clear as the light at noon-day , that nothing hath been known in madnesses , nothing enacted in the apoplexie , nothing thought of in the stranglings of the womb , and lastly in the on-sets of the falling-evil , with fruit or profit , besides the vain torturings of the body , dissolving butcheries , and vain losses of the strength . for it hath oft been tried , by things greatly sleepifying , to succour madness , and in vain : for they scarce procure sleep in their four-fold quantity ; and therefore the administ●ing of the same is full of terrour : but fury is not diminished by drowfie sleeps , or bonds : for stupefactive medicines , do afford sleep , and troublesome dreams : for madness is nothing but a watching or waking dream : and therefore opiates do bring on hurtful sleep , and that with labour . for whosoever he be , that cannot resolve the occasional cause of a quartan ague from the spleen ; much lesse can he convert himself unto the curing of madness : for madness sits for the most part without a material errour , in the hypochondrial part , and for that cause it is derivable on posterity . indeed madness differs from doatage , in this : that that wants filths . those who refuse to learn , will laugh , because i affirm , that one , or a few secrets of paracelsus doth prevail over every disease : whom at sometime in its own place , i shall satisfie : but now it is sufficient to have repeated , that there is one soul in the stomach , in man , as it were in its own bed , from whence the vital powers are universally to be drawn : and whatsoever troubles or provokes this soul , that very thing is constrained to depart by the unity of a remedy , if it containeth in it the strength and essence of all the members . which thing , that it may be made so much the more manifest , i will bring a history . first , i have seen a fat body , whose whole fatness hath been resolved into liquor , which afterwards was voyded by urine : for i could not think , that the reins had their office of transchanging fat that was extended under the skin , into water ; but i rather believed , that that office was to be granted to that faculty which formed the venal bloud into fat : to wit , that it belongs to the same faculty being hurt , to convert the fat into liquor , whose office it was before to compose fat out of venal bloud : but the kidneys have not that dignity to make us fat , or lean ; while as many do oft-times wax fat with consumed and stony kidneys : but from thence , the chiefdom of the stomach doth manifestly appeal ; and that as the root doth govern the whole tree , and the comedy of the digestions hereof , as well in the leaves , fruits , and barks , as in the wood , pith , and branches ; so also , the same thing doth likewise happen in us by virtue of the duumvirate : for it often times comes to passe , that a capuchin being burdened with long fasting , and being satisfied with a little drink , and a little ale , is endowed notwithstanding with a grosse habit of body : but on the contrary , great eaters , and those who are brought up with dainty huckstery , are seen to be notably lean . surely howsoever i do meditate of both these chances , i finde the fountainous digestion of the stomach to be the governess of the other , as it were successive subordinate ones unto it self . but at least , it is a wonder , after what sort , the oily fat being resolved , doth return back into its former liquor , yea is drawn back into the veins , and at length unto the reins through the trunck : which thing surely is wholly dark in it self , unless there be a full power , authority , and faculty of the one life , from its seat , over the whole body : whereby hipocrates hath dictated , that the while body is wholly an un-respiring , and exspiring thing : in contemplation whereof , i have elsewhere said , that man is not called an animal or living creature , but by an injurious name : for he is , he which put proper names upon all living creatures ; but not on his own self ; because his own knowledge of himself did fail him , because it is that which was not found , nor was within the latitude of living creatures : he presently beheld ( although some one character did not answer , which might represent himself to himself ) that there was something present in humane nature , which did climbe above the condition of soulified creatures . and that thing , with adam , the schools might have sufficiently sifted out , if they had at least once considered , why man onely laughs . truly laughter is not from an admiring of things present , or past : for an infant doth often times salute by his own laughter , those that talk unto him . therefore laughter is made from the knitting or joyning of a double soul , which beasts want : for the sensitive soul ( being the fountain and original of the first conceptions ) considering of something that is pleasing to it self , doth together with bruit beasts , conceive that thing in joy : but while the minde in a piercing light , perceiveth it self to be the companion of the sensitive soul , it being as it were full of admiration , doth condescend in the pleasant conceipts of the sensitive soul , as it were admiring that there is something which is worthy of joy ; and from thence proceeds laughter : because the minde doth the same thing in laughter , which the sensitive soul onely doth after another manner , act in its body by the tickling of an itch-gum : for any one doth sometimes leap or hop a little , if he shall but onely see a threatning tickler . indeed the soul understands , and hath known a thing in its own seat , all whereof , it very often , cannot finde in the head , although it hath sometimes known , pronounced that thing distinctly , & re-plowed it into the sheath of the memory : for the duumvirate consisteth of an understanding of its own , of the immortal mind , & moreover , of the understanding or imaginative faculty of the sensitive soul , using its own organs diversly distributed , the colledge whereof notwithstanding is celebrated within the seat of the soul. i have already expounded , after what manner the duumvirate doth exercise its own authorities or priviledges on the bowels , on the heart , on the head , sinews , in the giddiness of the head , yea and on the principal faculties of the minde : it remains onely to explain , how much force it may have on the lungs : wherein , in the first place it is obvious to our sight : that he who by reason of a too much sitting life , hath been easily intercepted at every motion of breathing , i have freed the same persons often times , and that by one onely vomitary potion : so from thence i have remained confirmed , that the whole difficulty thereof is seated at the bordering places of the stomach , and the lungs to be accounted guiltless . but as in regard of coughs , surely it is manifest that some opiates do freely operate , and command , not onely that such people may sleep the better , and longer , or quieter : but i remember , that the laudanum of paracelsus being taken , although it did afford well-nigh waking nights unto one that had the cough ; yet it so appeased the cough , and restrained plentiful , yellow , and compacted spittles , that they were not onely presently diminished in quantity ; but also that they were changed into snivelly , somewhat pale , and afterwards into white spittles : especially also , because the opiate being taken late , returning by vomit in the morning , did testifie the cough to be suspended or withheld , and also the generating of spittings by reaching , being horrid in plenty , and colour , to have stopped . first of all , i think that i have abundantly demonstrated elsewhere , under the toy or doatage of a catarrhe , that spittings or reachings are not defluxes from the head into the winde-pipe . therefore it is manifest enough , that they are uncessantly digested in the very conduit of the rough artery : and by consequence , that a medicine being as yet in the stomach , thorowly mixed with other supper meats , doth restrain , that the nourishable liquor of the winde-pipe become not degenerate , and depart not so plentifully into that muck or filth : wherein , the restoring or fortifying force imprinted on the stomach , is evident , that it is already conveighed unto the steward of the lungs , and that in the same place it stretcheth forth its own authority : which things indeed , as i in my first years , beheld with joy and admiration , thus to happen ; so afterwards i studied to increase that restoring power , by detaining it , the opiate , stupefactive and hurtful faculty being the while suppressed : for i was presently after , more assured , that the solved flowre of sulphur doth effect in this case , those things which from the solved body of sulphur it self do not a whit happen : and all that indeed , not inasmuch as sulphur as such , doth enter unto the lungs , not indeed that it should be admitted under the priviledge of flowrs , or should come down after every bound of the digestions , every way constant and unchanged , unto the instruments of breathing ; but onely as the anodyne or allaying virtue in the sulphur , should thus plainly appear : which being as yet detained within the stomach , should from thence , by the authority of the duumvirate , contend unto the spiritual government of the lungs . happy therefore is the sick party , whose aider the physitian , hath known how to separate the deadlynesses out of poppy , its succouring remedy , the stirrer up of the power in the duumvirate being retained : otherwise surely , the hurtful together with the profitable , are taken in at once , and the one hinders the conveyance of the other . therefore opiates cannot induce sleep , but at least they can restrain the return of the spermatick and nourishable liquor into a degenerate and banished one , and into the so frequent and horrid reaching filth and spittle that is to be expelled : the which indeed , by how much the more plentifully it is expunged or spit out , and seems to be dispatched , by so much also the more abundantly it increaseth afresh : wherefore the restraining of ● degenerate generation , is evidently enough known not to happen but by a restoring virtue raised up within the pipes of the lungs : to wit , the hurtful power of the opium is blunted or repressed , so as without sleep ( at least , not by a sleepfying virtue ) a liberty of breathing is brought in in peace , quiet , and without a cough , hissing or wheesing , & snortings . but the stomach prevails to restrain the producing of so many phlegms cast back by reaching , as the digestive faculty thereof is chief ruler over the other digestions : and therefore the aforesaid opiates of the produced muscilages , do cure , as long as that defect doth issue from the vice of the digestive ferment ; but not when it depends on a corrupting of the innate or inbred strength : for then also against the stomach's will , it hastens into a consumption ; no otherwise than as it is impossible for the stomach , to restore the life already bending or declining into a fall . chap. xl. the compleating or perfecting of the minde . . the blinde knowledge concerning the minde . . what the chief operation of the minde may be . . the thingliness or essence of the sensitive soul. . quick-sightedness is not the daughter of the minde onely . . it is proved . . from the fruits of the soul , the knowledge thereof is to be fetched . . a nearer knowledge of the minde : . the difference of the sensitive soul of man from that of a bruit beash . . a dispensing of the fruits of the sensitive soul. . they flow from a fore-existing knowledge of the senses . . an exhortation . . the operations of the minde are more abstracted . . things required unto the purity of mental operations . . the prayer of silence is commended for the knowledge of the minde . . a reason is added . . the majesty of the minde is learned from the wisdom of the father . . the three wishes are explained . . their excellency . . whatsoever the lords prayer includeth , is new and unheard of . . the top of an amorous wish or loving desire . . the place of a sensible fewel . . the abstracted secrets of the minde are felt , and there is not a word meet to expresse them . . an illustrating of the amorous minde . . the authour willingly confesseth his own nothingness . . the late directers of the minde , who have entred in by the windowes , are hissed out . . these shall fall in the fulness of time . i have already spoken some things concerning the birth and offices of the sensitive soul : but there hath not been as yet said enough , and much lesse concerning the immortal mind ; because that , in which two words , whatsoever things we have by faith concerning the minde of man , are almost explained or declared ; and there is nothing at all , which can bring us into a manifest knowing thereof : wherefore , whatsoever we search into concerning it , is hitherto involved in darkness , and plainly unknown : for neither can we devise any thing touching the thingliness or essence of the minde , besides what we have learned by operating , and what we know to be freely given unto us : for we are commanded to know and distinguish a man by his works . but neither is that the chiesest operation of the minde , which after a drawn knowledge of the premises , the judgement of man doth form and conceive to it self from the conclusion : because neither hath the judgement of man it self , such a proper respect to the minde , that it is the immediate off-spring hereof : for the minde adhereth to the sensitive soul by so strict a bond in us , that the commerces of humane custom can scarce hitherto separate the distinct offices of the same from each other . truly all abstracted speculation is even hitherto believed to be the workmanship of the minde alone , to wit , under which , labours are felt in the head : especially because these very things are believed to be strangers to bruit beasts : but i have already elsewhere demonstrated , that bees do observe their numbers , and every morning distinguish their own hive from their neighbouring ones , by their numbers ; and likewise that therefore also they re-number them in returning , least they should lay up their own fardle of honey and wax for an unknown and unacceptable common-wealth . but nothing is so strange in bruits , as the exercise of numbring . so also we observe in beasts a certain phantasie , and no obscure marks of discourses : as also a judicious choyce selectively of one before another ; and that indeed even in accidental unaccustomed things , nor those ever before seen , and much lesse in things diligently taught them by their begetter : for the serpent was more crafty , than the other living creatures . wherefore if among bruites there are differences of quick-sightednesses noted , there is place left of conjecturing , that in man , the same operations , are as yet , far more diligent , powerful , eminent , and frequent than in bruites ; and that the sensitive soul of men doth far exceed animal creatures in quick-sightedness ; unless the sensitive soul should be a stranger to men , and altogether a forreigner to their nature : because he is he , who was wholly beloved , and raised up into the image or likeness of god , but not that he should degenerate into a specifical and bruital soul , and so defile or mar the image of god. therefore the sensitive soul hath remained a voyd table in man ; because it is that which took its original from the fall and spot of corrupted nature , and so also it hath scarce obtained so proper a dignity of imagination , which may not every way depend on the operations of the mind , as shall straightway be more cleerly manifested . and although quick-sightedness or sharpness of wit , be the daughter of judgment , and discourse , yet it is not therefore moreover a proper operation and fruit of the mind : for that which now even from the first fall , hath resigned up all the offices of life unto the sensitive soul , hath also by a just desert , so contracted the judgment of its own quick-sightedness to the phantasie of the sensitive soul , that the faculties which are exercised in the inn of the brain , and do constitute a difference of men in the sharpness , speediness , and dulness of judgment , are not by an unjust title believed to be delegated to the sensitive soul , and as it were proper to this , because its inmates : wherefore , whatsoever faculties in us do distinguish the climates of the earth , vary them , and cause diversities of wits from thence ; surely it is not likely to be true , that the same do issue from the homogeneal simplicity of the immortal mind . and i at first long stuck in these things , until i had seen madnesses , doatages and foolishnesses to be introduced by simples , as well those external or forreign , as by those which sprang up in our own cottages : because they were those which i knew , have not accesse unto the mind , the which indeed , they do not so much as touch at , and much lesse are able to pierce it , and least of all do they attempt to overcome the same . certainly , many rough places have been met withall in this journey , and no aids of distinctions : which sluggishness , to wit , of predecessors , driveth us from the knowledge of our mind , yea and withholds us from the true knowing of its operations , without which indeed it is impossible to judge of the calling , ordination , and direction of the mind in every one of us : and so that negligence hath made us hitherto like unto beasts , and keepeth in us , thick , beast-like darkness , if the almighty goodness had not enlightned it by faith . wherefore neither could i more distinctly set before my eyes , the operations proper to the mind , than by the prayer of silence ; because it is that which is most properly a natural operation of the mind , plainly abstracted , and is believed so to be ; to wit , in the splendour whereof , a diversitie of the operation of the mind doth cleerly appear , from the judgment , discourse of the sensitive soul , and decrees of the phansie : and this maketh us the sons of darknesse more judicious and quick-sighted , like the serpent , and doth far prefer us before the sons of light in this respect : for the sensitive soul liveth in us , and utters no sluggish restimonies of its own life ; yet because it wants a bruital and specifical supposingness , therefore it rejoyceth only in an undistinct life of light , and conceiveth the vital operations of the mind in it self , and appropriateth them unto its own exercises of powers ; yet they are not the true and proper functions of the mind : because even as the mind is now since the fall involved in the light of a frail or mortal soul , and therefore doth as it were plainly cease from all government of the body , and beams sorth its own vital light into the sensitive soul its vicaress : yet the actions thereof are not therefore those of the mind it self , which therefore utters only abstracted functions , and those co-like to it self in this thing . concerning the searching or hunting out of sciences , i have contemplated about the operations of the mind , and especially those which might concern the dignities of the understanding : but those things are not sufficient for any kind of knowledge of the mind : wherefore that we may draw out some kind of knowledge thereof by its own abstracted operations , i will repeat what things i have already above written concerning the image of god in us ; to wit , that understanding , will , and love , desire i say , or wishing , are powers so intimate to the mind , that they do denote the substance of the same : that love i say , proceeding substantially from the other two : and from hence i perceive that every and the whole function of the mind is immediately begun in us . but besides i have also demonstrated elswhere , that our life is now another , and corrupted , after that through the flesh of sin , the sensitive soul which is earthly , mortal , frail , animal or sensual , and devilish , was stirred up , whereto the immortal mind was fast tied after sin . yet we must remember , according to the doctrine delivered concerning the original of forms , that the sensitive soul in bruit beasts , is not a formal substance , but a substantial vital forme , and the which departs into nothing , no otherwise than as the light of a candle : that it is indeed a vital light , created by the father of lights , and a neither creature , between a substance and an accident : which indeed in bruits subsisteth in it self absolutely , and is limited into a bruital species or particular kind : but in man , because it came to him afterwards , nature being now corrupted , it is not of a limited bruital species , but only a vital light , and not the life it self , even as in bruits ; because life is beamingly inspired into , and as it were borrowed for it from the mind , which it covers or wraps up ; no otherwise then as the moon receives her light from the sun. and although this sensitive soul of man , doth far exceed the souls of bruit beasts in quick-sightedness , yet it acts nothing without the mind : for from that which it deriveth life , it cannot but borrow also a power of thinking from thence , to which it is so intimately tied , that the mind wholly pierceth the sensitive soul . indeed the sensitive soul doth think by a power of its own , but it is illustrated by the mind ; and therefore the whole cogitation of our sensitive soul is of the whole man : for verily it so happens , even as in the moon and the sun : that indeed hath a light proper to its self , but she shines more by the reflex light of the sun , ( even as elswhere concerning meteors ) and in the moon , her own light doth as it were perish . therefore the sensitive soul in us doth diversly think , and degrees of enlargement are felt in cogitation . for first of all , in madness , foolish madness , foolishnesse , doatage , fury , drunkennesse , and dreams , there are indeed divers cogitations of the whole man ; yet with so smal a light of the mind , that this doth bring no brightness unto it , but that which at least it cannot refuse , by reason of the strict necessiry of its bond . therefore the sensitive soul it self , because it is mortal , being invaded by the injuries of frail things , yieldeth to their importunities , doth well nigh only think by a little light of the mind , as being helped by a prop of life : wherefore those thoughts are voyd of sin ; because the mind doth not think in those , but is over-clouded by a contracted contagion of the sensitive soul . furthermore , how much the cogitations or thoughts do the more go back from that guiltless contagion , unto abstracted discourses ; so much the more do they partake of the life of the mind , than of the proper liveliness of the sensitive soul . indeed every sensitive thought is brought on of necessity , by the service of the senses , neither doth it exceed that necessity , however cleerly it may abstract it self from those : for whatsoever may be perceived by the senses , that doth not as yet reach to the bottom or soil of the mind alone . therefore this variety of thinking in the sensitive soul , doth bring forth so great a latitude and varieties of our judgments . in the next place , even as in the moon , the light of the sun doth manifestly lose its own heat , and puts on it self a strange or forreign cold ; so also in the vital sensitive soul , the beam of the mind , although it be nakedly intellectual , doth pass over into the dominion of the sensitive soul ; and so that also it there finds an earthly law , opposite to the law of the mind . wherefore we must diligently procure , that as much as is possible , we do withdraw our selves from all that which may be conceived by the senses : for so we come unto the mountain of the lord , whither the scope of our journey is . but neither to have thus spoken this by the way , doth sufficiently teach the naked operations of the mind , neither is there away seen , whereby we may attain any kind of knowledge of the mind . for those kind of thoughts are as yet of the whole man , as long as there is any selfishnesse , or the mind doth apprehend something without it self , with a duality or twonesse , and doth not yet behold it self as a transfigured thing . indeed it beholdeth the properties of man , or of other things ; so the whole thing it self : but it is not the naked intellectual light of the mind which then operateth , but it is a combination of both vital lights , mutually piercing each other : in which act , alas , as the immortal mind doth easily , so also through an evil accustomednesse , it doth for the most part willingly obey the frail sensitive soul its chamber-maid : even so that , that we may come unto the wished for purity of our mind , thinking purely and nakedly in the abstract , the doctrine of s. dionysius to timothy , is first to be received : for that divine things may be understood ( but divine things are whatsoever things the naked image of god beholds ) and as yet after a slender manner , and for the looking into divine secrets , the senses , are to be rejected , and whatsoever may be perceived by the senses . moreover , reason , the actions of reason , and whatsoever may be known and perceived by reason , whether that be created or uncreated ; and that thou goest out of thy self , and out of all knowledg of all those things , and that thou comest into the one vnity of him , who is above all nature and knowledge . thus he . for the mind is the neerest image of the divinity , therefore as the eye beholds nothing more absolurely than the sun it self ( the cleernesse of whose light notwithstanding it bears not ) but all other things by reason of it : so the mind doth principally and intimately think or contemplate of nothing properly , besides that unity , and all other things for the same unities sake . whence it manifestly appears , that as long as any thing is thought of , which may be perceived by the senses , or reason , it is not yet a pure and naked cogitation of a mind abstracted or withdrawn . but the manner of comming thitherto , is indeed read , being above described ; but it is moreover far remote , and almost unpassable , by reason of the every way with-drawing and banishing of all created things , yea and every consideration of that which is uncreated ; that is , a renouncing proceeding by a sequestration , even unto every activity of the mind ; which indeed doth therefore exclude every thought and contemplation of the mind , and doth expect or wait for from above the in-flowing light freely given , by doing nothing ; but only by suffering , after all selfishnesse is exhausted . but seeing it doth not at all consist in our own power to be wholly freed , and so that it rather puts us in mind of the grace of ravishment , or violent prevalency , than of the true , and naked , and pure operations of the mind , which i intend to take a view of in this chapter , for a compleating of the treatise of the soul : therefore , according to my poverty of judgment , a man doth not in acting climbe neerer unto a super-eminent uncloathing of his mind alone , and an abstracted baring of the light of understanding , than by the prayer of silence in the spirit , wherein the delights of god are to be adored : because he then doth issuingly illustrate or make light , cleer , or famous , that mind , as the uncloathed image of himself , being thus reflexed in the glass of his own divinity . this indeed is that which the most glorious goodnesse wisheth for . but that fruits or exercises may bewray the essence or thinglinesse of the mind ; i have thought that , that is not more powerfully , nor elswhere to be had , than from spiritual exercises , whereby the mind it self rids it self from the co●knit conceipts of created things , and from the service of the acquainted senses : for it is manifest what the mind it self may be , while it hath withdrawn it self from conceipts , which are wont , or might stain it , or at leastwise hinder it from comming unto the nakednesse and purity of it self , wherein it may be able to worship the aforesaid unity or onenesse . the lord jesus therefore is the way , the truth , and the life : the way i say , unto himself the truth , and unto the life of the father of lights . therefore the way is directed unto the obtainment of abstracted truth , whose wished desire it is , that the hidden truth which he hath decyphered in the mind , his own image , may be certainly known by us , and worshipped in the spirit . where himself is , the kingdome of god is present , with all his free gifts : and therefore the manner and mean of worshipping in spirit , cannot be more nearly known , or perfectly learned , than by the way and truth it self , and so by the prayer which he hath dictated unto us : wherein are first three amorous or loving wishes or desires of love , and as many petitions . for those wishes are without all selfishnesse , and are naked respects toward god himself , and therefore the most pure of all those which can be wished for , and thought by love . and the first of them is , that which the truth speaketh , seek ye first the kingdom of god , and the righteousvess thereof , and other things shall be added unto you : but it is not the righteousnesse of god , that righteousness may be done by us ( for no one living shall be justified in his sight ) but that his name may be sanctified , which is not only due unto him , & so a just thing but that loving wish justifies us . for it presupposeth first of all , christian faith itself , and then also his infinite goodness , whereby he vouchsafeth to be our father : and indeed , in the word [ our ] selfishness is put for the goodness of god , & the obliging of all of us , which otherwise is nowhere seen in the three wishes . and thirdly , it sheweth forth his vast majesty to be co-measured by his dwelling place of the heavens , which is the work of his own hands : and so , such like things as those being premised , an amorous wish or desire is kindled in us , which doth not desire , that his name be only sanctified by his only begotten son , and our mediatour , where deep calls unto deep : neither also , onely that the heavenly wights , and whole church militant , may adore his unutterable name : neither also therefore is it the sense , that his name may he sanctified on earth , like as it is inheaven ; but that it may be sanctified or hallowed in us , and by us ; in all this , notwithstanding , selfishnesse and nothingnesse being renounced : and that there may be a naked and most pure reflexion of the honour and delights of god in that which is to be with us , and to be worshipped in the spirit of love : and therefore also the other succeeding wish doth not ask the kingdom of god for it self , but the kingdom of god which is in us , that it may come neerer to us : not indeed nakedly , and simply for our sakes , but because it is of his goodnesse to be with the sons of men in delights : wherefore also it is wished , that his own will may be done , in us , upon us , and by us , with a full resignation of our own will. therefore the three wishes do proceed from the soul , without a modal restriction or reflexion on us ; because they do exceed all personality of the creature , that god may be worshipped for himself , and therefore they do excell all force of prayer , petition , praising , giving of thanks , yea and of glorification it self . for to give thanks , doth denote a benefit , and implyeth a receiver : but glorification , praising , or sanctification it self , as it brings down my selfishnesse before the sight of god ( although in the mean time it be due and obligatory ) it far goes back from the excellency of a most pure and amorous wish or desire , wherein the sanctifying of the name of god in us , is desired , in which deep calleth unto deep . for who am i , who may presume in respect of an infinite , to sanctifie that name ? who indeed am nothing but a worm , and a most miserable sinner ? and therefore the amorous or loving desire of sanctification , doth as much excell , let thy name be hallowed or sanctified by me , as a wretched sinner differs from the son of the god-bearing virgin. for praises , and prayers , as well in the mosaical law , as at this day , were made by hymns , psalmes , and prayers : but man , before the truth be perfectly learned , hath never attained the vigour , height , and depth of a loving desire , of sanctifying the incomprehensible divinity in us , wherein there is more excellency than all creatures together are able to comprehend : for that sanctification is wished for , not because god is most excellent , most great , bountiful , &c. for those things include a selfishnesse of the praiser , not to be suffered together with the divine name . therefore the desire and wish of an amorous soul , fervently desiring the sanctifying of the name of god , nakedly and simply , is not made indeed by a creature below god , but by a melting of the mind , desiring in the love of god : for the least thing which it contains in it , is to offer it self to god with a resignation of its whole , and likewise to will , act , and suffer any thing , with a total amorous offering up of the heart , soul , and strength into the obedience of the divine will : in which loving or lovely offering , all thoughts besides the naked desire of love are unsufferably excluded ; because it transcends all reflexion : for because it is naked , it despiseth every garment which reason might administer unto it . for that so naked , and excellent love ariseth in the seat of the mind , and is felt there where every first conception is made , without a likenesse and imagination : but as long as it can be expressed by words , it is not yet a naked , abstracted cogitation of the mind , which indeed by b. dionysius , is described to be above all that which can be conceived by reason , sense , and words : truly it is felt , but without discourse and imagination . because by a naked conceiving of amorous truth , truth it self is then stricken with , enjoys , and approacheth , yea , and presently pierceth by an unexpressible touch of the mind : otherwise , as oft as idea's are formed , or conceptions expressible by words , they retain a motherly frailty of the sensitive soul , a bricklenesse of unconstancy , an uncertainty , and disturbances subject to passions . in the power therefore of understanding , and indeed in the native vigour of the mind , and the desire of a loving soul , a certain god-like being is bred in us , as it were in the young of a longing woman great with child , or the mind it self is purified , and so it rectifies the mind , and the image of god it self : for that is not by sight , and a sensual appetite , as in a woman with child ; neither is it conceived in bodily dens , as neither is it marked in a strange young : but it requireth every faculty of the mind , soul , heart , and strength , and therefore the ideal being being brought forth by an amorous wishing or desire , remaineth in in the mind it self , which it so disposeth , that it may transchange it into a god-like image , by grace flowing to it from god. but who am i , who do write these things ? truly , i fear least i may be a bell , calling the faithful together unto the temple , which it self remains in the top of the tower abroad : but onely i hope , if i shall profit in the aforesaid wishes , that i shall find my self , whereby i shall by humbling my self , neglect my self the more . moreover , there have lately arisen directers of the conscience , transferring on themselves all liberty of the mind , to be dispensed especially on the devoted sex : this sex they called within unto themselves , saying , that nor only christ the anointed , but also that jesus the saviour was with them : but these do presently erre in their first entrance : for they call their devoted women together unto contemplative exercises , to be performed by companies or troops , which the truth it self commendeth to be done after another manner , the chamber-door being shut after them : and then , they require honour , reverence , and riches to be due unto themselves , under obedience , and a manifold vow . and so the hurtful or envious man scatters his own seeds for tares , that he may suppresse those also which were good seeds . and therefore the prophet hildegard hath foretold , that at length secret luxury shall be co-mingled with them , and they shall fall even as simon magus , by the prayer of the apostles , or of the bishops and faithful . but besides , when any one hath at least once been brought into the vigour of that wish or desire , himself being pricked by his own spurs , will hasten to return thither ; and being now as it were made expert in the wayes , the passage will be easier for him afterwards . in the mean time , because every one doth not reach thitherto , god hath made divers mansions to be occupied in his own palace : so also he hath ordained divers means to this end , through charity , which i willingly omit , because they are not the proper objects of our medicinal faculty . therefore it is sufficient for me to have proposed the largenesse of the mind in acting , and its wandring power of forming idea's or shapy likenesses , as well for the consideration of diseases , and of a sound life , as for the exercises of virtues . chap. xli . the scab and ulcers of the schools . . why the author treats concerning the scab and leprousie in this place . . he repeats more clearly the beginnings of his repentance . . an errour in the causes , indication or betokening sign , and remedy . . a question proposed to physitians and the schools . . the credulities in the author . . late consideration . . out of my history , fourteen conclusions . . that the speculations of the schools are scabbed . . a scab remained in me before the distemperature of the liver . . pustules or wheals in scabbednesse , are signs , and fruits of the scab , but not the scab . . grasse roots in an apozem are taken notice of . . the occasional causes of vlcers . . the dreams of the schools . . galen is noted to be ulcerous . . the unconsiderance of the schools , and galen . . some absurdities . . thin sanies , and corrupt pus are not excrements , although filths . . the corrupter in an vlcer is the vlcer . . venal bloud is not vitiated in the hollownesse of an vlcer . . the vain labour of the schools . . the root of vlcers . . the hollow of an vlcer is not the vlcer it self . . considerations of pus or corrupt snotty matter . . the differences of pus and sanies . . galenical ignorances . . some absurdities of the received opinion of galen . . the occasional cause in the corrupter . . how ridiculous a catarrh is for old vlcers , and how foolishly cauteries are applied thither . . the ignorance of ferments , what it brings forth . . how there are so many diversities of vlcers in one onely venal blood . . corrosives , if they can heal vlcers , the rather notwithstanding , their corrosion being appeased . . the trifles of paracelsus concerning the microcosmical birth of wounds . . paracelsus is urged with an actual and true identity of the microcosm or little world . . an idiotism of the same man , concerning the nourishing of wounds from without . . a healing secret of vlcers . . the curing of wounds . hitherto i have shewn , that the causes of diseases delivered by galen , and his followers , are erroneous , and false : it should be meet even now , to passe over unto the true doctrine of diseases , although even hitherto unknown , unlesse some things did detein me , and elswhere divert me , which of right seem to be premised : for after that in a book set forth , i treated concerning the plague the queen of diseases ; and also that i had spoken in print , concerning the affect of the stone , as it were a monster bred as well in us , as in urinals or chamber-pots without us ; and i had by the way there occasionally treated concerning the leprosie , apoplexy , palsie , sleepy evil , cramp , and of diseases a-kin to them , but nothing at all touching defects of the skin ; i thought it worth my pains , before i do profesly finish this my labour of the essence of diseases , as well in the general , as in the particular kind , to premise some particular things which i have thought will open the doors unto the entrance of the knowledge of diseases . and first of all , i will touch at the diseases of the skin , as those that are the more obvious or easie to be seen . wherefore in the book of fevers i have rehearsed indeed the principles of my repentance , whereby i was compelled to depart from the method and doctrine of the schools , that i may shew the foolishnesse of the maxims whereby the world is deceived , as well by the drinking of purgative things , as by an estimation that diseases are made , and freed by the ejection of liquors which the schools do perswade to be the constitutive ones of us , and those erring in their due quantity , and quality . therefore it hath not ●ked me , hitherto to refer , and to repeat the same beginnings of my repentance . i being a young man , and about to take my leave of a certain gentlewoman , held her glove and hand for some little while , which laboured with an hidden and dry scab : but i thereupon , presently contracted , not indeed a dry , but a thin watery scab , to wit , onely , and that by a sober touching : and then i observed many times , that hand-towels have brought forth the manginesses of scabbed persons , and the hairs of moathy cloths , moaths ; as also the contagions of leprous , and lecherous diseases , to have been propagated by a participated ferment : and that thing the proverb related to incorrigible persons , signifies ; to wit , that one onely little bird infects a whole flock with his scabbinesse . for such kind of vices being transplanted by a poisonous fuel , are notwithstanding reckoned by the schools , without distinction , in the guilt of the liver , and to be stirred from an unseasonable or disordered heat of the same : as if the contagion of the skin of one sheep doth distemper the livers of the other sheep . truly this one onely consideration was unto me the first beginning of light adeptical : from whence indeed the maxims of the schools were with me manifested to be a scab , and they forced me to another matter , after that i saw the remedies of the schools to be vain , and the maxims of the same to be frivolous . truly i called to me two of the more famous physitians of our city , almost rejoycing that i might now understand in my self , whether their studies might answer to their practise : but the physitians having seen the mattery scab , presently judged , that adust or burnt choler did abound in me , together with salt phlegm ; and so that the faculty of making blood in the liver , was distempered . i rejoyced presently , because those things which authors had sung unto me , were confirmed by most expert masters : because i who had learned , that in science mathematical all speculations were most exceeding true , did believe that thing to be likewise common and unseparable to the rules or maxims of healing : i thinking that they were that which they ought , and did promise to be . and presently , according to my antient credulity , i asked what that distemper of the liver should be , which at one and the same act , should enflame yellow choler more unjustly than was meet , and also engender more phlegm than was meet ; seeing an act of the same root , or of the same sanguification , could not be at the same time , and in the same bowel , a two-forked , or double generation , and so unlike , to wit , that which should abundantly send forth a fiery choler , and also a cold and watery phlegm . the most expert masters doubted , and being amazed with their eye-brows bent , they long beheld themselves , and at length the junior of them answered , that the same distemper of an inflamed liver , did not therefore afford true phlegm , but an abounding salt phlegm , but that the temperature of salt was hot and dry . to whom i replied , should therefore the salt of the urin be made through the vice of the liver and heat abounding ? but the broaths of fleshes that are not salt , not put on salt , although they should boil with heat ? the senior answered , these things were to be proposed by me in the schools , but not in times of practise , wherein the family had appointed hours for gain . but he presently asked me , what authors i had consulted with ? or what i had learned was to be done ? i said , for the cooling refreshment of the liver , and blood , the vein of the right arm under the cephalical or head-vein was to be cut : and then that we must proceed by cooling apozems , in regard of burnt choler , yet so , as that cutting and extenuating , temperate things were to be mingled , by reason of the saltnesse of the phlegm . i shewed out of rondoletius , an apozem or decoction , which might perhaps contein ingredients , tending to a most plentiful hope of accomplishing both ends . and seeing they knew not in their readings , a daily diligent noter of all things , they would that i my self should describe all things for my self . therefore after a sufficiently plentiful letting forth of blood made in the spring-time of my youth , and otherwise in the fulnesse of health , i took for three dayes together the aforesaid apozem , whereinto on the fourth and fifth morning , i put a sufficient quantity of rhubarb , and agarick , to wit , that nature might begin to obey the calling purgative medicine , and that both the peccant humors might be rendred pliable unto it : they praised all things , and especially because i was greedy of learning , and obeying . but on the fifth day in the evening , i took pills of f●mitary , because cordo , ( who was afterwards unto me codrus ) writeth , that they do draw together , or are profitable in both the peccant humours ( for i had not then as yet known by a feigned name , to impose pills on the sick : as though they provoked stools by reason of the fumitary , and not by reason of the cruelty of poisonous solutives : ) therefore on the sixth day , i had at least fifteen stools : in the mean time , they praised my providence , whereby i had made or prepared my body so fluid . presently after two dayes from thence , because the scab had not laid aside any of its cruelty , i took the same medicine , with a notable loathing of my stomach , and the like stools succeeded : they said , that the flourishing age of eighteen years was apt for the breeding of choler : and when they saw , that for all that , the itching , and wheals were nothing diminished , they decreed , that two dayes after , i should take the purging medicine the third time . but then , a little before evening , my veins were now exhausted , my cheeks had fallen , my voice was hoarse , the whole habit of my body going to ruine , had waxed lean ; also it was difficult for me to descend from my chamber , and to go , because my knees did scarce support me . these things had befallen me , who was in health , from the touching of a scabbed hand . indeed at the first turns , i rejoyced when i observed so large filth , and such stinking ones : but i considered too late , that before the purging medicines , i was well in health in my bowels ; but now that through a dejected appetite and digestion , i had contracted much leannesse , but that the scabbednesse remained safe or firm , with a sharp and hoarse voice . lastly , that i might see how much choler , and how much phlegm i cast forth , i had made water in an urinal : and i certainly found , that by a thrice taking of the solutive medicine , i had cast forth almost two little buckets of stinking and cadaverous choler , the ejections being besprinkled with snivelly branches , which the physitians affirmed to be that salt phlegm . and in the mean time , while i nourished almost throughout my whole body , mattery and large wheals , especially in my legs ; i asked them , whether the corrupt snotty matter or pus did not denote the venal blood to be guilty , no lesse than choler , and phlegm : they said , seeing that my strength did now fail , they should be silent , as to a repeated cutting of a vein , otherwise meet to be done in the abundance of corrupt pus remaining . but i repentingly considered , that before , i was in good health , except the contagion of my skin drawn from elswhere , and that of nothing , nothing was , or could be made ; neither could any corporeal body be placed , but in a body : therefore i leasurely enquired , whence so great a plenty of choler had flown from me ? and in what place it had layen hid ? for all the veins together could scarce have conteined the tenth part of the filth , although they should contein no good blood : i knew moreover , that so great a weight could neither be entertained in the head , nor in the breast , nor in the bottom of the belly , although they had been empty of all bowels . therefore with earnest repentance , and my own dammage , i collected by science mathematical : first , that the name of purging was a grand deceit . secondly , that a particular selection of bringing forth such a humour , or any other , was likewise false . thirdly , because the birth and existence of humours was also false . fourthly , that the cause of scabbednesse in respect of burnt choler , and salt phlegm , was feigned . fifthly , that the liver was guiltlesse in contagions of the skin . sixthly , that my scab did as yet remain after purgings , although not with an equal fury . seventhly , that the fury thereof was not slackened , because that some one or more imagined humours were expelled , and that for this cause the abounding of the same humours had offended : for truly , the venal blood being straightway recovered , the scab persisted the same ; and so the scab had been a little diminished through a defect of fulnesse . at length perhaps , after three moneths , i recovered from my scabbednesse by an easie anointing or unguent of sulphur . eighthly , that the scab is an affect of the skin onely . ninthly , that the schools did name as well choler , as phlegm , humors ill affected , as well in the veins , as out of them , as well those hurtful , as harmlesse . tenthly , that any purging things did promiscuously melt , resolve , and putrifie the venal blood and flesh , even while they abode in the stomach and bowels . eleventhly , that it is false , that the venal bloud doth return into humours , from whence it was bred . twelfthly , that in this thing an impossible return from a privation to an habit should happen . thirteenthly , that it is a grand deceit , that those three humours do remain in the venal blood , flesh , and solid parts , that by purging medicines they should be renewed into that , which they were before the framing of the flesh , &c. all which things , when i found them fighting with the truth of nature , and with the agreement of phylosophy , i manifestly knew the speculations of the schools to be scabby and false : and so i could not any longer doubt , whether choler , or phlegme were the cause of scabbedness : and i thus understood that thing by little and little , with the grace of god , more certainly than certainty it self , the which alike equally knew by an intellectual certainty , and as it were by a knowledge optick , or of the sight , that there is no choler in nature , nor three humors united with the venal bloud : but that which is shewen by the schools under the mask of both phlegms , and cholers , i have demonstrated in a peculiar book , to be diseasie filths besides nature , and the vitious products of the functions : at leastwise in me , the scab was contracted and bred onely by touching , in a full enjoyment of health , before the liver could even have ever waxed hot : for my scabbedness was conceived in the space of a quarter of an hour . but the scabby pustules their having more afterwards broken forth in the succession of some dayes , were not so much the scab it self , as the fruits of the same . if therefore scabbedness ariseth from the distemper of the liver , surely in me , the scab it self was before its own cause . a sheep feeding onely of grasse , doth voluntarily get the scab : if that be from a hot distemper of the liver , truly ye unjustly prescribe grasse for a cooling refreshment of the liver . again , the scab in me , the sheep , and dog , are cured onely by oyntments , or by an external aid , neither is the heat of the liver heeded : yea medicines of sulphur , bayberries and white helebore do never prevail against the heat of the liver . finally , scabbedness which is suddenly gotten by the touching of a towel , is of the same disposition with a voluntary one : but if that at least , ariseth not from the heat of the liver : therefore neither doth this , if there are the same causes of the same thing in the particular kinde , object and subject : for at the very time wherein the scab is conceived by touching of the hand , or by the scabbedness of an infected towel , in the skin of the toucher ; the scab is already present ; whose seed or ferment is in the aforesaid skin , or towel ; and then the embryo or imperfect young thereof is conceived in the skin of the toucher , the product whereof doth at length visibly break forth . in like manner also , ulcers are made either from a wound being badly cured , or from a confusion or bruise , as a cancer in a woman ; or from an aposteme breaking forth ; or at length from poyson bred within , which planteth its malignity in the external part , and doth there fix the properties of its own poysonsome ferment : from whence also , whatsoever of venal bloud is distributed every hour for the nourishing of the part , that is turned into poyson , according to the race of its own ferment : but humors which may be sent thither from the liver , do not rise again from the dead , corrupted . the schools therefore being credulously misled by galen , have mutually signed unto his dreamed humors rising again out of the venal bloud and flesh , by reason of the importunate distemper of some certain bowel , due to an elementary fight . for galen in his therapeuticks or curings of diseases , will have it , that an ulcer ought to consist naturally of a twofold excrement ( for it hath seemed sufficient for him to have laid down this doctrine , and not to have proved it ) to wit , one of a more liquid liquor or corrupt matter , and the other of a more grosse one , that is , of a corrupt pus : from hence in the next place he concludeth , that every ulcer ought to betoken , to require , and be healed by a double medicine ( to wit , through the offence whereof , many being despaired of by the schools , are dismissed unto old women , to the contempt of galen ) namely , one which should dry up , and drink up the thin sanies into it self ; in the next place another , which should be a cleanser of the corrupt pus . but how seriously hath this man weaved his own fables ? and how undefiled or fault lesse are these toyes kept as yet to this day ? for now indeed they do no longer remember a four-fold humour , and a four-fold excrement resulting from thence , from the corruption of those . indeed galen will have the grosse matter to be venal bloud putrified , neither is he mindful of himself , while he teacheth that the bloud , in corruption , is turned wholly into choler . in the next place , if purging medicines do separate three humours apart out of the venal bloud at the will of the physitian , he ought to have remembred , that that happen through the corruption of the bloud , to wit , while it departs asunder into its fore-going constitutives ( or , whatsoever hath been devised concerning purging things , and humors , is false ) wherefore in an ulcer , that not two onely , but four ought wholly to issue forth : yea according to galen , an ulcer without grosse matter ( to wit a cancer , a difficult or malignant sore , or acorroding one fluid with liquid sanies onely ) shall be more easie to be cured , than otherwise , a grosse mattery ulcer is : because it is that which shall have need of driers onely , to wit , chaffe , or burnt bones . for how stupid and unsound a thing is it : to have taught , that an ulcer is to be cured by the cleansing and sequestration of excrements , fruits , or products ? but not by a cutting off of the root , which they no where and never knew , besides an intemperate heat ? seeing that every excrement shewes a necessary relation unto the digestion , and part , in respect whereof , it is an excrement : so that a true excrement is a superfluous heap , left by a digestion , and by a part , whereunto it is unprofitable , and therefore sequestred from it . because the name of an excrement , doth contain an expulsion of the impure from the pure : and therefore liquid , and grosse matter , are not the excrements of an ulcer , or of the part , as neither of a natural digestion ; but they are the products of the seeds or roots of ulcers : and therefore he for the most part , and in the most things labours in vain , who cleanseth an ulcer according to the prescription of galen , especially in the more malignant ones . and likewise it must needs be , that those things which are not nourished , do also want excrements : for nature doth no where labour that it may nourish an ulcer : seeing that in an ulcer , a proper corrupter doth inhabit , which vitiateth the nourishable bloud , before it be fit to be digested . a lee also , in speaking properly , is not the superfluity of wine , but a meer residence ; because of wine there is no nourishing , and no digestion : therefore an ulcer , as such , is not nourished , neither doth nature intend to nourish that : therefore the liquid , and thick corrupt matter , are not the excrements of an ulcer , but the products of the corrupter ; and they are the tokens , signs , products , effects or fruits of venal bloud depraved into hurtful matter . for the bloud which is appointed daily , for the nourishing of all particular parts , is sent , is distributed by distributive justice : nor otherwise to the part being ulcerous , than if it were moreover , in good health : whither when it is come down , and cannot be there changed into the true substance of that which is to be nourished , it undergoes the lot which the ulcerous ferment commands ; and the bloud doth therefore degenerate , and is transchanged in the root of the part wherein the corrupter is placed and resideth ; but not in the very hollowness or paunch of the ulcer : for else , it should of necessity be , that meer and harmless venal bloud , should alwayes fall down into the very hollowness of the ulcer , and by corrupting in the same place , to degenerate : which thing , the eye and daily experience do affirm to be false . therefore if the schools do wipe an ulcer , whether with a towel , or in the next place , with a cleansing medicine ; although they both do the same thing ; yet they take away nothing but the last product , but do never reach unto the radical cause or original : but if a bloudy clot , or else a bloudy muscilage , do fall down into the ulcer , that comes to passe , because the encompassing places ( to wit , wherein the very root of ulcers is ) there is so great a storm of torture , that some small vein that is the nigher , being eaten thorow , cannot contain its own bloud : and so that the bloud , which thus by chance falls down into the hollowness of the ulcer , is not seen to be changed into corrupt pus : from whence it manifestly appeares , that the bloud doth not degenerate in the hollow of the ulcer , but in the brims or lips thereof : wherefore also the vanity of galens doctrine is seen , which placeth the healing of an ulcer in the withdrawing of the product . the root therefore of every ulcer , is in its bottom , and lips or brim ; that is , it inhabits in the parts next to the hollowness ; wherein indeed is their own cookroom , in which the venal bloud is altered into a corrosive liquid , grosse , corrupt matter , &c. but the liquid matter it self , is the product or positive effect of ulcers : but the very hollowness thereof , which is commonly reckoned to be the ulcer of physitians , is the privative and deficient product : for as a burnt or destroyed village , is not war ; but is the effect accusing the defect , privation , desertion , and destruction made : so neither is an ulcer the wasted hollowness of the flesh ; but this is the sign left by the ulcer : for in the coasts of the ulcer there doth an hostile corrupter , and guest , the poysonous ferment , on every side inhabite , for which cause we see the lips or coasts , and bottom to be diversly altered . let the schools therefore , take heed what they teach , while they deliver the curing of an ulcer to consist in the taking away of the latter product : yea corrupt pus doth not carry the disposition of an excrement , neither doth it proceed as an excrement of nature from the ulcer ; but it is a fruit of the ulcer , to wit , of a forreign corrupter , fermentally depraved with a malignity : therefore it degenerates , eats up , gnawes and consumes . and indeed , the greater ulcers do want grosse matter , they weep out continual liquid or thin matter onely , and now and then a tenfold greater quantity , than otherwise a just distribution of bloud doth require , and the transchanged liquor flowes abroad into sharp and devouring waters , which the galenists do never dry up with their driers , although they do moreover super-add all their cleansing medicines , and however the catagenians and catatopian do boastingly glorie of their own experiments . for corrupt pus is not procreated but in the flesh being closed , and opened , and those not yet altogether ill-affected : whereas in the mean time , the gristles , bones , membranes , veins , sinews , and bowels , do not wax moyst and are melted , but with a liquor , if they should undergoe an ulcer . therefore the corruption , and tempest of an ulcer of these , should be far more mild and gentle , than those which do otherwise tumult in the flesh : because the diversity of a remedy distinguisheth the end for which it is appointed : and therefore a drying medicine doth denounce a milder affect , than that which moreover should also be astrictive . therefore galen and his followers , because they have been hitherto ignorant of the causes , fewel , womb , subject , efficient , of the manner of making , of the seed and ferment of ulcers , they have delivered none but ridiculous curings , remedies , maxims , and doctrine . wherefore , neither is it a wonder that difficult or malignant , and furious eating ulcers are not wont to be cured by the remedies of the schools : and the which , for that cause especially , have withdrawn themselves from the works of chyrurgery , with the great disgrace of galen , and his own greeks who lived in the same age , and the arabians their followers , even as i have profesly touched in the book of the plague-grave . for the milder ulcers , and in those whose malignity is taken away , and while they hasten unto an incarnating and restoring of the hollowness left , they drop down with thick matter onely , and so are reckoned , according to the rules of galen , more difficult than while they flow with liquor : but ulcers already mitigated , are provoked by cleansing things ; so far is it , that they are healed by the same . surely , if things that drie up , and cleanse or wipe off , should satisfie all ulcers , the curing of any ulcers whatsoever would be easie : for why is the galenical school so carefully troubled about the choosing of medicines , when as they do abundantly satisfie both betokenings , with a dry towel or linnen cloth ? to wit , one onely towel dries up , and together with it , cleanseth likewise . let it shame them therefore , and seriously shame them , to diffuse such trifles out of their chaires , out of their presses , and out of their mouth , for youth , and chyrurgions , instead of a maxim of healing ; and to dismiss thereupon , these men so instructed , as provided , with the specious title of a physitian and a doctor , to the death of mortals , and the torture of those that trust in them . therefore it is not sufficient to have wiped away , and dried up the thick or snotty , and liquid matter ; but the hostile framer , and corrupter sitting on the part , is to be blotted out ; because he is that which doth nothing slacken or wax mild by drying , and cleansing . indeed the quality of the seminal mortal poyson , and the poysonous forreign impression of the archeal part which perverteth the good venal bloud dispensed unto it , doth naturally shew a withdrawing of it self onely . therefore the poyson is a certain ferment and contagion , implanted in the bottom , the corrupter of the venal bloud and flesh . therefore the schools may see , whether a rheume being lifted up in manner of a vapour , out of the stomach , into the plain of the head , be able to give a beginning and fewel to the same ; and whether cauteries or fearing medicines inflicted at pleasure , are able to satisfie or be sufficient for the same accustomed catarrhe , instead of remedies , not onely those that dry up , and cleanse , but also instead of revulsions or repellings , by reason of the continuation of co-knitting , proportion , application , agreement , yea and depending harmony of the same remedies in the root . truly , as many as are ignorant of the activity , and variety of ferments , must needs in a blind manner , try , and grope at all things credulously . there are indeed as many ferments of ulcers , as there are diverse corruptions of ulcers , and distances of corruptions : to which end , the testimony of one bread will very much conduce ; because it is that which may be even the index or touch-stone of this disputation : to wit , the which hath received as many limitations or disposures in a man , a dog , a cat , a horse , a cow , a hen , a goose , a duck , a sheep , &c. as their differences do issue forth ferments of blouds , and dungs , specifically , yea and generically : so also one onely venal bloud in the particular kinde , doth support many ulcers in the particular kinde , their transchanged corruptions , according to the interchangeable course of strange ferments : and although one onely archeus be sufficient for generation ; yet there are divers means of life , and manners of corruptions ; to wit , as many as there are families of corrupting things . therefore the full and exact curing of ulcers , is a taking away of their own ferment ; but not a cooling refreshment of the liver ; not the cleansing away of dreamed choler , or liquid corrupt matter : in the next place , neither are ulcers cured by an application of abstersive or cleansing things , so that by reason of their malignity , their increase may desire degrees of corroding abstersives . for arsenick being fixed by salt-peter , and dulcisied or mitigated into an astringent sulphur , doth not extinguish , perhaps sixty diversities of ulcers ; because it gnaweth and eats up ( for so it should not require a dulcifying of it self with the repeated spirit of wine ) but because it hath now a mild poyson , which is for killing the very workman of the vlcer , and the corrupter of venal bloud : the which indeed being once wholly dead , the flesh afterwards ceaseth not of its own accord , to grow up from the bottom : therefore the hollowness of an vlcer doth betoken a growing up of the flesh , and healing up of the skin into a skarre , to wit , that it being taken away , a restitution may be made : and the which therefore , have the relation of an effect , in respect of the death of the corrupter . furthermore , what vlcers i refer unto a seminal , and poysonous ferment , paracelsus after his manner , hath transferred on the minie and saltish minerals of the microcosme or little world : for as vlcers are for the most part made odious by salt , he according to his own idiotism , thought that vlcers were to be registred in the progeny of minerals , and in the distinct families of the same : for i do not give my self to brawlings , as i know , that neither was i born to that end : wherefore i am sorry for the vanity of the man , and for his uncircumspect forgetfulness ; as he saith , that man ( whom elsewhere by an etymologie or zodiack , he boasts to be a drawn epitome of the whole vniverse , and feigneth that he is more glorious by the dignity of that extraction , than by the image of the creator ) is a most miserable monster , every way formed by minerals alone : he i say , in another place being unmindful of these things , calls the body of man cagastrical or badly planet-struck throughout its whole , not indeed , consisting any longer of divers composures of salts ; but to be proud of the structure of the one onely salt-peter ; whence , men are born a hard generation , therefore the hatches of the earth : for he would , that all salts , stones , minerals , herbs , &c. should lurk in man , as it were in their own seminaries or seed-plots : but that they break forth into act , not indeed by the warmth of confused seeds lurking in a chaos ; but only that by a separation of the vital liquor , that they return from those things which were co-bred with themselves , into their antient minerals : not heeding , that it is an absurd thing , seeing he will have the macrocosme or great world , to consist no lesse of stars and plants , than of minerals , that it should resolve it self , rather into salts , than into plants and four-footed beasts . therefore in this matter hath not paracelsus onely forgotten seeds , vegetables , stars , and soulified creatures ; but his own self also ? that it should be the property of a seed , from whence that heap of venal bloud is separated by mans vital beginnings , to return rather into this , than into another mineral ? for as galen , endowing all things with heats , and feverishly doating , drew for some ages , the chiefdom of healing into himself , so paracelsus reducing all things into an under-earth off-spring , being proud of his pretious houshold-stuffe , grew mad a while , and thereupon aspired into the same principality . but i pray , who is that separater , which withdraws and plucks away a part of himself from the balsam of life ? in the next place , who is that corrupter , which had changed the part plucked off from a vital condition , also into a mineral salt ( which knowes not how to putrifie in it self ) or into a hidden metal , credible onely by belief ? dost thou not , concerning long life , call death the dominion of the balsam ? how is it therefore , that thou now callest death the separation of the balsam ? or who is the seminal distinguishes , in the zodiack of man , which may wrest the one onely , and the same liquor from the balsam of life , sometimes into alume , and at length sometimes into arsenick ? truly paracelsus , after that by a laboursome and ridiculous diligent search , thou hast heaped up great fables , because thou hast been ignorant of ferments ( whereunto notwithstanding , thou shouldest have come , as to the active , and seminal principles ) thou hast past by the beginnings of nature ; and sporting with the zodiack or compass of the microcosm at thy own pleasure , hast made thy self ridiculous to posterity : for a full knowledge of the ferments doth finde out an easie way to know , take away , overcome , and separate the poysons of any ulcers whatsoever : for whatsoever is made in the course of nature , that is made by the necessity and guidance of the seeds , and is moved unto the last period of them : but not from the lot or condition of a resolved dead carcase , or the naked will of a slain or grove●ng part ; the which indeed , should hasten from a privation , by rising again into its former being . away with thy trifles : for we have no fountains of salt , no reducements of venal bloud into feigned and lurking mettals . neither are there minerals in us , which by wantonizing , do withdraw themselves from the vital beginnings , or which do exspect the withdrawing of these : to wit , that they should return from mans essence , into their antient and appointed minerals , that so they may become the wombs and springs of ulcers : neither also , are there microcosmical lawes in us , any more than the humors of four elements mutually agreeing in us , and the fights or grudges of these : for with nazianzen , i cannot tie up man unto the sporting rules of a microcosme : for i had infinitely rather to be the image of god , than the image of the corruptible and torturing world : for although man doth grow and increase with beasts , and plants ; yet beasts shall not therefore be the image of plants : so although man do feel or perceive , and be moved , yea discourseth , together with beasts ; yet nothing speaks but a man ; because an angel neither stands in need of speech , as neither of the instruments of seed : but if a bird seem to speak , he imitates onely the tone , and distinctions or significations of speech : for there are not in us hails , snowes , rocks , stones , metals , marbles , flints , gems ; as neither that center of a world whereunto all weighty bodies do incline : neither is there in us a stone , by creation , neither are there particular kindes of the red or purple marble , jasper-stone , &c. and the stone in a man differs from a true stone , no lesse than a peare doth from a cow : for a peare is indeed changed into the flesh of a cow , sooner than the stone in a man can decline into a mineral rock or stone . the name therefore of microcosm or little world is poetical , heathenish , and metaphorical , but not natural , or true . it is likewise a phantastical , hypochondriacal , and mad thing , to have brought all the properties , and species of the universe into man , and the art of healing : but the life of man is too serious , and also the medicine thereof , that they should play their own part of a parable or similitude , and metaphor with us . last of all , paracelsus is wholly ridiculous , who teacheth that an ulcer , and a wound are nourished by herbs , balsam , and oyntments ; so that these defects are nourished by remedies , with a true nourishment , and severing of excrements , and that thereby the lost flesh of them , is truly , actually , and immediately restored ; and that , he hath seemed seriously to have written : which thing surely , i willingly grant unto his own idiorisme or propriety of speech . at length , for the curing of ulcers , there is use for colcotar or calcined vitriol , being diversly applied according to the difference of the ulcer : for oft-times the wine wherein it is steeped , doth by its washing , do that ; or else the powder thereof , after an exact separation of its salt ; and sometimes being boyled in the oil of line-seeds , even unto a blackness , which is for the foundation of the oyntment of successful vvurtz , in wounds . but i say enough to the curious : to wit , that colcotar doth kill every corrupter of wounds . finally , for a wound , know thou , that the very separation of that which held together , is indeed the immediate , and sufficient occasional cause , to wit , as it openeth , beats in pieces , or bruiseth , &c. every separation also wants a confirming closure , and is presently glewed together by glew dissolved in wine , because it is prepared of the skins of living creatures ; especially if the glew be of the hide of a man dying a violent death , that is , he being slain in his full strehgth : but the alterations of the archeus from venal bloud largely poured forth , and a conceived idea of another revenge or indignation being bred , which by a proper name , i call our wounds , and not anothers ; or those wounds which are inflicted from without , do not onely stand in need of a co-glewing of that which is discontinued or separated ; but an appeasing of the altered archeus : for hitherto have oils , balsams , emplaisters respect , which may procure the peace of the implanted , and local archeus being injured : to which end , the balsams of rosins , flowres , and herbs have arisen , and likewise those which are prepared of minium or red lead , cerusse , or colcotar : hitherto also doth the salt of ●artar tend , being rectified by the spirit of wine , until it obtains an astringent taste : for it is the balsam samech or of tartar , of paracelsus even as out of arsenick for ulcers , whereof , moreover , there is its balsam of smoak ; because that arsenick is by skilful men accounted the fume of metals : not indeed , that it is not simple , born , and subsisting by it self ; but from a similitude , for that metallick smoaks do imitate an arsenical malignity . and so i close up the doctrine of external diseases . chap. xlii . an unknown action of government . . the maxim is opposed , that of contraries the remedies are contrary . . the foundation of that maxim. . the maxim concerning the re-acting of the patient , or of its defence in time of fight , is examined . . arguments on the opposite part . . the same , by moving strengths , by things generative , and irregular . . there is no re-acting of weight . . arebounding action neglected by the antients . . bright burning iron acteth , and doth not re-act . . the swiftness of a mover is not the action ; but the measuring of the action . . altering agents do not properly re-suffer . . another maxim is noted of falshood . . from whence the falseness thereof hath issued . . what agents of a different inclination and irregular , are . . he proceeds to prove what he hath undertaken to prove . . wherein the opinion of aristotle may be preserved . . an explaining of action in the slowness of the fire . . actions on an object separated from the thing supposed . . a fermental and radial or beaming action . . that these kinde of actions are not to be referred unto the fault of vapours . . the blas of government hath been hitherto unknown . . the falshood of a maxim. . the fire suffers nothing by a burnable object . . to determine or limit an action , and to re-act , do differ . . new actions . . the dimness or giddiness of the schools . . their staggering . . likewise some neglects of the same . . the unknown action of government is not that which they call an action by consent . . the errour , whence it is . . why anatomy hath arisen into so great curiosity . . how much may be required from anatomy . . a neglect of the chiefest part of natural philosophy . . the schools deluded by thinking . . many things happen in us by the action of government , without conveighing pipes or channels . . blindness hath brought blinde persons unto blinde vapours , the action of government being unknown . . things admitted by the author . . the action of government is abstracted from a co-binding mean. . a natural action in incorporeal spirits . . which is a jugling action . . luxury takes away the remedy of the horse-hoof . . an example of government . . the government of the womb is wholly over the whole body . . government acteth into its own marks , the middle spaces being untouched . . the faculties of the actions of the womb. . the furies of the womb. . the manner of making in the birth of a disease , from the action of government . . why the fore-head is not bearded . . that capital diseases do not arise through fumes out of the stomach . from the first time wherein the schools placed contraries in nature , they presently universally established , that nothing acted without strifes , war , and discords : even so that also chidings , hatreds , emulations , have been reckoned the foundations or principles of nature , no lesse than self-love . and moreover also , they being credulous of hatred , by the perswasion of astronomers , have introduced the same things into the courses or dances of the stars . likewise they have determined , that in the whole sublunary frame or stage , nothing is done , or generated , but by a relation of the superiority of an agent unto a patient ; so indeed , that the patient is with violence compelled , tamed , altered , destroyed , and is wholly translated into the nature of the agent , onely by the relation of a stronger on a weaker . but when the schools saw , that agents did by degrees languish away , either through space of time , or wearinesse of acting ; they likewise decreed from thence , that that indeed , did not so much happen through a tiring out of the seeds , and powers , but by a re-acting of the patient : therefore they confirmed it , that every patient or sufferer doth likewise of necessity re-act , and for that cause likewise every agent or acter doth re-suffer ; neither also that it is any other way weakened : whence by consequence , i guessed with my self , that sometimes the seeds of things shall at sometime be naturally , wholly , undoubtedly extinguished , unless they are miraculously preserved : notwithstanding , i do even contemplate , that there is on both sides a perpetual rudenesse , and continued sloath of a diligent search , in the doctrines of the schools : and that one onely thing hath repelled from me the former fear : for truly , after that i with-drew contraries out of nature , i could not afterwards , in sound judgment , find out any re-acting in the patient , as neither could i admit of hostilities in nature , elswhere than among soulified or living creatures : for contrariety is in those things alone , wherein there is an actual defence in the will of the patient against the injuries brought on it , and felt from the agent : wherefore there is never a re-acting of the patient on the agent , unlesse where there is a contrariety conceived in the soul . but that this is thus ordinary , and ordained in nature , i will forthwith demonstrate : for first of all , the universe should remain still , even as it now subsisteth , by the infinite power of the word , if it should be so commanded ; i say , things should be infinite in their own successions , and duration , but they should not be infinite by an actual virtue of the unity of a creature : and that thing , because it is of faith , it wants no proof . therefore there is no infinite of sublunary things by their own power . hence it follows , that at length every particular agent doth by degrees also of its own free accord , at some time decay , and having finished its offices , dies by a dissolution of its strength circumscribed in space of place , and in the power of continuance , & strength , unlesse perhaps the appointed day of its proper and limited period or conclusion , be shifted off by a preventing of the term , or the impediments of the object . but of natural agents , some are those which have a motive force , which i have called a motive blas ; but the agents themselves i call moving strengths . but other moving agents , i call an alterative blas , to wit , those which do operate by the seminal force of a ferment : and such agents do for the most part generate their like . lastly , in the third place , some agents are irregular , or of a different inclination . i will speak of those three in order . indeed acting strengths do act on their objects ; first , by a prevailing weight , secondly , by a round , angular , sharp , hollow , &c. figure . thirdly , by the hardnesse , softnesse , &c. of a body . fourthly , by an impressive blas by the hand , a mallet or hammer , needle , &c. fifthly , by swiftnesse ; for unlesse a ram or engine be swiftly smitten against a wall , or a hammer against a nail , although the impressive force may be strong , yet the blas or motive power thereof shall be slow or sluggish . sixthly , by the hinderance of a vacuum or emptinesse . seventhly and lastly , by the fear of piercing of dimensions . but that moving strengths do re-suffer nothing by their objects , it is manifest : for first of all , in the sixth and seventh of the aforesaid particulars , the nature of the universe doth rather operate , that things may not be , than that they may operate while they should be , and much lesse do they re-suffer ; because an agent doth not re-suffer by an object , which as yet is not ; seeing that which as yet is not , cannot as yet act , or suffer again by action . but in respect of the first particular , to wit , that the greater weight cannot re-suffer by the lesse , by any action of the lesser weight , is manifest : because the lesser weight being oppositely applied , doth not argue any re-action on the agent ; but that is made by reason of a limitation made , either by the space of place , as in a far removing from the axle or diameter of the world ; or by reason of the measured action of the greater weight ; which , that it is not a true re-acting , i thus prove : the lesser weight suffers nothing simply and absolutely by the greater whereby it is elevated ; therefore neither doth the lesser weight re-act any thing , although it be lifted up , and yield or give place : because the lesse weight doth onely limit the action and heavinesse of the far stronger weight , as every agent is of a finite and limitable action : but that such a limitation is not a re-acting of the lesser weight , is manifest ; for the same lesser weight , remaining as much as it is , is made greater , while it is estranged or far removed from the axle . therefore , if there shuuld be any action , or re-acting in weights , in the case aforesaid , it were to be attributed to the space of place , and not to the heavinesse of weight ; seeing that one and the same weight is various , and manifold at the will of the artificer , onely by the space of place : but the space of place , or of far removing , is a certain external thing as to the essence of weight , and plainly accidental by accident : and so , neither can it give a true and proper action , or re-action in weights : therefore the limitation of actions in weights , is not the essential and proper action , or re-action of weight on weight : even as also space , or distance of place , hath not any internal force , or essential blas of local motion , on a bullet sent out of a gun ; but it onely limits the finite force of the imprinted motion ; so as that , through distance , the attained blas of the bullet doth by degrees necessarily languish : for it is certain , that the bullet doth operate into the middle distance , the which i understand , that the bullet hath no activity on the middle space of the place it self , although this notwithstanding doth so limit the blas , or motive power of the bullet , that at length it may perish , because it is of a finite power : likewise also in weights , the greater weight is indeed limited unto a certain measure , and power , by the lesser weight , but that limitation is not the true action of a certain agent , if local motion be limited by place it self ( which is wholly external and accidental to motion ) without re-acting , or if it doth voluntarily languish by a continuance of motion : but if place , and continuance do not suffer by the motion which is made in them , that is , that the motion doth re-act on the place , and duration ; therefore neither shall there be any true action of the place and duration on the motion , although the motion being finite , doth voluntarily cease in place , and time . it belongs nothing therefore unto a re-acting , although the lesser weight doth limit the greater unto its own certain and designed bound . therefore , it from hence is clearly enough manifest , that very many things are reckoned to be agents , and re-agents on each other , by reason of the hidden frailty of us in understanding , which in very deed do neither act on , nor suffer by each other , and likewise do neither re-act , nor re-suffer reciprocally : for truly the action whereby the greater weight doth lift up the lesse , and this gives place to the greater , and likewise whereby the greater is limited , and lessened by the lesse weight being opposed , the which otherwise , being opposite to the greater , doth increase this , is not a true natural action , or power of seminal properties , but relative respects of learning by demonstration or science mathematical , according to place , duration , greatnesse , &c. which things are plainly external unto natural agents , and by accident : but actions and re-sufferings in nature are considered in a true and intimate conjoying of forces ; which in the things abovesaid have no place . but that i may shew , that those respects of science mathematical , have not an action issuing from the powers of things , but onely the relation of science mathematical ( every meer action whereof , although it be made by bodies , yet it is not the action of the body it self , as such ) it is sufficient to have shewn by the aforesaid particulars , that the limitation of motions do far differ from the inward activity of motions , according to which , things are judged by the antients , to re-suffer , and re-act in every action : for so there are many impediments in nature , which although they do limit , yea and also plainly take away the force of the agent , yet they are not to be judged to re-act : and so , we must speak most properly , when as the essence of things concerning the properties , and actions of those things , is to be distinguished by a natural philosopher , especially when he treats of the necessities of life : for the lesser weight doth not refist , and much lesse doth it re-act on the greater . but every thing weigheth freely as much as it doth weigh , without respect of one weight unto another : but if man opposeth one weight to another , that is a humane thing ; neither hath the action of weight a mutual respect : for from hence , what things i have demonstrated above , against the contrarieties of active bodies , do more clearly appear : for truly , every agent , in manner of a greater weight , acteth freely , and without respect to contrariety ; but it acteth that which it is commanded to act in nature , and as much as is permitted unto it to act : therefore weight , or rather a ponderous matter , weigheth in it self , as much as it doth weigh , absolutely and without respect unto another greater , lesse , equal , proportioned , &c. weight . for such respects are of humane industry , which by reason of co-handlings ot commerce , findeth out measures , as well according to extent in length , breadth , depth , &c. as in the division of weights ; to wit , it hath appointed axles or diametrical distances , and far removings ; so that all the consideration from thence is artisicial , and therefore also changeable in the samelinesse and unity of one body : and therefore weights as such , do never act , or re-act on each other naturally , or by a co-mixture of their own properties , although they seem to act something artificially : for so the light suffers nothing , although the continuation of light be hindered by a suffering wall : for otherwise , if the lesse weight should in very deed re-act on that which out-weigheth it , the weight it self should be rather lessened in the thing weighing , for a continuance , and actually , and not only with respect to the ballance ; so that a pound thenceforth should not any longer weigh a pound , as before : and seeing nothing is changed , or taken away from the weights on either side , it is manifest , that there are onely artificial relations of moving strengths , but not a true re-action of the lighter weight : for as long as a pound doth weigh a pound , nothing is attained , or hath suffered in that pound by another opposite weight ; but on both sides , one is external , forreign , by accident , to the other , and limitable by a relative foundation , that it may be readily serviceable to humane considerations : and whatsoever thus acteth in our power , or seemeth to re-act , acteth in very deed , nothing . but as to that which pertaineth unto other moving strengths ; if an impressive force of strength doth act indeed by it self , but in the mean time be limited by space of place , duration , or be weakned by impediments , or lastly , if it act measuringly , by reason of figure , and hardnesse ; at leastwise , there is never in these , any re-acting of the patient , or re-suffering of the agent . for example , if any one smite on an anvil with his fist , and thereby receives a wound , or bruise , there is not in that stroak any re-acting of the anvil , or operation of hardnesse , or of a corner in the iron ; for although the hardnesse doth resist , repulsing the smiting fist , and the bounds of resistance or repulse may seem necessarily to include some kind of force of re-acting ; yet it is an improper speech , proceeding from the popular errour of the antients : for that is not the reaction of the anvil , but it is the very action of the fist it self , which i call a resulting or rebounding one : for if the anvil should truly re-act by hardnesse , seeing there is no reason why the anvil should impart , act on the fist , and should expect a stroak , that it might act ; for it ought by its whole hardnesse , and weight together , to act also on a quiet hand , and from that very deed done , plainly to fret or tear it ; neither should the action of the anvil be limited by the strength of the stroak , if there should be a re-acting of the anvil it self : for truly the same thing should happen to the fist , whether it had smitten it strongly , or in the next place , modestly , or if at length the opposite fist should rest on it onely ; because that in either act there was the same hardnesse of the anvil : wherefore , that hardnesse of the iron acteth , or re-acteth nothing by a proper power of acting : for there should be a force in the anvil , which in re-acting should be seated throughout its hardnesse , and in any stroak should act alike equally , and according to its full power , but not according to the measuring of the striking fist , which is altogether a stranger to the anvil . therefore in truth , the fist doth act simply on the anvil , and the anvil suffers simply , although it took no offence thereby ; but the fist suffers by accident , if it do the more strongly strike : the agent of which suffering is notwithstanding , not the anvil , but the fist it self : because there is one only and single action of the stroak , and hurt , which i therefore call a rebounding one : and so the fist suffers , and is hurt by it self , from its own self ; but by accident from the strength of the stroak , and occasionally from the hardness or figure of the iron : which three things are to be noted in one only stroak : for truly , that which by accident , and occasionally acteth externally only , doth not in very deed act by an action of its own ; and therefore neither is there any re-action , as neither action of the anvil : but the smiting , and hardness are the occasional means of the wound ; one whereof ( to wit , hardnesse ) is a proper , occasional , and internal thing ; the other ( to wit , the smiting ) is accidental by accident . in the next place , there is another action of a moving strength , which hath deceived many with the title of re-acting , as while a hand layeth hold of bright burning iron : for the hand in laying hold , doth in very deed act , and that by it self , and the apprehended iron it self doth suffer in the laying hold : but this doth likewise act by a new action indeed , but by a far different action in burning the hand : for neither is that the scorching of the iron , as being comprehended ( although that touching be an immediate occasion and cause , without which it is not done ; but it is the proper action of the iron , as being burning bright : for so , touching , and scorching are beings wholly distinct , and separable in the root ; and so also both their actions differ in their objects , though in time of acting they do now and then co-unite : therefore the searing is not a re-acting of the iron , as being laid hold of , or it is not the re-acting of comprehension : although in both the sorts of action , the acting hand becomes a sufferer , because two actions wholly unlike , do concur ; to wit , one of the hand laying hold , and the other of the iron burning . again , swiftnesse , while a ram or engine is sore smitten against a wall , is not the proper activity of the agent , but it is a measuring of strength imprintingly moving , and so is external and by accident . now , as in respect of agents by an altering blas , those do undergo not any thing of re-acting from their own objects , because they generate by an absolute dispositive power of their objects ; which power , seeing it is conferred on nature by god , it also acteth without a re-acting . for example ; if the whole globe of the earth , and water should be of meal , all that heap would at length be leavened by a leaven of bread being once put into it , which verily could not be done , if there were but the least re-action of the fermentable body : for the small quantity of ferment or leaven should be presently choaked by the more big heap of the object ; even as also the seminal spirits do dispose the subjected lump , by reason of a faculty conferred on them , and in-bred in them , and do by a famous prerogative alter it , and that without the re-acting of the subjected heap : neither doth that hinder , because the stomach cocting the more hard meats , is felt as it were to re-suffer , and to undergo a re-acting of digestible things ; because also , that speech of physitians is too rustical ; because , unlesse that which is to be digested be perfectly cocted , and at a set term of time , the digestion of the same is in vain expected : for it tarrying longer in the stomach , is corrupted , and so then a new agent ariseth ; neither is the former any longer digestible , when it is corrupted ; neither also doth that new agent re-act in manner of bright burning iron , because there are in that digestible matter , parts uncapable of digestion , in respect of that stomach : neither also doth the leaven or ferment of bread leaven the powder of glasse , or the sand of a flint , because it is a strange and uncapable object , and not to be subdued by it : for so the digesting ferment of the stomach doth ferment the flour of meal , but not the brans : in the mean time , the ferment of the meal suffers nothing by the powder of glass ; as neither doth that powder re-act , resist , or truly repel : for truly , altering ferments do never act , but on things that have a co-resemblance ; but they are quiet , do cease , and sleep , if they have not an object proper for themselves : therefore the hinderances of agents by an alterative blas , are uncapacities , hardnesses , impurities , unequalities , and the requisite movers of space : therefore the action of these is terminated on a proper object , and disposeth that object unto periods or ends , and manners decreed for it . but interposing hinderances are not the re-actions of the patient , but the incapacities of the same : for neither doth silver re-act , while it is solved by aqua fortis with so great a heat , although this in the mean time , decayeth in acting , and loseth its own force and virtue : but there is an in-bred property of spirits , and a natural endowment , which do operate in acting , that by reaching unto their appointed mark , they may perfect themselves , and bring down their own objects unto bounds naturally enjoyned them ; which thing distilled vinegar doth sufficiently teach , while it dissolves the stone of crabs , snails , corals , &c : for the sharp spirit of the vinegar doth coagulate it self in acting , and that which else was volatile , and liquid , is not onely strained together , but also changeth its savour ; for it collects and constrains it self in a tangible form , as if it did more rejoyce to remain in the shape of a more solid body , than of a liquor : but that such a coagulation , and change of savour doth happen by the proper motion of the spirit of vinegar , but not through a re-acting of bodies standing in the act of dissolution , is manifest ; because there is not made a diminishing of those bodies , even in one grain at least , in weight ; while as in the mean time , some measures of stilled vinegar do undergo the aforesaid change : and so it doth not seem consonant to reason , for that thing to be done , by reason of the bruising or breaking of the stones onely , but by reason of a proper natural gift-like unfolding of the spirits . the same thing almost comes to pass , while the spirit of vitriol waxeth very hot with mercury : for the mercury remaineth , being unchanged in the essence and matter of mercury , onely that it assumes the countenance of snow ; losing in the mean time nothing of its own substance , yet the spirit of vitriol passeth over into a true alume ; but if the spirit of aqua fortis ( which for the other half of it , is also the spirit of vitriol ) be combined with the mercury , that snow of mercury is not made , as neither doth the liquor it self pass over into an alume : and so from hence it appeareth , that the action is not proper to the mercury , but to the spirit of vitriol diversly disposing it self of its own free accord ; and according to an in-bred inclination unto divers objects , differently changing it self : wherefore the spirit of vitriol which is in the aqua fortis , through a strong heat of bubbles stirred up , and a tempestuous boiling up , dissolveth the mercury , and far otherwise , than while it is the naked and simple spirit of vitriol ; which variety indeed , in acting , doth manifest the various virtues of the acting spirit , rather than those of the mercury it self ; because in the one action the mercury is made invisible , which in the other becomes white like snow : for the spirit of sea-salt , although it be most sharp , yet it is never changed by the fellowship of mercury , as neither also doth it act into the mercury : and so the effects of actions are seen , and not of re-actings : so aqua fortis acts into all metals , except gold ; but with sal armoniack it acts only into gold , but no longer into silver ; and so there are particular properties of spirits , but not re-actions of a suffering body ; because it is that which in its own substance and weight , sustaineth nothing but a meer and one onely division of it self : therefore spirits being tossed with divers passions in acting , undergo divers transformations ; but if they remain drowsie and sleeping , and do not act on their object , they also remain in their antient qualities : for that thing appeared at first to happen , by reason of the touching of the mercury , because it is that which is also a certain spirit , but afterwards in the silver and gold , that was wholly silent . but moreover i remember , that the calx or lime of silver hath drunk into it the liquor of sulphur , which they call a distillation , which presently in the silver laid aside all harshnesse and tartnesse , and it changed this liquor into a gauly bitternesse , by distilling : for the silver remained the same which it was before , in substance , weight , and powder : therefore that bitternesse could not be afforded from the silver ; and for that cause , in no wise , from a re-acting of the silver ; but of its own free accord it was made by the property of the spirit of the sulphur : for neither is there a lesse reason , why the same spirit of vitriol , in diversly acting , doth also change it self after a diverse manner , than that the same silver should under the boyling up of diverse spirits , wax cruel , by a various manner of re-acting on these ; especially while that in a spirit , there is made a various transmutation in acting ; but there is no successive alteration made of the substance of the silver , in suffering , or diminishing of its weight : which things may be far more clearly demonstrated by adeptists , unto whom , to wit , the one onely and same liquour alkahest , doth perfectly reduce all tangible bodies of the whole universe into the first life of the same , without any changing of it self , and diminishing of its virtues ; but it is drawn under the yoak , and thorowly changed by its own compeere or co-equal onely : for from hence there appeareth a certain sense to be in all particular things , the which mediating , they do sometimes one way , and sometimes another , move and unfold themselves about divers objects ; but not that the period of motions , and of those unfoldings , and the variety of agents , is therefore to be attributed to a re-acting of the patients ; to wit , even as , while an external luke-warmth bringing up eggs unto a chick ; for neither of them doth re-suffer reciprocally : for neither doth the vital spirit in an egg any way re-suffer any thing by the luke-warmth , as neither that luke-warmth by the vital spirit of the egg. hitherto tendeth that which i have proved before ; to wit , that altering things do not act by contrariety : therefore their patients do not fight in defending themselves , nor re-act by contrariety . that maxim also is false , that every agent doth of necessity , act in an instant ; and that its action is retarded or fore-slowed onely , by a resistance and re-acting of the patient : because in all particular seeds , their own , and certain period of continuances and dispositions is essentially included . for the falshood of that maxim hath flowed from hence , that the schools being deluded by aristotle , have thought that the fire is to be compared unto other agents : the which , when they saw to be any where , almost in a moment , they believed that the same thing was likewise to be wrested unto other agents : through occasion whereof , i must now speak of irregular and differently inclined agents . in the first place it is manifest , that the fire doth suffer or undergoe nothing at all by the re-acting of a combustible object : for otherwise , a small quantity of fire should be sufficient for the burning of the whole universe , if it were capable of burning : which could not be done , if the combustible matter should re-act even but never so little . truly a river suffers nothing , if a staffe shall swim on the same , and as yet lesse doth the fire suffer , if it burn saguntum , or if gun-powder be fired . in nature also , no seminal beginning suffereth by the matter into which it works ; because it disposeth of the same without re-acting , even as it hath begun plainly to appear in denied contraries . moreover , that the falshood of the aforesaid maxim may be the more beheld , take notice , that all particular seeds have their own periods and moments appointed by the creator , wherein they do promote their course unto a ripeness : for conies , dogs , birds , men , horses , elephants , do nourish within , perfect , and bring forth their own young , at their appointed termes of time : not indeed , that the seminal matter in a man , is rawer , colder , and more rebellious than the seed of a cat : but god hath set the bounds of every one of them , according to his own good pleasure , the reason whereof to enquire into , belongs not unto mans judgement : for if the disposition of a seminal matter be of a longer labour . that proceeds not by reason of its resistance or strugling strength , as neither from the weakness , wearisomness , idleness , or disturbance of passions of the agent : for truly , every being in nature operates without labour and passion , and therefore without cessation , rest , intermittency , and trouble ; seeing indeed , all particular things are made by reason of the communicating of a ferment , and limitation of appointment : for all particular things do purely operate by a reflexion of their own appointment , according to the ordaining will of their creator : for so christians were to philosophize . but in local motion , motive virtues , and so also in the exercise of science mathematical , the maxims of aristotle are indeed serviceable , the which , by a violent command , and unfitly , the schools have introduced into nature : for if moyst or wet wood be not so obediently burnt up , as dry ; that doth not therefore come to passe through a re-acting of the wood , or with a suffering of the fire : for although the wood should cease from all combustion , the fire should not therefore suffer more by the wood , than by gold , which is not to be burnt : yea if in wet wood , as such , there should be a certain operative resistance , to wit , a re-acting ; surely , water should also longer , and more strongly resist fire , than the rosin of wood , or of a coal : but the consequence is false : for the water doth most swiftly , and first of all fly away out of wet wood , before the fire enflames the rosin of the wood : therefore the slowness in wet wood doth not argue a re-action of the matter , or strength of the suffering wood ; but the fire follows its own laws of appointments , whereby it separates first the more volatile things , and next in order , things lesse swift of flight : for so , although the fire be subdued by wet rosin , which by it self otherwise , had presently been in a flame with the same fire ; yet by reason of the aforesaid lawes , it patiently expects the torture of the fire , and a departure of that water . iron also being placed between stubble and fire , hinders indeed the enflaming or burning up of the stubble ; but there is not therefore any re-action of the iron on the fire , or suffering of the fire by the iron : which thing surely hath not been narrowly enough searched into by the schools : for although these their maxims have place in corporeal actions , wherein the agent of necessity , cherisheth and toucheth its own object , and thus far inspireth its own virtue into the same ; yet that is altogether impertinent in agents which do act on things placed under them , which are far separated in place : for truly , besides the actions of the heavens ( which are carried by influence , in-beaming , and motion , without the touching of an agent ; but by a blas onely do disperse the seminaries of their own virtues ) sublunary things are not properly deprived of a blas : because fermental odours , do produce most active , and seminal effects , and do transchange , in nature , their object , by their own perfume , and do draw it after them into their protection . likewise also a radial or beaming action doth concur into nature : for the elks hoof is thus said by its touching , to preserve the heart , and head from danger ; yet the seat of the evil is not in the finger , as neither is there a passing from bound to bound ; neither is the hoof therefore diminished of its strength by acting ; but rather is confirmed , as also the load-stone is comforted by the communication of iron ; for a clear sign , that an agent suffers not a whit by reaction , in seminal , or beaming actions , and by consequence , that neither doth the patient therefore re-act . therefore medicines against the pain of the head , or amulets or preserving pomanders , have a blas , whereby they do constrain objects to obey them , like the heavens , and they act onely by their own , and not on a strange and nearer object : and they draw out their deserts or worthy virtues , without all corporal eflux , motion , passion , or weakening . i know indeed , that the schools do not bear these things ; but that they refer these effects into vapours lifted up from the womb , or the least toe ; because they are such , who have sunk themselves in the clay of a dreggy minerva or wit. but if a maid which hath the mother , doth perfectly see all things , at least but on one side , or on the other half onely , she also seeth onely half the needle which she holdeth or presseth with her fingers , however she may turn her eyes and head : she may see i say , many folks being collected into a company , but even to her girdle , or half-sided ones onely : shall perhaps then the vapours be divided in halfes , the apple of the eye nevertheless , appearing entire ? can these vapours i say , permit her to see and discern many things together ; but all things apart , in the one , or other half onely ? but an incorporeal blas of government hath been neglected by the schools , which acteth without a corporeal eflux , even as the moon makes the sea to swell : for in the strangling of the womb , they complain as long as they are partakers or mistresses of talk , of the stretching out of the spaces between their ribs , and they think that the girdle they are girt with , is tied to their ribs , or that a staffe is extended from their neather parts , unto their throat , &c. consider i pray , with me , oh ye schools that there is in us a double motive power , and decline from this your thred-bare maxim ; to wi● , that the action of the same power is hurt , whereby the sound one is exercised : for truly there is in us a voluntary blas , and the blas it self of the parts ( as elsewhere concerning convulsions ) . take ye notice ; that at least , in this place , if voluntary motion be natural , the will also suffers nothing from the muscles moved by it self , yea , neither from the muscles refusing to be moved : nor in the next place , therefore , that there is a weariness of the faculty ; but onely of the body , or organs : lastly , that the muscles being moved by an importunate blas of the parts , there is not a wearisomness of the parts , although the pain be heightned , and they do not feel their own weariness ; because convulsive motions being stirred up by the blas of the parts , are made by a faculty which becomes mad , and for this cause they are scarce felt or perceived . for neither doth that prove , because moysture in wood , or an interposing of a coal between the flame , and ro●●n of the intrinsecal wood , do foreslow the action of the fire , that it may not the more swiftly consume the wood with its devouring : for truly impediments do not act properly , as neither do they re-act ; but they do purely and simply suffer . they do indeed some way limit the very action of the fire , or do seclude the same , as it were uncapable partitions , and no more : for it is proper and natural to fire , first to consume water , and the more light discussable things , into vapours , before it in burning , do enflame oily things ; at length , after oily things , to consume the fat which hath more fixedly remained in the coal : but neither doth the water re-act against the fire , or doth the fire suffer : for whether water be in the wood , or not , the fire doth alwayes act univocally or singly , and according to the appointment of its own nature , acteth freely , and in such a manner , as that it convinceth the aforesaid maxim of falshood . also gold , talck , marble , &c. do not re-act on the fire , although they are not consumed or wasted by the fire : for the manifest incapacity of these , hinders it , by reason whereof , the fire doth not act on those by an ordinary burning or enflaming : for truly , the fire intends to enlighten those bodies , in themselves dark , so as that they may be after some sort , made clear or shining bright : the which , at length it obtains in making them fiery : because the fire endeavours to pierce all things with its own form : the which , while inflameable things do not sustain , without their own ruine ; therefore , in burning , they are enflamed , and being consumed , do depart : neither also doth the fire pretend to enlighten stones and mettals in a moment , according ( as otherwise ) to the aforesaid maxim ; but the fire suits it self in its own nature of acting , according to the limitation of every object : and so it is perpetually true , that every natural agent acteth , and is received after the manner of its own object receiving . therefore the primary action of the fire is to produce in its object , a fire like it self ; wherein some objects do burn under the intention of fire ; but others do persist , and expect the last intent of the fire : so that , if some things are not combustible ; at leastwise , the fire acteth into them as much as it can , to make them fiery . in like manner also , the light suffers not any thing , although at one onely instant , it dart it self from the sun , from far , on the earth , or although it be not sent thorow , through a thick mean hindering it : truly the light suffers nothing by a thick or dark body , whether it shall passe thorow that body , or not : for it alwayes attaineth its own intent , which is to enlighten , whether in the mean time , an impediment doth interpose or not : for the resistance , or repelling of objected impediments , are not in manner of a re-acting ( because agents re-suffer nothing ) but they are of a meer incapacity : therefore it is plainly indifferent , and by accident unto those agents , whether fixed bodies are enlightned only , by the fire , and are pierced by the light , or not : for these things are even after the same manner , as the leaven of meal in respect of the powder of glass : for the leaven suffers nothing , although the incapacity of the glass doth hinder whereby the leaven doth work the lesse : for at least there is no re-acting where there is no action . these things about the denial of re-acting , strife , hatred , and war , between the agent or doer , and patient or sufferer ; to wit , which kinde of action alone , the schools have acknowledged . i will add also , other new ones . i have said in the book of fevers , that a poysonous excrement in fevers , is included in the midriffs , producing drowsie sleeps , doatages , &c. therefore it is an anodynous or sleepifying , and mad poyson . likewise in falling-sicknesses , that there is an unsensitive befooling , and mad poyson , afflicting for a space , being enstalled in the midriffs . in hypochondrial madnesses , that there is a furious poyson , or that which doates with jesting or merriment . in giddiness of the head , a whirling poyson . in the apoplexie , that which takes away sense and motion . lastly , in swooning , a stupefactive or sleepy poyson , a dispersive of the spirits : and hence , presently taking away sense and motion . but seeing the schools do not extend themselves beyond a rudeness , they have thought that the occasional matters of these diseases , is the matter [ whereof ] of diseases , and that it is brought thorow the veins and arteries , from beneath , upwards unto the brain : which thing nevertheless , i have refuted , for the exposition of that aphorisme : if in a continual fever , after yellow vrines , watery ones shall presently succeed , they denote dotages to come ; by reason ( as galen will have it ) of choler snatched into the brain : but the schools elsewhere , when they noted that from yesterdayes gluttony , giddinesses of the head have arisen in the morning , they had rather to have the matter of diseases to be conveighed into the brain , in a right line , out of the stomach , in the likeness of vapours , through unnamed trunks , and the throat : and so , black choler , according to hippocrates , to be brought sometimes into the body of the brain , and to bring forth the falling-evil ; or else into the soul it self , and then to cause the passion of hypochondrial madness : and that by uncertain passages , conveighers , and unto certain scopes or objects . but seeing one onely melancholy humour , should be unfit for so great evils , it was doubted in the schools afterwards ( not indeed in a quaternary of humours now antiently established ) in the malice of humours , as yet not searched out ; but undiscerned : for least they should be pressed with the straightnosses and samelinesses of passages , not satisfying so great a variety , they fled unto fumes and vapours , that the various fumes of one black choler should pierce into the bosom of the brain , and stir up diverse cruelties : and they have safely covered these toyes from credulous young beginners ; they being secure that they were never to be compelled unto a designing and beholding of those fumes . in the mean time , the schools are worthy of compassion , that in so great a sluggishness of narrowly searching into the truth hitherto , they are compelled unto so miserable straights : but surely , the sick are more worthy of pity , who have suffered such helpers , hired for much money unto the dest uction of their life : because such patients be more inferiour , and miserable than such agents . therefore the schools have neglected the matter of so diverse poysons besieging the head , and life : but they being heedless , have passed over the application of that matter unto the life to wit , that a diseasie occasional cause should stir up a diseasie agent ; and the immediate , and whole mentioning of this history , no lesse than the consideration thereof . likewise also , they have therefore dis-esteemed , the manner of making a disease , and of deriving the poysonous activity unto the vital object ; to wit , because they have been wholly ignorant of the sink from whence those poysons should be derived , and have passed it by as a thing altogether unheard of ; because they have neglected the proper action of the family-government of man ; without the knowledge of which , notwithstanding , nothing of those things which do befall us within , can be known : for onely the action of the agent on the patient , hath been known in the schools , the which indeed they would have to be made with a certain circumventing or invasion , with a strife and reacting of the patient , and with a weakening and re-suffering of the agent . but there is a certain action far different from the former , whereof predecessours have never made mention , which i call the action of government : which indeed , is not onely made without suspition of re-acting ; but also without a bodily co-touching , and therefore it hath its supposed object at a distance and separated . it is called magnetical and sympathetical , or attractive and co-passionate ( being derided by the modern schools ) when it consisteth between objects at a distance in place ; but when it is circumscribed in our body , as a difference from a magnetisme or an attractive virtue , i call it the action of a meer government ; wherein the agent disposeth of his proper patient , or object of his own sphere , as of an client of a hereditary right , according to an ordination of laws inbred in him , subjected by a symbole or mark of resemblance . indeed , let the agent be the tutor here , and the patient be in his minority . and there is a co-like action of the stars in the universe , as well on each other , as on sublunary bodies : the which , seeing without controversie , it is there influential , yet in sublunary things it hath been undeservedly suspected , and so hitherto barren and neglected . but our present action of government , is not the action which the schools have acknowledged to be a consent of parts , or by a conspiracy of offices and necessities : for truly , government doth not require a consent . it is therefore first of all , a deceiptful name , and therefore it either contains a mask , or besides , a deceit or juggle , a fable , that is , it containeth nothing : for in very deed , they will have this consent to be stirred up , required , wrested back , by fumes , channels , conduits , or threddy fibers ; which , as they are not in nature , nor are there required ; so also , they have nothing common with the action of government : for the schools do no where admit of the action of an agent , unless it be applied to the patient by a mean , in a continued channel , as it were by a chain . they deny i say , a continuation of virtue , extended by the sameliness of a mean , unless it be brought or conveighed unto its proper suffering object by a certain trunk : and especially in the body of man , they decree nothing to be done without a communication of passages : and this hath been that continued , yet ridiculous necessity of revulsions and derivations amongst them . truly by this inducement , anatomy hath been garnished for the body of man , as if it were the undoubted betokener , and healer of all diseases : for hitherto they have taken so great pains therein , that the schools having forgotten their own galen , do measure him to be a true physitian , who shall point out most in the filths of dead carcases , and who shall certainly finde by his own knife , those things which are published by predecessors in this respect , even unto superstition : and the errour of so superfluous a curiosity , and pride of unsound doctrine , praysed by the ignorance of the schools , is to be judged to have been brought in by the spirits of giddiness , and the authour of dark dimness : for unto whom it is acceptable , under what title soever , we loose our time unfruitfully . for it was sufficient for anatomy , to have known the scituation ; co-knitting , and uses of the parts ; but not to have exercised a butchery on dead carkases all ones life-time , to finde out the passages or conduits of the least vein : for truly they have regard unto a vain and sordid boasting , wherein the most pretious race of our life is unfruitfully consumed . for in truth , the knowing and phylosophical preparation of simples , require almost the whole life of the whole man to themselves : for indeed , seeing one muscle ought to be moved , another being in the mean time , quiet , the chief judge or arbitrator of things hath appointed interchangeable courses of organs , so that the command of our will should be declared in the muscles by deputed sinews onely , but that by the muscles and bones it should be put in execution : from hence the schools have thought , that therefore all our actions are made by nothing but a co-chained thred of organs or instruments , through the far-of sequestred and divided families of the members : neither have they heeded , that an insect , by one onely liquor extended throughout his length , doth supply the promiscuous offices of veins , arteries , sinews , and bowels ; so as that a flie , as yet flies away , his head being cut off ; and i have seen the head of a horned hornet ( which they call a flying stag ) which was cut off ; to live and be moved six dayes after . therefore varieties do not depend on a necessity of powers and organs ; but onely , because it hath well pleased the creator to distinguish some offices , and ends or bounds in the more perfect living creatures , by a blinde , and mutual dependance of organs or instruments . in the mean time , the action of government doth not cease in man by reason of this dependance , and reciprocal successive course of members ; the which i have already accused in an insect : but not a few offices are administred in the family-government of the same , without all connexion of deriving channels : which thing , because it hath stood doubtful , therefore the schools have assigned the greatest glory of life , and studies unto anatomy : and when as the bond or conjunction was to them unknown , they therefore with the amazement of the unwonted matter , presently fled unto blinde ascending vapours , or humours prostrating themselves without order , for a sacred anchor of ignorance : for as much as , after that they had dissected at pleasure , those that were strangled by the womb , those that were cut off by swooning , or those who died by fits of the falling-sickness , or tremblings of the heart , and had found no destroyer of life in the passages , to whom the guilt of the murder might be imputed , they betook themselves unto blind vapours , and filthy or defiled exhalations derived into the heart , and head : however , they then at leastwise ought to admit those deadly vapours to be carried about on every side , by no continued commerce of passages . i willingly admit of corporeal actions , whereby heat doth afterwards make that hot which is brought unto it , also of a passage whereby belching doth ascend out of the stomach thorow the weasand into the throat and nostrils : in the next place , that excrements do covet their own conduits , and from which , that which is grievous is exorbitant , or stumbleth : also that the vital spirits are ordinarily dispersed into the body by the vassally channels or pipes of their own bowels : i may be accounted out of my wits , unless i confess these things . again , i admit of an action , whereby the ferments of the bowels do issue into the kitchins of the digestions , as it were by certain beames , nor are they carried by an oblique or crooked motion : but i do not passe by a third action in mans body , which is called influential , or that of government : the which although it cannot ordinarily wander without the body ; yet it is abstracted from a co-binding mean : for neither doth it act by a direct and sun-like beam onely ; but also by another , to wit , by that which doth unsensibly pierce the whole juncture of the parts , and in manner of the moon , whatsoever it also obliquely beholdeth , that it affecteth or moveth , even as already before , in our new meteors . this is i say , the action of government or of dependance , shining or beaming , and piercing every way , without the bawdery of co-binding , or conjoyning ; yet not but unto a proper object . note here , that i have elsewhere said that the beard is generated by the stones , in a man , whom they distinguish from a gelded person . but besides this action of government , i acknowledge moreover two natural ones , but prodigious or monstrous ones : therefore there is a third action , proper to incorporeal spirits , which for action , do not require a direct beam , nor a beholding of the object , nor a nearness , disposition or co-binding of the same ; but they act , onely by a powerful beck ( for indeed they want extreamities or outmost parts , whereby they may touch as well the bodies which they pretend to move , as also the meanes themselves , whereby they may move bodies ) with a far more efficacious influential force or virtue : that action is nigh akin to that whereby the soul doth signifie its will or beck unto its own organs whereunto it is tied : for thou hast made him ( o lord ) a little lesse than the angels , by the obligatory bond of a body : otherwise he is more worthy , whom thou more esteemest of , who art not deceived in thy estimation : thou wert incarnate for the redemption of men , not for the redemption of angels . there is also a certain lying action , usual with wicked spirits ; to wit , a jugling and bewitching one . the which , although it contain in it a true action ; yet it doth not manifest a true effect : but the bewitcher befools the sight , while the same things appear to one , which are not , or which are not to another , or not in the same manner : he befools the eyes , that he may represent false things unto them , and mock them with his beck or at his pleasure : it is almost just as in fevers , doatages are naturally objected , which are not before the eyes , and of●-times also without doatage , a feverish matter seemeth to be brought thorow the back-bone , unto the places affected : for they are impostures , the participation of a blemish , the dispersing of a strange tincture , from a contagion of the inflowing spirit ; but not a puffie dispersing of corporeal vapours . that is government , whereby one part obeyeth another : in the joynt-sickness or gout , that doth clearly appear : because a certain indisposition of the stomach , with a small fever , goes before , before that any sign doth manifestly appear in the joynts : so in swooning , sudden death , the falling-sickness , giddiness of the head , apoplexie , &c. the part is played about the mouth of the stomach , so that for this cause it hath deserved the name of the heart ; and stomach-remedies being suddenly offered , they are for the most part restored : and so like , juggles , they are made elsewhere , and seem to be carried to some other place : for whatsoever is written concerning vapours lifted up out of the stomach , and womb , they do spread forth bewitching darkness , as well about the matter , conveyances of passages , and meanes , as the government of life it self . after another manner , there are true actions , and true effects ; even as elsewhere i have distinguished in the treatise of catarrhs or rheumes . i must now more deeply enquire into the paradox of the action of government : for indeed , in the first place it is commonly , well observed , that anger , fear , and other passions of the minde , do not onely with speed diversly affect the spirit carried in the arteries and sinews with the very stroak of the eye , that the cheeks do fall , the appetite perisheth , the hairs stand upright , the voyce sticks , the spittle foams , sweats and the other excrements themselves do defile , through the storm of disturbances : ● but a horse-beast affords the fragments of his hoof , which being fried , and taken , cures the bloudy-flux : but if the beast be a wanton colt , then his hoof is mortal to those that have the bloudy-flux . the spittle of a dog cures wounds by licking them ; but if he be corrupted with madness , he propagates the deadly poyson of his own madness on other species , yea on general kindes : we have houshold examples : eunuchs are beardless , of a straighter neck , their knees being writhed inwards , &c. therefore the beard at least doth efficiently depend on the stones being come to maturity ; yea the whole habit of the body , and inclinations of the soul in gelded persons , do differ from entire individuals : which thing is evident and daily seen in an oxe , a bull , a capon , and a cock : but yet the stones have not their pipes , fibers , guards , or vapours on the skin of the chin , on the feathers of a cock , or on the horns of a bull , as neither on the animosity or sturdiness of the minde , or on the haires : but there is an unsensible influx of the stones , as it were another of the moon , beginning even from an infant , before the ripeness of age , also at the time of ripe years , changing the voyce : therefore the action of government of the stones is no otherwise than as the moon begetteth the marrows with child : so the brain is the chief over growth , which the straining of the turning joynts in crook-backed folks , or putting bones out of joynt , do sufficiently shew : which thing also in the womb doth not sluggishly offer it self : by reason of the womb alone , a woman is that which she is ; she wants a beard ; and although she be of a moyster habit of body , yet she growes sooner to a perfect state : she suffers other disturbances and animosities , and makes another flesh and bloud , diverse from a man : and so that also , for the wombs sake , the sex assumes a devotion to it self , by a certain prerogative : the ruler of these actions sits in the womb , who being sore smitten or disturbed in his own circle , is for the producing of all diseases universally : and therefore the jaundise , apoplexie , strangling , asthma , &c. are not from things retained ; but they draw their original from a more sublime monarchy : for oft-times , the womb straineth one onely tendon in the foot , or throat , or it plainly presseth together the whole weasand , as if the disease were local ; when as in the mean time , no exhalation is sent , directed , or received unto that sinew or place : for by an aspect onely , it contracts the lungs , that it may wholly deprive them of breathing . they are trifles , which are brought hither concerning a hurtful vapour : because it is that which should more neighbouringly pull the intestines , stomach , and midriff together , than that it should come unto the lungs onely . elsewhere also , the throat ariseth unto the heighth of the chin , and setleth again ; neither is that the reward of vapours : but the dominion , government , aspect , and influx , and command of the womb causeth it so to be : for it affecteth that part which it will , and sometimes destroyes the whole body because it is subjected : for as long as it is not shaken by the disturbances of the soul , it stands with a straight foot ; yea the womb sleepeth or slumbereth ; but being once enforced by disturbances , for the future it brings forth its own inundations throughout the whole body , and now and then , those durable till death : because if the womb by its own monarchy , wholly distinguisheth a woman from a man , and it be the promiscuous parent of that distinction , it is no wonder also , that it doth by the same government , disquiet all , even the most remote parts , no otherwise than as the nearest , when , or where it will. and it is certain to him that makes a full search , that the operations of the sensitive soul are of a co-like order , and of co-like progresses in operating , that if the womb by a spiritual governmen : snites the health , this is indulged to the soul , by a like priviledge of acting on the womb : for if a woman great with child , being stirred with a desire ( as elsewhere i have repeated ) doth behold a cherry , and shall touch her self on the fore-head , he young presently receives the cherry : not indeed the naked spot of a cherry ; but a cherry which waxeth green , white , yellow , and looks of a ruddy colour every year , together with the fruits of the trees : yea which is far more wonderful : for that which happens to the young in brabant , that happens far sooner to the same in spain , to wit , where cherries do sooner come forth : therefore the thought or cogitation reacheth the young in a direct passage : not indeed by the directions of fibers , or straight beams , and the conveyance of aptness of readiness , as neither by the conceit of the brain and womb ; but onely by a reciprocal or recoursary action of government . but besides , if there be no young present , the idea's of imagination do not therefore cease to be deciphered in the sides of the womb : the which , seeing they are strangers to the womb , it becomes easily furious , as being impatient of forreign tables . there is therefore a passable way from the sensitive soul , into the womb , and from this to it : which thing , hippocrates first took notice of ; to wit , that the whole body was exspirable , and conspirable : from whence it comes to passe , that some symptomes of the womb , are scarce discerned from enchantments : for it so straightly strains the coat of the lungs , that it sends no air at all thorow it into the breast : here is no communication , passage , access , scope , or manner of a vapour , and much lesse is there an affinity with rheums in this respect , seeing it begins and is bounded or finished without a material aflux , or eflux . it is therefore onely the action of government , whereby the mad womb doth disturb all things : but a co-knitting , nighness , aptness , or consent are not to be regarded ; but a superiority of monarchal power , and a vital dependance of parts : for the ruling parts do act by an absolute power ( not being bound to the nearness or nice scituations of places ) in every scituation of the body , alike cruelly : and that which is far more famous , the ruling power or virtue , reacheth undefiled , unto its bound or mark without a defilement of meanes : the womb doth oft-times live , and tumulteth after the death of a woman , which it hath brought on her : and so it enjoyes a singular monarchy , which that duplicity declareth ; neither doth it obey the body , unto which then it prescribeth lawes : for neither otherwise , is it violently shaken but by the disturbances of the soul : wherefore , besides the singular perceivances of smelling , tasting , and touching , it is powerful also in a certain bruital understanding , whence it is mad and rageth , if all things shall not answer its own will or desires : it rageth i say , by writhing it self upwards , downwards , before , behinde , or on the sides , with an undeclarable torment of pain : but as long as that fury is restrained in its own inn , it indeed stirs up local griefs : for the parts which it forcibly snatcheth , or beholdeth at a distance , it doth as it were strain and strangle with a cramp , no otherwise than as being stirred with fury on them . i remember , that i once saw those that were strangled by their womb , whose dead carcasses looked black and blew , being black in those parts wherein they had been pained before death : neither also doth it largely poure forth its issues , unless it should open its own veins by an inordinate madness , to overthrow the guiltless treasure of life : so neither doth it contract the sinewes and muscles , make the joynts lame , displace the tendons , resolve the muscles , and crisp and cowrinckle the coats or membranes , but onely by the action of government , and unless it being stirred with fury , it should keep a duality with the womans life ; otherwise , as long as every thing keeps unity , it desires to remain in its essence or being . when therefore a fury acts out of the womb alone , it is the lesse evil : but when it flies thorow into the sensitive soul ( with which i have shewen that it hath an agreeing co-resemblance ) it pours forth the true madness of its own fury out of the hypochondrial part . in young maids at their first being enflamed or swollen with a lesse pleasure , it withholds , suppresseth , discoloureth their courses , and brings forth inordinate ones : then at length , it produceth palsies , cramps , beatings of the heart , tremblings , and swoonings , and contracteth the sinews : which distempers , by the volatile tincture of coral , oyl , of amber , salt of steel , and such like medicines , i daily cure . the same distempers being of the milder sort , do obey stupefactive things . also , the more cruel ones , require greater secrets of chymistry . what things i have already spoken touching the government of the stones , and womb , i have demonstrated by many arguments , in the treatise of catarrhs , and likewise of the duumvirate , not by a more dull priviledge to belong unto the stomach , neither that fumes , as neither that vapours do ascend out of the stomach unto the head ; and so that in this respect , an impossible fable is taught in the schools . likewise in the treatise of fevers , and elsewhere , i have shewen , by what sume drunkenness is made , and by what way , fumes are derived into the more formerly bosoms of the brain . now i will teach the manner of making in an apoplexie , the falling-sickness , drowsie evil , &c. that when i shall have denied them to be made by a co-knit chain of vapours , they may at least be understood to undergoe the action of government . to which end i must repeat what i before spake by the way ; to wit , that the beard is bred by the stones , and that the distinctions , ages , varieties , and colours hereof do depend thereupon : which thing , seeing it is commonly known , i at leastwise admonish , that it ought to be understood , that a vapour is not made , which is brought forward by the ministery of particular organs ; but that a power is to be considered , which in manner of light , doth affect and dispose the whole body , or at leastwise its own objects , according to the gift , and ends seminally implanted in them by the creator : therefore a certain power or virtue beames forth from the stones throughout the body , into the archeus , and so also , into the sensitive soul ; seeing the church commends the femall sex for a natural devotion . why therefore doth the beard grow on the chin , and not on the fore-head , or on some other place ? seeing that eflux of the light of the stones throughout the whole body is universal ? this matter carries in it a most hidden root of philosophy , demonstrated in the treatise of the entrance of death into man : for we must know , that souls do act on their own body by the power of their own certain vital light , the which , seeing it is by the life ( in which the soul it self is every where present ) every way extended , the soul in that its light , deciphers the idea's of its own conceipt and command , that afterwards , it may by the administring spirits be wholly committed into the organs , for execution : but those soulified lights , or lightsome souls themselves , cannot be comprehended by us by a direct conceipt ; seeing they are as it were , the immediate clients of another , and that an intelligible world : wherefore the most high calls himself the father of lights : for the senses do bring nothing unto us from without , which may decipher a conception of the soul in the phantasie : wherefore in the treatise of forms , i have according to my slenderness , touched at this matter as largely as i could , in the newness of so great a paradox , which is as yet more strongly to be considered elswhere ; therefore lest repetition should tire , it is sufficient here , to have said by the way , that substantial souls and forms , even as likewise also , a formal substance ( which i elsewhere distinguish from the former ) are certain unnamed lights , immediately framed by the father of lights . therefore the powers depending on souls , and certain ministring guarding lights , are also thus far lightsome . i have shewen therefore by science mathematical , that those very lights do pierce each other , yet that they reserve the essence and properties of their former lights : but in inferiour things , wherein forms do inhabite , and also formal powers , that these have their light even actually capable of being stirred up by our archeus , no otherwise than as in an egg , the power of the seed is actuated by a nourishing warmth . therefore there is in the roots of the hairs in the chin , a power of growth , duration , and other dispositions , although the masculine ruling power thereof , be of one stone : which power of the stones indeed , although it be absolute , yet it is not but diversly received in places , to wit , according to the manner and capacity of every receiver . but as much as this speculation conduceth unto medicine , i will translate poysonous powers into the place of vital ones ; because they are not lesse lightsome than those which are otherwise , wholsom , if poysons do immediately issue from their own forms : for they are the gifts , either of the more outward or forreign simples of the first creation , or in the next place , are begotten afterwards in us through errour of living . by the same priviledge also , the natural powers of the parts , to wit , of the womb , stomach , stones , &c. ) do beam forth their own lights throughout the whole body , and do pierce the light of the archeus , also by the action of government depending on their light : whence indeed , this archeus is comforted , weakened , estranged , prostrated , yea perisheth : therefore poysons in the midriffs , or those bred elsewhere , do act by virtue of their own formal and lightsom powers , according to the natural endowed idea imprinted on them , and they do affect the vital light planted in the sensitive soul , in the archeus , and so in the parts , and they mutually pierce each other by a radical union , and that either by a contagion of poyson remaining , and transplanting the in-bred , formal and vital light of the parts ; or onely for a little space , as in those that have the falling-sickness , with a liberty of returning or not , according to the requirance of their root : therefore the head is not onely chief over the lower organs , but also these are likewise chief over the head , the which i have elsewhere declared in a manifest example by hanging : for truly , the thorny marrow being encompassed in the middle of the turning joynts , cannot be strained by the rope , that it should deny the passage of breathing to the spirit the mover ; nevertheless , the understanding , sense , and memory , perish at the same instant , by reason of the stopping or shutting up of the arteries of the throat , even before an every way stopping of air : whence it is sufficiently manifest , that some intellectual light doth continually spring from the lower parts unto the head , by the intercepting whereof , presently in hanging , and drowning ( although the brain , thorny marrow , and sinews be not hurt ) every virtue , power , and light of the soul doth nevertheless perish : as also in a feverish doatage raised up from the lower parts , the discourse of reason perisheth . there is therefore a reciprocal government of the lower parts . i willingly confess also , that dimnesses , giddinesses of the head , deasnesses , apoplexies , epilepsies , and other evils of that sort , do arise from the lower parts ; yet not to be derived by vapours , unto the head : for if they should ascend by the way of the throat or weasand , they should at leastwise afford nothing but a distillatory and unsavoury water . but i have shewen elswhere , that watery vapours or exhalations cannot be carried so much as to the plain of the brain , and much lesse into the bosoms of the same : therefore let the fault and guilt of vapours in the aforesaid diseases be vain . and then , neither are vapours carried out of the stomach , unto the heart , and head , through arteries and sinewes encompassing the mouth of the stomach ; seeing the schools themselves confess , that it is not the office of the sinewes to draw from forreign parts . indeed , they will have the arteries to draw air for the cooling refreshment of the heart , and the pressing out of smoaks ; neither of which i have shewen to be true : but at leastwise , that hath not place here , in the arteries ending into the stomach : seeing they do never hope to inspire cold air , likewise that not loaded with a smoakie vapour , out of the stomach , nor out of the bottom of the belly ; as neither fresh air , yea , neither in the next place , should it be convenient to expel their smoake vapours thither , where they should be much more hurtful to the stomach , than being detained in their proper seats : for the mouth of the stomach hath not undeservedly received its name , as to be the mouth of the heart : because more powerful tokens , signes of life , and more horrible storms of disturbances do arise up out of the stomach , than from any other place : therefore neither was air to be drawn out of the stomach , and much lesse a vapour , the fewel and beginning of so many evils , or smoakinesses , to be expelled into the stomach by the arteries ; that is , giddyish , epyleptical , apoplectical vapours , &c. are not drawn , neither do they voluntarily ascend thorow the arteries : for truly , the unutterable creator hath directed all the aims of things unto the necessities and requirances of uses . lastly therefore , if the aforesaid reeds do not draw hurtful and diseasifying vapours , surely much lesse shall the stomach send or expel those , thorow the arteries , or a sinew ; seeing that it could after another manner , most speedily free it self by belching : for neither is the stomach a pair of bellowes , that it ought against the will of the pipes , to derive hurtful vapours conceived for it , into the chest of life . and moreover , the stomach hath but few veins ; and it is a strange thing for these to beg any thing out of the stomach ( as hath been proved in its own place ) : wherefore vapours are not carried thorow the veins : for which way should they allure and receive that which is besides the appointment of nature ? how should the stomach snuff up its vapours into most straight or narrow vessels which are filled with bloud , especially those which are not strong in drawing ? for i consider the stomach , not indeed after the manner of galen , that it is a sack or naked kettle dedicated to the cooking of meats ; but as a vital bowel , which is prevalent in tasting , smells out a thing , and which is driven with divers appetites , as if it were a living creature : and now and then it so loatheth some things , that a man had rather die , than to swallow one morsel which goes against his stomach . indeed the stomach is of necessity serviceable to the whole body , also for the vile houshold-service of the kettle : but thus far other things do diversly obey it , and unless they give serious heed , they are cruelly beaten ; according to that saying , he that will be the greatest among you , let him be the least . surely the stomach is diligently busied in a low service ; yet the family-service of the stomach is not therefore vile or base , no more than for the high-priest of the jewes to have played the butcher ; but being compared with the stomach , he was a certain counterfeit or personage of life , with a famous majesty . if a sinew , artery , and vein are seen implanted in the stomach , indeed they are rather signes of clientship , and recompences whereby they confess themselves bowels tied or obliged to the stomach , than that they were added unto it for government , mast , and sails . but neither indeed will i have this principality to be so conserred on the stomach , as if the government of that common-wealth doth wholly belong to that membrane it self : for of the spleen and stomach , i make one onely wedlock , and one marriage-bed : wherein i attribute to the spleen , the offices of a husband in the first motions , and to the stomach , in the first sense or feeling ; therefore the stomach is the compleating of the spleen , and the spleen of the stomach ; under the one only bride-bed of them both , is the principality of one duumvirate . yet i do never , cease to contemplate of that which is sufficiently admirable , what the lord of things hath fore-seen ; i say , in the naked coats of the brain , womb , stomach , pericardium , &c. i say in the membranes ; but that , in things which are abject in the sight of men , god hath wont to constitute his wonders : whose name be sanctified for ever . chap. xliii . the duumvirate or sheriffdome . . sleep is from a sleepifying or somnoriferous power , and not from a defect . . the opinion of the schools concerning sleep . . the opinion of the antients is opposed . . contradictions . . the thingliness of opiates . . the immpossiblity is shewn from the scituation of the sinews . . that sleep happens , the opiate remaining within the stomack . . from the effect of opium . . the sulphur of vitriol is taught . . some absurdities accompanying the position of the schools . . a ridiculous privy shift . . when dreams are made . . why the headach ariseth from over-eating or drinking . . paine ariseth from a contraction of the coats of the brain , without a vapour . . a position for the duumvirate . . the conclusion . the heathen poet doth morally , yet from a homely judgement , call sleep , the image of frozen death . but i , seeing that i know sleep to be a natural power , dismissed from the principality of the stomack into the brain , and to be committed to the charge of the power of government , that it might be put in execution ; being a christian , do believe that god ( alwaies to be sanctified ) when he intended to frame woman of the rib , he cast a sleep upon adam : not indeed as a privative being , but as an actual real faculty , and meerly positive : and therefore that the power of sleeping is vital , necessary , and consequently natural : for i may not believe , that god made death in man , or the image thereof : neither was it meet , that the image of death should go before sin , and the occasion of death . the schools indeed teach , that sleep is caused by vapours lifted up out of the stomack into the brain , stopping or intercepting the passages of the senses , motion , speech , judgement , &c. which things surely , i being as yet a young man , judged to be ridiculous : for in very deed , so a disease had been before sin ; because sleep should be a disease ; to wit , there had been a flatulent and vapoury palsie , and temporary madness , both in a body then as yet , not capable of suffering , and in a life immortal . it s a shamefull thing therefore , that the blockishness of paganisme should as yet be seriously taught in the schools , especially by christians , better instructed . yea the schools do erre in their own position proposed . for those that sleep do move , and turn themselves up and down , some do walls about , do feel the stings of a gnat or flie , so as that they do thereby awake : others also do speak , and oft-times aptly answer . at length , as the schools do badly accord with themselves , while they confound sleep , and waking catarrhs , with the same root , causes , and manner of making ; so i , after that the toyes of a catarrhe were hissed our , rejected also the assigned causes of sleep , as vain fables . last of all the schools also lay hands on themselves , while they teach , that from opiates , things ( as they say ) most cold , and rather things powerfully restraining every evapouration ( at least wise they are feigned to restrain , &c. vapours for catarrhs , more than coriander ) from their own nature ; sleep , the drowsie evil , yea and death are most readily brought on a man : and so much the more speedily , by how much the opiate shall be of a more gradual cold in quality and quantity : and that by how much the more of sincere opium shall be taken , and the more inward cooling made , by so much the more plentiful , and more continued vapours should be brought from the stomack into the head , also although the mouth of the stomack be shut . but surely it is a stupid devise , that sleep should be made by cold . neither is it to be understood , how one onely grain of opium can cause a sufficiency of cold in the stomack , and had actually driven a sufficient quantity of vapours into the head ? how likewise , it shall belong to cold , to stir up vapours , rather than to restrain them . but these things we may suppose to be granted by the rule of falsehood . and that sleepifying vapours are derived upwards from the meats : also that the sinews , the authours of the senses and motions , are stopped by these vapours . but i would they had first considered , that the roots or first extremities of the sinews , are continual to the brain and thornie marrow : and that the other extremities or outmost ends of the sinews do end into the more outward muscles , or into the very organs of the senses : and so , that therefore sleepie vapours first ought materially to pierce , and plainly to be imbibed into the substance of the brain and thornie marrow , and to obstruct both , before that they should according to the position of the schools , cause sleep . and which way should these vapours incline from the stomack , and pierce thorow the whole substance of the brain , by what meanes should they reach even unto the very innermost , and altogether continued root of the sinews it self , which is unseperably connexed to the brain ? in the next place , how could he that is awakened at the will of the awakener , be so speedily loosed and freed from those impediments ? or what may detain those vapours there for so many hours , without their co-binding , or co-thickning into water ? for truly those vapours being once constrained , a passage should lay open to the spirits , which should presently shake of the sleep : or what at length may hinder , that new vapours should not continually make towards the same beginnings of the sinews , and being there coagulated , should not bring forth of necessity , daily catarrhes or rheums ; and undoubted palseys ? surely if an anatomist , or a man in his right mind doth but once at least , rudely contemplate of these things , he ought of necessity to admire with amazement at these fables of heathens , especially because they have no affinity or connexion with the principles of our constitution . it also happens that some one is many times awakened in one only night , that he ariseth , and goes to sleep again ; and so almost at his pleasure , there should be so many obstructions of the sinews in one night , yea in one hour . i passe by in the mean time , that sleep is stirred up , an opiate being as yet materially within the stomack ; even as unvoluntary experience hath often taught . therefore either so small a quantity , and onely the odour of the opium , ought to fume up into the brain , or it self being there detained , should send away sleepy vapours its vicars : but not the first , because before that the opium could strike the sense of tasting , or smelling , the opium should be continually percieved in the tongue , palate , nostrills , and jawes , and that before sleep , which is not done . moreover , the sulphur of vitriol , which is an exceeding sleepifier , seeing it is fixed , cannot shake its vapours into the head , as neither dismisse from it , its vicary partakers . truly i conjecture that the greek authors of sleep , or those that were riotous , when they perceived that themselves being drunk , were given to sleep , judged that they were to derive all sleep from no other thing , neither that sleep could any longer creep on us , ( not so much as late in the morning , and the meats being now digested ) but only from meat and drink . i find also in the schools , the material causes of giddiness of the head , not a whit to differ from the causes of natural sleep : all which things , i have elsewhere concerning rheums , proved to be meer ignorances , and unsavoury consents , having arisen from a sluggishness of diligent searching , and a readiness of subscribing . but i pray , what is that which is so cold in opium , which causeth sleep against my will , and i being sufficiently heated : if the coldness of vapours , why do wines after dinner provoke sleep ? is there therefore one only identity or samliness of disposition of that which is cold , and hot , to procure sleep ? why therefore is cold singularly adjudged to opium ? why are not hot things judged to be alike stupefactive and dormitive or sleepifying ? why have not deadly poppies much praised by poets for sleep , perswaded them to remember another vertue besides cold ? why doth opium taste bitter ? and why is bitterness reckoned in the schools , to be heat predominant ? therefore the schools must needs chuse one of these two ; to wit , either that cold in opium is not exceeding , and by consequence , that opium doth not cause sleep through cold ; or that bitterness is a deceitfull token of heat in the schools . for why is not purslain which is cold by reason of its third degree , sleepifying ? why is not a handful of purslain equivalent to two grains of opium , seeing there is more plentiful cold in it , and it doth more powerfully coole in such a small parcell , than in so exceeding small a quantity of opium ? why doth nightshade make one mad , but doth not by its cold produce sleep ? but i do find in opium a sharp sudoriferous or sweat provoking salt , and a bitter oyl , far differing from the smell of opium , yet provoking sleep . but the sulphur of vitriol is sweet like hony , with the smell , vapour , and fury of opium : because it being fixed in the torture of the fire , is exceeding hot , and sleepifying . for there are some , who do wash off a powder from colcotar or calcined vitriol , in depriving it of its saltness : but it is almost unefficacious , how ever the writers of young beginnings by vain promises may boast of it : for the right , and that which they call , that of the philosophers , is made of the spirit of green vitriol ; which by a repeated cohobating or injection of its own extracted liquor in distillation , being pressed out and made notably volatile in the last torture of the fire , is coagulated and fixed : which thing the common sal armoniack performeth , which ought afterwards to be taken from thence by the repeated distillations of the spirit of wine . that sulphur is commendable among secrets for long life , and for chasing away a troop of some diseases . sleep therefore possesseth many as yet speaking , after the whispering of three moments . how therefore shall a stopping up of all the sinews be in these , so suddenly at hand ? wherefore in the next place , doth sleep sooner creep on those that lay along , than on those which sit , when as otherwise , the motion of vapours from the lower parts , ought to be far more easie in a body raised upright , than in one laying side-wayes ? moreover , although it should be granted , that all the sinews are equally stopped up , and that before sleep ( which is as unsavoury as ridiculous ) yet from whence are the mental powers stupifyed by sleep ? unless thou hast given the soul a charge of necessity to have placed her inn in the chest of the brain , and nigh the sinews ? and thereupon the bosomes of the brain , all the interval of sleep to be filled , not indeed with animal spirit ; but with forraign , crude , grosse , and diseasie vapours , and the authors of discourses themselves , the while , to keep holiday , sleep , or to wander far abroad ? but all the organs to be straightway after set at liberty , at the sound , or pleasure of the awakener ? but i have heard sleep to be excused by the title of an ordinary effect , and the which should otherwise be diseasie , unlesse it were daily and accustomed . i have laughed at that old wives invention ; that even the first sleep , or punishment of sin , should be sent into man before excesse of riot . and then , because an evill , which in it self is a disease or an evil , is never the less an evil , because it is ordinary : and that being granted , sleep should never bring refreshment to languishing strength , but a perpetual pain or labour . but i , after that i once saw or perceived the light of a certain soul , by some kind of representation , understood that sleep is made while the spleen doth properly labour about , or apply it self to nourishment with recreation and delight : then indeed it giving a leave unto its own serious imaginations , by delighting , it wholly sinks it self into a ful rest of enjoyment , to wit , from a perceived sweetness of its own fullness ; and the liberty of a stomatichal ferment being restored unto it , it employeth it self in a thorow enjoyment of delights : and therefore also the digestion in the stomack is more unsuccessful in time of sleep , because then slower : wherefore enjoyment , and cessation from labour , hath alwaies been the first or chief wish in the whole sensitive nature : vain therefore and full of mockery are the cogitations in ones first sleep , while the phantasie of the spleen or stomack is with drawn from thinking , from a growing necessity : which things shall presently be more cleerly manifested in this treatise . a humorist being asked by a riotous person , why his head aketh in the morning on the left-side above his forehead , perhaps unto the largeness of a greater dollar ? he readily answerd , that it was manifest by anatomy , that the orifice of the stomack was inclined toward the left-side : that it was also taught now for many ages , that painfull vapours are carried out of the stomack into the head ; but that they cause pain , because they being lest of the wine , are sharp , tart , & biting ; & likewise that they keep the perpendicular line of the same side , neither that they are suffered to be extravagant . the which being said , the galenist lifts up his eyelids , joggs or cocks his cap , and gratifies his own soul , because the other being credulous , thinks he had given him satisfaction by so lying a fable : for in that the pain of the fore-head obtaineth a straightness of the side from the stomack , it secretly implyeth some remarkable thing for the action of government , and the duumvirate : but none hath thought that that can be done without an actuall commerce of vapours . for first of all , no vapour out of the stomack , strikes the head ; as neither also is there any sharp , salt , bitter , or brackish vapour ; even as elsewhere concerning rheums : because the pain of which we now speak , is continual , as well to him that layes along , as to him that stands , or sits , and that without a necessity of belching : but if this doth sometimes accompany it , yet the pain doth never , the less , or more molest : neither also is there therefore , any sharpness , saltness , bitterness of vapours , unless that in inordinate appetite the belching be sour & then especially , there is scarce a pain ever present in the head. and morover , a vapour being supposed according to the schools , the weasand at leastwise , holds every where the middle of the neck and jaws . for that cause therefore , the vapours , if there were any , should strike the middle , bottom or root of the brain with a straight line ; but not the forehead , and much less the left-side thereof : neither could they ascend in one that lays down , but should be blown out though the mouth and nostrils : because although they were granted to ascend even into the plain ( which there is none ) beneath the brain , yet they should not pierce unto its bosomes , without a mortall confusion of the spirits : and least of all , should vapours reach uncessantly unto the coats of the brain ; whereof notwithstanding , a painful feeling is judged to be , but not of the brain it self : yea a pain and savour of the smitting vapour , should presently be felt , rather above the palate ( where the plain of the brain is falsly supposed to be ) than in the forehead , or under the scull : which thing notwithstanding , as many as ever have undergon these pains , will reprove of falshood . the schools indeed have been ignorant , that the action of government doth contract the coats of the brain without vapours , in what part it hath pleased the duumvirate of the soul ( as in the book of the disease of the stone , in the chapter of the act of feeling ) : therefore should not the top of the crown , rather pain a man , than the one side of the forehead ? even as in the megrim ? for the crown is perpendicular to the throat ; from whence it is clearly manifest , that the head is no more pierced by watery vapours from the stomack , than the chin by vapours of the stones , in bearded persons , but not in those that are gelded . in the next place , the bottom of the brain should especially be pained , the which the vapour should first touch at , and not the coats or membranes of the brain . and then , the back-running sinews of the palate , tongue , &c. should be cruelly affected , before the left wing of the forehead under the scull . neither at length , should those vapours enclose themselves under the pericranium , or above either of the membranes of the brain in the circle of one doller : neither also should they ever cause a megrim for one half of the head , and much less , sometimes for the right side ; but rather they should ascend in a straight line , and likewise , should alwaies , out of the throat , equally affect the whole head ; seeing passages are wanting , which may as it were through trunks , conveigh those vapours , sometimes hither , sometimes thither : for why , according to hippocrates , doth milk bring the head-ach to him that is feverish , if the vapours of whey ought rather to asswage these griefs ? why doth new food appease the head-ach , seeing that from new meat ( especially wine accompanying it ) sharp vapours , rather than mild ones , like milk , ought to exhale ? therefore the pain being once now setled , food should not appease the pain , but rather should stir it up , and make a new one . all which things , seeing they resist the position , and experience , they convince also , that the aforesaid pain , doth without vapours proseed from the duumvirate , by a naked action of government . i have many times admired , that it was alwaies subscribed , by all altogether , and throughout all particulars unto the traditional fables of the antients . but i have shewn in the treatise of the toyes of a catarrhe , that these races of vapours out of the stomack , are triflours , and therefore also the causes of vapours dedicated to sleep . lastly , i have already proved above , that there is an action of government on the superiour or upper parts , no less than the actions of the superiour parts have been hitherto thought to be , on the inferiour or lower ones . then also , i have shewn by the way , that out of the midriffs doth issue the most powerful temper or constitutive temperature of acting in diseases , which antiquity hath hitherto dedicated only to the head. now i lay it down for a position , that the duumvirate the president of the action of government , doth inhabite in the hypochondrial part , to wit , in the spleen , and the stomach : in parts i say , which the schools have esteemed the sink of the very worst humor , and the sack of the more impure meats . four things therefore in so great a paradox come to be proved ; to wit , that the duumvirate commands the whole body . that the phantasie or imagination , venus , &c. is to be attributed to , or belongs to the spleen and stomack , that unto this very duumvirate , belongs sleep , watching , &c. that in the same place , is the inn or seat of the soul : which four particulars do meet as it were in one only point . the phylosophers , together with astrologers , have dedicated the spleen to saturn , the parent of the starry gods , as to the inchoative or original principle of life : but the galenists , who are wont in most things to contradict themselves , have made the spleen partly the sink of the most stubborn excrementous and feigned black choler , and partly the receptacle of madness , not indeed by reason of a melancholy matter in it , but rather , by reason of a certain conceptual , irrational and bestial disturbance ; therefore they sometimes name it the hypochondrial passion . but seeing according to their maxime ; there is a sound function of the same part , and power , whereof there is a vitiated one , and on the contrary : i will conclude from thence , even against the will of the schools , that a certain sound and entire imagination is due to the spleen , if vitiated , and precordial or midriffie melancholy doth proceed from thence : for many do understand that they are mad , and as it were ignorant idiots , and they grieve that they cannot bridle those phansies which are importunate night and day : and so , they are vexed at it were with a double mental conceit . for so those whom a mad dog hath bitten , and are slidden into the fear of waters , ( which disease they have therefore called an hydrophobia ) do accuse their unvoluntary madness , which they forefeel , foretel , and do warn the standers by to beware of them . they answer , that that happens , not indeed because any imagining power is there entertained , but because a fume of black choler is from thence carried up into the head , the sheath of the imaginative power . which particulars surely , seeing they are of great moment , it is meet they should be examined in a peculiar treatise of the soul , and of the seat , throne , and inn thereof . chap. xliiii . a treatise of the soul : . the treatise of the soul is commended . . what hath diverted schollers from this meditation . . the knowledge of the soul is not to be delivered for a conclusion . . the suppositionary difficulties of the schools . . why the knowledge of things is to be put after . . by an example fetched from water . . the actions of the mind in the body . . what hath deceived predecessours . . the author hath desisted from his enterprize . . considerable things concerning the mind . seeing therefore , the entire command of the duumvirate doth flourish or bear sway from the vital soul ; truly the three aforesaid positions may be abundantly proved by the fourth : for if so be it may appear , that the very seat of the soul is in the duumvirate ; the principality also of this over the other members , and stations of the bowels , will come to hand : wherefore i will ●ere by the way , treat of the soul , although by other writers before me , the treatise of the soul hath been banished out of natural phylosophy , especially in order to the knowledge of the theory or speculative part of healing . and although so many sharp discourses of madnesses , do on every side molest us ; yet verily , seeing i have perceived no aid from predecessours , but labour and grief have pierced my most inward parts , before that i could lay aside those things which i had drawn from heathenisme ; therefore i have altogether judged my self not to be tyed up unto their method , in whose possession i have not yet found any thing which may or ought to be snatched into the beginnings and properties of nature . by looking therefore into my own liberty , i considered , that among knowable things , nothing is alike noble , as is the knowing of the soul it self ; from which , as all other knowledge doth obtain its brightness ; so also all terms their own distinct bound : for whosoever he be that is un-apt at the beginning , to comprehend themotions , exercises , effects , and thingliness or essence of the immortal mind , shall also be unfit to understand the secrets of nature , which are more remote from the mind than it self is from it self , and therefore he shall scarce be able to proceed unto those things which he shall behold to be the more fit for him . but he that shall first draw forth the essayes of the soul , and afterwards drink down the juyces of nature , in his return he shall be of a larger capacity than he was in his former reading by the way or besides the purpose . yet lest i may seem like a lawless body , to have wrested my pen into the mind , before the explaining of diseases , i will declare what things have moved me hereunto . for first of all ( even for the consideration of nature ) i meditated that the mind is the top of humane nature , and the perfection of constituted humanity , and that therefore it was more meet for him to know his soul , that is , his own self by his soul , than to enquire by a harmony of corporeal properties , and from a notion of these , to be willing to know the mind it self : for truly , it hath seemed to me , that the soul being once , even but slenderly known , other inferiour things , and those that are placed under our feet , may be added unto us : and that they may be comprehended as it were by no trouble , at leastwise , by a sober labour , which before , at every step , did stir up suspitions , or moove despair concerning that which was true , lawful , like , just , proportioned , the agent , suffering , priority , that which is appropriated , change , or interchangeable course , or which at length did through too much consent , lead their own followers , their eyes being shut , into fallacy or deceit : whence they were affrighted from the labour of diligent searching , not so much through sluggishness , as through fear of a suspended or stopped progress , and therefore they locked up the bar of the gate of knowledge as to further things : for it is a clear and undoubted thing , that man cannot know himself , unless he shall first exhaust the knowledge of his soul. therefore also the very knowing of the soul it self ; as it seals the fear of god in the soul ; so also it brings the beginning of wisdom . if therefore the beginning of wisdom be awakened by the knowing of the soul , there is not any kind of doctrine of the soul to be delivered for a conclusion of natural phylosophy , according to the custom observed in times past : for it is false , that the knowing of frail things doth make the understanding of our mind easie unto us : but rather , those that are experienced , do know , that the knowledge of the mind , although it shall far depart from a conceiving of sublunary bodies , yet that it extolleth or lifts up it self , as oft as it shall apply it self unto any humane sciences or arts : for he which but once , and by the way only , hath had experience of a turning inward , or extasie of his soul , hath known afterwards , unto what things he shall apply his soul with desire ; not on the contrary : because , although any one hath obtained a knowledge of many things , yet he shall not therefore be fit for the introversions or turnings in of his mind . therefore by the leave of all before me , i say , and do meditate , that it is plainly necessary , that a man do first know himself , and afterwards learn the fear of the lord , which will raise him up unto the true wisdom , whereunto the knowledge of mortal or frail things , and the defects of these , shall be added as a consequent to the premises , or as an adjacent unto the principal thing . our predecessours , after the essences of things , have then chiefly looked back unto the soul after a rash manner , and that for two reasons especially . the first whereof is , because the knowing of the soul hath seemed unto them far more difficult than that of any other things whatsoever . the second is , because the knowledge of the mind , might be hoped for , and had , from a diligent search of external things , and an examining of corporeal properties . but although the first of these is true , yet the second can in no wise be so , for if the knowledge of the mind be of an abstracted and spiritual being , it likewise cannot be derived on us by any speculation of corporeal things . because god alone is the immediate workman , and prince of the mind , and the very life of life . therefore the knowing of our selves cannot be hoped for from any other thing than from its fountain and governour : for truly the knowing of abstracted spirits , differs in the whole heaven , from the speculation of frail things , seeing they do not partake in any common co-resemblance of principles , or properties . therefore the thingliness or essence of bodies containeth not a whit of knowledge or light , that the soul may know or acknowledge , or behold it self , but only by a renouncing , which is a certain despairing and banishment of knowledge , whence also it gets no light unto it self from that which is above , or from that which is contrary to it self , nor also doth it strike a light of understanding for it self , as it were out of a steel and flint : because the manner of knowing the soul is to be begged from the father of lights , and not from else-where : because it was the good pleasure of the divine will , that man should not fetch the knowledge of himself from any other thing , than from the beginning and fountain , himself , who is the beginning mean , end , scope , and highest vertical point of all phylosophy , unto which all knowledge is to be as an addition . but further , the essential knowledges ( and those from a former thing or cause ) of sublunary things , are quite as darksome , covered , and difficult , as is the very conceiving of the immortal mind , if the essences of things from a former thing , & their causes , be known only to god. therefore it is simply false , that the knowing of the mind is more difficult , than the naked knowing of things , or therefore to be put after them : because all things are alike unknown to us , because the essence of all beings whatsoever , is their precise truth , shut up to us-ward , and laying open unto that which is infinite . therefore the knowledge of things is to be measured at the ballance ; all corporeal things are primarily strangers , and forreigners to our mind , and therefore more remote from the mind , than the mind from it self . and moreover , other things , are not to be known but by the mind , and first in the mind : for therefore the knowledge of any things whatsoever , is only a certain observation , from whence we frame discourses according to every ones capacity . wherefore also , every such observation , and discourse fetched from hence , how polished soever , is only from a latter thing or the effect , & far less illustrated than is the observation which is had from the mind . for who ever of mortals , knew what the water may be ? the which notwithstanding , is the most obvious , manifest , visible , and transparent of created things : for a country-man , or idiot , knows as much of it as a phylosopher : for they do equally conceive of it by the observation of the senses , that it is a body , weighty , liquid , moist , giving place to ones finger , fluid , and reclosing it self upon the removing of the finger , a receiver of heat , and extenuable into a vapour ; yet none hath known the internal thingliness of the water , or why it is liquid or moist : even as indeed , we know the circumstances both vital and intellectual : of the mind , and what things do dispose this its own prison unto various alterations , and which do oft-times produce something seminally , out of its concrete or composed body : so as when the appetite of a woman with child doth produce a cherry on her young , which flourisheth every year . also in that we do moreover , know more of the soul than of the water , it is that which is known by the revelation of faith : to wit , that the mind is a spiritual substance , also subsisting by it self without a body , immortal , living , made after the image or likeness of god , immediately by god himself , giving sense , as also motion to the organs , and the which being seperated from the body , doth perceive without organs at its beck or pleasure , being able also to move out of it self , and the body being bridled or restrained , is able to produce a being out of it self ( as hath been already shewn concerning a woman with child ) it understanding , also willing , and remembring , &c. the observations of which properties and functions , are far more strong than is the knowledge of the water : otherwise , all things and every of things , by an intrinsecal understanding , are equally unknown and unpassable to us . but that which hath seduced predecessours , by thinking that the knowing of the water was easier than that of the mind , hath proceeded from an opinion , that a visible thing is of necessity more known than an invisible thing : but they have not distinguished the knowledge of observation , from the internal knowledge of essence or thingliness , according to which , all things are equally unknown unto us . they have not known i say , that the knowledge of observation , doth not introduce an understanding into the essential thingliness of a thing , but erecteth only a thinkative knowledge : for otherwise , the understanding should perceive causes that are before in essence . then also they have been deceived by the simplicity of the water , which simpleness they have confounded with the unity of knowledge to us unknown . in the mean time seeing the observations of the mind are many , and the more plentiful , the property of every one whereof , denyeth a knowing from a former thing : therefore they have thought that they did undergo more impossibilities in the knowing of the mind , than in that of a simple body : and so as well the number only in the mind , as a visual frequency of bodies hath brought forth in them that difficulty : when as notwithstanding , after another manner , in the beingness of a being that which is visible is as well unknown intellectually , as that which is invisible . for i intended to deliver an intellective doctrine of the mind , that man might originally , as much as he can , know or acknowledge his own self , and that afterwards he might learn , from the image of the divinity , to contemplate of things more inferiour than himself . but when i endeavoured to explain that by the mental acts of prayer , i had not freedom in that thing : because they were judged to exceed the square of my own contempt or meanness , i willingly omitted that treatise . let it therefore be sufficient for me , to have plainly demonstrated to others more abounding then my self , that the christian phylosophy of nature , doth not admit of nor will , mortal , strange , far remote things , and the causes whereof are hidden from a former cause , and not to know in the mean time , who i the contemplater may be , what the understanding may be , how an intellectual act may be formed , and subsist . especially , because any thing is not conceived , as it is in it self , but a●ter the manner of the receiver ; that is , of the conceiver . therefore before all , the receiving understanding , which affecteth the understanding of things , who , or what , and after what manner it is disposed in the act of comprehension , seemed to me to be weighed . next , what the sheath of the understanding may be , and the capacity , vigour , and manner thereof . after what manner , in the next place , a power , indeed undistinct from it self , may be drawn , and descend into the functions and organs tied and subjected unto it . lastly , before i can know whether a thing it self understood , be true & good , or whether in me , or for me , it is not to be changed in its beingness by conceiving , or alienated from its own essence , from whence the truth of entity or beingness it self had assumed a strange mask . i altogether judged , that those things ought to be cleered up by intellectuall acts , tho which i determined could not be more readily , or successfully begged by any other thing , than by practise , that is , from the mental prayer of silence . but that thing others shall discern or judge of and weigh more justly or equally , than i : and therefore i would not willingly descend into this labarinth . chap. xlv . the distinction of the mind from the sensitive soul. . the treatise of the entrance of death into humane nature , is commended as necessary for obtaining a knowledge of the mind . . the reader is also sent back unto the treatise touching the birth of forms . . the immortality of the mind is proved from the gospel . . it prepares a weapon against the atheism at this day . . leonard lessius describing or coppying out , hath re-delivered only out of augustine concerning the immortality of the soul. first of all , in the book of long life , i have demonstrated at large , that the entrance of death into humane nature , had its own causes in nature , by means for bidden , & without the intent of the thrice glorious creatour : & that death being once crept in and admitted , although that was not from the creators intention , yet that it was afterwards continued , and un-intreatable , from a necessity of nature : and thereupon , not only to have been permitted and consented to by the creatour , but also that the style of nature being changed , it was admitted , yea and also as it were commanded , under a better state being introduced , in regenerating through the divine grace of baptisme . in which treatise , i have demonstated a necessity of the sensitive soul , which else under immortality , had been in vain : whence indeed a law in the members was introduced , contradicting the laws of the immortal mind : and a total and unexusable corruption of the whole central nature was received : which new & unheard of doctrine to former ages , i presuppose is therefore from thence to be fetched or required , if so be that the knowledge of our mind be desired : for as it is now thus stranged from its own self & from its own beginning , because it now seems to hearken unto the commands of the sensitive soul , which notwithstanding , in its own essence , substance , and reality is unchangeable ; so indeed unto those who make a beginning , or do repent , as it addeth the knowledge of the means whereby it fell , and became wholly degenerate ; so also it presupposeth the same doctrine , to be as it were the foundation of the knowing of it self . in the next place , concerning the birth of forms , i have likewise shewn , how far this fraile , sensitive , and mortal soul in us , may differ from the immortal mind : the which surely that it is made to do , no less than after an infinite manner , is undoubtedly true , seeing the mind indeed is a substance , not mortal , but the sensitive soul is neither a substance , as neither an accident ; but a neither , mortal creature , and perishing into nothing , and of the nature of lights . which doctrine is in part , that of the gospel , which speaketh concerning the eternal life and death of souls , or that which reckoneth the soul of man to be the image of god , and not hereafter to die ; for the distinguishing of it from the soul of a beast ; which indeed together with the life it self , is returned into nothing , no otherwise than as the light of a candle . but as to the other part , the present doctrine is plainly paradoxal in as much as the sensitive soul is banished out of the predicament of a substance , or an accident . for first of all , i have demonstrated , that the sensitive and beast-like soul , as well in bruits , as that which is in us , is not infinite and immortal ; yet it must needs be so , seeing none doubteth , but that every natural thing that is born , is also subject unto corruption by the law of nature . but we are obliged by faith to believe , that the mind of man is immortal hereafter : and so that the mind of man is an abiding substance , or a spirit subsisting and living in it self , after seperation from the body , should not be to be pressed or demonstrated to a christian , whose understanding is subdued into the obedience of faith ; but that a most prevalent atheism had lately arose in the midst of us , and in hypocrites of the church , which by an every way renouncing of the faith , doth shake it self off from the principles whereby such insolent rashness might be appeased : and especially of them who deny all divine power : otherwise , neither is it my part to treate of the immortality of the mind , it being written and demonstrated by augustine , and piously copied out word for word by lessius , and by him re-delivered , because they are those who have sufficiently proved the same : but not yet against those which deny all divine power . therefore i might desist , by treading the same under foot , to re-meditate of it , if it had been sufficiently demonstrated by them against the first sort of atheists : and unless i had put a difference of the mind in nature , from every soul of living creatures , unless i say , the integrity or entireness of the same , should have repect unto the knowledge of nature , and that integrity should require a designed difference of man , from any other created things whatsoever , and that ●ingly and principally , only according to its cheif and lively part , without which , man is nothing but a stinking dead carcase , more vile then a flint , and sooner destroyed and broken than any glass . otherwise , christianity standing , the immortality of the mind standeth , and the substance of that substander o●●emainer ; even as also likewise the mortality of other souls , or their reducement into nothing , which is annihilation of a proper name . and from thence is the true , and properly said difference of the same . chap. xlvi . of the immortality of our soul. . atheism , and that worse than idolatry . . religious atheists are the worst of all . . the life of new religious persons which prefer themselves before others , hath introduced atheism anew , under the doctrine of the p●lagiam . . hypocrites abuse the scriptures . . the argument of perfect atheists . . that modern atheism was foreseen in times past . . the foolishness of their argument . of what the faith of atheists is . . some arguments against atheists , from things granted . . every thing understood is a lyer , while it is equalized with things understood by faith. . it is further demonstrated by the authority of scripture . . the bread which comes down from heaven , prophesied of . . the remainder out of blessed augustine . . the mind cannot be generated by the disposition of bodies . . a neutrality of beings unknown to the schools . the jewes of old , presently after the cessation of miracles , were straightway hurried unto idolatry , & a mad worshiping of idols . but the modern age being more wicked then they of the circumcision , slideth voluntarily by degrees into atheism : for lay-men being exsecrably involued in daily sins , do not only neglect god the invisible fountaine of all good ; but also some that are bound or engaged to the church , eating up in the midst of us , the sins of the people , do ●coffe at god , and protest that they are indebted nothing unto him ; because they believe nothing accounting the faith it self to be a meer politick apparitions imagination ; and so that all religions are indifferent : because they are those which they believe he introduced only to restrain people under a civil law of living : and that the are therefore almost every where different , and alike just , they being divulged by the statute law of princes , or right of customes received . for else it might be a free thing to believe and do any thing , if the commerces of men should not perish thereby . for there are those who do believe and foolishly utter these things , because priests and religious men themselves do privily profess unto their wicked abuses ; who thinking that they have reached unto the bottom of truth , they boast of their most polished , and sublimed wits , and therefore they laugh at other good or honest persons , who implore the grace of god in faith , hope , and charity , as simple men , and almost foolish , and as those that roast themselves as a broiled fish , in vain : and they wax daily worse and worse , the devil stirring them up , who goes about as a roaring lyon , seeking daily whom he may devour . but especially , the evil examples of some preachers , and vowers of voluntary poverty , obedience , humility , and charity , do nourish atheisms : who notwithstanding , are wholly without humility , charity , being altogether ambitious , envious , & couetous , they over flow in wealth , they follow their own profits , that not only their belly , but they themselves wholly may be a god to themselves . for truly under a cloak of hypo●●●ie , they wrest aside the almes appointed and to be appointed for the poor , to themselves : so as their life being diverted into a scorn of religion , hath driven for that cause , even the more judicious , and also the weaker sort , into atheism . but the holy spirit shall at sometime reforme this madness of errour on both sides , who is able only to cleanse , and sweep away the intestine filth from his church . in the next place , the scripture it self entering into that evil mind , it is wrested in a wrong sense , and hath confirmed atheism , which otherwise , ought to moue to filial obedience , and due love towards god. for first , they argue distinctiuely ; and presently after they conclude copulatively for atheism : to wit , they say , that bibles do profess one only , and eternal power , omnipotent , and unchangeable . therefore either the chronicles of bibles , are the meer fables of the hebrewes ; or the god or power which the christians do at this day worship , or the turks , is far different from the god of the jewes . for if we know a tree by his fruits , and a man by his works , the god also may be a doubtful god , which the christians , with the turks , do adore and believe , together with the jewes , as one only god , remaining always immortal : he shall be to be known and believed by his own works , and that such as beseeme him : for as many enemies , as in times past , are read to have rushed on the people of israel , were overthrown by a small number , and were slain , through the astonishment of their minds by terrour , or by a mutual slaughter , or killing of each other ; although the camps of the same enemies , were numerous like the ●o , casts , and the camels of the same in numerable as the sand of the sea shore : yet through a panick fear , they run away howling , from three hundred hebrews founding hornes : and now and then , they slay each other with their own sword , so as there was not one that surviued , who might carry home news of all that slaughter . yea , without the help of warriours , one only angel destroyed thousand by death , and that with one only sword. for if those things are true , which are them read , and esteemed , and the power be at this day , the same which he was in times past , and alike powerful ; he ought alike powerfully to help the christians ( now his own people ) against their enemies , by whom they are surrounded , and subdued or enthralled daily . for at this day , publick idolatry ceaseth , which was in times past accused for the cause of overthrow ; and the cause of the divine power himself is at this day managed ; if the church , the spouse of the same , and the sacraments of his body , be disgracefully trampled on , and the daily sacrifice or host be hung up , and mocked with great reproach : the disjunctive of both which , howsoever it be taken , doth at least , convince that that antient deity hath failed , in manner , in being or essence , and in power ; and that the new one , or that which the christians do now worship ( of which powers , as well as of believers , there are great discords in the whole world , hostily spoiling each other ) is not alike powerful , or alike bountiful to his faithful ones , as the antient deity was to his own israel in times past : because at this day , angels nor swords do no longer appear : neither do huge camps any longer kill each other with a mutual slaughter : as neither being affrighted in crying out , do they run away from christians armed with chariots , on horse-back , and with fiery engines : & from hence our atheists conclude , that as many as do believe an immortal and omnipotent being , that is , a god , do live deceived : and from thence consequently , they do further rightly inferre : if any divine power doth at length die or fail , much more the mind of man which sprung from mortal parents . for these arguments are those which withdraw the people of christ , first unto a neglect of divine worship , and at length unto the toplof atheism . after that the devil took notice , that worshipping of idols , and a multiplicity of starry gods , among the judicious , were despised , as being loose and friuo●us meanes whereby he might allure people unto his own hook , he more subtilly spreads this net of atheism , and collected a more numerous prey : which future atheism god foretold by his servants the prophets : the foole hath said in his heart there is no god , the atheists are corrupted , and become abominable in iniquities , there is none that can do good . god hath looked down from heaven upon the sons of men , to see if there be one that understandeth , or seeketh after gods ▪ for the atheist hath said in his heart , if i might see god , an angel , or evil spirit ; yea or the spirit of a man , i would verily believe that they were : but i will not believe what i do not see , or hear , all things are unaccustomed unto me , and therefore they seem incredible : but i think with aristotle , that all knowledge , and all intellective learning , is made only from a fore-existing knowledge of the senses . to whom the devil answereth , it is good for him so to remain . and god faith ; for he that to this end desireth to see , that he may believe , is now guilty of sin ; but the spirit of truth entereth not into a soul guilty of sin ; and therefore it is not convenient , that thou shouldest see those things which thou desirest to see , that thou maiest believe : for neither is sin a meanes for the attaining of faith. it is a blasphemous and wicked judgment , to have denied a god , or a devil , because it was not granted to him to have seen either of the two , neither whereof is to be seen unless in an assumed form. in the next place , it is a rotten and childish argument ; god doth not perform to christians at this day , those things which he sometimes of old performed to the jewes : therefore he is not the the same as in times past , or is diminished from his antient power : for truly the matter is changed , not so much from the power , as from the will of god. but why he will not now , what he would in times past , it is not our part to aske of god a reason of his own will : therefore it is a foolish argument , god doth not now do what he did in times past , therefore he cannot do it . the hebrew people was a small people , out of whom christ ought to arise ; and that people were on every side beset with enemies , and the which , unless they had been supported with the stretched-out arme of god , and as it were by a continual miracle , they being presently brought to nothing , had yielded as a prey to the conqueror , from whence notwithstanding , it was decreed that the messias should arise : but the condition and law of christians is far otherwise : for the israelitish people in the hardness of their hearts , did measure the grace or favour of god , by the abounding of wealth , of-spring , fruitfulness of fruits , and their peaceable possession : but we have known , that offences should be necessary in the church , tribulations also , how great soever ; yet not worthy to be reckoned with the expectations of the age to come . and likewise it hath so pleased god , that for unjustice , kingdoms are translated from nation to nation . but that i may shew that there is the same god of the christians , which there was in times past to the hebrews ; i must not indeed run back unto the written chronicles , with which atheists , the bibles themselves are of no credit : the argument of atheists is to be overthrown ; seeing their understanding admits not of that which is not introduced outwardly by the senses . their whole faith is from a knowledge ; but that knowledge is founded in a present sensibility , a fore-past observation , & renouncing of histories , and succession of ages , for otherwise , there ought to be no less authority of sacred , than of profane writers : yea all the knowledge of atheists descends to the eyes , to sight , numbers , lines , figures , tones or sounds , weights , motions , smells , touchings , handlings , and tasts , that is , it wholly depends on a brutal beginning , and they are unapt to understand those things which do exceed sense : for that is the cause why they exclude themselves from the intelligible world , and do kick against the corner stone . but at leastwise , they confess that they do see and know those things which they are ignorant of ; which thing happens in the speculations of the planets . but i wish that atheists may measure the compass of the world , i say , the real distance of saturn from us , for they shall confess for that very cause , even against their wills , the distance of so many thousand miles , which their understanding it self will contradict by seen dimensions , or they shall of necessity incline themselves to confess , that a three-fold circuite of saturne , in respect of his own diameter , could not have arisen from himself , or of his own accord ; but rather that there is some author of these , of infinite power , wisdome , greatness , and so also of duration , &c. but if the atheist doth think , that the orbs of so incomprehensible greatness , and so regular a constancy of successive changes , have been thus of their own accord from everlasting ; at least wise the perpetuity of that infinite eternity , ought to follow a certain law , order , and ordained government , which did require a certain presiding or overseeing , or ruling . being , everlasting in continuance , great , and powerful . most miserable therefore are they , who by an utter denial of all things , do exclude faith , and the rewards of faith. for let us consider the circle of the earth to be cloathed with waters , or that place without earth and water , to wit , that all things do of their ( very ) own forceable inclination fall towards their center ; so that if two men were there , to wit , from east and west , these should touch each other with their feet , and should look upwards with their head , even as we , and the antipodes at this day . this i say the atheist doth believe , although sense hath not suggested it unto him . for weighty bodies do teach indeed , their own ready inclination of falling downwards ; but that the heaven is on every side aboue , in respect of one center , and that such is the property of this center , that there is not another like unto it ; neither yet , hath the atheist seen that property : but nevertheless , he believes it : yea , whatsoever he may at any time frame , he alwayes finds the contrary , and without that property of a center , he believes i say , that same one only natural property in the universal center : but he never beholds or looks into the working cause thereof , or that which is like it , in the least , and he had rather through unbelief , exclude it from himself . but at least , if there be not a god , nor he every where present , and giving all things to all , it should be all one , if all things were confounded , should fall upwards , or downwards , whether weighty bodies did rush downwards , or upwards ; whether plants , and beasts did perish or not . therefore the constancy of order & perseverance of the species or particular kinds , do of necessity require some primitive fountainous being from whence they began , are , and do propagate by a continual thred , and the which doth govern all things at his own pleasure or by his own beck , and gives a constancy and succession of continuation , least all things should go to ruine , and be confusedly co-mingled . indeed he beares a universal care , and keeps things in their essence or being . in the next place , let the atheist consider the flowing and ebbing of the water ; to wit , that no water doth ascend of its own accord ; yet that the water of the sea , doth alwayes ascend , as well in the flowing , as ebbing of the sea. he believes this , because he sees it ; but the cause thereof he believes not , because he seeth it not ; neither hath the knowledge thereof entred by sense , because it is that which contradicteth his senses . but he at least , ought to believe , that those things do happen by a cause , although he hath not known the same , by which notwithstanding , every thing hath drawn such a property . for although all particular kinds should have this kind of power of seeds and gifts from everlasting ; yet nevertheless , there is not a certain universal property in the universe , which may have respect unto all particular things , that they may be ordained , and which may know all particular things newly risen and to arise , unless it be out of , and besides the nature of all particular things : otherwise , there should be innumerable deities , as there were in times past : and moreover , there should be continual divisions , and dissolutions of the species or particular kinds . for the atheist denies to believe , what things he knows not by sense : he sees indeed the water to be moist , but he knows not , what that is which is moist in the water , or why it is moist : therefore he believes that which he doth not know , and that which he doth not pierce , that is , as the beast doth : for neither shall humane knowledge ever raise him up aboue its bounds , unless he be enlightned by the light , which the atheist excludes & : he defineth all things by the contemplation of his own conceit alone , because he reflecteth every where on all things , as to himself : being indeed wholly carnal and vain , as long as he believes his understanding to arise from a sensual subject . for whatsoever is perceived by consequence , numbers , figures , proportions , and suitings , is deceitful ; as oft as he preferreth , or equalizeth the same things understood , unto things intellectually understood by faith and revelation . what if science mathematical doth abstract from real objects , and all perceived things , and yet they are believed ; why shall it be more difficult to believe things not seen , so they are revealed by a being , which by transcending acts , sheweth that he deserves a more full credit ? if an atheist can assent unto profane histories , why not also to the sacred ones ? for moses was famous by many miracles , known to all israel ; he writeth the history of the creation of the world , the successive progeny of men ; in the next place , he by abraham enlarged the bringing forth of israel out of bondage . lastly , he delivered the law prescribed by god , being confirmed by many miracles , before an unbelieving people . they being indeed seen in the sight of an hundred thousand co-living people . their sons and nephewes subscribed to the writings of moses , and then indeed to the traditions confirmed by their ancestours . and that was undoubtfully believed by all the following ages : and the gentiles took a diligent care to have them translated , and indeed the seventy two miraculously translated them , without any disagreement of words . but thus far , as well jewes , and christians , as enemies , have believed the sacred histories touching these things . at length , by the prophets , there are read predictions for many ages , before that by prof●●e histories they are afterwards proued to have happened . for to abraham it was promised by god , that the messias should arise out of his own stock . the same thing melchizedech foretold unto him , and therefore offered a new sacrifice of bread and wine unto him , which should sometime by pr●pagating , proceed out of his loy●es . but a sacrifice is no where offered , but to god alone . afterwards , in the dividing of the land of promise , there was bethlehem or the house of bread , for the prophets had foretold that the messias should from thence be born of a virgin. the gentiles also , saw the bread descend from heaven , which should destroy the camps of midian : and he was called the god of gideon , whom notwithstanding , gid●on had not yet acknowledged for his god. this messias also , david afterwards divinely foreknew should be born of his stock ; and therefore he named him his lord or god , and that he was to be a priest after the order of melchizedech : to wit , he foretold it in the bread and wine , by the inspiration of the divine blast . balaam foretold of this god , as the star or jacob , which the magi or wisemen coming from the east , afterwards learned , that he ought to be born in bethlehem or the house of bread ; and they saw his star going before them , by admonishment whereof , they had come from the utmost parts of the east , to worship the child , who only is to be worshipped . for he who fore-taught them concerning the signification of the star , could have evidently shewed them the place wherein the child was born , whom they sought by so remote a journey , but that , he he had determined that that thing should be drawn out of the writings of the prophets , for the honour of god , and the learning of people . therefore if there be any credit to be given to sacred history ; that convinceth , that god is one , that the gods of the nations are devils : that this god messias , his son , was at length to be raised up out of abraham , without the will of man , of a virgin only ; that he is the angels food which came down from heaven , who saves those that are to be saved , freely . and seeing the understanding of man cannot comprehend these mysteries , and much less fore-see them by the help of the senses : therefore it is needful to draw the understanding into the obedience of faith , which it can in no wise conceive of it self : because , seeing that is of a limited power , and faith every where of a profound obscurity , the understanding cannot comprehend an infinite term of continuance , or the immortality of the soul. therefore the holy scriptures being at length , granted and believed , at least after the manner of chronicles : one , eternal , unchangeable , immortal , infinite , omnipotent , good , true , wise god , the creator , author , sustainer , governour , and life of things , doth for that very cause , manifestly appear . lastly , this divine power being granted , the arguments of st. augustine do conclude for the immortality of the soul , and life eternal , fire eternal , joy , peace , also everlasting misety or sorrow , are to be granted . and there are angels , evil spirits , prophesying dark spirits , or the devils bond-slaves . but the conceivings of these things are wanting to an understanding which savours only of the senses , according to aristotle : and words are wanting to the tongue , and positive words want properties of expressions , to declare those things which the ear hath not yet heard , nor the understanding could comprehend , that which hath not yet descended into the heart of man , and that which is in it self undemonstrable by the discipline of the senses and intellectual faculty : for faith , the reward of faith , and expectation of the righteous , do exceed all sense , and whatsoever can be conceived by the understanding . furthermore , if the mind be immortal , and to enjoy eternal joy , if it being seperated by death from its own mortal body , doth in very deed exist and live ; therefore it is not generated by a body , which in it self , with every disposition of it , is frail , mortal , and a dead carcass , subject to dayly and any kind of importunities of successive changes . therefore the mind is an immortal substance , a life , of the nature of the eternal light , not to be extinguished : and therefore , neither is it generated , or proceedeth it from a man , parent , or frail-seed : much less doth it arise , or is produced of it self , but by some eternal beginning , which in it self is life , light eternal , infinite , not to be altered , or extinguished . but these words are of faith , and the revelations of this eternal light , and therefore are they eternally true . but the carnal man doth not perceive those things which are of god ; and therefore his wisdome is foolishness with god , who is order , integrity , essence , the father of lights , and total , independent , absolute , abstracted cause of all things , unto whom therefore is all honour due from every created thing . but he created not only the substance of the mind , that it may be a substantial light , after the likeness or image of himself ; but he also made all the living lights of soulified creatures : the which indeed could not subsist in the abstract , without their concrete or composed body , and therefore they were to perish with the death of the fame : and therefore , neither are they substances , although substantial , or after the manner of substantial spirits : neither therefore also of the number of accidents , even as i have elsewhere demonstrated in the treatise of the original of forms . therefore the beastial life is of a vital living light , and a neutral creature between a substance and an accident : which neutrality of beings , hitherto unknown to the schools , was given by the etymology of the father of lights : so indeed , that he not only maketh the burning light of the sun , and splendour of the glow-worm : but also the souls of all soulified creatures universally , whereof himself will remain even the alone maker , and master . chap. xlvii . the knitting or conjoyning of the sensitive soul and mind . . alpha and omega . . the body is a dead carcass of no worth without the mind . . the natural phylosophy of the author is far remote from the traditions of aristotle . . the understanding of adam shews this truth . . that by the prayer of abstraction , the mind ought to be unfolded . . the author declareth his five professions . . from the fifth he draweth five conclusions . . the co-knitting of the mind as of a kernel in the sensitive soul , as it were in a shell or husk . . defects are from the sensitive soul. . an objection against sin , and desert . . an answer to the aforesaid arguments . . by an example of the sun. . corrupted nature doth alwayes want the aid of grace . . the mind , as it is the image of god , doth endeavour as it were to create something of nothing . . the difference of conceits to be admired in a woman great with child , those things which i have already above written , for the immortality of the soul , being premised , i forthwith for the knowledge of the soul , return to my lord jesus , who alone is the beginning of the fathers wisdom , the unlimiting end , the alpha and omega , or the one only scope , in whom a total clearness of all understandings is and ought to be terminated . for the immortality of the mind being certainly known , the soul ought to be made known to it self as much as it can : for truly , seeing the soul the governess , doth continually employ it self about the government of the body ; surely nothing can be searched out in the body ( unless when by anatomy alone i behold dead carcasses ) which is worth ones labour , without the knowledge of the life or soul : yea verily i have many times been angry with my self , that i would conceive of external and forreign things , and in the mean time , not to know who i am , who dare to contemplate of forreign , and sublime things : but the image being not yet understood , which the mind bears before it , nor who , of what sort , or how excellent the understanding may be ▪ and lastly , neither after what manner an intellectual act may be formed . wherefore i determined with my self , that there was a far different knowledge of the soul to be delivered to christians , than that which hath been diligently taught by the schools of the gentiles : for look how much can be declared by words , so much also the holy scriptures do deliver : but the rest is ( in exercising ) freely obtained by grace it self , neither doth the mind admit of any other teacher than him , who hath commanded to be called the alone father and master : because in very deed , all learning which is drawn from a fore-existing knowledge of the senses , proceeds from the sensitive , carnal , or earthly soul ( and the which therefore , the apostle calls divelish ) enlightned indeed , but not by the very mind it self , to wit , which alone wisheth to be enlightned by its beginning , which is above nature , and not from the observation of the senses : whither the state of understanding in adam had respect , before the received learning of his senses : for he had known the essences and names of living creatures , because he contemplated of these things within , in his own divine image , while he would , and by the very aspect of viewing thereof , he remembred the same : but after that the sensitive soul began to spring up , whereinto the immortal mind was involved , the sensitive soul alone , received the vicarship hereof : but the mind being thereby laid asleep , is scarce awakened ; at leastwise , not more manifestly or lively than while it employeth it self in mental or mind-like prayer : whether that comes to pass , because , the while , it casts off from it the rains of the sensitive soul , or next , because god requiring to be worshipped only in the spirit , calls for his own delights to talk with the sons of men. truly the prayer of silence , and of a profound intellectual humnity , did require another manner of man than my self , who am now an old man , and an ignorant physitian : but seeing i have undertaken the natural explication of the mind , and since the essence , thingliness , and natural nature of the mind is plainly spiritual , and respecting its own immediate and supernatural beginning ; i ought by all means , to declare and explain the doctrine of the mind by its exercises , that a man may be bewrayed by his works . therefore i beg and deserve pardon , if i shall not declare the thing according to the dignity of the matter . divine goodness shall supply my defects , by some other more worthy th●● my self . but before that i proceed , let the reader know , that hitherto , i have not found a writer , which hath meditated any thing concerning the more inward emptiness or voidness , bottom , and fabrick of the mind , or of the creation , beingness , truth , or thingliness of its idea : but they have rather cast or hung up this same doctrine behind their back , as it were irregular , unknown , and desperate , and through admiration only , elevated into a dark smoak , neither have they looked any longer behind them , as neither within them . for first of all , i will discover my errors committed by thinking , and will declare the circumstances which have sometime deceived me . for i knew first of all by faith , that we have an immortal mind , therefore exceeding any the powers of nature ; because it is that which was inspired into adam immediately by god : the same mind also at this day , is inspired into the young , by the same prince of life ; because it is that in which the kingdome of god hath of its good pleasure , established its seat , and so that he enlightens every man that cometh into this world , and he hath enriched it with his own free gifts of the god-head , and by his presence hath excluded the evil spirit : to wit , for which mind he vouchsafed to die , but not for the fallen angell . i knew in the second place from the knowledge of nature , that bruit beasts have souls , more , or less prudent , and quicke-sighted ; yet all frail ones , and those which hasten into nothing , and that those do perish no otherwise than as a blast , as the light of a candle is extinguished , and departs into nothing : and therefore that the souls of beasts are not spiritual substances of a proper name ; but only the living vital lights of soulified creatures : the which notwithstanding are created by god the father only , and are dispensed according to the requirance of seminal dispositions . i knew thirdly , that every frail and sensitive soul did issue from the seeds , occasionally and dispositively only ; and therefore that it did partake of nothing of likeness or unity with the mind of man : for although both were created by god , yet that they were both divided a sunder , no otherwise , than as a frail or mortal being , from a future immortal one , or as light that is to perish by blowing out , from a substance which should be the shining image or likeness of the god-head . i knew in the fourth place , that in the seed of man , dispositions and hopes lay hid , unto such a frail or mortal soul , no less than in the seed of a dog unto a living whelp . fiftly , i knew that the sensitive soul , ( even as i have proved concerning long life , in the treatise of the entrance of death into humane nature , ) arose in us from sin , and that it doth naturally remain afterwards , through a successive coupling of the sexes : neither that the mortal mind could be made by nature , man , or any natural means . . because it was a substance . . because that it was permanent or durable : and therefore . . that it could never be made from a perishing being . . that the mind therefore ought to be made of nothing , after the manner of all substances , without the aid of co-operating nature . . and that therefore , the sensitive soul , before sin , was not in us , as neither necessary . next i knew in the sixth place , that forthwith after transgression , the mind was fast tied to the sensitive soul : because that in a body subject to death , there was nothing more near , or more a-kin to the mind , wherein it might sit ; and that therefore the mind had sunk it self into that cleer and vital beginning , as in an inn , and had been annexed to it by god , even unto the period of life . for i have therefore beheld so many foolish madnesses , fallacies , defects , errors , and treacheries of men , yea and all madnesses which might utterly deny all the use of the mind , and might make its totall absence , rather than its presence to be suspected . seventhly , i knew that the mortal soul forthwith after the fall , did so over-darken the mind in its inn , and over-spread it being idle , and as it were detain it sleeping , that it did govern not only corporal actions ; but it did for the most part , so dim or blacken the very presence of the mind it self , that it is able to do nothing at all , readily , in this life , as though it were no longe belonging to its own right . for there is a law in our members , resisting the law of our mind . lastly , i felt or perceived a contrary or contentions disquietness sprung up , which endeavoured to excuse the liberty , and burden of sinning : for howsoever the mind doth continually breath forth a vital beam into its vicaress the sensitive soul ( because it is that which never keeps holiday , is wearied , or sleepeth ) nevertheless it seemed to be so servile to the mortal soul , in its faculties , that it is unable to enjoy its own understanding freely , but to yield to the mad will or pleasure of the sensitive soul. wherefore i being easily seduced through the deformities of diseases , readily descended ; because i saw that serpents , and some simples , yea even our hous-hold excrements , did every way alter the use of the mind : indeed the powers and functions of these , to become wholly oppressed , and mad , and that we who were constituted in so great a majesty under the image of the divinity , did become far more miserable than beasts . for i was incited hereunto , because it did not seem agreeable to 〈◊〉 , or possibility , that any poysonous frail , being , and that which is unlike to the immortality of the mind , could spurn against the image of god ; that it should loose all right and prerogotive , at the will of a mad dog ; and that the power of the meanest thing should be enlarged beyond the excellency of a being , which is infinite in duration hereafter : for it seemed , that that ought not to be capable of suffering by a frail or mortal thing , whatsoever should by it self be immortal . but moreover the mind of a prudent man is be-set for the most part by foolishness ; because almost every one doth labour in his own point of giddiness : for whosoever loveth , that which is not to beloved is ennared , and who so keeps not a proportion of suitableness between things that are to be loved ; now he herein beholds plausible things , as pleasing , with an affection of madness : for so eve beheld the apple as beautiful , and therefore as pleasing , she presently took that apple , and ate . and that thing is so usual , that the holy scriptures say , that the number of fools is infinite . for i have gone head-long into these-fallacies of errors , because i as yet knew not what the necessity , and bond of the combination of the mind , and of the sensitive soul was . for indeed , because the mind was now connexed unto the mortal soul , it stood bound to this , by the right of an inn ; so that , although the mind were of it self not capable of suffering , yet because they were both combined by a conjugal bond and bride-bed of unity , so as that the mortal soul did enjoy the sole life of the immortal mind ; it was altogether necessary , that as oft as the mortal soul did suffer any thing by frail or mortal , hurtful things , or things hostile unto it , it should consequently also suffer that very thing , through an equality or likeness of wed-lock , a conjugal unity , and social right of hospitality . not indeed that therefore frail things should obtain a power over an immortal being , which is supereminently above it , and of a diverse station : but god would have the mind thus to suffer , as it being hindered by the discommodities of its inn , it should be deprived of its own liberty of ampleness , and should hearken to the straights and anguishes of its mansion . for the immortal life of the mind is communicated to a mortal soul , seat , and inn , which life notwithstanding ( as otherwise , every thing received , is received after the manner and capacity of the receiver ) is made mortal in that which is connexed with it , or in a mortal light : and the which may therefore also be oppressed by mortal things , that the life may be wholly blown out : and then the mind being deprived of its inn , is not indeed extinguished , or annihilated ; but is compelled to depart , by reason of an untying and annihilating of the bond . whatsoever therefore the mind seemeth to suffer under life , it self indeed remaineth safe : but it doth not freely exercise its offices , because feeling or perceivance is in the middle of the bond. for truly i have constantly considered the light of the sun married as a husband to the splendour of the glo-worm ; so as that from them both , one only thing did glitter . for that both the lights of a connexion in us , are not indeed shining lights , but living and plainly vital ones : to wit , one heavenly and constant ; but the other wormy or corruptible . then next , i supposed the light of the glo-worm to be spotted or tinged : for whether that might happen through an error of its own , or in the next place , because a tinged rhine or skin was stretched over it , at least wise , the light of the sun , which is alwaies constant to it self , as it had now married a tinged or stained light shining through the light of the gloworm , doth as it were take on it the stain and tincture of the same , and doth as it were suffer : not indeed that the sun doth suffer , but its light only ; because it utters forth its vital actions according to the defiled colours of the glo-worm ; and the light of the glo-worm being at length extinguished , the light of the sun looseth its wife , and departs into its first fountain , that it may render a reason of its performed offices . for so the mind suffers against its will , all the madness of the sensitive soul , which the filths of the flesh do stretch over it : and a cleer or famous beam of the understanding , not being able to pierce the filths , is trodden underfoot ; although in its own root , it be wholly uncapable of suffering . but that which hath been already said concerning the life , that very thing is interpreted touching the other functions of the mind . in the mean time , it is certain and manifest , that as the sensitive soul is the seat of the mind ; so it is the immediate chamber-maid or lackey of the same : unto whom seeing the government , forthwith after the fall , was committed : therefore it translates into it self by an undue acc●stomedness , all the efficacy of the mind . no otherwise , than as any one being accustomed , to cut bread with his left-hand , can scarce divide the same with his right-hand . therefore the mind being ordinarily accustomed , consenteth to whatsoever things the sensitive , brutal soul , from a co-partaking , spreading beam of life , doth commit , through a largeness of its liberty , and a licence of custome . wherefore in all , and through all the journeys of this pilgrimage , we want the helps of divine grace , for the which we must often , daily pray , that we be not led into the temptations of our inn : the which is more distinctly manifest , when as the mind operates in exercises plainly distinct , and far disjoyned from the sensitive soul. to which end , the power of the sensitive soul got with child , is first considered : to wit , after what manner , through the aid of a mental beam , ( for as the mind is the image of god ; so also it diligently attempts sometimes to create something of nothing , and that from its will or beck alone ) it may create a true cherry without the wood. by appetite or desire only . first of all , it is not to be doubted , that such a thought is appetitive or causing a desire , or affrightning , &c. not yet discursive , and much less , is it nakedly dedicated to , or suggested by the mind only . and then the cherry thus produced , is true ; but not the spot of a cherry only : because it every year , at set circuits wherein the trees do colour their own fruits , doth change its colours . for the action of an imagining woman great with child becomes thereby the more manifest , and wrests it self out of the censure of a spot only ; while as a woman seeing a certain man beheaded in the market place of bruxells , presently brings forth a young bereaved of its head , whose head was found neer the trunck of the body . and that thing , i have else where rehearsed to have happened in the cutting off an arm and hand : where notwithstanding , the arm and hand were not found . at least wise , the sensitive soul being illustrated in man by a beam of the mind , doth actually and truly operate , and therefore that thing is not so much obvious in bruits : and the which , if it should not many times happen , we should by criticks be easily brought into suspition of : covenant striken with the evil spirit , for because the sensitive soul alone doth not work these things ; but as being illustrated by a beam of the immortal mind ; therefore there is a certain similitude of creation , which is uttered forth from the lively image of its creatour : neither do bruit beasts therefore in the same manner imitate this effect . indeed by the only conceiving of passion , a cherry is created of nothing in the young , in that part , whereon she that is with child , doth move forth her right-hand if it be the right ; or the left-hand if it shall be the left ; because that hand hath been wont to carry the commands of the soul. and also , the whole seminal being of a cherry is created without its wood , and indeed a perfect one : but not growing by degrees through seasons , even as otherwise , in a tree where a cherry-tree after some years , brings forth his fruits : but a cherry in the womb , or a mouse , &c. is forthwith framed : which framing power requireth sight , and moreover disturbance , &c. that the force of the conceipt of the soul may be visibly imprinted : but a need of discourses it doth not require . for neither is this same a true creation : because a new matter is not made even of nothing ; but it is a transchangeative creation of one thing into another , and almost at an instant : and the which , while it is now created in the conception , by an ideal being , and cloathed in the vital spirit of the mother , a place is presently signifyed by the hand , whither it ought to be brought , and where decyphered : through defect of which hand , the drawn seal of the cherry perisheth , and the creation is made null . and that is in things which cause desire . it is otherwise , in ●ormidable things that are acted , or ministred : because in things that are so much the stronger , the direction of the mothers hand is not required . indeed the hand or arm of the young is cut off , although the mothers hand hathremained quiet ; neither is it found among the wrapperies , even as the head is ; even as also , while the young is transchanged into a monster . but in things ministred that are not to be feared , the hand is required , as a designer of the place for the young , that it may be wholly changed . and in those formidable things , the reason is different : because that in the one , an act only is shewn ; and in the other , a created being : for in that , it pretends a withdrawing only ; but in this , it desires to imitate , by creating something . lastly , in these sorts , that is universal , that the effecting mother doth not intend to make that for her young ; and so shee affixeth these images or likenesses , not in her self , but in her young , at the pleasure of her hand , and not at the will of the woman conceiving that which is desirable , or afrightful : but some pla●sible , or timorous conceit , with a desire , or turning away , doth go before : and presently after , there follows an appetite of the conceits , with desire , or fear : which things in this place , i have thus enlarged , that the power of a similitudinary or like●ous creation of the divine image , may bring us into the likeness of creating a divine ●ove in the mind : to wit , while it self , by its own motion ( not by a beam only of it self dispersed into the mortal soul ( even as in women great with child hath already been related to be done ) and by its own proper wishing , is car●yed totally inward into the love of god. ah , i would to god we might be led thither ! chap. xlviii . the asthma or stoppage of breathing , and cough . . the pores of the lungs and sinews do lay open as long as we live . . nothing rains down from the head to the lungs . . that remedies are badly applyed to the head in an asthma . . what the vulcan the corrupter is . . by what errour , sweet remedies , and lohochs or ecligmaes were brought in . . what was said is proved . . a censuring of usual and ordinary medicines . . they have not distinguished the remedies of the congh●and asthma . . a●twofold asthma . . the catamity of the femal sex. . the heedlessnesse or rashnesses of the schools . . vain experiments or attempts . . the activity of the womb in an asthma . . how the womb ruleth and is ruled . . an enemy in the womb. . they have erred in distinguishing . . a woman twice suffers every disease . . a sub-division of the asthma . . the asthma hath been hitherto unknown . . why physitians may hear that which they would not hear . . a history of an asthmatical consul . . a history of a young noble man , a hunter . . a a history of a canonical man. . a history of a monk. . a history of a citizen . . a history of a man of sixty years old . . a searching out of the nest in a dry asthma . . why its nest is in the duumvirate . . why an asthma is an epilepsie of the lungs . . the quality of an asthmatical poyson . . a history of a countess . . the place of the poyson in the consul was divers from that in the hunter . . how the seeà and fruit of an asthma do differ . . why it suddenly invadeth . . why a dry asthma is without suspition of a defluxion . . remedies are not to be applyed to the head. . a censure or judgment of remedies . . a paragraph or summary sentence of paracelsus concerning an asthma . . in what the deceit of remedies may be . . remedies proper to an asthma . . the causes of a womb-asthma are by accident . . a history of that which went before . . a doubtful asthma , between a dry and a moist one . . crafts which cause a moist asthma . . a moist asthma from endemical things drawn in . . a history of an asthmatical man , who was presently choaked . . an erroneous judgment of the lungs grown to the pleura . . anatomy being founded on bad principles , is oft-times childisher a mockery . . from whence death and suddain choaking is . . things worthy of note about the asthma of him of sixty years of age . . it is proved from burtful things often eaten . . that that asthma was from the spleen . . the reason of the schools concerning a climbing motion in an asthmatick person , is rejected . . a fourfold vapour . . an examination by the rule of a false supposition . . a privie shift . . some considerations for the questions proposed . . a reason drawn by conjectures . . confirming signes , . a moist asthma . . it differs from its companion the cough . . from what causes it may arise . . a promiscuous asthma . . an appropriated remedy , as well for the moist , as the dry asthma . . concerning the cough from a distillation or pose . . why the snivell doth varie in the running down of a pose . . some observations . . that for a cough , phlegm doth not descend out of the head unto the lungs . . a judgment or censure of the deeper remedies . . a history of a snorting old man. . the authors opinion . . of what sort the decision of the question is . . both the keepers do hasten to the proof , together with a histery of 〈…〉 latex . . how much , and how far , the use of a cauterie may answer . . 〈…〉 applying of drying drinks . . a consideration of ecligmaes . . a co - 〈…〉 of the fume of sulphur unto drink . because an asthma or stoppage or difficulty of breathing , hath been translated unto the trifles of a rheum or catarrh , and the affect hath not been known , and scarce healed hitherto : therefore i am constrained to write particularly concerning the asthma . to which end , somethings out of those that have been afore alledged , are to be repeated : to wit , that the lungs is passable with pores or little holes , as longas wolive , no otherwise than as all the sinews are : the which is especially manifest in opticks , if one eye being shut , the apple of the other seemeth to wax great : but in death , they are shut , which otherwise , in those that are alive , are passable ; and the light of the eyes of dying persons doth visibly perish , because the optical or eye pores being shut , the visible spirit ceaseth and leaveth off to issue thither . this my thing , hippocrates already knew in his age : and therefore , he declared the whole body to be perspirable or breathing thorow , and compirable on breathingly solding together . and then , i suppose it hath been already sufficiently demonstrated , that nothing falls down from the head into the wind pipe , ●r lungs , the which notwithstanding , is frequently and plenteously spit or reached out by the cough so that , neither is there an entire place for a feigned distillation or catarrh : but whatsoever the cough casts forth , that that is made in the pipes of the lungs , through their proper vice : therefore that they have erred hitherto , by reason of ignorance of the part commanding , making or committing , and receiving , and by reason of rash thoughts of the matter , and manner of making . it is no wonder therefore , if there hath also been nothing done in curing . because remedies have been applyed to the head ; that it might not make , or not send matter , or that matter might not of its own accord slide into the lungs , which was never in the power of the head , but is constantly made in the possession of the lungs themselves : and therfore the sick have remained without cure , because all the care of physitians was conversant partly about the head , which is guiltless in this disease , and partly about the preventing , and more easie ejection of filths : but not about the amending of that vulcan , the corrupter , which of the good nourishment of the lungs , frameth the aforesaid phlegms . indeed the ignorances of the former causes , hath alwaies made the schools to direct their intentions of healing unto the effect & latter thing . for when they diligently observed , that drinks & meats were swallowed down by a straight line unto the stomach ; but to bend nothing toward the lungs , they devised sweet things which might serve for expectorating , as they might cause a smoothness of the jaws . then afterwards they invented more thick syrupes , because they were those which they thought , by licking them in by degrees , would by a greater right , slide in pare unto the lungs : but again , all things sloathfully . for first of all , the schools , herein , have forgotten the head , and next their own positions . then in the next place , they have not considered , that if such ecligmaes should enter unto the lungs , they would cause more straightnesses and troubles , than the filths themselves there running out , and framed by degrees : at leastwise they should heap up or increase evil by a new evil : for in that place they should not any thing profit , unless that for the future , they should through the much straightness of passages , increase the obstruction , and render it grievous . in that respect especially , because roses , colts-foot , fox-lungs , sugar &c. do not a whit answer to a curative betokening ; because it is that which only requires a renewing of the changing faculty being hurt : but those medicines which do respect a more easie expectorating , do assault the disease behind , and its effects only . seeing therefore , in what part the utmost ends of the rough artery do end , and breath into the breast , the lungs do lay open ; it is sufficiently manifest , that in the asthma , there is a straightness of the same pores . moreover , they do as yet err , that the remedies of the cough do not any thing differ from the remedies of the asthma ; when as notwithstanding , they both do greatly , and every way differ in their root and causes . there is therefore , a two-fold asthma ; one indeed womanish , depending only on the government of the womb ; but the other is promiscuous , common to both sexes . surely a woman is miserable on both sides , which being excluded almost from all affairs , doth not , withstanding , pay a sufficient punishment , through a single disease of any kind . for this asthma is so frequent to this sex , that the schools have dedicated every account of the number of the womb , which is very manifold , unto the stranglings of the womb , and would as it were , by one head or chapter have passed by a great volume of diseases . for i have seen women-folks often , who by the smell of sweet savours , besides head-aches and threatned swoonings , fell straightway into an extream difficulty of breathing : i have also observed others , who the north wind blowing , the innocent were presently , even in stoves or chimneys , punished with an asthma . lastly , also others , which from anger , a sorrowful message , drinking of sugar , spanish-wine , &c. or also being chidden , were presently taken with a lamentable asthma . for the schools being alwayes busied about corporal actions , therefore also also do they perpetually worship humours , and have on both sides accused phlegin , raining indeed , down into the lungs : that foul or stinking vapours , should ascend out of the womb , which should stir up their companional vapours , as well from it self , as else-where out of the stomack , whence they should press out all the expectorated snivel or filth , the author of an asthma . for the schools have granted to such hurtful vapours , a safe conduct of piercing every way , whither indeed , there is not a free passage ●or air : which thing is manifest , in a voluntary pressing together , or deteining of the breathing . yea although these things have place only in a moist asthma , yet through the same ignorance , they have not desisted to try any vain things , by clysters , blood-letting , and cauteries , and solutive medicines ; that even in a dry asthma also , they might give sufficient to the revulsion of feigned vapours . therefore they have neglected ; that the womb , by the action of government , and almost after an influential manner , doth , at the will or beck of anger , sorrow , fear , &c. like death , stop up the aforesaid pores of the lungs , where they end into the breast ; even so as the moon by her aspect only , governeth the waters ; because the life and power of the womb , commands the whole woman : to whom indeed therefore , there is another chin , wit , flesh , hair , bloud , &c. than to a man. and again , the furies and inundations of the aforesaid government ceasing , her breathing is presently restored free , and that for the most part , without a notable spitting out by reaching . for neither doth the womb rule the whole woman by the power of vapours ; but by the meer command of government ; seeing it is like unto a strange guest , no otherwise , than as nourishably depending on the body , even as a shrub on a tree in which it growes . but besides , the womb lives in its own square , and hath known no enemy unto it self , besides the passion of the mind : wherefore it doth not serve the soul ; but by waxing mad , it exerciseth cruelty on the mind being urgent in disturbances , no otherwise than on the body : for only the disturbances of the mind , do drive the womb into divers furies ; so that it cruelly rageth , sometimes on the sinews , then on the great guts , bones , bowels , and membranes : the heart likewise , or head , joggs the senses and mind . for i have seen the cords or tendons being of times pulled together with great torment , voluntarily to leap out of their place , and to have stirred up wondrous convulsions of the muscles , and with great howling , to have resolved them ; yea and in earnest , to have put the very bones themselves out of their place . so also , i have observed , apoplexies , palseys , falling-evils , jaundises , dropsies , wringings of the bowels , the megrim , madnesses , and much tyranny of diseases to have proceeded from the womb : which diseases , even as they have been in vain attempted by the schools by manly remedies ( i will say neglected , and after some sort referred unto the choaking of the asthma alone ; as if the throat only , by a singular perogative should obey the womb ; so truly the sex is worthy of much compassion , ( being given unto us for a help of great necessities ) and as if it were therefore worthy of manifold misery . for truly the innocent , and devoted sex undergoes the double punishment of corrupted nature , through individual womanish miseries : once it suffers almost all diseases from the womb , and the same again as it is man. but it is happy likewise , in that it bears tribulations patiently , and thus far , is nearer to the son of god. the other asthma therefore is promiscuous to both sexes . but again an asthma is subdivided into a dry , & moist one ; so reckoned to be from the filths expelled . the causes of the asthma , and manner of its making , have hitherto remained unknown in the schools : and consequently , the curing of an asthma hath remained unaccustomed . let god be witness and judge between me and the humourists , how much i might commiserate the sick , that are badly entertained under the unhappy flatteries of ignorance ; & at length being cut short of their hope , and of cony-catch'd their money , to be miserably forsaken ; that is , deluded . for they being disturbed of at vain experiments , were amazed with me , that so slow or fluggish help should be fetched from so many ages , & libraries ; when as in the mean time , we have seen them ofttimes cured by poor old women , or a juggler or fortuneteller : because the schools are asleep at the complaint of the sick . for they indeed , hear the howling of sick , but with the levites , they pass over into jerichs : and therefore they hear against their wills , that which they would not hear ; to wit , that unprosperous clientships of diseases do happen daily unto them . but neither do they therefore depart so much as a ●ailes breadth from their predecessours , that they may once seriously deliberate concerning the life of their neighbour committed unto them . for to assent to or leane on old and blind guides , hath turned into sloath : therefore neither do they any more blush , to decree as many diseases to be incurable , as they have not floaked with bloud letting , a solutive medicine , sweat , clyster , a cautery , hot baths , drinking of sharpish things , that is , with things that diminish the strength . but now concerning the asthma . and first of all i will set down some known histories : but they who shall follow me , shall the better and more successfully trace out the same . a consul of a great city , of fifty years of age , being a liberal drinker , & a strong man , having slidden from a ladder in a ship , on his shoulders and hinder part of his head , ere-while sounded : returning unto himself , he was well in health for eight months space : afterwards he suffered a gentle fever for some dayes : he left his drinking , because with the fever an asthma seazed on him : every fit , for some dayes and nights , did continually threaten strangling : but they end without a manifest spitting out●vith reaching : but the night foregoing , the onset of the asthma was without sleep , unquiet , with dryth of mouth , a feverish admonition , a wonderful abundance of urine , and for the most part urgent with three stools : and then , on the morning following , as it were at one only fit , his breathing is at it were cut off with a broken thred : in breathing , as he lifts up his shoulders and arm-pits , he presseth both his hands on the side of the bed , whereby he might the more easily and highly elevate his shoulders : his countenance looks red , and his eyes stand out : and thus he passeth over some dayes and nights without sleep , and doth continually struggle with choaking at hand : at length , the fit being finished , he is in good health , he eats , walks , climbs , hunts. rides , and journeyeth . yea , neither remembred he that ever his head aked in his life , or that his breast was subject to a cough . there was a young man of . years of age , defiled with no errour of health or life , being studious , noble , and also employing himself in hunting ; hence indeed , swift on foot and in running ; but this man coming to bruxels , three leagues journey , after a moderate supper with his sister , is first of all taken with an asthma , and for three whole dayes space , he straues with death through a fear of choaking , labours , and sweats : presently after , he is restored without spitting , and being well in health , he speedily recovers his own home . for full two years space after that , he durst not lay down , but sitting by the hearth or fire-side , he passeth over the nights of those full years : for if he layes down , the asthma doth presently awaken him being fast a-sleep : also now and then , the fit threatens , yea begins ; but doth not proceed : also it more cruely afflicts him at one time than at another . it is embittered at the set times of the moon , as also at the seasons of the air , the which also therefore it fore-feels and presageth . likewise the fit doth molest him more cruelly , and oftner in summer than in winter : yea at this day it is more frequently , and cruelly urgent on him , than at its first beginning . but in the dayes between the fits , he walks , runs , rides , hunts , and duely performeth other offices of healthy persons , but dares not to lay down by night . he is worse in mountanious places ; therefore scarce dares to spend a night at bruxels . moreover for some hours before the fit , his spittle becomes salt , he feels his teeth and gumms to be drawn together , his bowels also to roar with a great noise , his sides are pained on both sides ; and likewise he makes frequent , and waterish urine ; and the paunch it self being more liquid , is thrice or four times loosed . last of all , as if a snare were cast on him , the asthma presently layes hold on him , and at every return , threatens a choaking throughout the whole fit. at length , a little before the end thereof , he easily reacheth out four or five froathy spittings , without a cough , and the snare being as it were with drawn , he is presently freed . but a certaine canonist , a man of a middle and flourishing age , who is asthmatical almost all the summer , and free at winter , doth measure a future cruelty of the fit , from the greatness of the foregoing signs : but at what station he is pressed with an asthma , he itcheth throughout his whole body , casts off white scales , and shews forth the likeness of a leprousie . he saith , that his mother laboured with the like itching , as also his sister : that she indeed thus died ; but that this was cured of her own accord , after her second child . a certain monk of the order of s. francis , being a laick of paula , is busied in pulling down houses or temples . and forthwith as oft as any place is swept , or the wind doth otherwise stir up this dust , he presently falls down , being almost choaked . he is well indeed in his mind ; but his ●●●th being almost stopped , he layes all along as ready to die ; and as long afterwards , he layeth sitting . and while in regard of his order , and appetite , he eateth fishes fried with 〈◊〉 he presently falls down , being deprived of breathing ; so as that ho●● scarce distinguished from a strangled man. he saith that he felt the signs of the urgent asthma which the other , the hunter , sheweth ; and that he is the more assured of the future fit , and of its cruelty , by the like fore-token of sumptoms : to wit , while that asthma doth voluntarily assault him , and not from meats , or dust . a certain citizen , a wise and prudent man , being by a peer or great man , openly disgraced and injured ; unto whom he might not answer a word , without the fear of his utmost ruine ; in silence dissembles and bears the reproach : but straightway after , an asthma ariseth , the which did daily more increase on him ( otherwise in good health ) for two whole years space . at length , a little before his end , a moderate dropsie killed him in few dayes . a certain child , presently from his cradle , strives with a quartan ague for two whole years ; and beyond the hope of all , through a crisis or judicial expulsion , and many stools , he recovered ; although , by a tough falling-sickness , he is accounted for dead . being a youth and young man , he was nimble enough , but of an unconstant health . presently from his youth , he felt that in running , he breathed more than was meet , which he attributed to a life abounding with profits . in his manhood he felt that a moderate dance did punish him with a shorter breath than was meet . but about his fiftieth year , he manifestly suspected that he was asthmatical . and that he perceived was manifestly increased about his fixtieth year . for from his infancy he had his spleen notably offended , & now & then payning him ; so that one dayes riding would be troublesom by reason of the jogging of his spleen : and especially he was tired , if he had spent a day in the running of a coach. moreover , that falling-sickness , although it did not bewray it self but by the more weighty causes , otherwise laid to sleep for some years ; yet it was not convulsive , but like unto a fainting of the mind . but he felt a certain joy about the orifice of his stomack , and presently self down . indeed he seldom had a cough ; but even from his youth , a frequent spitting out by reaching . but he had his spittle in small drops of a skyish colour , like unto gum-dragon dissolved . his spitaings were seldom all the summer : more frequent in time of cold ; so that old age growing great , he had very many reaching spittings all the winter . at length being now wholly asthmatical , he read over a whole psalm from the depth , in one breath , his speech not being stirred or interrupted , if so be he sate . he walks also in a plain , the space of a league , with a swift pace enough : but if he climbs a street or upright assent with a moderate step , he presently foams , pants for breath , his breast is straightned , his heart forthwith beats , with and inordinate pulse interruptingly : his tongue waxeth dry behind towards his jaws , and he foameth about his teeth : but besides , his knees do almost fail with the asthma , and according to the measure thereof , more or less ; when as notwithstanding , before the asthma , his whole leg was nimble and strong : but in sitting , or standing , yea in walking home , he never pants for breath , if he doth not climb . as oft as he is refreshed with a larger supper , he pants for breath in the night , his breast is drawn together , and his wind-pipe snorts with a noise as it were continually , and his weasand would ring or tingle with spittle . all which things are presently allayed by sitting , and he doth far more easily spit out some phlegms by reaching , which being dispatched , he layes down backwards again . but a sparing supper , as it gives rest to his stomack ; so also peace to his lungs . but he perceiveth , that this his asthma hath its nest and primitive fountain , in the middle space between the mouth of his stomach , and navil . i thus draw out these things at length , whereby the seeds of an asthma may be the more manifest . for truly , as well in the consul , citizen , and hunter , as in the canonist , the asthma stands in a poysonous seed , which hath gotten the spirit of some bowel for its root and inn. but the property of that seed is , to contract the pores of the lungs , whereby it gives passage for breath into the breast : the necessity of which constriction , doth presently appear in the teeth and gums : for it affecteth the whole body , because it is dispersed into the common archeus , the instrument to the whole body : for therefore do the reins suck the urine , the belly is loosened , the bowels do rumble , sanguification or bloud-making stumbles , the heart beats ; and at length , the lungs is contracted or drawn together , even no otherwise than as the cod under a desire of wantonizing . but the nest of the asthma is in the duumvirate ( of which i shall treat in a particular treatise ) to wit , from whence the government of the whole body dependeth : for otherwise , the evil doth not sit immediately in the inflowing spirit , the which indeed should be finished by one only fit : for unless it had obtained a stable root within , it should not repeat it self , as neither should it persevere . then in the next place , the character of the evil , which so long as it sleepeth in a stable part , it doth not seem that it can elle where be established , than from whence the government of the body doth depend , and so also it hath assumed the prerogative of the heart . the asthma therefore in this , is like to the falling-evil , the which , although it doth not strike the mind , doth not contract the sinews , or stir up swoonings ; yet it sleepeth in some seat ; whence at length it defiling the archeus with a certain contagion , if it doth not contract the sinews , yet at least wise , it doth the lungs . indeed , it hath a singular respect unto that bowel : yea , although it may seem with the like speed to contract the veins , kidneys , and liver ; yet there is not so manifest a hurting of these , as is felt in choaking : all which things are as yet more cleerly manifest in the citizen , and old man of sixty years of age : for this , reteined from his infancy , a spleen ill affected , and also fits of the falling-sickness , else , his lungs were free enough : but the other through the agony or passion of shame , of anger , revenge , and the modesty of commanding reason , sheweth , that the bowel in him was hurt , wherein the first motions of conceptions are enfolded . we may lawfully therefore , by a phylosophical liberty , name an asthma the falling-sickness of the lungs : indeed its nest is in the duumvirate ; it is also a disease of the whole body , as it shakes all the members before the fit , and so also sore shaketh the spirit the ruler of the whole body : notwithstanding it fructifes in the floor or region of the breast , and singularly respecteth the lungs themselves , as it were the scope & proper object of its property . that falling-sickness of the lungs is made by a poyson , which by its property doth affect the lungs , no otherwise than as a cantarides doth the instruments of the urme . there is indeed a certain poyson , which strikes the head and whole man into an epilepsie or falling-sickness , and much more insolently and wondrously , than that it should strain the lungs ; yet the rareness or slenderness of its affect , durst not compel unto the position or state of any epilepsie : when as notwithstanding , in the mean time , whatsoever cures an epileptical man of ripe years , doth also cure an asthmatical one . also i have seen a poyson to have arisen out of the womb , which would strain nothing but the ocsand , so as that a famous matron could scarce swallow any thing for three months . i came unto her , i knew her malady , and presently the lord healed her . for by reason of leanness and hunger , she was molested with a continual falling-sickness , and for . dayes she had one only stoole to the bigness of an acorn . in the consul indeed , the poyson consisteth in the spleen , and therefore it began with a fever , and doth alwayes so begin , because it was co-fermented in the same place with feverish beginnings : but in the hunter , about the mouth of the stomach ; and when it laid hold on him , he was free from feverish beginnings : and so also he begins his fit in manner of the falling-sickness ; and also his fit is daily , because the ferment of his asthma is con-centrical with the bowel imitating the harmony of the heart . in this , therefore , it communes with exceutricities of tempests ; but in the other , it doth not so readily hearken unto them : for on both sides , it ought to expect the ripeness of it self , and a co-mingling with the spirit of the whole body ; and therefore mountainous , and hot places do ripen and hasten the breaking forth of that seed , the which in another doth more easily break forth in watery and fenny conditions or seasons : else where , it being long silent , because requiring a severish seat which doth hasten the cast in poyson , and ripeneth it unto the period of its breaking forth . wherefore in speaking properly , the seed it self is the asthma and falling-sickness of the lungs , although it may be silent a good while : but while it is brought to maturity , now it is the apple of that tree , the root , fruit , on-set , and product of the lurking asthma . and because it riseth into act , by vertue of a vital government , and in manner of influences ; hence it suddenly invades , no otherwise than as a snare cast on the neck : for i esteem a man to be asthmatical , as well out of the fit , as within it ; because a true asthma is in him ; even as a pear-tree is as well a pear-tree in winter , as in autumn , while it hath pears . in the mean time i suppose every one is satisfied , at least that the aforesaid asthmaes do not owe their original to phlegm flowing down into the lungs , or to a supposed rheum or catarrhe , seeing they do suddenly invade , and are solved , without a manifest spitting out by reaching , which might have been able so to have exercised the lungs : yea if any thing , a little before the end of the fit , be by chance spit out , and that as little as may be ; that ought not to undergo the reason of a former , or occasional cause , but rather , it hath the room of a product ; to wit , from a great co-straightning , and unseasonable injury brought on the lungs . wherefore i am cruel , if i shall propose a remedy for a rheumy-head , or evapourating stomach . hence therefore , every one that will be a wise man and a christian , shall learn , that the careful diligenees of expectoratings in an asthma ( especially in a dry one ) by lickings , lohochs , syrupes , by bloud-letting , and loosenings medicines , by the drinks of china , sarsaparilla , or sassaphras ( which they falsely name dryers ) are vain , and by a spareness of diet , sweats , baths , cauteries , to wit , that they may stay , pull back , evacuate , consume , or turn away the foregoing , or conjoyned cause of an asthma , lifted up out of the stomach , or otherwise materially raining down out of the head. and therefore any undistinct remedies , hitherto attributed by a like indiscretion , unto coughs , and searched out by the frail events of fortune , are in vain : in the next place , vain are the beginings of flowrs of brimstone , however variously sublimed , in so great a malady : and hence are the counterfeited remedies of extracted . milk , and tinctures , although these do promise more confidently and speciously than others , and do infuse a hope , the more likely to be true , by so great a preparation . in like manner , i understood the co-fermentings , and promises of wine with colts-foots , and lung-remedies , to be vain : and the cause being certainly known unto me , i then at length , throughly viewed the paragraph or short sentence of paracelsns , concerning the asthma , stablished on a boasting of the author , together with his medicines of tartar , sulphur , bawm , &c. but i found the errhina or medicines that purge the head by the nostrils , the apophsegmatisms or purgers of phlegm by the palate , caps of saffron of the antients , and other medicines of the like fort , to be more foolish than these : likewise solutives or purgers by stool , and bloud-lettings , to be cruel ones ; because the dejecters of strength . i confess indeed that by those arts , the fits are now and then allayed , or chafed away & dispersed , & that that thing hath in times past deceived me ; but afterwards , it seriously repented me of my blockishness : i acknowledge , that i then spread masks and cloaks over diseases , that i healed none , but deluded as many as relyed themselves on my ignorance . therefore , after that i stood cast on the shoar , as unprofitable froath , by the storms of vulgar ignorance ; i greatly wondered , that the schools , & spires of so great wits , could not yet bid adieu unto the false persuasions of predecessors ; seeing the asthma is never taken away by any remedy , but by the remedy of a secret which may pierce all the paths of the body throughout the whole , that it may leave nothing unattempted : and so that by one only means , it overthrows the falling-sickness , with the asthma , and whatsoever , hath any where immediately fixed its seat in the dens of the body . i except the gowt , and the like diseases , which have taken up their inns immediately in the spirit of life . and when , in the mean time , i , as amazed , did seriously weigh my vileness or little esteem in the sight of wits in times past so great , i could not but presently ( falling down on my face ) praise the father of lights in the prayer of silence , in that he had given knowledge unto the little ones , which he had hidden from the wise of this world : seeing it is not of him that wills , runs , and labours ; but only of god that sheweth mercy . to whom be all honour and glory for ever . but forasmuch as sweet smels , sorrow , likewise sweetnesses of tast , did cause the asthma , i will not have it understood , as if an asthma should by it self be made from those causes ; seeing that in some women , the same things are grateful , and unhurtful : but in others , instead of an asthma , they bring forth the megrim , beatings of the heart , and swoonings : for all those particulars distempers do proceed from a singular fury of womt-madness . a certain rich elder , and of a good life , had never spent his youthful years in lust , or riot : in his th . year he becomes suddenly hoarse , he looseth by degrees his tone and voice , and expressed his words , being only formed by his breath : he after the hoarsness , wholly panting for breath , after a years time dyeth . his lungs being dissected , the hinder lobe of the left side is found hard , and stony like a pumice , and within , as it were a clot of bloud , had waxed brawny throughout his lungs : but where the rough artery is dispersed into four lobes , the clots were cheesy , of a middle consistence between a gristle and a pumice ; and many of those small stones were seen scattered throughout the region of the lungs . this good man did undergo a continual asthma , but not a returning one by fits ; yet his spittings did not exceed : for the nourishment of the last digestion is coagulated by a strange ferment , whence there is a rare asthma , a doubtful one between amoist and a dry . diggers , melters of mettals , seperaters , quiners , chymists ; & likewise artificers of aqua regis , cerusse , rea●-lead , verdigrease , vermilion , gilders , &c. are all of them presently taken with an asthma , because a gas breathed in with the ayr , doth vitiato the channels of the wind-pipe in the sixth digestion : from whence it comes to pass , that instead of an astimilating or likening of nourishment , it wholly degenerates into an excrement , according to the condition of the ferment transchanging : which being deteined , and subsisting , the aforesaid channels are stopped . but because the sixt digestion it self hath contracted a stain in its vital powers , from the impression of a contagion proper to ones country , or a real adhering of the same : therefore daily , yea and houtly , such a new excrement is bred even until death , which is even at the doors , where the expulsive faculty is not sufficient for expelling of the bred excrement by cough : and therefore , they are then choaked with an asthma . for the gas : of some minerals also , do from their property , presently choak , no otherwise than as a hidden pin doth a dog. for the fume of the mercury ( the which , however it be masked , yet is alwayes mercury ) doth presently stop up and constrain the wind-pipe : for because it abhorreth poyson , the jaws do presently contract themselves , from the presence of an enemy . likewise , every hurtful gas doth by its in-breathing , vitiate the digestion of the lungs : and those filths , the witnesses of the broughton injury , do presently bring the tragedy to a conclusion , if they shall the more toughly adhere to them ; because a new off-spring of filths is continually bred . therefore the poyson of an endemical gas being drawn in , the fainting lungs doth presently bring forth an asthma . so also notable cold , as it over-masters the strength of the lungs , produceth a moist asthma , because it there destroies digestion . another asthmatical person is suddenly strangled , although he duely cast forth his spittings : the cause was sought for by anatomy : there were but very few excrements found in his lungs : but the right lobe , behind , was grown to the pleura or inner skin of the sides . the physitians being content that they had found the knot of the matter ; behold they say , the cause of his sudden death : for the lungs could not mooue themselves , and therefore being choaked , he perished . i being as yet but a young man , smiled , not believing that the lungs ( the which i then as yet believed to be necessarily and continually moved ) had perhaps for one small hour , so firmly grown to the pleura backwards ( especially in one sitting ) that indeed burstness it self , being compelled inwards , and straightly pressed together , should grow together unto the lip its companion , so much against its will , even while resting in ones bed . in the mean time , that this growing to , of that which was continual , being rent asunder , should be from the betokening sign of nature ; not likewise of the pleura to the lungs , both whereof , their own coat , and scope of nature did distinguish . i despised these rashnesses of the schools for the future , the more , after that i had dissected some souldiers ( that were suddenly slain ) for that things sake . for i had seen the lungs grown to the ribs behind , in those that were in good health , and whom , no difficulty of breathing had before pressed . among others , a certain exceeding swift irish-man , being killed with a dagger by the foot-men of the marquess of winchester , and dissected , shewed both the lobes of his lungs to be grown to his ribs . but if thou shalt accuse the vice of the formative faculty , or a monster ; thou shalt likewise confesse it to be agreeable unto birds : for anatomists , when as they no where find feigned humours , yet they promise to prostitute every cause of death by the knife : first of all , they admire , then also they are earnestly angry , that death should happen without their leave : for as if they had their hope and remedy in their knife , they rejoyce , that they have found a part in a dead carcass , whereto they may attribute death . and then they cry out ; behold a noble bowel hath long since failed by putrifying . neither is it in the power of the physician , that the sick may alway find relief . and so physitians do for the most part , cover their error , and comfort heirs by trifles , kinse-men are amazed , and do conceive a comfort from the necessity of death . as though the putrefaction of a bowel had fore-existed many months before , which a gangrene in the outward parts killeth in a few daies . indeed the nest from whence death comes , is indeed disposed unto death by degrees ; but it begins to putrifie an an instant , death approaching ; and it putrifies sooner than otherwise , dead carcases do , because it is nourished with luke-warmth . i conjectured , that that asthmatical person died , because he being ( long before ) vexed with beatings of the heart , also with an intermitting pulse , the poyson at length attaining the properties of an asthma , had stopped up the pores whereby the lungs breath into the breast . for the action of government in the duumvirate , doth no where more cleerly appear than in the asthma , falling evill , giddiness of the head , drowsie evill , apoplexy , and such like : to wit , where no slain or defilement meets in the bowel , and in the next place , no detaining of that stranger is seen , which may stuffe up the pores : for i have taken notice of an old man , who if he did meditate the longer in his bed , he presently breathed with difficulty . a certain snorter , with an noise of phlegms , was hardly heard ; he was constrained to sit upright , that all things might allay : otherwise , although laying along , he did expectorate very many filths , others notwithstanding did presently after spring up ; to wit , presently assoon as the mouth of the stomack was vexed a straightness of the lungs was present , and those filths were uncessantly made from a shutting of the pores : for the breast being raised upright , there is a greater liberty of the pores , and thereupon a right or straight breathing brings ease : and so for that cause , much off-spring of spittle was put in place , as long as a strictness of the pores remained . thus sense hath taught the discursive faculty these things . furthermore , because some hurtful things being usually eaten , that strictness or straightness doth arise ; it is a sign unto us , that the exciting cause of that straightness , and progeny of phlegms doth not arise from the lungs , but from elsewhere : from the mouth of the stomack i say , ( which now possesseth the name of the heart , because it also brings on the like sumptoms ) the first or chiefe motions do arise . wherefore watchings , with careful meditation , do stir up a sleeping asthma , by reason of the difficulties caused in the parts busied in meditating . so also giddinesses of the head which survive from yester-daies gluttony or drunkenness , or from the tossing of the sea , are taken away by vomiting : for not because those filths contain a whirling in them ; but because they do trouble or hinder the duumvirate in the mouth of the stomack . now i will speak of the man of sixty years old . for this man in the beginning , never suffered a disturbance of breathing , but in an ascending , and swift motion : and else , he hath an open , free breathing , and that according to his wish : wherefore he wants the asthma of a proper name : for although he hath tender lungs , and those impatient of cold , and through colds , fruitful in much excrement ; yet in respect of these , he undergoes rather a cough , than an asthma . but why is his breathing straightned in time of motion ? is it from a matter● imposthume , or a corrupt swelling enclosed within ? but it is manifest , that not from either of these two ; because being out of motion , he feels neither pain in his brest , neither doth he draw constrained air in rest . that which is to be noted in him , is a quartane making its residence in his spleen , of a child , and sometimes stirring up his swoonings , in so tender a health and commotion of his lungs , the which , sleep failing , doth not bear the labour of cogitations , but it frameth snorting phlegms : for it cleerly appeareth , what i have elsewhere said : that the lungs in man , is a member which first dieth , and the rather in this man , who was given to spittings from his youth . what if the lungs do breath air into the breast through a thousand pores or little holes , and of the same are stopped up , shall not spitting out by reaching occasionaily increase in cold seasons ? but at least wise the doubt is not solued , why he walking with a swift pace , up a steep place , or in a plain , doth not equally pant for breath , as in climbing with a slow step : or why his hear then beateth ? but the schools have added a ready cause : to wit , because every motion doth of its own nature , stir up smoaks , and therefore the more smoakinesses do accompany the greater motion , for expelling whereof , a more swift breathing is required : but they say nothing : for truly , besides the supposition of a false-hood , the same doubt doth as yet remain , as before : to wit , why a swift motion in a plain , and a swifter , together with a jogging of the whole body , in descending , doth not stir up so many smoaks , as a slow motion , in climbing a steep or hilly street by degrees , doth ? for the trouble of slow ascent , is not of the bowels , or lungs , but of the shanks or legs : shall therefore those plenty of smoakinesses be made in the muscles of the legs , which may provoke the breast to pant for breath , and the heart to beat ? and shall smoaks find a way from the superficies to the center , which nature should rather expel by the pores , than to call back inwards ? and then let them explain , what they understand by the etymology of smoaks . for their aristotle reckons up only 〈◊〉 : to wit , a moist one , which he calls a wa●ery vapour : and a dry or oylicone , which he names an exhalation . also chymistry adde a third , unknown to the 〈…〉 a body it self doth ascend from things to knit unto it , in manner of a smoak , and 〈…〉 it self to the ribs or sides of vessels , it is called a sublimate : so sulphur , ars●●●ck , camphour , mercury , the fire-stone , zinck , sal armoniac , &c. do afford their own vapours , undistinct from their auntient body . i in the next place , have adjoyned a forth smoakiness ; to wit , while a solide body , by virtue of a ferment , is disposed into a flatus or windy blast , or wild gas. but seeing the peripateticks have acknowledged only the two former , the galenick schools have also undistinctly understood them both , by the name of smoakinesses . but first of all , that waterish vapours cannot be admitted , i do even from hence collect ; to wit , because then , sweats flowing forth more plentifully in summer , also the body being quiet , they should of necessity , more vex this a●ehmatical man , even than an ascending upwards in a more cold air ; which is false . but if therefore , under the name of smoakiness , they do understand an exhalation ; it is certain in the first place , that those are not stirred up , unless , the watery ones shall first fail : seeing that doth not so come to pass in living persons ; of necessity also , for want of a smoakiness , the schools do not understand themselves , in their aforesaid reason , as neither in either columne of the pulses , demonstrated in the chapter of the blas of the pulses . neither at length , that by the name of smoaks , both vapours together , are understood , it is manifest : for if by a like degree of heat , dry things with moist , cannot equally climbe , or be seperated from their whole entire bodies , it follows , that the smoaks assigned are not to be granted , nor are they for the cause . but go to , let impossible and unnamed smoakinesses be supposed , which they will have to breath forth out of us by an unsensible transpiration , yet , they are not yet examined , whether they war under the vapours , or indeed of exhalations : because the schools have been ignorant , that the whole blood in us is blown away by a far different help , than that of heat . but at least wise by the rule of false-hood , let us examine , where those supposed smoaks are stirred up by an ascending upward , & that a moderate one , which else , in a more swift going , are quiet : for are they stirred up in the lungs themselves ? so that they may spur up these unto the necessities of passing away : but the lungs are never moved , whether the legs do ascend or descend : and the lungs are ( otherwise ) supposed , to breath freely in the aforesaid old man : what therefore doth ascending touch the lungs , that they may belch forth the more plentiful smoakinesses ? but , if smoaks are stirred up in the legs , as labouring the more strongly ; why at least wise , after feeding , is ascending more difficult as to the breath , than with a fasting stomack ? do therefore the schools understand the smoakinesses of meats ? but why shall those molest the legs after meat ? but if the more plentiful number of smoaks are reckoned to be made in the heart , or the shop-bowells ; yet this at least is to confound the spirit of life with a smoak , a bowel with an emunctory , & to have held the reason alleadged in the chapter of the blas of man , of no esteem . but if therefore smoaks , are judged to be the smells & vapours arising from meats ; but they will have them to be brought in a straight line to the head , & so to bring forth catarrhs ; at leastwise they are in no wise brought into the heart . for neither is it a meet thing , but it is a new invention , that the heart should be provoked with the smells of meats . neither is the membrans of the stomack so passable , that it doth admit , of another utterance or passage , besides the throat and the pylorus , for belching and breaking wind , the which notwithstanding , are far more thin than vapours . why therefore , the legs being moved by ascending , should so many smoakinesses be made , which do reach the heart ? do require a difficulty of breathing ? and the which , else , by a more swift steep motion , do not arise ? for if they by chance are formed in the veins and arteries , or without the same ; yet it do not as yet from thence appear , why a slower ascent and motion may bring forth more smoaks in the vessels , than a swift motion of the same muscles , in descending . but if the aforesaid smoaks be bred without the vessels , now besides the absurdity before rehearsed , likewise , by what way , shall smoakinesses so suddenly proceed from thence , unto the heart and lungs ? seeing otherwise , if one that is not asthmatical , swiftly running , should have any smoaks , they should , together with the sweat , sooner exhale out thorow the skin , than they should desire the inward parts by a retrograde motion . wherefore , there is another cause , for the sake whereof the breast is strained , the heart beateth , the jaws wax dry , although the mouth being shut , they do breath with difficulty , only through the nostrils , but the tongue is froathy about the teeth , and the cheek do fall : indeed by the same cause , all that are in good health in their lungs , are distinguished , and are free from every cough , and asthma ; one whereof nevertheless , is preferred before the other , in a wise and longer running without difficulty of breathing . therefore our man of sixty years old , doth more difficulty climbe h●lly places , and after meat , most difficulty ; and as oft ●he pants for breath , his knees wax feeble . shall therefore meat and drink make smoaks , whereby the strength of the knees doth decay ? if this be true : but then that shall happen also to those that are not asthmatical , who notwithstanding , having taken no meat , are the stronger . but they will say ; the stomack being filled , a vacuum or emptiness is diminished in the breast . rightly spoken : but this is to have gone back from a smoak , and to have fled unto the anguishs of place . why therefore likwise , do not all breath with difficulty after meat , in a modeeate a scending if the region of the breast be equally diminished in all , after meat is taken ? is perhaps the region of the breast extended by descending , or walking in a plain ? a reason indeed is given of a less breathing after meat , than before : but it squares not to the question , to wit , why in climbing with a mean pace , any one doth pant for breath , who by any the more fwift motion through a plain way , is not short-winded ? but inasmuch as that doth more vex one after meat , it is rightly argued from an unequal straightness of place ; but the lungs are not pressed together by a stomack moderately filled , that they may thereby become difficult in breathing : for else , why after making water , and going to stool , also after breaking winds , is this man of sixty years old , equally panting for breath , and short-winded in a climbing motion ? indeed being fasting ( and more strongly after feeding ) he feels , in moving upwards , as it were a girdle in his ribs , a beating pulse , and interruptingly happening on him : but nevertheless , he breaths in a long breath , at pleasure , without hinderance , that is , he hath his lungs open and free , although breathing with difficulty , and his spittings are freequent , and froathy ; but throughout all a cold season , much spitting , with expulsion by reaching , most like unto gumme dragon dissolued : but besides he coughs very seldome . truly as i have not had any thing as to cleernesses , for the knowledge of diseases , from predecessours ; i at first considered , that all asthmatical persons do undergo some vice of the lungs , an external obtructer being there grown together , or an internal one , to wit , which is co-thickned in the outward mouths of the rough artery , whereby they breath into the breast : but forthwith , neither of them pleased me , because the asthma doth suddenly invade some persons , and forsakes the● without any notable spitting : also , the aforesaid man of sixty years old , doth swiftly , and freely draw a long breath , without hinderance : yea , he sitting , and that in the smoak , doth no less freely breath , than indeed any healthy person . i considered therefore whether perhaps , the muscles of the legs being the more deeply contracted , and elevated by ascending , and the which otherwise , walking in a plain , or steep ground , do as it were hang down , the belly of the muscle being in the mean time , . globy , in ascending , and pressing its artery together , might contain a nearer cause of difficult breathing . do therefore in this motion , the muscles hinder the arteries , and also the pulse of the same , by successive turns , that hence the ascending may be with a more difficult breathing ? next , i considered , whether in ascending , the breath be a little longer retained , than otherwise , in a plain or steep motion ? indeed every one doth more press his breath together , while he intends to moove any thing the more strongly . thirdly , i considered , that in ascending , the breath is interrupted almost at every pace ; no otherwise , than at if any one should at every pace , say ha , ha , whereas otherwise , in a steep or plain motion , there is one only and continual ha , not interrupted by rest . i doubted also , whether the lungs do labour with a passion of its own , and the bowel be in a climbing motion , intent , not to expel smoakinesses , how great a conceived errour soever it may overcome . i also beheld or considered , that any one doth more easily walk seven hours space , than stand five ; because in standing the muscle of both knee-pans is continually bent on both sides ; which in going , rejoyceth in a coursary rest : but he that goeth , doth more difficultly breath , than he that standeth ; because many muscles do successively labour in going : but in standing , although they are bent , yet they are not moved : whence , i learned , that a cheerful motion of many muscles , doth make one to breath the more difficultly . lastly , although every one of these considerations should have some weight in them ; yet all being connexed in one , they could not yet satisfie the question proposed ; to wit , why a slower ascending motion doth cause difficulty of breathing , but not a swifter descending one : wherefore i have added to these things , that in a moving upwards , how — slow soever the straight muscles of the neather belly do stretch themselves , that they suffrnot the belly to be sufficiently lifted up . truly the breast and ribs , are indeed , in difficult breathing , more largly stretched out ; but ( as i have taught concerning catarrhs ) the motion of the ribs is not primary and principal for breathing , but only an asistant , while the principal one is not sufficient : therefore the belly not being sufficiently extended , a difficulty of breathing is presently hastened ; to wit , it being willing to recompence the fore-going errours and defect . nevertheless , although it may be lawful from the aforesaid considerations , to prove a greater necessity of difficult breathing ; yet at leastwise , they do nothing convince , why there is a straightned breathing in our man of sixty years old , but otherwise , in a healthy person , not any at all : and seeing in the man of sixty years old , the lungs do want obstruction , even as is manifest from the signs supposed ; it must needs be also , that his defect be fetched from elsewhere , especially , seeing he feels in his abdomen or lower belly the place of his stomack , pressings together , the causes of his asthma : therefore his asthma is from the spleen being ill affected , and that from the duumvirate , and the cause is stirred up by an ascending motion ( otherwise sleeping ) by reason of the considerations above , which by the action of government , doth otherwise , strain a weak lungs , by aspect only , no otherwise than as was declared concerning a dry asthma ; whither a lurking falling-sickness , the pain of the spleen after riding , the sore shaking of the whole body , in riding , &c. do tend : moreover that i may give the more safe judgment , whether the lungs did labour by a passion of its own , or indeed by a secondary passion ; i busily enquired , whether he felt carnal copulation troublesome unto him ; and he confessed to me , that before the asthma was manifested , venus had hurt him , that after the flesh lyact he felt cold in his breast , a looseness in his muscles , and fainting threatned unto him ; but involuntary pollutions , that he experienced no such thing : at length in his old age , presently after a seldome carnal act , that he perceived a snorter of phlegms in his rough artery , or else , silence : whence i certainly conjectured , that seeing from an infant , he had retained his spleen troubled by a quartane-ague , and falling-sickness , and that the milt is the nest of carnal lust , because in the case proposed , the duumvirate strikes the lungs with a right line , especially being prostrated by an unequal strength ; that the provoking , and radical cause of his asthma was in the spleen ; yet so , as that the lungs doth not altogether want blame , although it labour not with the first or chief affect of the asthma : for it sufficeth , that it is trodden down by an unequal strength , that the duumvitate may exercise on it its own diseasie tyranny : for if the lungs should labour with an asthma from a primary or first affect or moving , they should continually pant for breath , and breath forth a difficult air . indeed a thin or slender poyson layes hid in the duumvirate , which is the cause of this dry asthma , ordinarily fast a sleep in it self , nor awakened but by too much motion ; and so in climbing , sooner than in descending ; for the considerations of the oblique muscles of the bottom of the belly , afore-touched : neither doth that poyson strike the heart , and lungs materially , in manner of an exhalation , vapour , or smoakiness , but by the action of government : and seeing the heart doth beat , the pulse is inordinate , and also a great and frequent panting for breath is desired : and the place between the navil and mouth of the stomack , is vexed from one only cause stirred up , and by one only motion , and after a like manner , it becomes undoubted , that there is one only poyson which may affect the vital power of the heart , and lungs . then also , he is vexed more grievously , manifestly , and cruelly every year , because an unacceptable guest abiding in the spleen , doth daily through old age , become more troublesom . and these things i have more strongly concluded with my self , because that asthmatical man doth complain , that for many years , his left hand was now and then astonied or stupified , and that he was cold in the palm or hollow of his hand , under the auricular or ear vein , and likewise that his left shoulder did greatly pain him , although laden with a light habite , if he walketh the farther , although but modestly : for i have observed , that all splenetick persons , when the spleen begins by reason of old age , to fail of its office , do difficultly breath . this therefore is sufficient to be spoken concerning the asthma of the man of sixty years of of age : one thing only , i will here note ; to wit , that his left hand , in the length of the palm , doth pain him , through cold piercing it , and likewise that his fingers are now and then benummed from the discommodities of his spleen : that that is made by the action of government . but if the schools do command , that that comes to pass by reason of blind vapours , at leastwise , let them strew the way , whereby they may go thitherto . the archer therefore ; of this asthma is in the duumvirate ; but his mark is the lungs . therefore there is a two-fold asthma , a moist , and a dry one : that indeed hath found its name from a plenteous spitting by reaching , and for the most part , is made by the proper vice of the lungs , and so is continual , and doth more trouble one at seasons , the cold and the moist , in old age , weakness , and things a-kin to death : but a dry asthma is for the most part , interrupted : and even as it tumultuously sore shaketh the whole body ( even the teeth ) with a confusion of the vital spirits , it must needs be the falling-sickness of the lungs , wherein the lungs alone suffereth a constraining or convulsion of it self , because it causeth a straining together of the pores thereof : for in this asthma , the whole archeus is defiled in its root ; some part ( to wit , the womb , or spleen , &c. ) doth first affect the inbred spirit of the lungs by the action of government : and therefore , from an invisible , and sudden immaterial storm , the whole body is sore shaken , and is again suddenly restored to an unhoped for health . in vain therefore are openings of the pores hitherto unknown , attempted in a dry asthma ; and in vain are many and easie expectoratings , because they are cloakative and vain helps , as many as are intent on products or effects : indeed vain are the remedies which are wont to be administred in coughs , seeing the cough doth most far differ from a dry asthma . but a moist asthma , although it for the most part produceth the cough , that it may expectorate the produced snivelliness , yet it is severed from the cough in the whole particular kind ; because it is wont to be bred from many causes : for it hath either a mattery imposthume , or some secret phlegm obstructing in the very bowel it self , or an imprinted mark of some cold , or some other injury , from whence it may bring forth many muckinesses or snivels , and corrupt its proper nourishment . oft-times also those muckinesses are stirred up , not so much from the malady of the bowe● as from the weakness of the wandring keeper : although this kind of vice , 〈…〉 rather bring forth a cough than an asthma , yet they do easily happen or agree together for the unequal strength of the lungs , and obstruction thereof : the feeble keeper doth easily faint at any adverse things brought against him , such as are smoaks or fumes , and the gas of minerals , mettals , and strong chymical waters , the which indeed , do so hurt the very power of the bowel , that for the future , it ceaseth not to bring forth continual phlegms , from its own nourishments : the presence whereof constraineth such artificers to struggle with a continual asthma , cough , and spitting forth by reaching . in the next place , an asthma is partly dry , and partly moist ; to wit , which by reason of receiving endemicks , drawn by a slender supping , or snuffing up , doth affect the tender lungs ; and that doth not , but by some endemical injuries offered , or otherwise , sink under an inordinacy of life , and is exasperated . lastly , a scirrhus or hard swelling in the skin , the dropsie , &c. although they bring forth the affect of difficult breathing , yet , seeing they are burthened with a strange weight , they are not the asthma . but the jaundise , by a poyson proper to it , produceth a dry asthma . last of all , those remedies are due to a dry asthma , which are for an inveterate falling-sickness : but great comforters , and restoratives , as well in respect of the lungs , as of the keeper , art required for a moist asthma . now i will add my own observations concerning the cough , by reason of the nearness or affinity of an asthma , and the cruelties of a catarrh : for i am wont to be taken with a stuffing in the head or pose , because my head is weakned , and doth suffer an unequal strength through the injuries of distillations . but i have understood my pose to be , as oft as the wandring keeper had dashed snivel , about , or within the ethmoides or spongie or straining bone . the pose therefore arising , if in the same evening , i shall breath into my nostrils a sneezing powder of black helebour and sugar of equal quantity , on the morning following , i am for the most part better : but if i shall do that to an inveterate pose , it doth not so easily depart : yea i have profited so much by that sneezing powder , that now i could endure the evening air without hurt : wherefore neither , doth a foolish person ( according to the poets ) vainly stand in need of helebour . for although there are very many vomitive medicines : yet helebour seemeth peculiarly to profit the head : therefore the shivel , doth at first , drop down like salt water through the nostrils , and jawes , on the same side ( if not on both sides ) whereon the soongie bone is beset : but the jaws hardly bearing the unaccustomed snivel , are wont thereby , together with the adjacent parts , to wax red , and become swollen with inflamation : and the snivel waxeth thick and yellow , as if that which is stuffed into the spongy bone , did ( instead of a ferment ) continually infect the ●●●ivel falling down . indeed the wandring keeper perceiving the enemy dashed on him , doth first endeavour to wash him off , with thin snivel . i being about to speak of the cough , have begun with the pose , because this , if it be strong , doth stir up and fore go the cough : and that i have alwaies observed . therefore in the first dayes of the pose , a certain dry small cough , with an itching of the rough artery , doth molest , and sometimes causeth hoarsness ; but oft-times , a tickling only in the wind-pipe , one or two fingers below the chin . if there be carelesness of a remedy , yellow , tough , and much snivel is wiped off ; yea and by an easie cough knocked out : there was hope thereupon , that in a short time the affect would be loosed of its own accord : neglect increaseth , and the external injury is urgent . in the mean time , the pipe or channel unto the instrument of smelling , or spongy bone , is wholly stopt up with a strange guest : thence a plentiful and glewie snivel is powred thorow the nostrills , otherwise wide or open enough ; straightway after , a like snivel is expelled by a cough : but that this is generated in the lungs , but not that it drops down from the head into the rough artery , i have already convinced concerning rheums : and i add , that although all of what sort is detained within the wind-pipe and the more near branches thereof , be cast forth in the morning by the cough , and that afterwards the breath is free ; yea i being attentive , from the region of sight , that the tongue is often suppressed , contemplated , whether the lest muckiness doth threaten a falling into the jaws , and be dispatched by spitting with reaching : nevertheless i presently thereupon , certainly found , that a snorting in the wind-pipe , and tingling out of the breast , is under-heard , and a saffrony , and tough snivel follows after by intervals , yea by how much the more i shall cough , by so much my labour is the more apt to cough , and i am the more constrained to cough : for i have certainly found a daily generating of the same snivel in the lungs . secondly , that my pose doth hurt and take away , not only my smelling , but also my tasting , although distinguished or seperated in a peculiar organ : so as now and then , i could not taste a clove . i learned therefore by my malady , that the defect was not only conversant about the organ of smelling , or in the stuffed bone ; but also that i felt a blemish propagated into the neighbouring brain , whence the tastive sinews were made companions of the contagion : wherefore i further discerned , that the brain being thus defiled by the borrowed blemish , did infect its own keeper , which afterwards affecteth the other neighour-keeper with its weakness ; wherefore a cough is thus oft-times bred by a pose , and that cough according to the tenour of this pose , is extended , promoted , and continued : yet the same injury , doth oft-times , by a like action at once , affect , as well the keeper of the brain , as that of the wind-pipe : but that the brain doth immediately infect the lungs into this blemish , by the action of government , this might be a reason to me , because the aforesaid man of sixty yeers old , if he had offended his mind with a more fervent contemplation , and had made half the night restless , presently , without offence of the keeper , he found a snorting to arise , and phlegms to be ingendred in him , which would not be stayed in growing , unless the disquietness of his mind being first appeased by sleep : for it belongs to a family-authority , if the duumvirate be able badly to season the head , lungs , and other parts , that the head doth snatch the parts beneath it , into its own client-ship or protection . i have likewise also observed this , that as oft as the cough did proceed from a pose , so often , remedies which do cure the pose , do also heal the cough ; and such a cough is easily known by a slow small fever , a more coloured urine , and then the propagation of snivel is more continual : for that is the fever of a head ill disposed , and communicating its own grief unto inferiour parts : for there is a prerogative of the head in this , that although the cough shall happen upon a pose , yet they are both ended together : and then , although thou shalt cleanse thy nostrills wholly of all snivel , yet the cough arising , snivel doth forth with flow abundantly out of the nostrils . therefore there is a great co-resemblance of action between the head and the lungs ; not indeed that the head doth lay up its own portions or conditions into the lungs , but as at the hurting of the smelling , the brain takesaway together with it , the tasting also : so also it wrests the lungs into the union of it self , because both bowels are of one nourishment , also both keepers do generate a co-like snivel of the same , as a vassal bewails the chance or fortune of his prince . then in the next place , there is the more stri●● necessity to the head with the lungs , because both bowels do conspire in the government of the keeper , readily seeming for the same end : these things are thus to be pressed from the root , that the cure may be directed unto the roots , unto the antecedent , that is , to the freeing of the spongy bone : for truly , the cough being sprung from the action of government , whatsoever cough is in the lungs by accident , ceaseth , the pose being removed . a coughing person , if he sit , the snivel doth the less snort in the wind-pipe , his breath is more free , and his expectorating more easie , ( for hence is the name of orthopnea or upright breathing with difficulty ) when as otherwise , if snivel should distil from above into the wind-pipe , it should hasten downwards rather in sitting than in laying ; which is false : therefore also the antecedent . for if it should fall down from the head into the lungs , it should descend with less trouble , and should be more easily received in the lungs , as long as at the beginning of the pose , it is exspunged in manner of water : it should then ( i say ) easily full up the lungs , and by its quantity , intercept the breath : but at the beginning of a pose , there is yet no cough , and next , no difficulty of breathing : therefore there is no falling down of snivel out of the head into the lungs , in a cough . but as touching a cough , which is made by the proper malady of the lungs , and not from the pose , i have already treated before . but as to that which concerns remedies , first of all , soporiferous or sleep-causing things do ease the cough , and the pose , as they do also appease a pleurisie from sumptomatical affects : and i conquer the cough with those remedies , wherewith i do the pleurisie . there are also in the next place , other coughs , never arising from a pose , but from a corruption of contagion of the air , also from an unseasonable impression of the greatest cold ; and the lungs are offended in their strengthening or liveliness , no otherwise than as is the wandring keeper before the door : but the excrement which hath overflown longer than was meet , about the utmost parts or ends of the rough artery , is hardened , and moreover affords a difficult breathing . and the lungs being weary of this guest , do shew forth tokens of their wearisomness , by spitting out of the vitiated excrement , by reaching : and if that excrement be not chased away by coughs , or inwardly , it ends into a mattery imposthume , and consumption . but a sitting life hath oft-times brought this evil ; wherefore i have alwaies perswaded unto exercises which provoke difficulty of breathing , whereby excrements may be expectorated or cast out of the breast , and the over-flowing by force of the air , may be hindered : surely no otherwise , than as havens of the sea , do require waters flowing on their back , which do wash off sand from thence : for otherwise , the filth subsisting , the lungs cannot choose but sustain a hurting of their liveliness , bring forth many and divers spittles , according to the disposition of the blemish received . such coughs have an adhering and strange filth , and do successively beget another , which afterwards do end into difficulties of breathing , asthmaes , gnawings of the vessels , and of the substance of the bowel : many of these defects , because they witness a weakness of the vital strength in the bowel , are difficultly restored , and less in old age . but an asthma sprung from thence , hath as many floud-gates of air shut , as there are little mouths dedicated to breathing : and this is the difference of degrees , in a greater and less straightness of breathing : but the filths or spittles which do bewray themselves in these affects , are not so much the original causes of the cough , as they bear the relation of a product for new coughs continually : for they grow alwaies anew for them , because a hateful guest being within , doth not cease to stir up new filths from the last digestion . indeed such is the negligence of this bowel , and the command of external things over the wandring keeper . but the remedies which do as well cure the falling-sickness of the lungs , or dry asthma , as those which cure a moist one , ought to be renewers , and to arise unto the largness of a general kind : because they are such which ought to contain a restoring of the weakness contracted : to wit , these are the greater secrets of paracelsus , of which elsewhere : and likewise which do sympathetically overcome every disease ; for arcanum's do by an every way purifying , take away any diseases : but seeing they do not infuse new strength into the vitiated part , as neither do take away the evil impression of the implanted spirit ; surely , the lost strength is not after any sort to be restored , but by sympathetical remedies . but that some fruit may be cropped from what hath been said before . i will relate one example out of ordinary and domestical ones . a certain old man did snort after a wonderful manner , so that he seemed sometimes to sing , sometimes also to snort with his weasand : that he being oftimes raised upright all night , was also compelled to sleep in sitting , and he uttered less noyse , and fewer phlegms , sitting than laying : his physitians therefore , refreshed him with meat-broaths perfectly boyled , with a more strong and plentiful nourishment , least he should fail of much spitting out by reaching , or should suffer a consumption of the lungs which they said was threatned : yet he felt himself better under fastings , and in time of lent , then presently after easter : but his physitians did accuse , sometimes the north-wind , but then the rain ; but not his much juicie and more strong nourishments . but i went occasionally to see the man , and when i seriously minded all things in my power , i presently shewed that that generation of phlegms , had its domestical or homebred cause in the lungs ; but not that it did slide down from above into the lungs , or that his lungs did languish with a secondary passion . and moreover , as the generating of phlegm was made in the lungs it self ; so also , the plenty or abundance thereof did not proceed from an increase of a diseasifying cause , but rather from the abounding of good and much juycie nourishment : so as that evil would most certainly come , from whence others divined good to come , who scoffed at me with a secret loud laughter . and when i endeavoured to wipe of , and strengthen my assertion with wine ; to wit , that the moderate drinking of wine would fortifie him , whom otherwise , the excesse of the same wine would render subject to much spitting ; yet when as they would not fall , being smitten by one weapon , i descended unto the experience of lent and easter now gone and past : and that ( indeed ) forthwith after easter , he more plentifully spat by reaching , and did more troublesomly snort . but in fastings , he was scarce , or at leastwise little mindful of these . wherefore for deciding of the question , i said there was need of proof , and that i was ( at least ) to be as much boren with , as other unptosperous helpers hitherto : wherefore after a more sparing and hard food ( the which indeed might satisfie a hungry stomack in digesting , although not so desired a fulness of bloud ) the orthopnea or difficult upright breathing was presently diminished , which afterwards , by a continued moderation of abstinence , afforded quietnesses of the night : for as the lungs being ill affected , the more excrementous phlegm is begotten ; so , by how much the more plentiful matter is present , the same excrement doth the more abound : because it is not made ( this something ) but by a matter the more nearly disposed : for neither is that phlegm , whether it be thin and watery , or next , more gross and tough , but from a mass of matter the more a kin and disposed ; to wit , the which also fayling , the vital bloud it self is transchanged , & passeth over into these excrements . there is indeed , a watery liquor of juyce wandring throughout all the veins in the body , receiving diverse masks of a watery excrement , and putting on diverse idea's ; no otherwise than as water wherein the bark of the teile-tree , or the root of comphry have been sleeped , dissembles the shew of a phlegm : also the very white of an egge , on the first day is milky , the which , by a voluntary motion , doth presently snatch to it the thickness of glew : the which , in a pose is more cleerly seen ; where a liquour which is salt on the first daies , distilleth like water ; and then in the following daies becometh snivelly . but in a consumption of the lungs , while the spittle , of venal bloud , begins to wax snivelly , the snivel at first , seems to be yellow and thick , which afterwards becomes of an ashie colour , and at length inclines more towards black : because then they are the excrements of transchanged venal bloud , no longer the co-mixtures of the juyce or liquor latex . indeed after this sort , both keepers who do at first frame thick snivel out of the latex , afterwards , the keeper wandring , it presently departs into a watery brine , and again is thickned assoon as the error of the keeper is corrected : for the keeper , as well of the brain as of the lungs , is made subject to diverse injuries and unclemencies of air , and therefore he calls to him the liquor latex on every side , being swollen with anger , through error , that he may compel it to go back or depart into excrements like unto his own passion . therefore those snivelly excrements are formed of the mass of the liquor latex ; on which mass , a certain hurtful blot of error is sometimes imprinted , so as as the more liquid and unripe or raw bloud is transchanged together with it , into snivel . indeed , the venal bloud it self , is by both wandring keepers violently alienated into snivel , as well in the lungs , as head , no otherwise than as the venal bloud in an ulcer , doth assume the form of corrupt pus and sanies . therefore , besides the alterations of both the aforesaid keepers ; no seldom impression is branded on every part , whereby the digestion of every member is mightily hurt , or turned inward : by which chance , i call such an evil impression , the tormenter of a member , the hinderer of digestion , and depraver of the last nourishment . about which indeed , the whole scope and hinge of healing ought to be conversant . therefore the keeper of the wind-pipe is as well provoked above , by the injuries of the air , as beneath , and by a homebred indisposition of his own lungs . let these things be thus , concerning the masse dedicated to the keepers , and touching a masse bedewed for the last nourishment of the joints : wherein , whatsoever is vitiated through want of integrity , that also increaseth into the occasions of many infirmities : and by how much the worse masse or immediate matter of which , shall wash against them , by so much the more powerful also , is the prick of diseases sprung from thence : and by consequence , abstinence , and fulness , of much juycie food , are fruitful means , as well to cure , as to make weak or sick . therefore not any of the liquor latex rusheth head-long out of the head , which also sets upon us in the shew of snivel , the white of an egg , thin sanies , thick pus , and corrupt matter like hony : for through the error of the digestions , and other impressions , offences and vices do happen in the members , obvious with diverse faces : which thing surely is to be diligently noted with a pen of steel , where the curings and healings of sicknesses are intended . hence the error of cauteries or searing medicines is confirmed : for issues do in some place profit , not indeed , because they do evacuate the descending matter of a rheume , divert it , derive it , or draw it elsewhere ; but as they diminish the whole lump as well of the liquor latex ; as of the nourishable venal bloud . in the mean time , issues do not a whit detract from , or think of an error of the members , and of a disease there stamped or characterized : because they are not for the taking away or moderating of a homebred destroyer , or diseasie it disposition : and therefore neither do rheums fall downwards ; but only defects are created by the destroyer , in the part wherein this dwelleth , or he hath his object , and government . in this path , barley broaths , those of sarsaparilla , china , and the like decoctions are considered : the which besides an elementary drink , do administer one far estranged from true nourishment and a much juycie substantial and spermatick or seedy food : and therefore they cannot but detract from the lump of imbibing . for this is the dryness which physitians intend to bring on , by the aforesaid drink and decoctions , not as they do dry up humors descending , or phlegm ( for moist things among phylosophers , do not dry up humours ) but inasmuch as they diminish the nourishable masse of the bloud , the which they do elsewhere restore by very much juycie food cast in , and so they render themselves childish , for the most part , by the effect of things fucceeding . indeed they might effect more by a slenderness of food , than by all the tearing of the skin , or cruel scorching of fires , or the drink of woods , and wild or barbarous roots . these things therefore which i have said , are supplied in the treatises of the liquor of the veins , concerning cauteries , concerning the wandring keeper , and of catarrhs . in the mean time , i greatly admire , that they have thought to relieve the luags by sweet things , and ecligmaes , and by a licking : and they have doubted about fox-lungs , how unweariedly soever they knew him running , and they appointed cures with colts-foot boyled , steeped , drunk , and licked in by licking after diverse manners ; to wit , by means which are neither immediatly admitted to the place affected , and which are mediately deprived of their antient virtue . but the schools have never considered that if the sick party shall himself daily beat in pieces his own remedies , he shall by thumping of his nostrills , be able to attract some remedies to the lungs themselves , to wit , by breathing in a small quantity of the powder of the remedies so beaten : and that by this method , he may be able immediately to apply his own balsams to himself ; but in vain : therefore lohochs or eligmaes which are not brought down to the lungs , shall be as yet more vain . and likewise they have neglected hitherto , a profitable way or manner , whereby they may immediately connex the fume of sulphur to the drink : which smoak together with the drink , doth by little and little unfold it self into all the veins , not indeed in form of a nourishment , but of a seasoning only ; no otherwise than as the same fume doth free and preserve a hogshead of wine from corruption . for nothing hath been hitherto thought on , after what sort , and by what companion in the waies , they may make a remedy , which otherwise , by it self , is not most fully admitted inwards , to pierce thither . and although they saw that in thousands , they nothing profited by syrupes , ecligmaes , but their own purse ; yet without any further diligent search ; they have alwaies hitherto persisted in the same clayie path . chap. xlix . the humour latex , neglected . . a disposing of things to be taught . . what may be understood under the word latex . . the reason of that surname . . the effect of four humors introduced . . the distinction of urine and sweat from the humour latex . . errours arisen from hence . . what hath deceived the schools . . it implieth a contradiction . . the absurdities of the humour latex being unknown . . that the whey of the venal bloud ; which they so call , differs from the urines . . the unsauouriness and indifferentness of qualities in the humour latex , by reason of their use , largeness , and liberty . . the first scope of the humour latix . . another . . a third . . sweat is from the matter of the latex . . how sweat issues forth . . the sweat of dying persons , to what it may conduce . . the comming forth of sweat in the form of salt-water is proved . . the fourth scope . . the fifth . . the humour latex is excused . . the abuse of the schools . . the bringing forth of the ignorance of the humour latex . . if the schools were not fast asleep , they might have acknowledged their errors by numbers , and weight . . the squinancy hath alwayes deluded catarrhs . . a necessity of the humour latex , although neglected . . what thirst may bewray . . what the dryness , chapping , and fowlness of the tongue in a fever , do shew . . the journeys , and clientships of the latex . . the load-stone of the latex . . some discommodities of the erring latex . . what things the error of the schools about the latex , hath brought forth . . some effects of the erring latex . . why the latex doth easily hearken unto a strange ferment . . the author passeth by the idiotism of paracelus concerning the latex . . whence thirst in a dropsie artseth . . sweat is rather called , than brought of its own accord . . baths and cauteries are unknown whither they may be applyed . . the original of a catarrhe is from the ignorance of the latex . . the error of the schools concerning the use of the glandules or kernels . . whence there are so manifold glandules in us . . whence there is so easie or ready a muckiness and spittle of a squinancy . . the curing of diseases hath been hitherto coniectural , cloakative , and attempting escapes . . the author exhorts physitians . . the drying of china hath broak forth from the ignorance of the latex . . an applying of the fore-going digression . i being to speak of the one only humour latex , and that , hitherto neglected ; the question , whether it be or that it is first to be proved : & then the uses , necessities , or ends & scopes thereof for which it serveth ; yet , before all , it helpeth to have explained by the way , what i will have signified by that un-wonted name . for truly , besides the one only nourishable liquor manifestly and openly known , which they call the venal bloud , a certain watery liquor swims on it , being materially subjected not only to spittle , tears , sweat , thin snivel , an oedema or phlegmatick tumour , also to other diseases , but also famous for divers uses . the schools indeed have made mention of it under the name of the whey of the bloud , and have made it common as well to urine as to sweat. but surely , i shall shew , that the same humour is far different in matter and uses ; and by consequence , that it is to be referred , not among excrements , but profitable juices . for i call it latex , but not an humour , that the abuses , of names may be taken away , after that i have sufficiently demonstrated by an expr●ss book , that there never hath exsisted a quaternary of humors in humane nature , which the schools have enlarged by repeated centuries of commentaries , and so have introduced humors as acters , into the tragedies of all diseases : which book is intituled , a passive deceiving of the schools the humorists ; in distinction to an active one , to wit , least , in a stubbor●ness of repentance i may seem to have accused malice . wherefore a rash ignorance of the essence of the venal bloud , hath over-darkened the whole table of healing . therefore they will have part of the urine left to the bloud , also after the urine is severed , and they call as well the urine , as the same remainder thereof , the very whey of the bloud : and i have seriously bewayled that undistinction , because it had been a miserable fostress of humane calamity : for the urine , and its residue which breaks forth by sweats , they have likewise ( by one name ) called the whey of the bloud , whose chief scopes notwithstanding , they have passed by . for they presently decline from that their own supposition while as , whatsoever swims upon the out-chased venal bloud , they name no more , whey , but yellow choler , choler or gaul , and one of the four constitutive parts of the ●loud : indeed they have dictated a feigned , bitter , sharp , and moist hot thing , no way at all in us conformable to the qualities of whey , or urine . but what may be to be conjectured from such confusions of the schools , so fundamental , and in things of so grea● moment , i have profesly and at large rehearsed in the aforesaid book . for before me , paracelsus first cast them out , as being guilty of a robbed or extorted inheritance ; but they being admonished , refused to be willing to be wise , although they were admonished , that they had mooued a fire-band for its more ready burning , to the destruction of man. and first of all , i have sufficiently demonstrated , that there is not either of the cholers , as neither phlegm in nature : now moreover , i have determined to shew , that it was not sufficient for the schools to have been ignorant of the juyce or humor latex , and the particular aime thereof , but also that they have altogether erred in the consti●●tion of the same ; because they are those which do far depart from the terms of the latex proposed , being deceived by the similitude of milk : because whey is never severed from milk , but after the corruption of its milk , and therefore they compare a dead-carcase to the latex . next , whey , because it is not made and appeareth but by the cheesing or turning of the milk , it was of the nati●e constitution of milk ; so are not urine and sweat of the matter of the bloud : therefore at least-wise , they confess therein if any thing do swim on the out-chased bloud , it is a whey , and of the same species with the wheyie body of the urine : therefore now whey doth formally differ from choler : for that which can be absent from a permanent thing , is not of the essential disposition thereof : and so they plainly imply , that they are of the internal constitution and thingliness of the bloud , and likewise that they are not of the intrinsecal constitution of the bloud . therefore it is without an absurdity , that the liquor latex in the venal bloud , but with a lively floating , cannot by right be called the whey of the bloud , and much less , a gawly choler , and the fiery part thereof . therefore the schools have commanded that part of the bloud which they call the whey or urine , to have remained in the bloud , rather through a carelesness of the separating faculty , than for the necessities sake of an unexcusable essence : because bloud that is chased out of the veins , is oftimes seen to be without whey : and therefore they deliver , that neither is whey left in the bloud but for the more easie passage thorow the small fibers of the veins of the liver , to wit , by giving a more fluid consistence to the venal bloud : and therefore they say , those slender reeds being overcome , nature hath presently meditated of a separation of the whey , and hath commanded it to be brought down into the last sheath of the urine , by leaving the remainder thereof a companion to the bloud , that it may also the more easily pierce throw the slender trunks the of utmost small veins . by which doctrine , surely meerly excrementitious , they defile the purity of the digestions : because they have not known the principal scopes of the latex , and have feigned childish uses for the whey of the bloud : but i have alwayes confessed it for an undoubted foundation , that the parent of nature cannot be frustrated of his ends conceived , nor that any thing of urine was left to be throughly mingled with the venal bloud , by an ordinary error of nature . in the next place , that whatsoever liquid thing is in the substance of the bloud , that very thing is not of the constitution of the bloud , nor the excrement thereof ; but that it is the liquor latex , being profitable for its own ends : for 〈…〉 〈◊〉 a part of the urine , as neither a part 〈…〉 for 〈…〉 the salt of the sweat is distinct in its properti●● 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 u●●●● and the latex is moreover , void of a manifest salt ; and that ●● no wonder : because the urine , as it is now seaso●ed with a dungy ferment of the reins , ●● also transchanged by the same : for the urine is made in its own shops , and 〈◊〉 compleated by its own formal properties , being profitable for its own offices and aimes . therefore the urine differs not only from the sweat , but also from it self , so long as it is not yet a partaker of the ferment of the kidneys , and of a liquid dung of the intestines or greater bowels : and that surely no otherwise , than a● the dung of the gut-colon differs from the cream of the stomach , or the chyle from the venal bloud . there is not therefore in the bloud , a part of the urine , neither is there in the nourishment now refined , an excrement actually corrupt , and tha● which is for corrupting of another : for that error is too daily and direct , for the remooving whereof , nature hath not so sluggishly every where laboured ; because she in nothing in all places , more industriously laboureth , than that she may most swiftly banish superfluities troublesom unto her : for truly , all and every of excrements , are now estranged ( through an impression of a dungy ferment ) from themselves in their former state , and therefore they should not be able but by the same natural endownment , to consume or pine away every of the best things which are admixed with them . truly the humour latex being thorowly mixed , wanders up and down in the venal bloud , not indeed as a part of the bloud , or as a remaining excrement of the urine ; but as being profitable for divers aims or ends : and therefore also i have called it latex , or a peculiar humour distinct from the venal bloud . it is indeed in it self , almost without savour , and as to its first scope , it co-tempereth the sharpness of the venal bloud , that it may drive the same away : but especially after labours , heats , sweats , baths , &c. for in so great a breathing thorow or evaporation , the bloud would be greatly co-thickned , unless it should haue a watery part admixed with it for sweat. another scope of the latex hath been , to wit , when as in all the more crude chyle , cream , and venal bloud , there is some excrement , and the bloud doth under digestion reserve an excrementitious salt , even while it is converted into pure nourishment ; therefore the humour latex was a fit companion for it , which might receive this salt into it self , and brush it out . a third end of the liquor-latex hath happened to the other two ; that it may materially cause , that no remainder of a thicker compact doth remain in the last evaporation of nourishment ; but that it may together with it , be expulsed by puffing thorow the pores , by reason of a ferment of the arteries ( as aboue in the blas of man ) or may be washed out by reason of sweat : for sweat is materially , nothing but the liquor latex whereunto a superfluous salt come : which thing is apparent : for from the drinking of water , or thinner ale or beer , plentiful sweat doth in summer , presently flow forth : not indeed that the salt latex of sweat , is carried thorow the body in manner of a vapour , that it may first cloath it self with a salt under the skin , and also a certain oyliness : but sweat is expelled in the form of water ( as in health ) or of its own accord is poured forth as water , in fearful , swooning , and dying persons : where by way of impertinency , i take notice by the way ; that the sweat of dying persons , is not so much the liquor latex in its own nature , as a resolved alimentary or nourishable dew over which death commandeth ; which is manifest : for preseutly the habit of the body falleth , even as also in swooning : and that sweat hath wonderful virtues of mortifying the hemeroides or piles , and possesseth excrescences . furthermore , that the sweat is not carried by heat in the shew of a vapour , is manifest : for seeing a vapour doth occupy a hundred-fold more room , than water , the body should swell in sweating a hundred-fold more , than otherwise its propert extent is : for there is not an empty place under the skin , which may receive a vapour : also a kettle of hot water hath no vapour within it ; and that which it sends sorth , it exhales only from the supersicies . therefore a vapour doth not roue under the skin ; but is driven forth only in the shape of a liquor . sweat therefore , is the liquor latex , materially shaving off , or washing away the filth from the kitchins of the parts , through which it is brought , and therefore for the most part strongly smelling , and that in diseased persons more then in healthy ones : and so also in a cr●●s or judicial sign , it oft-times finisheth diseases , as it brings forth with it , filths according to its ordinary scope . the schools have admired the dissections of dead 〈…〉 they have not yet looked into the anatomy of sweat , by digestious , smoakinesses , vapours , elections , admixtures , resolvings , or expulsions . the scope of the latex was more intimate : for seeing the eye had need of liquor , that its eyelid might be moved without hurt , and the tongue wanted spittle to temper the chewed meats with moisture ; but it should be absurd for the whole food to be moistened by the mass of venal bloud : therefore the latex is brought by the veins , whence the spittle , tears , &c. should be made : for while in squinancies , and the disgraceful salivation of mercury , more spittle than is meet flows forth , the paunch is made dryer then it self . therefore the latex wanders unhurtfully in the mass of the venal bloud , is brought unto fit places readily hearkening unto the distributive faculty : the which indeed , if at any time it shall snatch the salt of the brain with it , as in the pose ; yet the latex is not hurtful in its own nature , neither must that be blamed for a fault , which is unseasonably joyned to it ( being guiltless ) through accident . likewise , although it being observant , doth abound in diseases , blows up oedematous legs , that happens by chance : for nature by a general endeavour , brings forth a hateful guest to her self , and stuffs it with excrements , which she desireth to drive away . i find a sheet in a most cold night , to be in the morning , bent and congealed by the night blast , the fourfold quantity of whose water at least hath also exhaled : and the blast of air in summer dayes , is no less ; but much more stinking , therefore some ounees of an unsavory liquor are puffed out from the lungs alone : but that water is not the excrement of the lungs , as neither the matter of venal bloud resolved : wherefore it is setched out of the latex , whether it be sent thither by the distributive power of the archeus , or at length , the lungs do allure the same unto themselves ; at least wise it is continually supplyed , and the ministry , which elsewhere the glandules or kernels do perform , this same service the substance of the lungs performeth : and so , it is as it were the scope of the humour latex , to restrain by its moisture , that the lungs do not chap through the dryness of attracted air. it is also an abuse to teach , that the latex is ( in the beginning of a pose ) crude or raw and uncocted , and that in the number of dayes it is thickned by heat , about the end of the digested ripeness : for it being once expelled , it expecteth not to be cocted , as neither the coagulation of it self , that it may grow together ; neither could the humour latex , from the beginning of a pose , ever have expected a thickning of it self , in an idle or void scul . therefore the ignorance of the humor latex , hath stirred up many dreams in healing , in catarrhs , and oedemaes ; to wit , the legs being over night swollen , reteining a small pit of the pressing finger , and vanishing away in the morning , is thought to be phlegm turned into venal bloud by a nights digestion . an ignorance therefore of the serviceable humour latex , hath brought forth the fables of a supposed rhenmatism : but if they had once come to a reckoning with themselves , they had seen ; to wit , that over-night both legs were loaded , perhaps with four pound weight of oedema or phlegmatish tumour : but it had been ( as they say ) a more crude phlegmatick bloud ; seeing the legs are not known by the schools to be sinks of phlegm ; neither is there therefore a reason , why phlegm should rather fall down into the legs , than any other of the threor emaining humours , or than that phlegm should fall down into the belly , thighs , loyns , &c. truly a just dispensing of proportion , should daily require perhaps pounds for the expence of unripe bloud , to be consumed throughout the whole body . basins and champer-pots are in one only night filled with spittles , and the bed-cloaths , together with the shirts , do drop with moisture : the which , unless they are fetched from the latex , and not from the mass of lively venal bloud , whatsoever things are believed concerning meats , digestions , and making of bloud , do fall to the ground together . for arithmetick it self , and the ballance of weight , do delude paultry physicians in their fictions of phlegm : but what ingenious man , will ever believe , that spittle , tears , sweats , and besides , plenty of urine is to be fetched from the very inheritance of the bloud , without a present dammage of life ? especially because the same doth remain even for long terms of time ? for let us feign a small supper , the stomach and pylorus to have well performed their office , but a plentiful salivation , in a fierce squinancy , and exquisite inflam tions of the almonds of the throat : surely that more thick and continual muckiness , doth not flow down out of the brain , the passage of the jaws being now obstructed , and much less doth it aseend out of the stomach which is empty , and under the stopping up of the jaws : therefore let spittle be the ordinary workmanship of the tongue and jaws , the matter whereof is fetched from the latex ; the which , according to the variety of its ferment doth change with divers masks ; to wit , spittles are watery , snivelly , salt , sharp , bitter , and tough like a thred . a daily plenty of the liquor latex , was therefore necessary in the veins , and a ready obedience thereof unto the call of the archeus . for although the latex be unapt for nourishing , yet is it fit or convenient for its uses : for meats might be reduced into juyce without drinks ( which thing , mice , and grass-hoppers teach ) unless the latex had been also needful for greater observances . thirst therefore , is a preacher of the latex fayling , but not of the want of venal bloud ( as otherwise the schools do command ) also the thirst of those that have a fever , which continues after drink taken , doth denounce the latex to be made unfit for its offices by a forreign contagion : for truly , as oft as bitterness , saltness , or a burnt savour doth infect the spittle , the stomach is wearied with an unconcoction , and the tongue ( otherwise towardly , and having no evil in it ) is cleft through dryness ; it is signified , that the latex doth not pass unto the veins , as being instructed by a due convoy or passage ; because in the inn of the stomack , and its neighbouring part , it hath become unapt for its office . therefore the dryness of the tongue , and the crusted filth thereof , in fevers , is not an effect , or token of an exhalation derived upwards out of the stomach ( also not cocting the drink ; ) but it is a defect of the latex defiled , or penurious through want . it is not sufficient to have spoken of the latex , and some of its uses and offices , by a distribution of its necessities : it helpeth also to discover its journeys , and to have rehearsed its exorbitances : for the law and necessity of uses , have also brought in as many offences , if not also double ones , on every side : for seeing the humor latex is not of the substance of the venal bloud ; but a foolish , harmless liquor , a co-running companion in the wayes : therefore also it is carried together with the bloud , thorow the veins ; yet it is not the whey of the venal bloud , nor choler , nor urine : but after a separation of the urine , the latex receiveth its own limitation , as soon as it is taken within the cottages of the veins : and after some sort it is enrouled without the catalogue of an excrement , while as it so easily obeyeth the calling , or commanding archeus : for the humor latex wants , salt , a tincture of the urine , and the feigned bitterness of yellow choler : for the kidneys do such out a salt urine , which already , even in the mesentery , hath adjoyned a salt to it self : otherwise , if any one do drink fasting , thin ale , and that by tarrying out all night ( as is the manner of the english ) it is a wonder , how suddenly , often , and abundantly , he maketh water : that is , it flyes thorow his stomach , mesentery , and liver . the fleshy skin or membrane hath also a property of attracting the latex , that it may rince it self , and the houshold-stuffe subjected within it ; therefore much sweat doth presently increase thirst . and hence also wounds do oftentimes power forth an incredible plenty of sunovie or gleary or glewy water , as if the liquor latex would fit it self to wash off the hurt conceived in the payning and ill cured wound . indeed the outmost cloathing of the body doth of its own property and free accord , allure the sweat , and latex ; that seeing it ought to be like to a washing or lather , it may receive the spur of its calling from the skin : by the leachery of which drawing , the skin it self is easily filled with a grease . seeing therefore the latex is appointed for many uses and offices , it follows also , that the same being exorbitant , doth become the occasional cause of as many , and moreover , of more diseases ; to wit , it receiveth a saltness , sharpness , and co-mixtures of that which putrified , being infected by the filths of the inward parts , and therefore it under goes many diversities of ulcers and imposthumes ; even as also in the skin , it stirs up its own and divers itchings . ttherefore the schools do erre , which through an erroneous ignorance of the latex , do refer these defects unto the guiltless liver , and blame the distemper thereof , and do hurt the innocent liver by their purging medicines of blockishness : neither do they take notice , that one only sheep doth infect a whole flock with the seab , without any blemish of their liver : and that to have wiped ones hand with a towel , which a scabbed person hath used , doth propagate the scab , without any contagion or defect of the liver : wherefore through that ignorance of the schools , they disturb the venal bloud and liver , as guilty of heat ; yea and therefore also , do they poure forth the harmless venal bloud prodigally and repeatedly , with the curtailing of lif● but with a frustrated event . but if the latex doth find any brackish thing within , infected with a sharpish brine of saltness , or be pledged with the hidden contagion of a poysonous ferment ; now divers malignant or ill accustomed ulcers do spring up , and he falsely invents couteries to divert catarrhs . but the sunovia or glewy water doth oftimes raine down with so large a showr , that if the venal bloud , or nourishable humor , or seedy dew should cause the same , certainly a man that is penurious in venal bloud , should of necessity dye in few hours : and so the amazement of that abundance being neglected , because they have been ignorant of the humor latex , they have transported their trifles and false helps unto another thing . therefore galen knew not the thin corrupt matter or liquor of an ulcer , whether he might refer it unto phlegm , or unto choler . but it is no wonder , that the latex being transplanted into a strange off-spring of rule , doth stir up divers troops of ulcers ; when as the venal bloud being provoked by divers stroaks of serpents , and transplantings of diseases , doth exorbitate or excessively arise into so numerous a variety . but i leave unto paracelsus his own saltish microcosmical fountains , and i willingly indulge his liberty , although together with the schools , he be ignorant of the humor latex . the latex therefore , doth easily drink up into it , a strange quality ; hence in the dropsie , there is much thirst , also after frequent drinking : for thirst is not made through the penury of liquor ; but through a composure of saltness . let sweats also therefore be evil , if particular ones : for in that the members do one by one , call the latex to their aid , it is from an evil . two things therefore especially , are here further beheld ; that the liquor latex is not carried so much of its own accord , as being called by the superficies of the body , for whose help it was ( otherwise ) ordained : then also , that the sweats of those parts do witness a defect of the same : wherefore , bed-cloaths being cast on a man , do provoke sweat , because it is called by an endeavour outwardly administred ; and therefore things which provoke sweat , are oft-times given to drink , and coverings are multiplyed in vain : because the faculty drawing the latex abroad , doth languish . but if the latex doth abound , heither is allured by the skin , because it is defiled with a strange blemish , it falls down to the parts , and stirs up unpainful tumours , if it be not also troubled with a quality : in which cases , as well baths , as cauteries have now and then afforded help ; not so much because they do diminish the effective cause , as the product , that is , the latex : and so a remedy cloakative , and unto the latter or effect , is applied . in the next place , the whole spring of this evil hath been banished into the guiltless head of man , into rheums raining down out of the head ; the cause whereof , if they have erred from , they ought also consequently to have strayed in the remedies : for i remember , that a pleurisie beginning , hath presently failed or ceased through a plentiful sweat ; the sweat being allured by such a diaphoretick as is that of the flowers of wild poppy , colts or nags dung , he juyce daysie , and the assistance of the like . lastly , i have also noted , that there are notable glandules or kernels under the arm-pit , in the groyn , and behind the ears ; and likewise in the passage of the urine , nigh the bladder , and about the gut duodenum , and almost innumerable ones elswhere , placed at the two-forking of every vein . the one only use whereof , the schools will have to be ; to wit , that the vessels may not be subject to tearing . but surely there is a manifest errour in the use named : for notable glandules should be in vain behind the ears , where there is no fear of tearing , as neither within : & moreover , the fleshy membrane it self is not stretched out , and so , glandules could not be there placed but in vain , for a vanishing use and end ; that is , the arbitrator of nature hath erred in the use of the glandules , or the schools do erre ; seeing that in none of the aforesaid places wherein the glandules are seated , the vessels can depart from each other : and also a slender ligament had better and more commodiously preserved the renting of a vessel , than a tearable and tender glandule . i do every where take good notice of the perpetual carelessness of the schools , of narrowly searching into the truth : for they do not diligently mark , that the aforesaid glandules are not but for the emunging or attractive alluring of the latex out of the veins , that they may disperse sweats into the habit of the body ; which thing in the tongue , is manifest to the fight ; where the glandules do make or work the spittle , and therefore do they allure the latex . but under the arm-pits , and in the groyn , sweats do proceed ; but they do not foresee a rending of the vessels : the former indeed , is a daily office ; but the other is not but an unownted , rare , and rather a ridiculous one . for the overflowing latex , doth load the veins by oppression , and if they are free from the same , the archeus as it were breathing back again , doth retake to him new strength unhoped for . therefore the ignorance of the humor latex , hath invented , and supported cauteries or searing remedies , hath feigned catarrhs , and hath caused all disagreeing remedies or succours to be dreamed of . for nothing of solidity against diseases hath hitherto been weighed : because i shall shew in its place , that the beginnings of diseases have as yet to this day layn hid unknown : and therefore also that remedies are vain tryals , neither conteyning any thing of certainty , unless they be naturally endowed with a specifical property for certain diseases : otherwise , a conjectural uncertainty will prepare privy shifts for them , and the credulity of the sick hath fortified physitians : which same remedy , although it should be said to be appropriated to a disease , it doth not help any body ; yea , neither do purging medicines , although they should undoubtly loosen the belly , comfort the sick by reason of the diversity of complexions , and of feigned stubborn humors : for they suppose , to wit , that such a humor offendeth , and they see it afterwards to be brought forth by loosening medicines , yet they see nothing of the fierceness of the disease to be slackened ; therefore when they ought to acknowledge their ignorance , founded in humors , and purging things , they reflect themselves on the variety of complexions , and the uncertain and unknown differences of distempers : which things surely , if they are beheld with an equal mind , they shall not be terminated in any other end , than into a full knowledge , ignorance , and overthrow of the principles of healing , hitherto . wherefore i exhort , and humbly beseech physitians , that they do in time , well learn the unheard of beginnings , positions , and unaccustomed maxims of medicine . wherefore , i have judged it meet to digress a little in this place : for as i have seen an atrophia or consumption for lack of nourishment , to be occasionally supported by the humor latex ; so also i have seen fatness or grossness , in one only two months time , by a urine-provoking drink instead of ale or beer , to be wholly expelled . but forreign potions of china , sarsaparilla , guaiacum , &c. which should pour forth the latex by sweats , by a feigned and lying title , have attained the name of dryers . and indeed , i have already before demonstrated , that every visible body , & that which is believed to be composed by a mixture of the elements , is materially made only of the element of water , which originally hath it self in all constituted things , in manner of a latex , and the which also , here to have supposed , is sufficient , as being once sufficiently prooved . and then , the maxim of phylosophy hath it ; that bodies are not changed into each other , unless they are first reduced into their first , and easie following or clammy matter . for although they would have that thing applyed to metallic● transmutations ; yet it is to be drawn out of the noted sublunary transmutations of any things : yet not that they will have bodies to be reduced into the first matter of aristotle ; yea , nor also into the first separation of the elements ( for neither do they think that the food ought to return into its own element , that it may thereby be made bloud ) but they will have a body to be transchanged into its next matter , or that the subject of the former life ought to return back before it hath fixed a hope of the bound of transmutation to be attained : to which end , be it certain , that meats and drinks do assume the nature of a chyle or juyce in the stomach , with a retaining of the qualities of the middle life of the meats : indeed , that the ancient matter of the meats is destroyed , and made to approach very neer to the matter next to the latex or the element of water ; to wit , the specifical ferment of the stomach being busily employed to this end , no otherwise than as the ferment of the liver doth transchange the chyle into venal bloud , and whose companion and fellow , the latex is , but not likewise a part thereof . but so differing and singular gifts of ferments do exist in nature , that some living creatures do make venal bloud , flesh , &c. for themselves , yea and also an oylie grease , and water only : for in the stomach of a salmond , fisher-men say , never any food or edible thing was found . there are moreover in salt-waters , some waterish little living creatures , in whom scarce any thing is bred , which do communicate a certain seed of water drunk by them , from whence they do increase and sustain their own little body ; so that to other fishes which eat these small living creatures , a seed is granted to be ingendred in the waters , which is passed over into life , and is derived into the middle participated life . but small living creatures , which do immediately make bloud to themselves , and their whole substance of water alone , have an example , almost in every vegetable , especially in stony and sandy mountains , which are far seperated from the dung of men , wherein , perhaps particular kind of rosinous trees are taken notice of , are fully nourished only of rain water , and of snow , or the leffas or planty juyce of a stony odour , and do grow unto the greatest height , being trees so fat , that they would be choaked , unless they pour forth the same on every side . the ferment of the stomack in man , doth more easily transchange the meats into chyle , than their fatnesses , because fatness is more remote from the latex , or the first matter , than the meat is . which digestion of transmutation into watery juyces , is brought hither to this end , that it may be manifest that the latex ( a forreign seed , and ferment of the members being easily conceived in us ) is transchanged into a strange off spring . and so , that out of the latex ( i have already shewn above ) there is next of all a transplanting into an excrementous snivel : where i remember , that after drink being abundantly taken in summer time , a muscilaginous spittle ( which at the time of dry thirst , failed ) was presently after spit out by reaching . this is the new history of the humor latex , to be referred unto the treatise of catarrhs or rheums ; because the ignorance of that latex , hath given a singular confirmation to conceived catarrhs , as also hath offered rashnesses for things to be conceived . chap. l. a cautery or searing remedy . . a cautery is nothing but a remaining wound . . no prerogative of a cantery made by fire . . the name of an issue or little fountain is a iuggle . . what things god hath seen entirely good , are praised by the schools , as rent or toren . . the promises of a cautery are childish . . the denyal of a catarrh denyeth the use of a cautery . . ridiculous necessaries for defending cauteries . . the position of the schools is shewn to be absurd and impossible . . what may be purged by a cautery . . nine conclusions against the appointments of cauteries . . foolish desires or delights in a cautery . . cauteries , whom they hurt . . the undstinction of the schools . . the scope or end of a cautery ceaseth . . they have circumvented the world by cauteries . . that there is no communion of a cautery with the brain . . absurdities following upon the doctrine of cauteries . . the one only refuge of the schools . . answers . . cauteries are driven against the rocks . . what the schools may answer in the difficulties proposed . . the multiplying and choosing of a cautery , by what boldness it hath arose . . some stage-play trifles of the schools . . the gowt of physitians is a mockery . . cauteries are foolish . . they are vain in their own desperate cases . . it is not yet determined by the schools in what cases cauteries can help . . a case wherein a cautery profiteth . . how the cruel and stinking remedy of a cautery may be prevented . . a cautery is unworthy a physitian . catarrhs or rheums have found out cauteries : those therefore being taken out of the way , the treatise of these might seem to be in vain , unless i should write these things for young beginners ; i distrusting that my studies will any thing profit the learned or skilful : wherefore i have determined to declare the ends and effect of a cautery . cauteries therefore are first of all made of fire , bright burning iron ; a corrosive caustick medicine , yea with the rasour or penknife it self , or scissers , by cutting off something . it is sufficient , so the fleshy membrans are broken or pierced with a wound : but others do prefer a wound prepared by fire , or a caustick medicine , before that which was laid open by cutting : because they think that by actual heat and dryness , a flux of humors is the better stopped . as if , at one only moment , the fire should burn any thing besides the escharre it self , or should dry up an other thing which they seign , is afterwards to flow to the wound . indeed dreams are on both sides greatly esteemed by the schools : for an issue or small fountain ( for so they call a cauterized wound , that the vulgar may believe diseases to be drawn out as it were by a fountain ) profits nothing before the escharre be taken away , , and the footstep of heat and dryness be withdrawn : because the institution of a cautery hath the avoyding of excrements or superfluities for its object , which doth not begin before the decay of the escharre ; and because it is alway less able to exhale thorow the escharre , than otherwise , thorow the sound skin : therefore successours have accounted it to be all one after what sort soever an issue shall be made , so they shall divide that which holds together , and keep it divided . for that which god hath made whole and entire , that it might be very good , seems to the schools that it should be better , if it be kept wounded : therefore to be oftentimes wounded , and to have kept the wounds open , doth conduce to the health of the schools . surely it s a wonder , that they have not transferred [ to be wounded ] unto the precepts of defending health ; even as indeed , cauteriet , or constant wounds , have been referred thither : but in the time of wounding , or burning , letting out or shedding of blood only , doth interpose ; which ought to excel by that title , in the schools , unless the deceit of phlebotomy or cutting of a vein did manifest it self . for they presume and decree , that a cautery is a new emunctory or exspunging place , whereby physitians are able to restrain nature , according to their pleasure to unload her self , whereby , they seign , that she doth not indeed otherwise flow down by catarrhs , and unload her self , or on every side so doth , but only by a hole made : that is , they cite rheums , to appear personally in a place , as the physitian listeth . handsomely indeed , if alike truly . notwithstanding , these marvels have been so profitable , that now cauteries are also made in children , before the age of three yeers : but i , first of all , have alwaies beheld an implicite blasphemy in a cautery , whereby they openly accuse the creator of insufficiency in framing the emunctories : for i have hidden above a thousand issues to be filled up with flesh , whereof it hath not hitherto ( as i know of ) repented any . in the next place , i have considered , a childish presumption of physitians , because they seriously perswade themselves , that nature will hearken to their own commands : also that a defluxion and falling down of humors which they command , being supposed , is a most exceeding absurdity . but let it be sufficient for my foundation , to wit , that there is no dismissing , or voluntary defluxion of a rheum : which negative subsisting , vain becomes the foundation of cauteries : for the schools teach , that by issues , evil , yea destructive humors are allured forth , which else , should either be sent to some other place , or of their own accord flow down . a fine thing , surely , that nature doth with a loose bridle , expect the will of the physitian , and opening of the skin , that it should there throw off its fardle , which else it would divert on a more noble member : as if sending nature should threaten , unless ye shall maintain a fleshy membrane open to me by a wound , where ye shall see meet , that by revulsion or drawing back ye shall appease me from fury , and do divert me from the conceipt of dismissing , wo unto you : for that which else i would purge forth under the skin , i will draw back unto a noble member in revenge . but i pray , in what center , or in what spring-head is that evil humor prepared ? is it in the liver the shop of the four humors , as they will have it ? but surely there is a difficult , long , and rough way , as that evil humor is derived from the liver thorow the hollow vein , and so thorow the heart , unto the outmost skin of the arm , thigh , or neck , without defiling the venal blood , but the evil humor it self to be sincere . surely that is a cruel emunctory , which brings an evil humor thorow the fountain of life : and so , the physitian is cruel , and the schools more cruel , which command a hurtful humor to be brought thorow the heart . but if further , that evil humor , unknown to this day , hath the brain for its fountain ; where i pray you ? on in what sink of the head , is that evil humor bred ? is it in its bosomes ? or in its basin ? not indeed in the first place , in the vessels of the brain , shall there be made a daily collection and nest of that malignant humor , without a present or sudden fear of death . but if in the basin that be made evil , which before was good ; now it shall of its own wonted accord flow down thorow the nostrils and palate , neither shall it want a cautery . or what is that corrupter , which in some part of the head may vitiate by his endeavour , a humor that was before good , that it may be brought down malignant from thence , unto some part between the skin , which the physitian hath commanded to be stricken ? for how obedient is that , which being an evil humor ( indeed now a dead excrement ) shall suffer is self to be wrested back and sent to another place ; which otherwise , being no more solicitous of the family-government of life , doth obey the law of scituation , by its weight only ! but that the evil humor to be wiped away by a cautery , is a vapour translated and collected from the stomack into the head thorow the brain , coats , and scull , and from thence dismissed between the outward muscles and skin , that was before peremptorily hissed out , concerning catarrhs . in the next place , those things being granted , it should want the essence and etymologie of a humor ; by consequence also , of an evil humour , to wit , of phlegm , one of the four : for whatsoever had once been lifted up in manner of a vapour , and had grown together into drops , is neither thick nor tough , nor any more of one of the four humors made in the liver ; but it should be a post-hume distillatory liquor . wherefore if any evil humour , the finall cause of a cautery , be not bred in the liver , brain , or stomack ; which at length shall be the shop of evil humors for catarrhs ? or which is the sending , and lofty part , from whence they may be the more steeply brought unto a cautery ? for in so great a strait of trifles , the schools are constrained to confesse , that not any evil humor is dismissed unto the hole of a cautery ; but that the venal bloud degenerates in the wound it self , and in its lips being evilly disposed : for this also is proper to all wounds , which want balsame . truly if the schools do examine that aphorisme , while corrupt pus or snotty matter is making , the pain , labour , and fever is greater , then when it is made ; they would certainly know that corrupt pus is materially produced out of the blood , by the labour of the faculties , and consequently , that in an issue , corrupt pus is wished for , for the same ends : the which standing , the position falls to the ground , which supposeth that evil humors are derived by cauteries . . that the bringing forth of corrupt pus in a wound , is not from the center of the body . . that it is not the excrement of rheum flowing down . . that cauteries do not purge bad humours , which do prepare good venal blood into an excrement , with the labour of the digestive faculty . . that cauteries do not any thing conduce to the preventing of a malignant humor which is locally made in the lips of the wound it self . . that corrupt pus , and sanies , cannot go back-wards from the hole of an ulcer , and slide into a noble part , and much lesse the good blood from whence the corrupt pus is made . . if the venal blood be an evil humor before it come down to the issue , then nature ordaineth some bad humor from the masse of the blood , for the wounded part only , that it may nourish it , or this is ordinary within all particular parts : now then nature wholly laboureth with the vice of folly . . that it is a foolish thing , that to have made much thick corrupt matter , is for the cautery to have well purged ; seeing that corrupt pus sheweth the corrupting of good blood : and so while a man is not in good health , the issue , instead of snotty matter , weepes forth liquor . . if therefore a cautery should make for the evacuation of ill humours , a man should needs be better in health , while liquor flows , than while snotty matter is made : which in the position is false . from hence therefore it is rightly inferred , that no select ill humor , or pernicious excrement , which otherwise should fall down elsewhere , is evacuated by an issue ; but that , that whole matter , whether it be corrupt pus , or a thin poyson , is nothing else but meer blood , designed for the nourishing of the cauterized part , and there corrupted by the vice of the part ; and so that the corruption of it self , doth measure the goodness , and malignity of digestion in the place of the issue : and therefore while the whole archeus doth in any sort labour , there is also a greater weakness of digestion in the issue , and the pus is the nearer to putrefaction : and in this regard , the issue , by reason of a more powerfull hurting of digestion than was wont to be , weepeth liquor . therefore it is the wish of the schools , that of harmless bloud , there may very much and white snotty matter be made : and that they call a good purging , if very much blood be corrupted in the last digestion : which thing , if it be rightly considered , it will now plainly appear , that a cautery is not to be imprinted for the purging out of a malignant humour , neither that a bad or evil humour doth exist ; but only for the diminishing of the abundance of blood ; and so from a beholding of an exesse of a good humor only . whence it follows , that it is not convenient for young folks , not for those that are become lean again , not for such as are brought low by any disease , as neither for those that live orderly , and least of all , for religious abstashing persons . but they have not yet distinguished , whether corrupt pus in an issue , be only of the venal blood , or of one of the four feigned humours , or indeed of a co-mixture of the four : if the first should be true , then the pus should not be from an ill humour , but from the best of the four humours , and so an issue shall be made void , and the best pus , or the effect of an issue shall be worst of all , feeing it was not but the corruptive of the best of all : but if they had rather devise , to wit , that the blood is not at first evil , but becomes evil while it is seperated from its other fellows ; at leastwise the three remaining ones , shall in that severing , be as yet more bad than the bloud , and upon every event , an issue shall not be made but for an evil end , that it might corrupt the good and guiltless blood : but if they will have the corrupt pus to be made of the four humours being co-mixt ; then a cautery errs in its end ; seeing a cautery prevails not to purge out hurtful humours , but to corrupt the good ones , which are by nature ( not erring ) sent daily unto it self for nourishment . in the next place , a cautery shall not be to be reckoned , as a preventing of a catarrh ; or else , the matter of a catarrhe should not be a vapour , nor also phlegm ; but venal blood it self , which the issue in it self corrupteth : for corrupt pus is not made of phlegm , but only of venal blood , as hath been sufficiently instructed in the schools . therefore by the essence of corrupt pus , being well searched into , in its matter , & efficient cause , the ends of cauteries & the purgings out of catarrhs and evil humours do cease : for indeed any sumptom of wounds being taken away in cauteries , and a supposed health , it must needs be , that a loosing or seuering of that which held together , doth produce snotty matter in the issue , and that that doth not flow from elsewhere ; but that it is generated in the part it self . also the archeus daily dispenseth so much of the venal blood to the parts proportionally , as they have need of for their own nourishment . therefore the pus or corrupt matter , is venal blood vitiated in that part wherein the wound is , and an effect of digestion vitiated in the same place . therefore to have vitiated the entireness , continuation or holding together , and digestion of the parts , next , to have converted the venal blood into corrupt snotty matter , is reputed the very same thing in the schools , as to have gone to prevent catarrhs or rheums ; or thorow the hole of a cautery , to have extracted from the head ( from whence they originally fetch all rheums ) an excrementous humor , which otherwise had threatned to fall down on a noble part ; whether in the mean time , there be an agreement between the head , and the wounded part or not ; for it is all one , so the skin be deteined wounded , whether that excrementous humour be blood , or be made snotty pus , or liquid sanies , is all one , so by the thred-bare words of catarrhe , prevention , derivation , revulsion , and an issue , the world be circumvented . for i behold a small infant of a year old , now breeding teeth , and to suffer a fever , froath of the mouth , and spittle , without ceasing ; and a●●ength that there are wringings of the bowels , and stools of yellow-green-coloured excrements : at least that tooth is a part of the head , wherefore the flux shall be a rheum of the head : but what consent is there of a tooth about to break forth , or a swollen gum with a bowel ? or what power thereof is there of begetting or sending away that catarrhe out of the stomack of a little infant , unto his head ? and from thence into the ileos ? by what right shall a vapour dropped or stilled out of the stomack , be made cankered choler in the head ? hath perhaps the shop of choler now wandred from the beginning of life unto the head ? could a cautery ( if an infant were for undergoing it ) suck unto it a leeky flux into it self ? and by a few small drops of corrupt matter , recompence or ballance the leeky choler of some pounds ? why doth the stomack of a small infant frame a catarrhe by reason of the pain of his tooth ? why is it sent into a bowell , and not unto the paining tooth ? doth not the reader yet see , that a flux is not a rheum ? but that the archeus ( wheresoever yee will have it ) being enraged , is ready in the bowels , to transchange the nourishable juyce into excrements , which by the schools are reckoned choler , phlegme , &c. if therefore the flux be not a rheume , and the archeus being wroth , can transchange any thing into a troublesom liquor , if the gum be but afflicted ; shall not he be able , on every side to unload himself by the appointed emunctories ? and not to wait for the skin to be opened by a caustick ? alass , hath cruel dullness caused the schools to be cruel towards their mortal kinsfolks ? for neither do they consider , that in women , and those that are somewhat fat or gross , there is in the fleshly membrane , about the ordinary places of a cautery , a meer grease to the thickness of two fingers at least , for which persons notwithstanding , the more frequent cauteries ( and those the more profitable ones ) are perswaded ; wherefore also the bottom of the issue shall scarce be in the middle of the grease : therefore there is not a passage , whereby the evil banished feigned humour of a rheume , may rush down out of the brain , or between the scull , and skin , thorow the middle of the fat . but what is that solitary humour , in the next place , which for its offence , being banished from the sending part , descending thorow the substance of the grease unmixed , doth degenerate into corrupt pus ? if it be an exhalation of vapours out of the stomack , why shall it not be more frequent to younger and hot stomacks , than to weak , old , and cold ones ? in what sort shall that water that droppeth out of a vapour , put on the form of snotty matter ? how shall it hasten thorow the brain , coats and scull , to find a hole made by a cautery , that it may flow down thither only , and be purged ? why doth not the vapour fly , first an hundred times into the air , before it reach to the place appointed it by the alluring cautery ? how shall the water which climbeth from the stomack , be now venal blood , and the mother of corrupt snotty matter ? how shall venal blood ( the matter of corrupt pus according to galen ) be the matter of a catarrh ? wherefore is the blood to be reduced into the order of evil humours , which being not yet defiled , is dispensed by nature unto the wounded place ? why when the wound is made , shall nature cease to thrust down the condemned matter , by , and in to places accustomed unto it ? for shall it , the skin being opened at the will of the physitian , become afterwards ignorant of the waies ? or hath it perhaps laboured only to find a passage elsewhere ? and that being now done , shall it afterwards come the into obedience of the wounder ? therefore these four particulars are false , to wit , that corrupt pus is the matter of a catarrhe ; that a catarrhe is materially from a vapour of the stomack ; that a rheumy mater is expelled by an issue ; and that this rheumy matter is diverted on a noble part , unless it be revulsed or drawn back to some other place by a hole . the schools have ( at least ) one escape : to wit , that cauteries , in chronical or long continuing diseases , and likewise in the more fat petsons , and such as abound in humours , have oftimes profited : therefore it must needs be , that an evil humour at least is purged , and that the body is unloaded by making of the wound . unto which privy shift i say ; the matter of a catarrhe , its essence , manner , waies of derivation , and affect , and likewise an evil humour , and the ends of the cautery , are feigned dreams , the vails of shameful shoath and ignorance ; and so that examples of events , are not sufficient for destroying the superstructures of truth . what if cauteries have sometimes profited : at least , that is not from the root and essence of a catarrhe , there being altogether none in it self : therefore if they have profited , let the schools confesse that cauteries do ptofit from means , and ends unknown to themselves ; and that they do extol a conjectural remedy , uncertain and by accident , with so great a praise : for they worthily have admired cauteries to have profited from the event : for if any affect which was to cease of its own accord , or presently after a fullness of time , hath perished ; do they therefore think that they have a right by birth , of miserably torturing two hundred in vain , if a cautery shall not prove unhappy to one by accident ? what if on the contrary , the histories of many are compared , whereunto cauteries have proved ill ; they presently say we are not empericks , nor are we moved by examples : for the schools are rational , and are supported moreover , by the authorities of the antients . and that thing they thus loftily thunder out , as oft as they being destitute of reasons , and convicted by experiences , do cease to be most expert masters , neither will they be bowed by experiences contrary to their own : but they flee with one accord , unto the reasons of predecessours , the which i have shewn to be wan , sluggish , false , and stumbling in their first entrance . for truly when the schools had discerned , that some perhaps by fortune had felt ease by a cautery , presently a bristle , or cord being drawn on both sides thorow the skin of the neck , is believed to be a remedy for an opthalmy or inflammation of the eye , blear-eyedness , yea for cataracts themselves , and a vitiated digestion of the eyes : a cautery in the opposite leg , is believed to be a medicine for the pain of the sciatica or hip-bone . they have made tryal of diverse cauteries or searings , and smiths have made a large house-hold-stuff , they have instituted arabick burnings ( indeed nothing but goats-dung fryed in a pan ) deep in the great toes , for those that have the sciatica , and joynt-sickness or gowt : indeed they have every where set to sale stage-play trifles , and dreams , for truth , in healing : but the schools have at length admired , that one only joynt-sickness , designed to catarrhs , hath derided all their speculations and cauteries ; to wit , that it hath shewn it to be false , that the gowt was made by a defluxing catarrh or rheum , and that a cautery was a vain devise of derivation and revulsion , for a humor falling down . i do also more admire their doating cauteries , in a consumption , defects of the lungs , head , eyes , reins , to wit , from vain rheumy defects , and so their butchery , together with their juggle , than i do strive to excel their vain attempts : for so , in persons that have the falling sickness , the paduans , florentines , and mount pielirians , do drive a hot burning iron even to the seam of the scull , and they promise that epileptical fumes will depart out of the brain thereby , not only that they would lessen the continuance of the fit , but that they would oftentimes suspend it for the future : but the sick undergo these things with a deaf hope of health ; but without example : neither do they once weigh , that dreamed vapours do not affect the brain , through want of passage ; but on the other hand , that causes do stir up the tempest of a disease , before they can come unto the skin of the hair . wherefore , wan and vain is the endeavour and aid of a cautery , which begins from the effect , incuring of diseases : for it hath not yet been determined by the schools , in what affects cauteries may be convenient , because they do seldom and by accident , alone help , and so , that it is impossible , their own suppositions standing , that cauteries should be profitable , therefore also to find out the reasons , manners , means , and scopes of cauteries . but besides the decrees of the schools concerning a catarrh and a cautery being left behind , the case may also easily be found , wherein cauteries may profit : for truly , by reason of the necessary innovations of the venal blood , at every station of the moon ( even as concerning a lunar tribute elsewhere ) indeed whatsoever shall be left of the old blood abounding , beyond the period of the foregoing moon , all that ought to go either into fat , or into the excrement of the last digestion : the which , because it is dispersed and drawn forth by a cautery , beyond the daily transpiration , therefore fat or gross , devouring , plethorick , and sitting bodies , do now and then feel succour by a cautery , and no other : because the mass of venal blood is taken away , towards a just weight and requisite proportion : the abundance whereof , doth otherwise load and burthen the archeus , the parts , and the digestions , and distributions of these . for thus far the fear of an evil at hand is prevented . therefore the whole benefit of a cautery to be hoped for , is scituated in the moderating of the abundance of the blood , by a daily and peece-meal diminishing hereof : else , the remedy of a cautery is cruel , and stinking , which may easily be prevented by exercise , a just sparingness of dyet , and temperateness of living : whatsoever a more sparing food cannot heal , ease may not be hoped to be brought thereto by a cautery , for the same things which make to the contemplation of a healthy and long life , excuse cauteries . at leastwise the healing of a cautery is alwaies cloakative , and that only in some , indeed hitherto unworthy of the schools of medicine : for they are wont to say , unless the issue which is once imprinted , be continued , the fear of a greater evil is incurred : but be it the meer ignorance of the schools , which have applyed a cautery for every event , not unto the former or unto the cause and root of the disease , but unto the latter or product , which was no where worthily to heal . therefore it is as yet not known by the schools , by what positions , and in what diseases , this dissembling cure of cauteries may prevail : because perhaps , fortune and ignorance being their leader , they have attempted all things , and do now attempt them : so as they command of course , that if a cautery shall not help here , not there , nor being repeated , nor much of snotty and liquid matter be poured forth , let issues be purposely closed up . chap. li. the disease that was antiently reckoned that of delightful livers . . the false name of a drop , in this disease . . the gowt grows daily more and more frequent . . the gowt will presently distinguish choice physitians from others . . things proper to the gowt . . the unconstancy of the schools . . a hot gowt doth not differ in the particular kind , from a cold one . . a hereditary one at least , is not from a catarrhe . . after what sort the limitation or appointment of the seal in the seed is . . diverse fellowships of the character , with the corporeal seed . . nothing of a rheumy substance in the gowt . . why the remedies and preventions of the schools are abusive . . how long medicines will be unprosperous . . that the podagra is not in the foot , as neither the chiragra in the hand . . the manner of making in the gowt . . why the perpetual place of the gowt , is between the co-touchings of the bones . . why the gowt doth infect the seed of the parents . . why it begins far from the heart . . the sharpness of the gowt is not yet in its seed . . after what sort that sharpenss is fermented . . what the synovie is . . whence a gowty chalk may be formed . . from whence , and what is the afflux unto places of the gowt . . profitable and hurtful things , whom they may instruct . . objects in healing . . the true remedy of the gowt . . a repetition of things spoken . . the name of a drop hath caused an errour in the supposition or subject of perceivance . . a definition of the gowt . . the rise and progress thereof . . it is decyphered from the first into the last life . . wherein the sick may be deceived . . cauteries are vain in the joynt-sickness . . that no material thing which is humorous , is sent , doth slide , or is directed into places of the joynt-sickness . . the remedies of the schools , as well those of the europians , as barbarians , are vain . . drying drinks are derided . . the schools through their own rashness , do fail in the gowt , consumption , catarrhs , and cauteries . . some things are chiefly true concerning moisture , and dryness . . concerning different kinds of remedies of the gowt , elsewhere . the arthritis , joynt sickness , being understood by the name of the gowt , it so attributed unto catarrhs or rheums , that in many nations , by putting one name for a another , it is called a drop ; unto which etimology the sick do assent , and have given their labour unto so great blindness of mortal men ; because they seem to foel the slidings of a certain drop , between the co-knitting of the bones : for the schools who presume to teach every thing , do rejoyce that they have learned from the undistinct sense of the vulgar , and also proceeding without a diligent search , are become rheumy : but seeing i have already overthrown the whole fable of a catarrhe , i will also discover the errour of the vulgar sense , in the gowt ; which i have judged could not otherwise be done , unless i shall explain the tragedy of the gowt from its beginning . the gowt remained unknown to the first ages , although man-kind , even from the infancy of the world , did run into all luxury : but misery increasing by degrees on the weakness of men , it was at least so rare to the first writers , that it was scarce worthy of their quill : but the corruption of mortals , waxed afterwards more strong , it first of all arose in those who were most dissolute in luxury : for hence it is believed to be the plague or common destruction of those that are enslaved to leachery and riot , even unto our dayes . notwithstanding , seeing it doth now oftentimes molest labourers , and capuchines who are most abstinent ; i have coniectured that the gowt will presently spread abroad over the people , unless god being merciful unto us , shall prevent its in part hereditary , and in part attained dammage . in the next place also , i have from thence fore-divined , that that will be the gowt , which is to be brought as a prognostical sign , after a quartane , between choice and thinkative physicians : for when it hath once taken root , it not only abides a companion of ones life ; but sometimes is unin-treatably transferred on remote nephews : and so as it is ready , manifoldly to erect the fruitfulness of its propagation for the future , it will distinguish of paultry contemptable physicians : for there are many things which this princess of diseases , doth keep as singular to it self : for besides stubbornness , it not only succeedeth through the begetting of parents , for some years ; but also moreover , it thirty years and more , in patience waiteth , before it bewray it self . furthermore , the generater being not as yet gowty , doth oft-times constitute an heir of his gowt , almost the same year wherein the patient after generation , is to suffer the first beginnings of the gowt . in the parent therefore , a silent , and not yet plague , being bred , doth generate , before a just maturity of its seed , which is denied to other seeds in nature : as if the field of humane nature being defiled , doth now of its own accord , beget the gowt . i pass by ; that it produceth small stones , chalke or lime , diverse in their beginnings from duelech or the stone of the kidneys , or bladder , and a rocky monster , out of a wonted and due place , and that it doth deform a man being maimed and cut short in his members , from so proud a structure , into a monster . but the schools do without controversy attribute the gowt to defluxions ; but it is not yet determined by them , whether that rheum be lifted up from the stomach in manner of other things ; or whether indeed by the liver , through the narrow and most knit receptacles of the veins , so different a kind of catarrhe be derived thorow the veins , not indeed by a straight line , where the mouths of the veins do end ; but that it be stayed in unaccustomed , and wayes known only to nature , between the joynts , and ligaments . but i being little careful of fables , do suffer them to try both opinions . in the mean time they may be ashamed to have discourses of the causes of diseases , problematically only , and to have left them disputable . in the mean time , i certainly know , that the gowt , whether it slide on the heirs through the seeds of the parents , or in the next place , be contracted by a proper error of living , is of one and the same kind , with every property following it : neither that that doth relate any thing , whether a hot gowt doth molest , and pain one greatly , or next , be reckoned more sluggish and mild through cold : because those are ensigns of degrees , whereby the matter is ennobled or made remarkable ; but do not vary its essence . then also i know , and have learned first of all , that at least an hereditary gowt is not derived from a catarrhe , if it hath layn hid in the seed , and that which is framed hereof , for the space of thirty years : for truly , seeing nothing that is external can be contained in the seed , but for that very cause , it looseth the fruitfulness of causing off-spring ; be sure , that nothing of a rheumy substance remains in the seed , and that there is not place for any hostile matter there . therefore it is confirmed , that nothing doth remain in the seed besides a character or seal of things to be acted in the body constituted ; and that that seal is not indeed of so great a concernment , as to display the fruitfulness of a seed , if an hereditary disease , ought from thence to rise again in the son , or nephew . again , neither can that seal in the seed , defile the young with a monstrous deformity , although other characters of seeds by reason of their disposition , do figure the seed : wherefore , although the seal of the gowt be in very deed in the seed , yet it sleepeth , is silent , and layeth hid in the course of figuring , and so long as till at length , an opportunity of matter , and maturity being obtained , it unfoldeth it self . therefore the character or impression of the gowt is in the seed , as it were the first life , with a determination of silence , that it may sleep even till the first fit , as it were a swallow all the winter : therefore the formative virtue in the seed , doth not yet feel its own defect , by reason of the fault of a material indisposition : for truly the character in the seed is not born to generate i●s gowt , before its own maturity ; which ripeness of the character , is now and then not unfolded but in the nephew . truly although there are strict wed-locks of the seed of man with the seed of the gowt , that they do promise as it were an undissoluable unity for the future ; yet it is certain , that diseases do not adhere to the root of the particular kind , unless in whom they are , as being created by a condition ( as the falling-evil in the elke and swallow ) but only unto individual beginnings , whereto they are fast tyed as it were by accident . therefore if there be nothing of a rheumy matter , actually , in the seed of the gowt , therefore , neither also in the gowt , which is to arise from thence ; seeing proper effects ought alwayes to bear a respect to their own causes . in the next place , if any hereditary gowt doth want a catarrhe ; therefore also , any other ; seeing , of one thing in the particular kind , there are alwayes the same specifical constitutive beginnings . furthermore , if that blemishing gowty character be so notably homebred to the seed , so intimately social to it , sleeping with so patient a suspense , and not to be washed off by so many circuits of years , and storms of tempests ; i have judged it to be altogether of necessity , for the same to be coupled to the vital spirit . whence first of all , it is manifest , that the supposed withdrawings of bloud , and feigned humors , for attempting the prevention of the gowt , are vain : because that character of the gowt is not co-mixed with the venal bloud , but well with the governour of the solide parts : for indeed the venal bloud is many times changed , and the whole fardle of nourishment , before the access of an hereditary gowt to come . from thence likewise it follows , that if the character of the gowt , being either transferred with the seed of the parents , on the young , or being gotten by the inordinate storms of life , be the connexed and efficient cause of the gowt , and so that that be a true formal gowt ; it is a fabulous thing , whatsoever hath been devised concerning rheums and drops : for that absurdity being granted , that a catarrhe rayning down , did cause the access of the gowt ; likewise , whatsoever weapon hath been retorted on this , disease , all that hath been directed unto the effects , the product , latter thing , or fruit ; but nothing unto the cutting off the cause . but seeing the true causes in the gowt , have been unknown to the schools , and will stand unknown as long as the doatages of humors shall prevail ; it must needs be , that unprosperous and cruel medicines have been hitherto applied by anoynting , for an unseen mark : for the gowt is not in the finger , but only the apple or fruit of the root ; and therefore , although thou shalt cut off the finger , thou shalt not therefore cure the gowt . for from hence two things do follow : the first is that the gowt doth immediately consist in the spirit of life , neither therefore , that the fruit of the gowt is the gowt , or the root thereof . the other is , that the gowt doth not flow down materially , or ( as they will have it ) in manner of a humor , as being a bridge for the rheum unto the joynts . wherefore if i shall explain the progress of the gowt in its being made , i think , that by liberal wits , and those not yet defiled by any prejudice , i shall be affented unto : for in the beginning , after that the seminal gowty character is constituted ( be it now all one whether it shall be made to increase from the seed of the parents , or next , be gotten by excess of living ) it must needs be , that it hath prescribed limits of its continuance , as well in rising up , as in continuing , according to the law of its destiny , and the successive change of things obeying . when therefore , the beginning of this gowty motion is at hand , the vital spirit being an obedient client to the corruptive character , puts on a fermental sharpness , altogether hostile to it self , and foreign unto us . in the next place , even as all sharpness , as well in the venal bloud , as in the flesh , is demonstrated to contein the beginning and token of putrefaction ; hence it comes to pass , that nature well perceiving or being thorowly sensible of that sharpness in the spirit , which it conceived from the seed or gowty character , doth presently stir up an every dayes fever , before the comming of the gowt : presently also a pain is well perceived in the proper place or womb , to wit , where two bones do touch each other ; first a small light pain , but afterwards , as it were that of a burning drop : being increased , it afterwards stirs up pains , burnings , and at length , oft-times , swellings : for then the sharpness being conceived in the spirit , by a spiritual fermentation ; to wit , by an active alteration , defiles the spermatical or seedy glew which is conjoyned between the ligaments , and the bones . i have already before demonstrated , that the character of the gowt is of its own disposition , bred to infect , and to be transferred with the seed ( to wit , even as mercury infects the mouth and teeth ; but the spittle of a mad dog , the brain ) as it were in an inn , in which it oft-times lurketh for a long race of years : wherefore , by virtue of a co-resemblance , it is agreeable to truth , that the character or impression of the gowt doth originally respect the seeds : notwithstanding , seeing nature is wholly careful of the sex , and a diligent preserver of the particular kinds to be preserved , and a saver thereof ; she peculiarly , what she can , forsees , that that character doth not infect the species , or that it do not fall on the stones : wherefore she could not at least prevent , that in respect of its disposition , it doth not immediately infect the liquor next to the seed , which paracelsus calls the sunovie , being plentifully powred forth between the chests of the ligaments , and the co-touchings of the bones . but at the very moment of copulation , the character of the gowt , otherwise sleeping in the spirit the archeus , being stirred up under so great a stirring of lust , is con-tempered with the spirit , together with the seed , plainly after an irregular manner : because nature being then unable to govern the rains , could not restrain , but that the poyson of the character doth fermentally infect the lustful seed : therefore seeing the seed or character of the gowt doth regularly defile the spermatical or seedy parts ; therefore , as speedily as may be , the sunovie ; which no where happens alone , but where two bones do mutually touch each other : hence is the place or nest of the gowt in the joynts : which things , seeing they ought to succeed by causes already constituted , nature being at least needy of her own preservation , doth not suffer the imprinted spirits to infect the sunovie , but in places far distant from the heart : for from hence the name of podagra or gowt of the feet , and of chiragra or gowt of the hands is borrowed . but at length , when as the disease hath gotten strength in going , and nature hath lost hers ; the gowt molesteth more-nigh places also : therefore the sharpness of the gowt being conceived , is in the spirit , as also in the seed potentially , without an actual tartness ; to wit , even as the seed of a pear doth not shew forth the tast of the fruit : but while the time of ripening is urgent or at hand , a sharpness is actuated in the spirit , and desiles this , which in a little space after , defiles the sunovie with its own ferment ; no otherwise , than as the smell of a soure earthen-pot , doth a little after , curdle new milk poured into it . but in the mean time , while these things happen within , the whole archeus of the body is altered in himself : for many gowty persons have known that they did foretel to themselves a fit at hand , from the excrement breeding between their toes its being changed : which thing surely , doth not bewray so much the defluxion of a humour , as the very altering of the sweat and latex it self . the sunovie therefore , from whence or what time it once falls down , or becomes sharp , cannot but provoke paines , wherefore by reason of a greater and less sharpness , do the heats , greatnesses , or cruelties , & properties of the gowt only differ . but the sunovie is a certain cleer muscilage or slymie juyce , such as drops out of the shanks of a killed calfe when his feet are cut off : but a sharpness being presently conceived , the sunovie waxeth clotty , in the form of cheese , and becomes thick : and so also it is thereby rendred unapt , that according to a wonted tenour of health , it can wholly exhale , without the residing of a dead head : and hence the degenerate , diseasie birth becomes an unhappy mother of knots : for then it suffers a puffing away of the watery parts , the remainders of the thick and hardened sunovie being retained : hence are those monsters , lime and chalke . therefore that sharpness is the cause of the pain , but the pain is the cause of the flowing forth of the neighbouring venal bloud which is good and guiltless : but the afluxion of bloud , is not a defluxion from the head , or liver , sent thither thorow straight passages of wayes impossible to the understanding : and although it may deceive the unwary senses , and they may seem to feel a defluxion from aboue ; yet they are only the deceitful judgments of the senses ; even as when the tooth akes , an increase seemeth to raine down to the payning causes on the whole side of the head : no otherwise than as at the pain of the cleaving of the skin at the roots of the nailes of the fingers , or a white-flaw , a kernel appears under the arm-pit . for by a local remedy , the pain of the teeth departs , or it being pulled out by the roots , ceaseth , and the kernel vanisheth when as the finger is eased of pain . this is the original & root of the gowt , & this is the manner of its making : the which surely is confirmed by things helpful , and hurtful : not indeed that i do approue of that maxime , shameful in it self : or that i will have curative judgments to be drawn from thence : but errors being sometimes admitted , do instruct judicious erring persons , who are willing to be wise in charity , as good remedies do confirm good operators : and therefore , whatsoever begins a subtile sharpness in the spirit , doth ripen , increase , or promote the same ; that also spurs on the fits of the gowt ; of which sort are white , sharpish wines , containing little of wine , and much of vinegar being the more largely drunk ; and likewise whatsoever things are corruptives of the liquor later , as asparagus , &c. in like manner also , whatsoever things do take away sharpness out of the spirit of life , and the latex , before the fit , being inwardly taken , or outwardly applyed , do remove , prevent , or preserve from the fit ; at leastwise they do mitigate the pains , and hinder the knots . but in curing the gowt . , the sharpness produced is not to be regarded ( which is instead of a fruit and of a product ) but we must meditate , after what manner the seminal o●seedy character of the gowt may be abolished out of the spirit of life : the which otherwise , remaining , nothing is done which is worthy a choice physitian . for neither doth every letter-carrier come unto the caskets of the vital spirit ; but only the embassadour who is a friend . and therefore the purging by the coralline secret , kills the gowt in its seed . but that arcanum is not the colour or tincture of coral ( as the rout that are ignorant of chymical matters do scoffingly interpret ; because the applied words of paracelsus ( which is of the essence of gold ) do sound another thing : nor also doth the colour , sulfur , or tincture of gold move the belly : but this secret is in matter , metallick , in colour , coralline , in savour , like hony , and in essence , golden : not indeed , that it was ever a malleable or hammerable body ; but it is the horizon or circular bound of gold , an un-concluded or un-enclosed and fixed body , whose sulfur is sweet , and co-mixeable with our constitutive parts : for in this sulfur the almighty hath collected all the virtues of sol , to whom alone all honour and glory is due . he that understands me is rare ; yet he knoweth that what things i have said concerning gowt , are true . nevertheless , seeing that is not sufficiently spoken , which is not sufficiently understood , it shall perhaps be profitable , to have repeated the rise , and progresse of the gowt in an epitome . in the first place , those that have the gowt or are gowty , do complain that they do well perceive or feel the defluxion of a burning humor . but i have already sufficiently and more than sufficiently taught , that there never was any humor of us in nature , besides the blood , the latex , and a secondary or nutritious nourishment , and besides a degenerate excrement , and that none of these do flow down , and much less can a defluxion be felt , a humor no where exsisting but in galenical books . therefore in the suposition of feeling or percievance , there is ( of necessity ) an errour therefore the gowt is a diseasie character , seminally implanted in the spirit of life : the which at the set bounds of its own ripeness , doth beget a fermental sharpe fruit , co-fermentable with the spermatick or seedy parts . therefore the gowt doth not exist in the venal blood , and muchless in the excrements . but gowty persons are first disturbed in their midriffs , and they do as well feel the inward successive changes of drinks and meats , as the outward ones of the air , yea and oftentimes they presage these to come . wherefore , they at first undergo feverish motions about the shop of the vital spirit , and indeed in the beginnings of a fit : for the first motions do ascend out of the midriffs , and assault the seat of the sensitive soul : for the character conceived in the midriffs , unfoldeth the figures of the moon , and mercury , and afterwards is perfected in the heart : but the formed , or ripened character , doth there put on a feverish spirit , as it doth infect it : the which , assoon as it hath conceived the sharpness of the content or co-resemblance of life , or a fermental sharpeness , it is ill-favouredly driven by a feverish motion , and is feverishly brought unto appointed places , to wit those of the raw sperm , in the sunovie of the joynts : the spirit i say , being thus infected , and not a humor ( which thing is to be noted ) doth coagulate the sunovie , being a transparent thing in it self , with the sharpness of a ferment , into a thick clot ; so that by reason of the degree of a conceived brackishness , heats , pains , and swellings of the gowt are distinguished . but that the humor latex is called by the horn of pain , and is dismissed by the veins , to wash it off , it is certain , that it hath confirmed in the schools the errors of defluxions , an accused liver , and the head to have paid the punishment of an undeserved fault , and to have sustained a thousand vain medicines . therefore the gowt is not that which paineth , and that which swelleth , or burneth ; but they are the products hereof : for neither when the foot is taken off by the bullet of a gun , is the gowt taken away , or the joynt-sickness : for truly , in the act of feeling , by an instrument of feeling , there is made only a consent of parts : which thing hath deceived the sick , and physitians who believe or trust to them : neither in the mean time , doth swelling prove a descending : for that which follows the pain , ought to go before it , if the descending of a humor , or a swelling should be the cause of the pain . add to this , that the hottest gowt is without swelling : for that is wont to be seen in the pain of the teeth , in the thorn fixed in a part , that the pain of a place doth counterfeit the defluxions of the upper parts ; but what have these things common with the fable of a catarrhe ? on the contrary , the schools do persist , they inflict cauteries on the opposite side , that they may pull back the humor flowing down into the opposite leg , and expunge it by a hole : but in good sooth , what do cauteries suck out ? nothing but snotty , and liquide corrupt matter : but these are the fruits of a wound , the degenerations of venal blood. is therefore the matter of the gowt , snotty corruption , or liquid corruption ? or the snotty filths of an ulcer ? is snotty matter ever transchanged into a chalk ? is snotty corruption quiet without corroding ? therefore the schools sell their own dream to the young beginner ; that snotty corrupt matter doth descend between the joints , or that it is apt to be turned into a chalk ; but well , that it maks an opening to it self by corroding : and it is more childish that any snotty corrupt thing flowing down into the right foot , should decline from the scope appointed to it , if the wound be made in the left leg ; the which if it do flow down , it falls down of its own free accord , or is sent and directed by a commander . i pass by in the mean time , the absurdities of making it , and of waies or passages which i have elsewhere blown away : and likewise the falling down of humors seperated from the venal blood , i have already before , together with the humors themselves , banished without the nature and hope of things , in an appointed book : first of all that there is no part commanding , sending , darting , or directing , hath been elsewhere sufficiently concluded : but if of its own accord , it fall down into the side perpendicular unto it ; surely the humor will not fall in one that sleeps , if the whole body sleepeth in a plain bed , because a perpendicular line is wanting ; neither shall a humor sliding down by its weight , be called away from its purpose , although the hole be in the opposite leg. in the gowt therefore , surely , nature hath derided the vain purgations of physitians , their extenuations , cuttings of a vein , scarrifying , hot baths , and cauteries , the which do even detract from the strength , and shorten life : for it is certain that nature fore-perceiving and fearing a ruine procured unto her , such remedies do often mitigate the aforesaid sumptoms ; but that appeasing is presently to be requited with a more cruel pain , and cruelty of knots . therefore all things have been hitherto attempted with an unprosperous event . in the next place , they appoint dry sweats with lesse loss of life indeed ; but with the like unprosperousness of successes . at length , they give drinks , from a barbarous foundation , of the utmost corner of the earth , to drink , and when they perceived our own country remedies to be in vain , they promise that humors ( never seen , named , and bred ) are to be dryed up at least by barbarous remedies . but why do they give these drinks to drink also in a dry consumption ? is it not that they may dry up the defluxing and exorbitant ill juicy humor ? but let them first satisfie the question , whether the thing be , or not ; whether watery decoctions are for drying up ? and then let them teach , that these drinks will not by a certain priveledge , dry up the blood , as neither those humors which they call secondary ones ; but the other three dreamed ones only in the blood ; or next , only phlegmatish excrements ; lastly , that they will not vitiate the requisite composition in the blood , and the due proportion of the thing composed : but if these sort of decoctions do only dry up slimy and sharp excrements ; at leastwise , they shall increase the clots and knots , by leaving a curd of harshness . but if they do these things in rheums , why not in the gowt ? or if not in the gowt , why also not in catarrhs ? if they do dry up phlegm between the joints , when they are given to drink for prevention of the gowt , how shall they not constrain phlegm sliding in the veins , or in the passage between the skin , unto a sand-stone and knots ? if tough phlegm be dried up into the sand-stones , by decoctions ; shall they not increase hurt in those that are distempered in their lungs ? and therefore are they wickedly prescribed and given to drink : if dry things do imbibe or drink up moisture , at leastwise , i do not see how moist things shall dry up , especially where the drink of that which is decocted doth alwaies remain moist . lastly , at leastwife a catarrhy humor could not chuse but be an excrement : but the schools have not considered , that excrementous things cannot be blown away , as neither be dried up without a dead head. for i have elsewhere taught , that drying up is only of heat , and cold : this whereof , in an increased degree scarce tolerable for living creatures , doth convert watery bodies into a gas ; but the other is not an operative quality into a drying vapour , as neither into moisture ; but that the dry doth drink up the moist , and on the other hand , that the most doth moisten as it is imbibed : but moisture is not dryed up by dryness , but the moisture departing , being supt up by heat , or cold . the schools in defluxions , do forbid hot things , do forbid wines , do perswade barley broaths , and so in the middle of the waters , sometimes moistening , and sometimes drying up ( as they say ) they endeavour to dry up ; but they know not what , in what manner , and by what means , because hitherto , the humor the author of so great evils , is an unnamed one . i therefore have not known , either the motion , or manner , or means , whereby these drinks are able to dry up , by a true drying up , and much less hurtful excrements only , and least of all , can they perform those things which physitians do promise . nature therefore despiseth these dreams of physitians , and doth alwaies make , and will alwaies make void their promises . i beseech the most excellent god , that he would pardon the offences or sins which we have contracted , not by a stubborn ignorance , but from humane frailty : yet i fear , least that befall physitians , which doth other men ; among whom an ignorance of right or law , takes away or looseth the inheritance . last of all , even as the gowt is truly , a primary or chief disease ; hence the knowing thereof , depends on the knowledge of chief diseases , about the end whereof , some things are recorded concerning the cure of the gowt . chap. lii . a raging or mad pleura . . the pleurisie of the schools . . the errors of the definition , and forgetfulnesses of themselves . . some dreamed assertions . . whether the weight of phlegm falling down , doth pull away the pleura from the ribs . . some more gross assertions . . the vain azugos hath no regard unto the essence of a pleurisie . . the vain hope of revulsion and derivation . . to what end blood-letting may conduce in a pleurisie . . the schools are deceived by artificial things . . both causes of the disease do remain in their own effects . . some rashnesses of paracelsus . . the carelesseness of the schools . . the consideration of the author in a pleurisie , declared by an example . . a contemplation of sharpness in the bounds of a pleurisie . . a proofe . . the vanity of bloud-letting . . things required in a remedy . . a sharpness is proved in the pleurisie . . how the pleura may be pulled away from the ribs . . whence an inflammation of the lungs is . . the thorn being plucked out , the place doth oft become thorny . . from whence a pleurisie is . . where the kitchin of a pleurisie is . . the repentance of nature in a pleurisie . . the antients have spoken something of a husteron proteron , concerning the pain of the pleurisie . . how the bloody flux seperates it self from a pleurisie . . wherein a peripneumonia or inflammation of the lungs , and an imposthume full of corrupt matter , do differ from a pleurisie . . what a clyster can work in the bloody-flux . . the use of ecligmaes are taken notice of . . the schools are every where buisie about the cloakatived cure of diseases . . the cruel carelessness of physitians . . remedies wrested in a pleurisie . . notable absurdities about the bloody-flux . . why a clyster is hurtful to a bloody-flux . . observations of the author who had a pleurisie . . how a seasonable cutting of a vein differs from that which is delayed . the pleurisie is by the schools numbred among defluxions or rheums , & they define it to be a bloody aposteme , wherein the pleura or coat which girdeth the ribs , is plucked from the ribs , with a continual fever , & pain of the place . and aposteme is the general kind of the disease defined ; and so those who always define a disease to be a disposition , and do place it among qualities , do now think , the product or effects of a pleurisie which follow upon the placing of a defluxing rheum , to be the disease , and do provide it a place among substances : but they no longer place it among a distemper , disposition , and hurting of an action ; but they now affirm it to be a material product and aposteme . in the next place , they leave it uncertain , whether they may ascribe the pleurisie to a phlegm or salt rheum , or indeed to venal blood expelled thither : but neither do they also explain in the least , what that furious disposition may be , which by its angry heat , doth rent the pleura from the ribs ; yet that animosity is in nature , and motion , before the defluxing rheum , and the catarrh before that pulling asunder , and that divulsion goes before an aposteme . therefore they define the effect , also they think that a defluxing rheum , doth by its weight of salt phlegm , actually rent the pleura from the ribs : moreover , the schools omit , that they do in a pleurisie decree not any remedy for a phlegmatish catareh , as also , they are forgetful of the pleura already torn , because they do provide for expectoratings only , by sugared lickings or ecligmaes . indeed they sufficiently see , that the pleurisie is a sudden disease , for which , the saltness of the phlegm could not far of have produced a corroding in the place , or have made a hollowness , which the blood falling down thither , doth fill up , and further extend : therefore , they will have that defluxing phlegm , only by its weight to rent the pleura from the ribs : as if , it should not flow down by drops , and the weight of phlegm that flows down from above , now falling down perpendicularly on the place , should make the force of some pounds at once ! but they have not yet declared the hollowness in which that height of heaped-up phlegm should reside : for although the sick should be as empty in his brain , as is the present foolish assertion of the schools , yet so great phlegm in the scull could not tear the pleura from the ribs . . they have not yet taught the wayes , whereby the continuance of the rheum in its passage from the brain , should be unto the membrane between the ribs , and much less which by its weight , aloof of , should perform that . . neither also , have they as yet denominated that renter and so mighty tearer , which may pluck away the pleura , grown to the ribs on every side , by a stiff and much fiber , or which may stretch water into a dropsical belly , like the tympany . neither lastly , do they shew , why that catarrh doth rain down unto an appointed and small place , which was made or detained in the brain in common : for doth not the subsequent subscribing to each other , from so many and so great rashnesses of the schools , deserve to be of suspected credit ? for it is a work of greater violence than that of phlegm falling down , to have pul'd away the pleura from the ribs : for as many as have commented on the ninth chapter of almanzor , longly and largly , concerning the vein azugos or stock arising from the right side of the trunk of the upper part of the hollow vein , whether it be distributed between the ribs , without a peer or fellow , do scratch themselves , and so forget their defluxing rheum , even as also the weight of the same , being turned only unto the emptying of venal blood : for herein they rather consider the one only remedy which they have , and that alike known to country people , to wit , by the only repeated cutting of a vein , than the very nature of the disease , or the schools their supposed causes of a rheum . and moreover , all have altogether declined from that absurdity , because the consideration of a rheum being rejected in time of curing , they think to have brought the cause from that part first , from which the blood slid as it were by accident , out of the unlike vein , between the pleura : for they have alwayes so greatly fallen under sluggishness , that they for the most part overshadow the causes , by meditating on the effects : neither have they ever heeded , that the blood is not brought down by the veins of their own accord , as neither that it slides into the place by its own proper fall : for to tear the pleura from the ribs , to send venal blood thither , and the like , are the offices of life , but not the faults of a sliding liquor . but what will the schools do , which are accustomed to subscribe so much to pagans , whose doctrine is wont to imitate , not nature , but science mathematical it self in artificial things ? for they see the vein azugos to be extended and derived thorow both ribs ; therefore from hence also , they beg all the cause ; no otherwise than as a traveller sleeping about a river , and a dead carcass is found slain in the next wood by thievs , therefore , that sleeping man , loosing his head as guilty , ought to shed all the blood . therefore they appoint blood-letting , and try to draw forthblood by revulsion , out of the vein azugos , made guilty , as the most neer , immediate , and containing cause . but where now remains your catarrh of phlegm , or choler flowing down from the head ? and the which only by its weight , doth tear the pleura from the ribs . they at least intend to pull back blood from the unlike or non-peered vein , not only flowing , but also in possibility to flow : and it is for that cause , called revulsion , even as also , some more near vein being pierced as it were the mediatress of the evil , is called derivation . alas ! how circumspect are the schools in discursive and artificial things ? which in nature are nothing but mockeries ? because although a vein of the elbow may empty out all its blood , even into the hollow vein , and this consequently , may draw the blood out of the vein azugos ; yet the schools ought to know , that presently after , the whole venal blood is equally restored again into the veins ; so that , although the vein of the elbow might be wholly evacuated ( which is never ) yet that the whole blood should be presently again equalized throughout the whole co-weaving of the veins : whence it is manifest , that the trifles of revulsion and derivation are vain , because they are such things , which being granted , yet would be serviceable to the intention but for a small time of delay . i pray therefore let physitians consider , that blood-letting is not of use in the pleurisie , for revulsion and derivation , but for a meer exhausting of the blood and strength , and the lessening thereof ; to wit , that nature being sore afraid of that evacuation , may desist and cease from sending an increase of venal blood about the pleura : let them well mark , i say , whether this be not , with so notable and sudden a loss of strength ( in a disease wherein the faculties themselves alone do bear the whole burthen ) to cure from the latter or effect , by a forecaution and prevention of its increase ? is that , i say to go unto the co-knit and nourishing cause , while as they do not convert their whole endeavour unto the thing doing or causing , but unto the thing to be done ? they are altogether foolish services which are drawn from artificial things : for a brook flowing to a certain bound , is diminished and stayed if its bank be opened at the side , and it slide with a more near and ready journey to a steep place : but what shall that profit , if the blood can be only emptyed unto some ounces alone , and indeed with a notable loss of strength ? shall not the blood , when the vein is stopped up , flow again unto the place appointed , as long as the beginning of motion doth remain ? shall it not be more convenient , to have stayed the beginning of the flux ? seeing that , from a vein being cut , no other good can be expected in the plenrisie , than that which may be hoped for by the weakning of the strength ? to wit , because nature being greedy of strength , needy and wanting of venal blood , ceaseth from a sumptomatical motion toward the pleura , as long as shee remains enfeebled : and therefore , the pleurisie not increasing for a while , nature as it were repenting of the rumor and storm , thinks of a ripening of the corrupt pus that is to be framed of the out-hunted blood : all which things would more successfully follow , the blood being retained , wherein the life , that is , the strength dwells ; because the life is nature , which is the alone physitianess of diseases , and she failing , the physitian takes away his shoulders . therefore the schools have not hitherto taken heed unto the impulsive cause , which pours forth the blood out of the veins into undue places , beyond bound and measure , and which furiously plucks away the pleura from the ribs , and prepares a wound and hollowness : which causes being co-knit together , are iddeed before the effect ; yet do they so persevere in the same effect , that they are materially and efficiently the very effects themselves : unto which effect indeed , slow and impotent is the race of false and salt phlegm out of the head , and the dreamed rheumy defluxions , through channels or continuations of passages not existing . but paracilsus meditating of this pulling away of the pleura , and being willing to square a cause thereunto , hath brought in other follies , that he may defend his own mad laws of a little world in us : for he feigneth anew , and ogertine salt , else never named by him , however variously he itcheth in himself concerning salts in ulcers and apostemes , even to the fetching off of the skin . and first of all , he teacheth , that this ogertine salt is of the property of arsenical sulphurs : in the mean time , he is silent concerning its mines , veins , property , history , etymology , and reason of its etymology , because it was dreamed by him : but at leastwise , he had acted nothing more cleerly herein ; seeing he dawbs no less with the same elay , than that wherewith the schools are defiled : for truly , none hath hitherto declared , why the pleura departs from the ribs , whereunto it is adjoyned by a continued thred of fibers ; to wit , whether it be pulled away of its own free accord , or indeed by another tearer : they are content , as satisfied in the doubt , if they shall say , it is rent from the ribs by the weight of a down-rouling catarrh : in the resolving nevertheless , of which doubt , as of the root , the whole cure and prevention of a pleurisie doth consist : for the root of every disease , is worthy of the dumb silence of the schools ( to wit , i shall shew in a peculiar treatise , that the very essence of any kind of diseases whatsoever , hath been hitherto unknown in the schools ) ; it hath seemed to suffice them , if they have applyed their doctrine unto without , unto artificials , unto the latter sumptoms , unto the consequent fruits or products : as though the stage of causes and essential roots were ridiculous and in vain . paracelsus also , if he reckoned to confirm any solid thing toward a disease of so great moment , and to add his doctrine thereto , if he determined not to derive his ogertine salt it self , from a power unto act , out of the blood ; at leastwise , that unwonted , unnamed , and unknown salt ought to have brought a necessity of its invention , and of its generation , that at least , some place might be afforded for prevention for this , the pretended title of the monarch of secrets doth require . but all things have remained neglected , because the chiefdome of healing hath stood founded upon empty stubble . i promise therefore , that whatsoever hath been built thereon , shall fall to the ground : for whether a fire , the searcher out of truth , be built , or next , whether the voluntary corruption of dayes shall consume the stubble , at leastwise i know , that at length that building will fall to the ground . but i , in a pleurisie , consider , the first inward moover , or spur , and afterwards the tearer of the pleura : and both those being one and the same efficient cause of it , i call the pleurisie it self : but the venal blood flowing thither , and that which is poured out thither , and the aposteme sprung from thence , i consider as the product ; to which end i will bring common experience for an example : let a thorn be thrust into any part of the body , the which , pain instantly succeedeth ; from the pain there is presently a pulse , from the pulse , an afflux of vendl blood , whence ariseth a swelling , a fever , an aposteme , &c. the thorn therefore mooves the other things after it . therefore the metaphorical thorn of the pleurisie , and by speaking properly , the pleurisie it self , is a forreign sharpness conceived in the archeus , the which if it chaseth , or layes aside into the blood of the hollow vein , surely that is expelled unto the vein azugos , yea or into the very flesh near the ribs , from whence ariseth an aposteme as the product of the pleurisie . in the next place , as an aposteme which is bred from a thorn fastened in the finger , a not but rashly cured by cutting of a vein ; but it promiseth a cure by reason of the plucking out of the thorn only : so it happens in the pleurisie . for as sharpness in the stomack , is an acceptable , and ordinary savour ; so out of the stomack , all sharpness is besides nature , and hostile , which hath been hitherto unknown in the schools . for so , from a sharpness , are wringings of the bowels , there is a strangury in the urine , a corroding in ulcers , in the skin a scab , in the joynts the gowt , &c. and the which , if thou wilt experience to thy hand , mingle some drops at least , of sharpish wine , with the urine that hath been newly pissed out without pain , and cast it in with a syringe : thou shalt experience against thy will , that i teach the truth . in the humor latex also , ( of which afterwards in its own place ) it raiseth up a bastard pleurisie , ( the which they , altogether through the same carelessness of narrowly searching , as in other diseases , do call a windy one ) : but if the archeus hath laid up a gentle sharpness into the lap of the venal blood , unhappily applied to it ; it as despised , is presently hunted out , and cast out of the veins , and brings forth an aposteme in whatsoever place that shall happen : but if that doth happen to be the deeper or lavisher in the veins , a certain pestilent affect ariseth : the which ; i prove ; for the venal bloud , or flesh , do never wax soure or sharp , without an actual obtaining of putrefaction ( the which i have els-where on purpose proved by the fleshes of beasts which do most swiftly putrifie under the dogstar , therefore yielding soure broath , ) for the bloud waxing soure , is , contrary to the nature of the veins , and to the disposition of the whole flesh ( as long as it liveth ) presently coagulated : for the venal bloud in a dead-carcasse , is preserved by the vein , a good while from coagulating , out of which , if it shall fall , it waxeth presently clotty ; which is more largely declared els-where . hence it follows , that of an aposteme made in a pleurisie , the bloud of the same cannot be evacuated by a vein being cut , however the name of revulsion and derivation be boasted of , for fear of the disease , and delusion of the sick : and likewise , neither doth the cutting of a vein hinder , that any thing doth any more for the future , wax sharp , seeing blood-letting hath the power only of a privation : neither can the venal bloud which is brought forth , hinder , that that which ( being within ) hath drawn a sharpness , should not lay the same aside : but a meet remedy for the pleurisie , is bound to cause an a versness from the conception of a sharpning in the archeus . if therefore the sharpness of the venal bloud be a token of the same putrifying , it is certain , that a vein doth receive into it self , neither putrified , nor putrifying bloud , neither that it suffers it to putrifie , if as yet after death is defend the same from co-agulating . therefore there is some exorbitant or pestilent impression in the bloud , if it wax sharp never so slenderly . but if the archeus be infected by an endemical matter breathed into the breast , or a sharp poyson otherwise bred within , and he shall affect the bloud of the veins , or other bloud designed for nourishment ; any part whatsoever being sore afraid of corrupting , doth presently repulse the same bloud from it . this i say , is the efficient and true spur of the pleurisie : and that thing , hippocrates the first of physicians seemeth to have perceived , while he writeth : hot , cold , moist , or dry , are not diseases ; but that which is sharp , bitter , soure , and harsh . but that there is sharpness in a pleurisie , is manifest from this ; because in the pleurisie , the urine and venal bloud being drawn forth by a cut vein , do wax clotty even in going forth , or before the co-thickning of the bloud ; which clottiness or cheefiness is the effect of sharpness : but the latex which waxeth sharp , lighting into the flesh between the ribs , causeth a pleuritical pain ; but not a true and constant affect : and therefore , that which they name a flatulent or windy one ( although windy blasts do never reach thither , unless by taking of a transchanging poyson ; even as concerning windinesses ) doth by a slender remedy presently produce it self discussable , to wit , by unperceivable transpirations . therefore the sharpness presently brings forth pain : but i have called ( in the book of the disease of the stone , in the chapter of sensation ) the proper companion , and cause of pain , a convulsion : in which convulsion , the pulse which before lay hid , is manifested , the artery waxeth hard , and pain acompanies it : but because a convulsion is for the most part extended , and slackened by intervals ( which the pain of women in travail doth testifie ) hence it comes to pass , that as oft as the pleura is intenton its cramp , by a proper blas of motion , so often something of the fibers is rent asunder from the ribs ; and while it doth but never so little slacken it self , the neighbouring bloud runs to it into the place of the wrinckles made by contracting of the fracture : and this by repeated turns , is the cause of a great aposteme , according to the frequency , and sharpness of the contractures : but the venal bloud being hunted out , or otherwise exceeding a just dose , by reason of the mark of a sharp or soure ferment conceived , becomes hostile , and is presently curdled . but if indeed the sharpness be dispersed by the infected archeus into the arterial vein , or venal artery ( which are the vessels of the lungs ) a necessitated inflamation or impostume of the lungs doth happen . let the schools therefore see and discern , whether blood-letting can cure the containing cause and root ; or whether indeed their whole endeavour doth only extend it self , that with a procured loss of strength , they may prevent an increase of the pleurisie , when much : for thus the manner of making diseases ought to be explained by their motive and vital causes , if it be needful to have young beginners rightly instructed , and for physitians to be so consulted with , that afterwards , every one may rightly perform his office , and that the sick neighbour may thereby crop his desired fruit. for the thorn being pulled out , the rest doth easily cease ; unless perhaps long delay hath made the apostem it self thorny . for an apostem , or ulcer being once formed , although they have neither privily gotten root in the body , nor are nourished from elswhere , yet they do afterwards stand by themselves , and subsist without any other patronage of them . we must therefore employ our selves about the plucking out of the thorn : and there is a stubbornness of a consumptive ulcer ; because the ulcer hath not now , a thorn , but hath become thorny . the pleurisie therefore , is bred in us of its own accord , when a guest of the first digestion being a stranger , flees into anothers harvest ; or otherwise , a poysonous endemick being breathed in ; and then a pleurisie is frequent among the people . for in much heat , a sudden and much abundant drinking of cold water or drink , doth contract the pleura , no otherwise than as any other sharp thing which rusheth on it . also the kitchin of the pleura is not in its most thin and undividable little membrane ; but in the flesh between the ribs which co-toucheth with it : for it s too much slenderness doth not suffer a kitchin to be hid within it self : therefore the blood of the pleura it self , is most swiftly mortified by a violent external thing rushing on it , whether it shall be sharp , or a sudden cold ; because in that outward kitchin , nourishment is not digested , and prepared for it . the blood therefore being vitiated , wnile it is in making for the nourishment of the pleura , it straightway waxeth sharp , and becomes a true pleurisie : but they do feel the pleurisie , not indeed , to come , but to have come , and to be present , while it is generated by an external thing rushing on it : for natural generations are made as it were in an instant : and therefore the degeneration of the bloud in the aforesaid and outward kitchin of the pleura , is as it were in an instant : but the pleurisie happening from sharp venal bloud defiled from els-where , hath for the most part , other fore-shewing diseases . but it is also proper to the pleurisie , that it presently repenteth nature of her offence : and so from the horror of the admitted error , she willingly correcteth the offence of her own digestion : and therefore for cure , there is only required , that the thorn , & product of the confused digestion be taken away , in the blood it self encompassing , yea and in the apostem it self : but the pleurisie which is restored by blood-letting , doth oft-times , after a years space return , and doth more often leave a consumption behind it ; because the business of the remaining thorn is left to be overcome by the shoulders of nature alone , without a help restoring the character which there stayeth behind . the antients indeed have perceived , that where pain , and heat are , thither venal blood doth flow : but none ( that i know of ) hath hitherto reached to the thorn , and foregoing motive sharpness , as neither to the convulsiue pain ; from whence notwithstanding , comfort ought to be hoped for . it might justly be doubted , why the pleura slackening a little while from its contracture , doth not again drive back the venal blood contained within it , unto the places from whence it came : but it is already manifest , that the venal blood doth from the sharpness , presently wax clotty , and hath learned also constantly to stick in this place : after another manner , tumours do often disperse els-where ; because their venal blood is not estranged by a sharpness . furthermore , the dysentery or bloody-flux differs from the pleurisie , not so much in the sharpness of the material cause , as in the variety of the subject : for neither have the bowels flesh behind them for a kitcihn ; and therefore a bowel hath its own thorn fastened in its own coats : for besides a double coat of a bowel or intestine , a third is entrenched with the gown of the mesentery : and because it hath not without it self , a kitchin in the flesh : therefore the membrane thereof doth not bring an apostem : wherefore the blood comming to it for ease of the gripings or wringings , it is not hardned , or waxeth clotty , neither hath the blood as yet obtained the fibers of the mesentery , whereby it may be coagulated , or swell into an apostem : wherefore , in the bloody-flux , that blood following to the place for an easement of the pricking pain arising from the sharpness , flows forth without being made clotty : but in the pleurisie , in one respect , a bloody spittle not coagulated ( because not yet sharp ) as it were hastening , being sent for an easment of the pain ; neither that , nor such spittle , is the occasional cause of that disease : but in the other respect , sharp blood is stayed between the pleura and the ribs , waxeth clotty , is apostemized , and therefore is made corrupt pus . therefore very much blood hastening for an ease of the pain ( where pain is , thither bloud hastens ) beyond or thorow the pleura , doth pierce into the breast , which is reached out by spitting with a most troublesom cough . wherefore a pleurisie differs not from a peripneumonia or inflammation or imposthume , of the lungs , in its occasional causes , as neither in its remedy : for blood is poured into the substance of the lungs , according to the pleuritical thorn : for in a mattery imposthume , although the lungs do contain venal blood , & divers hostile things in them , yet through want of a sharp thorn , there is not a peripneumonia : but there are other defects proceeding from the excrements of their own digestion . therefore many diseases do not differ in their occasional matter ; but in the diverse agents , and properties of members , and functions ; the which for the most part do not so much vary the remedies , as adjacent things depending on the powers of properties . for it is thereby manifest , how vain the remedie of clysters is in the bloody-flux ; because the bloody-flux is only of the slender bowels , which are some ells distant from the more gross ones which are capable of clysters . therefore in the pleurisie , and peripneumonia , they make use of blood-letting , for a necessary remooval ( as they say ) of the causes ; as if the abounding of blood alone ( the which nevertheless , they say is the one only and suitable betokener of cutting of a vein ) were their mother . but besides , therefore they have prescribed ecligmaes , not indeed for remooval of the thorn ; but for a more easie expectorating of spittles ; to wit , lickings or ecligmaes of colts-foot , of fox-lungs , &c. for seeing this living creature is almost unwearied , they have thought , that dying ( for without thinking , the strong authority of the schools faileth ) he had bequeathed the remedie of curing difficult breathers to his lungs , although the bowel , the author of the thorn in us , doth remain badly affected , the apostem which threatneth snotty corrupt matter persisting ; and the which , unless ( as galen is authour ) it be wholly cured by a set number of dayes , an undoubted consumption of the lungs is to be expected . wherefore , the whole study of the schools , doth not aime so much to cure , as only to prevent its increase ; ' that is , not in respect of the radical cause , but by viewing of the latter product , to wit , that it decline not into a worse state : for the schools have this faculty always , to leave their burden to nature , to hope for and defer the time for a critical day : for seeing that they scarce acknowledge remedies besides purging , and letting out of blood ; they proceed only unto things which diminish the liquor , and strength , and only unto a cloakative cure , being busied about the effects , and latter products ; to wit , that they may banish the remainder into the hucksterries of the kitchin and a prescribed diet , whether it be those whom a more blessed disposition of strength preserveth , or otherwise have rushed into more difficult diseases , and being destitute of hope , they have reduced into the number of incurable ones . for as i have said concerning the lohoch of fox-lungs , they likewise in the palsey , commend the brain of a coney and hare , because they are swift in running , the yard of a stag for those that are cold , because he is a wild beast very much inclined to leachery . if therefore a country man shall eat the boyled hand of a musitian , shall he perhaps artificially strike the lute ? but the schools do require , that ecligmaes be swallowed by a slow drawing , and therefore are they endowed with the name of lickings-in , that the remedie may materially descend unto the place of the cough . i wonder in the mean time , why they have not likewise prepared lohoch sanum of a horses taile , which is stirred all the summer for brushing off the flies . but nothing hath been thought of by the schools for taking away the thorn of the pleurisie ; by reason of one only fault ; to wit , because they have not known the same , and have neglected diligently to search , being content with subscribing to each other . in the mean time , they render the strength of a weak man weaker , and pull it back , as if they were willing to destroy him by repeated cuttings of a vein ; as if the strength being prostrated , some commodious thing is afterwards to be hoped for . i bewail in the mean time , the condition of mortals , who have gotten such helpers in so painful a disease , who being ignorant of the cause , do attempt any absurdities , so they have first weakened the sick through a penury of venal blood and strength ; in the mean time , they have left nature swimming with her one oars : but if in the mean time , a proper strength shall help the infirmity of youth ; they require , and ascribe honour ( that is , in effect , a reward ) to be due unto themselves : and they declare that they have gotten the priviledge of killing two hundred others by the same meanes : or if the strength being wearied out by the emptying chrurgion , doth fail , is extinguished by a long consumption , and a daily mournful spectacle ; at least wise the physition can excuse himself by a cruel and unwonted greatness of the disease , because the best remedies being administred , he hath nevertheless declined into a consumption : none such whereof would happen ( for i promise and promise upon the penalty of proof ) if the cruel cutting of a vein being despised , the balsam of life , and strength of nature being reserved ; the radical thorn be plucked out : so the pain , bloody spittle , and fever do pleasingly cease , and that which held together being rent a sunder , is it self , presently incarnated . but the causes being hitherto unknown , have brought forth the ignorance of a remedy . for my remedies are such as forsake none in the pleurisie , and peripneumony . the powder of the yard of a stag , or bull , or the venal blood of a he-goat , or the juice of wild succhory , of the flowers of wild poppy , and many such like . i especially , commend the blood of a he-goat , not indeed that which is sold ; but i hang up a he-goat by the horns , and his hinder feet being tied to his horns , his stones being cut off , he is gelded : the blood issuing from thence even until his death , is received , and dryed : and it is known from the saleable blood ( which is nothing but sheeps blood ) because that which is sold , is easily beaten , and the powder thereof is of a red or pomegranate colour ; but the true he-goats blood is most difficultly and tediously beaten , and the powder thereof is of a pitchie colour : but the beating is so troublesom , not indeed by reason of its toughness ; but by reason of its meer and incredible hardness . for these kind of succors being friendly to the archeus , and homebred or familiar to mans nature , do correct the immediate cause in the archeus , and take away its sharpness , and do dispose the blood to transpiration , do appease the pain , because they extinguish the sharpness : also the ferment of tartness being taken away , they resolve as much as they can of the out-hunted blood , and the appointment of corrupt pus being neglected , they do seasonably cast out the rest by cough : wherefore the same remedies are given to drink to those that have been thrown down or have fallen from an high place , as they do disperse the venal blood made clotty by the bruise ; that is , they take away the thorn , they take away the poyson , and for that cause do incarnate the place : and so they do satisfie all betokenings , by the one only amendment of the thorn : for the which , the unexhausted bounty of divine clemency hath made many the like things . for a bloody flux doth not require astringent medicines ; for under an ordinary judgement , or under a close stoppage and astriction , death is straightway present : for i being present , and greatly astonished , after . vain clysters , at length , an emplaister of diapompholigos dissolved in oyl of quinces , was cast into a noble man with a clyster , by our chief physitians , with an notable stupidity of the schools : for truly after . hundred stools and more , he was cured by me without a clyster , by a remedy taken in at the mouth . and likewise the schools proceed as yet still to teach , that the bloody flux doth not consist but with an ulcer of the bowels ; for healing whereof , the physitians did therefore infuse or pour in the aforesaid emplaister : as if an ulcer of a greater bowel were to be healed by that emplaister ! when as a simple wound thereof is reckoned uncurable . and likewise if the bloody flux be in the slender or small guts , why do they not emplaister the long ones ? for who of the galenists hath ever cured an ulcer of the o●sand , wind-pipe , or of a bowel , by clysters ; seeing they know not how to cure a fistula of the fundament , which they have at hand , by emplaisters ? i pray let physitians remember , that the natural tear doth not bite the eye thereof , as neither the urine the bladder ; so also the dung in a bowel , is not to be perceived , untill it be nigh the place of utterance ; because it is a natural excrement : but that a clyster doth pain , because it is a forreigner to a bowel : therefore it is hurtful in the bloody flux . that error floweth from the schools , who define the bloudy flux to be an ulcer of the intestines or greater bowels : the which , how inveterate soever , and almost desperate , i have seen to be very often cured , and indeed with much safty ; to wit , by administring some specifical remedies . but surely i behold a bloody moloch to sit president in the chairs of medicine . look behind ye or recollect your selves therefore , my fellow brethren : for a cruel horror will invade the world , at the sound of the trump , when every one is to give an account of his stewardship . finally , i will declare , what i my self having a pleurisie , have observed . on the third of the calends of ( the th . month called ) ianuary , a fever suddenly invaded me , together with a gentle rigour , so as that my teeth did shake ; there was a pricking pain in the forepart of my side about the breast-bone , which hindred my in-breathing : presently after , a bloudy spitting was present ; at length meer blood bowrayed it , self : i took presently a cropped piece of the genital of a stag ( for it was at hand ) and the pain was presently diminished ; by and by , i drank a dram of he-goats blood : on the fourth day therefore , my spitting of blood ceased , a seldom small cough remaining , together with some spittings out by reaching ; but the fever continued : for on the second day , the pain about my girdle enlarged it self on my left side , with a difficult breathing , an increase of the fever , and an intermitting pulse . i had now finished my d . year , and i did expect that an aposteme was co-agulated in my spleen ; because my milt waxing round into a lump , did cause a weight ; for if i did lift my knees on high , or lay down on my right side , i felt the falling globe of a great weight ; and so i suspected the pleurisie to be stirred up from my spleen , the which , when it was driven away by meet remedies from my ribs , it at length afflicted my spleen : the which i presently withstood , by drinking of wine boiled with the stones of crabs , and within few daies , all the pain , and lump of weight vanished away . in the mean time , i was visited by a noble man , who had heeled his boots with sweet-smelling pruss●an leather ; through the smell whereof , i presently felt the pain of my spleen , and the fever renewed : from whence i collected , that the archeus of my spleen was the author of the whole tragedy . lastly i noted , that in the beginning of a pleurisie , a vein being cut , doth indeed stay the inward breaking forth of blood , and the sick seem to be the better : and although a letting out of blood shall increase weakness ; yet they adjudge the same not to the launcet , but to the pleurisie : but if there be a more slow opening of a vein , the blood already co-agulated , and the aposteme conceived from thence , and the ordained corrupt matter , do hasten unto their bound or limit : for hence , from curing by cutting of a vein there is a frequent consumption , or a pleurisie returneth every year ; which otherwise , by the aforesaid remedies , are not beheld to come . chap. lv. that the three first principles of the chymists , nor the essences of the same , are not of , or do not belong unto the army of diseases . . why the schools leave the market ? . why paracelsus hath sought other beginnings of diseases ? . he hath theevishly transferred on himself the invention of basilius . . an easie slip or fall of the paracelsians . . an abuse discovered by degrees . . paracelsus was deceived by chymical rules badly understood . . he aspired to the chiefdome of healing . . he failed under his fardle or burden . . he was deceived also by ulcers . . some rashnesses of his . . robbery is covered by sin. . some rashnesses of his . . the doctrine of the elements of his archidoxis is taken notice of . . he fleeth to the stars , least the curious should follow him running away . . the adeptical part of healing . . the boasting of paracelsus . . the most perfect distillation of art. . the wonderful coal of honey . . paracelsus thrown down from his pretended monarchy . . fabulous meanes of diseases . . the venal blood is blown away without a dead head. . what things nature hath once refused , she never retakes again . . the water , although it be a thousand times distilled , it is not notwithstanding , therefore made subbtile . . some absurdities . . the fiction of a microcosme in the manner of making diseases . . the ambition of paracelsus . . whence he had the boldnesse to invade the monarchy . . that the three first things are not in us . . he was ignorant of the bond of the three first things . . he was ignorant of the original of salt. . some of his rashnesses . . his error in the knowledge of feavers . . an example that the whole venal blood doth melt by purgings . . diseases do not bewray the three first things . . how the three first things are made . . that galen and paracelsus were almost alike in boldness and error . . the three first things are resisted . . the error of paracelsus about the essences of diseases . . that the three first things are not , nor do operate in diseases . . paracelsus came more nigh to the truth than galen . . the three first things do not immediately support life . . although the three first things are not diseases , yet they are remedies . . the manner of the operation of remedies , is badly weighed in the schools . . a quintessence or fifth essence is withstood . . it hath been inconsiderately subscribed unto the foregoing things , because the essence of diseases hath remained unknown . . that the three first things is a late invention . . that the three first things have not fore existed before their separation : but that they are bred anew . . that water passeth over into oyle . . for those three things to be changed into each other , doth resist principles . . proofs of positions . . against aristotle , that there are onely two beginnings of bodies , which are also their beginning or initiating causes . . the oversight or rashnesse of the paracelsists . . that those three things are not in any bodies whatsoever . . that the three first things are not in the water , as neither in mercury . . the objections of some writers of the enterance into chymistry . . they proceed further . . paracelsus is brought on the stage . . an answer . . whence the immortality of mercury is . . the principiative maxims of chymistry . . the truth of bacon . . an answer to a paracelsian objection . . what the three first things in bodies are . . other instances in sand , a flint , &c. . it is proved by handycraft-operation , that the salt in lime is not an extract of the thing contained . . how a necessity of offices hath invented the three first things . . that the three first things were not natural or proper to a body , as it was a body . . it is proved by handy-craft-operation , that the fire is the workman of the three first things . . the unstability of the three first things . . that in the digestion of meats , a separation of the three first things doth not happen . . why a disease is not of the three first things . . that the three first things are not the principles of bodies . . they are ultimate things , that is , principiated ones , or those that are begun . . the unconstancy of paracelsus . . he was ignorant from whence the salt of the urine is . . an essence is said to be after divers manners . . a chymical essence . . some homogeneal things do not send forth a fifth essence . . a greater virtue is in some simples than in their extracted essences . . the rashnesse of paracelsus . . putrefaction also doth else-where generate a fragrancy . . what a quint , or fifth essence properly is . . the liquor which makes plants fruitful . . the essential oyle of spice , or crasis of the same : how the elixir thereof may be made , and that more strong by an hundred fold . now after that i have demonstrated , the elements , complexions , first qualities , and at length tartar , to have been rashly introduced into the essential causes of diseases , by the schools , as well of the ancients as of the moderns ; i proceed to teach , that the three beginnings of the chymists , and those of late brought into the art of medicine , have been falsely intruded into the essential causes of diseases . what therefore will the more refined physitians do , while as they do clearly enough behold , not onely the miserable stuffe of their remedies , but also the unprosperous helps of the howling sick ? so that they have many times seriously and secretly confessed to me , that nothing almost did any longer obey their indeavours , and that all the curing , aswel of sharp diseases ( for of chronical diseases they have all every where long since despaired in their mind ) as of any of the least ones , was in very deed nothing but a cloakative cure , and a meer juggling with the sick , to wit , whereunto , unlesse as it were a certain resurrection of the nature of the sick , doth voluntarily succeed , the appointed and sure comfort of remedies is in vain expected . and moreover , that hence it comes to passe , that many an old woman is in many places , far more successful in curing some defects , than is the whole school of medicine , with all their discursive speculations , speculative prescriptions , kitching precepts of diet , confirmed by the long experience of the destruction of their neighbours , and a multiplicity of their dispensatories . when therefore the more ingenuous persons were long since wearied in the correcting of distempers , in the vain expelling of humours : they now incline to another thing , seeking a haven from shipwrack , and being easily seduced by theophrastus paracelsus , they have so bent their studies , that what was not yet found out by the greeks and arabians , they may find more successful elsewhere . hence indeed they have been devolved with a steep fall , unto the fictions of tartar , but surely their curiosity is to be had in great esteem , although it shall not attain unto its desire . for , it is not of him that willeth , nor of him that runneth , but of god alone that sheweth mercy . therefore the schooles donow leave their title and market ; for what shall they do , if the conjoyned root of diseases , and method of curing them , be not to be drawn out of the elements , qualities , contrarieties , humours , stars , windes and catarths ? but seeing other examples of healing have possessed the more modern followers of paracelsus , it must as yet be diligently searched into , whether the causes of diseases have been made known to paracelsus . for when he ( the lessons of the ancients being rejected ) had sufficiently understood , that there was nothing of a foundation or truth in complexions and humours , he began by variously doubting , to inquire into the most immediate cause of diseases , and posterity owes him praise for it . although he hath not exactly touched at the matter , that cannot be accounted a fault , if the most high , the dispenser of gifts , as yet vouchsafed not to open the truth to mortals , in paracelsus's days . this man therefore had learned of basilius valentine , that water , oyle , and salt , were to be separated by distillation from most bodies : he began to call these three things , not only the first universal beginnings of corporal beings : but also , he so introduced them within diseases , and the necessities of healing , that he referred all diseases immediately into some of those three things . and thus he made his followers almost mad , that the first hope of diligently searching into the truth being rejected , they consecrated all things to the three first things . which doctrine hath fixed its roots the faster , because the three things are actually separated from most bodies , and so that they were not undemonstrable , like humours arisen from feigned beginnings . but surely this abuse was discovered , while as these three beginnings were wrested aside unto the originals of any diseases whatsoever . for truly , because many bodies being dissolved by the fire , gave from them , salt , sulphur and liquor ( which they point out to be mercury ) it was thought , that all diseases did owe their birth unto those constitutive beginnings . first of all , hermes before the industry of the greeks sprang up , because in his pymander , he had noted every trine to be perfect , consequently also , he foresaw , that in chymical things , mettals did consist of two extreams ( to wit , of a body and a soul ) and the which , he would have cleave together , not but by the baudery of a certain third thing , or spirit . afterwards , basilius valentine , a monk of benedict , wrote more distinctly ; he named the soul of a mettal , the sulphur , or tincture , but the body , the salt ; and lastly , the spirit he called the mercury . which things being thus borrowed of basilius : theophrastus paracelsus afterwards transferred by a wonderful diligency of search , into all the principles of bodies , he being one age younger than busilius . the doctrine of whom ( the authors name being suppressed ) he snatched on himself , and by a liberty of his own , introduced it into the speculations of medicine . so indeed , that after he had banished every disease into the caralogue of tartars , and had not yet satisfied his own scruple , at length , he adoms his paramire of the three first beings , with much boldness . indeed he forged these three things , as it were the beginnings of all bodies , and declameth many things in general touching diseases ; but being constrained by necessity , when as he would reduce diseases into the ranks of the three first things , being pressed down under the burden , he was silent . except in the family of ulcers , where he had seemed to himself to have found salt : at least wise , in the other two beginnings , he on both sides remained scanty and almost ridiculous . for he had commanded that it should every where be believed , that the four elements were nothing but the incorporeal wombs , and asit were , the inns of bodies : but that the first beginnings did so supply the conditions or offices of bodies , that also the elements of the world have all their substance and subsistance from those three things only . elsewhere also , he being unmindful of these , hath stuck wholly in the elements , and next , he hath ascribed the inclinations and properties of stars and men , to the complexions of these . he also hath dedicated unto all the particular elements , their own fruits , and degrees of fruits , but not all to one element : nor the fruits any longer proceeding from incorporeal elements as wombs : but that these did borrow their bodies from the material elements themselves . lastly , by the same liberty and unconstancy of a borrowed matter , he hath taught that bodies do by a resolving , decay , sometimes into four , but sometimes into three elements only . truly he hath so graced the art of the fire , by bringing it into medicine , that he breaths after an eternal name for himself , and hopes that the time would come , that he should sometimes wax proud with the title of the monarch of secrets . he foreseeing that the doctrine of basilius was not commonly known , therefore the name of the author being concealed , he made it his own , and in this respect , hath he enlarged his own sections . wherefore , his tartar now and then losing its universal dominion in diseases , it being suppressed , he makes an invasion , as being constrained by the laws of his three first things . which his three first things ( as presuming on increase ) he would at length , that they should become the mothers and wombs , even of all diseases , as well of the mind , as of the being or body . this indeed was only his own , and not the invention of basilius : and the which , when he would endeavour to disperse into the ranks of diseases by troops , he sometimes goes confusedly to work ; yet doth he again more oft go beyond himself , being every where forgetful of his own doctrine delivered . for in his archidoxals , he hath dedicated a little book to the separation of the elements , which are to be brought out of the flame , air , water , and earth . and thus far he hath resisted his own doctrine , concerning the three first things , and concerning the wombs of the elements , because now there should be four beginnings , no longer the three first and ultimate , into which at length , by long labour , the three first things , as being after the elements , so of right no longer the first , should be derived . for they being also thus enriched by one number , should beget far more diseases than of late , than while that pretended monarch commanded only three to be the principles , as well of bodies , as of diseases . yea truly , he accuseth as guilty , only , and at length , one only tartar , to be the cause of almost all diseases . but elsewhere , in some peculiar treatises , he calls the heaven , the assisting and co-operating work-man of all diseases , an angry parent and revenger . for he saith , that the unknown star ( zedo ) is the immediate and containing cause of the dropsie . so , he affirmeth , that to the consumption , gout , apoplexie , &c. doth belong their own peculiar ( yet unnamed ) star , and unto every epilepsie or falling evil , it s own proper constellation . but in his paramires , he affirms the three first things to be the immediate causes of all diseases ; that is , all things confused . let him explain and excuse him that will ; for i have not dedicated my life to the interpreting of others dreams . therefore have i seriously searched into nature , and the particular kindes of diseases , and it hath happened unto me , no otherwise than as to all others before me , until that the doctrines of all authors being cast off , i had seriously implored the divine grace . for then i suddenly knew , that unto every disease hath happened its own matter , which may nourish a vulcan proper to it self within , the which , although he doth sometimes imitate the courses of the stars ; yet that the enforcing cause thereof , did not depend on the stars . for all seeds do possess , as it were , their own common-wealth , especially their own vital light , whereby , of their own proper vertue , they do shew forth a proportionable resemblance of the stars . be it a ridiculous thing , that the consumption or dropsie , although they may be stirred up more severely and mildly , under diverse starry positions , are caused or made by the motion and light of the stars ; the which do after another manner generate by a manifest occasion , through so clear a collection of filths , and the which being removed , health doth also follow , without leave of the stars . the exposition of which doctrine by me , thou shalt read in the book of the plague and elsewhere . but the matters of diseases , with their seminary vulcans , from the first , even unto the last , i have prosecuted , with all their duplicity and interchangeable courses , in respect of humane life . the almighty grant , that so much as he hath bestowed on me , i may nakedly refer unto his honour , and the profit of my neighbour , and that he may bestow another more able than my self , on the world . for paracelsus hath framed divers books concerning long life , to have chosen death for himself , that he would by a divine priviledge , have comforted his own old age by his elixi● of propriety , but not by remedies prescribed by him for long life , who died in the th . year of his age. so great boasting therefore , and unconstancy of this man , have hitherto made me a little careful . in the mean time , many difficulties have long since held me in doubt , about the three first things , until that i having obtained help from god , knew , that woods and herbs were to be distilled without any dead head . for i did long ago wonder , that out of the coal of honey , no ashes , and by consequence , neither the salt of ashes could be had . which things afterwards i willingly ( through an universal resolving of a body ) beheld . for it was sufficient for paracelsus , to have forsaken all things involved under doubting , who in a slender draught , had drunk down anothers invention , and had not yet converted it into nourishment , and making it his own , of robbery , hath ( he striving to flie unto a monarchy ) slipped out of his nest before he had sufficient feathers . for he snatching unto himself the glory of the invention , hath well pleased himself , in dispersingly repeating one and the same thing often , although in the mean time , he made little progress in things of his own . for it is a ridiculous thing , and like a fable , that sulphur should be distilled , sublimed , reverberated , calcined , resolved in us , and that , from hence divers diseases should be caused , only indeed by the boldness of the man , without a pledge or surety of greater authority than himself . for he knew not , nor durst to draw diseases into an open profession or publishment , he being not yet sully committed hereunto by his inventer . it is also a childish dream , that salt is distilled , sublimed , calcined , circulated , and doth undergo other torments in us ; or that mercury doth sustain these strict examinations in us , and for every interchangeable course of variations , that it doth of it self alone , bring forth other diseases , pains and defects , and that others again , be infolded with its other two fellow beginnings , or masked with divers degrees and doses . they are also trifles , that mercury , by reason of the highest circulation of its subtilty , might be the cause of all sudden death : which we have known to be constituted by its causes , to cure and prevent . for first of all , eight ounces of venal blood , are daily blown away in nourishing , without a dead head , pain and defect , yea without feeling , while they pass thorow , and whereby they pass thorow . but whatsoever hath once been dedicated unto expulsion in the shew of water , mercury or sweat , or whatsoever hath been once reckoned unfit for nourishing , or the offices of nourishment being now once performed , is designed for scattering or blowing away : that is never afterwards distilled , sublimed , calcined , or circulated in us . for the works of nature are too serious , because they do ultimately respect god. for nature doth not play at ball , that it should again receive excrements into favour , being once rent from the commerce of life . it never returns into the same point , because it proceeds , and never keeps holy-day . in the next place , if any watry liquor be a hundred times re-distilled , it shall not therefore be the sharper or subtiler , but rather , by degrees ( the seed of its middle life being worn out ) it passeth more and more unto the simplicity of an element . for rain water , which now falleth down from above , is not more subtile or fine , than that which rained in the beginning of its creation . but if any watry thing should exhale by our luke-warmth , and should obtain a sharpness through dreamed returns , that should not be the fault of subtilizing of mercury , but of an adjunct . surely i wonder that so great a chymist hath not known , that the venal blood is not circulated , nor that it doth bear the circles of subtilizings in us , and that it doth not persevere in us above one only course of the moon , and the which tribute of feeble blood , a woman doth therefore pay . because she is she , which ought to abound with very much blood , as well for an increase of the young , as for the sucking of milk. but that paracelsus might the better overshadow his own fiction , he supposeth , that one of the three first things being separated , doth presently assume from a microcosmical nature , an actuality in that which is casual to any , and one being , of those which are infinite , a thousand seeds whereof being collected into one , it did contain ; and therefore , that by reason of a monstrous and strange nativity , a hostile thing is for that very cause in us , and is made the cause of diseases . and so that there are tenfold more diseases at least , possible in us , than there are particular kinds thereof , in animals , plants , minerals and stars , to wit , as many as there are particular kinds of salts , sulphurs and mercuries , and of those folded together in nature . he moreover giving a caution by an edict , that any one do not rashly put forth himself to medicine , who hath not sealingly , certainly , properly and distinctly , known all things most inwardly and most outwardly , by their causes , essences , particular kinds or species , properties , proportions , interchangeable courses and defects . that every one may believe , that paracelsue himself , who teacheth these things , had also thus sealingly known all these things . furthermore , he will have us bring back the microcosme or little world , unto the rule , and therefore that the three beginnings of our body doth bring forth as many diseases in us , as there are particular kinds of created beings . fot he drives the knowledge of medicine and young beginners , head-long into a thousand confusions , obscurities , ignorances and impossibilities , by reason of one only fault , to wit , that he may seem to be skilful in all things , and that his dreams may be thought true . he indeed easily knew , that the medicine of the schools was supported by false foundations ; for neither therefore ( as he supposed ) might it be hard for him , utterly to overthrow the schools . wherefore he meditated for himself , of the name of monarch in healing : but when as he thought it an easie way for destruction or throwing down , at least wise , for the building up of so great a principality , strength was wanting unto him , in so great idiotism . he therefore hath brought the three beginnings into diseases . it is thus : those three things are found indeed in many bodies ; or ( as i may more distinctly speak ) the three things are , at least , separated out of many bodies . but he being bold , a certain absurdity of that which was unconsidered , hath deluded the man , because he hath not considered the impossibility of the matter , for diseases . because , those are never separated , or to be separated , whether in us , or elsewhere , but with a corrupting of the whole body , and that indeed by the fire . whose sequestred family-administration , notwithstanding , he hath judged to bring forth diseases in us . because the essences of the first things are co-knit in us , by the middle life of the same , under the dominion whereof , they notwithstanding are restrained , and do alwayes remain that which they are . for first of all , salt it self hath deceived him , that he might become unsavory , because it confirmed to paracelsus his own conceit in the urine , sweat and tears ; he nothing heeding , that , that salt , is not of the three first things of our body , but a meer excrement of transchanged meats and drinks . from hence therefore he being raised up into a credulity , by thinking , was led aside into errors . for he had well marked , that a wound being badly healed , doth pour out salt water , the proper latex of the body , begotten with child by a strange salt ; or that the blood it self doth degenerate throughout its whole , as in an ulcer , dropsie , &c. and hence he hath collected a plenteous harvest of ulcers & diseases for salt , which , he being deceived , thought to be one of the three things or beginnings , and not the whole blood at once converted into a salt water , without a separation of the sulphur & mercury , by erroneous transmutations . he thought therefore , that as much falt ●●●here was , so many turns of mercury , and parts also of sulphur there were , and being confident that his houshold-stuffe would be sufficient , he had willingly designed the predicament of diseases unto them . but remaining unfit for the burden , he dyed . but he had discovered his own error , if he had not been deceived by a bold attempt of great matters . for he ought , without the hope of ambition , and head-longness of preventions , to have examined where the remaining sulphur should stay , if the salt in ulcers , in the dropsie , &c. should by so plenteous a separation , be plucked away from the whole , and its other two companions . he ought also to have been mindful of his own ( although erroneous ) doctrine , whereby he calls the salt which is fluide out of us , and present within us , a meer expressure of the salt-peter of an evil star , or cagastral . and so he endeavours to perswade , that not only fleshes and blood , but also that the whole body is with the life of salt-peter , and that cagastrical . for the blood ( as the water yeelds all fruits ) is wholly similar , or alike , which being seasoned with a poysonous or strange ferment , doth sometimes degenerate into divers off-springs of salt , but another time , into divers off-springs of dungs , without any memory of a posthume , mercury , or sulphur . in the next place , that paracelsus may find out his own cause for diseases , he for example , doth oft-times define a feaver to be an earth-quake of the micro●osm ; which trembling of the earth , he sometimes defines , to be our falling-fickness . but elsewhere , he attributes the trembling of the earth , to tremblings sprung from burnt or smoaking mercury . in another place again , he defineth a feaver to be a disease of sulphur and nitre ; boasting , that the cause , and also the remedy , are in that his essential definition . for truly , under an ulcerared imposthume , the whole body being in it self fat , is made as it were a sceleton ; neither doth it expel any thing besides corruptions . so through the force of loosening medicines , the whole habit of the body doth oftentimes suddenly melt into putrefaction . the which is brought to pass by the art of physitians , but this other , in a flux , through a defect . but at leastwise , the same poyson on both sides , is only applyed and co-tempered , after a different manner . a dropsical man indeed , hath a girdle of eight foot : but by an emperick , in one day , & that by a drink , he is loosed from his dropsie , and the water weighed perhaps . pound , but verily his belly even presently again swelled up into its antient bigness , and after few hours ne dyed . indeed the remainder beats a resemblance before it , of nothing but skin and bones ; because his flesh and blood had presently at once wandred into the salt water of the dropsie . and that wonder i saw in this man. that to day , his belly had plainly asswaged , and that the morrow it again returned unto its former pitch of swelling , extension , and hardness , and then he dyed . if therefore that brine of salt had been one of the three beginnings , of necessity likewise , . pound of sulphur had remained beholdable . an ulcerous oak weeps continual salt water , and waxeth lean with rottenness ; but if that salt were one of the three beginnings of the oak , surely the oak should wax fat like the heart of the pine tree , neither should it wax lean , as being unjuicy , rotten , and almost divorced from the kitchins . therefore diseasie destructions do not testifie to these beginnings ; but that the whole body is diversly affected , doth melt , and is made to putrifie , according to the guidance of divers seeds and ferments . for he had learned that , from galen , thinking that the blood did consist of as many simples as it was resolved into . i wonder therefore at the unconsiderateness of paracelsus , that he did not know , that the three first things are never separated but by the fire , their last life being destroyed , the mark of the seed of their middle life being retained . but that they are not therefore to be called three beginnings , for they are made , and so are bred or born . and much less are they to be reckoned the beginning of bodies , while as that returneth whole , through the guidance of a strange seed , by transmutation into another nature . for neither hath that man ever seen the three first things of any composed body , to have appeared in living creatures , in any degree of heat , nor otherwise made and extorted , but by fire . i am also angry , that it is not known , that the same first things remaining , they are nevertheless , materially subject to the divers transmutations of seeds , under the same weight . he hath after a sort relapsed into the errors of galen , who thinks that the elements do essentially remain in mixed bodies . for thus was he deluded in his three principles . for there is every where the same defect of both , in the principles of philosophy ; which teach , that the life alone doth operate in a living body , and into a body . but that the subordinate forms of the entire parts , even of the three first things ( if these are within , before they are made by extraction ) are restrained by the form or superiour life , under the unity of an archeus ; because the three first things do never appear and operate , much lesse do they offend by distemper , or are diseasie , unlesse their obedience due to the archeus , be first dissolved : that is , that they shall be separated by the fire , and their last life be destroyed , with a persevering , not of the whole seed , but of a small quantity of the middle life of that composed body , whose properties every one of them do after some sort imitate , when they are made a being , by it self subsisting . for this being unknown , paracelsus thought , every power , and the formal operations of things , so immediately to depend on the essence of the three first things , that he hath described the properties of vegetables , as they did contain such a mercury , salt , or sulphur , and all those according to his own pleasure . as though , these beginnings being shut up under a formal archeus , could operate , the archeus of life being idle or at rest . for galen attributed all things to the elements : for which paracelsus being angry , thereupon attributed all things to his three adoptive beginnings . like quack-salvers , who having gotten one onely oyle or emplaister , give forth , that that prevaileth wholly for all diseases , and at least for most diseases . paracelsus i say , heeded not , that lead , as long as it is lead , hath other virtues , than when it is changed into sulphur and mercury . for water , oyle , and ashes being shut up in a bottle , do not operate out of the containing vessel . the bottle indeed as such , doth operate ; but not as it containeth three things , which , of themselves may be separated . so also judge thou of the three things as long as they are enclosed under a common life . paracelsus therefore , although he hath searched more nearly into nature than galen , as some of the three things are actually allured or drawn out of many bodies , which doth not happen unto feigned elements and humors : yet both of them have stumbled in this , that he hath introduced his own suppositions into diseases , when as , otherwise , nothing feels sicknesses in us , besides the vital powers themselves . but the life moves and altereth matters by its own seminal blas , and nothing doth materially hurt us within , which is not hostile , forreign , and an excrement in respect of the life , and so that it cannot be of its first adoptive beginnings . for neither are those three things originally and immediately subject to the whole life , but to the middle life of that seed , where of they are said have been to the three corporal beginings ; to wit , the three first things of the flesh , blood , brain , &c. are not immediately subject to the command of the total archeus , but to the seminal mumial balsame of composed bodies ; and that not before their manifested nativity . diseases therefore do not owe the original , or cause of their birth , unto the birth of the three first things , or any of them . because they cannot be , act , or hurt , unlesse being first separated from each other , and the intireness of the whole body , wherein they are potentially contained , being destroyed by death . but if they should be seperated , that they may be able to wrong and hurt ; surely that should be made by some internal disease and agent , besides nature , and by a former thing or cause . therefore the separation of those three things from each other , could never be but a product , and so also a more later thing than the disease ; neither should it first appear , unless , a disease being supposed . therefore it could not be the immediate or nearest occasional cause of diseases . for although the three first things are not the causes of diseases , yet this doth not-argue , whereby the salt , sulphur and mercury of things are ever the less the medicines of of diseases . for it is not requisite that the remedy and external cause of a disease should have a co-resemblance , how ever notwithstanding paracelsus hath so commanded , whereby he might oppose the maxime of galen ; contraries are cured by contraries . for poysons are not overcome by a co-resemblance of the venome , but by that which conquers the venome . for those medicinal powers are the gifts of god , which do neither bear a contrariety , or character of hostility , mutually towards themselves , nor towards diseases . but every thing acteth from a gift , that which it is commanded to act . and moreover , bodies being freed from their lump , enclosure , filths , and impediments , do unfold most noble gifts and most excellent powers or faculties . even as elsewhere more largly . furthermore , it hath been already sufficiently and over demonstrated , that nature doth not suffer four elements , neither that she doth admit of their congresse or encounter for the constitution of composed bodies , and consequently , that there is no contrariety or skirmishing of the elements for a disease or remedy . it follows also from thence , that there is no quintessence , or fifth essence , by a proper name to be so called , if a fifth thing shews a necessary relation unto other four . the invention therefore of a fifth essence , is indeed chymical , but of phylosophers , who before me , knew not the number , essences of the elements , and the nullity of their mixture : which things , if paracelsus had known , he had undoubtedly named the essence which he calls a fifth , a fourth , in respect of his three first things . indeed he thought that every body is constituted , even as also resolved , as well by art as by nature , into these three things , and that nothing besides remained . for in so great novelty , he being unconstant , knew not unto what side he might throw himself . for now and then , he denieth the elements to be bodies , but he calls them , void and empty wombs , places and seates of bodies : but that all bodies are nothing but the three first things , but not elements . but elsewhere he having followed the flock of his predecessors , teacheth , that the elements do remain in all particular bodies , are therein to be found , and that they are thence drawn out safe . so that their essences and bodies do remain in the mixt body , being onely heaped together by mixture . certainly , aswel in the three first things , as in a fifth essence , it is at this day no lesse emptily subscribed to paracelsus , than it hitherto hath been to the fables of the elements , mixtures , and complexions . for they began in the late age , by plausible novelties , to have belief and names given to the invention of paracelsus , without a diligent search . although i have seen , read , or heard of none hitherto , who hath been able , and much lesse hath boldly attempted , equally to separate the three first things out of bodies . wherefore i state this proposition . the first three things are a late invention , contrary to the truth of nature , and of a thing . the first position . although that the three first things , are in part drawn out of some bodies by the fire , yet that is not done by a separation of the same , fore-existing , but as by a trans-mutation made by the fire , they are there generated , as it were new beings , and there is made that , which there was not before . the second . a branch of a tree of one pound , growing as yet , green , will scarce yield a drachm of oyle , which about october , or the eighth moneth ( waxing wooddie ) will yeeld about seven drachms of oyle . and at length , in the twelfth moneth , called february , after , will give almost two ounces of oyle , and fivefold more of coal and ashes , than before in the sixth moneth called august . the third . that those things which were not in , as constitutive from the beginning , cannot be the first things , but they themselves are made and exchanged into each other as later things , to be made to a likenesse , and which are to arise from the directions of seeds . the fourth . elementary water is made oyle in vegetables , animals , and sulphurs ; likewise all oyle , with its adiunct , is easily reduced into water . but the first principles of other things , cannot be exchanged into each other , or cease to be that which they were before . the fifth . some bodies do not contain the three things , but are content onely with one alone , or with two . the sixth . there are some bodies , from whence the three things were never separated by skilful workmanships hitherto used , the which , do alwayes by a suitable weight , weigh equal with the body from whence they are drawn . the seventh . some bodies are altogether unchangeable and inseparable , and not containing a duality or twofoldnesse . it is profitable for me a little more exactly to explain these things for the sake of young beginners , who do easily subscribe to other mens devises . for , first of all , woods contain water and oyle , not a coal which was not in them , but is produced by art , neither was it in them , except ●aterialy , potentially , remotely , neither could it ever be made from thence but by the 〈…〉 . in the next place a coal unlesse it burn with a manifest fire , it is never in the least changed , so far is it that it should be turned into ashes or salt. in a coal indeed some fatnesse burns , the which is immediately and materially reduced into a gas , never to be seen . this gas doth at length pass over into water ; but as long as it is a gas and is separated from its concrete body , or coal , it is not sulphur ( for it is wasted away , and trans-changed by burning ) not salt or mercury ( for those should not return into an uncoagulable gas , but should return into mercury and salt , if they were the first and constant beginnings of things ) therefore some other thing out of , or besides those three . but besides , neither is the whole ashes which remaineth of the coale , a salt , because the lixivial or lyee salt being taken away , that which remaines , cannot be calcined by any fire , as neither be turned into salt , sulphur and mercury . but if it be by additions turned into salt , it is a sign that it is made , but that it is not a salt , and so that a principle should be born . therefore salt in the ashes ariseth not by extraction , or separation , the other two being wasted away by the fire , but by a trans-changing into a new being , which was not before . for whatsoever is framed of that thing , is not in that thing . for so blood and bones of divers general kindes and species were in the bread . for neither doth marble contain glasse , although of marble with an adjunct , glasse be made . for it is one thing to dispute of those three things , as the total matter of things , and those actually constituting a thing and far another thing , that the tree is in the seed , or a fish-bone or grisle in the bread. for a hide or wood , are not a stone , although they are in some springs stonified . for in things trans-changed , the end differs from it self , in the beginning of motion , at least in the particular kind . i have elsewhere also demonstrated , that a fixed alcali , or lixivial salt , hath not fore existed in vegetables , but that it is fixed in burning . wherefore the doctrine of the first things doth not satisfie , because it doth not onely compel nature under violent rules , but that if they are the first things , and do obtain the desert of [ making to begin ] they ought to be stable ( which thing was not hid even from aristotle ) neither can one be changed into another . for if wood doth consist of salt , oyle , water , and ashes , if salt be prepared not of ashes , by the salt it self , of the ashes : also if every distilled oyle be to be changed into a salt , as also into water , by things adjoyned , and there be so great unconstancy of those three things , and they might therefore also be made by the fire in the separation , and destruction of the composed body : we must needs in bodies establish one first , and last , material , real beginning , which is the water , but not the three things , because they are those which are the off-springs of the feeds of bodies composed of water . and then there is another motive and effective principle , which is an essential seed , or the very archeal essence of the seed differing from the form of a thing , because this hath not a rational respect of making to begin , because it is that which it self is generated by generating , as the scope of generation , which is by degrees brought through by passable dispositions unto the perfection of a being , together with the end of generation . these are the two principles , as also the causes of all bodies . for if every thing be by its causes , and be thereby principated , or made to begin , it is a vain thing ( after the manner of aristotle ) to believe other causes , and other principles of things . they are therefore principles , which never slide into each other , by any whirling of successive changes . for the first is stable , perpetual , the real beginning , and prop , and seminary of bodies . and it is the last thing whereinto the dead , or ended tragedies of things do return . but not a certain feigned , sluggish , and impossible hyle or matter . but the other is the principle of the begining of motion , with every property of things to be acted under their tragedy . yea truly , seeing particular kinds do exist into general kinds , no where solitary , or without companions , and they are individuals only , which are , and do subsist by a real act. principles ought to have been real , and individually existing . so indeed , that the universality of the matter be individually limited by the activity of the efficient cause . wherefore , a falshood being granted , to wit , that all bodies might be reduced into those three things , by the motion of a proper dissolution ; yet it doth not also from thence follow , that these three things are the beginnings of bodies . because an immediate resolving of bodies , doth not prove principles , but a diversity of kind of the matter , being ultimated or brought to its last state . and the last resolving of the last matter , is a witness only of the seeds of the concrete body , but not of principles . neither in the next place , is there any reason , why the three things may be called the first things , if three do return , or may be reduced into two , and lastly into one only thing . yea although in the beginning , three bodys should be seen trans-changably passing over into each other , neither were they therefore , to be reckoned three rather than two if of three , they may be presently after be made two only . therefore where the three things are found , they are not the material beginnings of bodies ; but the bride-beds of the seeds . the which being worn out , all things do of their own accord , return into their original element of water . but that those three things are not contained in any bodies whatsoever , and so are not necessary principles , is manifest ; because the mercury , which is drawn out of a mettal , is so single , homogeneal , simple , and undivideable , that it is impossible for salt or sulphur , to be drawn from thence by art or nature . but mercury is never in any respect to be divided . to wit , it hath grown together onely from an elementary water , and the virtue of a most simple mercurial seed , into an undivideable , unpenetrable , and unseparable body , the which among generated things , hath not its like . otherwise , it is like unto water , which in it self being defiled with no seed , hath on every side , a co-like simplicity , and impossibility of separation . but inasmuch as i have sometime attributed unto the water its three things , that was spoken analogically , or by way of suitable resemblance , as ( besides abstracted spirits ) nothing is so alike in bodies , that it is not understood to be diversly affected according to divers dispositions , and and as those dispositions must of necessity respect some diversity of kind of being . for it is sufficient , in the same place , also to have admonished , that the heterogeneal parts of water , are in the most simple body of an element , undivideable , and really impossible by art , nature , and all ages , they consisting of the utmost simplicity . therefore although i have there called them the three first things of the water , yet they are not the three of composition , as the more formerly beginnings of the water ; but the three things of heterogeniety or diversity of kind . which heterogeniety ( at least mentally to be divivided into diverse things ) although the water doth by the law whereby it contains a body , contain : yet seeing it is an impossible thing that they should be drawn asunder from each other , there is onely place for conjecture , that although those things are not true sulphur , salt , and mercury , at least wise that they do in some sort answer unto them . therefore there is an instance in the water no lesse than in the mercury , whereby the three first things are denied to be from thence accounted to be separated . i seem to hear whisperings , that i shall offend very many artificers , who with full cheeks , do boast of the oyle , salt , vitriol , and water of mercury , and that i shall convince them of a lye , or juggle , while they promise the aforesaid things . i answer , that an active imposture , or deceitful juggle , doth bring forth its own imposture , unworthy of life and happiness : but that a passive imposture is worthy of pity . but they who do not as yet discern the fallacy whereby they are circumvented , do argue , first , gold ( they say ) a body which is the most exceeding constant among sublunary things , is dissolved into parts of divers kinds , therefore also mercury by a more strong reason . indeed they strain from the less to the greater . again they urge , nature hath known , of the first elements to compose mercury : therefore she hath known also to destroy it . but the way of composition , is not to make mercury immediately of the element of water : but by dispositions of the matter coming between , which are unlike . so also , the way of corruption in mercury shall proceed by the same dispositions , with a retrograde pace , and a diversity of kind of matter . where thirdly , paracelsus saith , the matter of things which cannot be destroyed by art , is at least wise destroyed by nature . because all sublunary things , which are not subject to death , are at least wise , subject to a bound or end . unto the first , i answer : that gold is indeed the most constant of bodies in the fire , but it borrows the constancy of its separation from the mercury : and so , if the sulphur thereof doth include a heterogeneal duality , that doth least of all touch at the mercury . for mercury , being pure , and distinct from combustible sulphur ( which is more or less in the common mercury ) doth plainly refuse all twoness or duality . that is to say , the nature of mercury includes a perfect homogenity or sameliness of kind . but to the other i say , that nature hath indeed proceeded from the purity of the element of water , unto the composition of mercury . yet that it cannot ( the admitted seed of mercury being once enclosed in the innermost parts of the water ) return to the destruction of that composed body . because that seed is nor mortal , nor frail , nor subject unto sublunary laws : as paracelsus saith in his vexation of chymists . but the reason of immortality in mercury , is , because the seed and fruit thereof in the constitution of mercury , are now one and the same thing , mercury in mercury . neither hath nature known to invent a manner of destruction in a thing so homogeneal , where the seed hath become the fruit , by a most perfect and undestroyable or undissolveable union . seeing that nature cannot pierce unto a dividing , where there is no knot or diversity of kind . i admit indeed , that mercury through a composition of transmutation , 〈◊〉 a marrying of the sulphurs of mettals , becomes a mettal ; and that this is destroya●●e by reason of the doubleness of its sulphur : notwithstanding the mercury of that mettal , remains undestroyable . hence paracelsus in the aforesaid vexation : although thou shalt destroy a mettal ten thousand times ; yet it shall alwayes rise again the far more perfect by its destructions . and in his archidoxals , in the book of the separation of elements , in the chap. of mettals . every one of the elements in the shew of the oyle of a mettallick destruction , may be again reduced into its former white and malleable mettal , except the element of fire , which containeth the tincture or sulphur . therefore , although the mercurial part in mettals , and so also in the body of mercury it self , doth by reason of adjuncts , receive the masks of vitriol , oyle , salt , or water : they are nothing but the jugglings of the eyes . because it alwayes returns mercury from thence , because it is alwayes therein according to its nature , and all its properties . therefore i hold with the principles of the more abstruse or hidden philosophy : if mercury should be divideable into heterogeneal parts , the art of chymistry should not be true ; and the mercury it self should be unfit for work or operation . for unless i had seen mercury so subsisting , i should deny the art to be true . for nature cannot destroy the seed which cannot dye , nor be separated from its own matter . neither can it dye through the sublunary engines of this world. likewise , it is more easie to frame or make gold , than to destroy it : so also , it is easier for nature , to compose mercury , than to destroy it . as many therefore as do promise the separations of gold or mercury , and yet do not know how to make or compose gold in a wealthy quantity , seeing , they know not that which is far more easie , let them believe also that they do not know , that which is as yet , far more difficult . therefore bacon inquiring into the first matter of the art , and running thorow all the bodies of the world , denies gold and silver to be the matter of the art : because the reducement of the same into sulphur and argent vive , is plainly impossible , from whence the son of the fire , so much in love of the philosophers , is made . lastly , unto the third , i say , that those things which are not subject unto death , separation or change , are at least wise subject or lyable to a term or end . i grant that to be true , if we understand it of the dissolution of the world , and the fire of hell , in the finishing of the world , of which i have nothing to say . otherwise , the aforesaid affirmation , contains an idiotism . for a term or bound doth naturally operate nothing : but the operation is finished by the agent , in the very term or bound [ unto which . ] but such an agent faileth , about undissolveable things . in the next place , neither time nor duration doth operate any thing by it self : but only the middle dispositions of moveable things , happening in time , do operate . therefore , whatsoever doth not hearken to the dispositions of changeable things , much less doth it hearken unto time or term of continuance ; which term is included in changeable things only , but not in things unchangeable . if now metallick mercury , the most noble , i say , of bodies , of the most constant union , doth wholly want all sulphur , it is lawful to consider , this law of the three first things to have failed , like a broken chain . therefore that other bodies are not the three first things ; but altogether one only material beginning readily serving for the divers appointments , ends , scopes , and necessities of seeds , and playing various supposionalities or supposed parts . those three things therefore are not the first things where they are found , but are made by the dissolving of the fire , and their matter is not espoused according to a principiating of salt , sulphur and mercury , but according to the ends of seeds . neither indeed are they beginnings , but subordinate means to the last life . in the next place , i know , that out of sand , flints and stones that are not limy , sulphur or mercury can never be drawn . for their seeds were content with a stonyfying coagulation of water , without an appointment of fatnesses , or mercuries . but stones which may be calcined , do attain the nature of salt and tartness of lime . but that very thing is a transchanging into a new generation promoted by the fire : but not an extraction , drawing forth , or separation of the thing contained . which thing , the chymical school before me , hath been ignorant of . the which i prove . because i have known how to reduce a great or rocky stone , and all stones , into a meer salt , of equal weight with its own great or small stone , wholly without all sulphur or mercury , and so whatsoever is lost in burning of a rocky stone , let it be rather that of salt , than of three things . but because that unity of the composed body doth respect a way unto its first reducement into the element of water , neither is the operation obvious to every one : therefore we have been wont by a general way of speaking among chymists , to speak of things under the name of the three things , to wit , of salt , sulphur , and mercury . not indeed , that i think those to be the principles of things : but because they are separated by the fire , out of most things , we use their etymology to distinguish the diversity of kinds of composed bodies . the same thing happens to a stone , which befals a coal : for unless both are burnt in an open fire , they are never changed into lime or ashes . and although a coal doth by a fan or stirrer up , yeeld a flame , and thus far , whatsoever perisheth of a coal , is of sulphur : yet seeing nothing is enflamed or enlightened in a stone , let it belong rather to salt than to sulphur . therefore while a small stone , gemme , great stone , or sand , are artificially reduced into a salt , that salt , by reason of the every way homogeniety of it self , which is left it by the fire , cannot send forth , or contain a sulphur , or be drawn into divers parts . in the next place , if glass be made by the fire , of ashes and sand , there is not an extraction of glass out of ashes ; but a fabrick and new generation of artificial skill . for all bodies , seeing they derive their matter immediately from the element of water , being espoused by vertue of the seeds , truly let the sulphur be the act of the seed ; but the salt is bred in the composed body from a voluntary inclination of the water , yet being changed by the disposition of the seminal sulphur . those two beings therefore do immediately proceed from the two principles of bodies : but the mercury of things , is nothing but meer water , not as yet sufficiently ripened by the disposition of the seed , and inclination of the material beginning . and that is thus ordained by the profession , or study of nature , that by reason of the watrie principle , being as yet not fully changed , a growth out of its element , and a co-placing with its mother , may by an agreeing resemblance , be the more fitly granted . therefore i do not admit of the three first things to be the constitutives of bodies , as niether universal things . which thing indeed is proper to my austereness , who am not wont to frame universal maxims from any particular thing . but let him do that , that will , i had rather be distinct , that i may the more distinctly understand . for i have found for the most part , that those three things do not proceed from bodies out of which they are thought to be drawn , unless a third trans-mutative thing being adjoyned , or by composition : which is rather to be attributed to the happening or supervening seed , and to the trans-mutation thereby bred , but not unto the first things existing within , as the necessary , immediate , and universal principles of nature , out of which , and into which bodies may be again resolved . for they cannot give us sure credit , that they are in a body before their separation , even as they are pressed out by the fire , and much lesse that they fore-existed before a body , whose parts they seem to have been . it is also manifest , that many things are changed by distilling , neither that they are so , and as much in their composed diversity of kind , even as while they are made by the fire . which thing is manifestly the one onely example of tartar. for truly in destilling sixteen ounces of the best tartar , scarce one onely ounce of water is drawn forth , but of salt , at the most , two ounces and a half ; the rest is wholly oyle : that is , of sixteen there are almost thirteen oylie parts . yet tartar is not crude , neither doth it act as an oylie being , neither doth it burn as the bark of the birch-tree , but hath the nature of a sharp salt , wherefore by distillation , the nature of a sharp salt is changed into oyle . and then , again , if the salt of tartar be of its own accord made a lixivium , and oyl be joyned to it , indeed a wash-ball will be thereby made , which being distilled , shall be accounted for the most part water , and shall cease to be the former oyle , and shall be changed into another thing . for what is more clear than this handy-craft operation , whereby it plainly appears , that the fire is the maker of the first things ; and so , that they neither are in themselves , the first things , neither that they do fore-exist : such is the composed body , as they are separated from thence by the fire : for truly , there is not a naked separation of unlike things , but a transchanging of the concrete body by the fire , according to the activity , which the heterogeneal parts do finish among themselves . but surely , if those three things should be in all particular bodies , so that no body could be void of them ; yea if all of those three should keep their ancient disposition , the salt , i say , should never be made mercury , neither this likewise be made sulphur , &c. then indeed paracelsus had apparently thought , that every body is originally composed of salt , sulphur , and mercury . but seeing there is an undoubted successive change of things , through things , and the least parts of things , even as also through the passages of a threefold life , those successive changes cannot denote a same , linesse of the three , nor of constant things , whose very race it self is altogether unconstant , and the perseverance thereof unstable . for forthwith after paracelsus , every one almost hath subscribed to his invention , and none durst to pierce into the condition of those three things ; they were astonished at the sight of heterogeneal things , which are often extracted by the fire , whence they being as it were fed with lotus , or a feigned tree , they suffered themselves to be misled whither paracelsus called them . but let paracelsus learn , that while venal blood is made of food , there doth happen indeed a separation of the pure from the impure , but none of the three things . for as oft as a being passeth through the last life into a new life , the lump indeed is changed into a juyce , with a dividing of the heterogeneal parts , by an extinguishment of the form , and properties of the middle life : yet not into , or unto the three first things : but there is a proceeding unto a radical destruction , with an ultimate or utmost annihilating of the former life , under which , at length , they draw a new seed , for a new generation . for that is the way of the recourse or going back of the night of hippocrates , unto the day of orpheus . at leastwise it is perpetually true , that those three things are never separated without the fire , and so before the art of the fire flourished abroad , those things were unknown to the ancients : and seeing that fire , and a degree thereof is wanting , which is the separator in us , and whatsoever through a degree of our heat is blown away out of us , doth tend unto a dead head , or caput mortuum , unless it be prevented by a blas and ferment , ( even as i have taught above concerning the blas of man ) surely the original of diseases cannot any way be imputed unto any one , or more of those three things . i deny , in the next place , that salt , sulphur , and mercury are the universal principles of bodies . because they neither existed before the composition of bodies , nor flowed together , to the making of a mixture , neither lastly , by a natural resolving of bodies into the term of their last life , have they ever appeared in nature , but onely are brought by the art of the fire , and that onely out of some bodies ; as the seeds of things are cloathed with a material principle of water , and are strengthened by the efficacy of their own efficient , they assume the properties partly of salt , and partly of oyle ; but the mercury of bodies , is nothing but a part of the water , being not yet great with child by a sufficient ripeness of the efficient seed . therefore they do no where exist by themselves , do no where obtain the virtues of principiating ; because they have not their own natures , conditions , properties , from an interchangable course , whereby they might fore-exist , but partly from a disposition of the seeds flowing down into the properties of the concrete body , and partly from the digestion of the fire and burning , obtained in time of their separation . for truly it is manifest , that they are made reciprocally of each other by a mutual transmutation . they are therefore the last things , but not the first , however they may be taken . for all vegetables , as long as they are not wooddy , do contain a spirit of wine , as a spirit of wine is drawn out of them , they being opened by their ferment . but out of the same matter , now made wood , an aqua vitae , or water of life , is no longer extracted . it is made , i say , in vegetables , through the art of the spirit of wine , which before was not in them from a disposition of the matter of a putrifiable juyce , and agreeing resemblance of a winie ferment . for therefore the spirit of wine shall not be the principle of vegetables , as all vegetables divers in themselves , do agree in this spirit , and might be drawn out of every one of them ; but the spirit of wine bears the reason of an effect and product : in like manner therefore those three things are principated , but not principles . for shall the blood want a salt in distilling , because it hath severed the urine , which paracelsus calls , the salt of the blood ? and , if salt be one of the principles , surely the venal blood shall in supposition be eternal , if it wants a beginning , or something shall be able to subsist of mercury and sulphur without the principle of salt , which thing hath not seemed strange to paracellus , striving with his own doctrine of the three first things ; when as he teacheth , that the venal blood and flesh of leprous persons is deprived of all salt. and from hence again , his own history of ulcers falls to the ground , if the ulcers of leprous persons , being without salt , are voluntary , and not to be despised . for he hath badly distinguished the salt of the drink , from the salt of the venal blood . neither hath he known the difference of the salt in the external humour latex , from the salt which is wiped out of the venal blood by distillation , in the torture of the fire . he being wholly ignorant from whence there was salt in the urine , salt being not frequently eaten . because the rank of digestions being unknown , natural knowledge in paracelsus was overshadowed with darkness , and through the ignorance of physitians , the dayes of mortals are cut short , and burying places do become bossie . concerning a quintessence or fifth essence also , it hath been soberly enquired into , hitherto , as if it were a glorious thing , through sluggishnesse , to have subscribed unto others devises , and to have stuck in fabulous principles . an essence therefore is called by divers names . for it is most principally understood of the most great and excellent god , who is the true , immediate , and the most very essence it self , of all things , from which the being of things doth issue , and depend unseparably in nature . but an essence for the actual being of things in the abstract , is the life in living creatures , or in the soul. otherwise , it is a form , by reason whereof , every thing is that which it is . but the life or form , is not by chymists taken into the essence , because the thing being dead , it doth return into nothing ; therefore have they considered of a certain most famous substance , wherein the whole crasis or constitutive temperature or mixture , and perfection of a thing doth inhere ; as in spices , there is somewhat , like oyle , which being withdrawn , the body of the spice remaineth , as it were ungrateful ; to wit cynamon , its oyle being withdrawn , favours of the bark of an oak , in its astriction or binding quality . but in things tinged , the essence is a coloured liquor extracted from things , which substances , as they are more active , so they have themselves by way of a life or form , as to the residue of the lump . so that the name of essence is plainly metaphorical . wherefore very many things have not an essence , even as i have demonstrated concerning mercury , chrystal , great stones , and things homogeneal , or of one and the same kind . then in the next place , a greater power and efficacy , is oft-times in a thing being entire , than in its separated essence . as is manifest in the load-stone , carabe or amber , &c. for very many simples do loose their specifical property by preparing : and more by separating , and the fire . in the elkes hoofe , and bezoardical things , there is a certain thing which had rather be proper unto crude simples . but the forms , or essences of herbs will not be subject to the artificer . for many things do alike prevaile , whether their vegetative power , ( they call it a soul ) shall die or as yet exist in them . but after that they have plainly withered or been dried up , some herbs do produce their essence ; but many herbs , ( especially water-pepper ) do loose the same . however therefore an essence be taken , it is an improper name , and a [ fifth ] essence , is an unsavoury epithite . for truly , what essence they do promise , either it is not equally in all , neither doth it obey the artificer , or it is not drawn from any place whatsoever . but under other things , in the crudity of things , it laughs at painful or diligent labours . neither doth every sweet smelling thing sit in the middle , but in the last life . for the flowers of jasmine , of the lilly of the valleys , &c. by putrifying do loose their grateful odour , and medicinal virtues , they wax sharp , neither do they ever re-take their former fragrancy . but elsewhere the sweet smell sits under the middle life , which odours indeed do keep their sweet smell in time of putrifying , the which they send forth in distilling , as roses . this thing hath deceived paracelsus , and hath made him to think , that the essences of things do thus putrify ; and so he was ignorant , that in dung and dunged-fields , he dictated safe mansions for ever . not knowing , that the offices of seeds being loosed and dead , all things do yield themselves to rest , and at length do require their first inne of water , or at least wise obeying a stronger seed coming over them , they againe suffer themselves to be led into new colonies , and themselves to be brought into new tragedies . yea there are many simples which do find a fragrancy in the bosome of putrifactions , which before they had not in their own species . such as are mosch , ziver , amber , certain dungs of bruit beasts , and putrifying woods . for a various putrifying by continuance ariseth in them , whence their seeds do draw a fragrancy to themselves , and do transplant them into a new generation . therefore the spicinesse if it be fast tied to the balsame of the middle life , is not overcome in putrifaction , by a separation of parts , and is the more fitly sequestred from corrupt things . a chymical essence therefore is not properly a fifth essence , seeing there are not four others in a concrete body , neither is it extracted out of the three things , but is the seminal part of the sulphur of the composed body . of the sulphur , i say , because the sulphur is the off-spring of the efficient cause , and so , more formal . for cynamon , while it is without a spiciness , is indeed , as yet , cynamon , even as the young , or a foolish person , are men . i therefore name the best part of a thing , the crasis thereof , whether the spice or sweet smel do sent or not . but in herbs which are not fragrant , i call the seminal or seedy liquor , their crasis . to wit , i know that from every plant or seed , and likewise from the trunk or stemme of some plants , a liquor is to be extracted , which contains the power of the seed : which liquor , although it be not fit for sowings , because the seed included in it , not being able to draw a more in the earth , doth exhale , yet it blesseth with a wonderful fruitfulnesse , a plant of its own likenesse , being poured on its root . for the seminal liquor contains a crasis for propagation , and therefore it is also truly essential , yet not commonly known , yea not indeed to every of the most expert men . therefore i pity the progresses of extracting quint or fifth essences , as vain . no wonder indeed , if all the virtues of the thing generated , do shine in the crasis . likewise the oyles of spices , as oyles , struggling with , and being unconquered by our digestion , do bring little help , to wit , when as they being taken within , onely for the smels sake do refresh us for a little space . but when the oyle of cynamon , &c. is mixed with its own fixed salt , by an artificial and hidden circulation of three moneths without all water , it is wholly changed into a volatile salt , doth truly expresse the essence of its own simple in us , and doth dart it self even into the first constitutives of us . but otherwise , where the medicinal virtue is hid in odours ( indeed strong and stubborn odours do overcome our strength , and are scarce overcome and digested by our archeus , and so they do importunately or unseasonably act in us ; for the archeus labours much , that he may destroy them , and imprint their odours into the substance wherein they are ) and especially if they shall be fermenting ones , however they shall promise ease or refreshment , yet because they do not abide , that they may pierce into our first constitutives , they do not afford a constant ease in healing . chiefly , because they do easily decay in themselves , and degenerate of their own accord : therefore the rather , if they are subdued by our faculties . for so mosch and sweet smelling things do die , if their crasis shall depart , although their body shall remain in it self , safe : and so the crasis or constitutive temperature or mixture of a thing , doth nothing touch at the dreamed beginnings of things . chap. lvi . of flatus's or windie blasts in the body . a fourfold blas or windie blast . . the gas of life , and wind of the world , do differ in the whole element . . the opinion of galen concerning flatus's . . they have been ignorant of a fivefold gas. . the art of the fire , what it can teach . . the schools are deceived . . they contradict themselves . . the error of paracelsus concerning the limbus or zodiack of the little world. . his ridiculous doctrine of a fourfold colick , and a microcosmical identity or sameliness . . that there is not a windie gas in us , unless it be inspired . . why paracelsus hath neglected in the womb , the cardinal winds of the universe . . paracelsus is reproved . . his error concerning a contracture , from the colick . . the causes of the aforesaid convulsion and palsie . . the life of the muscles is concluded from the blas of them . why it is not the last that dieth . . unsound or mad remedies in windie blasts . . of what sort that should be , which drives away , or discusseth or scattereth winds . . they are as yet ignorant of the properties of wringings of the bowels . . the wo●● wants its proper windie blasts . . windie blasts are not stirred up without their bounds . . a flatulent or windie plurisie owes its rise unto a fiction . . we must be ashamed to have accused conceived winds . . wind is accused by many , to be the beginning of all diseases whatsoever . . how cold doth occurre hereunto . . what is to be known in this respect . . what is afterwards to be done . . by whom usual remedies profitable in windinesses , were invented . . the ileos or iliack passion is an averse co-writhing of the intestine . . that affect hath in its causes and manner , been even hitherto unknown . . a history hath discovered the deceit of the schools . . a new doctrine concerning flatus's or windie blasts . . a sixfold flatus in us . . no flatus in us can be a vapour . . what is a wild gas. . flatus's are distinguished . . a certain windinesse is necessary for a bowel , whereof none hath hitherto taken notice . . it is proved by a monster . . some sequels flowing from thence . . a consideration about the mean , and a●ounding of this flatus . . from meats vitiated , or excrements seasoned with a vitious ferment , are paines of wringings in the gutts . . the convulsions of a bowel . . galen was ignorant of the use of parts . . the schools neglecting other flatus's , have had respect onely to farting , whence a fartisme . . the windie blasts of a tympany . . the effects of a dungie-ferment , in respect to flatus's . . the cure of a most stinking windiness by loosening things . . dungs are not the voluntary putrefactions of things . . a difference between the windy blast of the stomack , ileon , and colon. . a scheme or figure of the flatus's in us . . the tympany is more mortal than the dropsie ascites . . two considerations touching windie blasts . . a consideration of flatus's . a flatus is the vice of us , not of things . . what the interchangeable course of flatus's may respect . . that flatus's are made in us by a causing agent , but not by a separating one . . galen is withstood concerning flatus's . . divers times again . . an error about lustful meats . . venus or carnal lust hath respect unto the spleen . . the ingendring of flatus's , whence and how it is . . an example of windy blasts . . a windie blast doth not fore-exist in the food . . a notable thing concerning the grape . . a notable thing touching the ferment . . respects of flatus's , and of the stomack . . the handy-craft-operation of flatus's in a threefold monarchy . . the notable gas of tartar. . the windinesses of meats . . sulphur teacheth a flatulent or windie matter , and the supposing of a dungie ferment . . whence wringings of the guts are . . why poysons do for the most part make the habit of the body to swell . . why leavened or fermented things were forbidden to the jews . . a dead carcase that is drowned , when it issues up out of the water . . a remarkable remedy concerning the lesser hot seeds . . the judgement upon the beholding of the dead carcase of a gentile matron . . the vanity of a name and remedie driving away windes . . a destinction of the volvulus , or pain of the ileos , from the wringings of the bowels . after that the more judicious of physitians , had vainly implored aid from the elements , humours and stars , and in the next place , had in vain invoked tartar , and also the supposed beginnings of the chymists for their helps , they afterwards medi●ated , against the will of the galenical schools , that the head-ach , pain of the megrim , and that pain which was left of yesterdaies drunkennesse or gluttony , and likewise the giddiness of the head , doatages , asthmaes , bastard pleurisies , the convulsion , cramp , the disease of the standing of the yard , the tympany , furies of the wombe , yea and of the falling sickness , with some other affects , divided in their particular kind , do without controversie , owe their beginnings unto windy blasts , and vapours : wherefore also , they by an equal right , enlarging the catalogue , brought down their searches unto the book of hippocrates [ peri phusi●n ] or concerning natural things . that old man , hath so altogether consecrated all diseases to flatus's or windy blasts , that he hath promiscuously confounded winds with the principles of life . therefore the more fruitful wits of the schools began to search , not so much into the nature and properties of windinesses , as ( the suppositions of windy blasts being granted and yeelded to ) further to superstruct and build the nature and causes of almost all diseases , and to dedicate them to windy blasts , vapours , and exhalations , climbing from beneath upwards : or being thrust head-long downwards . but when as they were not able wholly to deliver themselves out of straits , nor that the edifice of so great a moment could stand firm , because it was supported by no foundation of a more solide enquiry , it was as it were the thred of an enterprise , broken asunder by too much twisting . truly hippocrates , constrained a flatus into a predicament , whether they should be partakers of life or death , or at length of destruction , and should contain the causes thereof , or should be stirred up from heaven by the blas of the stars , and so should promise causal necessities of the heavenly circle , or at length they should obey a sublunary , or voluntary law : to wit , he left it wholly undecided . and so he left a broken method . and that stood , because there was not yet so great a necessity , experience , frequency and stubbornness of diseases . for it was not as yet known , that the vital spirit had conceived the light of life , which was that of the sensitive soul , and that they were the immediate seats of the forms of soulified creatures , and so , that they did contain the crasis or temperature of the whole essence . for none then had learned that the matter of that gas , the water , and so none had as yet dreamed that the vital spirit did differ from the wind of the world in the whole element . for truly the schools had easily fallen down into this ditch of windy blasts , and had stubbornly there remained , but that they acknowledged the succours of purging medicines , and blood-letting in winds , to be vain , and foresaw , that they should be in vain without the aid of both those succours . galen indeed had seen , that oyles and fatnesses did by degrees exhale through fire , therefore he thought , that winds also are awakened in us through a melted fatness , or the inordinacy of the digestions , because he was he who was not able to distinguish the air or wind from an exhalation , from a vapour , and from a windy blast . the galenical school , i say , hath not hitherto known the difference between a windy gas ( which is meerly air , that is , a wind moved up and down by the blas of the stars ) a fat gas , a dry gas , which is called a sublimed one , a fuliginous or smoaky , or endemical gas , and a wild gas , or an unrestrainable one , which cannot be compelled into a visible body . wherefore the obscurity of the darkness of natural things , hath remained unexcusable among those that are ignorant of the art of the fire . the which doth instruct us , in what degree , watry bodies , or in what degree , and order , every fatness may flie away , in the next place , by what separation , or by what ferment , bodies , may depart from each other , may putrifie what all particular bodies may carry with them by resolving ; in the next place , by what means , the crases of seeds , and properties of a composed body may shew themselves . lastly , by what endeavour , all of whatsoever is in us , may be disposed into transpiration , without a separation of parts . they had heard indeed winds in the belly , and then unhurtful rumblings , and painful wringings they took notice of to be in the stomack , and colon , but in winter , a plurality of winds , wherefore they dreamed of an icy phlegme in the bowels , and hot remedies to be applyed to cold diseases . wherein the schools do at first infold or ensnare themselves , while they deliver the original of vapours and windinesses , and do intend to cure and put these to flight , by contrary remedies as they call them . for they contradict themselves in their principles or beginnings , mean , and manner . for if windinesses in us are vapours or exhalations in us : surely there will follow upon the administring of hot remedies against winds , a greater exciting of pains and flatus's , and stretching out of parts , because vapours must needs be increased , and torments be multiplyed , as well by reason of stretchings out , as the sharpness of the winds . and that thing , the art of distilling doth prove throughout the whole . paracelsus , although a potentate of the art of the fire , was not free from the storm of winds . because he was he , which was ignorant of the nature of winds and of the air , that the matter of vapours of flatus's , is a watry gas , that their efficient causes , manners , means , as also matter , is water got with child by a seed . because he was he who plainly despised the authorities of philosophy , and endeavoured to bind nature under his own idiotism : he was also forsaken , god so permitting it , by the light of nature , who maketh such endeavours every where void . also no man ever attaineth unto wisdom , who hath thought to have come thereunto by himself . for paracelsus doth every where constantly perswade , that we ought to feel the diseases and defects of all things , because we are hitherto every way an extract of the whole universe . that we ought to express the universe , as it were , the parent of a son. for so he will have us to contain winds and their varieties , our wringings of the bowels also , to answer unto the tempests of the air. but i will not depart even a nails breadth from the famous image of god , that we do resemble the macrocosme or great world , rather than god in his image . for i believe , that i am not a man , that i might undergo diseases , and so resemble , pirke olam , or holam hapiroud : but rather i know that i do undergo diseases , that i might shew a depraved and mortal nature , but that i am a man for no other end , than that according to the good pleasure of god , i may represent his lively image . that man therefore divides the wringings of the bowels into four parts , according unto the four accustomed hinges of the winds . whereof , the northern one , he first of all placeth in the loyns , whose wind in its colick , should blow against the navil . but in the navil he placeth the southern one , which in its colick , should blow diametrically on the back . so also he hath disposed the eastern one in the right side , as also the western in the left , and he at length , ascribes to every wind their proper remedies , involved under hieroglyphicks , as yet to him unknown . alas ! with how sorrowful a pledge are all these things , and by how sporting a means , hath that man invaded the principality of healing ? to wit , that we are all little worlds ! for at how dear a rate doth he sell us this idea or image of the macrocosme ! and by what a scanty argument doth he found his dreams ! when as , in very deed , there are no winds , nor matter of winds in us which we do not breath in and breath out , otherwise , that neither is there a flatulent or windy gas in us , unless in one way , house and passage : to wit , from the stomack , through the bowels , even into the fundament . indeed paracelsus had known these things in part , in the next place , that of winds in the womb , pleura , head , and muscles , there were old wives fables : nevertheless , he as yet weaved greater , that he might compose these ridiculous hinges of winds : the which by a stronger right , he had transferred into the wombe , then into the bowels : the which with great grief doth writh it self sometimes on the left side of the bottom of the belly , sometimes on the right side , and besiegeth even the navil , or inclines it self behind unto the back and loynes . but he had remained doubtful where he had found a fifth wind in the head-long wombe , and where a sixth , while the womb is carried straight upwards ; and therefore although he at large declameth concerning the star or astrum of the wombe in a particular book . yet he sleeping , hath neglected the cardinal winds of the world in the exorbitances of the wombe . although he also doth seriously declare , that the womb is a world. but moreover less than the microcosme . but oh paracelsus ! by supposing some els of a bowel stretched out by wind , and that wind shut up on both sides ( for if it be not shut up , it shall neither cause pain , nor stretch out , but shall be evacuated by its own emunctory , of its own accord ) and so that it doth neither breath , nor is carried side-wayes after the manner of winds . my question is concerning the name , essence , original , and remedy of that wind ? and then , when the ileon is extended , perhaps for turns , as well from the back forwards , as with a side passage on both sides , with what and what order of twisting shall the hinges of the four winds have their scituation , name , and property of name ? for so in every winding circle , there should be now , fourty southern winds , and as many northern ones , &c. for if in the twentieth , or in every particular twisting of the intestine , thou oughtest to have added a reason , why not in the tenth or twelfth , if thou desiredst credit to be given to thee , dreaming of these things . but surely thou hast not been a faithful aeolus of those winds . because thou marking the colick to have oft-times afforded the contracted muscles of the hands , convulsions i say , and palseys , hast not blushed to say , that winds are carried from the bowels through all the muscles and tendons . and thou hast affirmed that , with so much the more liberty , because thou findest the schools prone unto every service of vapours and winds , perhaps for all diseases . for when through the dictating testimony of truth within , they found not rest for themselves in elements , complexions , and humours : they being confused , sought out a mean whereby they might find the cause of diseases by vapours and winds . for perhaps when humours had deceived them , they wished that they might not be reproved by an invisible position of winds . indeed it was an invention of the impostor satan , who seeing he endeavours to be gods ape , by the belief of invisible things , pretends that the understanding of the credulous or those rash of belief , is due unto himself . and that they do suffice for all diseases , so the belly do rustle its rumblings in the ears . and therefore i ought also by all means to have treated of flatus's or windinesses . surely i pity , on both sides , so great unconstancy of paracelsus , and ignorance of those that believe him , whereby he excludes and cuts off from himself his pretended title of the monarch of secrets . for he knew not in this place , that such is the property of any poyson being administred even under the friendly shew of purging medicines , that they do sorely trouble or shake the archeus , and stir up a blas thereof , according to the aphorism . a cramp or convulsion after hellebour , is mortal . and that , that colick which besides the wonted wringings of the bowels proceeding from a sharpness , doth moreover contain an infection of poyson , is also the author of the convulsion . although wind in the mean time , be not carried out of the gut ileon . so a man dying with a total extinguishment of his strength , leaves his dead carcase on both sides extended with a general tetanus ; but whenas he is snatched away by a violent death , his dead carcase is flaggy . whence i have learned , that there is a certain life , feeling , and motion or blas in the flesh , besides a voluntary one . to wit , that life apprehending poysons and death , together with an extinguishment , doth extend the tendons on both sides . whence it is false , that the heart is the last which dieth . for the life of the muscles doth as yet remain surviving , which is most powerful in insects , & so also the head being plucked off , flies do as yet , flie away . and in a woman long dead , her wombe hath oft-times chased out her young . therefore every convulsion of the muscles , whether from the colick , or by taking a laxative poyson , or any other thing , is not from a voluntary motion : but from a natural act of feeling , and moving of the muscles : but not that the flatus which extends the bowels , doth also efficiently extend the muscles . even as in the book of the disease of the stone , in the treatise of sense , and sensation , i have abundantly confirmed . it is therefore for a sound decree . this is carminative , that drives away winds ; but that scatters windy blasts . as if by enchanting verses , winds , to be renounced by physitians , should depart . for if the conduit and passage of utterance do lay open , wind never wants a forreign aid , as neither a strange driver , that it may go forth . yea which is more , wringings of the guts do not alwayes cease , although there be a free egress for flatus's . otherwise if the way be without an impediment , the windy blast whether the physitian will or no , shall find it : for truly there is but one only passage of the bowels , and that continual unto them . but such driving medicines ought to have some mean , even as a pestil thrusts forward the contained clysters . but that mean , that it may be fit for the expelling of a flatus , it ought suitably to answer the conduit of the bowels , as well in the slender as in the grosser ones : and moreover to have a pulsive or driving blas . but wind being shut up , doth cause the less pain , so long as it is quiet : so every pulsive remedy , should of necessity increase the pains of the wringings or gripes , and so nature sheweth , that we must abstain from things that do drive or force windiness . but they strongly meditate , that in carminatives , there is the force of a whip . but are flatus's like unto cattel ? for do they acknowledge that they and their carminatives are to be set in the place of a suitable pestil ? or that perhaps carminatives have the same virtue , like a voice which drives away cattel ? and that windy blasts in the body do hearken unto the exhortation of enchanting poets or singers ? i know indeed from hence , that the schools are ignorant of the force , property , causes and manner , as well of the gripings or wringings , as of the remedies . for winds are not to be driven away , and secondly , not to be dispersed . for this is impossible : but that contains a childish fiction . neither also by an honest man are flatus's to be restrained by any verse or song , a religious etymology whereof , doth notwithstanding hitherto remain in the schools . a windy blast is not inwardly stirred up in the wombe , because the wombe is destitute of a flatulent matter , and its digestion is not fit for creating of flatus's : but outwardly , air scarce enters into the wombe : because it is that , which least it should suffer a vacuum or emptiness in its membrane , it falleth down wholly moist and flaggy : and so of its own accord , a passage for the breathing air is prevented , unless it be by force , cast into it , by an instrument . in the next place , neither do external winds borrow a force from the mouth , that they may enter into unwonted regions , and that they may strongly thump the pleura grown to the ribs , but that between this , and the muscles between the ribs , they may stir up a flatulent pleurisie , and presently after tear the pleura from the ribs , and frame a true inflamation of the pleurisie . because there is no way for air thither : yea if it should reach thither , it hath not a blas behind , which might be of any damage . and by which way it had entred , for therefore , before it had hurt , it had expired . neither also are flatus's made internally in those parts , the matter whereof , and the efficient cause hindering it . it is also like an old wives fiction , that an external wind , or blast of air , doth pierce thorow the skin , however so pory it be , even as also the fleshy membrane , and also the muscles under it . according to the shameful reason of physitians , wherein they say : he hath lately contracted wind , whence his parts are ill affected . for i have oftentimes with my own blushing , heard this cause to be assigned almost to all diseases , from the head even to the ankle . the distemperature of the air is accused for the vices of the head , eyes , ears , teeth , oasand ; for hoarsnesses , coughs , likewise for all defluxions , unconcoctions , feavers , and so the air hath been accounted a pandora's box . and that not only by the touching of cold , as an outward cause , but as a windy blast hath been drawn inwards , and there unduely detained . of which things elsewhere . but now our speech is of our , and those , internal windy blasts , i grant indeed that an unwonted cold ( as a guards-man of death ) doth indeed affect some noble part or servile one , as it disturbs the last digestion thereof , whence excrements , pains , yea and aposthems of the similiar parts do diversly follow . but in these , the faculty of the cold is only an outward occasional cause ; which shews a prevention , not likewise a cure , or quality of a remedy . therefore let the trifles of the schools bid farewel . but besides , that any physitian may rightly perform his office , he shall know first , what wind is , and then , what is a windy blast , from whence it is made , why it causeth pain ; and then the remedy shall be easie unto him . indeed the cause of flatus's being known , we must take heed , least their concrete or composure be turned into a gas. but a gas which hath been once made , prepareth an easie way or passage for it self . but if not , and if the bowel where it is beneath it , be stopped with a more hard obstacle , this is to be loosed . but where there is no excrement as a partition , and yet the wringings do proceed , shall not those things be vain , which drive away winds ? and foolish which disperse them ? for truly not the windy blasts , but the matter from whence the bowels are drawn together , and the bowels themselves do generate windinesses , is to be brushed away . the cure , i say , may not be converted unto the flatus produced , but unto the cause producing it . i see therefore that the remedies of dill , caraway , anise , cummin , wild carrot seed , &c. were found out not by the schools , who are ignorant of the causes of wringings of the bowels : but that they were made known from divine compassion , to little ones and poor ones , from whom the schools have begged them , as also many other experiments from thence . for truly the original , essence , matter , property , process and history of flatus's , have lain hid to the schools . in the next place , neither is the volvulus , iliack passion , or that of a barbarous name [ miserere mei ] any twisting or writhing together , and extravagancy of the lesser bowel . for besides that it should be a perpetual , and of necessity , a relapsing evil , anatomy resists it , which shewes the bowel to be cloathed with the mesentery , to wit , with an external cloathing , with a third garment and upper skinny one , and it being fast tyed to the loynes , by that mesentery , to hang or bend forwards . therefore that bond being once burst asunder , and the society of the mesentery despised , there is no hope for the future , of reducing the bowels into their former case , from which they had freed themselves by breaking prison . and so the evil being by a strong fortune restored , should of necessity presently return , and should alwayes afterwards rush into a worse state . again , throughout the whole tract of the bowel , there should henceforeward be no nourishment with the veins , and no attraction of chyle for life ; when as nevertheless in the mean time , that disease gives place to an easie remedy . for if , besides its wonted circles , the bowel should be co-writhed , who should be that mover ? or who that tormenter ? for from without it hath none , and fears none , which bowel is covered with a smooth caule and simple bladder of the abdomen or bottom of the belly . also , if it be stopped up by an internal excrement ( for this nor the other can happen unto it ) now the gut ileon is stopped ( wherein excrements are not yet wont to be hardned ) by an unwonted dung : but not co-writhed , not dissolved without the case of the mesentery . and so the schools being amazed , that disease , hath been unknown in its causes and manner . for i remember , that thomas balbani of antwerp , when i was a youth , dying within a week of a volvulus or an iliack passion , offered eighty thousand flandrian pounds to him that should cure him , having sent his coach-men or swift riders every way . the physitians of antwerp then , by the decree of the schools , with a lofty look , accused the bowel to be rouled inwards , and to be inwrithed as it were with a gordian knot , their remote ignorances providing a remedy by way of excuse , but not for the sick man. but anatomy discovered their deceit and gross ignorance . for hard dung was found in the slender gut to have stuck sixteen fingers above the blind gut , and much loose ballast to have swumme through the ileon from above : for it is a rare thing for dungs to harden in the slender gut . wherefore i afterwards suffered none to perish of the disease ( ill called ) volvulus . to wit , i gave some leadden musquet bullets to drink , that by their weight alone they might drive forward that hard excrement . for by how much the more and bigger bullets are drawn down , by so much the safer and swifter cure follows , so the sick party doth stand , walk , or beeled , with the bottom of his belly as it were raised upright . now moreover , i will declare a history of flatus's , although a sordid one . indeed all windiness is in the stomack and bowels . even as winds are only in the air , but not beneath the water and earth . indeed the nativity of a windy blast doth fore-require a certain stomatical sharpness , and yet not an ordinary fermental one . which thing , because it is not elsewhere found than in the aforesaid places , a flatus also is no where else generated . even as shall hereafter be manifested . in the next place , every flatus is raised up either from meats , not yet digested , or from the cream , or from the dung of meats , or from the seedy nourishment of the bowels degenerating . there is therefore a four-fold internal flatus in us , a fifth is external , that of a tympany , which is enclosed without the intestine . one is natural and requisite , or ordinary . but a seventh is poysonsom , in the habit of the body . but none of them is a vapour , or watery exhalation : because that is that , which of its own accord , and from its proper consistence , doth presently and easily return into water . in the next place , no flatus is air , or wind : seeing the wind or air is not of the composition of concrete bodies , even as i have longly and largely proved . therefore it remaineth , that every flatus in us , is a wild gas , stirred up among the digestions , from meats , drinks , and excrements . one therefore is in the stomack , and is called belching , and it is unsavory , sower , brackish , burntish , stinking or specifical . i call that of unconcocted meat , a specifical flatus : for so garlick , radish , and the like , do afford their own savours in belching . but an unsavory and sower flatus , is a belching of the cream , indeed digested , but stirred up through an impotency or weaknesse of the stomack . but a brackish flatus , such as is in inordinate appetite , and a burntish one , are made of meats , well nigh degenerated into a dungy disposition . there is therefore also , another flatus , stirred up in the slender bowels , through the vice of the ferment of the gaul : and it is either unsavory , sharp , sower , bitter , dungy , cadaverous , or stinking , according to the variety of the matter , and the power of the gauly ferment . this flatus is called a fart , neither doth it ever ascend through the pylorus into the stomack . the which if it be stincking or burntish , doth denote the ferment of the dung to be fore-ripe , and lifted up into a strange harvest . there are moreover , two other flatus's in us . one is plainly heteroclite or of a differing kind , being detained and bred , as well in the bowels , as in the whole habit of the body . for from a poysonous , and dungy forreign ferment , a certain windy blast ariseth in the last digestion of the similar parts ; to wit , while a poyson being taken , dead carcases become swollen , and are blown up : for a sower or sharp corruption entereth into fleshes , after a heteroclital or degenerate manner ; and the solide part dies , and indeed the implanted vital spirit is extinguished , and the part is affected with the poyson of the venome , whence is a dungie , deadly flatus , abominable to our nature . and so the immediate or spermatick nourishment of the solid parts , is changed into a wild gas , and the whole body swelleth , or a part is peculiarly affected . there is also another unsavoury flatus in the ileon , to wit , natural , and a certain profitable product , indeed therefore ordinary and natural . and seeing it is made in most , and those oppressed with much hunger ; i conclude with my self , that that unsavoury flatus was bred of the very immediate nourishment of that bowel it self , being well disposed . for otherwise it should be impossible in caeliack passions , and other dissolvings of the belly , that so suddain and swift expulsions of excrements should be made , if the ileon being shut in its emptiness , and falling down , with the continuation of a natural flatus , should not after some sort , gape perpetually . that thing , i say , the schooles have never diligently searched into . whereunto , i will also add greater perplexities , to wit , unless the ileon do alwaies , naturally , and moderately swell with wind . for otherwise , in the first place , the endeavours of some fibers in the bowels seemed to be in vain , if the ileon doth not meanly swell with a continual flatus . for a boy , who suffered a monstrous burstnesse in his navil , ( for his navil was wholly clear or shining as it were with a thin upper skin , to the largeness of half the palm of ones hand ) for this plainly monstrous child , as oft as he underwent the gripes or wringings , did afford us the storm of the ileon to be beheld . so that , that bowel as if it had boyled up , when he walked up and down , did seem to be twisted and pulled together . and that especially as oft as new torments or gripes did molest him : which things , seeing thty were in such a manner in time of paines , i would also contemplate , of what sort the family administration of the bowels might be in time of health . and then i observed , that there was plainly another successive motion , whereby the bowels did exercise themselves . for as oft as any thing was sent through the body from above , unto the fundament , ( for it was in the consistence of a more liquid syrupe , and obscurely yellow ) the bowel contracted it self with its own athwart or transverse fibers , as though it were wholly closed that way , and did drive down the excrement beneath it self : for this was made by a successive contracture of the transverse fibers , no otherwise than as a fidler opens finger after finger , and looseth the former . even so that it did indeed drive forward the excrement , together with the flatus , but this did forthwith return unto its antient place . surely a thing worthy of great admiration , that through the providence of god , the patrs are not inwardly idle , but do thus without feeling or perceivance , and uncessantly operate , even while we are sleeping . next i beheld , that as long as the boy did lie on his right side , the transverse fibers did press themselves together , in the upper part of the bowels of the same side , that they might drive the excrement upwards into the steep part : yet the hairs or threds of the down-bending part of the bowel , then not at all labouring , or being pressed together . i saw therefore , that a flatus is not alwaies driven forward by the ileon unto the fundament , with the excrements : but that it doth leap backwards , and return unto the parts of the ileon , which are re-opened presently after the secluding of the excrement . from whence , i conjectured , that such a flatus was natural and profitable , and not burdensome . for the same closure of the ileon it self , is most exact , before that , that which is thin and slideable can be driven upwards , which being seen , i presently collected ; first , that in the caeliack or belly passion , the digestive faculty doth not onely erre by reason of the corrupting of a decaying ferment , but also the retentive faculty of the pylorus : and furthermore that the propulsive , or forth-driving faculty of the bowels doth then rage with a sumptomatical errour . and then , that some kind of flatus is natural to the ileon , being stirred up by its own spermatical nourishment ; and so that it is to arise from the sixth digestion of that bowel , without stink , sharpness , and trouble : and so that it directs it self into a mean of quantity . but whatsoever of this flatus , as superfluous , doth exceed its quantity , is presently expelled out of doors . a vice therefore in quantity , doth of its own accord , bewray it self , and is easily banished . it is indeed from a superfluity : but yet it neither causeth pain , nor biteth . but if windy blasts are stirred up from meats vitiated in themselvs , or those seasoned with a vitiated ferment in time of digestion , they are painful through their sharpness , and a forreign impression , but far more powerfuly , if the bowels are pulled together , especially when as a tough muscilage , seasoned with a vitiated ferment , the mother of wringings or gripes , shall stubbornly any where adhere , to wit , for the driving out whereof ( for the most part in vain ) the bowels do co-press , contract , and co-wrinkle themselves . but i call a contracture , the generatress of cruel gripes or wringings , as oft as a bowel is drawn together , not indeed on the transverse , or oblique part of its circle , but wholly on the length of it : especially because contractures by the transverse or athwart , and oblique or crooked fibers , are daily , natural , and without pain . galen triumphing of the use of parts , being had in great esteem by the schools , is shewn by vassalius in an places or errours , never to have seen the dissection of an humane body , which demonstrations of that anatomical work , as the schools shall never wash of : so i maintain , that the chief uses of parts , the scopes of the formative faculty , or their delights , are untouched , not heeded , but unknown hitherto . indeed since galen , they have sufficiently seen , that the strait , oblique , and transverse fibers of a bowel , do prevail unto the driving forth of the excrement : yet have they not known , whither , and how , every one of those might incline themselves in their services . for they who in tediously writing , have rashly erred in the platting or weaving of the choroides or wonderful net of the brain , in the sporting motions of the lungs , and the passed by uses of the pulses , have sluggishly passed by the uses of the pulses , and bowels in their services . thus far of belching and farting . and likewise i have discussed concerning a degenerate flatus throughout the whole body ; and concerning the natural and requisite flatus of the ileon . for truly , i never saw a dead carcase dissected , which would not offer to the beholders , the ileon swoln with a flatus . now moreover i will proceed concerning the flatus's of wringing or griping diseases , and the authors of death . in the third place , there is a flatus or windy blast in the more gross bowels , consequently bred in the bowels of the blind gut . the schooles indeed have heeded no other flatus besides this , as if flatus's were not conceived but in the strait gut and colon. and therefore also they have called the colick , the disease of windinesses , and they have solidly distinguished it into the colick of the colon , and of the stomack , into a sandy and windy colick , and the like shamfulnesses of confusions . a third flatus therefore ariseth from a dungy and putrifactive ferment , and it is twofold , to wit , from the food already putrified by a dungy ferment ; and from a spermatical nourishment , degenerate , mortified , and moreover dungified . for this is the most stinking one of all by far . there is also at length a forreign flatus , which although it have not place in gripings or wringings in the belly as a cause , yet it is oft-times as a subsequent effect of the same , and is for the most part , worse than a dropsie , and is called a tympany . but i call that a dungy ferment , as it is bred without a bowel , so also whose seat is in the blind gut , where the excrements of meats begin to putrifie , under the specifical difference of soulified creatures , and so they there borrow an impression of a dungy ferment , according to their proper kind , or species , neither surely is it an idle or dreamed fiction of this ferment , which doth on every side bring forth a specifical diversity , when as otherwise there is not any transmutation of things without a peculiar ferment . in this ferment therefore oilynesses are made volatile , and an inflamable exhalation is stirred up out of putrifying things , wherefore chymists do premise all things into putrifaction , that those things , which else being weighty , hidden , and shut up , would remain in the lee , might be lifted up together , with the watrinesse of the matter . for fleshes , eggs , meat-broths , and whatsoever things are of their own accord mortified , do yield most stinking excrements , as also windy blasts . so amber-grese , mosch , zivet , and such sweet smelling things , because in their original , they are partly of fleshes , and partly because they have once gotten a dungy ferment of that species , being easily again afterwards subdued by our ferment , do bring forth most stinking excrements and flatus's . by this right also , excrements and flatus's , which are drawn out by loosening medicines , because immediately dropping from a dead carcase , transchanged aswel through aputrifactive ferment of the loosening poyson , as of the place or bowel : besides the proper horribleness of the mortified matter , they are moreover , most exceeding stinking . and so it is even from hence manifest , that there is a certain dungy ferment in soulified creatures , because it is that which besides the property of its own particular kind , doth as yet keep as many diversities in it self , as there are of objects receiving . especially because dungs are not the voluntary putrifyings , or artificial putrifactions of things ; but the limited , and specifical ones : whose efficacy , seeing it doth not proceed onely from the thing it self , it hath need of an external author alwaies operating in the same agreeing resemblance , also in the same manner and character ; most especially , because the impression follows both the healthy disposition of its ferment , as also the sick one . which thing doth from thence more clearly appear . because belching , or a flatus originally in the stomack , even as also the flatus of the ileon , do extinguish the flame of a candle . but a dungy flatus which is formed in the utmost bowels , and breaks forth thorow the fundament , being sent thorow the flame of a candle , is enflamed in flying thorow it , and expresseth a flame of divers colours , like a rain-bow . but that which is formed in the ileon or slender bowel , is never inflameable , is often without smell , unless it bring down the mixture of another with it , it oft-times strikes through , being tart , sharp , and brackish in the fundament . therefore flatus's or windinesses , do differ in us , in their matter , form , place , ferment , properties , and so in their whole species . neither have flatus's less , their own generical and specifical varieties , than the bodies from whence they proceed . for flatus's are in no wise air. yea flatus's are not only distinguished by the matter whereof they are , but also by the ferment and seed of flatus's . hitherto have those things regard , which i have taught concerning the birth of a gas , or wild spirit , which surely , should else remain in its antient concrete body , unless , a ferment of the place being adjoyned , and a seed of sharpness drawn , it be made or composed into a flatus or gas. i will repeat in this place , the general kinds of diversities of flatus's bred in us , which are specificated by their ferments and the properties of things from whence they arise . behold their scheme or figure . for there are two irregular flatus's in us , whereof , one is ordinary , natural and necessary in the ileon . the other is plainly pestiferous and degenerate , the which , a poyson being taken , or bred within , doth for the most part lift up the whole habit of the body into a tumour . and then , there are four flatus's in the stomack and bowels . one of the stomack , which is belching . and this is either specifical , from undigested , hard and stubborn meat . another is unsavory , of the cream being almost digested , but bred from a weakness of digestion : but a third is sower , from the cream digested ; but yet hindered . a fourth belching is brackish , being produced from the ferment of the place being exasperated . the second flatus , is that of the and it hath some diversities in it . the first whereof containeth farting , arising from ileon , the abundance of the aforesaid natural flatus . the other is bitter , which breaks forth from strange and ill digested dregs ; and it hath somewhat of an over-hasty dungy ferment . also the flatus of the gut colon succeedeth , from meats not plainly freed from their stomatical sharpness , but being corrupted by a prevention , a dungy ferment fore-timely coming unto them . there is also a dungy , mortified flatus , from a resolving and putrefaction of the lively and vital nourishment of the solide parts . lastly , without the channels of a bowel , is the flatus , tympany , arising from a diseasifying cause between the bought of the intestine , and the concave of the peritoneum or skin which covereth the bowels . which diseasifying cause hath the property of a local matter , but a more mild one . but the flatus which is hence begotten , is not from a diseasifying matter , but it is the product thereof , indeed it is from the same matter , whereof the natural and ordinary flatus of the ileon is : that is , from the very immediate nourishment of the bowel . but it is mortal , as well from a poysonous cause , or from a radical disease , as in respect of the place : which produced disease may be increased without a limit , and at length may choak the sick ; like the dropsie ascites . the scheme being now finished , thou shalt see that the matter whereof flatus's are , is that concrete body , about which a ferment doth operate . and then , that he who strives to drive away flatus's by propulsion , or dispersing , and so to overcome the disease , doth not take away the cause : but goes unto the last effect . which thing , that it may be the more cleerly made known to thy view , i will suppose three brethren to be nourished with the same drink and meat : one whereof , can send forth almost no flatus : but another , and the weaker , can bring forth many un-savory , and now and then sower belchings . but the third undergoing a disproportionable temper of his bowels , can make many crackings . from whence , first of all , it becomes plain to be seen , that flatus's are not made of flatulent or windy meats , the use whereof is therefore so greatly forbidden in the dietary of the schools . but even as fulness doth for the most part cause many windy blasts , the which sobriety excuseth : therefore it follows , that the fardle is for a burden : but that a burden presupposeth , a labour , or weakness of the digestive faculty . so sharpish apples , if they are roasted , do puff out very much windiness , the which if they are eaten by a strong stomack , are void of windiness . whence it is sufficiently manifest , that a flatus is the vice of us , but not of things . the which , that nothing hinders , that some things are more apt for the producing of flatus's , and that from hence they are called windy . because those things which are most flatulent , do not beget flatus's , but in defective persons . for if windinesses were by themselves and materially in meats , flatus's should equally bewray themselves in all , and he that should send forth the less of flatus's , the same being retained , he should be the weaker . both whereof is false . therefore the aforesaid interchangeable course of flatus's doth accuse the agent rather than the matter . in the next place , if it should be moved principally from the matter , and there be a fatty flatus in us : but that could in no wise be troubled or moved by our luke-warmth , which is first obliged to vaporal moistures , before that it can be sufficient for dry and oylie exhalations . therefore even from hence it is also manifest , that flatus's are made by a causing , but not by a separating agent . again , that also of galen is absurd , that some things are windy in the first digestion , but that other things utter their flatus in the second , which he calls sanguification ; and so also , hence , he names them things venereous or causing natural lust . but the third things he calls windy in the last digestion , even as he saith concerning the keepers of fig-trees ; that their fleshes are blown up , and swollen with windiness , from the eating of abundance of figs. for every flatus , which was after any manner materially in meats , at least while the food is boyled , and afterwards formally resolved into a cream , seeing the cream , liquor , or water , could never take away the flatus's within , or beneath it self , it should of necessity , presently exhale by belching . but that a flatus out of the cream of meats , doth remain in the blood , or after sanguification is finished ; if that be rightly sifted , it contradicteth the position of the schools , whereby they suppose , that a natural or livery spirit is bred in the blood , not indeed an external one , stirred up and retained from things : but being made anew , by an ordinary power of the liver . for that flatus in the venal blood , should be a forreign windiness ( to wit , of the parsnip , pease , &c. ) rebellious and stubborn against the formal transchanging of the food into blood . or if it be by the strength of the liver , supposed to be transchanged into natural spirit , which they suppose to be the spirit of the venal blood ; first of all it shall be the spirit of the liver acting ; not of the matter of the venal blood . seeing the flatus also , which else , every where is not produced but by the error of the digestive faculty , in this place , shall be priviledged , and be made by the force or vigour of the digestive faculty . and so it shall belong to the strong liver , to be able to stir up very much windinesse out of the cream . surely , i think it a sign of notorious weakness , not to be able to reduce the transchangeable lump into a single and equable substance : but that a strange and heterogeneal windiness should be left by the liver to be overcome . the schools therefore contend , that the strength of venus or carnal lust , doth beg it self for a forreign flatus . shall therefore a windinesse arising from strange nourishments , be fit for a species , and specifical propagation ? or from an imaginative spirit of the liver , bred in the blood , being as yet unripe , shall it by the assuming of an external flatus , be fit for natural spirit , or in the seed , for humane generation ? i will not believe that the schools were so mad , as if the first mover of the seed and stones , can be the supposed air of the venal blood . and much less the more crude flatus of nourishments . lastly , neither do the schools satisfie themselves herein . for if a flatus of meats had remained in the cream , and should afterwards as yet , be surviving in the making of the blood , ( for we must not think that a flatus can continue materially in act , for the aforesaid reasons ) therefore at least wise , they will , that an aptness or disposition of the matter unto flatulency , should remain . but this very thing they seriously withstand , being unwilling that the same accident should be in the thing bred or begotten , which was before in the thing corrupted . but all these devices of the schools do sleep , eftsoon after , that it was plainly shewn , that there is no spirit of the liver in the venal blood , and much less the retained flatus's of pease , parsnip , eringo , or the seed of ash . for i have sufficienly shewn , that the gas which wanders to and fro in the vital blood , is not a windy one ; nor that it doth relate unto the flatus's or smell of meats : but that it is a lightsom , but that it is a formal being , the seat of the soul. but that the matter , bowel , property , interchangeble courses , & defects of venus hath not yet been made known to the schools , i will teach in its place concerning the spleen . here it sufficeth to have separated the matter or power of venus from flatus's : a weak digestion therefore , brings forth many windinesses , which a stronger digestion doth not find , even by examining every thing more curiously , and transchanging them more strongly . for a wandring ferment , draws out of a thing that which is not in it materially ; but only potentially : that is , a flatus ariseth from an error of the ferment , being estranged in digesting . for truly , flatus's are not drawn out of the matter , as though concreted and co-agulated ones had fore-existed in it : not from the digestion it self , as a cause by it self , even as heat doth ordinarily allure vapours out of water : but as , there ariseth a certain diminished disposition under the digestion of the ferment , from whence the digestive spirit sucketh a flatus , as it were a guest inconvenient for it ; and as though the archeus would correct the error of the ferment : wherefore a begun indisposition of the matter , was born to change into a wild gas : the which apprehend thou by an example . for , sal armoniac , and aqua fortis , are those things which may be distilled , and suffer heat by themselves apart : but if they are joyned and become lukewarme , they cannot but be presently transchanged into a wild gas , or an unrestrainable flatus . so that if the vessel be most exactly shut , and although most strong and large , yet it bursts asunder , even in the cold . salt-peter likewise , melteth with a bright burning fire , is cold , and a remedy of squinancies : yet a coal being adjoyned unto it , both are presently consumed , and do flie away into a flamie gas. for neither are an asse and a horse turned into a mule ; but the seminal beginnings of both , from their conjunction , do produce the mule . for so very many things which were not before , materially within , are made a new by adjuncts , ferments , digestions , errors , and interchangable courses . and those things which under their first ferments , were not materially flatulent ; yet because they were not fully digested , and thereupon far removed , they as excrements , when as they undergo another following ferment , do pass over into inordinate flatus's . so also a flatus doth not fore-exist in the meats , and much less in the cream : but there is a certain new and monstrous generation , from the thorow mixed seeds of things , or from the matter unduely transchanged , being placed under the action of another ferment , which thing concerning digestions , shall be more clearly manifest . for so a weaker stomack doth cause the food to putrifie before , or in the chyle , and brings forth frequent belchings , also burntish ones , even as in feavers , where out of an empty stomack , a frequent belching leaps forth , unaccustomed to healthy persons . for so putrifying doth in distilling , bring forth the colour of roses , together with the sweet smell and water thereof , which otherwise is not lifted up by the same heat . likewise there is in the bowels their own estranging of ferments , and of that which is putrified , it s own estranging , and degrees under which flatus's are generated , and do break forth . for as long as a grape is on every side enclosed in its skin , it is sooner dried , putrifies by continuance , or is changed into a raysin ; than that it sends forth a flatus ; but if the skin of the grape be never so little hurt , presently after the wound , the ferment ( the foregoer of any kind of putrifaction ) decayeth ; from whence , neither doth a wild gas afterwards ceale to belch forth , as long as the heat of the boyling ferment shall endure ; or as long as , from the juyce of the grape , the wine is not perfected . for as meal differs from the leavened paste or dough , and the mealie lump from bread , so doth wine from the juyce of grapes . and as meal if it be boiled , doth not bring forth windinesses ; but being leavened , doth of its own accord belch forth windy blasts : so meats do not in their own nature contain the flatus , which the ferments do draw out . a wonder surely it is , that the schooles have perceived nothing , have written nothing of these things hitherto ; but that they have delivered all things by hand , to the command of heat . moreover , concerning the gas of new wine , and properties of a wild spirit , enough elsewhere . neither let those things be unseasonable or unfit , which i have elsewhere written concerning ferments , concerning digestions , touching transgressions under anothers harvest , and the diseasie transplantations sprung from thence , to have brought them over unto this limit , concerning flatus's . a most weak stomack therefore , affords un-savoury belchings , but a less weak one , soure ones a vitious stomack , burnish , bitter , and sharp ones . but a stronger stomack doth indeed rightly concoct meats that are full of juyce , not likewise the onion , garlick , radishes , &c. belchings therefore do witness some weakness , and therefore do express the savours of meats . but under the fardle of much meat that is full of juyce , brackish , also burntish belchings do bewray themselves , especially if the meats are mortified . but brackishness being stirred up by an exasperated ferment , doth bring forth a various appetite to meat . furthermore also , that flatus's are not bred of windy things ; mark an example . distilled vinegar , while it dissolveth crabs stones , crysulcha , silver , a wild spirit is belched forth . a harsh apple in roasting , stirs up very many flatus's : not so if it do longer sweeten on the tree by ripening . if therefore in the same apple , a flatus had materially been , it must needs be , that the greatest part of the apple which was flatutulent , and a meer windiness , was through ripening , converted into the sweet and homogeneal substance of the apple , that is into a non-windinesse . that a mixt body , ( as they say ) is made of almost a simple element . wherefore the whole apple , whether it be ripe or unripe , consisteth of the same matter ; and indeed not of a windy one . a sharp apple being roasted in a glass hermetically shut , constraines the vessel by reason of its windy blast , to burst asunder . but a like apple , being closed up in the like glasse , with as much water , as that it may boyle , sends forth no gas , but onely a watery exhalation . aqua fortis , being distilled by its self , doth wholly pass into the vessel receiving , without a wild gas. but if a dissolvable mettal be added unto it , it brings forth a gas , so as that if the glass be well stopt with morter , although most strong , it breaks in pieces : when as in the mean time , none of the aforesaid mettal departs into a gas. the tartar of wine , cannot be distilled so much as with the hundredth distillation of its own oyle , unlesse a chink or chap be left in the joynts . otherwise a wild gas , how big soever the vessel be , doth suddainly break in pieces . but if therefore tartar should materially contain a flatus , it had uttered the same in its first combustion , at least in another distillation , the which notwithstanding , is made a new afterwards , in every of its distillations , also of its oyle or sulphur onely . because a hidden sharpness of the wine , and also a volatile alcali is herein , whence of the coupling of them both , a wild gas is made . for the food not being sufficiently subdued in the stomack , putrifies , and causeth a gas. for it putrifieth through the corruption of the place , which is of the dung of the stomack : or by an action besides nature . for the least atomes of the meats being well chewed , are well turned into chyle : but the greater atomes in a more weak stomack , although in their circumference , and outward appearance , they are by digestion resolved into chyle ; yet in their center , seeing they indeed perceive sufficient heat , yet do not equally enjoy a ferment , they remain undigested , are corrupted , of a yellowish colour , and for the most part do the business for the bowels : or if they do retain the ancient sliminess of the food , together with a little sharpness , they are changed into wormes ( which are alwayes messengers of weakness ) but the ferment of the stomack finding some things resisting it , and therefore half-cocted , and half-putrified , presently enflameth , doubleth , and heighteneth its tartness , whence there is a gnawing , belching , from a brackishness , the companion of apetite ; which lump falling down into the intestine , stirs up rotten and stinking flatus's from a fat putrifaction . by way of handy-craft operation . take of sulphur one part , let it boyl with a double quantity of oyle of line : presently the sulphur putrifies , and the substance of birds lungs appears , breathing forth the smell of humane dung , even as also in distilling , the like gas belcheth forth . the lump therefore being badly digested in the stomack , descending through the intestine , stirreth up sharp flatus's , if the tartness shall be heightened , whence there are wringings of the guts . but if any snivelly thing thereof shall adhere to a bowel , the more stubborn gripes or wringings are made , and now and then an accompanying flux . and by so much the more cruel , by how much the sharpness shall be the more brackish . for from a brackish flatus , there is a small and fluid colick : but from meats it is far more stubborn , and changeth its places and wandereth . but if from a brackish , adhering , and affixed muckiness , it most cruelly afflicts and puls together . flatus's or windinesses therefore do proceed not from the matter properly : but from an operation of the ferment attempting a new generation besides nature , and from the error of the provoked archeus . these things of natural and diseasie flatus's . but poysons being drunk , why they produce the habit of the body swollen with a flatus : know thou , that that comes to pass a little before and after death : for neither doth a dead carcase swell , by reason of an attainment of a new matter , but because the life is chiefly in the bowels , therefore the habite of the body is first defiled by the poyson . but the corrupting of the flesh is alwayes in a sour or sharp savour ( for leavened things are by a famous mystery read to have been forbidden to the jewes ) therefore a sudden and cruel corruption dashing it self into fleshes , doth also beget in them a windie blast and swelling . so a dead carcass that is drowned , doth presently sink to the bottome , so long as until the flesh waxeth sharp under putrifying , then indeed it springs up , and is swollen with windiness , and the life of the muscles , which is as yet left after death , doth work the flatus . for it is wont to be said , that a dead carcass will issue to the top of the water , when the chest of the gaul is broken . for neither doth this want its own vigor of truth . not indeed , that it is literally true , that the bladder of the gaul being broken , and that its bursting forth had brought a lightnesse to the dead carcase : but the gaul is the balsome restraining corruptions , which are to arise in living creatures from a sharpness : wherefore while corruption is present , a defect of the gaul is conjectured . a new alder settles to the bottom : but when the juyce contained in it is corrupted , the tree springs up from the bottom . furthermore , i have said , that the lesser hot seeds were from divine compassion , made known to mortals , and by the good common people , the use of the same brought into the schools , not knowing the cause , and circumstance of flatus's . those seeds therefore do restrain the coruption and also the sharpness of matter , and therefore they are refreshments of the bowels . but that ease or comfort learn thou by this example . there was a burst man that was negligent , whose intestine fell out into his cod ; it presently riseth unto the bigness of ones head , is hardned , and at length waxeth black and blew , or envious . for they in vain attempt with a various warmth of milk , and a luke-warm fomentation of cows-dung , and it seemeth to be sixfold less through the hole , than is the swelling of the cod , which is to lay aside the hope of its return , by reason of hardness . and then through the drink of the seeds , to wit , of annise , caraway , fennel , coriander , &c. in wine , the hardness of the bunch doth presently vanish , and it suffers it self to be repulsed inwards . the which , a clyster , and outward fomentation afforded not , therefore that defect doth by it self , silently speak ; that the bowels being exorbitant about the stones , do presently put on an hardnesse , and stirre up flatus's . all which things by a comfort to the archeus of the bowels , do presently disperse ; which else would cause a swift and painful death . but i will adde something concerning the natural flatus of the ileon , which is not known by the schools . a noble woman is taken with a little pain of her belly , she walks about the chamber , had dined , the pain streight way ascends as to her right pap , invades her shoulder , and a little after kills her . her dead carcass being dissected , nothing is viewed by the eyes , which could be blamed , to have brought death on her . but they fitly see the ileon stretched out with a little flatus . wind , wind , i say , the doctors accuse to be the executioner . the judgment being brought unto me ; i judged , that the pain of the belly was from the womb ; therefore that it ascended unto the dugs , with whom the womb doth ordinarily talk ; and so to have strangled the woman . but the wind in the ileon , i said , was not onely guiltless , but that in every dead carcass ( even in him that is slain by a sudden death ) the ileon is alwayes naturally stretched out with a little wind , because that is natural , unseparable , and proper . for without wind , the bowels should fall down , the excrements should the more difficultly pass thorow . for unless they were driven and liquid , from behind , they should easily return backwards , and as it were without progress , should there contract too much delay . if therefore some wind be a native inhabitant in the ileon or slender gut , there is no place for complaint of a flatus in gripes or wringings of the guts , and much less for things carminative , expelling , and dispersing of winds . let wringings therefore be of a brackish muscilage , more or less sharp , at the resolving whereof ( if they shall stick fast ) or expulsion ( if they shall floate ) a restoring of health is expected . but if in the mean time a sharp flatus be bred , or the ileon do swell with windes more than is meet , that doth easily find a way for it self . a dismissing of windie blasts doth indeed , lighten from pressing together or stretching out : but a flatus doth not cause wringings or torments of any great moment , but that they do soon produce a way for themselves . but if indeed , a flatus be prevented from utterance by a more hard excrement from beneath : now it is called a volvulus , or rowling pain , and hath departed from the word , of wringings or gripes . therefore it is now sufficiently manifest , that flatus's or windy blasts in the body , are not made by aire , but materially from things cast into the body , things ordinary , or from poysons corrupting the similar liquor of nourishment . and then , that they cannot be made elsewhere than in the first kitchin of the digestions : and they are belchings ; in the second also , which is finished in the gut ileon ; but by no wise in the following families of digestions , unto whom every sharp and brackish thing is a forreigner ; except in a poyson being taken . wherefore there is no occasion , force or power in flatus's , for a disease of these regions . but so far as doth belong to a windy blast or exhalation , or vapor , lifted up from the stomack , from the womb , or any other , place ; that i will shew in its own place to be frivolous . let these things therefore suffice concerning flatus's . chap. lvii . the toyes or dotages of a catarrhe or rheume . . who is the heir of diseases , and nature . . some suppositions in the room of premises . . a conclusion . . it is proved from experiences . . an explication of the thing granted . . the lungs are the first thing dying . . why the author hath departed from the schools . . things premised of the miseries of old age. . why loosening medicines do hurt in these cases . . the miserable testimonies of physitians , of their own ignorance . because the phrygians are wise too late . . a shameful maxim , which is drawn from things helpful and hurtful . . the errors of physitians . . the unconstancy of paracelsus , whence it was . . the manner of making a catarrhe , is like unto an old wives fable . . the diseases attributed to catarrhes . . how great destruction of mortals ariseth from thence . . after what sort they make the sick perpetual bondslaves unto them . . an ordinary privy shift of the schooles . . thirteen positions . . nineteen conclusions proceeding from those positions . . by a sufficient numbring up of parts . . a dilemma or convincing argument . . some absurdities . . catarrhs or rheumes do arise in the schooles onely from their mother ignorance . . ignorance is the same fountain of absurdities in curing . . shame makes the schooles unstable . . a denyal of principles granted in the schooles . . whence heat happens to the liver . . a proof from remedies of none effect . . the tooth-ach is again examined . . the digestion of the tooth and nail , differs from the digestion of all the parts . . a rheum unto the inward parts is shewn to be impossible . . a pose is decyphered . . absurdities following upon a rheume of the stomack . . a rheume is fanned into the lungs . . what may drop down at the beginning of a pose , and what afterwards . . an argument from an impossibility , against the cause of the cough of the schooles . . the orginal of matter in affects of the lungs is demonstrated . . the vanity of remedies from ignorance . . that the drinks of china , sarsaparilla , &c. do not dry up excrements , as neither hinder the generations of the same . . some absurdities caused from hence . . what we must diligently heed in affects of the lungs . . the doctrine concerning the motion of the lungs , is false . . the use of the lungs is not known in the schooles . . one and twenty peremptory reasons against the motion of the lungs . . the error of the schools concerning the use of the diaphragma or midriffe , established eight reasons . . seven conclusions issuing from thence . . why the remedies of physitians are of no worth . . that preventions for the restraining of catarrhes , are old wives fictions . . galen in his books of the preserving of health is wholly ridiculous . . the ignorance of the schooles is to be pitied and bewailed . . the dissecting of a live dog hath deceived the schooles . . a new error about ecligmaes . . they suppose a falshood . . some proofs . . whence the error of catarrhes or rheumes was brought in . . a refuting of a mad perswasion . . what it may be , which is felt to cause the mask of a defluxing rheum . . what the future and succeeding matter may be . . the ignorance of the humour latex , hath confirmed catarrhes . . a prevention . . the torture of the night . . the unconstancy of paracelsus . . liquid things , which are not yet vitial in us , do not talk with the stars . . the marrow is not among liquors . it is now a seasonable time to shew , that the great heap of diseases which hath been dedicated to a catarrhe or rheume flowing down from the head , even into the very top of the toes , without let or hinderance , is an old wives fiction , not invented but by the enemy , the troubler of mankind ; to wit , lest the causes of diseases being known , the remedies of the same , should also be made known . however it be , at least wise , from thence it is manifest , that the schools are even unto this day misled by the errors of the heathen , in the generating , supposing , defluxion , manner , way or passage , matter , means , places , instruments of a rheume ; and likewise in its revulsion or pulling back , and remedies : indeed it is false and absurd , whatsoever thou shalt build upon one absurdity or impossibility . whence likewise , the vain hope which is placed in cauteries or searing remedies , falls to the ground , even as i shall demonstrate in its own place . natures themselves are the physitianesses of diseases : but the physitian is their minister or servant , according to hippocrates . but that is concerning diseases , which nature cures of her own free accord . but when she hath failed , so that she cannot renew her strength , a physitian chosen by the bounty of the lord , and with whom all diseases are almost of the same esteem ( for such a one is he , who hath obtained some universal medicine , among many of the like sort ) he remains no longer a minister or servant ; but a prevailing interpreter , ruler and master . let the name of my lord jesus be exalted for ever , who doth alwayes bestow his bounty on his little ones , who are base or dejected in their own humility . for nature being the chief receiver of the diseasifying impressions of the sick , and the sensitive soul a mover on the opposite part : likewise where entertained diseases do prevail , man dies , or at least wise , liveth for the future , more miserably than death it self , unless he be restored by the physitian , into his former state . yet it doth not happen to every physitian to go to corinth , unless to him that is called , elected , exercised and commissioned , or entrusted . for the universal perfections of healing , which contain in them , the tune or harmony of nature , had not yet been made known to the age of hippocrates ( for they are as yet scanty , and derided by the common sort of physitians unto this day ) therefore hippocrates deserves pardon , if he thought that the whole businesse of a disease was to be finished by nature , as a mistris . moreover , i have said elsewhere , that even forthwith from the beginning of the young , an implanted spirit , doth sit president over every member as an assisting ruler : but that the other , being an inflowing spirit , doth issue from the heart , being the awakener and comforter of the implanted one , the which notwithstanding is neither limited nor individually disposed , unless it be first subdued by the implanted spirit . i have also taught elsewhere , that every member doth grow or flourish , according to the virtue of the implanted ferment , and so that neither is a transmutation to be hoped for , for a new generation , unless by a ferment mediating . consequently it is from thence understood , that all growth is made by the spirits , and so , that a weakened digestion of the members , doth depend on the diminishing of the spirits , and of the ferment of these , according to that saying , my spirit ( the sheath of the ferment ) shall be diminished ( therefore ) also , my dayes shall be shortened . so as that , a member , which in health doth produce even no visible excrement , doth make much thereof , and that without ceasing , if it shall be wounded , hurt , diminished , or hindered in the vigour of its ferment . in the next place , it also from hence follows , that through a hurt , and the variety of things hurting , a disagreement and undue proportion of excrements is bred . not therefore , from one fountain , to wit , the head of man ( whence indeed , the schools do devise all catarrhs or rheums to rain down ) but from an own proper affection or suffering , or from the proper indisposition of every part , brought upon it by local ferments , do diseases arise . for so wounds which are cured , do suffer a relapse , do oft-times bring forth ulcers and imposthumes . and the axle of the winds being turned , they wax fresh , and grieve again , a long course of years after . so indeed , coughs , pleurisies , spittings of blood , and erisipelasses , do return . for a mountain cold exceeding a mean , or any other sudden cold suddenly invading , the night air , a fenny air , or gas of mines belched out , do oftentimes by one only on-set , tread the ferments of the brain and lungs under foot , that for the whole life-time after , they are made shops for divers excrements . truly after this manner , excrements ( not indeed snivelly ones from the brain ) are made in the eyes , ears , teeth , jaws , by an error of their own . so coughs and asthmaes do at first begin , and persevere by a continued ferment . not indeed through snivel flowing down from the head , but generated within the lungs by the violated ferment of the place . for the lungs are most easily affected or disturbed by an external thing rushing on them , before the other members : because it is the first of the members which waxeth old and dieth . as is manifest by the cough of old folks , and the snortings of dying persons , although afflicted with another vice than that of the lungs . for that is proper to the lungs , because it alwayes drinks crude or fresh air , and being neighbour to the oppressed heart , doth readily restore its strength , and for that cause its own strength the sooner faileth . for truly , i first of all dissent from the schools , because i know this kind of vice to be of the parts containing , but not of the liquors contained . for those contents are the certain products of a root , which are begotten by the archeus of the parts being badly seasoned . and then , i also differ in this , that i know it to be a local evil , but not bestowed or dispensed by a secondary affection of the head. for the coughs of old age are made under a difficult hope of restoring , because a very small quantity of the excrement bred in the lungs , doth reside in the utmost small branches of the airy pipe , which doth not only stop up the reeds : but also , through its presence , disturbeth the ferment of the place , and lessens it ; whence new excrements , the wealthy houshold-stuff of coughs , are stirred up every hour . which in old age , are scarce cured , by means commonly known . because they are those which do not pierce unto the places affected ; yea , neither have they obtained a strength of restoring . such excrements therefore , are the local defects of the parts . and every part hath its own weakness , whether it be in-bred or attained with a diminishment of the growing or flourishing ferment . and so also from hence , all those excrements of parts do proceed . i understand therefore in the first place , that the repetitions of purges are vain and hurtful in these affects : because they are those things which are appointed only about the products , but not about the causes . then also , and chiefly , because such excrements do not give place by loosening medicines . however it is , they do no way reach to the primitive blemish and hurtful root in us : but only do meditate of latter effects : but the former causes or roots , they are not able to touch . adde thou , that although loosening medicines do seem sometimes to have succoured for two dayes space , as the lump of the venal blood of the mesentery being taken away , a more sparing dispensation , and nourishment is brought unto the lungs , and hence , there is a more sparing spitting forth by reaching . yet notwithstanding , laxative medicines do oppose the general strength of the whole body , by weakening it more and more . which thing , while physitians do even see as it were thorow a sieve , neither know they to have profited the sick party , by a diminishing of the body , and exhausted strength , they at length , dismisse the weak , to be handled by the rules of diet , and the only aids of a sober kitchin : only by the aid of a cautery , and repeated assistance of the more gentle laxatives , they proceed medicinally , that is , to live miserably . by which supposition in the first place , they at least insinuate , that the kitchin is to be preferred before any unfaithful or distrustful medicines of the shops , and experience being made , they decree , that these must be abstained from as hurtful . and i wish , that after so many wipings away of the strength , that might suffice ; neither that they would again any more afterwards , by the same succours , attempt to exhaust the hope , body , veins , strength , and purses of the sick ! i would to god also , they were mindful of their own maxim , wherein , their chief curative indication or betokening sign , is to be taken from things profitable and hurtful . which rule , although it be shameful , and only that of empericks : i would that at least , by the same , they would now skip back from their committed errors . neither that in the cough and consumption , they would return unto remedies , which hitherto they have found to have profited none . for loosening medicines , cuttings of a vein , purgers by the nostrils , drawers of phlegme by the mouth , ecligmaes or lohochs , the decoction of china , sarsaparilla , sassafras , a cautery in the coronal suture or seam of the scull , and other unfaithful aids of that sort , would fall asleep , being applied by the physitian , that they may after some sort , seem , not to have received their money from a free gift . at least wise , i would that they had learned by their practice , that while they meditate of the removings , revulsions , derivations , and preventions of latter effects , that is , excrements , they do openly shew , that the knowledge of the causes have lain hid unto them , neither that they have methodically cured their sick by a taking away of the causes . they had also found the respect of food , to be a dainty or costly , languishing , weak , and desperate kind of remedy for so great an enemy , now an in-mate , yea and a patron . no wonder therefore , that the common people , heeding the vanity of these cures , have took an occasion to say : that it is the best medicine , not to use medicine . for i have oftentimes bewailed with great compassion , in reading thorowly of the centuries of medicinal counsels , and especially while they afresh prosecute all the diseases of almanzor , from the crown of the head unto the soal of the foot , because they narrowly searching into the catarctical or principal cause , from the beginning , ( as they think and boast ) they do every where accuse some natural , or attained singular distemper , yet under the uncertainty of a doubt , whether they should appoint the same as the disease , or indeed as the antecedent cause of the disease , whereof they consulted . but least they should erre , even in any diseases , they have accused heat and also cold . to wit , they complain almost in all cases , of a coldness of the stomack , alone , or combined with the heat of the liver , whence they many wayes divine , rheumes to arise , and to have slidden down into divers parts , and they prosecute as the diseases of the same , not onely almost all internal ones , but also even unto the defects of the skin . thus indeed do the schooles season their young beginners , theorically and practically . for so rheumes are guilty of the defects of the eyes , ears , jawes , tongue , teeth , breast , armes , loines and legs . so coughs , consumptions , astmaes , plurisies , peripneumonies , apoplexies , palsies , sudden deaths corrupt mattery imposthumes , spittings of blood , have found their already supposed cause in rheums . so in the next place , the stomack casts up its vomit , loatheth , labours with an unconcoction , the liver also , and the spleen are ill at ease . for an undigestible snivel having slidden down out of the head ; obstructions , hardnesses , dropsies , aposthems , scirrhus's , fevers , wringings of the bowels have taken up their room among catarrhes , their clients . unto which catarrhes , paracelsus ( although elsewhere triumphing in tartars , and his three first things , through an invention ) hath notwithstanding , for the most part subscribed , and hath alwayes manifestly acknowledged the name of the defluxion ( fflussen ) by nodding under his mistriss , uncertainty . for the schooles do so seriously adorn this deplorable fable of catarrhes , and deliver it from hand to hand , unto each other , that it may supply the room of truth : yea idiots being made passive physitians , do declaim with me concerning their catarrhes , even unto a long tediousnesse or weariness . wherein indeed , seeing it is hard and nauseous for me to learn all that are unaccustomed , to pluck them out of their supposed doctrine , and to bring in a true light of the theorie : especially , seeing the multitude are of that minde , that like new hogsheads , they do scarce lay aside their odour at first drawing . therefore i am wont to be silent for the most part , among the great ones ; i plead not for a disease , not for its causes , not for its particular kindes , not for its medicines ; i being silent , as to that easie theorie of the schooles , do seem ignorant of all things , agreeing to depart from all . yet elsewhere i shew that i have been otherwise instructed : but that idiots are not capable of medicine , seeing neither am i their school-master . i likewise admire daily , that none hath hitherto taken notice of the so great ignorance of physitians : but that the christian world hath drawn after it these dreames of the greeks , for a ridiculous lying worship or service , and destructive to humane society . indeed they determine , that the original fountain of catarrhes , is in a cold distemper of the stomack , and a hot distemper of the liver , and that the great part of infirm mortals , are subject to this tyranny : forasmuch as the manner of making it is , that the stomack being uncessantly in the time of concoction , made hot by the liver , cannot but alwaies send vapours to the head ; but that the brain is in its own nature cold , and like a cover to a boyling pot , or in stead of the hollow head of an alembick , whereinto vapours do ascend , and are constrained into water . the which , seeing it ought naturally to flow down , it suggests an ample and general matter for catarrhes or rheumes . the which if it fall down into the eyes , ears , jaws , teeth , &c. the parts do deservedly grieve , that they have a neighbour brain , and a superiour tyrant : but if it rain down into the lungs , they are transchanged into a cough , shortwinded affects ; next into a consumption of the lungs , beating of the heart , and so also into suddain death . but if indeed , these rheumes do rain down into the stomack ; now he paies the punishment of their fault by unconcoction , crudities , vomitings , inordinate appetities , stomack paines , faintings , obstructions , fluxes , caeliack passions , cholers , colicks , consumptions for lack of nourishments , dropsies , scirrhus's , and all defects of the belly ; yea fevers , putrifyings in the veins , also affects of the spleen , stones of the reins and bladder , do draw their beginnings from the muckiness of a catarrh . but if catarrhs do derive themselves into the bosome of the cerebellum or lesser brain ; now suddain death , the apoplexie , and palsies are at hand . but if by the chance of fortune , rheums do divert themselves thorow the nucha , or marrow of the back-bone , into the sinews , arteries , muscles : divers joynt-sicknesses , plurisies , palsies , and convulsions of the parts do presently happen . and likewise , they will have rheums to beget chyrurgial defects of pains , apostems , and the divers off-spring of ulcers . but if they do not fall down , and the brain doth ease it self of its burden , by poses and coughs ; the drowsie evil , the coma or sleeping evil , the catochus or stiffe-taking disease , the lethargie , giddiness of the head , apoplexie , losse of memory and the sences , are present . for truly , besides the aforesaid distempers of heat and cold , and a catarrhe of necessity bred from thence : the books , speeches , counsels , conversations , chairs , and practises of physitians do re-sound nothing : and so the whole hinge of healing is at this day conversant in purgings , cuttings of a vein , scarrifyings , baths , sweates ; cauteries , and in summe , not but in the diminishments of the body and strength , or dryings up of rheumes . to wit , to which end they have given the roots of china and sarsaparilla , from the utmost part of the east , to drink , together with the wood sassaphras , to dry up . but they measure the dietary and medicinal part , for the most part , by the rule of heat and cold : and by this meanes they never dismisse the sick out of their hand ; but detain them for perpetual clients , as it were gotten bondslaves : yet under a manifest dispaire . to wit , that the cure or healing would be impossible , seeing the physitians are ignorant of the causes and roots , and do see themselves to operate in vain , because the natural cold of the stomack , contradicts the heat of the liver : and so that those things which should profit the stomack should hurt the liver , and on the contrary . all which things seeing they conspire for the destruction of mortals , likewise the destruction of the common-wealth and families ; it hath been my part utterly to overthrow this execrable heresie of the doctrine of medicine : and i ought to have done it so much the more forcibly , because that plague doth possesse all the mindes of the europeans , even from the daies of galen . the rich indeed learn this doctrine for a proper reward of learning , and what they have learned , they teach others ; so all diseases sound as bred of catarrhes or rheumes . i will therefore shew by positions granted in the schools ; . the stomack of a man , as long as he is alive , is actually hot , and its membrane or coat is besmeared with some moisture . . but it is impossible for any watery moisture , to be actually hot in us , but that also for that very cause , it stirreth up a vapour from its self . . the upper passage out of the stomack , is the throat or oesand , a membrane extended like a cane or reed , from the stomack even unto the jawes , being like to the membrane of the stomack . . the oesand , by it self , is actually , wholly moist , and it is shut ( seeing else it crookedly falls down by reason of a vacuum or emptiness ) actually and alwayes , no otherwise then as a bladder which wanteth its proper content : the throat therefore doth touch it self side-waies , through a necessity of nature , which doth not suffer a vacuum . for the throat which hath not meats , drink , or air in it , should of necessity be empty , if it should lye open : but that it doth not lie open or contain air , is manifest from that ; because else , every morsel being swallowed , the air which should be beneath the same , and should resist the suited gobbet , should be thrust downwards to the stomack , and so , there should be as many belchings as there are gobbets swallowed . in the next place , seeing the membrane of the oesand is moist , it should of necessity fall down on it self , unless it were on every side extended by a certain force , the which is neither presented to the view , in dissections , neither should it serve for any end in living creatures . . the mouth of the stomack is shut by a natural , not by a voluntary motion . . but there is no other anatomical knowledge of the throat , than that it is narrow , shut beneath , being co-pressed by the pylorus or lower orifice of the stomack , and in mans neck , by very many vessels . . the throat draws not , as neither doth it contain aire : for it falls down through the proper motion of a moist membrane , and a penury of the thing contained . . the oesand is not opened throughout its length , unless it shall send nourishments thorow it : the which if they are the dryer , they stick in the passage , neither do they easily descend , unlesse drink be over-added : which could not be done , if it should contain air under the gobbet or morsel , but that belching would follow . but the oesand layeth open about the wind-pipe , in the beginning of its self . . the oesand or throat is shut beneath , by a strange , or anothers right , and therefore , neither is it opened , unless by an external guest entring in or breaking forth , or in time of hunger , it is also opened by anothers will. . no aire , and much lesse a vapour , breaketh forth upwards out of the stomack , without the sound of belching . . if heat , which is necessary for the stomack , causeth a vapour , yet it doth not thereupon violently thrust forth the same upwards , so that it is able to stretch out and open the locked mouth of the stomack and throat : seeing any contradictory thing being placed , there should be a continual belching unto every one . . in the stomack , no otherwise than as in the other vessels , which are of a lukewarmth , every watery vapour , doth by the least pressing together , sooner grow together again into drops , then that it doth elevate or stretch out the co-pressed membrane through its length . and therefore neither do they make vapoury belchings , but aire , and a wild spirit or gas onely . . that a livery spirit of the venal blood , being supposed , all the veines should by their heat , bring forth catarrhes , either about the parts of the liver , or in their outmost branches , which are neglected by the schooles . the first conclusion . from these positions for the most part granted , and clear by anatomy , it followes , . first of all , that no vapour is carried out of the stomack into the head , and that the supposed matter for catarrhes or rheumes faileth . . if so great blindness hath circumvented the world in things manifest ; what is not to be suspected of things more hidden ? . that the doctrine of the schooles standing , a healthy and hot stomack should generate much greater , and more rheumes , than a sick one , and otherwise , a colder stomack ; which is already contrary to the schooles . . that they should rather employ themselves in cooling than in heating the stomack . . that all mortals should of necessity be rheumatick , and alwawes infirme . . because the same oesand , brain and stomack , being actually hot , all do equally consist of moisture , and of the same figure or shape . . that every man , like swine , should almost at every pace , naturally belch , because an uncessant heat and moisture should of necessity send upwards , a continual vapour . . that although a vapour raised up from the stomack , should stretch out the oesand , yea should ascend without belching ; yet it should wholly bee alwayes blown away through the mouth and nostrills , before it should proceed unto the brain through the strait and closed passage of the membrane : because that vapour ascending from the meats out of the stomack , should of necessity also smell ( in every man ) of the meates , and the transmutations of these , and should be offensive to himself , and the standers by ; so that if the belchings are now and then smelling or of a stinking savour , all the breath of all should also continually stink , through an admixed flatus or blast of the meats . . that seeing belching is a wild gas and a far more subtile thing than a vapour , and yet doth not strike the brain , unlesse , the mouth being shut , it be dashed forth through the nostrils : surely much less shall vapours be conveyed to the brain . . that belchings are never carried from the throat unto the brain , by a right or strait passage , but only by the instrument of smelling ; and therefore that they do not yeeld a smel , unlesse the mouth being shut ; and much less shall a vapour of its own accord be carried out of the stomack unto the head. . that , that a vapour the matter of a catarrhe , might as yet by some means ascend unto the head , or the instrument of smelling : this ought not to be able to be done , but by shutting of the mouth . and so that there would not be a possible matter for a catarrhe to him that gapes : and therefore this is an easie remedy for a catarrhe . . that , seeing two bodies cannot naturally pierce each other in the same place , and seeing the passage from the jawes , unto the brain is narrow , filled up ( for there is not a vacuum granted in those organs ) shut above , nor passable ( for the breath , although it be pressed together , doth not breath forth upwards to the head ) therefore a vapour cannot reach out of the stomack unto the bottom of the brain . for example , a cane , if it be stopped above , although it be held over hot vapours ; yet this doth not admit them to ascend , by reason of the presence of air , wherewith it is filled . . it being granted , that a vapour could climb upwards ; yet it shall not find any plain or hollow thing upon which it should grow together into drops . and much less such a one , which may represent the cover of an alembick or earthen pot : but in the bottom of the brain , whither the vapour is freely granted to ascend , there is a narrow part , the basin , or bottom of the funnel , which hath two tables toward the nostrils , and as many toward the neck ; which two latter little mouths , the ascending vapour should only find . and they are almost continually filled with snivel , are moist , and do drop , as the proper emunctories of the brain appointed for the casting forth of its muck or filth . and therefore a vapour of its own accord ascending , being granted : yet there should not be a place for the growing together of a catarrhe . . a vapour , if any one possibly being made from the stomack , had also ascended even thitherto ; yea and had grown together into drops in so slender a space , and if it should fall down together with the muck or snivel , it should bring less damage than the muck it self , which is the ordinary excrement of the brain . all which things the schools have seen by anatomy , and shall by science mathematical ( if they do weigh them ) know to be unevitable : yet they go on , they have eyes , and see not ; have ears , and it is to be feared , that they will not hear . . that although belching be the gas of meats , and it bears their smell before it ; yet any kind of vapour of meats whatsoever , doth give an un-savoury and unhurtful water . for example , let the snivel or spittle be distilled with a slow luke-warmth , such as is that of the stomack of a living creature : certainly , thou shalt draw out nothing but an un-savoury , and no glewy water : and much less a salt , sharp , and tart rheume . . that although snivel do slide into the jawes , and doth diversly and oft-times badly affect these , according to the divers indispositions of the snivel ; notwithstanding , neither that filth , nor the dropping down thereof , can bear the reason of a rheume ; no more than the urine sliding out of the kidney into the bladder , is to be called a rheume . wherefore if there be an un-savoury , salt , sharp , or soure , fluide , or gross snivel sliding down into the parts , whereby it is deputed naturally to be purged , as it were through an emunctory , it is not to be called a catarrhe , however badly also it may affect the parts ; even as also the urine , if it shall afflict the bladder . . by how much less ought the flux of any feigned humour , or dreamed excrement , bred , and derived after a manner , through means , places , and journeys naturally impossible , to be reckoned a catarrhe ? . if the brain in living creatures be not actually cold , the reason of condensing of a vapour ceaseth : but if it be less hot than the other parts : doth therefore a vapour seek the more cold part , by sense or feeling , and choice ? because it desires rather to be coagulated , than to remain as it is ? . or are vapours driven by all the more hot parts on every side , unto the brain , as the more cold part ? but thus there should be altogether a continued unexcusable tempest in healthy folk . but yet all these things being disregarded ( the which notwithstanding cannot have themselves naturally by way of necessity ) rheumes should nevertheless flow down . but not in the first place , toward the outward parts , between the scull and the skin . for truly , the schools themselves do teach , that vapours , or the foregoing matter of a rheume doth climb from the stomack , unto the bottom of the brain , and there doth find a certain plain ( an imaginary one , nor as yet found by anatomy ) in the hollow whereof , it doth presently grow together , and presently after that concretion , it fall's down by drops . far be it surely from thence , that an enemy which is a stranger , a meer excrement , a forreigner to the brain , and the cause of so great infirmities passing into water in the lowermost plainness of the brain , should from thence pierce thorow the very body of the brain , or that in the form of water , or at length again in shew of a vapour , it shall sport in the aforesaid plain . for not in the likeness of a vapour , as though a vapour reacheth from the stomack unto the bottom of the brain , and doth grow together in the place of cold ( as they say ) surely by the same opportunity of cold , it shall remain water , neither shall it be again made a vapour . if therefore that vapour be now there made water by reason of the cold of the place , it is not to be believed that this hostile water is drawn inwards , and much less to have become so subtile , that against the will of the receivers , it should pounce the brain , coats of the brain , seames , scull , and the periostion , or skin covering the bones , that it may be stayed and run down under the skin . for besides unavoidable , and very many absurdities , that water shall be as it were rain water , and unfit for slimy catarrhs , waxing very hard with muckiness . yea the rheumes which are hence to arise , should at the first sense of heat , sooner vanish away by every sweat , unless the galenists do teach that the water which is made of the vapour of a luke-warm stomack , is afterwards fixed . also that it hath become salt and sharp , only by the touching of the plain , which thing , the knife hath not yet observed . and then , the skin of the scull being far more pory than the scull , should sooner root out that water by transpiration or sweat , than the evils , from thence believed , can be made . moreover , the skin which is stretched over the scull , is more toughly adhering hereto ; neither doth the steepness only of the place suffice for the flowing down of a catarrhe , and for the renting of the skin from the bone . yea and more is , this water bred from the vapour of the stomack , should of necessity , have a driver within , which should drive it thorow the brain , coats , bone and periostion . but that should not be any heat : for then it should cease to be water , and should again be made a vapour , which is feigned to be condensed into water by the coldness of the brain . in the next place , rheumes are said to be more accustomed to old folks , weak people , and to the colder stations : therefore that driver or forcer shall be cold ( which after another manner , is wont to bind the parts together ) and shall now ( the order of things being overturned ) drive the water thorow the brain , and that indeed in the form of water . and that driving or pulse in the water , sprung from the meer vapours of the stomack , shall be even in the brain , which should open it self together with the coats and scull , unto the water coming to it . again , seeing all such water co-thickned by a vapour , is said to be hanging on the bottom of the brain , neither that it can there be detained beyond the bigness of a drop ; but that it of necessity will presently and droppingly fall head-long down , or the brain being forgetful of its duty , shall set up this excrementitious water by drops . and then , besides a driver , the water should have need of a leader , which should stretch out the skin , and pluck it from the ribs , that it may provide a place ( to wit in the pleurisie ) for it self hastening downwards . and as well the leader as the driver in the water , should be more powerful than our blas . lastly the mask of credulity being at once discovered ; at whatsoever price i shall prostitute the dreams of the schools concerning catarrhs , none shall buy their false wares . neither could i hitherto sufficiently admire , that the world hath been circumvented by catarrhs : that mortals have placed so great credulity , by reason of one only fault , to wit , ignorance ; in a thing i say , so blockish , foolish , and wholly impossible . because the schools , not finding a cause , whereto they might ascribe the catalogue of diseases , have commanded these dreams of catarrhs to be believed . but at least wise , the sweat is salt : wherefore the humour latex should rather afford the matter of a rheume than that feigned vapour , to be led through so many windings , and scarce possibly consisting , through a thousand absurdities . then also , the accustomed saltness of the latex , hath more immediate causes of pains , than an unsavory water derived upwards in feigned vapours . in the next place , if water doth pass thorow the brain , coats thereof , scull , and about the bony membrane ; shall it now therefore , being wearied , not be able to pierce even the skin also ? or shall it forget the wayes ? why shall the sudoriferous and pory skin , resist the water which was able to pierce the scull ? but when as it should be collected under the hairs , then it should either there swell into a descending flood , or indeed should flow down with a slender thred of small drops . if it being little , should be dis-cussed in manner of sweat , or if it should make a collection in the temples of the head , it should presently bewray it self to the finger . what if it flow down from thence ; at least wise it could not but in the term or bound [ to which ] of motion , stir up a tumour of sweet distilled water . but at least wise , that water could never fall down into the muscles , or be the sooner collected among the muscles : because they are they , which are every one cloathed with their own membrane . and moreover , neither is there room nor passage for flowing down between the skin , and the periostion of the scull , unto the muscles between the ribs , that the distilled water may cause a pleurisie . for that which was without pain , under the skin and hairs , should presently with so great a fury of pains , stir up a pleurisie , and only with its descending , by its naked weight , rent the pleura from the ribs , it being implanted in , and joyned unto them by fibers . certainly a huge cruelty should happen by defluxing . at length , neither can a rheume fall down unto the teeth , and the sinews or nerves thereof ; because the sinews which on both sides enter from the bottom of the brain , unto the cheek or jaw , do , without and within , so fitly or exactly fill up the hole , that they make a sheath so just and so equal , that there is not room for the entring water to run down ; and so much the less , because the water doth not undergo a small hole , shut beneath . and much less , shall it flow down to one only , wonted , and only rotten tooth , which it may afflict . and furthermore , a catarrhe being gathered together under the hairs , should run down into the cheeks , but shall not fall down under the gums , thorow the fleshes of these , and without being thorowly mixt with venal blood , according to the guidance of the sinews , under the flesh , nigh the jaw bone , perhaps unto some one tooth . and which more is if the water should rush downwards from above , and it be granted for a cause of pain of the upper jaw : yet in no wise , nor ever , water not alive , could molest the lower jaw . what if a rheume can decline unto the eyes or ears ; surely its troublesome matter should first proceed from the plain , and feigned basis of the brain , into its bosom ; it had first called a counsel , yea , had sooner brought forth death , than an ophthalmy or inflamation of the eye . moreover , i remember , that a pleurisie is not between the skin , or the external fleshy membrane , and the muscles between the ribs ( whither notwithstanding it should flow down from the skin of the scull , rather with a straight line , and not inwards ) but either in the very oblique muscles between the ribs , or between these and the pleura compassing the ribs , whence it hath found its name . which way therefore shall a catarrhe fall down hither from the head ? i grant indeed by way of supposition , that snivel doth fall down through the palate , even in children and healthy folks , into the stomack . yet this doth not pertain unto a catarrhe or rheume . neither doth the snivel arise from that so much reported vapour of the stomack : but it is an unprofitable excrement begotten by the wandring keeper . as in its own place . i further grant , that in the joynt sickness , and elsewhere , a salt excrementitious liquour is oft-times sustained , but the humour latex alone , is the vulcan , morter or parget , and fewel of these : but not an ascent of vapours out of the stomack , into the brain , not many humours , nor the feigned distillation of phlegme conjoyned with choler . for the very schools themselves being smitten with shame , that the head being on every side , filled with the brain , should be the colledge of catarrhs , and that from thence almost all diseases should rain down ; have accused the stomack ( alas ! ) smoaking with , and supplying matter for continual vapours . but when as they found the stomack in healthy persons , to be guiltless : but for the joynt sickness , do suddenly accuse defluxions in healthy persons ; through the shadow of an over-spread bashfulness , they whisper , neither dare they to speak cleerly , as from knowledge : for they borrow sharp choler , and salt phlegme from the venal blood , and leave the controversie before the judge , whether those humours are to be fetched from the liver , and are separated in the veins from the blood , that they may be expelled unto the joynts , or indeed , water , or a certain snivel , or a certain un-named thing , be brought down thither out of the head between the skin . for they are as yet uncertain ; and so much the more confused , because they are ignorant , who that separater , or who that deriver of humours should be , which alone might bring these sincere humours not defiled by the venal blood , unto the joynts , and should make choice , sometimes of this , and sometimes of that part : but should forsake the more weak and more sluggish part , and should daily enslave a new one unto himself , yea and invade the knotty part , and that which is subject to stoppage . whatsoever therefore the schools do prattle concerning vapours lifted up out of the stomack , for the matter of a rheume , let it be old wives fables . for the stomack is never more cold than is meet ; it is the more diminished indeed in its digestive ferment , whereunto the coctive faculty ought to be attributed , but not to heat ; as i have elsewhere taught at full . the liver also doth never from its own proper temperature , offend in heat ; seeing there is no heat in us , but what is by reason of life : and therefore , every dead carcass , when the life is extinguished , is suddenly cold . but the troublesome heat of the liver , is alwayes by accident . for example . let a cold thorn be fastened in the finger ( an example moreover , elsewhere minded , concerning fevers ) there is presently a pulse , and heat , and swelling , from the pain . for this is not , because the thorn is hot , nor because the neighbour blood was hot before the thorn : but the heat by reason of the thorn cometh by accident . so think thou of the liver ; for if it be hot , it hath its own thorn , which doth not shew a cooling of it , but a taking of it away . for cooling refreshment makes not only a cloakative cure : but draws the evil it self into desperation . and that thing the schools may seriously take notice of , and the vain device of the heat of the liver , and the manifold errors of curing sprung from thence . likewise , let them seriously note , that the medicines ( alas ! ) those appointed or applyed to the head , stomack , and liver , for catarrhs , have been vain and void . a catarrhe or rheume therefore , hath not matter , place , passage , custom , admission of piercing into the brain , through the coats thereof , scull , &c. for there is never the room or right of a pledge , for an excrement : for there would be a daily need of a chyrurgical borer or piercer , no less for a catarrhe than for snotty corrupt matter . but why doth a rheume cease to flow down , presently after the tooth is rooted out ? for is it , because it was forgetful of the wayes ? but if matter be supplyed beneath , whither i pray shall this flow ! or in what part shall it fall down , the which before was wont to enter thorow slender holes , wherein the sinews do enter , as well the inward as the outward , and as well the upper as the lower side of both the jawes ? shall , happily , the tooth being pulled out , the stomack cease , or not dare any longer to afford vapours , and matter for catarrhs ? or , the tooth being pulled out , shall all the matter of rheumes , also of those which are to come , flow forth together with the blood ? or , the hollow of the tooth being stopped up by the flesh straightway grown up , nor a passing forth being granted , shall the rheume therefore cease ? but the rheume did not seek passage thorow the most hard tooth . for why shall it not stir up a necessary aposteme , in the coasts next unto it ? why , one tooth being pluckt out , shall it oftentimes descend unto another tooth ? is the channel changed when one is pulled out ? and doth it not any longer know how to flow down , at least wise , into the nerve of the tooth that was pulled out , and into the flesh grown up ? and doth it more easily think of passage for it self thorow the tooth , than thorow the flesh grown up from the plucking out ? why doth it not hold the way which it hath prepared , and keep the passage for it self that way , before the flesh grow up ? surely that catarrhe is miserably deluded by the chyrurgion , which thinking to flow down into the tooth , and finding it taken away , should be compelled to return the same way , unto a noble part , which it may torment in revenge of the chyrurgion . a tooth therefore doth not ake from a catarrhe : but either the gum being uncovered , it is made too sensible : or else , the matter of its last nourishment being badly digested , doth putrifie about the root of the tooth . hence is pain . for in this doth the digestion of the tooth and of the nail , differ from the digestion of other parts : that this is made in kitchins inward unto it ; but the other , in kitchins co-touching with their root . but that a rheume doth not descend unto the inward parts , the stomack , lungs , liver , reins , bladder , veins , arteries , muscles and sinews , is in part already sufficiently manifested , from the common and feigned matter being taken away , from its passage , and from the manner of its making : and partly , because nothing can fall down out of the head , especially unto the stomack , against our wills , but it may be cast forth by spitting out by reaching . for they do not swallow down the mucky snivel descending from the head , but at unawares . neither is a catarrhe of that intention or disposition , to expect sleep , whereby it may oppress one at unawares . let fables depart in healing . whatsoever therefore rusheth downwards from the head unto the jawes , is a snivel natural , or altered , according to the indispositions of the keeper . but that snivel is different from the spittle which is cast out of the breast by cough , in the whole species of an excrement . for what will the inconsiderateness of the schools advantage them ? to wit , whereby they command , that the spittles rejected by coughing , are to be lookt into , whether they be watery , frothy , cleer , liquid , white , compacted , yellow , or of an ashie colour ? whether round , or running down , &c. why i say , do they bid the dispositions of the breast , or affects of the lungs to be from thence divined of , if the spittles are the very defluxing excrements or catarrhs of the head ? so indeed the rheume of the straining or spungy bone , obtaining a certain co-thickning from the snivel , doth wet with a crude and watery muck , because nature sends thither a capacious or received latex for the washing off of that obstructing muck or snivel . for if the matter hereof should be brought up out of the stomack , why , when the spungy bone is stopped , doth a healthy stomack rage with vapours ? how shall those vapours being co-thickned a little above the palate , come down unto the fore-head in the shew of salt water , nigh to the instrument of smelling , to wash off the hurt from the bone prefixed to it ? for whence shall un-savoury and guiltless vapours , draw forth so much salt in their passage , which they may melt , and carry down head-long with them , that by their sharpness , they may stir up frequent squinancies , and other inflamations of the jawes ? why shall a matter lifted up from the stomack , and only by its co-thickning into water ( because it is that which by handy-craft operation , is proved to be of necessity without savour ) being first changed from it self , a vapour , falling down into the stomack , cause so great troubles unto it , which a little before , with the rest of the chyle , was acceptable to the same ? whence hath it that enmity : for is it from the brain , a principal bowel , and rich in vital beginnings ? but if the vapour shall touch at least the lowermost plain of the brain ( as they say ) and presently after , as soon as it shall come down unto the compleat bigness of a drop , it falleth down ; and seeing there cannot be another third , which may detain every drop : therefore the perverseness of that hurtful matter , shall not be from that small delay , not from the contagion of a malignant part ; nor lastly , shall there be a perverseness from a seed there received ; unless perhaps , they shall shew , that besides a co-thickning of the vapour into drops of water , some other thing hath interposed : which they have hitherto neglected to prove . but seeing that very many comments have every where arose in huge volumes , councels , and distributions , concerning rheumy and lungy affects : it is my office to have shewn , that nothing was ever more negligently , blockishly , and destructively taught by the schools . because they have hitherto made no sin of less esteem , than murder or manslaughter , committed through carelessness ; only the earth covers the fault , and they are excused by the delivered maxims of murder . but i have from thence considered , that the devil moloch doth sit president in their chairs , and that they have hitherto made the world mad by catarrhs . whose matter , birth , place , efficient cause , manner of making , case containing , passage , and society of co-bindings , do fail at once , and are false . and therefore , none but the old serpent , the father of a lye , hath taught these things hitherto , unto the destruction of mortals : for truly , whatsoever issues out of the head is a muck or snivel , and a meer excrement : but not derived thither out of the stomack . snivel is white , thick and slimy , the keeper of the brain being well constituted : but the powers of the same being diverted and ill affected , the snivel is watery , sharp , salt , harsh , yellow , tough , &c. and runs down by a way which is the more fit for it , out of the basin , or it appeareth in its brain-funnel . for that which in the beginning of a pose , drops down in the form of water , is not meer snivel : but a salt latex , whereby nature endeavours to wash off that which sits on the spungy bone , which is next the brain , as a forreign enemy , even as i have said . and then , that which flows down yellow and slimy at the declining of the pose , is not the same which the latex at first was , nor is it there , so long detained and thickned ( as nevertheless , the schools do teach ) when as otherwise , the whole scull , although it were empty of brain , should scarce be sufficient for a case , for so great a quantity of excrement . for such new snivel is created every moment , being far different from a healthy one , in colour , stink , slyminess , and sharpness . moreover , it is a ridiculous thing , that this stinking snivel , should be said to be now cocted , and thickned by the former latex : the which doth again grow , by a strange vice . but that it is the latex in the beginning of a pose , is manifest : for , presently after two dayes , the belly is dryer , and the urine more sparing . in the next place , that latex , being by a luke-warmth evaporated , hath scarce any thing whence it may wax snivelly ; as much snivel soever as the latex , bringeth down with it , so much muscilage or slyminess it hath , and no more . however it is , and whatsoever that is , which flows downwards from the brain unto the jaws , not so much as one only drop thereof enters unto the lungs , but first it should at every drop , stir up a peril of choaking . for truly , if one only drop of water by an unwary swallowing , falling down into the winde-pipe , doth incur a fear of choaking unto him that drinketh : what should not so great a plenty of snivel do , which doth now and then , in a small space , fill basins ? for it is far out of the way , that a few hours sleep doth bring down whole basins of snivel into the lungs , without feeling , and that they do enter them without the fear of choaking . for i being long since in the time of my young beginning , deluded by the schools , have placed these kind of sick folks in such a manner , that they might sleep between pillows , on their face , hoping that the mucky snivel would slide down thorow the nostrils , which else , should slide into the lungs ; and thus far , i hoped for a freedom from the effect of the catarrhe . but the following morning , derided ( through spittings out by reaching ) my ignorance . for then i diligently searched into the orthopnea , which placeth such as breath , with a straight neck , that it did a little stop the doctrine of a catarrhe , and convince it , as frivolous . seeing they should be strangled by a laying with their face upward , and astronomer like , whereby notwithstanding the fore-going matter of a catarrhe should be cut off . wherefore , i began to take good notice , that every member which is badly affected , doth frame , not only very much of its own excrement ; but also , of an adverse or contrary one . for so the eye being diversly affected , very much liquid corruption , and of a sharp tear , doth issue forth : the jaws also , being stopt up by a squinancy , a slymie thread doth continually hang down on the fore-part of the tongue . hence therefore , i have believed , that the lungs were held by the law of other members ; so that , as oft as it was provoked , hurt , pricked , slain , oppressed , or affected through the injury of the air , or by an endemical gas , it did bring forth , through an error proper to it , divers testimonies of its weariness or grief ; not that therefore , those so guilty excrements do unsensibly slide from the brain ( for the most part sound ) between the slender conduits of the rough artery . then , at length , i began to wonder that the schools in the pose , did see indeed a proper member to degenerate , and to imitate the excrement of the head : and in the mean time , that they have not supposed the same thing could happen alike to the lungs , as to the rest of the members . so whatsoever is brought forth of the lungs , that is wholly to be attributed to the brain , and that that falls down ( a ridiculous thing ) into the rough artery without feeling , and is by degrees decocted in the banishment of its race , for the most part there to be detained without difficulty of breathing , even until a ripeness . when as now and then , more is cast forth by cough in one moneth , than the whole capacity of the breast is large . therefore the yellow and ashie spittings of persons in a consumption , are the errors of the vegetative or flourishing faculty in the lungs , and the venal blood there degenerated ; the which therefore , a wasting leanness of the whole body follows . wherefore vain and deplorable remedies , cephalical or for the head , are administred ; vain are the drinks of cooling barley-broath or cream , lohochs , syrupes , and whatsoever by swallowing , descends into the stomack . because it is that which is oftentimes formally changed in its journey , before it come unto the part affected . for what is more foolish , than to give indian roots to drink for the drying up of rheumes ? for what shall china , sarsaparilla , guaiacum , dry up , being drunk in the form of water ? for what shall they dry up , which thing dryed up , should not be more hurtful or pernicious than the liquid thing it self ? why do they call for drying up those things , which that they might not be made , have need only of a restraining remedy ? and the which , when they are made , do require , not to be dryed up , but to be cast forth ? why have the schools every where regard unto the effects , and not unto the roots ? what if those forreign and barbarous remedies do provoke sweat , and diminish the latex with the dammage of the sick , do they therefore come unto the root ? for truly by a sparing nourishment , and plenteous sweat , they do primarily lessen the venal blood , and secondarily cause a leanness , together with weakness . which thing , the schools have falsly brought over into the drying up of superfluous humours , thinking to comprehend a competent quantity of venal blood , and the degenerating of a diseasie excrement , and the expulsion thereof , in one and the same name of drying up . for shall therefore , the indisposition , and changing vulcan , which of good venal blood , brings forth consumptional spittings in the lungs , be overcome ? sleep ? diminished ? wax mild ? and desist ? which vulcan in the mean time , under an extream leanness of the consumption , doth never slacken from his fury . good god , turn thou away the slaughter , which the school and root of pagans , gaping after a little advantage , doth commit . the diseasie erroneous impression only , is to be taken away ( which i call the inward corrupter of the lungs ) which doth empty the membranes of the veins , the gristles of the rough artery , and the whole lungs of their nourishment , and transchangeth them uncessantly , and with a continual thread , into divers filths . but if a spitting of blood hath gone before , and an ulcer be present , learn thou to prepare medicines wherewith paracelsus hath cured the consumption . any of those medicines , which cure the cancer and eating ulcers , being taken in i say , at the mouth , which is to have cured the ulcer of the lungs . for whatsoever cureth by its draught , an ulcer of the thigh or foot : why may it not do also the same in the lungs ? but what will the schools do ? they are ignorant of the causes , they are ignorant of the remedies , and with a lofty countenance do mock at mercurius diaphoreticus , which is sweet like honey , and fixed : and the volatile tincture of lile . and likewise the milk or element of pearls . for unless the whole body be universally tinged with a super-eminent balsam , internal ulcers are never made whole , or confirmed . for the lungs first waxing old , and first dying , doth most difficultly recover from threatned death , and doth therefore , reboundingly despise the remedies of the vulgar . wherefore a continued error of the schools succeedeth , which sooner than they do acknowledge a defect in their own wan medicines , they accuse nature of defects , and its most glorious author , of a drowsie omission : to wit , they decree , that the four lobes of the lungs , are as long as we live , uncessantly enlarged and pressed together like bellows , for the use of breathing ; so that the blast or imbreathed air is drawn only within the lungs , neither that it doth reach any further , to the hollow of the breast ; which thing surely , hath afforded no guiltless ignorance in healing . even as also the sporting or mocking privy shift of the physitian . for by an uncessant and unexcusable necessity of enlarging and pressing together , or from a restless motion of the lungs , they endeavour to excuse themselves of the impossible miseries , of the ulcers of the consumption , and other parts . alas ! as if for the future , they could cure an ulcerated cancer , and quiet fistula of the fundament and eyes , at pleasure ! which error i thus oppose : a thin fine dust of atomes , flies about the air : but by a continual necessity , we draw our breath together with powdered or dusty atomes : and therefore also the whole breast should be filled up with clay or dirt , unless we should have lungs , in the windings whereof , the aforesaid atomes of dust should be affixed ; and in this respect , the lungs do not else unburden themselves of their excrements , but by spitting by reaching ; to wit , that the conceived dust being ensnared , may be brought forth , together with the daily excrement of the lungs . surely it is a use , which hath been neglected by the schools , unanimously denying the lungs to be passable . indeed hair in the nostrils , doth detain every fiber flying in the air , and drives it away , lest it be drawn inwards : and then a manifold enlargement of the pipes of the rough artery , causeth , whereby the more thin fine dust doth after anothermanner , the less fully pass . a. furthermore , that it is certain , that the lungs is wholly unmoved , that is sufficiently manifest , not only from their use already manifested . b. but besides , much more , because the substance of the lungs is altogether uncapable of enlarging and pressing together . c. therefore in that manner , the lungs of birds ( it serving for the same uses in a bird and us ) where it is firmly annexed to the ribs , refuseth all enlarging and pressing together of bellows . d. in the next place , the lungs consist of three vessels suitably dispersed throughout the whole ( to wit , one being the arterial vein , the venal artery , and the rough artery ) substance of the venal blood , and a membrane , as it were a gown , being poured about or spread over them . but the three vessels are channels , equally divided throughout the whole lungs , the two former whereof , are filled with blood , and so uncapable to lay up new imbreathed air within them . but the third channel doth alwayes appear filled with air , and therefore it is also uncapable of other new and in-breathed air , unless the air contained shall give place to a stranger , shall enter into the breast , and so , that third channel or pipe be bored thorow , together with the membrane cloathing the lungs . for this third channel is alwayes stretched out and laying open with gristly rings , and those co-touching one another , no otherwise than as the trunk of the rough artery it self . but the fourth part of the bowel , is its substantial flesh , equally uncapable of air approaching it . lastly , the fifth part is the little membrane , or coat of the lungs . there is nothing therefore of these which is capable of new air , nothing capable to receive new breath , and nothing which may sustain an enlarging and pressing together , or motion . a wonder surely it is , with how great drowsiness the schools do nevertheless , snort , in that they know all , and admit of the things already spoken ; nevertheless do not yet even at this day , cease to teach , that the lungs like a pair of bellows , are driven with a continual motion . e. furthermore , it being as yet granted , that the third of the vessels , or aforesaid pipes , were not full of air , but plainly altogether empty of all air : at least wise after respiration or breathing forth ( when as notwithstanding it otherwise layes open , neither is it able to fall down on it self like a bladder , the gristle of rings forbidding that thing ) it should conceive at least as much new air in it self , as the part of the bowel should otherwise be . notwithstanding , seeing we do at one only turn , breath in at pleasure , so great a part of air , as the whole lungs is large . it is altogether of necessity , that the air be not only breathed into the pipes of the rough artery , to press down and enlarge the other impotent parts : but that it do proceed inwardly from these , into the hollowness of the breast . f. in the next place , if the muscles between the ribs of any one , be pierced by a dagger , the wound is presently bewrayed to have pierced thorow : for by a windy blast , it extinguisheth the flame of a candle . but if afterwards , the wound be shut by breathing in , and again be opened by breathing out , it alway blows out the light of a candle . which is impossible to be done , unless the conveighed and inspired air , proceed beyond or thorow the lungs , into the breast : and by consequence , that the lungs are at rest : especially , because there is in the breast , a double mediastinum or partitional membrane or coat , from the top to the bottom of the breast , for the defending of the heart from the injuries of the air. which mediastinum or midriffe , divideth the right side of the breast , from the left . g. therefore it is manifest by a mechanical necessity , that the breath is carried in a right line into the breast , thorow the lungs , and so also , that this is quiet . which thing , is alike manifestly obvious by the expectoratings of the pleurisie . because those spittles which were first hunted out and putrified in the ribs , and hollow of the breast , are cast away by cough . it behoveth therefore , the membrane of the lungs to be very wide , which may suffice for the sending thorow of venal blood , and corrupt snotty matter . these things the schools see , know , confess and write : yet they deny that the breath is blown away out of the lungs into the breast : but that the lungs themselves , are of necessity stirred like a pair of bellows . they grant indeed , that the lungs have pores , through which , the venal blood and corrupt snotty matter , are in a pleurisie , supt up : yet they will not have the air to be transmitted through the same pores , into the breast : but they alike stifly command the lungs themselves , to be driven like a pair of bellows . neither is it a wonder . because they meditate that they are nothing but dead carcasses , as well made , as to be made , in whom the pores of that membrane , are shut by death . for the same thing also happens to the optick nerves , the thorny marrow , the partition of the heart , and little mouths of the veins at the bowels . the lungs of bruit beasts swims upon the waters , wherein they are boyled whole ; but being cut in pieces , it settles or sinks , because the rough artery is filled with air. whither ( it is added by way of impertinency ) if the boyling water hath not access , while it seeths : how shall a cattarhe obtain passage thither ? the same thing , by mechanical operation . h. blow thy breath out of thy breast , as much as thou canst ; measure the circumference of thy ribs with a thread : then again , breath in the air as much as thou canst , and again measure : thou shalt find by a square , that more air was attracted , than to the bigness of the lungs of a man. by how much more , because a great part of the breath doth deceive this measure . to wit , as much as the midriffe shall bend the stomack downwards . i. therefore , make tryal again . draw to thee thy breath , as much as thou canst , and breath it into a bladder , and thou shalt find the same thing as before : and the inspired air to exceed the greatness of the whole lungs . k. in the mean time , remember , that after every exspiring or breathing out , the pipes of the rough artery have as yet remained open with their rings , and to be as yet , filled with air as before . there is no doubt , but that the breast and belly doth swell up with in-breathed air : but if therefore the lungs may be extended ( the which in no wise they are ) yet at least wise there should not be room for placing the in-breathed air , by almost the tenth-fold so much as the breast is extended . therefore the motion of the breast doth not prove a necessary motion of the lungs . l. but if the lungs should fill up the whole hollow of the breast , which it manifestly doth not , it were consonant to reason , that the elevating of the ribs might extend the lungs : but seeing air doth not sustain an enlarging and pressing together ( as is wont to be said ) therefore the elevating of the ribs should not draw an equal or suitable quantity of air. yea , seeing that attraction should as yet , be violent ( to wit , for fear of a vacuum ) which is adverse to a natural and vital motion , it also follows that the motion of the ribs was not appointed to extend the lungs . and seeing the lungs hath not any principle of its own motion in it self , nor else where , unless from the motion of the ribs ( according to the schools ) : it follows also , that the lungs are moved by no mover , but that they are plainly , alwayes at rest . m. for what is a greater folly , than to confess that all the small branches of the rough artery are opened by a co-weaving of gristle-rings ; and yet to teach , that all the same little branches , new air being moreover attracted , are alwayes enlarged , divided , and pressed together ? n. at length , the schools teach , that the diaphragma or midriffe , is sufficient for our ordinary use of breathing ; yet they substitute or appoint the muscles between the ribs in the office thereof . then besides , there is a frequent belching out of the stomack , which doth express the odours drawn into the lungs . therefore the lungs and the midriffe are members capable of breathing them thorow . surely it is to be bewailed that such pains hath been taken in the schools about such hurtful negligences and childish mockeries . for truly , if in laying with thy face upward , thou shalt place one hand upon the bottom of thy belly , but the other upon thy ribs ; but shalt , draw a moderate , or unconstrained breath , thou shalt then easily feel , that the muscles of the bottom of thy belly only , have operated . o. to wit , thy belly being lifted up , that thy diaphragma was drawn downward , and consequently , that so much of the hollow of the bottom of thy belly was enlarged , as the plain ( which is loose in it self ) or the diameter of thy midriffe is less in the semicircle of it self being drawn downward , and by so much the more ample , by how much also the loosness of the plain of thy diaphragma is easie to be drawn . yea , if thou shalt compass thy ribs with a strait girdle , and shalt draw thy aforesaid breath : thou shalt feel thy belly to be lifted up , and pressed down , thy ribs being wholly unmoved . and by consequence , that the lungs , although it were otherwise moveable ( which it is not ) yet that it can thus rest for a whole day . p. but in a sigh , gaping , sneesing , and strong breathing with difficulty ( but not before ) the muscles between the ribs are felt also to perform the office of a vicarship and help . for the semicircles of a rib are hanging down on the forepart , all which , the muscles between the ribs do every one draw upwards unto them . q. for this cause also , they are made bigger by lifting up , as they are then made rounder , and so do enlarge the hollowness of the breast . r. for so those that breath forth only with a straight neck , do bring their shoulder-blades and shoulders for a help of the blast , do press both their hands on their seats to elevate their shoulders , that the hollow of their breast may be increased , and their midriffe hang over downward , with the bigger bunch . the wife of a senatour , in bringing forth off-spring or travelling with a child ( for she brought forth with her buttocks foreward ) break and tear her pleura between the seventh and eighth rib , without feeling ( for the greater pain obscureth the less ) an aposteme , &c. presently after the time of her delivery , she felt that as oft as she pressed her breath together in singing , or giving suck , if she had stript her breast , a great flatulent tumour presently bloomed up , which would give place unto a finger pressing it , and did hasten inwards when her breath was dismissed : and so afterwards , she slept not but with a tyed or bound breast . t. whence it cleerly appears , that the breath is drawn in a straight line , thorow the lungs . which thing also i have likewise noted in a noble woman or princess , who had retained her self from child-bearing , that as oft as she pressed her breath together , the one side of her throat , shewed it self to us , swollen like a bladder . v. then also , hitherto doth this conduce , that those that are distempered in their lungs , and likewise those that breath with difficulty , i have attentively considered , and certainly found , that such do for the most part lay more favourably on one side , and on the other side , that they can scarce breath . for it is not to be doubted , but that that is the vice of the lungs themselves ; and that on the steep side of the lungs , for ( that is it on which the sick person then layeth ) and with what part it then toucheth the membrane of the ribs , the pores are stopped , through which , otherwise , he is wont to breath : also , that both the lobes of the side of the lungs , then laying upwards , the pores thereof are diseasedly stopped , if not all , at least wise for a great part of them , and that is to be measured by the proportion of the failing breath . by which argument , it is manifest , that the lungs are not lifted up , and do not fall down like bellows : but to be penetrable by pores , through which , the air passing unto , and without the breast , doth equally answer unto the largeness thereof , being extended and contracted . hence indeed those that are raised upright , do breath better than those that lay along . because the lungs hanging , hath its pores on every side free , which have not failed through the vice of stoppage . it is therefore an error of the schools , in that they teach , the diaphragma or midriffe to be the one only motive member of the lungs , and so the proper and principiative , efficient instrument of breathing . to wit , because , while the diaphragma contracts it self into its own center , it causeth a breathing out : and as much as this looseth from contraction , so much we breath in . . for seeing every voluntary motion is executively made by a muscle , its tail being drawn back unto its head , now , the diaphragma shall be the first , a differing kind of , and the most principal muscle , and its head shall be in the middle or center of it self . . but if therefore the midriffe be the chief executive instrument of motion , the diaphragma should by it self attempt motion , even the bottom of the belly and ribs ceasing . which is false . . yea the muscles of the abdomen or bottom of the belly , which are ordinary muscles , shall not move , but shall be moved by the diaphragma . . therefore the belly it s own fleshy membrane , should be sufficient for this office , and those muscles should be made in vain . . in the next place , seeing every instrument of voluntary motion doth draw in moving ; the breast ought to be drawn inwards by the drawing of the diaphragma , and without , about the midriffe , to resemble the figure of an hour-glass . . yea , breathing out should not be a resting from motion ; but the motion it self of the midriffe being contracted . . and so , breathing forth even in healthy persons , should alwayes be more difficult than breathing in . seeing , . breathing in , should not be a motion : but a re-loosing , or resting of the contracted diaphragma . from whence i conclude : . that the use of the midriffe hath hitherto remained unknown . . that the use of the lungs also hath lain hid . . that the manner of making breathing , hath been unknown . . that the first and principal instruments of breathing , have been unknown . . that for a modest in-breathing and out-breathing of the breath , the muscles of the abdomen only do suffice . . that the lungs is never moved , and that it readily serves for a sieve , that the pure air may enter into the breast . . that the difficulty of curing the defects of the lungs doth not consist in that , that it is impatient of rest , and that in this respect , it refuseth remedies : but because , its utmost orisices being besieged and obstructed , they are for the future , made void of hope to be expected from common remedies : seeing nothing is carried thither in a right line , besides air , and because the air by reason of a stoppage beneath , is hindered or prevented , therefore also interclosed ; and likewise doth at length , the more dry up the stopping muscilages , according to which , other products are stirred up , which in length of time will assume a dryness , sharpness , and malignity : whence are short-winded affects , a corrupt mattery aposteme , gnawing or corroding of the vessels , spitting of blood , an ulcer , consumption , and death . for let us suppose , that all the air is ordinarily carried into the breast , by a thousand orifices of the rough artery , and so many to be sufficient for health ; if therefore a hundred of them are stopped , then that man , by a swift daily motion or ascent , shall be unlike , and short-winded , by a tenth part . therefore from hence it is manifest , why syrupes and ecligmaes , seeing they do not reach unto the places affected , are vain remedies : yea , if they could reach thither , that they would aggravate the malady . and then , why none of these defects may hope for cure , unless the art of the fire shall graduate or exalt a medicine , into the tone or harmony of nature . but the preventions from catarrhes , which do command coriander and such like things to be taken after supper , to restrain vapours arising out of the stomack ; surely , of how great pitty are they worthy ! for if the rise of vapours , from their own causes ( to wit , the moisture of matter , and heat of the place ) and the ascent of the same , should be natural ; what could coriander effect , whereby those effects should the less follow their causes ? for shall coriander being cast into boyling water , effect , that vapours should not be made or ascend out of the water ? let those remedies be like it , which are prescribed by combing and rubbing , to wit , that rheumes may be derived , not in the evening , but in the morning , not in the fore-part , but toward the hinder part of the head. for old wives trifles have shut both the gates of healing , because the causes of diseases , have lain hid , neither hath it been hitherto greatly laboured in searching into them . for how frivolous is the doctrine of galen , in his five books of preserving health ? all the which , is famous in a bath , rubbings , and wearisom exercise ! and although in all things , and every where , i have pittied the poverty of galen , yet i have in nothing more manifestly discerned his wit , than where he seriously prescribeth distinctions of rubbings , at length , athwart , crooked wise , and circularly , as it were the ceremonies of necromancers , to be observed with strict obedience , upon the command of the penalty of a capital punishment . for so , the world , being from the cradles of physitians , driven into a catochus , and being delighted with a paganish stupidity , hath laughed as it were by a tickling . for in the first five ages , there were fewer diseases at rome , and fewer dead carcasses ; diseases also were milder , than after it had triumphed for the conquest of greece . the which , all the europeans , with whom a physitian is rare as yet , or there is none at all , will willingly confirm . for the schools do seriously admire at the vast heap of filth or snivel expelled by coloquintida , and yet that the spittings of lung-sick persons are nothing diminished , and so seeing they did rejoyce , that they had found the fore-going cause of a rheume ; yet being astonished in the effect of laxative medicines , they would not acknowledge the falseness of phlegmy maxims . for coloquintida , scammony , elaterium , &c. do dry up the body more in one day , than the drink of china in three moneths . what therefore is to be hoped for in china , when as loosening medicines are in vain unto you ? and the use of these horrid ? wherefore the schooles sticking in the doctrines of predecessors , have at length determined to search more profoundly into nothing ; but to cure according to the antient and thread-bare speculations of art , and on both sides , the matter hath alwayes failed them in their practice , and they saw it to answer nothing to their own rules ; yet under the drowsiness of impossibility , they have spread a vail over their so cruel ignorance , and they had rather that the miserable sick should remain in suspence with calamities and evacuations , than that they would think of any thing beyond the other , for the miseries or griefs of their neighbours . but surely , so many thousand rashnesses and absurdities had not remained in the schools , in men i say , so acute , honest , witty or quick-sighted , and exercised ( of whom i willingly confess my self to be the least ) if they had been once but a little willing to depart from the maxims of pagans . they are beset i say , by the enemy of primitive truth , who either through arrogancy , or carelessness , or cruelty , or covetousness , or sloathfulness , or blockishness ; or lastly , through a bashfulness of repentance , keeps them bound to himself . good jesus ! when , at length , wilt thou take away this devil out of the schools ? when , at length , shall there be a heap and ripeness of those evils , that by the eg●● of thy truth , thou mayest take away so great blindness , and destruction of mor●●is ? thou answerest , there is not a remedy for him that opposeth the known of acknowledged truth . therefore , just god , all things that thou approv'st of , are most just : thou stedfast rule of truth , and spring of godliness . but since thy sacred will to do we have no lust : a mock-prey we are made , to vulgar doltishness . for there are anatomists , who have dissected a live dog , and while they came to the wind-pipe , they cast in broath besmeared with a strange colour , by way of the mouth , that they might see , whether any of it entered unto the lungs . and some small quantity thereof , was found to have tinged the side of the rough artery . therefore they cryed out , that there is an unsensible and ordinary falling down of excrements out of the brain into the lungs : and they established ecligmaes to be the utmost remedy of the consumption , seeing they are immediately brought unto the wind-pipe , and thereby , unto any of its slender trunks . that experiment was indeed , cruel to the dog ; but far more cruel and unhappy unto mortal men . because the schools , at the perswasion thereof , have delivered from hand to hand , and have subscribed unto so pernicious trifles . for first of all , what could syrupes or ecligmaes commit in the little branches of the rough artery , besides the hurt or dammage of obstructions ? for what end therefore , should they naturally and ordinarily , hasten , be sent , or admitted thither ? seeing they cannot be there cocted , nor changed into a good nourishment , nor heal corrupt snotty matter , or mucky snivels . in the next place , if this should ordinarily come to pass , the ordinary spittles of healthy persons , would cast a smell of putrified broaths , or in-licked syrupes . and although the first spittles do sometimes presently after , resemble the ecligmaes ; yet those do not come from the lungs , but from the neighbouring parts of the jaws . neither therefore do spittles being repeated , any longer express the ecligmaes , even as , after another manner , repeated spittles , do reach forth smoakinesses with them . then also , he that should lick in some ounces in one evening , should of necessity , presently after , yield not onely to an asthma , but also to choaking . for a part of the ecligmaes had filled a great hollowness of the rough artery . surely it is a wonder , that the schools being seduced by so wan an experiment of a dog , have not taken notice , that through the unmindfulness of the dog , in so great a howling of torment , that coloured broath was snatcht within the wind-pipe . not that therefore , that is wont to happen in healthy folk , or is observed in rheumatick people , as they call them . truly , if a man that hath the stone , in making water , doth even against his will , loosen his fundament for pain , shall that therefore be proper to the muscle of the bladder , that by opening it self , it also , ordinarily opens the fundament ? for the parts do now and then , by reason of pain , badly perform their offices , and do mislead other neighbouring ones , with them , into error . the history was rather to be believed , wherein it is written , that a certain person was choaked by reason of a small feather , but another , by reason of an hair : that they may know , that the lungs are in no wise capable of receiving forreign things , without notable hurt and anguish , yea and more is , that short-winded persons could not endure so much as fragrant perfumes ( for the reasons rehearsed concerning the blas of man. ) if therefore , helpful perfumes , are a burden to the lungs ; what shall not ecligmaes be , although it be granted , that they may come down unto the lungs ? for therefore , as often , as any thing is swallowed , the wind-pipe is seriously shut with the cover epiglottis , which resembles the form of an ivie-leaf ; that not even any the least thing do slide down unto the lungs . and i have known some choaked , who at least wise , on one side , had not the epiglottis strictly enough shut , by reason of a convulsion of the one part , or a resolving of the other . and therein a new error of the schools is discovered : to wit , in that , they do affirm , lickings or ecligmaes which are swallowed by degrees , to be admitted into the lungs , but not those which are abundantly and hastily swallowed . hath therefore the diffected dog licked in , and not supt up the broath of herbs injected ? for to what purpose have they cast it in , to be drunk , if they knew that a way would lay open unto the lungs , through an in-licking alone ? but the supposition standing , that the lungs doth despise all society of all forreign things , except that , of naked air , not joyned to smoaks : it also , necessarily follows , whether any thing be swallowed by licking in , or by drinking , that the same care of the epiglottis the keeper , is alwayes acted , and the same shutting of the wind-pipe observed . for truly , in the same place , no less than the loss of life is concerned . therefore ecligmaes and syrupes , although they make the parts smooth for the affording of spittings by reaching , yet they in the first place , hurt the stomack , and do not in the least , absolutely profit in affects of the lungs . but they say , that the spittle , by a voluntary sliding , also without feeling , doth flow into the wind-pipe , and that ecligmaes or lohochs would in this respect be helpers . but neither of these subsist with truth . because however the neck be disposed of , the warinesse of nature is alwayes the same , that not any thing do at unawares fall down , or flow down into the wind-pipe . a player was lately seen ( his hands being unseen ) by raising up his feet and body , to have drunk a great cup of wine , having his head nigh the earth . i appeal to anatomy , and submit my hand to the ferule . for there are some , who sleeping , a great deal of spittle flows out of their mouth ; who if they sleep , laying with their face upward , they do of their own accord , presently rowle themselves on their side , or are awakened , nature being affrighted with the fear of eminent danger . but if any thing of spittle shall then through carelesness , fall down into the wind-pipe , the cough henceforth , ceaseth not presently to expel it . but at length , what shall sugar being licked in with fryed stinking fox-lungs , or being seasoned with the juice of colts-foot , profit the lungs , if the lungs it self abhorring all forreign things , admits nothing of the same , but through carelesness , and straightway with great trouble , expels it ? for shall that be sufficient for the restoring of the hurt faculties ? is the root of catarrhes thus cut off ? certainly , which way soever i shall turn my self , i do not see the schools to withstand diseases , but by the feigned dreams of heathens , in an image , in their effects , and from a latter thing : and that by reason of the ignorance of diseases and causes . for thus the name of physitian , hath deservedly departed into the merriments of comedians , because they do not think or consider , what to do , what to say , or what is to be done by them , that they may satisfie that precept : be ye merciful , as your father which is in heaven is merciful . and even as st. bernard speaks concerning the clergy , who eat up the sins of the people , as they live only by alms-deeds ; for physitians do not think whether they do satisfie the command and expectation of charity , who eat up the sicknesses and infirmities of the people . but i do not see that these plagues of aegypt had been brought into the utter darkness of the schools , but that , they being ill seasoned , oft-times found affects whereto they might apparently , and without narrow search , attribute the tragedy of catarrhes . because some one having a pain in his head , hath forthwith felt his neck to pain him , a difficult motion , a restlesse night ; presently the pain hath manifested it self in the loynes , being from thence propagated unto the thighs , and then , it hath seemed to descend to the calves of the legs , and feet . hence arose the decree , that pain , seeing it is an accident of inherency , doth not wander from one subject into another , unless some material thing shall depart in dregs out of the brain , by the muscles of the turning joynts , through the readinesse of a sliding rheume , and doth square to the received etymology of a catarrhe . this perswasion of a catarrhe , its mask being discovered by anatomy , ought to be known . for truly if the painful matter doth successively drop down out of the brain through the neck : surely that shall be brought down thither , either through the bosomes of the brain , or through the brain and its coats , or between both coats , or between the hard coat or dura mater , and scull , or at length , between the scull and skin . for the consequence is of force , from a sufficient enumeration of parts . but not in the first place , through the bottles or vessels of the brain ; because that could not subsist without an apoplexy , and an undoubted palsey of the whole body : if so be that the supposed doctrine of the schools concerning these diseases , standeth . for if it be successively expelled from the former bosomes , unto the fourth bosome : the matter of the rheume cannot but shut up that forreign and sharp excrement into the thorny marrow , and henceforth breed the apoplexy and palsey . secondly , that matter of a catarrhe , cannot , by sweating thorow the brain , be heaped up , and slide down between the brain and thin coat , so that both coats may keep a continual separation from the very marrow of the thorny sinew : because the sliding rheume should bring forth a renting , and solution of that which held together , in the marrowy root of the sinews , throughout its length . which doth not want very many absurdities . in like manner , if the catarrhe should rain down between both the coats : first of all , both the little membranes should be double , which might defend the thorny marrow as with a coat of mail : which thing , the eye hath not yet viewed hitherto . and that being supposed , it could not at least wise , disturbe the motion of the muscles , or know pain . and so , there is an error in the position ; because a sinew is indeed a deriving or conveying instrument of the command of the will , but not therefore , an executive instrument of a voluntary motion . especially , because a small nerve , doth now and then , scarce exceed the grosseness of a doubled thread : and it being externally implanted into the muscle , the rheumy humour could not be cast into it , but by a bringing of a palsey on the part , but not cruel pains of the moved muscle . in the next place , if a rheume should flow down between the dura mater , and the scull , anatomy teacheth , that the egress of the sinews side-wayes , thorow the little holes of the turning joynts , is so suitable and narrow , that a passage for a catarrhe is in no respect granted from the thorny marrow unto the muscles . lastly , if room should be granted for that device , at least wise , what should be the cause of its succession , that the humour having once slidden between the little sinew of the two turning joynts , should re-hasten unto other successive nerves ? doth perhaps , the rheume being affected with a weariness of one muscle , henceforward wish for other clients of delights ? for how shall the catarrhy humour flow down through the small little vein , without an astonying or stupifying of the member ? shall it enter into the muscle , even unto its tail , by a strange implanting ? but shall it again from thence depart unto other muscles , which henceforward are of a more steep or inclinable scituation ? or if a new catarrhe be feigned , to flow down with a like success , unto other , and inferiour parts ; how therefore do the upper parts , seem to be free from evil ? for seeing it should proceed from the same fountain the brain , and through the same channel of the marrow of the thorn of the back ; why doth it not rather follow the path already opened ? doth it more largely fall down unto a weakened , inclinable , and affected part , and commit new adulteries ? why doth it shake and seek new innes ? is that perhaps the delight of nature , that through a whorish appetite , it doth molest and divide new parts successively ? finally , that there is no place of refuge for a catarrhe running down between the scull and the skin , and the muscles cloathed with their own membrane , hath been already before discussed . therefore there is no way , manner , mean , connexion , or dependance , whereby a rheume may in truth subsist . and seeing no material thing runs down in those affects , for which the schools have rashly feigned catarrhs : therefore , let the lovers of truth , know , that as oft as a strange or forreign air , odour , ferment , or forreign seed is received into the spirit which makes violent assaults ; so often that spirit being defiled by the archeus , is excluded from the communion of life . but the genius or disposition of that conceived seed , hath no less parts , whereby also the spirit defiled by a strange ferment , is sent unto remote , rather than to nigh places : as shall be said in its place concerning the joynt-sickness or gout , in the duumvirate , and elsewhere . for so mercury , being even outwardly anointed , doth affect the jawes , tongue , & teeth . moreover , when this defiled spirit shall come down unto the place of its sending , it presently seasons the nourishment of the part with its own ferment , transplanteth and translateth it according to the idea or likeness of the seed , and that seed doth there interrupt the offices of digestions ( by successive blasts being drawn ) with strange dispositions . whence it at length stirs up a plentiful houshold-stuffe , and doth oft-times characterize the impression there made on the implanted spirit , with a brand durable for life . these things the schools beg for primary feigned humours , and for the fallings down of defluxions from the one only brain . i therefore am far from a catarrhe , who deny the matter , shops , efficient cause , manner of making , and defluxing thereof ; and therefore i also seperate the causes , effect , as also the cure , far from the fictions of a catarrhe . therefore salt , soure , sharp , phlegmatick , and cholerick humours do not fall down : but as often as the defiled spirit hath passed thorow unto the places , the first which shall come thither from a common endeavour and study of washing it off , is the liquour or humour latex : for the spirit being depraved by a forreign contagion , is carried through the nerves , arteries , yea and through the very habite of the body . from whence the brain hath bore the blame , and the sick do feel as it were the falling down of a defluxing humour : and because the latex is designed thither by the veins , not as a primitive cause of the evil ( although by accident , it doth oftentimes nourish the evil the longer ) but for an easment , and washing off : therefore the schools have as yet remained doubtful , whether rheumes should be dismissed from the head through the sinews , or between the skin ; or indeed through the veins out of the liver , at least wise in gouty persons . therefore the phlegme and choler of the schools , do not flow from a fountain or flood-gate , as if the head were the one only sink of these : and then , neither do they fall down by reason of a steeper scituation , or by reason of an easiness of passages . for truly , as in a dead carcass there are no such defects , but in live creatures only : so , whatsoever of these defects doth come to pass , it proceedeth from a spirit which maketh a violent assault , and from a vital beginning : in whose family administration , an ascending upwards , is no more difficult than a descending downwards : seeing nothing of these in living creatures , floweth by its own motion of weight : but indeed is directed , being sent unto its own certain bounds . it also often comes to pass , that the latex being defiled with a strange salt , doth thenceforth infect the spirit , so that the spirit is not therefore alwayes estranged by an external injury of air , or from a proper air of contagion bred within : but rather being stirred up by the latex ( because that is less lively ) it takes on it an animosity or angry heat . and the latex accompanies it , being troublesome as well through its aforesaid sharpness , as through quantity ; and it enters as an importunate souldier against the will of his host . wherefore natural and artificial baths , do reconcile many of these sort of defects and overflowings : to wit , by consuming the latex , they restore health , rather than the loosening and drying medicines of the schools . vain therefore is the history and matter of a catarrhe lifted up out of the stomack unto the head : vain also is the defluxing and falling down thereof between the muscles and the skin , and deplorable remedies from unknown causes . vain also are cauteries or searing remedies to pull back and consume feigned humours . lastly , vain are the medicines of drying drinks , seeing the evil or malady is by the latex and a larger quantity of drink , only occasionally bred . therefore it is manifest , how wholesom , sober drinking is : for the liquor latex , in respect of its appointment ought to be without savour ; but it waxeth sharp through the much drinking of pure and more sharp wine . but the history and necessity of the latex is due in its own chapter . thou shalt remember , that all the fruits of composed bodies do materially spring from water . let us therefore also suppose the un-savoury latex , through a little help of a seed , presently to wax sharp . for example . for at the spring-time , a plentiful liquor drops out of a vine or birch-tree . to wit , if the bark near the earth be hurt , it poures out an un-savoury liquour of the earth . but if the wound be made in the stem or branches ; now the same juice is sharpish . so it comes to pass in the latex , being of its own nature without savour , which through the contagion of things receiving , doth at length wax sharp , or becomes the heir of a strange quality . for the schools have neglected the latex , because they have confounded the urine with the latex . but it is a blockish argument , to have co-melted the thing generated with the matter [ whereof ] as if the snivel , spittle , water between the skin and flesh , and urine , were drinks . the liver therefore being badly affected , if it recal the latex unto it self ; truly it doth not thereby prepare urine , but oedemaes , or the dropsie anasarca : therefore i am not such a man , as to call the pleurisie , tooth-ach , and other madness of furies , non-beings . for i know and grieve for their too much serious commands over us . i do indeed admit of those very diseases : but the causes , manner , means , passages , end or appointments of a rheume , i deny . i deny those causes , and i diligently search into those , in the removal whereof , health consisteth . i acknowledge indeed , that a corrupt mattery imposthume of the lungs being broken , any one doth presently dye : yet i deny , that the mattery imposthume is a rheume , or that death is to be imputed to a catarrhe : and much more vehemently do i deny that the corrupt mattery imposthume is bred of a vapour of the stomack . so i name a consumption , not a defluxion into the lungs ; but i know it arose from an inward error of the lungs . i grant that the gout is fore-felt as it were a hot defluxing drop : yet i do not admit of a catarrhe , in its matter , manner , means , and bound of making . even as in its own chapter , more cleerly . the latex also being dedicated to the sweeping or cleansing of the kitchins , is in it self , indeed , guiltless : but it , in the way , admitting of a coupling of dissolved salts , doth constitute divers colonies of imposthumes , ulcers and itchings . i deny therefore , that vapours are carried into the head , which may pierce through the brain and coats . neither in the next place , do i endure , that the breath , is carried from the breast unto the stomack , and the bowels , in a direct passage ( as it hath otherwise , pleased paracelsus ) but that a very small quantity thereof , doth breath thorow the pores of the diaphragma . for neither , when the breath is pressed together , doth any thing worthy of note , go forth under the midriffe , neither doth the breath smell of the places which are under the diaphragma . in like manner , neither are vapours carried from the stomack into the head , but by the arteries , if men are made drunk . but whatsoever causeth the giddiness of the head , faintings , and other distempers of like sort , is the retainer of another common-wealth than that of vapours . so neither from the womb are vapours derived into the head , however bruitish symptomes of the head may thereby be said to be bred : for that is not the obligation of transpiration , which is the single duel of another monarchy , and that whereby the throat ariseth unto the height of the chin , is not to be called the action of vapours : indeed it is an action unknown to the schools , which i shall some times explain to be that of government , whereunto all parts in the body do owe a clientship . for there is no other command of the womb over the whole body , than that whereby the stones do distinguish a cock from a capon , a bull from an oxe , and a man from an eunuch , in figure , blood , flesh , hide , and courage . but because in supposed rheumie affects , the liquor latex being defiled , doth obtain its own dominion of water : hence as many diseases as are ascribed unto catarrhes , are for the most part exasperated in the night time : indeed the blas of the moon doth work the operations of successive changes in us : the which , do most especially boast themselves over the weak or defective brain , and likewise over the sinews and membranes ; and these operations do oft-times fore-feel and fore-divine future tempests ; and therefore , i also call them , the torture of the night . and i wish this knowledge of presaging , were not sold to us at so dear a rate , that they ought to be thorowly paid by pains and anguishes . for a short-winded gouty person , yea he that carrieth a callous matter or corn under his foot , being often awaked out of his sleep in the bed or chimny , doth fore-feel the future storms of times or seasons , a black cloud to be by degrees spread over the heaven , and the hinges of winds to be shortly changed . but paracelsus would have mercury to be president or chief over the liquour of nourishment throughout the whole body , and therefore he elsewhere ( concerning minerall diseases ) confounds that in name and thing , with an earthly moon : yet i know , that the humour follows the commands of the seminal or seedy part , whereunto it is most neerly resembled : for therefore , neither do liquid bodies as yet rejoyce in the conferences of the stars , as long as they are not radically implanted in the spirit of life . for from hence it is manifest , that the marrow is a homogeneal or simple part of the body , but not the liquor thereof : because it manifestly answers to the moon and brain , whereunto the bones are obedient . for so , whatsoever things do tyrannize under the name of defluxions , and likewise the foul disease , convulsion , wringings of the bowels , do return under the torture of the night , because they hearken to the latex , through the dominion of our moon , they being offensive affects , which hearken unto the motion of the stars . chap. lviii . a reason or consideration of food or diet. . they prescribe a diet for diseases , who are ignorant of diseases . . the dietary part of medicine is suspected . . some errors about the rules of food or diet. . curing is not subject to the dietary part of medicine . . the authors opinion . . the object of the dietary part . . a proof from a common event . . crooked ends . . from a numbring up of parts . . a diet doth privily accuse of the ignorance of a remedy . . a just complaint of the poor . . observances of the author . . the mockeries of the dietary part . . bread is not so much a meat , as a universal victual . . why bread is mixt with meats . . the chief hinge of the dietary part . . a certain rule . . why the commands of the dietary part of medicine are not to be trusted to . . ten positions of the author . . how far the force of a sparing diet may extend it self . . the necessity of chewing , . whence the varieties of things digested are . . an examining of barley water or cream . . some preventions or fore-cautions accustomed to the author . . a question concerning the ferment of the stomack . . the digestions do prescribe the rules of diet. after that i had finished the treatise of digestions , i had willingly brought diseases on the stage : but the action of government being too scanty in the schools , was left behind as yet maimed , and the majesty of the duumvirate it self , and plainly the spiritual radiation or beaming influence of spirit , according to its whole . wherefore i interweaved the treatise of the soul , as it yeelds up its full right to the duumvirate . but i could not as yet , moreover , depart out of the stomack , but i presently added upon the duumvirate , some examinations of my opinion concerning diet. truly i have promised to demonstrate , that the schooles have passed by those things , the profession whereof they chiefly boast of : to wit , that they have not as yet known a disease in the general kind , or have diligently searched into it by its particular kindes or species , or to have handled it by its causes , or by meet remedies . and therefore it consequently followes , that if through the aide of physitians , by conjectures , there hath been successe in any thing , it hath been from the proper goodnesse of nature . for as soon as might be , after the universal succours ( for so they name cutting of a vein and purging ) they presently yeelded a half part of curing unto the government and orderance of food and life , which for the most part , through heats , colds , and the temperance of these , they esteemed for a consideration of good juice . they shall finely indeed , prescribe the consideration of diet , for the obtaining of an end unknown unto themselves , while they wallow in the heats and colds of elements . for truly besides their grosse ignorance , the consideration or respect of food was even long since suspected by me , and a certain wretched juggle of physitians was seen , and the slavery of the sick , prescribed under the pain of a capital punishment , bringing forth a rash belief and confidence in the sick . for first of all , whatsoever is sold at a dear rate , that is presently commended as most healthful : and in medicines , leaf gold , pearls , bruised or poudered , scarlet dying grain , the worm cuchineale , raw-silk , &c. ( for perhaps spiders webs , if they were brought a great way off , should be sold at a great price , as is crocodiles dung ) but in meats , whatsoever hucksterry is therefore grateful to the tongue , nor very difficult to the stomack , that universally and presently is published to be of good juyce , healthful and wholsome : insomuch as those things which do chiefly please the palate , ought to be most acceptable and wholesome : and therefore these do vary according to the palate of physitians . for that which is by one , praised to be healthy ; by another , whom that thing less pleaseth , is dispraised . for by this means , pheasants , partridges , starlings , black-birds , and fatted capons , are preferred before four-footed beasts : although these together with us , do bring forth a live young , and in this respect , are they more familiar with us , than birds , fishes , and insects , that is , living creatures bringing forth eggs. so also , fishes in stonie waters are preferred before sea-fishes , and bread of the finest of the corn , before that which is branny . for those physitians which are somewhat delicate , do study the huckstery of the kitchin , and that they may please the sick , who being destitute of remedies and knowledge , have otherwayes enslaved themselves to a barren profession ; for they are those who become teachers of cooks . how leisurely do they view all things , that they may exercise their commands in kitchins and parlours ; and that they may seem to have foreseen all things diligently , they are ready to exercise their tyranny on the sick . as if meats and drinks should be the medicines of the more grievous diseases . truly it hath alwayes notably shamed me of this part of medicine . for even from a young man , i did already inwardly foresee , that cures were the effects of medicines , but not of meats : wherefore as i said , suspect the feeble endeavour of meats : so also i conjectured , that a strict obedience of diet , as well in the commander as obeyer , did savour of an implicite ignorance of a true and suitable remedy , or of a juggle . but on the contrarie , he that hath fire , he can burn ; and he hath a knife , he can cut ; so also he that hath a secret , fit for curing , he may cure , despise the rules of diet , and passe by the needlesse industrie or flattery of the schooles in this respect . for otherwise , an error which may unexpectedly happen from the choice of food , is by the prevailing goodness of the remedy easily prevented . for if hypocrates preferreth things accustomed , although less wholsome in themselves , before things unaccustomed , neither that the diet is easily , nor safely , nor speedily to be changed from things accustomed : what therefore is not to be thought of chosen , wished for , and desired meats and drinks , which have been accustomed to be used ? because they are those , ( which nature dictating to them within ) have , to the great shame of physitians , been found to have oftentimes excelled a remedy , especially , where they had before forbidden them . diet in the first place , doth not treat of things apparently hurtful : for it is not disputed whether it be healthful to eat poysonous things , or the sheards of earthen pots , &c. yea , neither indeed , if it be wholsome for a sick person to be filled with much meat and drink , although of good juyce ; or whether gluttony , drunkenness , and an inordinate life , are healthy acts , and fit helps to preserve or recover health . but the whole of diet is busied onely in the choice of meats and drinks : the which , notwithstanding , being as it were indifferent nourishments , do consist within the limits of goodness , and differ onely in the latitude of neutrality . and so therefore , i have alwayes beheld the dietary part , to be as it were a be wrayer of the ignorance of the causes of true medicine , and of a prevailing remedy . how many indeed soever they are , who refusing the rules prescribed to them , have often times not recovered : doth the physitian in the mean time , laughing between his teeth , at the disobedient sick , arrogate the praise of curing to his rules ? for from hence that art of healing is drawn into all tragedies , because the rules of the dietary part of medicine do testifie a poverty of judgement , as well in the physitian as in the sick . whence physitians do oftentimes hope to get occasion of excusing death ; by the disobedience of the sick , about the rules of diet not being strictly observed . alas for grief , how great absurdities are committed through this deceit , which do not yet sufficiently appear unto the world ! because while they know nothing , or have nothing whereby they may drive away the disease , and constrain it to obey them ; are they at leastwise reckoned , that they will take away through the flatteries of the kitchin , and much carefulness , the impediments of its increase ? if the observance of a diet should be profitable , it should be serviceable in the disease or in recovery of health ; but in the disease , how unseasonable , troublesome and impertinent is it ? while as the appetite doth for the most part , lye prostrated , and the which perswades a complacency to its self , that it may not wholly perish : and the preservation thereof is of as great moment , as the betokening of life is ! for in the state of a staggering or feeble appetite , nature doth for the most part suggest unto it self , some convenient food , and that oftentimes , then especially , while it is most in need of help . then do physitians strive with this pleasure of nature , by their own rules of food , whereby the sick may abstain , if he will not be imputed the whole cause of his own death , by the unfaithful helper . for then the archeus doth sumptomatically rage , because he perceives the wished for , and perhaps his familiar food to be denied him ; and so in strife they stir up new strife . verily , even as a horse which passeth through a water , and not drinking sufficiently according to his desire , doth thereby retain in himself an anxious difficulty of breathing for his life time . but a diet after a disease , or in time of recovery , is also wonderful troublesome , if not also in vain ; seeing now ; nature shall have enough to do of her own accord . for truly , the prescription of a diet cannot but accuse a defect of a sufficient remedy , and so of an implicite confession of an unfaithful cure . for let a physitian cure as he ought , and nature promiseth for a sure performance of restauration . truly the almighty hath seen and judged , that whatsoever things he had made , were good . that is , whatsoever , he had appointed for food , was good ; or whatsoever he had ordained for poyson , was a good poyson . for else , the poor man might from much right complain , that god had dealt lesse fatherly with him , because he had denied means , whereby a poor man , by answering the dainty rules of diet , might be able to recover his health : but unto the rich , together with wealth , that he had also bestowed health : because bestowing meanes upon him , whereby he might pay the price of his diet . for i have now experience with my self , for fifty years space , that i cured more , even those not seen , and the rules of diet being despised , than many physitians together , who wander to and fro in our city . i have experience , i say , that i do cure all continued and intermitting fevers , in few dayes , yea and for the most part , in few houres , blood-letting being not admitted of ; but wine being permitted . for truly , the chief part of the diet of physitians is sumptuous , in the flattery of the sick , being gotten at the favourable pleasure of the physitian , except wine for the most part : also every physitian declareth those things to be healthful , which are the most pleasing unto themselves : but least that should be understood to be a kind of assenting , they enjoyn a strict obedience , that by that way of severity of lawes , they may be thought to restrain the bridles of life . bread in the first place , is accounted the primary or chief food ; but other nourishments are onely co-meats , or victuals in general . but i on the opposite part , call other nourishments , true meats ; but bread alone , the universal victual : for many are found to have lived long , with milk onely . the irish also , being men swift , and of a most ready strength , do in some place , use chambroch or three leaved-grass , only for bread . and some northern people do live a long time only with fish , without bread , and do remain stubborn , against colds and diseases . a filling with bread ( in the proverb ) is worst of all : not onely because it is a token of poverty ; but in very deed , because it is the most burthensome in a weak stomack . for why , bread , by reason of the received leaven ( for else it is nothing but paste or dough ) melting into a cream , constraines the hearbs and meats , with which it is chewed , to co-melt ( which thing we daily experience in the digestion of dung ) and this is rather onely to be called by the name of [ apsonium ] or general victual , then [ cibus ] or meat . but i may not long be conversant in nominals , for it is sufficient for me , after whatsoever manner it be called , so that the use and necessity of bread be known to prevail most especially unto the melting or dissolving of meats . furthermore , i have alwayes had sobriety in great esteem , as it were the hinge of all diet. then also , if the appetite was carried about any object , i have willingly admitted it , yet with the moderation of a mean. yet i am not he , who am ignorant , that one meal is better , is more convenient for a sick person than another : but i am little troubled or grieved , whether of them both the sick might take , if so be that he had also obtained some good remedy . i supposing if a remedy , be not able to withstand a maladie or evil , by a less convenient food ; far less also shall it be able to overcome or expell diseases . therefore i have held those remedies , which are hoped for from the prescription of diet , to be unconstant and feeble . because , as is wont to be said , it is easier not to admit of , than to expel a guest . and from a correlative ; whosoever presumeth to overcome a disease by virtue of a remedy , let him be sure , that he shall by the same remedy , far more easily vanquish things accidentally happening from the disagreements of meats . i have therefore reckoned it a sign of weakness and distrust in a physitian , as oft as he is disquieted with the shameful care of the kitchin ; for he wanting a meet medicine , that in the mean time , he may seem to do something , or least he should take his fee in vain , layes up his hope against a critical day , and prescribeth a choice of meats . for by this my perswasion , i have learned , . first , that nature in us , is wiser than any physitian , and more skilful of her own profit and loss , than all the wits of all the schooles . . that nature doth therefore choose to her self , and wish for the most convenient things . . that cattel have never died , because they had satisfied their thirst , unless perhaps they had swallowed poyson , and did faint through too much devouring ; because drink in feavers doth subvert very many discommodities of dryness . . that to drink in thirst , should be no less natural , than for one that hath need to piss , to have made water . . and therefore , seeing this doth not require the consent of a physitian , that also should not want consultation . . that i did administer some drops together with the drink , with the which , easily piercing , especially in thirst , i have many times quenched most feavers together with the thirst , with a delightful pleasure of the sick . . that a great appetite towards a thing apparently hurtful in the rules of diet , is for the most part dictated by nature it selfe , to whom her own remedy hath been made known , but not to the books of the schooles . . that therefore we ought to be little careful about things desired , which are but little hurtful , and less accustomed . . that if a remedy ought to prevail over a disease , meats and drinks cannot in their own latitude , contain the strength of a medicinal being . . that meats , if they do not contain a remedy , therefore also scarce hurt ; in speaking of meats as such , that is , of indifferent things . i have thus perswaded my self of these things , thus have i prescribed these things to others : to wit , that abstinence and sparingness , are the best meanes in the dietary part : and the rather , where any thing is eaten for pleasure and delight , according to the proverb ; that which savoureth , nourisheth . . for it sufficeth the appetite by quality , but not by quantity . otherwise , if fullness grieves or burdens healthy persons , much more sick and weak folks . . to wit , let them eat , not indeed to the filling up of the hollowness of the stomack , neither at the dictate of pleasure and taste ; but as much as easily sufficeth for the defending of a healthy life . and if that be difficult to him that at first accustomes himself ; at leastwise , it shall not be to him that hath accustomed himself . for how foolish a thing is it for him that groaneth or sigheth through a disease , to wish for his long since denied ingorgings ? yet i will not , that any man perswade himself , that this sobriety of living , and light fardle of food , doth prevent any man from having the plague , a fall or bruise , a wound , thunder-bolt or stone . for external incidencies or accidents , do despise the family administration of the digestions , because they overcome them . indeed i reject the stone even among external things , because it is made by a ferment that is now a stranger . . seing all food ought to be changed into a cream , and an exquisite chewing is that which makes the digestions easie ; hence i most strictly commend chewing at all times . for truly one onely morsel , being not rightly chewed , makes more adoe in the body , than three which are well bruised in eating . for therefore birds , because they want teeth have need of a double stomack , however most powerful otherwise , they were in digesting . every beast also which cheweth the cud , as it was greatly esteemed in the law , so it seriously insinuates unto us , that the necessity of chewing is not to be despised . yea for that cause , a bruit which chewes the cud , is in the holy scriptures chosen for a clean beast . . in the next place , whatsoever things are taken in gluttony , beyond the power of the ferment of the stomack , are indeed made hot within , and do putrifie , neither also , are they for that cause digested ; as in feavers is most plentifully to be seen . but as much of the more tender meats as is taken under gluttony , is indeed digested , and slides out of the stomack : but it carries headlong with it , a great heap of that which is undigested , as well by reason of the extension of the vessel , as the negligence of nature being loaded , and forsaking the raines . but if that which is most exceeding tender , shall be digested , and that stayeth in the stomack longer than is meet , that retained food doth also of necessity wax too sharp , or plainly putrifie , is brought over into a bitter excrement in the morning , being oft-times rejected by vomit : and the which , the schooles have falsly called choller . for diers do by one onely kettle of dye , change above a hundred diverse colours , if the cloaths be first diversly affected : so also one only wandering ferment of the stomack , doth diversly dispose and determine of the cream , by reason of the diversity of its parts ( else single or simple ) if it containeth in it , diversities not as yet plainly digested . so that , although it ordinarily tingeth nothing but the digested part of the cream with its ferment ; yet it ceaseth not to affect the undigested part , and wrongfully to season it , by reason of the defect of the receiver . wherefore most things do thus grow to an exorbitancy in the kitchin of the first digestion . . whatsoever accustomed thing is not taken as malignant , but desired ; that also , fulnesse being absent , is the more easily digested , and in diseases , is safely admitted , if it be soberly and moderately taken . because the ferments do easily subdue those things which are accustomed , and especially if they are desired . for hippocrates perswades us to use a most slender food , in sharp diseases , to wit , until an appetite doth arise again . for i praise the more thin ales or beers , as much as i ( trusting to the words of galen ) do despise sweet drinks and barley-broths . barley ( saith he ) being a little boyled , causeth ventosities or windinesses ; but stoppages , if it shall be somewhat better boyled . wherefore , our ancestors believing that barley is not unhurtful , being any way boyled , do constrain that to bud ( which they then call malt ) by which work , they prevent , aswell windinesses , as stoppages . but of malt and hop , they make beers or ales. . i also urge none with broths compleated with beaten eggs , &c. if a sharp feaver be present ; being mindful of that precept , impure bodies , by how much the more thou nourishest them , by so much the more thou hurtest them . for although in sharp diseases , people live without meat , and onely by drink ; yet a peril of their life doth not thereupon invade them . yea thus do they the sooner recover , and the strength and appetite do renew with much less difficulty : as oft indeed as a putrifiable or mortifiable thing , is cast into the stomack wanting its own digestive ferment , it putrifies that which is digested , & not digested . and that is the true explication of that aphorism . for i never wished , that those who were sick of sharp diseases , might return fat , or fatted ; but i did well intend that one only thing , to wit , that they might recover , and indeed not much curtaild , in their strength . the greatest part of diet therefore , in diseases of the stomack , i have drawn out of the aphorism : that a sower belching ( of a repaired ferment ) coming upon burnt ones , is good . for burntish belchings , voluntary loathings , an averseness to fleshes , fishes and eggs , yea and loadings of the stomack , have commanded the sick to be nourished with things that are to be drunk onely : for else , by things subject so stink or mortifie , i had learned , that strange accidents were to be expected , defects of the mind , and other discommodities of that sort . then because drinks do moisten , do comfort thirst , and satisfie heat , do drive away drinesses , and weaknesses following thereupon . but by drink , i do not here understand , the suppings of broths which do abundantly nourish , to wit , of those , which in a hot stomack , without a digestive ferment , are of their own accord mortified : but altogether of those , which do least of all putrifie : such as are ponadoes , and likewise beer or ale tinged with wine , wherewith crums of bread also are co-mixed , that they may be meat and also drink . hither i recal what i have elsewhere taught at large ; to wit , that digestion is made by a propper ferment , but not by heat . as oft therefore , as there is an aversness to flesh , and burntish belchings , heat is signified to be present , and a sharp ferment to be wanting . give heed to this , how easily , new flesh , being fast tied to a hot foot or head , doth putrifie , and presently stink . therefore in a feverish stomack , being very hot ; wise nature fears least a dead or stinking carcass should be made in it , and therefore she is presently averse to fleshes . but whither then hath the ferment of the stomack in a feverish man , departed ? hath it wandred to some other place ? or was it extinct ? for whither had the ferment departed , which is no where acceptable but in its own dens ? neither also hath it perished , because it is a vital thing ; but whatsoever vital thing hath once perished , doth not return again after privation . but a ferment is that which returns afresh . that therefore happens . for either sometimes the dismissing of the ferment doth not reach out of the spleen unto the stomack , by reason of some defect of either of the two : of the duumvirate , or at leastwise , the ferment received into the stomack , is covered over with a strange and feverish odour : the which , thus understand thou : any one being an hungry , and in most perfect health , staying too long in the importunate fumes of coales , doth presently perceive a loathing or nauseousness to arise upon him , and an averseness to meats , and then also a pain in the fore part of his head ; and at length a vomiting . therefore the ferment of the stomack , as it is covered with the hurtful odour of the coales ; so likewise , through a poysonsome odour and burntish contagion of the moved fevers , it happens , that an averseness to fleshes is straightway bred , as the ferment proper to the stomack is overspred with that burntish odour or contagion . these things , i had thus concluded with my self concerning diet , and the consideration of food , within those few common rules abovesaid ; i did measure according to the course of nature , before i had obtained the greater remedies . yet knowing , whatsoever is converted in the stomack , in the likeness of a transparent cream , by virtue of its ferment , that that hath received the beginnings of a vital juyce , although not yet life ; and for that cause , not so readily or voluntarily to putrifie . but whatsoever , is either not dissolved , or if in it self it be dissolved , neither yet hath received a ferment , as the latex , the brine of salt ; that very thing , is either an excrement , or is easily made such , or is obvious or ready for corruption . therefore in the consideration of diet we must especially give heed unto the diseases , and meats , which by reason of the disease , the sick party is averse to , or desireth . for we must be hand-maides to nature , but never command her ; to wit , the ferment , which ought to concoct the meats , prescribeth those , but not the physitian according to his own appetite or desire ; neither may he take out of authors one form for every shooe . as if the various nature of men , should not have it self by way of relation unto some particular thing . finally , exercises , labours , works , rests , sleeps , and aire , do depend on the rules which the moments or requirances of other digestions do dictate unto us ; to wit , that the juyces generated of the cream , may the more succesfully attain unto their own ends or come unto their bounds . this is the truth of diet , which nature doth of her own accord shew and teach ; and let that thing be one and perpetual ; that whosoever hath obtained the best remedies of secrets , as he presently restoreth the sick , and vindicates them from any disease whatsoever ; so also he prescribeth no other diet for sick , than for healthy folk . for to the healthy all things are accounted healthy ; because the digestive ferments do powerfully draw and restrain all things into their own jurisdiction : and so digestions do prescribe the rules of diet. chap. lix . a modern pharmacapolion and dispensatory . . the art of healing hath crept into fables . . the barbarians excel the europeans in herbarism . . the custome of galen , of filching the inventions of others . . a tragedial sex of herbs . . the signate or thing signified in herbs , was ridiculously translated into palmestry . . the rashnesse of paracelsus . . it was a vain invention , to have brought back herbs into the zodiack . . how little that is regarded , which is very much to be weighed . . it is a shameful thing ta measure the natural endowed gifts of simples by their degree of heat . . the stumblings of herbarists . . the true refining of simples hath been hitherto scanty . . the venal blood , and arterial blood , do differ even in plants . . ice hath deceived quercetanus . . the father of lights , is the alone giver of infused knowledge , without the observance of effects . . vain means to know the virtues of simples . . a specifical savour . . things desired in the knowledge of simples . . the art of the fire opens the way . . the diversity of agents in nature . . a diverse activity of spagyrical or alchymical remedies . . a balsame preserving all the juices of herbs from putrifaction , without an alteration of their properties . . a censure or valuation of extracts and magisteries . . a horrid confusion and plurality of simples . . dispensatories prevail onely for expedition , but not for appropriation . . a deceiving of clients or patients , obtained by the authority of magistrates . . god composeth some things , which man may not separate , nor over-add a third thing unto them . . when a conjoyning is to be admitted . . a sentence concerning the prevalency of dispensatories . . the virtues of many things are blunted by sweet things . . an answer to things objected in behalf of sweet things . . the vanity of syrupes . . chymistry is preserred before other professions . . the use of things from beyond the seas . . the crasis or constitutive temperature is the kernel of remedies . . vices in decoctions . . a defect in electuaries , pills , and confections . . against the confoundings of simples . . an examining of loosening medicines . . what kind of preparation of simples is to be despised . . the dammageable boyling of odoriferous things . . the ridiculous burning of harts-horne . . the correction of many things is fatal . . the offences of simples . . absurd miscelanies , or hotch-potch mixtures . . the whole earth hath , and brings forth poyson . . under poysons do lurk the most powerful secrets . . an errour concerning the gelding of asarum . . an errour concerning its crudity . . no true poyson in its first being . . the death of the marquess spinellus , by the folly of hellebore . . the examination of the viper . . arsenical things , by what right they are the remedies of ulcers . . how poysons may be made remedies . . the chymical remedies of the shops . . an examining of gold and pearles in healing . . the use of oylie things . . what hath departed from clarified sugar . . the manner of applying of external things . . the collection or gathering of simples . the art of healing is every where drawn into the tragedies and scorn of the vulgar . because physitians will not be wise , but according to the custom of the schools . for what they read , they believe , and what they believe , they deliver to the trust of the apothecary , his wife , and servant or family , to be put in execution . for thereby every maker or seller of oyles or ointments , and old women , do thrust themselves into medicine , scoffe at physitians , because also , they oft-times excel them in many things . for they were wont in antient time to reserve some things to themselves for a pledge of fame and family . but afterwards , sloath overcame , and gain disposed of medicine as a plough , and by the just judgement of god , all things grew ●orse . before my entry of the shop , i cannot but be angry at the describers of simples : for although there be no field more spacious , plentiful , and delightful in the face of the whole earth , and where the mind is more delighted , than in herbarism ; yet there hath scarce been a less progress made in any other thing . for truly the arabians , greeks or gentiles , barbarians , wild country people , and indians , have observed their own simples much more diligently than all the europeans . for even from the dayes of plato ( wherein diascorides a man of war , lived ) nothing almost hath been added to herbarism : but much diminished . galen , from a desire of robbery , wrote this study of another , his name being suppressed . he being plainly a non-diascorian , snatched up the words of diascorides . the which , in the mean time , pliny hath besprinkled with many trifles : because , as it s very likely , he being of a mean judgement , not being able to distinguish between truth and falshood , scraping many things together , on every side , hath described them , that he might equalize his name unto the greatness of his section . but even unto this day , the more learned part of physitians do as yet carefully dispute only about the faces and names of herbs : as if the vertues could not speak before their countenance were known ; the virtues i say , being first delivered by diascorides : as if the power of medicine had attained unto its end , in the first author . but the more modern herbarists , began to distinguish herbs into sexes , and supposing that they understood many things from thence , complained , that these things had remained hidden or vailed : as if nature , did labour in jest and not in earnest , had been careful of a sex , where it was content with a promiscuous and hermophroditical being or body . for a sex doth respect only generation , but not operation , or the relation of like or equal objects . therefore , that she might not frame , even the least tittle , in vain , who hath wholly referred her self unto the certain ends known to her creator , wheresoever there was not need of the marks of sexes to generate , she hath also disesteemed them in operating . but if of two simples , one be stronger or rougher than another , surely that doth not denote the sex , but the degree . for while the same simple putrifieth , and is changed into small living creatures , these indeed , are not of one , but of both sexes . the which surely could never be , if those simples , should now have a sex , or sexual virtues within them . for the same herbs in number , are in sex as well masculines as feminines , promiscuously bred . there were also afterwards , others , who would observe signatures in herbs , as it were a palmestry : and this meditation , the root of satyrion or dog-stones , hath notably promoted . and therefore through the desert hereof especially , they have introduced a sealed knowledge , or essayed anatomy , that is , new names , and great swelling titles , embroidered with their own boldnesses . i believe by faith , that man was not of nature , and therefore likewise , that nature is not the image , likeness , or engravement of man. god out of the eternal providence of his goodness and wisdom , hath abundantly provided for future necessities . he himself hath made and endowed simples for the appointed ends of all necessities . therefore , i believe , that the simples , in their own simplicity , are sufficient for the healing of all diseases . therefore we must more study about the searching into the virtues , than about disputing any hard questions : seeing that in simples there is a perfect cure , and healing of all diseases : and by consequence , that dispensatories , which will us to compound and joyn most things together , do destroy the whole , and through a hidden blasphemy , do as it were strive to supply divine insufficiency . hence paracelsus rightly writeth to chyrurgions : to what end do ye over-adde unto symphytum or the root of greater comfrey , vinegar , bole , and such like wan additaments ? when as god hath composed this simple as altogether sufficient against the ruptures of bones ? finally , whatsoever thou shalt adde unto it , thou makest , as if thou wouldest by thy correction , supply the place of god. thou dost grievously erre . in like manner , i also think , that god hath perfectly , and sufficiently composed in simples , compleat remedies of any diseases whatsoever . in the next place , i infallibly know , that there is in the archeus of vegetables , no anatomical alliance or affinity with us , whether we regard the whole , or at length , their parts . for the endowments of simples , are by creation : but not from an usurpation of possession : for properties were already in their-own herbes , before sin , death , and necessity . lastly , i believe , that god doth give the knowledge of simples , to whom he will , from a supernatural grace : but not by the signes of nature ! for what palmestrical affinity hath the boars tooth , the goats blood , the peisle of a bull , the dung of a horse , or the herbe daysie , with a pleurisie ? or what signature have those simples with each other ? truly , i praise my lord , who before diseases were , created all things primarily for his own glory ; neither marked he simples for diseases that were to come by accident : but for the grace of the universe , from whence indeed the lord hath honour . therefore i have laughed at paracelsus , because he hath erected serious trifles into the principles of healing . there have not been those wanting also , who have brought the huge catalogue of diseases , into the signes of the zodiack : whose number , seeing it was too narrow , they have enlarged every one of the signes into a threefold section : to wit , that they might divide all the virtues of herbes into , and gather them into a narrow fold . but the earth hath of it self , a seminal virtue of producing herbes , the which , therefore , it doth not beg from the heavens . for the whole property of herbes , is from their seed , and the seminative power is drawn from the earth , according to the holy scriptures : but not from the faces of the lights of heaven . for or stars , may be put to make a constellation , or one of the houses , and to be extended into degrees . but in what sort could so few stars , contain the essences , seeds , faces , and properties perhaps of five hundred plants , differing in their species and internal properties ? moreover , besides a thousand vain attributions of so many things , as well humane as politick ? away with these trifles ! the properties of herbes are in the seeds , but not in the heaven or stars . the powers of the stars , are grown out of date , the which by an old fable , have stood feigned unto heats , colds , and complexions . for the stars , in whatsoever manner they are taken , do differ from plants , much more , than herbs do from mists and frests , or fishes from precious stones . let it therefore be a faulty argument , to have attributed effects to causes , which do contain nothing at all like a cause in them . that is even as for a watch-man to dream , if he shall believe such a thing , or wholly to go out of his wits by his own thought . mathiolus , tabernomontanus , brasavolus , ruellius , fuchsius , tragus d'allichampius , and other observers of herbes , are hitherto busied , only about the faces , and visual knowledge of plants : but their virtues , they all as one , describe out of diascorides : they also tye them up unto the degrees of heat and cold , as though they did demonstrate something from the foundation : a shameful thing indeed it is , to have drawn the crasis or constitutive temperature of simples out of heat , but not from the fountains of the seeds . dodonaeus friso , being now become a dutch-man , tabernomontanus , with a few others , although they did insist on the same steps of degrees , yet they have subjoyned some additions , from their own , or the gathered experiences of others : but as yet , plainly confused , uncertain , and badly distinct : because that they have not written from knowledge , but either from the noted revelation of the vulgar , or they being things drawn from a casual experiment . there is none amongst them all , who hath knowingly described the properties of simples , even as he , who had described all things , from the hyssop , even unto the cedar of libanus . as a sure token , that true knowledges or sciences are not elsewhere to be fetched , than from the father of lights : even as i have elsewhere touched at by the way , concerning the hunting or searching out of sciences . a living creature that is entire , and alive , cannot be bruised without its dung . it is therefore to be lamented , that it hath not been yet weighed , that herbs have much dung , which have never cast forth any out of them , and so that they are to be refined with the greater wariness . in the next place , we distinguish the arterial blood in a man , from his venal blood , by divers marks : but in plants , it hath seemed sufficient to have said it . that plant , in one only subject , consisteth of divers and opposite properties : they have acquiesced , neither hath there been a deeper entrance , than by some common savours , and uncertain events . for out of the stalk or hollowness of poppy being hurt , opium distilleth . celendine or swallow-wort weeps a golden , and tithymal or spurge , a milky juice ; out of the burdock , gums , out of the herbe chamelion , a bird-lime , &c. whose simples , if thou shalt bruise , they shall give forth another and a far more inferiour juice , to wit , a dung and venal blood , well mixt with arterial blood , however they are clarified . for let young beginners learn to distinguish and separate an arterial blood from the venal blood and substance of plants , if they do ever minde to have performed any thing worthy of praise , by simples : for from hence it comes to pass , that how stoutly soever thou hast operated in extracting , ( the manner thereof being taught by those of late time ) yet one dram of crude rhubarb doth effect more being administred in pouder , than whatsoever thou shalt extract out of a dram and a half . for the stomack resolves more by its ferment , than whatsoever the mediating or middling juices of extractions can take away ; because they resolve without distinction , liquor of the substance which is like unto a dreg , and despised . for quercetanus , when as he had taken notice , that the innermost powers of things were not to be sufficiently examined by palmestry , and anatomy , which they call , sealed ; calls divination by the fire unto his help , but he failed in the way ; to wit , he had drawn out of the ashes of a nettle , a lixivium or lye , the which by chance of fortune , an ice in his galley pot , had a little constrained or bound together ( for if the lye had been the stronger , it could not have been frozen ) he wondring in the morning , cryes out ; behold , oh what a figure of the nettle , do i behold in the glass ! and rejoycing , he established a maxim : to wit , that a seminal figurative being of herbs , doth remain in the ashes , unconquered by the fire . that good man declareth his ignorance of principles , not knowing , first of all , that every ice , beginning , maketh dented or tooth-like points , like the shape of the leaf of a nettle : and then , that the archeus is the figurer of the thing to be generated , which is burnt up by the fire , long before a coal or ashes is made . thirdly , if a lixivium should express the seminal being of herbes , surely it ought to resemble , not the leafes ; but the root , stalk , flowers and fruits . but the figurative power of the seeds , lurketh in the archeus , the vulcan of herbs and things capable of generation , which cannot subsist with fleshly eyes . it is to be begged only of god , that he may vouchsafe to open the eyes of the mind , who to adam , and who to salomon , demonstrated the properties of things at the first sight . st. theresa , having once , mentally seen a crucifix , perceived it to be the eyes of her soul ; the which she thenceforth kept open for her life-time , and the flesh hath shut them up in us , through the corruption of nature . for neither for the future , do we else , know natures from a former cause ; neither do we now know the interchangeable courses of the archeus , but by a naked observation . many simples are indeed assigned us ; but for the most part , false and disagreeable . neither doth the reading of books make us to be knowers of the properties , but by observation : no otherwise than as a boy who sounds or sings the musick , doth notwithstanding , not compose it , as neither hath he known the first grounds of harmony , by means whereof , the tunes or notes were so to be disposed . if this thing thus happen in sensible things which are to be known by sence , the reason whereof , the hearing measureth : what shall not be done in medicinal affairs , wherein the virtues of simples are not penetrable by any sense ? but the descriptions of all kind of medicines , are read , being delivered in the shops , with a defect of the knowledge of properties and agreements . for i speak concerning a knowledge of vision , such a one , as the soul hath , being separated from the body , and such a one , as god bestoweth in this life , on whom he will , and hitherto hath he removed this knowledge from the company of those who ascribe all reverence unto heathenish books . the father of lights therefore is to be intreated , that he may vouchsafe to give us knowledge , such as once he did unto bezaleel and aholiab , for the glory of his own name , and the naked charity towards our neighbours : for so , the art of medicine should stand aright in us , under every weight . but it is to be feared , lest he who hath suffered the books of salomon to perish , may reserve this knowledge of simples for the age of elias the artist . for the schools have by savours or tastes , promised an entrance unto the knowledge of simples : that as it were the crafts-men of all properties , they by sharp , bitter , salt , sweet , astringent , soure , and un-savoury , heats and colds , would measure them . but proud boastings are made ridiculous by the effect . for truly , also opium being very bitter , the which in this respect , they will have to be hot ; yet they teach it to be exceeding cold . so sharp or tart camphor , according to their rules , ought to be hot ; yet they declare it to be ( without controversie ) cold . in like manner also aqua fortis , oyle of vitriol , sulphur , &c. being soure things , according to the rules of tastes , ought to be exceeding cold . but i am to shew , at sometime , in its place , that the schools have not yet beheld the faculties of things , as to the outward bark or shell of them ; and therefore that they have passed by the fountains of their seminal properties . finally , there is in every thing , a specifical savour , which ought to teach their property , if there be any other external signates : to wit , there is in cinnamon , besides a quick sharpness , a peculiar grace or acceptableness in savour , the which thou canst scarce find in any simple besides . so gentian , elecampane , &c. have besides common bitterness , a specifical savour , which ( by reason of a singularity proper to any kinde of simples ) cannot be reduced under rules , and is the alone accuser , as also distinguisher of all properties . furthermore , that simples are to be chosen or gathered in the station wherein they are in their vigour , this is common to the schools , country people , and my self : to wit , seeds , while they are almost dry : but stalks and leafs , while being juicy , they are moist through a full quantity of venal blood : roots also , while they swell with strength , and are not as yet worn out with generating and cocting : but being now filled through much rest , their archeus being awakened , they meditate of budding . others perswade the autumn ; i for the most part , love the spring : the which i have learned by experience in polipodium , briony , &c. for the juice of herbes , is their venal blood , the which being more and more ripened , is either gathered into them , or ends into the nature of fibers , or at least wise doth slackly perform its office , whilst the vital power meditates of propagating a seed . therefore , in searching into , and gathering simples , nothing hath remained more neglected , than that which was most desired , and wherein , even from the beginning hitherto , there hath been no progress . indeed the powers of simples , and their immediate subjects , have remained unknown . for those , besides a cleer and visual knowledge of them , do require a desired preparation and appropriation . first of all , the knowledge of sciences : but that doth not presuppose traditions declared at pleasure , and transcribed one to another . but preparation doth not only require the boylings and bruisings of the shop : but the whole art of the fire . at length a fitting or suiting , applying or appropriating , requires a speculation founded in the light of nature , of man , diseases , and affects , and then their dependencies , changes , and interchangeable courses . it s no wonder therefore , that the doctrine of simples , hath remained barren . in the mean time , under so great sloath of mortals , the almighty hath vouchsafed to raise up alchymists , who might worthily think of the transmutation , ripening , tincture , and promoting of virtues , as of things chiefly necessary : and so they having proceeded by degrees unto the harmonious unity of medicine , have become the obtaining followers of their own desire . for they have not gone unto the unequal tempering or mixture of feigned humours , their strise , and defluxions ; yea , nor indeed , unto the products , or fruits of diseases ( to wit , for the avertings whereof , they had known that they followed only the relapsing cloakings of diseases ) but they converted their study unto the more formerly , or first causes : knowing that the impowering foundation of many defects , was stamped or imprinted in the archeus of life . wherefore , by the purity , simplicity , and subtility of remedies which have a mark of resemblance , they have attempted an entrance unto the middle life . that if any of them do not pierce unto the first constitutives of us ; at least wise , they may unfold their natural endowment in the entrance of these , by stirring up our powers , by their acceptable talk or communication . for truly , nature doth not only acknowledge the actions of agents , which do wholly enter into the jurisdictions of patients ( indeed there is only a corporeal action of such , and an obedience of the nourishing faculty ) but there is also another authority of agents , not to be despised , which is an unfolding of their native endowment , into the very middle life of the archeus , by reason of the sequestrings of mortality , dregginess , and turbulency . by which superiority , such agents , do suffer not any thing from their patients , and much less are they altered , by resistance or re-acting . for some remidies being thus prepared , do by their deaf wedlock , so refresh our faculties , that they do the more assure us , that they came into the world for this purpose . for some things do even refresh us by their fragrancy : also , there are other things , which being shut up , are hindered from shewing their good will unto us ; as gold , and gems or precious stones . others in the next place , ( their shakles being loosed ) are brought up into a degree , being as it were happy through the favour of an increase , and the liberty & authority of their powers or virtues being obtained , they raise us up from a fall , and comfort us : surely not more sluggishly , than ( after another manner ) deadly poysons do prostrate our strength : to wit , they drive away a corporal , yea and fermental poyson : but not that any medicine is able to renew again the powers implanted in the parts , they being extinguished , abolished , and worn out . but it hath been the error of the schools , not first to subdue the juices of herbs , together with their substance , and their ferment , before that a choice or separation of the best parts be possible to be made . then also , they have neglected diligently to search , that the juice of things being pressed forth with a press , doth afterwards , only through the odour of a certain sulphureous fire , remain uncorrupted , without sugar , or any other additament : by favour whereof it attains a certain balsamical being , and translates the airy draughts incorporated with it , unto a great act of perfection . moreover i now descend unto the labours of the shops . for first of all , although extracts may seem to ease a weak or dull stomack of pains : yet i have those in no great esteem , for their errors already before noted . but magisteries , i willingly lay up in the place of extracts , whereby the whole substance of a thing is reduced into its primitive juice . which manner of preparation , shall remain for ever unknown to the common sort of physitians . in which regression or return of solution , juices differing in kind , are voluntarily separated , swimming upon each other , for the most part , with divers grounds , and one ruler , famous in diversity , containing the seminal being , settles to the bottom . in the second place , i pitty the so many connexions , and confused hotch-potch mixtures in the shops , the bewrayers of ignorance , and uncertainty . for the schooles hope , that if one thing help not , another will help : and so ( through the preachment of herbarists ) they joyn many things together with each other , they being extolled by them , for the same purpose . the sisters of huckstery , seething and tempering or seasoning , are adjoyned : therefore the dispensatories described by the schools , and used by physitians , are commended , for expedition , and promptitude or readiness ( indeed for this cause , promptuaries or store-houses have their name ) but not for property and necessity : to wit , they having only general and universal intentions , with a substituting and dispensing one thing for another . whence they are called dispensatories . in all and every one whereof , the concourse and confounding of crude simples , do afford a conjectural event . for the sick man is on every side ( for his money ) deceived ; indeed , as well through the belief and deceit of the apothecary , as by the oath of doctorship . he thinking , that he cannot erre , deceive , or be deceived , who swears that he is admitted as a skilful and sufficient physitian . ah , i wish that magistrates , may prevent so great deceiving of patients , and fraud of physitians . i , in the first place , do greatly admire a sincere composition in simples , which is made by gods compounding . for , i find in the greater comfrey , a full remedie of a broken bone , it having all things whereof that hath need . whereto , if thou shalt admix bole , vinegar , or any other forreign things , even as i have admonished above out of paracelsus ; thou hast now corrupted the mixture ordained of god. yet , as oft as any particular things have not there intent , i do forthwith admit of adjoynings , if the things do couplingly attain that by their conjoyning , which they had not in their singularity : which is hereafter to be confirmed by a teaching experiment . an example whereof , is most evident in ink , and tinctures or dies . for indeed , at the time of repenting me of my studies , i often considered , that seeing there was in nature , a certain proportion of matter unto matter , and of form unto form , the same proportion of properties unto properties , and by consequence , of effects unto effects was also kept . but the composition of simples , presently taught me the defect of these , where their interchangeable courses do presently enter after the co-mixt beginning of the seed , and do for the most part , demolish themselves , no otherwise than as the seeds of many things being bruised and confounded together , do exclude a seminal hope . i afterwards knew , by many labours , and expences , that the mattes of remedies being advanced to a more noble dignity only by their preparation , did ascend unto a degree of perfection , liberty , subtility , and purity , and did far excel the decoctions , syrupes , and pouders of the shops co-heaped under honey . for whosoever is well instructed in the exercises of the fire , doth cleerly behold with me , that there is no medicine to be found in dispensatories , which may not contain more hurt than profit . for the schooles which profess hippocrates , if they acknowledge that diseases do proceed from sharp , bitter , salt , or soure ; may see , that they do wholly mask and season all things with one honey , and one only sugar , and do blunt the properties of remedies ( otherwise weak enough in themselves ) : as though the one and alone medicine , and top of all diseases , did stand in sweet . for they answer , that laxative medicines do operate nothing the more unsuccessfully , although sugared ; as also , because they are the more acceptable to the palate ; and thirdly , because they are thus preserved from rottenness and corruption . as to that which concerns the first ; i grant indeed , that poysons have an equal effect , whether they are accompanied with sugar , or are swallowed alone . for truly the power of laxative things , is wholly sealed in the melting of the body , as also in the putrifying of that which is melted , and so that it ought to be of no credit or esteem with poyson . therefore the answer of the schools by poysons , is impertinent unto the question concerning the remedies of diseases , as bitter , sharp , &c. unto the second i say , that it is a frivolous answer , while there is not satisfaction given unto the first . they know not therefore as yet , that the virtues of remedies are changed and blunted by sugar . that to many , the taste of aloes is more grateful , than that of honey . in the next place , that those who desire to flatter the tongue ; yet , cannot the stomack , which only by the beholding , abhorreth medicines covered over with the deceit of sugar . that a thing is more easily taken in some liquor , in a few drops , and is more freely digested or concocted within , than being seasoned with plenty of sugar . again , that things being immingled with a convenient liquor , do the more fully or piercingly enter , than being overwhelmed with much sugar . that sugar , although it be grateful to healthy persons , yet it presently becomes horried unto sick folkes , being hostile in most diseases of the stomack and womb : but that in other diseases , it oft-times makes the help of the adjoyned medicine , ridiculous or vain . for sugar is diametrically opposite to the soure ferment of the stomack , and therefore it causeth the more difficult digestions . for sugar is clarified with the lixivium of calx vive , and potters earth . for if the schooles had known the sharpness of the spirit of honey , and the stinking dregginess of sugar , they had been content with a more sparing use of them among the sick . lastly , unto the third , i say , that the schooles herein confess their ignorance , that they know not how to preserve medicines from corruption , without a pickling , and gelding of their virtues . the deceit therefore of syrupes , is sufficiently discovered , which are made onley by boyled simples , honey or sugar being added . hitherto at length , that tendeth ; that vegetables do only lay aside their juice and muscilage , by boyling in waters : which crude and impure things , do impose their troubles on the stomack , before that they being digested with the honey , do appoint us to be heirs of their virtues . especially , because the gumminess of herbes , is fryed with the honey and sugar , becomes ungrateful and troublesome to the stomack , and by boyling , a notable waste is made of its virtues . i praise my bountiful god , who hath called me into the art of the fire , out of the dregs of other professions . for truly , chymistry , hath its principles not gotten by discourses , but those which are known by nature , and evident by the fire : and it prepares the understanding to pierce the secrets of nature , and causeth a further searching out in nature , than all other sciences being put together : and it pierceth even unto the utmost depths of real truth : because it sends or lets in the operator unto the first roots of those things , with a pointing out the operations of nature , and powers of art ; together also , with the ripening of seminal virtues . for the thrice glorious highest , is also to be praised , who hath freely given this knowledge unto little ones . i also , seldom use remedies fetcht from beyond the seas , or from the utmost part of the east ; as knowing , that the almighty hath made all nations of the earth capable of curing ; neither that he would , that wares should be expected to be brought from the indian shore , as neither , that god was less favourable unto mortals , before the indies were known . therefore the divine goodness hath perswaded me , that for diseases inhabiting us , their own remedies are to be found at home . and alchymical speculations have taught me , that a small liquor may be prepared , which keeps the crasis of simples uncorrupted , without a forreign or hurtful seasoning . therefore , they boyle herbs in water , wine , or a distilled liquor , unto a third part , half , also co-heaped in a double vessel ( as they say ) and under a diploma . wherein , the chief virtues , if they do not perish ; at least wise , none but the burdensome and ungrateful muck of the herbes ( to be digested by the stomack ) is drawn out , however the decoctions and juices may be refined with whites of egges , and may be masked with sugar : because they are drunk without a separation of the pure from the invalid or weak part , without an unlocking of the shut-up virtues , without the root , and participation of life , an amending of defects , crudities , excrements , and violent powers , whose activities our nature cannot bear without a grievous dammage . and then , electuaries , confections , or pills , whether to comfort , or to loosen the body , do as yet abound with greater miseries than syrupes : for they are ridiculously , ignorantly , and unconsiderately co-knit of many simples , without boyling , only by bruising or poudering ; the which , are for the most part , cross to each other , do hurt one another , and themselves are hindered from joyning in a mutual endeavour for us , as they ought . for that is not in nature , which the schools have expected in numbers , wherein forces do agree together in one , because they consent by unities . for truly , in nature , every thing is singular , lives in its own family-administration , nor rejoyceth it in wedlock . thus far also , the operation of healing proceeds into the middle life of the archeus , the which , by connexions and confoundings , if it doth not plainly perish : at leastwise , it is manifestly weakened . for the vain successes by the mutual embracing of many seeds , ought to have admonished the schools , to abstain from the confounding of so many and so divers simples . by how much the rather , because under that multitude , many supposites or things put in the place of others , opposites , vain things , but besides most of them ponderous , impertinent , unfit , improper , and therefore , weak , barren , evil and dead things , do run together , or at least wise , are made . for although the worthinesses , and adulteries of simples , belong more to the merchants , than apothecaries : yet not to have distinguished of those simples , is the part only of a sluggish , ignorant , or covetous apothecary . in the mean time , it is certain , that for the most part , all things are at length , taken crude , hard , unripe , shut up , poysonsom , impure , bound , and unfit for the communicating of their virtues , and to be the more depraved by co-mingling . and because the stomack of sick folks is in the entry of the house , and therefore also first offended , because it is weak , and unfit to extract the middle life , being beset with so many difficulties : therefore it was by all manner of labours and singular care to be prevented , that we may prepare all things for a weak stomack , if we hope sweetly to reach unto our conceived and desired ends . the use therefore of all confections , is horride , nauseous , and tiresom . and therefore , from hence is the proverb : take away that ; for the shops have a smell . also , if thou takest way from loosening medicines , scammony and coloquintida , the whole fabrick of the shops in loosening medicines , will fall to the ground . for purgative medicines , besides scammony , coloquintida , euphorbium , elaterium , esula , and so manifest poysons , and those moreover adulterated , sorbid , and horrid ( the heads of diminishing of our faculties and strength ) do contain plainly nothing : unless we suppose the same poysons to be mitigated in aloes , rhubarbe , senna , agarick , manna , and the like , and to be so much the more obvious or easie for deceit . therefore i have hated the preparations of simples , as oft as washing , boyling , burning or scorching , adjoyning , or calcining , makes havock of their faculties . for aloes looseth its juice by washing , and the residue remaines a meer rosin , the which , by its adhering unto the bowels is a stirrer up of wringings , and the piles . in the next place , seeing the proper and chief virtue of spices is in that which is odourable , if this doth of its own accord vanish away , and voluntarily cease from the body perfumed , what shall at length be done by boyling and roasting , especially where a degree shall happen thereunto ? which thing , our distillings of odoriferous things do teach . at length , what can be said to be more foolish in the schools , than to have reduced harts-horn into an un-savoury ashes ( and that deprived of all virtue ) for great uses ? and to have substituted a gelding or rather a privation , in the stead of preparation ? for i have , learned , that that or most remedies , do by their odour & savour , as well within as without , help our infirmities : and therefore i have detested the co-mixtures of many simples , because , if unto a healing odour , thou shalt moreover adjoyn another , which may suppress , cloak , convert the former into its self , or also raise up a neutrality from them both ; i have known , that from thenceforth , the specifical healing virtue would be abolished , and the effect desired by the sick , made void . therefore , the joyning of spicy odours , and sweet tasted savours are suspected by me . furthermore , i have hated many other confections of the shops , because foolish ones : whereby they endeavour to cloak and blunt the supereminent and violent power of things , by some ridiculous things . yea , in the mean time , they declare abroad , that the in-bred savour of such a medicine , is by so much promoted , by how much they do withdraw its powers by virtues adjoyned thereunto . for in most of them , they admix some grains of cinnamon , or other fopperies , that they may subdue the furies of the more violent things ; as if the furies of laxative medicines , are tamed by some grains of spices ! for who that is but even slenderly instructed in chymical preparations , knows not , that in spicy confections , there is in the first place , the offence of plurality ? and then , that most of those things also do vainly offend in the crudity , hardness , shuting up or closness , choice , and substituting of simples . in the next place , that those simples do moreover , flow thither in an uncertain dose ? whence indeed , the hoped for effect is prevented ? and indeed , by the error of every one of them ? and that i may resolve this thing by one example : what is there i pray you , in lithontribon , or the confection for wasting or breaking of the stone , which may satisfie the promises of its etymology . for to what end is there in it , cinnamon , cloves , the three peppers , acorns , or galengal , costus , rhubarb , cassia , bdellium , mastick , amomum , peucedanum or dog-fennel , spikenard , ginger , the wood and juyce of balsame , gumme-dragon , germander , euphorbium , also the oyles of nard and muske ? do every one of these conspire for the scope proposed in the etymologie ? or whether from those being co-mixt together , and perfuming the intentions of each other , a new virtue shall arise , which may compleat its promises ? to wit , can it powerfully break the stone in the reins and bladder ? and can it presently loosen all the defects of urine ? should not opobalsamum , rather perish in other excrements and sweepings ? but in opiate confections , there is the same deafness , as in spicie ones , every where easie to be seen . the which , that i may resolve by one onely example also . for whither in aurea alexandrina nicolai , doth the confounding together of sixty five ingrediences tend ? of which simples , there is no affinity with opium and mandrake , the pillars of the confection ? truly the congresses of simples made at the pleasure of an ignorant man , have befooled the schooles , and killed the sick : they have frustrated them of their hope put into them , and by uncertaine conjectures have exposed them to sale , and made them to passe by the occasions of healing , which are unstable every moment . therefore the compositions of the shops , if thou dost examine them without prejudice of mind , thou shalt on every side , with a profitable admiration be astonished , that in syrupes , electuaries , pills , ecligmaes , trochies , and other things , the world hath been deluded by the prate of physitians , the foolish blockishnesses of the schooles , and their hurtful presumptions . for we being christians , do believe with the stoicks , that the world was composed for mans use . and when as i in times past , earnestly contemplated of that thing with my self , it presently seemed to me , that humane use might commodiously want so great , or so many poysons : for our more cold climates , i have found , at least , in this , to be the more happy , that they want creeping , poysonsome , and deadly monsters , wherewith otherwise , the hotter zone doth abound . surely , we have not much necessity , familiarity , abundance of poysons , neither shall their use , in any respect recompense so many calamities arising from thence : yea if the earth doth bring forth thornes and thistles , as a curse of sin ; truly it brings far greater calamities unto us , on its back , as well in the order of living creatures , as vegetables , which are importunate of the life of mortals : wherefore , the text threatens some very small matter by the thistles and thornes , which man had now bewailed as the greatest , in the craftiness of the serpent his enemy . surely if it be well searched into , nature hath scarce any thing free , which hath not its own venom secretly admixed with it . for we have not roses or violets , which do not assault us ; as that under so great a fragrancy , they do not hide the contagions of poyson : to wit , notable markes of putrifaction , a co-melting of our body , and filching away of our strength or faculties . therefore we entring into an account of simples , shall find but few guiltless : yea if thou shalt cast an eye on the fields , the whole globe of the earth , is nought but one onely and conjoyning spiders-web . moreover by a more full heeding of the matter , there seemeth to be at this day , the same face of things , which there was before one only sin . and so perhaps , that there were from the beginning , more hurtful and guilty . poysons , than there were good medicines in the earth ; yet there was not a medicine of destruction for man : because paradise wanted those poysons , although serpents were present ; or perhaps , poysons were to be of no hurt to man in eden , by reason of his immortality . but on the contrary , the almighty saw , that whatsoever things , ( even in the world , out of paradise ) he had made , were good in themselves , and for their ends . wherefore i long agoe was deceived in my self , as thinking how unworthy poysons were ; both because the honour of god did not require their existence ; and also because man had willingly wanted many poysons , and so i supposed that poysons were made neither for the glory of god , nor for the use of man. there are indeed a few things which are guiltless , in the use whereof , without a caution , there is safety ; but most things do fight against us with a horrid tyranny . other things also do gnaw us by scorching us with their sharpnesse ; very many other things do every where , under a shew of friendship mock us , and carry a secret destructive enemy within them . but there is nothing ( universally ) which doth not abound with dreggs , and is not horrid through impurities : in the next place , which doth not consist with crudities , an unequal tempering , and an unvanquished stubbornness of perverseness . for although man was brought into paradise , yet the creator of things worthy to be praised , foreknew from eternity , that the world should be a mansion for man ; and as he gave the earth to the sons of men , so also he made the same for man , with all things contained therein . at length , i by chymistry , beholding all things more clearly , it repented me of my former rashness , and blockish ignorance ; for truly , i did on every side , humbly adore , with admiration , the vast clemency and wisdom of the master-builder . for he would not have poysons , to be poysons , or hurtful unto us : for he neither made death , nor a medicine of destruction in the earth ; but rather that by a little labour of ours , they might be changed into the great pledges of his love , for the use of mortals , against the cruelty of future diseases . for in them lies hid an aid or succour , which the more kind and familiar simples do ( otherwise ) refuse . so , horrid poysons , are kept for the more great and heroick uses of physitians . for bruit beasts are scarce fed with them ; whether it be that they do beholdingly know a poyson , which else by odour and savour , is not bewrayed ; or that a certain spirit , the ruler of bruits , doth preserve those poysons for greater uses , as heirs of the greatest virtues : at least-wise , it is sufficient , that bruit beasts do leave the most powerful remedies for us , as it were by the command of the most high , who hath more care of us , than of beasts . for crude asarum or asarabacca , with how great anguish doth it provoke vomit , and the stomack testifieth that a poyson is present with it ? and how easily doth it depart through boyling , and the poyson is changed into an opening , urine-provoking remedy of lingring fevers , the which , the occult or hidden spiciness therein , doth discover ? so , aron or wake-robbin , being boyled in vinegar , waxeth milde , and becomes a healing medicine of great falls . wherefore the schooles have appointed corrections ; but i wish they were not ridiculous ones , not rather geldings , not withdrawings of their faculties ! indeed they think that the laxative part flies away out of asarum by boylings , even as every thing doth ( through its own rottenness ) in languishing years , consume . but at leastwise the root of asarum , doth not wax mild being boyled in wine , even so as it doth if it boyle in water : yet in an equal degree of the fire , its laxative part would in like manner fly away . therefore others think , that the crudity in asarum , is the effector of its loosening ; but these do neglect pot-herbs , which are more crude than asarum : but that hellebore is not to be ripened by boyling , if vomiting be to arise from crudity . they boyl scammony in soure things , that they may mittigate it ; but the common sort of physitians have already known that scammony is thus gelded ; so as , that if it be exposed unto the sharp vapor of sulphur , it is plainly deprived of its virtue ; and so much of the scammony doth depart , as it shall draw of the sharpness . but i being willing from a fatherly affection , to correct the furious force of medicines , do understand , that the ancient faculties or virtues of things ought to remain , and to be turned inward in their root , or to be transchanged under their own simplicity into other endowments or qualities privily lurking in the same place , under the poyson their keeper ; or to be bred a new , by reason of an added perfection : after which manner , coloquintida , turns its laxative and destructive quality inwards ; and a resolving faculty springs up from the bottom , being a greater or singular curer of cronical or long continuing diseases . for paracelsus laudably attempted that thing in his tincture of the lile of antimony ; yet was he silent , or knew not that the same thing was to be done in all poysons of living creatures and vegetables whatsoever , by their own circulated salt : for truly all the poyson of those perisheth , if they shall return into their first beings . this hinge , not the schooles , but physitians chosen of god , whom the almighty hath chosen from their mothers womb , in time to come , shall know ; and he shall make a difference of the sheep from the goats . simples therefore of great powers or virtues , are not to be gelded , nor mortified , but to be bettered by art ; by reason of the extracting of hidden faculties , or by a suspension or setting aside of the poysonsomeness , or by a substituting of one endowment in the roome of another , by commanding specifical adjuncts . these things are for those , to whom it hath not been granted to taste the power of the greater circulated salt. for some things do by adjuncts wax milde , their cruelty being laid aside , do become neutral ; to wit , through virtues being partakingly assumed on both sides . neither therefore may we borrow these adjuncts from the received dispensatories of the shops , which do not teach a bettering , or even corrections ; but a destruction of things , or surely they afford nothing but correctingmockeries . for example ; marquess charles spinelli , late general of the genoans , when as he had walked late on foot about the city , having thorowly viewed all the walls , commanded the physitians to be called , and said unto them , that he had sometimes laboured with the falling-sickness , and was cured by me , and that now and then he as yet felt a giddiness in his head , since he had come out of aquitane into liguria or genoa , by crossing the sea. a circle of physitians , next morning , gives him a scruple of white hellebore to drink , and for a correction thereof , added as much of annise-seed ; presently after half an hour , he vomiteth , and afterwards he invokes the aid of me , being absent , and accuseth his murderers , saying , helmonti mio , voi me lo dicesti , gli medici t'ucciderano . oh my friend helmont , thou toldst me this ; that these physitians will kill thee . he was silent , and after two hours , his stomack being first contracted , and then having a convulsion throughout his whole body , he dies : the physitians seek excuses , and the earth covered their fault . for so the confections of the schooles throughout their dispensatories , do carry many foolish correctives into the fardle with them , opiates have not things ( especially ) adjoyned unto them ; but laxatives , for the most part , ginger , mace , annise , and whatsoever things might cure wringings of the bowels , from a later effect of loosening medicines . fie , with how unpunished a liberty , doth ignorance rage on mortals ! how little do they understand their own hippocrates : if those things are taken away , which is meet , ( that is , which hurt and burden ) the sick feels himself better , and doth easily bear it . for seeing those things which hurt within , do now and then , scarce weigh a dram , every purge which is directed for health , ought to be an evacuation , either unperceivable , or at leastwise , exceeding moderate , and that with a restoring of the strength or faculties . for this is that which the sick do easily bear , with profit or help . the correctories therefore of medicines , are unprofitable patcheries , and a weight described by the schooles , without the knowledge of things , and so destructive at least , to the medicines , if not together also , to the sick . this part of medicine requires a diligent and expert secretary of nature ; because in that part , the most ample riches of medicines , and guilded houshold-stuffe of glaura , is found . the schooles had in times past , learned of our philosophers , that most excellent virtues do inhabite in simples , over which destructive poysons were appointed chief keepers : thereupon , their rashnesse succeded , which co-mingled express poysons , and manifest corrosives , with antidotes ; hoping , that by the goodness and quantity of adjuncts , the malignity of the poyson was to be overcome ; as if it were convenient for health , for a pestilentious glove , to be brought unto guests into a chamber filled with healthy aire . for i do not here accuse the viper in triacle , without which , to wit , this hotch-potch of simples is as it were dead ; for the flesh of vipers is in it self unhurtful , and without poyson ; yea , an antidote against poyson : but little balls prepared thereof , in the boyling do leave all their state in the pottage , which the raw flesh did keep . i complain in this place of arsenical things , which are magistrally ( as they call it ) put into an antidote . for the schooles by reason of the rashness of boldness , or self-confidence , presume to deserve credit , and to have placed the glory of studies , in the authority of their possession . neither is it alwayes , that even the most excellent virtues do abide or dwell about destructive poysons , in the same subject , so as that these are covered over by poysons . for arsenick and orpiment , &c. how much soever they may be fixed , and dulcified or made sweet ; yet they are never to be taken inwardly , however others shall otherwise perswade . they onely prevaile without , and do kill and tame other poysons of ulcers , if they themselves have been first subdued . the corrections therefore of medicines , are without the knowledge of properties , parts , and agreements . for what doth a spice ballance , in respect of a poyson ? if the whole body of man being strong and full of life , doth presently faint or fall down at the stroke of the tooth of a viper ? shall wolfes-bane wax mild through the admixing of the clove ? shall coloquintida cease to putrifie , together with its gripings , if it be joyned with gumme-dragon ? the corrections therefore , in dispensatories , are burdens , and blockish addittaments , which do not cause the moderatings of poysonous qualities : but wastings of their faculties . for even as poysons , have a fermental readinesse of acting , so we were to have laboured , that we might reserve the strength and aptness of medicines , but withal that we might direct them through the in-graftings of art , unto the necessities of chronical and far scituated diseases . this one onely thing remains in this business , that we do infringe and tame the chief or greatest violence of the thing , with the propagation of its ferment . wherefore as i do ( in general ) pity the compositions and corrections of the shops ; so i do as yet more detest the precipitatings , glassifyings , and preparations of mercury , antimony , tuttie , sulphur , &c. and likewise , the adulterations of spirits out of spices , hot seeds , vitriol , sulphur , &c. for they are prepared for gain , by our fugitive servants , and purchased by the shops , rather to the disgrace of the art of the fire , than for the defect of the sick . i likewise bewail the shameful simplicity of those , who give men , leaf-gold , and bruised or poudered precious stones , to drink , with great hope , selling their ignorance , if not deceit , at a great rate . as if the stomack may expect even the least succour thereby . and therefore the more subtile error of those , is more to be bewailed , who corrode gold , silver , corals , pearls , and the like , by sharp liquors , and seem to dissolve them , and think that by this means , they are to be admitted within the veins , and truly to communicate their properties with us . for they know not , alas , they know not , that that which is sou● , is an enemy to the veins ; and therefore that the forreign sharpness of the dissolving liquors being conquered and transchanged , those mettals and stones are a pouder , as before : the which , into howsoever the finest pouder it may be reduced , yet nothing of it is digested by the stomack , or bestows on us , its virtues . which thing that thou mayest see before thine eyes : for pour thou the salt of tartar on things that are dissolved in some brackish corrosive liquor , and presently , that which was dissolved , will fall to the bottom in form of a pouder : for if strong waters or aquae fortes's , do not change mettals in their substance ( although those are made transparent , which were before thick or dark ) but that silver is thence , safely recovered ; with what blindness therefore , do they give stones and pearls to drink , as if through the corrosives , they should lead the antient essence of stones or a mettal behind ? for it was the invention of a subtile deceiver , that he might have his medicines in great esteem with the sick : because ignorant deceivers think , that if the thing dissolving be not distinguished by the sight , from the thing dissolved , that the very thing also dissolved , is truly transchanged in its substance . in the next place , oyles and fatnesses are not of value for balsams , oyntments , and emplaisters , unless perhaps , as they may give a consistence to the medicine . for first , a great part of men do not suffer oyntments in their skin , because they stir up itchings and wheales , with swelling . and then , because the aforesaid oyles , are for the most part prepared out of herbes , the virtue whereof , lurketh in a muscilaginous and gummy juice : but that juice is drawn by boylings , into the broaths , or is pressed forth with a press , the which is not truly married to oyles , but being fixed , doth at length , wax hard . but i do more rightly constrain or gather the balsams of flowers , in honey : yet , i more admit of the simplicities of simple oyles , than of compound ones : therefore i do most especially expel the disconsonant and deaf compositions of the oyntments and emplaisters of the shops : because nothing is more blockish , than for the pouder of vegetables , in fixing , to be scorched , and so made unfit under various fatnesses , and those ignorantly co-mixed : the which , if it shall be mineral , it doth not admix it self with fat ; but rather , is so covered and imprisoned within the oyntments , that it becomes of none effect , and is for weight only . for nothing is to be mixed with oyles , oyntments , or emplaisters , which cannot be homogeneally resolved in them , throughout their whole body . it is also worthy of loud laughter , that loaf , or the whitest sugar , is commended , not because it is more sweet , and more worthy in its virtue ; but because it is dearer , and hath often boyled with the lixivium of calx vive : whereas the name of purity , hath caused a juggle . flowers , herbes , &c. being bruised , and loaf-sugar admixed therewith , do fall asleep ; those which are mixt with the more sweet sugar , do snatch up a ferment , and in waxing hot , do unfold the virtues of a simple : but presently after , through a close digestion of heat , the ferment is restrained , and they become far more powerful . but the diversity of the ferment depends on the lixivium , wherewith one of the sugars doth abound , but the other wanteth that lixivium . i am wont also , to apply unguents outwardly , with choice or judgement : to wit , in affects , wherein the cure is abroad or far from the center , as in a wound , bruise , burn , &c. i perswade them to be applyed luke-warm . but where an inward affect requires an outward succour , as the bloody-flux , collick , convulsions in the stone of the reins , a schirrhus , &c. i bid that the oyntments be cherished from without , with a heated stone , or hot sand : and that thing , i learned , by beholding chaff walking upwards and downwards in a kettle of luke-warm water , as it were from heat under-kindled : and therefore first i conjectured , that through a potent heat , oyntments being applyed , are quickened , and do joyn their spirit to our venal blood : and then , i certainly found , that thus , the evil or malady is drawn or allured forth , and that symptomatical on-sets are stayed : and that whatsoever things baths do perform in the whole body ; this same thing , heated and kept-warm oyntments , do finish in a part thereof , without the decay of the whole body . for a cherishing tile or brick , doth drive the odour of the emplaister inwards , and doth attract outward , those things , which being the more slow , do else stick fast : and likewise the spirit making the assaults , is attracted together with the blood , is dispersed by the heat , and another succeedeth in its place , draweth the force of the medicine , and as it were boyling up within , is driven back . concerning the gathering of simples also , men are not every where , sufficiently grounded . they determine , that roots are to be gathered in time of autumn : but for the most part , many things do afford the more effectual roots in the spring-time . polipodium flourisheth chiefly at spring ; but in autumn , it affordeth a grey and black root : indeed barren and oldish . i judge , that all things are to be gathered immediately before their state of maturity : for a full ripeness is a beginning of declining . therefore let all fruits , flowers , roots , leafs , barks , &c. have their own determined spaces of ripenesses . for also , the juice in plants doth first abound , the which in many doth forthwith after wax dry , or is consumed into leafs . therefore , the variety of maturities , doth bring forth a variety of collections . for so , some leafs are more lively after their flowers , but others are more juicy before their leafs . then also , there are some things which are stronger before the increase of their fruit. some remain with a perpetual countenance . wherefore , they do the more rightly determine , who measure simples according to the requirance of their aim . chap. lx. the power of medicines . . the authors comfort in his persecutions . . the author decyphers his adversaries . . a dream of the author . . he felt or perceived the elementary qualities . . he perceived coagulations . . he perceived atrophiaes or consumptions of the flesh . . he perceived drynesses in us . . he perceived drynesses in other things . . an error of the schooles . . whence the heat of the liver is , and in what manner it subsisteth . . he perceived the adulteries of merchants . . he perceived two savours of things . . notable things touching the taste and savour . . he perceived the causes of healing . . and likewise , a twofold manner . . he perceived the hope of immortality to be taken away . . he perceived a certain goodness in nature . . he perceived the digestive ferments . . he perceived true diureticks or provokers of urine . . he perceived the changing properties of salts . . he perceived the spirit of salt to be changed by the co-touching of things connexed . . he perceived the nigh or ready , or slow obediences of salts . . he perceived salts to be the authors of wringings of the bowels . . the top or perfection of salts is seen in their first being . . he perceived specifical savours . . the definition of a savour . . things without savour are tasted by the stomack , which are not judged of , or discerned by the tongue . . he perceived the occult property , and the boastings of the schooles . . the searching after hidden or secret things , is not [ for what ] but by the way [ of because ] from the effect to the cause , according to the gospel . . he perceived unstopping or opening things . . he perceived the activities of salts . . he perceived the spirits of minerals . . he perceived the loosening poyson of purging things . . a threefold sign of a laudable laxative . . the error of paracelsus . . chymistry . . distilled things are not to be judged suitable , or equal to their concrete bodies . he perceived many things to be transchanged by adjuncts . . he perceived the sanguine glassie colour of a mettal . . he perceived the distillation of lead , whereof paracelsus above . . he cured divers diseases . . he perceived that the planetary faculties of mettals were to be drawn forth by a higher or deeper resolving , than that which hath been before . . he perceived the divers virtues of dissolved gold. . he perceived the virtues of the alkahest . . he perceived the virtues of mercurius vitae , in its synonimal or fellow name of lile . . he perceived the action of renewing things . . he perceived the root of a bewitching sorcerie . . he perceived poysons . . he perceived the actions of things , according to the applications of the receiver . . an idiotism of paracelsus , about the nourishing of a wound . . the use of salt. . the variety of oyles . . the use of the water , and salt of artificiated things . . the elixir of a spice . . the praise of magisteries . . meats seasoned , why unwholesome . . a censure of some minerals . . he perceived a sixfold digestion . . he perceived when the venal blood is quickned . . what the inward and anointed grease may suffer . . he perceived the action of cantharides and caustick remedies . . he perceived the virtue of an amulet . . the virtue of stones . . he perceived whence the diversity of effects in acting , is . . he perceived the necessities of death . . the order of chymical operations . vexation brings forth understanding , as too much pressure stifles it . although in my sharpest adversities , i might make use of job , and paul ; yet the lord jesus , the son of god , so over-mightily helped me by his exemplary straits or griefs , that he did not only ease my labours ; but as it were bear them in himself . let his name be alwayes honourable in my sight . for i perceived the examples of saints , to be indeed inductives or motives , but not to confer any grace , by themselves . for my mind in my greatest pressures , for the most part , grieved , that i was comforted after a certain humane manner , and through the sloath of unsensibleness : that i did rather resemble an arrogant stoicism , than that i did with the joy of concentricity or a mutual centredness , purely resign up my tribulations unto my most bountiful jesus . for i feared that rest of my soul which innocency raised up , lest it might proceed from a despising and arrogancy , and so lest my tribulations should be fruitless : that i , ( i say ) being immingled with the common lot and fellowship of the good men of the age prophesied of , had become evil and unprofitable . for i feared every hour , that i was unsensible of grief , neither that i did in the least , feel those persecutions brought on me by a certain clergy-man , and those great ones which joyned with that clergy-man , and at length , by the better part of the people , otherwise , in a man which was but in the least judicious , very sensible ones . for i feared , lest that unbroken rest of my mind , might happen from a despite toward my enemies . i intreat therefore , that god , the fountain of all good , may judge with clemency : at least wise , i often considered , by largely running through the foregoing ages , and future persecutions of the christians ; that the first persecution of the church , was violent , and that of tyrants : afterwards , that there was another which followed , that was fraudulent , and that of hereticks : but ours hath indeed , arose from hypocrites ; but that it should be composed of deceit and force . for there are those ( as saith the prophetess st. hildegard ) who shall first deceive the potent prelates , and their subjects or substitutes , under a shew of piety : and at length , as many as will not favour them , they shall oppress by the power of great men . good god , what have not i felt , and how much could not i witness ? but the whole revenge , have i referred to thee alone , and i intreat thee out of charity , that thou wouldst spare them , or that thou wouldst not damn them for my sake : because i receive all things from thy hand , and they know not what they do . at length , i thought of a means whereby i might meditate , that all my tribulations were transferred on the head of nero and tiberius . therefore i being at once , wearied and refreshed , and suddenly with great consolation , sliding as it were into a dream , i saw my self in a certain kingly pallace , excelling humane artifices . but there was a high throne , encompassed with an unaccessable light of spirits . but he who sate in the seat of the throne , is called [ he is ] and the foot-stool of his feet [ nature ] the porter of the court , was called [ understanding ] who without speech , reached unto me a little book , a choice out of darkness , the name whereof was [ the bud of a rose not yet opened ] and although the porter uttered no voice , yet i knew , that little book was to be devoured by me . i stretched forth my hand , and ate it up . and it was of an harsh and earthy taste , as if it would stop up my winde-pipe ; so as i swallowed it with a great slowness of labour . from whence , afterwards , my whole head , seemed to be transparent . then , afterwards , another spirit of a superiour order , gave me a bottle , wherein was [ fire-water ] as being in one word : a name altogether simple , singular , undeclinable , unseparable , unchangeable , and immortal . but i knew not what my business was with it : neither , heard i any thing more of it ; and by reason of the fear of its greatness , my jawes were shut up , and my voice clave to my jawes . at length , having performed due worship before the throne , i endeavoured diversly to experience , what the bottle might contain . behold , before the doors of the court , there was the art of the fire , a cheerful old woman being the turn-key , who did not open the locks without , unless the porter had first withdrawn the bolt within ; the which he did not attempt , unless , from a sign given him by the light of the throne . but unto those that knocked at the doors , the porter answered , the key-keeper holding her peace : i know you not . but they who tryed to look in thorow the lattices of the windows , being smitten with darkness , forthwith fell down mad , many wandred up and down , promising great things without a foundation . i stood a good while silent ; and then afterwards , a hand ( the rest of whose body i saw not ) led me aside unto a pleasant garden : where on a sudden , all simples worshipped me , as though every one had been singular by themselves . in which assault , i felt or perceived all the simples of the world , not indeed , as if their qualities did act in me ( for i being but one , had not been sufficient for the bearing of them all ) as it were , their object : but they all were seen , as on a theatre , to represent in me their tragedies . and i wish , i may well declare them with my pen ! i perceived in the first place , that all heats , colds , moistures , and dryths , were as it were momentary qualities , happening on things constituted , like colours : but those things which do heat , cool , moisten , or dry us up , i perceived , that that did not happen indeed , by reason of an excess of those qualities , whose names they did obtain : but in respect of an appropriation of the object . for in this respect , the dead carcass of a man , who dyed of a languishing death , although being nigh the fire , it violently waxed luke-warm ; yet , unto our touching , it seemeth to be most cold ; so that the hand can scarce recover its heat a long while after it . and surely , that comes not to pass , through a quality generated in us , which is named cold : the which indeed in contemplating of it , doth so many points exceed our heat , that it imprints an excess of so great cold : but rather because the vital spirit being greatly afraid of the dead carcass , doth depart or retire from the hand . for in like manner , camphor , resembling the savour of pepper , and bitter opium , are said to cool , as they subdue or chase the archeus : after which manner also , a feverish blas , being the same in number , doth stir up , first cold , and afterwards heat , in the archeus . i perceived therefore , that hot things , from the moment of their first degree , even unto the degree of an eschar , do not brand our temperature with an excess of heat : to wit , by producing in us an excelling of their heat : but by the ministry of sharp salts , they do so inflame our archeus , that they do more and more exasperate the same ; and at length , do by burning , assume a fiery violence , through the motion of their own blas : such as is the prune and persian fire . and therefore , none of those hot things do heat dead carcasses . in the next place , i perceived , that nothing doth properly moisten us , but by appropriation , and therefore that neither doth water properly moisten us through a defect of appropriation , which is the cause of approximating or the nearest approaching , and assimilating . but those things which do besmear , stuffe up , resolve , and make the substance of our body ( as it were by small points ) salt , without the sense of burning heat and sharpness : those things i say , do moisten . and that only occasionally , and as it were , by accident . therefore i have perceived , that whatsoever things do dissolve , resolve , and co-melt glutinous things , do moisten : to wit , as they do withdraw the impediments of coagulation and drying . and therefore the mallow , marsh-mallow , and those things which are believed to be moistening , and so do stop transpiration , have produced an error in the schools . for truly , such a moistening , was nothing but a diseasie detaining of excrements , but not a dewie moistening of the parts . i perceived also , that no other things do dry up in us , but those which by extenuating , do dispose to exhalation . for so sweat , although it moisten the skin , and make the habit of the body swollen , yet it meerly dryes us . furthermore , whatsoever things do coagulate , i perceived rather to harden and make clotty , than to dry up ; and therefore resolving is opposite unto coagulating , but not moistening . but those things which do induce an atrophia or consumption for lack of nourishment , and do make lean , i perceived that was not done by a drying quality ; but because the liquor , otherwise nourishable , is theevishly withdrawn elsewhere : by occasion whereof , the ferments connexed to heat , do perfect a true drying . i perceived therefore , that there was no other drying in us , than that which was made by the resolving of the ferments , and the diflation or pussing away of heat . i perceived , i say , that coagulation it self , or hardening , did proceed from its own curd , or property of a seed , promoting the liquors into a more solid fruit. i perceived also , that dry things , which drink up liquors into them , although they are actually dry , yet that they are quickly satiated or filled with moistures , do cease from combibing , neither that they do at length enter into the root of the mixture of dry things : and therefore i perceived , that thirst is not an introduced quality of driness ; but that natural thirst is a sense of the latex being diminished , but not so plainly failing , that it may even accuse of a principiating driness . so i perceive , that a thirst besides nature was not a token of drying ; for such do drink and extend the bottome of their belly , their thirst remaining safe . for that thirst doth proceed , as a forraign excrement doth cause the nourishable juice of the stomack to melt . for truly , while i describe my feelings or perceivances , i am not so much besides my self , as that i shall deny the excess of an external heat , to burn , and cause a wound or ulcer ; or that cold excelling , doth mortifie as if it did burn . but in the dream proposed , i onely perceived them as they are serviceable to the speculation of healing . therefore the examples of excessive heat and cold , are like a sword , but not to be referred among the occasional and internal causes of diseases , to be considered by a physitian ; if indeed , according to the speculations of medicine , health is expected by the removal of those : wherefore the speculation of external and antecedent causes , is not curative , but onely now and then , significative and directive . for a wound being once inflicted , although the sword be taken away , the wound is not healed ; neither is the fire to be taken from the hearth , although it hath at sometime burnt or scorched some-body in the same place . for truly , the causes of diseases are inward , as they are connexed occasions ; therefore the consideration and removal of those , is truly medicinal . but the schools , when they saw the fire to burn its objects , likewise also , cold to mortifie and destroy ; and so the body of man , by those external qualities excelling , to be diversly disturbed ; they for that cause thought , that effects which should have heat adjoyned unto them , were raised up by fire ; and in this respect , that in feavers , two elements did strive in us , whereof the water should alwaies obtain the former part of the victory ; but the fire the latter part thereof ; to wit , that the fire did cause erisipelas's , the prune or burning coal , the accute or persian fire , the burning feaver , &c. that it did likewise harden by drying or exsiccation of schirrus's , stones , bones , and knots . they have also decreed remedies beseeming such rules , by contrarieties , not knowing after what sort the spirit of life may stir up heats and colds , without fire , or icy cold ; because neither from the elements of our body , or from feigned humours : but they have on both sides neglected the [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] or violent assailant of hippocrates : even as i have sometime by one example of a thorn thrust into the finger , demonstrated ; wherein the heat , pain , inflamation , feaver , do not efficiently proceed from the fire of the thorn , but because the sensitive spirit doth grievously bear the forreign thorn : so indeed , heat and cold are accidents , impertinent to the nature of a feaver ; even as in the liver are felt its heats , because in the same place there are its thorns ; and the heat is not the cause , but the effect of the thorn . and therefore the alterations which do happen in the vital family-admistration , and do cease in dead carcases , do not depend on the fire or icyness of the body or humours , but on the beginnings of life . yea , if the schools had touched at the matter as it is , they had found , that natural , artificial baths , &c. do not dry and burn us up , but rather moisten us , unless their heats are inordinate , and of daily continuance ; yea , neither then indeed , otherwise than because more is consumed than is received , doth the body accidentally wither . at length , i presently after the first qualities , perceived the theevish adulteries of merchants , wherewith they load , defile , estrange , and substitutively dissemble foreign medicines or drugs ; who have no need of my doctrine , because they are such as are not moved with the fear of hell. i presently after perceived two distinct savours at least , of things , if not sometimes three or four ; one to wit , whereby things are sharp , bitter , salt , &c. but the other , which is called specifical , being appropriated to the seed . the first therefore i perceived to be the dignities and offices of salts ; not indeed of salts separated from the three first things , or ( as they say ) drawn from corporeal beginnings , but of salts glistening in their composed body : but the other of the savours , i perceived to be the seminal nature of odours , performing , or at least unfolding the office of forms in concrete bodies : for salts , as being most sensible , do first offer themselves to the taste ; whereunto therefore hippocrates hath attributed the knowledges of diseases ; to wit , bitter , salt , sharp , and brackish , pointing forth diseases . but heats and colds he rather understood to be subsequent affects or passions , than diseases . but i do ascribe their judgement to the taste , by reason of the aforesaid tastable qualities , wherein for the most part a more profound power or faculty sits , and containing the seminal and efficient cause . but not that therefore the judgement concerning diseases doth belong to the tongue and the pallate ; but i name it the taste , by reason of the tastable qualities : otherwise , it is the feeling wherewithal the instruments are strongly endowed , whose sensitive force , by an approximation of touching , makes the signs of friendship , or enmity about the hidden thing perceiveable . after this manner therefore , i perceived that it is the offices of the salts exceeding in force , which do unfold the vertues of the subordinate forms of their concrete body , and carry them unto the archeus , as it were their object whereon they act . therefore i perceived that cures , as well by mediciues as by nature , are made by an appeasing of the disturbed archeus , and the removal of the seminal and diseasie character produced by the archeus . this indeed i have perceived to be the nearest , safest , and highest or chiefest curing : but that which succeedeth by the help of secrets , is busied about the taking away of the product . and therefore i have perceived , that arcanum's do operate as salts . indeed such cures do happen , by removing of that which is hurtfull , and by adding that which is defectuous : for else , those things which do hinder increases or appropriations , have rather a regard unto prevention , than unto curing it self ; but hurtfull things are taken away by resolving , cleansing , exhaling , or expelling ; which properties are agreeable unto salts . but the removals of that which is hurtfull are not duly wrought by poisonous , melting , and putrifactive things ; as neither by the withdrawings of the venal blood and life . but the adding of that which is deficient , i have perceived not to be done by a proper means ; and therefore that we go back or decline by little and little , through great want of the tree of life ; the which be it spoken of the vital faculties , but not of the want of the venal blood , which is restored by the kitchins . but i have perceived , that nature doth voluntarily rise again , and repair some of her defects , if she shall be made to sit up after her prostrating : to which end also , balsamical and tinging things do help . i perceived also , that in the stomack is bred a soure salt , partly volatile , and partly fixed . but that both are afterwards changed by their ferments of the bowels , which being enslaved by snatched ferments , do often and successively measure their original : to wit , of a mummial ferment , is made the salt of the venal blood , which is to rectifie or govern our family-administration : but if in the kidney it be made diuretical , it is now made an urinary salt . i perceived therefore , that those things are onely and truly provokers sf urine , which have a faculty of increasing the urinary salt , and which do make it an easie client unto themselves . in the next place i perceived , that not onely in the dispositive ferments of the organs , but besides , by reason of magnum oportet , or the necessary remainder of the middle life , in simples themselves , that there are their properties of propagating and changing salts . for some things have more gross salts , and those unfit for receiving the ferment of the stomack , and therefore they remain unconquered . others , in the next place there are , which by a hostile property , are contrary to the vital powers , and so they enter not but for troublesome ends , into the inns of life . i perceived , that the volatile salt of the spirit of vitriol , did from a ready obedience in the first action of dissolution , pass into a meer alume . for if the body of mercury shall coagulate into a white powder , although it reserve nothing of the matter or vertues of mercury ( for that declareth the former weight of mercury ) yet it passeth into a meer alume . but if the sharpness of vitriol shall finde in the stomack a muscilage meeting with it , it melts the same ; neither yet therefore doth it become aluminous : so that i perceived one and the same salt to be diversly transchanged by the thing connexed with it . i perceived therefore , that there were some salts which would cleanse away the filths in the stomack , before they were subdued by its ferment : but others which did slowly open their saltnesses , and that not but after another digestion ; and seeing they did now manifest that thing , that they were diuretical , and diaphoretical or sudoriferous salts ; so also , that then they would successfully free the veins of their obstructers . i moreover perceived , that there are salts which do not finde their disposition but at the time of dunging ; and they are sharp and colical , or those which are opposite to these , and are connexed in oily essences . but the chiefest and most successfull of salts , is that which reacheth unto the utmost bound and subtility in nature , which passeth thorow all things , and in acting doth alone remain immutable , and the which doth at pleasure through a ready obedience , resolve other things , and melts and makes volatile all rebellious matter , even as hot water doth snow . i by and by perceived , specifical savours , ( to wit , of mace , saffron , &c. ) to be as properties , or as the shop of the ultimate forms , uttered by salts excelling in strength . not indeed that these savours were the proper vertue of that form , but rather the fermental putrifaction of that seed , proceeding unto that ultimate form . for truly , a savour , as such , is a solitary quality , unprofitable for healing , a witness of the putrifying of its ferment by continuance , a co-operator of curing , as it disposeth the archeus , as a messenger , that it may descend into the knowledge of a hidden property : for unless , things shall smile on the archeus by savour and odour , they are not admitted within . yea , purging medicines being in their first look without savour ( as are turbith , hermodactiles , jallop , mercury , stibium , &c. ) as being masked with much sugar ; yet if they are taken again , they cause horrour and abomination . there is therefore one taste of the tongue , and another in the stomack , as it were the utmost part of the archeus . therefore stomatical savours which are acceptable , do denote , that there is in the thing , a bountiful life a-kin to ours : wherefore a cat is more delighted with the smell of putrified and stinking fish , than of cinnamon . so indeed , we do oft-times well perceive , that poysons are occult or hidden , by reason of their specifical savour and odour , horrid to our midriffs . in like manner , as oft as a pleasing taste appears in a poyson , i have perceived , that under the same simple , there lurketh a great secret ; the which , the poyson being repelled , is born and ordained for difficult effects . i afterwards perceived , that besides specifical savours , and the gratefulness , benevolence , or horrors of these , there was a certain formal property issuing forth ; yet unperceivable by the tongue , and to be comprehended by the archeus alone . the schools are amazed , when they come unto occult qualities , as they do therefore call them : for when they cannot ascribe their trifles to heats , colds , and the begged complexions of these , writers indeed do lay aside their pen , and physitians do lift up their shoulder and eye-browes , because they accuse that property to be known to them in the effect , but unknown in the cause : and they excuse themselves of this ignorance , because the searching into those properties is impossible for mans understanding , the which , they else , had already long since enquired into : as if they should say ; we schools are able to determine of as much as the mind of man can search : we therefore decree , that no powers of things can be understood , or searched into by man , but those which are the first qualities of the elements , or to arise from these : we confess therefore , that the formal faculties are occult , because unpossible to be known . certainly , the schools are exceeding clayie or earthy , watery , airy , cloudy and fiery ! how ignorant do they shew themselves of their own objects , and how unlike to the exercise or practice which they profess ! for they have enslaved their wits to sluggishness , that nothing may be more acceptable unto them , than to have inclined to excuse their excuses in the ignorance and impossibility of nature , wherewith every one vails his own in particular . for at first , when the antients saw any disease to be cured by a specifical and appropriated remedy , they were amazed as it were , at the miracle of an unwonted thing : but afterwards the schools thought it satisfaction enough , to have banished their blockishnesses into a general ignorance . for neither , although they had distinguished causes from the elementary qualities , unto them known , had they therefore spoken any thing undefiled , and without suffusion of the sight . for whoever hath more searched out the cause of moistness in the water , or of heat in the fire , by a reason from a former cause , than of drawing iron in the load-stone ? the elementary qualities therefore , are as hidden as any other . truly in this were the schools blinded , because they have proceeded against the doctrine of the gospel : for primitive truth willeth , that we know the tree by its fruits ; but the schools will , that the fruit ought to be known by the tree . i will therefore shew by the fruits , in what manner we must come unto the knowledge of the tree . first of all therefore , for the knowing of occult causes , a certain effect is supposed , and likewise a cause thereof ; neither is it doubted , what that effect , or what the cause thereof may be ; but the knitting of them both , is only sought for : to wit , after what sort , the effect proceeds from the cause ; or on the other hand , after what manner , and by what means , such a cause may produce its effect . the knowledge i say , of the tree and its fruit , is presupposed : the which , if we compose them for healing ( for if the whole world be for man , also the whole physical knowledge of nature , shall therefore be subservient to man ) the knowledges of ones self shall be first to be presupposed : to wit , that a true physitian , doth know the tree of the whole nature of man , and the fruit thereof ; to wit , health . likewise also the tree of vitiated health , and the very rank or order of health depraved , as the fruit of that . which proper knowledges of the thingliness or essence , together with its adjacents , are required . therefore , that we may know the tree in its root and properties , that ought to be done by the fruits : wherefore also , the fruits are first to be known . but the fruits as well of entire , as of vitiated health , seeing they are the scopes whereunto the properties of occult remedies are referred , have themselves in manner of a tree and trunk , whereinto the young budding slips , and seeds of things ought to be ingrafted , as it were the fruits of the same . this indeed the ordination of medicine requireth , that remedies , although they have themselves , in manner of a cause ; yet that they become fruits or effects in us , as they do fructifie in our tree : and so , they are not only the fruits of their own native tree , whence in the nature of things they are derived ; but rather , they are new fruits , from an ingrafting of a product , and so are plainly promiscuous , of a branch , or fruit of the tree implanted , and of the vital power of the stock , whereinto it is ingrafted . such fruits indeed , do bewray their own tree : and so , as in every progress of nature , a duality of sex is required for the production of every fruit ; it was no wonder that the rank , and applications of occult qualities , or remedies , hath remained unknown , if it hath hitherto stood neglected , that a healthy , and diseasie state is bred by the same parent : and so also they have referred the whole essence of a disease , into external , occasional , efficient , and warring causes ; but not into the true and inward tree of sicknesses . let us suppose therefore the archeus to be provoked , and almost furious , the which being provoked by occasional causes , doth pour forth its own blood , and causeth the bloody-flux : or likewise , let us feign the archeus , grievously bearing the mark of pain , conceived in some part serving to the last digestion , and being as it were stung with fury , to stir up an erisipelas . the question is , of finding out a remedy , by the occult or hidden property . the schools therefore have considered to apply cooling things to the erisipelas , as to the fruit , and they would not apply a remedy to the vitiated tree . but the secretaries of natural things , have attended to the aforesaid furies , to be restrained by fear ; so that the fear is not to be incurred on the man , but on the archeus . therefore they have killed the most fearful creature ; to wit , a hare : not indeed with a weapon , that he might dye by an unexpected death ; but by hunting , that he might perish by the biting of dogs : whereby a doubled force of fear may be imprinted on his whole body . therefore they have tinged a bloody towel in the blood of the hare , and kept it being dryed : and that they have administred by pieces in wine , and the dysentery was cured . and likewise , they have put it dry on the erisipelas , and it was cured . yea , the germane souldiers , do give an hare dryed in the smoak , in drink , and the bloody-flux or dysentery is cured with an undeceiveable event . from whence they have learned , that cuttings of veins and purgings are vain , whether thou respectest feigned humours , or in the next place , a diminishing of heat and strength , together with the blood : likewise , that coolings are ridiculous ; because they are those things which endeavour to heal from the effect , do never touch at the roots , and for that cause , do for the most part provoke nature into greater furies . the erisipelas therefore , and bloody-flux , have obtained some common point wherein they might agree : and that is a certain ideal poyson bred by the archeus : for truly in the tree of man , every exorbitant passion of the archeus , doth tinge its own idea or likeness on the blood , yea and on the excrements , no less than in the tree of a dog , through the exorbitancy of madness , fruits are bred in his spittle , which do afterwards produce in us , the fruit of the transplanted madness . therefore the knowledge of hidden remedies , is badly sought into from the fruit. for i have known , that whatsoever things are made in the world , are made from the necessity of the seeds of every archeus , and so by means of an incorporeal and invisible being . but i have known , that seminal beings do arise from an imaginative sorce of soulified things , or the archeus of the same , by a co-like perturbation : and so , that by a certain invisible principle , this visible world is continued : but in things subjected , or not soulified , i have observed , that they after a co-like manner , have themselves by the same certain analogical proportion : but that every disjoynting or irregularity of the archeus , doth by its idea's , frame the seeds to be poysons unto its own body , and so a sound tree rusheth into a vitiated one . i have considered , that the poysons of some things which are bred with us , do bear seeds , not those which by the exorbitancy of their of own archeus ; but in respect of our archeus , might produce vitiated idea's , and to themselves natural , to us mortal idea's . whence indeed , if fruits or branches be implanted into the tree of our entire health ; it happens , that from both , as it were from a promiscuous sex , vitiated or poysonous fruits do arise in us . but the poysons are on both sides , among the number of occult properties . let therefore , suitable helps or remedies , have idea's which are chiefly the extinguishers of the poysoned idea's : or those which by an eminent goodness , may transchange as well the archeus , the producer of the poyson , as the poyson it self produced : whence i have very clearly learned , that almost every poyson , and its antidote , and so also the whole race of occult or formal properties , do seminally descend from the activity of a vital light . for so the poysons of soulified creatures do arise from disturbances : the which , by how much the sharper they shall be , by so much also , the more cruel poysons they bring forth . for so the poysons of serpents , are bred from anger , envy , sury , pride , and those being variously mixed with fear . but the corrosive and putrifactive poysons of minerals , are bred of salts , sulphurs , and mercuries , whereby their fury is propagated by a seed analogical or agreeable in proportion . but how evident is that thing in the company of vegetables ? where those seminal perturbations , and therefore also co-natural ones , are by seeds , transplanted with a continued course . for we may well know any kind of poysons which are reduced by the ranks of perturbations , by distinguishing of them . consequently also the knowledge of specifical properties is drawn [ per quia ] or from the effect of the cause , if they are reduced unto the certain orders of perturbations or disturbances , and affections : even as more largely elsewhere concerning the plague : so indeed , many things are searched into , and found out ; we thereby , by the effects come to the causes , and being led by the hand from one knowledge to another , the poysons of an erisipelas and dysentery , being in their tearms , from the wroth of the archeus , their cure is in a hare , wherein is fear , meekesse , flight , and an harmless life . neither is the argument of contrariety of value : for , first of all , i have admitted of contrarieties in living creatures ; and i say , that the properties of those being as it were sealed in the idea's of living creatures , are in some sort contrary in the priority of the efficient tree ; as the seals of passions do end in to this idea . and so the fruits of this tree , do act no more by way of contrary passions ; but from the force of a received and inbred seminal character , wherein every thing acteth according to the talent received , even as it is in it self ; but not by reason of a repugnant duality , or disagreeing contrariety . therefore the blood , wherein is the seminal product , and the effecter of the fearful meekness , doth mortifie the poyson which is bred from a poysonous wrothfulness . for i have noted in things , loves , hatreds , terrors , and the seminal products , seals , idea's , and characters of these : whence i have found out the immediate causes of many hidden remedies : but i have interpreted them to be found out and suggested by me , with the truth of possible and appearing consequences . these things i have spoken concerning occult or hidden properties , out of the dream , that we may cease to be occult philosophers , and may follow the manifest doctrine of the more tractable ones . now i will prosecute my dream . i perceived , i say , that smallage , asparagus , and whatsoever things are taken to open obstructions , have indeed a salt of a specifical savour ; the which , being with their middle life made the cream of the stomack , remaineth surviving , although enfeebled ; yet that they do obtain weak remedies for the opening of obstructions . for truly , those things which do keep the savour of their own concrete body , under the ferment of the stomack , as onion , garlick , mace , turpentine , asparagus , &c. those i perceived even to slide along with the superfluities , because they wax soure with their specifical savour ; and then do take ( under the gawl ) the nature of a salt , and at length under the dungy ferment of the reines , do put on a urine-provoking or diuretical faculty . but whose specifical savours , do putrifie by continuance , and perish with the sourness of the cream : those things , i perceived to be indifferent meats ; but whose savours do not plainly yeild themselves into the sourness of the cream , and do after some sort remain in their mediocrity ( for the cream , if it should alike on every side receive a ferment , and wax soure , it should easily be sharper than vinegar ) those things indeed-do through the force of the gawl , easily perish in the meseraick veines ; that together with a third , or mumial ferment , they may be changed into venal blood. therefore i perceived those to reach forth feeble aides , for dissolving or opening of obstructions . at length , i perceived , that all simple salts , ( of the sea , sal gemmae , fountaines , salt peter , &c. ) as such , do depart through the urine and intestines , and in the mean time resolve the filths or dregs in those passages , and render the expulsive faculty mindful of its duty . but i perceive that salts which carry a mineral fruit in them , are strangers to our nature , and therefore are scarce to be inwardly admitted . but salts which are a part of the composed body , as lixivium's , and alkalies ; i perceived to be deprived of seminal virtues , and to have onely an abstersive or cleansing , soapie or resolving property , unless they are volatile ; wherein i perceived the radical beginnings , and seminal balsams of the concrete body to be . i perceived , i say , that these are easily transchanged into a new fruit , because they do associate themselves with , and act in all things , according to their inbred endowments . in the next place , i have perceived the corrosive spirits of minerals , to differ far from themselves , being crude ; to resolve the excrements adhering to the sides of the first vessels : yet not to be altogether destitute of dammages , by reason of an occult infection of arsenick admixed with them , from their original . therefore i perceived that occult properties , as they call them , being seminally traduced into the archeus by the generater or efficient , do unfold the presence of their object , and a sympathetical knowledge , as they are immediately entertained in the bosom of the formes ; some , to wit , by a motive local blas , as the load-stone , amber , gummes , lacca , the herb turne-sole , diamond , ( for this also even as carabe or amber , doth attract chaffes ) &c. do bewray themselves but other things are terminated into an alteration , as poysons ; likewise laxatives , medicines tied about the head or body , antidotes , &c. laxatives , i have peculiarly perceived , to operate onely by reason of a poyson lurking within them , which being once admitted inwardly nigh the entrance , whatsoever they touch , they do ferment , do afterwards resolve the things fermented , and for that very cause do putrifie the things resolved . i perceived therefore , that laxatives do putrifie the vital juyces , but seldom the excrements , the occasional causes of diseases . for seeing they are poysons in respect of us , and not of excrements ; hence they rise up rather against us , than against diseases ; and most speedily , indeed , do putrifie the more crude juyce , or the not yet vital blood of the veines , or the yesterdays cream . but because they scarce suppress the excrements , neither do these in like manner obey them , seeing every action or blas in us , doth proceed from the spirit which maketh the assault , whereof excrements are deprived ; hence no physitian , dareth by taking laxatives , to promise a cure . but true solutives , do neither cause putrifaction , nor selectively draw forth feigned humours , neither therefore do they resolve our vitial parts or things ; and the which solutives , i have perceived to bewray themselves by a three fold sign . first , that they draw nothing from a healthy body , neither do they move after or weaken that body . secondly , that they do not fetch any thing forth , but what is offensive , and therefore they do not aggravate , but ease of the burden ; and presently the sick doth thereby feel himself well . lastly , in the third place , that they do not draw out the disease by sweat , vomit , or stool ; but do unsensibly resolve , in whatsoever part the disease is entertained ; nature being busied about the rest . i have perceived also , that such laxatives , do not electively bring forth humours , which are in themselves feigned ; but ( seeing we are nourished by none but one onely juyce , the blood ; therefore also we intend the driving forth , not of the blood but of diseasie excrements ) do resolve whatsoever forreign thing is implanted within the inne of life , but not vital things , unless they are taken in an undiscreet dose , or frequency . otherwise they onely have respect to excrements ; nature affording her aid within , to this end . and chiefly , seeing they are from god , as well by creation , as the endowment of knowledge ; they have received the ends of their ordination , onely for a good purpose . therefore i perceived that paracelsus had erred , who teacheth ; that laxatives do not otherwise operate , but as the laxative medicine by calcination , and a supervening moisture , should be resolved together with the humours , like calx vive . for first of all , he that proclaimed war against the humorists , now again acknowledgeth humours . then also , his assertion is wholly ridicvlous ; yet the lesse , if either laxatives should be taken being first calcined , or might have been calcined within ; or the ejections should ascend onely unto a treble of the things taken . for what of calcination have the leaves of sena in them ? doth not asarum , by boyling , cease from making laxative ? and thus far is ignorant of a calx . i have furthermore perceived , that chymistry doth give more powerful and absolute operations , and that there are those things prepared by the same , which before were not . for neither was the oyle of tiles or bricks formerly in the oyle of olives , as neither the spirit of salt in salt , or of vitriol in vitriol , &c. for by the fire , they assume an acrimony , as honey , sugar , manna , dew , earth , &c. other things do thereupon lay aside their corrosion ; as the juyce of citron , scarrewort , frogwort , water-pepper , &c. they erre therefore , who do equally judge of the spirits by the concrete body : for truly , although spices and sweet smelling things , do persist in distilling ; yet the seminal virtues of the concrete body , do for the most part perish through the fire , and are made another thing . for some things , their volatile parts being separated , do become an alcali or fixed salt , a calx , ashes , and glass ; which things were not before in the composed body : for i perceived , that there was nothing in the concrete body , which did not issue from its seed . for the fire seeing it is the death of things , if it doth not totally destroy the seeds of things , yet at leastwise , it notably transchangeth them . therefore in one thing a preparation doth transchange the whole matter ; as in magisteries ; but elsewhere , by reason of a sequestration of some things , it onely changeth , sharpeneth , destroyeth or consumeth the things which are left . thirdly , in the next place , by things adjoyned , now and then , the things themselves , together with their adjuncts , are diversly transchanged by the fire , and become neutral ; as glass , which is no more ashes and sand. often times also , without the fire , adjuncts do pierce the root of the mixture , and that especially a ferment coming between ; and then a neutral concrete body is constituted . for so , of rie-bread and honey , ants are bred ; of honey and dew , eeles ; of basil and the hoary putrifaction of a stone , scorpions ; of a calf being strangled and dew , bees . but those things which are mixed by fusion onely , do oft-times suffer themselves to be reduced into their former being : for so , although glass be no longer sand ; yet from thence by art , yea and through the oldness of putrifaction by continuance , the same sand is found ; because it is as yet , alwayes materially in it , not thorowly changed , because without a ferment . i perceived therefore , that many volatile things being joyned to volatile things , by reason of a mutual action with each other , are transchanged into a certain third thing . in the next place , that volatile things are fixed by fixt things ; and in this respect , do pass over into a new being ; after another manner fixed things being joyned with fixed things , do remain in their antient being . i perceived also , that mineral remedies , being changed into the nature of salt ( i do not understand those which are seasoned by an adjoyned salt ) do carry with them their seeds , yet exalted into a degree . these things paracelsus hath sufficiently taught concerning hematine or sanguine glassie mettals ; wherein , although the whole mettal be resolved into a strange disposition ( which is that of a magistery ) yet , because the running mercury is straitway drawn out from thence ; whatsoever hath truly assumed the nature of a resolvable salt , is not the mercury , or inward and immutable kernel of the mettal ; but onely the sulphur thereof . wherefore those hematines or magisteries , do perfect admirable operations in the remedial part of medicine . i perceived therefore that the hematines of sol and lune , or of gold and silver , although from the purity of their balsame , they might comfort ; yet that they did contain some strange thing in them , in respect of us . i perceived , i say , that the crudity of saturn or lead , was solvable through the fatnesse of fixed salts , to be sometimes destroyed piece meal , by the fire alone ; and so , that the parts of the composed body were divided , and the crude argent-vive , permitted to run ; the fugitive sulphur overcoming in the saturn , doth draw unto a volatilized fixed one , unseparably joyned ; and the which , the sublimation of the saturn doth chiefly dispatch . in the expression whereof , there is no difference of colour , or substance between that which is elevated , with that which resideth : whence also , the causes of heat , fusion , and softness , deeply or inwardly residing after the calcinements , and reducements , doth not refute the fusion and wonted softness , without the fire . there is the same cause of the sweetness of saturn : for the most sharp calcined things , if ( as in lead , they are tempered by a concourse of vitriolated things , they are dulcified or sweetned with the properties of sal armoniack resolved , and of tartar being putrified . the symbols or resembling marks of all which things , in all their examinations , especially in distilling , separating of lead into salt , fugitive , sulphurous , coloured , fat parts , with the sharpness of roch-alume , are discerned by a quick-sighted and industrious chymist , not without great delight . i perceived , i say , that there are planetary virtues in mettals , if they are reduced into the nature of a salt or sulphur ; yet that ought to be done without the remainder of every adjunct , wherein , not every boaster , could go to corinth . for after that i knew how to unloose bodies by things agreeable to their radical principles ; then at first , i began with a comfortable weariness , to deride my blockish credulities , whereby i in times past dissolved gold : yet i less profited by its potable juyce , than by the decoction of any simple : but afterwards i could dissolve gold , and mock it with the face of butter , rosin , and vitriol : but i no where found the virtues attributed to gold , because it was also so reluctant to our ferments . i perceived therefore that gold without its own proper corrosive , is dead ; dead , i say , unless it be radically pierced by its own corrosive . not indeed that it doth then resemble the nature of the sun , and doth add any thing unto its vital faculties ; but onely that its whole body doth by purging unsensibly cleanse , in a unisone , tone or harmony . yea also , the pretious pearles called vnions , are by that corrosive changed into a spermatical milk , which is sociable with the first constitutives of us ; and in this respect are they a remedy of the consumption , palsie , &c. at length i perceived , that the liquor alkahest , did cleanse nature , by the virtue of its own fire : for as the fire destroyeth all insects , so the alkahest consumeth diseases . in the next place , i perceived , that mercurius vitae , reckoned by paracelsus among his four secrets , besides the fiery force of the fire of hell , doth clarifie the organs , no otherwise than as stibium doth purify gold from things admixt with it ; which same thing , i judge concerning the tincture of lile , a sunonymal . nature in the mean time , desireth as it were , by a new spring , to rise again under these medicines : yet we are without hope of restoring into our former state , seeing an infusion of new faculties , arguing immortality , is wanting unto us . for it is appointed for every living creature once to die . because there is nothing in nature which can have an equal prevalency with the temple of the image of god. therefore i perceived , that all renewing medicines , do operate by refining , and in this respect by exhilarating ; otherwise there is not a true renewing of youth . and then i perceived , that secrets which do cure by resolving , and expelling , do nothing but awaken the faculties placed in us ; the which impediments being removed , do as it were bud again , under a new spring . lastly i perceived , that there were simples , wherein a proper issuing of the forme doth not operate ; but the command of a strang form and character doth happen unto them , that they might cause a contagion between symbolizing or co-resembling things ; and from thence are sorceries and inchantments . for whatsoever things are prepared by a voluntary blas , are for the most part propagated to the functions of local motion , they are directed , i say , unto the sinewes , being most apt for the stirring up of pains , and sicknesses or griefs . for neither have they poysons or ferments , unless an evil spirit do add them , or couple them by functions vanquished by himself ; for then they do excell other poysons , being a-kin to the poyson of the plague . yea i perceived , that even all poysons ( besides corrosives ) did act by reason of a specifical property , emulous of , or imitating the imaginative faculty , placed in the seed , formally inbred , and having the powers of a ferment equivocally acting . i perceived moreover , that every thing doth variously diffuse its activities , according to the manner of the thing receiving , and of application : for bread operates otherwise within in us , and otherwise in all bruit beasts , and otherwise in the stomack , liver , and in the other kitchins : by reason of the diversities of ferments . so i perceived , that flesh applied to the outward parts , doth presently putrifie , which within is resolved by the ferments , and at length assimulated unto our parts . to wit , i have perceived polenta or barley floure dried by the fire , and fried after soaking in water , to besmear and soften the outward parts ; which within nourisheth , heateth , bindes the belly , and moves flatus's . for every simple , being outwardly applyed , doth under the sixth digestion , display its virtues with us ; the which within , is almost in its first progresses , for the most part subdued . a live man , being long detained in the water , would putrifie ; but dead flesh , being alwayes well rinced in a new stream , doth put on the nature of balsame : so the stomack , although it be perpetually moist , yet it doth not thereby putrifie : for the operations of nature , galen was ignorant of , because he smelt not out the properties of ferments . but paracelsus hath caused the incongruities of an idiotisme , in affirming , that oyles , and emplaisters , are digested and transchanged into new flesh , in a wound , even as meats are in the stomack . but he is ignorant , that there is no passage into the sixth digestion , but gradually , by precedent digestions . for this cause , there is no venal blood made in the stomack ; as neither is any nourishment made by a clyster detained in the colon , or confines of the ileon ; however the schooles may whisper to the contrary . for brothes do presently putrifie in the bowels , neither is there a making of cream ; but far be it , that blood should be made , if it shall not be first a cream : neither is the liver the shop of the cream ; much less is there an incarnating in the stomack : but least of all , that of an emplaister , flesh or blood should be made ; for the skin being opened , putrifaction is presently introduced into it , no otherwise , than as the shell or peel of an egg being bruised , there is corruption . for hence is there a weeping liquor , sanies , pus , sandy-water , latex , wormes , &c. for preventing whereof , the whole care of the chyrurgion diligently endeavoureth ; and the which , being separated , the flesh doth voluntarily grow , but not by applyed remedies . i have also perceived , that salts , which are domestical unto us , are fitter for seasoning of meats , also for dissolving , and exterging , or clean wiping away of filths ; than that they are promoted into nourishment : but that oyles are scarce proper for sanguification ; but least of all , those which ascend by the fire . but that distilled waters , have small conditions of medicine ; because nature doth every where rejoyce in nourishment , caused of bodies existing in their composition . and therefore artificial salts do pierce deeper , than oyles , the which do resist sanguification ; neither are they thoroughly mixed . and therefore the salts of spices , or sweet smelling things , which are made of their oyles , do supply the room of their first being . magisteries are to be had in great esteem ; because , the substance of these is entire , digestible , and obedient to the ferments . and therefore nature refuseth meats which are hidden in their essences , by reason of their difficulties of fermentation ; for all things that are too much graduated , do draw after them the middle life of the blood ; but they are not easily subdued by the ferments . in brief , those things which do the more stubbornly keep their middle life , are not easily vanquished by our archeus ; neither are they onely stubborn in digesting ; but they are obstinate in perseverance , and do act on us , so far as they are not subdued . but verdigrease , crocusaeris , cerusse , precipiate , sublimate , &c. have ascended into a poysonsomnesse by addittaments . but these , seeing they are not admitted , within the root of the mercury , do operate onely without , about the sulphur , and are there variously disposed , according to the manner of the receiver . at length , i perceived , that there was a sixfold difference of digestions in us , and that the three former of them , were busied about the disposing of the matter appointed for to nourish ; the which , although they do truly transmute , yet they are sent before , rather for a preparatory disposing , than for a vital espousing thereof . for truly , in the fourth digestion , a vital power is communicated to the venal blood ; and so the controversie is decided , whether the arterial blood be quickned . for the venal blood is not truly enlivened , until it be made arterial blood ; the which is drawn through the partition of the heart , into the arterie aorta ; for no other end , but that in that buttery it may be endowed with life , and informed with a mind . but we are nourished by both bloods , even as we have our original of the seed of a twofold sex. for perhaps , the mysterie of the lyturgie is hence known ; why a little water is mixed with much wine : that the water may pass into venal blood , and the wine into arterial blood . i perceived therefore , that the fifth digestion , was plainly occupied about the participative communion of life . but lastly , that the sixth did operate by a dispositive quality , but did rejoyce in an assimilating ferment ; and that , inducing humanity . therefore external aides , are stirred up , and do operate by another quality than internal ones . fat or gross persons , are taken with paines , or crampes , or convulsions of the tendons ; the which notwithstanding , the grease of man being outwardly over-smeared , doth alay . for the sixth digestion is wholly assimilative ; therefore it indeavours to change the grease brought on it , into its own vital aire . but the internal grease of fat things , being now subdued by an assimilating ferment , is kept without action . but the sixth digestion enters into the middle life of the external anointed grease , the which our archeus doth therefore appropriate to himself ; which life , and its properties , are hidden in the last life of the internal grease . moreover , i perceived , after what manner a cantharides doth embladder in living people , but not in a dead carcase ; as neither doth it raise up a burnt escharre in the dead carcase , although it dissolves the dead carcase no otherwise than as calx vive poudered doth resolve cheese . for the cantharides , as long as it remains dry , doth not act , but is moistened by an unsensible eflux of our dew ; then first it begins to itch , whence the archeus under the epidermis or outward skin is furiously inflamed , not much otherwise than as under an erisipelas , the burning coal , or burning fever ; and so the cantharides begins in the epidermis , and an escharotick in the skin ; the same which a gangreen doth at length finish in the habit of the body . for causticks do at first crisp the skin ; the which afterwards they resolve into a muscilage , after they have fully moistened . for then they do not onely sharpen our heat , but also they assume the strength of a proper corroding . then i say , they do not onely make an escharrhe , which ariseth from an inflaming of the archeus , but do melt the whole . lastly , i perceived also that amulets or preservative pomanders , things bound about the head , and hung about the body , do act by the virtue of influence , and that directive , without the evaporation of those things , which indeed do reside in the more fixed bodies . although there are other things hung on the body , which are by little and little diminished of their virtues , because they dismiss a vapour out of them . but things tied to the head or body , are bony , horney , animals , and plants ; but others are mettallick , stony , salts , transparent things , or thick or dark things . but mettals are seldome amulets , unless they are as yet opened , or exalted by an external adjunct : because they have a dividable sulphur in them . but in stones there is great virtue ; but of stones , some are transparent looking-glasses , but some are thick or dark ones ; as corral , coraline , the turcois , the jasper . but in clear stones , the evestrum or ghost of life , being well or ill affected , doth reverberate ; to wit , the life rejoyceth to be reflexed in a clear glass , whereby it is then made like to the understanding , which in its own light is altered , ( after the manner of a chamelion ) at the assimilation of objects . neither also have i in vain perceived , gemms to be as it were thick glasses , well polished : because the native and natural endowment that is in them , from the nature of the glasse , doth more powerfully reflect the vital beam communicated unto it . for something is continually , and necessarily discussed or blown out of us , which is not yet plainly destitute of the participation of life : that very thing doth keep the activity of its own sphear about us ; the which , while it findeth in the polished glass , it easily reflecteth on the whole body from whence it issued ; for thereby sympathetical remedies or things were first made known . but afterwards when it was known , that things tied about the body , were applied in operating , by virtue of a glasse ; there were thereupon , boughtie or convex , concavous , &c. figures of looking-glasses , presently bethought of , whereunto gentilisme joyned hieroglyphicks , that by a figure they might denote the sign of a hidden virtue : superstition in posterity thereby encreased , who anointed gamahen , talismanicks , and devilish scurrilities of that sort : thinking that figures had not indeed the virtues of a sign , but of a cause . but transparent glasses , do receive an evestral or ghostlike faculty , the which , although they do not reflect , as otherwise dark ones do ; yet they approach nearer unto the nature of life , or the shining glasse . finally , i perceived that the diversity of effects , the end and appropriation of medidines , did not proceed from the fourfold fiction of complexions : but from the very powers of simples themselves ; whose election , dose , and preparation , have therefore stood neglected , because they have not been hitherto searched into , in their root and manner . after the perceivances of all these things ; at length , another spirit , took from me the bottle , which the other had given me : and with great grief i then perceived all the necessities of death in me , unfit to be declared : whereby i presently returned unto my self , neither could i receive comfort , but when i truly knew that all things were acted onely by a dream ; and because that if i ought to rehearse the virtues of things , i could not better performe it , than if i had as it were felt all those things within . this one thing , at least , i did moreover remember , that chymical things did rather act by the force of art , than by the native power of nature , because their beginnings were brought forth and changed by the fire . to wit , chymistry separates fixed things from things not fixed , which is the first and easiest sequestration of heterogeneal things . there are not a few things also which it fixeth , before they were volatile , or on the contrary : and then , among some volatile things , it separates odoriferous things from things not odoriferous ; which distinction is falsly reckoned , of the pure from the impure . for truly , the action of the fire , is to burn , and therefore it burns as well the pure as the impure . and then a third separation is made by digestions and proper ferments , as the parts which do stick fast with a stubborn continuity , do depart from each other , through a discord of the ferment . for so bodies do in the fulness of their last life , voluntatily decay ; and entertained faculties do come to light . moreover , by boyling and melting , the parts formerly ruled by one rein , do now act on each other , under which degree they attain other virtues : therefore chymistry produceth those things , which else should never be made , or had in nature ; and that not onely in separated volatiles , but also in things residing , and the which residues , are therefore calcined . but if by a co-mingling , and co-fermenting of the composed body , new faculties do arise ; that very thing is more beholdable in alchymical things , not only because art doth wholly imitate nature in all her operations ; but also in a peculiar efficacy of a moist influx and melting , which do perform various operations under the fire , and change the nature . for so , the spirit of salt-peter doth elevate a moist sulphur , and embrination or sharp waterishness of vitriol , from whence are poysonous waters ; the spirits of both which , notwithstanding being separated , were fit for healing , and grateful to the stomack . in the last place , chymistry doth bring up some more milde things unto a degree ; as poysons may be made of honey , manna , &c. most things , how violent soever they are , do also wax milde under the fire : so that fixed alcalies , is they are made volatile , do equalize the powers of great medicines : because by the virtue of incision , resolving , and cleansing , they being brought even unto the entry of the fourth digestion , do fundamentally take away the toughnesse of things coagulated in the vessels . for chymistry doth so resolve the most hard and compacted things , that they being not onely forgetful of their former curdling , and constancy against the fire , do retire into a tameable juyce , and being occult , are made manifest ; but moreover they become social unto us : yea it doth not onely so prepare things themselves ; but it also effecteth means , whereby bodies may be opened . for so , coagulated things , do depart into the family of resolved things ; fixed things are changed into volatile , and on the contrary , crude things are ripened , and things heterogeneal or of diversity of kind , are divided into their classes's or ranks . in the next place , drowsie or sleepie things , do attain degrees of virtues ; and many new things spring up which have remained unknown in the schooles of the gentiles . finally , and finally , chymistry , as for its perfection , doth prepare an universal solver , whereby all things do return into their first being , and do afford their native endowments , the original blemishes of bodies are cleansed , and that their inhumane cruelty being forsaken , there is opportunity for them to obtain great and undeclarable virtues . but how much purity the understanding may attain under this work , the adeptist hath onely known . ah , i wish the bottle once possessed by me , had not been taken away ! but god hath known , why he hath given to the goat so short a taile . let his name be exalted throughout ages ; and let the alone sanctifying will of him onely be done . chap. lxi . the preface . . the authors intention . . the authors excuse . . the event is suspected from divine ordination . . a wish of the author . . a reason of doubting of the fallacy of the devil , . how the author knew , that he was not deceived . . a reason , teaching that this talent is of god. . the judgement of quick-sighted men . . the whole light of healing hath appeared in one only moment . . what the author hath conjectured from thence . . why the author hath written sharply against the chaires . . the event is intellectually foreseen . . fevers are frequently stirred up , the occasional cause being absent . . a relation of terms , seeing it is not a being , it doth not cause a being in act : to what end the dissection of a man of sixty years old , was re-minded in his sleep . i have deliberated in the good pleasure of god , to make manifest , that before the world , and especially in the schools , the causes of diseases , the knowledge of their essences , and their remedy , have been hitherto hidden : to wit , that the essence of diseases have not yet been pierced by so many ages and judgements of men . truly i have earnestly and notably grieved , that this ignorance of ages past , and of the present age , is true ; and so , that it ought to be discovered by me an unprofitable old man. it hath seriously grieven me , that they have been careless , as well for their own life , as for the life of their neighbours , and that physitians should seem to have studied only for gain : but that such was the ordination of god , that as long as the schools did adhere to paganim . doctrines , they should also persevere in the aforesaid darkness ; until at length , in the fulness of times , there should be one who should open the essence and thingliness of diseases unto his neighbours , and that indeed , before the very chaires of medicine ; to wit , that as it were in a fountain ( the errors of heathenism being driven away ) the truth may hereafter shine , and as many as had not shut their eyes through obstinacy may repent . truly , i propose to the whole world , and to our posterity , a matter new , and plainly to be admired . and ah , i wish , that i alone , who do first make manifest these things , may therefore contract on my self , and sustain the reproaches , nor that the life and health of my neighbour may suffer . for i had willingly been silent ; neither had i divulged my talent , but that i knew this one only talent to have been given me for the life of my neighbour . and while i do as yet contemplate with my self of the greatness of the thing , in the succession of so many ages , and their fatal ignorance , and the continued sluggishness of body , or negligence , in a thing i say , of so great moment , as is the life of man ; i cannot but many times , for amazement , look back , repose my quill , and doubt of my own fallacy of rashness : to wit , that in the universities themselves , wherein fresh , the more fervent wits , and those not yet defiled with gain , are exercised , a disease is as yet altogether unknown ; to wit , the adequate or suitable object of the medicinal faculty ; the object i say , of so many readings established by princes . surely , i had wholly doubted of my own rashness , unless he who giveth such a talent , were the dispenser of the same within , and did give a cleerness beyond all demonstration and fear or error . otherwise , it had been hard for me to perswade my self , and believe , unless i being constrained within by the authority and security of a greater title , ought boldly to object my self against the censures of all . for what i teach , will be at first incredible , among quick-sighted men , if they shall place me at the tribunal of so many ages , who willingly confess my self unfit to reach unto so great a top of light , unless expert men do the more lively contemplate with me of the wonted super-abounding of the divine majesty . for no man shall the more cleerly know the honour of god in this case , and the present gift to come freely from the father of lights , unless in my adjected smalness and ignorance , they do see it to be the accustomed path of god , that he reveals unto little ones , that which he hath ordinarily denyed unto the greater of the world : to wit , by reason of one fault ; because they all have by a continued error , even sunk themselves into the precepts of pagans . for quick-sighted men , will from hence discern , first of all , that they must not go against me , as against a man. then , in the next place , they will weigh in their own jugdement the reasons of the schools , drawn out of my bosom : whence at length , they themselves being as it were led by the principles and theoremes of nature , will voluntarily hasten unto far more sublime and famous beginnings of healing , whither the tenderness of my judgement could not ascend . for truly , i admonish and exhort the wise men of this world , that the errors and ignorances of physitians , have not opened themselves to me by little and little , and by degrees entred into my soul ; so as that i have conceived or meditated of one thing before another : to wit , that i at first considered the schools to be deceived , about the congress , tempering , and complexions of elementary mixtures , and diseasie distempers ; but that from thence , i was tossed or tumbled about the errors of catarrhs : and afterwards in the next place , that i had sought for the roots , causes and essential thingliness of diseases and remedies . indeed none of these : for if one thing had been made known unto me before another , i had thought , that all this progress had been the inductions or inferences of reason and imagination , subject to errors and fallacies . but after that , one only flash or enlightning of light had overshadowed the whole intellectual conceit ( to wit , of the ignorance of physitians , as well in the knowledge of causes , diseases , as of remedies and applications ) at once , i undoubtedly knew , that this talent was given to me for the profits of my neighbours ; and therefore , that it was to be handed forth to the chairs ( from whom correction is much desired and expected ) and to be seriously under the penalty of the more grievous punishment , profered unto them . when as therefore , i had now determined to demonstrate , that the essence of diseases , by their intimate and proper roots was not yet known , there was a night , before the fourth hour in the morning , the ninth of [ the sixth month called ] august ; and it seemed to me , that as from the crowing of the cock , dreams are sometimes formed , i heard from the fore-conceived care of writing , that i should call to mind the anatomy ( whereof a little after , i shall make mention ) and when i seemed admonishingly to have understood these things , i doubted being half awaked , which way that dissection of the dead carcass , might touch or concern the treatise which i had determined to write touching the essence of diseases . therefore i being without care , dreamed , that i saw a man externally big , sitting at my table , and eating fresh salmon in the sauce of vinegar and pepper , and so greedily , that as if he would fill himself thereby ( for in his own country , fresh salmon was not found ) and i saw , that two dayes after , about the evening , a small ague took hold of him , and that his teeth did shake ; and from thenceforth , that it kept the figure or resemblance of a tertian : that is , on the fourth day from the digestion of that meat : so that nothing of its remainder had putrified , and much less , that that had remained which might provoke the aguish tumult , at set intervals . for that which commonly sounds , is that an elementary distemperature was left , which should prepare the diseasie impression . but that thing , besides the absurdities of distemperatures and complexions , by me elsewhere demonstrated , seemeth to signifie a meer [ ens rationis ] or being of reason . because the thing imprinting and imprinted , are indeed things in act , and relative terms ; but the impression it self , seeing it is nothing but a relation , resulting from a co-fitting of the terms , it can contain only the room of a being of reason . wherefore , at least wise , the impression or distemperature , cannot remain a surviver , where the thing distempering , or imprinting it self , hath ceased to be , and by consequence , hath ceased to hurt . it must needs be therefore , that the thing imprinting it self , had produced a hurtful quality out of it self ; and had deposed it , as it were its product , on the subject of impression : and that thing , seeing it was made in an organ which was the partaker of life , that product likewise , ought to be by all means , and immediately sunk , or entertained within the bosom of life it self ; and the rather , if it ought to return at set periods , and to interrupt the silent rest of health ; yea , if by acting in a hostile manner , it ought after some sort , to shew forth signs of the life disturbed . even so , that i have by this dream , the more perfectly confirmed the essential thingliness of diseases : for even as these things do not happen beneath and without the life ; so the life it self , is the very impulsive cause , after that it is once disturbed in its place , peace or rest . behold , on the same day , after the aforesaid dream ; a senator , whom i had not seen for many years before , comes as a guest unto my table ; and seeing it was the vigil , or eve of s. laurence , it happened also that a fresh salmon boyled , was set on the board , and he eat no otherwise than as i had seen in my sleep : yea , that two days after , he slid into a tertian ague : but the dissected dead carcass , whereof i had received admonition , hath respect unto the same ends . for truly a man of sixty years old , had from the entrance of his age , lived in a tender health and through occasion of a light errour , was easily feverish ; whom sudden death , afterwards at length took away ; and i being willing narrowly to search , whether i could find the cause of his feverish aptness , in the places wherein the lamented that he was pained as oft as he had the feaver : indeed it was the hypocondrial in both his sides , as well where the liver , as where the spleen are kept . but there was not the least thing about these parts to be seen with the eyes , which might be fitly accused . wherefore this dissection being compared with the dreaming vision of the tertian ague , from the eating of too much salmon ; i presently perceived , why they were both at once recalled to mind , while i was about to write the present chapter ; to wit , that through the opportunity of them both being remembred , i might the more strongly insist about the true thingliness or essence of diseases , con-centred in the bosome of the vital spirit ; but that the dregginesses , which the schooles have reputed for the immediate and containing causes of diseases , are nothing but the external occasional causes , how intimately soever they should be admitted within the veines themselves . chap. lxii . a disease is an unknown guest . . a narration of things hitherto done . . the object and intent of the author . . that the art of the medicine of the pagans was an invention of the evil spirit . . a prayer for his persecutors . . the author searcheth out or espieth from his persecutions , that the evil spirit was the inventor of the doctrine of the pagans . . the labours of the schooles from hence are vain . . the authors anguishes . . a prologue of the thingliness of a disease . . the most immediate , containing , and essential causes of diseases . . the necessity of a seminal idea is collected . . how far this doctrine departeth from the schooles . . the true causes of things and of diseases . . the schooles , their ancient definition of a disease . . the first contradiction of the schooles . . another stumbling . . a third . . the author teacheth ( in his treatise of the elements ) that there are not mixt bodies , as neither humors in nature , whence the whole foundation of the medicine of the schooles goes to ruine . . a fourth stumbling . . a fifth . . a sixth . . a seventh . . against the distemperature of elementary qualities in us . . an eighth staggering . . a ninth . . a tenth . . an eleventh . . the error of the schooles is discovered . . a twelfth stumbling . . an absurd consequence according to the position of the schooles . . the uncertainty of a predicament for diseases . . arguments on the opposite part , and against a feigned disposition . . tee true efficient cause of diseases . . the occasional matter . . wherein the whole thingliness or essence of a disease may be scituated . . whence the schooles have been seduced . . two false maxims of the schooles . . another delusion of the schooles . . what natural generation is . . the schooles deceived by aristotle . . some ignorances arisen from hence . . a disease consisteth of matter , and an efficient cause . . whatsoever is generated , that is made by seminal ideas . . all the predicaments are in every disease . . the stip of heathenisme in healing . . that the definition of a disease hath been hitherto unknown . . a disease is not a being of the first constitution , yet hath it entred into the account of nature . . wherein diseases are distinguished from other created things . . the error of the schooles from the subject of inhaesion of diseases , and very many absurdities issuing from thence . . that those absurdities are not to be connived at by christians . . a stubborn ignorance . . hunger is not a disease . . the schooles depart from their own hippocrates . . some neglects of the schooles . . the rashness of the schooles . . that the hurt of action , is not to be regarded for the essence of a disease . . whence that fiction sprang . . the consequent upon a confounding of the cause with the symptome . . a removal of the cause doth not of necessity respect a withdrawing of the occasional matter . . the schooles being deluded by artificial things , delude their young beginners by artificial things . . how the seed may differ from its constituted body . . a thirteenth stumbling . . some knowledges chiefly true in the author . . what a kind of production of a disease is made by a blas . . the efficient cause in a disease . . a disease pierceth the life with a formal light , in a point . . some differences of efficient causes . . an example in the stone . . the stone is not properly a disease . . while the effect hath concluded the occasional efficient , there is not the former disease . . the products of diseases neglected by the schooles , are touched at . . the error of the schooles about the objects of contrarieties in diseases . . some arguments against the schooles , that it may jerk them . . the products of diseases , secondary diseases ; together with a destinction of symptomes and fruits , are resumed . . weakness or feebleness , what it is . . an improper division of diseases , by the organical parts . . whence there is a divers action of diverse things . . from the handy-craft operation of the fire , of pepper , an escarrhotick , and caustick , are thirteen conclusions , paradoxes to the schooles , and diverse things are illustrated , worthy to be noted . . the fire is but little profitable unto the speculation of curing . . some notable things concerning our heat . . a various classis or order of the occasions of diseases . . hippocrates is explained with a connivance . . that which nature doth once despise , that she never afterwards receiveth into favour . . a disease is of the matter of the archeus . . an explaining of products . . our nature is ruled by an erring understanding , after that it is corrupted . . the schooles again deluded by artificial things . . to produce , differs from , to generate . . the schooles have onely thought of taking away the occasional cause . . in us , there is a nature standing , sitting , and lying . . a decree of hippocrates is explained , with the moderation of that age . . anatomy is frequent to excuse excuses in sins . . the sloathful negligence of the schooles . . after what manner death and a disease , have become the beings of nature , since the creation , and have received second causes their producers . . two objections of the schooles refuted . . a guess or presage from the unseparable goodness . the integrity of nature being already , at first , constituted , to wit between the matter , the archeus , and the life , or forme of a vital light , with the seminal and vital beginnings ; the ferments also , the authors of transmutations , being newly discovered , also the elements , qualities , complexions , and miscellanies of these , their fights , strife , and cursary victories being rejected : likewise humours and defluxing catarrhes , being banished out of nature : lastly , flatus's , tartars , and the three principles of the chymists , being banished out of the exercises of diseases ; it now remained that the defects and interchangable courses of nature themselves , should be intimately or pithily considered . wherefore , before that i make a more profound entrance , i have undertaken to prove , that diseases have not onely been unknown in the schooles , in the particular , and therefore that their cure hath radically layn hid ; but moreover , that the very essence of a disease hath been hidden in the general . truly it is matter of grief , that it hath been so ingeniously elabourated in other professions ; but that in the art of healing alone , men have been hitherto , so stumbled through deaf principles ; wherein , notwithstanding charity towards our neighbour hath been penally commanded : for all things have remained most obscure , many things most false ; and those things which might chiefly conduce unto the scope of curing , untouched . for there is no where a tractable acuteness , but on every side a great dulnesse ; so that , from what hath been said before , there is none but may easily gather , that whatsoever hath been hither to diligently taught , according to the doctrine of the pagans , and against a mutual charity , was the invention of the evil spirit . therefore indeed , the stability of paganish theorems , hath remained through the perswasion of the devil ; which speculations notwithstanding , through their easinesse onely , at the first sight , ought to have been suspected by any one of a sound mind . therefore nothing more hard , inhumane , and fuller of cruelty , hath been received now for so many ages , among the arts of mortals , than that art , which under a con-centrical subscription , makes fresh experiments by the deaths of men . the professors whereof , while they presume , that themselves do keep the keys of knowledge , they neither enter the passages themselves , nor admit others who are willing to enter in : but do drive away all , by all wiles and subtilties : alwayes learning , and never coming to the knowledge of the truth ; according to the apostle . oh jesus , my light , my life , my glorying , and the helper of my weakness and corrupt disposition , who in they own matters , dost easily find out a passage , with whom that is easie , which with mortal men , is as it were impossible . thou , who hast made me to undergo all adversities : i offer unto thee my calamities , and the oppressions of justice . nevertheless , thou hast always comforted me with thine unvanquished right hand : afford me thine hand , that if thou vouchsafe not to snatch me out of the deep pit of so many tribulations ; at least wise , that through thy strength , i may not sin against thee , and that they may repent , who have hated me undeservedly : and that they who adore thy power , may acknowledge in me , that thou alone art god , the helper of the oppressed , and the undoubted hope of them that trust in thee . let them be cloathed with contrition , and find favour with thee ; and that i wretched man , may sing forth the praises of thy greatness , after this life . for the rottenness of this age is such , that ( thy judgement being hidden ) the hypocrisie of mighty men , professeth faith in deceit , and collects their wickedness under the shadow of piety . but in so great a tempest of my miseries , unto the miseries of mortals , and the defective errors of physitians , before the view of my mind , i have attempted , under thy command , to record in writing . that as hypocrisie hath trampled on me and my fortunes , so i likewise know , and that primarily , that the father of lyes , hath introduced the cup of ignorance , and the bane of charity and health , into the paganish schools ; lucre strewing the way , under the beaten stormy path of tritons . for every young beginner that is to come , shall admire with me , that nothing hath been so unskilfully handled , as those things which concern the life of mortal men . for truly , according to thomas a kempis , it is all one with the devil , so he may render thee uncapable to serve god : whether that be by true things , or things appearing . therefore it sufficeth him , so he shall but frustrate man of health , and cut short his life , wherein he might serve god , if so be he shall make him a despiser of divine aid , by the appearing doctrines of pagans . for the schooles have written a thousand volumns concerning the temperature and strife of qualities ; in the next place , it hath been much and long interpreted by the successors of galen , about these trifles , and they have daily relapsed into new centuries and patcheries . and at length , they have squared unto those qualities , feigned and excrementitious humours , which should so wholly govern man , as well healthy as sick , that they should be chief over humane affairs : as though the conditions , manners , healths , appetites , instincts , inclinations , slips or mis-deeds , strengths , valours , defects , events of fortune , yea and the deserved punishments of loss or damnation , and the adoptions of eternal life of mortal men , should depend thereon . a horrid , surely , and intollerable thing , that these toyes have stood so long , and that from things not existing , and never to be , and the which , by the asserters themselves , are accounted for excrements , so serious and pernicious fables have been co-feigned and believed . and so that , by the schooles themselves , scarce any thing hath been ever narrowly searched into , which under such principles , may in very deed , be truly true and good . in the mean time i grieve ( i testifie it again ) not indeed , that i have obtained the light of truth , from a long compassion towards my neighbour : but that it hath behoved me to lay open these errors : that is , i grieve , that the devil hath deceived the schools , and will deceive them , as long as they shall suffer themselves to be deluded by paganish fables , and to be separated from the schools of truth . but that , that thing may be manifested , i will by a prologue , declare it by the way , and as it were by a positive demonstration . for truly , god made not death . and that is of faith. therefore man became mortal , from another thing than from god. and seeing the scope or bound of most diseases , is death it self ( because it is that which is nothing else , but an extinguishing of life ) therefore a disease and death , are diametrically opposite to life . whence it follows , that every disease doth immediately act on the life . but nothing is able to act on the life , unless it be applyed unto it , and well mixed with it . but a disease , the enemy , is not applyed unto the life , promiscuously , unless it shall besiege a part of the life , and so shall sit totally or partially in the very life it self . which being done , that part of the life besieged or overcome , doth retire from the vital air , and the which , being thus vanquished and become degenerate , is made hostile unto the life as yet remaining , or as yet constituted in its integrity . hence it necessarily follows , that every disease , as it finds matter in the organical or instrumental air of life , whereby it most immediately and inwardly riseth up against the life it self , so in the same vital light , it finds an efficient cause : and so a disease , being thus instructed or furnished with matter and an efficient cause , is entertained about the life . neither is it of concernment the while , whether that contagion of a disease , be drawn from occasional causes ; or in the next place , be bred within in the archeus , through the errour of life : at leastwise , it is sufficient in this place , that the life it self is on both sides the principal object for the hostile disease . but seeing the life it self is a lightsome being , it acts not but by its instrument of the vital aire , or by the archeus , as a mean , between the light of life flowing from the father of lights , and the body : but this aire or archeus , doth not act , but after the manner wherein every seminal spirit acteth on the mass subjected under it ; that is , not but by an imprinted mark , or sealie idea , which hath known what , and which way it must act . therefore all and every disease , hath a sealie mark , and as it were a seminal act , which is expert of things to be acted by it self . this declaration therefore doth far recede or differ from an elementary distemperature , from humours , and the disproportionable mixture of those , from the fight and contrariety of the elements of our composition ; because every disease is nothing but a sword to the life , wounding , or totally cutting it off . for as a sword doth exhaust the life , together with the arterial blood and vital aire , wherein , according to the holy scriptures , the soul it self sitteth ; so a disease consumeth the same air of life , on which it afresh sealeth an hostile character , drawn as well from occasional causes , as gotten through the errour of its own indignation . this exact account of a disease being granted ; lo , i come unto the explaining of a disease . and first , i will demonstrate from the very theoremes of the schools , that the thingliness or essence of a disease , hath been hitherto unknown . whence , in the next place , any one shall easily judge , what hath even hitherto been done in the remedies and vanquishing of diseases . i have oft-times promised , that i will demonstrate , that the schools have hitherto neglected ( that is , that they have not known ) the essence , root , or nature of a disease , in its own universal quiddity or thingliness : and seeing i have already from the elements , prosecuted that thing even unto a conclusion , thorow all their privy shifts ; now at length , by an anatomy of particulars , i shall also stand to my promises , if i shall detect the same in the general ; and especially , if i shall shew that thing no longer by the fictions of elements , temperaments , and humours , but by the very words of authors , whereby they corrupt their young beginners , as it were , with a mortal contagion . in the premises , it hath already been demonstrated by me , that the ages before me , being deluded by the trifles of the peripateticks , have been ignorant of the causes ; to wit , the matter and efficient of natural things . then also , that a thing it self is nothing , besides a connexion of both causes ; and that this same thing is in diseases ; especially seeing a disease , although happening unto us by sin , is now admitted for a prodigal son of nature . truly , the univocal or simple homogeneity of causes in natural beings , hath compelled me hereunto ; whereby the efficient cause is denominated from effecting , but not from the effect , which is after the efficiency . therefore the schools do first of all define a disease to be an affect , or disposition , which doth primarily hurt the actions of our faculties , wherein they do , as yet , very much stumble . for truly , first they name this affect , a distemperature of one or two qualities of the first elements : for so they rehearse the same thing , because they consess a disease to be an elementary quality it self , as it exceedeth a just temperature . therefore a disease shall no longer be that disposition , resulting from the first qualities , which they suppose immediately to hurt the functions themselves : and so they feign the whole disease , hereafter to consist in nothing but in a degree or excess of an elementary quality . again , now and then they call the very distemperature of qualities , not indeed a disease , but well , the antecedent cause of the same : they will , i say , have those four solitary qualities to be diseases , whether they shall proceed from external qualities co-like unto themselves , or whether they owe their beginning in the body to be from a strange disproportion of mixture . furthermore , they afterwards combine those qualities in a bride-bed ; from the congress whereof they then derive their off-spring , a disease ; to wit , they believe that the elements are so subservient to their own dreams : as that also , qualities being joyned at their pleasure , they have commanded them to answer to as many elements . so that those naked qualities being even balaced with feigned elements , and dreamed humours , they have feigned to be diseases themselves . for in this place i declare the unseasonable , yea sporting varieties of the schools , and their poverty , greatly fighting : otherwise surely i have sufficiently proved elsewhere , by a demonstration chiefly true ; that in the nature of things there are not four elements ; and therefore neither are they mixed , that bodies which they have called mixt may be thereby constituted : and by consequence , that neither can distemperatures be accused for diseases : as neither , that ever there were four constitutive humours of us in the nature of things ; whereby it is sufficiently and over-manifest , that the causes of diseases , yea and diseases , and the predicament of diseases , have been hitherto unknown in the schools . notwithstanding , i will now dissemblingly treat with them , by the supposed positions of the same schools . therefore the schools sometimes repenting them of their sayings , will have the elementary qualities , and not unfrequently , the humours equal to these , not indeed to be diseases , but onely the containing causes of almost all diseases . otherwise again , that of those qualities being more intense than is meet , a third or neutral one doth arise , which they have called the diathesis or disposition , or disease it self : and so , however they toss the business , they have hitherto commanded a disease to inhabite among qualities : but humours , although intemperate ones , they for the most part driven out of the rank of diseases . indeed a cataract in the eye , although as a substance , it doth immediately intercept the sight , yet it cannot be a disease . therefore they have feigned a certain being of reason , and an imaginary relation , or obstruction , which might contain every property of a disease , and might be truly a disease , the cataract being rejected : and so by degrees , a disease comes down unto non-beings and privations . and now and then , they for the essence of a disease , do ridiculously distinguish a simple distemperature from a conjoyned one ; and again , both of them from a humourous one ; when as a humour should be a substance void of degrees . indeed they have distinguished the societies of proportionable and disproportionable mixtures of the first qualities into pedigrees ; and then they have thereby erected specious schemes ; and at length they have filled whole volumes with those fables : but at leastwise they have never admitted an evil or vitiated humour to be bred in us , which may not presuppose some elementary distemperature to be mother unto it . wherefore a distemperature , in the schools , shall be onely the cause of the cause , and of the thing caused : but it shall not be the thing caused it self , or the disease ; nor in the next place , the immediate and connexed cause of the disease . oft-times again , the opinion of their minde being changed , they have withdrawn those qualities out of the account of diseases and causes , and have undistinctly banished them into the troop of sumptomes and co-incident things onely : being altogether doubtfull , what a disease , what a cause causing , or what a sumptome should be : but of the internal occasional causes of diseases ( which in the book of fevers i first brought into open view ) and of the equivocal or various kinds of products of diseases , nothing hath been heard in the schools . for besides heats , colds , pains , weaknesses , and co-incidents of that sort , they have known no other fermental effect of a disease ; whereunto , at length , for a conclusion , they have brought death . and so they have confusedly joyned privative things to positive . in the mean time , they have doubted to what predicament they might ascribe diseases . for they oft-times denominate a disease to be a quality : otherwise also , a certain relative habitude or disposition of body ; oftentimes also , to be a quality of the number of actions ; they do often say it to be of the predicament of quantity ; to wit , while they say that diseases are not the first qualities themselves , but their distemperature , or degree , or excess onely ; and while they bring a sixth finger into numbers . but being unmindfull of what they said before , they will have a certain disposition , resulting from a hurtfull quality of humours , to fill up both pages or extensions of a disease ; to wit , so as that , that disposition may be the daughter of the hurtfull quality , as of the diseasifying cause : and so then a disease should supply the room , rather of an action hurt , than of the hurter of actions : and likewise a disease should not be any longer a distemperature , or the excess of a quality , but another product ( as yet unnamed ) from the distemperature it self ( to wit , a hurtfull quality of humours ) shall generate the disposition ; which onely and alone , should at length be truly the disease . for truly , a man that hath the falling evil , a mad man , a gouty person , and one that hath a quartane ague , besides and out of the fit , are diseasie , and do nourish the disease within : yet they have not such a diathesis or disposition ( for if the schools do believe diseases to be meer accidents , surely these know not how to sleep , neither are they while they do not act ) in the time of rest from invasion . therefore at least-wise in that sort of sick folks , the disease shall by no means be such a dispositive disposition . again , they being unmindfull of themselves , do will , that if that disposition be small , it is not to have the reason or essence of a disease : but therefore , that it then doth bring forth a neither state , or an hermaphroditical being , between a disease and not a disease : so that its essence doth , for the half of it , partake of a non-being ; and that as well in the state of declining , as of recovery : and which more is , they reckon such a small diathesis not among diseases , but with the weaknesses of a state of neutrality , and among symptomes : and that there it doth patiently wait , until that having obtained a degree of a symptome , it be made a disease : and so a diseasie disposition is not a disease , if it hath not as yet manifestly hurt by its excesse : wherefore also , not the disposition it self , but the excess thereof , is the disease of a proper name in the schools : the correllative whereof is , that the degree onely of some qualities doth make and change the essence and species of its own self ; neither shall a species therefore have its own thinglinesse , in its being specifical , but onely in the point of excesse . so at length , a disease shall wander from a quality , into the predicament in relation . in the next place , if a disease be an effect , immediately hurting action ; they ought even from thence , at least , to acknowledge that the archeus himself , or the maker of the assault , while he is irregularly moved , ( to wit , while scarr-wort doth embladder a living body , not likewise a dead carcass ) and layes aside , and loseth a part of himself , for this purpose , ought to be the universal and primary disease of all : even as i have threatned to demonstrate concerning feavers . they likewise ought to acknowledge , if material causes do by themselves , and primarily suffice for an immediate hurting of the functions themselves ( to wit , as a cataract before the apple of the eye doth by it self , and immediately bring forth blindness : even as the cutting off or mayming of a tendon , doth take away motion , without the intervening of a disposition really distinct from the curtailing wound ) that there is no need of feigning such a disposition ; for there is not any stoppage , or diathesis which stops up the passage of the urine : if the stone alone doth immediately do that , and materially stop , and doth so perfectly and really contain the whole foundation of a relation in it self , that the disposition or stoppifying action proceeding from the stopping stone , is nothing but a relation , and meer being of reason , which in diseases , in time of healing ; as also in true beings , and things truly existing , hath no place : wherefore extrinsecal diseases , such as are wounds , and what things soever do intercept any passage , seeing they do not arise from a seminal beginning , nor do nourish a cause which may stir up the archeus , they are the clients of another monarchy . but for seminal diseases , it is a nearer thing in nature and motion , to suppose the spirit , the archeus , as it is the efficient beginning of feeling and motion , to be immediately , and most nearly affected by hurtfull things , and that , that occasional cause , and the archeus , do mutually touch each other in a point ; whence a disease : for the occasional matter , whether it be brought to within , or be bred within , or be coagulable , or putrifiable ; lastly , dispersable , or waxing hard , doth alwaies onely occasionally stir up the archeus , that he may thereby be astonied or sore afraid , and wax diversly wroth : to wit , under whose perturbation , an idea is bred , informing some part of the archeus . and that thing composed of the matter of the archeus , and the aforesaid seminal idea , as the efficient beginning , is in truth , every seminal disease . therefore the schools being seduced by their own proper liberties of dreams , have thought , that because the consideration of causes and principles differs from the consideration of the thing produced by them , therefore from a necessity formally causing , all causes ought in making , being , operating , and remaining , to remain perpetually separated from the things caused : not heeding , that for the most part , the consideration of causes and principles , doth not otherwise differ from the consideration of the thing caused , than by the relation of a mental being ; the which , although it be received in science mathematical , and discoursary things , yet not in the course of nature . therefore the schools , being deluded by such faulty arguments , have believed every efficient cause to be of necessity external ; and that therefore it cannot be united with the thing caused ; and therefore that neither is the thing generating a part of the thing generated ; when as otherwise in nature , that which mediately generates a being , is alwaies the internal , vital governour , and assisting architect or master-workman of generation : and so he who for an end , directeth all things unto their scopes , causeth all things for himself , and for himself acteth all things . therefore they being also deceived in diseases , have believed that the diseasifying cause is external in respect of the body of man ; or at leastwise in the beholding of the family-administration of life . for it hath not been known , that generation bespeaks nothing but a flux of the seed unto perfection , maturity of properties , an unfolding of things hidden , and a consummating of orders unto their own ends . first therefore , aristotle hath deceived the schools , teaching , that corruption and generation do throughout whole nature , and that alwaies and of necessity , by steps succeed each other : and therefore he hath made a mental being , a meer negative , non-being ( a naked privation ) the immediate principle in nature , between generation and corruption . neither could ever the schools understand , that the same workman which hath made a plant of a seed , hath not failed in the generating of a plant , hath not , as being banished , departed , as being worn out , not died ; nor lastly , that another hath been surrogated in his stead for the coming of a form ( whereof that workman remains the immediate executive instrument , for ends foreknown by god ) or a participation of life : but that he himself doth even onely and alwaies remain in the government of life . hence indeed , neither have they understood , that the thing generated doth proceed from causes really and suppositively , not distinct from the essence of a thing ; yea nor indeed , with any interchangeable course of causality : because the schools have hitherto more diligently considered of operations demonstrable by sense , ( science mathematical , i say , and artificial things diverse from nature ) than the natures of things themselves , seated in the cup or bosome of essentiality . for they have never heeded that the instrument of art , the artificer himself ; yea , the measures themselves of things measurable , cannot generate any thing seminally in nature , or introduce a seminal , substantial or essential disposition , for the transchanging of products . consequently also , neither have they understood a disease , as a real and substantial being , but onely in manner of an accident : when as otherwise , a disease is not a disposition , not an accident hurting the actions ; and much less the hurt of an action it self , proceeding from a duel of hurtfull causes with out ruling powers : but a disease is a real being , having its causes , the material and efficient , stirred up by occasional causes : for if a disease , and nature , or our faculties , do stand in a diameter , ( for so they will have them ) a disease and a sound or healthy life , cannot be at once in the same immediate subject : therefore a disease cannot be a disposition , which doth even bring a detriment unto our powers : but such a disposition should be rather a fruit of the disease , and a consequent more latter than the disease , and the mother and nurse of weaknesses . i therefore distinguish this disposition from the occasional causes , and products of diseases . but the fruits of a disease , seeing they have respect unto the term [ unto which ] the disease generates those its own products , they may also be co-incident , or happen together with the life ; and therefore some symptomatical fruits are among dispositions ; which thing the schools have not yet explained : to wit , the defects of digestions , motions , &c. and likewise weaknesses are dispositions , which proceed indeed from the products of diseases ( even as by and by in its own place ) yet they are not diseases , because they light into nature , whereinto they are introduced by the strange violences of diseasie seeds , and thus far are unially entertained in the life ; neither therefore can they have the nature of a disease , because a disease cannot remain together with the life , in the same point of identity . but a disease retires out of the bosome of life , no otherwise than as it separates it self out of health . but life is in it self , a certain integrity or sound state of light , with which a disease cannot co-habite ; as neither doth a disease subsist but in the vice of life , or in life that is degenerate : the which indeed is separated from the vital light it self ; and therefore also , from the central point of life it self . for as light , which the soul it self is , is not life it self : so neither is the light of life it self , a disease it self : but this sits in the ulcerous degeneration of the vital archeus , and so also vitiates the light hereof : and therefore by reason of a mark of resemblance , it participates of life , and doth sometimes render it conformable to it self , and doth wholly vitiate it : which thing , in the plague is ordinary and manifest . it hath not been known therefore in the schools , unto what predicament they might attribute a disease . but i say , that a disease consisteth of matter , and an efficient cause , no otherwise than as other beings of nature do : for the essicient archeus , in labouring by his own disjointings of passions , and in bringing forth the idea's of his own disturbances ( for whatsoever things are made in nature , do arise , & are propagated by idea's inclosed in seeds ; for otherwise the progresses of nature should be foolish , which want an internal guide or leader ) procureth to dispose of some portion of his own substance , according to the hostile ends which he hath proposed to himself , and to the whole body , in that very kind of his estrangedness ; and at that very moment , wherein the matter comes down unto the bound proposed to the efficient idea , a disease is bred : even so that , every seminal disease consisteth in a real act , which causeth an indisposition of the matter proper to it self , that is , of the very archeus which makes the assault , and being applied unto us . i therefore have learned , that every circle of predicaments , are in very deed in diseases after the true manner of other beings by themselves , subsisting in nature : for by this meanes , i have found , not diseases in predicaments , but all predicaments in diseases : for truly in all seminal diseases , i find an occasional matter , which like a violent guest , making an assault , doth violate the inne , and right , and disturbes the administration of the family . from thence i find , that the archeus himself is disturbed in all partitular diseases : for from hence also , i consider another internal matter of a disease , to wit , that part of the archeus , which he hath defiled by his own exorbitancy ; on which part he hath fashioned the idea of his perturbation , and the seminal efficient cause of a disease . so indeed a true and real being , doth conserve in it self the respects of all the predicaments ; through the ignorance of which , or one only point , heathenisme hath overwhelmed the schooles of medicine , with the contagion of blindness ; and all curing hath been believed to be subject unto naked qualities , excesses of degrees , relative respects and actions . for from hence they have feigned , contraries to be remedies of contraries ; and no disease to be mitigated by the goodness of nature , the mildness of medicines , and by the appeasing and repentance of the archeus , that was first disturbed ; but only by fighting , skirmishing and war , to be reduced into a mean , or temperature of the first qualities ; so that seeing they think every disease to be a disposition , likewise that all remedies ought to be a naked disposition , or they are deceived in their position ; whence it follows , that the taking away of the stone out of the bladder , shall never be able of it self to import a cure of the sick . for truly , seeing it is a remedy onely privative , whereunto an appeasing of the archeus belongs ; but it is not a disposition contrary to the stone : and much lesse a prohibitive of the foregoing matter , which they suppose of necessity to be supplied from elsewhere , uncessantly to flow thither , nor to cease , the stone being taken away by the knife , to wit , if the disposition generating the matter [ whereof ] shall not first cease : therefore according to the schooles , he that is cut for the stone , should be cured onely for a little space , to wit , as the impediments of functions are taken away , otherwise produced , and cherished by the stone being present ; and also as the disposition mentally interposing , is secondarily , casually and by accident obliterated . but the mattter is far otherwise ; for truly a seminal disease is a creature , which made and found out its own matters , and its own idea's in us after sin , by an hereditary right of the archeus , neither had he it originally in nature : and therefore the root of diseases , ought totally to be unknown to all heathenisme : and seeing an essential definition is not to be fetched from the genus of the thing defined , and its constitutive difference ( even as i have taught in the book of feavers ) by reason of the manifold perplexities of errors , and ridiculous positions ; but altogether from a connexion of both causes , which are beings in nature , and therefore , that the primitive and ideal cause of diseases hath stood neglected hitherto : it follows also , that the definition , knowledge , essence , and roots of a disease , have remained unknown : and finally that curings have been instituted by accident , with an ignorance of the universal disposition of internal properties , their efficacie and interchangable course . truly i know , as a christian , that a disease is not a creature of the first constitution ; because it is that which hath taken its rootes from sin , in the impurity of nature , which afterwards in their own spring have at length budded in individuals . for neither were created poysons diseases , as long as they were without us , but then , when the archeus of the same was made domestical unto us , through the forreign disposition of its middle life , it raised up seminal idea's in our archeus , even as fire is struck out of a flint : then i say , diseases , are made unto us , the fore-runners of death , from an occasional poyson . diseases therefore do continue with us , when they have their provoking occasions subsisting in our nature , until neither their occasional matter be wasted away , or at least until the archeus be rid of his own perturbations , or of his office . for diseases indeed came on us by sin , and afterwards in nature now corrupted by sin , the ferments and ready obediences of matter , waxed strong , and so they pierced into the number and catalogue of nature , and even unto this day do most inwardly persevere with us , after a singular manner : yet alwayes distinct from other created things in this , that the created things of the first constitution , have a proper existence in themselves ; but diseases neither are , nor are able to subsist without us : because they proceed as it were from a formal light , and the vital constitutive beginning of us : and therefore the natural archeus and a disease , do pierce each other , because they have a material co-resemblance . but the schooles , when they heeded , that diseases do never exist without us , supposed that our body was the subject of inhaesion of diseases , and consequently , that diseases were only accidents , and therefore to be stirred up from an elementary distemperature , because they apprehended them in a most prompt , and rustical sence ; also for that cause , they hoped that they should sufficiently , and over vanquish diseases by heats and colds : and therefore they likewise decreed , that every refreshment , aid and help , which nature being informed , did require of the physitian , was not to be administred in shew of a refreshment , in peace and tranquility ; but herein onely to prevail , and that wars , strifes , contraries , and discords were to be appointed , whereby the hostile elementary qualities being cobroken in us , they might by constraint , return into a mediocrity of temperature , that so they may restrain the injuries of nature now corrupted by contrary injuries , and subdue them by revenging : which thing surely they have thus judged , nor have otherwise understood , because that , they knew no other action , than that which from a superiority of the agent , rules over the patient . but surely those things do not savour of an help , neither is the law of christ ( by whom all things were made ) conformable to those lawes of the schooles : and so ( as elsewhere more largely ) either christ is not the parent of nature , or an adversary to himself in nature , or such heathenish speculations of healing are rotten . the schooles therefore have not considered , that the matters of many beings do not consist but in a strange inne , whereunto they were appointed : wherefore by reason of their different kind of manner of existing , they thought a disease to be a meer accident , but predicamentally seperating the matter , which a disease might carry before it , from a disease : as if an embryo should be an accident , because it is no where but in the womb . indeed it pleased the revenger of sin , that diseases , with their matters , as well that occasional , as that equal and inward unto them , should not subsist , but in those whose the diseases and offence should be , and that without respect of the being of one unto another . for neither have the heathenish schooles ever considered , as neither the moderns who have been established on paganish beginnings , that this relation of existence came unto them from the condition of sin , and the procreation thereof , from the archeus sore shaken with perturbations : because such thoughts never entred into heathenisme , neither is it a wonder , that the gentiles knew not the force of transgression , although they do deliver by the fable of promotheus and pandora , that they learned something from the hebrews : yet it is a wonder , that they were ignorant that a disease , before it should be made ours , ought to proceed from the most inward beginning of life , and to be incorporated in us ; neither therefore , that occasional causes , can be the connexed and constitutive causes of diseases ; for truly , those causes , do as yet remain after life , and yet diseases cease . but we must in no wise indulge christians , who are thorowly instructed by the scriptures , that they have even until now , esteemed it for an honour to have delivered their minds bound unto the hurtful stupidities of heathens . they took notice indeed , that there was that affinity of some diseases with us , that they were so connexed unto our body , in respect of an occasional matter , that they could scarce be divided from a consent of the mind , or be seperated from a hurt action ; as in wounds , instrumentary diseases , those deprived of the strength of seeds . for the haw upon the coat cornea , is that which immediately , hurteth the sight ; as also the stone , doth without a medium , stop up the passage of the urine . but the obstruction flowing from thence , is a relation and being of reason ; the which as it acteth nothing , so neither hath it the reason , nor consideration of a disease in nature : nevertheless , the modern schooles had rather to commit the essences of diseases unto elementary discords , than that they would confess the bodies of nature , to bespeak nothing else besides a connexion of both constitutive causes , to them unknown . for that reason , miserable mortals have hitherto groaned under this burden of blindness , expecting cure from those , who were fully ignorant of the constitutive causes of diseases . wherefore , seeing a disease ought to contain its own efficient cause , and its own matter within it self ; hence it easily appears , that hunger , although like a very sharp disease , it kills in very few dayes , yet is not a disease ; because it doth not consist of diseasie causes , whether it be considered as a sorrowful sense of the number of symptomes ; or next as it consisteth of real defects : because for as much as the soure ferment of the stomack ( even as in the treatise concerning digestions ) wanting an object whereon it may act , yet cannot therefore take rest , it attempts by resolving the secondary humour , and immediate nourishment of the stomack ; for the archeus is as well in hunger as in fullnesse , the cause not onely of a disease , but of health it self : but a want of the matter of food , bespeakes a privation , but not a disease : wherefore we must altogether exactly note , that hunger although it doth cruelly slay , as if it were a disease ; yet that it is not a disease , in that respect , to wit , because the archeus is in no wise diseasie in hunger : from whence it ought to be clearly manifest , that every disease doth primarily and essentially respect its efficient archeus . for that cause it was rightly decreed by hippocrates , to the carelesnesse of the schooles , that hot , cold , moist , or dry ( not indeed as such , and concrete or composed ) are not diseases , or the causes of these ; but sharp , bitter , salt , brackish , &c. for peradventure in the age of hippocrates , the occasional cause was not yet distinguished from a true disease . indeed , he knew a twofold excrement to be in us : one indeed natural and ordinary , and so ours , but the other a diseasie one , from its mother errour , and a hostile propagation , and the which , we christians know to have proceeded from the vigour of sin : for when the oldman had distinguished this by forreign savours , he supposed , that if it were not a disease it self , at leastwise , it was the adequate or suitable occasion of diseases , not yet then distinguished from a disease : the removal whereof at least , should open both the folding doors of healing . but it is matter of amazement , that he whom the schooles do boast to follow as their captain , they have skipped over this his text , through sluggishness ; as also another standard-defender of the same captain ; wherein he hath declared , that every motion , unto a disease , death , and health , is efficiently made by the spirit which maketh an assault : and likewise wherein he saith , that natures themselves are the physitianesses of diseases ; and by consequence the makers also of diseases , if that assaulting spirit by its disturbance , doth work all things whatsoever are done or made in living bodies . indeed the schooles have passed by many such things , which did deserve to be accounted like oracles ; because they being deluded and bewitched by four feigned humors being traduced by the deep shipwrack of sleepiness , drousiness , and sluggishness ; have neglected the liquors which he himself nameth secondary ones : as if a disease might not be as equally possible in those , as in the four feigned primary humours . therefore have they also neglected the diseases arising from the retents or things retained of digestions and transplantations ; because also they have been utterly ignorant of the digestions and fermentations themselves , even as i have taught in its place . alas ! how penurious a knowledge hath graced physitians hitherto , whom otherwise if they had been true physitians , the most high had commanded to be honoured . for they have considered a disease to flow forth as an accident , produced by its agent , a diseasifying matter ( wherein therefore that its own efficient is , they have in the enterance been ignorant ) and the patient , which they say is the body of man. first of all , they do not distinguish the agent from the matter , which is most intimate hereunto . secondly , then , they deny a disease to be material , because it is that which they suppose to be a meer quality . thirdly , neither do they distinguish provoking occasions , from the internal efficient ; because with aristotle , they suppose every efficient cause to be external . fourthly , they separate the constitutive causes from the thing constituted . fifthly , they know not the chain of efficient causes , with their products . sixthly , they for the most part , confound occasional causes with their diseases and symptomes . seventhly , they somtimes look upon a disease as a disposition skirmishing between the orders of causes , and the body of man. eighthly , they had rather have that very later disposition , arisen ( as they say ) from the fight of causes , to be a disease , the which , to wit , should immediately ( so they say ) hurt the actions , whether in the mean time , it be contrary unto a vital action , or indeed , it be the effect of that contrariety , which shall offend the functions . but i do not heed the hurtings of functions for the essence of a disease , but the operative disturbances extended on the archeus , do i contemplate of , in diseases . for he doth often die without a sense of action , being hurt , who indeed suddainly falls down , being in the mean time long diseasie ; or he that perisheth only by a defect of nature : wherefore also , i reckon it among other impertinencies , to have tied up the essence of diseases unto the hurtings of the functions , seeing that is accidental and latter to diseases , but not alwayes a concomitant . yea truly , because a voluntary restoring of the enfeebled faculties , doth follow health ; hence the schooles have measured the essence of a disease , to owe an unseparable respect unto the hurting , and things hurting of functions ; so indeed , that these essences of diseases should be included therein : because they have thought , that the whole hinge of healing was rowled about contraries ; when as otherwise , it is wholly by accident , if in diseases , functions are hurt ; otherwise , whoever was he , who denied a disease not really to be present in the silence of a quartane ague , the falling sickness , madness , and gout ? when notwithstanding no hurting of functions is seen ? who is he , which doth not now and then observe in a person recovering , greater hindrances of actions and weaknesses , than in the flaming beginning of diseases ? it hath therefore alwaies seemed a blockish thing to me , for a thing to be essentially defined by later and separable effects . and seeing a disease is primarily made by the archeus which maketh an assault , ( yet by an erring one ) certainly the action hereof shall be much nearer into the faculties themselves than into the actions of the same ; especially because , as long as the faculties are as yet ( in one that is in recovery ) as it were vanquished and sore shaken , there are indeed impediments of the faculties present , likewise a hurting and suppression of actions , yet no disease surviving . and seeing that i have elsewhere sufficiently demonstrated , that both causes in natural things , do not differ in supposition from the very thing it self constituted : therefore if a disease should be the cause of the hurting of an action , as the constitutive difference of the same ; it should also of necessity be , that a disease it self , is not any thing diverse from an action being hurt ; which thing is already manifest to be false . it should also be false , that the cause and the disease , should by the one onely title of the hurter of an action , be undistinctly comprehended , or the schooles do badly decree , that the hurter of action is the cause of a disease it self . but the hurting of the action , should be the disease , and the action hurt , the symptome it self ; for that is also a devise too childish . for first , a disease should be a meer being of reason , mentally arising from a disposition of the tearms of the cause unto the effect ; to wit , of the hurter , and the thing hurt . and then , an error is discerned in the definition of a disease delivered by the schooles ; to wit , that a disease is a disposition , primarily hurting an action : because it is that which should define the cause , and not the disease it self , or the effect of the cause . thirdly , if a remedy ought to remove that it self which hurteth the action ; that shall either have a singular monarchy , whereby it may call forth , and shake off the hurter it self , or the remedy shall joyn it self to nature her self , and that so most unitingly , that their forces being conjoyned , and they being now as it were one united thing , doth set it self in an opposite term , against the hurter it self . but the first of these is not true . because the remedy should be as forreign unto nature , as is otherwise the disease it self ; by reason of a particular direction , and arbitriment of motions despised by our archeus . for if it ought to help , it should have a power superiour to man's nature , in such a manner , that it should obey , neither the lawes of things causing diseases , nor bringing death : and so it should expel the cause which bringeth the disease , as well from a dead carcass , as from a languishing person . neither likewise hath the later , place . because , if the remedy should be united to nature , radically , and by an unitive mixture , it should have a priviledge above the condition of nourishment . a hurting therefore of action it self , doth not fall into the definition of a disease : especially , because a remedy doth not respect so much the occasional cause , as the internal efficient cause of a disease it self . whence that maxime is verified ; that natures themselves are the curesses of diseases , as the effectresses thereof . they indeed do on both sides confound the disease with the symptom , to the destruction of those that are to be cured , seeing curing is seated oftentimes in the removal of the occasional cause , but never in the removing of symptomes . and because the removal of the occasional cause is thought to be an eduction or drawing out of matter : nothing but solutives and diminishers of contents have flourished hitherto ; whereas otherwise , a removal of the occasional cause doth more respect a correction or pacifying of the immediate efficient , than a pulling away of the occasional matter : because after correction , even without a removal of the occasional matter , a cessation , and unhoped for rest , yea , and also a cure , do for the most part , by and by happen : the which in a sympathetical cure doth frequently come to hand , and manifestly appeareth . the schools therefore have been deceived by artificial things , and because they have thought , that all generation is begun from the privative point of corruption ; they have not known , that that which now flows in the material seminal beginning of all things whatsoever , hath already , for that very cause , it s own real being , although an unripe one , and that it is hereby , [ this something ] in it self , and distinct from any other thing ; and that it doth by a natural generation attain only a maturity and illustration in its top or perfection , by reason of a new formal light of acting . neither indeed , doth the seed therefore differ from its constituted being , by the efficient internal cause and matter ; but only by an individual alterity or interchangeable course of the perfection of a formal light , even as elsewhere concerning the birth of forms . for the seed which at first , had need of an exciter , this formal light being obtained , is afterwards for the moving of it self . the schools also do now and then consider a disease , even as if it were a neutral product , proceeding or issuing forth through an activity of the cause , and a reluctancy of our nature : but i know , that as well the formal agent , as the patient , in a disease , are strangers unto us in that act : to wit , i know , that the falling-sicknesse , is no lesse really in us , at the time of its silence , than when it shall be in its full fit . i know also , that a disease is a real substantive being ; but not a relative being , not a naked disposition of the agent and thing striving , unto the patient , as of extreams unto a mean or middle thing . neither lastly , that it is a conformity of proportion or disproportion , between extreams : although this respect of forming a relation between the beings of reason , be nearer than the effect produced . i know further , that every natural agent , is born to produce its like , except that which acteth by a blas ( but the power or faculty , as well that locally motive , as alterative , because it wanted a name , it seemed good to me , to have it called blas , in the beginnings of the physicks or natural phylosophy . ) so the heaven generates meteors , not heavens . and a man , by a voluntary blas ; and likewise the archeus , by an ideal and seminal blas , stirs up divers alterations . but a seminal agent , being inordinate , doth through a strange blas , bring forth a monster , which is properly a disease : for although a disease , according to its causes , be natural ; yet in respect of us , it ceaseth not to be against nature , as well , in as much as it began from a forreign blas , as that it carrieth a hostile blas , and raiseth it up from it self : and therefore , neither doth this monster generate a young like it self , unless it by serments doth transfer its own seminal contagion , and so causeth diseases in others by accident . but as to that which belongs to the efficient cause of diseases ; there is in an abortive birth , a certain efficient cause bred within ( as is a cataract in the eye , the stone in man , a feverish matter ) the which , although it be called by the schools , the efficient , immediate , and containing cause of a disease ; yet it is only the occasional cause of diseases , and external in respect of the life , wherein every disease alway is : and therefore neither can such a visible matter , not only obtain the reason of a true efficient ; but neither also can it be of the intrinsecal matter of a disease it self , to be any part thereof . it remains therefore the conciting and occasional cause of diseases : because the efficient and seminal matter , if it ought immediately to reach and pierce the vital faculties , and so also the life ; even as also in a point it is altogether necessary , that it doth contain a resembling mark of life ; even so that also , that thing is perpetual in seminal diseases , that a disease , as it is never in a dead carcass , so it cannot but be in a living body . furthermore , of efficient causes , there is a certain one , which is and remaineth external : as a sword , having obtained an impulsive force , maketh a disease in the divided matter , which is called a wound : after the like manner , is the fretting of the bladder , which is made by the stone ; for although some external efficients , have their own seminal beginnings whereof they are generated ( as the stone ) yet in respect of the disease which they produce , they want seeds , and therefore are they external and forreign to the disease it self . but internal occasionals have a seed , whereby they nourish the disease stirred up by them , and are also oft-times shut up or finished in their being made : as is manifest in a fever , an imposthume , &c. in the next place , there are occasional efficients , which do defile by a continual and fermental propagation : as ulcers , the jaundice , &c. and there are internal occasionals , which do now and then sleep a long time : as in the falling-sickness , gout , madness , asthma , fevers , &c. of internal occasional causes also , some do uncessantly labour , that they may estrange the matter of our body from the communion of life : whereto if a ferment shall come ( which thing , hippocrates in diseases , calls divine ) co-meltings of the body are made . but in a fever the efficient occasional matter , according to its double property , doth stir up the archeus unto a propulsion or driving out , for the consuming of it self : wherefore , neither doth it leave any other product behind it , unless a new idea shall from the archeus being provoked , spring forth by accident : in like manner , as the dropsie followeth fevers , &c. but let pains , drowsinesses , watchings , weaknessses , &c. be symptoms and dispositions ; so also , a strange seminal efficient doth beget the stone , and there ceaseth , although it thenceforth stirs up troubles every moment , and new motions . but the product of the stone are excoriations or gratings off of the skin , and new diseases , which are monsters unlike their parent . for in speaking properly , the generation of the stone is not a disease ; and much more the stone it self , which in it self is a natural composition , but in respect of us , diseasie : wherefore also in the chamber-pot or urinal , and without the life , it is generated by its own causes of putrifaction or stonifying : and so , it is a monstrous and irregular disease ; because it is that which is bred in us by accident , and without the life . in the next place , as soon as the effect or product in its being made , hath lost its occasional efficient , that product is no longer the very connexion of both causes , or the former disease ; but it hath its own causes , more latter than the connexion of the first causes . for so an imposthume hath brought forth an ulcer ; but this weeps a poysonsom liquor ; this in the next place , doth oft-times excoriate , changeth the former ulcer , or raiseth up a new one : but it nothing pertains unto the causing ulcer , whether its liquor doth afterwards ulcerate or not ; because there is not in it an effective intention to produce an ulcer by the liquor : because the corrupt sanies or liquor it self , is the product of the ulcer causing it , which received its effective and seminal intention in its own essence ; but not for the propagation of a new ulcer , which is therefore unto it by accident . the stone also , is the product of its constituting causes , which it encloseth and terminates in it self : because the causes thereof being brought unto the end of their effecting , do cease in the product , and are shut up as if they were buried : although that stone be an occasional means , whereunto the generation of a new stone happens by growing : in the mean time , it is to the stone by accident , if it produce other diseases more cruel than it self ; yea , than death it self . but in the dropsie , the efficient archeus of the reins , in the conception of an idea begotten by his own perturbation , closeth up the kidneys , and a dropsie is made : yet the former efficient doth not cease , even unto the strangling of the person . in that dropsie being caused , and the water being produced and dismissed , there is not a further intention to produce any other thing . after another manner , oft-times , the product of a disease , seeing it is an in-bred monster , it hath an occasional propagative faculty from the property of the efficient archeus , not enclosed or bound up in the product ; but free in the organs of life . whence indeed other products do now and then successively spring forth : at least-wise , the lavishments of the faculties and life , ought not so much to be accounted the products of diseases , as their ordained fruits , and symptoms , and the periods of these . neither in the mean time , is that a disease by a less priviledge , which is produced by a diseasie ferment , than was the disease , the parent of that product : neither indeed doth it more sluggishly corrupt some vital thing or part , by strange efficients being received , than that , in the primary efficient of whose action , the disease it self is . but the schools do suppose a contrariety of the disease , with health , with life ; and again , with the remedy it self . therefore unto one term , they apply many contrary ones , contrary to the nature of relatives , and contrary to their own maxim ; that one contrary is said to be as many wayes as the other . for the doctrine of contraries in remedies , standing ; health likewise ought to come forth of medicine , as a chick out of an egge : or seeing that contraries ought to reduce each other unto nothing , health ought to proceed from a disease , even as otherwise weakness proceeds from a disease : for if a remedy be contrary to a disease , verily the faculties of our life , cannot be contrary to a disease ; and by consequence , a disease shall not be able to hurt our faculties , or the actions of these . and the schools have erred , while they contend , that in a crisis or judicial sign , a disease doth in its whole course , sustain a single combat with our faculties . but if a disease be contrary to our faculties , and to the remedy it self : at least wise , they shall incongruously apply cold things in a fever , they being applied no lesse to the vital faculty , than to the disease : yea , if from a contrariety of disposition , a disease be bred ; our action ought not wholly to depend on the spirit making the assault , but on the meer cause of the disease : and the which therefore , seeing it should have the principle of its motion in it self , it ought to operate as well in a dead carcass , as in a living body ; and the whole skirmish should be only between the dispositions of strange accidents suppressing each other : of which strife , the life it self should be only a hateful spectator , without discommodity to it self . what other thing is this , than to have feigned a sluggish and cold vital philosophy ? and that the physitians or curers of fevers , are cold ? what if a disease doth stand in a quality , whose contrary warriour they will have to be known by sense , and elementary : why therefore are so uncertain , weak , and slow remedies of diseases devised ? why are there so manifest and ready tokens , remedies , and simples of manifest contrary qualities , boasted of in the schooles ? therefore according to mee , a disease is a substantial being , begotten by archeal causes , as well materially as efficiently . but heat and cold , and that sort of signed concomitants , i call fruits and symptoms , far different from the produced diseases : for a disease is oft-times furiously moved against us , wherein many symptoms do interpose ; which disease notwithstanding , doth oftentimes cease without a product : as is manifest in intermitting fevers : for neither doth a new disease arise from thence ; but only nature intends to shake off a tedious guest ; under which endeavour , fruits and symptoms are produced ; drowsinesses , heats , colds , pains , watchings , disquietnesses , vomits , weaknesses , &c. elsewhere also , a disease doth often convert the matter of its inne : to wit , while the archeus being stirred up by an occasional ferment , doth bring forth a new product : whether in the mean time , the former disease be shut up in the term of the product , or not . neither doth a disease also seldom occasionally produce a monster unlike to it self : while a fever doth cause the dropsie , a cataract , scirrhus , &c. because they are the products of diseases by accident : to wit , whereof a new idea from the archeus is the mother : as shall appear beneath in its place . but weaknesse is a universal fruit of diseases , the chamber-maid of these . the which indeed is no other thing , than a disposition following a diminution of the strength or faculties : and it is either total , by reason of the afflictings of a notable or noble part : it happens also , through an adherency of a diseasie occasion , unto some solid part ; whence the archeus being at length the extinct , a blasting of that part , and presently after a death of the whole body , do also proceed : or weaknesse is particular , by reason of a particular blas , affecting some member by its animosity or wrathfulnesse : for so from the stomack is there a giddinesse of the head , head-ach , &c. as from the womb , the parts do diversly and miserably languish by an aspect : which things surely , are the symptoms and fruits of the archeus , but not the diseases thereof : the which otherwise , do naturally lay up their own efficients in themselves : even as elsewhere , concerning the action of government . in the next place , the product of a disease , differs from a symptom , in this , as this is a fruit : it requires indeed a mitigation from the archeus himself ; but not a curing as it is by it self : because it likewise vanisheth together with the disease . but i find no mention of the product of diseases in the schools ; but it is either confounded with a symptom , or is attributed to a certain new distemperature , and a new aflux of humours . others also are wont to dedicate diseases to the parts containing ; the causes likewise , to the parts contained : but to banish symptoms into the spirit making the assault : being in the first place , badly mindful , that they attribute the heat and cold of the first qualities , as diseases , to humours contained . in the next place , if a disease be in the part containing , and the cause in the thing contained ; if the spirit in-bred in us , shall not move or stir up the cause and the disease , whereby i pray you shall it be done ? what shall beget a disease by a cause , if not the spirit ? for as wrath , bashfulnesse , and agony , do heat by a blas ; so fear , grief , and sorrow , do cool , without the aid of humours . but pepper and heating things , do heat living creatures ; but not dead carcasses : as neither do cantharides , scar-wort , or smallage , embladder these : but causticks do even wast a dead carcasse ; and that , not through the effect of their own heat , but only by virtue of a burning salt , which resolves the solid parts into a salt , without heat : to wit , even as calx vive , doth resolve cheese into a muscilage . causticks therefore , or searing remedies , do generate an eschar in a live body , but not in a dead carcasse ; but they do resolve this , by a simple resolution of their salt : but because in a live body , the archeus is also inflamed within , an eschar is produced from both agents : to wit , the caustick and the archeus . lastly , the fire doth indifferently burn , as well a living as a dead body ; and more speedily , the live body it self : because the fire consumes from without , by burning ; and the spirit it self through its inflaming , becomes caustical or burning within . therefore , from a fourfold handy-craft operation ; to wit , of the fire , pepper , a vesicatory , and caustick , the remarkable things which follow , do voluntarily issue . . that the efficient heat of heating things , is ours . in pepper therefore , there is only an occasional exciting heat . . that a fever is not heat effentially , but it hath things proper to it , as well cold as heat , from the property of an alterative blas : and that not efficiently , but only occasionally , incitingly , and accidentally : but the archeus alone is the efficient of heat and cold . for neither is a feverish matter in a body , otherwise hot , now made cold , then afterwards hot , that the whole body may be cold and hot at the successive change thereof : but they are the works and signatures of life ; not the properties of diseasie seeds in the matter , but meer pessions of the body , thus moved by a blas , from the heat and cold of the archeus ; and therefore , neither do they any longer happen in a dead carcass , as neither after a disease obtains the victory , neither also when the disease ceaseth ; the occasional matter in the mean time remaining . . that the very thing , which worketh heat in us , doth efficiently also produce cold : not indeed privatively , in respect of heat ; because cold is a real and actual blas of the archeus . . that no curing is made by contraries , as neither by reason of like things ; because a disease consisteth essentially in the seminal idea , and in the matter of the archeus ; but at leastwise , substances do not admit of a contrariety in their own essence . . that a disease is primitively overcome , by extinguishing of the idea , or a removal of the essential matter thereof . . originally , by allaying and pacifying of the disturbed archeus . and . from a latter thing ; to wit , if the occasional matter be taken away , which stirs up a motive and alterative blas of entertainment , that the idea or disease , may be efficiently made . . that both the inward causes , connexed in the archeus , is the very substantial disease , having in it , its proper root : but the occasional matter , however it be received in the body , is alwayes external , because it is not of the inward root and essence of a disease . . that symptoms are accidents by accident , breaking forth by excitation or stirring up , according to the variety of every receiver : and it is rather a wandring error , or fury of our powers . . that the archeus , which formed us in the womb , doth also direct , govern , move all things during life . therefore occasional causes are perceived only in the archeus : who afterwards , according to the disturbance thereby conceived , doth bring forth his own idea's , which immediately have a blas , whereby they move , direct , and change , and finish , whatsoever happens in health and diseases . but the parts of the body , as well those containing , as those contained , and likewise the occasional causes of diseases , of themselves , are dead and idle ; neither can they move themselves , or any other thing ; seeing nothing is moved by it self , which is not by it self , and primarily vital ; except weight , which naturally falleth downwards . . that the products and effects of diseases , are seminal generations , so depending on the seeds , that they do shew forth the properties of these . . that heat , cold , heates , &c. seeing they are not the proper causes of a disease , nor the true products of diseases , but only the symptomatical accidents and signatures of diseases ; therefore also , neither do they subsist by themselves , but they do so depend on diseases , that they depart together with them , like a shadow : because they are the errors of a vital light , or an erroneous blas stirred up from diseases . . that diseases are seminal beings ( except extrinsecal ones , wounds , a bruise or stroke , burning , &c. ) and therefore effects of the archeus resulting in a true action , from the occasionals of the exciter , accidentally sprung up in an archeal error of our powers . . that , although without the will of a living creature , contraries should be found in nature ; yet by these , there should be no possible restauration of the hurt faculties , as neither a pacifying of the areheus ; and by consequence no curing , if that be even true , that natures themselves are the physitiannesses of diseases , and that the physitian is their minister . truly that thing is proved by the fire ; the which , by reason of the most intense coldness of the aire ( which i have elsewhere proved to be far more cruel than the cold of the water ) doth the more strongly flame and burn : so far is it , that fire should be exstinguished by cold , which is falsly reputed its contrary : and moreover , neither have the schooles known , that fire is not extinguished by water , because it is cold , moist , or contrary to it ; but by reason of choaking onely : the which we daily see in our furnaces . for as the fire is momentany , and connexed unto it self by a continual thred of exhalations ; hence it is stifled almost in one only moment : for so the water , because it is fluid , enters into the pores of the burning matter , and by stopping them up , doth suffocate or quench the fire ; so also a mettal or glasse , being fired , and burning bright , do shine long in the most cold bottom of the water ; and in the mean time , a coal being fired is choaked in an instant , under the water : because the pores thereof are presently stopped . therefore copper burning bright , is sooner extinguished than silver , and silver than gold. but glasse being fired , because it wants pores , shines longer under the water , than a like quantity of gold : yea hot water doth sooner quench fire than cold ; because it sooner pierceth the pores . therein also , they have remained dull ; that they considered our heat alwayes , by making a comparison of it with fire : for although the fire be a being of nature , yet because it was directed by the most high , for the uses of mortals , that it might enter into nature as a destroyer , and might be as it were an artificial death ; therefore it prosecutes its own artificial ends , but hath not any thing in its self , which may be vital or seminal : there is therefore , no fire in nature , if it hath not first arose unto a due degree for a destroyer ; wherein it is nothing , or little profitable for the speculation of medicine . surely , our heat is not graduated , and therefore neither is it fiery , neither doth it proceed from the fire as being weakened or diminished ; but it is the heat of a formal light , and therefore also vital ; neither therefore doth it subsist in its last or highest degree , even as the fire doth : for it admits of a latitude , and its degree is made to vary according to the provocation if its blas . for although it be from a formal light , and in that respect doth live ; yet through a blas , it doth oft-times ascend higher , or is pressed lower , as well in healthy persons as in sick folk . in the next place , it more highly deviates through furies , and then it ( as burnt up ) uncloaths it self of a vital light , and assumes a caustical or burnt alcali ; which thing is seen in moist and compressed hay , where fire voluntarily ariseth . so in escarrie effects , our heat being forgetful of its former life , passeth into a degree of fire : for through a congresse of lightsome beames , and a degeneration of the salt of the spirits , even as in hay , true fire is bred , and would burn us , if the archeus should expect this end of the tragedy before death . our heat indeed is in the fire , as the number of two is in the number of forty ; yet the fire is not in our heat : and so , neither can our heat be called fiery , as neither is the number of two the number of forty . but besides , a diseasie occasion doth sometimes burthen with its weight alone , and by its hateful presence ; such as is that of a hateful guest . afterwards from the more mild beginnings , a porous quality oft-times increaseth or groweth , being of the order of tastes . thirdly , or at length it stinketh . fourthly , it snatcheth up a strange ferment . and lastly , it threatens destruction unto us through the contagion of an unluckie poyson ; and the cruel seminal occasion of diseases either comes unto us from far , or ariseth from within . it often-times also degenerates in its last qualities , which the schooles have neglected , because ( as being content with their first humours ) they have fallen asleep . there is something , i say , of a hurtful chaffe separated from the guiltless vitals , and the co-mixed occasion of a disease floateth among the good nourishments , and hath even more toughly mirried , adhered to , and chosen its local bride-bed in the same . but it on both sides , stirs up the hostile properties of diseasie seeds , by variously sporting in their innes . the archeus therefore is not affected by heat and cold , but from an excelling quality , and strange fellowship of a taste , and fashions the seminal idea of a disease . and i wonder that the schooles of the greeks , do profess hippocrates to be their standard-defender ; yet that they have despised this hing of healing in him , and have even sunk themselves into meer heats , and the foolish wedlocks of qualities . for a disease according to hippocrates , is made of a good , or before-condemned liquor , being turned into an excrement . therefore i do truly pardon this ( as yet ) undistinction of that age ; and therefore i call those superfluities , not the diseases themselves , but the occasional causes of these ; for an excrement being vitiated in its own , or the last kitchins of digestions , or sticking the longer elsewhere , through the delay of its slownesse , is first accused of sloath , and afterwards , through the activity of the place of its residence , abhorring it , as a troublesom guest is corrupted , from that title , as it is destitute of the balsame of life : for our archeus-faber , or master-workman , seeing he is never idle without blame , neither is ever destitute of a local exchanging ferment ; therefore by a continual heat and warmth , he doth more and more disturb excrements bred within , or brought thither from elsewhere , and shakes them into their appointed ends . therefore , neither can any excrement long remain in its former state . it is also altogether to be despaired of , that nature should ever receive that again for a true citizen , which was once abhorred by her ; or againe adopt it , by entring into a reconciliation ( such as is the fiction , that of phlegme blood is made , of burnt venal blood , yellow choler , and of this , a leekie aeruginous or cankered choler ; and at length , a melancholly or black coloured humour ) for nature cannot but alter a forreign contained guest , which of its own condition is alterable , and promote it unto its own ends : and if that shall happen within the innes of its own digestion , the excrement shall be far more mild , than if it shall be once brought unto others cottages , and out of its own limits . then indeed , that adulterous fruit , and young , applied to , or placed in that part , is refused , as a strange , ominous , and tumultuary enemy ; into whom therefore the strange ferment of another harvest ( from the necessity of an unquiet alteration ) is introduced : whence of things retained , which are at first , simply troublesome , are hurtful things made , and at length the retained things or excrements are transchanged : wherein , if a notable savour be not , it doth at leastwise , for the most part , presently arise , being designed by hippocrates , in the place cited , for a diseasie signature . for as long as a nourishable liquor is restrained by the bridle of the balsame of nature , it of right enjoyes the savours of blood , and assimilable nourishment , all things are in a good state ; but it being once divorced from the archeus , it presently also assumes a forreign disposition ; so also a savour , and through the agitation of dayes , doth varie the degrees of its malignity : that indeed is the sharp , bitter , and soure , from which the old man doth search out by his oracles , almost all diseases to spring . for this although in its quantity it be very little in weight , light , and scarce perceivable by the sight ; yet it is the true occasion of a disease ; but a disease it self sits more inwardly , to wit , in the vital beginnings , and those more active and commanding , than those things which are called excrements , do . for every seminal disease , and that which is cherished by an occasional cause , as it began from a being immediately sensitive , and the subject of concupiscence , which is full of passions , and perturbations , and inordinacies ; so also it hath its seat in no other thing , than in the fountain , prince , and ruler of all motions : yet by degrees it strives not with one onely weapon of malignity , but it s more or root being defiled , doth also occupy the part it self , and likewise deprive it of the continuation and communion of life , if besides , it doth not burden it with the hurt of its impression , or the filth of a ferment being drawn , in a similar part , it doth not threaten its extinction . a disease therefore begins from the matter of the archeus , as it rageth in us by a forreign idea , from a conceived injury , which it judgeth that occasional causes hath done it . but let the concomitant action , and that which results from the proper exorbitancy of its efficient cause ( as the head-ach , doatage , &c. ) be the symptome : but whatsoever springs are caused by a disease , or by reason of pain , the cramp , the government of the parts , or a fermental action , if that do really subsist in its own root , that is the product of the disease . but of products , some are ultimate effects , left by a disease , as a scirihus , or dropsie after a feaver ; or they do break forth , in its being made ; as the pissing of muscilage or slimie matter by those that have the stone : the which , do neither meditate of the propagation of another evil , as neither of a diseasie matter , or of after products : these again are like to their causers , because they are those , which from the contagion of a ferment , do creep farther ; even as is familiar with the scab , leprosie , lues venerea or pox , &c. but others by proceeding inwards do wholy enlarge themselves , and generate after an irregular manner : as an apnaea or shortnesse of breath , convulsion , &c. from the womb or stomack . so wringings of the bowels , the diarrhea or flux , hemorhoides or piles , dyscenteries or bloody-fluxes , and other evils of that sort , do proceed , as being made by sharp or soure things : yea the seed of diseases being at quiet , by intervals , some unaccustomed and dis-continual thing is budded forth from the hidden seminary of the archeus : such as is the falling-sicknesse , the gout , madnesse , &c. truly in all these things , there is a manifest errour of the schooles , which teach , that whole nature is governed by a ruler , or a created understanding , not erring , knowing all ends , and for the sake of these , acting after a most excellent manner . for truly , it is not to be doubted , but that a wound might be healed or closed , without the tumor , pain , corrupt pus , and inflammation of its lips : but that a thorn may be drawn out of the finger , with greater brevity , than that the finger should therefore arise into a corrupt mattery aposteme : for the fat or grease of an hare , being annointed on it , doth extract the thorne in one night : meanes are not wanting to the archeus , whereby he might perform that very thing , safely and quickly ( even as he doth , in some , of his own accord ) but that our archeus is subject to any kind of passions , as if he did conceive childish indignations , from the least hurting of the body . no wonder therefore , that the sublunary being of nature , by no means subjecting it self to justice , doth yeeld to , or fall under its own inordinate passions : when as also , the whole man , whereof the intellectuall mind is president , doth exceed the path of right reason in many things . at length , that is remarkable , that in the works of art , the efficient cause is alwaies without : and the schools being deceived through the errour thereof , have not known , that in natural and substantial generations , the agent is internal : for therefore , they have banished the efficient cause , as external , in the catalogue of natural causes : yea , it hath been unknown , that both the causes of natural things being connexed ( as i have demonstrated in its place ) doth not differ from its effect , but in the priority of flowing ; which thing hath deceived as many as have similitudinously contemplated of nature by artificial things : for neither have they been elsewhere more blinded , than while they have introduced that incongruity of their own speculation into diseases : for they have not onely made artificial things like unto seminal , speculatively ; but also in endeavouring to cure , they have , through a great confusion of falshoods , bespattered the whole practice of healing , with contrarieties . for they have thought , that to produce , and to generate , are altogether the same ; while in the mean time , a generater bespeaks , that he brings forth something from his own substance : but he produceth , who onely couples active things with passive , although he contribute nothing of his own ; he maketh , or doeth also , who acteth any thing how he listeth . furthermore , i also oft-times admire , that while the schools do constitute the benefit of healing in the removal of causes , after what sort , they could place distemperatures within the rank of diseases ; seeing the hot , and most known of diseases , doth both suddenly , and of its own accord , slide into cold ; and we are able presently to remove the intemperance of heat at pleasure , without helping of the fevers . and then , seeing they have never received the vital cause , which is the impulsive one in diseases , for the efficient cause of diseases , they have determined of removing nothing but the occasional cause : for the archeus , although he be the true and immediate cause , as well according to the matter ( the which he brings vitiated , and that out of his own bosome ; ) as also , according to a seminal and efficient idea : yet the archeus doth not shew the removal of himself . but the schools do act contrarily , while they attempt their cures by blood-letting , purgatives ; and next , by every means fortifying life : but upon what ground they do that , they themselves shall see . moreover , in diseases , nature is standing , sitting , and laying . nature standing , doth her self cure her own diseases , from a voluntary goodness ; as wholsome fevers : and likewise , a quartane , which is cured by the proper guidance of nature , but not by the helps of the schools . and nature standing , can also presently walk ; the which belongs onely to health . but nature sitting , although she be able of her own accord to stand , and at length , to walk , yet she is constrained to arise , before she stands ; and therefore she ariseth with the more difficulty : but if she attempt to arise by inordinate remedies , she is prostrated from her seat , and lays on the ground ; and being not a little shaken thereby , is pained , and sometimes dies of her fall . yea also , while many , that they may not be sick or ill at ease , do make use of counsels or advices , which do for the most part hasten old age and death , and oft-times also deprive them of life . but nature laying along , can never rise of her self ; as the leprosie , falling evil , asthma , stone , dropsie , &c. yea , neither is it sufficient for her to arise : for if the nerves or sinews are not confirmed , they do easily relapse . furthermore , hippocrates will have a physitian to be onely the minister or servant of nature : but natures themselves , to be their own onely physitiannesses ; and that thing he thus commanded in his age : when as otherwise , a physitian is the patron and master of nature being prostrated ; which kinde of physitian , if the old man had not as yet acknowledged , surely much less , the succeeding heathenish schools , even unto this day . last of all , dead carcasses are dissected , which is done to excuse their excuses in sins ; for after a thousand years anatomy , the moderns do scarce either the better know diseases , or the more successfully expel them . they rejoyce indeed , that they have found an imminent mark of any corruption in a part , which covers their unfaithfull aids or succours , with the buckler of impossibility : so indeed , the world is deceived with a lofty brow : for neither was that corruption there , before the space of two days , although the place might be pained long before : so far is it from excusing the physitian which is seasonably sent for , that it rather lays open the fault of the same , who ( to wit ) had seasonably or in due time , dispersed the accused excrement : for nothing of the parts containing is destroyed in live bodies , but it is first deprived of the commerce of life : and besides , neither can it long be deprived of the balsame of life , nor a mortisied part wait many houres in the lukewarmth of the body , which doth not likewise speedily putrifie , stink , and draw the whole body into its own conspiracy . therefore from thence , it is manifest , that the corruption which is obvious in the dissected dead carcass , was made but a few hours before , and began but a few dayes before death : for corrupt mattery imposthumes , which are stirred up by malignant assemblies in the lungs , do indeed contain the seeds of diseases ; but the mortifying of internal parts , doth not many paces , precede the day of death . one onely thing is at leastwise to be admired , that the schooles indeed have acknowledged a spermatical or seedy nourishment , whereby we are immediately nourished : because it is that which they divide into four secondary humours ; yet that they have not known , that the same humours do become degenerate , in the passage of digestions , and are the occasions of many diseases . but that the liver alone , in vices of the skin , doth bear the undeserved blame , that is , a thing full of ignorance , and worthy of pity . i will at length , moreover , commune with christian physitians by one only argument . to wit , i● is of faith , that god made not death for man : because adam was by creation immortal , and void of diseases . for concerning long life , i have explained after what manner a disease and death , at the eating of the apple , as an effect unto a second cause , have entred into nature . therefore in this place it hath been sufficient to have admonished ; that the concupiscence of the flesh arose from transgression , and also to have brought forth the flesh of sin ; and therefore that nature being corrupted , produced a disease through concupiscence . i could wish therefore , that the schooles may open the causal band and connexion between the forbidden apple , and the elements , or the complexions of these : whether in the mean time they are lookt upon , as the causes bringing diseases , or as diseases themselves . to wit , let them teach ; if the body of man from his first creation , did consist of a mixture of the four elements ; after what manner those second causes , or co-mixt elements onely by eating of the apple ( which else had never been to fight ) the bonds of peace , and bolts of humane nature being burst asunder , at length naturally exercise hostilities , and all tyranny . what common thing , i say doth interpose betwixt the apple and our constitutive elements ? but if this came miraculously and supernaturally to passe , that death was made a punishment of sin : then god had made death efficiently ; but man had given onely an occasion for death : but this is against the text , yea and against reason : because death was made with beasts , in the beginning , even as also at this day , unto every one happens his own death , that is , by a natural course , and a knitting of causes unto their effect . it must needs be therefore according to faith , that death crept naturally into nature ; so that man was made mortal after the manner of bruits . for it is certain that at the eating of the apple , the brutal concupiscence of the flesh was introduced : neither do we read ( at length ) of any other knowledge of good and evil to have been brought in , which was signified under the opening of their eyes , than that they knew themselves to be naked , and then it first shamed them of their nakedness . wherefore i have long stood amazed , that the schooles have never examined the aforesaid text , that they might search out the disposition or respect of the cause bringing a disease unto its natural effect . in what day soever ye shall eat of the forbidden fruit , ye shall die the death . which indeed is not so to be taken , as if god had said , by way of threatnings : if ye shall eat of the forbidden tree , i will create or make death in you , diseases , paines , miseries , &c. for a punishment of sin , or that , through a condign curse of my indignation , ye and your posterity shall die . for such an interpretation as that resisteth the divine goodness : because that for the sin of our two parents , he had equally cursed all their posterity , with an irrevocable curse of his indignation ; who after sin commited , and the flood it self , readily blessed noah , by increase and multiply , &c. wherefore those words , ye shall die the death ; did contain a fatherly admonition : to wit , that by eating of the apple they should contract the every way impurity of nature , as from a second cause , seated ( to wit ) in the concupiscence of the flesh of sin . but seeing such a concupiscence can never consist in elementary qualities ; it is also sufficiently manifest , that a disease and death , are not connexed as effects to the elements , and the qualities of these : but the concupiscence of the flesh , as it infected onely the archeus , even so also , it did onely respect the same . in the archeus therefore , every disease afterwards established it self , and found its own onely and immediate inne : and so also from hence , the archeus is made wholly irregular , inordinate , violent , and disobedient : because he is he , who from thenceforth hath framed inordinate images and seales , together with a spending of his own proper substance , as it were the wax of that seal : for images or likenesses , are at first indeed the meer incorporeal beings of the mind ; but as soon as they are imprinted on the archeus , they cloath themselves with his body , and are made most powerful seminal beings , the sealing dames , mistresses , and architectresses of any kind of passions and inordinacies whatsoever : which thing i will hereafter more clearly illustrate in the treatise of diseases . finally , the adversaries will be able to object , that it would be all as one , whether a disease be accounted a disposition , or a distemperature of the first qualities , or a disproportionable mixture of humours , or lastly , whether it be called an indisposition or confusion , and likewise that it is as one , whether the cause which brings a disease , he called the occasional , or the material cause of diseases , or the internal and conjoyned cause thereof : for truely the one onely intention of nature , and physitians on both sides , is conversant about the removal of that matter , for the obtainment of health ; therefore that i am stirred about nothing but an unprofitable brawling , concerning a name . i answer negatively , and that indeed , because both the suppositions are false ; for as to the first , for that doth not onely contain a manifest fault in arguing , of [ not the cause ] as [ of the cause ] and of a [ non-being ] [ for a being ] : but besides the destruction and death of mortal men , doth from thence follow : for , for that very cause , for which a remedy is administred to correct the distemperature of a discrasie or the abounding or disproportion of humours ( because of things not existing in nature ) they at least cannot deny , that our disputation is of things , but not of a name onely ; when as ( to wit ) they accuse , cure , or undertake to cure the disease for the cause , or this , for it . they handle i say , things that are never possible , as if they were present . and then also , they presse a falshood : because indeed , i never said , that a naked confusion or indisposition of the archeus , is a disease ; but i affirme that the immediate and internal matter of a disease is to be drawn from the masse of the archeus himself : but i call the imprinted seminal idea , which springs from the disturbances of the archeus , the efficient gause ; but as to what appertaines to the other supposition , the occasional or inciting cause , and the internal containing cause , or the very body of a disease , do far also differ from each other . for example ; the occasional cause of intermitting fevers is present out of the fit , which should not be if the occasional cause were the very internal matter of fevers : for i have seen some hundreds cured of divers diseases , by some simples hanged on the body , without any removal of the occasional matter : to wit , nature being busie about the rest . thirdly , the fits of diseases are oft-times ended , the occasional cause being present and remaining , but it is altogether impossible for that to be , while the containing and internal matter of the disease is present . in the next place , there are diseases which have no occasional cause , whose own connexed matter is neverthelesse , excussed or struck out about the time of their period , even as fire out of a flint ; they not having i say , any other occasion of them , besides ideal impressions ; such as is the gout , falling-evil , madnesse , asthma , &c. to wit , whose perfect cure consisteth in the removal of the seminal character , and incorporeal ferment , not likewise in the sequestration of any matter : for so a certain odour being drawn thorow the nostrils , hath strangled many , without a material vapour or moist sent unto the paunch . however therefore they may strive with me , they shall discern , and confess with me , that hitherto , none hath come unto the knowledge of diseases ; and that there hath been blindness in healing hitherto : give leave to the truth . it hath therefore been sufficient for me to have demonstrated , that diseases do lead their armie into us , by unknow seminaries and invisible beginnings , according to that antient maxim , that every direction of sublunary things depends on an invisible world. hence it hath come to pass , that although diseases have oftentimes been silent , and have wholly ceased to be , under the uncertain cures of experiments ; yet nothing hath been hitherto acted from a fore-knowledge of the means and ends , in diseases of nature standing , or sitting : because also , they do very often of their own voluntary and free accord , hastily run unto the end of their race . but in diseases of nature laying along or prostrated , nothing hath been heard hitherto , besides the despaires of incurable diseases , and the lamentations of miserable men . what things therefore , have been assayed before , touching the nature of a disease , let them be prologues unto those things , which remain to be by and by spoken concerning diseases : where i shall professly touch at or reach , the causes of all diseases in the point of unity : here only , handing forth by the way , that diseases do now issue into depraved and impure nature , plainly after the same manner wherein they at first began to be framed and issue : and the schooles will not deny that that thing lay hid to the heathens and their followers . last of all , new diseases have lately happened unto us , and antient ones do hereafter scarce any longer answer unto the names and descriptions of our ancestours : because they have put on strange signes and properties , whereby they go masked , and deceive physitians under the precept of the antients : for i conjecture that from thence , there will be almost the greatest destruction of diseases ; and so also , that from hence the mercy of god will be so much the nearer unto mortals : for it hath pleased the most high , to have sent paracelsus in the forepastage , who might propose unto the world the more profound preparations of medicines , so far as it was lawful : but at this day , afterwards he hath vouchsafed also , to open the knowledge of diseases : wherefore i shortly expect another to come , whose schollar i am not worthy to be : for neither therefore , hath the most high permitted my self to hope for the coming of the same man , who hath sent me before , as the publisher of his praise : for truly with him , every disease shall equally find its own remedies , under the stone or harmony of unity ; together with the speculative knowledge of diseases and remedies . i intreat the thrice most great and excellent god , that he would preserve the same man from the vanity of arrogancy , and from sudden death , sorely threatned unto him by hateful men . chap. lxiii . the dropsie is unknown . . at length the author shewes , that there is the same ignorance of the dropsie , as of other diseases . . the distinctions of names used by the schooles . . he must first strive with the schooles about the difference of occasional causes . . the hurtful ignorance of the humour latex . . the errour of the schooles is shewit with the finger . . a cruel remedy . . a ridiculous opinion . . some absurd concomitants . . a history . . absurd anatomy . . some remarkable histories . . the root of grasse is examined . . a stumbling of the schooles , that they may fall . . the author answers by eighteen arguments . . the occasional cause is meditated of . . the occasional cause is proved . . paracelsus is taken notice of . . a most secure remedy of mercury described by paracelsus . . some remarkable things . . the dropsie is described by its causes , and by nineteen positions . . an objection of paracelsus is refuted . . the poysonous furie of the archeus of the reines . . a maxime is preserved . . the carelesness of the schooles are to be admired at . . the author narrowly searcheth into some hidden things . . the examination of a thing or matter , which seems repugnant unto science mathematical . . the difference of the latex from the urine . . the use of the kidneys being neglected , hath brought forth the ignorance of the dropsie . . an explanation of a new question . . the furie of the reines is the efficient cause of a dropsie . . the manner of making in a dropsie . . it is prooved by a voluntary cure. . what the abstinence from drink in a dropsie , may effect . . thirst doth in no wise dry up a dropsie . . after what manner , the abstaining from drink hath cured the dropsie . . all thirst ariseth from the the reines , but not from the liver , as from the slender veines , according to the schooles . . the ignorance of causes hath rendred the dropsie neglected . . the vanity of hydragogals or medicines drawing out water . . a remedy of the dropsie . . a remarkable thing concerning briony . . that the government of the reines hath hitherto remained unknown . . a definition of the dropsie , by its causes , and manner of making . . an examination of the tympany . . a history hath proved to the nostrils what hath been said . . the vanity of carminating medicines . . why paracelsus perswadeth dungs . . mercury is commended . . a bastardly and new dropsie . . the preparation of precipitate , and of the arcanal or secretous remedies of the dropsie . . universal and pacifical secrets , do ( as yet ) more powerfully operate . i have made a treatise concerning feavers , and seeing that , no seldome dropsie is the metamorphosis of malignant feavers , it seemed meet to me to subjoyne the treatise of the dropsie to feavers ; yet afterwards , when i saw that the dropsie was solved or loosed by the reins or kidnyes , i doubted , whether the dropsie were rather to be considered after the treatise of the disease of the stone ; or whether by way of example , i should subjoyn it to the treatise of diseases : for truly , if the belly swell , through a defect of the urine ; therefore the dropsie seemed to be referred unto the forgetfulness of the reines : but the stone hath expelled the treatise of the dropsie , therefore it hath made a treasie singular to it self : but i shall be the less solicitous of order , so my proposed scope of curing be reached with fruit . i have made it manifest , that the causes of feavers , the disease of the stone , apoplexie , palsey , lethargie , leprosie , convulsion , plague , jaundice , colick , flux , and other like diseases , are unknown : then in the next place , i have alreadie atchieved to demonstrate the same ignorance to be , about the knowledge of a disease in general : now moreover , i will shew , that the same thing doth happen concerning the dropsie , as it were the heire of many diseases . in the schools , a threefold dropsie is observed , to wit , anasarca , a water between the skin , and the which , they call a leuco ( or white ) phlegmacie , as if it did arise from phlegme , and for the most part , they confound it with a local oedema or phlegmatish tumour . and then , ascites follows , which is the dropsie of a proper etymology , being forthwith manifest in the belly and legs . and the third is a tympany , or windie dropsie , concluded only in the belly : because indeed , the abdomen or neather part of the belly doth extend it self from a flatus alone , or being mixed with a little wheyishness , and that no otherwise than as through water , and at length , that it doth miserably kill by choaking . the tympany is more rare and cruel than ascites , and is easily from the beginning , distinguished from an ascites : because the patient being rowled on his side , doth not feel the water to floate , even as , otherwise , that thing is manifest in an ascites ; yea truly , authors do scarce distinguish an anasarca from an ascites , in its causes or place , especially while this begins about the ancles , in the same seminarie place with an anasarca and oedema : the which , if they do enter the deeper into the belly , then they name them ascites , the name of anasarca and oedema ceasing : and so , the degree onely doth varie the species of the disease in the schooles : but if the whole habit of the body , doth appear swollen ; as it were through a poyson being taken , they presently think that phlegm hath committed the crime , and do call it a leuco-phlegmacie : wherefore the water between the skin seemeth again to be distinguished from ascites , onely by degree , and therefore they have accused the liver to be the one only fountain of them both . with the schools therefore i will talk , concerning the occasional causes ; for why , seeing the ignorance of the immediate efficient cause , hath hitherto made the dropsie an unknown guest in us : but i could never conceive , that the liver should be the cause of the dropsie , if the whole dropsie be solved by the urine ; and so , the liver doth not offend in generating urine ( because it is that which is a natural product of the constitution of our nature ) so much as the reines do offend in not emulging or sucking it out . wherefore the vice hath seemed to me , to subsist rather in the kidney than in the liver : and therefore , i wholly even from the beginning , do decline from the schooles in the seminary and fountain of the dropsie : for because they blame phlegme in an anasarca , leuco-phlegmacie , oedema , and a cacochymia or an affect of bad juice , that doth not seem to touch an ascites , the which , they think to be bred from heaped up urine , or a certain whey of the blood ; seeing in very deed , they , with an earnest countenance distinguish the urine ( which they also signifie to be the whey of the venal blood ) from phlegme , in its whole principles : to wit , while urine is an excrement in its original : but phlegme is called venal blood , being not yet cocted unto maturity : for therefore this swims in the blood throughout its whole ( for such is their pleasure ) and is an entire part hereof : whereas , in the mean time , the urine , wheyie latex , and an excrement , was never fit for , or dedicated to nourishment ; for we must not jest in the principles of medicine , in the rules , in the causes of diseases : for truly , it is seriously treated concerning the skin of man , of subverting families ; yea , and of the damnation of souls : for it is not all one , whether the dropsie doth depend on phlegm , or on a vriny liquor ; and on both sides , to have accused the vice of one liver : for there is a sluggish and stumbling progresse in the searching into diseases , while they refer , perhaps two hundred diseases unto the distemperature of one liver . they have forgotten the while , the manners of making , and sending phlegme , or urine unto the bottom of the belly , and not far of elsewhere : they have thought therefore , that the water of the dropsie is meere urine , or a metamorphyzing of phlegme , melted into urine after an unheard of manner hitherto : but at leastwise , they have been ignorant of the latex to be distinct from the urine among the principles of natural phylosophy : for even as the food is not dung , although this be afterwards made of food : so neither is the latex urine . furthermore , it is so confessed , that the dropsie doth universally arise from the error of the liver alone ; that when i had once , judged in a written consultation , that count destaires or stegrius , did labour with a dropsie of of his lungs , extended from the left part of his midriffe into a swollen arm ; the chief physitians hissed out this my paradox with loud laughter , because i sought the seate of the dropsie out of the liver : yet , when after death his breast was opened , perhaps two buckets of water flowed forth , the which had run out or digressed between the left part of his midriffe , and breast , into his arm and fingers . anasarca therefore seeing it was as it were a lesse and beginning dropsie , it was derived ( by opening things ) into the liver : and likewise they hope , that the remaining white phlegme , the more crude blood , urine , and dropsical whey ( they confound those four in this place ) will be hereafter dried up by the one onely abstinence from drink ; as a capital remedie ; for in the evening , they see the shanks or legs that are swollen , in the morning , as slender , to have fallen : they say therefore , that the blood is concocted in sleeping , but to be wasted , or consumed afterwards into nourishment , neither dare they to affirm , neither do they say , whither it hath departed : neither also do they dare to say , that in so small a space of the body , and time , so such phlegme being turned into blood , is expelled out of the legs , by an unsensible transpiration of the skin , if they shall not maintain that two buckets of blood are dayly consumed in a like proportion , of one and every night , and of the whole body . they are therefore constrained to feign , that the more crude blood , or phlegme , being now once hunted out , in the habit of the legs , is recocted into good blood about the ancles , without the shop of sanguification , and dominion of the liver : that is , that the once out-hunted and cocted blood , is by a forreign agent , and unfit organ , at length received into favour , that it doth by an inspired motion , retire into the mouths of the veines , and is received or associated , as equally fit for vital offices : but whence do they spend so much labour in drying up of the dropsical affect , that they can scarce command a possible abstinence of one year from liquid things , if the dropsie be the vice of the one digestion of the liver ? why do they referre it , among diseases offending onely in moisture , the which was to be attributed unto a full half digestion , for i will first dispute about the liver , and under the same by-work , i will discover the occasional cause of the dropsie . i saw a certain un-savory simple ( nor by any meanes to be manifested ) administred by a physitian in the suspition of the stone of the kidneys , which suspended the urine for eights dayes , and even unto death ; the which , presently before death , was loosed , and then it throughly be-pissed the bed cloathes : the disease brought forth another thing like it : for truly , neither in the urine-pipe , or bladder , appeared any obstacle after dissection : but he had his left kidney , triangular , free or undamnified from all obstruction and stone ; but the right kidney was plainely monstruous , and scarce of the bigness of a filburd-nut : therefore , he had pissed years with his left kidney not letted or stopped . that the liver therefore is guiltless in the dropsie , i will declare my experiences : for because the precepts of the schooles , did the less satisfie me in the dropsie ; therefore i was wont , being as yet a young man , to hasten ( although not called ) unto the dissections of dropsical bodies , that i might search out the birth-places of the dropsie : for i thought with my self , to what end , hath there been anatomie now for two thousand years , if there be not at this day , a more successful curing of the dropsie than in times past ? for wherefore are we the butchers of dead carcases , if we do not learn by the errors of the antients ? if we do not amend fore-past things : for we flee unto anatomie with a prejudice , and sweep the purses of heires , if we do not look into the causes of death , that we may learn the cures . for truly dissection , profits the dead nothing . heires also do not expend their moneys , that they may heal the dead by anatomy ; and much less , that they may wound the same , least happily he should rise againe ; nor also , that they may learn to cure others , which are unwilling to be healed : but only the dead carcase is opened for the physitian ; and that he may more perfectly learn , the heire paies the reward of his learning . thus oxen , yee , that yoaked are , the plow , not for your selves do beare . but physitians , seeing they scarce any longer expect to learn , they stand by , stop their noses , and hope by the expences of the heires , for the most part , to escape the mark of death . a lawyer , after divers gripings or wringings of his bowels , died of a dropsie : but in the dissection , we saw his liver without blemish . an english-man , my neighbour , by eating his fill of roasted porke , sliding into a daylie flux , and presently after into a dropsie , he died , and being dissected , his liver was seen to be unhurt . hitherto also , doth the tragedie of count stegrius tend . in the autumne of the year . i returning out of england to antwerp , found some hundreds , after a malignant and popular fever , to be dropsical : i cured many , and many under the unhappy experiments of others , in the mean time perished : but that people have a perswasion in them , that unless all the water be drawn out of the dead carcases the dropsie will passe over into the next heire : and so , they are solicitous of dissection : and i certainly affirme , that i found the liver of none defiled . a certain citizen , was long pained between his bastard ribs , neither breathed he without pain ; at length , the conjectures of physitians being tried , he died of a dropsie : but his liver was seen to be without hurt . one pertayning to the kings treasurie of brabant , after a sudden pissing of blood , was long handled by physitians in vain , and thefore being sent by his physitians , unto the fountains of the spaw , he returning , began to shew a hardness in the left side of his abdomen , under his ribs , and thereupon , the leg of that side was swollen : but the chief physitians , and those of lovain , although they saw his urine like unto that of healthy persons , and thereby did betoken his liver to be guiltless , yet they desisted not from the continual use of solutive , opening , and urine-provoking things : yea , they gave him steel diversly masked , against the obstructions of the liver , to drink : and at length , having a huge abdomen , he perished with a dropsie : for neither was there place for excuse , as to say , they were called late , who were present with him , from the hour of his bloudie pissing : but his dead carcase being dissected , his liver was found innocent : but his left kidney had swollen , and that more than was meet , with a clot of out-hunted blood ( such as is in a boyled gut. ) a major of souldiers , from a bloudie flux which was at length appeased , died of a dropsie , whose liver notwithstanding , was without blemish ; however the schooles may grin . a certain merchant keeping his bed through a colick of four months , fell into a dropsie ; but being dissected , he had his liver without fault . a woman of sixty years old , hearing in the night , theeves at the windows , and rising , dashed her belly beyond the breast-bone , against a corner of the table : but first it pained her , and then her menstru'es brake forth ( as she thought ) the which , although it was little , yet it desisted not , but with the birth of a dropsie : it also expurged into the masse of a greater tympanie : but she being dissected , her liver offered it self undefiled . another old woman , being vexed with a more cruel husband , after inordinate menstru'es , perished with a dropsie , and shewed an unblamed liver . a certain hand-maid ; hanging some washed webs of cloath to high for her stature , sliding into a flux of the womb , at length , died of a dropsie , neither offered her liver , it self guiltie , to the beholders . a cuaplaine of bruxells , of the age of years , complaines to me , of the shortness of his breath : he shews his legs to be puffed up , and his belly to be swollen : and he saith , that his cod was swelled to the bigness of ones head : for i saw , that he had a face bespotted with red pricks or spects , as it were with the marks of stripes : he as yet , celebrated the masse , yet with difficulty : presently after three dayes from thence , he suddenly dieth : but he being dissected , his belly was found to be without water : but in his breast , much blood had choaked him : and so a small vein being burst , had caused a difficult breathing , and did also dissemble a dropsie : but when as the rupture of the vein , being more rent , had poured forth its blood , it choaked the man. a certain dropsical man , and but one onely , being seen by me , shewed a black and stinking bubble in the hollow of his liver . barth-cabrollius , an anatomist of mount-pellier , saith , that he cured very many dropsical persons , by incision made in the very navill it self standing out , and that , in both sexes : but surely if the errour had been in the liver , it could not have issued forth with the water , through the navil : or that the liver being mortally defiled , should admit of a restoring : which thing , the schooles will not admit of . wherefore i remember , that i have restored above two thousand dropsical persons , also whose urine did now wax-blackish with bloodinesse , and who had scarce made a spoon-ful of water in one night , whose liver , if it had had but even a mean ( and not a mortal ) fault , i consess i had not cured them . i have seen also , that they whose liver hath been notably wounded , have escaped , who although they thenceforth fore-perceived the storms of the aire , yet not the dropsie . i have seen moreover those whose last day , a slow fever had closed , in whose liver small stones had grown ; yet they had not shewn a dropsie . it is a familiar thing for the liver of oxen to abound with small stones , although they are continually fed with grasse : whence at leastwise , i have learned , that grass-roots do never remove the obstructions of the liver . the schooles will say to these things ; the dropsie , indeed is not made , from a visible corrupting or obstruction of the liver ; as neither from the salt of the feigned jamenous-alume ( as otherwise hath seemed to paracelsus ) but from a meer cold and moist distemperature thereof , for so a large flux of blood , because it brings the aforesaid distemperature , it causeth the dropsie . but this is wholly prattle , old wives fables , and vain sounds . for first of all i have sufficiently demonstrated the nullities of mixtures and temperatures , not any more to be repeated . . i have seen many , all the venal blood of whom , a consumption had exhausted , so as that scarce two ounces had remained , when their heart , lungs , and liver were plucked out ; but their liver was of a yellowish colour , because it was without blood ; yet there was no cold and moist distemper in these livers , as neither a dropsie , the supposed son of its feigned mother . . if much flux of blood should generate cold and moist distemperatures , surely the schooles do not affirm that thing to be done , but by the reason of a withdrawing of the vital spirit , which alone , is the cause of our heat : but the defect whereof , seeing it includes a privation , it cannot induce a positive being , such as a cold and moist distemperature and dropsie should be . . and likewise , seeing they will have contraries to be contained under the same general . kinde ; our vital heat ( which they will have to answer to the element of the stars ) cannot have an elementary cold , contrary unto it . . a notable flux of blood , doth of necessity cause cold : and therefore , if a cold distemperature arisen from a flux of blood , should be of necessity , the mother of the dropsie , at every notable flux of blood , the dropsie should of necessity be present : but the consequent is false : therefore also the antecedent . . and moreover , seeing cold , from a flux of blood , becomes universal , there is no reason , why the abdomen should be rather loaden with water , than the breast , whither to wit , the aire being continually breathed in , doth increase the cold . . if the dropsie be the son of that distemperature in the liver ; whence therefore is there an uncessant thirst ? . if the expulsion of water into the abdomen , be an action of a distempered liver ; why doth not the liver use the same its own expulsive action , while the veines do swell with urine , they being intercepted by a destructive stone ? . likewise the blood of dropsical persons , even as also the urine , should be exceeding watery , if the dropsie should be from a cold distemperature of the liver : but the urine should not be so reddish and bloody . . in the next place , between a dropsie , and cold distemperature , arisen from a flux of blood , a positive cause , being a third from a cold , should of necessity interpose : which the schooles do hitherto name , because of a non-being there is no search made . . neither also , do such distemperatures produce thirst , together with a salt water , in the abdomen ; seeing they do not thirst , who do plentifully detain a salt urine throughout all their veins , in the stone which stops up the reines on both sides . . if the dropsie be from a cold distemper , then a dropsie should never be expected after a fever , or wringing of the bowels , if there be not a branded confusion of causes . and in vain do they flee unto a cold distemperature for a dropsie , the which , should equally proceed even from opposite causes . . every old and decrepite person , should now nourish the necessity of a dropsie . . a cold distemper , seeing in its root it is like to death , extinguishment , old age , and privation , every dropsie should contain a necessary despaire of health , even as such a distemperature denies a restauration . . if the liver be the liver and not the lungs , by reason of its elementary co-tempering ( as the schooles say ) and so from one only seed , all the elements do proceed and wander hither and thither confused , that they may be the constitutives of appointed organs ! therefore the liver receding from its natural temperature , shall cease to be the liver , and shall be the kidney , lungs , or milt . . at leastwise , a member struck with a palsey , should not be wasted , but should be after some sort , swollen with a dropsie . . at length , if the venal blood be resolved into four , or again into three humours , from whence it is either naturally composed , or they are in it , being applyed unto , or co-mixed in the subject of the blood ; the blood shall never be able to be changed into a dropsical water : seeing this is not any humour of the constitutives of the blood : yet i have seen a country-man , out of whom all the water was taken by a borer , in twelve hours space ; for he being become my opposite , scoffed at me : but the morrow morning , being swollen with the former lumpe of his belly , he died . for the dropsie increased not by degrees , even as it had increased from its beginning ; but it presently hastened and proceeded unto an extream extension : for i observed , that his flesh and blood , being melted into water , had made their retreat to the neather part of his belly : for in that one only day , he had descended into extream leannesse : therefore his flesh and blood , shall now wander into an hydropical or fifth humour , through the cold distemperature of his liver . i could perhaps pardon , that the liver being cooled , doth afterwards generate the more cold blood ( for all blood being deprived of vital spirit , naturally waxeth cold , because it is a dead carcase : ) but that a more cold liver doth melt fleshes into a dropsical water , that can be founded upon no reason . . the schooles cannot deny but that a dropsie is sometimes solved by the kidneys : but there is no reason , why the reines do stubornly close themselves even untill death , because the liver was more cold than was meet . let these arguments onely , as yet , suffice the humourists which are distempered with cold , that the liver may be from a mortal offence . now i will over-add somethings concerning the occasional cause ; i will therefore resume the fact of our treasurer , who shewed nothing memorable in this dissection , beside blood out-hunted , and hardned in his kidney , to be the occasional cause of his dropsie and death : yet while the stone , plentifully stopping the kidney , doth not produce a dropsie , yea although the whole kidney shall wax brawnie or hard with little stones , and shall reserve nothing of its substance besides skin : therefore the obstruction of the kidney , as such , is not the occasional cause of dropsie : but the out-chased venal blood : for so the woman of sixty years old , having dashed her self against a corner of the table , contracted a dropsie : so those that are wounded in their abdomen , and badly cured , do become hydropical : so out-chased venal blood lighting and laying on the menynx or coate of the brain , doth presently render the countenance swollen with a dropsie : so at length great gripings of the guts , do pour forth blood out of the veins , into the space bordering on the hollow bending bowel : so those that have the bloodie-flux : and so drinkers , do enter into a dropsie , as something of blood is co-heaped in the hollow bought of the bowel . but this thing i learned , in a fracture of the scull , and in a dropsie of the lungs : for there the blood making oftimes a stop , blows up the whole head and face as it were with a dropsie . but here , i have observed the blood to have consisted or remained about the conduit of the arterial vein ; for neither doth the venal blood degenerate in the form of corrupt pus , unless it be cocted in the hollowness of the flesh ; but without the flesh , in a free place , the blood presently waxeth clottie , and straight way after it being made more dry , is hardened , and presently conceives a poysonous ferment : whence the archeus , stirs up a dropsie . indeed our treasurer hath taught me , that the blood being hunted out and become clotty , causeth a dropsie of the belly ; and besides that the kidney is an adequate or suitabl aertificer , causer , executer , and judge or arbitratour of a true dropsie . that thing hath confirmed it to me , because at the time of a dropsie , the kidney scarce makes urine : and on the other hand , because the kidney being excited to restore the urine , himself doth empty the whole dropsie out of the belly : wherefore also , that the water is brought back into the abdomen , by the arbitration of the kidney . vain therefore is the devise of paracelsus , that the star zedo is the one only and singular architector of the dropsie : for the cause is in our innermost parts , and in the very beginnings of life , but not to be so far fetched , and cured : for the dropsie is not the workmanship of the stars , neither is there such an ordination of the stars : neither is that of concernment , although mercurie being seperated dead from its vein , doth truly and perfectly cure the threefold dropsie : for mercurie is an analogical , and feigned name , neither doth it denote a star ; but a running mettal : for what doth a name that is metaphorically feigned , belong unto the feigned star of zedo ? for metallick mercury , is neither a star , nor kills a star , nor hinders its operation , nor dis-joynes the conjunction of a star with us , if there were any : for the stars are the occasions of meteors , but of diseases , occasions onely by accident : for primarily , they are the causes of times or seasons , and of the blas of a meteor ; but secondarily , and by accident , they disturbe our bodies , proyoke diseases , or ripen the occasional matter : but causes by accident do not respect cures , but fore-cautions , especially , where causes [ per se ] or [ by themselves ] do operate with or in us by a proper motion , and appointment of their own seeds . for indeed the left kidney of the treasurer is stuffed or condensed with the more dry blood , the left part of his abdomen is extended , and presently waxeth hard , the right part being safe : his leg also , presently swels , and afterwards his thigh on his left side , and therefore the extension of his belly is extended , not by reason of the quantity of water onely ; but his membranes are extended from the disease it self , no otherwise than as the artery under a hard pulse : but the membranes are extended and contracted also , before a plenty of water , by the same workman which begets the dropsie : indeed it contracts all the pores of the membrane , that they cannot transmit or send the wind or liquor thorow them , when as otherwise , in those that are alive ( that is healthy ) the whole body is perspirable , and conspirable , or inspirable . the treasurer therefore , first of all makes a little water , the dropsie straightway invades him by degrees , and begins on his left side : and therefore presently after its beginning , his left leg is besieged by an oedema , and afterwards his whole body becomes swollen . but why doth not his right kidney draw the urine , nor transmit it , the which otherwise happens when but one kidney is besieged by the disease of the stone ? for therefore , there is a double kidney by nature , and a single spleen or milt , that one may relieve another in their troubles , and banishments of an excrement : yea , and from hence it is sufficiently manifest , that the spleen is not a sink , nor emunctory . therefore in the blood being chased out of the veins , deteined , and condensed , there is an exciting ferment , such as is wanting to the stone . i will therefore declare the whole order of the matter so far as my observation hath taught me : for the liquor latex unknown to the schooles , as long as it is carried with the blood in the veins , or to the glandules , it enjoyes a common life , neither doth it obey the rules of water-drawing organs : but it knowes not upwards and downwards , because it hath it not : but it being once rejected out of the fellowship of life , now it undergoes the nature of an excrement , and hastens downwards , as being burthened with its own weight : therefore the latex is of a vile esteem : and therefore , as oft as every bowel is ill affected , it presently neglects the latex , and excludes it from the company of its venal blood ; and findes business enough for it self at home , for its own defence . the latex therefore being once divorced elsewhere , and spoiled of the society of life , doth presently receive the disposition of an excrement ; because it s own , and that which is native to it . . this is the cause of an anasarca , or in speaking precisely , the water is not the dropsie , as the anasarca it self , neither is the wind the tympany it self , but the water in the abdomen , and the latex in the anasarca , are the products of the dropsie , as the wind is in the tympany . surely the dropsie is a guest received with a more inward society of familiarity , and is more intimate unto us , the which doth attempt the vital principles , and faculties of life before the water be bred : and so every disease , doth by occasional causes immediately talk with the vital beginnings , wherein at length it findes its matter and efficient cause . . and then i have noted , that seeing the urine of all dropsical persons in general , is little , and of a ful colour , the latex was the matter , as of the urine , so also of the dropsie : for neither is it formally urine , but the matter hereof before urine was made thereof by a co-mixture of other things , and the receiving of a urinal ferment . . but i understand in the dropsie a threefold matter : to wit , the first , occasional , such i have said out-chased venal blood to be . and then , a second , which is the water it self , and the very latex in the abdomen , which is a certain product . and lastly , the third matter hath its internal efficient arisen in the internal vital principles of the archeus of the reines . . like as also , drink failing , the reines do notwithstanding , as yet , allure forth the urine of blood , although sparingly . . so also in the dropsie , the urine is of the blood , not of the drink , not of the latex : the reines do actually , conceive , frame , and contein the dropsie : but the abdomen or neather part of the belly , through the action of government of the reines , doth afford an inne , and the kidney sends the latex thither , as the product of the tragedy . for it is not , as the latex is theevishly snatched away by another bowel , but the kidney alone doth banish the latex unto places subjected unto it . . but the latex being lesse chief in the accustomednesse of life , in an oedema , and anasarca , than in an ascites : it is also again supped into the veines , and slides unto the reines , that it may undergo the last determination of life . . an ascites is regularly cured , if the kidney shall make much and abundan● of vrine of its own accord , or by a remedy : but it committeth a relapse , if the disease be not wholly taken away out of the kidney . . the water between the skin , or anasarca , by a retrograde motion draws the latex into the mouthes of the veines , from thence through the veines it is sucked into the kidneys , and expurged in manner of urine : the least quantity whereof , onely doth exhale by transpiration : and therefore they abusively teach , that the latex is phlegm , in an oedema , and that it is recocted into lawful blood. . therefore the command and action of government of the reins doth extend it self , not only into the kidneys , ureters , and urine vessells : but besides , into the hollowness of the belly , between the peritoneum or wrapping skin thereof , and muscles of the abdomen , and likewise into the several divisions of the hollow vein beneath its self , even also into the feet and legs . . the reins therefore do not suffer the latex to fall down through its own weight , but do truely send it , no otherwise than as they do truly again draw the same thorow all the blood of the veines , to wit , until the dropsie be cured by pissings . . and which is more , the kidney doth alwayes co-operate , and principally operate in the framing of a dropsie : it is therefore of necessity , primarily affected : because it wanders from the ends of its acting . . and seeing the kidney is the chief effecter , of the dropsie , although another member may now and then contain , the occasional cause . . therefore a cure which is instituted by a removal of the water , is alwayes subject to a relapse , and is for the most part attempted in vain : because a worthy or meet cure is never instituted from the ultimate or last agent . . therefore the dropsie ascites , is alwaies an immediate effect of the reins , and so the cure of the same doth expulsively require a restauration of the kidneys , whether the defect be occasionally stirred up , or in the next place consisteth in the kidney it self . . wherefore i do far retire from the doctrine of the schooles , which , the reins being paspassed by and neglected , doth continually behold the liver , and direct its desires of curing thither . . but the dropsie is not a wandring abuse , or exorbitancy of the archeus in the kidney , a stopping up thereof by a stone or muckishnesse : but a certain sleepy or stupifying poysonous faculty in the venal blood , which is expelled , or in a like manner entertained ; through importunity whereof , the kidney doth first of all forget its office , casts away the rains of separating the latex : and straightway after also , doth snatch up a fury , while through an inordinate motion , it banisheth the latex into the abdomen . . even just as i said before , that a kidney was exclusively shut against the simple urine , even until death . . indeed i meditate of a co-like devious or wandering quality of out-chased venal blood , in the dropsie ; through the occasional cause whereof , the kidney is made forgetful of its duty , and the seasonable removal of which poyson doth free the kidney from its bond , and so the abdomen from the water : for when the kidney seeth that an error was committed by it , and being well admonished by a right medicine , it earnestly repents , and again suppeth up the latex being dismissed unto it , and drives it forth . . therefore the true dropsie ascites is in the reins ; or to lose the stubborn bolt of the reins , is to lose the dropsie ; even as to solue the congealed blood , is to solue the occasional cause thereof : that is , the immediate cause , as well the material , as efficient of a true dropsie , is the archeus of the reins erring ; to wit , so far as he becomes exorbitant , and is as it were driven into a furie by the occasional cause , he begets an idea or shape , the which the implanted archeus of the reins himself , being stubborn , doth foster and nourish : whereby indeed , he doth not , or scarce separates the urine , or imploys himself in the care of his office , or of his appointment : yea , neither doth he only pass by and neglect his own offices ; but also , being as it were in a rage , dismisseth the latex unto the abdomen , that he may as it were procure his own destruction . therefore we must dissolve the vice of stubbornness in the archeus , so that pissing may follow if health be to be expected . paracelsus feigneth , that in the dropsie , the venal blood is by the star of zedo turned into a muscilage ; but from hence into water : but that its cure doth consist in the withdrawing of the water , and first matter , or removall of that aforesaid muscilage : but what other thing is this , than to cure from the effect ? i grant willingly indeed , that as oft as the latex doth not sufficiently serve the turn , the archeus of the reins , that he may satisfie his own furie , doth sooner cause the blood to melt , than he desisteth from his errour begun : but where there is a plentiful latex , the dissoluting of the flesh and blood into a latex , is not worth his labour : for in very deed , as speedily as he can , he drives all the latex unto the places of the dropsie ; neither is he idle , but rageth as if in the driving of the latex unto the abdomen , his own profitable end were to be expected : for neither would it detain the urine if it were the endeavour of the archeus to dissolve the flesh and blood . those in whom both kidneys are stopped by the stone , and do die , being at length choaked by the urine , are not nevertheless therefore dropsical ; because the urine remaineth in the veins , whereof ( to wit ) the kidney intends to unload it self , but cannot : but in the dropsie it is able , but doth not intend to unload in it self : in a dropsie therefore , there is a poysonus fury of the archeus , not likewise in an obstruction by the stone : and therefore one kidney being disturbed through a poysonous occasionall cause , together and at once , all the other kidneys also alike rageth ; which thing , in a stoppage by the stone , doth not in like manner happen : but the essence of a dropsie doth require , that not only the kidney do neglect the separation of the latex , and shut the bolt of the urine : but moreover , it must needs be , that together also , it dismisseth the latex unto the places of the abdomen , yea and that it doth strictly close the pores of the membranes , least indeed any thing of the latex , or winds , do transpire and break out . truly the archeus of the reins doth rage with a great and foolish carefulness , that he may make a dropsie ; and his fury is nourished with a foolish stubbornness , because when he feels the powers of nature to be dejected , yet he nevertheless , not any thing slackeneth from his concieved furie : if therefore a stoppage by the stone , doth induce a disease and death , not a dropsie ; if a dropsie also brings a disease and death , without a total , yea or a material obstruction of the kidneys : it becomes manifest , that the diversity of the same diseases doth depend only on the immoderate desire , and intentional fury of the archeus , being stirred up by a bloody poyson , not likewise from a material errour of the latex . it is a maxim , that every being , desires to be and remain . which indeed is to be understood , of a being governed by god , by common , and ordered , or regular nature : but not of a foolish being , and that which is outragious through a poyson , such as is the archeus from his corruption by sin , and being provoked by the poysonous occasional cause of a disease : for it is even all one , as a furious man , horse , or oxe , which casts himself headlong from a high place , and procureth his own end : for so the archeus in his furies , doth as it were by a stubborn endeavour , procure destruction to himself : the which indeed , in many diseases is perpetual , wherein therefore it is lawful to accuse the madness and furies of the archeus : also that furious , and mad images or likenesses are formed , whereby he doth seminally communicate his own furies to a potent ferment : whence also , it is wont to be said , that a man is immediately , more powerfully hurt of none , than of himself . furthermore , with what great carelesness , and with how light a foot , the schooles of the humorists have skipped over the consideration of diseases , may be seen , not only from the cold distemperature of the liver , the which only and alone , they suppose to be in the present disease , and so , as if ( that being laid down for a position ) they had given a full satisfaction , and had declared a profound oracle , they repose themselves in quiet : yet without consideration , that such a cold distemper , cannot be restored ; but that dropsical persons do every where admit of cure . but chiefly , the negligence of the heathenish schooles doth clearly appear : because that , among so many thousands writers , the first , is as yet wanting who hath dared to think , which way , or by what possible means , the liver should lay up its water between the abdomen and its muscles ; none i say , hath hitherto known , that the latex differs from the urine : and seeing that sometimes , the dropsie is for many months leading the languishing weak unto their coffin , the urine should of necessity stink , if it should but for a very small time associate the liquid dung or drosse ( the which , concerning the disease of the stone , touching fevers , and elsewhere , i have in words plentifully explained ) unto it self as a companion : which dross notwithstanding , is required unto the integrity of urine . but if a dropsical person , shall assume any of that dross , from a bowel , into the meseraick veins ; that drosse likewise remaines with the small quantity of urine , neither being co-mixed with the latex , is it sent unto the abdomen : all writers therefore , have hitherto so feared this gordian knot , that indeed , they have not mentioned so much as a word of it : let us therefore consider , that which others before me , have neglected : for truly , all juice , or chyle of the stomach , sliding down through the bowels , is naturally , regularly , and alwayes attracted , and sucked by the meseraick veins , to wit , the mouths or extreamities whereof , do end into the intestine or bowel : it hath also remained scanty hitherto , after what manner , so plentifully a chyle doth dayly passe through the intestine into the mouths of the veins of the mesentery , without any hole : and likewise , why winds being pressed by the intestine , do not proceed through the same pores , into the veins of the mesentery , seeing they are by so much the thinner and subtiller than the chyle , by how much their body is lighter , which hath no weight , with the ponderous chyle : but these things shall by degrees manifest themselves under explication , the which , because they being reckoned as it were the impossible , or at least-wise the unsearchable miracles of nature , have suspended every quill of writers , and the schooles through the excuse of hidden causes , have been content to have suspended all things . but go to ; as to my search in hand : every liquor is sucked by the intestines ( for that thing i willingly grant without controversy ) and is snatched into the veins of the mesentery , to wit , as well that which is appointed for blood , as that which is after any sort , at sometime deputed for excrements : but afterwards , there is not any passage of the veins of the mesentery , but unto the port vein , which insinuates it self into the liver . therefore the matter whereof a dropsie is carried into the liver , no otherwise than as all the fibers of roots , do at length end into the trunk it self , which is called the root : but what are the channels , whereby the liver conveyeth the matter or water of the dropsie , as it were by the hand , unto the space of the abdomen ? if those are the sober veins , whereby that membrane of the abdomen , or peritoneum , is nourished ; why at least-wise , hath the liver rather designed these veins , and doth aflict these places , when as it might far more commodiously expel such superfluous water by the fundament veins , before the liver be burdened with its importunity and weight ? because they are those which seem to be dedicated unto the easing of burdens . in the mean time , it is certain that the latex , or matter of the dropsie , doth swim in the veins which are beneath the liver , seeing it is not then rightly separated by the urine . at least-wise , however it be taken , the liver is not able to super-adde even on the only drop more unto the abdomen , being now extended into a huge heap and hardness , by reason of an heap of water , but that , the mouths of those veins being open , as it were , by a floudgate broken open , the dropsical watter should retire , and regorge out of the whole abdomen into the liver . for first of all , the mouths of the veins ending into the membrane or filme of the abdomen or neather part of the belly , have not all of them folding doors applyed unto them , like bag-pipes restraining the in-snuffed wind and latex within . and then , if they should have such folding doors , at least-wise the liver wanteth an expulsive faculty of so great force , but rather the liver it self , and the channels of the veins , should sooner chap and crack , than they can super-add the contained water to the hydropical abdomen , being extended into an immense hardness . in the next ylace , if any such veins do end at the prison of the dropsie , for its nourishment , at least-wise , they are the daughters of the vena cava or hollow vein : and so , all the water should be in the liver , and the hollow vein , before it is in the abdomen , and those bowels should be swollen into an huge hardness : yea , all the dropsical blood should be nothing but meer water ; which is false : and the schooles will grant me of their own accord , that the water of the dropsie should be emunged by the reins , before it should come unto the abdomen , unless the vice and offence should be rather of the reins , than of the liver : for sanguification belongs to the liver ; but the sepatation of the latex from the venal blood , is before , and belongs to another workman , than the liver : for the latex is in the meats and drinks from the beginning , and is essentially separated by the gall , until it assumes the nature of a certain salt , and changeth its sharpness into saltness , and remaineth locally well mixed with the venal blood , until it having obtained the last supply of urine , being attracted by the reins , is expelled . the reins or kidneys therefore , are governours of the latex , as the liver is of the venal blood . and then , the water of the dropsie , is the latex , not likewise ( as yet ) urine ; whose ferment seeing it is dungy , and is imprinted by the reins , that latex is not yet urine : the expulsion therefore of the latex into the abdomen , is rather the office of the reins , than of the liver : and therefore the kidneys , as it were repenting them with an after return , have oftentimes also fetched back the water laid aside in the abdomen , and have voluntarily restored health from the dropsie . then also , sanguification or blood-making is not hurt or hindred in the dropsie , neither do hydropical persons wax dry through a penury of blood , for as much as they are choaked with an abundance of the latex : but if in a dropsie , blood doth not abound , yet that comes not to pass , because the liver denyeth the framing of venal blood , but because the blood is even diminished by a forreign thief ; yea , neither doth the liver vitiate the blood being made , by it self , seeing they are opposites and unco-sufferable actions , to wit , sanguification , and destruction of blood. for the kidney hath received the dominion of the water ; so that , the drink failing , it vitiates the blood , and transchangeth it into urine ; which things being unknown medicines for a distempered liver , have proved unsuccessful : for what more blockish thing hath been ever declared , than because the liver is the shop of venal blood , therefore it is also the shop of water , and of wind , for a tympany ? the water is colder than the blood ; therefore the liver in the dropsie , laboureth with a cold distemper : for the water is not so much generated in a dropsie , as it is reserved , in as much as it is not expelled . but whence , in the whole systeme of diseases , is there so slothful a blindness of the schooles ? whence so wan experiences about the sick ? do they not find themselves forsaken by the truth of god , because they have delivered themselves over unto heathenish doctrines , with a stubborn sloath ? indeed , i sometimes sticking in the manner of making a dropsie ; did in times past , believe that the water was made in the abdomen it self ; but not to be derived thither , seeing that it should else , regorge thorow the same channels through which it was conveyed by reason of too much extension ; but i knew that the water or wind was breathed into the abdomen , more strongly , than by any bellows , if by pipes it were led thither ; especially , because those passages ought successively and frequently to open and gape , to wit , as oft as the water should droppingly depart unto the extended abdomen : but after that , i saw the dropsie to be perfectly cured of its own accord , by urine , and the whole water by a remedy , to be expelled through the kidneys ; i also undoubtedly beleived , that the water was brought into the abdomen , through the same passages , by which , it being fetched back , doth proceed unto the reins , in the curing of a dropsie : therefore i was bound to acknowledge other wayes , and to desert my former opinion : especially , because i found sparing urins in a thirsty and drunken dropsie : indeed , the water is loosed through the same passages whereby it was conveyed into the abdomen . these things i have known , and believed , because i have seen them : but i could not come unto the knowledge of those passages , as neither of that violence , which might extend the abdomen more strongly than bellows , and nevertheless , by a continual drop , might as yet increase it : those passages are hitherto unknown to anatomists , and the manner whereby the tumour ariseth unto so great an extension , is touched by none , or lightly searched out . the great things of god in nature i humbly reverence , and greatly admire : for i am astonished at the furies of the archeus , and the every where excentrical varieties of these , whereby he sometimes encloseth water , at another time wind , in the prison of the abdomen , even until the destruction of the whole bodo , and his own . i will therefore open the matter , so far as my industry hath permitted me to conceive : for in nature , there is twofold action : to wit , one , whereby a body is enclosed in a body , as wine in a bottle , and the water of the dropsie between the peritoneum and abdomen : yea , the pores of these membranes are diseasly closed : for the body is per-spirable in health , and the sweat doth wholly diminish the latex ; so that the watery drink in summer doth presently by sweat flow through the skin : but sweat is for the most part , unprofitable in the dropsie , so that although the belly sweats , yet it doth not diminish the dropsie , however many have vainly tryed many things , about these trifles . there is also another action , which is regular and of a different kind in nature : whereby , i have elsewhere shewed by many examples in us , a certain solid body ( to wit , a knife , beard of corn , needle , arrow , or dart head , bones , shells of fishes , and the like ) are transmitted thorow the stomack , paunch , veins , without the hurting or wounding of these : and so that there is a wonted and necessary penetration of bodies in nature . for the first of those actions , as it is every where known , is made so far as a body doth altogether obey its own bolts of superficies , hardness , weight , channels , &c. and one body in respect of the other , is as it were dead . but the other action is wholly vital , and of the spirit of life , which is not cloathed with the garment of a thicker body : but it s own self is the veriest garment of that body : and the which it doth therefore derive through another vital body subjected unto it : for so chyrurgions have noted apostems or ulcers to be made through the very bones themselves : and so authors who are worthy of credit ( whom in the chapter of injected things , i have alleadged ) do admit of a penetrating of corporeal dimensions , as oft as a knife passeth through the stomach , and with a corrupt mattery aposteme , is returned through the ribs , without a wound of the stomach . in the dropsie therefore , the aforesaid double action is conversant about the same latex : for this latex , as long as it being cloathed with a clear vital spirit , doth after some sort enjoy a venal life , is led through the solid places , it slighteth passages , seeing there is none unpassable by it : but it deriveth it self unto the prison of the dropsie , and there , as well through a constriction of the pores of the membranes , as singularly , and especially by reason of a deserting of the same cloathing spirit , it lays up it self , as it were an excrement now dead : and the which , neither doth therefore find deliverance from thence , unless the vital spirit doth again cloath and encompass it . this is indeed that spiritual force , which is more powerful than any bellows : the which we bear in our inward parts , the power whereof we dayly admire , have never known , and being compelled by demonstrations to admit of , do scarce beleive . in the dropsie therefore , i have found a fury of the reins , and their erring powers , which furie shutteth , and is scarce that which may open , and the which doth open , and lay up , neither is it that which maketh to re-gorge : seeing therefore those actions of fury conspiring toward their own destruction , are plainly spiritual ( for as a physitian , i every where contemplate of the spirit , as a vital air raised out of the arterial blood , but i touch not at the immortal mind ) neither do such spirits act , unless they are constrained by likenesses or images framed by them : therefore indeed , i call it the furies of the archeus , while the kidney ceaseth , and is almost forgetful of its own office and appointment in separating the latex from the venal blood ; therefore it shuts it self , and being as it were wroth , and exorbitant , it lays up the latex elsewhere : but that i may analogically or resemblingly conceive of , and express this tenour of fury as i ought ; i first of all consider the out-chased venal blood to be detained in the kidney , or to lurk upon the hollow boughtiness of the intestine , &c. wich blood , when it hath put on a fermental malignity , presently the kidney the governour of the latex being full of wroth , receives the sleepie or stupifying poyson of that blood : but the ordination of the latex is to wash off filths , if there are any detained in any place of the body ; and seeing the kidney cannot by the latex wash off that out-hunted blood , because the latex cannot descend thither , this co-heaped in the veins for disdains sake , and the kidney , is thereby so affected with disdain , and weariness or grief , that it cannot performe the office enjoyned it : and therefore it presently shuts the passage of the urine , that that which it cannot do by a regular plenty of the latex , it may perfect by an abundance thereof : as if it considered : thou latex goest not whither i would send thee , to wash off the out-chased blood ; i will not let thee pass through thy accustomed ureters : such therefore , is the fury of the enraged archeus of the reins , the which at length , arising to a degree , cloaths the latex , and derives it whither it will. but besides , not only the event in making doth confirm this fury of the archeus ; but also , in drying , especially while a dropsie is sometimes cured of its own free accord : for truly , that comes to pass , as if the archeus did repent him and were sorry for his deeds . i knew the countess of falax , who while being a young maid , did swell with a dropsie , by the perswasion of a certain physitian ( for she was held desperate , by all ) abstained almost for the space of a full year , from drink , being content with the more solid food , and broaths : and she became healthy , and is now alive , being seventy years of age . in the first place , thirst , whether it be taken from a sense of moisture failing , or for the defect it self of moisture , at leastwise , in neither manner , doth it dry up a dropsical water : for although no drink be drunk , at leastwise , broaths which do afford a sufficient quantity of venal blood , do also yeild a small quantity of urine and latex , so much as is sufficient for the subsistance of a dropsie . in the next place , neither doth thirst , nor the defect of drinks it self take away the occasional cause of a dropsie ( which for the most part , is venal blood expelled ) but rather they do the more dry up , and the more stubbornly reserve for it , that it may resist a resolving , through the abstinence of the counterfeited thirst : but that continual thirst , together with a hope and perswasion of health , did pacifie the errour , or indignation in the archeus of the reins ; from whence i have learned , that thirst doth regularly arise from the kidney , but not from the liver ; and much less , from the lesser branches of the veins , sucking the greater , until a defect of moisture be brought unto the orifice of the stomack : but as a defect of blood , is restored by the more meer or pure meats and drinks ; so the defect of the latex , is recompenced by watery things , it being that which experience teacheth . thirst therefore , proceedeth from the governour of the latex , and not from the bowel of sanguification : for there is as much necessity of the latex , as there hath been hitherto dulness in the passing it by . some authors do commend live toads , being fast bound to both kidneys , to lose the dropsie by the urine : at leastwise , i have seen a country-man that had a dropsie , cured by an adder tyed about his belly and reins : for an idea of fear is brought on the reins , whereby they loose their indignation . indeed , by the same title , thirst doth stir up an idea of sorrow , or of a denyed appetite , whence the kidney forgets its wroth . from what therefore hath been said before , the ignorance of causes in the dropsie is sufficient manifest ; and next , with what great obscurity they have laboured about the distemperature of the liver , and emptying of waters ; how vainly they have thought of provokers of urine , of vesicatories , and of solutive medicines : and it is to be observed in this place , that purgative cholagogals or movers of cholar , have been wickedly given to drink , to dropsical people ; because they are such things which trans-change the flesh and venal blood , into a stinking and yellow ballast , without the help of a dropsie ; but with the destruction of the a hydropsical person : but a hydragogal or mover of water , differs from a cholagogal ; because that being drunk down , the belly asswageth , neither doth it expurge stinking things or excrements , unless the force of a cholagogal , be adjoyned to an hydragogall . therefore mercury precipitated according to the prescription of paracelsus , cures every dropsie , not as it purgeth , but forasmuch as it material passing through the bowels , dissolues the out-hunted blood : but if it together with that , do provoke vomit , or stool , that is to the dropsie by accident . take notice therefore of this ; that white briony or white vine , being scraped or filed , and laid on a bruise wherein the blood looketh black under the skin , doth in few hours resolve that blood into water , the which it likewise fetcheth through the skin : wherefore take notice , that there is the profitable virtue of an hydragogal or mover of water in briony , if thou shalt take away the solutive poyson from the same . but surely i have observed , if antimony be turned into a liquor , and afterwards into a pouder which purgeth only by sweat , a remedy is procured , which modestly takes away every dropsie whithout fear of a relaps ; for truly it removeth as well the occasional cause , as the distemper of the raging archeus it self : for such remedies as are carried through the intestines , their natural endowment remaining , and being secure , and the which are therefore apt to resolve the occasional cause , do free nature of her impediments ; whence the archeus of the kidney , percieving the proper madness of his fore-past fury , doth open the veines , suck to him and strain the water through , according to his due and wonted manner , and recompenceth with diligence , the stubbornness of his fore-past fury by an excentrical and opposite motion of the latex ; grieving that through disorder , he intended his own destruction : whence it is plain to be seen , that the government of the kidney over the abdomen and veins , hath hitherto been unknown . the dropsie therefore , is a disease occasionally arisen from a bloody depraved matter , as it were from a fermental beginning : at whose incitements , the archeus of the reins formeth an idea of indignation ; through the power whereof , he shuts up the urine-pipes , and veins , corrupts and diverts the abounding latex , and transmits this latex into the compass of the abdomen or nether part of the belly ; in the mean time he so straitens the pores of these membranes of the abdomen , that they can let nothing of all thorow them even until death . but the tympany doth very much differ from the dropsie : for there is unto it a different occasional cause , a different manner of making ; in the next place a different matter , and also a different efficient cause : therefore a different disposition and a different product : for water is not generated , but wind : and then , neither is a tympany made through the arbitration of the kidney ; but onely by a poysonsom ferment of the spermatick or seedie nourishment , sticking and defiled in the crooked bought of the intestine , sitting as president . neither also hath anatomy hitherto viewed the veines to be swollen with wind , neither ought the liver to suffer punishment by reason of the wringings of the bowels , although aswel the dropsie as tympany may follow wringings or gripings . also if the flatus's of the intestine should be made by the liver , a remedy is to be applied to the liver , but not a carminative medicine to the intestine : or the schooles make themselves guilty through a different manner of curing : for if they were mindfull of their own theorem , that of the same faculty , there is a found and infirm action , they had known that belching and flatus's , are generated by the bowels and stomack : and so that the crooked bought of the intestine is no lesse apt for generating of flatus's , than the concave or hollowness thereof . a tympany molesteth from liquors which were to be assimilated , but are become degenerate : for a windinesse or flatus is made in the intestine , from a certain indisposition of the archeus of the place , who then doth forthwith change meats which are nothing flatulent , into a flatus . seeing therefore in the tympany , it is in the out-side or in the crooked bought of the intestine : the same flatulent indisposition is to be considered to be with-out-side , as is within in the intestine : to wit , it is made from a similar nourishment degenerating , whereby a dungy ferment happening , the very archeus of the place being wroth and ill affected , doth turn , not indeed the aforesaid occasional cause , but the proper nourishment of the membranes into flatus's . but for this purpose a part of the dungy-ferment , doth passe from the inward cavity unto the outward bought of the intestine : and therefore that is not the unsavoury , or four flatus of belchings , as neither doth it smel of dung , because it is not of a dungy-matter ; but of a degenerated , and cadaverous or mortified nourishment . a certain man by the perswasion of physitians , sustaining an incision on the side of his navel , who was judged to have the dropsie , and that they might draw out the water ( i being a young man , and looking on ) the chyrurgions lancet or fleam being drawn out , his abdomen presently pitched , and he by and by died : but a flatus which hugely stank , uttered it self , and his dead carcass smelt . it is manifest therefore that the occasional matter , and next , the true matter , and inward effecter , with all the knowledge which credits a physitian , have remained unknown . the vanity also of remedies appeareth , and especially of carminating things , which doe not respect the outward bought of the intestine : and vainly do they feign , that winds are dispersed by extenuation or rarefying : for to what purpose do they hope to have winds extenuated , in a matter more subtil than wind ? or what shall it profit , for to render the wind more subtile than it self , if it then requires a larger room , and doth encrease the troubles of its extension ? for it is a home-bred foolish remedy drawn from fables . cabrollius , an anatomist of mount-pellier tells , that he cured a man of eighty years old , who by the perswasion of rondoletius , ate nothing but salt things , and least he should be overwhelmed with thirst , he mixed pickels or sauces made of vinegar and sugar with his meats : he also fomented him twice every day with a lixivium , wherein salt , alume , and sulphur had boyled : and thereupon used cows-dung for a cataplasm , and at length he escaped , and survived , being a hundred years old . for those things are not administred in vain , which do consume the occasional cause : neither therefore doth paracelsus vainly commend dungs , seeing they are the salts of putrified meats , unto whom it is granted to resolve the occasional matter of a dropsie . surely there is on both sides a wonderful action of the archeus , as well where he deteins the keys , as where he unlocks the closets , and expels his enemy . but paracelsus approves of his praecipiolum or mercury , drawn dead out of its mine , before other remedies : but other simples according to the degree of assinity , wherein they reach unto this metallick mercury . it is a phrase of his own liberty . i reverence and admire the endowments of simples , as they arose from god , but not as they are consanguineal or akin to mineral mercury . i confesse in the mean time , that that mercury hath alwayes served or answered my desires . indeed the attainment thereof is difficult : but the dose of two grains is sufficient , being three or four times administred . but mercurius diaphoreticus being once obtained , it is sufficient for many thousands of sick folks , as well for himself being a physitian , as for his successors . finally , i have seen a bastard dropsie ; whereof none hath made mention ( that i know of ) before my self . for i have frequently seen that from an inordinate growth of the liver , the extension of the belly did counterfeit a dropsical disease : yea also in those who have died of a tabes or consumption of the lungs , and in those who have been exceeding sean , i have seen their liver to have increased beyond measure , although wholly without blood. that mercury therefore slayes the increasing or growing faculty , even as quicksilver being cast into a tree bored even into its pith or heart , with an auger , doth kill the same . therefore it belongs to the property of mercury to extinguish the growing faculty of the liver : but that that thing may succeed according to thy desire , the mercury ought to die , without any association of external salts , or fellowship of forreign spirits : yet thus it ought to die , that a vital being may remain in the chariot , which may be able , in the middle life of the mercury , to carry it unto its appointed places . i am thankful in the behalf of him , whom the fire hath taught me to understand . hither do i referre the remedy of stibium solulutive : for truly those remedies do resolve , consume , and brush off every occasional cause elsewhere lurking and detained . that indeed is the cure of arcanums , which is attained by a removal of the occasional cause : and any one of those secrets doth suffice , the which do resolve , cleanse forth , and disperse without distinction whatsoever ( i except the stone ) is besides nature concluded in the body . for truly , although of any kind of diseases there are two pillars whereby the disease edifice is supported ( to wit , the occasional matter , and the matter with the archeal efficient ) yet either of the two pillars being with-drawn , the whole building goes to ruine , which was superstructed upon them . therefore the secrets of paracelsus do take away every disease by consequence , as they mow down the occasional cause . and then , there is another more hidden way of another secret , to wit , whereby peace , rest , and comfort , is brought into the archeus , to wit , lest he being wroth , do bring forth a disease , and rather that he may abolish it , being bred : yea also that he himself may meditate of putting the occasional cause to flight : for so , as a thorne being thrust into the flesh , is drawn out by the fat of an hare , a common , and milde remedy ; otherwise the archeus is presently as it were angry with the entring thorne , doth make a tumult , the place swels , and a various exorbitancy of symptoms is awakened , that indeed , corrupt pus being at length made , and the place putrified , he may exclude the thorne ; the which if they had gone more mildly to work , had issued or rushed out , even as it happens under the perswasion of the hares grease . in like maner , i say , there is an arcanum or secret in nature , which cures almost every disease , as it takes away the indignation & confusions of the archeus , and commands this archeus to be peaceable . of which arcanum i ( first ) will endeavour to open the way . therefore in the dropsie the archeus of the reins , looseth the passages , and riseth up against the occasional cause that is to be put to flight , no otherwise than as by a stubborn fury he seeks his own distruction ; and so a maxime of hippocrates shall be verified , that natures themselves are the physitiannesses of diseases , but the physitian onely their minister . therefore from the premises , i conclude , that there would be ( as yet ) a far more peaceable and desirable cure , from a sedative or appeasing secret , than by the secrets of paracelsus : for they make more for the preservation of long life ; of which in a peculiar book . chap. lxiv . a childish vindication of the humorists . . the end of the race proposed or published . . it hath happened to the author even as he had judged . . the clamours of those who are beaten . . the more secret arcanums are not to be openly revealed . . the author answers unto letters written unto him . . ten reproaches . i had now set forth some small works which have been hitherto unheard of ; to wit , concerning a different kind of sharpish fountains , and especially of those of the spaw , and of the original of fountaines , concerning fevers , concerning the disease of the stone , concerning the miserable state of the deceived humourists , and of the plague : that mortals might return the race of all natural philosophy , and might thereby safely learn the rise , manner , mean , and progress of healing . first of all , the book of feavers , reprehendeth the ignorant schooles of medicine , about the knowledge of an infirmity so common , whereby they might repent and excuse the publishing of this volumn . but concerning the stone , a monster accidentally bred in us , and touching the plague , as it were an irregular by-work of the mind , that i might learn what the judgement of the more learned might be of things hitherto unknown . but i found that the greater number hath despised those things which i have taught , and presuming to know every thing knowable , hath scorned to learn , by the labours of another , because i did the more sharply carp at errors , not indeed at the infamy of any man ; but at the ignorance of the schooles in general : the errors , i say , which one day , in the very chaires , ought to be chastized with the penalty of infernal punishment , and by expert princes , shall be judged guilty of crime : especially where admonition being in vain , shall render the endeavours of charity vain . the more nice or delicate ones therefore , have passed their judgement according to every ones intention and extension : and many of them were offended , because i did not onely bring in , and demonstrate new and unheard of things , above the reach of many ; but because i did destroy the antient principles of healing , and did not perfectly teach other better principles : as if so great a burthen of labour , were the measure of one day . but many wished that those things which in secret , were once fore-chewed by me , i would thrust piece-meal into my jawes ; that they without labour might learn better instructions , and remedies . wherefore some of the more curious wrote to me , praising indeed my work , and unwearied paines , and charges : but not enduring that i had left secret remedies involved under thick darknesse ; neither that i had openly revealed the whole art of chymistry , and hidden phylosophy , contrary to the precept of the gospel , and that i had not cast pearls before swine ; that is , the unworthy : but surely , i have on both sides performed as much as i could , and what i was disposed to do . for i had safely learned by experience , that in the year , . i returning into my countrey , cured some that were past hope , by the spirits of salt , sulphur , and vitriol , and by vitriolated vomitories , &c. whereof there had been no foot-step of memory among the dutch. therefore the arch-physitians , and others the more famous , laid a privy snare for my remedies : for if i had given any of the aforesaid medicines to any one , they presently procured to have them brought unto them , that they might imitate and exceed me . i therefore proposed chymical medicines , by my servants , now married , unto publick sale : because they were those who had withdrawn themselves from my family-service . these therefore did gain or earn their bread : but as all things are subject to ruines , other fugitive servants of forreigners planted themselves among them , who thrust these saleable medicines on people at a cheaper price : and so medicines adulterated with a thousand fallacies , came in place , and all things were accounted the best , whatsoever were sold at a cheaper rate . hence nothing is found at this day of counterfeited medicines , which is not thus adulterated , and the which , the hope of greater gain doth not as yet more corrupt daily : and therefore from hence , i being well instructed , have learned , that we must proceed no longer in this path : but that whatsoever of the more rare philosophy is to be divulged , that is altogether to be performed under the heroglyphicks or mysticall figures of the more skilful . therefore let them pardon me , as many as do write unto me these words : i pray thee explain thy self , speak more manifestly of the preparation of secrets : because that is a new method of learning philosophy , the which they must learn in the same manner that i have learned it . for god sels arts to sweats . for nothing in alchymical things is written to that intent that they may be promiscuously understood by all , but onely , that they may not be understood : and that thing , chymistry hath alwayes observed singular to it , before other disciplines , by the command of god ; least roses should be spread before men , and swine : for our writings are in stead of exhortations , that every one may profit by his own labours , as much as shall be indulged him from above . at length the reproachful , and more unlearned , do reproach me , and insult over me ; saying , . with what face doth this rash , foolish old man , a trifler , unlearned , affirm or maintaine , that one and the same hot remedy doth prevail against cold diseases ? also to break the maxim of the ancients which is chiefly or most true ? of contraries there are onely contrary remedies . . with what sace doth he say , that without purging and cutting of a vein , the abounding of a hurtful humor is to be taken away . . if he thinks that the secrets of paracelsus doth bring a just temperature of the elements , as to weight , shall they therefore repose a broken or displaced bone , or cure burstness ? . what if secret remedies or arcanums can wipe off the peccant matter , shall this help , if it be not also driven or carried forth by a loosening or purging medicine ? . or what hath this common with the diseases of mad folks , that we should believe , that as it were with the one knife of an arcanum , every disease is to be cut off ? . and likewise in some hereditary diseases , there doth no lee or feces reside , but a certain co-bred , and naked incorporate distemperature hath remained , whereby at set intervals , unhoped for mists are awakened , the authors of new fits ; what refreshment shall arcanums bring , which do alwayes sound the one cuckow 's note , of one quality ? . have the industries of so many men , and ages been of no value , whom , to wit , a better and safer minerva or genius hath been pleasing ? . we also cure any diseases without blood-letting , as oft as we will : but we fear worse relapses , while as a hurtful humour being left within , we should deceive the sick by sleepifying and appeasing medicines : and therefore , we proceed not according to the prescription of the boastings of smoak-sellers , while as the health of the sick is dear or near unto us , and by a rational method , we separate our selves from these empericks . helmont alone hath known all things , and we have been blockheads hitherto . . for he assembles all unto himself , that the credulous may think , that medicine which the most high hath created out of the earth , doth issue from the fire . for learned men do not thus bid adieu to academical studies , being confirmed in healing , by a long course of years . . for principal men are better perswaded , who do not admit of any other besides vniversity men , unto whom they commit their life , &c. chap. lxv . the author answers . . that some one arcanum cures all diseases . . he at length answers fitly to every particular . . of what sort a true laxative medicine is . . the solving of an objection . . the maxime of hippocrates is retorted on the schooles . . a saying of the schooles is reflected on the schooles . . why laxative medicines are foolishly administred . . he directly and regularly gives satisfaction to his injurious reproaches . . the author provokes the humourists of the whole world unto an actual combate . . he gives answer unto the maskes of fear objected by the humorists . . he goes to meet his adversaries . . the intentions of the author . . an old abuse doth not give a right . . that it is the miseries of princes to live encompassed with flatterers , and therefore out of the truth . . the courts are wanting of the best physitians . i will prove first , that the liquour alkahest , the first being of salts ; lile , the first mettal ; mercurius diaphoretius , or horizontal gold ; that any one i say , whatsoever it be of them ( for all of them , through the consanguinity of one dissolver , do conspire into a unisone ) is sufficient for the curing of any diseases whatsoever , however the carping momus's guts may crack . first of all , adeptists have known with me , how far the dispensatories of the ap●thecary do differ from hence ; yea and how remotely those writers are absent , who being themselves as yet young beginners , through a great itch of a little glory , have set forth basilicals , and the first principles of chymistry : but i will prove it by the assumption of this chapter , and the other calumnies raised up against me , shall voluntarily melt like snow : wherefore i being the last of alchymists , will thus prove the aforesaid assumption . health it self , doth not consist in a just temperature of the body , but in a sound or entire life : for otherwise , a temperature of body is as yet in a dead carcass newly killed , where notwithstanding there is now death , but not life , not health ; but health is the one only homogeneal integrity , and unblamed disposition of life ; requiring a preservation of that integrity in healthy persons , and a restoring thereof in sick persons : and that thing hippocrates so long agoe smelt out , affirming , that nature alone ( which is only one ) is the physitianess of diseases , but the physitian the minister or servant ; as also the medicine , a means of reducing nature being exorbitant : therefore the integrity of health is in a unisone , and there is one only governour of life , and no more : therefore this governour alone , is ill affected in diseases : for it is he alone which maketh the assault as well in healthy , as in sick folkes , and the rupture of him only , doth rent asunder the family administration of life . for although nothing doth provoke from abroad , and nothing from the seed of our parents doth disturb us ; yet that archeus doth now and then fail or decay of his own free accord , and from hence our integrity is dissolved ; and impurities by an after right , are thereby many wayes bred , which do ensnare the monarchy of life . truly seeing nature it self , as hippocrates witnesseth , is the physitianess of diseases ; therefore its unity is to be conserved , and its integrity to be restored : but that thing may be sufficiently over-performed by one only remedy : for there is a unity of altered nature , a unity of health being hurt , and therefore a unity of the spirit which is disturbed under the disease is only to be considered ; but not a multiplicity of occasional diseasie varieties : and seeing one of the aforesaid arcanums , doth plentifully contain in it all things requisite , from the gift of god , and by the preparations of the artificer : therefore one of those arcanums or secrets , is sufficient for every , and any disease whatsoever : and therefore the text doth not say , almighty created medicines from the earth ; but medicine , in the singular number ; which medicine otherwise , already prepared for the art of healing , he created not from the earth : that medicine therefore , pierceth the innermost parts of the body , which of its own very gift of goodness , doth comfort , and confirm all the members : and next , doth most powerfully dissolve whatsoever filths have been any were co-heaped : the which being once dissolved , nature is busie to disperse the hurtfull matter , through a passage known unto her self . let young beginners take notice in this place , that according to a wonted blockishness , they beg the principle , after that i have already made it abundantly manifest , that there are not contraries in nature , no temperature of elements , and much less , a distemperature of elementary qualities : neither likewise humours , whereunto health , and by consequence an infirmity , do by a just title , owe their patronage . in like manner also , i have so withdrawn from fevers , a trust to solutive medicines , that i may not again recollect the same , without the grief of the schooles . indeed a perfect purgation ought to loosen only the sick , but not healthy folk : and for that cause it is most perfect , the which doth at first , unsensibly lull asleep , and pacifie the archeus , who afterwards ( seeing nature is the only physitianess ) doth cut down the diseases , and the occasional causes of these : for it is an unheard of thing to learn in a tone or harmony , in the presence of the refusing hinderers of young beginners , who desire to learn : and they only do apprehend me , as many as do understand the things or principles before recorded . for they do object for their purging medicines ; that it is nothing material , although a laxative medicine doth eject a laudable juice out of the veins , especially because by a stronger right , and a briefer compendium , it will expell the diseasie fex or dreg ; neither must we greatly care , although solutive medicines do with the more crude blood , a little diminish the strength : but the books concerning fevers and humours do under the consent of experience , deny that purgative things do take away hurtful humours , or any disease dedicated to the same humours : and then , because there are not in nature , such humours ; neither likewise , do any diseases answer to the same : then also , whatsoever purgatives do chase away and exterminate , it doth not belong to one of the three humours , which they say do offend ; but it is venal blood slain by the poyson of the purging medicine , and the stinking carcass whereof is ejected by the fundament . and therefore , neither do they dare to give purging things to drink , no not indeed , in sharp fevers , unless after that the matter do swell for anger ; which is as much as to say , after that nature hath become the conqueress ; to wit , when perhaps the diseasie guest which is vanquished , being presently about to retire of its own free accord , shall as to a part of it fall out of the body , together with other filths caused by the purging medicine : unless the archeus being wroth , with the injected poysonous purgation , doth stir up a relapsing disease : which thing , i remember very often to have happened , and have recorded in my written catalogues . and that thing the schooles are not ignorant of , who long since affirm with a serious character ; that only aloes is unhurtful . therefore every laxative , is absolutely hurtful , if not also , together with that , in vain . i may be guilty therefore before god , if i do not altogether perswade , that we must wholly abstain from laxative things . for neither , if nature be not foolish , is a laxative medicine sucked unto the veins : neither without danger doth it rush it self headlong into danger , which should draw a hurtful poyson within the veins . therefore , a solutive poyson , while as yet it is detained , and that in the stomach , it putryfies and defiles whatsoever was a-loof of , deposed in the mesenteries for better uses , and draws the refined blood out of the hollow vein , instead of a putryfied treasure , and by degrees defiles it with a poysonous contagion , and dissolves it with the stinking ferment of a dead carcass : for from hence , is there a loss of strength by laxative medicines , and a disturbance of the monarchy of life , without hope of cure thereby : but that fury of laxative things endureth not only so long as their presence ; but also , so long as the lamentable poyson doth burden the stomach and bowels with its contagion : so indeed an artificial diarrhaea or flux ariseth , which now and then persisteth even until death , and laughs at the promised help , and attempted succours of astringent things . unto the second and third i likewise say , it hath been sufficiently demonstrated elsewhere , that the elements are neither tempered for bodies falsly believed to be mixt , nor for the temperature sake of the same bodies , and much less for a just one , and as to an adequate or suitable weight : therefore the schooles presuppose falshoods ; yea and contend by sophistry : for although arcanums do cure a broken bone as well as comfrey , or the stone for broken bones : yet it is on both sides required , that the fracture of the bone be reposed : i likewise remember , that a burstness being well bound up , hath been cured beyond expectation , because from the breaking of a bone , some one had layen long on his loynes : neither therefore doth it want an arcanum . unto the fourth and also the fifth , it sufficeth , that the arcanum or secret doth wipe away the occasional causes , to wit , nature being holpen , supplying the rest . unto the sixth , let the schooles refrain their tongue : for an arcanum cures diseases , which they under blasphemy , have maintained to be uncurable : which thing the hospitals of those that were uncurable , do testifie for me , if they are compared with the epitaph of paracelsus . but the seventh reproach , breaks forth from ignorant jaws , to wit , from the proper testimony of a guilty mind . unto the eight and ninth , it is certain , that the exclaimers do grieve while they are beaten , for from a sense of grief the mouth speaketh reproaches : but if of thousands of alchymists , scarce one doth arive unto his wished end , that is not the vice of the art ; because the endowment doth not depend on the will of him that willeth and runneth ; but because it is not yet the fulness of time , wherein these secrets shall be more common : be it sufficient for me , that the signs do no where appear , but among the obtainers of arcanums , that is adeptists ; and that none of the humorists , hath ever come thither , neither also shall come . therefore there is no place for reproaches against the truth of the science of healing , but where there is no order , and an everlasting horrour doth inhabit : for owles and monstrous bats do shun the light of truth ; because they are fed with a great lie , to wit , that they have known how to cure fevers without evacuation : when as indeed they know not by both succours , as well of a cut vein , as of a loosened belly , how to cure fevers certainly , and safely ; for let them cure a fever as they affirm : shall they not likewise for that very cause bring rest to the sick ? and afterwards safely take away , that which they say doth remain ? which was not lawful so fitly to be done , as long as they believe life to conflict or skirmish with death , and the disease with health : but they shun the light of truth under the cloak of a lie : thus ignorance dictating , and gain thus commanding , miserable men do defend themselves . for medicine is not a naked word , a vain boasting , or vain talk , for it leaves a work behind it : wherefore i despise reproaches , the boastings , and miserable vanities of ambition : go to , return with me to the purpose : if ye speak truth , oh ye schooles , that ye can cure any kinde of fevers without evacuation , but will not for fear of a worse relapse ; come down to the contest ye humorists : let us take out of the hospitals , out of the camps , or from elsewhere , , or poor people , that have fevers , pleurisies , &c. let us divide them in halfes , let us cast lots , that one halfe of them may fall to my share , and the other to yours ; i will cure them without blood-letting and sensible evacuation ; but do you do , as ye know ( for neither do i tye you up to the boasting , or of phlebotomy , or the abstinence from a solutive medicine ) we shall see how many funerals both of us shall have : but let the reward of the contention or wager , be florens , deposited on both sides : here your business is decided . oh ye magistrates , unto whom the health of the people is dear ! it shall be contested for a publique good , for the knowledge of truth , for your life , and soul , for the health of your sons , widows , orphans , and the health of your whole people : and finally , for a method of curing , disputed in an actual contradictory , superadd ye a reward , instead of a titular honour from your office : compel ye those that are unwilling to enter into the combate , or those that are dumb in the place of exercise , to yeild ; let them then shew that which they now boast of by brawling : for thus charters from princes are to be shewn : let words and brawling cease , let us act friendly , and by mutual experiences , that it may be known hence forward , whether of our two methods are true : for truly , in contradictories , not indeed both propositions , but one of them only is true . but now the humourists , while any commits himself to me for cure , do possess him with fear , to wit , least they give up themselves unto an authour of new opinions ; but rather that they go in the paths of heathens , that they may not , through a novelty of opinion , be accounted to have put their life in doubt , and that they rather trusting in an old abuse , do enter into beaten paths : ah , i wish those of another life , and of the intelligible world , might return , that they might testifie , unto whom their death is owing . presently , they who being now subtile scoffers do seem to ask counsel for their own life , should acknowledge , that they do incurr on themselves the destruction and loss of their life , while they had rather commit their life to plurality or the great number , only by reason of the constancie of an old errour and abuse , than that they are willing to be bowed unto the admonitions of the truth : as if war were still to be waged only with darts or arrows , and slings , because that is the most antient kinde of weapons . but nevertheless , neither are our medicines so new , that there are only the thousandth of experiences in them ; the which have been made consonant with truth , by an hundred thousand experiences : therefore as many physitians as do object such things as these , from debility of mind , and ignorance of art , are cruel impostors , enemies of christians , being envious for a little advantage : for truly , they increase fears in the sick , and vex the sick , that they may extol themselves , and their own medicines . and they say ; for we are willingly ignorant of those things which are evil : because the new remedies of chymists ( for we make use of them sometimes , when there shall be need ) are cruel , hurtful , burning , and dangerous : but if thou shalt admit of a chymist , thou shalt be alone with thy chymist ; all we will stay at home ; because they are idiots , and boasters , who do not agree with us . be ye mindful in the mean time , that eyes do see more than an eye . therefore in a toren ship , thou seekest ship-wrack , if thou shalt depart from the safe shore : they bring the apostatical rout of chymistry , and likewise the jews , and wicked men , for a confirmation : as if in like manner , all the dross and froath of harlots , and knaves , do not insinuate themselves under the name of humorist-physitians . for if brawlers had been of value with me , i had not been constrained to write . for if charity , or the care of your souls doth vex or grieve you , let us go unto the challenged combate ! for i promise , if ye shall overcome , that i willingly hereafter depart from my evil , into your doctrine wholly . in the next place , while i prefer refined medicines before yours , and the true principles of healing , before paganish trifles : this is not done from an intention of catching or alluring of gain : neither also is it meet , that i should be judged by your covetous mind ; for i have begun to preach the truth of medicine from a pure intention , that physitians may repent , and may learn those things which they know not ; may enter on a safer way , and may cease from badly handling the life of their neighbour : that they may cease i say , to destroy widows , orphans , and their own souls : for i know , that in the fulness of time ( for nothing is so hidden , which shall not be revealed ) the doctrine which i have now divulged by this volume , shall be made manifest : i wish at least , that it may happen the more timely or seasonably , for the safety of souls , and preservation of families ; but as to that which concerns my self , i do not now for many years , go to see the sick , neither do i invite any one to make use of my endeavour ; which thing is sufficiently known to our country men : because i am he , who get not gain by others miseries : but i dismiss no sick body from me without comfort . let the boastings also of the schooles cease , which do implore authority from the antiquity of possession : for truly a prescription or title doth not happen into nature . for i grant paganisme to be older than christianity : i also presuppose that the errours of the schooles , began presently together with paganisme : they are new and unheard of things which i teach , because god taking pitty on our kind , hath under this fulness of dayes , opened a treasure of truth , even when it pleased him , for all the nurseries of the heathenish schooles , that hence forward they may learn to assent unto safer doctrine ; for by reason of an old abuse , those things are withered , rotten , and wormy , which are demonstrated to be deprived of the juice of truth ; because it is universally and singularly true , that every gift which descends not from the father of lights , is false and obscure ; but it is not to be believed , that an adeptist hath enlightned the medicinal schooles of the gentiles , whose posterity doth as yet cure with so great blindness of speculations , and is deprived of the favour , vigour , and honour of medicines . let those boastings also cease , as many as do glister with a wording or discursive doctrine , because they are celebrated by the powers of the world : for those physitians whom the almighty hath created , are not pipers : but in the commpassion of charity , do peculiarly cure the poor , and are acknowledged by that token : but the father of the poor beholdeth them with bountiful eyes , who hath attended unto the intreaties of his miserable ones , for the remembrance of his christ : they with-draw themselves from the flatteries of the people , and great men ; they live of their own right , being injurious to none : and by this one only sign they are distinguished from paultry physitians , as in well doing , they do suffer vilifying from these , and do willingly bear it : yea the people ( to whom they are bountiful ) do report ill and prate of them . because that is the lot which the giver of lights doth always reserve for his : for without hope of gain , they procure to be merciful : but if money be voluntarily given unto them , they receive it indeed , but they lay it not up but for the former uses . but these are very rare , and not easie to be seen in princes courts . there was in times past witten in the epitaph of an emperor , [ he perished through a rout of physitians ] so that princes are the unhappiest of men , unto whom none speaketh truth ; but being environed with flatterers , they hear nothing but flatteries , and are nourished with deceits : at leastwise , it doth not belong to princes to have known how to chuse the best physitian , unto whom they may commit their life ; but they receive this physitian being commended or approved by a former physitian ; and thus they remain in courts by a continued race or line . and therefore a prince for the most part , is not to be numbred among those that are endowed with long life : for although he hath honoured his father , yet of length of dayes promised unto him , he is spoiled by unfaithful helpers . so much in answer . chap. lxvi . a treatise of diseases . a diagnostical or discernable introduction . . a re-sumption of the whole work . . why the author useth so great austereness in repressing . . he invokes god , while he perceives himself deprived of humane aid . . the poverty , and false 〈…〉 of logick were discovered . . the nakednesse of hearkening to the natural phylosophy of aristotle . . an unheard-of method of searching into a disease . . why the schooles have wanted the knowledge of diseases . . a disease hath flown from departing out of the right way . . an entrance into the knowledge of diseases . . a scheme of diseases out of hippocrates . . the schools being fed with lotus , have forsaken their own hippocrates . . a pithy contemplation of diseases . it hath seemed necessary to have begun from elements , qualities , mixtures , complexions , contrarieties , humors , and catarrhes , that i might demonstrate , the schooles never to have heeded the nature of diseases ; and therefore that they have been ignorant of the true scopes of medicinal affaires , or the principles , theorems , manners of making , causes of suiting , allyances , agreements , interchangable courses , and properties of diseases ; likewise of the inventions , choyces , preparations , exaltations , appropriations of remedies : that is not to have known a scientifical or knowldegable curing of the sick. for i have believed , that i must proceed by the same beginnings : because they referred all sicknesses ( a few perhaps being excepted ) into elementary qualities , and the inbred discords of nature , into humours , catarrhes , flatus's , smoaks or fumes : so that the knowledge of the schooles being withdrawn into a fume , and vapours , doth vanish into smoak . at length , through the errors of tartar , it descends unto tartarers , that they might shew , that they being involved in darkness , have stumbled in their wayes : for it hath behoved me diligently to detect those things , if young beginners must hereafter repent . but it hath not been sufficient to have shewn their errors , unskilfulness , sluggishness , and stubborn and constant ignorance , unless i shall restore true doctrine in the room of triffles : for the abuses of maxims , had remained suspected by me for very many years ( the which in the book of fevers i have deciphered to the life ) before that i came unto a sound knowledge of the truth : and i had a long while thorowly viewed the truth of the theorie , before that in seeking i had found some right medicines which were sufficient for those that had made a beginning . wherefore seeing i was about to speak of diseases , under so great a paradox and weight of things , and sound none among the antients and modern juniors to be my assistant , i seriously invoked god , and i found him also favourable . therefore i determined before i wrote , to call upon logick , that by its definitions it might demonstrate unto me the essences of diseases ; indeed by their divisions , species , and interchangable courses or mutual respects ; and at length , that by augmentation , it might suggest the causes , properties , meanes , and remedies of knowing and curing them . but at my acclamations made even into its mouth , it was deaf , stood amazed , heard nothing , remained dumb , and helped not me miserable man in the least : because it was wholly impotent , without sense . afterwards therefore , i called the auricular precepts of the natural philosophy of the schools , unto my aid : to wit , their three ( boasted of ) principles , four causes , fortune , chance , time , infinite , vacuum , motion , yea and monster . whence at length , i discovered , that their whole natural philosophy , was truly monstrous , having feigned , false , mocking beginnings , not principiating , and much less vital , in the sight of the king by whom all things live : likewise causes , not causing . also adding or obtruding the phantastick beings of reason , and opinions beset with a thousand absurdities , wherein i as yet found not any footstep of nature entire ; and much less the defects of the same , or the interchangable courses of faculties , or vital functions : but least of all , from such a structure of principles , was the knowledge of causes natural , vital , of diseases , remedies , and cures to be fetched : whither notwithstanding i supposed the knowledge of nature had respect , as unto its objected scope . for whatsoever i sought for from the schooles , and attempted to handle by their theorie , that thing wholly nature presently derided in the practise , and it was accounted for a blast of wind : she derided me , i say , ( to speak more dictinctly ) together with the schooles , as ridiculous : and at length , she , together with my self , complained of so unvanquished stupidity then also , logick bewailed with me her impotent nakedness , and the vain boasting of the schooles : because she being that , which even hitherto was saluted the inventer , and searcher of meanes , causes , tearms , and sciences , grieved that she ought to confesse , that she was dumb no lesse in diseases , than in the whole compact of nature and also that she ought to desert her own professors , in so great a necessity of miseries 〈…〉 she , by one loud laughter had derided also the natural philosophies of aristotle , and the blockish credulities of the world , and of so many ages , if she her self had not been a non-being fiction , swollen only with the blast of pride . wherefore seeing nature doth no where exist , or is seen , but in individuals ; there is need that i who am about to write of diseases , have exactly known the causes of particular things , even as also it is of necessity for a physitian , to have thorowly viewed those causes individually , under the guilt of infernal punishment . therefore it hath seemed to me , that the quiddities or essences , as well of things entire , as of those that are hurt , were to be searched into after the manner delivered , concerning the searching out of sciences . but seeing the knowledge thus drank , may be unfolded , i have confirmed unto the young beginner , that an essential definition is to be explained by the causes , and properties of these ; which is nothing else besides a connexion of causes , but not the genus or general kind , and difference of the thing defined . but this is an unheard of method of explaining , even as logick the inventress or finder out of sciences hath feigned : and also seeing all that faculty is readily serviceable unto a discursive philosophy , ( for they do vainly run back unto the genus of the thing defined , and the constitutive differences of the species , for the diseases which have never , and no where been known : ) therefore , seeing it hath been hitherto unknown , that things themselves are nothing without or besides a connexion of the matter , and efficient cause ; by consequence also the schools have wanted a true definition : that is , a right knowledge of diseases . if therefore the essence or thingliness of diseases , and the condition of diseasie properties , do issue out of their own immediate essential causes ; of necessity also , the knowledge of the aforesaid diseases , and properties , is to be drawn out of the same causes : because the consideration of causes , is before the consideration of diseases . therefore i have already shewn , even unto a tiresomness , that the essences of natural things , are the matter , and efficient cause connexed in acting : therefore also , the essence of every disease , doth by a just definition , consist of those two causes , and its knowledge is to be fetched out of the same . first of all , a disease is a certain evil in respect of life , and although it arose from sin , yet it is not an evil like sin , from a cause of deficiency , whereunto a species , manner , and order is wanting : but a disease is from an efficient seminal cause , positive , actual , and real , with a seed , manner , species , and order . and although in the beholding of life , it be evil ; yet it hath from its simple being , the nature of good : for that which in its self is good , doth produce something by accident ; at the position whereof , the faculties inbred in the parts , are occasionally hurt , and do perish by an indivisible conjunction . defects therefore there are , which from an external cause , do make an assault beyond or besides the faculties of life concealed in the parts ; and they are from strange guests , received within , and endowed with a more powerful or able archeus : and from hence they are the more exceeding in the importunity of times or seasons , quantities , and strength . in the next place , there are occasional defects , which ( seeing good doth bring forth evil by accident , and doth oft-times proceed from our own vital powers ) are endowed with properties of their own , as it were their seminal beginnings , therefore they immediately tend unto the vanquishing of our powers as their end : the which therefore , i elsewhere call , diseases potestative or belonging to our powers . but neither is that a potestative being , which the schooles do call a disease by consent , and do think to be made by a collection or conjunction of vapours : but a potestative being contains the government of a constrained faculty , as well in respect of the authority of life , as of the diseasie being it self ; the which indeed is born by a proper motion , to stir up a potestative disease of its own order : just as a cantharides doth stir up a strangury : and that also is done through a power of internal authority , and by the force of parts on parts . so an apoplectical , or epileptical being , being as yet present in the stomack , or womb , shakes the soul , yea and from thence transports the brain , together with its attending powers , will they nill they , into its own service . a potestative being therefore , doth not only denote a hurting of the functions , but also a government of the part , and an occasioning force of a diseasifying being prorogued or continued on the subordinate faculties , as on the vassals of an empire : it being all one also , whether the parts are at a far distance from each other , or whether they are near : for they are the due tributes of properties . yea truly , hippocrates first insinuated , that diseases are to be distinguished by their inns , and savours : and i wish his successors had kept this tenor . but that old man being as it were swollen with fury , presaged of the future rashnesses of the succeeding schools , and precisely admonished them , that they should not believe , that heats , colds , moistures , sharpnesses , or bitternesses , were diseases : but bitter , sharp , salt , brackish , &c. it self . but he sung these things before deaf or bored ears : for truly , the long since fore-past ages , being inclined unto a sluggishness of enquiring , and an easie credulity , snatched up the scabbed theorems of heats and colds , and subscribed unto them by reason of a plausible easiness , and bid adieu to their master ; who having supposed that diseases were to be divided according to their innes , divided our body into three ranks ; to wit , into the solid part containing , or the vessel it self ; into the thing contained , or liquid part ; and into the spirit , which he said was the maker of the assault . the which indeed is an airy or skiey , and vital gas , and doth stir up in us every blas , for whether of the two ends you will. which division of diseases , although he hath not expressly dictated , yet he hath sufficiently insinuated the same : for he wrote onely a few things , and all things almost which are born about , are supposed to be his . and therefore i wish that posterity had directed the sharpnesses of their wits , according to the mind of that old man ; peradventure , through gods permission , they had extracted the understanding of the causes of diseases : but they afterwards so subscribed unto the authority of one galen , that they , as it were slept themselves into a drousie evil , being afrightned while they are awakened by me . but in the title of causes , i understand , in the very inward or pithy integrity of diseases , the matter being instructed by its own proper efficient cause , to be indeed the inward , immediate cause , and to arise from a vital beginning . wherefore also , i name those , external and occasional causes , as many as do not flow from the root of life it self : and therefore i treat of causes ; which are the disease it self . for bread being chewed and swallowed , is as yet external , because it may be rejected or cast up again : so also , the chyle thereof , being cocted in the stomack , is as yet external : yea and which more is , after that it is become domestical , and although it be made a more inward citizen of our family administration ; yet while it is separated from that which is living , and rusheth into the kitchin of diseases , for that very cause , as it is become hostile ; so also it is to be accounted external in respect of life : so also a pestilent air being attracted inward , although it hath spread its poyson within , and in respect of the body , be internal ; yet it is not yet internal in respect of life : and so , neither yet is it the disease it self : to wit , whereof it contains only an occasion in it self , neither shall it ever lay aside that same occasionality : but the plague is , while the archeus , ( the contagion being applyed unto himself , doth separate a part of himself , it being infected ) from the whole : for the banishment whereof , the remaining part of the archeus doth co-laborate and is earnestly careful , that it may not be pierced by the symbole or impression , and perish . a co-like thing happens almost in the rest of diseases . for truly , the life is not immediately hurt , but by a certain poyson of its own , and proper to it , which it hath suffered to be applyed unto it self . chap. lxvii . the subject of inhearing , of diseases , is in the point of life . the life which is perfectly sound , hath no disease ; because health presupposeth an integrity , which a disease renteth : and so health and a disease do contradict each other : also life being extinguished , is not a disease , neither doth it admit of a disease into it : because in speaking properly , that life is a meer nothing , and no longer existing : but a disease is [ hoc aliquid ] or [ this someting . ] thirdly , in the next place , a dead carcass , however poysonous it be , or infected with corruption , yet it is no way capable of diseases : wherefore , although a body while it lives , be the mansion of diseases ; yet it is not the true internal efficient of diseases ; much less also indeed have filths or excrements ( which are thought to be the constitutive humours of us ) a right or property of diseases : but if any part of a disease , be to be ascribed unto inordinate fecuencies or dregginesses ; truly that tends wholly unto an occasional cause : for truly , a disease is a being , truly subsisting in a body , and composed of a matter , and an internal seminal efficient , and so also , in this respect doth it far sequester it self from occasional causes : especially , because the internal beginnings of things do constitute the being it self , and are unseperably of its essential thingliness : so indeed , that if we speak of the body , or soul , as humane ; both of them is rightly called a man , although not an entire man : so indeed the matter of a disease , is truly a disease : even as also the seminal efficient thereof , is truly a disease , although it be not properly an entire disease : therefore seeing that a disease is only in a live body , but not in a dead one , it must needs be , that the life is the immediate mansion of a disease ; the inward subject , yea and workman of the same . but seeing life is not essentially of the body , nor proper to the body ; but that a body without life , is a dead carcass , and a disease is in the life : of necessity also , every matter , or mansion , and efficient cause of a disease , doth not exceed the limits of life : that is of necessity , every disease doth inhabite within the case of the archeus , who is the alone immediate witness , executer , instrument , as also the inne of life ; but apostemes , ulcers , filths , excrements , &c. are only , either the occasions of death and diseases , or the latter products of the same , raised up into a new scene or stage of the tragedy : neither surely is it therefore a wonder , that together with the life , all diseases do depart into nothing , if the life be the immediate subject , and mansion of diseases : but i long since admired , that no physitian hath hitherto known , in what the essence of diseases should shine : but that they have wandred about elementary qualities , humours , complexious , contrarieties , and dispositions : neither that indeed , they have once observed , that as filths are not diseases ; so neither are diseases in filths ; but that they live only in the life it self , and being included in the same , do so arise , grow and perish , that seeing they are no where out of the life , they ought to be the intimate and domestick thieves of the life : these things be spoken of the proper receptacle of diseases . furthermore , seeing a disease is without controversie , admitted to be a being existing in us , as in an inne , and doth enjoy its own and singular properties , and different symptoms ; a disease of necessity , is not of the number of accidents ; because an accident is not of an accident combined with it , and distinct from it self in the whole species : for truly , sharpness , or bitterness , is not a property of whiteness , blackness , lightness , or heat : but every one of them , do stand by themselves . wherefore if a disease be a being , and not an accident ; if in the next place , it produceth from it self , not only alterations , diverse dispositions , weaknesses , &c. but moreover , doth generate substances , degenerating from the ordinary institution of their own nature : of necessity also , it ought to consist of matter , and its own internal or seminal efficient . lastly , seeing a disease is internal as to the life it self , it also follows of necessity , that the matter of a disease is archeal , and its efficient cause is vital : and that i may speak more clearly , every disease is of necessity , an ideal efficient act of the vital power , cloathing it self with a garment of archeal matter , and attaining a vital and substantial form , according to a difference of the slowness and swiftness of ideal seeds ; which things indeed have been hitherto unknown by mortals , and those things which follow , are as yet more largely supported with this position : god made not death ; and so far is he alwayes estranged from death , that he refuseth to be called the god of the dead . first of all also , although death doth sometimes invade without a disease , yet for the most part , death follows diseases , so that none doubteth , but that that death is the daughter of diseases , or the second cause whereby , and by means whereof the life is extinguished : that is , death is present ; but seeing god is not in any wise the author of death , to wit , by whom death entred into man , who else was immortal , and that no more , or by a stronger right , in the beginning of the world , than at this day ; a physitian must diligently enquire , from whence death doth causally invade , from the beginning , and even unto this day , that it may from thence be manifest , from whence a disease hath drawn its integrity : for truly , although it be sufficiently apparent , that death doth contain as it were a privation or exstinction of life ; so neither in it self , or for its existence , it doth not require any substantial form , and much less a vital one : but surely a disease as such , doth not bespeak a privation ; but a being , truly subsisting , acting by an hurtful act of life , and ensnaring the life : so also it behoveth a disease to consist in the form of its own thingliness , which the life can receive into it , and be informed by it . but seeing a disease arose from the same beginning , as death did , neither is god ever the author of death : it by all means follows , that god is not the author or creator of diseases ; neither therefore although a disease hath a certain substantial form , yet it hath not life nor a vital light , but what it hath borrowed from the life it self ; ( to wit , ) so far as it glistens in the light of our life , or in that of cattel : but not that a disease doth require , or hath begged a vital light from the father of lights for the being of its seed ; the which in it self , is rather to be named a deadly or mortal thing , and altogether estranged from the goodness of god the creator . therefore although god alone doth create all the forms of all things , and the father of lights doth give every essential form , to wit , a vital , substantial form , and so also the formal substance , without any mutual competitor , yet that hath not place in diseases ; in the forming of which indeed , man alone is chief : because the life of man alone containeth the second causes of diseases and death . therefore because the creator , god , denyeth that he made death ; therefore also a disease : for a disease standeth in the life of man , and therefore all its quiddity or thingliness depends on the life of man ; and that not only seminally , even as otherwise , it is proper to all the seeds of any things whatsoever : but besides , also formally , so that the life of the archeus , or his flesh and blood are , and do remain the whole formal cause of diseases , or the effective cause of the formes of a disease . for he who from the beginning refused to have effected death , or diseases , will never at length thence-forward , be willing to have made death nor diseases : for the father of lights , will not give his honour of creating formal lights , unto any creature , except the mortal formes of diseases whereof ; as neither would he be called the god of the dead : therefore man remains the workman of his own death ( who the day before was immortal ) as also of his own diseases , as if he were the creator of death : so indeed , that whereas god hath made vital lights , man createth diseasie , obscure , and deadly idea's or shapes ; and such an idea doth as much differ from a vital light , as a black heat doth from light : therefore the formal act of death , and diseases , sprang from the action of original sin , and shall so spring even unto the end of the world. for the same cause which in the beginning of the world , made death , or the same second natural cause which gave a natural entrance of death into humane nature : the same cause also , doth wholly at this day , make death and a disease : for it is repugnant with the glory of the creator , not to have made death from the beginning , and afterwards , when it was made by man , for him to have assumed to himself the glory of knowing how to make it ; as if he ought to have learned that thing from man. but what hath been already spoken concerning death , that is by an equal right , to be understood concerning diseases : because that seeing death , and a disease have issued from the same piont of their original , therefore if god be said to give diseases , or death ; it is not , that now he will be the creator of those things , whose fabrick he before wholly refused : but he is permissively called the author and prince of life and death : because as he is the true and alone author of life , and therefore doth govern it , and suffer it at his pleasure ; so he permits , that this man doth yield or depart , and the other man fall , and that second causes do happen as well directly , as irregularly , whence man dieth , or a disease groweth : but the creation of a disease , as of a being subsisting from a seminal matter and efficient , and of an ideal and deadly evil , never proceeded from god : for while he had placed it in the will of man , that he might remain without death , or the same day to die the death ; by the same step also , he put it into mans hand , to frame death , and a disease it self , as a fore-runner and preparer of death . the entrance of death into the nature of man being considered , even as i have elsewhere explained it by a remarkable paradox , doth most exactly prove , that a disease doth nor only consist in the vital part of man ; but also that a disease it self is bred by a seminal idea , out of the archeus himself . but i will briefly prove that thing : from the concupiscence of the flesh arose the flesh of sin , and therefore also , a mortal archeus in that flesh , and from thence by consequence also , the archeus , forasmuch as he is vital , acts in the flesh of sin , every action , and produceth every formal , hurtful , and deadly act which god hath refused to do , and hath suffered man to stamp on himself the causes of death and diseases : yet man is not therefore a creator , although he maketh formal acts to himself , or the substantial formes of diseases , or the hurtful ones of life : for truly , that was granted unto him by virtue of the word , that on what so ever day he should eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good , and evil , he should die the death ; and should make guards-men , appointed for his own death : and that , from the very nature of death it self , necessarily brought forth in the flesh of sin. the act therefore which is of the essence , exsistence , and subsistence , even as also of the propagation or fruitfulness of the contagion of diseases , doth altogether depend in the life , from the life , by the life , within which it is also enclosed : surely miserable are mortals , and most exceeding miserable are the sick , who have hitherto hired physitians at a great and dear price , who know not what a disease may be , from whence it may arise , and in what it may consist , and subsist . but i admire that before me the more antient , as neither modern physitians have smelt this out ; because their sacred anchor being for the most part in the hope of a crisis ; and concerning crises's , they have devised very many things to excuse their own ignorances . for truly a crisis or judicial sign in diseases , proveth nothing besides the archeus , if they believe their own hippocrates , who saith , that natures themselves are the only physitianesses , and helpers of diseases . for the moon doth not make crises's causatively , but the archeus alone , who follows the harmony of the moon . for the moon measureth dayes , hath more regared unto the proof of the actions of the archeus , than unto causality : for the moon is alwayes on the fourth day , in an opposite place , to that which she was in on the first day : therefore also the archeus hath opposite powers or faculties , who doth imitate the harmonious motions of the moon ; so also on the seventh day , &c. i conclude therefore for the knowledge of a disease , that a disease hath either a fewell , or an excitement only from the occasional cause ; or doth arise from a voluntary and proper motion , and perseveres in its own contagion of a seed ; as while an epilepsie or the falling evil is once con-centred , or the gowt hath taken root , doth indeed awaken of its own free accord , as oft as it listeth : even as also the disease ceaseth for two or three dayes , or more , and again returns at set periods , although the occasional cause in the mean time , be alwayes present ; and so after a hurtful solutive medicine being taken , although it be expelled a few hours after , yet the archens being thereby defiled , rageth and is obedient to the drunk contagion of the venom : so also ready inclinations , and hereditary diseases , proper or natural unto some one whole family , are co-bred with us : because they are con-centred in the life it self , and are as it were the characterical marks , and imprinted seales of hurtful diseases . chap. lxviii . i proceed unto the knowledge of diseases . . medicine is the most occult or intricate of sciences . . therefore the ignorances of past ages are excusable . . in what thing diseases may inhabit . . the rise or original of diseases . . whence a disease began . . why a disease is immediately in the being of the first motions . . why the essence of diseases hath been unknown . . a disease hath married a vital being . . after what manner all seeds do issue from the invisible world. . the rise of efficient causes , and the property of seminal idea's . . all the seminal beginnings of things , are from an invisible idea . . how a seminal beginning receives its compleating . . the ideal power of seeds is declared by their ranks . . although death and a disease began from the same beginning ; yet they differ , in that a disease hath idea's , but a death not . . the schooles will laugh at idea's ; but the author carps at the ignorance of the schooles . . he proveth their ignorance , at least by one example . i have already oftentimes , nor in vain asserted , that arts and sciences have hastened unto a pitch ; but that the art of healing alone , if it hath not gone backwards , at leastwise , to have stood at a stay , and to have whirled round about the same deceitful point . hence also i have conjectured , that the knowledge of diseases , and a medicine depending thereon , was to man most difficult ; on which , so many flourishing wits have for so many ages , vainly bestowed their endeavours : and that thing i do not hereby conjecture to be from a contingency , or events alone ; to wit , because the knowledge of diseases hath even hitherto stood neglected : but because , in respect of the causes , it is wholly invisible and unpassable . wherefore although i tax the ignorance of the schooles , i will not have that to be done by me , for a little vain glories sake , as neither from an intent of reproaching the whole body of the faculty : because it is that which hath not transgressed against me ; but only from a desire of teaching mortals : not indeed that i perswade my self , that the goodness of god doth envy this doctrine for the health of man , while as even from the beginning of the world , he hath dispersed his gift , by some , throughout the ages of the world ; the holy scripture also do most greatly commend the physitian : but that most , through a sluggishness of diligent searching , and a readiness of credulity , have stifled in themselves that endowed or gifted light : and so the devil being the builder , it hath alwayes been super-structed on the false principles of the heathens . therefore medicine , the most difficult of sciences , by reason of the invisibility of diseases , and deceit much increased by heathenish theorems , hath not been penetrable by any acuteness of wits ; which difficulties , the invention and knowledge of so many simples , and preparations , appropriations , and applications of remedies , fetcht from thence according to the varieties and speedinesses of sliding occasions , hath increased ; in every of which , they are on both sides , the invisible actors of their own tragedy : the which diseases unless any one shall perfectly know , or hath obtained a super-excelling remedy , truly he shall spend his weapons at the effects , but not at the roots themselves . therefore the gate of healing , hath even from the cradles or non-age of the world , remained shut , which my talent received , hath commanded me to open ( for of boasting hereof , it hath notably shamed me , god is witness ) wherefore , i ought first to free the hinges , and bars from rust , that i might set open the doores to those that are willing to enter : therefore i ought to expose the one only and golden key , hitherto hidden in the arches of the archeus , unto the fire of the art of the fire , and light of truth : that any one may enter into the secrets of the court , so far as shall be granted him from above . first of all , i do not name a disease , a diathesis or disposition ; but the very wandering or erring being , which is stamped by the vital archeus himself : i do not therefore behold a disease as an abstracted quality . and that thing i thus perswaded my self of , in times past , that like life , it is a being proper unto the life it self : it being the reason why a disease doth with so swift a pace , pierce into the life , by reason of its co-resembling mark . wherefore the apoplexie , leprosie , dropsie , or madness , as they are qualities in the abstract , with me , are not diseases : but as the apoplectical , leprous , maddish , &c. being , contains the very scope and causes of the diseases in it . truly a disease begun from sin : for in the integrity , purity of our nature , and vigour of innocency , there was no death , and much less a disease : for death was threatned , not a disease , but that they were understood concomitantly , as to future times . therefore a disease doth in its own nature , oppose the life , no otherwise than as death it self , and the powers thereof , the which therefore we call vital : because through the spending of those , a lingring , or sudden death happens . we believe by faith therefore , that death and every infirmity hath entred into man by sin , and that through the concupisence of the flesh of sin , they were propagated on all posterity : therefore that neither could the entrance of diseases and death , be learned by heathenisme . because it was reasonable , that all the ranks of sicknesses should be rooted in the same concupiscence of the flesh , whereby sin entred : for as concupiscence in the conception , doth not sin before a consent , which fashions an idea of plausibility ; so it must needs be , that every disease arising in the flesh of sin , doth consist in a strange image , or seminal idea of corrupt nature . i have gathered also that it was suitable , that , the being , which under a concupiscible pleasure , consented , and sinned , should primarily also be strucken with diseases : so indeed that it should not only fail or faint through external violences , but should experience the revenges of sin in the flesh , by its own proper exorbitances ; to wit , that the archeus himself , the governour of the flesh of sin , should by the same liberty of his own passions , frame erroneous images to himself , which should be unto him as it were for a poyson : indeed that from the delights of the concupiscible part , from passions which are the storms of the wrothful part , and likewise even through voluntary disturbances , he might stand subject unto his own ruine , which he should stamp on himself . which images or likenesses indeed , as being the seeds of diseasie beings , should be thenceforth wholly marriageable unto him in the innermost bride-bed of life . this indeed is an hard saying , in the ears which are not accustomed to hear beyond trifles , heats , and dirt . wherefore if any one doth admire at so great an efficacy of the archeus being ideated , and of seminal idea's , as to produce diseases , and death it self : he doth not yet know that the natural beginning of all things doth altogether depend on the ideal part in every seed : wherefore let him consider , that as the light being united ( for truly in sublunary things , there is scarce any thing more spiritual than light , because it is that which pierceth solid glasse , yea also place it self ) doth enflame woods , and houses : so also that every idea is a light , as well forasmuch as it is stamped by the spirit the partaker of a vital light , as in that it is lightsome from the property of its own essence . otherwise idea's themselves , as they are conceived , are nothing besides the lights of a vital soul reflexed on its own cogitations ; and the which therefore are not conceived , but in a lightsome spirit , in which they receive the figure of the thing conceived . that is , they are there made an intellectual idea it self : therefore although cogitation it self be a meer [ non-being ] yet every thing conceived , doth from the very right of its nativity , consist of a matter conceived , and of a vital light intelligibly reflexed on it : and seeing the imagination is the ape of the understanding , although it doth not transform it self into the thing conceived , after the manner of the understanding ; yet by conceiving , it transports this thing figurally into it self , and seales the conception thereof , and decyphers a certain seminal idea of the thing imagined , together with light , efficacy , and every manner of operation : and that wholly under its greatest unity , and simplicity : so that if in fructifying seeds , and those continuing the perpetuity of the universe , these things do appear to happen , and to operate by a light , with great efficacy ; wherefore shall we be ignorant , that these do not otherwise come to pass in diseases ? especially while the same things are engraven by a stronger apprehension . for things conceived do teach us , that from passions , or perturbations which are [ non-beings ] true , real , actual images do arise , no otherwise than as the thoughts of a woman with child , do stamp a real image , how strange , and forreign soever it be : wherefore thus indeed the phantasie brings forth poysons , which do kill its own man , and afflict him with diverse miseries : so that , as those images do primarily proceed from the imaginative power , whose immediate instruments , the archeus himself is : so it is altogether necessary , that he which toucheth pitch should be defiled by it : that is , it behoveth the archeus himself , primarily , and immediately to conceive , and put on that new image , to be affected with the same , and by virtue of a resembling mark or symbole , other things depending on him , according to the properties of that hurtful idea : and that ferment being once decyphered in that aire which maketh the assault , is a disease ; which forthwith diffuseth it self into the venal blood , the liquor that is to be immediately assimilated , and next into the similar parts , and into the very superfluities of the body , according to the property even of that its own idea ; for from hence the diseases of distributions , and digestions : what if idea's are formed in the implanted spirit of the braine , or inne of the spleen by imagining , which also in bruits are the principal blas and organ of all motions : it nothing hinders , but that the archeus himself implanted in the parts , may frame singular , and now and then , exorbitant idea's , not unlike to the imaginative power : for so the spittle of a mad dog , tarantula , or serpent , and likewise the juice of wolfesbane , monkshood , or nightshade , do communicate their image of fury on us against our wills : wherefore likewise nothing hinders , the chief or primary instrument of imagination , from forming , in-mate , seminal , fermental , poysonous , &c. images unto it self . whatsoever doth of its own nature , by it self and immediately , afflict the vital powers , ought for that very cause , to be of the race and condition of those powers : for otherwise , they should not have a symbole , passage , agreement , virtues , or piercing into each other ; as neither by consequence , an application , and activity : for seeing the powers or faculties , are the invisible , and untangible seals of the archeus , who is himself invisible and untangible , those powers cannot be reached , and much less pierced , or vanquished by the body ; because those powers however vital they are , yet they want extremities whereby they may be touched ; whence it follows ( which hath been hitherto unknown ) that every disease ( for it glistens in the life ) because it is of the disposition of the vital powers , it ought immediately to be stamped , and to arise from a being which was bred to produce seminal idea's . and seeing nothing among constituted things is made of it self originally , of necessity the powers as well of diseasie , as vital things , do depend either on the idea's of the generater himself ( whence hereditary diseases ) or of the generated archeus : but that that thing may the more clearly appear , in the seed of bruites , and man , there is a power formative after the similitude of the generater : because it is that which seeing it is dispositive , and distributive of the whole government in figuring , its activity is contested by none : the seed therefore hath a knowledge infused by the generater , fitted for the ends to be performed by it self ; for the seed which in its own substance is otherwise barren , is made fruitful by an image stirred up in the lust : to wit , the imaginative power of the generater , doth first bring forth an idea , which at its beginning is wholly a [ non-being ; ] but by arraying it self with the cloathing of the archeus , it becomes a real and seminal being : and that as well in plants , as in sensible creatures : for in vegetables , a seed proceeds from an invisible beginning ( for truly there is a virtue given to a plant of fructifying by a seed , and so it hath an analogical or proportionable conception , which formeth a seminal idea in propagating ) borrows its fruitfulness , and principles of life from it , but not life it self ; ( even as elswhere concerning formes ) therefore a seed borrows knowledge , gifts , roots , and dispositions of the matter espoused unto it for life , from a seminal idea , to wit , the cause of all fruitfulness : and they who a little smelt out that thing , in times past have said , that every generation doth draw its original from an invisible world. the thrice glorious almighty , by the naked , and pure command of his own cogitation , and conceived word [ fiat ] or let it be done , made the whole creature of nothing ; and put seminal virtues into it , durable throughout ages : but the creature afterwards , propagates its gift received , not indeed of nothing , as neither by its own command ; but it hath received a power of creating its own seminal image from god , of tranferring , or decyphering the same on its own archeus : this indeed is the seminal virtue of man , bruits , and plants : but not this beast-like conception is in plants , nor is stirred up from lust : for it is sufficient that it happen after an analogical manner , whereby the antients have agreed all things to be in all , which manner , by a similitude drawn from us , the sympathy , and antipathy of things do shew ; for they feel a mutual presence , and are presently stirred up by that sense , unto the unfolding of their natural endowments : because they are those things which else would remain unmoved ; but a sense or feeling cannot but after some sort have an equal force with an imaginative virtue : the which i have elsewhere profesly treated more at large concerning the plague : but now my aim is not to phylosophize concerning plants ; but only of diseases : it sufficeth therefore that the imagination it self , so called from the forming of an image , doth stampe an idea , for whose sake every seed is fruitful : and seeing that in us , that imaginative power is as it were brutal , earthly , and devillish ( according to the apostle ) therefore it is subject unto its own diseases , and can stampe an image in the archeus it s own immediate instrument . hence it happens unto us , that every disease is materially , and efficiently in us . for whatsoever is bred or made , that wholly happens through the necessity of a certain seed , and every seed hath its [ this something ] from an idea put into its spirit ; but a disease is a real being , and is made in a live creature only : whence it follows , that although a disease doth oppose the life , as the forerunner of death ; yet it is bred from a vital beginning , and the same in the life , to wit from the flesh of sin : notwithstanding death , and all dead things , do want rootes whereby they may produce : and so seeing death bespeaks a destruction or privation , it wants a seminal image , wherein it is distinguished from diseases : life indeed is from the soul , and therefore also the premised character of the first constitution : but a disease hath proceeded from the confusions and disturbances of an impure archeus , and being radically implanted in him , hath so remained thenceforth unseparable , to wit , as to a formative power of infirm idea's : a disease therefore growing together from idea's , as from its seminal efficient beginning , cloathes it self with a fit matter borrowed from the archeus , and ariseth into a real being , after the manner of other natural beings : and seeing the idea is now formed in the archeus , he presently also begins to act these things , neither is he idle , but defiles a part of the archeus : in which part , a ferment , as the means of the efficient cause , is forthwith stirred up through an aversion from the integrity of life ; and at length by assistance hereof , he either defiles the more gross masse of the body , or at least-wise disturbs the family-administration of the digestions . the schooles i well know will deride the doctrin of ptato , because i have assigned seminal idea's , ideal powers , and formal activities unto diseases ; for they will rather acknowledge four qualities environed with feigned humours , and do grin that these trifles are trampled on by me , as not knowing whereunto the causes , essences , and medicines of diseases should be due : being ignorant i say , that a more powerful , near , and more domestical being , hath mustred an army against the life of man , of whom also it was divinely said ; that a mans enemies are those of his house ; for they do every where notably accuse obstructions occasionally induced by the injuries of filthinesses , as diseases ; which obstructions do notably argue not so much the obstructer , or also the thing obstructed it self , as they have alwayes noted with a losty brow , the majesty of an action , passion , and relation , sound in the obstructer ; as if the obstruction it self , or a relation it self , should be a disease ; but that the foundation of that relation , should include the reason of a diseasifying cause : indeed the whole errour of the schooles , ariseth from the ignorance of a disease , which consisteth immediately in the life it self ; but not in dregs , and filthynesses which are erroneous forreigners , and strangers to the life : good jesus , the wisdom of the father of lights ! with how great confusion of darkness do humane judgments stumble unless thou govern them . for truly while they have consecrated the stone of the bladder , in the next place , all the filths , mixtures , powers , properties , effects , and liberties of effects , activities , and interchangeable courses , unto the combates , and wars of the elements alone , they have signified by the same method , that they will not , and cannot be wise beyond heats , and colds . for so they have hitherto taught without shame and judgment , that the stone doth wax dry , is dryed , and hardned in the midst of the urine , by heat , and by the same priviledge of rashness or boldness , they have neglected every thing , the whole history of nature , and nativity of things , and have made themselves miserable , because ridiculous in the age to come : wherefore i have often complained with thee good jesus , o thou prince of life , how difficult it would be for the schooles , who have been constantly nourished from their childhood with so great an harlotry of trifles , and juggle of mists , to have assumed the true principles of things : unless thou hold the stern of the ship , and inspire a prosperous wind on the sailes , i guesse that the envious man will be ready to deliver up my writings for volusian , unlearned , or wast papers . help o god , for the good of thine own image , that seeds themselves may testifie the archeus to be present with them , who unless he be fructified by the onely conceived idea of the generater , they do return into a lump , and dis-shaped monster , unto which a vigor is wanting , no lesse of figuring , than of unfolding of properties . let diseases witnesse , i say , although i am silent , that they are active beings , admitted into nature by natural principles : let them confesse , according to trismegistus , that things superiour and inferiour , are carried by the same law of proportion , and co-like principles : that by the meditation of one thing , archeus or principle , all things do even to this day subsist , and are continued : that by the meditation , and idea of that one , they do receive the perfect act of superiour or inferiour beings : what he spake is truth , and that truth shall vanquish every strong fortresse , and pierce through all solidities or difficulties . chap. lxix . of the idea's of diseases . . a division of the things to be spoken . . the spleen sits in the middle trunk of the body . . the forming of real images of the phantasie , is confirmed by an example . . why an idea descendeth from the mother , into the young. . consequences drawn from thence . . a measuring of the moderatenesse of wine . . the piercing of idea's . . a child declines from his native disposition . . what may be understood by an agony . . most cruel idea's . . a most especial care of educations . . a difference in the motions of the mind . . the doctrine of desires . . the rise , and progress of desires . . a diversity of the sin of commission , and of omission . . why god hath endowed the femal sex with a peculiar favour . . what the gift of a sexual devotion may operate by it self . . why the author hath treated of morals . . the author repeats eight suppositions concerning the idea's of the archeus . . the author wanders about forreign idea's . . the foundations of physiognomy . . a reason why idea's are so powerful in us . . what the abolishment of the cause of a disease may be . . a diseasifying cause is invisible . . the birth-place of diseases . . the author brings forth that divine thing of hippocrates in diseases , unto the light. . why diseases do imitate the properties and activities of the life . . an example in the stone . . there is need of two suppositions , for an introduction of the knowledge of diseases . . a conclusion drawn from thence . . a mechanical proof in a bean. . the same in a cancer . . the progress of a cancer . . how the beings of creation , do differ from the beings of prevarication or transgression . . the thinglinesse or essence of a cancer . . some products of diseases do lose an occasional causality . . an erroneous method of curing hitherto kept . . the schooles , their causes of a cancer are erroneous . seeing therefore , a matter and efficient cause is required unto the essence of a disease , and seeing the idea is the efficient cause it self of a disease , both of them are to be explained . and first of all , i will describe the thingliness of idea's , their efficacy and fabrick , that the action and nativity of effecting a disease may clearly appear . and first i will declare the idea's conceived by man. and then i will treat of the idea's of the archeus . and at length of strange and forreign idea's . and lastly , i will deliver the matter making a disease , that from a connexion of both causes , the thingliness of a disease , and its immediate essence may be manifest . first indeed , i have taught elsewhere , that there is a certain unbridled imaginative force of the first motions , not reduced into the power of the will , being infolded in the spleen : and that the almighty hath entertained a faculty of so great moment , even in meer membranes , and almost un-bloody purses , so that as well the orifice of the stomack , as the womb it self , may be of right and desert , equalized to the heart ; to wit , by reason of a notable crasis or constitution of acting , and likewise obedience performed unto it by the other bowels : from the prerogative of which power the spleen is scituated almost in the middle place between them both ; yet it is inclined a little more demissly or downwards , because it hath undertaken the place of an entire root : for it toucheth at the stomack with its largeness , in respect whereof a duumvirate subsisteth : but it reacheth the womb with its other extream or end , to wit , being by its ligaments annexed to the loins . and then i have said , that although at first , that which is imagined is nothing but a meer being of reason ; yet it doth not remain such , for truly the phantasie is a sealifying virtue , and in this respect is called imaginative , because it formeth the images , or likenesses , or idea's of things conceived , and doth characterize them in its own vital spirit : and therefore that idea is made a spiritual or seminal , and powerful being , to perform things of great moment , which thing it helpeth to have shewn by the example of a woman with child : for a woman with child , if by her imaginative virtue , she with great desire hath conceived a cherry , she imprinteth the idea thereof on the young ( even as of the plague elsewhere ) an idea i say which is seminal , sealing , and of its own accord un-obliterable : because the idea whereof , waxeth green , becomes yellow , and lookes red every year in the flesh , at the same stations of the year , wherein these cherries do , otherwise , give the tokens of their successive change in the tree . but why the idea of a cherry , or mouse , is imprinted not on the mother , but on the young , and doth now presently wander from the imagining woman into another subject , the which also hath oft-times began to live in its own quarter : the cause is an uncessant , nor that a feigned affection of the mother , whereby she naturally watcheth more for her young , than for her self : therefore the inward , natural , and unexcuseable carefulness of the mother , laying as it were continually on the young , directs the idea bred from passions , by one beam , unto her young. and because the hand is the principal instrument of activities , therefore the carefulness descending unto the hand , as it were for the defence of her young , receiveth the conceived idea , and proceedeth with it further , on her young. but seeing idea's are certain seminal lights , therefore they mutually pierce each other , without the adultery of union : therefore the conceived idea of the cherry , through a supervening or sudden coming idea of the mothers care , is directed unto the part of the young where the hand hath touched the body of the mother . for indeed , there is alwaies a certain care for the end whereunto the hand doth operate . the hand therefore , as the executive instrument of the will , deciphers the idea of the cherry conceived , on that patt whereto the mother hath moved her hand . whence it is even in the enterance manifest , after what manner a cogitation , which is a meer [ non-being ] may be made a real and qualified being . and then , it is from hence manifest , that the spirit is primarily seasoned or besmeared with that image , and being once seasoned with some one kind of idea , it afterwards becomes unfit for the execution of other offices ; because the idea being once conceived , it is a seal onely to perform things determined . therefore that character of the seminal image , being once imprinted in some part of the archeus , causeth that it is thenceforth uncapable of other offices : for by reason of the skiey or airy simplicity of that spirit , the idea's do so marry themselves unto it , that the matter , and its efficient cause are not for the future separated from each other , as long as there shall be an identity or sameliness of the supposed character ; seeing the idea it self is the seed in that spirit , which therefore cannot be spoiled of that idea without its own dissolution : for neither doth it just so happen to the archeus as to mettals , which by melting , return into their former state , and do loose onely the labour of the artificer . it is alike as while a woman with child is affrighted by a duck or a drake : for at that very moment , the imaginative faculty imprints the idea of the being , whereby she is affrighted , on the spirit : so that , that idea is there made seminal , and so indeed , it doth not onely destroy the embryo now formed , but transformeth this embryo into a duck or a drake . whence likewise is manifest , not onely the power and authority of the imaginative , but also that idea hath drawn from the imagination a figurative faculty , and hath a seminal and figurative power , yea and a power of metamorphizing or transforming . and it follows from what hath been said before , that a man of much imagination , is of necessity also weakened in his strength : because he is no otherways wearied , than he who hath spent the day in tiresome labour , and should wholly fail , aswell in mind as body , unless he were refreshed with an acceptable discourse , a sociable walking , a pleasant conversation , and the more pure wine : according to that saying , wine moderately taken sharpens the wit. neither is that moderateness to be delivered by ounces , under the harsh crisis of the physitian , while as by the wise man it is left free to every one , according to his capacity . wine , he saith , was made for mirth , but not for drunkennesse . sorrowful persons therefore being wearied , exhausted , and oppressed , must be succoured with wine , even unto a chearfulness . therefore idea's , as it were formal lights , do pierce each other , and imprint their own images on that part of the archeus whose image and seed they are : therefore the idea's of inclinations do first pierce the idea of the fructifying seed ; to wit , for manners , sciences , affections , diseases , and defects : for therefore the idea's of women great with child , are easily co-knit unto constituting idea's ; the which as they do oft-times corrupt manners , otherwise good , yea and also , sometimes beget foolish ones ; so also they do not seldom , amend other manners from the womb : else , for the most part , valiant men are begotten by valiant and good men : for a child by a rigid , or tender education , begins to decline from his native inclinations : then at length when he is endowed with some kind of discretion , by exercises , and companies , he falls into diverse idea's of affections , the which he is constrained for the most part to obey for life ; because they are implanted from his tender branches . presently after that , in youth , the idea's of consideration or judgement do begin to grow ; the which , although they are for the most part as yet guiltless ; yet when the idea's of any passion being introduced by the hand of inclinations , shall associate themselves to these ; then the former idea's are pierced by the stronger ; to wit , of hatred , love , revenge , luxury , &c. but if a notable fear shall happen , from thence so vehement an idea ariseth , that it inflicts a violent sickness , with a perpetual faint-heartedness . but the mildest of idea's , are those of love , joy , and desire , which at length delight with their sweetness , and do so ensnare the whole soul , that they continually gape after delights and pleasures . the more violent idea's , are those of anger , sorrow , agony , envy , fear , arrogancy , despite , terrour , revenge , drunkenness or sottishness , jealousie , and despair : where also , this is to be noted ; that agony is not a co-striving of hope and fear alone , but also of anger and fear , of anger and dissimulation , of hope and anger , of hatred and fear , of hope and sorrow , &c. for as there is contrariety in conceptions alone , so also , in idea's from thence bred . and those which are not contrary , are contracted and do pierce each other : but contrary idea's do destroy each other , the which shall at sometime , in the curing of diseases , be made manifest by histories . as many idea's therefore as do pierce each other , and co-suffer , do arise together into unity , the prevalency of the stronger idea being retained . but sudden idea's are the most cruel , and most deadly of all ; because they shake the imaginative faculty at unawares , and so do as it were defile the whole archeus : and then daily idea's succeed these ; because by a certain accustomedness , they are made household-thieves , have known the treasures , and cloisters of these : hence a strong custome binds the mind , as the idea's conceived in the inflowing archeus , do at length also defile the spirit implanted in the parts : for indeed , the idea's of inclinations unto virtue , are supernaturally given , after that the whole nature is corrupted by sin : but they are implanted in us by the seminal idea's of the parents , for morality , arts , and defects : or being instilled into us from our childhood , by education , they depart into nature , as they pierce the native idea's , and do co-unite with the same . but there are affections of a proper name , the products of inclinations , passions , and the exercises of affections , and they do not happen without a new propagation of idea's : and the which , therefore , like the life , do prepare in us a natural habitation and disposition : but passions are the internal motions of the mind , about the bridles whereof , whole stoicisme is conversant . at length perturbations or disturbances , are passions , being idea's stirred up for the most part , by extrinsecal or forreign causes : and the common mother of all passions is desire ; for this is in it self either good or evil : for that desire which is indifferent , or neutral , doth most easily put on the corruption of nature and is perverted . but the one only remedy of evil desires , is the resignation of the will : because desire is bred after this manner : for corrupted nature is now naturally turned on it self , and therefore it willingly meditates on things plausible to it self ; as it is continually busied about the objects of the concupiscence of sin : and as fire is struck out of a flint , so is desire from the plausibility of the object : whereunto , unless thou dost insert the fear of the lord , by way of a graft ( which therefore is the beginning of wisdome ) for a bridle , or shalt cut off the plausibility of conceits , in its budding of the first conceptions ; it now finds a fewel in corrupted nature , lewdness grows , being not yet apparent by reason of its smallness ; and presently draws the whole soul under it : so that it becomes enslaved unto that appetite , by which it was expelled from its throne of majesty . suppose thou , if ambition , or a greater concupiscence do wax hot in the frying-pan of desire , those things are either possible in hope , without hope , or against hope : if man persisteth in his desire , these two latter will make him mad or besides himself : seeing every desire of corrupt nature , hath alwayes something of foolishness and anguish annexed unto it . but if indeed the end of a desire be with hope , it is carried ( at leastwise ) on an object not yet present , and then impossible ; and so it hath a disdainful expectation , and a troublesome companion : for we desire those things which are not . therefore a painful desire , is also , for the most part , of its own nature evil , and from its affect far worse , and at length , from its consequence evil : because the desires do presently decline into anger , hatred , revenge , frowardnesses , crabbishnesses , un-sufferance , arrogancy , contempt , &c. for a natural desire doth always rush into that which is worse , because it descends from self-love , is formed by corrupt nature , and is for the most part conversant about the objects of sin , doth accompany anguishes , expectations and troubles , and bow down the liberty of willing : but so far as it is reflected beyond it self , and on a future thing , it brings forth impatience , affects a liberty , resisteth mortification : it brings frowardnesses , perplexities , un-sufferance , and now and then despaire . a good desire is always given by grace from above , whose product is love , and an endeavour producing the perfection of the soul. vitrues therefore , as they come from grace , they transcend from the imaginative faculty , together with their idea's , into the understanding , and so they tinge the soul ; even as also the vices of passions , the exercises of sin , and of withdrawing from the fear of the lord , do tinge the soul , that it becomes as it were beast-like . hence are ravening wolves , generations of vipers ; tell ye that fox , &c. therefore sins of commission will sometimes be conspicuous in the soul , without the search of a diligent enquiry . but sins which are meerly negative , because they are not beings , nor have any thing of actuality , they do not tinge or stain the soul ( such as are sins of omission ) and therefore these onely shall be upbraided as faults in the last judgment : when as other sins shall be distinguished by the sight alone . furthermore , although god be no accepter of persons , yet because he disposeth of all things sweetly , according to his good pleasure , he loveth women after a peculiar manner : not onely because he hath surrounded them with very many diseases ( arising from their womb ) perplexities , miseries , and tribulations ( for the lord saith to the woman , i will multiply thy sorrows ) but especially because he hath for a comfort requited them with the gift of devotion . for from hence do arise idea's of compassion of miseries , toward their neighbours , of meeknesse , contrition , and compunction ; the which , for a foundation , do precede the fear of the lord and charity . for that devotion ( although it be sexual ) is the gift of grace , gaining grace or favour , a desire of praying , of talking with god , with humility , an amorous , perfect , and exceeding delightful faith or confidence : for these things the world is ignorant of . for i being a phisitian , ought here on purpose to treat of morality , however others may laugh : and that not onely as the indispositions of the soul , do defile and blemish , or corrupt the health : but especially from that title , because , seeing a disease is the son of sin , it cannot be perfectly known , if the faculty of the concupiscence of sin be unknown , from whence every assault towards a disease drives it self into the archeus . but hitherto concerning idea's conceived by the cogitation of man , of which it shall as yet be more liberally treated under the chapter of things conceived . now it remains to unfold , from whence idea's made by man are of so great strength , that oft-times they call for a disease , yea and also death on the imaginer . from the premises therefore we must resume , . that idea's are stamped in the imaginative faculty , by cogitation . . that they imprint their image on the spirit of life . . that they are operative means , whereby the soul moveth and governeth the body . . that they are seminal images . . but that they are graduated according to the power and strength of the imaginative faculty . . wherefore that a humane embryo is changed into diverse monsters . . that every man by the images of sorrow , terrour , &c. doth form seminal poysons unto himself , which do consume him in manner of the plague , or else by a violent languishing . . that they do also passe forth out of the body of the imaginer ; because an image conceived by a woman with child , regularly wanders into the young , even on the last day of carrying it in the womb ; yet then it is without controversie , that the young doth enjoy its own life , and lives by its own soul , and quarter . it is manifest therefore from the aforesaid particulars , not only concerning the question whether it be ; to wit , that there are in idea's a most powerful force to operate : but also because they are seminal , that they do naturally pierce and operate on all things . for truly if there be not a certain ruling , and forming idea of the matter of seeds , formed by the generater , the seed by it self remains wholly barren . in the next place , those idea's ought to be immediately , not indeed in the soul of man ; but immediately in the archeus which maketh the assault ; because without such an idea , the archeus should plainly remain an unpartaker of all action , operation , and propagation . therefore also by idea's every motion and action of nature , as well in remedies as in poysons , and every natural power , is seminally imprinted by every parent whatsoever : yea forreign , strange idea's are introduced , and those ascending into those already constituted ; because idea's no otherwise than as lights , do mutually pierce each other , and do keep a perpetual , and co-marriageable mark of the archeus with the archeus ; which idea's , while they take hold of the matter of him , a disease is now bred : for as seminal , and primitive idea's being planted in the seed by the parents , do figure a man , bruit , plant , &c. so also the idea's of inclinations , affections , &c. coming upon them , do determine or limit the countenance of a man unto the delineaments or draughts of physiognomy : which afterwards also are varied by the future idea's of manners , customes , &c. for bruit beasts through the troublesome idea's of lust , do not wax fat even as those that are gelded do . but eunuchs , if they are without care do fatten ; who else through the idea of grief do also wax lean . but from whence there is so great power in idea's , it is worthy to be known , that the table or matter upon which , even as on water , the phantasie decyphers its idea's even as on water , is the very substance of the archeus it self ; the which being once defiled by a conceived idea , and as it were instructed by a seminal principle , is afterwards uneffectual for other offices : therefore indeed those that are without care do slowly wax grey , and in a contrary sense ; but many cares do speedily draw on and ripen old age : according to that saying , my spirit shall be diminished , and my dayes shall be shortned . rightly therefore was it said from of old , that the perfect curing of diseases , consists in the removal of the cause , or root : the which if it should be the visible peccant matter it self ( even as the schooles do nevertheless point it out to be ) now a fever , or the colike diseases could not be cured , unless all the occasional matter were first removed ; which thing is as manifestly false , as it is most exceeding true , that fevers are silent , the same occasional cause remaining : so indeed i have oft-times perfectly taken away the colick , choler , flux , bloody-flux , and other diseases by a true laudanum without opium , although the residing mass or lump were as yet entertained within : therefore all visible , and forreign matter , either happening from without , or sprung up of its own accord within , how degenerate soever it shall be from the very nourishment of the solid parts , and a liquor separated from them , it hath it self alwayes by a proper name , after the manner of an occasion , and a provoking cause ; whether that shall be for a primary disease , or indeed shall be produced and constituted by a primary disease , consequently afterwards pricking forward the archeus unto the erecting of a new storm , or disease . and so every disease is caused from the violent assaulting spirit , by idea's conceived in the proper subject of the archeus , by whose fault alone , a live body , but not a dead carcass suffers all diseases : but if that this off-spring of a disease be spred into the families of the digestions ; it produceth occasional matters indeed for secondary diseases , which are bred to stirr up afterwards the same archeus unto new seminaries of diseases . for so , wheresoever hippocrates hath not found any visible matter , as the occasion of a disease , he accuseth a divine beginning in diseases , because it is invisible from the hidden store-house of seeds , from the invisible world , or out of pluto's river of hell , or from the chaos of successive changes : therefore i do in all things wholly admire at this divine beginning ( be it spoken by the liberty of hippocrates ) in diseases , as the judge of a broken purity , so also a revenger of an hidden impurity and concupiscence , lurking in the flesh of sin : and therefore also , persevering in the radical disorder of a vital principle . but as it doth immediately sit in , and is awakned by a vital and seminal principle : hence also consequently , diseases have properties , directions , proportions , durations , affections , and respects , unto members and places ; which things certainly in a good understanding , cannot be attributed unto the ulcerous predicaments of heats and colds , as neither to distillations , and catarrhs flowing down with a voluntary fall of weights : but it is profitable to have made this history of a disease manifest by one example : for in the stone , a disease , it is most material and manifest ; but the stone is not the disease , but the primary lithiasis or stony affect , and the true disease duelech is the idea it self , radically implanted in the powers of the archeus of the kidneys or bladder : the which indeed is wanting in healthy persons , and therefore neither doth it in healthy folkes , regularly frame , actuate , or separate out of the urine ( the which urine notwithstanding doth contain materially in it , all things actually necessary unto a stone ) a stone , or sand existing therein by an immediate possibility : but ferments being once introduced into the archeus of the reins and subordinate parts , an actuating , and fashoning idea of that is there established , which lurked by a near power in the matter : and thus is a stone , or sand made , which are the product of a true lithiasis : that idea i say , inhabiting in the implanted archeus of those parts , is the diseasie separater and work-man , commanding the implanted faculty of that organ , and which leads it bound at its own erroneous pleasure : there is also a more eminent power of a seminal and fermental idea , brought on the implanted and vital faculty of the reines : but the product proceeding from this primary disease , in the way of generation , is the monster duelech it self . the same thing is equally manifest in other diseases , at least by two suppositions : to wit , one that every disease is in a live being , and so in the archeus the mover , but not in a being by it self dead , and unmoved : the other is , that a disease is a substantial being , by it self subsisting in us . whence i conclude , that a disease , after the manner of other natural beings , proceeds from a non-being unto a being , and is seminally bred : the which i thus prove mechanically . a bean , as it is the most notable of seeds , is a subject of demonstration . for herein shadowy idea's do concurre , being co-created with it presently after the beginning of the world , and by propagation seminally co-bred there-with : because between the two plates which constitute the body of the bean , the flourish or beginning of a bud is found , having two leaves , with a root , wherein the seminal idea doth shadowily sleep : and it is fast tyed unto both the plates of the bean , as it were to both sexual beginnings : no otherwise than as the more thick white doth adhere unto the yolk of an egge which containeth the perfect act of a seed : the bean therefore being committed to the earth , doth presently drink up either the actual , or vaporous liquor of the earth , and swells up there-with : but the earth hath in it its own putrefaction by continuance , or a faculty of imprinting a fermental odour , in respect whereof , a power motive is conferred on it of a voluntary budding , without a visible seed being committed unto it : by consequence , the juice of the earth being imbibed , the same fermental virtue is delivered unto this bean , which is otherwise unto the earth : which juice having in it self a fermental putrefaction through continuance , determined or limited by the specifical odour of the bean , doth stirr up the idea of the seed laying hid in the bean , which afterwards proceedeth to act of its own free accord : wherefore the bud is not bred : ( the which else , the earth of that place had produced of its self ) but from the intrinsecal , and invisible seminal idea of the bean the bud is bred or born , which is the herb bean : yet so as that the specifical faculty of the herb is inclined according to the disposition of the ferment of the hoary putrifaction of the earth : hence indeed wine varies in divers places , although the vine be planted of the same branch : for so seeds do flow into their appointed offices , fruits , and ends , which thing i will explain in a cancer . first of all , a true cancer doth never arise , but in the dug , and womb of the women : but the idea's of a cancer , are not in , and do not sleep in the womb ; even as otherwise the idea's of a bean , in the bud of a bean ; because diseases indeed , are naturally made , but are not naturally in ; unless perhaps from the seed of the generater , idea's are co-bred , as in hereditary diseases ; and that is the difference of the beings of creation , from the beings of diseases : i suppose therefore for the occasion of a cancer , that the dugs of a woman do suffer a co-pressing and confusion or bruising , and the glandules , the effectresses of milk , are co-shaken or dashed : and then the sensitive archeus , implanted in that organ , conceives pain as it were a pricking thorne : therefore the shaking , and pain do mutually co-touch in the act of feeling : and an unnamed furious passion riseth up in stead of a ferment , as it were fire out of a flint and steel : hence a fiery seminal idea , mad or raging ( and therefore poysonsome ) is struck out , is imbibed and co-fermented with the juice of the place : whence then at length there is a painful , pricking , beating tumour , because it is also poysonous from fury : the archeus therefore is stirred up , and made wrothful according to the disposition of the conceived indignation ( for neither do all things grow generally every where ; but here grasses do spring up without bidding , there more succesfully grapes , else where treeie sprouts ) so neither doth the archeus see in the finger , even as he doth in the eye . the archeus therefore winds up the poyson gotten by his own indignation , in that bunch of the thorny pain , as the archeus hath there so married himself unto the paps , that no part of these doth want him : but that swelling is the product of the cancer seminated or sown in the indignation , as well of the cancer , essentially , as being that cancer which afterwards flows abroad , stinking with sanies or thin corrupt matter : for neither are ulcers , or apostems in the dugs ever cancerous , unless that fury of the archeus shall be present : therefore a seminal image , rising up from the turbulent tempest of the archeus , and decyphered in the archeus of the place , is a true cancer , whether there shall as yet be an aposteme , or in the next place an ulcer : for the archeus of the paps being their vital mover , acting , to wit , in that part , the sergeantship of the furious womb , being tossed with furies , doth locally stamp his poysonous idea's , and imprints them on himself by the same right whereby the imaginative faculty doth frame likenesses agreeable unto its own passions : no otherwise i say , than as the womb , heart , brain , stomach , than the propagative seminal faculty of vegetables it self ; yea nor otherwise than as it clearly appear in the very excrements of simples , to wit , in the spittle of a mad dog : so i say a cancer is bred , and doth propagate its own idea's on the immediate similar nourishment . for the primary or first cancer in the archeus of the place , through a dependent connexion of contagion , is further extended into the co-bordering part ; but as from the beginning , even unto the last maturity , there is one only ideal , and seminal ruler of the bean : so from the beginning of the conceived idea of a cancer , even unto death , there is nothing but the same poyson : but seeing a cancer is in a sensitive subject , the archeus therefore dayly rageth a new , doth substitute new idea's , and poysons in the room of old ones : not so a bean , the which beginneth from a singular beginning , and by flowing , doth proceed unto the continuation of its thred . for truly in created things of the first constitution , although there be an ideal begining , the same with diseases , and a progress of making from not a being , unto a being : yet in being now made , the progress of diseases differs . therefore also a bean is dayly changed in its outward countenance in growing , although the flourishing part differs not from the budding part , in its vital beginning . in like manner also , diseases sealed either in the local , or inflowing archeus , from the various madness hereof the poyson is varified : for although the soyl of an exulcerated cancer , exposed to the air , was the first object where it was conceived and bred ; yet that soile being wasted by corrosion , another more deep one doth alwayes succeed , even as if a new bean should dayly bud : and therefore a disease doth not only bewray it self from a local center of science mathematical , but from a physical or natural center also , which is the furious , and seminal idea of the archeus : there is the same judgement , and equality of all other poysons bred within , such as hath been already aforesaid in chyrurgical affects : for in bruits ( even as else where concerning the plague ) every specifical poyson doth not issue but from the idea of an image ; whence in the proverb ; the beast being dead , his poyson is killed : for so the leprosie , fowl disease , falling-evil , apoplexie , and likewise all primary diseases , do proceed . notwithstanding , the poysons which are taken into the body , are not therefore diseases , or do not arise until the archeus , through a borrowed ferment of their contagion , hath done injury unto himself : then indeed he stamps strange idea's on himself , not so much from his own fury , as he borrows the same from simples ingested or darted in , and at length doth fall under the same ; in which conflict he forms wondrous idea's unto himself , the which he tragically unfolds by variety of symptomes : therefore a cancer is not a hollow ulcer which the eyes do see , neither is it , it s crusted and wan , or black and blew lips , which the hand doth touch . lastly , it is not the stinking soil or bottom of the ulcer which looks blackish with putrefaction , or the sanies dropping from thence which the nostrils do smell : for without these , the cancer was as yet already cloathed with its own skin : but these are the effects , signs , symptomes of the being whose fruit they are : for truly seeing an effect or product bespeaks an unseperable respect unto its own producing cause : therefore a disease ought to be a being , containing the causes , and properties of its own entity : and therefore , as well the cancer being an aposteme , is a cancer , as while it is now become an ulcer : for therefore primary diseases , do for the most part beget an equivocal or doubtful product in the archeus : as is the stone in respect of the first lithiasis or stony affect . for the troublesome stone , wounds and hurts the digestion of the bladder , stops up the passage of the urine , &c. also now and then , a product is troublesome only by its presence , as corrupt pus in an aposteme , wound , &c. water in a dropsie , coagulated matter in a scirihus : and those products , have rather the nature of a diseasie effect , than of an occasion of diseases ; unless perhaps they shall draw the abridgements of poyson in a ferment , for then they supply the room of assumed poyson , and do occasionally compel the counsels of a new disease into the archeus : therefore a disease is a being truly subsisting in an invisible principle , being endowed with divers properties ; but not a distemperature , or disposition arising from the sight , mixture , degree of contrariety , and concomitance of feigned humours . but the ignorance of a primary disease , as it hath caused the ignorance of a remedy ; so also it hath taken away the hope of curing : because they have employed themselves in nothing but cleansing out erroneous products , and occasional causes , and have rather consulted of a cloakative prevention , or that diseases might not increase , or return , through founding of a remedy on the back of the disease : but nothing hath been thought of against the voluntary storms of fury , whereby the archeus suffers a greater injury from none than from himself : in the mean time nothing is done , unless that fury of the archeus which buds forth idea's shall be silenced , and the persisting poyson bred from thence be choaked : for neither is it slain by corrosives ; yea not indeed in ulcers , unless also there be a force of killing in the corrosives ; because they are that , which else do more enflame the fury , than pacifie , or kill it . a certain man in my dayes , living in the region of gulick in germany , cured every cancer whatsoever , by a pouder causing no pain , being sprinkled thereon ; and then next , he healed it up with an incarnating emplaister ; whose art was buried with himself . for the schooles being astonished , as oft as the cancer , and eating canker , are not appeased by their egyptiacal oyntment , do accuse the menstrues , or the humour of black choler : but being asked , whether of these causes may adhere thereto , they doubting , betake themselves to both : now men are altogether free from a cancer , as also women whose courses have left them : the young in the womb shall be nourished with a meer poyson ; the menstrues shall offend , not in quantity only ; yea neither shall the detaining of the menstrues be guilty in a woman with child , nurse , and leanified women ; and those who are subdued by a long infirmity shall be nourished with poyson , and all shall perish without hope of recovery : but if a cancer ariseth not from the menstrues , but from black choler ; why therefore doth a cancer happen at the offence of the dugs ? why doth it less happen unto jovial or jolly women , than unto sorrowful ones ? or what community hath the spleen with the contusion of the dugs ? or if black choler doth wandringly ascend unto the paps , why is not the milk blackishly cholerick ? why is there not ordinarily a cancerous affect to those that give suck ? why when the purgatives of epithymum , the stones of lazulum , the armenian stone , &c. being taken , doth a cancer never wax mild in the least ? for in times past indeed they have distinguished diseases by a property of passion , and secondary passion , and by so much the more unsuccesfully , by how much the more undistinctly : so that the schooles being dashed against the rock , have transferred these affects concerning diseases unto symptoms : as while from the wombe , there is a megrim , and strangling , or from a painful aposteme of the foot , a glans or kernel in the groyn : they have indeed named them consensual or co-feeling , or secondary effects ; but have never acknowledged them even as they proceed from their own seed : even as hath been more largely demonstrated by me touching their ignorance of a diseasifying essence . chap. lxx . of archeal diseases . . the necessities of archeal diseases rushing on us of their own accord . . the schooles have on both sides neglected the first mover in us . . aristotle , galen , and paracelsus , have become mad about this tragedy . . an unfolding of the thing granted . . a preparing of a demonstration . . the clearing up of a question . . an explaining of the idea's of the archeus . . an objection is solved . . the passions of the archeus have the excentricities of another market . . the ignorances of the author . . the fourfold troop of diseases , proves the idea's of the archeus . . hereditary diseases do presuppose the idea of a disease , to be connexed with a prolifical or fructifying idea , yet not to be produced from the intention of the generater . . the pleasure reflects the archeus on its self . . death began from the concupiscence of the flesh . . why a trunk in an arm doth not generate a trunk . . why all the diseases of parents are not equally transplanted by an hereditary right . . silent diseases do prove an archeal idea . . the diseases of an astral or starry conjunction do prove the same thing . . what diseases may pertain unto an unequal strength . . an unequal strength , hath caused a beginning of the fiction of a catarrhe . it was already sufficiently shewn , that the archeus being even well disposed , is estranged by humane passions and perturbations , and likewise that by the forreign image of a strange archeus piercing him , and that by the assumed destructive powers of purging medicines and poysons , he is soon trodden under foot . but while no vice of things taken doth presse him , nor the stormes of external things do rush on us , nor lastly , perturbations do shake , it hath not been yet made known , by what league , way , manner , or by what perswader and guider , the archeus may voluntarily decline , that he may defile a good thing brought so far into him , by so great labour ; i say , a nourishable and spermatical humour under an unshaken health , and what may straightway corrupt that which was prepared for , and taken into the society of life ; and from thence frame a dross so hostile , that the archeus may lead himself , together with his inne , into the dammage of life . of these things the schooles have thought out nothing but that which concerns rheumes , easily rowled through their own weight , and passable at that their own pleasure : they have not , i say , made mention of the nourishable humour or liquor , but onely of distilled mucks or snivels : for without consideration they have leaped over this brook , and also the business of healing hath remained neglected , while they have hitherto neglected the very corrupter of these nourishable and spermatick humours . they have indeed rightly judged , that nothing is moved by it self . they have acknowledged indeed a first mover , and its intelligences , the motive forms of the heavens ; but the proper movers inhabiting in the seeds , which should by idea's prepared for them , of their own free accord , effect their own first movable blas in us , they have not sufficiently considered ; and much less have they drawn this philosophy into diseases , and the business of healing . for it hath never been thought after what manner a seminal being is governour of life , may intend its own destruction , and stir up unto it self a mortal blas , seeing every thing desireth to be and remain . be gone thou aristotle with thy whorish appetite of an impossible matter : for i have else where given satisfaction unto those trifles , even unto thy shame . galen being at the stroke of this bell , ere-while devolved into a catochus , snorted , so that indeed he never so much as dreamed of this sound . at length paracelsus , who thought the essences of things , and the liquours of these , never to perish , began the dissolution of life from the disorder of the three first things . for he scarce believed the archeus to decay , who affirmed , the essences of herbs being taken in fodder , not to die , so much as in the dung of fields : yea he saith , the archeus is never dissolved by reason of the faintings of old age , but is stifled onely through corruptions ripened in the power of nature : and so , neither doth he think the archeus then to perish ; but being obvolved in strange things , to be obscured and forcibly to depart , as suspended from the office of acting , and to return unto his first sacramental being . surely these things are more worthy of laughter and pity , than of reprehension : for they have hitherto been busied onely about the products of diseases , and occasional things brought inwards . for paracelsus with his followers hath introduced tartarous humours , into the innermost efficient cause of every disease , perhaps neither before hurtful ones , but when they should be coagulated at the last line of their extension or passage . but i have heretofore rejected the errors of that man , and the false paint of falshood being now discovered , i have better instructed a credulous posterity : because i know that the archeus hath his own motive , and alterative blas , naturally given unto him , and proper unto him by a seminal virtue : because he is he , who even from his first conception , doth move , figure , alter , encrease , &c. as well every living creature , as vegetable , at the beck of his proper appointment : and so that the archeus is he that makes the assault according to hippocrates , and without or besides whom , nothing is moved , felt , or altered in soulified creatures . in the next place , i know , that the archeus doth regularly move himself , according to the idea either left him by the generater , or another called unto him from elsewhere . whence also , i have believed , that it belongs to the same being and faculty , whereby through health , every motion and alteration are made in an ordained regularity , and whereby these same things are irregularly made . therefore a disease , no less than health , must needs be naturally derived from the archeus alone : so that if life and health be by images imprinted on the seed , by co-like images also : but of over rash or preposterous idea's , diseases are made . but from whence may those image-guests issue , if no external thing doth shake him , and no internal thing not so much as with an hereditary blemish , doth disturb him ? for truly , i have already treated of the humane idea's of affections , inclinations , passions , and perturbations ; but not yet sufficiently concerning archeal ones , while as the archeus doth prove exorbitant through his own proper luxury or immoderate desire , and like protheus , doth voluptuously transform himself . for as regular idea's ( from whence the archeus hath all his blas ) are implanted on the seed by the lust of the generater ; so also from the impurity of nature , he hath reserved every riotous and voluptuous inordinacy of concupiscence , which is plainly never laid aside , as long as there is a living in the flesh of sin : because , it is altogether proper to nature defiled in passions : for so the archeus is after some sort sorrowful , angry , hateth , is vexed , dispaireth and is burdensome to himself , although a man shall procure no such thing to himself , or feel it in himself . indeed exundations are made in the archeus , hitherto unnamed , because they are proper unto him , and not even so much a-kin to humane disturbances ; whence also , excentrical and poysonous images do bring forth meer poysons : for they are as it were voluntary griefs , which gnaweth the life as the moth doth the garment , according to the wise man. these are indeed unnamed idea's which do bring forth a disease otherwise lying hid , or an hereditary character to light . but if the brain , heart , spleen , &c. are the courts wherein the prince , the archeus , doth celebrate his counsels : why hath not the very principal , original being , the motive one of the imaginative faculty , also a phantasie proper or natural unto it self ? and they do afford in nature , corrupted by concupiscence , irregular exorbitances in that being , especially while he doth as it were withdraw himself from the commands of the soul , and had rather be of his own right . neither doth it hinder that such passions of the archeus , are not properly felt in a man , which otherwise , might seem to be required if they ought to draw out diseasie and sealing idea's : but certainly dis-harmonies proper to the archeus , which happen without the commerce of an organ and the soul , are never felt in a man : neither indeed seeing we know not most dreams , yea neither do we know our selves to have dreamed , unless there be made a certain mutual passing over of faculties into an inne . for doth the generater perceive that he doth form an idea , which shall a while after build so proud an edifice ? for doth he once think at least-wise of forming the young ? things to be done ? for in the lust or desire , the mind is after some sort alienated , and doth as it were withdraw it self , in the mean time while the archeus doth imprint his own image , without the imaginative faculty . the archeus therefore being retired without the assemblies of his court , is molested or vexed within his own possession , as it were with a certain wearisomness ( for neither do the irregularities of the archeus strain themselves unto the rules of passions , and of mental idea's , especially while he doth violently wander from his offices , yea and from the command of the mind ) whence there are idea's , which are the authoresses of sloath ; and from hence is slowness of digestions , negligence , omission , with a certain unappetite of life , &c. of what sort are the immoderate desires of eating , bearing rule , knowing , having or possessing , subduing , revenging , enjoying , &c. and so the idea's of these conceptions do beget dissolutenesses , desires , lavishments , and unsufferances : from whence at length there are neglects of the digestions , of distributions , and government , expences , voluptuous provocations , irresolutions , loads or burdens , crabbishnesses , &c. whence at length plagues , also unknown monsters of poysons , venoms , and likewise dissolute or wasting diseases , and the poverties of an atrophia or lack of nourishment ; for that sort of idea's are destitute of counsel , and formed without his wonted courts : and therefore their matrimonies and ministeries , are no more regular than the nativities of the same : therefore the archeus having slidden into his own proper , and riotous irregularities , being wholly symptomatical , and impatient , is as it were mad , doth sometimes forsake the rains of government , the which otherwise can never be idle ; sometimes snatcheth them up again being interrupted , sometimes operates more slowly , and is hastily affected with his own heaviness or weariness : yea in the midst of the fulness of his pleasures , he stirreth up torments to himself , as a being plainly irrational ; for the exercise of the digestions being interrupted , a nourishable humour being detained in the sixth digestion , through to much delay , conceives the forreign ferment of an abounding digestion , and is frustrated of its end : for from hence again the archeus being as it were greatly affrighted , and as it were repenting him of his carelesness , doth rashly move all things . but i cannot meetly explain the means whereby the archeus doth make his own voluntary excentricities , nor decypher the idea's of these by a proper etymologie , if they are invisible , unpercievable , and made in the withdrawing of the archeus from corporeal offices : for i have not known the manner or mean whereby seminal beginnings do express their natural endowments , the which is plainly unknown unto me from a former thing or cause : for i counterfeit it by conjectures only attained from a similitude or like thing . indeed by things regular in man , i have made conjectures which another more judicious than my self may explain ; but it hath seemed to me that it would not be worth my labour for these things to be now wholly searched into according to individuals ; but that it is sufficient as well in knowing , as in healing , to have withstood generated idea's , and to have taken away all disorder from the archeus , peradventure by one only arcanum or secret , of which hereafter more largely . therefore ye that will give a wished peace to your studies , and to the complaints of the sick ; seek and ye shall find . but besides , all potestative diseases do assent to the doctrine already delivered , and those which do as it were wax fresh again without any co-touching of filths : and of that sort , are first of all hereditary diseases , infused by the generater with the seed : to wit , whose idea's do patiently wait for some years before they are manifested in the off-spring , yea and sometimes in a late nephew . secondly , diseases which do sleep through long silences of dayes , and which do now and then relapse , do convince of the same thing . thirdly , con-centred diseases , which i else where call the tortures of the night . and fourthly , diseases of a disproportioned virtue , do declare the same , the which i call an unequal strength . but as to what concerns hereditary and posthume diseases : it is certain , that a diseasie idea is transplanted , being decyphered in the seed of the parents . not indeed that the generater hath the character of any conceived passion , or disease , proposed unto himself in generating , from an appointed end : but ( as i now attend to speake ) the archeus in the act of generation , conceiveth a pleasure , whereby he being withdrawn from the body into his own center , ought by so much the nearer , to reflect himself on the soul , as it were another extream from the body ; from whence he receiving a vital light , cannot but be filled with vigour , and receive his own seminal image , indeed the cause of fruitfulness : for it is proper to him in all his pleasures , to contemplate on himself with a well-pleasing , in his own glass , and with a plausible delightfulness , the which hath even brought a self-love , and a certain arrogancy in the first cradles of nature , yet diverse in it self , by reason of the variety of pleasures : for while the archeus doth with-draw and abstract himself as i have said ; yet he cannot but be in a body , as in a place : therefore i call him abstracted , not indeed from the body , but from his court , or ordinary throne : but an abstracted contemplation of the archeus is not made in the heart , as if he did floate in the continual motion of agitation , and pulses ; as neither are the bosoms of the heart , the court of counsel of the archeus being abstracted ; yea neither in the very substance of the heart ; but his pallace it self is more inward . to wit , in the stable spirit it self , implanted in the spleen : indeed that same image of his own self conceived in time of lust , doth put on a particle of the spirit whereby it is begotten , which particle according to a chymical account , is the part of its whole : and the which least particle therefore being thus decyphered , passeth afterwards into the in-flowing spirit , domestique to the heart , together with the idea of lust and desire : but the idea's of desire are only motive directresses ( even as else where concerning sympathetical things ) and therefore the conceived image of mans archeus , is implanted through that direction , in the material seed : wherefore as death began from venus or carnal lust : so it is dayly hastened , even as also the death of a plant beginneth from a conceived seed , as the vital faculty is thereby mightily diminished . in the next place , surely that is truly made , and not by a phantastical deceit , wherein such an idea doth not only represent a total or entire humane being ; but also individual inclinations , properties , and defects : for from hence a trunk in one arm doth not therefore generate an imperfect arm ; because the formative idea is a branch derived into generation , not from else where , than from the implanted archeus of the bowels : therefore hereditary diseases do increase on the young , from a diseasie being : to wit , the idea being imprinted on the seminal spirit ( seeing it is the very disease as yet lurking , and sealed in the first life of the seed ) doth as yet sleep , and expect its maturity , until it being awakened , and breaking forth from the disturbance of the archeus , be apt to bring forth its own products : so indeed furies are bred in , and propagated on off-springs , together with the whole race of seminal inclinations : moreover also from thence it is evident , that not all diseases of the parents are transferred on their off-spring ; but those only whose idea's have defiled the archeus of the bowels in the parents ; for neither is any occasional matter of the gout or fury , socially transferred with the integrity of a proper or natural seed : for besides that , that strange-born duality doth contain a barrenness of the seed ; also that supposed matter of the translated disease should putrify , it being vanquished by the importunities of the place , and ferments , and repetitions of digestions , should stink , putrify , or vanish away in the successive multiplicity of dayes ; but it should not accompany unto the period of life , and stir up its own relapses . but as to what belongs unto silent diseases , although acquired ones ; surely that thing they have proper unto them , that they do rise again at the set periods of importunity : for so the falling-evil doth sometimes sleep for months , and years , yea and is never stirred up but by venus , anger , grief , child-birth , &c. for neither is any matter in any place detained , the fewell of the falling-sickness : because it should either putrify , wither , be consumed , or loose the antient blemish of poyson : the which seeing it doth not come to pass , but remains for life ; it hath therefore chosen another beginning , and immediate inne , than superfluities ; because it is sealed in the idea of an active being , and that constant throughout the whole life : therefore the spirit of life concluded in the organs , doth suffer its storms from its own diseasie idea's ; the which as oft as the inflowing spirit receiveth from thence , so often it presently brings the contagions of the same into act : for as the poyson of the falling-sickness is that which makes drunk , is sleepifying , and after some sort furious ; its original cleerly appears about the stomach , and afterwards is chiefly perceived in the head , and doth singularly affect the clients thereof : so the archeus of the head stamps poysonous images , which are hateful to the very implanted archeus , and suspected of a poysonous contagion , and he is thereby easily made wholly apogeal or most remote from his center . thirdly , some diseases are con-centrical in their matter and efficient cause , yet seeing they are youngs conceived in the irregularity of the archeus being become exorbitant ; hence they are ex-centrical in respect of health , but con-centred in the more inward soyl of the archeus : for hitherto have the stars respect , and they especially are moved at the conjunction of the moon : they do also fore-shew the hinges of winds to come : for neither doth the archeus shew himself to be obliged to the stars , unless through the importunities of diseases : wherefore those diseases , are commonly called the ephemerides or dayes-books of the sick : therefore in those that are in good health , the archeus is not ruled by the stars : but because they do singularly follow the moon ( which is the night star ) therefore they do most rage in the night : therefore i call them the torture of the night , because it seems to be carried by a co-like blas , and to talk with its stars , and that thing surely , doth not belong but to the archeus ; seeing a more gross compaction of body is not fit for this purpose : they are therefore sealed in the vital spirit implanted in the principal organs ; but nothing is there sealed besides ideal characters : the archeus is a fountainous being , which by his own blas doth stir up every assault or violation in us , according to hippocrates ; but he remains a fountainous being , how neatly soever diseasie products are taken away : for although he may sometimes vitiate as well things contained , as things containing ; yet the archeus reserves an imprinted vice peculiar to himself , whereby he stirreth up every storm at pleasure . lastly , diseases which in the fourth place , i call those under an unequal strength , are inbred , or obtained : and because they bespeak strength , they have manifestly enrouled themselves under the powers or faculties : but it hath alwayes been a difficult thing in nature , for a desired strength to be bestowed on all particular organs , without the complaint of some ; but that one doth alwayes prevaile over , or is weaker than another : unto which indeed , humours or snivelly superfluities , do not flow or run down from the guiltless head ; even as it hath been otherwise attributed to feigned humours , and catarrhs in the schooles : but rather the archeus implanted in the more weak part , observing the penury of distribulation , and perceiving the unequality of injustice , becomes a complainer , and seditious , as it were against a step-mother . the idea's of which passion or impatience , seeing it is not meet to send else where , he being crabbish , retorts on himself , and brings forth the effects of sorrow in his own digestions . therefore the very seminal beginnings themselves of diseases , are drawn out for diverse ends , although they glisten in one only immediate subject of inherency ; because they are received after the manner of the reciever : that is , they do sustain a dis-formity or disagreement in their mansions , through the diversity of the humane body , and parts . and moreover the archeus himself , according to the diversity of his motions , doth stir up a various houshold-stuff of symptoms . the spirit ( saith hippocrates ) hath made three motions in us , within , without , and into a circuit ; and he moveth , and transchangeth all things with himself , even while he is orderly : but in his irregularity , whatsoever he shall perform , he shall also utter memorable effects of his disorder . chap. lxxi . the birth or original of a diseasie image . . a description of a disease by a numbring up of things denied . . what a disease is . . the vain thought of physitians concerning a disease . . the inne of life belongs to a disease . . the force of a diseasie idea is proved by vegetables . . by the blas of meteours . . the blas of an archeal idea in us , is proved from the premises . . the ordinary seat of diseases . . the images of perturbations are cited . . from a mental non-being , is made [ this something ] . a twofold diseasifying archeal idea . . idea's brought unto the venal blood. . the rule of right in healing . . why the author keeps the names of the antients . . a probative or proofe-ful idea , is framed in the archeus alone . i have already at large described an unheard of doctrine of a diseasie being premised by me , that physitians may learn , to look into a disease from the fountain , and may desist from being seduced by paganish opinions : wherefore a disease is not a certain distemperature of elementary qualities , or a victorie proceeding from the continual strife of these , even as hitherto the galenists have dreamed ; neither likewise is a disease one of the four feigned humours , exceeding its natural temperature or mixture , and matched to the four elements : neither at length , is a disease a certain degenerate matter , awakened by an impression of the elements : but every excrementitious matter , is either a naked matter preceding a disease , and therefore an occasional cause of a disease , or it is the product of a disease resulting from the errour of the parts , and so a certain latter effect of a disease , although afterwards it may occasionally stir up another disease , or may nourish or increase another antecedent cause . nor lastly , is a disease a hurtful quality , budding from the poyson or contagion of another , and that a hurtful matter : notwithstanding such offences as those do only accuse its presence , but not the effect depending only occasionally thereupon . a disease therefore is a certain being , bred , after that a certain hurtful strange power hath violated the vital beginning , and hath pierced the faculty hereof , and by piercing hath stirred up the archeus unto indignation , fury , fear , &c. to wit , the anguish , and troubles of which perturbations do by imagining , stir up an idea co-like unto themselves , and a due image : indeed that image is readily stamped , expressed , and sealed in the archeus , and being cloathed with him , a disease doth presently enter on the stage , being indeed composed of an archeal body , and an efficient idea : for the archeus produceth a dammage unto himself , the which when he hath once admitted , he straightway also afterwards yields , flees , or is alienated , or dethroned , or defiled through the importunity thereof , and is constrained to undergo a strange government , and domestically to sustain a civil war raised up on himself ; indeed such a strange image , is materially imprinted , and arising out of the archeus : a true diseasie being i say , which is called a disease . for although physitians are only busied about the dissolution , cleansing away , and expulsion of the hurtful occasional matter ; yet our thought is not able to vary the essence of a disease : to wit , that because a physitian labours in the banishment of the occasional hurtful matter , therefore also that a disease ought to be that , which that deceived physitian doth in a rash order intend to expel : for a disease is effentially that which it is , whether the physitian be absent , or present : for neither doth a physitian in the begining , more determine or limit a disease , than the disease doth terminate it self ; because it is that which doth not accommodate it self unto the thought or esteem of others , but doth dayly deride the same : wherefore as health consisteth in a sound life , so doth a disease in the very life it self being hurt ; but life doth only and immediately subsist in the seat of the soul ; but the soul doth not operate out of it self , unless by virtue of its official organ , which is the vital air of the archeus : and therefore it is a wonder that it hath hitherto been unknown , that a disease sits immediately in the same vital inne where the life enjoys it self ; of which more largely hereafter : for hateful persons will scarce believe that every power of sublunary things is stirred up , and contained in idea's : but that thing i have already before sharply touched at by the way , yet it shall profit to have it more strongly bound or confirmed : for we have known , and believe by faith , that a power is given to herbs of propagating their like : but that proprietary faculty is a real being , actually existing , which is alwayes , and successively manifested in the seed ; neither is that faculty a certain accidental power , or naked quality ; but it is a seminal virtue , whereby the plant which is the parent , decyphers an idea in his own seed , the container of figure , and properties , according to which it will stir up , delineate the seed it self , and make the plant its daughter to grow : for in seeds a manifest image is known , skilful of things to be acted for a new propagation . in like manner , the sea doth not cause , but suffer horrid tempests , which the wind doth efficiently stir up ; and truly the wind is not moved by it self , and of its own free accord : but by an invisible influence of the stars , according to that saying : the stars shall be unto you for signs , times or seasons , dayes , and years ; for so great a storm of the primary elements , or air , and water , breaks forth from a being which is like unto light : but the blas of the elements is not stirred up from the meer light of the stars : for although the light of the stars be incorporeal , and immaterial , yet it is not a certain simple light , but that which besides the property of a solitary light ( which is only of enlightning ) hath a motive blas in it self , and likewise durations , and directions according to places , strengths , and weaknesses ; no less than an alterative blas hath for all successive changes , and periods of times : these blas's are antiently wont to be ascribed unto the aspects of diverse lights ; the which aspects notwithstanding , as such , do not exceed their own efficacy , which is to have enlightned : but for to stir up so unlike stations of times or seasons , and tempests also foreseen , that is , before the coming of the stars unto the places of those aspects , is surely the effect of a greater weight than only of a simple light : i therefore suppose that the diversities of aspects spiritual , astrall or starry images of the invisible world are framed , which they lay up into the air for the exciting of a blas , according to the image of those properties ; for truly the aspect of the stars is only momentary , as also their place is unstable , but their effects do presevere for some long time : therefore it must needs be that the lightsome aspects , besides a momentary light have laid up in the air the idea of a blas , operating even unto a consumption of it self , the irregular rules , locks , bolts , spurs and period of times or seasons . such an image therefore is of the nature of light , that it may operate at a set time , for else it should scarce reach to us in the course of many years , unless it were of the nature of light : therefore as there is in plants , an awakening virtue of a seminal image for fructification ; so also there is in the stars , a faculty of framing the idea of a motive light , which is the original principle of motion , making whatsoever is committed unto it for execution . but our archeus , whether he hath a virtue or force like unto the earth , or unto the stars , it is all one , so we understand that it is proper unto him to stir up a tempestuous blas in us since the disobedience of our first parent : whether such a property increased in him from sin ; or next , whether he doth awaken those blas's anew by his own beck , and from the aspect of his own perturbation , it is all one , and sufficient ; so we acknowledge that all the force as well of a regular life , as of an inordinate government , doth issue from nothing but from this vital beginning . and therefore all diseases , and the types or figures of these , are certain conceptions decyphered by this invisible ruler , to finish the storms of our calamities . in the skie therefore of our archeus , are aspectual idea's decyphered , as well from the depth of the starry heaven of the soul it self , as those formed by the erring or wandring implanted spirits of the seven bowels : for so a fear of the plague creates the plague : a sudden fear of death hath oftentimes killed the gout . likewise the fear of honour lost , or to be lost , if it hath endured for the space of one day , hath now and then caused the falling-sickness : the sorrow of poverty hath brought madness , but in others it hath brought forth the scrophulus or kings-evil : all mad folks are for the most part devolved , or overthrown from pride : and the wise man testifieth , that sorrow doth graw the life of man , as the worm doth garments : but sorrow is a sorrowful thought , but this is a [ non-being ] because a mental being ; the which because it is a [ non-being ] therefore it hath no power of acting from it self . therefore a sorrowful cogitation doth produce an active idea , and [ this something ] is made of nothing , no otherwise than as in a woman with child , perturbation doth bring forth a monster , and transchangeth the humane young into a beast-like one ; because it is proper or natural to the imaginative power , to frame images or likenesses as well in mental , as archeal beings : sorrow therefore , which is a slow disturbance , brings forth an idea which consumes and gnaws the life ; because such an idea hath the degenerate vital air of the archeus for its matter , the which therefore pretends to pervert the remainder of the archeus with its own likeness ; and this degenerate air is corrupted in the duumvirate : and therefore presently after sorrow , there are continual sighs ; and these things thus happen to the faculties or powers of a sorrowful phantasie : the same thing also happens in the power of the phantasie proper to the archeus , whether the inflowing or implanted one ; both of whom , ( even as concerning the plague-grave , elsewhere ) doth frame the most powerful images of imagination . wherefore also a two-fold diseasifying archeal idea , of a two-fold archeus , distinguisheth a transient or soon-departing disease , from a chronical or long continuing one : wherefore they who shall hereafter rightly attend , shall find that every perturbation of the soul , which is strong , dayly , and doth not descend by issuing out of the archeus of the bowels dedicated unto imaginative offices , or out of the duumvirate , doth bring forth a diverse , or distinct madness , through the varieties of idea's : they shall likewise find that simples , as well degenerated within as received from without , do sometimes affect the archeus himself from without ; do bring forth an equal idea of madness of the duumvirate , which thing is manifest in the smallest contagion of a mad dog : which kind of diseases also being con-centred in the vital members , talking with the stars , ( whence there is an unequal strength , the torture of the night , hereditary diseases , and such as return by circuite ) are seen to have an invisible store-house within , and an original principle of the tragedy ; whence according to the command of maturities , or of a most remote excentricity , idea's the authoresses of so great storms , are repeated . but idea's , if they inform the venal blood , or the liquor which is immediately to be assimilated , and nourishable , tempests are bred , conformable as well to the idea's of perturbations , as to the entertaining archeus : therefore the archeus doth so wantonize within through his own proper luxury , voluntary weariness or heaviness , corruption , defect , furious blas ( for names fail us where a thing layes hid , as being unknown by a former cause ) that although he shake nothing from without ; yet the life forsakes , suspends , despiseth , is averse to the rains of goverment , and rageth , man knowing not of it : for so idea's do arise , which being free , do break forth into all dissoluteness , and unbridled tyranny of diseases . and seeing the motions of a wantonizing archeus , are hidden to a physitian , and so that we are not able to repose the once rejected rains , into the hands of such an archeus : by consequence , a certain universal arcanum , which is a sleepifier and appeaser of the archeus , is to be administred . he therefore labours for the most part in vain , whosoever being destitute of a universal secret , doth place his endeavour in the brushing away of occasional causes , the archeus being not first appeased : the which surely is to be exactly noted with a golden pen : for it happens unto him no otherwise than as he , who ( having not first stopped up the spring head ) presumes by exhausting of water to dry up the brook . in the mean time , seeing the archeus proceedeth in an unknown path , in his own fabricks of images , i am constrained in the explication of diseases , to keep the antient names , and to follow their sir-names : that in the beaten path of occasional causes , we may descend unto the knowledge of hidden diseasie essences : but it is sufficient for me , to have shewn in this by-work ; that seminal idea's in the whole systeme of the world , are the beginning principle of every blas of seeds , generations , successive changes , and storms : yet before that i attempt the scheme of diseases , seeing it is as yet to scanty , that idea's are formed by the archeus , no less than by the imaginative power , it shall be profitable to shew that thing unto the young beginner , by one argument . for the dead carcass of a man , which is dead through a voluntary flux , exceeds all ice in coldness , not indeed that in very truth , it is more cold than the dead carcass of a cow which dyed of her own accord ( for i distinguishing that thing by the organ of qualities , and the degrees of the encompassing air , it is clearly demonstrated ) although notwithstanding that thing be thus judged by our touching ; for that happens through the fear of the archeus alone , which greatly dreadeth at the co-touching of death in the dead carcass . . he feels death , the which perhaps the imagination is as yet ignorant of . . he greatly dreadeth . . the inflowing spirit retires . . but that which is implanted in the hand is troubled and fails for fear , and so conceives a beginning of death unto himself from the trembling fear . therefore the holy scriptures do not incongrously say , that he that should touch the dead , is reckoned impure , and half dead : which image of death , the archeus , will he , nill he , doth conceive , and doth so stiffly retain it for some good while , as long as that idea of fear is surviving , that it scarce becomes hot again at the hearth within an hours space : therefore the idea of trembling fear is really there ; for truly it works its effect , and is formed by the archeus , and not by the imaginative power of the man : therefore if the archeus runs away trembling for fear , by a like reason also , he shall be sorrowful , angry , shall be stirred up through fury , and other passions , and is in a conflict through the idea's of any perturbations whatsoever , becomes troublesome and hurtful to himself , according to the pleasure of idea's , which he hath formed unto himself by his own force , and liberty . chap. lxxii . the passage unto the buttery of the bowels , is stopped up . . the difficulty of curing a disease is concluded from the very seat of the soul. . an example of a quartane ague . . a remarkable thing concerning remedies hitherto used against a quartane . . wherein purging medicines have hitherto decieved the unwary . . purging things have sometimes cured by accident , and have remained through this deciet . . a reckoning up of incurable diseases . . distillation brings forth new generated things . . singularities in things produced by the fire . . deccocted things differ from distilled things . . what was the scope of the author in times past . . some remedies have decieved the author . . an examination of remedies . . an examination of digestions . . an examination of water-remedies . . the abilities of the stomach . . whence the chief variety of conditions is . after i had discerned that the stomach was the root of the tree , or the root as well of a universal digestion , as of all particular ones whatsoever , i had alike seriously known , that the mortal or sensitive soul , the mistris of all kind of actions whatsoever in us , and the dispenseress of life throughout the whole body , did inhabit there : that indeed also the frameress of the first conceptions , was there scituated ; likewise the shop of sleep , no less than of watchings , and madnesses ; i held it consonant to reason , that the immortal mind , or image of god , could be no where more decently infolded , or co-knit , than in the aforesaid formal and vital light ; to wit , in a spiritual principle , for that reason also most near , because akin unto it . and when as the monarchy of life being thorowly searched into , i saw , and optically or clearly knew , that every disease did essentially consist in the life , and arise out of the same , the causes of difficulties in curing diseases offered themselves unto me , especially those which are not silent of their own free accord , or which do not hasten through their own violence unto the end of their period , but do accompany the life which they do bitterly molest . wherefore of the more lingring diseases , i saw a quartane , an atrophia or consumption for lack of nourishment , a cacochymia or state of bad juice , likewise weaknesses , and afterwards , as well those which have chosen their bed in the outmost habit of the body , ( such as are the leprosie , palsey , sciatica , convulsion or cramp , gout , &c. ) as those which are fast tied to any of the bowels ( as the apoplexie , epilepsie , astma , affect of the stone , dropsie , madness , &c. ) were not cured , not indeed through a defect of desire of curing , but through want of a remedy alone ; but i long laboured in that remedy , and i many times retreated , until i knew that it should respect the very fountain of life , or sensitive soul. wherefore first , i took the quartane ague it self in hand , because it was obvious , most tiresome or tedious , and plainly known ; and the which while it did despise the usual remedies of physitians , it rendred the hope of the same void . first of all , i was more assured by the same , that wheresoever any material diseasie product lay hid , the application likewise of a convenient remedy was required ; or else it was to be feared , that the effect raised up from that occasional cause would remain surviving : and therefore from the correlative of this proposition , i found no remedies of physitians hitherto ; however through their fame , unstopping , resolving , cleansing , or purging medicines may be boasted of ; yet that the same do only come or are brought down at most , even unto the entrance of the spleen alone , which bewraies it self to be the inn of a quartane ague , by a sensible testimony : therefore i being from hence certainly instructed , have conjectured , that that unstopping , &c. force of a remedy , doth soon even in the stomach perish , wax mild , is tamed , or banished through the intestines , if at least-wise it shall not first die : but if any quality of remedies shall remain safe from their middle life , something broken , and being recieved , shall more fully or inwardly pierce ; ( as mace , or terpentine do from the necessity of magnum oportet , retain their savour in the urin ) but at leastwise the same offers it self so gelded and dismembred , that it doth not effect any of those things , to which end , and for which things sake medicines are swallowed . eggs indeed and the fleshes of beasts do represent the favours of the nourishment which fatted them : but surely while they pass over into a vital family-administration , although they may retain the foot-steps of their former taste , and so may contain some testimonies of health ; yet the helps of these are so sluggish , for the rooting out of any diseasie product , that long and lingring diseases have long agoe manifested the boasting of these remedies to be vain , yea and have taken away their hope . but purgative things only have most especially deceived , and do deceive as well physitians , as the unwary patients hitherto , because they have more subtilly blinded or deceived them than other remedies have done : for as they are of the race of poysons ( the which i have on purpose shewed in the book of fevers ) they do presently stir up a confusion about the first roots , and mothers of digestion : and so whatsoever was taken the day before , or elsewhere also rightly subdued , that thing , solutive medicines do presently also defile with the character of corruption , and the more crude blood being attracted out of the mesentery , it is straightway wholly driven forth , upon the account of a defiled ejected liquor ; the which indeed is there likewise straightway corrupted , until the poyson of the solutive medicines be satisfied and extinguished by working : it hath been thought hitherto , that this stincking liquor of the venal blood and fleshes , was the very matter of diseases ; or that the now mortified and stinking liquor which is fetched from far , by solutive or purging medicines , is a humour ( one of the four ) selected , and magnetically or attractively drawn unto them before others . therefore this perverse doctrine , hath even hitherto most powerfully decieved mortals , because solutives did promise , and shew forth some effect , although for the most part a vanishing , and now and then a cruel one ; yet not the author of health , unless sometimes by accident , nature shall suffer its fardle detained in its first entry , to fall out together with them ; which effect by accident although it be rare , yet it hath given unto solutives , the smoaky name of purging , and hath caused a right of imploring solutives , and of hanging upon their help , as it were a sanctuary ; and in the mean time , most diseases have remained un-touched , and more cruel : for as many diseases as do not of their own accord presently hasten unto an end or bound , are accounted uncurable , and they are commanded to be quiet by the vain expected tyranny of solutives : in the mean time , as many remedies as did endeavour by a notably cruelty to compel nature unto their will , have forthwith felt the resistance of our life , and for that very cause are hurtful , because they lay in wait for the life , while they change the blood into a mortal poyson : they have become i say , hurtful and dangerous helps ; for if they were suspected of poyson , and the degrees of tyranny , presently assoon as they were taken , they were rejected as infamous , because they seemed to stir up a notable storm of disturbance , confusion , and fainting , and nothing besides a threatned turbulency , and slaughter ; but only and alone , the greater secrets , whereinto an endowed faculty of nature is instilled from above , or being made glorious through the praise of purity , and subtilty , have equally supplanted all tyranny of diseases , and have thus arose into an universal medicine , by the one compendium of restoring life . i have said elsewhere , that every distilled thing is a new creature produced by the fire ; and so not of the first institution of its own concrete body : verily even as the fire is a certain thing made for artifices or crafts , yet natural ; so whatsoever bewrayes it self by the fire , although it be natural , yet it issues from an oblique or crooked principle of nature , wresting seminal beginnings aside unto the will of the fire . hence whatsoever is made or composed by the fire , doth at once attain its first , middle , and last life , and they are melted joyntly together , as one only seminal principle , which hath flowed together into the matter , being before subjected unto , and distinct in divers terms , is co-united by the fire , and also is thereby made a new creature , arising indeed from beginnings existing in the concrete body : notwithstanding , those seminal beginnings are so altered by the fire , that by a certain co-melting , a new being is thereby raised up , and the three properties of life do arise together with it : wherefore also , all distilled things are free from corruption ; the which otherwise in a recieved succession of the three lives , is familiar unto things : for from hence it is manifest , that decoctions are not such beings as are allured forth by distillation ; but only translations of one being into a middle one , forreign unto it self ; and therefore they do easily putrifie or stink , and are altered . furthermore among simples , some have manifested themselves , being bewrayed indeed by no signate ; the which notwithstanding have obtained a particular property to restrain the figures of an exorbitant life in diseases : for those simples , although they do not ascend unto the largeness of general kinds , yet they seem to be specifically directed by the glorious bestower of things , for the rooting out of some diseases : for i who had long since declined from the horrour of purging things , and in thorowly viewing round about , had taken notice of the almost nullities , or unprosperous applications of remedies ; and in the mean time , while the secrets of the art of the fire were covered with their vaile of darkness , and that the specifical efficacy of those simples did lay hid ; i diligently enquired , whether i could not ( while as new creatures in springing up are renewed by the fire ) prepare remedies by art , which might either profoundly pierce into the branches of the veins , or at least-wise might disperse a somewhat light or gentle property of themselves , together with the venal blood , and urine , and might seal it among the family-administrations of life ? which lightish quality indeed , is not understood to bewray it self in taste , but the which should remain so safe , and unbroken in the kitchins of the digestions , that without a notable unclemency of savour , it might reach unto the scope had in creating medicine from the earth . first of all , the contemplation of provokers of urine smiled on me ; to wit , the which did seem to be dispersed from the mouth , through the reins , even into the bladder : the same thing a vulnerary drink perswaded , uttering its fruits even into the external joynts : but at length i manifestly knew , that diureticks themselves , do not indeed materially descend into the bladder ; as neither vulnerary drinks , into a remote wound ; but that all the aid of diureticks or urin-provokers , and wound potions , is framed in the stomach it self . by way of an example of the stone of crabs , or of the most fixed stone for broken bones , a helper as well of wounds , as of the difficulties of urin : for this is not dissolved by mans stomach , neither therefore also doth it pierce unto far distant places in its stony matter , or milky form ; but if it be not resolved into its first being , neither also doth it return into the substance of milke : but the sharpness of the stomach , and its native ferment , dissolves as much as it can of the injected stones , not indeed by a retrograde resolution towards its first being ; but only , after the manner of soure things it dissolves those stones , that is , into powder : even as in the book of fevers , i have profesly by handicraft operation demonstrated : for from hence it is , that if they are first dissolved in vinegar , they do more powerfully afford their aide , than if they are first boyled in wine ; also because they are more dissolved in sharpish wine , than in water , or ale : therefore also they do more powerfully succour , than if they are drunk in the broath of fleshes , or water : because sharp things do break those stones into the most subtil atomes , and seeing they have as yet a native cream in them , tameable by the stomach : therefore also by how much the more subtilly they are broken or prepared , by so much also the ferment of the stomach doth obtain the more of that cream . likewise , although mace , terpentine , &c. are taken , and shall change the odour of the urine : yet their aides are but weak in the disury , and suppression of urine : for in very deed , all the testimonies of the former life of simples is annihilated within the stomach , and none but the flaggy footsteps of tasts do remain ; so that the nutmeg , and terpentine ( which do very much differ in their savours ) yet they do breath one only and alike odour in the urine , which is a manifest sign , that in the first shop of the stomach , the primitive crases's of things taken , do perish , but that new ones do arise , being gotten by cocting : for otherwise , of terpentine , and its oyle , and mace , a sameliness of odour could not result in the urine , as neither an acceptable odour of violets from thence : so asparagus stinks in the urin , as a certain putrifaction being adjoyned unto it , doth hasten the same into banishment . but vulnerary or wound-drinks , do no otherwise succour a wound , than as they do so diminish the unjust sharpness in the stomach , that they do also restrain , and expel sharpness out of the wound ( all which out of the stomach is hurtful , diseasie , and a companion of putrifaction , as i have elsewhere demonstrated concerning digestions : ) for truly the general digestion of the stomach is chief over every kitchin of all the digestions : yea indeed , birds are throughout their whole body actually , and notably hot , and so they do somewhat long sustain the night rigours of winter ; but they piss not , because they want reins and bladder . therefore whatsoever a drinking pigeon drinketh , doth wholly depart by unsensible transpiration : hence therefore it is manifest , that the kidneys only do make urine , which else would be sweat : and urine in man , differs not indeed in the matter of the first latex ; but in the efficient ferment of the reins alone : and it is also manifest , that birds do unsensibly eject every superfluous excrement without sweat ; therefore urine differs from sweat , more than in matter only : besides the proper essence of urin not formally received from the kidney , it doth receive a liquid , and tinging dung into it self , which is not attracted upwards unto the veins in a bird , neither do they sweat although they are wearied : therefore because sweat in a man , is not unsensibly blown away , even as otherwise in a swine , the kidney of man hath the blame : even as also , that the liquid dung is separated , and drawn from the bowels upwards , within the veins , the kidney hath the blame : but the use of that drawing for the stone , is shewn elsewhere : but the urine is not tinged , that it may the more readily be ejected ; for the urin is sharper , and doth more prick , as oft as it is without tinging dross : as the kidney therefore is the cause of the urin , and of the aforesaid things , so also it is the cause of the dropsie , as the kidney closeth it self , through the indignation of its own archeus ; whose indignation if it be restrained by a due remedy of the stomach , forasmuch as its duumvirate , sits president over the kidney , the dropsie is for certaine , soon holpen : for the wheyinesses of the dropsie are oftentimes expelled out of a swollen , and extended abdomen , by purgers of water , the solutive medicines themselves having as yet stayed but a little while within the stomach : but the dropsie doth soon repeat the same , because the kidney being wroth as before , doth persevere in the closure , and diversion of the urin : for the water which the kidney hath laid up in the abdomen , the stomach fetcheth from thence , and dejects through the paunch , and so sheweth that it can command the follies , or trifles , and indignations of the reins , as also reduce the wheyinesses unto the intestines by unknown wayes : not indeed that such solutives are materially , and presentially present even unto the abdomen , and that by a purgative poysonous faculty they do reduce the deposited fardle of the dropsie with them : nay , but these are the atchievements of the one stomach , and the priviledges of the life and vital duumvirate . the pipes or channels indeed are unknown to us , but the life , the directress , and mistris of these , reflects it self unto its own seat or center , that is , unto the soul : and therefore from the very life it self of the soul , the functions , offices , vigours , valours of powers , and all the defects of these are to be fetched : for the soul doth distribute all its offices unto the parts , and doth govern them by the life ; neither only doth it distinguish the offices by the parts , so that it hath seperated diversities in the very vessel of the stomach , as well in its orifice , as in the pylorus ; but also it hath co-knit the powers themselves unto a beginning alike in parts indeed ; but those which do every one of them perform their own tragedies : which thing surely is no where more manifestly seen , than in diseases , and so in the defects of the faculties ; because that they strow the way unto disorder , and a dis-joynted discord of unity : seeing that the mortal mind is believed to be of an univocal or simple identity ; therefore also conditions , inclinations , cruelties , &c. come to be ascribed unto the mortal soul : the which indeed follows a material variety of dispositions : from hence therefore is blockishness , barbarousness , furies , madnesses , as also provocations to leachery , quicksightednesses or sharpnesses of wit ; and lastly , the ruin of sciences , and extinguishments of memory , &c. chap. lxxiii . the seat of diseases in the sensitive soul , is confirmed . . ten paragraphs or positions elsewhere proved , are supposed . . the twelve properties of the stomack are rehearsed . . that some diseases do inhabit in the life of the stomack . . an objection is solved . . the life of the muscles . . a consideration of the apoplexie . . the incomprehensibleness of the vital powers . . sleep is the last of faculties . . why sleep was sent in before sin. . the seat of all diseases . . an unquenchable consideration of hunger and thirst . . that the most powerful idea's of diseases are framed in the duumvirate . . the largeness of the power of idea's is rehearsed . . that remedies for the most part do not dilate themselves without the cottages of the stomack . . the schooles not heeding these things , have erred in the application of a remedy . . a choice of medicines . . remarkable things of the stone for broken bones . but that the roots of life may more clearly be laid open , i will compose some beginnings or essayes founded by me elsewhere , and borrowed from thence , into positions . . the immortal mind , the immediate image of the divinity , after that it delegated the government of life unto the sensitive , mortal and frail soul , although it delivered its power unto this mortal light ; yet it hath remained connexed to the same , being co-bound unto it by the symbole or resembling mark of life , as it were the band of the nearest knowledge : which sensitive light of life , because it sits entertained in the stomack as the root of a mortal life ; therefore also the mind it self hath chosen its bride-bed and throne in the same place : the which i have elsewhere more strongly profesly confirmed concerning the soul. . the soul hath sowed its faculties necessary for life , throughout the organs of the body : wherefore neither doth the ankle see , nor the ear walk , as neither doth the liver transchange meats received , into chyle . . the vital faculty of the organs , in health sends forth healthy or sound actions , and the same as often as it is vitiated , utters vitiated actions . . but the vital faculty is not vitiated but by a disease . . which disease therefore is nothing but a real and actual vice of the faculty ; a positive being , i say , and for that cause consisting of matter and an efficient cause , after the manner of other natural beings . . but seeing the vital faculty it self , doth essentially include in it a disease it self : hence it followes , that a disease it self is in the formallity of its efficient cause , a faculty not indeed vitiated , but vitious : to wit , the which doth vitiate or hurt the vital faculty : and so a disease is a power very much like to the vital faculties , and that so intimate with them , that also in some cases it is united as well to mortal and hereditary ones , as those that are centrally rooted . . but a vitiated or hurt faculty , is either a particular one , proper to some one organ , as blindness , deafness , the palsie , &c. or it is every way dispersed in the common vehicle of the inflowing archeus , by way of property of passion , of a secondary passion , or by way of sympathy . and indeed however , and after what manner soever a faculty is hurt , at least-wise it is discerned and clearly seen every where to undergo a vital vice ; and that every disease doth immediately inhabite in the principle of life , that is , in the archeus himself . . for all diseases in general do sit in the universal beginning of life , whether in the mean time the archeus be particularly molested by some organ , or whether he be stirred up and enraged by the fountain of life , and a quickned or enlivened root : for although that may vary the species of a disease , yet such a variety doth not take away the maker of a disease . . the sensitive soul is chief over all its vital faculties , whether they are fomented by distributed organs , or next by the common archeus : at least from thence it dependeth , that the cure almost of all diseases , consisteth and is perfected in the radicall inne of life ; that is , in the seat of the soul and center of life : unless sometimes perhaps a certain organical part shall drink up a disease proper unto it self , and the vital faculty its guest , shall marry its self unto the same . . whence it becomes evident , that almost all curing of diseases ( wounds , and likewise those that are chyrurgical ones i except not ) is to be solicited in the stomack , and in its duumvirate : and so , neither there to be incongruously sought after or solicited : for so also oft-times , the more outward defects are taken away by an internal remedy of the stomack , being else vainly attempted by external medicines . it is no wonder therefore , that remedies do scarce exceed the command , order of the stomack , or are materially farther dispersed . which things being thus premised by the way , i will subscribe some priviledges of the stomack . . and first of all , that is a right proper and peculiar to the stomack , that it doth primarily cook for it self ; but for the whole body onely by accident , indirectly , and by an extraordinary right before the other members : because divine ordination hath so suffered it to be , that it may prepare a nourishment of the rude matter of the meats for all the others : but the stomack it self is immediately nourished by the chyle confected by it self , no otherwise than as the root of vegetables is nourished by leffas the juyce of the earth : but not that the stomack doth allure blood from the liver for its nourishment , as neither doth the root of vegetables fetch back again the juice , once dismissed from it self , and dispersed upwards from the bark , that it may thereby be nourished . wherefore the stomack enjoys a few veines for the office of so great an heap , and a vessel of so great capacity ; to wit , because it is not nourished by venal blood according to the accustomed manner of other members , but it is fed onely with the chyle , the which it afterward suits into a spermatick liquor agreeable to it self . . but the veines of the stomack do not therefore diffuse blood out of themselves , neither doth the stomack being hurt by a wound , weep forth blood : and the same right the rest of the membranes have borrowed from the stomack unto themselves . . the stomack-veines do not transmit any thing of the concocted chyle of mcats , or suck is unto them , that they may derive the same unto the port vein , according as otherwise , the meseraick veins are wont to do . and that thing i have else where more strongly confirmed concerning the digestions . . in the next place , neither do the veins of the stomack imploy themselves in the nourishment of the stomack . . and therefore the stomack-veins being full of pure blood , have a free , vital , undisturbed faculty , appointed for the sucking of the chyle or dispersing of the blood : either of which two notwithstanding , is domestical to all the other veines . . yet the veins and arteries being knit unto the orifice of the stomack , are not in vain extended , but the soul being entertained in the slenderness of the membrane of the stomack as if it were not there , yea being scarce tied to the place , breathes forth the breath of its life into the organs ( to wit the heart , spleen , liver , brain , kidneys , stones , &c. ) after an unsensible manner , and through an incredible straitness and slenderness of pipes or channels . hence indeed are there sudden ecclipses , apoplexies , epilepsies , giddinesses , swoonings , &c. to wit , as oft as the sensitive soul ceaseth to beam forth its light into the organs . . for there is in the pipe of the artery of the stomack , a vital faculty of that soul , for the beaming forth beams of light unto the heart , so long as it is in a good state : but when as it behaves it self rashly or amiss , presently also heart-beatings , faintings , giddinesses of the head , apoplexies , epilepsies , drowsie-evils , watchings , madnesses , head-aches , convulsions , &c. are stirred up . in the next place also , there is by the soul , the governness of the vital faculties , breathed its own vital virtue through the stomack-veines unto the liver , and so from the unity of the soul , divers natural endowments do flow forth unto all the organs : for truly alwayes , and on every side , all things as well in the universe as in us , do issue from one point : for that mortal soul , and seminal constant governess of the body , seeing it is occasionally begged from the disposition of the arterial blood , it of necessity also inhabits in the organs , as well in the bloudy spleen , as in the unbloody membrane of the stomack : verily even as the brain , the fountain and judge of the acts of perceivances or feelings , doth most especially want sense or feeling , and therefore also it is many times read in the holy scriptures , that the soul of man dwells in the blood. . it sufficeth therefore in this place , that the sensitive soul , being placed in these seats , doth there unfold its virtues , and from thence diversly send them forth . . for indeed sleep , watching , appetite , digestion , ferment , chearfulness , &c. do discover by their plurality , a health of the functions , even as also in the same fold , and cemral fountain , the apoplexie , epilcpsie , vertigo or giddiness , madness , fury , forgetfalness , &c. are entertained : for truly the one onely sensitive soul is the immediate cause , center , nest , fountain , and original of all vital faculties and actions whatsoever . but in this path it is sufficient to have rehearsed that which else where i have profesly demonstrated , that in the more inward coat of the stomack , as it were in a bride-bed , the mortal soul doth dwell , and that it involves in it the immortal mind within its bosom : but that all those powers are vital , in their function indeed distinct , although not in their vitality or livelinesse , and so , so proper and peculiar unto the soul it self , that the etimology of their propertie hath sprung from thence . . wherefore without controversie also , i suppose that all diseases universally ( because they rising up against the powers of the soul , are adversaries , and hostile ) do also immediately assault or invade the fraile and mortal soul : against which indeed , they are able to shake their spears or darts , and pierce the same by reason of the likeness of a sublunary symbole . . which strife indeed doth first happen in the archeus himself , the porter of the soul , and from thence they are more inwardly derived , and do pierce even unto the kernel of the soul it self . . diseases also which are brought from without , and forreignly to within , do stand as retainingly subject to this right , as those which of their own free accord do wax hot , or which are struck out of the flint of the archeus . wherefore , although i have already accused most remedies of an impossibility of piercing ; yet it sufficeth a physitian , if the medicine doth in the very mentioned inne of the soul , talk with the same in its own possession . but surely these things are new and unheard of , an unexpected philosophy of healing : but the novelty it self ought little to deterre us , so truths are demonstrated . especially it should be most difficult to perswade , that all madnesses do spring from the region of the stomack , unlesse it had been voluntarily and freely granted me , that some madness is praecordial or from the midriffs , and likewise that the stomack it self is the seat of the concupiscible faculty , that sleep likewise and watchings are raised up , &c. from thence : unlesse i say , the falling-sickness were the more frequently felt to be lifted up out of the inmost room of the stomack into the heart and head , and so that the upper parts do for the most part , languish through a secondary passion of the inferiour parts . but if the falling-sickness doth sometimes seem to be raised up from the feet , yet at leastwise it never invades without swooning , and never takes away the senses , unlesse it shall first sore shake or trouble the sensitive soul it self , and the principal faculies thereof ; and the proportion of the commotion should determine or limit the proportion of the fit : so that although its occasional nest be reckoned to be in the head or feet , yet the epileptical fit doth never depart , the which leaves not thirst behind it , and by that sign it bewrays that it had pitched its fold in the stomack , and that the sensitive soul was smitten in that part especially , where in it planted the thirsting power . but seeing the falling-sickness doth prostrate all the powers of the mind with an unsensibleness , convulsion and beating attending on them : it is for a certain sign , that the sensitive soul it self is pierced in its native and wonted place ; and that it is there and from thence the governness of all the senses and principal faculties : yea and seeing such a spoiling of the faculties doth not happen as it were by hands or degrees , but that there is a commotion of all of them at once by one onely stroke ; therefore the government of those faculties , is denoted to be smitten in its center , and the members farther remote from the stomack , are discovered by a secondary passion , as to suffer an onset of that disease : so in like manner also , not to possess from a property those vital powers which they loose . neither let any one be amazed or think this a vain kind of doctrine , although i shall place the majesty of the duumvirate within the slenderness of the membrane of the stomack : for let that thing be proper to the soul , that it is deteined in a place as it were without a place . therefore the epilepsie painfully and at unwares invading all the superiority of the sensitive soul , sitting in the stomack , doth argue the very seat of the soul to be there : but not that epileptical onsets do happen from fumes or vapours slowly lifted upwards : the which i have also many times elsewhere , plentifully confirmed concerning catarrhes . for those eclipses do happen , no otherwise , than as if a hole be suddenly stopped ; through which light otherwise doth beam forth into an obscure place . for the light is suddenly interrupted and ceaseth : so that that thing is so natural to an apoplexie , that among the germanes and dutch , it hath obtained the name of a stroak ; the which notwithstanding , being new , i have many times vanquished , by procuring vomit , or by the more strong stomatical and aromatical things being distilled . furthermore , in as much as in fits of the falling-sickness , all sense , not likewise motion , faileth : yet that doth not therefore argue , that the sensitive soul is not the fountain of both : for although all the intellectuall powers do fail , and onely the testimonies of a shaking and leaping motion do remain as long as that eclipse endureth ; yet all those powers are denoted or designed as issuing from the soul into the body , as if they were proper to it : but those powers which it self hath planted in the archeus , implanted in the organs , are under an ecclipse , and are tumulted by the commotion of the soul ; yet they subsist obscured , because the life is not taken away , neither doth the pulse therefore cease . but in as much as an unvoluntary convulsive motion doth even still remain ; that is not : to be attributed so much to the soul , as to the singular life of the muscles : the which indeed i have elsewhere shewn , as yet to persevere for some time after death : and that a tetanus and strait extension doth begin long after death : so that although the life of the muscles doth proceed from the sensitive soul , yet it obtains a certain peculiar efficacy , as also station of place . therefore it is less wonderful or absurd , for the muscles to be therefore tumulted by their own motion , if on this side death , they have felt the common life to be eclipsed . but in an apoplexie and swooning , even the motion of the muscles also , doth plainly fail , except the motion of those between the ribs ; because then the sensitive soul doth undergo a total darkness : therefore the soul , the directress of life , according to the divers tragedies of its perturbations , doth manifoldly dismiss its guardians into the organs placed under it . but every life , seeing it is of the disposition of lights , descending from the father of lights , it exceeds a humane understanding : and so by an unfit word , the father of lights is called by the schooles , the intelligible world , who doth least of all fall under our understanding : for neither is the most glorious father of lights , and his whole common-wealth , wholy unknown unto us , according to the testimony of truth to nicodemus , but also the essence , thingliness , direction , and distribution of the vital powers , do exceed our capacity . for how astonishable is the privation of understanding , memory , yea or of speech only ; especially motion , sense , appetite , yea and the integrity of health remaining ? and how terrible is the fall of these at every onset of the falling-sickness , swooning , or drousie evil ? and how much doth it exceed humane industrie , that so diverse faculties do arise and inhabit in one stomack ? because so diverse symptomes do bewray the same hurtings of the faculties : for all things do drive us unto the amazement of a miracle , or wonder : and therefore we being admonished by so many stormes on every side of our ignorance , and fondness , do confess , that that one only sensitive soul is the fountain of life , also life the spring of many powers , and distributress thereof , as well in the healthy as in sick persons . therefore also if we physitians ought to lay the ax unto the root of the tree ) we are intent for the obtaining of universal arcanum's or secrets , which may conserve , preserve ; plant , and build up the life in the very fountain of life ; the author of death and diseases , no less than of health . for i now have regard to the frail soul , but not to the incorporeal and immortal mind : the which we believe to be originally inspired alike , and alike perfect in all . and therefore conditions , inclinations , domestick or forreign , mild or fierce ; tractable or teachable , humble or proud , are instilled into us by the mortal soul : wherein as in a subject or place , locally disposing the inclinations of varieties , are unfolded ; which otherwise , from the mind or image of god are naturally banished . therefore sleep was not in man naturally in respect of his mind , but was afterwards sent into him by the creator : but before sleep was bred , sense , motion , and appetite were present : because the mind as it was thenceforth immortal , it was also unweariable and had no need of sleep or rest . yet sleep was sent into adam before the fall : not so much for that he stood in need of sleep , especially a few hours after his creation ; as chiefly , because by sleep he was not yet made sore afraid of known death , threatned unto him for eating of the apple : otherwise sleep produceth from it self sluggish idleness , and foolish vain dreames , and causeth the loss of almost half the life . whence even at this day , from the antient sleep sent into adam , they have yet retained dreams , that the old men shall dream dreams ; the young men shall prophesie : and night unto night shall shew knowledge . for the sleepifying power which was sent into the mind before the fall , and the same also being after a sort free from the wedlock of the mortal soul , would after some sort draw it into its original prerogative of prophesying , unless the darkness of the soul sprung up , and put in place , did obscure the same . but while i declaim the stomack to be the inne of the sensitive soul , and for that cause do dedicate the sink of diseases to the stomack : i have indeed considered occasional causes near the same place , to sit as well in the hollowness and bought thereof , and being as it were strangers onely , there to stick ; and likewise in the tent of the bowel duodenum ( which is the prison deputed for the jurisdiction of the gaul , and pylorus ) and most troublesome to anatomists for its composure of vessels and glandules , as in the archeal sheathes , no less of that which is inbred , as of that which is inflowing : to wit , that through the conspiring distemperature whereof , the sensitive soul is diversly disturbed , and all the vital faculties , the chambermaids hereof , to be co-shaken , and so the same being weakened , that an army of diseases doth arise , as well those radical or chronical , as those soon hastening ; as i long since have known , being thorowly instructed by many experiences . so that i saw hunger , and unextinguishable thirst to proceed not so properly from the sharpnesse of the matter provoking , as from the very fury of the sensitive soul : for otherwise a thorexis , or draught or potion of generous wine , should not dissolve hunger , unlesse hunger being as it were made drunk by appeasing , should soundly sleep . and therefore thirst in feavers doth not afflict but in its own stations , although the same matter , yea and a more cruel heat doth presse more in their vigour than at other times . now even as the government of the stomack hath been enlarged on ; so also it hath been shewn , that the sensitive soul doth there abide , as in the first or chief kitchin of the meats , and that the life doth there inhabit : for truly the most potent powers of transchanging and digesting , do there exercise their offices , and therefore not onely kitchinfilths are there collected , but also the fabrick of hurtful images is there stamped : because they can no where be more readily framed , than from the soul the inmate of those parts : for there is none but feels horrours , fears , tremblings , anger 's , wroths , sorrows , sighs , and every perturbation of concupiscible affects , to arise and be stirred about the mouth of his stomack : for if a gun be unexpectedly discharged , who doth not there feel a sudden leaping of some fear ? who in the next place is there , who being ready to sit down at a table , and endowed with a notable appetite of eating , doth not perceive , if at sometime a sorrowful message be brought unto him , that all sharpness of eating is presently suspended ? therefore the faculties do there flourish , whose effects are there felt . for i have oft-times seen women , in whom sudden fear , at another time also , in whom notable grief had raised up the falling-sickness . elsewhere also in whom a lingering and continued sorrow had moved a hypochondrial madness , yea and elsewhere had caused the scrophulus or kings-evil . so a fear of the plague doth very often create the plague ; even as a sudden fear of death hath sometime killed the character of the gout . pride also hath often made men mad . i have also known others who having suffered reproach , and not being able to revenge the same , have suddenly fallen into an apepsia or unconcoction , into the straights of an asthma , and into beatings , perplexities of anguishes , and oppressions of the heart . others who from a suddain sense of reproach or contempt , have presently rushed into an apoplexie . and likewise i have known those that have been wearied with long grief , have violently rushed into a dropsie , jaundise , and tumors of the spleen . likewise very many of both sexes , who from sudden anger have departed into an apoplexie ; but others who have gone into divers head-long griefs of contractures . the fabricks of which diseases are manifestly felt about the orifice of the stomack : for therefore a certain small feaver , as it were a diarie or daily one , doth precede the fits of the gout , under which a character springs up , which is dismissed from the stomack into the joynts that it may tyrannize in the same place . an apoplexie therefore , whether it break forth from an inordinate life , or next from anger , or grief : yet at leastwise , it alwaies ariseth from the stomack , and is darted into the head : for the jaundise doth in no other place more flourish than in the court of the stomack , whence it stirs up its anguishes and sighs , denoting , that there the game of its cruelty is played . wherefore also i have taught before , that how much soever vulnerary potions may restrain the framing of corrupt pus , and fear of accidents , in the utmost part of the foot , yet not that therefore vulnerary drinks do enjoy a larger priviledge otherwise than other medicines do : for they do not materially hasten unto the remote wound , when as the while other medicines are ignorant of a passage to the spleen , in favour of a quartan ague . which things the school of medicine hath not hitherto known , although they are the foundations of medicinal art : because they are those things which do not onely respect the virtue or force of medicines , and the expedition , application , and appropriation of these : but notwithstanding , besides the manner of acting , and hope from thence resulting , they declare the principal efficient of diseases . the ignorance therefore of which thing alone , hath caused a sloath and drowsiness in the physitian ; but in the sick , despair , together with a sorrowfull apprehension of griefs and discommodities ; and at length ( alas for grief ) have brought forth so many widdows with mournful orphans , unto the fowl disgrace , or base esteem of medicinal affaires . but so far as it respecteth the choice of medicines , it hath listed me to wander thorow the rancks of minerals , vegetables and animals , and to take them in their own simple integrity , as they sprang forth from nature , and those again diversly to agitate , and so to divide them into salt , sulphur or fatness , and mercury or a seminal juice . and first of all , the natural endowed virtues or faculties of things , which the divine goodness hath given from a gift for the sick , do for the most part want the testimony of tasts ; so that even by that same sign alone , they do bewray , that they are endowedly instilled by god for the use of mortals : neither that they do clearly appear but unto those to whom god hath given his gifts of the holy spirit , and hitherto he hath withdrawn them from the knowledge of unworthy physitians , who to the little ones and ignorant ones of this world doth reveal those things which he hath hidden from the great ones : for there are gifts dispersed in the exercise of simples , by which they ascend unto the largnesse of a general kind : so indeed , as things appropriated and specifical , are acknowledged to be directed by god unto the every way curing of any kind of diseases . for the stone for broken bones is of a late invention , which owes its name unto the cure of a broken bone : but it is unconquered by fires , nor calcinable ; but notable in its unsavoury taste , being untamed by the stomack : yet it is a wonder how much it shews its self victor as well about the bowels , and inward wounds , as in the outmost parts , about the fractures of bones . from hence , first of all it plainly appears , that on the digestion and care of the stomack , do the cares and governments of the sixth digestion depend throughout its whole . . that there is no necessity for a medicine to be derived unto the place affected . . that a medicine onely by touching at the archeus of the stomack , is able to cure remote diseases in the body . . that there is no need , that for to cure , the agent doth touch the remote patient . . that as the stone for broken bones , or the stone of crabs doth finish its cure in the stomack : after the same manner also do purgative medicines , and all other medicines whatsoever operate . chap. lxxiv . the squadron of diseases according to their occasional causes . a primary a secondary diseasie being in an inordinate archeus . for whether it be primarily raised up from the idea of a man , or doth immediately arise from the idea of the archeus , it always at length retires into the inne of the archeus . things received , things cast in by witches . things inspired by endemicks . things received by violent invaders . things taken in drink .   in meat .   in poyson .   in medicine .   things heteroclital or of an irregular kind . the torture of the night .   an unequal strength .   barrennesse . things retained . things left , or excrements in the , , , or digestion . things transchanged in the , , , or digestion . things transmitted from one digestion into another . mention is made of these by the antients , under the name of an abstracted quality , or relation of terms ; and so they are onely acknowledged by way of a name , as they have acknowledged an occasional , that is , a remote cause : by reason whereof , i have commanded this division to remain in their retained sir-names . chap. lxxv . a division of diseases . . the essence of a disease is decyphered by way of repetition . . the method observed in explaining . . the division of a disease . . what things may be called things received . . what received injected things are . . what things retained are . hitherto i have spoken of diseases as it were in stead of a preface : now afterwards i will touch at the scheme of the same : for a division also affords members , which being explained by course , do bring light thereunto . truly every disease ( the which being once spoken may suffice for the future ) is framed indeed by the archeus in his own self : but in that part of himself wherein it is sealingly constituted , it also materially there consisteth , as it were in its proper and seminary inne : but for the most part , it hath either an exciting occasional matter , or produceth a product from it self , the occasional stirrer up of a secondary disease : but for its efficient cause , it hath a diseasifying idea : whereof , as its matter is drawn and borrowed from the vital archeus himself , so also no otherwise doth the idea spring from thence , because it is that which is stamped and polished by the archeus himself . therefore there are in the first place , as many species of diseases , as there are of diseasie idea's . for there are no more , as neither any fewer : because every disease draws its beingness from a diseasie idea of quiddity or thingliness . by consequence therefore , there are as many species or particular kinds of diseasie idea's , as there are diversities of filths in us : for whether those filths shall enter from without , or have been first unfolded within , and have arisen from the errors of digestions ; or lastly , whether they have begun from a nourishable and vital juice , that is all one in this place . in the next place also , there are as many diseasie idea's in us , as there are heirs of potestative or facultative beings : to wit , as when a too violent solutive medicine is taken : for although it self be soon ejected through the paunch ; yet the venome of the same ceaseth not to remain domestical in the stomack and bowels : to wit , so that a stinking flux doth persevere even until death . so also besides , some poysons having lost their primitive matter , do sometimes by a lingering slaughter , and long one being left on posterity , mournfully slay them : and as well , if that be received from without , as if begotten within . finally , so also hereditary diseases , and their consorts , are seminally co-bred in us , issuing from their own idea's . so indeed the gout , falling-evil , &c. do without a visible matter of filths , unfold their harmonies , and are prolonged for life : because they have obtained idea's to be confirmed in the archeus , or to be as it were intimately allyed , and adhering unto the implanted spirit the governour : and the which therefore do molest onely at their set termes and periods , native unto them : which things being laid down , and now known , i consequently say , that in the expedition of the dividing of diseases , i will follow the variety of occasional causes : not indeed that i would even from the beginning invert the names and every conclusion or limitation of diseases , unto the much tiresomness of the readers , who should either hardly bear such an every way novelty , or might attain it or follow it with too much trouble : and therefore although i name an occasional cause for diseases : yet i will not have it to be understood , as if the occasional cause were the disease it self : but rather that a disease as an invisible being , may be understood to be occasionally stamped by an external matter . therefore , first of all , i appoint two general kindes of diseases : to wit , those received , and retained . but those things which are received , are injected , conceived , inspired , or at length taken . which four , i will first expound by course : and then i will soon after treat of things retained , as well in respect of the body , and distributions , as of digestions , and transmutations . things received therefore , are those which do traiterously enter into us from without , do disturbe or affect the archeus , so as that from counsel hurtful to himself , he frameth a diseasie idea within himself , and seals it in his own material part : and so becomes a true parent of a true disease . for things received , before their enterance and application , did shew a fore-caution and preservation , but not a curing : because indeed there was not yet a disease : neither is curing but from a disease alone . but from what time things once received , have made but even onely a privy enterance , and have been even admitted by the way , they do by and by invert or disturbe the whole family administration and quiet of the archeus . but things retained do proceed from our vice and defect : for superfluities are for the most part either taken in , or sprung up within , in our own possessions : the which being as it were citizens expelled out of our common-wealth , as the enemies of unity and concord , they have no part in the inheritance of life with us . chap. lxxvi . things received which are injected or cast in . . why the schooles speak nothing of things injected . . a three fold rout of atheists is here found among christians . . the ballance of karichterus . . a perswasion of the devil . . how much the devil can act in diabolical exercises . . eight positions brought hither . . the devil hath not a free , but a constrained will from his depravedness . . satan miserably deludes his . . diabolical means do operate by the force of a covenant onely , but they have not on operative force in nature . . an objected argument is solved . . the top of operation in bewitching effects . . why the devil is impotent . . the devil can onely freely will evil. . the act of man is proved in bewitching works . . the prerogative of man in operating . . what the desire may operate in this thing . . things buried or hung up , how they proceed not , the first enterer being unknown . . in vile little living creatures , there is a directive power of their own will. . after what manner enchantments are transferred by a naked touching . . why a repercussion or reflection doth reach to a concoived enchanting verse , or miscievous act. but i thus call received things injected : they are those which are as it were spiritual wonders , committed by the co-workman of satan . of these things the antients are silent ; because they are those who also have neglected most treatises of the more manifest things , because they have known none from a foundation : for truly they had rather admit of the wickedness of inhumanity and cruelty , than diligently to search into the knowledge of injected things , and acknowledge or confess their ignorance thereof . and they choose sooner to behold their neighbour fainting under the extreamest howlings ; than that by a small remedy , they would be willing to learn how to help so cruel a malady . divines indeed and lawyers , have handled their own examinations ; but the schooles of medicine i accuse of neglect : for i judge that to be done , because the evil spirit is the prince of this world , who therefore hath every where obtained his patrons in the chaires , courts and pallaces , whereby himself sits as it were president : and the whole world is in very deed placed in malignity : for some of these being the more inclinable unto athiesme , do deny devils , juggles , like as also enchantments ; and they affirm that they cannot be induced to believe the contrary , unless they shall see them . whence at length they deride among themselves the immortality of the mind , and the fear of god , as politick inventions for the restraining of the common people . and then others according to the decree of the holy scriptures , do indeed believe devils and infernal guardians to be : yet that they are not cacogeneal or of an evil property or nature to humane society , but rather fellowly and near friends : and so they esteem bewitching juggles , for deceitful fables , melancholly trifles , and old wives dreams . there are also lastly , others among the learned , who being admonished by the authority of the holy scriptures , of the works of the devil , also of the enchantments of witches or sorceresses , do admit of them indeed : yet they esteem them to be meer arts , nor to be condemned by any other title , but that they are throughly taught by satan , and are onely instituted for evil : and these are the most audacious in all wickedness , and at this day cloak faith with hypocrisie . i therefore since the dayes of plato , do behold three patrons of witches to have now constantly flourished among athiests : and i guess that so cursed an infection hath not hitherto persisted , but by the same president : in the mean time , no physitians that i know of , except one only karichterus , hath handled this matter : who indeed hath proposed the manner of making , and some remedies of curing , but not a little suspected of vain superstition : neither also hath he touched at the theory , because he seemed to have been ignorant thereof . physitians in the mean time , being greatly afraid least they should be accounted guilty of a magical crime , while they should by a strong fortune , be reckoned to have conferred a help ( which they know not ) on their neighbour , under so great straits of miseries . yet that privy shift , hath been commonly perswaded by the subtilty of satan , that they might seem , to have neglected the searching out of a remedy , for the assurance of their own fame and conscience : but they passing by their languishing neighbour , as the unbelieving scribes and pharisees , do forsake them in their greatest desolations : for none is otherwise reputed to have carefully heeded the disease , or to have known the structure of the same , for which he describeth a remedy : and none is believed to have given poyson to drink , who enquireth into the causes , and discerns the remedies : and least of all , is he judged to have inflicted a wound , who being sent for , hath set to his helping hand compassionately , and freely : as neither is he a thief , who discovers the dens and counsels of thieves : far therefore by that privy shift , that it should be accounted for a● infamous thing , to have known the means , progress , ends , and cure of , or medicine against enchantments ; seeing these things ought to be known , and had from elsewhere than from the teacher the devil : for seeing the devil is restrained within the court of nature , we are not to despaire , but that the most bountiful jesus , hath substituted remedies for so cruel maladies , unto his own glory , who hath never been wanting to his own goodness , glory , and wisdom . a good man therefore proceeds in a strait way , neither doth he look behind him , nor careth he what the world doth judge of him ; to wit , most of whose judgements are foolish , and false : for it is sufficient for a good man , that the hinderer , or destroyer of a malady , is voide of crime . therefore according to my capacity , i will shew how far the devil is concerned in the actions of sorcerers , or witches : and the which as to a fundamental concernment , i will rehearse by eight positions . . that every vital form is a vital light of its own body . . that although the forms of inanimate things do differ from souls in the degree , and disposition of that light : at leastwise they all do agree in something which is essentially lightsome . . that by reason of their light , they immediately touch , and pierce each other : and so forms being connexed , do operate on or into each other , even as one light doth divide another in the midst ; for the sun-beams being collected by a glass into the crest , for although they shall co-unite into a point ; yet they again proceeding from thence , those which were in the glass on its right side , even unto the crest , do afterwards pass thorow it , being rebounded in the glass unto its left side , yet they keep the identity or sameliness of the former light undefiled ; as neither therefore by reason of the penetration made in the crest , do they labour with contagion : the which i have elsewhere mechanically demonstrated by a figure . . that therefore formal lights , which are diverse in the general , or particular kinde , do immediately pierce , and communicatively operate , without wearisomenesse , on each other like light. . that all the forms of bodies are true lights , yet not substantiall ones , although entitated or made beings , for the reasons elsewhere alleadged concerning neutral creatures : but the mind of man alone is a formal , immortal , and un-obliteral substance : in this respect also it operates with a superiority , toucheth at , and pierceth every other form inferiour unto it ( as elsewhere concerning the searching out of sciences ) by that title especially recieved into faith , and nature , because it is the true image of god , and the kingdome of god inhabits therein : and who therefore hath put all things under its feet . . that therefore the evil spirit , hath not a power from his creation of reaching any form , that in it he can perfect his own will by the absolute command of his beck : for he is a spirit abstracted from a corporeal being , and bound , and forthwith after sin , a most miserable scoffer or mocker . . but only a local motive power of bodies , hath remained unto him , and the motion whereof doth turn to the hurt of mortals : for neither can he beat down one only window of himself , without the help of the liberty of his clients . . for neither doth he move the elements by touching ( seeing that he wanteth extream parts whereby he may touch bodies , not indeed those which he taketh to him ) whereby he may lay hold of , or move any thing ; but by his beck only , he moveth with a beholdable aspect , such as is , that of the stars on meteours , by idea's , or of our will on its own organs : which mutual power , as it was naturally put into the angelical nature ; so also it is left to the devil . indeed he hath a native blas , whereby he raiseth up storms of the air , and ragings of the sea , as oft as god permitteth him . for first of all , the divel is so evil , and our enemy , that he cannot will good even in the least : wherefore neither hath he a free will of willing in evil things : but in good things , none but that which is against his will and constrained ; for a being , one , true , good , are convertible terms : therefore in a contrary sense , that which appears to be , which is false , evil , and manifold , are the properties of satan ; and by consequent from his own will or beck , and natural power , he cannot so much as operate any thing freely , and without the permission of god , or without a free co-operation of the mind of man : for the dog of hell is bound , neither can he operate on forms , the bodies of these , or their properties , unless he take to him the mind of man as a co-operatress with him , under whose feet things more inferiour than it self are placed . in this respect therefore , he miserably circumvents his bond-slaves by deciet , and binds them in a covenant , at least-wise that so they may the rather depart from god ; as if for a reward of the stricken covenant , he were perfectly to teach them secrets , whereby under certain and set forms , feigned words , wicked invocations , execrations , conjurations , and wishes or vows ; in the next place , by lines , figures , marks , seals , characters , numbers , hours , moments , vegetables , yea and the most filthy things , and the striffes , consecrations , refinements , defilements of all of these , and such his vain and void trifles , they were to effect things incredible : and indeed all evils , to the despite of god , and the destruction of men. by which means , after their covenant , he easily infatuates his own , and befooles them through a rash belief of him : because they are those whom he fully possesseth , and unto those he committeth his commands . for he perswades these who have renounced divine grace , of whatsoever he will , and promiseth that he will perform mischievous or wicked acts , by strength or faculties which he feigneth to be natural or proper unto himself : for he snatcheth his imps into the detestable adoration of a hee-goat ; as if the government of all things stood in his power , and that he alone could confer the gift of the working of miracles : because from the beginning he was alwayes a lying impostour . in the mean time that most unworthy or blamable cerberus , doth only work meer deceitful mockeries , and only empty juggles . for otherwise if those means in themselves prescribed by him , should have in themselves any force of operating ( which he boasts of among his own ) from a natural necessity also , alwayes , every where , in every ones hand , and equally , they should effect the same , without reflexion upon a covenant or contract , and vain circumstances . neither is that argument of value ; satan prescribeth vain superstitious words to his , and those altogether impotent in themselves ; therefore the whole effect of those things which happen unto those that are enchaunted , are from satan alone : for truly although the means are in themselves vain and of no moment , power or efficacy ( such as are unsignificative words , figures , characters , numbers , gamahen , talismannicks , adorations , with all the superstitious exercise of vain observations ; ) yet other operative means besides do concur , which are not of satan : seeing that the devil hath not an ideal , semminal , and sealing power , as man hath from the dignity of the divine image , whereby the bruits , &c. are put under his feet . therefore the devil borrows these mental , and operative idea's of witches , the which he can seal in filths and poysons . he therefore being cursed , and wholly most miserable , and forsaken by the grace of god , is by himself no effecter of the same works , unless he be holpen by the soul of his bond-slave . . because he hath not a formative faculty of an operative idea . . neither hath he an immediate touching of access , and much less an entrance unto formal lights ( whereon indeed , nevertheless , all the properties of things are inscribed by a figurative idea ) that he may hereby act . . yea neither hath he any free power of acting , and much less unto the hurts of those who do not obey him . . for he being wholly most proud , would not ask a permission from god , that he may hurt the man that doth not obey him , knowing that the infinite goodnesse will never grant this thing unto him ; although he now and then may use the evil spirit as an executioner , as in the history of job . for we must note that thing seriously in this place ; that in hell and among all the damned , there is no honour , or sanctifying of the divine name , but a continual cursing . for the dead shall not praise thee o lord , nor all them which go down into the pit : yet in or at the name of jesus , the knees of all the inferior citizens are bowed : to wit , as oft as god makes use of the evil spirit as an executioner ; so often that is enjoyned him by a command from above , of trembling at the name of jesus ; and indeed that command being heard , the whole infernal pit doth unwillingly bow its knees : for otherwise , that which is wont to be said , that the devil by the permission of god doth hurt man : that must be understood to be granted unto him , by the aforesaid command of god , as to a tormentor , or by a mutual operative natural power , which god hath conferred on his own image . but the devil himsef , the most miserable of creatures , can do nothing of himself but will evil : because whatsoever departs from god , that is evil , and therefore cannot but will evil ; because he that by willing , hath departed from god , ought originally to be evil in his will it self . therefore the devil is by himself wholly unable for every fabrick of interchangable courses or alterations in nature , because he is uncapable thereof : and by consequence , he hath need for operation , to beg natural agents or means , which in their property have a free power , which he wisheth to apply : yea neither indeed is he therefore able , absolutely , and immediately to administer them , but by the souls , and hands of those that are bound unto him : to wit , they reaching by the gift of creation to the light of forms immediately subjected unto them : and therefore the first or chief operation by witches , doth tyrannize on herds and flocks of cattle . indeed satan making use of that free , and borrowed power , requires anothers co-touching , that he may connex the idea's formed , and begged , and borrowed of his client , in a medium or mean ; and so that by anothers force he may beam them forth into formes subjected to man. and so the lying impostor dissembles his work , and for it requires adoration ; which work is plainly humane , and that wherein the mocker himself doth least of all operate . truly otherwise the condition of mortals were most miserable , if satan could execute the evils known by satan : for the kingdom of the infernal spirits , is not in the earth . for example ; . a man is able by his own perturbations , to hurt his own prudence , health , and life . . those tempests which are of the mind , do not remain the beings of reason , but falling seminally into a matter , they imprint the constant idea's of their own perturbations , which things are proved by a woman with child being affrighted at a mouse , who if shee apply her hand to any place , she presently seals a hairy mouse on the same part in her young : yea if such perturbations are fore-timely made , they do oft-times transform the whole embryo into a monster . . but whatsoever is natural , and ordinary to a woman with child , that none doubteth , but that it may be natural to a witch not great with child ; indeed that she can form any kind of idea . what impressions therefore , or what idea's , and sealing seeds , the evil spirit raiseth up in his , he also borrows from thence , and imprints the same on filths which he prostitutes to his own , that they may infect them . and so right calleth those sorceresses or makers of poyson : but not because they offer poysons to be drunk only , but rather because of not poysons , they do make poysons : but those poysons are applyed , as well by a local motive faculty proper and free to the devil ; as also because they are transferred unto the intended object , by desire only , being the mover and directer : as hereafter more at large . the witch therefore hangs up , buries , drinks up those filths defiled by her through an ideal being ; yea and anoints her own hands , or washeth them with those filths , and seasons or besmeares them with cursed poysons , that by a co-touching , she may transfer those poysons into the object which she would hurt : for truly those seminal , monstrous , and poysonous idea's , seeing they are now the citizens of another and forreign archeus , introduced into the body of the enchanted , and so being without their proper place and subject ; the archeus of the enchanted is forthwith defiled and corrupted by them . wherefore seeing the enemy of nature cannot of himself compleat the very application ( for else all the miserable enchanted mortals should fall under the will of the devil ) he stirs up the idea of a strong desire , and hatred in the witch , that those mental , and free means being borrowed , he may translate his own will by what , and the which he intends to affect or corrupt . to which end , he also first of all prescribes exsecrations to his imps , together with an idea of desire , and most hateful terrour : for man hath a free will of hurting man , by which a man is able to kill a man with a knife , and so to destroy any innocent person ; which the devil likewise cannot do : and therefore as the application of a knife , so also of a poyson , is equally forbiden to the devil at his own pleasure . and therefore also is altogether impossible ; that is , without a free-man , or bond-slave devoted unto him : for neither indeed doth a man kill another with a knife , unless a desire shall happen or have access in the free consent , and command of a resolute will : from whence it is sufficiently manifest : that first of all , the devil hath not the creation of a seminal idea , actually , and positively subsisting , such as is granted to the divine image : and likewise that neither hath the devil obtained a voluntary application of such ; an idea , unless he hath from elsewhere , obtained a free faculty , not bound , and enflamed or provoked by desire ; because that desire , as it is a passion of the imaginer , so also it creates an idea , not indeed a vain one , but an executive and motive idea of the enchantment . therefore indeed that hostile mocker , requires a touching at the body to be enchanted , or at least-wise at something which may primarily be affected , and at length of enchanting the body , that the idea's recieved may act on that thing by a sympathetical , and natural force ( such as is that whereby chalcanthum or vitriol doth naturally cure an absent wound ) and afterwards on the body , a sympathetical commerce whereof , such natural effluxes do hold as means . lastly , things buried under the threshold , or hung up , do hurt ; yea and do unfold their poysonous cruelty on the first entrer only , without a co-touching of the witch at the body , of him that is to be enchanted , and without a knowledge , hatred , or hurtful desire against that which is first to enter : but the buisiness is of a more difficult resolution ; to wit , of a more subtile hurt , and propagation , which in nature , hath called unto it , the sight , the directions of the basiliske , or cramp-fish , for approbation : for even so as the basiliske doth by a beam of sight , spread his poyson into an object , not into a place , and not into any other body whatsoever , although it be more near unto him ; but only into that body on which he hath first directed , and shaken the poynt of his fye : and as the cramp-fish doth not cast the poyson of his sight into any one , perhaps more nigh unto him , but rather , and alone into him that draws the ropes aloof of : so indeed seminal idea's being connexed to filths hung up , and buried , are vigoured or strengthened by the idea of the enflamed desire , as by the will of the basiliske , or cramp-fish , and do exercise it only on the determined object : and although the similitude may not every way answer in the sameliness of both terms : at least-wise it is sufficient to have demonstrated , that not only in man , but also that in vile small living creatures , there is naturally an attributive and executive faculty of their intention , whereby they begin to hurt by their sight , intention , desire , or hatred alone . for that natural endowment extends it self also unto whatsoever things do attractively , or sympathetically move their objects being afar of ; which means being naturally given to man , that they exist in him , as yet in a more excellent manner , is no absurdity , while as we read , that all things are put under his feet . wherefore likewise , witches do by a simple touching , or stroke , transfer their enchantments into the object , but after a far more gross manner , than that aforesaid ; and therefore it coucheth in it something like unto a sympathetical mean : and as yet far more strictly , while as those enchantments are tyed up unto the venal blood , snot or snivel , or any other efflux : but moreover also , they do of necessity touch or strike the object it self . but neither have i brought sympathetical things hither , that i might defame the same , as i have demonstrated by those , the manner of application unto a mean : but rather that i may shew that witches do use natural manners and meanes , otherwise accustomed in the cramp-fish and basiliske ; that i may extinguish all hope of diabolical deceit from sympathetical things . and indeed it is manifest by natural things , how falsly and iyingly the infernal serpent prescribeth to himself worships , and liturgies or praying services , for those things whereof he hath no power in his hand , but to re-smite the smiting witch , as it naturally reflects the enchantments on its own author ; so perhaps it might by those who are un-discreetly scrupulous , be despised for a superstitious means : but surely it is even so , as it is lawful by a natural right to repulse force with force , especially if that thing doth not happen so much from anger or hatred , as from ones own defence , and for averting of hurt , which the moderation of an unblamed defence doth distinguish : wherefore even as i have already demonstrated , that the most powerful or especial force of an enchantment doth depend on a natural idea of the witch . so also it follows that the aforesaid repercussion or re-smiting is altogether lawful , by reason of the natural idea of desire whereby any one doth desire , and endeavour to rid himself of the enchantment : and so in repercussion , none follows , or is provoked or allured by virtue of the covenant with the evil spirit : yea that re-smiting alone , doth manifest the force of an enchantment to be altogether natural , as also the impotency of the devil . in the mean time , that most unhappy and wholly proud on , being ashamed to confess his own impotency , decieves his credulous impes , they thinking him to be the only master , bestower , and ruler of that malignant , and hurtful activity : wherefore also they adore the same with a serious worship , and obey him in all his mockery . poysons therefore being thus gotten , when as satan cannot infect , and confect them according to his desire , as neither suit them at his pleasure , and much less apply them ; he commands that that thing be wholly compleated by his bond-slaves , that poysons may be made capable of issuing forth into the proper object of his desire : for so poysons which before were either wholly material , or things altogether indifferent , nor could they hurt unless by chance they were assumed or taken into the body , do now hurt formally , seminally , and formentally , through poysonous idea's being injected . chap. lxxvii . these things which follow , the author left more imperfect , undigested , and uncorrected than those aforegoing . since it hath already been demonstrated , that every disease doth consist in the life of the sensitive soul , and in the archeus the vital organ hereof , but that this archeus doth conclude in him a unity and identity ; hereafter from hence also we must teach , that curing and restoring from all diseases doth consist in the unity of a remedy . but the schooles of the humourists , will argue on the contrary , and will say , &c. now therefore a necessity of recovery , from the peace of occasional causes with the life , being proved : and so that almost all universal secrets do prevaile unto the aforesaid appeasing and pacifying of the vital archeus : now next it behoveth me to descend unto those very arcanum's or secrets ; and not only to hand them forth by denominating of them ; but also so far as charity toward my neighbour doth permit , to describe the same unto the skilful lovers of medicine : but it is not lawful to make them openly manifest , that the unskilful , and such as only gape after a little advantage or gain , may dispose of them , and commit them to the apothecary and his wife . god forbid ! for i have been better instructed , &c. i will therefore speak , so far as the order of charity doth permit , about the revelations of arcanums . first of all therefore , nature hath produced by the goodness of god , singular or particular remedies in the vegetable monarchy , whereby diseases also are singularly or particularly restored and cured ; which hitherto through a sloath of diligent searching , and a covetous desire , and envy of the devil , have remained hidden . for so the elixir of propriety according to paracelsus , cureth the asthma , falling-sickness , apoplexie , palsey , atrophia or consumption for lack of nourishment , tabes or consumption of the lungs , &c. but because that elixir is not prepared but by a most skilful phylosopher , who not by thinking , but by knowing , is perfectly , and moreover doubly chosen hereunto , and so hath obtained the title of an adeptist : hence therefore out of compassion , i will unfold a middle way . take of clear aloes , of the best myrrhe , and of the best saffron , of each an ounce , for if thou shalt take more , thou shalt find it to be done in vain : let the two former be exactly beaten ; but the saffron , because it is not beaten unless it be dryed , let it rather be made into a round figure by pownsing ; let them be put in a most capacious and strong glass , and sealed with the melted neck of the glass ; and let it be distilled with a moderate heat , that the vessel burst not asunder , until thou shalt see the whole lump to have grown together in the bottom , and a cleer oyl , with a water , to be circulated in the sides of the glass ; then let the neck of the glass be opened , and pour into a pint of cinnamon water , and distil it by moist sand , whereon let boyling water be poured by degrees , until not any thing doth any longer drop out of the beak of the alembick : and with this medicine , i have presently dissolved as well a quartane ague , as a continual fever : so that he who over night , had received his sacro-sainted viaticum , and the extream unction of oyle , hath had me his guest about his bed at dinner . nature hath also produced in the sub-terranean , or mineral monarchy , a certain mineral , the which for its singularity , is called by paracelsus , the first or masculine mettallus . the which from its metallick disposition , is of necessity cloathed with metallick mercurie and sulphur ; to wit , of a liquid mercurie not adhering to the fingers , and of a sulphur burnable with a skie-coloured flame : but this sulphur is distilled with its corrosive , and so often cohobated or imbibed by pouring on it its own liquor , until it pass thorow the alembick in the forme of a red oyl ; which oyle is then at length most exactly cleansed from every whit of its corrosive , not indeed prepared by a separation of its salt , and mercurie ; but anatically or unhurtfully reduced wholly into the form of an oyl : for that thing or matter , as it is as yet oylie , is not to be altered by the whole power of the sensitive soul , or to be applyed to the life : wherefore it ought to be transchanged into a mercurial juice , which paracelsus teacheth , and calleth the wine of life ; because it doth not cure diseases after the manner of other arcanum's , by a cleansing away and banishment of every hurtful matter ; besides it renewes the strength being lost in the body in general , and restoreth the inequalities of the strength : and therefore neither is it in vain called by paracelsus , the essence of the members ; indeed the whole spire and top of hope for long life . but how much light i have brought unto the writings of paracelsus , he alone hath known who understands paracelsus with me : but seeing that sulphur is not translated , that it may be turned into arterial blood , yea and restore and renew the implanted spirit of the members , although it be in it self the top of the wonders of nature ; yet then it doth only as it were pass thorow the two former digestions , and doth not satisfie its calling , for which it shineth with so famous endowments : and so even from hence it is easie to be seen , that long life is not but for choise or chosen men , nor indeed for all of them , not so much because the youth of princes doth shorten the thred of their life in fleshly lust , and pleasures , and so that a remedy for long life is received , and applyed to the life after the manner of the receiver : but especially , because adeptists are wanting , to whom alone it is given to unmask these kind of secrets from their husks . i suppose indeed that this is a masculine mettal , because it doth easily suffer its sulphur to be sequestred from it ; and this separated sulphur is dissolved in the oyl of cinnamon or mutmeg , or in the oyl , which drops out of turpentine , till that by boyling it is coagulated into the best rosin : but at least-wise , although the sulphur thus dissolved , hath notable virtues ; yet because it draws a stinking odour , and reserveth a resistence of the dissolved sulphur ; neither can it pass thorow unto the inmost parts , but can only act as it were in passing thorow , and by its touching stir up by the way a superficial remembrance of its gift : therefore it more differs from the wine of life , than a carbuncle doth from a flint : yet if that melted sulphur be so united in the oyl of the spice , that ( however stinking ) it shall pass through an alembick , and afterwards be after a due manner circulated with its alcaly or fixed salt , and at length doth pass into a volatile elixir of salt , it doth after some sort imitate the faculties and virtues of the wine of life , and essence of the members : for truly , that elixir being rectified into the best spirit of wine , doth loose all its stink , and resume something of its natural or proper endowment ; that it at leastwise takes away difficult and chronical diseases ; yet it doth not ascend unto the highest perfect act of the bowels , that it may be the renewed essence of the members . chap. lxxviii . in words , herbs , and stones there is great virtue . there is a place in the holy scriptures which taketh stones for mineral bodies : words indeed so far as commanding from a supernatural power , they do command creatures ; the which because they are subject , they do also obey : and then the virtue of herbs is that of medicines , but it doth not comprehend herbie meats . there is therefore , a medicinal faculty of plants , simple indeed ; but most excelling ; so that for the most part it ascends into a degree of poysonsomness , because it exceeds the ampleness of our nature , and therefore also is troublesome or offensive unto us : for pot-herbs , pulses , and corny plants , ought to be wholly subdued and dissolved in the stomach , that is , in the seat of the soul , into which while they light with unbroken virtues , they do also by their new hospitality , oppress the same with their laws : for so the seat it self doth as yet labour about rude simples , and in operating doth undergo the crudities , damages , and troubles of entertained vegetables : for in this respect , whatsoever is not rightly subdued in the stomach , after its aforesaid troubles , is commanded out by the bowels as an unprofitable and hurtful excrement : wherefore the more cruel plants while they do not promise nourishment , nor are directly drawn into meats or foods ; if they shall not notably hurt , at least-wise they are totally sequestred , and are driven forth with labour , and anguishes ; the which hath hitherto plainly appeared in a quartane ague , which hath notably deluded the promised help of physitians , and hope of medicines : for although the occasional matter of a quartane , doth stick only about the spleen , and in the neighbouring places of the stomack : yet the medicines of vegetables have not yet come unto the threshold of a quartane : in the mean time , the more stronger vegetables , seeing they have obtained degrees beyond the strength of our nature , they are for the most part for that cause , despised , or gelded ; and so by corrective means are plainly alienated , and do degenerate , and so pass over into a forreign family : many also have in vain attempted , to seperate the poysonous power from the appropriated ones , lurking under them . however it is at this day accustomed to be , those medicines are the more strong , horrid , troublesome , neither are they admitted into our more inward parts ; because they rise up against , and weaken or defile our vital faculties , and do every way bring with them anguishes as companions : for although they depart , not into nourishments in us , nor are the more inwardly admitted than to enter the threshold it self ; yet by their only touching , and naked passage , yea and as it were by a deaf defilement of aspect , they alter the archeus , and subject and snatch away this archeus into their own client-ship : this is the cause why the more strong remedies of vegetables are for the most part suspected of cruelty , and poysonsomness : which things are as yet more clearly beheld in mineral secrets , and the more profound medicines : because they are those which perform their offices , and attain the scopes of their endowments , by no co-mixture of them , but as it were by aspect alone . for so mothers do dip a piece of wollen cloath in a co-mixture of argent-vive or quick-silver , and patch it up between the girdle or circle of garments , knowing that although quick-silver doth not evaporate any thing out of it self ( for it is a thing so homogeneal , that it is not to be divided into a heterogeneal part , and that which is unlike to it self ) yet that it doth hinder the presence , and generation of lice throughout the whole body . i have also described , after what manner common argentvive may be reduced into a most white or snowie lump , if the spirit of vitriol be distilled from it : the which spirit indeed , is coagulated upon mercury , and is transchanged into an alume , but separable , by washing or cleansing , from the argent-vive : to wit , which argent-vive becomes a yellow powder , which easily returns into its antient quick-silver , and of equal weight with it self : so indeed , the whole spirit of vitriol being in it self most sharp , is by a bare touching of the mercury , and without any radical co-mixture of them both , converted into an aluminous salt ; and that shall be done a thousand times , yet it looseth nothing of the weight , and nature of argent-vive : for argent-vive , doth without any participation of it self , or from it self ; yea and without any radical co-mixture from it self , change whatsoever of a sulphurous spirit it shall touch ; which radical or beaming co-mixture of argent-vive , is as yet more to be admired : to wit , if argent-vive be steeped in a great quantity of common water ; for this water , although it doth not sup up any the least quantity of the quick-silver into it self , or is not able to convert it unto its own nature , yet it borrows a property , not likewise a substance , from the quick-silver , so as that such water being drunk , doth kill all wormes and ascarides , also those which exist where that drink never comes ; because it is that which is soon wholly snatched into urin ; and that water becomes stronger against worms , if it shall once boyle with the quick-silver or argent-vive : so one only ounce of quick-silver shall be able a thousand times to infect a measure of water , and yet remain in its antient weight , and property . for so the schools also do do against their wills , perfectly learn , that some agents do freely , alwayes , and with unwearied forces , act without a passion , or re-action of their patients , and the same weight of themselves alwayes remaining : for argent-vive doth act on the water , and imprints its own character in it ; yet it doth not likewise re-suffer any thing from the water . it is manifest therefore , that a certain medicinal virtue is transferred , and doth change its natural subject , and departeth into a forreign object , as it were only by its beam or aspect : yet so , that although the forreign object doth attain a forreign faculty or virtue for it self , yet the acting and in-spiring principle , doth not loose or slacken any thing of its former strength , or weight : indeed that is done without any suffering , diminishing , changing , weakening , or interchangable course of the argent-vive : surely the example produced in this place , serves for the celebration of an argument , concerning almost an infinite virtue of remedies for the future : which thing , after that it had been often and diversly drawn under experience in minerals , it at length perfectly taught me , that perhaps no mortals heretofore , had as yet clearly and inwardly beheld , in what manner the more abstruse or secret remedies might operate , and that indeed without their dissolution , or destruction , without their penetration , inward admission , co-mixture , and changing , they do also freely act aloof of on the stupified , or enraged archeus , as if it were only by their aspect , in beaming or darting forth of their virtues produced in a mean ; their former weight and properties being as yet retained , and unchanged : and so those arcanums do testifie , that they are akin to the infinite goodness , while as they do by degrees disperse their almost , and as it were infinite virtues . wherefore physitians shall not remain unpunished , while as the poor shall at some time mournfully complain , at the last judgement , that they were neglected , who might easily and by the way have been cured without any charges . therefore arcanums can never depart into nourishment , because they keep their own ends , as those things which were not ordained for meats , but for medicines , and which do remain medicines , although taken within the body : for they begin in the stomack ( the which i have profesly elsewhere demonstrated to be the seat of the soul ) to unfold or expose the direct beam of their own faculties , and their endowed virtue , and to which end they were ordained of god : whence at length , the bedewed beaming virtue being drawn in by the archeus , is dispersed into the whole body , and health thereupon succeeding is greedily received . so indeed these more universal remedies being administred , cures do happen , such as i have delivered to happen in the fountain of nature , and to be due to the same , and such as paracelsus hath promised , and afterwards butler put in execution , i being a beholder , to wit , with the least application of a co-fermenting . surely , after that this speculation attracted me under it self by a more piercing or inward contemplation , i as it were knew most clearly and visually , that in occasional causes , and in excrementitious products , filths indeed did stick , they being the awakeners of peculiar diseases : yet i consider the whole disease it self , and its remedies to be in the archeus , to wit , altered , or appeased : and so that with the least touching at , shaking , darting , yea only by radiation or beaming , or illumination ( so that they shall in the seat of the soul touch at the sensitive life ) cures are perfected and compleated , no regard being had unto occasional causes : and that thing i do more powerfully behold in the sulphurous remedies of minerals , to wit , in the sulphur of venus or copper , of stibium , and especially in the sulphur of glaura augurellus ; which nymph doth hitherto want any other proper name . for these sort of sulphurs , because they are at a farther distance from mans nature than the whole band of vegetables , and do in the mean time obtain famous natural endowments from the giver : so also they do most fully and stubbornly resist , that they may not decline by the digestive faculty , into the common-wealth of nourishments , and therefore they keep their natural powers free and unbroken ; to wit , the crasis or constitutive temperature of minerals remaineth entire , and is the more fit to disperse its own beam into the duumvirate the seat of the soul. for so mercurius diaphoreticus , doth attain the ultimate scope of its perfect act , by the redness of an ascending sulphur , whereunto the sulphur of the mercury is joined by an undissolvable union : for in this respect , the sulphurs of minerals do under the vulcan , obtain the utmost compleating of the intent of physitians . i therefore exhort young beginners , that they perfectly learn to spoile sulphurs , of their forreign and poysonous faculty : to wit , under the custody whereof a vital fire is hidden , most pleasingly bringing the archeus into the desired aims . indeed there are some sulphurs , unto whom , they being corrected and perfected , the whole band of diseases doth hearken , because they are those , whose plurality is contracted into the unity of the archeus , as it were into a fighting , or clutched fist : by this means we have seen madnesses , apoplexies , falling-sicknesses , palseys , giddinesses of the head , asthma's , dropsies , atrophia's , and cruel defects , to be annihilated in the very seat of the soul , and combined duumvirate ; indeed to the amazement of nature her self . in stones therefore , a great virtue is declared to be by the holy scriptures , which is hitherto hidden as well in the university , as in the chymical schools , until that kings and common-wealths shall look into the reformation of schools : it repenteth them of their labour , who hope craftily to get gain by an abuse : they know not , nor desire not , nor will not labour , who deride those that are studious of virtues ; for if ever heretofore , now at least-wise , the whole world being placed in malignity , hath deterred my pen least i should scatter pearls before swine . i will shew to our sons , as the lyon by his paw : extract thou the sulphur of antimony , which scarce differs from the common sight , but that it inclines a little unto greenness : make this cinnabar as yet six times , thou shalt sublime it by it self , that the sublimation may serve for the reverbery of life : take half an ounce of this cinnabar , being bruised or beaten , hang it up for twenty four hours in a hogs head of wine , whereof one only spoonful being taken , for some dayes , thou shalt admire at the effect ; and the same cinnabar is sufficient for many hundred hogs heads , being again equivalent in virtue , if it be repeatedly re-sublimed . i have ingeniously spoken some things concerning the great virtue of words , the which i more admire , than apply . the use of herbs indeed is very well known , yet their valour or virtue is not sufficiently known , as neither suitably circumcised : and that not only by reason of an ignorance of their powers , but especially by reason of an un-harmonius suiting of diseasie causes , the defects of the knowledge of causes unto their effect , and the ridiculous lessons of complexions and degrees , and fabulous dimensions , which others before me have sufficiently hissed out : for i do not here call to mind the thousand confusions of simples , and wastings or ruines , and the every way extinguishments of their faculties : but especially , i bewail the defect of the knowledge of the applying of causes unto their effects , or of suiting the thing applicable , and of the thing to be applyed unto it . for before all things we must know , that as the nativities , and promotions of some things are slow : so proportionally also , they have the greatness of virtues to be expected , and the varieties of esteems : for even as it is in the proverb ; that which is soon made , doth also soon perish : so neither is a thing able to be protracted into a long hope of maturity , which hath not intimate occasions of its own constancy : for truly it should be in vain expected by a delay of eight hundred years , that some one mettal should be rightly changed into humane uses , if any vegetable through the course of some months , be to be equalized unto it . but indeed under the account of herbs , i also understand trees and fruits , and i could willingly add living creatures , if happily i did not read by the text of the law , that many or most living creatures , and the parts of these were resigned and abominated among impure bodies : for the whole stock of insects being directed for medicines , and the comodities of great powers , rather than for the services of men , was banished out of uses , and every resigned remedy begged from thence : and therefore there was only a commendation made of words , herbs , and stones : for it is certain that herbs may be digested and subdued by our stomack , unless they have a malignity their companion . small indeed is the number of pot-herbs and corns in the rank of herbs ; which scanitness doth certainly accuse them of a certain maglignity , which being rightly sequestred , they then first , and not before , shall bewray their powers as the scopes of their sending , which the poysonous keepers did cover under them . truly vegetables do act on us , only so long as the stomack doth operate about them : neither do they proceed further , but that they do first lay aside almost all strength of a remedy ; for else it should go ill with us , if the stomack as not being able to tame the received vegetable , cannot subdue it under the rules of its archeus : for otherwise , if a vegetable should proceed with its faculties entire , it should also be made the consort of excrements , or else should disturb the family-administration of sanguification or making of blood : for otherwise how could that which had resisted the action of the stomack , already accustomed unto crude simples , be transchanged and subdued in the second digestion which is unaccustomed to crude meats . the effects of such remedies should likewise be of greater difficulty , and of a more labourious work , than the fruit from thence to be expected . in the next place , that being granted , an undistinction , confusion , and perpetual turbulency of our family-administration were to be granted , if any thing being not first rightly subdued in the stomack , and the excrement being not first separated thereby , should inwardly proceed unto the vital parts : for truly every thing should from thence without repulse , indifferently proceed inwards either of its own accord , or should gratiously be admitted without choice : therefore a vegetable ought of necessity to suffer the digestions , and the formal transmutations of these , and the digestive faculties themselves do also in operating , ordinarily suffer by the forreign ( that is not the food-like ) faculties of vegetal things . a thing surely for the most part dangerous , of a difficult experiment and judgment . then again , besides all things being weighed at the ballance , all the virtue of vegetables is tyed up and limited unto its degree , to wit , after that it hath bowed it self as being prostrated , under the digestion : neither doth it exceed those limits , and in the mean time hath difficulties , to wit , the commands of poysonous and vitious tyrannies : the which surely , whether they were added for a preservation or cover of their faculties , or indeed for their defence , denyal , and impediment or hinderance ; at least it is sufficient that most of them have their own annexed cruelty , infamie , immaturities , or crudities , scabbedness , rottenness , exhaustings of strength , besides moreover , manifold dregs and impurities ; because , seeing they are deprived of emunctories dedicated to the evacuation of an excrement , their whole nourishment must needs be full of excrement ; and it is a most exceeding cruel thing , that no remedy hath been devised in the schools against these defects , besides a simple decoction . lastly , without the reckoning up of these things , and the injuries of plants being seperated ( whose burdens nevertheless , our nature cannot bear without great dammage ) besides their unwonted frowardness , so great is their weakness , that scarce any thing worthy of praise is to be hoped for from the bosome of vegetables : seeing they are not only constrained to separate or lay aside their cruelty in their entrance , if they are to be admitted more fully within ; but also , to be altogether formally stripped of all their bounty , before they can become citizens of our common-wealth : for the single scope of our nature intends only a sanguification of things cast into the body , for nourishment sake : the which seeing they ought not to proceed from every thing promiscuously , but only from things truly transchanged into seminal beings , and from things agreeable to our species ; surely whatsoever of the vegetable race is handed forth for the more inward families of digestions , is vain , so as that it should be thought to retain the antient power of its parents : which thing in the first place , a quartane ague , and all diseases occasionally procured by excrements , which have hitherto disgraced the schools , do sufficiently confirm ; because they are those , who have not meditated beyond lettices , and boyled herbs . there are indeed vegetables plainly to be seen , answering unto the diseases of their first ages : but for chronical diseases , which are for the most part increased by the infamous cruelty of vegetals , and having obtained their privy chambers of the body and spirit , far from the mouth , as that their dissolutions by vegetable are difficult , they promise full hospitals , wherein the continual mournings or waylings of the unfortunate sick do dolefully sound . wherefore from hence also , every one doth almost dayly behold in his own house , a stubborn and uncessant disease amongst those of his family , and physitians are made the comedy of stages , because they have scarce done any thing worthy of thanks : for some of them confess their own and their authors weaknesses , and many do unwillingly flee unto chymical unknown remedies , most of them abounding with their adultery and ravishment ; they fly back to books , not likewise to furnaces , for their unexperiences do promise most ample fruits , and they boast of all illegitimate and ridiculous remedies : the which , while university men do not understand , and on the other side , they do behold their withered galen so destitute , they as full of doubt , flee over unto cauteries , sharpish fountains and baths : alas for grief , what an unhappiness to the sick , and a vain refuge to themselves , hath so great a stumbling of darkness in the schools , produced ! i will therefore shew , that the text , and that great boasted of virtue , doth by the name of stones , understand all minerals wholly , and mettals the marrow of these , before the rest : because they are those things , which do scarce shew themselves in any other image , than that of small stones , or great stones : for indeed , this is the most rich , and constant off-spring , and chief treasure of nature : so that therein the conjunctions of the stars are laid up or hidden : and moreover in speaking properly , and out of the profound idiotisme of the gentiles , the stars do excel or are chief over meteours , only causally ; but mettals in their excellencies or remedies , do far exceed the stars . for truly , i have taught according to the text of the holy scriptures , that the stars are not unto us for causes , but only for signs , seasons , dayes , and years . neither is it lawful for man , to extend the offices of the stars any further : wherefore i have never in my desire , married the number of the stars unto the wandring stars or planets ; as neither have i enclosed both their offices and dignities in a like equality , or resemblance : for as they are at a far distance from each other , so also they have unlike offices , and ends of offices divided from each other . but this one thing i willingly admit of ; to wit , that mettals do exceed plants and minerals in healing , by long stades or distances : and therefore that mettals are certain clear or shining glasses , not indeed by reason of their brightness , but rather because that as oft as their virtues are opened and set at liberty , they do act by an endowed light , and a vital co-touching : mettals therefore do operate after the manner attributed to the stars , to wit , by an aspect , and the touching of an alterative blas ; which things will by handicraft-operation more clearly appear : for mettals themselves are glasses , the most excellent off-spring i say , of the inferiour globe , to wit , upon which the whole central virtue hath for some ages before , prodigally poured forth its treasure , that it might most rightly espouse this liquor of the earth , this duggy nourishment , and this off-spring of divine providence unto the ends which the weakness of nature did require . therefore the glasses of gold , silver , mercury , lead , copper , iron , and tin , and the fire-stones of these , are not yet shut up or closed , &c. but i call those shining glasses , which have such a force of piercing and enlightning the archeus from his errours , furies , and defects , that they restore him into a brightness , through the tincture of an endowed perfection . for although these minerals are not for food , or of the condition of the body of man ; yet they have the internal faculty of a glass , and a power most chiefly efficacious , co-touching with or very near to the archeus of man being entire , and appeased ; such as was the archeus before the mind was conceived , the which mind indeed was afterwards estranged from its right path , after that the sensitive soul ( wherein the mind sits ) drew the government of the body on it self ; the which indeed was wholly frail and brutal in it self . but in shining glasses ( for a distinction to wit of vegetables which do not shine , ) a certain figure of our former immortality hath as yet remained resident , and in this respect , those glasses are not only communicated , but are willingly received by our archeus : yea , and which more is , the restauration of the archeus should the longer continue , if the glasses themselves were not presently banished : which thing is manifest in the preparation of copper , iron , &c. these things concerning the tree of life , i do prosecute in the book of long life , that there may be a stable remedy transchangeable into mans nature , to be taken from ones childhood , especially as long as the growing faculty doth flourish : this remedy i say , doth exceed the force of a shining glass for long life , but not likewise for a healthy life . furthermore , whatsoever is further to be spoken concerning stones , that was either so far as they do partake of a certain metallick sulphurous tincture , or of a mineral salt : but as a mineral being is neither for food nor nourishment , neither could it be vital or for life : but before that i shall pass over unto arcanums ( which is called the great virtue of stones in this place , ) surely it is profitable to enter into the very seat of the body , and inwardly to view how much any remedy can there operate : to which end , that which i have already said above , comes first in our way : to wit , that the stomack doth not coct any thing , but as from a single aime it doth from thence at length frame a nourishment for its whole body , and for that very cause it hath an intention to make thereof a nourishable liquor , to wit , venal blood ; and afterwards a spermatick humour fit for the nourishing of the chief constituting parts ; so that it may be turned into a substance fit for the nourishment and increase of the parts : to wit , as long as they are appointed within the bound designed for growth or increasing : from whence it necessarily also follows , that none but fit and foody matters concocted and digested by the stomack , are transmitted into the more remote shops of the digestions . wherefore i have first of all withdrawn every plant , by whatsoever cruelty being infamous , from the border of the mesentery ; because every thing that is unfit for these borders , is for that very cause driven downwards by the stomack , and adjoyned unto the excrements . but whatsoever hath now passed over into chyle , hath presently laid aside every strange quality , whereby it may act as it were by choice : but if from magnum oportet , any kinde of quality of its antient concrete body shall as yet remain ; surely that is drowsie , feeble , sluggish , loose , and vain , and therefore it doth for the most part , deceive physitians in chronical diseases , and in diseases lurking far off , through the crookednesses of the veins ; which truth that a quartane may defend in my behalf , it readily offers it self . indeed the school of alchymy , admiring , and trusting in the feeble help of remedies , hath long since indeed observed a noble treasure of healing to lay hid in minerals , but it long doubted in what respect they might most fully derive themselves unto the inward buttery of the similar parts . first of all , the former sort hoped in vain and to no purpose , to descend unto our constituting parts by their remedies : and seeing they despaired in the vegetable kingdom , they also vainly roasted or wracked the order of minerals ; because they were those things which can never by our will be transchanged into foods ; seeing the artificer cannot at his pleasure induce an esential form : yea neither doth nature by one only leap of digestion , and by its immediate beck , ever attain that thing : for some being seduced by a deceivable hope of mettals , and much less also tasting or knowing how much essicacy is seated in shining glasses , and in the manifest liquors of mettals : therefore some have promised almost a certain immortality from their labours ; and paracelsus as ridiculous , doth extend them sometimes into an aniadan year , into the year of the fire , and afterwards at least into the year of mathusalem : afterwards others of his followers slid down unto six hundred years . whereas after that , the later sort promised that they should attain onely unto a renewing of the strength or faculties : others being content onely with a cropped or defective cure ; to wit , they rested in the cleansing of the pure from the impure . and although a body was now and then granted to be renewed according to its nails , teeth , and hairs ; yet they have not fitly understood that the pear tree is never recalled from its old age , although it might renew its leaves every year . in the mean time , a rashness of these things , and ignorance of our family-administration , hath stirred up the vain boastings of the things aforesaid , and every one hath proceeded in the darkness of vain hope , according to his own touching without a seen knowledge . therefore while every one hoped most fully or piercingly to introduce his own remedies , neither yet would they afterwards be admitted within , because they were those things which the more grievous diseases , and a want of nourishment , and refreshment of the faculties did exclude ; they afterwards thought to mask some arcanums of a lighter weight , into the seigned shew of a salt , that at least-wise they might not be separated from the latex ; yea that in this respect they might attain a liberty of wandering throughout the whole province of the veins : and although they have so suited some remedies , that they were not altogether strange or detestable to the agreement of nature ; however it is , they could not at least-wise so far descend , as to be admitted altogether within : but if through the error of separation a very small quantity of them had but pierced inwards ; that thing straightway induced a benummedness in the more inward kitchings of the bowels , as also a repentance of the archeus . likewise they who have made tryal of treey remedies , have presently refrained from them ; because that they were more hard and difficult than herby ones , and less fit for penetration : for truly the flesh and blood are not fat things , but treey things are fat , ro●iny , and unbroken by our powers . first of all , paracelsus supposed , that seeing fixed bodies did resist the fire , also that they should delude the unwasted or unwearied labours of the digestions by the same endeavour ; and therefore he established it by an universal decree , that no fixed mineral would be taken in at the mouth ; because the salts which should render that thing potable , being wasted through digestion , that same fixed body should be toughly affixed unto the inward wals and pipes of the members , wherein those salts are changed , and should afterwards by an unexpected annexion , continue for tearm of life . therefore he would that not onely all mineral remedies should not onely be made potable , but also moreover volatile : which admonition , although it be not altogether vain ( crocus martis , and very many prepared powders of stones taken into the body , being excepted ) yet those same minerals do not therefore assume a foody nature , neither also consequently are they digested , or do they come more fully inwards , unto the intrinsecal seats of diseases . neither also hath he sufficiently considered , that volatile minerals have in them a force or faculty altogether active , ( even as i have elsewhere demonstrated concerning the affect of the stone ) and for the most part , so strange a one , that they cannot be promiscuously admitted within , without a notable errour ; unless we shall say that there is no longer any election or choice in nature , whereby those things are refused by the archeus , which do less agree with his borders . but not every potable thing undistinctly , is admitted within , yea nor any thing which was not foody and digested in the stomack , and transchanged into a humane chyle : neither doth any thing pass thorow the liver , which in the mesentery veins ( because they are those which are the stomack of the liver it self ) hath not been through an obedient disposition first subdued . and let there be the same judgement concerning the more utmost bowels . but seeing as well vegetables as minerals being received into the body , do presently exercise their tyranny , which thing solutives themselves through a ready obedience do testifie , and so also that it is hence manifest , that any kind of poysons do powerfully the more piercingly enter , to wit , if they do tyrannize on places at a distance . therefore two opinions are to be reconciled ; to wit , on the one hand , that nothing which is not foody doth climb inwards , before that it be elaborated by the digestions . and on the other hand , that as well simples as remedies elaborated by art , however forreign or bruitish they are , do exercise their operation even far from the mouth , and aloof off . unto which controversie , the famous action of government hath regard , and also the suparlative excelling force or authority of the duumvirate : for neither doth cardiogmus or a griping of the heart , and cardialgia or a pain of the stomack , in vain ( of old ) note the heart , and have denoted the stomack it self , by an etymology of the heart and life : for in very deed , the sensitive soul , and the archeus himself do inhabite in the very membrane of the stomack , distinguishing of the conveniencies or agreements , proportions , likenesses , and suitings of all things : whereof , while the sensitive soul it self doth draw apprehensions , it communicates the same also , by dispersing them throughout the whole body , to wit , to every part according to the requirance of necessity : for solutive things do purge and cruelly molest , as long as they are detained in the stomack , and more formerly intestines : and therefore that they may quickly and speedily finish their task , broths are given to drink , whereby indeed they may be the more readily washed out of the stomack . for truly mineral secrets ( for in stones there is great virtue ) do indeed most powerfully operate ; but they do not therefore materially enter into the bowels at all , that they may be made the co-partaking citizens of our life : for neither do things go unto the third , or more ultimate shop of the digestions , unless they first proceed through the first . wherefore i have first of all diligently considered , that all remedies do operate according to a natural endowment which the almighty hath conferred on them , whether they shall be vegetables , or minerals . but seeing the most powerful virtues of remedies are not of a foody substance , and belonging to venal blood , and much less of an excrementous substance ( for truly the intestines are onely a sack and sink ) neither is there granted a fit medium or middle thing between that which is foody , and excrementitious : therefore it is required that a remedy which hath so famous endowments , be not indeed foody ( because i have already taught before , that that which is for food ought to be feeble ) yet a remedy as long as it sticks between , not an excrement and an excrement ; that is , as long as it is in its passage unto , or in its being made for an excrement , it is detained in the stomack : to wit , that seeing there is not granted a final mean between a foody being , & an excrement , there may at least-wise be a mediative mean in the essence of a remedy : to wit , as long as the determination is undecided , whether the remedy taken into the body , be to be put to flight together with the excrements : for this is as long as it is detained in the stomack it self , wherein the archeus the distinguisher , doth most powerfully shine and command . and moreover some remedies do in this inne attain faculties which were not before in their kernel ; which thing i have elsewhere shewn by the latex running down out of the branch of a birch-tree , being indeed the more powerful when it now wanders between the nourishment of its tree , and the beginnings of corruption presently begun . therefore now from hence the truth of remedies hitherto abstruse , doth clearly appear : to wit , that every remedy doth immediately and principally act only into the archeus of the stomack ( the which is therefore also called the heart ) but this archeus afterwards acts according to a disposition , drawn and generated to himself from the endowed gift of the remedies . it also further followes , that every remedy exceeding the limits of food , doth act by its touching in manner of a glass : for truly it acts onely by touching at the archeus , without a material co-mixture of it self . indeed the archeus himself doth first feel the endowment drawn from the remedy ; but in that act of perceivance he fashions to himself an idea of things to be done by him , by following the dispositions of that endowment : from whence he consequently stirring up peace , rest , or anger to himself , and assuming the gotten idea's of these , doth presently sealingly disperse the same into the bowels , hearkening to the action of government , performing prosperous or opposite offices , according to the command of the vital archeus . any kind of remedies therefore are glasses , and some are shining ones , others onely through their co-touching , odour , taste , and power : but all and every of remedies do in respect of the life , remain external ; in this respect also , they do wash off and drive away the inbred , or conceived stain or blemish from the archeus . but they are never able therefore to detain the life from a continual defluxion , or to suggest new faculties , and to create or raise up new powers for immortality : because the virtues of remedies cannot together with their substance , pierce or be transchanged into the vital matter of us , so that it may be admixed by increase with our first constituting parts : for whatsoever they act , all that is busied about the archeus of the stomack , and prince of life , and governour of the stern : to wit , on which ruler of the stern , the center of life and pilot of the duumvirate , all diseases also do primarily tyrannize , or by a secondary passion or affect . for , for this cause , neither doth an antient gout which is pithily rooted within , break forth out of the bosomes of the implanted vital spirit wherein it is sealed , but that also it doth before its accesse or fit , molest about the mouth of the stomack , and thereby violate and disturb the whole disposition of the whole : the which gout apprcaching , a certain precedent small fever doth for the most part bewray : wherefore in this respect also do a remedy and a disease co-touch , yea and also pierce each other . for who hath not observed that the odours of spices being onely tasted , do straightway refresh fainting persons , not indeed because those odours being co-mixed with air , are an addittament of the vital air , that they can substitute as it were a new vital spirit in the place of that which was lost : because the very restoring of the vital spirit by a spice or sweet smell , should be of a more laboursome attempt than the restoring of it by the arterial blood : neither is the odour of a spice pleasing , as it is like unto the vital spirit , bred by arterial blood : but by reason of the natural endowments inbred in a remedy . in like manner , neither do the oyles of cynamon , cloves , &c. refresh the vital spirit of the parts by their material joyning ; ( for neither is the spirit of life nourished by oyle ) but those things which are grateful in their odour and savour , so many are looking-glasses , which by a touch of their aspiration or reflexion , do refresh and comfort the spirit of life ( being burdened ) as it were with an endowed gift . for as the sights or beholdings of some things do move nauseousness , vomiting , loss of appetite , anger , indignation , &c. as they are visual looking-glasses : so there are dotal or endowed glasses , stirring up the archeus into peace , tranquility , sleepiness , joy , cessation from sorrow , contracture , grief , &c. those are endowed glasses which do stirre up and occasionally move unto a right and orderly solicitation , or careful performance of their offices in the archeus : even as on the other hand , those are poysons , destructive things , and the exalted powers of things which stir up a blemish , or contagion , and consumption , and every sore shaking in the archeus : and poysons do exceed any kind of remedies in this : that these cannot be so connexed unto the life , that this may indeed be thereby raised up again , or increase into a more perfect disposition . whereas poysons do in the mean time kill the parts , do wholly deprive of the inbred strength , and altogether draw into their own likeness , and do therefore truly transchange their vital parts ; which thing is granted to no remedies , that they can renew the defects of the parts into their antient youth , and bring forth an immortality : because the most piercing remedies are not identified or samified in union with the archeus , or a member which is ill affected . and so neither is it able to perform a stable effect from a union of the agent with the sufferer , the which otherwise is granted unto poysons . those therefore are touching glasses , which disperse the natural endowment which the almighty glorieth in , that he bestowed it on things cropped from , and pulled out of the earth , the concrete body of that glass remaining entire : for as some things being hanged on the body , and born without the body , or more strictly tied to the body , do plainly take away very many sicknesses , or at least-wise suspend them : so some famous remedies are stable , and do produce a stable effect from themselves . there are also others , which not so much through the force of a touching and nourishing glass , as of an odour easily passing thorow , do prostrate great diseases ; to wit , those arising and cherished onely by an indignation of the archeus : for there are also many remedies which have a certain notable taste , whereby , although they are not digested by the stomack by a passive transmutation ; yet they separate the pure from the impure , although it be the farther remote from them , as they draw the archeus ( being as it were bound and obliged unto their endowments ) to cause such effects . yet the glasses which i name touching ones , are therefore for the most part fixed without odour and taste , and do move the archeus , not so much by cleansing and sequestring impurities , as by appeasing his griefs , disturbances , and a continual and successive substituting of nourishing idea's . for paracelsus dispraising all fixed metallick and mineral remedies , yet as being unmindful of himself , commends mercurius diaphoreticus , being very sweet , yet fixed , and not mutable in the fire : and the which notwithstanding is a contemner of every labour of the digestions ; yet it doth in diseases , as much as a physitian and chyrurgion will of right wish or desire : for the sweetness of its sulphur , sports in the superficies ; but the mercurial part being covered over by an external sulphur , lies hid , neither doth it operate unless by a glass shining thorow the sulphur , and so affecting the archeus at its own pleasure . otherwise , that sweetness of the diaphoretick , is of the sulphur being drawn out of the fire of venus , which is of the same savour with the diaphoretick . wherefore that fire is harmlesly anodine , soporiferous , or sleepifying , an appeaser of pain , and allayeth all worth , grief , motion , disturbance and tempest of the archeus : and likewise it imprinteth on the archeus a will of resolving of all coagulated things : in which respect it takes away every disease , occasionally , materially , and by way of violent assault , which is attributed unto any excrements whatsoever . likewise it is here plain to be seen , that that mercurius diaphoreticus remaining indeed in the stomack undigested , nor piercing inwardly , because it perseveres unchanged , being fixed , stubborn , and untamed in the form of a powder , doth cause all the aforesaid effects : not indeed that its very self doth work those things effectively efficiently : but because it stirs up the duumvirate , the performer of all things . for these things ought thus to be done , not indeed by an actual co-touching of excrements , which are banished and led forth bound , but by the impression of its natural endowment ( for stones have great virtue ) on the archeus , the which is the effecter of all curing ; even as he is the very original and fountain of diseases ; from whence indeed i have shewn above , that every disease doth immediately after sin , thenceforth daily issue . a wounded man cured himself onely by garden-nightshade , and that without a scarre . note how that may happen ; therefore by applying it about the seat of the soul. what , and after what manner it may inwardly appease and pacifie . the same thing assarum performeth . those things ought to be done without fire . in stones there is great virtue . the stone for broken bones , it is a fixed stone , as also not calcinable : it cures a broken bone being taken in by the mouth . and after what manner that may be done . . doth or may it not cure the affect of the stone , gout , &c. chap. lxxix . butler . i have already in the foregoing treatise sufficiently demonstrated , that a disease doth not exist but in living bodies , and that it hath not onely a vital body for its proper subject ; but moreover , that the very intrinsecal organ or instrument of life , is the workman of a disease and its internal efficient . yea i have demonstrated , that both the matter and spiritual air of the archeus himself , is not onely the object on which all the glasses of diseases are first sharpened ; but also , that it is the very matter whereof , and about which the vehement motions , overflowings , and exorbitances of that workman do happen about his own destruction . indeed that such is the foolish off-spring of sin , while man turns himself away from god , nothing but thenceforth foolishly to convert all things into his own destruction . but seeing every thing in nature subsisteth onely by a matter and an efficient cause ( the which also i have elsewhere most amply taught in a peculiar treatise ) and a thing in nature doth therefore require to be defined onely by its immediate and proper matter , and its internal efficient cause ( for truly the whole essence of a thing , and its existence , are nothing besides a connexion of both the same causes ) certainly now it is sufficiently manifest , that a disease is the very vital matter of the archeus , into which the seminal character or idea of the archeus being ill affected , is bred or inserted : whether in the mean time the archeus doth persevere in that his abomination from the right path , i say , in a hurtful disjoynting , or next , shall spread the same idea's of his anger on some product , and shall afterwards cease : that is even all one in a disease ; seeing it is unto this by accident , to be nourished or not , from a violent assaulting cause : for truely the archeus doth sometimes presently seal an idea conceived by himself on some excrement of his body , the which he prepareth , if he shall not find that excrement before prepared for him : from whence also , and wherein a disease is thenceforth by it selfe able to subsist . but elsewhere the archeus doth not wander far , without the matter defiled by him , and therefore he doth either increase the same by a continual nourishment , or through the conjoyning of a resembling mark , is admitted into the implanted spirit of the organs , and doth from thence , as from a tower , either continually fight against the faculties or strength of the members , or at least-wise doth sleep and awake at set periods , because in the vital principle he hath branded himself with the implanted guest , and houshold inhabitant of life , and hath not flowed onely in the spirit of the fluid archeus . moreover , whatsoever of filths is cast in , admitted , or bred up through an error of living , whether that thing may follow the family of a procatarctical or foregoing principal cause , or next , the family of a product ; it is wholly altogether nothing but occasional : to wit , at the importunities whereof , the archeus himself being sore shaken , doth represent the true tragedy of a disease . from whence , first of all it is evident , that diseases are as well real while they are silent and sleep , as those which happen being awakened in the meditation of their fit : i ought indeed , thus repeatingly to press the tragedy of diseases , if fruit be from a thing so unheard of , and of so great moment to be hoped for , unto those that shall succeed . the tree therefore and fruits of a disease being known , together with the connexion and progress of concurring causes ; the tree of remedies is afterwards to be contemplated of , which is so greatly breathed after , and unknown hitherto . first of all indeed , i have considered of a six fold invasion of a disease , and liberty of taking its possession : as if it were at first stirred up by the evil spirit , therefore also should follow the week of creation . from whence also a sixfold houshold-stuffe of remedies in nature was continually to be considered , unless the super-eminent divine goodness , had rather to communicate the figure of his unity , every where issuingly erected in nature , unto mans understanding : because it is that which through the unity of simplicity hath most powerfully every where erected most rich remedies against the slaughter of diseases : whereunto therefore , the more weak nature of mans understanding being cherished by sloath , also easily hearkening , hath searched into the secrets of paracelsus ; whereby it might powerfully relieve all the errors of defective nature . we being now especially the more safe through this prop , shall hereafter attempt the vanquishments of diseases , after that we shall behold the one onely fountain of life , now wandering from its scope , to have erected the whole entire predicament of infirmities . i deny not in the mean time , but that a disease doth diversly enter into our harvest daily : but that ( i say ) it is daily received in divers inns , and occasional causes , which attempt treachery . to wit , first of all , they do of necessity break in by a voluntary declining race of nature , through a defect and extinguishment of the vital faculties , from whence at length difficulties of the functions , and their afterwards awakened superfluities do arise . . they do happen unto us from an unequal strength of the members , from whence there is presently an unequal temperature , or disorder , very much like to that aforesaid . . from the received inordinacies of life burthening the faculties , and the offices of these by their immoderateness : under which slipperynesse or unconstancy of life , venus or carnal lust , blood-letting , and what sort soever of lavishments of the strength do war , and after the beginnings of diseases do at length hasten an untimely death . . diseases do most manifestly proceed from perturbations or disturbances , or passions of the mind : and far more occultly , from the riotous , or immoderate and voluntary disturbances of the archeus himself , or those being drawn or sprung from an occasional matter stirring them up . of these especially there is a large company , and a numerous army led on us , being even hitherto not attributed to their own proper causes , because unknown . . diseases do break forth from the unclemency of the heaven , through the injuries of unstable tempests , and the unhappy draughts of endemicks , whereby a hostile guest is drawn and admitted within , that it may make it self a familiar . . lastly , a disease enters by external things rushing on us , to wit , wounds , breakin gs of bones , falls , bruises , burnings , freezings , stingings of asps , &c. but at least-wise , all of them do lay in waite for the one life , and from the archeus its defender , from whence they derive their beginning . therefore in perpetually aiming at unity , we shall contemplate of god , as the one only most glorious fountain , president of life , and one onely permitter of all diseases whatsoever : so also we shall occasionally , and the more amply reverence the same giver of a remedy , in the unity of his own type or figure . wherefore , although i have elsewhere written by the way concerning arcanums , every one whereof in particular , doth mow down almost all diseases with one onely sythe , to wit , by a separation , and cleansing from superfluity ; yet those secrets , even as they are most difficultly prepared , yea and ought to remain in secret for ever , in the possession of those of the privy counsel ; so also the cure , through the instituted help of the same , doth not so immediately respect diseases , as in the first place either the foregoing occasional cause of the same , or at least-wise , the later product of a disease : and likewise those arcanums of remedies are most sparing , whereof the most part of mortals is deprived and destitute of hope : and therfore , it doth not seem to me , that the infinite goodnesse of god , would not be so issuingly or largly communicated and made known by so scanty a remedy . wherefore i conjecture , that the time is at hand , wherein the almighty goodness will manifest unto his faithful ones , the knowledge and essence of diseases hitherto unknown : but he hath not discovered the aforesaid arcanums , but for the glory of his own power , only unto a very few , least the commerces of the world , should otherwise perish . for neither is it otherwise to be believed , that the divine goodness after this intimate essence of diseases , being discovered , that he will afterwards also hide the endowed remedies of his unity from the faithful ones , and that the healing of diseases ought to be planted into arcanums alone . therefore it is meet or seasonable diligently to search into a remedy , with my self , which by a single endeavour , may have respect unto the tree of the vitiated archeus , after what manner soever he be altered . for truly , a certain entire thing is more formerly , nature , than a corrupted thing : and therefore the life and the archeus , as they are simply the cause of its being , they are more antient than is a vice conceived in them : for as the immediate cause of any indispositions , is the very life it self ; so surely the speculation of curing , and renewing of the life being altered , or weakened , without all discomodity , and burden or pressure , is more principal , more intimate , more formerly by right , and more noble , than the curing which is perfected by arcanums , or by the most excellent mundificatives or cleansers : for those arcanums , although they do oftentimes respect , and cut off the more formerly occasion ; yet it is as it were secondary , as to curing , which proceedeth from internal causes primarily altered , and affected : and the which therefore do first and most principally require an appeasing of themselves by a natural indication , and that a most capital one of all : for truly natures themselves have been of old known to be the physitianesses of diseases ; even as also the vital nature was reverenced under the covered cloud of the etymology of the spirit making the assault , as the maker , and procreater of any kind of diseases : yet from the dayes of hippocrates , unto galen , and afterwards from thence the speculation of diseases , remained and stood neglected . it is therefore scanty , and not very passable hitherto , whatsoever i have said concerning the manner of curing , by pacifying and appeasing of the archeus , to wit , by with-drawing or removing of his successive alterations or interchangable courses : wherefore in principally contemplating of the conjoynting peace , quiet , and docibleness of the archeus , i will first explain my self by some brief histories . there was a certain irish-man , whose name was butler , being sometime great with james king of england , he being detained in the prison of the castle of vilvord , and taking pitty on baillius a certain franciscan monk , a most famous preacher of gallo-brittain , who was also imprisoned , having a formidable erisipelas in his arme ; on a certain evening when as the sick monk did almost despaire , he swiftly tinged a certain little stone in a spoonful of almond milk , and presently withdrew it thence : but he said unto the keeper of the prison , reach this supping to that monk , and how much soever he shall take thereupon , he shall be whole at least within a short hours space ; which thing even so came to pass with the greatest admiration of the keeper , and the sick man not knowing from whence so sudden health had shined on him , seeing that he was ignorant that he had taken any thing ; for his left arm being before hugely swollen , fell down as that it could presently scarce be discerned from the other : on the morning following , i being intreated by great men , came to vilvord as a witness of his deeds : therefore i contracted a friendship with butler . presently afterwards , i saw a poor old woman a landress , who from sixteen years of age or thereabouts , laboured with an intollerable megrim , presently cured in my presence . indeed he by the way , or lightly dipt the same little stone in a spoonful of oyl of olives , and presently cleansed the little stone by licking of it , and laid it up into the sheath of his breast ; but that spoonful of oyl , he poured into a small bottle of oyle , whereof one only drop he commanded to be anointed on the head of the aforesaid old woman , who was thereby straightway cured , and remained whole for some years , the which i attest : i was amazed , as if he were become another mydas ; but he smiling on me said : my most dear friend , unless thou come thitherto , so as to be able by one only remedy , to cure every disease , thou shalt remain in thy young beginnings , however old thou shalt become . i easily assented thereto , because i had learned that thing from the secrets of paracelsus : and being now more confirmed by sight and hope : but i confess with a willing mind , that that new manner of curing , was unaccustomed and unknown unto me . i therefore said , that a young prince of our court , vicount of gaunt , brother to the prince of epifuoy , of a very great house , was so wholly prostrated by the gout , that he thenceforth lay only on one side , being wretched , and deformed with many knots ; he therefore taking hold of my right hand , said : wilt thou , that i cure that young man ; i will cure him for thy sake . but i replyed : but he is of that obstinacy , that he had rather die , than to drink even but one only medicinal potion . be it so , said butler , for neither do i require any other thing , than that he do every morning touch the little stone which thou seest , with the top of his tongue : for after three weeks from thence , let him wash the painful and unpainful knots dayly with his own urin , and thou shalt soon afterwards see him cured , and soundly walking : go thy way , and tell him with joy , what i have said . i therefore being glad , returned to bruxells , and tells him what butler had said . but the potentate answered ; go to tell butler , that if he restore me , as thou hast said , i will give him as much as he shall require ; demand the price , and i will willingly sequester that which is deposited , for his security . and when i declared that thing to butler on the day following , he was wroth , and said : that prince is mad , or witless , and miserable , and therefore neither will i ever help him : for neither do i stand in need of his money , neither do i yeild or am i inferiour unto him . yea , neither could i ever induce him to performwhat he had before promised : wherefore i began to doubt , least the foregoing things which i had seen , were as it were dreams . it happened in the mean time , that a friend , overseer and master of the glassen furnace at antwerp , being exceeding fat , most earnestly requested of butler to be freed from the trouble of his fatness ; unto whom butler offered a small piece of that little stone , that he might once every morning lick or speedily touch it with the top of his tongue . and within three weeks i saw his breast made more straight or narrow by one span , and him to have lived no less whole afterwards : wherefore i began again to believe that the same thing might have happened in the aforesaid gouty prince , which he had promised . in the mean time , i sent to vilvard , to butler for a remedy , in the case of poyson occasionally given me by a secret enemy : for i miserably languished , all my joynts were pained , and my pulse , vehement , being at length become an intermitting one , did accompany the faintings of my mind , and extinguishment of my strength . butler being as yet detained in prison , forthwith commanded my houshold servant whom i had sent , that he should bring unto him a small bottle of oyl of olives , and his little stone aforesaid being tinged therein ( as at other times ) he sent that oyl unto me ; and bad him , that with one only small drop of the oyl , i should anoint only one place of the pain , or all particular places if i would ; the which i did , and yet felt no help thereby . in the mean time , my enemy according to his lot being about to die , bad that pardon should be craved of me for his sin , and so i knew that i had taken poyson , the which i suspected : and therefore also i procured with all care , to extinguish the slow venom ; and through the grace of god favouring me , i escaped . my wife was now for some months , oppressed with a pain of the muscle of her right arm , so as that she could neither lift up her hand , and much less lift any thing upwards : and moreover by reason of grief and sorrow for me , she now by degrees languished in both her legs , from the foot , even unto the groine , with a cruel oedema , the which did in its pit , shew the foot-step of ones finger dipped into it even unto the second joynt : for because she had contracted these oedema's by reason of the grief for my tribulation , a medicine was despised so long as her grief ceased not : she therefore seeing the work of butlers oyl to be vain on me , and being willing before some gentlewomen to mock my credulity , anointed one only drop of that oyl on her right arm , and straightway it being freely moved , was beyond hope restored , together with its former strength : we all admired at the wonder of so sudden an event ; wherefore she anointed the ankles of both her legs with one only drop on both sides , being spread about on the circle of the ankle ; and presently within less than a quarter of an hour , all the oedema vanished away : she also through gods favour , liveth as yet nineteen years since , in health . a certain hand-maid , as soon as she heard that thing to have happened in her mistris , required some drops of that oyl , because she had thrice suffered an erisipelas , in her right leg , it being badly cured , she shewed a leaden-coulered leg and swollen , from the knee even unto the toes ; in the evening therefore , at her going to bed , she rubs four drops of that oyl on the hurt part , and in the morning there appeared no footstep of the former malady ; so that she , who now before could scarce go into the market in one day , the same morning went unto the temple of the holy god-bearing virgin , in laken , and cheerfully returned , and broguht me water from the spring of saint ann , being far remote from thence . which thing being heard , a certain gentlewoman a widow , being now afflicted for many months in both her arms , that she could never lift her hand upwards , was by a few drops of that oyl , in one only evening , presently restored into full health , and so remained . afterwards i asked butler , why so many women should be presently cured ; but that i , while i most sharply conflicted with death it self , being also environed with pains of all my joynts and organs , should not feel any ease ? but he asked me , with what disease i had laboured ? and when he understood that poyson had given a beginning unto the disease : he said : because the cause , had come from within to without , the oyl ought to be taken into the body , or the little stone to be touched with the tongue : because the pain or grief being cherished within , was not local , or external : i observed also that the oyl , did by degrees uncloath it self of the efficacy of healing ; because the little stone being lightly tinged in it , had not pithily changed the oyl throughout its whole body , but had only blessed it with a delible or obliterable be-sprinkling of an odour : for truly that little stone did present in the eyes , and tongue , sea salt spread abroad or rarefied ; and it is sufficiently known , that salt is not to be very intimately mixed with oyl . butler also cured an abbatess , sufficiently known , who for eighteen years had had her right arm swollen with an unwonted depriving of motion , and her fingers stretched out , and unmovable , only by the touching of her tongue at the little stone . but very many being witnesses of these wonders , presently suspected some hidden sorcery and diabolical compact : for the common people hath it already for an antient custom , that whatsoever honest thing their ignorance hath determined not to know , they do for a privy shift of ignorance , refer that thing unto the juggles of the evil spirit : but i could not decline so far , because the remedies were supposed to be natural , neither having any thing besides an unwonted quantity . for neither ceremonies , words , nor any other suspected thing was required : for neither is it lawful according to mans power of understanding , to refer the glory of god shewn forth in nature , unto the evil spirit : for none of those women had required aid of butler , as from necromancy any way suspected ; yea the things were at first made trial of with smiling , and without faith and confidence : yet this kind of easiness , and speediness of curing , shall as yet long remain suspected by many : for the wit of the vulgar , being unconstant and idle in hard and unwonted matters , is alwayes ready for judgements of the same tenour , by reason of their facility , and therefore also is weak or flaggy ; for they do more willingly consecrate so great a bounty of restitution unto diabolical deceit , than to divine goodness , the framer , lover , saviour , refiesher of humane nature , and father of the poor . and that thing indeed not only in the common people , but also in those that are learned , who follow , and rashly search into the beginnings of healing , being not yet instructed , or observing the common , and blockish rule : because they are alwayes wise as children , who have never gone over their mothers threshold , being a fraid at every fable . for indeed they who have not hitherto known the whole circuit of diseases to be concluded within the spirit of life , which maketh the assault , or if they hereafter reading my studies by the way , shall imprint on themselves this moment or concernment of healing ; nevertheless , because they have been already before accustomed from the very beginnings of their studies , to the precepts of the humourists , they will easily at length depart from me , and leap back unto the accustomed and antient opinions of the schooles . for look what liquor men do once , in a new vessel steep ; its odour , whether sweet or sour , it will long after keep . they will again easily betake themselves unto the importunities of decumbent , or falling down humours : but i in a more near search , being unwilling to refer the benefits of god unto the devil , have first of all certainly found , that all things in nature , do consist of an invisible seed : that they begin i say , are supported , and ruled by a being which the great god began from an imaginating desire , or derived power , and which remains afterwards throughout the whole duration of their essence and being . but that afterwards things are made visible , or are [ this something ] onely by the cloathing and apparelling of bodies espoused unto it self . but i have taught that diseases do by a stronger reason , arise from a more invisible seed : wherefore that the diseasifying idea is only to be vanquished , abolished , and extinguished ; because a disease is a monstrous , and equivocal or doubtful generated being , and off-spring of sin , not adhering therefore to the humane species , but only to individual persons after an irregular manner : because seeing , that after the fall , it began almost from a [ non-being . ] for in more fully looking into the matter ; first of all , very many maludies do depart by reason of amulets or pomanders being hung on the outside of the body ; even as is plain to be seen , in the plague , falling-sicknesse , and other diseases . in the next place , whosoever he be , who shall rejoyce to have a towel which was withdrawn from a pestilent ulcer , or desiled with the sweat of him that hath the pestilence applyed unto himself , nor doth fear in himself , that the plague can thereby naturally be communicated unto himself ; we have seen health restored , as with the anointing o● butlers oyl : for truly a sympathetical remedy hath been of late made manifest , which cureth at a far distance . a certain doctor of divinity related to me , that seeing he could not conceive , that in vitriol there did subsist a natural faculty of curing an absent wound , if it were besprinkled on a bloody towel : therefore also , that he reputed that curing to happen through the work of the devil ; but on the other hand , that he had seen some experiences made by honest men : therefore in a doubtful matter , and case of conscience , that he had made trial of the thing in this manner : to wit , he sprinkled the pouder of the best vitriol , on a bloody towel , with an express protestation , that he was unwilling to experience any thing , or to be hereafter cured , if there were even the least co-operation of a contract , or of the evil spirit ; yet that he saw the wound to be healed sooner than was wont , and the blood also to be presently allayed : and therefore that afterwards , he believed that natural causes , although unknown to us , did operate in the aforesaid sympathetical cure : the which nevertheless , being not yet sufficiently understood by its causes , is as yet rejected , only as for the enticements of satan , by this argument . a natural agent , that it may act , ought to be applyed and most nearly to approach unto the patient . but a sympathetical remedy , ought not to be most nearly applyed unto the patient . therefore a sympathetical remedy is not a natural agent . i answer ; if it be understood , that a natural agent ought immediately to touch the patient whereon it most nearly acteth , with an immediateness of supposition , but remotely through the mediation of other bodies laying between or interposing , whereby that immediateness is communicated to an object at a distance : the major proposition is granted : because it is sufficient that the agent doth touch the patient , or its proper object , and that at a distance immediately , with an immediateness of virtue . and therefore , then the minor proposition is denyed : because a sympathetical remedy ought immediately to be present , by an immediateness of supposition , in that subject into which the action is first received , but not in the part affected , whereinto it is secondarily and ultimately received by supposed mediating organs , wandring , and being extended by an interval : for fire is not in the hand of him that is heated , nor is the sun or the heaven in the chamber . but sympathetical remedies have at this day been made known to be like unto influences in this ; to wit , that not only the air , but a covered rock , and thick or dark bodies , are the capable subject and organ of this action , no less than of a starry influence : for neither doth any thing hinder in sublunary things , whereby god could not , or would not have made those in some sort , less alike in this thing : seeing that the manners of the grand-father , do sometimes not shine forth in the son , but in the modern nephew : a sound also doth ●i●rce far , &c. thorow the bodies suitably or exactly shut : wherefore if thou art amazed ●● the sphear of activity in sympathetical things , and dost allow of them in astral or starry bodies , thou mayest either grieve for thy ignorance of those , or for thy credulity of these : for truly the principle of an action of sympathy , is a faculty akin to influences , acting by an in-beaming into an object appropriated unto it self : and god hath known why those things are thus made or do thus come to pass : who hath endowed his created things , according to his own pleasure : for he was at liberty to deliver his natural endowments , even to the most abjected thing ; s neither can a christian derive those gifts into the devil , without punishment : but neither do i in this place contemplate of sympathetical remedies , as that i believe the little stone of butler to act by a sympathetical faculty : for truly this stone takes away a distance of the object , and gives an application unto the object : to wit , it is a remedy familiar unto mans archeus , and its virtue is graduated unto a thousand fold , by the goodness of god : and therefore it hath respect unto the peace and quiet of the archeus in his own simplicity : for let young beginners , before the terrours of their judgement , have regard , that a member at the biting of a snake , doth presently hugely swell , with great pain , by reason of the storm of the imbittered archeus , and that the angry sting doth by its stroak , presently stir up an hard , painful , and composed tumour : for what if the leprosie , or plague , can speedily defile us with its contagion , what shall hinder , whereby our archeus shall the less willingly receive the contagion of so most powerful a remedy , if he be defiled by poysons against his will ? if at least there ought to be in nature , a like authority of a remedy , and of poyson , of divine goodness and of maladies ? let us consider i pray you , that so sudden a flux of maladies , may in like manner presently go back or return , being appeased by an opposite re-flux : for i have seen one , whose fingers had promised the disease panaritium , being devided perhaps unto the largness of his arm , and had miserably tortured him for some restless nights , whereabout the blood , and fresh skin of a mold being wrapped , they by the morrow morning had restored the finger together with rest in the night : for reason required , that the antidote ought even at the least to be equivolent with the poyson : for the most swift antidote of ornietanus , in poyson , being taken , and that raging even unto convulsions , doth so presently suppress all anguishes , and instant soundings , as if there were no poyson admitted within : because as a disease is a defect of nature , and the straying archeus ; so a remedy is of meer divine goodness ; the which also having slidden down into nature , ought , as to equalize every defect , so also wholly to overcome it . therefore in one respect , the remedy is far more powerful and famous than the fault , and therefore also less in quantity , and far more swift than delay : and that largeness and nobleness of power , doth not so much concern a superiority , which with growth or increase is attained by little and little through the obtainments of maturities , as a present and effective majesty of things , whereby the medicinal thing it self being unfolded by an endowed virtue , doth free , and restrain the archeus from impediments and furies , and also doth imprint an eminent excellency of a helping faculty , for which things sake it was created : these things it performeth by the manner and swiftness of its operation : but besides , as to that which concerneth the remedies of so great goodness , and the efficacy of these ; first of all , it is manifest , that that little stone of butler , however lightly it be tinged in one only spoonful of oyl , if that spoonful of oyl be poured into a can of oyl , yea into an hogshead of oyl , it shall also be made a remedy ; no otherwise than as a pestilent odour doth infect a whole vessel with its contagion . what if the odour of a sympathetical remedy , being sprinckled on a towel with a few drops of blood , be able to help a wound , a bone-breach , yea and an ulcer , and to appease the disturbed archeus at a far distance ; what wonder is it , if a remedy being administred to the sick party himself , doth do that ? yea neither do the remedies of chyrurgions cure otherwise , than only by touching at the wounded part ; because emplaisters or oyls , do not enter into the vital composition of the bottom , or into the nourishment of the wounded part . but in topical ulcers bred and made in a place , such as are the cancer , wolf , &c. indeed the touching only of a powerful remedy , is sufficient to extinguish the poyson there arisen from the wroth archeus : and let the same and equal judgment be concerning apostems , excrescences , impostumated ulcers , and those sealed in a place it self , although first bred from elsewhere , but devolved , and at length deposited in a place ; because an external besmearing of a remedy , doth by a certain attainment of co-touching , tame the whole archeus , no otherwise than as the tooth of a mad dog , although it be most exactly scoured in the wind , yet doth sometimes bring madness : so also the remedies of our little stone , do heal internal affects ; yet they do the more and sooner dart forth their effects , if they are received in at the mouth , no otherwise than as some poysons are void , unless they are derived or brought down into the open skin . but if these kind of remedies shall but even lightly touch at the tongue , it is no wonder if that they presently affect the whole archeus with their powerful benevolence , and appease the straying archeus from his fury , and asswage him from all imbitteredness : because that little stone is of the nature of a salt , which is in no wise melted in the oyl , neither doth any thing materially depart from it , which may be received in the oyl wherein it is tinged , besides a gentle odour , such as is the odour of a pestilent impression in the plague . and a flourish or essay of this little stone , hath seemed to me to be in the holy scriptures : that the maker of sweet oyls , shall compose the paints or varnishes of sweetness , neither shall his works be consummated or come to an end : that is , although the little stone be tinged in oyl , yet scarce a point of its medicinal virtue is diminished . therefore if this excelling remedy be taken inwardly , it then doth not only change the venal blood into a medicine like a balsam , but the very excrements of a man themselves ( to wit , his urin ) do remain tinged with its super-eminent goodness : no otherwise than as the eggs of a hen do savour of beech-corn being eaten , and as the urin of a sucking infant doth smell of anise , if the nurse hath taken the oyl of anise in at the mouth : and even as the urin smells of eaten asparagus ; so also the urin by its own washing or anointing , doth cure every disease residing in the habit of the body . indeed , such is the goodness of god , that one only little stone is sufficient for many ten thousands , that the physitian may not excuse himself about the poor , discussing the charges of costs . in brief , all diseases are cured by one only remedy , to wit , by anointing , or by touching of the tongue , or tasting alone : because the tongue is like unot an open skin , especially if the succeeding spittle be presently swallowed . but that there is so great a power of this remedy to be demonstrated , not only from poysons , and so from the similitude of a pestilent air ; but that because the remedy ought to be far more powerful than every malady , if it ought to overcome it , and that indeed swiftly , and so , that it ought after some sort to express the seal of divine goodness : wherefore from the betokening of phylosophy it self , i presently conjectured , that that remedy doth require : first of all , that it be a body once raised up , and once destroyed , and afterwards as it were after its resurrection , after some sort glorified : and therefore that neither may it be thenceforth any longer defileable by sublimary vices , and mischievous acts or injuries . hence it follows , that therefore it ought to be stronger by a thousand fold , than any pestilent venom , and to be operative in a more absolute manner ; seeing the poyson of the plague is simple , and sits in a corporal air : for a pestilent poyson , is indeed the more familiarly co-fermented , by reason of a humane symbole or co-resemblance , but it is not therefore a more powerful poyson : for a poyson doth indeed , produce a poyson according to the rule , and ferment of the former poyson , but it cannot exalt the power of its product above it self . but in a remedy rising again from death , the bountiful goodness of its simple . being is increased unto a thousand fold , and through the thin odour of its co-touching , it is diffused , and enlarged into the mean , and presently bears command over the archeus its object : to wit , that he may compose himself according to peace and virtue : for so the arcanum introduceth the foster-child of its power , there is a hope and jubilee of the archeus , truly existing , and super-eminent in the life . in the next place , i have considered that this remedy is not of the monarchy of vegetables , because it is that which doth easily spring up , and obtain too slippery or fading sprouts or linages , and the which therefore are scarce renewed by art ; because they are those which like unto living creatures , do easily die under the artists hand ; yet do they scarce rise again from death , seeing they do either wholly perish under the tryal of the fire , and loose their former virtues ; or if they may seem as it were to rise again , yet they are rather new beings , altogether secluded from the path of their predecessors and parents . but whatsoever paracelsus promiseth concerning his four arcanums of his archidoxals , that they have a super-elementary , and almost an infinite virtue : for the first , which supposeth his homunculus , it is so horrible as not to be spoken of , sodomitical , diabolical , and in no respect to be mentioned . but the other three are chymical ones , whereunto a promise of extending themselves even unto a tenth generation , doth not belong : but i speak in this place of a paint or varnish , the works whereof shall not be consummated ; neither shall there be a disease or poyson resisting it : or as the text hath it , there shall not be a medicine of destruction in the earth , and the almighty hath made all nations of the earth curable . but by a more full looking into the matter ; all diseases , because they issue from the fountain of the archeus , de give place , either by reason of amulets being hung on the body , and medicines bound about the same ; or by reason of baths , ointments , and emplaisters , whereof there is not the least uniting with the diseasie body , but only an odour is offered ; or if they are received inwardly , and are digested as medicines , yet they are even presently transchanged into the stomack , and do presently put on strange savours and figures of qualities , as they do even fully put off every condition of their former life , unless they had rather be accounted ungrateful , or poysonsome : yea they are afterwards altogether so truly transchanged , that they do wholly leave behind them the image of their former act of perfection , or may scarce be reputed to have possessed it : in this respect indeed , are they for that cause , taken in a great quantity , or abundance , that they may seem the more inwardly to breath some very small matter into a man : and with what great dammage that is done , they have known , who have sometimes experienced , that to live medicinally , is to live most miserably . therefore scarce any thing of those medicines which are taken into the body , doth resemble its former being ; and if it doth shew it forth , woe to the receiver . wherefore if there were any virtue in a medicine , surely that was before it laid aside its own proper nature , and antient being : for it hath presently failed , assoon as it hath represented only its odour : therefore the force of every medicine is well nigh concluded in the co-touching of its odour , and in almost a certain momentary perfuming : neither is there therefore , so great reason for a disturbed rumour , to wit , because the oyls seasoned by the little stone , do presently cure by their odour : let them therefore be the murmurings of young beginners about the accustomednesses of parts nourished : they are altogether vain , although it shall seem wonders unto wits not yet meditating of unwonted matters , but being accustomed unto a subscription alone ; to wit , after what manner , the archeus being driven into fury , being so suddenly touched even with a white wand of peace , doth fall asleep , or being corrected , doth abstain from his own mischief begun : but surely that is less to be wondred at ; seeing every thing doth naturally desire to be , and remain , and easily abstains from its own hurt , so it be made , or be tractable for the pacifying of its conceived grief , or fury . what if a flux of blood , an ulcer , wound , bone-breach , may be presently restrained , and safely healed , if the out-hunted venal blood , corrupt pus , or sanies , be over-covered with an absent remedy ? shall not the little stone season the oyl with its co-touching , that it may be able , being be-smeared or anointed , to cure a disease laying hid under it ? for truly no other thing is denoted by these words : the maker of sweet oyntments shall compose the paints or varnishes of sweetnesse ; neither shall his works be consummated or come to an end . for why shall the little stone touching at the tongue , less cure , than woolfes-bane doth cause the tongue to swell by its co-touching ? god hath made benefits in respect of diseases , at least , equal in authority , if not much more famous , and more : so far is it , that i should consecrate these kind of effects to the devil ; that i am the more powerfully moved in admiring of the divine goodness , to adore the most ready mercies of jesus christ my lord , whereby without the labour of physitians , apothecaries , and others , who like lice , are fatted only by others miseries ; to wit , whereby the miserably sick are the more safely and speedily holpen . indeed examples of these things , have of late been made manifest in external diseases , to wit , in wounds and ulcers , that we may repay the honour due to god , out of the midst of our ignorance of causes , and may cease to refer those things unto wicked juggles , and uncertain superstitions , and so unto the works of satan , which are the issuing pledges of divine love , manifested from god in the most afflicted seasons of the deep ignorance of medicine , for the comfort of the miserable and poor , who indeed would be called the father of the poor , because he ought so to be . i say this kinde of sympathetical remedy in wounds , hath first , and that now of late ( by the permission of god ) bewraied it self , to wit , that we may by degrees , be led by the hand , from external , and the more appearing diseases , unto the reliefes of internal , and the more abstruse diseases : but that diseases should almost by the least point of a medicine be put to flight : to wit , that butler could cure some ten thousands every year , by almost an infinite faculty or virtue , the text hath perswaded me ; that the works of that maker of sweet oyls , shall not be consummated or come to an end . and then i ought to believe that thing , as being an eye witness , that the touching of his little stone hath blessed first a spoonful of oyl , and afterwards a whole little bottle of oyl , with a medicinal virtue . indeed , i have tried and attempted many things , and that long , about the framing of that little stone . i have learned indeed , that in the family of vegetables , there is the herb chameleon , and likewise arsmart , which by their touching alone , do presently take away cruel diseases , or at least-wise do ease them : i have seen i say , the bone of the arm of a toad , presently to take away the toothach , at the first co-touching ; some things to take away the falling-sickness , and the like calamities : therefore i have believed , that in the herby family , a remedy doth also lay hid for every disease ; but surely that they do only obtain an efficacy of particular diseases , but do never ascend unto a universal and renowned government over every disease . wherefore i ran over unto the race of minerals , which is enriched with a long flux of time or ages . first of all , that the virtue of stones is great , i ought to believe , being admonished by the holy scriptures . and first of all , i knew that every colour , and power of gems or pretious stones , is begged from metallick ones : because although metallick faculties are enclosed in gems , by reason of the hardness of their christal , yet they are commended in the holy scriptures for great ones : therefore i consider , that in metallick bodies , the same faculties or virtues of gems , do more familiarly converse with us : for picus in some books unto his wife , doth narrowly search , why gold is of so great price , also according to the will and esteem of the lord : but he was not able to determine his question : for it is certain and not to be doubted , that the names of the planets are put upon the seven mettals , as whereon the celestial virtues , we may believe , are so clearly or famously conferred : but at least-wise , let them be the nourishing or milky juice of the whole terrestrial globe : and therefore also for the price of things , and the desires , and rewards of frequent handlings . but the father of the poor hath not disposed of sol and lune , of gold i say , and silver , for the uses of diseases in the poor , for whom notwithstanding , he hath been eminetly careful ; and therefore he hath so firmly shut up gold and silver , that they do for the most part , mock every endeavour of artificers ; so that when they are thought to be most opened , they have slackened nothing from their antient bolts . but quick-silver , although it seem to be a certain trembling thing , and so also in this respect , very passable ; yet there is nothing in the whole race of nature alike con-closed ; even as elsewhere , i have in a long tract demonstrated against our fugitive servants . therefore scarce the hundred thousandth of artificers ( not only of labouring servants ) doth obtain the arcanums which are to be prepared of sol , lune , and mercury . there are therefore four mettals besides , which do more easily obey the guidance , and desire of artificers : so that paracelsus doth not vainly boast , that with lead alone , he was able to vanquish , perhaps two hundred sorts of diseases : and nothing doth so alike victoriously act into the radical moisture , as the first being of copper , or is more bountifull unto long life , than the sulphur of vitriol : because it is that which doth therefore point out the sulphur of the phylosophers . finally , mars , although he be the cheapest in price , and despised for his numerous off-spring ; yet he is not reputed ( by paracelsus ) the last , from his fighting nature . truly , metallick bodies are e●●ally closed with the seal of a safe or harmless homogeniety , or sameliness of kinde , a cording to their mercuries ; but their sulphurs are never wroth with us , they afford mutual converses , if so be they are rendred familiar unto us . furthermore , i a long time , and carefully , so meditated about the stone of butler , that i thought of nothing else at the time of dreaming : for i did oftentimes see the young ones of chymistry taking preat gains , who should pour forth bright-shining trochies , like unto the little stone of butler : wherefore i long afterwards attempted the framing thereof ; and at length , although i affirmed something to my self , to be undoubtedly the same little stone which i had seen in butlers possession ; yet the business succeeded not according to my desire : and at length i knew , that my errours had proceeded from an accustomed and antient errour of the schooles : for how many soever have hitherto intended to heal by a removal of the occasional cause , these consequently and necessarily , have had need of a certain delay , and quantity of a remedy ; to wit , whereby they might attain a superiority : but they who shall hereafter intend to trample on a disease only by a restauration , and restitution of the successive alteration of the archeus , to wit , they contending to induce a placable ferment ; surely these men shall attain their scope , by despising the quantity of a remedy , and only by the touch of a fermental odour . i therefore being as yet seduced by an antient errour , ignorant of a diseasifying essence , did believe that every great disease was to be put to flight , not but by the great quantity of a remedy , and a long delay of healing : to wit , i meting out the greatness of a remedy , not indeed from a power of endowment ; but from the meer , and only abounding of its quantity . for i , after the manner of the schooles , deriving examples from artificial things , have also erred with the doctrine of the same : for i being seduced , thought , as two horses do draw more strongly than one alone , and a whole loaf nourisheth more powerfully than a crum thereof ; so likewise i thought , that for a restorative remedy of the archeus , the quantity of ounces , and drams was required , which might exceed the products of diseases in strength , and weight . indeed i had not yet laid aside the contracted blemish of an antient errour , whereby diseases are measured only by their occasional cause , and the weight thereof ; but not by the true efficient cause of diseases : for i being as yet sufficiently confirmed , did not yet call to mind , that every disease was framed and governed by the archeus of life , to wit , by the life it self : and much less did i as yet thorowly weigh , that the erring life would not be conquered , and subdued by the quantity of a remedy : wherefore i soon again considered of what i said before : to wit , that the tooth of a mad dog , of a viper , of a wood serpent or land snake , although their spittle were first cleansed or wiped off in a garment , yet that it would kill by its touching alone , without any of its quantity . i considered likewise , that a liquor was known unto me , wherewith , the hand being gently anointed , and it being dryed up , if the chin of a man should touch at that hand , the haires of the beard , eye-brows , and of the whole body , would a little after fall off : for if these kind of poysons do by a gentle touching extinguish the vegetative life ; yea and that of the haires , which do oftentimes grow after burial ; that also , porestative or powerful remedies , to wit , those which will restrain the errours of the life , only by their touch , would by an easie compendium or breviary , and without any perceivable quantity , besmeare , and pacific the archeus . indeed i was the more slowly able to apprehend that thing , being partly prevented by the aforesaid errours of the schools ; and partly because i saw , that if poysons did kill by one only grain , they did the more powerfully , and speedily effect that by one dram : for i did not yet thorowly consider , that all diseases did proceed from the archeus , erring , or enraged ; and so that a potestative remedy , hath a super-eminent , and no vulgar goodness , whereby it restoreth the errours of the wroth and angry archeus : and much less had i as yet thorowly weighed , that therefore a potestative medicine ought to be inwardly admitted , as it were without the knowledge of the archeus : otherwise , if he doth suspect his turbulency of indignation and alteration , to be set upon , or attempted by remedies , certainly he presently falls down into furies , he will not admit of helpful things , who being himself now apogaeal or remote from his center , doth through his own errour , prove exorbitant , and will rise up into a greater wrothfulness , and conceptions of stubbornness , the fabrick of his own diseasifying idea . wherefore i have most nearly approached unto the touchings of butler , with the top of the tongue alone , or unto remedies administred in the weight of half a grain : for i ( for want of a name ) have called the little stone of butler , and a potestative , and fermental remedy of that sort , after our mother tongue , drif ; which denoteth a virgin sand or earth ; and likewise in sensitive creatures , a chasing or expelling animosity or sturdiness ; no otherwise than as boyling sand doth shake off whatsoever forreign thing is inserted in it , therefore first ; i will shew the things required in drif , and afterwards the manner of its composition ; so far as is permitted to a phylosopher , i will declare , least i shall prostrate roses before swine . . drif therefore , first of all , even as i have said , requires , that it be a certain metallick body : because it is that which by its long delay , doth signifie constancy , but not a hastened corruption : and it hath compleated its circle of generation , through a long favour of the heaven : and it seemeth to be that which by a particular ordination , is directed by the almighty for the help of the miserable and poor . . drif is not of those unwonted arcanums not bestowed by god , but on a very few adeptists , they only being certain of his choice disciples : for truly , our drif seemeth to be only ordained for the comfort of the poor . . drif requireth , that it be indeed of a natural body , partaker of a metallick bounty , but that before , it be first made obedient and openea by death ; not indeed with an extinguishment of its virtues or faculties , or like a carcass dying of its own accord ; but the benefits of its natural endowments being retained , that it be unlocked by the artificer , being free from its bolts , and as it were raised up again ; yea that it be an enriched , and plainly a new being , and rising afresh from the fire . . and therefore it ought to have risen again , being as it were altogether volatile after death , and spiritual , or to be twice or thrice sublimed , with other things added unto it . . but because volatile things do soon perish , are dispersed , and dissolved , even before they are admitted within , do pierce , and draw their excellencies out of their bosome , or so are able to pacifie the archeus : therefore drif requires , that after its volatility being obtained , it be connexed unto a certain friendly body , whereby it may be detained , and in its bride-bed be communicable unto mans body , and grateful and familiar unto our archeus : and therefore , it ought to obtain that thing , as it were a middle place between a body that is easily and not easily difflable or to be blown away : and likewise it ought to be connexed unto its mean , while its heat being now almost at the highest , it shall be mild ; to wit , least the volatitle body , in the co-kniting , do in a great part of it , fly away . . and for this cause , it ought to be plainly fermental , not onely in its constancy of body , but in the extension of its virtues ; so that through the least participation of its odour it may be able to extend its virtues into the archeus , and to sleepifie and asswage the same . in which six particulars , as drif is described ; so in a like number its composition is discovered . first of all , in the book of the disease of the stone , in the dainty dish for young beginners , i have explained a manner of distilling , whereby the spirit of sea-salt is drawn or allured forth with potters earth being dried . for the salt of the sea is akin unto us , and desireable by us , neither is it adverse unto us in any of its tenour . therefore for drif , the residing salt of the sea , remaining in its dreg is required , to wit , it being extracted from its dreg or lee , which is called the caput mortuum or dead head. that salt , i say , being now spoiled of its spirits , doth desire strange ones , and doth lay them up within it self : yet it doth not altogether stubbornly fix them . . i have likewise taught , that the first being of venus or copper , cannot be sequestred but by the death and separation of its mercury from its sulphur : but moreover , that neither is that sulphur to be had but in the possession of adeptists , whose number as it is choice and most rare , so also it is altogether small . . i have taught moreover , that in vitriol , however its venus being now depraved , and the more often distilled , yet that the very actual venus doth as yet remain . . wherefore drif it self requires at least-wise a sequestration of the venus from the feces or dreg of the vitriol , which is not otherwise compleated than by subliming . . which sublimation is also of necessity made and perfected by a forreign fermental being ; yet altogether friendly to the archeus . . therefore the sea salt extracted out of its dreg , being poured forth , before its every way co-thickening ; let about a threefold quantity of the being of venus , being raised again by subliming , and accompanied with its strange or forreign ferment , be co-mixed with it : and presently let the roof be covered . but when they shall become wholly cold , beat them into a powder under marble , and adjoyn thereto , about a tenfold quantity of usnea or the moss of a dead man's skul , in respect of the ens or being of venus . which powder compact thou into trochies upon a stone , with mouth or fish-glew being dissolved : and thou hast a noble medicine . chap. lxxx . of material things injected or cast into the body . . what material things are cast in from without . . some histories . . the matter of the deed is admitted , yet it is disputed concerning the manner of injection . . the penury of judgement in a searcher out of magical things . . that it doth not exceed nature , that a solid body is derived without breaking , by a passage far more narrow than it self . . a history rehearsed by cornelius gemma . . some histories of the piercing of bodies . . the piercing of bodies in passing thorow to a place , is proved . the same thing in passing thorow out of a body . . there hath been a familiar piercing of the dimensions of humane nature . . the same property doth sometimes persist in the seeds of things . after what manner those things may naturally happen . . by a like example in dark bodies , which cease to be seen . . a reason by a conjecture . . there is an especial and free force concurring in enchanting , and therefore also natural unto man. . a man as he is the image of god , doth create some beings , which are something more than non-beings . . in an imagined being or a formed idea , there is a right of entity or beingnesse . . after what manner an idea may fall out from the imagination . . how the soul of man doth create images . . an objection is solved . . some paradoxes of the imagining soul , for the constituting of an idea . and then also there are things injected or cast into the body , which do suppose a visible matter . of which sort are darts or arrow-heads , sharp thornes , chaffs , haires , sawings , little stones , shels of eggs , and earthen pots , parings or shels , and husks , insects , naperies or pieces of linnen cloath , needles , instruments of artificers , the which are indeed unsensibly darted into the body , and do enter altogether after an invisible manner ; yet are they detained and cast forth with cruel torments : and it may be , are oftentimes greater than their hole whereby they are sent in . for of late there was part of a buffe or oxe hide injected thorow the pores of the skin , the skin remaining entire ; the which the chyrugion drew out with his tongues unto the bigness of the palme of ones hand : yet an aposteme was first ripened : but a witch being burnt at bruges , confessed that she had cast in that piece of hide into the good man. so in times past we have seen the children of orphans to have cast up by vomit the sharp stake of an harp , it being drawn out by the hands of the standers by : to wit , the four-footed bench or balk , being furnished with its wheele and strings . but in whatsoever scituation the sharp stake could be placed , it was easily ( by twofold ) bigger than the throat . i have seen at antwerp in the year , a little maid , who might vomit up perhaps two thousand of pins , together with hairs and filths , in a heap or lump . another virgin in the year . at mecheline , who we being present , did vomit up wooden sweepings shaved of with a plain by plaining , together with much sliminess , unto the quantity of two fists . it is a frequent thing , being seen in many places , and admitted of by learned men : yet the more deriding ones do stick at it , because they cannot understand , how things which are far more big , do go forth thorow a small passage . for some do excuse the matter , so that although they may seem to be rejected by vomit ; yet they will have them never to be admitted within : i say they esteem them the mockeries and bewitchings of the eyes , while they issue forth to appear anew , and do bring us tidings afar off . indeed they do admit of true things : for insects do live , mettals are melted , and woods do burn ; all things do by degrees voluntarily go forth , or are drawn forth with the hand : but others think , that in very deed such things are cast within and darted into the body ; but they know not the manner thereof . delrio with his followers do grant , that they are brought within the body , and that they are in very deed such as they appear to be , and therefore they refute the foregoing opinion . but as to the manner of enterance and utterance , they affirm , that those things are broken in pieces by the devil into a most fine powder , that they are restored within in the body , into their former integrity , figure and conditions : but while they issue forth , they affirm them to be again beaten into fine powder , and that in the instant time of their going forth , and on this side the strait or narrow port they are again reduced into their antient being ; to wit , that woods , needles , toads , living creatures , are broken into powder , and as often reduced unto their former habit , and to revive : for these men , do deny that they do agree with the other in the foregoing opinion ; while as notwithstanding they say the same thing with them , for their utterance , and enterance : to wit , that those things do not in very deed enter , or go forth , even as otherwise they seem unto the standers by , seeing they enter or go forth whole : but being first poudered . they suppose the same bewitching of the eyes , which do think things to be whole which are onely powders . for martin delrio doth frequently suppose that , indeed to infringe his own judgements : for concerning magical inquisitions , in his treatise of the making of gold , when as he had theevishly described arguments word for word out of geber , and bonus ferrariensis , he at length when as he declares his own judgement , doth forge contradictories . truly i believe that it is resistant with piety , if a power which exceedeth nature be attributed to the devil ; to wit , to make , destroy , and again to re-make , and so often to reduce the same thing from a privation unto a habit , whose dispositive seed had already come unto its end . but those that are ignorant of nature , do presume that they are the secretaries of nature by the reading of books : but whatsoever lies hid unto them , let it be either unpossible or false , or juggling and diabolical : as if satan were above nature , and could operate things impossible to nature . i grant him indeed a forreign manner in operating 〈◊〉 but surely he , as yet , ought to be restrained within nature . therefore i will shew , that there is not plainly a need of the help of satan , that a certain solid body be derived thorow a passage far less than it self , without the breaking of it in pieces : because that this also is certain , that indeed all such injections , are immediately made by man , but not by satan : for although the evil spirit hath a motive blas , yet it is contrary to piety , that he should be able to hurt the innocent at his pleasure . which thing surely should come to pass if he should in all places inject those kind of things according to his wicked will , into the little ones . i have seen , i say , these things to happen in the guiltless , in pious virgins , and in those who have been singularly dedicated unto god. corn. gemma concerning cosmocriticks or judicials of the world , hath mentioned , that he saw a piece of a brass gun , of three pound or fourty eight ounces , the which a maid a coopers daughter , had voided out thorow her fundament , with its characters or letters , together with an eele wrapped up in his own skins or coverings . but it is impossible for nature to melt a powdered mettal in us , and for it to be detained in the bowels , for so great an interval of moneths , in his antient figure : for an eele together with his coverings to be so often bruised in pieces , and to rise again from death : and for pieces of wood and hide , to be so often broken in pieces , and again to be restored into their antient state . for i have seen at bruxels in the year , that an oxe having taken three hearbs , vomited up a dargon with his tail like an eele , a hidy body , a serpentine head , he being no less than a partridge . the manner is unknown how nature could do that . the manner is alike unknown how satan could do that . they therefore gain nothing who refer the work of nature unto the devil . but whether they do sin others shall see : for it hath been at least-wise an invention of huge sloath , to have referred all things which we do not comprehend , unto the devil . truly i find a very near , or co-touching penetration of the dimensions of nature , although not an ordinary one . neither will i that the devil be invoked to satisfie us in our questions , through a rash attributing of powers unto him . there is a history of a polonian , a countrey fellow , being lately seen by the son of the lord ericius pouteanus : the rude man had attempted to open a squinancy in his own throat with a short knife , the which he at unawares swallowed down , and at length he with much corrupt pus , and after many anguishes , restored the same again out of the right side of the bottome of his belly , and survived in health . likewise at vilvord , in the year , a country-man , known to me , being willing to fat a cow , gave her every day a pot wherein he had boyled pot-herbs with bran : at length she becomes more and more lean daily , and began to halt with her right leg : the cow being slain , a short knife of his wifes being wreathen into a box haft , was found hidden between her ribs and shoulder-blade ; for the country-woman in cutting of rape roots , had left the knife among the pot-herbs , and the cow in drinking had swallowed it . in like manner ambrose pareus , relateth of a certain man , whom robbers had compelled to swallow a knife , the which he afterwards safely restored by an aposteme of his side . alexander benedict mentioneth another , whose back a dart had pierced , the hook or crook whereof , of the breadth of three fingers , he afterwards voided thorow his fundament without hurt . the same man tells of a venetian maid , who had swallowed a needle , and she two years after voided it our by urine , being incrusted in a stone . the same thing anth. benevine , that a woman of tuscany had swallowed a copper needle , the which three years after , she being in health , had voided nigh her navil . valesius de taranto tells of a venetian maid ( perhaps the same ) who cast forth a needle of three fingers length with her urine . a certain capuchin of eburo , called bullonius , his sir-name being hampreau , drank a great spider , which he had seen to have fallen down into the challico alive , at the time of the daily sacrifice , with much averseness of mind . within few dayes a phlegmone or enflamed tumor arose in his right thigh , and at the time of the first corrupt pus , he restored the spider whole from thence , yet dead . a merchant of antwerp , his young man playing at venice with an unripe ear of barley in his mouth , swallowed down the same with great fear of choaking : after three weeks from thence , an aposteme appeared in his left side above his girdle , and at length , the same ear of barley was drawn out whole with the corrupt pus , it being now of a clayie colour , but he escaped safe . according to fernelius , a studious man is read to be restored by him , who rendred an ear of corn thorow his ribs . writers also do rehearse , that the young being sometimes dead and consumed in the womb , hath dismissed its bones thorow the womb and abdomen by the navil , and sometimes by the fundament . many such like things are met withall among authors here and there , which are worthy of credit : whereby it is manifest , that solid bodies , big enough , have prerced the stomack , intestines , womb , the omentum or caule of the belly , abdomen , pleura or skin girding the ribs , bladder , membranes , i say , which are impatient of such a wound , that is , knives to have been transmitted thorow those membranes without a wound : which is equivolent with the piercing of dimensions , made in nature without the help of the devil . but that the body of a man may be drawn thorow a small hole , thorow which a cat only is able to pass , yet not thorow a wall : yea that the devil is not able to break a paper window without the consent of his master ; is to be seen by the process and arrest pronounced against a he witch by lodowick godfred , at aquisgrane of narbonie , on the last day of [ the second moneth called ] april , . at length , where have three pounds of brass of a piece of ordinance marked by its letters lurked in the body ? after what manner shall the dross grow so many moneths ? in what part is a piece of brass detained , which is bigger than the intestine ? for while i treated of a necessary vacuum in the aire , i promised that i would declare , that although a penetration of bodies be forbidden , by the primary law of nature , and after the common manner of artificers ; yet while a body doth wholly pass over , and is translated into the jurisdiction of a spirit , and is as it were weakened by it , that then bodies do naturally pierce each other , at least-wise in what part they are porie : because the spirit doth then shut up the body under it self , and so doth as it were take away dimensions . i will premise some things : a desire of eating muskles invaded a woman great with child ; but she are some of them rashly or over hastily , so that also she devoured the raw shells , being twice or thrice ground with her teeth : presently afterwards , within an hour , she brings forth an healthy young , and of a ripe growth ( together with those half-chewed shells ) and wounded in its abdomen : therefore , the shells presently pierced the stomack , womb and secundine , without an opening of those membranes , or new shells were generated upon the young : but neither can this latter thing be true ; for they were the true fragments of the shell-fishes , but not having strove for an imitation figuratively : and then , the appetite is not carried unto an unknown object ; therefore the appetite of eating the shell-fishes , was not of the young , but of the woman : therefore there was no necessity that new shell-fishes should be generated about the young ; for they were desired by the mother , that they might be made a nourishment for her self , and not for her young : otherwise , by the same argument of identity , whatsoever things are desired , are alwayes generated about the young ; by the which , seeing they could not be at all digested , they should either alwayes be made to reside about the young , or should in the same place putrifie ; the which is false in either manner ; for if that which is desired should putrifie , it should cause abortion , or being there conserved , should be regularly found , for the young is nourished only by the navil ; wherefore those external shell-fishes were neither desired by the young , nor were profitable unto the same ; and by consequence , neither were they made anew by nature for an end , but were dismissed unto the young , as the appetite was of the womb : the appetite is alwayes directed by the end ; but the woman great with child , desireth shell-fishes , not shells , neither also that the animal shell-fish , should remain in its former state , entire , wherein it is unprofitable to the mother , neither gives satisfaction unto her appetite : therefore , much less had it the occasion of generating new and unprofitable shells about the young : at length , however it may be taken , the appetite was not for shells , twice or thrice scrounched ; for if the shell-fishes had been cut out of the shells , she had eaten the fishes themselves , having left the shells : and therefore the concomitance , and co-breaking of the shells was accidental to her appetite : indeed i suspose , that as desire , affrightment , &c. do generate seminal idea's , which the hand of a woman great with child doth dismiss unto the young , and decyphers in a set place ; so the joy of that being found , which was desired , brings or derives that very thing unto the young : for so the sorrow of the knife being swallowed , the horrour of the spider being drunk , and of the eare of barley being devoured , doth repulse the same , thorow the membranes which are impotent of , or unable to endure a wound without death . these things , of things injected , which enter the body by an ordinary power of nature , without the suspition of a co-operation of the devil . some such like thing there is , in things that are from within , drawn out of the body , the which i will enclose in one only , or two examples . the wife of a taylor of mecheline , saw before her door , a souldier to loose his hand in a combate , she being presently smitten with horrour , brought forth a daughter with one hand , but dead , through an unfortunate and bloody arm , because the hand thereof was not found , and a flux of blood did kill the infant . the wife of marcus of vogelar , a merchant of antwerp , in the year , seeing a souldier begging , whose right arm , an iron bullet had taken away in the siege of ostend , and who as yet , carried that arm about with him bloody ; by and by after , she brought forth a daughter deprived of an arm , and that indeed her right one , the shoulder whereof being as yet bloody , ought to be made whole by the chyrurgion ; she married a merchant of amsterdam , whose name was hoocheamer , she also surviving in the year : but her right arm was no where to be found , nor its bones , neither appeared there any putrifying disease , for which the arm had withered away in a small hours space : yet while the souldier was not as yet beheld , the young had two arms : neither could the arm that was rent off , be annihilated : therefore the arm was taken away , the womb being shut : but who plucked it off , naturally , and which way it was taken away , surely , trivial reasons do not square in so great a wonder , or paradox . i am not he that will shew these things ; only these things i will say , that the arm was not taken away , as neither rent off by satan : and then , that it was a thing of less labour , for the arm being rent off , to be derived else where , than it was to have plucked off the arm from the whole body , without death . a merchants wife known to us , assoon as she heard , that were to beheaded in one morning ( it happened at antwerp , in the time of duke alban or d'●lue , ) and women great with child are led by inordinate appeties ) she determined to behold the beheadings : therefore she went up into the chamber of a widow , her familiar acquaintance , dwelling in the market place ; and the spectacl being seen , a travaile pain presently surprized her , and she brought forth a mature infant with a bloody neck , whose head no where appeared : at leastwise , i do not find , that mans nature doth abominate the piercing of dimensions , seeing it is most frequent to the seeds of things . thou shalt bring forth children in sorrow , is the punishment of sin : before sin therefore , she had naturally brought forth tall young , without pain , at least-wise of that bigness , with which we are now born : but not that a woman had been unsensible before sin , but because it had gone forth , the womb being shut . therefore it was a proper or familiar thing to humane nature from his creation , for dimensions to pierce each other ; because he was made , that he might live in the flesh , according to the spirit : but nature being corrupted , that authority of his spirit over his body perished ; and therefore woman doth thence-forward , bring forth after the manner of bruits : yea writers do make mention , that ulcers or imposthumes are made thorow the bones , that all things are carried upwards and downwards , without the guidance , or commerce of the vessels . indeed that primitive efficacy of piercing bodies , doth as yet consist in the seeds of things ; but is not subjected by humane force , art , or will , or judgment : for there are many bodies much more ponderous than the matter from whence they are composed : it must needs be i say , that more than fifteen parts of water do co-pitch into one , that one only part of gold may be thereby made : for weight is not made of nothing , but doth prove a matter weighing in an equal tenour : therefore water doth naturally , as often pierce its own body , as gold doth exceed water in weight : therefore a home-bred , and dayly progress of seeds , in generations , requireth a body to penetrate it self by a co-thickning ; the which is altogether impossible for an artificer to do . let us grant pores to be in the water ; yet these cannot contain fourteen times as much of its entire quantity . it is therefore , an ordinary thing in nature , that some parts of the water do pierce themselves into one only place . and the seeds do act this by virtue of a certain spirit , the archeus : for although the archeus himself , as well in the aforesaid seeds , as in us , be corporeal ; yet while he acts by an action of government , and sups up the matter into himself , he utters many effects not unlike unto enchantments ; because in speaking properly , the archeus doth not imitate enchantments , but enchantments do follow the rule prescribed by the archeus : to wit , as he doth operate far otherwise than bodies do on each other : as in affects of the womb , the sinewes are voluntarily extended , the tendons do burst forth out of their place , and do again leap back ; the bones likewise are displaced , by no visible mover ; the neck riseth swollen unto the height of the chin , the lungs are stopped up from air , unthought of poysons are engengred , and the venal blood masks it self with the unwonted countenances of filths . but as to what doth belong unto the penetrations of bodies , our archeus sups up bodies into himself , that they may be made as it were spirits . for example , aqua-fortis doth by its spirit make brass , iron , or silver , remaining in their own nature thick or dark , so transparent , that they cannot be seen , and doth transport a mettal thorow merchant paper ( the which otherwise doth not transmit the finest powder thorow it ) it as yet , essentially remaining in the shape of a mettal ; but not that the similitude of the piercing of dimensions , doth uniformly square with the example of a mettal proposed : because ( as i have said reasons do not suite with so great a paradox ; where i do willingly acknowledge the manner to be undemonstrable from a former cause : even as no man can know , after what sort an idea imprinted on seeds , may figure , direct , and dispose of its own constituted bodies : and therefore we will search after the same , from the effect . first of all , let it be supposed , that the devil hath no authority or command over us against our will , unless by the peculiar permission of god : for know ye not , that we are the temple of god ? and that the very kingdom of god dwelleth in us ? which thing , is to be re-furrowed from its original . first therefore , it is of faith , that we are the sanctuary of the holy spirit , that the holy sacred trinity doth make its mansion with the just ; that the delights of god are with the sons of men , unto whom he hath given power to become the sons of god ; but children being baptized , are innocent , just , of them is the kingdom of god , the fitted temple of god : yet children are killed by enchantments , sooner than others : therefore it must needs be , that that thing happens from some free faculty , that it concludeth with the excellency of a christian , ( especially of a righteous man ) that the devil hath no right or authority of entring , or introducing of his means ; seeing it is all one to him , to have hurt by a medium , or by himself . there is therefore a far other power of enchantment , besides the devil ; and therefore a natural and free one : over a righteous man he hath no command : but if the devil should have a free power of enchanting , it should also be alike free to him , of killing by a knife , or a hammer , and so none should be free : yea , if the devil could , he would not enter within the skin of a just man , by reason of the divine presence of the kingdom of heaven : indeed the devil doth behold god to be present in a just man , after another manner , than any where else , which is an everlasting cause of his hatred toward us : neither therefore doth he enter , although he could , but he goes about as a roaring lyon. therefore a witch , doth by a natural being , imaginatively form a free , natural , and hurtful idea , the which satan cannot form ; because the forming of idea's requires the image of god , and a free power ; and therefore witches do operate by a natural virtue , no less on the righteous and innocent , than on wicked men . yea , seeing enchantments do more easily infect children , than those that are of ripe years , women , than stout men ; a certain natural power , limited in the enchantment , is signified , against which an opposition is easily made , by a warlicke , and strong or stout mind . the devil therefore , offers filths or poysons to his clients , that he may fermentally co-knit their idea's formed in the imaginative faculty of these : yea he preserves that ideal poyson , that it be not blown away by the wind , or that being over-covered in the earth , it be not destroyed by a putrifying by continuance : but he locally derives that poyson , according to the object which is to be enchanted ; yet he is no way able to apply them , or to bring them into a man : therefore a man also doth afterwards dismisse another exsecutive , issuing , and commanding mean to enchant a man , which mean is the idea of a strong desire : for it is a thing unseperable from a desire , to be carried about desired objects : in all which the devil being only a spectator , is an assistant in its passage ; because in very deed , i have already demonstrated , that the operative means themselves do belong to man alone : for god alone is the creatour , most glorious , and to be praised for ever , who hath created the universe of nothing : but man , as he is the image of god , doth create some beings of reason , or non-beings , in their beginning of nothing , and that in the proper endowment of an imaginative virtue ; the which notwithstanding , are something more than meerly a privative or negative being . for first of all , while those kind of conceived idea's , do at length cloath themselves with a body , in the shew of an image framed by the imagination , they are now made beings , subsisting in the middle of that garment , wherein they do equally reside throughout its whole ; and in this respect do become seminal , and operative beings ; to wit , by whom their very own assumed subjects are straightway wholly directed : but this power is given only to man : otherwise , a seminal virtue for propagation , is given to the earth , bruit beasts , plants , &c. and likewise , a dog is able by madness , to transfer his spittle into a poyson , because it is proper or natural to his species : the which also is easie to be seen in diverse poysons of living creatures : but to form idea's abstracted from their species , and adjacent properties , that is granted to none but man. also by a more full looking into the matter , it is seen , that if in an idea formed by the imaginative faculty , there was not the authority of a certain entity or beingness president , which was not able to cloath it self , or assume a body , yea neither could it be associated by the imaginative faculty , to the body of the archeus : for truly that which is in it self meerly nothing , doth effect nothing , hath also negatively a right unto nothing : and therefore the conception should perish presently after the conceit , neither should it cause an idea : yea if it should be a meer nothing , it should presently also wander into nothing : but seeing the plantasie doth proceed from a conception , unto a formed idea or image , and from hence unto a seminal being , it follows , that the conceit is made [ this some thing ] in the imaginative faculty : that is , that the imaginative faculty doth create a certain seminal being , which is a beginning dispositive unto the formality of a being in power : even as out of a steel and flint , a spark doth arise , from whence there is a flame very greatly operative : so the imaginative faculty , doth co-rub it self on an object by a conception , from whence there is an idea : and therefore the act of imagination , is not so of nothing , that it hath not some foundation in it , approaching unto a principiating realty : for the imaginative power hath for this end , either images proper unto it self , conformed with the soul ; ( as many do believe ) or at least-wise , images sometimes present , being stirred up by the memory , and re-called again by remembring . but i consider of these things ; not that essaies or flourishes of idea's do fore-exist in us , before that which is imaginatively conceived , that they may be the conceived images of a proper name ; but that they are made by a co-touching of the imagining power in act , ( that is by the image of that which formeth ) and of the object imagined : and therefore the soul doth nakedly form an image out of its own bosom , the which , unless it do presently bind up in the archeus , it also perisheth , and for that very cause becomes barren : neither doth that hinder , that in fevers , or diseasie watchings , we do against our will experience the shadows of images : to wit , the which foolish shadows of images , do walk up and down without a connexion and discourse , before the imaginative faculty : but whatsoever imagined thing doth voluntarily walk up and down , yea and bring labours or troubles , we being averse thereunto , and unwilling thereof , that very thing must needs fore-exist , as it were shadows laid up before an imaginative force be reflexed upon them . but those kind of idea's , are sometimes confusedly imprinted , they running back out of the storehouse of the memory , but not that they had fore-existed before every act of imagining . and likewise , neither doth it prove ; that because the aforesaid shadows of idea's are confused , oftentimes ridiculous , and false , therefore neither ever before conceived by a sound imaginative power : for truly images or likenesses , being once naturally determined , and seriously constituted , a second , third , and further image is brought in upon it , and they do fold up , and pierce each other , whence there is a confusion : otherwise , the following image doth by course destroy the former , if it be opposite unto it , but if not , and if it agree with the former , it is comforted ; or if there be any crookedness between both of them , both are confusedly undetermined , and wander as being shadowie images ; which thing surely no way brings help unto the supposed fore-existance of idea's . it hath alwayes seemed to me , that idea's are stamped anew , by the act of the imaginative power , like a spark which is made anew by a co-rubbing of the steel and flint : neither doth this derogate any thing from the activity of idea's , no more than sparks unto a great flame . i answer therefore unto the first objection : that as fire is not present in the steel and flint , before a co-smiting of them : so neither doth any essay of beingness , or footstep of an image fore-exist , before a conception , and co-rubbing of the imaginative faculty on the object ; but every original entity of an idea , doth arise in the act of conceiving ; and a true idea is made , while the spark ( which elsewhere should presently perish ) doth fall upon the fewel , and the conceived image fals on the imagining fewel of the archeus , from whence the most powerful flames of diseases do follow . notwithstanding , because the treatise of idea's doth most nearly touch conceptions , i defer , and omit further to discourse of idea's . chap. lxxxi . the manner of enterance , of things darted into the body . . the one only means whereby the devil doth co-operate in darting things into the body , is the juggling deceit of the eyes , that they may enter invisibly . . a motive and determined or limited blas belongs to the devil . . how much man may contribute hereunto . . the primary or chief curing of things injected . . a natural cure. . the variety of gifts in simples . . the author proceeds by way of naming them . karichterus is commended . a fore-caution in herbs . . the manner whereby things cast into the body , being once expelled forth , do hasten their rejections . i will now proceed to supply the manner , whereby things darted or injected into the body , do enter or are admitted ; and also i will subjoin their remedies . first of all , things injected or cast into the body , do enter it invisible : and this one thing is meerly diabolical . for truly , the most miserably mocker , seeing he hath nothing real which is left him in liberty , hath only vain appearances ; because the father of a lie dissembles things themselves , and makes them falsly to appear , from the beginning of the world. in these kind of juggles , a man who is the devils bond-slave , co-operates nothing : but after what manner satan doth make things which are in themselves visible , not to be visible , whether he involves them in his own invisible spirit , and doth enclose the things themselves round about ; or in the next place , doth act by a bewitching of the eyes , or also at the very same time wherein any thing corporally pierceth another ( as hath been already at large shewn by examples ) it be perhaps for that cause invisible ( for whatsoever looseth the dimensions of a body , may also deceive the sight ) at least-wise i am not a curious searcher out of the works of satan , which do in propriety belong unto himself : and it is sufficient for me , that what things are believed to belong to him , i have shewn to be proper to man , and that i have discovered the every way , and most poor misery of satan . things therefore which are to be cast in , being made invisible , the devil transferreth unto an object , the idea of mans desire directing their passage : for because it is not any way granted to the devil to enter into a man , much less to hurt him , and least of all , that he should encompass him with an invisible burden : therefore he makes use of the free blas of a man which is bound over unto him . a man therefore doth imprint his own free motive blas , on a body which is made invisible ; but the devil derives it even unto to the man into whom it is cast : and as a knife is through the desire and consent of the person wounding , infixed into the flesh of him that is to be wounded ; so this body being made invisible by the devil , is cast into the body of him that is to be enchanted , by an idea of the motive blas of the witch ; satan conspiring hereunto , as for direction of the smiting man. the cure of things injected , is performed partly by remedies , famous from the rise of the primitive church ; the which do not operate but miraculously ; but why they do not regularly alwayes , every where , and amongst all , obtain their effect , i leave it to others : but i do not touch at the unsearchable judgments of god ; as neither the remedies which are out of the compass of nature . and partly also , a cure is had by some simples , whereinto the almighty goodness , hath put in a natural endowment , from the beginning of their creation , of resisting , preventing , and correcting of sorceries ; and likewise of expelling things injected ; such as the suffumigation or smoakiness of the liver , according to tobias , is read to be . and such as that of salomon , or eleazer , according to josephus , lib. . chap. . for some simples do drive away evil spirits ( a miserable rout of men it is which gives its service of adoration unto gods , who are not able to resist the natural , efficacy of simples . ) in the next place others take away the penetration of a formal light , being fast tied to excrements : some likewise do at least hinder their touching , enterance , or application . finally , many simples there are which do correct those kind of poysons , and kill them . first of all , the mineral electrum or amber of paracelsus , which is immature , being hung on the neck , freeth those whom an unclean spirit doth persecute ; the which i my self have seen . but i remember that the drink thereof hath delivered many from sorceries : but there is none , who ( that simple being hung on the body ) which shall not prevent , that things injected are not sent or admitted within , or that is presently not loosed from importunate bands . barth karichterus chief physitian to maximilian the second , the chief among physitians ( that i know of ) hath dedicated a small germane treatise ( as taking compassion on his neighbour ) unto his master : wherein , with a few herbs , he cureth any , and after what manner soever they are enchanted . he hath preferred his standard-defending simple daurant ( it is the phu of diascorides ) with purple flowers ( it is the last kind of valerian in the last edition of mathiolus ) before all ; i also greatly esteem vervaine with a purple flower , the more herby st. johns wort with a small flower , southernwood , adia●tum or venus hair , rue , &c. and likewise red coral , and the extracted tincture thereof , i have experienced to have brought much refreshment . we must use the herbs raw , cut , but not boiled : because their entire power consisteth in the integrity of their composed body . therefore the ideal faculty of the herbs perisheth by pownsing or contusion . but herbes are gathered , and roots are digged up in a station wherein there is the more of vigor , and therefore also presently after sun-rising . for things injected are driven forth , no otherwise than as a snake from the fire . but divines are wont to consume things injected , which are rejected in the fire , for a disgrace of the evil spirit . those things indeed do thus rightly perish , yet the relapsing returns thereof , are not thus hindred . therefore things injected which were expelled , are more rightly involved and kept in simples , in any whereof there is an expulsive force . with the like reason whereby sympathetical remedies do cure an absent wound , do these endowed simples drive away things injected , do detain , and restrain them that they are not injected , and do delude the vain endeavour of the magitian . the weaknesse therefore of an in-darting being is deservedly suspected , which cannot send in things that are to be cast into the body , because a certain hindering herb is present , and president . therefore the force which derives things injected inwards , is not that of the prince of this world , and of a most powerful spirit : but that of a certain ideal and more infirm being , which doth so easily hinder all enterance for the future . chap. lxxxii . of things conceived , or conceptions . the spleen is the seat of the first conceptions . . as well the idea's of the immagination , as archeal ones , do issue from the spleen their fountain . . therefore also they smell of an hypocondrial faculty or quality . . the plague alwaies begins about the stomack . . of soulified conceptions . . idea's from the womb. . madnesses . . a mad irreligion . . the reality of conceptions in respect of the matter and efficient cause . . presumption doth blind almost all mortal men. . an occult madnesse . . diseasie conceptions . . diseases of the womb. . womb phantasies . . an instruction of every monarchy . . a double government in a woman . . the womb is not ill at ease but from things conceived . . the female sex is miserable . . diseases of the womb differ from their products . . the cure of its last or utmost fury . . a twofold idea of things conceived . . the rise and progresse of a feverish dotage . . the progresse of idea's unto their maturities . . the entry of all good is in faith. . the flourishing of passions . moreover , a diseasie being is like unto things injected , the which i call that of things conceived ; for although this being doth not come to us from without , nor is nourished from elsewhere ; yea neither doth satan co-operate with it : yet because it doth not much differ in its root , manner of making , and a certain likeness d●●fects , from some injected things , i have not unadvisedly referred things conceived , among spiritual things received : unto the clearing up whereof , i have already premised many prologues . wherefore i have already elsewhere demonstrated the imaginative power of the first conceptions to be in the spleen , and that it is from thence extended unto the stomack the companion of the duumvirate , and that also it is hence easily , and originally ( in the other sex ) extended unto the womb. the spleen therefore is as well the fountain of idea's conceived in the imaginative faculty of a man , as of the archeus himself . the archeus hath his own and peculiar imaginations proper unto him ( for whether they are the phantasies of a true name , or onely metaphorical ones , it is all one to me in this place ) for the sake whereof , he continually feels antipathies , and self-loves , and from thence stirs up derived motions . surely the conceptions of the archeus , doe forthwith attain the most powerful determinations in the aforesaid places : because they smell of their native place , they are hypocondriacal qualities , they bear the monuments of the first , and undistinct motions . and although a soulified immagnation , which is there delayed without the strength of impression , or the inclination of any prejudiced thing , may be at length made as it were sleepy , undistinct , and almost confused ; wherefore indeed , times do seldome wax gray or old with carelesness : yet those which in the very shops of the first motions , receive the deliberation of some passion , do also allure unto them the spirits made old in the brain , do undergo the contagion of the place , and are made and forged by the judgement of a deprived idea , and do seminally bring forth affects co-agreeing with their causes : to wit those which are suspected of hypocondrial madness , confusion and disturbance : for therefore we do all of us suffer , every one his own anguishes of mind ; yet the already mentioned archeal imagination , as it neither desireth the consent of the soul , so neither doth it exspect it , and therefore it happens unsensibly , and without our knowledge . therefore indeed the plague , whether it be made from a terrour conceived in the soul , or next from a proper vice of the archeus , yet it alwayes holds its first consultations about the orifice of the stomack : for the idea's of the archeus are most powerful , also the most fierce ones of diseases ; because they being irrational , do happen unto us without our knowledge , and against our will , and therefore also incorrigible , and are for the most part out-laws , and do therefore invade us after an unthought of manner . i will now treat of soulified conceptions , because they are the more distinct , and sensible ones ; whosoever they be , which do as it were weaken , insatuate , and now and then enchant themselves with the perturbations of the first motions , and the conceived idea's of these , they afford a fit occasion unto the aforesaid causes : and although this kind of vice , doth sometimes invade even learned , and judicious men , produceth foolishnesses , and crabbishnesses ; yet it is more social unto a woman , by reason of the agreement and nearnesse of affinity of her womb. indeed the womb , although it be a meer membrane , yet it is another spleen : and therefore it doth as it were by a proper instinct of the seed , presently wrap it self in the external secundines of the young , as it were another spleen : as elsewhere in its place . not indeed that a woman , doth by this vice of nature forge execrable hypocondrial idea's for the destruction of others , after the manner of witches ; but they are hurtful onely to themselves , and do as it were inchant , and infatuate , and weaken themselves . for they stamp idea's on themselves , whereby they no otherwise than as witches driven about with a malignant spirit of despair , are oftentimes governed , or are snatched away unto those things which otherwise they would not , and do bewail unto us their own , and unvoluntary madness . for so ( as plutarch witnesseth ) a desire of death by hanging , took hold of all the young maids in the island of chios : neither could it be stayed but by shame or bashfulness , sore threatned unto them after death . seeing therefore the vice of things conceived doth also touch men ; let the reader be averse to wearisomness , if it shall behove me to stay the longer in these things , who as the first , do touch at this string in healing . therefore , if mortals shall dash themselves into a presumption of faith , if they depart from the word of god , and for the explications of their own consent in opinion , do as it were behold themselves in the glass of their own complacency , they now thereupon do stamp on themselves staggering idea's , and those of a careless religion , they , from one point , [ being at first doubtful ] do dispute ( as being uncertain ) of more , they proceed un●●●theism through a height of irreligion . but if they shall fall into superstitions , they 〈◊〉 idea's agreeable unto necromancy or divination by calling of spirits , from whence they prepare an apt soul for stygian or hellish vanities : whereunto ( as unto those who are become mad ) the enemy of mortal men doth now very easily associate himself ; especially if a stubborn superstition be defended , and that with a strong desire of hatred , or some other sin : for they stamp idea's on themselves , which are second unto a voluntary blindness . we must here again call to mind with the first , that all ideal images are seminal in respect of a real being brought forth by imagination : and then in respect of the spirits ( as they are vital , and married to a conceived seed ) whose matter they do assume , or table on , which they are deciphered , they are made the instrument fit for executing the ends of idea's : therefore by both these prerogatives , they pierce the archeus , and do estrange him unto the strange scopes of their own perturbations . if therefore faith , and a confident superstition do offend onely through credulity or a rash belief ; now they forge idea's whereby they think themselves enchanted , uncurable , and are made the servants of a desperate madness : for their strength being prostrated , they are made lean , and being mad , do wax pale . but if an undiscreet , and inordinate scrupulousness doth vex them , it self frameth a careful idea on them disturbed with the fear of hell , from whence their life is a horror unto them ; their conversation of all things is fearfull ; almost , as if it were diabolicall : for they generate a foolishness , the which they acknowledge , confess , bewail , because they are not able to free themselves from it : and at length , they , as impotent , do so fail or decline , that they snatch to them an idea as it were their soul : but if a scrupulousness do run back unto the mind for deliberation , before a totall victory , and nevertheless doth in the mean time , stamp new , and inordinate idea's ; it being unstable easily wanders into the opposite part , and , as if now abhorring its former scruple , doth assume a spiritual liberty , with a presuming on desert , and a despising of others . for which way soever it endeavours to rise higher , it is sunk so much the deeper : for presumption is nothing but a vain madness , hanging alwayes on others wills or judgements : yet is it as it were proper unto the most of mortals : for by reason of virtues , wit , learning , birth , riches , beauty , strength , boldness or courage , arts , much talking or voice , every one forgeth idea's applauding himself ; the which do make almost the whole world mad : of whom it is said , that the number of fools are infinite . but the most hurtful madness of presumptions is in political matters , and it is that of boldness , because it is that which doth oftentimes subject its own unto a tormenter . surely madness is seldom without presumption , if stupidity be not akin to it : for indeed the idea of faith , despair , scruple , irreligion , arrogancy , esteem ; &c. because they respect the powers which are more abstracted and intellectual , and do the more oppose infused grace , they do for the most part , so beget a hidden madness , that it is not but slowly discerned by spiritual , and those much exercised men . which be-madding idea's , those do follow in order , which belong to the more corporeal disturbances . for first of all , as an hard emulation of jealousie , is a hell , which throws a man headlong into very many miseries : also , in the next place , the idea's of lust and fornication , do besides madnesses , stir up also many sicknesses together . but all exorbitancies of disturbances , if they are sudden , strong , frequent , or of daily continuance , they imprint idea's and infirmities like unto themselves , therefore also durable for life . indeed there are some who are truly wise , but if they shall pitch upon a matter whose idea hath made them mad , they do presently bewray an occult madness : i say , a suddain terror and grief have oftentimes extinguished some with an un-fore-seen death . in others also they have at least-wise caused a sounding : they have stirred up in many women an issue of their menstrues durable for life . but if the force of an idea shall not tyrannize on the venal blood , and therefore shall not banish this as hateful , but shall keep it in its possession in the place about the short ribs ; it there seals the falling-sickness : but lingring grief , and that which is by intervals , being interrupted with a little comfort , doth stamp an idea , from whence hypocondrial melancholly in women : but the jaundice in men is bred , if the idea's be sealed in the blood : but if in the very bowel of the spleen , it attemps an asthma and choaking : but if grief be connexed with an idea of despair , it breeds the palsie , or convulsion , especially in virgins : but lingring grief when it is joyned with premeditated anger , or hatred , doth bring forth sobbing , trembling of the heart , or a stubborn suppression of the menstrues . yea , if those kind of passions shall be strong , they cause the falling-sickness , and abortion or a miscarrying , or do choak those women which go with child . if anger be suddain , and the which notwithstanding ought to be restrained or dissembled ; it stamps an idea from whence there are fallings down of the womb , wandrings unto its sides , with intollerable pain ; but in men there are asthma's , shortness of breath , and a fever , which at length passeth over into the jaundise , or dropsie . if a violent affrightment or fear doth rush upon one , epilepticall or falling-sickness idea's are forged , which do remain for life . but hatred and avarice do generate a leanness , or atrophia or consumption for lack of nourishment ; they stamp i say , idea's answerable to their own desires , and they decline so far to folly , that they little esteem of their own life , and fortunes of their neighbours , believing that nothing doth happen unto them , more pleasant in their life , than the shameful satiety of revenge : for those kind of idea's do make lean , and because they are bred by slow , and resolute perturbations , they increase day by day , and do for the most part continue for term of life . neither also doth the seed being corrupted , or the menstrues detained , stir up diseases of the womb ; but these are latter products , and defects coming upon the idea's of alterations . for the womb , as it hath a particular monarchy , so also particular diseases : because every exorbitant affect of the womb , is a certain madness , or befooling of the archeus in the womb. for even as there is a ferment of a be-madding fury in the spittle of a mad dog ; an idea , i say , which a little after doth make him that is bitten , mad : so in some simples , there is a sealifying faculty of madness , and sealed in some excrements being detained , or bred in the raging womb ; a madness of fury there is in them , which doth either propagate the madness conceived , on the off-springs , or perseveres with barrenness unto the finishing of their radical fury . surely it listeth me to contemplate of a power in the womb , like unto the imaginative one of the first motions ; as it were of a most powerful blas of the stars , turning and overturning all things upwards and downwards : for the womb hath had its own government hitherto , and hath kept it entire over the whole body ; yea alwayes hath cruelly exercised it , unto the sore troubling of the sex which is to be pitied . but for the instruction or orderly preparing of every monarchy , a certain governing faculty ( such as in malice , and affects of the womb , doth clearly appear to be monstrous ) is alwayes primarily required , and another angryable faculty which is unfolded under a womanish life , by the diverse animosities of affections : the disturbances of which faculties , and the overflowing exorbitances sprung from thence , certainly , do presuppose nothing less , than the fury of the womb : for what can be more madly done , than that the womb should strain the neck of a woman , and miserably destroy its own subject ? should contract the pores of the lungs ? should violently powr forth the whole blood ? for truly at the killing of its woman , the proper death of the womb doth of necessity follow : therefore this very thing is by consequence , to cause its own destruction , by a deliberated force . from whence the argument of a twofold monarchy in a woman , is at least-wise seen : to wit , from a duality of the womb with the body of the woman , the enemy of of unity , and fuel of discord : but although such a choaking doth for the most part , take its beginnings from the disturbances of the mind , and idea's stirred up from thence , and the which being deadly , doth obliterate the birth or original , comeliness , and life of the whole body , like unto hornets that are stirred up : yet the womb in a woman surviveth , so that , she that travaileth , being dead , the womb hath expelled its young , sometimes many hours after : therefore there is in the womb a certain animosity and fury , from idea's conceived , exercising the vicarship of the mind from a certain being , and it is in the womb by reason of its singular life : every disease therefore of the womb is potestative , being directed by the government of the womb , either on it self , or on the body of the woman : from whence entire idea's may be not unfitly discerned from corrupted ones . for seeing the womb governs it self , and lives in its own orbe , from a strange venal blood ; therefore it is scarce ill at ease , unless it be weakened by a being of things conceived ; yea it is alwayes after some sort mad , as oft as it is ill at ease : for whether the monthly issues shall stop , or immoderately flow , are discoloured , waterish , black , clotty , offend in the smallness of quantity , gonorrhea's or the whites do issue forth , or the womb it self being moved from its place , being eccentrical , doth hugely deface , or destroy , or in the next place , being unmoved , doth bring forth an alterative blas , or produce effects nigh akin unto an enchantment ; or lastly , doth stir up the being of an apoplexie , epilepsie , palsey , giddiness of the head , megrim , pain of the stomack , jaundise , dropsie , wounding , asthma , convulsion , heart-passion , &c. it is all one ; because its fury varieth not but by its tragedies , wherein it abuseth its power , and the womb sporteth by a monarchal liberty , over the whole entire body : for truly , without material vapours , it bears the keys , wherewith it open the veins , stirs up incredible fluxes of blood , and without any motion of it , it shuts the pores of the lungs according to its desire , yea and takes away the transpiration of the whole body at its own pleasure : for it is president or bears sway over the moon in the body , it despiseth age , nature , maturity , and untimely ripeness : and likewise it causeth abortions , and takes away fruitfulness , and in the mean time , compleats its voluptious fury by a lord-like tyranny : it perfects the sore shakings of the joynts , deprivings of speech , dis-joyntings of the knuckles , for the luxury of its fury : and although a woman be not mad under so great evils , yet the womb is mad in all the aforesaid exorbitances . she is miserable therefore , who layes under such a command ; she is subject i say , unto so many diseases as a man , and doth again obey the same from the being of her womb : for she also at this day paies a double punishment , as in eve she is guilty of a double offence : yet the womb is not a part of the man , as she is a man. it is indeed in man , and lives by his venal blood , no otherwise than as glew by a tree , and that sexual part commands the whole body , much more powerfully , than the stones do in a cock or a bull , who in their gelded ones do expresse notable varieties . for truly , not only every part doth hearken unto the womb ; but the violent commands of the mad womb do punish the body of the woman , together with her life . indeed the passions of the soul do only stir up the womb , as it were a sleeping dog , and the womb doth thereby assume a cruelty , and presently compels the innocent woman to repent of its madness : and moreover also , it oftentimes reflects its fury on the very powers of the mind , by which it had been long since provoked , that it may boast of its absolute command over all things . for the idea's of the passions of the soul , as oft as they are importunate on the womb , if they are introduced into the angryable faculty of the womb , and do pierce it , they as forreign and hateful ones , do straightway disturb it ; from whence the impatient womb doth stir up it self into diverse furies : which thing also even from thence , was not hid to plato , while he named the womb a furious living creature . in the next place , although from the fury of the womb , as well the proper cook-room thereof doth labour , as of other parts laid hold of by it , and from thence diverse excrements are stirred up , being made remarkable by the seminal idea's of furies ; yet those same excrements are only products : that is , although madnesses arisen from conceptions , do bring forth their foolish idea's , and do decypher them in the strange tables of excrements , by the inordinacy of a part of them ( even as the madness of dogs doth pass over into the spittle ) yet by a removal of the occasional product , although diseases may be allayed or eased , the fury of the womb is not cured : because that product being taken away , was a latter thing or effect , causing neither the former madness in the root ; so also neither reaching to it , but only aggravating it : for the curing of madness arising from things conceived in the womb , requires an extinguishment of the fury of the idea conceived , by appropriated secrets or arcanums ( for they cannot be overcome by opposite idea's , seeing the woman is now uncapable to form idea's that are wholesome for her self , so long as she is restrained by the fury of her womb ) and afterwards a rectifying of the organ , for otherwise the madness doth very easily return . hellebore indeed ( which is wont of old , to be singularly commended for madness ) doth lighten the weightiness of conceptions , in as much as it takes away some what from the aggravating product : but surely it cures it not , but in nature sitting ; and that helps it self , as a mad person , who hath become mad by a proper doting being , arising out of the proper idea's of his own excrement : notwithstanding , the foolishness which hath arisen from a sudden perturbation , although it may oft-times depart by such a remedy , nature by its goodness buisily supplying the rest ; to wit , the spleen , and brain being cherished or fomented , if they shall the more slowly proceed unto a recovery : but because the madnesses of conceptions do arise from mental idea's , hence they do so deeply pierce , that they do also radically defile the fructifying seed in its spirit , and the madness of the generater is traduced on the posterity . therefore an idea conceived in the imagination of the sensitive soul , is twofold . for there is a certain one which proceedeth from the diseasie seeds of things : for we see a calfe to grow mad , and a dog to die with madness ; likewise a wolfe that is mad every year , to be restored by incredible fasting : the which paracelsus ridiculously ascribeth unto the slow star of orion : i say it proceeds occasionally , the power of a forreign seed being introduced into us , until our archeus doth borrow from thence the idea's of fury , the which himself stirs up on himself , and himself cloaths himself withall . indeed there are idea's in some simples which do naturally infatuate ; not indeed that they naturally destroy the temperature of the brain : because it is that which doth clearly understand without a temperature ; and those temperaments are meer dreams ; but because they confer there own ideal character , and do occasionally imprint it on the spirit , the instrument of the imagination , and stir up idea's agreeable to their own idea's : for so the poyson of the tarantula , or dog , do propagate determined , and their own only and proper befoolments : and so those that are careless , having taken in some simples , do become mad according to their inbred idea's . the other madness therefore of conceptions , doth arise from things bred within : so in the first place , dotages in a fever , are not from things assumed ; but from excremental idea's degenerated within . and there is moreover , a twofold variety of idea's conceived within : one madness indeed , being sprung from mad idea's , through a wandering abuse of the imaginative power , doth seal it self in the archeus , and so from its resembling mark doth pierce deeper , and continually , or repeatingly extends it self on the life ; but the other madness is bred in feverish and hostile excrements , as in the same , some like thing doth occur , the which we have known naturally to inhabit in the aforesaid simples : and therefore these kind of madnesses , because they are entertained in a corporal , forreign , and hateful being , they do not so deeply pierce into the inbred archeus of the imaginative power . for at first , feverish filths do bring forth un-sleepinesses , afterwards dreams interrupted by wakings , and at length more continual ones , the labour and tiresomeness whereof , do produce their own idea's in the excrements , from whence doting dreams opposite to waking ones , are seen : for if dotish furies should be bred in fevers from simples , or excrements , mocking with a similitude of proportion ; certainly dotages should assault us in the first fit , neither should they expect a heap of dayes , unless the idea's of the tiresomeness , and labour of dreams , should manifestly engender a dotage . what if draming idea's do cut asunder the cords of judgment ? what shall not the idea's of apprehensions , affections , passions , and considerations beget or cause ? especially as oft as they being advanced to the height , do defile the archeus , by violently corrupting , or fermentally bespattering of him ? for the three former are scarce stirred up of their own accord , but are moved and provoked by some foregoing passion : for an abusive perswasion , and credulity , or esteem of falshood , do at first seduce a man into a despising presumption of others , or into an indignation of self-love , anger , hatred , or wrathfulness towards his neighbour : from whence indeed there is also an unbelieving religion , superstition , scrupulousness , impenitent arrogancy , and drunken desparation , together with carelesseness . for as faith is the gate unto humility , which is the truth of the intellect or understanding ; so a credulous esteem or judgment of falshood , is the entrance of presumption and arrogancy , and the first madness of the soul. for therefore among miracles , one that was foolish from things imagined , is scarce read to have been restored to health ; because such do ( for the most part ) become foolish from an impenitent pride , and refusing to return into the truth . but disturbances , as love , desire , sorrow , fear , terrour , are especially stirred up by extrinsecal occasions ; and therefore they do produce their effects , not only in the soul , but also in the body : for all passions do in their beginning , take away sleep , and then they do at first weaken the desired act of eating : and at length through a long , immoderate , strong , or sudden inordinacy , their idea's do infatuate the archeus : the strength whereof is not elsewhere to be measured , than from an exact piercing , and co-mixture of them with a great or small quantity of the archeus : for the soul apprehending , or discoursing by little and little , is accustomed to follow without strife , whereby it is oftentimes , and violently led aside willingly with plausibility , or unwillingly , by reason of a superiority of apprehensions : for the soul is made conscious of that journey , although a straying one , because an accustomed one : and deviations are manifest , ●●d hidden , or unknown , continual , or those renewed afresh . indeed the manifest ones do presently bewray their excentricalness of madness , it being conspicuous in all things , and about all things : but the more occult and hidden ones , do not appear but in some points , and conceptions ; to wit , whereby the soul hath been once shaken out of its place , and the judgment sorely shaken ; whose idea's have indeed been imprinted on the organ , by reason of a dayly continuance , or plausibility ; that is , by reason of strength and superiority : but in the other points , they seem rightly to perceive . but as to that which concerns the curing of conceptions , i profesly deliver the same hereafter , in a chapter by itself , and in a theme or argument plainly paradoxal . but now i directly behold or cast my eye on the affects of the womb : for from the effect , i am induced to believe , that in enchantments , the most powerful part of the whole tragedy , doth depend on the idea's of the bond-slaves of the devil , and so that they do originally proceed from conceptions , even as i have demonstrated in its place ; because those things which naturally do help those that are enchanted , do also cure the passions of the womb , and on the other hand : but that the womb which else is quiet , is stirred up into animosity or wrathfulness , by anger , and grief , is so without controversie , that it is known to poor women , and old women themselves : neither doth any thing hurt the virtues implanted in the womb , which is plainly a non-being ( as a cogitation is ) unless it be made most nearly to approach into the form of a being , at the original of all motions in us . but i have endeavoured by a long tract of words , to convince of this progress in idea's : wherefore also i am constrained to ascribe the like nativity in enchantments : for indeed , although odoriferus and grateful spices do weaken many women ; yet any ill smelling and stinking things , ought not therefore to cure them : for example ; for assa , or the smell of fuming sulphur , do not refresh distempers of the womb , as they do stink ; for neither do they alwayes equally refresh all women alike , or simply ; but because they restrain , or slay the idea's that are imprinted without the womb : so although sweet things do weaken them ; therefore bitter things , as such do cure them : for i have taught , first of all , that contraries do not exist in nature . wherefore an argument from the contrary sense , although it may be of value in the law ; yet not in nature : because the contentions and brawlings of the law are not found in nature : neither is it to be thought in the mean time , that the remedies of the womb do consist in that which is temperate , as it were the middle of extreams , the refuge of qualities mutually broken , being taken away from extreams , but altogether in a free arcanum : so indeed ; that although no simple be an unpartaker of the first qualities ; yet things appropriated do least of all cure the affects of the womb in respect of those qualities : but such a kind of arcanum is the fire , or sweetness of the sulphur of the vitriol of venus or copper ; and likewise the volatile tincture of coral , the essence of amber , the agath-stone or jet , the nettle with a white-hooded flower that doth not sting , the black gooseberry , ballote or the kind of horehound so called , rue , southern-wood , sage , nep , the berries of elder , of wallwort or dwarfe-elder , assa-fetida , the wart or hillock of a horses ham : golden shining coral therefore is a stony herb , or an herbie stone born for the destruction of sorceries : for even as sorceries are made by an idea irregularly transplanted in filths ; to wit , the which idea was already before seminal in its own spirit ; yet while it it inserted in filths , it wanders into a poyson : so indeed the seminal virtue in coral is inserted into a stonifying matter : if therefore there be he , who can seperate the vegetable part from the stone of coral , now an endowment of nature it attained , or the idea of that simple , which doth vindicate and transplant the idea's transplanted into a poyson : for i have observed how unvoluntarily the devil could endure this stone : because i knew a noble-man enchanted , on whom , although bracelets of beads of coral were strongly bound , yet they would presently burst asunder from thence : the like whereof doth occur in that ; because women being ill at ease , bright golden coral doth presently wax pale , as it were taking compassion on them ; the which notwithstanding , doth resume it● former brightness of redness , with the health of the womans womb. but not any kind of simples do equally cure the enchanted , as neither all affects of the womb alike ; for all particular simples have their own endowments , their idea's , and do take away hurtful idea's their compeers . to wit , southern-wood , sage , and rue , do drive away the idea's of fear : mugwort , the nettle , ballote , and black gooseberry do prevail in cases contracted from grief : but assa , castoreum , the elder berries , the essence of the agath or jet , in cases caused from anger . but nep , valerian , and venus or maiden-hair , in cases resulting f●●m the idea of hatred : even as saint johns wort and the third phu , in idea's that are ●●l of fury : so an hare dried , the stones of some beasts being dryed in the smoak , the rod of a stage , agnus castus or the willow vitex , and amber , in idea's bred through the suggestion of lust : but the mineral electrum , coral prepared , and the greater arcanums , do after some sort ascend unto a universality : whereunto the secundines of a first-born male , the gaule of a snake , &c. do most nearly approach . truly the greater secrets perpared by art , or things appropriated by natural endowments , do scarce leave any one destitute . furthermore , how much the method proposed doth deviate from the schooles , let themselves judge : for they do acknowledge the disease of the womb , after a rustical manner : to wit , they have only known the inordinacies of the menstrues , and the gonorrhea's or whites ; because they refer the inordinate lusting of the woman with child , and stranglings of the womb among sumptomes : for they weigh the retaining of the menstrues by a stoppage , and are vainly intent to cure it by opening things : for they have been so accustomed not to heale , or make sound their patients , that the name of sanation , hath departed into oblivion , and curation hath obtained its place : for so they will have immoderate courses to be cured by an inordinate opening of the veins , it being an undistinct observance with the common sort . in the next place , it is a thing full of mockery ; that they do endeavour only by phlebotomy , to help as well the retained , as the immoderate flowing menstrues . in those being retained , they do only cut a vein of the ancle ; but 〈◊〉 their inordinate fluxes , the liver vein in the arm : in both cases i say , they do draw out venal blood in equal quantity ; because they have sometimes found , that nature being as well full of danger and fear , as empty of blood and strength , hath now and then desisted for a space , from the begun fury of a flux : perhaps it shall be alike , if they shall make an horse that is too wanton , to halt through hurting of a tendon . but the menstrues failing , the schooles have now forgotten obstructions , and as if the suppressing thereof did involue a necessary plethora or abounding of humours , they command a vein to be cut ; the which is to have fought against the effect , but not against the obstructing or stopping cause . they know not , i say , that the menstrues being detained , do offend through a fury of the ruling power or faculty : they sometimes give solutives repeatedly to drink , and those things which are feigned to be hot in the third degree : in the mean time , as being unmindful of these , they hand forth steel divers wayes vexed , to drink . i wish the world had known with what vain succours they do disturbe women , how earnestly they labour in unstoppings , throughout the whole christian world , and how much the schooles are busied , that they may derive the errours of their ignorance on the omissions of others : for they enjoyn a strict obedience of diet , the which command , if they shall not obey in all things , even but once to a very smell , they cry out that they have laboured , and endeavoured in vain . in the mean time the strang , or inordinate lustings of a woman with child , although they have discerned that they are in vain attempted by their purgations ; yet while they are destitute of better remedies , they do never theless , every where administer purgations in curings of the womb. the stranglings thereof also , the cruel spectacles of death , they endeavour to withstand by stinking things applyed to the nostrills , others do present theriaca or triacle to the smell ; but most do violently thrust the conserve of rue with castoreum , in at the mouth : being ignorant at least-wise , how much the sweetness of sugar doth stir up the sleepified fury of the womb. lastly in so great an agony , a conjectural healing is hoped for , by stinking and sweet-smelling things , being applyed unto diverse places . ah cruel wickedness , that would pacifie the furious or mad raging womb , by a phantastical or imaginatory revulsion : vai● are the counsels , and helps of physitians , which are administred without a knowing of the immediate causes : for they know not how to apply a finger in the easing of the malady , and they leave the whole burden on the womens shoulders , until they being strangled , do voluntarily give of or die , or by a strong fortune do return unto themselves , the circle of fury being measured or passed over . frequent visiters the while , do exhaust their purses and strength . most kind jesus , who when living on the earth , barest so great a care of widows and virgins , and now alone administring the monarch-ship of heaven and earth , have pity on physitians , that hereafter they may take a meet care of the more harmeless , and miserable sex , and may search after due remedies : bend their minds , that they may not refuse to learn , and that under a blessed unisone of harmony , we may all alike meditate the one thing altogether necessary , which is to fulfil thy most lovely will , by worshipping thee with an annihilating of our own will into the supercelestial ocean of thy sanctifying will. amen , ah ! i wish amen . chap. lxxxiii . the magnetick or attractive power or faculty . as concerning an action locally at a distance , wines do suggest a demonstration unto us : for every kind of wine , although it be bred out of co-bordering provinces , and likewise more timely blossoming elsewhere : yet it is troubled while our country vine flowreth , neither doth such a disturbance cease , as long as the flower shall not fall off from our vine ; which thing surely happens , either from a common motive cause of the vine and wine ; or from a particular disposition of the vine , the which indeed troubles the wine , and doth shake it up and down with a confused tempest : or likewise because the wine it self , doth thus trouble it self of its own free accord , by reason of the flowers of the vine : of both the which latter , if there be a fore-touched conformity , consent , cogrieving , or congratulation : at least-wise that cannot but be done by an action at a distance : to wit , if the wine be troubled in a cellar under ground , whereunto no vine perhaps is near for some miles , neither is there any discourse of the air under the earth , with the flower of the absent vine : but if they will accuse a common cause for such an effect , they must either run back to the stars , which cannot be controuled by our pleasures , and liberties of boldness ; or i say , we return to a confession of an action at a distance : to wit , that some one and the same , and as yet unknown spirit the mover , doth govern the absent wine , and the vine which is at a far distance , and makes them to talk , and suffer together . but as to what concerns the power of the stars ; i am unwilling , as neither dare i according to my own liberty , to extend the forces , powers , or bounds of the stars , beyond or besides the authority of the sacred text , which saith , it being pronounced from a divine testimony ; that the stars shall be unto us for signs , seasons , dayes , and years : by which rule , a power is never attributed to the stars , that wine bred in a forreign soile , and brought unto us from far , doth disturb , move , or render it self confused : for the vine had at some time received a power of increasing and multiplying it self , before the stars were born : and vegetables were before the stars , and the imagined influx of these : wherefore also , they cannot be things conjoyned in essence , one whereof could consist without the other . yea the vine in some places , flowreth more timely ; and in rainy or the more cold years , our vine flowreth more slowly , whose flower and stages of flourishing , the wine doth notwithstanding imitate ; and so neither doth it respect the stars , that it should disturb it self at their beck . in the next place , neither doth the wine hearken unto the flourishing or blossoming of any kind of capers , but of the vine alone : and therefore we must not flee unto an universal cause , the general or universal ruling air of worldly successive change ; to wit , we may rather run back unto impossibilities and absurdities , than unto the most near commerces of resemblance and unity , although hitherto unpassable by the schooles . moreover , that thing doth as yet far more manifestly appear in ales or beers : when in times past , our ancestours had seen that of barley , after whatsoever manner it was boyled , nothing but an empty ptisana or barley-broath , or also a pulpe was cooked ; they meditated , that the barley first ought to bud ( which then they call malt ) and next they nakedly boyled their ales , imitating wines : wherein first of all , some remarkable things do meet in one . to wit , there is stirred up in barley a vegetable bud , the which when the barley is dryed , doth afterwards die , and looseth the hope of growing , and so much the more by its changing into meal , and afterwards by an after boyling , it despaires of a growing virtue ; yet these things nothing hindring , it retains the winey and intoxicating spirit of aquavitae , the which notwithstanding it doth not yet actually possess : but at length in number of dayes , it attaineth it by virtue of a ferment : to wit , in the one only bosome of one grain , one only spirit is made famous with diverse powers , and one power is gelded , another being left : which thing indeed , doth as yet more wonderfully shine forth ; when as the ale or beer of malt , disturbs it self while the barley flowreth , no otherwise than as wine is elsewhere wont to do : and so a power at a far absent distance , is from hence plain to be seen : for truly there are cities , from whom pleasant meadows do expel the growing of barley for many miles ; and by so much the more powerfully , do ales prove their agreement with the absent flowring barley ; in as much as the gelding of their power , hath withdrawn the hopes of budding and increasing : and at length the aqua vitae , being detained and shut up within the ale , hogs-head , and prison of the cellar , cannot with the safety of the ale or beere wandering for some leagues , unto the flowring eare of barley , that thereby as a stormy returner , it may trouble the remaining ale with much confusion . certainly there is a far more quiet passage , for a magnetical or attractive agreement , among some agents at a far distance from each other , than there is to dream an aqua vitae wandring out of the ale of a cellar , unto the flowring barley , and from thence to return unto the former receptacles of its pen-case , and ale : but the sign imprinted by the appetite of a woman great with child , on her young , doth fitly , and alike clearly confirm a magnetisme , or attractive faculty its operation at a distance : to wit , let there be a woman great with child , which desires another cherry , let her scratch her forehead with her finger ; without doubt , the young is signed in its forehead with the image of the cherry , which afterwards doth every year wax green , white , yellow , and at length looks red , according to the tenour of the trees : and moreover , it much more wonderfully expresseth the same successive alterations of maturities : because the same young in spain ( where the cherry-tree flowreth about the end of [ the th . month called ] february ) hath imitated the aforesaid tragedies of the cherry , far sooner , than amongst us : and so hereby , an action at a distance is not only confirmed ; but also a conformity or agreement of the essences of the cherry-tree , in its wooden and fleshy trunk ; a consanguinity , or near affinity of a being , unfolded on the part by an instantous imagination , and by a successive course of the years of its kernel : surely the more learned ought not to reject those things unto the evil spirit , which through their own weakness they are ignorant of : for surely those things do on all sides occur in nature , the which through our slenderness we are not able to unfold : for to refer whatsoever gifts of god in nature our slenderness doth not conceive of , unto the devil , wants not an insolent rashness : especially when as all demonstration of causes , from a former thing or cause , is banished from us , and especially from aristotle , who was ignorant of whole nature , and deprived of the good gift which descendeth from the father of lights , unto whom be all honour , and sanctification . chap. lxxxiiii . of sympathetical medium's or means . i deferred above , to close up the treatise concerning things injected , until it should be sufficiently and over-manifested concerning things conceived : for i have conjoyned things injected , unto things conceived , because they stood connexed in the root of the imaginative faculty : but i have shewn how much both of them may hurt and weaken us : one indeed as it were a forreign being drawn from some other place , and derived from far into the body , heaping up a various calamity ; but the other bred at home in our possession : there was only remaining to be searched , whether those brans had nothing of fine wheat adhering unto them ? whether nothing could be fetched from the same beginnings , which might be as a recompence for so great maladies ? i have therefore discerned first of all , that sympathetical medium's are co-bound together with them . in the year , a little book came forth , whose title was the sympathetical powder of ericius mohyns of eburo , whereby wounds are cured without application of the medicine unto the part affected , and without superstition ; it being sifted by the sieve of the reasons of galen and aristotle ; wherein it is aristotelically , sufficiently proved , whatsoever the title promiseth : but it hath neglected the ditective faculty or virtue , which may bring the virtues of the sympathetical powder received in the bloody towel , unto the distant wound : truly from a wound , the venal blood , or corrupt pus , or sanies from an ulcer being received in the towel , do receive indeed a balsam from a sanative or healing being : i say from the power of the vitriol , a medicinal power connexed and limited in the aforesaid mean : but the virtues of the balsome received , are directed unto the wounded object , not indeed by an influential virtue of the stars , and much less do they fly forth of their own accord , unto the object at a distance : therefore the idea's of him that applyeth the sympathetical remedy , are con-nexed in the mean , and are made the directresses of the balsam unto the object of his desire : even as we have above also minded in injections , concerning idea's of the desire . mohyns supposeth that the power of sympathy doth issue from the stars , because it is an imitator of influences : but i do draw it out of a far more near subject : to wit , out of directing idea's , begotten by ther mother charity , or a desire of good will : for from hence doth that sympathetical powder operate more succesfully , being applyed by the hand of one , than of another : therefore i have alwayes observed the best process , where the remedy is instituted with an amorous desire , and care of charity : but that it doth succeed with small success , if the operater be a carless , or drunken person : and therefore i have thenceforth , made more esteem of the stars of the mind , in sympathetical remedies , than of the stars of heaven . but that images being conceived , are brought unto an object at a distance ; a woman great with child doth manifestly prove ; because she is she ; who presently transferres all the idea's of her conceptions on her young , which dependeth no otherwise on the mother , than from a communion of vniversal nourishment . truly seeing such a direction of desire is plainly natural , it 's no wonder that the evil spirit doth require the idea's of the desire of his imps , to be con-nexed unto a mean offered by him . indeed the idea's of desire , are after the manner of the influences of heaven , cast into a proper object , how locally remote soever ; to wit , they are directed by the desire , specificating , or specially pointing out an object for it self ; even as the sight of the basilike , or nod of the cramp-fish , is reflected on their willed object : for i have already shewn in diverse foregoing places , that the devil doth not attribute so much as any thing in the directions of things injected ; but that he hath need of a free directing and operating power or faculty . but not that i will disgrace sympathetical remedies , because the devil operates something about things injected into the body : for what have sympathetical remedies in common , although the devil doth co-operate in injections by wicked natural means required from his bond-slaves : for every thing shall be judged guilty , or good , from its ends and intents : and it is sufficient that sympathetical remedies do agree with things injected in natural means or medium's . chap. lxxxv . of things inspired or breathed into the body . an undistinct novelty of things , hath long detained me in mental receptions : now at length i prosecute the third kind of things received . i call them things inspired ; for they enter into us from without , and for the most part , together with the air : to wit out of dens or caves , fens , mines , mountains , windes , provincial places , serpents , or creeping things , filths , dead carcasses , or growing things . for they are the exhalations of things , which do treacherously , and unsensibly filch away our life : for illyricum and dalmatia , being in times past , populous provinces , and likewise alexandria sometimes most famous ; although they have the ground of a fertile soile , are now almost forsaken , by reason of a cruel poyson , which presently tends unto the conclusion of life . so an alchymist daily draws a wild and pernicious gas out of coales , stygian waters , and fusions of minerals ; and the which being once attracted inwards , doth disturb the archeus , according to the disposition proper unto every poyson . so the air being infected with the importunate or unseasonable ferments of a place , produceth a gas , which affords accustomed sicknesses unto places : the which others have rashly referred unto the tartars of places . for truly any kind of smoakinesses do , through delay , defile the walls of their vessels : to wit , from whence under the sixth digestion , diverse excrements are forged , most apt for the putrifying of the last nourishments , and corrupting of the vessels : because if the smoakinesses of salts are encompassed with an hurtful mixture , they being presently melted within , do pierce and gnaw the tenderness of the pipes ; yet they are more mild , than those which are there collected by a dry smoake or fume : for if they shall besiege the tender branches of the rough artery , they stop them up , cut off the hope of dissolving ; whereto , if the excrements of the place do grow , so as that they shut up the air behind , they are made continual guests , and do stuff the part , that they are also corrupted , and become an imposthume full of matter . but those things which enter together with vapours , the watery parts being consumed , they are cruelly joyned unto the similar parts : for so many endemical things have made provinces unhabitable . and moreover , the sea , however it be salt , yet it is not free from so great evils . the which , shoares , by the scurvy and a various slaughter of fevers do testifie ; and the equinoctial line most manifestly of all . in the next place , the ministers or servants of the sick , do inspire or breath in cruel things , being now fermented by a mark of resemblance . so they which guild , do melt lead , copper , fire-stones , &c. the diggers , and likewise the seperaters , and boylers of minerals : for although they do not presently take away life , at least-wise they shorten it , and subject it to divers disasters . so they which labour in sublimed cinnabar , arsenick , orpiment , and in stibium ; and they who prepare minium , ceruse , verdigrease , the azure of zaffar or saffron , and which do serve painters . for things from under the earth are far more constant , than to hearken unto our heat , than to be tamed or expelled thereby ; and much less that they should depart into nourishment : for therefore the products of these are wont to remain for life , unless through the ascending brightness of a more bountiful sulphur , those very enemies are converted into friends , or do seasonably depart . for the diseases of minerals have been touched by none but paracelsus ; but have been neglected by the schooles , who have alwayes dreamed of new illiad's or commendatory fictions upon the commentaries of their ancestors , and therefore have been very like to the levites passing by in jericho : because they have scarce lifted up their head above heats and colds . for truly i have sometimes proved , that the stomack drawes the odours of things in the cup of things given to be drunk : indeed the places about the short-ribs do tremble , at the offered cups , with however a grateful smell they are masked . therefore also the air bringing the odours unto the stomack , it passeth through the midriff . for from hence every endemical thing is born immediately to affect the hollow bought of the stomack , and there to imprint odours , smoakinesses and ferments : so as that they being married unto the nourishable liquor , they confound the services of digestion , and bring forth divers excrements . for so the plague , with endemicks breathed into the body , do for the most part originally rage about the stomack : for the passage of the wind-pipe , seeing it stood subjected unto the inclemencies of the air , is to be believed to have received its armories from the goodness of god , no less than the bladder of the gaul-chest have been fenced against the urine , and its gaul . but the membrane of the stomack being of a great heap , is for the most part busied about its own digestions , is interrupted with endemicks , is disturbed by an endemical being . therefore the cough , asthma's , imposthumes full of matter , heart-beatings , and very many anguishes do occasionally depend on endemicks being imprinted upon the hollow bought of the stomack . there is the same reason of malignant fevers , of camp , and other diseases , which do popularly molest . fernelius being not contented with the doctrine of galen , seeking the seat of all fevers beneath the pylorus , hath not rid himself of feigned humours ; nor hath ever dreamed any thing of the hollow bought of the stomack , and that a light endemick being breathed in , should be sufficient for transplanting of the nourishment of the sixth digestion . tell me , what the air , the tempest of times or seasons can concern the equal temperature of humours ? for shall the hot air of a scorching day , bring forth choler , or an excrement , which a more temperate day had transchanged into the venal blood of life ? shall thus therefore the primary shop of humours , be by every prerogative of right , constituted in the lungs ? i have learned , that the digestions are substantial generations of the transchanging archeus , not of internal heat , and least of all of the external air : and that the digestions are troubled by the drinking in of an hurtful , or at least a troublesome endemick : also that the errors of digestions do scarce want a diseasifying product ; because it is proper to a digestion to produce something in digesting . i deny not indeed that intense cold , or heat do hurt the tender lungs , or brain , seeing they do also scorch the skin : but doth such a kind of dammage consist onely in a degree more superiour than humane nature ? and there is a certain largenesse in every degree , which consisteth beneath an hurt . i now have respect unto things inspired . but mineral inspirations do expect no hope of remedy from vegetables . i grant indeed that perfumes do hinder a speedy adhering of smoaks in our pipes : but they having gotten possession within , they will not refuse it by vegetables : for they will scarce receive a healing medicine , unless by secrets of the same monarchy . wherefore i have not found any help from the manna of a nettle , and likewise from semper-vive boyled in the beestings or first-stroakings of milk , &c. the which , i with the leave of paracelsus , do thus maintain ; and they who shall be willing to make tryal , i trust will subscribe with me . chap. lxxxvi . things suscepted or undergone . the fourth kind of things received , i call things suscepted ; such as are wounds made by a point , or a cut , or stroak , by darting , beating , casting , renting , biting , bruising , congealing , scorching or burning , or straining ; likewise , breaking of a bone , displacing , binding , close pressing together , and in brief , whatsoever things are immediately subjected unto the chyrurgion . for truly ulcers which are bred not by a wound rashly cured , seeing they are nourished by an internal principle , they singularly have respect unto a physitian . and by so much the more evidently , because any kind of ulcers , and how malignant soever , are perfectly cured by arcanums taken in at the mouth : therefore arcanums being obtained , the chyrurgion ( being in penury ) will at sometime be idle , who is to be occupied in manual labour only , about things suscepted or undergone . but because the fulness of dayes hath not yet brought arcanums into use , hence there is a liberty for chyrurgions to invade the physitian . in the mean time i stay not in the difference between diseases of the similar and organical members , which is so greatly enlarged in the schooles : because i measure a disease by its archeal and immediate causes , but not by the hurtings of the functions : especially because all parts how organical soever , do not depart from their homogeniety or sameliness of kind : for neither do i judge it to be of concernment , whether many offices do concurre in one part , or whether there be a particular defect of particular offices : because the eye being thrust out , a disease doth not succeed , but a death of the power of seeing : and therefore , an incarnating being introduced over it , causeth an healing of the wound , but doth not restore the death . neither likewise do i clash with my self , although i have elsewhere said , that all diseases do arise and are nourished from seminal beginnings . but i will teach in this place that wounds undergone by a sword , do operate , in entering after the manner of artificial things ; because the diseases of things suscepted are not so long as they are in their being made , but after their being undergone : for things suscepted have that thing peculiar unto them , that by themselves they rather introduce death than a disease : for it is by accident that a wound doth cut asunder the fleshy part , or the heart it self , or an artery : and therefore a wound in its beginning , doth threaten death on the part whereon it is inflicted , and susceptions do alwayes savour of the nature of artificial things : for susceptions have first of all deceived the schooles ; for they have argued after this manner : a sword woundeth , that which is continual or holding together being divided , is wounded : but dividing is nothing but a relation of terms , and yet a wound is a disease ; therefore every disease consisteth onely in a relation , or at least-wise in a disposition , or effect of that relation . which is to say , that a disease is either a being of reason , or a non-being , ( such as is the relation of terms ) or that a real being doth arise from the being of reason . but i who do not destinguish internal connexed causes from the thing it self , do call poysons , foods , a sword , &c. occasions . i call a wound , an absolute or sore threatned death of that which is continual : but when they have brought their force into the archeus , so that this shall be wroth through things applyed unto himself , i referre that which is imprinted by things suscepted among primary diseases : for as soon as a sword hath divided that which held together , the action of a violent occasional cause being darted into the archeus , is present , and this archeus soon begins his tempests , that is , diseases . chap. lxxxvii . things retained [ in the body . ] the treatise of things received being finished , i now proceed unto things retained . but in things retained , let it be sufficient once , and seriously to have admonished of this : that although they are onely the occasional causes of diseases , yet i have been willing to distinguish of diseases according to the things retained , that i might retain the antient names of diseases : but that the chapter whose title is , that the knowledge of a disease in its universality hath remained unknown hitherto : is sufficient for a fore-caution of those things which are to be spoken of things retained : whither i refer the reader . for truly all particular things which are retained , do stir up their own invasions on the archeus , and from thence also , the differences of diseases . but those are things retained , which are either taken into the body from without , or are bred as domestical things within , by an internal inordinacy . for seminal things , whether they shall be forreign , or homebred , do on both sides stir up a memorable effect of their disorder on the archeus : which thing is easie to be seen , even in a simple lacryma or tear of the eye : because it is that which by a healthy motion of the spirit is wholly discussed or blown away without feeling or trouble : the spirit of the eye being badly disposed , it is wholly thickened , waxeth clotty , or is changed into a gnawing liquor . in the next place , things retained do not onely vary in their unlikeness of form ; but also are changed by reason of the dispositions of the body : for the body as it is more or lesse transpirable , doth vary diseases : for some things retained are discussed , neither do they leave behind them the root of stirring up a relapse . sometimes also they are forgetful of this bounty , they leave an occasional matter , and herewith oftentimes , fermental adulterous impressions , as off-springs which do stir up new heirs or products from themselves in the archeus . because the inward pores also do sweat , as the whole body is transpirable , and as liquid things are derived into a strange harvest : the which , because they are brought out of their own cottages , they are therefore soon spoiled of their common life , are most speedily coagulated ( as i have said concerning the tear of the eye ) or do remain resolved into a liquid poyson . for so the matter of coughs , the dropsie , pose , flux , pissing-evil , apostems , and ulcers are bred . for the retained curdlings of some things do stick the more stubbornly fast , are slowly or never resolved , or they do of their own accord think of a dissolving and melting ; or they leave an impressional symptome in the archeus , introduced for a perpetual remembrance of relapses : for so the seeds of diseases being ready to depart elsewhere , do depart awry or mishapen . and so in the next place , diseases do vary in respect of a six-fold digestion , being hindred , inverted , suspended , extinguished , or vitiated . diseases also do vary in respect of the distribution of that which is digested : for a proportioned distribution doth exercise the force of distributive justice , due to every part : but if they are disproportioned , now there is an infirm and necessitated distribution , and that as well in respect of the natural functions , which are never idle , as of a continual transpiration , and from thence , for the sake of an uncessant necessity . but that disproportion is voluntary , and as it were an overflowing distribution , in respect of a symptomatical expulsion , by reason of a conspirable animosity of the disturbing archeus ; or at length the distribution is disproportioned , as it is necessitated in respect of penury or scantiness ; whence at length also , no seldom dammage invadeth the whole body : to wit , while in some part , the nourishment degenerateth , is ejected , and so is wasted : such as is the consumptionary spittle in affects or ulcers of the lungs , a snivelly glew in the stone , in the gonorrhea or running of the reines , &c. for seeing the part , its nourishment being once defiled and degenerate , is thenceforth never nourished , but despiseth and thrusts that forth , yet by reason of a sense of penury , that ceaseth not continually , with importunity to crave new nourishment from the dispensing faculty , and to obtain it by its importunity , that it may satisfie its thirst . therefore new nourishment is many times administred unto it , and is withdrawn from its other chamber-fellows , because a sufficient nourishment for all parts is wanting . from thence therefore , is leanness , an atrophia , a tabes , or lingring consumption , and an impoverishment of all necessary nourishment : so indeed , fluxes , bloody-fluxes , aposthems , ulcers , and purgative things do make us lean and exhaust us : for the infirm parts are like the prodigal son , because they do waste and unprofitably cast away , being those which have badly spent whatsoever was distributed unto them , and the other parts do lament that lavishment . things retained that are taken into the body , offend onely in quality , or quantity , or indiscretion , or inordinacy : for if they are immoderate in quantity , if frequent , or too rare ( for numbers are in quantities ) also one onely error doth sometimes give a beginning unto a disease , whereas in the mean time otherwise nature makes resistance for some good while . but poysons received , solutive medicines , and likewise , altering things , which are too much graduated do chiefly hurt in quality . discretion also doth offend in things assumed , if they are taken rashly out of their hour , and manner : as if the menstrues be provoked in a woman with young , or in a womb that doth excessively flow : for indiscretion doth every where bring forth a frequent inordinacy , when as any undue thing is cast into the body or required the scopes of causes and betokenings of being unknown . also harmless things which are cast into the body are vitiated onely by their delay , and long continuance of detainment ; and they become the more hostile , by how much they shall be the more familiar , or the further promoted : for truly , by reason of a mark of resemblance sometime conceived , they do the sooner ferment , and more deeply and powerfully imprint their enmities . and as by things assumed , things retained are sometimes at length made inbred : so by things inbreathed , diseases are oft-times made like unto those made by things retained . for some inspired things are retained , and do affect the same parts which things retained do . otherwise , they differ in their internal root , as much as breath doth from drink , and as much as food from blood . but before i descend unto inbred retentions , it is necessary to represent the unknown tragedy of the chief or primary diseases : because inbred retents do for the most part , take their beginning from primary diseases : for indeed , i have already before distinguished of all diseases , that they do either affect the archeus implanted in , or inflowing into the parts : although in both cases , diseases do proceed by the forming of idea's . the which i will have to be understood of primary ones : to wit , out of whose bosom superfluities do arise , or degenerate , which give an occasion for new idea's , or onsets of diseases . for it is scarce possible , that the archeus being remarkeably smitten by a voluntary idea of a man , or the archeus , a lot of disaster should not arise in the inferiour family-administration of the body , from whence the digestions themselves first of all wandering from their scope , do frame the pernitious collections of superfluities , whereby the primary distemperatures of the archeus are nourished ( to wit , if they shall proceed from the same root : that is , if the root of a primary disease shall produce its like , to wit , the former idea of exorbitancy persisting ) or the new off-springs of diseases are stirred up . but at leastwise , after either manner , the aforesaid excrements are the products of primary or the chief diseases . but primary diseases are either of idea's archeizated , to wit , by the proper substance of the influous archeus issuing into the composure of the body , the which indeed he by reason of his madness , wasts : and such kind of diseases are oft-times appeased by opiates ; yea are also utterly rooted out : because they are , for the most part the off-springs of a more sluggish turbulency : the flame of the chaffe either ceasing from a voluntary motion , or being silent at the consuming of the archeus , informed by the vitiated idea . but idea's arising from the implanted afflictions of the vital spirits , whether they are the governing spirits of the similar or organical parts , they do for the most part disturb the family-administration of life , especially , if the archeus being badly disquieted in some principal bowel , shall form the idea's of his own hurt : for then he brings forth most potent afflictions : yea , sometimes those remaining safe for term of life . for as they are the rulers of a greater nobleness and more eminent power : so also they draw forth the more efficacious idea's , and do propagate diseases of a prostrating nature : because the powers themselves , the in-mates of the more noble parts , are defiled with the same images , as it were with seals ; the which , diseasie products arising from thence , the foot-step of the seal being as it were received into themselves , do afterwards linkingly expresse through the ranks of the digestions : for so the primary diseases of the bowels do abound ; neither do they hearken unto remedies , but of a more piercing wedlock ; yea and do bequeath their inheritances on nephews . the arcanums of which sort i have reckoned up in the book of long life , to wit , the which do every one of them represent the majesty of an universal medicine : although i will not deny but that there is that majesty in some the more refined simples , which can heal particular primary diseases . the galenists do laugh at the promise of a generality : but every bird doth utter his voice according to the tune of his own beak ; and every one talketh of the faires according as he hath profited in them . from what hath been before mentioned in sundry places , it now plainly appeareth . . that the sanation or sound healing of a secondary disease , is vainly intended , unless the primary disease which nourished it , be first brushed off and trodden under foot . . that then the healing of a secondary disease is conversant onely in a removal of the product . . that primary diseases do continue even after the generation of a secondary disease , if its idea's do issue from the implanted spirits . . that primary diseases do also voluntarily cease , whose idea's have failed in their first on-sets . . that the causality , succession , and propagation of a disease , being hitherto unknown , the healing of the same hath remained unknown . . that the schooles have esteemed secondary diseases , yea and the products of diseases , to be the causes of the same : and therefore they have directed the whole endeavour of healing unto later things , or to the effects . . and that they had more rightly proceeded by taking away of the product , than by the contrarieties of qualities , and they had sought out due remedies which ( their virtue remaining safe ) would have been able to pierce unto the places affected . . that whatsoever hath happily succeeded under healing , that is to be ascribed to conjecture , and the goodnesse of nature alone , because they being seduced by false perswasions , have wandered about distemperatures , humours , catarrhes , and tartars by solutives , not drawing forth electively , but putrifying every thing furiously . . that they have learned some remedies from old women , or countrey-folk , which besides the maxims of the schooles , might cure diseasie idea's by a specifical gift . . that they have accounted as many primary diseases as did persist by their own ferment , to be uncurable , and those that did not transplant their vigors into their products . for primary diseases do for the most part respect the transmittings of seminal causes in idea's , and disturb the action of government : from whence , not only the framing of diseases ; but also the critical , or judicial freeings of the same , do issue of their own accord , by unwonted expulsions , wandring conspiracies , labours , anguishes , and convulsive assaults , especially if they subsist in the matter , by a seed , and an efficient ferment : to wit , by which signs they distinguish themselves from the family of symptoms . but i have confirmed the doctrine of primary diseases , above , by hereditary ones , unequal strength , the torture of the night , and silent diseases ; the which indeed do not only presuppose the necessities of idea's ; but moreover also , primary diseases . truly , nature hath no less variously sported in defects , than in integrity : but also , by a systeme of the universe , she ( being every-where conformable to her self ) hath seemed to walk up and down , that also in things of a different kind she may every where represent her self in a proportionable agreement . i have now done as much as i promised in the beginning of the work . i have demonstrated the errors of the schools in natural things , so far as they concern the faculty of healing : and that they have been more ignorant of nothing , than of principles , means , and ends , to wit , the essence and causes , manner of proceeding and making , the means of preparing and remedies . of things retained which are assumed , because they are by themselves known , i have said something : now i must come unto the products of diseases which are inbred , domestical , and degenerated within our cottages : for indeed our retents do offend in abounding , quality , intimateness of place , or in their strangeness , or long continuance of delay ; and because they have crept into anothers harvest , through a vice of the distributive faculty , therefore i call all of them things transplanted or transmitted . but other retents , i call transchanged ones , for their distinction sake from things assumed : truly things retained , whether they are transchanged , or indeed transmitted ; yet they are alwayes made remarkable by an intrinsecal idea : i say , by a diseasie being , from whence they have received an hostility of degeneration : wherefore the root also of a primary disease , doth for the most part adhere unto them , and therefore they do imitate and represent the same , as they are the products of it : but because all the particular digestions do first of all contribute their own citizens , to wit , the nourishable liquors unto home-bred retents , which were prepared in their kitchins , and those otherwise ordained for the solid substance of our body : therefore domestical things retained , have degenerated from the scopes of nature . but i do as yet divide home-bred retents , that some may be the dungs of things assumed , which i call reliques , or they are things which from a good citizen have degenerated into a traitour : from whence indeed , i have drawn things transchanged and transmitted ; for they are those which do descend from the vice of the digestions and ferments , to wit , from a universal offence of the inflowing spirit , or a particular errour of the implanted spirit , through a voluntary defilement of a wantonizing idea produced by humane , or archeal passions . also the relique of things assumed , inspired , and suscepted , not unfrequently bringing aide hereunto : therefore reliques , next after things assumed , do offer themselves unto the publick view or exercise of products : for although things taken into the body , and things there left , are not the products of primary diseases ; yea , do often produce primary diseases ; yet i have accustomed my self to reckon them among secondary diseases and products . but not that i am ignorant , that they could have no relation unto a primary disease , as a parent ; but i refer them among products , by reason of their strict affinity with those ; where we must again seriously admonish , that it is an abuse to distinguish intimate causes from diseases : for truly the thingliness of causality is obscured , if it be never so little banished from the rank of diseases : for external causes , as long as they are external , are only occasions by accident ; but after that they are admitted , and transchanged by the force of digestions , although they may seem internal causes ; yet they become not diseases , but occasions by themselves , which disturb the archeus , stir up an idea , and defile the material part of the archeus with an ideal seal : for so things assumed , do wander into reliques or things left , and do lay up their troublesome remembrance into the archeus , that he may presently tumult , and stir up a disease his off-spring : for they are not products , although they dissemble the marks of products ; but they leap froth abroad under the name of reliques : for if by a proper vice of malignity they shall violate the right of their inn , they are for the most part cast out , crude , half digested , and badly seasoned by vomit , stool , urine , yea , and now and then , do by an imposthume , pass over into things transmitted : from whence are paines , gripings of the bowels , un-concoctions , fluxes , lienteries , sranguries , and miseries of the parts through which they pass . but if a vice subsisteth in the shops of the digestions , and not sprung from things assumed ; now a primary parent of confusion is supposed , which hath neglected , and defiled the things assumed : oft-times also things assumed do scarce continue changed in the reliques , which is called the coeliack or belly-passion , invading with a remaining delight of eating , no less than with a dejected appetite ; that we may know that in the ferment of the spleen , diverse offices , and dispensations of properties do lay hid ; to wit , those of digestion , and appetite . things assumed also , which are less grateful or convenient , if they floate about diary fever , burntish unnamed contents , likewise inordinate appetites , &c. are made ; but if they shall the more stubbornly adhere , they bring forth diverse , and stubborn disasters of one stomack : from whence are sobbings or hickets , swoonings , faintings , convulsions , gripings or wringings of the guts , dissolvings or loosenesses of the paunch , vomitings , atrophia's or consumptions for lack of nourishment , &c. the which do manifestly enough appear in the labour of the duumvirate . but if indeed the ferment in the first digestion , shall be diminished through age , or the promoted difficulties of diseases ; things assumed howsoever good they are , are vitiated : because ferments do no otherwise govern things assumed and left , than the digestions themselves . wherefore i refer the lientery or smoothness of the bowels , fluxes , choler , because they are as well the heires of things assumed , and of reliques , as of things transchanged , unto the vices of digestions . but stranguries , although they do often happen from things transmitted from the first digestion unto the third , as the native sharpnesses of things , have remained stubborn in things assumed ( even as is especially conspicuous in the drinking of new ale ) yet they happen through a defect of the ferment of the second digestion , and therefore , such a kind of strangury is familiar unto old age : therefore i have ascribed stranguries , as well to things left , as to things transchanged in the second digestion . let it be sufficient also , to have admonished by the way , that i have been every where less exact about the splendour , and order of division , in so great paradoxes , than about the essence of a thing : for neither do things assumed ; only offend through a double fault , to wit , through the errour of reliques , and local ferments : but also the things digested themselves , are after a twofold manner , badly affected : for the stomack doth cook , not only for the whole body , but also for it self . so also concerning many organs , in the diverse offices of whose digestions and functions , their own errours do alienate their products : yet the stomack is manifestly subject unto a double calamity : to wit , of its own digestion , and of the sixth : because every part lives by its own kitchin ; which in the stomack , being subjected unto that which is assumed , rushing on it , is most easily disturbed , even with every shaking of the mind . therefore in the first , second , and third digestion , obvious , manifest , and frequent stumblings and omissions of digestions do happen . but in the sixth , although they do manifestly , every where leave products ; yet these the schooles have referred unto the four feigned diversity of kinds of the venal blood : yea , and far more absurdly also , have they for the most part dedicated the vices of the sixth digestion , unto the snivel lifted up by a feigned vapour of the stomack , and from thence distilled . wherefore they have devised , that rheumes do fall down into the common-weal of the sixth digestion ; but they unbashfully affirm , that phlegm also , which they contend to be generated by a vital beginning in the liver , together with the venal blood , is now a relique , through a casual distillation of art. but in the fourth , and fifth digestions ( because they are altogether vital ones , with much care , first refining all things from filths their inmates ) although there are not so manifest superfluities of things assumed ; yet it is not absurd , that inbred retents should there be procreated , because the nature of mortals being now wholly corrupted , is in no place free from all contagion or blemish . authors do rehearse , that small ulcers have been found in the bosome of the heart : and likewise , that a woman being dead of a four months disury or difficulty of urin , two small stones , together with some pustules or wheales , have shewn themselves to the dissecters , &c. in the substance of her heart : although indeed , these things do rather convince of the vice of the sixth digestion , than of the fourth , or fifth . but dayly beatings or pantings of the heart do accuse of reliques , or rather of things transchanged , although not plainly manifest ones . it is sufficient that idea's tinged with poyson , do as much as may be , and often spring into the spirit of life , as the causes of unthought of death : for neither doth the madness of dogs , otherwise corrupt by their tooth , the spirits which are the authors of discourses ; because the tooth being vitiated in its disposition , infects the cases of the brain , and spleen , which hath assumed the nature of a poysonous relique . simples also although they are but once only assumed , do oftentimes make mad for term of life : as they do defile the spirit of the bowel with a slow poyson , that it self degenerates into the condition of the poyson left . and moreover also , the very itch-gum or tenderness of tickling , is folded in the naked sensitive spirit , that as oft at it being once set at liberty ; is by a retrograde motion carried into the arteries , it causeth that feeling in healthy folk , as it being snatched out of its own hinge , doth abound with a strange , and infatuating poyson . but in sick folks , the aforesaid original of tickling , a manifest poyson now sufficiently or plentifully abounding , stirs up the dance of s. vitus , and the trippings of the tarantula , by the arteries derived into the head. the same spirit also , because it is of the race of salts ( as of long life elsewhere ) being degenerate in this point , doth receive a poysonsomness into it self , stirs up a proper idea in it self , and therefore being chased into the skin , doth receive the blemish or contagion of itching into it self , from whence scurvinesses or manginesses , scabbidnesses , yea erisipelasses , and a various troop of ulcers doth spring up , some whereof do afterwards , there sustain themselves by the proper poyson of a ferment , and do now and then propagate : therefore the inflowing spirit doth also suffer its own defilements by the fourth , and fifth digestion . in the mean time , through occasion of a wandring spirit , if that which was once dedicated to motion , doth repeatingly re-pass into the head , and from thence be again dispersed into the sinews ; because it is marked with a double idea of exercising motion , ( the which i have taught mutually to pierce , and co-suffer with each other ) it brings forth tossings of the members , and fools become four-fold stronger than themselves . but indeed if in the first digestion , that which is assumed doth not answer unto the ferment of the stomack ( for many do not desire , do not bear , do not concoct very many things ) however good it shall be in it self , it degenerates into reliques , and brings forth oftentimes no mean troubles of it self , and sealeth them in the parts ; and they are the faults of some things , as when minium or red-lead is cast into the body , being too hard , stinking , or rebellious : but those are rebellious things , whose middle life cannot be subdued and taken away by the ferment of the stomack ; which things every one doth against his will experience and acknowledge . and then i have said , that there is a twofold ferment in the stomack . one indeed for the first digestion , which flows unto it out of the spleen . but the other is proper for the sixth digestion , which is natural or homebred unto it , from the implanted spirit , and proper to its own cook-room . but both of them are diminished , altered and estranged through diseases , griefs , age , &c. for the ferment infused by the spleen is peculiarly silent , and altered in fevers : for instead of a sharpness , a burntishness is substituted , whereby eggs , fleshes , fishes , and broaths become averse , and do sooner putrifie within , than they are truly concocted into chyle : and these hippocrates calls impure-bodies , the which , by how stronger a refreshment or nourishment thou shalt endeavour to refresh them , by so much the more , thou shalt hurt them : for heat doth then more strongly burn in the stomack ; but the ferment is withdrawn from the stomack : therefore things cast into the stomack , are not digested , but putrified . so under a dog-like hunger , the ferment of the spleen is doubled . in the next place , if not the ferment it self , but a strange sharpness doth increase , there are sharp pains in the stomack , co-pressings of the breast , irregular appetites , head-aches , diseases called cholers , &c. in like manner , the ferment of the gaul being exorbitant , failing , or otherwise vitiated by a forreign poysonsomness , products agreeable unto those roots do soon bewray themselves : for from hence are giddinesses of the head , swoonings , apoplexies , fluxes , cholers , and likewise bitter , or bloody vomitings , atrophia's , &c. i again admonish , that although i leave the antient names of diseases ; yet i understand the idea's , the causers of these , by abstracted names : therefore in the first , second , third , or sixth digestion , i understand vitious transmutations to be made by diseasie idea's there bred and transchanged . but those kinde of reliques , or things transchanged , are voided out by a washing of , being made by sweat , or urin , or are voided by the paunch , and an unsensible transpiration . indeed the reliques of the first digestion , are expelled through the accustomed emunctories or exspunging places . but those of the second and third , are regularly driven out with the urin. but because inordinacies do happen in most digestions ; therefore there is place for things transchanged and transmitted : but things transchanged are the produced , excrements of primary diseases , or the fruits of things assumed : the which , because they were once domestical , therefore they are bred by the vice of the transchanging archeus . but indeed the retents of the second digestion , are made , either by reason of a weakness of the ferment , or a riotous exorbitancy of the same . hence a sharpness of the first digestion remaining , and not sufficiently corrected , proceeds unto the bowels , for wringings or gripes : moreover , it passing thorow into the veins , doth stir up diverse fevers , a contracture of the abdomen , dropsies , obstructions of the meseraick veins , likewise palseys of the joynts , and stranguries or pissings by drops . but if the ferment of the second digestion shall too much increase , or be joyned with a vitiated quality : from hence are jaundises , bitter vomitings , faintings , giddinesses of the head , &c. but if that of the third digestion which is digested , be too much delayed under the third digestion : for although the venal blood shall in it self , nothing offend : yet a doubled ferment of the shop increaseth , and in this respect it is estranged through inordinacy . for truly , nothing keeps holiday within , all things do proceed unto the scopes appointed for them , no otherwise than as the water of a defluxing brook. the venal blood therefore , although it be the treasure of mans life , being detained beyond its just term , degenerates into menstrues , hemorrhoids , &c. and whatsoever things the schools do generally attribute unto black choler , they are nothing but the retents of the third digestion , retained in the third digestion . but seeing the members are not nourished , but under a certain proportion , unknown to mortals , to wit , of the blood of the veins unto the arterial blood ; it must needs be , that in the sixth digestion , an inordinacy doth spring up , which the schools attribute to the heat of the liver , and do falsly bend themselves to cure by cooling things . for the liver in it self is a dead carcass , and cold , unless it be nourished by the spirit of life : and therefore , all heat being a stranger to the liver , is forreign . for it hath it self , just even as a finger which is rightly tempered in it self , whereinto if a thorn be infixed , although it be in act , and power cold , yet the finger presently swells , beats , waxeth hot , and is enflamed , &c. so also , the liver is never hot , unless it shall conceive a troublesome thorn within it : wherefore also we must diligently employ our selves in plucking out of the thorn , but not in cooling . therefore the liver hath a double thorn : to wit , one from a hurtfull retent ; but the other from a troublesome retent , to wit , the blood burdening it : for so the liver hath oftentimes , from a hurtful retent , darted forth impostumes and vices of the skin , the which , by reason of that which is transmitted , do manifoldly degenerate in the way , and do so co-defile the skin , that whatsoever ( at length ) of blood is distributed unto it for nourishment , is corrupted in the same through a title of contagion : of which sort , are ulcers , the which if they are healed up , they sorely threaten a greater dammage within . therefore in retents of the third digestion , cauteries have oft-times performed help , unknown in the schooles from a foundation , who endeavour with the uncertain conjecture and hope of events : for they are rare defects , which are from a plurality of good blood not vitiated ( even as in the book of fevers ) and the scantiness of abstinence of two dayes , doth easily reduce the venal blood suspected of abounding , into a due proportion : therefore the blood offends , if it hath a thorn its companion ; and then , if it stay within beyond its due time , as i have said . and thirdly , if the venal blood be disproportioned with the arterial blood ; gluttony is for the most part , the mother of these three . whence it is wont to be said : the throat smites more than the sword. also for the most part , a plurality of venal blood is bred , not because more venal blood is begotten than is meet ; but because less is consumed than is meet , by reason of want of exercise , an idle . life , abundance of fat , &c. for the gout , and those diseases which are thought to be the bastard births of catarrhs , do withdraw themselves from this order : because that they have a seed of their own , and therefore also do oft-times rage under the penury of venal blood. but in this case , an unequal strength flourisheth , seeing that the more weak organs are quickly filled , loaded , nor do desire to be abundantly nourished , according as the more stronger organs do : for from hence the archeus of the more weak organs is sadned , doth through delay , and impatience , wax wroth , and stamps on himself diverse diseases : wherein , while issues weep a plentiful pus and liquor , the ancles do swell in the evening , a more plentiful snivel is dashed out of the head , and unthought of phlegms out of the lungs , under a consent of the wandring keeper : to wit , a total deluge of the archeus , and prone excrements , do grow or spring up according to the weaknesse of every part : for the term of the moon as a law , doth prescribe to the quantity of the blood , that it may be wasted in both sexes , nor may make a longer delay : for from hence it is , that because there is little transpiration under cold , there are the more frequent spittings . also under cold , more of meat is injected , yet there is not therefore more of blood composed . in brief , in diseases of strength , a vice of the distributive faculty is alwayes present . at least-wise , it is manifest from what had been said before , that the force of appetite is not to be measured from sanguification , as neither from a consuming of the blood. but things of the sixth digestion that are transchanged , have been neglected by the schooles , and dedicated to their own humours and catarrhs : as if all diseases should arise from the vice of the liver , and a defluxing phlegm of the head. they have moreover neglected the primary offences of the members containing , which are to be attributed unto the inordinate enforcements of the archeus , but not unto things retained . for i have seen the liver , in a temperate duke of catafractum , to have weighed brabant pounds : for he complained of the swelling of his belly ; he had drunk of sharpish fountains , and at length of wine steelified , who when he was variously disturbed or handled by his physitians , as for an hydropical man , and but the day before had walked thorow the streets , suddenly died . i have seen a woman who lived a single life , alwayes thirsty , and pressed with a diseasie thirst ; for she was thought to be hydropical , and being tormented with many solutive medicines , died : but when after death , her broached belly did not afford water , she being unbowelled , appeared sound within , but that her liver , harmless to the sight , did weigh pounds and a little more . i have seen a man , who after a long torment of his belly , voided many membranes , the which being dryed and affixed to a board , with nailes , did dissemble parchment . we have seen a little pouch grown to the stomack of a certain governour , filled with small stones . likewise a new sack to have grown to the abdomen of a woman , wherein were fourteen pounds or pints of water and more . so very often , another of the kidneys being stopped up with stones , to have monstrously voyded them forth : which primary diseases , are to be attributed unto the local spirit of the parts containing . i sometimes believed , that growth ceasing , the growing power was extinguished , because all things did stop from increasing : but after that i saw many things to increase through errour , which were of the first constitution , i thought that the growing faculty was detained from its progress , only through the disobedience of the bony matter . but pores are bred in broken-bones , and the ribs do become longer through an enlarging of the breast , long after the cessation of growth : a swollen burstness of the veins is bred anew , and becomes by degrees like a sinew . a lobe growing every year unto the liver of an wolf , bewrayes his age . wherefore i refer the excrescences of flesh of a remarkable bigness , troublesome through pain , and endowed with a beating motion , among the diseases of the patrs . containing , which have been neglected by the schooles : as also new fibers having arisen on the muscles , i have observed to have brought the palsey , and those being taken away , this to have been cured : for in the grease , not only fatness alone is bred , but also fibers , or the honey-combs thereof , which are of the condition of solid things . so there are notable super-crescences of the gristles and ligaments , which are subject to the chyrurgion , not as the occasional causes of diseases ; but as erroneous products which are to be taken away , they being sometimes annexed unto their primary diseases : for from an injured bone , a nourishable liquor doth oftentimes distil , which dissembles the hardness of a bone : yet with rottenness as being a partaker of a bony curd . therefore if i shall reckon up the diseases of the part containing , among retents , think thou that that is done , because they are nourished by a root of their own , nor are taken away but by mortification : unto these diseases voluntary excrescences , bunchinesses , strainings , and disjoyntings have also regard : the which because they follow an inbred unequality of strength , they for the most part shew a receit from the seed of the parents , or from the defects of nurses : for from hence whole families are inclined unto an hectick fever , asthma , gout , affect of the stone , jaundise , dropsie , and madnesses : for if they are not drawn from the parents , they are drawn from nurses : for the young doth easily drink some defects with the milk , and derives them into the similar parts . for seeing our powers do uncessantly operate , hence retents cannot make a long stay in their former state and place , but that the term of their motion being finished , they do revolt from their fomer disposition , and being estranged , do decline into a worse : for so things retained do degenerate into things transmitted , as well because they offend through an inordinacy of their own vitiated matter , as through an exorbitancy of distribution caused from the archeus being provoked . for among things transmitted , the carrier latex first offers it self , which by floating up and down , doth manifoldly erre : for seeing that is ordained to wash off the filths of the parts ; it first offends by a strange vice , which it hath contracted on it self : from whence are some vices of the skin , which at length a ferment being called to it , do frequently persevere : but if the attractive faculty labours , oedema's are made , and the latex overflowes into the liver and veins : whence are disuries or difficulties of pissing , pissing-evils , and a various houshold-stuff of diseases : as also in squinances , the toothach , and elsewhere , is oftentimes easie to be seen , especially if by a singular adulterous allurement , the latex be derived 〈…〉 certain part : so also poses , cataracts , and pins and webs in the eyes , defects 〈…〉 eares , and teeth , do arise , if the latex finds either the vices of digestions , or brings strange ones thither with it ; because it is that which from its appointment , drinks up the strange defects of the parts : so also the latex doth of its own desire , slide into a sunovie or spermatick glewiness , from whence it stirs up the torture of the night : for it floats about according to the coursary successive changes of stations , and subjects it self unto the government of the moon : wherefore it afflicts the sinews , tendons , ligaments , and membranes , as well by reason of its own transmutation , as through the draught of a forreign seed . in the next place , if dross ( which elsewhere , i call a liquid dung ) from the bowels , be joined beyond a just proportion with the latex , and doth float within the veins , now the stone shall be present . or next if it putrifie , it adornes or promotes dotages , and diverse ranks of fevers : even as elsewhere concerning the history of the humour latex , of fevers , and likewise of the stone in man. in things transmitted also , the errours of things transchanged are especially regarded , and their effects are esteemed according to their qualities , or the degrees , or powers of quality : to wit , the which especially , do on both sides occasionally determine of the varieties of diseases . furthermore , if the things transchanged of the first digestion , are brought down unto the second ; too strange and hateful guests , do bring forth fevers , wringings of the bowels , loathings of the stomack , faintings of the spirits or swoonings , &c. but if they proceed even unto the third digestion , dropsies , cachexia's or ill habits of the body , jaundises , difficulties of urin , pains of the hypogastrium or neather belly , &c. do subsist . but if indeed the defects of the first digestion are brought into the sixth : sudden fevers , pleurisies , peripneumonia's , &c. do arise . but if the things transchanged of the second digestion , do re-gorge into the first ; un-concoctions , bitter vomitings , the iliack passion , the disease of choler , the lientery , caeliack passion , flux , &c. are stirred up . but if those of the second digestion shall reach into the third ; now cachexia's , fevers , jaundises , various obstructions , are at hand . in the next place , if things of the third digestion which are transchanged , are derived into the first ; bloody vomitings , bloody fluxes , the piles , &c. do bewray themselves . but if into the second ; fluxes , and diverse fevers are bred : for things retained , are on every side hostile , and much more things transchanged which are transmitted ; and therefore the archeus cannot but stir up feverish storms . but if indeed things transchanged of the third digestion , do proceed into the fourth ; it will presently come unto heart-beatings or pantings , swoonings , and sudden deaths . but if things of the first digestion transchanged , do go into the sixth digestion of the stomack ; from hence are giddinesses of the head , apoplexies , palseys , &c. and likewise , if the transchanged retents of the third digestion , do go into the sixth , there are soon apostemes , and almost all local maladies ; for truly , through the errour of the sixth kitchin , as well diseases of its own proper transchanged retent , and of a strange one transmitted , do happen , as whatsoever is falsly attributed to defluxions out of the head : but things transmitted , are sometimes mild ; and those things , which as it were through repentance of their deed , do repent them of one only errour , and for that cause , do cease through one only importunity : but otherwise they are fountainous ones , which owe the substituting of their continuation , unto the part transmitting ; if they are not also con-centred with the implanted spirit of the place : for a ferment of their defilement being drawn from thence , they are poysonous , and defile the part by a certain contagion remaining ; so as that their fewel being there laid up , they have as it were by one only stroake , established their center . i say , they afterwards erect a colony hearkening to the importunate circular motions of the stars : they therefore erre , as wandring out of the way , as many as by cuttings of a vein , solutive medicines , diaphoreticks or transpirative things , cauteries , vesicatories , baths ; and by diminishers of the body and strength , do hope that fountainous transmissions are to be cured : for those kind of things do desire renewing arcanums , after the manner of the leprosie ; as of the leprosie in its place . in the sixth digestion therefore , nourishments do either degenerate presently before assimilation , and a curd of their solidity being received from the place , they afterwards lay it up for a durable disease ( the moderns accuse the tartars of the blood ; ) or if a thing transmitted be a forreigner in the place , neither while it hath not also associated unto it a poyson ; the powers do presently conspire for its banishment , for the most part , with much co-shaking of the strength or faculties . but although four degrees of nourishable liquor are determined by the schooles ; yet have they found in none of them an errour , degeneration , 〈…〉 of diseases : and although they take notice of a mattery imposthume in the lungs , and a great harvest of obstructions elsewhere , yet they refer all things into the four first and feigned humours , as if they knew not that the liquors of mans body were slideable , and subject to corruption every hour : but i determine of much houshold-stuffe of diseasie occasions , in a numerous aversion and degeneration of the liquors which do immediately nourish : and likewise i place not , i know not their number , because i know that it is not knowable , where one only thing runs down with a continual thred , by a multitude of coursary dispositions . at leastwise , it is to be admired at , that no errour hath hitherto been found out , or believed by the schooles , to be in transchanging , while as , notwithstanding some degenerations do offer themselves to the sight , and every degeneration doth occasion its own diseases : for so the giddiness of the head , maketh the sense and motion to stumble , because a nourishable liquor being degenerate , hath joyned unto it a be drunkening faculty : also if it shall be sleepifying , it becomes next neighbour unto an apoplexie : and the which , if be also made stupefactive , it now bears the conditions of the falling evil . let those also take notice , who intend to cure mad-folks by sleepifying things : for stupefactive medicines do scarce procure sleep unto mad persons by a fourfold dose ; but they increase the madness : for madness is nothing but an erring sleepifying power ; because every mad-man dreameth waking : therefore stupefactive dreams , are added unto doating dreames in waking : for the sealing character in a mad-man , presupposeth a restoring of the member , and a correction of the poyson by its antidote , but not a stupefactive poyson . in the mean time , it nothing hinders erroneous transmutations from being bred , and likewise the digestions from wandring , through the importunity of things transmitted , and from obeying an off-spring of their own condoling sympathy , agreeable to the impediment : from whence are painful fluxes , distrubed by a sharp chyle of the first digestion , and likewise con-folded and double fevers : neither doth it also forbid a primary disease to be con-folded with its own , or with a secundary one bred from else where : in such a manner as is a primary fever which brings forth a product , from whence there is a resolving of the blood into the putrifying disease of a malignant flux , matched with a feverish ferment . at length , neither is there a necessary passage of the three first digestions unto the sixth , by the fourth , and fifth : because the greatest part of the venal blood never comes unto the heart , and much less is it snatched into its left bosom : because all particular parts are nourished no less with venal , than arterial blood. from hence indeed it happens , that the vices of the three first digestions , do oftentimes immediately pass over into the sixth : and therefore the transchanged retents of the three first digestions , if they shall reach unto the sixth , they offend not by transmission of a proper name , but only by transmutation ; because a transmission from the third into the sixth digestion , is regular , lawful , and ordinary . i will add concerning the spleen . if from the first digestion , a sharpness of the chyle be immediately brought unto the spleen , a quartane ague is soon present , to wit , from a curdled retent being there a stranger . but if the sixth digestion in the spleen be troubled , seeing it is the couch of the first conceptions ; the excrements or things transchanged , which are made of its proper nourishment , are for the most part endowed with an imaginative power ( such as occurs in many simples , and which is most plainly to be seen in the spittle of a mad dog ) and the which therefore i call inebriating or be-drunkening , dreamifying or befooling simples : for therefore , of one wine , there is a many-form condition of drunken men : that is , one only wine doth stir up diverse madnesses ; for a mad poyson halts with the similitude of wine : for a mad poyson by reason of its excelling power , doth not follow the conditions of the man ; but the very conditions of the man are constrained to obey the poyson : as is clearly seen in the poyson of him that is bitten by a mid-dog . poysons therefore , which of a degenerate nourishment , are bred in the sixth digestion , do follow their own nature : for by how much the nearer they shall be unto assimilating , by so much the more powerfully do they infatuate : for by how much the nearer the ferment of the bowel , and an in-beaming of the implanted spirit shall be present with it , by so much also the nearer , it calls unto it the idea of a certain imaginative power , which at length it transplanteth into a venemous poyson , not indeed so destructive unto the life , as unto the power of that bowel . but from what hath been before declared , any one shall be hereafter able to erect unto himself the stages of diseases . but it hath been sufficient for me to have shewn , that every primary disease , doth objectively , and subjectively fall into the archeus , and so into the life it self ; whereof , to wit , it is immediately formed : but that a secondary disease , fals objectively indeed into the archeus , but subjectively into a matter , either the solid one of the part containing , or the fluide one of that contained . and thus indeed to have shewn diseases to be distributed in nature , by their causes , roots and essence , according to their inns ; i repose my pen. barrenness also , seeing it is among defects beside nature , hath hither extended its treatise . wherefore coldness , heat , or moistness is not in either of the sexes the cause of barrenness , however lowdly others may sound out this thing . for truly first of all , there is no dryness possible in living creatures , or the vitious moisture of the womb , is not of the complexion , but a meer superfluity of digestion , or transmission . so in the next place , heat , and cold , are signs of defects in nature , but not causes : because these qualities do want a seed , vital properties , and potestative conditions : therefore indeed barrenness , and fruitfulness is in every climate of the world : yet an aethiopian woman , is far hotter than the most hot woman of muscovia . but the excrementitious and superfluous moistness of the womb , is an effect of diseases : yea , if it shall be a companion of barrenness , yet not the containing cause thereof : for an internal cause differs not from the being it self : so neither is the defect of the menstrues the cause of barrenness ; if that defect contains a denial , or proceeds as an effect of a nearer indisposition . women of unripe age have oft-times conceived , even also before their menstrues ; and those of more ripe years , their menstrues being silent . also oft-times women affected in their womb , being trampled on by many perplexities , do succesfully conceive , and accordingly bring forth . in the mean time , some barren women are in good health : also many conceive while their menstrues is urgently present ; as also the menstrues being afterwards silent , hath deceived many of conception . some women do take notice of their menstrues all the time of their bearing ; but many for some months only : for indeed , although barrenness may after some sort bespeak a privative respect ; yet it is meerly a positive , and diseasie being ; for it ariseth from singular positive defects : because by it self , and in self , it is a malady of nature : even as fruitfulness bespeaks an entire cause : for in a man which is not gelded , not an eunuch , not hindred or disturbed , not mischieved , barrenness hath scarce place ; for from hence an old-man doth as yet generate : whence it follows , that there is not so much perfection to be attributed , as neither to be required in the male , as in the mother : but i call those hindered males , who do labour with a gonorrhea , or who have from thence retained a vice : and likewise who do labour with the notable vice of some bowel . in a woman the menstrues abounding , being deficient , irregular , watery , yellow , looking blackish , slimy , stinking , a pain in her loyns , belly , hips , and movings of the womb upwards , downwards , to the sides , are indeed witnesses and signs of the sicknesses or feeblenesses of the womb ; and therefore also they fore-slow , overflow conception , move abortions , and gushings forth of the courses ; yet they do not altogether take away the hope of conception , nor are they the disease which is called barrenness : for indeed old women are barren without all those : for i find the one only suitable and co-equal cause in time and age , to be described in the holy scriptures for a positive being ( which is called barrenness ) in these words ; god opened the womb of sarah : for it is the gift of god derived into nature , whereby the parchment or membrane of the womb being most exactly shut in its foldings , is opened and enlarged at the co-agreeing moment of conjunction . there is i say , an attractive drawing blas , whereby for fear of a vacuum or emptiness , an attraction of the seeds , and a suitable filling up of the opened wrinckles , follows that opening : to wit , the aforesaid opening causeth a sucking for fear of a vacuum ; which if it be made at an undue moment , it now becomes vain : for the womb of a virgin , doth scarce shew the largness of two fingers ; because it is that which wrinckled into it self by the least foldings : but the opening of it doth not consist in the will of man , as neither in the tickling , or luxurious desire of pleasure ; but altogether in the good pleasure of god ; from whence also endowments are dispersed into nature , of opening and shutting : so that some simples have obtained this faculty . neither is it sufficient for the womb to be opened at the set moment , unless the guest which comes unto it be acceptable to the place : for if it be defiled with a blemish , the hope of generating for the future is void with that man ; because the womb being wroth , doth conceive a fury of abhorrency , which is scarce appeasable . chap. lxxxviii . a preface . i have already demonstrated elsewhere , that the schooles have passed by the knowledge of diseases , and things , the neglect whereof is a fault : neither is it therefore a wonder , if there be nothing hitherto of unheard of things : for it hath been an unwonted and difficult matter to be willing , to be wise in departing from the opinions of the schooles , while they should fall from those things which i substituted in the room of acknowledged errours . there are few also , who phylosophize only for the sake of charity towards their neighbour . most of the more preferred ones refuse to learn , as if the greeks , and arabians had known all things ; and they despaire that more can be known : and therefore they have put on sluggishness as their skin . but it is a frequent thing for him , who presently after promotion , runs up and down from house to house , to be intent upon gain only , and he prostitutes a saleable health for visits : therefore he is most rare who is admitted unto the privy chamber : many in the mean time , walking before the doores of chymistry , do boast of great matters , being deluded with vain hope . but indeed i first ( unless i am deceived ) have written the history of life , and death , hoping that thereby god his own honour will redound unto him from his free gift of the tree of life , and a useful fruit unto those whom he reserves unto long life , after me : for paracelsus , who before me , hath treated of long life , hath indeeed given a title , but hath been altogether ignorant of the matter . in the mean time , unless the lord shall avert it , i guess from a just fear , that the life of mortals will dayly be shortned , and at length to pass unto the grave in its green eare , through the offence of cutting of a vein , and purgings : unless i say god do make almost all things new : for the attainment of the tree of life is most difficult , of much labour , and revealed unto few : for it behoveth that the innocent in hands and heart , doth ascend by the mountain of the lord ; who hath not betaken his soul to vanity , nor hath prepared deceit for his neighbour : for he only shall receive this blessing from the lord : until at length in the extream confusions of times , man shall dare to teach man those things , which otherwise for the conserving of mutual commerces of men , do remain in secret . for most physitians at this day , suppose that they know enough , , if they being initiated in the paganish doctrine of their ancestors , wax rich only , and by the rules of writers are excused from death among the common sort . most of them also deride at long life , because they are ignorant : but these men will at sometime be at the full , and their mocks shall fall on their own authors : because in the age to come , it shall grieve god for so great neglect toward the neighbour and poor . vices also succeed one another throughout ages , in a chain . it hath already been sometimes an honour to have drunk down many large cups ; elfewhere , to have slain many in a single duel . fraud and deceit flourisheth at this day under the title of quicksightedness ; and virtue doth lay hid as rare among few , although it be alwayes nominally esteemed : it shall again wax feeble , while the number of pernicious wits shall depart from the delicate idleness , and evil curiosities of studies , unto arts and workmanships : for a tranquillity of times shall spring up , when the root of worms living on idleness , and that which is other mens , being covered with the cloak of piety , shall be driven away . at length repentance to come , bids us hope for reformation : for which happy age i have decreed to write of long life , praysing god , that my pilgrimage is shortly to be devolved unto a period . but while i open unheard of things , if in any place i shall discover the errours of predecessors , i have constrainedly done that , that those who shall follow me may not dash themselves against rough places , and be deprived of the scope of truth : for i my self by degrees , beholding from my youth , the empty husks , wherewith the beginnings of nature did incrust themselves , i began to be accounted an apostate from galen ; and i exposed my self willingly unto the vile esteem of physitians , supposing it a laudable thing to have my stupidity to be derided by ignorant men ; because throughout my whole life , i have neglected the common applause : for by haters , i am called a paracelsian , and a forsaker of the schooles ; and yet i am esteemed an adeptist , the obtainer of some secrets . and although under this title , i have been invited by two emperours to court , yet have i refused honours , and a courtiers life , who all my life time have despised the sents of ambition : and now much more ( i being detained at the ship of the mote , by the bank of old age ) do i as careless , avoid and neglect whatsoever posterity shall think of me alive or dead ; because i in dying , desire the tranquillity of my soul. therefore do i every where protest , that i have never taken notice of the errors and neglects of the schooles , but that i might satisfie my calling , and profit credulous mortals . chap. lxxxix . of time. . why the author treats first of time. . the proposition of the treatise . . the profession of the author . . that time hath nothing common with any motion . . negations of time. . the error of the schooles . . some absurdities following from thence . . what hath deceived the schooles . . the consideration of mathematical science differs from the truth of nature . . a third error . . a fourth . . a fifth . . a sixth . . some absurdities spring from thence . . a conclusion drawn from thence , doth unfold the true properties of time , against the will of the schooles . . a seventh error is proved . . a false definition of time. . a continuance of motions is essentially included in the seeds of things . . time cannot be the internal measure of motions . . an eighth error . . some absurd errors following from thence . . the praise of unity . . the schooles have been decieved by their sloathfulness of narrowly searching . . what hath deceived augustine in time. . some considerations of the author about time. . what it is to have said in genesis , in the beginning . . the error of aristotle concerning place . . duration is more intimate to a thing than place , or a thing is to it self . . the true and essential property of time. . why time is not of the predicaments . . men being badly initiated or instructed do also badly accustome themselves . . what hath deceived the heroe's in the consideration of time. . some demonstrations even from the holy scriptures , in the authors behalf . . priority or formerliness is difficultly abstracted from time. . duration doth not shew a respect to things . . the suppositions are now solidly proved . . the law of fate or destiny . . a consequence upon the positions of the schooles . . priority is in respect of fate , but not of time. . what succession may be . . a treatise of eternity in respect of time. . it is answered unto an objection brought out of the holy scriptures . . an error is demonstrated by the operations of angels . . an argument contradicting the schooles . . the author proves it many manner of wayes . . the authors profession concerning time. . a certain dulness in the true division and measure of motions , as to the motion of the day . . clocks or dyals . . the error of clocks or dyals . . a measure found out by the author . . concerning critical or judicial daies . . paracelsus is noted . . a crisis or judicial sign brings forth infamy to a physitian . . frivolousneses . . the consideration of a climaterical or dangerous year of ascent . . a stubborn privy shift of astrologers . . they now cease from their asserted climaterical number , for the half of it . . the sabbatary jubilean , and ninteenth numbers , &c. . a week is introduced , not so much by reason of number , as by reason of jewish perfidiousnes . . a treatise for long life is concluded . i being about to write of long life , it hath seemed good unto me , to premise a treatise concerning time , because long life owes an unseparable respect unto duration : neither yet is that thus by me determined in the first place , as though i would measure life by time , but rather , in speaking properly , i compute the continuance of life in relation unto dayes , and years , the which i will by and by demonstrate not to be time. paradoxes indeed , i confess , they are , but nevertheless true doctrine . for aristotle i have elsewhere shewn to be altogether ignorant of the beginnings of nature , and to be very scanty in the matter of natural phylosophy , and therefore he being wholly ridiculous hath exposed time , place , a vacuum , infinite , fortune , and such like abstracted considerations , and plainly forreign , in the order of nature , as though they were the institutions or first lessons of nature . but i have premised the speculation of time , hitherto unknown , unto long life : wherefore for the clearing up thereof , i state this proposition . time is no otherwise separated from eternal duration or continuance , than the light of the day , the sun not appearing , from the most lightsome or bright light of the body of the sun. for i believe that god , most glorious , is the way , the truth , the life , and essence of all things : likewise that he is the principle or beginning , in whom all things are principiated , do live , and are mooved . i say therefore , that even a body , or motion not being granted ; yet time , place , on the other side , a scitual disposition , and distance , should be the same which now they are : for truly without the heavens , an unlimmited place is believed to be , which is deprived of all body and motion ; yet filled with the spirit , it being suited thereunto by its infiniteness of greatness . in like manner , i understand time not to be tied up to place , not to a body , lastly , not to motion ; but to be a being separated from the same . therefore neither do i beg time from the circumscription of the motion of the first moveable heaven : for even as the motion of the heaven is made in a place , as if it were a certain measure of a place ; yet as place is not motion , although it be made in a place ; so neither is motion time , although it happen in time : for neither can time be generated by motion , or in the womb of motion , if the thing generated be in the particular kind like unto its generater . for indeed a year , a day , a moneth , and night , are not time ; but measures , and accidents of things happening in time , plainly forreign and external unto time : for so , our day is anothers night : in the mean while , time is every where the same in the whole universe . the spring , summer , autumn , winter , are not time , but alterations of the air , ordained for the interchangable course , and successive changes of things . likewise childhood , young age , youth , vigour of years , and old age , are not time ; but names of the successive alterations of the body and life . for the schooles , besides that they teach time , either to be the very measure of the first moveable , or at leastwise , that it is concluded under the same ( for that thing is not yet determined ; ) they will moreover , that every undividable natural point of time , should actually and really have in it , infinite mathematical points ; seeing that there is a positive , real , infinite being , even as also actually undividable , which in it self is not positively intelligible , and the which therefore , the schools deny to be possible : they now of their own accord , in every the least point of time , endow , that is bespatter the knowledge of nature with meer dreams . therefore it necessarily follows from their suppositions being granted , that every part of time is not of time , but a certain mathematical point , undividable , and so without duration , without and besides time : therefore that also time should consist , either of undividable parts , or should be as it were a certain product , from a connexion of undividable and infinite points of continuance : so indeed , as that neither should they be the undividable atomes or points of duration , if by their connexion they should co-arise into something that is to be divided . they mind not , i say , that an undividable negative thing can never grow together by connexion , into any present , actual , long , short , great , or little thing ; because it in it self , comprehends a meer nothing , in a natural , that is a real being . therefore they contradict themselves in the word [ undividable ] they have beheld indeed a long , and a short time , and for this cause they have reduced them under quantity . in the next place they have constituted also the whole essence and circumscription of time in succession , which should actually stand in infinite , and infinitely undividable points of duration , being connexed in every the least point of an instant natural being . truly they on both sides have too much addicted themselves unto science mathematical , while they have seemed to themselves to have repaired nature : indeed science mathematical , supposeth infinite points of subdivision to be possible in every continued body ; which suppositions in the mean time , nature knows not , and natural phylosophy denies : because it is that which minds things even as they are , and not even as they are serviceable unto the speculations of the measures of scituations . and then schooles have separated the consideration of greatnesse or magnitude from the consideration of number , and they will have time to be more like unto number , than unto that which is continued or holding together : as if the species of apes , as they are like unto men , were to be referred among men , but not among beasts . it is therefore a ridiculous thing , not to have separated time from number in the whole heaven or sphere thereof . at length , they have thought that numbers do cast out unity , while as notwithstanding a connexion of unities produceth all numbers : wherein also , that is a blockish thing , that they account the gemms called zero's for unity , while as a thousand subscribed zero's do not contain a principle of unity . last of all , this also is frivolous , that a binary or twofold number , differs in species from a ternary or threefold number , as also this from a quaternary or fourfold number , although two binaries do make and are made a quaternary : and that not indeed by a generating of a new being , but by a co-melting of both the binaries : wherefore neither do i acknowledge species in numbers , but onely co-mixable and reducible interchangable courses : for nature doth not suffer her self to be restrained under rules at the pleasure of the schooles , to wit , that numbers should generate out of them specifical species , every one whereof should be so many meer individuals . therefore i know those kind of species , and metaphors to be strangers from nature ; therefore they have from the schooles reputed time , ( because it consisteth in a point infinitely undividable ) for a pillar of natural phylosophy : wherefore i am the more confirmed , that whatsoever the schooles draw from the heathen , is the unprofitable unstability of wisdom . for if otherwise , any the least thing infinitely corresponding with the points of duration , undividable , and infinite in act , should bind the points of time with a proportioned infinitenesse by a succession or following of duration , besides very many absurdities , time should of necessity have its own actual being before it were , that is , it should not indeed be in being , but all at once in its being made : yea , nor indeed should it be so made , be , or should it be able to be made , that it might be , but that it should perish before it were . therefore time ( contrary to the prescription of the schooles ) is neither long , nor short , neither before , nor after , neither a measure , nor measurable . surely it have grieved me that it hath behoved me to discover , that i find nothing in the whole natural auricular discourse of aristotle , but gross ignorance , environed with absurdities , and impossibilities : wherefore i have been compelled to write true things from a compassion on youth , which hath been seduced through credulity . first of all therefore , the schooles command , that the time which is of their consideration , is the measure of motions , when as it is already manifest from the convicted suppositions of falshood , that time cannot measure nor judge of two motions made ( so i may speak ) in the same term of continuance , whether of the two be the swifter : for according to the aforesaid suppositions , time should alwayes of necessity joyn nearer unto the swiftest motion ; because it is more nigh and like unto that which is undividable . in the next place , if the succession of time should happen through a concourse and aid of an undividable infiniteness , and that all motion should be enrouled in a term according to duration , and that there is no suitableness or proportion of a finite with an infinite ; and least of all where both are considered by a sight of the same duration ; it must needs be from the doctrine of the schooles , that time should be an unequal measurable measure , a vain , lying , and incomprehensible measure of the first motion or moveable : because they define time , that it is a measure of motions , in relation unto duration , and that it is as it were appropriated unto motion by accident , and unto succession by it self , to wit , by reason of duration . but indeed if motion be thus made upon something that is unmovable , as from hence aristotle hath ( although falsly ) conjectured the first mover to be of necessity unmovable : why do they not also give stability unto duration ? to wit , under which , all motions and proportions of successive motions ought to be co-measured . for in all seeds , there is from the beginning , not onely a principle of every motion , but also their own limited period of durations proper unto every motion : seeing all variety of all alterations whatsoever , depends on the slowness and swiftness of motions . therefore the continuance of motions is essentially , intimately , and originally included in seeds , as it were the formal , and directive principle of the same ; but not that time is a certain outward or forreign consideration of the measuring of motions in respect of duration ; seeing that such a consideration or relation of disposition is onely external and accidental unto things themselves , and so a meer being of reason ; but not originally and essentially implanted in the seeds themselves , even as duration is . in the next place , the schools suppose natural species to be in continued quantities ; when as notwithstanding continued , or disjoyned , are not things , but naked considerations of things according to measure . things have indeed their own species , in very deed ; but the consideration of those , as a being of reason , wants essential species in natural things . let it shame them therefore , that they have placed time among measures , and the beings of reason , or non-beings . let it be a shame , i say , that the schooles of natural phylosophy have more bestowed their contemplation about science mathematical or learning by demonstration , than on nature it self . it is a foolish thing therefore , to have acknowledged species in numbers , by which species they should be distinguished in the nature of things , and yet not to have known a unity to be a number : because a unite , in its interchangable course , is no less distinguished by a unity from any other number , than is the number of ten : for neither is there any reason , for which two unites should rather constitute a number than one alone . for truly in a binary , both the unites are as yet different and distinct , yea they are entire in their own essence , neither have they ceased or departed into any third thing , by reason of their connexion : for a binary , denotes nothing but two unites : therefore it is an ulcerous thing , that two things being connexed , do remain in their former being , and yet , that by reason of that connexion alone , a species was generated divers from either of them . wherefore unity is most properly , all or every number , because all number flowes from that ; and therefore every number is nothing but a connexion of unites : from whence that very unity is a figure of the divinity ; because from thence all numbers are made , and again into the same are resolved . indeed the schooles , as often as they have conceived any thing by science mathematical , that thing they have presently wrested into nature , under the generality of rules : for so of four imagined elements , by confusedly suiting four qualities , complexions , and humours , these brawlings have been translated even into the stars , and they have determined of all things co-agreeing with their own fictions . by which method indeed , they have fitted a continual speculation in science mathematical , unto lineal points , and at length also unto time. b. augustine confesseth indeed , that time is something , but that he was ignorant of the thingliness of time ; to wit , because he was seasoned with false positions from paganisme . wherefore i blush again and again , that i am willing to explain the essence of time : but this man i fear not to be my hater , who already beholds truth in the heavens . for first of all , i have withdrawn all succession from time , who from great authorities had already shaken off the yoak of the heathenish schools . for truly i meditated at first , that the heavens stood still , yet that there was not any other time while the sun was at a stand , than now : therefore i began to measure out that duration without the succession of the motion of the heaven : and by consequence i by degrees learned , that all time was sequestred from succession , and that this succession did fit or accommodate it self onely unto motion . then afterwards i began to repute it a mad thing , that the sun should at some time stand still , and nevertheless even to this day to sink time within the motion of the heavens . for although that detainment of the sun was miraculous , yet the duration or term of continuance , was not therefore miraculous . and then i beheld that time was already from the beginning , the day not as yet existing , or before light was born , and a separation thereof , from the darkness . therefore the heaven , earth , abysse of waters , darkness , and the day it self , were before that the circular path of the heaven did determine of the day . in the beginning i say , of the creatures , but not in the beginning of time : because that beginning of things includeth some [ dum ] or [ while ] that it may be of sense : although god appointed from eternity to create things : yet while it pleaseth his infinite goodness to issue into an operation to without ; then , in the beginning god created the heaven and the earth : but that [ dum ] or [ while ] was before a creature , because god had no need of a creature , or a created duration ; neither had the things that were to be created , need of a created duration , as a concurring principle of an unlike dignity , with the creatour of an infinite power : for if the creature did not depend originally , totally , to wit , absolutely , and intimately on god , as on the beginning and end of its duration ; verily , neither should god also be the immediate and total principle , as neither the immediate life of things ; that is , he should not be their alpha and omega . therefore i from thence understood , if nature had at sometime stood rooted in duration , flowing forth without a mean , from eternity it self ; that it ought also at this day so to stand , by reason of the same rules of necessity . for presently after , i knew that duration which they name time , was a real being : and likewise that if time hath been from the beginning , before a creature was made , verily it could not be reckoned among created things : for neither is there mention made of time being created . i also thorowly weighed , that as a moveable body is so in place , that the place doth not only outwardly encompass the moveable body ( however aristotle in the mean time so thought ) but place pierceth the very moveable body on every side ; so that every intimate part of a body , is no less in place than the superficies thereof ; yet place is not therefore on the other hand , comprehended by the moveable body . so indeed , and also much more abstractedly , duration is indeed intimate to things ; yet it is not affected , shut up , or apprehended by things . also place supposeth a certain and determined position , indeed capable of being changed by that which is moveable ; yet wholly unseparable altogether from all place : but duration it self , is so unseparable from things , that it doth in no wise ever wander , or is changed from these : therefore seeing duration is above , and within the being of things , and unseparable from these ; yea more intimate to things , than things themselves are unto their own selves . hence therefore have i meditated of a duration plainly divine , to be in time , and so in that respect not to be distinguished from eternity ; yet to be distributed unto things according to the model of every receiver : and so i have sufficiently proved the aforesaid proposition . wherefore time hath neither parts , neither doth it admit of a division of it self , and by consequence , it knows not succession ; neither also doth it approve of dreams : to wit , the which may receive into it poynts actually infinite , being coupled or dis-joyned : yea , neither is . time a duration , great , or small , rather than plain , round , long , deep , short , or broad : because in very deed , it is not within the compass of predicaments ; because there is one only infinite , existing in act , to wit , god , who is all things : for if goodness , life , truth , and essence after an abstracted manner , are god himself , in created things ; it likewise cannot be denyed , but that in the same things , duration it self represents god. i believe therefore , that true time is unmixed , without the spot of a creature , every where , and alwayes unchangeable , nor to be after any manner successive : and that i might the more nearly conceive of this thing , i withdrew all bodies from time , and all coursariness of successive things , or the succeeding successive changes of motions : and then first , i clearly understood , that time in its own essence , bears or ows no respect unto the unstabilities , varieties , or measure of motions : for truly , time is that which it is , whether motions and mutations are made or not ; because i have not found duration to be related unto motion ; or on the other hand , motion unto duration , unless by accident , and by reason of a mental measuring of one thing unto another ; the which is altogether impertinent : for truly , time not having succession , cannot be serviceable unto co-measuring . but because we being concluded in a sublunary place , and being rashly seasoned by the heathenish schooles , we have been wont in the duration of time , indefinitely to consider priorities , and swiftnesses , together with their correlatives ; because through a frivolous abuse , the limitation of attribution of motions , and moveable bodies , hath been accustomed to be measured according to space : which relations ( notwithstanding ) of priofity , if they are weighed in the ballance of truth , they are onely the atributes of motions , but never of time or duration ; because priority , slowness , &c. do bespeak only an unseparable relation unto the parts of motions immediately following , and slowness compares the swiftness of motions with each other ; and therefore priority , slownesses , &c. do not so much measure time or duration , but only in respect of a dayly motion . for truly a humane and undistinct weakness , hath through a certain sluggishness and dulness , meted out all peculiar motions with a diary or diurnal motion : because they do not regard , that the priorities of motions are not properly the duration of time it self , but rather a universal distance of a general motion : and although duration it self of time be , and be present in all things ; yet that this is altogether a stranger from the succession of motions . from hence therefore , time hath begun to be considered as it were a successive and frail being by every instant : especially , because the schooles having imitated the blockishnesses of the vulgar , have at length accustomed themselves to confound time with the motion of the heaven . it 's no wonder therefore , if the great heroes or worthies , considering the thingliness of time by such beginnings , have not been able to conceive of the same : because , seeing it involveth an actual infinite ( which one only thing is eternal ) it is from it self of necessity , not to be comprehended by that which is infinite . for time is thought to succeed , and to have parts , because parts should follow themselves in motions : seeing time and motion are unlike things , and so far different from each other , as a mortal and finite thing is from an infinite : for although motion be made in time , motion can be no more co-measured by man through time , than man is able to measure man himself by god , who is , lives , and is moved in god. for if god would have the whole course of the heaven for the future , to be so unequally inordinate , that no motion could be made equal unto it ; should therefore time also be in it self unequal ? or should that cease to be , which now is ? yea if the motion of the heavens should cease ( as at sometime it shall cease ) shall time therefore cease likewise ? shall [ now ] it self be no longer [ now ] for what doth that belong unto time , which happeneth in time ? for truly it hath its own free being without respect , reflexion , or reciprocation unto any other thing . indeed time is not given unto us for a measure , or that in it self it is to be measured ; but it hath a free being in him from whence is all essence . for example : god is in every creature : for god is good as he is all good , but not this or that good ; but in as much as he is this or that good , he is not all or every good , and in such a respect , he hath a being in created things : for as god is one only good in all things , so in like manner also , all good is essentially this one true good : likewise god is every where present in all things , and his continuance or duration , is the duration of all and every of things . in like manner also , the light of the sun is a being , and something in it self ( because it enlightneth and heates ) yet without and on this side the sun , it is nothing : after the same manner , eternal duration is time in created things : because without and besides an eternal duration , it is a meer nothing privatively and negatively . wherefore as long as there shall be any created things , time shall never cease to be . the lord hath said , thou art my son , this day have i begotten thee : because eternity is nothing but one only [ now ] but one only [ to day ] i have begotten thee from the womb , before the day-star was : christ was born from the womb in time , and yet before lucifer or the day-star was : because in time , there is no priority or succession . [ before ] therefore , denotes a priority of the succession of motions , and an excellency of dignity , but not a priority of time : because from the beginning even unto the finishing of age , it is nothing but one only [ now : ] for so , the lamb was sacrificed from the beginning of the world , and his death saves the dead before the lords incarnation ; as the incarnation which makes blessed , hath respect unto motion : indeed it saves the ancestours , which precede according to the course of life , and in respect of motions conferred among each other ; but not by the sight or beholding of duration : that the lyon may not snatch them , nor the infernal pit devour them : for those prayers are for the deceased long after death , when as notwithstanding , souls do for the most part , undergo their judgment presently after expiration . wherefore such kinde of prayers should be in vain , and made too late , if time should be successive . the church triumpheth in the comforter her guide ; therefore she hath known , that all future things are in the same [ now ] of time , as if her prayers had happened before the party died . for the wise man affirmeth , that god made all things at once ; but genesis writing the history of the six dayes work , saith also , that as many dayes were spent : which sayings should therefore contradict each other , if succession be granted unto time : all things therefore were created in six dayes space ; yet one only point of time remaining : for so the devil hath known future things in the succession of motions ; as they being present in the one only [ now ] of time. the stars indeed are for times , that is for the successive changes of times , or varieties of motions ; but not for the continuance of our life , the bound whereof is appointed by the almighty . but indeed priority or formerliness is most difficulty sequestred from time : for although we abstract time from place , motion , and a body ; yet by reason of an opposite custom , and the novelty of the thing , it is very difficult to desist from priority in time , no otherwise than as any one who is wont to cut bread with his left hand , that thing is troublesome for his right hand to do , although he rightly performeth many other things by his right hand : yet therefore a difficulty and unwontedness of understanding , doth not change any thing in things , or oblige the essence of time , that it may accommodate it self to our errours : for what doth a priority it self of motions in bodies , belong to time ? or what doth priority hurt time , which is due to motion alone ? if through ignorance it be translated into time ? but because a priority of motions in order to duration , bespeakes an immediate respect unto another motion ( to wit , of dayes and years ) whereby we measure all other motions , therefore priority is abusively derived into duration : otherwise surely it ought first to be manifested , that that motion of the day , should therefore be time , because it happens in time ; which being proved , then priority might be referred unto duration , and not otherwise ; therefore never . but it is sufficient for me , for the distinguishing of things , that duration never depends on motion in its own essence , but that it carries in it self and before it self , a certain uniform constancy of the divinity ; to wit , whereby it is so permanent , that it remains altogether free from all successive change , and succession of priority , a sranger , and plainly independent for things , and the successive motions of things : therefore duration is to be placed in no predicament . and seeing that , it after no manner pertains unto the order of relatives , therefore by consequence , duration shews no internal respect unto things , unless by accident ; and that also , not but according to the miserable , and deceived discourse of reason , making proportions between moveable things ; and as yet , only in as much as they are moveable , in order unto a local , or alterative motion ; but not in order unto a real being of those things . indeed , certain fluxes of formerlinesses and latternesses , have respect unto frail moveable things in their motions , wherewith they hasten unto the appointed ends of their period ; and so unto their own death or destruction : but what relation hath all that unto time ? for therefore also ought time to run with all and every motion ? verely , so there should be as many times and durations , as there are motions ; or if one only time doth universally run with all and every of motions , and seeing such a very time should most swiftly out-run other motions , the slow course of the life of the crow shall flow in unequal time , with the circle of its roulable wheel : wherefore they could not flow at once , under one only duration : therefore time hath its own being or essence , immoveable , unchangeable , undivideable , and unmixed with things , not successive , but simple and free from all intrinsecal respect of it self unto the creature : although time be more intimate unto things , than things themselves are to themselves . i suppose therefore , time to be in the thrice glorious god , eminently and essentially , but in the creature , dependently , subjectively , and from an issuing forth to without , participatively . the law of destiny indeed , permitteth the motions of life , immediately to follow according to a disposition inhering in moveable things , being affixed unto a certain and prescribed order of appointments : but those affixings , and orders , are not of time it self ; indeed they obtain their own [ before ] and [ after , ] their own [ seasonable , meet or convenient thing ] and [ late ] for the following after , or succession of motions , and the changes of the same , but not of time. for nothing can be thought to be more absurd , than that one only time should be moved by a certain succession , should follow after , and make it self a vassal unto infinite points , undividable indeed in their priority , and divided among themselves by supposionality ; and the which notwithstanding , in every the least instant , should be conjoyned ; and which , without any their extension , should successively perish before their connexion ; and that such a chymaera should be a most sure measure of all motions : yea , that time should by such an undivided and mutual coupling of points , and uncessant succession thereof , be constrained to be moved , and successively to follow : and that at length , this motion by the infinites of an undivideable point , should be the distinct rule , and temperament of all motions : yet these so blockish opinions or precepts they hand forth to youth , under the first spring of its age , for the natural auricular document of aristotle . priority therefore , is never terminated in respect of time , but of destiny , related in order unto motions , without respect of one motion unto another : for local motion doth not touch the essence of place ; but a thing which is successively moved through place , sheweth only a respect by accident unto the scituation of places . in the mean time , respects of scituations , or of a place unto a place , do remain stable , unmoved , unchanged , neither do they in the least touch or concern place , whether the thing be moved in its scituation , or not ; seeing that succession of local motion , in respect of motion , is a stranger unto place . truly , by a stronger right do i understand these things to be done with time , because time is not a relative from any internal respect ; but it is a certain more abstracted thing , and nearer to eternity in understanding , and in matter , than place is . time therefore knows , not succession , neither in respect of motion , nor of the thing moved ; because succession is nothing else but a proportion of successive things in order unto motion : and although duration it self be in motion , yet this doth not therefore , put on the nature of the succession of motions : but as many as have thought time to be a successive and dividable being ; that also the rains being loosed , they have believed , is to fall and perish together with the destruction of the world , but that eternity , or a new creature , is to be substituted in its own rooms , without a medium of succession . indeed this hath been thus supposed , through a not knowing of the thingliness or essence of time : for while they say this of time , they manifest , that they speak not of time , and that they are ignorant of its duration ; because they speak only concerning motions , and the successive change of these , for the contingences or accidents of duration . for truly , although duration be in , and present with things , yet it hath nothing common with things , whether they are burnt up , are drowned , do putrifie , are moved , do sleep , do begin , or cease to be ; because duration doth not look back unto things , but remains unbroken , and alwayes equal to it self . for perhaps the text hath seduced them : hereafter , time shall be no more ; they not heeding , that time is there taken for the dayes of an year , for the successive change of meteours , and an opportunity of repenting ; to wit , according to the common manner of speaking : but not that duration should cease together with the destruction of the world , which now is , alwayes hath been , and shall be : for eternity which is deputed to the angels , is no way made diverse from duration , which they call that of time : for think thou of a soul the in-mate of the body , to experience neither day , night , nor likewise old age , as neither to have succession : yet it is in one only , and the same duration , and in the same [ now ] wherein another soul separated from the body , doth exist : because the changing of the place and condition of souls doth not any thing touch , affect duration , or oblige the same unto themselves , that it may therefore pass into their essence : but the same duration of eternity , issuingly flowes into all things , and sustaineth all things ; yet it doth not therefore loose its own simplicity , although the things which do participate of it , receive the same after a diverse and different manner : for a thing subsisteth in , and under duration , from the which if it shall fall or depart , it departs into nothing . for an angel therefore , in his substance and being , enjoyes a continual time without succession and parts , nothing whereof is great , little , long , short , former , latter , measure , and measurable . seeing therefore , according to the schools , there is such a duration for angels , which they call eternity , and they distinguish from the time of sublunary things , and that , whether they exist in the heavens , or in the earth ; and do admit of the works of the angels , to be co-measured by a successive , and distinct time ; i conclude , seeing an angel cannot be in two durations at once , differing in their whole orbe and general kinde , to wit , one whereof doth agree to himself , and another to his works ; both whereof in the mean time , contain one only [ now ] of duration , it should of necessity be , that both those durations do wholly melt into one only being , diverse only in the accident of respects , that is in a feigned and mental [ non-being : ] into one only duration i say , through a necessary real act of the existance of number : and so that time is in very deed , plainly the same with eternity , and doth remain unchanged for ever . but it is sufficient for me , that the schooles do acknowledge some continual time , and not successive , which they call eternity . i am not constrained , by reason of their mental diversities , to disjoyn time from eternity . for if they separate time , as being a successive change of things , and motions , from eternity ; for that very cause , they do more respect successive change it self , than duration ; the determination and definition whereof , they do nevertheless think they do attend : for truly that convinceth , that the thingliness of time being hitherto unknown , they in vain separate time as distinct from that which is continual , or from the eternity ; seeing there is never any necessity of succession in duration , and so much the rather , because they assign unto both the aforesaid durations , certain respects , which in the whole heaven ( as they say ) are banished from the nature of duration : because they are those which do only produce a difference of reason , or of a [ non-being ] which is equivolent ; as though the diversity of both durations were in very deed a meer device ; it being that which i thus convince of . time is a being : therefore the creator or a creature : if it be a successive being , therefore it is not the substance of the creator , or of a creature . but if they will have it to be an accident ( for of a nuetral being between a substance and an accident , the schools have not yet made mention ) at leastwise , it had behoved them to describe the subject of inherency for time. therefore i may conjecture , that the heaven shall not be the subject of time ; for so frail and sublunary things should not have a duration of time proper unto them ; duration should be a forreign stranger unto , and surmounting mortal things : and likewise if one sublunary thing should partake of time , as of an accident proper unto it , another thing that is neighbour unto it , should not therefore also rejoyce in time. but if they had rather that every of frail things should partake of the time of the heaven : at leastwise , all created things should not have a different duration , but every of them should remain in the same heavenly external duration participatively : yea , sublunary things should sooner have all the other manifest qualities and properties of the heavens , than the duration of the same : therefore they do not participate of a borrowed permanency of the heavens in duration . but if indeed , unto all particular things their own proper duration doth belong , so that things themselves are the subjects of inherency of duration , not fetch'd from elsewhere , and the limitation of duration should be as it were essentially included in seminal beginnings , now the light of divine providence appears in time , that it may be the rule of that which is created , but not a created thing it self ; for in god we are , do live , and are moved . so also in duration , which neither also was created : for otherwise , if time doth inhere in all particular things , as an accident or concomitant ; truly besides innumerable absurdities , there shall be even as many diverse times , as there are atomes of things : and whosoever doth now subsist at once in the same duration , shall have as many diverse essences and existences of durations , and time shall be actually divided into an infinite : and every accident which is naturally the object of some one of the senses , shall not by any sense be perceivable in the duration of time. wherefore i am constrained to acknowledge in time a certain universality , and together also a singularity proper to all particular things , and more intimate unto things , than things are unto themselves : i likewise confess a proper rule and determination , which bestows a precise duration on all particular things ; yet in like manner , unsufferable , unapprehensible , or unrestrainable by things : wherefore i acknowledge time to be a being , which gives and distributes all things to all , according to an ordained participation of eternal duration , and that for the confounding of atheists . therefore i consider of time , as the issuing splendour of eternity ; and the which splendour doth no more subsist beneath and without eterniry , than the splendour of the light beneath the light. time therefore , ought to be unto us a manuduction or hand-leading unto the super-intellectual , one , eternal , infinite , intimate being in every thing ; yet in no wise mixed , concluded , apprehensible , or detainable therein ; in which being , is the thingliness or essence of things ; to whom be praise and glory in its own eternity . it is therefore a paganish , barbarous and absurd speech , that time consumes or devoures us , because there is no action or passion of time on us , or from us : we perish not through the vice of time , neither is death made any more by time , than by god : for the dispositions of motions , are the second causes of death , but time is not of the nature of motions : for the divine judgments do dispose of all things , for reasons known to themselves . in the mean time , it is to be admired , that the day is the measure of motions , and yet that that they have prescribed no precise measure unto the day . they have indeed made subdivisions of hours , minutes , seconds , &c. by the number of sixty : but none hath hitherto shewn the precise space of one sixtieth part of a minute ; for they stuck in the practise . yea , besides noon there is no stable moment of the day : that also , doth almost every where vary , so that the certainty of the meridional point , depends not so much on the motion of the sun and heaven , as on respect of the scituation of the sphere . none therefore hath perfectly taught a certain or defined [ now ] or constant point , wherein any thing shall happen , unless a respect being had unto ecclipses . they having imitated the globe of the world , while they have divided the sphere by the point of the meridian , and the altitude or height of the pole : but seeing the sun is not alwayes , nor every where conspicuous according to their desire , they have found out wheels to be for some turns circumvolved for a dayes space , the which because they could not be for moving of themselves , a weight hath been hung on them , and so they have measured the day ; wherein an errour hath straightway arisen , because the weight increasing by reason of the length of the ropes did cause an unequality . the measure of dayes by an unvoluntary wresting of the steel , is as yet more uncertain ; because an exquisite proportion between the strength of which in-writhed steel resisting , and between the winding staires , or for removing of the bending rope from the axle , is not as yet certainly manifest : for the north wind blowing , it is more stubborn than it self , and than it was wont to be . there are not therefore as yet proportions of the least minutes in motion : musick halfe poured out or by minums , is also uncertain , because it hath respect unto the pause of an entire sound , which is the more swift at pleasure . therefore from the measuring of motions in duration ; i have first meted out the strength and goodness of guns , and any sort of gun-powder : for if the warlique engine or instrument be distant from the wall that is to be demolished , paces , sending forth a bullet of pound weight , with pound of powder of known goodness : but let it be noted how much the stroak of the bullet delays after the enflaming of the powder ; but now in its being distant for the space of , or paces , with a bullet of the same weight not made hollow , and with an equal weight of the same powder ; let it be noted , whether the sluggishness of the stroak answers to the proportion of the distance : the same trial may be made in greater , and less guns . therefore the sluggishness or slowness of the stroak shall discover how much resistance of the air the distance doth bring forth , and how much the goodness of the powder doth hasten it , and how much the hollowness in the iron-bullet takes away , or if it be filled with weighed lead . but i have at sometime with delight , meted out those swiftnesses , powers , and proportions of motions , likewise to be uttered in a great minuts space : i did hang on a nail , the weight of one pound , by a slender thred , of the length of one foot , and its weight hung free in the air ; but i moved the weight that it might strike in the air like the clapper of a bell. i say therefore , that all and every of the beatings which do follow , even unto the last , shall in every place be equal to the first beating : for by how much the first . thump is greater , by so much , those that follow are less , and therefore they may be so much the slower in their motion , but not in the beginning , or end of the same . likewise , whether one only pound , or more , be hung on a thred , yet they shall not therefore be unequal : but if the thred be two-footed , all the knocks shall be percisely slower by twofold : therefore according to the length of the thred , the thumps or pulses are hastened , or slackened : and so the delay of every motion may precisely be known : but the musitian shall note the equality of those pulses . lastly , seeing the motive power is on both sides , the one only equal beginning of motion , the moderative principle of swiftness according to the distance of place ; therefore it must needs be , that the beating of one pound is as equal , as that of more . i suppose therefore , that the pulse of a two-footed length , is of a middle or moderate pause , therefore that pulse or beating may be sub-divided into sixteen distinct lesser pulses , and it may be observed in the pin of a dial , how many pulses or knocks of the footed thred , a quarter of an hour shall yield ; and so the year shall be precisely co-measured . but as to what pertains unto critical or judicary dayes , observation indeed hath a foundation in nature , as our archeus unfolds the harmony of the heavens . indeed the moon doth alwayes on the fourteenth day , proceed unto a place opposite to her self , whither she was brought on the first day : therefore the nature of the archeus , is reckoned to have obtained opposite faculties . so likewise , the seventh day also hath the half of opposition , as also a quarter aspect of the moon as to the point of her beginning : for therefore the th and th dayes are evil in respect of the disease ; but good in respect of mans archeus . therefore , there is seldom a critical day , out of sharpe or acute diseases , however otherwise paracelsus hath thought . yet i have diligently noted , that there is never a crisis or judicial sign , where the physitian being skillful in his art , hath taken away the disease before the expectation of a crisis . for as nature rejoyceth in ordinary motions , and is accustomed unto them , and is willingly governed by a unity of the motive virtue ; so when the whole business of the disease is incumbent only on its own shoulders , nature her self stirs up her set crisis's , the which otherwise , the goodness of a medicine doth prevent , and the naughtiness thereof doth foreslow or destroy . for so the th day of a crisis , is protracted unto the fourtieth day : therefore it is the part of a good and faithful physitian to neglect crisis's : and it should be better for the sick to have wanted a physitian , as many as do escape by a crisis , and much more , whose crisis is the slower . for let the schooles boast of crisis's , let them determine of a crisis , let them teach , that for nature to fight with the disease , is unto them a crisis ; without controversie or judge : at leastwise , the similitude of that battle , and the name of a crisis unfitly derived , hath seemed to me impertinent : for these kinde of devises are delivered from hand to hand , whereby every agent is believed to sustain a strife by reason of contrarieties only : but one absurdity being granted , many do presently follow after in a chain : for i have taught elsewhere , that nature knows no contraries , nor that she fights with a disease : indeed that nature doth more employ her self about the disease , as about an egge , than that she may be its contrary ; if nature alone be the physitianess of diseases : and so it ripens all things , that it may come unto its end , and therefore also it intends the end of a disease , by ripening the means : so neither doth a disease resist nature while it is ripened , no more than an egge while it is nourished , doth fight with the nourishing hen : for unto the seeds of diseases is their period appointed ; not indeed that which may be due unto the mystical numbers of dayes , but only unto the necessary requirances of maturities : for if ( according to hippocrates ) things cocted , and not crude , are to be moved ; the quicksighted , and mitigated governour of nature , hath known his own maturities at set moments , the which himself alone is compelled to perfect , not indeed by reason of a distinct animosity of diseases , in contention ; but the filths being ripened , they desist from adhering unto the solid parts . but to what end is there so great a commentary of critical dayes ( i being a junior , wrote five books concerning critical dayes , the which i afterwards committed to the fire ) if it behoves a physitian to be instructed , that he may render a dangerous disease harmless , and may abbreviate a long one ; that is , may cut it off , that it be not spun out into a crisis . a crisis therefore , as it sounds of judgment , let it be the judge and accuser of physitians , and a testimony of nature alone bearing the burden ; because a crisis only happens , where a slimie or tough matter doth adhere , or a noysome or hurtful matter is enclosed , and wisheth to be sequestred by an ultimate or final maturity . but as to what respecteth a climacterical year or year of gradual ascent , drawn from a production of the number of seven into nine , to wit , into the sixty third year of life , it is a blockish invention : because seventy years are the dayes of a man , &c. therefore among christians , they accuse the holy scriptures of the imposture of falshood ; and so it is an invention of the devil , who being an enemy of our life , doth procure through the fear of death , to smite old men with astonishment before their appointed hour : for otherwise , what doth the production of a number into a number , make or tend unto the course of life ? years indeed do hasten , and run back into their own harvests and maturities . wherefore also the revolutions of years , and numbers of revolutions , do rather respect an identity or sameliness of recourses , than the number , or life directly , and they after no manner refer themselves unto a past number , because all particular years do end into their own precise singularity , neither do they reflect themselves upon a plurality of years foregoing . among the rest , some one doth sottishly betake himself unto the number numbering . truly , as it is a pious and christian-like thing , to acknowledge our life from the hand of the creatour , the prince of life ; so it is the part of reprobates , to have borrowed life from the planets , and numbers : for although god hath from his own will and good pleasure , disposed of all things in a certain space , yet let it be a foolish thing to attribute a causality to numbers . if plants had the faculty of fructifying before the stars were born , and do grow or flourish by virtue of the word , it is a shameful thing for a christian to have yielded the life of man , and the powers of his duration and existence unto numbers numbering . therefore a clymacterical year , whether we respect the numbred recourses of the stars , or a recoursive number , or next , the number numbering , is a vain prattle , repugnant to the holy scriptures , which call our wretched life from seventy unto eighty years , not by reason of years past , as neither by reason of their number numbering , but because necessities are increased in the seeds , they being so appointed by the prince of life . but they boast of a sabbathary number , because it is the seventh . adde to this , that is repugnant to the fiftieth year , which is that of the jubilee , and wholly sabbathary ; and so the seventieth year , because it is seven times the tenth , doth more sabbatize or rest , than the sixty third year ; because the ninth year is the nintieth , or the ninth tenth , which doth nothing belong unto a sabbatisme or celebration of a sabbath : for if the seventh day be critical by reason of the positions of the moon , therefore not by reason of number ; neither doth any thing of the moon interpose , which is common with the clymacterical number of years . for astrologers do will the year in nativities of the night , by reason of a doubled coldness of saturn ; surely a shameful one : but the year in births of the day , by reason of the ridiculous drynesses of mercury , and mars , to be most exceeding dangerous : but these men , besides that for one half of births , at least , they bid farewel unto a clymacterical year , they contradict the text : the dayes of a man are seventy years , &c. in the next place , they desist from numbers , while they call the qualities of elements unto their help , and by doating , do transferre them on the stars . if death in the vale of miseries , be the end of calamities , the clymacterical year ought to be the fiftieth , which is the sabbathary year and that of jubilee . god indeed hath distinguished the week into seven dayes , not by reason of a mystery or dignities of the number , but because he foreknew men would scarce be at leisure for him , unlesse he had commanded it : wherefore he would have the seventh day at least to be due unto himself , that we might wholly be at leasure at least once in the week ; but not that a number did contain a sacred thing or mystery ; but he testified the indulgency of his bounty , that of seven dayes he required even but one onely . go to , if he hath consecrated the seventh number to himself , why dost thou adde also the ninth , which is not consecrated unto him ? why do ye marry a profane number unto a sacred number ( as thou sayest ) that thereby ye may frame a clymacterical year ? is it lawful to have made dayes sacred unto god when thou pleasest ? at length , after who manner , if seven and nine should have a mistery in them , wilt thou make it , that the number from the product of seven into nine , shall be holy ? seeing that according to you , nothing can be added to , or taken away from the species of numbers , but that the species it self is continually changed ? god commanded ten days for unleavened bread , before and after the feast ; but what authority doth that afford for a denary or the number of ten. the lord commanded that dayes were to be vacant for himself , wherein he had been bountiful unto them , yet are they not therefore to be observed by us : and therefore neither hath he addicted a holiness to numbers : therefore that doctrine containeth the future perfidiousness of the jewes , which things afterwards , from the foolish frivolousness of astrologers , and melancholly or mad thoughts , they have fashioned into arts and rules fitted to their vain pleasure or desire ; and some of whom i have cured by remedies for madness , seeing such kind of obstinacy wants not its own madness . finally therefore , it is manifest , that long life which i treat of , is not in respect of duration or time ; but of motions issuing forth from the beginning , even unto the end : to wit , the measuring whereof in the constancy of duration , is not duration it self , but another motion , such as is the day , which by its plurality , onely measureth the longitudes or lengths of life : wherefore the holy scriptures do speak dis-joyntly : in those dayes . and likewise they describe the contingencies of things , by the dayes of men , but not by the successions of times , which paganisme hath introduced by a speech altogether fabulous ; because of time there is no part , succession , or interchangable course . chap. xc . life is long , art is short. . the life deservedly ought to be shortned . . the consideration of long life issues from the gift of god. . some factions of the schollars of paracelsus , about long life . . an objection for the despairing of long life . . how great the length of life is , according to the author . . why the term of long life is so diverse . . long life is proved . . the unsufficiency of galen is noted . vve all almost do complain of the shortness of life ; but the space of life is long enough , and the plurality of dayes great enough , if the whole be well imployed : for thorowly weigh thou , how much sleep , leisure or idleness , vain imployments , parents and friends have divided with thee of the space of life , and thou shalt presently discern , that ours is a lying complaint concerning the shortness of life . these things seneca sometime judged : but christians who hope death to be an enterance unto life , ought never to lament them of the shortness of their life : for there is a certain number of elect , and reprobates , the which that it might be the sooner fulfilled , by reason of the iniquities of many , the day of life ought to be cut short , as also the number to be speeded , for the hastening of the last day : for else , although the world should be fruitful in its whole ampleness , yet it should not be sufficient for the nourishing of all that are brought forth , and to be brought forth , by reason of the aforesaid hastening , if every one of these should attain unto the term of long life . furthermore , although the righteous ought deservedly to rejoyce concerning the shortness of their life , and in a contrary sense , the unrighteous do most of them wish for a long continuance of life ( for perhaps they shall be amended in old age ) yet seeing it is manifest to none , whether he be accounted righteous in gods sight , especially because , in his sight shall no man living be justified : i have therefore judged , that every one is to be seriously imployed for the obtainment of the antient blessing promised unto him that is obedient unto parents . therefore long life hath seemed unto me to be the top of all phylosophy , because it ponders of a pleasant and most profitable meditation . the death of a person is first of all most greatly to be lamented , which might be a pillar unto mortals , to his country , or family , but that by the command or permission of god , he should dye for some better end : for therefore every one is of his own free accord carried into the love , desires , and wish of long life ; and onely a miserable loss of health , or fortunes , brings on a desire of death , and wearisomness of life unto the desperate ; but a despairing onely of long life to be obtained , doth affright those who diligently search after it : because that in the ages preceding paracelsus , the dumb silence of the schooles teacheth , that they have meditated nothing concerning long life . because death crept in through the subtilty of satan , therefore i conjecture also , that long life hath not undeservedly even hitherto been suppressed through the deceit of the same , seeing he is the sworn enemy of our kind : which scope of long life , notwithstanding the almighty hath of late vouchsafed to instill into the mind of man , that after an army of new diseases mustred against us , we may seriously consider of these things , as those things which are glorious to his name , and necessary for us : although the gift of the tree of life doth remain in the hand of the lord , as long as he hath decreed to remain be the dispenser thereof . the late adeptists despising the wedlocks of the first qualities , the collections of humours , their prerogatives , and decayings , or cessations , have by little and little aspired unto a unitone of healing , under which , they at first supposing that they had found the entrance of remedies , gloried that they were made partakers of their desire , whom those succeeded , who could find that the subtilties of things , or purities of medicines , were not as yet sufficient for so great a spire , to wit , that they could enter unto the length of life ; because the offices of our growth being finished , they could no longer pierce unto , and comix themselves with the first constitutives of us . the natural endowment , i say , which things have obtained in growing , if they do not put it off within at their first entrance ; at least-wise , they do not carry it far inwards towards the roots of the homogeneal parts ; but they are as yet far absent from detaining the vital powers from their flowing unto death . for therefore the more learned from paracelsus , have afterwards declined into divers factions of opinions , and into a despaire of long life . others also being allured with greater courage and hope , more by the promises of paracelsus , than as being supported by experience , the witness of things , have promised many things , whereunto the events have not afterwards answered ; because they together with paracelsus , have not known the root of long life . the more sloathful also have despaired in matters of difficulty , in saying , the bound of our life is set , the which none shall over-pass . they therefore thinking it to be vain , whatsoever those who were somewhat too rash have promised concerning long life . but they do not rightly well weigh that he who hath appointed the bound of life , hath together also by the same endeavour , appointed all means requisite unto that term of life : otherwise , the tree of life had been in vain in paradise , and in vain had the creator created medicine out of the earth , from the beginning , unless the natural terms or bounds of things might be prolonged by healing or medicine : for if i use not remedies my bound is set , which i shall not pass over ; according to that saying , we is me , that my pilgrimage is prolonged ! if adam doth not eat of the tree of life , he had a bound of life appointed him : but if he had eaten , verily neither had he been dead . there is therefore a hope for long life , but the knowledge of the mean onely hath been wanting : for neither do i speak of long life issuing out of the scaiolae or four spiritual powers of the mind ; such fables i leave to paracelsus . nor in the next place , am i he , who extend the years of long life unto the days of mathusalem : but i greatly esteem of the age of nestor , or of johannes de temporibus or john of the times . but paracelsus calls the life of three hundred years ( by a despised name ) a short , natural , and curtailed one ; yea if it be not prolonged unto the year of fire , he esteems it unworthy , and promiseth , that by the virtue of his arcanums , the life of nestor should follow , as it were with no difficulty : but with me , a long life hath the term of one hundred and twenty years , but the utmost of three hundred years , because they are those which some living creatures do daily of their own accord reach unto , but man very seldom , and that not but in some unwonted places . but why long life may be extended with so great a largness , it comes to pass , because it is on both sides received after the manner of the receiver : for the modern tree of life should now no longer render me capable of the least dignity , or term , by reason of the light of my life , being depraved by many storms , the thred whereof they have cut off while it was as yet in the flax. he shall fullfil thy desire in good things , and thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle . for neither is it said , as of the eagle ; because the former youth of an eagle is not restored : but the eagle is renewed no otherwise than as the serpent puts off his skin , and the stag his hornes ; although in the mean time , they do not cease to wax old under that renovation : so that the eagle hastens into grey feathers . therefore i thus speak of long life , not indeed which may be extended even unto the last day , according to the rashness of paracelsus ; as neither do i speak of a sound life , which is plainly free from diseases : but of that which under some certain kind of protection of the faculties doth for some good while enlarge the bound of life : which meanes if they are administred unto a child and strong infant , are to bring the same unto the aforesaid term , if he proceed to use the same . what if at length certain climates do protract the life , shall that thing be denied unto a medicine , unto which there is a natural endowment of long life ? for oft-times , he which is constrained to use spectacles in the fiftieth year , doth afterwards again of his own free accord , see clearly in the eightieth year of his age. why shall not that therefore be done totally by art , which happens in the eyes from a voluntary vigour . but i have alwayes supposed , that whatsoever was once natural ( to wit , in nestor , doth not resist a possibility of nature : neither also doth it move me , that arch-physitians have found this place untouched and dumb , and therefore also have left it : because the schooles do long since despaire to be wise beyond galen , who notwithstanding , like an apothecary , doth substitute one thing for another ; and indeed hath set forth ridiculous books of preserving health , as for long life : for he encloseth this , in straight , crooked , athwart , and circular rubbings : to wit , he acting great motion , and being a great circulater in these things which are of his own invention , even as an ignorant transcriber of others : for as oft as he faileth , from whence he may copy out serious things , he so discovereth the wonderful poverty of his wit , that he hath seemed to have doated throughout some books , in a figural friction or rubbing : and therefore none of his successors hath hitherto counted the books of galen , of defending health , worthy of a commentary , or hath attempted to lift them from the ground ; but rather by a successive interpretation , every one hath bound that doctrine of galen unto the obedience of the huckstery of the kitchin and diet. for so through the craft of the devil , long life hath wandered into defending of health , and from thence into the kitchins . the art therefore of some years is short , and the life long ; if we must have respect unto the hope of life , which the loose doctrine of the heathens hath neglected . chap. xcii . the enterance of death into humane nature , is the grace of virgins . the index of the contents . . why it is treated of death before of life . . a final cause is not in natural things , as neither is it the first of causes . . some absurdities of aristotle . . the author prostrates this treatise to the censure of the church . . god indeed made death for bruit beasts , but not for man. . what may be denoted by the etymology of death . . the devil could not make death for man. . man prepared death effectively for himself . . of what sort the immortality of our first parents was . . by what means immortallity did stand in man. . why the mind is not capable of suffering . . the necessity of the sensitive soul : . the eating of the apple did contain in it the second causes for a necessity of death . . the inward properties of that apple . . man before the fall wanted a sensitive soul. . the mind imprints its image in the seed . . a chain flowing from the eating of the apple . . to what end the author hath written this treatise . life was indeed before that death could be ; & therefore although life be before death in nature , and duration , yet for this treatise , the enterance of death into man's life , doth precede life , because i might not treat of immortal life ( such as it was from the intention of the creator before the sin of our first parent ) but onely of the length of life , or of the prolonging of life ; whose end , because it is closed , terminated , and defined or limitted by death , death ought to be first determined of by its causes , as the remover of the bound of life . truly , i have not studied to imitate aristotle in this thing , who teacheth , that the end is the first of causes : for i have elsewhere plentifully demonstrated , that aristotle was plainly ignorant of whole nature : wherefore that his maxime , as well within , as out of nature , is false . because , if we speak of god the first mover , the arch-type of all things , and of the invisible world ; be it certain , that with him there is not any priority of causes , but that they all do co-unite into unity , with whom all things are onely one . likewise , seeing whatsoever is made or generated in nature , is made or generated from a necessity of the seeds , and so that seeds are in this respect , the original principles , and natural causes of things , and do act for ends , not indeed known to themselves , but unto god alone : from a necessity of christian phylosophy , a final cause hath no place in nature , but onely in artificial things : and therefore also from hence is verified what i have elsewhere sufficiently proved , that aristotle hath understood nothing less than natural things , and that he hath deceived his schools by artificial things : and he is wholly impertinent in this place , because he hath reduced artificial things under the catalogue of natural causes . yea in more fully looking into the matter , aristotle remaines alike ridiculous : for truly a builder , before the bound or figure of houses made out of paper , doth presuppose a knowledge of the place , an attainment of meanes ; in the next place , of lime , bricks , stones , wooden , and iron materials : a computation of which meanes , doth go before a figure of the houses . and so neither also is the final cause ( if there be any ) the first of artificial causes , in the mind of the author . therefore it is a foolish thing to reckon a being of reason , a mental being , or a non-being , among natural causes . moreover i had willingly hastened unto the bound which i have proposed unto my self , concerning long life , unless death should cut off the intended thred , interlacingly prefixing its priority as it were a remora or stop : the paradox also whereof , i had willingly detained among secrets , but that the treatise of long life did require its right after death , whereby it hath naturally stablished an entrance into the inne of man. surely this mystery of god is an unheard of paradox , and the which therefore i humbly prostrate unto the censure of the church . but let it be in stead of a proposition : that god made not death . but that thing i first understand to be denied for man onely : for otherwise , for bruit beasts , death was already naturally ordained before man was created , and indeed from the same root whereby death entred into man : for truly most beasts live not but by the slaughter of each other . in the next place , death doth not in this place , signifie a naked separation of the soul from the body , as it denoteth a meer privation , as if the sense were ; that god hath not made a non-being , which is called death : for such a declaration or proposition , in the holy scriptures , should be ridiculous . for the very word , ( he hath made ) and a denial thereof is the same , and respecteth , that he made , and they were made : and so a denial thereof bespeaks the absence of a positive , and not of a privative being , and is equivalent to this proposition , god made man without an inclination unto death , neither made he natural causes in him whereby he should be mortal . in the next place , neither hath the evil spirit made death ; because there is not a kingdom of infernal spirits in the earth , and much lesse was there in paradise : neither can satan by any means change essences instituted by the creator , invert them , abolish or slay those essences which god hath made void of death . death began in us from the evil spirit indeed suggestively and excitingly , after a manner plainly by accident and external : neither could he produce a cause of mortality , in a subject , through the grace of the creator uncapable thereof . therefore if neither god nor the evil spirit have made the death of man efficiently , therefore from a sufficient enumeration of parts , man alone made death for himself , and hath applyed causes unto himself as a positive being ; from whence he hath become mortal , and death hath been made natural : for what the devil could not do , man having a possibility , but not a necessity of dying , could do . for he was in the possession of immortality , and he was able not to dye if he would , because death was unto him a free contingent ; but indeed , because the body of adam had need of the tree of life , therefore in respect of his body he was not absolutely immortal , and therefore also he stood in need of nourishment : but he was to be immortal from the free goodness of the creator : and he who had preserved adam from death by grace , and had given him the natural endowment of the tree of life , had therefore defended the same adam from any kind of injuries : therefore immortality in man had been continued by the tree of life , and he was therefore banished out of paradise , lest also after the apple being eaten , he stretch forth his hand unto the tree of life , and eat , &c. for as the apple included the cause of death , so the tree of life contained a superiority of life over the causes of death . for it was not convenient for man , who had eaten his own death not to dye , and to deride threatned death , and therefore he ought to be bannished in paradise . but man was immortal , as his immortal mind did immediately perform all the offices of his body , and give from it self an immortal life : for seeing it knows no death , neither therefore is it subject unto the importunities of frail things ; it behoveth , if it was to govern the immediate family-administration of the body , that it should after some sort communicate a like immortality to its body , at-least-wise as to an excellency of the ruling powers : although in respect of the nourishments of the body , man had by little and little failed , if he had not been supported by the tree of life . yea , in speaking distinctly , all plurality of his powers was supt up into the unity of his mind : and at this day , the mind is not capable of suffering through duration , and the alterations of mortal things ; because a mark of resemblance is wanting to these , whereby they may immediately touch at , or pierce the mind . therefore that death might make an access and entrance into man , it behoved that the mind did first desist from its immediate and former function of the offices of the body ; and that another soul , to wit , a mortal one , sensitive and seminal , being as it were the band of the body , should enter . the which indeed , being far different from the mind , is begged in the course of nature by the vital air , from the father of lights , the giver of life ( even as elsewhere concerning the birth of forms ) and perisheth with the death of man. for if the seed of a dog doth voluntary issue even into a living soul exclusively : therefore it was meet that man should be conceived without seed , and a manly copulation ; or at leastwise , that the seed of man should not be without the disposition of a seminal life , but to be limited by the common guidance of created nature , into a living soul , exclusively : the manner whereof i will explain afterwards . furthermore , that death was placed in the eating of the apple , that is , that the natural cause of death , the producer ( after a dispositive manner ) of the sensitive soul , ( which otherwise man had wanted ) was by the seed , and that indeed , after the manner of bruits , and that the mind thereupon , hath forsaken the government of the body , as it were abhorring the beast-like impurity thereby contracted , shall be made manifest in following treatises . for from what moment of time , man made a seed within himself for the propagation of his own species , he delineated ( at leastwise dipositively ) by the same endeavour , the beginnings of a mortal soul , occasionally , it being the covering and wrappery of the mind , that it might receive on it self , the whole ministery of the body . for truly the creator had already obliged himself unto the seeds of things in nature , that as often as the seeds of sensitive cratures had come unto the bound of multiplying , the parent himself of vital lights , might infuse meet souls into all particular seeds ; the which i elsewhere in the birth of formes , have profesly prosecuted . and therefore , there was in the apple a faculty of producing a fructifying seed , and after a brutal manner , containing a seminal dispositive archeus of the young , and by request obtaining for it self a mortal soul from the giver of life : for on the same day where in they should eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil , they should die the death : because by the approach of the sensitive soul , there was made another , and a new generation , by reason whereof the mind being astonished , withdrew it self from the sterne of life . in this thing indeed , did the necessity of death , and immortality stand : for man had wanted a mortal soul , as long as he had wished to be immortal ; not only because one only immortal mind was sufficient for the governing of the body , neither was it convenient that the body should serve two masters at once . but moreover , because there was no need of a seed , which might contain in it a disposition unto a mortal soul. therefore the whole seminal disposition to propagate seed , was in our first parent , present● after the apple was eaten , and before the sensitive soul was born , as well in himself , and his posterity . from thence indeed it is manifest , that the mind , although it hath withdrawn its hand from the stern of the body ; nevertheless that it is no less guilty in every production of a fructifying seed , than it was in times past , after the eating of the apple . indeed that thing , the words of the text contain . in sins my mother hath conceived me . but after what manner , under the mean of the disswaded apple , the most chast innocency was defined , being free from the concupiscence of the flesh , and from the contagion of a brutal impurity , i will profesly demonstrate afterward . but let it be sufficient to have now said by the way , that a vital seed hath arisen , and was conceived through the lust of the concupiscence of the flesh , for the begging of a sensitive soul after a brutal manner , on which seed the mind imprinteth its seal : and therefore neither with the similitude or determination of a specifical brutality : without which seal , every seed is barren , otherwise ending into a lump of flesh , or a monster . therefore from the concupiscence of the flesh , as the seed , so also the mortal soul , and the life thereof , and by consequence , the flesh of sin have drawn their original ; and by consequence also , death . but indeed athiests and libertines , do even at this day , take the text of the disswaded apple , together with that original , for an allegory : the which the church hath long since banished for an heresie , and hath long since condemned it . therefore the history of the deed , which genesis describeth , is true . but why , and after what manner , that eating of the apple hath naturally , unavoidably , unremissibly , and irrevocably caused death to be equally continued on all posterity ; so as that the one onely transgression of the admonition , being among the most hainous of sins , hath committed an original crime , and afterwards should enclose in it the reason of a second cause by propagating , from an unexcusable necessity of mortality , or after what manner , the withdrawing of life , and cause of death are necessitated in the eating of one apple , i desired not to have narrowly searched into the reason of the good pleasure of god , and the motion of his decree , from a former cause , or from a consequent effect ; seeing it abundantly sufficeth me , that i know and believe , it was so appointed of god ; but that truly , i had hoped it might be for his glory , the splendor of chastity , and instruction of libertines , to have more fully sifted this par●●● , and therefore also to have applied it unto my treatise of long life . for now is the hour come , wherein that evil shall , from the north , be spread over all the inhabitants of the earth . chap. cxii . a position . . the substance of the position . . a summary objection compacted of the law , sin , and the curse . . . . . . are arguments against the objection . . a new objection . . the objection is solved . . the quality of the sin in our first parents . . why the serpent assaulted the woman . . the man is not cursed . . the woman is not cursed . . the text which is thought to contain a curse , confirms the position . . the likenesse of conception , and bringing forth after the fall , and not before the fall , doth strengthen the position . . the text proves the position . . an eight argument against the curse . . a ninth . . a tenth . . an eleventh . . a twelfth . . a thirteenth . . a fourteenth . . it is shewn that sin hath not caused death , much less if there had been any law. . what kind of knowledge was included in the apple . . two faults in arguing , of not the cause , as of the cause . . from what causes the corruption of nature hath arose . . from whence is the continuation of the original of sin. . some errours about the abuse of those faults in arguing . . the corruption of nature , from what immediate cause it hath proceeded , from what occasional cause , and from what mediate cause . . a fifteenth argument against the curse . . a sixteenth . . a seventeenth . . an eighteenth . . a nineteenth . . a twentieth . . a twenty first . . a twenty second . . a twenty third . . a twenty fourth . . after what sort death entred the apple . . a conjecture from things going before . . the conjecture is proved . . brawlings about goats-wool . . a twenty fifth argument . . it is concluded from the truth of the text. . death doth not exspect an hec-ciety or this very momentnesse , as neither doth sin. . the intention of the creator placed in the text is proved , because he hath no where admitted of incest between him that goes before , and him that follows after in generation . . the place of mans corrupted nature is narrowly searched into by eight arguments . . a ninth is also added . . the chastity of the text is celebrated . . the excellency of those that are regenerate , beyond the happiness of adam . the almighty , out of his vast , and voluntary goodness of love , hath loved , and raised up man peculiar for this purpose , that he might intimately and as nearly as might be , express his own image : wherefore he adorned the same image of himself , with so great a grace of his own divine majesty , and so prevented it with the bountiful beholding of his love , that of his own good pleasure , he created eve , and ordained that she should be the future mother of all humanity ; and adam after the fall , called the name of his wife hevah , because she should be the mother of all living ) who was to conceive her off-springs , not indeed from carnal copulation , and after the manner of bruits , nor from the concupiscence of the flesh , or by the will of man , but from god , or from the overshadowing of the holy spirit alone , after the manner whereby the humanity was conceived and born ; in which , and by which , all that are to be saved ought to be regenerated : that is , the virginity of the mother remaining entire , and her womb being shut , she had brought forth without pain ; eva was constituted above the man. this indeed is the great and new paradox , which i have undertaken to demonstrate , in this treatise . wherefore in the entrance , obstacles that are obvious , and devious , are to be removed . and first of all , they object the text : the earth shall bring forth unto thee , thistles and thornes . in the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat thy bread. i will multiply thy miseries , and thy conceptions . in pain thou shalt bring forth thy sons , thy husband shall rule over thee . thou shalt die the death : and by consequence , ye shall be afflicted with the calamities of diseases and old age. all which things issued forth on posterity , from the curse of the sin of disobedience , even unto the destruction of the world , upon no account to be redeemed , and by no act of sanctity to be expiated : because god had appointed a law to adam , that he should not eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil ; the transgression whereof hath defluxed as into original sin ; so also it stirred it up into the perpetuity of a curse , from our first parents , equally on all their posterity . these things have been thus diligently taught hitherto . whereunto , under the peace and censure of the church ; i will humbly sub joyn my own conceptions . first therefore , i negatively affirme the contrary ; because the words of the text do not precisely containe any curses , except on the serpent , and earth ; but not at all on man : whom , if he with whom there is no successive alteration or change , had cursed , he had truly , and alwayes cursed like the evil spirit . for it is a foolish thing to believe that god should now curse man , whom presently after sin , and without the intervening of contrition , or act of repentance , he forthwith blessed with much fruitfulness , gave him the whole earth , and placed all living creatures under his feet : yea in the midst of the curse uttered or brought upon the serpent , he replenished the femal sex with his blessing , saying : the woman shall bruise thy head : i will put enmities between tree and the woman , and between thy seed and her seed . the which , seeing it is not understood of the seed of man , it promiseth the messias the saviour of the world , to come of the seed of the woman : so far is it , that he had there cursed man. in the second place , i deny that a law was given , and by consequence also , a contradiction or opposing of a law : for it follows , wheresoever there is not a law , transgression nor disobedience doth not interpose ; and by consequence , a curse doth not there befall : but i prove that there was not a law by the very words of the text : and he commanded him saying ; of every tree of the garden eat thou ; but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil , thou mayest not eat . the word [ he commanded ] seemes to include a precept , and so also a law ; yet that one only word obtains no more the force of a law or precept for the affirmative [ of every tree of paradise eat thou ; than for the negative [ thou mayest not eat : ] for it included not a sin , although he had not eat of every tree of paradise : and therefore it did no more contain a law , for the forbidding of one tree , than for a liberty of all the other trees . therefore the text contained a fatherly liberty for the affirmative , and likewise for the grant ; as also a fatherly admonition of caution for the negative : no otherwise than as if a country-man being expert of the way , shall say to a traveller ; if thou shalt go that way , thou wilt perish and die the death so the admonition of the creator [ thou mayest not eat ; and in whatsoever day thou shalt eat , thou shalt die the death , ] do shew , not a law , but a persuasion , and wish : but the transgression , and act of the despised admonition , doth indeed contain a sin , but not of disobedience ; and disobedience , as much differs from a despised admonition , as a law doth from an admonishment it self . the prohibition therefore [ thou mayest not eat , ] sounds as an admonition , to wit , least he should eat his own and posterities death by an unextinguishable guilt ; because that death was placed in the apple , but not in the opposition of eating : and therefore that death from the eating of the apple was natural , being admonished of , but not a curse threatned by a law : for the threatnings of death , which was unknown to adam , could not terrifie the same adam : and therefore threatnings had been void , but not an admonition : for adam had not as yet seen a dead carcase , and the which , before he saw living creatures , was ignorant of their names : and much less could he know what death should be : and least of all by far , could eve know what it should be to die in paradise . therefore with our first parents , death was as yet a non-being , and unknown ; but of a non-being , and of that which is unknown , no conception answereth , and there is no fear at all : therefore , neither hath god foretold death for the threats of terrour , or a law ; but from his meer goodness : that when they had eaten of the disswaded apple , they might know that god had not made death ; but themselves for themselves . neither doth the text in chap. . hinder these things ; because thou hast eaten of the tree , whereof i had commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat , &c : for the words do manifestly declare the goodness of the foregoing admonition , but not a law : for the word [ i had commanded ] is the same which before in the second chapter ; [ and he commanded him , saying ] signifies an admonition only , and not a law : otherwise under an equal original sin , they had been obliged from eating of every tree of paradise , which none of a sound mind will ever affirme . for the great sin was in a suspition of deciet , falshood , and fallacy of god , and that they gave more credit to the serpent , than unto god , and that they despised a fatherly and kinde admonition : but there was not disobedience , because a law was not given : it was indeed an act against gratitude , love towards god , and a due and rational obligation . therefore god cursed them not , because they by eating , had contracted the penalties of diseases , death , and miseries on themselves for a punishment . but god speaketh not of diseases after the fall : because it was sufficient once to have foretold death to come , while he admonished them that they should not eat . in the next place , the crafty serpent assaulted not the woman as being the weaker ; but because the admonition was given unto adam from the mouth of god , but signified unto the woman , onely from the relation of the man : and therefore god first requires an account of adam . first of all , it doth not containe a cursing of the man , that the earth should be cursed in its work , and should bring forth cockle , and that he should in the sweat of his face eat his bread all his life : but they containe a remembrance of the loving admonition that went before the fall. again , neither do these words sound of a curse , that the woman should be thenceforth obedient and subject to her husband , although therein , the intent of the creator doth clearly appear , to wit , that he had appointed the woman to be the head , top , and ultimate creature above the man ; but now , by reason of a double sin , that she ought to be subject to her husband : but that signifies rather a deserved punishment , than a curse ; even as a superiour is not cursed , who is laid aside for an errour committed . but whereas it is said : in pain shalt thou bring forth thy sons ; the text expresly confirmeth the mistery of the paradoxal position . for from thence it manifestly appears . . that eve was not created , nor appointed , as that she had brought forth in pain : wherefore this message is not decleared unto her for a curse : but there is set before her eies , how much calamity she had caused unto her self , that she should hereafter conceive and bring forth after the manner of bruits , in pain : for it is not to be doubted , but that bruit-beasts are not guilty of sin , yet do they bring forth in pain : not indeed that they have sinned in adam , as their father , or that they are partakers of his sin ; because they had brought forth in pain whether adam had sinned or not . neither also is it agreeable with divine goodness , that bruit-beasts should bear an undeserved punishment , while as they from a faculty of nature , and from an appointment of creation , do bring forth in pain . . if bruits bring forth in pain , a likenesse of conception , and bringing forth in bruits , and in woman after the fall , is denoted ; which likeness , seeing it was not before the fall , therefore this text strengthens the position . . if eve had not eaten the apple , and consequently from the apple , the concupiscence of the flesh from the tickling of a corrupt seed , verily she had brought forth without pain . where the text promiseth a virginity in conceiving , and bringing forth , and so a perpetual virginity appointed in propagating : to wit , that she had conceived and brought forth , her womb being shut : for what other thing is this , than that which others think to be the curse of eve , is in very deed , only a commemoration of the good lost through the copulation of man , of seed , and of the concupiscence of the flesh , in the flesh of sin , after the manner of bruits , henceforeward ? the hope i say , was lost of conceiving by the holy spirit , after that she had conceived by the will of man , as every mother in sins doth . for otherwise , if death had been of the punishment of a broken law , and not from the concupiscence of the flesh , there should be every day as many new deaths , as there are transgressions ; or god should not make so much account of his commands of the decalogue , as of the admonition of the caution or avoiding from the tree of knowledge of good and evil : for he would not have those laws to be alike seriously observed , which he would not have to be chastised with an equal punishment . therefore it being as yet supposed , that there had been a law concerning the denyed eating of the apple , even as there is a law of forbidden worshipping of idols , adultery , &c. but these laws are not punished with a continued unpurgeable impurity on posterity , in such a manner as the opposition of that eating is . from hence therefore , it most easily appeareth , that original sin was not so much from the force of disobeying a command , as from the effect of a defiled divine generation , being changed into a beast-like one : for else there is not an equality of distributive justice , nor therefore a conformity in the goodness of god , whether we have respect unto the ingratitude of our first parents , or next unto the disobedience against a law : because the first disobedience should pay a punishment derived on all , even on the innocent posterity rather than any tenths or hundreths afterwards , and than innumerable , and far more great or haynous sins . indeed , i think that there is the same rule of justice with the same lawgiver , of every command preceptively , and defensively given and pronounced , that the breaking thereof ought alwayes to draw after it an equal fault , neither therefore to be punished in all the posterity , and those that are innocent : and then that none of mortals , nor any one of them had been sufficient for the original punishments of their ancestours , and a hundred-fold of deaths , ( to wit , if death had taken its original effectively , and immediately from the opposing of a law ) or the unchangeable god had not appointed his future commands to be alike observed as at first , if death should not have its root in nature , the application of which root had been onely from man. therefore if death should be immediately from god alone , from the curse of sin ; now god had made death , and so by faith we should believe a falshood , in the next place , if death had proceeded from a curse , and had been from a supernatural root ; so also , neither should our death find natural causes in us , or our death should not be of the same kinde with the death of adam : yea , which is far more absurd , our death should not proceed from the same primitive beginning , from which the death of our first parents began : and by consequence , our death should not be the effect of original sin : and so , unless death do happen from elsewhere , than from the punishment of a law , and the curse of sin ; that is , unless the adamical or beast-like generation of the flesh from the concupiscence of the flesh , and its copulation , doth naturally containe death in it , like unto beasts ; in very deed , innocent children should pay an undeserved punishment . again , if death should be immediately caused from a curse , or from sin ; should not the text unfitly say , on the same day thou shalt die the death ; while as it should not say : presently in the same moment thou shalt die : for a curse doth not want twenty four hours that it may operate , as neither likewise doth sin require an interval for the guilt , and deserved punishment of the same , which was expresly seen , while an impure man endeavouring to vindicate the reeling cart wherein the arke of the covenant was carried , from a fall , payed the punishment of his boldness by sudden death . but seeing death consisted in the procreation of forbidden seeds , and of the concupiscence of the flesh , it presupposeth the eating of the apple , and its digestion : and therefore those words , [ on the same day thou shalt die the death , or shalt be made mortal ; ] also thou shalt suffer punishment by death , doubled in thee and thy posterity , do strengthen the proposed truth of our position . but there is no original sin accounted of from the first , afterwards or unremissibly derived on all posterity , but that which from the eating of the apple , thenceforth defiled the whole nature ; because it tranferred the propagation of mankinde on the flesh of sin , of which god saith : my spirit shall not remain with man , because he is flesh . but that sin , if it hath not been sufficiently searched into by predecessours , i will add freely what i conceive . for indeed in this history of genesis , do concurr together . . the sin of distrust or suspicion of an evil faith , of deceit , fallacie or falshood in god. for eve saith to the divel : least perhaps we die : and so she doubted that the death admonished of , would of necessity come unto them . and likewise the sin of a despised admonition , and that they more trusted unto the serpent than to god ; neither was there disobedience , where there was not yet a law. . an act of eating of the apple , not so much forbidden , as admonished of bewarying of it . . an effect of the apple being eaten . for in the midst of paradise , there was a tree , whose property is said to be of life : least he eat and live for ever ; and there was another tree , whose property was that of the knowledge of good and evil , unto whom there was not another like ; but the other trees , except these two , served onely for nourishment . the property therefore and effect of this latter tree , was to stir up an itching concupiscence of the flesh , or madness of luxurie : but it is called the tree of the knowledge of good lost , and of evil obtained : for they knew not that they were naked , and they were without shame , that is , without the concupiscence of the flesh , like children , because they wanted seed . . a carnal copulation concurreth : from thence at length , a certain beastlike , frail , mortal generation , contrary to the intent of god , who was unwilling that man should conceive in sins ( in sins hath my mother conceived me ) not indeed that all mothers afterwards should eat of that apple , but because presently after the apple was eaten , all conception should not be made but by the will of blood , flesh , and man : and so that from thence , should all flesh of sin necessarily proceed . therefore while the immediate cause of corrupt nature , and death is ascribed unto the sin of disobedience ; or while the immediate cause of corrupt flesh , is attributed unto the sin of suspected deceit in god , they are faults in arguing , of not the cause , as of the cause . for in speaking properly , the very corruption and degeneration of the flesh of our whole nature , hath not issued from the curse , as neither immediately from sin accompanying it : but from these only occasionally , and as it were from the cause without which it was not ; but our nature is rendred wholly corrupted , and uncapable of eternal glory , by reason of the causalities of concupiscence and brutal generation , effectively , and immediately causing a withdrawing of virgin chastity , and all hope of generating from the holy spirit afterwards , and from eve as a virgin. and therefore original sin is defluxing altogether on all posterity , because after the virginity of eve was taken away , the race of men is not possible to be generated but by the will of man , flesh , and blood , the which otherwise , god had determined to be generated by the holy spirit . it is therefore an undistinction of causes , and its unapt application of effects unto their proper causes , which hath not heretofore heeded , . why that apple was with so loud a voice forewarned of , that they should not eat of it . . that they have esteemed that to be a curse which was not . . that they have ascribed original sin unto one disobedience , as the most near and containing immediate cause . . that they have thrown an unexcusable death , on the curse and punishment of a broken law. for although a grievous sin hath concurred with an original declining of the generation intended by god , together with an impurity of the flesh , the corruption of nature , by carnal copulation , yet the corruption of nature , the degeneration of generation , as neither death , have proceeded from the original sins of our parents their distrust , &c. as from an immediate cause ; but from the effect of the apple being eaten , as a new product of necessity , naturally depending thereon : that is , death hath proceeded from its own second natural causes existing in the apple : even as a total corruption of nature hath issued from thence , because both are supported by one and the same root of necessity . but the causes of these natural causes , were by accident co-bound unto the sins of distrust , &c. in the unison of eating . for the very guilt of the sin of suspition of an evil faith , or bad trusting of deciet , and a fallacy of god , remained expiable by our first parents , after the manner of sin , to wit ; by contrition , and acts of repentance , after the manner of other sins : but not that therefore , whole nature ought to be depraved , that a death and misery of every body ought to enter and perpetuate it self on all posterity , even although they should have guiltless souls : for god doth sometimes punish the sins of parents , upon one or a second generation : but it is no where read , that he hath chastised the sin of the grand-father on all his posterity afterwards , who had acted evilly for five thousand years before : for that pain of punishment exceedeth the love of god towards man , whom he so greatly blessed , presently after sin : it exceeds i say , the rules of justice , if the punishment of him that is guiltless in that sin , be refered unto his ballance . and moreover i think , that if god out of his goodness , had not admonished our first parent of death , if he should eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil : but if the devil from his proper and inbred enmity , had translated the apple from that tree under any other tree , and that both the sexes of men had eaten of the apple , that the concupiscence of the flesh and copulation had equally succeeded ; and so although that had happened without any sin ; yet that the generation following from thence , from the necessity and property of the apple being eaten , had suspended the intent of the creator , who would not that the sons of god , and posterity of eve should be conceived from the holy spirit , after her virginity was corrupted : and so death , a disease , and the very corruption of nature , and beast-like original inversion thereof had been , and yet not from sin : because the apple contained a natural efficient cause of luxury . for how unaptly do these agree together : death proceedeth from the sin of an infringed or broken law , and so from a supernatural curse : and those words of the text , uttered after the eating of the apple , and before the banishment out of paradise ; least he stretch forth his hand unto the tree of life , do eat of it , and live for ever . for against the curse of god , no creature is able to resist . from hence therefore it becomes evident , that the apple contained the natural cause of a defiled generation , and of their own death ; and that the tree of life , did likewise contain naturally a conserving of eternal life ; that is , a superiority over the necessities of death . at length , if death had happened from a law , from the punishment and curse of sin , it should be false that god had not made death ; because in very deed and immediately , death had proceeded from god , and not from a natural cause , or that of nature corrupted : and by so much a stronger right , where the same person , the almighty creator , is the law-giver , like as also the executer . last of all , sin is a mental being , or a non-being , which cannot produce a real and actual being . and therefore , death at its beginning had not proceeded from natural causes , even as at this day , death doth arise in bruit beasts equally as in us , and therefore death in its beginning had been different in the whole kind , from that at this day . and therefore the text should speak that which is ridiculous , god made not death ; if by reason of disobedience he had cursed nature that it should die . it is therefore of necessity , that the death of man in its beginning , began , and was made from second causes altogether natural , whereby we die at this day . also at this day , death hath reciprocally invaded through the natural causes of defiled nature , even as in times past , in its beginning . indeed although adam became mortal from eating of the apple , yet his death happened not but naturally some ages after , and from old age , as from second causes : far therefore be a law , an opposing thereof , sin , a curse in the original of death , appearing so many ages after from second causes , speaking as it were in our presence . therefore every and the total cause , whereby man hath immediately framed death for himself , is to be seen in the position . for although we are now mortal , yet we die not when we will , and when we desire : because death proceeded not from the will , or from sin ; but from the apple : neither indeed , because death it self was in the apple , as in a mortal poyson , but there was in the apple the concupiscence of the flesh , an incentive of lust , a be-drunkening of luxury for a beast-like generation in the flesh of sin , which flesh carried with it the natural causes of defects , and necessities of death . wherefore it is likely to be true , if the serpent had not been able to obtain of man , that by sinning he should eat of the apple , that he had cast an apple cropped from thence , unto the root of some lawful tree ; that by this means , the enemy of our life , might rejoyce to have introduced death . and that thing is sufficiently gathered from the text , which doth not say , if thou shalt eat of that tree ; but he saith , in whatsoever day thou shalt eat , thou shalt die the death : as if he should denounce , that that danger of death to come , was fore-ordained . for , for this purpose the world was created , and the instruments of generation were given unto man , because the corruption of nature , the necessity of regeneration in a saviour , and the virgin purity thereof , was foreseen . let therefore , those brawlings cease , whether eve ate an apple , or indeed a fig. for the text calls an apple , that which is pleasing to the eye ; but a fig doth not so allure by the sight of it : and that one only tree was of that property , whereof then there was not the like , nor at this day is there another read to exist among created things . finally , the words of the text ; i will multiply thy miseries , and thy conceptions : so far off is it , that they do signifie the indignation of god , and much less his curse ; yea rather they denote his love toward the devoted sex. for truly , there is none which knows not , that by how much the life of the devoted sex shall be the more miserable , by so much also that it is nearer to the son of man : for otherwise tribulations which god sendeth on his saints , and martyrdom it self , should by an equal right , be curses . i will add last of all , that as the works of the flesh are devillish : so the text , i will put enmities between the seed of the woman , and thy seed ; doth fully or plainly confirm this position . for first of all , the woman of whose seed god there speaketh , is the god-bearing virgin ; which as a virgin , hath left no other seed an enemy to the serpent , but the sons of light , the sons of god , and those who are renewed by the holy spirit , who have no enmities with the eggs of any creeping thing , but only with the sons of the devil , and darkness , forasmuch as they keep the seeds of sin. therefore the text there promiseth a future regeneration in the god-bearing virgin , calling those that are not renewed , the seed of the devil ; because they are adamical flesh . therefore those things being heeded which i have already above demonstrated ; original sin doth not properly expect a quickning , or the moment of hecceity : for although the soul cannot be guilty of sin , before it be ; yet seeing original sin is in the contagion of the flesh , it self is presently in the supposition of the concrete or composed body , after the manner of its receiver , and assoon as there is a sexual mixture of the seeds ; according to that saying , for behold i was conceived in iniquities ( before the coming of the soul , ) because in sins my mother hath conceived me : for sin is in the same point wherein death consisteth ; the which indeed is in the very mixture of the seeds : for death is immediately in the archeus , but not in the soul ; which thing the sometimes mortal indisposition it self of the archeus , proveth ; from whence the conception is made voide , which before now was in its whole hope , vital : and although the impurity of the material thing supposed , be before the flesh thereby generated , and therefore also before the soul ; yet there is not properly sin , unless the soul ●all put that on . there is therefore a far different infection of original sin , than of any other sins whatsoever , which require a consent of the soul : for other sins the soul it self committeth : but original sin defiles the soul not consenting ; because the thingliness or essence of that original sin , is the very flesh of sin : for neither therefore is it called the soul of sin , but the flesh of sin , because the soul is defiled by the flesh : but the devil not from elsewhere than from himself : therefore man admires mercy , but not the devil . therefore from the good pleasure of the creator , the apple did carry in it not only the concupiscence of the flesh , but consequently also , the generation of seed : but there was not therefore a faculty in the apple , of propagating the sensitive soul. the arbitrator of the world in creating , would oblige himself to create every living soul in every soulified body , when corporeal dispositions had come unto the bound of enlivening : for therefore the apple , presently after it was eaten , disposed the arterial blood unto a seed , and from thence into a sensitive soul : and that thing was proper unto no nourishment , which was unto that apple , so that it not only begat seed in our first parents a few hours after , but also dispositions to obtain by request a sensitive soul from the creator : and that which otherwise happens in the young , in set terms of dayes , and is perfected by certain degrees of digestions , that was presently compleated in the very vital archeus of our first parents . and the text doth insinuate that peculiar thing to be in the apple , because , in the same day wherein he should eate of the apple , he should die the death : because the apple , although it should anticipate or forestal the term of dayes , yet it should require a certaine term of motion , that after it should be turned into vital blood , it should also be endowed with a sensitive soul. for they who in the very point of creation were formed into a man , and a woman , and not into children , in a short space also , grew old or decayed on the same day , into the maturity of seeds , and every necessity of death , and properties of second causes . for in a straight way , all this falls perpendicularly or point blank on the post of the foundation of my position , on which the giddy or unconstant businesse of our mortality , is whirled about even unto this day . but at least-wise , seeing eve was made of the rib of the man , that very thing doth insinuate a mark of chastity , and forbidden copulation of the flesh : because it is that which besides whoredom , contained incest ; which thing was not hid from adam : of which notwithstanding , the almighty after the fall of sin , seemed to dispense withal , granting matrimony . therefore through occasion hereof , it remaines diligently to search into , whether the act of lust were compleated in paradise ? many will have paradise to be free from filthiness , because the text saith , chap. . but adam knew eve his wife , who conceived , and brought forth cain ; saying , i have possessed a man by god. but let these men pardon me ; for the contrary appeareth from the very text. first of all , the text cited , doth convince of nothing , but that the ravishment of true virginity ( because it is bloody ) doth not admit of conception as a companion : and therefore cain was not conceived at the first turn , but out of paradise . for otherwise , . on the same day ye shall dye the death ; according to the truth of the position , denoteth , that in the same place the filthiness was committed . . the woman is not called the wife of adam before the fall , as she is immediately after : but the name of a wife is not given , not indeed unto matrimony confirmed , but onely unto it being finished . . it was said onely to the man , thou mayest not eat of this tree : therefore it is read , concerning the banishment of the man , to be made in the singular number : not indeed but that both sexes sinned , but because the man had singularly deserved to be banished for his whoredom . . therefore it is said ; lest he stretch forth his hand unto the tree of life , do eat of it , and live for ever : but it is not said , least the husband and wife do eat . . adam at the first sight of the beasts , knew their essences and properties , and also put right names upon them : but the woman being seen , he at first called her wo-man , because she was taken from man : but after the fall , he called her hevah , or , the mother of all living : because he at the first sight of her , as yet knew not , neither as yet had she that property from the man , and she learned it , because she put it not on , and stirred it not up but by sin : for why had he changed the essential name of the woman , if she had not also changed her whole nature ? . and next , he with-drew her unto the shrubs , rather to commit his filthiness , than for a cover of his shame : for truly he might have covered his shame with fig-leaves , and have neglected his hiding through the shrubs , if he had not also had the signes of chastity corrupted . . for truly , if my position be true ; that death was caused onely through the luxury of the flesh ; his banishment followed not , but after the act of filthiness . . for he who but presently before , knew not that he was naked ; after what manner did he presently know his wife to be the mother of all living , unless he had committed something ? and lastly , the text which saith unto the serpent , i will put enmities between the seed of the woman , and thy seed ; doth clearly denote , that the woman that before wanted seed , and altogether all the tickling thereof , had now seed . however it is , at least-wise , i cannot but remarkeably admire the excellency of the text , which hath no where made even any deaf mention of the concupiscence of the flesh : but it every where covers the fowlness of the flesh , with the greatest silence , by the obtained knowledge of the shame , and involves an induced necessity of death , and a necessary requirance of regeneration in the highest mystery : determining , that at length , the fullness of dayes being compleated , evil shall be spread out of the north , over all the inhabitants of the earth . the which i will by and by manifest . finally , nature being now degenerate , it hath pleased the almighty to raise up the fall of adam by regeneration or a being born again : and although he hath not restored unto us , the antient clearness of understanding , and exquisite speculative knowledge of the mind , yet hath he raised up our dignity far higher : for truly the understanding being reduced by grace , into the obedience of faith , proceedeth in a humble resignation , unto the victorious reward of love , whereby we are supported and constrained . and the least abiding of that love , is far more glorious , than the whole unoccupied life of adam in paradise : for before the fall , faith was unknown , the race of virtues , especially also the superexcellency of divine love , and they lived onely in the happiness of the purity of innocency : and therefore , god by the permission of his fore-knowledge and ordination , hath bound the unequality of blessednesse , issuing or springing up from the new birth , with a certain excellency of riches : because the tribulations of his life , are not worthy to be compared unto the great or vast things , which the goodness of god hath prepared for us that are renewed . for i had rather know those things which god hath revealed by his onely begotten son the saviour of the world , than to have known the faculties of living creatures , and herbs , with a clear understanding : it being abundantly sufficient for me to have an humanity in god , whereby he hath adopted us for the sons of god , and made us far more like himself , than adam was in his greatest felicity . chap. xciii . the position is demonstrated . . a first prooof of the position . . a second . . the divine manner of generating cannot be conceived by man. . a conjecture from a like thing . . a repetition of demonstrations . . an argument for the position . . another argument . . a third . . a fourth . . a fifth . . a sixth . . that the mind doth not create the sensitive soul , as neither that another mind is drawn from the light of the mind . . a seventh argument . . the mind imprints an image on the seed of the body , but not the image of god , that is , it self . . it is proved . . an eighth argument . . what is generated by the parents , after sin . . even unto the . article or content , a reasoning from the holy scriptures . . that it resists christianity , for man to be called an animal . . some agreements of fathers with the position . . an every way convincing argument out of augustine , for the position . . a solid argument for the position . . from the rule of falshood . . the progress of satan . . the birth of faunes and nymphs . . that there are tudes-quills in the canaries . . objections against the position unto the . article . . an irregular race of fishes . . there is no figure of the water , neither doth it fall down circularly . . the fructifying of trouts . . the unvalidity of the seed of the male. . the prosperousness of fishes strengthens the position . . worms are the admonishers of a resurrection without a material seed of the male. . the chick is formed of the yolk , and the seed of the cock doth materially remain without . . a seventh objection unfolds the causes of the flood . . the common divulged explication of this text confirms this position . . an interpretation about the motive principle of the flood . . gyants were not from the first intent of creation . . the proof of a prophetess . now therefore the suspitions of a law , disobedience , and of a curse , being removed , i proceed unto a demonstration of the position : for which , in the frontispiece , the most glorious incarnation of the son of god , by the most pure arterial blood of the alwaies unspotted virgin his mother , is premised . and then , the text hath strewed the way for me : except ye shall be born again of water and of the holy spirit ; that is , unless ye are co-partakers in the new regeneration of those that are to be saved , of the unspotted and most chast incarnation of the lord jesus , and are as it were members of that head , and as it were adopted sons , ye shall not be branches of that vine . for whatsoever is born of the flesh of sin , and of the concupiscence of the flesh , is flesh ; uncapable of eternal life , and of the kingdom of heaven . and he which sowes in the flesh doth reap in corruption : and whatsoever he shall reap is flesh and corruption it self . for after what manner the holy spirit had generated in eve , all the posterity of men , that the mind of man is not able to attain unto , unless the sacred text had manifested the way thereof , in the god-bearing-virgin ; who indeed conceived not of , but from the holy spirit , whom therefore gabriel had foretold onely to overshadow the virgin her self , who was perpetually unspotted . and therefore the church calls the eternal father , the first person of the holy trinity , the father of the eternal son : neither doth she suffer the holy spirit to be called the father of the humanity of christ , because the material generation of christ was drawn onely from his mother : wherefore neither doth his conception from the holy spirit , include any paternity or fatherliness : but as that generation proceeded without a begetting of the holy spirit ( the which indeed about the conception of christ , was busied without begetting ) so it is safe for us to contemplate , that wholly after the same supernatural and divine manner of over-shadowing in eve , had the generation of adoptive children , and of the divine image been established . therefore the father of lights , is the onely creator of all soules , as also supereminently of the immortal mind : therefore the generation of man , by the father of lights , the giver of life , in the creation of the mind , had been finished or perfected from the substance of eve , and from a co-operation of the holy spirit in conceiving : for as that conception of men had been plainly supernatural ; so also there had been a supereminent chastity of the mother in the state of innocency , such as is now in the regeneration by water and the holy spirit . wherefore i will endeavour to stablish the stated position . first by a reason from nature . and afterwards to confirm it by reason , and authority fetched from the holy scriptures . and lastly , to fortifie it by the opinions or precepts of fathers . first of all , it is agreeable to reason ; that if god would make his own image in flesh , and blesse it by posterity , that that ought to be done in the mother being a virgin : but not in a woman defiled by adam , least god should have man his competitor in the intended incarnation of his own image . otherwise , if man should prevent , and by preventing , overthrow this holy and unpolluted production of mankind ( for whose sake he hath seemed to have framed the universe ) afterwards also , every generation of men so to be produced , should happen after a bruital manner , and whatsoever should be born thereof , should be naturally uncapable of eternal glory . for it is agreeable unto reason , that the immortal mind , before the apple was eaten , had never made an off-spring immortal in duration , because nothing is able of or by it self , to produce that which is infinite in duration , but god alone ; whom therefore as yet unto this day , in adamical generation , the church confesseth to be the one only creator of the immortal soul. else if the mind should be able to produce any infinite and immortal being , thenceforth of an infinite duration , out of it self , and the which therefore should be a substance ; now it should of necessity cease to be a creature , and should be a creator . therefore the mind never could , nor never shall be able to produce an immortal substance , and by consequence , it fights with the divinity , that the mind , which before the eating of the apple , had immediately undertaken on it self , the whole government of the body , had of it self generated the image of the infinite god , and had generated a substance infinite in duration : wherefore there is altogether an unlike reason , whereby the mortal lights of life , or mortal souls do issue forth , and whereby an immortal substance is created . so that it is unpossible to the whole nature , that the mind should generate a substance like unto it self ; seeing that to produce a spiritual , and immortal , is reserved for god alone , even altogether by the consent of all : for truly such a production presupposeth a creating of nothing : otherwise , if the mind had intended before the fall , to produce a substance like it self , of nothing ; seeing that thing is altogether impossible unto it , it ought to divide and separate it self into parts . in the next place , neither had it ever been the intention of the mind , to generate a mortal or sensitive soul , because it is that which is besides and against the appointed government of its own life . wherefore from a sufficient account or enumeration , i conclude , that before the apple was eaten , neither could the mind have generated an immortal soul , neither that it intended to generate a mortal one , nor indeed any seminal disposition , or substance of seed : and therefore , neither had there for that cause , been made any generation by man , neither had he felt in himself , any inclination to generate : and in this respect , the cause of natural death , of necessity , lay hid in the eating of the apple , being unfolded by carnal generation ; in which generation , there is a seminal disposition co-operating , for the obtaining of a mortal soul by request ; and that generation doth prevent and pervert the intention of the creator , about the propagation of his own image : so indeed the mortal soul , hath through a brutal concupiscence of the flesh , produced for it self a seed , dispositive unto a soul , which is to perish after the manner of bruit-beasts : to wit , the which soul hath also introduced with it , a brutal condition of mortality : for death was undoubtedly co-natural unto bruits , from their creation ; the which indeed have only mortal souls . but it is lawful to confirm by the rule of a supposed falshood , that we are bound by faith to believe , that indeed the mind is created immediately by god ; but not to be kindled by the soul of the parents , even as light being taken from light : for if the soul of the person generated , be made of the soul of the generater , this shall be either from the soul of the father , or from the soul of the mother , or from both ; but none of these is true : therefore the soul of the person generated , is in no wise made or derived from the spirit of the parents . it is proved as to the first : for truly , seeing the speech is of the progress of nature , the which therefore ought to be ordinary ; and therefore also , that thing should constantly happen in bruit-beasts ; but this doth not happen ; therefore not from the progress of nature . the subsumption is proved by a young , from its father being a dormouse , and its mother a coney ; to wit , the which except that its taile is like a dormouse , is wholly a coney , as well within , as without , also in its skin , and haires : but if any faculty of its soul should issue from the father , it should of necessity have a fatherly , and not a motherly faculty : but by the example proposed , the contrary is manifest ; therefore not from the father . yet neither therefore , are the souls of off-springs begged from the mothers soul : for otherwise , from that which the soul proceedeth , from the same likewise , and at least , the formative faculty also should proceed . and by consequence , off-springs should not only alwayes be made of the femal sex , and alwayes like unto their mother ; but also a mola or lump of flesh , should never be made where the faculty or virtue of the seed of the male flows down as barren : as neither should the imagination of a woman great with child , transchange the young , being already formed in its mothers womb , into a monstrous , strange , yea and bruital figure : because the seed now having a soul borrowed from the parent , could not be any longer subject unto the foolish imagination of the mother , especially while as the young is now nourished in its own orbe and kitchin. the same argument also prevaileth in supposing , that the soul was begotten from the soul of both parents ; for whatsoever is denyed disjunctively , may truly be denyed copulatively : whither also this conclusion hath regard ; to wit , that that being granted , the seed should now be actually soulified from its beginning : and likewise , that of two souls , a certain composed and mixt soulified and spiritual light should be made ; which resisteth a formal simplicity by reason of a composed duality . therefore the single homogeniety of the soul , is averse unto duality , and to a heterogeneal composition of souls . whence i conclude , that the soul is not so much as in bruits , derived from the parents , and by so much the less , in man. wherefore all souls are immediately created by the very life it self , and father of lights , who will give his own honour of creator unto no creature : wherefore from hence it is easie to be seen , that man is not able to produce an immortal mind , nor the divine image : and so also , from hence it is manifest , that the first intention of the creator , was not that man had in any respect , immingled himself in generating ; but that the alone hand of the creator had perfected every young , which alone createth all souls , but especially and singularly , that soul which should thenceforth be eternal , the which he by an essential ordination had directed unto his own image . lastly , it must needs be , that a true image or likenesse can never naturally be made , but by a proper engraver : but he is no proper engraver , who hath not perfectly known him whose image he intends to engrave : but man was created after the image and likeness of god ; yet he cannot know god , as neither express any image of him in mind or word ; the which ignorance , every one ought to confess : therefore he cannot be a proper engraver of the divine image : and therefore , whatsoever image of him he should frame , it should be plainly monstrous , and of a finite duration : and by consequence , man in the intention of the creator , was not made that he should generate a man. in nature indeed , every spirit of generating seed , doth comprehend ( because it doth contain ) the idea of the thing to be generated : but man , seeing he is the immediate and true image of god , cannot by any means transfuse the divine image into his own seed , the which in himself , and out of himself , he is plainly ignorant of . but seeing that in nature , a like thing generates its like , man may imprint on his seed the image of a humane body , made also after the image of god. therefore a man which generates , may imprint on his seed , the seal , or shadow of himself ; but not the image of god , and substance of the immortal mind : and moreover , i have demonstrated elsewhere , that all other souls are only formal lights , but not substances . therefore if the mind , ought or could be able to produce the image of god , now the mind should either dease to be the very image of god it self , or god should not be the creator of the mind . wherefore the pure essence of the image of god , did by all manner of means require in its conception of creating or generating , god himself , the immediate creator and one only father of it , who is in the heavens , and besides whom there is no paternity in the heavens : otherwise , there is a carnal paternity or fatherliness in man , and bruits ; and therefore the text saith , honour thy father . and another text , that there is no paternity , but in the heavenly father . therefore it is denoted , that there is not for man a fatherliness of his mind , but in god alone ; and therefore his original generation and propagation was reserved in the power of god the creator : and especially , while as its knowledge of it self , is wanting to the mind , which is immortal and infinite in duration , whereby it may represent it self to it self , to wit , that it may decypher a sealed similitude of it self in the seed . therefore indeed , neither can the immortal mind ever bring the seed of man unto that which it self shall never have in it self , to wit , out of it self to decypher the image of god. for man is so made the image of god , that he is the cloathing of the deity , the sheath of the kingdom of god , that is , the temple of the holy spirit . man therefore being essentially created into the image of god , after that he rashly presumed to generate the image of god out of himself , not indeed by a certain monster , but by something which was shadowily like himself , with the whoredom or ravishment of eve , he indeed generated not the image of god , like unto that which god would have therefore unimitable ( as being divine ) but in the vital air of the seed , he generated dispositions careful at some time to obtain a sensitive , discursive , and motive soul , from the father of lights , the fountain of all paternity , yet mortal , and to perish , into which nevertheless , he of his own goodness inspires ordinarily , the substantial spirit of a mind , shewing forth his own image : and so that man in this respect , endeavoured to generate his own image , not but after the manner of bruit-beasts , by the copulation of seeds , which at length should obtaine by request a soulified light from the creator , and the which they call a sensitive soul. for from thence hath proceeded another generation , conceived after a beast-like manner , mortal , and uncapable of eternal life , after the manner of beasts , a bringing forth with pains , and subject to diseases and death , and so much the more sorrowful or full of misery , by how much that very propagation in our first parents , dared to invert the intent of god. therefore the unutterable goodness forewarned them , that they should not tast of that tree : and otherwise , he foretold , that the same day they should die the death , and should feel all the root of calamities which accompanies death . deservedly therefore , hath the lord deprived both our parents of the benefit , and seat of immortality : to wit , death succeeded from a conjugal and bruital copulation : neither remained the spirit of the lord with man , after that he began to be flesh . furthermore , because that defilement of eve shall thenceforth be continued in the propagating of posterity , even unto the end of the world : from hence the sin of the despised fatherly admonition , and natural deviation from the right way , is now among other sins for an impurity , through an inverted , carnal , and well nigh bruital generation , and is truly called original sin ; that is , man being sowed in the pleasure of the concupiscence of the flesh , shall therefore alwayes reap a necessary death in the flesh of sin. but , the knowledge of good and evil , which god placed in the disswaded apple , did contain the concupiscence of the flesh , that is , an occult forbidden conjunction , diametrically opposite unto the state of innocency ; which state was not a state of stupidity , because he was he unto whom , before the corruption of nature , the essences of all living creatures whatsoever were now made known , according to which they were to be named from their property , and at their first sight , to be essentially distinguished . and moreover , s. hildegard unto the moguntians or those of mentz , saith , adam was formed by the finger of god , which is the holy spirit ; in whose voice , every sound before he sinned , was the sweetnesse of all harmony , and of the whole musical art : so that if he had remained in the state wherein he was formed , the weaknesse of mortal man could not have been able to bear the virtue and shrilness of his voice : but when the deceiver of him had heard , that man from the inspiration of god , had begun to sing so shrilly ; and that , hereby to repeat the sweetness of the songs of the heavenly country , he counterfeited ( behold how far now man hath departed from thence with his hoarse voice ) the engines of craft ; seeing his wrath against him was in vain , he was so affrighted , that he was not a very little tormented thereby : and he alwayes afterwards busily endeavoured , by the manifold devises of his wickednesse , to invent and search out , that he may not only cease to interrupt or expel divine praises from the heart of man , but also from the mouth of the church . these things she . it is a devoted opinion of mystical men , that birds do sing praises unto god. i under a humble correction , do think otherwise : for if that should be true , they should sing all the year , neither should they cease , assoon as the lust of generating is fulfilled ; which argument is serviceable unto our position . for truly , seeing the males only do sing , but not the females ; that from a common nature , adam was the more leacherous , and incontinent , and from his sex , more lustful than eve ; whose chastity therefore being beloved of god , seemeth proper to that sex. man therefore , through eating of the apple , attained a knowledge that he had lost his radical innocency , and that instead thereof , he had made an empty exchange of the sordid concupiscence of the flesh : for neither before the eating of the apple , was he so dull or stupified , that he knew not , or did not perceive himself naked ; but with the effect of shame , and brutal concupiscence , he then first declared that he was naked . for the sacred text is every where so chaste , that the most high would not name the concupiscence of the flesh it self , at least-wise , by a proper name ; yea , nor also accuse of it , while he forewarned of the eating of the apple for a necessity of death ; that that brutal concupiscence might not be made known unto man , even so much as by name : and therefore neither would he have concupiscence to be named in genesis , by reason of the prompt perfidiousness of that people ; but he called it innocency lost , from a gotten shame , the which he would afterwards have to be weighed in the church , by its own circumstances . and so that therefore , he presently translated adam after his creation , from the earth , into paradise , and for that cause also , he formed the woman in paradise , least she whom he had made and appointed to remaine a virgin , should behold the copulation of bruit-beasts in the earth . for in the beginning , god created the heaven and the earth , and every creature contained therein : but he made , and formed those things materially , by the passive and commanding word [ let it be done , ] to wit , he spake that word , and all things were created : but in six dayes space after , he made the forms of things created , and all things were orderly made into the life and soul of soul●fied creatures : for in that , those words did differ , to say , let it be made , and to make : for in the sixth or last day , adam was formed : but on the seventh day , god rested . at length , he afterwards translated adam from the earth into paradise , and deliberated to make woman of the rib of the man , but not of his reins , thigh , or belly : therefore on the eighth day , that it might be the beginning of a new week , for a new and super-natural generation of an off-spring to come . wherefore it may be collected , that woman being wholly an out-law , ascended into a new heap of choiceness , as being a vessel of choiceness or election . but we may after some sort conjecture of the quality of humane generation in eve , a virgin , before the fall , by the most glorious incarnation of our lord : for indeed the father , unto whom every name of paternity is singularly and solely due , and whom his son , as a father doth alwayes adore , hath indeed alwayes generated his son from eternity ; who yet , is not read to be the father of his incarnation : the which thing , i even reverence for a vast mystery ; and the rather , after that i understood the insinite goodness of the same , as well from the first virginal conception of creation , as in the restoration by the regeneration of man. indeed the father almighty would , that the glorious incarnation of christ should be conceived of the person of the holy spirit ; the which it self , to wit , therefore was not generated , but proceeded from eternity , from the father and the son : for the spirit of god had caused a humane conception of off-springs in the arterial blood of the heart of the virgin eve , it being the image of the divinity , with all its free gifts , without the pleasure of the flesh : but the mind being thus in the garment of arterial blood , conceived in the womb of the virgin , in a humane shape , had took an increase , and full maturity from thence : for he , who the womb being shut , and the gates being closed , came into the world , and unto his own also , out of the case of the heart wherein he was conceived , was by a foregoing consent , brought unto the womb of the virgin , and kept even unto the maturity of his body : for he piercing all members , was brought into the womb : for therefore our lord's incarnation happened altogether , besides the order of nature now accustomed . for , . the incarnation of the lord , happened not first in the womb , but in the very sheath of the heart of the virgin. . of the most pure , and most lively blood of the heart ; but not of the seed of the virgin : for truly , the god-bearing virgin , in that singular respect , was not only cleansed from original sin , but was conceived altogether free from sins ; to wit , that she might be so much the more void of all seed , than a child that is newly born : for seed is composed of a mixture of venal ; and arterial blood , or from a co-mixture of bloods ; which mixture was no manner of way , not so much as materially , in the conception of the son of god , who was conceived not of bloods , nor of the will of the flesh , or of man ; but of god alone , and born of a virgin. . he had not a man to his father , nor a masculine matter from whence he should be made ; which thing surely confirms , that a feminine matter , was the more excellent governess or deputy , and alone fore-elected from the beginning . . he fore-elected the most chast and unspotted virginity of a mother , which he formed with a divine hand . . he was materially conceived , onely , and of most pure arterial blood ; to wit , whereinto the seal of the holy spirit , inspired an humane mind , and a most pure image of it self , made or framed by his father , god. . that conception was brought from the heart , into the womb of the virgin , with a piercing of dimensions . . lastly . he exspected an increase and just maturity of nativity , as it were in the celebration of a sabbath . furthermore , that the knowledge of good and evil signifies nothing but the concupiscence of the flesh , the apostle doth manifestly testifie , calling it the law and desire of sin. from whence , to wit , the first bruital and original sin , the fewel of the other sins , hath immediately issued , and is hereafter to endure for a continued seed of mortals . in the th . to the romans : god sending his son into the likeness of the flesh of sin , hath also , concerning sin , condemned sin in the flesh , that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us . original i say , because it is the beginning of the original of a humane generation , whereby all contagion of impurity is derived on posterity , and death became natural unto man , even as unto beasts : so that , although the eating of the apple did contain a note of distrust , and ingratitude ; and the which also , is a companion unto every sin ; yet therefore , even every sin afterwards , ought with the same punishment of necessity also , to descend unto posterity , unless the unwonted transgression of a loving admonition should not so much consist in the disobedience of eating or abstaining , as in the horrid distrust of doubting , and confidence of faith given unto the devil : and so that the generation of the flesh of sin ( which is an effect of the concupiscence of the flesh ) hath of necessity defluxed into death , even unto all posterity . for it pleased the lord of things to insert in the apple , an incentive of the concupiscence of the flesh ; to wit , from which he was able safely to abstain , by not eating the apple , therefore diswaded from : for otherwise , he had never at any moment been tempted by the flesh or his genital members , the which i will hereafter shew , to be therefore called the north , in the holy scriptures . therefore the apple being eaten , man presently from a natural property of the apple , conceived the lust of being luxurious , and from thence was made an animal seed , which hastening into the previous or foregoing dispositions of a sensitive soul , and undergoing the law of other causes , reflexed it self into the vital spirit of adam : which therefore like an ignis fatuus , or foolish fire , presently receiving an archeus or ruling spirit , and animal air , i say , a houshold thief , it conceived a power of propagating an animal and mortal seed , ending into life : at the arrival whereof , at length the immortal mind , putting off the rains of the life , and government of the body , substituted the sensitive soul as its chamber-maid . from hence therefore we are conceived , born , and do die after the manner of beasts : for the day before , the immortal mind acted all in all , and was the very immortal life it self in the whole body ; because it was solely and wholly immortal in the whole body . but that very , so great beauty of nature , was presently vitiated in our first parent , after that he was cloathed with the similitude of a bruital generation . for then the immortal mind , being moved from its place , descends , that it may imprint a seal on the forbidden seed , for a common destruction . then , although the sensitive soul was not yet born ; yet every natural disposition requisite for the obtaining that sensitive soul from the creator , was forthwith present . and seeing two souls at once , cannot perfectly preside in one only plain or region of the body , without discord , no more than it is lawful to serve two masters at once : therefore the immortal mind hath departed into the innermost parts ; whether that was by the command of the creator , or grieving at the wearisomness of a bodily impurity ; at leastwise , it afterwards delegated the government of its body on the sensitive soul , in which it is now bound , because it is involued in it as long as we live . for from hence we do afterwards , for the most part , wax of ripe years , and live after a bruital manner . but the mind hath betaken it self into the inn of a frail soul , and doth thereby inspire hereinto its free gifts , although for the most part , otherwise it sleepeth ( perhaps even as coral doth now and then loose its colour , and again recover the same ) from whence the body hath undergone every disorder of impurity . but the wedlock of the mortal soul , being a forreign thing unto the ordination of the mind , is for an occasion , why the mind hath placed it self into the hidden parts , so as that the matter or controversie is as yet before the judge or in dispute , whether of the two hath chosen the principal bride-bed : and a mind is not believed to be among atheists , because it by piercing , hath so sunk it self into the depth of the mortal soul ; because the notions of the mind do appear as yet to this day to be subject to the imagination , do also so obey the poysons of some simples ; that the principality of the mind , seems to be sore shaken at the pleasure and command of diseases ; which thing , the dotages of fevers , madness in affects of the spleen , the biting of a mad-dog , and pricking or stinging of a tarantula , have the more strongly perswaded in the behalf of atheism : for in the former immortal life , the mind did by it self , and immediately frame immortality , and gave also a perfect knowledge of living creatures and herbs : but afterwards , in the brutal filthinesse of generation , the image of god remained indeed , safe in the mind , and its external figure in the body : but so great a corruption of it , hath constrained the mind to retire unto the innermost chamber of the mortal soul : therefore the immortality thereof , lived under the happy government of the mind : and therefore diseases were banished with the declinings of ages , and the threatnings of death : and therefore before the fall , man was dinstinguished from blessedness , in that he could sin , fall and die : but in glorification , the mind shall again immediately quicken the body , and transsume it into it self . the mind indeed before the fall , which did only shine upon the body by its immediate splendour , shall forthwith after the resurrection , through a transchanging of it , clarifie it by way of supping it up : for therefore the state of the faithful , although throughout their whole life , also in death it self , be far more miserable than the primitive state ; yet it is more happy than that , by how much it is a thing fuller of majesty , to be more like the son of god incarnate , dead , and glorified , than to have lived with adam free from diseases , and at length to be taken away without battle : because the retributions or repayings of life are no way worthy of the glory , or expectation of the age to come . furthermore , the sacred text hath in many places compelled me unto a perfect position , it making eve an helper like unto adam ; not indeed that she should supply the name , and room of a wife ; even as she is call straightway after sin : for she was a virgin in the intention of the creator , and afterwards filled with miseries : but not yet , as long as the state of purity presided over innocency , did the will of man overcome her . for the translation of man into paradise did foreslew another condition of living , than that of a beast . and therefore the eating of the apple doth by a most chaste name , cover the concupiscence of the flesh , while it contains the knowledge of good and evil in this name , and cals the ignorance thereof alone , the state of innocency : for truly the obtainment of that aforesaid knowledge did nourish a most hurtful death , and an irrevocable depriving of eternal life : for if man had not tasted down the apple , he had lived void of concupiscence , and off-springs had appeared out of eve a virgin , from the holy spirit . but the apple being eaten , presently their eyes were opened , and adam began lustfully to cover after the naked virgin , and defiled her , the which god had appointed for a naked help for him , no otherwise than as a prince is for a help unto his servants : for so the man prevented the intention of god , by a strange generation in the flesh of sin ; whereupon therefore followed the corruption of the former nature , or the flesh of sin accompanied concupiscence . neither indeed doth the text insinuate any other mark of the knowledge of good and evil , than that they knew themselves to be naked , and that it shamed them of that their nakedness , or ( in speaking properly ) of their virginity being corrupted . indeed their whole knowledge of good and evil , is included about their shame , and within their privy parts alone : and therefore in the th . of leviticus , and many places elsewhere , the privy parts themselves are called by no other etymologie than that of shame : for from the copulation of the flesh , their eyes were presently opened , because they had known that the good being lost , had brought on them a degenerate nature , shamefulness , fowlness , and an intestine , and unevitable obligation of death , sent also far away into their posterity . alass too late indeed , they understood by the unwonted novelty and shamefulness of that concupiscence , why god had so lovingly forbidden the eating of the apple : to wit , it shamed them more of their chastity being corrupted , and of the warning transgressed , than of their nakedness . for adam who had judged of the natures of the beasts , by their beholdance alone ; neither is read to have lost the same knowledge , could not be ignorant of the fowlness of his own corrupt nature also : and so that through the shame hereof , they had rather hide themselves , than for their nakedness sake . indeed so great was the confusion of so manifold a shame , that it wanted but little , but that he should rush into madness ; the which is clearly enough to be known by the unfit answers of adam : for god called him , and asked him where he was , and he answereth by accusing his companion , and help like unto him , that he might excuse himself , being not yet accused . and by altogether a foolish endeavour , they offered their nakedness , which was known to their creator , in leaves , hoping that the corruption of their chastity might be covered with leaves , so they could but hide themselves : he accuseth his nakedness , not daring to make mention of his lost chastity : for it is the part of the more gross stupidity , to believe that they could hide themselves from the face of the lord , than not to have known that they were naked ; especially with him , who had created them naked . therefore , he being willing to lay hid , he accuseth the guilts , and effect of concupiscence , by declining the thing committed : otherwise , meer nakedness is not shameful before god , if he had not corrupted his chastity , which he knew to be stained , and forbidden under the apple . for in the last judgment , there shall not be a shame of nakedness : and therefore the shame of nakedness did involve rather the unrestorable errour of chastity committed , which was vailed in the apple ; the effect whereof , unless they should perfectly now feel , and acknowledge , they had rather convert themselves unto a repentance of the eating , than unto a hiding , and covering of their privy parts . the shame therefore of nakedness , involveth a chaste manner of speaking of the text , before the people of israel . for otherwise , it is sufficiently manifest from the text , that that knowledge of good and evil , is carnal , earthly , and devilish , a carnal , and certain meer folly of the concupiscence alone , of corrupted nature , in respect of the knowledge , whereby but a little before , he had put proper names on the beasts , in the second chapter of genesis , v. . the fruit of that tree is forbidden unto the man alone , and in the second chap. of gen. v. . they were both naked , and without shame . in the third of gen. v. . the apple being eaten , their eyes were opened : for although eve had first tasted of the apple , and had provoked the man to eat ; yet the almighty speaks to the man , not yet the head of the woman ; and this man endeavours to excuse himself , because he had first stirred her up unto copulation , and felt the disobedience of his members ; which is manifest : for he alone is accused , being not yet the head of the woman ; the which fruit , he signified to the woman , was disswaded unto them both : for eve saith unto the serpent , that the abstinence of that tree , was equally enjoyned unto them both . this place in the text signifying , that although the same chance did respect both sexes ; yet god had foreknown , a chastive provocation to lechery , and itching of the man ; and because the will of the flesh was not properly in the virgin , the which the almighty had adorned with the grace or comliness of chastity for himself : therefore that concupiscence is by an antonomasia , or taking one name for another , called by john , the will of man , which is that of flesh and blood. whence i have learned , that eve was of the more firm chastity ; yea , and created more perfect in her body , and deflowred by the man ; because the apple , seeing it was the mean unto the aforesaid end , and first tasted down by eve , yet it was able to operate the more slowly on eve : but that adam was the first which offended ; but that eve , as repenting of her fact , the longer resisted , and a long while struggled , being deflowred by adam by force ; the which from thence sufficiently appeareth : for truly , the will of the man ( and not of the woman ) is reputed for the occasion of an eternal loss : and that thing was not unknown unto the heathens , who in the silver age , ascribed shamefacedness unto women , as a native endowment ; by men , being then long neglected . levit. . and . the lord commands a beast to be offered with his tail , that its filthiness may be covered , or least any thing be offered , not being covered in its shame . and therefore , there was alwayes , and every where , so great an esteem of an offered lamb. for adam was created young , without a beard , flourishing , after which sort , raphael is read to have stood before the doors of tobiah . wherefore that the first infringer of modesty , and deflowrer of a virgin might be made known ; god would that hairs should grow on the chin , cheeks , and lips of adam , that he might be a compeere , companion , and like unto many four-footed beasts , might bear before him the signature of the same ; after the manner of whom , as he was leacherous , so also , that he might shew a rough countenance by his hairs . for god at first , signed a murderer in the forehead , that the sign being beheld , he might presently become a horrid and infamous fratricide or brother-killer . so also the lover of chastity would at first , sign the first infringer of chastity , and the first workman of original sin , about the mouth , throat , cheeks , &c. to wit , whereby he had spoke the first words of allurements , and afterwards threatnings . but eve who was the more constant in bashfulness , and chastity , he retained as graced with a polished countenance . so also the beard groweth on an in-humed dead carcass , if he were lustful in his life , and ceased to live through a sudden death ; that is , the virtues or forces of his chi● being as yet retained , the sign of mortality groweth , even after death . so also a hoarse voice ariseth in adam about his youth , who immediately before his chastity was lost , sang most sweetly . for among signs wherein angels are dinstinguished in apparitions , one is capital . if an angel shall appear bearded , let him be an evil one : for a good angel hath never appeared bearded , he being mindful of the chance for which a beard hath grown on a man. therefore a beard which the angels abhor , men believe was given unto them for an ornament , the which notwithstanding , they know not to be common unto them with the most stinking goats . neither therefore is a beard bred on man , but about the years of incontinency ; that it may be certainly manifest , that it was brought on him , not but by reason of the concupiscence of the flesh , like as a mask of filthiness : so that he denotes nothing but his privy parts , and broken bashfulness in his countenance : for therefore indeed eunuchs also , are distitute of a beard , as also children , and youths ; although bruit-beasts , into whom a copulation of the sexes was but by nature , are presently bearded in their first dayes . in the next place , bruit-beasts do bring forth at this day , no otherwise than as if adam had not sinned : for they send forth their young in pain , because they conceive them with the concupiscence of the flesh ; except fishes , the which are therefore designed for foods for monks who love chastity . and eve after conception , brought forth the flesh of sin in pain . my spirit shall not remaine with man , because he is flesh : that is , man is now the flesh of sin , but not any longer the flesh of his first creation . for a woman 〈…〉 the most part , a good while after conception , loath and is hurried about with divers m●●●ries , which bruits do want ; which thing surely argueth , that woman doth seminally conceive by man , besides the first intent of creation . wherefore if man were created , that ( at least-wise from a foreknowledge of the consequence ) he might supply the place of the evil spirits in heaven , he ought either to be created in a great number at once , from the beginning , or successively . if therefore , they which are to be saved , cannot be born by the will of man , of flesh , or of blood ; and there was one only man created ; therefore all posterity , ought by a successive continuation , to be born in paradise , of women alone , to wit , the birth-place of the woman , and of necessity to be conceived from god , and to be born of a woman a virgin , unto whom he afterwards gave power to be called the sons of god , and to be made with an exclusion of the will of blood , flesh , and man ; which chastity alwayes pleased god , doth please him at this day , and will please him alwayes : and whatsoever hath thus once pleased the fountain of chastity , can never again displease him . and so that , onely those that are of a clean heart shall see god , and shall be called his sons ; wherefore the prophet singeth , create in me a clean heart ( oh god! such as adam had before the fall ) and renew a right spirit ( of the chaste , and antient innocency , by the regeneration of the spirit and water ) in my bowels : because my bowels being now impure , have contracted a spirit of concupiscence of the flesh of sin : for indeed man , as long as he was immortal and pure , saw thy face oh lord ! and thou talkedst with him ; which face afterwards , man shall not see and live . but after that man defiled his bowels through concupiscence , thou casteth him from thy face , out of paradise . i pray thee therefore , that thou cast me not from thy face , and that thou take not thy holy spirit of chastity from me . restore unto me the gladness ( of the regeneration ) of thy salvation ; and with thy principal spirit ( the comforter ) do thou confirm me ( against the inbred impurity of the flesh : ) for truly i shall teach the unrighteous thy wayes ( of thy regeneration ; the which among ) the hidden things of thy wisdom , thou hast manifested unto me , and the wicked shall be converted unto thee . at leastwise , free me from bloods ( from the concupiscence of the sexes ) thou who art the god ( of chastity ) the god of salvation ( as of new regeneration ) and my tongue shall exalt thy righteousness ( and thy just judgment , whereby thou hast condemned man , who was born of bloods , and by the will of man , in the concupiscente , and of the flesh of sin , as he hath made himself uncapable of thine inheritance ) for loe , in iniquities ( aforesaid ) i was conceived , and in sins hath my mother conceived me ( although under a lawful marriage bed. therefore i confess , that besides the primitive scope of the creator , an adamical generation hath arisen into natural death , and is devolved into original sin. the woman therefore , as she hath conceived after a bruital manner , she also began to bring forth in pain . the male also in the law , was only circumcised , as for a mystery of the deflowring of eve : yet both sexes ought to expiate the offence committed in their privy parts , to wit , whereby they had offended ; which thing , although it be chastly insinuated in the text ; yet that was covered before israel , who were otherwise most ready for all perfidiousness ; to wit , that godmight not seem a contemner of matrimony instituted after the fall. the woman therefore was not circumcised , and yet she was saved : but not the pain of child-birth , or the obedience of her husband , had expiated original sin in her ; for both a single young virgin dying , was saved , as also a barren wife . therefore from hence is manifested the mystery , to wit , that eve , so much as she could , resisted the insolencies of adam , and was by force deflowred in paradise . so that also , our first parents were murderers of all their posterity through concupiscenc . so also the eldest son was a brother-killer : for the fore-skin being taken away , did of necessity cause a brawniness of the nut of the yard , whereby indeed , he might be made a partaker of the less pleasure , concupiscence , and tickling , whosoever should desire to be ascribed or registred among the catalogue of the beloved people of god. the rabbins also confess , that circumcision was instituted by reason of unclean virtues , walking in a circuit : the which i interpret , that the diabolical , and primitive enticements of concupiscence unto mortality were not hid to the hebrews , and that at leastwise in an obscure sense , the sin arisen from thence , was insinuated . also illegitimate persons , were in times past driven from the temple , and heaven , and those who should be born of an adulterous conception , because they did wholly shew forth an adamical generation : but those who were born of a lawfull 〈…〉 bed , were as yet impure , until that the fore-skin being taken away , they might seem to renounce the concupiscence of the flesh : and in this respect , they represented in a shadow also , those that were to be renewed from far , by the spirit of god , and the laver of regeneration . moreover , the very word of truth doth profesly confirm the position , john . except any one be born again , he cannot see the kingdom of god. b. except any one be born again of water , and of the spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of god. c. that which is born of the flesh , is flesh ; and that which is born of the spirit , is spirit . d. the spirit breatheth where it listeth : thou hearest the voice thereof , but knowest not from whence it may come , or whither it may go : e. so is every man who is born of the spirit . f. if i shall speak unto you of earthly things , and ye believe not , how shall ye believe , if i tell you of heavenly things : g. none hath ascended into heaven , but he who descended from heaven . h. and as moyses exalted the serpent in the wilderness ; so it behoves the son of man to be exalt●d . christ jesus descending from heaven , took not on him the flesh of sin by adamical generation , or by the will of man ; but he receiving the form of a servant , was made into the likeness of the sons of adam , being found in habit as a man ; yet being adamical , was a true man , such as adam was , being newly created : but he being made into the similitude of an adamical man , emptied or humbled himself , taking on him the form of a servant ; but he was not made a servant or impure : but in this glad tydings he denieth the vision of god , or the sight of the kingdom of god , and in b. an entrance into the kingdom of god : for not that the glory which makes blessed may be seen , without entring into heaven , or the same thing is twice spoken in vain ; or that a. doth require another new birth than b. but a. contains a denyal of participating of the heavens for the souls of the dead , before the resurrection , which b. also denies for their bodies , after the resurrection . therefore it behoves that we are born again of water , and of the holy spirit : for as from the beginning man was created , and had not proceeded from a being born of flesh ; so whatsoever is afterwards born of the flesh , is flesh : but the water , the blood , and the spirit , are one and the same in christ . john . and these three do denote an indifferent , and one only baptism , in valour or effect . wherefore the only new birth unto life , is by water , and the spirit , in the participation of the virginal body of christ alone . for truly it is alike impossible for flesh to enter into , and see the kingdom of god , as for to ascend into heaven by a motion of ones own : and that is granted to none , but to the son of the virgin , who for that end descended from heaven , who was in heaven , while the same son spake these things to nicodemus ; and the which , a little while after ought moreover for the same cause , to be exalted in the cross : the same therefore which descended from heaven , that he might be incarnated of the matter of the virgin , is he in whom the water , the virginal blood , and the holy spirit are one . the spirit therefore which maketh the corrupted and adamical man to be renewed by water , doth so regenerate the inward man from a new generation in the spirit , that it becomes a true spirit to be glorified by rising again ; whose voice the sons of adam shall hear ; yet shall they not know from whence it may come , or whither it may go : because the spirit , the regenerater , is the glorious god himself , who breatheth where he will , and thou now hearest his voice by faith , and the sacrament : thus every one , who is born again of the holy spirit , is made spirit , and united to him , who is not known from whence he may come , or whither he may go . i call these earthly things , although they touch at a spiritual generation , and new birth ; because they have some things like unto them , in a sublunary nature , which things every one hath not indeed every where known ; and therefore neither doth he believe them : for the generations of bruits do happen from a watery liquor , and a seminal spirit . notwithstanding , those things are not therefore plainly terrene or earthly , and naturally intelligible by the vulgar , which the lord speaks to nicodemus ; because the reason of the love of god is no more conceived in this new-birth , than of his infinite goodness : to wit , it remains unpassable why he would adopt man for a son , and co-heir of his kingdom ; yea reduce him into a spirit of a god-like form , who shall materially be born again of water : for that mystery of love exceedeth all the understanding of angels : yea to believe , and contemplate of the actual person of christ in an old man , a woman , a young man , a poor diseased man , a miserable and naked poor or little esteemed man , or woman , none can naturally understand it , unless he being compelled by faith , hath subjected his understanding unto faith : so neither are we able to conceive , what one thing all are made , by that new birth of baptism in christ , without a difference of sexes , or nations , unless we are holpen by faith. at length , it was not enough for the love of christ to be born in the form of a servant , and so to be exposed unto scorn : but moreover , he ought to suffer a most sharp , and most exceeding reproachful death ; the which so cruel , and disgraceful death , himself in the abounding goodness of his love , cals his exaltation . but he brings it into the similitude of the exaltation of the serpent nehushtan : not indeed because the serpent did any more represent the form of the son of man , than the fork did the cross ; but only the likeness of impure man slidden into death , through the perswasion of the serpent , the likeness of whose servant the lord was to assume . therefore the son of man ought to be exalted , not indeed , as being unhurtful in the fork , or as it were an unsensible brazen serpent , and the which otherwise , being a live one , was perceivable enough to be most fit to hang up : but the son of man must be exalted alive , he being full of love , and also at length , to die in that cross , that the deserved new-birth or regeneration , might be made effectual by his death . for truly , else without the death , and exaltation of him crucified , a participation of the new birth by water and the spirit , had not succeeded , neither had death perished : so that plainly from a deep mystery , the similitude of the fork , cross , and saviour , was fetched for a similitude of an incarnated servant , and him compared with the brazen serpent . neither also did israel worship god in the serpent ; otherwise moses , by the command of god , had been the author of idolatry : neither therefore is a live serpent bound to the fork ; as neither likewise his dead carcass : but his brazen image only , as being uncapable of life ; that by this mystery it might be manifest , that the whole similitude in that the exaltation of the fork or pole and cross , did manifest , and clearly hold forth unto us the flesh of sin , ( which the son of man by way of similitude represented ) was plainly uncapable of life , and of the kingdom of god , no otherwise than as the brazen serpent was . therefore it is simply , and absolutely true ; that unless man be born again of god , and doth partake of the unspotted virginity , which the lord jesus drew in his most glorious incarnation , from the material substance of the virgin his mother , the hope of salvation is for ever cut off . wherefore also , from thence it is manifest , that from the intent of creation , nothing but a virginal generation was afterwards required : and by consequence , that a seminal , impure , beast-like , and adamical generation , was by the craft of the devil , drawn , and exhausted from the apple , wherein the fewel of lust was : therefore unless the adamical flesh doth again die , and an unspotted virgin-flesh be restored in us in its stead , by the favour of the holy spirit ( who saveth those that are to be saved freely ) it is certain that the first intent of our creator , should be frustrate , whatsoever may be otherwise done , or hoped for . for in the beginning , it was sufficient to be born ; because also then they had been born of god : but after the fall , it thenceforth behoveth the adamical flesh to die , and perish , and to be again renewed , or re-born of virgin-flesh , which the holy spirit by water stirs up in us , while we wish , or desire to be members of that head , and branches of that vine . we are therefore regenerated in the lords body , by grace , unto the immortal life of the age to come ; and that we may be raised up again in the participation of virginity , death must interpose , and whatsoever is adamical in us , be blotted out . we all indeed shall rise , but we shall not all be changed : for those only shall rise again changed , who shall rise again glorified in the virgin-body of regeneration : which change the apostle understood , because that , he who is not born again , cannot enter into the kingdom of god : and therefore , he that shall rise again , being not born again ; by consequence also , shall not be changed from his antient being , if he shall rise again from death ; neither therefore also , shall he have entrance unto gods kingdom ; because by the new birth , the whole man is made spirit : and therefore , he which shall rise again from the new birth , shall rise again in a spiritual nature : otherwise , he that is born of the flesh , and not born again of the spirit , shall hear indeed the voice of him that is born of the spirit ; but shall not know from whence it may come , or whither it may go . this indeed is the changing of bodies into spirit , and the change of bodies in the resurrection ; or it is the glorification of those that are to be saved after the resurrection : but other sins were expiated indeed through repentance , with the victory , and triumph of the lamb : but the loss of that virginity , and primitive purity , doth without regeneration , reserve an eternal spot of impurity , and uncapacity : no otherwise than as a virginal conservation , and integrity of the re-born faithful , gives unto virgins that are born again , a golden or laurel crown , equalized unto martyrdom . christ therefore , as he is the father of this virginity ; so also the father of the age to come : but those that are to be saved , are his own new creature , and new regeneratition : who ( to wit ) hath given them power to become the sons of god , unto these who believe in his name ; who are born not of bloods , nor of the will of the flesh , nor by the will of man , but of god , after a most chast manner of the holy spirit ; by whom , before the brutal concupiscence of the flesh arose , it was decreed , that altogether every man ought to be born of his mother , being a virgin. therefore christ being the top , and lover of chastity , doth distinguish men as well in this age , or life , by chastity , as in heaven ; and will grace them with an unimitable , and eternal priviledge . for a great company followed the lamb whithersoever he should go ; and sang the song which no other was able to sing : but these are they who are not defiled with women : for there are virgins of both sexes ; because there shall not be there , jew , or greek ; but they are all one in christ . for the almighty hath chosen his gelded ones , who have gelded themselves for the kingdom of god its sake , of whom is the kingdom of heaven : therefore married persons , are reckoned to be defiled with women , and mothers to have conceived their off-springs in sin ; and in this thing are far inferiour to virgins : for indeed , because the gospel promiseth unto mortals , not only that the son of god was incarnate , and suffered for their salvation : but that moreover , these two mysteries ( least else they should be frustrate ) are to be applyed unto individual persons . i indeed contemplate thus of this application ; that as man through the sin of lust , brake no less the intent of god , than his admonishment , and the humane nature was therefore afterwards radically corrupted , and that thereupon another , and almost brutal generation thereof , followed : therefore the joyful message hath included as well an abolishment of original sin , as of other sins consecutively issuing from thence : who by dying destroyed our death , not his own ; because he had none : the which is not understood of temporal death ( for the righteous man as yet to this day , dyeth just even as before the passion of the lord ) but of eternal death . therefore , seeing man since the fall , ought to be born , increase , and multiply no longer from god , but from the bloods of the sexes , by the will of the flesh , and of man , nor from thence could ever be able to rise again of himself , and to re-assume his lost and antient purity , nor cease that he might again begin to be otherwise and better ; therefore the joyful message hath brought an assurance unto us , that baptisme should be unto us for the remission of sins , through a new birth of water and of the holy spirit : that our mind as it were through a new nativity of its inne , by regeneration , might be partakers of the unspotted virginity and humanity of our lord. which new-birth , doth indeed repose the soul into its former state ; to wit , by taking away the sin or debt , and the stinks or noisomenesses thereof : but by reason of the continuance of adamical flesh , in which the immortal mind liveth , the antient possession , or inclination unto sin , is not taken away , nor is there a translation of the corruption drawn from the impure original of the blood of adam . but that this is really so , we are perswaded to believe : for god doth manifestly , daily grant a testimony of that actual grace and attained purity , to be derived into the body of those that are baptized , through a true and substantiall regeneration as well in body as in soul : for truly for this end , and in this respect alone mahometans are baptized , for a proper reproach , because . baptisme from the fact or deed done , however unlawfully it be administred and received , takes away from them for the future , the noisomness inbred in them , otherwise to endure for their life time : such as in all the hebrews or jewes , in many places up and down , we do daily observe to be with loathing and weariness . the true effect therefore of regeneration , and its co-promised character , doth much shine in baptisme , even outwardly also , in a defectuous body : and the enemies of the christian name , do serve us for unvoluntary witnesses unto this thing : yea the perpetuity of the same effect , confirms the unobliterable character or impression of baptisme , and the wickedness of it being repeated . but the new-birth by baptisme doth not yet , for that cause , take away a necessity of death : for baptisme forsaketh its own , with the fardle of a defiled and adamical body , begotten by the will of man. and for that cause also , the soul as subject unto the vices of the corrupted body , and of a will long agoe corrupted : wherefore , by reason of the frailty of impure nature , also an easie inclination and frequency of sinning , baptisme hath been scarce sufficient for those of ripe years ; otherwise for the more younger sort , it is abundantly sufficient . therefore the sacrament of the altar , is wine which buddeth forth virgins : which is as much as to say , the end and scope of the lords incarnation , or of the instituted sacrament of the eucharist , should bud forth virgins ; as demonstrating , that the intent of the creator from the beginning , esteemed of , and reckoned upon virginity alone , and of how great abhorrency ( numb . . ) luxury is in the sight of the lord. for although bigamy or a plurality of wives , and likewise , a dismissing of ones wife , and much loosing of matrimony , were in times past dissembled ; yet phinehas being neither a judge nor a prince , from his very own zeal , slew the fornicator zimri , and the harlot cosby ; and by that famous act , not onely diverted the wrath of the lord from the whole people of israel ; but also , although he were a man-slayer , and man-slayers were repulsed from sacrifices ; yet by reason of that simple death , the priesthood was given unto him , persevering in his off-spring . in the next place , the potters field , akeldama , called acheldamah or the field of blood , as long as it retained the name of a field , confirms the position ; because indeed by a supernatural miracle it so consumeth a dead carcass inhumed in it , in one onely day ; that besides a sceleton of bones nothing remaineth surviving : which effect , that it was supernatural , i prove : for otherwise , if it should naturally happen , that thing without doubt , should be done by a corrosive force of the earth , and the which therefore should be wholly a corrosive salt , or at least-wise , a certain mineral vein co-mixed with very much salt. . but first of all , that corrosion of the flesh happened not onely at jerusalem , as long as it was a field , where there might be a suspition of some mineral growing , but also its earth being brought from thence , the same thing happened in the burying-place at rome , ( for that cause called , the holy field ) to wit , wherein that earth scarce equalizeth the depth of one foot. . but whether we may suppose a corrosive salt , or next the earth it self to be salt ; yet seeing it is the property of salt , and a thing unseparable from salt , to melt through water being poured on it : therefore long ago , before so many ages , that substance of the corrosive salt , being melted by raines , snowes and hailes , had wandred even unto the bottom of the sand , and the rather at rome , where it found not its native place : wherefore also that faculty of corroding should cease , nor should it continue safe until now . . and so much the rather , because the corrosion of salts , is by little and little satisfied , and desisteth in gnawing . . lastly , such a corrosive of earth is not any where found in the earth , whether thou shalt respect a vein of arsenick , orpiment , or any other : for all the activity of such corrosives presently after a good while , waxeth mild and is satisfied : therefore the property of that field remaining after so many ages , doth clearly shew withal ( against the will of atheisme ) that the field being purchased with the price of the life , blood , and death of the saviour , presently consumes the flesh of adamical generation : because that , for the consuming and renewing whereof , by the body of christ , which was sold for thirty silver pieces paid for the price of that field , the coming of the most glorious incarnation , is believed to be directed from god as its onely scope . the unsufferableness therefore of that earth with the flesh of sin , continually persevering now so many ages ( however the bowels of the atheists may burst ) convinceth of an honour to be due to the saviour or son of god for ever . in the next place , a humane dead carcass , was alwayes buried for honour and desert ; yet in the law , it caused an impurity for a time : because neither did it pollute the soul , but the body onely , for the meritorious fact : and that impurity did indifferently affect any one , not as the dead carcass was deputed to the wormes ( for the wormes by their co-touching , are not read to have caused an impurity ) but because adamical flesh is horrid in the sight of the lord , who indeed promiseth , that he will raise them up at the last day , as many as shall reverently receive the eucharist : for all indeed shall rise again by the finger of god , to wit , by a supernatural virtue . therefore , whosoever in rising again shall be changed , are reckoned onely to be raised up again by the lord jesus ; to wit , in as much as in a body which they have attained by the wine which buds forth virgins , they shall rise again partakers of the unspotted virginity of jesus . i will raise them up again at the last day . what other thing i pray you , doth that promise denote , but that the elect shall rise again changed and raised up by the lord ; not indeed in the flesh of sin , but in the flesh of the lord , which they have partaked of by baptisme and the eucharist . therefore the horrid and damned flesh of sin , doth besprinckle its touchers with no undeserved spot of impurity . there is therefore a distinct diversity of virginal purity : the first comes to hand before the fall of adam , and the which therefore did contain a certain immortality from the suffrage or consent of the tree of life . but the second is of them who were sanctified in their mothers womb , the which in it self is also twofold : for such a sanctification , although it dismissed original sin , and did restore the integrity of withdrawn purity ; yet because they were conceived by the will of man , and by bloods , or of the flesh of sin , they were also mortal . but the most holy virgin mother , presently after the seminal mixture of her parents , was preserved from the knitting and blemish of original sin , before hec-ceity or the coming of her soul. but jeremy and john obtained the same , but after quickening : in these two indeed , there was a remission of sin admitted ; but in the god-bearing-virgin , there was a prevention before sin could touch her soul , and therefore she was taken up with her body into heaven : but not john , or jeremy . next , a third purity is in being born again of water and of the holy spirit , which also happens two manner of wayes , to wit , unto little children , and unto those of ripe years . for in these , regeneration doth not onely remit original sin , but also every grievous sin : but in little ones , it remitteth onely original sin , because it as yet finds no other . but on both sides it leave●● death and flesh hastening into a dead carcass , because stirred up by 〈…〉 copulation . fourthly , the purity of those is regarded , who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of god its sake ; and that as yet in a two-way-journey : for they have either from a child , devoted their virginity to the lamb , and have observed it ; and therefore also they follow the same whithersoever he may go , do sing the hymn , &c. but all that after death . for otherwise , they are of the flesh of sin , and therefore are of necessity also , guilty of death and corruption . but they who have lost their purity through a proper error , and afterwards rising up again , have vowed or observed chastity : these , although they are chaste , yet are they not to be reckoned among virgins . but moreover , after that a matrimonial generation was constituted by the lord , regeneration by the holy spirit and water , doth not fore-require virginity . fifthly , the top of all purity and chastity , is the lord jesus himself , who was not conceived by a copulation of the sexes , for he was truly immortal , ( and the first who therefore arose from the dead , by his own power ) unless the amorous or loving embassage , for which he had come , had made him electively to be born in the form of a servant . therefore now the question hath seemed to me to be decided , which hath driven many that were in anguish about the unspotted conception of the god-bearing-virgin , into many brawlings . furthermore , not onely regeneration by baptisme is enjoyned ; but also unless we shall eat of the super-substantial bread , we are to have no life in us : which benefit of a vital purity , is the supream pledge given for the life of the world , or for the frail , adamical , miserable and mortal life : because that heavenly bread which descends from heaven ( which is the wine budding forth virgins , and the same in supposition ) from its own free property , takes away the spot contracted from adam , and the broken virginity of eve ; because the merits of the passion being participated of in that pledge , are communicated of from the unspotted virginity of the body of our lord. the communion therefore , of that most chast body uniteth us unto his mystical body , and makes us partakers of his incomprehensible and amorous incarnation , as we participatively put on his virginity , ( in which we ought to be saved ) by being born again : for christ was born , that he might be crucified for us : therefore his death was , that it might give us life , and that for the whole species of men in general : but in the individual , as oft as of the bread , the body of the lord is made , as if christ is re-born again , not indeed , that he is crucified again : but that he may give the intended scope of his incarnation unto that individual body , which there eats the re-born lamb , that is the merits of his passion . indeed there are two principal ends of the holy sacred eucharist ; to wit , that the virgin nature of christ , and the merits of his passion may be unitively communicated unto us . truly children that are baptized , shall rise again indeed in a glorified body ; yet by so much the lesse lightsome , by how much they were remote from the union of the beatifical body . and although there do not now appear the visible signes of so great an effect , such as i have above related concerning baptisme , yet they are in very deed communicated unto their immortal mind ; because it is that which shall therefore at some time reduce their body into the form of a spirit : for otherwise , regeneration doth not grow anew in the resurrection , which hath not fore-existed in the life-time , by being born again : neither is faith of feigned non-beings , but of things chiefly true , although not alwaies visible , because they do primarily operate on the immortal mind which is invisible . wherefore , although the mark of resemblance of union with god by the eucharist , be altogether unsearchable , and the fruits thereof are unto us invisible ; yet a mystical a●● real new-birth , is reckoned to be in the speech to nicodemus , it being as yet earthly , and as it were natural : by which title indeed , i have transferred this free endowment of purity among natural considerations ; to wit , that under the doctrine concerning long life , i may speak also of immortal life , as it is understood by true christians , and actually derived into a true use . for i contemplate of the regeneration of those that are to be saved and of the participation of life in the communion of the eucharist , to happen and be reckoned among earthly things , because there is shewn something like unto it el●●where in earthly things : verily , almost even as in the projection of the stone which make ●●●old : for i have divers times handled that stone with my hands , and have seen a real transmutation of ●aleable argent-vive or quicksilver with my eyes , which in proportion did exceed the powder which made the gold in some thousand degrees . indeed it was of the colour , such as is in saffron , being weighty in its powder , and shining like bruised glass , when it should be the less exactly beaten . but there was once given unto me , the fourth part of one grain . i call also a grain the six hundredth part of an ounce . this powder therefore i involved in wax scraped off of a ce●●ain letter , least in casting it into the crucible , it should be dispersed through the smoakinesses of the coa●s : which pellet of wax , i afterwards cast into the three-corner'd vessel of a crucible , upon a pound of quicksilver , hot , and newly bought ; and presently , the whole quicksilver with some little noise , stood still from flowing , and resided like a lump : but the heat of that argent-vive , was as much as might forbid melted lead from re-coagulating : the fire being straightway after encreased under the bellows , the mettal was ●elted , the which , the vessel of fusion being broken , i found to weigh eight ounces of the most pure gold . therefore a computation being made , a grain of that powder doth convert nineteen thousand two hundred grains of impure and volatile mettal , which is obliterable by the fire , into true gold . for that powder , by uniting the aforesaid quicksilver unto it self , preserved the same at one instant , from an eternal rust , putrefaction , death , and torture of the fire , howsoever most violent it was , and made it as an immortal thing , against any vigour and industry of art and fire , and transchanged it into the virgin purity of gold : at least-wise one onely fire of coals is required herein . so indeed , if so be a just heat of the faithful shall be present , a very little of this mystical and divine super-celestial bread , doth regenerate , restore and renew , a huge number of the elect : which indeed was the one onely scope of so great a sacrament . and therefore it is said , with desire i have desired to eat this passover with yo● . let the divine pardon me , who being to write of the life of the world , if by a similitude , i have drawn a demonstration from earthly things , in the perswasion of the lord to nicodemus , to confirm the real and celestial regeneration of purity , and restauration of mans relapse ; because it is by an argument drawn from earthly things . but that person , who is so regenerated , and preserved against the fire , and death , the lord will raise up the same in the last day , who gave his life to the righteous eater , for the adamical life of the world : for so a uniting of the amorous incarnation of the lord , makes us partakers of his integrity , so far , as by regeneration we participatively attain unto the virginity of christ , in which we ought to be saved . this indeed is the most proper circum-locution or expression of the sense of those words : the wine which buds forth virgins . and without this remedy , some shall rise again being not changed in their former and ponderous body of adam , the wished for necessity of death , being onely taken away from them . i return unto the priviledges of that purity , that it may be manifest , how most nearly a single life doth come unto the primitive state of innocency : and so that also from thence we may learn , that the intention of the creator was in a single life . for now and then , that word of truth comes into my mind , which requireth the state of little children , in those that are to be saved , under the penalty of infernal punishment : and that we must despair of salvation , unless we are made or become like unto them : in whom notwithstanding , i find a suddain , speedy , undiscreet , and frequent anger , stripes , kickings , lyes , disobediences , murmurings , reproaches , a ready deceit , and lying in play , an unsatiable throat , impudence , disturbances , disdaines , unconstancy , and a stupid innocency ; lastly , no acts of devotion , attention , or contribution . but yet those are not the things in little ones , which are required for those that are to be saved , under pain of an eternal loss . in the next place , neither do little children want their pride of life , and despising of others , and especially their hatred of the poor , also a frequent desire of revenge , cruelty , an itch of getting or attaining , the concupiscence of the eyes , and are wholly and perpetually addicted to , and drowned in self-love . but neither are those the things required in them that are to besaved under gods indignation : but they want the concupiscence of the flesh alone . this indeed is the mark which with so loud sounds , it required for those that are to be saved : because it is that which was of a primitive intention in creation : and therefore from an opposite sense , i argue ; that the chief fault of the fall of the apple being eaten , was convenant about the infringement of that chast bashfulness ; that is , that original sin was scituated in the breaking of virginity , in the act of concupiscence , and propagation of feed : but not in the very act of disobedience , and despised admonition , and distrust of the truth of the divine word . for b. hildegard also , in the third book of her life , seemeth to have testified the same thing . the author saith , she freed the matron sibylla of the city of lausa●ium , beyond the alpes ( who required her help by a messenger ) from a daily issue of blood , by the subscribed letters being sent unto her . thou shalt put these words between thy breast and 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 of him who rightly disposeth all things . in the blood of adam arose death , in the bloo● of christ death is extinguished : in the same blood of christ , i command thee , oh blood , that thou contain or stop thy flux . and the matron was cured by these written words ; the which others have many times experienced . therefore death was extinguished by the effusion of the blood of christ , and the partici●●●●on thereof , in being born again ; that is , by the offering up of chastity to god the father for those that are to be renewed in his blood. and moreover , if we do well mind , it is acknowledged , that god hath loved women before men , in their sex , by reason of an inbred bashfulness : unto which sex therefore , he hath freely given devotion as a gift of nature , whereby ●ere should be some kind of natural faculty , and virtue proper to that sex , a medium unto salvation . for the first apostoless , before the coming of the comforter , by one onely sermon , converted samaria , the head of the israelitish kingdom , otherwise most stubborn . only the women from galilee , being constantly , although disgracefully serviceable , adered to christ at his death , and under all ignomi●●y , he being left by his disciples , the witesses of so many miracles , and that at the first blast of adversity : for the poor women rejoyced in their reproaches , so they might but follow christ , carrying his cross upon his back . magdalen also , first preached the gospel of his resurrection , unto her own who did not believe , and confirmed them in faith , who doubted , and deserved to be the first beholder of christ after his death , because she sought the same with the fervor of the greatest devotion . god i say , hath heaped very many diseases , adversities , and subjections on this sex , that it should be by so much the more like , and nearer to his son : but the world despiseth women , and preferreth men : but in most things , the judgements of god are opposite unto the judgements of the world ; so that also , the world despiseth the poor , of whom christ calleth himself the father , but not of the rich. then in the next place , christ calls himself in many places , the son of man ; but seeing he had not a man unto his father , therefore by an antonom●sia , he calls the woman the virgin , man , by an absolute dignity of name , and worthy of , or beseeming the femal sex ; as if for that reason , the name [ man ] ought thenceforth after sin , to be proportioned , and stands for the woman in the more famous signification : shewing at leastwise , that in thing the mother-virgin , was after the sin of adam , the one onely man , such as the divinity had espoused unto it self in the creation of the universe , for the replenishing of the places laid waste by the evil spirit : and that what eve ceased to be through an infringing of chastity , that , mary the most glorious virgin , was ; to wit , the one only mother of those that are to be saved , in the regeneration of purity . but neither 〈◊〉 i undertaken a laudatory oration in behalf of that sex : only it is sufficient to have shewn , that god hath loved the femal sex , by reason of its love of chastity . for a virgin thin●● on the things of her god. the apostle also commands widows , which are truly widows , to be honoured . and in the old law , those were reckoned impure , as many as ( even conjugally ) had known their wives , if they were not seriously washed , and were to be driven from the temple unless they were first duly rinsed . [ he ] also violently fell by a sudden death , because such an impure man ( although from a good zeal ) put his hand to the tottering cart ; wherein the ark of the covenant , ( the image of the god-bearing-virgin ) was carried . indeed on both sides , the truth being agreeable to it self , doth detest and attest the filthyness of impure adamical generation : for the impurity which had conceived a contagion , from any natural issue whatsoever , of menstrues , or seed ; and that by its touching alone , is reckoned to be equal to that which should by degrees creep on a person from a co-touching of dead carcasses ; and to be expiated by the same ceremonious right : that the text might agreeably denote , that death began from the concupiscence of the flesh , lying hid in the fruit of the apple : therefore also , the one only healing medicine of so great an impurity contracted by touching , consisted in washing ; under the likeness whereof , faith and hope which in baptisme were poured into us , are strengthened . for as soon as adam had known by fratricide , that the first-born of mortals whom he had begotten in the concupiscence of the flesh had slain his guiltless and righteous brother , and fore-seeing the wicked errors of mortals that would come from thence , he then also well perceiving his own miseries in himself , certainly knowing , that all these calamities had happened unto him from the concupiscence of the flesh drawn from the apple , which were unavoidably issuing on his posterity ; he thought it a discreet thing for him , for hereafter , wholly to abstain from his wife which he had violated , and therefore mourned in c●●stity and sorrow a hundred full years ; foolishly hoping , that by the proper merit of that abstinence , as by an opposite to the concupiscence of the 〈◊〉 , that he should again return into his former majesty of purity : but the repentance 〈…〉 age being finished , probably the mystery of the lords incarnation was revealed unto him ; neither that man ever could hope to return unto the brightness of his antient purity , by his own strength , and much less that himself could restore his posterity from death : and therefore that matrimony or marriage was well pleasing , and was presently after the fall indulged unto him by god ; to wit , because he had determined thus to satisfie his justice , at the fulness of times ; which should to the glory of his own name , and the confusion of satan ; carry up mankind unto a more eminent blessedness . from that time therefore , adam began to know his wife , and to fill the earth by multiplying , according to the blessing once given him , and a law enjoyned him : yet so , nevertheless , that although matrimony , by reason of the great want of propagation , and otherwise an impossible coursary succession of the primitive divine generation , be admitted as a sacrament of the faithful : yet because at length it seemed ; by reason of necessity , as it were by dissembling or connivance , to be indulged ; therefore the comforter dictating it , it was determined against the greeks , by the church , that the priest ( by whose workmanship the lords body is incarnated in the sacrifice , ought to be altogether estranged from the act ; whereby death and the impurity of nature were introduced . for the necessity of propagation , hath indeed thus in times past excused the offence of a coursary succession in generating . for as augustine witnesseth , if the propagation of men could have been made after any other manner , the conjugal act had been unlawful . wherefore bigamy or a duplicity of wives , is not undeservedly expelled from the bishoprick , even as actual wedlock from the sub-deaconship . for however it be a sacrament , yet it is unbeseeming the sacrament of the altar , to wit , by which the chastity of the first constitution and intention of the creator are recompensed : for god despised that blood should be offered unto him , even in burnt-offerings , and that man should eat blood , being mindful that the blood ( in which the sensitive soul is ) had proceeded from the eating of the apple . but besides , bruit beasts are indeed afraid , are angry , do flatter , do mourn , do condole , do lay in wait ; and those passions , man from the sensitive soul possesseth , common with bruits : yea also , it shameth elephants , if they are upbraided with any thing that hath the less generously been done by them : but no animal or sensitive creature perceiveth shame from a sexual copulation . from hence its manifest , that concupiscence of the flesh , is diabolical onely to man ; which in bruits , is earthly and natural . if therefore both our parents presently after the eating of the apple , were ashamed , if they therefore covered onely their privy parts ; therefore that shame doth presuppose , and accuse of something committed against justice , against the intent of the creator , and against their own proper nature : by consequence , that adamical generation was not of the primitive constitution of their nature , as neither of the original intent of the creator : therefore when god foretels that the earth shall bring forth thistles and thornes , and that man in the sweat of his face shall eat his bread , even as was already proved above , they were not execrations , but admonitions that those sort of things should be obvious in the earth ; and because beasts should bring forth in pain , should plow in sweat , should eat their food with labour and fear , that the earth also , should bring forth very many things besides the intent of the husband-man , therefore also , that they ought to be nourished like unto bruit-beasts , who had begun to generate after the manner of bruit-beasts . and then , if the text be more fully considered , it is told unto eve after transgression , that she should bring forth her off-springs in pain : for it undoubtedly followes from thence , that before sin , she had brought forth without pain , that is , as she had conceived , her womb being shut , so also she had brought forth . therefore , what hath the pain of bringing forth , common with the eating of the apple , unless the apple had operated about the conception or concupiscence of the flesh ? and by consequence , unless the apple had stirred up copulation , and the creator had intended to disswade it by dehorting from eating of the apple : for why are the genital members of the woman punished with paines of child-birth , if the eye in seeing the apple , the hands in cropping it , and the mouth in eating it , have offended ? for was it not sufficient to have chastised the life with death , and the health with very many diseases ? moreover , why is the womb ( which in eating is guiltless ) afflicted after the manner of bruits with the pain of bringing forth , if the conception granted to beasts were not forbidden to man ? after the fall therefore , their eyes were opened , and they were ashamed : it denoteth , that from the filthiness of concupiscence , they knew that the copulation of the flesh was forbidden them in the most innocent chastity of nature , and that they were over-spread with shame , when their eyes being opened , their understandings saw the committed filthyness . but on the serpent and evil spirit alone , was the top of the whole curse , even as the priviledge of the woman , and the mysterious prerogative of the blessing upon the earth : to wit , that the woman ( but not the man , although he was now constituted for the head of the woman ) should at some time bruise the head of the serpent ; and so that it is not possible , that to bring forth in pain , should be a curse ; for truly with the same mouth of the lord is pronounced the blessing of the woman , and victory over the infernal spirit . and moreover , to be subject to the man , was not enjoyned unto the woman in stead of an execution : but it denoted in the mind of god , humility chosen in a new law , and another method of living , appointed anew by the son of man : for the son of man humbled himself even unto death ; also to be extinguished by a reproachful death , he called it , to be exalted . therefore , while the lord depresseth the woman under the power of the man , he exalted the same woman in his presence , and made her the more like unto himself . after another manner , because the serpent should for the future , creep upon the earth ; the name of serpent proveth , that , that was not proper unto him from a curse , but from his being made creeping ; and that thing was sufficiently manifest to adam : for herein the curse seized not so much on the serpent , as on the evil spirit , because the lying impostor had hid himself in the most vile of creeping things ; on whose head therefore , and not on the head of any creeping thing , the woman trod upon . but because all bruits which do generate by a long continued copulation , were in times past reckoned impure , and also forbidden from man's use in kitchins ( among which creeping animals are not in the last place ) &c. it containeth , and likewise confirmeth the mystery of our position : to wit , that the impurity of our nature , draws its rise from the concupiscence of the flesh : and therefore the copulation in beasts seemeth to be taken notice of in beasts , by god , which was distinct , and defiled with impurity . in the next place also , in the law , a menstruous woman , and the person touching her , were accounted to bring an impurity on every thing : the which otherwise , being now , turned into a second and natural cause , ought to be plainly guiltless , unlesse the menstrues should by a natural course , derive it self from the same causes , from whence death happened unto us : and therefore also , for this cause , it being plainly impure in the law , was reckoned a horrid thing with god. but for that , woman alone doth suffer menstrues before bruits , surely it doth not attest any prerogative of our kind , but rather every way a defect ; to wit , that it is reckoned for a punishment of frustrated chastity , and referred into second causes , plainly from a notable mystery of our position : neither doth it hinder these things , that chast virgins obey the menstrues , and that she is monstrous , who an opportunity being given , is not menstruous ; because adamical generation its self is constrained to carry , no less the importunities of its own nature , than death it self . yea , seeing chastity doth not excuse a virgin from the menstrues , it is for a token , that the menstrues is not from a curse , nor from the punishment of sin , but altogether from natural causes ; no otherwise than as death it self began from second causes inserted in the disswaded apple , although hitherto unknown , nor thorowly weighed . the menstrues therefore onely in woman alone , but not in bruits , doth accuse that the transgression of the despised fatherly admonition happened in the very privy parts , therefore branded as it were with an unclean bloody seal , for a perpetual sign : the which surely should not have place , if a sexual copulation for the propagation of man , had not inverted the intention of the creator , rather than in bruit-beasts . in this place , a paradox and impertinent consideration doth occur , being interlaced as it were by a parenthesis : that adam seeing he was created in the possession of immortality , god intended not that man should be an animal or sensitive creature , nor should be born , conceive , or live as an animal ; for truly , he was created into a living soul , and that he might be the immediate image of god : therefore he as far differed from the nature of an animal , as an immortal being from a mortal , and as a god-like creature from a bruit ; the which is indeed more than in the whole predicament . and it is exceedingly to be admired , and deservedly unworthy to be endured , that the schools of christ do believe and confess these things ; and yet that even until now , they draw the essence of a man essentially from an animal nature ; because , although man afterwards procured death unto himself , and therefore may seem to be made nearer unto the nature of animal creatures , yet it stood not in his power to be able to pervert the species of the divine image ; even as , neither was the evil spirit , of a spirit , made an animal , although he became nearer unto an animal by hatred and brutal vices . therefore man remained in his own species wherein he was created ; for as oft as man is called an animal or sensitive living creature , and is in earnest , thought to be such ; so many times , the text is falsified , which saith , but also the serpent was more crafty than all the living creatures of the earth , which the lord god had made ; because he speaks of the natural craftiness of that creeping creature . again , if the position be true , man was not directed into the propagation of seed , or flesh , neither therefore did he aspire into a sensitive soul : and therefore the sensitive soul of adamical generation , is not of a brutal species , because it was raised up by a seed which wanted the original , ordination , and limitation of any species ; and so that , as the sensitive soul in man arose besides the intent of the creator and nature ; so it is of no brutal species , neither can it subsist , unless it be continually tyed to the mind , from whence it is supported in its life . wherefore while man is of no brutal species , he cannot be an animal in respect of his mind , and much less in respect of his soul , which is of no species . for a woman great with child , while by reason of sudden fear , she changeth the humane young into a certain bruit ; the mind indeed doth not wander into a brutal soul ; but the mind departs , and a sensitive soul , begged of the creator , is substituted in its stead ; and seeing that it is promoted onely by the idea of the woman great with child , without an original appointment , therefore such kind of generated creatures , do most speedily die : and the off-springs of adam had likewise presently perished , unless god had granted matrimony unto him . wherefore in the birth of cain , she truly said ; i possesse a man from the lord. far be it therefore , to have placed man among sensitive living creatures . truly , we must indulge pagans who know not that thing ; but not equally christians who too much adore paganish doctrine . at least wise the schools confesse , that there is an ordinary progress of nature , from not a sensible creature into a sensible animal : but that the life and sense of men is immediately iufsed by the hand of the almighty . they confesse in the next place , that the conditions of being , living , and feeling or perceiving in man , differ in their whole condition from an animal nature , because it follows the faculty of the rational form or immortal mind : but they shamefully believe , that a man aswel of the first constitution , as being now divinely regenerated by the sacraments , is an essential animal . fie , let it shame man not to know that the evil spirit , and whole nature also , are not able by any means , or any way to change the essence given unto him from the foreknowledge of the creator , but that he should continually remain such as he was created ; although in the mean time , he hath cloathed himself with strange properties , as natural unto him from the vice of his own will : for as it wants not an absurdity , to reckonman glorified , among animals , because he is not without a sense or feeling ; so , to be sensitive doth not shew the unseperable essence of an animal . and seeing otherwise , the definition of every thing is from the essence of the thing ( as they will have it ) but man according to his essence , was made in a full possession of immortality , and henceforth of an eternal duration , according to his soul ; the schools could not believe , that man , by reason of a sensitive soul alone , was essentially an animal ; especially while they believed his essence to depend on an eternal duration , and an uncorruptible soul or form. all which absurdities , i acknowledge to have crept into , and to have remained in the schools , by reason of the truth of our position being unknown . even hitherto , i have established the position out of the holy scriptures . now again the same , by the authorities of fathers ; which matter b. augustine hath seemed to have understood before others ; saying , after what manner had it shamed man of the transgression of a law , when as his very members had not known shame ? as if he should say , his members were stirred up unto the concupiscence of the flesh , and acts of his privie parts , presently after the eating of the apple . their eyes were opened ; but for this they were not opened , that they might know , what might be performed by them , through the cloathing of grace , when as their members knew not how to resist their will. and dost thou not blush at that disease , or that thou , although shamefac'd , dost confess , that that lust entred into paradise ? and to impute it unto husbands and wives before sin ? he who was to be without sin , would be born without the concupiscence of the flesh , not in that flesh of sin ; but in the likeness of sinful flesh : as if he should say , whatsoever is born from copulation , although it had been born in paradise and before sin , would have been , and is the flesh of sin ; seeing that alone , which is not born of copulation , is not the flesh of sin. whatsoever off-spring is born from concupiscence , or of the flesh of sin , is obliged unto orignal sin , unless it be born again in him , whom the virgin conceived without concupiscence . the flesh of christ drew a mortality from the mortality of his mothers body ; because she found not the concupiscence of a copulatresse . for indeed , as original sin is not derived on the posterity any other way , than by the concupiscence of the flesh ; so it must needs be , that in the apple was included the concupiscence , from whence the humane stock degenerated , and was vitiated in generating : for truly if off-springs could have been generated any otherwise than by carnal copulation , the matrimonial act had been unlawful . whereunto this every-way convincing argument ; serveth , that act , before the apple was eaten , was either unlawful , and not thought of ; or it was lawful . if it were unlawful , now our position is proved . but if lawful , therefore whatsoever i have above described out of augustine , is false . seeing therefore they had now actually felt the effect of the eaten apple , or the concupiscence of the flesh in their members in paradise , presently it shamed them , because their members , which before they could rule at their pleasure , were afterwards moved by a proper incentive of lust . at length , how greatly virginity hath alwayes pleased the bridegroom of the soul , doth clearly enough appear out of divers histories of the saints . and indeed , in cana of galilee , the bridegroom having left his bride , followed the lord jesus , and it is that disciple whom jesus therefore so greatly loved . the same thing was familiar unto alexius , aegidius , and to very many others , especially with poor women-virgins . for indeed the infinite goodness , from the proper motion of its good pleasure from eternity , created man and fore-loved him with so great a love , that he determined to co-knit his own divinity unto him , and to enlighten him with the light , which enlightneth every man that cometh into this world ; and to adopt him for the son of god , giving him power to become the son of god by the new birth ; which new birth , before sin , was not necessary . seeing therefore he requireth people to be re-born of god , therefore before sin , they were all born of god ; which thing , lucifer with his own spirits , seeing , through a long-since pride of his beauty ( and since his fall , being wholly become envious ) supposed that he was wiser than god , who had raised up a vile creature unto that height : wherefore he aspired to exceed god , whom he had not yet seen , and to throw him down from his seat of majesty : presently afterwards , he , after that he had paid the punishment of his sins , being more cruelly wroth , saw also , that eve being a virgin , was by the onely goodness of god , without all desert , and freely now appointed for the aforesaid instrument of that adoption , and mother of men : therefore he endeavoured to hinder the love of god through the eating of the apple ; because , as seeing that the lasciviousness and concupisence of the flesh implanted in the same , was diametrically opposite unto gods intention : therefore the eating of the apple was not forbidden unto man by a law , but by a fatherly admonition : neither is original sin from the transgressions of a law , from the eating of the apple , as being forbidden food ; but by reason of the effect arising from the apple , and the properties inserted in the apple . after another manner , the transgression or eating , did offend onely in a voluntary act , but not for posterity ; unless naturally , and by the second causes of a brutal copulation following from thence ( otherwise in our first parents impossible ) it had inverted the intention of divine generation ; yea , original sin , fell not so properly on the guiltless posterity , as the effect of generation : the which indeed hath brought forth an adulterous , beast-like , devilish generation , and plainly uncapable of the kingdom of god , and of union with , and enjoyment of god : by reason of the similitude whereof , those that were born in adultery , were excluded from the participation of heaven . but let us feign the opposite thing ; to wit , that our parents were conscious , that there was a law declared by god the creator of the universe , touching the forbidden apple , and that upon such an account death was foretold unto him , and all his posterity , and undoubtedly came unto them ; but at least-wise , an irregular sin being so bold , and so ungodly and cruel a wickedness on all their posterity , could not be forgiven without a great note of contrition : neither had god , how merciful , and good soever , straightway , so suddenly made that man fruitful with so great a blessing , and substituted the other living creatures under his feet ; he not being ignorant , that neither of them did grieve , repent , pray ; but only it shamed them , and that they endeavoured as fools to hide themselves from god , and to cover their privy parts with leaves . therefore i collect from thence , that on the same day , not only mortality entred through concupiscence ; but moreover , that it presently after also , entred into a conceived generation ; in which respect , the same day also they were driven out of paradise : therefore original sin was effectively bred from the concupiscence of the flesh ; but occasionally onely in the apple being eaten , and the admonition being despised : but the poyson of the concupiscence was placed in the admonished ( or rather disswaded ) tree , and that property was radically inserted , and implanted in it . but when satan ( besides his hope , and the deflowring of the virgin , nothing hindred it ) saw that man was not taken out of the way , according to the forewarning ( for he knew not that the son of god had constituted himself a surety before the father for man ) he indeed looking into the corrupted and degenerated nature of man , and so that a power was withdrawn from him , of uniting himself to the god of infinite majesty , he most greatly rejoyced ; but he grieved after that he knew , that matrimony was now granted ; to wit , that the divine goodness did as yet incline towards man ; and that satans own fallacies , deceits , and thoughts were thus deceived : and so that also , from hence he conjecturing that the son of god was to restore every defect of contagion , and therefore perhaps to be incarnate ; he ruminated or searched , whether he should defile the stock that was to be raised up by matrymony , with a mortal soul , that he might render every conception of god , vain : therefore he stirred up not only his fratricides , and notoriously wicked persons , that there might be much evil at all times ; but he procured that atheism might arise , and that together with heathenism , it might increase , and wax strong dayly ; whereby indeed , if he could not hinder the co-knitting of the immortal mind with the sensitive soul , he might at least , by destroying the law of nature , bring man with himself , under infernal punishment : but especially he meditated , after what sort he might by degrees expunge the immortal mind out of the stock of posterity : therefore he stirred up detestable copulations in this atheistical libertines : but he saw that from thence nothing but brutish or savage monsters proceeded , to be abhorred by the parents themselves ; and that the copulation with women , was far more plausible unto men ; and that by this method , the generation of men should equally , and constantly continue . for neither was it sufficient for the infernal enemy to have rendered man uncapable of heaven ; but moreover , he endeavoured to prevent , that there should never be a hope of restoring a remnant ; that is , to hinder the incarnation of the son of god ; therefore he attempted , whether he could by an application of active things , frame the seed of man according to his own cursed desire : the which , when he had found to be in vain , and impossible for him to do , he tryed again whether an impe , a witch , might not be fructifyed by sodomy : and when as , neither thus did the event every way answer his intention , and that he saw elsewhere , that of an asse , and a horse , a mule was bred , which was nearer akin to his mother , than to his father : likewise that of a coney , and a dormouse being the father , a true coney was bred , being disstinct from his mother , only in his taile like a dormouse , he declined his crafts : and indeed through a remembrance of these things , the old law also very much abhorring such co-mixtures of species to be horrid unto god ; although at this day , they are among christians so admitted , that the primates or chief men of the church , do ride on monsters horrid in gods sight . therefore satan instituted a connexion of the seed of man ( being first for some while nourished with warmth ) with the seed , and in the womb of a juniour witch or sorceress , that he might exclude the dispositions unto an immortal mind ( which god , matrimony being by him appointed , promised that he would create in the word , be ye multiplyed ) from such a new polished conception : and afterwards came forth an adulterous generation of faunes , satyrs , sylphs , gnomes , nymphs , driades , nerides , and other monsters , according to the various disposition which the seed of man did undergo . and seeing the faunes , and nymphs of the woods were preferred before the other in beauty , they afterwards generated their off-springs among themselves , and the posterities again contracted their copulations among themselves , and at length began wedlocks with men , feigning that thus they did obtain an immortal soul ( as credulous paracelsus witnesseth ) for themselves , and their off-springs which should be born by that conjuction : but they feigned that thing through the perswasion of the devil , that men as doing a pious work , might admit those monsters unto carnal copulation : which thing the ignorant also were easily perswaded of , as if the creation of the immortal soul , and the knitting thereof unto the mortal soul , did depend on the free will , and seed of man : the which i will beneath teach to be false , as well from the holy scriptures , as from the relation of d. antonius in the life of paul the first of anchorets , described by jerome : and therefore those nymps were antiently named , sccnbae : although satan afterwards , that he might commit a worse wickedness , frequently transchangeth himself by dissembling the persons of the incubus and succubus , in both sexes : but they conceived not a true young by the males , except the nymphs alone : the which indeed , seeing the sons of god ( that is , men ) had now without distinction , and in many places taken to be their wives , god was constrained to blot out the whole race begotten by these detestable marriages , through a deluge of waters , that the intent of the evil spirit might be frustrated . a merchant of aegina , our country-man , an honest-man , sayling divers times unto the canaries , or fortunate ilands ; was buisily asked by me , his serious judgment about certain creatures , which boys did there bring home from the mountains , as oft as they would , and named them tudesquils , or little germans : for they were dryed dead carcases , almost three-footed , which any boy did easily carry in one of the palms of his hand , and they were of an humane shape : but that whole dead carcase was clearly like unto parchment , and their bones were flexible as it were gristles : against the sun also , their bowels and intestines were seen : which things , when as afterwards , i by spaniards there born knew to be true , i considered , that at this day , the destroyed race of the pygmies was there : for the almighty would render the expectations of the evil spirit , supported by mankind , vain , and void : for he hath therefore manifoldly saved us from the craft of the encompassing lyon , unto whom eternal punishment is due in his extream , and perpetual confusion , unto the everlasting sanctifying of the divine name . but now i will propose some doubts against our position . first therefore , that nothing withstands it , that the most due or worthy work of married-folkes is the very copulation of the flesh : because from thence it doth not follow , that matrymony was lawful from the beginning of creation : yea , neither is that true in any other sense ; but that afterwards children are not procreated without the copulation of the flesh : to wit , if any married-folks shall live as they ought , and those that have wives , be as they had none , and never using their wives but for fructifying sake , unto the honour of god : these indeed do deserve the favour of increase : but as yet do they far differ from those unto whom god , from the title of gelded-persons or eunuches alone , promiseth the kingdom of heaven : but it is said unto married-persons , when ye have done all these things , ye shall be as yet , unprofitable servants : but that is no where read to be spoken unto one abstaining from lawful things in patients , and not in agents ; and least of all , doth that touch at the flour of virginity : for abstinent , and chast persons , seem by a certain fore-choice to be sanctified , also to be promoted unto a further degree of perfection : and therefore , they follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth . for those that do well , as they suppose a hope of reward ; so virgins abstaining , and suffering , do contain themselves within love , and humility . neither doth that argue on the contrarie , because it is said , gen. chap. . v. . god created them man , and woman . and gen. chap. . v. . that he blessed them , that they might increase , and be multiplyed , and replenish the earth : as though wedlock had been from the appointment , and first intention of the creator : for the first chapter of genesis doth briefly finish the whole history of the creation : but the second and third chapters do prosecute the creation of the woman in paradise ; likewise sin , &c. and therefore the blessing of generation was not described in gen. . v. . for truly , not as though the blessing of generation had been given in the beginning of creation , before the woman was created ; the which was neither given in paradise , after the woman was framed ; but after sin , and after their banishment out of paradise , into the earth : for it is said , that they should fill the earth with off-springs , but not paradise : and a full dominion was given them over the bruits of the earth ; wherein is manifested the goodness of the creator , that he blessed a guilty creature ( nor as yet repenting ) in off-springs , being also corrupt , and impure . indeed he foreknowing the restauration for which his son had appointed himself a surety before the justice of the father : for otherwise , on the same day wherein they had tasted of the apple , they had actually , and of necessity died , unless the father had accepted of the death of his son , for the remission of sin. thirdly , it might be objected ; god made nothing in vain ; but he framed the sexual instruments of generation from the beginning , the which , while they did denote a necessity of appointment , god also from the beginning sufficiently exposed his own intention , and modern manner of generating in their bodies . i answer , by granting that the creator conferred on them members , and a freedom of will ; otherwise , if they had wanted instruments , a liberty of sinning through the concupiscence of the flesh had been in vain conferred on them : as therefore the intention of god for a future regeneration , is not rightly turned unto a freedom of will of sinning ; so much less rightly , is the same intention inserted by reason of the framing of instruments : for this argument is like as if it should be said ; god made remedies against diseases , and death ; therefore god made also death , and diseases . the consequence is false ; therefore also the antecedent . for the almighty fore-saw from eternity , the fall of adam : neither therefore being content with paradise alone ; he moreover , created the earth , and from the earth , medicine against death , and diseases : so also , he made genitals in our first parents . it was sufficient for adam , that he never felt any spur in himself , either from his members , or from the beheld nakedness of the woman ; as neither the woman likewise from the society of the man , which unsensibleness was called , the state of innocency : otherwise it might likewise be concluded ; god created man , that he might live happy in paradise : therefore he in vain created the earth before the fall , or corruption of nature ; especially because sin was from a free contingency : for both of the aforesaid arguments is from a non-premeditated end of contingences or things which happened ; and therefore it contains an implicite blasphemy : for god had not created the earth for himself , and the bruit-beasts ; so also the instruments of the sexes do denote indeed a foreknowledge of future things , but not a divine intention in creating them . next the atheists strive , and will have the text to be fabulous , and ridiculous , that the effect , or disobedience of the eaten apple should go over all posterity : the which argument we have already sufficiently opposed . and likewise they argue ; if shame be from original sin , truly as sin doth equally touch all : so also shame should touch children , those of full growth , the blacks , americans , aegyptians , aethiopians , &c. and neither indeed hath it hitherto shamed the abyssine or aethiopian priests who are christians : therefore shame is not from the apple being eaten , not from the sin of disobedience , as neither from an unwonted newness of generation , or concupiscence of the flesh . but sophisters know not that shame was forgotten in barbarians by degrees , and that the loss of bashfulness grew up through a scurrilous accustomedness , and a foregoing penury of rayment : which shame that the people of israel therefore might not loose ( they being for a great part of them wicked ) god suffered not their garments to be worn out for years in the wilderness . by that miracle i say , god continually diverts the loss of bashfulness , and by that signe sheweth , that nothing could be alike hateful unto him , as is the loss of shame . from whence it becomes conspicuous , that the shame attained by the eating of the apple , was not troublsome unto , nor forbidden by god ; but that under the etymology of shame , the chast speech of the holy scriptures , whereby it covered the forbidden concupiscence of the flesh , lay hid . in the next place , as many as do lay barbarisme aside , do also likewise re-take their shame that was at first lost . yea neither is it a wonder , that people have lost their shame through the perswasions of that mocker , which teacheth shame to be in the knowledge of evil . at length the athiests do oppose , that it is a ridioulous fable , if it believed , that the serpent spake with a humane voyce , and as perswading adam , who had given unto bruits their proper names , and therefore neither could he be ignorant that speech was wanting to the serpent : for he ought to have been amazed , but not to believe such a perswader . but the miserable men are deceived . the serpent dissembled the countenance of a man , unto which wonder , if adam had not yet given the name of a monster , it is no wonder : and if he ought to give that name from the essence , as to other bruite beasts , he had called that serpent a scholastical and speaking rational animal : the not unlike to which appeared to b. anthony in the wilderness . for first , there came to meet him a fourfooted monster , the which , when it had begun to speak , it spake imperfectly , and avoided or ran away : and afterwards , another , which in the form of a satyr , did perfectly speak the dialect of the country : for neither must we judge , that monster to have been the devil ( because he is he , who never requires prayers to be made unto god for him ) and therefore , by the church , it is called an animal or sensitive living creature , from the same authority whereby paul the first of hermites was reckoned among the number of saints : but it is not called , a devil or spirit ; and it is decyphered by b. jeroms by its tokens borrowed from b. anthony : therefore adam might speak to the serpent , no otherwise than as anthony to the satyr . the present text therefore of genesis , hath hitherto had no arch-heretick since origen , and athiests , because it shews a true and literal history . last of all , i will add some things , as it were by way of impertinency . for indeed , i have said that fishes do generate indeed , but not by way of sexual copulation , although they have genital instruments . first of all , i think that there is an univocal or single generation of fishes bringing forth eggs : therefore , i shall say enough by the example of one fish . for neither were it meet for me narrowly to search into fishes which are under the waters , by their species or particular kinds . there is a certain fish in stony waters , a devourer of flesh , and easily the most swift of fishes , called by our country-men , a trout ; for nigh a little river or brook , where tyber perpendicularly falls from a high rock , he is seen to ascend the whole height of the rock in a straight line , five hundred foot at least : therefore he swimmeth threefold swifter against the gulf , than the steep water doth fall downwards . first of all , here the opinion of the schools is false , to wit , that the water doth alwayes fall down in a circular figure : for there is seen a certain small drop of water with a spire or point behind , and the spire is the more sharp backwards , by how much the higher it falls : and that thing , the resistance of the air convinceth of : for although they will have the water to imitate a circle , because the sphere is the most capacious of figures : for the same reason of its greatness it most difficulty cleaveth the air , the which therefore hinders the speed of its fall . furthermore , the female trout , her eggs growing big within her , feels the membrane of her secundine to be broken , and to cleave asunder by degrees , wherein the eggs are entertained as in a purse , and presently she voids her eggs , and layes them up in the sandy bottom ; yea the very imagination of the trout , destroyes her eggs : for if the water hath onely a stony bottom ( as i have perceived in our springs or wells that are cemented with chalk ) the eggs do not fructifie ; but if the bottom be strewed with sand , the eggs do bring forth : but the male trout besprinckles the eggs ( being brought forth , with his seed , and that seed layes upon the eggs without , like a spiders web : and at length , the eggs being thus fenced , they passe over into little fishes . in this species therefore , there is not a carnal copulation , and the copulation should be void , the which within indeed , should not touch at so much as the thousandth part of the eggs. in the next place , neither is there an annexed seed seen laying on the eggs ; and therefore neither is the seed of the male of the constitutive part of fishes ; although eggs that are destitute of the covering of seed , do never become vital . for it is seen , that fishes have in this thing almost kept the shadowy image designed for humane generation , before the fall . but as there is an innumerable fertility of fishes bringing forth eggs , so also a possession of long life ; although the long life be so easily attained , yet it doth most toughly adhere : and moreover , many seem to grow for their whole life time : for by how much the farther , they depart from the copulation of the flesh , by so much the more fruitful they are , and of a longer life . so in the lake of lemane , a trout doth oft-times ascend unto an hundred pound . a pike also , by a sign hung on him , is noted to have lived unto three hundred years , and to have grown unto an amazing bigness , and then neither as yet to have dyed , but by a violent death . an eele in the rivers of lire nigh the village rumst , being sent to bruxells unto the emperour charls the fifth , is observed to have been foot in length . worms ( in the silk-worm by a famous example ) after a death or sleep of two months , do degenerate into butter-flies . they figure out a shadow of the resurrection ( for because they never go together or copulate before , they rise again changed ) neither hath the female conceived besides an inspired chaos , while as the male being plainly without blood , and the whole female is melted into her own eggs. that worm by its own will as by its own funerall , co-weavingly encloseth it self in the bombast , it represents the image of the death , and resurrection of the faithful , while as being a winged bird , it flies out from thence , being before not instructed to flie , neither doth it afterwards stand in need of food ; for we are taught by the abject creeping things , of how much esteem it is with god to have abstained from copulation throughout our whole youth and man-hood . moreover also , if thou shalt look more fully into the matter , that very wrapping being the masculine seed , doth adhere to the yolk without ( almost after the manner of fishes ) notwithstanding , a chick is materially formed out of the yolke alone , however the aristotelicks may grin to the contrary ; and that thing after . dayes from thence , it hath listed me to behold and prove against idiots , by breaking the egg daily . truly the curde of a cock , adhering to the yolke , doth by degrees melt , and is thorowly mixed with the putrifying white , the chick in the mean time , forming it self of the yolke . for from thence i have learned , that the curdy seed of the cock , doth breath indeed a spirit , the stirrer up , but not the former or framer of life ; and that thing a coney with the tail of a dormouse , hath more plainly confirmed unto us . at least-wise , there is a fruitful multitude of fishes , and a prosperous benediction thereof , and a less necessity of things requisite for bringing forth , a long continuance of life , and a constant and easie endurance of cold and hunger : nimbleness also and swiftness of motion , lastly , they bring forth without pain ; which thing , beasts that do admit of a copulation of the male , do not likewise do ; and so they unfold something concerning the first intent of god , in man. at length in the last place , the sophistical atheists do oppose themselves by the text of genesis , that god overthrew the world by a deluge : because the sons of god had chosen and taken wives of the daughters of men , which were fair ; and because these had generated gyants , being strong and famous men in their age : and that thing is there reckoned for much wickedness ; the which notwithstanding , literally is seen to be none , in the words of the text , after that matrimony was now established , and lawful : yea , especially because concubine-ship was a good while after dissembled in the law , the which by reason of that impurity especially , they named the mosaical law , but not the law of god : for truly , the text doth not mention the sin of david , but in the death of uriah , the adultery of bathsheba , and the proud numbring of the people . wherefore they are wont to refer this text of genesis , unto the religious sons of god , and the free daughters of men. but it hath seemed a vain thing to me , to have fled unto a single life , and monastick vows , and evangelical counsels , while as a plurality of men was required from the command , increase ye , and be ye multiplyed , and replenish the earth ; which words indeed did excuse concubine-ship . then in the next place , seeing virgins are far more prone unto a single life , bashfulness , likewise unto chastity and monastick vows , than men ; the floud had rather happened from the sex being inverted or turned on the opposite part ; and it hath been written , because the daughters of god had taken the sons of men for their husbands . and moreover , neither can there be any thought or project of keeping chastity probably taught , which had then separated the sons of god from virgins , nor any apostasie in those ages , which had provoked the indignation of god unto floud . yet if that be so ( the which i can in no wise through a dream , perswade my self of ) at least-wise it is from thence proved in behalf of my position , that chastity alone doth distinguish the sons of god from the daughters of men ; and that therefore , the deflowring of virginity , hath procreated original sin. but seeing that before the floud , there was no promise of a single life or chastity , and that a monastick or monkish life came not as yet into their mind so long as multiplying stood in a command and blessing ; i have conjectured ( under a humble censure of the church ) that the sons of god were the posterity , and begotten of a man and a woman , having the true image of god ; but that the daughters of men , were daughters procreated by the sons of adam , and nymphs , the satanical-birth whereof , god alwayes very much abhorred : but there was an incredible multitude of these in the desart , one whereof was sent unto b. anthony . also in the dayes of constantine , a live satyr was carried about to be shewn , and afterwards was shewn being seasoned with salt. so once , there were also diverse monsters drawn out from the ocean , which spake , were instructed in divers arts , and therefore rational ; they also lived among our country-men . indeed rational living creatures were conceived as well in the waters , as in wildernesses , from a detestable copulation . seeing therefore , the first monsters had begotten off-springs by the sons of adam of the female sex , they distinguished the sons of adam by the name of the sons of god ; and these kind of monsters , they name the daughters of men : and these nymphs , heathenism , thence-forward after the floud , named dryades , nereides , naides , &c. the which seeing they were fair to look upon , and men had taken them to be their wives ; god from so great a filthiness , and destruction of the humane kind ( which the text cals much wickednesse in every season or age ) abhorring them , determined to wash away the world with a deluge . from that copulation of monsters and nymphs , they generated strong gyants , and those famous men of their age ; and the which therefore , heathenism long worshipped as gods and heroes : for otherwise there seem to be frivolous reasons of the floud , according to the letter : to wit , because men were married with women , and these had generated gyants that were strong and famous men of their age. therefore the text ought to contain the indignation of god , and a suitable cause of the floud . the monstrousness is not only in the figure and forming of their body , even as in the beginning of degenerations ; but their deformity being by degrees withdrawn and diminished , the monstrousness stood in the sensitive soul ; the which an immortal mind did not accompany , however outwardly they were animals using reason . at least-wise , it is manifest from the aforesaid text , that the true posterity of adam were not gyants , but of the stature of christ the lord , and framed by the same statuary . but the copulation of diverse species , hath alwayes been execrable in the sight of the lord , least man should follow it by imitation . the law therefore forbad , that many seeds should not be sown in the same field , nor that webs of linnen and wollen should be combined : to wit , it being mindful of that most ample and much wickedness , for which god ought to destroy the world. but the co-mixture of those men before the floud , with nymphs , was so usual and ordinary , and likewise the copulation of faunes with maids , that a few only being excepted , and saved into the ark , the whole stock of adam was defiled , and therefore passed by in silent : therefore god decreed to destroy every living creature , that he might likewise extinguish the guilty rational monster : for besides a few which the ark shut up , there was not he who had not contracted a consanguinity with that devilish progeny . for the b. prophetess hildegard , writeth ( for she is the prophetess of this book , which was canonized in the synod of trevirum or triers ) unto the clergy of triers : for very many people arose from the sons of adam , who had a forgetfulnesse of god , so that they would not know themselves to be men : from whence they by shamefully sinning , lived according to the manners of beasts , except the sons of god , who separated themselves from those same men , and their loves , of whom noah was born . these things she , who acknowledgeth the sons of god in both sexes , and clearly approveth of my interpretation of this text. for satan had tried by this mean , to overthrow mankinde , and to hinder the immortal soul , that there might not be he , from whence the son of god should be born : therefore there was need of the floud , not only for the correction of sins ; but for the salvation of the whole humane kind : for otherwise cham had not been saved by the ark ; for he was now wholly perverse from atheism : wherefore i interpret the text ( yet under the humble censure of the church ) to wit , that the sons of god ( who did bear the image of god in their immortal soul , and in their body ) took the daughters of men ( which only shewed forth a humane image in the rationality of their sensitive soul , and beautiful fairness ) for their wives , because they were fair ; and from them they generated gyants , strong and famous men of their age : for there was much wickedness in every season , or at all times , so as that it repented god , that he had created man ; according to that saying , all flesh had corrupted its way ; that is , every man had not only left the ways of the lord ; but he had also corrupted the way which he had chosen to himself : for god had purposed to generate man by the overshadowing of the holy spirit , which was his immediate image , and to conjoyn himself intimately unto him : but man perverted the intent of god : wherefore afterwards , god who is totally good , permitted wedlock . and then again , man bespotted the generation of adam , and had almost proceeded unto the destruction of the species , unless the miracle of the floud had come . and at length , the devil had again prevented the intent of god by paganism , unless in the fulness of times , the compassion of god had withstood him , he sending his son from his own heart or bosom : to whom be all sanctification . however god be no accepter of persons ; therefore neither of sexes : yet it hath well pleased him to stuff the female sex with a straight measure of tribulations , by reason of his unsearcheable judgments : for the hairs of our head are numbred ; and a leaf falls not from the tree , but by permission : and much less is a poor woman or maid born , whom the finger of god hath not formed . therefore i have many times enquired throughout the parishes , after the knowledge of this paradox ; and i have every where found in the books of those that are yeerly baptized , twice more daughters at least , to be born and baptized , than males . also that twice more males at least , are extinguished by diseases , travels , war , duel , shipwracks , &c. than females : from whence it follows , that god doth every year create more daughters , and that more do come to ripe years ; and from hence , lastly it is manifest , that so compleat a number of maids is not appointed by god , but for the choiceness of virgins ; seeing that he which hath forbidden luxury , and adultery , doth nevertheless create , and conserve a more plentiful catalogue of females , and a sparing catalogue of males ; and he therein denoteth , that the constancy of a single life in the woman , is acceptable unto him : to wit , as she comes so much the nearer unto the purity and innocency of the first intention in creation . for a conclusion of this treatise , i will adjoyn what s. hildegard writeth unto the grisean monks , page . virginity signifieth the sun , which enlightneth the whole world ; because god hath adjoyned virginity unto himself , the which , man being left , begat that virginity , which a ray or beam of the divinity plentifully poured forth ; and the which ray doth govern all things : for the king which ruleth all things , is god , and virginity was conjoyned unto him , when god and man was born of a virgin. thus the queen stood at his right hand in rayment guilt with gold , with an encompassed variety ; because virginity resisting the devil , stood to the virtue of the divinity in its resplendent work , being on every side encompassed with the multitude of diverse virtues : for the divinity hath espowsed virginity unto it self , when as the angel at first fell on the left hand ; and now also hath he elected a people of salvation for himself , being in adam ; which people , he hath named his right hand ; concerning which people , he hath adjoyned vriginity unto himself , which hath brought forth the greatest work : because as god created all things by his word ; so also virginity through the heat of the holy divinity , begat the son of god : thus virginity is not without fruitfulness : because a virgin begat god and man , by whom all things were made . but also by this means , all the virtues of the old and new testament which god hath wrought in his saints , are beguilded , being as it were a garment beautified with gold : and the virgin shall freely collect these virtues unto her self ; because the ligament of a man shall not constrain or knit her up . the wheele also which ezekiel saw , hath fore-signified virginity ; because the same virginity was pre-figured in the law before the incarnation of the son of god : but after his incarnation , she wonderfully worketh very many miracles ; because god by her purged all offences , and rightly ordained every institution . for virginity supports old things , and sustaineth new things , and is the very root , and foundation of all good things ; because alwayes and ever , it was with him who is without beginning and without end : for the nature of man , which was destroyed by sins , hath by virginity revived in salvation ; seeing that by another nature she hath withdrawn sins from men. these things the prophetess ; wherein indeed are confirmed , those things which i have hitherto spoken concerning the entrance of death into humane nature . chap. xciv . a supply , concerning the fountains of the spaw . the first paradox . . which are to be called fountains . . diverse opinions about the exposition hereof . . the diversity of soils in the earth . . incorporeal seeds are reasons entertained in the elements . . the root of rocks is the inn of mettals . . the last ground or soyle , is the springing womb of true fountains . . the virgin-earth . . in the last soyle the waters do live . . when waters do as it were undergo death . . after what manner the last soyle is in the highest mountains . . a vital reason of fountains from the similitude of the microcosme . . what the sea in genesis is . . the external sea is the fruit of a greater sea. . the boyling sand is a thousand times bigger than the sea it self . . a paradoxal explication of a text of the holy scripture . . the last soyle is the internal sea. . a paradoxal explication of a text of ecclesiastes . . a regression of the waters from the internal sea unto the external , and from this to that . . in this regression , the benefits of waters and minerals are granted unto us . . night , darkness , oromasis , iliadus , are one and the same . . a life of its own is attributed to the internal sea , from a similitude or like thing . vve must needs before all , sharply touch at the original of fountains in general . indeed i do not with the vulgar , name any kinde of issuings forth of waters , even those that are continual and unwearied ones , fountains : for although the decaying snow , and repeated rain , shall afford a dayly and continual issuing defluxion of waters through the blind passages of rocks , and intervening places of great stones , or steep windings ; i do not therefore name them fountains : for truly that heap of waters is too casual , and accidentary , and so a dead one . therefore whereby it may be manifest , that there is a certain vital principle , and spring in fountains : in the first place , the testimony of jesus syrach , being hitherto an obscure one , yet a most true one , comes to be considered : whereby he would have all rivers ( by consequence also fountains ) to proceed and issue from the sea , and at last to finish their courses into the sea. truly syrach hath hitherto left a disquieted or dubious posterity of phylosophers ; to wit , in what manner the waters do contend upwards from the sea : seeing that the earth every where constituting a lip of the sea , hath retained the victory ; because it hath restrained it by a superiority of scituation : but it is not yet therefore sufficiently manifest , how the sea ( seeing there is an off-scouring of heaped-up waters into the lowest valley of the earth ) should besides , be able to ascend to the highest rocks , and there to stir up fountains . certainly the rules of the art of drawing water are here silent , if the sctipture be to be observed , as it ought to be done : therefore some neglect this place as un-touched ; but others undertake to explain it with a moderation . to wit , that rivers being indeed allured out of the sea , in manner of a vapour , should at length , by rains , snows , and showrs , an interjected tragedy of a masked transmutation , require or return to the sea : but this is to contend , that all fountains have arose from rain , or at least-wise from condensed or co-thickned air . and then they unjustly command , that not any vapour is fetched from the earth , but from the sea alone , or the holy scripture shall in vain affirm , that rivers are begged only from the sea ; and not likewise from the face of the earth , not to be separated in manner of a vapour : which straits , when as they seemed to many to be irreconcileable , or not to be shaken off , they by chance drave and dashed a certain author , of the fountains of the spaw , against the rock : for although i shall dissemble any thing that is of mans weakness in the same , yet christian piety in an honest man , doth not suffer publique blasphemy to pass over un admonished of : the which author therefore , i beseech to indulge my liberty . aristotle ( he saith ) would have all fountains and rivers to be bred of air resolved into water : he had not read , i believe , although he were plato's schollar , that those four river of paradise , ( in phaedo ) issued forth from the command of god. why i pray thee , if thou sayest , that great rivers are even at this day also bred only by a constriction of the air , have they not also ( phaedo being read ) and nature moreover , being a virgin , issued from the same constriction , forthwith after the creation ? and he who believed the world to be from eternity , to have left phaedo neglected , nor to have expected any condensing of air ; unless perhaps he doated before goropius becanus ; that those four rivers were nothing else , but the ocean sending forth rivers into the four coasts of the world : in which sense also , the syrachian preacher saith , that all waters do come from the sea , and again , that having passed their course , they render themselves unto the sea : which words do thus sound in the schooles . goropius doated , and plato before him , if he said that the ocean did disperse four rivers into the coasts of the world , without any co-thickning of air ; in which same sense notwithstanding , the preacher hath affirmed it : therefore in the same sense ecclesiastes or the preacher , doated . but is not yet enough said , is not , i say , the interpretation of the holy scriptures as yet plain enough ? therefore we must of necessity , first of all , set before our eyes , the diversity and pavements of soyles in the earth : for elsewhere a black-earth , abounding with muds and filths , a clayie , white-clayie , fat , barren , fenny , metally , sandy , stony-earth , and adorned with a various comeliness , is presented to our sight , according to the tempera ture of the soyle and heaven , the influences of the stars , and suiting of showrs , because indeed they are fruits , but not an elemenr . the which first soyle of nature , if thou shalt pounce , thou shalt in most places discover great or rockie stones , again , mettals , or mineral iuices ; but in some places , a sand , and that here yellow , elsewhere ashie , there skie-coulered , next a little greenish , according to the changeable and many-form dis-junction of the lurking spirit ( for nature is subject to the soyle ) and the appointment of the subterraneous archeus received from the creating word . indeed in the cup and most rich storehouse of the elements , do lay hid reasons or respects , being entertained from the beginning , durable for ages , they being the knowledge of things that are afterwards to be in their time , they being instructed for the uses of ungrateful man , and patiently expecting from the creation of the world , the compleat digestions of things , and the fulness or maturity of times or seasons ; and the which , an architectonical or master-working chaos , being the impetuous or forcible chaos , the spirit i say , limited to our necessities , and filled with the idea's of things which are to be in process of time , doth asist . furthermore , of soyls there is not every where a like depth : for in some places , much depth of sand , but elsewhere , very much of earth doth occur : but straightway under the soyle or bottom of the sand , there is another for the mostpart , rockie or stonie : for that is by our country-men called [ keybergh ] whereon a race of rocks being supported , here the more wealthy ranks of mettals , and in the next place , of minerals , have their inns : and at length under a long and much unlikeness of sand , under the rudiments of rocks , that sand , that sand i say , being most bright , offers it self , being void of a metallick quality , and a strange defilement ; which sand i say , is the last soyle , and unpenetrable , yet oft-times plain to be seen in the superficies of the earth : for therefore nature indulging her own liberty , laughs at our laws , and despiseth the bolts of predicaments , by an univocal or single soyle . that last ground or soyle of nature , our country-men name the [ quellem ] but the french [ sable bovillant ] the which a spade or mattock hath not hitherto passed thorow : because how much sand soever , and how much water thou shalt empty out from thence , yet presently others do fly unto it with an uncessant and swift course , for the supplying of the former defect : from thence therefore i conclude , that the aforesaid soyle , as it is the last in order of nature , doth so continue even unto the center , unless perhaps the neathermost doth hold or possess some miles of the heart of the earth . it followes from thence , that that sand is the matter of the earth , not subject unto successive change ; but is a perpetual and constant sieve , whereby nature doth strain thorow her uncessant treasures of waters , and most clear fountains , for the communion of the universe . in this soyle i say , there is a vital vigour of the boyling-up water : for as long as the waters are conversant in the same ground or soyle , they are lively , being not subject unto the respects of the superiority or inferiority of places , nor in the next place , obeying the laws of drawing water : for because they are lively , they keep their vital property no less than the center it self , unhurt . yet assoon as they run down from thence , they presently die , no otherwise than as out-hunted blood , or a hand that is cut off : for then they are at first constrained to obey the laws of the more weighty bodies , the importunate positions of places and scituations : to wit , that they may not cease , thenceforth to rush through steep places , into the sea , requiring as it were the inn of their antient rest . in the fourth place it is to be noted : that even as this soyle being exposed in the air , in the superficies of the earth , doth express its natural properties , no less than that which lays hid some hundred of ells from thence , beneath the horizon of the earth ; so also thou shalt remember , that the same sand doth ascend unto the greatest heigth of mountains , and now and then unto their very top through the seams and broad intervening passages of rockie stones , and from thence do thrust forth daylie fountains , not any thing diminished by summer heats . for in man , as long as the blood doth flloat in the veins , there is a like respect of scituations , as well in the forehead , as in the feet , and it is ignorant as well of [ above ] as [ beneath : ] but beeing chased out of the veins , it puts on the condition of weighty bodies : so also in the macrocosm or great world , as long as the water doth enjoy a common life in the former inn , it hastens upwards and downwards without labour , because it knows it not : but being once shaken from its vital inn , it ceaseth not to hasten , until in its iliad or night , it recovereth its blessed retirances or receptacles of rest : therefore the spirit nourisheth the waters within , also the swelling of the vast sea , as the mind being diffused through the joynts , doth stir the whole lump . but from hence the sea hath not yet sufficiently been made known , which watereth the fountains , and vomiteth out rivers , and whither the scriptures saith , the same do at length unweariedly hasten . for that which the scripture calleth the sea , is a collection of all waters , into their antient and continual cup-board : of which collection this beholdable and external navigable sea , is nothing but the fruit disposed into its sconce . wherefore the receptacle , congregating root , and collection altogether of all waters , containeth that boyling sand , which verily being a thousand times more wealthy , and bigger , doth also therefore contain as much more water by a thousand times , as the ocean : because it is that which fills up almost the whole diameter of the earth ; for whose outmost lip only , the external sea doth fill up the depth of one or two leagues at most . for the arch-type or first framer , separated the waters from the waters : not indeed the sea from the rivers ( or the sea should not be the collection of all waters ) or both these from the clouds ; but the true and internal sea , from this external navigable sea , he disjoyned on the first dayes . this internal , i say invisible ( hitherto an abyss ) and great sea , are those waters , whereby the prophet sang , the the foundations of the world were supported ; and the which , although they have hitherto stood neglected , are called in genesis , the sea , by the creator of things . from thence indeed also ecclesiastes , hath likewise fetched fountains and rivers , which were to return thither . they run down therefore , out of this soyle , and for fear of a vacuum , the external sea doth again pierce the same sand , as it were by straining , and presently almost in its first paces , sequesters or layes aside its saltness . but because fountains and rivers have by a leasurely decursion or race , dispensed the seeds and matter of all minerals ( which before they kept in their bosom , and the commerces whereof , the life of man can scarce want ; ) therefore they swiftly hasten unto the external sea , whereby they may again require fruitful entertainments at the internal sea , the night of orpheus , the darkness of pluto , according to hippocrates , the oromasis of the persians , the iliad of paracelsus ( where reasons , and gifts , the seeds of minerals i say , being not as yet joyned unto bodies , do lay ) for the water which is again to be gotten with child by the seeds . therefore there is not an idle sliding down of waters into the ocean : for they are governed by intelligence , and as if they were strong in understanding , cease not to utter their offices , the testimonies of an infinite goodness and providence . surely as many as shall behold the cabalastical science , shall admire at this in the fore-front ; yet most true : because those that are ignorant of most things , must needs admire at most things . but the ocean doth dayly hand forth some convenient thing to our sight , by a double ebbing and flowing : to wit , the navil or boss of the water ascending contrary to the art of drawing water , and the waves swelling according to the conjunction of the moon : for the sea liveth almost by a certain right of its own ; to wit , the wind being silent , it stirring up voluntary ragings , curiously observing a proportionable scituation of the moon , and being swollen with waves , it going to meet the same , lastly with a various successive change of seasons , light , and motions , and a continued heap of waters , lifting up its overflowings on high , sometimes here , sometimes elsewhere , at set intervals . therefore whosoever thou art , although thou seest dayly wonders of nature in the ocean , the vital and fountainous disturbances of the more inward , true , and lively sea , and of the far more straight or narrow abysse , which are dedicated unto humane uses ; cease thou to wonder . chap. xcv . another paradox . . no fountaines are from air thickened . . elements are not changed , or perish . . whatsoever is generated , is generated by a seed , and whatsoever is made in nature , is made from the necessity of a seed . . there are onely two primitive elements , and two secondary ones . . a paradoxal explication . . a proof by handicraft operation . . the heaven and the earth shall perish , not the water and the air. . the art of distilling unfolds natural phylosophy . . what a vapour is . . a proof against aristotle . . a second mechanical proof . . what , and of what sort the magnal or sheath of the air is . . why small drops do not fall down in a vapour and snows , and when they do fall . . a proof against aristotle . . a proof . , . a handicraft operation . vve have treated concerning the spring , concerning the immediate original and nativity of fountaines , more briefly than a paradox , and more tediously ( i confess ) than the doctrine of those of the spaw , did require ( for it is a most difficult thing to have kept a mean in all things ) to wit , as the waters do proceed from a most rich inn of waters , unto their appointments : although in the mean time , they do now and then assoon as may be reach the air , but sometimes they run head-long down by long journeys and pipes of earth , and rockie stones , before they yeild themselves to the light : yet there was the same reason , necessity , and end of their institution on both sides ; to wit , the will of him who created all things for our uses . but it remains to crave leave , that aristotelical spirits may indulge my liberty , if i shall judge it a dream impossible to nature , that fountaines should be bred from a co-thickning of air : for indeed that also is chiefly true , that air was never , nor is it to be in any age , water ; even as , neither was water to assume the form of air. for they are first-born elements , and the constant wombs of things , stable from the creation of the world , and so remaining unto the end thereof : but whatsoever hath through the ranks of generations , subscribed it self unto successive change , whether it may seem to be earthly , stony , or liquory , it derives all that from the mass of three principles , dedicated unto the tragedy of generation , but not from the first elements , which rejoyce not but in a stable continuance , and the which do again lay up their deserved youngs into their antient ●●ceptacles , until the seeds are ripe for the generation of a new off-spring ; which seeds , the same principles of bodies being in the mean time thorowly changed by digestions , do again cloath , and re-assume . for from an invisible and incorporeal seed , entertained in the wombs of the elements , and putting on the principles of bodies , all generation in the universe , which is called voluntary , is made . others have called that thing a flux , from a non-being , unto a being ; which things that they may become more perspicuous , it is to be noted , that unto the production of every thing , two onely sexes , if not one promiscuous one at least , have concurred . therefore also , by the same law of a worldly harmony , there are originally two onely elements in the universe , to wit , the air , and the water ; which are sufficiently insinuated from the sacred text , by the spirit swimming upon the abysse or great deep of waters , in the first beginnings of the world. the earth therefore , and the fire or heaven , if they are elements , they are called secondary ones , proceeding from the former . for whatsoever of earths , rocky stones , gemms , sands , &c. doth exist , or flowes forth into a stinking vapour , or is at first changed into ashes , a calx or lime ; or at leastwise , through the society of some addittament , into a salt ( the off-spring of waters ) presently afterwards they all ( the volatile summe , exceeding or over comming the fixed summe ) are made aiery and vapoury efluxes , rushing-into water with a hastened violence : and so that , whatsoever is earthy , hard , solid , and compacted , seeing all that is reducible unto a more simple , thin , pure , and former remaining substance ( pardon the novelty most resplendent prince ) it must needs be , that it hath no efficacy of an element at all ; but that they are more latter things than air , and water . in like manner , we say of the heaven , that the heavens shall be changed , shall wax old and perish ; and so that the heaven and the earth shall at length perish ; the like message of which destruction thou shalt not find concerning the air and water . in the next place , the water , or air , could never in any age be reduced into any other former body , by art , or nature : this therefore is the face , this the ordination , this in the next place is the office , combination , fate and end of the elements ; to wit , that the unchanged essence of two most simple bodies , and their unmixed substance , may afford a vital womb , or prop , unto seeds and fruits , until at length the number of things to be generated , being accomplished , the heap of principles , together with the seeds , do constitute strange families and colonies , ( their bride-bed being separated ) in a more blessed seat : for the very many dreams wherewith the world hath suffered it self to be hitherto circumvented , the handicraft operation of the fire doth deride with loud laughter : who indeed will deny but that the water is easily changed into a vapour ? but that vapour or exhaltation is so far from being air , that the powder of marble or a flint may sooner be water , as we have shewn . for a vapour is in very deed , materially , and formally , nothing else but a heap of the atoms of water lifted up on high : the which our school shews forth more clearly than the light at noon . the air therefore , whether it be received in hot , or cold glasses , and pressed together therein , shall never afford water , but according to how much of a vapour , that is , of an extenuated water , it shall contain within it . but the water is seperated into very small conspicuous drops against the sun , thorow the glass , at the beginning of distillation , as long as the sides are cold ; to wit , while through the vigour of heat , it flies away extenuated into a vapour . and that thing indeed happens no otherwise , than by a proper magnal ( which in things mixt , and so also in the water it self , is the skie , thinner than the air , and dis-joynable from the same , and sustaining its compression , and enlargment , contending for a middle thing or nature , between a body and not a body , receiving the impressions of the external stars of its native soyle , being altogether intimate in all things , by reason of which alone , and not of air , we draw our breath ) a proper magnal i say , and a spiritual being in the water , doth indeed lift the water on high , it being lightned by heat , procuring a divulsion or renting asunder of the magnal ; which same rent magnal , detains a quantity of water proportioned unto it self , which is rent upwards as well in the glasses , as in the clouds , and doth preserve them from falling , until through the compression , perhaps of succeeding atoms ( as it comes to pass in distillation ) the former do grow together into drops , and do enclose the former magnal or vital being within themselves : or the same magnal of the water being rarified through heat , and being straightway after condensed through help of external cold , doth constrain and restrain those same its own atoms of small drops , within the limits of its command . i return unto thee stagyrian aristotle . if air be co-thickned into water , seeing thou teachest air more to excell in moisture than water ; i pray thee why shall cold which is natural to the air , change the nature of the air into a matter which is too moist of its own nature ? in the next place , now cold , and no longer heat , shall possess the vital principle of generation . wherefore , although a vapour be air generated of water formally transchanged , and of the same again alike water doth grow together ; now thou differest from thy own self , who admittest of so frequent and easie a return from a privation unto a habit . at length take thou also this handicraft experiment : air may be by force pressed together in an iron-pipe of one ell long , that it can scarce fill up the space of five fingers ; the which afterwards , in its enlargement , casts out a bullet like a hand-gun , it being driven with fire : which thing verily should not happen , if air being pressed togethre , could through the coldness of the iron , be made water . chap. xcvi . a third paradox . . concerning a diet. . seeds , from what things they are free . . a proof . . the best fountaines , which , where , and of what sort they are . . rivers from sharpish springs . . a happy keeper of fountaines . . fountaines generating a stone : from whence are rocks in banks . . many fountaines do make a plurality of minerals . . from an invisible thing , is made a visible thing . . a hungry or eating salt is an hermophrodite . . a twofold excrement in us . . what tartar is . . a manifold hungry salt. . how the best vitriol is made . . another best vitriol . . iron is not changed in fountaines of brass . . a third vitriol . . a fourth vitriol . . there is not a hungry sharpness of vegetables . . the salt of sulphur is fixed . . that there is a hungry salt of fountaines . . why a natural salt is more noble than an artificial one . the error of some . . the manna of alume . . from whence the matter of vitriol is . . an error of neglect . vitriol is in other mettals . vve now approaching nearer unto the fountains of the spaw , it is convenient first of all to re-assume what hath been spoken ; to wit , that mettals , small stones , rocky-stones , sulphurs , salts , and so the whole rank of minerals , do find their seeds in the matrix or womb of the waters , which contain the reasons , gifts , knowledges , progresses , appointments , offices , and durations of the same : the which , while they have expected the sufficiently digested seasons of their original or birth , they break forth under the day , with the waters their wombs , which do lay up by little and little , their youngs , accustomed to the air , in the earth . ; no otherwise than as the earth doth also expose its own family of vegetables into the strange womb of the air. therefore seeds now issuing out of the dark womb of the water ( which the voice of the word hath there deposited as durable unto the end ) even as they are the more nigh in their beginning , therefore also the more noble . indeed , nature , essence , existence , gift , knowledge , duration , appointment ; were at first connexed in the root of the seeds , which afterwards , by the unfolding of their gifts , and necessity of their functions , being by degrees drawn asunder into a plurality , do become subject unto disorder . from whence it is , that an oracle containeth it self in the admirable testimony of hippocrates : numbers being increased , to wit , that ( in generating ) proportions are diminished , and likewise that proportions in decrease , being increased , numbers are diminished . from whence it is undoubtedly manifest , that by how much a body shall be nearer unto its first and seminal beings , whether in nature , or by art , by so much it is more powerfull , noble , and famous . wherefore , seeds entring into the world , are at the first free from the dimensions of colours , savours , yea and from the dimensions of quantities : for example sake , the same humane seed doth sometimes beget a simple , sometimes a manifold young , received onely through a simplicity , numerousness of places ; and so it is not as yet , in its first moments , subject unto the command of numbers and quantities . from hence indeed it comes to pass , that in the highest rocks , far from dregs , and among rockie-stones and sand , sharp fountaines do arise , which are more excellent than all others ; but being so called , not because they bear a tartness before them ( for they are without savour ) but because they are healers like unto sharp things , therefore they are more noble than sharpish things , by how much they are more grateful , and potent , containing the seed of an eating or hungry salt , which is as yet free from the unfolding of savours : for those fountaines have joyned in a friendly league with our nature , because they are drawn in with the sweetness of the pallate of the drinkers , and an intimate good will of the stomack , although in the greatest quantity . but through the refreshment of nature , they do so most nearly imitate that universal medicine , moly homericum , to wit , by defending of health , and propagating of the vital powers , that they have seemed to have ascended as it were unto the top of medicine . such a fountain paracelsus would have to spring up in veltin a little village of helvetia , in his book of tartarous diseases , as he believed that the whole compass of the world did scarce contain such another in a valley , for in the highest rocks there are many . for truly danubius , the rhene , the river rhoan , saw , po , &c. do obtain such a fountain in their first spring . i will add more : what if the president of the heavenly host shall be appointed chief keeper of the den of garganus , it shall not be from the matter , to believe that there is a certain happy keeper prefixed unto these kind of fountains ; no otherwise than as antiquity placed their demie-gods , turning or tossing their pots in the beginning of a river : however it be , those fountains are nearest unto the womb of darkness , and are well furnished with the first beginning of hungry salts . on the contrary , there are other fountains , wherewith a stonifying juyce is co-mixed , the which , through the waters sliding down by degrees , do here and there sow great stones , and flints , as well in their bottom , as in the sides of their paunch , and through the blind conduits of veins , rocks in their banks : for the river mose shall be for an example ; for this river , doth from his rise , longly and largly , with his brim imbibing a stonifying juyce , strew the little hills , from hence , even as far as visetum : which juice being now wasted , and having finished its appointment , mose afterwards doth not behold rocks : for it is not a simple stone , but here it scatters coals , there mines of iron , and as yet nearer , sulphurous fire-stones , according to the over-flowing of its banks : but elsewhere he shews forth veins of lead , either unmixt , or well mixt , with an hermophroditical birth according to the original of his fountains : which dispensation of mines by a trival line , adeptists do distinguish into their soils of peroledes or pavements . moreover , it is doubted , why fountains may be called sharp , and from whence that tartness is to be derived : i will briefly shew it : for all the seeds of salts , as we have said , are scituated in the waters ; yet they have not as yet put on a savour , but when they have found the convenient principles of bodies , and due wombs of the earth : for then , and not before , they express a saltness , and cloath themselves with salt : for here they break forth into an alum , there into a seay fountainous salt , but elsewhere into a nitre , &c. wherefore it is to be noted , that a certain hermaphroditical salt of mettals doth exist , the which for want of a name , began in deed and in name , to be called , an hungry or sharpish salt. indeed it is a general one , and accommodable unto all mettals , and therefore if it pleaseth thee , not to account it the first , and as it were the remotest matter of the same ; at least-wise , it is the secondary matter of mettals , and co-natural to all mettals whatsoever . that salt therefore being void of a strange co-mixture , is sharp , and acceptable to our body in a due quantity , because it cleanseth away , and consumeth altogether every humour which is not vital , and which is tartarous : for there is a two-fold excrement in us ; one there is of ours , which is subject unto putrefaction and stink : but there is another of things , which being a traitor , perfects its tragedy by an hostile coagulation ; and by a general etimology , is called tartar. a sharpish salt therefore , is now and then considered like an embryo , in order to a mettal : also often times , as it were a solitary individual , but not as yet compleated in its ordination . i will explain the thing by the example of vitriol or chalcanthum . for the best for medicine , is according to an imitation of nature , artificially made of copper ; and therefore that is by far the best , which is composed of copper alone , without earthly filths , and a mixture of forreign things ; the whidh notwithstanding cannot flow together in the wombs of nature : but it is made after this manner . first , sulphur is cast upon the melted brass , until the flame hath consumed the whole ; but the brass being straightway poured forth , is infused in rain-water , from whence it waxeth green : and that thing is so often repeated , until all the brass shall pass , as being pierced , into the water : at length , the water being exhaled , thou hast thy vitriol : for that which before was copper , now moreover , from sulphur , hath attained a salt. secondly , the most excellent vitriol , growes naturally in mines , wherein nature hath brought forth that hungry salt , corroding a fertile vein of brass , and being dissolved in the liquor of a licking fountain , which 〈…〉 cauldrons do boyl into vitriol . the cyprian , hungarian , romane , is praised 〈…〉 means that which in its examination hath contributed the most of brass : 〈…〉 juyce of that vitriol , is thought to change iron into brass ; indeed metall 〈…〉 ●carce acknowledging the delusion : because it consumes the place of iron , the 〈…〉 atomes of brass should supply it . no● taking notice , that as brasse , renders dissolved silver beholdable , and corporeal , which else in aqua fortis is invisible : so that it is the property of iron to manifest the brass dissolved in the vitriol , by snatching it unto it self , and also that by the same act , the iron it self is dissolved , and doth vanish away in the fountain : fountains are my witnesses . for truly vitriolated waters do become far more poor than themselves , in copper after that they have received the iron , the benefit of the recovered brass . wherefore also ●eed out of the fountain ( where , and as oft as a continual inundation of new brass out of he gulfe , faileth ) after another manner the supposed transmutation of the iron doth not happen . thirdly , in the next place , vitriol is made by art , of a brassy-fire-stone or marcasite , being begot with childe by sulphur . indeed the sulphur being abstracted from thence , a sharp or acide salt , doth in a coursary number of daies , by degrees resolve the remaining brassy-body being exposed to the air , in its marrowes or inmost parts , the which , 〈…〉 the same sharpness of resolution , doth dissolve a certain brassy matter into it self 〈…〉 the which being through the help of water drawn out from thence , being also presently boyled , is made vitriol : and so that , whatsoever at the first turn , resisted the gnawing of the hungry salt , the burning of the sulphur being repeated , doth wholly at last yeild and becomes into a vitriol . lastly , in the fourth place , the hungry salt is co-bred , being grown together in the fire-stone , the which by a co-burning , and resolving , brings a certain brassy matter with it from thence , and is made vitriol . from whence it is manifest : first , that a hungry salt , although it be sharp , yet doth very much differ from any other sharpness , as much as the vitriol differs from the rust or verdigrease , which is made by the air of vinegar , and so also by the salt of the vinegar being conceived within . secondly , that although the sulphur be wholly fat , and inflamable , yet in the piercing of the brass , it leaves a certain acide salt , half fixed , which else flies away in time of burning , and by the campane , is constrained into a juice . thirdly , that the sharp hungry salt of fountaines born in the bowels of the earth , is the salt of any sulphur embryonated or not perfected : yet that it is by so much the more noble than an artificial salt fetcht out of sulphur , by how much it is nearer to its first being , and unto the seeds of the illiad or womb of darkness : as is read above . therefore thou shalt acknowledge , that they do far wander , who esteem of the natural endowments of the fountains of the spaw , from the properties of contained minerals , even as they have now proceeded into their last matter : for truly it is manifest from what hath been said above , that the hungry salts of sulphur do most far differ from the property of sulphur : and moreover , which is more , that the artificial hungry salt of sulphur doth as much differ from that which is natural , as this embryonated salt is nearer in its root unto its first seeds . they erre , i say , in the whole circumference , who compare the hungry salts of lead , with lead , which is hugely distinct there from : for there is a very strange similitude of the perfect salts , to wit , of alume , nitre , vitriol , and of the same , not perfect . it is manifest by an example : for the hungry salt of alume , which is sweeter than any sugar ( it is called the manna of alume ) knowes no astriction , being like unto its first being . fourthly . seeing therefore the most excellent vitriol , is materially nothing else but the embryonated hungry salt of sulphur , which hath gnawn out a certain part of the brass , but the salt of the more base vitriol , is drawn from a perfect sulphur ; we being therefore led by the proportion of things , have passed over the same etymology of vitriol , unto all the co-like dissolutions of mettals , which by others who write of the fountains of the spaw , i do not find as yet recorded . for truly vitriol is dayly made of any mettal ( except gold ) as well in the progress of art , as of nature : to wit , as a metallick liquor , a coagulable vitriol , i say , is effected from a mettal , and the wedlock of a 〈…〉 or eating salt. chap. xcvii . a fourth paradox . . things contained in the water of the spaw , according to the opinion of others . . the falshood of their positions is proved . . ingredients of the fountains of the spaw . what the vitriol of mars may be . . coagulation is never made without dissolution , nor this without that . . bodies do not act into each other . . between an action , there is the odour of a dissolving spirit . . the dissolving spirit is coagulated . . why a vein of iron is invisible in the waters . . why waters do smell of sulphur . . why sharpnesse perisheth in the waters , and when . . that which is manifest becomes hidden ; and that which is hidden is made manifest . . why not the iron but the vein , may be said to be in being . . the salt of fountains doth not grow in the vein of iron . . why one fountain is stronger than another . . the difference of things contained in fountains . . why the fountain savenirius is not translated elsewhere . . why the water of savenirius is the lighter . . the spirit of salt doth for some time operate upon a vein . vvriters do with one accord , affirm water to be the continent of the fountains of the spaw : but we differ from them only in their original ; because it is that which brings no small moment unto the nobility of the same : but in respect of the thing contained in the waters , they far disagree from us : for indeed they affirm , that vitriol is in the water of the spaw , and that calchitis or red vitriol , mysy , sory , melantera or blacking , salt , nitre ( that nitre i say , hath been found to be in them , by the examination of distilling , which elsewhere they never saw , because they testifie it is that which since the age of hippocrates , had failed from thence ) bitumen , or a liquid amber , the pit coal , alume , bole , oker , red-lead , the mother of iron , the vein of iron , iron , aerugo or verdigrease , burnt chalcanthum , burnt alume , also the flour of brass and sulphur , have therein discovered themselves : these things i say , we read to be attributed by authors , unto the fountain of the spaw , under their mistris uncertainty ; and so they doubting unto what captain they may commit so great an army , do conclude , that there are some fountains , in which thou mayest most difficulty discern an eminent subterraneous matter . elsewhere in the fountains of the spaw , that a heat of vitriol is tempered with the cold of red-lead and brass , in another place , that the fountains of the spaw are actually cold and moist , but in power or virtue ( which one , physitians do examine ) to be hot and dry ; and therefore especially because they extinguish thirst . at length , they say that there is the faculty of iron , sulphur , vitriol , and of other mineral things in these fountains , yet an uncertain proportion of the first qualities remaining , whether thou dost consider the variety of subterraneous things , or the various disposition of the drinkers . and i also read that , that is to be noted ; that the fountain savonirius , puts on it , rather the virtues of mineral things , than their substance ( that is , faculties above , without , or not substantial ones : ) for elsewhere they say , that fountains wax sharp by vitriol alone , and that vitriol is of a most sharp savour ; but in another place , with diascorides , they find in vitriol , more of an ungrateful and earthy astriction , than of a sharpness . lastly , even as nought but the extream torture of the fires , doth allure forth a most sharpe oyl out of vitriol ( to wit , a hungry and sulphurous salt elevating the brassy spirits ; ) so from hence they suppose fountains to wax sharp , and not otherwise ; to wit , that such an heat in the earth doth stir up the sharp spirits of vitriol , unto the superficies of the earth , which being there constrained by cold , and changed into a sharp matter , are co-mixed with the neighbouring . fountain : which position , many anguishes do accompany . first . because there is no such voluntary distillation in the universe . and then , because at least the inward parts of the earth , according to hippocrates , are cold in summer ; to wit , when the water of the spaw is at best . thirdly , because the spirit of vitriol cannot but gnaw the earth or rockie-stones which it toucheth , and therefore put of all sharpness , which is vainly dedicated to fountains . fourthly , because in summer , the coldness of the earth is not in its superficies only , because it is more in condensing the spirits , than the more inward parts , from whence they imagine the spirits to be chased , through the force of heat . fifthly , because the spirits of vitriol being immingled with the water , although negligently locked up , do neither lay aside their sharpness , nor are they tinged with a ruddie colour ; the which notwithstanding , is altogether social unto fountainous waters . hitherto the opinion of others hath led me aside . i will confess my blindness . i at sometime seriously distilled savenirius , and pouhontius ; and indeed , i found not so great a catalogue of minerals , yea not any thing in them , besides fountain-water , and the vitriol of iron , by other writers before me neglected : but the vitriol of mars consisteth of the hungry salt of embryonated sulphur , and of the vein of iron ( not of iron ) which vein , the hungry salt being as yet volatile , hath by licking , corroded . in which act of corroding , there is made a certain kind of dissolution of the vein it self , and a coagulation or fixation of the volatile salt : the salt i say , as long as it is volatile , that is , apt by being pressed by the fire , to fly away , is reckoned among spirits . but bodies do not corrode bodies , as such , ; neither do fixed things act on , or into each other ; but only as one of them is volatile , that is , a spirit , whether it be grown together , or liquid . in the next place , in all solution ( as may be seen in the activity of aqua fortis , distilled vinegar , &c. ) some exhalations are stirred up , being before at quiet , which as they are wild ones , they do not again obey coagulation ; therefore the waters do of necessity fly away , or being restrained , do burst the vessels . but besides that also is afterwards to be noted , that how much of the spirits hath compleated the solution of the body , so much also it hath assumed a corporality in the solved body . from hence therefore , a reason plainly appeareth , why the waters of the spaw , in so great a clearness or perspicuity , do hide in them the dark body of the vein of iron . next , why in the activity of an hungry salt , they do cast a smell of sulphur , notwithstanding the corporal sulphur be absent . at length , it is also easie to be seen , why the waters about the end of their activity ( for that speediness of solution doth continue a longer or shorter time , in diverse fountains ) do loose their sharpness , and why the vein being before transparent , doth then appear ruddy . to wit , the spirits being now partly chased away , or the same being weakened , and coagulated at the end of activity , the imbibed vein settles , and is manifested , which before had remained hidden ; the waters in the meantime , recovering their natural or proper simplicity . furthermore , it is not idly to be denyed , that iron , or the fragments of iron are in the fountains of the spaw , but the vein of iron to be in them : for truly there doth more virtue occur in the vein , than in the iron , to wit , of those subtile parts , which the furnace filched away in time of fusion : wherefore the juice , spirit , or hungry salt ( call it as thou listest ) doth not grow within the vein of the iron , so that there may be a like co-melting of both in the waters ; far be it : the salt hath obtained other wombs in the earth , from whence the water sliding by , melts that salt , and snatcheth it away with it self , as it were a cousin-germane , being once the son of another water . but if therefore , it be the longer detained in a notable hollowness about the vein , it suppeth up more of the vein into it self , as doth pouhontius , and this the fountain geronster doth as yet more amply do : but tonneletius being richer than the two foregoing fountains , in a hungry salt ; yet is poorer than the same in the vein : for from hence it is cold , and more troublesome to the stomack : therefore which-soever fountain doth more provoke stoole , is the more fertile in the vein . neither indeed was that thing unknown to the antients , who used the scale of iron for the loosing of the belly . virgins also taking stomoma or the powder of steel , are wont also to vomit on the first dayes . geronster therefore hath received more of the vein than tonneletius ; but as much of salt , but mitigated by reason of the activity of the vein received into it ; and therefore that salt hath become more gross and corpulent : but savenirius is far more washy in waters , having the least of the vein , and hungry salt ; and therefore it sooner finisheth the action of the hungry salt , and vein , and the medicinal water sooner dyeth : and for the same cause , it most easily passeth thorow the stomack , is sooner concocted , and doth penetrate . the presence therefore of the spirit acting into the vein , enlargeth the pores in the water , and works up the water of the fountain unto a lighter weight . it is further to be noted , that even as in wines , and unripe oyl of olives , there is a fermental boyling up ; so the action of the hungry salt it self , is made : and not only upon the vein , while it gnaws and passeth thorow the same ; but also it operates for some time , upon the same , being snatched away with it : pouhontius i say , far longer than savenirius , &c. until that the activities of the spirits being worn out of exhausted , as well the agent , as the patient , the thing dissolving i say , like as also the thing to be dissolved , do decay or faile in the same endeavour . chap. xcviii . a fifth paradox . . the virtues of a hungry salt. . the effect of obstruction . . how far fountains may act in a man. . whom they may not help . . an example of an effect by it self , and by accident . . a woman is subject unto double diseases . . the faculties of the vein of iron . . an objection . . a solution . . after what manner iron opens , and after what manner it doth binde . . a proof by an allied example . . whether they are convenient in the stone , and how far . that is a cloakative cure , which doth onely expell the stones . . the waters of the spaw are for a cause , that the stone doth the more easily re-increase or grow again . . wherein the true cure of the stone is placed . . from whence the remedy is to be fetched , and of what sort it is . . the first qualities are in fountains . . water , not air is internally moist . . the virtues of rellolleum and cherto . . an objection . . a resolution thereof . we being now about to treat , in a brief method , concerning the virtues of the fountains of the spaw , and being to speak by the rule of a supply , will resume , that no other natural endowments are to be found , than those which are drawn out of a hungry salt , and the dissolved vein of iron . wherefore , seeing a hungry salt dissolves muscilages , cleanseth them away , consumes them , and sends them forth ; therefore first of all , it helps stomacks that are beset with muckiness : also by the same endeavour , it dispatcheth the same preter-natural sliminess ( which we have called a coagulable excrement of things in us ) being crept a little more deeply and inwards , as well into the innermost chambers of the veins , as into those of any bowell , but by so much the slower , by how much farther it hath taken its journey from the mouth : hence , it doth not sluggishly succour the obstructions arisen in the liver , spleen , and kidneys , and fevers , the dropsie , and jaundise bred from thence : for the matter obstructing being consumed , the obstruction ceaseth ; which otherwise , seeing it is a hinderance whereby the spirit of life may spring the less freely throughout all places , and perform its offices . therefore it deprives the parts which are behind it in a future order , of a vital communion , and consequently calls for putrefactions . therefore the waters of the spaw being drunk , are convenient altogether in all diseases which arise from the enemy , tartar being received and coagulated within besides nature ; so that a sufficient root of life be remaining , that is , if they are drunk seasonably enough . yet with that adjoyned limitation , that the power of the waters doth not transcend the hypochondrials or places about the short ribs : for the waters do not reach beyond the reins , to wit , unto the heart , lungs , or brain . wherefore also , the waters of the spaw do not succour those affects which are naturally or peculiarly from a property of passion , unless by accident : the reason is , because seeing minerals are altogether unapt for nourishment , they are banished out of the body with the urine , the last excrement of salts , to wit , the commerce whereof , the lively arterial blood doth no longer suffer . therefore if they may seem to bring any help unto the head , heart , or lungs , all that is to be reckoned to happen by a withdrawing of the affect , which causeth a distemperature therein , by a secondary passion and consent . in the next place , neither do the waters of the spaw profit in epidemical , endemical , and astral diseases , as are the plague , plurisie , burning coal , &c. as neither do they very much profit in those diseases wherein a poison subsisteth , being either inwardly received , or bred , or participated of from contagion : as also , neither in diseases of tincture , such as are the leprosie , pox or foul disease , the morphew , cancer , falling-evil , &c. wherefore , we do not well agree with those who commend the water of the spaw , for all diseases altogether without exception : and so that , they extoll the same , even unto blasphemy : to wit , there is no cause , that we , having obtained the fountains of the spaw , should now henceforeward be amazed at the miracles of ancient waters , or of the fish-pool of siloah , or of jordan curing of naaman : seeing , here also , we see those that labour with the astonished disease , convulsion , and palsie , and leprous persons to be cured . fie , fie , miracles are manifested by an unimitable finger . besides , it behooveth rightly to distinguish effects by accident , from those which are due unto their causes by themselves : as , if a virgin , through the failing of her menstrues , doth labour with a strangling , epilepsie , or affect of the palsie : but her courses bewraying themselves , upon the drinking of the water of the spaw , she be freed from the annexed disposition , there is not cause , that therefore , we should commend the true apoplexie , asthma , falling evil , or palsie to have been cured by the fountains of the spaw . for diseases which proceed from the womb , are , uniuersally , the client of another monarchy and do consist of another root , than those which break forth from the condition of the microcosme , as well in the one , as in the other sex ; the which indeed , if any one shall not distinguish of , he procures loud laughter to himself from the more discreet person . but besides it hath already been spoken , how much a hungry salt may profit in fountains : but hereafter we must shew , what the co●roded and dissolved mine of iron may act . that therefore first of all , doth manifestly binde , and therefore it strengthens the stomach , and any of its neighbouring parts . in loose therefore , and dissolute diseases , the waters of the spaw do agree or are serviceable , to wit in those of the lientery flux , caeliacke passion , and dysentery or bloody flux , &c. whereunto , i exspect that it will be objected , that whatsoever irony matter is offered , it provokes the mouth issues , and alwayes the breaches or enfeeblements of the liver and slpeen , and so that from hence it is agreeable to truth , that the waters of the spaw are rather opening than astringent : by reason of which difficulties , some perhaps doubting , do rather flie for refuge , unto the unlike parts in mars . i answer from the adeptists ; that there doth oft-times wander up and down in us , a certain resolved salt , and mineral one , plainly excrementitious , a resolved tartar i say , existing either in the first , or in the last matter , whereof , whether the womb , liver , slpeen , kidney , the mesentery , or stomach be the mine , we now reckon it all one ; so that it be manifest , that it brings forth remarkable troubles unto that labour with it . stomoma therefore , that is , steel or iron administred in powder , being drunk down ; assoon as may be , that hurtful salt ( which hearkens not to the commands of purging things ) runs headlong unto the iron , and adheres unto it , that it may dissolve that , and display its own faculty : and so is coagulated nigh that , and together with the iron , goes forth . but if the iron or steel be drunk , being dissolved in a sharp liquour , yet not hostile unto us ( to wit the spaw waters ) nature , the same liquours being wasted , and more inwardly admitted within , presently separates the iron ( because it is unapt for nourishment ) from that which was co-mixed with it , and sends it forth thorow the bowels : as may be seen in the blackness of the dungs of the fountains of the spaw . in which sequestration of the iron , there is straightway made a con-flux of mineral salts , no otherwise than as silver dissolved in chrysulca or aqua fortis , doth flie unto applyed brasse , and dissolved brasse , unto iron : the received iron therefore , freeth from obstruction , and openeth by accident , to wit , the vanquished obstructing matter being taken away with it : yet not that it therefore ceaseth by it self , to be constrictive . it opens i say , by a specifical and appropriated power , but it constrains or binds , by a second quality . now moreover , seeing the drinking of the water hath increased a courage and hope in the miserable sick , especially in those that have the stone i will declare my judgement . it is certain , that the waters of the spaw do wash or rince the region of the urine , both because they do easily pass thorow , and also because they being many and abundantly drunk , and mineral , their hungry salt hinders , whereby the spirit of the urin ( the onely architect of stones in us ) may by a property inbred in it , the less stonifie any thing : because another more potent salt doth now derive the same spirit , being as it were bound , into its own jurisdiction . but because that is onely a cloakative or dissembled cure , although the made stones and sands are expelled , as it were by the cleansing of the sliding water ; yea , as long as the waters shall be drunk , they hinder new collections of the stone : yet because they do soon after grow again , we judge them to be unfaithful or untrusty remedies for those that have the stone : for by so much the more readily indeed , the stone hastens to grow , by how much , that womb , the other parent of the stone , shall be the cleaner : for shall not the urine more easily glew a stone unto a clean urinal or chamber-pot , than unto one that is besmeared with oyl ? for from hence perhaps , the kidneys of bruit beasts do abound with very much grease . we therefore know a perfect cure of the stone , and the desired rest , to be a far different thing : wherein , the lesser stones being sweetly expelled ( which is the least thing ) the greater indeed may return into their former juice , by a retrograde resolving of their concretion or composure . but neither shall that be sufficient , unless the stonifying inclination be taken away by restorers , to wit by the collected harvest of a few remedies , nor is any one able to hope for an entire and wished for health , from the stone , no less than from a fever : concerning which , we have written in other places , and afforded remedies : for the virtue of healing , stands right under every weight , that is , all diseases , are with it , of one value or esteem , and it can be diminished by no disease . the more noble powers of remedies onely , are desired , which cry unto heaven to the creator , that they have come as it were in vain , neither that there is any one almost , who can loosen their bands : we must timely abstain from complaints , in an ulcerous or corrupt age . therefore as to what belongs unto the first qualities of the fountains of the spaw , although we are very little careful of those , because they are momentary , and those which have not a vital anatomy , as often as they are not infamous in a very incensed degree ; yet we decree , that their hungry salt , is in the first degree of heat and dryth : but that the dissolved vein of iron , hath reached to the second degree of cold and dryth . but it hath been shewn with an indulgence of aristotle , and by the above-said inferences , that the water it self is moist in the highest degree , but remisly cold. but because those qualities , as well of the water , as of the minerals , are relosteous ones , or those which have not a seminal being in them , they have not any thing of a cure in them ; but they preposterously or over-thwartly happen unto constituted things , like unto colours : therefore we leave the speculation of those , unto others , being content with the attainment of the cherionial or occult quality . last of all , notwithstanding , we must answer to an objection . to wit , wherefore is the fountain tonneletius , with the plenty of its hungry and hot salt , said rather to cool and to be troublesome to the stomack ? i will give satisfaction . the hungry salt , although it be hot in its first qualities , no otherwise than as oyl of vitriol , sulphur , aqua fortis , &c. are : yet it cooleth by a third and proper cherionial quality , to wit , as either being hurtful through its super-abounding , it weakens our heat ; but especially , because through its sharpness , it dissolves the secondary humour , or immediate nourishment of the stomack , and makes it unfit for nourishing : through the scantiness of which lively liquor , it is no wonder , if the inflowing and begged heat of the stomack do suffer . chap. xcix . a sixth paradox . . in what manner foods are not for hurt . . a paradox out of the text of holy scriptures , against the dietary part . . it is proved also , , by an experiment . . from the destributive justice of god. . from the indication or betokening of remedies . . from a rule . . from whence the necessity of a diet came . . one precept . . the praise of sobriety . . how the waters may pass speedily thorow the midriffs . . a purgation . . the manner and requisites of drinking . how much is to be drunk . . a commendation of elecampane prepared . . the sick must drink speedily , an why . . returning , after what manner . . when he must dine . . whether the water of the spaw , be to be mixed with pure wine . . and indeed after dinner . . three digestions . . why he must not sleep after his dinner at the spaw . the hour of rest . i will now subjoyn a few things concerning diet , and the manner of using the waters of the spaw . that thing in the first place , through experience being our guide , we have seen in the dietary part of medicine : that the quality of meats or foods , as such , doth no where bring dammage , unless where a weakened , bed-rid person , and a defectuous remedy is present . ( for god saw , that whatsoever he had made , was good ; and consequently that whatsoever he had ordained for meat was a good food ) but that its quantity onely is able to hurt : for eat thou whatsoever meats thou wilt , for example sake , and be thou wounded , so thou shalt not exceed in quantity , and thou hast apt balsames , and consolidating potions of wounds , thou shalt feel no pressure and no dammage from the meats , no otherwise than as if thou wert nourished with their most delicate choice . a testimony of which thing , souldiers , and poor folks shall give : unto whom the judge or arbitrator of things had seemed to have been severe , if in diseases they ought to be fed with phesants , partridges , and other huckstery of kitchins : for nature despiseth the rules of curiosity , as being defended by that aid , that she were vainly to desire a help and succours against a disease , by a remedy which from a small quantity of food is not able to satisfie the defects which are to be prevented : for whatsoever ought to attempt the single combate of a disease , surely by a stronger right , it ought to divert symptomes which are to arise from meats ; that i say , which is handed forth , or instituted for the brushing off of blemishes or hurts . therefore the necessity of a diet is believed to have been brought in from the penury of the more profound medicines , and not from the dainty allurements of foods . that one precept of diet is to be observed , i counsel him that drinks of the waters of the spaw , that he study sobriety , and that he eat sparingly , like his neighbours . for , what shall it profit to accuse the health of our bordering neighbours , by the waters of the spaw , if we live the more deliciously , and with too much fullness . therefore let the supream defence of long life ( although it be a cruel thing to those that are unaccustomed ) be sobriety : otherwise , those things which savour , do nourish best ; and a hungry man will easily concoct those foods which do savour him most . by that onely rule of diet , the waters will pass thorow him , safely , speedily , and pleasantly : but besides it shall be profitable to brush off the filth from the stomack , but the more crude and less sincere chyle , from the meseraick veines : which shall comodiously be done , if one dose of the pills rufi being duely prepared , and not from the perswasion of gain , be for the space of three daies continually taken , before the waters : or if he listeth not to wait the space of three daies , let him infuse an ounce and half of conserve of roses in eight ounces of the water of pouhontius , adding thereto a scruple of salt of tartar . let him drink the strained infusion . he that is to drink of the water of the spaw , let him endeavour first to unload his belly betimes in the morning , and about the twilight let him drink twelve ounces of pouhontius , and ascend the mountain : from whence when he shall be come down , let him drink twenty or thirty ounces of savenerius , at the first of the morning : for he must passe by degrees unto things not accustomed : as also pouhontius shall premeditatingly open the branching passages not with a loaded quantity : he must add to the quantity daily , even unto a sufferance , as every one is his own judge : the which thereby shall be easily conjectured , because if they shall drink as much as it behoveth them , after the example of hippocrates , they are in a good frame , and do easily bear it . but at the time of drinking , in stead of annise , myva or conserve of elecampane being taken , the water that is drunk is easily strained thorow the midriffs . but let the appointed dose be speedily drunk , seeing the progress of the fountain is hastened , and therefore let the first water be cocted , ( if indeed that is to be said to be truly cocted , which doth not depart into nourishment ) and expelled before the last water approach ; which renders the action of the native heat renewed or frustrated . he returning from the fountain to the village , let him slowly proceed , that not sweat , but urine , which is in his desires , may be provoked . but let the hour of dinner be , when the stomack shall be dispatched of the waters , least the remainder of the water being almost concocted , should over-hastily bring the crude juyce into the veines . it hath been doubted , whether the water of the spaw be with conveniency to be mixed with pure or unmixt wine : i will say , that so wines shall be made easily passable , and the passages shall be kept passable , and therefore with the borderes , i shall counsel to admix the fountains with their foods ( that is , with their drinks . ) and therefore because he must eat sparingly about the tenth or eleventh hour , he is to go to pouhontius at the third hour ; because we intend not a fatting , but a healing : indeed if the heaven permit , the afternoon comes not to be enslaved to cards , or dice , not in the next place , unto sleep ; but unto walkings abroad . for truly three concoctions are compleated in man : to wit , the first in the stomack ; another in the liver ; but a third , in all particular members . seeing that every part ought to be nourished , the first and second decoction , do more prosperously succeed in walking and motion , and therefore there is a more plentiful expulsion of all excrements , the which at the spaw , we do especially attend . but let the third concoction be in time of sleep , to wit , while as the vital light ought to inspire it self into the cocted humour , for assimilating sake : the which also , restrains all avoidance of excrements , except its own , which is that of sweat. but of the hour of sleep , the ripening of the precedent morning , and hastening of the following twilight , by sleep it self , shall admonish him . blessed ye the lord , oh ye fountaines , praise ye and super-exalt or magnifie him for ages . chap. c. a paradox of supplies , being of the number of judiciary paradoxes . . two causes of the stone among the antients . . in the stone of the bladder , much muscilage or sliminess comes forth . . the curing of the antients consisteth in a threefold succour . . a solicitous or careful cure of the antients . . a various houshold-stuffe of stone-breaking things . . why stone-breaking things are derided by most . . it is answered about the end , unto an absurd objection . . despair among the antients . . of what sort the curing of the antients was . . a modern paradoxal opinion . . why any one may decline from the antients . . why the antients have erred in their cure. . the matter of stones . . the difference of tartar and phlegm . . a history of tartar. . a mechanical example . . from whence the name of tartar is . . an essential reason in the example . . why coagulation is not from a slimyness . . substantial generations are finished by the limited seeds ; not by a casual congress of the first qualities . . what , and where , the seeds of stones are . . the best natural philosophy is taught by an analysis . . another reason against the antients . . a third reason . . a fourth reason in the macrocosme . . an objection . . it maketh for us . . gemms know no viscosity or slimyness . . against the efficient cause of the antients , a first and second reason . . from whence the heat in a stony-kidney is . . an example . . why in the stone of the bladder they do not complain of heat . . why there is a muckie snivel in the stone of the bladder . . a former reason . another . . causes that are to be removed being unknown , remedies have been unknown . . safe remedies which are meet in co-betokenings . . of what worth the more external remedies are . . a paradox in the distinction of an effect by it self and by accident . . how far they are profitable . . what an opening medicine alone may be . . that there is not made an enlargement of the urin-vessels , by drinks . . what can enlarge the urin-vessel . . a sounding objection . . a distinguishing of effects according to the pertinency of their causes . . a reason . . a censure of the remedies of the antients . . a curative method . . in all urine there is a stone . who may be called , one that hath the stone . . what the inclination unto the stone in the kidney or bladder may be . . what hope hath afforded for curing . . how the inclination may be taken away . . the quality of a remedy which takes away the inclination . . the medicine aroph or of mandrake . . an adverse barking . . hermetical , and pythagorical phylosophy do agree . . the quality of a remedy resolving the stone . . an answer to an absurd objection . seeing that the frequent monster of the affect of the stone , doth call many unto the waters of the spaw , through the hope of a perfect cure ; truly it shall profit , more liberally to explain this paragraph or sentential summe , least a breviary should produce obscurity . i must shew therefore what the antients , and what the more modern disciples of the school of hermes do think of the birth or rise and cure of the stones in man. first of all , they have accused the matter of the stone , to be a phlegm , snivel , muscilage , or humane excrement , but the efficient cause thereof , to be actual heat exceeding in the member . what else ( say they ) seeing from a stony kidney , much sediment , but from a bladder besieged with stones , a continual muckiness is violently disturbed or expelled : and although there be no heat in the bladder , at least-wise , it is sufficient that those that have the stone do experience the same heat to be manifested in their loyns : therefore , seeing that against things manifest and known by sense , none but a blinde man makes resistance against the sun , the testimonies of the causes of the stone already given , ought to remain confirmed , they being approved by a number of authorities , and dayes . but these things being laid down , they go to the cure , wherein moistening , opening , and cleansing things are their confided succours : by clysters i say , by baths , fomentations , 〈◊〉 , and moistening , opening , and cleansing potions , they have endeavoured 〈◊〉 their might : to wit , whereby the stone already bred , might be expelled , and by the chance of fortune , the consultation of coagulating may be taken away from the approaching ballast . but for that which is hereafter to come , not any thing hath been provided . indeed they have not sluggishly thought of the oil of almonds , or the supplying medicines in the absence of this , to be given to drink for the enlargement of the urine-vessels , at the first entrance of the cure , that there may afterwards be place for the following abstersives or cleansers , the more easily to expell the stone . to wit , by these suppositions , not a little ( through the facility of the art ) suspected , they have thought , that in so great a discommodity and lavishment of nature , they have abundantly satisfied our calamity , and so a curative indication or betokening : unless perhaps , some stone-breaking medicines , as well of herbs , roots , wood , seeds and fruits , as of certain stones beaten into a powder , being fetch'd ( with a glorious title received by the more chief physitians ) into the composition lythontribon , may seem to have been annexed unto the former : but they have been so called , because some have believed that they do break the stone ; others that they diminish it ; but most have believed neither . they indeed smile one us with a beautiful name delivered by the ancients : but they have been thus administred hitherto , with an unfaithful event , and the aid never answering their promises . therefore others farther declining , do judge , that the stomack , veins , and kidneys shall sooner be pierced and bored thorow , or shall sooner yield to a notable corrosion , or violent power of breaking to pieces , than that a stone which is far more hard than those and in its mine , more separated from the mouth , should refuse the inbred foot-step of dryness and a conceived hardness , and then that it shall give up its name for a clientship unto those remedies . and therefore , whatsoever thing resisting the second and third qualities , shall not obey a medicine , that being as it were untamed , with the elke , and as it were monstrous , being harder than a club , and fatal , is assigned to the catalogue of uncurable diseases . from whence we may understand , that the whole method of curing the stones , doth stand committed not unto a perfect but onely unto a dissembled healing : for truly they have earnestly laboured hitherto in nothing but in excluding the stone already made ; but they have in no wise gone to prevent it in the making ; as neither hath any thing been consulted of , for the rooting out of the impression , or ready inclination to the stone . therefore , the curing of the relapses of the threatning stones , hath remained imperfect : as if by reason of that , other diseases cryed triumph , because that providence being sufficient for all ends , should seem to have dealt more liberally with them : but that , for the one treacherous lurker , the stone , as having hostilely and traiterously entred , it had refused remedies . but now , i will give you the decrees of juniours , by their ranks or orders . and first , indeed , it shall not be for a vice , to have declined from their appointed rules , when as even hitherto , we observe their aids to be for the most part uncertain , and do experience nothing but a feeble help , and seeing our purpose is concerning the life and safety of our neighbours . for if other arts do profit dayly , there is no reason ( as if the virtue of our mind were barren in us ) why the rules of predecessours should deter us from a further search into the truth , and should thrust us into despair : for by the onely decree of aristotle , that we must not dispute against him that denies principles , phylosophy being brought into obscurity hath so remained . for if we ( following the flock of those that went before us , not because we must go so , but because it hath been so gone ) must not command , likewise , neither must we be servants to the most free gifts of judgement . the fire therefore , which is the finder out of arts , doth perfectly teach those of hermes school , by mechanical and manifest workmanships , that the original of the stone doth not consist of the matter and efficient cause assigned . for neither for that reason is it a wonder , that , the causes being not sufficiently known , improvident and unlike counsels have been hitherto described for this grief . as to what therefore concerns its material cause , that is a certain stonifying juice ( for , for want of a true word of expression , it is so called by me ) so intimately besprinkled on very many liquours , that it may seem to be well nigh natural unto the same ; neither is it otherwise subject unto a divorce , than for that cause of cala●●ties , that it may render us perpetually mindful of our thousand-fold frailty . therefore it is not a muckie snivel , not phlegm : in the next place , we do not think that any excrement or putrifyable thing of ours , hath suggested a matter for the stone ; but it is an excrement of things , a traytor ( we have called it tartar ) perfecting its tragedy within , by a hostile coagulation , the which , when it is not rightly separated in the sheaths dedicated unto the separation of an excrement , surely it creeps inwards as being mixt with the natural and vital juices : but it being at length , called back unto examination ( because it is plainly unfit and uneffectual for assimilation , and the information of the soul ) it either goes forth together with the urine , as it were repenting of its conceived treason ; or if it shall the more subtilly marry the vital nourishment , it more inwardly or fully enters , and presently after the time of its digestion , brings forth the dissociable affects of its own family in us , and monstrous conditions , and ensigns plainly tyrannical , whereunto nature being at length trodden under foot , is compelled to hearken : all which things , shall appear even by one onely , and that , not a forreign example . for it is easie to be seen , that every one of us , being also very well constituted or in a very good frame of body , do send forth a healthy , yellow coloured , clear urine , void of sediment and muckiness , the which , if it doth also happen to be the longer kept even in a clear glass , yet the space of some hours afterwards being passed , we from thenceforth call it a stony urine , because on every side , above and beneath , throughout the whole jurisdiction of the urine , the urinal is infected with a thin sand adhering to its sides ( oh what more plainly than the tartar of wine , hath given the name of a coagulable , otherwise a forreign excrement in us ? ) notwithstanding , neither was there therefore any presence of a more grosse visible lee , nor were there any testimonies of heat present , especially while that sand became conspicuous : for truly the urin had already long before , waxed cold , before it had consulted of coagulating . but yet , there is on both sides the like reason , essence , cause and property of the stone arisen in us , with that , which of the same identity , and material subject , is coagulated abroad in the urine about the urinal . i will add further , that some detain their urine for honesties sake , for some hours , without any appearance of sands : the which urine notwithstanding , being received in a glass , hath without all doubt , separated its stone in an equal time . from hence therefore , at least-wise , it follows , that the sliminess of matter is not for the material cause of the stone : truly it consists in the race or off-spring of a more hidden , and therefore of a deeper search in nature , than that we should think its natural generation to be enclosed in sliminesses and the first qualities alone . for whatsoever things are made in nature , we must reckon them to be made from a necessity , and flux of a seed . the seeds therefore of stones do lay hidden in the juices , until at length , the flux of the seed being ripened , the last ordination or end of the same , breaks forth into act. therefore we have taught above , that the stone owes it family unto nought but a stonifiable juice , after the similitude of fountains in the greater world ; and therefore they err , who contend , that a juice doth arise in the most clear and transparent waters , being furnished with a stonifying power , as not seeing , so being ignorant , that a stone doth arise in phlegmatick clayinesses and muckinesses . for truly , that is not to savour any thing beyond sense , nor beyond rusticks . wherefore an analysis or solution by the fire , is to be undertaken , the which indeed , as it proposeth a disclosure of bodies , so a certain conjuncture of the same , before our eyes , and promiseth a man more certainty in his study , than the vain dreamed doctrine which from materia prima or the first matter , privation , fortune , chance , an infinite , and a vacuum , doth as yet with a scanty or fasting mouth , consume the spring of young men. what think you i pray , if any phlegmatick thing should of necessity and by it self , give a material being to the stone , and an actual and excessive heat should coct that matter into a stone , verily we must think that is done , because the heat did dry the phlegm into a stone : but that thing in man , is impossible , who doth every where , and alwayes ( yea as yet somewhat more , in the reins and bladder ) exclude so great a drying , by his actual moisture : and so much the stronger , because in the sudden passage of the urine thorow the kidneys , it cannot at an instant dry up any muckiness , which is mixt throughout urine , into a stone , and the which muckiness , the succeeding urine , doth not moreover , vindicate from dryth . truly it should grieve us or be tiresome unto us to stay any longer in these things , unless we also had been deluded by these dreams . i will therefore re-assume : let us therefore try , whether any muckie snivel being dryed by heat , doth depart into a hard stone , or indeed , into a tophus or soft sandy stone : for from the snivel of the nostrils , to wit , the most tough of all , being dryed , a brickle tophus , but not a hard stone , is at any time yielded . besides , the example lately given , concerning a very clear urine , which is wholly freed from a visible sliminess , and yet affixing a stone in manner of little grains unto the spondils or turning joynts , forbiddeth to acknowledge such a material cause , also the single progeny of tartars , and likewise , the like progeny of stones in the macrocosme , withstands the same . but if indeed , we say , that heat doth not dry up the muckie snivel , while it begetteth the stone ; but that it constraineth or coagulateth it by a property , not indeed , of drying , but of heating , or through a concoction thereof ; to wit , by the command whereof alone , the matter being restrained , and excited by heat , puts on the power of a curd , which is internal unto it . but that is to have said something on our behalf , and is voluntarily granted us ; to wit , to acknowledge a property ( subscribed unto coagulation ) in the matter , whether that matter in the mean time , shall be slimy , or cleer and transparent . because else gems should exclaim , that they have stood in need of the sliminess of matter , whereby they may assume so great strength , and lustre ; yet neither therefore shalt thou avoid the rocks : because neither therefore , hath any actual heat coagulated a stone in the urinal , but far after the urine had lost its luke-warmth . in the next place , seeing that hateful sense of heat is wanting in the stone of the bladder , when as notwithstanding that stone is for the most part , harder than that in the kidneys ; it by all means follows , that the necessary efficient cause of the stone , is not heat , or else that the more powerful heat should preside , for framing of the stone in the bladder . therefore the studies of the more modern physitians do decree , that heat in the reins is not the parent of the stones ; but a symptome , but an effect following upon the placing of the hateful guest , the stone ; in the bowel . for as a thorn heing thrust into the finger , is neither hot , nor hardened by heat , nor by reason of heat thrust into the flesh , yet heat follows the hurt , as a companion : so also , we must seriously take notice , that heat doth happen upon the hurting of the bowel , made by the stone existing in it , and being continually cherished thereby : for where pain is , there ( according to hyppocrates ) is a disease , and heat doth also flow thither as a certain latter thingor effect . but that which happens in the hurt substance of the kidneys , is not therefore made in like manner , in the bladder , which hath it self in manner of a receptable , and sink of the urine , which onely slideth by the kidney , without delay . but if , as well the reins , as bladder , do , when the stone is present , both of them , according to their own disposition , avoid a certain snivelly matter , cease thou to wonder , that the part being as it were , besieged by an enemy , and suppressed in its vegetative faculty , doth continually loose something of its nourishment , and ( like an eye that is beset with dust its enemy ) as it were , weep forth its alimentary humour . for all particular parts in us do well perceive what things are so agreeable , and what are extream hateful and execrable ; and indeed , they do every where express no obscure tokens of that perceivance : for otherwise , the stone of the bladder being cut out , a continual issuing forth of muckie snivel should not yet cease , to wit , if that muck should have the reason of a cause , and not of an effect of the stones . but as to what belongs to the cure thereof , we must diligently mark , that it ought hitherto to be un-compleated by those unto whom the true causes of the stone have not been made known ; to wit , if in a removal of the causes , and not otherwise , a diseasie disposition ought to depart . indeed i admit first of all , that the bowels lying upon the urin-vessels , being unburdened by clysters , will afford by all means , a more easie passage for the stone to go forth : fomentations also , likewise anointings , and baths , i promise to profit very much ; because our body , as it is one only thing in an agreement of all parts ; so according to hippocrates , it is wholly as well within , as without , conspirable , and exspirable : likewise within and without , above and beneath , day and night , fire and water , have made three circuits in us , and so that they wander hither and thither , and that by course . for in very deed , the more external aids are not perpendicular , but oblique or crooked ones only . in the next place , seeing nothing immediately reacheth the stone , but what doth urin-wise lick the kidney : therefore it is certain that moistening , slymie , and muscilaginous medicines ( to wit , the mallow , marsh-mallow , fleawort , &c. ) have put off those kinde of corporeal qualities in the former shops of digestions , as being plainly unlike to urinary qualities . in the mean time , we grant that they so far succour those that have the stone , as by their more sweet juice , they do asswage , and temperate the sharpness of the urin ; or as the muckinesses of their former life being driven away , they do keep within , in the root , something of an abstersive , or dissolutive matter ( which one only matter we admit of , as being opening ) which may be of use : even as in the juice of lemmons , quinces , cicers , pellitory , &c. but surely on both sides these are nought but even a feeble and sluggish power for so great an enemy . at length , neither do we sufficiently comprehend the things promised , how oyl of almonds may be able to enlarge or extend the urin-pipes , whereof scarce one small drop , and that not but through an errour of the separating faculty , doth reach to the urin-pipes : the matter is thus . surely the urin-vessels consist of a moist membrane , whereinto , as nothing which is not of its own nourishment , doth the more piercingly enter ; so the oyle , although it should wholly washingly flow thither , it should not performe that in a living membrane , which otherwise it might do in dry and dead parchment : so far is it , that the urin-vessels being fore-occupied , and moistened with their own nourishment and urin , can receive or assume unto them any oylie substance : for truly , there is not an easie combination of oyl with water , and the too much swift passage of the oyl should come as slow , for the enlargment of the urin-pipes . let us therefore account them to be sent dreams : because the urin-vessels are never enlarged or extended , but by a more gross compaction of a body ; but that was not the office of oyl or liquor : for indeed , a urin-vessel is loosely and softly moist of it self , and being content with its own urin , refuseth any further liquors . therefore it is enlarged only by the stone , that is , by the diseasie cause , and being once amplified , it doth not fall down , or contract again ; as may be seen , that stones being by degrees increased , are more easily expelled , than when long before being the least ones . but they will say , loosening medicines being drunk up , that is , such as extend the urin-pipes the miserable diseased , are sometimes holpen ; wherefore enlargments of the urin-pipes , do also happen . i wish that he may want successes , whosoever he be , that thinks deeds are to be taken notice of , in phylosophy , from the event , which deeds , an effect by it self , is never wont to attribute unto causes by accident : for any the more sweet liquor , shall perhaps infect the urin , and shall render it more washy , through its mixture ; these things indeed shall be for a delight and refreshment , in re-pressing the cruelty of symptomes ; but it is not therefore lawful to infer , that the more sweet juice being drunk , the stomack , veins , or urin-pipes , are either enlarged , or at least-wise , more apt for enlargment . for if any thing that is drunk , should render the urin-pipes more extensive in their latitude , truly that shall dissolve , and enlarge the stomack , because it being deputed for the sustaining of a greater weight of foods , shall on every side suffer an extension ; and as yet so much the rather , because that at the time of the head-long violence of the urgent stone , much vomiting doth excessively molest the stomack , and therefore should pluck it abroad , even unto a tearing . hitherto , nothing of remedies hath been heard of in so great a calamity : wherefore we coming nearer unto a censure of those medicines which have hitherto seemed by a gentle abstersion , also those which by a certain property , have seemed to drive out the stone ; with leave , we will ingeniously declare . for although the powders as well of herbs , seeds , fruits , liquors , and waters , as of stones and minerals , the cruelties of symptoms being appeased , have at length brought forth the stones , and sands ; what ( i pray you ) more famous thing hath even there been done , besides a curing of the present fit ? surely , we have done no otherwise , than he who hath appeased a fit of the falling-sickness : i say , we have on both sides plucked off only some one particular fruit of the disease , the tree being un-touched by the axe , and the root remaining safe : therefore , whatsoever things we hope shall chiefly profit those that have the stone , we will perfectly teach in two heads . first , that an expulsion of the stone be not intended ( for something less cruel becomes a physitian , than that which nature her self almost failing under her weight , is voluntarily buised about , as being disturbed by the sting of symptoms ) but it s one only dissolution . the bolts of coagulation , i say , being loosed , the stone is by a solution , to be reduced into a liquor , by a retrograde conversion , to wit , into the matter from whence it grew together by a composition or conjunction . let the second head be , and that indeed a more famous one ; that the stonifying inclination be taken away : to wit , the which even still persisting , nothing worthy of returning thanks is done . for indeed , it is manifest by the example of the urin abovesaid , that every man hath a potential stone in his urin ( for that thing the condition of the microcosm or little world did require , if it ought on every side to express the macrocosm or great world ) but that he is only miserable , to wit , in whose urin a power of stonifying lying hid , is actually unfolded within his skin . therefore it is altogether necessary , that there be in the powers of the things or parts of that miserable man , a certain impression , i say , a sealing gorgon-mark , by reason whereof , the powers themselves also , are too exactly , exquisitely , stickingly , and thorow searchingly incumbent about the separation , and examination of the urin ; from whence there is then in that shop , made an actuating of that tartar , which before did grow as a watery matter throughout the whole urin. but seeing that the sealing notes and impressions of diseases , do not co-here with species , but with individuals only , we must never despair , but that the impression being brought in may , as vanquished , give place unto a certain more strong and bountiful ascendent , it holding its inn in manner of a tyrant . an inclination therefore unto the stone shall be wholly taken away , if the power it self doth no more hereafter labour in an actual separation of the tartar from the urin. therefore that over-exquisite separating faculty is to be laid asleep : and that in no wise , surely , by an induced drowsiness of opium , or by the sloath , negligence , and rest of the like stupefactives : far be it ; but there is a planetary power in the remedy of casta venus or agnus castus , by a specifical property , so restraining all elaboration of urin in the reins , that the kidneys being for the future , through a sweet idleness , as it were occupied in sleep , do give them to rest , indulging only their own nourishment : this therefore is the golden peace in us , which in politicks , commands every one to attend only his own offices , but not to be intent on the offices of others , that he may obtain rest or quietness : where it is to be noted , that the action , and permanent operation is to be dispatched , not on the powers of bodies , but indeed , of powers , if the vanquishing faculty shall so overome the vanquished one , that it shall for the future yield it self into the army of the victress : under which by-work , it is plainly enough to be seen , that the chief crases or constitutive mixtures of medicines , are not but in the most refined liquors ; because the spermatick and first constituting things have not any commerce with the more gross compaction of bodies . furthermore , for the obtaining of that wished for peace in the reins , we have succesfully hitherto used and enjoyed the medicine of aroph or man-drake , by paracelsus described , in his books of the faculties of the members . i here , do hear whisperers ( who are wont to swallow nothing but afore-chewed things ) accusing the unthought of darkness of words : those coale-men ( they say ) do expose their medicines unto us , hand to hand , and afford unto us ocular demonstrations : but that is a new rule of learning the phylosophy of pythagoras . let them first buy coals , and glasses , and let them first learn those things which watching successive nights , and expences of moneys have afforded us : the gods do sell arts to sweats , not to readings alone : therefore the example of ac●aeon affrighteth me , from daring indeed to expose diana to an open view , being spoyled of her garment : he that can apprehend it , let him apprehend it . depart thou therefore from thine own self , and bid farwell to accustomed things , who presumest by an easie compendium of readings , to search into the innermost chambers of nature : but besides whereby we may give satisfaction unto the former head of a full cure ; a searching out of a medicine , for the every way safe and secure dissolution of the stone , did remain . . therefore it is fit , that it be changed into urin , to wit , that it may touch the place affected . . that it have in it a power of loosing the bolts of the stone . for it is the gift of god , which art doth not provide , but only sequestreth and extracteth . . that it possess that thing in a specifical and appropriated property , but not in second qualities , because they are for the most part frail things , failing in time of preparation , or infamous , through the cruelty of qualities . . that it be subtile , that it pass on every side , and be able to demolish its object at a far distance . . that it be friendly to nature , least indeed it pervert all things : for not every messenger approacheth unto the mines of stones ; but he alone , who being loosed from his bands , hath known the wayes , being fited for his journey , being a friend to the places , and which hath virtues . they erre therefore , who ascribe this single combate , only unto corrosives ; to wit , they too much trusting unto second qualities , as being badly secure , do sleep thereupon , and through a neglecting of specifical properties , also appropriated ones , ( which are only extended on their proper object ) being sleighted , they have gone into obscurity . for the oestrich doth not break or digest iron ; or little birds , flints , unions , small stones , through an emulous quality of corrosion : there is a virtue of loosing the bars and bolts of tartar. it is convenient , this virtue to meditate of , and this to imitate . i have spoken . blessed be ye god of wonders , who at sometime converteth the waters into rocks , and at sometime , the rocks into pooles of waters . chap. ci. the understanding of adam . adam put right names upon all living creatures ; and therefore he had an intimate , or intuitive or clear speculative knowledge of these , which is called the attainment of nature . perhaps he had likewise a most full knowledge of herbs , minerals , yea and of the stars : for truly an object not before seen , being presented unto him , he had known the innermost properties thereof . from hence therefore , many do conclude , that the same knowledge is given to us by a natural property , as to the successive heirs of adam ; but to be obscured through sin : but others contend that it is wholly withdrawn , through eating of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. of these things , i being long since badly perswaded ; alass , i also believed them ! for i left something untryed , that i might reach unto the promised labour of wisdom , the paradise of long life , through the knowledge of adam : but at length , i observed many things , which might subvert these very principles . for first of all , i could scarce perswade my self , that adam in the state of innocency knew those things , and more , which afterwards he through eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil , was ignorant of : that indeed , was , when he had eaten of the apple of oblivion , drowsiness , or ignorance ; but not when he had eaten of the apple of knowledge . but if in original sin , the original transgressour , and defiler of humane nature , himself , as yet knew what he knew before ; after what manner indeed , by a super-attained new knowledge , and that of another disposition , being as it were laid up in the forbidden fruit , had he withdrawn all knowledge from his posterity ? and moreover , how had not he ( who from his creation had all knowledge , except that which by a hidden paraphrase and emphatical manner of speaking , is called by the holy spirit , the knowledge of good and evil ) traduced this likewise on his posterity ? for if through eating of the apple , his eyes were opened , the which was even made known to him before ( after some sort ) they were closed , and he became a knower of good and evil , and saw himself to be naked ; why was there not , at least-wise , in his seed , as much knowledge as there was in the apple ? why , if through his seed , sin , be translated ; is not also shame translated , that it might naturally shame the indians of their nakedness ? that likewise a child of three years old should be ashamed of its nakedness ? no otherwise than adam was , presently after the apple was eaten . in the next place , if he were endowed from his creation with the knowledge of the natures , societies , and properties of animals , and from hence it was pithily essential unto him ; how had god , who is so great a lover of us , withdrawn our essential , intellectual , and natural gifts , whereby he will be worshipped in the spirit of man , but hath left natural gifts unto the evil spirit , the most vile , despised , and worst of creatures ? had he so greatly impoverished our spirit , and favoured the devil more than the sons of men , with whom to be , he cals it his delights ? i indeed , after that i conceived in my soul , the knowledge of long life , and the causes of death , knew , that as long as adam was immortal , his mind did immediately quicken his body , and governed it ; yea that for that cause also , he perfectly understood whatsoever things are read to have been put under his feet . but after that the sensitive soul was seminally introduced as a mean between the mind and the body , adam afterwards lived in the soul , and middle life ; that is , after a modern or mean manner : and his mind ( for the support of the sensitive soul ) dispersed from it self , only a darksom light , through the mists of the flesh , upon the life of a new and impure generation . but the former knowledges which he had before the fall , were in the sensitive life , laid up though remembrance ; yet over-clouded with the dim and wretched discourse of reason ▪ when as he had now generated after the manner of bruit-beasts , and had seminally transferred a middle life ; then all his knowledge , as well former as latter , of good and evil ; to wit , the remembrance of the same were obliterated ; and man thereby was born a vain or empty table : from thence indeed arose a sensitive power or faculty in posterity ; or the same faculty of a middle life , which arose in adam ; the which , when through a just maturity , it had waxed ripe in the seed , it was at length brought through , into a true light and vital form , by the creator ; on which afterwards , the mind of man transferred its vicarship ; yet the mind hath remained , being as it were reitired into its own bottom , as abhorring the impurities of nature , nor being any longer able ( unless by grace ) immediately to diffuse it self into the sensitive soul : god so disposing of it by reason of his good pleasure , as shall be shewn hereafter . in man therefore , there is actually a certain natural and formal act , which is the soul , or sensitive life , very much distinct from the mind : for as the seed of a dog tends into a living dog , obscurely reasoning or discoursing ; so certainly the seed of man doth not aspire into a dead carcass , but at least into a vital soul ; and indeed flows into a sensitive , and discursive one , after a far more perfect manner , than in a dog , fox , &c. and that i might the more firmly attain this real distinction of the sensitive soul from the mind in us ; i have feigned a young-man to be utterly lost for a maid : for this man wisheth with a full sense , and consent of his soul , that he could be freed from that disdainful love : and likewise , he would not that he should love so dearly , and would not be freed from his love : not indeed , that he by turns , sometimes earnestly wills one thing , but sometimes another : but at once , and in the same motion , and violent aslault , he wisheth , and not wisheth to be freed from that love : therefore he declares himself to be happy , and unhappy in one love : and he suffers many contradictories of that sort , at once : the which seeing they are not at once entertained in the same subject and respect ; i long doubted , from whence such contradictories should happen on every side , in one only man ; until at length the apostle loosed this k not for me . i seeing another law in our members , opposite to the law of our mind ; which laws surely , he understandeth to be guarded not only with an inclination and desire ; but also with discourse and consent . then i clearly beheld the affections of the sensitive soul to be one , and those of the mind to be another ; but these ( because the operation of the mind is well nigh obscured by the perturbations of the sensitive soul ) therefore they are weak : for in this sense , the apostle calls anger , envy , grudgings , worshipping of idols , &c. the works of the flesh : for although they may seem to be spiritual conceptions ; yet because they are the operations of the sensitive soul , the which it self also is seminally stirred up in nature by the will of flesh and blood ; therefore they are the meer works of the flesh . we are therefore uncessantly affected through the importunate allurements of the social soul ; because we being forthwith after sin , become degenerate , have lost immortality . wherefore god doth now require only a few things of us , that we may enter into life : to wit , that he that is baptized , do believe the whole history of the creed , and that he keep the commandements of god through the mediation of his grace . but whosoever will aspire unto a higher degree of charity , let him endeavour so far as according to his talent he shall be able , in all humility , and by continuing in charity , through amorous acts , to run forth unto abstracted things believed by faith ; until that through the grace of a daily continuance of exercise , he shall feel his mind to be overwhelmed by a supernatural light : for the meditation of natural forms , doth much help in the entrance , for the understanding of the thingliness of the sensitive soul : for all forms besides the mind , seeing they are vital lights which are to return into nothing ; i have certainly learned , that the mind doth by a most long interval , differ from the sensitive soul. seeing that the immortal mind , however it be retracted into it self , that it may not be defiled through the wedlock of the sensitive soul , its companion ; yet it is president in all acts , as it is near at hand , and doth totally inhere in the whole sensitive soul ; and so operates herewith after a deaf manner : but that this order of the almighty , was on this manner , forthwith after the fall of adam ; i collected first , because he hath created some men blind , and likewise mad , no● for their own , or parents sin , but according to his good pleasure , for his own glory ; for he made all things as he would , and most exceeding well . and then , because he would be worshipped in the spirit . and lastly , because in his house there are many mansions . now , they should be in vain , if every man should be equal in grace in his soul and life . from whence i collect , that there ought to be a diversity of spirits among men , and the worshippers of the divinity to be diverse in the degree of charity . for truly he created the angels , that they might worship him in the spirit of intelligency , without the turbulencies of bodies : but man he deminished a little less than the angels ; yet he primarily chose him after the image of his divinity , for his own glory and worship , and for his adopted sons , yet subject to an unhappy and calamitous kinde of living ; because he is he , who being 〈◊〉 sunk or drowned within the body , scarce understands that he doth understand , having almost forgotten his immortality , as being subjected unto the tyrannical clientships of diseases ; so that the immortal understanding , in distracted or foolish and mad people , appears to be almost extinct : for it was the almighties good pleasure , that those diverse mansions should be inhabited , as it were by the ladder of deserts , and that men being raised up by the character or impression of grace , should come unto higher dignities of understanding : to wit , according to that saying , the learned shall shine as the sun. the first thing therefore , is in the simplicity of an operative faith , to have lived in abstinency from evils , and to have done good . and then , that they worship god in the spirit of naked truth , and that through an operative faith , they proceed through an attainment of a fatherly love , worthy deeds or deserts in charity ( although we not intending it ) helping to be more and more illustrated in their understanding . and so at length , the mind is loosed in that dark prison of bloods , and intellectually beholds it self , and with humility admires the not before seen light ; and being led through unknown paths , doth then without difficulty proceed by steps , unto the more abstracted contemplations of a kiss ; where , it being as it were raised up again out of a drow●●● sleep , doth ( as happy ) adore god in truth , righteousness , and the union of virtues , under the light of an abstracted spirit : for neither , although god will have other recognisances or knowing considerations from man , than from an angel , ought he therefore less to rejoyce in the divine good pleasure ; but to proceed in praising him , in an humble adoration , wherein all understanding of wisdom , and clearness of all spirits , are as it were supped up in a lively center : through this reward therefore of degrees , the unutterable god hath since the fall , crowned man with glory and honour , although degenerate , and hath put other things under his feet ; for neither before the fall , had man ever aspired thither : therefore man ought neither to have the knowledge of all things which adam knew in his beginning , nor also of his own self , if it ought to be a desert : for a crown presupposeth a striving desert , and victory : for we cannot bring back an increase of grace for victory , but by fighting . therefore i conclude , that as we are constituted in the middle and sensitive life , we know , have , are , or are able to do nothing , but only by grace ; desert co-operating , and the which merit , that god might confirm the moments of degrees , in the adoring understanding were to be presupposed . therefore he that is of innocent hands , and of a clean heart , worshippeth god in the truth of spirit ; and the state of that mortal man , is far more happy , than was that of adam being immortal : for that poverty of spirit , doth in truth know wisely , knowes knowingly , believes confidently , perceives or feeles truly , and confesseth humbly , that he is a meer subject of all defects , that is , an unprofitable and evil servant . in this journey , the unutterable kingdom of god , meets man , the ocean of light , which gives an un-asked-for clea●ness of understanding , and much more royal things , than the desires of the angels do wish for . these things exceed the phylosophy of the heathens , and of modern atheists : so it is ; understanding and truth hath it self in this manner , wherein our phylosophy doth place its alpha or beginning : the which if it shall not do , long life is unprofitable , being unknown to so many ages , being neglected by so many wits , and even unto the end of the world , known unto none but adeptists alone . chap. cii . the image of god. the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom : but the fear of the lord begins from the meditation of death , and life eternal : but many with the stoicks , suppose the end of wisdom to be the knowledge of ones self : but i call the ultimate end of wisdom , and the reward of the whole course of our life , charity or dear love , the which alone will accompany us ; when as other things have forsaken us : and although the knowledge of ones self , according to me , be only a mean unto the fear of the lord ; yet from this , is the treatise of long life to be begun : because the knowledge of life doth presuppose a knowledge of the soul ; seeing the life and soul ( as i have the second time said ) are synonymals . it is of faith , that man was created of nothing , after the image of god , into a living creature , and that his mind is never to perish . whereas in the mean time , the souls of bruit-beasts do perish into nothing , when they cease to live : the weights of which difference i have taught , concerning the birth or rise of forms . but hitherto , it is not sufficiently manifest , wherein that similitude with god our arch-type , or first example is placed : for most do place this lofty image in the soul alone . i will speake what i judge , yet under a humble protestation , and subjection to the censure of the church . it is thus : the original of forms being already after some sort known , it is meet also exactly to enquire into the mind of man. but surely , there is no knowledge more burdensome , than that whereby the soul comprehends it self , yea and scarce is there any a more profitable one ; because the faith doth stablish its foundation upon the unperishable , and un-obliterable substance of the soul. i have found indeed many demonstrations divulged in the books , about this truth ; but none of them at all , for what , in respect of atheists , who deny the one only and constant power or deity from everlasting . plato indeed , makes three sorts of atheists . the first indeed , which believeth no gods. a second sort also , which indeed admitteth of gods ; yet such as are un-careful of us , and ignorant contemners of small matters . lastly , a third sort , which although they believe that there are gods , and those expert of the smallest matters ; yet they think them to be flexible through the least dead or cold prayer . this sort is most frequent among christians at this day ; even those who profess themselves to be the most perfect , and therefore they dare do any thing , and believe religion to be only for restraining people through the fear of laws , the obligation of faith , and pain of infernal punishment : for these impose grievous burdens on the shoulders of others , which they touch not so much as with their finger , they wipe the purses of their own people , they prostitute heaven to sale to dying men , they every where offer themselves to be employed in secular affairs , as if they would declare that religion doth not subsist without the state : it should be my greatest wish , that they might taste , at least but for one only moment , what it is intellectually to understand , that they may feel the immortality of the mind as it were by touching . truly , i have not invented rules , or a manner whereby i might be able to illustrate the understanding of another : therefore i deservedly testifie , that they who alwayes study , as enquiring after the truth , do notwithstanding never attain unto the knowledge thereof ; because they being blown up with the letter , have no charity , and do cherish hidden atheism . but this one thing i have learned , that the mind doth now understand nothing by imagination , neither by figures , and likenesses , unless the wretched and miserable discourse of reason shall have access to it . but when as the soul comprehends it self , reason and its own image faileth it , whereby it may represent it self to it self : therefore the soul it never able to apprehend it self through the discourse of reason , as neither by likenesses . for after i had known , that the truth of essence , and the truth of uderstanding are one and the same thing ; i knew the understanding to be a certain immortal thing , far separated from frail or mortal things . the soul indeed is not felt , yet we believe it to be within , not to be idle , not to be tired , nor to be disturbed by diseases : therefore sleep , fury , and drunkenness , are not the symptoms of the immortal mind being hurt ; but only the pages of life , and passions of the sensitive soul ; seeing that bruits also undergo such passions : for neither is it a meet thing for an immortal thing to suffer by mortal ones : for as the mind is in us , and yet is not felt or perceived by us ; so neither are the continual and unshaken operations thereof to be perceived ; because , if they should be sensible , verily they should not be spiritual , and meerly abstracted : for indeed , although it may seem to us , that we understand nothing by a total sequestration of discourses , and abstraction from all things which may fall under sense , under the mind and understanding , and that under the beginning of contemplations ; yet the soul in the mean time , acts after its own un-sensible manner , and spiritual efficacy ; the which i have thus understood : for he that confesseth , doth oftentimes not feel the effects of contrition , and he greatly bewailes that his unsensibleness ; yet being asked , whether he would sin ? perhaps he would answer , he had rather die : the unsensible operation therefore , of the soul in confessing , is an effect of a supernatural faith : because the actions of the understanding , are the clients of another , and uncessant magistrate . for therefore mystical men do teach , that the soul doth more operate in faith alone , without discourse , and cogitation , and in operating , doth also more profit , than he that prays with many words , and by discourse stirs up compunctions in himself . but he is happy , unto whom it is granted to perceive those unsensible operations of the soul , and issuingly to reflect the same upon the operations , or powers of the sensitive soul : because they do for the most part , leave their footsteps afterwards on the life , and for the future , do stir up the memory , operating with grace , in faith. the libertines , of the christians , and first atheists , do deride the similitude of god in us , as feigned , or that we are framed after the image of god. but the other atheists of the second and third rank , do not only grant that we are created after the image of god ; but do feign an identity or sameliness in us , with the vast uncreated deity ; and that neither doth man differ any otherwise there-from , in his substance , than as a part from the whole , or that which had a beginning , with that which was not principiated ; but not in essence and internal property ; the which besides blasphemy , hath very many absurdities or blockishnesses : for truly , whatsoever began , for that very cause , it is a creature ; but it includes an imperfection in god , that he could create any thing out of himself , coequal unto himself in substance : because it is manifest from phylosophy , that all the parts of an infinite , are of necessity infinite : therefore a creature cannot be more infinite in substance , than as it was in duration co-like to the eternal : and much less is the soul a part of the substance of god , or essentially like unto him , the which , in power , greatness , duration , glory , wisdom , &c. in it self , and of it self , is a meer nothing . if therefore it were not made from god , much less from it self ; but of nothing : therefore they greatly erre , who believe that the thingliness or essence of the divine image is seated in the soul , by way of identity of substance : seeing they differ from each other by way of an infinite : yea , it should of its own free accord , be again dissolved into nothing , unless it were conserved in its essence , by the divine goodness . truly the souls of the damned could wish to be dissolved into their former nothing , which divine justice , keeps in their being . indeed the soul hath henceforeward , an eternal permanency , from an internal eternity , freely bestowed on it , and preserved in it . it is sufficient therefore , that the mind is a spiritual , vital , and lightsome substance . and seeing there are many kindes and species of vital lights ; that light of the mind differs from other vital lights in that , that it is a spiritual substance ; but that other vital lights are not formal substances , although they are substantial forms , and therefore also they are by death , reduced into nothing , no otherwise than as the flame of a candle . but the mind differs from the angels , because it is after the image and similitude of the eternal god. the soul therefore hath that light , and substance of light , from the gift of creation ; seeing that it self is that vital light : but an angel is not a light it self ; neither hath he a natural or proper , and internal light ; but is the glass of an uncreated light ; and so that , therein he fails of the perfection of a true divine image : otherwise , an angel , seeing he is an incorporeal spirit ; if he should be lightsome of himself , he should more perfectly express the image of god , than man. moreover , whatsoever god more loveth , that is more noble ; but god hath loved man more than the angel : for neither , for the redeeming of the angelical nature , was he made the figure of the evil spirit , even as the thrice glorious lamb , the saviour of the world , took on him the nature of a servant : for neither doth that hinder these things , that the least in the kigdom of heaven is greater than john : for the son of man is not less than the angel ; although he were diminished a little less than the angel. for in his condition of living , while he was made man , he was diminished a little less than the angel. for therefore an angel alwayes remains a ministring spirit : but he is no where read to be the friend or son of the father , the delights of the son , the temple of the holy spirit , wherein the thrice-glorious trinity , makes its aboad ; that indeed is the prerogative of the divine image , which the eternal light doth imprint on every man that cometh into this world. but moreover , in the year , after a long weariness of contemplation , that i might obtain some knowledge of my soul , by chance , sliding into a sleep , and being snatched out of the use of reason , i seemed to be in a hall dark enough ; on my left hand was a table , whereon was a bottle , wherein was a little liquor , and the voice of the liquor said unto me ; wilt thou have honours and riches ? i was amazed at the unwonted voice ; i walked up and down , delibreating with my self , what that might denote . straightway on my right hand there was a chink in the wall , through which a certain light dazled mine eyes , which made me unmindful of the liquor , voice , and former counsel : because i saw that which exceeded a cogitation expressible by word ; that chink forthwith dispersed ; i from thence returned sorrowful unto the bottle , took this bottle away with me : but i endeavoured to taste down the liquor , and with much labour , i opened the vial , and being smitten with horrour , i awaked out of my sleep : but a great desire of knowing my soul remained , in which desire , i breathed for full years . at length , in the year , in the sorrowful or troublesome afflictions of fortunes , i saw my soul in a vision ; but there was somewhat a more light , in a humane shape , the whole whereof was homogeneal or simple in kinde , actively seeing , being a spiritual , chrystaline , and shining substance : but it was contained in another cloudy part , as it were the husk of it self ; the which , whether it gave forth a splendour from it self , i could scarce discern , by reason of the superlative lustre , or brightness of the christaline spirit contained within it : yet that i observe , that the mark of the sexes , was not but in the husk , but not in the chrystal : the seal whereof was an unuttered light , so reflexed in the chrystal , that the chrystal it self was made incomprehensible ; and that , not indeed by a negation or privation ( because they are those things which are in respect of our weakness , so called ) but it represented a famous being , which cannot be expressed by word . and it was said unto me ; this is that which thou once sawest thorow the chink : but i intellectually saw those things in the soul , which if the eye should see , it should afterwards cease to see . the dream therefore shewed unto me , that the beauty of the soul of man doth exceed all conception . at least-wise i comprehended the vanity of my long desire , therefore i desisted from the wish of seeing my soul : for however beautiful that spiritual chrystal was , yet my soul retained no perfection unto it self from that vision , even as otherwise , after an intellectual vision , the mind is adorned with much perfection of knowledge . i knew therefore , that my mind in that dreaming vision , had acted the person of a third , and so that it was not worth the labour of so great a wish : but as to what hath regard unto the image of god in the mind ; i according to my slenderness , confess , that i could never conceive any thing , whether it were a spirit , or a body , or in the understanding ; or in the next place , in the imagination , or in a meer intellectual vision ; which through the same endeavour , may not represent some figure of it self , under which it might stand in the considerer : because surely , whether i conceive a thing by its image or likeness , or whether the understanding transchangeth it self into the thing understood : at least-wise , i cannot consider this thing to be done , unless it should wander from it self , into the thing understood , with an interchangable course of it self ; the which seeing it hath a certain actual being , it hath alwayes stood with me under a certain figure , or shape : for indeed , although i conceived the mind , to be an incorporeal and immortal substance : yet i could not assoon as i thought of its individual existence , consider of the same , as deprived of all figure ; yea , nor indeed but that it would answer unto the figure of a man. for as oft as the soul that is separated , seeth another soul , angel , or evil spirit , that must needs know , that these things are present with it , that it may distinguish the soul from the angel , and likewise the soul of peter from the soul of judus : which distinction , cannot be made by tasting , smelling , hearing , and touching ; but only by a proper vision of the soul : which vision or sight , doth of necessity include an interchangeable course of figure . for seeing an angel is so in a place , that he is not at once , in another place : therein also is of necessity included , a certain figural circumscription , no less than a local one . and then , i have considered the mind of man to be figured after this manner . for the body of man as such , cannot give unto it self an humane shape : for therefore it had need of an external engrave , which should be enclosed within the matter of the seed , and which had descended into it from elsewhere : yet for as much as that engraver was of a material condition , he was not able to draw a virtue , as neither an image of figuring , either out of himself , nor from the masse of the body : it behoves therefore , that something doth precede ; which was plainly immaterial , yet a real and effective beginning , whereunto a power should be due , of figuring by a sealing impression , on the archeus of the seed . the soul of the begetter therefore , while it slides downwards , and through natural lust , doth lighten the body of the seed , it delineates the figure of its seal , and the seal of its figure there ( which is the one only cause of the fruitfulness of seeds ) from whence therefore ariseth so lofty a stature of a young : for if the soul it self , were in it self , not figured , but that the figure of the body , should arise as it were of its own accord ; a trunk in any member could not but generate a trunk : because the body of the generater not being entire , doth at least-wise faile in the implanted spirit of that member . if therefore a figure be implanted in the seed ; certainly it shall receive that image from a more vital and former beginning . but if the soul doth imprint a certain figure on the seed , it shall not counterfeit a forreign or strange face ; but shall decypher its own likeness : for so also the souls of bruit-beasts do . and although our soul , by reason of its original , be above the laws of nature ; yet by what foot it hath once entered the threshold of nature , and is incorporated therein , it is afterwards also , constrained to stand to its own laws : because there is a univocal or simple progress , and end of vital generations : for neither otherwise , doth it want absurdities , that an operation of so great a moment ( as is the generation of man ) should happen without the consent and co-operation of the mind ; which if it be so , it must needs be also , that fruitfulness is given to the seed by the soul , by a participation of its figure , and other vital limitations . indeed every soul doth to this end , seal the image of it self in the spirit of the seed , that the matter being reduced unto a requisite maturity , shewing a delineated beauty , and also the similitude of the begetter , may be able to beg a formal light from the creator , or a soul of that species whose similitude is expressed in the figure . for we believe by faith , that our mind is a true substance , which is not to die ; but that the new creation of a substance out of nothing , doth belong to god alone : from whence there is not many , but one only spiritual father of all spirits , who is in the heavens ; who if it hath well pleased him , to have adopted the mind only , into his own image ; it seemeth also to follow , that the vast , and unutterable god , is also of a humane shape ; and that from an argument from the effect ; seeing that the body is like wax , on which the seal of the image of the mind is imprinted : but the mind hath its image , and essential perfection , from him , whose image it beareth before it : but because the body is now and then defectuous , and like unto a monster ; most have thought that the glorious image of god , doth wholly consist in the rational power or power of reason : they not considering that the image of god , doth in the nearest , and more perfect manner , consist in the soul , and from thence also in the body , being formed after the exemplary character of the soul : in operation of the figuring , if there be an errour , that this be not to be attributed unto the image , but unto other causes issuing from elsewhere . furthermore , how much is to be granted unto the rational faculty , for the denominating of the image of god , i have taught in its own tract , concerning reason : yet the more learned part of christians , hold that the soul doth most nearly express the image of one , and a trine god , by a single simplicity of its substance , and a ternary of its powers ; to wit , of understanding , will and memory : which similitude hath alwayes seemed unto me improper , that the mind should be the image of god , from an excelling , nigh and singular ability : for truly , an image involveth a likeness of figure , but not an equality of numbers . and moreover , if the soul doth in its substance represent the holy sacred trinity ; but understanding , will , and memory , a ternary of persons ; it must needs be , that the three powers of the soul , are not properties or accidents of the soul : yea , that those powers , are the one only substance of the mind ; or such an image doth badly square with the type , whose image it is believed to be . i therefore consider , that not indeed the mind of man alone ; but that the whole man was framed into the image of god. wherefore , although the soul in this sense , doth express a certain ternary in its powers ; yet in no wise , personalities : and then , because no person of the holy sacred trinity doth represent the will alone , or the will a person ; no person doth resemble memory , as neither any one being separated from the other two , the understanding in property . then also , because the three powers of the mind , are considered for the most part , as it were accidents of the soul ; surely , these cannot in any wise express an image , or any nearer supposed thing , besides a naked ternary of accidents collected into the substance of the soul : in which sense the soul doth less denote the image of god , than any piece of wood : the which sheweth by its analysis , only salt , sulphur , and mercury ; but not three powers only like the mind , in the aforesaid similitude of the vulgar . three substances i say , being concluded under the unity of a composed body , and diverse , the which notwithstanding , in their connexion , made one only substance of wood. furthermore , taulerus divides the soul into two parts : to wit , the inferiour , or more outward part , which he calls the soul ; and the other the superiour and bottom , which he calls the spirit : in which part he saith , it doth specially represent and contain the image of god : because the devil hath not access , thereunto the kingdom of god being there : but unto both parts he assigneth far different acts and properties , whereby he distinguisheth both . but at least-wise , that good man blots out homogeniety or simplicity of kinde from the soul , wherein notwithstanding , it ought chiefly to express the image or similitude of god : yea , in this respect , he not only denies the image of god to be propagated in the whole man , but also in the whole soul : surely , i shall not easily believe a duality in the soul , nor admit of the interchange of a binary , if in its essence , it ought to express the image of the most simple divine nature : but rather it behoves , that it stand in a most simple unity , and an undivideable homogeneity of immortality , and mark of indissolution , out of all connexion , or interchange . i say therefore , that the glorious image of god , is not only in the soul ; but the very mind it self , is essentially the glorious image of god : and therefore the image of god is as intimate to the soul , as the soul it self , is to it self : for i consider the mind as a homogeneal , simple , immortal , undivideable spirit , to wit , one only being , whereunto death adds nothing , or takes nothing from it , which is natural unto it in its essence of simplicity . but next , as a partaker of blessedness ; because damnation is unto it by accident , besides it appointment , and by reason of a future defect . such a soul therefore being separated from the body , makes no more use of memory , nor of remembrance , through a beholding of the place where it was , or of duration ; but the one only [ now ] doth there contain all things : therefore if any memory should remain unto it , it should be in vain ; yea burdensome for ever . the same thing is to be judged of remembrance or calling to mind ; because it is that which breaks forth into act , only through a discourse of reason ; and therefore in eternity it hath no longer place , where the soul , through the beholding of naked truth without declining , wearisomeness , and defect , stands out of necessities of remembring . the blessed soul therefore , should stand out of the aforesaid ternary of powers ; and therefore neither should it any longer represent the image of god , for which cause alone it was created : yea , by a more full looking into the matter , i do not find memory to be a singular and separated power of the soul ; but a naked manner of remembring : for therefore forgetful persons , do by the help of imagination ( which is the vicaress of the understanding ) frame an artificial memory unto themselves , and they learn a far more strong one , than otherwise , their natural memory would be . and moreover , will departs from the soul , together with the life , because it came accidentally to the soul : seeing that god after the creation , placed man in the hand of his own free will ; which thing surely denotes that the will is not , after a proper manner , essential to the mind ; but from a grant , that it may be instead of a talent , and that he may follow the way which he had rather chuse : otherwise , seeing nothing is more pernicious than free will ; beause it is that alone , which breedeth all discord between god and man ; surely such a fa●●lty cannot have place in the blessedness of eternity : because the freedom of willing being taken away , the very will it self perisheth : for otherwise , what shall a power of willing avail , where there is no longer a liberty of being able to will ? but ( say they ) in heaven , the will is confirmed : that is , the heavenly wights cannot will , but what god willeth : for they that are in charity cannot but will those things which belong to charity : which is as much as to say , the heavenly wights , can no longer will , but god alone doth there will and nill : therefore the will ceaseth , while as a liberty of willing is dissolved . for truly , the will cannot be serviceable , or profitable unto a blessed soul to eternity , while as , neither is it able to be brought forth into act : and such a will should be onely a wishing : the which surely is not in heaven , where there is a full satiety of all desirable things , with all abundance . the will therefore , should be rather a burdensome appendency of a blessed soul : let it be sufficient therefore , that in this life , men by a power of willing , have well deserved , and have treasured up their talents for advantage . indeed i speak with a consideration , concerning the power of willing , for after this life , a substantial will ariseth and manifesteth it self , which hath a distinct essence , from the power of that accidental freedom of willing : for as the imaginative faculty dies with the life , so also , that free power of willing ceaseth : therefore i have believed , that the very spiritual substance of the soul , doth shew forth the image of god , but not in its powers : namely , herein , most nearly , god is an un-created being , one incomprehensible , eternal , infinite , omnipotent good , a super-substantial light and spirit : but the soul is a creature being one , undivided , dependent , immortal , simple , and thenceforth an eternal , spiritual , lightsome substance . in the next place , in god , there are no accidents ; but every one of his attributes are the very undistinct most simple essence it self of the divine spirit : which thing also plato his parmenides , even after some sort understood : so the soul , if it shews forth the image of god , it shall admit of no accident in it self ; but the whole substance thereof shall be a simple light and understanding it self : for just even as smoak being kindled by the flame , is the same in figure and matter with the flame ; so likewise , the soul also is a naked , pure , and simple understanding , the light and image of an uncreated light : so that as the eye beholds nothing more truly or nearly than the sun , but all other things by reason of the sun it self : so a blessed soul doth not understand any thing more nearly than the light it self , from whence it totally and immediately dependeth . and as our eye doth not bear the sight of the sun , so the soul cannot understand god , and much less , as long as it makes use of the medium's of powers , as being bound thereunto : otherwise , the understanding being free , doth by understanding , attain the figure of the thing understood , by a commigration or passing over it transforms it self unto unity ( as i have taught concerning reason . ) and so indeed the soul by understanding , doth principally and primarily contemplate of god , and is formed into the true image of god. yet there are others also , who conceive of the image of god in the soul after this manner . that seeing the law is the image of god ; but the law is engraven on our souls by reason ; from hence they will have it , that the soul is the image of god as it is rational : but that is plainly improper , yea and impertinent ; for so the soul containing the law , should indeed contain the image of god , but the very substance thereof it self , should not therefore be framed into the very image of god : indeed no more than the law and the soul it self do differ in essence and supposionality . surely i have hated metaphorical speeches in serious matters : as that , god created man into his own image , should denote , that god had given man the use of reason ; and that him that is born mad , and deformed , he therefore had not made into his own image : and moreover , there was not as yet a law , while the soul was created . furthermore , to attribute the image of god to reason , is to be injurious to god , and blasphemous , even as i have elsewhere taught concerning reason : for there is no likenesse or suitableness of reason with god , of a frail and uncertain faculty , with an eternal substance . the opinions therefore of others being left , i will speak my own : the understanding hath a will coequal to it self , not indeed , that which is a power , or an accident , but an intellectual light it self , a spiritual substance , a simple and undivided essence , being separated from the understanding onely by a supposionality of its being , but never in its essence . i find also besides , a third thing in the soul , the which for want of an etymology , i name a love , or desire , not indeed of having , possessing , or enjoying , but of well-pleasing ; it being equal to the other two , and equally simple in the unity of substance , and they are three suppositions , under one onely , and that an undividable substance of the soul : but that love is not any act of the will , but it proceeds from the substantial understanding and will , as a distinct act : for it happens also in this life , that we love those things which we understand are not to be loved , and those things which we would not love : we love also those things which exceed or overcome the understanding and will : for in an extasie , the understanding and will perish , and are laid asleep , so long as they deliver up their kingdom unto love : for neither is that love a passion , but a ruling essence , and a glorifying act . therefore will and love in this place , exceed the circuit of powers , neither have they any thing common with the will of the flesh , or of man ; but they are essential titles , whereby ( under a want of names ) the mind represents the image of god ; because the understanding doth then understand god , is intent on him , and loves him altogether with all the mind , by one onely and undivided act of love , by reason of the every way simplicity of its substance . but as long as we live in the flesh , we scarce make use of a substantial and purely intellectual understanding , but rather of an imaginative power , to wit , of that quality its vicaress : for in an extasie , understanding , will , and memory do oftentimes sleep , the act of love onely surviving ; but so distinct from those three , that notwithstanding , it stands not without the substantial understanding and will , and those equally suited unto it self : for truly seeing the soul is wholly homogeneal in its substance , it should plainly loose that simplicity , if one of the three should be without or besides the other two . love therefore , the other two being asleep , is then as it were in the superficies , or rather the other two are imbibed , and supped up in the love. in this world , love is before desire ; because it is a passion of the amative or loving faculty , which proceeds from that supposionality of the soul , which is truly true love , and representeth the image of a corporeal faculty in this life ; no otherwise , than as understanding , and memory ; now , as long as there is a wedlock of the body , whereinto the immortal mind is sunk , constitutes a certain third thing : but after death , love makes not a priority , as neither a distinction from desire ; neither hath it the nature of a power , nor is it an habit , or act of willing , nor doth it subsist out of the understanding , neither doth memory survive in a distinct habit from the understanding : therefore the intellect is a formal light , and substance of the soul , which doth beholdingly know , discern , will , and desire in the unity of it self , whatsoever it comprehendeth in it self , and in willing , judgeth : for it then remembers no longer by a repetition of the species or particular kinds of a thing once known , neither is it any longer induced to know by circumstances : but then there is one onely knowledge of all things understood , and a speculative beholding within it self ; yet so , that the understanding may know one thing more presentially then another , while it reflects it self upon things understood , to wit , because it is in truth it self , and in a distinct unity . what if the same thing doth now daily stand in the artificiall memory , because that recollecting memory is not a distinct act from the inductive judgement of the intellect ? shall not this thing therefore be more proper to the mind , being once dispatched of the imaginative turbulencies of understanding ? for neither doth that hinder these things , because in wine , the memory perisheth , the judgement remaining safe , or on the contrary : for he that is drunk , or mad , doth oft-times remember all things before his drunkness , and in like manner , the other returning unto himself , remembers all things which were done in time of his madness . indeed those things are heterogeneally distinct in the body , according to the manner of the receiver . unto inanimate things also , i observe a certain deaf knowledge to belong , likewise a sense , and affection of their object , which things began to be called sympathetical ones : but such a deaf perceivance of objects , is unto those things in stead of sight and understanding . there is moreover , a virtue in them , to wit , a certain vital natural endowment , of a certain goodness and valour , for ends appointed by the creator : there is also a third power resulting from both the foregoing ones ; which is that of joy or delight at the meeting of things helpful , and of turning away from things hurtful , wherein a certain affection toward their objects is beheld . likewise fear , flight , &c. which threefold degree of ascent , is more manifest in the more stupid insects , even as in mad or furious men , in whom no understanding is president , and onely the governing powers of a visual light doth shine forth : yet besides , there is present with these , the act of virtues , and vital functions , by reason of which , and by which , they are insects . thirdly , there is in them a far more manifest formal act of joy , and averseness : the which again in other sensitive creatures are as yet far more clearly unfolded . unto these indeed , a certain sensitive imagination doth belong , with a certain kind of discourse of reason , which is unto them in stead of understanding , clearly appearing more or less in all ; so that quick-sightedness , will , memory , and remembrance , happens unto them under the apprehension of understanding : yet their objects , and functions being continually changed according to the matter which is inclined unto renting divisions and singularities . there is also in them , an issuing power of goodness and virtues , whereby their souls do more or less incline unto the exercises of their virtues , or bruitishnesses : and there is at length also in them , their complacency , and wearisomness , and animosity on the considerations of objects , things so co-united unto sensitive souls , that it is scarce possible to behold two persons , but we are presently addicted to one more than another ; and these things being incorporeal things according to the manner of the receiver , they shall ( for that reason ) in man be more clarified . nevertheless i will not that the image of god be considered in man by reason of any ternary of faculties , which may thereto be found to belong unto other things in the susteme of the world. certainly the dignity of the divine image , is not in any wise participated of by other created things : for trul● 〈…〉 divine image is intimate onely to the soul , and so proper unto it , as is its own essence unto its self : yet any properties of the soul whatsoever , are not the very essence of the mind , but the products and effects of essences : for neither is it a thing beseeming the majesty of the divine image , to be drawn out of qualities : for the properties of other things do co-melt into the essence of the soul by virtue of the divine image : but if they are reckoned as attributes ; that is by reason of the miserable manner of the vulgar understanding ; for truly the mind is one , pure , simple , homogeneal and undivided act , wherein the image of god , doth immediately and essentially subsist ; so that , in that image , even all powers do not onely lay aside the nature of attributes , but also , do collect their supposionalities into an undistinct unity : because the soul is in it self , a certain substantial light , and a substance so clear , that it is not distinctguished by suppositions , from the light it self : and the understanding thereof is so the light of the soul , that the soul it self which is nothing but light , is only meer understanding . in which light of its own self , the soul being separated from the body , seeth and understandeth it self wholly throughout the whole ; neither hath it need of a brain , or heart : in which organs indeed , its substance seemeth onely to assume the race of properties : for in the body , the abstracted intellect it self , being drowned in corporeal organs , and seeing it makes use of the same , it represents and assumes a qualitative faculty , which is called imagination , the which , from the society of the imaginative power of the sensitive soul it self , and splendor of the understanding , degenerated in the organs , doth by a certain combination , arise into a qualitative power : for therefore that faculty is wearied by imagining , and failes , so as that it becomes mad , and the haires wax grey ; but the mind being once separated , is never wearied in understanding . and moreover , in living persons , the imagination is not onely wearied , but also , it hath not of it self , intellective species , but those which it draws from objects : and therefore the faculty of understanding , which in imagining concurreth with the imaginative office of the sensitive soul , followes the disposition of the organ , and will or arbiterment of the sensitive life : like as , regularly in nature , the effect follows the weaker part of its causes . but the soul whatsoever it requireth for knowing , remembring , and willing , whether it be for once or for oftner times , all that , it hath from it self , and not from another : for neither in the soul being abstracted or with-drawn , doth a will arise from the thing understood : yea , neither is there a will in the soul , unto the thing understood ; but it is the goodness of a formal love : the which indeed , is not a proper passion of the soul , not a habit , not an inclination , nor any quality thereof : but a substantial act of goodness , whereby a blessed soul , is substantially , simply , and homogenially good , but not qualitatively : and it hath this prerogative , whereby it is the typical image of the divinity . but bodies , as well those which are believed to be compounded , as those that are meerly simple ones , do slide with a perpetual free accord , into the attributes of forms , they being readily inclined , into the successive changes of a diversity of kindes , and dissolution . therefore , now it is manifest , from whence the state , dignity , condition of the soul , and prerogative of the divine image in living persons , may be over-clouded . but the desire , or love of which i here speak , is not a function of the appetitive power , nor the very qualitative power of desiring it self , but it is a substantial part of the mind , or rather the mind it self , flowing from understanding and will : because those three , are undividably conjoyned by the creator , under unity , in as great a simplicity as may be : yet in live persons , or mortal men , it is separated from understanding and will , in its functions , by reason of the condition of the organ , and nature of the sensitive soul. for truly , now we desire , oftentimes , those things which the understanding judgeth not to be desirable , and which the will could wish were not desired : but it must needs be that things whose operations are different or dis-joyned , that the same things are dis-joyned in their root , according to the manner , whereby all particular things are separated : in the soul indeed , onely by a relative supposionality ; but in the body , according to a corporeal and qualitative nature . and therefore , that substantial desire or love , is an intimate essence of the soul , being consubstantial , and co-equal in age with the same : so that , although , in heaven , there be a full satiety of desirable things , and a perpetual enjoymens thereof , yet that desire in the soul doth not therefore cease , the which is a study or ●●●eavour of complacency : neither doth it therefore infer a passion of the soul , any more than charity it self : because they are conjoyned in their root , as one and the same thing : for an amarous desire ceasing , of necessity , either a fullness or glutting , or an unsensibleness of fruition or enjoyment should presently arise , which in the heavenly wights , would be a shameful thing . that desire therefore of love , is the fewel of an unterminable or endless delight ; under which consideration , the mind resembles the spirit the comforter : for the unutterable creator hath placed man in the liberty of his own desire , that he might live in the spirit after the image of god , in a holy desire , and perfect charity . it is manifest therefore , that operations are distinct from the root of faculties , while we understand those things which we do not desire , but while we desire those things which we do not plainly know , and which we would not desire . in the next place , we will ( as while a man goes willingly to punishment ) those things which we do not desire ; and desire those things which we would not ( as while any one commands his leg to be cut off : ) and likewise the desire doth afterward , some-sometimes overcome the will , or the will doth oft-times compell the desire , and they by turns draw each other under mutual commands ; but wholly in mortals , because the sensitive soul draws the understanding , and the body the sensitive soul into a manifold disorder of division : for so impossible things happen to be desired , and things past are wished for as present : for unlesse that desire were from the root of the mind , he should not sin , who should see a woman to lust after her , before the consent of a full will. therefore very many things are desired , whose causes are not willed ; and many things , whose effects are refused by the will and judgement . the desire also doth operate in one manner , and the will in another . also , in the motion of the day , or in duration , the desire doth oftentimes go before , and sometimes followes the will , and one overcomes the other by course , that it may restrain something that is distinct from it self : and that wholly in mortal bodies . but in eternity , where love , or amorous desire ariseth as the substance of the soul , nothing is desired which is not willed ; and that as well in respect of act , as substance and essence : because by reason of the simplicity of substance , they are collected into unity : although in the root they have diverse suppositions , which plainly exceed the manner ●f understanding in mortal men. in the next place , the kingdom of god in man is unutterable ; that is , god himself , by whose perpetual splendour all things are gathered together into truth . therefore the primary or chief image of god is in his immortal soul ; because the very essence [ whereof ] it self , is also the [ veriest ] image of god , which image can neither be expressed by words , as neither thought by the heart , in this life , because it resembles a certain similitude of god. but in the husk of the mind , or in the sensitive soul , and vital form , there is the same image re-shining , yet received after the manner of an inferior nature , and defiled through transgressions or death , from whence at length , the body also borroweth , not indeed the image of god , but the figure of him . but the soul is devolved into utter darkness , even as it hath separated it self from the uncreated light , and from the virtue of the image , and therefore it hath ( by reason of appropriation ) so lost its native light , as if it were proper unto it , as beseeming it , that thenceforth , it understands , wills , or loves , nothing besides it self , and for it self . for the damned shall rise , not changed ; because their body rising again , shall receive its limitations from their soul : the which , seeing now it is , with all depraved affections , reflexed onely on it self , after a corporeal manner : it shall not in rising again , delineate the image of god ( which is as it were choaked in it ) in the body , but after a corporeal manner : that is , by way of figure . lastly , it being deprived through the flood-gate of death , of the helps of imagination , memory and free-will : it afterwards understands , wills , loves all things from a blind apprehension , as being onely addicted to it self : for it knows its immortality , but feels damnation , and complaines of it , as that injustice is done unto it : because the love of it self is onely to excuse its excuses in sins , as being committed in dayes of ignorance and innocency , with much frailty of nature , lyings in wait of enemies , and want of sufficient grace : as neither that an eternal punishment is deservedly due , for a momentary transgression . for then it begins to be mad , and persists in hating of god ; chiefly , because it knows the unviolable arrest of its loss , and an eternal impossibility of escaping . it being therefore cut off in its hope , passeth even from the very beginning of its entrance , into the utmost desperation , in a place where no piety , compassion , refreshment , or recantation is entertained . it happens also , that seeing the understanding doth naturally transform it self into the idea of the thing understood , and therefore into the similitude of evil spirits its objects : therefore there is alwaies a present hatred of god , despair , cursing , damnation , and the furious torments of hell. the almighty of his goodness , vouchsafe to break the snares that are extended for us in our passage . amen . chap. ciii . the property of external things . the spiritual beginning of life being now finished , before i descend unto corporeal and sensible organs , and other supports of life , i will propose something concerning places . first of all , therefore , it is certain , that the heaven hath received no other law since transgression , because the earth alone hath undertaken all the curse on it self : for from hence i have sufficiently demonstrated elsewhere , that the heaven is free from our sins , neither that it playes the part of a revenger of iniquities : but if some places are subject unto death and certain diseases , that is not to be attributed unto the circulation or whirling of the heavens , & blind influxes of the stars : but it is altogether proper unto the dispositions of the earth : for although eastern provinces may seem the more fruitful , or happy that is not to be attributed to the heaven : seeing that in a circle , every part subjected under the same circle is alike oriental or easterly : otherwise a circle should not want a beginning , end , and extremity of parts : therefore there is an inbred goodness in the soil , and the fertility of the ground is holpen by the continual cherishment of the stars , and a perpetual familiarity of visitation . truly , under the circle of the sun , climates have an ordinary and equal heat ; and so , that as many fruits as by ripening , do ascend unto a degree of perfection , by reason of heat , are there , more happy ; the which otherwise , through want of heat , are not alike perfect : but the heat of the sun hath respect unto fruits , but not to long life , which is of no less length of continuance in cold , mountanous , and northern places , than else where , under the hot or torrid zone . surely the favours of the soyl do not depend on the stars , as neither the prolongations of life . the stars are daily wheeled about , and do daily almost equally affect the climates of the earth , which are under them ; but they do every year receive their winter and summer according to the access and recess of the sun : in the mean time , the tracts of the more adjoyning lands , do far vary from each other . they are therefore the particular gifts of the soyl , but not of the heaven , which therefore keep a stable goodness , as it were provincial to the same tracts of land. in the holy scriptures indeed , the land of promise floweth with milk and honey , being fruitful in wine , corn , pulse , and rich fruits of the tree : and likewise scarce requiring dunging , and the toyles of labour . and then i see other coasts of the world , to owe and pay the tribute of the land of promise : for from both the poles , continual rains do steep the earth that the promised soyl may without the trouble of rains , take unto it self , its due water , and that aegypt may repay the favours of the soyl of heaven , with a double usury of fruits : for seas and rivers , strivingly hasten unto those places with a speedy course : yea , and from beyond the tropick of capricorne , nilus brings down his melted snows through aegypt , unto the mediterranean sea , as it were a yearly tribute of nature , that may water the more fruitful countries , if not with rain , at leastwise with dew , and the blackish cloudy waters of nile , and that the vapours being lifted up from the sea , throughout the soyl , it may most plentifully repay a plentiful dew round about : and so that the whole world seemeth readily to serve those more fruitful regions . under the aequinoctial line , it rains many times every day , because the tributary waters do not reach thither : but they are supped up in the countries , which god in times past , appointed unto his own people , but now unto barbarians , by reason of transgressions , fore-monished of by the prophets . he therefore blessed the land of promise for the people of israel , from the beginning , but for reasons foreknown to himself , from eternity , and the which , he fixed stable into nature : yea , he not onely appointed the tribute of the whole world unto these lands , but unto most of them he added reasons , idea's , seeds , and gifts ; whereof the more intemperate climate are destitute : nor all that , for any other ends , than because it so well pleased him , for his hidden judgements . but these things do not make for the consideration of long life ; for in is-land , men are found to be of a longer continuance of life , than in palestina , phaenicia , aegypt , &c. oftentimes also , in mountainous , and rough hills , older men are met withal , than in a pleasant champion : to wit , that we may know , that the prince of life hath granted a long continuance of life , unto so miserable places , and to a singular tract of land , which he hath denied unto whatsoever the most pleasant , and wealthy countries . nature therefore is subject unto the soyl , even for a stability of life : for we measure a diseasie and short life from endemicks : doth happily an endemical being breath out of the lands wherein life is prolonged ? no surely : and it is sufficient , that a place doth want malignity , that a continuance of life may be attained , so far as is from the nature of the place . lastly , fountains are either without savour , or mineral , they not being those which may have , positively , a long continuance of life ; but as being those which unsensibly mow down the daily superfluities or growths of oily dregs , and in this respect , life is not untimely taken away , by and by : neither also , doth much , and a sweet temperature of air prevail hereunto : for truly , in the rough hills of the forrest of arden , of scotland , and spain , in our champion , a longer life doth , for the most part occur , than in aquitane . for hieres is a valley nigh apulia , environed with mountaines , being fruitful in the sweetest fruits , where the most sweet station of the spring , is almost continued : yet having inhabitants of a shorter life , being deformed with a pale countenance , so that it hath crept into a proverb of those that were sick , and recovering ; thou seemest to us , to be a stranger come from hieres . for the pleasantnesse of fruits takes up the suspition of a mineral endemick . also , not onely mountainous colds do extend the life ; but old age is frequent among the aethiopians . let therefore , those places be fit for long life , which being not polluted by any endemicks , have moreover , not unwholsome waters , nor the which are infamous for a stormy wind. chap. civ . the radical moisture . the schooles with one voice , promote the radical moysture of life : for they declame , that from it , and in it we live ; and that , that onely being consumed , we die . for they , who together with aristotle , attribute all things to heat , as to an active principle , do not say , that the radical moisture is the beginning , as neither the inn of life ; unless they derive the primateship on heat in the moisture : but the moisture hath more pleased others : from whence , they being sore afraid , through the sloath of a diligent search , least they should erre , they will have our life to depend on , and be prolonged , as well by moisture as by heat , without distinction : and so they denominate it , not indeed heat , but composedly , radical heat , or the first-born moisture : that indeed , the first-born or original moisture in us , and the radical heat , may be for synonymals . but moreover , all do with one consent presage , that our vital heat would never fail us , if there might always be enough and to spare , of that moisture and fodder : which moisture , because they believe to be hereafter wasted by a necessary action of heat , they finish the hope and treatise of long life , by a denial . but alas ! with what pernicious blindness hath the schoole of medicine , through thinking stumbled in all things ! it had also seen the flame of a lamp to be nourished with oyl , and that through defect hereof , that also failed , but that it was continued by the pouring on of oyl : wherefore a plausible invention smiled on them , and therefore they drew that invention into the history of life : especially because , they by sense took notice , that heat was no less in the four-footed beast , and bird , than in a man : so greatly , with the patronage of aristotle , have they confounded heat under the etymology of life . and then , they presently drew out of heat , the token of true and presential fire ; yet the question remained under controversie . the aristotelicks indeed , attribute this fire unto the element of the stars , and contratrarily distinguish the sublunary element of fire , in its species : but others attribute it unto the element of sublunary fire : and have about this , and the other , their own arguments of brawlings . in the mean time , the schoole hath been wholly dumb , about mute and cold fishes , and although it confessed , that fishes do live , are moved , and nourished no more unprosperously , than four-footed beasts ; yea , although it knew that they are enriched with a far more fruitful race of off-springs ; in the next place , that they live a more healthy life , and notwithstanding , that fires and heats are wanting under the sea ( especially the frozen sea ) wherein in the mean time there was the greatest and most populous common-wealth ; neverthelesse it would not forsake the embers of the vital spark drawn in from its tender years , although it took notice that it was deluded through a patronage of truth . wherefore the miserable schooles flee unto decrees or authorities : therefore they would have man , birds , and also four-footed beasts , to be indeed in a trine number , and that the fish might be involved as a fourth , and consocial thereunto , and be constrained under their large doctrine : that they might determine of an equal right concerning the fish , as absent , in the participation of radical heat . but because the soul comes as a servant unto established pleasures , and doth also administer reason even for a non-being , at pleasure they have devised a privy shift ; and determine , to wit , that hot living creatures are actually hot , with a palpable fire ; but that fishes are onely potentially hot . as if therefore fishes , should onely potentially live , if the effect doth not badly square with its granted causes . the schooles i say , do feign heat to be the total cause of an actual life , to wit , they substitute an equivocal or doubtful quality , like unto heat ; but an irregular , unnamed one , because an unknown , feigned , and dissembled one , to be received under the name of potential heat : for the schools by imagining , have abhorred to enter into the depth of the sea : wherefore the speculation of fishes being left as barren ( because it was resisted by a plausible devise ) they have well pleased themselves ( as it were wandring in a dream ) in hot animals , with the application of lamps and life : shall the radical moisture , thus , be no longer with aristotle , spermatick , froathy , and muscilaginous , but now to let it be oylie , fat , and combustible ? shall thus therefore a fat belly , which through much grease , shall afford fewel for the radical moisture , be only of necessity , long-lived ? a capuchin in our country , was cold for almost an whole year , at least-wise in both his legs and arms : because he shall loose less of his moisture , he shall of necessity retain his oyl the longer in his lamp. but at least-wise , here a certain wan stupidity of the schools , elsewhere by me demonstrated , is adjoyned : to wit , that the action of heat ( especially , if it shall not be kindled by a lively flame ) doth indeed dry up all moistures into a sandy-stone and coal ; but never consumeth them without the remainder of a residence , even as is easie to be seen in us ; so that it is even a wonder , that they have not hitherto observed , that consuming is not made in us , by heat alone . but at least-wise , there should be need of a torch in the heart ( which thing also the schools have not yet considered ) least otherwise , the feigned and vapo rous fatness of the moisture ( because it is that which in the heart , should be wholly spiritual ) like aqua vitae , should in a small moment , and great breviary , burn up all at once , and cease to be : for else , without a torch ( neglected by the schools ) the feigned history of life , shall badly square unto fires built from the first-born liquor , which are on every side kindled at once . however they shall say , at least , from one absurdity drawn out of the latex or liquor of life , there are many anguishes . but let us freely feign , that this idle devise of the schools might stand : to wit , that the life is a certain fire wasting the radical moisture , because it is fat , and doth thereby live , and that lean persons alone , are of a shorter life . but from whence is that moisture in us ? is it not from the nourishment materially , and from the vital archeus efficiently ? certainly our lamp shall never be extinguished , if the power of burning or blazing heat ( as they will have it ) be for the making of oyl out of the bread and drink , and if nothing of a residence remaineth from the fatness in the torch , which may stop up and stifle that torch : to wit , even as nothing at length , remains from the blood in persons of ripe years , which may have it self in manner of a superfluous coal . and indeed , in a feast , hath it not its abundance of nourishments ? and heat the workman of that fat moisture , resulting within from thence ? seeing that light proceeds from light , and an uncombustible fire from fire , with no difficulty ? why therefore doth the man die ? for i find from the positions of the schools , a perpetual motion in the theory , but not in the practick : therefore fraud and deceit do subsist in their positions ; or at least-wise a shameful rashness . but they will say , that after growth , nothing is any longer applyed from the radical moisture , unto the solid parts : therefore it must needs be , that the true radical moisture , seeing it doth now no longer co-here to the root ; therefore also the sound parts do by degrees wax dry ; and so that the fodder of the heat failing , the same heat dyeth . but first of all , from hence is drawn , that the death of old age doth not happen , but by reason of the dryness of the similar parts : when as a stag of one year old , is dryer than a man of eighty year old , and yet he easily extends his life , unto one or two ages . in the next , if the moisture ceaseth to be radical , because it reacheth not the end , or application unto the root ; that indeed is to the moisture by accident , and therefore it doth not change the essence thereof : for neither doth the heat of the fire cease to be propagated in the neighboriag wood , although the burning wood shall not receive a fewel of fatness from without . neither in the next place , doth the aforesaid excuse subsist : for truly , for every event , the solid parts shall have themselves in manner of a lamp or torch , which is sufficiently able to burn , in what part oyl is supplyed unto it , and so that oyl being supplied from without , the fire should be able to live for ever : for they teach , that the heat of the solid parts is from the element of fire , the which they think to be for the mixture of bodies , and to be enflamed in the fatness of the radical moisture or humour . first of all , that moisture is spermatick and muscilaginous , but not oylie . and then , if the fire passeth out of the solid parts , unto the moisture which it enflameth ; it shall be sufficient for the moisture to be consumed , and alwayes to be applyed from without , nor to be incorporated in the root throughout the whole : because if it pass out of the solid parts , unto the unsolid parts applyed unto it , during the whole life time , it shall alwayes be able to pass thorow the un-solid parts : applyed unto it : neither doth that excuse availe , that it ceaseth to be radical , while it is no longer united unto the innermost root : because then , prefently after growth , the vital vigour should be extinguished , because the moisture doth not then any longer receive a union with the solid or sound parts . but why do i stay any longer in refuting of absurdities ? it hath been so sufficiently and over-shewn , that the fire is not an element , that the mixture of the same , for the subsistence of all bodies whatsoever , is false ; because those of mixt bodies are meer and antient fables . the fire therefore , if there were any in us , should be primarily in the vital spirit , for the which , enough moisture doth alwayes supply it self out of the venal blood. wherefore indeed , i grieve that they have hitherto so sloathfully stumbled in the subject of life , and doctrine of integrity or health : for i , after the time of my youth , conjectured that there was an errour altogether shamefully committed , and omitted , in the consideration of defects and diseases : because none truly knows that which is crooked , who hath not first known that which is right . this therefore is the feigned doctrine of the schools , concerning life , which they endeavour to establish by the supposed authority of a little book ( feigned on hippocrates ) concerning humane nature : which saith , that we on the first day of our birth are most hot ; and likewise at length , on the last day , most cold : as if there should be a different condition of our heat , from that of any other things ! for whatsoever things do arise from elsewhere , do presently after assume an increase , and that without ceasing , and at length decline and fail . wherefore if according to the mind of the old-man , heat should most greatly abound on the first day ; yet neither is the life tied up to heat : for truly i have demonstrated , that heat is rather an effect of life in hot living creatures , than the life it self , or the cause of lise ; and therefore fishes can most safely want heat , and now for that very cause , it commits an errour in arguing of , not the cause , as for the cause . truly , i am alwayes wont to behold , search into , believe , and measure heat as heat , and as a quality , neither also to implore any other witnesses or judges , besides the sense of touching , and an instrument of glasse , which i have afore taught , for the searching out of degrees and moments of heat in the encompassing air : in which sense , i have found a man of thirty years of age , to be hotter than any child , however in the mean time they may doat about the diverse particular kinds of heat : for let them dispute of qualities known by sense , as of fables , and under potential considerations ; but i have accustomed my self to divide , open , look into , and esteem of things even as they are in themselves . but moreover paracelsus being ignorant of the radical moisture of the schools , doth now and then confound that with the mummy of our body ; but elsewhere he reputes it to be as it were the inward shadow of our body , from whence he would have shadowie flames to shine round about us ; to wit , that the radical moisture is the image of the man , extended throughout the whole man , and deferring or prolonging his life . in another place also , he judgeth the radical moisture to be the mercury , or one of his three beginnings ( not divideable in living persons ) which is equally participated of throughout the whole : for the life being extinguished by the plague ( for death takes away the mummial goodness ) the mummy indeed hath very cunningly failed or forsaken the same moisture in the body . at length , although the schools confess , that younger people are oft-times extinguished ; the radical moisture being not yet consumed , as neither through penury of heat ; and in this respect , they are not very careful for their ; own position , whereby they may equally measure the life by heat , and radical moisture ; yet they remain in the bounds of their ancestours , by reason of a custom of assenting ; a sloath of diligent . searching ; and despair of learning : for indeed they have been ignorant of lightsome lights of : life , but that they are indifferent , by reason of the distinction of the two greater lights ; for that they may be hot , like as also cold : that is , they have not learned that forms and : lives are synonymals : but i have alwayes greatly pitied the confused tradition of this moisture , which is of so great moment ( although in the moisture of the root , they confess both the hinges of medicine to be rouled ) : i bestowed much iabout in my younger years , by the resolutions of bodies , that i might find some certain messenger of the radical moisture . and at length , through the favour of god , i was at last more assured , that not any of those things were in nature , which with a lofty brow , are promised by the schooles in this respect . i acknowledge indeed , that there is a seminal original moisture , which is the constitutive moisture of us ; but altogether of the same species , property , and identity , with that whereby we grow , and are afterwards uncessantly nourished : and so that the bones , bowels , nerves , tendons of children , do consist of an un-different , and do increase from a like moisture , whereby young folks , their increase being now finished , are nourished : according to the maxime of the schools ; we are nourished by the same thing whereof we consist : but we consist of original or first-born moisture , therefore we are also nourished by it . yet i have discerned , that the nourishable moisture , as long as it is homogeneally admitted for increase , within the root of the mixture , is wholly the same with that which is radical : but if afterwards by accident , it be no longer admitted into an unseperable fellowship , because growth ceaseth ; yet that this doth not in the least change , vitiate , alter , or alienate the nature of the former moisture : because that abundance of it is in every part eminently cast forth by dreams , it being of the same kind , with the original , and radical moisture ; which two names are distinguished only in this , that of the original moisture , the young is formed : but the radical moisture is that same , and moreover , that from whence we grow and are nourished : for as long as we are increased , there is made not only a solid application of the moisture , but a solid application and assimilation of that which is applied ( for that thing happens daylie under every nourishment ) but moreover , there is made a radical union of the thing nourished , with the nourishment , which is presently afterwards sealed by the spirit of life , and vitally illustrated by the form : therefore the sealing contains a character , which fixeth and confirmeth that moisture into the homogeneal substance of the similar part , to wit , from whose archeus the nourishment it self is converted and assimilated ; and so that by transchanging , it departs into the family of the part containing , which before was only contained ; under which flux , a true information of the soul happens . from its lot only there , and happy success , the radical moisture is distinguished from the dew of the secondary humours , but not in nature : to wit , because the dew being as it were a new and young humour , is consumed as to a great part of it , in time of growth , and as to its whole after-growth , neither is it ever united into the root of mixture , that it may be made a partaker of the aforesaid sealing , and attain the dignity of a part containing . for example ; calx-vive , or quick-lime , when it is quenched or appeased , becomes a pluss , which most intimately couples the water to the calx : but if more water than is meet be poured on it , the same water abounding , is straightway rejected , and swims a top . in the mean time notwithstanding , in fulness of time , that calx is dried and stonifies even under the middle of the waters ; but that hardness being once attained , although it be afterwards most exactly beaten into the most fine powder or dust , yet for the future , it keeps the shape of a powder , and despiseth the intimate wedlocks of water , it assumeth not the disposition of the former pulss , neither is the water thenceforth , radically co-mixed with it . notwithstanding the moisture of the water it self , is individually the same , whether it be secluded from the co-mixture of the calx , or be admitted unto it : and that , because it is contingently contingent to the water , by accident , not so much through defect of the water , as of the calx or root . but yet , the aforesaid pulss of the lime is plainly more slowly dryed , than the powder of the moisture is from without , on every side watered with the waters . i therefore considered , that however the schools do resound many things concerning the radical moisture ; yet that the nourishable humour doth not any way differ from the radical humour it self , as long as it pulsifies , and is solidated within the root of mixture , being conjoyned unto the first constituting parts by a radical union : because that both the liquors are the same in matter , virtue , substance , purity , formal identity , and participation of life , the which , when our solid parts do no longer pulsifie and admit of , they at least-wise for the future , hinder an intimate connexion of the root , so much as they can , and fore-slow the dryness of the solid containing parts , by reason of their continual bedewing : for when that pulss of the sound parts hath obtained a just solidity ; to wit , because the power of increasing , defluxing from the brain , is exhausted ; then the moisture is only made nourishable , which before was made radical : for however old age cause dryness ; yet death is not from a more dry habit or state of body : for truly , we may rather conjecture dryness to be from a defect of the vital powers , than the aforesaid defect from dryness : for the moisture of the solid parts , however in an atrophia , and diseases of long continuance , it be equally , and throughout the whole entire body consumed ; yet it is easily restored by a due nourishment , and the more bountifully by taking the milkie element of pearls : so also the ulcers of the lungs are solidated or made whole by the sweet corollate of mercurius diaphoreticus ; to wit , by virtue whereof , the epitaph of paracelsus publisheth , that the tabes was often restored : for i remembered , that i in the great heat of ( the th month called ) july , bored the head of a toad with a sharpe stick or staffe , and that i fastened the staffe at the other end , into the ground , that the toad being hung up , might be dryed . but it happened , that full four dayes after , i returned to the same place , found the toad alive , contracting his thighs , as if he had been there only the day before ; because the hole was not with a straight line , in the middle of his head , but inclined a little the more unto the left side : wherefore i drave the staffe into the middle of his head , and returning about the evening , i found the toad not only dead , but to have been wholly dryed up . from whence i the more firmly perswaded my self , that a defect or failing of the vital powers , was not from the dryness of the solid parts ; but rather that dryness was , and did increase in us , according to the proportion of a piece-meale extinguishment of the vital powers . let therefore the radical ignorance of the schools depart , whereby , by an unrepaitable penury ( as they will have it ) of the radical moisture , they cover their fault under the ground of the place of burial : for the diminishment of the gifts and vital powers alone , sealed in the family administration of the implanted spirit , bringeth on old age , as also the extinguishment of death , intestine calamities : which is to say ; my spirit shall be diminished , and my dayes shall be shortned . therefore let the consideration of the radical moysture for the study of long life , depart . for truly hippocrates cals natures themselves or , the vital powers , the physitianesses of diseases ; and the which therefore languishing , dayly miseries of infirmities wax strong , and these departing , do proclaim with lofty shoulders , a despaire of life , as oft as the faculties or powers fail , whether in the mean time plenty of radical moisture , or a scantiuess of the same be present : for they cease not to extend a crow and a stage , which are dryer than any toothless old-man , unto some ages , and to be incumbent on the laboursome gain of reverence : for because dryness begins from , the bones , quick-sighted and provident nature , comes to meet or prevent this same dryness , with a more large nourishment of marrow , and she would have it to be fat , and less discussable , or dispersable by heates , that it may vindicate the old age of the bones from dryness , by its unctuous moisture : for therefore there is a greater plenty or marrow in four-footed beasts that are aged , than in the little young ones , because there is a greater necessity thereof . i therefore do no longer highly esteem of the irrepairable radical moisture , for the foundation of life , as neither being astonished at dryness , in as much as it is such , neither also am i wont to measure out the life , according to the pleasure of the first qualities : because i knew that the life did not wax dry , as neither was it to be drawn from the bosom of the elements , after that i beheld the interchangeable courses of a long and short life , to be in the center of life . chap. cv . the vital air. the schools have not performed enough , in teaching that nourishments are transchanged first into chyle , and then from hence into the digested juice of venal blood , and so that in the liver , a natural spirit is made , which by a repeated digestion in the heart , is formed into vital spirit , and at length , that in the brain it is made animal ; so as that the natural spirit should be fit for using the parts , but the vital for quickning and conserving the same , as also lastly , that the animal spirit should be appointed for the functions of sense , motion , and of the mind . but moreover , in my judgment , it had behoved them more largely to discover the thingliness and history of the deed , in so long a race of studies , and repetition of writers . indeed they know that there is a certain spirit , that maker of the assault , according to hippocrates , which holds the stern of life in its hand : it was to be sought for and pronounced in what organs or instruments that spirit should be made , or what it should act , and also they ought to have explained , every disposition , the substance thereof , and the properties of its substance , and also the manner of its making . i therefore will declare , what i may meet with in this respect . that therefore we may be led into the knowledge of the vital spirit , the blas of man should first of all be repeated in this place : but least i be tedious , i will here omit it , and refer the reader elsewhere , unto the volume of the rise of medicine . i have elsewhere also , delivered a mean or manner , whereby through instilled ferments , an aqua vitae may be made of every plant and fruit whatsoever : which manner the vulgar sort hath known , and doth exercise , while it frameth an aqua vitae or liquor of life out of grains , fruits , ale or beer , hydromel or honied water no less than out of juice of the vine . but an aqua vitae is a volatile liquor , oylie indeed ( as it is wholly enflamed ) and likewise wholly salt , for as much as being an air , it biteth , yea and being but a little while detained in the mouth , it burns and embladders the upper skin of the gums . i in this place , taking notice by the way , that two beginnings of chymistry are one only and an undivideable simple thing . i have shewn also elsewhere , after what manner one pound of aqua vitae being combibed in the dryed salt of tartar scarce half an ounce of salt can be made , but that the whole body may be made an elementary water , as it was before : and so that from hence it is easie to be seen , that water is by nature a more formerly and simple body that the chymical beginnings themselves . while as the water , which at first was not in act , in the most expurging or refined aqua vitae , is nevertheless , by its reducement , thereby made its first element of water : the which handicraft operation , moreover , by transferring unto the speculation of life , i find that the wine in its winy parts , containeth the aqua vitae the water of life ; and therefore that is easily , quickly , and without the digested maturities of the liver , and gaul , snatched through the arteries of the stomack , unto the heart , or to be called unto it immediately , for the supply , and defect of the vital spirit ; and in this respect to delude the opinion of the schools , which presupposeth that the spirit of the liver ought to precede : for if there be more of the spirit of wine in the stomack , than is meet , drunkenness follows , to wit , as the spirit of wine is more largely attracted , than can in a fit interval be changed into vital spirit : which thing surely proveth first of all , a changing of , and also the operations of a digestion and ferment . in the next place , that also is remarkable ; to wit , that there is a certain more mild spirit in the wine , a partaker of another and more noble quality , than that spirit which is immediately drawn out by distillation , and is called refined or expurged aqua vitae : the which is easily beheld by the sight , in the simple oyl of olives : because oyl being distilled without the additaments of bricks or tiles , and the which therefore , is called oleum philosophorum , differs much from its oyliness , which is extracted , the simple oyl being first reduced into unlike parts , only by the digestion , and application of the circulated salt of paracelsus : for truly the circulated salt is separated the same in weight , and antient qualities from the oyl , after that the oyl of olives is disposed into its diverse kinds of parts : for then by this means , a sweet oyl is separated from the oyl of olives , even as also a most sweet spirit of wine from the wine , and that far distinct from the tartness of aqua vitae . but in us , although the meat together with the drink do after some sort putrifie ( for that purefaction is a manner and mean of transchanging a thing into a thing ) yet in our digestions , the spirit of aqua vitae is not , by such a putrefaction , and action of the ferment of the spleen , drawn out of potherbs , pulses , bread-corns , or apples : for truly it is not the intention of our nature , to procreate an aqua vitae for it self ; but there is a far different ferment in us , whereby things are resolved into chyle ; and a far different one , whereby things do putrifie , and are separated into an aqua vitae : for this ferment is introduced by many mediums ; but that is not attained but by a specifical fermental property of any species : for while herbs , through a long steeping in water , are made to putrifie by their ferment or vicar , for the extracting of an aqua vitae , the stalke branches , and entire leaves remaine in their figure and hardness ; the which notwithstanding being chewed , swallowed and well concocted within , do in a few hours depart into chyle , and loose the first nature of herbs . wherefore i have also elsewhere pressed , to wit , that there are as many specifical digestive ferments , as many varieties of putrefactions , and as many dungs of one bread , as there are particular kindes of animals nourished by bread : yea , and moreover , there are more ferments for the corruption of bread ; because also , bread doth putrifie after many manners , as well of its own accord , as through the odour of places , and impressions of agents : and that which is said of bread , the same thing may be understood of other foods . the schooles taking notice also , that nothings will profit us , but that which in its root containeth the flourish of life , therefore also they would , that the spirit of the liver being actually natural , should glisten in the venal blood like an air : and they have thought it to be a vapour , and therefore also , they have confounded it with an exhalation : not knowing that a vapour is water ; but that it is not a gas , a wild spirit , an uncoagulable air and skie : therefore they have thought , that a vapour exhaling out of the out-chased venal blood ( even as elsewhere , it breaths out of any lukewarm liquors , was that spirit of the venal blood , from whence the vital spirit should afterwards be materially framed : of which i have elsewhere profesly spoken . for indeed , whatsoever defcendeth into an healthy stomack , if it be concocted by the ferment of the spleen , it waxeth sharp through the fermental and specifical sharpness of our species : and superfluities being first sequestred from thence , it is at length turned into venal blood : which blood after the bound of its digestion , is transferred into the heart , and is made arterial blood , which in the holy scriptures , is called a ruddy or red spirit , wherein the soul inhabiteth : for it is made fit to pass over into vital spirit , and the remainder thereof to undergo the last digestion of the solid parts ; and at length , without that its residence , to exhale into the air : therefore also for that very cause , it ought to be volatile , and to have assumed the disposition of a spirit in the heart . furthermore , that sharpness of the stomack , by virtue of the ferment of the gaul , is converted into a salt , even as elsewhere concerning digestions : and the actual saltness is separated with the urin , and sweats , because it became excrementitious . but the mass of the venal blood it self , seeing it cannot pass over into spirit , but by the vital ferment of the heart ; i say there is made a substantial derivation or translation of the venal blood into arterial blood , and of the arterial blood into spirit , wholly throughout the whole , without any residence and separation of heterogeneal parts ; because the excrements are first withdrawn from thence , and the substance of the heart is restless , being continually busied about this office of transmutation , that it may uncessantly effect arterial blood out of the venal blood , and of this vital spirit : so that a certain natural spirit , doth not fore-exist in the venal blood , from whence as it were of the matter [ whereof ] vital spirit may be made : but the whole venal blood it self , if there shall be need , is made arterial blood , and from thence , ●ital spirit . therefore the making of venal blood in the liver , and the making of arterial blood in the heart do differ : for one is a true transmutation of the chyle into venal blood , and the generating of a new being . but the other is an extenuating of the venal blood , into a volatile arterial blood , and into a vital air : for venal blood is made with a thickning of it self , and with a separation of the liquid excrement , or urin. but the vital spirit is made with a melting of that which is thickned , and an aiery extenuation thereof , to wit , whereunto the arterial blood affords a degree or mean. i confess indeed , that the spirit of wine is snatched as a spirit , into the arteries , as a certain simple symbolizing , and previously disposed thing , that it may easily passover into vital spirit : but the schooles do from hence conclude nothing for their spirit of the liver . therefore let the venal blood be the spirit of the liver it self coagulated , and the fore-existing matter of the vital spirits : which spirit indeed hath the nature , together with the power of a body , that it may be spiritualized . therefore , even as from the ferment of the heart , the venal blood is made arterial blood , and a volatile spirit : so in the arteries , as it were in the stomack of the heart , and the ferment of the heart being drawn , the arterial blood it self passeth over into the common-wealth of spirits . yea the secondary humours also , or the immediate nourishments of the solid parts , are by degrees made volatile , least they should leave a remaining residence behind them ; but they make an egress with a total transpitation of themselves . the heart therefore by its ferment , frameth arterial blood out of venal blood , the which by the same endeavour , it so fits and extenuates , that moreover , so much of vital spirits is made out of the arterial blood , in the arteries , as it were in its stomack , as the grosness , and resisting substance of the arterial blood , in so small a space , wherein it is agitated or wrought in the arteries , permits to be made : and there is well nigh a single action , while the venal blood passeth over into arterial blood , and the arterial blood into spirit : because they differ not in their shops , and likewise in the degrees of digestion , extenuation , and subtilizing : for as much of arterial blood is bred of venal blood , and as much of vital spirits is made out of the arterial blood , by the same fe●ment of the heart , as is needful for every one of them , and the faculties of concocting are able to make . neither is it sufficient also , to have known that the venal blood doth ascend into arterial blood ; but that the arterial blood passeth over , partly into vital spirit , and partly departeth into the nourishment of the solid parts : also that at length of vital spirit , it is made animal , and the which receiveth an ultimated or utmost determination in its nerves : so indeed , that it is made visive or visible spirit in the optick nerves or sinews of sight , but being exorbitant from thence , and being derived into the tongue , it should be plainly unprofitable for tasting ; even as also the aanimal spirits , the authors of touching , are unfit for motion , and those of this , for them . but moreover , it behoves us to have known the marrow of the vital spirit : for indeed , of the sharpe chyle , partly venal blood , and partly a urin and sweat is made : but that excrementous saltness of the urin , is a volatile and salt spirit , the which being co-fermented with earth , at length a salta-peter is formed ; wherefore that salt spirit is excrementous . the venal blood indeed by distillation , shews unto us also a saltish spirit , plainly volatile , not any thing distinguishable in smell , as neither in tast , from the spirit of the urin : yet essentially different in this , that the spirit of the salt of venal blood cureth the falling-sickness , but the spirit of the salt of urin not so . from hence at leastwise it is manifest , that there is a salt , and volatile spirit in the venal blood. but after what manner the whole venal blood may be homogeneally transchanged by the ferment of the heart , cannot be explained by words : because natures themselves are not demonstrable from a former cause : for the operations of ferments for the transmutation of things , are essential ; but not the accidentary propagations of accidents , for the causing of dipositions only . the vital spirit therefore is plainly salt ; therefore balsamical , and a preserver from corruption : that although the aqua vitae doth easily pass into vital spirit ; yet this spirit is not oylie , or combustile , like the aqua vitae ; but the spirit of wine , only through a touching of the ferment , is easily , wholly changed into a salt spirit , and forthwith looseth its inflamable disposition : even as i have taught in the book of the stone in man , after what manner aqua vitae may by the spirit of urin , be in one only instant coagulated into a subtile gobbet or lump : the which concerning the volatile salt of the arterial blood , may through the effective ferment of the heart , be much more evidently proved . wherefore , they who for some good while , do undergo the beating of the heart , although they shall then drink abundantly , and that , much of the more pure wine , yet they are not easily made drunk : because that by reason of an urgent necessity , the spirit of the wine is most speedily attracted into the heart , and arteries , which are scanty in spirits , and is suddenly formed into vital spirit . it restoreth i say , the strength or faculties ; neither yet doth it then make drunk ; because it is no longer a stranger ; but being drawn into the heart , it easily becomes domestical , and then is on every side dispensed through the arteries : for it doth not argue to the contrary , that the spirit of salt-peter is sharp , and that therefore the vital spirit ought to be sharp : for neither was the spirit from whence salt-peter was made in the earth , then sharp : and therefore the vital spirit is salt , and nearer to the spirit of urin , than of salt-peter , the which by reason of adustion , and extraction , is alwayes a new creature of its composed body . that foundation therefore , which is laid by the ferment of the gaul , in volatilizing and making salt ; this afterwards is perfected in the shop of the heart : for the foregoing digestions , are as so many dispositions unto vital functions , and necessities : for a member being once stupified , if sense or feeling shall return , that surely is made with sensible spurs and prickings , which are the tokens of true saltness . but that the whole venal blood is a meer salt , may not from elsewhere be more clearly deducted ; than that because in the dropsy , ascites , and in ulcers , it is homogeneally through a most easie degeneration , changed into a salt liquor . but a salt , sharp quality , and subtile matter was suitable to the vital spirit , if it ought to be sufficient for preserving of the members . the redness also of the venal blood , assumeth a yellowness , while it is made arterial blood , because that which is red through the tartness of salt , waxeth yellow in its dissolving : neither yet hath the arterial blood lost all its redness , for truly a part thereof , ought to remain for the nourishment of the solid members . it is a dead or invalid thing , whatsoever i have hitherto said , that the spirit of life is a salt , sharp vapour , and made of the arterial blood , by the vital members their own ferments . i will therefore speak of the life of the spirit : for seeing it ought to do its duty with the offices of life , it was not required that it should be in the shew of a salt liquor , or arterial blood , or that it should befool us under the likeness of a salt exhalation ; but because it ought primarily to live , and receive the life , it was meet for it to be enlightned : not indeed with a burning , enflaming , or fiery light ; but with a simple vital light , of the nature of soulified formes , of the sensitive life and soul ; and that indeed of a humane species : for , for the understanding thereof , suppose thou , that worm● named glow-wormes , have by night , a light in their belly , which not only shines like the eyes of a cat , but also pouers forth a thin light round about ; that light is extinguished with the life of the glow-worme . a like light suppose thou to be , which enlightneth the vital spirit ; as long as it liveth it shineth , and is propagated into spirit newly made , being duly elabourated : and by how much the more impure , and the less elabourated it shall be , by so much shall that light be the darker : but that light is extinguished in us , the matter of the spirit remaining , in the plague , poysons , &c. even as by swooning and beating of the heart , the light is extinguished , and the spirit vanisheth away . in time of death also , the membrane of the eye is destitute of a manifest light , plainly to be seen ; yet the essence of that light in glow-worms , is not so alike to that which is in us , to wit , as they differ from us only in degree : but there are as many species of these lights , as there are of vital creatures : that is unto us a token of divine bounty , that there are so many species and vital differences of lights , which by us are comprehended under one only notion ; because that those lights , are the very lives and forms themselves of vital creatures : so that the thrice most glorious father of lights doth recreate himself in the abundance of the kinds of lights , with no less a lavishment , than as in one only humane countenance , he hath fashioned almost as many varieties as men : because there is in his power a certain common-wealth of vital lights , and band of innumerable citizens ; a certain similitude whereof he expresseth in vital soulified creatures , by a life , a form , that is , by a vital light. the vital spirit therefore , is arterial blood resolved by the force of the ferment and motion of the heart , into a salt air being vitally enlightned ; which light in us , is hot , but in the fish it is so actually cold , that it is never able to aspire unto a power of heat , as long as it liveth and subsisteth : our heat therefore is not a consumer of the original moisture ; as neither therefore , through want of heat do fishes hitherto escape death , although their moisture be not lifted up into an exhalation ; and least of all , in the frozen sea : for neither shall the capuchin our country-man , who is cold for the greatest part of the year , from his feet , even unto his belly , nor feeling himself to have feet , therefore not undergo a dayly transpiration of the nourishable moisture , or doth he refuse the refreshment of nourishments , or is the capuchin changed in those parts into a fish ; the which otherwise , should be necessary for him to be , if heat should be the primary foundation of life , but not an adjacent and concomitant thereof . god forbid , that we should not know , that there is one consumption of the moisture by heat ; but another which is promoted by an extenuating ferment : for truly , this leaveth behind it no lee or dreg , or any remainder ; but that leaves a sandy stone , or coal : and therefore the former tends unto a thickning , but the latter unto an extenuating . but if a great heat doth sometimes arise in us , which scorcheth the members with the fire-coal or burning fever , and persian-fire , and doth gangreen them , move an eschar , and sometimes gnaw the flesh like a dormouse ; for so are the works of corrosive salts , the acts of the degenerations of out-laws , banished from the vital common-wealth : truly that is even as by laxative medicines , the whole venal blood is resolved into putrifaction ; for they are errours to be ascribed unto the violences of strange kinds of seeds , under which the vital light doth degenerate , no otherwise than as the pressing together of hay stirs up fire . moreover the vital spirit climbe into the head , through the principal arteries : but there is one only bosom in the very middle of the brain , which being beheld from above , seemeth to be double ; but its arch or vault being lifted upwards , it sheweth a unity . but in this bosom , an artery endeth into a wrinckled vessel , and that of another weaving , than the other compaction of arteries . hereby therefore , vital spirit flows forth into the bosom of the brain , for the service of the imagination , memory , and the spiritual faculties their chamber-maids ; all which are likewise founded in the implanted spirit , an inhabitant of the brain . but if the inflowing spirit proceedeth from hence , into the mouths of the sinews , beginning from the brain , or the cerebellum ; it attaineth properties fit for the functions of the parts there ordained . i have said elsewhere , that this spirit doth not essentially differ from the vital spirit ; but that in the latitude of its essence , it is capable of very many properties , according to the latitude of idea's imprinted on it : for that which defluxeth to the tongue , causeth tasting , the which notwithstanding in the finger , doth not taste ; because it puts on a particular limitation of the organ , without the transchanging of its nature , least there should be as many sub-divisions of the animal spirit , as there are services divided by pluralities of offices . in the mean time , call the thing as it listeth thee . chap. cvi. the manifold life in man. i have shewn elsewhere , that there is in the womb a monarch-ship , and therefore also a singular life : to wit , whereby after the death of a woman , it as yet casts forth the young. i have also seen a woman , which was never taken with the falling-evil , but when the pain of travel was urgent ; neither also did it cease , but after delivery . i have shewn also , that there doth live a certain piece of flesh of a spleen-like form , grown up indeed between the secundines , and hollow places of the womb ; and that its life is proper to it self , so as that it lives not by the life of the mother , or young , but by a certain promiscuous life , not indeed by a sensitive life , although it flourisheth with a certain vital power ; but not through favour of a certain herby or vegetative soul. at length also , that the veins have their own life as yet remaining in them after the death of a man , whereby it preserveth the blood detained in them , from coagulation , and in this respect , illustrates it with a certain life for many dayes after the death of the persons . wherefore that there is another life of the veins , whereby they not only live ; but do also conserve the blood it self , in life . last of all , i have also demonstrated , that there is a certain peculiar life in the muscles , together with the sensitive and motive faculties , whereby they all extend themselves with a fearful convulsion , at the percievance of death : as is manifest in a tetanus , in rigours or cold shaking fits , and convulsions , wherein as well in those that are alive , as after death , the muscles are moved with an unvoluntary will , even after the extinguishment of life . and although these lives are distinguished by their various subjects , and are manifested by their diversity of offices , yet they all arise originally from the seed , they are furious or cruel ones , they are implanted in their own subjects , and are in the whole or entire life , as in the total form of the parts . wherefore neither are they to be considered in the treatise of long life ; because they are those which perish without the hope of fewel , at least-wise presently after the death of the man : yet are they memorable in the successive alterations , and curative betokening of diseases . chap. cvii . the flux , or flowing unto generation . i have seen the beginnings of our generation by way of dream , and i will describe them with my pen , so far as can be expressed by words . first of all , i saw a womb contracted with folds or plates after an unimitable artifice , and in time of conception , to open it self by a proper attractive blas ; and that suitably according to the extension of the seed : to wit , which extension or opening of the folds , causeth a sucking , and attraction of the seed , by reason of a vacuum : and therein layeth a rhombus ( or figure on all sides equal ) of conception for the femal sex : for truly , it contains the immediate cause of complacency , and attraction of the seed into the womb. for neither otherwise in copulations , however voluptuous they are , is there made any enlargment of the folded womb , except in the very instant of conception : for from hence it is , that the conception of bruits is almost infallible . for truly there is not any voluntary extension of the womb , as neither is it subjected unto artifices or crafts : but rather it after some sort , exceeding nature , plainly sheweth that god is the president of humane generation , continued on posterity , according to the word of blessed propagation , increase and multiply : because it is the finger of god , which extendeth these purses , without an organical mean : the which is called in the holy scriptures , god opened the womb of sarah . truly , the whole history of generation should seem to exceed nature , unless it had been received within nature from the right of an attained propagation , and a continued frequency of it self . whosoever therefore meditates on the expectation of off-springs , let him expect not the tickling or leacherous lust , not the abundance of seed , yea , nor health ; but altogether and primarily , the aforesaid magnetisme or attraction of the womb : and on behalfe of the male sex , that the seed be not infamous through any contagion : for otherwise , the womb once receiving a seed badly seasoned , doth reject that seed , neither doth it thenceforth open it self , that it may suck the seed of that man , inward , for life : for the womb doth oft-times conceive in second marriages , which in the first marriage-bed , was barren : but therefore the extension of the womb ought to be suitable to the seed , by reason of avoiding a vacuun : and then , every strange thing , is a hostile impediment to generation . then in the next place , after that the seed of the man is joyned with that of the woman , the sucking of that load-stone in the aforesaid hollowness of the womb , presently ceaseth , and the door of the womb is shut , nigh its neck . but the womb , doth by shutting out all air , on every side , and equally embrace its content , with a bountiful favour , and a more exact co-mixture of them both , beginneth , by reason of an occult co-marriage unfolded in the seeds on both sides . presently after , although the conceived seed , be at the first disturbed , and a thick or dark liquor ; yet two dayes after , it assumeth the likeness of the transparent white of an egge . but on the sixth day ( but not before ) the archeus the inhabitant of the seeds , appeared unto me , as it were a cloudy vapour , the which on the thirteenth day after , was shadowily endowed with the figure of a man , together with a certain clarifying of its own thickness : for then the seed had increased , perhaps in the tenth part of it self , and had married the nourishable liquor unto it self , being the original or first-born liquor . in the mean time , i wondered at the begun self-love of selfishness , which even in seeds , should presently begin to meditate of their increase : for as lukewarm milk doth presently incrust it self in a thin skin ; so also the seed , straightway after three dayes , arms it self with a skin , the which notwithstanding becomes more manifest by degrees ; yet both the garments do differ in that , that the milk over-spreds its skin , only against the air ; but the seed on every side : because the thin skin is not extended over the milk by a spirit , the former or framer thereof ; but by heat , which separateth the diversities of the milk : for from hence it comes to pass , that the more slymie , and more fat , and more neighbourly parts of the milk , are alwayes designed for the making of a skin , by a separation from the rest ; and the which being consumed , the skinnifying of the milk ceaseth . in milk therefore that tendeth to corruption , unlikenesses of matter are made ; the which doth not happen in seeds collected , and disposed to generation . furthermore , although the air was seen under the figure of a man ; yet a sexual character could not as yet be noted by me ( after some dayes from the vision , i lighted on that place of the apostle , there shall not be greek or hebrew , not male , or female , but they are all one in christ . ) about the th day , i saw that this figured air did sink , and plainly espouse it self within the white , and did as it were sleep for full three days space and about hours , and was again a certain dark chaos in the seed : in which interval , it covered it self with a visible secundine , and the hardness of a membrane which it found not in the matter , it had made unto it self by a formative and transchangative faculty : indeed this forming air , while it engraveth the body , it useth not separation , neither therefore hath it need of a diversity of matter , whereby it may frame or fashion the diversities of alterations of organs proposed unto it self in the figure : which three dayes being finished , that spirit the framer , then first appeared , being markable with the signature of the sexes , yet no longer undistinctly walking up and down throughout the whole lump of the seed , but under a certain confusion , proper unto that three dayes space , all that very air had grown together , in every of his parts , although they not yet appearing : for neither was there as yet so much another wandring and floating spirit in that mass ; but one only implanted spirit continual unto it self , through the rudiments of the parts , did finish the whole distributive divisions of generation ; and that its own pains was uncessant , yet without toyle , and grief or wearisomness : and although it was not wearied in its work , yet it required a vicar for it self : for a distinction of the parts is more and more unfolded , and there is made a growth or increasing of the whole lump , by the mothers , and that more pure blood , and it forms unto it self a radical moisture , the constituter of the solid parts : wherefore also , it draws an increase , and fewel to it self , from the vital spirit of the mothers arterial blood , the which , to wit , it soon assimilates unto if self by a most perfect union . indeed the spirit is nourished , and increaseth in the delineation of the seed , no otherwise than as the corporeal lump of the embryo it self : yet the inflowing spirit was not seen by me , before the thirty second day after conception . it was then indeed as yet thin , and drawn from the arterial blood of the mother , being translated into a neighbouring species . but this spirit , about the one and fourtieth day , had obtained a certain vital light or splendour ; and also it expressed the stature of a man , but heaped round together ; yet deformed by reason of a disproportionated bigness of the head ; which light was as it were a shining or brightness from a flame , which aqua vitae sheweth in burning : and not much after some moments of time , this light was on a sudden made more lightsome than it self . the sensitive soul , although it make a species in bruits , and therefore subsisteth by it self ; yet in man , it contains not a species , but only a subordinate diversity of light , or a degree unto the mind , therefore scarce subsisting without the mind . and although in man , there be a sensitive life ; yet it is not a specifical being by creation ; but a seminal being occasioned through the lust of our first parent , the character whereof is wholly restrained by the mind : the sensitive life therefore , doth presently inform the spirit of the seed , under a skie-coloured and obscure splendour , and is also informed by the mind , and that with a clearer light. yet , , , or points of the cord of a foot-length , do interpose ; because seeds do differ in the perfection of dispositions ; and therefore the spirits , the formers of seeds , do differ in their perfection , and chearfulness of acting . for from hence it is , that that which happens unto one conception in one forty dayes , that happens to another in the second forty , or in the third ; neither yet therefore are the more slow or sluggish quicknings more imperfect than swift ones , no otherwise than as fore-ripe wits are oft-times to be set behind , or less esteemed than the more slow ones . at leastwise , the whole race of our generation breaths forth some famous thing : for although the archeus the forming work-man , containeth in it a humane figure , and figureth the body after its own likeness ; yet the fabrick of man , is not from the begining , in an erected or upright stature , as neither confusedly rouled into a circle , but bent or hooked , after which manner the young is defective in the womb : it is false therefore , that nature is every where circular ; because she is that which would every where give satisfaction to his ends , who is cloathed by the glorious work-man of nature , and not by nature , for neither after another manner , is there a re-bent reflexion put into the seminal erected spirit , by the generater ; but it proceeds from the finger of him , who disposeth of all things sweetely from end even to end : therefore the seed being conceived , the womb forthwith shuts its neather gate , least any forreign thing should rush into it , which might disturb its conception . in the next place , the vessels of the womb which are subject unto its command , as if a door-keeper were added , are also shut above ; because then a new common-wealth ariseth in the womb , as a new family-administration of a future young ; and therefore also a singular kitchin is erected in the confining vessels : even so that the embryo is a good while nourished and increaseth , not by the venal blood of the liver , but by pure , and fined arterial blood : but presently after , as soon as this kitchin is furnished for the embryo , which is about to live in his own proper orbe , the womb prepars venal blood , which it may hand-forth unto the embryo , and therefore , whatsoever less profitable thing it meets withal , it is brushed out ; so that in that whole motion , the mother for the most part is ill at ease . for truly , seeing filths can no longer be expurged through the emunctory of the womb , and the which neither are able to expect the maturity of delivery ; the filths go backward into the veins , they obtain the condition of an excrement , and are thrust forth by vomit , and other sinks : that which is not equally done in bruits , seeing they want menstrues , and do not admit of an unseasonable copulation . again , the conception of men was not from the first intention of the creator , after the manner whereby we are conceived in sins . at length also , because for bruit-beasts , pure arterial blood was not equally required for nourishment : therefore the teeming woman alone , shall pay for the itch of one copulation , through a cruel expiation of many punishments beyond bruits . the embryo therefore , or imperfect young , is at first nourished by arterial blood , prepared in the neighbour kitchins of the womb , until that after the first fourty dayes , he obtaining a living soul , lives of his own right : but the preparatory kitckin is exercised in the spleen-form flesh , whereby the secundine cleaveth to the womb : therefore succours for the young are slow and oftentimes void , and also those that are administred to the mother by way of the mouth ; because that before their entrance unto the embryo , all things are recocted ; and again in the young it self , before they can augment the same . but the infant being born , before he is fit for bearing of the more hard meats , he is accustomed to the more gentle ones : for so he is a good while fed with arterial blood , which leaves no dungs be-hinde it : for those things which fall from a little infant that is born , presently after his first cry , are the reliques of the blood of the liver , the which for the most part , is not first admitted into the aforesaid kitchins , but after the third forty dayes : and these indeed , are the excrements which do ripen and provoke the necessity of travail or delivery . but moreover , the spirit that was once implanted in the seed , being sunk into the seeds , doth presently , if not fore-know the necessities of the body , at least-wise perfectly learn them , and afterwards draws unto it self a consanguineal or nearly allyed spirit , or nourishment , by a certain harmony of affinity . at length , the womb feeling the maturity of the young , by co-wrinckling contracteth it self , which the antients have called , striving to expel the young or off-springs . for i have oft-times with-held abortion threatned and begun : but sometimes i could not . but i have known that i have detained it , as oft as the abortion should be caused from a symptomatical animosity , without a fore-ripe expulsive faculty , to wit , from the digression of the womb ; and the remedy did operate by restraining , and sleepifying , appeasing and pacifying the aforesaid furies of the womb ; but i could not prevent abortion or miscarying as oft as there was a fall of the mother from an high place , and much disturbance of affrighting , grief , anger , &c. they being inordinate things . and likewise , if the young had a remarkable monstrousness , which adds no slugguish spur unto expulsion : or if the young die , or pines away or failes through a notable weakness : and likewise if the mother being strongly smitten with astonishment before the young could live in its own quarter , hath with-drawn the arterial spirit unto her self : the which , if it shall straightway return from thence , yet it finds the same young as it were in a sound , whereunto as unto a plant so tender , life is scarce re-connexed . by this means , the semi-vital conception is now and then wont to miscarry into a hard lump of flesh , or a foolish branch : but that thing scarce happens through a defect of the fathers seed ; because that a barren or foolish seed , is either not attracted , and so neither is it conceived , or if it be attracted , it , through a foolish lust of the womb , soon fals out again , and frustrates conception : but the seed degenerates into a hard lump of flesh , by reason of external incidencies lighting upon the seed ; whereby hippocrates saith , that seeds are withdrawn whither they would not . therefore a hard lump or moale is made , while as the spirit is funk into the body of the seed , and is spoiled of a humane figure , yet retaining its former growing faculty . the drowning or sinking therefore alone , is able to command the figure out of the forming spirit , if being to long sleepifyed within , it becomes fast asleep , but although the dreaming vision , did scarce fill up the space of halfe a quarter of an hour , yet it at once represented all the successive periods of generation , as it were in a glass of the thing : to wit , its moments , fluxes , motions , aspects , diversities of interchanges , and also its errours stood collected into unity . but i being awaked , alass , how i sighed at the likeness of our modern propagation with that of bruit-beasts ! and therefore adam not undeservedly bewailed the death of abel , for the space of an age : he grieving the while , at the hateful bruitish generation , and knew not his wife in all that time : as well weighing , that nature being now defiled in its root , was to suffer original , and of necessity , durable miseries . chap. cviii . a lunar tribute . seing woman onely among living creatures ( the ape perhaps excepted ) suffers menstrues or monthly issues , and seemeth for this cause to have experience of the operations of the moon-star ; but since the schools do prattle of very many things concerning the menstrues , as if it were the ordinary nourishment of the young : surely it hath behoved me to discover their boastings , in the treatise of long life . for first of all , the moon doth not heap up or expel this venal blood although the purgation of the womb be co-incident with the course of the moon : for that coincident is unto both terms or limits by accident ; for otherwise , if that purgation of the woman should be from the moon it self , verily all women should be menstruous on the same day , and at least-wise , those which should dwell in the same climate : or at least-wise all young virgins , should likewise suffer the same with the new of the moon ; which is false : for if some ships do follow one pretorian or chief leading ship , which in a dark night , hath a lanthorn in stead of a flag : the lanthorn indeed , affords onely a sign of their following : but the wind , stern , and governours of the stern , shall be the immediate efficient cause of their following . so the moon like a torch , finisheth the task of her circle , in four weeks and six hours : so also a woman for reasons straightway to be added : for the woman ought to encrease and nourish her conceived generation from her own blood , unto a just stature of the young , and to feed the infant being brought forth , with her own blood being turned into milk . therefore she had need of a greater plenty of venal blood , and therefore while it should not be supt up for those ends , it should also become superfluous , and by consequence , be voided or expelled : yea although a woman eats and drinks much less then a man ; yet she abounds with more blood : that is , the shop of the venal blood makes more arterial blood in the woman , than in men , even out of a more sparing meat and drink . from whence it of necessity in the next place , follows , that in the woman , more is turned into a profitable nourishment , and in the man , that more is changed into excrements . but how it is manifest , what , or of what sort , that superfluous blood may be ; let all know , that the venal blood of man ought to be renewed in a space of daies , wherein the moon measures all her particular courses through the zodiack : for that is the space , wherein the venal blood is kept in its balsam , it being longer reserved , it is corrupted . for truly , he that aboundeth with blood , it must needs be , that by nourishing , he spends the same on the family of life , or that he transchangeth it into fatness , phlegms of the latex , or other drosses ; as sweat , or diseasie excrements : for the woman hath small pores , the fleshy membrane under her upper skin , doth enrich her with much fat , neither therefore can she consume so much blood superabounding in her , as she daily makes or concocts . the bound therefore of the course of the blood being finished , that which is barren becomes all superfluous , the which therefore nature is busied in casting forth , and sequesters it unto the veins of the womb , as unto its appointed emunctories : for the blood departs unto those proper places , nor those likewise strange ones , because for the ends already declared , the menstrues is the superfluity of the blood of the woman alone : and it becomes burdersome , by the very title whereby it is superfluous : and as yet by so much the more , because then it puts off the vital spirit ; no othewise than as some wines , after the years end , become strengthless . for these ends therefore , and by these means , the venal blood is made an excrement , afterwards a poyson , and attaines worse faculties in going . but at length it assumes the horrid properties of a new dead carcase : for therefore the menstrues of the first dayes , is more infected than that which flows forth in the following dayes : for although the expulsion of the menstrues be the proper office of the veins : yet the collection of the same , even as also its renewing , and sequestring , do belong unto the monarchal archeus of the womb. therefore indeed , that which is most hateful , is the more speedily cast out of doors , whereby it first separated it self from the good blood ; and for this cause , it being the longer detained about the veins of the womb , for that cause also , it is the more poyson some . in the next place , although this poyson masks it self with the shew of venal blood , yet the favour of the vital balsam being by degrees laid aside , it ascending unto the malignity of a cadaverous or stinking liquor , assumeth the disposition of a poyson , and hath degenerated from the former nature and properties of blood : the which handy-craft operation proveth . for truly , a towel that is dipped in the menstrues , if it be plunged into boyling water , it contracts an un-obliterable spot for the future , and the which at least-wise in the third washing , falls out of the towel , it being made full of holes , no otherwise than if it should be corroded by the sharp spirit of sulphur : that which after another manner , is a forreigner to the bloud of a man , whether it shall flow forth through the nostrils , wounds , hemerhoides , or bloody-flux ; or next , if it shall fall out from ulcers like a more wan clot . from whence also , it is manifest , that the menstrues hath an aluminous tinging property , any besides , a cadaverous sharp poyson fit for gnawing or erosion . but as it once enjoyed the seal of the archeus of life , whereof it being afterwards deprived , it obtains a fermental faculty , full of a powerful contagion , as also hostile sharpnesses : for that blood through its divers degrees of malignity , stirs up diverse passions within , on the miserable woman . for when as it being once sequestred from the other blood , unto the inns of the veins of the womb , hath received the aforesaid sharpness of malignity , and from thence is supped back again into the branches of the hollow vein by a retrograde motion of revulsion ( which is made through large cuttings of a vein , or symptomatical wrothfulnesses which are the stirrers up of fluxes of the womb ) it causeth swoonings , heart-beatings , convulsions , and oft-times horrible stranglings . but if the menstruous blood , being not yet derived unto the veins of the womb , or plainly severed from the rest , and so neither hath as yet had its utmost mischief or corruption ; it is detained with a certain inordinacy , and stirs up divers conspicuous symptomes in many places . from what hath been said before therefore , it is manifest , that women great with young , nurses , weak or sick persons , blood-less women , those that are become lean , those that are not of a ripe age , and swift or circular movers , do want menstrues , because also superfluities . it is also false , that all menstruous blood without distinction , is poysonsom or hurtful : and likewise that we are nourished and grow big in the womb , by the menstrues : for truly the venal blood of the woman hath not the condition of menstrues , before that untill it being unfit for nourishment , is enfeebled , or deprived of life , and brought bound unto the sink . for neither doth he who drinks wine , drink vinegar , although this be made of that : as neither is he fed with excrements who eateth meats : yea , which is more ; the blood which is avoided in or presently after delivery , is not menstruous through the defect of its condition , because it is not superfluous , from a fore-going course of the moon . and then also , because it is not heaped up , fleshy , not aluminous or tart , not staining linnen cloathes , nor separated from the whole , nor banished unto the places of the womb , for expulsion . for that bloud which is plentifully voided in time and after delivery , and the which being retained , a doating fever doth soon after , threaten death , is indeed venal blood , yet not the menstrues of the mother : for it is left by the young , who seeing from his quickening , he lived in his own orbe , had a kitchin out of himself , in the vessels of the womb. wherefore it hath taken to it self another property , than that of the mother , and than that of the menstrues : for that guest hath indeed the shape of menstruous blood ; yet being an adoptive of another family , and become a forreigner to the mother , it is seriously to be expelled , surely no otherwise than as the secundines themselves : but being omitted and left behind , it is corrupted , and brings on death . but seeing that in a woman great with child , there is no menstrues at all ; by consequence neither is that young nourished : but with the pure arterial blood of the mother , and afterwards with pure venal blood , being also first refined in its kitchins . therefore the schools are deceived , who teach , that the small pox , or measels , are due almost to every mortal man , by reason of the tribute of menstruous nourishment : for they observed , that there was seldom any smitten twice with that disease , and perhaps seldom excused from it : wherefore they searching into the common cause from whence the young should be nourished , in the beginning , have referred the effect on the menstrues : but in all things , they , without the knowledge of things , have mutually subscribed to each other , and have slidden into fables , and conjectures . for first of all , they have not considered , that it is almost impossible for any one to be made free from that disease , if all are alike indifferently nourished with menstrues . and then , because they should be afflicted as it were , at one certain and appointed term of the crisis . i confess indeed , that the measels do spring from a poyson , and draw a poyson with them , infect the blood with their ferment , and defile others that stand by , but especially children , and that the internal essence of poysons , is not demonstrable by a former cause : and therefore we measure the property of a poyson by the effects ; even as a tree by his fruits . . therefore , the poyson of the measels , is proper onely to humane kind . . that nature is prone to the framing of that poyson . . but that it is kindled about the stomack , and so in the center of the body . . that the parts being once besieged with this poyson , do most swiftly repulse that poyson from themselves , towards the superficies of the body . . that the shops of that poyson , after that they have once felt the tyranny thereof , being afterwards thorowly instructed with a hostile averseness and horror , do with great fore-caution prevent or hinder the generation thereof , even from the very beginning , least they should even at first , unwarily fall thereinto . therefore the poyson is made in man , but not co-bred in him from the menstrues . but of what quality that poyson may be , cannot be described by name , because it hath not a proper name out of its effects . it is sufficient in this place , that the menstrues cannot be drawn into a cause for the distempers aforesaid . at first therefore , the menstrues offends in its matter , by reason of its abounding alone : and then it undergoes a degree , that the first may be , wherein that blood is superfluous , from the foregoing course of the moon . but a second degree , is as soon as it is separated from the rest of blood . but a third degree is , while , as designed , it hath resided about the vessels of the womb. a fourth is that which hath stuck some good while in the same place , and hath entered into the way of death . at length , the last degree is , while as it now hath slidden forth as a dead carcass , and into the air. therefore the schooles offend , while as by cutting of a vein , they are busied in succouring of virgins ( who in respect of their menstrues do feel an heart-beating or trembling ) without distinction : for although the menstrues of the first degree , appeaseth heart-beatings or pantings , by a revulsive blood-letting ; yet in the third degree of the menstrues , i have fore-told it to our chief physitians , to be a destructive remedy : because that the veines of the arme or hams being emptied , i have observed the menstrues to be drawn backwards from the neighbouring places , into the veins : and truly those veins which do not remain emptied , but which are filled again by a communion of continuation : so also , after great heart-beatings , and pauses of intermitted pulses , or after most sharp paines of the sides following from the womb , to wit , by reason of an aluminous poyson of the third degree , virgins have suddenly died , by reason of phlebotomy by me instituted at unawares . in the first degree indeed , the abundance of venal blood is taken away : but it is the less evil , although a part of the barren blood be left surviving . truly i had rather to help nature in her sequestration , and expulsion , than by drawing of undistinct blood , to have weakened nature . moreover , that is to be noted , that although i have distinguished diseases by the ranks of digestions , yet i have scarce made mention of the menstrues ; because the menstrues is neither digested , nor is it a superfluity of digestion , and so is of another condition : for at first it offends with a good abundance , and then , with a burdensom superfluity ; presently after it is deprived of life , and becomes a poyson ; yet it cures swine which are inclining into the leprosie ; even as horses , straightway , which were contracted or convulsive from unseasonable drink , if they drink up but a small quantity of menstrues . and likewise the poysonsom and true menstrues of another woman , being administred in a few drops , hath presently strangled a woman labouring with a flux of the womb. but the blood which is at length avoided in plenty , in fluxes of the womb , being drunk in a few drops , stayeth those fluxes . furthermore , because woman only , ( the ape perhaps excepted ) doth suffer menstrues ; and although the menstrues do accuse of an abundance alone ; yet that the cow , her dug being dried , suffers not menstrues , otherwise she flowes down with very much milk , denoting that the abounding of venal blood , is indeed the material cause , but not therefore the final , and the which therefore , i have not reduced among natural causes : for that the almighty alone encloseth all the final causes of all things within himself , who sweetly disposeth of all things according to the unsearchable abysse of his own judgements . but if it listeth us to enquire into the cause hereof , it is certain , that eve , after the eating of the forbidden apple , made her self subject to the itch of lust , stirred up , and admitted the man unto copulations ; and from hence , that the conceived humane nature was corrupted , and remaining degenerate thenceforward : through the cause of which corruption , posterity are deprived of an incomparable purity . from whence there is place for conjecture , that eve did by the member through which she became subject unto many miseries , testifie among posterity , a successive fault of her fall , and bloody defilement in nature : for the part wherein the image of god ought to be conceived by the holy spirit , became a sink of filths , and testifies the abuse , and fault of an unobliterable sin , and therefore also suffers : because , in sorrow shalt thou bring forth thy sons , in manner of bruit beasts , because henceforward , thou shalt conceive after the manner of bruits : for so that curse hath entred into nature , and shall there remain . and by the same law also , a necessity of menstrues : for before sin , the young going forth the womb being shut , had not caused pain . wherefore , it is lawful to argue from the premises , that the incomparable virgin-mother of god , the ark of the covenant , never admitted into her any corruption , and by consequence , was never subject to menstrues , as neither to have suffered womanish discomodities : because she was she , who by the good pleasure of god , hath the moon , and the properties of the moon subjected under her feet . unto whom , next unto god , be honour and praise . chap. cix . life . if i must at length phylosophize of long life , i must first look into , what life is , and then , what the life of man , what immortal and adamical life is , afterwards what a sensitive and short life is , what a diseasie , what a healthy life , what the life of the world , and what eternal life is . to which end , it is convenient to repeat some lessons from my premises . first of all therefore , life is a light and formal beginning , whereby a thing acts what it is commanded to act : but this light is given by the creator , as being infused at one onely instant , even as fire is struck out of a flint ; it is enclosed under the identity and unity of a form , and is distinguished by general kindes , and species : but it is not a fiery , combustive light , a consumer of the radical moisture : it is as well vital in the fish , as in the lyon , and as well in the poppy , as in pepper : neither also doth heat fail in us , by reason of a consumption of the radical moisture : neither on the other hand , doth moisture fail through a defect of heat , but onely through a diminishment and extinguishment alone , of the vital powers , and also of the light. the fire , light , life , forms , magnal , place , &c. are neither creatures , not substances , as neither comprehended in the catalogue of accidents : neither therefore , do i distinguish the form in vital things , from their life , the mind of man being on both sides , excepted : to wit , there is a certain life which is mute or dumb , and scarce appeareth ; such as is met with in minerals ; the which notwithstanding , do declare that they live , and perform their offices , by their marks and remarkable signs of vital faculties . and then , there is another life , which is a little more unfolded or manifest : such as is in the seeds of things , tending to the period of their species . in the next place , a third life is seen in plants , increasing themselves , and bringing forth off-spring by a successive multiplying . next , a fourth life is manifest in bruit beasts by motion , sense , and a voluntary choice , with some kind of discourse of imagination . at length , the last life is now obscured in the immortal mind and substance , and is after some sort unfolded by the sensitive soul its vicaresse . the life therefore is not the balsam , not the mummy , not , in the next place , the spirit of the arterial blood , although this spirit be the conserver of the body : because the life is not a matter , yea nor a substance ; but the very expresse form of the thing it self . moreover , i being about to speak of the immortal life of men , i will follow the text : for indeed , because the punishment of the broken precept was death : for death came not from god , but from the condition of a law ; i say , the almighty made not death , as neither a medicine of destruction in the earth : and that must be understood onely in respect of men : for neither ought the whole nature and condition of the universe to be bespattered for the sin of adam , so as that bruits are made subject to death through the corruption or deviation of our kind : for truly even before sin , bruits ought to dye ; to wit , some whereof , the lord of things had substituted for meat and fodder to others : for they ought naturally to dye , every annihilable life and form whereof , were onely one and the same thing . indeed it was of necessity , that those forms should perish , whatsoever do obtain their first or chief antecedent and subsequent dispositions from a corporal wedlock of the seeds . the death therefore of bruits , was not worthy of the word death , which included an extinguishment and annihilating of a light , but not a separation of the same , with a preservation of the light separated . therefore it was the great god his good pleasure , that he made man into the nearest image of the divine majesty , as a living soul , nor subject unto death : therefore neither is it said that god made death . it is therefore believed that adam before transgression , was immortal , from the goodness of the creator : therefore i knew that adam indeed was immortal , before the transpression of a law ; yet that it was not natural unto him from the root of life , but for the tree of life's sake : for otherwise , the planting of this tree in paradise had been vain , if man could not have suffered the successive alterations and calamities of ages . that tree therefore , was created , for the powers and necessities of renovation , renewing of youth , yea and prevention of old age : for although the body by creation , was not capable of being wounded , nor subject unto diseases ; yet it had by little and little , felt the successive changes of ages , if its vigor had not been continued by the tree of life . for neither is it to be believed , that the lord of things , the saviour of the world , was of a worse constitution than our first parent . but that the redeemer of the world died , and so felt the calamities of ages , that in his thirty second year , he was reckoned fifty years of age. that happened not from his nature , nor from the root of his life : for death , as also the rottenness of dayes , had no right over him ; but out of his infinite goodness , whereby he had appointed himself a surety for our sins , he would subject himself to miseries , and so also to death , in his most glorious nativity , wherein the lord took on him the form of a servant . but how much he departed from that former and proper or natural dignity of his humane nature , wherein he was conceived in the womb , himself sheweth : because he who came forth into the world , the womb of the virgin being shut , and the bolts of dimensions being contemned , presently prostrated himself to the ordained condition of death , and willingly felt every necessity of a servile nature : for both adams in their beginning , were immortal . for the first adam ought to be preserved by the tree of life : but the second did wholly contain the tree of life in himself . both of them indeed chose to dye , before a possibility to live : for the former chose it from a vice ; but the second from charity . the tree of life therefore , and wholsomness of the place of eden had vindicated adam in his antient vigor , from death , until that a number of years being finished , he as happy had departed , translated , without death , unto the country of glory . moreover , it is of faith , that adam never tasted of the tree of life ; and that lest he should eat of it , he was cast forth of paradise , who ought to dye the death : yea he being now banished out of the garden of pleasure , was of so perfect a constitution , that he had lived unto some thousands of years ( who was immediately formed by the hand of the almighty , without the commerce of nature ) and had far exceeded the age of mathusalem , from the voluntariness of his own nature ; but that through the continued mourning and grief of one age , he had cut off the thred of a most long life from himself . the death therefore of adam is not to be bewailed ( as otherwise , paracelsus badly perswaded himself ) because that the vital spirit , and knowledge of long life , had fallen at once together with him . for those are contradictions , to enjoy long life from knowledge ; and likewise to be immortal from the forming of the hands of god , and the suffrage of the tree of life ; also after sin to have retained the gift of long life , by reason of his most perfect and noble constitution of life and body . from whence , the spirit of a flourishing and abounding life , being at length translated on posterity , its vigor by degrees declining through a passing over of generations , the injuries of life , and diseases , and through the rottenness of years , the curse co-operating , manifested it self as a magnum oportet or a thing of great necessity : the which having once entred into the bowels of mortals , presently took possession of the same . for the life of those which at first , was by the tree , without death , presently also without that tree , languisheth , as being enrouled in a short term of time , and underwent an increase , state , or height , declining , and cessation , after the manner of other things . for so indeed , death , through the perswasion of the devil , stablished it self into its empire : for poysons that were harmless under the tree of life , were afterwards supported for a medicine of destruction : for i think that the conditions , and presence of the tree of life , were hidden from adam ; else that he had extended his hand unto this , sooner than unto the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. and although the tree of life , which the bounty of the creator hath of late discovered , may be so prepared , that it may proceed unto the first constitutives of us , with a refreshment of the decaying faculties ; yet i do not understand it to be that which is read to have been implanted in the paradise of pleasure , whereunto no mortal man shall ever stretch forth his hand : but ours is a shadowy one , and the vicaress of the other : to wit , the which hath nothing excellent and famous , unless that under a retainment of properties , it be reduced by art , into such a juice , which may be able by its least parts , to co-mingle it self with the solid parts : neither indeed doth our tree , ( of which i as the first do treat ) contain a non-sufferance , unsensibleness of the pain of diseases , and an uncapacity of death , as the other did . and moreover , although the tree of life of paradise , should at this day be present with us , yet it should not cause immortality : because the condition of the receiver is changed : for indeed man is become composed by the bond of another generation , of corrupted nature , and of another long life , wherein the immortal mind hath no longer immediately sustained in it all the actions of life , but a frail or mortal sensitive soul succeeded exercising the vicarship of the mind , and providing for the necessities of life , it self being like the flame , slidable and extinguishable every hour . chap. cx . short life . the air which is the former in the seed , ascending by degrees unto its maturity , at length conceives the light , or essential form of its own species , which is made immediately by the father of lights , and is of a proper name , life : for as many things as differ in their particular kinds , which are involved in darkness , so many also ought the forms to be , under the species of light : for if a thing is what it is , by reason of the form , in diversity from any other things whatsoever : but the form of living things ( except the mind ) and life , are sunonymals , there must needs be as many lives , as there are vital forms : therefore the light of life , is by it self every where simple , and specifical , but not fiery ; because vital , formal , and essential . but that the light of life is hot , or cold , it denotes that the life hath not married heat , or cold , but accidentally : so that heat , or cold proceeds from life , but not life from heat , or cold : life therefore cannot be otherwise understood , than under the conception of light : and neither light is more demonstrable from a former cause , than the forms of things themselves , and whatsoever issues immediately out of the bosom of the almighty . a vital light therefore , by its species , wants a proper name . we may indeed make a fiery light to be given unto us for great necessities ; but it is not in the power of the artificer , even immediately to produce a vital light from himself : which thing the chymists say , the artificer cannot introduce a substantial form. the generater indeed , is the begetter and producer of a vital air , forasmuch as he contributes matter after the likeness of himself , and dispositions thereof , in order unto life ; but is in no wise able to produce life , or an ultimate perfect art. in diseases also , sometimes the light of life ascendeth unto the degree of fire : because the archeus , from a threatned distinction or nothing of difference , strikes out a fiery light : not that the archeus produceth this light , as he that generates his like : but the archeus through fury , presseth together the moist hay , and it is enflamed ; the which being dry , comes not so to pass . after another manner also , woods by a co-rubbing , and iron by striking against it , do conceive the fire which they have not : for truly , the same effects in specie cannot proceed from things which differ in the whole genus or general kind , unless by accident , or an equivocal action : so indeed , the sensitive spirit , by reason of grief , or the archeus by poyson , doth by accident become fiery besides his own nature , through a proper wrothfulness of anger : for he hath a blas , whereby he departing from a vital light , declineth unto the other extream of destruction , wherein the beams of his light do as it were strike fire out of a flint , from the corruptible matter , where both lights of the archeus , and corruptible matter do pierce each other , are united , and are promoted into a fiery light ; because fire is on both sides the death of a thing , which from a proper effect of deficiency , is capable to be stirred up in things consisting of a certain inflamable fatness : for indeed , although there be one only spirit in the seed , which is plainly uniform , and the singular architect of the embryo , which is durable unto the end of the tragedy ; yet that was the vice and destruction of a material nature , that the spirit being divided through a plurality of offices , may by degrees decline unto the manifold diversities of kindes of singularities : and it is in very deed a vice , as it strews the way unto disorder . for otherwise , seeing the spirit ought to serve the necessities of ends , surely it were a noble thing for it to be severed into a number of offices : for necessity hath made the organs themselves servile unto it , the which therefore hath framed for it many and diverse organs ; and in this respect , it hath drawn it self unto the same law of necessity : to wit , it having imitated a monarchical state , wherein there is a certain independent prince , the moderatour of laws and government ; wherefore also it fashioning a certain sunny issuing life on the heart , but as it were independent on any other part , hath there placed the fountain of radical life : but because a common-wealth cannot long subsist , unless it be nourished ; therefore after kings , husband-men , and fisher-men are chief , who bring forth unto us grain , herbs , flocks , fishes , woolls , flaxes , wines , woods , honeys , oyls , and hides : because also , before kings were thought of , happy shepherds and husband-men , had now their flocks : for for that cause , saturn is feigned to be the parent of the starry gods , unto whom the heathens have delivered a necessity of nourishment in us , as a clear life of vegetation , by a commutative or exchanging ferment sliding from the spleen . next , they vote for husband-men , who should prepare grain for making of bread , woolls , also flax , and hides for garments : straightway , jupiter being substituted in his fathers place , succeeded by craft and force ; and therefore also another disposer of nourishment , founding its mansion in the liver , is adjoyned unto the nourishing life , and doth of necessity suitably answer from its place , for a monarchy . in the next place , mars removing the disagreeing reliques in the former digestions , being as a supply placed in the gaul , is agreeable with the souldier . there hath seemed to be a need only of these three , and those sufficient , to wit , of sol , saturn , and jupiter , as long as all things or parts should agree in harmony : but the life of mars was afterwards subjoyned , not indeed that it might be a common-wealth and state , simply ; but that all parts may keep peace , and their mutual offices among each other , nor a rout of impurities growing up , that unity may be ordained . furthermore , to increase , follows to be present : for a thing first is , before it grow or increase : yea , seeing it cannot be a nourished thing , unless it be nourished , to be nourished , goes before increasing : for the moon being the last of the wandring stars , in respect of things nourished , is nearest to the earth : therefore the immediate and unexcusable necessity thereof , hath dedicated this family-administration to the brain , as being sacred to the judge in the monarchy : for we live from the heart , but nourishment is from the spleen , and liver ; the correction of digestion from the gaul ; but the growing faculty is from the brain : therefore to be quickned , or refreshed , and to increase , do differ in their beginnings , like as also in their organs : and that indeed , not by accident , or by reason of a stubbornness of the parts hereafter refusing to increase ; but by reason of each particular natural endowments of the bowels : for indeed what i have said , is beheld even in the birth of the embryo : for truly , because the increasing or growing faculty flows from the brain ( which thing , none hath hitherto supposed ) the head of the embryo , and of the young it self , is far bigger in proportion , than the rest of the members : for if the hand be dislocated or put out of joynt , it not only ceaseth to increase , but moreover it decreaseth even in persons of ripe age. crump-backed persons also do stop from growing , although their turning joynts being by degrees writhen awry , do burgen or tumifie only outwards , or toward the side : not indeed that feeling is withdrawn from , or diminished in crump-backed-folks , who have no less feeling than any others : wherefore the defect of growth , dependeth not on any dislocation of the sinews , veins , or arteries ; but from the beholding of a crookedness alone in the marrow , the very right influx of the brain , is a little incarnated . neither is that humoural flux , to wit , through the veins and arteries ( for truly , in the wreathen branches of trees , even as also in crooked legs , a defect of growth is not seen ) but it is a flux of the light of the brain ; even as concerning the action of government , elsewhere . flesh growes in an hollow ulcer , and marrows increase after the manner of the menstrues , although the other parts do cease from growing : the ribs also increase in persons of ripe years , together with an enlargment of the breast ; the pores do overgrow in fractures ; the liver through a disease , grows up after a wonderful manner : teeth do oftentimes grow in old-men : and all that , because the growing faculty obeys the brain . astrologers attribute the growing faculty to the moon ; yet none to the brain . the bones of old living creatures ( as i have said ) by a singular secret , contain more marrow than those of younger ones ; because the moon makes into the first matter for transmutation , rest , death , and reducement . therefore the moon being very powerful in old animals , hinders not the marrow from increasing . furthermore , seeing every thing in being , desires to grow or increase , and doth even from the beginning , meditate of the propagation of it self ; and seeing nature is of no other thing , more solicitous , than of the sex ; so that she hath marked insects , which she stirs up from corrupt excrements , with the difference of the sexes : there was also need of venus or carnal lust ; to which end , the schools think the reins to serve : but i disagree , because i have observed those that were stony in both kidneys , to have been more wanton than was meet . for neither otherwise can i believe , that the fundamental part of venus being hurt , tickling lust is able to subsist : because that this is the necessity of the parts , that a proper organ being hurt , the function thereof is of necessity intercepted . i have sometimes spoken of the venus of the spleen : at least-wise , here it is sufficient , that the femal kind is by a divine testimony of praise , exceeding necessary , and most profitable for the subsistance of a common-wealth : but at length , seeing every land doth not bring forth all things ; in this respect , for a good and commodious way of living , the custom of mortals hath introduced co-bound provinces , and conspiracies of merchandise : therefore profit hath made the lungs to be its mercury , and agreeable unto merchandise with the forreign parts ; that , after that the young should be now increased , it should have the vital vigour of breathing and voice : a participative and distribvtive life , i say , throughout the whole , to be blown abroad in an equable air : to wit , without which , all the blood should be thickned through nourishing , into a tophus or sandy stone , and the body should soon increase , either into a huge monster , or presently from the beginning , should be choaked : even as elsewhere concerning the blas of man. but notwithstanding , i will not , that the architect of the seed shoud beg this common-wealth and harmony ( thus compared unto the wandring stars ) for himself from far , to wit , from the stars of heaven , elsewhere : for the archeus intimates the stars through a proportionable conjunction , because he hath a heaven-like being in himself : for he , who by a small word , made the stars of nothing , hath constituted a co-like power of the word ( increase and multiply ) within the innermost parts of seeds , which is to endure throughout ages . therefore the seed hath drawn that unto it self from a free gift , that it is able to stir up and imitate the proportionable respects of the stars in its own blas : wherefore it happens , that more succesful emulations of the stars , than those that are inbred , do follow at set periods , because they are the more powerful and famous sealings . neither in the mean time , is there that power in the stars , that they should be chief in the forming of the manners , health , calling or vocation , and fortunes of mortals : for he who is all in all , and created all things for his own glory , from an immediate end , would not that his own image should be subjected to the stars , least they should excuse themselves of their fault , by the importunate revolutions of the stars . but it is well , that there is a seminal being , a proportionable thing , which may after some sort answer to the stars , and to the whole universe . wherefore in man , the seed at first cloathes it self with the secundines , straightway after it earnestly labours about its own family-administration ; in the next place , it meditates on the aforesaid common-wealth , it variously disposeth of all particular parts , and constrains them by the laws of free denizons ; then indeed also , it thinks of a kingdome and empires ; at length of the whole earth ; and last of all , of the heavens : and so , by virtue of the word , he delineates the whole universe in himself , as he is the image of god : for he hath put under his feet the flying fowls of heaven , the fishes of the sea , sheep , oxen , and beasts of the field : because he hath set him over the works of his hands : but the heavens are the works of the hands of god : which dignity of appointment surely , seeing otherwise it contains a command , it doth not indeed contain a certain feigned , or remote , and allegorical power : therefore it must needs be , that we do after some sort resemble the heavens in the image of the arch-type : but the command , seeing it is already planted into nature , man shall have that his proper nobleness in him , from his original , but not from the stars that are placed under him . but seeing that by the schools and rustical persons , the defects which shall be in deformities , and a vitiated forming , are more considered , than those which were to rise from erroneous faculties : hence they have given an occasion that astrologers should at their pleasure , draw all things unto their own dances of the stars : but after that a diversity of offices was by the more refined men , known to imply a diversity of kind of faculties , and organs , those men therefore began to fetch , interchange , number , and deformity , from the stars , and to refer them unto the directions of the seeds . for neither under nature now once radically corrupted , could seeds be long kept fruitful under unity , neither by this unity , could so many distinct offices of the organs be compleated , but that almost from the beginning , an unlikeness of strength in the bowels ; yea and an unequality of strength in all particular parts , should under-creep and be sealed in those places : from whence there should at length , be a breaking asunder of the thred , a dissolution , an off-spring of infirmities , and much destruction : all which things , the soothsayers of heaven ( the schools not resisting it , but being astonished thereat ) have without punishment transferred unto their trippings of the stars : wherefore ( a standard-defending goat , being as it were , taken by the beard ) the whole following troop of posterity have admired them : for there is so great a diversity of kind in the bosome of the matter , that there is scarce a golden thred made , which in some part of it , is not the more infirm , and doth not the sooner burst asunder : therefore , neither is it a wonder , that in so great a distraction of members and functions , an unequal strength increaseth in the members : wherefore whole families do perish with a tabes , or consumption , or dropsie . in some persons , their going fails after the fiftieth year of the age , whose sight persisteth unto their eightieth year . but in others , their sight is dull after their fourtieth year , whose going promiseth a long life : because , from a simple and universal spirit of the seed , the rulers of all particular organs do increase : which rulers surely , being there alienated , either through a vice of the organs receiving , or through an errour of dispensation , do oft-times depart from their aim : for the spirit which hath distinguished the parts from each other , and formed them , hath presently also received all its limitations in those very parts : for the optick spirit seeth in the eye , and tasteth in the tongue ; because the inflowing spirit is there limited by the implanted spirit . as besides , there is a certain principiating life in the spleen , another in the muscles , and lastly , another in the womb of a woman , even as i have often demonstrated elsewhere . all which , are by so much divided from the common life , by how much they are those things which have diverse existences . seeing therefore plurality includes a certain duality , it 's no wonder , that the life being tossed by many diverse governours , did easily rush into dissolution , after that the immortal mind suffered the rains of the life that was to be governed , to slide on the neck of the sensitive soul. chap. cxi . life eternal . the gospel promiseth to mortal men , not only that the son of god was incarnate , and suffered for the salvation of man ; but that these two misteries are to be applyed unto individuals , which else should be as it were in vain : but i have considered of that application , after this manner . for indeed by sin , man brake no less the intent , than the decree of god , from whence humane nature was corrupted in its root ; because there followed another almost beast-like generation thereupon , which of it self is uncapable of life eternal : wherefore the gospel ought to include the abolishment of original sin and of all other things issuing from the corruption of nature : therefore , seeing man thenceforeward ought to be born no longer of god ; but naturally only of the bloods of the sexes , of the will of the flesh , and of the will of man : neither yet could his body rise again ( through any power of his own ) into its antient dignity , and much less cease to be , that it might again , and otherwise begin to be : therefore the joyful message was brought unto us , that one baptisme should be given for the remission of sins , whereby man should be so renewed by water and the holy spirit , that his soul should be born again as it were by a new nativity , and be made partaker of the unspotted humanity of christ the saviour , being framed by the holy spirit : which new birth also , reposeth the soul into its antient state of innocency , taking away sin ; and we believe that thing altogether really thus to be ; but not as if we should embrace allegories or metaphors for truth ; but these things do so really and actually happen in baptized persons , that god doth grant a testimony of that actual grace , which is conferred by baptisme , to be sensibly derived into the body : in which respect indeed , mahometans receive baptism , as it takes away from them an inbred stink , otherwise durable for life , and the which , we observe to be otherwise in all jews , at this day : and so the more inward effect of baptisme doth even outwardly shine forth : yea and that thing confirmes , that there is a perpetual and unobliterable effect of one only baptisme . but that new birth doth not take away death , but leaves christians with the fardle of a corrupt body , generated by the will of man : and in this respect , nevertheless , leaves the soul subject to the vices of a corrupted body : wherefore unto those that are of ripe age , baptisme was not sufficient , although unto those of younger years , as long as they are innocent , it is abundantly sufficient . there is therefore , another priviledge promulged , whereby persons of ripe years may have eternal life : that he who shall not eat unworthily the lords body , christ shall raise him up unto life in the last day ; but if he shall not eat , he is to have no life in him : for this mistery was given unto us for the life of the world : for the life of the world is adamical , frail or mortal , and well nigh brutal : for the transchanging whereof , a pledge is given unto us , and likewise an actual and real participation of life eternal . therefore the merits of the lords passion are comunicated unto us , through a participation of the unspotted virginity of christ the lord ; for the communion of his most pure and chast body , unites us to himself , and doth actually regenerate us in himself , and so gives us a life conformable unto himself : the body of the lord is given for the life of the world. and although the body of man , which was conceived of bloods , doth not presently perish ; yet in that very moment , wherein we are united with the lords body , and his humanity , it makes us partakers of his incomprehensible incarnation , and restores us into the antient integrity of humane nature ; as we do partakingly attain the most pure virginity of christ , wherein we ought to be saved . and so by reason of his amorous union , a participation of the merits of his passion is attributed unto us : therefore the most principal effect of the holy sacred eucharist , is a participation of the purity , and virgin-uncorrupted nature of the lord jesus : and so for this cause , it is declared by a proper circumlocution , to be wine budding forth virgins . furthermore , that this mistery of the unutterable love of god , doth operate the aforesaid real effects of regeneration in the nature of man : the apostle teacheth , we shall all indeed rise again ; but we shall not all be changed : as if he should say ; all mortals shall at sometime rise again from death : the damned indeed shall rise again , being not any thing changed ; but in their former adamical body , being ponderous , not piercing , &c. to wit , only the wished for necessity of death , being taken away from them . but children being regenerated by the laver of baptisme , shall rise again in a body , after some sort glorified , but by so much the less perfect , by how much they were remote from so great an happiness . but they , who were united in the communion of the lords body , shall rise again , plainly glorious throughout their whole nature ; because they were most perfectly regenerated in their life-time : of which regeneration , although visible signs appeared not ; yet they were in very deed within , for neither are they made anew in the resurrection , unless they had first fore-existed in the life-time , by an every-way regeneration . our faith is not of things not in being , but of true things ; not visible , because he will have us to profit by faith : wherefore , although this mark of resemblance of love , and union with god , be altogether unsearchable , even as also its effects are only invisible ; yet the aforesaid mystical and real new-birth , is as yet reckoned earthly by nicodemus , and from that title , i have transferred it hither . i therefore contemplate of the new-birth or renewing of those that are to be saved , to be made in a sublunary and earthly nature , just , even as in the projection of the stone which maketh gold : for truly , i have divers times seen it , and handled it with my hands : but it was of colour , such as is in saffron in its powder , yet weighty , and shining like unto powdered glass : there was once given unto me one fourth part of one grain : but i call a grain the six hundredth part of one ounce : this quarter of one grain therefore , being rouled up in paper , i projected upon eight ounces of quick-silver made hot in a crucible ; and straightway all the quick-silver , with a certain degree of noise , stood still from flowing , and being congealed , setled like unto a yellow lump : but after pouring it out , the bellows blowing , there were found eight ounces , and a little less than eleven grains of the purest gold : therefore one only grain of that powder , had transchanged parts of quick-silver , equal to it self , into the best gold. the aforesaid powder therefore , among earthly things , is found to be after some sort like them , the which transchangeth almost an infinite quantity of impure mettal into the best gold , and by uniting it to it self , doth defend it from cankering , rust , rottenness , and death , and makes it to be as it were immortal , against all the torture of the fire , and art , and translates it into the virgin-purity of gold ; only it requires heat . the soul therefore , and body , are thus regenerated by baptisme , and the communion of the unspotted body of the lord ; so that a just heat of devotion of the faithful shall be present . let the divine pardon me , if i as being beyond my last , have spoken of life eternal by way of a parenthesis : for i willingly confess , that a regenerated body is not belonging to my employment : i treat only of prolonging the life of the world. this only i have said , that baptisme doth bring with it a real effect of purity perceivable by sense , and that the holy-sacred communion of the eucharist , hath something like it in earthly things , whereby we may the more easily believe regeneration . chap. cxi . the occasions of death . i have compared the fire and light , unto life , because it bears something before it , which seemeth to be vital : for vital forms are either the lives , or lights of things : therefore there shall likewise be as many occasions of death , as there are withdrawings of light. first therefore , the light is blown out , and likewise the flame perisheth by pressing together , which they call , through defect of air. but i have demonstrated , that that happens through want of a new magnal ; but not that the fire is nourished by air : so also by the constriction of a strange smoak . so indeed in vaults , and burrows , lamps are extinguished , but the light is blown out by the wind , or another flame : for oftentimes candles are extinguished by a filthy or deformed flame , being stirred up by the powder of rosin , or gun-powder . lastly , fires die through want of nourishment . death in like manner , doth many wayes rush on us : for either a live body is suddenly dashed together , or sore shaken by weight . also a speedy pouring forth of blood from a large wound , pours forth the life , and blows out the light of life : so an inordinate prodigality of corrupt matter , water , or wind being abundantly made ; likewise baths , hunger , loosening medicines , introduce an untimely death . also by the pressing together of the breath in burrows , of the asthma , of a cord , of drowning , of smoak , and by the symptoms of the womb ; likewise by the resolutions and palseys of the sinews subjected to breathing . in like manner , by burnings , destructions , coalifyings , gangrenes , and congelations of cold. also by poysons , alculies , gnawing things , escharrers , putrifiers , or things that trample upon us by a fermental contagion . likewise by retained excrements , obstructions , and the denied commerces of parts . likewise through defect of some certain digestion , an atrophia and consumptions of a part , or of the whole body . also by over-pourings of the blood within the skull , breast , bottom of the belly , by corrupt mattery impostumes , pleurisies , affects of the lungs , &c. likewise by displacings of the turning joynts , contractures of the parts apppointed for expurging of filths . at length , by reason of a feeble , decrepit , and woren-out death of the seeds and powers . and also by reason of the more grievous passions of the mind , and enchantments . death therefore , doth so many manner of wayes steal away mortals , whose life notwithstanding , is alwayes simple and single : for therefore , there is a diverse and differing consideration of life and death ; for a sword takes away life ; yet there is far different speculation of preserving life , than of healing of diseases by the removals and hinderances of the cause : for truly , causes are partly external , as a wound , the plague , scorching , &c. the healing whereof therefore , doth not depend on the removal of their causes : for neither therefore is the fire which had burned any one , to be extinguished from the hearth , that he may be cured ; even as , neither is the sword to be broken , that the wound may be healed up . but for the preservation of long life , the contemplations and removals of external causes do no less occur or come to hand , than those of a vital fewel : for indeed , although no infirmities should molest , yet death should not for that cause cease dayly to strew a way for its entrance : for although health hath respect to life as its foundation ; yet life doth not include health : for a blind , lame , gowty person , &c. doth no less live , than a healthy or sound person . what if life ends through a disease , that is forreign and by accident unto the life ; as a sword contains death , but not but by application . otherwise , death doth by it self respect life ; but diseasifying causes become mortal only by accident , or by their application unto the spirit of life : for from hence it is , that the impediments of long life are seriously to be heeded , and diverted , if we expect length of life . from the beginning therefore , the meditation of life consisteth not without , but in the life it self : to wit , after what manner life may be preserved in the body . for the sensitive soul , now forthwith after sin ( as i have said ) drew the whole property of life unto it self , and became the bond of life with the body : but seeing that very soul is in it self mortal ; it must needs be , first of all , that all the vital powers co-aeval , or of a like age with the life , should be slideable and mortal : from hence at length , death . for a long continuance of life therefore , first , a curing of diseases is required , as well of those which touch at the life of the whole body , as those which have regard unto the dammages , or preservation of a part and functions , and which in this respect do lay in wait for the life : for truly , seeing there is a single conspiracy of the members , certain principal powers cannot chuse but at length go to decay , also the subordinate ones being only diminished : wherein i disagree from paracelsus , because he thought that every disease was of necessity to be taken away by a medicine for long life : because that good man was no less ignorant of a medicine for long life , and the use thereof , than of the very essence and properties of long life : and therefore his arcanums do very much conduce into a healthy or sound life , or unto a removal of impurities ; yet they do not any thing directly and primarily tend to long life , as unto their ultimate end : because that , as the life ; so the tree of life chiefly concerns the preservation and renewing , or making young again of the vital faculties implanted in the arts. in this therefore the arcanums , or secrets which are for the taking away of superfluities , differ from the tree of life : that those indeed do cure diseases , even those which our parent nature doth by her self , never cure : to wit , the leprosie , stone , palsy , consumption of the lungs , dropsie , &c. but the tree of life doth not heal these diseases being now admitted : for if hippocrates hath dictated , that natures themselves are the physitianesses of diseases ; that is , to be pardoned in his age , and beginning art. after another manner , arcanums ( which had not then as yet been made known , and do at this day , lay in a manner hid ) do exceed the powers of nature , even as art doth very often overcome nature : and that is not only true in secrets which heal diseases ; but also in the tree of life , which restores defective nature : therefore the ordination of that tree , is the preservation of life , with a certain kind of renewing of youth ; but with the remedy of the tree , the leprosie , stone , &c. continues . therefore , there is plainly one consideration of the secrets of paracelsus , and another of the tree of life : the which i thus confirm . let a young man be considered with some of the aforesaid diseases : for his flourishing and lively youth doth not cure these diseases , therefore neither also the tree of life ; because this hath respect onely to the fewel of that flourishing life ; the which surely , is as yet received after the manner of the receiver : therefore there always remains in the part receiving , a diseasie disproportion of strength in respect of the parts that are in good health , which was before the medicine of the tree of life was taken : for although all particular parts should equally participate of that medicine ; yet they should not be re-amended with an equal strength . first therefore , the impediments of long life are universally to be removed : but among impediments , some do shorten the life actively , such as are diseases , inordinacies of living , &c. but other impediments do limit and curtail the tree of life in its goodness , that it cannot attain the ultimate end of its appointment . this indeed , concerning our tree of life , but not concerning that of paradise ; and concerning a corrupted life , not of the life of adam before the fall. those are therefore some diseases ; and likewise much profound strong speculation , and that not pleasant , and perturbations , yea and enchantment : even as in its place . happy therefore are they , and for the most part long-lived , who being far from the cares , usuries , busie affaires , and stormes of their age , can till their fathers lands with their own oxen in peace , and live cheerfully . whatsoever therefore is to be thought of for the obtainment of long life , is to be thought of in a peace void of care , with a full resignation unto the most pleasing will of god : for that cause we must think , how much ridiculous thoughts do weary in fevers , how much serious studies do weaken the strength , and how much anguishes do overthrow the number of daies : because thus the spirit is lessened , and the dayes are abreviated . furthermore , venus or carnal lust obtains its chiefdom among the impediments of long life ; because it doth abundantly exhaust the life . much , and unseasonable gluttony or drunkenness succeeds venus ; and the rather if the drink be hurtful . also tobacco , and mushroomes do hurt , and what things by reason of a hidden poyson largely creeping , do prostrate the vital faculties : for tobacco doth not allay hunger , as if it did satisfie the defect ; but inasmuch as it takes away the sence of the defect , and also the exercises of the functions . in the next place , the impediments of life , are frequent baths , blood-lettings , wounds , also the frequent use of loosening medicines : to wit , which things make the generation of the begetter to be the less flourishing , and therefore also do hasten old age. lastly , as climates do make for long life , so also some do hinder it : for there are some with which an old man is rare : others with whom old age is in honour . for endemicks of arsenick which are under the earth , do mow down a flourishing life , being as yet in its flower . there are some climates also , whereunto there is a nearness of overflowed countries : for whatsoever hath of its own accord waxed hot , and was resolved in water from putrefaction , ought also to be brought to be brought to us together with the vapour , and to be supped up by us . therefore pernicious are the vapours of the fens which breath forth a putrified matter ; and then , those vapours which puffe out a semi-putrified salt , together with the filths of a dissolved clay or mud. for i have seen at antwerp , after the field of austerweele conceived of waters , the leaves of the teil-trees in the walls , to be dryed from august , and that as it were with a gnawn rottenness ; the which , before the inundation , were kept green in the tree , even unto october . the same thing is seen at amsterdam , whenas the leaves of the trees of leidon do as yet counterfeit the moneth of may : for the leaves do suffer this destruction from a semi-salt-vapour . what at length is not to be thought to be done on the tender coat of the lungs , and the sponge of its substance ? truly , so many enemies do on every side lye in wait for our life , that unless we shall depart far from the hurtful contagion of the air , there will scarce under a full grant of the tree of life , be awished for participation of long life : for the original tree of life in eden , was for its own inhabitants ; but not for the natives of the vale of miseries . therefore whosoever will enjoy the goodness of the tree of life , and profit by the labour of wisdom ; let him make choice of a region , which in all places nourisheth many old men ; and wherein diseases do in all places seldome rage . then lastly , let him begin to make use of the tree of life from a child , ( the more rightly , if the child begin first in both parents , presently afterwards also in the nurse ) while the nourishment is snatched away for the increase of the solid stems . but those things which hinder and diminish the medicine of the tree of life , that it cannot ascend unto its height , are hereditary and inbred weaknesses , total , or in part ; and in whom attained weaknesses drawn in through inordinacy , do succeed , and the which , have happened through the undue torments of the paines of diseases and labours : for whosoever hath suffered a notable injury of life , let him despair to be fully renewed by the tree of life : but he who being a child , hath admixed the medicine with the first constitutives of life , and hath thus waxed of ripe years ( for truly , the tree of life is not more perfect , as that it is able to restore decrepit bodies into their former state ) let him hope that he shall attain that which the court physitians of kings can scarce believe . chap. cxii . of the magnetick or attractive curing of wounds . a disputation concerning the attractive , natural , and lawful curing of wounds ; against r. p. john roberti , doctor of divinity , an elder of the society of jesus ; no less than also against rodolph goclenius , professor of medicine . . witchcraft , sympathy or co-suffering , and magnetism or attraction do differ . . one ointment is called sympathetical , another magnetical . . what mummy is . . phylosophy is immediately reproved by reasons onely . . the difference of law , and phylosophy . . from an ignorance of the cause , magnatism is accounted a devil . . who may be the interpreters of nature . . why alchymists onely can interpret nature . . he is proud , who from an ignorance of the cause , believes a thing to be of the devil . . who are the devils flatterers . . magnetism is no new invention . . the armary or weapon-unguent . . the intent , aim , remedies or ingredients , and manner in the ointment , are good , . why the unguent is not unlawful . . why it is not superstitious . . what superstition is . . why the manner of the unguent being unknown to the censurer , can nothing disprove it . . what magnetism is . . some effects of the load-stone . . the magnetical cure of incurable diseases is perfect . . milk being burned dries up the dugs . . vitriol dies through magnetism or attraction . . mummy operates from italy even to bruxels . . the carline thistle , under the shade , draws wonderfully . . likewise the same disease in number changeth its subjects . . that from magnetism , flowers are followers of the sun. . mummies which are philtrous or pertaining to love , how they are attractive . . that the arcanum or secret of the blood , is the load-stone of alchymists . . herbs , why , and after what sort they are attractive . . asarabacca , and the elder are magnetical . . an implicite compact or covenant , is the anchor of the ignorant . . sympathy presupposeth a sense or feeling . . the mummy of a dead brother , being long since impressed on a seat , is as yet attractive . . the saphire is an imitator of the unguent in magnetism . . the saphire , by touching of one carbuncle , cures others . . why the prelates of the church wear skie-coloured rings . . man hath his load-stone . . an amulet for the plague . . it is of necessity , that the same accident should pass from subject into subject . . magnetism is an heavenly quality . . a thief , robber or murderer , and an honest man , or woman , afford the same mosse of their dead skull . . from whence , and what the seed of that mosse is . . the fruit of the air. . that usnea or mosse is a fruit of fire . . in that mosse also , is the back of the load-stone , the scope being changed . . god in miracles , follows nature . . god approves of the magnetism of the unguent by reliques . . a supernatural magnetism proves a natural one . . a lock of that mosse being incarnate in the fore-head , is a defence against a sword , but a thred or rag of the stole of s. hubbert , against the tooth of a mad dog. . a rag being incarnate in the fore-head , preserves from the biting of a mad dog for ones whole life time ; an impression of blood doth the same in the zinzilla . . pepper degenerates into ivy. . how we must judge of persons . . paracelsus the monarch of secrets . . every thing hath its own particular heaven . . from whence inclination is . . from whence a disease is astral in us . . whence sick persons have a fore-feeling of the stormes of the times . . what may cause the flowing and ebbing in the sea. . whence windes are stirred up . . the heaven doth not cause , but pronounce things to come . . the being of every seed hath the firmament and virtue of its own influence . . the vine , not the heaven , disturbs wines . . antimony observes an influence . . the load-stone directs its self , but is not drawn . . glass is magnetical . . rosin is magnetical . . what garlick acteth against the load-stone , and why the same thing also concerning mercury . . the virtue or power of operation on an object at a distance , is natural , even in sublunary things , and it is magnetical . . every creature liveth in its own mode , or after its own manner . . what the unguent can draw from a wound at a distance . . every satanical effect is imperfect . . why satan cannot co-operate with our unguent . . what may be called the will and imagination of the flesh , and of the outward man. . a twofold extasie . . the ecstatical power of the blood. . corruption makes that lurking power manifest . . the essences of things do not putrifie . . the putrefaction of alchymy , to what end it is . . the cause of attraction in the unguent . . the heart is drawn by the treasure magnetically , or after the manner of a load-stone . . necromancy or the black-art , from whence it is . . what man is as a living creature , and what man is as being the image of god. . after what manner the eagle is allured by the magnetisme of a dead carcase . . how the venal bloud is drawn in the unguent , unto its own treasure . why eagles are allured to a dead carcase , magnetically . . a natural feeling or perceivance , and an animal feeling , do differ . . the effects of witches are wicked ones . . the power of a witch is natural , and of what sort that power may be . . where the magical power in man is seated . . whether man bears command over all other bodies . . why a man may act per nutum or by his beck or pleasure . . what the magical faculty may be . . the magical power lyes hid in man after divers manners . . the inward man is the same with the outward fundamentally , but materially , diverse . . what the vital spirit its knowledge and gift is . . in a carcase which dies of its own accord , there is no implanted spirit . . the divining of spirits according to physitians . . the soul acts in the body onely per nutum , magically . . the soul acts in the body , onely by a drowsie beck , but out of the body , by an excited beck . the knowledge of the apple , hinders science , magical or wise knowledge . . the beginning of the cabal is drawn from god in dreams . . the defect of understanding is in the outward man. . what satan can do in witches . . what are the true works of satan alone . . sin hath withdrawn the endowments of grace , and hath obscured the gifts of nature . . whither the pious exercises of catholicks tend . . the most powerful effect of the cabal . . there are two subjects of any kind of things . . man acts as well by his spirit , as by his body . . what kind of ray or beam is sent from a witch into a bruit . . how a witch may be bewrayed . . how a witch may be bound up in the heart of a horse . . the intention depraves or vitiates a good work. . the seminal virtue is natural magick . . why blood issues out of the dead carcase when the murtherer is present . . why the plague is frequent in sieges . . works of mercy are to be exercised at least in respect of avoiding the plague . . plagues from revenge and execration , are detestable . . why bodies were to be removed from the gibbet . . why excrements cannot cause the plague . . why the blood of a bull is mortally venemous . . why the fat of a bull is in the sympathetical unguent , to wit , that it may be made an oyntment of weapons . . why satan cannot concurre unto the unguent . . the basis or foundation of magick . . from whence vanities are accounted for magick . . a good magick in the holy scriptures . . what may be called true magick . . the cause of the idolatry of witches . . the sirrers up of magick . . satan excites it imperfectly . . from whence beasts also are magical . . the kingdom of spirits nourisheth strife , and love . . why man is a microcosm or little world. . the mind generates real entities . . that entity or beingness is of a middle nature between a body and a spirit . . the descending of the soul begets a conformed will. . the cause of the fruitfulness of seeds . . why lust doth as it were estrange us from our mind . . a father by the spirit of his seed , generates out of himself , in an object presently absenting it self . . what spirit may be the patron of magnetism . . the will sends a spirit unto the object . unless the will did produce some real thing , the devil could not know of or acknowledge it ; and unless it did dismiss it out of it self , the devil being absent , could not be provoked thereby . where therefore the treasure is , thither doth the magical spirit of man tend . . magnetism is made by sensation . . that there are many perceivances in one onely subject . . from the superiour phantasie commanding it . . why glasse-makers use the load-stone . . the phantasie of attracting things is changed . . inanimate things have their phantasie . . why some things by eating of them , induce madness . . why a mad dog by biting of a man introduceth madness . . the tarantula by his stroke or sting , causeth a madness . . why other bruit beasts do not defend themselves against a mad dog. . the sympathy betwixt objects at a distance , is made by means of a certain spirit of the world , which spirit also governing the sun , and the sunny stars , is of a potent sense or feeling . . the imagination in creatures endowed with choice , is various at pleasure ; but in others , it is alwayes of a limited identity . . the first degree of power dwelleth magically in the forms of the three principles . . the second degree is by the phantasies of the forms of the mixt body , the which , to wit , being destroyed , the principles do as yet remain . . the third degree ariseth from the phantasie or imagination of the soul. . what bruits are magical , and do act out of themselves , by beck alone . . the fourth degree of magical power , is from the understanding of men being stirred up . . the word magick is a proportionable answering of many things , unto some one third thing . . every magical power or faculty rejoyceth in a stirring up . . what may be called a subject capable of magnetism . . how magnetism differs from other formal properties . . humours and filths or ex●rements have their phantasie . . why the scripture attributes life to the blood , rather than to any other juyces of the body . . the seed possesseth the phantasie of the father , by traduction or derivation ; from whence nobility ariseth . . the skins of the wolf and sheep have retained through impression , an hostile imagination of their former life . . what the phantasie of the blood being freshly brought into the unguent , can effect . the manner of the magnetism or attraction in the ointment . . the difference between a magnetical cure which is done by the unguent , and that which is done by a rotten egg. . the notable mystery of humane imagination , is the foundation of natural magick . . the understanding imprinteth the beingnesse which was procreated or produced on the outward object , and there it really continues . . how efficacious seals or impressions may be made . . the imagination holds fast the spirit of a witch , by a nail , as it were a medium . . if satan doth naturally move a body without a corporeal touch or extreamity , why not also the more inward man ? and why not rather also the spirit of the witch ? . the virtue of the oyntment is not from the imagination of the compounder , but from the simples co-united into one . . the author makes a profession of his faith. in the eighth year of this age , there was brought unto me , an oration declamatory , made at marpurg of the catti , wherein rodolph goclenius ( to whom the profession of phylosophy was lately comitted ) paying his first-fruits , endeavours to shew , that the curing of wounds by the sympathetical and armary or weapon unguent , invented by paracelsus , is meerly natural . which oration , i wholly read , and i sighed within my self , that the histories of natural things had lighted into the hands of so weak a patron . the author nevertheless highly pleased himself with that argument of writing , and with a continued barrenness of proof , in the year . published the same work , with some enlargement . there was very lately brought me a succinct anatomy of the aforesaid book , composed by a certain divine , rather in the form of a fine or jocond censure , than of a disputation : my judgement therefore , however it should be , was desired , at least-wise in that respect , that the thing found out by paracelsus , concerned himself , and me his follower . i shall therefore declare , what i think of the physitian goclenius , and what of the divine the censurer . first of all , the physitian proposeth , and boasts , that he will prove the magnetick or attractive cure of wounds to be natural : but i found the promiser to be unfit for so great a business : because that he no where , or at least but slenderly , makes good his title or promises : he collecting many patcheries here and there , whereby he thinks he hath sufficiently proved , that there are certain formal virtues in the nature of things , which they call sympathy and antipathy ; and that from the granting of those , the magnetical cure is natural . many things i say , out of the aegyptians , chaldeans , persians , conjurers , and jugling impostors , he gathers into one , whereby he might prove or evince the magnetism which himself was ignorant of : partly that by delighting mindes that are greedy of novelties of things , he may seduce them from the mark ; and partly that they may admire the author , that he had rub'd over , not onely trivial writers , but also any other the more rare ones . wherefore the physitian doth rashly confound sympathy ( which he after divers manners , and fabulously , often alledgeth ) with magnetism , and from that , concludes this to be natural . for i have seen also , that vulnerary oyntment to cure not onely men , but also horses , between whom and us , certainly there is not so great affinity ( unless we are asses ) that therefore , the sympathetical unguent should deserve to be called common to us and horses . in like manner , the physitian badly confounds sympathy or co-suffering with witchcraft , and ligation or binding up , and both with magnetism : to wit , he as in anguish , undistinctly alledgeth any the more abstruse or hidden effects whatsoever , whereby ( he being destitute of reasons ) might make good his own mag●etism . i will by an example distinguish witchery from sympathy , and both from magnetism . a dog hath an antipathy ( for sympathy and antipathy are daughters of the same stock ) with a hen : for he preys upon this hen , and this hen flees from the dog ; but when she hath newly hatched her chickens , this hen chaseth the dog , although a couragious one : to wit , the soul of the hen by fascination or witchery , tying up the soul of the dog , the former antipathy , unequal defence of weapons , and unequality of strength nothing hindring it ; yet in these things , magnetism is no where seen . moreover , what examples the physitian brings concerning seals or impresses , characters , gamahen or magical images , ceremonies , and for the most part vain observances , are altogether impertinent to this purpose , and do rather destroy magnetism as rendring it suspitious , than build it up : my genius or wit carries me not to determine any thing of these things . and then , goclenius errs , and that indeed rashly , like as also ignorantly : dreaming from the prescription of paracelsus , that the weapon which wounded , if it be involved in the weapon salve , doth cure the wound : for the weapon or point of the sword shall be in vain anointed with the unguent by him prescribed , unless it be made bloody ; and the same blood shall be first dried on the said sword. for with paracelsus , the sympathetical ungent is one thing , in respect of the blood fetch'd out of the wound , and the ungent wherewith the weapons that were tinged with no blood , ought to be emplaistred , certainly another ; and therefore he calls the former , the magnetick and sympathetick ungent , but the latter the magnetick armary or weapon-ungent : the which therefore receives ( nor that indeed in vain ) honey and bulls fat over and above , into its composition . last of all , goclenius , that he might satisfie his own genius , hath altered the description of paracelsus , affirming that the usnea or moss , is to be chosen only from the skuls of hanged persons ; of which his own and false invention , he enquiring the cause , blusheth not to dream , that in strangling , the vital spirits entred into the skull , and there remain so long , as until that six years from that time being accomplished , the moss shall under the open air grow up thereon . paracelsus hath taught the express contrary , and by practical experiences it is confirmed , that the moss of the skuls of those that have been slain or broken on a wheel , is no less commendable , than that of those who were strangled with an halter . for truly , the quintessence is not extracted out of living creatures ( because the principal essence perisheth together with the inflowing spirit and life ) but only the mumial virtue , that is , the implanted and co-fermented spirit , which surviveth in bodies slain by violence . what things goclenius hath delivered concerning remedies for repairing of the memory , as we acknowledge them no way agreeable to the end intended ; so also , we not any thing doubt to prove them to be impertinent flourishes . there is no question ( between our divine and physitian ) about the truth of the fact ; for both of them grant , that a cure happens to the wounded person : the controversie layes only in that , that the physitian affirms such a cure to be natural , but the divine will have it to satanical ; and that from a compact of the first inventer : of which censure , he brings not any positive reason in his anatomy , as thinking it satisfactory , if he in his own judgment shall abolish it , although he shall openly produce no grounds of that abolishment ; to wit , he acquiescing in this , that he hath removed the feeble reasons of the affirmer , the which to do , is a matter of no labour , of no skill , nor also is it a matter of any authority : for , to what end tends it , to give judgment on the thing it self from the foolishness of the reasons of some unskilful brain ? and to declare it to be wicked , if he hath not so much as dreamed of one petty reason of his sentence ? what if i , who am a laick , should commend presbitery with untrimmed reasons , and some one should reject them as unworthy ones , shall the priesthood it self therefore be to be rejected ? what i pray you , doth the unskilfulness or rashness of any one touch at things themselves : surely phylosophy submits not it self to censures , unless a considerable gravity of the censurers , well confirmed by reasons , doth concur . i therefore who have undertaken to prove ( against the divine ) that this magnetick cure is even natural : first of all , have supposed goclenius worthy of excuse , if he hath laboured in vain in the finding out of the immediate cause of this unwonted effect . what wonder is it , when as the divine consesseth that he is ignorant of the same : and therefore conjectures satan to be the author thereof : for such is our infirmity , that we are destitute of the knowledge of the most , and most excellent things : for therefore we unwillingly wrest very many things aside unto the sacred anchour of ignorance , and refer them to the catalogue of occult or hidden causes . for who among divines ever knew how to demonstrate to the full , the cause of risibility or capacity of laughter , or of any other formal property , to wit , of heat in the fire ? is not the fallacy of begging of the principle , committed , if thou shall say , the highest degree of heat belongs to the fire , because it is of the nature thereof ? truly the essences of forms , because they are unknown to us from their cause , therefore also the race of formal properties is wholly scanty , and unknown ; and where we observe any formal passion to lay under , the mind as if it were tired in vain , presently ceaseth from a diligent search thereof , and reposeth it self , being contented with the name of occult properties . go to i pray you , hath the anatomist the censurer , haply known the cause why a dog that rejoyceth , swings his tail ? but a lyon in like manner , when he is angry ? a cat also making merry in token of favour , lifts up the same ? what therefore , if himself hath not known so much as the reason of the moving of a tail ; will he wonder that goclenius hath given an unsolid reason of magnetism ? and from the refuting of that , presume that he hath more than sufficiently demonstrated the dure which belongs to magnetisme , to be satanical ? far be so great a rashness of judgment from him . come on then , why dost thou call that cure diabolical : truly it had behoved thee , to have added a reason of thy censure , unless thou expectest to have it denyed by others , with the same facility wherewith thou declarest it to be of the devil . lawyers require only the affirmative part to be confirmed ; but phylosophers both parts , least either the ignorance , or also the malepartness of the denyers should seem greater than that of the affirmers . dost thou perhaps , maintain it to be diabolical , because it cannot be understood by thee , that a natural reason thereof doth subsist ? i will not believe that thou couldst utter so idle a sentence , from thine own infirmity , of its virtue : for thou knowest that the weaknesse of understanding is our vice , not that of things . make hast therefore ; from whence knowest thou , that god hath not directed such a magnetical virtue unto the use or benefit of the wounded . shew thy evidences : hath god chosen thee to be the secretary of his counsel ! surely however thou mayest variously wander or waver , at length thou shalt find , that the cure is accounted diabolical among you [ divines ] for no other reason , but because your slenderness and calling doth not comprehend it . what wonder is it , if no divine hath smelt out these things ? for after that the priest and the levite had passed on to jericho , a samaritan , being a lay man , succeeded , who took away all right from the priests of enquiring into the causes of things . therefore nature from thenceforth , called not divines for to be her interpreters : but desired physitians only for her sons ; and indeed , such only , who being instructed by the art of the fire , doe examine the properties of things , by separating the impediments of their lurking powers , to wit , their crudity , poysonousnesses , and dregs , that is the thistles and thorns every where implanted into virgin-nature from the curse : for seeing nature doth dayly distil , sublime , calcine , ferment , dissolve , coagulate , fix , &c. certainly we also , who are the only faithful interpreters of nature , do by the same helps draw forth the properties of things from darkness into light. but that the divine may judge of that which is a juggle , from that which is natural ; he must needs first borrow the definition from us ; to wit , least the cobler shamefully slip beyond his last . let the divine enquire concerning god , but the naturalist concerning nature . certainly , much was the goodness of the creator every where extended , who made all created things for the use of ungrateful man : neither hath he admited any of the theologists or divines as an assistant in counsel , how many and how great virtues he should endow things withal . i know not surely in the mean time , how he can be excused from the sin of pride , who because he perceiveth not the natural cause , as it were measuring all the works of god by the sharpness of his own wit , doth therefore boldly deny god to have given such virtue to things ; as though man , a worm , were a full partaker of god , and his counsel : he esteems of the minds of all men by his own , who thinks that cannot be done which he cannot understand . truly unto me , it seems no way a wonder , if god had given unto things , besides a body , a virtue co-like to the load-stone , and that to be unfolded by the name of magnetism or attraction alone : ought it not to be sufficient for the affirming of magnetism , that one only single natural example be alleaged ( i shall anon declare it by more , and that , such as fit the purpose ) of that stone , according to the square whereof , other endowments also variously distributed in the creatures , may be understood ? because therefore the thing is a new paradox and unknown to thee , shall it for that cause , ought also to be satanical ? far be it from thee to think so unworthily of the divine majesty of the creator : neither certainly ought we to flatter the devil by conferring that honour upon him : for what doth at any time more sweetly affect him , than if the glory of gods work be so ascribed to him , as though himself had been the author of the same . ye grant that material nature doth dayly draw down forms by its magnetism , from the superior orbs , and much desire the favour of the celestial bodies , and that the heavens do in exchange , invisibly allure something from the inferiour bodies , that there may be a free and mutual passage , and an harmonious concord of the members , with the whole universe . magnetism therefore , because it is every where vigorous , contains nothing of novelty in it , but the name : neither is it paradoxical , but to those who deride all things , and banish into the dominion of satan , whatsoever they do not understand . truly that knowledge doth never spring up to him that seeks wisdom as a derider . but i pray , what hath the weapon salve of superstition in it ? whether because it is composed of the moss , blood , mummie , and fat of man ? but the physitian useth these safely , and to this end the apothecary sells them without a penalty : or perhaps , because the manner of using it is new to thee , unaccustomed to the vulgar , but to be admired of both , shall the effect therefore be satanical ? subdue thy self , and rage not , thou shalt anon have better satisfaction . for the manner of using it , contains nothing of evil therein . first of all the intent is good and holy , and tends only unto a good end ; to wit , to cure our languishing or woful neighbour , without pain , danger , and the consumption of charges : dost thou call this diabolical ? in the next place , the remedies themselves also , are natural things , whereunto , that that faculty was granted by god , we shall by and by prove by arguments . i wish , that thou also hadst thus confirmed to us thy negative ; to wit , that god the chiefest good , hath not given unto the sympathetical ungent , that natural faculty , and mumial magnetism . this magnetical remedy , can no way be rendred suspected , seeing it hath no superstitious rites , it requires no words , no characters or impresses , no admixed ceremonies , or vain observances ; it presupposeth no houres , it profanes not holy things ; yea which is more , it doth not so much as fore-require the imagination , confidence , or belief , nor leave to be required from the wounded party ; all which things are annexed to superstitious cures . for that is called superstition , as oft as men relie upon faith or imagination , or both , above any kinde of virtue which is not such , or which is not directed by the creator to that end : therefore the magnetical cure hath nothing of superstition . wherefore , do thou , o censuring divine , that art ful of taunting , make tryal of the oyntment , at least-wise with a designe to deride satan , whereby thou mayest overthrow that implicite compact : nevertheless , will thou , nill thou , thou shalt find plainly the same effect as there is with us , the which doth never happen to superstitious causes . whosoever he be that thinks the magnetical cure of wounds is diabolical , not because it consists from an unlawful end , and of unlawful means ; but because it proceeds after a manner unknown to him : he also as convinced by the same argument , shall render the essential causes of all the operations of the load-stone , of which we are about to speak ; or shall confess that those operations are the juggles of satan ; or at least-wise ( which will be more safe for him to do ) shall be constrained to acknowledge with us , that there is a magnetism , that is , a certain hidden property with this appellation ( by reason of the manifest prerogative of that stone ) divided or distinguished from other abstruse , and commonly unknown qualities . a load-stone being laid upon a thin trencher of wood , and swimming on the water , is forthwith on one , and that a certain side , turning towards the south , but on the other side , toward the north : the austral or southern part thereof , if it shall touch iron , it turns that towards the north , and the northern part of the load-stone , having touched iron , will incline it to the south . by its sepentrional or northerly part , that is , its belly , it allures iron or steel to it ; and by its austral part , or back , it drives that iron or steel before it : the northern side , by rubbing of the point of a compass-needle , from the right hand to the left , will direct the same to the south ; but if the rubbing be made from the left hand unto the right , the direction of the point will be contrary . in like manner also , the south side of the load-stone is varied : yea which is more , if a load-stone , by its rubbing on a piece of iron , doth make it to be magnetical , that is , an attractive of other iron , let the same iron which is now magnetical , be rubbed again , being turned upwards , and downwards upon the load-stone , it will presently put off its attractive power : of which effects if they relish thee , enquire thou of william guilbert a physitian of london , in his treatise of the load-stone ; than whom , none ever wrote better concerning this subject ; and by whose industry , the variation of the compass may be restored . the needle which now bends to the north , under the aequinoctial line , staggers to and fro ; but beyond it , bends it self unto the other pole. i shall add this medicinal faculty of it : the back of the load-stone , as it repulseth iron ; so also it drives back the gut , cures burstness , and every catarrh or rheum which is of the nature of iron : for all magnetisms , are ordained for the use of man. the iron-attracting faculty , if it shall be married to the mummy of a woman , then the back of the load-stone being emplaistred within her thigh , and the belly thereof on her loyns , doth safely prevent a miscarrying already threatned : but the belly of the load-stone , being applyed within her thigh , and its back to her loyns , doth wonderfully facilitate or dispatch her delivery . all which effects of the load-stone , our anatomist shall illustrate by reasons drawn from foregoing causes , and explain to us the manner thereof , as made known unto him : or i shall by a like argument of ignorance conclude , that these likewise are the delusions of satan , and not natural effects . i will now produce some examples of a co-like magnetism , that we at length may come with the more seasoned judgment , unto the positive reason , and refuting of all oppositions . what can i do more ? the reasons which thou hast not brought in thy own behalf , i my self will devise . every effect ( thou wilt say ) proceeds either immediately from god the work-man , and so is a miracle : or from satan , and so is monstrous : or from natural and ordinary causes , and then is natural : but magnetisme is not a miracle , neither is it a natural effect ; therefore satanical . i answer : although i am able to shew this aforesaid rehearsal to be insufficient , in regard the inward man acteth even after none of the fore-mentioned wayes ( the which hereafter , we are plainly enough to declare ) nevertheless , we now , with a dry foot , pass over the assumption , as being about to deny the subsumption or inference ; to wit , in that part wherein it is affirmed , that the effect is not natural : for that was first to be proved , least a begging of the principle or question should be committed : but herein our censurer hath and will be defective , to say that it is not a natural effect , unless he thought , that for him to say it , was all one as to prove it , and to have placed his own authority in the room of reason : for there are many effects natural , which do not ordinarily happen ; to wit , those which are the more seldom incident : therefore , in favour of our anatomist , i shall every where not only defend the affirmative part ; but also , i will declare it by reasons , and confirm it by examples : for so the argument now alleaged , shall violently fall with its own weight . there is a book , imprinted at frankford in the year , by uldericus balk a dominican , concerning the lampe of life ; where thou shalt find out of paracelsus , the true magnetical cure of many diseases ; namely , of the dropsie , gowt , jaundise , &c. by enclosing the warm blood of the sick in the shell and white of an egg , which is exposed to a nourishing warmth ; and this blood being admixed with a piece of flesh , thou shalt give unto a hungry dog , or swine , and the grief is presently drawn , and departs from thee into the dog , no otherwise , than as the leprosie of naaman passed over or was transplanted into gehazi , through the execration of the prophet . what , wilt thou account this also to be diabolical , to have thus restored the sick party by the magnetisms of the mumial blood alone ? but yet he is wholly and undoubtedly restored . a woman weaning her infant , whereby her breasts may the sooner grow barren , milks out her milk on hot burning coals , and her dugs soon grow flaggy . doth haply the devil suck them ? if any one shall foul at thy door , and thou intendest to prevent that beastliness for the future ; lay thou a red hot iron upon the new laid excrement , and by magnetism , the voyder of that ordure , shall soon grow scabby on his buttocks ; to wit , the fire roasting the excrement , and as it were by a dorsal or rebounding magnetism , driving the sharpness of the roast , into his impudent fundament . perchance thou wilt say , that this is satanical , because the end is a hurting of the party : but surely the abuse of powers is in the liberty of man ; yet it is not the less natural in its use . make a small table of the lightest , whitest , and bafest kinde of lead , and at the one end hereof , put a piece of amber , and three spans off , place a piece of green vitriol ; this vitriol will forthwith visibly loose its colour and tartness : both which effects are found in the preparation of amber . at least-wise , this very experiment , shall be free from all illusion of satan . a certain inhabitant of bruxels , lost his nose in fight , he comes to tagliacozzus a chyrurgion , living at bononia , in expectation of another nose : and when as he feared the incision of his own arm , he hired a porter for his end , out of whose arm , he having given him his price , the chyrurgion at length digged a nose . about thirteen months after his return into his own country , presently on a sudden , the ingrafted nose grew cold , and after some dayes fell off through putrefaction : by the buisie enquirers of the unexpected chance of which thing , it was found that the porter gave up the ghost , perhaps at the same moment , wherein the nose grew cold . there are those yet surviving at bruxels , that were eye witnesses of these things . is not that magnetism of manifest affinity with mummy , whereby the nose , by the right of ingraftment , rejoycing for so many months , in a common life , sense or feeling , and vegetative faculty , suddenly mortified on the further side of the alpes ? what i pray , is there in this of superstition ? what of a fond imagination ? the root of the carline-thistle ( which is that of chamileon ) being plucked up when full of juice and virtue , and co-tempered with the mummy of man , doth as it were by a ferment , exhaust all the powers and natural strength out of a man , on whose shadow thou treadest , into thy self . but this thou wilt say , is full of deceit , because paradoxical : as if the same leprosie were not tranferred out of naaman into gehazi ; and the same numerical jaundises transplanted into a dog : for a disease is not in the predicament of quality ; but all the predicaments are in every particular disease : for truly it shall not be lawful to accommodate or suite things to names , but names to things . the solisequous , or sun-following flowers , are carried after the sun by a certain magnetism or attraction ; not indeed by reason of his heat which they may desire ( for in a cloudy and more cold day , they also imitate the meeter of the sun ) nor also by reason of his light , are they the lackeys of the sun : for in the dark night , when they have left the sun , they incline from the west to the east . thou wilt not account this to be diabolical , because there is another privie shift at hand ; to wit , that there is a harmony of superiour bodies with inferiour , and an attractive faculty , plainly celestial , in no wise to be communicated unto sublunary things : as if indeed , the microcosme or little world , being unworthy of a heavenly condition , could in his blood , and moss , take notice of no revolution of the stars . i might speak of amorous or love-medicines , which require a mumial co-fermenting , that love or affection may be drawn unto a certain object : but it is more discretion to pass them by , when i shall first have mentioned this one only example . i have known an herb , in many places easie to be seen ; the which , if it be rubbed , and cherished in thy hand , until it shall wax warm , and thou presently shall hold fast the hand of another person , until that also grow warm ; he shall continually burn , with a total love of thee , for some dayes . i held in my hand , the foot of a certain little dog , and this dog , presently so followed me , a stranger , that his mistris being renounced , he howled in the night before my chamber door , that i might open unto him . there are some present at bruxels , who are my witnesses of this deed : for the heat first heating the herb , i say , not a bareheat , but being stir'd up by a certain efflux of the natural spirits , limits the herb unto it , and individuates it to it self ; and this ferment being received , doth by magnetism , draw the spirit of that other person , and subdue it into love. i leave the cures of many sicknesses , which the secret of humane blood doth magnetically perfect : for unless the blood , yea the corrupt pus or matter [ of wounds or ulcers ] the urin , and transpirable efflux through the pores of the skin , shall continually mow down , or carry away with them something of the vital spirit ; and there were in these a certain participation of the whole body , when they are out of their natural composed body ; surely the dayes of man should not be so short : for this indeed hath been the cause of our intestine calamity . the herbs arsmart or water-pepper , comfry , flixweed or luskewort , dragon-wort , adders-tongue , and many others , have that peculiar endowment , that if being cold , they are steeped in water ( for a felled oake , when the north-wind blows , will grow wormy , if not forthwith sunk under water ) and if being for some time applyed on a wound , or ulcer , they grow warm , and are presently buried in a muddy place : when they begin to putrifie , they are also busie in drawing from the sick party , whatsoever is hurtful unto him : and that thing the herbs accomplish , not as long as they grew in the earth , nor also as long as they remain in their antient form ( for it behoves the grain to die , that it may bring forth fruit ) but in the putrefaction of their body , their virtues being now as it were loosed from the bolt of their body , do freely uncloath themselves of that magnetism , otherwise sleeping and hindered ; and according to the contagion and impression received from the wounded or ulcerated place , do suck out much remainder of evil , even at a far distance . if any one in gathering the leaves of asarabacca , shall pluck them upwards , they will purge another , that is , a third person who is ignorant of that drawing , by vomit only : but if in cropping , they are wrested downwards , they will expurge only by stool . here at least-wise , doth no superstition subsist , or lurk : for why do i here make mention of imagination ; seeing ye grant that nothing can thereby operate on a third object , especially where that object is ignorant of the manner of gathering which the cropper used ? wilt thou perhaps again accuse of an implicite compact , and lay hold on the sacred anchor of ignorance ? but here lurks no vain observance , especially when as the gatherer shall pluck off the leaves either upward , or downward , the receiver being ignorant thereof . truly , besides asarabacca , and the outmost parts of elder , no other purging medicines have that endowment , the which after what manner soever they are gathered , do alwayes univocally or singly operate : but in asarabacca , in the entire plant , a magnetical property shines forth , and so it variously endoweth its leaves according to the sense of their gathering . but that , not only plants , but also almost all created things have a certain delineation of sense , they do largely confirm , as well by antipathy , as sympathy ( which cannot consist without sense ) which thing , we shall by and by teach . another new fit of the gout surprized a noble matron of my acquaintance , after one fit had departed , and that gowt , by an unwonted recourse , molested her for many months without remission : but she not knowing from whence so great and unexspected a relapse of the disease befel her , at length , now rising from her bed , as oft as the heat of the fit was slackened , sate down in a seat , wherein her brother being gowty , and that in another city , had in times past , wont to sit , and indeed she forthwith found , that from thence the disease did revive a-fresh . verily the effect is in no wise to be ascribed to imagination or scrupulous doubt ; because both these were such as were much more modern than the effect . but if in the same seat , another gowty person happened to have sit , no renovation of the disease happened unto him : therefore the mummy of her brother already dead , deservedly rendred the seat suspected of contagion , which piercing , through all her cloaths , stir'd up in the sister , and not in any other gowty person , those fluxes of fits , which otherwise would have been quiet : indeed the magnetism was to the mummy of the sisters womb , and that a long five years space after his burial . i pray , what implicite compact is here with the enemy satan ? a saphire that is of a deep skie colour , if it shall touch , and be for some time rub'd on a carbuncle , whereby the plague discovers it self , but by and by be removed , the absent jewel now ceaseth not magnetically to attract all the poyson from the defiled party ; so that it be done before his strength be too much dejected : they are wont therefore ( which to us makes more for the credit of magnetism ) by degrees to enclose the place of the aposteme with a saphire extended into a circle : to wit , least the departing poyson , in that place where it unsensibly exhales , should be more largely expended , and thereupon , more largely infect some noble adjacent part. for in what part the poyson doth ( as it were through a trunk ) magnetically exhale out of the wasted body , the whole circle presently grows black , and being at length scorched into an eschar , falls off ; the heart in the mean time , being preserved from the deadly contagion . neither is there any place for a privy evasion , as to say that the attracted poyson , at the same moment wherein the place is touched by the saphire , or also being at that time subdued within , doth figure it self , and not to attribute that thing unto the magnetism of the absent gem : but notwithstanding , the sick will bear witness that they did not presently perceive relief , but a good while after ; to wit , by the poyson by little and little departing through the magnetical attraction : yea , the place it self will afford a more certain testimony for magnetisme ; the which , waxeth not black under the circular conveyance , or by that conveyance of the saphire ; but it grows black a little while after , as being immediately scorched by the pestiferous , that is , arsenical air , going forth in that very path or part , and not in any other : for where the poyson doth continually exhale , to wit , by the venemous beams being recollected into a crest or pyramidal point , the place doth there of necessity suffer violence , wax black , and is burnt or scorched : which effects , as they happen in a succession of time , they perfectly instruct us , that the poyson doth also successively flow forth according to the attraction of the absent gem. perhaps thou wilt answer , that every agent requires a certain duration of its impression ; that the saphire did not benefit this sick party in an instant , but that it left an impression behind it , which was to vanquish the remainder of the malady by degrees ; but not that the gem being absent from the carbuncle , did afterwards attract any thing : where thou shalt take notice , that every agent of nature doth act in an instant , unless there be some obstacle or hinderance in the patient . but in the body being infected , that there is no impediment , because it is that which requires help with the greatest speed , and earnestly paints after it , in all its veins . it would be altogether another thing , if in the pained place the saphire were to be prepared , concocted , or altered ; that the imprisoned agent which should afterwards be spread through the body , might be drawn out thereby : but seeing it remains entire and uncorrupt , it requires only a certain time , to this end , that it may couple its own influential ray ( through a touching of the mummy ) unto the ray or beam of the pestilent air , whereby it being forthwith absent , may require or command it forth : for the said copulation i say , that there may be made a fast binding of the virtue of the saphire to the venom , there is required a certain time ( grant one eighth part of an hour ) wherein the circle-line is encompassing the carbuncle ; for if there were a certain impression of the saphire , which by degrees should subdue the poyson within , and not a magnetical attraction of the absent jewel , there could be no reason why that certain or particular place of the circle should wax black and be scorched , nor also why the poyson should not more largely range , than in the said circle : and which is more , if the carbuncle doth freshly shew it self in diverse places at once ; yet that carbuncle only , which was circumscribed with the saphire , is burnt , the other setling , and vanishing away . therefore , what attractive impression ( i beseech thee ) shall the absent saphire , leave behind it , if not a magnetical one ? especially , because the thing attracted , bespeaks an unseparable respect unto the thing attracting , and this likewise to that . yea , if the saphire had delivered any virtue from it self into the sick body , it ( after one or a second using ) should be weaker than it self was ( for so the hoof of the elke , driving away fits of the falling-sickness , is by little and little , rendred barren or unefficacious ) the faculty which it imprinted being lost , which plainly in the saphire is truly unlike ; for it is commended as so much the more powerful , by how much the oftner it hath suckt out the venom . perhaps thou wilt say , that the saphire generated a quality in the sick person , by reason whereof it began to attract , and pluck forth the poyson that way ; and although the saphire be then removed , yet nevertheless , nature being once moved or provoked , perseveres in expulsion , and that through that passage where the poyson began to be expelled . first we ask , whether the saphire draws by its first quality ( suppose heat ) or by a formal and magnetick property ? but this desires not a previous or foregoing generation of a new quality within the body ; but only a coupling of its attractive virtue , for to draw : therefore that an attraction is made by the absent gem : the subsumption is proved ; because every natural attracter , draws unto it self ; for indeed , to this end only doth it attract . wherefore a new quality being generated within the body , should draw the poyson inwards to it self , and should never be allured outwards by attraction . secondly we enquire , whether haply , the saphire hath produced a virtue from it self , and hath imprinted it only on the skin ? but indeed , neither can that stand together , because then it should not be necessary for a circle to be drawn by the gem , about the carbuncle ; but it should be sufficient , for any other remote , and more commodius part of the skin to be touched , which is false . thirdly , whether the saphire can perhaps , open the pores of the skin ? and whether nature could not make use of the same expulsive faculty , without the touch of the saphire ? which if not , then the saphire shall not attract , but shall only strengthen the expulsive faculty in the sick party : but that contradicts this , because the place is not scorched either beyond , or on this side of the circle ; and because those carbuncles which begin to bud , being not touched also by the saphire , do settle down , and perish . for truly , if the expulsive faculty were only strengthened , it would expel the venom every way round , and not be tied up unto a certain and elect place . fourthly , nature before the touching of the saphire , had already denoted its own strong ability in expelling of the carbuncle . whence also it is false , that nature being once provoked to expulsion , doth afterwards continue it of her self , seeing otherwise , the saphire came too slow for the beginning of expulsion : therefore whatever thou shalt say , the poyson must needs be magnetically attracted by the absent gem. wilt thou therefore , that the natural magnetism of the weapon salve , be more clearly manifested unto thee ? or wilt thou reprorch the attraction of the gem , and also write to the reproacher ? thou wilt judge ( i suppose ) that it is better and far better to be of opinion with us , that as death , wounds , a disease , slaughters , crept in by the devil , from whom there is nought but mischief ; so that every good gift , descends down from the father of lights ; all men judging that to be good , which neither the subject , nor the object , nor the means , nor the intended end , dare to accuse of wickedness . for this cause , the prelates of the church , were wont heretofore to wear rings enricht with a saphire , the use of that gem being almost unknown amongst them : for unto whomsoever the charge of souls is committed , it is also incumbent on the same from equity , and office or duty , to be assistant to those that are infected with the plague : for the darkness of ignorace , at this day , over-shadowing the most famous knowledge of natural things , instead whereof , a polished grace or fineness of speaking , and a glistering of the windy and dead letter , and a presumptuous prattle , have succeeded ; which is greatly to be bawailed , and more to be admired , that mechanical arts do dayly thrive ; but that the study of natural things alone , is affrighted and goes backward , through unjust censures . i have been the more tedious about the saphire , because it contains a case or condition , wholly like and equal to the armary unguent or weapon salve . in this respect therefore , man also hath his load-stone or attractive power , whereby in time of the plague , he draws the venom from abroad , out of the infected , by an unsensible transpiration : for nature , which at other times , is wont to admit only of a kind or wholesome juice , and diligently to separate it from the excrements , now yielding to its magnet or attractive virtue , allures unto it a hurtful air , and invites death into the body : against which magnet , there is its contrary magnet ( this is inserted , to wit , least our dispute should become barren in any part of it ) namely the saphire it self , or also a clear piece of amber , being first rub'd upon the seven planetary pulses ( but those are in the throat , the wrists of the hands , nigh the insteps , and on the seat or region of the heart ) and being hung about the neck instead of an amulet or pomander , excel the magnet of man , hinder it , and so are the most certain amulets or counter poysons against the cruel contagion , otherwise plainly un-efficacious , if a co-rubbing of the pulses hath not preceded : for those things which before , were a saphire , and amber , have from the rubbing on those pulses , changed their family , do first loose their name , and afterwards are called a zenexton or preservatory amulet against the plague . will any one account these effects also to be diabolical , and attribute them to a covenant struck with satan ? it is sufficient , that we have brought a few , yet satisfactory examples , and such as contain the like condition of the armary uguent : we shall now seasonably turn our selves unto thy arguments . thou reprovest goclenius of ignorance of the doctrine of aristotle , for that he insinuates the same accident to pass from subject into subject ( i wish thou hadst been as ready in proving , as thou art in refuting ) for as much as this also is a mother of great stubbornness , to think that a scar in a dead carcass is not the same , which it was in the man that was yesterday alive : for in vain do we reverence the reliques of saints , if only the impossible matter of the aristotelicks remaineth , and there shall not remain certain accidents in the corrupted body , whih were heretofore in the live one . behold ! whither whither a paganish errour doth hurle those that unadvisedly carpe at others : to imagine ( i say ) that to be impossible , which is altogether necessary , is the part of the grossest ignorance . indeed the light from the sun , even unto the earth , doth even more swiftly than the twinckling of an eye , also through the smallest atomes of the air , produce new species , and species of species of light : truly this is to wax blind in sun-shine : for if we should not have the light and virtue of the sun amongst us , but only the thousandth ( of thousands of millions ) species of its light and virtue , not any thing could grow , and fire should never be produced by the re-bounding or union of its beams : for the species of species of light , seeing they are no more light , than the species of colours are colours , they should never cause fire . certainly , i rejoyce in the behalfe of the ignorance of such a doctrine , whereof goclenius is accused as ignorant : doth not the needle of the compass through a glass that is sealed with scalding sodder ( wherein no pore is found ) incline it self to the northern pole ? and is it not drawn unto a neighbouring piece of iron , the pole being the while neglected ? therefore the same accident passeth thorow the glass from the load-stone into the air , and perhaps reacheth to the pole it self . and magnetism also , is a celestial . quality , very like to the influences of the stars , neither is it restrained unto distances of place , even as neither the magnetical ungent of which i dispute , is . thou smilest , because goclenius chooseth that hereby mosse which is gathered from the scul , of a man of three letters : nor is there here , truly any ground for thee to think there lurks a snake in the bush , or the vanity of superstition : for although a jesuite being put to death by hanging , or any other kinde of martrydom , be left to be dryed according to the influence and obedience of the stars , his head will afford a springing mosse , every way alike useful , and also alike in time for shaving it off , co-agreeable to the skull of a thief : for truly , the seed of the mosse falls from heaven on mount calvary : for sometimes there rains a froath , which is called aurora ; and now and then a more tough muscilage descends , which is called the sperm or seed of the stars : sometimes the heavens showrs down frogs , spiders , &c. the which in falling , are made a tangible , and vital substance . in mountainous places elsewhere , it rains milk , no less than blood : oft-times also , there lyes upon stones and bones , a white and slimie substance , let down from heaven , which becomes mosse : this substance in other places , where it putrifies or grows stony , induceth a crust or parget upon stones , and elsewhere degenerates into a mosse . hitherto the dew or balsam of the air manna , troni or the sweetest celestial dewie manna's , tereniabin or the fatness of wood-hony found in good quantity in the three summer months , nostock or that which is called a falling star , being a kinde of slimie or gelly found oft-times in fields and meadows , nebulgea , or the salt of the moisture of a cloud falling upon stones in meadows , and hardened with the heat of the sun , laudanum ( which in the place , may not be taken either for the paracelfical preparation laudanum , or for laudanum which is the liquid sweat of the shrub cistus or ledon , but for some aereal meteor or production , arrsing from the conjunction of some seminary celestial influence , with the fatty evaporation of plants ) and such like aereal productions have regard , although these partake more of the substance of air. whereas in the mean time , mosses growing on dead skuls are of a higher pedegree , being the excretions or superfluities of the stars , and are named celestial flowers : by these , many things or rare effects have been atchieved ; because , seeing they are enriched with the continual favour and influence of the heavens , they want not the foundation of excellent virtues : the usnea therefore , or mosse of the skull , seeing it hath received its seed from the heavens , but its womb and increase , from the mumial marrows of the skull of man , and tower of the microcosm ; it s no wonder if it hath obtained notable astral and magnetical powers , and that beyond the common condition of vegetables , although herbs , as they are herbs , want not their own magnetism . i will declare what i have seen . a certain , and that notable souldier , bare a small lock of the moss of a mans skul artificially fastned between the skin and flesh of his head ; who friendly interceding between two brothers who were fighting a duel with each other for their life , was smitten with a sword on his head , that he fell to the ground , with which stroak , his hat and hair were cut through , as it were with an incision-knife , even to the skin , yet he escaped with his skin unhurt : conjecture your selves , to what cause the safe-guard of the skin may be ascribed . i have not accustomed my self to perplex my mind with uncertain conjectures : for truly lightning , which is more powerful than a sword , if it shake or smite a bay-tree , yet at leastwise , not a sea-calfe , neither doth it touch upon a horse , whose snaffle is anointed with the fat of a sea-calfe ; neither doth it smite the stable , whose posts are besmeared with such fat : the experience is trivial or frequent ; yet i pass by this controversie , and leave it to others , when i shall have first put you in mind of a like example . in arduenna , st. hubert is worshipped , whither all that are bitten by a mad dog have address ( even as others flock unto the chappels or temples of st. domine and belline : ) there , a small lock of the stole or upper garment of st. hubert is fastned within the skin of the forehead of him that was bitten by a mad dog , and for the future , he can be smitten by no mad beast whatsoever ; and that small lock drives away or secures from their teeth . thou wilt answer , that that is a miracle of god , by the way of reliques : be it a miracle ; yet that god , doth for the most part , in miracles , walk side by side with nature , and observe the custom or rules hereof , those bitten persons , by their smal lock of the garment , do shew : for he who can do all things by his word alone , doth now and then also make use of means . so let the sweat in the stoye of st. paul , be a magnetical unguent : but let the sweat of the sick , or also the unsensible efflux issuing from them , be the blood of the wounded , put on a piece of wood within the box of the unguent , forthwith all hurt is on every side , magnetically drawn out of the sick party : and that is the more powerfully done , by how much that supernatural magnet is of the greater efficacy . indeed there is on both sides , a like reason , and a like manner of operation : but that , in the material world , it happens through the blood and the unguent , as from corporeal means ; but in the supernatural , through the reliques of the friends of god , which even in this respect , are much to be reverenced : which reliques , that they may become of a nearer affinity with the magnetical unguent , our merciful god , hath out of some of them , raised up a fountain of oyl , uncessantly dropping liquors of balsam . whereby we being indeed on both sides supported or relieved by a magnetical remedy , may certainly know , that the magnetical or attractive cure is received from god , and doth proceed in both worlds , in a co-like order , in an equal space , and by one guide or directer . hence indeed it is , that new reliques work more , and more famous miracles , even where they are carried about , applyed by touching , &c. because it is of necessity that the magnet or load-stone , be rubbed and stirred , if it must attract . i return unto thee usnea , thou seminal off-spring of heaven : for he who hath recovered from his hydrophobial madness , by the small lock of the garment , and other pious rites , is not only himself left free from a mad dog for the future ; but which is more royal , he can grant unto another that hath been bitten by a mad dog , a delay for the space of many months , until the patient can with his convenience come to st. hubert ; the poyson of the mad dog being in the mean time , silent and suspended . nature hath also afforded a magnetical remedy cozen-germane to the other . the zinzilla ( which is an excrement of the diaphragma or midriffe , departing into an inflamation ) when it hath like a circle encompassed the same , kills the party ; but it is safely and speedily cured , if the place be outwardly , and even but slenderly anointed with the blood of any one who hath once laboured with that disease : for he who hath once recovered of that disease , hath obtained not only a balsamical blood , from whence for the future he is defended from the disease ; but also he cures the same effect in his neighbour , and by a touching of his skin with the same blood , through the power of magnetism , transplants his blood into the like balsam . thou wilt say , if the magnetism be in the usnea or moss , other ingredients are in vain . physitians answer , that some of them are principal ones , but others less principal ; that some are as the hinderers of contrarities , but some as spurs or exciting ones ; some also are promoters by increasing the less active magnetism : that this indeed was the necessity of a composition in the ungent . wherefore as it was an impertinency to say ; if the usnea contains the magnetism , therefore man is embowelled in vain , for other ingredients ; so also , it would be an absurdity to press , if the usnea hath not of it self a sufficient magnetism , nor the fat , nor the blood , &c. therefore , neither shall that magnetism that is attributed to the oyntment , enter into the whole composition , since single ingredients cannot bring into a composition , that which before they had not in their simplicity . i shall now and then be constrained to supply thy place , and to devise cavils for thee ; notwithstanding thou oughst first to have learned from rustical experiments , that in a composition , a new and unwonted quality doth frequently arise , which before was not at all couched in the single simples : for it was convenient for thee to have known , that neither vitriol , nor gauls are black ; yet being joyned , that they make ink. thou wilt again object : if the usnea preserves in it self a magnetism from the mumial virtue of the bones , and the circular tract of the heavenly bodies , then the same shall be to be gathered , not only from the skuls , but also from the other bones of a sceleton : that argument also is ridiculous ; because nature also is subject to the soile ; and therefore new pepper being planted in italy , begets or brings forth ivy. hellebour that grows in the region of trent , is deprived of a purging faculty : and poppies with us , are deprived of a deadly quality , however our country be tenfold colder than thebes ( now called stibes or stiber ) it self : therefore the moss is various , as it grows in a various soile of the bones : for if lightning melt money without scorching the purses , and often companions sitting close together , takes one out of the middle , and dashes him together or to ashes , and that i say , happens , not casually , but by permission of him , who would not have so much as a leaf fall from the tree without command , and by whose power alone , all virtues are established ; it also shall be no wonder , that one magnetical seed of moss , distils from heaven upon the skul , and the seed of another sort upon the rest of the bones . only the bone of the head , prevails again the falling-evil ; the other bone , not so . then lastly , the whole brain is consumed and melts in the s●ul ; through the continual bedewing of which liquor i say , of the bowel , the skul attaines other virtues , which we observe to be absent from the other bones . i have sufficiently known the customs of contradicters : for when they have nothing more of moment to say against the thing it self , they become the more reproachful , and fall foule upon the man : wherefore perhaps , some or other will say , that magnetism is a certain novelty , invented only by paracelsus ; but that he was a wicked and ignorant man. and then , if there had ever been any such natural virtue , it had not remained hidden to so many ages , and its revealment not have waited for the comming of paracelsus . i answer , as to the scoffes , and mocks or taunts of many showre'd down on a man that was the ornament of germany , they are indeed not worth a nut , or not at all to be regarded , and for that very cause , render the asserter of them the more unworthy ; because he is such a one , who attempts to judge not only the living , but the dead also : for there is no reason , that i an unequal or unfit person , who have undertaken the song in commendation of no man , but do sift out things themselves , should enter upon the praise of those things which his monuments hold forth concerning his learning , wisdom , and obtained gifts . the objection therefore is barren through its pride , the which indeed , besides the living , and the dead , takes upon it to judge even god himself ; to wit , that he ought not to have infused that secret into paracelsus , but into some other ( perhaps a jesuite ) nor to have disclosed so great a consonancy or harmony of nature in the age of theophrastus ; but much sooner : but i pray , why came ignatius loyola so late , for the establishment of a society so profitable to the whole world ? why sprang it not up many ages before ? alas ! whither dost thou wretched man , hurry thy self through presumption : is not god the free-giver of his own benefit ? and is he not well pleased in an undeserved bestowing thereof ? he hath afforded us a touch-stone , according to which we may judge of persons ; namely , that by their works we shall know them . but w●●t the works of paracelsus were , and how much greater than the expectation of nature , and the biting of tongues , his epitaph , hung on that well-deserved monument of his , by the most illustrious , and most reverend prince , the bishop of saltzburg , in the despire of envie , sufficiently declares . the epitaph of paracelsus , which is seen engraven in stone at saltzburg , in the hospital of st. sebastian , on the erect wall of the temple . conditur hic philippus theophrastus , insignis medicinae doctor , qui dira illa vulnera , lepram , podagram , hydropisim , aliaque insanabilia corporis contagia , mirifica arte sustulit ; ac bona sua in pauperes distribuenda collocandaque honeravit . anno. , die septem . vitam cum morte mutavit . here lyes entombed philippus theophrastus , a famous doctour of medicine , who by a wonder working art , took away those cruel and mortal wounds , the leprosie , gowt , dropsy , and other uncurable contagions of the body ; and honoured his goods so as to be distributed and disposed of to the poor . in the year on , the day of the seventh month , he made an exchange of life for death . paracelsus therefore , is so far from having deserved his ill , because he hath disclosed magnetism , unknown to antiquity , and in the room of that natural study which is barrenly taught up and down in the schooles , hath brought to us another real one ; which by the resolution , and composition of bodies is made probable to our hands , and far more plentiful in knowledge ; that from thence he hath rather by a just title , snatch'd away the denomination of the monarch of secrets , from all that went before him unless with hateful persons , we as ignorant judges , dispraise all his good actions , and those benefits that were heaped up by him for pious uses . i am thus a man : all things are of vile esteem with me , whatsoever deserves credit only by custom ; seeing there is nothing that involves us in greater darkness , than that we are conformed to custom , assenting as credulous , unto rumour , and dreams : we must therefore proceed to enjoy our liberty , not to enslave the gifts or habilities of our judgment . thou wilt object ; that in sublunary things , there is not an influential . virtue like to the impression of the celestial bodies : but if thou shalt stumble at this , thou wilt also reprove all that have rightly phylosophized , who have rightly observed , that in inferior bodies , there is a superiour tribute paid after an inferiour manner , and a proportionable resemblance of the tribute of inferiour bodies in the superiour . do not herbs , animals , and sick or diseased man , fore-feel and presage of future changes of times or seasions ? is not the more cruel winter to be expected , by how much the deeper , a frog shall scrape his inn in the earth for harbour against the winter at hand ? for from hence arise meteorical divinations ; not indeed that those happen from a fore-timely motion of celestial bodies , and that as yet to come , because then it should cause that presagious feeling in sublunary bodies , before it be present : far be it : for the firmament doth only foreshew future events , but not cause them . but indeed , all particular created things have their own heaven within them , and the revolution of that heaven depending on the being of their seed , in whose spirit ( because it is that which contains the idea or engravement of the universe ) is their own heaven ; and there are moreover , their own ascendents . neither is there cause to think that we hereby trample upon astrology ; but we illustrate or explain it ; because every thing contains its own heaven , and for that cause , a conjunctive relation of the heavens ; yet the motion of the heavens , because the most known , because the most common , directs the heavens of particular things ( i may so call them for want of a name : according to it self . this indeed is the cause of every natural inclination : and where a creature , by the perswasion of its own proper heaven , wanders from that motion of heaven , as the most common rule , sickness and defect is forthwith present : for a sheep without a guide , wanders into uncertainty : for therefore sick persons do fore-feel the seasons , and the future mutations of times , healthy persons not so : for if the sea did flow and ebb through the guidance of the celestial , that is , the fiery signal moon only , and not from the conduct of its own watry signal moon : winds also , if they were stirred up through the guidance of the celestial mercury only , and not from their own chaomantical or seminally signal star , truly there could not be any provincial winds in any place , and ( because there is one only mercury , and one single moon in the heavens ) a co-like wind should blow throughout the whole world , and the sea should every where flow , if not at the same time , at least-wise in the same harmonious motion ; which modern navigation disproves . sufficient it is therefore , here to have shown by the way , that there is a celestial and impulsive nature in things themselves , the which notwithstanding , doth excite and govern it self according to the harmony of a superiour tributary motion , so long as it will not be accounted refractory : that the firmament also doth not cause future events , unless remotely , and that only by the first qualities , playing the part of a certain cook ; but otherwise doth largely or loudly proclaim the handy-works of god. but that things themselves do contain a particular firmament in their seminal being , by reason whereof , superiour bodies do by the law of friend-ship and self-love , bear a co-resemblance with inferiour ones : from all which , we may now at least collect , that there is a magnetism , and influential virtues , every where implanted in , and proper to things ; the which he , who expels from sublunary bodies , seeks a vain evasion . thou wilt urge , that we must yet come nearer to the point , neither that it is yet sufficiently manifest , that in sublunary bodies , there is a quality imitating the heavens , and such a one indeed , which carries an influx unto a far removed and absent object ; the which notwithstanding , is presupposed in the armary or weapon salve ; and so that magnetism is indeed a celestial virtue , yet in no wise to be attributed to sublunary things , and much less to the feigned weapon salve . but what other thing is this ( i pray ) than to deny magnetism , without , or besides magnetism ? for if we universally call every influence of sublunaries on each other , magnetism , and for want of a true name , do name that occult co-suitableness , whereby one absent thing acts on another absent one by way of influence ( whither that be done by attracting , or impulsing ) a magnetism ; truly whosoever denies an influential power of sublunaries toward each other , to be by magnetism , and requires an instance to be given him to the contrary , he requires an absurdity , to wit , a magnetism , without magnetism , and knows not what he may deny , or what demand . for truly i have alleaged examples of the fact , in sublunary things , and brought very many and suitable instances , namely concerning the ingrafted nose , of the saphire , of water-pepper , asarabacca , and most herbs : but ye deny ( i sufficiently know , because ye are ignorant thereof ) that either those effects do not thus happen , or thou wilt affirm ( which thou art more ready to do ) that they come to pass through the assistance of the devil . it is not suitable to the custom of naturalists , to dispute from naked authorities : we must come up to handy-blows with those that contend with us , to wit , unto experience . make tryal therefore , and convince us of a lie : if thou canst not , at least , believe us . therefore it is an action of insolent malepartnesse , for any to deny the being of that fact , which is every where frequent , because indeed he hath not searcht out the truth thereof , nor hath endeavoured so to search : and much more insolent it is , indifferently to ascribe that to the devil , which is every where consonant to nature , as shall be hereafter taught : and that indeed for one only fault , to wit , because the manner of its operation by its cause cannot be understood by our censurer ; by a censurer , who by the sharpness of his own understanding , and the study of aristotles physicks , presumes that he hath on every side exactly viewed the whole circle of nature : by a censurer i say , who although he can discern nothing of superstition in the ungent , and nothing of unlawfulness ; yet by reason of the manner of its application , being paradoxical to him , he condemns , and detests it as impious , and affirms that it contains , i know not what diabolical juggle in it . but for what i beseech thee ? indeed , because the sword , or splinter thereof besmeared with blood , is emplaistred with the mumial and magnetical unguent ; because the blood which is once expelled out of the veins , knowes not how to hold a correspondence with that which is as yet nourished within the veins : and because he doth not believe that the action of the unguent is extended unto an object scltuated at a far distance . but return to thy self ; because anon thou shalt both understand , and believe those things , unless thou art stubborn . we will now for thy sake , recal the action of magnetism in sublunary things , unto the bar of light. for indeed , i will now shew , that there is without the classis or order of things and herbs , undeservedly suspected by thee , an influence of some things on each other , and that it is observedly between objects at a distance . the vine which is in its flower , disturbs wines a far of . thou wilt excuse , that the same perturbation is made by the violence of the heavens : we prove that it is not : for if the heaven should cause the flowrings in the vine , and the turbulency of wines in hogs-heads , it would needs be , that both those effects should be wrought every year at a set , and as it were determinate moment , which is false : for sometimes the vine sends forth her flowers , and the wine is troubled before the solstice or sunstead , and in the same region , another year , long after ; but the sun and the fixed stars ( some few minutes excepted ) return every year unto the same point : therefore the vine should flower , and the wines should be disturbed alwayes at the same time . but if thou seekest an evasion , and shalt say , that other planets besides the sun , are the cause of this thing , which have not every year a like scituation at the time of the solstice , but only that that motion of the heavens or superior orbes is most common ; all vines would for the most part ( the same year ) flower every where at once ; which is false : for as there is an astral nature subsisting in the ground or soil ; so also there is the same particular nature in the vine , which also it self , of it self ( no otherwise than as the earth hath a power given it of budding , by it self ) brings forth the flower , fruit , and seed , and composeth and moveth it self according to the meeter of the most general motion of the heavens . hereunto they affirm , that wines are never disturbed in those countries , wherein no vine grows ; therefore the flower of the vine , and not the motion of the heavens , troubles the wines , and that many miles off , but indeed , so much the more powerfully , by how much the wines are nearer to the vine . i gratefully applaud publick studies , and i bear good will to him , who first discerned , after what manner vulgar antimony , in time of its preparation , continually directs it self unto an influence . i am willing to have the same measure i mete , to be measured to me again : therefore i shall satisfactorily prove , that there is a certain influential power , familiar unto sublunary things , which is not subject unto distances of place , and so much the more forcibly in favour of magnetism , if i shall teach , that the load-stone himself , doth direct himself of his own free accord unto the pole , but to be in no wise drawn by the pole : for one load-stone declines unto three , another unto six , seven , and eleven degrees from the pole : but none ( that i know of ) doth in a direct line , point upon the pole : therefore if the load-stone should be drawn , it should be pulled either by the pole , or by some neighbouring star to the pole ; but not by the pole it self : because , whatsoever attracts , 〈…〉 it self by a direct or right , and not by an oblique or crooked line . wherefore 〈◊〉 the load-stone were drawn by the pole , it would also point in a direct line upon the pole : therefore load-stones ( at least accord to what i have seen hitherto ) are not attracted by the pole or north star ; nor also , by any other neighbouring star , for that very star is never at rest , but is uncessantly carried in a circular motion ? therefore if it should attract the load-stone , it should also render it disquieted , by drawing it sometimes some degrees towards the east , and anon , as many degrees toward the west , but should sometimes pull it toward the zenith or vertical point either above or beneath us ; which is false : therefore the load-stone is not drawn , but is carried thitherwards of its own free accord . but that otherwise , the load-stone is of it self elevated upwards towards the zenith , there is a certain instrument invented by william guilbert ( the glory of which invention lodowick fo●seca lately endeavoured to arrogate to himself , in the presence of his catholique majesty ) this instrument i say , by a voluntary elevation of the load-stone , in a brass-ring hung up , shewes not only the latitude , but also the altitude or height of the pole in all places of the world. thou viewing for a way of escape , wilt contend in behalf of the pole , that the pole indeed attracts the load-stone , but that it puls the same load-stones , not in a direct line towards it self ( for such is the condition and will of the attracter ) but unto a neighbouring place : which is to say ; the pole or north star drawes indeed the load-stone unto it in a right line ; yet the load-stone is not attracted in a right line to the pole , by reason of a certain unknown impediment ( which thou callest a certain disposition thereof ) existing in the load-stone , which resists the attraction of the pole , and is more powerful and superiour than it ; although the same influential allurement reach safe and sound unto the load-stone at so many thousand miles distance . dost thou see , how much truth thou hast granted by thy evasion ? and how that against thy will ; thou notwithstanding affirmest , that there inhabites in the load-stone some certain motive disposition ( thou callest it certain , yet feigned to thee , and to all others wholly uncertain ) which thou rejectest from being in the load-stone ; besides and above the attraction of the pole ? which is as much as to say , that there is in the load-stone a directive virtue unto some distinct place ; but that it is not drawn by the pole. thou wilt retort in behalf of a neighbour to the pole , by saying , that the load-stone is drawn , and doth not direct it self ; not that it is drawn by any one point of heaven , or star , but by a certain whole circle nigh the pole. i answer , this shift is far fetched ; for that circle shall have a latitude even of eight degrees at least , to wit , from three degrees to eleven : because i have seen load-stones of so great a variation . therefore if there were a power of attracting , in the whole circle , the same load-stone should continually varie , and in the same hour , declien , sometimes to three , and anon , to eight , or eleven degrees from the pole ; which is false : therefore , there shall in a circle of so great latitude , be at least diverse lesser rounds , every one whereof shall allure its own load-stone ; which being granted , thou wilt fall again into the same gulfe ; to wit , that there is a certain disposition in the load-stone , why it can rather be enticed by this , than by the other circle ; and by consequence , thy fictions being stretched according to thy own desire , there will nevertheless be a motive virtue in the load-stone himself . we are not yet satisfied : if the pole should draw the load-stone , this should be done , either by reason of the elementary and material temper of the stone , or by reason of the form thereof : but a glass , wherein the magistery of a load-stone hath been prepared , though it be most exactly washed , and however cleansed by often rubbings , doth also for the future observe its poles ; to wit , by reason of an impression communicated to the glass without corporeal remainders . steel also , after the touch of the load-stone , though well washed and cleansed , doth nevertheless point at the pole : which two bodies , seeing they have neither a like co-temperament , or form between themselves , nor with the load-stone , do demonstrate , that the pole doth not attract load-stones for either of those two ends . thou wilt say , that by rubbing on them , there is a participation of the load-stone made in the pores of the steel , or spondils of the glass . a miserable excuse ! for the rosin of the firr-tree , is of it self coagulated into the hardness of the stone ; the which , then allures iron unto it , no otherwise than the load-stone doth . here at least-wise , thy feigned participation of the load-stone sinks to the ground . the load-stone only by the affriction or rubbing of garlick thereon , neglects the pole , its form , matter , and properties being the while preserved ; indeed because that spiritual sensation or feeling in the load-stone , is by the garlick laid asleep ; which sensation , we have already before avouched to be the one only cause of the act of formal properties . verily , that would be a weak attraction in the pole , which could pass through so many orbs of heaven , and the vast region of the air , through houses and walls , but should not know how to pierce the juice of garlick alone ( or the fumousness of mercury , the same material root , and one only form of the stone remaining stedfast . a swimming load-stone is carried in one certain part thereof , to the north , in its other part to the south : therefore if that positional conversion should be made by the drawing pole , the whole northern side of the stone would be alwayes drawn by the north pole ; which is false : for if it shall touch a piece of iron with its north side , it shall not incline that iron according to its own property , to the north , but to the south , although the dust of the stone shall adhere to the iron : but if it shall touch the iron with its southern side , it shall turn that iron to the north. likewise the load-stone , in what part it hath alwayes inclined it self to the north beyond the aequinoctial line , it tends to the south . as yet a little longer , let us prosecute this argument . a load-stone swimming in a skiff of cork , on a quiet poole , if in its northern part it shall be violently turned to the south ; presently that that north side , as it were by a forcible conduct , re-addresseth it self to the north : therefore if the load-stone should by the pole it self , be pull'd towards the pole , and that direction of the stone were not voluntary , the whole skiff should of necessity , by the same drawing , float and be drawn or towed to the northern bank of the poole ; which is false : for the direction of the north side being attained , both the load-stones and skiffe , stand unmovable upon the water . there is therefore in the load-stone , an influential virtue , which without respect had unto the nearness of its object , is after the manner of celestial bodies , freely carried as far as the pole it self ; seeing there is a voluntary eradiation or darting forth of the rayes of the load-stone unto the pole or north star : therefore , if there be now found , one only natural virtue in sublunaries ( to wit , in the load-stone ) beaming forth it self unto an object at a most remote distance , which is never , or in no wise , to be ascribed to satan : it shall be also sufficiently proved , that there may be also many the like virtues or properties , wholly natural , as in the examples alleaged , and the weapon salve . the load-stone therefore , or iron touched by the load-stone , seeing they voluntarily convert themselves to the pole , a certain quality is of necessity extended from the load-stone to the pole : the which , seeing we have known to be done without any corporeal efflux , therefore we denominate the same to be a spiritual quality , herein disagreeing from our divine , who distinguisheth a spirit in opposition to every corporeal nature , as it were something besides nature . but physitians only in opposition to the more gross compact of a body ; and in this respect , we say , that the light of the sun , and influx of the heavens , the ejaculation or stupefactive darting forth of the cramp-fish , the sight of the basilisk , &c. are qualities plainly spiritual ; to wit , because they are not dispersed on an object at a distance , by the communion of a substantial evaporation ; but as by the medium of an unperceivable light , they are beamed forth from their subject into a fit object . which things being thus supposed and proved , it is sufficiently manifest , that our divine not having as yet understood goclenius , hath nevertheless many times undeservedly carped at him . first , because goclenius would establish a spiritual quality in a corporeal unguent . secondly , because he affirmed , that it being drawn or conveighed as through a medium or vehicle , is carried unto its appropriated object , like as a radial or darting light. thirdly , inasmuch as such qualities are derived unto a remote , and appointed object , by a certain feeling of the spirit of the world , the causative faculty of all sympathy . this spirit , the divine interprets to be a cacodaemon or evil spirit , but by his own , and i know not what authority ; seeing it is the more pure and vital an of heaven , which spirit nourisheth the sun , and the sunny stars within , and being a mind or intelligence diffused through the limbs of the universe , acts the whole help thereof , and so governs the world by a certain communion , conspiracy of parts and faculties , according to the consent of all that have rightly phylosophized . for examples sake , the sun-following flowers , do feel the travall or journey of the sun ; the sea takes notice of both lunestices or the full and change of the moon . in summ , every creature doth by its self ( let us worship the king to whom all things live ) essence , existence and sensation or perceivance , bear witness to the majesty , liberality or bounty , and presence of the creator . wherefore our censurer is deservedly to be reproved , in that , before he understood the physitian writing in a phylosophical style , he hath plainly carped at him with an unsufferable boldness : for so hard a thing hath it been to have kept a mean in all things . thou askest us , what can be attracted out of the wounded party ? and after what manner an attraction can be made by the absent unguent ? but surely i should not answer injuriously , when thou thy self shall shew us , for what cause the load-stone shall attract iron , and convert it self to the pole : then shall i also shew thee , after what manner mummy can cure another mummy being touched on by a third mediating mummy : but because we have determined to repaire the insufficiency of goclenius ; in this respect , we are also presently to shew by a doctrinal argument from the cause to the effect , how a magnetical attraction of the unguent happens , yet provided that i shall first satisfie thee what can be drawn from the wound . it is to be noted therefore , that in a wound , there is made not only a solution of continuity or disunion of the part which held together , but also that a forreign quality is introduced , from whence the lips of the wound being enraged , they by and by swel with heat are apostemized , yea and from thence , the whole body is in a conflict through fevers ; and a various concourse of symptoms : for so an egg whose shell is but even slenderly hurt or crackt , putrifies , whereas otherwise it might be preserved . the magnetism therefore of this unguent , draws that strange disposition out of the wound , from whence its lips , being at length overburthened or oppressed by no accident , become without pain , and being no way hindred , suddenly hasten unto a growing together . natures themselves are the physitianesses of a wound , the physitian onely the servant thereof ; neither doth the medicine beget flesh in a wound , it hath enough to do , if it shall but remove impediments : which impediments , the one onely armary unguent or weapon salve , doth otherwise , sufficiently , securely , and plentifully expel . thou wilt object , that the weapon salve ought not rather to allure forth the forementioned strange quality , than the natural strength and powers of the veins ; and that the blood , seeing it is sound or uncorrupt in the unguent , ought to call to it the health , but not the indisposition of the wounded party ; even as indeed was written of the carline thistle . i answer , that there are divers magnetisms ; for some attract iron , some chaffs and lead , some flesh , corrupt pus or matter , &c. but such is the favour of some magnetisms , that they extract onely the pestilential air , &c. yea , if thou shalt couple the effect of curing in our ointment , with thy own argument , thy own weapon will wound thee . for from thence , that the effect of the unguent is to heal perfectly , speedily , without pain , costs , peril , and loss of strength : hence i say , it is manifest , that the magnetical virtue in the unguent is from god , in a natural way , and not from satan . because , if this satan should be a co-worker of the said cure ( which thou affirmest ) the same cure would be imperfect , together with loss of strength , weakness , dammage , or hazard of life , a difficult recovery , or with a sensibility of some greater inconveniency , and relapse of misfortune : all which events , as they are annexed to diabolical cures , so they are far absent from the cure of our unguent . as many as ever have been cured by this unguent , will give in their testimony for us . satan is never a teller of truth , never a perswader unto good , unless that he may deceive thereby ; yea , neither doth he long continue in the truth : for alwayes , if he shall bring any thing of good to any one , this enemy under-mixeth somewhat more of evil therewith . and surely he would ( according to his custome ) observe the same rule also in this unguent , if he were the author or favourer thereof : at least-wise this remedy would then fail , when the wounded person is recalled as it were from the pit of death , who otherwise through the mortal contagion of sin , had through his dangerous wound , soon poured forth his life together with his blood : unlesse haply thou shalt say , that satan then takes compassion on us ; and that he hath now attained to himself a right or jurisdiction over such a wounded person , himself leaves it in doubt , to wit , in curing him by the magnetical unguent , whom he had rather should perish ; perhaps because satan is now in your esteem a strict observer of his word and bargaine , and no longer wholly a turn-coat , fraudulent , impostor , and lyar . besides , we deny the supposition also , that the out-chased blood , is perfectly sound or uncorrupt ; but rather , that it being now deprived of a common life , hath also entred into the beginnings of some degree of corruption ; onely that it obtains a mumial life . hitherto conduceth the putrified , and yet magnetical blood in an egg. i therefore pass by the absurdity of thy objection , in that it hath been so bold as to wrest the magnet or attractive faculty of the unguent , according to thy own pleasure , and not to that end for which it was given of god. positive reasons of magnetism , more nearly brought home unto us by metaphysical and magical science . it is now seasonable to discover the immediate cause of magnetism in the unguent . first of all by the consent of mystical divines , we divide man into the external , and internal man , assigning to both the powers of a certain mind or intelligence : for so there doth a will belong to flesh and blood , which may not be either the will of man , not the will of god ; and the heavenly father also reveales some things unto the more inward man ; and some things flesh and blood reveales , that is , the outward and sensitive or animal man. for how could the service of idols , envy , &c. he rightly numbred among the works of the flesh ( seeing they consist onely in the imagination , if the flesh had not also it s own imagination and elective will ? forthermore , that there are miraculous ecstasies belonging to the more inward man , is beyond dispute . that there are also ecstasies in the animal man , by reason of a intense or heightened imagination , is without doubt : yea martin del rio , an elder of the society of jesus , in his magical disquisitions or inquiries , brings in a certain young lad in the city insulis , that was transported with so violent a cogitation of seeing his mother , that through the same burning desire , as if being rapt up by an extasie , he saw her being many miles absent from thence , and returning to himself , being mindful of all that he had seen , gave also many signes of his true presence with his mother . many the like examples daily come to hand , the which for brevities sake i omit . but that , that desire arose from the more outward man , to wit , from blood , and sense , or flesh , is certain : for otherwise , the soul being once disliged or loosed from the body , is never but by a miracle re-united thereunto . there is therefore in the blood , a certain ecstatical or transporting power , the which , if it shall at any time be stirred up by an ardent desire , is able to derive or conduct the spirit of the more outward man , even unto some absent object : but that power lies hid in the more outward man , as it were in potentia , or by way of possibility ; neither is it brought into act , unless it be rouzed up by the imgination enflamed by a fervent desire , or some art like unto it . moreover , when as the blood is after some sort corrupted , then indeed all the powers thereof , which without a fore-going excitation of the imagination , were before in possibility , are of their own accord drawn forth into action ; for through corruption of the grain , the seminal virtue , otherwise drowsie and barren , breaks forth into act : because that seeing the essences of things , and their vital spirits , know not how to putrifie by the dissolution of the inferiour harmony , they spring up as surviving afresh . for from thence it is , that every occult property , the compact of their bodies being by fore-going digestions ( which we call putrefactions ) now dissolved , comes forth free to hand , dispatched , and manifest for action . therefore when a wound through the entrance of air , hath admitted of an adverse quality , from whence the blood forthwith swells with heat or rage in its lips , and otherwise becomes mattery ; it happens , that the blood in the wound freshly made , by reason of the said forreign quality , doth now enter into the beginnings of some kind of corruption ( which blood being also then received on the weapon or splinter thereof , is besmeared with the magnetick unguent ) the which entrance of corruption mediating , the ecstatical power lurking potentially in the blood , is brought forth into action ; which power , because it is an exiled returner unto its own body , by reason of the hidden extasie ; hence that blood bears an individual respect unto the blood of its whole body . then indeed , the magnet or attractive faculty is busied in operating in the unguent ; and through the mediation of the ecstatical power ( for so i call it for want of an etymologie ) sucks out the hurtful quality from the lips of the wound , and at length through the mumial , balsamical , and attractive virtue attained in the unguent , the magnetism is perfected . loe , thou hast now the positive reason of the natural magnetism in the unguent , drawn from natural magick , whereunto the light of truth assents ; saying , where the treasure is , there is the heart also . for if the treasure be in heaven , then the heart , that is , the spirit of the internal man is in god , who is the paradise , who alone is eternal life . but if the treasure be fixed or laid up in frail or mortal things ; then also , the heart and spirit of the more external man is in fading things : neither is there any cause of bringing in a mystical sense , by taking not the spirit , but the cogitation and naked desire , for the heart ; for that would contain a frivolous thing , that wheresoever a man should place his treasure in his thought or cogitation , there his cogitation would be . also truth it self doth not interpret the present text mystically , and also by an example adjoyned , shews a local and real presence of the eagles with the dead carcase : so also , that the spirit of the inward man is locally in the kingdom of god in us , which is god himself ; and that the heart or spirit of the animal or outward sensitive man is locally about its treasure . what wonder is it , that the astral spirits of carnal or animal men , should as yet after their funerals , shew themselves as in a bravery , wandring about their buried treasure , whereunto the whole necromancy ( or art of divination by the calling of spirits ) of the antients hath enslaved it self ? i say therefore , that the external man is an animal or living creature , making use of the reason and will of the blood : but in the mean time not ba●ely an animal , but moreover the image of god. logicians therefore may see , how defectively they define a man from the power of rational discourse . but of these things more elsewhere . i will therefore adjoyn the magnetism of eagles to carcases ; for neither are flying fowls endowed with such an acute smelling , that they can with a mutual consent , go from italy into affrica unto carcases : for neither is an odour so largely and widely spread ; for the ample latitude of the interposed sea hinders it , and also a certain elementary property of consuming it : nor is there any ground , that thou shouldest think these birds do perceive the dead carcases at so far a distance , with their sight , especially if those birds shall lye southwards behind a mountain . but what need is there to enforce the magnetism of fowl by many arguments , since god himself , who is the beginning and end of phylosophy , doth expresly determine the same process to be , of the heart and treasure , with these birds and the carcase , and so interchangeably between these and them ? for if the eagles were led to their food the carcases , with the same appetite whereby four-sooted beasts are brought on to their pastures ; certainly he had said in one word , that living creatures flock to their food , even as the heart of a man to his treasure ; which would contain a falshood : for neither doth the heart of man proceed unto its treasure , that he may be filled therewith , as living creatures do to their meat : and therefore the comparison of the heart of man , and of the eagle lyes not in the end , for which they tend or incline to a desire , but in the manner of tendency ; namely that they are allured and carried on by magnetism , really and locally . therefore the spirit and will of the blood fetch'd out of the wound , having intruded it self into the oyntment by the weapons being anointed therewith , do tend towards their treasure , that is ; the rest of the blood as yet enjoying the life of the more inward man : but he saith by a peculiar testimony , that the eagle is drawn to the carcass : because she is called thereunto by an implanted and mumial spirit of the carcass , but not by the odour of the putrifying body : for indeed that animal , in assimilating , appropriates to himself onely this mumial spirit : for from hence it is said of the eagle in a peculiar manner : my youth shall be renewed as the eagle . for truly , the renewing of her youth proceeds from an essential extraction of the mumial spirit , being well refined by a certain singular digestion proper to that fowl , and not from a bare eating of the flesh of the carcases : otherwise , dogs also , and pies would be renewed , which is false . thou wilt say , that it is a reason far fetcht in behalf of magnetism ; but what wilt thou then infer hereupon ? if that which thou confessest to be far remote for thy capacity of understanding , that shall also with thee be accounted to be fetcht from far . truly the book of genesis , avoucheth , that in the blood of all living creatures , doth their soul exist . for there are in the blood certain vital powers , the which , as if they were soulified or enlivened , do demand revenge from heaven ; yea and judicial punishment from earthly judges , on the murderer : which powers , seeing they cannot be denyed to inhabit naturally in the blood , i see not why they can reject the magnetism of the blood , as accounting it among the ridiculous works of satan . this i will say more , to wit , that those who walk in their sleep , do by no other guide than the spirit of the blood , that is , of the outward man , walk up and down , perform business , climbe walls , and mannage things that are otherwise impossible to those that are awake : i say by a magical virtue , natural to the more outward man : that saint ambrose , although he were far distant in his body , yet was visibly present at the funeral solemnities of saint martin ; yet was he spiritually present at those solemnities , in the visible spirit of the external man , and no otherwise : for inasmuch as in that exstacy which is of the more internal man , many of the saints , have seen many and absent things ; this is done without time and place , through the superiour powers of the soul being collected in unity , and by an intellectual vision , but not by a visible presence : otherwise , the soul is not seperated from the body , but in good earnest or for altogether ; neither is it re-connexed thereunto : which re-connexion notwithstanding , is otherwise , natural or familiar to the spirit of the more outward man. it is not sufficient in so great a paradox , to have once or by one single reason toucht at the matter . it is to be further propagated , and we must explain , how a magnetical attraction happens also between inanimate things , by a certain perceivance or feeling , not indeed animal or sensitive , but natural . which thing that it may be the more seriously done , it behoves us first to shew , what satan can of his own power contribute to , and after what manner he can co-operate in the meerly wicked and impious actions of witches : for from thence it will appear , unto what cause every effect may come to be attributed . in the next place , what that spiritual power may be , which tends to a far remote object ; or what may be the action , passion , and skirmishing between natural spirits ; or what may be the superiority of man as to other inferiour creatures ; and by consequence , why indeed our unguent being compounded of humane mummies , do thorowly cure horses also : we will explain the matter by an example . let a witch therefore be granted , who can strongly torment an absent man by an image of wax , by imprecation or cursing , by enchantment , or also by a fore-going touch alone ( for here we speak nothing of sorceries , because they are those which kill onely by poyson , inasmuch as every common apothecary can imitate these things ) that this act is diabolical , no man doubts : however it is profitable to discern , how much satan , and how much the witch can contribute hereunto . the first supposition . first o●●●l , thou shalt take notice , that satan is the sworn and irreconcilable enemy of men , and to be so accounted by all , unless any one had rather have him to be his friend ; and therefore he most readily procures whatsoever mischief he is able to cause or wish unto us , and that without doubt and neglect . the second supposition . and then , although he be an enemy to witches themselves , forasmuch as he is also a most malitious enemy to all mankind in general : yet in regard they are his bond-slaves , and those of his kingdom , he never , unless against his will , betrays them , or discovers them to judges , and exposeth them to scorn to other men , and that for three reasons . first , seeing he is the parent of pride , he is not ignorant that hereby it much detracts from his reputation , authority and dominion . secondly , seeing he is the unsatiable persecuter of souls , he hath known , that through certain punishments and flames of justice , such as were otherwise ready and willing to slide into his protection , are affrighted and plainly diverted . thirdly , because he hath many times seen a witch , which this tormenter could ( by wresting round of her neck , or stopping of her breath ) wish to destroy , sometimes repenting even before the flames , and so to be snatcht out of his clutches . from the former supposition i conclude , that if satan were able of himself to kill a man who is guilty of deadly sin , he would never delay it ; but he doth not kill him ; therefore he cannot . notwithstanding , the witch doth oftentimes kill ; hence also she can kill the same man ; no otherwise than as a privy murtherer at the liberty of his own will , slays any one with a sword. there is therefore a certain power of the witch in this action , which belongs not to satan ; and consequently satan is not the principal efficient and executer of that murther : for otherwise , if he were the executioner thereof , he would in no wise stand in need of the witch as his assistant ; but he alone had soon taken the greatest part of men out of the way . surely most miserable were the condition of mortals , which should be subject to such a tyrant , and stand lyable to his command : we have too faithful a god , than that he should subject the work of his own hands to the arbitrary dominion of satan . therefore in this act , there is a certain power plainly proper and natural to the witch , which belongs not to satan . moreover , of what nature , extent , and quality that power may be , we must more exactly fift out . in the first place , it is manifest , that it is no corporeal strength of the male sex ; for neither doth there concurre any strong touching of the extream parts of the body , and witches are for the most part , feeble , impotent , and malitious old women : therefore there must needs be some other power , far superiour to a corporeal attempt , yet natural to man. this power therefore , was to be seated in that part wherein we most nearly resemble the image of god : and although , all things do also after some sort , represent that venerable image ; yet because man doth most elegantly , properly , and nearly do that ; therefore the image of god in man doth far outshine , bear rule over , and command the images of god in all other creatures . for peradventure by this prerogative , all things are put under his feet . wherefore if god act per nutum or by a beck , namely by his word ; so ought man to act some things only by his beck or will , if he ought to be called his true image : for neither is that new , is that troublesome , is that proper to god alone : for satan the most vile abject of creatures , doth also locally move bodies per nutum or by his beck alone , seeing he hath not extreamities or corporeal organs , whereby to touch , move , or also to snatch a new body to himself . that priviledge therefore ought no less to belong to the inward man , as he is a spirit , if he ought to represent the image of god , and that indeed not an idle one : if we call this faculty magical , and thou being badly instructed , art terrified at this word , thou mayst for me , call it a spiritual strength or efficacy : for truly , we are nothing solicitous about names , i alwayes as immediately as i can , cast an eye upon the thing it self . that magical power therefore , is in the inward man , whether thou by this etymology or true word , understandest the soul , or the vital spirit thereof it is now indifferent to us ; since there is a certain proportion of the internal man towards the external in all things , glowing or growing after its own manner , which is an appropriated disposition , and proportioned property . wherefore this power or faculty must needs be dispersed throughout the whole man ; in the soul indeed more vigorous , but in the flesh and blood , far more remiss . the vital spirit in the flesh and blood performes the office of the soul ; that is , it is that same spirit in the outward man , which in the seed formes the whole figure , that magnificent structure , and perfect delineation of man , and which hath known the ends of things to be done , because it contains them ; and the which as president , accompanies the now framed young , even unto the period of its life ; and the which , although it depart therewith , some smatch or small quantity at least thereof , remains in a carcass slain by violence , being as it were most exactly co-fermented with the same . but from a dead carcass that was extinct of its own accord and from nature failing , as well the implanted as inflowing spirit , passed forth at once , for which reason , physitians divide this spirit , into the implanted or mumial , and inflowing or acquired spirit , which departs , to wit , with the former life . and this influxing spirit they afterwards sub-divide into the natural , vital , and animal spirit : but we likewise , do here comprehend them all at once in one single word . the soul therefore being wholly a spirit , could never move or stir up the vital spirit , ( being indeed corporeal ) much less flesh and bones , unless a certain natural power , yet magical and spiritual , did descend from the soul into the spirit and body . after what sort i pray , could the corporeal spirit obey the commands of the soul , unless there should be a command from her for moving of the spirit and afterwards the body ? but against this magical motive faculty , thou wilt forthwith object , that that power is limited within her composed body , and her own natural inn : therefore although we call this soul a magitianess , yet it shall be only a wresting and abuse of the name ; for truly , the true , and superstitious magick draws not its foundation from the soul : seeing this same soul is not able to move alter , or excite any thing out of its own body . i answer , that this power , and that natural magick of the soul , which she exerciseth out of her self , by virtue of the image of god , doth now lye hid as obscure in man , and as it were lay asleep since the fall or corruption of adam , and stands in need of stirring up ; all which particulars , we shall anon in their proper place prove , which same power , how drowsie , and as it were drunk soever it otherwise remains daily in us ; yet it is sufficient to perform its offices in its own body . therefore the knowledge and power magical , and that faculty in man which acteth only per nutum , sleeps since the knowledge of the apple was eaten ; and as long as this knowledge ( which is of the flesh and blood , outward man , and darkness ) flourisheth , the more noble magical power is trampled under foot . but because in sleep , the whole knowledge of the apple doth sometimes sleep : hence also it is , that our dreams are sometimes prophetical , and god himself is thereofre the nearer unto man in dreams , through that effect : to wit , when as the more inward magick of the soul not being now interrupted by the knowledge of the apple , doth even on every side diffuse it self in understanding : to wit , even as when it sinks it self into the inferiour powers thereof , it safely leads those that walk in their sleep , by moving or conducting them whither those that were awake could not climb . therefore the chief rabbies of the cabal , affirm , that it was learnt or conceived in time of sleep , to wit , when the knowledge of the apple was consopited or lull'd asleep . the intellectual act of the soul , is alwayes clear and unshaken , and after some sort perpetual ; yet as long as the principal agent , hath not transferred its power so far as the limits of sense that kind of action is not yet propagated throughout the whole man : for we who are only conversant with the virtue or faculty of thinking , or of the senses , and with our carnal intelligence , are perpetually drawn away ( alas for grief ! ) by the same , from the more superiour and magical science or knowledge , and are retained in the shadow of knowledge , rather than in the light of truth : for neither do we the inhabitants of darkness observe that we do understand , but when there is made a certain mutual traduction or passing over of faculties , and till as it were the angles or corners of actions being prorogued or propagated by divers agents , are folded together about the middle . satan therefore stirs up this magical power ( otherwise sleeping , and hindred by the knowledge of the more outward man ) in his bond-slaves : and the same readily serves them in stead of a sword in the hand of a potent adversary , that is the witch : neither doth satan contribute any thing to the murtherer at all , besides an exciting of the said drowsie power , and consent of the will , which is for the most part compelled in witches ; by reason of which , two contributions , the mocking scurre , as if the whole office or performance were due to himself , requires by a compact , a continual , firm , and irrevocable submissive engagement , a perpetual homage , and devout worshipping of himself , if also nothing more . when as otherwise , that kind of power was freely conferred by god the workman , being plainly natural to man : for indeed , juggling impostures , bewitchings by the emission of the sight or eyes , and how falsely soever disguises of witches may appear , and such like delusive acts , they are only from satan , and are his proper acts : for therefore his works are onely ridiculous ones , and false apparitions , because our merciful god suffers not the same miscreant to have any longer power , but keeps him bound : when as otherwise the witch displaies real and wicked acts from her own natural faculty . for truly through sin , not the gifts of nature but those of grace , were obliterated in adam : and moreover , that the same natural gifts , although they were not taken away , yet that they have remained as it were restrained and benummed with sleep : for even as man from that time became subject to mortality , after the manner of his fellow creatures ; so also were the heroick or excelling powers in man obscured , which therefore have need of a stirring up and drawing out of darkness . for hitherto have contemplations , continued prayers , watchings , fastings , and acts of mortifications regard , to wit , that the drowsiness of the flesh being vanquished , men may obtain that nimble , active , heavenly , and ready power toward god , and may sweetly confer with him in his presence , who importunately desires , not to be worshipped but in the spirit , that is , in the profundity or bottom of the more inward man. hitherto , i say , hath the art of the cabal regard , which as it were by sleep shaken off , may restore that natural and magical power of the soul. i will ( after the manner of mathematicians ) yet further explain my self by examples , and will assume the very works of witches ; the which although they are wickedly mischievous and detestable , yet are supported by the same root , namely a magical power , without difference as unto good , and also unto evil . for neither doth it blemish the majesty of free will , or the treatise of the same ; although we now and then discourse of a thief , robber , or murtherer , a whoremonger , an apostate , and witch . grant therefore that a witch kills a horse in an absent stable ; there is a certain natural virtue derived from the spirit of the witch , and not from satan , which can oppress or strangle the vital spirit of the horse . suppose thou that there are two subjects of diseases and death , namely one of these , the body wherein a disease inhabits : and because all beings act on this body , as that which is the most passive subject , the other spiritual dominion hath been thought to have been from satan . but the other subject is the unperceivable and invisible spirit , which of its own self is able to suffer all diseases ; the spirit suffering the body also suffers , because its action is limited within the body ( for the mind after that it is fast tied to the body , flowes alwayes downwards , even as when the palate is pained , the tongue continually tends thither ) but not on the contrary : for there are some material diseases which are tinged onely materially : for so manifold is the occasion of death , that there is no other ground from whence we may receive an ability for pride . the act therefore of the foregoing touch of the witch , is plainly natural , although the stirring up of the virtue or power be made by the help of satan : no less than if a witch should slay a horse with a sword reach'd unto her by satan ; that act of the witch is natural and corporeal , even as the other fore-going act is natural and spiritual . for truly , man naturally consists no lesse of a spirit , than of a body ; neither therefore is there any reason , why one act may be called the more natural one , or why the body only may be said to act , but the spirit to be idle , and to be made altogether destitute , at least of such action that is proper to it self , as it is the image of god : yea , the vital spirits in speaking most properly are those which perceive , move , remember , &c. but in no wise the body and dead carcass it self : every act therefore doth more properly respect its agent than the body the inn of the agent . therefore some certain spiritual ray , departs from the witch into the man , or bruit beast , which she determineth to kill : according to that maxim , that there is no action made unless there be a due approximation or most near approach of the agent to the patient , and a mutual coup●ing of their virtues , whether the same approximation be made corporally , or also spiritually : which thing is proved to our hand by a visible testimony . for if the fresh heart of a horse ( for that is the seat of the vital spirits ) slain by a witch be empaled upon a stick , and be roasted on a broach , or broyled on a gridiron : presently the vital spirit of the witch , without the interposing of any other mean , and from thence the whole witch her self ( for truly not the body , but the spirit alone is sensible ) suffers cruel torments and pains of the fire : the which surely could by no means happen , unless there had been made a coupling of the spirit of the witch with the spirit of the horse : for the horse that was strangled retains a certain mumial faculty ( so i call it , whensoever the virtue of the vital liquor is as yet co-fermented with the flesh ) that is , the implanted spirit , such as is not found in bodies dying of their own accord , by reason of any sicknesse , and any other renting asunder of an inferiour order , whereunto the spirit of the witch being coupled unto it , is a companion . therefore there is made in the fresh heart , a binding up of the spirit of the witch , before that by a dissolution , the witch her own spirit return back to her again : which spirit is retained by the stick or arrow being thrust into the heart , and through a roasting of both spirits together , from whence by magnetism it happens , that the witch in the utmost limit or gradual heat of the fire , is sorely tossed or disturbed in her sensitive spirit . that effect is changed from the intention , for if reveng stir up the experimenter , then the effect is reprobate . but if tryal be made , that the witch may thereby be constrained to bewray her self , to be subjected to judges , or the justice of the magistrate , and that a benefit may be hereby procured to his neighbour , and himself , and as by the taking away of so impious , blasphemous , and hurtful a vassal of satan , glory to god , and the greater peace and rest may arise amongst all neighbours , then certainly the effect cannot be rejected as reprobate . we must not think , that the whole spirit of the witch departeth into the heart of the horse ( for so the witch her self had departed from the living ) but that there was a certain univocal or single participation of the vital spirit and light , even as indeed a spirit which is the architect or master-workman of the whole man is propagated in the seed at every turn or act of generation , being sufficient even for many off-springs , the spirit of the father remaining entire notwithstanding . indeed that spiritual participation of light is magical , and a wealthy communication by virtue of that word : let animals and herbs bring forth seed ; and one seed produceth ten times ten thousand of seeds of equal valour or virtue , and as many entire seminal spirits , as light is kindled or inflamed by light. but what a magnetical spirit may properly be , and the entity or beingness begotten by its parent the phantasie ; i will hereafter more largely write : i am now returned unto our ends proposed . neither is there any ground for any one to think , that this rebounding of the heart into the witch , is a meer supposition , or plainly a superstitious and damnable juggle and mockery of satan ; seeing she is infallibly discovered by this sign , and is constrained , will she , nill she , to bewray her self openly , which is a thing opposite to the intent of satan , as in the second of our suppositions , is above sufficiently shewn : for the effect is perpetual , never deceiving , having its foundation in reason , and the spiritual nature , but not in the least supported by superstitions . hath not likewise a dead carcass also that was murdered , be-bloodied it self before the judges or coroner and his inquest , when the murderer was present , and hath oft-times procured a certain judgment of his offence ? although before , the blood had already stood restrained ? indeed in the man dying by reason of his wound , the inferiour virtues which are mumial ( for those are unbridled ones , and are not in our power ) have imprinted on themselves a footstep of taking revenge : hence it is , that the murderer being present , the blood of the veins boiles up , and flowes forth , as if also being in wrath , it were disturbed or sorely disquieted by the imprinted image of revenge : for indeed there is in the blood , even after death , its sense of the murderer that is present , and its revenge , because it hath also its own phantasie : therefore not abel himself , but his innocent blood cries notwithstanding , unto heaven for revenge . for which cause in sieges the plague for the most part enters as a companion : to wit , because the magical spirit of the more outward man , hath conceived in combates , an imprinted character of revenge : but sometimes the souldiers being through poverty , reduced to desperation , and their wives are almost adjoyned with them in dying , and many misfortunes are by way of imprecation , bequeathed to the more wealthy souldiers or officers , from whence most strong impressions are left as posthumes or survivers after death , on the sidereal or astral spirit of the dying man , ( especially of a woman with child ) which spirit presently after death , wandring about in the air , deviseth meanes or wayes of its own verge , rank or order ( that is spiritual ones ) of hurting and revenging , and then readily commits it self to execution . but such kind of plagues are outragious , sparing none , and as it were immediately sent down from heaven ; and because they being spiritual , do implore help from corporeal remedies in vain ; i am silent as to that : for neither is it sufficiently safe to express the connexion , and agreement of mummies betwixt each other : for from thence hath issued the whole necromancy of the antients . for that reason also , god , in the law , forbad the bodies of those that were hanged ( even of heathens ) to be left on the gibbet , and the sun should not go down upon them . thou wilt answer , that the plague of sieges ariseth , by reason of the manifold filths of excrements . but on the contrary , curriers , tanners , or leather-dressers , emptiers of jakes's , and those who spend their time about glew , to be made by the putrefaction of skins , are at hand : for all of them ( so far are they from being subject to the plague ) for the most part , are long lived : wonderful is god in the spirit of the microcosm . dost thou desire to know perhaps , why the blood of a bull is poysonous , but not that of his brother the oxe ? indeed the bull in time of killing , murmurs against his executioner , and imprinteth on his blood a mark and potent character of revenge : but if it happen , that in slaying of an oxe , through one stroake , he hath become furious , and hath the longer continued in the same fury ; he leaves his flesh but unwholesom , unless first the disturbance being pacified , he as idle and shut up by himself , be left to return to himself by fasting . the bull therefore dies more excelling in revenge than other animals ; and therefore his fat ( but not his blood , unless the humane blood in the unguent be conquered by the forreign tincture of the bulls blood ) is altogether necessary for the weapon salve , if the weapons the authors of the wounds , shall not be besprinkled with the blood of the wounded : and if by the besmearing of the same weapons a perfect or safe cure be to be expected ; truly the usnea or moss , together with its fellow ingredients , are not sufficient , that a cure should be made without fresh blood had out of the wound , for a more violent efficacious or taurine impression is required , and an aereal communication of the honey of flowers . from hence therefore , it is sufficiently manifest , that the efficacy of the unguent is not to be imputed to the concurrence of satan ( who also could cure the wound without honey and bulls blood ) but to the communion of natural qualities , with the derived post-hume revenge , left in the concrete or composed body of blood , and fat. our adversaries will prate , rejoycing , that the power of the magnetical unguent could scarce have been proved , but by a witch , by satan , and the spiritual magick of the invisible world , which is a suppositious or imaginary science , plainly of no weight or worth , and a damnable errour . notwithstanding , not any sinister perverting of the matter in handling , but the gross ignorance of others , and the miserable condition of humane frailty , hath required that thing ; which more promptly inclines to evil , knowes evil , and is more readily taught by evil than by good : but certainly , whatsoever we have here alleaged concerning satan and witches , it is not , that from thence , others should hope for a conformity or suitable resemblance of the oyntment with witches : for neither are the spiritual virtues of the unguent , and the phantasie of the blood , stirred up by satan , as a guider , or enforcer . but this is that i aim'd at ; to wit , that there doth inhabit in the soul , a certain magical virtue , given her of god , naturally proper and belonging unto her , inasmuch as we are his image and engravment ; that in this respect also , she acts after a peculiar manner , that is , spiritually on an object at a distance , and that much more powerfully , than by any corporeal helps ; because , seeing the soul is the more principal part of the body ; therefore the action belonging unto her , is spiritual , magcial , and of the greatest validity : that the soul doth by the same virtue which was rendred as it were drowsie through the knowledge gotten by eating of the apple , govern and stir her own body : but that the same magical faculty being somewhat awakened , is able to act also out of her prison , on another distant object , only by her beck , conveighed thereunto by mediums : for therein indeed is placed the whole foundation of natural magick ; but in no wise , in blessings , ceremonies , and vain superstitions ; but that all these wicked observances were brought in by him , whose endeavour it hath alwayes been , every where to defile all good things with his tares . but we do not tremble at the name of magick , but with the scripture , interpret it in a good-sense : yet we have granted that it may be indifferently employed to a good or evil intent , to wit , by the use or abuse of that power . and so that , under that word we understand the most profound inbred knowledge of things , and the most potent power for acting , being alike natural to us with adam , not exstinguished by sin , not obliterated , but as it were become drowsie , therefore wanting an excitement . therefore we shew , that magnetism is exercised , not indeed by satan , but by that which belongs not to satan ; and therefore that this power which is co-natural unto us , hath stood abusively dedicated to satan , as if he were the patron thereof : that the magical power doth as it were sleep in us since sin , and therefore that it hath need of a stirrer up . whether that exciter be the holy spirit by illumination , as the church mentions to have happened in the eastern magi or wise men of the east , and which at this day sometimes happens in others : or satan doth also for some foregoing submissive engagement , stir up the same in witches : and in such as these , the excitation is as it were by a waking sleepiness , by a catochus , and therefore is imperfect in regard of the manner , evil in regard of the end , obscure in regard of the meanes , and wicked in regard of the author : nor doth the turn-coat-impostor suffer that the witch should know this power to be natural unto her self , whereby he may hold her the more fast bound to himself , or least the exercise of so noble a power being stirred up , should incline otherwise than to wickedness , therefore he commands the rains himself ; neither hath the witch known how to stir it up at her own pleasure , who hath wholly prostrated her self to the will of another tyrant . also man himself is able through the art of the cabal , to cause an excitement in himself , of so great a power at his own pleasure , and these are called adeptists ; or obtainers , whose governour also , is the spirit of god. that this same magical virtue is also in the more outward man ; to wit , in the flesh and blood. yet after its own , and far more feeble manner ; yea not only in the external man ; but also proportionally in bruits ( for so the book of genesis minds us , that the soul of bruit-beasts is in their blood , and upon this account , it deservedly enrouls the same out of the bill of our food ) and perhaps in all other things ; seeing all particular things contain in them a delineation of the whole universe , and upon that account at least , the antients have seriously signified unto us that there is a god , that is , an all in all : that the magick of the more outward man hath need of exciting no less than that of the more inward man ; neither that satan doth stir up any other magick in his imps , than what belongs to the more outward man : for in the more inward bottom of the soul , is the kingdom of god , whereto no creature hath access . we have further taught , that there is a connexion between things spiritually acting , and that , spirits , as they combate with spirits , as in example of the witch ; so also we have shewn by magnetical examples , and proper reasons for the fascination and binding up of soules , that they hold a friendly correspondence , even as concerning david and jonathan , &c. last of all , we have endeavoured to shew , that man predominates over all other corporeal creatures , and that by his natural magick , he is able to tame the magical virtues of other things ; which predominacy others have falsly and abusively transferred on the authority of verses or charmes , and enchantments : by which hierarchy or holy dominion , we have sufficiently , and over-sufficiently cleered up , that those effects whatsoever they be , are wrought , which those ( who not but too rustically and corporeally phylosophize ) have referred unto the dominion of satan . it must needs be , that those who were ignorant of all things that have been spoken , should as yet doubt of many things ; therefore we determine to repeat all things . first of all , whereby those things may become the more clear , which we have spoken above , concerning the duel of spirits , or their mutual friendly conspiracy ; it is worth our labour to define the weapons of spirits , and the common-wealth of the same . wherefore we must seriously note the example of a woman great with child , who , if she hath with violence of desire , conceived a cherry in her mind , the foot-step thereof is presently imprinted on her young , in that part whereon the great-bellied woman shall lay her hand : nor is it indeed only an idle image or spot of a cherry , but that which flowers and grows to maturity with the other trees in their season ; to wit , the signatures of colours , and figures being changed : truly , high and sacred is the force of the microcosmical spirit , which without the trunck of a tree , brings forth a true cherry , that is , flesh ennobled with the properties and power of the more inward or real cherry , by the conception of imagination alone : from whence we understand two necessary consequences . the first is , that all the spirits , and as it were the essences of all things , do lay hid in us , and are born and brought forth only by the working phantasie of the little world. the second is , that the soul in conceiving , generates a certain idea of the thing conceived ; the which indeed , as it before lay hid unknown , and as it were , fire in a flint ; so by the stirring up of the phantasie , there is produced a certain real idea , and a quiddative , or some particular essential limitation of a cherry , which is not a naked quality , but something like unto a substance , hanging in suspense between a body and a spirit , that is , the soul. that middle being is so spiritual , that it is not plainly exempted from a corporeal condition ; since the actions of the soul are limited on the body , and the inferiour orders of faculties depending on it ; nor yet so corporeal , that it may be enclosed by dimensions , the which we have also related to be only proper to a seminal being . this ideal entity therefore , when it fals out of the invisible and intellectual world of the microcosme , it puts on a body ; and then also it is first inclosed by the limitations of place and numbers . the object of the understanding is in it self a naked and pure essence , not an accident , by the consent of practical , that is , mystical divines : therefore this protheus or transformable essence , the understanding doth as it were put on , and cloath it self with this conceived essence . but because every body , whether external , or internal , hath its making in its own proper image ; the understanding knowes or discerns not , the will loves and wills not , the memory recollects not , but by images or likenesses : the understanding therefore , put on this same image of its object ; and because the soul is the simple form of the body , which turns her self about to every member ; therefore , neither can the acting . understanding have two images at once , but first one , and anon , another : therefore the whole soul descends upon the intellect or understanding , and the comprehended image being as yet tender , and forms this knowledge of the essence into a persisting image , or ideal entity or beingness : the mind being defiled , hath slidden into the indignation of god ; and because the same mind was at once polluted , the nobleness of its former condition being put off , death found an entrance , not indeed by the command of the creator , but from the degeneration of man being slidden into filthiness , and degenerate from himself , by reason of the same ideal entity being now put on : which filthiness seriously and diligently springing up , even in all particular sins , it is conve●ient to extenuate or consume by repentance here , or in the world to come . this entity therefore , being as yet in the understanding , is but lightly imprinted ; neither doth it find a consistence any where but in a woman with child , the which in us men , it doth not obtain but by the will , that is , the understanding doth alwayes procreate an entity , but it puts it not on but by the will , except in women with child . whether therefore we call sin a nothing , or a something ; at least-wise , there is never made a consent to evil , without a real procreation of this certain kind of entity , and the assuming and putting on thereof : this hath been the cause of the fruitfulness of seeds : for the phantasie or imagination being much moved by lust , produceth a slender entity ; the which , if the soul puts on through the will ( as the action of the mind being imprisoned in the body , doth alwayes tend downwards and outwards ) it disperseth this same entity into the liquor of the seed , which otherwise would not be but barren : which action is made as it were by an estranging of the mind ; to wit , the will through the true magick of the more outward man , departing into a certain ecstasie , in which there is made a communicating of a certain light of the mind , upon the entity descending into the body of the seed . as oft soever therefore , as the cogitation or thought drawes the sense and will into a consent ; so often a filthy skin is bred and put on , being a bastardly ideal entity , by which birth the will is said to be confirmed : also that ideal entity , whithersoever it is directed by the will , thither it goes ; by this meanes the will moves , sometimes the arm , sometimes the foot , &c. furthermore , when the said entity is spread upon the vital spirit , for to love , help , or hurt any thing , it wants only a light excitement , whether made from the asistance of god , of the cabalistick art , or of satan , that indeed the small portion of the spirit which hath now put on that entity , departs far off , and perform its office enjoyned it by the will. so the male layes aside his seed out of himself , which through the entity which it hath drawn , is very fruitful , and performes its office without the trunck of its own body . truly bodies scarce make up a moyity or halfe part of the world : but spirits even by themselves have or possess their moyity , and indeed the whole world : therefore in this whole context or composure of our discourse , i call spirits the patrons of magnetism ; not those which are sent down from heaven , and much less is our speech of infernal ones ; but of those which are made in man himself : for as fire is struck out of a flint , so from the will of man , some small portion of the inflowing vital spirit is extracted , and that very thing or portion assumes an ideal entity , as it were its form and compleating : which perfection being obtained , the spirit , which before was purer than the aethe●eal air , is sub●ilized or rarified like light ; and assumes a middle condition between bodies , and not bodies : but it is sent thither , whither the will directs it , or at least , whither the inbred infallible knowledge of the spirits sends the same , according to the scopes of things to be done . the ideal entity therefore being now readily prepared for its journey , becomes after some sort , a light , and as if it were no longer a body , is tied up to no commands of places , times , or dimensions ; neither is that entity a devil , nor any effect thereof , nor any conspiracy of his ; but it is a certain spiritual action thereof , plainly natural and proper unto us . he who well receiveth this wisdom , shall easily understand , that the material world is on all sides governed and restrained by the immaterial and invisible : but that all other created corporeal beings are put under the feet of men : for indeed , this is the cause , why also the mummy , fat , mosse , and blood of man , to wit , the phantasie existing in them in the unguent , overswayes the blood of a dog , of a horse , &c. being conveighed by a stick , into the box of the unguent . there hath not been yet said enough concerning the magnetism of the unguent . i will therefore resume what i spake of before ; namely , that the magnetisms of the load-stone , and of inanimate things , are made by a natural sensation or feeling , which is the author of all sympathy , is a certain truth . for if the load-stone directs it self to the pole , it ought of necessity to have known the fame , if it be not to commit an errour in its direction : and how i pray , shall it have that knowledge , if it be not sensible where it is ? likewise if it self to iron placed aloof off , the pole being neglected , it must needs have first been sensible of the iron : therefore one single load-stone , hath diverse senses and images : neither also-shall it be sufficient that it hath sense , unless we add the spurs of friendship and self-love ; and so that it is endowed with a certain natural phantasie , and by reason of the impression whereof , all magnetisms are forged : for it is directed by another manner of phantasie toward the iron , than toward the polo ; ●or then its virtue is dispersed , only through a neighbouring space . it s phantasie is changed when it restraines the abortive young , catarrhs , or rheumes , or the bowel in a rupture : also by another phantasie , doth the load-stone draw any thing out of glasse throughly boyled or melted by fire ; for a very small fragmen thereof , being cast into a mass or good quantity of gla●s , while it is in boyling , of green , or yellow ; makes it white . for although the load-stone it self be filled with a red colour , and be consumed by the fire that dissolves the glass ; yet in the mean tim● , while it hath life , it a●●racteth and consumeth the tinged liquor out of the fiery glass ; and so its attraction is not only to iron ; but moreover , unto that aiery part which would with difficulty depart out of the glass , and for this cause it is of common use with glass-make●s . the phantasie of amber drawes chaffs and moates , by an attraction indeed , slow enough , but yet with a sufficient perfect signature of attraction : for it being married to our mummy , is also stronger than our attractive faculty , drawes in opposition thereunto , and becomes a zenexton or preservatory amul●t against pestilential contagions : but amber being mixed with gumms , its imagination being now transplanted , draws the poyson and bullet out of a wound , indeed its pleasure and desire of drawing , being on both sides varied . but what wonder shall it be ( unless with those who being ignorant of all things , do also admire all things ) that inanimate things are strong in phantasie : when as he , who is wholly the life creates all things , and hath therefore promised that nothing is to be expected as dead out of his hand ? also no one thing at all shall come to our view , wherein himself also may not clarely appear as present ; the spirit of the lord hath filled the whole globe of the earth : yea this expression , that he containeth or comprehendeth all things , carries the force of the world. do we not believe that there was much knowledge in the apple ? and that through the eating thereof , our first parents both are it up , and together also conceived it within ? and doth not that knowledge presuppose a phantasie proper to its kinde ? for so some simples induce an alienation of the mind , but some others , a madness or maddish fury , not indeed through a destruction of the brain , or a dispersing of its spirits ( for then at least , the strength and most strong faculties of the mad or furious person would not remain ) but by a strange kind of , and furious phantasie of those simples being introduced , which being victress , subdues , ours , and keeps the same a servant it self for a time , as in doatage , the phrensie , &c. sometimes also , perpetually , as in lunatick and mad or bedlam-persons . doth not the madness of dogs thus pass over into man ? for the maddish phantasie of fury is transplanted into the spittle of their tongue , which as victress soon triumphs over the blood of that animal , which the skin being opened , it shall never so slenderly touch : then indeed the antient phantasie of the whole blood gives place , and will it , nill it , assumes an hydrophobial phantasie , or an estranged imagination of the fear of water : from whence at length , comes a binsical death , that is , from the sole sickness of the mind , to wit , the magical virtue of the dog being exalted and excited , or stirred up above the non-excited , but drowsie imagination of the animals . plainly after the same manner , is the phantasie of the tarantula imprinted by a slender stroak of his s●ing , and the wounded or stung persons being presently alienated in their mind , fall a dancing , and leap hugely ; yet the venom of the tarantula differs from that of a mad dog , in this , that this acts by a magical power being stirred up , and so , by the magick of a true name : but the other by a drowsie magical faculty ( even as the same difference is manifest in wol●s-bane and other destructive plants ▪ which kill with a very small quantity ; ) because no living creature secures or defends himself against a mad dog ; because there is in him , a binding magical power , against which , teeth or horns do not prevaile : which cannot be said of the poyson of the tarantula . in the external man therefore , even as in his fellow animals , the magical power is as it were laid asleep , neither can it be stir'd up only in man ( although indeed much more easily in him ) but in some living creatures his consorts . yea , neither is it sufficient that spirits do observe this law of concord and single duel with spirits ; but moreover , there lurks a certain spirit in the whole universe , which we call the great magnal or sheath , which being the pander of sympathy or fellow feeling , and dyspathy or difficulty of suffering , doth exist as a communicater and promoter of actions ; and by reason whereof , magnetism or attraction is by a vehicle or instrument of conveyance , extended to an object at a distance . that thing is proved to our sight : for if thou shalt place a slender straw upon the cord or string of a lute , hanging with a doubtful extremity , or with an equal weight in the air , like a ballance , and shalt strike the like string of another lute that is aloof off , when the tunes do co-agree in the eighth note , thou shalt see the chaff to tremble : but when the tunes or notes agree in a unisone , then otherwise , the string of the quiet lute being impatient of delay , quavets or hops a little , skips for joy , and shakes off the hated straw by its jumping . shall here also satan be the fidler in their esteem ? which straw doth not happen to leap , although all the strings of the other lut● be unanimously , strongly and near at hand struck upon : nor also , doth the naked tune constrain the other and quiet string to leap a little ; for then every note would effect that : but it is only the spirit which is the common pander , inhabiting in the middle of the universe , which being the faithful executer and assistant of natural actions , derives , promotes , and also causeth the sympathy . why are we so sore afraid of the name of magick ? seeing that the whole action is magical ; neither hath a thing any power of acting , which is not produced from the phantasie of its form , and that indeed magically . but because this phantasie is of a limited identity or sameliness , in bodies devoid of choice , therefore the effect hath ignorantly and indeed rustically stood ascribed , not to the phantasie of that thing , but to a natural property ; they indeed , through an ignorance of causes , substituting the effect in the room of the cause : when as after another manner , every agent acts on its proper object , to wit , by a fore-feeling of that object , whereby it disperseth its activity , not rashly , but on that object only ; to wit , the phantasie being stirred after a sense of the object , by dispersing of an ideal entity , and coupling it with the ray of the passive entity . this indeed hath been the magical action of natural things , yet the magick and phantasie that is properly so named , is in creatures enlarged or ennobled with a power of choice . i will go thorow them according to their ranks . the formal properties therefore , which issue from the forms of the three principles , salt , sulphur , and mercury , or salt , fat , and liquor , from whence every body is composed , and again resolved into the same , and the mercury or liquor is so often diverse , as there are species or particular kinds of things ; let the same judgment be of the salt , and sulphur : those properties i say , flow from the phantasies of these forms , the which , because they are exceeding corporeal , and do as yet stick in the bosom of the elements ; therefore they are called formal and occult properties , by reason of the ignorance of the forms , which otherwise , are magical effects propagated from the phantasie of the said forms ; but they are ignoble and very corporeal ones , yet abundantly satisfying the ends which they have respect unto . of this kind are the subductive or loosening property of the belly , the sleepifying property , &c. in things . there are also besides these , other more noble properties , arising from the phantasie of the forms of the mixt body ; and those of this sort , are in the whole composed body , by reason of its form ; as the magnetism of the load-stone , the virtue of tinctures : likewise , all specifical and appropriated things or medicines , which happen by reason of the whole homogeneal mixture , or of the form of any one entire part , but not of some one principle alone ; such as those are , which are seated in the flesh or trunck , root , leaves , and fruit , and not in any one of the three principles being separated there-from . likewise antimony , as long as it remaines in its form , obtaineth most excellent properties , the which , it never attaineth in its principles , and these are also from a corporeal bosom ; and therefore the spiritual magick is also hidden in these , and is thought to be due only to nature , by unfitly distinguishing this in opposition to magick . so the leaf of the rose hath another kinde of virtue , which the stalk or mossie yellow tuft thereof , hath not : and that virtue in the leaf is not from the three first things , but from its native life , which when it s destroyed , then it hath other virtues ; as suppose thou a grain of corn , which nourisheth in its first life , the which , if it looseth , then it fructifies . and then thirdly , there is a magical virtue , which proceedeth from the phantasie of the life of the whole entire composure ; that is in bruites , and in the external man , which being now spiritual , is more absolute than the former , nevertheless not yet advanced unto the highest pitch of efficacy ; notwithstanding , now and then , through much exciting , by a strong phantasie introduced by an entity , it ascends unto a great height , and as near as may be , imitates the true magick of the inward man. but moreover , the soul of every bruit-beast , hath a power of creating a real entity , or beingness , and through the will , of dismissing the same to a far distant object : the bruit of this sort , is magical , as the basilisk , the dog , many fishes described by olaus , &c. such also is the virtue inhabiting in the blood of many animals : for from hence the holy scripture saith , that the soul is in the blood though hunted out of the veins , and although boyled by fire ; perhaps also , being plainly putrified through a keeping warm . last of all , there is a magical virtue , being as it were abstracted from the body , which is wrought by the stirring up of the more inward power of the soul , from whence there are made most potent procreations , most famous impressions , and most strong effects : indeed nature is on every side a magitianess , and acts by her own phantasie : and because by how much the more spiritual her phantasie is , by so much the more powerful it is ; therefore also the denomination of magick is truly proportionable or concordant . every magical virtue almost stands in need of excitement ; for the lowest sort wants an excitement by a foregoing luke-warmth . indeed a certain vapour or spiritual air is stirred up , by reason whereof , the phantasie which profoundly sleeps , is awakened , and there begins a skirmishing of the corporeal spirits as a mean , which is that of magnetism , and it is excited by a foregoing touch . but that of the highest sort , which is that of bruits , and men , is stirred up from an intellectual conception : and indeed that of the inward man is not excited but by the holy spirit , and by his gift , the cabal : but that of the external man , is stirred up by a strong imagination , by a dayly and heightned speculation ; yea and in witches , by satan . but the magical virtue of the out-chased blood , wherein the soul dwelleth , which is as yet made to lurk in potentia , or by way of possibility only , is excited either by a more strong ascending imagination , conceive it of the magitian making use of the blood as a mean , and establishing his kindled entity thereon ; or conceive it through the ascending phantasie of the weapon salve , the excitress of the property lurking in the blood ; or by a foregoing appointment or disposition of the blood unto corruption , to wit , whereby the elements are disposed unto separation , and the essences ( which know not how to putrifie ) and the essential phantasies , which lay hid in the power of the properties , come forth into action . the phantasie therefore of any subject whatsoever , hath obtained a strong appetite to the spirit of another thing , for the moving i say , some certain thing in place , for the attracting , expelling , or repulsing thereof : and there , and not elsewhere , we acknowledge magnetism as the natural magical endowment of that thing , firmly implanted in it by god. there is therefore in this respect , a certain formal property , separated from sympathetical , and abstruse or hidden qualities : because the motive phantasie of these qualities doth not directly flow unto a local motion ; but only unto an alterative motion of the object . let every magnetism therefore , be either sympathetical , or antipathetical ; yet every sympathy shall not be magnetical . we returning to our scope proposed : i think , ere this , that it is well understood , that there is not only in the blood , a phantasie , and magical appetite ; but also in the humours , meats and excrements ; since the various off-spring of diseases doth also make manifest that thing : for teeming women desire strange meats , and virgins , through a natural sting or fury of the exorbitant womb , do with paleness , and speediness digest what they desire ; not indeed by reason , not a near affinity of humane nature requiring that particular meat : but they being seduced by the forreign phantasie of those humours thus foolishly over-powering them : which filths being expelled , we have oftentimes restored a sudden health to their hurt or vitiated appetites : or also , we have restrained them by fully satisfying of the mad phantasie of the same humours : therefore the blood hath its own phantasie in it , the which , because it there more powerfully flourisheth , than in other things ; therefore doth the scriptnre , by a high elogy or publishment of praise , call the blood , as yet boyled and ready to be eaten , an animated or soulified thing . and because this same phantasie therein , is capable of derivation ; for that reason indeed , the manners , gestures and conditions of the grand-father , shine forth in his posthume nephew . nobility drew its original from well deserving virtue : hence nobility should be suspected to be without desert , increased by a continued propagation of the stock or family , unless the manners and virtues of the ancestours should probably be hoped to shine forth in their modern nephews . doth not also the enmity conceived betwixt the wolfe , and sheep , remain in their skins ? wherefore the stubborn phantasie of an animal is imprinted not only on his blood after death ; but also , whosoever is covered with bed-cloaths made of the skin of a gulo or glutton ( it is a living creature frequent in swethland , and of a most devouring nature ) is constrained to dream continually of feasts , devouring , and laying snares for , or catching living creatures therein , to wit , according to the disposition of that animal while living ; and so that only by an external covering , the phantasie of the beast which when once alive , was entertained in his skin , is derived into a man that sleeps under it : therefore by the ministery of the phantasie of the blood , it come to pass , that the out-chased blood being received on the weapon , is introduced into the magnetick unguent . for then the phantasie of the bloods being otherwise , as yet drowsie , and slow as to action , being stir'd up by the virtue of the magnetical unguent , and there finding the balsamical and medicinal virtue of the unguent , wisheth that the quality induced into it , might be bestowed on it self throughout , and from thence by a spiritual magnetism to draw out all the strange tincture of the wound ; the which , seeing it cannot fitly enough effect by it self , it implores the aide of the moss , blood , fat , and mummy , which are conjoyned together into such a balsam , which not but by its own phantasie becomes also medicinal , magnetical , and is also an attractive of all the strange quality out of the body ; whose fresh blood i say , abounding with spirit , is carried unto it , whether it shall be that of a man , or of any other living creature . the phantasie therefore is a returner , or reducible and ecstatical from part of the blood that is freshly and most newly brought unto the unguent ; but the magnetical attraction begun in the blood , is perfected by the medicinal virtue of the unguent : but the unguent doth not draw the infirmity of the wound unto it self , that it may be made a pandora's box ; but alters the blood newly brought unto it , in its spirit , makes it medicinal , and stirs up the power thereof : from thence it hath a certain medicinal and magnetical virtue , which returns unto its whole body to cure its cousin german , the spirit of the blood throughout the whole man : to wit , it sucks out the sorrowful impression from the wounded party , and expels it ( being ready to perish ) by its medicinal power , and commands it forth : which medicinal virtue being the conqueress of the malady , is stir'd up partly in the blood , and is partly also generated in the same by the unguent ; to wit , by the spirit hereof thus commanding over the spirit of the blood , by its own phantasie , that is , by its created endowment . otherwise , the blood putrifying with its entire faculties or vigours , under the enclosure of an egg-shell , and the spirit thereof being now as it were freed from its fetters , through the foregoing putrefaction , drawes by the mediation of the mummy of a dog , and really translates the grief which sits in the phantasie and astral virtue of the filths of the sick , into the dog himself that eats it . indeed for no other cause , than because the magnetism is not perfected without the interposing of the balsam of the oyntment . we have also observed , that if a wounded man happen to have received many wounds at once , it is sufficient that blood be had only out of one of his wounds , and indeed , that by that one endeavour the rest of the wounds are cured also ; because that blood keeps a concordant harmony with the spirit of the whole , and draws forth from the same , the offensive quality communicated not only to the lips of the wound , but also to the whole man : for from one wound the whole man is wont also to grow feverish . i have hitherto deferred to make manifest a great mistery ; namely , to shew to our hand , that in man there is placed an essicacy , whereby he may be able only by his beck , and phantasie , to act out of himself , and to imprint a virtue , a certain influence , which afterwards perseveres or constantly subsists by it self , and acts on an object at a very far distance ; by which onely mystery , those things which have been spoken hitherto concerning the ideal entity conveighed in a spiritual fewel , and departing far from home for to execute its offices , concerning the magnetism of all things begotten in the imagination of man , as in that which is proper to every thing , and also concerning the magical superiority of men over other bodies , will come to light . it is a clear truth , and manifest without controversie , that of steel is to be made a needle , which by the touch of a load-stone , shews the pole or north-star to sailers : but in vain is the steel hammered into a needle , and placed on the marriners compass to point out the pole , if a due rubbing of the loadstone upon it hath not gone before . which things , seeing they are undoubtedly true , it is now convenient to frame a marriners needle onely by a magnetical beck : on the anvil therefore whereon the needle is hammered out of steel , let the north point be marked out , and that in a straight line ; then stand thou the vulcan , with thy back towards the north , that when the steel is drawn under the hammer , for making of the needle , thou mayest draw it towards thy self and the north. i say therefore , that such a needle so made , shall without any other help observe or point out the pole ; and that indeed , without any wonted variation , which is a great mystery . moreover , the needle which is made upon the said line , by chance , and without the knowledge or intent of the workman , is void of that quality and doth not observe the pole. from hence it consequently follows , that the imagination of the man that frames it , doth as it were in that moment of the needls nativity , when as now indeed the greatest heat or glowing of the fire hath ceased , and as yet , under an obscure redness of the steel , imprint this kind of magnetical faculty , and that indeed on the steel or an appropriated subject : but not that the heaven doth then make that impression ; because then it also should influx it self into the steel , without the intention of the smith , which is false ; for if the heaven should give forth its influence at a certain hour and position ; now might the characteristical or notary and sigillary or sealing science of the stars triumph ; which we pass by . but the constellation which flowes into the steel , and perhaps every seal or impression , flowes from the microcosmical heaven , that is , from our olympus , or the heaven in us : therefore , in vain have been those seales , which were not stamped by the magitian exalted in his phantasie or imagination ; for inferiour entities and phantasies are constrained to give place to ours : whereby a wise man shall bear rule over the stars ; to the command of whom , the parent of things hath subjected whatsoever is concluded in the circle of heaven . what things have been alledged concerning the phantasie making this impression on the marriners needle , i have learned from the testimony of many , also from my own experience ; and shall be confirmed ten thousand times to be true , by the experience of every one that is willing to make trial thereof . so indeed asarabacca , and the tops of elder , hearken to the commanding imagination of the cropper , who imprinteh on the plant , but this magnetically on the absent leaf : seeing otherwise , the leaf being boyled ( as the needle that was re-heated in the fire ) and administred as a potion , the virtue of the phantasie imprinted on it , would perish , if the magnetism were not cherished from the entire plant . that blood which is boyled , and ready to be eaten , doth as yet contain the soul , is true : but that virtue consisteth not from the impression of the humane and external phantasie , but from the proper endowment of its own phantasie . after this manner also , a nail , dart , or arrow that is thrust into the heart of the horse , withholds the spirit of the witch , and conjoynes it with the mumial spirit of the horse , whereby they may be roasted together , that by that torment , as by a sting , the witch her self may be bewrayed ; and that at length , she that is offensive to god , destructive to mortal men , may by the judge be taken away from the society of these , according to the law of god. for if the work be limitted unto any outward object , that work the magical soul never attempts without a medium or mean : therefore it makes use of the nail , or arrow aforesaid . now this being proved , that man hath a power of acting per nutum or by his beck , or of moving any object remotely placed : it hath been also sufficiently confirmed by the same natural example , that that efficacy was also given unto man by god , and that it naturally belongs unto him . it hath been hitherto an absurdity , to have thought that satan hath moved , altered , and transported any thing , and to have applied active things to passive by local motion , onely per nutum ; since indeed they doubt not that he himself was the first moover in the said motions , that by those outmost parts or extreamities whereby he toucheth , he can snatch away , transferre , or any way move , at least an aiery body ( which they feign ) yet wanting a soul. absurd i say , it is to think that satan since his fall , hath retained a magical dignity , whereby he acteth any subjects , by beck alone , because that was once his natural gift ; but that the same natural faculty was withdrawn from man , as denied unto him , and given unto the devil , the most despicable of creatures : but if there are any such effects proceeding from man , they have also attributed them at least to a suppliant or servile compact with him . open your eyes , for satan hath hitherto promiscuously gloried in your so great ignorance , as if thou didst make his altar smoak , with the incense of glory and dignity , and didst extract thy own natural dignity , as pulling out thine own eyes , and offering them up unto him . we have said , that happily every magical faculty lyes dormant or asleep , and hath need of excitement , which is perpetually true , if the object whereon it is to act , be not most nearly disposed , if its internal phantasie doth not wholly conform to the impression of the agent , or also if the patient be equal in strength , or superiour to the agent therein . but on the contrary , where the object is plainly and most nearly disposed , as steel is for the receiving of a magnetism : or plainly weak , and conscious to it self , ( as the murderer , adulterer , thief , witch , are ) then the patient without much stirring up , the alone phantasie of the more outward man being drawn out to the work , and bound up to any suitable mean , yeelds to the magnetism . the magitian i say , always makes use of a medium : for so unless a woman with child shall stretch forth her hand unto her leg , fore-head , or buttocks , the young will not be marked in the leg , fore-head , or buttocks . for so the words or forms of sacraments do alwayes operate ; because from the work performed . but why exorcisms or charms do not alwayes operate , the defect is not in god ; but onely because the unexcited mind of the exorcist or charmer , renders the words dull or uneffectual . therefore no man is a happy or succesful exorcist , but he who hath known how to stir up the magical virtue of his mind , or can do it practically without science . perhaps thou wilt say , that in the armary unguent or weapon salve , there was obtained no other magnetical virtue , than what was begotten by the phantasie of the compounder . thou errest : yet if that should be granted , thou wouldest be never the better thereby ; because the effect should thereupon happen not to be ascribed to satan : for so the unguent would be magnetical or attractive , not from a phantasie inbred in it , but from that which was imprinted on it from without , by the compounder ; since there can be no nearer medium of the said magnetism , than humane blood with humane blood . truly the blood alone , as the most disposed subject , should be sufficient for the oyntment , and the other simples would be in vain : ( which is false ) especially bulls blood , and honey , where there is a sufficient cure without the blood of a bull , by the weapons of the wounder being bathed in the unguent , without being distained by the blood of the patient ; which is false . lastly , the magnetism of the unguent should be plainly general , because the person compounding it , had intended by his phantasie , to effect an impression , too liberal , wandering , uncertain , and unsold , for all wounds of man , and also of all bruit beasts . what if he shall not intend the cure of a dog : shall therefore the oyntment not be for curing the wound of a dog ? fie , what hath bole armeniack , what lynseed-oyle , what honey , and lastly , what hath the blood of a bull , of disposition to the wound of a horse , or man , that on those as on a proper mean , and not on any other , the phantasie of the compounder should be imprinted ? the which notwithstanding , if they shall be banished out of the composition , they will render unguent barren , and void of efficacy . the natural phantasie therefore of the unguent is the cause of the magnetism , or attractive influence , and the proper cause of the cure ; and not the imagination of the compounder . behold ! thou hast our , that is , a christian phylosophy , not the dotages or idle dreams of heathens . beware i beseech thee , that thou for this cause , cast not me also into censure , who hast been too ready in thy censures . i am thine , and a roman catholick , whose mind hath been to ponder of nothing which may be contrary to god , and that may be contrary to the church . i know that i was not born for brawlings , or contentious debates , not to write the commentaries or patronages of another : therefore what i knew , i was willing to divulge abroad in the liberty of a phylosopher . i shall as yet subjoyn this one clause . whosoever attributes a natural effect , so created by god , so bestowed on the creatures , unto the devil , he estrangeth the honour due to the creator , and reproachfully applies the same unto satan : the which ( under thy favour i shall speak it ) if thou shalt well recal under thy anatomy , thou wilt find to be express idolatry . i beg of god our most clementious father , that he would be favourable or merciful to the faults which from humane ( not stubborn ) ignorance , and frailty , we have contracted . amen . there are three bear record in heaven , the father , the word , and the holy spirit ; and these three are onely one : ( and presently speaking of the humanity of christ ) there are three that bear record in earth , the blood , the spirit , and the water ; and these three are onely one . we therefore who have the like humanity , it s no wonder if we contain blood and a spirit of a co-like unity ; and that the action of the blood is meerly spiritual : yea therefore in genesis , it is not called by the etymology of blood , but is made remarkable by the name of a red spirit . depart thou therefore , whoever thou art , from thy stubbornness , and acknowledge thou another spirit in the blood , besides the evil spirit , unlesse thou canst go on in opposition to the scripture . chap. cxiii . the tabernacle in the sun. the schools deny the sun to be fervently hot : for they will that they also should [ herein ] be believed without demonstration . because they think that a man is generated by a man , and the sun : and therefore that it becomes nature , least if the sun should be of a fervent heat , he should consume himself , his inn , and all neighbouring things into hot embers : for seeing he is of a huge bigness , and also heats afar of , why should he not commit a cruel outrage , if he should be fervently hot in himself ? for how should he generate a man and also all sublunary things ? as if first of all , the sun being exceeding hot , the substance of the heavens should therefore be burnable ! and that it should not be more meet to admit the sun to be hot without nourishment , than to deny all the senses ; to wit , that the effect doth exist , being produced by no proper cause ! to deny i say , heat indeed , which makes hot with so great a force , and at so great a distance ! chiefly , because according to the proportion whereby we do the more approach unto the direct beams of the sun , by so much we meet with the greater heat . i believe this fear of the schools to be vain , because the light was made by the word , which contracted the whole light into two globes : that the sun should be the light of the day , and the moon of the night . the lightsome globe of sun is said to exceed the diameter of the earth and water . times : out of which globe of the sun , the beams of light are dispersed , as well above as beneath himself , on the whole universe : and they most thorowly enlighten all traseparent bodies but dark or thick bodies in their superficies onely . but i have shewn , that the beams of the sun being united by a glasse , are true fire shining in its properties : for whether the beams are united or not , that is to the sun by accident . and therefore , if the beams of light being connexed , are true fire , and do burn , the sun also , as the very center of the connexed beams , shall of necessity be most exceeding hot : for the fire of the sun persisteth without nourishment , by the command of god. also seeing the fire in the middle of the crest , wherein the sun-beams are united , subsisteth without nourishment : kitchin fire only bears before it a light subsisting by it self , without the intervening of the sun : yet in that thing , being different from the sun , that it ought to be nourished that it may subsist . but the sun because he is of a heavenly nature , wants not food ; because he is void of usuries and appointed of god that he may thus burn . the sun therefore , is a most fervent fire , the principal center in nature , of created lights . peradventure , when at sometimes , dayes shall be at their full , and the harvest of things shall be ripe , the watery vision of the heavens , the waters i say , which are above the heavens , through a divine virtue , shall assume a ferment , and the seed of a comb●●●ble matter , and it shall rain fire from heaven , and the stars shall fall . for the sun by the command of god , breaking open the floodgates and bolts of his globe , shall burn the heavens , as well those which are nigh , as those which are very far of , and shall consume the world into hot embers . for the heavens shall be changed , shall wax old , and shall at sometimes melt like wax : and the stars shall fall down on the earth , not indeed whole , ( because they are for the most part bigger than the globe of the earth ) but the parts of the stars that are burnt , shall make an abyss of fire upon the center . therefore , the sun is a fire in himself , and being nigh ; but by how much further his beams are dispersed throughout the universe , they shall give the more apt nourishing warmths unto the seeds of things ; because the sun doth suggest onely a general and common light , which is fit for exciting and promoting the seeds of things , and for this cause it is vital : but not that it conferreth life , and that which gives essence to the seeds of things . in caire of aegypt , eggs are nourished by the fire of a furnace , and chickens are abundantly bred without the nourishing of any hen ; yet the fire of the furnace neither gives , nor hath a seminal virtue , neither doth it burn the eggs ; nor because it nourisheth , doth it cease to be burningly hot in its fountain . so the beams of the sun being dispersed throughout the universe , are no longer fire ; but a simple light. kitchin fire therefore , doth after some sort dispose it self according to an emulation of the sun : to wit , it enflames , burns , and consumes things that are near it ; but from far , it onely heats , and at a very far distance , onely shines . yea , neither is it reckoned true fire , unless it be hot in the highest degree , unless it centrically stick fast with its connexed beams , in the crest of light. but it differs in nobleness from the light of the sun , that it is not of the first created things , not of an heavenly disposition , not subsisting without fewels , nor therefore is it universal . the almighty therefore as he hath created the sun a singular thing ; so he hath created as it were one only sun in every species of sensitive creatures , which should suffice even unto the end of the world , and should propagate them thenceforward , not indeed being hot in the highest degree ; but that it subsisting by the poynts of dispersed beams , may not cover to ascend unto further moments of degrees . therefore in the smallestminutes of specifical lights , a formal light of species or particular kinds , is restrained by a divine virtue , which hath tied up every species unto a particular moment of lights , general indeed in respect of the sun ; yet made individual by the co-ordination of my lord : for the sun of species's shall endure for ever no otherwise than as the species themselves shall . but because it doth not subsist but in individuals ; therefore the sun of species is daily slidable in individuals , even at every moment , unless it be nourished as it were by a continual fewel . therefore the light of life hath some similitude with the sun , and a part agreeable unto kitchin fire : to wit , in this , that our sun ought to have vital spirits for an uncessant fewel , and those capable of an administring to a depending light that is to follow : ●●ot indeed that the spirits do in themselves , and of themselves , heat any more than the beams of the sun ; the which the light of the sun being withdrawn , do presently die from heat and light . nevertheless they bear a mutual resemblance with the sun , because they seem to propagate an enflaming , and subsist centrally in the heart . for when the schools took notice that the heart did voluntarily and of it self , hasten into a cold dead carcass , and that the spirits being dissolved or spent , it indeed was presently cold , they thought that those in-blown spirits , were the beginning center , and primitive sunny point , and that of heat ; not regarding that the spirits themselves are of themselves cold , and that their heat doth perish in an instant , as soon as they are snatcht away from the beam and aid of the heart . a very great wonder it is , that it hath been hitherto unknown and undetermined , unto what heats the whole tragedy of things vital and not vital , is ascribed : whether of the two may prevail over the other in the original and support of heat : for seeing neither the heart nor vital spirit of the same , are from their own nature and substance , originally hot ; for this cause , it hath not been so much as once thought , from whence our heat comes , or from what original it is in every one of us : for seeing the knowledge of ones self is the chief of sciences , as well in moral as natural things , the schools ought never to have been ashamed , to have enquired into the fountain of heat and life in things . how great darkness hath from thence remained in healing , and in preserving of the life , god hath known . this controversie therefore , i have discussed with my self , from my youth , after this manner . first i knew , that fire ( even as in the chapter of forms ) was not an accident , nor a substance ; and much less , an element : the which , i have elsewhere demonstrated with a full sail of phylosophy . and then that the sun was hot from a proper endowment , and that the fire of the kitchin was likewise given , although for the workman , and a death subjected to the hands of artificers : but when as both of them forsake us , that we have a flint and a steel , from whence we make a fire : to wit , we strike fire out of two cold or dead things . so also the waters of hot baths under the earth , are enflamed by salt and sulphur , which are volatile things , and that the arterial blood is partly salt , and partly fat and sulphurous . then in the next place , that there ought to be a smiting of pulses together ; not indeed for a cooling refreshment ( as the schools do otherwise dream ) but indeed , that as butter is made of milk by charming or shaking of it together : so a vital sulphur , of the arterial blood : the which afterwards , by a smiting of the same endeavour , conceives a light in the volatile spirit , and a formal or vital light is propagated , as it were light being taken from light : to wit , the salt spirits , and sulphur of the arterial blood , do by the pulse , rub themselves together in the sheath of the heart , and a formal light together with heat , is kindled in the vital spirit ; from the light i say , of the most inward , and implanted sunny spirit , in which is the tabernacle of the specifical sun , even unto the worlds end . in this sun of man , the aimighty hath placed his tabernacle , and his delights , his kingdom , together with all his free gifts . but the light which is conceived by smiting together , is not indeed , made a new , as from a flint and iron ; but it is propagated by the obtainment of matter from the sunny , specifical , and humane light , or is kindled , and enlarged by it . it is there indeed universal , and vital , consisting in the points of a tempered light ; and it is in nature indeed specifical in respect of its production , and limited for the life of man ; but it is every way made individual by him , who hath placed his vital tabernacle in the sun of the species : out of which tabernacle , he thereby enlightneth every man that cometh into this world : because the lord jesus is after an incomprehensible manner , the light , life , beginning , way , truth , and the all of all things : for as the life cannot subsist for a moment , without the lightsome spirit , by which it is enlightned and soulified in the habitation of the sun ; so neither can the soul , nor life in any wise subsist for one only moment , without the grace of the same eternal light. but i have conceived of the quality and intension of heat resulting from the light , as a whole humane body weighing perhaps pounds , is hot with an actual warmth , and the which , without that light of life , should presently be cold , and be a dead carcass . there is therefore so much heat in the heart , as is sufficient for diffusing warmth through so many pounds of water , otherwise cold . the life therefore of species , as it consisteth in a simple , and ununited light , containes a mystery of divine providence : for a fiery light , however ( by reason of distance ) it be mitigated , and reduced into a nourishing luke-warmth ; yet naturally it cannot stop , as that it cannot conspire for the top of a connexed light , and so contend for its own ruine or destruction . therefore the father and dispenser of lights hath provided , who sitting in the tabernacle of the sun , hath constrained or tied up lights by species or particular kindes , and bolts . here it is sufficient to have shewn , that they are the reliques , and plainly the blasphemies of paganish errour , to have said ; a man and the sun doth generate a man ; seeing life belongs not to the sun ; but the fewels , excitements of sublunary actions alone , as also the necessary supplies readily serviceable to the life . chap. cxiv . the nourishing of an infant for long life . it is already manifest , that life is not from the stars : but that from a seminary faculty of the parents , life is short , diseasie , healthy , and growing : for it is limited according to the disposition of the seed , and truncks of the body , no less also according to the goodness of nourishments and climates . among the impediments of long life , is an infirm constitution of the young , and a bad nourishing of the infant . the young therefore being generated and brought forth , the quantity and quality of the nourishment is to be regarded ; seeing its little body ought to be nourished , and to wax great , and so to be setled or confirmed : and it is now chiefly known , that the nourishable juice in a child , is adopted into the inheritance of the radical moisture : for nature hath appointed milk in the dugs , for the meat and drink of the little infant ; which nourishment hath rendred it self common unto him , with bruit-beasts . it might be thought by some , that it would be injurious unto god , if we should think of any other nourishment ; as if he had not alwayes chosen out of means , that which should be most exceeding good : but surely , shall not the god of nature be a step-father , and nature her self a step-mother , because he made not bread , not wine , but grain and grapes only ? nature is governed by the finger of god. it is thus . milk therefore , as an ordinary nourishment , hath afforded a sufficiency for living ; but not that it should be serviceable for long life : for nature no longer meditated of long life , after that she knew her author had cut short the life , nor would have every one to be long lived : but he hath given milk for food , unto every one alike : for he hath sent an army of diseases into nature , that a thousand fore-ripenesses of death might bend unto the foundations of life , for ruine . nature therefore by milk , satisfies the ends of her author , and hath afforded a beast-like nourishment : but the doctrine of long life , is exceeding diverse ; in its unfolding and i know that it hath remained in secret , even among those that have been divinely chosen the sons of art. the present doctrine therefore , hath not regard unto the ordinary course of nature ; but unto a new mark . therefore , i do not think that i am injurious to nature , if i shall prefer an unwonted nourishment before milk : for truly in milk , very many discommodities do invade . first of all , milk waxing clotty , very often produceth frequent vomitings , wormes , wringings of the bowels , fevers , fluxes , falling-sicknesses , convulsions , and contains many unthought of occasions of death : for milk in the stomack , obeying the proper ferment of the place , doth of necessity wax sour before that it turn into nourishment ; whereunto , if a new sucking of milk succeedeth , an hard clot of milk lays on the little tender stomack , which becoming callous or brawny hard , into small clods , counterfeits tough cheese ; not much otherwise , than as milk doth oft-times grow together within the dugs , and breakes not forth but with an apostem : the which , seeing it stubbornly resists digestion , if it shall not also be exceeding hurtful , at least-wise , it presently putrifies , growes bitter , waxes yellow , becomes green , contracts a burntishness , and estrangeth the pylorus or lower mouth of the stomack ; from whence the aforesaid slaughters of diseases are often stirred up : for an infant sucks long , and frequently repeats it . the first milk is curdled , another new milk is sent in the third and sixth time , and there is made a co-mixture of them all , and a strange one being sharp or four , besides nature , is stirred up with howlings , and a common curd is made of them all : in which are the manifestations of heterogeneity or diversity of kind , and a co-resemblance of a cheesed , burntish , and putrified matter follows the new milk. these vices are almost unavoidable , and they are the material offences of the milk , which the new young being brought forth , begins from the beginning to expiate ; as though from the birth , the mother doth frame snares , and the threatnings of death for her little infant . there are moreover , other faults of the milk , pernicious by a more hidden gore : for not only the pox , leprosie , plagues , and fevers ( infamous through contagion ) are sucked from the nurses : but also , a diseasie inclination of the nurses , is stamped on the child from his cradle , no otherwise than as if it were hereditary . surely , it is a character to be bewailed from his life time . i knew a certain governour , blessed with a sixth , and sound off-spring , whose seventh ( because he was nourished by a nurse who was subjected to the stone of the kidneys ) with a mournful disease of the stone , finished his life on the th year of his age , under cutting for the stone , at the third cutting . in the next place , it is not sufficient for the material diseases of the milk , the hidden consumptions of diseases , and their hereditary roots , to be transplanted by the milk into the sucking infant , and to be most stubbornly incorporated into the life : but also the morral seminaries of any kinde of vices do pierce inwardly with the milk , and preseveres for the term of life . so i have observed , that a leacherous , theevish , covetous , and wrothful nurse , hath transferred her frailty on the children . so an unwonted blockishnesse , anger , madnesse , and many passions of the mind ( also beside moral defects ) sleeping a long while , and at length , being under the maturity of dayes , unfolded , do bewray themselves on families , they being begged from nurses , and propagated by the milk. then in the next place , the milk being as yet in the nurse , is in danger to be mortified or wax stinking , if the nurse be privily gotten with child , doth partake of fevers and maladies which are after some manner bred , for the infecting of the milk. lastly , the milk undergoes diverse impressions every hour , from all the disturbances of the mind ; from whence it not only waxeth clotty , and putrifies or stinks : but also by an unsensible quality it puts on deformities , which the guiltless infant drinks , and is held to pay the punishment of : for the nurse doth not alwayes bridle her mind with one tenor ; but she failes , being sore smitten with a thousand apprehensions of anger , sorrow , agony , envy , wantonness , theft , covetousness , &c. all whereof , there is no doubt , but that they badly dispose the milk , as well in respect of the body , as the soul : for they are most of them unavoidable , yet dangerous . whosoever therefore would study long life from the birth , let him not expose his children unto this sort of voluntary , unthought of , and certain dangers . by how much the rather , because a medicine for long life , as it is dayly ( from the cradle ) extended for a long and healthy life , by drops , cannot be digested , as neither penetrate , if it be burred within the gross clots of milk : because so also , poysons in the milk , do well nigh become unhurtful , and being as it were gelded , become barren . i therefore have hated the oft extended nourishing of an infant by milk : for this cause , i am not wont to eat milk , unless it be meer or unmixt , alone , without other meat and drink , until that it being fully digested , hath slidden out of the stomack . i praise , for our child , nourishments which are made of bread boyled so long in thin ale , with clarified honey , if not , with sugar , until they shall come together into the likeness of a museilage , or glew or jelly : then as much thin ale is mingled with , and washed on this jelly , as is sufficient for it to serve instead of drink . nevertheless , he must abstain from rye-bread , if he be nourished with honey , because it breedeth wormes : yea , a piece of that bread being cast into a vessel of honey , it passeth into ants. after this manner , i bad ( among others ) the son of an earle to he nourished from his birth , who far exceeded his three brethren in strength , health , stature , wit , and all valour , and so that , if he had not died in war , as being pierced thorow with a bullet by a warlick hand , he had been of great hope . for indeed , as the aforesaid meat and drink is harmless , not putrifying , not coagulable , not stubborn against digestion ( for whatsoever things are fetch'd from living creatures , do easily putrifie in the more tender stomacks ) as neither a partaker of malignity , or of a forreign unstable disturbance , or the heir of an induced vitious impression : so it is alwayes equal , like , and constant to it self , becomes most familiar to nature , not wormy , not sharp , not stinking , or of a burntish savour ; in the next place , not tart , acute , feverish , yea , nor ever hurtful , although it shall exceed in quantity , for more , or less , may be washed off : so also , the infant growes and waxeth of ripe years without diseases , and is made capable of a remedy for a life of long continuance . therefore also according to the letter , it is not badly read concerning the thrice glorious messias being incarnated , that he shall eat butter , and honey : for truly , the one contains the glory of a dew , together with the extraction of flowers : but the other is the magistery almost of all herbs : therefore he shall eat butter , but not milk : from whence the discerning of the good from the evil , and the sharpness of judgment is promised . but the strength of dayes increasing , let our child accustom himself to the more vigorous and hard meats ; yet i fitly praise a mean or moderation . but let him take twice every day , four drops of the tree of life . chap. cxv . the arcanums or secrets of paracelsus . but moreover , we believe by faith , that the life of men was by the divine will , shortned ; but that the sins of mortal men gave an occasion hereunto . the will or command of the lord hath entred into nature , and the reasons of death , which it found not , it made before the floud , as it were in a successive order , the life was continually changed by off-springs , at length it was extended unto the hundred and twentieth year . and last of all , the dayes of a man were seventy years ; which moreover , is a misery ; except in the powers which he would should attain unto eighty years : this therefore is a short life , an ordinary life , unto which , man ( necessary supplies being brought unto him ) doth by the free will of nature , flow and come , the which , was ( by a divine testimony out of the holy scriptures ) appointed . the roots therefore of short life , have henceforward a place in nature . first of all , the mind , which knowes not how to die , waxeth not old . but the sensitive soul , although it be at length extinguished like light ; yet the light it self doth not wax old , because it cometh not unto it by parts or degrees : for if the sensitive soul , or the vital light it self should wax old , seeing nothing can be added unto this , perishing , which may be of the disposition thereof , i should meditate of long life in vain . therefore the vital powers only , wax old , which are implanted in every organ under the beginnings of generation : the which , i do not contemplate of , as naked qualities ; but i behold them as governours failing by degrees , in an aiery body ; and therefore also , that the powers of the spirits do follow the nature of that body which is worn out by little and little : for sorrow gnawes the life , no otherwise than as the moath doth a garment : so also , the inordinacies of living , do violently overthrow the life . in the next place , man is a wolfe to man : which things surely , do mow down the life in many , being as yet in its flourishing estate : neverthelese , these are not the natural reasons of a short life ; as neither the necessities of a connexed species , or of an inbred shortness . surely , besides accidentary contingences , we do bear about with us the cause of short life , in the middle of our delights . for first of all , the memory decays ; and then , the sight , taste , hearing , and walking , wax dull : for to savour , doth not undeservedly signifie , as well tasting , as a judgment of the mind without distinction ; because they oftentimes die together : but the taste , first fails in the stomack , by reason of the spleen : wherefore i have elsewhere sufficiently distinguished the tasting of the tongue , and the tasting of the stomack . presently , by reason of the unequal strength of the parts , the inbred ferments of the shops , do here and there , by degrees , fail : but the ferment of the spleen being astonied , the power of the first conceptions goes to decay ; and old men are said to become children . for the schools grant a lively memory to be in children , by reason of the tenderness of their brain , easily receiving any kinde of seales : but that the brain being the harder through dryness , the impressions of the seals should be by so much the harder , by how much the more stubborn they are from dryness , to retain the marks of conceptions . but the comparison of the schools is frivolous , that the brain should have it self after the manner of wax ; as neither do the cogitations express the interchanges of a seal . for first of all , there should scarce be a fit place for ten seals : for if those kind of seals should be so corporeal , as that they ought to follow the disposition and alterations of the brain , they shall of necessity square themselves unto the extension of the place ; because place is more difficulty sequestred from a body , than to be hard , or moist : and therefore let the schools shew , how great an extension all particular seals of conceptions in the brain , may require . doth the memory for the seal of a conception , require a bigger place in the brain of an horse , than that which is of a mouse , or flie ? therefore also consequently , the extension of place in the brain for a horse , should be also ten thousand times bigger , than for a mouse ; and so the whole brain should scarce suffice for the remembring of two horses : that since place should fail , i should rather remember the good things of the middle half , than of the whole ; yea , i should far better remember things past for one year agoe , than those things which at sometimes happened unto me in my childhood : for i have seen a boy , who at the second time , had learned the aeneides of virgil by way of memory , who scarce understood the hundredth verse : and so every particular word did require as many seales , and places of these : but if the seals of conceptions should require no place , nor do occupy an extension of themselves in the brain ; therefore nothing is sealed , and there is no seal ; and also the comparison of the schools is dull : for the schools are too muddy , who ascribe the offices of the vital and principal powers , unto the first , or second qualities . but what will the miserable schools do , if they scarce dare to withdraw their finger from these accidents of bodies . therefore scholastical respects of hardness , dryness , and tenderness , being neglected , i descend unto the cause of short life . i have said indeed , that from a decaying vigour of the vital powers , the life is of necessity and proportionably diminished : from whence i will truly repeat , that the powers themselves wax old , as it were with a covered rustiness , and do by little and little cease ; because the arterial and venal blood are at length , successively transchanged into the nourishment of the parts to be nourished , and the growth of youth being finished , truly the juice that is prepared from thence , is bedewed or besprinkled on all the solid parts , and a certain muscilaginous and spermatick or seedy liquor is glewed unto them : but it doth no more , long remain with them ; but being consumed , and concocted by the ferment of the parts no longer coagulating ( even as otherwise under growth was wont to be done ) it wholly exhales without a residence , lee or dreg , or remainder of reliques . that therefore , is the conclusion of the venal blood ; that for the end of its tragedy , it is at length wholly expelled by way of an exhalation , through an unsensible transpiration , after that it hath undergone the offices of moystening : therefore , while as that liquor being now co-mixed through the innermost parts , and the dgestion having thorowly performed its office , doth by way of effluxing , exhale , it cannot but have assumed the disposition of an excrement . from whence it alike unavoydably follows ; that the vital spirit inhering in , and conjoyned to the bowels ; and also the implanted powers of the same , are by a continual , and necessitated fumigation , blunted , alienated , and at length extinguished : this therefore is the containing , and natural cause of short life . therefore the whole consideration of long life , is conversant about the conserving of the vital powers : for it is not sufficient , that venal blood be present with all the members , to be delightfully nourished with their desired venal blood. neither again doth it suffice , that the implanted spirit be thus far sufficiently refreshed from the inflowing spirit , by a continued substituting of nourishment : for nothing is done in the stage of life , unless the seminal powers , the vital characters , i say , be preserved from the destruction already mentioned : for otherwise , the spirits are reduced unto nakedness , and are lessened , from whence our dayes are of necessity abbreviated : for truly , it by degrees looseth the character of the powers , or gifts of the seed , and is made a spirit like unto that which is not soulified , or like unto a gas. for although in figures , and engines , a perpetual motion doth not fail , because there is not required in the powers moving , a subsequential proportion of a greater unto a less , that it may move some other thing ; yet surely this hath not place in things which shall not move themselves , nor are of ability to grow , or be strengthed by moving : and therefore they are things unworthy to be considered in seminal things : for truly , natural generations which are constant even unto the worlds end , shall be sufficient ; to wit , that the species and strengths of these do continue entire , and that they do beget a seed from them which is never diminished . by consequence also , if a man of forty years old , doth generate one in times past like unto himself ; his life of forty years shall be able to be continued , being co-equalized in vigour , unto himself being a young man ; if the vice of a broken thred doth not from elsewhere , rush on it , as i have said . therefore we must diligently search into , whether the reliques of the tree of life , or its surrogated substitutions are to be hoped for in nature : to wit , by which , whatsoever doth at length vanish out of us , may be unto those powers instead of a nourishing warmth , nor may any longer through its sorrowful fumigation , bear before it the condition of an excrement : but it listeth us to acknowledge the quality of our aforesaid fumigation , not only in the odours of some sweats ; but especially , because wall-lice , lice , gnats , and the like insects , proceed from thence ; indeed , the meer off-springs of filthiness and stink . first of all , it hath seemed to me , an unprofitable question ; whether the garden of eden , and the tree of life thereof , have ceased , or indeed , whether they do remain even unto this day ? and in what place ? whether enoch , elias , and john do there even till now , live happy under the fellowship of angels , without the discommodities of old age and infirmities ? it is sufficient for me , that the tree of life began from the creation , that it was in nature ; but not fabulous , or parabolical . it sufficeth , that that tree was , and should be unknown to mortals ; and so also that the impossible obtainment thereof , deprives us of hope . in the mean time , i search into a succeeding plant , although inferiour by many numbers . yea , there is no doubt , but that if there be any plant in this vale of miseries , which resembles the faculties of that primitive tree , a place may contribute its parts unto long life , as well in respect of the plant , as of the man using it : for that the same plant is ennobled through the variety of its native soile , and that our life is prolonged by places of the better nourishable juice , and through the drink of the more sweet air , climates themselves do afford me credit : for neither is it to be believed , that that thing happens altogether from the favour of the heaven , for that , in the same degree of distance from the aequator , and altogether in the same circuit of heaven , the parts subjacent to the east , do bring forth more noble fruits , than those which decline more toward the west . and moreover , much variety is oftentimes planted nigh , under the same circle : both which parts notwithstanding , the same aspect of heaven doth sometimes dayly affect with the same motion : for paracelsus promoting it , a hope is raised up in some physitians , for long life : for every one promiseth himself to have been an obtainer of long life by his writings , if he had not described his medicines in so great darkness of words . wherefore most do diligently search to have his obscure novelties of names signified unto them : also others , deservedly suspecting his every where simple , and curtail'd description , heartily wish for a more manifest method of operating : but none ( the vaile being uncovered ) hath attempted to dig unto the bottom of the matter , and basis of the truth promised : for every one either derides , or despairs , or being too credulous , admires all things with a bending nose : yet , if these are better than those , because they have not cut off the way of the hope from themselves ; none notwithstanding , hath chosen a middle way ; to wit , of doubting and diligently searching , how much of truth the things promised may contain : for indeed paracelsus promiseth that he could attain extream old age by his elixir of propriety , and boasts , that it was granted him from heaven , to designe or chuse the condition and hour of his death : but vain are his boastings of long life , his knowledge , and choice of death ; who the while , dies in the th . year of his age. in the mean time , his own followers are astonished , and wonder , by what disease , or chance the true partaker or obtainer of that stone which maketh gold , was snatched away , being as yet in his flourishing age ; and who , with hercules club , slew thousands of the more grievous diseases up and down , as it were by mowing them down with a sithe . truly i make no apology for any : i willingly confess , that i have profited much by his writings ; and that he was able by remedies ascending unto a resembling mark of unity , to heale the leprosie , ast●hma , consumption of the lungs , palsey , falling-sicknesse , stone , dropsie , gowt , cancer , and such like ( commonly ) uncurable diseases ; yet i have gathered that paracelsus was ignorant of the root of long life , as well from his writings and medicines , as by his death : for truly , the renovations and restorations , whereof he deservedly in many places , and much oft-times , glorieth in , are only the purgings of the parts containing , with a correcting and banishing of those contained : and thus far he was the revenger , and healer of almost all diseases ; yet his secret medicines , do not so much respect a long life ; as an healthy one , and the commodities hereof : for the haires , nailes , and teeth are renewed , and although these are most hard , yet they first feel the flesh . and therefore it is not written in vain , that moses had all his teeth at the th . year of his age : for as they live obscurely , they have their kitchin out of themselves , also they most easily putrifie . for perhaps egypt and the neighbouring places , have that thing unto themselves , from a property : for truly i remember , that prince radzvil the poloman , hath thus written of the mummy of aegypt : for those bodies are preserved entire , with the least putrefaction of any member , even unto this day . but so great is the multitude of these dead carcases , that there are few who are able to endure with patience , the disdainfulness of seeing them all : they are so condensed with the fat of spices and oyntments , that they shine as being hardened after the manner of pitch . especially , their brain , muscles , and shoulder-blades , which are the more fleshy parts : for the breast , hands , and feet , seeing they have little flesh , and are extended after the manner of a membrane , they do not provide for with mummy . it may be collected from the judgment of their nostrils , how much myrrhe ought to have been admixed with these unguents . likewise , those oyntments preserve a wonderful whiteness in the bones . about the caues or vaults without , a great power of bones layes cast aside , from which the mummy was withdrawn : among which , we did not by the way , nor in a short time , contemplate of the skuls , and the neather cheek-bones , where the teeth were fastened : we found none at all , which might have so much as one rotten tooth , or any mark of plucking out ; so in all the cheek-bones , they were full , sincere , and somewhat white : for among so many hundreds of cheek-bones ; there were also those of old people , whose teeth were short and worn ( such as are seen in old folks ) but there was none , which had any putrified , hollow , holey tooth , or sign of a tooth slidden out . from whence i collect , first ; that moses might naturally , have all his teeth . . that as cold things do hurt the teeth ; so also , the cold air of our country is hostile to the teeth . . that therefore , the aethiopian , and spaniard have white teeth . . i take comfort for the dutch from the words of the same prince . in caire , of those commonly reckoned up , they are reported to ascend to the number of seven millions ; of the jews unto the number of one million , and six hundred thousand , women and children being computed : but in so great a multitude of men , scarce a third part of them have their full sight : all do in many places , labour in their eyes , from the eating of fruits , and the drink of water being over-added . but , . paracelsus put confidence in himself , not altogether in vain , touching his elixir of propriety , prepared of saffron , myrrhe , and aloes , so he had not erred in the preparation of the same , but had composed that medicine , after the manner of the tree of life : for as myrrh keeps mummy from an aptness of putrifying ; if a passage of myrrhe unto our constitutive parts , be granted , the authority of myrrhe for long life , shall not be vain . but as to a renovation so greatly praised by paracelsus , which reneweth the haires , nailes , and teeth , together with an excluding of all diseases : surely the haires and nailes , as they do sometimes fall off of their own accord : so also in any age , they do easily grow , and their renewing is of little moment . i have seen also , an old man and old woman , whose teeth having been once lost , were of their own accord renewed in the d . year of their age , also with childish pains ; yet it denoted no long continuance of life , because both of them died the same year : for the promise of paracelsus concerning the renewing again of child-hood , hath raised up many unto a hope of long life : to wit , they have thought , that from a renewing of the teeth , and nailes , there would of necessity , be a renewing of child-hood : chiefly , because they should put off grayness , the token of old age , and the former colour of hairiness should return : but their errour was from an undistinction : for alexander makes mention , that he saw a man of eighty years of age , in whom , as many teeth as failed , new ones grew up ; but he doth not therefore mention also his length of life : and although he might also by accident , have been long lived ; yet seeing one doth not contain another in the root , or necessary causes ; it was a faulty argument , to derive from the one , the other , by a sequel : because nature hath often attempted such kind of renovations , under which , in the mean time , she hath cut off the thred of long life : for it is not unlike , that the pear-tree is every year renewed with leaves : yet not , that therefore , that tree is long lived : the turpentine tree , or cedar , or firr tree , of a short life : yea , neither doth the pear borrow any virtue of long life , because its tree is renewed every year . therefore the renewing of medicines , hath deceived paracelsus ; because it is that , which proves health only , by reason of an intimate and supream cleansing of the similar parts ; but not the renewing root of life , or a prolonging of life thereupon : for they have been deceived , because the stag puts off his hornes , and the snake his old skin , and are long-lived bruits : and therefore , they have abusively referred that renovation unto the cause of a life of long continuance : for crabs , spiders , grashoppers , and insects of a shorter life , do oftentimes happen to put off their skin : but on the opposite part , a gelded stag changeth not his horns , because neither doth he make new ones ; yet he ceaseth not therefore , to be alike long-lived : for the stag casts not away his horns in time of autumne , or winter , while as great beasts compose themselves unto a greater rest ; but while he is fed with a new bud of branches , wherein a renewing faculty of his bud is : as also , it is transferred on stags , but not on oxen ; because the stomack of the stag , by a proper and specifical ferment , preserves the budding faculty or virtue of young sprouts , and derives it into the middle life of the stag : which thing happens not unto a gelded one wanting horns ; as a beard is denyed to eunuchs . this sort of renewing therefore , is an effect indeed , of a more flourishing o● growing life ; yet not an unseparable token , as neither a conjoyned cause of long life : for neither hath renovation , long life as a necessary adjunct ; nor on the other h●●d is renovation annexed to long life : as is manifest in the stag , goose , &c. be it therefore , that every of the arcanums of paracelsus , do take away almost all sicknesses , renew the nailes , haires , and teeth ; yet they cannot , first of all , make equal the unequal strength of any failing part , much less vindicate the failing powers from death ; and least of all , restore the same into a youthful vigour . therefore those arcanums or secrets , do not respect the powers of the organs , as neither long life depending thereupon ; but only the greatest cleansing or refining of all the members , and health sprung from thence . all diseases indeed , which either issue from filths , which lurk in the fil●● themselves , or lastly , which do further propagate filths by their contagion , are cured by the aforesaid arcanums ; but not those which do primarily concern the vital powers : not those i say , which contain a weakness inbred , or attained from a disease , or old age , together with a diminishment of the powers : for those of this sort , return not into their antient state , but by the remedies of long life ; neither yet , into their antient ●tate with a perfect and full restoration : for otherwise , this thing should conclude an absolute immortality . for the weaknesses which invade men from gluttony , or drunkenness , leachery , &c. are very little restored by the secrets of paracelsus ; but not unless an infirm nature doth accompany them : for madnesses which arise from an evil framing or composure , are not any thing restored ; but those which have arisen from a remarkable animosity of pride , stand alwayes in fear of a relapse : but otherwise , the phtensie , doatage , falling-evil , raging madnesses of the womb , of the hypochondrials , and whatsoever weaknesses are made from some off-springs of impurity , are perfectly and compleatly healed by the remedies of paracelsus . madnesses therefore , which proceed from a notable arrogancy , are indeed presently cured , but with the fear of some less relapse ; because those do argue a meer defect of the imaginative power : and therefore they so defile the seed , that they being thenceforth translated into some generations , do oft-times shine forth . so also the sons of drunkards , do oftentimes retain the tokens of vitiated powers , as though the sons , being heires of their fathers crime , ought to pay the punishments thereof : that is , strong or valiant men , are generated by strong or valiant , and good men. and on the other hand , a bad egg of an evil crow . for the sons of drunkards , are for the most part , drowsie in searching into things , stubborn or stedfast in their conceits , cup-shot or giddy in things to be done , and easily to be drawn aside into vices . at least-wise , i doubt not , but that paracelsus made use of his arcanums , because he was he , who saw not only prosperous cures to succeed ; but also , that some who the longer used them , were renewed in their haires , nailes , and teeth : notwithstanding , seeing he had not a long life , his aforesaid arcanums shall be for a testimony unto us , concerning my judgment delivered : for indeed a will or testament of paracelsus is born about ; the which , because it contradicts the publick authority drawn out of his epitaph , which is seen in the hospital of saltzburge , in a wall near the altar of st. sebastian ; and the which mentions , that he appointed his goods to be distributed to the poor , and to be honoured thereby ; therefore that testament , i believe , was feigned by the haters of paracelsus . others therefore of that leaven , affirm that paracelsus ( a limited term being compacted with satan ) died in full health : the which , contradicteth the aforesaid testament , from the published language of his enemies : to wit , wherein it is said , that himself was some dayes before his death diseasie : and that act of so great guilt , contradicteth , that he was so bountiful to the poor . there are also others , who say that he was taken away by poyson ; for which , seeing remedies were no less known unto him , and in readiness , than for other diseases , they supposed him to have been slain by the powder of the adamant eating out his bowels : but i no way admire at the untimely death of the man , who was solicitous or carefully diligent from his youth , about chymical secrets . most especially , if a too much curiosity of searching into science day and night , hath vexed those who were careless of their life . for which of mortal men , may not the fumigations of live coales infect ? those of aquae forte's , graduating or exalting , and arsenical things : and likewise a new dayly examination of antimonials : the which , we through the long tediousness of experiencing , being not yet experienced , draw in from the malignity of those things , as being not admonished but by late experience : for what can the somewhat curious , and undaunted young beginner , in an art so abstruse , otherwise do , and he refusing any other master , besides the torture of the fire ? where indeed the speculations of art , are obscured from his desire , not indeed , that they may be abruptly known ; but rather , that they may not be known ? for understanding is given only unto those that are chosen through a long preparation of dayes and works , to those that are furnished with sufficient health and money , nor those that have deserved indignity through the load of crimes . i grant , that there are some universal medicines , which under a most exceeding grateful unifon of nature , do unsensibly lead forth the bound enemy after them , together with a famous clarifying or refining of the organs . i grant likewise that there are some appropriated ones , whereby they imitate the largeness of a universal medicine , in the specifical directions of diseases , take away the forreign society of impurities , and plainly lord it over the already contracted vice ; no otherwise , than as an axe plucks up a tree with authority . an index or table of the secrets of paracelsus ; is , first of all , the tincture of lile , reduced into the wine of life , from an untimely mineral electrum or general composure of mettals ; one part whereof is the first metallus , but the other , the essence of the members . and then follows mercurius vitae , the off-spring of entire stibium , which wholly sups up every sinew of a disease . in the third place , is the tincture of lile , even that of antimony , almost of the same efficacy with that going before , although of less efficacy . in the fourth place , is mercurius diaphoreticus , being sweeter than honey , and being fixed at the fire , hath all the properties of the horizon of sol : for it perfects whatsoever a physitian and chyrurgion can wish for , in healing ; yet it doth not so powerfully renew , as those arcanums aforegoing . his liquor alkahest is more eminent , being an immortal , unchangeable , and loosening or solving water , and his circulated salt , which reduceth every tangible body into the liquor of its concrete or composed body . the element of fire of copper succeedeth , and the element or milk of pearls . but the essences of gems and herbs , are far less arcanums than those aforesaid . lastly , the volatile salts of herbs , and stones , do shew forth a precise particularity ; neither do they reach unto the efficacy of universal medicines . but his corollate , the which one alone , is purgative by stool , cures the ulcers of the lungs , bladder , wind-pipe , kidneys , by purging ; so that it also utterly roots out the gowt . indeed it is the mercury of the vulgar , from which , the liquor alkahest hath been once distilled , and it resides in the bottom , coagulated and powderable , being not any thing in●reased , or diminished in its weight : from which powder , the water of the whites of eggs is to be cohobated , until it hath attained the colour of ●oral . i praise the lord of things , in an abject or lowly spirit ; because he reveals his secrets unto the little ones of this world , and doth alwayes govern the stern , least these his benefits should fall into the hands of the unworthy . i have therefore discerned , that the secrets of paracelsus do take away diseases ; but that they reach not unto the root of long life . i have also discerned , that mineral remedies , unto whatsoever the highest degree they are brought , yet that they are unfit for yielding nourishment unto the first constitutive parts ; because they reserve the middle life of the concrete bodies from whence they were extracted : for , for that cause , they never wholly lay aside a mineral disposition ; yea , and therefore they depart from the tenour of long life . yea , neither shall i ever be easily induced to believe , that the phylosophers stone can vitally be united with us , by reason of its exceeding immutable substance , which is incredibly fixed against the tortures of the fire , being undissolvably homogeneal or simple in kind ; that is , by reason of its every way impossibility of separation , destruction , and digestion ; so far is it from conducing to long life : histories subscribe unto me , that none who obtained that stone , enjoyed a long life ; but that a short life hath befalle● many , by reason of the dangers undergone in labouring . but moreover , neither let hucksters hope , that meats which do mightily nourish , will perform long life : for although they may afford strength unto those that are upon recovery ; yet they afterwards weaken them , being nourished : the which , caesar also testifies : for the more tender meats are easily consumed , breed tender flesh , and suffumigate or smoaki●e the vital powers through their more greatly adust savour . but the studies of physitians , are buisied about the delights of the kitch●● , which they name the dietary part : for they have been misled into errour , by thinking ; that if food of good juice , and tender , being administred in a due dose , doth profit those upon recovery ; they have thought also , that the more strong persons , being manifoldly nourished with the same food , shall be raised up into the highest increase of strength : for there is not a process made in seeding , as in arithmetick , where ten pounds lift up nine ; and by donsequence , a hundred pounds , ninety : but he that eats very much , and drinks abundantly , shall not therefore become stronger than he that shall live more moderately : for truly , nature keeps no● so much the proportions of numbers , as the proportions of the powers of things alterable according to the power of their own blas . however it is , at least-wise , it succeeds with physitians according to their desire : because plenty of venal blood breeds excrements , physitians are called for , and so they command the rules of food at least-wise to profit themselves , and they shorten the life in those that live medicinally , and miserably . chap. cxvi . the mountain of the lord. vvho shall ascend into the mountain of the lord ? or who shall stand in his holy place ? he that is innocent in his hands , and of a clean heart , who hath not betaken his soul to vanity , nor hath sworn in deceit to his neighbour : this man shall receive the blessing from the lord , and mercy from god his saviour : the words sound , eternal blessedness . it is so . notwithstanding , nothing hinders , but that that figural and typical speech , may also unfold its truth according to the letter ; seeing it must needs be , that the type doth co-answer to the thing signified by the type . truly , i have alwayes observed , that almost all the mysteries of god were celebrated in mountains : for abraham was commanded to ascend a mountain , and there to sacrifice his only begotten son , for a figure of the sacrifice that was to be offered in mount calvary . god commanded moses to ascend up into a mountain , that he might talk with him ; and he gave him the law : and moses talked with him face to face , for the space of forty dayes and nights . in mount horeb , the lord was transfigured , &c. all which things might have been done in the desart , and the god of armies could have encompassed moses with lightning and fire , as well in a plain , as in a mountain , that no mortal might have approached thereunto : but a mountain was alwayes chosen from a priviledge : and the blessing from the lord is promised , in ascending unto the mountain of the lord : for the lord could have signified his precepts unto moses in a shorter space ; neither was there need of forty continual dayes and nights , but that also , delay , might by its weight ( for delay in natural things , is required for a just or due efficacy of the maturities of things ) denote some hidden mystery : for naturally , i understand that in mountaines wanting an endemical malignity , there is , not only a most pure air , far remote from dreg and corruption , commonly seperated from errours , and defects , and by reason of colds , most refined from all defilement : but also that there is the place , from whence , through the continuation of its magnal , there is a most dispatched in-beaming of the heavenly bodies , or influences ; because a drinking in of a most pure skie : for i remembred , that one morning , i being fasting , felt in the alpes , the sweetness of an inbreathed air , the which i never before nor after , felt in all my life : for it is certain , that the almighty hath not framed so great a bunch in nature , in vain : and it is certain , that all the riches of the world are issued out of mountains : and then , the best fountains , and most famous rivers are conversant with us out of mountains , by reason of their steepness . in the next place , all nations which are the inhabitants of mountains , are of an hardier body , and of a more vigorous or flourishing life , than those who inhabit pleasant fields : which effects do manifest their causes , because a more sweet , and purer air is there in-breathed , and every gas being deprived of its filths , returns into the pure matter of water . but that god lifts up so great an earth , or the very face of the earth into an heap , or hath built so many great or rocky stones upon the same , or hath conjoyned it into one rocky stone , nor yet hath enriched it with any mineral , in which respect he might seem to have collected so great an heap ; neither doth he rain down fountains , nor lastly hath poured forth fruits worthy of so great borders ; but that he hath exalted it above all turbulences of air and clouds , whirlings of windes , and monstrous omens of thunder-bolts , into a most pleasing rest of air ; surely , that thing seems to me , to be dedicated unto a famous mystery : for the promised blessing did of old , for the most part , respect long life , and the commodities thereof , and the fruitfulness of off-springs ( that thou mayest be long lived upon the earth , &c. ) blessing therefore , unto those that ascend into the mountain of the lord , according to the letter , seems in nature , to have respect unto the endowments of long life : for he , who is alone , and wholly the life , and prince of life , doth likewise , give long life unto none , not so much as by natural means , who hath betaken his soul to vanity . therefore the blessing of ascending into the mountain of the lord , seemes to contain a long continuance of life . therefore those most high mountains , which are read to be endowed by nature for no fruits sake , and the which pertain unto the sweetness of a not much disturbed air , seem to promise a singular 〈…〉 or likeness of the mountain of the lord and of a long life : and that thing is from a certain singular prerogative before other mountains , and that they may as it were by that right , have the surname of the mountain of the lord : for if it reach beyond all the incidencies of inferiour things , it after a singular manner , promiseth unto me , that god is there after a peculiar manner . for he that was not in the whirle-wind , but in the sweet air , was perceived by elias : he , he i say , hath his mansion in the same place ; that is , the prince of life doth there give his blessing : not indeed , that which may be communicated in a few houres ; but being signified to moses in mount sinai , in the revolution of forty dayes ( to wit , by two full moons : ) for he who could every year continually stay for forty dayes in the mountain of rest , about the feast of the building of tabernacles , the commodities of living being called unto him from elsewhere , i divine that he might much profit himself for long life , especially if he were there daily refreshed with a medicine prepared of the tree of life ; because that in such a mountain , by reason of a notable purity of the air , there is a greater co-mixture of the nourishment with the body nourished , and a more piercing access unto the first constitutive parts . lastly , although the highest mountains do bear before them the priviledge of long life ; yet those that are less high , promise some singular thing , from the sense perceived in the alpes . nevertheless , i alwayes reject mountains , which breath forth some mineral gas : for therefore , in chymical things , arsenick hath obtained the name of the fume of mettals . but unto whom the commidity of living in a healthy mountain , should be granted , and that not great with child with the fruits of minerals , they certainly should rejoyce in the benefit of long life , so far as the nature of the place hath bestowed . chap. cxvi . the tree of life . i am constrained to believe that there is the stone which makes gold , and which makes silver ; because i have at distinct turns , made projection with my hand , of one grain of the powder , upon some thousand grains of hot quick-silver ; and the buisiness succeeded in the fire , even as books do promise ; a circle of many people standing by , together with a tickling admiration of us all . but it was not a thing extracted out of gold , because it should change as many weights of quick-silver , as there were of gold from whence it had been extracted . first of all , that being granted , as yet , at least-wise , a true transmutation of one thing into another , and that indeed , a manifold one , should stand . secondly , those that work on gold , and money-makers , have known , that nothing which is not mercurial , can enter ( by flowing ) into mettals , or be co-melted with them ; but swims a-top in the flowing . therefore thirdly , that extraction should be fatter than any mettal is , if it ought to tinge so many thousand parts . fourthly , that extraction should be no longer a mettal , seeing it should exceed the perfection of the purest mettal , so many thousand times : for a mettal doth not suffer so many degrees of largeness in its perfection , by how many times the powder which maketh gold , converts an inferiour mettal into true gold. fifthly , he who first gave me the gold-making powder , had likewise also , at least as much of it , as might be sufficient for changing two hundred thousand pounds of gold : but there is none who may have more than a tenfold quantity of gold ; and if he should have it , he should destroy it , that he might at length , make as much gold from thence : for he gave me perhaps half a grain of that powder , and nine ounces and three quarters of quick-silver were thereby transchanged : but that gold , a strange man , being a friend of one evenings acquaintance , gave me . however therefore the phylosophers stone be in the nature of things ; yet i have alwayes supposed for the reasons aforesaid , that no metallick remedy contains the blessing of the tree of life . i willingly confess in the mean time , that that stone is in its beginnings , partaker of the life of a zoophyte or plant-animal , and that it hath that life , distinct from a vegetative , and sensitive life ; the which , for this cause , is an un-named life : for according to the unanimous writings of wise men ; the principles of the stone being once conjoyned to a glassen egg , if through the vice of interrupted warmth , it once happen , that they are even but a little while plainly cooled , they so die , that there is no remaining hope of a future stone : the which likewise happens also in the nourishing warmth of eggs : and therefore i have judged , that it is to be believed , that these do live also in a like life , with the beginnings of the stone : and that is a true life , which a true death testifies ; because that that errour is never to be corrected by any paines ; it being thus once dead , there is no hope of restitution left for the future . i know in the next place , that the tree of life is in vain to be ●ought from animals , how long lived soever : in all which , i have found a voluntary death , a frail body , and slideable every hour , or the way of all flesh : for how shall they give a long life , the which they contain not in themselves ? seeing , if they are long lived , at least-wise , they have put off their own life , while they are taken into use . i have sometimes beheld stones , that they did contain sometimes live creatures within them , that they live for the space of five years , and are preserved from death without nourishments . paracelsus thinks that the whole heap of stones , and the whole world , was at sometime , one only stone , or at leastwise a single stony liquor , the which being by degrees distinguished into mettals , the fire-stone , great or rocky stones , small stones , and salts , afforded the beginnings of vitality by many creeping things ; and so that , if they detain toads , and salamanders alive , perhaps for an age , without food , and as it were snorting with a deep drowsiness ; i doubted , whether the stones , the sheaths and wombs of those living creatures might be the partakers of long life . but the scripture perswaded me , that the life of creeping things is horrid and hateful unto us : wherefore i lookt back unto the more pretious gems : notwithstanding , neither have i found in those , the foot-steps of long life , whether they were essences , or next , the magisteries of those ; because they cannot be immediately assimilated , or adjoyned unto our first constitutive parts : or if at length , they are after some sort adjoyned unto them , and as long as we grow ; at least-wise , they are spoyled of their former length of life , after the manner of other nourishments , they nourishingly put on the nature of flesh , and are constrained to follow it . i have learned therefore , that gems or pretious stones , however they might be endowed with a medicinal power , to make for long life ; yet that they never wholly put off a mineral disposition ; and so that neither are they co-mixable with the first constituting parts : yea , although they should be co-mingled with them , yet they should not be serviceable for a long life : because , whatsoever refresheth not the vital powers , doth not also withstand the intestine necessities of death , and much less , if it resist the wedlock of our solid members . but aromatical or spicie herbs , should snatch away this victory from their companions , if the tree of life should be herby ; as they are the more grateful , and spiritual : but that which is the most refined liquor , and whatsoever contains the whole crasis of the herb , doth notwithstanding , respect only singularities , and healing , for that the composed body from whence it issued , is not it self , partaker in it self , of long life : for the liquor which knowes not how to preserve its concrete body , the which , it from the beginning , married through its least parts , from destruction ; after what sort shall it be able , being spoyled of its virtues or faculties , to defend our flesh , which is soon flowing abroad with a hastening corruption , from death : and so from hence , the tree of life began to be accounted immortal with me , not subject to old age , not to the discommodities of ages , and the which should contain , or admit of no excrements , and much less should propagate the same : but rather , should by a certain excellency , if any had once , at sometime lighted on it , brush them off , by reason of the virtue of its expelling and repulsing : but seeing it is the property of poyson , by corrupting , to convert good into evil ; it hath seemed meet to me to search diligently into the tree of life , wherein the poysons themselves might die , being overcome by the goodness of the tree : wherefore also , it should refuse them being not yet admitted , and which should correct and overcome those poysons which were once admitted : for if it ought not to admit of excrements , which are certain poysons of the lowest degree ; much more shall it divert , drive back , and weaken those which are of a more profound , and manifest hostility or enmity : for unless it shall do that , it shall assume the name of the tree of life to it self , in vain . i have observed , that the colts which were generated of a labouring beast , and an old horse , were soon enfeebled or barren , weak in the vigour of their life , and that they had deeper pits above their eyes , than he which had sprang from a younger horse : but that an old willow , yields new sprouts , nothing more barren if they are planted , than the sprouts of a new stem : therefore i have found , that together with the seed of living creatures , old age departs into their off-springs , but that thing is not so easily manifest in the young of a tree : yea , if there be a long life in some beasts , yet it is so enclosed , that it doth not depart from a singularity , and is not communicable out of the species . in the next place , i have examined dew , by a resolution of its parts : for it afforded a sugary salt , helping great diseases , but surely not any thing profitable for long life : for by reason of the unlimited generality of its goodness , it contained not so much life , as the properties of nourishment . at length , i concluded with my self , that whatsoever it were that should supply the place of the tree of life , it was the young or off-spring of a tree : and then , that this medicine was to be fetched out of a most wholesom , odoriferous , balsamical , and almost immortal shrub : and the which , should be of the subtilest and purest parts , from a proper endowment , and native constitution of its composed body ; and the which , should every way resist any kind of corruptions , bred , or obtained through the errour of art , or nature . at length , that by art and labour , it should obtain the utmost bound of perfection , and a liberty of co-mixing with us : wherefore , it was chiefly necessary , that that manifold natural endowment should not any thing be broken in time of its preparation , or be changed by the fire ; and so that there is need of a not burning fire , for the exaltation of its faculties , and sequestration of impediments ; to wit , that it may make any mortals , partakers for the compleating of uncorruptibleness , or for the long continuance of life , to take us by the hand ( so far as might be possible for the receiver , corrupted nature ) by a communicating of its faculties or virtues : surely , it cannot therefore feel any singular property of passion of a member , or obey partialities : but it is of necessity , that it be an entire balsam of life , reduced unto a seminal being , remaining in its natural endowments , grateful in its odour , throughout all the diligent examinations of its middle life , and magnum oportet : so that , when as the nourishments , at length thorowly mingled therewith , are dead to their office ; at least-wise , the smoakiness of the same , may by their fumigation , no longer batter and extenuate the implanted spirits ; but rather , may refresh them ; and thus far it emulates a certain permanency of uncorruptibleness , and keeps it continued and propagated in the nourishable humour , under our middle life : the favour therefore , of its native endowment , procures its love with the sealed powers of the implanted spirits : its preparation therefore , refuseth an alteration of its native virtue , and performeth a more full entrance , and application of virtue ; so that , as it were an out-law , and besides an accustomed wont , it is admited as conscious ; within the secret chambers of life , that it may there undergo an information : for in some climates , all things are produced more strong and excellent , by reason of the nobilities of a nourishable juice ; and the which therefore , it is certain , do very much excel as for long life : for so the sweat of some persons smells of the goat or rank ; but that of others , doth not far differ from a fragrancy . that one thing , i say , in long life , is only to be procured , least the nourishable humor , after that it hath ceased from its offices , being dismissed by transpiration , looseth its grace , through defect whereof , i have described a short life : for i have taught elsewhere , that a sow , or a goose being nourished only by fishes , do yield fleshes , which tastingly resemble the detestable grease of fishes . wherefore , let the medicine of the tree of life , be an odoriferous balsam , spicie , grateful to nature , seasoning the blood with an excelling goodness , and a nourishment now applyed after the manner of a dew : even so that , through the vigour of its uncorruptibleness , its balsamical faculty may be continued even unto the utmost limits of its exhalation out of the body . wherefore we must beware of this one only thing , that the fire do not alter this fruit by a seperating distillation ; but that a proper division of that which is heterogeneal , be appointed , as being sequestred into its bottoms , for a greater subtilizing of purity and simplicity , and sealing of its virtues : for in eden , the stomack subdued the food from a proper vigour or force ; for all things willingly obeyed the stomack , without the strife of a middle life ; it being that , which they through the decision of the stomack , kept after some sort sase , even until the deluge of waters , till that , through a succession of years and propagations , all things by degrees , went to ruine : then the seminal being was no longer drawn out of meats , after that the term of life was restrained unto , and afterwards , unto years : for the being of essence , which before , was fetcht out of meats , bewrayed it self no longer ; because the stomack had enough to do , only to draw forth the being of nourishment . from hence it is manifest , that although the tree of life was present with us from eden , yet that it will not profit us as it did the first of the fathers : by consequence also , that the balsam of our vital tree , is not so profitable unto persons of ripe years , as unto children : for he that hath almost run out the stage of life , every such one perceives an help according to a model , or after a small manner ; seeing all things in nature , are received after the manner of the persons , and place receiving , and of circumstances : for the friends of job wept with him seven dayes and nights , without eating , drinking , and difference of health : the which , is now at this day , scarce possible for any mortal man to do : therefore the strengths of such a life , should more profit by our tree , than i , an old man , who almost worn out with the offences , and labours of chymistry , and the injuries of tribulations and persecutions : so we bees do not provide honey for our selves . whereunto is added , that eden was of it self a preserver of long life , through the wholesomness of the place ; but that , but a few paces from thence , there was the command of death , corruption , and infirmities : for if credit be to be given to histories , there are also places at this day , whereunto a life of three hindred years is ordinary : for where long-lived persons are born , they are also nourished : but there are other places near at hand , where a renewed tyranny of interchanges , shortens the life ; for so , some provincial diseases are accustomed . therefore mountainous places which have not the gas of minerals ( as the forrest of arden , asturia , or the pyrenean mountains , &c. ) nor those subjected unto the natural moisture of lakes ; because the bountiful communications of the stars do reflect and breath a pure air , and do make for long life : even as also , a plain field which knowes not the incitements of the throat , adds as much to long life , as fulness is an enemy to long life : for the stuffings of meats do weary the miserable powers , to wit , that they being as it were worn out with labour , die or go to ruine before their time : which things being thus revolved with my self for full three dayes space , from whence a medicine for long life was to be fetched ; opobalsamum notably smiled on me ; not indeed that of peru , or the gums of capaida of brasile ; but the true aegyptian opobalsamum noted in the scriptures , and primitive , it being the queen-tear of a low shrub , scarce saleable to kings : for i confess i have worthily attributed very much perfection to this being : and although there were enough of it to be found ; yet it doth as yet decline from the perfection of the tree of life , because that shrub is so frail or mortal . and while i variously wandred in nature , that i might view the tree of life ; at length , without the day , and beyond the beginning of the night , i saw in a dream , the whole face of the earth , even as it stood forsaken , and empty or void at the beginning of the creation ; then afterwards , how it was , while as it being fresh , waxed on every side green with its plants : again also , as it lay hid under the floud : for i saw all the species of plants to be kept under the waters ; yet presently after the floud , that they all did enter into the way of interchanges enjoyned to them , which was to be continued by their species and seeds : i saw , i say , in the top of mount libanus , the cedars to have remained whole under the deluge , by the word of the most glorious god , and that they , in a certain number , did as yet there remain : and presently afterwards , i returned to my self . but i afterwards considered at leisure , that the ark which ought to save mankind from destruction , was commanded to be framed of the incorrupitble wood cetim : for the world had endured , perhaps years : but noah proceeded slowly in its building , for an hundred solary years : and therefore he took wood , and rafters which were not to undergo any dammage in all that time . a leprous person being separated from the people , coming to the priest , bare the wood cetim in his hand , that he might be cleansed . in the feast of the building of tabernacles , every hebrew carried cedar , and branches of myrrh , that god might be mindful in the rain of the whole earth , that he appointed the manners of the times , and the stars : i therefore understood by the cedar , long life , likewise the blessings of the times or seasons , and of the stars , and also , that in a mystical sense , cleansing was denoted ; but that in this age it was also to be obtained : for other vital things , do soon wither with old age ; but the one only cedar in number , by a famous mistery , through the uncorrupted substance of its wood , and its vegetative faculty surviving , promiseth long life , because it containeth it : for the folding doors of the temple of salomon , were commanded to be framed of the wood cetim , with gold , as it were a more vile covering or involvement . moreover , it is without controversie in the church of god , that the cedar in libanus , in the temple , in the figure of the ark , in the cleansing of the leprosie , and in the feast of the building of tabernacles , did represent the mother of god , the virgin queen of heaven , an incorruptible vessel , a tree which brought forth for us , eternal life in the flesh : the patroness i say , of the poor , and mine : but the place of the cedar in libanus , exceeding the coldest folding door of the air , covered with snowes , denotes the unspotted integrity of the god-bearing virgin : and so , if the tree denotes the holy virgin , especially , conjoyntly with so many mysteries , it s no wonder that the cedar doth signifie the tree of this life also in the world : for indeed , there was in the dayes of david , an aged cedar in libanus , because it was that , which by reason of its excellent taleness , was from that time , worthy of a mystical sense : wherefore , either it being there planted after the floud , doth as yet hitherto continue the same in number , safe : or a good while before , and perhaps from the cradles of the world , according to the vision of the dream : which thing , after what manner soever it may be taken ; at least-wise , it shews that the cedar despiseth the discommodities of old age : but he is not from a cedar his parent , planted after the floud ; because that parent also of the cedar , was preserved under the deluge ; and much more easily afterwards , than that which remains from the daies of david , even until this time . let those laugh that will , at that age of the cedar in libanus , and let them say , that modern ones were raised up by a new branch , or by seed falling down : but that being supposed , at this day also , new ones had dayly come forth into a great wood , where notwithstanding , no new cedar growes . but moreover , from thence i gather , that the same cedar in number doth now persist , which was even before the floud , yea even from the creation of the world : because it was given for a mark of resemblance to the blessed virgin. but moreover , for our magistery , the fruit of the cedar is not to be taken ; for that , the end thereof is not for a simple being in the appointment of the properties of the cedar ; but only for a propagation of the species , which contradicteth long life from the foundation : the wood cetim it self therefore , is to be taken , which is so much exalted in the holy scripture : therefore not the bark , not the fruit , not the root , nor the leaves , are the ultimate end whither nature hath had respect for long life : and so that the cedar , perhaps also is herein distinct from the tree of life in eden . a matter therefore , of a tree which knowes not how to die , is found , whose unputrifiable wood ( and by reason of its many properties being in a mystical sense designed to the holy virgin ) is that which brings forth life to the world , that it may redeem death . but the preparation thereof , is the most exceeding difficult of all those things which fall under the labour of wisdom : for this cause indeed , monarchs want a long life ; because there is none which hath known how to prepare it : for none who is truly a phylosopher , is a minstrel , neither doth he follow princes , and flatter them ; for because he stands in need of nothing , he despiseth whatsoever a prince can give . the tree of life therefore alone , refresheth the decayed faculties , and for some time , detaineth the life in its flowing : but the difficulty of preparing it , consisteth in this , that the wood ought to be resolved without a dissolution of its faculties , by a luke-warmth , such as is that of the sun in march , even unto its first being : in which being only , is granted unto it , a fermental power of preserving and seasoning , with an ingress unto the first constitutives of us , and of insinuaring it self into the familiarity of the spirits implanted throughout all the organs . but there is in the juice of this kind of resolving , the entire virtue of the cedar ; to wit , a vital one , together with every seminal and formal property of long life : for the whole lump of the wood is dissolved into a juice , which being otherwise , distilled , is transchanged , and made a certain new creature ; the which aqua vitae being distilled out of graines , or ales , doth also prove ; likewise the oyl that is distilled out of woods , yea out of the very oyl of olives it self . the practise thereof , is this ; resolve the pieces of the wood cetim , with a like weight of the liquor alkahest , in a sealed glass , under a nourishing luke-warmth ; and within seven dayes , thou shalt see the whole wood to have passed over into a milky liquor : but presently , about the fifteenth day , a twofold oyl distinctly swims a top , the which , is increased even for a month , and is more clearly separated : but then , let the oyl be separated from the water by manual operation : then distil thou the water in a bath , and the liquor alkahest remains in the bottom in its own original weight : but let the oyl be nourished with the water for full three months space , with a slow luke-warmth , and the whole oyl assumes the nature of a salt , and shall thorowly mingle it self with the water : and it is the first being of the cedar . but as yet , a few things concerning the length of life ; because i being an old man do pursue these things , and i my self am about to die . my mind breathed some unheard of thing within : but i , as unprofitable for this life , shall be buried : because the spirit the porter , withdrew the bottle by the command of him , before whom , the whole world is as a mushrom . let the praise be to him , who hath given , and who hath taken away that which was his own . the schools therefore , may deservedly upbraid me : thou miserable man , a man of small note , a man of great ambition , an old man , hast paradoxally come to late , that with thy song in the commendation of cedar , thou shouldst over-spread the world with mists : the histories and virtues of plants are known to our herbarists : but thou , that thou maiest vaunt of an unheard of devise concerning long life , as a paradoxal man , proceedest to be mad with thy cedar : go to , if there be so great power in the cedar , for life , why are not all kings long-lived ? from whence dost thou as a new guest , come ? produce thy learning , and experience whereby thou wilt be believed : for as a lawier blusheth to speak without law , so doth a physitian without experience : for thou canst not deny , but that the decoctions of the leaves , kernels , wood , bark , root , or rosin of cedar , had long since produced a continued life : but nothing of these things is manifest by our herbarists : thou there fore dost deter or fright us away , through an hidden manner of preparation , and by a crabbed style of a smoak-selling art , desirest to involve a feigned mistery of cedar : which thing ( the alkahestical mask being laid aside , it being taken up , only to hide thy improvident rashness ) almost all the learned will laugh at , who suffer not themselves to be led aside into new precepts , by dreams , or feigned exstasies . this argument springs partly from an inv●terate hatred towards us , and partly from an antient simplicity : for how much soever it concerns my person , of writing unwonted rashnesses ; god hath known that i write those things which i know to be true . i give him thanks , that when as he had conferred on me five talents , and i had made my self unworthy , and for this cause , had made a divorce before him , it pleased his divine goodness , to take from me three , and to leave me as yet two ; that so he might expect me for better fruit : he had rather i say , impoverish me , and suffer me not to be profitable to very many , so he might but save me from the perils of this world : let eternal sanctification be unto him . but as the argument of the schools is supported with the appearances of decoctions and broaths , surely that had proceeded from a simple rudeness : for truly none hath hitherto , in acting , plowed up the faculties of things : therefore it is supposed , that although many things are made more acute by distilling , and so the more active ; yet by that very thing , that they depart and are estranged from the genuine property of the seeds ; because the fire is an artificial death , the which , if there be made an open flame , happens through an extinguishment of the seeds and the archeus : but a natural death of things , presupposeth a weariness of the seeds : but an artificial death , which is not made by a consuming of the flame , separates indeed things volatile from things fixed , together with a dissolution and death of the last life of the composed body : but therefore also the former faculties are altered and estranged by the fire , and a new creature riseth again out of the fire , from a material disposition , from the antient properties of the being , through an inversion or turning in and out , which is easie to be seen in the artificial death : so indeed , most volatile salts , which by a co-melting , do make a conjunction with the oyl of the thing , are fixed into a coal , the which , at length , the fatness being burnt up , returns into ashes . there are also fugitive salts , which do act by lurking within the fatnesses of oyls , do attempt a new product : so that oyls , otherwise sufficiently slowing , are changed through the combination of salts : some things therefore become soapy , some things lay up smoakinesses ; at least-wise , all adust things contract a corruption of matter , and are throughly changed into another thing ; for nothing of the old remaineth : because that is the property of fire , not indeed , simply to separate ; but by its own authority , to alter and change under it self . therefore it is not lawful to weigh the faculties or virtues of distilled things , by the composed body from whence they issue : neither is it lawful to believe , that although the virtues of things are not abolished , not extinguished , or plainly killed by the fire , therefore the antient virtues of things are not renewed within , by adustion : but those things which are made new by the fire , are oftentimes made worse , but also they are oft-times , so distinct from themselves as they were before , that they are made an hundred-fold better . in the next place , there are simples , which by seething , do melt their muscilage or gum , and in this respect , do transmit their virtues into the broath of the decoction . first of all , they do not therefore notwithstanding , retain the same faculty which they had in their entire composed body ; but their action is alwayes feeble . for first of all , they ought to be concocted in the stomack , after the manner of meats : most of whom , although from the property of magnum oportet , they do in savour shew forth some thing of their former virtues , yet these are either cast forth of doors together with excrements , or being rashly concocted , and appropriated , do stir up nothing but the brawlings of an unaccustomed heterogeniety or diversity of kind , instead of a remedy : or at leastwise , if they affect the blood and flesh with their odour , they promise nothing but a feeble help ; so that also , from hence , a quartane the inhabitant of the spleen , doth hitherto remain untouched , to the mockery of physitians . but that something may be admitted into the family-administration of the spirits , and family of the solid constituting parts , it is not that that may any way be hoped for by decoctions , as neither by distillation , which through the intervening of an artificial death , wholly puts off every perfect act of long life , which the wood encloseth in it self . but the juice , powder , or conserves fetched from the cedar , are such strangers unto us , that unless it be subdued by the method of its first being , it promiseth not any thing of familiarity with us : far off surely , that it should overcome our nature , and endow it with its uncorruptibleness . distilled things therefore , have nothing of moment , and crude simples nothing of moment ( with whatever noble faculty they may shine ) for long life : for it behoves , that the uncorruptibleness of the cedar being exactly preserved , as ignorant of death , nor the bounty thereof toward us being in the least worsted or diminished , every forreign impediment be separated from it , the which , else through the much strife of our archeus , is reflected into the being of nourishment , but not into the being of essence ; yet so that a penetration , communication , and conspiracy with the first constituting parts of u●e and refreshment of the in-existing faculties , be over and above added thereunto 〈◊〉 the schools of galen be in the mean time , amazed at the unwonted manner of prepa●●● and describing it , and let them laugh at my promises , let them believe them to be ●eer dreams , let every bird sing according to his own beak ; be it lawful for me to be vilely esteemed by them : for truly , i have long since covered my ears with a thick covering , against aged obloquies expressed for the sake of gain alone . i have written concerning long life , what i know to be true ; not indeed for young beginners , as neither to be comprehended by readings ; for god hath known why he hath given unto the goat , a short taile . there shall at sometime be an adeptist ( in its own maturity of dayes ) who shall understand that i have spoken truth . but as to that which pertains to the sentence attained in the dream ; he may read the dream of nebuchadnezzar , which was known to daniel alone ; yet he had commanded all his wise men to be limited to the fire , unless they should shew the undoubted explication of the dream : surely such dreams do promise a certain certainty within , neither that they are vain : he who oft-times gives the dreams , may presently also unlock the same with so great a certainty of them , that death nor hell are able to bring in a doubt . but although i prefer the cedar before all woods ; yet perhaps india affords woods not any thing inferior to the cedar of the shoar of palaestina ; yet i have alwayes given a primate-ship unto the authority of the holy scriptures ; yet not that therefore the hand of the lord hath bound up it self to the cedar : but what things i have written of the cedar , i have offered for a memorial of honour towards god , who hath been propitious or favourable unto me . but other things which there are concerning the cedar , shall be buried with me ; for the world is not capable thereof . but that which the moderns do boast of the elixi● of propriety , that doth not succeed according to the description of paracelsus : for the three simples being shut up together in a most large , and sealed glassen vessel , afford at least , a few small dorps of a milkie liquor , and some small drops of a somewhat palish oyl , after two dayes space , and as many , not more , after two months ; but scarce a third part of the matter suffers by the fire , but that a collection of corrupt matter is threatned : but if it be but a little more strongly urged , the vessel , how most large soever , bursts asunder : but if the ingredients be connexed with the middle liquor , the thing it self is at length , of no worth . indeed paracelsus hath been silent ( even as in most of his other descriptions ) as to the addition of the liquor alkahest , wherewith the whole matter is presently solved throughout its whole , and the medicine succeeds according to his description : for there is in this elixir , a subtile fragrancy , by reason whereof , it preserves the liquid matter of our body from corruption , as it were a balsam : for with one only small drop being given to drink in wine , i have oftentimes so refreshed those that were desperate through a contagious fever , that they have as yet dined with me at noon , who at midnight had received the last or extream ●unction of holy oyl . truly through want of the being of cedar , the elixir of propriety doth relieve . but what shall i say ? the alkahest is required ; which is not granted to thinkers , but only to knowers , and that indeed , to those on whom knowledge is doubled . wherefore i will declare a certain trivial thing for the use of the vulgar , for the preservation of long life . in the year , a certain man serving in the accounts for military provision , but being burdened with a numerous and small off-spring , complaines that he was in the th . year of his age ; but if he should fail , it would happen that his children would beg their bread from door to door : he begged of me some defence of life : i being as yet a young man , condoling his condition , considered that the odour of a sulphurous torch being enflamed , did preserve wines from corruption : therefore i inferred in my mind , that the sharp distillation of sulphur , did so necessarily contain this fume of sulphur , and plainly all the odour thereof , that it self was nothing but the very fume of sulphur combibed into its mercurial salt. then in the next place , i supposed , that our venal blood was the wine of our life , and that being preserved , if it did not give a long life , at least-wise , it would defend from many diseases of corruptions , through the efficiency whereof , the life would at least , be after some sort defended in health , free from diseases , and at rest from pains : wherefore i gave him a bottle full of the distilled liquor of sulphur and i likewise taught him the art of preparing that oyl from enflamed sulphur . moreover i bed him , that at every meal , he should take two small drops at least , of that liquor , in his first draught of ale or beer , neither that as wanton , he should easily exceed that dose ; i supposing that two small drops did contain much fume of the sulphur . that man obeyed my admonitions , and he as yet walks through the streets of br●nels , in the year . and which is more famous , he never at all lay by it with any diseas●● in all that forty years ; although he once , through a fall upon the ice , 〈◊〉 his leg nigh the ham ; yet he alwayes remained free from a fever , slender and lean , although the old man lived in the penury of conveniencies : the name of the old man , is john mass , who served in the bed-chamber of rythovius bishop of yper , when the counts , egmond , and horn , were beheaded ; and then was he five and twenty years of age. finis . opuscula medica inaudita : that is , unheard of little vvorks of medicine . being treatises . of the disease of the stone . . of fevers . . of the humors of galen . . of the pest or plague . written by john baptista van helmont , toparch or governor , in merode , royenborch , oorschot , pellines , &c. and now faithfully rendred into english , for publick good , and increase of true science ; by j. c. sometime of m. h. oxon. col. . . luke the beloved physitian greets you . deut. . . see now that i , even i am he , and there is no god with me : i kill , and i make alive ; i wound , and i heal : neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand ▪ res ardua est ignotis dare scientiam , obscuris lucem , obsoletis nitorem , in-speratis fidem , dubiis certitudinem , ac naturae suae omnia . judiciorum desiderio , tribunitia potestas efflagitata est ; judiciorum lenitate , alius ordo ad res judicandas postulatur . london , printed for lodowick loyd , and are to be sold at his shop next the castle in cornhill . . to the illustrious man the lord caspar uldarick , baron of hoensbroeck , commendator of the teutonick order , of the sacred romane empire in gemert ; a favourer of good arts , and his singular friend and patron . thou remembrest , that the illustrious lord , lord werner spies of bullensheim , provincial commendator of the teutonick order of the confluence of baillive , and commendator of the house of pitzenburg of mecheline , lord in elsen and herrn-mulheim , &c. of late thy uncle , the most favourable of my friends , three dayes before his death , sent his horse-litter for me , because he lay sick of a cruel tertian ague ; and when i came unto him , that he as yet saluted me with his head , and offered to embrace me in both his arms : i was willing presently to succour the same man , because an intermitting pulse bad me to make haste ; but that his friends deferred the promised help , till the afternoon , that the physitians might be present : who when they had explained their own endeavour , and that now in dayes , they had cut a vein twice , and as often purged him ; but that they had nourished him with broaths and whey ; lastly , that they had strengthened him with the confections , alkermes , and de hyacintho ; and therefore , that they must proceed in the same path , except , that at length , his legs and arms were to be ulccrated by cantharides : but that i answered ; ye see , oh my men friends , how much hope these same remedies have afforded , increased , and left : wherefore if ye proceed on in the same way , to morrow will yield horrors and the agony of death , for a conclusion of the tragedy . i pray you let five hours at least , be granted unto me , and it will as yet appear , whether that famous man commanded me , his most loving friend , to be sent for yesterday in vain . they readily consented , except one fonseca , perhaps , because he was a portugal , who despised chymical remedies , as being fiery , and that they poured oyl on the fire . and so by the vote of one physitian , that knight underwent death . for although priests , his friends , stood by , also noble persons of his houshold ; yet they more hoped in the accustomed remedies , and the votes of many , than in , as yet , unknown medicines . therefore he began to be left by good ones , because thou wert absent , when these things happened : for as just indignation brings forth a song , so i being provoked by the unskilful , determined to set forth a little book of an unheard of doctrine concerning fevers : and it fitly fell out , that cardinal ferdinandus , our kings brother , is killed by portugals his chief physitians , through an immoderate exhausting of his blood , and inordinate cooling : but that that would so come to pass , i had foretold in my writings , unto carmelita his confessor . but forthwith after his death , that thing was disputed by a controversal right : fortunatus vopiscus plempius , a dutch-man , very well learned , and professor at lovaine , was victor in the controversie . but i have prefixed a verse to my book , whereby not so much the malice , as the bruitish and unpunished blockishness of those physitians might be manifested . therefore i have added , that none was ever made free from a fever by the method of galen , as neither that he who otherwise laboured with a more grievous sickness , did escape , but whom the strength of nature did the more timely snatch out of their hands : because that in the schools , as well fevers essentially , as the remedies of the same , were hitherto unknown . therefore i set forth a book which might confirm that thing ; but bespattered with so many faults on every side , that i blushed to acknowledge it for my own : but however it was such , yet by reason of the novelty of the matter , it began soon after its birth , to be desired , because it was wanting or not to be had . for i shew that a fever is unknown : that its remedies are unknown : and likewise , that a quaternary or fourfold number of humors , are old wives trifles , whereby credulous mortals do as yet to this day , fat the places of burial . therefore let it be a probleme ; to wit , that i have altogether erred therein , or not indeed i , but the humorists have erred : and the whole school of the huniourists hath gone to the wall ; because now , the hinge whereupon the posts of healing are supported , doth lye on the ground . that matter , since it toucheth the life , the common-wealth , and most families ; i intreat the christian world , that from charity , it would take good heed to the deciding of a difficult question , so unthought of , and of so great moment . i in like manner , adde a book wherein i have demonstrated , that the causes , remedies and also the manner of making the stone in man , have been constantly unknown hitherto . that the pest also , apoplexie , palsie , leprosie , lethargy , convulsion , and that sort of diseases , are as yet alike unknown in the schools . but i have written these paradoxes , for a pledge of a bigger section promised ; wherein i will lay open the beginnings of natural phylosophy , and new maxims of healing , for a publick good ; to wit , that the schools may learn , and repent . let them learn indeed , not of me ( who otherwise , have always despised all vain glory ) but from the giver of all good. but i have endeavoured so to manifest my talent received , for the profit of my neighbour , that hereafter any one of a sound mind , ought to confess whether he will or nay , that very darkness it self , hath hitherto banished truth out of the schools of the gentiles . and since i wish my labours may speak to the whole world ; therefore i decreed to dedicate the same unto thee , for a pledge of friendship ; because thou wert a patron of the muses , and a favourer of the art of the fire . for i have never dedicated my books unto chief men , that i might represent their famous deeds , and the pictures and pedigrees of their ancestors : indeed i would not seem , to have been willing by flattery , to corrupt their integrity . i know also , that whatsoever is of flatterers , doth no less displease thee than my self . lastly , neither do i offer my writings , that they may be fenced under thy authority : far also , be such stupidity , which knows not , that kings themselves are unfit for such protection : nor that any thing can subsist , which hath not obtained its patronage from god. i give therefore , ( o illustrious man ) and dedicate these my labours unto thee , with a naked title , that thou mayest proceed to love me , thy most loving friend ; who intreateth god , that he would preserve thee in health ! in the mean time , enjoy thou , rejoyce , and farewel , as thy friend bruxels , the th . of the kalends of october , . john baptista van helmont desireth . on the works of the noble and most famous d. j. b. helmont . a verse of the noble and most honourabl-lord , janus walhorn . d. counsellour to his majesty . shut up thy schools , o galen , for , enough of men are slain , ho , now it is sufficient ; full graves do ring again ! for blood and clyster are thy medicines : nothing oftentimes thou giv'st : but to a critick day thy hope alone confines . in touching of a vein , the while , and eke of parched tongue , and in the urine wholly th' art dismayed , and so in dung. a med'cine's to be got for him , this helps not the sick man : no need of tests of the disease ; but of a physitian . yet thou expect'st a great reward , after the man 's enshrind . so doth the dog look for and love , the cattle sickly kind . helmont is one , who able is by his apollo's art to snatch from th' jaws of death whom t'oher left to dye in smart . to the medicine-loving reader , john baptista van helmont of bruxels , toparch or governor in merode ; royenborch , oorschot , pellines , &c. being a philosopher by the fire ; wisheth peace , joy , and knowledge . i lately sent forth a new doctrine concerning fevers , wherein i have shown , that a fever is unknown to the schools , in its essence , root , properties , and remedy : that matter diversly affected physitians , and especially it perplexed those that refuse to learn : for they who perswaded themselves to be wise enough , said ; shall therefore the universities sustain this calumny without punishment ? and have so many famous wits , and we our selves been blockheads ? doth helmont alone sit at the table of the sun , that from those dainties , he hath dared to arrogate the adeption or obtainment of healing to himself ? but although my ignorance doth most poorly accompany my intention , and the confession hereof , doth not blot out the stain of ignorance ; yet the integrity and sincerity of my intention deserves pardon : for truly , in healing , the truth of every thing comes to be judged or esteemed , from the work which it leaves behind it : for neither ought those to be accounted calumnies , if the errours of predecessors are discovered , their names being suppressed . a publick humane affair is treated of by me , for the sake of charity alone : if therefore i shall say , that the first of those , who fetch the fundamentals of medicine from the heathens , who hath known , not only the root of fevers , but also of any diseases whatsoever , and their just remedies , is as yet desired ; and i shall demonstrate that thing ; i am void of blame , neither shall i seem to be injurious : but if not , i pray let those who take pitty of my ignorance , instruct me ; even as i suppose my self to have been moved only from a compassion on mankind , lest any one should hereafter entrust his life in the hands of unfaithful helpers , who hitherto have made none free from a disease , from a certain knowledge ; but as many as have escaped , that they have recovered through the bounty of god alone , and the goodness of their nature : for this is that paradox , which i promise that i will demonstrate , and in promising , to stand to my promises . but i had said , in the aforesaid book of fevers , that i owed to the stone also , it s own treatise ; because the disease of the stone , is like unto a monster , and therefore that it was to be separated in a fold or section by it self : for other diseases are no where bred but in our possession ; but the stone alone , doth also grow together in the urinal : it becomes stony indeed , as it were the product of universal nature ; but it growes , in-as-much as it is the product of nature changed to another use ; and that it may be made a stone in man , but not a rockie stone , it requires a matter disposed by man. by this entrance therefore , the universities will see , that they have not touched at the causes of the disease of the stone , so much as in its utmost coasts : and they who grieve , that they are blamed for their ignorance of fevers , will acknowledge that they have more companions of their calamity : for i would never be injurious to all that went before me ; and it is sufficient for me to protest , that i want a mind of doing injury : for , far be it from me to be ignorant , that an unknown matter demonstrated for the uses of ones neighbour , should want reproach ; especially , while the ignorance of physitians hath it self in manner of a crime , and man is at sometime to render skin for skin : no otherwise than as a pre●or or judicial officer , accusing any one of a crime , is excused from calumny . i have alwayes greatly grieved , that in the devout profession of medicine alone , it hath been subscribed to so 〈◊〉 , fluggish , and ●rivolous principles ; but that in other professions , they have so ingeniously laboured : for indeed , what of subtilty hath not been attempted , about the five words of 〈…〉 , which they name predicables ? and what subtile wiles , have they 〈…〉 about 〈◊〉 things ? prattles i say , the witnesses of a discursive industry ? raymand 〈…〉 not contented with these , invented nine other most universal words ; and afterwards added unto these same nine , twenty eight other words , less universal : and lastly , he at length subjoyned seventy two other universal words , whereby any things may seventeen thousand , four hundred , forty six times be described , predicated of , and distinguished . those unprofitable pratlings are the great husks of sciences , without a kernel . surely , humane wits , are of their own accord , prone to subtilties without spurs , if the ends of those subtilties are vain : but in things that regard life and health , they have snorted with a continual lethargy . the law also , is so incumbent on subtilties , about the explications of decrees , as the sublimities , wherewith the wit of man is snatch'd away with so wonderful an admiration , and beholds it self in its own delight , that by a singular prerogative , they are called the subtilties of the law : these indeed are less vain than talkative faculties ; because that they are provided to attain and defend right . but in matters of divinity , what famous things do not the chairs hope for , by their accute discussings of questions ? i would to god , that mans necessity might want all these things ; that meum and tuum , or mine and thine , might be rendered to every one , without any false paint ! that the faith also ( as in mahometism ) might stand without disputation ; that every subtilty may depart , whereof an account will not be required in the last day : for so apostolical sincerity should return ; so i have received , and so i have delivered unto you . at least-wise , they shall undergo the milder judgment , who in their life time have been most estranged from these subtilties . but in medicinal affaires ( alass for grife ) where a diligent fe●rch is most necessary , profitable , and commended for charity , almost all things have remained untouched ; because careless sloath is on every side , readily inclined to subscribe unto the antient blockishnesses of the ignorant : it is also more damnable among those , who wander through the streets , and run thorow them from house to house , that they may prostitute health to sale , and put a disease unknown unto themselves , to flight : for it hath not been once by the way , doubted by the universities hitherto , about the belief of the speculations delivered by the heathens ; which otherwise , vail a folly , even with their facility alone , and at the first view , ought to stir up a suspition of themselves ; because nothing in humane affaires hath been now for so many ages received , which is more hardened in shame , and blockishness , nothing more full of lying and deceit , nothing more wonderful in cruelty , and also in credulity , than a profession which maketh experiments dayly , by the deaths of men , under a con-centrical subscription unto the wills of the heathens : for the nations who live without a physitian do confess that thing with me , by what a life they lead . that thing i say , the more refined physitians , also , do confess : for a godly and sober man , but a very famous physitian , doctor johannes vander wegen , being not so long since asked by me , why ( for truly he dwelt at lovain , and had friends in the court , and potentates which he cured , and he was most fit for the chair ) he did not desire some lecture ? he ingeniously answered , it was not lawful to give a tast of any other kind of doctrin unto youth , besides that of galen ; and so ( said he ) i should knowingly damn my soul , i knowing better things , and teaching worse . therefore others know what i discover that i know , but they dare not to discover what they know . good jesus , how long shall the drowsiness of physitians remain ? and so great cruelty against the works of thy hands ? grant , grant thou oh infinite goodness , that mortal mankind may know , that the devil moloch , envieth no subtilties , but those which are sifted about charity , and which regard and preserve the life of thine own image . for i grieved at the first , at so great rashness of belief of principles , and at so great a sluggishness of mortals about things of so great moment , and the pitty of this thing increased with me dayly . hence at length , i having obtained a little light , i knew with great grife , that the errours of the schools ought by me , plainly to appear : but indeed , in the entrance , that thing seemed to me to be full of untamed arrogancy , that i , the least of all , should brand all before me , with the ignorance of phylosophical truth , but should attribute to my self only , the obtainment of healing : therefore i oftentimes begged of the lord , that he would re-take that his own talent from me , and vouchsafe wholly to take it away , and to bestow it on another more worthy than my self : for i knew , that he who had well lay hid , had well lived , at least-wise , morally , and in this ulcerous age : therefore i resisted , and a good while deferred to propose this ignorance of the principles of medicine , to its own world , until that now being an old man , the last necessity constraining me , and being placed in an agony of death , i promised the lord , that i would sincerely divulge his talent , least i should at sometime be accounted in the strict judgment of god , to have come into the world in vain , and to have departed as unprofitable from hence : for by a vision in a dream , i understood that i was more afraid of gainsayings , than of gods indignation ; that nature was crafty , as long as she made a pretence for pride , in purely obeying god , by reason of deceitful humane respects . also i saw not , that my own arrogancy , which was placed rather in fear , did make me less freely or generously to perform what was required against judicious men , that would rise up against me for so many ages past , than in purely obeying the most glorious giver of truth : yea , that i did not commiserate my neighbour , and that i buried my talent in the earth , in looking back on the uncertain censures of the world concerning me : i knew indeed , the doores of medicine to have been locked , and the bars and bolts thereof , to have been covered with rust , for so many ages ; but i doubted to open them ; as if i should presume the office of a porter to be meerly my own , and not to be given to any other : therefore i resolved with my self , to do what charity , not arrogancy perswaded to be done , as knowing that he is not injurious , who beholds a publick good , although it may make those blush , who have rashly subscribed to the trifles of heathens , unto the dammage of mankind . at length therefore , i stood as a middle man , between the shame , and sore fear of the greatness of the thing , and many times reposed my pen : and again , i seriously begged of the lord , that he would vouchsafe to chose another more worthy than my self : wherefore the lord being deservedly wroth , suffered this evil and unprofitable servant to be sifted by satan : for an order , whose zenith or vertical point , is the house of powers , and whose nadir or point under their feet , are other orders , began undeservedly to persecute me by unworthy wiles : i knew presently , that the hand of the lord had touched me : and therefore , in a full tempest of persecutions , i wrote a volume , whose title is , the rise or original of medicine ; that is , the unheard of beginnings of natural phylosophy ; wherein i have discovered the accustomed errours of the schools in healing : i have i say , afforded , and demonstrated new principles ; as also hitherto , unheard of speculations of diseases , that the universities leaving the vanities of the heathen , may for the future , accustom themselves to the truth : for from thence , i found a rest in my soul , such as i never found in the times of my prosperity ; so that , i being full of suspition , grieved that so great storms did not any thing disturb the rest of my soul , or sleep of my body : wherein , o god , my protectour , i am not able sufficiently to praise the abundance of thy bounty , which suffered not my soul even in the least , to fall out of a full enjoyment of peace , under so great straits on every side : i fearing this one only thing , least as an unprofitable servant , i should be buried with my small talent . whosoever therefore thou art , who interpretest my zeal to be proud boasting , thou mayest do it for me , so thou shalt not hurt thy self : for i will rejoyce to bear back all confusion for the good of my neighbour , and of posterity ; and i shall enjoy my wish , whether in the mean time , my boldness shall turn unto me for rashness , or not : for god the sower , will water what he would have to grow . and moreover , in the book of fevers , i have declared the beginnings of my repentance , and in what manner i desisted from galen and avicen , to wit , by reason of the discerned falshood of the pillars of medicine ; from whence a singular boldness of confidence thenceforth increased in me , being as yet a young man , whereby , for my neighbours sake , i willingly exposed my self to the infurious censures of all ; and the number of dayes by degrees running on , the lord beheld the candor of my zeal , and granted me , now a man , to see , that whatsoever is taught in the schools of medicine , is full of miseries and ruine , and that it should be a laughing stock to posterity . good jesus ! how greatly was i then amazed at the greatness of thy clemency , which reveals those things unto little ones , which were denyed for so manyages , to men otherwise , most religious and ingenious . moreover , although i was from thence more assured , that the manifestation of my talent of truth received , lay heavy upon me ; yet nature is ready to find out excuses , and deceives it self , and its own sorrows , by the props of reason its chamber-maid : i presently therefore ( fie , it s●ames me of my own unconstancy ) shook off the undertaken burden again from my shoulders , and said ; who am i , oh lord ? for the more solid things are defective unto me , which i should substitute in the room of those that are to be depressed : for what things i before believed , were commanded me , i again suspected to be suggested by the subtilty of satan , because secret remedies were wanting unto me ; to wit , the letters patents or signes of my message : wherefore , in my youth , i had a good while perswaded my self , that the very art of healing , was nothing but a meer imposture , devised by the idle greeks , being at first framed for the destruction of the romanes their subduers , and afterwards confirmed for the calamities of men , whereunto humane credulity , by reason of a conceived hope , had easily subscribed ; and so that that profession of medicine had brought forth its own authority ; because for the most part , we too readi●● believe those things which we too greedily desire . indeed i knew from that time , that the ●●●icine of the universities was a thing of no worth ; to which end , they afforded me their votes , since diseases were incurable , and moreover , the vanity of experiments ; and at length , succours abounded on every side ; because i saw physitians every where exposed to a mock : and also the phylosophy it self , afore chosen in my youth , assented unto this my errour ; to wit , that the logick , natural phylosophy , and metaphysicks of the schooles , were not that phylosophy , for which pythagoras in times past , took unto himself only a few schollars of the better towardness , to be instructed by him , they being bound by the silence of many years , and by a secret oath , that they should never declare to any one , any of those things which they had there heard : for i supposed rather , that the essayes of the art of the fire were there delivered , than of that science , which galen layes open by much greek tattle : for truly also , long before pythagoras , every one had accustomed , faithfully to note by hieroglyphicks in temples , whatsoever things had profited his own people : for that thing , so great a necessity , and so intestine a calamity had convinced of , that they were thus delivered to posterity without envy . when therefore the art of medicine fell into disesteem with me , i lighted on a text of holy scripture , having been often read , yet never understood ; to wit , that the most high had created the physitian , and had commanded him to be honoured , by reason of the necessity there is of him . wherein i presently discerned , . that he who created all things , doth notwithstanding , particularly glory , that he is the creator of the physitian . . that for his own glory sake , for the issuing forth of his goodness for the necessities , helping , and succours of the sick , and so by the physitian , the almighty will be appeased , in restoring health that was taken away . . that he to whom all honour and glory is due , hath commanded , that parents , and physitians onely created by him , be honoured ; as if a physitian had something of a fatherly , nature . . and then , in my manhood , i not a little carefully inquired day and night , what happy man he should be , whom the almighty from eternity ordained , chose , and created for a physitian , and from hence also , commanded to be honoured . whether happy it were he , who having read over institutions , and some classical or renowned authors , and having spent full three years in the university ; and at length , who by disputations , and examinations by professors , having laboured for . preferment , was sent forth , being admitted as well by secular , as ecclesiastical authority ? or indeed , whether it were he , who with the same title of a physitian , had waxed old under anothers mourning , being in the mean time , full of years , experiments , and moneys ? then straightway , i with pity considered , that the sick stood in need of a physitian , whom the almighty hath created , he being furnished with full abilities ; and that an healthy person wanted not a physitian standing by him , who should be chief over the kitchin , should number the morsels , and prescribe rules of diet. ( thou shalt hereafter find more things concerning the honour due to physitians , under the history of duelech . ) i considered on the other hand ; that the maker of sweet oyles should compose the varnishes of sweetness ; neither that his works should be consummated or come to an end : neither that there should be a medicine of destruction in the earth : which soundeth , that a true physitian , should mow down all diseases with an equal sithe , nor that diseases were with him uncurable : surely , a notable difference between a physitian , which the most high hath created , and him whom universities have created by the doctrine of the heathen . a huge catalogue of uncurable diseases presently offered it self unto me ; as if the most high had been nothing careful for these ; or as if such sick persons were not diseasie ; because that , for the necessity of whom , he had neither created a physitian , nor a medicine in the universities : for truly they not only cast such sick folks into despair ; but also , as many diseases as are not silent of their own accord , they reckon up for desperate ones : yea , a quartane ague , and those which take fast roots for years , and which are for the most part finished through a voluntary tiresomeness of nature , they reckon to be uncurable : and but that other diseases do at the last hasten to a bound or limit , truly all diseases should be equally added to uncurable ones : for most physitians know not how to take away the pain of a tooth , but by pulling of it out : so perhaps , they would command the same thing for health , in an inveterate head-ach ; to wit , a ●aking away of the head , if the life could remain safe . after the notable labours of some years therefore , it grieved me , that i knew , or had learned nothing else but that which was of no worth : for although i believed the physitian to be created of god , even as also simple medicines ; yet i wholly stuck in the knowledge of that physitian , and of the things subservient unto him : for i wished many times , ah! i would to god , i might sometime , at length become the disciple of such a physiti●● . in the mean time , i knew clearly , that the art of healing , garnished forth as well by the greeks , as by the arabians ; and that which the jews feign to have been delivered unto themby hand ; from their rabbins , under the cabal , did very far differ from that which the sacred text decyphereth . at length therefore , i inferred in my mind , that the science of medicine had a good beginning , from the mean , intention , and end thereof ; to wit , that it was a good gift descending from the father of lights ; and therefore , this gift had never , long since descended into the heathens , and jews , however they were blown up with our rashness of belief ; because they are those , whom the lord hath not created physitians , nor for our necessity ; as neither hath he commanded them to be honoured , but to be seriously avoided : for a physitian created of god , is not defectuous , given to gain , and an enemy of christians ; but full of charity . but first , i have noted this rarity of that good gift , from diascorides , who from the dayes of plato ( wherein he lived ) hath indeed described the histories of herbs ; yet unto this day , scarce any thing hath been added unto him , but very much detracted from him : and so , scarce any light hath shined forth from above , into herbarism , for two thousand and three hundred years , although it be a most plain or easie , and necessary science : wherefore i have consectured that that light from above hath soberly enough s●idden down into other orders of more abstruse knowledges ; yet least of all into heathens , atheists , and perfidious jews , they being secluded from the truth , and charity , and for that cause forsaken of god : and as the nativities of things are banished into the fulnesse of times , covered from us ; so that the gift of the truth of healing doth not descend , but in the fullnesse of time appointed by god : for neither shall light , which is freely given , shine at our pleasure : for he who made all things as he would , makes the same things when he will , and perfects them in whom he will : for i have waxed old , now , for forty years and more , in the rout of physitians ; and at length , i being an old man , have known , that the speculations of the schools ought by me to be subverted , that all things , in the age that is soon to come , may fall into dung , as they being destitute of the lime of truth , do not co-here together . there hath been so great a certainty with me , of that gift being obtained , and so reverend an authority thereof , that i perceived , that the giver would together with his gift , be also the interpreter thereof ; and that in this respect , i should exclude every doubt whatsoever : and such a knowledge is far more sure , than that which is formed by demonstration ; because there is not a faculty in words , to make this certainty common to others . i know also , that all who are to read my beginnings of medicine , will not carry back an equal fruit from thence ; because god is still to remain the dispenser of his own gift . i have spoken these things , that ye may also know , that my unworthiness will overspread the gift with darkness , that he may compass the race of nature who can : for i have hoped , that when he shall now increase the number and fierceness of diseases , he will inspire the gift of healing into the little ones , and despised of this world. and since that in the aforepast age , he sent paracelsus , a rich forerunner in the resolutive knowledge of bodies , and t●stre of remedies ; it might be , that he would now over-add the knowledg of an adeptist , which that other wanted . furthermore , if it liketh thee without wickedness , to enquire into the reason of the pleasure of that divine decree , for which the adeptical gift of healing hath not descended unto christians ; i suppose , that the schools do resist it , as they stubb●rnly insist on the principles of heathens : and then also , because medicine is wholly excercised for gain , presently after its beginning ; the which alone of arts , is to be mercifully exspended from compassion ; but not as though men were to live merrily and pompously , or to grow rich by the miseries of the miserable sick : wherefore gain hath prevented a necessary dsposition in men , and the falshood of paganish doctrin hath diverted the adeptical or obtained gift of healing : the searching out whereof , hath therefore seem●d to me , to consist in compassion towards the sick , by un-learning of false theoremes , and by putting on deep humility of spirit ; the which , as it is not then blown up with the letter , nor pressed down through inordinacy ; so in a humble beholding knowledge of ones own nothingness , the mind empties it self of all science or knowledge introduced by the inducements of reason : then afterwards , then , i say , the most high scarce suffers the mind to be empty , but he replenisheth the same with a fruitful beam of his own light. i have already perhaps found some , who , because i say that the obtainment of medicine descendeth down from above , will have medicine to be perfectly learned , after the manner of other arts : the intellect or vnderstanding , they say , is a natural power ; but every natural power is born to work a proper effect ; but the proper effect of the intellect it self , is understandingness : therefore man naturally understandeth all intelligible things , as the proper object of the intellect . moreover , the faculty of healing is intelligible , and therefore it descends not from above . i answer ; the soul and the understanding thereof , are not the immediate works of nature , because they are those which arise from a supernatural fountain : and so , although the intellect , as to its beginning , be a natural faculty of the soul , yet it is not altogether to be reckoned among natural faculties . it is of faith , that god hath created the physitian , and so that the art of healing be-speaks something b●yond the common rule of created things , so as that the obtainment thereof , doth not happen after the manner of other arts : for nebuchadnezzar will testifie a taking away , and a restoring of the understanding . likewise , do not ye become as the horse and mule , which have no understanding ; the which had been spoken in vain , if understanding were equally given by nature . moreover , the understanding given ( whereof they here declare ) exerciseth not its own natural , or intellectual act , but as by discoursing , it drawes some notions from observations , which it received from the perceivance of the senses ; when as it is altogether ignorant of the causes from a former : but unto the science of medicine , a certain clearness of light is required , which exceeds that knowledge by the senses , yea and by the consequences of causes to their effects , according to suppositions brought on them by reason , for the most part deceitful ones : for it is of faith , that the intell●ct , together with the totalness of humane nature , and so from thence , howsoever cleer it be , doth not perceive propositions firstly or chiefly true , which exceed sense , unless with the afflux or concurrence of a supernatural light. suppose thou , i often read a place in a book attentively ; and although i understood the words , yet i once only draw in the sense thereof , unlooked for , with an admiration of forepast readings : but such knowledge , i call that of grace : for so the understanding , how clear soever it be , doth not alwayes assent to the truth ; because neither doth it naturally perceive this truth ( for from hence , are there factions in sciences and religion : ) so in the gift of medicine , there is something more noble and superiour , than that which is formed in the imagining faculty , from a fore-existing knowledge of the senses ; the which is true , solid , good , exceeding the authority of consequences ; yea , which can neither be properly taught , or demonstrated : yet i would not be understood , that the obtainment of healing is such an infused science , as in times past enlightned bezaleel and aholiab ; and much less , such a one as on the day of pentecost , rained down with a large showre on the apostles , so that they forthwith spake in diverse dialects : neither also , is the obtainment of healing therefore of things plainly sublunary : for the eternal wisdom , hath created its physitian , after a singular manner , before other created things ; and so , some more famous thing seemeth to be required for him , than for other professions ; the which therefore , neither hath he commanded to be honoured . after another manner , truly all our understanding in nature , ariseth only by way of discourse , of the observations of that which is supposed , of consequence , and of a diligent enquiry , and all that from the effect : wherefore all such knowledge is encompassed with uncertainty . therefore , between an ordinary manner of understanding , and infused science of the first degrees , there are certain enlargements , every one being distinct in a particular degree , in an understanding supernaturally arising . which i thus prove . every good gift descendeth from the father of lights : the obtainment of healing is a good gift ; therefore it descendeth from the father of lights . the major proposition is of faith : but the minor is manifest , as a physitian , as such , is created by the father of lights . they reply by a certain similitude , and nothing to the syllogism , after this manner . the knowledge of god is more difficult , than that of medicine : but the heathens have naturally found by the operations of their understanding , the existence of the god-head . therefore they far more easily obtained the natural science of healing . i answer , by granting the whole , if they shall not bring in four terms . therefore , even as by nature , none can draw the light of faith ; but only a certain shadowie knowledge : so also , in the gift of medicine i grant , that a certain knowledge of healing is naturally attained by observations of what is helpful and hurtful : but surely , that knowledge is so shadowie , and blind , that it plainly resisteth the text ; which should say in vain , that god created the physitian , as such , and him to be honoured ; unless there did shine forth some light in this created physitian , above the vulgar , ordinary , and natural intellectual power of the soul. at length , that neither atheists , nor heathens , as neither jews , ever received that gift of healing , it is not elsewhere , nor farther to be drawn , than that , de facto or from the deed done , a disease , remedies , and every appropriation hereof , are as yet to this day unknown to mortals : for it is an invincible argument ; the obtainment of medicine hath been hitherto unknown : therefore god hath not given that gift unto paganism , in fore-past ag●● , at neither to the schools , they following 〈◊〉 leaders : the correlative whereof is , that whosoever assents unto the doctrins of the paganish schooles , is secluded from the true principles of healing . for i will demonstrate the assumption , god favouring me , in an ample volume : to wit , that the principles of knowing the causes , and roots , in diseases , remedies , and appropriations , have remained unknown . the consequence is by it self clear , unless they shall shew , that every good gift is derived elsewhere than from god : for it ought to be sufficient for the establishment of the gift of medicine , that although the obtainment of healing , be so near the nature of the understanding , that by reason of the nearnesse of natural objects , and their necessities , it is accustomed to three natural sciences , apprehended by a simple intellect ; yet as at least , it includeth the gifts of prudence , counsel , &c. which are the free gifts of the holy-spirit ; truly the gift of medicine ought to be brought , and expected from such a beginning , which is plainly carried above the path of nature : for oftentimes , some one being sunk into the middle of his dreams , forthwith conceives a knowledge , which being awake , he had never attained : for night unto night sheweth knowledge . so oftentimes , some one reads a place that was many times read without fruit , from whence at length , he begins a more reformed life . for do not those things des●end from the father of lights ? therefore , such knowledges are indeed infused , although not ●● the more excellent order : they are i say , talents , upon which , the understanding being we●● formed , doth afterwards build profitable dostrins : for the learned , as such , shall shine before the unlearned ) in the kingdom of heaven , if for the sake of learning , their soules have fitted themselves for the greater free gifts : for the almighty hath pleased himself in the diversity of mansions , quires , clearness , and understanding of angels , and of men accompanying these . at least-wise , in favour of the obtainment of healing , he causeth , that among the seven spirits that are next to the throne of god , the name of one is , the medicine of god : for he is above principalities , thrones , powers , and dominions . nevertheless , the heavenly wights are not sick , nor stand they in need of medicine : neither is that medicine of god , to be taken metaphorically , which well knew the properties , even in the gawl of a fish . but in this place , i have undertook the birth or original of the disease of the stone , which i promised , as the stone contains a metamorphosis or transformation , which in no wise can draw its beginning from humours , but from the meer excrement of the urin. and therefore this treatise , might easily want a treatise concerning the fiction of humours and complexions . an explication of some words of art. . the liquor alkahest of paracelsus , it resolves every visible body into its first matter , the power of the seeds being reserved . concerning this liquor chymists do say ; the common people do burn by fire , we by water . . the archeus of paracelsus , it is the vital air of seeds , and the directress of life , and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of hippocrates , that is , the spirit that maketh the assault . . blas , for want of an etimology , i call it the power of motion , as well alterative as local . . bur , it is the juyce of minerals , or mettals , . the duelech of paracelsus , it is the proper name of the stone of man : for calculus or a pebble stone , is a metaphor . . gas is a spirit not coagulable , such as is from fermenting wine ; and also that red one , which through the operation of aqua fortis , is belched forth , &c. . the magnal , is the sheath in the air , being a middle creature between a body , and not a body . . magnum oportet , it is the thistle and thorn of the earth in the middle life of man : whereof in a particular treatise . . the leffas of paracelsus , is the juyce of the earth , newly drawn into the root , as it were the kitchin of a vegetable . . the zenexton of paracelsus , is an amulet or preservative pomander against the plague . . the powder of vigo , it is known to barbers . . the element of the fire of venus , is the oyl of the sulphur of copper . . aqua chrysulca , and regis , it is aqua fortis ; and this same being married or joyned with somewhat less than a fourfold quantity of sal armoniack . . horizontal gold , it is gold in its weight , but not yet sufficiently yellow . . diaceltatesson of paracelsus , it is the quicksilver of the vulgar , being coagulated in the alkahest , and tinged with the water of eggs : and it is made the coralline secret , of the essence and condition of aureity or goldiness ; because it is also horizontal . . the relolleum of paracelsus , is a quality not having in it a seminal being ; even as are the elementary qualities ; likewise the colour and signature of simple things . but the other words less usual , are either medicinal ones , or at least described and cleared up in the present text of the author , and so are obvious to , or easie to be understood by the reader . an unheard of doctrine concerning the manner of making , the contents , roots , and dissolving of the disease of the stone . and likewise of sence or feeling , sensation , pain , unsensibility , benummednesse , motion , unmoveablenesse . even as of diseases of this sort : the leprosie , falling-evil , apoplexy , palsie , convulsion , coma , &c. all things being new and paradoxal hitherto . a treatise profitable , as well for a natural philosopher , and physitian , as for an alchymist : but most profitable for the sick. john baptista van helmont of bruxels , being the author . a treatise of the disease of the stone . petrification , or the making of a stone . chap. i. . the schooles of medicine did already doubt before paracelsus . . the opininion of the antients concerning the causes of making of a stone . . a sounder doctrine of paracelsus . , the flux of seeds for a stone . . the disposition of minerals from the creation of the world. . what the trival-line is . . what the flinty mountain is . . from whence the diversity of stones is . . the powder of the adamant is alwayes yellow . . great or rocky stones , and small stones , how they differ . . the seed of a stone , wherein it exceeds a vegetable seed . . stonifying in a man , and why a stone growes to the tooth . . some remarkable things . . why some insects do not become a stone , but the more perfect animals , sometimes , altogether . . that the form is not introduced from the power of the matter . . after what manner a man is made a stone . . nothing of a rocky stone is common with the stone in a man. . the duelech of paracelsus . . the praise of wild carrot-seed , &c. the more refined physitians of the late past age , were silently astonished at the doctrine of the schooles , concerning the elements , temperaments and humours , which was so unfortunate and un-obedient to their own positions . for neither could they satisfie themselves with a quaternary of humours for all diseases . wherefore , it was most exceeding easie for paracelsus ( who by a most excelling testimony of medicines , had drawn all germany into the admiration of himself ) to perswade those that already doubted of the fiction of his tartar ; that tartar traiteroufly entring out of meates and drinkes , was the true cause of any disease whatsoever ; which thought of his begat credit , and hath now fixed so stable a root , that there is not almost any one , who doth not flee unto the tartar of parabelsus . i did owe indeed a singular treatise unto tartar , who was readily prepared for the history of the stone , but that , i had abundantly written thereof among the beginnings of naturall philosophy , and therefore i had left that volume maimed , if i had from thence transferred the treatise of tartar hither . for truly , the original integrity of nature being there placed within the matter , the archeus , and the life , or form , together with seminal beginnings , hitherto unheard of , the ferments also , the authors of any kind of transmutations whatsoever , being newly discovered : but the elements , qualities , complexions , and the fight , strife , contrarieties , and victories of these being rejected : also the fictions of humours and catarrhs , being banished out of nature , and medicinal consideration : at length , flatus's , tartars , and the three first principles of the chymists , being excepted out of the place of exercise of diseases : and then i by degrees declining from things speculative unto discourses , handling affects , have explained the defects , and successive alterations of nature : and have pithily manifested to the world , the true cause of diseases , hitherto unheard of . therefore , the stone being as a monster bred at home in our own house , i have named this book as it were on outlaw , and now the errour of tartar borrowed from paracelsus , being forsaken , i now come unto petrification , or the making of a stone , unknown to the schooles . for indeed , the antients giving vp their names to aristotle , do ( according to the principles of this man ) as yet think , that all stones and minerals , without distinction , are made most especially of earth , by the mediation of heat and cold , as external workmen , yet with some additament of the three other elements . notwithstanding , since the weight of the rocky stone exceeded the weight of water : they from thence conjectured that the earth might be the proper matter of all minerals , and although they doubted in the weight of gold , and knew neverthelesse , that a mathematical demonstration , which is stronger than any syllogism , was to be fetcht from its weight : yet , in the mean time they could not believe , having neglected their own dimensions , that gold was earth , many times piercing it self . and now they distrusted their owne positions much more ; seeing they determined gold to be composed not of earth alone , which is more ponderous than the other three elements : but of the other more light ones , being mixed in a just or equal measure and proportion . therefore , as destitute of counsel , they hung the diligent search of its weight upon the nail ; and controversies being laid aside , they being as it were oppressed with drowsinesse , were content with saying , that mettals being as it were frozen with cold ( because they did again flow through the torture of the fire ) and the superfluity of water being dryed up , but the ayr and fire being well nigh excluded , remained as it were withered . thus the dry phylosophy of aristotle hath reported hereof ; but they proved their position as i have said : for mettals ( as they imagine ) flow all abroad through a contrary heat . as if indeed , a frozen work could not melt , but by the service of the bellows ! or that earth should be capable of melting by fire ; and again , at its pleasure , could require the countenance of earth , as oft as it should feel cold ! are the schooles so unmindfull of themselves , in that they not so long since said , that the element of water is of it self vehemently cold , and slackly moist ? and so that mettals ought to be congealed not from earth , but from water ? but that the earth of it self is vehemently dry , and slackly cold ? and so ignorant of congealing ; so that from hence it followes : if mettals in their chief part , are earth : they shall never be able to flow or be frozen up , seeing that they shall be able to be at the most , but remisly cold . neither by a heightned heat , shall earth be ever able to be converted into water , or a watery substance , while it melted in the mettal . for truly , they grant unto the earth an intense or heightned dryth , which cannot but be fortified by the fire , but not destroyed thereby . in like manner , neither can the remiss or slack cold of the most strong earth , convert this earth ( while by the force of the fire it should be dissolved into water ) again into earth ; because they believe the remiss qualities of the elements , not to have so much activity , as that they can break the intense qualities of another element . for with the same foot of stupidity , wherewith they began , they proceed to say , that great and small stones , are earth hardned , and as it were withered , with heat . the which they prove by potters earth , which by heat alone , becomes a stone , as they will themselves . for , because a stone melts not by fire , even as otherwise , mettals do ; therefore they conjecturing of nature from a negative , have supposed they have untyed every knot . and this grosse wit ought to have been suspected by every one long since , if they all did not sleep a diseased drowsie sleep . for what will they say of sulphur , which flowes or melts with the fire ? hath frozen water or earth given a beginning to sulphur , because it melts ? or what will they say of the condensing or co-thickning of glass , which is again dissolved by the same heat whereby it is made ? and what lastly concerning salt , which by one degree of heat , is coagulated and waxeth dry , and by another degree thereof , is melted , and a gain is dissolved by moist things ? surely it is a shame to stay any longer in aristotelical trifles , and the fables of elementary qualities , while we must diligently search into the causes and original of things . wherefore , paracelsus first taught our ancestors , that all minerals ( which he believed to be materially made of the conjunction of the four elements , and elsewhere , onely of the three beginnings ) consisted chiefly of water , and so , that they are the fruits of the element of water , no otherwise , than as vegetables are the fruits of the earth . but it hath not been alway unknown to me , that all bodies which are believed to be mixt , are materially , onely of water , none excepted . but that their body is constrained , or coagulated by the necessity of a certain proper and specifical seed , for ends known onely to the creator , from their cause ; which proposition , i have proved to the full in the beginning of natural philosophy . it hath also been hitherto neglected , after what manner these seeds of things may come to light , may cover themselves with the wrapperies of bodies , and dispose the same , and how those very seeds may at length , of necessity hearken to the importunities of bodies . wherefore , neither shall it be unacceptable , in this place , briefly to repeat the progress and flux of seeds to their form , and their maturities , in minerals , out of the doctrine by me elsewhere more largely delivered . for indeed , if a stone be not made of a stone , it must needs be , that stonifying includes the generation of some certain new being : but every generation presupposeth some kind of seed , which may dispose the matter to a being , in potentia , or possibility : seeing nothing which is not vital , is able to promote it self to perfection . and therefore it would be a foolish and accidental perfection , which should proceed from a body without an internal guide , and an end appointed unto it . therefore , if a body be dispositively distinguished from the internal efficient , and doth issue in its production , unto ends proposed unto it in nature ; then also the etymologie of a seed , doth of right belong unto it : because it proceedeth wholly from an incorporeal beginning . but this beginning , shall easily be granted by me , to issue forth in vital things from the image , or according to the idea framed by the conception or cogitation of the generater , which therefore is called the imaginative power , or faculty , but that inanimate things have seminal gifts implanted in their first beings , which after the manner of the receiver , do also proportionably after some sort , answer to the imagination , the sympathy and antipathy of inanimate things do teach . for a non-sensitive body ( namely the loadstone ) must needs after some sort feel the scituation of the pole or north star ; if it direct it self of its own accord unto it , but is not drawn by the pole ( even as in the book of the plague , i teach by manifest arguments ) likewise that it feels or perceives iron , if , neglecting the pole , it by a choice , inclines it self to the iron ; which particulars , least they should be here , after a tedious manner repeated by me , it is sufficient thus to have supposed them by the way . moreover , this very idea and perfect act of a new being , to wit , the seminal efficient cause , doth even in unsensitive things perform its office , no otherwise than if it were strong in life and sense ; which idea or imaginous likenesse , cloathes it selfe with the ayr of its own archeus , and by meanes thereof , doth afterwards perfect the dispositions and organs of the body , and at length compleateth those things , which in the delineation of its own seminal image , are designed it for ends known to god alone . and in this respect also , every creature depends originally on god. for this god hath freely put into living creatures and plants , a seminal faculty of framing such an idea : that is , a fruitfulnesse of multiplying and raising up of-spring , by vertue of the word ( encrease and multiply ) to endure for ages . the which , under the correction of the church , i thus borrow from the scriptures . in the beginning , the earth was empty and voyd : for surely , it was beset with a double emptinesse or vacuity . the which , notwithstanding , is not so said of the element of water . for the earth had not as yet minerals in its bosom , if it were void . indeed the earth was a meer and pure sand , not yet distinguished by a numerous variety and ranks of minerals . but the spirit of the lord was carried upon the great deep of the waters . not indeed , that that carrying , was not an empty idleness wanting a mysterie , or a voluptuous ease of swimming : but it contained the mysterie of a blessing , whereby the water might replenish the vacuity of the earth in one of its emptinesses , with fruits : but on the other hand , might satisfie the vacuity of the earth , and fill up its emptinesse by vegetables and living creatures . therefore , before the light sprang up ; all mettals and minerals began at once , in the floating of the divine spirit . of which thing , first of all , the hidden lights of mettals , imitating the stars , and the foregoing testimonies , which are wont to shine by night , in mine-making mountains , do perswade me . at leastwise , the spirit of the lord , which filled the whole earth , being now earnestly desirous of creating , sealed by its word the fruitfull idea of its desire , in the spondill or marrow of the abysse of the waters , which in an instant , brought forth the whole wealthy diversity of stones , minerals , and mettals , whereby it replenished the emptinesse of the earth with much usury : which vaculty indeed , living creatures and plants were not able sufficiently , as neither suitable to fulfill . but the pavement , or pantafle of the earth , which this most rich of-spring of waters was entrusted with for the filling up of its vacuity , is called by paracelsus , the trival-line , the womb that was great with child with the seeds of minerals , wherein the lord implanted reasons or respects , endowments , and seeds that were to be sufficient for ages . for so indeed , the wealthy seed of rocky stones and minerals is implanted in the water , that it may receive its determination and ferment in the womb of the earth . but what the virgin earth may be , without , and besides minerals , i have demonstrated in my treatises of natural philosophy . but the most rich seed of this store-house and treasury , seemes to be profesly neglected by moses , least israel , by attributing divine and immortal powers to fountains and mountains , should sacrifice unto them . but besides , the sand or earth being on every side , con-tinual to its self , having received a seed , arose into hills and rocks , and divided the pavements of stones . for , as the rise of things began from a miracle ; so now it adhereth to its second causes , that the invisible archeus's of things , and the hidden seeds thereof may testifie , that they are likewise governed by the intelligible world. for from hence it is , that the waters have remained gotten with child through the desire of the seeds , and the almighty hath disposed the idea's of his pleasure , or precept , through the water . yet these seminal desires of the water , do not fructifie through a successive propagation of one thing by another , after the manner of plants : but a seminal vertue lurking in the treasures of the water , doth peculiarly stir up its own of-springs from it self , and successively perfect them . for a seed or seminal and mineral idea , is included in the water , which never goes out of it : but locks up and incloseth it self in that matter , until at length , under the maturity of dayes , that be made thereof , which was born to be made of it . the operative image therefore , in the waters , doth receive a sensible , and presently a fermentaceous odour from the flinty mountain . but the flinty mountain is a plantafle , pavement , or space of earth : wherein great stones , small stones , and all minerals , draw their original out of the water ; even as elsewhere concerning the original of fountains . and moreover , that odour is the ferment , from whence a complete mineral seed doth at length , issue . from thence also , is every rocky stone . but this seed is not in minerals by way of a metaphor , a certain equivocal thing , or proportionable resemblance , under the licentious allusion of similitude . for new flints and stones do grow in fountains and rivers . but whatsoever is made , and so long as it is in making , neither is as yet in its perfection intended by the archeus , hath a seed in it self : so as that i may understand an univocal or simple nature to be in its own constituted parts . for the water being purely clear , having in it the seed and ferment of a stone , becomes the crystal of all gemes . but if besides , the pure colour of a certain mettal , or fire-stone shall concur ; it is made a gemme , following the hardnesse and properties of its owne coagulated body . for just even as tinne ( which affords to painters a yellow colour , which they call masticot ) makes every mettall ( its lead being taken away ) brickle : so also it tingeth the hardnesse of gemmes , or precious stones . therefore the adamant or diamond alone , affords a yellow powder or dust ; and the powder of other gemmes , is white . but if water not being purely transparent , doth incorporate it self with a mettalick colour , there is made a thick or dark stone ; a jasper , agate , flint , red marble , marble , &c. and that according to the rerequirance of the mixed seed . in the mean time , rocky stones are more easily dissolved than small flinty-stones ; and do again of their own accord , or by art , return into water ( who converteth rocks into pooles of waters . ) but i say , that rocky stones are convertible into a lime , and they sometimes perish of their own accord , into the nourishing juyce of fields , and into corny beings or substances . in quarries of stones also , a nitrous salt doth oftentimes voluntarily drop , with a perpetual distillation : to wit , that rocky stones may return into their first matter . even as , on the other hand , through a rocky odour of the ferment , the whole water passeth into a rocky stone ; or at least , as to a part thereof , wherein that odour , radically grew together in it : and that , as well in time of flowing , as of standing still in a pool . but it was not as yet , sufficient for the divine bounty , to have made from the beginning , rocks , great stones and small stones , and to have conferred a seed for propagating a new of-spring : whereby small or flinty , and rocky stones should afterwards , be made of waters : but moreover , he would have it , that a stonifying seed , should in many things exceed their own vegetables , and should testifie that those seeds were more powerfull in these , than themselves . for neither doth the seed stonifie only , with the water subjected unto it : but moreover , through the odour of the stonifying seed , it makes the body that co-toucheth with it , become a rocky stone , onely by touching upon it . for so the glove of frederick the emperour , was stonified in one part thereof , to wit , in that part which he had for some time moistened beneath the water : but in the other half or moity , being fenced by a graven impression , it remained leather . so that , not onely herbs , woods , breads , iron , egges , fishes , birds , and four-footed beasts , are by a wonderfull metamorphosis , made a rocky stone ; but also , as ambrose pareus witnesseth , there was at paris , a humane young cut out of the womb , of a mature bignesse , that was turned into a rocky stone . his toe was broken , and the tendons , and joynts of his . bones appeared within . and likewise , his gum being broken ( for he was of a gaping , and as it were howling mouth ) shewed a tooth underneath in the sheath of the cheek-bone . the which , a friend testified to me , who for the sharpening of instruments , in preparing instruments designed for mathematical demonstration , is wont oftentimes to make a whetstone in the back of this young. so likewise , histories makes mention , that in vaults nigh the city pergamum ( now called pergamo , or bargamo ) there were some dead carcasses found , to wit , of those whom the fear of war had forced into hidden places ; that they were i say stonified from their superficies , even to their center . from whence , many particulars worthy of note , do arise . . that rocky stones are generated of their owne and proper seed : and that they afterwards consist also , of another stonifying seed : that is , such kind of seeds do not onely transchange the water , as it were their proper and immediate object : but and also other strange bodies , which have drawn in the aforesaid seed onely in way of an odour . . and that therefore , those strange bodies ought at the least , to bear a co-resemblance in something , even in their remote matter . seeing they have nothing common at all , besides that principating matter , which in rocky stones , is meer water . for neither otherwise could the fruits of divers elements , differing at least , in the whole kind , light together into one . . but that rocky stones are not composed of a coagulable tartar , as of their proper and near matter : but that they arise from a proper seed , which was bred to stonifie any thing ( even of a matter not disposed unto a rocky stone . ) . that the stonifying seed , from whence herbs , birds , a nest , leather , &c. do become a rocky stone , is of a greater efficacy , than otherwise the seeds of vegetables are , which do fore-require a matter disposed by the generater . therefore every land doth not bring forth all things . but a rocky seed , snatcheth to it any bodies , even those that are far estranged from it self . and then the other seeds require , that the matter subjected unto them be reduced unto a tough or slimy liquor , and such as is for receiving of the seed ; which liquor , they have called the first matter of generation ; and they require , that every figure and comelinesse of the foregoing composed body , be also destroyed . but a stonifying seed doth with a reservation of the humane figure , stonifie the man wholly throughout the whole , to wit , as well his bones as his skin , without an intermediating putrefaction , or dissolution of the matter . . that a stonifying seed consists in a stony odour alone , which is an incorporeal and invisible ferment . . that the matter of a tooth , is not meerly bony : but a middle or neutral matter between a bone and a rocky stone . and therefore also a tooth doth by its co-touching , at length stonifie whatsoever shall the more stubbornly adhere unto it , whether that pulse shall be of that which is made of bread , flesh , potherbs , fish , apple , or pease , &c. that is , although in it self , nor of it self , it hath not any disposition unto the making of a rocky stone . this seed i say , hath notably deceived paracelsus and his followers with the name of tartar. for the stone of a tooth is not dissolved in boyling water , like tartar : neither is the generation thereof of , most near akinne unto the tartar of wine ; but it is a neutral animal stonification , made indeed from a stone-like odour and seed , which the pulse adhering to the tooth , drawes to it , by touching . . hitherto hath the speculation of hornes regard ; for the horne of a cow , as also the pantafles or hoofes of herds , and of the flock of lesser cattel , are by a proper and simple name , of an horny matter . but the horne of a stag , is partly of a bony matter , and partly of a wooden matter : and so that also therefore it intimates thornes and branches , and falls off yearly , by reason of a retained property of leaves , and of a wooden part . ivory also hath a great part of bone , and another of a stone , or of a tooth-like form . . that although many bodies do become rocky stones , in fountains : yet that comes not to passe , without a remarkable stonifying odour . for therefore , as many things as are stonified , are transchanged by the odour of the place : but not that the rocky stone sends forth from it self , a seed like a generater . . and that therefore , the original seed of the rocky stone , was immediately sown by the creator , and constituted in places , being sufficient for a sufficiency , unto the end of the world. . that if stonifying stands not in need of the device of tartar , much lesse surely doth the generations of diseases . . that some insects ( especially the toade ) although they are bred in rocky stones themselves : yet they do not become a rocky stone , even as otherwise , almost all other things do : for that , they have received a viral archeus by way of a separation from the stones themselves : no otherwise , than as the fire-stone , or mettal , is separated from the stony veines wherein they are bred , and do keep their unspotted matter , dissolveable . therefore that separated archeus remaines unconquerable by a rocky seed . . that it is a false maxime , that there is not made an introducing of any form , unlesse from a fore-existing disposition of the matter . for truly , a rocky stone is immediately made of subjects , even diuers in kind , without a co-melting of the matter . for indeed the magitians of pharaoh , when they had seen the gnats to proceed immediately from the dust of the earth , which they had known to be the immediate ofsprings of the water , they cryed out : here is the finger of god ; because they could not imitate this effect . for since there is a most difficult return of earth into water , they knew , that it was a far more famous thing for gnats to be made of the dust of the earth , than for a serpent to be made of the rod , and this of that : or for frogs and blood to be made of water . which difficulty satan well knowing , said not : say or command thou , that bread be made a stone ( for this happens in nature immediately ) but , that those stones be made bread . from whence indeed , he had divined of the omnipotency of christ. for as through a stonifying seed , having arisen from an hoary putrifaction of the bottome , shell-fishes are fenced with a stony crust : whose seed is not so much propagated by a sexual wedlock , as by the very fermental putrefaction it self , of the bottome ; and therefore a posterity growes to their shells from without . so also , there are other insects , whose archeus could not be incrusted , nor vanquished by a stony seed . from a like cause , as the toad drives away from him all troublesome stonification from without . yet such kind of wormes are not sufficient for curing of the stone ; because the last life of these ( under which , a resistance against the rocky seed layes hid ) hath vanished away before it be received into the use of medicine . also , a hoary putrified stony odour ; if it shall light on the vegetal juyce of the earth ( which paracelsus calls leffas ) stony pavements arise under the earth . a man also being shut up in a fermental putrified place , is first choaked with a stony odour ; which odour afterwards passing through his arteries and solid parts , transchangeth the dead carkase , before it can putrifie into a rocky stone . for so the earth pierceth the vegetal juyce with a rocky odour , and a stony plant ariseth , as it were out of a transplanted vegetable seed . as is manifest in coral , and the mosse thereof . but from whence had the young , according to pareus , drawn the odour of a stony seed ? but that happened not at first , by vertue of a rocky seed : but there was made a transplantation , through the force of the teeming mother , who the more attentively admited a stony engravement ; otherwise , the young being framed and transchanged into a rocky stone , a stony odour afterwards issued from thence : whereby it came to passe , that almost the whole womb of the mother , together with that young , became stonified . for as smoak pierceth and tingeth fleshes that are moist and compacted with salt , from their circumference even to their center : so also doth a stony odour , flesh ; to wit , that of a dead carkase there may be made a true mineral rock , having nothing common with the stone of man : and the which therefore i will hereafter with paracelsus , name duelech , by reason of its singular nature and properties from all other rocky stones . but fume or smoak , although it may tinge fleshes : yet it transchangeth them not . wherefore , frem thence it is sufficiently manifest , that , not every odour is for the transchanging of a thing ; but that onely , whereunto a ferment cometh : from whence the odour becomes wholly great with child of the seed . bodies therefore are stonified , indeed naturally , by their own seed , but plainly after a monstrous manner ; they being supposed , to be strangers in kind , because they are stonified by a forreign seed of the place . standing pooles of water do thus incrust shell fishes , which co-toueh with the bottome , by reason of the putrified hoary odour of the bottome : insects swimming on the water , not so . therefore waters that swiftly run , do for the most part , want such little beasts . crabs also , are not found but in stony places : because other places are destitute of the ferment of a rocky stone . about the year , between russia and tartaria , in the altitude of degrees , not far from the fen of kitaya , a hoorde or village of the baschirdians , is read to have been transchanged wholly into rocky stones , together with all its herd of cattel , waggons , and furniture or armory . and men , camels , horses , flocks , and all the concomitant kind of waggons , and armory provisions being grown together , even at this day are with a horrid spectacle , said to stand as yet stonified under the open element . but if a miracle be absent from thence ; surely that whole country is nothing but a continued rock , passable or holie with chinks : the which ( the wind being silent for many dayes , and the ayr from above , pressed down ) a strong stony putrified hoary odour ( such a killing odour as is beheld to be in some burrowes or mines of the earth ) might have breathed forth , and killed its walking inhabitants in one night : which at length , by reason of the cold of the place , restraining putrefaction , transchanged those creatures which but lately before it had killed , into a rocky stone . no otherwise than as those of bargamo , in the vanlts , and the glove in the fountain . and therefore , the drink of such springs is exceeding unwholsome ; because it disposeth the archeus into a stony disposition ; molests with gripings or wringings of the bowels , shortens the life ; and therefore kills the midriffs , before that in drinking , they are transchanged into a stone . in the red monastery of zonia , nigh bruxels , and in the vestry of the temple , some springs breath forth , which apply or fastens stones to the wall , contrary to the proverbe ; a drop by often falling , hollowes stones . for the stones that are grown to the wall , do oftentimes shake off by a crook and hatchet . but the monks complain , that they suffer frettings or wringings in their bowels , unless they daily use daucus or wild carrot-seed boyled in their ales. as the odour of wild - carrot , tames and represseth a stony odour , therefore let young beginners learn , that the rocky stone hath its seeds , no lesse than other things , in its middle life , under the cloak of a fermental odour , but not in a tartarous coagulation of the matter . chap. ii. the causes of duelech , or the stone in man , according to the antients . . the rashnesse of the schooles . . the supposed matter of duelech , and the effects of the same . . those causes of the antients are rejected . . thinking hath deceived the schooles , whereby they supposed the effect to be the cause it self . . the progresse of humane nature is every where alike . . the errour of the schooles , in the causes of duelech , is proved . . some rashnesses , disclemencies and sluggishnesses of the schooles . . a faulty argument of the schooles in the efficient cause of duelech it self . . arguments drawn from sense . . that duelech is made of the vrin it self ; but not of the contents thereof , distinguished in opposition to the vrine . . consequences upon the ignorance of causes . . the wearisomenesse or grief of the author . . an handicraft operation of the author , rejecting the causes of the schooles assigned to duelech . . a maxime opposite to the schooles . . the vanity of tartar in the stone . . pray ye , and it shall be given unto you . the hoard of tartars being already long since cast out and re-cleansed elsewhere , which through the captain paracelsus had invaded diseases . i must now in this place , wage war with the precepts of galen , in the causes of duelech or the stone in man. for indeed , the schooles having forgotten a quaternary or fourfold number of natural causes , have made mention of two causes onely , for the generation of duelech . and so that likewise , they agree with me , in the name and number of causes onely ; but not in the thing it self . for truly , they teach , that the matter , and efficient , are the parents of the stone . and so , their own conscience urging them , they deny its form and end , or causes ; or do either insufficiently treat of the stone , or at length , exclude duelech out of the race of natural things . yea , seeing they will have every efficient cause to be external , they leave it to be concluded by their young beginners , that duelech is naturally constituted , and doth depend onely from an external efficient cause . the schooles therefore call the matter of the stone , a certain muscilage , which they call a slimy or snivelly phlegme : but they will have the efficient cause of the stone , to be heat , as well that external heat of the bed , &c. as that of the bowels it self being badly affected . wherein , at the very entrance , they forsake their own patron ; who denies the efficient cause in natural things , to be internal . duelech therefore , shall be caused onely by heat . i am of a contrary judgement . i have shewed by handicraft operation , that no muscilage , as such , ever is , hath been , or can be , the matter [ ex qua ] or [ whereof ] of the stone . but if the muckinesse it self , be sometimes laid hold of by the true matter of the stone , and be shut up under the same : it stonifies indeed , from the seed of duelech , together , otherwise , with the proper matter of duelech , but not by reason of its being a muscilage , or as it is tough and slimy . for first of all the undistinct observance of the schooles their experience , hath deceived them . for they beheld the snivelly urine of those , who now carried a stone in their bladder : and they presently thereupon , suspending a further diligent search , cryed out , victory ; and bare in hand , that they had found the immediate and containing cause of the stone . truly , first the schooles are miserable : but much more miserable are the infirm or sick . for if they had once looked behind them , they had easily seen , that the stone being rightly cut out , that and before accustomed balast of muckinesse or snivel , doth also presently cease in the urine of that infirm person . for from hence the schooles might have been able certainly to know , that if , that muckinesse , which is voided before , while the stone was present , were any kind of cause and matter of the same , that should surely be made , either from the bladder it self , or from the stone , or should be sent unto the bladder from elsewhere . if therefore it was sent from elsewhere , verily when duelech was cut out , it ought as yet to be bred , sent thither , and daily voided forth : since the cutting and taking away of the stone , hath respect onely to the bladder : but in no wise , unto the part which is otherwise remotely distant , the bringer forth , and sender of continual snivels . but if such a muckinesse proceeded from the stone , or next from the bladder , it shall not any way , be a cause ; but rather an effect of the stone , presupposing the stone to be present . for the bladder is hurt in its digestion , by so cruel and troublesome a guest as the stone is ; wherefore as impatient thereof , it continually weepes out the undigested part of its owne nourishment , because it cannot perfect and promote it : and therefore it successively sends for new . therefore that snivel is not the matter [ whereof ] of the stone : but the mournfull effect hereof . and therefore they badly accuse that muscilage for the matter of the stone : for they see , and do not know what they have seen . they call phlegme , one , and indeed a separated humour of the four first humours arising in sanguification or blood-making , which is the last nourishment in digestion , and the immediate and spermatick or seedy nourishment of the solid members proceeding from the venal blood , being totally digested , it being degenerated in its passage , by reason of the indisposition of the part to be nourished . for the stone hath nothing which is vital in it self , nor hath it any thing vital out of it self , which may afford , or stir up a muscilage from its seed ; and much lesse is nature solicitous of , or doth intend the increase of the stone , that from its owne continual nourishing warmth , it should think of procreating that , whereby it may intend and confirm its enemy , and own destruction within ; especially , if the direction of the same doth depend on an un-erring intelligence or understanding . for the schooles , if ever they made trial from charity towards their neighbour , or a care of knowing , they ought at least , to have run over unto some such like things . to wit , that a web , or moat in the eye , doth against ones will , stir up continual teares . that the bone ethmoides , or straining bone being stopped with snivel , doth continually provoke the liquor latex , and powres forth snivel , in a pose . that the squinancy also , thus froaths up an uncessant and mucky spittle : even as also , that the bloody flux drops down the proper snivel of the bowel , together with blood . for then , they had easily seen , that snivel is made , and doth continually issue from the bladder , being thus besieged by duelech : but not that the tear is the cause of the web in the eye , or that the watery latex being largely powred out , doth stop up the spongy bone in the forehead : or that mucky spittle doth procreate the squinancy . for such is the perpetual commerce of the whole body , that a member being hurt , or the power thereof , its inhabitant : the functions of the same do go astray , and its digestion is forthwith vitiated , and the nourishment thereof , being otherwise lively , doth for the most part , degenerate , that if it declines not into a spermatick disposition ; at leastwise , it doth into a mucky or snivelly one . for so , the bladder weepes out the continual muck of its owne defiled nourishment , while the stone is present : and ceaseth so to do , when it is absent . therefore by such a muck being granted , they endeavour too frivolously to prove , to wit , that the material cause of the stone , is that , which , the stone being there placed , is by accident , and occasionally , effectually made . in the next place , if such a mucky snivel , being bred in the urine , were the matter [ whereof ] of the stone , and heat were the proper efficient cause thereof : and that both these causes being present , were sufficient ; truly seeing the effect , when sufficient causes are granted , doth unexcusably , of necessity succeed : therefore , all such mucky snivel , would of necessity , become a stone is the bladder : no otherwise than as the whole milk simply , is coagulated at once by the runnet . and so , the bladder , should presently be filled up with one onely stone , or it should be false , that the causes being granted , which are requisite for the constituting of a thing , the thing it self must needs be made , or be . neverthelesse , in the tearmes proposed , that muckinesse being continually present ( at leastwise successively ) under the heat of the bladder , doth not wholly passe over ( as otherwise should be required ) into a stone , according to the similar , simple , and homogeneal unity of it self : but is wholly voided out . therefore the two constitutive causes of the stone , assigned by the schooles , can neither be true , nor sufficient ones . wherefore , i greatly admire at so great a sluggishnesse of diligently searching , nor that in so many fore-past ages , there hath been any one of that curiosity , who hath once hitherto dryed that snivel voyded out of the bladder , with any degree of heat . for he had learned and certainly known , whether a stone would ever be made thereby ; or indeed , any brickle sand-stone even as if he did dry the snivel of the nostrils in a plate of mettal . it is therefore an intolerable thing , that none of the schooles their professours , hath hitherto cherished the urine , together with the aforesaid muscilage , with a due lukewarmth , that he might have learned , that the stone grew together in urinals or chamberpots , not from the snivel : but well or successfully in respect of the urine . i am deservedly angry , that in things of so great moment , from whence , notwithstanding an infernal sentence of punishment hangs almost over the head of the schooles : the extinguishment of charity , yea , and the very denial of knowledge are manifestly proved : yet that they have never hitherto considered , that as long as they live , nothing can ever be dryed up or wither in the bladder : or that ever the action of heat is required for the hardening of the stone , that the watery parts should be consumed ; but that the more grosse parts , should at once , by the same endeavour , be more toughly co-thickned . for otherwise , if they suppose the necessity of their efficient heat to be such , that like lime , in its maturity , the stone being cherished by heat , doth grow together ; now the universities confound themselves , while they see , that clear and transparent urine , layes aside its sandy or stony crusts in the cold , and in urinals or chamberpots . they behold ( i say ) stones to be brought to maturity , without heat ; and also that the urine of healthy persons , doth affix sands and scaly plates on urinals . neither likewise , doth this very thing thus come to passe , if the vessel being close shut , the urine be all the day long , most grosly cherished by heat : therefore it is the part of ignorance , that by all the clear-sightednesse of phisitians , the difference hath not yet been discerned between the coagulation of a flint , in a spring or river , and the drying of clay that is made by heat . learn ye therefore , oh ye schooles , of me an unprofitable and the least of young beginners : that heat is through occasion of the loines : but not the occasion of the stone , or of the adhering sand . that is , the stone is not from heat , but heat from the stone : even as heat ariseth in the finger , from a thorne being thrust into it ; but the thorne is not there made by heat . for ye have heard the wailings of the strangury or pi●sing by drops , but not of heat in the stone of the bladder : even as otherwise , ye have heard complaints of heat in the disease of the stone of the kidnies ; wherefore , if heat were the efficient cause of the stone : there would be far greater complaints in the stone of the bladder ; because this stone , by reason of its greater hardnesse , should also be the of-spring of a greater heat and drying , than that of the reines . and the rather , because that , doth almost continually swim in the latex or urinal liquor : whereas the kidney , doth not any thing detain the trans-sliding u●ine . surely the stone of the bladder should have need of a violent heat . for the diseased complain of a sharpnesse , burning heat , and pain . but these things are not felt in the nest of the stone , even as in the nut of the yard . therefore children have known how to distinguish of the sense and place of sharpnesse and pain : but not the schooles . but moreover , although the urine may seem biting and sharp as if there were the burning of fire , as in the strangury : yet being voided , it is not any thing more hot , or sharper to the tast , or more salt than it was wont , or is meet to be . there is an apparent burning and tartnesse of the urine : not indeed , from a true heat , or any sharpnesse of the urine : but onely , by reason of the forreignnesse of some certain small quantity of sharpnesse , through a ferment being co-mixed therewith : which thing , the strangury teacheth , being contracted by new ales , and those as yet fermenting from a sharpnesse . therefore macc , or saffron being taken ( for they must be sharp and hot medicines , yea reaching to the very place , if they ought to help ; and therefore , by their odour testifying their presence in the urine ) the aforesaid burning heat for the most part , ceaseth . for it is a philosophical truth , that the stone increaseth by the same causes , whereby it ariseth , and so on the other hand : but stones being joined to our chamber-pots , do confirm that the stone is naturally made , and at leastwise , without an actual heat of the chamber-pot and encompassing ayr : or that heat is not required unto its constitution : therefore the stone is made and increased materially of the urine ; but not of a vital muscilage : nor that it doth require heat for its efficient cause ; and much lesse , an excesse of the same heat . for the mucky snivel doth not appear rejected or cast forth , unlesse the stone be first present in the bladder : and so , the cause , as slow , should have come after its effect . for i have observed , that if any one did pisse through a thick towel , and found not a muscilage herein : yet but a few houres after that time , his urine being strained thorow , and filtred into a clean glass , had yielded a thin and red sand , equally adhering thereunto ; neither also , had it fallen down more plentifully about the bottome , than it stuck about the sides of the glasse . and that thing had thus happened in a cold encompassing ayr. wherefore , even from thence , any one ought to be more assured , that that sand had not gone forth with the urine , in the beginning of his making water ( because it was not yet bred ) neither that it was actually in the urine , for otherwise , it had stood detained in the towel , however thin it had been , like the atomes of potters earth . or if the towel being not thick enough , had deceived him : yet at least , it had presently rushed unto the bottome , in the likenesse of sand , or a settlement : neither had it affixed it self in its making , in so great a grain , and with so great a distance of equality , to the sides of the vessel : because it had wanted a glew , whereby it might have been able to glew it self thereunto . in the next place , seeing that sand wants a glew throughout its whole superficies , except in that part ; wherein it adheres to the chamberpot or urinal : it is sufficiently manifest , that at one and the same instant , wherein that sand was made , it was likewise also glewed thereunto . for from thence , any one ought to be the more assured ( if he had ever toughly laboured in a diligent searching out of the truth ) that since that sand applyed it self to the glasse of its owne free accord , that it was also generated , far after the making water , to wit , in the immediate instant before its affixing : but that , it being affixed , however the most small it was in it self , it afterwards encreased by additions . which effects , indeed , as they are wrought by a common nature growing or glistening in the urine , and not from a particular atome of sand , which affixed it self to the vessel ; hence also , it equally departed , and that , at once , out of the whole urine . for from this so ordinary and daily handicraft operation , if the love of health were cordially seated in the schooles ; they ought for some ages before now , to have known ( nor indeed from an argument drawn from a similitude , and far fetcht ; but altogether from the identity or same linesse of the urine and stony sand it self ) that for as much as that sand had grown together from the matter of the urine , to wit , of the same matter , from whence the stone also was : and that indeed though a muscilage of the matter , and heat of the place were absent ( for the pewter chamberpot stands in the cold encompassing ayr ) and likewise without the suspition of the affect of the stone , or an infirmity of the pisser ( for also any the unblamed urine of healthy persons , generates this sand and applyes it self to the urine ) therefore the sand and stone in us , proceeds from stony causes ; to wit : the same , from which the urine becomes of a sandy grain in the glasse without us , being also healthy persons . which thing , being by me seen , i seriously sighed , and certainly knew , that the schooles had erred in the knowledge of the cause , and that they do even to this day stumble in curing of the stone ; the which , notwithstanding , they rashly assume to themselves , and presume of . i greatly bewailed the stupidities and false devices of so many ages ; and more , that the unhappy obediences , strict clientships , paines , and deaths of the sick ; the untimely destructions of families ; and lastly , the spoyles of widows and orphans , had happened under unfaithful an ignorant helpers , who deceived the world with the name of phisitians . for then i knew in good earnest , that i knew nothing , who had learned my princiciples from such as knew nothing . i therefore disdaining the long since blinde ignorance of my presumption , cast away books , and bestowed perhaps two hundred crownes in books , as a gift upon studious persons ( i wish i had burned them ) being altogether resolved with my self , to forsake a profession that was so ignorant , if not also , full of deceit . at length in a certain night , being awaked out of my sleep , i meditated , that no schollat was above his master ; yet i resolved in my mind , that many of my school-fellowes had exceeded their teachers : but the truth of that text was brought unto me , namely , that a man did watch and build in vain , unlesse the lord did co-operate . i knew therefore , likewise , that we do teach any one in vain , unlesse the master of all truth shall also teach us within , whom none of his disciples hath ever surpassed , therefore i long and seriously searched , after what manner i might attain the knowledge of the stone , from this master . for truly , i most perfectly knew , that authors had not so much as the least light , and that therefore , neither could they give me that knowledge : but i confessed my self to be a great sea of ignorance , and an abysse of manifold darknesses , and to want all light ; unless it were one onely spark , that so , piercing my self , i might acknowledge , that nothing was left unto me . and so , although i frequently prayed , yet presently after , i despaired in my mind . at length , making a thorow search of my own self ; i found , that i was my self , free from the stone . for i had never felt any pain of my reines , or had taken notice of one onely sand therein : yet i had now and then beheld that sand adhering in the urinal , yet without any sliminess , or disturbance of heat , or local pain . for i wondered , that having powred out my urine , a sand should stick to the sides of the urinal , and be so fastened thereto , at so great a distance of equality , that it denyed all fore-existence of matter falling down . it once happened , that i was conversant with some noble women , the wives of noblemen , and so also with the queen her self , from the third hour after noon , even to the third hour after midnight , at london in the court of whitehall ; for they were the holy-day-evens of feastings in the twelfdayes . but i made water , when those women first drew me along with them to the kings palace : wherefore , for civility sake , i with-held my urine for at least houres space . and then , having returned home , i could not , even by the most exact viewing , find so much as the least mote of sand in my urine . for i feared , least , my urine having been long detained , and cocted beyond measure , would now be of a sandy grain . wherefore i made water the more curiously through a napkin ; but my urine was free from all sand . therefore the next day after , in the morning , i pissed new urine through a towel , and detained it in a glass-vrinal as many houres ( to wit , twelve ) : and at length , i manifestly saw the adhering sand , to be equally dispersed round about where the urine had stood : lastly , pouring forth the urine , i touched that sand with my finger . and being perfectly instructed by my owne experience , i concluded with my self ; that forasmuch as the urine was by me the pisser , detained for houres space , and yet it contained no sand , neither that i had cast it forth : and that otherwise , in the lesser space of a day , sand had been condensed in my urine , and fastened to the glazen-shell , in the encompassing ayr of [ the month called j january : i knew more certainly than certainty it self , that a sliminess of matter was no way required for that sand , and that the heat of the member did in no wise effect the coagulation of the stone . i thereupon taking my progress home , cast from me , the doctrine of the schooles , and presently the truth took hold of me . for i being confirmed , and no longer staggering by reason of doubt , believed , as being certainly confirmed , that the internal and seminal cause of the stones in men was unknown to mortals . with a great courage therefore , i again disdaining all the books of writers , cast them away , and expelled them far from me . neither determined i to expect the ayd of my calling from any other way than from the father of lights , the one onely master of truth . and presently i gave a divorce to all accidental occasions and mockeries of tartar : and also to any whatsoever artifices , more than those which more shew forth the course of nature . because i knew that nature doth no where , primarily work out seminal transmutations by heat or cold , as such ; although she be oft-times constrained to make use of those , for the excitements , or impediments of inward agents . i knew therefore that vain were the devices of paracelsus , concerning tartar ; to this end at least , invented by him , that he , as the first , might be reckoned to have thrust in the generation of the stone into the universal nature of bodies and diseases , by the history of stones feigned from the similitude of the tartar of wine . for although he perfectly cured duelech ( as his epitaph doth premonish ) yet he obtained not the speculative knowledge thereof in the like measure , as he did the most powerfull use of an arcanum . for so , very many experiments , wander about amongst idiots : the causes whereof they notwithstanding know not . therefore the help of books forsook me , and the voyce of the living forsook me , which might teach me , while present ; yet i knew , that wo was to the man , that trusted in man. good god , the comforter of the poor in spirit , who art nearer to none , than to him who with a full freedome , resignes up himself and his endowments into thy most pleasing will ; and seeing thou enlightnest none more bountifully , oh father of lights , than him , who acknowledging the lowliness of his owne nothingness , puts confidence onely in the good pleasure of thy clemency . grant thou , oh thou profound master of sciences , that i may rather be poor in spirit , than great with child or swollen through knowledge . grant me freely an understanding that may purely seek thee , and a will that may purely adhere unto thee . enlighten thou my nothing-darknesses as much as thou wilt ; and no more , than that i may suffer my self to be directed according to length , breadth , and depth , unto the reward of the race proposed be thee unto me ; nor that i may ever in any thing decline from thee to my self . because i am in very deed , evil ; neither of my self , have i , am i , can i be , know i , or am i able to do any thing else . unto thee be the glory , which hath taught me to acknowledge my owne nothingness . chap. iii. the con-tent of urine . . the art of the fire is commended . . an analysis or resolution of the vrine . . the author disappointed of his hope . . a second handicraft operation . . a third , which hath taught the coagulum or runnet of the stone , and some other remarkable things . . some wayes or manners of condensing . . in the lime of rocky stones , there are two divers salts : for neither could it otherwise ever become a stone . . the errour of galen concerning ashes . . the author , when he had learned nothing from coagulated bodies , at length , examined divers spirits . . the errour of paracelsus concerning tartar. . an examination of salts . . the highest vertue of vegetables . . from whence a salt ariseth in urine . . duelech doth not stonifie after the manner of lime . . what the sunovia is , . an examination of fermental savours . . paracelsus is taken notice of concerning mercuries . . an abuse , in forbidding the use of salt . . the handicraft operation of the salt of urine . . the vanity of turnheisser , his signifyng by the urine . . two the more fixed salts in urine . . the differences of both those salts . . the difference of the volatile from the fixed salt of the urine . . the ferment of the stomach is not any kind of sharpnesse whatsoever . . burnt vrine yielded not an alcali to the author . , the vulnerary drink of a certain country man. . that an alcali doth not fore-exist , but is made in burning . . a digression unto some ranks of simples . . the calcining of harts-horn is a thing of notable blockishnesse . . sea-salt , whether it hurt those that labour with the stone . . that salt is not to be forbidden for its owne sake , as neither for its spirit-sake . . the fittest salt for eating . . a wonderfull handicraft operation in the distillation of urine . . the judiciary part in vrines , why hitherto , false . . what the stone being distilled may teach . . earth , together with the spirit of vrine , never makes duelech . . the constituting principles of duelech . . how sands are made in the vrinal or chamberpot . . the confirmation of the stone , is fabulous . . a stone of a wonderful bignesse . . paracelsus is ridiculous in the stone of a thunderbolt . . duelech is made of meer volatile things . . three spirits concurre in the vrine , for the nativity of duelech . . volatile bodies , are oft-times through their concourse , presently fixed together at once . wee read in our furnaces , that there is not a more certain kind of science in nature , for the knowing of things by their radical and constitutive causes ; than while it is known , what , and how much is contained in any thing . so indeed , that the knowledge , and connexion of causes are not more clearly manifest , than when thou shalt so disclose things themselves , that they bewray themselves in thy presence ; and do as it were talk with thee . for truly , real beings , standing onely in their owne original , and succeeding principles of seeds ; and so , in a true substantial entity , do afford the knowledge , and produce the cause of knowing the nature of bodies , their middle parts , and extremities or utmost parts . because they are the cause of the generation , existence , and thorow changing of them according to their root ; because ( as raymund testifies ) * however , a logitian may have a profound wit , discourseable , or natural , concerning things without : yet he shall never , by any reason , which comes unto sense , be able directly to know , nor judge , with what kind of nature , or vertue , through a fortitude or strength within , the multiplication of grain possesseth it self , so as to grow or increase upon the earth , unless by reason of a similitudinary example drawn from observation . neither shall he ever know , after what manner a seed buds , growes , and collects fruits in the earth , unless he shall with an experimental doctrine , first enter into our natural philosophy , and not that sophistical , discursive one , which is bred in logitians by divers phantastical presumptions : who with the prognostications of sequels , contrary to the power of nature , make many stubbornly to erre in the sophistication of their mind . because by our handicraft knowledge , the understanding is rectified by the force of experience , in respect of the sight , and of a true mental knowledge . yea , our experiences stand over the head of the phantestical or imaginative proofs of conclusions , and therefore , neither do they endure them : but they shew that all other sciences do livelily enter into the understanding : from whence we afterwards understand that thing within , what it is , and of what sort it is . because by such knowledge , the intellect stands uncloathed of superfluities and errours , which do ordinarily remove it from the truth , by reason of presumptions , and prejudiced or fore-judged things , believed in the conclusions . for from hence it is , that our philosophers or followers , have directed themselves to enter through any kind of science , into all experience , by art , according to the course of nature in its univocal or single principles . for alchymie alone , is the glass of true understanding ; and shews how to touch , and see the truths of those things in the clear light. neither doth it bring logical arguments : because they are too remote and far off from the clear light. and therefore , the smaragdine table hath it ; by this kind of demonstration , all obscurity will free from thee ; and all the strong fortitude of strength , which vanquisheth subtile things , and pierceth all solid things , will be attained by thee , wherefore , i am called hermes trimegistus , as having the three ( that is , all the ) parts of philosophy , and the perfection of the whole world . thus he . between praying therefore and knocking , a mean , in naturals ; namely , of seeking by the fire , is supposed . i indeed hoped , by searching into the contents of urine , visibly to know it ; no otherwise surely , than by a true solving or resolution of urine . therefore first of all , i distilled my own urine , being first kept in a wooden vessel , untill that at length , it voluntarily conceived a ferment , and boyled up ; no otherwise than as wines do : so that my ear could perceive the boyling . about the end whereof , there was a little burning water distilled from thence . but of the remainder , i collected a most white salt , of a sharp and uriny , stinking odour . but i know not , whether there be any thing more subtile in the whole nature of things . it being a noble remedy against the jaundise , and other diseases . i endeavoured , by this salt , to dissolve duelech in a glass : but the event answered not my attempt . again , my own urine was putrified anew in horse-dung . that the unlike part thereof might incline to a separation of its last life . then i distilled it , by cohobating it four times according to the prescription of paracellus : and i found frequent crystals therein , being yellow and of a sharp top . the which , although they might be of conducement against the old obstructions of excrements ; yet of none , against the affect of the stone . thirdly , i mixed the spirit of my urine , with aqua vitae dephlegmed or refined : and in a moment , both of them were coagulated together into a white lump or gobbet : yet wondrous swift or volatile , and subtile . my eye , in the first place , there taught me ; that the spirit of urine was an unparallel'd and great runnet ; because it was that , which was for coagulating of aqua vitae . . that in coagulating , it had separated the sluggish and watery part , which swum upon the aforesaid white lump , perhaps , no otherwise , than as in coagulation of duelech from the rest of the body of the urine , and so , that it perfected its coagulation in the middle of the waters . . that the curdy runnet or spirit of urine , had undissolveably knit it self to the spirit of wine . . that it is not a perpetual truth ( the which notwithstanding , the schooles hand forth instead of a chymicall maxime ) that every sharp coagulating body , did by the same endeavour dissolve its own compeere . . that the spirit of urine had not coagulated it self in the glass , according to the powder of a beaten duelech : but onely , that it had mingled and coagulated it self together with another thing ; namely , with the spirit of wine . . that if therefore it had met with an earthly spirit , it had also contracted wedlock with the same ; so as that , of both spirits , it had made a stony body . . i likewise learned , after what manner the spirit of urine might coagulate another spirit within the urine . . that such an association , is not a certain naked co-mixture of parts ; but an undissolvable wedlock of unity , a certain substantial transmutation , a production of a new being ( by an agent and a patient ) into a neither body . this experiment gave me an entrance , for a diligent search into the disease of the stone . yet , i as yet remained wandring about . for after giving of thanks , i transferr'd my self into a meditation how many ways a thing might be condensed or coagulated in the universe . for ice first presently offered it self unto me ; wherein , the water incrusts it self for fear of cold , and from a primitive action : but is not actively congealed by cold . even as elsewhere , concerning the elements . but other bodies , which are believed to be mixt , as they bewray themselves to be the true fruits of water by the same zeal and tenour , are they congealed by cold , occasionally . for so , bones and a sword , are more easily broken in time of cold seasons , than in time of heat or summer . . any kind of salts ( according to their species and inbred property ) while their brine , being not sufficientts dryed up , is left in the cold , are separated from their water and become corny . . if salts shall subdue any thing , by gnawing it , they pass over from their native condition , into a neither body , and are coagulated . for so the tartar of wine , sope , borace , &c. are coagulated . . and then , muscilages being thickned by the wedlock of their seeds , and resolved from their own body , become glews , gums , solder , &c. . but if a muscilage or slimy juyce carries a co-mixed fat with it , it is coagulated in both respects . so are aloes , a chibal , pitch , rosin , gum ammoniacum , frankinsence , myrrh , mastich , the gum opopanax , sarcocolla , assa , elemi , &c. . earth converting into a salt or muscilage , if it be dryed , is condensed and waxeth hard . . a mineral salt that was bred in the earth , by burning , stonifies into stones , shells or sheards , and earthen pots . . the which , if they are urged by a stronger degree of heat , they at length vitrifie or become glass . . the watery leffas or planty juyce of the earth , by vertue of the seeds , is hatdened into woods , herbs , &c. . so water , by vertue of a seed is made a rocky stone . . a muscilage being joyned to a powder or dust , makes sand-stones : but with dust and lime , it now dissembles divers marbles . . whatsoever lime dissolved comprehends or encloseth in it self , that thing coagulates with it ; because there are in lime , two salts , the one a lixivial alcali salt , and the other , an acide or sharp one ; which two salts , while they demolish each other , are coagulated together . . mettals , fire-stones , sulphurs , etc. do by vertue of their seeds , obtain their own and proper coagulations . . also , most things through an inbred glew , do voluntarily grow together ; which afterwards by drying , do harden : as blood , cheese , the white of an egg , varnish , &c. . glass is an earthen stone , consisting of an alcali salt ; the which , while being fired , it is dissolved , makes the sand , or powder of stone that is not calcinable , nor otherwise capable of powring abroad , to melt by corroding ; and so they are both together , turned into a transparent lump . therefore , the lime-stone , or rocky stone , by reason of its sharp salt is unfit for glass ; because the lime thereof destroyes the glassifying alcali , and there is made a certain neutral thick or dark body . lime therefore , against the will of galen , very much differs from ashes . to wit , because this separates the lixivium or lye , from it self ; but the other containes a sharpnesse that is not separable from the whole : whereby it being at length burnt by too much fire , is glassified throughout its lixivial part , being unfit , for building : according to geber . because all fixed bodies are at length glassified with glassifying things . cheese also , as it is curdled by moderate sharpnesse , so it is resolved with an eminent sharpness . for the pating of cheese dissolves with dry calx vive or quick-lime : but not with the alcali or lixivial salt of ashes . from all the aforesaid particulars , i have collected , that the coagulation of duelech is singular and irregular . lime also doth by degrees stonifie in the middle of the waters , as its aforesaid salts do coagulate each other . but the body of man , as it doth not coagulate a rocky stone , so neither doth it endure a calx or lime-stone in the bladder . for indeed that admirable coagulum or runnet , alwayes stuck before mine eyes , whereby more swiftly than in the twinkling of an eye , the spirit of urine had condensed the spirit of wine into a lump . therefore i discerned that all other coagulations had nothing common with duelech . wherefore i determined to examine spirits . therefore first i distilled horse-pisse ; but surely the spirit thereof wanted that runnet . wherefore i noted with the highest admiration , the singularity of mans urine . afterwards , i observed that the spirit of sulphurs , or of salts , being sharp , would with an alcalized body , be made earthly . for so , with iron , is made drosse , rust , a cankered rust , ceruss , &c. and these paracelsus rashly judgeth to be tartars , or the separated impurities of things over-covered with their own , and that an inward runnet : when as otherwise , they are nothing else , but the astonishment of two mutual agents : to wit , when both their strengths are spent . afterwards , i long examined salts , throughout every of their analysis or re-solution : and i discerned , that the spirits of all salts were sharp , except alcalized ones , and those of essential sulphurs in vegetables . whose saltish tartnesses indeed , are fat and sulphurous , neither readily reducible into a salt , unlesse by a tedious inversion or turning in and out of the principles ; which salts , being then , as it were elixirated , do represent the true and highest crasis or constitutive temperature of the seeds of their composed bodies . but the spirit of mans urine , is neither sharp , nor alcalized : but meerly salt , even as also that of horses is . and that , for this cause ; because the volatile sharp matter of the chyle of the stomach , is by vertue of another ferment , transchanged into a volatile salt . even as elsewhere , concerning the digestions of animals . i here give thee to observe by the way , that in things transchanged , there is not an immediate regresse or return unto that from whence they were transchanged , no more than from a privation to a habit : for that , in transchanging , the last life of the thing perisheth , because the whole disposition of the middle life of the former being , is at once taken away , by reason of the extinguishment of its former seed : for therefore things transchanged do keep the essence of a new being , with a neglect of their former composed body . therefore have i found any remedy whatsoever , unprofitable , which i otherwise had believed to be very likely a dissolver of the stone , from its former composed body . yet that is a truth , that the spirit of urine , in the fundamental point of its nativity , is salt : and that by reason of that salt , it doth more readily coagulate other spirits , than any sour or sharp spirit doth milk. neverthelesse , the spirit of urine doth not coagulate milk , or the venal blood : because the spirit of the venal blood ; yea , and our vital spirit , is salt , after the manner of urines . from hence indeed , the spirit of the urine , hath it self after the manner of an excrementitious spirit , cut off from the blood ; and so by reason of a co-resemblance , it is its chamber-fellow ; neither do they act on each other . and then also , i observed , that the spirit of urine , doth not more strongly coagulate those things which were already before coagulated . for bole , clay , or the rocky or chalk-stone , do by degrees degenerate by the spirit of urine , into a nitrous salt , and are rather dissolved . since therefore , the spirit of urine doth not coagulate bodies already coagulated ; such as are bole , clay , &c. as neither bodies coagulable , such as are milk and the venal blood : but it coagulates the spirit of wine , or the like thing which is entertained with it in the urine ( for as was shewn above : after the fermenting of urine that urine containes , also a spirit of wine , or aqua vitae ) i desisted not seriously to enquire , after what manner , the stone is coagulated in us , and in our urine . . first of all , it is an undoubted truth , that duelech is not of a calcinous or limy condition , however paracelsus may be carried on the contrary . . because a calcining degree of heat is wanting in us . . and then , because every alcali , is rather that which is destructive to a rocky stone , than a coagulater thereof . . because a calx or lime presupposeth a chalky-stone , and therefore duelech should be calcined before it were a stone , . from the composing parts of duelech it shall by and by be made manifest , that it is not possible for lime to be in it ; yea , nor that duelech himself is calcined , or doth send forth a lixivium or lye. likewise , neither is duelech of the nature of a gowty chalk : because he growes together in the midst of the urine : but that chalk is coagulated from the sunovia . but the sunovie is a living seedy muscilage , which degenerated in the journey of nourishment , and from a transparent and crystaline matter , hath passed over into a thick , white , and slimy matter ( as of gouty persons elsewhere ) from a matter without savour , i say , it is transplanted into a sharp one , though the tartnesse whereof indeed , it hath attained a thickness or grossness : for then also it is unfit for a total diflation or transpirative dispersing of it self : to wit , whereby the nourishable liquor is wholly consumed without any remainder : but the sunovie being once infected with a tartness , its watery parts are pufft away ; but the gross remainder waxeth dry by degrees , into the utmost dryth and hardnesse of a sand-stone . but duelech attaines to the utmost hardness of it self in one onely instant of time . the gouty chalk therefore , differs from duelech in its whole matter and efficient cause . for therefore such a chalk is hardned out of the water , because indeed by drying . neither for that cause doth it imitate the hardness of a rocky stone : but onely of a sandy stone . i have spoken these things to that end , that it may be manifested , that duelech differs from any other coaguted bodies whatsoever , in its different kind of agent and matter . and seeing notwithstanding , i as yet knew not the manner or process of the birth of duelech ; but i knew in the mean time , that bodies do nor receive the limitation of their hardning , but by the actions , appointments , and properties of their own seeds . lastly , since i knew , that whatsoever things do act corporally , are altogether sluggish , slow , and idle , as for the coagulation of duelech : therefore i enquired into fermental savours and odours , as the authors of many seeds . therefore i found the savours and actions of salts , to be indeed famous ones : but not any thing reaching the vertue of the salt of urine . and then also , i beheld the more weak or feeble salts , which might follow the race of sulphurs . but mercury , although it alone according to paracelsus , did contain the whole perfection of the thing , yet i found it to be slow and feeble . for as oft as i distinguished salts and sulphurs from their mercuries , i admired at their sluggishnesse , and indeed at the dignities of these two principles . wherefore , i stuck in salts , for the searching out of the nativity of duelech . i confess indeed , that mercury being a flowing mettal , in its nature and properties , is never sufficiently known . but that body hath deceived paracelsus through a similitude of proportion : he thinking , because his device had pleased him , because he had endowed the watery matter of things with the name of mercury ; that therefore the properties of quick-silver , and its natures , without a peere , being never to be sufficiently searcht into , did agree as suitable to all liquors which may be drawn out of simples . for all the philosophers of former ages , confess , that nothing in the universe , is not so much as by far , to be likened to argent vive : yet it hath not been hitherto sufficiently unfolded , that argent-vive or quick-silver is a simple , actually existing body : but not a constitutive part of things : and so , that there hath been nothing but a meer abusive passing over of a name . for this cause , i as yet perswaded my self , that seeing a non-duelech was made of duelech , that ought to be done by the action of an agent on a disposed matter . and although i knew these and many the like things : yet i discerned , that i therefore , knew nothing the more . wherefore i as yet more detested a wording or discursive philosophy : because it was that , which stayed me before the threshold of nature , and together with it self my conductress , i was shut out of doors . i again returned to my self , and after a homely manner i considered , that duelech was not bred but out of the principles of the urine : and since i knew the urine to be salt , i again had recourse to the varieties of salts . and i stood amazed , that the use of salt should every where be forbidden , as well by the schooles as by physitians , to those that have the stone . yet i discerned , that the foundation of that prohibition was unknown amongst them . especially , because the use of sea-salt , though much and often , never from real experience , hurt any one that had the stone : but rather , i have exactly noted that many , who by the plentiful use of salt , have cut off the relapse of a new and growing stone from them . for i had seen the rocks , as also the rocky stones of the sea to be gnawn or wasted in the haven . in the mean time it had alwayes a recourse unto my mind with admiration , that the spirit of urine had at one instant , coagulated the spirit of wine , together with a separation of its watery part . therefore i consulted first , to anatomize the salt of urine unto the utmost veines thereof . wherefore , in the strong smelling or stinking body of my urine , after its putrefaction under dung , i began that dissection : and presently by distilling it , i found in it , besides the aforesaid spirit of urine , two the more fixed salts also , and no more : however turnheisser doth variously triflle at pleasure , of as many species of salts found by him in urine , as there are , almost , of simples in the vniverse : he being willing , that man should not onely be a microcosme or little world : but also , that his urine should rejoyce in the same prerogative . for on this distillatory vessel , he according to his own boldnesse , distinguisheth it into parts , and marks it outwardly with his lines , and divides the body of man into as many soyles . at length , he will have it , that the vapors lifted up from the urine in distilling , ought to strike especially , the region of the glass , and in that part , to grow together into drops , whereby , the businesse of a disease in man , whose urine it is , is finished . he likewise feigneth as many diversities of vapours to arise out of the urine as there can be diversities of a disease on the whole body : that we may thereby visibly , perfectly learn , not onely the places affected : but the diseasie matter ; for as he thus excuseth his urine inspections , suspected of the wickedness and vanity of magick ; he hath busied himself by his water-divining distillatories , to deceive the world. that is , in sportings , he would seem to be altogether serious : but i have never distilled that i might befool others , with my self . the unprofitable invention therefore , of turnehisser , is at least of a trifling value : if not also wickedly introduced into medicine . therefore in the lee of my urine , i distinguished of two salts : one indeed a sea-ee salt ; being not so long agoe assumed , and as yet remaining safe , and unchanged ( as elsewhere i have shewn concerning the boyling of salt-peter ) . but the other is of the urine it self , being bred in our digestion , and from not a salt , transchanged into one : but it differs from the sea-ee salt . . if for some days there shall be no use or need of any sea-ee-salt ; yet the urine failes not of its own salt . . the sea-salt coagulates it self into graines of a point-like sharpnesse : but the salt of urine growes together into gemmie dyes and square cubes . . the sea-salt alwayes shewes forth its antient tast , even when it is digested out of jakes's with salt-peter ; but the salt of urine , savours alwayes of urine . . the sea-salt in its cooling , adheres to a wooden vessel , even as while it is separated from salt-peter ; but the salt of urine growes together in the bottome of the liquor . furthermore , the fixed salt of urine distinguisheth it self from the volatile salt thereof . . by fire and flight . for the one flyes away , the other remaining . . the fixed salt , is separated from the lees , by an extraction , in moisture : but the volatile salt , is sequestred by fire . for although meats and drinks wax universally alike sowr in the stomach : yet the salts sprung from thence , are not alike volatile ; because that ferment of the stomach is received after the manner of the receiver ; and so it varies . even as neither is chrysulca dissolving the whole and homogeneal mettall , therefore made totally alike volatile . and this diversity doth not break forth from essential properties ; but by reason of a partic pation of the properties of the middle life of things . neither finally , is that ferment of the stomach , a naked sharpness or sowrness ; but a vital and specifical endowment ; whose end indeed is for transchanging of the food into the chyle of mans digestion . for truly many the more fixed beings are received with the meats : which notwithstanding , ought to undergoe the like condition with volatile juyces , if they ought the more fully to passe unto the root of life . in which point especially , the efficacy of nature shines forth : the which , of a lump that is altogether similar or alike , frameth bones and the fibers of flesh , &c. in the next place , it reduceth bones in the stomach of a dog , unto chyle , that blood may again from thence be made . the two aforesaid salts therefore , are the more fixed . but one is exceeding volatile in urine ; but an alcali , or any thing like to a lixivium ot lye , never appeared unto me from urine . for if but any lixivial matter shall be received inwardly ; that is presently filled with sharpnesses , so that it layes aside its lixivial disposition . for i have seen a country-man , who cured great wounds , with the drink of a lixivium prepared out of the teile-tree : yet the urine of those so cured shewed nothing at all of a lixivium . therefore have i taught elsewhere , that every alcali lixivial , is made by a dissolvative expression of the fire ; neither that it was before in the composed bodies . but if indeed any volatile spirit doth shew forth the property of an alcali ; ( such as is the vulnerary matter of any herbs whatsoever ) that indeed is abstersive or cleansing , and a provoker of urine : yet of its own faculty , under the second digestion , it puts on the nature of the salt of urine , restraines sour corruptions which would otherwise voluntatarily afterwards arise in the wounded . since therefore there is no alcali in the urine , i have held it an errour , to give an alcali to drink for breaking of the stone ; seeing it cannot reach to the places of the urine . for neither doth the ludus of paracelsus or his medicine for dissolving of the stone , prepare a lixivium : but a bitter salt of a sharp one . wherefore he calls his ludus , the gall of the earth . for it is a flinty stone , yet the more tender one ; and the which , almost wholly flyes away through a continual fire of two dayes . but with salt-peter , much more speedily . moreover , stones , gemmes , sands , marbles , flints , &c. through an alcali being joyned unto them , are glassified : but if they are boyled with the more alcali , they are indeed resolved into moisture : and being resolved , they by an easie labour of their acide spirits , are separated from the alcali , in the weight of their former powder of stones . but these never come to the urine ; as neither are they profitable for breaking of the stone . but rocky or chalky stones which have an inflamed sulphur in them , are calcined indeed , but are not easily made glass ; for that the residing and sharp salt of the sulphur , consumes the glassifying alcali . mettals also , by reason of the every way and unconquered simplicity of their mercury , and unpossible penetration , either as being unchanged , they delude the work of the fire , or wholly flye away : yet so , as that although they flye away in manner of a smoak : yet that fume may be reduced into the nature of its antient mettal , wherefore mettals never yielded any alcali : and much less , do they reach unto the innes of the urine . but fire-stones , though they have a burnable sulphur , which is a devourer of alcalies : yet their mercuries do resist ; whereby they the lesse come down unto the innes of the urine . the blood also , although it hath an admirable salt for healing , as well fugitive as fixed : yet i have observed it not to be profitable in the disease of the stone : but moreover , the shells of snailes , of animals of the earth , or of shell-fishes of the water , as to that part wherein they carry an acide and limy-salt , they profit indeed , persons having the stone , that want cleansing ; but they contain a resistance in respect of their lixivium , to wit , as they never reach to the urine . the burnt bones of living creatures , retain no fixed salt in them : but onely a residing earth without sauour . it is therefore a part of notable blockishnesse , for ivory and harts-horn to be calcined for succours against diseases ; because they bid the powder thereof being deprived of its vertues , to be sold : and so also they deceive the purse and hope of the sick ; they passe by the occasion of well-doing , and make themselves ridiculous . but quiners do freely promise for me . for truly their prooving-pots ( which they call cap●lls ) ought to consist of ashes , deprived of all salt : wherefore those are the best that are made of the ashes of bones , and do far excel those that consist of ivory , and harts-horn . for indeed , in my first yeares , the traditions of the schooles , were as so many oracles in my account : but i being perfectly instructed by the fire , all the speculations of the schooles were blotted out with the fire . they had perswaded me ( amongst other things ) that the salt of the sea was hurtfull for those that were diseased with the stone ; as well in regard , that it afforded matter for the salt of urine ; as that , it hurryed down a muckie phlegme for duelech . the examination of salt by the fire , taught me otherwise . first of all , i preserved a man of sixty yeares old ( belonging to my distillations ) sixteen yeares free from the stone of the kidneys ( whereunto otherwise , he had been subject ) through a large use of sea-salt . the which , afterwards , i confirmed in many . for the schooles , when they saw , that in the sharp brine of salt being cooled , every salt was coagulated after its own manner ; and that , that brine was not made pure without mixture , but by an exhalation of the watery part : they presently thought , that the stone was coagulated from a salt and drying heat : and so they supposed , that indeed neither were salts corned in the said brine , but by the heat of the inbred salt : the which therefore is not able to unfold it self into effect , as long as there is very much water present with it . therefore when they tasted their own snivel to be salt : and that indeed , with the savour of a sea-salt , but not with the saltnesse of urine : and they would connex the efficient cause in the matter ; they supposed that in the same snivel , there was a slimy and tough matter joyned to the salt : and that , the salt also , was of it self salt : at length they establishd by a perpetual decree , that the stone was generated from a salt phlegme , and therefore also being actually hot : and by consequence , that salt things were hurtfull for those that were troubled with the stone . yea and that phlegme remaining such , its qualities and proper passions being changed , did passe over into a stone , through heat and a slimy dryth ; just even as glew and solder , their watery part by degrees departing , do induce a thick toughnesse of themselves . good god , how unsavoury are the schooles , and how unsavoury do they bid us to be ? as if thou that dost every where bear a care over mortals , and art provident for salts ; hadst invented by thy study , that they might become stony . how great is their sluggishnesse : that they have never attempted to sprinkle one only pugill or small handfull of salt upon the urinal of those that have the stone , that they might try whether sea-salt would coagulate the future sands , which otherwise would stick fast to the urinals ; whether i say , there be so great a saltnesse of the urine , that it cannot dissolve any more of salt in it . for the urine , if it be for the dissolving of salt : now that salt shall not be the cause of corning . in the next place , they had easily found , that sea-salt being cast into the urine , doth hinder its coagulation ; but not likewise cause it . that sea-salt , isay , doth resolve the prepared matter of the coagulum or runnet , and doth not it self receive a curdling . but whatsoever meditates on the destruction of that runnet , shall of necessity also disturbe the coagulation proceeding from thence . for as the schooles do deride our coagulum's in things : so likewise i deride their unsavoury follies ; that they think the pebble-stone or flint to grow together , or wax dry in the bottom of the water , through heat . for fountaines and rivers do contend for a stony curdling , whose bottome hisseth out heat and the rules of dryth . in the next place , for the curdling of liquors , our flesh , and likewise the blood ; milk , and snivel promiseth : for if it were supposed , that phlegme be the matter [ whereof ] of the stone , and that the recocted brine of salt , shaved off , and with it self dissolved the mucky filths of salted fleshes : and at length by boyling up , rejected them being thickned , into a froth ; verily they had known that the use of salt is in no wise to be avoided or forbidden . but so great a sluggishnesse of searching , hath beset the schooles , that they being content with a little infamous gain , have neglected all things where they might profit their neighbour , if not also themselves . for if the stone were dissolved in the urine , although being boyled therein , or that , urine were not for dissolving of salt cast into it : they might indeed ( at the sight of that ) have wholly banished salt out of the use of men . but the common people deride the schooles , and the use of salt hath grown frequent , in despight of their rules : so that the authority of the schooles being despised , food is not onely unpleasant , but also unwholsome , without salt : but if the seasoning of salt smile on the palate ; that is not any otherwise favoured , than as salt resolves the excrements which burden the stomach with their muckinesse . for if salt be put into the mouth of those that are catechised or instructed in the principles of religion , in the first houres of their nativity , as a resembling token of wisdome ; but the schooles have with much endeavour , forbidden all eating of salt ; truly what other thing is to be presaged from thence , but that the heathenish schooles do not admit of wisdome ; to wit , the resembling mark whereof they advise to be excluded ? and that the church doth from the beginning , intend the destruction of infants ? for salt is sequestred out of jakes's , by the boylers of salt-peter ; such as was once received into the body together with the meats . therefore it ought likewise , to remain in duelech it self . but there is not so much as the least of sea-salt , found to proceed from duelech by art. and that thing the schooles might have learned with no charge , if any earnest desire of learning , and charity towards their neighbour had acted them . at leastwise , the boylers of salt-peter have been more curious or carefull than so many ten thousands of phisitians . the reproach therefore re-bounds on themselves , as every one of the vulgar sort , doth now know , how unpolished the decrees of the schooles are : since they know not in the dietary part of medicine , to what end they forbid salted things . nor indeed , had it been to be feared , if not salt it self , but onely the spirit thereof should hurt the diseased with the stone . . because salt is forbidden by the schooles ; ages and the schooles being hitherto ignorant , whether there be any spirit to be found in salt , or of what condition it might be , . that power in acting , is in vain , which is never brought forth into act . for it is sufficiently manifest , that out of sea-salt received into the body , there is never any possible drawing forth of its spirit in us . for it is most sharp , neither hath it a remedy like unto it self , for extinguishing of the burning heats of the urine , even while the stone is present in the bladder ; also , in the stranguries of old people , it hinders putrefactions , dissolveth mucky filths , and expelleth sands . therefore salt is profitable for those that have the stone , as well in its body , as in its spirit . for indeed , fountain-salt , was given by the providence of divine bounty , for the necessities of mortal men : that where the continent departs from the sea , by a long tract of land , saltish springs or fountaines might supply that defect of the sea. but the schooles are so far from repaying thanks to god for his benefit ; that they accuse god to have given salt , not onely in vain , but also for the destruction of men : it is to be noted in the mean time , that salt flowes down into the sea from many and plentifull fountaines ; yet that the saltnesse of the sea is not increased thereby ; because something of salt ascends by degrees from the sea , in manner of a vapour : and however it may be converted into its first matter of water , at leastwise in the clouds it hath some kind of constancy or perseverance in it . from whence , it is no wonder , that rain-water by it self , is not to be corrupted in any ages . but in the more hot zone , that salt doth exhale even out of the sea , is manifest : for there is none but smells out whether fleshes are boyled in a pot , with salt , or without it . but the sea-salt , seeing it makes for the preservation of the element , doth difficultly exhale . therefore the spanish sea well nigh wants a vapoury salt , is stronger , and the more expels putrefaction , and duelech . on the contrary , the seas of lorraine , abound with a vapoury salt , and it in part , waxeth sower in the stomach . also , that vapoury spirit of salt ( which is sublimed , being as it were the flowre of salt ) differs from the distilled spirit of salt ; just even as oyl of olives doth from oyl of bricks . for the spirit of oyl of olives which departs in its first moity , with me doth at length dissolve a silver thred in a bottle : but oyl of olives preserves iron from rust . and far more powerfully , doth that remaind of oyl , from whence the aforesaid half or moity was withdrawn , preserve 〈…〉 rustinesse . therefore it is to be noted , that there is not a more pure and 〈…〉 , than that which is re-cocted or re-boyled from the brine of swines-flesh . for 〈…〉 seasoning , or operating on the swines-flesh its object , it lost its more vapoury spirit by coagulation . and so the residing salt being almost fixed and freed from its earthlinesse , is found to be clear and most fit for sawces . it being also cast into an hogshead of sowring ale or beer , preserves the same , which other salt doth not so do . wherefore it drinks up into its self , and transchangeth the superfluous sharp spirits in us , which are the authours of all corruption , if they shall be out of the shops of the first digestion . it being thus re-boyled with spanish-salt , it is almost equal in goodnesse , with that which was at first dissolved in the bright burning-pot : since therefore sea-salt is not of the composition of urine , but is wholly a forreigner unto it , and so remaines : yea , since sea-salt being detained in the urine , keeps its nature unmixed and unchanged , even until the last extraction of things , and separation of the salt-peter ; it is certain , that it hath not any businesse with duelech . and therefore , that neither is the least of sea-salt ever found in the composition hereof ; seeing it more destroyes the native birth of duelech , than it doth promote it . therefore sea-salt is forbidden by the schooles unto those that have the stone without a foundation . thus much of salts . but i had hitherto learned , that duelech was an irregular coagulated matter , bred from the salt of urine , which had not its peere in the whole universe : for that mans urine is never found , out of man ; for therefore it irked me not , many times to distill urine . therefore i decreed to putrifie my own urine for full days in a horses belly , that by a foregoing ferment of putrefaction , the unlike parts thereof might dis-unite . then i distilled abovt a half part thereof : but being called away from the work by reason of business of my family , and afterwards being letted through the feasts of pentecost , i ceased from it for fifteen dayes . but the vessel receiving it , was exceeding great , clear , crystalline , and precious : the which i had now sequestred from the long snout of an alembick , all that interval of time : when as therefore i returned to the work ; first i powred forth that which had been distilled , into another bottle : because i saw that the distilled liquor of the urine had on every side touched the receiving vessel ( otherwise easily capable of containing three gallons ) it being over-covered with a duskish whitenesse . i was grieved that a glass so precious , was stained about so sordid a matter . and then i was the more angry , when i saw that the blemish contracted was not to be taken away by any ashes . for it repented me of my wastfull , and so often repeated curiosity . therefore i powred that that was distilled , out of doores . but presently i had this prick of sloath and unwonted indignation , suspected by me . i admired within my self , that man who before spared no paines and costs , should now be wroth at the destruction of one vessel . therefore i well weighed with my self , that receiving vessel , whether its blemish were of a forreign tincture , or whether any thing had perished from its concavous superficies being corroded . at length , i certainly knew , that out of the most clear watery distillation , , a true dusky duelech was adjoyned to the vessel . but then , i being full of admiration , praised the lord , who had undertook the care of me : for those things which i judged i had committed through my own carelesnesse , i knew had come to pass by divine goodnesse so disposing it . for unto whom he will , he converts all things into good . indeed , i had already long since beheld in my urine , a coagulater of so great a moment , to inhabite . and now at length , i had also learned ; that that most clear liquor that was separated from the urine , putrified in the vat , did containe a true duelech , which it had applyed to the receiving vessel . from whence , first of all , it became an undoubted truth unto me , that there did in no wise concur a slimy matter unto the composition of duelech . that vessel therefore , although pretious , and now condemned for its blemish , was dear unto me , because it had paid a reward of teaching to its master . therefore i again put it in the place of a receiver , as thinking , that i should at sometime shave of that duelech by aqua regis . therefore i proceeded in distilling the residue that had remained unto me after the fifteen dayes respite . and behold , i being astonished through a new favour of divine bounty , saw all the particular drops to dissolve the adhering duskish duelech , where they ran down , and the vessel presently restored to its former brightnesse . also , that this second liquor , although it had the odour of the former , yet being poured on aqua vitae , did not likewise , coagulate this any longer . and so i being led by a divine beck ( which others suppose to be an event by chance ) found part of that , which with care or anguish i had long since sought with many charges , therefore i praised the lord , that he had given understanding to the little one and poor . for if he had not commanded me to be called away from my work ; and if those feasts had not detained me untill duelech had grown together in the receiver , and unless the vessel had been so clear and pretious ; and moreover , if i had finished the operation with one thred : surely i had wrought and attempted all things in vain . the lord therefore had respect unto the necessities of mortals ; neither despised he the prayers of the dejected in spirit . wherefore , he gave me knowledge of the divers parts of a healthy urine : that is , my own . one indeed was after some sort the lighter and more swift , part having duelech hidden under a clear distillatory liquor , without a dreg , snivel , and sediment ; but in a most clear distillation , and cold of the encompassing ayr. but the other part , was alike admirable , which in cold also , again dissolved duelech that took its rise in cold , and supt it up into its self . for i seriously admired so opposite faculties in one onely volatile salt of urine : afterwards indeed , i considered , that whose urine had more of the former spirit , he was subject to the stone : and the other was free , whose urine contained more of the other spirit ; and that first conception smiled on me : but that discursive knowledge was vain , and especially unprofitable for the managing of affaires : for truly , the urine doth not undergoe in us those foregoing marks of putrefaction ; without which notwithstanding , those beings would sleep for ever . and then , neither was there a mean made manifest from that speculation , whereby more of that latter spirit should alwayes be made , or by what method a composure of the former spirit might be restrained . and much lesse , after what manner , duelech being now composed , there might be given a relief against him . notwithstanding , least that speculation should depart without fruit ; i considered , whether that latter spirit ( the urine being first evacuated ) might be granted to be cast into a stony bladder , by a syringe . therefore the knowledge of mortals offers it self to me as barren ; which rejoycing in speculation alone , withdrawes their hand from the art of the fire . for urine being duly putrified , yields spirit a coagulater , which coagulates aqua vitae : and likewise afterwards such a spirit , which being wholly transparent and volatile , containes a duelech [ potential ] or in possibility , because it brings him forth , and at length such a spirit , which presently sups up duelech ( being once bred ) into it self : notwithstanding , the devil straightway disswading me , i as doubtfull , began to stagger , and considered , that those things were vain , which being found by me , i so greatly esteemed . especially , seeing the urine putrifies not in us unto that limit or degree , whereby it had afforded these spirits . therefore i detested my own curiosities : for although they after some sort suggested a remedy , yet they left the former ignorance behind them , concerning the causes and manner of making duelech . wherefore i began to neglect all things lately seen , as if they had not been done , and i left a sleepy drowsinesse to be stir'd up in me ; from whence i was confirmed ( the which , i have explained in many particulars in my preface ) that no labour is more tedious or wearisome , and no kind of knowledge ( through the disswasion of the devil ) more to be disregarded , than that , from whence mankind may at sometime receive fruit . therefore it becomes a christian , to be of a constant mind in a good work . at length therefore , my distillations being repeated , and that with a more exact delay , i by prayer attained the causes , manner of making , and dissolving of duelech . good god , i admire thy great bounty , which hath led the most unmeet of physitians unto the disclosing of so great a thing , which hath been neglected for so many ages , and by so many great wits . i therefore return thanks unto thy infinitely glorious name ; not because thou hast led me on unto these secrets before others ( for can the earth boast it self , and say to the other small vessels [ vah ] or [ fie ] as a note of disdaining ? because it is brought under the potters-wheel , into a vessel of a more choyce form ? ) but because thou hast done thy will , which alone is good : i therefore ascribe unto thee all the glory , who hast in this age , disclosed this knowledge by the basest and little ones of this world : for that is according to thy accustomed manner ; and that , for the greater glory of thy name . for i knew , that the one onely sluggishnesse of those , who being deceived by the sweetnesse of the odour of gain , have despised to distill a matter so stinking and base , hath hindred both the antient and modern physitians . for wisdom despiseth those , who have refused perfectly to learn the matter [ whereof ] dispositions , contents , properties , progress , and significations of the urine , by the fire . for neither have they lesse stumbled in the matter , content , and judgements of urines , than hitherto they have done in the stonifying of the same : wherefore both the diagnostical or discernable knowledge , and also the judicial fore-knowledge of urines hath remained hidden : even as we have from a foundiation , demonstrated in our vronoscopia or inspection of the vrine : the which , i heartily wish , that the more fervent judgements would hereafter practise . for truly , i prepare my self for my grave , under hope , that my labours will not be unprofitable for humane miseries . i will now proceed to reckon up my blockishnesses , and the wearinesses of experiences . for first of all , from duelech being dissected , and distilled all alone by himself : and also from the shavings of the urinal : thirdly also , from the urine being distilled unto the thicknesse of an ecligma or lohoch , altogether the same oyl , and the same crystals of liquid dung do arise : for from duelech there is left an earthy lee , being black , brickle , and burnt , no longer rocky , and scarce reserving any thing of the more fixed salt of urine : because the volatile spirit is wholly throughout its whole , changed into duelech , and at length into an earth , with other parts of the composition being adjoyned unto it . verily , for a sure signe , that the fixed salt of urine hath not the faculty of an active runnet : but is onely coagulated passively . furthermore , that earth that was left of the distilled duelech , never lately descended unto the bladder in the shew of a pouder or clay : but it was a liquor while it was in the urine , which there afterwards thus hardened by the spirit of the urine . for i long meditated , that an earth or pouder , however most artificially it should be connexed to the spirit of urine ; yet it would never grow together into duelech ; and by consequence , that the invention of tartar for duelech was also vaine : for truly , i had already beheld in the glass , that duelech was made of the same spirits ( to wit , distilled and clear liquors ) matter , and efficient cause whereof it ariseth in us . therefore i concluded from my proofes now mechanically made ; that if the urine , together with its spirit of salt , hath in it the spirit of a volatile earth , duelech shall of necessity be generated from those two , unlesse by the dross ( which in the book of fevers , i call the liquid dung ) the salt of the urine be filled or glutted ; and for that cause , be disturbed from coagulating : for i have often observed , that any one that had the stone , being afterwards afflicted with the jaundice , hath beene free from the stone as long as the jaundice bare sway . and so , neither hath it been undeservedly asserted by me in the treatise of fevers ; that the aforesaid dross being a stranger to urines , is mixed with them , as it were a profitable excrement . but the sands are corned or grainified as well in us , as in urinals , at the very moment of corning , and being once corned , they also obtain the ultimate hardnesse of themselves : but not that they are more and more hardened by degrees . therefore it is fabulous , whatsoever the schooles do devise concerning the stone , being confirmed , and not yet confirmed , for the excuses of their confirmed ignorance and sloath . for the sand that is newly voided from us , or wiped off from urinals , is as hard as it will be for ten yeares after . let the same judgement be also of duelech . i have also , said above , that unlesse the sand which is affixed to the urinal or chamberpot , were coagulated in an instant , it had wholly fallen headlong to the bottome , neither would it be fastened to the sides , and so proportionably distinct . an heretical preacher nigh barclay , in england , being safe and sound in health , in the year . striving after dinner to draw a book unto him from a high place was sorely smitten with a great weight and pain in the bottome of his belly ; and four dayes after he by certaine signes knew that he was burthened with the stone . and eight dayes after that , he dyed at london under the knife of the stone-cutter . but that stone weighed an english pound , and two drammes beside : neither do i remember , that ever i saw the like stone : but an hundred pounds at antwerp weigh at london . but paracelsus admiring this appearance of the stone , least a fiction should be wanting to his microcosm , calls it the stone of thunder , and thinks that it grew together in falling : but that errour of his is manifold . . for there is no place granted for its falling . for truly , the bladder containes urine , or no urine : if no urine , it is folded together like a wet towel : but if it be extended by urine , seeing this is beneath , duelech cannot be formed out of the urine , or without urine , that it should be made without matter , and fall downwards into the urine , that it may be made in falling . . he erres , believing that the stone which is cast down in thunder , is generated by ordinary and wonted causes : but not by monstrous ones . otherwise , if the matter that is natural to thunder , should be naturally coagulated in an instant , such stones ought to be accustomed to all particular thunders . neither should there be a cause , why a small stone of about three pound weight , should pierce into the earth unto the depth of nine foot , by its onely and naked fall : unless it were thrust down with a stronger force , even as concerning an irregular meteor elsewhere . . in the next place , duelech bewraying it self by a sudden tyrannie , proves that its generation is in a moment ; for nothing hinders , but that he adhered to the bladder with his foot , and that being broken off through the steepnesse of his passage ; he fell down into the widenesse of the bladder . . whatsoever is at any time condensed into a true duelech , whether it be a central kernel descending from the kidney ; or in the next place , growing in manner of a bark ; every generation thereof , is alwayes made in an instant . for indeed , i have learned by my mechanical operations , that duelech , and what quantity there is in him , is wholly constituted of meer volatile beings : yet , not that of a urine of three or four ounces ( of which quantity that of him that made water might be ) a duelech of one pound could be generated . moreover , although i knew mans urine to be onely in our species : and that the spirit of mans urine alone was in the possession of man ; yet i examined horse-pisse , in the name of the bigger cattel ; as being carefull , whether perhaps , there might not be another like coagulating spirit , which by reason of impediments co-bred with it , could not every where obtain the command of coagulating . but however i laboured , i found not that spirit the coagulater in horse-pisse ; as neither the spirit of a ferment , or of aqua vitae . therefore i found a potential aqua vitae intimate with mans urine , and that a pliable one , between that spirit the coagulater , and the putrified spirit the receiver of the aforesaid runnet or coagulum . and it is chiefly to be noted , that the spirit of urine doth not coagulate , but by the wedlock of aqua vitae : the which i have often approved by distilling . there are therefore , three things in the urine of man , which must of necessity concur : and by so much the more powerfully , by how much every person troubled with the stone , doth now bear no light or small principle of corruption in his urine ( as presently in its place ) from whence indeed , a ferment is swiftly stirred up in the urine for the aforesaid aqua vitae that is capable of coagulation . for neither doth it withstand these things , that as well the spirit of life , as the aqua vitae it self , are exceeding swift of flight , and so , scarce fit for the stubbornnesse of duelech : for it is certain , that the spirit of vitriol , doth most swiftly flye from its volatile companion , yea and that it is presently fixed by the swift sal armoniack : so that it undergoes a fusion or liquidnesse of substance : whereby our followers being perfectly instructed , do presently cease to wonder ; which things , otherwise , affect the ignorant with amazement . chap. iv. a processe of duelech . . the manner of making duelech . . it is a singular being , nor having its like . . a mechanick or handicraft operation of the fountaines of the spaw . . oker in the fountaines of the spaw , might have scared paracelsus from his device of tartar. . a dissection in the actions of spirits . . the fire-water , that hath not an homogeneal being like unto its self . . the difference of the aforesaid dissolving liquor with all others of the whole universe . . some oyl of gold is of a pomegranate or light-red colour . . what the generation of duelech may bespeak . . the action of bodyes on bodyes , of what sort it is . . the doctrine concerning the action of bodyes and spirits . . the participations of faculties out of mettals without a metalick matter . . the delusion of the alchymist . . diseases are appointed for a punishment and reward . . some exercises , beginning from salts . . the spirit of salt is made earthly . . a trivial question . . the device of frosty tartar. . from whence the strangury of old people is . . four remarkable things issuing from thence . . a second question . . a third . . a fourth . . catarrhs or defluxions of the bladder , are ridiculous . . a fifth question . . a sixth . . astrologers are taken notice of . . paracelsus is noted , like as also galen . . the solving of a question proposed . . the heedlessnesse or rashnesse of galen . the spirit of the urine laying hold of the volatile earth that was procreated by a seed , and a hoary and putrifying ferment , stirs up the spirit of wine , the inhabitant of the urine , as yet laying hid in [ potentia ] or possibility : by the which , as it were , by two sexes concurring , the certain aforesaid earthly spirit , drinks in the one onely aforesaid coagulater ; by reason of which reciprocation or mutual return , a most thorow connexion of them both ariseth in acting : because they conjoyn in manner of spirits , throughout their very least parts : and so the coagulater doth at one instant , coagulate the spirit of wine , that was potentially stirred up in the putrifying ferment , whereunto , when the hoary or fermental putrified masse hath applyed its matter , they are condensed or co-thickned together into a true duelech ; surely , a monster , this new something coagulated in the middle of the urine ; nor therefore capable of being again resolved into water . for it is a rocky animal being , like unto no other , and the which therefore , paracelsus names duelech : and that being , will the more easily enter into the mind , by a daily example which the fountaines of the spaw present unto us . for they have a sulphureous spirit , manifestly tart ( from whence they are called the sharp fountaines ) and also a vein of iron . for both being of an imperfect and immature shape , are contained as dissolved , in the simple water . therefore they both begin mutually to joyn their reciprocal forces against each other : and at length , when as their strength being tyred , they have desisted from their action , they are condensed into a stony body , which affixeth it self to bottles in the form of oker : and so the water returns into its antient element , as uncloathed of every strange quality . which sharpish fountaines , if paracelsus had sufficiently contemplated of , or he had neglected the history of the tartar of wine , borrowed from basilius valentine ; for he had known that there is not the like birth of oker and of tartar of wine . at leastwise , he might have been with the more difficulty convinced : because tartar is resolved into water ; but oker is not , as neither is the stone : for neither have i ever attempted to deny , that solid bodyes are constituted of liquors : but i refuse tartarous liquors , they being forcibly brought into the causes of diseases ( as in the treatise concerning tartars ) but on the contrary , i have reverently admired the activities of spirits on spirits . truly , since oker growes out of the waters of the spaw ; or since a stony crust is spread over bottles throughout their whole hollownesse ; let it first of all be wickednesse to give the water of the spaw to drink ; if we believe that tartars are made just as oker is in the spaw-water : that is , if we believe , that there is tartar in the water of the spaw , which is presently to be coagulated in the drinker , he commits wickednesse , who gives the spaw-water to drink . for while the acide or tart salt of wine corroded the lee : that salt indeed , which before was tart and not coagulated , remaines tart , and is coagulated ; neither doth it change the essence of salt , although that salt which before was fluide , be constrained or bound fast together . in like manner also , although the lee hath supt up the acide spirits , and coagulated them into it self : yet a solid body remaineth , while the spirit of the acide salt is coagulated into the solid body of tartar of wine : yea , before that it be fully coagulated , it affixeth it self to the vessel . for in the generation of tartar of wine , the spirit acteth on a body ; and there is altogether a far different action , while two spirits act on each other : for in this action ( even as in the water of the spaw , in duelech , &c. ) a new and neutral being is constituted , such as is oker , of the spirit of sulphur , and the volatile vein of iron : but in the tartar of wine , onely the tart spirit , or sour liquor of the wine , is changed into a salt , and the lee remaineth such as it was before : and therefore the matter constituted thereby , is again dissolvable . for a metal , stone or solid body is not unbodyed , changed or volatilized , by reason of the corroding of spirits : that is manifest : for silver , pearls , cor●als , spongy-stones , crabstones , snails-stones , &c. although , by aqua fortis , ( and other sharp liquors , they vanish out of our fight ; yet they are stones , as before even as concerning fevers ) indeed the spirit did what it could : but it operated as it wore in vain upon the body , while in corroding that body , it coagulated it self . for indeed , there is in the whole nature of the universe , one onely fire , the burning vulcan ; so also , there is none but one onely liquor , which dissolveth all solid bodyes into their first matter , without any changing or diminishment of their faculties : which thing , adeptists have known , and will testifie : but in all other faculties of liquors , a body can never radically co-mingle it self with the solving liquor : and therefore it is corroded indeed , but is not intimately solved or loosened , even as otherwise is required for a formal transmutation : for every sharp gnawing spirit , in gnawing of another body , is coagulated , and well nigh fixed , and passeth over into the form of a thickned salt : yet the body that hath suffered the wil of the gnawing spirit to be done upon it , doth not act any thing on that spirit ; which in gnawing & by its own proper action coagulated it self : the which indeed comes to passe , while two active spirits run together on each other : for then there is a double action , whereby both of them do mutually act on both . for therefore , such an action of theirs , is made with a thorow radical mixture , and there is constituted of them both , an of-spring of unseparable mixture ; and this transchanged body , is a neutral product from them both . but if paracelsus bad timely of fitly contemplated , instead of his tartar of wine he had taken the oker of the water of the spaw , and had spoken something more probable , than that there were liquors in all things , which were coagulated after the manner of tartar in wine ; and that they were the common mother and matter of any diseases whatsoever . oker indeed , the daughter of the spaw , is not again resolved , like as tartar of wine is : and yet it differs from duelech , as much as a mineral stonifying , doth from the stone in man. for in this , the spirit the coagulater existing in the urine , operates by vertue of its own and of a different salt , upon a hoary and putrifying spirit of earth , without the boyling up , or belching forth of a wild gas : and so , it finisheth its operation , and coagulates it self with the spirit of wine that is proper to the urine , in a moment , even as i have above declared in the handicraft operation of the spirit of urine , and wine , or of a burning water . but the acide spirit of the water of the spaw , having sprung up from an embryonated or non-shaped sulphur , do operate , first in a long tract , do stir up bubbles , and a wild gas , and at length affix themselves to the vessel . for otherwise , if that gas cannot be belched forth , the waters of the spaw remain safe , being fit for healing . for if the gas be hindered from going forth , it hinders , whereby the subsequent effect cannot follow , and the spirits are rendred feeble and barren in acting . but the lee of wine , seeing it hath its own coagulation , and that which is proper to it self , it hath no need to attain it from elsewhere : but since the sharpish spirit of wine hath gnawn the lee , there is no reason that it should give that in gnawing , which it self hath not in it self . therefore in the generation of the tartar of wine , that sharpish , saltish spirit , shall be coagulated indeed , by reason of the earth of dreg : but it shall remain in the shape of a dissolvable salt , and not in the form of a rocky stone ; by reason of that rule ; that a transmutation of the essence presupposeth a transmutation of the matter . therefore the earthy body , whether it be dissolved by a corrosive , or not , keeps its own antient being : because , that dissolver doth not pierce the matter dissolved , in the radical bond of connexion : the which notwithstanding , in things that are essentially to be transchanged , is exceeding necessary to be done . therefore let the young beginners in chymistry learn , that bodies are not resolved by the calcinations of corrosives , although they are also , often repeated ; unlesse a fermental impression through putrifaction , whichgoes before every radical dissolution , doth interpose . camphor indeed , in aqua fortis , assumeth the nature of a swimming oyl : but that corrosive being washed away by common water , the camphor is presently what it was before , whether that be once done , or lastly , a thousand times . for in my young beginnings , i rejoyced , that by a retort , at the seventh repetition , i had dispatched gold into the shape of a pomegranate-coloured oyle ; as being mindfull , that he who knew how to destroy gold , hath known likewise how to make or build it up . but the corrosive its companion being taken away , the gold returned into its self , and my vain joy ceased : he labouring in vain to extract that which is not in it . they also labour in vain , who do not operate by due meanes . the generation of duelech therefore , is not the imaginary stonifying of a cocted muscilage , or of a feigned phlegme dryed by the heat of the place , or confirmed , or hardened by drying ( for so a bole or clod onely should be resolvable , but not duelech ) but there is a passing over of three spirits at once , into duelech , by a true & essential transmutation . truly , bodyes do not act on bodyes by a natural action of composition ; but whatsoever bodyes do perform on each other , that is done by reason of weight , greatnesse or magnitude , hardnesse , figures , and motions : and truly , those are serviceable for science mathematical , but scarce for science natural . but if corporeal salts do operate , it comes to pass either because they after some sort , contain a volatile spirit , or do find that spirit in a body . let young beginners at least , remember , that bodyes , after whatsoever manner they shall be once intermingled by co-melting , do notwithstanding , remain in their antient essence , unlesse they are transchanged by the fire , or a ferment . lastly , that bodies do operate nothing on spirits , but do onely limit these by suffering : which operation of bodyes therefore , is not a true re-acting : but father a meet effect of spirits , resulting from the proper activity of the same . for therefore , spirits , when their faculties are woren out and exhausted , do voluntarily decay in the end of their motion . and although that action of spirits be made with the suffering and losse of their own powers ; yet they do not therefore , transchange bodyes into their own nature ; for they onely gnaw them , and grind them into pouder : the which also , they interpret to be a calcining by water . by way of example , joyn thou a pound of crocus martis , to a sixfold quantity of oyl of vitriol , then distill thou whatsoever shall be watery : thou shalt find the vitriol of iron or mars : take from thence the iron , and thou hast the vitriol of iron . a salt i say , like vitriol , whose tast is of iron ; yet retaining nothing of the mars or iron : for thou hast a limitation from the mars , as to its efficacy , but not in respect of its matter : and the former spirit of vitriol , or oyl of the vitriol of copper , shall be fixed into a certain salt , onely by the odour of the iron . again , take the same and more clear example . conjoyn thou a pound of running mercury or quick-silver unto a four fold quantity of oyl of vitriol ; take away its flegme by distilling , and a white precipitate shall remain in the bottom like snow : likewise , if thou shalt pour on it more oyl than is meet , the mercury will unsensibly surmount , together with the oyl . furthermore , if by a liver , thou shalt take away the tartnesse from the aforesaid snow , there will be a pouder of a citron colour in the bottom ; which being revived or unto life recovered , shall be of equal weight with the former mercury : but the water , which in washing off the salt , drinks it up into it self , affords a true alum . for so one onely pound of quick-silver , onely by its touch , should be able by degrees to change many thousands of pounds of the sharpest oyl of vitriol into an alum , without any losse of its substance : which same oyl , by the touch of the iron , is in like manner changed into the vitriolated salt of mars , being a noble medicine for healing . let the action of the mercury without an essential ●● suffering of its substance , be taken notice of : and it is a contemplation of great moment . for truly , a great rout of alchymists , are deluded by their own hope , thinking that fixed bodyes being solved in corrosives , gave unto these corrosives their properties ; at leastwise , if those dissolving corrosives , have from a voluntary motion of activity , coagulated in their possession . they know not , i say , that spirits being wearied by acting , do degenerate into a new being . to wit , while they descend unto the limit of their power in acting . and then , we must know , that every operation , which tendeth unto a transmutation of both ( namely , the agent and patient ) consisteth onely between meer spirits : but that the operation of a body with a spirit of things without life , begins from the spiritual odour of a certain putrifaction by continuance ; because seeds and fermental dispositions depend thereupon , and according to their own will or arbitration , do command liquors appointed for generation . wherefore the antients have not unfitly advertised us ; that the rise and continuation of the visible world , is from an invisible and incorporeal essence ( such as are odours and ferments . ) and in our own borders , duelech growes together from an incredible spirit , the coagulater , and from an invisible beginning . for neither hath it stood in need for its nativity , of tartar brought from without , of the son of a more inward muckinesse , or of the feigned curdlings of drying . it is a far more calamitous thing , that we carry the very vulcan of the stone about us , in our urine , unto the importunate command whereof , the properties of a volatile spirit do hearken . for god had seemed to have loved bruits before us , if he had not directed diseases unto a reward , and so unto good , whereof a temporal punishment is not worthy . but besides , where a fore-seen end of punishment is present ; he hath from the gift of his bounty erected the powers of medicines . in beasts also , stones are bred , but not given for a punishment , nor for a reward , which grow in them for medicines to us . and therefore , they also arise from a far different root . moreover , before that i proceed unto the history of the stone , i will premise some exercises . first therefore , in the salt-pits of burgundy , there are at this day , no more than two pits , the pit of brine , and the pit of gray . but if indeed , an hundred measures of both pits are boyled apart , they yield far lesse salt , than if they are boyled in the same quantity , being conjoyned . the inhabitants admire at the experiment , and therefore they henceforward confound both brines together . for indeed , the one of them , containes more of a vapory or volatile salt , which being boyled apart by it self , with a flaming fire , flyes away before its coagulation . notwithstanding , meeting with another more fixed salt , it is imbibed and constrained into a solid salt . the example teacheth this , that bodyes of salts do drink up their own spirits , and that their spirits in like manner , do gnaw their bodyes : for truly , the brine of burgundy being clearer than crystal , doth notwithstanding , through its vapory salt spirit , drink up into it self , a great part of a rocky stone ; which therefore , in time of boyling , to wit , while the spirits are coagulated in the more solid body of the salt , settles , and is scummed off with difficulty . therefore , that spirit of salt , although it dissolved the stone , yet it therefore contracted not wedlock with the earth ; as that , either this should stonifie , or the other be made salt . yea , it even from thence is manifest , that although the sea-salt had vapory or volatile parts ; yet it could not come unto the stone , as neither to the spirit of urine for an increase : because it is that which consists of far different principles : ( even as elsewhere concerning digestions ) but the sea-salt , by how much it is a stranger with the urine , by so much it shall stir up consultations of dissolving duelech . for whatsoever dissolveth the stone of a rock , and doth hide it invisibly in it self ; that at least , shall not perswade the original of the stone . thus far concerning a fixed earth , dissolved by the spirit of salt , and of the vapory and coagulated spirit of salt. now concerning a volatile salt decaying into a solid body . sublime thou stibium with an equal part of sal armoniack , by a gentle or indifferent fire ; thou shalt see the salt to arise tinged with divers colours : separate the colour from the salt , by water , and thou shalt have a pouder , which with salt-peter , flyes away almost wholly into a flame . but if that which is left with the sal armoniac , be as yet twice sublimed by it self , and freed from its salt : thou shalt have a pouder of stibium , voyd of salt ; wherewith , if thou shalt then mix salt-peter , it shall be no longer inflamed : but as much salt-peter as thou shalt mix with it , is changed into an earth , and neglects the nature of a salt : for the odour of the sulphur pierceth the salt-peter . so the odour of the salt of urine , and its volatile spirit , presently changes the earthly spirit in the urine , that was stirred up by a certain kind of putrefaction , into the stone . and therefore , the urine is not corned or grainified presently after making water : but after it hath assumed the beginnings of putrefaction . hitherto tends that question : why children and old men , are more stony , than themselves being men of a ripe or middle age ? is it because they are hotter ? what if the schooles do in this place , without blushing accuse the coldnesse of children and old men , as having forgotten shame ; because according to their will , the affect of the stone doth coagulate or grow together through heat alone : what shall it help to have invoked a more plentifull quantity of phlegme , if heat the one onely efficient cause , be wanting ? if i say , phlegme ( which as such , doth stonifie ) be wanting in nature ? neither can they devise the same temperature or complexion to be in children and old men , without the disgrace and confusion of their own received opinions : as neither shall they find a likenesse in the urine of them both . for the urines of those of an unripe age , are grosser ; but those of old people , watery and washy : the urines also of such as have the stone , are watery . i have in time past , seen old men molested with a continual strangury or pissing by drops , even until death , unto whom diuretical ( that is urine provoking ) remedies of saffron , mace , &c. and likewise lenitives or slippery asswagers of the mallow , marsh-mallow , &c. were vain and of no effect ; and the which , physitians had now pronounced to be besieged with the stone : but cutting testified that they were free from the stone ; ( michael des montaignes saith , that the bishop of paris his vncle , was cut in vain ) and so they also learned , not to divine of the presence of the stone , from the urine . for these very stranguries , paracelsus devised his own frosty fiction of tartar , which hath not as yet been found in dissected persons . indeed afterwards i knew , that as oft as the gawl was more weak than was meet ( as in old people ) it could not change the sour chyle of the stomach into a salt salt : wherefore , that from a very small and daily quantity of sharpnesse being left , the strangury of old folks , although the stone be not granted to be present , doth continue : so new ales do stir up the strangury in many , by reason of the residing and inherent tartness of a more new ferment . by this title , namely , through defect of a gawly ferment , the urines of aged people and children are the lesse tinged . from whence these remarkable things do follow . . that the affect of the stone doth the more easily grow together , through a scarcity of the dross or liquid dung in urine . . that it is a remedy from the cause , to have comforted the ferment of the gawl . . that urines do seem the sharper in the strangury and pissings by drops , as they contain something of a sharp matter in them . . there clearly appears to be a profitable use of the dross , and of the connexion thereof in the urine . and then it is asked , why the stone in the reines is frequent , but that of the bladder , more rare ? i have answered elsewhere : that as long as the urine is in the veines , it is not yet perfect : for neither doth it as yet cast the smell of urine , or hath it the properties of urine ; as neither is it convenient for the venal blood to be seasoned with the odour of an excrement . the limitation therefore of the urine , is from the kidney ; but the odour thereof belongs to a putrefactive ferment ; because to an excrement : and therefore it volatilizeth the earth of the urine . but moreover , although the fermental putrefaction of the urine may render the earth of a strong and putrifying smell ; yet it stayes not in man as long as it putrifies . therefore the hoary or rank earth hereof , hath need of the spirit of the urine , that it may become stony . for in the kidney ( where a fermental putrefaction of the urine ariseth ) a new and volatile earth doth easily associate it self with the spirit of the urine , and is corned , especially while as the dross , the preservative from the stone , hath not as yet come thither : but it becomes a citron or light-red colour , even no lesse from the place , than from the aforesaid dross . the kidney therefore payes the punishment of those things whereof it is the first or chief author . i will elsewhere teach concerning the womb of duelech , that there goes before the kidney , a disposition unto duelech : which disposition , because it is vital , and not a meer excrementitious one , even as in the bladder ; it is also , more plentifully coagulated in the kidney , than in the bladder . for this , because it is a meer sink , is wholly destitute of every ferment : but the bowels , as they are the stomach of the gawl ( even as elsewhere concerning digestions ) are a vital and cocting receptacle : but the bladder is a meer reteiner of the excrement alone . it is asked , in the next place : why the stone of the kidneys is for the most part , yellow , and that of the bladder somwhat whitish ? truly , the kidney hath a ferment for the making of an excrement ; and therefore it hath need of a liquid and tinging dross . and then also , the kidney hath venal blood as a neighbour unto it , and a tinged substance of its own ; but the bladder couples of the glew of its own immediate nourishment , unto the hoary earth , and to the spirit the coagulater , in the body of the urine . consequently , from hence , it is manifest , why duelech that is bred in the bladder , is the harder . it is , because a great part of the nourishment of the bladder , departs into a mucky snivel , which together with the rocky beginnings of coagulation , the more hardly and toughly prepares duelech ; even as lime with meal , renders the morter fat more tough . the reines also , being by duelech their companion , at length hurt even unto their solid fibers : do afterwards cast forth white , and sufficiently hard stones . i have taught elsewhere , that the nourishment of the bladder , by reason of the stone , or some other importunity , is , before its full digestion , separated from its solid part , and is wept from it like a mucky tear , and co-mixed with the urines : that there is , i say , an excrement of the last digestion , which goes astray and is letted in the bladder ; being sometimes indeed , an occasioned effect of the stone , but not the cause [ per se ] or [ by it self ] thereof , although it now and then be occasionally and by accident , assumed . for some physitians admiring at so great and so continued a plenty of pissed snivel ; and knowing that it was not purulent or proceeding from corrupt matter , seeing they knew not from what an ulcer so great a plenty of pus or snotty matter could drop ; at length , they being as it were constrained by a sufficient enumeration of causes ; surely through miserable stupidities , they brought catarrhs or rheumes ( so ridiculous a thing ! ) into the bladder . but others , while they durst not implore vain accusations on the healthy brain , and are in great doubt corrupt matter , they denounce the ulcers of the reines , to be the fountaines of so great a glut. so that without a foregoing aposteme , that mucky snivel doth oft-times divide the half part with the urine , in the urinal , yet thy suppose , that from the kidney being without pain , so much snotty pus doth daily showre down . first of all , i have taken notice , that many have been cured at the spaw , whom the shamefull debates of physitians about the purulent ulcer , comsumption of the kidneys , and catarrhs , had banished thither to dye : who , when as they had beyond the hope of those physitians returned sound , they boasted that those sick were cured by them , from the profitable councell of travelling thither . but why hath my urine that was healthy , applyed a sand unto the urinal in the cold : but not , being detained so long within , in heat ? i have said , that urine was from an inbred balsame , alike easily preserved , both from stonifying , and from putrifying . and then , that the urinal was a vessel fit for affixing of that sand : but not the bladder . and lastly , that the earth is volatilized by putrefaction . it is also a doubt , why of twins that are nourished by the same milk , the one of them onely is sometimes diseased with the stone ? in which doubt , the schooles , women , idiots , and rustical persons , think that by one alike answer they have sufficiently satisfied themselves : if they have named the cause thereof , an evil distemper or inclination of indisposition , and have alleadged humours . which inclination , astrologers , although they distinguish not in the conception , or quickning ; yet they put a difference betwixt it , in the birth : and in this respect , they confound twins , into divers conditions . but at leastwise , the etymologie of an [ inclination unto the stone ] doth even in the entrance , render paracelsus suspected concerning his tartar. yea , and thus far galen's own schooles have have forsaken him without light : who being contented with an unequal distemperature in seminal ( although homogeneal ) constituters , yet so it were now turned into nature , he thinks that he hath abundantly satisfied the question : and he prosecutes it with desperation , that for this cause , that unequal distemperature , is unseparable from him that is born . he takes away indeed , the common name of inclination ; but the former if not more gross darknesses remain : while as he resolves a controversie by a controversie , and with desperation cuts off the endeavour of enquiring . it is certain in the mean time , that the duplicity of the question is not to be drawn but from a disorder of the matter : the which , seeing it is not found under so simple an homogeniety of the seed : it must of necessity be limited in the magnum oportet or necessary remainder of the middle life of the place or climate of the womb. for the sides of women do so differ , that we are every one of us , as it were a pair of men distinguished side-wayes : and our other inward bowels do border side-wayes upon the womb. for from the first constituting parts , there are indeed hereditary defilements drawn , which are equally distempered on the whole conception , if they were derived from the parent the begetter : but those blemishes which are found in the place , are adjacent unto those places , and invade us as more immediate unto us . a wonder it is ! to consider , how easily our most tender beginnings do hearken unto forreign impressions ; and how easily things once received , do wax ripe ; and finally , how stubbornly they persevere : also those seminaries of diseases , which are soon gotten by a proper errour of living ; how friendlily they are entertained in , and do bear sway over the same powers wherein , and over which the hereditaries of diseases are entertained and bear rule . and by so much the more powerfully they enter , and are the more insolently imprinted or stamped on us , by how much their wedlock doth defile the archeus in us , being as yet the more young . for as long as we receive an increase ; the seeds of diseases , although they are drawn in , in manner of an odour , they are also incorporated in our radical beginnings : and in some one such beginning , do the stony perfect acts of seeds wax ripe with us : the which also , even by the odour being drawn in , the ferments of the seeds have more largely constituted elsewhere . for from an entire nature , every man ought to be healthy , and of one inclination ; but that , by reason of the properties of the middle life , nourishments , perturbations , and climates , disorders had crept into the sons of adam . but those disorders which do privily enter with the mothers blood , and nurses milk , do as houshold thieves , possesse the treasures of life ; neither do they easily depart , but under the aydes of renovation . but i coming nearer to the knot , do say , that in the kidney , there is a dungy ferment , being a putrefactive of the urine ; the which wandring , and the mark of its going astray , being once imprinted , the urine doth from thenceforth , proceede by a voluntary flux , and by degrees tendeth unto the utmost putrefaction of it self , under which lurketh a power of making the earth volatile . since therefore , there is in the kidney , this power of fermenting : the question , why one of the twins hath his kidneys the more strong in a dungy ferment , is resolved , by the chapter of the unequal strength of the parts : to wit , so as the stomach of one hath an aversness , and another more strong stomach , not so . for so the kidney that is the more rich in a putrifying ferment , is more prone to the framing of the stone . the begetter also , if in time of generating , he hath his bladder filled with urine , is wont to raise up an off-spring subject to the calamity of duelech ; because the fermental putrefaction of his urine being the longer detained , doth fermentally increase it self in the neighbouring seed sliding thorow . galen indeed erres by so much the more ridiculously , as that he will have something of urine , to be naturally in every seed , and to be alwayes added thereto , by reason of the tickling . as being ignorant , to wit , that not so much as a forreign hair is mixed with the beginnings of generation , without a total destruction thereof . but how the afore-tasted particulars do serve our intention ; take notice , that an unequal strength of the parts , is as it were necessary to the most intimate nature . for neither shalt thou draw a thred of homogeneal gold , which may not be sooner broken in one part of it than another . and so , that it is weaker than it self : disorder , unlikenesse or inequality , and diversity of kind , are onely from the innermost essence of things ; although unto their essences , they are altogether forreigners . for from hence it is , that twins which sprang from one onely and a single seed cannot escape an heterogeniety or diversity of kind ; especially being that which is by so easie a contagion , brought into the beginnings of things . chap. v. the history of duelech is continued . . from whence there is hope for those that have the stone . . who is a physitian given of god. . what kind of honour is due to the physitian . . a fourfold ignorance of physitians . . a phylosophical history of the stone . . the errour of paracelsus and the galenists , concerning the foregoing matter of tartar , and of the stone . . an errour of paracelsus . . an earth in the urine and venal blood . . what may be found in duelech being distilled . . the simplicity of physitians . . the miserable simplicity of galen . . an argument for the first matter of the stone . . an examination of diureticks or urine provoking medicines . . some most wretched histories . . a resolving of a question of diureticks . . from whence there is danger in diureticks , and a happy fore-caution or prevention hereof . . a numerical account of diureticks . . that a distemperature being converted into nature , is to be corrected . . whether a laying along on the sides , doth promote the affect of the stone . . a various action of the spirit of vrine . . vain are the fore-cautions of the schooles . . a faulty argument of the schooles . the inconsiderate rashnesse of the schooles . . why the touching may deceive him that hath the stone in the reines . god made not death , neither is there medicine of destruction , nor a kingdome of the infernals in the earth : wherefore , i have believed , that no defect that is obvious in healing , hath issued out of the treasures of him , who made not death , but remedies : as neither was it from the errour of his foreknowledge , that him whom he had chosen and created for a physitian , he had every where left scanty , in many degrees or particulars . he is not a physitian therefore , that as an impostour , he should thrust onely a cloakative and vain remedy on the diseased with the stone . for the sick hath stood in need of a physitian , who might testifie by his good works , that he was so created of god. but after that medicine was erected into a profession , through the itching desire of gain , any wicked kind of men intruded themselves for physitians : for the withstanding of which errour , the magistrate ought of right , to be severely fierce against these men . the schooles therefore , drew the choyce of physitians to themselves , and accounted them worthy ones , as many as would subscribe to the ignorances of the heathen ; that the chaires and life of man might be committed unto themselves . this hath now passed over through their hands , for a possession amongst the europeans , for some ages past ; charity hath grown cold , and sloath being introduced under a safer zeal ; long use hath also confirmed their obtained ignorance , pretending a right of prescription . wherefore god hath withdrawn his gifts , and hath continued those , which he had bestowed elsewhere : truly , saint paul will have widowes to be honoured , which should be truly widowes in good works : as for imitation of that command , which hath appointed the physitian to be honoured , who should be truly a physitian in good works , and should testifie that he was so created and chosen of god : and whom indeed , the worthy works , commissions , signes of his calling , and deserts of his honour , do follow . of which place , i meditating with my self , do find honour to be denounced to the physitian by reason of necessity : which necessity presupposeth a proceeding fruit ; otherwise in vain : not indeed , that the force of the precept hath such an influence on necessity , as that , when a healthy person stands in no need of a physitian , this physitian is not then to be honoured : for a judge , major . lawyer , souldier , serjeant , executioner , potter , weaver , &c. should by the same right of necessity , be appointed to be honoured . notwithstanding , in things mental or pertaining to the mind , the whole contexture of words , is alwayes nothing else but as it were the conception of one word . but they will bear testimony to that thing , who have at sometime , perhaps intellectually and after an abstracted manner , tasted down something . and that thing also , may after some sort be demonstrated : for in the same conception , whereby i consider a sword , i conceive ; first of all , a long , plain , cleansed , sharp figure , also a hard metallick matter , not flexible in the thred of straightnesse ; lastly its end , which is not to cut bread , or woods , &c. but to wound : for all those things are in one onely mental conception of a sword , at once represented unto me . but in mental abstractions , not onely accompanying conditions ; but moreover , whatsoever may be spoken in many houres ( yea , nor can be expressed ) is in one onely conception , as it were of one word , infused in an intellectual rapture . but honour is prescribed for the physitian created by the goodnesse of the most high , by reason of the necessity of the sick , for the healing of them . the which surely , in mental conceptions , hath a simple signification . but the necessities of the souldier , judge , executioner , weaver , &c. are not perfectly considered , as chosen by the most high : but as being promoted by men for the performing of offices required from the malice of men . therefore i have elsewhere considered , that a fourfold darknesse of ignorance , hath under a covetous desire of possessing , entred together therewith , into the profession of medicine , and that they have left it without honour ; to wit , the ignorance of causes , manner of making , of the remedy , and suitable application thereof . truly , as the art of the fire , unlocks bodyes before our eyes ; so it opens the gate unto natural philosophy . the true medicine therefore hath layen hid , as depressed under the ignorance and sluggishnesse of the schooles : and that preparation of medicine which ought to bring light unto a physitian , is wholly accounted mechanical , and conferred on the apo●hecary and his wife . indulge my liberty , reader , as oft as i dispute concerning god , of the life , of diseases , of the common-weale , of my neighbour , of my own calling , of that which is true , good , of that which is hurtfull , and of things that are so serious , and of so great moment , in favour of mortal men . for i propose the allurement of no mans favour unto my self . i have hitherto shewn that blind descriptions have arisen from an ignorance of the causes and remedies , or from the sloath of diligent searches , and from the facility of assenting to false principles : wherefore also , we consequently divine of the unprosperous cures , deceitfull healings , and desperate succours of the stone ; as also of the miserable obediences of the sick . i will now proceed , for indeed , whatsoever ariseth anew in nature , that is made of something , and so of another thing or being ; to wit , as their immediate matters being changed , it must needs be that the essences of those things are changed , and therefore this something hath ceased to be , that this new something may co-arise from thence ; and that is not done by a voluntary resignation , or by a tyring of the former raines : but by the necessity of a new seed being brought in upon it , and by a ripened impression , or from an actual disposition of ●n archeus , as a new being in possibility . but seeing that which not as yet is , is not able as yet to act ; it behoved , that that being should after some sort fore-exist in possibility or power , that it may fit or suit the lump of the former being subjected unto it self , for a future being : but the fore-existence of that same being , subsisteth in a certain seminal spirit , wherein the types and shadowy foreknowledges of things that are to be performed in its tragedy , do inhabit . but this spirit , i name the archeus or master-workman ; call thou it as thou wilt . be it sufficient to know , that nothing doth arise anew in nature , without a seed . in the next place , every seed operates by dispositions its handmaids , which it propagates in the matter for its intended desires . but the mediating instruments , whereby seeds do dispose of their matters , i call ferments : for even as the sour odour of an earthen vessel constraines the milk , the odour of leaven infects the meal , and the hoary odour of a hogshead , converts the wine into a losse of it● strength , &c. so in the urine there is its own seed for duelech ( for i distinguish the stone from sand , onely in quantity , and signifie it by the one onely name of duelech ) also it s own dispositive ferment , which is sometimes scituated in a naked smell or odour . for truly , in an old and strong smelling urinal or chamberpot , the urine doth sooner stonifie than otherwise , in a ●eat one . yet that fermental odour is not proper to the urin● , but a forreign stranger , which sometimes also , so increaseth it self in the kidney ; that like gorgon , it alwayes and uncessantly labours in the framing of duelech , as if it laboured for its own perfection . for so the archeus of the parts is unvoluntarily drawn unto a strange scope or aym , and through the importunities of a strange ferment , is led aside whither he would not . paracelsus therefore erres , who sets down a certain tartarous muscilage , being dispersed through the veines , to be as it were the first and espoused matter of the stone : and exhorts that it be withdrawn by certain laxative medicines . but i have given satisfaction unto these trifles , as well in the treatise concerning the causes of duelech of the antients , as in that of tartar. for it is sufficiently manifest , that in mans urine ( even in that of healthy folk ) there is alwayes an immediate , invisible matter and seed ; for duelech , whether the while , duelech break forth into act , as long as the urine is ripened in our possession , or after that it hath flowed out of us : the urine indeed , containes essential beginnings for duelech ; but it is unto it by accident , that they are ripened or not : and although the urine hath in it self the seed and matter of the stone , yet it is not the womb of the stone , but onely the matrix of a stone-seed , which seeks and findes a womb for its self , either within or without . for as the being in act , ought to perish , if the being which is in possibility , and after some sort seminally fore-existing , ought from thence to arise : it is of necessity , that the essence and matter of the urine whereof duelech is made , should first decay , if duelech be made from thence : wherein notwithstanding , a small space of delay doth interpose . there is indeed in the urine a fit matter , and there is in it a seed for duelech : yet it likewise stands in need of an actuating and exciting ferment , which may procure the seed to bud ; because the transmigration or passing over of a thing , argues a decay of it self , by a neutral state , through a proper mediating ferment : therefore the corruptive ferment of the urine is the exciter or stirrer up of the seed . therefore i have shewn by handicraft operation , that the urine is longer preserved undefiled , under the balsame of our family administration , and under an illsmatch'd heat , than that which else , in a cold urinal , hearkens to corruption a few houres after , and therefore also defiles the urinal with sand . for the kidneys being after any manner polluted , have now conceived a corruptive ferment of the urine . there is indeed , in the kidney it s own excrementitious ferment , from nature : but that is not yet sufficient for the propagation of the stone . there is therefore a duelech in the urine , as a being in possibility , which breaks forth into act , while the corruption of the urine , or of the former being , hovers over it . in the mean time , it is true , that some provinces do bring no sluggish ayd unto the frequency of the stone . for illyricum was once populous ; but at this day , almost a desart : because it cuts off the life by a cruel exhalation . for there are some places , as it were subject to the scurvey , asthma or difficulty of breathing , or to the falling-evil : not indeed ( as paracelsus supposeth ) because such places are fruitfull in tartars : because that , since those of europe , who are carried in the same ship , and have used the meats of our country , are afflicted with forreign and local diseases . for truly , there are some seeds of diseases in places , and they forge fit matters for themselves , if they do not find them obedient or espoused to themselves . let those trifles depart , which suppose and require a naked allusion of a tartarous fore-existidg matter , and so , a muckinesse for duelech , and do found them on a feigned allegory of artificial things : as if there were no other consistency of the stone , than what might answer to a dryed muscilage ? as if a snivelly spittle cannot be generated of drink that is not slimy . as though the generation and hardening of every rocky stone , ought to be enrouled in snivel and heat ? for if the heart , as it is hotter than the bones , so also should be harder , perhaps their positions might deserve credit : but nature despiseth similitudes that are fetch'd from artificial things . therefore i understand that a dungy ferment of the kidney being too much exalted , doth afterwards dispose the coagulater , the spirit of urine , and the matter of the volatile earth , that they may grow together into the seed of duelech : for there is not a transchangative principle in nature , out of the ferments that are inbred , or obtained ( even as elsewhere of ferments ) except in artificial things constituted by the fire . from whence also , every similitude drawn from the same , is unfitly applyed . for potters earth is after one manner burnt into a stone without a seed ; and every stonification that is derived from a seminal beginning , happens after another . but that there is an earth in urine , first the mechanical distillation of urine , proveth : and then , of the blood of distilled blood , there at length remaines much earth , which otherwise in time of nourishment , as being wholly volatile , exhales , is consumed , neither doth it leave any dreg of it self behind : but the earth becomes volatile in the urine from the putrified ferment . a dungy putrefaction therefore growing in the urine : to wit , in the drosse or liquid dung that was brought thither , it sometimes obeyeth the spirit the coagulater : namely , as oft as a mutual action of them both is stirred up from the ferment of putrefaction . i have distilled a duelech that was cut out of a man , by himself ; neither have i extracted any thing from thence , besides a stinking spirit of urine , and a yellow crystal , and also an oyl , such as is drawn out of dryed urine : but that which remained unto me in the bottom , was a black , scorched , brickle , and un-savoury earth . therefore the writers of the first beginnings of chymical medicine , deceive their readers , as many as from the distillations of the stone of man , and its preparations , do boast of the ludus of paracelsus , or of the prince of stone-breaking medicines : for they have a desire to write meer , and a great many lyes . neither am i sufficiently angry at the impudence and rashnesse of these men , in a matter of so easie an experiment ; especially , when as any one might have fitly known that thing from the shavings of the urinal . surely , there is not so much as the least of those things extracted out of the stone of man , which those instructers of children do rashly write . it is certain in the mean time , that by the means of putrefaction , not a few things are made volatile , which before , their closets being not unloosed , were more straightly bound up : for so also , vegetables afford the more unmixt or meer waters to the stiller , than themselves yet being not putrified . we perish not therefore by the stroak of one onely weapon , since all particular ones which are mild , if they grow but a little exorbitant , do fashion new calamities in us . for the substance of the kidneys , being the hardest of all the bowels , and destitute of finewes and arteries , was the fittest for a dungy ferment of the urine : whereunto , if the ferment even but of a fore-threatned putrefaction in the urine , shall have accesse , a speedy inclination into the disease of the stone , is imprinted on the trans-sliding urine . for truly , the odour onely of the fore-named putrefaction in the urine , stirs up a heterogeniety or diversity of kind , which was before hidden therein . for presently , the urine which lighted into a foul urinal , becomes of a very stinking smell , and far sooner bewrayes the sand that was hidden in it , than that which otherwise was received in a clean glass . for i have shewn by an undoubted experiment , that even the urine of healthy persons affixeth duelech on urinals , in the form of graines , or scales : and that not presently after making water , that they do forthwith settle ; but they are affixed some houres after : to wit , while the urine now unfolding the ferment conceived in the kidney , enters into the way of corruption . in those that have the stone of the reines indeed , the urine receiveth a putrefactive ferment , which otherwise is not communicated to the urine of healthy folk , a dungy ferment being otherwise sufficient for it . furthermore , it is not necessary that an actual putrefaction be in the kidney , that it may stir up a sand within . even as neither doth the urine in urinals , as yet stink , while it now freed it self from the sand : but a sore-threatned or beginning putrefaction is sufficient , that the spirits may freely enjoy their right , and mutually ( their bolts being cast off ) act on each other . but i suppose that to be a sore-threatned putrefaction , which is onely seminally in the archeus of the reines , although not unfolded : for otherwise , if there were but the least actual putrefaction in the kidney , a slow fever would accompany that putrefaction : but of how small a quantity soever it shall be , it easily takes root within the urine , whereinto indeed a uriny-ferment hath already pierced ; the which , as it is in it self a dungy one , so also it is a putrified one . for there is an easie association of putrefaction , and of an excrement in a fermental co-resemblance : whosoever therefore shall endeavour , that his urine may not stonifie within : let him seasonably provide , that it do not unseasonably wax stony within him . for therefore , there are some medicines , which tinge the urine and kidneys with a gratefull odour , and for this cause are kind to their organs . for as they are diureticks or provokers of urine , they obtain a passage unto the kidneys , and immingle themselves with the urine . for whatsoever things , through an ocult , or manifest quality , have deserved the surname of stone-break ; do indeed cleanse and wipe off , and for this cause do comfort the kidneys being threatned with putrefaction : but surely , they do not melt , or resolve any thing of the sand : such as are sharpish fountaines , diuretical stones and herbs , which by washing off , and wiping away , do banish the sands and thinner clots : but do not dissolve them , and much lesse do they restrain the new beginnings of the stone ; because they being destitute of a balsame , and the seasoning of a gratefull odour , do notwithstanding not appease the filthinesses of the putrefactive ferment , however dull they as yet may be . for even as the re-budding of a plant , is not taken away by the lopping off its branches , but by rooting of it up : so neither is the stone of the kidneys cured , by thrusting out of the stone . there is not any thing done that is worthy of reward . if a person that hath the falling-sicknesse be raised up from his fall , if he be not also freed from a relapse for the future . yet this top of perfection or healing , the schooles have not any thing touched at : yea they have rather despaired thereof ; because they saw that the contracted blemish of the affect of the stone , did oft-times tyrannize on the posterity , as being translated by an hereditary right . for when physitians had seen one that was cut for the stone of the bladder , to have been afterwards free there-from , all his life-time : they promising to themselves , that the same thing would happen for the future in the stone of the reines , concerning a relapse : they being not any thing carefull of to morrow , perswaded the sick to hope well , they themselves at least , well hoping that they should receive money at the next markets of its return . for they supporting themselves by blockish principles , must now and then use onely the more mild laxatives , that they may brush off the foregoing lump or rubbish of the stone . for indeed they think , that they do wipe away all matter of the stone , out of the stomach : and in speaking seriously , they boast that by their blessed looseners , they have provided for a cloakative cure , if the sick party were but readily obedient in a repeated going to stool , and the observed rules of dyet . but unto these trifles i have abundantly given satisfaction in the book of fevers . for we are nourished of the same things whereof we consist . neither are the solid parts nourished , but by a spermatick slimy liquor that is akinne unto them . therefore the simplicity of galen is the more to be laughed at , which forbad membranes , sinews , cords or tendons , and so , parts of the first constitution , in food , least a muscilage or phlegme should thereby grow : as being unmindfull indeed , that the similar parts in us , are immediately nourished onely by that vitall muscilage . nor in the mean time , do the schooles heed , that one of the kidneys , and that one onely side , doth oftentimes breed stones , and sometimes waxeth totally brawny ; when as the other doth in the mean time rightly perform its office for the whole life-time . from whence at least , it must be confessed ; that the urine doth not stonifie in its foundation or bottom , from its own vice , or by reason of a muscilage ; ( the which , be it already sufficiently suppressed before ) in the next place , that it doth not wax stony from dyet , and from the imaginous tartar of meats and drinks : but that the kidneys do through their own defect stir up a vitious ferment , and at length bring forth this insolent monster . for oft-times , one of the kidneys hath a good while flowed with much sand , and afterwards is wholly stopped up with the stone . it well perceives indeed , a blunt pain of that side ; but no sand afterwards throughout the life-time . lastly , the schooles indeed , take notice of that by anatomy ; yet , they do not as yet therefore cease to condemn the guiltlesse stomach , as bringing forth a rocky phlegme for the one , and not for the other of the kidneys . therefore it is beaten for the fault of bringing forth the disease of the stone , it is sweeped with besomes , it suffers the lesser and familiar evacuations of three dayes : but the more rough punishments of solutive medicines , it undergoes at the set interchanging seasons of the year : yea the stomach endures punishment , because cauteries are imprinted under the shoulders and hammes of the legs , for the preventions , wrestings aside , and revulsions of a distilling phlegme , and other old wives fictions of that sort : and the tormenters do so much the more cruelly rage on the not-committed fault of the stomach , because this stomach suffers their cautery to be over-covered with a scar , but physitians do keep it open . as if a feigned phlegme , rushing down from the plaine of the head , and remaining unchanged in the stomach , should slide through the bowels , and should be again supt up by the meseraick veines without any discerning of a hurt received , but should from thence again be carried unto the liver and kidneys : unlesse , through the skin being opened beneath the shoulder and knee , it were revulsed outwards from its appointed journey . good jesus ! thou wisdome of the father ! are these thy schooles , which propose such kind of toyes unto silly credulous poor people ? and which circumvent them with meer trifles ? which torment mortals with so many butcheries ? far be it ! far be it from us to believe this to be a doctrine of truth : that is , thine . but the enemy of the first truth , the enemy of men , hath brought forth these trifling discourses , and doth even still defend them . but moreover , some prescribe diureticks , and others in the mean time , being affraid of or driven from them : to wit , least the stone being driven forwards out of the kidneys , shall stick in the way : for so an abbatesse being oppressed with a descending stone , by the perswasion of a circle of physitians , abstained from a urine provoking remedy in the dog-dayes , least happily , through the heat of that season , and of the diuretick remedy , the stone should wax big and harden . therefore she waited for four dayes space without sleep , with a cruel howling , untill the stone had of its own accord , arrived into the bladder . and then the councel of the physitians was triumphed in ; and that unlesse she had observed that rule , surely she had not kept life . a certain noble woman being sorely troubled with the stone , and a fever ; after blood-letting being four times repeated , after clysters , the lesser evacuaters , laxatives , vesicatories , and other remedies of that sort , survived full ten dayes with out-cryes for a spectacle of physitians ; because they found not an hour that was free from the fever , wherein they might give a purging medicine to drink against the stone ; neither otherwise would her strength be sufficient to undergoe a new tormenting cruelty : for what things i have seen committed by physitians in time of curing , under the title or pretence of heat , i could scarce with horrour and compassion , describe in a whole volume . for i remember that a jesuit at antwerp , in the year . both whose kidneyes being beset with the stone , denyed the passage of his urine ; at length , after two dayes combate of physitians , breathed out his soul : for they debated about the shadow of an apulean asse ; to wit , whether a suppository glans , or a clyster were to be administred unto him : they all abhorring diuretick medicines or drivers forward of the stone . in the mean time , john vermierden a certain merchant , having suffered a standing pool of urine for eight dayes space , and being now near death , took a urine-provoking medicine , of the juyce of palmer-wormes , and of the juyce of black shell-fishes , wherein he had boyled one grain of cantharides , to be drunk up at one entire draught . i let these things pass . but i thus decide the controversie of diureticks . every stone is either bigger than its vreter or urine-pipe , or lesse , or equal . if it be lesse , urine-provokers shall be seasonable , and not to be feared : but if it be bigger than is meet ; diureticks shall be plainly unfruitfull and vain : but if it shall answer in equality to the urine-pipe , it is better that the same be more speedily expelled , least it be encreased by delay . notwithstanding , because in the trans-passage of the stone , the ureter being contracted by reason of pain , is for the most part crisped or frizled , diuretick remedies , are in the fit , to be given with a fore-caution : to wit , those things that are to be given to drink , are to be restrainers of pain , and of the contracture sprung from thence . through the carelessnesse or ignorance of which onely poynt ; it sometimes happens that stones have stuck in the middle of their passage , and have kill'd the patient with miserable howlings . and that not so much through the insolency of the diuretick medicines , as through the errour of physitians . for neither must we think , that the channel or pipe of the vreter is of an unequal straightnesse , that the stone , which at the first onset descends through the vreter , doth at length stick fast , as being pressed with the straightnesse of its journey : but the future compressions , are diseasie and convulsive frizlings , arising from pain , even as elsewhere concerning sense and sensation . and so , fomentations or asswaging applications , as well those that are external , as internal , which appease those convulsive motions , i chiefly exhort unto , and judge necessary . why shall i not therefore distinguish of diuretical medicines , the appointments , as well as the choyce whereof they have scarce been heretofore known . . for truly , some do sharpen or exasperate the urine with a corrosive poyson : as cantharides . . others provoke and leave a tartnesse in the urine , and stir up the strangury : such as are new ales. . there are some which render the urine abstersive or of a cleansing faculty : as sharpish fountaines , the vitriol of mars , the stone of crabs ; and likewise herbs which in many places rejoyce in the etymologie of diureticks . and they all of them contain a volatile alcali or lixivial salt , or at leastwise attain that alcali in time of their digestion . for , for this cause , prouokers of urine , do for the most part conduce unto a vulnerary drink : because that in every wound , a tartnesse or acidity , the betokener and companion of all putrefaction in the flesh , doth arise : the which alcalies do easily sup up into themselves , and consume . wherefore there was a country man , who healed wounded persons with the lixiviuns of teile-tree . so the stone of crabs being boyled or steeped in wine , doth notably represent the savour of a lixivium or lye. . there are also some which provoke urine , and stir up the expulsive faculty thereof , as they do generate a putrefaction of the urine : of which sort , are the radish , asparagus , &c : for i have seen a lawyer , who was not afflicted with the disease of the stone , but after he had returned home from a more large eating of asparagus : and afterwards ; that he lay along under most cruel pain , not so much from stones , as from most subtile sands , through the returns thereof , perhaps every fifteen dayes , for some years . from whence i learned , that the errour of one evening had brought an ill habit on his reines , which could scarce be taken away for the future . i also , from hence , knew the pronenesse of our nature , which so quickly hearkens unto its own ruine , and that it having once fallen or slipt aside , doth slowly and difficultly rise againe , even by the favour of medicines . lastly , that such a kind of habit , now for some years persevering , hath neverthelesse been corrected ; and so that those inclinations which they call distempers converted into nature , are moveable , and seperable , contrarie to the dispaires of the schooles . . there are also diureticks , which refresh the urine and kidneys with a gratefull odour : as mace , nutmeg , terpentine , mastick , juniper , &c. as though the kidneys being comforted with their odour , were made mindfull of their office . . and then , there are some also , which from a lixivial alcali , do in time of digestion , passe over into a tartnesse , cleansing the passages of the urine like sope , do stir up the expurging faculty , and do cut the filths grown thereunto : of which sort , are those medicines which are collected from the shells , and stones , and ashes of appropriated things ; and the which alone , seem to be worthy of the name of stone-breakes , especially if they are drawn up unto a degree of volatility . . in the next place , there is a sort of diureticks , which being taken in a smal quantity , do powre forth plenty of urine out of the whole body : as palmer wormes , the species's of brookelime , and likewise the juice of sea shell-fishes , black and long : and whatsoever things do conteine a volatile nitre , and which do by property , rowse up the sleepy reines . . there is also another sort , which by way of sticking , comforts the reines , being profitable for the allaying of their paine , : such as is in saffron , rhubarb , and cassia being inverted , that is , being first deprived of their solutive virtue . . the spirit of sea salt , is not only a provoker of urine , and doth not also , only asswage the strangury in those in whose bladder the stone is rowled : but besides , it diminisheth the stones of the kidneys , if it be distilled with the utmost heate or fire of a reverbery . therefore it is not sufficient to say , that diureticks do create urine : but moreover , it must also be determined whether they act that from an excitement of the attractive faculty whether by a dissolving of the urine , whether by an exa●perating thereof , whether by a speedying of putrefaction , or lastly from any other title : neither is it sufficient for whey of milk to conteine some thing of a nitrous matter in it : but also it hath some certaine remainder of its former blood , from whence it is cadaverous or stinking , and so keeps the tenour of asparagus . for truly , many things do , by comforting of the reines , provoke urine , and other things overspread the urine with a gratefull odour , and others are the more troublesome , through a sharpnesse , as also those things which hasten a stinking ferment of the urine , the which are hurtfull unto the diseased with the stone , in their whole root : and therefore with the great errour of physitians , is asparagus boyled almost in any apozemes whatsoever . moreover , i was at sometime afraid of an ordinary laying down on one side : because the upper kidney would be stopped up by the incumbent weight of the bowels , and the urine standing like a poole therein , would become sandy , if it should dayly be there shut up for many houres : especially , because the upper kidney is distant from the vena cava or hollow veine , at least ten fingers in breadth : and because the bladder is of a middle scituation between both kidneys . therefore i perswaded my self , that the upper kidney could not unloade it self upwards into the bladder : but afterwards i knew this my fear to be vaine , and that nothing was beneath , in respect of the archeus : neither was it sufficient to have speculatively searched thereinto . therefore there was fitly one made known unto me , who had never layen on his left side from a boy ; also that he being now an old man , had not yet suffered the disease of the stone . i observed also another , who had never slept but on his loynes and right side : yet he became stony in his left and declining kidney . i repeat hear , that the clear and distilled liquour of my own urine , carried its own earth up with it , through the alembick , which it conformed and affixed to the sides of the vessel , into a true duelech : and that , that hardening was made by the spirit of the urine , which coagulates any thing , and many things after a diverse manner . for it condensed the spirit of wine into a volatile lump . but if it findes a fixed object , of the nature of a salt , it is turned into a salt , even as it happens unto spirit of wine , from the salt of tartar : or while the spirit of fountaine salt being drunk up by salt its kinseman , is made salt . but if the spirit of urine find a fixed earth which it may gnaw , seeing it wants a coagulable object , it is imbibed by the earth , and subdued hereby : and it being otherwise the authour of coagulation is there coagulated passively . but where the spirit of urine findes a volatile object that is not coagulated ; yet coagulable ( because of an earthly disposition ) it uncloathing it s own coagulum or runnet , constraines the same vapour into an earth ; and both their forces being conjoyned , a new creature is made , which is the nativity of duelech . but moreover , the schooles insisting on their own principles of heates , prescribe , that the patient must not lay on his back , also that his loynes are to be anoynted with cooling oyntments : yea that a plate of lead is to be locally borne upon them . they command a bed of wool , instead of a bed of feathers , least his reines should wax hot : and moreover , between the bed cloathes and the bed , they spread a hide of leather : for indeed the schooles are busied only about subduing of the effect , and have respect only unto the product , or effect ; but in no wise unto the cause , not so much as to the occasional one . for by watching diligently over trifles , they successiuely subscribe unto each other , without any observance of help : and so they seriously dream waking , that they may flatter the sick . for neither are stones bred , because the loynes are hot ; but the loynes are hot , because stones are bred . they therefore chuse wool or flocks before feathers , by reason ( they say ) of the heat of these : as being ignorantt that feathers do lesse heat , than wool , by reason of their exact exclusion of aire ; which thing the sense of touching may judge of . in the next place , it being granted , that the feather should more heat the body laying upon it , and that is wrapped in feathers , than wool ; yet all that ceaseth , if a sheet interpose between the feathers or wool . for truly , the heat which issues out of the feathers or wool , is not the very heat of these simple substances : but the reflex heat of the party laying thereon , and being received in the feathers , or wool . for it being from thence layd aside in the middle of the bed , returnes through the sheet , not indeed stronger than it self was before , but being almost suitably co-tempered with the same importance of heat , wherein the body it self is prevalent . but the very glassen instrument that was framed for the measuring of the temperature of the encompassing aire , visibly determineth this controversy : whereof in our elementary principles . neither doth it argue to the contrary , that he that hath the stone in his reines , feels himself hotter in a feather bed , than in a flock bed . for that happens not by reason of the greater heat of the feathers : but fitly , because the patient is sunk deeper in the feather bed : but he layes only on the top of the flock bed , and the cooling aire blowes on him from the sides . will the schooles thus never distinguish of any thing from its foundation , cause , and roote ? and ( with rustick wits ) will they alwayes savour of the heathenish opinion of heat and cold ? i intreat you for the love of god , wherein , every one , when this life is finished with him , can desire that he may be beheld , cast away stubbornesse , presumption , and sloath , and do not despise a better doctrine . chap. vi. the womb of duelech . . why the womb of the stone is to be sought into . . the bladder also , generates a stone of another condition , than the kidney . . prognosticks or presages . . heate doth not coagulate any thing in urines . . another necessity of the womb . . the scituation of this womb . . a handicraft operation . . observations had from thence . . the extension of this womb is conjectured of . . the reason of wonderfull events in those that have the stone in their reines . . from whence there is a relapse in the stone of the reines . . the stone of the reines hearkens unto meteours . . the manner in making thereof . . the urine , why it is troublous or foule . . the paine of the stone of the reines is from a contracture . . they are deceived in the cause , who bring the straightnesse of the ureter , as for the fiercenesse of paine . . the ignorance of the womb hath caused a neglect of the cure . . a fabulous perswasion of the schooles . . another necessity of relapses . . the cleering up of a certaine doubt . a history of a mad man. . the seperation of the urine from the venall blood . . the disorderly generation of a strange stone . the seed , matter , and processe of making the stone in man being already made manifest , and the urine being known in its contents , as it is the seminary vessel bringing down the seed of the stone ; yet , there hath not as yet been enough spoken : for truly , one kidney being safe and sound , the other only , is oftentimes stony . it is not sufficient therefore , to have accused the common beginning of the urine ; and therefore this is the more powerfully to be imagined , that every generated being presupposeth a certaine womb , from whence , to wit , the product it self doth now and then obtaine no sluggish disposition . for it is of necessity that there be places , wherein things may be made , before they are bred , and that , as well from the priority of places , as of motions . for the urine is already materially in the liver , yea and in the mesentery veines , before it be in the kindeys : nether could the reines by a seperation , sequester the urine from the venall blood , unlesse the urine and the blood where now the while , really distinct . but if it be urine before it come down to the kidney , or unto the sucking veines , it must needs be also , that the stone is after some sort prepared before it come unto the innes of the reines . for if the dung begins to be prepared , even from the beginning of the gut duodenum ; why shall not the same thing happen to the urine ? wherefore it hath seemed to me , that neither also could the urine performe the reason or office of the womb of the stone , and much lesse the reines themselves , so great is the hasty passage of the urine thorow them , as it were through syringes : wherefore it hath behoved me , first to give heed unto the womb of this monstrous ofspring : especially , because the schooles have even hitherto , skipt over this top of knowledge , as being content with the judgment of the vulgar , nor being wise beyond the country folk , who behold only the reines and bladder : but surely the mine or womb doth euery way cause a great diversity of the thing that is to be born , if it for the most part , conteines the fruitfullnesses and barrennesses of generation . for if nature be subject to the soyle : certainly nature cannot but be in a womb , especially , if she stonify in one of the kidneys , the other remaining safe . and that thing is chiefly to be contemplated of , from the same , and in the same matter of the stone , and urine of one seed . from the womb therefore and not from elsewhere , is the cause of the far fetcht infirmity , to be required . for the bladder also , and the same urine in number , procreates a duelech of another condition , than that which is made in the kidney , or at leastwise , which was never made before . for indeed , i am not wont to subscribe to the naked pleasures of predecessors , as neither to their judgements , because i am the more assured , that the very power of healing , languisheth under their unaptness : therefore i ought to search out the womb of duelech . first of all , i have espied , that those that had the stone in the reins , were wont , for the most part , before their future pains , to presage their malady to be at hand , from their watery , untinged urine : but that afterwards , when their pain was present , the same urine was abundantly much , and troubled , like yellow ale not yet refined . and that , when afterwards , a more subtile or thin urine , well mixt with sand , flowed forth , they testified , their pain to be manifestly slackned ; or almost none at all : yea , although for some days there remaineth a continual urine , sometimes bigger than both kidneys : then also , i beheld a continual and plenteous bole or lump , to be dayly cast forth with their urines , in shew of a powder unperceiveable by the touch . a certain one also i beheld , which would dissolve only with heat ; ( so far is it that heat should be the author of curdling ) yet oft-times that lump being seperated from the urine , was not again afterwards founded in hot water ; but that , by rest , it at length setled to the bottom , which before , was solved in the salt of urine . for i alwayes believed , that seminal generations were made from a disposition of the matter ; and that the perfection hereof , was by little and little introduced through the labour of the archeus . i knew therefore , that the generation of duelech , doth follow the laws of other natural generations : and so also , that it is made at an instant ; and by consequence , that the preparative disposition , or the dispositive preparation thereof , is indeed introduced by degrees : therefore i concluded with my self , that this whole nativity of the monster , and the preparation thereof , is not finished in so hastned a passage through the kidneyes ; especially , wheresoever that lump doth sometimes occupie a third part of the urinal : yea , the sand that is cast out at one only making water , doth now and then equalize the half part of the kidney : that , in the mean time , i call not to mind the slenderness of the bosomes of the kidney . therefore i have deservedly suspected , that the reins only , are not the womb of the sands , of the bolus or lump , and of the stones ; but that these do prepare their own products by foregoing vessels , wherein the urine is disposed , and that the full essence of duelech is there obtained : to wit , that the fundamentals of those things are stamped , which anon appear to be . but that i might expel all scruple from me , or that i might not believe , that the urine doth by a momentary passage through the kidneys , being as it were , more swift than the glance of an eye , act it self into a lump , sand , or greater stones , and then afterwards be cast head-long through the urine pipes : i collected the urine of him who was grieved in one only kidney , and which had voyded both sand and lump ; and then i strained the urine from the sand through a towel ; yet i discerned , that of the same urine , no less sand and scales had afterwards adhered to the urinal , than if it had come forth without a lump or sand . on the contrary , i also found , that the urine which had once applied its sand to the urinal , had laid aside no more sand in a new urinal for thirty hours after , but only a sediment that was to be washed away : therefore i was assured , that all that sand was cast out with the urine of him that had the stone , neither that it had belonged to that sand , and to the same urine , the ground whereof it had now required to be . consequently also , that the sand that was afterwards pissed at successive and continual turns , was not the product of that urine alone , nor made , or begotten through the delay of collection of that urine : yea , seeing otherwise the kidney , being four times bigger than it self , should now and then not be sufficient for entertaining of the sand flowing down by that sit : therefore i have learned , that the watery and untinged urine was the fore-shewer of the future sands and fit , and the presager of the future pain ; or that , from that very time , it laid aside the foundations of dispositions in a certain hollowness , perhaps bigger than the bosomes of one kidney : werefore i conjectured , that the womb was more capable of the sands , lump and stone , than both the bosomes of the kidneys were : for one is a central borderer on the urine-pipe ; and the other , is a winding one , circumflexed , or bending about throughout the body of the kidney . for i greatly wondred , that the urine waxed not yellow on the first days , yet that abundance flowed forth ; nor that the dross being the tincture of the urine , should then according to its wonted custome , be attracted : as if all the tincture thereof , being for the framing of the urine , were wasted ; or , as though the sands were made of the meer tincture of the dross ; and so that the mixture of the liquid dung with the urine , was a diseasie one besides nature , although ordinary : which meditation indeed , at my first entrance therein , afflicted me : at leastwise from thence i more cleerly knew , , that the material cause of duelech , assigned by the schools , was altogether vain and stupid : seeing that if there were any whitish and phlegmie muckiness cocted from the heat of the kidneys , into a stone ; now the sand of the reines should not be of a more citron colour than the stone of the bladdet ; but both stones should be alike pale ; because the cocting and drying of that mucky snivel , cannot citrinize the pale colour of the same ; or in the bladder , under a longer delay , it should be wholly yellow , unless pethaps , the schools shall demonstrate , that the muscilage of the kidneys is yellow , and that of the bladder white ; else surely , they teach old wives fictions concerning the muscilaginous matter of the stone . furthermore it hath seemed to me , that the urine is cleer , plenteous , nor tinged before the fit ; and troublous , and sandy , after the pains ; because that while the sand is in making , that happens in the vena cava , and in the sucking veins themselves ; it not being indeed , as yet in the form of sand , or of a stone , but like a lump , like a more thin clay , and like a sediment . and so the urine is not then duly concocted in that kitchin ; wherefore it is watery , and the archeus of those parts is primarily , ill affected . but i understand the coction or digestion of the urine , to be the promotion thereof unto a urinous perfection : for there is not yet in that very place a sand , but the most small atome of a bolus or lump : because a corruptive ferment is there established , besides nature , and the requirance of the place : but by how much the farther it departs from thence toward the kidney , or unto the last sink of the urine ; it is also more and more burdened with its own uriny ferment ; and duelech receives an increase almost at every moment , and is by degrees confirmed into bigger grains ; for i did argue , if a vein even after death , preserves the blood from curdling , contrary to corruption , it should not be unmeet for a certain preservation from a stonie coagulation , likewise to exist in the wombs or veins of the urine ; but that this preservation is very strongly trampled upon by a vitious ferment of the neighboring-kidney : the which , when it hath once seriously happened , so as that the veins have but a little departed from their native goodness , it befalls these , as to any kind of impure vessels , and those molested with a neighbouring stinking , or strong smelling ferment , whereunto something of the residing impure contagion , doth stubbornly adheres for such is the continued succession of relapses in those that have the stone in the reins , that all the dreggy filth adhering unto them , is not fully wiped off ; and that there is the same neighbour character of the bad disposition , which forged the former calamities . after the same manner , whereby a hen carries mature eggs , and those less mature , and others , like grains , in her loynes , which are the pledges of a birth successively to follow for some moneths . this indeed hath been the necessity whereby those that have the stone in the reins , do for the most part , obey the importunities of a meteour , do also presage future tempests , and the pains of these do ascend from the loynes into the back ; because while somewhat more of those filths is now affixed to those veins or wombs , they are grieved and contracted , at least , on that side whereon they are molested ; or on both fides throughout their loynes , in a like manner : under which contracture , and wrinkled frizling of the veins , a pricking , lancing , and , as it were , renting pain ariseth . and the more gross atomes which were collected in the sucking veins , fall down in that frizling , unto the kidneys : a lump in the mean time , remaining for a pledge , being as it were the seminary or seed-plot of the next fit , even untill the mature ripeness of its age . in which painful convulsion of the veins , the liquor latex , doth at length , speedily run from far , out of the veins unto the kidneys for help ; or is drawn thither , and being obedient , flowes thereunto : from whence there is a disturbed urine . but what that latex is , which seeing it is not urine , yet it is mixed herewith , hath been largely enough declared by me in its own treatise . but after that , the small pieces of sand and stones are cast forth , and the pain ceaseth , because the contracture of the veins ceaseth . that cruel pain therefore of the diseased with the stone of the kidney , ariseth from the contracture or drawing together of the veins : but not from the passage of the bolus , or sand . for oft-times a great stone is afterwards less painful , which at first being but of a small bigness , was exceeding painful : not indeed that the ureter is become larger than it self was ( even as the schools , otherwise think ) but the convulsion was greater while the malady was unaccustomed . for otherwise , if the urine-pipe should undergo so great a largenesse , they contradict themselves , while diuretick medicines forbid the straightness of the vessels . and then , i have further considered , that about the beginning the urine is voyded clear , watery , and abundantly : for since the urine is tinged by the dross or liquid dung : but since that dross is not drawn forth , but nigh the end of the gut ileos , and night to the fewel of the ferment of the dung ; from thence it comes to pass , that that dross is not allured from so far a distance under the confusion of the fit at hand : for that the family-administration of that kitchin , is confusedly troubled and interrupted : because the stomach , together with the whole abdomen or neather-belly is disturbed , and in a guess or fear , fore-feeles the storme at hand , no lesse than it co-suffers with the same , and undergoes it , being present . for it seems to fore-feel the sand , not yet seen : but surely , it is then present in its own womb , and while it is fore-felt , from that very time , the beginning of that contracture is present . the archeus therefore being willing to wash off the enemy , and excuse the fit at hand , calls to him from on every side all the latex , and sends it down to rince the kidneys . therefore the veines are contracted in the stony reines , and the bowels consent ; and therefore by reason of their consent , they dissemble the pain of the colick . for which cause , the pain of the stone in the kidney , is not yet sufficiently distinguished by the schooles . neither is it a wonder , that at the convulsion of the veines , the bowels themselves are also convulsed or pull'd together : seeing contractures of the joynts ( by reason of the near affinity of consent ) do follow as well the cruel paines of the colick , as those of the stone in the kidneys . far therefore do the schooles wander from the truth , as that the dross is drawn or sent , for the framing of the stone : but rather the tincture thereof comes upon the urine by accident , while the spirit the coagulater uncloathes his power on the volatile earth : because other things being agreeable , the stone that is tinged , is alwayes more brickle than pale ones . and that thing clearly argues , that the tincture of the urine , if it could , would totally hinder the composition of duelech . and therefore those that have the jaundice , although they are otherwise subject to the stone ; yet in time of the jaundise , they are scarce seen to be stony ; for therefore in time of the generation of the affect of the stone , the urine , at the first conception of sands , waxeth yellow , and looks pale about the beginning of the fit : because then it is as yet , latex , and not yet meet urine . therefore , i have certainly known , that if all the sand which is voyded should be made onely in the bosome of the kidney , the pain would be greater while it is voyded , than while the sand doth not yet appear : the which notwithstanding , contradicteth experience . moreover , because the sand being once bred , the urine is troubled more than it was wont , and becomes thicker ; seeing otherwise , a troubled confusion perswades , that it containes more of a pouderish matter ( for in a more gross consistence , there is more pouder than in that urine which is at first clear and watery : ) that plainly convinceth , that the womb of the affect of the stone , is already filled up ; neither that it can entertain that more gross balast . therefore the variety of the womb being unknown , hath neglected not onely the curing of the stone in the reines , but hath also , introduced interchangeable alterations of its causes and curing . indeed it is one thing for the sand floating from the kidney , to be thrust down by a succeeding drop of the urine : and a far different thing , to shake off the adhering sand , not indeed through the water washing it off , but from a conspired convulsion and frizling of the parts . for they perswade , by the marsh-mallow , mallow , oyl of almonds , and the like , to asswage paines , to moisten , enlarge , and besmear the passages : and so in this , as also in all other things every where , the schooles are either intent onely on the effect , or propose that which is ridiculous : while , as they ought by a cleansing faculty , to brush off the sands and lump , from the whole womb , they totally employ themselves in loosening the passages , and in moistening the membranes , which are alwayes most moist in themselves . for truly , although the sand be expelled , yet the womb thereof is not therefore safe : but at leastwise the sides of the veines , remain defiled with the bolus or lump , for a future punishment of the stone ; whither the schooles hitherto have had no regard . for i sometimes wondred , that he that a good while before had the stone in his reines , after he hath dismissed that stone into his bladder , doth the more seldom stir up new stones in his kidney , as long as the other molests his bladder : yet that he that hath the stone in his reines , if together also therewith , he be gouty , doth notwithstanding admit of the gout as a companion with the fit of the nephritical affect or stone in the reines . for from thence i have learned , that as pain in a wound , stirs up a sandy or gleary water , so also , that it can change the urine it self , which may hinder stoni●ying in the antient womb of the loynes . wherefore also , there is a troubled urine ( and that without sand ) seen in persons that have the stone : for the pain is the trumpet , which occasionally cals to it , the latex from on every side , which inflames , yea and disturbs the urine with a strange guest being admixed with it . but in so great a confusion of offices , nothing is thought of the confusion itself : for the pain hath oftentimes set before mine eyes , the image of feruent heat . for water , after the boyling up of heat , is for the most part troubled and confused : for so , because there is a bolus made of the volatile earth of the urine that is not yet sufficiently seasoned with a salt , by reason of the want of an urinary ferment stablish'd in the reines : therefore also , that bolus or lump melts with the fiery heat ; neither is it constrained into the more hard and great sands , as long as it doth not experience the force of the ferment of the kidneys : but the bolus is sufficiently tinged , not indeed from the dross , the more lately coming thereon , which tingeth the sands ( for that red lump is beyond the yellownesse of the dross ) but from the washy venal blood , which is erroneously translated in the veines ( the womb of the bolus ) for uses , being the ends of turbulency . and for this cause , in the signification of urine , the bolus testifies of the liver and venal blood ; but the sand nothing of these . it is manifest therefore , that the urine is by it self salt , although a man be not fed with salt , and thou shalt find the cause thereof concerning digestions . a certain curate in our city , being beside himself , passed over whole dayes without any meat and drink before his death ; but he never wholly wanted a daily urine , although a more sparing one , and by degrees , a more red one departed from him . from whence i conjecture , that there is in the kidney an exchangeative faculty of the blood into urine ( and the which faculty , i elswhere , in the treatise of the dropsie , do studiously prosecute ) no otherwise than as a wound doth of the blood , prepate a speedy and plentifull sunovie or gleary water . therefore the urine , for the last limitation of it self , requires and borrowes a virtue from the ferment , which the kidneys do inspire into the womb of the urine : no otherwise , than as the liver inspires the faculty of blood-making into the veines of the porta , and knittings of the mesentery : wherefore the whole chyle of the stomach doth in the same place presently dissemble blood in its colour . but the plainly lord-like power of the kidneys over the veines , i elsewhere prosecute concerning the dropsie . but although the ferment of the kidney , serving for the ministery of the whole entire urine , be as it were the digestion of a certain bowel ; yet it is not reckoned amongst the number of digestions , because it concerns the concoction of a superfluity , but not of a nourishment . for since every transmutation which proceedeth by digestions , hath its own medium's or proper ferments , which are fit for a new generation ; also the kidney begins to imprint its own ferment on the creame , presently assoon as it is stayed at the ports of the liver : through the vigour of which ferment , the urine sequesters it self from the venal blood , in its native properties ; and although that blood be not yet coagulable : yet the liquid from the liquid do there separate themselves . the mysterie of sanguification or blood-making , is indeed homogeneal , simple , and altogether single , and so included in sanguisication alone ; yet a separable unlikeness ought to be bred in the cream , presently in its entrance of the port-veine : for else , the blood , while it attained a vital condition in the liver , would undecently be defiled with the blast of the ferment of the kidneys : but that the urine is naturally salt , and from whence that saltnesse is unto it , thou shalt find elsewhere concerning digestions . but here , let it be sufficient to have given notice , that as much of an acide salt as is bred in the chyle under the first digestion ; so much passeth over into a salt salt , by a substantial transmutation in the second . i have now pointed out the womb of the urine and stone , beginning : i have also declared the wonderfull property of the spirit of urine , in coagulating , and stonifying : from thence also , it now is sufficiently manifest , that if the spirit of urine happens to flow by a retrograde motion , through the liver , into the port-veine , and from thence to be expelled , as an unaccustomed stranger , through the mesentery into the bowels : that it shall there also easily coagulate unwonted stones ; and the which paracelsus calls congeoled ; but not coagulated ones ; because they ascend not unto the hardnesse of the duelech of urines : the which are confirmed from their mother-matter , a muscilage . but if indeed , the spirit of urine be carried upwards or downwards through the hollow veine ; it by a faculty proper unto it self , estrangeth the spermatick and muscilaginous nourishment of the similar parts into a more hard compaction : from whence at length , scirrhus's , quartane agues , and also divers obstructions do arise : the which surely , they do vainly endeavour to brush away by jeleps , or apozemes . lastly , the gaul is nourished by the venal blood its neighbour ; whereinto , if the spirit of urine shall wander out of its own womb , stones are presently bred also in the gaul , for whatsoever enters into anothers harvest , becomes forreign and hostile , and so , extraordinary affects do arise from co-like causes . for neither have i unfitly taught , that , that wheyish matter which is carried , as being throughly mixed with the blood , and is by sweat or otherwise , unsensibly dispersed , is not urine , as neither that it hath the properties of the same ; nor that it is a whey , the imitater of milk , and much lesse that it is gaul , or yellow choler : but a part of the liquor latex ; of which , in its own treatise . chap. vii . duelech dissolved . . the inconsiderate rashnesse of the schooles is accused . . an account or reckoning up of knaves , over whom the magistrate ought to be intentive . . the author excuseth himself . . every disease in its own kind , is curable . . how much is to be hoped for from the shops . . or what may there be found for the disease of the stone . . a double indication or betokening . . a somewhat deaf intention of the schooles . . the vanity of this kind of intention . . why the marsh-mallow , mallow , juyce of citron , &c. may profit . . a frivolous objection against vrine-provoking remedies . . the imposibilities of the schooles . . the reasons of the schooles for an impossible remedy . . the reasons of the alchymists . . the testimony of cardanus . . the writ or charter of the prince of saltzburge . . the delusion of the schooles from a ridiculous enquiring into remedies . . ridiculous privy shifts . . that the stone is not confirmed . . the stones of animals and vegetables , after what sort they may be profitable unto us . . the manner of preparing them . . from whence ludus took its name , and the preparation thereof . . ludus , where it is to be found . . a blockish beasting . . an errour of paracelsus . . the rashnesse of the schooles . . paracelsus prattles no lesse unsavourily concerning the matter of the stone , than the humourists . . a declaratory confession of things un-soulified : and of the balsame of salt. . the manner of administring a remedy . . the bladder of the bul-cal● being an embryo . . observations about the stone of crabs . . an errour of paracelsus . . a wondrous antipathy . . a new catheter . i have spoken of the womb of the affect or disease of the stone : but now i must seriously consider of its remedies . for indeed , the common people laugh at the schooles , who are become a reproach , because there hath not been any thing hitherto , diligently searched into , concerning the true causes or curing thereof . i have indeed elsewhere rehearsed , that the power of the mind being as it were barren or feeble , hath acted the original of medicine : & that medicine , being also in its ripe yeares , even unto this very day brought into a circle without any progress : because they have been willing rather to abide in forreign , grecian , barbarous and heathenish inventions , and have held it an honour to have polished other mens principles . while as in the mean time , new diseases arise : also those : that were once spent or grown stale , do rise again masked ; and therefore do they appear illegitimate , nor any longer answering to the descriptions of the first . for indeed , medicine stands without any progress , while as our health stands in the greatest need of the increase of healing : as a slow and ungenerous kind of physitians hinders the same , because they would be wise only by anothers commentary , and deny art to increase above what they have known : and therefore also , whatsoever they are ignorant of , they by a certain despair , drive away into the catalogue of uncurable diseases . as if the invention of ancestours , had stopt up the way of our industry , had shut up the treasures of wisdom , and as if all the modern force of the mind were barren , and the power of divine wisdome exhausted , that there were nothing any longer , which may demonstrate unto us a further truth . truly the cup of sloath hath even from the very beginning , befooled the world with a lethargy ; for therefore , every one , had rather to assent , than diligently to search : for so great is the sweetness of gain ; that every one doth with love , admire his own societies or confusions , and miscellanies of medicines ( they call them received magistrals ) and those medicines which being in times past the more secret ones , have rendred physitians that were lovers of labour , famous : old women , by reason of the drowsiness of physitians , have at this day , spread abroad into the hands of apothecraies . from whence , every barber , bather , nun , tormenter , or bawd that was chased out of the stewes of harlots , boasts of medicine ; the number whereof i will here describe . for those first come to hand , who will heal , being indeed not instructed for this purpose ; but being prompt by nature , and daring to do any thing , hand forth those things to the sick , which they have heard to have profited others , without the knowledge and difference of causes ; and so they drive them head-long into danger . for from thence , almost all the experiments of the schools have issued : the which also , galen after the example of his master quintius , hath confirmed : for the schools making experiments by the deaths of men , presently call their graduates , most expert physicians . others being vulgar ones , had rather heal only the vulgar ; and unto these they give their counsels : some also , from favour alone , and being entreated . many also , by reason of the ambition of honour , and that they may seem as wise men , have this kind of vice bred in them ; for such kind of deceivers will seem to be rich , and therefore they perform all services for death , or a chanced health , freely . of this sort are those first of all , who at rome , thrust a triacle on the cardinals and peers , as composed of better simples than god hath created in nature : for so we have deceived the people in the city , and have seemed to be holy apothecaries . there succeed these , such as require rewards indeed , but in no wise money , lest they should be known to have put off the condition of noble persons , and likewise their promised poverty : and therefore they are those , who say , they earn or merit nothing for themselves , but only for a poor community . there are apostates like to these , who confess indeed , that they are not physitians ; but that they have their secrets from a queen , or an emperor : for these are wont to interpose as middle persons , which extol the price of their medicine . and then there follow these , who wear garments and a purse bored full of holes like a sieve ; neither , in the mean time , are they slow to exercise , of their own imposture : as that they were sometimes very rich , but now impoverished ( in a hogs-head of wine ) by the art of chymistry , by wars , and by the constancy of religion . there are also those , who at sometime were valiant in a troop of souldiers ; but in war ( for the conflicting for moneys ) they bestowed all their wealth ; they shew their scars in a bravery , perhaps being received as a due reward . some also have left wives and children , houses , and altars , and the pleasant fields of their countrey , for the worship of religion . many also are poor of their own accord , because no body will give them any thing : neither are those wanting , who feign their religions , change their garment , walk in wodden begging shooes ; they by a lurking hypocrisie , counterseit an hermite , into whom god hath inspired the vertues of simples . there are some also , who everywhere intermix astronomy and palmestry . in the next place , there are others who wander about the countrey , who received their art in the mountain of venus : from hence they have known to cure bruit beasts , no less than men , from diseases : likewise , they know also how to foretell things to come , and to dig treasures out of the earth : and there are some , who being destitute of books , write on paper the unharmless words of solomon , whereby diseases no otherwise than as devils are chased away ; they carry crosses before and behind them , lest the devil should carry away him that writes those powerful words . there are some who understand divers dialects ; they feign among the dutch , that they can speak the chaldean , arabick , and dalmatian or sclavonian tongue , and being laden with many arts , they at length , brag of science mathematical , or histories : many of these have known how to make , no less then the stone which makes gold , they carry about with them mines of mettals , that are propagable by a perpetual ferment . there are also saracens ; and there are baptized jews ( for the most part , wickeder than those that are not baptized ) who have learned out of the cabal , divers wayes to morrifie mercury ; and likewise diversly to prepare poysons : the which , they deliver , to be prevalent against all diseases , and many other . they boast , that the hebrew tongue doth contain the foundations of all sciences , and the great secrets of common-wealths ; and that they are great with child of the fore-knowledge of future things . they oftentimes cite their rabbins , their book nebolohu , together , with the little key of solomon : from whence they are able to read as well things past , as things to come . others also affirm , that the medicinal art is to be inherited only in their own progeny or succession of blood ; although they are all foolish , or wicked persons . but if they are not received by men , at leastwise , among women they boast with a grace : for they are covered with the same hide , both greeks and jewes , although the one doth interchangeably deride the other ; for they being prompt by nature , perfectly learn to lie , of themselves . there is also a fugitive sort of the family of chymists ; the which , while they boast of the more choice remedies , set to sale nothing but poysons to apothecaries : for they usurp all liberty of lying among the ignorant ; lying increasing with them through daily use : for they are idiots , being fugitive apostates from chymical furnaces . but the schools , do with a greater security , and by a most free authority of all , deceive mortals : for when as i do by the unavoidable decree of truth , demonstrate , that they are altogether ignorant of the essences , causes , and remedies of diseases , and do confirm that thing by a great volumn , and reasons drawn from the cause : they in the mean time , promote their own schollars ; this man , because he is a latinist , and hath his father a chyrurgion , or an apothecary ; or another , because he was made master of arts , and hath heard some lectures of professours ; another lastly , because he in part , brags of enclide , or or hath learned to dispute , from aristotle . but i pity mankind , which is subject to so many inward calamities , and exposed to so many external assailants : who , when under the unlucky rules of the schools , they have slain any one of those in chief place , do assume the priviledge of calling upon the uncurableness of the disease , and have everywhere their patrons and complices . and so , they alone , do without punishment , make an assault on the lives of princes , even as i have shewed in the book of fevers . but by so much themore miserably , do mortals entrust themselves in their hands , because they cover their ignorance among the common people , by promotion , and an oath . for they swear that they will faithfully cure infirmities , the which , i have shewn , that they are altogether ignorant of . yea , their prince , galen , hath not shewn them so much as one medicine , which was not borrowed from empericks , however he may triumph in his pastime theory of complexions and degrees , as well according to their kinds , as places . for quintius , the master of galen , and wholly an emperick , is everywhere called on for help , by his schollar . princes and magistrates ought to divert this unpunished liberty of killing , from their subjects , and they are held from conscience so to do . but i do not think , that this hath been neglected through carelesness : but that it hath hitherto been dis-regarded , by reason of the ignorance of the remedy . but i judge this to be the remedy thereof : if they appoint every physician to be so obliged , as that he ought to go to see every sick person , by whom he shall be required , three times at least , under the penalty of banishment , and deprivement of his office . for otherwise , the number of physitians , hath sufficiently increased . and then , that there be no pay due to a physitian , if he shall not heal the sick . by this double decree , indeed , physitians would become the more watchful , and the business would more rightly succeed with the sick , and the prince would preserve his subjects . but those statutes are to be seriously kept ; for they are equivalent to the law of cornelius , concerning privy murderers . i now return from whence i have digressed . there are also some , who while they feign themselves to have read my book of fevers , object , that i boast only of chymical remedies , and unwonted arcanum's or secrets , that i might call every sick person unto my self , by despising the most safe doctrine of the antients . far be it ! because i neither go to visit the sick , not do i heal for hope of gain : the which , all good men of our whole countrey are witnesses of . surely , i call none , to prostitute or set my medicines to sale unto them . i willingly live a retired life , being sought unto only by the poor . this one thing , i openly and freely profess : to wit , that the conquests of difficult diseases , do require other physitians than humourists , and far different remedies from those which the apothecary sels : because they do most desirously require the endowed powers of the most perfect bodies , that their poysons , from their balsames , may be separated in us . yea where poysons are not manifest , the confusions of the archeus are overcome , impurities are privily expelled , the dimensions of remedies are turned in and out , that they may disclose their properties , of whose endeavour , the archeus hath need . and moreover , the impressions of remedies may be turned inward , whose tyranny our nature cannot bear without destruction . for in this offence , and in this penury , many ages have already departed , as being unhappily passed over ; because the causes which make diseases , being unknown , the powers of remedies being not known , and the more ptofound preparations being despised , whatsoever disease did not pass under heathenish beginnings , hath stood dedicated unto desperate ones . truly , no disease is , in its kind , uncurable : for god , as he made not death , so neither doth he rejoyce in the destruction of the living . he hath made the nations of the earth curable : neither is there a medicine of destruction , nor a kingdome of infernals in the earth . wherefore , i before god , who is everywhere present , do from my very soul , exhort a sluggish kind of men , who are ready in subscribing to the ignorant , that they contemtemplate with me , that by the remedies of the shops , some diseases alimentary or pertaing to nourishment , are sometimes by accident , cured ; to wit , such as do admit of voluntary consumptions , and easie resolutions : but that in the more grievous ones , in whom there are fixed , or chronical roots , the use of those have more hurted than profited . hippocrates indeed , without envy , left the enquiries into the more profound remedies , unto posterity : because our ancestours lived in more happy ages . but the schools have not had respect unto the greater necessities of mortals , of nature sitting and laying ; but being content with galen , and his master quintius , they have not perceived the defects of mortal men , seeing they have beheld gain to sway them in any event whatsoever . for they have not so much as once earnestly considered , how to hinder the returnes of the stone in the kidneys , and much less , how to dissolve the stone ; because they had yielded up their names to deceived authors , and false causes . for therefore there hath nothing been heard hitherto , of the true cause of stones , and of a true cure , and therefore also , nothing of true remedies . for truly , such a remedy was desired , which might hinder the off-spring of a growing duelech to come , by a preparation of the very urine it self : then also , which might restore the gorgonous declining of the stone-breeding womb , the power of a stonifying ferment ; and at length , which might also dissolve whatsoever the spirit , the coagulater had committed . of all which particulars , there hath nothing been hitherto heard : only the schools have been intent in driving the stone foreward , and in loosening of the urine passages . therefore , in curing of the disease of the stone , a two-fold industry is obvious to our sight : to wit , one , which takes away the inclination and fear of a relapse : but the other which may demolish duelech being generated . i will shew , that it hath not been dreamed of either intention , in the schools ; but only , that they have attempted the driving forth of sands & stones ; but that they have not consideted of the pacifying of so cruel a pain , from the root . they praise indeed , and exalt to the highest pitch , mallowes , the marsh-mallow , oyl of almonds , and whatsoever things they name moisteners for mollifying : and then , they con-joyn divers fomentations , as well those , mostening , as abstersive or cleansing , and likewise cooling ones , lest the pains should be heightned , or the stones increase . yea , they commend also , the oyl of scorpions ; as though , that being anoinced on the out-side , would break the stones ! as if i say , they would loosen the fat , fleshy membrane , and peritoneum or filme enclosing the bowels ; to wit , at the enlargement whereof , the urine-pipe should presently be mollified , and extended in breath or wideness . truly the common people have found out , and brought forth these succours for themselves , some old woman at first perswading them . afterwards , the schools , at the beginning , admired these succours , and then , straightway embraced them : to wit , least ( since they have no other medicine ) they should become unprofitable by despising them . but these things are not received for the sake of pain alone ; but they lightly searching into the cause of help , and being only solicitous about the journey of the stone , have decreed with a final arrest ; that the urine vessels are not to be enlarged but by moistening things ; neither that there could be any other hope of healing : but for the enlargement of the urine-pipe , not indeed according to its length ; but only , whereby they might hope , to wit , for its widening : as if nature were obliged to conform her self to the endeavours of physitians : and so they have judged the remedies of pains to be by accident ; whereunto they have adjoyned clysters , lest the urine-pipe being pressed together by the dung lying upon it , should spread a floud-gate for the sliding stone , and so , should stop up its passage ; and so that the capital remedy of the schools hath been intent about dungs , the effect , and latter symptomes ; but no way on the causes , rootes and foundations : from whence that satyrical verse arose . stercus & vrina , medicorum fercula prima . excrementitious dung and vrine-piss , are of physitians , the chief dainty dish . but how vain and childish these aids of the schools are , the very afflicted themselves , and the widows and off-spring of these , do testifie . first of all , the muscilages of the mallow , do not pass thorow , from the mouth unto the ureter , in the form of an asswaging , loosening and mollifying medicine but that , they do first receive some formal transmutations in their passage : for neither doth any thing descend thither , unless it hath first assumed the nature of urine : yea , and if the urine-pipe being now stopped up by the stone , ( for as long as it is not stopped up , it hath not as yet filled up the whole wideness of the ureter , and therefore an enlargement of the same should be in vain required ) doth sustain the urine lying behind it ; after what sort , i pray , shall this same excrement give place in so straight a passage , that it may rise up , and make room for the urine prepared of the mallow , comming unto it ? i , at leastwise , confess , that i do not understand any thing of these promises . and then , put the case , that old wive's fiction were granted , and that , that moistening muscilage could come down safe unto that straight angiport or narrow lane of the urine : yet it shall not therefore extend the pipe of the ureter , which was already before , moist ; the which , besides the already actual mostening of it self , doth now require or expect to be enlarged by a forreign muckiness : as neither , being once ever enlarged , should it afterwards wish for , or admit of a further repeated extension of it self , in relapses ; and so , that supposed , and dissembled remedy of the schools , would be profitable but at only turn : unless they had rather , that the ureter should be enlarged by the sliding and comming of the aforesaid muscilages thereto , and through their casual absence to be again narrowed into its former state ; which is to grant a power of enlarging according to the desire of the physitian , besides the accustomedness and nature of a solid passage , and that of the first constitution : because they should naturally , afterwards again return into their former and native narrowness . for the schools , if they speak seriously in these things , they befool or deride the sick , and do wantonize by applauding of themselves . i pray you , if they suppose these things to be true , why do they forbid diureticks , if they are of validity for driving forth of the stone , and by adminstring moisteners , do enlarge the narrow passages ? why do they not couple moisteners with provokers of urine , that they may satisfie both betokenings at once ? for i have already taught before , that if death shall come upon the patient , from the stone sticking in the passage , that doth not happen from the guilt of diuretick medicines ; as neither because the urine vessel ( unless perhaps , it shall be a monstrous one ) is in some other place , straighter than it self in its beginning : and therefore that the stone once departing out of the kidney , if it be stayed in the sliding down by reason of the strickness of the passages ; that happens from the cruelty of pain which hath convulsively contracted the urine-pipe : and therefore , that comes not to pass through the offence of the diureticks , but of the physitian , who hath never scarce heard of this convulsion , in the schools ; and therefore , neither hath he sought into a remedy for it . where surely the incongruity , and faulty arguing of the schools , from not the cause , as for the cause , comes to be taken notice of . because the aforesaid moysteners , the marsh-mallow , mallow , and oyle of almonds , &c. do profit , not as they do enlarge the urine-pipes ( which is in it self ridiculous ) but forasmuch as they aswage the convulsion of frizling , even as some external somentations do . and likewise , the juice of citron , doth not helpe by the abstersive , and incisive or cutting force of its sharpnesse ( for otherwise , vinegar , and other sharp things should perform the same ) because the juice of citron , layes aside its tartnesse in the first digestion of heat , and therefore , neither is it admixed with victualls , now waxing hot : but there remaines in it a residing faculty , convenient for asswaging of the cramp or convulsion : to wit , while it being converted into urine , doth as yet retaine a certaine kind of marke of its former middle life . what if the schooles do fear the use of diureticks , least happily , many stones in descending , should light at once within the ureter , and that he which as being the more grosse one , was the hindermost , should as it were a wedge , stop up the passage : but , neither so indeed , is there a casual vice to be ascribed to the diuretik medicine : because , besides , a fiction is also set to sale for a truth ; for whatsoever doth at the beginning , happen to fall into the urine-pipe ( unlesse it shall be a certaine hook ) that doth thus procede , and is carried downwards : for smal stones do not play and wantonize in so famous a passage : not one stone , or many at once that are bigger than the passage , do passe out of the kidney : as neither do they once fall down from thence , which sustain the weight of urine behind them . that thing indeed , were to be suspected , if the ureter were not a soft and loose membrane , but a dry and unflexible reed : for that , a moist membrane , for fear of a vacuum or emptinesse , doth of necessity alwayes fall down on the sides , unlesse it be enlarged from behind , by the urine falling : but the urine provoking medicine , is not yet therefore hurtfull . for the falling of many and badly formed little stones by chance into the ureter , hath not drawn its faults from the diuretick remedy ; but from the fatal urine rushing on it , which without that diuretick , had equally fallen : wherefore a diuretical remedy is neither to be feared , or turned away from , for fear of an irregular and monstrous chance : to wit , that , that wich is ordinary , by it self profitable , should be forbidden , from the fear of an unwonted and most seldome accident . but if they say , that many smal stones being glewed together with a slimy matter , do fall out : first of all , that destroies the material cause of duelech which is diligently taught by the schooles . for truly that phlegmy glew ought already to have been stonified : but those stones neither found , nor took to them , that glew in the urine-pipe : wherefore if one only stone , or many co-glewed ones , do slide out of the kidney , it is all one : because in their sliding forth , they were not bigger than the passage of the kidney . therefore if urine-provokers do not dissolve that glew , nor disjoyne those little stones : it shall atleast be very profitable , so much as may be , to have driven forth that offensive fardle of the stone , a more plentifull and provoked urine laying on it , by the urine it s own weight . for the urine-pipe is not naturally moist with any muscilage within ; the which , the urines of healthy persons doe testifie : therefore , if any muscilage of medicines should come down thither , that could not but be unto the ureter besides nature , and its usual wont . what if the urine pipe , being beset with a stone cast into it , be said to beget a muscilage . first of all , the urines of those that have the stone in the reines , do contradict that chance : and then also , the schooles shall be heedlesse , which derive phlegme , or the material cause of the stone , from above , yea , out of the stomach , for stones : because it is that which should be found at hand , and in the sick urter . and foolish muscilages of forreign simples are given to drink , if a muscilage should be the native cause of the malady . and then , the schooles speak , as if diureticks did drive foreward the stone , yea and also the urine as with a hammer , or as if they did thrust them forward behind their back , as by a staffe : for so , by artificial things , after the manner of the vulgar , they plunge themselves into a labarinth for a spectacle : not considering , that in urine-provoking remedies , there is a specifical property left from the middle life of the simple , or got in the transchanging of digestion ; from which property , diureticks do emunge or wipe out the urine . but no diureticks do by themselves respect the progeny of the stone ; as neither doth an honest or true physitian give heed to effects that rush on the sick acidentally by accident , that therefore , he should neglect effects , perse , or by themselves ; the which notwithstanding is otherwise done , by forbidding of a urine-provoking medicine . because that a sanative indication , or healing betokening , commands a most ready removal of that which is hurtfull , and the rather , of that which doth afterwards wax more great by delay . therefore i prayse diuretical remedies in the stone of the kidneys , so that they do also aswage and lull asleep the convulsion . a certain countesse , and likewise another nun , closed their day with huge pain : for both of them shewed as it were , a hook , wlth one sharp top of its triangle ending in the kidney ; but with its other , into the vreter : and both of them dyed with a cruel convulsion . they dye not indeed by reason of the suppressing of their urine , when as the other of their kidneys , yielded a sufficiency of urine : but they dye onely through a cruel convulsion ; which cramp is again loosened about the time of death : wherefore the dissection presented nothing besides a small stone of a hook-like form , which brought death upon them . i said at the beginning , that the curing of duelech did consist as well in the abolishment of the inclination , as in the melting or dissolving of the stone ; both whereof , the schooles deny to be possible : and so we stand in opposite termes . therefore we must come unto reasons , unto witnesses or deeds , and unto charters or letters patents ; and that , my right being proved , the ignorances of the schooles also may be made manifest . first of all , seeing that of a non-being , or of that which is impossible to be , there is not any positive conception , and so , neither is there any knowledge thereof ; therefore the schooles confess , that there can be no science or knowledge unto them : and that they do deny those things to be possible , which they confesse themselves to be ignorant of . but the reasons , which have dasht the schooles unto an impossibility , are these ; but frivolous enough . our experience , the mistress of things , hath not yet made it manifest unto us , that the evil inclination can be taken away ; since that according to galen , a distemper being turn'd into a nature , cannot be cured , according to the proverbe . naturam expellas furca , tamen usque recurret though nature with a fork thou dost expell , yet still she will return into her cell . but most especially , in the part that is filled with a continual excrement , to take away the confirmed distemper , is altogether impossible . but as to the stone being confirmed , however great a noyse the specious boasting of stone-breaks may make , yet it is nothing but the vain boasting of empericks ; the braggings of idiotisme , and nothing else . for the physitian can onely stir and drive forth the stone by urine-provokers , and loosen the passages by moystening emollients : yea , since diuretick medicines are full of danger , nothing is more meet for a physitian to do in the disease of the stone , than to enlarge the urine-pipes by moystening them , and to take away the incumbent filths by clysters , from the bowels : but the smoak-selling chymists , boast that they will dissolve the stone being confirmed in the bladder , by a retrograde resolution ; and so they procure nothing but disgrace to themselves from their own mouth : but our philosophy promiseth nothing beyond the strength of nature , and therefore it remaines reverenced among learned men , and hath taken firm root for so many ages already past . for who sees not , that the stomach it self ought of necessity to be sooner broken to pieces and dissolved , than the stone which is an hundred times harder than the stomach , being so far remote from the mouth ? but because the chymist is for the most part ignorant of philosophy , he boldly promiseth any thing , that he may wipe moneys from the miserable and credulous sick ; the which , he knows not how to provide by his gold-making art. for if there could be any thing in nature , which would dissolve a confirmed duelech , so many princes and peers , and so many various wits of physitians , had not hitherto wanted so happy a remedy . these are the lofty looks , decrees , and calumnies of the schooles : the which notwithstanding being well weighed , are found to be the true priviledges of opposite men . for first of all , if any one by offending , may contract a disease ; why , by a well-healing , may he not take away the same radically ? and wholly root out the characters that were once imprinted on the part ? for i have freed many from the disease of the stone , to the which they had for some yeares been obedient , so as that they lived for the future , plainly free there-from . the remedies of whom , thou shalt by and by find , under the penalty of my infamy or disgrace . for i easily indulge the schooles , because they speak according to their own experiences , and ignorances of the causes , and deny that the impression translated on the powers of the members , is to be taken away : to wit , seeing they hitherto acknowledge , nothing but raw and sluggish remedies : but in the mean time , they are wallowed in an unexcusable errour , who despair that any one should be wise beyond themselves : when as in the mean time , they cease diligently to search , and all their life long , addict themselves onely to gain . the judgements of the schooles have regard unto the writings of ancestours who were subscribers to heathenism : but our judgements have respect unto the first being of bodyes they being freed or dispatched from their wrapperies , whereby they are hindered from proceeding unto the first constitutives of us : wherein they are able to strangle the hurtfull impressions which are introduced into the middle life ; and for that cause to take away those impressions which seem to be converted into a nature . as to the taking away of the inclination ; first of all the medicine aroph of paracelsus ( which sounds , as the aroma or sweet spice of the philosophers ; so called by reason of its golden tincture ) being prepared under dung , with the mixture of rye-bread , and afterwards extracted with spirit of wine , cures an antient inclination unto the stone of the kidneys . a certain man called baio , our countryman , while as he had for some yeares in his embassage into england , been many times molested with the stone in his kidneys , with the greatest pain , and through my perswasion , making use of the aforesaid liquor aroph twice every week , was afterwards free from that affect of the stone for the space of eighteen yeares : and at length dyes in the year of his age ; and his dead carkase being dissected , shewed not so much as a small sand or little stone ; who before , while he was stony , whether he were carried in a coach , or soberly walking , had alwayes pissed bloudy urine : his heires do now as yet survive , who are witnesses hereof . i remember also the counsellour , of whom i before made mention , concerning his eating of asparagus ; for he , when he was wont miserably to lay down at every fifteen dayes , having afterwards used ale wherein daucus or wild carrot-seed was boyled , hath lived now , for some yeares , free from the disease of the stone . the experiments and testimonies of whom , do make the schooles to blush : since there is truth in their mouth . paracelsus also called the beings of gemms and stone-breaks unto his ayd ; and at length , by the one onely remedy of ludus , promiseth , and attained both the ends of curing . the schooles deny that to be possible , which they cannot perform : their testimony is full of arrogancy and blockishnesse : for truly , as oft as they admire at the feeble help of stone-breaking things , attempted with their crude remedies , and also their vain effect thereof , they bend their brows , lift up their shoulders as astonished , being asked , are silent ; but being constrained , s●ye back to an impossibility , and had rather accuse god , as having forgotten mercy and goodnesse , than that he had afforded remedies in nature against the stone ; being ( as they say ) confirmed , and against most diseases : yea , they do more willingly accuse god of forgetfulnesse , than they themselves can admit of the mark of any ignorance in their own paganish doctrine . but princes being circumvented by the schooles , have subscribed to the juggling deceits of these ; and they being seduced by the impostures of the schooles , the liberality of their piety hath erected hospitals of uncurable sick : which impostures have reproved that text of wisdome of a lye ; god hath made all nations of the earth curable : neither is there a medicine of destruction . for the schooles have made their own and too gross ignorance , reciprocal and convertible with the impotency of nature , as if they knew every thing that is possible , and were ignorant onely of that which were impossible : and that not onely negatively , but altogether privatively : as though their ignorance did not depend on the de●ect of universities ; but rather on the scantinesse of divine goodnesse , or providence . wherefore since a denial of possibility in healing , seemed to me to contain a hidden wickednesse , i alwayes hoping well even from my youth , did argue on the contrary , after this manner . if it be of faith , that every disease began from the fall or departing out of the right way ; but that every sin may be wholly remitted : we must by all meanes hope , that every disease may in its own kind be taken away , if the punishment be equalized with the sin , in remission : especially , because the same god who forgiveth sins , doth also heal diseases , hath afforded remedies , and hath created the physitian through the abundance of his goodnesse , which exceedeth all his actions : and is infinitely greater in his indulgence , than all the sins of men . for could he not perhaps , create a suitable and victorious remedy for every disease ? or knew he nor how to do it ? or was he unwilling so to do ? who hath afforded the remedy of eternal death . for he rejoyceth not in the destruction of the living , who hath made all nations of the earth curable . but as to the authorities of writers : for cardanus writeth , that in his age , there wandred a man about among the lombards , who in a few dayes , by a certain cup , cured in many places safely , certainly , and briefly , as many as had the stone in their bladder : and he adds his judgement , that he doubted not , but that this man was in hell ; because dying , he envied his art unto mortals . in so great a paradox , one onely witnesse is not sufficient against the clamours of the schooles . the epiaph of theophrastus paracelsus , which is seen in a wall in an hospitall , nigh saint sebastians temple , being erected by the prelate of saltzburge , doth represent the same wonder to have many times happened , however the guts of the scoffing momus may crack . his words run thus ; here layes entombed , philippus aureolus paracelsus , a famous doctor of medicine , who by his wonder-working art , took away those cruel wounds , the leprosie , gout , dropsie , and other uncurable contagions of the body , and honoured his goods , so as to be distributed and disposed of to the poor . in the year of our lord , ; on the th , day of september , he changed life for death . but that under uncurable diseases , the tabes or consumption of the lungs , asthma , stone , and all such like diseases were understood by the prince of salizburge , the schooles themselves do teach . because they are those who do alwayes thunder out , that such diseases are every where , chiefly uncurable : and then , the indefinite phrase of the epitaph hath respect unto the books published by paracelsus concerning the stone ; and that with a far more acurate quil , than concerning other diseases . at leastwise therefore , whatsoever is once and the oftner done in nature , it is not impossible that this should be done again : and by consequence , whosoever affirmeth that to be impossible , which by divine goodnesse was at sometime done in nature , according to the desire of the physitian , he lyes before god the workman of nature : for in the right , which is of the deed done , those very witnesses do disclose it ; and those are reckoned , unprofitable brawlings , which are brought in against witnesses . the schooles therefore , which call us deceivers , do mock mankind with an elenchus or faulty argument : saying , the stone that is far remote from the mouth , is far harder than the membrane of the stomach : whatsoever therefore should corrode or lessen the stone , being at a far distance , had now a good while before consumed the stomach it self , whereinto it had newly fallen . therefore the stone is of necessity , an uncurable evil . but if the holy scriptures write otherwise , a way is to be sought , whereby with moderation , they may be excused of falshood . but surely , the keyes of wisdome are by a certain force , so detained in the schooles , that seeing themselves enter not in , they also endeavour to drive away others that are willing to enter . for it is not in the intent of the chymist , to take away duelech by corrosives , but by proper and specifical dissolvers . for neither doth the stomach of a pigeon dissolve pearls , or that of an oestrich , iron , or flints , by corrosives , but by an appropriated ferment of digestion : or if thou shalt grant corrosives unto the stomach of animals : at leastwise they are such , which bring not any dammage to the stomach ; and moreover , if thou hast regard unto the highest corrosives , aqua fortis dissolves indeed iron , brass , and silver ; but wax , it doth not so much as pierce . through the inconsiderateness of which thing , the schooles have affrighted their young beginners , the unlearned vulgar ; yea , and great men from diligent searching into things , their own ignorance , the drowsiness of diligent searching , and hope of gain , perswading them hereunto . therefore for the stone , and diseases in the bladder , as if physitians did intend a derivation or drawing them another way , they being ridiculously converted unto the fundament , have attempted the matter by clysters ; as if to have unloaded the fundament , were to have purged out the stone . for they saw , that the juyce of citron did diminish a humane duelech in a glass , and they hoped , that the same thing ought to be done in us : but if not , that they could boast , that by administring the juyce of citron , they had performed as much as was possible for nature to do . as being ignorant in the first place , that the sharpness of the citron doth wax sweet under heat , like an unripe apple , which in it self , is at first , sharp , and afterwards , being ripened by heat , becomes sweet . in the next place , if one only drop of the more tart wine be sent inwardly unto the bladder , it brings more pain thereunto , than a great stone . they therefore imagine a ridiculous thing , who boast , that by administring the sharp juyce of citron at the mouth , they have done some profitable thing for the diminishment of the stone . they likewise erre , who also hand forth liquors that are distilled with salts , for the dissolving of the stone in the bladder : for a sharp matter , as such , cannot pass thorow into the veins , without a notable hurt or dammage . and although , in the juyce of citron , and much more in the spirit of sea-salt , there are succours for those that have the stone ; yet these do not happen unto them , unless they have first bid sarewell to their rartness : because in very deed , the curing or dissolving of duelech , is not perfected by sharp , as neither by corrosive things . neither do sharp cups ever pierce unto the bladder , not are suffered to be derived thither . but while the schools have been intentive on the summary or content of stone-breaking medicines , although as astonished , they were at first , fearful of the issue of what they promised , and afterwards being more assured , they saw themselves to be frustrated of their hope ; yet sporting with mans skin , they gave him the beaten powders of fruits and stones . they knew , i say , that they were destitute of a remedy ; yet they desisted not to give those things to drink , which they knew to be vain , wherein they deceived the sick , while they skipt over the occasion of healing , with vain and pastime remedies , that they might excuse themselves of their death , among posterity : as though they had faithfully administred whatsoever was possible in nature , and those things which are extolled by true physitians . of the more hard seeds ( as while they gave credit to grummel seed , so it is by a ridiculous name , called [ lithospermen ] or stonie seed , by the schools ) they straight-way made to themselves a presage from their name . and then , they joyned the stones of crabs , snails , fishes , also the burnt shells of shelfishes , yea , the hardest gemmes , being beaten in aurichalcum or copper . at length , they gave chrystal , being fired , quenched , and beaten , to drink , from a pastime invention , and with a deluding event . last of all , as soon as they beheld themselves to have come into derision and despite , or least they might seem to expect a reward , and their repeated frequencies of visits to be undeservedly paid them , but to have done something , although they being perfectly instructed by manifold experiences , despaired within their own breasts : they said , that a succouring remedie , which was denied in europe and asia , was to be fetched out of the indies ; at leastwise , that the councel of the physitian by the knowledge of so fotreign simples , might be drawn into an admiration by those that stand by : as if god were not the creator of remedies , the merciful helper of the sick , and had for so many thousand years , refused remedies to the european and asian sick ? but in the mean time , the stone doth of its own accord , rush head-long out of the kidney ( for of that of the bladder , they have long since despaired ) oh , of what great esteem are their stone-breaks so administred , then , made ! and as somewhat too bold , they feign , that their powders do command the kidneys , no otherwise then as bondslaves , and break the stones , as it were , under a hammer . but if the business succeed the less prosperously , they grieve that they were called late , that the passages might have been more seasonably loosened by a bath and a clyster . they bewail that an offence was committed in the fewness of clysters and simples , and accuse their cousin physitians . they grieve most especially , that they were called , the stone being already confirmed ; although for this cause , by reason of a charter or commission sent them from the schools , which time between the stone being confirmed and not confirmed , might proceed , perhaps not indeed from the negligence of the schools : but because that charter being written in parchment , was devoured by the mice . truly , a privy shift of the schools it is , being a like ridiculous ! for truly , duelech doth not obtain his hardness by degrees ; because he is hardened by his own coagulum or runnet , in the middle of the waters . and therefore the schools have been deluded , who thought , that the stone was hardened and dried by degrees . surely he is as hard in his yesterdays bark , as in his innermost kernel ; and as hard , being newly cut out and wet , as he will be , being kept for a whole age after . and the sand is as hard , which but newly adheres to the urinal , as it will be within a year , being scraped of . a flint , i say , is as hard in the bottome of a river , as it will be within an hundred years . who is there therefore , who may not admire with me , the everywhere gross ignorance of the schools ? they have not only deceived themselves by their own thinking , for that they have said , the stone in the bladder is generated , dryed , and by degrees more hardened and confirmed through heat ; but they have not so much as considered by the way , that urine doth apply sands in the glass , and in the cold of the encompassing air , without the help of heat , dryth , or cocture ; it being as hard to day , as it will be after that it is dryed in a paper . these indeed are the studies , decrees , and remedies of the schools ; by the worthy deeds whereof , they deny a help to be possible in nature , for those that have the stone : and therefore they decree , that the stone in the bladder , which is bigger than the passage , hath not a remedie in nature , from the divine goodness , besides the knife . for the bladder of women may be enlarged by operation with the womb-glass , and send forth its stone ; but we now treat of the bladder of a man. horatius augenius a chief paduan , rejoyceth , that the cruelty of the knife was also increased by his own brain ; to wit , because he first had dictated that wickedness to be done by a fired knife : but paracelsus his junior , although he had also referred the whole hope of duelech on the knife ; yet afterwards having silenced his errour , repaired by his ludus , his marble and flinty tartars , equally , with other shellie or brickie bodies , resolving them by that one only remedie . truly i know that divine goodness hath created stones in the vegetal and animal family , which should be unprofitable and vain in their own particular kinds , almost monstrous , yea otherwise burdensome to their own individuals , unless they were created for some good unto us . therefore since all things were created for the use of ungrateful man , and many things do scarce profit their own individuals , they shall also scarce profit mortal men , unless being resolved into a milky juyce , or into their first being ; certainly they have received their appointments unto a strange stonification of a rocky form , from their use : for neither is a stone bred in an animal or plant , for a punishment , but it shews the signature of its gift , even in the hardness of its coagulation : but although a mineral stone that is a stone-break , be fit for dissolving of duelech , if it be so prepared , that it may come thorow unto the kidneys without the hurting of its faculties ; yet the stone of the animal or vegetable , in their rocky nature , are for the most part , the more civil ones , and so being as , it were houshold citizens , they are the more easily admitted into our common-wealth : for their countenance do cause a hope of their signate : that as oft as they depart from their stony disposition , they also obtain a power of executing the natural endowments promised in their signate , they enter into wedlock with us , and communicate their intimately espoused , promised vertues unto us . the which cannot happen , but by a full resolving of them into their first being : for i have made the stones of fruits , to wit , of medlars , dates , peaches , &c. volatile , without any caput mortuum or dead head , after that they had returned into a milkie juyce : and that indeed , without a separative distillation : for i have found , that this kind of remedy doth restore , no otherwise than as aroph doth preserve : of which two , i make this difference ; that restauration is the cutting off of the received inclination : but preservation is a prevention of that which is to come through a hinderance of the disposeable matter : but in a true cure , both are included . furthermore , for the true resolution and melting of duelech being generated , the ludus of paracelsus obtaineth the chiefdom , not that it is a flint , and that children do play with it ; even as some have interpreted the etymologie thereof : but because ludus is alwayes extracted in the form of the ancle , of a die , or square cube : of the preparation whereof , this is the description according to the author . ludus being exactly beaten or pounded , calcined , and boyled even into the form of an oyl ; the which , he by almost one only word , calleth the gawl of the earth , and a corrected altholizoi , which soundeth al. tho . oli . gesotten . or that which is wholly converted into an oyl by boyling . which most eminent preparation of ludus , hath hitherto been made known but to a few mortals , under that brief tract of words . and although the world be worthy of compassion , and that its preparation may in a more manifest sense be described ; yet the manifold contemners of secret things are unworthy , that those things should be manifested now , which god for most weighty reasons , would have to remain among a few , and the little ones of this world , in the possession of the treasures of his own dispensation , until that nothing be hidden , which shall not be revealed in its own fulness of dayes : in which fulness of time , wo to the world , and to its confusion ! yet will i speak a little plainer , that those only , who are skilful in the phylosophy of the art of the fire , may comprehend me . let ludus be beaten into a powder , in a morter , and under a pestil : and then again under a whetstone , in a stonie or marble morter : then afterwards let it be calcined ; not indeed with a roasting fire ; but let there be added unto it , the circulated salt , whereof paracelsus speaks in his book of renewing and restoring , and the salt being distilled from thence , is called ludns calcined : because with the small labour of two houres , it will be wholly converted into a slat . let ludus therefore , being thus calcined , and reduced into a salt , and being of equal weight with it self , run down of its own free accord into a moist place . but let that salt being resolved , be shut up with hermes seal , in an egg with a long neck , and let it continually boyl in sand , with a fire of the second degree , untill that all the ludus , shall in its own equal weight , stand like a more gross oyl upon the water , which it drew from the ayr of the cellar : for then all the ludus is a volatile salt , in the form of an oylie salt dissolved , and it hath a certain kind of tast of urine ; and therefore it goeth through the urine with the drink , in its entire vertues , and dissolves every stone wheresoever it shall lurk in the body ; because it is a volatile salt , it is resolved in moysture , neither is separated in the shops of digestions : but because it doth after some sort represent the tast of urine , and in the mean time , hath properties that are friendly to our nature , it is willingly received , and is also dismissed to the kidneys . the dose thereof , is of grains unto . with a small quantity of simple distilled-water : and the stone of an indifferent or reasonable bignesse in the bladder , is resolved into the bignesse of a pine-kernel , especially in two weeks . the liquor of ludus being thus prepared , is called by paracelsus , the gaul of the earth : because , if it be extended in paper , it is of a dark citron-colour , not a little declining to green : for it is a stone , exceeding wonderfull , it onely answering to the descriptions of paracelsus ; to wit , being bred of the salt of the urine of the liquors of the earth : in the bottom of the earth , according to the depth of the bladder in the body of man. but i have found it at the bank of the river scalds , nigh antwerp , where bricks are boyled , and it is scituated more or lesse than soot under the horizon , according to the depth of the river : for i compare , the bottom of the river unto the bottom of the bladder : but it is not in the bottom of the river ; but it is extended in one onely and simple roof or story , under the ground or bottom of the brim , in a neighbouring field , nigh to the sides of the banks , and that for some miles . and that vault or story of ludus , doth scarce exceed the thicknesse of a foot . neither also , is it any further extended above or beneath the aforesaid vault ; nor is it elsewhere round about to be found . there is also in the aforesaid field , a frequent fire-stone , being rich in sulphur and vitriol . the which , although it be very hard under the earth , yet it soon becomes brickle under the ayr ; to wit , through its vitriol decaying by degrees : but ludas is a palish stone , now and then covered with a clear crust throughout its seams , being as to a great part of it , volatile in the potters furnace : for this stone is the top of stone-breaks , and the desire of those that have the stone . happy is he who can calcine the same as i have now admonished : but the labour thereof , requires not onely reading and thinking , but a full knowledge , being also doubly confirmed : because it is the labour of wisdome , the hope of adeptists : therefore he is most rare , whom god , in this age that is full of misery , hath throughly brought unto this scope . it is not sufficient to have known the ludus or cevilla of paracelsus , and the native birth thereof , and that it ought to be reduced into an oylie volatile salt , without the loss or destruction of its natural endowments : but since there is not a more laboursome part in all chymistry ( which paracelsus doth often declare in the preparation of the tincture of sulphur , which graduates or heightens the native colour of gemms : to wit , the same circulated salt , is on both sides silently suppressed : ) i will-perswade a few things , so far as brother may communicate to brother . for although out of humane compassion and charity , a remedy against duelech ought to be divulged before the world , by trumpets : yet it ought , for reasons known to god , to be kept amongst secrets , whereof he himself would remain the dispenser , take of ludus being poudered : one pound , and as much of the liquor alkahest ; distill this liquor from thence ; and at the first turn , all the ludus will be changed into a salt , which , in a glassen-dish in a moist place , runs down or abroad , without any residing earthlinesse , and this defluxing liquor , is of a yellow colour , and being closed up with a hermes seal , in boyling , it swims wholly atop , as it were a froth , in the form of a green metled grease . and it is the corrected altholizoim and gawl of the earth of paracelsus . but he that thinks , by the additament of salt-peter , or of the like artifices , to atain this medicine ; let him know , that such kind of salts , however exactly and repeatingly they are co-mixed with the ludus , yet that the salts only will be defluxive , the earth being left , as it were a lee or dreg in the dish : but the ludus ought to be totally transchanged into a volatile tinged salt , without reserving any thing of the adjoyned alkahest : because that as well this liquor , as the ludus , do keep their former weight : and the ludus it self , keeps the mineral natural endowments which the almighty goodness hath afforded it . but this work is most exceeding difficult , not indeed in respect of the preparation of the ludus , but of the alkahest it self . i know that i speak the truth , and the proof thereof in our adeptists , is that which exceeds all demonstration : for aristotle acknowledged no other science , than that which springs from a fore-existing knowledge of the senses : but there is another undemonstrable one , wherein the giver himself remains the interpreter of his own light , beyond all the ambush of a syllogism ; yet so certain is it , that the whole world cannot stir up the least doubt in the knower : which thing i have professly confirmed , and made manifest in the treatise of the searching after sciences . i have made manifest the while , after what sort a spirit may be drawn out of putrified urine , which being sent into the bladder by an unpainful catheter , dissolueth duelech . the schools in the mean time commend their own herbarists , and these their own stone breaks ; yet they are in doubt , and being without hope , contend with each other , that if not for the dissolved stone , at least , for the hope cast into the miserable diseased , they may desire a reward to be paid them . there are some in the mean time , who promise composed magistrals , whereby the stone being beaten , as it were under an hammer or mill , is broken into a sand or meal : but if in the mean time , any sand doth perhaps appear , they require , that all that should be attributed to their stone-breaking remedy : but the event hath hitherto deluded their rashness , whom the knowledge of the root hath even hitherto deceived . for truly , duelech consists of a matter altogether similar or alike , being fetched from the one only and constant liquor of the urine . for indeed the stone is everywhere , and in every part thereof , a stone ; neither doth the sand differ from the stone , by way of matter ; neither is the stone a manifold sand , collected by a glew or muscilage ; so that there is only required a resolution of the glew , the sands in the mean time leaping asunder from each other : therefore it is a frivolous thing , that the stone doth leap asunder into sands which are the more stubborn to dissolve . for paracelsus , although having obtained a remedy , he was succesful in curing the stone ; yet in this , he manifests , with the humourists , that he was ignorant of the nater of duelech ; because he promiseth , that his remedy of ludus being taken , it should be cast forth in the form of sands ; then again , because he teacheth , that the bigness of dueleh is to be divined of , and weighed , by the boyling and drying up of all the urines , being kept together throughout all the interval of the cure : both whereof notwithstanding , is a meer dream of rashness : for truly , whatsoever remedy dissolved duelech , that should chiefly , and far more easily be for the dissolving of sands , and very small fragments , if any should fall down : for whatsoever is coagulated from a similar urine , that also in it self , must needs be similar or alike : and then , if , when duelech is dissolved by ludus , all the urines being collected , and kept together in the whole interval of the cure , should be dryed up ; perhaps they would forty times exceed the weight of the stone : for who knows not , that even the urines of healthy folk , being dryed , do leave a caput mortuum behind them . therefore i have discerned that paracelsus indeed had often , by offering of his ludus , dissolved the stone of the bladder ; but that he kept not the strong smelling urines , nor likewise that he dryed them ; because it had been too tedious a thing for him to do : for it hath pleased the most high to send before the elias of arts , a fore-runner , teaching the crasis or constitutive temperature and preparation of medicines : unto whom , that the world might give credit , signes were given , establishing his doctrine : for he hath a famous preparation of great arcanums , which was not to be confirmed but by an obtainment of healing : and then there have some followed after , who adding to the inventions of , or things found out by paracelsus , were illustraters of the speculative truth being found . that at length there may one succeed , who hath obtained the obtainment of healing , teaching both by word and work , those things which god hath denounced by the former . last of all , the schools distrusting themselves , have by a new deceit obtained credit among those that are rash of belief ; and have boasted , that by the rules of dyet , they have known so to dispose the body of him that is stony , that all the fore-going phlegmatick heap of the stone , and that which otherwise , without those their institutions , would presently and of its own accord , make for the branches of stone may by a continual successive repetition , be taken away : that is , they promise , that they can fore-snatch away all phlegm , which doth after any manner whatsoever , form the stone : yea , that phlegm ; which ( according to the heathens ) is required for a necessary elementary composition of the venal blood , should be so sparing and small , that it should scarce suffice for that its necessity , and much , less for an abundance , to create the stone . to which end they promise , to wit , certain magistrals , and repeated small purges , and therefore they name them familiar , and minorative ones or those of the lesser sort . they promise moreover , that they will shew to the eye , that truly dejected phlegm , ( to wit , their drawers out of phlegm or phlegmagogalls being received to this purpose ) hence also , they will ban themselves as for a speedy prosperous health ( at leastwise a cloakative or dissembled one ) to the sick , by reason of the foregoing matter of the stone being cast out : nevertheless thus are the weak , by degrees , more weakened ; they proceed to live medicinally and miserably , so long as they subject themselves as obedient unto such helpers but it hath already befor been sufficiently answered to such trifles , when as i removed phlegm and a muscilage from the number of the causes of duelech . paracelsus in like manner , doth alike unsavourily trifle about the first matter of tartar , and of the stone , and being unmindful of his own doctrine lately delivered , flees over unto the phlegmie muscilage of the humourists , whom he first , notwithstanding , so named by a mocking name : but i , that very name being now everywhere received , do so name them from pity , but not from an ironie or scoff . but paracelsus being else where unwary , doth again oppose these things , promising , that within the fifteenth day of the curing of duelech , it may be seen of what a bigness it was , if all the urine be daily dryed up : which thing cleerly infolds it self with the foregoing matter of tartar , and such a drying of urine would be a meer deceit and juggle , if together with the dissolved duelech , the foregoing matter of a stonie tartar should be expurged . for truly he promiseth , that whatsoever dissolveth duelech , that very thing doth much more briefly dissolve the foregoing matter of tartar , which daily increaseth for the stone . i surely , have hated sluggishness and blockishness in healing , stubbornness in a learned man , ignorance in a professor , a lye in a writer , as also a contradiction in one seeking to compass the chiefdome : for truly , all those things include a deceit and unskilfulness in the teacher , if not malice besides , and an ignorant rashness in such a prince ; and so , they render all that religion or conscientious profession , suspected of much defilement . i at leastwise , even from my youth , have even unto tears , grieved at the condition of the weak or sick , who under uncertain hope , did as credulous , entrust their life , family , wife and children , yea their fortune and goods , to be governed by him that is a bold boaster of any thing . therefore at first , i ran through the monarchy of vegetables : but i found not that which could dissolve duelech in the bladder ; but whatsoever of those would make duelech to melt in a glass , was either hostile , or at leastwise it came not with those qualities unto the bladder ; but if it might seem to be cast in by a syringe , it was not by the bladder to be endured . therefore vegetables being distilled and decocted ; and likewise their ashes , calx's or limes , pouders , and all things being extracted , i learned but vain and slender remedies against so great an enemy . the more sharp ones indeed did diminish duelech in his entireness ; but being taken in at the mouth , they entred not under that power unto the bladder ; but being cast in from without , however they seemed mild , like unto wine , yet they imitated bright burning iron in the sense of pain . therefore i wondered at parcelsus and others , that they commended liquors distilled out of honey , sugar , dew , &c. since no mortal man ever endured those , being injected by a syringe . indeed , i have observed by experiment , that a pigeon did dissolve duelech being cut out of man , into a juyce , by the sharp ferment of her stomach , even as also the fragments of bricks : therefore the more inward membrane of the stomach of pigeons and hens was given to drink by seniour physitians , but surely with much deceitfull hope : as well , because the fermental power of the bowels is extinguished together with the life of the bruit ; as also it being granted , that that pouder did preserve its primitive and antient faculty after death which in life it obtained ; yet that it should come unto the bladder wholly spoiled of those virtues in the kitchins of our digestions : although in very deed , pouders are scarce turned into a uriny-latex ; although many things of that sort , are with a constant ignorance on both sides , prescribed to the sick . yet this i have learned , that the spirit of spanish salt , being distilled with the utmost fire of a r●verbery , together with potters-earth , and being drunk every morning with white wine , which was the day before drawn out of the vessel ; takes away not onely the mortal stranguries of old people , and that it being wholly diuretical , hath cured some : but moreover , in whom the stone which is bigger than is meet , falling down out of the kidney , had stayed for some months in the bladder , that it hath been at length diminished , and voyded out by pissing : the which notwithstanding , in its oftentimes repeated entrance into the neck of the bladder , had been needfull to be before as often repulsed backwards by a catheter . but it is prepared of that salt being first poured forth or spread abroad , and freed by the fire from its extra●agant filth , and presently , the salt being bruised , and dissolved between thin plates of radish ; and at length being again dryed , and distilled with a like quantity of potters earth , and at length with the sharp fire of on reverbery , and that after a due manner , that nothing expire or breath out of it , even as i will teach below concerning vitriol . for thou hast the balsame of salt , which thou shalt never sufficiently esteem . but in my young beginning , i had seen the old pieces of rubbish of ●uious houses , to pour out salt-peter : and that the pouder of bricks being once freed from the salt-peter ; and afterwards , being for some yeares kept under a roof or covering , did put 〈◊〉 through continuance , and yielded salt-peter afresh , and soot that the whole pouder , except the sand , might at length be turned into a salt . i had seen also , a 〈◊〉 brick , inclosed in the middle of a more broad wall , to bring forth its own salt-peter outwards , beyond all its neighbour stones , on both sides ; and so that it was the destroyer of its neighbour stones and bricks . i therefore being mindfull of the name of ( salt-peter ) knew , that that very salt was the brick or stone it self being resolved : especially her also it doth voluntarily drop down in the caves of rocks : but elsewhere , because it hangs forth in long drops or sycles . wherefore i divers wayes prepared salt-peter for the disease of the stone , but in vain ; because i was then , as yet ignorant , that duelech consuled of far other principles , than mineralstones did . i saw likewise palmer wormed and infects that were bred in nitrous places , and which there abode , to be applyed for use against the stone of the bladder ; but in vain : but after that , i knew that so many ages had dreamed in the knowledge of the causes of the disease of the stone , i confidently believed , that all the errour stood in the possession of our sluggishness . at length , god taking pity on the anguishes of the complainer , gave me the knowledge of the ludus , together with the preparation of paracelsus : they who understand me , do gratifie my publick studies ; because they have known that i write the truth . seek ye , my brethren , and huge joy shall meet your diligent soul. for first , learn ye to dissolve duelech in a glass , with a lukewarm liquor that is not troublesome to the stomach , nor in the next place , unto the bladder : so as that duelech may be by degrees lessened , without buubles and disturbance : reioyce ye , because ye are near . then learn to turn ludus into a salt , without any remainder of the transchanger . but let remedies against duelech , be drunk on a fasting stomach , without a yesterday nights supper ; but if thou artfrustrated of a happy remedy , let an external one be injected every hour by a catheter , yet the urine being first diminished . but while i examine that dropping of urine , the history of the daughter of a neighbour baker returns into my mind . for he had a little daughter , who would oftentimes piss bloudy urine , and her urine was suspended by a middle thred : but it was pale , with much and a glewy sediment ; and thus she had lived the seventh year of her age . a certain woman of the village , tels the baker , that the same thing had in times past , befallen her . i had at length , the bladder of a bull calf , being an embryo , not yet born , to be brought unto me : ( for cowes that are not begotten with young , are scarce fattened ) that little bladder is for the most part , filled with the liquor , of the savour , not indeed of urine , but of a strange savour , whereof she drinks every morning , about two ounces , with as much of white wine . she was afterwards married in the th . year of her age , and in this year , she is surviving and in health , being ignorant of the stone . the same remedy afterwards helped some poor girles . and when as this had been now divers times tryed , the some thing was tryed of the embryo of an hee-goat , and it as yet more prosperously succeeded . i will in this place , subjoyn my own observations concerning the stones of crabs , which i never saw registred by any other . first of all , they are unfitly called their eyes , seeing they do not perform the office of eyes , neither do they hang forth , nor do they continue a full year : neither lastly , are these stones an essence extracted from the whole shell of the bruit ( although paracelsus hath thus commanded it ) for truly , by very many , and uniform dissections of crabs , have i for certainty found , those things which follow . first of all , that the stomach of the crab , is in his head , nigh the crown or top thereor . for the male-crabs do every year begin to be sick , from the middle of ( the th . month called ) june : and then the females ; in ( the th . month called ) july , before the putting off of their shels : for they are for nine dayes space , and more , as it were half without life and unmoved : in which season , their stomack is outwardly over-covered with a new little membrane or him : between which , and their old stomach , there is a certain milky liquor , which by degrees outwardly , on the boughty globe of the stomach , in what part it toucheth on , and over-covereth the old stomach , is contracted in both sides into a hollownesse , and presently becomes stony . in the mean time , neither then , nor a long while after , doth the crab eat up any thing : and therefore ( it is almost incredible ) his true , or more inward stomach is by degrees wasted away into a nourishable muscilage , and the other more outward and new stomach , succeedeth in the room of the consumed one . for truly , there is presently extended over that milk , grown unto the bought of the old stomach , a thin skin , after the manner that is wont to be over luke warm milk , and that milk groweth between both the aforesaid membranes ; to wit , of both the stomachs . all which things , i have daily observed , by dissecting of perhaps two hundred crabs , with a pleasant admiration ! at length the remaining part of the milk turns to the crab for a nourishment . last of all , also , both the stones on both sides , are again by degrees dissolved , and by little and little depart into nourishment : but the crab eates nothing , nor is any thing found in his stomach , as long as those stones are in his stomach , and he liveth about dayes , as well by his old stomach being wasted by degrees , as from the use of the stones being afterwards resolved . i add , that a most rare diuretical or vrine-provoking remedy is collected from this stone ; also a vulnerary one , and a chaser away of fevers , so it be resolved into the form of its former milk : the which , how excellent it is and powerfull , scarce any one but a skilfull person can be perswaded of : and there is nothing more fit for those that are wounded , or form others after child-birth , than the remedy of these little stones . for it hath a remedy against the disclemencies of many vegetables , that are infamous through a loosening faculty ; so it be so resolved , that both of them may be mixed throughout their least parts . lastly , in the marquesdome of brandeburge , there is a most plentifull fishing of crabs : but the carriers are constrained to watch by night ; least happily some swine do even but lightly run through under the waggons : for if that shall happen , in the morning , as many crabs as were in the wain , are found dead : so destructive is the hog to the crab. but that any thing may be cast into the bladder without pain , i have invented a new catheter or squirt ; because the little silvered horn , wherewith chirurgians do with the greatest torments , fetch out the urine , is cruel and bloudy ; and therefore it hath altogether displeased me : but among many which i have tried , that hath offer'd it self as the most fit , and as harmless , which was made of a thin hide of leather : for i bepainted this hide or dressed leather within , with a white colour of cerusse and lineseed oyl : and when it was now almost dry , forthwith i commanded a pipe to be composed by sowing , whereinto a brazen thred was driven throughout its length , and its seam was plaine , that it might not any thing stick out : but that at one end of this pipe , ( the pipe it self being large enough ) the pipe of a syringe might be put into it as oft as one listed , and that both might fitly answer , that this way the liquor might be cast into the bladder . moreover , the whole leathern pipe is confirmed with washy glew , that this being afterwards dryed , it may be painted with a certain colour , and with oyl of line-seed ; and that indeed , as well for the greater firmnesse of the pipe , as also , least it should be wet thorow , and wax flaggy through the liquor that is to be injected . the brazen thred therefore being drawn out , let another as its vicar , enter into its place , being prepared of whale-bone . thus therefore thou hast a thin flexible pipe , which doth not any thing pain in sending of it in , although it be forty times thrust forward into the bladder , and in one only day . at the first turnes indeed , it pains about the muscle of the bladder , as being unaccustomed thereunto : but the sore fear of the contraction thereof soon ceaseth ; but the urine is drawn away as oft as one listeth : and the bladder being emptied , there is at length , cast even into the bladder by a syringe , being equally suited unto the pipe behind , whatsoever one will. onely let the liquor that is to be sent in , be unpainfull , nor unacceptable . but it is a syringe unto whose pipe , i have said , that utmost end of the catheter that hangs out , is to be fitly suited . let praise eternal be unto god in the highest , and let it please him , to bedew , and make my services and desires fruitfull , which are offered for the help of mortals . chap. viii . the author offers a dainty dish to young beginners . . questions of most learned men . . the author's answers . . the author despiseth judgements had , or to be had concerning him . . a satisfaction concerning horizontal gold. . things of a different kind concernnig the sulphur of venus or copper . . that the sulphur of venus is not the innermost essence of a perfect mettal . . a proof of a remaining external sulphur . . the dignity of the sulphur of venus . . the indistinction of thr authors of the young beginning of chymistry . . the authors answers unto their objections . some unknown things hitherto concerning vitriol . . the name of vitriol , whence it is . . the nativity of vitriol . . the difference of the goodness of vitriol . . the greeks yield the victory to the germanes , concerning minerals . . the errour of paracelsus about the estimation of vitriol . . a demonstration of the aforesaid errour . . what kind of vitriol is the best for healing . . the best and unusual manner of distilling of vitriol .. . the wonderful properties of this spirit of vitriol . . some remarkable things redounding from thence . . the distillation of salts . . the commendation of daucus or wild carret seed . . our country wood for the stone of the reins , and the choice , and preparation thereof . . the use of the birch-tree . through occasion of my book , concerning fevers , men of great note , wrote unto me from divers coasts of europe , desiring a clearing comment about the remedies there delivered . they confess indeed , that they acknowledge , in the boldness of my promise , the true remedies of any fevers whatsoever to subsist ; but that they grieve at the too much obscurity of my writing . first therefore , they enquire , what horizontal gold may be ? secondly , they desire the making or composing of the element of the fire of venus or copper ? thirdly , whether or no that may not perhaps be the spirit of vitriol rectifie ? some also add threatnings , that unless i shall publickly satisfie their wished desire , my book will be hereafter forbidden , as another prince of matchi●vil : because that , otherwise , my book standing , the universities of medicine do consider , that they shall soon be , of necessity , as rubbish ; and that galen should soon beg his bread from door to door . good men indeed do consult , that what things i have brought into publick , concerning the unheard-of doctrine of fevers , and concerning the detestable abuses of blood-letting , purges , and remedies , were out of compassion to my neighbours ; but the explications are wanting , and a more manifest speaking ; as i being silent , as it were , under a sealed charter , all things may be for the future , confirmed by the experiences of any whatsoever , and the out-cries of the miserable sick . first of all , i have answered , that the secret of the liquour alkahest of paracelsus , doth hinder ; to wit , the teacher and also the dispenser whereof , the almighty hath decreed to remaine , even untill the confusion of the world , for reasons , in part known to adeptists . and therefore , that i shall leave the manifestation of that arcanum , to the treasures of the good pleasures of god. but as to the judgments , in the meane time , to be had concerning me ; i little dwel upon , or esteem them . for neither am i the first , as neither shall i be the last rebuker of those men ; who never have had regard unto the censures of the world that have been made of me ; nor do i with choise ( the which , notwithstanding , many others do ) esteem of my esteemers : because , in god , i love alike ; but no man therefore , at all , because he flatters me : for i know that i have god for my protectour , who forsaketh none that calleth on him . for snares of tribulations have rained down upon my head : i stood firme , for neither have they in any wise opressed my soul : they have fallen down on the earth , i have trampled on them with despite ; and presently , as dung , they have putrified of their own accord : but the authours hereof being confounded , have blushed . i wish that god may pardon them ! i know in the next place , that god will cherish the seeds which he hath planted , and the which he would have to grow , with his dew from above . neither hath he suffered me to be carefull , for the good will of the world , for the consent of the schooles , or shouting out-cry of the vulgar : for he can , and will do all things whatsoever he will , according to his good pleasure , when the world shall deserve to be comforted by true medicine , in their sicknesses . ah , how swollen a bubble is ambition , which always dependeth as hung up on other mens wills or judgments ? how boldly last of all , do the judgments of other men , alwayes judge ? especially those which are ruled by a continual prejudice ? but i speak to the questions proposed . that as sol or gold is reckoned to be bred in the horizon of the hemisphere : so mercury , when it is made diaphoretical or transpirative , sweet as hony , and fixed like gold , is gold in its own horizon : and it is as much more noble than gold , in medicinal affaires , as an oriental pearle is more noble than a sco●●●h one . for mercury , as long as it is metallick mercury , is like unto the first being of mettals , and exceeding near unto it : but when it is co-melted with gold , all its medic nal virtue is shut up and sealed : yea it is so turned inward , that it denies the natural endowment which it owes to mans nature , for its sicknesse . for the sulphur of venus , after its seperation from its own body , and rising againe , is made as it were a glorious sulphur , and therefore tingeth the sulphur of mercury ( the which , in the powder of iohannes de vigo , is turned outward by mineral corrosive sulphurs ) immediately , and they do mutually embrace each other in an unseparable bride-bed : and therefore the virtue of faculty of both those sulphurs , doth then stand most outwardly . for , from hence , through a co-planting or conjoyning of their faculties , the mercurius diaphoreticus resulting from thence , doth perfect the unisone of healing , in all things , which as well a physitian as chyrurgion can wish for : whether it be administred in respect of acute or sharp diseases , or next with relation to chronical ones or those of long continuance . the fire of venus therefore , is not the spirit of vitriol , however exactly it be rectified : but that fire , is the volatile sulphur of copper , in the forme of a green oyle , being sweeter than hony , and plainly seperated from the mercurial body of its own copper . but the residing copper , remaines white , nor ever waxing green through rust , as neither is it any longer of the number of the seven mettalls : because it hath become a new and unnamed mettal . but the fire of venus cannot be had but with a full destruction of the copper , and volatilizing of the mercurial body of the copper it self . the which , how ever volatile it may be , in the forme of an oyle : yet it is afterwards , by an easie buisinesse , reduced into a white unknown mettal , and extendible under the hammer . but the fire , or sulphur of copper , is not likewise any longer reduced into a mettal by it self : because , even as no sulphur is a mettal ; so every mettallick mercury is a true mettal . but adeptists do teach , that the sulphurous part of a mettal , cannot be seperated from its own mercurial and metallick body , unlesse by a total destruction of the same , and the which therefore ( although abusively ) they call an elementary one : to wit , because there are in mettalls , two sulphurs : and the one therefore , they deservedly call the externall sulphur , and the other , the internal . but in the termes of copper , proposed , contemplate of that internall sulphur , which fixeth or coagulateth the body in the white , unnamed , and mercurial mettal , and makes it easie to be beaten into thin plates under the hammer : since that otherwise , the mercury without the sulphur , can never be coagulated into a mettal . but let the external sulphur of venus , be that green , sweet oyle , and that which can never be againe constrained into a mettal , as being in it self , an abstract . therefore the privy counsellours of this phylosophy , do with one accord testifie , that the external sulphur cannot be seperated from its own body , no not by fire , in imperfect mettalls , but that the mercurial part thereof doth likewise , together perish thereby . for i have seen lead that was thrice sublimed , to have returned into the same lead in number , which it was before : therefore since that external sulphur ( such as is drawn out of copper ) is not necessary for a perfect mettal : but that sulphur in copper is added to the venus , by god : therefore that sulphur of venus must needs have its own ends , conducing to the necessities of ungrateful man , to wit , for mans infirmities , beyond every dignity of a metallick perfection : for the use of whom , to wit , the stoicks themselves have conjectured , that all created things of the world were directed : therefore the writers of the young beginning of chymistry , erre , as many as do feign by divers fables , a metamorphosis or transforming of mercury into salt , water and oyl , for divers uses of medicines , and dare to have their own inventions established by this argument : for if gold , which is the most constant of bodies , can fly away into a vitriol , and so also , into a smoak ; why shall not mercury do the same thing , much more lawfully ? but i in answering , will in the entrance , propose two most exceeding true sentences of phylosophers , yet for the shaming of these very argumentaters ; that from hence also , those that are expert in chymistry , may be able to point with the finger at the vanity of that argument , and that the authors of chymical young beginnings , may repent . the first whereof is , that it is far more easie to make or compose gold , of that which is not gold , than to destroy natural gold . let it therefore first of all shame them , to teach the destruction of gold , who being poor , do testifie , that they know not its construction or how to make it ! therefore , either adeptical philosophers do lye , and are deceived , or the first writers of beginning of chymistry themselves . the second is , if i had not seen quicksilver to delude any endeavour of artificers whatsoever ; so as that , it either wholly flyes away , as yet entire , or that it doth wholly remain in the fire , and after either manner , keeps the unchangeable and primitive sameliness of it self , and an undissolvable homogeneity of identity ; i should say , that that art was not true , which is true , without a lye , and most exceeding true ; so that , that which is above , is as that which is beneath ; and this as that . they therefore bewray themselves to be ignorant of the matter of mettals , as many as do teach the aforesaid metamorphosis of mercury and gold : for however those mettals may be some minerals , being adjoyned unto them , be sometimes driven by a retort , into the shew of an oyl , salt , or sulphur , and dissemble the mask hereof : yet those adjuncts being taken away , they alwayes remain the same gold , and the same mercury which they were before , and return into their ancient bodies : yea , although gold might suffer it self to be radically sequestred into different kind of parts , to wit , into salt , sulphur and mercury , ( which is no way possible to nature , unless by one only liquor that is to be framed or composed ) yet that thing , in the simplicity of mercury its kind , is impossible for nature and art to do ; because it is that which is more simple than gold , and is composed with a greater and undissolvable identity ; because there is not a diversity to be found in mercury , such as is otherwise to be found in the tincture of gold , and in the whiteness hereof : the which i have already before distinguished in the sulphur and mercury of copper : for although the mercury of copper be wholly made volatile , yet because it is not for that cause spoyled of its internal sulphur , therefore it is again reduced in to a white and malleable mettal . moreover , as to the question , wherein they ask , whether the fire of venus be the spirit of vitriol rectified ? i will make somethings manifest concerning the nature of vitriol , and the distillation thereof which before have been delivered by none : for indeed , nature hath produced a certain acide or tart mineral salt , which the greeks do name calcanthum ; and the latines ( by an unfit name , atramentum sutorium , or shooemakers ink . but the chymists call it vitriol , because it is transparent like vitrum or glass : but that salt is the unripe birth of embryonated or imperfect sulphur , the which , while it licks the vein of copper , it eats into the vein , and therefore it is called coperous , or gnawn copper : but if it shall gnaw a vein of iron , or of other mettals , it produceth sharp fountains , and those divets , according to the disposition of the vein that is gnawn ; which things i have profesly , and at large prosecuted in a little book concerning the fountains of the spaw . furthermore , whether that water , which contains in it the salt of embryonated sulphur , and keeps with it the gnawn vein of copper doth distill or drop by it self , or be boyled by fire into the consistence of vitriol ; or in the next place be elsewhere coagulated of its own accord ; that no way distinguisheth of its kind or goodness : for truly it looseth nothing hereof in boyling : for when the watery liquor hath in boyiing sufficiently exhaled , the residue is at length , afterwards , of its own accord , coagulated in the cold . but the diversity of veins alone varies the price of vitriol ; for nigh antwerp , while the sulphur is melted out of the fire-stone , the rest is exposed under the open air , and as to the greater part of it , doth by little and little melt : for by the scorching and smoaky fumes of the sulphur , it conceiveth a rust , which is known by the residing salt , and through rain , flowes down into the ditches . so also , the neighbouring eburians do prepare their vitriol from a richer vein . elsewhere indeed , there is a vein of the very copper it self , being rich in the coagulated salt of sulphur , and it drops , flowes abroad , and is coagulated of its own accord , which otherwise is washed off or dissolved by the moistness of the neighbouring fountain . the difference therefore of the goodness , consists in the purity of the salt : but not in the wealthiness and plenteousness of the copper ; ( for i speak not as a merchant , but as a physitian ) it differs also , by reason of the co-mixture of a certain forreigner ; to wit , if in the fire-stone , or vein of copper , a vein of lead be co-mixed ( which is frequently obvious ) or perhaps there be present a malignant participation of arsenick ; ( for arsenick , because it for the most part ensnares and accompanies mettals , hence by a usual name , it is called the fume of mettals ) and so , that which otherwise would be a lawful vitriol , is made hurtful in healing : but the azure or sky-colour of vitriol is for the most part preferred before the green colour ; perhaps , because that more pleaseth the eyes : at leastwise , by a most easie business , the be-juglers of simples do of green vitriol , dissemble an azure colour therein . but moreover , the chalcitis or red vitriol , the mysy , sory , and black of the greeks have at this day perished , as unprofitable distinctions of the veins of copper ; for the greeks are only alphabetaties , and in respect of the germanes , a sluggish generation , whatsoever the antient ones have published to posterity concerning the matter of mettals . but there are some , who with paracelsus commend and extol that vitriol in healing , which is accounted the most rich in the plenty of copper ; and so they prefer that before all , which is composed out of the copper it self . some therefore sprinkle sulphur on bright-burning or melted copper , and so by great labour procure the green rust thereof , &c. but paracelsus prepares the best vitriol in healing , by plates of copper , being spread abroad , through cementing them with common salt and sulphur . the more modern ones being from hence seduced , do repeatingly distill the thin plates of copper , by the spirit of common sulphur , or vitriol , until they are plainly black and brickle , the which , at length they melt in water , and it becomes of a sky-colour ; the which , in boyling , is thickned , and a vitriol growes together in the cold : for so indeed , that is at this day adulterated , which is set to sale for cyprus vitriol . by the leave of paracelsus i know , and certainly find , that vitriol made of copper , is far more sluggish in healing , than the common vitriol , which wants the suspition of miscellanie or hotch-potch things : and so , that the spirit thereof , is nothing but a meer mineral vinegar deprived of the vapour of coppery sulphur . for i have certainly found , that the vitriol made of copper , is far more poor , than that which is dig'd out of its mineral vein : likewise that digged vitriol , wherein there is very much copper , is slower than the common sort , in healing and distilling . for i have distilled vitriol that was prepared by art , being of an azure colour , and in no wise to be distinguished by the sight , from cyprus vitriol ; and it yielded a little sluggish acide spirit , and all its spirit by and by ceased within a few hours ; and all its remaining body , abode condensed into a black feces or dreg , and restored its copper unto me , according to my wish . for truly , copper is a compleat metral , not easily to be destroyed , or returning back unto its own principles : so that although it be diminished through the cruelty of sire ; yet whatsoever thereof shall fly away , is as yet a true mettal , for the reasons above alledged . truly , among metallick veins , there is none with the like difficulty brought unto the perfection of a mettal , as is copper it self ( the which , george agricola testifieth ) for truly , it requires to be re-cocted at least nine times , before copper issue from thence : whereas the while , the veins of other mettals pour out their treasure at the first melting . the vein of copper therefore attains its perfection by a sequestration of the parts mixed with it from its nativity : but these parts are those , which are as yet fast bound unto their own first being : from whence , it therefore , the copper being now perfect ; refuseth , and as stubbornly as it can , resists a dissolution of its body ; and by consequence , neither can there a perfect medicinal vitriol be had from thence , which may have a vertue from the sulphur of venus , because this is not separable from the copper , unless by an every way destruction of the metallick body , even as i have before taught . those parts therefore of the copper vein , which are far remote from a metallick nature , and which are the nearer to their first being , do afford a medicinal vertue unto vitriol , which is denied unto calcanthuns or vitriol artificially made : for the common and base or cheap vitriol , doth breath forth its exhalation , but in a full eight days space at least , however it may be urged with the most ardent flames of a reverbery . by how much therefore freer the vein is from a forreign malignity , and shall be nearer to the first being of venus , to wit , the farther off from the metallick constitution of copper ; by so much the salt thereof , which is bred in it of its own free accord , and co-melted with it , doth produce the more unblamable vitriol , and affords the richer spirits , and those most fit for healing . but the unusual manner of distilling it , is this : take of common vitriol , that is not suspected of a forreign malignity , let it melt , by boyling it in a large earthen pot , and let it be boyled even to a dryness : the pot being broken , let the vitriol that is now hardened like a stone , be beaten into a pouder : but let the distillation be made by at least six retorts at once ; and let those retorts be of glass : for all stonie ones are porous ; because all earth retains pores ; for that , after its drying , something that is not fixed , doth of necessity puff out : moreover , let the retorts be senced with a crust or parger , which may neither cleave asunder , nor contract chaps , or fall down of its own accord , or be too much glassified : let also the neck of the retort which hangs out , be most exactly connexed unto the large receiving vessel , that not so much as the least thing may expire : but let the receiver be placed in moist sand ; likewise , let the boughty part thereof , be covered in a sack , being filled half full with moist sand : which sack , let it be divers times renewed , being tinged in the coldest water : but let half of the retort be filled with poudered vitriol : but distill it by degrees , and at length let it be urged with coal , as much as is possible for the furnace of wind , which is blown by its own iron grate . but when the furnace of wind shall cease to dismiss the spirit into the receiving vessel , let the porch be opened on the side , by which way the reverbery of the flame of the wood , may pierce under the retort ; and let it so continue for five or six nights , with the highest fire , possible to nature . the retort perhaps , in so great a storm of the fire , will seem to thee to melt ; but nevertheless , it will endure constant throughout ; because the outward coat of male or fence of earth , with-holds and sucks the glass ; and so it is englassened , as much as shall be sufficient for the work . at length , remember thou to sequester the receiving vessel from the neck of the retort , the fire being as yet most ardent ; otherwise , thou shalt see , in a more cold station , the spirits to return into the lee or dreg which spewed them our . then lastly , take the colcotar or lee remaining of the distillation , which thou hast reserved from true cyprus , hungarian , or at leastwise , goslarian vitriol : let that residing dreg being co-mixed with sulphur , be again burnt , unto the every way confuming of the sulphur : but afterwards , thou shalt bedew and moisten this feces with the aforesaid spirit : for that spirit , as it is presently imbibed in the glassen dish or gourd : so being fetcht again from thence , it returns nothing but a watery and unprofitable phlegm , the spirit having remained imbibed in the colcotar : and repeatingly renew thou that operation six or seven times , until at length , the spirit that is poured thereon , wax red , which will swim upon the colcotar , which is a sign , that we must cease from the plenteousness of imbibing : and so let this rich colcotar , being well dryed , be put into a retort ; and let this rich colcotar be distilled even unto its utmost spirits now waxing yellow , and casting the smelling odour of grateful honey . yet remember thou to draw away the receiving vessel from the retort being as yet of a bright burning heat , and that this spirit must be kept , by the mouth of a more strong bottle being close stopped with wax ; whereinto lastly , if thou shalt cast water , the vessel it self presently breaks asunder : therefore , by the only spirit of the former distillation , this second spirit is bridled or restrained ; whereof scarce one pound is poured over from bottle into bottle , but there is made a loss of one ounce at least : and likewise , unless the receiver be seasonably taken away from the retort , as i have said : thou shalt see the furnance being cooled , that most potent spirit to have returned into colcotas , from whence it was struck out by fire . moreover , the lee of colcotar which is left of the second distillation , is as yet wholly coppery , and waxeth green after many fashions : from whence . that is manifest , which i taught before : namely , that the fire of venus , is not to be drawn out and had , but by an every way destruction and separation of the mettal . . that this therefore must be done by a far more hidden way . . that the vitriol which is rich in copper , is less fit for distillation than otherwise , the common vitriol is . . that the vitriol of copper , poures forth the spirit of the vinegar of a mineral salt , but not the volatile liquor of copper . . and therefore that the sulphur of copper , is rightly called the sulphur of the philosophers , being fit for long life : being sweet , i say , in tast , but not tart or sharp . . that the spirit of vitriol which is above perfectly taught , cures some chronical diseases . . and that therefore , the spirits of vitriol , hitherto sold and in use , are nothing but a mineral vinegar , being also adulterated in it self . . that the residing colcotar , is most rich in a medicinal virtue . . that the preparation of vitriol prescribed by isaac holland , and other moderns , hath not sent the arrows unto the true mark . . that our spirit above described , and thus rectified , as it is , volatile and salt , proceedes even into the fourth digestion , and reolves diseasie excrements that are met withall in its journey ; and by consequence also , takes away the occasional cause of many chronical or lingring diseases . i have therefore already delivered the like form or manner of distilling the spirit of sea-salt , of salt-peter and the like ; yet thou shalt remember , that vitriol hath in it self the earth of colcotar : wherefore the other salts do desire dryed potters earth , and that being exactly admixed with them . but besides , i have already delivered the manner of preserving from the disease of the stone , by aroph ; and likewise , by ale boyled with the seed of daucus or the yellow wild carrot . i might therefore desist , and repose my quill , and leave the matter to others , more successefull than my self ; by wishing , that every one may henceforward add what things he shall find out to be farre better . for since duelech besiegeth onely mankind , and is produced from excrements themselves , after an irregular manner , but doth not arise after the manner accustomed to other infirmities : therefore it seems to be singularly bred , for a revenge of sin , even before other diseases , and to be permitted by god , in children , being as yet innocent , for the averting of a greater evil : for although some bruits do generate small stones in themselves , yet those stones are not bred in them from the causes of duelech , nor appointed for a punishment , or tribulations unto them : but rather produced for the profit of man. but if therefore duelech doth relate to the fault of sin ; but since sin hath drawn its rise from a wood or tree ; it hath seemed also to me , that preservation of health , in the disease of the stone , is not onely to be expected from the seed of daucus , and some such like herb , but from some certain wood : wherefore it is indeed true , that a wood against the stone of the kidneys , hath been of late brought unto us out of the indies : but i have not ever therefore perswaded my self , that divine goodnesse had so long denyed unto the europeans , that it might succour even the poor man that had the stone , untill that , through many expences , a remedy should after three thousand yeares , at length flye unto us from the indians : which otherwise had been slow enough in it self . the wild carrot seed indeed preserves , under a continual and strict obligation ; even as aroph comforts the kidneys by much cost . i therefore have seriously enquired , whether there were not a certain wood familiar to our countrymen , which might supply the room of that nephritical one , at length sent us by the barbariaus ? for truly , the wood of sin , and the wood of life , were trees , but not shrubs , and much lesse herbs . wherefore i heretofore observed , that it was a familiar or natural thing with the princes of germany , that every year in [ the third month called ] may , they would , against the affect of the stone , drink daily , a draught of the liquor issuing out of the bark of a wounded birch-tree : which liquor they preserved from the corruption of the ayr , by pouring on it oyle of olives . the tree is wounded : the tree is called by the germanes bircken-bawm ; but by our countrymen bircken-boom : for the birk of the birch-tree is wounded nigh the earth , in the trunk of the tree in [ the first month called . ] march , about the time wherein the vine being wounded , is went to weep out a very young or tender liquor drawn out of the earth . but that liquor of the birch-tree is wholly watery and almost without savour : but if any branch of bough of the thicknesse of three fingers , be wounded unto its semi-diameter , and be filled up with wool put into the place , there presently weeps out a liquor , not ungratefull , but somewhat sharpish : which also in the very torment of the disease of the stone , comforts the afflicted , three or four spoonfulls thereof being taken . that therefore , is more meer or pure , which flowes from above , from the bought , than that which flowes forth from beneath out of the trunk : but that is plainly watery , which flowes forth nigh the earth . for i presently considered , that that happens , as in ascending , it might passe through a somewhat reddish bark , which was as it were the liver of the tree : but since that bark was all the year without any notable tast ; but the ourmost bark being white , and as it were membrany , had a savour and perfume as it were of the best turpentine ; i rent off the more outward bark round , from the trunk , about the space of half a foot ; and i observed , that neverthelesse , the liquor which distilled from the branches , was of the same tast as before : therefore i wondered , from whence that diversity of liquors of one and the same tree , should spring . in the next place i wondered , that some one small bough , should in one onely day , easily weep out eight or ten pounds of liquor , which otherwise hath not need of so much nourishment , for a whole summer , nor room wherein so much liquor could be kept : and much lesse doth the root bestow so much liquor by about tenfold , on any of the other branches : yet neither therefore , was there sufficient nourishment wanting to the other branches , although the root had otherwise attracted that much quantity of that liquor , and had poured it forth through some other branches . i therefore considered , that that liquor was like unto the sunovia or gleary water , issuing out of a wound ; yea , i began to detest it , as if it contained in it the contagion of death or putrefaction : neither that it could give health , if it did now bear it in a blemish of integrity : yet i certainly found , that as well the wood it self of the birch-tree , as the red bark thereof , were spoyled of the faculty of healing , but that the white bark or rind , outwardly growing to the more young branches like parchment , being easily inflameable , and marked with the ●avour of turpentine , did scarce disperse a vertue from it self ; into a decoction : therefore i considered , that the aforesaid vertue of the liquor , did not proceed from the root , not from the wood ; next not from the somewhat red bark ; as neither lastly , from the white rind ; because it was that which in many places was not con-tinual to it self , in the stem . therefore i tryed to distill that bark , both by it self , and also with an addition of the lixivium of tartar : but surely , the liquor that was dropt out of the wound of the bough or branch , did far excell the oyle and distillation of the barks . therefore i am reduced to acknowledge , that that liquor voluntarily flowing out of the wounded branches so abundantly , is the meer balsam of the disease of the stone ; neither doth that hinder it , because through my wantonnesse , i compared that liquor unto water flowing out of a wound or ulcer : for truly , the wound and ulcer , which in us , brings or promiseth death , brings or promiseth to the birch-tree , no such thing . that liquor therefore of the birch-tree , is a medicine promised from nature , but procured by the wounds : and so , it is to urge nature to bring forth a balsam naturally unto her , the which else , she will never bring forth . wherefore i commanded the young , tender , and somewhat blackish small branches ( from whence the brooms and rods of our country folk are made ) which had swelling , not yet leavie buds , being dashed with a hammer upon a stone or anvil , to be boyled together in water , ordained for the making of ale or beer : unto which ale or beer , if afterwards i adjoyned the seed of daucus , or brook-lime , i obtained desireable effects for the prevention of the disease of the stone , and those as yet more powerfull ones , if that liquor of march , being collected from the upper branches or boughs , had been poured into the ale , after the greatest settlement of its boyling or working , which wines and ales do voluntarily undergo in hogs-heads . for first of all , i have certainly found , that that drink of the birch-tree , did take away the fear of diureticks or vrine-provokers ; because it loosens the paines and contractures of the disease of the stone , as well in the loines as in the bowels : ( for from hence the one onely disease of the stone , stirs up even colick paines , no lesse than if the fewel thereof were in the bowels ) and therefore also it heals dysuries or difficulties of pissing , and stranguries or pissing by drops , even in old folks . it likewise at first , mitigates the heat of the liver , having arisen as it were from a thorne thrust into it , and afterwards , takes it away . lastly , a certain bridegroom being bound up for five months that he could not reach to his bride ; in the mean time begat his chamber-maid with child : afterwards , chidings having arisen between the betrothed couple ; the bride said , that she had dissembled that wickednesse with the chamber-maid , that she might perfectly espy , whether he were cold , ●● indeed mischiev'd , and by what title , she might attempt a divorce . at length , the enchantment of that binding up , was loosed by the drink of the aforesaid ale , and he was found to be mischiev'd , but not to be cold . last of all , a certain man making water according to his custom , in the corner of a floor , presently lay down , as being afflicted with a bloudy and cruel strangury ; but any remedies of physitians were in vain ; except that , as oft as he drank of the aforesaid ale , he perceived a notable ease : but as oft as he arising out of the bed-cloathes , walked up and down , and pissed in his wonted place , he presently suffered relapses . at length , there was seen , a pin made of old and black oaken wood , fastened or thrust into the place whereat his accustomed urine issued out . that pin therefore being pulled out and burnt , by the drinking of that ale , he remained altogether free from that bloudy strangury . and then i remember , that karichterus writeth , that he had loosed the like sort of enchantments , onely by pissing through birch●●●●oomes . chap. ix . sensation or feeling , unsensiblenesse , pain , lack of pain , motion , and unmooveablenesse , through diseases of their own rank , the leprosie , falling-evil , apoplexy , palsey , convulsion , coma or sleeping-evil , &c. . grating or fretting only is reputed the cause of the pain of him that hath the stone in the reines . . the opposite is prooved . . for so the urine-pipes should want a feeling . . the definition of pain , according to the schooles . . the opinion of the antients and moderns concerning the first or cheif organ of the senses . . but it teacheth nothing besides vain words . . the implicite blasphemies of the schooles . . that the braine is not the immediate organ of sense and motion . . what hath deceived the schooles about these things . . a better attention or heed of some . . from whence they have so perswaded themselves . . the authours meditation about sense and motion . . a speculation about the solution in a wound of that which held together . . a solide part doth not feel , of it self . . three organs subordinate to motion . . the schooles go back from their former supposition . . that the sinew is not the proper instrument of all sense . . a consideration of tho leprousie . ● . all sinewes dedicated to motion , are also sensible . . the errours of the schooles about the leprousie . . the errour of paracelsus . . the unconstancy of paracelsus . . the unsensiblenesse of the leprosie , from whence it is . . manginesse , and the pox or fowle disease , how they differ from the leprosie . . scabbednesse requires not internal remedies . . the reader is admonished . . wherein the difficulty of curing the leprousie , is seated . hipocrates had not as yet known the immediate subject of sence . . life , what it is . . a nearer doctrine concerning sense . . the immediate subject of sense . . a deaf or dull definition concerning the sensitive soul . . how sensation or the act of feeling happens . . why for sensation , there is no need of recourse unto the braine . . the seate of the mind . . what pain is . . in what sense , paine may be action and passion . . paine and a disease , by what beginning , they may be made . . of what sort , anger and fury are , in this place . . pain , what sort of passion it is . . concerning the apoplexy . . the manner delivered , of making the apoplexy , is ridiculous . . paracelsus , about this place , is a like frivolous and unconstant to himself . . the meditation of the authour . . some absurdities accompanying the schooles . . a new distinction of causes . . a stopping up of the arteries in the throate , what it may argue . . that a positive apoplexy is hitherto unknown by the schooles , and practitioners . . that the apoplexy and palsie are not made from the afflux or flowing of phlegm into the bosome of the braine . . galen is ridiculous in the ne●like contexture of the brain . . an examination of some remedies . . that an apoplexy is not the primary affect of the braine . . that there is a tasting in the midriffs . . a secondary passion is prooved to be from below . . the properties of the head , how far they may ascend in themselves . . a true apoplexy is positive , not privitive , and that the schooles are ignorant of . . the astonishment or unsensiblenesse of the schooles , is noted by the astonishment of the fingers . . the manifold impossibility of the schooles , which followes upon a privative apoplexy . . the schooles are astonished in the astonishment of the touching . . a history of the astonishment of the hands from a quartane ague . . the rise or original of a positive apoplexy . . the palsie is a contracture or convulsion of the sinewy marrow . . the palsie is oftentimes without the apoplexy . . the shortnesse of the neck what it may argue . . from whence frictions or rubbings in an apoplexy , were instituted . . why they are ridiculous . . the anguishes of the schooles . . the rubbing of the skinne contradicts the phlegme of the cerebellum or little brain of the hinder part of the head . . the generation of the stupefactive or sleepifying matter of an apoplexy . . why the apoplexy , is called by the germans , a stroak . . the place of an apoplexy , is proved to be in the duumvirate . . the stumbling of the schooles , about the examination of the property of simples . . against the position of the schooles , concerning the phlegme of the fourth bosome of the braine . . the perplexities of the schooles concerning the hurting of the sense , motion remayning safe , and on the other hand . . it is explained by some positions , why sense may be hurt , motion remayning safe . . the apoplexy , after the manner of hereditary diseases lurks in the formative faculty of the seed . : against the cause of the schooles for an apoplexy . . against the cause of the schooles for a palsey . . the causes of the apoplexy . . that the apoplexy doth not consist of a privative cause . . the definition of an apoplexy . . what a true palsie is . . diverse stupefactive remedies . . that sleepifying medicines , as such , do not cure madnesses . . what hath deceived the schooles herein . . a sweet anodine orpain-ceasing medicine is harmlesse . . why anodines as such , do not presuppose cold . . what a sleepifying medicine is . . an anodine pertaining to the falling-sicknesse , differs from that of the apoplexy . . a returne unto paine . . there is a forreigne consent for paine . . from whence paines are con-centrall with the stars . . whether the venal blood be informed by the soul . . sense and pain , wherein the may subsist . . what may cause paine , and after what sort . . whether sense or seeling be made passively . . the primary cause of paine and sense . . the schooles stay behind . . the consideration of life , hath regard hitherto . . a vainprivy shift of the schooles . . a demonstration of the fire , that pain and sensation may from thence cleerly appear . . that these things have layen hid to the schooles . . what is to be considered for searching into the proper agent of paine . . the rules of the schooles concerning the activity of simples , is reproved by the way . . from whence the schooles have been deluded . . a paradox is prooved against the schooles . . sensible agents act on the sense only occasionally , whether they are medicines , or not , fire excepted . . an application of virtues , by what meanes it may be made . . sensation consists in the vitall judgment , and so also , in that of the soul. . some consequences for the demonstrations of things before passed . . from whence the faculties of medicines have been estranged in the schooles . . how differently the fire can act . . the unconsiderate rashnesse of the schooles . . some sequels drawn from the foregoing particulars . . the differences of paines . . a convulsion is the companion of paine . . the paine of the disease of the stone . . the blockish opinion of the schooles , concerning the convulsion or cramp . . it s falshood is manifested . . errours meeting us . . some negligencies of galen . . galen looseth the name of a physitian from the censure of his own mouth . . galen hath taught only childish devises . . arguments on the contrary . . the errour of the schooles concerning the convulsion is concluded . . ridiculous similitudes made use of by the schooles . . some remarkable things . . after what manner the convulsion is made . . a twofold motion of the muscles , is proved . . the convulsion is not properly , an affect of the head . . example of parts convulsed . . a sight of a colicall contraction in a child . . an artery , from whence it waxeth hard . . divers contractures . . that the causes of the cramp have layen hid . . the neglects of the schooles . . the degrees of paines . the pain of the stone in the kidneys , being one of the chief and most troublesome of paines , is very great and cruel . for the schooles are at rest in accusing the cause of so great a pain , to be a fretting or grating made by the sand or stone . but i have perswaded my self , that there was nothing at all of satisfaction from that answer : and therefore i have made a further search : because some one very small stone sliding out of the kidney , doth at the first turnes , cause more cruel pain , than any the more big one afterwards : the which notwithstanding is undoubtedly , more than by its freting , to wrest or wring , to excoriate or pluck of the skin of , and extend the urine-pipe . for truly in persons grown to ripe years , the spermatick parts of the first constitution , do no longer dayly grow , and so neither is their ureter enlarged afterwards , by the descending of the stones . in the next place , the slender sand hath been oftentimes very troublesome through its paine , and hath cast down the howling man on his bed , before it proceeded out of the kidney , and the which therefore , was never as yet injurious by its rubbing on it or grating , of it : neither also , is it sufficient , to have spoken of fretting or grating , for the proper and total cause of so bitter a paine . for the ureter , throughout its whole passage , hath not the commerce of a sinew implanted in it ; the which therefore , ought even to want sense or feeling , and by consequence , also pain . for truly , the schooles define pain to be a sorrowfull sensation , made by a hurtfull thing rushing on the part : if therefore the slender and un-savoury sand , be voide of all tartnesse , and fretting or grating , or the smal clot is not guiltlesse , because neither without pain : certainly , to have toucht upon the causes and race of sense and pain , together wit hs it circumstances , shall not be disagreeable to the treatise of the disease of the stone . first therefore , and in the entrance of sense the , touching of pain comes to be considered . for therefore , the schooles teach , that the braine is the first and principal organ of all the senses and of all motions , and by consequence also , of pain and unsensibility : to wit , the which should discerne the objects of the senses , by the animal spirits , being on every side dismissed from it self , into all the propagations or sprouts of the sinewes , and therefore , as into the patrons of all sensations , so also , as into the interposing messengers and discerners thereof . they presume to themselves , that they have spoken some great matter in this thing . i will speak more distinctly . and moreover , i shall say nothing , or at least wise i will declare a matter , which is of no worth . for indeed , the schooles confesse : that the braine doth in it self , feel nothing , or scarce any thing : and that therein , it is like the first universal mover , which the moderns ( alio catholiques ) do with aristotle , command that he ought to be unmoveable , if he ought to move all other things ( as if the unutterable first mover , cannot move himself , or that he ought to be unmoved , and wholly unmoveable , yea , that he acts and perfecteth by his own touch of local motion , all things in a moment : ) who in very deed , moveth not any thing but by an absolute and most abstracted beck of omnipotency ( and let this be an absurdity of the schooles , by good men , accounted for blasphemy , by a parenthesis here noted by the way . ) notwithstanding , the brain is not the primary , or adequate organ of sense and motion : seeing that in it self , it is unmoved and deprived of sense . for the schooles beholding , that a turning joynt of the back , being displaced ; for that very cause , whatsoever was subjected to the nerves and sinewes beneath that turning joynt , was also , without sense and motion : therefore they straightway determined , the brain it self , and the marrow of the thorne of the back , the vicaresse hereof , to be the adequate or fuitable organ or instrument of sense and motion . but other writers being willing to give a nearer attention , since they acknowledged and confessed the substance of the brain to be deprived of touching , nor to be voluntarily moved , but that the twofold membrane or filme , endowed with the name of menynx , was of a most acute touching , although unmoved ; they decreed that every sinew , how slender soever , was over-covered with such a double membrane , and did borrow it from both the menynx's of the brain ; that this very membrane of the sinewes was ( to wit consequently ) formed under the one onely endeavour of formation , and labour of the seed of fabrication : even so that also , these would have it , that every nerve should draw its own feeling from the little filme that covered it , which did not any way answer from its substance , unto the marrowie substance of the brain . perhaps they took notice , that in the stomach and womb , so great and so excellent vertue were inmates in the naked membranes thereof : and therefore that neither was it a wonder , that something very like unto those , had happened unto the filmes of the brain , from a prerogative of the same right . i have altogether proceeded something otherwise , for the searching out of sense and pain , and the organ , objects , and causes of motion and feeling . i considered first , that while a wound is as yet fresh , it scarce paineth ; but anon , while the lips of the wound do swell and rage with heat , that the wound causeth a sharp pain . and again , while its lips grow flaggy and do pitch or settle , that though the wound be also open , yet it is almost without pain . from whence , i collected , that the solution or loosing of the con-tinual or that which held together , causeth pain indeed in the time of its making ; but that , in its being made , if that which is inconvenient , shall not have access to it , the thing solved doth scarce pain the party : therefore i supposed with my self , that the solution doth not pain , as it is a separation of the con-tinual : and much lesse doth the heat cause pain , which arose in the wound the third day after ; whose property indeed it is , onely to heat , but not to cause pain : but if any external or forreign heat , being extended into a degree , doth burn ; it causeth pain indeed , but not as heat , but as it is that which stirs up , and at least , which nourisheth the solution of the con-tinual : and besides , the indispositions of acrimony or sharpnesse , and as proceeding from another root , which vitiates our family administration . truly , because a body , or solid part doth not feel of it self ; because it is rather a dead carkase ; sensation or the act of feeling therefore , hath regard indeed unto the life alone . and since the schooles knew that the brain had none , or atleastwise , scarce an obscure sensation : they therefore had rather believe , the sinew to be the primary subject of sence , motion , and pain : to wit , that the brain was indeed the fountainous beginning of sense and motion : yet they made the nerve the immediate subject of pain and sense . but notwithstanding , they would have motion , although something a more material thing , to depend on a deeper arbitration of the will , and to be subjected thereunto : to wit , so , as that , the will is the commandative principle of motion , but the sinew to be the derivative organ of the command of the will : and lastly , the muscle to be the executive instrument of the will : but they understand sensation in the sinew , as in its subject , to be made through the mediation of the animal spirit , which they call animal , being drawn indeed from the arteries , but re-cocted in the brain , for its own uses . they therefore acknowledged , that the nerve is by it self , indeed without feeling , even as the brain and other solid members are : wherefore they will have the animal spirits to be the primitive feelers , and effective movers of sense and motion it self : with whom ; i do not as yet agree , as neither in this , that the sinew is the organ and chief subject of all sensation : for who knows not , that in a healthy person , every part of his skin is sensible , yet that it carries not a sinew under it ? for i do not grant , that a sensible object being conceived in the parts without a nerve , the spirit doth by a retrograde motion , run back into the sinew , that it may communicate that sensible conception unto the brain , as unto the original of the senses ; that by returning from thence , a sense of pain , or well-pleasing , may then at length be effected in the part that is hurt or touched on . for the urine-pipe causeth exceeding pain in the borders , without the implanting of any sinew : so also hollow ulcers , are oftentimes filled with sensitive flesh , neither yet do nerves grow anew therein ; seeing the parts of the first constitution , being once taken away , do not grow again ; as neither are those parts which are of the first constitution , being consumed by rottennesse , any more restored . but the stupidity and unsensiblenesse of the leprosie , do fitly offer themselves in this place . for truly , they at all feel not a bodkin or needle , being thrust into their flesh . must we therefore believe , that leprous persons are deprived of sinews ? or that in those the nerves cut off from the fleshy membrane ? that they are deprived of animal spirit , and bereft of life ? and that they are stopped , even as they are said to be in those that have the palsie ? shall therefore the sinews of touching be stopped up throughout their whole body , and shall their sinews be serviceable onely for a free motion ? shall , i say , the motive sinews be now destitute of sense alone ? i confesse indeed , that from the formost part of the brain , there are sinews dispersed unto the eyes , eares , pallat and tongue , which serve onely for feeling ; neither that they do decline unto the muscles , which are as it were the proper instruments of motion ; but none can also deny , but that the sinews dedicated unto motion , and the which go out through both the turning joynts , do also bestow sense or feeling . for what if in the leprosie , a sinew that is the effecter of motion , be now moved by the animal spirit , neither yet hath the faculty of sence ? why therefore in the palsie , under a hurting of the same sinew , is as well motion as sense , taken away ; but in the leprosie , is sense onely taken away ? first of all , the schooles hold the leprosie to be uncurable , and also a universal cancer of the body : for while they suppose a particular cancer to be uncurable , much more , a universal one : which prattle of galen was to this purpose framed , that by the impossibilities of healing , he might excuse his own ignorances , and the sloathfulnesses and dis-clemency of taking paines . for a cancer in the flesh , is of a most sharp pain , and of a continual devouting ; but a leprosie in the flesh is without pain . i see not therefore , after what manner the leprosie among the galenists , shall be a cancer . in the next place , paracelsus errs , who thinks the leprosie to be deprived of all salt : and for this cause , that an unsensible astonishment is proper unto it ; as if the very sense of touching , were onely in salt. for the leprosie hath its own ulcers : and according to the same paracelsus , there are as many species of ulcers , as there are of salts : therefore according to that his own doctrine , the leprosie flowes from a salt abounding . let us grant to paracelsus ( yet without a diligent search of the truth ) that the excrement of the paunch in a leprous person , doth abound with small graines of salt ; and that the urine of the same person doth no longer dissolve any thing of sea-salt : ( both whereof , not withstanding , are dreamed by paracelsus ) yet that would not prove , that the flesh and bloud of a leprous person , do fail of their own salt : and much lesse also , that their flesh doth therefore fail of the sense of touching . for first , this his opinion concerning the leprosie , utterly overthrowes his own doctrine concerning the three first principles of bodies . and then , even as there are of un-savoury , and unsalt things , manifest salts daily concocted in us , from the law of humane digestion ; so , although the excrements of digestions were nothing but a meer salt , yet should not the venal bloud therefore be deprived of its own salt : because it is that , which borrowes not its salt , and the necessaries of its own constitution , from excrements : yea , it should rather follow , that seeing the leprosie is such an abundant productress of salt in the excrements , the venal bloud also shall not want its own salt : even as , while there flowes a continual sunovie or gleary water , and that plainly a salt one out of ulcers ; the remaining bloud doth not therefore want its salt , or sense is not diminished in the flesh , but rather encreaseth the pain and sharpness : so also in the dropsie , a salt water doth sometimes forthwith extend the abdomen or neather belly , yet do not dropsical persons want the sence of touching . for paracelsus elsewhere , defineth the venal bloud to be the meer mercury of man , from which those excrements are sequestred in the shew of a putrified sulphur ; and likewise , of a whey-ie , unprofitable , and superfluous salt . elsewhere again , as being unmindfull of himself , he defines the bloud to be the salt of the rubie : as though salt were the tincture of the rubie , or that the tincture of the bloud were from a salt : for he makes his three first things , mutable at pleasure ; no otherwise than as the humourists do accuse their humours and heats , at pleasure : and which more is , do say , that the same are the causes of diseases , and death ; and also the authors of sensation and motion . fye ! must we thus sport at pleasure with nature , diseases , the bloud , and death of our neighbour ? for medicine is plainly a serious thing ; and man shall at sometime render skin for skin . for salt doth not appear in the bloud , flesh , solid parts , &c. except in the last and artificial separation of those beginnings , after death , and that indeed by the fire : to wit , after that the sense of touching hath been a good while extinct . those dreams of the principles do not serve for the speculation of motion and sense . a mark imprinted by the devil on witches , is wont to bewray these , because the place of the brand is voyd of feeling for their whole life : and that mark being once impressed , hath its own natural causes of unsensiblenesse , after the manner of the leprosie ; yet enrouled in a certain and slender center . for the witch , her eyes being covered ; if a pin be in that place of the brand , thrust in even to the head , that prick is made without feeling . at leastwise , that place should by a wonderful priviledge be preserved all her life time , without salt and putrefaction , seeing that otherwise , the life according to paracelsus , is a mummy , with a comixture of the liquor of salts . far more sound therefore is the doctrine of hippocrates , which decreeth the spirit , or aiery and animal flatus or blast , to be the immediate instrument of sense , pain , motion , pleasures , agreement , co-resemblance , attraction , repulsing , convulsions or contractures , releasement also of any successive alterations whatsoever : so that it appropriates to self , sensible objects , and from thence frameth unto it self sensations themselves : for it happens , that if by chance that spirit be busied by reason of profound speculations , or madness , that the body doth not perceive pains , hunger , cold , thirst , &c. for i remember , that a robber deluded the torture of torment , by a draught of aqua vitae , and a piece of garlick ; the which , he at length wanting , confessed his crimes . but the astonishment and unsensibleness of the leprosie , is in the habit of the flesh and sinewes , subjectively , or as in their subject ; but not in the compass of imagination ; but effectively and occasionally in a certain poyson : but that bloody anodynous or stupefactive ice , and well nigh mortifying poyson , is communicable and effluxive through a horrid and stinking contagion ; whence the holy scriptures command the leprousie to be severed from the company of men : but this icie poyson begins from without , and therefore they feel inward pains , and likewise external cold and heat ; yet not wounds or a stroak . the mange and scab is manifold , and the pox or soul disease infamous through a defiling poyson : but they differ in kind , as well through the nature of the poyson , as the diversity of subjects : for indeed , the scab infects only the skin ; so as that the skin cannot turn the nourishment designed for it self , into a proper nourishment ; but it translates the most part thereof , into a salt and contagious liquor ; to wit , the which , is of the property of an itchive and nettlie or hot stinging salt , &c. therefore scabbedness doth not require internal remedies , but only local ones , which are for killing of that itchive salt . but the pox doth chiefly affect the venal blood , with a biting , mattery , and putrifying poyson . but the leprosie doth chiefly infect the inflowing spirit , with an anodinous icie poyson . indulge me reader , that through the scanty furniture of words , i am constrained to use an illusion unto names : because , as the essences of things are unknown to us from a former cause , and therefore proper names do fail those essences , we are constrained to bo●●ow and describe the conditions of poysons in diseases , from the similitude of their properties : that if not , [ by reason whereof it is ] yet at least [ because it is ] the definition may proceed from cousin-germane adjuncts or properties . so , i say , that the poyson of the falling evil , is a be-drunkenning , sleepifying , and also a swooning one , together with an astringency , neither therefore is it contagious , because intrinsecal , and not fermental : so the leprosie hath an anodynous or stupefactive poyson ; not indeed a sleepifying one , but an icie or freezing poyson , well nigh mortifying , together with an infection of the sensitive spirit , and therefore mightily contagious , especially in a hot and sudoriferous or sweaty region : for even as cold takes away the sense of touching , by congealing and driving the faculties inward ; so also the leprosie hath chosen to it self , and prepared an anodynous or benumming poyson , not a coolifying and sleepifying , but by another title , a freezing one ; no otherwise than as kibes or chilblanes , are bored with ulcers , as if they were scorched with fire : the which notwithstanding , do oftentimes happen unto those before or after winter , who all the winter in the chimneys , felt no cold . the poyson of the leprosie therefore , doth in this respect , co-agree with cold , effectually , although not in the first elementary quality thereof : neither therefore doth it also totally mortifie after the manner of a gangreen ; but only the part which it sealeth with the ulcer : yea , neither also doth it straightway extend it self far from thence , because it is from a con●stringent icie poyson , the author of unsensibleness . but it is of a difficult curing , by reason of its freezing , and almost mortifying contagion , and that an oppressive one of the sensitive : spirit ; because as it is intimately co-fermented with the sensitive spirit , while it hath issued forth unto the utmost parts ; therefore it is difficultly taken away , unless by remedies which have access unto the first closets or privy chambers of us : to wit , that so they may confirm the spirit of life ; whereby it may overcome the aforesaid poyson , and also confound or dissolve the ice of the foregoing , winter with a new spring . and although that poyson be fermental in respect of the poyson ; and therefore also from a formal quantity of it self , it endeavours to creep into all places afterwards ; yet it is not apt , as to be co-fermented equally with the spirit , by reason of the force and fighting nobleness of the subject into which it is received , and the drowsie sluggishness of its icie disposition . for such is the difference in contagious things , that the poysons of some things do voluntarily , or by art , depart , and are separated from , and forsake the bodies infected by them : but of others , that there is no voluntary division to be hoped for : for the ice of the leprousie doth the rather besiege the more outward parts , because it is an icie malady , and is thrust forth abroad by the in-bred heat : for therefore it more defiles the standers by towards their outward parts , than their more inward bowels which are co-touching with them in the root , in the unity of life . but no physitian ever cured the leprosie , which obtained not the liquor alkahest . the which , since it is of a most tedious preparation , none , although skilful in art , shall come unto the obtainment thereof , whom the most high shall not by a special gift conduct thither : for he must needs be chosen and endowed by a particular priviledge , if he ought to obtain that medium or mean : to wit , whereby as well sensitive as unsensitive sublunary bodies , are equally pierced even into the seminal and intrinsecal root of their first being ; therefore also it subdueth and changeth all things under it , without a re-acting of the patient and impoverishing of the agent : for otherwise it is vain , whatsoever hope the leprosie shall perswade it self of from elsewhere . therefore in times past , the curing of those that had the leprosie , was granted for a sign unto the messias alone . my first born daughter being now five years old , became leprous , and that more and more ; and at length , wan ulcers , and horny white scales grew throughout her whole body . but then the image of the virgin lady newly shewed it self by many miracles in our city , famous for the hospital of st. james : the girle therefore , being now seven years of age , desired to go to the place , and the grandmother with her nephew , hasten thither , and she returns after an hour , sound , and forthwith the scales fall off . presently after a year , the same leprosie suddenly returned ; and i confessed my self guilty , that i had concealed the honour of the lady virgin : therefore my little daughter returnes with her grandmother unto the sacred image , and she again returned healed , and so afterwards remained . but i fearing the return of the leprosie , divulged the miracle , and by a publick writing , confessed the favour and clemency of god : unto whom be all praise and glory , with the sanctifying of his name for ever ! i have already said , that sensation or the act of feeling , ( according to the mind of hippocrates ) doth as well effectively , as susceptively or receivingly , consist in the animal spirit : but because all such spirit is dead , and a dead carcass , unless it be illustrated from the life it self : and because life it self in that spirit is not proper unto it , and unseparable from it , but life is from the vital or animal spirit , ( i now confound them both in name ) it being distinct in the whole subject ; ( the which elsewhere more manifestly , concerning long life ) therefore first of all , it is manifest , that that vital spirit doth not immediately feel ; but that it is the very life it self , which doth the more nearly and immediately feel , and grieve or pain in that spirit . for indeed , i have demonstrated in the treatise concerning the forms of things , that the life or form of things , is a certain light , a special creature shining in its own inne , throughout all the guardians of the parts ; yet that it is not a substance , nor an accident , however , by reason of the so great novelty of the thing , the school of the peripateticks may crack : which paradox , i have demonstrated by mathematical demonstration , and mechanically in the book of the elements : and so i here assume it , as being elsewhere sufficiently proved . i will therefore speak much more nearly than hipprocrates , concerning sensation and sense ; that if sensation or the act of feeling were in times past , said to be made with a passion of the body , wherein the spirit making the assault , receiveth the impression of the thing to be felt , and the which therefore is abusively called the very sensible species it self : we now understand , that this impression is in one only moment , and in the same point ●sinuated into the life existing in it : to wit , under which insinuation , application , and suiting , sensation doth then first arise , being made in the life it self , and by the life ; of which life indeed , sense it self is an unseparable property . and seeing life is not of a body , nor proper to a body , nor lastly , of the off-spring of corporeal properties ; but is a light comming into it by the gift of the creator , beyond the condition of the elements and heavens ; hence also , sensation is not of bodies , nor of matter , nor of a solution of the con-tinual , &c. but plainly , a vital property proceeding from the very trunk of life . as also , it is not sufficient , that there be an eye , a mean , a vital spirit , that seeing may be made ; but moreover , there is required an application of the visual spirit unto the life , and therefore , the effect of seeing , however altogether ordinary , doth exceed the whole elementary nature ; because it contains the image and co-resemblance of the life it self : for that , seeing , tasting , smelling , touching , &c. are the immediate effects of the life sporting it self or playing thorow its own organs : for in all sense , it must needs be , that the allurements of the spirits , and the species of things perceived , are fitted immediately to the life , if sensible acts do at any time happen . but indeed , in a matter so difficult , and so far separated from the common doctrine , grant me reader , that i may as yet talk more nearly with thee ; for thou hast perceived , that it is not sufficient unto sense and sensation , to have have said , that the brain , and likewise , the sinew , is the immediate organ of sense ; nor also , that it is enough to have implored for this purpose , the inflowing spirit , yea , or the spirit it self implanted in the parts , as it is cherished from the influxing vertue of the brain or nerves , unless unto all these , the life shall concurre ; for sensation it self is of so great a weight , that it easily exceeds the compass of all sublunary things , together with the whole power of the heavens and elements . therefore since thou hast already perceived that , i will speak further : for what things i have now spoken concerning the life , i have shewen in my whole book of long life , ( whereunto i dismiss thee for speedy recourse ) how variously the life glistens in nature : to wit , as it is seminally in the very vital spirits ; but as it were fountainously , in the sensitive soul it self . therefore in speaking properly of sense and sensation , the sensitive soul it self , is the primary , and also the immediate being , which acteth all sensations , and in acting , undergoes them in it self : and therefore the spirit of the brain is only the immediated organ ; but the life is the organ or medium , whereby the sensitive soul perceiveth external objects rushing on it : for sensation is not immediately in the thing contained , nor in the things containing , nor also in the spirit diffused through the sinews into the vital parts ; because that spirit which makes the assault , differs from the sensitive soul , no otherwise than as a fat material smoak doth from the flame by which it is enflamed ; but the soul , the immortal mind , is wholly unpassable by humane conceptions , as it is the image of the very incomprehensible god himself . but the sensitive soul , although it begins in nature from an occasional seed , that is , dispositively ; yet seeing it is the nearest image of that image , it is also after the manner of men , unknown , and altogether scanty : for therefore indeed , neither can it be defined by its causes , but only is described by an absurb or incongruous circle of reflexions own its own actions and properties : to wit , that the sensitive soul is a formal light whereunto the properties of a sensitive life do chiefly agree ; but in man , that it is the prop and inn of the immortal soul , and its immediate bond with other created corporeal bodies , besides it self : therefore there is as yet a more remote aspect or beholding of the soul , as being related to the life : seeing life and the soul are distinct things , as it were the abstract and the concrete ; or rather as the property of a being , and a being it self . this same soul therefore , through life , perceiveth in the animal spirits , and seeth immediately , in the optick or visual spirit which inhabits in the apple of the eye , the visible species conceived : for the optick spirit there , is a transprrent glass , the light whereof is the very sensitive soul it self , present in the same place , being the seat and chamber-maide of the immortal mind : therefore there is no need of a recourse of the received species , that are to be perceived thorow the sinews , to the brain ; but the soul being immediately present , and bestowing all vertue from it self upon the visual spirit , she her self sees and discerns . but the brain is only the shop and cup of those spirits : wherefore the sinews do not serve for the conveighing of the specie's drawn unto the brain in the act feeling or perceiving ; but for bedewing of the spirits illustrated in the brain , for the refreshing and confirming of the parts wherein themselves are implanted : neither is there also altogether a like reason of the external senses , with the imaginative power and its sisters : for the sensible specie's , outwardly perceived by the soul , are abstracted by sensibility , and then at length , as it were of the matter [ whereof ] specie's or shapes are from thence forged into the image of the thing to be perceived . after another manner , sensitive objects entring from without , are conceived after a concrete or conjoyned manner , in the organs of the senses , and therefore they do not only displease , but moreover , do now also pain . but concerning the seat of the soul , it is variously disputed for the heart and the brain : but i may suppose , that the sensitive soul is conformable to its own seeds , and by a real act , distinguished from the immortal mind , the image of the divinity : yet that the sensitive soul ( which is the carnal , old , adamical man , and law of the flesh ) is not on both sides distinguished from a formal and vital light , neither that it sirs immediately in the inflowing spirit , the which indeed , is wholly slideable and flowing : but the spirit which increased in the organs , presently after their first constitution , although it live in the last life of the seeds ; yet it doth not as yet truly live in the middle animal life ( which is the sensitive life ) until that a vital light comming upon it , shall actually shine . the dispositions whereof , are indeed gradually premised : but notwithstanding they are in one only instant , enlightned by the divine goodness of the creator ; even as in the book of long life : for that happens no otherwise than as in the co-rubbing of the flint against the steel : therefore an undeclarable light is kindled by the creator in the spirit of the more noble bowels : and first indeed in the heart , which light , as it attaineth strength by degrees , is more powerfully enlarged , no otherwise , than as the smoak of a lower candle doth visibly receive the dismissed flame from the upper candle : so that although the organs are divided in diversity of offices , yet by a mutual conspiracy , they readily serve for the necessities and ends prefixed by the lord the creator : notwithstanding , there is one only harmony , and continued homogenial life , and sensitive soul of all the bowels and members , which in every one of them receiveth , and presently after cloatheth it self with certain limitations or properties which it had prepared for it self by the seeds . for as the flame of a candle is not extended above or without its own sphear , nor perisheth as long as it lives within that sphear , although the smoaky fumes arising from thence , being void of flame , did fly far away out of that spheare : so likewise , the inflowing spirits , although they are illustrated by a participation of life , are pufft away , do wander far , and therefore are materially diminished in their cup or buttery ; yea , and for this cause , the liveliness of a vital light growes feeble ; yet nothing of the essence of the sensitive soul perisheth , because life is not attained by parts and degrees , as neither doth it subsist like accidents , but is alwayes life ; although more or less liveliness may appear in that light : for no otherwise than as a fire , where it is never so small , is as well fire , as another that is heightned : in like manner also , whatsoever exhaleth from the body , which before rejoyced in the participation of life , yet looseth life , so soon as it departs out of its own limits : so also excrements do not indeed keep life , but a co-participation of the vital spirits : wherefore also from thence , the order of the inferiour harmony slides into disorder , according to that saying , my spirit shall be diminshed , and ( therefore ) my dayes shall be shortned : therefore a more immoderate evacuation of corrupt pus , and the like , brings sudden death : as indeed they do not contain the soul , but only the last seminal life of vital spirits . for as concerning the immediate existence of the immortal mind or divine image , the matter is as yet in controversie between the heart and the brain : for i , who know , that even quickning is made at the very instant , wherein the sensitive soul is present ; that is , while that formal , animal and sensitive light is kindled , ( even as elsewhere , concerning the birth of formes ) believe also , that the immortal mind is present , and that it doth wholly sit immediately in the sensitive soul , as being associated or joyned thereunto ; not indeed , that it sits in a certain corner bowel , prison of the body , or shop of the spirits . but i conceive , that the mind is throughout the whole sensitive soul , and that it pierceth this soul , nor that it doth exceed the sphear thereof , as long as it lives : and in this respect , that it is subject unto many importunities of circumstances : but in death the mind is separated ; because the sensitive soul it self departs into nothing as it were , the light of a candle ; which things surely were here to be fore-tasted of , before the explication of sensation . pain therefore , as that which is chiefly to be felt , shall open unto us the way : for it is a hurtful and sorrowful sensation or act of feeling conceived in the vital spirit , being by life implanted in the sensitive soul . and in speaking most nearly , sense or feeling is a possion of the sensitive soul , conceived in the spirit of life , for nothing can be glad , sorrowful or in pain , besides the soul it self : and so that sense , seeing it is the first conception of pain , or well-pleasing , it is by all means made primarily in the soul : and therefore sense represents unto me , nothing besides that power of the soul of conceiving and judging passively of external objects rushing on it . therefore seeing that these acts do depend on the soul , the whole history whereof is blind unto us ; it is no wonder , that it hath been hitherto , nought but carelesly treated by the schools concerning the soul and sensation ; because they are those who have skipt over the enquiries of far more manifest things , as untouched ; yea through sloath they have neglected them , by subscribing to the dreams of heathens . in pain therefore , the irrational sensitive soul , is first or chiefly sorrowful , is mad , is angry , is perplexed , doth itch , or fear ; and as it is in the fountainous root of all vital , actions , it naturally moves , and contracts not only the muscles , but also any of the parts , unto the tone of its own passions . sense therefore is the action of external objects that are to be perceived ; the which , while they are conceived in the soul , it self also suffers , no less than life its companion , than the animal spirit , and the rest of the guard . but the immortal mind suffers not any of these things in its own substance , but only in its subject , seat , inn , to wit , the sensitive soul : otherwise , all voluntary things at once , are too invalid , so as to be able to affect an immortal being , which is eternal in its future duration . but it is as yet a very small matter , that the sensitive soul doth suffer by sensible objects , unless it self be made as it were hostile to it self , while , a● impatient , it is exorbitant or disorderly : for it begins to act , while it is provoked , and doth suffer by sensible objects : for truly it shakes the vital spirit , and the whole body , and at length , as prodigal , it disperseth the vital furniture , and breeds diseases on it self , and hastens its own death . that even from hence also , the proverb may be verified , that none is more hurt , than by himself , ( as the sensitive soul is a meer act : ) and so that it being once spurred up by sensible conceptions , ( for it is wholly irrational , brutal , wrongful , and greedy of desire ) it leaps over into furies , and symptomatically or furiously shakes all things . therefore sensible objects are the occasions of hurts and diseases : but the sensitive soul well perceiving the same occasions , nor being willing to suffer them , diversly stirs up its own ministers , and by idea's imprinted on them , estrangeth them from their scope or purpose : from whence afterwards proceed various seeds and off-springs of diseases . the soul therefore undergoes and suffers the aforesaid affects from the object that is to be felt , from whence it being disturbed or tossed by the pricks of sensations , doth act , and suffer , lastly , as being prodigal , it in a rage , disperseth its own family-order of administration : and while it perceiveth sweet , plausible , helpful objects , and those things which are grateful unto it self , it is not in this its acts of feeling , differing from the judgement whereby it feeleth hurtful , corrosive , pricking , rending , brusing objects , not but by accident , which is plainly external to the life it self : from whence , it is easily discerned , that sense is made by the judgement of the sensitive soul , being brought upon a conceived sensible object , it altering at first by it self , according to the sensation conceived , and then it conveigheth it further unto another imaginative judgement , which is separated from the sensitive judgement , no otherwise than as sense , and phantasie or imagination do disagree in their faculties , but not in their subject . spare me , ye readers , if i attribute all material perturbations and affections immediately to the sensitive soul , and to the spirits its guardians ; but not unto the organs of those : for there are some tickling things , which by their itching , and itch-gumme , do stir up laughter , and a small leaping in some , which in others do not move the least of these : for oft-times the soul is inwardly overclouded with a natural sensation , and is also sadned , the subject thereof being scarce known ; yea , it elsewhere , doates : and elsewhere the sensitive soul becomes unsensitive , as in those that have the falling sicknesse , for a time : but in the palsey , oft-times , for life , at leastwise in organs that are hurt , although as yet alive : but in many , without sense , judgement , and reason , although the animal spirits do issue forth , and being diffused into the habit of the body , do move , and in the mean time , do otherwise draw hurtful impressions . so the life , and that sensitive soul have their own drowsinesse , madnesse , and trouble within , although nothing shake and burden them from without : because seeing that in sleep also , there is its own foolish lust or desire , hunger , thirst , fear , agony , and a wondrous dissolute liberty of irrational vain dreams . and moreover , friendly things are presently changed into mixt , neutral or hostile ones , as the archeus which never keeps holiday or is idle , doth of sweet things make bitter , and corroding ones : for the soul ( as i have said ) conceiveth of sensible things by the means of a guard and clients , unto whom she her self as present , is an an assistant , and by applying those objects unto her self , stirs up sorrow , love , fear , &c. to wit , of which idea's , she sealingly forms the characters or impressions in her own archeus , whereby she changeth all things acording to the image seminally proposed unto her self : which character , being through a bedewing of the sensitive soul , made partakers of life and sense , do first cloath the seminal body of the archeus , from whence at length , most prompt faculties or abilities for action , do spring : and there is sometimes made in these , so ready and stubborn a perseverance of affection , that it presents a spectacle of admiration to the beholder , especially , if any one doth examine the attributes of the life and spiritual seed : for how most suddenly are children , women , and improvident people , angry , do weep and laugh ? for the sensitive souls of those , do freshly , as it were immediately even adhere unto sensible things . it is therefore a natural thing , that the sensitive spirit is voluntarily and easily carried into these kinds of overflowings ; because that soul being easily received by its own sensual judgement , slides into the voluntary passions of material spirits ; and , as even from a child , these same exorbitances have encreased , so afterwards , that soul growes to ripeness , as wrothful , furious , and wholly symptomatical ; the which otherwise would far more safely perform all things under meeknesse or mildnesse , than as by reason of furies to aspire into diseases , and now and then unto its own death ; which is frequent and most manifest in exorbitances of the womb , and in the symptomes of some wounds , and of other diseases . anger therefore and fury in this place , are not of the man , but of that sensitive soul brought into the life , which begetteth the animosities of a natural sensation , and the which therefore doth oftentimes ascend unto a great height , that it burns to an eschar , and blasts the part with a sphacelus or mortifying inflammation , like fire . pain therefore is an undoubted passion of the sense of touching , wherein the sensitive soul expresseth a displeasure with the object , according to the differences of the conceived injury brought on the parts . furthermore , whether that passion be the office or performance of a judicial power , from whence the soul is by a proper etymology , named sensitive , no otherwise than as the motive faculty moveth only by the beck of the soul , without an external or forreign exciter : or indeed , whether pain be a passion immediately produced from a sensible paining cause , the schools might have sifted out , if as great a care of diligent searching into the truth , as of receiving a salary from the sick , had ever touched them : but with me , that thing hath long since wanted a doubt . for truly , seeing the sense of pain , is the judgement of the soul , expressed by the act of feeling in the sensible faculty , whereby the soul bewails it self of the sensible , hurtful , and paining object : therefore both of them being connexed together , do almost every way concur ; and both also stand related after each its own manner , unto pain . for indeed , the cause being a sensible injury , is the motive of pain : but the sensitive soul it self , gives judgement of the painful object with a certain wrothfulnesse and impatiencie of passion : the which indeed , in a wound , contusion or bruise , extension or straining , burning and cold , as being external causes , is altogether easie to be seen . but while the motive causes of pain are neither applied from the aforesaid impression of external objects , or from a proper exorbitancy within , and the sensitive spirit is from thence made wholly sharp , gnawing , biting , degenerate , and forms the blood like it self : then indeed , the sensitive soul , in paining , doth not only give a simple judgement concerning pain ; but moreover , she in her self being wholly disturbed , brings forth from her self a newly painful product , no otherwise , than if that product proceeded from an external occasional cause . and although both these do in a greater passion , and more grievous sensation , for the most part concur ; yet in speaking properly , pain doth more intimately respect the censure brought from the sensitive soul , the patient : or pain doth more nearly reflect it self on the property of the soul , than on the paining cause ; because many are grievously wounded without manifest pain : even as also a furious man shewes , that he scarce feeleth paines from hurtfull causes . some things also do oftentimes delude the paines of torture , and unctions do also deceive paines , although the parts are beaten with injury . wherefore sense , doth more intimately and properly respect the censure of the power of the sensitive soul , than the injury of the painfull cause . but truly , i am diverted elsewhere as for the cause of the aforesaid unpainfulnesse in the leprosie , and unmoveablenesse in the apoplexy , &c. the schooles indeed , contending for the brain as the chief organ of sensation and pain , do therefore take notice , that the brain being by its own property of passion immediately , and as it were by one stroak touched , doth lose even both sense and motion at once : yea that it doth contract either of the sides . but the manner of making they thus expresse : the fourth bosom of the brain ( it being a very small little bosom ) beginning from the cerebellum , the beginning of the thorny marrow is stopped up by phlegme : from whence ariseth an apoplexy in an instant . for nature being unwilling , or not able to draw back or reduce that phlegme once slidden down thither , being diligent , is at leastwise busie in laying aside that phlegme into either side of that pipe : from whence consequently , a palsie of that side begins . these things indeed we read concerning the apoplexyand palsie : yet nothing of the contracture arising through the stroak of the head. paracelsus also , not being content with this drowsie doctrine of three diseases , is also tumbled in unconstancy . for sometimes he saith , that the apoplexy and palsie following thereupon , is bred , for that the sensitive spirit in the nerves or sinews , hath from the law of the microcosme , after the manner of sulphurous mines , contracted like aqua vitae , a flame from the fire of aetna : through which inflammation , the sinewes and tendons being afterwards at it were adust , burnt , and as it were half dead , are dryed up together with the muscles : and therefore they do thenceforth remain deprived of sense and motion ; to wit , he constitutes these two diseases ( considering nothing the while , of the contracture or convulsion from the stroak ) not indeed in the case of the brain , but in the utmost branches of the nerves : as though , they were affects hastening from without to within . but in another place , he judgeth not a certain sulphurous or inflamed matter to be the cause of the apoplexy : but he accuseth mercury onely ( to wit , one of the three things , which he calls his own beginnings of nature ) as being too exactly circulated ; and affirmes , that through its abounding subtility or finenesse , it is the conteining cause of every sudden death . elsewhere , he recals the apoplexy unto the stars of heaven : and in another place again , being unconstant , he teacheth , that every apoplexy is made of gross vapors stopping up the arteries and restlesse beating pipes of the throat ; and that there is also an eclipse of the lunaries or moon-lights of the brain in us , from a microcosmicall necessity . therefore hath he in like manner , whirl'd about the causes of the vertigo or giddinesse of the head unto uncertainties : to wit , himself being wholly vertiginous . but i have otherwise proceeded : whatsoever doth primarily feel , that very thing is the first receiver , and efficiently effecter of pain : but a sword , stroak , bruise , corrosives , &c. are indeed the occasional , or effective instrumentals , but not the chief efficients of pain . and then , seeing pain is for the most part bred in an instant , also that which is stir'd up by external objects : therefore for pain , there is no need of recourse to the brain , that by reflextion it should have need as it were of a counsellour . wherefore , the schooles going back a little from the brain , had rather receive the sinew for the chief organ which is to perceive of the objects of sense , as they are besprinkled either with a beam , of light , or with a material bedewing of spirits ( for they have not yet resolved themselves in most things ) continually dismissed from the brain : and so , that the brain doth deny sense and motion to the inferiour parts , unlesse it doth uncessantly inspire its own favour , by the spirits its mediatours . but herein also i find many perplexities . first of all , i spy out divers touchings in man : to wit , almost particular touchings to be in all particular members : yea in the bowels and other parts that are almost destitute of all fellowship with sinews . such as are the teeth themselves : the root whereof although a small nerve toucheth , yet not the teeth themselves , more outwardly ; the which notwithstanding , to have a feeling , many against their wills will testifie : so the urine-pipes want a sinew , and the scull it self , under the boring of the chirurgians wimble , resounds a wonderfull sense , even into the toes . i have believed therefore , that there could not be so great a latitude of one touching , distributed from one onely and common fountain , the brain , or from the nerve of a simple texture or composure . therefore have i supposed that which i have before already proved ; that sense doth chiefly reside in the sensitive soul , which is every where present ; and for that cause also , immediately in the implanted spirit of the parts : and that thing i have the more boldly asserted , because the brain itself , which is the shop of the in-flowing spirit , doth excell in so dull and irregular a touching , as that it hath been thought to be without feeling . therefore , either that maxime falls to the ground : for the which things sake , every thing is such , that thing it self , is more such : or the brain is not the primary seat and fountain of touching . in the next place , all pain is made in the place , and is felt as it were out of hand . therefore also , touching is made in the place , and not after an afore-made signification to the head. and moreover , in nature , or at leastwise in a round figure , there is not right and left : and so that , neither can there be a side kept for phlegme in the palsie , by its fliding down , except there are in the one onely thorny marrow , especially in its beginning , two pipes throughout its length , conteining the necessity of a side : which is ridiculous even to have thought , especially in the slender hollownesse of the fourth bosom . for truly , motion and sense are in one and the same muscle , which receiveth a simple and flender sinew : yet in fingers that are affected with benummednesse , the feeling only is oftentimes suspended , motion being in the mean time safe and free : therefore , either it must needs be , that sense and motion do not depend on the same nerve , on the in-flowing spirit , and the common principle of these : or it is of necessity , that from the same one onely small nerve , motion onely , and not sense , or sense onely , and not motion , hath its dependance ; or that there are other forreign things hitherto unknown , which take away or hurt sense onely , and not motion : but other things which stop motion alone , and some things which affect both . wherefore , in a more thorow attention , i have beheld that the astonishment of touching , unsensiblenesse , want , or defect in motion , were passions that sometimes arose from a primitive mean : and that those passions were then also , of necessity privative : as in the straining of a turning joynt , in strangling , &c. for i have known an honest citizen , to have been thrice hung up by robbers , for the wiping him of his money's sake ; and that he told me , that at that very moment , wherein the three-legged stool was withdrawn from his feet , he had lost motion , sense , and every operation of his mind . at leastwise , the fourth little bosome of his brain was not then filled up , nor the thorny marrow pressed together , which lived safe within the turning joynts : and the cord being cut , the stopping phlegme was not again taken away out of that fourth bosome , that those functions of his soul and body might return into their antient state . a certain astrologer being willing to try whether the death of hanging was a painfull death , cast a rope about his neck , and bad his son , a youth , that he should give heed , when he moved his thumb , after the stool was withdrawn from under his feet , so as presently to cut the cord. the lad therefore fixing his eyes on his fathers fingers , and not beholding motion in them , and looking up vards , he saw his father black and blew , and his tongue thrust forth . therefore the cord being cut , the astrologer falls on the ground , and scarce recovered after a month . almost after the same manner doth drowning proceed : wherein , assoon as at the first drawing , the water is drawn through the mouth into the lungs , the use of the mental faculties is lost ; and by a repeated draught of water , the former effects are confirmed : yet neither do they so quickly dye , but that if they lay on their face , that the water may flow forth , even those who appear to have been a good while dead , do for the most part , revive or live again . the pipes of the lungs therefore being filled up with a forreign guest , the vital beam prepetually shining from the midriffs into the head , is intercepted ; from whence consequently , as it were a privative apoplexy straightway ariseth . surely , it is a wonder , that the functions of the mind should on both sides so quickly fail ; and so that also , a continued importunity and dependance of necessity , from the aspiring and vital favour of inferiour parts , not yet acknowledged in the schooles , is conjectured : wherefore i have promoted a treatise , concerning the duum virate . i considered therefore , if the brain be the chief fountain and seat of the immortall soul , understanding , and memory : at least , as long as the soul was in the brain , those faculties ought to remain untouched : seeing that for cogitation , there is neither need of the leg , nor of the arm , nor of breathing . notwithstanding , hanging doth as it were at one stroak , totally take away the faculties of the mind . for while the jugular arteries did deny a community with the inferiour parts , or the lungs were filled up with water : presently , not onely the faculties do stumble , but also such a stoppage did act by way of an universal apoplexy , and suspended motion not in one side only , even as in the palsie : for from thence , i confirmed my self , that the influences and communion of the inferiour bowels were taken away from the brain , by the interception of a bond or obstacle : from whence also , i consequently supposed , that the first conceptions were formed elsewhere than in the head , according to that saying of truth ; out of the heart proceed adulteries , murders , &c. i found moreover , that the apoplexy , astonishment or unsensiblenesse , palsie , giddinesse of the head , falling-evil , convulsion , &c. were passions arising from a positive occasional cause , and much differing from privative ones , the constrictives or fast binders together of the sinews , passages , and spirits ; which causes have been hitherto neglected by the schooles , by subscribing in the aforesaid diseases , to wit , unto heathenish doatages , stablishing phlegme in the fourth little bosome of the brain : when as in the mean time , the like and positive faculties do every where occur in opiates , and likewise in sleepy and epileptical diseases . i remember also , that i at sometime in my young beginnings , distilled some poysonous things : the which , if at any time the junctures of the vessels being not well stopped , there expired an odour from them ; or that afterwards , in separating the vessels from each other , they struck me at unawares ; i was at one onely instant , ready for a fall , together with a giddinesse of the head , and a benummednesse of my right side : so that , if the odour had once onely again smitten me , without doubt i had fallen , as being apoplectical . indeed , an ardent desire of knowledge in times past , constrained me into so great rashnesse , that a thousand times , i have not spared my own life . therefore in the tearms proposed , truly that odour did not stir up phlegme threatning to slide down , and a new and fresh blast of ayr again removed it not out of the bosome of the brain . therefore , if some simples do bring a drowsie evil , giddinesse of the head , a cessation of motion , and an obscuring of sense : it is not unlikely , that the like things to these , do also suddenly spring up within : neither is it seemly , alwayes to dedicate all these effects to the depriving stoppage of one phlegme . for i remember , that a person being smitten with an apoplexy , dyed in two hours : and seeing there was a suspition of poyson offered him , a dissection was appointed . his scull therefore being taken away , thirteen studious men pleasantly took away the menynx's or coates of the brain ; and then the cerebellum or little brain being modestly opened , not any thing of phlegme was found in the fourth bosome ; as neither was there any thing found to have fallen downwards into the thorny marrow , by those diligently narrow enquirers . therefore i shall never be induced to believe with the schooles , that the apoplexy is a phlegmy stoppage of the fourth bosome of the brain : as neither can i believe , the palsie to be an obstruction of either side of the thorny marrow . first of all , the unprosperous healing of these diseases , do bewray the sluggish enquiries into causes . and then , the apoplexy hath so negligently and ignorantly been handled hitherto , that it is as yet , in the schooles , destitute of a proper word : for truly , it hath retained its name , from a folding , or small net of arteries , dreamed by galen , or being delivered to him , being credulous , from some other ; which small net , anato●y hath not as yet hitherto seen . but galen his feigned fine net hath forsaken him , as a rash asserter of trifles , and a ridiculous dissecter . so that , it is now clearly manifested by andrew vesalius being the author , that galen never saw a humane dead carcase dissected : and that he described his doctrine of anatomy word for word out of some other , no otherwise than as he did his herbarisme out of diascorides . therefore i have easily learned , that of necessity , not onely the place and manner of making , but also that the whole tragedy , and due remedies of an apoplexy are wholly unknown in the galenical schooles : for the method of curing it , hath confirmed that thing unto me : for i have often seen in a new apoplexy , by vomitive medicines , but otherwise , comforting ones being afterwards added , the speech , sense , and motion to be restored : but all , either side of whom had failed , i have seen cured by the mercurius diaphoreticus of paracelsus , elsewhere by me described . for that sudoriferous mercury , as it cures without any evacuation : so also , it hath brought desired help without the revulsion of phlegme out of the fourth bosome of the brain . for , i having followed the doctrine of the holy scriptures ( by their fruits ye shall know them ) have learned , to wit , from the latter , and from the effect , that the original of the apoplexy is positive , but not privative , or by a stopping up of the bosome of the cerebellum , lum made by phlegme suddenly falling down thither : especially , because that from affects of the womb , apoplexies and palsies do oftentimes arise ; they ceasing , remedies being administred to the womb : and those being neglected , they are either choaked , as being truly apoplectical , or do also languish with a palsie for their life-time . finally , i have known , that the entry of an apoplexy is in the midriffs ; but in the brain , not but by a secondary passion , whereby the brain doth successively hearken unto the government of inferiour parts : for neither do vomitive medicines , as neither also the aforesaid sudoriferous one , withdraw any thing from the hinder little bosome , and much lesse , from the hollownesse of the thorny marrow . and that thing , they have known , as many as have ever been present at the dissection of those parts . and likewise , odoriferous and succouring essences being drunk , should never be derived unto the head , if it were stopped or beset : yet they do presently , sensibly help ; because there is in the midriffs their own tasts , and their own proper smelling : and moreover , their own touching also , is from hence communicated to the body , by meanes of the sensitive soul being every where present : which thing , although i have elsewhere , sufficiently proved concerning long life ; yet it shall here be profitable to have confirmed it , at least by one example : therefore , if any one shall drink a scammoneated poyson masked with sugar and spice , the tongue and pallat do indeed commend it for the first turn : but at a repeated one , the horrour of the midriff , and aversnesse of drinking , will discover the errour of the masked tast : and that which otherwise is sweet to the tongue , is made horrid to the midriffs . it s no wonder therefore , that there is a singular tast and touching in the same place , and that it is from thence diffused into the members : and that those senses of the midriffs are presently refreshed by the essences of the odour : but slowly and never , if they are applyed unto the nostrils , pallat , and seames of the scull . for i have taken notice of some things , which cause not onely the drowsie evil , or catalepsie , but also foolish madnesse , and which prostrate the most potent or chief dignities of the mind , yet the sense and motion being unhurt : but after that the understanding returns , indeed as well sense as motion are abolished . some things also , being outwardly anoynted on the body , do take away the feeling , so as that there is a liberty for the chyrurgion in cutting : and the oyntments being afterwards withdrawn , the expelled feeling returneth . from hence indeed , i have believed , that the apoplexy , drowsie evils , falling-sicknesse , and likewise stranglings of the womb , and any swoonings , are diseases arising from a secondary passion , and action of government : but not from a corporall confluence of humouts and vapours bred in the bottles of the brain . truly , the womb never ascends above the diaphragma , but it causeth apoplectical affects . there is not therefore , a material touching of the womb and head : for i have known a perfume , whereby a woman suddenly falls down as apoplectical , together with the palsie of her side , and she remaines such , unlesse she be restored by the fume of a horse-fig sent thorow by a funnel to the womb. for i have seen also , the circle of the neck in a woman to have suddenly ascended above the height of her chin , the which is subject neither to humours nor vapours : for truly there is an aspect of the womb , as it were of its own basilisk : whereby the parts , by the afflux of the latex ( but what that latex is shall be taught elsewhere ) do swell ; even as is otherwise , proper to many poysons : even so as the waters do ascend and swell , at both stations of the moon , from the aspect of that star alone . i will decipher my own self in this respect . while i was in the year of my age , and was greatly occupied about the consideration of the apoplexy , i discerned , to wit , that a positive one which should be made by a freezing poyson , had it self in such a manner , as that it could be known from another which afflicts by the stopping of a sinew : even so that he , who sitting with his leg retorted or writhen back , loseth feeling in that leg , by reason of a pressing together of the sinew : and while as sense is restored unto it , that lancings or prickings are felt from the vital or animal spirit ; ( which is salt , as i have shewn in the book of long life ) but from an astonishment , which proceeds from a freezing poyson , if the feeling shall return , no pain of lancing or pricking offers it self . for i contemplated in my study , under the cold of the calends of [ the th . month called ] january : and an earthen pan laden with a few live coals , stood aloof off , whereby the most chilly cold season of the winter might at least be a little mitigated . one of my daughters seasonably coming to the place , sented the stink of the smoak , and presently withdrew the pan ; but i forthwith perceived a fainting to be sorely threatned about the orifice of my stomach : i arising therefore , and going forth in one instant , i fell with a straight body , on a stony ground : therefore , as well by reason of the swooning , as of the stroak of the hinder part of my head , i was brought away for a dead carcase . i returned indeed after a quarter of an houre , unto the signes of life , but together with a swelling of the hinder part of my head , i felt the seames or futures of my scul notably to paine me , and that more and more : my tast also , and smelling to have been wholly taken away , and my eares continually to tingle . moreover , at every of my conceptions , my head presently whirled round with a giddinesse , even my eyes being shut : straightway after , all my sinewes even unto the calfes of my legs ached , so as that one only sneezing cruelly launced the whole body : indeed an appetite of eating returned , but a whirling round excercised me for some months . but i learned first , that in the evening before supper , the giddinesse of my head increased , to wit , about the bound of digestion . . that my judgment remayning , the giddinesse notwithstanding , was prevalent . . that from any kind of pot-herbs , and unsalted fishes , the whirling did the more cruelly assault me . . i noted the gem turcois , to have remayned entire or neutral with me , having fallen , nor to have preserved me from the peril of falling : and that the turcois doth not help any but those , whom a sudden fear in falling , surpriseth : the which happens not in those wherein a swooning precedes , and frameth the fall . . that my giddinesse was from meates subject to corruption . . and i seriously noted , that the apoplexy , vertigo , &c. do depend on the midriffe , although from the shaking of the stroake , my head alone seemed to be affected , and the vertigo did sensibly whirle about in my head . yet seeing the giddinesse had respect unto meates , and a plenty of meates , i remarkeably perceived , that presently after the aforsaid swooning , a guest besides nature remayned about the stomach , being the occasional cause of the aforesaid giddinesse or vertigo , and that thing , i the more strongly confirmed , because as oft as i had in times past , sayled over the sea , i indeed , at the beginning of stormes , grew nauseous ; but i never vomited , or desisted from eating : but after that i wandred about on land , i always perceived an unconstant giddinesse , night and day resembling the motion of sayling upwards and downwards : untill that i was alwayes at length freed by a vomite of white vitriol . for at least wise , in sayling , there was no offence brought unto my head : yet , as if i had been drunk , i threatned a fall with a continuall giddinesse , the operation of my judgment notwithstanding , remayning constant and unhurt . but i was always freed from that giddinesse , by one onely vomite . but now , in the aforesaid fall , the stroake indeed produced a tumour in the hinder part of my head , and in the seames of my scull , bewraying its effects in the organs of the senses and nerves . but all these did least of all cause a wheeling about of my head , the which i observed to be chiefely stirred up or exasperated from the choice of meates ; most especially , because that whirling was restrained according to its custome , by one only vomite . from whence i experienced in my self , that the giddinesse of my head , although my head was hurt , was stirred up and nourished by the stomach , and so from the duumvirate : but that the swooning it self gave a cause of the stroak , and also left a sealing mark in a forreigne guest there detained . again , that that whirling was not from a vapour lifted upwards from beneath : but from the corporeal occasion of a sealed excrement , as oft as something offered it self which was the lesse pleasing unto those inferiour shops , the force and impressive idea of the same , redounded into the braine . from thence therefore i discerned , that be-drunkening things being derived from the stomach into the arteries , and co-mixed with vital spirit , did confound the family-administration of the spirit in the little cells of the braine , and also disturb the imaginative power , because they actually proceeded through the arteries upwards , as forreigners and strangers : to wit , by be-giddyng things , whereby indeed , whirlines only , how cruel ones soever , were presented , the understanding remayning fafe : for the occasional causes also of these whirlings do remaine in the places about the short ribs : from whence , they by the power of government , vitiate the brain it self : but not the abstracted faculties of the mind which are immediatly sealed in the spirits . even so as the elf's hoofe being bound to the finger , restraines the same rigour of the duumvirate in those that have the falling sicknesse . i also well weighed , as it were by an optical inspection , after what manner the first conceptions , might be formed the midriffs , and from thence being sent unto the head polished . and at length , after what sort these midriffs might be diversly tossed in dotages , and hypochondriacal madnesses , without any running round of the head . and , how in drunken persons , a whirling might accompany their foolish madnesse . but elsewhere , after what sort a whirling 〈…〉 of the head might induce no stumbling of the minde : even as otherwise , how the memory might stumble , the man remayning safe and sound . truly as i seriously , and with much leisure , weighed these things with my self , i found , that qualities do follow their own idea's , and by course act their own tragedies in the excrement themselves : to wit , which diverse properties of qualities i then at first cleerly apprehended , to be as it were seminal endowments , and true formal idea's : whereby indeed , the strength of the sensitive soul ( for why , they are companions of the same formal order ) was vitiated , and variously subdued , and yielded to the importunities of active idea's . alasse for grief ! then the bottome of the soul ( so called by taulerus ) manifested it self unto me , which was nothing else but the immortal minde it self ; to wit , in what great utter darknesses , it might be involved , as it were in coates of skin , as it was fast tied to , and entertained in the inne of the very sensitive soul , while the terme of life endures . and so from hence i clearly knew him , whom i have also therefore ( concerning long life ) by an unheard word explained , to the honour of god , the contempt of satan , and the magnificence or great atchievement of the whole perigrination of man. i have also taught concerning long life , that the head is the fountain of the growth of the parts placed under it , ( which thing crump-backed persons do also confirm , ) and so that from the head , the state and duration of growth is limited : that bounds also are described by the hairs , and therefore that heads void of care , do scarce wax gray . i profess therefore with the schools , that a vital light is indeed diffused from the brain , as from a fountain , and dispersed through the sinews ; and that , that light being absent , the faculties that are silent in their proper inns , are also straightway silent through a pri●ative occasion : for although sense and motion do after some sort , depend as well perceptively as executively on the implanted spirit of the parts : yet because all particular parts are vitally nourished by a besprinkled light of the brain ; the thred also , or beam of this light being intercepted , sense and motion likewise are as soon as may be , intercepted . but these things do shew only a privative apoplexie , not indeed so truly a disease , as an accidental one , even as i have shewn above , in the strayning of the turning-joyuts : but not that therefore , the fountainons cause of the senses and motions in the spirit , dieth with that privation , although the functions thereof be suspended , while that light from above is suspended : for a fly doth sometimes frequently flie , when his head is taken off : also the head of a man being cut off , his joynts do oftentimes , for a good while , leap a little , and are contracted , and do as yet afford the signes of an in-bred motion . but of a positive and diseasie apoplexie , there is a far different cause and property : for now and then a depriving of sense and astonishment straightway lights into the palm of the hand , or into the one only finger ; the motion thereof , notwithstanding , remaining safe . doth therefore phlegm , a forreigner to that finger , fall into the middle or pith of the sinew ? to wit , by a pipe , wherewith the small nerve is throughout bored thorow , and conspirable with the brain ? or perhaps , doth an unwonted vapour of phlegm run down thither ? and the which otherwise was wont , or ought to climb upwards , the nature of vapours so determining and by a vital violent force , obeying . but at leastwise , one only nerve extended into the tendon of the palm , bestowes sense and motion on the four fingers alike : why therefore is the feeling alone stupified in one finger only ? again , what vapour being ever lifted up even from the most tough snivel , was grosser , or not equal to that which ascends from the water ? let as many as have been distillers in the universe , answer . why therefore shall a gross vapour of phlegm ( the which i have sufficiently demonstrated elsewhere to be a non-being ) be required for an astonishment , and not that of simple water , or of the blood ? but if indeed a vapour of the latex or blood , shall effect that thing , then also there shall be a necessary , ordinary , and continual general stupefaction of all parts without intermission . and then , if some forreign or exerementous humour or vapour be the ocasional cause of such an astonishment , to wit , the privative , and stoppifying one of a nerve , surely it is sent , o● runs down thither of its own accord : if it be sent , yet at least , not from the brain , or the marrow its vicaress ; for so it should not straightway affect , as neither , at leastwise , strike at one only finger , and the utmost part of the finger , which was but presently before , healthy : neither is that vapour sent from the spirit , the family-administrater of life , because it is that which should more willingly and readily go forth , as being banished by transpiration : therefore that thing manifestly contradicteth providence , and a natural care of diligence , which alwayes dispenseth all things fo● the best end : because nature as too injurious to her self , should dash against the sinewes , those things which she according to her wonted manner , had more easily , better , and more nearly commanded away unto the natural and ordinary emunctory of the skin . and so that vaporal fable of the schools , which is to be scourged , contains a manifold impossibility : for the pipe of the sinews ends into the thorny marrow with a straight thred , and a continued passage ; neither hath it any transverse trunks , through which it should transmit that phlegmatish vapour sidewayes ( for otherwise , there would be made a total loss of the spirits , before they could come down unto the muscle , the executer of motion ) so far is it , that it should suck the same vapour that way . that humour or vapour therefore cannot be transmitted or descend unto one only finger ( and much less suddenly leap on it ) unless through a passage of the sinewes , common with the thorny marrow . but it is like to a dream , that in a sound body , but not in a complaining one , the sense of a finger doth forthwith fail through phlegm , which was no● before perceived in the more nigh sinews ; or otherwise , by a vapour bred after an irregular manner , being not dismissed , or descending thither , as neither presently bred in the part ; when as otherwise , all hospitality of a forreigner , is even from the beginning manifestly troublesome to nature . but hath that phlegm , or that vapour perhaps , crept sideways into the utmost nerve of the finger ? but then the maxim of of the schools should perish , which ascribeth the dispensations of any humours unto the spirit making the assault : for those humours are not in us , or in the nature of things , and if there were any , an ambulatory or walking power should no● therefore belong unto them ; and much less , in those being now excrementitious ; because all natural motions in us , hearken unto the faculties of vital things : for if phlegm , and the gross vapour thereof were in nature , at leastwise in this place ( as they are diseasie ) they are reputed by the schools to be excrements , whereof there is not a going , no● voluntary motion or progress : therefore they should of necessity be driven away by some other : not indeed , by the archeus , who seeing he acts all things , and that well , should not therefore drive that unto the sinews , which he was otherwise accustomed regularly to drive unto the skin . doth therefore phlegm , perhaps being extenuated into a vapour by heat proceed upwards ; but then , not downwards into the steep finger : at leastwise , according to the theoreme of the schools concerning catarrhs , that vapour should presently again grow together into drops ; but it should not wonder about in the shew of a vapour unto the utmost parts of the nerves , as neither should it hasten through the palm of the hand , unto one only finger . but why should it rush on a sudden , like a weight , into a small nerve more flender than a thred ? into one i say , and not into another ? but if the vapour doth enter sidewayes , why in one only instant is it imbibed , without a foregoing trouble ? why is it not rather dashed into the flesh , than into the extream part of a small nerve , which is encompassed with its own membrane ? why doth the cause which begat one only atome of phlegm , or of a gross vapour , continuall produce no other besides that one only atome ? for that sudden stupefaction doth oft-times begin from the little finger , and ceaseth at length in that , when it hath reached to the third or fourth . now and then also , all the fingers do suddenly assume the paleness of death , unto the half of their length , or beyond , even when it is without astonishment , a drowsie motion , &c. if therefore that were from a vapourie matter , at least , that matter shall not be made in the brain or thorny marrow : for truly , then also it should portend an universal passion ; therefore that vapour shall be bred in the sinew or tendon ; but then they would be all stupified at once , but not successively . neither am i perswaded , why that vapour existing without the sinew in the tranquility of health , should be pressed inwards unto the sinew or tendon , when as after another manner , there is in us an uncessant transpiration outwards : at leastwise , why this should not continue , seeing it hath the same workman , matter and shop within it ? wherefore doth that astonishment presently cease , if a matter should subsist , such as should be one of the four humours everywhere swimming together with the venal blood ? if the cause now defluxeth from the common nerve of the palm of the hand , into one finger already vanquished ; why therefore doth it afterwards flow down unto another healthy finger , and not stay in the first ? why if it be ptopagated from one only little nerve into all of them , doth it not also molest all of them at once ; but subsequently , and a good while after ? wherefore is the feeling hurt , and not the motion , if they are from one only and a like cause , if it be brought down through one only small sinew , the author as well of motion as sense ? the cold of the hands alone causeth an astonishment from without , and a pain within , without any falling of vapours or humours thereinto . at length , the sinews are not inserted into the fingers , but into the tendons : why therefore is the feeling hurt , and not the motion ? why is not the stupefaction extended throughout the whole palm of the hand at once , which is covered with one tendon ? if the tendons suffer this threatned palsey , now that is to have departed from the communion of the nerves unto the thick , not bored , nor pip-i● trunks of the tendons : not passable ones , i say , if therefore not subject to the incidencies of phlegme . a certain man had retained his spleen affected from a quartan ague , and likewise a stupefaction of his left hand , together with a mortal paleness frequently returning in hast : but what community of passages doth the spleen hold with the nerves of the fingers ? to wit , that it may transmit phlegm and gross vapours unto the fingers alone ? for doth the milt send vapours into the brain , which with the substitution of authority , and action , it will have to be from thence assigned unto the fingers of its own side , or unto those opposite thereunto ? shall therefore a stopped spleen evaporate more unto the brain and marrow of the back , than an healthy one not being hindred and burdened with continual black choler ? certainly i have prosecuted the unsensibleness and astonishments of particular members , that we might the more rightly understand a total apoplexie . in the mean time i pity the schools , that they have not more exactly examined their own fictions of humours and vapours , and the so speedyed and ridiculous falling down of these ; neither that they have once considered , that as the cold of the encompassing air is stupefactive ; so that they have not distinguished the nature of the palsey , and the colike positive passions of the sinewes , from co-like privative ones : that from thence they might have learned , that positive effects can in no wise consist without a stupefying dead matter and quality : the which if it be sufficient for crea●ing an astonishment , when it shall have touched at the sensitive parts from without ; what may it not be for effecting , if it locally stir the sinew it self . truly , if that which toucheth thereat in manner of a vapour ( according to the schools ) shall presently afford an effect about to perish the senses ; why have they not likewise once considered , that through a more tough matter , it shall be able to stir up a stubborn and durable palsey ? moreover , wheresoever such an anodynous matter is enclosed in the duumvirate . of the body ( i understand the stomack and spleen ) it shall stir up a sudden swooning , and positive apoplexie . but the palsie is for the most part , only of one side , and a defect invades as it were with the one only stroak of a dart : but the swistness of the unexpected chance produceth a terrour in the brain and marrows ; that is , in the spirit the inhabitant of these , and the author of that act of feeling : therefore by reason of its terrour , the weaker side of the marrow is contracted : but surely , the palsey is the product of the contracture : and in all , one side is always weaker than the other . therefore women , who as they are for the most part of a timorous mind , they by terrour do frequently rush also into a palsey , without an apoplexie : for terrour or affrightment hath that property , that it straightway closeth the pores , if it shall be sudden ; and the hairs hath stood an end , and the voice hath cleaved to the jawes : because it is natural for the gate to be shut against an approaching enemy : for in a stroak of the scul , the side placed under it is resolved , and the opposite side is contracted : to wit , the supposite one is resolved , because it is more terrified ; and the opposite one is drawn together , because provoked . and indeed the vulgar are wont to sore-divine an apoplexie from the shortness of the neck : for the shortness of the neck doth not argue the fewer turning joynts to be , but a less depth of every one of them : but what hath that common with phlegm ? or with a sometimes future stoppage of the fourth bosome of the brain ? to wit , that one ought to be casualy presaged by the other : for the shortness of the neck containeth not a naked sign , or prediction of physiognomy : but besides , a certain ocasional cause : for oft-times , after yesterdayes gluttony or drunkenness , a giddiness of the head , a dizzie dimness of sight , vomiting , astonishment of the fingers , &c. do happen ; the which threaten and presage an apoplexy , not indeed through occasion of a fit organ ( as concerning the shortness of the neck ) but because they have their beginning from an apopoplexy , differing only in degree and intensness . if therefore that giddinesse and astonishment ( after ●urfeiting ) be from the midriffes , as the occasional matter is as yet nourished by the archeus in an inferiour degree : therefore , wheresoever that anodynous or stupifying poyson is carried up into a degree , it causeth an apoplexy natively arising from the same seats , where through an errour of the sixth digestion , that anodynous poyson is made of the nourishment , from whence at length , there also is occasionally a palsey . the shortness therefore of the neck affordeth a brevity and readiness of passage from the midriffes into the head , requisite for an apoplexy , that is , a more ready aptness of the organ . and also the schools affirm , that in little and threatned apoplexies , instituted rubbings of the utmost parts have sometimes profited , and they from thence conjecturing a revulsion of phlegm , and vapours of out the head , do command frictions or rubbings , even unto a cruel pilling off of the skin , and sharp clysters : to wit , they excoriate the skin , that sense or feel●ng may not fail in the same place . they being in the mean time forgetful of their own rule , that sense depends wholly on the brain ; and that it is in vain to pill the legs , that they may revulse phlegm out of the fourth bosome of the brain ; for they know not whither they may pull it back ; whether they ought to allure it out of the bosome of the cerebellum into the fundament , by clysters : or indeed , whether they may by rubbing , require the same out of the bosome of the cerebellum through the skin : all being ridiculous , because themselves also are ridiculous . in the mean time , let those that stand by me , testifie , whether they can detract rather the skin , than vapours : yet i certainly know , that though any one be wholly flead , the apoplexy , or true palsey , is notwithstanding , never in anywise to be removed . neither do i see , after what manner they can defend their own theoreme : to wit , that phlegm in the fourth bosome of the brain , is the containing and adquate cause of both these evils : for i confidently deliver , that frictions have little profited , where that stupefactive and deadly poyson was only in the habit of the body : but what will those cruel frictions do , if that anodynous poyson be primarily seated in the midriffs ? and after what manner do they prove , that by rubbings , phlegm is drawn out of the bosome of the cerebellum ? i know therefore , that frictions , as they were instituted without the discerning and knowledge of causes , and distinguishing of places ; so also that they have been , and will be alwayes in vain : for it is a ridiculous and cruel thing to have rubbed the skin unto a fleaing thereof , and to have assigned the cause , to be a stoppage in the middle of the thorny marrow : because how much rubbing soever there shal be , if there were any phlegm in the world , and that slidden into the aforesaid bosome of the little brain , it shall never take that phlegm away in one only grain : but rather those superstitions being granted , it should continually increase the same : because revulsion ( if there be any truth in it ) shall draw the matter rather downwards , and dash it into the pipe of the thorny marrow in what part it is alwayes made narrower than it self ; and so much the rather , because there is ordinarly a dispensing of the greater vessels into the inferiour and lesser branches of them : then also , because that phlegm being sequestred from the rest of the blood , should be a meer excrement , nor therefore discussable without a dead head , or residence , far harder : and therefore rubbing , if it do draw , and revulse after any kind of manner , it shall feel also that ordinary endeavour of nature , that that stopping phlegm should be drawn , not from the hinder and lower bosome upwards to the brain , by a retrograde motion : but unto the more straight and lower trunks of the nucha or marrow of the back : especially , while as in the palsey , the sensitive spirits flow down sparingly , or plainly nothing at all , the which might otherwise be able to drive that phlegm forth . rubbing therefore , as it exhausts it shall rather encrease a want of the sensitive spirits . but the anodynous poyson of an apoplexy , is generated after the manner of other natural ones ; to wit , a certain excrement occasionally growes in the proper conduit of the matter , but the archeus perceiving that excrement , and abhorting it , flees from it , and conceiving the deadly idea of the excrement , impertinently imprints it on himself : from whence an apoplexy is forthwith stirred up , as it were with the stroke of a dart : but some previous dispositions do for the most part go before the nativity of this stupifying poyson . the which therefore , if it should happen in the brain , the place should cease from complaint , to wit , because the apoplexy is made in an instant , wherefore we call it [ den schlag ] or a stroak , indeed because it suddenly comes as at unawares after the manner of a stroak . the place therefore of the nativity of an apoplexy is in the midriffs , and therefore it hath also the foreshewing signs of giddiness of the head , of benummedness , nauseousness , &c. the place therefore of an apoplexy is in the arch●us of the midriffs : but in every of the parts , for a particular astonishment : because through the errour of digestion , the liquor that is immediately to be affimilated , by reason of the defect of the archeus , degenerates into an anodynous poyson , and is made the occasional matter of so great a malady ; an excrement , i say , being sealed by an idea of the abhorring archeus , is sealed on the dreg , who is to shew forth an equally aged memory of his own hostility . but that it doth not depart from thence , nor obey remedies known by the apothecary , the very quartan-ague teacheth ; the which , hitherto repeates its tragedy at pleasure , to the disgrace of physitians . if a quartan-ague be uncurable by the schooles , much more an apoplexy . for the stupefactive poyson of an apoplexy , is milder indeed in it self , than that of the falling-sickness : but it far more cruelly molesteth with its invasion . for besides astonishment , it strikes the mind , begets a deep drowsinesse , and a catochus or unsensible detainment . but if besides , it also attaines a sharpnesse , it produceth malignant ulcers , according to the mortifying of the anodynous poyson . but because that poyson is brackish , therefore it threatens atrophia's or consumptions for lack of nourishment . for i have observed a chymist , who had been a good while occupied about r●gis's , to have fallen into terrible beatings of the heart , at length into paines of his armes , and his mouth was pulled on the right side ; he suffered also restless nights , and deep paines of his armes : the which notwithstanding , were not exasperated by touching . he had also consumed with a notable leanness , by reason of the conceived brackishnesses of the waters : in the mean time any the more external remedies were attempted in vain ( for neither did i spare costs , or service for him ) but he being fully restored by a laudanum onely , for thirteen dayes administred , soon after recovered the habit of his body , and former strength . for because the harsh brackishness of the liquors had defiled the sensitive spirit , the product whereof pierced the archeus , his mouth being pulled together unto one side , and his fingers being w●ithed side-wayes , resembled a certain apoplectical being ; but because it ascended not from the governour of the midriffs ; but only the odours of the waters had immingled themselves with the inflowing sensitive spirit , there was not a perfect apoplexy of that man , although otherwise , one giddie enough . but because i call that a brackish anodynal or stupefactive , which in opium is a bitter one , but not in henbane , or mandrake ; and a very sweet one in vitriol and sulphur : this first of all discovers the errours of the schooles , while as from commonly known savours , they divine of the faculties of simples : but indeed i know , that the interchanges of things , or the maturities of days are not yet digested : nor likewise , that truth instead of falshood , will please every one : therefore i will subjoyn some anguishes , which the apoplectical rules of the schooles have brought forth unto me . for while i insisted more than was meet , in the examination of minerals , i felt from the fume of some of them , an apoplexy to be at hand , with a defect of my left side , and so that i had fallen headlong down , if i had as yet but one onely turn , breathed in the ayr of that place . wherefore i learned first of all , that the palsie is not more latter that an apoplexy , in duration . then again , that there is no stoppage in the bosomes of the brain : for i was already almost prostrated , and unlesse i had turned away my head , from whence the stinking , cruel blast breathed , i , as apoplectical , had rushed down ; and i was ready to fall . and then , my arm did already decay , and my leg being stupified , failed of sense and motion . but the schooles will never answer to these particulars : if nothing of ph●egme had ever fallen into the fourth bosome of the brain , how was the effect in me before its cause ? but if any thing thereof had fallen down , which had at least , stopt up the half of its bosome , which way retired that phlegme so speedily ? or why is not every apoplexy likewise , by the same endeavour , voluntarily cured , the phlegme which is the effectresse thereof , vanishing ? but if they had rather privily to escape , that my apoplexy came from the mischievous vapour , and not that to be from phlegme . at leastwise , why was that cruel fume brought sooner unto the fourth bosome , than unto the former ones , and those nearer and more obedient unto the nostrils ? unlesse perhaps the former were leprous , and sluggish , and without sense ? yea , all the sinews which are deputed unto the senses alone , receive their sensitive spirits from the former bosomes : but in the former ventricles of the brain ; there was no sign of the hurting of sense : yet there is no coming from without , unto the fourth bosom , but through all the foremost ones . sense likewise ( except that it was the more dull on one side ) and motion remained , and also a judgement perswading a departure . therefore had the phlegme waited now for some years at the coast of the fourth bosome : that the odour of that fume being once repeated , it ( the signe as it were of a trumpet being given ) might rush headlong into the pit ? why therefore fell not the phlegme down in me a leaping run-away ? for in the falling-sicknesse , the chief powers of the soul , and senses on both sides go to ruine , motion onely surviving , when as notwithstanding every sinew , even that which is dedicated to motion , feeleth : therefore the brain , and all its bosoms ought to be affected on both sides , where the more internal senses , together with the more external ones , are laid asleep as if they were extinguished ; how therefore doth motion alone remain ? after what manner , in the falling-evil , apoplexy , and palsie are the senses laid asleep ; when as in the apoplexy and palsie , the organ of motion onely is besieged , for one half ? they will say , that in the epilepsie the foremost parts of the brain do suffer , but the hinder ones remain safe . first of all , why therefore are the joynts contracted , if the organs of motion are free ? the memory is especially hurt in the falling-sickness : shall therefore that also ●e onely in the forepart of the head ? but that which is required being granted : why therefore hath every sinew designed for motion , leaping through the thorny marrow , from the hinder part of the brain , lost sense , but not motion ? therefore the brain in the falling-evil is sore smitten , as well behind as before , by midriff-causes . fo● oft-times some one that is about to dye , doth as yet feel or perceive , speak , and hear , motion in his lower parts being taken away a good while before , by the displayed sinewes of the thorny marrow . the brain being in good health , a sudden swooning oft-times rusheth on one from the lower parts , and as well sense as motion , failes in one onely instant . if that be made by fumes , sense ought first to fail , and afterwards motion , by degrees : because the foremost bosomes of the brain are nearer to the mouth of the stomach , than that last very slender one is : and that thing should happen altogether most slowly , if the apoplexy were from a stoppage . again , in most sharp gripings or wringings of the bowels , the joynts are drawn together , with an integrity of the functions of the mind , yea and without a pain in the head ; the which presently after , in the palsie , are for the most part , at rest . doth therefore the pain of the belly stop up the beginning of the thorny marrow , without an apoplexy ? to wit , so as that often-times , both the hands and feet are resolved , and deprived of motion . is now therefore the fourth bosome of the brain stopped on both sides ? why are the joynts onely deprived of motion and sense , not likewise the intermediating organs , begging their own sense and motion from the same journey , mean , and middle space ? for what affinity is there of a bowel , with that last bosome of the cerebellum ? or what agreement of this bosome , with the utmost joynts ? to wit , that these should pay the punishment deserved from elsewhere ? for it is not yet sufficiently manifest , seeing sense and motion are made in one onely nerve , yet how in most , either of the two may be hurt , the other being safe . wherefore i as the first , ought to clear up this question by positions . . the brain doth not feel or perceive by it self , scarce in it self : but it is covered with two membranes , of a most sharp sense : so that there is every where a very sharp sense , and a majesty of great authority in the stomach , womb , coats of the brain , intestines ; to wit , in naked membranes , &c. . the correlative thereof is ; the animal spirit , as long as it is formed within the bosomes of the brain , or wanders , it feeleth not , neither is the brain made a partaker of sense thereby . . that spirit receives not sense from the brain , seeing the brain it self wants sense . and by consequence , neither doth the spirit receive the last power of its perfection and sensation , in the bosomes of the brain . . the thorny marrow in its inward kernel , is the continued substance of the brain , and is therefore cloathed with a membrane , con-tinual with the menynx's or coats thereof . . every sinew is therefore marrowie within : but without , it is covered with its own little membrane . . the thorny marrow is believed to be passable through its middle as long as we live ; whereby the motive spirit is dispensed , and equally extended throughout the length of that marrow and the nerves . for that its own vital light beaming forth , brings down the command of the will , or its beck , unto the muscles , the executive organ of that motion which the soul voluntarily proposeth to it self . . the command of the soul is instantous ; not indeed , that the spirits , as being ennobled with the characters of a command , do run down ( suppose thou in one that playes on the harp ) at all particular moments of motions . for although motions may happen to the administring spirits , yet the obediences of these should be too slow . wherefore the command or beck of the soul is brought down in an instant , onely by a beam of light : even so as the objects of sight are even at a far distance , perceived in a moment . . seeing there is no sense , or at leastwise a dull one , unto the brain , but a most acute one unto the coates thereof : therefore the light of sense defluxeth not through the marrow and central substance of a sinew , and its trunk : but the sensitive soul beams forth sense , and is especially communicated from the coates of the brain through the membranes , the coverings of the sinews , unto the parts co-touching with , and being the annexed clients of the nerve . . therefore the light which beames forth unto the guardians of sense and motion , is formed in a double substance , and by a double beck , sensitively . from hence it comes to pass , that sense is hurt , motion being safe ; or on the contrary , by reason of a diversity of participated light brought down through divers organs . wherefore the most high is never sufficiently to be praised , who hath placed so noble faculties in the membranes of the brain , stomach , and womb , conteining the life , soul , and the whole government of man in them ! for if there be a fundamental verity of palmestry and physiognomy , there are lines , as well in the forehead as in the hand , which do sometimes portend an apoplexy to come : but such a signate is from the thing signifying , which naturally constitutes us : but the archeus of the seed cannot fore-know those effects ; especially those which are to arise from a contingent chance ( to wit , if anger , an inordinate life , and the too much use of tobacco , shall afford the beginnings of an apoplexy ) therefore at least , it must needs be , that the beginnings of an apoplexy , are not from a privative cause , if they are concealed in the seminal beginnings themselves , and are at sometime to break forth at the time of their own maturity : which is to say , that the apoplexy doth actually lay hid in the archeus , or seed , after the manner of hereditary diseases : and so also , that it thus makes an assault through whole families . at leastwise , be it known , that an apoplexy is not a stopping up of the little bosome , made by phlegme , as neither a privative effect : but that it consists of true and seminal beginnings : but the stopping phlegme ( if there were any in man ) or the stoppage depending thereupon , doth not fore-exist in the seed ; and much lesse should it be fit to delineate in the young , so late monstrous effects . and so , they most remotely exclude phlegme sliding into the fourth bosome of the brain : and by consequence also , the universities , who have been hitherto ignorant of the disease and remedy thereof . in the next place , neither is it to be understood , by what meanes , or middle distance , nature could so detain the phlegme ( a disobedient and not vital excrement ) on the one side onely of that small and most narrow bosome , that it should never issue unto the opposite side , through its own heap , and fluidnesse of moisture : yea , when the palsie is in the right side , the laying down , is then alwayes on the left side : therefore it should be impossible , but that , that phlegme should soon fall down into the left side , and extinguish the sick party himself , or at least , beget an ambulatory or shaking palsie . why at length should that little bosome expell that phlegme alwayes unto the right or left side , but never forwards or backwards ? especially , because in nature , there is not right or left : but all things , in respect of the whole body , are round : whence it is manifest , that in the very organs , to wit , in the vital archeus , but not in the feigned phlegme of that bosome , there is hid an effective reason , why the archeus being apoplectical , doth alwayes bend the palsey its lackey , unto the side : but it is a mockery , whatsoever the schooles have dreamed of the fourth little bosome . the whole reason of truth therefore depends in these same diseases , as the archeus forms and perfects a seminal idea ; the which he for the most part , finds somewhat cadaverous or mortified in meats , and the transmutations of these . for then he causeth giddinesses of the head , and the more tough ones , if the same thing happens in the excrements , in the passage from food into nourishment : and that apoplexy is most exceeding readily inclined , which forms it sealing idea in the very archeus of the du●mvirate ; because the whole archeus in the bowels , is straightway as it were mortified . at length from sundry particulars laid down , i conclude , that an apoplexy is in no wise a privative disease , and that the stoppages of the sinews do far differ here-from , as in the writhing or wresting aside of the turning joynts , in hanging , &c. also that neither of them doth arise from an obstruction of the fourth bosome in the cerebellum , at the beginning of the thorny marrow : but the apoplexy is generated occasionally from a poysonous stupefactive and mortified beginning of matter fore-conceived in the midriffs : the which , when it hath in the same place attained its perfection , and requisite maturity , it infects the archeus of the place , which presently , for that very cause vanquisheth , and sore troubleth the powers of the brain : but not that the brain doth primarily labour , and draw the parts put under it , into the conspiracy of its own death . but that the palsie is a contracture of the sensitive parts , caused by terrour alone . but that thing is manifest in particular resolvings of the members ; to wit , wherein the local generations of the aforesaid apoplectical poyson are made . furthermore , the schooles have made mention of one onely anodynous poyson , which is sleepisying , stupefactive , and distinguished onely in degree , between opium , mandrake , and henbane ; not that they therefore deny , although they pass by many others in simples . for there are some , which in a small space of duration , do take away sense , and the health of the mind , motion being left , even as in affects of the falling sicknesse . some do overshadow or eclipse the motion onely , others both , and very many also do befool , sense and motion being left : neither therefore are they to be named : even as , neither others , which are bedrunkening ones . but besides , the humour that is to be assimilated unto us , is easily infected from the image of a mortal anodynous poyson of the archeus conceived in the midriffs , wherewith a various condition of poyson is co-bred for company , and is frequently beheld in the plague : but elsewhere , it strikes not the head , but is sealed in the habit of the body ; where also now and then , the freezing poyson of the leprosie , is bred by the same priviledge of degenerating ; but a stupefactive poyson in the duumvirate , violently dejects the brain , and according to its difference , generates giddiness , the falling-evil , heart-beatings , swoonings , catochus's , and the apoplexy ; and as fears of the parts , so also palseys accompany this apoplexy . but out of the duumvirate , it mortisies its seat with an astonishment , and a cold gangreen , &c. they therefore notably err , who are busied in restraining madness by opiates : seeing every opiate , is in it self mad , because madness is nothing besides a waking dream . for truly scarce a ten-fold dose of opium , procures sleep to a mad person , but in a lesser dose , nothing is effected : but if indeed through increasing of the dose , sleep creepes on the mad person , it shall now increase the waking sleep , and divers unlike vanities of vain dreames . but sleep coming on a mad man of its own free accord , hath deceived the schooles : for that , as it proceedes from a good cause , so also as a fore-running betokener of health , it promiseth that the madnesse will be solved . add thou , that in opium , besides a sleepifying , there is another poyson connexed : whence deadly poppies for sleep , are much sung of by poets . but in the sulphur of vitriol , there is a sugary sleepifying being , which brings on sweet sleep , together with a restoring of the principal faculties . there is the like in sulphur , for which things sake , it is commended in affects of the lungs , if it be so prepared , as that it may be able to play together with us . sleep that brings labour or trouble ( such as is from opiates ) is evil : which poyson denotas sore disturbances and tempests : therefore sweet sleep creeping on the party , is to be dedicated unto favourable causes . therefore ( i will say it again ) the apoplexy , falling-sickness , coma or sleeping-evil , giddiness of the head , trembling of the heart , &c. have their own singular , and those anodynous poysons . the ve●tigo indeed doth sometimes prostrate a man , like the apoplexy , but without a palsie : because it hath not a cadaverous stupefactive poyson , but a be drunkening one , such as is in tobacco : but if it shall become the more hurtfull in degree , number , or quantity , it is also made apoplectical . but moreover , concerning garlick and aqua vitae , i have spoken , and of the unsensibleness thereof : yet it is not apoplectical , because a poyson , and constant root is absent . at least , by way of impertinency , i will add to this : that anodynous things , although they stupifie like cold ; yet that they are erroneously placed by the schooles among things that are cold in the highest degree . and moreover , neither is the sleepifying sulphur in opium , cold : but it is exceeding bitter , and the salt thereof is sharp and sudoriferous : but bitter things in the schooles , are notably hot. therefore the sleepifying matter as well in opium , as elsewhere , is a power and specifical gift of the creatour , but not an effect of cold : even as i have elsewhere profesly manifested concerning sleep . but the stupefactive poyson in the epilepsie , differs from an apoplectical one : because , in the chief part of it , it is a be-drunkening one . spare me reader , for that i denominate the faculties of things from the similitude of simples , for truly , proper names are waning ; as also the knowledge of properties from a former cause , which ought to dictate names . after the treatises of unsensibility , of anodinous things , and of some poysons , pain is to be re-sumed by me . i repeat therefore , that pain and sense are made immediately in an injured place , or center , a consent of the brain being not required . for it is sufficient that the vital light of the sensitive soul it self is diffused into all parts on every side , according to the requirance of necessity : for any ruler of parts , ought also to be a noter and discerner of objects : because it hath the soul on every side present with , and president over it . for after what sort shall the soul manifest , that it feeles things hurtfull , unlesse it shall stir up a pain or averseness , from thence conceived in its injured center ? the spirits therefore , inserted in the joynts , ought readily to serve the necessities of the members , without consultation , and recourse had unto the brain : seeing not the brain , but the soul it self , being every where present , doth immediately feel . for there was need of excessive swiftness for the averting and preventing of hurtfull things : therefore to send a messenger unto the br●in , had been inconvenient . i grant indeed , that the pain of the intestine drawes other parts into a consent , and resolves them either with a stubborn palsie , or contracts the parts serving for voluntary motion , that the kidney being pained , the stomach is nauseous , and begins to vomit , the bowels are writhed , and the thigh placed under it , is astonied : that the nail of ones hand paining , stirs up a remote kernel . for truly , the presence of the soul confirmeth , but doth not take away a consent of parts . therefore that consent in paines , is forreign unto pain , and by accident : neither therefore doth it touch at , or estrange the essence or cause of pain ; because that consent is latter unto pain , and therefore also separable from it . therefore all the particular spirits of the parts , do feel , without the commerce of the inflowing spirit ; as in the teeth , and in new flesh being restored in a hollow ulcer . for because the parts do on both sides live in their own quarter , sense is according to the diversities of the organ ; and therefore there are many paines con-centred in seasons , and they answer unto the unequalities of the moon , because they are centrally received in the spirit which is astral unto us . again , neither the venal bloud , nor the very bloud of the arteries , are strong in sense and an animal touching , although they being even hunted out of the vessels , do sympathetically feel ; because they flourish onely with influous spirit . therefore it hath been hitherto questioned by divines , whether the venal bloud be informed by the soul ? i suppose therefore , under the correction of a better judgement , that nothing is informed by the soulof a living creature , which doth not partake of the sensitive soul ; that is , that nothing is informed by the soul which doth not feel by the spirit implanted and quickned in the parts : because informing argues of necessity , life in the living creature : as also life argues a sense or feeling , at least a dull one , such as is in the bones and brain . but if indeed , meates in the stomach , an abounding of seed in the seedy kernels , hunger , yea and the urine , do produce their own dreams in the soul , and stir up the soul under sleep , according to their pleasure : yet it followes not from thence , on the other hand , that therefore the soul informeth the food or the urine : for although the soul shall feel urine abounding and pressing it ; yet this urine doth not feel its own objects . for the soul also , feels a pricking knife , the which notwithstanding , it doth not inform . that therefore any thing may be informed by the soul , it is necessary , that it lives and feels as it were the subject of the life it self . sense therefore , and pain are in the parts or things conteining , subjectively : but in those conteined , objectively onely . yea , although things conteined are intimate with us , and after a most near manner , vital ; yet in respect of their being things conteined , and of the sensitive soul , they are as it were external . notwithstanding , it is not sufficient to have said with the vulgar , that a hurtful cause is painful ; yea , nor is it sufficient to know , that the sensitive li●e doth primarily feel , and from thence the spirit implanted in the parts , and at length the stable organs : and so indeed that the sense testifies of the presence of that which is hurtful ; seeing these things , the schools and the common people have after some sort known : but it ought more manifestly to appear , what may immediately cause pain , and after what sort pain may be made in feeling . as to the first , a needle pricks , and from thence is pain . a litte bee stings , and wounds like a needle ; but both of them do pain after a far different manner : therefore the solution or dividing of that which held together , it self , ( otherwise common in both prickings ) doth not primarily cause pain : for truly , the dividing or that which held together , effects no other thing , in respect of it self , than a non-solution : the which in leprous affects and in the palsey , is without sense and pain : but if indeed the solution of the con-tinual , causeth pain , or doth not , that is to the knife by accident , neither doth this touch at the solution primarily , except in the condition of an occasion , without which it is not : therefore because the stinging of a bee causeth another manner of pain than an equal solution that is made by a needle , surely it dependeth on a more piercing judgement of sense or feeling : and so it is even from thence , presently manifest , that the sensitive soul it self doth immediately feel , censure and judge of the object of pain . but sense in the schools , is said to be made passively , even as motion , actively . but i have already shewn , that sense is made by a power , or by a primary sensitive being , through action ; although the members do suffer subjectively , through the application of sensible objects : therefore sense or feeling is made actively , because the act of feeling it self , is an active censure of the soul. but in as much , in the mean time , as the members do suffer , seeing that is unto the act of feeling by accident , it cannot hinder , but that feeling is made sensitively . there is indeed the same proper agent in that sensitive action of sense and pain , because the agent it self , is the soul : and sense or feeling differs from pain , by the judgement of the soul concerning sensible objects : and so sense is of the soul it self ; to wit , its action , but not its passion . the schools indeed have known with the common people , that violent causes do bring on pain , even as also that the water is liquid ; but to have shewn the internal animosity or courage of the sensitive faculty , and to have manifested pain in the root , that they have not yet hitherto been intent upon . to which end , the following consideration doth conduce . live flesh is most easily scorched , and is excoriated or flead by boyling water . but dead flesh is the more slowly burnt : and there is a different scorching , if a live hand , and that of a dead carcase be burnt : for truly the former burning stirrs up bladders with the least fervency of heat , so as that the same happens even under the sun ; but the latter burning parcheth the flesh , no otherwise than if it were roasted : namely , without little bladders and excoriation . the schools also have not yet registred that difference , because neither have they heeded it . and perhaps they will say , that it is more easie to make hot , things already heated , and that therefore , live flesh is the more readily burnt . but let us suppose dead flesh to be first made lukewarm , and to be in the same degree of heat , no otherwise than if it did live ; yet it is not therefore easily scorched or burnt , nor after the same manner wherein live-flesh is : therefore the aforesaid evasion hath no place : wherefore seeing that from the agent of a single degree of heat , divers operations do happen in the same subject of flesh , being distinct only in life : therefore it must needs be , that the life is the only cause of that diversity : which is to say , that the life is the proper agent of sennsation in sesitive creatures ; and that the life is such a cause , which besides , hath a power of making burnings or scorchings in live bodies , and in the matter of medicine , yea also of resisting , or not ; wherefore i find life to be the first or chief , and immediate efficient of sense and pain . for truly , the force of fire being received and introduced into a dead carcase , is not to be felt ; yea , neither properly is it a scorching or burning one , such as is in live bodies , but rather a roasting and parching one : for in live bodies , the liquor of flesh , is through an indignation of the sensitive soul , most speedily converted into a sharp liquor , and substantially transchanged : the which in dead bodies is not subject unto a vital transmutation : and so , by boyling and frying , it parcheth and roasteth fleshes between the fibers . for flesh that is dead suffers by degrees , the which , other bodies not sensitive , do suffer after a single manner from the fire : but in live bodies , even boyling water presently produceth bladders , and then the solid part is swiftly cont●acted and burns . therefore that action of scorching or burning in live and and sensitive bodies , is made efficiently by the life it self , but by the fire , effectively , by way of an active , occasional , and external mean : to wit , the life it self , feeling the rigour of the fire , sharpens its own liquor , and transchangeth it into a bladdering one , and afterwards into an escharrotick liquor . and as much indeed as is snatched by the fire , so much afterwards is by a disposition that is left , corrupted , because it is dead : but because of sensible things known by sense , touching is the chief judge , therefore a demonstration hath scarce place , and the history and root of pain by its causes , hath hitherto remained neglected : therefore i will repeat some things , which in so great a paradox , i wrote before in a more contracted speech . wherefore for the searching into the proper agent in pain , i have considered , that frogwort , smallage , scarwort . &c. do not embladder in a dead carcase , yet they embladder live flesh ; i judged therefore , that in the very sensitive soul the difference of this act consisted , and not primasily in the scarwort : because it is that which embladders only so far as by a biting more sharp than is meet , it thus molests the sensitive spirits , the which , that they may mitigate , blunt , or extinguish the perceived sharpness , the soul rageth in them , and therefore resolveth the proper vital substance of the members into a corrosive liquor : ( even as elsewhere concerning the plague ) wherefore the sensitive soul it self , as it is the immediate sensitive substance , so it is the efficiently effective cause of the bladder : but the scarwort which operates nothing in a dead carcase , is the effective , occasional , external , and excitative cause . by reason whereof the schools being astonished , have taught , that medicines are wholly sluggish , and as it were dead , unless they are first prepared by our heat , as it were by a cook , and being stirred up , are sharpned thereby : the which thing surely , wants not its own perplexities : for they have determined of that very thing , as medicines being assumed or applied , should not forthwith display their faculties on us like fire ; but as they should have need of a certain space of time wherein they might produce their own effects by foregoing dispositions ; notwithstanding , if a space be required , that an altetation may made , which is the effect of the medicine ; surely , that not any thing proves the action of a medicine otherwise necessary , to be from our heat , that the medicine may obtain the gift of its own nativity , or a liberty of acting , the which it obtained safe , full , and free to it self by creation . but ( as i have said ) it operates after another manner , yea oft-times , a far other thing in live bodies , than otherwise in dead , or unsensitive ones : and so the effects of medicines are not wrought , unless they are first duly applied , and afterwards by a more exact appropriation , they do imprint their power on us , to wit , that from thence a disposition may arise , which the sensitive soul stirs up by its own judgement , and afterwards also unfolds , and perfects . for the schools have erred in medicinal affairs , because they have beheld external and occasional causes for principal , and vital ones : therefore they have neglected to connex in live bodies , and in cures themselves , things effected , unto their proper efficients , by the due journeys of degrees : wherefore be it a foolish thing , that pepper , vinegar , &c. ought to borrow their activities and gifts received for acting , from our heat : as if one only heat should be the primary cause of so many-form effects : because in very deed , that a thing may act on us , it hath no need of another forreign thing out of it self for this purpose ; but as primarily , so it without delay presently uncloaths its faculties by the moments of dispositions , if it be duly applyed , ( even as i have demonstrated at large , as well concerning the action of government , as in the treatise , that heat doth not digest in sensitive creatutes . ) but because the sensitive soul ( which the schools shamefully confound with heat ) applyeth the received faculties , and from thence frameth a certain new action proper to it self , and wholly vital : therefore the faculties which the sensitive soul receiveth from the medicine , are the effective and occasional causes only , and it might if it would , pass by , and neglect the same . the which is manifest in the more strong persons , who digest laxative medicines , even violent ones , without trouble , and drink being in vain , as if they were foods : and likewise in dying persons , unto whom indeed , there is an application of medicines , but not an appropriation , to wit , by reason of a neglect and defect of the sensitive power : for in the more strong folks , an exciting heat is not wanting , and yet th●re is no effect : for otherwise , the vertues of a medicine are presently received , and do p●oceed : by degrees more and more , and then those powers being received into the sensitive soul , this sensitive soul presently behaves it self well or ill toward them : if well , then it useth its own objects for the cherishment of their powers , or for the vanquishment of that which is hurtful : but if amiss , now the sensitive life carries it self foolishly , furiously , angrily , vexingly , &c. and it spreads the seminal idea's of these passions on the assaulting spirit , on the blood , and on the organs affected by the medi●ines , and effects remain agreeable unto the aforesaid idea's . the which , in the treatise of diseases , and likewise concerning the plague , i have evidently demonstrated . and so if a delay interposeth between a medicine being applied , and the effect of the same : that never happens by reason of a defect , or requirance of an activity of the things ; but it happens by reason of the necessity of a vital activity , issuing , and following from the impression made by the medicine : for a poysonous power is not wanting in the stroak of a serpent , although it sometimes doth not operate , by reason of an impediment : for an agent , that it may act on us , stands in need of an application , of an appropriated impression , and of a sensitive power , as it were the receiver of another acting power : and that , that it may bring forth a product , which in very deed , and immediately , is a new , or vital fruit , as a testimony of the sensation or feeling act of the soul . for thus many do so accustom themselves to laxative medicines , that at length they operate nothing at all ; not indeed , that heat failed in the man , or that the laxatives have lost their former faculties ; but the soul hath contracted a familiarity from the frequent use of them , so that it is at length the more mildly wroth with those poysons , than at their first turnes . for truly , in this respect , it is true and perpetual , that all sensation consisteth rather in a vital action and judgment , than in passion : whether in the meane time , that sensation shall happen in the more external sense , or in any passion of the mind ; or in the next place , in the natural or sympathetical sense of inanimate things . at least wise it is mani●est , that medicines do not want a foregoing heat of ours , that they may simply act : but the sensitive power which is the principal actresse , hath need of acting and sensible objects that it m●y feel , and in feeling , may act : and therefore the action of sensible things , hath it self on both sides after the manner of an occasional cause in respect of the sensitive soul ; neither therefore do medicines operate in a dead carcase , by reason of a want of the principal and immediate agent which is the life , or soul . whence also it is sufficiently manifest , how disorderly the faculties of medicines have been hitherto attributed unto the agent , or vital , and principal efficient , and how neglected the principall agent hath stood , as well in the healing as in the effecting of diseases . truly if otherwise , a medicine ought to be actuated by our heat as such every medicine should equally act always , and every where on every humane object that is actuall hot ; no otherwise then as a certain weight is always , uniformly , of equal weight with it self : but a laxative medicine being administred in the same dose , looseneth in one , terribly , but in another , nothing at all : yet it is on both sides sufficiently stirred up by heat : yea , the same medicine for the most part rageth on the weaker sort , which in the more strong is without an effect . but that which i have said concerning coloquintida , scarwort , frogwort , &c. is also to be drawn promiscuously , unto other agents . yea , bright burning iron burnes a dead carcase , although not after an equal manner as it doth a live one : for in live bodies it primarily hurts the sensitive soul , the which therefore being impatient , rageth after a wonderfull manner , doth by degrees resolve and exasperate its own and vital liquours into a sharp poyson , and then contracts the fibers of the flesh , and turns them into an escharre , yea into the way of a coale : but a dead carcase is burnt by bright burning iron , no other wise than if wood , or any other unsensitive thing should be : that is , it burnes by a proper action of the fire , but not of the life . for this prerogative the schooles have not heeded , the which one only prerogative notwithstanding , is considerable in the entrance of healing : but they according to their own manner , have considered only the proper action of the fire , even as also the abstracted powers of medicines . calx vive , as long as it remaineth dry , it gnawes not a dead carcase : but it presently gnawes live flesh , and moves an escharre . a dead carcase is by lime wholly resolved into a liquour , and is combibed , except the bone & gristle thereof : but it doth not consume live slesh into a liquour , but translates it into an escharre . in general therefore , the sensitive vital power , is first affected by a sensible object : and from thence it at length frames an effect , or a new , that is , a proper being , according to the passion concieved after the manner of the hurt or injury figured to it self : and this effect is proper to the sensitive soul , but mediate , in respect of the occasion exciting . consequently also , seeing pain consisteth subjectively in the injured and provoked part , but in the life , as in the first feeler , being troubled , judging , and displeased , as the primary agent ; i have accounted the essential divers●y of paines to consist immediately in the affect of the motion of the soul : to wit , that pricking , lancing , and walking paines , are bred from mixt affects , which proceeded from wrath and fear , or from agony . truly , i took diligent notice , that there was a contracture almost in every pain ; so that , a hurting occasional matter being offered , the hurt part , being as it were presently drawn together , and co-wrinckled by a cramp , manifesteth its own pain : for nature is every where so prone to a cramp , that no man is about to do his easement , whose cod , how loose soever it was , is not crisped and co-wrinckled . for by reason of the natural aversnesse of the implanted spirit , from a payning object , pain hath continually a crisping of its own member , as it were a companion . there is also moreover , a stable pain in a part , even as in an ulcer , wound , impostume , &c. but this rageth from an only and meere in ignation : for this doth not so properly contract it self , even as in convulsive paines : but it melts its own nourishable liquour , and changeth it into a sharp salt , a poysonsome one , and at length through an induced naughtinesse , translates it into an embladdering or escharring one . there are besides , some blunt , deep paines , modestly gnawing , and the more stupide ones , and the which are exorbitant through an errour of the digestions , having followed rather a foolish wrothfullnesse , than the fury of the life . therefore all paine is caused occasionally from a sorrowfull affection of objects : but it proceedes immediately , from the life it self , as it were a testimony of sense . yea , pain doth often denote the passions of the sensitive soul for a proper destruction of organs : because that soul laies hold on those parts being badly affected , rising up as it were from a proper ●ice of themselves , and as if they murmuring , it endeavours to correct , chastise these parts , and oft-times also , to destroy them . therefore in the termes proposed concerning the disease of the stone , the womb of duelech moves at first , great paines only by a convulsion of it self : the which at length , become more mild unto those that are accustomed thereunto , to wit , by reason of a less indignation of the soul . for from hence , children make water afar of , but old folkes , nigh ; because the bladder of children being impatient of the pain conceived from the retained urine , naturally contracts and presseth it self together : but the bladder of old men being now the lesse sorely smitten with the accustomed chance , suffers the urine of its own free accord to slide forth ; otherwise , the muscle of the bladder being loosed , there is no reason why children do pisse far of , and old folks nigh , unless the already said childish contracture of the bladder , and painfull , and voluntary pressing together thereof behind , were as yet unaccustomed . through occasion of pain , the cramp or convulsion is not to be neglected . first of all ( i will not repeate what i have taught concerning gripings or w●ingings of the bowells , in the treatise concerning windes ) the part that is contracted , doth not grieve by reason of the contracture ( as is manifest concerning the cod , it being contracted without pain ) but by reason of an offence brought on the spirit and life : for the contracture is an effect of sensa●ion or pain , although it happens , that the pain is also increased by the comming of the contracture . my age , because it is fruitfull in perverse wits , will laugh at this paradox , with many others : the which notwithstanding following posterity , will willingly embrace . the schooles indeed have thought that a convulsion is made by the execu●ive instruments of voluntary motion , in that respect , because they say , that there are the healthy , and diseasie functions of the same faculty , although they are stirred up from diverse occasional causes . a muscle therefore , seeing it is the only executive member of voluntary motion , and a sinew the derivative organ of the command of the will ; it followes ( as they teach ) that a muscle , although it be acted in the cramp , against our will , yet that it is never drawn together , unless by the very same voluntary motive faculty it self , which moveth that muscle while it is in health ; wherein the schools do erroneoosly contradict themselves ; while as they define a convulsion to be indeed the symptome of a voluntary motion ; yet to arise from a fulness , or emptiness , as it were its immediate and containing causes . yet it is sufficiently known , that fulness and emptiness are natural causes , but not arbitral or voluntary ones ; which natural causes , if they shorten , or contract a sinew ( as they manifestly teach ) at leastwise the attraction of the sinews shall not be made by an arbitrary motion . i admire also , the hitherto famous stupidities of the schools in this respect . for first of all , a sinew differs from a muscle , no otherwise than as a vein doth : this indeeed , carries blood unto the muscle , and that motion : and then , besides the two causes of a convulsion , perhaps invented by hyppocrates , galen hath moreover added a third , which is admitted in the schools , to wit , a poysonous quality : for galen had seen the convulsion to follow from the stroak of serpents ; neither yet could he as yet believe , although the strucken member was swollen , that fulness caused the convulsion . he being defectuous , first of all , because he was ignorant , whether a nerve ought to be smitten , that it may be pull'd together , or indeed a muscle . then , because mortal convulsions are made in gripings or wringings of the bowels , and hellebour being taken , without any hurting , emptying , fulness of the sinews , or a colical poyson . thirdly , he is also defective , because that seeing in a convulsion , there is made a drawing back of the member , and a shortning of the muscle , he hath not discerned ( as it otherwise beseemed the prince of medicine to do ) why a poyson doth contract or shorten the muscle , thus leaving the former obscurity : for truly galen saith , that the name of a physitian , is the finder out of the occasion ; which name he hath not lost in this place . again , in the fourth place , if a convulsion happens from an empried , and filled nerve , that is , from a proper passion of the nerve : ought therefore a poysonous qualiry to be imprinted on a sinew , or on a muscle , that a convulsion may from thence happen ? fifthly , galen hath remained defective , and together with him , the schools his followers , why the stroak of a serpent , the poysonous quality of a medicine , &c. are made the proper passion of a voluntary motion , and of its own organs : for if the poyson ought to be imprinted on the muscle , therefore the sinew shall cease to be the proper subject of the cramp , and by consequence , the emptiness , or fulness thereof is vainly supposed and required . but if the poyson dasheth against the nerve it self , after what manner shall hellebour wandring through the bowels , primarily affect the sinew ? after what manner shall a medicine , being as yet detained in the stomack , cause a convulsion , and give a freedom therefrom , by the vomiting thereof ? at leastwise it is ridiculous , that the successive alteration of the affected muscles shall effect the shew of the malady , if the essence of the malady dependeth on the affected sinews . and it is a foolish thing , that an emprostotonos or a convulsive extension of the neck forwards , a tetanos or straight extension , and an opistotonos or an extension thereof backwards , should differ specifically , by reason of a changing of the muscle : for a muscle draws its tail always after the same manner , to wit , towards the head . truly such childishnesses do of necessity proceed from the ignorance of a disease , and the rashness of a childish judgement ; wherefore nature hath distinguished of the specie's of diseases , according to the specie's of occasional causes , but not by reason of the difference of scituations . and so , seeing emptiness and fulness are terms plainly opposite , they could not produce one only kind of convulsion : and it is a hard matter to believe , that the emptiness of a sinew being wholly privative , is as equally occasional to the cramp , as a fulness of the same sinew : even as it is alike blockish , that a nerve is filled for so long a time , until it shortens that nerve , and that from a small nerve being extended in its breath by repletion or filling , the muscle is shortened : as if all the sinews could be suddenly emptied , and likewise filled , and extended unto a hugeness , in every fit of the falling sickness , to wit , by feigned humours ? as if the convulsion were only a shortning of the muscle , following upon the abbreviating of a dried , or moistened sinew ? and indeed , as if in regard that the unaccustomed repletion of a sinew did shorten that sinew , even as the other , which by its drying of the sinews , did diminish the sinews no less in their length , than in their breadth , the nerves did suffer an unexcusable palsey to be from the errour of a convulsive retraction , and not rather from that of both the supposed causes ? to wit , as well through a stoppage of the netve from phlegm filling it , as they say , as by a pressing together of the dryed sinew ? and as if so great a sudden drying up thereof , were credible , or possible to be in a live body ? yea , after what manner doth a nerve being now once withered , ( suppose thou by too much insolency , as they say , of laxative hellebour ) presently again admit of a restauration of its own radical moisture being dryed up ? why hath it been necessary to feign , and admit of a filling , or emptying of a sinew , if a poysonous quality can afford the convulsion without either of them ? the received opinion therefore of the schooles concerning the causes of the convulsion or cramp , registred to be from the emptinesse , and fulnesse of the sinewes , is ridiculous . for although , they with galen , acknowledge also a third cause , which is that of a malignant quality : neverthelesse , they stick as convicted , in the two former causes : for they err in the matter , object , efficient , and manner of making ; that is , in the whole . as if a small nerve being extended unto a muscle , which oft-times scarce equalizeth the grossenesse of a threefold thred , being moistened more than is meet , and drye● than is fit to be , should be made by so much shorter than it self , by how much a muscle drawes the members together , perhaps to to the length of a span ? yea , as though , as well the be dashing of an hostile humour , as the emptying of a nerve , should cause the paines of a convulsion ! they bring hither the ridiculous example of dryed clay : when as in live bodies drynesses are impossible ; and they also afford impossible restaurations : while as notwithstanding , those cramps do oft-times cease of their own accord . the schooles have thought , that those feigned moistnesses and drynesses of a little sinew ( which could scarce effect the latitude of a straw ) do contract the muscle , even into the convulsion of a foot-length . neither likewise is that example of value , that the string of a lute , being wet with the rain of heaven , leaps assunder as broken , in regard that it is cut short by the imbibed liquor . for first of all it might have been extended longer by twofold , than the feigned extension thereof in its breadth had shortened the same . the schooles do not take notice , that a moist membrane is brickle , as also a dry one : and therefore also that lute-strings are kept fat in oyl , lest they should become wet , or wax dry . away with their examples , which have no place in a live body ! for in a living body the sinews cannot be so dryed , that their witheredness can cause any abbreviation . . they being once dryed , can never afterwards receive a moistening any more , than drie old age it self . . they deny a convulsion arisen from a laxat●ve medicine to be made by a poyson : for if they should acknowledge a poyson to be in a solutive medicine , they should cut off their own purse . a convulsion therefore arising from a solutive medicine , as from only an emptying , but not from a poysonous medicine , should be indeed from an emptiness , or dryness of the sinews : but a convulsion or cramp arisen from a loosening medicine , is oft-times restored : therefore it is not bred from a dryness of the sinews . . every lean old person should be drawn back by a perpetual and universal convulsion . . seeing a sinew is not the executive member of motion , therefore the shortening of at sinew , proves not a convulsion of the joynts as though an arm or leg ought to follow upon the cutting short of a sinew . . seeing that a nerve being moistened , ( so that it were made by so much the shorter , by how much , through a forreign humour being imbibed , it should be extended on its breadth ) such a humour should be plainly contrary to nature , it should effect a palsey rather then a convulsion : but a palsey is diametrically opposite to a convulsion it self , as well in sense as in motion . . how could a stroak of the scull presently at one moment , dry up the sinews of one side , but by moistening the other sinews opposite unto them , forthwith enlarge them on their breadth , that they may cause the convulsion and palsey at once ? and seeing as well emptying as filling are feigned for the cause of the convulsion , the stroak of the scul ought to produce the cramp on both sides . . it is no wonder therefore , that so unsuccesful remedies have been applied to the convulsion , if the universities are hitherto ignorant of all the requisites of diseases . for they ought to have known , that every convulsion is a vital blas of the muscles stirred up from the in bred archeus ; the occasion whereof , is a certain malignant matter rushing on the archeus , as laying in wait for the life of the muscles . what if hippocrates hath referred the cause of a convulsion unto emptiness , and fulness ? he hath had respect unto the occasions of the foregoing life : to wit , that there was a frequent convulsion to riotous persons , and likewise through much emptying of the veins . and galen not apprehending the mind of the old man , hath waxed lean at the humoural filling , and emptying of the sinews , by a succeeding , and that his own device . such old wives fictions therefore ( which have been perswaded by the schools unto credulous youth ) being despised ; i say , that there is in the muscles , a twofold motion , to wit , one as it is the organ of a voluntary motion ; and another , as being proper to it self ; whereby , although it draw back it self towards its head , yet it nothing hinders , but that the spirit implanted in those motive parts , doth retract or draw back , and move those parts ; even as was already said before concerning the ●od . for neither is it repugnant to nature , for the parts to leap a little by a local motion of their own , the soul being absent : to wit , for the parts which are moveable by another commander , to be furiously contracted through a sorrowful sensation , seeing that another conspicuous motion is singularly wanting to the muscles , whereby it may denote the hurt brought on them , besides that whereby it executes the voluntary motion of the soul. and moreover , it is altogether natural to all the members , and proper to the common endeavour of the parts , for those to be drawn together by reason of the sorrowfull sense of an injury brought on them ; which place the schooles have left untouched . wherefore i have accounted it an erroneous thing , to believe with the schooles , that the convulsion is an affection of the head. for now they depart herein from their own positions , whereby they suppose the cramp to be from filling , or emptying , or from a poysonous quality of the nerves , unlesse they had rather , the case being now altered , that the convulsion should arise from the filling , or emptying of the head : but the cramp is an accident of the sensitive spirit ; which thing , first of all , the prickings of the sinewes or tendons , and likewise fevers , laxative poysons being taken , the stroaks or stings of serpents , and other things like unto these , do manifest . neither in the mean time doth it argue on the contrary , that a stroak of the head doth also bring on a convulsion : since there is no lesse athourity to the head , than to the intestine , in torments , for the framing of a convulsion . indeed , as well a convulsion arising from the head , as that which is bred from the sensitive soul much abhorring poyson , belongs to the muscles its clients . in a stroak of the head , what hath presently defiled the contracted side with a poyson ? or what hath straightway emptied , or filled all the sinewes of that side ? doth not the brain shake in sneezing ? is not the membrane which compasseth the lungs , drawn together in a dry asthma ? is not the pleura or skin girding the ribs , co-wrinkled , and contracted in a pleurisie ; and doth it not for this cause voluntarily pull it self away from the ribs ? and is not the mediastinum or membrane of the middle belly not unfrequently contracted ? also the diaphragma or midriffmuscle through a notable anguish of pressure , straightned ? whereunto a name is hitherto wanting ; although that affect be frequent in the beating of the heart . the sometimes dull paines of the spleen also , are the betokeners of that bowel its being convulsed ; the stomach also is drawn together in the hicket , vomiting , and stomach paines . indeed contractures are renewed in these membranes , as oft as the molesting occasional cause is stirred , or returneth . also in the beginning of a dropsie , or jaundice , yea even before water or wind be bred , the abdomen is oft-times drawn together , and waxeth hard on one side . lastly , the bowels shew forth intermitting gripes , not onely through an extension of winds ( which brings forth no paines if the belly be not stopped ) but rather through a convulsion of themselves . the which , i have elsewhere written that i have contemplated of beyond the navil of an infant . for i beheld , that as often as wringings or gripings of the guts were exceeding urgent , fits of the falling-sicknesse were stirred up : but the intestines , according to the measure of pain , were as it were by walking or moving hither and thither , diversly rouled together and contracted ; otherwise , the intestines being appeased , and plainly at rest : for a sharp and brackish excrement in colicks , pricks the sensitive soul , and this produceth pain , and as it were by intervals , drawes the bowel together , and the wind being then shut up therein by the chance of fortune , stretcheth out the bowels . therefore the wind-colick ( so called in distinction from duelech descending ) hath not its name from the cause , but from a latter and accidental symptome . so likewise from laxatives , the pain of gripes or wringings of the bowels doth oft-times return with a convulsion , and it is cured by things mitigating the convulsion : for wind-colicks are scarce discerned from the stone-colick : because the same symptome of pain , through a crisping and contracting of the bowels , appeares alike in both : for so the oyl of almonds being drunk , asswageth paines , because it pacifieth the contracted intestines by besmearing them . therefore seeing pain produceth a convulsion , and this likewise , a new pain ; we see that pain doth oft-times beget pain , and that which is like it self . and then , as oft as an injury happens to the skin , veines , arteries , or nerves , they contract themselves into wrinckles through the power of the sensitive soul : for how notably hard doth an artery presently become , under any pain ? the hardness whereof doth not argue the dryness of an artery ( as the schooles judge ) : but a singular extension or convulsion thereof ; and the which therefore , sweat being at hand , doth again produce a re-loosening of the contraction , together with a softness : otherwise , there is as equal a possibility of re-moistening a dryed and hardened artery , as there is hope of taking away old age . hath not also a contracted bladder oft-times deceived expert cutters for the stone ; so the kernels that are the vessels of the seed , are draw● together in the gonorrhea or running of the reines ; they being stirred up by a spur of the seed . the privy part also , being drawn together inwards , doth now and then so vanish out of sight , that nothing stands out beside the nut of the yard : so also , the muscles have their own cramps : and so a travelling woman suffers by intervals , her own and cruel contractures , as oft as the womb co-wrinkles it self behind , that it may expel the lurking fardle . the bone of the groyn also , unto the share , doth by a voluntary contracture of it self , open a passage for the coming young , with cruel pain . i have seen also in women suffering a strangling of the womb , the tendons in the native place of a ligament , voluntarily to have burst asunder , and to have been contracted with cruel pain , and likewise to have returned to their former place : and the which , when they had the oftner suffered that thing , i have noted them to have complained of the more mild pain : ( do happily , the schooles , in that leaping , and wand●ing digression of the sinewes , acknowledge a sudden emptying , filling , or entertainment of a poysonous quality ? and the sudden banishments of these ? ) it is also familiar to the stone of the kidneys , for the urine-pipes to be drawn together with most cruel pain , nothing peradventure being urgent beside ; the more ten●e●sand . i have alwayes judged it the part of bold ignorance , that winds ( according to the schooles ) should arise in the sinews and tendons , or be conceived in the sinewes from without , as the authors of a cramp ( for , for that cause , a flatulent one ) yea , and to be taken away from thence almost at pleasure : for the sensitive spirit abhorring pain , furiously contracteth the veines , arteries , tendons , and membranes : and while as under such furies it finds not its hoped for succour , it stirs up an increase thereof : for so a thorn being thrust into the finger , as it causeth pain , it crispeth and hardens the artery , and it hardens the pulse thereof which before was not there easily to be discerned , by reason of an extension onely of the contracted artery . for it is the property of pain , to pull together and to contract , so indeed , that the bone above the share , and in the loyns , is voluntarily contracted in a travelling woman , although no muscle , being the guider or mover : for why , pain is in its own nature a contractive of the members , and that by a natural motion , and in no wise an arbitral or voluntary one : the which is especially seen in the lips of wounds : because they are those which are without pain , as long as they have their lips flaggy , and not contracted . but the schooles have passed by the contractures of pain in nature , as also the sensitive soul , by running over unto winds , to the falling down of excrementitious humours , unto their sharpness , unto the agreement , and secondary passion of parts : the which notwithstanding , are altogether divers from the scope of pain ; because they are onely abstracted names , and for the most part , not in the least point conteining the cause thereof , even as i have demonstrated in the treatise concerning diseasifying causes , as it were in the combating place of exercise . for in the urine-pipes ( for an example in the tearms of the disease of the stone ) there is no necessity , dependency of dominion , clients-ship , usurpation , possession , custome , and no community of the pipes , and excrements with the bowels , or stomach . for if when the left side of the throat is in pain , not so much as the right side thereof , in such an angiport or narrow passage , be now and then , afflicted : why shall we not deservedly suspect the nearness and dependency of parts which are unlike , and differing in the ordination of their offices , and scituation ? it is therefore sufficient hitherto that all pain , the author of a convulsion or contracture , presupposeth a hatefull guest : for there are also unpainfull contractures ( as before , concerning the cod ) and the which , draw their original , not so much from pain , as from meer trouble : but painfull convulsions are made from hostile causes : for so , those things cause paine which smite the spirit called ( for the soul ) sensitive , with sharpness , brackishness , or degrees of heat , or cold : but the most intense pain is from fire , and then from alcalies , and corroding things , because they are the nearest to fire ; after that , from austere or harsh , brackish and four things , because they are the nearest to contracture ; presently after , from salt things , then next , from sharp things , and lastly from some bitter things . but from poysons , as such , cruel pain ariseth , the which , in the plague is ordinary , and because so great pain oft-times ariseth without sharpness ; a truth is denoted : to wit , that pain issues from the judgement of the sensitive soul. for corrosives , since they gnaw the sensitive soul it self , they wast the parts themselves like fire . but alume , vitriol , aqua fortes's , next the juyce of un●ipe grapes , and also any sharp things , as they do by themselves crisp , and pull together the fibers of the organs , therefore such excrements are convulsory and painfull . there are also alcalies , which sleepifie paines : to wit , in cases where they break the greatest sharpnesses of putrefactions : for under the dog-star , while as fleshes threaten corruption at hand , the broaths of fleshes are made sharp with an ungratefull savour ; whence in the gout , colick , and gnawing , and putrifying ulcers . i conceived paines to proceed at first from a sharpness . likewise the sensitive soul , at first feeles pain , the which being at length accustomed , waxeth the less wroth : even so as an accustomed horse refuseth s●urs ; for nature in her self , is wholly furious and sumptomatical , and being by degrees accustomed to paines , waxeth mild : wherefore , self-love , and revenge , are before or more antient than sense or feeling : because they are intimately in seeds , in the bosome of nature , before sense . for the characters or images of anger , agony , fear , revenge , and sorrow , do bring forth convulsions like to those their own idea's . for from the knowledge whereby , a mouse abhors a cat not before seen , the spirit being provoked , is stirred up into anger , fear , &c. the which , by its own idea uttereth its fury on the members , as it were by a brand. . the hand waxeth cold , because the heat there cherished by the life , is extinguished by cold : but not that the vital spirit retires inward , as having left the arterial bloud whch it had married : and much less , that heat as a naked quality passeth , departeth , and returneth inward , as it were in a comedy . . the heat being now diminished , cold also persisting , the cold waxeth strong , and then sense in the hand is stupified : for the sensitive abstracted spirits are pressed together , to wit , those which are in the sinewes , but not those which are in the arteries ; because the spirit hath the more firmly married the arterial bloud , and it is the property of the veines , even after death , to preserve the bloud from con-cretion or coagulation : for the vital spirit is sustained from behind , by the fewel or cherishing warmth of the heart as much as may be ; and therefore in that stupefaction , life is as yet deteined . . motion languisheth in the hand , because the spirits being grown together in the flesh , seeing they are not sufficiently nourished from behind , by the heart , they by degrees perish , and by degrees are altered . . and then , together with the perishing of motion , sense also is extinguished ; to wit , while the bloud being chased out of the veines , threatens a clotting , life as yet remaining . . and so at length the joynts are by cold totally deprived of life ; to wit , when as the venal bloud hath now departed into clots , and dyed : therefore in the third and fourth degree aforesaid , pain springs up in the hand being heated : for as the heart inspires a new sensitive spirit from behind , the which , while it takes notice of death to be readily at hand , it being as it were enraged in the same place , presently frames the idea of its own indignation , and so puts off its native sweetness , or complacency : even as in the treatise concerning diseasie idea's , in the work concerning the rise or original of medicine , i will more clearly demonstrate . so the sensitive spirit which was not trampled on by cold , but repulsed by pressing together , in its return stirs up another idea of its own indignation , and another pain as it were like that of the pricking of a pin . let the reader in the mean time pardon me , in that i ought to borrow the name of an icy or freezing poyson , without the necessity of fore-going cold : for i call not that an icy poyson , as if it were made cold , as i have already spoken concerning the stupefying astonishment of the hands : but i call it a cooling , and also a stupefying poyson , and that which takes away sense and motion . therefore the similitude of the name draws its original , not from the root , but from the effect : and last of all , in this by-work , for a conclusion of this work , and sensation : let us meditate at least , of the remedies of physitians in the apoplexy , in astonishment or be●ummedness , giddiness of the head , in the catalepsie , catochus , coma , convulsions , plucking of the eyelids , eyes , tongue , and lips : for thou shalt find , that presently cutting of a vein , and a clyster are prescribed : they doubting in the mean time , whether the dung of the fundament may pluck the tongue and lips in the mouth , may likewise stamp drowsinesses , and astonishment in the sick ; as it hath brought forth blockishnesses and neglect in the physitian : or indeed , whether these arise from the venal bloud : therefore they are presently intent upon both at once . and then on the day following , they administer purging things : and thirdly , as being full of uncertainty , after rubbings , they provoke sweats . for their succours are universal , because others are wanting , and they are ignorant of such : and therefore their total , usual medicines are general ones : through defect of the knowledge of efficient causes , they wander onely about the products : they not being solicitous of the radical framer and cause , are onely busied about removing of the effect : not that they hope for a return of the disease , by leaving the roots , that they may thereby crop fruit ; ( for i will not suspect that of a good or honest man ) but they being too earnestly bent upon gain , nothing hath hitherto been considered by the schooles concerning the framer of diseases : for as much as medicine ( as i have said it from the beginning : so i again end therewith ) is the gift of god. but this god hath withdrawn his gifts from those that are intent upon gain , nor those once thinking of his command ; be yee mercifull as your father which is in the heavens , is mercifull , from whom every good and lightsome gift descendeth . this therefore is the mournfull modern tragedy of unsensiblenesse and pain , which i have spoken of , with an event altogether tragical to the sick. an unheard-of doctrine of fevers . john baptista van helmont toparch in royenborgh , pellines , &c. being the author . whereunto is added , a treatise against the four humours of the schooles . to the reader , john baptista van helmont , toparch in royenborgh , pellines , &c , p. l. wisheth science , health , and joy. an index of the contents of the preface . . this treatise is rent out of the great volume , which is inscribed , the new and unheard of beginnings of natural philosophy . . the authour's testimonies of dispraise against physitians that refuse to learn. i have seen perhaps two hundred authours concerning fevers : therefore it hath shamed me of the title : but when i more thorowly considered of the matter it self , i saw , that one and all of others , sung the cuckow 's note , and that they have alwayes subscribed the same thing to themselves from others words . for from thence i discerned , that since the dayes of hippocrates , medicine hath stood at a stand , if it hath not gone back ; at leastwise that it hath not profited , because by new centuries daily , it hath gone into a circle . they have gone , not whither they ought to go , but whither they have followed blind leaders which the most high hath not created , or chosen for physitians ; but who have entred into nature through the toren windowes of heathenisme and atheisme . surely , it hath shamed me , yea and grieved me , that a fever , the most known or remarkeable of diseases , is as yet to this day altogether unknown in the whole course of its tragedy . wherefore i seem to be the first who may determine of any thing of certainty concerning the knowledge and remedy of a fever . for i have written a great volume , concerning the knowings and curings of diseases : surely great and unheard of , from the very first beginnings of true philosophy : indeed , i have demonstrated unwonted principles to be true , and that by any kind of demonstrations . out of this work i have rent this treatise concerning fevers ; and since i dayly saw abuses to increase in curing , and i divined of no small destruction of mortals from thence : therefore i have set forth this treatise without the doctrines of diseases akinne thereunto , because i know that paradoxall principles will offend very many , who have studied more in assenting than in diligently searching : although this kind of study attesteth a certain sloath and penurie of judgement . in the mean time , i hope , that there will not be lovers of the truth wanting , who earnestly breathing after the health of their neighbour , will hear even from now the most antient physitian of the dutch , those things which they never heard from any other . for it ought not to be burdensome to any , to be able to learn by others labours : although it be a tedious thing to those that are old , to swallow this testimony of dispraise : none hath hitherto known fevers from their essence : none hath begun the curing of them from art , because all , in passing by the true knowledge of the causes , and manner of their making , have neglected to seek out their remedies . they have shot forth their arrowes against heats , and have passed by the true mark of the thing . but since there is so great a malepartnesse , and a certain singular insolency of the judgements of this age , indeed i have feared , that this vlcerous age will not admit of my work. this small treatise will shew as it were a cast lot , what the lord hath determined concerning my labours . in the mean time , they who have already grown old in their diminishments of the veines and strength , peradventure it will be hard for them to have departed from things accustomed . i intreat them at least , that they would see in what manner they sh●ll preserve their own souls , and the cause of widowes , and orphans , which is committed unto all . farewell . a treatise of fevers . chap. i. the definition of the fever of the antients , is examined . . a ●ever hath been hitherto , radically unknown . . the definition of a fever according to the schooles . . the chief clause cast forth even from the requisites of the antients . . a second defect of the definition . . a vain privie shift of the schooles . . some perplexities following from thence . . other hiding places . . others contradict things known by sense . . a wan argument of these men . . the thirst of feverish persons is examined . . an argument from the remedy of thirst . . an argument from a like thing , taken from the drowsie evil . . another argument from thirst in the vigour of fevers . . it is the part of deadly ignorance , badly to define a fever . . an argument against the schooles concerning feverish heat . . a second . . a third . . a fourth . . a fifth . . feverish heat is not from the matter offending . . another argument . . athird . . a fourth . . a fifth . . that a feverish heat is not of the peccant matter . . the matter of a fever heates occasionly only . . who is the workman of feverish heat . . the original of heat besides nature . . to make hot , and to be hot , how they differ . . heat is a latter accident unto the essence of a fever . . from whence a feverish heat is . . a fever is not heat , essentially . afever , goes before , accompanies , or followes most diseases ; therefore i have owed a peculiar treatise unto a fever , no lesse than to the disease of the stone . because although it be that which is most familiar , yet it most especially fats our burying places , and depopulates camps . the disease is known indeed , even from its entrance or beginning : but not any thing hath been hitherto known by psiyfitians , in its causes , manner of making , seates , as neither in its remedies , even as in reading this little book shall be clearly made manifest unto any one that is seasoned with the studies of phylosophy . for indeed , the schooles define a fever ; that it is a heat besides nature , being kindled first in the heart , and then derived throughout the whole body : i will add according to their mind , hurting most actions . the top of the matter is , that they call the genus or general kind of the thing defined , or the essence of a fever ; not any kind of heat whatsoever : but that which shall be besides nature , and which shall hurt in its own degree . and so , seeing that heat is essential to a fever , that it ought chiefly to be so unseperable from a fever , that a fever cannot be mentally conceived , but that , that heat is an individual companion thereunto . first of all , camp fevers have newly objected themselves , the which happen without thirst , and a manifest heat : that is , they finish their tragedy without heat , from the beginning even unto the end of life . if they say , that these fevers were unknown to the antients , nor therefore to be comprehended under the definition ; i at least conclude from thence , that neither can these fevers therefore be fevers , or that the essence of fevers are not of necessity tied up to heat , but only by accident . and then again , that the definition of fevers from of old delivered , and even till this day observed in the schooles , is not suitable to the nature of a fever . and thirdly , that whosoever shall at the beginnings of fevers , feel cold pithily to pierce him for some houres , may notwithstanding , not perswade himself that a fever is begun or present with him , but some other affect hitherto unnamed . for although he be shaken with vehement cold , his teeth do shake , and his lips look wan by reason of cold , yet that he may perswade himself by those deformities , that those beginnings of fevers are not the beginnings of fevers : for neither is he extinct by a true fever , who dies in such beginnings , the which for the most part , comes to passe in intermitting fevers . let him believe it that will ; for i am not wont to call to me any other judge concerning contingent things known by sense , besides touching : for i am so stupide , that i stand to nought but the judgment of the senses , concerning sensible objects . but physitians which are the more tough in the opinion of the antients , privily escape into lurking places , that they may defend those things which are perceived by galen : for some will have it , that cold or rigour are not the beginnings of fevers , but the beginnings of the fit . but galen himself casts down these men ; saying , we understand first by the name of a paroxismus or fit , the worst part of the whole fit ; which soundeth , that the fit and the fever are sunonymalls . but come on then , if cold bespeak the beginning of the fit , and not of the fever , at leastwise , the fit shewes the fever approaching : and so , the beginning of a fit shall of necessity be the beginning of a fever . others therefore had rather , their eyes being opened , not to see , not to perceive ; wherefore they say , that in very deed , no true , but a dissembling cold , and a deceitfull allurement of the senses is felt in the beginning of a fever ; and while they are externally cold , they will have it , that they are internally in a raging heat , and are burnt with true heat , although they perceive otherwise . but such doatages any one will easily hisse out of the middle of the country : for a most intense or heightned cold besigeth their innermost parts for some houres . for in so manifest , and undoubted an history of cold ( which is that of the deed , and sense ) they produce an argument wan enough : there is ( they say ) a great heat within , although not to be perceived ; because they are pressed with continual thirst , the which , as it is chiefly the betokener of drynesse , yet this thirst in live bodies presupposeth an heat equal to it self : and so , thirst deserveth more authourity than sense or feeling . but they know not that this thirst proceeds not from heat , as neither from drynesse , even as it otherwise happens in natural thirst : for therefore that neither is it appeased by drink being administred ; the which ought regularly to be done , if that thirst did arise from drynesse or heat . the thirst therefore is deceitfull , but not the cold : for the thirst ariseth from an excrement which badly affecteth that sensitive faculty , and the organ thereof , and deludes it , no otherwise than as if great drynesse had suddenly come unto it . for the sharp distillation of sulphur ( which in it self , is most dry and a corrosive ) is wont to mitigate that deceitfull thirst , no otherwise than as water quencheth fire : but at least wise our adversaries will not grant , that dryth is taken away by the most dry remedies ; but not rather , by the drinking of moist and cold things : but why is it not lawfull , by a like reason to divine , that cold in the beginning of fevers is from an unconquered drowsie affect ? since the schooles determine that the drowsie evil doth no lesse proceed from unvanquished cold , than thirst from drynesse . neither doth that hinder , that the drowsie evil is not present with all that have a fever : for it is suficient , and brings the greater confusion , that in some that have fevers , there is a frequent drowsinesse . but at length , whither will they escape , if in the vigour of fevers ( which is the hottest station of fevers ) they grant not so great thirst to be , as in the beginning thereof ; yet that the more inward parts do then according to sense , especially burn with much perplexity : wherefore if thirst bewray heat , and the betokening hereof be unseperable from heat , so as that those who tremble by reason of cold are neverthelesse said to burn , the greatest thirst ought to presse under the hottest season of fevers : but they deny that ; what therefore will they do , being taken in their own net ? therefore they largely erre , as many as give their judgments concerning the native roots of things from accidents following by accident . it is therefore the part of deadly ignorance , badly to have defined a fever , if they shall cure a fever according to its definition . yea we must treat against them by the law of cornelius , concerning privie murtherers , who obstinately , badly cure those who have committed their life unto them : because that through the guilt of whom , so many ten thousands of millions are so unhappily killed . and indeed , if a fever , or feverish heat ( for these two are in the schooles , sunonymalls or of one and the same name ) ought to be kindled first in the heart , nor yet that the matter of fevers ( which they say doth proceed from one of the four humours being putrified ) consisteth in the bosomes of the heart : therefore the heat , or f●ver , is not kindled at first , in a feverish matter ; and putrefaction is vainely enquired into , that they may finde out the intimate , and immediate cause of heat besides nature : and by consequence , the definition of a fever from thence , falls to the ground . yea it followes from thence , that a fever doth not primarily , intimately , and immediatly exist in its own matter from whence it is caused ( as they will have it ) materially , and originally : but in some other place , namely , in the heart alone . again , from the same position , it followes , that , that there may be a fever , it is not-required that the offending and feverish matter be enflamed : but some other inflameable thing primarily residing in the heart , and from thence slideable throughout the whole body : for this inflameable body , i ( together with hippocrates ) call the spirit which maketh the assault . but this last matter , i have brought hither , not from the minde of the antients ; but it is extorted , and by force i have commanded it to be granted me : whereof in its own place , when i shall discourse of the efficient cause of fevers : at least wise that being now violently begged , it followes , that the peccant matter of fevers is not properly enflamed , neither that it is in it self , primarily , or efficiently hot , nor indeed , that it makes hot besides nature , if the first inflameable body ought to be kindled in the heart . therefore neither is the peccant or offensive matter in a fever hot beyond , or besides the degree of nature . but that which is kindled in the heart , was not kindled before the comming of the fever : and so it every way differs from the peccant matter in fevers . at length it is also from hence fitly concluded , that in whomsoever they intend to slay a fever by cooling things , as such , they do not intend to cure by a removal of the causes , by a cutting up of the root , and a plucking out of the fountaine , and fewel of the fever : but only they intend to take away , and correct the heat , which is a certaine latter product entertained with-out the feverish matter : to wit , they apply their remedies unto the effect , but not unto the cause . for truly the heat of fevers is kindled in the archeus which maketh the assault , and the root of fevers is the peccant matter it self . they have regard therefore , only unto the taking away of the effect following upon , and resulting from the placing of that root , for the sake whereof , the archeus is enflamed not indeed by the root , but by heat drawn from elsewhere , while as indeed he enflames himself by a proper animosity , and by his own heat being beyond a requirance extended unto a degree , wherein he is wholly troublesome , as he is enlarged beyond the amplenesse of his own necessity . fo● neither must we think that any heat is so in a hateful feverish matter , which with me they name the offensive one , that it afterwards makes feverishly hot the whole entire body : for truly , that for which every thing is such , that very thing , they will have to be more such . and then also , because every calefactive or heating agent doth throughout its own specie's , more strongly act on a near object , than on an object at a distance ; wherefore if a feverish matter should make the other parts hot by its own heat , it should of necessity be , that the center or nest wherein that peccant matter of a fever is received , should be first roasted into a fryed substance , before that any distant object should be made hot thereby . yea , if the peccant matter should be hot of its own free accord , and the fever should be that meer heat besides nature , every fever as such , ought to be continual , nor should it have intermission , until that all the offensive matter were wholly consumed into ashes . neither therefore should there be any reason of a repetition , or relapse , seeing the peccant matter should even from a general property , always make hot , for the consuming of it self . and moreover a dead carcase also should be hot as well after death , and be more ardently tortured or writhed with a fever , than while it lived , because the same matter in number from the obedience whereof death happens , even still persisteth in the dead carcasse : and seeing they suppose it to be hot by a proper heat of putrefaction , and since it is more putrified after death , as also after death more powerfully putrifying , and affecteth more parts co-bordering upon it , than while it lived , therefore also it should be more actually hot after death , than in the life time : but surely this errour is bewrayed : for a fever which made a live body hot , ceaseth presently after death , and all heat exspires with the life . the which ought to instruct us , that the heat of a fever is not proper unto the peccant matter , or its inmate : and that the heat of the offensive matter doth not efficiently , and effectively make hot in fevers : therefore it is perpetually true that the peccant matter makes hot occasionally only ; but that the archeus is the workman of every alteration , and so by this title , that which efficiently , primarily , immediatly , always , every where , maketh the assault , and that he alone doth not make hot according to the maxime : whatsoever utters healthy actions in healthy bodies , that very thing utters vitiated ones in diseases : for that spirit heats man naturally in health , it being the same which in fevers rageth with heat . for example : the thorne or splinter of an oake being thrust into the finger , and actually , and potentially cold , presently stirs up a heat besides nature in the finger . not indeed , that hot humours do flow thither , as if they being called together thither by the thorne , had exspected the wound of the splinter , and the which otherwise as moderate , had resided in their own seates : for truly the blood next to the wound , first runs to it , and preventeth the passage for other blood coming thither : and that blood also , by it self is not hot ; but for the sake of the vital spirit : therefore the inflamation , and swelling , together with an hard pulse , pain , and heat , do proceed from the spirit alone causally ; but from the infixed thorn , occasionally only . surely it is an example sufficient for the position , manner , knowledg , and cure of a fever : to wit the cause offending in a fever is not hot of it self , but it makes hot only occasionally , and upon the pulling out of the thorne or occasional cause , health followes : the archeus alone every where effectively stirs up the fever , and the which departing by death , the fever ceaseth with it : therefore heat is a latter accident , and subsequent upon the essence of a fever . for indeed the archeus enflames himself in his endeavour , whereby he could earnestly desire to expel the occasional matter , as it were a thorne thrust into himself . but whosoever takes away this thorne , whether that be done by hot meanes , or by temperate ones , or at length , by cold ones , he takes away the disease by the root , and it is unto nature as it were indifferent : because for that very cause the animosity of the archeus is appeased , and ceaseth : wherefore heat , however it being besides nature increased , may be a token of fevers ; yet it is not the fever it self , neither therefore must we greatly labour about it in time of healing : for from hence hippocrates hath seriously admonished , that heat and cold are not diseases , as neither the causes of these : but that the causes ( to wit , the occasional ones ) of diseases , are bitter , sharp , salt , brackish , &c. but that the spirit is he that maketh all assaults . galen , juniour unto hippocrates by five hundred years , afterwards easily stained much paper , and by his prate allured followers unto himself : but posterity having admired this prattle , followed the same : it hath always had that in the greatest esteem which was of the least worth : and then the world every where grew aged in frivolous judgments , always esteeming that to be of great weight , which was most like unto its own unconstancy . chap. ii. the schools nodding or doubting , have introduced putrefaction . . the schools have been constrained to devise another thing in fevers beside heat . . another defect in the definition of a fever . . the schools contradict the principles laid down by themselves . . that the essence of fevers is not from heat . . they by degrees are forgetful of their own positions . . the spiciness of roses is most hot . . whether a feverish heat be rightly judged by the schools , to arise from putrefaction . . a malignant fever , wherein it differs from other fevers . . a crisis of fevers by sweat , is most wholesome . . why the schools have fled back unto putrefaction . . a blockish comparison of heat in horse-dung . . why horse-dung is hot . . a degree of the heat of a putrifying matter is not sufficient for heating the whole man in a fever . . putrefaction is no where the cause of heat . . dung waxeth not hot from putrefaction . . why they have not drawn a feverish heat from hot baths . . the ignorance of the roots hath wrested the schools aside unto the considerations , and remedies of effects . dung looseth its heat , while it begins to putrefie . . the great blindness of the schools . . galen convicted of error . that the blood doth never putrefie in the veins , and so whatsoever they trifle concerning a sunochus or putrefied fever , is erroneous . . the foregoing particulars are proved . . the natural endowments of the veins . . either nature goes to ruine , or the doctrine of the schools . . an example from the variety of blood . . a ridiculous table of blood let out of the veins . . an argument from the plague , against the vse of the schools . . again , from the pleurifie . . the heats , and turbulencies of the blood do not testifie the vices thereof . . a wan deceit of the schools . . to suppose putrefied humours in fevers , is ridiculous . . against the definition of fevers of the foregoing chapter , some absurdities are alledged . . a frivolous excuse by a diary . . the foregoing definition of fevers is again resisted . . the unconstancy of the schools . . that the blood doth not putrefie in the veins . . corruption , from whence it is . . that the blood of the hemeroides is not putrefied . . a wonderful remedy against the hemeroides or piles , by a ring : and likewise for other diseases . the schools meditated , that an heat did oft-times spring up through exercises , not unlike to the heat of feverish persons ; the which notwithstanding , seeing it was not a feverish one , they indeed judged heat to be , of necessity , in fevers ; not any one in differently , but that which should be stirred up by putrefaction . now they are no longer careful concerning heat , as neither concerning the degrees , or distemperature thereof ; but rather concerning the containing cause thereof ; for neither hath a heat graduated besides nature , seemed to be sufficient for a fever , unless that heat also spring up from putrefaction ; which particle surely , hath been dully omitted in the aforesaid definition of fevers . therefore the essence of a fever , is now no longer a naked heat , neither shall this heat distinguish fevers from the diversity of heat , ( although a species doth result from thence , whence the essence is ) but from the varieties of the putrefied , or at leastwise from the putrefying humours . it was finely indeed begun , thus to wander from the terms proposed , that when as they before respected nothing but heat which should exceed the accustomed temper of nature , they afterwards require heat , and a subject of putrefaction , which heat they will have to be kindled in an offensive putrified matter ; but not any longer , first in the heart . but seeing that of heat , there is not but only species in degree , but very many moments , or extensions of the same ; and there are very many particular kinds of fevers ; neither that the specifical multitude of fevers can proceed from one only species of heat besides nature : therefore in the essence or being of heat , another thing is beheld besides the degree of the same . heat therefore shall not constitute the essence of a fever , but that other thing , by reason whereof the diversity of fevers breaks forth . if therefore putrefying of divers matters be the efficient cause of the diversity of fevers , heat shall be thing as well caused from putrefaction , as the fever it self ; and so seeing the action of causality of the putrisied matter involveth some other thing in it besides heat it self , a fever shall not be heat now the schools do confusedly adjoyn very many things on both sides , that if one thing do not help , at leastwise , another may help them : so that although they toughly maintain the aforesaid definition , and adore it ; yet they by degrees decline from the naked distemper of heat , unto the putrefaction of humours . neither do they stay in these trifles , but moreover , they flee back unto hot remedies , as having forgotten their own positions : and that , whether they attempt purgations , or next , whether they shall convert themselves unto the proper specifical rdmedies of fevers . for what is now more solemn in healing , than to have given apozemes of hop , asparagus , &c. and to have seasoned the same with sugar ? for what is more hot , than the spiceness included in roses , whether thou respectest its savour , or application ; without which notwithstanding , the rose it self is a meer dead carcase ? what doth every where more frequently offer it self , than to have mingled the corrosive liquor of sulphur , or vitriol ( being through the perswasion of gain , manifoldly adulterated ) with juleps , for fevers ? in the next place , to have drawn forth those which they feign to be guilty humours , by rhubarb , and scammoneated medicines ? therefore before all , we must profesly examine , whether the heat of a fever owes its original to putrefaction : wherefore first of all i have plainly taught , that a feverish heat doth in no wise causally depend on the peecant matter . and then i have learned , that a malignant fever alone , differs from other fevers in this , that its own offensive matter hath a beginning-putrefaction adjoyned unto it : the which , if it shall afterwards creep unto its height , until the putrefaction be actually made , and shall remain within , it straightway brings death of necessity : but if it be driven forth in the making of the putrefaction , ( as in the measills , an erisipelas , &c. ) it is for the most part cured ; because health for the most part accompanies a motion to without . from hence it is , that fevers do about their end , provoke voluntary sweats . and a crisis or judicial sign which is terminated by sweats , is most exceeding wholesome , and by consequence also , sudoriferous remedies : but they fled together unto putrefaction , that they might find the cause from whence they might confirm , first , cold , and presently afterwards , heat . they therefore assume , that horse-dung which is actually cold , doth voluntarily wax hot by reason of putrefaction : but how blockishly do they on both sides deceive the credulous world ! for cowes-dung of the same nourishments , hath better putrified , and been digested than horse-dung , yet it waxeth not hot : also the dung of an horse which is fed with grass , or fetches , waxeth not hot , even as while he is fed with grain ; yet that hath putrefied no less than this . they have not known therefore , that heat follows the eaten grain , but not the nature of putrefaction : therefore they foolishly transfer a feverish heat unto humours putrified in a fever , from the heat of the dung not yet putrefying . the schools thefore have not known , that by how much the nearer horse-dung is unto a beginning-putrefaction , by so much the more it is deprived of all heat : and neither therefore shall the same dung ever putrifie , if it be spread broad ; but only while as be ing moist , it is contracted into an heap , no otherwise than as hay , or flowers , if they are pressed together being moist , are inflamed before putrefaction : they have been ignorant i say , that dung waxeth hot by its own spirits of salt being pressed together . again , although dung do wax hot in the making of putrefaction , yet all heat ceaseth before the putrefaction begun is in its [ being made : ] and so the heat of the dung squares not with a feverish matter , if the putrefied matter ( as they say ) layes hid long before in receptacles , and indeed , in a quartane , always , and very long . yea , neither is the degree of the heat of dung suitable , that it may be dispersed from its putrefied center , even unto the soals of the feet ; but that it should first burn up the center of the body , where that putrefied humour should overflow : therefore the example of dung is plainly impertinent to fevers , and so much the rather , because they do not teach , that cold is before heat in time . and moreover in nature , putrefaction no where causeth heat , and much less in vital things : for in a putrefying body , cold must needs be , if it be spoyled of life ; which life in us , is the fountain of heat : for in the interposing dayes of intermitting fevers , we complain not of heat , or cold molests us ; when as notwithstanding , they suppose the humours to be putrefied : therefore if heat , and cold do causally succeed in that which is putrefied , and cold be always before heat , in the comming of fevers , cold is more native to a putrefied matter than heat : for therefore we measure the long continuance of the disease , by the duration of cold in an ague or fever , but not by heat . at length , i have shewn that all feverish heat is wholly from the archeus , and therefore that it ceaseth before death ; when as notwithstanding , cold , and putrefaction do the more prevail . it implies also , that the heat of a fever should be from a putrefied matter , and that it should be first kindled in the heart it self , from whence the putrefaction is banished . in the next place , heat is not kindled in dung from the putrefaction it self ; for if it be daily be-sprinkled with the new urine of a horse , it will not so much as wax hot in a years time : but it is certain , that urine doth not preserve from putrefaction , but more truly , that it should increase it : for they should more truly have drawn heats out of baths , or lime : but they were rather ignorant of the causes of these heats : wherefore they have judged it a more easie matter to have accused the putrefaction of one horse-dung : neither was there any reason why they should horrow the essence of a fever , rather from heat than from cold , and other symptomes ; seeing they are the alike , and fellow accidents of fevers : therefore they have alwayes endeavoured to beat down the accidents of the product ; because they have been ignorant of the roots : but since it is now manifest , that material things are the matter it self , after what manner will they cure , who convert the whole hinge of healing only unto heats ? at leastwise , the similitude of horse-dung , and of a feverish heat ascribed unto putrefaction , hath fallen : for dung when it begins never so little to putrifie , it puts off heat : and as long as it can be hot , artificers extract salt-peter from thence : but if it shall wax cold , they leave it to countrey folks , as unprofitable for themselves . but the schools accuse the putrefaction or corruption of humours ; and indeed of one and the same humour , as well for cold , as for heat , and both in a heightned degree ; and by consequence , that one and the same thing should immediately effect two opposites out of it self : therefore it must needs be , that either of these two , is by it self , but the other by accident . if therefore cold be the off-spring of putrefaction by it self , it cannot in any wise essentially include heat , but only by accident . but if heat be the son of putrefaction by it self , verily , neither then should a fever begin from cold. nevertheless , it is clear enough from the aforesaid particulars , that the schools do suppose putrefaction to be the essence of fevers ; but heat , and cold to be accidents accompanying the putrefaction : wherefore galen saith , when blood putrifies , choler is made : which text if they shall admit of , that choler shall be putrified in its own birth , or not : if putrified , it should cause a tertian ; but not a sunochus or putrified burning fever . let the schools therefore know , that the blood is never putrified in the veins , but that the vein it self also putrifies , as in a gangrene , and in mortifications : and so they beg the principle , who let forth the blood , lest it should putrifie in the veins . like-wise they who affirm a sunochus to arise from the blood of the veins being putrified : and also they who say , that the blood while it purrifies , is turned into choler : the which particulars i thus prove . the veins retain their blood fluid , even in a dead carcase , by the consent of all anatomy ; but the blood being chased out of the veins , straightway grows together into a clot : but the coagulation of the blood , is only a beginning of corruption , and way of separation of the whole : therefore if a vein preserves its blood from corruption in a dead carcase , much more doth it do that in live bodies ; it being an argument from the less to the greater . forreign excrements indeed putrifie in the veins ; to wit , they being the retents as well of their own , as of another digestion , ( as concerning digestions elsewhere ) but the blood never ; because it is that which according to the scriptures , is the seat and treasure of life . if therefore the life it self cannot preserve its own seat , and treasure from corruption , as long as it is in the veins , when shall it preserve it ? and how shall it ever be free from corruption ? and likewise , if the life doth not preserve the blood from corruption wherein it glistens , after what manner shall the bones be preserved ? the veins therefore are ordained by the creator , that they may preserve the blood from corruption , because the life is co-fermented with the blood of the veins : therefore under this question , the ornament , and appointment of nature goes to ruine ; or the whole order of healing hitherto adored by physicians , falls to the ground : but be it so , by what sign do physicians judge of putrified blood ? is it not from the more white , black , yellow , somewhat green , or duskish colour ? is it not from a slimy , gross , watery , thin matter ? and lastly , is it not from a consistence not threddy or fibrous , scarce cleaving together , &c. but i declare under the penalty of a convicted lye , if any one will make tryal , that i have examined the bloods of two hundred wanton countrey and healthy people in one only day , and many of them were exceeding unlike in their aspect , colour , matter , and consistence ; many whereof i distilled , and found them to be alike profitable in healing : for our countrey boores are wont at every whitsontide to let out their blood , whereby they might drink the more largely : for although many of them seemed to be putrefied , others cankery , or black chole-ry ; yet especially , the countrymen from whence they had issued , were very healthy : therefore they confirmed by the cause , the tokens of corruption not withstanding them , that their bloods were not any thing estranged from the nature of a balsame : wherefore i have laughed at the table of judgements , from the beholding of blood let out of the veins ; and so i confirmed it with my self , that the venal blood is commanded by physicians to be kept , that at least in his regard , they may reckon one visit to the sick : for if the corruption of the blood hath any where place , and betokeneth the letting forth of it self from that title ; surely that must be in the plague : but in the plague , the cutting of a vein is destructive ; therefore there is no where putrefaction in the blood of the veins ; and a fear , lest the putrefaction of that blood should prevail , and by consequence , the scope of letting out the blood , is in this respect , erroneous . i suppose also thirty men to be oppressed with an equal pleurisie ; but ten of them to pour forth blood out of a vein apparently vitiated , ( for the blood of those that have the pleurisie , is like red wine , whereunto clots of milk have a conflux ) but the remaining twenty , i will cure without shedding of their blood . it is certain in the mean time , that those twenty have their blood no otherwise affected , than the ten whose vein was cut . and again , that if in those twenty that were cured , a vein be opened , their blood shall be found rectified , restored into its former state , and far estranged from a pleuritical errour : therefore the blood of him that hath a pleurisie , is not corrupted , although it may seem to be such : the which i prove , because from that which is corrupted , or deprived of life , there is not granted a return unto life , health , or an habit : therefore black , blew , or wan , green , &c. blood , do not testifie of its corruption , but they afford signes of its fermental angry heat , or turbulency alone . for first of all , if the more waterish , and yellow blood should betoken a vice , the arterial blood should be far worse than the blood of the veins ; which thing is erroneous : for the blood of the veins is no otherwise distinguished by the aforesaid signs , than as wine is troubled while the vine floureth ; for it is not therefore corrupted , because the tempest being withdrawn , it voluntarily cleers up again : so likewise a fever doth variformly disturb the blood , and discolour it with strange faces : but these masks cease , the fever being taken away . truly i am wont to compare the lookers into the blood , unto those who give their judgement concerning spanish wine , and who give their thoughts in beholding of the urine . but they will say , if putrefaction be not in the blood , why then doth purely red blood leap out of a vein at the third , and not at the first turn ; or at the first , and not at the third turn ? but that argument at least convinceth , that one part of the blood is more , and sooner disturbed than another ; not the whole , or all at once : for it is certain , that nature tends by degrees in a lineal path , unto the perfection appointed for her : therefore that the blood nigh the heart is more pure than that which is about the first shop thereof : therefore they say , ( and err therein ) that a tertian , as well as that which is continual , as that which is renewed by intervals , consisteth of yellow choler , a quartan of black choler , as also a quotidian of phlegm , but putrified ones . for why was it of necessity to suppose these humours ( the which i have elsewhere demonstrated to be feigned ones ) to be putrefied , seeing they confess a non-putrefied sunochus to be continual , and more cruel than the three aforesaid fevers : which particulars surely , if they are compared with the definition of fevers proposed , now of necessity the blood in every sunochus or continual fever , and the vital spirit in a diary fever shall putrifie , the life remaining ; to wit , they shall attain the bound of putrefaction : and then , seeing the schools confess that such putrified humours do not consist in the sheath of the heart , and that therefore they are not primarily inflamed in a fever , and so by consequence , that putrefaction is in vain required for a feverish heat to be kindled in the heart . if therefore putrefied humours do enflame the spirit in the heart from far , that thing shall by every law of nature be made nigh , before afar off , and they shall the rather , or more fully enflame all the blood that lyes between the heart , and themselves , with the heat of putrefaction , and so all fevers shall of necessity afford a putrefied continual fever ; wherefore neither shall a quartan ague stop its course , and repeat its return , if the same putrefied matter thereof waiteth safe in the spleen for a years space . gangrens certainly teach me , that nothing of a putrefied matter ( for every putrefied matter is dead ) can long persist without a further conragion of it self : neither do i apprehend how the archeus of life it self shall putrefie , that it may give satisfaction to galen for a diary fever ? but if they understand a diary fever to be the daughter of that putrefaction , which at length is implanted in the spirit of life ; but thus all fevers in the schools , should be diaries . again , if a diary or one dayes fever be the daughter of putrefaction ; therefore putrefaction is presupposed to be fermented to the spirit of life : from whence there is a relapse unto the same straights . but if they understand putrefaction beginning onely , or a disposition unto putrefaction , and that the heat is an effect of putrefaction , therefore it followes , that a diarie fever shall have onely a disposit on unto heat ; but not a true heat , even as , that neither therefore shall it be a true fever . but the schools require a formal , and absolute putrefaction , that they may find out the cause of a feverish heat ; having forgotten , that then heat shall be an effect of the putrefaction , and not of the fever ; and so they shall constrainedly distinguish heat from a fever : for why ; seeing a non-putrefied continual fever , is a true fever , without putrefaction , and by consequence ought to be without heat . in the mean time , they by little and little lay aside the fear of heat ; neither must we in healing employ our selves thereabout , while as a greater dammage is to be feared from the contagion of putrefaction in those things which have a co-resemblance : and therefore it would be better to divert the putrefaction , than vainly to have smeared over a fever with cooling things . but surely , whatsoever things resist putrefaction , are hot : for myrrhe preserveth the dead carcases of aegypt for now two thousand years ; the which otherwise , with succory , plantain , and their coolers had putrified long since : therefore the putrefactions of putrefied humours , likewise of the blood , and spirit , are so like unto fables , that i should scarce believe that the schools spake in earnest , unless they did fatally even unto this day , confirm those positions by the practical part . for a conclusion , i will as yet add one thing : whatsoever hath been once corrupted in the body , never returns again into favour ; but the blood of the veins , however corrupted it may seem to be , returns again into favour : therefore it was not once corrupted . the major proposition is proved , because corruption in us is an effect of the sequestration of vital dispositions , and so it presupposeth a privation , and death of the corrupted body , or matter it self . the minor proposition is proved , by those who are cured of the plague , pleurifie , and a fever , without the drawing out of blood . and likewise , if the blood be ever to be reckoned putrefied or corrupted while existing in the veins , that blood shall especially be that of the hemeroides ; but this is not corrupted , although it be as it were almost hunted out of the veins : therefore the blood is never to be reckoned putrefied in the veins . whole chyrurgery proves the major proposition concerning ulcers bred from an accidental happenning of the hemeroides or piles : but i prove the minor , because i compound or compose a mettal : a ring made whereof , if it be carried about one , the pain of the hemeroides is taken away in the very space of the lords prayer : and the piles , as well those within , as without , vanish away in twenty four hours space , how greatly soever those veins may tumefie or burgen ; therefore that blood is received into favour , and they have themselves well at ease . that ring also prevails in the strangling , and motions of the womb , and very many diseases : the description , and manner of composing whereof , i deliver in the treatise upon those words ; in words , herbs , and stones , there is great vertue , where i speak of the great vertue of things . chap. iii. the doctrine of the antients concerning circuits , is examined . . the causes of feverish circuites in the schools . . the first errour . . galen is accused of errour . . a quaternary of humours , why suspected . . the great and stubborn blindnesse of the schools . . galen is hissed out of the place of intermitting fevers , by many perplexities issuing from thence . . an account of choler necessary for the fit or comming of a tertian ague according to the schools . . he is refuted . . from their suppositions it is concluded , that there cannot be a plethora in a fever or ague on every other day . . a begging of the principle in the galenists . . galen being ignorant of anatomy , hath copied out many books concerning anatomy . . unhappy speculations of healing invented by the devil to the destruction of mortals . . an argument on the contrary drawn from cases or receptacles . . that yellow , and black choler are not entertained in the spleen , and little bag of the gawl . . against astrologers who derive the circle of a fever on the stars . . the similitudes aforeread in the schools , do not suqare : . some arguments against the doctrine of the schools . . the desert of fernelius . . the rashness and unconstancy of paracelsus . . that man is not a microcosm or little world , if the holy scriptures are to be obeyed . . paracelsus deceived . the shools say , the causes of set circuits are , to wit , because as much phlegm is [ daily ] generated , as there is of choler every other day , and as there is of black choler every third day . i gratulate the language of our countrey , which would willingly want these same names drawn from a grecisme : but the schools do not thus teach the effective cause , but only the remote cause , which they call that of [ sine qua non ] or that without which it is not : therefore i am deservedly angry , that the schools have not feigned a fifth humour for a quintan ague , nor an half , and a one and a half humour for the fever epialos , and for semite-tians . likewise , that they have neglected a doubled yellow choler for a double tertian , nor that they have made mention of a doubled black choler for a double quartan : that they have not invented a wandring , and uncertain humour for a wandring fever ; or humours continuing , and uncessantly substituted for continual fevers , exasperating themselves every day , every other day , or every third day : and lastly , a slow humour for a slow fever . at leastwise , they ought to have explained , if putrifying blood be changed into yellow choler , why it is wholly converted into corrupt pus : why doth not purulent , thick , or mattery blood cause a burning fever in a consumption of the lungs ; and why do not yellow expectorations or spittings out of the breast , produce a tertian , but an hectick fever ; and that presently after meat : wherefore a quaternary of humours for so great a catalogue of fevers , and other diseases , being as yet daily increased , ought to be suspected of every one . but as to what belongs unto the seat of the putrified humours of fevers , galen is so alike stupid herein , that it had shamed me to lay open his errour , if the schools did not as yet to this day stifly defend the same unto the destruction of mortals : they craving respect rather from antiquity than from the truth : as if the fountain of wisdome were drawn out in galen , who that he might find the causes of a set trembling in fevers , , hath writ nothing but old wives fables ; the which as oft as i call to mind , i ingeniously admire that so many wits could subscribe thereunto ever since the dayes of galen : wherein surely i am amazed at the great sluggishness of wits as to a diligent search , they assenting unto false principles lest the right of disputing against denyers should be forestalled from them . i will therefore no longer speak to galen , but unto the schooles : i wish therefore that they may explain to me , by what conducter , manner , and passage , a putrified humour may at every fit , come from the shops of the humours unto the utmost parts of the veines which are terminated into the habit of the body , or into the flesh and skin ? for if it were putrified before it came unto the slender , and utmost extremities of the veines ; why is one alone ( to wit , choler , or phlegm ) separated from its three fellowes , that as a banished humour , it may putrifie far from its own cottages ? or who is that silly separater , which plucks the harmless humour from its own composed body for so absurd ends ? why therefore , the same separater remaining for life , doth not the same fever continue for life ? what school-master admonisheth this separater of his errour , that he may seasonably repent ? at leastwise , if the utmost parts of the veines do not corrupt that putrified humour , the veines themselves shall be more putrified , and so they shall labour with an unexcusable gangreen . but if the cause which calleth the guiltless humour unto it self , subsisteth in the very extremities of the veines , that it may putrifie the same in its own possession : yet by a greater breviary , it should execute that in the bloud nigh to it self , over which it hath a stronger right , and from whence it hath as well a liberty to separate choler , or phlegm , as the same thing is otherwise proper unto a solutive medicine . again , if it listeth it to have prepared a putrified humour out of the nigh bloud , it shall in vain expect an agreeable quantity of choler for full two dayes space : but if that humour shall putrifie before it could reach to the utmost parts of the veines , then the schooles contradict themselves , and the seat of intermitting fevers shall not be in the habit of the body , but in the first shops of the humours . in the next place , if at one onely turn of a fit , the whole putrified humour be dispersed out of the veines into the habit of the body , even for the consumption of it self , why at least , shall that separater or driver ( seeing nothing is moved by it self which is not vital ) be less generous in the bowels , than he that is placed in the utmost parts of the veins ? at length , for what end of doatage , shall there be this passage of the putrified humour from the mesentery , through the liver , and heart , even unto the extremities of the veines ? it is a matter full of danger ; and it is to be feared , but that by its frequent passage it may soon defile the whole blood with its corruptions , and deadly gore : for let it either be a great lye of galen ; or humane nature voluntarily meditates of its own ruine . and by this meanes , the necessity of revulsion boasted of , by cutting of a veine , falls to the ground . for truly , the putrified humour is by the voluntary force of intermitting fevers , at set hours revulsed , or pulled back from the nest of its generation ; yea it issues of its own accord unto the utmost parts of the veines : unless perhaps , that revulsion be accounted dangerous , which wholly ought to be made by the heart through the hollow vein , as well in intermitting fevers , as by the cutting of a vein . and then , either the feverish matter is at every fit wholly drawn out of the nest of its nativity , or not wholly ; if totally , there shall be no cause of return ; if not totally , it is exhausted . why shall a new humour which putrifies at every future fit , no more move an aguish fit by its putrefaction , than by its expulsion ? for truly , there is greater labour and pain while corrupt pus is in making , that when the pus is made . why in that case , shall not the seat of fevers be rather in the place of putrefaction , than in places through which it passeth while it is expelled ? why , i say , the appetite returning , thirst and watchings being absent ( to wit , in the resting dayes of intermitting fevers ) shall choler , or phlegm putrifie in the bowels ? and why doth not the putrefaction thereof disturb the family administration of the shops of the humours ? why shall black choler , which should be made on the second day of the week , putrifie in two dayes space into a ripe putrifaction ; and that which should be made on the followng day , putrifie as much in one onely day , as the former putrified in two dayes ? if that which was joyned of them both , causeth the fit of a quartane on the fourth day of the week ? why doth not that which is made on the second day , stir up its own fit on the fourth day ; and that which is made on the third day , not likewise stir up its own tumult on the fifth day ? and consequently , if any be made on the fourth day of the week ; why doth it not frame a fit on the sixth day ? the shoulders of physitians are lifted up , their browes are bent , and hidden properties are accused , while as they are constrained to answer unto things known by sense , by believed , and supposed madnesses . why at length in the rigours or shaking fits of a tertian , will they have that which is vomited up about their beginnings , to be gaul : and say , that nature bends that same way , if on the contrary , the guidance of nature doth in the same interval of time , proceed from the center unto the utmost parts of the veines ? because nature doth not at one onely instant , stir up two opposite motions within , and without , especially from the cause of one excrement , which is accounted the gawl : why doth not that vomiting take away as much from the sharpness of the fit , as there is a plentifull expulsion of that excrement which they suppose to be the very matter of a tertian ? but if in a tertian , a residing choler remaineth in its own shops after the fit , why doth it rather putrifie new choler , than the humours radically annexed to it self ? after what manner do bitter vomiting , thirst , and so great tokens of hurts molest the stomach , while as most of the balast of the malady shall passe over unto the extream parts of the veines that it may provoke rigours . but those who carry the marks of a cautery , do see , that two dayes after fevers , a spare quantity of , or no excrements are wiped off : the which surely , should be many , if so many feverish filths should at every fit slide unto the utmost parts of the veines and habit of the body . the schooles triumph in the causes of rigour , they being as prettily feigned , as blockishly believed . but why doth galen give more heed unto the quantity of an humour , than to the ready obedience of the same ? should not choler , although lesse in quantity , by reason of its heat , and flowing , be more inclinably obedient unto the clientship of a putrefactive humour , than phlegm otherwise was ? but why doth not choler move a fit daily , if a lesse moiety thereof be sufficient for a tertian ? to wit , while as the greater moiety thereof is rejected by vomit ? lastly , they ought to have told , how many ounces of a putrified humour should be required for every fit : whether six , or seven ? truly , oft-times a double quantity thereof is rejected by vomit about the beginning of a tertian , and the fit is nothing the lesse : therefore if as yet , seven ounces have proceeded unto the mouthes of the veines , and twelve ounces were voided by vomit , therefore ounces are requisite for a tertian : whereof , if thou shalt take the half : to wit , ounces of yellow choler every day ; and by consequence , a double quantity of phlegm , there shall be ounces thereof , and at least ounces of black choler every day , and at least as much of bloud every day , as there is of phlegme ; that is , ounces , which being joyned together , ounces shall be daily made , even in an abstinentious feverish person ; let him give credit to these fables that will , and let the musitian make an harmony of these pipes , that can . i at least conclude , from the supposed dreams of the schooles , that there ought in no wise to be the cutting of a veine ; as neither a laxative medicine for those that have a fever , if so much of humours be bred in him ; seeing as much is consumed in an abstinent feverish person ; because his appetite , digestion , and food failing ; yet it is of necessity , that this weight be recompenced out of the masse of the bloud . therefore an emptying is not to be instituted in a feverish or aguish person , who abstaineth for the space of two dayes . but i pray , from whence hath galen known , that as much of yellow choler is made every other day , as there is of phlegm daily , and of black choler every third day : especially , who is proved by andrew vesalius of bruxels , and the prince of anatomists , in places , never to have pryed into a humane dead carcase ? for if galen writeth this without proof , at leastwise , the schooles were not bound to subscribe to his doatage . but if he learned this , as being perfectly instructed by fevers themselves : verily , he could not refer this same thing into the effect , and also into the cause of one thing . for it must needs contein an absurd and blockish begging of the principle , to produce the same thing to be for a cause , and effect for it self : namely , that a tertian happens from yellow choler putrified every other day , and a quartane from black choler putrified every third day , because as much of yellow choler is made every other day , as there is of black choler in full three dayes space . and again , let him prove the truth of this matter , that a tertian assaults us every other day , and a quartane in the space of three dayes , because as much yellow choler is made every other day , as there is of black choler in three dayes space . surely , miserable are the speculations of healing , which are handed forth in the spring of young men , being commanded to serve the sick , and hitherto adored by the schooles : to wit , from whence unprosperous curings of diseases daily succeed , to the destruction of the christian world , and salvation of souls . but at leastwise , if yellow choler should exceed melancholly or black choler in one part and an half of its proportion , the spleen exceeds the little bag of the gawl sit times at least : if therefore it be supposed , that the schooles do teach with galen , that as much of gaul or yellow choler is made every other day , as there is of black choler every three dayes ; and the spleen be the case or receptacle of black choler , and the little bag of the gaul be the sheath of yellow choler ; the creatour hath either erred in his ends , in framing the very receptacles of those otherwise than galen hath determined : or the gaul , and spleen were not the butteries of the fables of the school of medicine . therefore others whom the devices of galen concerning the circuit of fevers did not satisfie , have begged astrology for their ayd : because a fever doth sometimes return at set hours . but these also are dashed against other straits , while as fevers begin at all houres : and likewise , do delay , or forestall for some houres , yea are silent , and sleep for some turns . whence they have not sufficiently confirmed , that mans nature is constrained at the pleasure of the stars : as neither that there is a wedlock of the matter of a fever , with the stars : they are rubbish and vain tincklings poured over credulous eares . others also , at length suppose , that they have given themselves satisfaction to the question by similitudes , if they shall say , that fevers have themselves after the manner of other seeds : to wit , some whereof do quickly bud , as the water-cresse , but that of parsly far more slow ; but the example availes not , because it resolves one doubt by another : for seeds which are the more slowly resolved in moisture by reason of their gummy oyliness , do also more slowly bud , as also others more readily , which obtain a muscilage nearer to the juyce of the earth : wherefore such a similitude hath no way regard unto fevers , wherein , they will not have fits to be made by reason of an easie or difficult resolving , but by reason of a scanty , or plentifull afflux of putrified humours . otherwise surely , phllegm being the most estranged from putrefaction , should scarce afflict on the seventh day : whereas in the mean time , black choler ( which is reckoned to be most like unto a dead carcase , or flesh ) should far sooner putrifie . but at leastwise , the doctrine of the schooles concerning the cold fit and circuit of fevers , standing , it must needs be , that a tertian is cured by exhausting of the matter in the fit , and by a defect of new choler requisite for a future fit , if the patient shall abstain from meat and drink for full two dayes space ; but the consequence is false , therefore also the position of galen . but if the schooles do teach and say , that then new choler is dissolved out of the venal bloud ; yet this is to feign nature to be more solicitous , that she may preserve the fever , than otherwise the life , and bloud the treasure of life . again , that choler being separated or made out of the bloud if it be putrified , why is it not banished by the veines , together with the choler of the foregoing fit , the which was already before deteined in the veines with the bloud ? or hath perhaps that remaining and putrified choler , fore-known that there would happen an abstinence of two days : to wit , that it might reserve it self for this defect , for a continuance of the fever or ague , which otherwise should perish through want of choler ? or hath nature well pleased her self in the preserving of putrified choler ? but if indeed that choler issuing out of the veines be not putrified ; truly , now nature is mad and outragious , because she rather dissolves the bloud , that she may have that which may putrifie for the continuation of a future fever . but the schooles of galen confess that choler to be putrified , and that a putrified humour is poured out through the veines at every fit , and brought into the slender extremities of the veines , and that is the cause of the trembling of the fit , and great cold ; to wit , the putrefaction of which humour , when it is the more intense or heightened in the same place , that it straightway after causeth so great a heat . i have accounted these doctrines to be dry stubbles , unworthy fables , miserable old wives fictious , and ignorances most pernicious unto mankind . but surely , fernelius first discovered this ignorance of the schooles : wherefore , rondeletius and the followers of galen , inveigh against fernelius as a forsaker of , and an apostate from the school of medicine . fernelius therefore first smelt out the nest of intermitting fevers to be about the stomach , duodenum , and crow , and indeed he fixed the seat of continual fevers about the heart : but he durst not to decline from the ancient rule of curing feuers : for he had begun openly to dispute against the foregoing schooles , for the nest of fevers ; but afterwards he hid himself among retired places : for he not being able to rid himself of the strawy bonds of putrified humours , suffered the essence and knowledge of fevers to be snatched away from him . but paracelsus being affrighted with the rigour of fevers , perswading himself that he held the knowledge of a fever by the eares , and pleasing himself with his own allegorical invention of a microcosme , defines a fever to be a disease of sulphur and niter : and elsewhere again , to be the earth-quake of the microcosme : as if sulphur and nitre were made far more cold than themselves , while they are separated from the mud ( or limbus as he saith ) of the microcosme ; and moreover , after some hours , were of their own accord inflamed with the fire of aetna . for as galen every where stumbled in the searching into causes , and so therein bewrayed himself not to be a physitian ; ( the name of whom he saith , is the finder out of the occasion ) so paracelsus by a wonderfull liberty , slid into the similitudes or allusions of a microcosme or little world , unworthy a physitian : because that was a hard law , which had violently thrust man into the miserable necessities of all diseases , nakedly , that he might resemble the microcosme or great world. i certainly gratifie my soul , that i shew forth the figure of the living god , but nor of the world. this good man was deceived , because he knew not that fire doth no where kindle , unless it be first inflamed ; neither however he hath feigned , that there is a flint and steel in us , and also a smiter in the point of rubbing of the flint . surely , there was no need of these things , as neither of gun-pouder , for a feverish heat , unless we are burnt at the first stroak , and cleave asunder in the middle . an actuall matter therefore of sulphur and salt-peter is wanting in us , a connexion of them both is wanting , an actual fire is wanting : and lastly , a body is wanting which may undergo that kindling at one onely moment . therefore , let the causes and originals of fevers in the schooles , be trifles and fables . chap. iv. phlebotomy or bloud-letting in fevers , is examined . . one onely reason against humours , others elsewhere . . a universal proposition for bloud-letting , galen being the author . . a syllogisme against the same galen . . a logistical or rational proof . . that a plethora or abounding fulnesse of good bloud , is impossible . . that corrupted bloud doth never subsist in the veines . . that there cannot be said to be a plethora , in a neutral state of the bloud . . that cutting of a vein is never betokened by the positions of the schooles . . what a cachochymia or state of bad juyce in the veines may properly be . . that co-indications instead of a proper indication , and those opposite to a contrary indication or betokening , do square amisse . . a proposition of the author against cutting of a veine in a fever . . the schooles disgrace their own laxative medicines , by their tryals of the cutting of a veine . . the ends of co-betokenings . . a fore-warning of the author . . after what manner , the letting out of bloud cooleth . . a miserable history of a cardinal infanto . . we must take special notice against physitians that are greedy of bloud . . a guilty mind , is a thousand witnesses . . an argument drawn from thence . . the essential state of fevers . . an explaining of the foregoing argument , concerning cooling , and the privy shifts of the schooles . . that there is not a proceeding from one extream unto another , is badly drawn from science mathematical into medicine . . it is a faulty argument in healing . . the argument from the position of the schooles is opposed . . the false paint of the schooles , from stubborn ignorance . . the faculties obtain the chiefdom of betokening . . hippocrates , concerning great wrestlers or champions , is opposed : but being badly understood . . the differences of emptyings . . a fever hurts lesse than the cutting of a veine . . the obligement of physitians . . a general intention in fevers , and the cutting of a veine opposite thereunto . . science mathematical proveth , that cutting of a veine , doth alwayes hurt . . the uncertainty of physitians proves a defect of principles . . cutting of a veine cannot diminish the cause of fevers . . an argument from a sufficient enumeration : . another from the quality of the bloud . . whither the schooles are driven . . vain hope in the changes of bloud let out . . that the co-indication of phlebotomy for revulsion , is vain , as well in a fever , as in the menstrues . . derivation in local diseases is sometimes profitable : but in fevers impertinent . . cutting of a vein is hurtfull in a pleurisie . . the schooles may learn from the country folk , that their maximes are false . . revulsion a rule in fevers . . what physitians ought to learn by this chapter . before i proceed unto further scopes , i ought to repeat what things i have elsewhere demonstrated in a large treatise : to wit , that there are not two cholers , and phlegme in nature , as the constitutive parts of the venal blood ; but that the treatise of fevers required me to be more brief : especially , because those very things do of themselves go to ruine in this place ; where there is no mention made of humours , except putrified ones , since an animal or living creature that is putrified , is no longer an animal . i will therefore examine onely the two universal succours : to wit , bloud-letting and purging , as the two pillars of medicine ; and the which being dashed in pieces , the whole edifice falls down of its own accord , as it were into rubbish : and these succours being taken away , physitians may forsake the sick , they not having remedies , besides the diminishers of the body and strength ; all which i will peculiarly touch at . for indeed according to the consent of galen , in every fever ( a hectick one excepted ) cutting of a vein is required . therefore for the schooles , and custome of this destructive age , i state this syllogisme . phlebotomy or bloud-letting , is unprofitable wherefoever it is not shewn to be necessary : or where a proper indication is wanting unto it ; but in fevers it is not signified to be necessary : therefore bloud letting in fevers is unprofitable . the major proposition is proved , because the end is the chief directress of causes , and the disposer of the meanes unto it . wheresoever therefore the end sheweth not a necessity of the meanes , things not requisite are in vain provided for that end , especially where from a contrary betokening , it is manifest that the bloud is not let out without a losse of the strength : such meanes therefore are rashly instituted , which the end shews to be vain , unprofitable , and to be done with a diminishment of the strength . but the minor proposition , horatius augenius de monte sancto , profesly proveth in three books ; teaching with the consent of the vniversities , that a plethora or a too much fullnesse of the veines alone , that is , the too much abounding of bloud is the betokener of phlebotomy ; nor that indeed directly for the curing of fevers , but for the evacuation of a fullnesse : but a plethora never subsisteth in fevers , therefore bloud-letting is never betokened in fevers ; and by consequence this is altogether unprofitable . the conclusion is indeed new and paradoxal , yet true , which thing therefore for that cause shall be therefore to be proved by many arguments . galen himself proves the subsumption : teaching , that at every fit of fevers , more choler is pufft away than is generated in two dayes . in the mean time , the other members do not cease to be nourished with accustomed bloud : that is , besides the consuming caused by the fever , they also consume their own allotted quantity of wonted bloud : the which , in the foregoing chapter , from the humour cast up by vomit , i have reduced into a computation . but now that very thing is to be pressed with a greater connivance : wherefore , if in him that is in good health , eight ounces of bloud are daily made , it must needs be , that as many also are daily spent for nourishment : or otherwise , that a man should soon swell up into an huge heap . what if therefore eight ounces of bloud do daily depart from him that is in good health : certainly , the fever shall consume no less . therefore , seeing there is none , or but a little appetite and digestion of meats , and sanguification , of necessity also , too much abundance of blood , if there were any at the beginning , shall fail presently after two dayes , and the betokening thereof shall cease for the letting forth of bloud in him that hath a fever . but that presently in fevers , there is no longer a plethora ; as many do see this , as do undergo ulcers by a cautery : to wit , the which presently after fevers are dryed up , nor do they afford their wonted pus . but first of all we must take notice , that the strength or faculties can never offend through abundance , not so much as in mathuselah : so neither doth good bloud offend through a too much abounding ; because the vital faculties , and bloud are correlatives : because according to the scripture , the soul or vital spirit is in the blood . by consequence therefore , there can never be a plethora in good blood . but on the other extream , i have demonstrated in a foregoing chapter , that corrupt blood is never conteined in the veines : therefore if there be ever any possible plethora of the veines , that ought to consist in a middle state of the bloud , between a corrupted and very healthy one : whether we consider the same state of decay , and neutrality , or next , as it is mixed of both : at leastwise the galenists may remember , that good proceeds from an entire cause , but evil from every defect . and so that this state of the blood is not called a plethorical or abounding one , but a cacochymical one or state of a bad juyce : nor that it desires the cutting of a vein , but rather a purgation , which may selectively draw forth the bad , but leave the good . and so , that by their positions it is not yet proved , that the cutting of a vein is in any wise betokened : for according to the truth of the matter , i have already shewn before , that a state of ill juyce doth not consist in the veins , the which indeed is onely a disturbing of the bloud : for the easing whereof , an exhausting of the troubled bloud is not so much signified , as a taking away of the affect of the disturber : especially , because it is the more pure bloud , which passing through the center of the heart , hath obtained its own refinement : and therefore , that which is drawn out of the elbow , and is first brought forth , shall be the more pure , but the more impure bloud shal be left within . furthermore , since it is now manifest , that a plethora is wanting in fevers , which may a require a letting out of blood , and that thing the schools have after some sort smelt out ; they have instead of an indication or betokening sign , substituted some co-indications or mutual betokenings , as if they were of an equal weight with a sutable indication in nature , and out-weighing a contrary indication ; the which , after another manner , surely , seeing it is drawn from a conserving of the strength , ought wholly to obtain the chief-dome altogether by that title , that every fever is quickly , safely , and perfectly curable without cutting of a vein ; for indeed , for all so divers putrefactions of retaining humours , and fevers issuing from thence , they presently make use of the one only succour of cutting of a vein , because it abundantly ( as they say ) succours , and is stopped at pleasure : by which distinction at least , they after some sort defame their own laxative medicines : for they say , although the cutting of a vein by a natural , and one only indication of it self , seems to be required by reason of a plethora : yea nor that it doth properly take away putrified humours ; yet it cooleth , it unloads the fardle of the veins , reneweth , or refresheth the strength , takes away part of the bad humour together with the good , and by derivation , and revulsion , stops , pacifies , and calls away the flux of humours made unto the nest of putrefaction : wherefore nature feeling refreshment , is the more prosperously , and easily busied about the rest . they are good words ( saith the sow ) while she eats up the penitential psalms , but they do not profit a hunger-starved swine . such indeed are co-indications , whereby they perswade the destruction of mortals to be continued , and whereunto i will give satisfaction in order . but before all , i will have it to be fore-admonished , that although in a more strong and full body , there is not a notable hurt by letting out the blood , yea although the sick may oft-times seem presently to be eased , and also to be cured : yet cutting of a vein cannot but be disallowed , seeing that feverish persons are more successfully cured without the same : for however at the first , or repeated cuttings of a vein , the cruelty of fevers shall oft-times slacken : surely that doth no otherwise happen , than because the archeus much abhorreth a sudden emptying of the strength , and an undue cooling , and so neglects to expell the feverish matter , and to perform his office : but they who seem to be cured by blood-letting , surely they suffer a relapse , at least they obtain a more lingering , and less firm health : which assertion the turks do prove , and a great part of the world , who with me are ignotant of the opening of a vein , because it is that which god is no where read to have instituted , or approved of , yea not so much as to have made mention thereof . but as to what belongs unto the first scope of a co-betokeming sign , which is called , cooling ; truly the letting out of the blood , cooleth by no other title , than as it filcheth from the vital heat : but not that it obtains a coolifying , and positive power : in which respect at least , such a cooling ought to be hurtful . why i pray in a hectick fever do they not open a vein ? doth not that fever want cooling ? or doth it cease to be a fever ? but blood is wanting in hecttick fevers ; wherefore through defect of blood , and strength , there is an easie judgement of hurt brought by phlebotomy , which otherwise the more strong faculties do cover . in the year . novemb. . the body of prince ferdinand , brother to the king of spain , and cardinal of ●oledo , was dissected , who being molested with a tertian ague for dayes , dyed at . years of age : for his heart , liver , and lungs being lifted up , and so the veins , and arteries being dissected , scarce a spoonful of blood flowed into the hollow of his breast : indeed he shewed a liver plainly bloodless , but a heart flaggy like a purse : for but two dayes before his death , he had eaten more if it had been granted unto him . he was indeed , by the cuttings of a vein , purges , and leeches so exhausted , as i have said , yet the tertian ceased not to observe the order of its intention , and remission . what therefore hath so great an evacuation of blood profited ? or what hath that cooling plainly done , unless that those evacuaters were vain , which could not take away so much as a point of the fevers . is that the method of healing which makes a physitian , whom the almighty hath created , and commanded to be honoured , by reason of the necessity of him ? if that method knows not how to cure a tertian ague in a young man , to what end shall it conduce ? is that the art whereof the infirm and unhealthy person stands in need ? i wish , and wish again , that that good prince had not made use of it ! who when the returning from cortracum , was saluted by the senate of bruxells , recovering from the agony of death , by reason of the diminishments of his blood , and strength , then walked in good health about his chamber . physitians therefore abhor to expose their feverish persons to the encountring of cold things , to wit , whereby they might presently , and abundantly experience the vertue of cooling things by a manifest token , because they put not much trust in their own rules of heats and coolers : for since it is already manifest , that the whole heat in a fever is that of the very vital spirit it self ; it follows also , that the cooling which is made by cutting of a vein , is meerly that of the vital spirit , and together also an exhausting of the blood , and an impoverishment thereof : for if a fever be to be cured as a distemper , by cutting of a vein as a cooling remedy : alas , the contrary is manifest ! by the exhausting of all the blood out of the prince the infanto of spain : in whom as yet , but the day before his death , the tertian ague kept its fits : ( ●o great cooling not hindering it ) and if others intens a curing even in a quotidian , only by cold ( which they writ to be kindled of putrified phlegm ) at leastwise that cooling should be far more easily obtained by exposing the sick half naked unto the blowing of the north , or west wind , or by hanging him up in water , or a deep well , until he should testifie that he were sufficiently cooled : for so they should prefently , and abundantly perfect a cure , if their conscious ignorance did not within condemn their own feverish essence of heat : therefore a fever is not a naked tempest of heat , but an occasional vitiated matter is present ; for the expelling whereof , the archeus being as it were wroth , doth by accident inflame himself : the which as long as it shall be neglected in the schools , the curings of fevers will be rash , destructive , and conj●ctural , therefore none shall owe any thing worthy of giving thanks unto physitians , seeing they are cured by the voluntary goodness of nature : and i wish they were not put back by physitians . but unto the argument of curing by sudden cold , the schools will answer , that there is a perilous departure from one extream unto another : by which excuse of their ignorance they stop the mouth of the people , as if , they spake something worthy of credit : not taking notice , that they therein contradict themselves , while as they praise , and prefer the cutting of a vein before laxative medicines , chiefly for that end , because it presently and abundantly succours by cooling , and therefore they have given it the surname of a speedy and universal succour : for they constrain their own impotency founded in ignorance , unto the will of a maxim badly understood , and worse applied . for truly , it is not be doubted but that it is lawful presently to cut the halter of him that is hanged , that he who was deprived of air , may enjoy it as soon as may be : likewise that it is lawful presently to place him that is drowned , in a steep scituation , that he may cast back the water out of his lungs : that it is lawful , i say , to draw any one presently to the bank : and that it is lawful presently to free a wound from its indisposition , and to close it with a scar : for so very many wounds are closed in one only day , because a solution of that which held together , wants nothing besides a re-uniting of it self : that it is lawful presently to repose a broken , or diplaced bone : likewise that it is lawful in the falling sickness , swooning , fainting , cramp , to recall the weak as soon as one can , presently to loosen the detainments of excrements , and presently to stop the excessive flux of womens issues : for neither must we think , that nature rejoyceth in her own destruction , and that from an healthy state , she indeed le ts in sudden death , but refuseth a remedy , which may suddenly repell a disease ; otherwise she should not do that which in things possible , is most exceeding good to be done , as neither should every thing desire to be , and be preserved . in science mathematical indeed , it is determined as impossible to proceed from extream to extream without a mean , and that medium wholly denyes all interruption : the which , if we shall grant in natural things with a certain latitude , we shall as yet be accounted to have done it out of hand , and that in the best manner : and so that neither is it lawful to wrest that of science máthematical unto curings . i confess indeed , that it is not lawful to draw out a dropfie abundantly by an incision of the navil , at one only turn ; as neither to allure forth all the corrupt pus out of a great aposteme , nor to bring one that is frozen by reason of cold immediately to the chimney , nor abundantly to nourish him that is almost dead with hunger : yet surely a slow and necessary progress of mediocrity , as such , or a proceeding from one extream unto another , doth not conclude that thing , as if nature were averse unto a speedy help : since this betokening is natural , nearly allyed , pithy , and intimately proper unto her self : but those things are forbidden , because a faintness of the strength depending thereupon , would not bear those speedy motions . the schools therefore by a faulty argument , of the cause , as not of the cause , drive the sick from a sudden aid which they have not , that they may vail their ignorance among the vulgar , with a certain maxim being badly directed : for as often as a cure can be had without the loss of strength ( for the faculties do always obtain a chiefdome in indications ) by how much the more speedily that is done , it is also snatched with the greater jubily or joy of nature : even as also in fevers , i have with a profitable admiration observed it to be done with much delight : therefore ( in the terms proposed ) if a fever be a meer heat besides nature , and all curing ought to be perfected by contrary subduers ; therefore it requires a cooling besides nature , to wit , that contraries may stand under the same general kind ; that is , every fever should of necessity be cured by much cold of the encompassing air , & especially , because the cold of the encompassing air collects the faculties , but doth not disperse them : but the consequence is false ; therefore also the antecedent . therefore the schools do not intend by cutting of a vein , the cooling or heat , but chiefly a taking away of the blood it self , and a mitigation of accidents which follows the weakened powers , or they primarily intend a diminishment of the strength , and blood : it being that which with a large false paint , they call a more free breathing of the arteries . but i do alwayes greatly esteem of an indication which concerns a preserving of the strength , and which is opposite unto any emptying of the veins whatsoever , because the strength or powers being diminished , and prostrated , the disease cannot neither be put to flight , neither doth any thing remain to be done by the physitian : therefore hippocrates decreeth , that natures themselves are the physitianesses of diseases ; because the indication or betokening sign which is drawn from a preserving of the faculties , governs the whole scope of curing : as therefore reason perswades , that the strength is to be preserved ; so also the blood , because this containeth that . hippocrates indeed in a plethora of great wrestlers or champions , hath commanded blood to be presently , and heapingly let out ; and that saying the schools do every were thunder out in the behalf of the cutting of a vein : but that is ridiculously alledged for the curing of diseases , and fevers : for he bad not that thing to be done for fear of a plethora , however their veins may sufficiently abound with blood : but only , lest the vessels being filled , they should burst , and cleave asunder in the exercises of strength : otherwise , what interposeth as common between healthy champions , and the curing of fevers : for there is no fear of a plethora in him that hath a fever , neither that a vein should be broken through exercises ; and moreover we must note , that the emptyings of the blood are on this wise : that the exhausting of the strength or faculties which is made by carnal lust , is unrepairable , because it takes away from the in-bred spirit of the heart : but the exhausting which is made by the cuttings of a vein , is nigh to this , because it readily filcheth away the inflowing archeus , and that abundantly . but a disease , although it also directly oppose the strength , yet because it doth not effect that thing abundantly , but by degrees , therefore it rather shakes , and wears out the strength , than that it truly exhausteth it : therefore the restoring of the faculties which are worn or battered by a disease , is more easie than that of those which are exhausted by cutting of a vein . for they who in diseases are weakened by the cutting of a vein , are for the most part destitute of a crisis ; and if they do revive from the disease , they recover by little and little , and being subject to be sick with many anguishes , in a long course of dayes , and not without the fear of relapses . but they who lay by it with a disease , without cutting of a vein , are easily restored , and recovering , they soon attain unto their former state : but if they being destitute of remedies , shall also sometimes come unto an extremity ; yet nature attempts a crisis , and refresheth them , because their strength , although it was sore shaken by the disease , yet it perished not , as not being abundantly exhausted by the lettings out of blood . wherefore a physitian is out of conscience , and in charity bound to heal , not by a sudden lavishment of the faculties , as neither by dangers following from thence , nor also by a necessary abbreviation of life ; according to the psalm , my spirit shall be lessened , therefore my days shall be shortened . and seeing that according to the holy scriptures , the life glistens in the blood ; however plentifully thou shalt dismiss this , thou shalt not let it forth but with the prejudice of life : for the perpetual intent of nature in curing of fevers , is by sweats ; and therefore the fits are for the most part ended by sweats : but the cutting of a vein is diametrically opposed unto this intention . for truly , this pulls the blood inwards , for to replenish the vessels that were emptied of blood ; hut the motion of nature that is requisite for the curing of fevers , proceeds from the center to without , from the noble parts , and bowels unto the skin : but that the cutting of a vein doth of necessity weaken , although the more strong and plethorick persons may seem to experience , and witness that thing to be otherwise . if the sacred text , which admonisheth us , that the life inhabiteth in the blood ; hath not sufficient weight in it ; at leastwise that shall be made manifest , if thou shalt offend in a more liberal emission of blood : for the strength and sick person do presently faint ot go to ruine : therefore in science mathematical , if six do notably hurt , three cannot but hurt , although not so sensibly . but it is not permitted him to hurt nature , who ought to heal and restore the same , if nature her self ought to be the physitianesse to her self , and by so much the more prosperous , by how much the more strong : for it is sufficient for a physitian that the sick doth otherwise decay through the disease , with hungers , lack of appetites , disquietnesses , pains , anguishes , watchings , sweats , and with an unexcusable weakness ; neither therefore ought a faithful helper to add weakness unto weakness . it is a deceitful succour which the cutting of a vein brings , and the remedy thereof is so uncertain , that no physitian hath hitherto dared to promise a future cure from thence . every artificer doth what he promiseth : for a statuary undoubtedly prepares an image , and a shoomaker shooes : but the physitian alone dares to promise nothing from his art , because he is supported with uncertain foundations , being only by accident now and then , and painfully profitable ; because however thou shalt interpret the matter , that is full of ignorance which would cure by procured weakness : for by a sudden emptying out of the blood made by heaps , nature for the most part neglects the expulsion of her enemy ; which expulsion notwithstanding , i have demonstrated to contain the whole tragedy of fevers , and nature : besides it is confessed , that the matter . of a fever doth not consist in a vein above the heart ; and by consequence , that neither doth the cutting of a vein any way exhaust the occasional matter , or effectively cure by a direct intention of healing . again , if blood be to be let forth for a more easie transpiration of the arteries , that al leastwise shall be in vain in the beginnings , and increases of fevers , whenas the heat is not yet vigorous . and seeing that blood is not to be let out in the state , as neither in the declining thereof ; therefore never : but that , not in their state or height it is proved , because a crisis or judicial sign is hindered ; seeing nature ( as they write ) being very greatly letted or cumbred , strives with the disease , and being for the most part the conqueresse , doth then least of all endure the loss of strength , and a calling away from the duel : but if nature be conquered in the state of the fever , what other thing shall the cutting of a vein then be besides meer murder ? if therefore it is not convenient to open a vein in the height of fevers , while as there is the greatest heat , perplexity , and a most especial breathing of the arteries is required : surely much less shall it be convenient in their beginnings , and increases ; especially , because presently after the first days , the fear of a plethora or too much fulness departs , and so there is a sufficiently easie transpiration of the arteries : but that diseases in their declining , do neither require , nor endure the cutting of a vein , it is so cleer , and testified by the voice of all ; that none ever attemps the cutting of a vein at the declining of a disease . let us consider further , that in fevers the blood in the veins is either good , or evil , or neutral : if it be good , it shall be good to have the good detained , because it addeth to the strength . for as i have shewn elsewhere , the fear of a plethora , if there were any , hath ceased , even presently after the beginning : but for that they will have good blood to be let out for cooling , and discussing of putrefaction ; truly both of them hath already been sufficiently taken away , and the imaginary good which they suppose , brings a real and necessary loss of the strength or faculties . but moreover , the schools teach , that the cutting of a vein is not commanded in a fever , by reason of the goodness of the blood , the which indeed , they suppose to be evil , and putrefaction . but i have sufficiently taught , that corrupted blood is not afforded in the veins as long as we live ; and by consequence , that this scope of the schools in cutting of a vein , falls to the ground : it behooves thererefore that they demonstrate unto me a naughtiness of the blood , which may be without the corruption of the same : and then , that that blood is detained in a vein from the heart unto the hand , if they will have the cutting of a vein to be confirmed in as much as it is such , or as to revulsion : let them teach i say , that bad blood is not in the first shops , and that blood being drawn out through the vein of the elbow , worse blood is not drawn to the heart , where the vena cava or hollow vein makes the right bosome of the heart . let them likewise instruct me , that the upper veines being emptyed , there is not a greater liberty , and impunity , whereby the hurtfull , and feverish matter may reach unto the heart , than before : so that instead of a discussing of the putrefaction ( which in the truth of the matter , i have proved to be none ) a free passage of putrified ayr unto the heart , is not rather occasioned : whither indeed the vacuity of the emptied veines attracteth the bloud from beneath . let them shew i say , by what reason an afflux of bloud , and diminishment of the strength through the elbow , may hinder putrefaction , or may import a correction , and renewing of that which is putrified . let them also explain themselves what they will have meant , that cutting of a vein should be made , whereby the arteries may the more freely breath ; since putrefaction ( if there were any possible to be in the veines ) doth not affect the arterial bloud , the buttery of whole nature . and moreover , let them prove , that the good bloud being diminished , and the strength proportionally , that there is a greater power in the impure bloud that is left , and which is defiled by corruption ( as they suppose ) of preserving it self from putrefaction hanging over its head . let them likewise teach , contrary to the sacred text : that the life and soul are rather , and more willingly in the remaining defiled bloud , than in the more pure bloud which was taken away by the cutting of a vein . otherwise regularly the drawing out of good bloud includes an increased proportion , and unbridled liberty of the bad bloud remaining . what if at length in a fever , and in the veines there be bad bloud , and they say it is good ( as a sign , or effect ) which in the letting out of bloud flowes forth as evil ; and they think that so much bad bloud at least , is taken away : first let them prove the bloud which they account hurtfull to be truly hurtfull , even as i have already before proved it to be harmlesse . and then , let them teach , that by such an hasty and full emission of bad bloud , nothing that is of prejudice is taken from the strength , and that the remaining bloud being defiled , and the faculties being now diminished , the emptying out of bloud that is made , shall be for a cause ; why a putrifying of the remaining bloud is the less able to proceed ; and whether they hope that bloud being at sometime , after what manner soever once putrified in the veines , there is aforded in nature , a going back or return : to wit , from such a privation ? for let them shew that it is not a contradiction , that it is proper to a fever to defile the bloud it self , and for this property to be taken away by the effect , to wit , by a removal of that which is putrified ? for if the more impure bloud be at first drawn out of the vein , and they repeatingly open a vein , in the mean time they prostrate and disturb the faculties : hence also they take away the hope of a crisis : what if then the more red bloud shall flow forth ; surely they cry out as if the whole troop of the malady were taken away at the first turn , and as if the seat of fevers had been extended onely from the heart unto the elbow ; but that the good bloud resided about the liver . but i have alwayes discerned evacuations of the last excrements to be fearfull in the dropsie ; and therefore , much more in a naked snatching away of the bloud , which withdrawes in a direct passage , the vital spirits from the heart through the wound , whether that bloud be accounted bad , or good , or neutral . first of all , i have proved , that as well those things offend in begging of the principle , which are supposed concerning a putrified continual , and burning fever , as those which are supposed concerning the emissions of putrified bloud . wherefore , in speaking according to numbers , i have alwayes found succours that are made for the snatching away of the strength , to be full of deceit , as that for a very little ease , the faculties the porters of diseases , are weakened : for even so as drink at the beginning of fevers seemeth to comfort thirst for a little space : but who is so mad that he would then drink , if he knew that the drink would filch away his necessary powers ? therefore the ayd of cooling by cutting of a vein , is unfaithfull , deceitfull , and momentany . at length , concerning neutral bloud , which in respect of cutting of a vein , is neither good , nor evil , it is not worth ones labour to speak any thing : seeing that which is denyed under a disjoyning , may also be denyed copulatively . for whether that be neutral bloud which consisteth of a co-mixture of the good with that which is depraved ( by supposing that to be depraved which is not ) or that wherein a neutral alteration is introduced , for both events , the particulars aforesaid do satisfie . lastly , that i may cut off the hope that is in revulsion , and so equally take away all co-indications , as the wretched privy shifts of obstinacy . it is a mad ayd to have cut a vein ( for this end , they for the most part require a plenteous one ) whether in fevers , or next in the menstrues for revulsion : because a feverish matter swims not in the bloud , or floats in the veins as a fish doth in the water : but it adheres or sticks fast within , to the vessel , even as in its own place , concerning the occasionall matter , i will declare : but for the menstrues in like manner , because a separation thereof is made from the whole , and that , not but by a separating hand of the archeus . but bloud-letting separates nothing of the separable things : because it acts without a foreknowledge of the end , and so without choyce : but presently after the vessel is opened , the more nigh and harmless bloud alway flowes forth : the which , because other afterwards followes by a continual thred for fear of a vacuum : therefore the menstrues otherwise by the endeavour of nature collected about the womb , are by cutting of a vein drawn away from thence ; and go back into the whole body . but if phlebotomy shall sometimes well succeed in a woman that is plethorick , and full of juyce ; yet surely in many others it hath given a miserable overthrow . for if the menstrues should offend onely in its quantity ( while as it is now collected , and separated in the veins about the womb ) i shall willingly admit of an individual betokening of phlebotomy , and onely in the case supposed . but the menstrues , if it shall flow in a well-constituted womb , it abundantly satisfies its own ends , and in this respect revulsion is in vain , although the supposition supposeth it to be even an impossible thing . for bloud-letting is nothing but a meer , and undistinct emptying out of the bloud : but the veins being emptyed , they out of hand recall unto themselves any kind of bloud whatsoever from on every side : because as they are the greedy sheaths of bloud , so also are they impatient of vacuity or emptiness : and therefore the veins that are emptyed do allure the menstrues designed for utterance ; that is , being in this respect once enrouled by nature in the catalogue of excrements , but derivation , because it is a sparing effusion of bloud , so it be made out of veines convenient , it hath often profited in many locall diseases , and so in fevers it is impertinent . but they urge , that the cutting of a vein is so necessary in a pleurisie , that it is enjoyned under a capital punishment . for truly they say , that unlesse the bloud flowing together unto the ribs , be pulle● back by the effusion of much bloud , there is danger least the pleurisie do soon kill the man by choaking of him . surely , i let out the bloud of no person that hath a pleurisie , and such a cure is safe , certain , profitable , and sound : none of them perisheth : whereas in the mean time , under phlebotomy many do at length perish with a long or lingring consumption , and experience a relapse every year : for according to galen : whosoever they be that are not perfectly cured on the fortieth day , become consumptious : but i perfectly cure them within few dayes : neither do they feel a relapse . neither indeed have i alone my secrets for this purpose : but moreover , i have seen a country man curing all pleuritical persons at the third draught . for he used the dung of an horse for a man , and of a nag for a woman , which he dissolved in ale , and gave the expressed strayning to drink . such indeed is the ignorance of physitians , and so great the obstinacy of the schooles ; that god gives knowledge to rusticks , and little ones , which he denyes to those that are blown up with heathenish learning . we must now see , if there be any use of revulsion in fevers . for indeed , since the work of revulsion is not primarily any other thing than the cutting of a vein , whereunto the succeeding bloud is by accident hoped to come , and that by the benefit of that thing , it should not flow unto the place affected : upon this position it followes : that by such an euacuation , the offensive feverish bloud ( so i connivingly speak ) shall be drawn as dispersed into the veines , which otherwise lurking in its own nest far from the heart , could not so cruelly communicate the ferment of its own hurt unto the heart : which is to say , that it should be drawn from a more ignoble part , unto a more noble one . for the more crude , and dreggish bloud is in the meseraick veins : but the more refined bloud is that which hath the more nearly approached unto the court of the heart . for otherwise , nature as undiscreet , had placed the chief weapons of parricide nigh the fountain of life . seeing therefore the matter of a fever , floats not in the veins , nor sits nigh the heart : fat be it to believe , that that is fetch'd out , or moved from its place by the cuttings of a vein ; however , divers coloured blood be sometimes wiped out by the repeated emissions of bloud , it is therefore a cruel remedy , if unto the place of the bloud let forth , other bloud shall come from remote parts : for so the contagion of one place should be dispersed into the whole body , and unto the more noble parts ; and otherwise there is an easie co-defilement in things or parts that have a co-resemblance . lastly , if the errours of the heathens being once renounced , modern physitians would have respect unto the life of their neighbour ; verily they should know that the devices of revulsion are vain , that it is a pernicious wasting of the treasure of bloud and strength ; that no hurt doth insult from the bloud within the veins , but onely from hostile , and forreign excrements : that god also hath made sufficient emunctories or avoyding places of any filths whatsoever , neither that there is need of a renting of the veins for a victory over fevers . chap. v. purging is examined . . the first confession of the schooles concerning their purging medicines . . the deceits of corrections . . another confession . . a third . . shamefull excuses . . a fourth confession . . a frequent history . . deceit in the name . . it is explained , what it is for a laxative medicine to be given , while the humours do swell or are disturbed , and how full of deceit it is . . a history of the repentance of the author . . a conclusion drawn from thence . . nine remarkable things for the destruction of the schools . . a history of a certain chief man. . a fifth confession . . an examination of the aforesaid particulars . . a sixth confession . . vain and foul privy shifts . . weapons retorted from a seventh confession . . an argument of poyson from stink . . a mechanical proof . . the same out of galen . . a proof from the effect . . the schooles oppose their own theoremes . . the suppositions of the schooles being granted , none could dye of a fever , and it should be false , that purging things are not to be given in the beginning of fevers . . that this aphorisme includes a deceit , and an unadvisednesse of hippocrates . . coction in diseases is the abuse of a name . the schooles acknowledge that their purgers , even unto agarick , have need of correction , because they enforce nature . and i wish those corrections were not sluggish , nor blockish , and that they did rather serve for obtaining the innocency of a medicine , than for a gelding thereof . for truly , a gelding of the faculties in a medicine includes a deceit : to wit , least the sick should understand that a poyson subsisteth therein . for the tamed remedies of the shops are like an houshold wolf ; who when an occasion is given him , while he is trusted in , returns unto the wonted cruelty of his own nature . for from hence , neither dare they to call their corrected purging medicines by their proper etymologie ; to wit , they vail scammony with the name of diagridium ; as also they mask coloquintida with the name of alhandal . in the next place , laxative compounds in dispensatories , war under the dissembled title of a captain or leader . in the mean time , they cannot deny , but that in every solutive , scammony and coloquintida are the two pillars , whereby the whole edifice of purging is supported : and the which being dashed in pieces , all of whatsoever was superstructed thereon falls to the ground . next , the more mild solutives : as manna , cassia , senna , rhubarb , &c. have given up their names unto those two standard-defending leaders . the schooles confess , i say , that a laxative medicine being administred , it is no longer in the power of the physitian : and so , they hereby defame their laxatives , and therefore put them behind phlebotomy . for if a laxative medicine shall commit any the more cruel thing , they accuse either the dose , or the correction , or the fluid nature of the sick , or the apothecary , or his wife , least otherwise the name should perish from a solutive medicine . yet in the mean time , will they , nill they , they confess , that all solutives do enclose in them a consuming poyson : and they in the proverb , call aloes alone , harmlesse . but the others are to be administred with an additament , correction , and circumspection , as neither rashly , nor force-timely . for of late , a judicious man of the privy councel of brabant , that he might preserve his health , had taken a usual pill of washed aloes ( to wit , gelded or corrected ) wherof , while he found not the effect : he declares it to a physitian passing by , who blames the sluggishnesse of the aloes , and so turns [ picron ] or bitter , into [ pigrum ] or slow . i will prescribe , saith he , corrected pils of greater vertue : the which being taken , he miserably perished ; because it was in vain endeavoured by him for a whole week , that he might restrain the unbridled effect of the laxative remedy : for he , that he might free himself from a future disease , perished by the deceit of the physitian , and left eleven children , from whence it is first manifest , that it is as well free for a loosening medicine to tyrannize on him that is in good health , as otherwise on a sick person : to wit , it is lawfull under the name of a physitian , and deceit of a purging medicine , to prey even upon the life of princes without punishment ; because the earth covers the cruel ignorance of physitians .. a purgation or purifying is indeed a specious title , but full of deceit . and i wish that the purgatory of the physitian were able to expiace diseases ! i wish in as much as this is not done , that the sick would not expect a purgatory medicine from the hand of physitians ! surely it is a thing most worthy of lamentation , what they say , that a laxative medicine being administred before the coction of a disease , the same humours indeed are drawn forth ( for they will have loosening things to draw out one humour , and not another by selection or choyce ) which otherwise , after the aforesaid concoction of the disease , is notwithstanding unprofitable , yea and hurtfull . neither yet do they from thence hitherto learn , that the humours brought forth by laxative things , are not humours , nor offensive ones ; ( for otherwise at both stations of the disease , and from the things supposed by one onely laxative , they ought of necessity equally to profit , if they detract from the same offensive matter ) but a meer putrefaction , and a meer liquor corruptively dissolved through the poyson of the laxatives : and by so much the more unhappily is this enemy drunk in , that it may exercise this bruitish butchery within , in the flesh , and bloud . for by an history of the fact , i will declare the beginnings of my own repentance and knowledge in healing . for indeed , i was scarce past my striplings , but that i had took hold of the glove of a gentlewoman infected with a dry scab : from whence , i contracted a scab , first on that hand , and afterwards on the other hand , being infamous with corrupt pus , and wheals . the seniour physitians of our city being called unto me : they first commanded the cutting of a vein for the cooling of the liver : and then , they prepared an apozeme of three dayes continuance , for the bringing of yellow torride choler , and salt phlegm out of the body . and at length they began the purging of the aforesaid humours by the pils of fumitory , and provoked many stools abundantly . i was glad , because i had voyded an heap of stinking liquor : they therefore admonished , that the same medicine was to be taken next day after the morrow ; and likewise again , after three dayes , with the like success : and in my judgement , if the putrified , and stinking matter had all been joyned together , it had easily filled two buckets ; which i thought to be humours : for i who before was healthy , chearfull , of entire strength , light in leaping , and running , was now reduced into leanness , my knees trembled , my cheeks were slid together , and my voyce was hoarse . i said therefore , and too late , in what place were those humours entertained in me ? for neither did i find room for so great a hotch-potch mixture in my head , breast , or in my belly : for although i had been deprived of all my bowels , yet the whole hollowness could scarce have conteined the half part thereof : therefore i concluded with my self , that those humours had not fore-existed in me , but were made in me . and i clearly knew , that that putrified liquor was made by the received laxative medicine ; that the same thing was to be done as oft as i should take it : in the mean time the same scabbedness assailed mea● before . whence . i knew , that scabbedness is a contagion of the skin , but not a distemper of the liver . . that the vice of those humours in the scab , was feigned : the which was gotten only by a co-touching of the glove . . that purging medicines did not purge or cleanse , but putrifie . . that they had melted the lively substance of my body , and had resolved it into putrefaction . . that they did indifferently defile whatsoever they did any way touch at , whether it were bloud , or next , the lively flesh it self : but that they did not selectively draw out , and separate one thing instead of another . . that the matter defiled did denote its defiler to be a meer liquefactive or melting , and putrifying poyson of the body . . that the defiled matter flowed forth , nature expelling it , until that the force of the purging medicine was spent . . that this was done no otherwise in an healthy , than as in a sick person . . and that therefore a solutive medicine was dangerous , before that nature was the conqueresse in diseases : but afterwards , that the hurt thereof did not so manifestly appear . which things i having long , and seriously weighed with my self , i desisted from galen , who was wholly so incumbred about those humours , that he affirms all diseases to consist thereof . but seeing better things were as yet wanting unto me , which i might substitute in the room of humours , and laxatives ; i was willing with an admiration , and compassion of mankind , at length to suspend the study of healing , untill the most high of his own good pleasure , after much expence of monyes , and yeares , vouchsafed to grant understanding unto me that sought it ; the which , i wish the world might by my works apply unto it self for profit . boldnesse increased in me in proceeding , and i was daily the more confirmed by the daily observations of the errours of physitians . among other things , i remember , that chief physitians had administred to a prince , a purging medicine with scammony , whence in one onely day , forty and one stools had succeeded : the which , being by my command weighed together with the urine of that day , weighed eighteen pounds , and seven ounces of yellow and putrified liquor , i therefore said unto him , and to his physitians : truly , if that liquor be yellow choler , and one of the four humours , now the phlegm remaining from thence in the body ( it according to galen exceeding choler , in one third part ) shall weigh twenty and seven pound , and ten ounces , and by the same account nine pound and three ounces of meer black choler remained : that is , thirty six pound , and thirteen ounces of phlegm , and melancholly , unmixt with yellow choler . therefore they ought to confesse , that a purgation is not a purifying of the body , but rather a distempering of the humours left behind , if there were any such . and then , that the aforesaid loosening was not an elective cleansing out of yellow choler , or a freeing of the body from superfluous choler ; but a meer putrefactive melting of the bloud . for truly the bloud did not stink before , while it was in the veines , it presently stinketh in the bowel at the same instant wherein it falls out of the veines . but i pray , in what vessell shall thirty seven pounds or pints of remaining phlegm , and black choler be now conteined ? especially while as after the purging , the veins which were before swollen , have now fallen down , and no longer appear ? for on the morning following , that miserable man who committed himself to your judgements or wills , and supposed that he was purified , speaks with a feeble , sharp , and hoarse voyce , he trembles with his hands , and staggers with his knees , his eyes being hollow , his veines exhausted , his countenance being dejected , and being pressed with an importunate thirst , and a dejected appetite , affirms that he suffered many thing a the day before , through so deceitfull and vexatious an experience of purifying , and doubteth that he shall again return the same way . yet he certainly believeth , if the dose of the laxative medicine had been more encreased , the buisinesse had succeeded ill with him . for from that strong purgation in the prince , the poysonous property of solutive medicines ought presently clearly to appear . the physitians answered , that the ready nature of the prince had too much hearkened to the purging medicine , and for eschewing of the aforesaid filth of the humours that were left , and also for the disproportion of the same : which choler that that scammony , not onely by its property draws forth : but that of the bloud it self , or of a composition of the four humours , it made one onely liquor , being rejected by stool . whence i again concluded , that it was an imposture , and deceit , which supposeth choler , or phlegm to be drawn out , and the which avoucheth one humour to be selectively avoyded before another , while as now they confesse , that all of them are melted together . and according to galen , when the bloud putrifies , yellow choler is made : and that it is false , that a cholagogal or extracter of choler ( for examples sake ) cures cholerick diseases , and that it is a deceit in those who say , choler is drawn out , if the other three also being first corrupted , are ejected together with it . certainly there is none studious of the truth , who may not from hence presently understand , that the foundation of healing of the antients goes to ruine , as well in respect of humours , as of the selection of solutive medicines . truly i admire even to amazement , that the world hath not yet taken notice of the destructive danger of laxative things : the which otherwise , so suddenly well perceives any wiles or subtle crafts extended over their purse . for truly , it is not to be doubted , but that laxative medicines do carry a hidden poyson in them , which hath made so many thousands of widowes , and orphans . for neither do they draw forth a singular humour after them : the which i have demonstrated in a singular treatise , never to have been in nature , except in the books of physitians . for increase thou the dose of a laxative remedy , and a deady poyson will bewray it self . come on then , why doth that your choler following with so swift an efflux , stink so horribly , which but for one quarter of an hour before did not stink ? for the speedinesse of flowing forth takes away the occasion of putrefaction , as also of stink : for it smells of a dead carcase , and not of dung. neither also should it so suddenly borrow such a smell of stinking dung from the intestines . therefore the stink shewes an efficient poyson , and a mortified matter drawn out of the live body : the which i prove by way of handicraft-operation . if any one shall drink a dram of white vitriol dissolved in wine , it presently provokes vomit : but if presently after drinking it , he shall drink thereupon a draught of ale or beer , water , &c. he indeed shall suffer many stools , yet wholly without stink . scammony therefore , and vitriol do alike dissolve the bloud of the meseraick veines : this indeed by its violent brackishnesse ; but that by the putrefactive , and strong smelling poyson of laxatives . from the consideration whereof alone , purging ought to be suspected by every one as a cruell , and stupide invention . for if according to galen ; the bloud when it putrifies , is made yellow choler : therefore the stinking and yellow liquor that is cast out by laxative medicines , and which dissembles choler , is generated of putrefied bloud : and by consequence , that laxative medicines themselves are the putrefactives of the bloud : the which is easily collected out of galen , against the will of the schooles . for he chiefly commends triacle , because it most especially resisteth poysons . he also affirms also a discernable sign of the best triacle to be , that if together with laxative medicines , triacle be taken , undoubtedly stools shall not follow . do not these words of galen convince , that laxatives are meer poysons ? to wit , all the operation whereof is evaded by triacle , the tamer of poysons ? unto which suspition the effects do agree : because a purging medicine being taken , the sick , and healthy do equally cast forth liquors of the same colour , odour , and condition : wherefore , it requires not a offending humour , before an unoffensive one ; but it indifferently defiles whatsoever it toucheth upon . moreover , the schooles also oppose the selective liberty which they attribute unto solutive medicines : for if any humour of the four be putrified in fevers , and naturally betokeneth a removall of it self : but if laxatives do selectively draw out a humour from the bloud , yea in healthy persons ( as they will have it ) do cause sound flesh to melt , that they may thereby obtain their scope , which is to pour forth a putrified ot stinking liquor , which the paunch casts out . at leastwise , laxatives shall not have the like liberty in fevers , for drawing forth of the offending , and putrified excrement : for that which is corrupted , hath no longer the former essence , and properties which it had before its putrefaction . for if the loadstone attracteth iron , it shall not therefore draw rust unto it : and therefore if a purging medicine resolves the flesh , and bloud , that it may thereby extract choler which it drawes bound unto it self by a specifical property ; it doth not therefore likewise draw stinking , and putrified excrements included in the veines , which should be the cause of fevers . surely none should ever dye by fevers , if the two maxims of the schooles were supported with truth ; to wit , if putrified humours are the cause of fevers . and likewise , if they depart selectively , through purging things . besides , it should be a mad caution , that purging medicines be not given in the beginning of fevers , before the matter be troubled or rise high ; to wit , before the maturity , and coction of the peccant matter : from whence it is sufficiently manifest , that loosening things should otherwise be hurtfull . but if they are given after that the matter of the disease be now well subdued , the aforesaid caution conteines a deceit : because it attributes the effect procured voluntarily , and by the benefit of nature unto the loosening medicine . from which surely , an honest physitian doth then also more justly abstain ; because it then disturbs the crisis , induceth the danger of confusion , and of a relapse . for a loosening medicine doth alwayes , and by it self draw out things not cocted , no otherwise than those which are afterwards called cocted ones : because it is on both sides alike cruel , and poy sonsome . but after that nature hath overcome the disease it brings on lesse dammage , neither is the deceit of a laxative medicine then so apparently manifest : and so , if then a loosening medicine be given , the physitian shall seem to have conquered the disease by his own art. but besides , if all particular laxatives should extract their own humours by a choyce , they should of necessity also , be of concernment at every station of the disease , because they are those which alwayes draw out the same liquor , and that alike stinking : but they disturb as much as may be , as long as nature shall not become the superiour : which victory of that disease , the schooles have called concoction : not indeed that nature attempts to digest or coct any thing which is vitious , orwhich fals not out for her own use or profit : because she is that which is governed by an un-erring intelligence . let these admonitions suffice concerning both the universal succours in fevers . i concluding with hippocrates unto democritus ; that every solutive medicine , robs us of the strength , and substance of our body . chap. vi. the consideration of a quartane ague . . a quartane hath deluded the rules of the schooles . . why they know not how to cure a quartane . . that the wonted excuses in other events of diseases do fail . . a presage from a quartane , in other fevers . . the examination of a quartane according to the account of the schooles . . the weaknesses of galen himself . . failings noted in physitians . . constrained words in the confession of physitians . . an argument against black choler in the spleen , and the privy shifts of physitians . . the true reason whence the spleen waxeth hard about the end of a quartane ague , and the errour of the schooles is discovered . . some remarkable things in a quartane . . the manner of be-drunkenning , and the organs thereof . . a notable thing concerning a vegetable spirit of vvine out of juniper-berries . vvhy vvines are ordinarily gratefull to mortals . . after what manner the arteries draw their remedles . . an impediment in abstracted oyles , which is not in the salts of the same . . the manner of making of the cardiack or heart-passion , which they also call the royal passion . . divers chronical diseases are from the stomach . . the ignorance , and sincerity of the age of hippocrates . . there is no seat for a quartane left in the schooles . . a few remarkable things concerning madnesses , are declared . . the seat of foolish madnesses . surely i have demonstrated in an entire treatise , that there never were humours in nature , which the schooles of medicine presuppose for the foundation of their art ; and that treatise should profesly have respect hitherto , unless it had been erelong to be repeated in a work of other diseases : because they have every where named all diseases by those humours . but it shall be sufficient in this place , to have demonstrated by the way , that fevers do in no wise owe their original unto those humours , whether they are entire , or putrified ones . now i will speak something concerning a quartane ague : but not that it differs from its cousin-german fevers in its matter , and efficient cause , or is cured otherwise than after one and the same manner , and by the same meanes , whereby other fevers are overcome : but because a quartane hath never been vanquished by the broken forces of the schooles : and so it hath made mocks at the commentaries of physitians and their vain speeches concerning black choler , concerning the spleen as the sink of black , and burnt choler , and of loosening medicines bringing forth black choler by a choyce . a quartane ague therefore , hath long since exposed the doctrine of the universities , and the promises of these unto laughter , as being vain trifles and wan fables without strength : for truly a desperate curing by arts , hath made manifest the feeble help of medicines , the vain promises of dispensatories , and the undoubted ignorance of the causes of fevers . good god! it is now manifest , that physitians cannot onely not cure the leprosie , gout , palsey , asthma , stone , falling-sicknesse , and other diseases conteined under the large catalogue of uncurable ones , which are never cured of their own accord : but they have not known how to take away so much as a quartane ague , which patiently expects , and deludes every endeavour of physitians : the which notwithstanding nature cures by her own power , to the disgrace of the schooles ! for they who attempt their cures onely by the cuttings of a vein , sarrifyings , leeches , vesicatories , and purgings of the belly ; and so by diminishments of the body , and strength , and stick wholly in heathenish doctrines , are even excluded by nature from the true knowledge of causes , and remedies . because first of all , none of their medicines reacheth unto the seat of a quartane , but it first paying tribute through the toles or customes of every digestion , is stript of every faculty requisite unto so great a malady . for neither ought i to draw out that thing from elsewhere , or to prove it by many arguments : be it sufficient , that the succours of physitians have been hitherto unprosperous : for they purge and cut a vein , and then they leave the rest to be boren by nature ; and in the mean time , they certainly know that they shall profit nothing by remedies of that sort , nor that they ever have profited thereby : i wish at least , that they had not done hurt . they ought therefore to confess , that remedies , and also all the suppositions of art faileth them in this disease ; yea , neither that the wonted privy evasion of uncurableness in other diseases is of value unto them : for all the powers of the universities being conjoyned , cannot perform so much as nature can , and doth do without them of her own free accord . but moreover , the same shamefulnesse of ignorance , and every way impotency which a quartane hath discovered in the schooles , they should be compelled to confesse in the other curings of fevers also ; if those did not hasten to an end of their own accord . wherefore i now conjecture , that the out-law a quartane , in the age that is forthwith to come , shall distinguish false physitians from true ones , whom the almighty hath chosen , created , and commanded to be honoured . the schools therefore define a quartane according to the account of other fevers , by a heat kindled besides nature , first in the heart from the humour of black choler being putrified , and diffused by the utmost small brances of the veins into the habit of the body : the seat of which putrified choler , they nevertheless acknowledge to be in the spleen . i importunately crave at your hands , i beseech you let the profession of medicine tell me , what harmony they can ever utter from so great dumness ? and whether it be not to have blinded the minds as well of the sick , as of young beginners with prattle ? let them explain , why that heat is not first kindled in the spleen , where the cause , or humour sitteth , which by its putrefaction ( as they say ) is the cause of an unnatural heat ? even as while a thorn being thrust into the finger , sticking fast therein , the finger it self first rageth with heat , and that long before the putrefaction of inflammation ? why is a quartane so stubborn , if at every fit nature opens a passage for it self , whereby it may disperse the putrified black choler thorow the veins into the habit of the body , even in the very rigour of cold , and straightness of the veins ? after what manner shall the same black choler in number be as yet putrified after a year and an halfs space , and afford an hard spleen , if at every fit it be dispersed into the habit of the body ? how , if it was from the beginning in the spleen , with so daily a fornication of putrified matter , hath it not long since putrified the spleen ? the which ( especially ) is accounted by the schools to be nothing but a sink of the worst excrement ? after what manner doth a quartane after so many moneths retire as better , of its own accord , to the disgrace of physitians , while as notwithstanding , it shall of necessity be more dry , gross , and shall more putrifie than at its first fits ? again , what humour which from its rise is evil and putrified , can be at length digested ? doth nature become foolish , that she at length , after a divorce , and a year an a halfs time begins to digest the humour which in the beginning she had refused to digest , it being already before of necessity plainly putrified ? what reason is there of the change of her will ? hath it then first repented nature of her deed ? how shall she not weary her self , which hath almost worn her self out in striving so many months with a putrified , and the worst of humours , that she might exclude that which hath now hardened in her possession , and which was offensive in so many respects ? for if in three days space , as much of black choler be kept as is sufficient for a fit , what is this to the spleen ? or what shall it make to the digestion of the primitive , and putrified black choler ? if black choler be daily of necessity made a new , be laid up into the spleen , and from thence be brought into the stomack its emunctory ? how shall nature so many months be forgetful of the passages , expulsions , and rites of that emunctory ? and shall not be mindful of these , but nigh the end , which is so tiresome ? what if senna , epithymam , and the arsenick which is entertained in the stones of armenia , and lazulus , do fetch out black choler on every side ( especially out of its natural iun ) and this be the total , undoubted cause of a quartane , and accused by so many rules , authors , and consent of ages : why therefore do they not take away , diminish , or any way shorten a quartane ? but physitians after so many torments , forsake their sick , being weakened under the custody of despair , and commended to the government of the kitchin. at length , what will that much and stinking balast of liquor avail them , which these medicines being drunk , the credulous sick person casts forth without profit , and perceives his strength to be diminished hereby ? is not that saying of hippocrates true ? if those things which are convenient are drawn out , the sick feel themselves the better , and easily bear such purgings of the belly . for why although such solutive medicines are immoderately taken even unto the last breath of life , yet doth the quartane ague slacken nothing of its power ? learn ye therefore ye younger physitians , of me an old man , that your humours , and laxative medicines are nothing but meer delusive doatages , whereby in subscribing to each other , ye have been deluded by heathens , unto whom the gift of healing was not given : because galen never saw so much as anatomy , however magnificently he triumphs concerning it , and of the use of parts ; he never saw argent-vive or quick-silver , and all simples he borrowed word for word out of diascorides , the name of this man being suppressed : he never i say , knew even rose-water . is it not a shame that ye should wipe away some moneys , that ye hand forth the cuttings of a vein , and now and then the more gentle purgers without hope of amendment ? and ye mutter many things among your selves even to a loathing , concerning the digestion of black choler , concerning the little cloud or that which swimmeth in the urine , when as notwithstanding , ye being full of distrust , must confess that these words lay hid in your breast from the beginning : against a quartane ague we have nothing , we let out blood , and purge , and afterwards know nothing : the sick party must expect the term or end thereof with patience : because against a quartane there is no remedy in our cabinets : nature ought to help her self . in the mean time , the spleen swells harder , and oft-times the ancles also together with it : if therefore black choler should be the containing cause of a quartane , and should afford an hard spleen , how at length doth the ague cease , the total cause thereof remaining in the spleen ? after what manner it being now hardened in the spleen , shall it be better evacuated , than while nature attempted the banishment thereof by the fever . at length , after what sort shall it better depart , being hardened , than being fluide in the beginning ? hath it , the ague ceasing , lost its putrefaction ? to wit , while it threatens a dropsie , and the spleen being harder , swelleth ? the which notwithstaning are tokens of its former naughtiness . but whether black choler alone among natural things shall return from the putrefaction of it self into its former state ? but if the ague ceaseth , because the black choler was consumed by so many circuites , why now doth it more obey the physitian than while there was no extension of the bowel ? why now at length do you hope for aids from capers , tamarisk , and ammoniacum , the which while the ague remained were sluggish ? if the same black choler surviveth , why doth that cease , the fever being safe ? but if the black choler hath departed with the fever , why do ye prescribe remedies for the more fluide black choler ? but if ye feign black choler to be brought unto the splee by an imposthume , what is that bowel more noble than the spleen , which without sense or feeling , complaint , and contagion hath so long endured black choler besides nature ? and which had suffered so many fits of fevers ? why was not that imposthume made while the faculties were as yet entire , they being the more fit for expelling of the enemy ? why not , while the matter was the more fluide ? how wil ye salve this , that the spleen is the emunctory of black choler , if it hath behooved this choler to be at length brought to the spleen from elsewhere , after so many labours and anguishes ? why therefore have the hardness , and swelling of the spleen at length increased unto a proportion , with labours ? surely it is a wonder that it hath hitherto been unknown , that the spleen under the tortures of a quartane hath suffered many things ; from all the particular digestions whereof , that ballast is left for the swelling of the spleen , without the errour of local humours : and that therefore the hardness of the spleen is from those erroneous transchanged superfluities , and therefore the greater , by how much the foregoing affliction of the spleen was the more grievous ; to wit ; that the spleen swels from what was produced by the quartane , but that it is not the very occasional matter of the quartane and much less , any black choler , because it is that which was never in nature ; wherefore also it happens , that such a hardness vanisheth from the spleen of its own accord , that the strength being retaken , nature perfects her own digestions ; wherefore the cure of a hard spleen is not seated so much in the moystening , softening , and purging of black choler , as in refreshing of the faculties of digestion . for the confirmation whereof , we must know , that the spleen is bespangled with perhaps four hundred arteries ; neither that any bowel at all is enriched with so frequent a propagation of arteries as the spleen is : and then we must know , that the seat of a quartane is not only in the very body of the spleen , but in the very arteries thereof themselves ; if not in them all , at least in some of them : which one only point , hath made the cure of a quartane difficult . thirdly , at length we must know , that an artery draws no juyce to it self out of the stomack , intestines , or from elsewhere : for to what end should it draw that juyce unto it self , since it shall not produce any good to it self thereby ? for that chyle or juyce being attracted , doth as yet want foregoing means whereby it can ever be brought unto the perfection of arterial blood : otherwise , the arteries had drawn unto themselves more vexation but by a little sucking of a forreign liquor , than they are able to wear out by long pains for the future . i grant indeed , that the arteries do ordinarily , and immediately attract a be-drunkening spirit of the stomack , which is bred almost in every vegetable , which is disobliged from the composed body through art , only by vertue of a serment , and at length is drawn out by the fire . for example , if the berries of juniper are boyled in water under an alembick , an essential oyl , and water do presently after rise up , and are collected : at length if those berries are then in the next place , steeped by a ferment , the distillation being afterwards repeated , a water most gently burning , or an aquavitae is extracted ; yet less , than if from the same berries an oyl were not first withdrawn . thirdly , at last , if the remaining berries being strained thorow a searse , are boyled into an electuary , thou hast now obtained solutive medicine excelling all the compositions of the shops . an artery therefore willingly snatcheth to it self the burning spirit of life , a guest of the vegetable nature , out of the stomack ( which the grecism of the schools never saw , or knew ) the which otherwise nature by her first instruction prepares out of the digested chyle : surely she rejoyceth , that she hath found a liquor with much brevity , from whence she may make vital spirit for her self . for in this respect wines are regularly pleasing to mortals , they exhilarate the heart , and do make drunk , if they are drunk down in more than a just quantity : for the spirit of wine is not yet our vital spirit , because it is as yet wanting of an individual limitation , that the vital inflowing archeus the executer of our functions may from thence be framed : wherefore since neither the mesentery , nor liver are ordained for the framing of vital spirit , the heart rejoyceth immediately and readily to suck to it that spirit ( being already before prepared ) through the arteries , out of the stomack . whence it follows , if the arteries attract unto themselves the spirit of wine like unto vapours , they shall also draw the odours of essences : for from hence are faintings , yea and on the other hand , restaurations : but the arteries draw not oils , although essential , and grateful ones , because they suck not the substance of liquor , and much less oils : therefore that a medicine may be received by the heart , and by this heart attracted inwards , it ought to be that which yields a good smell , and to be unseparably married to the spirit of wine . wherefore wines that are odoriferous , do more readily bedrunken than others , because the odours which are married to the spirit of wine are most easily admitted unto the heart , head , womb , &c. but oylie odours being abstracted from their concrete bodies , do rather affect by defiling , than materially enter into the arteries : for therefore through the immoderateness of wine , and the errours of life , not only a meer spirit of wine is allured into the arteries , but also something of juyces together with it : whence at length difficult heart-beatings grow up in the gluttons of wine , and the meer or pure spirit of wine by an importunate daily continuance , strikes the reed of the artery within , disturbs the local , and proper digestions thereof ; wherefore also a part of the arterial nourishment degenerating , stirs up divers miseries , even durable for life . for it happens in the artery of the stomack , that the spirit of wine joyning it self by its own importunity to the spermatick nourishment of the artery , in the course of dayes stirs up un-obliterable vertigo's or giddinesses of the head , continual head-aches , the falling-sickness , i say swoonings , drowsie evils , apoplexies , &c. for in the family-administration of this member , as it were that of the heart , it obtains its own animosities durable for life , which are not to be extirpated but by the greater secrets . the same way also sudden or unexpected death hath oft-times made an entrance for it self ; because such a vitiated matter is never of its own free accord drawn out from thence : for although the archeus be apt at length to consume his own nourishment ; yet he doth not obtain this authority over excrements degenerated by a forreign coagulation , and so for that cause not hearkening to the vital power or vertue : for therefore that part hath assumed the title of the heart , stirs up swoonings from an easie occasion , falling-sicknesses also after the twenty fourth year ; and likewise such affects as are attributed to the heart , are accounted uncurable by those who have not much laboured in extracting the more potent faculties of medicine . hippocrates ( by leave of so great a man , and of such an age , i speak it ) was ignorant of this seat of the falling evil ; because he was he who being constituted in the entrance of medicine , faithfully delivered unto posterity , at least , his own observations , and medicinal administrations sprung from these : for he said , if melancholy passeth into the body , it breeds the falling sickness ; but foolish madness , if it peirce the soul . if therefore black choler passing over into the body , and soul , causeth the falling-sickness and madness : whither therefore shall it proceed , that it may generate a quartane ague ? the schools especially rejoyce in so great an author for their humour of black choler ; but they are forgetful of a quartane , which far departs from the falling-sickness , and madness : for after whatsoever manner they shall regard it , a quartane shall either not be made from black choler , or this shall not be in the body , nor in the soul while it makes a quartane . but as to what pertains to madness , and the falling-sickness , as if they were separated only in the diversity of passages ; or that the same humours did sometimes evaporate , or were materially entertained in the inns of the principal faculties : surely it is a ridiculous , although a dull , and plausible devise , to have found out the cause of all diseases in so narrow a quaternary of humours . for first of all , the falling evil doth much more strictly bedrowsie , and alienate the powers of the soul , although madnesses do that far more stubbornly or constantly : wherefore the aforesaid diseases are far otherwise distinguished ( let the genius's of hippocrates spare me ) than in the changing of their wayes , and bounds : and which more is , the general kind of foolish madness , shall differ by its species in its proper matter , and proper efficient : as is to be seen in madness from the biting of a mad dog , or stroak , or sting of the tarantula : for the cause of things had not as yet been made known in the age of hippocrates ; the knowledge whereof , the prattle of the greeks hath hitherto suppressed : neither also are wrothful doatages made from yellow choler , bruitish ones from black choler , and jesting or merry ones from blood : surely otherwise we should all of us be daily jocound doaters , or deprived of blood : for feverish doarages are especially fetcht out of a feverish matter , creeping into the shops of dreams , and not from elsewhere ; but not that it forsakes the body , that it may enter into the mind . and likewise a doating delusion should never happen in a burning fever , in a synochus , or continual fevers : but alwayes in quartanes , and black cholery diseases . truly , a doatage is already from the very beginning of fevers : to wit , where the fever and the cause of the doatage are jointy in the root . for the malice being encreased , and the organs weakened by little and little , the doatage or delusion ascends unto the maturity of its own perfection . so in wine , and also in some simples , yea and likewise in feverish excrements , a hidden doatage is covered : neither doth it bewray it self , unlesse the power thereof shall ascend into a constitutive mixture . at leastwise , all things do by the same royal wax , according to the genius of their own malice , rage on the organs of the phantasie , even as elsewhere concerning madnesses . the seed therefore of the doating delusion lurked from the beginning in the feverish matter , which at length is promoted unto its due malignity . if therefore madnesses differ in their matter , and efficient cause , that is , in their whole species , and being : surely the falling-sicknesse , and madnesse , do much farther differ from each other , and do more differ in a forreign seed , than that one onely black choler being exorbitant in its seats , should bring forth both . even as elsewhere concerning the dunmvirate . madnesses ( i will say in one word ) are all nourished by the arteries , and in the inn of the hypochondrial or midriffes : according to that saying , in whom a vein beats strongly in the midriffs , those are estranged in their mind : therefore also they oft-times want an exciting disturbance before they relapse into a mania or bruitish madness ; because this is bred by a perturbation very like unto that . chap. vii . the succours of physitians are weighed . . of what sort the succours of physitians are . . the vanity of the same . . the hurt of local medicines , and their feigned derivation . . the water in vesicatories was meer venal blood . . an objection solved . . a vesicatory or embladdering medicine is more cruel than the letting forth of blood . . to what end vesicatories were devised . . a clyster , why hostile to the bowels . . a clyster never reacheth unto the gut ileon . . laxatives in a clyster are the more sharp , being hurtful , as purging things are , but less hurtful . . a poyson hurts to have taken it inwards , by whatsoever title , and entrance . that fevers are never drawn out by clysters . . they therefore hinder long life . a clyster , how it names physitians . . a fore-knowledge from the use of clysters . . it is a blockish thing to nourish by clysters . . a conjecture . . the common sort of physitians are taken notice of . i have determined to examine the common succours , before i determine of the nature of fevers : but those are scarifications , openings of the fundament-veins , vesicatories , and others of that sort ; and they all concut unto the diminishments of the blood , strength , and body : and the which therefore have already been sufficiently condemned under universal succours . they are indeed foolish aids about the superficies of the body , when as the central parts labour , and are besieged , and the which not being freed from the enemy , it is vain , and hurtful , whatsoever is attempted by the gestures of such apes . surely it is a vain rudiment of hope , to be willing by consequence to remove the root out of its place , by taking away the guiltless blood from the skin ; which thing prince infanto the cardinal , by his exhausted veins ( the circuite of his tertian ague nevertheless remaining ) hath confirmed to anatomists with a mournful spectacle . and likewise a paracenthesis or opening of the belly nigh the navil in the dropsie , ought long since to have extinguished the like kind of hope . for there it is plainly an easie thing to draw out waters from the nigh center , and daily to draw from the fruit a part of the water at pleasure : but in vain , because not any thing of the root departs : and so incision nigh the navil , doth only protract life for a few dayes . but let vesicatories or embladdering medicines be alwayes exceeding hurtful , and devised by the wicked spirit moloch : for the water dropping continually from thence , is nothing but venal blood transchanged . for while any one scorcheth his hand , or leg , the fire calls not the whey of the blood unto the burned place ; neither doth that water lurk in any other place , and waiting to run to it with loosened rains , while the skin should be at sometimes scorched . the water should be deaf at the call of the fire , neither should nature obey a commander from without . what if a water swims on the blood , which they call choler ; surely that floats not as being separated from the blood , except after its coagulation or corruption . embladderers therefore intend this , but not preservation , and healing : that salt water therefore is not , but is made ; it is not separated i say , from the blood , but the blood thereof is transchanged into water very like unto the dropsie , flux , and the like defects . by so much therefore are vesicatories fuller of danger than the cutting of a vein ; because this is stopped at pleasure , but that not : the which after the cuttings of a vein , and vain butcheries of the body is at length dreamed of for the hinderances of a feverish coma , and so for the adulterating of a latter effect : for they rejoyce to awaken the sleepy or deep drowsie sick , by reason of the pain of so many ulcers : and however thou considerest of the matter , it is a cruel torture of butchers : for neither is the drowsie sick ill at ease because he sleepeth ; but he sleepeth because he is ill at ease : and so , to hinder the sleep is not profitable ; but that only prevaileth , to take away the root of drowsiness . they therefore who suspend the sleep only by pains , do cruelly drive the sick headlong into death : for they flatter the people in being cruel toward the sick party : in the mean time , they persevere in the office of a cruel , and unfaithful mercenary helper : for if the drowsie feverish person sleep , or being pulled , be daily awakened , such stupid allurements perform not the least thing in fevers : wherefore i am wont to give my remedies in at the mouth , and food at set hours , nor to regard whether he shall sleep , or not . i say that antient saying with the apostles ; if laxarus sleep , therefore he shall be healed : for the tortures brought on him that hath a fever , have never profited any one . but as to what pertains to clysters , it is a frequent , and shameful aid of physitians : i at leastwise in times past , never perswaded , and described clysters but with shame : but after that i obtained faithful remedies , i wholly abhorred clysters , as it were a beast-like remedy , being declared by a bird , as they say : for that every clyster is naturally hostile to the bowels , is from thence easily manifest : because all particular things are received after the manner , and in respect of the receiver : the which i thus more largely explain . the tear of the eye , although it be salt , yet it is without pain , because familiar , and nearly allied to the eye : but simple water is painful in the eye , and any other thing . the urine also , although it be salt , bites not the bladder ; but any kind of decoction whatsoever being sent in by a catheter , although most sweet , causeth pain within : but if the urine shall draw but even the least sharpness from new ales , or from elsewhere , presently there is a great strangury , and distilling of the urine by drops . the dung therefore since it is a nearly allied , and houshould-content of the bowels , bites not , nor is not felt until it hath come down unto the fleshy parts of the strait gut , which do as it were perform the office of a porter , and therefore do feel , and urge it : whence i conclude , that every clyster since it is a forreigner to the intestine , it cannot but be troublesome , and ungrateful thereunto . again , a clyster never ascends unto the gut ileon : for if thou castest in eighteen ounces , now a great part thereof remaineth in the pipe , or slides forth in its injecting , and so it reacheth only into the beginnings of the gut colon. in the next place , if loosenig medicines are in a clyster ( for the sick party that very much abhorreth laxative things , is for the most part thus deceived ) as i have already hissed out the poyson of purgative things , so also the use of a laxative clyster by a like right . i confess that a clyster is of less danger , as the mouth of the stomack doth alwayes perform the most noble office of life , and as the life is hurt by the loosening poyson : but at least wise , none can deny but that it is a hateful thing to have admitted poysons within , by whatsoever title , and entrance : because purgative clysters resolve the blood in the mesentery . and at least wise , in speaking in the termes of fevers : non ever drew forth fevers by clysters ; because they have never come unto the places beset with a feverish matter , nor do ever comfort those places : neither the while , do they cease to defile , and wipe out the blood from the veines which are co-bordering on the bowel . for that thing i have learned from old men , that whosoever loveth a long , and healthy life , let him abstain from purging things taken into the body under what deceitful pretence soever : a clyster at this day , is so familiar unto the more wanton people , that it is called a cleansing , and succour : as if they would cleanse the natural excrement . surely , however thou mayst look upon those wiles of physitians ; they are not but from evil , from deceit , and a lye : and do stir up shame in pious eares : and so they are now the correcters , the rincers of dungs , that is the inventers of evil arts . but there are some who have introduced a sluggishnesse in the intestine , by a clyster or some other vice , and therefore they afterwards perswade themselves that thence-forward they must accustome themselves to clysters : surely the vice of binding of the body , as it springs from , and dependeth on a different root , it is easily succoured by the proper terme of curing : for as he who hath the lesse loose belly , is sicke : so also he that suffers a slow one , laboureth . the malady is to be cured ; but not by cloaking by a clyster is the paunch to be dayly provoked and loosened : for there is an easie prognostication , that by thus proceeding , the last things will be always the worst , and that the life which is committed unto such helpers , is of necessity cut short . nations will subscribe to these things , as many as have laxative medicines in abhorrency : as the campanians , arduennians , and likewise the asturians , &c. unto whom , as a clyster is unwonted , and also unheard of ; so there is a strong , and most frequent old age . but besides , the last scope of a clyster is , that they cast in the broaths of dissolved fleshes from an hope of nourishing ; the which truly is an argument of unfufferable stupidity . for those injected liquours do at first mingle themselves with the dung there found , and then they are poured into the parts , whose property it is to change all things into dung : and thirdly , it is manifest by experience , that such broaths , if they are cast back two houres after , they smel not only of the dung , but after somesort of a dead carcase : for seeing there is not a proceeding unto the second , or third digestion , but through the first : but that blood cannot in any wise be made of meates undigested in the stomach , and not changed into true , and laudable chyle or juice ; it also followes , that broaths being cast in at the fundament , can never passe over into nourishment : neither doth that prove any thing , that those broaths do carry dissolved flesh in them after the manner of chyle ; for nothing is done , unlesse they shall first recieve the fermental properties of the first digestion , the preparatories unto life , which are not any where to be found out of the stomach : for whatsoever slides undigested out of the stomack , is troublesome , stirs up fluxes , wringings or gripings of the guts , and also burntish or stinking belchings , and breeds the little wormes ascarides . but those things which are injected from beneath , because they have not any thing of the benefit of the first digestion , are of necessity mortified : because they experience indeed , the heat of the place ; but are deprived of the true ferment of a vital digestion . surely i commiserate the paultry physitians , that they have wrested clysters aside unto such abuses , nor that they have once had regard unto the aforesaid reasons ; and i fear , lest they who so greatly flatter great men , after that they bid any one to take food , and three hours after do constrain him to vomite ; that what he vomited up they should cast in through the fundament , into those who were pined with much leannesse , and consumption for lack of nourishment . surely the ignorant flatterer , is a slavish kind of cattel , acting the part of a physitian , yet not having any thing besides the diminishments of the body , and strength , refusing to learne , because he hath grown old in ill doing , neither hath he ever diligently searched into any thing worthy of praise , as being wholly intent upon gain , and assoon as he is dismissed from the schooles , alwayes insisting in their steps , excusing the deaths of men , because he hath cured according to art , as having followed the flock of predecessours : unto these men senca saith , many have not attained unto wisdome ; because they thought that they had attained it . they esteem it to be a thing full of disgrace , that himself being once a doctour or teacher , ought as yet to learn of others . a nourishing clyster therefore , is an old wives invention : for i have seen broaths in the more strong persons to have been rejected as horride , through the stink of a dead carcase ; but in the more tender persons , to have provoked swoonings : when as in the mean time clysters of mallow , and brans , cherished a lesse discomodity . vain therefore are the common helps taught by physitians , for the intentions , or betokenings of fevers ; because they take not away , subdue , or reach to any thing of the roote of fevers . chap. viii . the usual remedies are weighed . . a censure of distilled waters . . of what condition essential waters may be . . a censure of decoctions . . the comforting remedies of gold , and pretious stones are examined . . a mechanical demonstration of abuses . . gems are not any thing dissolved in us , hewever they are pawdred . . pearles that are beaten , and dissolved in a sharp spirit , are examined by the way . . the authour testifies his own bashfullnesse . . the pearles which are dissolved in the shops , are not pearles . . pearles , or coralls being disssolved in some sharp liquour , remaine what they were before . . five remarkeable things taken from thence . . the help of an old cock , an old wives invention . . alkermes is examined . . comforting remedies are in vain , when as the enemy within tramples even on the strongest sick . the internall remedies used by physitians in fevers , if they are look't into , will be found to be of the same leaven with the other of their succours : for except that they are brought into one heat , as it were the scope , and hinge of the matter , they are as yet of no worth in themselves , neither do they any way answer unto a putrified matter . for first of all , distilled waters , as well those which are called cooling ones , such as are those of succhory , lettice , purslane , and plantaine , as those which are of the order of the greater alterers , such as are those of grasse , dodder , maidenhair , carduus-benedictus , scorcionera , &c. or those also which are fetcht from cordial plants , are in very deed , nothing but the sweates of herbs , but not their blood ; and i wish they were not adulterated for the perswasion of gain . for they are the rain waters of green and fresh herbs , but not the essential liquors of the herbs which shew forth the whole crasis or constitutive temperature , and savour of the thing . therefore they cover an imposture in their name , and in the mean time the occasion of well doing slips away . moreover , the decoctions of plants , since they conteine the gums , and muscilages of simples , they provide pain or cumbrance for a feverish stomach , loathings , overthrows , and other troubles ; therefore also , they joyn themselves with the excrements , and are sequestred , after that they have procured all those perplexities : nor at least wise , is any thing of them carried inwards unto the places affected , and vitall soiles . physitians also , are wont to brag of their exhilarating cordials ; and restoring remedies prepared of gold , and gems or pretious stones , surely from a like stupidity with the rest : for although they are broken into a fine powder , they undergo nothing from the fire , and much lesse do they suffer by the digestive virtue . for they are first made into a light powder in a brassen morter , and the gems shave of a part of the brasse with them , because they are harder than any file . and that thing i have at some time demonstrated to the shops , while as i steeped that powder of gems in aqua fortis : for a green colour presently bewrayed it self , and the apothecary confessed that his fortyfying remedies acted most especially , by communicating verdigrease or the rust of brasse unto the sick . and then , if gems are afterwards the more curiously beaten in a grindstone or marble , which is far more soft than themselves , they increase in weight , and become comforting marbles , and stones , beyond the original gems . for at length , gems that are made into a light powder , do no more profit than if flints , or glasse powdered are taken : and that thing , as many as have ever been diligent in examining the resolution of bodies , will subscribe to with me , and with me will pity the empty blockishnesses of physitians , and the unhappy clientships of the sick . yea they administer pearles , and corrals being beaten to dust or dissolved in distilled vinegar , orthe juice of limons , and again dryed , and solvable in any potable liquour : but pearles are not of the same hardnesse with christalline gems , but of the animal kingdome , and they conreine most pretious natural endowments ; they cannot but bestow a famous help . for pearles are of their own accord resolved indeed in the stomack of a pigeon , but in ours they do not undergo any thing , whether they are drunk being beaten into a powder , or being dissolved as before . for first of all it is to be noted , that i before my repentance , had learned by some pounds of pearles being so prepared , that it was only vaine boasting whatsoever physitians promise concerning them : and then , that a true pearle hath not within it a mealy powder , and that of a different likenesse from its own bark : but that the whole body of the pearle even unto its center , is meere little skins , laying on each other as it were the rhines of onyons spread under each other ; which thing , they know with me , as many as have known how to reduce pearles of an egg-like figure unto a circular pearle : but the aforesaid barks of pearles are in no wise dissolved by the aforesaid sharp things ; therefore they shall dissolve only the meale of false pearles . yea although the aforesaid barks were dissolved , ( which they are not ) the pearles should as yet be the same powder which they were before : to wit , wherewith the salt of the sharp dissolver is now combined , and so it happens , that that salt of the dissolvent being dissolved , the powder of pearles , or corrals which that salt drinkes up , is also solved together with it . which powder , however it may be reckoned to be dissolved by the judgment of the eyes , and the substance of the pearle thought to be changed ; yet it is nothing but a meer deciet , and delusion of the sight . for pearles , or corrals do as yet remaine no otherwise in their own former nature , than otherwise , silver remaines safe being dissolved in chrysulca or aqua fortis , it been plainly unchanged in all its former qualities : for otherwise , the same silver could not be fetch 't again from thence , seeing there is not granted a return from a privation to an habit . they therefore that drink pearles thus solved , so far is it that they enjoy the milky substance of pearles , that they drink unto themselves nothing but the dssolved salt of the vinegar : the which i thus prove by handicraft operation : if thou shalt poure some drops of the salt of tartar on dissolved pearles , or corrals , the hidden pouder of the pearles presently falls to the bottome ; which is a demonstration of the deed . first therefore , the pearles of the shops are not true ones , but a certain abortion of those sowed within through the middle substance of the pearle . secondly , the powder of pearles , or corrals dissolved , although it may delude the eyes : yet it is not truly solved , it remayning the powder which it was before . thirdly instead of comforting remedies , they substitute nothing but the acide salt of the things dissolving . fourthly , that powder being thus solved , cannot be made bloud , and therefore neither can it enter into the veines . fifthly , what if it had entred unto the liver , hollow veine , and so by the power of digestion , that sharp salt adhering thereunto had at length been wasted into a transmutation : what other thing should such comfortatives performe , besides to besmeare the veines within , with a forreign powder ? and at length to load an un-obliterable malady with a● forreign guest ? this is the harvest that is to be exspected from gems . it is an alike doating monstrous thing , which they promise concerning the broath of an old cock being joyned with herbs : for first of all ; there is more of life , and strength in the more young birds , than in decrepite ones : let the judgment be brought unto hens . and also medicinal broaths are ungratefull , and troublesome to the stomack , and so they are easily dismissed unto excrements : therefore after this manner , under a changed maske , they again dissemble their apozemes under the broath of an old cock. last of all , there is the antidote alkermes , which although , as it consisteth of the syrupe of the grain that dieth scarlet ( i wish it were not adulterated by roses ) it be laudable ; neverthelesse , inasmuch as it being scorched and roasted , is impregnated with the more crude silk untill that it can be powdered , the whole power of the dying grain is vitiated : which silk being thus roasted , is nothing else but the wool of silke wormes depraved or vitiated by burning . for the invention of some covetous old man brought up that thing , as thinking that nature is exhilarated or rejoyced with things that delight the eyes . far be it , for neither gold , gems , not pretious stones as such , shall refresh the vital spirits , and much lesse crude silk roasted , and that if it were tinged with a purple colour ; unlesse the vitall spirits shall well perceive restaurations to themselves by the additions of strength . but moreover , vaine are comforting , and cordiall things which are wished for ; the fewel of fevers remayning , and the blood , and strength being diminished . for if a fever prostrateth a strong person , and one that is in good health , how shall it suffer him to be strengthened being now dejected ? especially by things which are forreigners in the whole general kinde , nor agreeing with the spirits in the union of co-resemblance ? how shall a citizen fortifie himself , who hath received an houshold enemy stronger than himself , into his possession ? the wan therefore , and vain promises of physitians concerning fortifiers and strengtheners , are full of deceite . for he that exhausteth the strength or faculties together with the blood , and withdrawes them by evacuating medicines , but forbids wine , and things that do immediately restore the strength ; also who continually prosecures after cooling things as enemies to the vitall heat ; how shall he procure strength by such electuaries . chap. ix . the true cause of rigour or the shaking fit , in fevers . . rigour or extreame cold ; and trembling , is from the spirit making the assault , but not efficiently from the diseasifying cause . . why he intends rigours . . why he stirs up cold and heat . . why he begins with cold . . the authour runs not back unto the lawes of the microcosme . . there are intermittences almost in all agents . . the manner of making cold . . the manner , and cause of rigour . . a marke of ignorance in galen concerning the tossing of a member . . the burning cause of a fever . . that every motion , as well an healthy , as a sick one , is made efficiently by the archeus . . how the authour learned that thing . . the turbulency of the archeus disturbs the urine . . the ordinary office of the gaule is troubled , and makes the chyle bitter . . vvherefore also the bitter vomitings thereof diminisheth nothing of a fever . . vvhence is burning heat , and sweat in a fever . . vvhat sweat may betoken . . sharpnesse increaseth cold , the which an erisipelas proveth . . a gangrene , how it may undoubtedly be stopped . . vvhy the beginning of a continval fever is from horrour . . paracelsus is noted . . the errours of galen , especially concerning the putrefaction of the blood , and spirit . . the true seat of a diary , and hectick fever . . the fabulous similitude of galen for the parching heat of an hectick fever . . vvhy lime is enflamed by water . . a mechanical proof . . the blockish cause of gaping . . the true cause , and the organ of the same . . sleep , the drowsie evil , giddinesse of the head , apoplexy , &c. are from the mouth of the stomach . . gaping is not in the muscles of the cheekes , or jaw . hippocrates first put a name on the spirit of life , to wit , that it is that which maketh the assault , and the guider of all things which happen in us : which prerogative surely , none hath at length , called into question : in the mean time , the schooles that succeeded , being as it were giddy with the vice of whirling about , have wrested aside the causes of trembling into old wives fictions . the spirit therefore being the prince of the world in us , hath alone obtained a motive beginning in us , as well local , as alterative ; to wit , conteyning the cause of rigour or extremity of cold , as well in respect of locall motion , as of the alterations of cold , and succeeding heat . for the archeus intends by trembling rigours , to shake of the excrement adhering to the similar part : even so as a spider also , shakes her cobwebs , and joggs them with rigour , that she may shake of a forreigne thing which lighteth into them . but the aroheus taking notice , that he can little profit by rigours or shaking extremityes , stirs up an alterative blas : all which i have elsewhere taught , to consist naturally , in winter , and summer , cold i say , and heat : to wit , through the successive interchange whereof , all sublunary things do decay in the coursary number of dayes . from winter therefore , in the very universe it self , the beginning of the year proceedeth , through a spring , and summer , into autumne , wherein the fruites are at length ripened : for whatsoever things are made by nature , undergo this beginning , increase , state , and declining : so the archeus himself ( as all seeds , and vital things do imitate the nature of general ones ) stirs up feverish rigours , colds , and heats : but not the offensive matter of the fever , even as hath already been sufficiently , and over-proved at the beginning : for so also , in disjoynting of the bones , the teeth presently shake , and rigours spring up : and likewise while a woman with child untimely expels the not vital abortive young . for neither do i speak these things , as if i fled unto the devise of the microcosme of paracelsus , although i give notice that the nature of the universe doth observe a single manner in every thing : for truly nature is on both sides co-agreeable , and like to her self , which the sense of feverish persons complaineth of in fevers happenning unto them in winter , as in summer . for he who in wrestling being short winded , hath failed , is for some time at quiet , and recovers his breathing , and by leisure repaires his strength , whereby he can shake off the conqueror laying on him : so by a natural single conduct , the archeus in fevers commands rests to himself by intervals , and afterwards his strength , and successive labours being re-assumed , endeavours to shake off the fever his enemy . wherein surely the part wherein the feverish matter sits or sticks fast , doth first contract it self into wrinckles , which is easily perceived in the midriffs : but the whole veinie generation by a certain consent , co-labours with the besieged part , and the oblique fibers being drawn together , it strictly straightens it self : for from thence , a seldome , hard , and lessened pulse is the betokener , and work-man of cold : for every one that hath a fever , if he mark it in himself , shall easily discern this co-wrinckled straitness of the veins , and that it is altogether natural even unto him that is in good health : for although the cod may hang down as loose , yet presently assoon as the drossie dung of man slides down to the muscle of the straight gut , the cod is co-wrinkled of its own accord . it is therefore a natural thing to the veins , and parts that are chiefly affected , to have contracted themselves into wrinckles : since therefore that the arteries are for the most part everywhere adjoyned with the veins , it must needs be , that these together with the veins , are contracted by an oblique or crooked convulsion : which thing surely , feverish persons shall easily perceive , if they being mindful of these things , do give serious heed unto those things which they feel : this therefore is the cause of cold in fevers . but that trembling , seeing it is in the muscles themselves , it is to be noted that the muscles have two motions : one indeed as they are the clients of the will , that they may utter a voluntary motion : but another , inasmuch as they are carried with a motion of their own against the consent of the will : and this again is two fold , to wit , the former which is contracted by one only violent drawing , even as in the convulsion , cramp , &c. but the other which suffers intervals , such as is an aguish , or feverish trembling , the tossing , and trembling of some one member ( to wit , of the head , or hands , &c. ) being familiar unto old age , and drinkers . truly galen passeth it not by without observation , but he is received with laughter : for he teacheth , that such a trembling of old age is made from the striving of weight with the voluntary motive faculty : and that this faculty indeed endeavours to lift up the member ; but by reason of weakness , that it stops the motion begun , being hindered by reason of the weight of the member : as if indeed , the voluntary motive faculty should endeavour against the consent of the will , to lift up a laying , and quiet member , that it might continually leap a little . ? i return unto the terms concerning fevers . since therefore , not only the skin ( as in the cod ) but also all the particular membranes are by a motion proper , and natural unto themselves , crisped , wrinkled , and contracted , it is no absurdity to give also unto a muscle it s own motion : for so also after death in a tetanus or straight extension of the neck , the muscles on both sides are extended a good while after the death of all will : for so the poysonous quality of purging things doth oft-times pull the musclely parts together ; and in fevers that are mortal , there are unvoluntary convulsions , with an interposing slackness : of which motions , seeing i have largely treated in the treatise concerning the convulsion , it shall be sufficient to have admonished in this place , that those two motive faculties do naturally belong to a muscle : one whereof is idle , and at rest , as long as the muscles are in a good state ; but it is moved as it were an auxilliary or assisting one in the encountring of things troublesome unto them . at length therefore when the archeus hath observed , that he profited nothing by an oblique convulsion of the veins , and arteries , and by the trembling of the muscles ; as wroth , he frequently moves any thing , that he may shake off from himself the forreign enemy . wherefore i repeat that which i have divers times spoken ; to wit , that all motion as well in healthy , as in sick persons , doth immediately proceed constitutively , and efficiently from the archeus which maketh the assault ; but occasionally from occasional causes . the which i at first mechanically discerned by some remedies of fevers ; because if they are given to drink on the very day of the fit , and at a seasonable hour , they do oft-times take away many fevers at one only turn : for that opportunity is in a small hours space before the fit ; to wit , as much as the actuating of the medicine doth require , and with an empty stomack : for if it be given in the dayes of rest of intermitting fevers , or a good while from the beginning of the fit , while the medicine fore-feels not nature to be an assistant unto her , as well to actuate or quicken , as to expell the occasional matter of the fever , it is handed forth in vain : yea then the medicine vexeth rather than helpeth , as it spurs up nature unto a banishment , while she had rather be at rest . but in the plague , malignant , and other continual fevers , if it be reached forth to a fasting stomack , nor the action thereof be disturbed between while by drink , it for the most part supplies the whole office of curing at one only turn ; else surely while the veins are strained , and grieved , or otherwise , nature is called away from her work begun , or is made to awake in the middle of her rest , the indignations of the archeus are the more provoked : neither hath it been sufficient here nakedly to have said , that the archeus in fevers first stirs up a blas of cold , and afterwards of heat , as seeds do imitate , and bear in themselves a figure of the world : for truly nothing is naturally moved by it self , except the archeus , who is the first mover of the living creature . for i know that a vigour is granted unto every seed , that this vigour being once stirred up , it is afterwards fit for moving of it self by its own vertue , and all other things thence-forth , besides it self , which are contained under the sphear of its own activity : therefore troublesome , and confused urines are voided forth , sharp , and undigested vapours , and also bruitish ones are stirred up , which go into improper places , increasing the cause of the cold . but the gaul which regularly changeth the sharp chyle of the stomack into a juycie salt , ( as may be seen in the urine ) doth by a rash endeavour now convert the juyce inserted in the gut duodenum into a bitter juyce . the archeus in the mean time , being then wholly intent upon expulsion , doth oft-times under the aguish cold , shake out this bitter superfluity , otherwise painfully thirsty : notwithstanding neither doth a feverish person profit any thing thereby , because he forthwith casts out that which which was newly defiled : because it is an excrement produced in fevers , but not the occasional root of the malady . at length therefore the archeus being as it were angry , enflames himself by his own animosity , ( but not by heat drawn from putrefaction ) and assaults his enemy , is in a raging heat , and at length pours forth a strong smelling sweat ; for no other end than that he may expel the enemy , under which expulsion he makes manifest that this same feverish matter is naturally to be driven away , and sheweth to the physitian that nature it to be led whither she of her own accord inclines : that is , that diaphoreticks or transpiratives alone are the appropriated , and specifical remedies of fevers : for in the beginning of an erisipelas there is an unwonted small cold , yet not rigour , because the vapoury sharpness is as yet little : the which when it shall reach unto the superficies of the body , it proceeds out of its own proper inn , there to wax sharp , and putrifie : and therefore a soapy , and lixivial medicine quenches an erisipelas : as also a strong lixivium or lye , mightily stops gangrenes that are deeply scarrified ; because in lixivials all sharpness dies together . continual fevers do likewise from a sharpness detained within , at first cause rigour or a shaking extremity , and afterwards even unto their end or consumption , burn with heat . the heart-beating also exerciseth idle persons , and the gluttons of wine , even as also artists who are long , and much busied about aquae fortes's ; because a vaporeal sharpness doth everywhere pass thorow our innermost parts , yet without a fever : for an occasional matter is wanting . for paracelsus from the one only fire of aetna , of sulphur , and nitre , divines of above sixty particular kinds of fevers : neither as being on either side void of a method , discovered he any seat for fevers . but galen as he disposed of the seat of intermitting fevers in the little mouths , or extremities of the veins : so he appointed the nest of continual fevers beneath or beyond the liver . but a suno chus or a fever of daily continuation , as well that which is putrified , as that which is not , he placeth through the hollow vein about the heart . a diary fever also , or that of one dayes continuance , he constitutes in the very vital spirit , and so also in the heart it self ; than which never any thing could be more blockishly supposed , than to decree the vital spirit to putrifie , life remaining . for seeing that it is the only balsame which vindicates us from corruption , what at length shall be left , which may balsamize the balsame it self , if this shall putrifie ? or what shall season salt , if it be corrupted ? for if it should be putrified but in some small portion of it self , the whole shall of necessity presently be defiled ; seeing there is a most potent constitutive mixture of spirits into spirits , and a proper or natural co-resemblance betwixt them . for the life is scarce protracted for a quarter of an hour in the plague , while as the contagion invades the spirit : in like manner , if putrefaction layes hold on the blood , presently , as if a gangrene were continued in the blood , a necessitated death ariseth . i will therefore shew both the seat , and matter of a fever in such a manner , as experience , and a long diligent search of things have made manifest unto me . my speech is of fevers which are by themselves alone ; but not from those that are bred from a strange passion . first of all therefore , a diary , and that which is called an ephemeral fever from the duration of one day , sits in the hollow of the stomack , and is for the most part from vitiated food : wherefore also after vomiting , or the finishing of digestion , it ceaseth of its own accord : likewise a consumptional or hectick fever , is a certain quotidian or daily diary , returning soon after food is taken , from a part of the meat being corrupted : for although the appetite remaineth safe , and they eat as it listeth them , at leastwise the corrupter in the lungs ceaseth not , or is idle , but he continually transchangeth the venal blood into yellow , hard , thick , and sometimes ashie phlegms : under which labour of corrupting he calls away the spirit from the offices of digestion , and a certain kind of corruption is made of the food that is half digested . and it is a shameful fable of the schools in this place , which they devise unto themselves for this slow fever ; for whereas it might especially accuse putrefaction for heat , it dared not to bestow it ; to wit , because lime is enflamed by the sprinckling of water thereon , that it happens after the self same manner in a consumptional fever ; to wit , that that fever growes strong , and seems to assault after one hour , or an hour and an half after meat , as the solid parts are then be-sprinckled with the nourishment prepared from the meats received . first of all , that withstands these things , because the concoction of the chyle is not yet finished in an healthy stomack within two hours , and much less is sangufication compleated ; and least of all is there a transchanging of the blood into a secondary , and spermatick nourishment ; because it is that which they say is dispersed into the innermost places of the solid parts in manner of a dew ; and most longly , and slowly doth the lungs borrow this new nourishment from the liver : therefore the solid parts cannot be be-sprinckled like lime , and from thence be enflamed , as long as there is buisiness with the chyle in the stomack . and then that similitude of lime is of meer ignorance : because it is that which is not enflamed by reason of the be-sprinckling , by it self , but by accident ; in regard that no salts do season , or act as long as they are dry , that is , unless they are dissolved : but in calx vive there is a two-fold alcalized salt : one indeed lixivial , and the other sharp , and both of them distinguished by the sense of tasting ; which two salts being dissolved by water , while they act on each other they are inflamed ; which same thing happens in hot baths , in the sharp salt of fountains acting on the lixivial first matter of fire-stones : that very thing by handicraft operation , and from the effect , not indeed by reason of what ; but because it is so , i thus prove . for if thou shall pour the sharp liquor of vitriol upon the salt of tartar , straightway both of them being actually cold , do burn with heat : and therefore if out of lead being calcined in the spirit of vinegar , thou shalt abstract all this spirit ; assoon as the alcali thereof shall drink in a moisture out of the air , it really conceives fire even in the scrip. wherefore the schools have not known , that if lime were not enflamed by a mutual agitation of the spirits of its salts , it could never become a stone . again , what is there in live bodies which may resemble the dryness of lime ? what i say , which is actually dry ? is limie ? and not throughly wet with a daily , and continual dew ? is not the digestion of the solid parts continual , and un-interrupted ? surely however i consider it , they hand forth trifles for the elements of nature , and the similitude of lime with an hectick fever is full of blockish ignorance . and as gaping accompanies many fevers ; so surely they have gapingly , and feverishly delivered all things . for the sake whereof we must note also , that there is a foolish cause rendered by galen for gaping ; to wit , that smoaky vapours being heaped together , do stir up the muscles of the jaw that they may be expelled : first of all , very many smoakinesses should blow up those muscles , in whom there is much necessity , and frequency of gaping . and then seeing those smoaks should be the unsensible superfluities of the last digestion ; why should such a kind of superfluities rather stir up an expulsion of themselves , than those of other parts ? why should they not daily be diligent in that ? and why do we not sometimes gape for forty dayes together ? why are those smoaky vapours more obvious in fevers , than in the gout , and apoplexy ? certainly there is no function of our body , which is more moved by example than gaping is : for we easily follow even unwillingly , and against our wills , him that gapes , gaping therefore is not from a smoaky vapour , but from that faculty , and part which obeys the imagination : for the schools admit with me , that the mouth of the stomack is most readily moved from a beholding ; because very many do most aptly loath , and vomit , filths being beheld , or imagined : and the eating of a sour apple being seen , the mouth in many waxeth liquid with spittle : the mouth of the stomack therefore is especially moved at imagination . indeed sleep , likewise a deep drowsiness , the coma , the catochus , catalepsie , vertigo or giddiness , and accidents of that sort , do issue from the mouth of the stomack ( even as elsewhere concerning the duumvirate : ) but gaping is a fore-shewer of , and chamber-maid of sleep , therefore i attribute gaping unto the same part . for the phantasie the inhabitant of the first sudden invasions or violent affections dwells in the same place , and therefore it hath received the surname of the heart : so also from a sorrowful message , frequent sighs are drawn , that they may lighten the mouth of the stomack being sensibly burdened . thus therefore from a dull or sloathful stomack requiring slumbring , a desire of gaping strikes , and extends the muscles that are restless , about the time of sleep , wherein it calls the muscles of the cheeks , and rough artery into its protection , no otherwise than as the straining bone about the organ of smelling , calls the muscles of the breast unto its aid for sneezing ; for even as the cause of sneezing is not to be sought for in the muscles wherein it is made ; surely much less doth gaping belong to the muscles of the jaw . since otherwise , one may also gape , the teeth being pressed together , that is , by a contrary motion of the jaw . for the schools should more rightly have had respect in gaping , unto the rough artery , which is drawn for two fingers downwards by a heteroclital or irregular motion . in the mean time they never dreamed any thing of a smoaky vapour of that artery , because it is that which alwayes sufficiently layes open , and is passable fot air , otherwise it ought not to gape : for such is the compacture of the body , that even in things not necessary , the members do set to their mutual hands , and as if strange organs did strive for their own right . chap. x. the seat of fevers . . the one only seat of continual , and intermitting fevers . . fevers do vary from their occasional matter only . . the nest of fevers , in what bounds it may be enclosed . . a burning fever , and the fevers sunochi are nigh the mouth of the stomack . . it is proved from the action that is hurt . . a quartane is an out-law in its seat . . the matter , and seat of malignant fevers . . the plague , how it is separated from other fevers . the seat of continual fevers differs not from that of intermitting ones : for this cause therefore continual fevers offer themselves , which end into intermitting ones , and one the contrary . those fevers therefore vary not in the flitting of places , or from the nature of their inn ; but for the sake of their occasional matter alone . in this regard also i am repugnant not only to galen , but also to fernelius , concerning the essential difference of the places of fevers . the nest therefore of fevers is in the first shops ; to wit , it is extended from the pylorus or lower mouth of the stomack thorow the duodenum , and the manifold vessels there ; likewise thorow the greater bowels or intestines , the veins of the mesentery , spleen even unto the liver . but those that are the nearer unto the upper mouth or orifice of the stomack , are by so much the more troublesome , and the more formidable in their perplexities . a loathing , especially a great abhorrency of fleshes , fishes , and those things which readily smell like a dead carcase presently after the entrance of fevers , do confirm my doctrine concerning the seat of fevers : likewise thirst , want of appetite , pain of the fore-part of the head , the megrim of the left side of the head , doatges , a deep drowsiness , watching , local anguishes about the mouth of the stomack , burntish or stinking belchings , a prostrated digestion , vomiting , also a bitterness , dryness , chappings , blackness of the tongue , &c. which things surely are the tokens of the duumvirate its being hurt in the action of government : hitherto have a supervening sharp or sour belchings , the little cloud of the urine access , and those things which prove the coction of the stomack to have returned , even as in the treatise concerning the signification of the urine elsewhere . but a quartane ague alone hath chosen its inn in the spleen it self , and in the veins co-touching with it : but a malignant fever alone , peculiarly challengeth something to it self of a matter putrified about the orifice of the stomack . but they are by so much the worse fevers which shall not sit in the hollowness thereof , but in its boughtiness ; because nothing but an extraordinary arcanum can reach unto those places : for therefore camp , and all endemical fevers are more stubborn than others , and for the most part without thirst ; wherein the heat is scarce perceiveable , and a continual perplexity alone , brings the sick unto their coffin : for these sort of fevers desile only from without , and affect the last nourishment of the stomack ; because in very deed , the whole body as long as we live is transpirable , and exspirable , according to hippocrates . for i have elsewhere demonstrated , that the lungs , and diaphragma or middriffe , are on every side passable with pores in live bodies ; the which , while endemicks pass thorow , and smite the bought of the stomack , they oft-times infect the last nourishment of the stomack . i have said that a diary fever , together with a hectick fever , do sit in the stomack : but the plague differs from other malignant fevers in this , that since it doth not sit in feverish filths , as neither in the blood of the veins , it affects only the vital spirit it self with its odour , for that cause also it of necessity enters in , and goes out with the air through the pores of the diaphragma , and so that it tends thus primarily unto the stomack ; not being able to proceed further by a local motion , it there makes its own impression to stick in the nourishment of the stomack : from whence there are presently vomiting , head-ach , drowsinesses , doatages , swoonings , and those things which obtain a dominion over the mouth of the stomack being vitiated . chap. xi . the occasional causes of fevers . . the occasional cause of fevers , is not the true containing cause thereof , . why an occasional cause is divers in its self . . a two-fold occasional cause . . the venal blood is a composed and simple natural thing ; and therefore not made up of unlike parts . . the first occasional and material cause of fevers . . a second matter . . the ignorance of the schools concerning the tincture of the urine . . why the urine is the more slowly tinged . . the false judgements of the schools concerning vrines . . a fable of the schools concerning the gauly tincture of the vrine . . an argument of the schools from the ignorance of galen . . vvhat should more rightly be collected from thence . . the archer of a doating delusion , where he inhabites . . vvhy in a doatage a remedy is not to be applied to the head . . from whence all apostemes are bred . . the injury of the schools . . vvhence the cloud that swimmeth in the vrine is . . a good physitian why he neglects a crisis . . vvhat coction in fevers may be . the schools shew forth a foul and miserable , yea and mournful spectacle every-where easie to be seen : that since a fever openly talks with us , yet they have known it nothing the more for so many ages , as neither do they know radically to expel it : because fevers are now not any thing more successfully cured after two thousand years experiments , and dissections , than in times past from the first . for indeed , whatsoever is the cause of the cause , that very thing also is the cause of the thing caused ; wherefore the occasional cause being uncessantly present , and entertained within ( which others call the conteining one ) is the cause of the internal cause of fevers , ( which i will by and by declare ) of the fever it self , and of accidents sprung from thence . for if the occasional cause were the true containing cause , and matter of the fever it self ; truly there would never be any intermitting fever : for the essential causes being supposed which are requisite to a fever , the fever also is of necessity present ; but the occasional cause is present from the beginning even to the end ; the which , if it were the containing cause , and did effectively contain the essence of a fever in its own bosome , the fever also should be present as long as that containing cause is : but the consequence is false , therefore also is the antecedent ; that is , that cause is not the containing one , and of the intimate essence of fevers , but external unto it , and therefore occasional . and seeing in the variety of the occasional cause , a reason consisteth , whereby it is either continual , or intermitting ; also why it is more or less troublesome , swifter or slower , according to its expulsion : it must needs be , that not one only seminal occasion of one corruption is to be granted . since therefore the definition of things is most fitly setched from their constituting and essential causes ( even as elsewhere concerning logical matters ) i have therefore appointed a two fold matter of the occasionall cause : both indeed new , and hitherto unheard of . unheard of i say , because i am he who do not acknowledge both the cholers , phlegm , and venal blood , as the constitutives of the blood , neither do i admit of them in nature ( even as i have demonstrated by many arguments , in a peculiar treatise concerning humours ) neither especially do i grant the blood to be made up of many unlike parts . as neither if it were constituted from thence , that it could ever immediately returne back into its own constitutive parts , neither that it could shew those in the blood let out of the veines , and give an occasion of errour to the schooles ; since there is not granted an immediate return from a privation unto the former habite : wherefore it is a frivolous thing to argue that there are four humours in the blood , that sometimes three , and sometimes four are seperated from thence by the corruption of it self : which question , as i have elsewhere described , as sufficiently sifted , it is sufficient here to have touched at by the way . for truly , i have judged , that no aide is to be fetched from those humours , in this place : but in the last digestion of the nourishment , while the solide parts endeavour to assimilate nourishment to themselves out of the blood , it happens that degenerate alterations , and as it were wrong or rash abortions are very often made : this degenerate nourishment therefore , undergoing various abusive marks of its changing , doth also beget diverse fevers . and those first and supposed humours prepared out of the chyle , and chyme or cream , do far differ from the true nourishment of the solide parts degenerating through the transchanging of the blood : therefore fevers arise , not from both the cholers , phlegme , venal blood , and spirit being putrified , but from secondary juices , not indeed putrifying , but degenerated in time of assimilation . but they degenerate through the admixture of a forreign matter , or from a forreign impression , or next , through the errour of the archeus , being wrothfull , or called aside . moreover , another occasional cause of fevers , i derive from elsewhere : to wit , that because we undoutedly believe by anatomy , that the meseraick veines being dispersed through the whole conduite of the intestines , do suck whatsoever liquid thing the archeus also hath known would be familiar unto him : the aforesaid veines therefore , draw a certain juyce out of the utmost parts of the gut ileon , and the more grosse bowells nigh adjoyning to these : but when there is no longer any nourishment in the same place , but rather a certaine dung ; they suck unto them a being hitherto unnamed ; wherefore i ought to give it a new name : therefore i call it drosse , or liquide dung , being profitable in nature for its own ends : because it resisting the discommodities of the urine , therefore also urines being tinged , do not so soon stonify as the more waterish ones do . whatsoever therefore hath hitherto tinged or died the urine , is the drosse , but not the gaule ; even as otherwise , the galenists being deluded , have seduced their young beginners ( which thing elsewhere , more largely in the inspection of urine ) and so their judgments concerning the tincture of urines , brought downe unto gawly and cholerick humours , have respect to nothing but the drosse or liquide dung : for if but as even the least small drop of gaule should be in the urine ( by how much lesse , so much as is required for a sufficient tincture of the whole ) it should be wholly made bitter ; but it doth not wax bitter ; therefore there is no gaul in it : the major proposition is manifest from the breaking of the gawle in a fish , however exactly thou washest the fish from the gaule , yet he is bitter in tast : but that the tincture of the urine is the drosse , is manifest by distillation : and the demonstrations hereof ( in the treatise of duelech ) i have offered as obvious , to every one that is willing to make tryal . in the last place therefore , the tincture passeth thorow unto the urine ; because the comming of the chyle that is changed into drosse , unto the gut colon , is the slower , because this colon is the more latter in its scituation . therefore the judgment of the schooles concerning the colours , and content of urines have been hitherto false , and the divinations drawne from thence . it is therefore a fine fable of ignorance in galen , who saith : in the morning i see my urine to be watery , wherefore i repose my self to rest , and after some space , i see it to be tinged , because choler comes in the last place , and so my urine receiveth the last maturity of its digestion . as if the urine in the bladder , if it be not let out , should be cocted by its own maturity , or by an additament of the tinging gawle ? surely choler ( if there were any ) should arise conjoyntly with the other humours , and with the urine the whey of blood : to wit , by the same labour of the sanguifying liver , the choler powred on it should tinge that urine , and not some houres after , unlesse thy can shew that it would be profitable for that excremental choler to be kept for some time , and that seperated without the urine . but they thus argue on the opposite part , from an eventual conjecture , and from causes being badly understood . for they say that it is of experience , that in continual fevers , if after yellow urines , watery ones do suddenly appear , doating delusions are signified , by reason of choler ( according to galen ) crept up into the head : but it had behoved this man to have shewn , who the sender of that choler should be , who its conducter thorow the veines , and what the receptacle of that choler : whether the bosome of the braine ( for there is no other hollownesse in the head ) could bear that choler without present death ? and for what end nature should do these things , that from the sinks of the humours being nigh to an emunctory , she should bring feverish choler , and that totally excrementitious , directly on the opposite part , unto a most noble bowel ? but i in my signification of urines , have gathered from the same signs of the urine , that the liquid dung is not brought through the veins after a due manner , unto the urine : therefore it is certain , that it is detained elsewhere besides nature ; but that it is not brought unto the head , but unto the veins of the midriffe : that is , unto the seat of the fever is that very other feverish excrement brought ; whence i divine , the fever to be hereafter increased , and from thence a doatage . but that the archer of doating delusions and of madnesses dwells in the midriffs , is as well manifest from hippocrates : in whom a vein strongly beats in the place about the short-ribs , he is by and by estranged in his mind : as from the property of the name received in the schools , whereby they denominate the hypocondriacal passion from its seat : but because the mark of the archer is the brain , that he may stir up doatages and drowsie evils ; that ought not to move the physitian , that therefore he should apply a remedy to the head : for truly , that thing is alwayes to have applyed a medicine unto the effect , unto the shaken weapons , but not unto the archer . wherefore as long as the dross or liquid dung is carried in a straight line unto the urine , as its natural emunctory , it is well ; but if it be crookedly brought unto some other place , there is a continual fever , as well because it is an excrement in its own nature , as because it departs to an undue inne : otherwise , the nourishment being degenerate in the way of the last digestion , is for the most part , the more mild , and without savour ; and therefore it affords intermitting fevers , and those the longer ones , as their matter is the more glewie : but the liquid dung is more sharp or cruel , and therefore it stirs up the more cruel continual fevers , and those aspiring sooner unto a period . but these two excrements , or both occasional causes , where they shall conspire in one , they bring forth bastard-fevers , epiala's , semiteritans , those consisting of one and an half , and wandring fevers ; therefore intermitting fevers stand in need of more powerful incisives or cutting remedies , then continual ones , because they have a more stubborn , and a more glewie occasional matter , which cleaves or grows to the vessels within . but if that nourishment degenerates beyond the liver , it stirs up divers apostemes , but not primary fevers . for because also in a phlegmone or inflamed aposteme , the bloud , or nourishment of the solid parts , degenerates into corrupt pus , it brings with it also a fever , of necessity : and when it shall come unto the utmost , there is the less labour and pain ; even as also by continual fevers there is then a crisis even like unto an aposteme . for why do not the schools rather conclude of phlegme from the little cloud of the urine , then of a sign of perfect concoction , if one only yellow choller tingeth the urine ? surely that little cloud denotes chiefly , that the stomach hath recovered the ferment of its own sharpness : whence the old man saith ; that sour belchings suddenly comming upon burntish ones , is a good sign : and so denotes a declining of fevers to be present , or a crisis : but a good physitian ought to neglect crises's , because he ought to prevent them : for nature causeth not a crisis or time of judgement , unless when she alone carries the whole burden on set daies . a true physitian therefore , ought to overcome the disease before a crisis ; and therefore neither doth he wait , nor wish for a crisis : but an unfaithful one , the intention of nature being disregarded , either hinders , or enlargeth a crisis . but the coction which is expected in fevers , is a cutting , and cleansing away of the tough matter ; but not that otherwise , nature attempts the digestion of the thing besides nature , nor cocteth any thing , except she pretend alwayes to assimilate it to her self , by a similar or alike and simple digestion : for oft-times therefore , a little cloud appearing in a quartane , vanisheth away ; because coction , which the small cloud signifies , is not a true subduing of the matter from a primary intention , but only of the digestive ferment of the stomach : otherwise , the feverish matter being once made the more fluide , a new crudity happens not thereupon . chap. xii . the diet of fevers . . what is the most slender food of acute or sharp fevers . . herbie medicines are not to be mixed with meates . . feverish persons may drink . . they must abstaine from fleshy foodes . . the madnesse of physitians . . what sort of meat and drink is fit for those that have a fever . . a debate concerning the use of wine in fevers . . that a fever , and heat are radically distinguished . . it is of little concernment , whether a remedy for a fever be hot , or temperate . . an objection is refuted . . how great the inflamation of the archeus is . from that one only precept of hippocrates ; that in acute or sharp diseases ( he hath commanded ) we must presently use a most slender food : but i do not interpret a most slender diet to be a strict fasting , or severe abstinence ; nor likewise to be the broaths of fleshes , by whatsoever favour of herbs they are altered . truly those medicines are not to be mixed with meates ; but all things are to be introduced by their own stages . first of all i detest in fevers , an abstinence from drink : for if the fever be hot and thirsty , but is deprived of moistening drink , it robs of blood , and of the nourishments of the solide parts , together with the strength : for as it is lawfull to unload the bladder even as oft as an importunate necessity urgeth , it craves not leave of the physitian to this end : likewise also we must drink as oft as necessity admonisheth , seeing the one is not more agreeable to nature , than the other : otherwise , the strict law of thirst , and obedience of its command being broken , hath already , a thousand times brought disgrace on the physitian . i also abhorre the broaths of fleshes in a fever ; for nature forthwith detesteth the same , and by how much the more meer or unmixt they are , by so much the more to be condemned according to the mind of hippocrates : impure bodies ( so he calls those of feverish persons , whose stomach is burntishly stinking ) by how much the more thou nourishest them , by so much the more thou hurtest them : for they hurt feverish persons ; because flesh , eggs , fishes , and fleshy broaths , are then easily mortified or corrupted , and do least of all nourish . for it is like unto madnesse , to empty the veins , and again to be willing to nourish those whose digestive faculty is prostrated : to be willing to comfort i say where the enemy is within . for then thin ales being joyned with wine , wherewith bread , being first boyled in water apart , even unto a glew or mucilage , it admixed , do most especially satisfie ; and these being taken crude , and not boyled : for truly , by boyling , the vertue of those drinks looseth , but not increase : for so that vertue being unsensibly mixed with the drink , satisfies both indications ; neither is it to be feared least the sick party under this diet should perish through want : especially since he is unworthy the name of a physitian , who restoreth not the person that hath a fever before the space of four dayes . but moreover all the galenists inveigh against the use of wine ( although wines being secretly drunk , have a thousand times brought reproach on the galenical art ) because a fever is nothing but a meer heat , being called by hippocrates a fire , , and wine shall be to him that hath a fever , such as oyl is for the extinguishing of fire . but this argument hath already before perished as an old wives fable , under the definition of a fever : and by so much the rather , because it is contrary to daily experience : for as many as use wine moderately in fevers , do the more easily recover , preserve their strength , and are the sooner restored unto their former state : but they who after the diminishments of the body , and abstinence from wine , do peradventure escape through the benefit of nature alone , they remain sickly for a long course of weeks . for truly , none doubteth , but that the plague is the most cruel , sharp , and swift fever ; but that it is loosed without the cutting of a vein , and purging , and only by sweats , and the drinking of the more pure wine . none also doubteth but that triacle , and other sudoriserous medicines are hot , may be given to drink in wine , yea and in aqua vitae . and since these things as such , do not hurt , but profit in the sharpest of fevers ; much less shall wine be taken away in the more mild ones ; especially , because it is manifest , that heat is not the constituter of fevers , but a consequent thereof by accident . neither is there place for arguing the difference of the plague from other fevers : for in very deed , the plague floats in the archeus as a poyson : but fevers have a stubborn occasional matter , and that adhering to the veins : therefore transpirative medicines are required on both sides : in the plague indeed medicines that cause sweat , together with an antidote against the contagion of the poyson : but in other fevers , diaphoreticks which cut , dissolve , and cleanse : and truly on both sides , this buisiness is perfected by hot things . but wine hath a peculiar betokening , not only because it addeth strength , whereby nature subdueth the hateful matter ; but moreover , because it is a convenient chariot of medicines : for indeed it is a messenger that hath known the wayes , being fitted for the journey , being near to the inner most parts , and admitted into the inner chambers of the body : for in a young , and strong man with a small fever , there is great heat ; when as in the mean time , in old men there is a mortal , and difficult fever : yet it hath an heat scarce troublesome . if therefore heat be encreased after wine is administred , the feverish malignity is not therefore encreased ; because a fever , and heat are radically distinct ; the which i have already shewn by the fevers of young , and old people . it makes no matter , although the trouble of heat shall a little increase through the drinking of wine ; for that is recompenced with usury ; because the faculties ( the only physitianesses of diseases ) are increased by moderate wine . this very thing , if it be more fully , and radically sifted , thou shalt find that heat doth not properly accompany a fever , but the valour or strength of the faculties . therefore that which the schools do so greatly abhor in wine , is the mark of a good sign : for deadly , and the worst of fevers are scarce hot ; and every fever about the time of death is without heat . if therefore the motion of heat be that of the archeus himself , for the expelling of the enemy , and wine add heat ; therefore he who proceeds by wine , heals according to the conformity of nature : notwithstanding let us grant , that heat , wine being administred , is the greater , yea also that the fever is the sharper : for what other thing follows from thence , than that the wine shall increase the vital constitution ? and that that state is nearer to the constitution of young folks , than that which proceeds by cooling things , or without the administration of wine ? for cooling means are more like to death , to cessation from motion , and to defect ; but heat from moderate wine , is a mean like unto life , and a means which the archeus himself useth : for the constitution of heat increased by wine , is nearer to the vigour , state , and crisis , than if the strength being weak , there shall be the more feeble heat by abstaining therefrom : these things concerning the drinking of wine . but concerning the drinking of water ; let the decision be , that feverish persons desire not hot water , nor do they thirst after that which is luke-warm ; but cold water is to be admitted in a slack degree , in the highest heat of the state of the fever ; neither must we be afraid as i have said , of a co-mixture of the extreames ; because experience hath long since successfully shooke off this fear . but in other stations of fevers , neither is cold water , as neither is abundance to be drunk ; yet thirst is never to be endured , not indeed under sweat ; but then let the drink be hot : if thirst be urgent , and the fever hath not the fodder of drink , the in-bred moisture is wasted . but moreover , that which they accuse concerning the crudity of water , take thou thus : water springing out of sand is simple , and the best , and it is to be taken from the fountain it self ; but that which runs thorow pipes , or issues out of a clayie spring , is now partaker of a mixt malignity : but this water i call not so much crude , as infected : for water by it self , deserves neither to be called crude , nor cocted , as neither is it ripened by heat , nor doth it attain any thing thereby ; for it is sufficient , so that its highest cold be blunted : but none may use infected waters , as neither any cold drink in the plague , and malignant fevers . but there is a larger reason for an hot remedy : but neither do i ever perswade a remedy which may moderate fevers only by heat ; but as wine profits by comforting , and by more throughly introducing succours coupled unto it ; so do remedies by cutting , resolving , and cleansing , and in that respect the more prosperousty , because they have the archeus in operating , agreeable to themselves ; for thus far he co-mingles his own powers with the powers of remedies , that the occasional cause may be put to flight , and that the more firm health may not presently receive its strength prostrated . at length perhaps they will object against these things : that since heat in a fever is the effect of the spirit that maketh the aassult his being wroth ; it also followes , that from the measure of heat , the wrothfulness of the archeus is to be measured , and by consequence , that whatsoever increaseth a feverish heat , doth also increase a fever . i have answered before , that there are many branches , effects , or various symptomes of one root : and that oft-times , doating delusions , coma's or sleeping evils , intermittencies of pulses , to wit , things denoting an increased fever , do happen under the more mild heat ; even as from a tender branch of an acorn there is a greater leaf than from an old oak . there is therefore an elenchus or fault in the argument , to say [ the fever is the greater in the man ] for i abhor that encreased fever , the which mortal increased symptomes do follow : but i in no wise fear the fever to have increased , because the archeus doth the more strongly rise up for the expulsion of the root of the fever : and if they in conclusion call that thing an increased fever , i little dwell upon it . for so also the schools perswade , that we are not greatly to be afraid of accidents unexpectedly happening besides reason . it is therefore to be noted , that the archeus is never enflamed in his whole : for otherwise , about the end of the fit , the whole archeus being dissolved or wasted , should be the cause of fainting . the archeus therefore is enflamed in much , or a little portion of himself : and therefore the archeus being encreased by wine , if more thereof be enflamed , yet more of him is not lost ( and yet he more strongly strained the occasional cause ) than if the archeus be not strengthened , and encreased , and a less part of him be enflamed . chap. xiii . the essence of a fever . . of what sort an essential , and natural definition is . . diseases are beings subsisting by themselves , and not accidents . . why diseases inhabite in a strange inn. . a disease is not only a travel , nor a motion , nor a distemper , nor a disposition . . the essence of a fever , which the schools are hitherto ignorant of . . there is therefore another scope of healing than what hath hitherto been ▪ . that the occasional cause alone distinguisheth fevers . . the cure of a physitian is made easie . the definition of a thing is not to be framed from the general kind of the thing defined , and from the constitutive difference of the species's or particular kinds , even as i have elsewhere demonstrated in logicks : because besides rational and irrational , ( if so be they are as yet the constitutive differences of living creatures ) no differences of like sort appear in the schools : but a natural definition ought to consist of the material , and internal efficient , or seminal causes : because those two are those which constitute the thing it self , and that the whole , and they remain unseparably essential in it as long as it self is ; and so they explain a thing by its causes , and the properties of these . truly fevers have a matter , and an internal efficient cause after the manner of other beings subsisting in them ; although all diseases inhabite in a living body ; because they are not beings of the first creation , but begun from the curse of the departure out of the right way ; and therefore neither have they properly their own seminal being which constitutes , and nourishes them ; but they have an occasional being from whence they are stirred up instead of a seed ; the which ceasing , the disease ceaseth . as oft therefore as that which is not vital is inserted into a vital soil , the archeus is angry and becomes wroth , that he may exclude that forreign thing out of his anatomy : the which i have perfectly taught in the entrance of this treatise , by a thorn thrust into the finger : therefore a fever is not only an expulsive endeavour , or alterative motion , ( and much less the alteration and disposition it self , as the schools have otherwise thought ) but a fever is a material part it self of the archeus defiled through indignation : for a part of the archeus is defiled through anger , and receives an image or idea of indignation , ( the which is clearly expressed in a woman great with child , fearing , or desiring any thing , while she conveighs the seal of the thing desired on her young ) and whatsoever of the archeus is defiled by that forreign idea , this ought to have been rooted out by the fit : so that that is the cause of wearisomness in fevers , because the spirit being marked with a forreign likeness , or hateful image , as unapt for the performance of the wonted offices of its government , totally vanisheth : for so those that profoundly contemplate , are tired with much weariness : for the archeus , if he hath an image brought into him , is unfit for governing of the body : for therefore persons void of care , the more healthy , more strong ones , and those of a longer life , do slowly wax grey : the endeavour therefore of a physitian is not to direct unto the effect , or unto the alterations naturally received in the archeus : for ( as i have said ) in diseases , all things depend on the occasional cause implanted into the field of life ; because diseases have not in them an essential root of permanency and stability , as other beings have which consist and subsist by their own seeds ; because in very deed , all do immediatly consist in the life ; ( therefore in a dead carcase there is no disease ) and therefore all the destruction , and cessation of these , depends on the removal of the occasional cause . the scope therefore of healing cannot turn it self unto the cooling of heat , or to the' stupefying of alterative motions , as neither unto the expectation of concomitant accidents , and produced effects : for the physitian shall labour in vain , shall loose his labour , time , and occasions , as long as he shall not be intent on the withdrawing of the occasional cause : yea by how much the more he shall do that , by so much the more delightfully , and acceptably there will be help . in all fevers there is one only inflaming , or indignation of the archeus , whence also they agree in the essence , and name of a fever , being distinguished only by their occasional cause . indeed the matter , and inne distinguisheth fevers : yea it is of no great moment with a good physitian , to have curiously searched into the diversities of fevers according to the properties of the matter , and places , since it is neither granted him to have prevented them , neither can it be said to a remedy , go thou unto such a vein , or unto that place ; for it is sufficient to have known what things i have already before in general concluded : and let the whole study of a physitian be , to have found out remedies , with whom all fevers are of the same value and weight , as i shall presently declare . chap. xiv . a perfect curing of all fevers . . the property of the occasional cause . . why it becomes not putrified . . vomitory and laxative medicines cure only by accident . . the schools why they have not had meet remedies . . none cured of fevers by the physitians . . the authors excuse . . of what sort the remedy of a fever is . . the successfulness , and unadvisedness of paracelsus are noted . . the description of an vniversal remedy . . a remedy purging fevers , and the sick , but not the healthy , is described . . the most rare property of the liquor alkahest . . particular remedies of fevers . therefore it is now manifest , and be it sufficient , that the occasional matter of a fever is to be vanquished , and that that matter if it be not food corrupted ( as in a diary ) at least , that it is an excrement , not indeed a putrified one , ( unless in malignat fevers wherein putrefaction is as yet in its making ) but a strange forreign one , not vital , being deteined against nature , and so brought into anothers harvest : and by this title altogether hostile to the archeus . for if it were putrified , it should not be tough , neither should it adhere as stubborn , ( for by putrefaction the stedfast fibers decay ) and so neither should it afford daily fevers , but it should presently make to putrifie , and mortifie the vessel containing it , together with it self , whence death would be necessitated . the occasional matter of fevers therefore , is detained besides the desires of nature , in undue places , wherein there is not any sink of the body : therefore vomitory , and laxative remedies , if ever they have performed any profitable thing , another prone & neighbouring matter is thrust out together with it : for otherwise , the occasional matter of fevers doth ordinarily reside in the hollow of the stomack , or bowels , because they are sinks , and places appropriated for expulsion , unless perhaps in a diary fever , the disease called choler , the flux , bloody flux , and other fevers of these pipes stirred up from a matter adhering unto them : for i speak especially of the primary or chief fevers . first of all , the schools could not seek meet remedies for fevers , they being seasoned with first of all , the schools could not seek meet remedies for fevers , they being seasoned with bad and false principles : but they not seeking after remedies , neither also could they find them : therefore physitians being hitherto destitute of a true remedy , have endeavoured to cure fevers , going into a circle : but if any have been cured under them , that hath been by accident . let them give god thanks who hath bestowed strength on the sick , whereby they have tesisted the fever , and their succours . physitians therefore instead of curing fevers , have neglected them by exhaustings of the strength , and blood . far be envy from what is spoken : for not boasting , or the vain desire of a little glory , i call god the judge to witness ; but mans necessity , and the compassion of mortals hath constrained me to write , and make manifest these things . i have bestowed my talent , let him believe me , and follow me that will : it shall no longer lay upon me , if mortals being rash of belief , perish by fevers . indeed the occasional cause of fevers is cut off by one only hook : that remedy is sudoriferous or a causer of sweat , which cuts , extenuates , dissolves , melts , shaves off , and also cleanseth away the occasional cause in whatsoever place it at length shall exist ; and it is a universal medicine of fevers , diaphoretical or transpirative indeed , causing the aforesaid effects unsensibly , and without sweat . for indeed paracelsus , although he had arcanum's or secret medicines , whereby at one only draught he alike successively cured the quartane ague , and all fevers ; yet the knowledge of their causes was not granted unto him : he being contented to have introduced into us all the particular creatures of the microcosm , and so under a rashness of belief , to have applied the species , numbers , and properties of all simples , and stars unto the medicinal art ; and that not indeed by similitudes , but he would have them to be so precisely known by a simple identity under the penalty of convicted idiotism : therefore i distinguish not a fever , if there be the greatest goodness of a remedy : for that remedy is the diaphoretick precipitate of paracelsus , which cures every fever at one only potion : but an hectick fever within the course of the moon or in a months space : for it being taken in at the mouth , cures the cancer , wolf , and any eating malignant ulcer , whether external , or internal ; and likewise the dropsie , asthma , and any chronical disease : for it alone perfects the desires of physitians , as well in physical , as chyrurgical defects . the description thereof is as well in his book of the death of things , as in his great chyrurgery , and i will somewhat more manifestly declare it : take of the powder of johannes de vigo being prepared with thy own hand : for otherwise it is adulterated by minium being admixed with it , even as also any sort of chymical medicine whatsoever which is set to sale , is full of deceit . this powder , the element of fire extracted from the vitriol of venus or copper being poured on it , is to be five times cohobated with aqua regis , by increasing the fire about the end ; for it is plainly fixed ; and it is a powder exceeding corrosive : the which afterwards let it be ten times cohobated with aqua vitae most exactly refined , and renewed at every turn , until it hath brought away with it all the corrosion : and then that powder is sweet like sugar : and therefore the spirit of wine is there called saltaberi , or tabarzet , which sounds , sugar : not because it is sweet in it self , but it takes away the cortosive spirits with it self ; so that the remaining powder shines in its own sweetness , and not borrowed from elsewhere . for besides that the fire of vitriol is sweet , the very sulphur of the mercury being then turned inside out , is of the greatest sweetness . that powder is fixed , and it is called horizontal gold : for i have delivered a secret unto a few , which ennobles a physitian : but to have prepared that secret , is for the first turn of great labour , and the direction thereof depends on the hand of him unto whom all honour is due ; because he reveals such secrets unto his little ones , which the world knows not , and therefore hath a low esteem of them . there is also the purging remedy diuceltatesson , which radically cures the gout , no less than fevers : and it is called his corralline secret , which is prepared of the essence of horizontal gold after this manner . from the common mercury sold in shops , abstract thou the liquor alkahest , whereof he makes mention in his second book of the strength or faculties of the members , in the chap. concerning the liver : the which is done in a quarter of an hour : for saith raymund , my friends standing about me , and the king being present , i coagulated quicksilver , and none besides the king knew the manner how . in which coagulation that is singular , that the liquor alkahest being the same in number , weight , and activity , prevails as much in the thousandth action , as it did at the first ; because it acteth without a re-acting of the patient . the mercury therefore being thus coagulated without any remainder of the coagulater , make thereof a fine powder , and distill thou five times from that powder , the water distilled from the whites of eggs ; and the sulphur of the mercury , which by its aforesaid coagulation was drawn outwards , will be made red like coral : and although the water of the whites of eggs may stirk ; yet that powder is sweet , fixed , enduring all the fire of the bellowes ; neither doth it perish in the examination of lead ; yet it is spoiled of its medicinal vertue , while it is reduced into a white mettal . but it is for the most part given in the quantity of eight grains ; because it purgeth the body of man as long as it is defective , and not perfectly sound : it heals also the ulcers of the bladder , wind-pipe , and throat . but since it belongs not to every physitian to go to corinth , neither is it lawfull to prophane the secrets of god , who would remain the dispenser hereof ; it hath been sufficient for me to have manifested the theorie of medicine : that by praying , seeking , and knocking , they may attain knowledge , from whence every good gift descendeth . notwithstanding there are some particular remedies of fevers , which although they ascend not unto the universal ampleness of general kinds ; yet they for the most part give satisfaction in fevers . of which sort are the salts of cephalical things or things for the head , and likewise of marioram , rosemary , sage , rue , and the like : not thinking that these salts are the alcalies or lixivial ones of their ashes ; but volatile salts , and those which contain the whole crasis or constitutive temperature of the simples : for they are famous diaphoreticks , and somewhat temperate ones : the which if they are drunk in wine , or vinegar at a due station , to wit , upon a fasting stomack : and before the fit of intermitting fevers , or at any time of continual fevers , and sweat be procured , they shall never expose a faithful physitian to a mock . cease thou also to wonder , that i propose fevers to be cured without all evacuation , if i perswade transpiration , and sweats : for i have also seen fevers to be frequently cured by simples bound on the body , with the great disgrace of physitians . lastly , i will also say this , that i have safely cured an hundred quartanes by an emplaster , without a relapse , although aurumnal ones . therefore in the family of feverish species's , such particular remedies do oft-times reach to the top of an universal remedy . seek and ye shall find , so that medicine be not for gain : for if your intention be mercy , from charity ; truth , and light descending from the father of lights shall meet you in the journey : to whom be a rendering of honour for ever . chap. xv. an answer unto reproaches . . an argument against the contemners of sciences . . answers unto the reproaches of the galenists . . the chymical medicines of the shops are adalterated . . corrosives wax mild by the fire . . an objection concerning the smaleness of the dose . . the dignity of mercury , and stibium or antimony . . a most rare arcanum of volatile salt. . all things cry for revenge against the galenist , the despiser of chymistry . . the original of the apothecaries shop . . an objection concerning the solving of pearls and coralls . . after what manner things dissolving are separated from things dissolved in the stomack . . what to [ precipitate ] may signifie in chymical preparations . . a censure of some writers of chymistry . . a repeated objection , privy escapes unto the more soft tophus's or small stones of living creatures . . of what sort the action of gemms on us may be . . what there may be in a more tender stone which operates , its powder remaining safe . . mechanical proofs . . proofs from their own weapons . . a certain wonderful , and almost infinite re-acting of the patient without a transchangeative passion of its essence . . an explaining it by handicraft operation . . what bodies being apparently dissolved , may suffer in us . . a danger unknown to the schools . . a secret involved first by ungrateful dissolved bodies , and afterwards a superlative one by grateful dissolvents . . a general kind of medicine . . a conclusion unto physitians . . the praise of the volatile salt of tartar. this ulcerous or corrupt age of most perverse wits , will not suffer those that are admonished to repent : for so far are they as yet from that , that most practitioners refuse to enquire into these greater secrets , because they every where inveigh against sciences which they are ignorant of . but because they are altogether ignorant of the same , they both almost triumph , and also gratifie each other concerning their ignorance ; neither is it manifest , that they have spent their time in those things unprofitably , because it shameth them not ; to have a vile esteem of chymical science , by writings and taunts , as a smoak-selling , and delusive or false art : but they know not , that since of a non-being there is no knowledge , and no conception in the mind answering thereunto : therefore also , in that whereby they deny the truth of science , they manifest that they are ignorant of the same : that is , vilely to esteem of that which they are wholy ignorant of : and there are others , who more mildly , but alike blockishly say : . those things belong not to our judgment or employment , they no way touch at medicinal affaires : for we follow things approved from of old . . chymical medicines cast a smel of corruption , being hot , violent , and not common . . we have servants who faithfully prepare those medicines which are for use : and it is unseemly for a learned man to excercise the composition or preparation of medicine . . the smoak-selling experimentators institute all horrid evacuations , being full of terrour , because they are supported only by mercury , and antimony , they being manifest poysons : and so , they are to be reputed among mountebanks or juglers . these are those things which they by reason of their ignorance , thrust upon the unwary vulgar : whereunto i in order thus give satisfaction . we treate of medicines , but not of things , which concern a corriar , or potter : they therefore suppose a shamefull evasion , that they are ignorant of what it had behoved them to learn : neither also is there a trusty foundation from antiquity , it being always ruinous ; they going where it hath been gone , not where they were to go , they alwayes following the flock of predecessours , and mutually subscribing to each other through the blind judgments of their mind : our fugitive servants also will answer , i being silent , from whom they borrow the corrosive powder of precipitate , and of another more sweet , or lesse poysonsome , and likewise the vitrum or glasse of antimony , and the floures thereof , cinabrium , and in summe ; nothing but poysons , for the transplantings , and cloaking of great diseases : but all things notably adulterated for the desire of gain . for it is easie to deceive the ignorant in things which they professe themselves to be ignorant of : for there are essential oiles set to sale , and the which are valued at a great price , they being all and every of them adulterated : whether nine parts of oyle of almonds were co-mixed with one part of essential oyle , is a matter of easie experiment : for cast it on a sponefull of aqua vitae , and whatsoever shall swim atop ; let it be the essential oyle ; but the rest , oyle of almonds : and that thing thou shalt the more certainly know , if thou shalt make tryal in a bath : the oyle of sulphur is for one half of it raine water , but the distillation of vitriol is brought wholly into deceit , and is more frivolous dayly : the which will presently be manifest through a simple examination by a bath : that scarce a sixth part thereof is the pure distillation , and that as yet loaded with the tincture of oaken bark . in the next place , unto the second particular i will by and by answer : now it is sufficient to have said , that the more choice physitians at this day , do not despise chimical remedies , the which , their bookes do lately testifie : and so the fox dispraiseth grapes , and hens , that are sequestred from him in the tree : but how much they can performe , the experienced sick do speak though we be silent . unto the third : it is no disgrace or uncomelinesse , to have prepared some the more choice remedies with ones own hand , and to have bequeathed and delivered those medicines unto his posterity , by his hands : for neither was it an unbeseeming thing for the high priest of the hebrewes to have struck down oxen , and to have played the butcher for the salvation of the people : is it happily a more glorious thing for the galenical rout to have viewed stinking dung , and to have stirred it with a stick , than for us to have handled furnaces , vessells , and coales ? surely if they had the weight of truth , they would knowthat the works of charity do not defame any one : but they who have not charity , account all things disgracefull besides gaine and lucre. depart ye from this pride , and be ye mercifull , as your father which is in heaven is mercifull : for else he will say , i know you not that live for gaine and deceite : but indeed disgrace hinders not these somewhat ambitious ones , but ignorance , and the covetous desire of lucre : for they make more account of the number of visits , than of the glory of curing , which wholly buries it self in having done well . for as soon as they are dismissed from the schooles with the title of doctour , they enquire through the streets and inns , with the eyes of a lamprey , whether there are not sick folks which may entrust them with their life : but stop your proceedings , medicine is not to be excercised after the manner of mechanick arts . and because physitians err in this point , the father of lights withdrawes his gifts , after that medicine is managed as a plow . possess ye charity , and gain will voluntarily , follow you with honour and glory , the which take hold of a physitian that shuns them , whom the most high hath commanded to be honoured . unto the fourth i grant , that all kind of knaves have most licentiously thrust themselves into chymistry , no less than into medicinal affairs , and that a various destruction doth thereby daily arise unto mankind ; on whom surely the magistrate ought of right to be severe in punishment : but these things do not defame honest men . it is certain , that deceit , and the adulterating of medicines have always been annexed to gain . but as to what pertains to the reproach of remedies , & chymists , that is to be sifted by a larger discourse . first of all , it is suitable in this place , that science or knowledge hath no enemy but the ignorant person ; not any such one , but him that is proud , and refuseth to learn : the which is manifest by the already mentioned corrosives , and indeed manifest poysons , that they become sweeter than sugar : the same thing is also more easily manifest , and to our hand ; for truly scarwort , frogwort , apium risus , &c. do forthwith in distilling lay aside their embladderring power , even as the juyce of citron doth its sharpness , water-pepper its acrimony , &c. neither is that of concernment , that chymical medicines are to be administred in a small dose : for that accuseth them not of poysonsomness , but of the higest perfection of acting : for so there is one dose of meates , and another of scammony , spurge , and coloquintida : therefore an undiscreet physitian is like a tormenter . the virtues of a chymical remedy are narrowed in a smal quantity , under which they are pleasing while as all things have regard in their own proportions , unto the strength and necessities of the sick . hitherto perhaps that saying of jeremy . doth not unfitly square : if thou shalt seperate the pretious from the vile , thou shalt be as my mouth : but that which they upbraid us with concerning quicksilver , and antimony , it conteins a meer ignorance of things , and a blockish reproach : for antimony , as long as it provoketh vomite and stooles , and mercury may be revived , they are poysons , nor the remedies of a good man : but when they have have come unto the top of perfection for which they are ordained of god , no mortal man can search out their virtues , or illustrate them with due praises , however the guts of the scoffing momus may crack . for neither do we boast , that we have known the purgative force of mercury and stibium , and to have given them to the sick to drink , who detest purging things , especially those which alike equally dissolve an healthy , as a sick person , by causing putrefiction . lay aside choler , and remember that in your shops , dispensatories eccho forth nothing besides scammony , coloquintida , elaterium , esula or spurge , that is , meer poysons : and then , although the essences of vegetables and spices are hot ; yet their volatile salts ( which thou hast never seen ) are temperate . so that , if thou shalt know how to transchange the oyle of cinnamon , cloves , lavender , &c. into a volatile salt , thou hast obtained a temperate medicine effecting as much as can be hoped for from those simples , in an old vertigo , bearing of the heart , apoplexy , and the like diseases : therefore they who at this day keep the keyes of medicine , seeing themselves do not enter the passages , they drive mortals from the usefull fruite of those gifts which the most high hath dispersed in nature . therefore the powers of the most exellent things cry to heaven , that they have come as it were in vain , that there is scarce any one who can loosen their bonds , that they may bestow the benevolence which is due to mortal men ; but rather , that they have become the rewards of whoredomes and adulteries : that science therefore which teacheth how to look , into bodies shut up , by a re-solution of themselves , and to extract their hidden virtues , is not the servant of the practick preparatory part of medicine ( as the reproaches of the ignorant do sound ) but it is the chief interpretation of the history of nature . for the apothecaries shop began at first , from merchants , the collectours of simples and herbs : but afterwards when physitians saw that it was not meet for every one to boyle , season , and prepare simples , that buisinesse was also comitted to the sellers of simples . in the mean time , physitians kept the more choyce and secret remedies to themselves , whereby they might procure honour with their posterity : but at length the sluggishness of physitians increasing , they were contented to run through the streets from house to house , to have made gain by the frequency of visits ; at length dispensatories succeeded thereupon , for the compiling of formes of medicines here and there selected according to the pleasure of ignorance , that they might be kept in the shops , and in a bravery set to sale , rather for expedition than for their property . whence at length , physitians joyning compositions to compositions , give sometimes the hotch-potch of a thousand simples to the sick , to drink , that if one thing help not , at least wise another may help ; or at least , that they may excuse themselves that they have managed the cure of the sick according to the common rule . this is the preparation of medicine at this day , from which , how far the philosophy of chymistry differs , they indeed have known , who even but from the entrance , have saluted the same ; but unskilfull haters only , are ignorant thereof . the galenists surely will take it haynously , that i have answered unto their ignorninies and reproaches by meer light , and that i have rent the houshold-stuffe of their chiefest remedies , wherefore they will pursue ( i know well enough ) after this manner : thou urgest that pearles , corrals , &c. are not disolved in sharpish liquors ; but that they are only calcined , and powdered by the salts of the dissolvers , also that they are hidden , and made invisible onely to the sight : and that thing thou provest by silver being dissolved in aqua fortis , that it is from thence reduced safe , therefore that it hath not lost its former essence , and thou wrestest that aside unto the aforesaid stones , and provest it , because by the alcali salt of tartar , the same stone is again precipitated to the bottom , which before was an invisible powder , as the alcali salt drinks up the sharp or soul salt which contained the powder of the stones in it self : but thou seest not , that first of all your young beginnings do teach , and greatly esteem of these sort of dissolutions : then also , that the stomach wants the salt of tartar , that it may precipitate the dissolved powders , and separate them from their dissolvent , and therefore thou proposest a mockery ; and by consequence , the matter of pearls , corals ; &c. being once after this manner dissolved , remains dissolved , and is admitted inwardly unto the veins , with the liquors of the cream , and so is transchanged into urine , or bloud , and performs as much as we promise . i answer , that nature hath no need of the salt of tartar , to separate that powder from its dissolver : because she is well instructed , as well in respect of the meats , as of a proper digestion , to sequester this powder . for there are very many things among meats which produce this effect ; such as are pot-herbs , and likewise vulnerary herbs , &c. wherein there is for the most part , a volatile lixivial salt : and also wines with the white of eggs , do not only separate such coagulated dissoluents from the powders dissolved , but they do also revive precipitated mercury . again , the very digestion of the stomach it self doth ordinarily , substantially transchange the sharp spirits of vegetables , into the salt and volatile salt of urine ; the which when it hath no longer the former faculties of dissolving , which it at first had in its sharpness , it presently utterly leaves ( that is precipitates ) a powder , which before it hid as dissolved in its own sharpness ; and therefore it precipitates of thrusts down , and puts off from it the aforesaid powder , before the doors of the meseraick veins . and so , let the galenists know , that the writers of the young beginnings of chymistry are as yet young beginners ; they triumph , that they propose to others what they have tasted down with the tip of their lips ; and so they have nor yet had access unto the inner chambers of phylosophy . but again , the galenists will urge , saying , that the stones of bezoar , crabs , snails , &c. being taken as well by way of a powder , as being dissolved in a sharp dissolving liquor , do notably profit in the plague , fevets , the disease of the stone , wounded persons , and in those that are thrown down from an high place : wherefore that the same thing is blockishly denied by me in pearls , corals , &c. whereto i answer ; that gems , small or flinty stones , and rockie stones , have much latitude , and that they differ very much among themselves . for first of all , gems , flints , marbles , and whatsoever things have a christalline hardness , do not any thing act , or suffer on us , or from us , unless by way of a remedy hung on , and bound about the body , and that so long , as from the mouth they pass thorow the superfluities of the body : the virtue therefore of these is feeble , because it layes hid , as being shut up in a too thick body : but pearls and corals , and whatsoever stones have the rocky hardness of shell-fishes , do indeed yield to gems in hardness , yet they are not therefore concocted in the stomach of man , as they are well , in some birds : but the stones of bezoar , crabs , &c. being as yet less hard then pearls , are not of a rocky nature , but they are made rather of a milky juice , half cheesed , and half stonified , and they have the nature of a tophus or sandy stone , being neutral between a gristle and a stone ; even as the shells of stones in medlars , peaches , &c. do keep a neutral and middle kind between woods , and a sandy stone . these things being for the truth of the matter , and the better understanding thereof , thus supposed , i say , that although the stone of bezoar , of crabs , &c. as to the solide matter of their powder , are in no wise digested by mans stomach ; yet there is in them a certain milkie and muscilaginous juice of great virtue , yet of small quantity : such as also happens to be extracted out of the shaving of harts-horn , by seething . if therefore thou dost a good while boil the powder of the aforesaid stones in rain , or distilled water , if thou separatest the decoction from the powder by straining it through a filter , but dost in distilling this decoction by a bath , draw it forth , thou shalt at length find some small quantity of the aforesaid muscilage : but the remaining powder as it is unconquered by boyling , so also it remains undigested by our stomack : and so from the small quantity of the aforesaid liquor there dependeth a reason why one only dram of that stone being powdered , and taken in some liquor , effecteth more then otherwise one scruple of the same doth : when as in the mean time , the wine , or vinegar being drunk up at the same draught with the aforesaid powders , do not dissolve the sixth part of the powder ; but the rest they forsake entire , not changed ; which is manifest , if thou shalt drink the stone of crabs , being not beaten into powder , but into pieces , and after voiding them forth , shalt wash them clean , thou shalt find the same weight thereof which there was before , and so nothing thereof to be subdued by the stomack , nor any thing of those stones to be participated of by the digestion . come on then , i will also press the galenists with their own weapon : for if the aforesaid stones , or pearls being taken by way of a powder , should melt in us , ye attempt in vain to dissolve them : therefore it is already manifest by handicraft operation , that the more tender stones of living creatures do contain a muscilage , which pearls , corals , and rocky stones do want : yet the bodies of somethings remaining in their pouder , and homogeneal and unseparable solidity , as they suffer in their dissolution an action from the dissolver ; so also , in like manner , the dissolver suffers by the body dissolved , without any participation in the mean time , of the unchangeable body : for from the chymical maxim , the dissolvent is by the same endeavour coagulated , whereby the body dissolved is dissolved : and therefore if the body dissolving be taken away from the body dissolved , nothing is ordinarily recovered from thence , besides a water without savour , being without actimony and sharpness : the which surely as they are the clients of salts , they are coagulated in the thing dissolved , and stand by it as companions . thou shalt know the same thing more clearly , if thou distillest the oyl of vitriol from running mercury , the oyl is coagulated with the mercury , and they both remain in the bottom , in the form of snow . and whatsoever is distilled from thence , is meet water : but that snow , if it be washed , is made a citron coloured powder , which is easily reduced into the former running mercury , being altogether of the same weight as it was before : but if thou shalt distil the water of the washing off , thou hast in the bottom a meer alum , from the sharp salt of vitriol . for so dissoluents are changed , although the bodies dissolved have not lost any thing of their own matter , or substance : and such dissolvers act on us , by way of an alteration attained in their own sufferingness ; but not from a property partaked of from the dissolved bodies being unchanged : therefore to the argument proposed . the salts of vinegar , wine , juice of lemons , or of the oak , and likewise of the sharp chyle of the stomach , as they are vegetables , and alterable by our digestion , by digesting indeed are changed in us , into a urinary salt ; notwithstanding , by reason of the diversity of the thing dissolved , those dissolutives suffer something from the aptness of their own convertibility ; yet they transfer not any thing on us of the thing dissolved that is not digestible , unless it contain the digestible part of it self ; even as i have said concerning the milky muscilage of the stones of soulified creatures : but if indeed otherwise , such a dissolved body should proceed inwards into the veins ( which it never doth ) that it might communicate its endowments unto us ( to wit , pearls , or the aforesaid stones ) very many anguishes would follow from thence , instead of succours . for first , since they are not digested in the stomach ( even as i have already proved ) neither in the next place , shall they be able to be cocted in the second digestion ; because there is no passage unto the second , but through the first . secondly , therefore they shall never be converted into bloud , but into some other superfluity of the veins . thirdly , powders shall be bred in the veins , and kidneys , and they shall be stopped up with the powder being a forreign guest , never to be drawn out by any remedy for the future . these things are spoken concerning thigs dissolved by a dissolving vegetable , and therefore digestible in us . notwithstanding , if things are dissolved by dissolvers that are not digestible , those shall either be ungrateful to the nature of the stomach ; and therefore they stir up vomit and stools : so that only the incongruity , malignity , and ingratitude of things taken into the body , are the cause why they move vomiting and stool , and are forthwith expelled with those things which they threw down into their own faction : therefore they procure perplexities and troubles . but if the things dissolving are acceptable to nature , they are willingly admitted inwards ; yet the composed body suffers not any thing thereby , as well in respect of the thing dissolving , as of that which is dissolved : for truly , both of them are undigestible : therefore that composure remains safe as before , it passeth through all the shops of the veins , and at length ( for truly , it cannot be changed ; nor by consequence , pass over into the family of life ) is expelled with the sweat , by transpiration . in which journey , whatsoever of filths those famous secrets do touch at , they dissolve them , and snatch them away with themselves , and so they heal fevers , and most chronical diseases . whosoever therefore ye be , who in healing , have cordial charity towards your neighbour , learn ye a certain dissolver , which may be homogeneal or simple in kind , unchangeable , dissolving its objects into their first liquid matter ; and thou shalt obtain the innermost essences of things , and shalt be able to look into the natural endowments of these . but if ye cannot reach unto that secret of the fire , learn ye at leastwise to render the salt of tartar volatile , that by means hereof ye may perfect your dissolutions : the which although as being digested in us , it forsaketh its dissolved bodies that are safely or unharmedly homogeneal ; yet it hath borrowed some of their vertues which it conveighs inward as the subduers of most diseases : but for the obtainment of these things , it is not sufficient to rub over books ; but moreover it behooves you to buy coals and vessels , and to spend watching nights in order : so have i done , thus have i spoken , let the praise be unto god. because the universities in their eighth potion forbid , to wit the cutting of a vein , except in the fulness of blood , but they admit of it only in this , because then the vice of blood-letting cannot be sufficiently manifest ; and because in their tenth position , they now implicitely grant a fever not to be a meer heat , but that it is to be cured by heating , and corroborating remedies , they being all hot things : surely one of the two must of necessity be true ; to wit , either that a fever is not heat in its root ; or that they must not heal by contraries any longer . out of the positions of lovaine , disputed at lovaine , under the most discreet sir d. vopiscus fortunatus plempius , on the . of november , in the year . chap. xvi . the essence of fevers is discovered . . the life of mortals is the efficient cause of diseases . . herein is the raging errour of the life . . a proof of the foregoing particulars . . the authour , wherein he disagreeth from the antients . . the internal efficient , and its matter are proved . . in what sort the thingliness or essence of fevers may be formed . a proposition . . that immortality once consisted from a natural cause . . the original of diseasie idea's . . what hath deceived the antients . . that the archeus in his own idea's of perturbations , imitates the imagination . . the aforesaid proposition is proved . . a two-fold fountain of the beginning of idea's . . a necessity of idea's in a fever is proved . . the same thing by a numbring up of parts . . an examination of the occasional cause . hitherto i have disputed against the schools , as if i dared not to teach the essence of fevers : therefore since the fruit discovers its tree , i am compelled for the sake of the lovers of medicine , to add a supply , whereby the essence of fevers being hitherto unknown , may be the more illustrated , and a manner of distinguishing between judgement and judgement , and remedy from remedy , may be granted to the young beginner . first of all , i have shewn ably enough , that the definition of fevers have been hitherto unknown , and therefore that the essence , and essential causes of those are as yet unknown : and seeing the knowledge of things is not granted unto us from a former cause ; at leastwise it is strongly to be admired at , that nothing hath been devised for the essence of a fever , besides heat ; while as notwithstanding , the history it self of fevers might have been able sufficiently to have opened the necessities , agreement , and constancy of causes : and at leastwise to have reduced mortals from the ridiculous errour of heat , unless a sluggishness it self of mortals had been allured through the tediousness of a diligent search , and the easiness of subscribing . first of all , i speak of the nature of man being corrupted , such as it continues since transgression successively . for a disease was as yet an exile , as long as death was absent ; so indeed that a disease had not yet any hope for it self in possibility : but after that death entred into the life , every disease stood in a powerful army directed against the life it self : so as that a disease intended to establish its nest in the vital beginning ; not indeed by fighting as a certain external thing on and against the life : but the forreign guest drew his sword in the very life it self , whereby he might cut off the life , his inne , and the patron of his essence : for such was the corruption of mans immortality , that he afterwards drew his own death out of the life it self : for neither do i speak in jest ; far be it , when i write of preserving the life of mortals . for indeed every disease perisheth presently together with the life : for neither do matters however hostile they may be feigned to be , combate , or wax hot any longer after death : wherefore every direction of the internal efficient cause ought to depend on the life it self : for that which the ancients have even hitherto before me called the duel of nature , also the lot of an elementary complexion with solitary qualities , or with the very offensive matter of supposed humours among each other : all that i affirm to proceed effectively , efficiently , and immediately from the principle of life ; that is , from the inordinacy , indignation , tumult , terrour , and abhorrency of the vital spirits . but the excrementous matter , and that which they have thought to be , and called the offending or diseasie matter , i call that which is produced , detained , or introduced besides nature from an erring , or forreign occasional cause : and so i call all such matter only the occasional matter : indeed the inciting one , and plainly external to a disease ; because the presence of which matter as yet remaining , the whole fever doth oft-times cease , and utterly perisheth : therefore the internal , efficient , and immediate formal being is the very life it self ; and the immediate matter thereof is drawn , and departs from the vital air as to a part of it , wherein the life it self is entertained , and sits : and so it hath an immediate , and plenipotentiary power on the life , which is con-nexed unto it in the resembling mark of uniformity ; for otherwise it should be an inconvenient thing for the mad or raging life of a fever to bring forth a disease , or to conceive , effect , and nourish a formal , and essential beginning , foundation , and seed out of it self : for the life is not able to establish a disease which is a seminal being , in the forreign , and external subject of excrements : for if the life ought to suffer by a disease , to be vexed , and killed thereby , surely it being now defiled , ought to suffer all the injury from its own self ; according to the proverb , none is hurt , but from himself . hippocrates in times past after a rustical manner perceived that thing , the first called that vital spirit ; the maker of the assault , as well for life as for death : for god made not death for man , the which began from sin . but i do not deny that the life is provoked into its own injury by occasional causes : yet at leastwise i could wish , that the antients had divided , as is meet to be , the internal cause essentially from the external occasional ones : but i take not the internal , and external matter for a respect of the body ; but that which is radically , and essentially proper to the disease , that i call the internal , and unseparable matter : but otherwise , if if it be only accidentally adjacent thereunto . therefore before all , it is seriously , and only to be noted , in what manner the very essential thingliness of fevers may be formed by the essence of the efficient life : that not only the very local thingliness of principiating a disease may be hereby conceived ; but that moreover an essential limitation thereof essentially issuing from the life it self , may be known : which things therefore are more deeply to be peirced . wherefore let it be instead of a proposition ; that mortality , death , and a disease , seeing they entered with sin , they corrupted the life , and defiled the whole humanity with impurity : not indeed that the entrance of all particular fevers is therefore from a new sin , as neither immediately from original sin , although they have originally defluxed from thence . but in the state of purity there was immortality , no death , no disease , because then the immortal mind immediately governed the body , and therefore it suffered not any thing by frail , things which are altogether inferiour to it self : therefore it deserveedly freed its own mansion united unto it self from death , and corruption : but after the departure out of the right way , the mind delivered up its government to the sensitive soul , whence the life became subject to a thousand inconvenient necessities of death . the sensitive soul therefore afterwards stirred up the vital air , which after that , began to be called by hippocrates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or the maker of the assault , and the chief work-man of diseases : but the power of the same was badly understood by his followers ; and that maker of the assault remained neglected by successours , it being also unknown that the differences of diseases did issue immediately from the life ; and therefore the whole buisiness of diseases was falsely committed unto occasional , and never existing humours ; for i have concerning the original and principles of healing , delivered the manner whereby that maker of the assault produceth an ideal being : from whence fevers , and all diseases borrow their original : the which generation of idea's or shapie likenesses being there professly handled , i will only touch at by the way . first therefore it is confessed , that the madness of a dog is stirred up by or in his conception through the effective idea of that mad poyson : the which is not in any healthy dog , even as in a mad one . and from thence it is manifest , that that poyson ( which strikes our imagination after the biting ) is framed by an idea caused by the conception of the mad dog . the same thing ptoffers it self in the tarantula , in serpents , and things sore moved with fury : so in the plague-grave i have demonstrated , that this idea is made not only by the fear of the man , but also of the vital air : wherefore also it is very equally necessary , that for a fever ( which is stirred up from the assaulting spirit , and vital beginning , not which ariseth , is moved , or increaseth of its own accord , or of nothing ) a motive idea , or effective cause springs up in the same vital beginning , being indeed poysonsome in it self , and varying according to the signatures or impressions which this tree of a feverish idea utters for its fruits : for since of nothing , nothing is made ; but of something , alwayes something : as well the antients as the moderns have supposed , that any fevers whatsoever do of necessity arise from the strife of the elements , or at least of feigned humours : neither have they till now cleerly defined of which of these two the texture of fevers might be . but since the elements are but three in number , neither do these flow together unto the constitution of bodies ( because i shall elsewhere shew the connexion of these to be impossible ) they cannot produce any strange beginning from themselves : but humours since they never have hitherto any where been , and since fevers are of a more aiery , and abstracted body than that which a liquid excrement is thought to be : i have discerned that from nothing , nothing is indeed materially made , but that most things are efficiently effectively , and formally made from a conceived idea , which do forthwith after cloath themselves with bodies . indeed by the conception active ideas are made , and the formal beginnings of seeds , which presently cloath themselves with the coat of the vital spirit , wherewith they then in the next place come upon the stage , and are made that maker of the assault , which is known by the schools only by its name alone , and therefore neglected by practical physitians : for that fevers do now and then arise from the disturbances of the mind , that is very well known to persons of no reputation , and barbers . but that the archeus or the spirit which violently assaileth , doth suffer its own perturbations , and conceive the off-springs of these , the idea's stirred up in it self , hath indeed been even hitherto unthought of , and unheard of in the schools : notwithstanding , nothing is more certaine , than that the spittle of a mad dog doth a good while after the death of the dog , produce its madness in whom he bit , it being plainly very like to its own dog from whence it issued . wherefore there was in the spittle a forming seminal idea of that madness produced , being like unto that from whence the first infection flowed : for such an infection presupposeth an active , vital , and potent propagative power of its seed , because it can cause death , and madness in us : but that power never acteth as a naked accident , but as it inhabites in a formal subject of inhesion : neither also that the visible matter , or inn of its inherency is the very same power , nor the exciter or spur of its own self , or that that power subsisteth alone without a root which stirred it up ; but every power hath a nourishing , causing , and directing being of it self , far more spiritual , and abstracted than is the case of its inhesion : more abstracted i say , than is the mean it self whereinto the motive power is received ; yea more formal than the very quality of the power it self is . truly there is a master-work man-like image of evil , or good , the effecters of effects , as well in diseases , as in other seminal beings : but that image takes its original beginning from the cogitation of man , or from the conception of the archeal spirit surrogated in its absence : ( i now speak of diseases ) for the sensitive soul is in the spirit or archeal air , after the manner of the receiver : and although the archeus be not vexed after the usual , and humane manner of the soul ; yet the inn of the sensitive soul ( which is the archeus himself ) arising , enjoyes the idea's as well from his own conceptions , as from the exorbitances of his conceptions , after the manner proper to his receiving . for neither doth the archeus alwayes fish those passions out of his own conception , but also from things undigested , badly digested , and transchanged : even so also from excrements not being rightly subdued , or separated : and so also , not only from our faculties being estranged , or erting , but besides , from the in-bred endowment of things ; even as in the spittle of a mad dog there is a poysonous ideal property which alienates the imaginations of the sensitive soul in us at its own pleasure : there is therefore in things a certain accidental power , which if it can perfect its own contagion , and propagation , it wants a formal , and seminal power which may be the governess of the action : for seeds , as they utter the figure and similitude of themselves in their products , of necessity , they have this image engraven on them , if they ought to act out of themselves , or to erect another thing like to themselves in the thing produced ; seeing such a likeness presupposeth a forming idea . in the next place , the occasional matter of fevers , if it were of the essence of fevers , or if it should not precede ; at leastwise it should alwayes accompany the proper effect to it self . wherefore since a quaternary of humours , and the existence of these are feigned , things ; it must needs be that the feigned humoural cause doth neither fore-exist , nor follow the essence of a fever , neither that there is any respect of humours unto a fever , nor likewise of a fever unto feigned humours . again , neither can the blood ( the treasure of life ) after any manner be the constitutive cause of fevers ; yea nor indeed the occasional cause thereof , except it be hunted out of the veins ; and first corrupted ; that is , unless it first cease to be blood : for truly there is no other reflexion of the out-chased blood , than that it is a dead carcase in a living sheath , & that in the mean time , it undergoes divers transmutations according to the variety of the idea of the archeus , governour of the stern of the family-administration in the nearest kitchins : for this vitiated blood is now a cadaverous excrement , and an occasional cause , whereby the archeus being excited , frames an idea of fury . lastly , any other excrement whatsoever being defiled by a succeeding digestion , transfers the right of an occasional cause it self , and occasionally brings forth a fever , no otherwise than as i have already said concerning the blood : and such an excrement is heaped up by a vice , digestively , and distributively , or by degrees , or at length is produced by a fever , or by forreign things breathed into the body : however it shall be , at leastwise in respect of fevers , it alwayes remains external ; neither doth it ever enter into the essence hereof : they are indeed only accidental considerations which do most nearly respect the degree of fevers : for if the action of diseases proceedeth immediately into the life , and takes its beginning from the life ; verily it is necessary that the essence of diseases do also wholly pierce the very essential marrow of life ; but other external things of what sort , and how great soever , do only regard whether the occasional matter be greater or less in quantity ; whether the efficient cause in a young man be stronger than in an old man , in the beginning of the disease than in the end thereof , in a malignant fever than in a more mild one , &c. but such degrees of powers are only the correlatives of the efficient , being compared unto the strength . and they teach indeed , how much it is to be feared from an accident occasionally rushing on the sick : but i here have regard unto the formal essence of a fever : therefore the essential power of the internal efficient , or of the life it self , is alway present , and remaineth ; and the denomination thereof drawn from a term of relation , although it may change the hope of the physitian , may vary the superiority of life , and the proportion of the agent ; yet the life it self is alwayes the intimate , principal , formal , and essential efficient of fevers , and the occasional matter every where remains without the true , and internal material cause : for a fever is oft-times taken away , or ceaseth , a remnant of its occasional matter , and efficient as yet remaining : for a quartane oftentimes ceaseth of its own accord , and perhaps returns again a month after : and so it keeps its occasional matter in the mean time untouched , and without action , as it were sleeping : and the same occasional being is elsewhere of its own accord wholly consumed the storme of the archeus being first appeased : oft-times also , fevers leave weaknesses , and local diminishments of the faculties behind them , being durable for life : as the life of the implanted archeus was curtailed , and suffered his own too many tribulations . chap. xvii . a narrow search into the essential thinglinesse of a fever . . an erroneous speculation of the schooles . . the authour differs from the schooles . . the manner of making a fever is enlarged for betokenings . . the center of a fever . . an examination of thirst , and cold . . the doctrine of its center is confirmed . . why a fever is sometimes terminated by the appetite of unwonted things . . the family government of a fever in the pylorus . . the quartane ague is an outlaw ; and the unheard of seat of strange fevers . . why vomiting looseth not these strange fevers . . the definition of a fever is rent . . an examination of remedies . . the vanity of hope , from whence it is introduced . hitherto as well the modern , as more antient physitians have considered the nature and essential thinglinesse of fevers , from the speculation of heat , as well internal , as that of the encompassing heat of summer : and also they have measured that essence by the sharpnesse , cruelty , multiplicity of the occasional matter , or from the malignity of one , or more of the four feigned humours : for so they have shut up the gate before their own judgments , whereby they ought to have entred : for truly the manner of making in fevers , and its internal efficient , and seminal matter , have remained neglected ; they have contemplated of a fever only in its being made ; and so , thus they have withdrawn from themselves the knowledge of its essence ; whereas otherwise , the manner of making above distinguished , uncloathes the internal thinglinesse of a fever , which the fever that is made includeth , the understanding of man not being able to pierce things by its own power , which it hath on purpose shut up from it self . i have therefore taught above , from what active and vital beginning a fever ariseth seminally , and materially in us ; that is , entirely : for the essential thinglinesse of fevers being perfectly taught by their manner of making , makes manifest the thinglinesse of the efficient whereby it is formed : because it begs all its determination from the life . for therefore the true ental and essential thinglinesse differs in the whole circumference from the antients their suposed thinglinesse ( to wit , the accidental one ) of fevers : for the accidental being it self ( which is the very supposed fever of the antients ) differs in the whole predicament from the substantial and vital being of fevers , and from their seminal beginning , progresse , co-fitting , action , sequestration , defilement , and immediate property , being drawn , to wit , as well from the motherly part of the internal and vital matter , as from the fatherly part ; to wit , from the thinglinesse of the vital efficient principle . for truly physitians hitherto , place every disease among naked qualities : but i have demonstrated , that heat is not the essence , or of the essence of fevers ; but a meer accident , seperable from a fever , and that which is accidentally , and by intervals adjacent to a fever . now it remaines for the knowledge of a fever , and its remedies , to contemplate of the manner of its making , while it is in making that the tree may be bewrayed by its fruites : therefore almost every fever , presently after its beginning , abhorrs and is averse to fleshes , fishes , meat-broths , eggs , and whatsoever things may soon be corrupted within the stomach : for fleshes and fishes only by a lukewarmth do voluntarily depart into corruptions proper unto them , and would hasten stinks as it were to the bound of a dead carcase . and these , when they slide down into a stomach that is deprived of its accustomed due and digesting ferment , do through the lukewarmth of that place alone , hasten into the corruption of themselves . for feverish belchings do from hence become of a strong savour , and therefore for soure belchings to happen upon burntish or stinking ones , hippocrates will have it to portend a good omen or presage ; because that the digestive ferment of the stomach ( which constraines all things to wax soure ) testifies by soure belching , that it hath returned : the which otherwise , being absent , sleeping being hindered , or suppressed , fleshes , and those things which are ready easily to putrifie are presently corrupted : whence afterwards yeellow , leeky , and bitter vomiting is stirred up , from the pottage of the steward being corrupted : this is the cause why whatsoever things do easily putrifie , are presently made hatefull in fevers . but at least wise , from hence it is manifest , that the stomach is the stage of a feverish combate : and then thirst presently gives its voice for this conception , accompanying most fevers . yea and in the great , and dayly cold of intermitting fevers , thirst is more cruel , and the vomiting of that yellow dreg more abundant , than otherwise , in the sharpest heates of continual fevers : for neither therefore , must we make an escape unto the wonted hiding places , as if only the outward parts were cold , but that the inward bowells were hot , and did most mightily burn with heat : to wit , from whence , under cold , so great importunity of heat did molest : far be it from being willing to impose by so manifest trifles , on the truth ! for truly in the beginnings of intermitting fevers , horrours and colds are felt , no lesse within than in the joynts : therefore indeed the inward dens are shaken by reason of cold , even so , that the teeth & joynts bewray nothing but inward cold . but feverish rigours are appeased as soon as the fury of the internal cold hath become milder : but that thirst is decietfull ; because it is that which not only drink doth not quench , and which doth miserably delude the drinker ; but also it teacheth that it was not caused by a defect of moisture : but if a fervent heat within ( otherwise worthy to be laughed at ) be supposed to be , as long as it stirs up a cruel cold out of its inner chamber : at least wise , doth not that heat , the houshould guest of fevers , ( although it be not yet complayning , or hitherto felt ) while it is dispersed , and the cold is driven away , doth it not i say get it self strength in going ? and unfold it self ? not indeed after the manner of a substance extenuated by enlarging , but by acting after the manner of heat increasing : even so as the hand being made cold by snow , if it recover heat , it waxeth hot more and more , and far more powerfully than that which is made hot by the fires side . why therefore if thirst be made by inward heat , at least , is it not quenched by drink : why also , heat being now increased , and by occasion of the fever , enlarged unto its state , doth not thirst likewise increase ; but rather is for the most part , mittigated ? is it not manifest from hence , that thirst doth not spring from heat ; but from a far different root ? especially , when as oft-times the sharp distillation of sulphur , either quenches the thirst , or at leastwise , mightily allayes it . therefore the sudden aversnesse of appetite , and abhorrency of meates , and a disdainfull choice of drinks in fevers , a thirst almost unsatiable , vomiting , loathing , anguish , together with sighs , sometimes continual watching , lastly frequent drowsinesse , or doating delusions , discover and accuse the stomach , and the neighbouring places thereof to be the place or sink of a fever . for therefore a slow and more stubborn fever is frequently loosed by the appetite of unwonted things ( to wit , of a herring and smoaked things ) it hoping by such an unthought of matter , to subdue the guest its enemy : for such unwonted things do please , not indeed because they are fit for digestion , or nourishment ( because it is that , which then is nothing in the same place : ) but because they blot out the impressional idea of the archeus , and feverish seal , no otherwise than as after another manner , inordinate foods do occasionally stir up forreign , or silent idea's of fits in the archeus : for if a fever had appointed its nest far from thence , all food ought also to be first transchanged in the stomach . and therefore , by how much the farther it deviates from thence , by so much the more , the vigour of meates , and quality of their former life is prostrated : wherefore , if a fever , otherwise of long continuance , be vanquished by the appetite , and enjoyment of that unaccustomed food ; it denotes , that a fever is not far remote from the member desiring it . indeed , elsewhere soure belching also , returnes with an appetite : but at least wise it is manifest from the premises , that the veines of the stomach draw not unto the liver , as the meseraick veines do ; but rather that they are designed for nourishing of the stomach : the which i have elsewhere , concerning digestions , diligently and advisedly explained : for truly oft-times , things that were taken for two days before are rejected by vomit , thirst not hindering it . therefore the pylorus ( the lower porter of the stomach ) as long as the fever bears command , doth not rightly performe his office ; and the thirst which ariseth in that two dayes space , doth diverse times return , vex , and again wax mild : and the pylorus knows not for what end he so stubornly shuts himself , and so greatly deteineth that drink within the stomach , the sink of fevers : wherein then especially the goodnesse of digestion is not hoped for : but rather a long delay , and consequent corruption of that which was cast in : he knowes not i say , to what end he utters so mad effects , while as from such deteinments , he procreates yellow and bitter excrements , which hitherto have deluded the unwary with an image of the gaul , and that he dasheth forth those excrements abundantly , in vain , and without easement . for from thence i conjecture , that the appetitive faculty of meates and drinkes implanted in the orifice or upper mouth of the stomach , hath declined into the pylorus , all things being confused above and beneath , and therefore that a mad thirst doth equally molest ; because the chaos of the feverish confusion is tossed immediately in the forreign fold of the pylorus . for neither is that thirst allayed by drink , which is not in its own place , to wit , in the orifice of the stomach , whose office alone it is to denounce the defects of nourishment . a fever therefore hath a poyson , and it is a manifold serpent , which is entertained about the pylorus , and a little beneath it , or which sits in the hollow bought of the stomach : for there are oft-times ridiculous doatages , elsewhere also furious ones , according to the condition of that poyson : but that serpent oftentimes stirs up thirst , oft-times also anguishes , faintings , and soundings or frequent bitter vomitings , or also those that are impatient and unsufferable of nourishment alone ; or continual watchings , and at another time drowsie evils supply the roome of these . at leastwise at its first entrance , the ferment of the stomack , together with a desire of eating do presently faile : neither therefore doth anatomy vainly complain , that the difficulties of dissections next under the pylorus , do exceed any other of the whole body , by reason of a multitude of vessels in-writhed with glandules . for hence the exorbitances of the nourishment that is badly digested , and badly distributed , and liekwise of the drosse or liquid dung , being alienated out of its circle , or the degeneration of the nourishable and spermatick humour , do concur or run together , whence the family-administration of the stomach is overthrown : for truly all of them concur in the manifold texture or weaving of those vessells , and also a comixture of excrements : for which causes poyson ariseth , and the nourishments are estranged from their scope ; they undergoing also , various alterations through delay . the which while the archeus of the same place , well percieveth to be in his jurisdiction , be being vexed , troubled , and as it were mad , doth as yet diversly more alter those excrements , and according to the perswasion of their poysons , formes together diverse idea's of his own preturbations , that he may expresse the protheus of the poets , and represent a various tragedy of fevers : yet the metamorphyzings , and ends of this poysonous contagion , are not therefore the objects of physitians : for neither is the variety of the poysons , or sumptomes to be so much regarded , as the dignity of the place , and disturbance of the archeus , and afterwards , by what means the poyson may be restrained , and the aversenesse , and stird up confusion of the archeus may be reduced : for these being appeased , the fever straightway ceaseth , and those things which do there materially offend , are easily tamed by nature , and retire it self as rightly subdued : this way indeed , fevers do presently depart at the arrival of some one arcanum , but the remainder of expulsion is committed to the shoulders of nature , that hippocrates his dignity may be preserved ; that natures themselves are the physitiannesses of diseases : these things , of continual , like as also of intermitting fevers , and the birth-place thereof . but the quartane ague alone being an out-law , hath seemed to have more inwardly , or piercingly entred , or to have extended it self to the spleen , without the cottages of the stomack : nevertheless it keeps its equal progress , and unfolding , upon the archeus of the place ; while as it committing the errours of digestion within its own cottages , stirs up its furies at set periods . again , there is altogether a strange , and very unwonted seat , propagation , and unaccustomed perplexity of healing of malignant , camp , and purple or spotted fevers , &c. to wit , while as stinks , &c. are drawn into the body by the inbreathed endemicks of places , fens , , minerals , fumes , hospitals , sick folks , and stinking odours : the which while they pierce through the lungs into the breast through the midriff , do strike the connexed superficies of the stomack , and decypher the idea of their own poysonsomness in the nourishment that is immediatedly to be assimilated : the which being therefore degenerate , stayes it self there , and invites the archeus of the place into its own furies : whence the unwonted tragedies of fevers do issue , to wit , very cruel , stubborn , and deceitful ones : because they stir up the more dangerous drowsie evils , watchings , and madnesses , and anguishes , according to the spur of every poyson there bred , diversly stirring up the perturbations of the archeus of life : so of late , fevers have arose without thirst , heat , and tempest , for the confoundings of physitians ; because indeed they stir up fevers in nothing more secure than the other : for some do swiftly , or slowly kill with some small beginning of cold , and that quickly ending ; yet no less cruelly than those which molest with a great fierceness of sympromes . at leastwise now it is manifest , why vomitory medicines do not any thing help that fever of the stomack , and there uttering the signs of its mansion : for although vomitory remedies may seem to tame the product of a fever , yet they take not away the occasional producer planted in the bought , and external part of the stomack . we may therefore be led by the hand from the fever it self , and presently the indications fetcht from thence , will teach , that all those anguishes do begin , and are stirred about the stomack . a wonder it is surely , that the schools do nevertheless as yet accuse the liver , and choler , or phlegm , to wit , putrified ones : since they observed that dejections or purgings by stool being promoted by art , or the violence of nature , have nothing profited ! for sleep brings labour in a fever , but not in healthy persons ; because sleep ariseth from the stomack , but not from the liver , ( the which more largely elsewhere ; ) but the original vice of a fever , and its occasional matter is of that which is changed , and therefore also the changing action of the thing changing , and of those nourishments changed , is manifestly felt about the stomack : and therefore the solemn definition of the schools is ruinous , which decreeth a fever to be first kindled , and begun from the heart : but the occasional matter of fevers is changed nourishment , immediately to be assimilated , that perhaps will be admitted for the stomack ; but it will not be alike easie to conceive the dross or liquid dung to be retrograde or to go back from the mesentery . but surely although that thing doth regularly offer it self in healthy persons , yet not in fevers , whereunto therefore any exorbitancy is singular , and proper : for so the liquid dung passeth from the womb of the urine , and seats of the stone , through an undirect departure , unto the pleura , unto the veins of the stomack , and vessels of the gut duodenum : of which deviation there is no reason , but the very liberty of the confusion of the archeus . in the nex place ( i will rehearse it ) neither doth a fever it self alwayes flow from , and is directed by a former occasional cause : for truly the archeus himself , although he be not solicited by an external error ; yet from the offence of his own incontinency , he now and then of his own accord taketh to him furies , and is luxurious through a proper insolency of liberty : for he tumulteth , and from a light errour frameth the idea's of his own indignation no otherwise then he is oft-times stirred up from a ridiculous cause : and the which is less wonder in the universal archeus , if he stumble ; seeing he only is chief for the governing of so divers functions of faculties . for because the center of the malady hath placed the place of its exercise about the stomack , vain are the emptyings of the veins , and theevings of the strength : for truly the blood is void of fault : the which i have above sufficiently demonstrated . and it is alike ridiculous , to be willing to strengthen , or comfort by alkermes , gems , and pearls beaten ; i say to be willing to corroborate where the enemy bears rule within , and drives the life it self head-long into all disorder , and confusion of dissolution : for the enemy who was able to prostrate the health being entire , and strength being strong , will despise whatsoever shall be objected for comfort , while himself is present . in vain therefore do they intend the helping of symptomes , if a conquering medicine be not present , and the which may restrain the confusion of the vital archeus : the which indeed is the essential , and principal effectresse of cures . and it is matter of grief to intend the corroborating of the faculties with one hand , which the other hand dejecteth by solutive medicines , and blood-letting . a plausible remedy therefore is measured from the effect , if it appeaseth the tumult of the archeus , and extinguisheth the idea of the fever : for the place of the fever being pacified , or the prison opened , the archeus who before beat down all things , because confused , being now quiet , expels the enemy , and the occasional matters , the prison being opened , do suddenly flow forth : and that thing we contemplate of in a most difficult , and desperate case : for truly the contagion of the pox or fowl disease being taken away , the bonie , and hard bunches vanish away of their own accord : elsewhere also desperate imposthumes happen oft-times from the guidance of nature alone : so unwonted declinings , dissolvings , resolvings , and departures are acknowledged even by the humourists : and therefore i hope they will be the more readily inclining about the voluntary expulsion of the occasional matter of a fever : at leastwise that help is not to be sought from solutive medicines , as neither from the theevish remedies of the vital faculties . surely the fury of the archeus being first appeased , which forms feverish ideas , what , and what sort of things ought to be , are easily afterwards sequestred : and that thing the sick do easily bear , and they find themselves the better thereby , as they are eased of a loading weight , and the confusion of perturbations sprung up in them : therefore the knowledge of the essential thingliness of a fever banisheth the hope which physitians move from the cutting of a vein , solutive medicines , scarrification , and cantharides , to wit by reason of one fault , lest they should seem to have made their visits in vain , and to ask a reward from deceit . but seeing that the fever being well nigh overcome , the archeus composeth himself to tranquillity or rest , as by crises's , sweats , or by bleeding at the nose , or also by the hemethoides or piles , as it were the remaining wresiling of furies , he hath oft-times brought quietness , and health ; that indeed hath deceived physitians , and they have placed all their hope in the horsleech , and blood-letting : neither have they considered that a meet remedy being administred , presently even the most swollen veins of the fundament do disperse without the effusion of blood ; neither that they do hinder the attainment , or preservation of health , which otherwise should be impossible , if the blood of the hemethoides were infamous with so foul a character as it is decyphered to be . the choice therefore of remedies in fevers , is to be drawn from secrets , whereof as there is a famous variety , so also a hidden , or unknown preparation : for the chief are those which pacifie the tumult stirred up in the life : those which follow , are such as overcome the poyson of a fever : but those are more famous which contain both together . lastly , there are some which are serviceable expulsively , to wit by a plausible cleansing , and resolving : wherein the liberality of the almighty is wonderful , which hath directed crude simples for fevers , and the which being moderately prepared , do mow down a fever like a sithe . surely i should rejoyce to make these manifest , but events experienced by my hurt , have affrighted me from it : for about the end of the last past age , i had begun to cure by the distillation of sulphur , and vitriol : i also told what those unaccustomed , and unknown remedies were : but at first physitians shewed their glove corroded , and resolved by the aforesaid remedies , that they might affright the sick , that his stomack could not endure the same . but when as afterwards , the false paint of the physitians their dispraising nothing hindering , they saw those that were cured by me to be in good health , they bad some things to be distilled by my fugitive servants , which they had seen , and learned : hence indeed chymical medicines passed over into the hands of merchants and apothecaries . neither indeed should i envy it , but that all things would be set to sale , as adulterated , as long as gain , and covetousness shall prevail : surely it is to be grieved at , that nothing of these remedies is handed forth to mortals , which is not most miserably adulterated . at leastwise i will declare for those that are ingenious , that the spirit of the salt of tartar , if it shall dissolve unicorns-horn , silver , quick-silver , the stones of crabs , or some one of those simples , it cures not only a fever , but also many diseases sufficiently . but not that i hope that silver , quick-silver , or others of like sort are to pass thorow into the veins : it is sufficient for me , that that spirit of the alcali salt being by these bodies reduced into a volatile , and coagulable salt , and reduced in the shop of the stomack unto the rule of the meats , passeth thorow it into the meseraick veins , at least being carried that way by the urine , and by passing thorow them , licketh , and resolveth the filths there grown , through a forreign power assumed to themselves . surely i could willingly communicate many , and more easie remedies of like sort , if the drowsiness and sluggishness of physitians had not affrighted my pen , who gape only after gain , and expose the life of mortal men under the trustiness , and desire of lucre of the apothecary , and his wife . but as to a quartane ague , i am wont to drive that away by an emplaster composed of a few resolving , and cleansing simples ; neither hath it ever deceived me , except that in fat or gross persons , the obediences thereof are the slower . an impertinency . the authour desires to see that humourist , who had equalized air unto water in weighing , that he might connex the galenists their equal temperature [ ad pondus ] or according to weight : to wit , how much air is to be taken for a pound of water , that they may be equalized in weight ? another . the air is neither light , nor heavy , because it is without weight ; and therefore neither can it be weighed , nor equalized : therefore the doctrine of galen is destitute of the greatest , and chiefest hope of complexions , because it hath a liberty of lying boastings . a passive deceiving and ignorance of the schooles the humourists . the which if they shall henceforth defend , shall cover with a stubborn malice , god also being wroth , will discover the same in the now imminent age , for the profit of the christian world , and the confusion of the obstinat . the preface to the reader . i had written in an unwonted style , concerning fevers , and when the little book returned unto me , i scarce understood the same by reason of its gross , and innumerable faults : yet presently afterwards , however plainly vitious it was for that cause , within a few weeks it began to be desired : whence i judged , if a faulty book had been worthy the press , and much desired , that by a stronger right it earnestly required another edition ; not only that it might come forth amended , which would bewray the blemishes , and ignorances committed against me , and so by a singular doctrine would as nearly , and intimately as might be , weigh the life of mortals , whereunto none as yet hitherto had attempted to answer : but more peculiarly , that the unheard-of doctrine thereof , chiefly true , although unexpected , might the more strongly be confirmed : therefore i was constrained to over-add the commission of my own coyn , whereby it might on every side be firmly defended from the humourists , the pages of the schools of galen , and my haters , and might not suffer the truth delivered , to be troden under foot : wherefore i have added reasons , whereby i have shewn the vanity and falsehood of the device of humours , whereby physitians from a destructive foundation have circumvented the whole world , have fatted the places of burial , have destroyed families , have made widdows and orphans by many ten thousands , and so have brought themselves into the merriments of kitchins , and comedies . paracelsus indeed attempted to hiss out the fallacies of humours , and he hath at this day , his followers almost every where , amongst the most learned men ; yet never any before me ( that i know of ) hath professly attempted to untie this knot : therefore if any one hath heretofore threatned to bend his quill against my book of fevers , because he took it injurionsly , that i have not only overthrown the two universal bulwarks of medicine ; but especially that i have demonstrated , that no laxative medicine hath ever hitherto drawn out electively , this humour before that ; yea that all and every of purging medicines were an hostile poyson to the life : perhaps he will now lay aside his pen , when he shall see the same opinion to be more strongly confirmed : to wit , that the existence of both cholers , and of phlegm is impossible in nature ; that the trifling complexions , and diseases diligently taught , and believed to arise from thence , are supported by false principles : and by consequence , that the method of healing instituted according to the distemperatures of humours , is deceitful , meer dreams , old wives fables , and trifling toyes . for i ought to treat roundly , sincerely , and candidly , as oft as i have determined to write of god , truth , the life , and publick good of mortals . i implore him for my witness , as also my judge herein , who is the way , the truth , and veriest life it self of mortal men . i have therefore willingly exposed this diligent search of truth , and attained victory under his protection , and bedewing . fare ye well my mortal companions : i wish ill to all your prosperous affairs , because i persectly teach the truth . a passive deceiving and ignorance of the schooles the humourists . chap. i. that the four humours of the galenists , are feigned . . it is answered by going to meet those who shall be willing to begin to write against the book of fevers . . the received opinion of the schools is supposed . . that it is false , whatsoever hath been hitherto diligently taught concerning the elements , degrees , mixtures , discords , and diseases hitherto . . that heat it no where but from light , motion , life , and an altering blas . . the limitations of moisturds and drynesses . . the relation of a disease unto health , of what sort it is . . the remedies of diseases , from whence . . the unconstancy of paracelsus , even as also of galen . . that a return from a privation is not granted according to the schools : the which notwithstanding do every where dash against this rule . . they fail in proving a quaternary of humours . . the two pillars of humours are broken . . many things among simples have only two diversities . . a miserable reasoning from a similitude , for the number of humours . . the schooles stumble in the light . . the maske of a sophistical argument is discovered . . the similitude from herbs , is opposed to the similitude from milk . . in like manner , the urine ought to be put for a fifth humour . . the perplexity of the schools . . a conuincing argument against humours . . an argument from a position supposed . . from a sufficient enumeration of shops . . from an imposibility . . from an absurdity . . reasons , sixteen in number . . against the positition concerning phlegm . . from in●plicite blasphemy . . from its shop . . from the impertinencie of the supposed position . . from a convenient or agreeing thing . . from the gowt , and wringings of the bowells . . from an erisepelas . . from causticks . . from an evangelical word . . from a defect of the seperater . . from the nourishing of the similar parts . . from an impertinency . . the deformity of a formed argument of the schools . . from a like thing . . from the nature of an element . . from the simplicity of its end . . a denyal of a position . . from a phylosophical maxim . from tast , and properties . . who was the inventer of humours . . what a diversity of soiles may argue . . from the blood of an aethiopian . . whence the venal blood is the more red in its superficies . . from a like thing . . whence there is a change of colours in things . . from a shew of the deed , in many things . . the childish in inspection of the schools of out-issuing blood . . miserable impostures . . a ridiculous omission of the schools . . the judgment of physitians fights against it self . . privy shifts sliding from unvoluntary cheeks . . a cruel or hurtfull little book concerning the nature of man. . from effects , and fear . . from the confession of physitians . . dunghill physitians distinguish not men but by dungs , . a ridiculous argument of the schooles . . an argument on the contrary , from a maxim of naturall phylosophy . . a convincing argument . . galen ridiculous about the cause of the variety of humours . . the perplexities of galen . . refutations by the beginnings of natural phylosophy . . an errour of paracelsus . . the schools are ignorant of the venal blood . . an argument against the position . . a false and ridiculous supposition of the schools concerning the supplying office of the spleen . . absurdities . . a handicraft demonstration . . against the position concerning black choler . . many absurdities follow . . the schools do most miserably prove their position for black choler . . some defects following thereupon . . a convincing argument . . an idiotisme of paracelsus . . sharpnesse doth not ferment earth . . from an impertinency . . a convincing argument . . from an impossibility . . a ridiculous supposition of the schools , and four absurdities thereof . . some absurdities accompanying the opinion concerning the hony of galen . . from things implying . . by a convincing argument from the supposition of a falshood concerning the elements . . from a number of the elements . a bruitish objection . . if we must not proceed by humours how therefore must we cure ? . the praise of the valatile salt of , tartar. i have sent forth an unheard of doctrine of fevers , that i might hear what the more fruitful wits might teach me : for there were some who had promised that they would be arbitrators or judges in the case , whom notwithstanding i conjecture , so long to be silent , untill i had set forth a treatise of humours , which i had promised to gather out of my great works . for truly they could not be ignorant , that if i could sufficiently demonstrate , that the humours accustomed in the schools ( besides blood ) were never , or never to be in nature : they also were to have no contention with me , concerning fevers : and that thing i now promise ingeniously to performe : not indeed as that i may be glorious by the name of a paradox , but altogether from compassion towards young beginners that are badly instructed , and toward the sick that are badly handled under the device of humours . therefore i will state the forme of the matter : for indeed , the chyle or juice of the stomach being supt up into the veines of the mesentery , they affirme the same chyle to be conveighed unto the port-vein of the liver , to wit , a trunk arising out of the small branches distributed through the mesentery into the intestines or bowels ; and that , that chyle in the time of its passage through the slender trunks of the veins extended into the liver , is by the power of the liver converted into blood , and also into phlegm , and a twofold choler . and that this choler is afterwards seperated , partly into the spleen , and partly into the litle bag of the gawl : to wit , that they may be the keepers of both their own superfluous choler ; but that the two natural cholers , as the entire and constitutive parts of the blood are co-mingled together with the blood , for the necessities of the parts to be nourished : in the due proportion of the quaternary of which humours , that as health doth consist ; so on the other hand , that in an undue proportion thereof , all diseases are entertained : but that an undue proportion thereof proceedeth , as well from the perpetual strife , and hostile , and unwearied contrariety of the four repugnant elements , as from the voluntary distemperature , and inbred fight stirred up , of things received into the body . truly i have already , in the beginnings of natural phylosophy , and rise of medicine , sufficiently removed the foregoing cause of so great a fiction : to wit , where i have sufficiently demonstrated , that there are not four elements in nature , and by consequence , if there are only three , that four cannot go together or encounter : therefore that the squadron being broken , cannot cause four unlike elementary combates , temperatures , mixtures , contrarieties , hatreds , strifes , &c. for i have taught cleerly enough , that the fruites which antiquity hath believed to be mixt bodies , and those composed from a concurrence of four elements , are materially of one onely element . in the next place also , that those three elements are naturally cold , nor that native heat is any where in things , except from light , life , motion , and an altering blas : and so that heat in the elements , is a meer relolleum . in like manner also , that all actual moisture is of water ; but all virtual moisture from the property of the seeds ; likewise that drynesse is by it self , in the aire , and earth : but in fruites , by reason of the seeds , and coagulations : therefore that it is a false doctrine , which is celebrated concerning the elements , mixtures , qualities , temperaments , discords , degrees in order unto diseases , and the curings of these . i have also profesly demonstrated , that there are not contraries in nature : that health is opposed to a disease with relation of that which is entire , unto that which is defectuous . to wit , that remedies do take away a disease , not by the force of contrariety , as neither by reason of a naked similtude or likenesse ; but by reason of a meer gift of goodnesse , restoring nature by helping her ; the which otherwise , is the physitiannesse of her own self . these things surely were sufficient , and might be able to take humours out of the way , unlesse an opposite custome had as it were tied up the mind , least it should hasten unto the knowledge of the truth : for it is a very difficult thing to disaccustome those who are confident in themselves , that by those humours they have long since compendiously viewed every catalogue of a disease : wherefore unto those that are desirous to learn , i will willingly reach forth my hand . for paracelsus as the first , so laughed at humours after an helvetian manner , that he mocked the galenical , also the arabian physitians with the surname of humourists : notwithstanding , he himself being oftimes unconstant , slides unto humours , and complexions , as not being as yet sufficiently grounded in his own positions . in the mean time , the galenical schools would now and then , have the four granted qualities of elements to be opposed , as solitary distempers : and for the most part again , they have feigned distempers to be banished with the abundance of the like humours : and whenas they gloried that they held the hare by the ears , they being deluded with the easiness of the fiction , first became a laughing stock ; because they defiled the faculty of healing with absurdities . being first of all , unmindfull of their own discipline that there is not granted ; an immediate return from the privation of a forme , unto an habite ; yet have they through a rash perswasion affirmed , that flesh is constituted of four humours , and that this flesh is again to be resolved into the same four : for they decree , that the chyle is framed of the meats , being indeed homogeneal or simple in kind , in the stomach , the which notwithstanding , the excrements of the belly being seperated , should alwayes be made four humours besides the urine , by the one only action of sanguification ; but never one only , two , three , five , or more : and that thing they have thus determined of , as being rashly misled by a quaternary of elements : from whence at least wise it followes , that this fourfould re-dividing of one chyle , doth not derive it self from the diverse varieties of meats ; but that it altogether essentially dependeth on the very proper perfect act of sanguification : which thing wants not its own absurdity ; to wit , that of one natural act , there should be a fourfold scope essentially differing . but the quaternion of elements being already elsewhere cast out , with the combating concourse of the same , that fourfoldnesse of humours hath indeed been supposed and subscribed unto ; but not yet proved hitherto : for , for the furnishing of so great , and so pernicious fables , the schools have been snatcht away by two swelling arguments , the which , if thou shalt but a little presse , they will pour forth a stinking vapour , but not the juice of truth . the first whereof , is fetcht from four elements , that they may constraine the blood against its will , under a quaternary or fourfold number of humours , unto the obedience of three only elements existing ; although the blood it self be materially made of one of them only . as if every one of them which they believe to arise from the wedlock of the elements , ought therefore of necessity , to have four heterogeneal or different kind of parts agreeable to as many their own elements : ( surely i have elsewhere every way shewn , that some bodies have nothing of a diversity , not so much as in salt , sulphur , and mercury , but that others do at length produce only two diversities of kinds ) for neither is there a stronger reason , why a flint may be reduced into one only , and at at least , a similar salt , than the blood can of necessity be seperated into four humours : for from hence it is made manifest , that the reason of a feigned quaternary of elements is from a former cause , in respect of a quaternery of humours in the blood , and no where else . but the second and chief argument of the schools for a quaternary of humours , is not a certain formall reasoning ; but a naked and miserable inference , established by a similitude or like thing : for they say ; in milk there is found whey , cheese , and butter : that is , three distinct things : therefore of necessity , in the blood , there shall be alwayes , and constitutively four , because they observe four diverse things or parts in the venal blood of some persons : the which indeed , the soul , the chambermaide of the desires , hath by much labour , and the helpes of fiction , divided into four diversities : for they oft-times take notice of the water swimming upon the blood , and because it is yellow , and somewhat pale , they therefore name it yellow choler , or gaul ( although it be not bitter and wanteth the essential property of the gaul . ) but the sediment thereof about the bottom , being sometimes the more weighty , and black , they cal black choler ; but in the midle space they note red blood , wherein while they observe white fibers or threds , the mothers of a gellyie coagulation , they have called those phlegm : for the vein of the ham of maides being cut , those fibers appear in lukewarm water , like unto spiders webs , which they have called phlegm . but first it had behoved them to have discerned , that the unfit similitude of milk and blood , doth teach , or urge nothing : because the water swimming one the blood , is not the fatnesse of cream swimming on the milk : wherefore either the agent , or matter is unlike , or both : and therefore in so great an unlikeness of both , that a necessity of humours in the blood is not rightly founded . for the carelesse schools do not take notice , that a diversity of kind is bred in the blood , after that it hath disposed it self unto corruption that is soon to come thereunto : therefore that hetrogeneity accuseth indeed , an unlikenesse of contents made in death , but in no wise therefore , a necessary connexion of lively humours : for what will they say of that blood which wholly wants all whey ? or the which being uniformly coagulated throughout its whole , is red ? which is a frequent thing after many sweats , and abstinence from drink : shall therefore the whey swimming upon the blood , the urine and sweat left in the blood , be sunonymals with choler and gaule ? and something that is one with the very essence of the blood ? i indeed have hitherto seen in herbs , on only clarified juice ; as likewise i acknowledge one onely blood , the constitutive humour of us : to wit , i professe a simple sanguification , and one only action of one liver , and a single chyme or concocted juice to be made of an undistinct creame or chyle , and by one onely ferment of the stomach ; which sanguification or making of blood i know to be a meer formal transchanging of nourishments , but in no wise , only an applying together of heterogeneal parts alone . for neither , although part of the chyle be turned into urine is an unlikenesse of the agent the liver , to be blamed ; but only the uncapacity of the receiver : for neither therefore , have they dared to embrace the urine for a fifth humour : for although a part of the urine materially remaineth in the blood ; yet it is not of the nature of the blood , even as whey in milk , is after another manner , an essential part of the milk. the water therefore , swimming above ( which they confesse to be sweat , whey , and a remainder of the urine , and so believe it to be wholly excrementous ) they shamefully compare sometimes to the buttery part , and that which swims on the milk , being suited to the element of fire ; and at another time , to the whey of the milk ; and far more shamefully do they undistinctly liken both of these to the gaul . therefore four humours shall equally be made of any meat under one act , and the same shop of sanguification , because they are immediatly , principally , and simply , and always intended by the liver ; or they are made in unlike places and moments : not indeed , in unlike ones ; because so there should not be constitutive parts of one and the same blood : but if in like places , and moments ; why , while urine and choler are made at once , is not one individually mixed with the other , even as also gaul with the urine : why in the next place , is the urine never bitter , if gaul be always comixed with it , whereby it is tinged as they say ? why , when the gaul is broken in a fish , can none however the more exact washing , take away that bitternesse ? and after another manner , one onely smal drop of gaul , should defile a whole bucker of urine with bitternesse ? who in the next place is that so exact seperater , which was able to seperate the watery choler from the urine , but could not materially seperate all the urine from the blood ? wherefore at length , is not that choler or gaul of the blood snatcht together with the urine to the kidneys ( which a total absence of its bitternesse proveth ) if choler be believed to be throwly mixed with the blood above the liver . let us therefore consider how choler being made by the liver , in the liver , shall come down unto the little bag of the gaul : in what place sanguification is wrought ? whether about the port-vein , and hollow of the liver ? or indeed in the very body of the liver ? or lastly in the very hollow vein above the liver ? but in whichsoever of these places that choler is made : at leastwise there is not from thence a vein of return for choler , unto the little blader of the gaul . for it ought to proceed from the liver unto the gaul , by a retrograde motion , and uncertaine passages of conveighance : why at least wise have both those choler 's remayning in the masse of the blood , their own excrements , and seperated innes ? but phlegme , and the blood want excrments ? for if both of them are made beneath the liver what seperater therefore seperates them ? and which why ? since they being generated at once in the same place , are perfectly mixed with the urine : but if the gawl , and also black choler be made together with the act of sanguification , in a most swift passage thorow the smal and slender little branches of the veines extended into the liver ; i pray let young beginners be mindfull of the flendernesse of those little branches , or veines , which is scarce sufficient for the transmitting of the vrine , and so that they should require a momentary transmutation of the urine blood , and the other three humours , to be made by the creame . this matter i have elsewhere profesly explained in a full treatise , concerning a sixfold digestion . and in the . brief head in particular : that choler is not made of meates . and in the . that the gawl is a bowel in forme of a liquour , and the necessary balsame of life ; but in no wise an excrement . in the . the curious opinion of the schooles concerning the gaul , is unfolded . in the . that nature had been more carefull for the gaul , than for phlegme . in the . that the seperation of the urine , and of the wheyinesse of blood , differs in the whole essence from the seperation of the wheyinesse out of mil● . in the . how much gaul imports , beyond every disposition of an excrement . in the . why birds might want urine and a kidney , but not a gaul . in the . that the excrements of the kidneys , and belly , have indeed the colour of gaul , but not that they are therefore tinged with the gaul , and much lesse with choler . in the . after what manner the dung excludes a comixture of the gaul . in the . that excrements may seem gauly , which are no way gauly , and therefore that these things have been rashly passed by , by the schooles : also that a leeky liquour is not of the gaul , the history of a cock proveth , and some following experiments , in the chap. of the pylorus , sec. . the which , that i may not here with a tediousnesse repeate , the curious reader shall enquire , and he shall finde them in the places cited : for if the liver generateth both cholers , and phlegm , together with the blood , why doth it despise , and lay aside a great part of them for an excrement ? but reserve the rest in the blood ? when as otherwise , of simple and homogeneal blood , there either ought to be no duality of any of its particular parts , or there should be the same necessary duality no less of phlegm , and blood , than of both the cholers . neither doth reason otherwise suffer , that the same singular cream of the meats should be daily , and alwayes , and equally divided into six parts ; to wit into blood , both choler 's retained in the blood , and again into both the excrementitious cholers , and ( those shut up within their own entertaining places ) & at length into phlegm ; especially when as the gaul differs from the liquor swimming on the blood let out of the veins , in its whole property . unto which six humours if thou shalt add the urine ; now seven humours shall ordinarily be framed of one only cream , and the supposed device of a quaternary of elements , and the necessity of that fiction perisheth . therefore if these are made by one only act of one liver , in a direct , and ordinary course of ordination at once , why doth it generate those things as necessary out of the homogeneal liquor of the cream , whereof there is no way a need for a being , as neither for a well-being ? but if they are for nourishing , why doth it rather sequester both cholers into their own sheaths , and the chief mansions of constitution , than phlegm ? to wit , the which , they blush not to confess , to be a defectuous liquor , cold , and so a partaker of death , errour , and a vital want ? but they will have phlegm to be laid up in the vein , and to be re-cocted into blood : therefore it is not as yet [ this something ] being as yet crude , undigested , and uncocted , not yet a true , particular humour , and not yet a constitutive one of the bloud ; seeing it is as yet deficient , no otherwise then as the juyce of unripe grapes cannot be called wine : for if phlegm answer to water , even as they also liken the blood unto air ; one ought to be as perfect in it self as the other , and as equally necessary , if there are four elementary humours equally necessary for the composition , and successive alteration of us . surely that thing contains a mockery , that a humour failing of its appointment , should be ordinarily changed into another humour : as if the water had not its own perfection , ordination , order , and constitution , but were naturally brought into air , from the scope proposed by the creator . but i have elsewhere shewn in our physicks , that water can never by art , or nature be changed into air , nor likewise this into water . if therefore phlegm resemble water because it containeth it , and blood , air ; the adopting of any phlegm into blood shall never be able to subsist : and by consequence , it is a feigned thing , whatsoever hath hitherto been diligently caught concerning the union of humours , and elements , their likeness , commixture , complexion , and necessity : yea , if phlegme be not as yet mature , and through an over-hasty swiftness of time , it be only in the way unto bloud , and therefore left in the veins , and mixed with the blood that it may be perfected , and at length may nourish ; now not only the liver shall be the shop of the blood , but any pipe of the veins shall have the nature of a bowel ; and because it containeth its properties , and offices , it should be preferred before the liver in sanguifying , and in the perfecting of the blood . yea neither should phlegm be essentially a separated humour from the blood , no otherwise than as a sour grape differs not essentially from a ripe one : therefore by the same title , the whole chyle of the stomack shall be phlegm . again , since phlegm is attributed unto old age , defect , and imperfection ; therefore also nearer to death then choler , and hence also , more an enemy to nature ; the workman of things had seemed to be the more severe , who had left such an enemy to be suitaably mixed with the bloud , throughout all the veins , and had not designed a receptacle for it . he i say , who mad● not death , had from the beginning coupled the necessities of a defect unto humane nature . in the next place , since that being granted , sanguification should not be the proper office of the liver ; and the liver shall be able to operate more perfectly , and more at a far distance in the windings of the hollow vein than near in its own house ; unless the schools had rather to attribute sanguification independently to the veins . finally , if phlegm differs not but only in maturity , it is not an humour essentially distinct from the blood : and by consequence , the quaternary of humours passeth into a ternary . and then , as galen witnesseth , more of phlegm by two-fold , is daily made ( which he proveth by a tertian ague ) than of choler : how much phlegm therefore shall not be made in healthy persons , and those perfectly digesting ? and how much of phlegm shall not be daily generated in the more cold bodies , if humours are made according to the dispositions of complexions ? yea from thence it follows ; that every digestion is alwayes of necessity , and naturally defectuous , and vitious : because nature shall never attain the end , and purpose of nature , if phlegm be naturally generated as a fourth humour of the blood . after another manner , phlegm ought to fail in temperate bodies , together with both the cholers . why i pray , is blood abounding turned into fat , since it is far more easily ( as they say concerning the drawers forth of choler ) changed into choler , and loads nature with a less weight than choler , which so obediently obeys a calling solutive medicine . but why doth he that lives soberly in a temperate complexion ( as they call it ) daily lay up both the cholers into their own receptacles ? doth it not rather from thence plainly appear that the gaul , and spleen are nourished by some other thing , and by a vital liquour , than that which being banished from the blood , hath attained the conditions of an excrement ? but go to yet , what is that humour in the gout which is troublesome with so cruel a pain ? i indeed have elsewhere on purpose proved , that it is a sharpness ; wherefore also according to the institutions of the schools , it is cold , and therefore different from choler , and fire : yet in the gout which they call the hot one , ( for by how much the sharper it is , by so much also the more cruel ) they complain of most sharp pain , and heat : therefore choler either shall be sharp , nor any longer bitter , or the schools have forgotten a fifth humour . let the same equal judgement be in the colick , and wringing of the bowels . in the erisipelas also or anthonies fire , the humour is sharp ; because it is that which waxeth mild by soapie remedies : therefore choler or gaul is not bitter . and then in caustical , and escarrhotical affects , ( namely in the burning coal , persian fire , &c. ) there is a caustick or burning salt of the condition of alcalies , but not a bitter one : even as neither in the cancer , wolf , all running cancrous ulcers , and those causing the greatest pains . for the salt which gnawes , is no way bitter : wherefore effects that are most fiery in us , deride the vain device of choler ; especially seeing they who imitate the nature of fire , are not the clients of a cholerick humour . therefore if according to the admonishment of the word of truth , the tree be to be judged of by his fruits , but every thing by its works , and properties ; i see not from what use , end , necessity , or rashness , they have feigned yellow choler to be fiery : for there was no necessity , like a fable , to feign three daily , and domestick constitutive humours of us , that is , without which we cannot live ; which never were in the nature of a thing , or do suggest any necessity of themselves . but what , or what sort of bowel shall separate both the superfluous cholers from the choice blood of the veins ? the reins indeed separate the urine for the bladder ; shall therefore both cholers want their own separater ? or shall excrementous choler go of its own accord unto its own sinks ? for there is not so great a necessity of the urine , as well in its being , as in its separater , as there is of both cholers , if both the cholers are simply necessary as to their being : for truly birds could commodiously want urine . why therefore was nature less careful that she might make a bowel for the expurging of choler , than she was for the ejecting of urine ? shall therefore the chest of the gaul , and spleen , perhaps strongly attract both the cholers unto themselves without the aid of a separater ? yea seeing sanguification is a simple , single action , and of a natural scope , surely one only liver could not produce four humours at once , out of an homogeneal liquor , diverse from each other in their whole element , and separate two only as hurtful far off from each other : otherwise if the liver should be sufficient for the separating of its own liquors , it had separated the urine by a stronger right , and had made the necessity of the kidneys altogether vain . in the next place , if it doth not sequester all the choler out of the blood , not so much as in the most temperate strength , nature shall alwayes of necessity offend even in the abounding of both cholers , in the excess of heat for the forming of choler , and of cold also for phlegm ; and likewise shall contiaually offend in separating . and so , seeing both cholers accuse of a necessary access in a just temperament ( as they call it ) these could never be made fit for nourishment . since moreover , we are daily nourished by the same things whereof we consist : to wit of a temperate , and lively seed refusing both cholers : and there shall be the like reason for both cholers , which there is of phlegm : that if this be perfected into the blood within the veins , choler shall no less be made blood in the arteries : for if phlegm be changed into blood out of a natural , proper , and requisite shop , much more shall yellow choller be fit , that in the heart it may degenerate into the more yellow blood of the artery and into the spirit of life , and the heart shall be the restorative shop of a gawly excrement . but alas , how miserable an argument is it ! while as the blood let out of the veins disposeth it self to corruption , sometimes two , three , or more liquors are seen ; therefore there are as many constitutive humours of us . for blood is wholly changed into milk , and then after its corruption , it hath only three subordinate parts , to wit whey , cheese , and butter ; nor ever more : for sometimes it is totally coagulated in the dug , into a hard swelling , in the form of cheese ; now and then it wholly passeth over into a white , yellow , somewhat green , &c. corrupt pus : sometimes into a pricking , gnawing , watery liquor , as in the disease called choler , ulcers , &c. elsewhere also it totally departs into a salt wheyish liquor , as in the dropsie , and many hydragogal or water-extracting medicines : oft-times also it waxeth wholly black like pitch , as in blood that is chased out of the veins in a gangreen , &c. but frequently into an ashie and stinking clay , of slime , as in fluxes : at another time also it wholly passing over into a yellow poyson , shews or spreads forth the jaundise , in which manner also it boasts it self in those that are bitten with a serpent : elsewhere also the blood is without the separation of an heterogeneal matter , wholly changed into sores issuing forth matter like honey called melicerides , into swellings of the neck , or arm-holes , conteining a matter in them like pulse , &c. and in the p●ssing-evil , the blood is totally changed into a milky liquor ; even as under a tabes or consumption of the lungs , it wholly passeth into a yellowish spittle . are therefore perhaps as many humours to be constituted in the blood , as there are beheld degenerations thereof ? and shall there be as many liquors in rain-water , as there are things growing out of the earth ? for the blood is in us like unto water ; neither had it need of divers seeds in the liver , that it may be one only equally nourishable humour : but in the last kitchins it attaineth its own requisite diversities , whereby it performeth the office of nourishing : and so it should in its beginning in vain exceed in divers seeds , and diversities of kind , the which at length ought totally to be homogeneally reduced into one only glewie , white , and transparent nourishable sperm or seed , for the support of the similar parts , or to remain red for the flesh of the muscles , and substance of the bowels . wherefore i stedfastly deny , that the blood as long as it liveth , or is detained in the veins , ( although after the death of a man ) is coagulated ; and by consequence , that it bath integral , unlike parts , with any heterogeniety of it self ; but that all diversity in the blood , is made only by the death or destruction of the same : therefore the diversity of humours is the daughter only of death , but not of life . neither is that of concernment , that excrements do now and then occur in the body , which dissemble the countenance of blood ; to wit , from whence they are made by degeneration : for urine is no longer wine , even as neither are corrupt pus , or snivel ; or spittles , as yet parts of the blood ; because excrements are no longer that which they were before their corruption ; because every thing assumes its essence , and name from the bound of transmutation . for what doth it prove , if blood by phlebotomy separates water , or other soils in time of its corruption , if the same water be thereupon , neither gaul , nor choler , nor bitter , and wants the properties of gaul ? or what a rash belief is that ; water swims on dead blood ; therefore it it is gauly choler , which under a false taste , dissembles the bitterness of choler ? for that water swimming on the blood , is not an entire part thereof , nor of its essence , or contents , or more near akin to the blood , than a chariot in respect of a man sitting therein . it is therefore to be grieved at , that for so many ages , none hath ever tasted down that water ; but that they all have engraven their names on the trifles of their ancestors ; that i say , under a shew of healing , the schools have delivered the destructions of the sick under false principles . for truly humours are destructive ignorances , sluggishnesses , and shamefulnesses introduced by the father of lies , and celebrated by the loose credulity of his followers . for although the bottom of the blood doth sometimes look the less red , it shall not therefore be black choler : even as neither is the sediment of the urine phlegm : but while the life of the blood departed , it s no wonder if all particular things which were kept in the unity of life , do re-take the material conditions whereto they are obliged . for the variety of soils in liquid bodies , depends on a preheminency of weights ; because they have a latitude in weight , which after death , become heterogeneal or of a different hind , and by degrees do hasten into a disorder of confusion . for will a man that is of a sound judgement believe , that wine , ale , and the juyces of herbs do lay aside their own black choler at the bottom , together with their sediment : for what hath black choler common with the heterogeneal substance of a sediment ? but as to the colour ; every aethiopian hath his blood almost black , but for the most part without whey ; yet none of them is melancholy , but all wrathful : for the blood which by the encompassing air is presently cooled in the basin , waxeth more red than that which being sunk unto the bottom , hath the longer continued lukewarm . for this also is ordinary , that any blood being chased out of the veins , presently waxeth black in the body : for whatsoever things do readily putrifie , do easily admit of the companions of putrefaction , and that part of blood doth sooner putrifie which hath the longer continued warm after its death . therefore neither is it a wonder , that the part of the lower ground thereof becomes more intensly black : but that black blood is not a separation of weight in the blood , and much less black choler . i have separated nine ounces of fresh blood , and that as yet liquide , into por●ingers : one whereof i exposed to swim in cold water ; but the other part being equal to the former , i longer detained in a gentle lukewarmth : and this shewed very much of black blood , but the other not any thing . a diversity of kind therefore in a dead liquour presently putrifying , and putrifiable , is a suitable sign of corruption : and the which therefore neither hath a vital or seminal beginning , a sign , as neither an argument of its primitive composition : for we are originally composed of a vital seed ; and are resolued into a putrified and cadaverous watery liquor : the which also oft-times happens in part , in living bodies . what if the blood , of pale , becomes red , shall that therefore be ascribed to phlegm ? shall red apples be more sanguine than pale ones ? blackish plumms be more melancholy than whitish ones ? for colours do not denote feigned humours , or elements : but they imitate the properties of the middle life , and appointments of the seeds . thus is it ; colours , and thicknesses in the matter , are works of the seminal archeus ; but not the confused testimonies of humours being put or applyed together . have thou recourse unto the book of the vnheard-of doctrine of fevers : that i have lookt into the bloods of two-hundred countrey healthy persons in one only morning , which were remarkable in the aspect of colours and diversities of grounds : for some of them resembled a blackish , and constrained jelly , being oft-times also throughly mixed with a greenish liquor , and sometimes only lightly besprinkled therewith : also another blood was watery throughout its whole ; another was snivelly ; another was red in the bottom , another rather in the top-part thereof ; a water swimmed upon another , being cleer , pale , somewhat yellow , the which elsewhere lay hid as shut up in the middle of the blood ; another blood was poyntingly speckled , and another of red , became pale throughout its whole ; another was inclinable into a pomegranate , and another into a black colour : even as lastly , another was somewhat green throughout it pavements . i take pity on the deceiveable inspection of blood issuing out of the body , and the accustomed judgements from blood let out of the veins , the fictions of humours , and the readie credulities of the sick . for a divining beholder of the blood is presently busie to fore-tell from the conjecture of an humour , the name , and properties of the peccant and super-abounding humour , and also the manners , complexion , inclination of the man ; the particular kind , greatness , and event of the lurking disease , and moreover the kind of death , yea and the dependency of fortunes . but whichsoever of the humours shall offend in the table of the inspection of blood flowing forth , that is presently banished with a diminishment of the head ; and unless it shall forthwith after obey , it is to be put to flight by an an infamous stool ; because the physitian hath the peculiar guardians of their own humours ready at hand , which may bring them forth all severally bound , and putrified ; for thus they mock the ignorant , and in the mean time thus also the frequency of visits is confirmed : because they have known from a fore-judging , of what sort the white of an egg will be , which by receiving of their solutive medicine shall return putrified : for even the most phlegmatick person amongst them , if he hath used rhubarb , will void a yellow excrement , and less tinged , if he shall take scammoneated medicines ; but not a slimie or snivelly liquor , such as is voided from the receiving of the magistrals of coloquintida ; ( for all the compositions of the shops are supported with scammony , or coloquintida , or both , as it were with two pillars : ) oft-times also , whom this man judgeth to be cholery , another calls sanguine ; but if they shall see one whom they esteem to be phlegmatick , to be once angry , others also will presently contend that he is in a raging heat through choler . and scammony being drunk , one derides another , if they be called apart , because he hath drawn choler so plentifully from a sanguine man , and he secretly insinuates by that very thing , that the greater reward is due unto him , as being skilful in his art ; for in the truth of the matter , fraud , & fruit connexed with deceit do flourish , as oft as vain complexions , and humours being neglected , and the betokening , and aspect of the blood let out being disregarded , it is fore-known from the poysonous property of the solutive medicine received , what kind of dreg every one is to cast forth . indeed a solutive medicine with them , is an asistant to the function of the liver : because it frames the humours which they will have it to do , and shews them in a bravery brought forth at pleasure , and that according to the fore-knowledge of an imposture : and they boast as it were from a three-legged stool , that they have fore-told to the sick the colours , and properties of the offending humours to be brought forth , and that those sick having gone to stool , have answered in the divination , unto their foreknown sooth-saings . surely a wretched doctrine it is , and ignorance to be expiated by punishment : because that person is most miserable , who having taken a consumptive medicine , hath suffered his blood to be exhausted under the mask of putrefaction . but at leastwise it is a wonder , that the schools have passed by the excrementitious filths of the ears : for they are those which being yellow , and bitter , might afford a fresher remembrance , and firmer belief of yellow and bitter choler , than the water which swimmes on the venal blood : there is now therefore in the brain a little bag of choler : but these filths appear not for the nourishment of the brain , but when the blood is consumed : but the gaul cannot remain in its former being or essence when the blood is spent , whereof it had been an entire part : an aid therefore for choler was fetcht from an excrement formally transchanged , especially because it alone exhales through the ears in the shape of a smoaky vapour : for by how much the deeper an ear-picker is sent into the ear , the less of those filths is shaved of : they are therefore ridiculous , and weak arguments , as many as beget an hope for humours . the colours also of an excrement cast forth , are the effects of a purgative medicine being drunk , but not testimonies of the abounding , or conformity of an elected , and rejected humour . these things are described at large , concerning the doctrine of fevers , in the chapter of solutives . sufficient for me is the testimony from the mouth of the schools , that among all loosening medicines , aloes is only unhurtful . they are not innocent therefore who profess this , and in the mean time cease not daily to make use of other hurtful medicines ; not because they find those things which they teach to be hurtful , to be healthful to the sick , but because they find them to be profitable to themselves . what do we , and shall we do , will some say , for unless we now and then open a vein , and provoke the belly , we stay at home , and are made the scorn of the vulgar , and the fable of stages ? for a little book is fore-read in the schools , concerning the nature of man , being reproachfully ascribed to hippocrates : teaching , that one solutive medicine being administred , and that in a like quantity , at divers stations of the year , will wipe out divers humours , and that always after convulsions , together with the blood thus masked , it will take away the life : which soundeth , that under the specious pretence of purging , an authority is granted of putrefying the blood , of co-melting the flesh , and that under the deceit of the humours of any colour , according to the will of the physitian , and at length , that unless the dose covers the deceit , and poyson , the blood which is to flow forth thus changed , will bring death on the sick party : so that although it be said in the aforesaid little book , that one and the same laxative at different stations of the year , doth at first draw out different humours ; yet it is constantly true , that every loosening medicine taken beyond a due dose , kills its receiver : so that frequently the consuming power thereof remains so stubbornly tinged in the veins , that it cannot be restrained , and death follows after by a comelting : although the solutive potion it self , and patron of death shall first almost wholly fall out of the body : and in vain are restringent remedies administred in this case ; where the retentive faculty is not hurt , but the imprinted poyson continually consumeth : wherefore rather an antidote is required , than an astringent medicine : for that which a deadly flux by offending , causeth ; that very thing doth laxative medicines perform under the cunning craft of physitians , involved in the false position of humours . at length the guilty , and accused guiltless humour being drawn out , yet the disease for the most part is not any thing the mildet thereby . are not therefore mockeries to be conjectured from thence ? and whatsoever hath been pratled concerning humours , their excess , choice , and separation ? for it is daily seen , that the events do frustrate the hope of the sick , and promises of physitians : and therefore neither dare they certainly to promise health by a with-drawing of humours by their laxatives ; the which alone , they notwithstanding , seriously accuse for the containing cause of diseases ; because indeed they are badly instructed , and too much at the perswasions of false maxims : yet hippocrates saith , if those things are extracted which ought to be extracted , the sick feel themselves the better , and do easily bear it . and moreover neither dare they to trouble bodies with purgers in good earnest , before the disease hath caused an hope of its digestion , but nature an hope of her victory , ( and that without the endeavour of physitians ) to wit , of a future crisis . but this is done , lest the schools their solutive medicines , and also their own maxims should be defamed amongst the vulgar , if laxative potions being fore-timely drunk before the bodies are in a chafe , that is , before a prostrating of the disease , a cure should not succeed : therefore seeing little of a remedy remains among physitians , besides cutting of a vein , and purges : yet least physitians should be made of no esteem , they now and then hand forth the lesser laxatives , that they may seem to have done something . they confess indeed , and openly declare , that those lesser purgatives will not cut off a disease at the root ( as if otherwise the greater laxatives would mow down diseases like a sithe ) but that they are diminishers of the peccant humour , and for this cause to aid and assist : suppose thou , if not unto the health , at least , unto the death of the sick , or th● kitchin of the physitian . for physitians do privily confess , that little aid is drawn from the pulse , beholding of the urine , and the blood ; but that they have viewed the urine , and blood under gordonius's rules or deceitful juggles , to wit , least they should seem to be less wise than their predecessours ; the which surely contein deceit , and pride covered with deceit : at leastwise , impure physitians have taken up an invention for a man to be called , and distinguished by the name of dungs . to wit , a chole-rick , melancholy , phelgmatick person , which things they believe to be meer excrements : for it is certain , that by loosening medicines the venal blood and flesh are resolved into that yellow , and stinking putrefaction , without a separation of a diversity of kind . and it is a dull argument to infer from thence , if the blood , and flesh depart dissolved thorow the fundament , and they are made a yellow liquor , or muckie excrement ; therefore the flesh , and blood do consist , and are composed of the same matters ; which are true choler , and phlegm : for truly except that the blood were not a true natural composed body , but essentially made up of many unlike parts , it could not also return again into choler ; from whence they say , the blood is composed , or otherwise there should be an immediate return from a privation to an habite : therefore the blood was never made even of choler , and much less flesh ; the which shall differ in the species from choler : and by consequence , if the whole blood and flesh are sometimes transchanged into that putrefaction , ( which they name choler ) and are ejected , and so the whole flesh melteth as well by art , as through a disease : one of the two must needs be true ; either that that putrified choler is formally , and actually as yet blood , and flesh , or that that choler being once dead , and transchanged in the birth of blood , hath again revived by an immediate return , as well from the melting of the flesh , as of the blood . it must needs be i say , either that those four humours do alwayes persist in their own proper forms , yet under the shape , and covering as well of flesh , as blood : or next , that those four humours have put off their own essence , and forms under their entrance of the form of blood , and flesh . if thou shalt say the first ; now the blood is not a natural composition , but made up of many things : but if thou wilt say the latter ; an immediate return of blood , and flesh into choler , or other their constitutive humours is impossible . whence again it follows ; that those things which are cast forth of the body by a laxative draught , are not choler ; but a stinking cadaverous or mortified liquor , being thus defiled by the force of the medicine . for galen seems to reject both the cholers , and phlegm for the natural complexions of man , even so also to refer them into a meer distemper : for truly he saith , that one only hony in sanguine persons , is wholly turned into blood , the which in cholerick persons is totally changed into choler : wherefore he banisheth the nativities of these kind of humours , as without difference , not so much into an inclination of the matter , as into a vitious distemper of the liver . whence it followes , that three distempers at least do alwayes ; and at once flow together ; every one of which do bring forth their own particular humours : yea it is to be feared least galen be dashed against the rocks , and being drowned , that he perisheth , while he teacheth , that blood being putrified , is wholly turned into choler : for from thence he will be constrained to grant , that part of the blood is daily putrified in its constitution ; yea and that hony in cholerick persons , wholly putrifies within few hours ; but not in sanguine ones : and that as well a cholerick complexion , as the choler thereof , are meer corruptions : at leastwise , as much of choler as is daily made in sanguification ; so much according to that precept of galen , putrifies ; and by consequence , choler is not a constitutive humour of sound and healthy blood ; but a vitious adjacent thereof . for while the blood being putrified ( as galen witnesseth ) is turned into choler , that choler is understood to be true choler , but not a putrified being ; seeing otherwise , putrified choler is no more to be accounted choler , than a putrified man , a man. but after that i seeingly knew , that no being existing in its perfection , testifies to the unlike parts of its own seminal root , if any should remaine ; but that the seed disposeth of its own matter , that thereof , this some one thing may be made , and not by an apposition or adjoyning , but by a true formal transmutation ; i afterwards perfectly knew also , that the diversity which sometimes shines forth in the corruption of the blood , can never attest , and much lesse shew forth the constitutive parts of the matter [ whereof ] no more , then a strangled calf , although it be changed into bees , is therefore composed of bees ; or hony , if together with may dew , it shall suffer a full moon in the grasse by night , is changed into eeles ; but with rie bread , if it passeth over into ants : but a womans shift , being shut up with wheat , departs into mice , within few days : yet hony doth not therefore draw its matter from eeles or ants , a calf , his from bees , or mice their matter from flax and menstruous blood : and the eele , ant , &c. shall be so composed of hony , as again the eele being dead , doth the second time exclude hony out of his body . therefore paracelsus errs , who saith that a roasted stork departs into a serpent , and ducks into frogs , in fifteen daies space ; because those birds were wont to be fed with those meates , and therefore that they ought feminally to conteine those beasts in them : but that thing is altogether repugnant to the experience of the deed , and unto phylosophy : truly the original of things , is not from those things whereinto things being resolved , are changed : because that in natural generation , the constitutive parts ought so to be made some one thing , that they may be fully actuated by the one only form of the thing generated : and therefore , whatsoever under the relation of generation , is not changed from its former essence , that remains plainly excluded and unoccupied : for all natural things are constituted , almost after a single manner , and by a simple seed : so that although entire parts are composed , such as are bones and finewes ; yet those being bound together , not only in the method of connexion , but in the vital bond of a specificall union , do passe over into another family , and are a being it self , from whence to fetch back the parts of the former seed , is altogether unpossible to nature . the venal blood therefore is not a part co-weaved of four humours , differing in an elementary species ; and much lesse is the blood resolveable into those humours from whence it is believed to have arisen : but by consequence , whatsoever is produced out of the blood , or through the paunch , by corrupting , that it is not one of those four feigned humours ; but a putrified excrement of the blood : much lesse is there a ground of founding an argument for a possible existence of humours . therefore it is cleerly manifest , that the schools have not understood the blood , as a natural , single , and composed being of nature ; but for an artificial being patcht together and connexed of many beings : under which ignorance it is certain that properties , requisites , health , diseases , and remedies also , have as one , remained hitherto unknown , and that by conjecture only , they have healed from false principles of healing . but go to yet , one only faculty of the liver in sanguification shall regularly , directly and ordinarily produce four humours at once , and the variety of these ( from the example of hony mentioned by galen ) depends on a fourefold variety of one efficient . therefore it must needs , be that in one only liver , a fourfold expresse complexional distemper is regularly and daily prevalent : to wit , every one whereof , against the will of its companion , is fit to frame its own humour : and since he writes that more of phlegm is ordinarily generated , and therefore also he determineth of a more aboundding cause of a quotidian ague ; it followes , that the phlegmatick complexion even of the most intemperate cholerick person shall as yet be the more prevalent one : but seeing the fiction of elements do long since cease , and have been suppressed , from whence the reflexion of a quaternary of qualities , and humours was to be hoped for ; now no reason shall henceforth remain , why it should rather incline to four humours than to three , or unto ten , of whatsoever disposition that matter shall at length remain the heir ; because the fundamentall stem being taken away ; to wit , that there are not , nor ever were four elements in the universe , nor that our body is in any wise materially or efficiently constituted of the same ; a fourfold generation of humours in the liver , doth also totally fall to the ground together with it : because it is that which hath alwayes had respect unto the elements , and the supposed and feigned qualities , and connexed strifes of these . in the next place , how inconsiderate is this device of the schools , that they will have the spleen to be the sink of black , and the worst of choler , yet the spleen to yield its asistance to the liver , as indeed the spleen doth administer the vicar-ship , as the liver doth in making of blood , to wit , while the liver is ill affected : as if in us , from a right of substitution , the vital faculty of the liver should glister or grow in some other part , and especially on a sordid sheath , which they say is that of the worst calamities . good and most holy jesus , wilt thou as yet long admit of confusions of so great moment in healing ? have respect unto thy people groaning under so grosse falsities , and remember thy natural bounty . for the schools see in artificial things , a chest that was compacted of diverse pieces , to be again dissolved into its parts ; and they from a childish stupidity have thought , that the same thing hath happened in nature through thy humanity : namely that choler is fetcht out of the blood , yea , and out of the flesh also ; and that choler hath therefore always persisted under transchanged formal beginnings ; and that therefore out of choler , the blood doth again materially arise , and re-arise . but another hath seen salt to be resolved into water , nor to be then any longer seen , and presently by the boyling up of the water , that the salt doth again appear ; they have therefore supposed the same thing , to happen in their own feigned humours : as if choler being essentially unchanged , should be changed sometimes into blood , and at length into flesh , and at the pleasure of the physitian , should by his solutive medicines , return safe from thence . but let us come to the hand : let the supposed yellow choler be taken , that swims on the blood let out of the veines , let it be boyled in whatsoever degree of warmth or heat thou wilt : yet there shall never be burnt , cankered , or leeky choler made from thence , and much lesse , that sharp black choler which they say doth ferment earth : the which , if it be made in the spleen ; therefore it is not a part of sanguification , or of the blood : but if it be made in the liver , with the other three , of the same similar matter of the chyle , yet by diverse agents : for seeing that there are in the liver , slender and most thin smal branches of veines , buisied in a continual transmission of urine , neither that the veines of the liver have respect directly on the spleen ; i see not how black choler being seperated from the liver , can be brought to the spleen : especially where great plenty of urine , and abundance of blood is carried upwards . but both the cholers ought with an opposite confusion to be carried downwards unto their own colledges apart , in so slender veines of the shop of sanguification : the black choler therefore which they call excrementitious , cannot be brought from the liver ; but rather the spleen is nourished by splenetick veines and arteries , according to the accustomed manner of other members : neither doth the spleen live by a banished excrement , neither is it a sink of the body , and of the worst humour : for if the spleen ought to draw black choler from the liver ; why is it not near to the liver ? why shall the spleen alone among bowells , be nourished with an horride excrement ? and whither at length shall it drive this superfluous , pernicious superfluity ? shall now the sink of the last excrement be thorow the stomach , and the orifice thereof , which is so noble and sensible ? shall this malignant liquour thus suggest an appetite to the stomach ? for to what end shall a drosse be re-cocted , having been already rejected in its whole kinde by banishment , and its properties ? the stomach is granted to imitate the office of the heart ; was it therefore convenient , that the stomach , and the enclosed food thereof , and thereby the whole family-administration of the whole body , should be daily defiled with the contagion of a malignant excrement ? for were not that to have accused nature , and the creatour , of unexcusable rashnesse from the beginning of the creation ? had not some little bag been fitter for seperating of those dregs , if there were any black choler , than that the noble bowel of the spleen bearing so many arteries , and the noble bowel of the stomach , should be made the refuges of the worst excrement ? but with what weapon do the schools defend so great doatages ? truly they say ; that sometimes a black sharp juice is seen to be cast forth by vomite , the which falling on the earth , would lift up the same in manner of a ferment or leaven : whence they have consequently gathered many absurdities . . that that sharp or four excrement ought from its colour , to be called melancholy or black choler . . that it is sometimes made from its own proper matter ; yet oftentimes from yellow choler being re-cocted . . but it is not as yet known of whether matter , as neither the cook-rome of that dish ; since otherwise , yellow choler could not without confusion , be derived unto the strange inn of the spleen . . that choler which they will have to be the hottest of humours , and fiery , they say , is by cocture reduced into an earthy , cold , and dry humour . . from a watery and yellow humour , into a black one . . from most bitter gaul , into a sharp and fermenting one . . why therefore is yellow choler ( gaul i say ) never recocted into black choler , in its own little bag ? why doth it beg another port for this coction ? was there daily need of the re-cocting of yellow choler , if by re-cocting it hastens into a worse state ? why doth not nature , which alwayes of possible things makes that which is best , expel that choler with the excrementitious filths of the belly , which it changeth into worse by recoction ? but if the spleen be the shop of black choler ; it hath not daily so great heat , which may be sufficient for the roasting of choler : or if it be hot how , of yellow choler which is hot ; shall a cold humour be made ? especially since galen will have hony , hearkening unto diverse distempers , to be changed into diverse humours agreeable to those distempers ? as though a liquid decoction should loose the virtues of sugar , and should put on opposite ones , because it is thickned into a syrupe or lohoch . wherefore hath gaul hitherto , by what artifice soever it hath been recocted , never assumed a sharpnesse ? for by wat way , or by what conducter , or enforcer , shall yellow choler , being exactly mixt with the blood , and homogeneally co-arisen with it in the shop of the liver , be brought unto the forreign vessel of the spleen , that by roasting it may be made black choler in the same place , if it be proper to the spleen to lay up a black , and thick , cold , earthy liquour ? for is the spleen for this end rich in so many arteries , that it hath not a bowel like unto itself , in so great a livelinesse of pulses ; to wit that it may coct yellow choler into black , by defiling in ? how shall black choler differ from yellow , if be made [ this something ] by one poynt of heat ? is not that to commit the whole buisinesse of nature unto cocting heat , the formal properties being excluded ? shall there be room in the spleen for forreign choler sliding to it , if it hath elsewhere supplied its own necessities from the veines , and arteries ? where therefore shall the choler comming unto it , be waited for in the entry and doores of the spleen , if a gratefull guest hath already beset the house ? shall the spleen bid farewell to the inbred blood of the veines , and arteries , that it may receive choler comming unto it , into it self , to excoct it into a black filth ? what if choler be said to be roasted in the veines themselves ; seeing the heat of all the veines is only a moderate lukewarmth , shall there not of the fiery liquour of choler , another cold one be made ? neither is there any reason why the veines shall theeve away the services of fanguification from the liver ; nor also , why it being first decocted black in the veines , it should afterwards be brought unto the spleen , as seeking for it self a new place of entertainment . neither at length , can the veines for this cause be concluded to be the cocters of yellow choler into black . lastly what is that fewel , which without a necessity may roast yellow choler , into another and worse excrement ? for while i speak of the shops of nature , i know that nothing is moved by it self , nor that there are foolish heates , intended for no good end , as neither digestions proposed by nature her self , for ridiculous objects : for if there be a smal vein , whereby the spleen inspireth a digestive ferment , and vital vigour into the stomach , i see not why therefore so many fictions of black choler are convenient , from whence so many troops of calamaties have followed in a chaine . for how silly a thing is it , to have feigned the worst drosse of nature ( as they confess it to be ) and a divorced and abhorred excrement , to be to the stomach for a delight ? to cure its appetite ? to render so noble a part subject to the defiling as well of the powers of the meates as of the vital functions ? for black choler which originally is prepared of the chyle , is of the same particular kinde with that which is generated of burnt choler ( unlesse they had rather now also , to admit of a fifth humour ) or it is diverse from it . if of the same species ; now the same [ this something ] shall be sharp , cold , and earthy , and shall be fiery bitter , and shall be made immediately out of diverse matters disposed unto their own diverse ends : and that by one only elementary , simple , and not seminal agent : and galen with his hony , shall be in a straight : and likewise , yellow choler from its own disposition , shall be subordinate unto black choler , as to a more perfect being , by elabouration ; and so yellow choler shall not be one of the four , but a semi or half-humour . but at least wise , i perceive not why a superfluous drosse should be dayly made , and ought to be of the constitutives of us ; or what dullnesse it is , which hath constrained them to feign so many fables ? truly however that page of healing be considered of , it is wholly without necessity rowled among dungs . there is indeed a sharp , vital , and spiritual ferment in the spleen , whereby the stomach cocteth : the which to wit , fayling , the appetite also goes to ruine : and therefore the old man saith ; that in fevers , soure belchings comming suddenly upon burntish or stinking ones , is a good sign : for it is the ferment inspired by the spleen , being the subject of a great title , and of a general use ; in no wise to be dedicated unto a black balast , and melancholy excrement . paracelsus writeth , that man could have more commodiously wanted kidneys and a spleen ; which besides his own idiotisme , conteins implicite blasphemy : for whatsoever god hath made , was and shall be always the best by far or most exceoding good . . but if the schools had ever poured forth aqua fortis , they had easily found that sharpnesse dissolves earth , but not ferments it . . that the action of ferments is one things having a co-resemblance . . that the earth is not fermentable , because an element is not to be fermented by the ferments of fruites , by reason of the constancy , and simplicity of it self : for if the leaven of bread-making doth not ferment woods , or stones , what ferment for the earth shall therefore be found ? for truly such is the condition of ferments ( not considered by the schools ) that a ferment from the time that it is once recieved , it continually fermenteth further , neither doth it cease as long a it findeth an object co-like unto it self : wherefore the elements indeed , do conceive the strange ferments of fruits ; but are in no wise therefore , fermented by the same ; because all ferments are unsuitable to the elements ; because they want transmutation , and seeds suited to themselves . otherwise , if the earth were fermentable , dead carcases could not be in-humed , but that presently the globe of the earth would be made destructive unto us with a deadly gore . . therefore galen never knew those things , he never knew aqua fortis , yea not so much as rose water , he never smelt out formal ferments . . neither doth black choler any way ferment earth , if it no where , and never were : although dungs may boyle up through a dissolution made by sharp things . furthermore of one only bread and water , chyle is made . if therefore in bread and water , a fourefold humour in nature should lay hid ; by the same right , every juice of herbs ought always to be fourefold : which thing be it dreame . let us grant therefore , that only of bread and simple water , the foure feigned humours are made . first of all , these humours are not made seminally , and dispositively , of simple elementary water ; therefore the chyle shall be made of the bread being resolved , and of this only ; and this chyle shall be afterwards changed into four humours , by the priviledge of the acting liver . and therefore now an exorbitant and irregular liver : for truly of every natural agent , there is only a single and simple action : it must needs be therefore , that either in the liver there are foure agents of sanguification at once , or that the quaternary of humours rusheth into feigned dungs . for if four humours are not made out of the simplicity of the aforesaid chyle , of natures own accord , neither from the power of a fourfold agent co-labouring in the liver ; or if the supposed quadruplicity of feigned humours , be not made by a power or faculty of the agent , or patient ; truly whatsoever is denied under a disjunction may be denyed copulatively , by reason of the largenesse of a negative . therefore i conclude ; if from the connexion of a simple agent , and single matter , a vital action of sanguification proceedeth ; surely that action , as it shall be simple , so also it shall not be able to be the mother of above one onely humour . but if we feign varieties of humours to be in the blood , by reason of a diversity of meates ; now an hundred humours at least , shall be to be granted in the blood , from as many meats being taken at once . but the schools will have it , that under the degree of one only digesting heat , many meates are changed into chyle , and that through the government of the same heat , four humours are always produced in the liver : and that as well in the swede , as in the aethiopian . at length , they confesse sanguification to be the proper workmanship of the liver : but of the spleen , only through inordinacy , and aide ; although in the mean time , the spleen be letted , and involved in dungs , about the coction of yellow , choler into black. . first of all , galen goes to ruin with his hony , the which he writeth to be wholly turned either into blood or into choler . . the generation of humours proceeds not from an elementary power . . we must not run back unto a vaine quaternary of humours . . otherwise bilification or making of choler should be as naturall to the liver , as its sanguification or making of blood is . . the blood shall be nothing but a confused connexion of humours , an irregular generation ; but not a natural composure , but deprived of the necessities of agents , and ends : truly on both sides , great trifles do involve great cares , and great absurdities : the which , if they put on obstinacy , they now nourish madnesse , if not also malice : the trifles of humours therefore being invented by the evil spirit , were derived into pagans , and hitherto subscribed by the schools . for they were fit for the devil , because they contein confusions in healing , fallacies and lyes ; and therefore they produce dayly deaths , they obscure the light of nature , they presuppose plausible fictions , and are destitute of all examples from their like ; and by so much the more dry , stupid , dangerous , and rash , those fables are , by how much they are the more toughly believed for the destruction of mortals . galen therefore is wholly giddy , who affirmes hony to be totally turned , sometimes into blood , and sometimes into choler . . first a messenger hath been wanting unto this rash asserter , which might the more surely certifie him , what and how much was made from the totalnesse of hony : and so he is wholly suspected of rashnesse and a fiction . . truth is wanting to the affirmer : for truly in nature , choler failes , and therefore also a cholerick complexion . . for he who throughout his great volumes , attributes the properties of the members unto elementary qualities alone , constantly writes that a quaternary or fourfold number of humours are framed onely by the actual heat of one liver , in one onely action of sanguification ; when as notwithstanding actual heat cannot but be simple in one onely member , at one and the same time . let galen therefore learn to dream more truly concerning hony , and sanguification : neither let him depart unto childish principles , by believing , that four conquering and contrary complexions of elements do remaine at once in the liver , every one whereof formeth to it self its own humour out of the single or simple chyle , which is connexible into the one only subject of blood , and falling down from thence at the pleasure of a loosening medicine : let him therefore desist from believing , that humours are made to vary out of one only hony or chyle , by reason of heat alone , and that a simple one ; seeing that wretched prince of medicine doth not consider , that hereby there is required in a temperate heat of the liver , as many heats at once ( for so many humours ) diverse in making warm , from the supposition of their being . take notice my companions , that we are in no wise constrained unto the fiction of four humours : for those things which are voided forth in the flux , the disease called choler , and dreggishnesses of vomits , are not humours boasted of by the schooles ; but they are excrements which the revenging disease frameth , and expelleth ; even as those which laxative medicines do eject , are the corruptions of sound or entire blood : and that which the revenging disease there acteth ; that the laxative medicine here executes , indeed with much brevity : for neither is the gate of diseases shut by the feigned perswasions of humours ; since that , according to phlosophy , those things are never drawn out of a transchanged being , from whence it is naturally constituted in its making . moreover , although i have sufficiently proved elsewhere , that there are not four elements , nor the combating congresse of the same for the framing of bodies which are believed to be mixt : and that it followes from thence , that there is not an unlike action of the liver , in the alway procreation of four humours : yet whereby the schools may see , with what a prop their whole foundation in healing is supported , i will treat from their own meer granted and delivered doctrine . for truly , if the elements do not with their formes , remain in the mixt body ; neither also could their properties remain therein ; seeing the forms themselves are the immediate subject of inherency of their own properties : but if they had rather have the elements to remaine with their formes , in the mixt body ; now even the formes of those elements shall not be substantial acts , but only the bonds of the elements : for they shall alway return entire , from every sore shaking of the supposed mixt bodies : to wit , the formes of the elements shall soundly sleep so long as they shall have rule over the forme of the mixt body : since therefore the form of a mixt body is of necessity , a pure and simple ultimate act ; it cannot be fourfold ( yea although the material and remote principler of that matter should be the very actuall elements ) and by consequence there is no reason of feigning a quaternary of humours , in respect of the agent : because the action of sanguification is in no wise elementary ; but vital , and of the ferment of the liver ; the every way simplicity whereof , could not finally respect a quaternion of humours to arise out of an uniform , and most exactly united chyle : so that although there were in a mixt body , twenty elements , there should not therefore be as many necessary productions of humours . it is therefore a blockish speculation , and of a divelish perswasion , which saith , that of three elements never concurring unto the mixture of bodies , four humours in number , ought always and ordinarily to proceed , and that from thence , one only venal blood is regularly constituted : to wit , that from thence , the necessities of curing and of diseases , are dictated . perhaps they will object , thou admittest that the hurtfull cause is to be driven away , thou forbiddest laxative medicines , because they are poysonous , and indeed do withdraw the blood and vital strength : but from a hungarian horse , they have learned the cuttings of a vein , from a bird , clysters , &c. therefore i may say truly with the prophet : do not ye become as the horse and mule , which have no understanding : do not ye learn of such masters : for the half part of the continent will subscribe to my desire : because under the ottoman , abyssine or aethiopian empires , and the chief part of the indies , the cutting of a vein is unusual : yet the strengths , nimblenesses , readinesse , v●g●ancy of these nations , and constancy of their labours as well to do as to suffer , learn ye out of histories : and ye will deservedly lament with me , that the nations which in times past , were formidable in war , have at this day by degrees , under physitians , become ready to dye , at every turning of the wind . for the north , and west , which were wont to disperse their warriours into the whole world ; do henceforth , by reason of these follies of the schools , dye , as soon as the army is marched far from home . lastly they will object : if thou takest away universal succours , neither directest thy self unto the withdrawing of humours ; by what meanes therefore wilt thou overcome diseases ? i answer with the aforesaid nations , that nature is the physitianesse of diseases , therefore that she is to be comforted , and not dejected : that there is need of a promotion of ends . for if excrementitious filths shall adhere unto the first dens or privy places of the body ; we must insist on resolving and cleansing medicines , nature being safely buisied about the rest : but if something shall the more stubbornly and hiddenly remain in a more inward place of retirance ; volatile alcali salts are to be recieved , which cleanse away all things like soap . surely it is a wonder , how much the salt even of tartar alone being made volatile , will not performe : for it scours all dregginesse , and stubbornnesse of obstructing filths , out of the veines , and disperseth the recieved assemblies or collectitions of apostemes : concerning this spirit of salt ( and not of the oile ) that saying of paracelsus is true , that whithersoever it shall not reach , scarce any other spirit of salt shall more powerfully come . but external affects are cured as well by local applications , as by the internal aids of the vital powers : so that ye apply your selves unto a clarifying of the blood , and the tinctures and renewings of a new balsam by transpiration . but the greater arcanum's do after some sort , ascend unto the top of an universal remedy . learn ye ; for god selleth arts to sweats . chap. ii. a second supplementary conception against the fallacy of humours . . the carelessnesse of physitians is to be bewayled . . the mixture of elements is rejected by the way . . paganish ignorances are not to be winked at in christians . . the doating delusions of a catarrhe or rheume have sprung from humours . . the wandering keepers being unknown , catarrhs were at length consirmed . . a quaternary of humours is infringed by the contusion of a member . . yellow choler is battered mith an engine . . an unknown use of the gaul is proved . . that choler is not gaul . . an absurdity of the schools . . a galenical errour . . pastime consequences of the argument of the schools . . that the schools through the sluggishnesse of a dililigent search have been ignorant of the contents of the urine , and have neglected the signification of the urine . . the manifold errours of the antients . . an argument from the rule of falshood . . a defect of the schools . . the choler shewn by the schools is unto the blood by accident , but not of its essence . . again by the supposition of falshood . . the schools ought will they , nill they , to swallow down two maxims of the authour . . an errour of the schooles is again connivingly supposed . . it is again supposed . . some absurd and shamefull particulars are proposed . . the covered blasphemy of the schools . . the gaul , a vital bowel . . that the pagans were not enlightned with the gift of healing . . that snivel is neither phlegm , as neither an excrement of the brain . but indeed the number of humours is so deeply rooted , that it is not suficient , once to have refuted the same : and so , seeing that is not sufficiently taught which is not suficiently learned , i am constrained to repeat by way of a second conception , what things i have already above attempted to demonstrate at large : for truly , the whole square of healing is conversant in this thing . for i have very often wondred , that the fight of the elements , the fictions of mixtures and complexions , have befooled the christian world for so may ages hitherto , and that none hath taken notice of the falshood of these : when as notwithstanding , thy own affairs are concerned , while every ones special friend , or near neighbour his house is on fire : and by so much the more destructively hath this blindnesse continued , since physitians introduced all their own things into medicinal affairs : for by these devices , they have transferred the whole family of diseases , and the curings of these , into their own trifles ; the credulity of mortals assenting hereunto : in themselves indeed they were plainly ridiculous , and comedial , but that they daily filled the people of christ by whole streets and villages , with tears , mourning , wailing , and compassion on the miserahle , destroyed families , and produced widowes and orphans without punishment . in the next place , unto these aforsaid and blind rashnesses of physitians , they have feigned as many humours ; to wit , according to a quaternary number of elements : indeed that in a disproportion of these , perhaps all diseases did consist ; as also , consequently , their cure , from the abundance of those supposed humours being sequestred : at length , that the renewing and preserving of health ( however shortnesse of life , the aforesaid sequestration of humours and blood should cause ) was recovered . a cruel received opinion , and ungracious wickednesse of the schools of physitians ! therefore i have not always seriously enough detested the passive deceits of the credulous , and pernicious inventions of the schools , and next the continued sluggishnesses in subscribing , even unto amazement , and frequent sighs , and complained to my lord jesus , that mankind hath under the fraudulent wiles of the divel , with so great rashnesse of belief , prostrated it self unto so stubborn and barbarous cruelty , and that it doth alike constantly subject it self even unto this day : especially , when as in the more external things , these kind of trifles could find no fewel : i therefore begged of the clementious parent of nature , that he would vouchsafe to raise up some one , whose gift might be , to refell so great dulnesse of mortals and of the schools : for first of all it was certainly manifested unto me , from so great and so constant blindnesse , that we mortals are plainly not wise as to any thing of worth , nor that we do savour any thing , not so much as in natural things , unlesse the hand of the almighty doth enlighten us from above , by his pillar of fire , in so great a night of darknesse . for truly , first of all , the existence of elementary fire nigh the globe of the moon , exceeding the region of the aire in its sphere by many degrees , conteins altogether achildish fiction in it : and by so much the more impossible a one , because fire , to wit , being called or sent for , or voluntarily descending contrary to the proper rule of its own supposed lightnesse , should from thence uncessantly pierce through so many hundred miles ; and through the most cold climate of the aire , and so is violently co-mixed with the aire , and a peace being entred into , and covenants stricken with each other , that fire , and aire should violently descend downwards together , from a far distance , at the commands of all particular seeds , and constitutions of mixtures , being new , and also unwonted , at every moment . surely it is to be grieved at , and exceedingly to be pitied , that such diabolical lyes , which in aristotle were to be smiled and connived at , do for so many ages , even to this day persevere , and that they have not yet ceased , and that not any one hath as yet risen up , who is not a patron unto so great blindnesse : the which notwithstanding , cannot be covered with any conception , with any belief , nor with any garment of truth ; especially , because that from these leading fables of the schools , four humours might seem of their own nature to be devised , yea and also constrained to obey , and consent to the offices , and likewise to the properties of mixtures , and skirmishes , and to contein the intestine or inward hope , and rules of death , diseases , as also of health : which things notwithstanding , have not stood believed ( god the creatour so permitting it ) as the ordained principles of nature , but by the inbred hatred and suggestion of the divel , and through a continued sluggishnesse of the schooles in subscribing : against all which one only argument ought to suffice ; to wit , that i have removed the fire out of the number of elements , yea and the account of substances , and have demonstred a co-mixture of elements requisite for the constitution of bodies ( which are believed to be mixt ) to be impossible ; so as that , none of a sound mind can , or ought henceforward to admit of a necessitated equality of humours with the elements : for the fallacy of humours as well as of elements , hath been the more hidden or obscure , and lesse passable in the people ; but that it hath been consented to by learned and judicious men , is to be had in compassion due to ones neighbour ; the which , as it blowes away the credulities of the people , so it accuseth the dulnesse of the schools and their constant sluggishnesse or carelessnesse of diligently searching . but because the mad toy of a catarrhe , hath likewise wondrously afflicted the world , and i having often searched with my self into the occasions , to wit , from what fountain so great an hereditary blindnesse of the schools , and so inveterate an obstinacy in affirming , might proceed ; at length i knew that the ignorance of both the erring or wandring ceepers had given an occasion of sliding into the miserabled , and subscribed a confession of humours falling down . for truly , any one being oft-times by the more cold aire , suddenly stricken in his throat , neck , teeth , or shoulders , he also as credulous supposeth , according to the assertions of physitians , that believed humours do flow down unto the places smitten with cold : when as otherwise , cold , as in its own nature it is repercussive , should rather divert the fall of humours from it self , which are thought to be subservient to a catarrh or rheum : but much blood-letting , and frequency of a solutive medicine at this day , as they diminish the strength of the parts , and dismisse it being diminished , on posterity ; so it s no wonder indeed , that the parts being smitten by the indrawing of an unjust aire , or otherwise with an excelling injury of cold , and being before weakened do easily suffer in the proper functions of their offices and digestions : to wit , that they do make manifest degenerate products , as the cause of the malady bred in the same place , but not defluxing thither from elswhere : although in the mean time , those strange products have nothing common with the four supposed humours : and much lesse do they convince of a future flowing down of these : the falshood whereof notwithstanding , is of so great moment , that the position of : the asserted humours cannot but include a dullnesse and unconsiderateness of the schools in their own principles of healing , with a most destructive abuse unto mortals , of necessity : because that from thence , the art of healing , adisease , health , the necessity of life , and at length of death , do follow : the which therefore , i in this place , for the benefit of my decieved neighbours , will the second time more cleely explain : but at first , i will retake the position of the schools , wherein they feign the blood to be composed of four diverse , and con-nexed humours . for we see , after the contusion or bruising of a member , first a swelling followes , which presently , for the most part looks red , and afterward is changed of an azure colour , straightway after it looks black and blew , afterwards it is black , and last of all it waxeth yellow , and is largly dispersed into circles : therefore according to the humourists , that blood first passeth over into black choler , and this at length into yellow choler : and so the more liquid humour should the more stubbornly resist , and black choler should be of a far more easie dispersing than yellow choler : and so black choler should not be made of yellow : but plainly a after retrograde manner , this should be changed into yellow choler ; which is against the will of galen , who never knew black choler to be returned into yellow . but rather ( he writeth ) that all the blood doth by its alienations , immediately and naturally contend into yellow choler : hitherto hath the unheard of doctrine of fevers , in the chap. of solutive medicines , regard : to wit , where i have shewn , that the blood of the veins is through its corruption , diversly transchanged according to the poyson of the solutive medicines : for truly that thing happeneth in bruises ; and blood being chased out of the veins , and by degrees made destitute of the fellowship of life , doth by little and little also hearken as well to the affects of the parts , as to the various corruptions of the blood : but not that the variety of dead excrements , or unlikenesse of corruption , can , or ought to testifie a composition of the blood . yea truly , the schools suppose for the institutions of medicine , that yellow choler is one of the four constitutive humours of the blood , to wit , a gawly and bitter one : and therefore , that that yellow and bitterish humour which is sometimes rejected by vomit , is choler it selfe , yea gaul it self , and essentially co-incident in identity or samelinesse with the aforesaid choler , and original gaul ; both which they contend to be daily framed out of the meats at the constitution of the blood : to wit , choler for the composition of the blood ; but gawl to be banished as an excrement , under the liver , into its own sheath , that it may from thence go forth through the filths of the paunch : but that which is rejected by vomit , is yellow , bitter , sometimes leeky , and of a cankered colour . from hence indeed they prove , that that very original choler which swims on the blood that is let out of the veins , ought ( will they , nill they ) to be naturally bitter , and gauly ; and again on the other hand , with a scantinesse of truth , that the constitutive choler of the blood ought of necessity to be bitter : and moreover , although that bitter excrement , and which is rejected by vomit , doth altogether differ from the choler left in the blood after its separation from thence , by reason ( as they say ) of its abundance , excesse , and meernesse , attained in seperating ; yet in the essential and actual truth of the thing , they will have it to be the same ; to wit , as well that which is rejected by vomit , and that which is as yet left for the composition , and requisite integrity of the blood , as that third , which redounding from the daily food , is brought unto the little bag of the gaul , and from thence ( they say ) to be carried forth , for the tinging of the excrements , as well of the belly as bladder : the which to wit , they seriously affirm to be one and the same choler , and meer single yellow choler ; and choler i say , to be one only humour in its root , of the four constitutive humours of us : in which recieved opinion of the schools , that a destructive decieving of mortals is conteined , i thus prove . for first , it is manifest , that that which is conteined in the chest of the gaul , is not an excrement of man , bred from the errour of the liver , and ordained instead of a spur , for the pricking of the bowels : but that it is a noble bowel resembling the condition of a balsame , and so exceeding necessary , that it is not lawfull so much as for fishes to live without a gaul , although living sparingly of meer water ; when as notwithstanding birds which drink , do live happily without kidneys , bladder , and the emunctories of urine : the which i have elsewhere profesly in the treatise concerning digessions , and likewise concerning the commands of the spleen , and gaul , sufficiently , and unto the full satisfaction of opposers , demonstrated ; whither let the reader have recourse . in the next place , that that which the stomach re-gorgeth by vomit , is not gaul , shall be elsewhere profesly demonstrated : be it sufficient here that the stomach is an inne unaccustomed to , and impossible for the sequestration of the gaul ; since the gaul is not recalled unto the stomach , from the liver , and much lesse from its own chest : which thing indeed fights with the schools , who will , that the gaul doth by a direct , and appointed motion , and pipe , dismisse its own exorbitancy through the bowels , and that from thence the liquid dung of the same is tinged . and then , there is not a passage , whereby the gaul may by a retrograde motion , be drawn from the liver into the stomach : if it being made by the liver , be naturally brought unto the chest of the gaul , it be now separated , and rejected as unprofitable , and from thence at length be driven foreward through the intestines , to be mixt with the dungs : for the stomach draws not unto it self , the excrement from the intestines : therefore if that bitter and yellow matter which vomiting casts up through the stomach , should be gaul , after that ( i suppose according to the traditions of the schools ) it had been generated in the liver , and dismissed unto the little bag of the gaul , and from thence become banished into the bowel , it should be again attracted upwards unto the stomach : and the stomach should erre from its natural due , and wonted end ; which thing profesly more at large elsewhere . now i will sift another equal impertinency . the schools will have the gaul to be ordinarily , as it were an unprofitable excrement , and because it is not co-mixed with the blood as an entire part , that it is by the liver , not presently indeed , but for some houres after that the gaul is mixed into its own little bag , and also admixed with the dung in the bowels , drawn upwards through the veins of the mesentery , that it may be mixed with the urine : for saith galen , i behold the body of my urine late in the morning , to be plainly watery and not tinged ; wherefore i sleep upon it , and i see my urine to be then tinged : therefore either the urine is of its own accord tinged only by a continued luke-warmth ; or ( even as the schools reach ) the tinging gaul is at length co-mixed with it after some hours : therefore from hence it is manifest ; that they will have the gaul to be presently again laid aside by its own little bag , through the bowels , about the end of digestions , and that comming down about the utmost part of ileon , it is attracted into the veins of the mesentery , is sucked through the port-vein of the liver , is sent inwards within the liver , and hollow vein , and that it slides through the sucking veins into the kidneys with the urine ; which circle of the gaul , from the liver into the liver , is so full of infamous ignorance , that nothing is alike infamous . for truly , . it is manifest ; that the yellownesse of the urine is not from the gaul , nor bitter . . that if gaul should be made in the liver , and not in the very bowel of its own little bag , it might more readily depart from the liver into the kidneys , than that , contrary to all comelinesse of nature , that should be fetcht back from dungs which had been once rejected and banished : for there was never gaul , or choler in the nature of things , or in the inne of the kidneys : and that which is made by an erring stomach , and rejected bitter , was never gaul , or choler ; but the meer superfluity or excrement thereof : and therefore the bitterness of choler is in no wise rightly inferred from the bitternesse of forreign filths . . the bitternesse of choler in the urine is not sufficiently proved , not the least thing whereof was ever true : none of the physitians of so many ages , hath hitherto found the urine to be bitter in tast ; or durst to assert it ; unlesse in subscribing to paganish fictions ; neither hath any of them ever dared to tast down any drop of the liquour swimming on the blood let out the of veins ; but they had all of them rather universally to subscribe unto paganish fables : neither have they in the least doubted , but that , that super-swimming liquor , was meer gauly , yellow , and bitter choler : neither have they attempted to know whether there were any bitternesse of gaul or feigned choler in the urine , no not so much as in the vrine of those that have the iaundise : the which notwithstanding should be most true and unexcusable , if but even one only drop of gaul should be mixed with three pints of urine : but if any one hath ever by chance , or willingly , tasted down urine , or the aforesaid liquour swimming on the blood , and hath not repented him of the mixture of choler , and necessity of gaul : now he hath given a testimony of his own obstinacy , and ignorance : for every gauly humour is always naturally bitter : but neither is that super-swimming liquour , as neither the urine , bitter : therefore they are not gauly humours : therefore from the carelesseness of tryall , they have been rather willing to subscribe to fables , and to believe falshoods for truths , and stifly to defend them , than to forsake that accustomed opinion : but all posterity lamenteth the effects proceeding from thence , and the whole christian world with me , bewayleth them even to this day : therefore let one at least make tryal of what things i have spoken , and the which he shall presently be able to experience without discommodity or danger , and every good or honest man will grieve at the so great ignorance , and sluggishnesse of so many ages , and the cruel passive decieving of the people of christ . that therefore , which the schools call yellow choler , as well in the urine , as in the composition of the blood , is neither choler , nor bitter , nor gaul , nor therefore one of the four feigned humours , nor answering to the element of fire ; seeing that fire is no way an element : and it hath not hitherto been known , what tast one of those four supposed humours might have : yea as oft as they accuse cholerick humours , the bloody flux , anthonies fire , &c , although the mouth might sometimes be bitter ; yet the liquour issuing from an erisipelas , is not bitter , but plainly of sharp , is become salt : that humour i say , of whose burning heat , the schools complain in an erisipelas , is called a most sharp one ; when as in the mean time , it bears neither any sharpnesse , nor bitternesse before it : and they are unconstant in this ; when as notwithstanding , the sharpness of humours , ought to differ as much from their bitterness , as pepper doth from coloquintida , or from wild cucumber . and so the schools have treated thus carelessely and unconstantly , concerning the properties of their own choler ; because in law , a varying witness is unworthy of any credit , he is accounted for an unsavoury or foolish , or false witnesse , and he is constrained to restitution , by how much hurt he hath brought unto another by his testimony . but come on then , let us suppose ( but not believe ) that the liquour swimming on the blood , is gauly choler , and of the natural composition thereof ; at leastwise , that blood on which that choler now swims should be no longer blood , if one of its four constitutive parts hath failed it , and there be made a seperation of the marriage bed ; to wit , a real seperation of things composing : for cheese , from which the wheyinesse is withdrawn , is no longer milk : for neither do i deny that the whole entire body subsisteth from an union of heterogeneal parts : but the integrity of the former composed body ceaseth assoon as one of its constitutive parts hath retired . the schools indeed suppose a permanency , and co-knitting of four humours for the constitution of the blood : yea besides this simple and vain supposition , nothing hath been hitherto proved by the schools , which may not be more worthy of pity than credit : therefore i deny their blockish supposition , not proved , to proceed unto the false derivations of choler , and embassages of these , into the diverse parts , and passions of the body : if they shall not first make it manifest concerning the question , whether there be any choler requisite for the constitution of the blood . therefore choler hath not place in the constitution of the blood , although a uriny wheyishnesse swim upon blood let out of the veines : for that whyishnesse is unto the blood by accident : which thing the blood of those who have drunk little , and laboured and sweat much , doth sufficiently prove : for oft-times the blood of such being taken away by phlebotomy , wholly wants all wheyishnesse : and by consequence , it should be deprived of choler : and likewise , neither doth that blood cease to be blood , the which doth not admit of wheyishnesse , but by accident : the which i have in the chap. of the liquour latex ( hitherto unknown to the schools ) concerning the rise of medicine , elsewhere demonstrated : for the latex is left in the blood for its own ends ; the ignorance whereof therefore , hath hitherto secluded physitians from the signification of the urine , and the knowledge of many diseases . i will therefore re-sume by supposing ; that yellow choler is naturally a watery liquor swimming on the blood : let the schooles therefore , at least reach , if choler be an humour most fiery , representing fire , and conteining it in substance and properties , how fire can glister in a meer salt water ? how is it , that it is not stifled in that water ? after what manner do fire , and water co-suffer with each other under the famlinesse of unity , as also the air immediately under phlegm ? what have they any where found in nature , which may constraine fire to conjoyn in salt water ? they will finde at length , that they are driven to believe these trifles , by reason of a quaternary of elements , and a necessity of mixed bodies : both which , after they have been oppressed by demonstrations [ propter quid ] or for what cause , the world will sue for my writings : the very schools themselves and all posterity will laugh at the blockishnesses of ancestours , which have hitherto been so stubornly defended , they being so pernicious in healing , and false in instructing . because , will they , nill they , they ought to swallow two maxims of mine , elsewhere demonstrated : one whereof is : that there is no element of fire , and that kitchin or artificial fire , is not a substance : and consequently , that if more things than one should concurre unto the composition of the blood : at least wise that four elements could not flow together thereunto : and therefore , that the fiction of four humours doth badly square for our blood , for mixture , tempering , strife , and likewise for the truth , existence , actuality , diversity , and healing of diseases and cures : but the other of my maxims is elsewhere sufficiently proved : that every sublunary visible body , is not materially composed of four , as neither of three co-mixed elements . they must therefore seriously repent : because the fire , is neither an element , as neither a substance , neither is a salt watery liquour to be called into the composition of us , for the feigned comparison of a microcosme or little world , that it may represent the form of fire . again , i by way of connivance suppose : that nature scarce makes enough blood of all the food , dayly ( even as in the book of the unheard of doctrine of fevers ) ; at least wise , nature approves of that , since she hath hitherto appoynted no place of entertainment for superabounding blood : yet she alwayes prepares out of all food , both cholers , abundantly and super-fluously ( which the schools prove by the tincture of the urine , and filths of the belly ) therefore at least wise the nature of the liver daily erreth , and is founded in errour , and offends also in abstinent persons , fishes , and nations that are satisfied with the drinking of water only ; because indeed , it generates the least of a super-abounding fiery , and earthy humour , and yet more than it hath need of for its own nourishments : why therefore , doth not nature offend rather in quality , even as she daily without distinction , offends in quantity ? why also in the place of blood ( to wit , the fourth ordinary humour ) doth she not likewise in offending , produce a certain abortive excrementitious blood , to be sent away into banishment , as she daily , actually banisheth the two excessive cholers out of the composition of the blood , and fellowship of life ? why also doth she daily bring forth more of malignant humours ( and those to be expelled ) out of good and much juicy meats moderately taken , than out of the best blood ? since , as galen is witnesse , in hot natures , hony ( which otherwise , in temperate , and therefore in sanguine persons is totally turned into blood ) is wholly turned into yellow choler ? to wit , it s other three companional humours being excluded ? whence it followes : that the framing of humours proceeds not from the complexion of the food , but altogether from the condition of the liver . from whence consequently , if more of both cholers than is meet , be daily made , that all that is to be attributed unto the offence and vice of nature : and therefore that every naturall complexion of the liver is vitious and erronous in all and in every thing . in abstinent , and likewise in dry parched persons , as also in bloodless , and in feverish ones , there is daily an offence committed in the excess of either choler , as also , in the penury of blood : whence it follows , that the primary and principal scope of nature is conuersant about the framing of both the aforesaid excrementous cholers . who therefore from so many absurdities , shall not see and discern the falshood of the supposed position ? i therefore supposed further , that the schooles teach black choler to be sharp : but they prove that , because it being rejected by vomit , and falling on the earth , if it be over-covered with earth , it ferments it : the foundation of this blockish argument i have already above oppressed . secondly they reach , that black choler is now and then made of yellow choler being re-cocted , or abundantly cocted ; as if yellow choler did at length , of its own free accord , flow down into black , as it were its ultimate end : which positions of the schools , many absurdities do accompany . for first of all , the schools contradict themselves in this , that they determine four humours , and also those to be bred or made by the same motion of digestion ; to wit , if the composition of the blood doth happen from four humours being conjoyned . secondly , they struggle with themselves , while they teach , that yellow choler in cocting , is terminated into a leeky and cankery choler : that is , to put on a green colour , and in the mean time , to increase in bitterness . therefore black choler is not sharp from an overcocting of yellow choler , neither doth that arise from this : else , either the coction of nature is not single in the same body , and promoted by the same ruler of digestion ; or surely , that which is rejected , being sometimes sharp and black , is not black choler : unlesse that perhaps both may be alike deservedly denied : and then , where , and after what manner , shall yellow choler be overcocted ? for not in the liver , where the slender little veins do not undergo the delay of cocting ; to wit , they being filled with continual blood , and urine passing thorow them . neither in the next place , shall black choler be made of yellow choler re-cocted in the veins of the mesentry ; seeing these are continually extended with sucking of the meats , and with the passing of drinks thorow them ; and the recoction of yellow choler should not only be for an impediment , but moreover , for a contagion to the fresh chyle tending unto the shop of sanguification : but if indeed yellow choler be recocted neither beneath , nor above the liver , nor at length in the little branches themselves of the liver , that from thence it may be made black choler ; but yellow choler be brought to the spleen , that in that bowel , a transmutation of yellow choler into black , and of bitter into sharp , may happen ; then at leastwise , they ought to have remembred , that that being granted , now black choler , or a fourth humour should fail for the composition the blood , and that the blood should be only composed of the other three : which thing utterly overthrows the position of the sanguification of the schools . at length , to what end shall the recocting of yellow choler into black serve ? if an hostile , element and earthy , sayling in the blood , should a while after arise from thence ? is nature so greatly buisied in preparing of humours that are forthwith to be banished ? and the which a little after , i shall shew to be non-beings ? meer fictions designed to no end ? next , by what means shall yellow choler draw that sharpnesse to it self , from bitternesse , they being hostile qualities unto all bowels , out of stomach ? if it directly passeth over into an ordinary and natural humour ? how shall a fiery humour , through a delay of coction , assume the heat of cankered rust , especially under the same slow and vital luke-warmth ? and shall be made a black , sharp , and earthy dreg ? is therefore perhaps . earth materially bred of a fiery water being re-cocted ? in what part of the world also doth a sharp thing proceed from a bitter thing being thickned ? and from whence have the schools learned this feigned metamorphosis ? is happily that sharp , black , and earthy humour , a certain singular humour , one of the four elementary humours of the three elements ? but therefore it is false , that they have affirmed the same to be made of re-cocted , and burnt choler . yea moreover , it is to be feared , least it be to be called a fifth humour ; which as yet hath not had another like unto it self , and that this shall be no lesse necessary than the other four , if they as yet dare to devise four other humours : for truly this is a sharp one , unworthy of the family of choler ; the which is wholly spoiled of every property hereof , to wit , which is a sharp , grosse , black , thickned , re-cocted , cold , earthy , and leaden humour : but where have the schools learned , to call earth a black , sharp , cold , and dry fire , that they may begin a fourth and elementary humour requisite for the integrity and consistence of the blood ? consider reader with pity whither the enfolded absurdity of a fiction hath driven the schools , that through the penury or scantiness of names , and truth , they have made two elements , and feigned humours from thence , a cold earth , and also , a bitter , sharp , soure , and fiery liquour ? and that they have called it yellow choler , and also , the same , presently , black , sharp , bitter and foure choler ? alas ! they may fear a deadly chance will befall them , since they have now proceeded in stumbling for so many ages , and in running away , so miserable lyed : but at leastwise , i conjecture , that this new branch of black choler , hath not a sure assertion in the constant dulnesse of the schools ( the which i at first demonstrated to have been the nourishable blood of the spleen , sometimes becoming degenerate through a sinister event ) nor to be requisite from the beginning , and for the constitution of the blood : but that it is said to be produced from degenerate choler , by re-coction , in stead of a privy shift ; to wit , that they may after some sort , free themselves from so many perplexities of absurdities : at least wise , they are compelled rather to grant , that that black sour liquour ; being now and then rejected through the vice of the spleen , is an excrementious , unprofitable dreg , and not an humour made from the intent of nature . however otherwise it is , if they say it issues forth from the intent of nature , ( although that be the more rarely beheld ) and not likewise from yellow cholet being first re-cocted ; at least wise , it hath attained the underserved name , and property ( for neither do the schools sufficiently explaine themselves , they wandring in an unconstancy of their own recieved opinion ) of choler , which is of a fiery and gawly property : now earth shall sometimes be nothing besides fire being thickned , if the feigned humours do fitly square with the elements attributed unto them : also yellow , and black choler shall be made at once , and by the same agent of lukewarmth , that both cholers may answer to one earth : especially , seeing now it is manifest , that fire can no more be , than it is of the number of elements . but if indeed , three humours are sufficient for three only elements , why have they invented four ? for that is to have been willing to compel nature according to the imagined errours of dreams ; and through rashnesse already accustomed , to have confirmed heathenish follies , without the gift of the light of healing : but how will four square to three ? the which if they do not square , let not , likewise , the schools proceed henceforward , stubbornly to defend the paganisme of the antients : for truly , to be willing to cure by such lyes of pagans , is to have introduced a destructive and erroneous practise , unto ones own damnation , and the calamities of ones neighbour . if therefore black choler appeareth not in the liver to be remarkable by its properties ; nor in the spleen , from yellow choler being recocted , or from roasted gaul ; yea nor from a proper intention of nature , nor likewise , is a secondary nourishable humour ; certainly , there is no yellow , as neither any black choler : yea , if both cholers be a daily humour , and the constitutive parts of the blood ; and likewise , if both cholers are a daily superfluity designed unto their own sinkes : therefore also , the dung shall by a like priviledge , be an excrement , not indeed of the meats , but of the blood , because it is tinged by yellow choler . but truly the offices of either choler appointed by the schools are too stupid : to wit , that nature shall of necessity , be alwaies diligently carefull for the generating of yellow choler , for the tincture and bitternesse of the dung and urine ( although this tast be wanting to them both ) as also , for a spur of the avoyding or expulsive faculty . again , to what end ought the stomack to have been spurred up by yesterdays black choler , being first defiled with sharpness ? for truly , the stomach is endowed nolesse with a proper expulsive faculty , than with an attractive , or retentive one : why likewise doth black choler ( which from its own , buttery is not only feigned to be bitter and sharp ; but to be also perniciously soure ) degenerate into soure , that it may inject a spur into the stomach ? since that which is soure , according to the schools , rather bindes or restraines . let it therefore shame judicious men to tell of yellow choler and gauly , and that it is required to be bitter for the tincture of the urine ; seeing that in urine , there is never any bitternesse found . and let it shame them , in a matter of so great moment , as is the temple of the holy spirit , to maintain these cholers for the composing parts of the blood ; and so , to have directed the government , and doctrine of non-beings , unto ends impossible to be true : for if as well the gaul as the spleen , are receptacles defigned only for excrementitious filths ; let them blush , while as they behold the spleen alone , to have more arteries than all the bowels together : and let them consider why there was need of so many arteries for the sink of a most disgracefull superfluity . and whether that be not to have accused the most glorious authour of life , of errour , who had given more of internal life unto one sink of filths , than to all the palaces of life being put together : and who hath commanded the heart continually and without ceasing to labour , that it may transmit sufficient spirits of life unto the spleen , by perhaps four hundred arteries : had not otherwise , the arbitrator of nature , better placed the life for more worthy uses ? and therefore , he had commanded a little of black choler to be bred and made ( while as according to galen concerning hony , these or those humours do become few , or many , not from the complexion , and goodnesse of the meats , but from the endeavour of the liver alone ) and had endowed pernicious filths with a far more ample passage , and that far remote from a noble bowel ( for the creator seemes to be accused by the schools , as forgetfull of his ends ) that as the bowels do together , and at once , empty out their whole yesterdays fardle ; so also that the spleen might at one only turn , empty out its stuff , and preserve our body free from so great an enemy . for if black choler be an excrement ; truly by how much the sooner and cleaner it is evacuated , by so much also , the better : even as the bladder is not delighted with reteined urine , as neither is the long gut delighted with excrementitious filths reteined in it for a treasure : but they rejoyce to be freed from their fardle , at one only turn , and that with speed : therefore the schools by consequence , do wickedly accuse the creatour to be guilty , as that he was either ignorant of the aforesaid ends , or as passing them by that he was unmindfull of them : because he was he , who would have an hurtfull excrement daily to increase in abundance , to be plentifully brought from far , through the slender veins , by a retrograde motion , unto the opposite spleen , and by a strict channel to be unloaded into the stomach ; and least happily , the sink thereof should be hurt by its guest , he had appointed so many arteries as chief over it , that the whole spleen might shew forth nothing besides a folding together of arteries . fie ! let so great rashnesse of men depart . and indeed they alike equally doate concerning the gaul ; while they know not , that the very liquor of the gaul is a vital bowel , no lesse than the membrane of the stomach , the very sustance of the heart , or the marrowy substance of the brain are : and that thing , at least they ought to have learned out of tobiah , as having long since perfectly taught it : for raphael ( which name of a spirit , sounds , the medicine of god ) commanded the gaul to be transported , but not the fish , which otherwise had readily putrified ; but not the balsamical gaul : the gaul therefore , supplyed the room of a balsam beyond the condition of the blood , flesh , carcase , bones of an ordinary bowel ; because it holds the stern of life in us : even as elsewhere concerning digestions , and the use of the gaul . lastly they affirme a childish thing : that since a sufficient quantity , yea too much of gaul for its own uses , is generated , neverthelesse they bid that the very little bag of the gaul do remain the treasural buttery of that excrement , to be always filled with that banished dreg : whereas otherwise , if that should have the appearance of truth , the gaul ought daily and speedily to be unloaded after the manner of the bladder , because it should rejoyce in its expulsion , but not always to swel by deteining it , unlesse it were a bowel . which due hastening of expulsion , and unburdening , since otherwise , it is not seen in the gaul , as neither in the spleen ; it is for an undoubted sign , that the gentiles have exposed their own fictions to sale , unto the credulous , and that they were not illuminated by the giver of lights : and likewise that the schools of the gentiles do even unto this day , by their own followers , teach and believe hurtfull fables for the institutions of healing , and therefore that they do cruelly slip in their practise according to the deceitfull agreements of ages , after the same tenour as in times past : to wit , that four humours , and meer non-beings , were never true , necessary , and existing : indeed , that the dreams of ancestours , and their diligently taught fictions have remained subscribed unto , from the carelessnesse of a diligent search : because the schools in their doctrine concerning humours , fail in the causes , original , tast , effect , end , sequestration , appropriation , as to the elements , temperament , co-mixture , elementary qualities , peculiar properties , and the whole necessities of nature and phylosophy . surely in teaching a false art of healing , they have walked with a most damnable dullnesse , and do walk with the like shamefull blindnesse at this day . i have said little of phlegm , for if i shall speak what they write of that , that it is daily most plentifully made , being mixed with the blood , and that at length it is changed into blood . first , it is sufficient , that i have demonstrated the same to be the fibers of the blood , or the blood it self speedily hastening unto the bound of the digestion of the solid parts , and so that it hath now somewhat entred the threshold of a secondary nourishable humour : then next , that i have shewn , that trifles do voluntarily rush down with their own weight , while as now for that very cause , they take away their own quaternary of humours , if phlegm be blood beginning , or not yet sufficiently digested : but because the schools for the most part , prove phlegm by snivel , i will here speak something of this excrement ; to wit , i will shew , that the scholes are altogether ignorant of what the muck or snivel is , while they define the same to be a phlegmatick excrement of the brain , and a superfluous excrement of nature , and as if a superfluity , perhaps of somany ounces in one only day , were a necessary remainder from the blood received into the digestion of the brain : which particulars i have elsewhere profesly touched at , in the treatise concerning the latex , and also of the erring keeper : so here i will only demonstrate them by the way . for truly i have stood by , when as hellebor , turbith , tobacco , &c. were beaten , and presently i have sneezed diverse times , and my nostrils did not only drop down plenty of waterish snivel , but also , of snotty snivel . any old woman might presently think , that that snivel had not bewrayed it self , if i had not drawn up the flying dust of those things : therefore it was not in the head before , but was made there ; to wit , if the pipe were open , and yet it did not flow forth : if therefore ; that salt snivel be the proper excrement of the brain , it is the remainder of its secondary nourishment , being there left after the finished digestion of that part : but not that ; for it had flown forth of its own accord , and without the odour of things , which it did not : therefore it was made , not from the superfluity of the nourishment , but from the nourishment degenerating , or degenerated : after another manner , the brain hath an excrement after the manner of other solid parts , to wit , the which is dispersed into the encompassing aire , by an unperceivable transpiration : but the snivel allured forth by tobacco , or other sneezing things , is plainly like to ordinary snivel ; but that snivel which is violently stirred up , is not the excrement of the digestion of the brain ; therefore neither is it the ordinary snivel : but it is speedily made , and that in very much quantity ; yea and without a presently manifest hurting of the brain : otherwise , if it should degenerate through a defect of the digestive faculty , the head should of necessity also be ill at ease : but the consequence is false ; therefore also the supposed antecedent . therefore , there is another certain faculty , besides the ordinary and principal nourishing one of the brain , which produceth such snivel at the meeting of the forreign and troublesome odour , powder , air , or obstruction internal unto it : the which surely differs very much , according to the varieties of that forreign thing meeting with the faculty : for a sign , that that faculty ( which i name the keeper , being prefixed as well before the wind-pipe as the nostrills ) being diversly affected by things encountering , it doth presently bring forth diverse snivels in its own cabinets , out of the masse of the latex . but i admire , that none hath hitherto taken notice of these faculties , extended as well in the windepipe , as in the passage even unto the organ of smelling : but that by rudely passing over the whole , it is referred unto the phlegm of the brain . the schools therefore bravely shew an hurtfull excrement of the brain , begotten indeed by they know not what parents : but they have not yet made manifest the essence , existence , or appearing thinglinesse of phlegm , and of a fourth humour , which they together with the rest , have erected for a pillar of medicinal affaires . i wish there may be another sampson , who may desh the two pillars of choler , and the one of phlegm , in pieces , and overthrow the appearing palace , which the evil spirit hath even hitherto prolonged , to the deciet of mortals . chap. iii. the dissembled or feigned vomiting of choler . . the neat invention of four humours . . they shew afalse phlegm . . choler hath remained undistinct . . an absurdity in black choler . . how they prove yellow choler . . what that bitter and yellow matter may be , which is cast forth by vomit . . from the handicraft operation of a calf . . that it is not gaul which is cast out . . this bitter supersluity is bred from a fore-fold errour . . a faulty argument of the schools . . an objection , with a begging of the principle . . it is proved by a manifold argument , that it is not gaul which a tertian ague casts up about its beginning . . that an hungry stomach drawes not choler from the gaul . . the chest of the gaul wants an upper entrance . . the gaul should not suffice all the fictions of the schools . . that the reason of choler is not to be fecht from fire . . the absurd fiction whereunto they are compelled . . that fire cannot subsist without an actuall burning . . a priviledged humour for the air , is fegned . . some absurdities accompanying both the cholers . . some absurdities accompanying phlegm . . vvhat that may be , which they imagine to be phlegm in the blood . . after what sort the authour departs from the schools herein . the doctrine of humours is too antient , and firmly rooted , than that it can fall to the ground by engines lightly assaulting it : because men depart with difficulty from what they have been accustomed unto : the wart , the root of the evil , which hath been once pluckt off , it is to be feared least it spring again ; especially that which hath already every where obtained a sprout : because there will be those who knowing no better , shall see themselves as it were excluded from medicine , and through indignation , will shut the doores against truth knocking : others , who have grown old in sluggishnesse , being unapt to learn better things , will despise others before themselves . i will go against them : for indeed , when physitians had seen the blood ofthe of the veins to be thickned into clots , they considered that there was a certain red liquour , and running , and also another , which in the beginning indeed flowed with the red liquour , but that it soon setled and clotted into a jelly , of its own accord : for such was the primitive inspection and anatomy of the blood : it hath also been believed hitherto , that the blood is at least , that red and fluid liquour ; and it hath been unknown , that although in the meseraick veins , fibers , and the beginnings and rudiments of sperm or seedinesse were not yet obtained , yet that true obtained , not yet fibrous , was in the same place ; because they might see the blood in the veins under the liver , not to differ by way of colour , from the blood of the hollow vein above the liver . as soon therefore , as the ham of a virgin being let down into water , they let blood from her ; they with joy observed , that the blood immediately tinged the water , and moreover , certain threddy fibers resembling as it were the liknesse of a cobweb ; whence the schools without delay , pronounced , that phlegm was now manifestly to be seen : and also our doctrine might be judged a brawling about a name , if a fiber did not appear after the death of the blood onely : for in a dead carcase also , long after the colds of death , the blood notwithstanding , remaines un-coagulated in the veins , and therefore , so long is alive . for milk hath not this phlegm , because in the seperation of its heterogeneal parts , it hath cheese and clots wherewith it is constrained : for i speak of milk , and blood , even as they are beings existing entire in act , they being not seperated through corruption : but the schools behold the blood while it is now a dead carcase , being coagulated , neither properly while it is that any longer , the etymology whereof , it hath as long as it floweth ; no more then a dead man , is a man with an estranging particular . they also presently added a third humour to the blood , which should be the gaul , nor that as yet , different from the wheyie urine and sweat , and the water accidentally swimming on the blood ; neither have they heeded whether it were bitter , and whether from a deserved title , it possessed the properties of the gaul or not : it hath been sufficient and pleasing to them , that it should be a watery liquour , or barely of a clayie colour . for the law of founding the gaul was in the pleasure of the prince of physitians ; but not any longer of nature : he fell into the meditation of four elements , yet a fourth humour was wanting ; wherefore , that their number might answer to the elements , which were thought to be four , and to flow together , well nigh , unto every constitution of a body , a fourth humour was seasonably devised , being therefore like unto earth , and black , the which while they long , in vain enquired into , they at length , by a proper and rash boldnesse , commanded it to proceed from a re-cocted fiery and gauly liquour , so as that choler , the name being retained , was commanded to degenerate from yellow into black , and from an invented fiery liquour , an earthy one proceeded . and its bitternesse ( for in live bodies they have commanded it to be presently scorched , roasted and fried at pleasure , with an equal importunity ) being roasted into an adust gaul , they have willed to assume a sharpness under the lukewarmth of life ; and so , of a fiery matter , a cold and earthy product to be immediatly made by an act of the fire , and lukewarmth . the modern schools in the mean time , kick against it at unawares , while as they accuse any distilled things of an heat borrowed from corruption of matter : for as the former feigned black choler , which might fill up the number of elements , they at length prosecuted it with all conjectures , although ridiculous ones . for so , they introduced yellow choler by the jaundise and bitter vomitings , for a foundation of nature , and art : truly the liquour swimming on the blood let out of the veins , since it shewed forth no bitternesse at all , young beginners might even from thence have doubted of the nature of gaul , if they had but once only lightly tasted a finger dipped therein : wherefore when the schools observed , that by vomit , yellow , and also bitter excrements were frequently cast out ; yea that now and then they dissembled the juice of a leek , of disolved verdigrease , or the infusion of an azure stone , they determined of choler more certainly than certainty it self . neither was it any longer to be disputed concerning it , as neither against him that denied such principles ( but of the choler of the urine , i will by and by speak under the inspection of urine ) and afterwards they boldly also affirmed , that choler to be in the urine , in any dungs whatsoever , and also in the filths of the ears , and eyes : but the jaundise hath more fully confirmed this doctrine , because it is that , which overspreads the mouth and spittle with bitternesse , and stirs up the itching of a citron-coloured skin . therefore it hath easily been believed , that all these same effects are borrowed from the gaul : yea , they have affirmed that all such diseases of the skin are from adust gaul , and offending as wel in quantity as in quality , and from the vice of the liver , in bringing forth more gaul than is meet ; to wit , by which circumstances , they have supposed , that they have sufficiently and over proved the existence , and necessary association of choler : from hence afterwards , arose a dream which conjoyned those four humours together , they remayning in their essence , and that from a co-heaping thereof , one only blood did from thence proceed , and that every humour did again rebound from the connexion and composure of the blood as oft as it should please an elementary strife , to wit , a distemper , or at the pleasures of laxative medicines . i will now willingly declare , openly mine own , and those , daily observations : for first of all , if the more plentifull , hard , and scarce sufficiently chewed meat be taken at supper ; on the morning following , yellow vomiting , and bitter , in the shew of yolk of eggs , or otherwise , like oyl pressed out of the seed of rape roots , frequently succeedeth : from thence therefore , first , i conjectured , that that was through an errour of the digestion of the stomach ; but not from a vice of the liver , from a defect of sanguification , or the making of an abundance of choler : for truly oftimes , meats badly digested and chewed , being partly turned into an yellow balast , are beheld to be cast up together with the same vomit . and then , i conjectured , that the rules of sanguification standing , those yellow and bitter excrements , were neither choler , nor gaul , and much lesse a constitutive part of the blood : because they were neither as yet slidden of the stomach , nor therefore experienced in the sanguification of the liver , but through a long delay , and the smal veins of those of the mesentery . wherefore likewise , that neither was there a passage from the liver unto the stomack , but by the same passages , being very remote , and impossible to be believed : especially , while as the badly withdrawn meats are seen to come forth whole , togethe with the yellow and bitter vomiting . furthermore , i learned by the example of a calf , and ocular inspection , that this yellow rubbish was generated in a stomach being badly disposed ; and more regularly in the gut duodenum , in temperate bruit beasts : seeing also , that the suckings of milk recieved , do wax yellow in the gut ileon : for a calf drinking only his mothers milk , sheweth , presently after death , that the milk presently clots into a sharpish curd , and watery acide liquor ; both of them being much desired for the making of cheeses : this curdy runnet i say , presently after , layes aside the whitenesse of milk in the stomach , becomes brown , and in the duodenum , and beginning of the ileon , waxeth yellowish ; afterwards in its progresse it is more fully yellow , but further , it is plainly made of a citron colour ; but about the blind gut it waxeth greenish : last of all it becomes dungy . let the schooles therefore shew , whether those colours are made from a yellow and leeky choler ? while as in the mean time , they are so changed before their coming into the liver ? or whether indeed , these colours are made from the property of the bowels ? in like manner , infants having sucked milk , do presently cackya citron coloured excrement , and thou wouldst call it meer gaul , and the schools are constrained to confesse , that all little infants are at their first beginning , more cholerick than men themselves ; whom notwithstanding , their age , food of milk , smal heat , continual sleeping , and want of excercise , do excuse from the suspition of choler : but if the infant suffers gripes , or the sumptomes of sharpnesses , by and by after , the same dung becomes greenish , and so much the more , by how much it shall depart the farther from health . whence it is made manifest , that the milk , as well in us as in braits , is made of a citron or deep yellow colour , by a digestion of its own ; to wit , that all cream , in sliding by the voluntary thred of nature , and corruption , unto an excrement , and by its own motion , waxeth yellow , through the proper endeavour of the stomach and intestine● . and that it is most easily estranged , looks yellow , green , and obtains diverse savours or tasts , under the digestive faculty going astray : but not that therefore it is , or is made gaul . for these excrements are made in the bowels , out of the shop of the liver , and by strange faculties , nor in a fold committed unto the making of blood : for truly , if the gaul be a constitutive part of the blood , for that very cause , it is made also , in the place , and matter wherein , and whereof the blood is generated , but not in the intestine : for the first change of the milk should be into yellow , or green gaul , and that naturally , and from thence into blood . that yellow cream therefore , doth presently , of its own accord , profit in the duodenum . and puts on those colours , not of feigned humours , but of a natural excrement : wherefore , neither is it a wonder , that the same thing happens in the stomach , being hard-bound or distressed under any guilt of offence whatsoever ; to wit , that the whole cream conteined therein , is presently translated into a vitious bitter , and yellow chyle , the which in the jaundise presently happens . in the mean time , in the running of the chyle downwards thorow the gut ileon , it is sucked into the veins , whatsoever the archeus hath judged to be not only most nearly allyed to nature , and meet for the preparing of blood ; but moreover also , the whole whey ascends towards the liver , together with it . but if therefore , the chyle doth fore-timely assume the countenance of an excrement about the hedges of the stomach , as being prevented by the errour of the digestive faculty ; either an offence of the pylorus , or an errour of the digestive faculty , or a vice of the food or cream , or too much delay is signified : and therefore that it hath felt the vital ferment of the gaul to be amiffe or badly applyed : for so oft-times , it happens unto him that is in good health , that good cream being offered , and rightly subdued in the stomach , is ( a laxative cup being offered ) estranged from the scope of nature , and through that tyranny , is wholly made a bitter , and yellow putrefaction in the bowels . and the which , although it be cadaverous or stinking , and being newly produced from the blood ; yet by reason of its bitternesse , and the poyson of the solutive medicine , it is not tasted down by dogs , as neither by a swine ; they otherwise , lesse abhorring the eating of dungs : for they percieve a bitter poyson of the purging medicine to subsist , being far different from the goodnesse of meats , blood , and flesh . be it therefore a faulty argument ; the poysonous medicine hath caused a bitter juice from the meats , drink , and blood ; therefore it is gaul and choler : and likewise , the stomach being ill at ease , hath caused a bitter excrement ; therefore it is gaul and choler procreated in the liver , and poured out into the stomach , through indirect trunks : it is plainly an undiscreet fiction , that choler is a part intended by nature , and that it should be framed by the liver , which from the corrupting of a solutive medicine , and vice of the digestive faculty , in the disease called choler , the bloody flux , &c. is commonly bred by proper causes : as if the off-spring , effects , fruits , and products of errours , were a constitutive part of our blood . therefore , that which the schools name a native part of the blood , a compeer with putrifying chyle , and choler or gaul ; that is wholly a meer excrement , alienated and degenerate , from a natural agent being badly disposed : so also , the filths of the eares shall be gaul , if yellownesse and bitternesse be sufficient for it to be called gaul : which being granted , now that yellow excrement which is rejected by vomit , as dung , shall be near skin to , and of the family of the blood . but at leastwise , the schools will have the yellow and bitter excrement which is rejected at the beginnings of a tertian ague , to denounce gaul infallibly : for they prove gaul from a tertian ; and this again , they prove to be gauly , from gaul being cast up . first of all , they consider not , whether such vomiting shall succeed from an aguish fit , or next , in one that is in good health , from an inordinate supper , &c. that notwithstanding , the property or nature of that excrement is not therefore changed , otherwise , so great an ejection of meer choler , should import a trampling of the tertian under foot , if this were caused from choler ; wherefore it is neither choler , nor gaul , but the meer excrement of the stomach , and jejunum or empty gut : because that yellow excrement which is ejected at the beginning of a tertian , comes not from the liver , or gaul , and so , from the shop of choler ; but it comes not far off from the orifice of the stomach , to wit , where its birth is ; but not from the liver ; seeing it neither takes away the ague , nor even diminish it . and likewise , it ought to be derived from the liver unto the stomach , through unknown thwarting passages : wherefore , neither could it come thither easily , nor readily ( even as otherwise , it is quickly present in the like vomiting , and choler ) nor safely , nor unmixt , and it should sail over far more safely from the gaul into the intestines ; and from the liver backwards , through the veins of the mesentery , than unto the sensible orifice of the stomach . indeed , as well the feigned shop of choler , as the very seat of a tertian it self , is placed too far from the stomach , that this may be the ordinary emunctory or avoiding place , in these maladies : why therefore is gaul brought rather unto the stomach , than to the bowels , which are far more prone and apt : for if that bitter excrement be bred elsewhere than in the stomach , it is altogether impertinently , and through a guilty passage derived unto the stomach . and likewise , there is oft-times sixfold more of this yellow and bitter balast rejected at one only vomiting , than the largeness of the little bag of the gaul can receive : the which therefore , could not be the inn of that gaul , as neither could it obtain a capacity in the liver for its generation , nor be entertained between the liver and the stomach , without a mortal hurt , full of confusion . but if indeed it be gaul , and the product of the stomach it self ; now the stomach hath stoln the faculty of making gaul , from the liver : and now , choler and gaul shall be made out of the liver , in a different inn , by a different guide , and equivalent workman , from that whereby the simple bloud is prepared with it self ; or certainly there is no choler of the essential composute of the bloud . is peradventure therefore , this choler and this gaul , which is rejected by vomit , made in an irregular place , and by an erring workman ? therefore also , of necessity , it shall be neither choler , nor gaul . but there is nothing as yet manifested concerning another choler , that of the bloud : it is therefore an injurious thing to the bloud , and to the inbred choler of this , if there were any , to be founded and proved by an excrement which is never prepared by the princiciples , or in the shops of choler . yea , from thence there is an equal right and liberty for whatsoever is supposed to be cholery , to be compared in essence , colour , savour , and in its efficient cause , unto this poysonous excrement voided by vomit in a tertian ague , and other nauseous effects ; and likewise , for that which in the disease called choler , is expelled as well upwards , as downwards , and in solutive medicines , through a continual framing thereof . and so now , from hence it clearly appeareth , that the standard-defending inventers of choler , have by a rash and undiscreet boldness , introduced choler for an elementary apposition or making up of the bloud ( which they call its composition ) and have falsly affirmed , that yellow and bitter vomited-up excrement to be gaul and choler , from the efficiency of the liver , and of the constitution of the bloud . for how uncertain and stupid is the begetter , separater , sender , conducter , way and channel , by which that choler should be designed from the liver unto the stomach , by a retrograde motion ? unless they had rather that the obediences and necessities of these should be foolish . but the schools have never examined these things , but with a swift foot they have skipped over the bridge and clay , from whence they feared perplexities from absurdities , as if they gaped only after gain ; the which , notwithstanding , they might have diligently searched into , to their greater profit , than to have daily over-added their own centuries unto the writings of galen . for neither doth an excrement less differ from the bloud , than the dead carkass of a swine from a man : for that carkass was at sometime alive , but that excrement never lived . but it hath been already proved , that no choler is formed in the liver . but if choler also , be made elsewhere than in the liver , from this supposition of the schools also , it was not true choler ; and much less from the essence of that ( to wit , of an excrement ) shall the essence of choler be capable of proof : but if indeed choler shall with any foot , originally enter into the family of an excrement ; now , for that very cause , it shall be an humour different from choler ; the which notwithstanding , the schools do with a serious intention , will to be intended , caused , and desired by our nature , as if they were advertized by an elementary necessity . at leastwise , none of a sound mind is able to understand , why the veins of the stomach ( which i have demonstrated elsewhere , never to be able to sup any chyle at all ) shall allure unto themselves as a freind , that which the liver , and which the veins , and the whole family-administration of the body have been once seriously averse unto , as worthy of banishment : which indeed so naughty a fardle being begotten in some other place , being a bastard and forreigner , should be brought unto the stomack , which possesseth the sense , nobilities , passions , and tenderness of the heart . surely in an inverted and confused order of things , should filths be thrust down unto a bowel expressing the harmonies of the heart , if they should be adopted , being as forreigners comming from elsewhere . who is that mad and straying guide , which may thrust down such excrements to the stomach . for no● the term of choler ceaseth , while as the reliques of yesterdays supper are supposed to be badly digested , and to be cast back again as yet whole , with an unchewing tooth , yet yellow , and bitter : for neither are they correlative things , that much choler should flow forth into the stomach , as oft as any notable vice hereof is present : for after a liberal and troublesome supper , even as also , after the fit of a fever , loss of appetite , sufferance of hunger , bitter , burntish belchings , loathings , weight , giddinesse of the head , &c. are alike present : wherefore it is easily to be believed , that those sumptoms have also sprung from a like mother : so that ( which i promised in the title ) it is nothing but a dissembled vomiting of choler , whereby the first inventers of humours have credulously perswaded choler . they also say , that therefore choler is also drawn out of the little bladder of the gaul , unto an hungry stomach : but by how sluggish a judgment that is confirmed , and that filths are by a retrograde driving motion fetcht back unto the stomach , let phylosophers speak : for hunger desires not iron , or ice ; but is only carried forth unto objects that are to be eaten , from whence nature hopes for nourishment to her self : but it is not carried promiscuously towards any objects : so neither doth nature desire , that which she had once cast out as reprobate ; as knowing , that any thing cannot be made out of every thing : neither therefore doth she hope for or look for nourishment from an excrement ; the which , she therefore neither desires nor allures to her self : and i wish the schools had considered that thing , before their rash doctrine of choler . i grant indeed , that through inordinacies , inordinate and confused obediences do now and then follow : but i shall not therefore admit , that a sixfold quantity is drawn out of the little bag of the gaul , for vomit , as neither that any thing is rashly drawn to the stomach ; seeing the very gaul it self is a nobie and vital bowel , even as elsewhere . wherefore , i now and then , in the more curiously searching , have lookt into the chest of the gaul ; and yet i have found no passage to lay open a-top , out of the liver unto the gaul ; and that i suppose in right , for the deed done : wherefore i have also judged , the gaul not to be made by the liver ; but to be prepared materially of the pure blood of the liver , and efficiently by the proper archeus of the gaul , in its own case or chest . at leastwise , if there were any unpercievable pore , ( which there is not ) that might inspire choler from the liver unto the chest of the gaul ; why therefore doth the mouth at the utterance of the gaul , lay open fifty times more at least , for the ejecting , than for the entring of gaul ? for truly , no entrance could as yet be discerningly viewed by the eye , for so many ages . is there not also , from hence an easy confirmation , that the orifice of the gaul tends into the empty gut , only for an in-breathing of its own vital and necessary ferment ? for the gaul in a tertian , should never be sufficient for tinging of the urine , the drosses of the paunch , also for tinging of the daily nourishment , and the which they require for the substance of the blood : moreover , as neither for the abundance , which even sober persons vomit up , every other day , about the beginnings of their fits : for had it not behoved them from hence to have learned , that whatsoever they call choler is a meer excrement , procreated from a diseasie constitution ? and that , what is so engendred , cannot repaire the essence of the blood , choler or gaul ? because it is that which hath no right of judging of the necessities of a quaternary , for the integrity of the blood , and an apposition instead of a composition : for as soon as sour belchings are made in the stomach , the presence of that unhappy and bitter excrement made in the stomach of the chyle being defiled , ceaseth : and therefore from that time , burntish stinking belches depart . it is therefore feigned choler in the stomach , whereby the schools contend originaly to stablish the choler of the liver alike feigned : it ariseth from the inordinacy of the stomach , but not from the intention of nature for the constitution of the blood . it is therefore wholly an excrement , and badly squares with another choler feigned to be in the composition of the blood : because it is that which will never be proved to be within the bounds of nature , since no necessity of its presence presseth the same : for the gaul is a vital bowel , and exceeding necessary ; wherefore neither is it rashly to be reckoned sunonymal or of the same name with an humour , or an excrement , as neither to be accounted for a part of the blood . for they say , that the elements do repeatingly destroy and devour each other ; but they have hitherto failed in the proof : but they alleadge onely artificial fire , which they think , doth convert water , and air into each other , as oft as those are no longer beheld : but they fail in their own position ; for they teach that fire converteth water into it self , and not into air : and it should be a foolish action of the fire , which should labour not for it self , but for the air : yea although water quencheth fire , yet it was never seen , that on the other hand fire was made water : for they have thought it sufficient to have stated , and not to have proved their own positions . but among humours , that which they will have to be made like unto fire , they shew a water , not sharp , biting , as neither salt-bitter , but modestly salt ; and the which , they elsewhere call the whey of the blood , its etymologie being drawn from the watery part of milk : they call i say , choler an humour answering to fire : for they command that , that the elements ought to obey their dreams : for the schools being seriously asked , say that choler is an humour meerly fiery and gauly , because it is actually composed of fire predominating : but i being silent , as to these trifles , am amazed , while as i behold a waterish whey swimming on the blood . they add also , that true fire is suppressed in choler , as being masked , and bridled by the form of the mixt body : but let them believe that will , that the form of choler being received from the meer dominion of fire , that it might produce the effects of that element in us , should so restrain its own product , wherein it should actually lay hid , that it should be altogether cold in act , and be a wheyie and meerly a watery being . i therefore suppose and know , that if but a very smal quantity of actual fire were in a mixt body , that it would presently perish , as being suppressed by adjuncts a yea , if fire should neverthelesse , persist safe by an irregular power ; at leastwise , it should not any thing worship the form or body of that mixture , but should according to its own disposition , wholly burn and consume it , without reflection , or connivance : therefore either the fire should cease , or the mixt body of necessity perish : neither could the form of choler hinder either of the two : for it hath not hitherto been seen , that an artificer who prepares glass , earthen pots , tiles or bricks , aurichalcum or latten , &c. by the fire , can in any place , or at any time couple fire unto earth , water , and air , that he may from thence constitute any mixt body , and much lesse that he can allure fire to flow down from heaven , and shall connex it with air , water , and earth . it s a wonder therefore that the whole faculty of medicine doth hitherto establish its basis in an impossibility : and so much the more wonderful , that the whole world hath as it were snorted in a deep sleep , at these deaf dreams , and hath befooled all with a credulity ; and so much the more to be admired , that they have believed the fire to be suppressed under other elements in mixtures , and neverthelesse , as yet to remain safe ; when as notwithstanding , they have sufficiently known and taken notice , that all fire presently as soon as it ceaseth from burning , or is joyned to water , perisheth and is reduced into nothing ; for if the schools had brought the vital spirit , or sky-le air instead of fire , they might have seemed worthy of pardon : but they had rather become foolish in the dream of epimenides , than not to have found an humour like unto fire , that according to lying conceptions , a quaternary of humours might arise . for , for air , they have feigned a priviledged humour , which should not be excrementitious , after the manner of its two companions : and therefore they now and then call these , nourishing ones , yet for the most part superfluous ones , if not also liquid dungs : but profitable ones , especially in that respect ; not indeed as if they do nourish the spermatick parts , besides the cases of the gaul-chest , and spleen ; ( but at least , they are most miserable members , which are constrained to be fed only with excrements , and to yield to the priviledge of the kidneys : ) but they note a ridiculous profit of yellow choler , that it spurs up the fundament , and urine , when as , in the mean time , pale urines are more incontinent than tinged ones : yea the belly of those that have the jaundise ( which they say , is deprived of choler by reason of a thy excrements ) is ordinarily , loose enough : but seeing the three humours which are feigned to be in the blood , differ not from themselves being rejected , but only in the infamy of supersluity ; the radical moisture it self could not but be nourished by excrements , if both the cholers , and phlegm were for nourishing . but that a plenty of choler ( which they say is daily ) may after some sort be supposed ; there is at least , every other day , in a tertian ague , a large quantity cast up by vomit , also besides its daily consuming , which they say , is necessary for nourishing : yea the plenty of this feigned choler more cleerly appears in the jaundise , which they define , only from a stoppage of the chest of the gaul : so that then th● urine is nothing but meer gaul , and the whole habit of the body ▪ and also the internal parts , the most inward and the most outward , to be gauly : the which , since they are accounted nothing besides gaul , it being no longer ejected through the paunch ; hence it is discerned , that threefold more of choler at least , is daily generated , than of blood being connexed of the three other humours together : they being badly mindful , that sixfold more of tincture departs through a jaundisie urine alone , than otherwise , in an healthy person , the belly and urine do utter together : whence at least , it followes , that the jaundise is not the obstruction of the gaul alone as they think : for the orifice of the gaul being shut , presently , the gaul ( say they ) exceeds the whole blood in quantity : for neither is a leeky and cankery tincture ( such as frequently proceedeth out of the stomach ) very frequent in the jaundise . moreover they say that phlegm is carried with the blood , thorow the veins , and at length changed into blood : so that they constitute the proper shop of the blood , and its promiscuous efficient , as well in the veins as in the liver : but at leastwise , a quaternary of humours fagleth , if yellow choler differs out from black that only in the thickning of re-coction , and if phlegm differs not from blood , but but 〈◊〉 in a lukewarmth and cherishing : for roasted flesh is not wont to be distinguished from raw in kind ; wherefore neither should phlegm dissagree from blood , but only in its maturity , as unripe apples do from ripe ones : but they could never shew phlegm in the veins , except fibers , which seperate themselves in warm water , by cutting of a vein ; and so , neither do they begin to be , or to be seen , before the death of the blood : for as long as the blood is profitable for nourishing of the parts , the more solid part thereof was undistinct from the rest of its body ; because it was a true and entire composure : for that thing is one every side obvious in the frame of nature : for since nature acteth for ends known unto her authour ; one-part always more readily receiveth the impressions of the archeus , than another : for the end of the venal blood was a nourishing of the solid members ; and therefore it by little and little , breaths after , and attaines the degrees of solidity : the blood therefore , as soon as it is perfected in the liver , it assumeth in its more mature , and more spermatick part , white fibers or threds , and the beginnings of a desired homogeneal curd , which at first , it had not in the veins of the mesentery , as is manifest in those have the bloody flux . indeed it is therefore , the best and most-perfect part of the blood which the schools call phlegm , and the which i know to be akin to a more solid and spermatick constitution : the schools ( i say ) name phlegm the daughter of crudity ; old age , and defects , even in a child , a youth , and a man : for i dissent also in this , from the schools : because for the proving of phlegm , they offer nothing but snivel , meer filths , and liquid dungs to be beheld ; such as is oftentimes cast forth by vomit , the kitchin of the belly being defective : for oft-times , that which is shaved of by a cruel draught , as also the snivel of the nostrils , and that which is spit out by reaching from any vice of the lungs whatsoever , are the meer phlegm of the schools : which filths indeed , are prepared by diseasifying causes , through the errours of the last digestion . and so great is the dulness of the schools , that with their own galen , they condemn the food of sinewes , membranes , tendons , &c. because they think them to be the mothers of phlegm : neither do they heed , that the similar parts , and those of the first constitution , are of a spermatick or seedy nature , and those altogether by an undistinct confusion , they call phlegmatick ones : as being ignorant , or at leastwise unmindfull , that we are most nearly or immediately nourished by the same things whereof we consist : and so , if the homogeneral , similar parts , and those of the first constitution , are condemned by the humourists as phlegmy ; surely one of these two must needs be true : either that the schools know not now to distinguish phlegm from a secondary and spermatick humour : or plainly that there is no phlegm at all in the blood : and that that which they have supposed to be phlegm in the blood , is the beginning and foundation of the secondary and immediate nourishment of the solid members . now i must speak of yellow choler which is supposed to be in urines , with the admiration and grosse ignorance of fore-past ages . chap. iv. the signification of the urine according to the antients . . the division of urines . . no unfit observation of paracelsus . . the authours aime . . it hath been erred hitherto in judgment , concerning the circle of the urine . . from whence the circle in the urine is . . a childish opinion of galen . . it is proved that gaul is not in the urine . . the unconsiderateness of the schools . . vvhat the yellownesse of the urine may betoken . . that nothing of choler or gaul is in the urine . . a threefold errour in this thing . . a begging of the principle . . that choler is not snatched out of the urine unto the brain . . some accompanying absurdities . . from anatomy . . from the jaundise . . vvhat watery urines suddenly after tinged ones in fevers , may fundamentally denote . . that the prognostications of the urine have been meer dreames hitherto . . a channel is wanting . . under the division of motions . . the little cloud of the urine , whether it denoteth phlegm . . all things are cocted in us for one only end ; to wit , that they may nourish . . vvhy the spleen hath a double ferment . . vvhat that may be , which the spleen doth sometimes belch forth into the stomach . . that any effect is not taken away , the cause being removed . . vvhat a confused or troubled urine may be speak . . vvhence erudity in the urine is . . vvhy the strangury is scarce cured in old folks . . whence the lumpy sediment or ground is . . errours about contents , as well those proper as forreign , elsewhere concerning duelech . . as yet a new method of judging of the urine by the weight thereof . and moreover , the schools for the divination of urine , presuppose a washy of watery matter ; on the opposite part to this , a thick one , and then a moderate one : and likewise , confused , turbulent , dark , even as also cleer and perspicuous urines : but some , of confused ones , do by heating , return into their former transparency ; others remain troubled . lastly , some urines being made cleer , are presently again disturbed ; but others with difficulty . secondly , they consider almost all colour , from the watery , white , milky , and dull ; and also from the cleer watery , even unto the blackish colour . thirdly , its proper , and forreign contents are viewed : forreign ones indeed , i call , slimy , bloody shavings , sands , and stones : and those either soon affixed to the urinals , or freely setling : but proper contents are those , which are almost ordinarily thrust down out of confused urines , or which swim in cleer ones , in their superficies , a little under it , in the middle about the bottom , or laying on the bottom it self ; and those either cleaving together , or rent asunder . fourthly , they consider the froath , and bubbles . fifthly , they at length consider of the circle . but paracelsus moreover , distinguisheth the body of the urine , into the urine of the drink , and mixt of both : he cals it that of the blood , if he that makes water in the morning hath not as yet drunk , the day before , in the evening , and in the night : but the urine of the drink is that which is collected from much , and little waterish drink : also he calls that a mixt urine , which is that of sober or temperate persons . furthermore , what he feigneth concerning an alcooled , and tartarous urine , shall be manifested in the treatise of tartars . first of all , i protest , that i do not any where strive to reckon up those things that have been well written by ancestours , and much lesse to chastize them , nor to handle the precepts of the judgments of urine , nor to explain the inventions of others , as neither to make an apology for them : but i only desire to discover the antient errours of the schools that have arisen from feigned humours , that juniours may not hereafter be led aside according to rash beliefs of dreams . first therefore i will reckon up the errours concerning the circle of the urine ; and then those committed in its colour ; thirdly , those which happen in the little cloud or swim thereof ; and fourthly , i will make manifest those which have happened in the judgments of its coagulations , or contents : from whence , any one may easily understand , that the judgments and prognostications of the urine have hitherto stood without judgment , and a foundation : to wit , that the wonderfull impostures of gordon have been set to sale unto ignorant poor people , under the false title of a diviner . first of all therefore , they have stumbled in the circle of the urine , since it hath hitherto been unknown , why the circle is oftentimes , of another colour than the rest of the body of the urine : indeed it hath been supposed , that the circle is separated from the rest of the body of the urine , as the fat from the watery part , or as it were the cream from the milk whereon it swims : in the mean time , although the urine be stirred , yet the same circle which was before , forthwith appeareth , and not any thing hath been further searched diligently into , concerning the circle out of its supposed bounds : they see indeed the circle to be oft-times more red , and more full than the colour in the remayning body of the urine : yea , that a more ruddy , and more deep yellowness doth for the most part want a circle distinct from the colour of the urine : yet have they not diligently enquired , from whence there should be that variety of the the circle and urine : notwithstanding , neither therefore is the circle a certain colour falsly appearing , and deluding the eyes with a false shew of it self : for neither otherwise , could a somewhat yellow urine , yield a more red , and heightned colour by a naked reflexion of it self ; but should rather paint out a more pale colour , than a yellowish one , if the colour of the circle were only appearing from a reflexion : therefore the reason of the altered colour in the circle of the urine , dependeth in very deed , on the very body of the urine it self ; and so , the circle alone , shewes the whole consistence , colour , and transparency of the urine , because it conteineth them : which thing the wood nephritical or for the stone of the kidneys , teacheth by a notable example : for this wood being steeped in rain water , if thou shalt afterwards behold its infusion sideways , it is wholly red in its body ; but that decocted , or infused steepage hath an azure or sky-coloured circle , however disturbingly thou shalt shake it at thy pleasure : for so the colour of the blood being beheld thorow a vein , appears of an azure colour : so also , the sky-colour in the circle of the decoction of the nephritical wood , is indeed azury ; but being multiplied , it lookes more black , and of an obscure colour , tends more to white , than a red one , being diametrically seen thorow a glasse , or vein : after the same manner , in the body of the urine a red colour appears simply such , as it doth in the circle ; which being re-bounded or weakned from a crosse the urine , is not of so citron a colour in the circle . the circle therefore , is a true token of colour in transparent urines ; but in dark or thick and troubled ones , a circle doth not apear . but as to what pertains unto the colour of urine ; the schools say , that a watery , thin , pale urine , is a sign of digestion being deficient , even as that which is tinged with a manifest yellownesse is a token of good digestion . it is a saying of galen ; i make water after midnight , the which while i see it not yet to be tinged with a due yellowness , i return to sleep : and awaking two or three hours after , i again make water , and i find my urine filled with a due colour : whence i conjecture that a perfect digestion , and yellow choler of the gaul , is now poured on my urine : this is also the moderne doctrine of the schools : yet i , as yet doubt , whether the yellownesse of the urine may be always attributed to one cause ; since they unconstantly attribute it , sometimes unto digestion being finished , but sometimes , unto yellow choler being mixt therewith : but least they should erre , they have joyned both . i therefore , since i found none who hath distinguished himself herein , am constrained to explain both : for the urine of him that is feverish , is yellower than that of him who is in good health ; yet the digestion of this is far more lively , which thing is without controversy : therefore let the yellownesse of urine only without a laudable swim , be a deceitfull sign of a good digestion . and then , if but one only drop of gaul , shall be in two points of urine , the whole becomes bitter : but the urine although of a citron , and saffron colour , is never bitter : therefore it receives not gaul admixed with it , nor is the tincture thereof , of gaul . truly , if the schools do judge of things by savors or tasts , why are they so little carefull , as that they have never made tryal of that thing concerning urines ? for doth yellownesse only suffice , that gaul may be judged to be in urine ? or is it a more beseeming thing for a physitian to teach falshoods , and to affirme lyes to the destruction of the sick , than to have once tasted down his own urine ? seeing that not so much as the most full yellow urine of the jaundise , bears any thing of bitternesse before it . pride therefore hath justly discovered the errour of the schools : at least wise , it is not to be doubted from the words of these schools , but that a tincture is added to the urine about the end of digestion . the which , if it be so , why at leastwise , have they not from thence acknowledged the yellownesse of the urine to happen not from choler or gaul , but from elsewhere ? because if choler were made in sanguification , together with the blood and urine , and being co-bred together with , and sprinckled on the urine from the beginning , should ting the urine ; choler should neither be the last thing constituted in the liver , if it were a constitutive part of the blood , and its superfluity should be straightway wiped forth with the urine , neither should it make a seperated inn for it self , for a time : or if that be supposed , at least that inn ought to be named , and by anatomy to offer it self and to be found . but seeing yellownesse in the urine of galen , is more late than the body of the urine , a place of the utmost part of the gut ileon is denoted , where , when as now the cream begins to wax dungy , something of the liquid dung is drawn from thence through the veins of the mesentery , in the end of the ileon , which is besprinckled on the urine , as profitable for its own ends ( even as before concerning fevers , and elsewhere concerning the disease of the stone . ) but that the yellownesse of the urine is of that liquide dung , and in no wise of the gaul , not only the tast of the urine , but also its distillation do manifestly approve : for truly , the stink therof riseth up in distilling : but for what end , the liquid dung may be conuenient in urine , is taught tin he places cited . now it is sufficient , that the gaul of a bird , or fish , being even but slenderly burst , however most exactly they may be washed , yet a bitternesse remains : therefore if there were but the least of gaul in the urine , or liquour latex which swimmeth on the blood let out of the veins , it should be of an unexcusable bitternesse : but the consequence is false , therefore also the antecedent . the schools therefore , have trebbly erred in this matter . first , while as they being ignorant , that yellow and liquid dung is mixed with the urine , suppose it to be choler . secondly , because from yellownesse alone , and a custome of subscribing , they have conjectured of choler : as if nothing were of a saffron colour in us , which ought not also to be gauly . they indeed prove the same thing by it self : to wit , that choler is in nature , because it is manifest in the urine : and again , that what is yellow in the urine , that ought to be choler : because , with us , nought else but yellow choler should be of a yellow colour . thirdly at length : for the judgment erring concerning the ordinary colour , and so concerning the very content of the urine , it must needs be , that prognostications of the urine do fall to the ground , as many as have hitherto been supported by colours , and contents : but at least wise , since it is now manifest , that the yellownesse of urine is not choler , but a dungy excrement ; it is no wonder , that another yellow excrement is bred in the stomach , which also is bitter , by a far different , and proper errour of its own ferment , which therefore ought not to be of the family of the gaul . furthermore , seeing that in fevers , yellow urines do suddenly wax pale , and a future doatage is signified , and since that thing is interpreted by the schools , to come to passe , as choler is snatched into the brain ; it is a faulty argument , of not the cause , as for the cause . for it is sufficient , that it hath been already demonstrated , that that doating delusion is not bred from choler snatch't up into the brain ; but because the liquid dung which was wont to go with the urine , is now detained in the hypochondrial or place about the short ribs ; neither is it mixed with the urine , as it was wont to be : that doatage therefore , draws its original from that seat from whence all madnesses derive theirs , as i teach in its own treatise : for by this title also alone , some madnesses are therefore named hypochondriacal ones . for otherwise , who should that snatcher of choler be , which should bring this unmixt , into the brain , and being seperated from the blood of the veins through which it should be brought , or from the urine ? for to what end should it snatch that choler , since nothing is done without an object , at leastwise appearingly good ? how should he bring it thorow the blood unto the brain , without contagion ? after what manner should it be rightly seperated from the blood : for truly , the supposed choler swims not on the blood let out of the veins , unlesse the blood be first dead and coagulated in the veins , not so much as in those of a dead carcase ? again , into which bosome of the brain , at length should that uriny choler be powred sorth , wherein it should work a speedy death ? who in the next place , shall that seperater be , who should now wrest aside that choler that was wont to incline to the urine , out of the little bag of the gaul , unto the head ? and which way should that be done ? shall the diseasie matter it self , voluntarily ascend to the brain , and shall it be the mover of its own self ? then at least wise , besides great absurdities , it should of necessity be , that every such fever should not consist out of the little bag of the gaul , which none hath as yet hitherto supposed . but to what end should a fever ( which they account a meer accident ) stir up choler to the head ? shall it be judged best in nature , to have now at length banished the matter of the disease which a good while lurked in the midriffs , into the head ? or what if it wandringly floateth in the veins , as being seperated from the blood , and of its own accord shall climbe upwards , why is it not rather banished out of doores thorow an accustomed passage ? shall mans nature , now procure its own death , contrary to the universal endeavour of things ? shall such a fury at length , be fit for the sequestring of choler , which was not seperable but by an appeased vigour ? doth happily , the gaul being defirous of a wandring state , of its own accord and voluntarily seperate it self , and ascend to the head ? at length , in what bottle doth gaul lurk in the head , that it may stir up a feverish madnesse ? is it in the bosoms of the brain ? is it in the feigned arterial weaving of galen ? but on both sides it should presently be mortal ; and gaul would drop down thorow the doating nostrils . again , if watery urins in fevers , after yellow ones , do afford safe doatages , with laughter ; yet surely , according to hippocrates , then these kind of doating delusions shall not be from gaul : and so neither shall the urine being now spoiled of its yellow colour , have that for which it may be deprived of choler , nor whereby it may lay aside snatched choler into the brain : for truly , doatages with laughter exclude all choler . at length in the jaundise , the brain it self is yellow : but if the jaundise be from choler , why is it without doatage ? without an erisipelas , or great inflammation of all the bowels ? but if not gaul it self , but the vapour thereof ( an unconsiderate evasion ) ascending into the brain , stirs up these doatages of fevers : why therefore , will the schools have the gaul , materially , and according to its tincture , to fail in the urine ? a waterish urine therefore , after yellow ones , in fevers , denoteth , that the tincture of the urine or liquid dung ( it is the liquour of meats in the bowels , immediatly before they become dung ) is without mixture deteined in the midriffs : for a vein strongly beating in the places about the short ribs , denotes madnesse to come , according to hippocrates : as the liquid dung being not rightly purged , tumulteth in the hypochondrials . therefore they are meer dreams , which the schools do hitherto , as it were from a three-legged stool , foretel concerning the colour of the urine . they have indeed learned by the effect and observance , that things are wont mutually to follow each other : to wit , that doatage in a fever , is from a cleer urine after a yellow one : rightly indeed , if they had stuck in a naked observation : but when they came unto the causes , and disposed of those causes according to the rite or custome of theoremes , and command of feigned principles , they all of them rashly subscribed unto each other hitherto : for there is no choler in nature , never any gaul in the urine ; and much lesse , that which may be seperated from thence , and carried unto the head : there is no choler in the whole body , because there never was any in nature : neither is gaul choler , but the very liquour of the gaul is a vital bowel , of great moment , between which , and the kidney , and brain , nothing interposeth as common : neither is there any passage , nor fit society of the gaul with the urine : neither doth it appertaine unto the gaul , whether the urine be watery , or yellow , and thick : the chest of the gaul hath not a vein unto the head . but if they will have gaul to be brought thorow the hollow vein , how should not gaul mix it self with the blood ? should not the whole blood of those feverish persons be bitter ? by what channel therefore , shall it hasten unto the head ? what conducter shall lead gaul unto the head : what shall seperate it from the blood , that it may not be deteined in its journy ? to what end should nature attempt such impertinencies ? how shall the blood remain without contagton from the forreign gaul ? that ascent shall be a voluntary motion , or a sending , or a drawing . a dreaming old woman said so long ago , and the schools have followed her : for if gauly choler climb by its own motion , now every man shall have a continual doatage . but to what end shall the hollow vein send gaul unto the brain ? shall it thus cure the fever ? shall it diminish the burning heat ? but surely the feverish matter remaines shut up , whether choler be snatcht from the urine , or gaul out of the little bag , into the brain , or not . to what end also , should the brain allure choler unto it self , being moist with a lively juice , and that a far better , and nearer ? and that thing also fights with the ordination of the liver : for nothing is sent , or drawn , at least without the choice , end and appoyntment of the archeus : is therefore choler carried into the brain , from the wedlock of the other three humours , or is it drawn by this ? surely the brain was thus already before , befooled , and not after the comming of choler , neither had it need of choler , for to doate . at length , why doth a watery urine rather argue a doating delusion , in a continual fever , than in a intermitting one ; than in a drinker ? than in the disease of the stone ? than in a vitiated concoction of the stomach ? but because death is in the midriff , where the fever then also is . vain therefore is the fiction of the schools , concerning yellow choler in the urine , and of its journy unto the brain . but besides , when as a little cloud appeareth in urines , straightway the physitian cries out , and as if himself had overcome the disease , saing with the consent and observance of the schools , that the diseasifying humour is concocted , and that it is safely to be purged for the future . i will shew first , what that little cloud may be ; and from thence any one shall at length judge , that in the aforesaid particulars , nothing but meer mockeries are conteined : for indeed that little cloud or swim is a sign of the digestion of the stomach ; but not of a diseasifying matter . but be it a sign of digestion , because the ferments of the stomach , gaul , and liver have returned , which before were hindred , shut up , &c. whence there is hope , that the strength will be recovered : otherwise , the matter , which they call that which maketh the disease , is never attempted to be concocted : because nature intends not to coct , neither doth coct any thing , but for a single end , and after a single manner , to wit , that she may reduce it into her own noruishment , and for no other end : but the ferments ( to whom only it belongs to transchange things ) being now restored , will subdue the matter of the disease under the ferule , in the inns of digestion , and root it out at pleasure : for i have taught concerning digestions , that sharpnesse in the stomach , is not from the brackishnesse of things being recieved into the body , but from the sharp or sout specifical ferment of the stomach it self : but even as it is the property of sharpnesse to coagulate milky substances ; therefore , whatsoever of the cream of the stomach is in it self milky , cannot be so exactly seperated in the liver , as that a smal quantity thereof is not snatched with the urine , and there doth not make a little cloud . the little cloud therefore is a signe of the ferment its returning into the stomach : for neither is that swim in the urine , from the nature or matter of the fever , neither doth it accuse , or excuse the same : neither at length , is that little cloud a sign of the proper ferment of the gaul ( for this is not sharp , but salt , and of the tast of the vital spirit ; even as elsewhere , concerning long life ) but of the ferment of the spleen ; to wit that which the spleen breaths into the stomach the patronage whereof it undertaketh : for therefore in a quartan ague , that smal cloud , oft-times appeareth , and again , oft-times dispesreth : while as , the appetite and digestion are restored , and again departeth , the same quartan in the mean time , always remayning : otherwise , if that little cloud should signify the mater of the disease , as its object , or efficient , certainly , it should constantly persevcte , being once bred ; since the matter being once cocted , doth not regularly wax crude again . therefore for its own family-administration , and the proper digestion of that bowel ; the spleen hath obtained a vital ferment , from a spirit implanted in , and proper to it self : for therefore , it is of the property , odour , and cast of the vital spirit ; the which , seeing it is saltish , and balsamical ( even as concerning long life ) it ought also , to subdue and overcome the matter of a quartan : but a care of the stomach is committed to this bowel , and for this cause it sits president over the digestion thereof ; and therefore it hath obtained another acide ferment to this end ; the which , unlesse it be inspired into the stomach , in a due dose , lack of appetites , crudities , yea and an inordinate hunger or appetite it self , do arise . therefore if this comely ferment of the defence of the stomach be exorbitant in the spleen , there are made , bloody and black spittings out into the stomach , which the schools have judged to be black choler : when as otherwise it is nothing but an expurging , and renewing of nourishable blood from the spleen it self : therefore the sharp ferment of the stomach , although it be the cause of the little cloud , and the whole soure cream , be ordinarily turned into salt , under the dominion of the gaul ( as concerning digestions elsewhere ) yet the little cloud remayneth , being bred from sharpnesse . by reason whereof , we must note , that the cause being removed , the effect is taken away for time to come , but not for the time past : because the effect for the time past , is a product now subsisting by it self ; oftentimes also , having no longer need of the accompanying of former causes : it being that which hath never been hitherto considered , as neither distinguished of in the schools . therefore a confused urine is oftentimes pissed forth by those that have the stone and likewise in the beating of the heart , and otherwise : but another urine , although it be cleer , yet it is of its own accord , voluntarily disturbed in the air : and indeed , every troubled urine conteineth an hidden sharpnesse , and the lesse thereof , if it hath been once cleered at the fire , and is not troubled afterwards : at leastwise , it betokeneth a defect of the ferment of the gaul : because there is denoted , that a very smal quantity of lukewarmth shall coct and overcome the sharpnesse that is left : for so , apples not yet ripe , wax sweet with the sun. as oft also , as the ferment of the little bag or bowel of the gawl , tramples one the ferment of the stomach , and vitiateth the pylorus , so often there is a crudity of digestion , and so also the urine is without a swim . in the stomach also , there is now and then a bitternesse , from its digestion erring , which brings forth such a superfluity . but if the ferment of that bowel be supplanted , there is a grosse and white sediment of the urine , nor ever without the strangury or pissing by drops , the which therefore in old people , is difficult to be cured : but that sharpnesse of the urine in stranguries , although it be not manifest to the tast ; yet in how smal a quantity soever it be , it is sufficient for the aforesaid effects of pain ; which is manifest in the urine of new ale , as yet unpercieveably participating of the brackishnesse of its ale : but while the ferment of the liver doth too much exceed the activities of the stomach and gaul , there is a bolar orlump-like sediment , in a troubled and red-yellow urine : as if that did wish to be made blood , which is unfit for that appoyntment . but a red sediment in a yellow urine , and that which easily melteth through the heat of the fire , denots the ferment of the liver to be exasperated by a forreign impediment : which historie of ferments is inserted in the treatise of digestions . there are also last of all , manifold errours & sluggishnesses about the original contents ; which in the treatise concerning the disease of the stone , i have profesly weighed . there is in the mean time , a safe method of examining urines by their weight ; to wit , anounce weigheth . grains . but i had a glassen vessel of a narow neck , weighing . grains : but it was filled with rain water , weighing besides , . grains : the urine of an old man , was found to weigh in the same vessel , . grains ; or to exceed the weight of the rain water , . grains : but the urine of an healthy woman of . years old , weighed . grains : the urine of an healthy young man of . years old , weighed . grains ; but that of another young man of a like age , being abstinentious from drink , weighed . grains : the urine a young man of . years old , undergoing a tertian ague with a cough , weighed . grains : but the aforesaid youth of . years old , with a double tertian , had drunk little in the night aforegoing : but his urine weighed . grains ; which was . grains more than while he was healthy . a maid having suffered the beating or passion of the heart , made a water like unto rain water , and the which therefore , was of equal weight with rain water : a luke-warm urine is alwayes a few graines lighter , as also more extended than it self being cold : and therefore , let the vessel be of a short neck and sharp pointed , that it may measure the urine almost in a poynt . another shall add and meditate of more things : and it is a far more easy method , than that which is reduced into aphorisms by weighing of the whole man : i have always breathed about the essences , remedies , and applications , or for the curing of a disease : and who am one that have hated the common applause : i have hated also the prognostication , prediction and fore knowledge which was familiar to divinations : i have rather rejoyced to heal the sick party , than by speaking doubtfully , to have foretold many things . chap. v. that the jaundise is not from yellow choler . . the supposition of the schools in this case . . a fit answer . . an ordinary , and ridiculous privy shift . . another evasion . . the cause of the jaundise is taught by anatomy . . the schools intangle themselves . . from an impertinency . . a double vice in the jaundise . . the forgetfulnesse of the schools . . absurdities upon the causes of the jaundise of the humourists . . four absurdities . . that the bitternesse of the mouth doth not argue choler . . that the jaundise is not from the gaul being stopped . . there is always some poyson in the jaundise . . that colours , if they are inordinate in an excrement , are not made from causes ordained in nature . . it is proved by proper remedies . . that curative betokenings are not drawn from things helpful and hurtful . . the adequate or suitable cause of the jaundise . . that the jaundise is not bred but from single causes . . that the jaundise is not cured by yellow remedies , as such . . a history in the strangury of an old man. . the oxe scoffs at the causes of the jaundise delivered by the humourists , and at the use of grasse-roots . . that choler is not dismissed for tinging of the excrements of the belly . . the pale dung of the bowels doth not so much accuse of the absence of the gaul , as of the errour of its transchanging . . against the possibility of the gaul being obstructed in the iaundise , by reason of the essential thinglinesse of the disease being unknown . . another argument . . a third . . from an impertinency . . from the impossibility of tincture . . from bitternesse . . from the disproportion of the thing tinging , and of the thing tinged . . the generating of an unnamed poyson in the iaundise . . some absurdities are proposed , to be seriously considered by the humourists . . a conclusion from the premises . . the nest of the iaundise . . an errour of physitians about the passing of choler into a fish . the standard-defending argument , whereby the humourists believe that from a full necessity , they have confirmed the existence , and generation of yellow choler , and that which supplyeth the room of an anchour , is the jaundise : in favour whereof , they contend , that the chest of the gaul is stopped up in its passage towards the empty gut : therefore that the choler daily generated , is presently also after its birth , regorged and dispersed into the whole body ; wherefore as they supose , an ordinary and necesary generation of choler or gaul , so also a daily banishment , and seperation thereof . but they prove the lower passage of the gaul to be stopped ; because the excrements of the belly are destitute of gaul , therefore also of an ashy colour and not yellow : wherefore the urine offers it self twenty-times more tinged than is meet ; and daily , more meerly or purely so : therefore as well the excrements of the bladder , as paunch , draw their tincture from the gaul . first , they have not yet proved any upper entrance of the gaul unto the little bag , as neither hath it hitherto , by exact anatomy , been found : therefore the excrementous gaul should either daily enter through the lower passage , or unsensibly : not in this manner , where there should be so great abundance of gaul daily ; nor also after the former manner ; seeing it should vainly enter that way , through which it ought presently to go forth : and also , if it should enter that way , it ought to enter through the bowel upward ; neither thus , should the gauly tincture of the dungs , ever fail although the lower passage were shut up : the humourists therefore stick in the entrance , in proving of the question , whether the thing be : and then , they fail in the passage and seperation of gaul from the liver . thirdly , at leastwise from the disproportion , they might easily collect , that they were decieved : for if one that hath the jaundise , shall drink eight pints in one day , he is to make well nigh , as much of most yellow urine , whereof four pints at least should be of meer gaul , and by how much the weaker the sick shall be , and nearer to death , by so much the deeper , their urin shall be also in yellownesse , yet not any thing bitter . it was therefore to be measured , how much of yellow choler may be daily expelled by urine , and through the skin , in those that have the jaundise ; to wit , whether there be daily as much of gaul , expelled through the paunch in healthy persons , especially , in whom there is a seldom going to stool : but if not ; therefore , it is not gaul , not choler , or of the natural humours , which is made in the jaundise ; but plainly an excrementitious poyson : and by consequence , the jaundise doth not prove it self to arise from gaul . at length , the argument of the humourists being granted by way of supposition , at leastwise , for that very cause , they confesse , that no choler in nature , not so much as that which is believed to float together with the blood in the veins , is made from the intent of nature , or for nourishment : but that alwayes , however it may be taken , it is excrementitious , and a certain product , which as well in its quantity , as quality , is besides nature , and the scope of sanguification : by consequence also , that choler is neither of the composition of the blood , as neither of the intention of nature , which it hath in generating of the blood : that is , that choler is not a constitutive humour of us , or an entire part of the blood . but if they shall answer ; that choler in the jaundise , is indeed a diseasy humour , and therefore also excrementitious ; but not therefore also ordinary choler : but that i might believe them , it had behoved them , first to prove a radical difference of both cholers : when as otherwise , only the obstruction of the gaul is the cause of the jaundise in the schools , which cannot change the species of choler ; since obstuction it self , hath respect unto passage , but not unto choler , or gaul . again , if the cause of the jaundise be a diseasy excrement , and a far different thing from the constitutive choler of the blood ; and not otherwise , ordinary and natural choler ; therefore at least , it is an impertinent argument of the schools , to be willing , by a feigned and excrementous humour , to intrude the necessity of a natural humour , and to confirm a necessary choler : even as a gleary or gravelly water also , doth not prove the nourishment of a bone , or the making of a bone in the callous matter growing in fractures ; as neither doth corrupt pus prove a generating of flesh . what if they say , that the gaul is not troublesom in quality , in the jaundise , but only in quantity ; i pray , let them look back : because , even on the first day , and before a manifest jaundise , those that are jaundous are ill at ease : in the next place , the quantity alone , doth then not only molest and hinder : but also the quality it self doth far more strictly hurt : for jaundous persons are straightned and short-winded , from the first day they complain of anguish in the orifice of their stomach , of an appetite as much as may be dejected , they are sad or pensive , being as it were shaken with a perpetual smal ague or fever , and truly diseasy , with an hard and unequal pulse ; whereby a hurtful quality rather than quantity , is denoted . truly i remember , that two jaundous dead carcases were dissected , i being present : yet neither orifice of their gaul was stopped ( for i curiously , throughly viewed the whole ) ; but the veins of the mesentery ( to wit , beneath the liver , and far remote from the gaul ) abounded with a yellow and dungy blood . for gaul was thought to be present , before it could be made by the liver : and the excrements of the belly might thereby , have been abundantly tinged , if the liquid and yellow dung , which ought to have descended beneath , had not by an inverted order , been detained in the mesentery , and if another poyson , had not been bred above from forreign causes : for that liquid dung , is the off-spring of the second digestion , and is frequently snatcht upwards ; and although the mouth of those that have the jaundise , be now and then bitter , yet their urine is not bitter . but it hath already been sufficiently declared , concerning the dissembled vomiting of choler , that there is a strange efficient , which generates a strange poyson , originally in the stomach , with much perplexity , and not gaul fetch back from the liver : neither is there i say , any bitternesse in the yellow and liquid dung ; since that , neither doth the urine which is from thence yellow , acknowledge bittternesse . sorrow hath oftentimes given a beginning to the jaundise : but the humourists dedicate sorrow to the spleen : sorrow therefore shall not be the foregoing immediate , and conteining cause of the stoppage of the gaul : the liquid dung also multiplies the jaundise , not only through the errour of the digestive faculty : but also , through the vice of the dispensative faculty , it is snatcht into the veins by a retrograde motion ; and that which ought to be purged downwards , is called or sent up wards . moreover on the the other hand , the very efficient of the jaundise produceth a poyson , by a homebred vice , no otherwise , than as i have demonstrated , that through the digestion of the stomach being decayed , a poyson is bred , which is expelled by vomite . for in the jaundise , the excrements of the fundament do frequently look pale , and are almost white , and then on the morrow , they again look yellow ; and again , soon after they are pale as ashes , as on the day before ; which thing succeeding thus by course , least of all belongs to the obstructions of the gaul ; for those being once loosed and opened , there is not a re-stoppage , or closure , so easie , or imminent , and renewed afresh . two things therefore concur together in the jaundise : one is an estranging of the second digestion , whereby the chyle is perverted , as well that which should be regularly good , and to be changed into blood , as that which otherwise naturally departs into liquid dung , within the intestines : but the other is an alienation of the distributive , and digestive faculty of the stomach : for oft-times after gluttony , there is a plentifull yellow vomiting , even as such a dejection by stool from a solutive potion : for it hath been already shewn in the chapter above , that digestion erring , such a bitter exerement is bred in the stomack , and likewise also in the bowels of children ; calfes , &c. for the stomach , and intestine have their proper yellownesse , which sometimes also waxeth bitter from the digestive faculty erring . but when as , with the errour of the digestive faculty , a vice of the distributive is present , now the jaundise concurs : because that which is bred besides nature , is besides nature dispersed into the veins and body ; which otherwise ought , neither to be bred , nor carried that way , but to be forced through its own emunctory places : which distributive faculty hath been hitherto neglected by the schools : through the errour whereof notwithstanding , diverse diseases are made ; to wit , sumptomatical fluxes apostemes , witherdnesses of the parts , oedema's , &c. especially the jaundise , in the limits of the body : for the liquid dung , which otherwise is naturally generated after a seperation of the more pure chyle , about the end of the ileon , last of all , also before the meer dung , in the gut colon , doth now fore-timely begin , from the empty gut , and is besides nature , turned into that yellow excrement ( yet not bitter , such as is bred in the stomach ) whence a right is ingendred in it , of climbing into the veins of the mesentety : therefore the excrements of the belly are of an ashy colour , they being deprived of the liquid dung , and tinging yellownesse naturall unto them . . for the schools understand the gaul and choler to be sunonymass . . that the chest of the gaul is shut in the jaundise , where it inclines unto the gut duodenum . . therefore , that the filths of the belly being deprived of a due portion of gaul , do wax pale . . therefore that the gaul , which ought to depart through the fundament , is over-proportionably and immoderately co-mixed with the urine , through the errour of its passage alone : which blockishnesses of credulity , have caused the fundamentals of healing to be turned aside , and have brought great destruction on mortal men , no lesse than they have manifested inconsiderate rashnesses . for first of all , it is manifest ( the which i have elsewhere proved concerning digestions ) that the dung of man , although it be little , or much yellow , yet it is not therefore bitter , as neither is a jaundisy urine : for dogs eate the yellow dung of infants , as if it did as yet represent unto them the favour of milk ; yet if but some small drops of any gaul be co-mixed with this yellow dung , not any thing thereof is licked by a dog : therefore the schools confesse choler which is ordinary and necessary , to be a natural excrement of the blood : the generation whereof , notwithstanding , is not intended by nature , but is diseasy beside the instincts of a vital nature , and by accident . what if the mouth of him that hath the jaundise tasteth bitter , doth it therefore , argue choler ? in the jaundise , a most yellow urine tasteth not bitter ; therefore it is deprived of gaul and choler . the mouth , in fear , waxeth presently bitter , with a saltnesse ; but fear hath not obtained any command over the gaul , that a dread being concieved , it can be powred forth into the mouth : for if in the jaundise , the chest of the gaul be so shut beneath , that no choler can flow unto the duodenum : therefore , neither is the mouth bitter in the jaundise , from gaul being drawn upwards from the duodenum , or empty gut , seeing there is not another passage any other way , whereby gaul could ascend into the mouth . oftentimes also in the jaundise , after ash-coloured excrements of the belly , they void yellow ones : why therefore doth not the jaundise cease , if the cause thereof now desisteth ? what if in the jaundise , rhubarb , or any other drawer forth of choler being received , whatsoever is cast forth shall yeild the testimonies of yellow choler ; why therefore , a cholagogal medicine being taken , is not the jaundise ended , if choler slide down thorow the bowels at the will of the physitian ? what if a forreign ferment , or poyson doth oft-times transchange and cast forth the whole blood , and flesh it self , by a flux , into a stinking and yellow liquour , and the which , the schools say without controversy to be choler : if ( i say ) also , from the stinging or biting of some serpent , any one suddenly falls under the jaundise ; shall therefore the little bag of the gaul be forthwith shut ? who rather from hence , shall not judge , that a certaine co-like poyson lurketh in every jaundise as the causer thereof , which estrangeth the digestive and distributive faculty ? and so that choler is not naturally from fire , as neither from a right digestion , and much lesse , from the fruitfullnesse of native heat : but that it is made in nature , plainly from a disgracefull title : and therefore , that the excrements do wax pale , yellow , red , and black , no otherwise than from a vice , as well of the digestive , as of the distributive faculty ? for the dung of infants is yellower than that of those of ripe years , yet they are not therefore reckoned in the schools , to be more cholerick . the yellownesse of an excrement therefore , is that which ariseth from the vice of its own putrefaction . what if therefore , the jaundise be not from a stoppage of the gaul ; shall not consesequently , medicines for the unstopping of the gaul , be in vain ? for so , as some serpents , do from a property , cause the jaundise ; so also some insects do likewise cure the jaundise , as also some simples being only bound on the outside of the body : to wit , as they take away the poyson which estrangeth the aforesaid faculties ; but not that those wormes , or simples , do presently stop , or unstop the chest of the gaul . let them therefore remember , that curative betokenings are not fitly drawn from things helpfull , and hurtfull ; but more fitly , diagnostical or discerning ones : and the which i have elsewhere , more fully , profesly manifested . the efficient cause therefore of the jaundise , is a poysonous ferment besides nature , which so badly affecteth the pylorus , that the digestive and also the distributive faculty are alienated : and that poyson sits either in the duodenum , or is communicated farther of from the ileon : so now and then , one that is bitten by a serpent , is straightway afflicted with the jaundise : but not that that stroak in the skin hath presently stopt up the passage of the gaul into the empty gut . therefore the jaundise is cured , by the floures of marigold , dandelyon , and of many other the like things being applyed : oft-times also , by some antidotes agreeable to the pylorus ; such as are palmer-wormes , earth-wormes , yellow-wormes between planks , and those things which do powerfully cleanse the first region of the body . for neither doth rhubarb , saffron , gourd , the sharp leaved dock , &c. cure the jaundise as they are yellow : but their yellownesse rather shewes their ordination to be for the wiping away of the poyson : for signatures bewray the internal crasis or constitutive temperature of a thing ; but the grasis it self doth not discover the thing . a certain man of eighty years old , and father in law to a physitian of bruxels , for two years space continually dropped with a strangury : he was therefore thought to have the stone in his bladder : at length his dead carcase being dissected , it was found to be free from the stone : that physitian presently boasted , that he had broken away the stone from his father in law , by offering him stone-breaking things : but he had not freed him from the dropping strangury : but his gaul was filled with some clots , without the jaundise : but a defect of the spleen causeth the strangury of old men , as i have elsewhere proved concerning digestions . for the jewes complain very much of black choler , and grief : but they make use of the stone which is sometimes found in an oxe his gaul , it is somewhat yellow , and swims now and then in water , although sometimes , it be the more hard and black : but the oxe perisheth not by the jaundise , but by the hammer ; neither is he ill at ease from yellow choler , although the chest of his gaul be stopped up with a stone large enough . lastly , the oxe that is fed with continual grass , is stopped in his gaul : therefore so great a use of grasse roots , in all apozemes , is wholly ridiculous . . before therefore , i shall grant the gaul to be daily sent down for tinging of the excrements of the paunch , it ought first to be manifest , that there was choler in the nature of things . . and then , that the excrements of man are endued with a notable bitternesse : the which notwithstanding , is elsewhere proved false , concerning digestions . . it ought to be manifest , that the same paint which tingeth the urine and filths of the belly , is not naturally generated in the very passage of the membranees , which is called the intestine ; even as i have made manifest above concerning a calf . . if therefore the urine , and dungs are ordinarily , and naturally yellow , and yet are not bitter ; therefore not from gaul , or choler : therefore it is no wonder , if such an efficient of nature erring , such a tincture becomes the more plentifull , and so that in the more heightned jaundise , the urine waxeth also , more intensly yellow daily in a jaundous person : neither is it a wonder also , if from the efficient and distributing cause erring , such yellow excrements are derived throughout the whole body , and that the jaundise , and at length also , death do arise : for if in a gluttonous stomach there be made a bitter yellownesse , from its digestion erring : and that , as well with-out as with-in the the jaundise , as well in an healthy as feverish person , and as well in an obstructed , as open gaul ; in the next place , if in stopped up gaul , stones clots , &c. do appear without the jaundise ; if in the jaundise , the urine be most intensly yellow , and tinging , without bitternesse and gaul , and all these things under the errour of the digestive faculty alone , and the distributive offending ; it is no wonder , that the excrements of the belly look pale through a vice of both faculties : because , it is the part of same faculty , being in good health , to beget [ this something ] and of the same being ill at ease , to make [ this something vitiated ] . at length , a pale excrement of the belly , and urine of a yellow ruddy colour , in the jaundise , do not indeed accuse of a co-mixture of gaul , as neither of choler ; but of errours committed in transchanging , and distributing : for specifical remedies of the jaundise being given , especially in a small quantity ( as they are wont to be ) should not profit , if the lower ( that is the one only ) orifice of the gaul ( which is supposed ) were suitably and totally shut ( for whatsoever is not totally shut ; layes open sufficiently to the gaul flowing thorow ) : for an emunctory place being so shut , as it is no way an expulsive of its own superfluities , furely much lesse shall it be an atractive , or admissive of a forreign remedy , and that being first transchanged in the stomach : and therefore also plainly in vain . again , if there were any upper mouth in the chest ( which there is none : for a passage is not found to be but beneath ) surely that should be least of all fit for drawing of of choler ; and much lesse , in so great a plenty of choler , as is supposed in the jaundise : therefore choler ought to be drawn through the liver , neither could so great a quantity of excrements be dismissed through the little bag of the gaul it self , which is judged to be void of pores above ; and so , there should not be that , from whence the lower pipe might be stopped . then again , from hence it followes ; if there were any choler , and that choler were not sent from above , through the chest of the gaul ; that a remedy also , against the jaundise , cannot slide from above into the chest , nor likewise to be admitted from beneath ( because it is supposed to be exactly shut ) and of necessity , any jaundise shall always be without hope of during , because without a remedy . then at length it is manifest from elsewhere , that the liquour of the gaul is a meer vital bowel , but not the choler , or daily excrements of the liver : therefore , if there be not yet found a passage conspicuous , and not yet proved to be from the liver , thorugh the chest : why therefore , the passage of the little bag beneath , bein stopt up , should the whole body presently re-gorge it self with gaul : for truly , this presupposeth as much gaul to have been first prepared by the liver . furthermore , if yellow choler , which they imagine to swim on the blood let out of the veins , doth as well tinge the excrements of the belly , as of the bladder , and that choler be scarce palishly yellow ; certainly , that shall never be able to tinge or dye a jaundous urine , into so thick and full yellownesse of colour : seeing that for which every thing is such , that ought as yet , to be more such : and far is it , that meer choler , which ye say is ordinarily generated together with the blood its cousin german humour , should be more coloured than the urine of him that hath the jaundise , which not only , is not choler , but scarce one part of choler is reckoned to be added unto fifty parts of the whey . neither in the mean time , doth the urine of a jaundous person , therefore , ascend scarce in its fiftieth part , unto the tincture of meer choler : therefore if the urine ( which in its own body every where , and always materially representeth drink ) doth as yet borrow its colour from gaul and choler : the tincture of a jaundous urine it self , ought ' in its body to exceed the tincture of gaul , yea and of saffron , at leasts by thirty fold , and the gaul should be thick like the yolk of eggs ; the which , seeing it is not of the nature of choler , or gaul , therefore neither shall the tincture of a jaundous urine be able ever to be from gaul : and this argumentation , is from number , extension , measure , and thicknesse . the schools therefore ought to have regard unto their own positions concerning the obstructions of the gaul ; and they should easily finde , that there is not about the hundreth proportion of gaul or choler daily bred , ( although it be granted , that the little bag of the gaul be stopped , and that gaul is not thrust down unto the excements of the fundament ) unto that which is voyded by the urine alone : and then , that there is not a reason why the jaundise growing great , the urine , and colour of the habite of the body should wax great and be increased , when as otherwise , sanguification , and the generating of gaul happens to be lesse , daily , death being urgent . and which is more ; the urine of the jaundise is not bitter ( which thing , even one only smal drop on the top of the tongue , may cleerely enough fignify ) : but it should be far more bitter than gaul , if it should derive its tincture from this , or the gaul ought in every urine , to loose its own natural bitternesse ; both whereof are alike absurd : and seeing otherwise , all bitternesse is banished from all other urines , ( but it is a most absurd thing , to beg all yellownesse of the whole urine , from gaul or choler alone , and yet that in the mean time no urine is bitter ) at leastwise , bitternesse in a jaundous urine , should be a very forreign quality , nor to arise from choler : which is to say ; to arise from a forreign excrement , bitter in it self ( such as is that , which is now and then rejected by vomite , as well in healthy as in sick persons ) but not from natural choler . but in conflraining the schools to measure ; a yellow heart , whereby in one only day atleast , the urine is tinged in the jaundise , might infect as much dung with a full colour , as is cast forth through the belly in fourty days : but it should be sufficient , for so much colour to abound in the urine daily , as choler doth infect of the dung , every day : therefore the obstruction of the gaul , cannot be for a cause , why more of tincture and gaul is generated by fourty fold , if the tincture of the urine , and yellownesse of the whole body are beheld at once . yea , when the other troop of absurdities might be excused , yet by the jaundise more of yellow choler ( so i now by a liberty , call that dreg ) is daily dispersed throughout the habite of the body , and also through the urine , and more of gaul by tenfold is daily thus expelled , than there is of blood bred . therefore , it had at leastwise behoved the schools to teach , why a detainment , and obstruction of the gaul doth multiply the generation of gaul , if they will not at once grant , that that generation of such gaul and of all feigned choler , is otherwise , excrementous . and so , that choler , and a'quaternary of humours is feigned ; but whatsoever of these excrements is generated , that it is partly of an unnamed poyson , which they have falsely believed to be choler , being deluded by the jaundise , and the chances of the foregoing chapters . therefore they have accounted a narrow search into the poyson of the jaundise , to be in vain , seeing they thought that choler to be that which did abound only in quantity , and otherwise , to be a natural co-partner of the venal blood . ah , i wish they had first examined , that yellow choler ( such as they shew to swim on the blood let out o● the veins ) cannot more deeply tinge the urine ( which otherwise , is watery , from the nature of its own whey ) than choler it self is tinged , and as yet far lesse : and that an ordinary urine , of a mean and temperate yellownesse , is notwithstanding more deeply tinged , than the aforesaid supper-swimming choler it self is : that in the jaundise , its colour is fourtytimes more full , and ringed , than that it can be hoped to be dyed by the aforesaid choler : and that by how much the more diseasie and nearer to death the jaundise is , by so much the urine also is more filled with a deep or yellow yellownesse . neither yet , is there a reason why more of choler should be daily generated , while as there is a lesse necessity thereof , and the natural heat in the liver lesse : why there should i say , be more of elementary fire , by how much death is nearer , and why that fire , if there should be any , should be nearer to its own choaking ; and that while they rashly say , hony to be wholly turned into choler or gaul , in a cholerick , strong , fiery , manly and valiant constitution , which otherwise , in a sanguine person , is made totally blood . and so also , that they being constrained by their own and unvoluntary confession , do not see that the generation of their feigned choler proceedeth on both sides , from some poysonous indisposition of the body , and the which being at length increased , produceth much more plenty of those excrementitious filths , than of blood , yea than it is wont to do a little before . since , as in the mean time , there is no necessity of such choler , but very much necessity of blood in the jaundise ; may they not seem from thence , to conclude . . that nature in its greatest health , alwayes erred in its own ends . . and so also , that the creatour thereof had erred . . and that she should not cease , to make a most plentifull quantity of gaul , while as she most greatly abhorreth that , and should have the least need thereof : that the making of choler in the schools , is from a diseasifying cause ; but not from the integrity of nature : that whatsoever they call choler , is neither choler nor gaul , nor one of the four feigned constitutive humours of us ; but , the gaul being excepted , that choler is alwayes a meer dungy excrement , if not also , together therewith , defectuous and poysonsom . therefore choler never existed in nature : but the gaul is a prevalent bowel , in the nature of an original or first-born liquor , greatly vital , and most exceeding necessary . choler therefore , is wanting in whole nature , therefore also for the jaundise : but the disease called choler , whatsoever it toucheth with its poysonous ferment , it de●●es it , and transchangeth it into a poyson , without ceasing . the whole invention therefore , of choler , is frivolous , false , and pernicious . but the nest or shop of the jaundise , is from the pylorus even unto the end of the duodenum . for i remember , that a pike-fish , being at sometime opened alive in the back , from the head to the tail , and bound a-crosse , upon the region of the stomach , within a few hours , his putrified carcase stank , and all his flesh which before was most white , became yellow . the comon sort of physitions supposed , that he had drawn choler from the jaundous person : but i suppose , that the live fish had putrified with the heat of him that had the jaundise , and that he had borrowed his yellownesse from corruption : that the excrement tinged on the skin , in the jaundous person , was a mortified poyson , no other wise than as the flesh of the fish was : for the fish was so stinking , that it was despised by a cat : i therefore healed the man by some calcined alcali salts . let it be sufficient to have spoken these things , concerning the falshood of humours , and the miserable snare of the humourists : but other things which concerning the falling down of humour , having regard hither , might offer themselves , i will elsewhere perfectly explain in a particular treatise , concerning the toyes of a catarrhe . but last of all , that for black choler they are wont to accuse the hemerhoides or piles ; in the next place , the menstrues , and cancer of the dugs ; surely that i despise under silence , as unworthy of an answer , and as unprofitable trifles , in a great compassion of the rash belief of my neighbours , and also of the blindnesse of the schools : for truly , herein they retire from the terms proposed by themselves , as well in making of blood , and sliding down to the spleen , as in passing from yellow choler into black : because the fundament veins , and veins of the womb , not always , daily , or in any place , but only about the utmost passages of those veins , blood , being otherwise good , is made malignant , and defiled in those places , and not before : but not that it was already before degenerated in the spleen , and sent into the utmost end of the fundament . even so as also , whatsoever the schools devise for the establishment of phlegm , concerning the pose , cough , asthma , shortnesse of breath , pleurisie , toothach , &c. all that , i will demonstrate in its own place in the treatise of the toyes of a catarrhe , for ridiculous dreames of paganisme : but now it hath seemed sufficient unme to have shewn , that no phlegm is conteined in the fellowship of four humours : and that which is dashed forth from diseasie causes , which is snivelly , and the which they have hitherto perswaded themselves to be ejected like phlegm , it is sufficient now to have shewn , that that very thing hath undergone the title of an excrement , nor that it is in any wise to be ascribed unto the family of a vital humour . let the lord jesus be between me , and the interpreters of these things . for an argument of the book , a poet hath thus sung against the humourists , thirsting after christian blood . most famous captain , why in many doctours doth thou trust , it 's much thou can'st confide in one ; the other rout [ unjust ] do hurt , dost thou not see the veins throughout the body empted , this cut 's , that burn's , and so by art , the maladie's incensed : who ere of daubing galen doth in ought the counsel take , they all against one body fight , and b' art a slaughter make . a rout of medicine professors slew an emperour , dost thou believe that physick doctours have a healing pow'r ? he was a belgian prince by blood , but phisick't by that rable after the spanish mode : to th' dutch that mode's unprofitable . i 'le adde a little to his tomb : here lays a captain best , o're whom mars could not ought prevail while blood was in his breast : what bloody war could not perform , physitians could by lance , thus less than hippocrat's himself , mavors is made [ by chance . ] tumulus pestis . or the plague-grave . john baptista van helmont tobarch in royenborch , pellines , &c. being the author . the pest reader , the title which thou readest , is a mournfull terrour , affixed to the doors , within it shews death , the kind of death , and scourge of men : stand still and enquire what this may betoken ? what the epigraph of the plague-grave will have it self to be . i have departed under the anatomy , not dyed , as long as the ill-counselling envy of the scoffer , and ignorant lust of men shall cherish me . therefore here is no funeral , no dead carkase , no death , no sceleton , no mourning , no contagion . give glory to the eternal , that the pest hath now fayled under the proper punishment of an anatomy . john baptist a van helmont of bruxels a phylosopher by the fire , toparch in royenborgh , pellines , &c. wisheth health and joy to christians . dear reader . i have always , even from a child , sought after the truth , above every delightful thing ; because i every where found every man a lyar ; and so that from the impiety of the world , all false , ignorant , devised , deceitful things , and things ful of impostures have been invented : and when i had fitly searched into all states , religions , and conditions by their individuals , i saw indeed the certain and unchangeable truth , in numbers , and measures : in the next place , in created things , i found indeed the essence and properties of things to be true and good ; but the truth it self , however i in quired amongst men , i no where found : i greatly grieved that truth had hid it self from my capacity , as not knowing , that that was my own vice , but not the fault of things . at length , when i had considered that god himself was the naked truth , i took the gospel-book in my hand ; wherein although i every where noted singular verity , yet i found the interpretations thereof to be according to the will of the flesh ; yea , at this day , i have noted some to be diligently studious to excuses excuses in sins , especially in those of gre●●men : and so , the truth of the gospel is reckoned to be professed ; but not consented unto as it ought to be : for there is none who having two coats , puts of one , that out of meer love , he may cloath the poor man as if christ were present , therewith : none turns the other cheek to him that strikes him : and so , evangelical truth , through the endeavour of some , is at this day grown out of use , among christians . in which consideration , when i once had tarried out almost all night , after the studies of some years , and very many anguishes , i resolved with my self , that i would every where assault the plague freely , which had then invaded our country-men , and the which all fled from : and although i had on every side contracted the most choiseremedies out of books , into a breviary and also had remedies described by others , at hand ; yet i experienced them all to be void , feeble , and vain : for the forsaken sick , and poor , did oft-times utter their vomitings and belchings upon me , and breathed out their soul between my armes , to my grief : but god preserved this ignorant and unprositable servant . and at length , i comprehended the nature , progresse , and properties of the pest , to be far different from what the schools had hitherto understood them to be : because doctours and writers themselves , do first run away : and what things they have here and there compiled out of diverse authors , they do equally extol and commend to the ignorant , as most exceeding good , and the which , from their own ignorance , they so judge to be : and so , all their doctrine is supported by the foundation of supposition . in the mean time notwithstanding the knowledge of a pestilent poyson , hitherto scanty , is desired ; and remedies are required , which their gift being unchanged in the first shops , can overcome the contagion of the poyson ; whereof nothing hath hitherto been dreamed by the schools . tumulus pestis . or the plague-grave . chap. i. of what kind the pest or plague is . after a pensive lodging out all night , a dream befell me : and since night unto night sheweth knowledge , i have thought that a dream doth contein knowledge : therefore i willingly submit my dreams unto the judgment of the reader . for i beheld my self to be in the vaults without the city ( they call them grotts ) i saw daedalian labarinths ; in some place , arches threatning a cleft and ruine . i had called them the porches or galleries of pluto , wherein inveterate or long accustomed darknesse , and a thick aire , wearied with long rest , suffers not the light of a candle to shine a-far of : for the thicknesse of the air did so meet with the gas of the earth , that the flame of a wax-candle would scarce shine but a few paces from thence : for the voice becomes so dumb with a duskish sound , that not far of from thence , an out-cry cannot be heard , and the more dull sound seemes to resemble , not a voic , but the shadow of a voyce . for nothing is there which is vital , except a company of bats , their nests being adjoyned or knit fast in the arches of the co-heaped rubbishes . alas ! a sad spectacle , the image of eternal death , where the seat of night-thieves is : wherein , if thou shalt chance to hurt one of its cruel inhabitants , thou art deprived of candles , and presently of life , unlesse , thy light being extinguished , thou prostratest thy self as humble , and feign thy self as dead . for those lurkers , being the natives of obscurities , do not endure to be obtained , or corrected by any ; and much lesse , to be driven away from their seat : they call it an injury , to have the light brought against them ; because with them , they neither have light , neither do they love it : under doctrine and correction , not issuing out of their nests , they cry out for revenge , and they gape for it with conjoyned votes . for how strong are they because and when they are very many ? how bold are they in the age and kingdome of darkness ? and how unmild , where all things favour their own wishes and flyings ? for our breath there smells of so great an hoary putrefaction , that delay presently tingeth us with paleness . and indeed , it is familiar to the mines of metals , that except the soil be frequently pounced , and new air do breath on it from the sky , mountainous inhabitants do certainly perish with a blind gas : but if they shall not lodge out of their house all night , they at least , do contract a disease deplorable even for their life time : for therefore , they are wont , that they may preserve the life of mountainous inhabitants , to blow in new ayr , and to blow out the hurtful by engines . but in the roman vaults they seek not for minerals ; therefore also , they want an arsenical gas : for there , frequent sepulchres are found , which are thought to be those of martyrs who gloriously died : therefore , i dreaming , began to doubt , whether fled truth , and not to be found at this day , had made its grave with the martyrs in the same place ? the question smiled on me sleeping ; for the most high created the physitian , as also , medicine out of the earth . i have therefore deemed the truth of medicine , and knowledge of a physitian , to have hid it self in the stable foundation of nature , and the more hidden sepulchre , from the unworthy and defiled beholding of mortals , and to have forsaken our commerces , and to have overwhelmed it self in many labyrinths and perplexities ; so that , by reason of the smallness of light which is social unto us by nature , truth remains covered over with darkness , and hedged about with difficulties . and the worst thing which here at length offers it self , is , that this grave of truth is kept not by a good genius , or spirit , but by the unhappy birds of the night : therefore the spirits of darkness are to be supplanted : but whosoever he be , who strives the less to applaud those keepers , he presently experienceth the violent power or tyrannical rule of those , who under the shew of piety and quietness , keep these kingdomes of pluto as their own . but seeing they themselves come not into the light of truth , they also suffer not others to enter , unless they prostrate themselves as humble unto them . for any other person is straightway encompassed by the powers of darkness , the enemies of the first truth , who under the pretence of godliness ; challenge the legacies of their own sepulchres to themselves ; because they boast , that the kingdome of truth is in their possession : and therefore , that the command of learning , sciences , and the powers of great men , are assigned to them . for these , being neither birds , nor mice , have obtained a middle and hermaphroditical kind , and they go , as it is in the th of luke , they pierce the houses and possessions of widows ; they lead away after them , poor silly women laden with sins , &c. surely , every such business walketh in darkness , and all their endeavour is with a noon-day devil . truly , i saw not a means of opening the sepulchre of truth , but with long leisure : but this thing , hateful spirits , even since the daies of arias montanus , have not permitted to good men : wherefore , that i might seasonably , and with the profit of my neighbour , put that in frequent practise , i decreed to withdraw my self from the vulgar sort , and under the light , throughly to knock the vaults of nature full of holes : and least i should labour in vain , i disposed of my glassen basins under the light , that by a dumb sound , i might discern the vault of nature underneath . i endeavoured by the unwearied pains and charges of forty years , to break the rocky stones asunder with the axe , crook , fire , and sharp liquor , that light may flow in from heaven , and that the night-birds which presume to keep the keys of sciences , and the narrow passage of truth , may vanish away , or betake themselves unto a corner , out of a court-like conversation , and the pursuances of courtesies : or at least , that they may no longer hereafter hinder mortals who are diligent searchers after truth . for this mixt kind of monster noyseth abroad , that it is more excellent than all birds ; because they begin not from an egge , after the custom of other birds ; but do nurse up their young with a longer sucking at the breast ; and do cast those out of the nest which they think are not sufficiently profitable unto them . they boast , i say , that they are therefore the most quick-sighted of birds ; in this respect , because they also see most clearly under darkness . alas , thus is our age deceived by darkness ! but they feign , and perswade the vulgar , that truth is in the shade , within their own vaults ; who in the mean time , being alwayes learning , do never come unto the knowledge of charity ; because they endure not the light that is perfectly learned by alone and naked charity ; and therefore , they alwayes weave to themselves the wiles and webs of darkness . truly , it was necessary for me to rent the bowels of the earth , and to break its crown : for truly , galen hath seemed to me , to have entred into the vaults with a slender lamp ; who being presently affrighted , stumbled in the entry , and at first almost fell over the threshold : therefore , his oyl being lavishly spent , he returned to his own , and told many things confusedly , concerning the sepulchres , which he had not perceived , nor known , nor believed , although he had seen them . all from thenceforth , boast rashly among their own people , that they know many things , who saluted not so much as the threshold of nature , except at a far distance , from the relation of galen . in the next place , avicen with his company , although he became more cautious by the viewing of galen ; yet he entred not much deeper , but looking behind , about , and above him , and being taken with giddiness , his foot being dashed against a stone , fell headlong down : but returning , he boasts in a forraign dialect , that he had seen far more than his predecessors : the which , when his followers understood , and stuck to , they chose a certain one of them for a standard-defender ; they all of them had rather fight for the glory of their sworn prince , than that they would themselves enter the passages : as if the mind of man , that is free , being readily inclined like unto clients , had forsworn liberty : therefore none having afterwards endeavoured to enter , and being content with the first boasters , they prefixed on their centuries , that themselves were to fight for the glory and trophy of a matter not yet known ; but as many as came unto the entry , being as it were factiously addicted unto the first patron , and insisting in the steps of predecessors , presently fell down together . they dreamed that they were entred ; at leastwise , they were deprived of light and help for removing the darkness of so great an heap . others also , afterwards hastened toward the vaults , but they brought not the light with them , they perceived their oyl to be extinguished , and snatcht away by the enemies of the first truth , and humane health , and inhabitants of darkness . at length , paracelsus having entred with a great torch , fastened a small cord to the wall , about his first paces , which he might follow as a companion , and reducer of the wayes ; he aspiring to pierce whither the footsteps of mortals had not yet taken their journey . the rout of birds is presently amazed at so great a sight , it thinks that prometheus had entred ; it dares not , nor was able to extinguish the torch , yet it secretly attempts to do it . this man seeth very many monuments , he is long and freely enlarged , he fills the entries with smoak , and while he is intentive , as a greedy devourer of truth , his strength fails , his torch falls , his light is extinguished in the middle of his course , and he is as it were choaked with fumes . i a poor miserable man , have at length entred with the least light of a lanthorn ; and that nothing might hinder , and that nothing might detain my hand from the work , i indeed refused a rope , and hung my lanthorn at my girdle , but a crook followed at my back , making a path the rule of my return : therefore i insisting only in my own footsteps , i there saw far other things than the foregoing company of ancestors had described . but because i was alone , strength was wanting for so difficult weights , and i having endeavoured many things , the rout of bats being against me ; at length , after the manner of the former , i departed without fruit ; yea , far worse ; because through long delay , the light was darkned unto me , and my eyes afterwards refused to bear any further light ; for why , because they had now too much accustomed themselves to darkness : even so , that unless i had wholly abstained from my stubborn intent , the heavenly light of the day had profited me nothing : at leastwise , this one only and most true thing i had learned ; that we all having trusted only unto humane aids , did walk in thick darkness , through unknown ways , most difficult windings , and paths of the night , imitating the industry of a few , and those badly to be trusted in : neither that at length we did bring any fruits from thence , except the light badly consumed , be-darkned eyes cheeks looking pale with greyness , confusions of mind , presumptions of vanity , and the image of the night at hand , full of terrour and despair . moreover , i discerned , that all sorts of knaves and harlots , deceivers , jews , and tormenters , when as they had once intruded themselves by their own rashness , they were soon , by boldness , raised to a degree : for i have not found in any a greater liberty , more ample rashness , more cruel credulities , more thick darknesses , and more frequent confusions , than in the most noble of gifts ; wherein , it is free for any one to kill , if the murder be involved in the cloak of a succour , and the party slain be covered with earth . therefore i begged of god , that he would vouchsafe to set a bound in so wicked naughtinesses , which they committed against the divine image of his majesty : but soon after , i discerned the vanity of my desire : for truly , as long as mens own profit holds the superiority , and medicine is exercised as a plow , they contend in vain , who endeavour to compose my christ the father of the poor , with mammon . i praised those cities in times past , wherein it was not lawful for an undiscreet colledge of physitians , to rage in a drunken manner , on the health of their neighbour : but afterwards , i laughed at my own blockishness , because they were excepted who cured freely : whence i learned , that the gain of physitians had provided that law for themselves , and that mans own gain would every where vitiate the laws of charity , that none would from a certain hope , be found for the future , unto whom that exception might square . i saw therefore , that in the custome of laws , defects grew over , and that laws were rendred barren of juice or virtue : and surely my stupidity was by so much the greater in this , because more gross errours in curing are no where committed ; than those which even chair-physitians do through a punishable ignorance commit ; even as in my whole work i have endeavoured , and been ready to shew mechannically by the fire , practically , and by all kind of demonstrations . and indeed , but a few ages ago , arrogancy , sloath , and the extinguishment of charity sequestred a chyrurgion from a physitian : wherefore afterwards , servants handled manual instruments and operations ; as if it unbeseemed a christian to help his neighbour with his hands . in the mean time , some noble matrons healed many defects with their own hands , that were despaired of by physitians . truly , after that the studies of ambition and gain were practised , charity grew cold , mercy was extinguished , art perished , and the giver of lights withdrew his gifts , the number of our calamities increased , and physitians were made the fable of the vulgar ; truth remained buried in the grave of science , and instead thereof , a confused kind of brawlings arose , being discursive , which was accounted for doctrine . for physitians described , and drew to themselves the whole army of diseases , almost grieving , that the catalogue of them was as yet so small : for they being allured with the facility of the art of galen , promised to measure all diseases by the geometrical demonstrations of degrees of heat , and cold , and to heal them all thereby . chyrurgions also , as well the modern as antient , from an imitation and emulation of these , largely and widely treated promiscuously of all diseases , snatching the cures of them all under themselves , in the sight and despight of their former masters : because , at first , and from the root of medicinal ordination , all things belonged to be cured only and alone by physitians ; but unto chyrurgions afterwards , only by permission , and from favor . both of them have remained under a confused strife , the which i cannot , nor do i intend to put an end unto , as being assured , * that a physitian chosen by god , his own signs shall follow , and wonders for the schools : for he shall prepare , to the honour of god , his free gifts , to the comfort of his neighbour ; and therefore compassion shall be his leader : for he shall possess truth in his heart , and knowledge in his understanding ; charity shall be his sister , and the mercy of the lord shall enlighten his ways : for he shall employ or bestow the grace or favour of the lord , and the hope of gain shall not be in his thoughts : for the lord is rich and liberal , and will give him an hundred-fold , in an heaped up measure . he will fructifie his works , and anoint his hands with blessing : he will fill his mouth with consolations , and with the trumpet his word , from which diseases shall flee : he will fill his life with length of daies , his house with riches , and his children with the fear of the lord : his footsteps shall bring felicity , and diseases shall be in his sight , as snow in the noon day of summer , in an open valley : curse and punishment shall flee away , and health shall follow him behind . these are the promises of the lord , unto physitians whom he hath chosen : these are the blessings of those , who walk in the path of mercy : because the lord loveth those that work mercy ; and therefore will he enlighten them by his spirit , the comforter . for who is liberal as the lord , who gives many things freely , and for some small matter , bestoweth all things . blessed is the lord , who saves only the merciful man , and who saves him that is to be saved , freely . but consolation shall meet the merciful man , in the way of hope ; because he hath chosen a faithful master . but indeed the greeks , and soon after , the arabians , instituted the cures of infirmities , without the distinction of the person of a chyrurgion from a physitian : and those heathens rising again from the dead , shall at some time , confound christian physitians , for their sloath , covetousness , and pride : for god reserveth the choice of a physitian to himself . but the schools being willing to ease god of this work , have taken on themselves to instruct schollars , any , and without difference , and have proposed unto them an art placed in the daily reading of books , and in disputations : wherefore they have read the books of galen , avicen , and their interprerers ; and then they have rowled over herbarists , the images of herbs being deciphered to the life : and the which , if they have not yet therefore known from thence , the studious are dismissed to the shops , and to the gatherers of simples , with a command , that when they have well known the effigies of simples , they return unto their lectures , which they by much and long study have collected out of divers authors , that they may learn the powers or virtues of simples and compositions , and also their applications . in the mean time , perhaps ye shall see the dissections of dead carkasses , and ye shall hear ( as they say ) galen's method of healing , his use of the parts , and differences of the pulses : likewise out commentaries on the ninth book of almanzor , according to the common rule of practitioners . in the mean time , learn ye problematically to dispute subtilly upon any proposition ; and so , within three years space , ye shall be transchanged into learned men . the schools , in the mean time , being as it were ashamed , laying aside the name of physitian , promise some higher thing unto their young beginners , when the three years are finished ; which is that of a doctor . therefore , after that art was raised up into a faculty , religion , and profession ; pride crept in , covetousness intruded gain ; whence also there was a mutual hatred betwixt physitians ; which things brought with them all inclemency on the sick . moreover , at length , pride , for the most part , super-excelled covetousness in those that were blown up with the letter , and lucre : wherefore a physitian , promoted his houshold servant , who had known how to comb and shave a beard , into a chyrurgion ; accounting it a shameful thing for him who had rowled over so many books , to bind up an ulcer , or repose a broken bone : for all vices have that , that they associate themselves with shame and fear , and cover the fault with the shadow of decency : and therefore also , pride hath by degrees chosen sloath for its companion , the coupling whereof hath soon bred ignorance : so that indeed , a doctor being called unto the outward deformities of an erisipelas , hath been ignorant of the kind and name of that affect ; the which , when he had warily understood by the chyrurgion , he late at night rowls over some books , that on the morning following , he may declame many things concerning the affect : therefore , he bids a vein to be opened ; he commands whey , with rose-vinegar , or soap , to be applyed , for mitigating of the burning heats , and describeth a potion against the day following , for the drawing out of choler . the chyrurgion smiles as oft as the event answereth not his promises ; and the doctor , by degrees , shifting of external diseases ( because he is ignorant thereof ) as being content with his super-eminent title , that he had read most things in chyrurgical writings , and could declame most exceeding ample things among the common people , the chyrurgion conniving thereat . he in the mean time , who without the advice of the physitian , takes to him his own disciples , who can sometimes pull out a tooth , who have known how to open a vein , to spread basilicon and diapalma , and have learned in three years time to bind up a wound , they are reckoned the free-masters of chyrurgery , against the will of the schools . but the doctors have too late learned the fable of him who had endowed a serpent , frozen with cold , with his own hosom , and being pierced thorow by the same , miserably perished : and that thing at this day is so far extended , that chyrurgions henceforward , have their own doctors or teachers , professors , and writers , in their mother tongue , amongst themselves . then i say the schools , and that too late re-considered ; so that they , who at first blushed to repose a broken or displaced bone , and afterwards knew not how to do it , are now glad to poure back the urine , and to stir stinking dung with a stick , that they may divine their humours to have been chased thither : and that unless they shall do that , verily they know , that as idle at home , they ought to grow mouldy beside their books : for in the mean time , the ignorance of chyrurgery is encreased among physitians . truly , god hath every where punished pride , by ignorance , or madness . galen indeed wrote books of the therapeutick or practical part of healing , which they interpret to be a method of healing : but who is he that knows not that therapeuta sounds as an houshold servant ? and so , that they should serve nature and the sick , with the humble title of family-service : and we will glory in the lord , who taking on him the nature of a servant , would that his own physitians , should in this humble vocation , be made partakers of the most noble science of the whole universe . and indeed i at sometime asked a canonical man , why he would not sing together with the rest at the hours of singing , who from their institution were the singers of divine praises , the imitators of angels , but not the heads or directors of ecclesiastical hierarchy ? he answered , that would be an unbeseeming thing for great canonists to sing ; that they had their lesser beneficiated ones , and chaplains : for the one , through a possession of a larger alms , denieth unto god his praises , as a thing disgraceful unto him ; but the other accounts , that it would be uncomely for him to handle , cleanse , and bind up the torn members of christ . but i am assured , that within a few transitory daies , the lord will say ; unless ye become as one of these little ones , i know not you lamp-bearers without oyl . wherefore , i exhort you my brethren , take away gain , and in the room thereof drink in charity ; and ye shall feel , that every good work , which now seems to be base unto you , is not only laudable , honest , and noble ; but also , that it sanctifies and ennobles its operater . was not the great high-priest of the jews a prince , a butcher of herds , a killer of a flock of cattel , having bloudy hands ? but it is far more decent to bind up the ulcers of the poor , than it was in times past to offer sacrifices : for no good work in charity , shall ever be able to detract any thing from the reputation . gain therefore and pride , were introduced by satan . but thou wilt say , the labourer is worthy of his reward : if thou art a labourer , let it not therefore shame thee of thy work : the wise man saith , a physitian shall receive a gift ( not a stipend or reward ) from a king , not from a poor man : therefore , if the intention of the operater be pure , god shall provide according to his promise , who deceiveth none , promising an hundred-fold in this time , and the life of another . wherefore i will describe by the way , an history of my own life , and the magnificences or sumptuous provisions of the lord : imitate ye the same , if happily any good thing shall therein offer it self . truly , i was a glutton of books ; i had collected all remarkable things into common places , so as that few exceeded me in diligence , but most in judgement . in the seventeenth year of my youth , i read lectures of chyrurgery before the students , in the colledge of the physitians of lovain , being appointed thereunto by the professors , thomas fienus , gerardus de villeers , and stornius : alas , i presumed to teach those things which i my self was ignorant of : i fitted together holerius , tagautius , guido , vigo , aegineta , and the whole troop of arabians ; the which surely all together , understood not the perfection of chyrurgery . afterwards i desisted , having admired at my own rashnesses and inconsideratenesses , that i should presume , only by the reading of books , to teach those things which are not well learned but by sight , and the handling of the hands , by long use , and a sharp judgement : for an unconsiderate presumption blew me up , because i had been voluntarily by them chosen hereunto , and had my professors , both my auditors , and the censurers of my readings : for i trusted to writings , as it happens to children reading from baiardus and malegigius . at length , being amazed with my self , i certainly found , that the event answered not the doctrine , and that professors gave me not more light in practising , than the writings of the antients . in the mean time , it often came into my mind , what the schools thunder forth out of avicen ; to wit , that confidence on the physitian is of greater weight to the sick , than the physitian is with all his instruments : i therefore suspected , that it was a feeble succour of the physitian , before which , an imaginary aid of confidence should be preferred : for if any one being glad or joyful , be cured by laughter ; at leastwise , let the medicine be ridiculous , where the physitian shall cure the sick party by laughing and confiding ; for that is not the medicine which the almighty hath created from the earth . then also , that maxim of the schools appeared ridiculous , affirming , that the capital betokening of curing , is drawn from things helpful and hurtful ; because that maxim ordinarily presupposeth , that uncertain , and hurtful medicines are wont for the most part to be sent afore : helpful ones also , if any shall be given , that they are administred by chance , and without knowledge : which things surely do define medicine , against the will of the schools , to be a conjectural art , and that the knowledges and cures of diseases , do begin a posteriori or from the effect , from errours , from the tryal and conjecture of that which is uncertain : yea , that that which should afterwards be searched out , should be alike uncertain . the poet hath deservedly cursed that medicinal maxim. — careat successibus opto , quisquis ab eventu , facta notanda putat . i wish that he , who e're he be , may want successes rare , who from th' event , doth straightway think , deeds to be noted are . i therefore grieved that i had learned that art ; and being angry with my self , grieved , who was noble , that against the will of my mother , and my kindred on the fathers side being ignorant thereof , i as the first in our family , had dedicated my self to medicine : i long bewailed the sin of disobedience , and it grieued me of the years and pains bestowed in a choise profession : and i ost-times humbly intreated the lord with a sorrowful heare that he would vouchsafe to lead me unto a calling , not whither i was carried of my own free accord ; but wherein i might well please him most : and i made a vow , that i would follow and obey him to the utmost of my power , whithersoever he should call me . then first , as having been fed with the forbidden fruit , i acknowledged my own nakednesse : because i found neither truth , nor knowledge in my suppositional docttrine , supposing it especially , to be a cruel thing to heap up moneys by others miseries : also , that it was an unseemely thing , to translate an art founded in charity , and bestowed under the condition of exercising mercy , into gain ; since the noblenesse of charry is estranged by a stipend , which wants a price out of it self , because it is greater than all price : wherefore , i presently entitled my inheritance on my sister a widow , and transferred it by a gift among the living ; because she could scarce conveniently want it . i therefore being a young man , altogether unprofitable in all things , an unthrifty man , and who had rashly applyed my self to studies , commended my self to god , with an intention of going far from home , of forsaking medicine , and of never returning into my country : because i cleerly then beheld my own innermost parts ; i discovered , and divorced the vanities of my former presumption , and literal learning ; i therefore proceed on as uncertain , unto strangers , under hope , that the lord would clementiously direct my course unto the end of his own good pleasure : but by how much the more i detested medicine , and cast it far from me as a juggling deciet , indeed , by so much the greater occasion of healing invaded me . for an idiot associated himself with me , who had known at least , the manual instruments of the art of the fire : i presently as soon as i beheld the inward part of some bodies , by the fire , percieved the seperations of many bodies , then not yet delivered in books , and at this day , some being unknown : afterwards , an earnest desire of knowing and operating , dayly increased in me : for not much above two years after , i had gotten such houshould-stuffe to my self , whereby i was , though absent , in great esteem among the sick ; also with ernestus bavarus the electour of collen , and he called me unto himself for help : but then it as yet more shamed me of my late , and learned ignorance : wherefore i presently resigned up all books , and i percieved my self more to profit by the fire , in conceptions attained by praying , than in any kind of books , which sing always the same cuckows note : and then i cleerly knew that i had vitiated the passage of true phylosophy : obstacles and dificulties of obscurities on every side appeared ; the which , not labour , not time , not watching , lastly , nor the lavishments of moneys could from any worthinesse disperse : but the one only and meer goodnesse of god alone . for neither did carnal lust , nor drinking bouts withdraw even one only houre from me ; but continual paines , and watching were the thieves of my time : for i willingly cured the poor , and those of a mean fortune , being more stirred up by humane compassion , and a moral affection of bestowing , than from a pure and universal charity or dear love reflexed on the fountain of life . for it happened , that a consul or senatour being at somtime willingly about to make use of my endeavour , i denied to giue it him presentially , as being unwilling to forsake many that were poorer , least i should be accounted to have neglected many for one : notwithstanding , god from the free grace of his own good pleasure , turned this pride into good : for it shamed me to receive moneys , but of the richer sort : so that a confessour constrained me to admit of the mony of a certain man that offered it , least by doing otherwise , i should bar up the dores against those , who being fore-stalled with shame , would not dare to aske further succours from my hands : for he said , the gifts which thou refusest , give to him that is in need : and the which , if thou shalt not receive , thou by thy pride , withdrawest from the poor that which was to be his own . i also gave willingly , the medicines prepared by me : but because i felt the greater joy while i was called by a primate or rich man , i being angry with my self , and confounded , refisted long , and bestowed very much pains , that i might pluck up the growing branch of covetousnesse bred in me : therefore i every where searcht out more of arrogancy and haughtinesse in my self , than of a godly affection . finally , god cut of the means from me , as well in the church as among civil potentates ; and so also , ample fortunes seemed to be promised me by radolph the emperour but i had incurred the danger of my foul : in exchange whereof , he gave me a godly and noble wife , with whom i withdrew my self to vilvord ; for seven years space , i offerd up my self to the art of the fire , and succoured the calamities of the poor . i found , and indeed i sound for certainty , that none should be forsaken of god , who with a pious affection , and fitme faith , performes the office of physitian : for although i was the silliest of all , i seeingly discerned , that god is charity it self towards the miserable , and therefore that from his own effluxing goodnesse of charity , he alwayes bore a care over me : for the inheritances of my wise were increased , and ample partimonies of my family befel me : for although i was subdued in suites of law , by the malice of men ; yet i became a conquerer by some revisals ; so as that the mercies of god openly appeared toward an unworthy person . and moreover , he pressed down those that excelled in might , who persecuted me unto disgrace , and hidden death , under the cloak of piety : and the darts were reflected on their own strikers ; so that now it more shameth , than repenteth them of their manifested crimes . in the mean time , i desist not to cure some ten thousands of sick persons every year , by my remedies , neither are my medicines therefore diminished . i have learned therefore , that the treasure of wisdome is not to be exhausted , and i daily experience my yesterdays ignorance to be to day illustrated . but in returning from whence i have digressed : i find that they have not yet been able to discerne what defects respect a physitian , and what a chyrurgion : which things if i may determine of , i declare , that onely things suscepted or undergone do touch at chyrurgery : the which in a section concerning a new rise of healing , i have sufficiently explained : but things suscepted , are a wound made by piercing , a cut or incision made by a fall , biting , bruise , burning or scorching , or congealing : likewise , every swelling proceeding from a fall , stroak , &c. also a rent , pulling asunder , burstnesse , breaking of a bone , and displacing thereof : as also , contagions externally drawn , being those of scabbednesse , the kind of anthonies fire called herpes , &c. and no more : but unto physitians , besides the internal defects of things retained , it belongs to cure any ulcers , apostemes , and whatsoever external affects do proceed from an internal beginning ; such as are the cancer , wolf , leprousy , gout , the disease paneritium , the sciatica ; &c. but at this day , there is the more mild brawling between both professions , because most physitians are ignorant of a method , medicine , and succours , no otherwise than as chyrurgions are : and therefore although they joyn hands , and so exhaust the purses of the sick party ; yet at length they hasten to the bound of despair . and in the proposed question concerning the plague , they are unanimous enough : for the physitian refuseth the plague to be of the diseases placed under him , because it beares before it a carbuncle , kernelly glandules , sores about the groyne called bubo's , an escharre , bubbly tumours , and tokens : and at leastwise , he condescendeth with the chyrurgion , because he promiseth that he will scrape together out of renowned and standard-defending authours , any the best antidotes , if not the curative medicines of external affects ; at least , preservatives against the cruel poyson : yea if the triacle of galen doth not suffice , which according to andromachus , conteineth only . simples , ( that is the last part of the name of antichrist ) he promiseth to his herbarists , that he will super-add very many more , which are sufficient for the putting of the plague to flight : and that if they are not prevalent in a sufficient power of faculty , they may at leastwise , be able to strive with the plague , in multitude , by their number : but if the doctour shall be hired from the city , with a stipend , least he should hurt or be wanting to his other sick patients , by causing a fear ( thus he over-covers his own fear with anothers dread ) he ingeniously promiseth , that he will shew by his pen , that the affairs of the sick are cordial unto him : so that , he will also frame a book out of the most famous authors on every side , which he promiseth to dedicate to community , indeed under the hope of repaying a reward of his vain-spent labour , unto the writer : for in that treatise , he promiseth , that he will so distinguish of diet , exercises to be performed , avoyded , and of meanes to be curiously examined , besides remedies and preservatives , out of all authours , that the very plague it self , shall upon the sight of that book , of necessity become diseasy . in the next place , the chyrurgion saith , that the plague , as it is joyned with a fever , stands not to be ruled by his will or judgment : but however successfully the matter shall sometimes prove unto him ; at least wise , that for six weekes after , he should be profitable to none , with his sissers , file , knife , or rasour or launcet . what therefore shall he that is suddenly taken with the plague , do , being left destitute by both forsakers ? or what will the magistrate do , being deluded by his own stipendiaties ? because they are they which respect nothing but gain , the one only scope of their whole life . the physitian therefore will dismisse the sick unto the non-feared pest-houses , wherein there is as unlawfull a pleasure for a physitian to kill , as for a tormentor , and souldier . the chyrurgion answers , that there is a mate known unto him , who is without fear , after that he hath notably drunk ; who although he hath not known how to open a vein , ( for this is estemed the top among them ) neither is worthy of his family-service ; yet he hath oftentimes brought simples out of a wood , or mountaines , and therefore that he is skillfull in some simple , which whether it be an herb , shrub , or tree , or living creature , he hath hitherto refused to declare ; yet he undoubtedly affirmeth , that it privailes against the plague , and he willingly perswadeth him to commit the buisinesse of the infected unto him . master doctour skipping for joy consenteth , and praiseth the subtile invention of the barber , and his care for the common-wealth : and so that companion being called unto them , a lixivial medicine for an eschare , basilicon oyntment , and diachyson gummed is given unto him , and also a magistral preservative confection described by the physitian : wherewith he being now furnished , becomes a stipendiary of the city , and the life of the common-people in misery , and the fail-yard of the common-weath is committed unto him : yet under this condition , that if he suffer himself to be governed by tenders , and under-sisters , as super-intendents , who by a long possession , rage on the sick , he is to receive a yeerly reward . surely miserable are the sick , more miserable the magistrate , and most exceeding miserable the doctour , unto whom the magistrate hath committed his sheep , which they deliver to wolves : because in this respect , man is truly a wolf to the poor , and infected man. but the strict judge , will at sometime , require at their hands , the lives , souls , and forsaken orphans . for what would a king do , if a cowardly captaine shall wipe away much money from himself and the people , and muster a great band of country-men in his enrowling book , but shall betake himself , with his ensign-bearer , into a most fenced tower or castle : but shall write unto the drummer , and some women-sellers of provision , that they cheerfully assault the enemy with those fresh-water souldiers ? for will not the king require of his captains , the souldier that was rashly slain ? and the town destroyed by the enemy ? have regard therefore , ye senatours , and physitians , what cruel thing doth not hang over your heads ? because nothing is more certain than death and judgment . for i have written these things from a compassion on you , and the sick : i divine of you , let god be favourable unto me ! at leastwise the magistrate hath not hitherto known , of what kind the plague should be . chap. . the pest or plague , an infant . a rtaxerxes , by an epistle , commanded petus , that he should come unto him , to cure a disease ( as yet without a name ) which killed his citizens and souldiers ; for that , by gifts recieved , he was obliged hereunto . petus answered him after the manner of physitians at this day : that natural succours do not free from a popular slaughter : for those diseases , which are made by nature , those nature judging of , healeth . but hippocrates cureth a malady from a popular destruction : because this man is endowed with a divine nature , and hath carried up medicine from a low estate , unto great atchievements . hippocrates therefore is a divine man , the ninth indeed from king chrysamides , but the eighteenth from aesculapius ; but the twentieth from jupiter : being indeed of his mother praxithia , of the family of the heraclides : wherefore , from both seedes , he hath his original from the gods : he was initiated or entered as a young beginner in medicinal affairs by his great grandfathers , so far as it is to be believed , that these knew : but himself hath taught himself , having made use of a divine nature , the whole art : and in the industry of his minde , he hath as far exceeded his progenitours , as he hath also exceeded them in the excellency of art : but he takes away , not only the kind of bestial , but also of brutishly fierce and wild diseases , through a great part of the land , and sea , dispersing the succours of aesculapius ( even as triptolemus , the seeds of ceres ) : therefore hath he most justly obtained divine honours , in many places of the earth , and is made worthy by the athenians , of the same gifts or presents with hercules and aesculapius : send thou for this man , and command , as much gold as he shall he willing to receive , to be given unto him : for this man hath not known one only manner of curing this disease : this man is the father , the preserver of health , and the curer of griefs : in summe ; this man is the prince of divine knowledge . artaxerxes therefore , writes unto hystanes the lievtenant of hellespont . let hippocrates the glory of cods , who drew his original from aesculapius , come unto me : and give him as much gold as he will have , and other things in abundance , sparing no riches : for he shall be made equal to the peers of persia : for it is not an easie thing to find men that excel in counsail . moreover , hystanes writes thus unto hippocrrtes : the great king artaxerxes hath need of thee : commanding gold , silver , and whatsoever thou wilt have to be given unto thee ; that thou shouldst be made equall unto the nobles of persia : thou therefore , come quick● . hippocrates the physitian , unto hystanes the lievtenant of hellespont , joy . send thou back to the king , what i say ; that we enjoy food , rayment , house , and all sufficient wealth for life : but that it is not lawfull for me to make use of the riches of the persians ; neither to free barbarians from diseases , that are enemies to the greeks-farewel . hipocrates unto demetrius , health . the king of the persians hath sent for me ; as not knowing that with me , there is a greater respect of wisdome , than of gold. farewel . to the king of kings , my great lord artaxerxes : hystanes leivtenant , joy . the epistle which thou sents't unto hippocrates of coos , who sprang from aeculapius , i sent a way : but i recieved an answer from him , which i transmit unto thee , with the bearer thereof gymnasbes , dieutyches . farewel . great artaxerxes , king of kings , saith these words unto the co-ans : render ye hippocrates to my messengers , who is indued with evil manners , wantonizing over me and the persians : but if not , ye shall know that ye shall pay the punishment of the offence : for i will convert your city , being laid wast and drawn into diverse parts of the island , into the sea : that for the future none can know , whether there were an island , or the city cos in this place . the answer of the men of coos . it hath seemed good unto the people , to answer the messengers of artaxerxes : the co-ans will do nothing unworthy of merops , nor of hercules , nor of aesculapius : all the cities will not yield up hippocrates , although they were to dye the worst of deaths : the earth , and water which darius and xerxes required of our fathers , the people gave not , since they saw those very kings themselves , to be impotent mortals , as other men . they now answer the same thing : depart ye from the co-ans and return this message , that the gods themselves will not be negligent of us ; because they deliver not hippocrates into your hands . i have thus described these things at large , whereby the truth of the fame of hippocrates may be manifest , and that he had cured the plague among the people throughout greece : for indeed , that disease being as yet an embryo , scarce known , scarce named , was now perfectly cured : but now , it being sufficiently and too well known , is left unto decievers of the lowest condition : charity hath grown cold ; therefore the light of knowledge , and understanding hath been snatched away from us , and the certainty of curing hath been buried with hippocrates . although a great volume be born about in his name : yet he suppressed this safety or assurance of curing ( god so permitting it ) for fear of the barbarians , or from a zeal of vanity to be observed , because he arose from the stock of deasters or starry gods : or because through the successive interchange of days , his own monuments perished , suppositional ones being left : however it is , by the permission of god , the aforesaid amplenesse of knowledge , and safety of curing the plague hath hitherto vanished . i have read perhaps , an hundred authours concerning the pest or plague , indeed all of them transcribers , writing a far of , and being unexperienced and conjectural ones , through a fear of death : that at leastwise is known , that in the dayes of hippocrates the best remedies of diseases were not as yet made known : for then cures were instituted only by simples , and those crude ones , the preparations of them being not yet devsed . but galen his juniour by more than five ages , endeavoured to write commentaries on hippocrates , and he with drew from him at pleasure : for why , he had never seen argent vive , never rose water , or aquavitae . and although the age of hippocrates was homely ; yet healings were obedient unto him , which do no wise obey galen , not his followers at this day . hippocrates had lesse of prattle , but more of candour , science , and heavenly light : so that with homelinesse , ages have seemed to put of purity , and the gift of god : wherefore out ages have been fruitful in most perverse manners , and wits : it hath therefore pleased god , that a true and exact curing , and prevention of the plague , hath soundly slept together with hippocrates : at leastwise , nothing is read among the jews concerning a popular or general plague among the ●●ople , from the age of noah unto the offence of david : but among the persians , and greeks , besides the consumption mentioned to have been in the age of hippocrates , the enemy of mankind , and prince of this world , hath caused some plagues to rage , by the permission of god , which satan commanded to be expiated by sacrifices done unto himself : perhaps , because that thing was not granted unto him , as to the prince of darknesse , so much , as because he had the foreknowledge of a future plague , and together also , of the term of its appeasment : whence he violently , fabulously and deceitfully challenged the rise , decay , and power of appeasing thereof unto himself . a plague is read to have seldom been among the romans : and but a few ages ago , the memory of the plague was almost worn out : at length , it returned for ages , and raged for seventy years ; and soon after it destroyed for fifty years ; so that the year of jubile was made cloudy , and terrible . now , there is a third years plague at constantinople : the turks are not wont to provide for themselves against the pestilent contagion : and therefore they scoff at the christians , as resisters of the ordination of god , and as those that decline the plague , for the most part with a vain endeavour : that the manner of divine revenge , is to be born , which happens of necessity , unto every one appointed thereunto . in aegypt , the plague varies every seven year : it for the most part , endures unto a third year , after this manner , as prince radzvil the polonian witnesseth . on the first year it lightly begins , when the sun enters into libra , and it rageth chiefly in december , even unto the month called march : at which time , the heats are milder : but when they have grown strong , when as in the year following , the sun enters into leo , the plague presently ceaseth ; and indeed so , that if any one shall have a pestilential apostem within , and shall survive unto the aforesaid hour of the aforesaid celestial sign , he escape all danger : even as colds with us , so here , heats chase away the plague , and for two months time they live securely : but after that the sun hath entred into libra , the plague again begins by degrees , and continues until the entrance of the sun into leo : on the third year , it keeps the same fashion , but that it slakens somewhat more from its bitternesse : afterward , if a contagion shall not be brought on the people from elsewhere , the four following years are free from the plague : sometimes also , a longer truce is made : but the malady for the most part returns in the space of seven years their harvest begins about the end of [ the first month called ] march : before the last days of [ the second month called ] april , it is finished : for the southern windes blow throughout [ the third month called ] may , which by burning , would reduced their fruits unto nothing . that prince having been there thus perfectly instructed , wrote these things , and believing all : whereunto , i shall give satisfaction in its own place : at leastwise , the holy scripture makes no mention , that these things happened unto aegypt in times past ; although the sun and heaven are now rowled about in the same circle , as in times past : for my speech is the memory of my parents , concerning the plague , as of a most rare monster : it hath of late flourished among us for fifteen years : now it ceaseth : houses were then built up at bruxels , for the infected poor , and the walls themselves were broken at the north-ditch ; of which houses , our country could long be without : but i lay the fault upon us ; it was a command of charity ; draw thy neighbours oxe or ass out of the mire , bring him to his master , neither shalt thou pass by the way , doing otherwise . but now the cattel of our neighbour , is not only not freed , but we our selves press them down ; yea , we forsake and flee from our brother ( the temple of god ) in his greatest necessities , and mortal diseases , and stop our ears at his lamentations : every one , like the priest and levite , passing by , excuseth himself from the work of charity , as though that to do a good work , were not belonging to his profession , and as if the text were a lyar ; whatsoever thou shalt do unto the least of these , i will account it as done unto my self . it s no wonder therefore , that in these ulcerous rubbishes of our daies , god sorely threatens the destruction of a most perverse people ; and that their cities shall be ploughed as a field : for i have oft-times been affrighted within my self , at that eminent fore-going sign of the destruction of the universe to come ; there shall be plagues : for i from thence despaired , as that none was to come after hippocrates , who should any longer cure a popular plague : but from elsewhere i hoped , that as what we wish for , we easily hope for , and in hoping , do also believe ; so also , that we might despair of what we are very much afraid . i therefore believed and hoped , that this safety of curing the plague should hereafter be discovered , and that every succour before the last tragedy of the world , would again be hidden : at leastwise , i suppose , that there will be other far more horrible plagues than ever heretofore , and against which , all antidotes will be vain : for truly , our plague at this day , doth not affect bruit beasts : but in the last dreggishness 〈…〉 , they shall destroy wild beasts also ; yea , fishes , and trees ; and there shall be plagues , but not an ordinary plague ; otherwise , this should be an uncertain sign of the future destruction : for there shall be plagues from the hand of god , from the powring out of the vials , as the revelation hath it : but against , those plagues there is not to be a buckler in nature . i promised therefore unto my self , before i attempted to write these things , that the plague that was curable , even unto that face of times , and a true remedy thereof , was to be fetched out of the grave of hippocrates , or rather from above , from the father of lights . i will declare what i have learned , for the profit of posterity . chap. iii. the heaven is free from , as also innocent of our contagion or infection : not the least comfort hath appeared unto the soul that is earnestly desirous of knowledge , or unto the miserable and forsaken sick , from the writings of the antients . first of all , it is of faith , that the stars are for signs , times or seasons , daies and years ; nor that man can any way alienate the offices of the stars , or decline them unto other scopes : that the heavens are the works of the lords hands ; that god created not death : and therefore , that neither doth the heaven contain death , a disease , poyson , discords , corruptions , or the effective cause of these : for truly , they are ordained , not for the cause , but for the signs of future things ; and only for the changing of seasons , or meteors , and for the succession of daies and years ; the office therefore of the heavens , is not to generate evils , to cause poysons , to disperse , or influx them , to sow wars , and to stir up deaths : because the heaven cannot exceed the bounds of its own appointment : the heavens declare the glory of god , for whose honour , and the uses of ungrateful humanity , it was created : and therefore , it rather contains in it , life , light , joy , peace , and health , with an orderly and continued motion : no curse is read to have been communicated to the heaven after the transgression of adam , nor execration to be infused into it , as neither a spot to have been sprinkled thereon . the earth indeed brings forth thistles and thorns ; because under the moon is the copy-hold of the devil and death ( because of sinners ) the empire of discords , and interchanges : the earth hath become a step-mother unto us , she is therefore the vale of miseries , being great with-child of the corruption and fardle of sinners ; because it hath pleased god , that there should be no other way unto rest , but by tribulations : yea , it behoved christ to suffer , and so to enter into glory ; not indeed anothers , but his own , because he was willing to take on him the form of a servant . i belive the word of god , but in no wise the vanities of the sooth-sayers of heaven ; and i judge , that they who write , that the plague doth arise from the heaven , do stumble , as being hitherto deceived with the errours of the gentiles . the heavens declare the glory of god , and the firmament sheweth the handy-works of the lord : the heavens therefore , shew a sweet , or bitter thing to come , but they do not cause that sweet , or bitter : yea , neither is it lawful for us to call bitter things evils ; for god hath directed all things to a good end : therefore the heaven declares future things unto us , but doth not cause them ; and the stars are only unto us for the signs of things to come ; and therefore there shall be signs in the sun , moon , and stars . the stars also cause the successive alterations of seasons in the ayr , waters , and earth , only by a native blas : from whence the changes and ripenesses , as well in fruits , as in the body of man , especially in a sick one , do consequently depend . i understand also , that the stars are in this respect for times or seasons unto us , by their motive and alterative blas : for neither therefore are the heavens sorcerers , or the cocters of poysons , the incensers of wars , &c. i knowingly consider them to be altogether as the alterers of successive interchanges in elementary qualities , as to the interchangeable courses of stations : wherefore it happens , that the sick a●e diversly altered in the promotion and maturity of seeds conceived in them ; because our vital faculties do stir up every their own blas , according to the rule or square of the most general motion of the stars ; not indeed , as of violent leaders ; but of foregoing , or accompanying ones . for the book of the revelation doth not attribute even any the least punishing power unto the heavens ; but the same to be distributed by god among the angels : and the which therefore , are called smiting , and ministring spirits , performing the commands of the judge ; therefore , i shall not easily believe , that the plague owes its original unto the importunate or unseasonable changes of times ; the which also , eudoxus , according to fernelius , perceived . and i cannot be induced by any reason to believe , that the heavens do give growth , form , figure , virtues , or any thing else , which proceedeth from the being of seeds : for the herb was potent in a flourishing seed , even before the stars were born ; so that although there should be no stars , yet every seed , by the power of the word , is of it self naturally for producing of its own constituted body , and against the will of the stars , and stations of the year , yea , and of climates : many seeds and forreign fruits are produced by art : wherefore , the epidemicks of hippocrates , illustrated with the commentary of galen , do also contain very many things , unworthy the name of the author ; not only , because it attributes diseases to the stations or seasons of the year , and not every one to their own seeds , and divers infirmities to one root ( that is , unto the first qualities of the ayr ) and so coupleth divers effects with unjust causes ; but because they contain very many absurdities of trifles . for i am wont in this thing , to compare judiciary astrologers unto empericks , who having gotten an oyntment , powder , or any other medicine , extoll the same to be prevalent , well nigh for all diseases ; and also , for many other : so , many of those being not content with the shewing or betokening message of the stars , constrain them to be the workmen , deasters , and absolute patrons of all fortune and misfortune , to be conscious or witness-bearers , and the workers of life and death to come : lastly , to be the councellors and judges of thoughts , and questions asked . if therefore , they do not contain death , wars , poysons , nor the plague ; verily , neither shall they be able to rain down such scourges upon us , seeing they cannot give those things which they have not , do not contain , do not cause , nor generate : for a messenger , the preacher of wars , is not the general , or cause of these . for if trigantius the jesuite tell truth , the plague is unaccustomed unto the most wide , and whole empire of the chinois , and never there seen ; over which , notwithstanding , the same saturn , and the same mars , bears rule , and that alike powerfully as over us . again , if in some lands the plague rageth at a certain term of time , and returns at fore known stations , wherein notwithstanding , the plague in times past was a very great stranger ; surely it should follow , either that those provinces do not lay under the influences of the stars , or not under the same influences as in times past ; or that those plagues are adulterous ones , or at leastwise ( as i deem ) that they do not proceed from the heaven ; to wit , since there are no consultations of stars in the same place , which do yearly observe set daies of their assemblies : for what if the plague in one city , destroy the greatest part of mortals ; truly all providence of the magistrate shall be in vain , if the neighbouring places that are scituated under the same meridian or corner of the heaven , cannot be preserved untouched . and seeing the influx , and in-beaming of the stars , is most universal ; how mad soever others may be , yet it is not to be believed , that plagues can have an influence from the stars of heaven , unto designed places , cities , and villages : for if the plague it self should be a pestilent influx of the stars , or a gas sent down from above unto us , or a meer naked quality descending through the ayr , which comes unto us without that body ; it shall also be either conceived in the stars , or generated in the ayr neighbouring on us . if the first of these , it should of necessity be , that all the corners of the world should be infected at once , unless we suppose a pipe or trunk to be directed in the ayr , and thorow the ayr , from the heaven even unto us , and that an unmoved one ; by which also , and not otherwise , the pestiferous ayr bringing down the smoakinesses and defilements of the stars , is conveyed unto us : for since the distance of the stars from the earth , is of many thousands of diameters of the earth ; it is not to be thought , that any smoakiness of a star can reach safe unto this center ( and lesse unto some province thereof ) but that it can infect the whole compass of the earth and sea , with a universal gore at once , it supplying the space and room of one the least center or point . therefore , if the earth be like unto the least point , hitherto have those things respect , which i have elsewhere spoken concerning the region of the ayr , through which , neither winds , nor dew , or rain , do ever run down , nor meteors do play their tragedies : and much less doth any thing flow down perpendicularly out of the depth of the heaven : or if it should rain down ; some decades or ten-fold numbers of the age of nestor , would not be sufficient before that it could come as a stranger unto us . but if the stars do at least dismisse from them a meet and naked quality , that quality shall even by so great an interval of place and entertainments , degenerate and fail divers times , and through the journeying of some yeares , and so , before it can come unto us , it shall have nothing of its former likeness ; neither could such a quality coming unto us from far , infect a certain place , unless it be brought by an angel , as it were in a box : but if by an angel , now the natural question ceaseth ; and we vainly make the heavens to be the bringers of the plague , and sorcerers , if an angel himself be the plague-carrier ; who otherwise can bring far more readily the pestilent poyson nigh the earth , or into us , than that he should bring that with him , from the pure and guiltlesse heavens . in the next place , a pestiferous quality sliding down from heaven , if it shall not descend at once in the enclosed air , it shall either pass from subject into subject ( which the peripateticks and modern schools refuse ) or through a thousand shapes of it self , and those so often degenerated , shall come down from its original unto us , as wholly a stranger ; and so the poyson of the heavens shall be frustrated . but if it be supposed to be generated in the clouds nigh the earth ; therefore the heaven being free and guiltless , is falsly accused : for truly , i have shewn elsewhere , that the heavens do operate only by a motive , local blas , and an alterative one , of heat and cold , but in no wise by poysons : because they are those thigns which are only formal properties of sublunary bodies , and the fermental ones of some seed , i grant indeed willingly , that a fiery weapon is now and then seen , a fiery weapon to have fallen out of the ayr , being darted unto some certain place ; and that the plague hath sometimes followed thereupon : but that prodigy , in the first place , slideth not out of the deep bosom of the heaven , but out of a more nigh cloud : perhaps satan the companion of thunder , le ts fly such a weapon , where he knows the plague to be sorely threatned ( from whence , he of old , snatcht the honours of god unto himself ) but that weapon is not therefore the cause of the plague : otherwise surely , at every plague a weapon should from a like necessity , be darted forth ; especially because it is the property of fire , to consume the plague , and poysons , but not to generate them : therefore fire doth never naturally , signifie the plague , whose destruction it containeth : and therefore , such a fiery weapon is a most rare monstrous sign ; sent down by spirits for terrour unto him , who shall rest back that weapon for the amendment of his life : and truly , it is impertinent to our purpose , and an exceeding frivolous thing , if from thence we note the heaven to be the bringer of the plague : for any monstrous signs are uncertain , and unfit for the foundation of medicine . but if an age or length of time , should thrust this pestilent ware into our bosome ( for so it hath been believed hitherto , and they have badly deceived our gentile schools with an epidemical name ) to what end are there so many writers ? or what means have been hitherto devised against those importunate influences of the stars ? for who hath hitherto hindred the marrow from increasing in the bones , after the manner of the menstrues ? therefore they have falsly accused the heaven : let it seem sufficient for the schools , to have made the heaven the author of the plague , and to have buried their own knowledge under the silence of despair , only from the perswasion of ignorance , and terrour of fear : therefore the accusing of the heaven doth every where involve a manifest and necessary ignorance . but at length , after that they have contracted all the strength of their studies , they perswade , that places are to be avoided , wherein the plague-stroaks are vigorous ; that meats full of good juice , must be used ; that a good fire must be made , and that any kind of filths must be avoided ; and that triacle must often be used , whereinto , when enough simples have not yet been cast , every one may heapingly add new genturies or hundreds at pleasure , thereunto , and so , that is reckoned the most excellent antidote , which containeth the collected heap of a thousand simples : and they hope , that one of a thousand may perhaps help , at leastwise , that it will not hurt : for those are magistral antidotes or medicines against the poyson ; so that if in the mean time , the matter shall the less luckily succeed according to desire , at leastwise , he who hath compiled so many the most select simples together , and those commended by renowned authors , is free from blame : they being badly mindful of their own lyes , prescribe also grateful suffumigations of vinegar , and odours of spices ; as if such feeble remedies could prevail against their own principles ; that is , against poysons diffused from the heaven , throughout the whole air : for if by reason of those odours , either the beard , or nail of the hand ; or lastly , the marrow ceaseth to grow , it might infuse some confidence of hope , that the pestilent seed might be overcome by the wan remedy . therefore , if there were any causative reason of the plague in the heavens , that by a stronger right , should belong unto man over the heavens , if a wise man shall have dominion over the stars , but not the stars over a wise man : for a wise man is able in some respect , to change the significations of the stars , although not the motion of the stars . but that thing is as greatly impertinent in this place , as is the false accusation of the heavens : for truly , if the stars should causatively work their own effect on us ; verily , a wise man , might be able to mitigate it , and physitians do , by their accusing of the heaven , falsly endeavour to excuse themselves for an impossibility : there is not i say , any action of the stars on us , besides that of a meteor : for astrologers feign many things which they have known to be false ; yea , and impossible : the which , in the speculations of the planets , are on either side easie to be seen : notwithstanding , neither nature , nor therefore medicine , to admit of the rule of falshood , as neither of the suppositions of science mathematical . therefore lastly , if a popular plague should slide out of the heaven , it should of necessity be , that the heaven should resist and hinder , also , according to the same root , and not as to the latter product ; and so the whole art of healing should prescribe nothing but altogether vain remedies for the prevention of the plague . but the schools commit not themselves unto so great wickedness , and they more willingly rush unto impossibilities , that they may make a buckler for their own ignorance , and may send any ignorant drinkers , and cup-shot tormentors of mortals against the plague . at leastwise it is manifest from hence , that they do not hitherto assault the causes of the plague before , but behind , and that they have had respect only unto the effects thereof : and so , that whatsoever hath been spoken concerning its prevention , hath in it the meer deceivings of their neighbours : for they imitate the countryman , endeavouring to exhaust a brook where it hastens into the sea , nigh the shoar , but not by stopping up the fountain : therefore , either they do not believe the plague to arise from the heaven , or their remedies are full of despair and deceit . furthermore , if the heaven , as it were an angry parent ( as it pleased paracelsus to dream ) takes notice of our crimes , and is defiled with our impieties , and therefore as a revenger wounds us with its darts , and so miserably kills us ; certainly , it shall either be some deaster , or sensitive living creature , which arrogating the office of god unto it self , and envying the office of the smiting angels , teacheth us , that envy is a celestial thing , as also the revenge of the creature on man. but why doth it note our crimes , if in taking notice thereof , it be defiled ? and how shall it be defiled , if sin be a meer non-being ? how shall that archer perceive a meer non-being ? how shall it judge of the departure of mans will from god ? for if it be angry with us , and inflamed for revenge , by reason of [ that nothing ] how shall it not rather be angry with us , when it shall perceive that we imitate its own actions , and do stop or prevent them ? to wit , while the heaven being appeased , we form the plague in us by our own terrours : and it should far more harshly bear it , that man , against the will of the heaven , should heal the plague , that he overcomes his own wounds , and prevents or hinders its offices , in despite of the heaven . again , if the plague could by an orderly motion of the stars be declaratively , and as it were , yearly foretold ( even as i have already before declared the informations of others concerning aegypt ) but our offences want a set orderly day , number , and measure : for sins depend on the heart of man , and a free will ; therefore that cause is not beseeming for its effect , and a sign thereof . but divines deny the future effects of free-will to be fore-known by the stars , and so , neither that knowledge , nor understanding dwells in the heavens , and inanimate bodies : therefore neither indeed , do they denounce the plague , wars , &c. to come from sins fore-known unto them . be it sufficient , that the plague is denounced , not as for an inciting cause , but because it hath so pleased the eternal : that every guilty person may examine himself , and amend : neither is there need of feigning belyed naughtinesses , and ill wills , to be in saturn , or mars , if our sins are the effectual cause of contagion : and so astrologers and medicinal diviners contradict themselves : for neither otherwise , should it be of necessity , to feign an executioner to be angry with the guilty person , although he kills the same . i pray , why shall our iniquities rather provoke saturn , and mars , than the moon which is neerer by some thousand miles ? why should saturn who is most remote , be a more potent revenger of our crimes , than the moon ? for if any star were pestilential , certainly it should chiefly be that which bears rule over the night , rest , and reducement into the first matter . in the next place , if the plague doth invade us as a punishment , or be sent by angels his messengers , the movers of the orbs ; surely , none shall be natural , and the prescriptions and rules of the schools , as well for prevention , as for curing , shall voluntarily acquiesce . the heaven therefore , is a presager of fore-shewing a thing to come , and it affords signs of the plague , which god reveals to his own : but the heaven is not the effective principle of a present plague , as neither the fore-knower thereof : for truly , otherwise , as well the heaven , as the directive angelical intelligency should erre , as oft as it should punish a guiltless child with the plague , for a sinner ; neither should the habitations of the godly be ever subject to the plague ; and god should appoint an unjust deputy , which should cruelly kill the good with the plague , which should not lay hold on the wicked : he should kill the good , i say , for sins that entred not into their thoughts : or at leastwise from hence it is manifest , that the plague hath its own cause in nature . at length , if the plague were the off-spring of coelestial light ; surely , that should alwayes rise up in an instant , seeing the aspects of the stars are by the minutes of a moment : wherefore the plague , before that ( its poyson being bred from elsewhere ) it could come down unto us , it should first be dispersed with the wind , should be well washed with the first be-sprinkling of rain , and be appeasingly allayed with the colds of the night and clouds , before it should descend unto us : and also , those cities should be punished , which had least offended : and then that also in paracelsus is ridiculous , that the arching plague , and noter of our crimes , should inhabit in the sun ( wherein god hath placed his own tabernacle ) as it were , an angry and revenging parent , by reason of the contagion of impurity received ; yet that saturn , and mars ( he being unconstant , so saith in another place ) were the revengers of crimes . therefore after what manner soever it be taken , providence suffers the injury of the punishing heaven ; and god , blasphemy : and so a deceit of paganisme is included , whether they shall say , that the pestilent poyson is stamped by the stars , or sent from them for the revenge of crimes : or also , that it is framed by the natural course of the stars , through yearly elementary qualities , or extraordinary , or indirect and monstrous ones , directed by satan . they on both sides dash themselves on the atheisme of pagans : for neither hath the evil spirit that power on us , which the gentiles suppose ; neither is there any other guardian read to be in a plague sent from god , beside angels of light ; and so it is to have departed from the truth of the holy scriptures , to have attributed a power of generating the plague , unto the stars , or the devil : especially where the dispute concerning a natural plague , and not that sent from the hand of god , comes in place , and where it is to be enquired concerning remedies , causes , and obstacles or preventions . for first of all , oft-times the plague begins from one only individual , to wit , from a guitless child ; and so , the heavens had for a purging satisfaction of this child , smitten the whole family , town , and at length the province ; to wit , the innocent for the wicked , after the manner of an apothecary , that substitutes [ quid pro quo ] that is , any thing instead of any thing . again , while the plague creeps by its contagion , from one unto another ; at leastwise , the poyson shall be no longer handed forth by the heaven , or a wound inflicted by the heaven , in the second , third , and tenth person ; as if the whole anger or revenge of the heaven were stirred up through the fault of the first guiltless person . again , the plague that is conceived only from the terrour of one that is fearful , since in the most special kind ( for no other actually existeth in individuals ) it differs not from any other which should be sent from heaven through the poyson of the stars : therefore neither shall there be any natural plague at all , from the heaven , if it be conceived from elsewhere , by the naked image of terrour , nor that its original stands in need of the heaven : for after another manner , one individual is not constituted by parents differing in the whole predicament : for if the most high created the physitian and medicine from the earth , and the plague be formed by the stars ; i at least fear , least all future medicine should be unfit for so great a poyson : but at leastwise , the lord could not erre , in that he sent medicine from the earth , and not from the heaven . and moreover , the books of the kings , and revelation , attribute the plague to holy angels , which is the mark-pledge of divine revenge : neither is it lawful to go back unto the evil spirits , and stars , as the beginnings of pestilent poysons . in the next place , paracelsus writeth , that the plague is beamed forth from the heaven , as it were from an archer , only into three places ; to wit , behind the ears , under the arm-pits , and into the groyns : wherefore the plague arisen in other members , shall either not be the plague , or of another kind , and of unlike causes , than that which should be the wound of the heaven , is : or next , the heaven hath erred in its darting ; or at leastwise , paracelsus hath rashly erred through boldness . therefore , if other forreign causes do frame the plague , without the help of the heavens , it must needs be , that these are deprived of their possession and estimation , and that the heaven ought hereafter , to attempt the controversie by way of petition . if in the next place , the plague be a wound , therefore it is from external things suscepted or undergone ; not a fever , or disease consisting of an appointed seed , and by consequence , whatsoever of diaphoretick or transpirative medicines they have decreed for a succour of the plague , let it be false and deceitful ; and incarnative and vulnerary medicines shall be more fit ; and a diaphoretick for prevention , is most exceeding vain , that any one may not be wounded by the coelestial archer : for there should be but a sluggish buckler of a sudoriferous medicine , against an arrow so poysonsom , being darted so powerfully , from so far , in a straight line , and with so great leisure ; and being most securely led , the weapon proceeding through so many thousand miles of stages . for it became paracelsus to have known , that the carbuncle , glandules or kernels , buboes , and bladdery swellings behind the ears , are not indeed , the pest it self ; yea , neither that they are any way wounds , but signs , the product , and effects of the pest . for because that also , some signates of the plague are frequently not seen , but after death : wherefore , that heavenly slinger should , as oft as he wounded , send in , not the plague , but the effect of the plague : and he had come too late , as to inflict the plague , or wound on those parts in him who had already before died by the plague . for a certain one being continually provoked to vomit , with headach , dies under continual faintings , within seven hours from the invasion of the sickness : but presently ; about the time of death , he is tinged above the navil , even unto the throat-bones , with a frequent mark , or black print of the stroak . for curiosity sake , since an anatomist was wanting , i dissected him , and found the mouth of his stomach , now cauterized with a black escharre . lastly , the black marks or tokens , are not wounds , even as neither are the glandules , little bladders , buboes , &c. therefore at least , the heaven doth not wound in the plague ; the which , if they are opened , thou paracelsus , callest ulcers , and distinguishest against wound , and thy own self . too fabulously therefore , is the heaven defiled with out corruption , and is a revenger of these injuries , even as also , a notary , and wounder of our crimes : that was an invention of heathenism in times past , that it might blasphemously extol the heavens and starry gods into a worship . four elements also , are blasphemously and foolishly brought in by paracelsus , who was wont to laugh at the relolleous quality of them ; especially because , in the original of our medicine , a quaternary or four-fold number of elements is taken away , as well in the nature of the universe , as in the constitution of mixt bodies : for how ignorantly is a quaternary of elements suited with the aforesaid ternary of emunctory places ? for paracelsus having obtained arcanums plainly heroical for the supplanting of diseases , and being destitute of medicinal science descending from the father of lights , and of his own accord , assuming to himself the title of the monarch of secrets , and from this boldness , invading the principality of healing , treated of the plague as it were of an enemy unknown unto him : therefore he ascribeth the plague , sometimes to the heaven , at another time to the sun , and sometimes to the elements alone , and oft times to pythonisses or women of a prophecying spirit , witches , and to spirits , as well those infernal , as elementary deasters ; being for the most part forgetful of the doctrine of his own paramire ; where he proposeth plagues of the being of nature , of the being of poyson ( as if any plague could exist void of poyson , or as if some poyson were not natural ) of the being of the stars ( as though the stars were above nature , or without it ) of the being of witches ( these he attributes unto incubi or devils in mens shapes , hobgoblins , sylphs , &c. ) he distinguisheth them also against the being of the stars , least peradventure witches may be the wise men which are said to bear rule over the stars , and of a god-like being , and he there forgat his own and an imaginative being , the remembrance whereof notwithstanding , he ought to have had before the rest : unlesse he had rather that an imaginative being cannot cause disease , or that it is no where vigorous , but in the possession of witches . and moreover , as i judge a plague sent from the hand of god , to despise the remedies of nature ; so also , if there were any proper unto devils , or witches ( which is not a thing to be believed ) yet at least it should in no wise owe its original unto the heaven : for otherwise , if there were a witch plague , it would be far more cruel than accustomed ones are , by reason of an external poyson being adjoyned , and a readinesse of its acting , speedied and enlarged through the wrath of the evil spirit . p. boucher a minorite frier , in his oriental or eastern pilgrimages , tels as an eye-witnesse . that although egypt be otherwise exceeding subject to the plague ; yet that every year , before the inundation of nile , a singular dew falls down , which they call elthalim , at the coming whereof , as many as lay sick of the plague are readily and universally cured , and are preserved as healthy there from , by the same dew : for if this be true , neither hath it been sufficiently searched into by prince radzvil ; yet not any thing can be drawn from thence , whereby we may know that the plague is naturally caused by the heaven ; since from thence at least it follows , that some meteors are healthy , but others hurtful to some , which none hath hitherto denied . for although the sun , the day before the inundation of nile , returns every year , almost unto the same place ; yet the same stars do not return as companions together with him : and then , that dew is not the off-spring of the heavens or stars , nor of a meteorical blas of the heaven : but the day before the inundation of nile , the more high land of aethiopia , being more hot and southern , was long since overflown , which sends forth a great vapour from it , filled with nitre ( for the whole water of nilus is nitrous ) which vapour is not only resolved into a dew ( the dew elsewhere weepes honies , tereniabin or the fatnesse oftwood hony , found in good quantity in the summer months , with a manna-ie being , and laudanum , being as it were gummy things ; and among us the may dew daily abounds with a sugary salt ) and accompanies nile running : but it well washeth the whole aire of aegypt , even by moistening it , and refresheth the bodies of the sick , not much otherwise than as a shower doth the earth after long driths . at leastwise , i being admonished by the holy scriptures , despise the sooth-sayers of heaven . therefore if the heaven be the cause of a destroying or devouring plague , it ought likewise to be the cause of every other plague : because the same being , in the species , obtaines the same constitutive causes , from which the species it self recieveth its identity or samelinesse . therefore i constantly deny , that a pestilent poyson is bred by the heaven , or dismissed from the stars : but all plagues which are not singularly sent from god , for a scourge , are either endemical ones or proper to a country , or framed by a certain terrour . but those which are borrowed , as being drawn in from contagion , do follow their own seed and ferment : but an endemical plague , although it be drawn in from without , occasionally , yet it is not to be reckoned for the plague , unlesse the terrour of our archeus do first frame a poysonous idea of sore fear conceived from the endemical being , even as shall by and by be manifested . i deny moreover , that any plague is endemical : for although the aire may myire the bodies of many unto diverse confusions of putrefaction ; yet it is in no wise the original cause of a postilential poyson : for as all putrefaction differs from the plague ; so in like manner also , the poyson of the plague differs from any corruption that is the daughter of a thereor : the which , unlesse it be rightly and perfectly known , the nature of the plague also , shall not be able to be any way understood : and much lesse a radical healing of the same promoted . for a conclusion of this chapter , i will adde an argument which is drawn from the bank of rivers : for i have seen those , who , that they might avoyd houses infected with the plague , departed from antwerp ; others who fled from the smalpocks , through which , two years before , they as yet carried about with them , a face he potted with the scats thereof , which were smitten in the river scalds it self , with the diseases which they presumed they had avoyded , and had withdrawn themselves as healthy . i remember also , that a certain girle was cured by me of the leprousy at vilvord , who when shew is now accounted to have been whole for the space of seven weeks , and returned to antwerp , she presently felt in the river it self , the leprousie to bud again upon her throughout her whole body : who at ●●●gth , returning to me , and being cured , staid with me at vilvord for the space of half an year ; neverthelesse on the same day ( wherein she returned home , the hidden leprousie in scalds , again re-budded . i have also known women who were readily inclined to a miscarriage , although they travelled the country in a coach , and the journy had prosperously succeeded ; yet in the river they felt a commotion in their womb , and being carried from the bank by a coach , that thy slide into an excessive flux of menstruous blood . and so the river strivingly imitating the heaven , steals away the believed honour from the planets : i speak of summer ; and so neither is cold in the tive● , then somewhat suspected to be accused : also the cold of autumne , in travelling the country ; withstood or hurt not so much , as in the month called august ; the river ; nor the shaking of the coach ; brought not so much hurt as a quiet saying : at length , not a watery vapour wandring about in the river : for truly in journying the countryon rainy days , the declared calamities happened not : as neither by living about fenny places : but in rivers fit for flowing and ebbing , a few hours hath brought on them these troubles of the plague , wheals , leprousy , and smal pox , which on lane did not arise : for the water twice every day , for sakes the ships and banks , and the bottom is of a strong smelling stink , through an hoary putrefaction : wherefore the river speakes in silence , and proves the hurts of its odour putrified by continuance , which i shall by and by shew : for that thing also , is therefore proper , not so much unto the sea shoat , as to the bank of rivers : for there is no hoary putrefaction at the falt sea , and sand of its bottom , such as is in half-sweet or breachy rivers : wherefore their waters are scarce ever altogether clean , and they want an odour proper to themselves . the heaven therefore is free from our contagion , as also being innocent of the accusations of the ignorant , it wants the fault of revenge . they are the reliques of paganism , the which , unlesse the school of medicine shall shun , let it know , that the giver of lights will not reach forth his benefits unto them . chap. iv. a forreign new plague or contagion . all diseases have not come at once into the place of exercise : surely the ages of our ancestours were happy , wherein , but few infirmities had bent their sword against man weaknesse : and the product following upon adams transgression , hath by degrees adjoyned the principles of nature with us . for astrologers do as yet to this day flee together unto the limited positions of the stars , unto the wraths and un-co-sufferablenesses of their oppositions , and the conjoyning combates of malignant lights : whereby the first fever , first apoplexy , or first was bred . for although i am not wont , diligently to search into things past , which may not profit , but hurt ; and much lesse have i accustomed my self to enquire into those things , the demonstrations whereof i could not obtain , give , make , or hope for ; yet i could not but deride the folly of paganisme referred on the stars . for i could the more easily assent unto astrologers , if a fever being once bred , and an apoplexy having arisen , they had ceased when that constellation ceased : also if they could demonstrate in what inn , the while , they should inhabite , the displacing of severish stars being once divded or drawn into diverse parts . wherefore in the book of long life , i first was constrained to describe the entrance of all diseases and death into humane nature , from their original : and so i clearly understand , and seeingly behold , that they were the reliques of paganisme , whosoever hath dared to extend the offices and ordinations of the stars beyond the text of the holy scriptures , which saith , that the stars are to us only for signes , seasons , days , and years : for if i should assent unto judiciary astrologers , i should suppose a feverish , or pestilent seed being once bred , to have afterwards entred into nature ; not indeed , that its generation did continue thence-forward , as the off-spring of a certain curse , but of creation : but since most diseases do at length end into health , if at leastwise they do not die with the sick themselves , and for the most part without the raysing up of a new off-spring ; it should of necessity be , that if they had at sometime begun by reason of unlucky lights ( a ridiculous , or blasphemous word for a christian ) neither could then begin without them at this day , if those lights having thus con-joyntly encountred , are to be judged the efficient causes of diseases . therefore i beleived , after that i had more fully unfolded the re-solutions of hidden bodies by the fire , that there were from the beginning , the same principles and rootes of diseases , which there are also at this day : the which , i have cleerly enough demonstrated in the section of the original of medicine , in the treatise concerning diseases in general . i have also believed , that some diseases in the beginning , were as it were in their infancy , more gentle , and that they had more swift progresses , and also more easy extinguishments , by reason of the former strength of humane nature ; yet that some diseases were in their beginning more fierce , the which indeed , do not so adhere to the root of humane frailty ; but are attained as companions with a plague or contagion , as being forreign : for as natures were in times past , more strong , the which as they are the recievers , so also the physitianesses of diseases ; so now , i experience the seeds of diseases daily to profit , to make a more strong impression , and to wax very fierce ; and that our nature , by how much the longer it goes on , and the more unseasonably proceedes ; by so much the more negligently also , it hearkens unto remedies : for indeed in the days of our fathers , the lues venerea or foul disease , till that time hitherto unknown , arose , together with its chambermaids and lackeys : but the . year , and the siege of parthenopolis or magdeburg , and the age of that lues , and the first nativity thereof , is taken notice of . at length , whatsoever hath once grown tough in our possession , although it may perish in those individuals , yet it afterwards keeps its particular kind , and scarce knows how to dye , as long as the command of him remaines , who sendeth a spot into the flesh : as the scurvy , plague of hungany , &c. unknown to our ancestours : but our stripes increase daily , because impieties also are multiplied . truly diseases are changed , are masked , are increased , and do degenerate through their coupling : therefore henceforward we must deliberate with a more earnest thought , concerning more profound remedies : but from the growing worse of a disease , i have conjectured , that a more secure art of healing ought to arise , than that which hitherto by frequent blood-letting , and the poysonous resolving of laxative medicines , their bonds being conjoyned , fore-timely draws mortals into the place of burial ; for i guesse at it , because i see the lues venerea to change other griefs into its own obedience ; and that the plague also will in this respect be degenerate ; and indeed i have at sometime read in the revelations of st. bridget , also in the lives of st. dominicus , of vincentius farrerius , of coletia , &c. that in an unanimous apparition , they saw the saviour of the world to be angry at the impieties of mortals , and to threaten the destruction of mankind with three darts : by reason of which appa●ition , it was , that b. vincent , as soon as in a superintellectual rapture at valentid of spain , he had seen coletta the reformatresse of the order of st. clara , prostrate on her knees , before the holy-sacred trinity , he earnestly intreated the aid of the god-hearing virgin , that christ the lord might divert that purging satisfaction which was threatned for a deserved punishment ; and his country of valentia being forsaken , he came to gaunt to see coletta , whom he presently knew to be the same woman which he had seen in the aforesaid tapture , and sought for . ●or covetousnesse there was a dart of wars , whereby goods badly gotten , and badly reserved are taken away : for pride , there was in the hand of the almighty , a dart of want and famine : but ecclesiastical or church-men , whom these kind of sins do for the most part touch , he threatens to chase with both launces from their possessions , they being heaped up , and badly used , contrary to their vows : and at length against luxury , he bare a a dart of contagion or infection in his hand . truly david , chose the plague instead of war , and famine , not by chance , but from a higher guidance ; because the whole people , after the kings example , were fornicators : at leastwise , that is singular in the aforesaid vision , that it appeared unto divers saints , and in divers years , and indeed before the coming of the lues or pox ; because there is not a word which the lord hath not revealed unto his prophets . last of all , under the fulnesse of daies , under the maturity and compleated number of sinners , the long-suffering god sent one of the three darts into the middle of the flesh , and forthwith the lues venerea appeared , being plainly cruel , poysonous , and killing with a poysonous putrefaction . but afterwards , other sicknesses ; yea , and the plague it self , contracteth a blethish thereof : neither do ancient diseases any longer answer unto the descriptions of our ancestors , neither do they shew forth the accustomed obedience of a league with remedies ●t for in times past great armies were led up and down , and beyond europe , into asia and africa , without any notable contagion , and on both sides almost , the same numbring account of souldiers was found ; but now presently after a ●iege is begun , they within the garrisons die , and also the besieging camps , and straightway a popular plague succe●ds a speedied vanquishment : for scarce one onely band of the souldiers of a garrison goes forth abroad , the which waggons laden with sick men do not follow , although it laded the hospitals behind it . the chief chirurgions do bewaile with admiration , that but so lately , any the lesser wounds do scarce any longer obey the wonted medicines . moreover that lues or pox , is read to have been first seen in the siege of naples , in the year . physitians also attempt the rise or original thereof by conjectures : for it hath pleased some to attribute the nativity of the lues unto the west indies , and that there it was natural and accustomed : but others have been pleased to accuse the eastern climate ; notwithstanding , that the west indies were free , ferdinandus cortesius himself witnesseth , who was the vanquisher of the same ; and that after his coming , he had not yet taken notice of it there to be ; but that the pox was brought thither with an ethiopian , a bondslave of pamph●lus of narvaez ; for perhaps he had newly brought it thither , and brought it with him from the siege of naples : for seeing the lues began there at first to be seen , it hath been disputed among nations , whether it ought to be ascribed for a triumph , to the french , spaniard , or indeed to the neapolitan . in the mean time , none ever accused the portugal , and by consequence the east indies were free : for the portugal was not in the siege of naples , who from an ancient hatred , willingly promoted the wars of castile : yet the portugal alone , with an excluding of the spaniards , had viewed the east , and subdued it to himself . neither doth it hinder these things , that the lues or pox was for a long time since accustomed to the chinoys : for none came from thence unto the war of naples : therefore , if it be true , that the lues excels in antiquity in china ; it might there have begun from the same beginnings , even as they had guns , and printing before us : at leastwise , the venereal plague or pox is no where from endemicks , nor from an infection of the aire ; from hence also , it is not every where popular : but that the lues was not brought from the chinoys unto us , is manifest from guaiacum , the use whereof among the europeans , is eighty years elder then that of the root of china : and then , because the entrance into china , is forbidden unto all forraigners , upon pain of their head : the pox was then never seen in the coasts without china , whither notwithstanding , the chinoys yearly ran out of their own borders for commerces sake : but guaiacum came from the western lands . others perhaps , therefore contend , that this plague of luxury began , because the dearness of victual had perswaded , the fleshes of dead carcasses that were slain , to be filthed away , and being privily boyled , to be sold ; but since with the men eating indians , this lues , before the coming of pamphilus had been unknown , the alledgement of these is not received . astrologers also with whom the causes of all accidents al● referred unto the aspects and revolutions of the stars , that they might not grant any thing to come to passe without a co-operation of the stars , say that a strange scituation of the stars had then an influence onely upon naples ; the which they seeking with much perplexity , have not yet found : as if the same scituation of the stars had never been before ; for the holy scriptu●as gain-say this opinion of the astrologers , as i have already proved above . at length , paracelsus unconstantly searching with earnestnesse , in many books and additaments , accuseth and detesteth the copulation of a leprous harlot with a scabbed french souldier : as if indeed no leprous whore had been before co-mixed with a fordid french-man ? but it is sufficient for a refuting of this ; that paracelsus herein also is unconstant to himself , who denieth in many books , that the lues venerea is by it self a disease , but he permits it to be onely a page unto other diseases ; notwithstanding every contagion , whether it be contracted from the leprousie , or from the pest , or elsewhere , is truly and actually a disease in it self : neither is it a wonder also , that the cause of the pox is hitherto unknown by those who have had respect only unto the contingencies of nature : i rather believe that so many apparitions to saints were not in vain , and shewn unto them without their scope or purpose . i therefore believe , that the beginnings of the venereal plague was drawn and planted into nature from a dart of divine anger , violently cast , and no otherwise than as at the pouring out of the phials , the third person of mortals shall at some time perish : not indeed that i will have the plague of lust to be accounted altogether miraculous in its beginning , because it began from a hainous offence : for i know , as in nature , it now hath , so also that in its beginning , it found a ferment and root therein . and moreover , a certain layick and holy man , being wont at some hard questions , to receive dreaming visions , and oft-times also , through the abstraction of his minde , intellectual notions or knowledges , perhaps from too much curiosity , narrowly searched into these questions . . why that venereal plague had broke out in the fore-past age , and not before ; since that in the fore-past daies of pagans , any wicked impudent wantonnesse was never wanting ? . from whence , if not from the indians , it came into europe ? . what may be the cause of its continuation , and mitigation , and changing , if it were come from god ? for miracles do seldome pass over by way of contagion , and unlesse a command be delivered , obtain their cause in nature : but neither is god wont to punish the guiltlesse , even as the lues veneris oft-times infecteth the innocent . the layick said , that he saw in an intellectual vision , an horse , which flowed almost all abroad with a stinking ulcer ; which disease being proper to the horse kinde , our countrey-men call , den-worm ; but the french le farein ; whence horses do by degrees perish with a corrupt mattery rottennesse : but he saw this horse as it were designed for meat to dogs , having his whole back vitiated , also about the vessel of nature : neither had he any other answer , besides that vision ; wherefore he said , that he supposed , that at the siege of naples ( where this cursed contagion at first arose ) some one through an horrible sin , had carnal copulation with such a horse-beast . at leastwise , from thence i conjecture the rarity of a disease not before seen ; because i cannot easily believe that ever such a sin was in the like terms committed from the beginning of the world : and it is a disease like unto the lues venerea , and akin and familiar unto the nature of the horse : and therefore it might ( god the avenger so permitting it ) have naturally transplanted its own ferment into the family of man , although it was before divinely threatned : that the mares contagion , i say , might have mixed in the act of lust not to be spoken of , it then propagating the gonorrhea or running of the reines , the cancer , and venereous baboes , &c. even so as at this day , the pox it self is attracted from a filthy whore , even into the testicles of a man : but i cease to be the more curious , as oft as a thing being known , is of no use ; unlesse happily thou hadst rather meditate from hence , that horses thus ulcerous , are cured by the remedy of the pox ; and on the other hand , this by quicksilver most exactly prepared : at least wise the consideration of the lues serveth for a degenerate , and at this day multitiplyed plague , and many of which are threatned in the holy scriptures under the coming of antichrist . i adde , that it is infamous , and hath infected every corner of the world ; it h●●h also manifestly shewn by the effect , that it is a common satisfactory punishment of the flesh , and creeping unto a further , and as yet a commonly unknown mark : for indeed at its first beginning , it not only stood a good while unknown , but also its healing was unsuccessefully att●mpted , and at this day is commonly unknown : whence it follows that the life of mortals being enraged by uncertain and cruel medicines , ●● now humbled , even before the youth of every one ; which weaknesse promiseth a cert●●● lasting continuance of perpetuity , and in abstinent persons , unto the fourth period of generation at least ; yea , although a large company of men have never contracted the pox : neverthelesse , since the lues is scarce ever well cured , and the reliques therof have remained ; surely there do those survive , who having experienced the rashnesse o● physitians , are made far more weak then themselves were : for there is a radical part o● poyson , which hath remained in their possession , besides the horrid tortures of oyntments , perfumes , and salivations ; and it must needs be , that in that respect their successors are diminished with a notable weaknesse ; for the lues is not indeed a disease , consisting of a matter [ whereof ] ; but onely a poysonous ferment is affixed to the solid , or liquid parts of our body , like an odour ; and so ( the which is singular to the pox ) it incorporates it self , not onely with the constitutive parts , but also with the excrements , or with the matters of other diseases , which it toucheth at ; because it affecteth them , and is co-mixed with them : and since it is easier to defile a matter with poyson , which is newly appointed for an excrement , then a part as yet alive , and so also for this cause resisting : hence it comes to passe , that whosoever have the manifest , or hidden beginnings of any diseases whatsoever , they do easily contract the foul disease , and therefore also it transplants it self into various masks of diseases by an association : for in many it produceth ulcers , and wheals ; in others , it gnaws rottenesses in the bones , it stirs up hard swellings , also it causeth buboes about the groyn , phlegmones or inflamed apostemes , and corrupt mattery apostemes , as also wounds stubborne in curing : elsewhere also it hath brought forth palsies , gowty fits , the jaundise , or dropsie , &c. for that thing deceived paracelsus , he thinking that the pox was not a disease in it self , because it adhered to other diseases ; for a curse now coming upon nature , impure from its original , doth not proceed by an accustomed generation , but it findes its own body pre-disposed in the body of other diseases ; so that the likenesse of conception , nativity , subsistence , and effects in a strange body ( to wit , that of man ) do produce a likenesse of the rise of the pox , as of other diseases , because they in a like manner issue from the fall . diseases therefore , that from the rise of the pox are become degenerate for the future , those do for the most part imitate the right or customary manner of some poyson : neither hath any one sufficiently searched into the causes of these , wherefore indeed , most diseases have become contagious , more cruel , more frequent , and more slow and difficult of flight , than in times past . for the pest is undoubtedly more frequent then it was wont to be , it catcheth hold on us upon the least occasion , it cruelly infects us , and is the more readily dispersed , because it is joyned unto a new poyson : for many , as it were dispairing , have thought that the strength of our nature doth thus run down unto its end in a short space : but the word of god hath a stable government : there is not any defect of these incorporated with the humane species ; but adhering onely unto individuals by accident ; and seeing every forreign adhering matter is subject to a separation , and no strange thing is fit to be conjoyned pithily to the image of god , in constitutive principles : therefore every forreign matter doth of necessity receive its birth , increase , ascent , state , declining , and death , and at length also , of its own accord , expecteth a restoration by further propagations : for the seeds and species of the word are durable for ever . hence it follows , that a forreign guest ought at length to depart from the fold , whereinto it hath theevishly crept , through a privy error : because the power of the word-suffers a prescription by no seasons , length of motions , or daies , as neither by the wiles of the enemy . the flood indeed over-covered the earth , because man had corrupted his way : and therefore at this day also , by reason of sins , an infirmity hath made it self roome amongst us , it groweth new daily , and besides , another is about to threaten us . in the year . under paul . about autumne , a tarantula first appeared in apulid , nigh tarentum , being a monster , so called by the city , like unto a spider , but twice bigger : the which afterwards remained in the species , and from the land of tarentum was now also transplanted into the roman land : for according to daniel , every monster growing up on the common-wealth , comes from the sea : new flatterers are confirmed by this monster , who befool or make men mad that are bitten by them , and they trippingly dance with exceeding gladnesse , as if they had done well in believing flatterers . in the year . in the sixth moneth called august , the french first saw wheat , which they call bedewed or honyed wheat , it representing in its ear , being as yet green , a smoaked or red-herring in its smell ; but in its ripe ear , nothing but a stinking black powder : i wish , not the cause of any popular diseases . it is a stroak or punishment which steals from us a great part of victual ; for cockle or tares is sown against the more mighty prelates : the which i wish they knew , and did foresee . in the year . the scurvy first appeared in our sea-coasts , being unknown to the ancients ; the which infects the gums , and breath , and legs ; because it ●l●o besiegeth the most inward parts . in the same year there are men remarkably noted , being admitted of in the low countries , subverting within and without , those that rashly believe on them , with a sweet contagion . not so long ago a camp-●ever assaulted our countrey-men , with a deep contagion , killing without thirst and heat ; and they are denoted , who under a shew of piety , spread new and suspected opinions among people in families . but at leastwise , nothing which is once hostile , doth afterwards kill in its own kind ; because it is sent into us for a scourge , and we being blind , do not diligently search into the occasional cause , deadly mean , end , and remedy : for they at this day accuse the impuri●ies of camps , fens , houses , together with the poverty of souldiers , as the causes of unwonted sicknesses , and among physitians , the whole preservative is conversant about this occasion : as if indeed camps were in times past purer , whilst plagues , and unwonted fevers not as yet were : for i know , that as oft as a fever falls on the body , from the pedigree of antient ones , which actually suffers the lues venerea , or which at sometime had it , and being badly taken away , that that fever forthwith associates it self with the poysonous sweepings or reliques of the lues , from whence it borrows poysons , which began to be called a malignant and camp-fever : and that it propagates it self by its contagion , even on those that are free from the pox : and it is indeed , of the fever its father , and the lues its mother , being a third monster divers from both parents , as being from diseases distinct in kind : from hence surely , as well a fever , as the plague , have become masked and unknown : for so the lues proceeds to be dispersed in a feverish chaos , and is made to be of a common right : for the unluckie monster of the lues , being unlike unto both parents , is a treacherous poyson , and becomes a striving imitater of the plague : and by a new ferment of putrefaction , it produceth the plague it self to be more cruel then it was wont to be . it is not therefore an absurdity , that camps at this day do stir up many sick souldiers , more frequent deaths , and those fevers more malignant in contagion : neither do more ready infections undeservedly follow camps , than otherwise , the more populous cities ; because the souldier is a nigher object of the pox , than citizens . the plague therefore finding a fewel for its spark , doth easily return . chap. . the opinions of the ancients . the pest is in every age reputed for a punishment sent from the angry gods. therefore hippocrates names every blemish of contagion , wholly , in diseases , divine . the heathen do as yet to this day flee over to their idols : the gods of the nations are devils . but we christians have recourse unto the one onely eternal power , and do implore the aid of saints , because god is glorious and wonderful in his saints , who by request obtain those things which our unworthinesses do deny us . for there are cities in the neatherlands , wherein the fellowship of saints , patrons in the plague , hath for a long time hitherto , kept the citizens free , as many of them as were sent for the succour and service of those that were defiled with the plague : for none that was sent by a head-fellow-citizen , and companion , although he readily served him that was infected by the plague , was ever laid hold of by the plague . so it is : the hairs of every ones head are numbred : a leaf falls not from the tree , without the permission of god : much lesse doth any thing happen unto us , besides the permission and fore-knowledge of god. so it is true ; a certain plague cometh from the hands of the lord , the which to avoid , is impossible : because it comes from him who cannot erre in arching . therefore i have decreed not to write any thing at all concerning this plague , as neither of the curing of a miraculous one : for if a natural plague be healed by a miracle , that belongs not to a physitian : very many of us also are of opinion , that the plague is nor sent but from god , without the concurrence of a second cause . the mahometans also , with the calvinists , believe the plague to be the lot of an unavoidable predestination : neither therefore do they avoid infected places , or bodies , as neither any hurtful things : being badly constant to themselves : for truly a wild beast cannot hurt without the consent of the lord ; and so in this respect he is not more hurtful then the plague ; yet they beware of and defend themselves from wild beasts . england also hath hitherto wanted the proper name of the [ p●st ] and the which , from times past , it nameth [ plaga ] the plague or stroake . as to what pertains to the causes thereof , the greeks first , and afterwards the arabians , and whosoever have dedicated themselves to either of these two , do collect the pest or plague into two causes . the first whereof , they name catarctical or fore-going causes ; but the latter , connexed , conjoyned , containing , and immediately accompanying ones : and indeed , when they saw the body of man , by its individuals , and places of its habitations , to differ in great variety , they devised a universal cause for the plague ; to wit , they being seduced by astrologers , blamed the heaven , that by its hurtful light and motion , it be sprinkles the air with a cruel gore ; the poyson whereof , they have therefore named an epidemical or universal one : and al●●hugh they saw diseases infamous in contagion , to arise through occasion of pools or lakes , caves , poysonous soils , minerals , filths , mountains , the natural moistnesses of the earth , of a valley , or sink , or privy , from whence divers pu●refactions sprang ; yet they never esteemed the disposition of these diseases ●● be the pestilence ; but by a separated name , they called them endemical ones : which distinction , presently laid every doubt asleep , and they themselv● have snorted in this deep sleep , being glad that they had banished their own ignorance unto the heavens , for a universal ●ault : and they thought themselves secure , not any thing distrusting , that the heaven could vindicate it self from blame , but them of ignorance . they likewise separated the dead , and those that were about to die , in detesting their obediences , that it might not be heard of , neither that they might accuse the carelesness and ignorance of physitians : especially , when as the chief physitian always runs away , forsaking his own sick patient i● his despairing of life . wherefore they call the diviners of the stars together for their aid , that seeing the world defends the errours of these men , they may defame the heaven with a conjoyned accusation of a fault , that it defiles the air and water with the consumptive poyson of an abstracted light . but paracelsus being much more bold than his predecessors , would have the heaven to be really infected with our contagion ; to note our sins with a pen of iron , and unwillingly to receive them ; therefore , to be a revenger , and to stir up deaths : but that the plague is a meer wound , that it is darted from heaven ; that the stars , by wounding , and in running , do us hurt ; and that these wounds are made only in three places , and not in more ( as not knowing , that these are our emunctory places ) to wit , behind the ears , under the arm-pits , and in the groyn . in another place also , he appoints , not three , bu● four plagues , according to the number of the elements , that every one of them are to be vanquished by a four-fold and much different remedy : but elsewhere , he also deviseth a fifth plague , being sent into us by gnomes , sylphs , nymphs , satyrs , hobgoblins , gyants , or faunes , because perhaps , he supposed these to be a fifth element . moreover , he being entreated by the city of stertzing , for a choice antidote against the poyson of the pest , forsaking his former sta●ry and elementated remedies , in the end , wholly trusted to a drink of triacle , myrrhe , butter but root , terra sigillata , sperma ceti , the herb asclepias , pimpernell , valerian , and camphor , with the best aqua vitae ; to wit , through inconsiderateness , he as unmindful , being snatcht away into a hundred confusions of simples , by him many times and seriously detested but a little before . in the next place , neither do those things agree together , that he elsewhere , hath often , not any thing distinguished the element of fire from the heaven : and nevertheless , that he hath delivered four plagues , distinct in their original , cause , and remedies , the which he had dedicated unto one heaven , which in another place , he would have to be the only author of the pestilence . he willeth also , that christal , a●●es , and likewise gemms , are bred in the air , and do fall down from heaven , the which he , as unmindful of himself , nameth the f●●its of the water , as willing christal to be nothing but meer ice constrained by cold . at length , the pest , seeing it is a malady of the heaven , and of the fourth degree ; yet he saith , that the tincture of gemms is the best solidative medicine of that wound ; and so also , that a remedy of the second degree , should cure the plague of the fourth degree . i also pity the vain ●iresomeness about remedies , which among a thousand alchymists , scarce one prepares : for it is a frivolous thing to compose so many books , and at length to have run back unto remedies which are scarce to be gotten , in a popular disease , and every where obvious : for it is a frivolous thing in a wandring plague , to nourish a whole country with the fleshes of the stork , which flies away about autumn ; or with a lyons tongue , hung on the body : for all such things discover ignorant boasting , but not a common charity , in so miserable a grief : for neither hath hippocrates chased away the plague out of greece , by such remedies : for otherwise , the poor man ( if the plague should be put to flight by precious remedies and victuals ) should with the despairing of his life , the unequality of fortune , much bewailing , and just grief , ponder , god to be a respecter of persons , and remedies to be denied unto him . i therefore shall never believe , that god , in nature , was less careful in curing the poor man , than the rich : for the history of lazarus , and the rich glutton , doth wonderfully comfort the poor . lastly , paracelsus hath set forth books of a plague generated by pythonesses , and hobgoblins : by hobgoblins , i say , satyrs , &c. which he denieth to b● evil spirits , which he maketh coequal unto witches in generating of the plague : yet hath he neglected to add remedies for such a pestilence ; as though the title of the monarch of secrets , being presumptuous on himself , it had been sufficient for him , not to have ●rod in the footsteps of those that went before him , and to have stirred up very much smoak , and little fire , and to have exposed the memory of himself ●nto laughter . for his books of the plague , of tartars , of minerals , &c. do contain much of prattle , but little of trusty aid . chap. vi. the pest divided . the paramire of paracelsus is totally employed in perswading , that every disease without exception , and by name , the pestilence , is in its whole species five-fold ; to wit , being distinct in its causes , original , properties , and remedies . but the first kind , he calls a natural being , originally proceeding from elementated fruits ; and this plague , he hath described in his books of the plague and pestilentialness , wherein he is there his own interpreter . but since it is manifest that the fruits which the schools have believed to be of mixed elements , are of water alone ( even as i have elsewhere clearly demonstrated concerning the rise of medicine ) of necessity also , the doctrine of the elements , at least for the pest , now falls to the ground : and then , another predicament of diseases , he calls an astral or starry being , as it were raining down from the starry heaven ; and in many books of the pest , he prosecutes only this kind of being , others being omitted : and so , seeing he elsewhere confounds the heaven , and the fruits of the heavens , with the element of fire , an astral plague shall also again be co-incident with a natural and elemental fiery one : and then , a third most general kind of diseases , he calls the being of poyson ; as if there should elsewhere be a certain plague void of a poyson ; and as though a plague could have its poyson , without , above , or besides a natural being . thus therefore he distinguisheth , as being fore-stalled by an idiotism , the stars , against the being of nature : but at least , as if a natural , and astral plague , were not of a poysonsom nature ? at length , the fourth kind of diseases , he calls a spirital being ; to wit , the evil spirit co-operating , together with his bondslaves . hitherto also , he refers the execrations , and desperations of men : but first of all , he omits his faunes , hobgoblins , nymphs , satyrs , &c. unless happily , he will have these to be the companions of cacodemons : at leastwise , he neglects the chief hinge , to wit , his own phantasie , when as terrour or affrighting fear alone , generates no seldome plague . and moreover , he supposeth a spirital external being to be the essential cause of the pest ; to wit , whereby the species are only to be divided : and so , he distinguisheth of two effects diuers in kind , only by external occasional , and accidental causes : for it is certain , whether the witch as a sorceress , should connex a pestiferous contagion unto any one , or that be done by any other means , and by a proper vice of nature ; at leastwise , the plague issuing from thence , is on both sides one and the same . last of all , he calls the fifth kind of diseases , a god-like being , or that of the faithful , stupidly enough , in not distinguishing god from diseases themselves ; even as otherwise , it is a free thing , in no wise to have separated nature from her own effect . but he hath no where made mention , even in his largest writings , of a deal or god-like plague . but as to what belongs to my self , i do nor adnit of an astral being , although paracelsus hath made that common , not only to one of the five ; but being unconstant to himself , unto all pestilences universally . i likewise , in the next place , confound the being of poyson with the being of nature : for if it doth not contain a poyson ; neither also , for that cause , the plague . but since the pest hath a separated birth , and progress distinct from other diseases , being not a little tyed up unto imaginations and terrours : in this respect , i make every plague to be spiritual : not indeed , therefore to be of a witch , but to be tributary , and meerly natural to the disturbances of the arche●s : but if indeed , the cacodemon or evil spirit co-laboureth for the destruction of man ; it shall indeed , be the more fiercely transplanted , and wax cruel ; yet there is not ( although his paramire thinks otherwise ) need of superstition for this thing , nor is that plague devious from that of nature , because a spirital being , doth evidently , whether he will or no , always war under nature . therefore , i acknowledge two only plagues different in kind ; to wit , one which is sent immediately from the hand of the almighty , by the smiting angel , for the execution of the hidden judgement of his own deity : for this , although i acknowledge it to be a pestilence ; yet i wholly commit the same unto my lord , and say with a resigned mind , let thy will be done , o lord : for truly , neither do i wish for a remedy , but according to thy own good pleasure . finally therefore , i will every where touch only at the pestilence of nature , as a phylosopher ; and i call that , the other plague . chap. vii . the conjoyned cause of the antients . in diseases universally and without exception , i at sometime , in discoursing of a disease in general , have acknowledged no efficient and external cause , besides an occasional one only . now moreover , i have shewn , that i have justly denied to give the heaven passage unto the plague ; although in the mean time , the blas of a meteor may be able to dispose the suffering subject unto a more ready impression of receiving . therefore i will first apply my self unto the connexed causes of the pest , which we read to be referred by the antients , into the corruption of humours , and inflammation of heat ; and therefore their preservatives written down , are supposed to be adjudged only by way of resisting the putrefaction of humours . but the schools have not yet ex●lained , what that vitiated humour enflamed with heat may be , or with what name to be endowed , which may be the fire-brand of the plague , in the veins , bowels , or habit of the body : and they have not yet known , that in aegypt a destructive plague is rather extinguished than incensed by great heats : even as among us , that the ●e●tilence is for the most part , rather in autumn , than in summer : for sometimes the schools run back unto e●demicks , as well those domestical , as forraign , the which are believed to incite and heap up putrefaction after any manner whatsoever . in the next place , for preservatives , they scrape together any simples , although hot ones , so they are but commended by the faith of he●barists : but the doub●ing of the schools , as also the unprosperous uncertainty of remedies , is every where covered with the ridiculous event of divers complexions ; the whi●h surely hath been hitherto a common and thred-bare aptness or fitness for excusing their excuses in death : and at length , through the great fear of doctors , of the plague , the distrust of the schools is discovered to be beyond the laws , and promises of books : at leastwise , they asswage the unlucky obediences of the sick , by one only saying , it so stood in the destini●● : therefore , that they must patiently bear it , because that , or the other miserable man , was referred into the catalogue of those that were to die . in the mean time , the work of the plague is cruel , but more cruel is he who brags of help , and brings it not : the progress of the plague is swift , by reason of so great sluggishness of physitians : the venom in the plague , at leastwise , is not quieted at one only moment ; neither doth that admit of peace , which despiseth tr●ce . if therefore there were any humours corrupted in the pest , in th●●r being made , through putrefaction , seeing they cannot return , and be reduced into their antient b●i●htness of integrity , and the first , and chiefest natural betokening of diseases in the schools , is most speedily to pluck up the hurtful humour , and that all succours are vain , but those which do readily and fully sequester the offending filth ; it should follow , that their universal succours ( to wi● , purgings , and cuttings of a vein ) are the most potent helps of the plague : the which notwithstanding , are already many times found to hasten on death . that supposition also of necessity falls down together , which introduceth corrupt humours for the immediate cause of the plague : for in very deed , the pest , doth rather infect the nourishable humours , than that these are the cause of the pest : otherwise , i have elsewhere made it sufficiently manifest , that nature doth not acknowledge , nor ever had humours in the constitution of the bloud : wherefore , neither are these able to cause any thing , because they are non-beings . again , if humours in the making of their putrefaction , should be the connexed cause of the pest : at leastwise , the schools ought to have set forth the name of that humour , and likewise to have expounded the manner and process , whereby those humours are corrupted , and how , they being now corrupted , are the conjoyned cause of the plague : and also , after what sort they may be speedily sequestred , together with the hinderance of their impression on the vital parts . it had behoved them in the next place , to point out the place wherein the assembly of the foregoing pestilent corruption , as it were in a nest , was held . for if this center be the veins , or bowels ( to wit , where the first sequestration of excrements happeneth ) all sweat should be altogether hurtful ; because it is that which should bring the poyson from the stomach , or liver , through the vital bowels , and not pour it forth neerer , thorow the accustomed sinks : for so the lues venerea , only by a gonorrhea , chusing its mansion in the testicles , if by solutive medicines , it be drawn back from the shops of the urine , that it may go back through the veins into the paunch , it spreads a necessary lues , only by that passage , into the whole body . much more therefore should the pest , if it had defiled the humours in their own shops , and should be b●ought sorth , in passing thorow by sweats , infallibly defile all of whatsoever is vital within . but if indeed , the habit of the body be the place of the putrefaction of pestilential humours ; now the diet of physitians shall be ridiculous , which is believed to hinder the generating of putrifiable humours . in the next place , from what , and from whence , putrefaction in good juicy blood , should arise in the habit , or also in the center of the body , before the plague , not any thing hath been determined by the schools concerning all thes● things ; as thinking it sufficient to have said by the way , that the corruption of humours is the conjoyned cause of the plague , because run away doctors have never beheld this , but asquint : for when they observed , that a laxative medicine being drunk up , the flesh and blood being consumed by that venom , and a yellow humour , or pale snivel , or the more dark blood , not yet fully transchanged , did flow forth ; they affirmed that , not only the venal blood , but the whole body , did consist of four humours differing in kind , and that they were again resolved into them : even so , that they have supposed this putrefaction for the pest , to be begun in yellow choler , being compared to fire , or in black choler , and therefore called melancholly , as being neerer to earth , saturn , and malignity . truly , although i have elsewhere abundantly demonstrated four humours as a frivolous and hurtful invention ; yet let us now grant , by way of supposition of a falsehood , that the blood did consist of a commixture of those four humours ; yet when the blood hath now ceased to be , and is by a formal transmutation , changed into a nourishable and vital liquor , which immediately nourisheth , increaseth , and cherisheth every member ; it at leastwise fights with the truth of phylo●ophy , that that nourishable liquor being degenerated from blood , by a formal transchanging , had not yet forgotten its former condition , and compacture . suppose thou , if wine , ale , the liquor of flesh , with the juice of po●herbs , be drunk at one meal , and changed into blood ; certainly that constitution of the blood is not one , as long as it consisteth of those four divers things being as yet co-mixed : but those four are made only one , while as by a formal transmutation , they are made a new product , which is blood . in like manner therefore , although the blood should consist of a connexion of four humours ; yet seeing they are now one , and no longer four ; that one thing constituted shall be no longer that thing connexed of the four original liquors granted : neither can the diseases resulting from thence , either insist or be accounted as humorous in healing ; they not b●ing any more able to return back into those four feigned humours ( although they are granted to have been real ones ) than the blood that is once made , can return into the former wine , ale , broath of fleshes , and juice of potherbs . it is manifest therefore , that the schools , contrary to all phylosophy , are ignorant , that there is a formal transmutation , while blood is made of meats ; and while of blood a nourishable liquor is made . and it is manifest from the aforesaid blindnesses , that the greatest part of diseases hath been committed upon trust , unto the ignorance of principles in the schools . but i ingeniously protest , that i have never found even the least tittle of assisting aid in any books of ancestours : for although many being as it were holpen , did recover ; nevertheless , i have seen ten-fold more , who from the beginning of the invasion of the plague , had made use of the fame remedies , to have unhappily perished : for triacle for a long time ago , hath always promised help , and the water thereof is now accounted every where more excellent , although they know , who have known the properties of the pest , that they contain a vain help : for antidotes which restrain poyson , have nothing of certainty against the plague : and therefore university-physitians da●e not expose themselves to the contagion of the plague , under the unfaithful safegu●● of triacle ; because the poyson of the pest is a far secret one from any other . but some religious persons in a city , leaving nothing unattempted , whereby they might obtain moneys , or esteem , profess to sell the most choice triacle at a great price : but since none going to warfare in christ , infolds himself in secular affairs ; i exhort every one chiefly to be●are of such pompous boasters : for why , they enter not in by the door , but above , by the roof ; being not called , they intrude themselves into medicine : for these will almost say with tully , we have deceived the people , and have seemed most famous apothecaries : for triacle was as yet unknown unto hippocrates , the subduer of the plague : it receiveth a three-fold quantity of honey , according to the plenty of all simples : also sixty simples being at discord , being dry , hard , shut up , crude , excrementous , and for the most part inveterate from the age of two years : these simples i say , are rendred much barren from the mixture of ●oiled honey : they require also a mixture and digestion from the feeble feverish person , ●especially from the stomach being vitiated by poyson , and from the archeus being inwardly prostrated , and confusedly tumulting : wherefore they perform little of help , and the least of comfort : for the cocted trochies of the viper , since by the admonition of galen , they are the capital simple of triacle , do easily teach , that the water of triacle is plainly ridiculous : for if the viper stated the triacle water with virtue , in distilling ; why have the trochies of the viper , in its first and galenical cocture , put off all that prerogative of healing ? what therefore shall i do with those who are always learning , and never coming unto the knowledge which they profess to teach ? for most men ( as seneca witnesseth ) have not attained unto that science ; because they thought that they had attained it . at length , neither hath it been sufficient to have concealed the names of those humours , which they have imagined to putrifie before the plague , and to be the accompanying cause hereof : but moreover , in skipping over that , they pass over the very thingliness of the corruption , which now and then , finisheth its tragedy in a few hours . for physitians seem to have rested on a soft pillow , while their neighbours house is on fire ; and their head being once elevated on their elbow , to have declared the arrest : the plague is a contagious disease , from putrified humours , being connexed to a fever , most sharp , and exceeding dangerous : which being said , they having very well fed , to have bent down their head again for their afternoon sleep ; which sleep , under so great light , hath again closed their eyes . the world in the mean time , bewails its condition , seeing the effects , not the causes , as neither in the next place , the remedies to be noted by this judgement : wherefore the country people with both hands , scratching their hair on their temples , pronounce another arrest . there is no need ( say they ) of much study , nor of so many books , that any may say , the plague is mortal and contagious , the which , every one hath learned by his own malady : therefore it shall be better to ask counsel of faithful helpers , no longer of drowsie ones , who are fugitives from the plague , and ignorant of remedies . chap. viii . the seat prepared . it is not sufficient to have demonstrated , that the causes of the pest are unknown to the schools , unless i shall declare my own experiences , the cause of the plague , its divers progresses in the making , its strange properties in its being made , its preservations , and cure . at first therefore , i will repeat what i have demonstrated elsewhere ; to wit , that in nature , there are at least two causes , and no more : indeed the matter , and efficients which efficient in the plague , i call the archeus , vulcan , or seed : at leastwise , for the matter , there is not a certain undistinct hyle or matter , which never existed , nor will be in nature : and it serves for science mathematical , and not to a contemplater of nature : therefore , i behold the matter of the pestilence , with relation unto its internal efficient . the matter therefore of the plague , is a wild spirit tinged with a poyson : but that matter tends unto the end proposed to it self , after a three-fold manner ; because it either comes to us from without , and being totally and perfectly pestiferous , exhaling from a pestilent sick person , or dead carkass , or place , or utensile being defiled ; or it is drawn inwards , being as yet crude , from a gas of the earth putrified by continuance , which afterwards receives an appropriative ferment within ; and at length , by degrees , attains a pestilent poyson in us : or also a total destruction of us , is now and then materially , and formally finished within , without an external assistance . but that there are not more manners , whereby the plague is made , is manifest from the division : for either it is wholly generated within , without a forraign aid ; or it happens on us from without ; and that is either perfect in the matter , and form of a poyson , wanting only appropriation , and application ; or it is as yet crude , imperfect , and as it were an embryo . whence at leastwise , first of all , it becomes easie to be seen , that the pest doth not always first invade the heart : for i have seen him , who in touching pestilent papers , at that very moment felt a pain , as it were of a pricking needle , and straightway he shewed a pestilent carbuncle in his fore-finger , and after two daies died . furthermore , the aforesaid three-fold matter , however plainly venemous the first is ; yet on both sides , it holds it self within the number of an antecedent cause : for no otherwise than as poyson taken in at the mouth , is not the disease it self , or death , but only the occasional cause thereof : for not any thing that is corporeal , acteth immediately on the li●e o● vital powers ( because they are those which are of the nature of coelessial lights ) but first it is received , and made as it were domestical : and when some poyson is now made a citizen of our inn , to wit , it being swallowed or attracted ; notwithstanding also , it cannot as yet enter , or be admitted unto the hidden seminaries of the vital powers ( because it is in its whole essence external ) but first , the poysonous quality , by acting on the life , stirs up the archeus ( otherwise the author and workman of all other things to be done under his own government ) into its own defence : for otherwise , a pestilen● poyson acteth not like a sword , which equally wounds all it toucheth at , in the same moment of it self ; but the pestilent poyson is not able to strike any . the archeus therefore , since from his own disposition , he hath animal perturbations , passions , confusions , and interchangeable courses , he suddenly brings forth the image of his own alteration conceived , and decyphers that idea in the particle or small portion of his own proper substance wherein it is conceived ; which image of death being thus furnished , is the pest or plague it self . for truly , i do not judge the plague to be a certain naked quality , although it existeth not elsewhere than in a body , as it were accidents in a subject of inherency : but the plague is a being , a poyson of nature , subsisting by it self in us , and consisting of its own matter , form , and properties ; the which i have elsewhere most fully demonstrated in the treatise of diseases . but here it is sufficient to have admonished , that the life operates nothing by conquering , or destroying , unless by the vital motions of the sensitive soul , which is not wont but to operate by idea's on the archeus the executer of any motions whatsoever ; even as , neither doth the archeus operate after any other manner on the body . wherefore , it is to be noted by the way , in this place , that the inward material and immediate cause of a disease , is the disease it self , 〈…〉 wise , than as the material cause in a man , is his very body , persevering from the 〈…〉 unto old age ; but not that there is any conjoyned material cause of a man , besides his body it self , which is the very product of generation ; to wit , from a material cause , and seminal internal efficient : which things have hitherto been vailed from the schools , and so they have reputed the internal occasional causes of diseases , to be the immediate and conjoyned ones , being as yet plainly distinct from the disease produced : wherefore that is also , next to be repeated in this place , which i have taught in my discourses of natural phylosophy ; to wit , that there are six digestions in us : for in the three former , that there are their own retents , and their own excrements ; the which , seeing every one of them are in themselves ; and in their own regions , troublesom ; yea , by a co-in●olding , and extravagancy , they have become hateful , they degenerate into things transmitted , and transchanged , and do from thence induce divers diseases occasionally . but in the fourth and fifth digestion , i have shewn , that not any perceiveable excrement is admitted : but in the sixth digession , which is that of things transchanged , that very many voluntary dungs do through the errour of the vegetative faculty , offer themselves . moreover , that some are transmitted from some other place , as also that not a few do degenerate through a violent command of things suscepted or undergone : which things have been hitherto unknown by the schools ; and therefore also , have been neglected : and the which therefore , have wanted a proper name , and the diseasie effects of these have been ridiculously translated , and adjudged unto the four feigned humours of the liver . wherefore , although i as the first , have expelled the diseasifying causes of tartar ; yet least i should seem to make new all things from animosity , i will here call these filths , the tartar of the blood ; although by an improper etymology ; because for want of a true name . such excrements therefore , whether they are brought into the habit of the body from elsewhere : or next , made under transchanging , by a proper errour of the faculties ; or lastly , through a violent command of external things being there degenerated ; i name them the tartar of the blood 〈…〉 that in very deed they are tartars , in the matter and manner of the tartar of wine ; but because of good nourishment being now defiled , that which before was fruitful and vital , hath afterwards become hostile . and these things i have therefore fore-admonished of , that ye may know , that the tartar of the blood is the product of the plague , and that that is easily made from efficient pestilential causes . and moreover , it is not yet sufficient to have said , that the tartar of the blood , is the product of the pest ; but besides , i ought to prefix the place thereof : for i will by and by teach , that the plague is a poyson of terrour ; and therefore i have noted , that the seat or primitive nest thereof , is in the hypochondrial or midriffs ; to wit , where the first conception of humane terrour is , whether it happen from external disturbances , or next , of its own accord , from the motions of things conceived : wherefore there are present in the plague , vomiting , doatage , headach , &c. the which in its own place , i have decyphered in the commonwealth of the spleen . therefore if the schools had put this tartar of the blood for a conjoyned cause , we had as yet notwithstanding , been differing from each other , as that which with them had been a connexed cause , is with me a product of the plague : for the pestinvades us after an irregular manner ; neither is it s conjoyned matter a certain solid body , or visible liquor , as neither therefore any putrefaction plainly to be seen ; but only a gas , separated and degenerated from the substance of the archeus . but whatsoever visible thing offers it self as vitiated in the plague , is not of the matter of the plague it self , nor of the matter [ whereof ] but it is either the occasional matter , of which before , or it is the product or off-spring wherein the plague sits , as it were in a nest . wherefore the carbunole , bubo , or escharre , are not the original matter of the pest , but the effect and product which the pest ●ath prepared to it self : for the plague is for the most part so cruel and swift , that as soon as it is introduced into the archeus , it cannot omit , but that it subjecteth some part of the nourishable humour unto its tyranny , and dwells therein : wherefore , if the putrified humour should be the immediate cause of the plague , truly it had been putrified before it had putrified ; to wit , seeing the pest it self , prepares that vitious product for it self , which the schools call humours , they being as yet undefined . for fernelius would be a little more quick-sighted than the schools ; and therefore he knew that the plague was not bred , or did con●ist of the putrefaction of four seigned humours ; as neither of the heat of the air , or of the cold thereof ; but of a certain poyson , the foster-child of hidden causes . again , we must take notice , that when the 〈◊〉 of the blood , or dross of the last digestion being vitiated , hath received a pestile●●●●ment , it hath a priviledge of exhaling through the pores , no less than other transchanged excrements , without any residence left behind it , or remaining dead-head ( so the chymists call the dreg which remains after distillation ) to wit , if the humours shall be alimentary ; but not , if the substance it self of the solid parts be scorched into an escharre , or carbuncle : for so the much more hard dungs of the lues venerea , being as it were equal to bones , the counsel of resolving being snatched to them , do wholly vanish . but although the tartar of the blood , doth also rejoyce in the aforesaid prerogative , as oft as it is banished as infamous , out of the family-administration of life ; yet while it is transchanged into a corrupt mattery , or thin sanious poyson , it gnaws the skin into the shape of an escharre , before that it can sweat thorow the pores in manner of a vapour : and that indeed , by reason of the imprinted blemish of a strange ferment , whereby it degenerated into a formal transmutation : but if indeed , the tartar of the blood shall draw the odour of the ferment , but is not yet transchanged , glandules , buboes , &c. are made , which are oftentimes ended by a plentiful flux of sweat , without opening of the skin : whereas the other aforesaid products cannot obtain that : and almost all these , are by the schools banished into catarrhs . the whole tartar of the blood therefore , is indeed bred at home ; but it is a bastard , which is intruded by force , destruction , and errour . but since the remedies of nature are subject unto so many courts of digestions , and bodies of so eminent an excellency , do possess a violence and strength of acting , and likewise have filths admixed with them , or difficult bolts ; truly , the art of the fire is never sufficiently esteemed , which now and then graduates one simple to that height , that it persecutes with revenge all the excrementitious filths of the digestions , even into the uttermost coasts of the body : otherwise , in the last digestion , very many griefs do offer themselves , they being referred by the schools , among incurable ones , by reason of one only fault of a remedy alone , which accompanies , and accuseth the defect ; no otherwise than as they are destitute of curing , in the work of witches , because remedies are neglected , which may go into the root of the malady : for truly , those devilish discommodities do not lay hold so much on the body , or the filths thereof , as on the archeus himself ; the which , since he is as it were the clear image of the man , it follows , that while that spirit is wrested , aside in any organ of its body , the same member suffers the sumptoms of the archeus : and so , whatsoever the spirit suffers , which is the ruler of life and sense , it must needs be , that the body suffers ; but not on the contrary : for neither doth he that is maimed in one leg , therefore generate a maimed off-spring , because the spirit is not defectuous : for whatsoever the body suffers , although the spirit feels this same thing ; yet this is not drawn together , unless the passion incline unto extremity ; that is , that it is co-fermented within the root of life , or implanted spirit ; even as i have elsewhere shewn concerning the convulsion in the colick . it s no wonder therefore , if a tartar of the blood be stirred up by the state , or insisting urgency of the archeus : for who is he that knows not , that indignation , confusion , a sorrowful message , affrightful fear , &c. do presently take away an appetite of eating , do stir-up sighs , or tears , and extend an unwonted fardle under the midriffs ; to wit , as the nourishment of the sixth digestion degenerates in the stomach , namely , where such passions are immediately framed . this tartar of the blood therefore , being once become degenerate , doth presently molest in manner of an enemy . and even as a dog being once mad , pays the punishment of his madness with his own death ; so that tartar being once banished , and referred into the number of excrementitious filths , doth never afterwards return into favour ; because , whatsoever the archeus once forsaketh , straightway dieth , and that which is dead doth no more revive , nor strike a peace with the enemy : therefore an earnest desire of revenge , and indignation of self-love , are radically co-bred in the first fountain of nature : they do also more manifestly rise up in the more perfect subject , and so in sensitive creatures , do challenge to themselves the animosity and glory of a wrathful power . wherefore that tartar of the blood , being subdued by the plague , doth no longer obey the laws of life , but repenting of its former obedience , arrogates to it self an unbridled liberty of fury , and by so much the more cruelly molesteth us , by how much the more confidently it hath once received the hidden counsels of the archeus within ; which thing , the schools name , to symbolize or co-resemble : for then it is an houshold-thief , unto which the ways to the treasure , and privy store-houses are known : for how speedily do a few drops of corrupt matter under the scull , kill ? and what cruelty doth not the blood chased out of the veins , threaten ? how cruel , is even but one only thorn in an aposteme ? it s no wonder therefore , that the pest , the most fierce of diseases , doth presently bring forth its own product , and if it shall not find ● sea● , that it presently makes one for it self : notwithstanding , a hope of curing the plagu● remaineth , because that tartar , and the pest it s own inn , may be puf● away or dis●●ssed by a due banishment of swea● : the which understand thou , as long as it shall remain in the shape of dissolvable tartar : for otherwise , if it shall catch hold of a solid part , the hope of life fails , unless the part it self which is catcht hold of can forthwith be sequestred : but wheals , black strakes , or black and blew spo●s or tokens , denote the archeus to be affected ; for they are the superficial tinctures of the skin , the which , if they shall the more deeply lay hold of , they do also cauterixe it : and since they do immediately pierce the archeus before others , they stand in need of a most speedy remedy . it is also worthy to be noted , th●t an unsensible transpiration in the plague , differs from sweat ; because diaphaeresis or unsensible transpiration is the matter of the nourishment , and so also of the tartar of the blood , being defiled ; but sweat is of the substance of the latex : but transpiration , seeing it is continual , it is also without sweat . hence it comes to pass , that sweat doth most especially wash off , and for that cause , a dry transpiration is seldom sufficient for curing of the plague : and therefore a plentiful rincing sweat is to be provoked ; that while the pestilent tartar breatheth the naughtiness of its poyson thorow the pores , it may be partly washed off by the sweat , and the delay of its departure be partly speedied . here a difficulty is manifest to be noted , and not decided by the schools ; to wit , why some defects of the stomach are cured not by vomiting , or stool , but only by sweat ; because they consist in the retents of the stomach being transchanged in the sixth digestion , but not in the remainders of the cream . the plague therefore , for the most part begins in the stomach , and there begets and infects the tartar , whereon , as soon as the perturbations of the archeus have made their assaults : for every imagination of the desirable faculty hath its seat in the same place , and there frames its idea ; and chiefly , about the orifice of the stomach , the vital powers are concealed , as i have elsewhere many times profe●ly demonstrated . but because the tartar of the blood is in the form of a mucky sliminess ; hence the idea of the pest willingly buds forth into glandules : for the stomach , and the archeus thereof , because it sends a continual society of imagining into the brain ; hence are parotides or tumors behind the ears : but it pierceth thorow the diaphragma into the lungs , and arm-pits , and a perplexity of breathing doth arise . but pestiferous odours being prepared in the stomach , frequent vomitings do accompany them , together with a pain in the head , the which , we having often experienced from the odours of burning coals , to have vomited with headach , and a dejected appetite : but if they proceed unto the liver ; now there is a bubo in the groyn . chap. ix . minerals and herbs do imagine after their ownirregular manner . vvhatsoever subsisteth by a real essence , doth after some sort love it self : wherefore also , it hath the sense of a friend , or enemies ; that is , of its own commodities , and troubles : wherefore , a self-love resteth in the bosome of nature : but things do scarce ever remain in the same state , without interchange : therefore they undergo somewhat : but if they suffer , and walk in the way of destruction , verily it must needs be , that they have a cause from whence they are grieved : wherefore , sympathy and antipathy are observed to be even in stones ; but in the load-stone , most manifestly ; the which notwithstanding cannot consist without a sense or feeling : but wheresoever that sense is , although it be dull , it happens also , that some shew of imagination agreeable to its subject , doth accompany it : for otherwise , it is altogether impossible for any thing to love ; desire , attract , and apply that which is consonant to it self , or to shun any thing adverse to it self , unless a certain sense , knowledge , desire of , and aver●eness from the object are reciprocally present . all which things do enclose in them an obscure act of feeling , imagination , and certain image of choice : for else , by what means shall a thing be moved , or altered at the presence of its object , unlesse it feel or percieve that very object to be present with it self : if it perceive , how shall it be altered , except under a conception of the passion felt by it self ? and unlesse that felt conception doth include some certain imagination in it self ? take notice reader , that in this corner , all the abstruse knowledge of occult or hidden properties layeth , which the schools have banished from their diligent search : they desisting from whence they were to begin , according to that maxim ; a phylosopher must begin where nature ends : i have therefore deliberated more exactly to demonstrate , that in inanimate things ●here inhabiteth a kind of sense , phantasie , yea , and of choice , yet in a proportionable respect , according to the capacity and degree of every one . i do not in the mean time make mention of zoophytes or plant-animals , which remote absence of proving , might unto many seem to be ridiculous : but our paradox will offend none who moderatly understands it . first of all , it is not to be doubted , but that some flowers do accompany the sun , as well in cleer days , in those wherein the sun doth not shine , as in nights themselves ; they attesting that they have a motion , sense , and love of the sun : because , without which it is impossible for them to accompany the hidden sun. for even as late in the evening they loose the sun in the west ( the which , while he hastens towards the east , doth not operate amongst us who abide in the shadow of the earth ) yet in the mean time , whether the night be hot , be cold , be cleer , or rainy . , the flowers notwithstanding do not cease equally to bend themselves towards the east : which thing first of all , poynts out that there is in them a knowledge of the rising , and circuite of the sun , in what part he is to set , and in what to rise ; cal thou it the instinct of nature , or as it listeth thee : for names will not change the matter : the matter it self is of a deed done , but the deed hath its cause in the flower : but that these things do thus happen in plants vegetatively enlivened , it is the lesse wonder : but that they have place also in minerals , i thus prove : there is almost nothing made in nature , without a proper motion : and nothing is moved voluntarily or by it self , but by reason of the property put into it by the creator , which property , the antients name a proper love , and for this cause they will have self-love to be the first born daughter of nature , given unto it , and bred in it for its own preservation : and when this is present , there is of necessity , also a sympathy , and antipathy , in respect of the diversity of objects : for so the feathers of other birds are said to undergo rottennesse by the feathers or wings of an eagle : and cloath made of the wools of sheep that died of their own accord , is soon of its own accord , in the holes which are beaten thorow it , resolved as it were with rottennesse , in what places the threds of the dead wool run down : so a drum made of a sheep and asses skin , is dumb , if a neighbouring drum made of the hide of a wolf , be beaten . the skin of a gulo ( it is a most devouring creature in swethland ) stirs up in a man , however sober he be , and not a hunter , the ordinary sleeps from hunting and eating : if the party sleeping be covered with the same . but what are these things to minerals ? truly i proceed from the vegetable kingdom , through dead things , by degrees , unto stones , whereunto the holy scriptures attribute great virtue : for indeed , stones could neither move , nor alter , if they had not an act of feeling of their own object : for neither could red coral wax pale , if being born about , it shall touch the flesh of a menstruous woman , unlesse it self felt the defects thereof : for the load-stone bewrays it self , as the most manifest of stones , which by a proper local motion inclines it self to the north , as if it were vital : but not that it is drawn by the north : because if a load-stone be placed toward the north in a woodden box , in the averse part of it , upon the face of a standing pool of water , the box , with the other and opposite corner of the stone , speedily as may be , rowls it self to the north : therefore , if that should be done , by a drawing of the north , and not by a voluntary impulsive motion of the load-stone it self ; the box should in like manner , presently also , by the same attraction , yield it self unto the north bank : the which notwithstanding , comes not to passe : but the box , together with its stone , remains unmoved , after that the stone together with the box , hath retorted it self on the requisite side , and by a requisite motion . it is clear therefore , that the load-stone doth of its own free accord , rowl it self to the north : from whence afterwards it followes , that there is in it a sense , knowledge , and desire unto the north , and also the beginning of a conformable motion . furthermore , if any one doth hold a polished piece of steel nigh● the aforesaid box , toward the south-side , the load-stone then forthwith neglects the north , and turns it self to the steel ; so that the box not only turns it self to the steel , but that it wholly also , swims toward the north : whence also it is plain to be seen , that the load-stone is carried with a stronger appetite to the iron , than to the north ; and that the steel hath lesse of a successive alteration in it , than the north : consequently also it is manifest , that it is strong in a manifest choice of objects . some have moved a frivolous doubt about this matter ; to wit , whether the load stone draws the iron , or indeed the iron drawes the load-stone it self ? as not knowing that there is a mutual attraction on both sides , which comes not by little and little , by reason of much familiarity , neither doth it keep respects , not observe the ends of its own gain , fruition , circumstances , or consequence : neither is that drawing subject to a flatterer , o● defamer : out it is a gift originally inbred by nature , in the archeusses on either part , and marked with a proprietary character by him who made all things ; so that indeed , if the steel be lighter than the load-stone , it is drawn to the loadstone ; but otherwise , if the stone be lighter than the steel : because the drawing is not in the one , and the obedience of the drawing in the other ; but there is one only mutual inclinative drawing , and not of the drawer with a skirmishing of the resister : and so , from hence it is manifest , that a desire is in nature before the drawing , and that the drawing followes the desire as some latter thing , as the effect doth its cause . if therefore , according to the testimony of truth , all things are to be discerned by their works , and the fruits do bewray their own tree ; truly such attractive inclinations cannot subsist without the testimony of a certain co-participated life , sensation , knowledge , and election . moreover , neither is the life of minerals lesse than the life of vegetables , distinguished from the animal life , by their own life , and their generations among themselves : because that which is vegetable , and that which is mineral , do not operate but one , or a few proper things ; and the same things as yet , with a precisenesse , interchangeable course , property , inclination , and necessity , as oft as a proper object is present with them : but a living creature operates many things , and those neither constrainedly , as neither by accident of the object ; but altogether by desire , well pleasing , appetite , will , and choice of some certain deliberation ; seeing the first operation of the same is life ; but the second , a proper appetite , desire or love , or delight . at length , thirdly , there is a deliberative and distinctive choice of objects : so i have seen a bull that was filled with lust , to have d●spised an old cow ; but an heifer being offered him , to have again presently after , want●nized . but the first operation of things obscurely living , is a power unto a seminal essentialnesse . next , the second , is an exercise of powers , and properties . at length , the third operation , is a greater , and lesse inclination , motion , and knowledge : the which indeed , flow not from a deliberative election or choice ; but from a potestative interchangeable course , strangenesse , likenesse , appropriation , purity , or unaptnesse of objects : wherefore it was a right opinion of the antients , that all things are in all after the manner of the receiver : but those powers by reason of their undiscerned obscurity , and the sloath of diligent searchers , have been scarce believed ; but by predecessours , and moderns , were not considered : and by reason of the difficulties of accesse , they have circumvented the world with a wandring despaire , and with the name of occult properties have hood-winkt themselves by their own sluggishnesse : but my scope in this place hath been ; that if in herbs and minerals , there are such kind of notions , the authoresses and moderatresses of hidden properties ; the same , by a far more potent reason , and after a more plentiful manner do inhabite in flesh and blood ; to wit , excellently , with a particular and affected notion , motion , inclination , appetite , love , interchangeable course , hostility and resistance ; as with that which occurs in us through the service of the five senses : even so that in flesh and blood , there is a certain seminal notion , distinction , imagination , of love , conveniency , likenesse , and also of fear , terror , sorrow , resistance , &c. with a beholding of gain , and losse , offence , and complacency , of superiority i say , and inferiority , and so of the agent , and the patient . because those necessary dependances of a consequent necessity , do flow from , and accompany the aforesaid sensations or acts of feeling : the which surely in the vital blood are characterized in a higher degree , by reason of the inbred archeus the author and workman of any of these passions whatsoever , than otherwise , in the whole kind that is not soulified or quickned : for a tooth from a dead carcase , that dyed by the extinguishment of its powers , constraineth any tooth of a living man to wither and fall out , only by its touching , because it compels it to be despised by the life : the which , a tooth from a dead carcase slain by a violent death , or presently extinguished by a sharp disease , doth not likewise perform . in like manner , the hair of a dead carcass whose life was taken away by degrees , by a voluntary death , makes persons bauld only by its touching : watts , and brands brought on the young by the perturbation of a woman great with child , through the touching of a dead carcase that died of its own accord , and by degrees , untill part of the branded mark shall wax more inwardly cold ; the mark also doth by degrees , voluntarily vanish away . observe well with me , whether these are not the testimonies of another act of feeling than that of cold . moreover , whether in that same sensation , there be not a natural knowledge , and fear of death connexed , which things are as yet also in the dead carcass : for truly a tetanus or straight extension of a dead carcase , or stiffnesse thereof , is not a certain congelation of cold ; but a mear convulsion of the muscles , abhorring death , and living even after the departure of the soul : for from hence the dead carcases of those who die by a violent death , because they die , the faculties of their flesh being not altogether extinguished , they feel not the aforesaid tetanus but a good while after . chap. x. a living creature imaginative . i have said that herbs and minerals do imagine by a certain instinct of nature , that is , after their own manner : so in the next place , that the blood and mummie have certain native conceptions , in order , and likenesse unto man : which things , that they may be directed unto our purpose concerning the plague ; thou mayest remember , after what sort the perturbations of a woman great with child , her hand being applied unto some certain member , although unadvisedly , rashly , and without a concurrence of the will , do decipher the member in the young co-agreeing in co-touching , with the image of the object of that perturbation : with the image i say , but not with an idle signature . but suppose thou that her desire was to a cherry ; verily a cherry is deciphered in the young , and in a co-like member , such as the child-bearing woman shall touch with her hand , which cherry waxeth green , yellow , and red every year , at the same stations wherein the cherries of a tree do attain those interchanges of colours : and which is far more wonderful , it hath happened that the young so marked , hath suffered these signatures of colours in the low-countries , in [ the moneths called ] may and june ; which afterwards expressed the same in spain , in [ those called ] march and april . and at length the young returning into his countrie , shewed them again in a bravery , in [ those called ] may and june : also under a strong impression of a woman great with child , not onely a new generation of a cherry is brought in thereupon ; but it also happens that the old one is to be changed , and it constrains a seminal generation to give place ; yea , and the image of god being now lively or in the readinesse its coming , not to come , and that a strange-born creature and monster is substituted in its place : of the contingencies whereof , daily , and unvoluntary experiences are full : which power is granted to be given to a woman great with child : yet not that therefore in other women , the images of conceipts are not likewise brought unto the womb wherein an embryo doth not inhabite : for i have taught in a particular treatise , that the disturbances of men are framed in the midriffs , about the mouth of the stomach , to wit , that in men , they from thence ascend unto the heart ; but in a woman that they are more readily sent unto the womb : because a woman doth naturally appoint vital inspirations for her young : and so , every commotion of the midriffs in a woman , hath continually respect unto the womb , whether a young be present or not . whosoever therefore much disturbs a woman with grief , &c. from a deliberate minde : he willingly sends into her , a disease : and he that molests a woman great with young , let him know that he hurts the mother , and off-spring : hence maides , about the years of maturity , if they are vexed with the conceipts of difficulties , they are wont continually to decypher the sides of their womb with the vain idea's of conceptions , and for the most part they are made unto themselves the a●●horesses of various sumptoms , for inordinate lusting : because the womb doth not suffer its tranquility to be taken away by forreign images , without punishment . but a man formes his images in his mid●iffs , as well those of the desirable , as of the wrothful faculty , so that madnesse is therefore not undeservedly called , hypochondrial ; and that thing happens no otherwise than as in a woman : but he transmitts the idea's of conceipts , more freely unto the heart , and brain : for a certain man exspecting that on the morrow morning , a major would be sent for his houshold goods , sitting sorrowful all the night with his head leaned on the palm of his hand , in the morning had that side of his head grey , in what part his temples had touched his hand : and so the hand of a woman with child translates her own exorbitances unto her womb , and the hand of a man his feares , even into the skin of his head . at leastwise , from hence it is manifest that there is a true growth and nourishment of the haires , and not a vain signature of colours ; but that they are not in-bred by an application expelling from behind : and then , that the perturbation in men , is much ak●● to that of a woman , although far more infirme . i have taught also elsewhere , that the efficacy of disturbances consisteth in the spleen : wherefore antiquity hath accounted saturn the principle and parent of the starry gods , also the highest of the wandring stars , to wit , the which should cast his influence downwards on the rest , but that the rest should in no wise reflect upwards , because the stars are believed to conspire for the commodities of sublunary things , but not upwards : therefore they called saturn the origina of life , and the beginning of conceptions , or generations ; yea and they named him the devourer of a young child ; poynting out hereby , that the images framed by the desirable faculty , do make seeds fruitful , and also the inns of digestions in us ; even as when they are exorbitant they consume the new or tender blood , and enforce very many diseases on us . therefore the imagination of the spleen hath the first violent assaults , which are g●a●tted not to be in our power : saturn therefore was feigned to be as it were without a beginning : but jupiter the chief off-spring thereof , casting down his father from his seat , signified the brightnesse of reason subduing the first assault of imagination : but an image formed by imagination , is presently in the spleen , cloathed with the vital spirit , and assumeth it , whence an idea is fortified for the execution of works : for what person is he who hath not sometimes felt disturbances , anguishes , and the occasions of sighing about the orifice of his stomach , in which part the spleen is most sensitive , even as also the touching in the fingers ends ? is not the appetite taken away from an hungry man , by a sorrowful message ? be it observeable in this place , that although the essential disposition of things aprehended in time of the perturbation , be plainly unknown unto the woman with child , yet she wholly formeth and figureth the same in her young , while as without the trunk of the trees , she frameth a cherry in the flesh , in an instant , conteining the internal essence , and the knowledges of a seminal cherry . it s no wonder therefore , if that a terrour from the plague , frameth an idea of the plague , from whence the plague it self doth presently bud , although the sensitive soul of man be ignorant of the essence of the plague . heer an open field is made manifest , to prove that the knowledges or idea's of all things , are formed in us by the power of the sensitive soul ; yet that they lay obscured in the immortal mind , which we believe to have been present with adam , while as he put right names on the bruit beasts : for if the conceipt of a woman being allured by the overflowing of some certain perturbation , can decypher the inward dispositions of plants , or animals ( yea sometimes , with a total transmutation of her young ) it must needs be , that in the mind it self , as in the essential engravement of the divine image , an essential notion at least of sublunary things doth inhabite , only being depressed and deformed in the impurity of nature , and spot of original sin : otherwise , the sensitive soul cannot do strange things which it knows not , and hath not ; and so there is need for the immortal mind to have a conflux hereunto , it being stirred up by perturbations : it is a very obscure and difficult way , whereby adeptists , by no help of books , do strive by seeking to obtain some former light of sciences : and therefore also , they call it the labour of wisdom : and paracelsus esteems it to be ten-fold easier than to have learned grammer : yet picus is of opinion , that unlesse the operater makes use of a mean , he will soon die of a binsica , or drynesse of the brain : that the spirit of life will be diminished by reason of a daily continuance of speculations . whatsoever that may be , at leastwise , the ignorance of causes hath neglected most things , and the helpings of the sick have been exspected in vain . but i have discussed in this place of images or likenesses bred in the imagination , whereby it may be manifest , after what manner every corporeal body proceeds from an invisible and incorporeal beginning ( the which , they of old affirmed to be fetcht from the intelligible world ) by the imagination of the foregoing parent , in imitating after a certain similitude , the creation of the world , being from the command of the incomprehensible word , [ fiat ] once made of the infinitenesse of a nothing : the which afterwards , obtained its continuation from the gift of the word ; let seeds be brought forth ; to wit , by a fore deduced imagination as well of plants , as of animals : nature therefore , in following the power infused into her , brings forth every seed by the image of a certain conception . there is indeed , as well in living creatures , as in plants , yea and in minerals themselves , every one their own imagination , after their own improper manner ; yet on both sides the productresse of the fruitfullnesse of seeds , as well for a natural being , as for that of super-incidents and monstrous ones : because the imagination frames an image of the thing conceived , which by its gifts given it of god , it converts into a mean , which is called a seed ; to wit , without which image , every seed is only an empty husk : no otherwise , than as the blossom of a pippin , not having a promised pippin behind it , is a vain braggery : that image , and seminal one , even as it bears in it self a perfect similitude of its own image to be conceived ; so also , a free and uncorrupted knowledg of things to be done by it self under the race of generation : yet this is remarkeable in generations ; that as a woman with child doth not operate the wonders proposed , unlesse she be sore smitten with perturbations , and the flint be struck against the steel ; so the seeds of living creatures cease to be fruitful , unlesse a disturbance of ●ust be conjoyned , making the soul to descend into the seed , that it may enlighten that seed : wherefore herbs languish presently after their product , the scope of their imagination or property being compleated : but minerals , because they are not ordained to stir up a race out of their own bodies , by so much also they have the ends of their own imagination far more obscure . since therefore , all generation presupposeth an image , according to which it executes its own dispositions : hence it cannot come to passe , that an imagination of terrour should generate an idea of love , nor that a phantasy of fear from an enemy , should produce a phant●sie of terrour from the plague . also places infected with the pest , are not undeservedly to be avoided ; and not only by reason of the air being already vi●iated and defiled ; but also , that objects may be avoyded , which conduce unto the imagination of terrour . now the shoare whither we f●●l appears afar of , and after what sort terrour may be the father of the plague . it al●o happens that children do most speedily imagine , and are disturbed ; yet their perturbations do not carry seeds in their images , or cause the plague unto themselves by terror : for it is with these even so as with a young musitian , who in his first lessons , doth not transmit his cogitation conceived unto his fingers , but with difficulty : but after that he is skilful in his art , and fingers are now accustomed unto the images of tunes , and motions ; they undoubtfully perform the command of the phantasie , and perfectly sound out the whole hymn , although now and then , through an attentive discourse , he shall divert his minde from the musick : for neither do his fingers cease to proceed unto the end of the well apprehended song . chap. xi . things requisite for the idea of an imagined plague . experience hath oft-times caused a belief , that some one hath prepared the absent plague in himself and his , through terrour alone : which truth sheweth , that the image of the phantasie , doth from the incorporeal essence of its own nakednesse and simplicity of cogitation , cloath it self by little and little , and put on the spirit of life , and leaves therein it s own seminal product : a being surely , most ready for great and terrible enterprizes . but moreover , that it is not yet sufficient for the execution of its appointment ( for it is found , that the image arriving at the bowels , doth neverthelesse oft-times wax feeble ) therefore , i have declared , that in a woman great with child , the hand is moreover required , it being the instrument of instruments , as an external instrument and sign of the determined member whereon the image is to be engraven : for the soul alwayes useth meanes , upon which the image is carried , for being and operation . but i therefore ought to delinea●e after what manner the soul after the example of a musitian dismisseth the operative images of its own conceptions unto the hand , but in no wise unto the foot : and after what sort , through custom , that presently transmitteth its images , which otherwise , besides custom , would most troublesomly reach thither . wherefore it is to be noted , that if the woman with child shall be right-handed , and yet shall , under the onset of disturbance , touch some one of her members with her left-hand , nothing will be marked upon her young thereby : whence it appeareth , that that hand , which is the common ordinary and daily executress of cogitations , is also the directtress of images unto places , and operations . therefore a man doth not operate alike strongly by imagination , as doth a woman : nor any other woman alike strongly , as doth a woman with child : neither also doth every terrour generate the plague : for the affrightment by a wolf , snake , or mad dog , doth not produce in us the operative images of a wolfe , or snake : yea , nor indeed , where the wolfe is visibly present : even as notwithstanding , the plague is bred in us by an image of terrour . a doubt therefore subsisteth , whether an affrightful imagination of the soul from the plague , or the image thereof , be a sufficient and suitable cause of the plague ? first of all , it is seriously to be heeded , that the imagination is sufficient of it self for to operate , unlesse other things beside do concur . for first of all , wholly in ordinary and accustomed works proceeding from a deliberation of the elective soul , the will must needs be present : for a baker shall vainly , and that intentively imagine many things about making of bread , unlesse his will shall move his hand , not indeed to some member , but unto the dough. i in like manner , writing of the plague without terour , in a full will , and conceipt of the thinking soul , do meditate many things concerning the plague ; yet i do not therefore contract this plague to my self . no man also , unlesse happily he be foolishly des●era●e , intends a generating of the pestilence in the consent of his will. an unfolded will therefore , is required , in a daily and natural course of operative actions , wherein the will draws forth conceived images in deliberating , for the execution of the work : but there is in no wise required a consent of the will , for the generation of a being , or the transmutation of one being into another : for truly , every transmutation , although it be monstrous , yet it attempts the priviledges of a true generation ; since there is a re-ideaing in the archeus , from the victory of the new image , translated upon the seminal one , which was first conceived in the archeus . therefore the consideration of transmutation doth not consider a consent of the will. again , neither a naked imagination , or production of an image , nor a touch of the hands , do suffice together for transchanging : but ( mark well ) every work of imagination , which of necessity produceth in us a new generation , or transmutation of one thing into another , requireth the concurrence of a certain faith , co-bound in the same point of the subject , the phantasie it self : for truly , an affrightment from a hurtful animal , doth not produce in us that hurtful animal , nor even the poyson thereof ; even so also , as my attentive imagination , meditating of the wonderful poyson of the plague , doth not therefore generate the plague in me . the reason therefore , why a terrour from the plague , doth rather cause the plague , than a terrour from living creatures , causeth the poyson of the same ; consisteth in this ; that the poyson of the pest is made not only from an apprehension , and conceipt of terrible effects ; but because there concurreth together with those , a certain unseperable belief whereby any one being affrighted , and fore affraid , in fearing , doth imagine , and slenderly believe that he hath now contracted something of the pestilential poyson : from whence ( but not before ) the image of the plague being conceived by this kind of terrour , becomes operative and fruitful . for that terrour , with a credulous suspition , applyeth the soul thus affrighted , unto the archeus , that it may cloath this archeus with the image of the conceived terrour : through want also of which belief , although animals should conceive great terrour , yet they never snatch to them the humane pestilence , although they sometimes draw in their own consumption , as also natural poyson , from whence also they dye . for it is a fermental poyson , the which , how speedily soever it may dispatch them ; yet it is not the true psague . but whosoever shall see a mad dog leaping on him , and how much soever affrighted he shall be from thence ; yea , though he conceive a fever and dye ; yet no man doth ever even slenderly believe that he drew the poyson of the mad dog , without biting : wherefore also , all his sore fear is onely least he should be bitten ; which rather includes a prevention of a poyson to come , than a belief of a poyson bred . the terrour therefore , the occasion of the plague , carries a certain belief and fear in the imagination , that he hath actually drawn something of contagion vnder-such an uncertainty and agony : because the poyson of the plague is onely visible , but not the biting of a mad dog : which particle of faith , together with the disturbance of terrour , perfecteth an actual image in the archeus , the seed of the plague that is to be generated : because that which is imagined , apprehended with perturbation , and believed , doth stand actually in the same point of the phantasie , which brings forth an image on the archeus , as it were a seminal being . otherwise also , neither is any faith sufficient for this thing ; because , there is none who doth not firmly believe the plague can-kill , infect , happen unto one , &c. but such a belief as that , is feeble , and as it were dead ; neither therefore is it operative , that is , not hurtful ; unlesse that in the same point of identity , it be essentially connexed unto terrour apprehended with disturbance , from a drawing in of the actual poyson . eor camps and castles do very often snatch to them a panick fear and deadly terrour , assoon as with the fear of perturbations , they believe that the enemy hath treacherously , or privily crept in , or obtained an unexpected aid , &c. all which things do rather prevail under a dark night , wherein all things are made invisible , and more horrid and fearful . pollutions in dreams , although they have a strong imagination without the motion or enticements of fornications , which is sufficient for expulsion ; yet for want of that belief , they cast forth onely barren seed : for although the imagination operates in sleeping ; yet a faith or belief doth not operate in dreaming ; because it is that which is not the daughter of the imagination , but of the will alone : for indeed , sleep peculiarly conduceth to this , that the liquor of nourishment being transchanged by the application and information of the mind , may be altogether assimilated : wherefore , in youthfull yeares , people sleep more , and more soundly than in those succeeding . and since vital matters have their own natural imaginations , even those which are not intellectual imaginations ; surely , the imagination of the blood it self , shall most powerfully operate under sleep . but faith or belief , seeing it is a seperated power fast tyed to the soul and will , it is of necessity also stupifyed in time of sleep . there is therefore , well nigh , an unshaken and uncessant act of the imagination of the spleen : but the soul once believing some one thing , afterwards ceaseth and is at rest from the consideration of believing o● confiding , untill that an object be again rub'd on it anew . neither do i speak in this place concerning christian faith , and a supernatural gift of god ; but i behold a confidence , to wit , as well aa delusion in believing , as the supposing of a true thing . for a certain young bitch , and not yet lascivious , having gotten a whelp of fifteen dayes old , licks it , loves it , and puts it to her dugs ; and then being befooled , believed that it was her own young ; who was a yet uncorrupted , her dugs presently swell , and i saw them to have po●red forth plenty of milk . also , if thou desirest chicken in the midst of winter , make the eggs lukewarm with a hot towel , and in the mean time unfeather the breast of a capon , put him upon the eggs that he may cherish them , and there shut him up : who in rising up , feeling the lukewarmth of the eggs , and the unwonted coldnesse of his breast , begins to cherish the eggs : but in sitting on them , he conceiveth a false belief , and believes that he is the mother of the eggs , he brings forth all the chickens , even unto the last , and cals them together by clucking like a cherishing hen , and fighting for the chickens ; chaseth the cock ; and at length being forsaken by the chicken , is very sorrowful . if therefore a false belief operates so much ; what shall not any the more grounded one do , that is conjoyned with the terrour of the plague . there is therefore , a certain native imagination in the blood , in the parts of an animal ; yea and in the diseasie excrements ; so that , magnetical or attractive remedies have already begun with benefit to be applyed unto the blood let out of the veines . let us consider also , the excrementitious muscilage of the sixth digestion to stick fast within the reeds or pipes ( i thus by one onely etymology , call the veines , atteries , bowels , and any kind of channels ) to be at first in its owne quality , guiltlesse , but violating the right of its ●nne , as it is undirectly a stranger ; and therefore by it self , laying in wait for the part . presently after , a desire of expelling that excrementitious muscilage , is conceived by the archeus implanted in the part : the idea of which conception , is imprinted on the hated muscilage ; the which , seeing it is seminal , it obtains a form , being a certain life ; and likewise for hence also , a power of acting , and afterwards it governs its own matter for the ends proposed and obtained by it self . but the member not being able to subdue the guest , connexed unto it against its will , burns with a greater endeavour and appetite of expelling ; for , neither is that desire any longer a being of reason , or imagined being ; but it hath arisen into a certain seminal being , by reason of the idea conceived by the archeus being imprinted on himself , and it transforms the forreign matter into every perfection of a diseasie seed : no otherwise than as in the spittle of a mad dog , there is a seminal madnesse it self : and the conceipt of a woman great with child , in the deciphered cherry of her young . for so the matter being enriched with a power of acting , according to the image of the passion put on , begins to act on the entertaining member . there is indeed now in it , a disease it self , having obtained an efficient seed ; the which , at length , being more stubbornly connexed , and oftentimes the conquerer , subdues the vital faculty of that member , into its own jurisdiction . to wit , it mortifies , and renders the part wherein it sits , conformable unto its own contagion . but the part ; seeing it is subject unto wearinesse , and the bound hereof : but on the contrary , the character or seminal idea now conceived , is unwearied ; it must needs be , that the forces of the archeus , being as it were collected , that disease is banished by a crisis , or the strength of the disease being voluntarily worn out , that it be deprived of the power of acting , and that stoppages and schirrhus's are made : or that being overcome , it be driven from the place , and an imposthume be made : or that it be expelled by the strong prevailing force of a medicine . for otherwise , nature forsaking the raines , delivers its hands bound to the disease , to wit , as the part containing , being conquered by the enemy contained , makes all the rest like unto its self , no otherwise , than as small gangrene soon mortifies the whole body : so also , the matter of a disease sticking fast and infecting the part whereto it adheres , presently infects the whole intire body . for , neither are the seeds of a diseasie matter alwayes inbred from the beginning : the which therefore , in the mean time , is onely the occasional matter . and moreover , for the most part , a foolish and unhurtful race of qualities do dissemble the innocency of a diseasie thorn. otherwise , hurtful things should never be admitted within , because they are wont before their admission , to be intimately and finely examined by the archeus . for , whatsoever things are uncapable of the necessity of life , are presently prostrated in their entrance . if therefore excrementitious filths being inwardly admitted through a treacherous errour , or having arisen through degeneration , do receive enmities within , and exercise them on us , while as they shall by an idea received , be qualified with a strength of acting : it is no wonder also , if they do now and then attain the ferment of a poyson , and that ferment being obtained , that they lay ready hands upon us . this is the brief original , progresse , and history of the tatrar of the blood , and of diseasie images . furthermore , the images of poyson , are on this wise : for in poysonous beasts , that a poyson is made from the image of anger , we are taught by the proverbe ; morta la bestia , morto il veleno . the deadly beast hath his deadly poyson . the which hath place onely in the proper poysons of a species , but not in the dead carcasses of those that dyed of the plague ; which thing we daily experience , as well in men as in the falcon : because the plague is not bred from anger after the manner of poysonous serpents : for a sporting dog , if he shall smite with his tooth , he inflicts a wound that is quickly healable : but if he shall bite with an angry tooth , although not more deeply than the foregoing dog , now he hath made a wound partaking of the poyson of anger . but if he shall be mad , he now communicates a poyson , not exceeding that of anger , but such a one as is a compeere of his deadly and senslesse madnesse . for a will of hurting , being through wrath or anger kindled , the beast otherwise harmlesse , produceth a poysonous image , and by his tooth transmits or communicates the same . that thing is much more apparent in hurtfull wild beasts . therefore sorcerers are careful , that they may borrow a deadly poyson from serpents , being first enraged and provoked . a wantonizing young bitch , if she lick the hand of a child , she embladders the same ; but a wantonizing mare , seasons the hornes of her feet or hoofes with a poyson : to wit , so that they are for a present poyson to those that have the bloody flux : the which otherwise , of one that is not wanton or lustful , if they being powdred , are fryed with butter , they forthwith cure the bloody flux : but things proper to the poyson of plants , are not from anger or dread : but a corruptive ferment is by the creatour of the world , put into a seminal native imagination , for the continuing of their seeds . for neither is there an enmity in plants , or a will of hurting of us . and so , neither doth the poyson dye away together with plants , being dryed : for there is a poysonous ferment , co-fermented with plants , from the beginning of the world , for a seminal propagation , for ends known to the thrice glorious creatour alone . but a mad dog , communicates a poyson by his spittle , and so by his tooth . for the tooth serves to a mad dog , as much as the hand to a woman great with child . lastly , the imagination of plants ; although it be the formatresse of their owne seeds : yet it self is not free , or arbitrary , but rather a seminal endowment ; for propagating its like : and that with the total property of it self , wherein it resteth , not being alterable by forraign disturbances or enticements . wherefore , in it self it conceiveth not a monster , nor doth ever make it of its own accord , unlesse it be provoked from without . such therefore is the difference , original , progresse , product , and manner of the hurting , of poysons . and these things i have drawn out for that end : to wit , that it may be understood , that if a mortal poyson be forthwith made from the anger of poysonsome wild beasts , the terrifying poyson of the plague , may also be made through terrour in the archeus of man. for , if sorrow begets a foolish madnesse , the dropsie , or falling-sicknesse ; but anger the colick , apoplexy , convulsion : and a plenteous anguish , or a lesse intense cogitation , a furious or lunatick person : neither is it derogatory from reason , that the image of the pest is framed within from a perturbation of that vulcan , wherein the first assaults are made . the fits whereof , as those of mad persons , are oft-times taken away by succours for the spleen . there is a small living creature like unto a spider , and is called by solin●● , solifuga , because he shuns the day being frequent in the silver-mines of sardinia ; and it creeps in secret , and through imprudency , causeth the plague to those that sit upon it ; which poyson indeed is not the true pestilence , but a poysonous pustule or wheal : for he subjoyneth , that there are hot fountains near , which presently abolish the poyson implanted by the solifuga ; so indeed , the deadly vapours of mines , are oftentimes called pestilent ones , because they kill the diggers that ●arry the longer therein . but they are wont to make tryal of this danger : if a burning candle being let down into the burrowes of the mines , it be forthwith extinguished ; neither is it a wonder , if besides their poyson they also choak the light of life , if they do extinguish the fiery light of a candle . chap. xi . the ferment of the pestilence . consider thou how sorrowful a dog walketh , how he refuseth meat , and abhorreth drink ; how many spurs of hatred , and conceptions of envy he nourisheth before madnesse . again , how that a full force of his conceipt being translated not only into his spittle , but into his tooth , which is cleanly wiped thorow the garments , as it were by its odour alone , and by the simple suffumigation of one smell or odour , is sufficient to stir up a late and serious madnesse in him that is bitten , for the least touch of the tooth , in what part the skin layes open , and gapeth only in the epidermis or upper skin , however clean the blood leaping forth , be washed off : neverthelesse , it so deriveth the image of its own madnesse , that as the hand of a woman with child paints the member of her young ; so a dog by the touch of his tooth , within the fortieth day will bring madnesse . but neither doth it proceed for death onely , however the wound be onely in the epidermis : but before death , the chief faculties of the mind perish , and as lackeys , do presently follow whither they are led aside by the imaginative poyson . for that odour of the tooth , is as it were a m●er nothing , an incorporeal being : no otherwise than as the smell of an hoary putrifyed hogshead , or the smell of a foot put into a new shooe , that makes a foots-step . for a dog hath known his master a good while by his imprinted footstep , and distinguisheth that he passed that way . so the odour of a garment , or paper , being infamous through a pestilential corrupt matter , defiles us with a most subtile , unperceiv●able , and most thin poyson : and it not onely seasons and kils us with a deadly poyson ; but it also casts down the mind from its seat , no otherwise than as the touching of the tooth of a mad dog under the skin , thrusts down the reason from its majesty , and constrains it to follow according to the determined rule of its own madnesse . for the party bitten , at a set period of time , is sore afraid at the beholding of all liquid things , : he conceiveth a dog-like envy , and wisheth that he could destroy all living , and multiply his own madnesse . writers declare , that wormes do grow in a wound in the hea● of a dog. at leastwise , i deny no● , but that a ferment is to be supposed to be in this poyson , respecting and affecting the spirits of imaginations : into which , the least co-participation of an odour , introduceth the idea of its own image , whereunto our phantasie is constrained to yield , yea , rather is fully transchanged into that horrid apparition . for it is a wonder , that a hunting dog , which is the first-born of all the whelps of his d●m , doth alone assault and overcome a mad dog. there is in him the natural endowment of an unconquered imagination ; even so , that if he be bitten by a mad dog , yet he doth not become mad : whereas , in the mean time , all the rest , do by biting contract madnesse , do fle● from a mad dog , neither dare they to defend themselves against this dog. that poyson therefore , is the inne of the madnesse , also , the forreign guest of imagination , which is overcome by the imagination of an opposing soul. therefore , from hence we have known that all poysons are in themselves , fermental ; for , some destroy the matter onely , and together with it the imaginative spirit , from whence are diseases that have a foolish madnesse connexed unto them ; but others affect the spirit onely ; such as are those , which bring a dog-like madnesse , and which bring on foolish madnesses and catalepses 's or sudden st●pefactive congelations : to wit , the which do not notably melt , or alter the body : but they draw only the sensitive spirit into destruction : for indeed the taran●●ta is scarce ever at rest , and therefore also he disturbs the man whom he hath stung , with a restlesse trouble . dfor behold , with what an horrid effigies he transpl●nteth his imaginations into the man whose skin he hath pierced , but even with a slender sting . for , the vile , small , and weak creeping animal , by an unperceivable quantity of his poyson , infects the whole ●an , and presently snatcheth the powers of his mind under his own protection . also , surely the odour of a footstep doth fitly square with the plague , being likened unto it : for although the houses are opened in a high place , and that well-fa●ned with the wind , and the infected ayr of the house doth yield to the winds : yet the plague doth not therefore cease the third day after , but that it is sufficient for taking away the wholecommon people ; for neither doth the odour of a footstep in the way being exposed to the winds cease ( though nothing in quantity ) unlesse it be washed with rain , or covered with earth : for it alwayes represents unto the dog his own master . i remember also , that in the plague at ostend , the very pestilent hoary putrefaction it self , is ●wont a little to smell of the soales of shooes burnt , and i was wont by that odour , to bewray one to be infected with the plague . furthermore : before the fall , every living creature was subject to man , as to its master , and its middle life melted , and perished in eating , before the sight of our archeus . but now , even a whelp hath a predominacy over our life , and constrains the free powers of the soul of mortals , under his own infirmities of madnesse . for , it is a miserable thing , for the image of god thenceforth to be subject to the biting of insects , and that it ought to follow the various images of the poysonous ferment of every one : and it is a degenerate thing , for servile bruits to season their biting with the image of anger , with a mad and deadly poyson . alas , how piercingly and strongly is the image of anger sealed ? and with what a snatching speedinesse doth it passe over unto the spittle ? unto how great infirmities is a woman subject , from the hidden odour of her womb ? for , with what exorbitances not to be spoken of , is her understanding vexed ? for truly , oftentimes a hoary putrified odour being communicated from the soales of the feet , casteth down our lofty stature , and deprives those that have the falling-sicknesse , of sence , memory and understanding . for , how readily doth the contagion of an hypochondriacal excrement under the midriff , alienate the mind , and seduce it with sorrow , horrour , fury , madnesse , feverish dotages , and the differences of a lethargye , while as they estrange us according to the image bred in their owne fe●ment ? for , how terrible a poyson of terrour , is at one onely moment , imprinted by a stroak of thunder , on a beast which it hath smitten , so that with the eating of his flesh the plague is swallowed ? which thing at least , is for a sign , that a thunderbolt is darted from a monstrous sign full of terrour ; to wit , from whence the archeus being extinguished in a moment , in discovering the image of his terrour , perisheth almost in a moment . for sleep , yea , a deep dr●wsie evil is oftentimes in a man , where there is a great disturbance of the pest in his archeus . oft-times : on the other hand , the archeus lives free and safe from perturbations : when as the man is in a mi●erable conflict with his owne disturbances . in wars , and out of wars , there are now more cruel plagues than in ages past : because wars are more cruel in dreadful fear , and have more of great dread , and lesse of angers : when man being moved against man with the violence of wrath , studyed revenge : neither is it a wonder therefore , that the drinking of ones own urine should restrain the plague before the accesse thereof ; not as an an tidote : but because it contained a hope and perswasion , before it was taken . for i remember , that in the year . while the french men besieged our neighbour city lovain , a very great plague , ●rom thence , soon after invaded the fearfull bruxellians , and the poor women who were terrified with fear ; and the which , being dispersed into all the villages , brought every where a great destruction . for a co-participation of life in meats also , causeth , that they are soon made vital : and they presently snatch hold of our archeus , being otherwise lyable to indignation , fury , and a manifold misery or dammage of symptomes : so , in magnum oportet , a necessity and transplantation of much contagion is inclosed in us . but if the properties of the middle life of things eaten , ought after some sort to remain in the blood : and for that cause also , the fleshes of the eaters do vary their savour according to the diversity of the meats : it must needs be , that we are affected by those things which leave their mark of resemblance in us . indeed savours , the witnesses of properties , have stricken a covenant , as well with the external , as internal fellowships of putrefactions , which therefore , are easily made the partakers of injuries in us . for the middle life of mears remaineth in our fleshes : hence it is , that fish-devouring nations , and carthusians are not troubled with flyes of wormes . for fleshes that are not well preserved , from the co-resemblance of the middle life residing in us , do easily stamp any putrefaction on us . from whence also , formal corruptions do arise in us , from an unthought of beginning . and then , fleshes and fishes , although they are seasonably killed , yet they conteined in them the purulent matters of diseases , wherewith , when we are ●ed ( especially if they have before contracted a burntish odour ) we readily yield unto the fellowships of their symbolizing mark , and they presently stir up in us , adustodours , and mumial putrefactions by continuance , in us . for , neither do oxen or sheep eat men , nor contract our plague into themselves : but we ●at oxen , and draw a brutal pest , like as also our own ; because the pestilences of many bruit beasts do play their part in man alone . wherefore , neither are meats , no● being rightly concocted , guiltlesse , while they scorn at the ferment of the stomach , because they easily passe over into the forreign colonies and various corruptions of their own con●agion . truly , this successive alteration of new calamities in the plague , shall at sometime , be a future betokening cause of the last times : at leastwise , the ferments of poy●ons and venomes , have never been throughly weighed in the schooles . but the action of these hath therefore been supposed to be equivocal or of doubtful interpretation , and prepared by an impression of the heaven . for alwayes , when as they slide into ignorance , they implore the too far distant aid of the deaf heavens , and blame guiltlesse saturn . for they call that an equivocal action , while the agent doth not generate its like . as happens in celestial impressions and meteours . but how improperly they have recourse unto the heavens and their equivocal actions , for poysons , every one shall easily know , who hath beheld poysons as agents meerly natural and domestical , they being not onely alterative after the manner of meteours ; but transchanging , and spermatical or seedy ones . for , what can be more like to a seminal generation , than if the slender poyson of a scorpion kills the whole man , and propagates the property of its own seed into the whole body ? for neither do ferments any where operate equivocally or doubly , but plainly univocally or singly : because , if the pest should bud forth by an equivocal action : verily it should not be contagious , seeing it should not produce its like . therefore it is manifest , that the diligent search of ferments being neglected ( in the commerce whereof notwithstanding , every transmutation of things to be generated , is enrowled ) poysons have been hitherto unknown , as well in their making as in their being and operation : especially , because the property of a poyson , is , by the destruct on of the archeus of man , to imprint its own seminal image in the room of the other : wherefore also , the organ of this poyson is the ferment it self . but u●derstand thou this thing concerning poysons which attempt a transmutation by way of a seminal image , but not of meer corrosives : because they are those which do not fermentally corrupt the archeus , or his image ; but they stir up the same archeus into fury , who afterwards destroyes his own matter , or inne : under the alteration or destruction whereof , the archeus himself also gives place , together with the integrity and retainment of his image : for the greatnesse , vehemency , strength , and swiftnesse o● poysons have deceived the schools , who , the consideration of ferments being neglected , have passed by the one only dispositive instrument of generations , which goes before the introducement of a seminal image : for the schools are wont to measure the works of nature according to the square of artificial things ; and so , if at any time there ●ere any thing which would not seem to them , to square with this measure , they by a verbal excuse , have had recourse unto the heavens , and hidden causes , that they might cover their sluggishnesse and ignorances with an impossibility of sifting it out . chap. xiii . the form , and matter of the pest. since a disease ought to perfect its own title , and misfortune in us , as it were in its own mansion , and its own proper essential causes do remain in its product ; it must needs be , as long as any thing wanders in the air , water , or earth , that that can neither be a disease in it self , nor the containing cause thereof : yea , whatsoever is marked with the name of antecedent causes , is nothing but the occasional cause , causing nothing by it self , but by accident , nor any thing without an appropriation received in us . wherefore they neither betoken nor desire , nor prescribe a cure , but only a caution or flight . the occasions therefore of the plague , are to be considered , as the occasions of diseases being sometime entertained , do passe into the order of causes . first of all therefore , i have already sufficiently taught that the pest is not sent down from the heavens : and seeing every effect is the fruit or product of its own , and not of anothers tree ; therefore every cause produceth its own , and not anothers effect : therefore the pest hath a specifical , proper , and not a forreign cause : for neither may we distinguish of plagues by their accidents , concomitants , or signates ; because they are those which flow immediately from the diversity of subjects , because they diversly vary after the manner and nature of the receiver , according to the custom of the beings of nature . wherefore also the pest consisting of matter , form , essence , a seed , and properties , requires also to have its own , and one onely species ; seeing the very essence it self of things or defects is most near to individuals : but if it either happen from without , or be generated within , that is all one , seeing from thence the plague is now constituted . again , if it do the more swiftly , or slowly defile , its issue be the more violent and speedy , do invade diverse parts , or diversly disquiet the body ; yet that doth not therefore change the species of the poyson . for they are only the signs of quantiry , co-mixture of a ferment , appropriation , and incidency on the parts receiving . otherwise , the internal and formal poyson of the pest , and that which conteins the thingliness thereof , is 〈◊〉 ●ys singular in every individual : because the essence or being of things consisteth in the simplicity of their own species ; as there is the same essence of fire on both sides , whether it be great , or little , whether quiet , or driven with the bellows ; or lastly , whether the flame shall be red , yellow , green , or sky-coloured . therefore the remote , crude , and first occasional matter of the pestilence , is an air putrified through continuance , or rather a hoary putrified gas ; which putrefaction of the air , according to the experience of the fire which adeptists promise , hath not as yet the . part of its own seminal body : the which thou shalt the more easily comprehend , if thou considerest a hoary putrified vessel and hogs-head of wine now exhausted , without any weight of it self , to corrupt new , and old wines infused in the hogs-head : for i have treated in my discourses of natural phylosophy , concerning the nature of a ferment putrifying by contmuance , and after what sort vegetables do arise from an incorporeal and putrified seed , that from hence the progeny of the pest may be the more distinctly made manifest . moreover , i have shewn that the earth is the mother of putrefaction through continuance ; that we may know , that popular plagues do draw their first occasional matter from an earthquake , and from the consequences of camps and siedges : for therefore , as much as the earth differs from the heaven , so much also is the occasional matter of the p●st , remote from the heaven . but i call this first matter , that incorporeal hoary pu●rified poyson existing in the gas of the earth : and so i substitute this poyson as theremo●e matter , under another more near poyson , which disposeth the matter of the archeus , whereby he may the more easily assent , and conceive in himself a pestilent terrour , that at length a formal pestilential essence may suddenly come upon the previous dispositions hereof . but besides , if i must duely phylosophize concerning the infections of the air ; i ought of necessity , to repeate the anatomy thereof , from the fore assayed doctrine of the elements , in my treatise of natural of phylosophy . the air therefore in it self is one of the first-born elements , being transparent , and void as well of lightnesse , as weight , unchangeable , and perpetual , being endowed with natural cold , unlesse it be hindered by the strength of scituations , and things co mixed with it : but being every where filled with pores ; and for this cause suffering an extension , or pressing together of it self : the porosities whereof , are either filled with vapours , and forreign exhalations ; or remayning in their integrity , they plainly gape , being void of a body ( the which i have elsewhere demonstrated in the treatise of a necessary vacuum ) : for in very deed , if the air were without pores that are empty of every body , vapours could not be lifted up without a penetration of bodies : but since a most manifest enlargement and com-pression of the air is granted ( as i have elsewhere fully demonstrated ) an emptinesse also , is of necessity granted : for such porosities in the air , are as it were wombs wherein the vapours the fruits of the water , are again resolved into the last simplicity of waters from whence they proceeded , and are spoyled of any signatures of their former seeds whatsoever : but those effluxes in the air are forreign , ●y accident , and various , according to the disposition of the concrete body from whence they exhaled . first of all , they are the vapours of pure and simple water ; and then of the waters of the salt sea , which season the rain with their vaporous brine , and for that cause preser●e it from corruption : for otherwise , by reason of the societies of diverse exhalations being admixed with it , rain waters would of necessity putrifie and stink , no lesse than clouds in mountains , and most mi●●s . the poysons therefore , of the air being drawn in , are partly entertained in manner of a vapour , in its porosities , and do partly defile the very body of the air , without a corporeal mixture , even as glasse conceiveth odours : which defilement hath of right , the name of an impression . i have an house in a plain field , being rich on its south-side ; in a wood of oakes : but on the north it respecteth pleasant meadows : moreover , toward both the mansions of the sun , it hath hils that are fruitful in corn : but linnen cloaths being there washed and ●●nced in the fountain , being hung up in the loft , look most neatly white while the north wind blows , and here and there also , from east to west , or on the other hand from west to east : but the south-winde only blowing , and the southerly windowes being opened , they are notably yellow with a clayie colour : for from the numerous oakes , a tinging vapour is belched forth into the air , and i have learned that this vapour is breathed in by us , as also drunk up by the linnen : and also , thus from groves of oakes , after the summer solstice , an hidden vapour doth exhale , which in●ecteth an unwonted countenance and neck , with a frequent itching pustule or wheale , and afterwards they beco●● plainly visible in the legs and elsewhere : for there are somethings in the air which are perceived by the smelling of the nostrils : in the next place , there are other things , which are distinguished by dogs only : and lastly there are also other things , which are voyd of all odour , although not void of contagion . for truly the serment of a poyson , as such , may be free from smel : therefore every country produceth and suffereth its own sicknesses : for why , nature is subject to the soile , neither doth every land bring-forth all things ; because diverse vapours are brought forth in the air , according to the variety of the soile : which things i more fully sifting with my self , have often admired , that our life is extended unto so many years : since we are environed on every side , with so manifold a guard of most potent enemies , since we admit the same so deeply within us , and are constrained to attract them against our will : and that not only by breathing ; but also by a magnet or attraction , which sports aftes its own manner through the habit of the flesh . for i who have been often and long present without-fear , among the fumes of live coals , and the odours of other things , have rea●ly felt those odours and fumes not only to be derived in a straight line into my breast : but also from thence into my stomach , and therefore that our belchings do express those smoaky fumes conceived : for so the breath blown out of the lungs , resembleth the smells of garlick and onyons that are eaten , although collected thorow the nostrils ; but the plague is drawn in on both sides : but a voluntary pest , which is begotten not from without , but within , bewrays it self in the arm-pits , and groyn , but seldom behind the ears : for this pest for the most part , issues forth from drawn-in odours : but that which is infamous in spots , proceeds from an internal poyson , being first smothered within , and therefore the worst of all , as it is for the most part intended or increased with the fermental putrefaction of suffocation : but that which shews forth carbuncles , is either a strong expulsion which casteth farther than into the next ●munctory , or which ariseth from the touch of a contagious matter , or from an in-breathed poyson of the plague . for that pest which hath invaded from a co-touching , although it be more slow than that which otherwise insulteth from an universal cause ; yet for the most part it is more deadly : because the archeus implanted in the member , is slain by this plague ; and from thence the part draws a pestilential gangren ; for succouring whereof , the whole archeus is the more negligent ; he meditating of defending the bowels , as fleeing , betakes himself inwards , and that mortal gangren proceeds to creep . also , remedies and their intention are for the most part idle for escharring of the outward parts , and that afterwards the escharre may quickly fall off : for in this respect , all emplaisters , and attracting things are administred ; but they are seldom administred , as that they overcome the poyson it self : but a plague from without , as it is chiefly to be feared in the joynts ; so on the other hand , that which is darted from within to without , involveth the less danger . and indeed , that which is bred within , doth primarily terrifie the archeus ; and therefore it is sudden , and very powerful : but the poyson of a plague that is caught by touching , after it hath insinuated it self into the archeus ( because he is that which is the first living , and the last dying ) and the only ruler of things inwardly to be done ) being at length confirmed , after the manner of poyson , it easily infecteth the rest : for truly , the archeus himself being once infected , presently conceiveth a pestiferous image of terrour , and the raines of governing the body being forsaken , he communicates it to his associates . in the next place , although sweat be profitable in every plague ; yet less in that which hath privily entred by an external co-touching ; at least , it is in no wise therefore to be neglected . moreover , in the plague of a particular individual person ( by whom the whole people in common are now and then afflicted ) there a fermental putrefaction doth for the most part begin within , which being once suddenly laid hold of , the poysonous image of an archeal terrour is from thence the more easily committed . that pest is the more swift , which is drawn inwards from the external putrefaction of an odour ; because it presently associates unto it two degrees , to wit , a putrefaction through continuance , and a mumial and co-marriageable ferment : but there is no need , that that hoary putrefaction should be perceiveable by the nostrils , with an aversness : for if dogs , which exceed us in smelling , do sent an hoary putrefaction , or the foot-step of their master in the way ; our archeus himself doth as yet far more easily smell out-those things which are within , and therefore , a putrified odour cannot hurt , unless it shall find a mumial serment within , whereunto it may couple it self : then indeed there is now forthwith a forreign matter , nevertheless , as yet wanting a contagion : therefore it behoveth , that the matter be furnished with full conditions , and with a formality of acting : for these two are as yet , as it were the occasional and provoking causes . again , as concerning the tartar of the blood , there hath been enough spoken , that it is a product of the pest , and that it waits for this , or is made out of hand at the coming of the plague . the first term therefore of making the pest , is an hoary putrified gas , the which , seeing it cannot infect without a co-resemblance of appropriation , it requires another correlative term , which is a mumial ferment ( without which there is not an appropriation ) to wit , the archeus the receiver of the pest : for truly the poysonous matter of the plague being by contagion derived into us , defiles not any one , unless the archeus shall lay hold of it , and appropriate it to himself ; wherein surely , the archeus labours improvidently : for from thenceforth , the pest conceiveth a terrour , by his own phantasie , but not from the sore fear of the man ; to wit , in which phantasie of archeal terrour , the archeus brings forth a pestilential poyson , which is the very idea of the conceived terrour , being cloathed with the proper coat of the archeus : alas , then the pest is present within , and doth soon easily disturb the whole man. the image of the pestilence therefore , consisteth of an archeal air , as of the matter containing , whereon the poyson of the terrour of the archeus is imprinted , as the immediate efficient cause : for neither therefore doth the poyson of the plague , always defile any one whatsoever , although it shall presently find an odour in us agreeable to it self ; because the mumial ferment , although it be internal , yet nevertheless , it is only an occasional mean , in respect of the contagious application , or of the infection applied ; which appropriation immediately consisteth in a real and actual congress of the image bred by terrour , which the archeus conceiveth from the aforesaid application , as thinking in this respect , that now there is a potent enemy entertained within the cottages of his own house ; which panick fear of the archeus , is the immediate cause of the image bred by imagination : ( therefore i have proved , that there is an imagination in the archeus , besides that which is decyphered by the conceptions of the mind , as well in the midriffs , as in the heart , and brain ) which image is the suitable cause of the pest ; i say , the veriest pest it self , no otherwise than as a chick is nothing besides the egg it self ripened by a cherishing warmth : for purple or spotted fevers have therefore indeed , a poyson and contagion , besides putrefaction , and a fermenr of appropriation ( to wit , from whence they defile men alone , not likewise beasts ) yet they want an idea of terrour , whereby the archeus being full of confusion and desperation , neglects his government , and frames the deadly and seminal image of a pestilent poyson . in the next place , he easily insinuates this his confusion into his own transchanged nourishable liquours , over which before he carefully watched , and now degenerates them into the hostile tartar of the blood : for the archeus forsaking the stern of government , like a man that is sore afraid , rashly turns all things upside down , and himself being a run-away , proclaims that an enemy is received within , darknesses are made , the the appetite is prostrated , and every digestion of the shops begun , ceaseth , and that which is almost , or half digested , is corrupted , because it abhorreth the sorrowful image of a mortal poyson . there is therefore a sedition and noise within throughout the members , because the implanted spirits of these , do well perceive the confusion of the inflowing spirit , but are not able to restrain it : for if the nourishment being half dig●sted , were fresh and mild in the stomach , a drowsie evil ariseth , and likewise vomiting and loathing ; but if it be now dry or stiff through digesting , the headach possesseth the man : but if it be well nigh digested , it putrifies with a stinking burntish savour , from whence there are continual vomitings : for all things go astray , and do putrifie under the image of the poyson , and the nourishment of the stomach it self , degenerates into a filthy muckiness , the which also , doth oft-times put on a caustical or burning sharpness , and there is for the most part , a murmuring noyse about the stomach : for why , where the first and inordinate conceipts and violent assaults of men are , in the same place also of necessity , the first confusion of the terrour of the archeus ariseth , and there is made a most filthy image of the plague . for i have noted , that the pest hath for the most part , placed its first seats about the stomach . for a certain man being dejected with a continual vomiting , felt a great pain of his head , and by and by a doating delusion ; and then he also having suffered a deep drowsiness by intervals , died in sixteen hours space , many fainting fits having gone before . but i desired to know , from whence he had so speedily died , and with so great a fury of sumptoms ; neither did a chyrurgion desire to be present : at length , i began the disfection with a knife , and i found his stomach now pierced with a three-fold perfect escharre , in such a manner as i had once seen the stomach of a servant-maid to be pierced , who had willingly drunk arsenick . in the mean time , in every plague , a fever ariseth from the beginning , because also a sore threatned corruption hath begun in the archeus : surely all vital things are affrighted in the natural directions of images scattered through a dreadful discord , confusion , and desperation . the tartar of the blood also , being now freed from its laws , in so great a confusion of the whole body , snatcheth to it a fury , it struggles in the conceived borders of its own part whereunto it adhereth , and through the confusion of terrour , increaseth all the tumult . this is the tragedy of the pest , which i at sometime through divine clemency saw in an intellectual dream : but the great fear , flight , desperation , &c. of the archeus , is not the poyson it self ; even as neither is the wrath of a living creature the poyson thereof : but the poyson of the plague , is a being produced from the image of dread , and cloathed with the substance of the archeus ; as the anger of a serpent , lays aside the image of his anger in a part of the archeus , and lays up that image in his spittle , &c. at the executive organs of anger . but the poyson of the pest is in it self horrid , and far more cruel than the mortal contagion of serpents ; to wit , that which is produced in beasts by a vital perturbation , such as is the anger of serpents : for the contagion of the pest creeps into the standers by ; neither doth it perish with the life of the animal , as otherwise , the poysons of beasts are wont to do : for that the poyson of the pest doth not inhere in the life , but there is an image in the air effuming from thence , and that indeed cloathed with the infected archeus ; as thin sanies , blood , corrupt pus , vitriol being sprinkled on them , have as yet retained a life and vital actions on the whole body from whence they issued , the which , the magnetick curing of wounds , ulcers , and broken bones at this day hath taught us . but moreover , the pest rather drives from it the fugitive life , the fearful and fleeing archeus ; and as the madness of a dog assumes his product in his spittle , so the poyson of terrour is sealed in the tartar of the blood , even as also it is dispersed into the air , and an odour departing afar off : for therefore beasts are the free beholders of our calamity , because they want the defect of an univocal or self-same archeus , and therefore also an appropriation : yet any subject whatsoever , whether it shall be air , a garment , or any other more solid body ( although ignorant of dread ) which may be seasoned with an odour , may in like manner be the subject on which the product of a dreadful imagination may be imprinted , no otherwise than as the earth resembles the odour of a swift footstep . furthermore , although the pest or plague be only one in the species , yet it invades after divers manners : for at one time , a popular plague assaults , which ariseth from a divulged hoary putrefaction , after an earth-quake , out of caves , clefts , pools , mines , and dead carkasses , as wel those of beasts as of men , which belch forth a poyson putrified through continuance : the which notwithstanding , is not as yet pestilential , until that it being received within , shall then at length be app●opriated to a ferment : from whence indeed , the archeus being affrighted , creates that cruel image of his own confusion and terrour . it invades also , only by a pestilent odour drawn in from a sick person , or from a dead carkass , or from a place , or from an infected matter ; the which odour , by how much the more subtil subject of its inherency it shall have , by so much also the more speedily it infecteth , and the more speedily approacheth to the archeus , by reason of a mark of resemblance : for neither therefore doth the exhalation of sweat so speedily infect , as a pestilential gas that is not perceiveable in its odour : for just even as the gas of coals disturbs the stomach , provokes vomit , headachs , yea and also , swooning ; so i have noted plagues , which by a subtil exhalation , do infect the immediate nourishment of the stomach , that they brought on continual vomitings , hicketings , frequent swoonings , and doating delusions , and most speedy death : and that vomiting refuseth remedies to be swallowed down , the swooning-fits do cast down the strength , as also the doatage is averse to food , and remedies . but the matter that is now infected , if it be to be taken away by sweat , in passing thorow , it defiles the whole house even to the skin , unless the malignity thereof be restrained by remedies : for although a remedy may readily touch at that infected matter , yet it doth not easily bring forth that matter which doth not willingly follow : for truly , any antidote , doth never restore the party that is once infected , into his former state ; and therefore all the care of an antidote is only about the preservation of those that are not yet infected , and the mitigation and speedy expulsion of these . also the occasion of a popular plague is difficult , because infected places and bodies cannot be avoided ; which thing , in camps , and besieged cities , clearly appeareth : for we read , that in the east , a plague began from three souldiers who violated a sepulchre , that it defiled the roman camps , and killed a third part of mortal men , throughout the known coasts of the world : for such a plague is most swift , and most cruel ; the which indeed brings into the body along with it , almost all concomitants needful for it self : for since the poysonous matter hath already obtained a ferment , it ought not to parley with out archeus concerning its reception , the which it easily obtains by request , from the disturbed host : for truly , it brings with it an idea already in it self , from a former cause , and attains from the archeus a new idea within , co-like to it , for its companion . but the pest which begins , and perfects the whole generation of it self in us , without an external help , is made from a fore-existing fermentally putrified tartar of the blood , which doth soon of its own accord , most readily put on the odour of a dead carkass : from whence , the archeus being sore terrified , stirs up an idea of the conceived terrour , and so a pestilent poyson is stirred up , and the seminal , and hurtful image hereof is incorporated in that excrement , the which therefore proceeds in raging and infecting : for the plague is communicated unto us by an unsensible air , which flies , pies , ravens , crows , eagles , dogs , wolves , &c. do for the most part distinguish : for it is very well known , that the houshold animal a dog , discerneth every one by his odour , or that he doth even a good while after distinguish the footsteps of any one thereby , however lightly imprinted ; and a pestilential gas is alike subtil , and odourable : therefore there are different manners of attaining the plague ; to which end , it is meet to repeat , that a pestilent poyson is only of one particular kind , nor that there be many parents of the same thing , distinct in their species and seed ; that is , that its seeds cannot be divers : so that a scorpion bred from the herb bazil , and from a parent , differs not in kind ; as neither doth a louse which proceedeth from nits , and which sprang immediately from a man , lay aside aspecifical identity : for nits , or the eggs of lice , are in the sameliness of the archeus , with the matter from whence a man doth immediately generate lice : because if two ●eeds divided in species , should constitute one and the same thing in the species , specifical dispositions in the matter for the generation of things , should be in vain , but all things from all , and every thing from every thing , should promiscuously proceed : agents therefore that are divers in kind , although they may constitute something under a specifical sameliness ; yet the same seed , and that of the same archeus , must be understood to be formed from them both : so a man maketh a vital excrement , from whence proceeds a louse , a worm , &c. and he so disposeth that matter by his cherishing warmth , that it attaineth a co-like archeus , which the louse generating , originally implanted in his eggs : and so the louse that generateth , is the univocal agent , which extendeth from himself sufficient matter for generation : but the man is the equivocal agent , which afforded from himself an excrementitious matter , which matter sliding on , doth at length , in the cherishing warmth , attain a co-like archeus : so a dead carkass generates into worms , and these do again sexually generate : and so mice are generated of excrementitious filths , and again by parents ; and that wholly in insects , whose seeds are issued from bodies purifying as it were of their own accord : at leastwise , the immediate matter of these , and agent of these generations , is on both sides simple , uniform , and of a specifical ident●ty or sameliness : therefore also , both constituted bodies are of the same species , generating afterwards their own like , without choice : so that lice which proceed from our exhalations , do admit of copulations with those which through a cherishing warmth , came forth out of nits . the immediate matter therefore , and immediate agent in the pest , are on both sides of the same seminal archeus , and specifical identity : for whether the matter be made within by degrees , or on a sudden , or being drawn in from without , be actuated in us ; at leastwise the poyson of the plague is never made , but a terrour of the archeus hath brought forth that poysonous image . but i call terrour , as well that of a man fore smitten by the first assault , as that of the archeus of man it self , and of the blood , received from an antipathy . after this sort , a bold and stout man is oft-times before or in presence of the plague , fearful ; yea , he who scarce fears the plague , hath his archeus within , subject to aff●ightments . for so , an infant that is uncapable of fear , and ignorant of apprehension , is not more slowly laid hold of by the plague , than a poor timorous woman : for although a sturdiness of mind may prevail as to prevention , yet it doth not kill the poyson already conceived . and there are divers boldnesses of magnanimity : for some one man is undaunted in a single combate , who in the conflicts of war , is fearful : another is not affrighted in fighting , who is notably afraid of hobgoblin furies : lastly , a third feareth not enemies , but he is afraid of armed countrymen , &c. galen thinks that a good complexion ad pondus or according to an equal weight of the elements , would give strength to resist the plàgue : he i say , who would have all particular parts and bowels in man , to differ only in the unequality of the temperament of the elements , now granteth an equality of the elements flowing together according to an equal weight , in the one humane kind : when as otherwise , if the heart were the most temperate part , now the whole man ought , according to any of his parts , of necessity , to have the consistence and hardness of the heart . but i as the first , have rejected the opinion of elements , co-mixtures , and temperaments , as foolish and totally false , by firm demonstrations , in the volume set forth concerning the original of medicine . this co-mixture of elements therefore , i willingly yield to the galenists , and am willingly ignorant , after what manner air , or fire can be weighed , that being weighed together according to the weight of water , and earth , they may compose from themselves , flesh , sinews , bones , brain , heart , marrows , &c. ah , vain fiction , cruel wickednesse , hissing it self forth against our neighbours . moreover , the animosity or stoutnesse of mind which i praise , is not affrighted by death , or the plague , it adorns the archeus , that he may resist the poyson , and expel that poyson received by accident ( but otherwise , he cannot overcome or kill it ) no otherwise then as terrour shuts the pores by the motion of nature being obedient unto it : wherefore they who have recovered from the plague , are scarce alike easily infected with the plague the same year : the contrary is seen in other diseases and poysons : for truly these do not onely leave behind them weaknesses from whence there is a more easie relapse ; but also other poysons do operate , by changing the parts wherein they are entertained . but a pestilent terrifying poyson primarily invades the archeus alone , and sorely affrights him : the which , when he hath once known , and overcome his enemy , he afterwards presumeth and is made more confidently bold , that he shall not so easily fail under him : neither is he thenceforth so easily affrighted through occasion of the poyson brought unto him : neither doth the weaknesse which the pest leaves on him , hinder ; because it is sufficient that he is not alike easily terrified , and that he doth not decypher the pestilent image of terrour in his own proper substance : and therefore other poysons of diseases are far more grosse than the image of a drawn-in terrour : for some hurt not , but under on open skin ; but others require to be eaten , or drunk . but the most rare poyson of the basilisk or beholding cockatrice , is sent forth by imagination directing the sight : but a pestilential poyson is framed within , by the proper conception of the archeus . other poysons are bewrayed by some sensible signe : but the pest alone is communicated by an unsensible contagion , even so as the foot-step of a man keeps its odour . behold how the image of sudden sorrow prostrates the appetite , how the image of a nauseous matter c●eates vomiting , the image of condolency produceth tears , the image of slow sorrow or lingting grief stirs up sighs , the image of fear generates the falling sicknesse , and now and then the palsie : therefore i elsewhere writing of diseases , have not in vain demonstrated that joy , fear , anger , hatred , and other passions and perturbations , do generate in us , their own proper and singular actual image , no otherwise than as terrour doth the plague : but the generations of these are the domestical and more ordinary off-springs in us . but the image of a pestilent terrour , brings forth a poyson immediately existing in the archeus , and draws its own matter from the same : and therefore the senses cannot conceive that image . the archeus therefore , having beheld a mortal enemy nigh at hand , being bred within , or brought to him from far , admits this enemy through his own terrour , and an image decyphered anew , and confirms him with his own character and substance : for our hand being moved to a carcass that died of its own accord , soon waxeth so cold through the flight of the archeus , that it at length scarce waxeth hot again at a long fire : yet dogs perceive not that cold , while they devour such a dead carcass , even as the dead carcass of a beast doth not much cool us : therefore the cold of an humane dead carcase is fraudulent and accidental , and doth more cool , than it hath of cold : and the carcass that died by little and little doth more cool us than the carcass of a person that died of the gowt , or of a sharp fever . yet since we discern by an engine whereby we measure the degrees of the encompassing air , that the cold of both these carcasses are equal ; to wit , the archeus being sorely affraid of death ( which the hand applyed to the dead carcass extinct by a long infirmity , perceiveth ) flieth , forsaketh the hand , neither ( because mindful thereof ) doth he easily return : therefore it is manifest , that the archeus doth perceive and shun death , even that which is before and out of himself . and as yet more , the ferments of putrefaction ( as in the cold fit of an ague ) being conceived or bred within ; and most especially those , which being received within his family-administration in manner of an image , do tend unto a formal transmutation of his own essence : because the poyson bred through an idea of terrour , is of the highest actual power : and the image of fear and also of dread , differs from the image of terrour , by reason of the formal activity of faith concurring , even as before i have noted . and moreover , although the archeus doth well perceive death , and poysons , yet he doth not well perceive the poysonous terrour , because he thinks it to be his own terrour , and a vain passion , until that by the fore-gone ferment of appropriation , he hath certainly known that that poyson was a forreigner unto him , which he had lain up in a part of himself , while he formed that forreign idea ; and so , with a certain destruction of himself , he presently expels the poyson from him : and i wish , that the power now inbred in him , were not communicated throughout the whole body , by what way it proceedeth . for so the poyson of a mad dog is in no wise throughly perceived by a man , as neither by his archeus , except after that it hath established a ferment for it self in the archeus : in the which then image of doglike madnesse , sin● there is presently an estrangement of the mind connexed ; hence the archeus conceiveth no terrour to himself in fury : for the stumbling in imagination , rather shakes off terrour , is rashly mad , and by the poyson of the mad dog is directed into an hydrophohia for the disease causing a fear of water . lastly therefore , the one onely poyson of the pest hath also the one onely beholding of terrour , and one way unto the grave , or unto recovery , by good , or unfit remedies . but whatsoever things i have hitherto spoken concerning the pestilent idea of terrour , i will not have to be interpreted at liberty : for a fear from enemies , from a thief , from a disease , from an hurtful animal , from a sword , do indeed generate an image of dread , but not a pestilent one : which image i have therefore denoted with the name of terrour , as distinct from an image of conceived fear , whereby a living creature is affraid . a pestilent terrour therefore , doth not here denote any terrour , or the dread of any calamity ; but onely a pestilent horrid poyson conceived in terrour , as well by the man , as by the archeus of the same . in this idea therefore , is scituated the essence of the pest , and the thinglinesse of this whole book . i confesse indeed that the images of any fear are easily changed into the idea of a pestilent terrour , even so as a woman great with child , deriveth the image of a mouse on the undefiled flesh of her young , yea hath sometimes transplanted the whole embryo into an horrid animal or monster : because , as i have elsewhere taught concerning formes , formal images do mutually pierce each other , and the latter doth readily draw the former into the obedience of it self , which hipocrates calls a leading of seeds whither they would not . truly to convocate a diversity of elements , and a combating assembly thereof for a mixt body , and likewise of complexions , humors , and conditions , inclinations , and studies sprung from thence : lastly , the divisions of climates , angles or quarters , ages , proportions , strengths , bignesse , and interchangeable courses , for a succour of ignorance , that hereby we may make the more , greater , and more difficult calamities , may increase uncertainties , may rule ignorances , may beget doubts , may patronize impostures , and promote despairs of life , is nothing else but to have laboured in vain . for the perfect light of sciences , is like fire , which burns up every combustible matter without exception . such a science hipocrates had in times past obtained . chap. xiv . the property of the pest . i have demonstrated that the passions of the mind do destroy the appe●i●e , as also prostrate digestion : in the next place , that the first motions of cogitations do obtain their own assemblies in the midriffs : therefore also i have dedicated the mouth of the stomach unto mercury , whereunto the heathens have attributed the sharpnesse of wit , as also the sleepifying white wand of truce : i have also said that the plague is originally conceived from the terrour of man , and that the air which being brought out of a pestiferous body , is carried into us , doth at its first assault rush into the spleen , which presently shakes out the same , and delivers it as it were by hand , unto the o●ifice of the stomach : from hence are dejection of appetite , vomiting , head-ach , dotages , faintings , thirst , the drowsie evil , &c. but the plague which is made in us , even as that which is drawn in from without , have their own inns wherein every one begins to rage : but as long as the idea of sorrow and fear do besiedge the tartar of the bloud in the stomach , and as long as the image of the terrour of the archeus is absent , the plague is not yet present . in the mean time indeed , it comes to passe , if they shall keep themselves the lesse exactly , that the tartar of the bloud being more and more malicious , doth at length terrifie the archeus ; and he stamps a pestilent poyson on himself . for plagues which are bred onely through terrour , are more swift , and much more terrible than those which proceed from an infected air : for this perhaps strikes many to the heart ; because the stomach , seeing at least it is a membrane ; yet i have placed the perturbations and first assaults , even in the orifice thereof , or in the spleen , at least wise , in that extream or utmost part of it self which lays on the orifice or upper mouth of the stomach ; and from hence a ferment is bestowed that is requisite for the necessities of digestion : but the schools themselves call the mouth of the stomach by the ftymology of the heart ; for a wound of that place , and a wound o● the heart , do kill with the same sumptom , and alike speedily : for i have seen many , whose head a strong apoplexie had made plainly unsensible and dead ; yet that were hot in the midriffs many hours after : for a bride in a coach nigh scalds , is saluted by country musqueteers , and the bullet or a musquet smites thorow the temples of her head , not a little of her brain is dashed out , and her head presently dies : but she being being brought to vilvord four leagues distant from thence , her pulse as yet afforded testimonies of li●e . is not also the vital spirit , being a certain ruler of the whole body , in the womb ? and the which is onely a membrane , after the manner of the stomach ? and the seat of far greater disturbances than the liver , lungs , and kidneys . truly the members in themselves are nothing but dead carcasses , but the spirit is the governour which quickens those members ; which spirit , and after what sort , god hath planted where he would . indeed i remember that i have often seen , that those who had the tartar of their bloud corrupted by some kind of fear of the plague , but without belief , or presumption of a contracted infection , di● undergoe an uncessant anguish and combating day and night , yea although they were wise , and laughed at their own perplexities ; yet they were not able , but that as restlesse , they would present the image of fear conceived , before their eyes : for they were like unto those who were bitten by a mad dog , who will they , nill they , have their imagination readily p●yable at the pleasure of the poyson . at length , in the very tartar of the bloud sticking about the midriffs , i have found a proper natural phantasie , which the image of fear conceived in the spleen , had feigned to it self : so , lascivious dreams do not always follow from the imagination of the fore-past day ; but for the most part also , from the matter it self predominating in the testicles ; no otherwise also , than as one that hath a desire ●o make water , dreameth that he doth continually make water : therefore the terrour of the man is the occasion of the pest , and the terrour of the archeus is the efficient cause of the pestiferous image and poyson : for it is as it were the father of the plague , the which , the poysonous image being once bred , although it may cease , at least wise , the plague conceived is in its own image : for if the terrour of the man were a sufficient cause of the plague , of necessity also the plague should always follow a pestilential terrour , which is false : even as also , in an in●ant , who is void of all terrour , the plague is received at pleasure : from whence it is sufficiently manifest , that the archeus himself being affrighted , is the primitive efficient cause of the image of the pestilence . the plague therefore consisteth of a defilement , to wit , of a contagion , in the swiftnesse of its course , in the singula●ity of its poyson , in the terribleness of its concomitants , lastly , in a difficulty of preservation , and curing . but indeed , i leave behind me the inquisition of that plague which is sent for a punishment by reason of the hidden judgments of god : the which although it be plainly above nature , yet in the mean time , the matter thereof is not a creature lately made of nothing : because it after some sort , enters the borders of nature : for the smiting angel stood not on a mountain , which the continual water of the air flowing over it , well washeth by licking thereof : neither stood he also on an high tower , and where notwithstanding , the sin of david in the lust of concupiscence , had took its beginning : but he stood on the hoary putrified threshing floor of araunah . so the angels in the revelation , pour out their vials , from whence the third part of men shall at sometime perish . the word , yea the beck of the lord can do all things , without a floor , a scabbard , a sword , vials , the effusion of poyson , &c. but such is the bounty of his piety , that he inflicts not such punishments nakedly by his word ; perhaps by reason of the perpetual constancy and irrevocable firmnesse of his word , nor also by evil spirits doth he send a supernatural plague , lest he should deliver the living into the hands of their enemies . at length , the plague produced by enchantments ( if there be any ) follows nature : for truly , the devil is not able of himself even to make one gnat , unlesse he assume the seminal beginnings thereof ; even as his magicians could not make gnats , the off-springs of the waters , of dust : wherefore also , they confessing the impotency of the devil , then cryed out , truly here is the singer of god! if therefore it shall at sometime be granted to the devil to form the plague , surely he drew that from the principles of nature : and the diabolical plague should differ from the natural ordinary one , in its application and appropriation : for he should more toughly apply the actuation and impression of the poyson , no otherwise , than as the bellowes doth at leastwise promote and heighten the fire which it made not : but he should appropriate it with a fore-going preparation , by the image of terrour drawn in and borrowed from his ●ond-slaves : and although such plagues should be more cruel , yet they should yield unto the same natural remedies . but i call them more cruel ones , by reason of their swiftness , to wit , the image of cruel envy had from witches , being over added : notwithstanding , such permissions should as yet be limited unto persons and number ; yea should be more easily expiated by prayer and alms-deeds , than ordinary plagues : to wit , whereby god taking pity on mankind , may the rather hate diabolical arts , and make the devil grieve at div●ne mercy soon shewn . but that good spirits are the framers of the pest , surely that is from great compassion , that we may not be beaten but under the command of obedience , by the rod of the lord , and not of angels : for god every where keeps a decorum : he takes sergeants and guardians , who have a native goodness , who keep friendship , nor can aslume a divellish disposition , for which they know there is no place in heaven . but before he would deliver sodom to the devil , he first deprived it of a few innocent persons . but the plague which ariseth from a curse , by reason of the extream anguish of mad poverty , by reason of a teeming woman that is forsaken , by reason of a wounded person , &c. is a plague of divine punishment , which surely is scarce supported by the beginnings of nature , and is easily discerned ; because it invadeth onely such places and persons cursed : and likewise the rich who sit in ivory seats , who drink out of guilded plate , who eat the calf from the herd , and the fat sheep from the flock , and do not remember their imprisoned brother jos●ph : because the lord adjures or earnestly swears the destruction of these , that others may as it were in a looking-glass behold , what it is to have pleased , and displeased god. but plagues which follow camps , and rage for the most part some moneths after a siedge , are not to be ascribed to the slovenliness of the souldiers ; especially if they shall begin a good while after the city is taken , as for the most part it comes to pass : for camps had also in times past their own , and the same impurities of souldiers ; but the occasion is that of the smell of dead carcasses putrified through continuance , which is infected with a mumial ferment : because that at this day , the slain are not buried as in times past , nor deep enough in the earth : in the next place , because they are hurt by an invisible bullet from far , which moves a greater terrour in the archeus than while spear to spear , and sword to sword were stoutly opposed : for neither was it in vain commanded in the law : that whosoever should touch a dead carcasse , should be impure , and that he was to be clean washed , together with his garment : and that the sun was not to go down upon the bodies of hanged persons : which things surely in a literal sence , are thus prescribed by god for the good of a common-wealth , least the mumial ferment should putrifie by continuance . therefore it is the part of blindness and rashness to be bewailed , for the bodies of those that are hanged to be shewn in a bravery for a spectacle , until they fall off of their own accord ( indeed a small profit accrues from thence for so great evils ) and it is all one as if the judge should say ; god indeed hath so appointed it ; but the magistrate hath corrected for the better : as if it had been unknown to god that the spectacle of an hanged person would be more affrightful to evil persons or offenders : therefore if god hath known this , and neverthelesse hath given an express command for burial , it it no wonder that punishment follows transgression as a companion : but god follows the guilty eternally as a revenger behind , and i wish the punishment were turned onely upon the transgressours : for to bury is a work of mercy ; but to shew the guilty hanged in a bravery is not that work ; according to which it shall at sometime be pronounced , go ye cursed , or come ye blessed . for truly , to bury the dead carcass of a condemned person , is a work of no less mercy , than to bury a prince : and this mercy is not so much exercised toward the dead party , as toward our neighbours , least the following stink should infect them : for neither to be buryed , doth profit him that is buryed , but the living : therefore the scope of divine goodness consisteth not onely in burying , but in inhuming deep enough : which particulars will be made more cleer by an example : for a dead falcon being cast behind the hedges , and half putrified , is devoured by a live one ; but presently he is taken with a most contagious plague of his own kind ; because the poyson of terrour being received within , smites on his archeus , by reason of a mumial co-resemblance infected with a putrified fermental hoariness . and the pest of the falcon is so great , that the pestilent falcon being brought through a street , insecteth all other falcons which are brought that way for three dayes after : whence thou shalt conjecture , what the dead carcasses of men , as well of those that are hanged , as of those that are carelessely buryed , may do by their odour ? for a dog eats not a dog , unless he be dried in the smoak , to wit , while the mummy hath lost the horror of death , through the estrangement of its tast , in preserving from corruption : but a wolf eats a wolf newly killed , but not a putrified wolf : whence there is a suspition , that there is something in a wolf which is superiour to a mumial appropriation : perhaps paracelsus supposed , that that was it , wherein the first act of feeling of an applyed object sitteth : peradventure also , for that cause , they have thought the tongue of a wolf hung up , to be adverse to the plague . and moreover , the dead carkasses of souldiers , are at this day to be buried deeper than in times past ; because the bullet of a great gun , or musquet makes a contusion , and then , it takes away some part with it ; wherefore , it produceth an open hole , and at length also , it begets a poysonous impression of smoak ; from whence , the flesh round about , presently looks black with a certain gangren , and it readily receives a poyson into it , if not in life , as leastwise soon after death ; to wit , while as through a speedy putrefaction of the flesh being combibed into the earth , a cadaverous , hoary or fermental putrefaction doth arise ; unto all which is joyned in the archeus of the dying-souldier , an idea of revenge , which is prone to putrefaction : from thence into the air , a monstrous gas , i say , is pouted out into the air , which smires the archeusses of the living with terrour : for it is with a dead carkass , just even as with horse-dung , which doth not putrifie so long as it is hot : but when it grows dry , and the salt-peter thereof hath departed from thence , the dung also inclines to be transchanged into the liquor of the earth : for otherwise , if the dung be restrained from putrefaction , through the be-sprinkling and stirring of horse-piss on it , and into it , it produceth much salt-peter . for behold thou how powerful a nourishment the mushrome of one night is ( for indeed a mushrome is the fruit of the juice leffas or of plants being coagulated , and near to its first being ; the which i have elsewhere shewn ) but after it hath assumed the putrefaction of the earth through continuance , how cruel a poyson for choaking doth it bring forth : we must therefore have a diligent care , that a fermental putrefaction doth not arise in the reliques of the last digestion : for indeed , the plague privily entred my own house , through a chamber-maid ; she forthwith recovered : both my eldest sons being sore troubled in their mind , shew an undaunted courage , and concealed , that they were vexed with a continual combat of sighing at the mouth of their stomach : and when as through the wiles and framed deceits of my prevalent enemies , i was detained at my own house under prevention of an arrest ; both my sons also , would not by forsaking me , go into the country : and since they had observed at other times , that they were refreshed by swimming , in the midst of summer , they swam thrice without my knowledge ; whence transpiration through the po●es being stopped up , both of them being forthwith devolved into a fever , together with a dejected appetite , pain of the head , and a catochus or unsensible detainment of the soul , with a pricking of the whole body , they died among the nuns , swearing that they would admit of my remedies : but after that they had received my sons , they refused forraign remedies : the eldest indeed , perished without any mark or signal token , even after death ; because his skin being cooled by swimming , nothing outwardly appeared : but the other shewed only a small black and blew pustule in his loyns : and the loss of these my sons , i frequently behold , as if it were present ; and thou mayest suppose that it gave a beginning unto this treatise . i leave vengeance unto my lord , whom i humbly beseech , that he would spare my enemies , and bestow upon them the light of repentance . chap. xv. the signs . i have hitherto written unwonted paradoxes : my understanding being without the moon , was drowned in tribulations : there was a matter most full of terrour , horrour , and of difficulties present ; a great reader uncapable of the best things , a darksom brevity of beginning , and a hateful novelty , although a very necessary one . but that which chiefly blinds us in the pest , is the want of an exquisite and unseparable sign ; to wit , through the admonition whereof , we may be able timely enough to prevent or withstand it by remedies . nevertheless , whatsoever created thing is in any place , it hath its own discernable signs , by which it may be fitly distinguished from other things : and these , those which do precede the plague , do accompany it , or soon follow after it . but those signs which go before it , do make for its prevention : but whatsoever signs do afterwards follow , serve more for others , than for the miserable sick : but the accompanying signs alone , do discern of the cure . and moreover , the signs of a plague to come , are decyphered in the heavens , if the firmament sheweth the handy-works of the lord in the earth . that the signs thereof are badly referred by astrologers , unto twelve divisions of causes , i have already before sufficiently manifested : but gaffarel hath lately described an hebrew alphabet , from the scituation of the stars , and authority of the rabbins , by an argument ridiculous enough , whereby the hebrews devise such wan signs : as if god had now , the rabbins only as his servants , unto whom he may communicate his secret counsels : for christians do not consider the shamefulness of those positions , who suffer such kind of books to be printed : for neither do the fixed stars change their places , that they may sometime describe these , and sometime other things to come ; the which , in the first place , is contrary to all astrology . comets also , the meteors trabes , dragons , darts , and other monstrous signs of that sort , being oft-times popular , have foreshewn popular plagues ; but not by a rational discourse , or theories of the planets , and much less by the alphabet of the hebrews : for irregular lights do not obey set rules : for the astrologers of jerusalem , although most skilful in their art , yet they were altogether ignorant of the signification , as also of the apparition of the star of bethlehem . for the lord will not do a word , which he will not reveal to his servants and prophets . amos . but of these things artificers have no knowledge ; because new lights have been oftentimes mortal , and oft-times have directly signified prosperous things : for monstrous signs do in the hand of the lord , make manifest his secret judgements , neither doth he manifest those but to whom he will : for truly , the conjunctions , oppositions , and quadrants of the stars ; likewise their eclipses , retrogradations , banishments , combustions , receptions , and other impediments , are supposed to be so regular , that they are sometimes described in ephemeres's for an age : but the pest is of things extraordinarily increasing , and those not necessary : but a regular mean is not a meetly suitable sign for an effect from a contingency by chance : neither therefore could the ephemeres's or planetary daies-books of brabu , foretel the plague in lumbardy , of the year . which was conceived from an unjust war , and the fear of horrour : wherefore , i attribute extraordinary contingencies or accidents , unto extraordinary contingent causes . i believe indeed , that the fore-shewing signs of the same are decyphered in the firmament , but not in the directions of the courses of the planets : wherefore i account those signs to be irregular , nor to be subject to astrology ; because the significations of those signs are granted by an extraordinary priviledge : therefore the signs of such a plague , are for the most part declared only to the servants of god ; as is read concerning jonas : but the signs that went before the destruction of jerusalem , were messages of the word long before prophesied of ; and so neither could the fore-told destruction be hindered , and they were directed only to the meer glory of god , the admonishment of the godly , and the flight of these . and moreover , israel ought to die , and to be renewed by generation in the wilderness , except joshuah and cal●b : neither could that thing be any way prevented : for the word of the lord stands unchangeable , with whom there is no changeableness , because he is not like unto man herein . monstrous signs therefore , if they do not prescribe a condition in declaring ( unless niniveh be converted ) they by nature promise an unavoidable effect . it hath also pleased others , to draw the births of monsters into the fore-shewing signs of the plague ; even as cornelius gemma , concerning his cosmocriticks or divine characters , doth by trifling , patch them together without a foundation . but who is he , who shall either know , or interpret the denoted fore-tokens of monsters ? for the plague being present , then indeed , and too late , every one draws significations at his own pleasure . and there are some who therefore abhor the coming of unwonted birds : but that sign either ceaseth to be natural , or that of the quails fore-going the plague of israel in the wilderness , shall cease to be a miracle : and let this be impious and blasphemous ; but the other impertinent to my purpose . others interpret this sign for flesh-devouring birds , for a future plague ; as if they were sent to devour the dead carkasses that were to be inhumed ; according to that saying , where the carkasses are , thither are the eagles gathered together . but the text is not read to be for future dead carkasses , neither to have swallowed them down , seeing they are wont to be most carefully buried before others : for the river rhoan at sometime carried away the dead carkasses of the plague at lyons ; but it infected the citizens beneath them : at leastwise , the clergy of lyons declared hereby , that the burial of the dead was to be observed , not so much for the health of the soul , as for the purse . the coming of birds therefore , living by prey , denotes rather a future defect of their prey in their own native provinces , and they should rather denounce by a monstrous sign , a destruction of war , than an imminent plague . but others divine the plague to be from the meeting with unwonted fishes ; to wit , they suppose the waters to be infected with a corrupt defilement , and for this cause , that sea-monsters do ascend into the waves : surely a ridiculous thing : for if the sea putrifieth through continuance in its saltness ; what water at length , shall wash away the defilement of the sea ? or why shall one only whale wandring out of his road , feel the hurtful poyson of the sea ? not all in a shoal , or many together ? truly , i know that the sea is not subject to a natural contagion of the pest , and that the monstrous signs of the heaven , and sea , are directed by the same finger , of whose unsearchable judgement they are the preachers , being declared unto his servants only : for the same lord is present , as well in the center of the earth , and in the bottom of the sea , as in the highest top of heaven . indeed all things do alike equally obey him , except the most ungrateful sinner . but surely , i do rather fear the unwonted raines of blood , of spots , or sparks , and likewise funerals brought down through the clouds , mournful sounds heard in the air , as also noises in burying places , &c. which things , seeing they are the admonitions of divine goodness ; therefore they are to be referred out of nature , that every one may seasonably look to the oyl in their own lamps : for neither therefore do i esteem those monstrous signs to be the works of the evil spirit , but against his will. truly they are freely given , and above nature ; neither therefore do they belong to my purpose . but paracelsus , as he had known a singular remedy of the plague to be in the toad , and frogs ; so also he writes , that this is presaged as oft as a great heap of frogs ariseth into a heap , which is to choak some weak or infirm one ; which being killed , it afterwards assaulteth another , until the number being thus diminished by degrees , every one at length particularly runs away : which things , if they thus naturally happen ; as they prepare a remedy for the plague to come , so also they denote it : for out of a gaul , even as also from an apple drawn out of oaken leaves , they write , that for the most part , three small living creatures are drawn ; to wit , if it contain a spider , th●● will have it portend the pest ; if a fly , war : but if a creeping animal , that it fore-sheweth famine . but seeing one of the three at least , is found every year enclosed therein , if not two , or all of them and yet , one of those punishments doth not continually follow ; therefore i refer such predictions among old wives fables . i therefore judge , that these kind of insects do denounce the difference of the leffas in the oak ( leffas is the nourishable juice of plants ) so as that a worm denotes the aforesaid nourishment to be putrified through continuance ; but a spider , a poyson to be moreover adjoyned to that putrefaction : and therefore , as it were a connexed and co-touching spider is every where almost in the whole compass of the earth ; the which being in the oak , portends not any thing out of the tree ; especially because in the neighbouring and co-planted trees , nor also seldom in the fruits of the same oak , those divers insects are beheld at once , in the same summer : yet i do not remember that i have found a spider and also a fly , at once , in the same oak : although a fly indeed , and a worm , also a worm and a spider : but far be it from a christian to prophesie from oak , and terpentine , for that is read to be forbidden by the lo●d , with cruel threatnings . but as oft as a new and rare stink of caves accompanies an earthquake , or an unaccustomed stink happens in l●kes , then endemi●al signs have occasional powers . these things of a future plague . but as to what concerns a plague being present , truly i could never by the pulse or urine , even although it were distilled , know the plague to be present . paracelsus indeed , ridiculously enough , numbers it among the diseases of the liver , and among tartarous ones , even as elsewhere in a treatise , and in overthrowing the fiction of tartars , i have profesly prosecuted . this man attributes an unnamed pulse to the pest , which he calls a fourth : but i , although i have seriously and often heeded ; yet i acknowledge my own unaptness , that i never found such a pulse : but i have well noted about the end of life , an unequally inordinate creeping , and at length , an intermitting pulse : but i have never found a fourth , or a sixth pulse diverse from the rest , from a peculiar bewraying of the plague , but a pestilent pulse different from continual malignant fevers , hath never offered it self unto me . the urine therefore , and the pulse , have never , according to my unskilfulness , discovered the plague : yea , while i more narrowly rowled over the writings of paracelsus , i knew that he was never present with one infected with , or about to die of the plague . in the mean time , the judgement of the plague , loads the conscience , as well in respect of the party afflicted , as of the family of the same ; because the pest doth by a certain similitude , resemble a pretor or chief officer in a crime , who requires a loss both of life and go●ds : and so , a rash judgement of the pest contains a crime : for to have known the plague by the shape of an unwonted fever , may be easie to another ; surely unto me , it hath been very difficult . thou wilt say , the pest is with a fever and headach ; but that is f●miliar unto other fevers : vomiting , and the drowsie evil doth oft-times accompany the plague ; but that is not altogether unwonted elsewhere : there are in the pest , buboes in the groyn , parotides or little bladders behind the ears ; those signs are not unfrequently proper to fevers that are free from the plague : there are also black spots in the plague , the which i have seen in women that have been strangled by their womb : there is also a purple fever , and likewise leaden pustules or wheals , without the pest : as also a carbuncle doth oftentimes happen without the plague : but as oft as many of those signs do concur , there is no difficult judgement concerning the pest : for a bubo in the groyn , little bladders , or spots , from the beginning , before much cruelty of the plague , do denounce the plague : so also a carbuncle , or bubo , and a very small tumour , is far more painful in the pest , than any where else , and they are present almost before the increase of the fever , and they prevent the suspition that they sprang from the fever ; so that those miseries of the skin , do go before in the pest , which in other fevers happen more late , as it were , the products thereof : a pestilent bubo , being as yet small , persently and out of hand , existeth as cruel , without pain of the member , and lessening of the fever , and paineth greatly . but if a bubo issue forth after a fore-going pain of the member , it carries the judgement of an unfit remedy : therefore , they are the ordinary signs of the pest , being already entertained , if before , or presently after the beginning of the fever , a glandule , parotis behind the ear , carbuncle , bladder , pustule , or spot , shall suddenly invade , and that with the greatest pain : for in other fevers they do not so notably pain : the place indeed is red , and swells before the malady be bred , which hath not it self in such a manner in the plague : and the pest is confirmed by vomiting , by an excelling pain of the head , by a deep drowsiness , by a doating delusion , and by a dejected appetite , if they shall suddenly invade . for the pest that comes unto one from far , being drawn in through a contracting of the poyson , enters as it were the pain of a pricking bodkin , and presently , with the greatest pain , marks the part which it strikes , with a swelling , with a wheal , with a little bladder , or with a spot : even as also , that which enters in by an odour , strikes the stomach and head with a suddain pain , or sleepi●ying anguish ; or stirs up the stomach it self , as it were a spur , unto vomiting : but if it springs from an internal poyson , it hath a fore-going fever , upon which some of the aforesaid signs do straightway succeed : but that pest which invades from a snatched terrour , is speedy , and is discerned by the testimony of the sick : but that which hath arisen from some k●nd of terrour of the archeus , but not of the man , and which lurks in the tartar of the blood , is indeed , in a deg●ee unto the plague , and breaks forth more slowly than is wont , and is easily overcome unlesse the negligence of the sick shall hinder ; yet its delay is the longer in the journey : for , for the most part , the accompanying signs of the pest are known timely enough , that the remedy which shall be prompt , and which shall be peremptory , may rightly perform its office . nevertheless it should be my wish , to know the pest in its making : for that which produceth its signates only after death , takes away a great number from amongst us , and destroys many families ; because it hath already become mortal , before it makes it self manifest , or be known ; because it hath first finished its task , with the hicket , fainting , and an escharre in some noble place : for they call this , the tragedy of one day ; therefore a diary or ephemeral fever : not that the pest hath the spirit of life for its proper seat , although there was never any plague which hath not also infected the archeus ; and so also , by that title , every plague ought always to be a diary fever : but whatsoever of the archeus is conquered by the pest , that consequently is by and by separated by that vital archeus . at length , that also brings most speedy death , which besieged the archeus of some bowel ; because the birds of death do continually fly from thence , which trample the rest of the archeus under their feet : for i wish , and wish again , that we may not know the pest too late , nor from the event : for a speedy death , although it may produce its own signs , yet it rather profits for the future , but nothing , those that are gone and past . for some , to this end , anoint the soals of the feet with fresh lard , they apply a puppy , which if he lick , they perswade themselves , that the chance is free from the plague : but others heat a piece of lard at the feet of the sick party , and cherish it for sometime under his arm-pits , or in his groyn , and they say , that this will not be devoured by a dog , if the plague be present , which thing deserves no credit : for the plague of man shakes not dogs , nor makes them nauseous : for truly as well dogs , as wolves , do without punishment , devoure the dead carkasses that are not wel enough buried ; as also pies , and likewise ravens . perhaps indeed , an hungry dog will not eat that la●d which was rub'd on the feet of his master , because it smells of his master , whom he dares not bite . but the germans call the root of the herb butterburre , or the g●eater colts-foot , the pestilential root ; because as the pest displays it self before a fore-shewing sign ; so the butterburre sends forth its flowres before its leaves . the pest also propagates it self , not so much by a seed , as by an archeal root . they also relate , that a saphire of a deep sky-colour , or citron-coloured jacinth , if it abide upon the painful member for a quarter of an hours space , so as that the light from the opposite part of the gem , strikes the infected place , and there collects its beams , that the place touched on , will wax black and blew within a quarter of an hour , and that it is an infallible token of the plague : but if the place shall in no wise assume a more wan colour , that the sick person is free from the plague . but i have always in doubtful cases , made use of a powdered toad , and that boiled in a very small quantity of simple water , in the form of a poultess ; whereby , if presently after , the pain in the escharre , carbuncle , or bubo in the groyn , waxed mild , i safely conjectured that the plague was present . for i sometimes beholding a [ mass ] of prelates and abbots , and their fingers to be adorned with precious stones , i conjectured , that they were in times past , obliged to visit those that were infected with the plague : but that now also , the gems of gems are born about , their use being neglected and unknown , the which i do conjecture . chap. xvi . the preservation . preservatives according to the ancients , are two-fold : for some ought to hinder the plague to come ; others also the plague being present , that it proceed not to cut down : but for the former , they have devised as well amulets or pomanders without , as antidotes within . but since the schools have been ignorant of the very essential thinglinesse of the poyson ; and indeed , that every pest whether it shall be brought to us from without , or next , shall be bred within , presupposeth the image of a poysonsom terrour ; therefore proper preservatives have never been known from a foundation . therefore among preservatives , i consider , . least the spirit of the archeus do conceive a terrour in us , or that from a terrour he do not produce a terrifying poyson on himself , or one brought on him within from else-where . . that a fermental and co-resembling mummie being brought to us from without , doth not infect the archeus the internal ruler of our mummie . . that whatsoever hath already in contagion become a partaker of the mummie , be killed , and departeth : therefore the least co-resemblance which it hath common with us , is to be taken away : wherefore some light poyson is alwayes wont to admix it self with every antidote ; to wit , that hereby the application and approximation may be taken away , that the archeus may be preserved free from contagion , or that he fall not down into the mumial nourishment , and from thence frame a tartar of the bloud to himself . in this last patronage of safeguard , antiquity hath been wholly vigilant , but it hath not been incumbent about others , because they were unknown : although this last preservation hath therefore become uncertain and without fruit ; because it hath rather respected the latter product , or seat , than the root or chief cause : when as in the mean time , a preservation from the effect , fore-going conditions being supposed , is fore-stalled as being in vain . therefore if we must treat of preservatives and antidotes to expel the poyson , as is meet , what things i have already explained concerning the causes , processe , and manner of making the plague , ought to be firmly fixed in our mind . the pest therefore either enters from without , and marks the place of its entrance from without , because it primarily affecteth it , or is attracted with the breath , and there passeth thorow the diaphragma or midriff , and causeth a pressure and perplexities upon the very bought of the stomach ; and in the same place cloaths the matter , which soon exhales from thence , and becomes infamous in contagion : and seeing that in nature every agent hath its beginning , increase , state , declining , and at length death , it must needs be likewise , that by how much the longer of continuance , and powerful , the corruption shall be , by so much also the more dangerous or destructive it be rendred : for the pest beginning , is increased with the diminishment and death of the man. for i a good while believed that every curative remedy of the plague was also of necessity the preservative of the same , because it is accounted a more easie thing to be preserved , than to be cured ; or whatsoever it performeth in the same kind , which is the more difficult , that it should also willingly do that which is more easie : wherefore i was greatly occupied in times past , with the care of diligently searching into medicines for expelling of the poyson , to wit , whereon the whole satisfaction of my desire then depended . but afterwards i diverted my mind to another belief , and considered that healing remedies had rather regard unto the extraction , or expulsion of the malady ; and that such remedies had not place in preservatives for the future ; to wit , seeing that which as yet is not , cannot also as yet be expelled , or extracted , yea not so much as extinguished : for truly , first of all , a remedy against the terrour of the man imagining , or of the archeus , is not in it self so much positive as negative ; and so the drinking of pure wine , even unto mirth , preserveth for the future ; because it so rules the imagination not onely of the man , but of the archeus , that the power of forming images perisheth : for so no man is poor or defectuous , as long as he is cheerful from a drinking of wine : and therefore the holy scriptures declare , that wine was made for cheerfulnesse , but not for drunkennesse ; because it is a powerful preservative : so that although the sturdinesse of a man excludeth the terrours from the imaginaion of the man ; yet a manly animosity cannot take away the terrour of the imagining archeus : for the aforesaid animosity or sturdinesse of mind , admits of a combate from a contrary opinion of the archeus : but mirth or cheerfulnesse introduced by such drink , neither admits of , nor acknowledgeth an enemy , as neither doth it undergo a strife , but excludeth them : but an exhilerating draught is more fit for the pest to come , than for it being present : therefore i grant also , that the preservative , and curative remedies for the plague as being present , are of the same company and intention , but not for a future one ; yet so , that preservatives of the plague as being present , do not serve , but in the making of its increase , but not in its product being made ; because of that which is corrupted , there are no longer preservatives , but onely healing remedies by extirpation . we must not therefore believe that bad antidotes , although they were the most potent poysons , could drive away the terrour , as neither the pestilent effect of the terrour ; for truly the poyson of the pestilence is irregular and different from other poysons in this , that it issues from the terrour of the archeus , as it were fire out of a flint : for if the archeus being terrified , yield up the field , verily the body ( which being considered in it self , is a meer dead carcasse ) cannot receive comfort . furthermore , if the archeus be so considered to retire , that a poyson enters in his place , and in this respect shall supplant the archeus himself ; how shall sweet odours and incenses prevent the poyson , especially if the very excellentest of sweet smels , are also capable of receiving a pestilent contagion ? therefore let it be a part of christian piety and compassion , studiously to contemplate with me , how blockishly and unexactly so many simples have been heaped up together for preserving , and curing ; and how much their unfaithful succours have deluded ten thousands of men , and their expectations ; because they have every where mocked mankind in a true remedy , by reason of the grosse ignorance of causes : for indeed a curative remedy of the plague being present , presupposeth that which a preservative remedy prevents for the future : therefore a proper curative remedy is convenient onely , as by slaying of the product ( which is the pestilent poyson it self ) it annihilates it in the matter wherein it resides : in the next place also , another curative remedy being conjoyned with it , is employed in expelling the subject of the poyson it self , which is to be attempted by-sweat : moreover , a third is that which takes away and lessens the co-suiting of causes unto their products , the which also hath in it the nature of a preservative . the pest therefore which is drawn in from without , from an infected body , garment , or place , hath indeed in it , an absolute and formal pestilent poyson , which presupposeth not a fore-existing fermental putrefaction , and therefore it suddenly invadeth with no fore-going complaints , and it utters future signes , but onely it hath need of an appropriation ; which kind of preserving in making of the pest , a rectifying of the air , familiar to hipocrates , conteineth ( of which in its own place ) no otherwise than as in a popular plague ; to wit , that the poyson it self in the air may be killed , and the air also , originally so disposed , that it suffers not the nourishable humour to be mumially corrupted , or to snatch unto it a fermental putrefaction . these things of a remedy for the future . otherwise , when as the pestilent poyson is now received within , it lurketh , and is unknown , and also is fitted and sealed in the archeus ; and that by reason of the singular swiftnesse of its poyson : but then , defensive remedies alone do come too late , unlesse they are also healing ones . first therefore every cure of preserving , is busied , that the body may be always actually hot , and kept in transpiration , and that the mind may be disposed unto a cheerfulnesse opposite to terrour ; even as i have already before cited concerning wine out of the holy scriptures : but what thou readest concerning the rectifying of the infected air , it hath respect not so much unto the air , as to the points thereof , to wit , in whose vacuities or hollow empty spaces , the vapour of contagion sits or floats . furthermore , those remedies which take away a putrefaction through continuance , and poyson out of the air , but terrour out of the mind , and lastly , mumial co-fittings or suitable coniunctions out of the body , these are preservatives : for the perfumes or suffumigations of hipocrates , freeth not onely the encompassing air , but also the air that is attracted inwards , yea , and the co-agulated vapour from the poyson , and together also from a fermental putrefaction , no lesse then as it hinders the mumi●l ferment from being applyed ; to which ends also , antidotes , zenextons or external preservative pomanders do conduce , which are able to kill the image of terrour , and pestilent poyson , in the proper subject of the vapour , or tartar of the bloud ; and in this respect also , to divert and hinder the terrour of the archeus . but if indeed the pest be conceived by a proper errour within , other preservatives are required , than when as we must live about infected places , or persons : but the plague being formed , moves the same to go with a speedy course in a retrograde order , from a poyson formed , unto a corruptive vapour : therefore also neither are amulets or preservative pomanders occupied about an inferiour and remote preparation of the pestilent matter that is to be averted ; but for the overcoming of the formal and ultimate poyson , and suiting of the archeus with the tartar of the bloud , in the one extream , and in the other , with the poyson drawn in : and so an amulet keeps a curative betokening in preserving ; yet it is excedeed by a curative remedy in this , that healing remedies ought not onely to kill the poyson ; but also to thrust it out by sweat : indeed both betokenings ought to concut in curative remedies : for othe●wise , in vain doth the body flow down with much moisture of sweat , if the tartar of the bloud be not resolved , but is rather continued by the continued terrour of the archeus . truly the causes , as well the constitutive , as the occasional one , being known , afterwards the indication o● betokening of things to be done , coariseth onely by the conduct of reason : for if a fermental putrefaction hath given a beginning unto , and caused the first disposition of the matter , places putrified through continuance , as also nourishments easily putrifying , are to be avoided . an open air is healthful to healthy persons , because it hath the power of an elementary consuming ; but the air as it is such , doth no lesse obey contagion , than other bodies , and it conteineth in its own magnal of the air , as it hath hollow po●es , the whole conta●ion ; the which at length by pining away in the same place , doth for the most part die , not but of its own accord , in the space of dayes ; and by an elementary power is spoyled of the poysonous seed of a ferment : for the seeds of things conceived , do by little and little decay in the air , as they being shut up in the hollow places of the air , as it were in wombs , do return to the last disposition of corruption , and the first generation of watery matters . all sorrowful things also , are to be removed , not onely because they are near unto fear and terrour , but especially because they do forthwith produce a sensible fermental putrefaction ( the mother of sighs ) about the mouth of the stomach . the places therefore , and objects of a sorrowful remembrance , as also such fellowships , are to be avoided , no lesse than sorrowful messages , and discourses of history : exhilerating wines are to be drunk , as also the more strong ales or beers ; because that by causing carelessenesses and animosities , they shake off grief , and terrours : but the cold air and winds hurt those that are infected , yea that are fearful and sorrowful after any manner , or whatsoever is opposite to exhalation and sweat : a washed house doth now and then indeed take away the fermental put●efaction and contagion ; and the wa●ery vapour hurts those that are infected ; therefore it were first to be dried . forty dayes shutting up , although they may increase the fermental putrefaction ; yet they take away the pestilent poyson , as it perisheth of its own accord in that space of time : perhaps therefore custom hath brought over those quarentanies or forty dayes enclosures , for any renovation whatsoever : for although swimming , or cutting of a vein , may seem to diminish the fermental putrefaction ; yet seeing nature hath laid up the bloud for her treasure ; it follows , that as oft as she shall perceive the bloud of the veins to be taken away , the archeus as it were fearing treachery , is disposed unto terrour , and draws the rest of the bloud inward to himself , and by consequence also , it calls the pestilent poyson together with it , into the inner chamber ; which motion is diamentral with , or directly opposite to sweat : and therefore , let as well the cutting of a vein , as swimming , be destructiue ; also all loose solving of the belly is to be avoided ; because so , the more crude bloud of the meseraick veins is made to putrifie through the ferment of the solutive m●dicine ( even as elsewhere in the book of fevers ) to wit , at the evacuation whereof , the meseraick veins do ●etch back bloud out of the hollow vein , and this out of the small branching veins of the body ; which motion is diametrically opposite to the curing of the plague . those things which i have ●i●herto spoken , are of the number of negative preservations , or they are admonitory rules of things to be avoided , which rules do not , yet , contain health . but among positive preservatiues , amulets challenge the first place to themselves , which obtain a proper faculty , whether it be for killing of the poyson , or else for preventing of the mumial appropriation of the archeus : both of them indeed are curative in the making of the pest . next a sudoriferous one follows , which is a rooter out of the plague , and of its seat , by washing off . again , the archeus being grieved and affrighted , straightway betakes himself inwards , fleeth as it were to his castle , begets sorrow and sighings , and the enemy being received within , increaseth venemous perplexities : therefore he is to be called forth unto delights , and by sudotiferous medicines : for sudoriferous or sweat-provoking remedies , are all of the same intention , and almost of the same weight , but at leastwise they differ in the degree of goodnesse . in the next place , in an antidote being adjoyned , i praise the potion of hyppocrates , whereunto i adde ginger , and the black berries of ivy ; because they are diaphoreticks which are acceptable to the stomach . also antidotes are to be given in generous or rich wine , and that presently after food , not indeed so much that the sick party may sweat , as that his body may be kept in transpiration : but let the food be light , and little ; for in every fever , and rather in the plague , digesti on faileth ; therefore let the more pure drink supply the room of the more large food : for pure or unmixt wine excludeth fear , cares , sorrow , and terrour ; and therefore also the chief preservative is establ●shed in confidence . indeed i do not here speak of christian faith or confidence ( although in spirituals , there is every where matter of great moment ) for they also who lay down their life for the sheep , do now and then die of the plague , other carelesse persons remaining safe : for their confidence hath either a defective rottennesse within , or some other obstacle ; the lord not working miracles , but for his hidden judgments . the faith or confidence therefore , of which i speak in this place , is the natural mean of animosiry or stoutnesse of mind , fighting against , and strongly resi●ting terrour ; neither is that faith positive i believe , but altogether negative , not abhorring , not fearing , yea neither therefore believing that he shall be infected : for as a pestiferous terrour hath a suspitious and fearful faith annexed unto it , that they have lately conceived something of contagion , or do feel a murmuring about the mouth of their stomach ; so the preservation thereof is a a belief that they have conceived nothing : neither therefore is it sufficient that the confidence be not terrifying ( which is a mean between terrour and animosity ) but it is required that it be operative , by not believing that they shall be insected : and that not by an inducement of reason , but altogether by a free power of animosity , and the meer mother of confidence : otherwise , children and mad-folks , although they have conceived no terrour , yet they oftentimes perish by the plague , for want of an operating confidence , which frames a preservative ot it self : for not to believe that one shall be infected , works far more strongly than the presumption of fear , not onely because a negative destroys more strongly than an affirmative builds up ; but because it together therewith , contains a privation , which is stronger than every positive : for we are those who proceed from an infinite nothing , and therefore our nature doth more strongly apprehend nothing , than something itself , from whence also it obtaineth rest to it self ; even as is to be seen in negative syllogisms , wherein the conclusion follows the negative , and forsakes also a particular affirmative connexed with it , that it may bring it self into quietnesse by a denial . for truly , the understanding being now degenerate , and naturally distrusting it self , in understanding [ this something ] of things , had always rather lay down in not knowing , or not being able to know : and that is the cause of fluggishness in sciences : therefore the belief requisite in terrour , for preserving , is positive , and therefore it ought effectively , actually , and ●fficiently to stand ; although with hope it concludeth negatively from the weaker part . a good man , in readily serving those that are infected with contagion , if by reason of the piety of his work , he hopeth and trusteth more in the goodnesse of the work , or of desert , than in a free valiant confidence on god , he hath a faith con-joyned with hope , and it includes an agony of fear and terrour : therefore he naturally undergoes an infection , unless he be preserved from elsewhere . but the confidence of this place is drawn , not so much from saff●on , or the exhilarating things of boasters , as from the cheerful drink of the more pure wine . women with child , also women in child-bed , or menstruous women , because they are then more restrained under the command of their womb , than under the conduct of the universal archeus , therefore they are the more dangerously oppressed with the pest : for truly , the archeus of the womb doth no way obey reason , or confidence , which is wholly vexed with confusion , and a sorrowful troop of disturbances : therefore the womb is to be comforted with the oyl of amber , and with amber dissolved in the best spirit of wine , and with the suffumigation of the warts of the shanks of a horse , being beaten to powder in a mortar . chap. xvii . zenexton , that is a preservative pomander against the pest. vvhich confidence , as it were the principal pledge of animosity , and mean of preservation , that the schools might stir up , the succours of idols , purging sacrifices , and exceeding mad idolatries have been antiently devised : things also were hung on the body , and carried about from without , which afterwards , in every religion were accounted for holy things , and the which , were even falsly believed by an hidden ( because an unknown ) goodness , to repel terrour , and sorrow . a zenexton therefore , seeing it hath for the most part , been devised for prevention of the plague , and doth also compleate a part of the cure ; therefore it deserves a singular consideration . for physitians have described diverse such preservatives , according to the desire of every one , that they might readily serve for a comfort to the sick , while themselves were fugitive helpers : they decree also , that amulets are to be hung on the body , the which , although for the most part , they could have nothing of virtues , at leastwise that they may from a ruinous foundation , perswade others unto animosity ; to wit , unto a be lief , hope , or some kind of confidence : for the pagans at first commanded the images and statues of their deasters or starry gods , to be carried about the sick : and then they came unto characters , words . seals or tokens , and to the talismanicks of gamah●u . afterwards the first monks of the christians , offered labels , and things to be hung about the neck , against the plague : and from that foundation , they perswaded the vulgar , to believe that the pest was a stroak immediately sent from god. i meditate therefore , that every natural work ought in nature , to follow its own means , as oft as all things requisite for operation are present : therefore i enquire in this place , into the fixed , firm roots , into the necessary and ordinary causes , for the obtayning of the effects correlative to such causes . others therefore interpreting the plague to be a punishment , have proposed unto people , unutterable names , writings , signates guarded with meer vanities , also polluted with unsignificant words , in bearing them about ; whereunto perhaps , they have joyned a verse of david , of salomon , or of some prophet . but paracelsus laughing at these vanities , devised other greater ones , especially those adorned with two characterisms ; yea and with lying seales ; and he again consents to those , which elsewhere , he derided with much taunting : but i have at sometime frequently noted , a sometimes ready sliding into hypochondrial madnesse , from these superstitions : besides these , there are some who forsaking divine names , do commend figures , lines , characters , words , the figures of numbers , and according to the pleasure of astronomers , the feigned seals of the planets ( to wit , the errours of the wandring stars ) under the name of pythagoras , of salomon the jew , or some other , they hitherto attributing more to the toyes of the heathen than to any sacred imprecations : for if happily any one who had saluted him that had the pestilence afar of , and had remained free from contagion , he now being the authour of trifles , had made it his priviledg of deceiving two thousand people afterwards by his toyes : for truly , i have taught there is no astral thing that in the pest , as well in the manner of its making , as of its curing : for i alwayes reject unfaithful , triflous means , and especially those which are unlawful ; because none that leans upon a staffe half broken , is preserved from falling , unlesse it be by chance : for although the terrour of the man be put off by vain remedies ) which otherwise infants want ) yet they are not therefore deprived of the terrour of the archeus : indeed they exclude onely the effect of faith privatively , when very much , and that onely for a little space , and they oft-times forsake their own confiders : for why , since they are known to be of no power . for paracelsus always made an heightned imagination , and strong confidence of great account ; the which when as he floating as loose and frivolous , i found to be founded on the sand , i could dot approve of , and that follies do contain a succour of preserving from the plague . paracelsus scarce trusting in mental trifles , converts himself unto a zenexton , which would undoubtedly preserve him that carried it about him , from the pest : but since he describeth not that preservative pomander for the city of stertzing that had been bountiful unto him , right would make us to conjecture , whether as ungrateful , he deceived that city , or whether indeed , he were ignorant of that zenexton . surely a remedy is in no wise to be hidden from mortals , in so great a destruction ; especially , from whence he might hope to deserve honour to himself among those that are present , and all posterity . men have been diversly mad about this thing ; for every one hath pers●aded himself that he hath catched the boasted of zenexton of paracelsus , by the ears ; and that thing hath so greatly pleased mortal men , that thenceforth they have exchanged names , the amulet of the greeks , with the barbarous name of zenexton : for very many have carried arsenick , orpiment , quick-silver , yea and mercury sublimate , and such like poysons of the veins about their neck , or the pulses of their veins ; no otherwise than as if the plague , and lice were chased away by one and the same remedy , but these kind of inventions being brought unto us out of italy , which is fruitful in presumption , jugling deceits , and subtilties , we strangers do adore and follow : for as p●sterity willingly boasteth , that it hath drawn the first rudiments of discursive sciences from the greeks ; so also , it hath hoped to learn the properties of poysons more readily from none , for the varieties , enlargements , and maskings of death , than from a nation frequently imploring the help of poysons ; for it hath believed , and falsly perswaded it self , that to hand forth poysons , and to cure the pest , had a neer affini●y : therefore our physitians returning from padua , with worship and reverence toward their professors there , some opinionating these men for their great learning , have hung quick-silver enclosed in the shell of a filberd nut , about their neck , and they supposed that they were safe , whom , when others saw to die , they married the former quick-silver unto arsenick , a spider or scorpion being added thereunto ; some whereof , inscribed sacred words on tro●hies prepared thereof ; that if one should the less successfully profit , the other at least might help . but i have seen in the camps of ostend , nigh the shoar , many thousands of men with such a zenexton , the plague being removed ; yea , and those who for every fifteen daies , embladdered their ribs by trochies of arsenick enclosed in fine ●●nnen bags ; and those are the medicinal tragedies , the final periods of an italian imposture . moreover , the jews and heathens , to wit , these from ignorance , but the other from a sworn enmity against us , do sell roots at a dear rate , to be born about by us that are rash of belief , as being deluded by a hope ; and they feign that first moses , and afterwards solomon , successively delivered those secrets by the cabal , delivered unto their fathers the rabbi●s : as wicked josephus himself , in his eighth book of the jewish antiquities , chap. . notably feigneth , concerning so many thousand books of enchantments described by solomon , no otherwise than as he malignantly concealeth the death of the little innocent babes under herod . lastly , our physitians , after that they beholding the disproportion of events , and promises , described sweet perfumes , and grateful odours , in apples , powders , and bolsters , and sponges continually smelling before their nostrils , they hoped that they should strain the air of the pest as it were thorow a sieve , from the exhalation of the spices , and so should kill or correct the poyson with the odour that was plausible unto them : as if the poyson should cease to be filled with the spic●ness , and should not enter the more fully , with the grateful odour its companion , and as if sweet smelling things themselves were not subject to contagion ; as though arserick , or wolfs-bane , being married to ambergrease , should cease to hurt ! as if the most odoriferous wines should not be presently defiled with a hoary putrified hogshead ! at leastwise i gratulate my own soul , that it hath never been ensnared with such childish delusions . wherefore , an amulet is founded not indeed in an excited imagination , or belief ( because they are those , which are the expert souldiers of another monatchy ) but altogether in an actual endowment conferred on things by the creator . first of all therefore , it is manifest from the premises , that sweet smelling things , gold , gems , christal , and whatsoever things are able to draw an odour , are able also , by the same law , to be defiled with the pest : not indeed , that i do altogether despise the medicines of the same not being infected ; far be it : for it is one thing to dispute , whether any thing be capable of receiving contagion ; and a far different thing , whether any thing can help those that are infected : for i have taught , that wine doth preserve from a future contagion , which otherwise , is in it self so defileable , that it brings the plague only by its touching , and drinking : but in a zenexton , there is altogether another method , condition , and property required : for a preservative amulet requires , that in it self it be wholly undefileable , if it ought to preserve for the future : and it is distinguished from other preservatives by that condition , from whence indeed it is known , what sort of zenexton is to be chosen , and what kind thereof is unfaithful ; the which i desire that thou thus understand : the pest of oxen is not that of dogs , or of falcons , and none of these is that of men ; yet the skins , or fleshes of bruits may be defiled with our plague , as that they may be pestiferous contagions unto us , although not unto them ; because the pest infecteth in an appropriation , or mumial co-resemblance : although the plagues of the last times shall take away from amongst us , not onely men , four-footed beasts , birds , and fishes , but also trees ; and therefore they shall be of another and more cruel disposition than modern plagues , which issue out of the bosome of nature : and likewise we are instructed by the aforesaid particulars , that the archeus of man , and of all bruits , have now and then alike dreadful fears , and that the characters or impressions of these , are formed into a pestilent poyson , or poysonous idea ; whence it manifestly enough appeareth , that the plague is not a poyson alike with others ; for truly wolfs-bane , the viper , &c. do kill oxen as well as men . therefore in beginning our zenexton or preservative pomander from stones ; the saphyre of a deep skie colour , and the jacynth full of a yellow golden colour , if it be leisurely rouled into a circle about a bubo in the groyn , and a pestilent eschar , by drawingly bringing it about from the region of the sun , or light , it causeth , that the same circle do afterwards become black , and that the rest of the poyson doth exhale out that way , as it were through a chymney . also if there are more glandulous knobs elsewhere , yet these do settle down , and perish together , and do follow at the departure of the drawn poyson : but i prefer the saphyr before the jacynth ; for neither is a saphyre in vain read to have been in the breast-plate of the priest , and the jacynth to have been excluded : for a zenexton was anciently , alwaies attributed to precious stones , and heathenism soon ingraved figures , numbers , and characters thereon : but since gems were not for the poor , for whom notwithstanding the vast goodnesse foreseeth with a large showre before the rich , and hath offered himself freely to be the father of the poore , i am not easily induced to believe , that these gems are the true zenexton of the plague . a chirurgion of spain , whose sir-name was guardiola , being chief chirurgion of the hospital of those that were infected in the siege of ostend , shewed me a piece of red amber , which he said had been his one onely preservative amulet for full three years space : the secret whereof was , to wit , that it had been rubbed on the seven principal pulses , even unto a heat , namely , on both the temples of his head , on his wrists , ancles , and on his left pap : at leastwise , i saw him to have been alwaies preserved , his other co-assistants being taken out of the way : but the pest was on a sandy shoare , and that for the most part molested with a windy skie , and with colds being exceeding destructive and cruel : but that which i find to be in amber , is not altogether to be despised : first of all there is in it an attractive faculty manifested and stirred up by rubbing on the place : and then , amber , although it be in it self transparent and gummy , yet it is the lesse strictly closed , and therefore is the more easily moved and altered by our heat . again , neither hath amber a limited power of drawing , such as the loadstone hath , which allureth iron , and not copper unto it self ; but a general one , and that without choice , so that which is drawn be light : indeed it is sufficient for drawing of the pestilent air , and poyson , if it shall draw any light bodies whatsoever unto it self . the signate or token therefore of this attraction , denoteth a preservative external remedy founded in nature ; and so much the more strongly , if it hath obtained an appropriation with a mumial ferment : for so i have oftentimes seen , that by amber dissolved in the spirit of wine , cures of poysoned wounds have been wrought , they being otherwise altogether desperate ; yea , even as amber dissolveth not , being co-melted with other rosins , or fat ( which denotes some singular thing to be homebred in it ) surely it demonstrates that the strange fable , and tumult of phaeton , and that the name of electrum or choice remedy , hath not vainly been co-incident unto it . let him laugh who will at the rubbings of amber on our pulses ; let him run back unto magnum oportet , and at least he shall admire at the rubbings of apples for the abolishment of warts , not without fruit : for truly , if a towel being rub'd on a pestilent bubo , doth snatch to it , and propagate the contagion ; why may not also frictions or rubbings for a good end , bring a mumial co-suiting of disposition ? who , i pray you , may not suspect amber that is rub'd on a pestilential emunctory : and if the poyson , why also by a like processe , is he not , at least in doubt , that it hath contracted a mumial co-resemblance ? for i remember that cheese being carried about under the a●mpit , and swallowed by a dog , it served instead of a snare or bait , and that he so left his own master , that he believed him to be carr●ed away by a stranger in a ship . truly if brui● beasts , will they , nill they , do feel this limitation of the mummy , and do obey it , yet they enjoy a much more free choice , than those things which from an archeal conception , fall under a zenexton ; i see not why it shall be wickednesse , to have attributed the same limitation unto amber : for it is a thing that grows unto admiration , being in times past brought unto us for the rosin of a tree ; at length being believed by others to be a mineral : yet is it sweat out of the danish sea : at leastwise nothing is more acceptable to the stomach , bowels , sinews , yea , and to the brain , than amber being dissolved in the spirit of wine . cease thou therefore to wonder , that so singular an increaser , being also endowed with so singular a comfortative and preservative faculty , and signed with so singular and attractive a faculty , is able to root out the pest from our places and members , for the comforting whereof , it grows by a singular goodnesse of divine providence : for neither doth it favour of all unlikelihood of truth , that amber doth by rubbing , attract an odour , by reason whereof , it is rather appropriated to this individual than the other : for it is plainly a porous and volatile gum , and therefore the receiver of a mumial odour , which ●t received by rubbing : for i have known a method , whereby the virtue of an herb , and animal , is imprinted on precious stones ; and so that however exactly they are washed afterwards , yet the imprinted faculty remains resident and safe : for a yellow topaz , as through a moderate heat of ashe● , it loos●th its yellownesse ; so by the heat of the sun it recovereth the yellownesse which it had lost in the ashes , through the same degree of heat . red co●al , by rubbing it on a woman that is sick of her womb , contracteth a remaining paleness ; but if it be rubbed on the flesh of a healthy woman , it recovers the ancient rednesse of its brightness . in the next place , glasses ( the most closed or shut up of solid bodies ) wherein the essences or magisteries of civet , &c. had been ; i have seen to have kept those forreign odours after repeated and tedious washings ; yea , and a glasse , so to have kept the attractive power of a loadstone , because a magistery of the loadstone had been framed in it . if therefore such things are wrought in a glasse , why not also in amber ? which by reason of its porous and volatile matter , hath it self in manner of a hogshead , which being new , reserves the odour that once seasoned it . therefore it 's no wonder if amber retain seasoning odours , especially if it be born about by the same person , whose mumial exhalations it received by friction . nor also is it of much concernment , if it divorceth the testimonies of the nostrils : for we also do not discern by a footstep , whose footstep it may be . for if the holy scripture do commend a great virtue in stones ; they do not understand that , of dissolved stones ( for the art of resolving them was not as yet then commonly made known ) not of the powders of stones being drunk ; the virtue whereof , being not co-mixed with the dungs , but for a little while , slides away in passing thorow the body . therefore the speech is of entire stones , which ought to be as well the attractives , as the expulsives of the malady , and therefore their virtue is commendable for a zenexton . if therefore a stone hath great virtue for the use of man , and the hardest of precious stones themselves , are by the testimony of the wise man , fruitful in virtue ; that must needs happen , by beaming into the body , which they touch at , well nigh , like unto the stars : and therefore also , amber , through its irradiating transparency , and a more inclining obedience of effluxing , shall in no wise be more sluggish than gems : and the faculty thereof , which otherwise sleeps , as it were bedrowsied , no wonder if it be stirred up by rubbings and heats ; especially because an adamant or diamond , although it lose nothing of it self , yet by rubbing , it also allureth chaffs : for neither doth amber draw chaffs or moats , unlesse it be first rubbed : for it is a signate , teaching , that frictions ought to go before , if the bedrowfied power thereof ought to be stirred up by a●akening it out of its sleep , and to influx it s ordained office of succour into us . at leastwise i testifie , that a piece of amber , as it resembles a gem or precious stone , yet can be much more easily attained by the poor man , than precious stones . and moreover , paracelsus highly boasteth of the invention of the magnet or loadstone of man , whereby he supposeth , that the pestiferous air is uncessantly introduced and so he promiseth more powerful virtues to be in his zenexton , of drawing outwards , than there are belonging to our feigned magnet of drawing inwards : but surely , that man hath seemed to me , to be ●ittle constant unto , and little expert in his own doctrine concerning the plague divulged in so many books , to wit , while he maketh the heaven to be the archer of the plague , and that this plague is nought but a wound of the heaven , as an angry parent ; which thing , if he judgeth to be true , that poyson at least is not drawn by our magnet , which is darted into us from so many thousand miles space : and either the magnet is undeservedly accused , while as it is without fault , and his zenexton is in vain directed , and hung on the out-side of the body , against the drawing of a feigned load-stone ; or he understood not the causes of the appropriation of a zenexton , or at leastwise , he might think that he had dictated but dull causes of the pest . to what end therefore , doth the remembrance of that magnet condu●e in this place ? the praise of that invention ? for truly , a zenexton hath nothing common with that magnet , nor against the same : be it so ; for let there be a magnet ( let us grant it by supposing a falshood ) in the heart and arteries , which without distinction drinks in the pestiferous poyson mutually co-mixed with the air : but if a zenexton takes away , or hinders this magnet , now the man is of necessity choaked , as being deprived of his accustomed expiring , for the necessities whereof , they will have the heart and arteries to be uncessantly tired or urged : but if indeed we had rather have a zenexton to be a separater of the pestilent air from the pure , that word containeth something beseeming a fable : because the zenexton should at least undergo the office of a sieve , and seperater , and supply the room of the archeus : but if a zenexton causeth , that our magnet draw nought but what is lawful ; then the zenexton should be the tutor and school-master of the archeus , to wit , that he may rightly perform his office ; unless happily , thou hadst rather have a zenexton to be distinguished by the name of an office alone , and so it should be equally infected with the archeus , and equally feel the contagion of the pest ; yea an external thing , forraign to the life , and perhaps containing a poyson , is now assumed with the etymology of a due archeus . alas paracelsus , the matter is far otherwise : for it grieveth the archeus of his own government : for neither is he intent upon fighting , or separation , in the pest , who himself is the only object , and one only workman of the poyson : but he prepares himself for flight , casts away the rains , as being full of a panick fear , and as being mindful of his own weakness , that he is wholly subdued by poysons , or the least infection of an odour , by the bi●ing of a viper , or stinging of a scorpion in the top of the finger : therefore he refuseth discretion , and being affrighted at the beholding of his enemy , opens the doors , and casts away the keys behind him , and presently admits of any one to govern : and so , whatsoever things do happen in a dead carkass , after death , are in their making at the coming of the pest . a zenexton therefore , only serves , not indeed for admonishing the archeus of his duty , and appointment , nor for dividing of the poyson from that which is harmless in the objects , much less for restraining of the natural attraction of refreshment ; but that it may kill , and annihilate the specifical poyson , which is conceived as well in the external air , as within in the archeus : but surely none of these hath need of a magnet , nor doth any way respect a load-stone . the invention , and end of a magnet , in a zenexton , was unknown by paracelsus : for a preservative amulet , for every event , if it should respect a magnet , it should not be of value , but in the case wherein the pestilent air is drawn inward through the arteries ( which i have elsewhere demonstrated to be frivolous in the treatise of the blas of man ) but not , if at any time it be brought by the breath , as neither where the pestilent poyson ariseth within : therefore the unknown zenexton of paracelsus , doth in no wise satisfie the necessities of nature , or ends of healing . but hippocrates hath seemed to have more neerly beheld the causes of necessity for a zenexton : he willing , that the heaven should make three local motions in us , to wit , within , without , and circle-wise ; he then naming the heaven , as yet by an undistinct grecisme , for the vital faculty : from whence successors thought , that the heaven is contained in us in a motion outwards , by a transpiration , that a forraign pest by that which is breathed in , may be hindered : for they say something , and from an unmindfulness , that the bodies of the infected are preserved in transpiration : but the same doubt , and antient perplexity , remaineth about breathing , and the framing of an internal plague : and in my judgement , a zenexton ought not to lock up the pores , nor to shut the doors of breathing , least the enemy enter ; nor to strive with the archeus : for strifes , discords , and brawlings , if ever before , at leastwise while the plague kindleth or rageth , is unseasonable ; especially , while the archeus failing in his courage , casts away his ●eapons . in the next place , neither must a zenexton be intent in the more outwardly separating , cocting , or preparing of the pure from the impure . but that it be wholly , after the manner of an antidote , contrary to the poyson already received : not indeed properly against the poyson it self : but seeing that its principal use is in preserving , rather than in curing ; therefore the virtue required in a zenexton , most properly consisteth in this , that it takes away the mumial appropriation and suiting , without which there is no contagion made : neither yet should it be a strange thing , if besides , it hath obtained the powers of a medicine to expel the poyson . and moreover , paracelsus relates many things concerning frogs , and toads , for the pest , yet all of them confused ones . in the mean time , he hath opened the earnest desires and eyes of many : for he asfirmeth that toads are convenient for women , even as frogs for men , and indeed he would have them to be hung up and dryed , and a stick being thrust thorow their head : he hath chosen no month for this act . at length , he promiseth that a toad thus dried ( but having prosecuted nothing of frogs ) being applyed to a bubo in the groyn , will so draw all the poyson of the pest into it self , that successively , even unto the fourth or fifth toad , they do all wonderfully swell : and so he conjectureth at the quantity of the venom by the number of the toads . he wil also have the dryed toad to be first steeped and mo●ified in rose-water : notwithstanding , either paracelsus is unconstant to himself , or he chose some other zenexton to himself besides the toad : for truly , he writes , that the toad is prevalent only in the pest of the groyns , and of women : but for other plagues , he useth other attracters ; and he saith , that the chief incarnative of the coelestial wound ( for so he calleth the pest ) is gold , and precious stones . first of all , i confess , that i have applyed toads unto buboes , and eschars , as well in the breast , head , paps , as elsewhere , as well in men , as in women ; and every where , not without a ready succour , and mitigation of the pain : but first of all , i never saw an applyed toad to have swoln in the least ; the which also , i therefore afterwards held to be ridiculous . and then , that of paracelsus is alike frivolous ; to wit , that the pest doth no where otherwise offer it self , than behind the ears , under the arm-pits , and in the groyn ; because the heavenly archer doth not smite in any other place : for truly , i have seen a true and mortal plague to have shewn it self every where in the whole body , not only by eschars , little bladders , pustules , and swellings , but also by spots and marks : therefore paracelsus supposed the same thing to happen unto a dryed toad , which befalls a live creature that hath taken poysons , and that is stung by serpents , or that is killed by the poysons of plants , and animals : as if the plague of man should be a poyson to the toad ; and if this should happen , the toad should not command the pest , but the pest the toad : neither also , doth a dryed dead carkass feel what were poysons unto it , while it was alive ; nor doth a dead carkass swell , being smitten by a serpent : for a dead carkass , if it shall not be sensible , neither hath it retained the efficacy of tumefying . therefore paracelsus was ignorant , that to swell up , is the property of the vital archeus , and that swelling proceeds not but occasionally , from poysons . i admired at the insolent boldness of paracelsus writing this thing : for a toad that is dryed , however he may be six hours steeped , yet he always is uncapable of tumefaction or swelling : for the delay of steeping in a swift disease , is full of danger and loss : i therefore have steeped him in a small quantity of warm water , who being applyed unto the paining place , hath presently asswaged the pain . truly , if any thing should exspire out of us into the dead carkass of a toad , which was there materially detained , it had breathed out the same way whereby it had entred into the toad : therefore swollenness is the action of the archeus of life efficiently , and effectively ; but it is the occasional action of the poyson , and the which therefore , can be none on the archeus of a dead and dryed toad : the archeus therefore , since he is wanting to a dryed toad , cannot be the cause of swollenness in that toad : for poyson ceaseth to be poyson in respect of a dead thing ; seeing poyson be-speaks a relation unto something that hath life . i know that paracelsus had no actual practise of the plague ; indeed , that he hath written many things , and those little suitable thereunto , he having promised most things from a rashness of belief drawn from the relation of others . butler the irishman , to my knowledge , had cured some thousands at london , of the plague , and afterwards , through the accusations of enemies he being deteined in the castle of vilvord , by my asistance obtained his liberty : for he had commanded a great toad to be taken after noon-tide , in the month [ called ] june : i hung him up by the legs nigh the chimney , and set a dish of yellow wax under him : atlength , after three days hanging , the toad vomited up earth , and some insects , to wit , walking flies , their wings shining with a greenish colour , as though they had been guilded : but presently after vomiting , the toad dyed : neither vomited he up any thing before three days space , although he hung with his head downward . but he said unto me , that i had remedy enough for the curing of forty thousand that were violently taken with the plague , and promised that he would shew me the hinge of the matter : but being suddenly banished , he depar●ed . at leastwise , i commanded these excrementitions filths cast up by vomit , and likewise the dead carcase of the toad being dryed , to be beaten apart , into powder , and with gum dragon , i formed trochies , which i have successefully used , as well for the prevention of the plague , as for curing of the same . afterwards in the month [ called ] july , in the decrease of the moon , i took old toads , whose eyes abounded with white worms , and hanging forth with black heads , so that both their eyes were wholly transformed into worm ; perhaps there were fifty worms in number , thickly compacted together in every hole of their eyes , whose heads hung out ; and as oft as any one endeavoured to go out , or to hang over , the toad presently , by applying of his fore-foot , forbad his utterance : but these toads being constrayned to vomit ( as i have said ) by hanging them up by the legs , i found to afford a most excellent zenexton or preservative● amulet against the pest : but i reduced the wormes falling down in the waxen dish , and together with that which he rejected by vomit , into smal trochies , the dead carcase of the toad and waxen dish being added thereunto : but the trochies being born about at the left pap , drave away the contagion , and being fast bound to the place infected , presently drew out the poyson : and the trochies were more ready , and of more validity if they had returned diverse times into use , than when more new : but i found them to be a most exceeding powerfull amulet or pomander for the plague : for if the serpent eateth earth all the days of his life , because he was the instrument of sinning ; the toad eats earth which he vomits up , all the days of his life : but according to the testimony of adeptical phylosophy , the toad bears an hatred against man , so that he infects some herbs that are usual with man , with his corruption , and that in hope of his death : but he differs from the serpent in this , that at the sight of a man , he from a natural gift conceives a great terrour or affrightment ; which terrour from man , attains for , and imprints on himself , a natural efficacy against the images of the affrighted archeus in man. for truly , the terrour of the toad kils and annihilates the idea's of the affrighted archeus of man , because the terrour in the toad is natural , and therefore radically , and throughout his whole body incorporated in him , even when dead : but the idea of terrour in the pest is only accidental and flowing . the toad therefore , being in his own nature , afraid of man , increaseth the image of hatred , and heightens his powers , that at leastwise he may privily hurt , and that like the pest : but this sealed property of hatred , and also of terrour , he carries in his head , eyes , and in the place of the power of concupiscence : therefore his head , and eyes , while he is as yet a living creature , are transchanged into live and true wormes ( such as are bred in cheese ) but that the extream part of their head looks somewhat black : for at length , together with his life , so great a multitude of worms fals out , because while he was as yet a living creature , the whole sheath of his brain seems to have been wormy : surely a terrible , and sealy signate , dedicated to the most terrible and of deaths ; health or safety from our enemies , and from the hand of those that hated us ( to wit ) a remedy . for truly , the hatred and terrour of the toad towards us , prepares a medicine of health for us : for therefore an hatred of us is proper to , and naturally incorporated in the toad , that he carries an idea of hatred wholly throughout his whole ; even so as the spittle of a mad dog , doth by accident the fear of an hydrophobia . but besides , whereby the terrour of us , and inbred hatred towards us , in the toad , may the higher ascend , and the more strongly imprint their images , the toad is hung up aloof , nigh the chymney , in our sight ; and therefore even his hatred and terrour increaseth unto death . but that the toad doth by his ownconceptions , generate idea's , i will by and by shew , by the sudden death of the toad himself : now at least , i will say that i have cast a toad into a lake encompassed with a wall , which on the morning following had dyed , swimming swollen , upon the water : but he had his back besprinkled with a frequent black mark : from which signal spots i conjectured , that he bears a remedy against the plague even the most cruel one ; to wit , the which after a speedy death , utters its own signs : and it addeth an hope , if he promise a remedy for the most fierce and speedy death , that he shall afford a much more excellent one for any the more slow death . but that young beginners may acknowledg with me , how much the image of hatred can work in this secret : it is before all things to be noted , that the pest of man reacheth not bruits , as neither that of them , him ; because no poyson operates without a ferment of the mummy of man , or the agreement of a co-resemblance : for whether that ferment shall flow out of an infected body , garment , paper , and pestilent air , or in the next place , ariseth out of us , and is shut up under the tartar of the bloud ; at least-wise , however it be taken , the plague cannot infect any one without the communion of a ferment . this poysonous image therefore , and operating image of hatred , in the next place , this seminal image of terrour in the toad , kills the mumial ferment , without which indeed the pestilent poyson cannot consist , enter , as neither be appropriated by us : this i say , is the manner of operating in a zenexton ; to w●t , whereby the communion of the pestilential air is hindered , as it deprives the excrementitious and evapourating tartar of the bloud of a mumial ferment : and it brings in the room thereof , a ferment , the taker away of the pestilent poyson , or an image which kills the pestilent ferment ; because it as it were in a moment , slayeth the mumial ferment , the fountain of contagion , or at least , the fewel thereof , to wit , if it be already present , and hinders it for the future , whereby it waxeth not strong , and it so kils the immediate subject of inherency , that it be not co-suited with our mummy . the ferment therefore , easily dies , if the seat of the pest be dis-enabled that it grow not ; when as otherwise , every ferment is the meer tincture of a certain odour : for neither is the poyson of the pest , wasted by the poyson of the toad , by an action primarily destructive and subduing ; but by a secondary action , as the pestilent idea of hatred , or terrour , extinguisheth the ferment , by whose mediation the poyson of the pest subsisteth , and proceedeth to infect : for seeing the poyson of the plague is the product of the image of the terrour of the archeus , stablished in a fermental putrified odour , and mumial air , this coupling ferment , the appropriative mean , and immediate subject of the poyson , is also taken away , and there afterwards remains onely a fermental putrified subject , as before , which is to be put to flight by way of sweat : whence it is manifest , that a zenexton doth at least prevent the appropriation in the first place , and also takes away the seat or essential thinglinesse of the poysonous idea of terrour . and indeed the lady of rommerswal toparchesse in ecchove , a noble , affined , and honest matron , related to me in candour of spirit , that she once beheld a duel between a spider , and a toad , for a whole afternoon : for this , when he felt himself to be stricken by the spider descending from above , and that he was presently swollen in his head , he runs to an herb which he licked , and being most speedily cured , his swelling asswaged ; from whence he setting upon a repeated fight , was again also smitten in his head , and hastened unto the same herb ; and when as the thing had now the third time happened , the spectatrese being tired , cut off the plant with her knife ( but it was the plantain with a narrow leaf ) and when as the toad returned thither the fourth time , and found not the herb , he most speedily swelled all over , and being sore sn●itten with terrour , presently died : but he betook not himself unto the neighbouring plants of the same plantain , and those frequently growing ( for the image of the conception of fear , and sorrow , produceth a speedy death , the hope of a most speedy remedy perisheth in a most furious disease ) for when he found not his own plantain , he who before encountred from a hope of presently recovering , forthwith despairing through fear and an idea of terrour , died . for from hence the great fear of this little beast is manifest , the greanesse and violence of the idea of dread is conjectured from the speedinesse of his death : for to be straightway healed , swell up , and presently die , do manifest that in this insect there would be a momentary and present remedy in the plague ; as also , that in the poyson , there would be every one his own conception of terrour , formed into an idea ; because such an idea keeps a duality or distinction with the life , and therefore also that supplants this . neither also hath a live toad according to my experience , afforded a zenexto● of any great moment : for the grain ought to die if we expect the fruit thereof : and it is convenient that the terrour of us be increased in the toad : for as our pest is not mortal , or contagious to the toad , so the terrour of the toad doth not any thing increase the terrour of the pest of our archeus : and unlesse the terrour ceaseth to be a certain conception , and be reduced into an active idea ; as it produceth not the poyson of the pest in the archeus , so neither doth it cause a remedy in the toad : for to this purpose it is required , not onely that the toad do die by reason of the fear of poyson , or of plantain failing him , and that he be slain by the terrifying idea of his own conceit ; but it is of necessity , that the toad perisheth by languishing , by reason of the ter●our of us , he being hung up nigh the chimney , &c. for then that deadly terrour being inferior unto , and co-fermentable with ou● archeus , brings forth an idea mortal to the toad , but profitable unto us : for it beats a co-resemblance with the terrour of our archeus , forasmuch as terrours do participate in a terrifying image . but because the terrour of the toad is not belonging to us , therefore it frameth a poyson against the poyson of a pestilent terrour formed by the archeus into the poysonous idea of the pest : for there is a most excellent preservative amulet in the toad , ordained for man by the father of the poor . consider i pray thee of the toad with me , in what manner he ariseth out of muck or filth putrified through continuance , between the chinks of stones , and there liveth without food , and grows to maturity for very many years : for a toad is not seldom times drawn out of the broken stones of paris , which was deteined there perhaps for the space of an age ; for neither doth he eat before he breaths : and the air being once drunk in , he at length undergoes the laws of death and diminishment : for before he breathed , he lived onely , and that by his own archeus . almost all other created things do putrifie in a rock : but the toad is nourished and grows to maturity in a fermental putrified liquour , within a rock or great stone . from hence also it is conjectured , that he is an animal ordained of god , that the idea of his terrour being poysonous indeed to himself , should be unto us and to our pest , a poyson in terrour : for as it is sufficiently manifest from the aforesaid particulars , that the toad is most disagreeable unto our co-tempering and suiting ; so the idea of terrour in the toad is exceeding pestilential to the pestiferous terrour it self in us . since therefore the toad is an insect , most fearful at the beholding of man , which in himself notwithstanding , forms the terrour conceived from man , and also the hatred against man , into an image , or active real being , and not subsisting in an only , and con●used apprehension ( even as hath already before been nakedly demonstrated concerning the idea's of a woman great with child , and likewise of a mad dog , &c. ) hence it happens , that a poyson ariseth from a toad , which kills the pestilent poyson of terrour in man ; to wit , from whence the archeus waxeth strong , he not onely perceiving the pestilent idea to be extinguished in himself ; but moreover , because he knoweth that something inferiour to himself , is terrified , is sore affraid , and doth flie : for so , in every war and duel , from an evident dread of the enemy , a hostile courage is strengthened . but so great is the fear of the toad , that if he being placed with a direct beholding before thee , thou dost behold him with intent eyes or an earnest look , for some time , for the space of a quarter of an hour , that he cannot avoid it , he dies through terrour . the toad therefore , being slain after the manner of paracelsus , he dying without terrour , is an unworthy zenexton . the archeus therefore , his courage being re-assumed , casts away dread , most especially when as he well perceives the bred poyson of his own terrour to be killed : for a zenex●on acts not after the manner of other agents , no otherwise then as the poyson of the plague is altogether an unwonted poyson : neither doth a zenexton act materially ; but the action of the same is spiritual and altogether sympathetical : for truly , the co-resemblance of activity , wherein the reason of founding a sympathy consisteth , is in the poyson of terrour conceived as well in the pest , as in the toad . but even as the poyson of the plague is irregular , having nothing common with other poysons ; so also a zenexton being exorbitant or rising high in the activity of a strange and forreign terrour , is a manifest poyson to the pestilent image of our terrour , together with a refreshment , confirmation , strength , and resurrection of the archeus : which activity of a preservative amule● , surely the schools could not contemplate of , because they have not been able to contemplate , that that of aristotle , not onely in the plague , but also in other poysons , is false . indeed the action of a zenexton is from the victory of the patient over the agent : for thou shalt remember that the terrour and hatred in the toad , from man the agent , overcomming indeed , but in no wise operating , are made , imprinted , actuated agents , and those brought into a degree , by the proper conception of the toad ; which in the aforesaid idea are as it were fugitive living creatures ; and therefore they restore the terrified archeus of man , and kill the image of the poysonous terrour . truly in single combats that are spiritual , there is altogether a far different contention , from that which is wont to be by appropriated corporal agents : the which i have elsewhere demonstrated , in removing the activities of contrarieties from the properties of nature . a zenexton therefore , is of a magnetick or attractive nature , to wit , acting onely on a proper object , while it meets with it within the sphere of its own activity . it might seem a doubt to some why the image of hatred in the toad is a remedy ; but why the image of hatred in a mad dog is a poyson : the reason is in the adjoyned idea of terrour in the toad , which brings forth an inferiority of poyson : for the one exceeds the other in the sturdinesse of conceptions , and therefore also of images : for a mad dog is bold , rash , and his sealed image enforceth its obedience : for neither is he mad , forasmuch as he feareth ; but he feareth water , as he hates living creatures : but the toad is an animal that is most afraid of us , and as from his inbred hatred towards us , he is badly conscious to himself ( divine clemency so disposing it ) ; so the images of those conceptions mutually piercing each other , and accompanying each other , do confer a mark of the greatest pusillanimity or cowardise dipt in the venome of hatred : hence indeed the image of the pestilent terrour is killed by the image of the deadly hatred , and our archeus is beheld by the image of the cowardly terrour , through the application of the preservative pomander , as it were in a glasse , and doth well nigh reassume the superiority which before he had lost : and therefore the idea of terrour in the toad , hates , and also the image of hatred terrifies the toad , from whence he puts on a poyson for our terror ; to wit , by both means , he kills the image of pestilent terrour in the archeus . there is indeed in spiritual things a primitive self-love , seeing that every original single duel of sensitive creatures , issueth not but from premediated conceptions ; but the idea of every ones conceipt , is formed in the imagination , and puts on an entity or beingnesse for to do somewhat for the future ; for as the images of motions to be made , do end into motions ; so also the images of the senses are carried , first inwards , for further deliberations of counsels , and they soon there degenerate into the images or likenesses of apprehensions , passions , or disturbances , and from thence they are carried to do something in the body , or out of it , and they slide and grow according to the directions and inclinations of passions : in this respect indeed , such images do limit the vital spirits , or the very operative part of the bowels ; according to an impression proper to themselves : which thing most cleerly manifests it self in the poyson of a mad dog , who if he were afraid of us , as he is afraid of water , would not do us violence , neither would his biting be venemous unto us . for the spider , scorption , &c. are wrathful little animals , and the which , if the strike us , they lay up they anger of their own poyson in us , or rather the poyson of their anger . a certain hand-maid now and then are spiders , not only the party-coloured ones of the vine , but also those black ones out of caves and moist places , and lived in health thereupon : wherefore i have considered that the spider is a fearful animal , while he is laid hold of with our hand , and therefore that he doth not bring forth a poyson , even as otherwise he doth , while he stings us in anger . from hence indeed , a scorpion being laid hold of and afraid , heals a wound that was inflicted by himslef . two things therefore in the toad , do offer themselves in the highest degree ; to wit , the image of hatred , by its poysonous quality , extinguisheth and blunteth the appropriative ferment , that the archeus doth not put on and drink in the idea of terrour that is bred : but the image of terrour in the toad recals our archeus , being sore afrighted , and adds courage unto him , that of a fleeing archeus , he may be made a putter to flight . there are besides a zenexton , some attractive remedies , such as is the water-cresse , with the juice of the leaves of the greater raddish , and likewise of red winter cherries , and figs , of each a like ●uantity ; the which being bruised , are applyed , and the skin is opened in manner of a ci●●le : also the herb napellus , a kind of wolfs-bane so called , the grape turned inside out or stript of his skin , monks-hood or woolfs-bane , being first boyled in vinegar , and then with a bruised fig , applyed to the place , do draw powerfully , and open the skin , of which kind of attractives , there are many sorts . chap. xvii . hippocrates revived . acertain man being familiar with a happy angel his keeper , intreated him , that he would beg of god , the remedy whereby hippocrates cured the popular plague of the grecians ; hoping that it would not be denyed unto the miserable christians , the which the almighty in times past granted to the heathens : the good angel said , hiprocrates , used sulphur , salt , and pitch : which answer left behind it the former obscurities : hence it came to passe , that that man afterwards said , there was enough spoken for these times . wherefore after a careful diligent search , at length i resolved with my self that sulphur in the age of hyppocrates was called phlogiston , that is , inflameable : by which etymology , diascorides soon after said , the best sulphur was denoted , from its own property , to wit , because it was wholly consumed by the fire . but because hippocrates named the hidden poyson of any diseases whatsoever , a divine thing , in diseases , and because he cured the poyson of the pestilence ( which is the chief and standard-defender of poysons , and ●● contagious diseases ) therefore he began to call sulphur [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] that is , a divine thing ; so that from hence even unto this day , sulphur is no otherwise written or named , than with the name of divine ; because it heals the pest : the which , as it was antiently believed to be sent onely from the gods , so also it was antiently supposed to contain a divine succour in it . for all bodies universally , even of remedies against poyson , and the air it self , are subject to a fermental putrefaction , and to the poyson of the plague ; and therefore they are a fit occasional matter for the plague . truly authors do batter themselves with a tedious disputation , whether salt be capable of a pestilent poyson ? whether a letter that is closed with a linnen thred , be a partaker of contagion , but not that which is tyed with a metallick thred ? i have bewailed the ridiculous fable of the italians , and their study of brawling : for truly , paper is no lesse capable of contagion , than flax , from whence it is made . silver also , gold , and the most cleansed glasse , and an antidote it self , may drink in the forreign poyson of the plague : but sulphur alone , among created bodies , resisteth a fermental putrifaction , and the contagion of the plague ; because sulphur alone being like unto fire , drives away all putrefaction through continuance , as well in hogssheads , as in places themselves , and blots out the foot-steps of any touch and odour : for so sulphur also takes away well nigh every scabbednesse of the skin , because it is an enemy to contagion : wherefore neither is it a wonder , if the pest being derived into the skin from an internal beginning , be also drawn out by sulphur . for since that in the whole universe , nothing doth more readily conceive fire than sulphur , because it is as it were a meer fire ; no wonder that sulphur demonstrates the properties of fire , which are to burn up all things , nor it self to be infected with contagion . truly i have seen in the watery tract of gaunt , a whole legion of neopolitans to have died of the plague , but there was in the same place a company of germans which ●inged their shirts with gun-powder , that they might excuse their laundresses , and also the lice : if any of these perished , it was by reason of the bloudy flux , but not of the plague : therefore hippocrates separated 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( that soundeth sulphur , or a divine unexpert or crude fire ) which is named in the shops sulphur vive , from the superfluous earth , onely by fusion . but it is yellow , which being once enflamed , burns moreover even unto the end , neither doth it contract a skin in its superficies , as neither doth it leave a dreg behind it worthy of note ; but being once enflamed , it wholly flies away ; and therefore was it named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or inflameable . for in the age of hipocrates , the manner of extracting sulphur out of the fire-stone and marcasites , was not yet made known : wherefore the sulphur of italy is better than our country sulphur bred at leydon . for the fire-stone exspires forth some arsenical matter in the boyling ; for why , the●efore arsenick is commonly called the fume of metals . hippocrates therefore , at first commanded the houses that were infected with the plague , to be perfumed with sulphur : for indeed sulphur while it is burned , and its heterogeneal parts are separated , it affords a black smoak , and belcheth forth a watery and acide o● sharp salt , which is constrained into a liquor , and is called the distillation or oyl of sulphur . in the next place , out of enflamed sulphur , the homogeneal part of the sulphur doth exhale , it arising indeed , by reason of heat , but being not yet enflamed ; and therefore it flyes away with the fume or smoak , before it can be snatched hold of by the flame ; for so , o●t of woods , oyls being not yet enflamed , do ascend together with the smoak , and affix a smoakiness or soot as yet combustible , unto the sides of the chimney : but sulphur thus flying away , together with its smoak , as it is in its former disposition , so neither in this place , is it of any valour . but since every seed of burnt sulphur is destroyed by the flame , for that very cause it is transchanged into a gas or wild spirit , which by reason of the properties of its own concrete or composed body , is an an●idote against the pest : for seeing that a medicine ought suitably to answer to the disease , the water , salt , smoakiness , or volatile floure of sulphur , cannot be the true remedy of the plague ; but only that subtile and almost incorporeal gas , which is therefore straightway comixable with our archeus : therefore that gas refresheth those that are affected in their womb , with its smell , but not the oyl , not the tincture , milk , or floure of sulphur . but after what sort thou mayest know that gas of sulphur to be distinct from the watery vapour thereof ; kindle a sulphurated torch or candle in a glass bottle , thou shalt forthwith see the whole bottle to be filled with a white fume , and at length the flame to be stifled by the fume : afterwards , keep thou the bottle most exactly stopt with a cork , and thou shalt see a sulphur to be affixed unto the sides of the vessel , and in the superficies of the water , if there were any in the bottom : but if indeed , after some daies , thou shalt put the same enflamed torch or bottle into the neck of the candle , the flame is forthwith extinguished by reason of the condensable gas of the sulphur ; no otherwise than as the odour of an hogshead putrified through continuance , stifles the flame of a sulphurated candle . but hippocrates perfumed all the wine which he gave in the plague , after this manner : he perfumed the pot or cup of a narrow neck , with a candle of burning sulphur , he powred in wine , to the filling of the pot a third part full , and stirred the pot being exactly shut , by shaking it a good while together , upwards , and downwards , until the wine had drunk up all the gas of the sulphur into it self : for medicines to be hung on the body , and amulets or preservative pomanders had not yet been made known : but he supplyed external medicines that take away weariness or faintness , in the room thereof , by anointing the body with greek wine wherein he had boiled the most fine powder of sulphur : but he besprinkled the same fine powder being dryed in the sun , on those that were in a sweat , and commanded it to be applyed with rubbings . but the pest , since it never wants a fever , and that the grecans saw the remedies of hippocrates , they began first , to call the pest , and then every fever , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or a fire ; not indeed , by reason of a remarkable , and necessary burning heat of fevers ( although it so pleased galen ) : for truly , they called the beginning , cold , rigours and horrours , py● or a fire , as well as a burning causon . for hipp●crates lightly ground sulphur with water , on a grind-stone , and being again dried , he kept it for his uses : but he gave twenty four grains of sulphur with salted , and hot wine , that he might provoke sweats : but he first made the salt to crack in a glassen pot , and presently afterwards , he melted it , by increasing the fire ; for else , salt containeth in it excrementitious filths , which at the first cracking , fly away , the salt cleaving asunder and leaping a little : these spirits do easily putrifie through continuance , and subject the salt to a fear of contagion ; for they are very forraign to the salt ; the which although they fled away a good while before the fusion of the salt , yet he made a melting of the salt , that whatsoever forreign thing was contained in the salt , might be consumed by the fire : for indeed , he saw that presently after the invasion of the pest , the appetite was prostrated , and then also , that fermentally putrified and burntish impurities grew in the stomach , from whence arose the headach , vomitings , loathings , doatage , the drowsie evil , &c. which would hinder the cure of the plague : therefore he took the common balsam of the salt of fleshes , which might overthrow the fermental putrified poyson , and putrefactions , by cleansing them away , together with a con●●●ing of the strength ; and he gave the wine being salted , hot , but not luke-warm 〈…〉 restrain the loathings of the stomach , and mightily provoke sweats ; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sulphur , that it might kill the plague as it were with its odour ; because salt clean●●●h , preserveth from corruption , and sulphur restrains poyson : but he prescribed this sweat for three daies space at least , yet oft-times he extended it unto a weeks space : but they did sweat twice every day , and at every tur● , for the sixth part of a day , if they were able ; on the first daies more , and on the after succeeding daies , less : for in time of sweating , he took away all drink ; but the term of sweating being finished , he fed them with barley-cream , and for drink , they had greek wine pitcht , wherein were a few grains of the aforesaid salt , and sulphur : but he laid the leaves of assara bacca , being steeped in vinegar , upon the bubo , unto the soals of the feet , and palms of the hands , which after every twelve hours , he commanded to be buried , because they stink greatly . it came to pass afterwards , that greece be sprinkled their grapes , divers times , with the brine of the sea , before they were carried to the press : for hippocrates perswaded that thing , that so , together with it , in●ects might be driven from the grapes : hence it is , that the wines of greece are salted even unto this day , the reason of this use being unknown . unto great buboes in the groyn , and marks , he applyed hot towels tinged in rich wine , wherein , as i have said , he had boiled sulphur . furthermore , he reserved a secret to himself , through the sight whereof , he attained to himself , divine honours : but it was the flesh of a viper , or or snake , which he cleansed : for the utmost part of the tail , and the head , being cut off , he stript off their skin , casting away the bowels , together with the gawl , he reserved only the heart , and liver ; but he drew out all their blood , with the vein running down the back-bone : but he boiled not their flesh after the manner wherein it is put into triacle ; but he exactly bruised the same , together with the bones , and aforesaid bowels , and dryed them in a warm oven , until they could be powdered ; which powder he sprinkled on hony being sufficiently clarified and boiled , until he knew that fleshes in boiling , had laid aside their virtue as well in the broath , as in the vapours : but he added unto this electuary , the spice of his country for to cloak the secret ; and therefore , neither was it made manifest by the angel. but the cure contains a mystery ; that as death crept in by the serpent , it self also , ought to be vindicated by the death of the serpent : for adam being skilful in the properties of all beasts , was not ignorant also , that the serpent was more crafty than the other living creatures ; and that the aforesaid balsam , the remedy of death , lay hid in the serpent : wherefore the spirit of darkness could not more safely deceive our first parents , than under the serpents skin : for perhaps they hoped that they should escape the death sorely threatned by god , by the aid of the serpent . hippocrates used also wine that was pitched : wherefore it is worthy our consideration , that spain is seldom afflicted with the plague ; not because sins , or filths are wanting , where there are almost no jakes's : it s a country , i say , raging with heats , imitating of , and co-bordering on africa : nor also , because their great men do cool their drink with snow : because , at least the rusticks and citizens should pay the punishment of their own sins , with the plague : but aegypt useth waters and fruits , from whence there is a fermental putrefaction in their flesh : but spain useth wine , and indeed that which is pitcht , because , seeing for the most part , they want hogsheads , they keep their wines in pitched hides or leathern jacks : italy hath wooden vessels ; therefore it doth not , as constrained , make use of pitch , and it is more frequently , violently taken with the pest : for pitch being applyed to carbuncles , is for an ease or comfort , and they are quickly opened ; for pitch imitates the blackness of an eschar . among known trees , the pitch-tree alone is made a torch , and by reason of its fatness , it presently dies , if but a little earth be added to its trunk : for god is liberal in his remedies , and that is proper to his goodness : for death happening by a tree , it hath seemed to be ordained for a remedy against death , unto man that was made mortal by a tree . the smell of pitch is familiar for a suffumigation unto very many provinces infected with the plague : for so petus affirmeth , that hippocrates had not one only remedy against the pest ; and that he was sacrificed unto by the athenians , as it were unto a protecting starry god. when as therefore , the greeks saw hipocrates to use a remedy known only to himself , unto whom therefore they attributed their life , health , and whole preservation ; they by degrees despairing , the use of salt , and sulphur went more and more into oblivion , especially if some years that were free from the plague , interposed : and afterwards , every physitian began to select divers medicines , hoping that his own was the antidote of hippocrates : from whence there was afterwards a standing crop of remedies collected , without number , for the most part , with empty ears . at length , from a slender senting of the praise of the viper , the composition of triacle arose , it being partly loaded with a confounding of simples , and their odours being partly dispersed in time of preparation , and they cast away the better properties of the viper in the broaths . at this day , the antidote of orvietanus is made of great account for thplague ; because he first dated to swallow any poyson unknown unto him , in the open market place ; which thing , the germans at this day perform only by the use of the snake : for they little distinguish the pest from other poysons , and have ●aken little notice , that against the will of the electuary of orvicta●●s , the plague notwithstanding , hath lately raged throughout all lumbardy : for i omit , that the pest doth radically differ from other poysons . quercetanus , and the writers of this sort , in their caco-alexiteries or bad medicines against poyson , and in their young beginnings , do dicta●e very many remedies ( whether boldly , or sottishly , let others judge from the roots of the pest supposed ) every one whereof is framed , not indeed from knowledge , but from thinking alone , and the author of them is worthy of pity , if not of punishment : for ranzovius concerning defending health , describes a saxenian antidote for his son , it being tryed divers times by me , but always in vain , because the poyson consisting in a spiritual image of terrour , hath nothing in the aforesaid antidote , which can radically overcome the same image : and therefore by reason of the ignorance of the causes of the pest● , any one hath devised many remedies ; and also , hath connexed many things unharmoniously together , against the poyson forreignly entring : indeed , all of them confused , without a method , experience , reason , and knowledge of the causes : and nothing having been at all devised against the pest arisen from the foolish image of terrour , and the perswa●ion of fear●ulness , afterwards , from the age of hipocrates , every physitian began at pleasure to select divers remedies , and to connex many things together , and much more than many , hoping that his own invention was that of hippocrates . in the mean time , the number of compositions increased , and by degrees , uncertainty supplanted the antient truth : and although an antidote which operateth about the effects of the poyson produced in the body , be to be greatly esteemed ; yet while it operateth not on the terrours of the archeus , and the image produced from thence , truly , neither can it bring help to the pestilent contagion ; or if any one do revive from the plague with those antidotes , that is not done but with an unfaithful succour : for in the plague , the archeus himself is well nigh bewi●ched with terrour and grief , and stamps a pernicious image on himself , which is the true pest ; from which , neither doth he voluntarily re-arise , unless by a singular power of nature , and divine grace . moreover , as i have elsewhere demonstrated in a particular treatise , that the first assaults of conceptions , do not stand in a free disposition of the will , but that they are framed in the midriffs ; so by arguments drawn from thence , i have fitly or exactly beheld , that the image of terrour , and indeed the plague it self , is formed about the jurisdiction of the stomach and spleen : and that thing , i seriously and by long leisure discerned , and have exactly confirmed from observation , by very many histories ; one or two whereof , to have repeated , shall not be besides our purpose . a certain young man , beholding his little sister to be be-spotted with a black mark , and to be dead , being sore smitten with terrour , presently felt a load about the mouth of his stomach , the admonitress of continual sighing : he daily used triacle , myrrhe , and the root of butterbur being adjoyned thereunto : he ate and drank even unto merriment : at length , on the twelfth day after the death of his sister , a fever , and deep drowsiness laid hold on him , and on the third day after , he died . a noble virgin , having suffered a colike burden , and anguish of terrour , at length , passed over restless nights with a dejected appetite , with sighs , and oppressions of her stomach , and a panting heart , a slow and continual fever took hold on her , with an uncessant strugling of fear , and hope : for as many deliberations of animosity or courage , and of free resignation , as she could make with her self , were in vain : meats also being despised , there at length , remained place fo● strong wine ; and that also she soon disdained ; neither also was she so greatly afraid of death , as of future doating delusions : in the mean time , she laughed at her foolish perplexities , or mournful vanities , and it grieved her self of her own ●olly : but the physitians had sent their own antidotes unto her , under which , the duel of her mind increased , no otherwise than as in those that are bitten by a mad dog , with their disease of the fear of water ; and at length , through the mortal ●orrow of the pestiferous terrour , she now plainly despaired in mind ; because she was she , who for three weeks space , had admitted of no sleep , with a perpetuak agony , and despairing of life , and yet was vexed with her self , through la full remembrance or knowledge of her own foolish strugling ; and opiates being administred , she found her self worse . at length , between the fear , and desiring of death , she plainly recovered by the remedy of hippocrates , in six hours space . in the mean time , i confess , and admonish by way of protestation , that i have plainly enough manifested the bosom of the remedy of hippocrates , that it may be sufficiently plain only unto the sons of art , and true physitians , and covered for the future , only to sloathful physitians , that are enslaved to gain , and to the envious haters of the truth . but i have declared , . the aforesaid histories , that plagues beginning , may be manifest not to be as yet seasoned with the pestilent poyson , and not yet to be accompanyed with a sufficient image of terrour , . and that the virtue of the remedy of hippocrates may from thence be made manifest . . that the first violent motions of confusion , terrour , and imagination , do happen in the midriff , about the mouth of the stomach ; to wit , in the spleen , whose emunctory is nigh the mouth of the stomach , and so that it is the mark of that archer : for in a healthy young man , whom the plague had snatched away in seven hours time , a dissection of his body being begun , i found a long eschar now made , to be , as at first the mover of vomit , and afterwards the authour of continual swoonings ; so also , to have given an occasion of sudden death ; even as in others , i have noted a threefold eschar to have been made in the stomach , ●n sixteen hours space . . that the master of animal subtilty , hath with his white wand of sleep , chosen the inn of drowsie sleep , and watchings in the same place . . and that the seat of all madnesse and doatage , is in the same place : and that thing i have elswhere profesly founded by a long demonstration . . that purging likewise , as also myrr●ed antidotes for the pest , are not safe enough , or worthy of confidence . . and that all reason , deliberation , animosity , resignation , consolation , argumentation , and all the subtilty of man on the contrary , do but wash the ae●hiopian , in the pest , even as also in the disease hydrophobia . . that the endeavour of preservatives is sluggish , as oft , and as long as the seal of the image framed by terrour , remayneth . . that such an image stirs up from it self , continual sorrows , and spurns at the phantasie it self , and drawes it captive to it self , no lesse than the biting of a mad dog , brings forth an unwilling fear of water , or the sting of a tarantula , the do●tage of a tripping dance . . that the comfort of sweating alone , is loose in such terrours . . that the idea of fear not being vanquished in the bowel , nor the dreg wherein that image sits , banished , it is in vain , whatsoever the magistrals , or compositions of the shops do attempt : for hydrophobial persons , although now and then between while , they speak discreetly , fore-feel , and fore-tel a madnesse coming upon them , yet they cannot but be driven into the madnesse of their own image . . that swimming is destructive , and whatsoever restraineth sweat . . that barley broaths , pulses , syrupes , and juleps , are loose and frivolous remedies for so great a malady . . that it comes from a bastard plague unto a true or legitimate one ; yet that the sick do often fail under the beginning thereof , before it sends forth its tokens : the which traiterous signes do notwithstanding , presently after death issue forth . . that grateful odours , the perfumes of spices , feathers , or shooes , do bring no defence or succour for the plague : for by way of example ; if thou seasonest an hogshead of wine putrified through continuance , with the odour of spices , or with any other odour , except that of sulphur , it remaines fermentally putrified , and it soon defiles the new wine which thou shalt pour in , as the former . wherefore sweet-smelling things do in no wise take away the terrour , and the poysonous idea of terrour , from the archeus being once terrified ; because they take not away the ma●ter of the poyson ; and much lesse do they kill that poyson , or remove the terrour from the archeus , as neither do they refresh the seat thereof , or comfort the part affected . for paracelsus commends unto the city of stertzing that was bountiful unto him , myrrhe being by degrees melted under the tongue , before any other remedies ; and boldly promiseth it unto the younger sort , for a preservation for . houres space : which doctrine notwithstanding , i have experienced to be false : for i have seen young folks , with the much use of myrrhe , to have been killed by the plague . myrrhe indeed , although it may preserved dead cracases from putrefaction , instead of a blasam ; yet the pest far differs from putrefaction ; no otherwise than as the eschar of a bright burning iron differs from putrified blood : and although corruption succeedeth in a carcass now dead , yet the poysonous image of terrour doth not properly putrify , as it doth most properly slay the vital archeus , and tranchange him into a poyson , with it self : for he bids that myrrhe be held in the mouth : as if the plague knew not how to to enter but by way of the mouth : therefore far more advisedly to have shut up the mouth in silence . truly the pest will abhor myrrhe , nor will it da●e to enter in through the nostrils , if myrrhe being detained in the mouth , doth dissolve : shall perhaps , the odour of myrrhe hinder , whereby the poysonous image is the lesse poysonsom , is not poysonsom ? is not hurtful ? for shall myrrhe in the mouth , repulse the plague from the archeus ? the same reason is alike frivolous and foolish for triacle , vinegar , &c. perfumed with odours . at length , let mortals know , that in healing , nothing is alike hurtful , as a rash belief given without a pledge , and truth . truly , the accusations of the sick , will at sometime thunder against the negligence , falshood , decietful juggles , rashnesses , and false wares of physitians , whereby people have been spoyled of their life . but i have discerned by the books of paracelsus , that he was a man rash in promising , unexpert in the plague , unconstant in its remedies , ignorant in its causes , as also ungrateful toward the bountiful city of stertzing . let his honourers spare me , that i am constrained to speak candidly or plainly for the truth , in a matter of so great moment , least any one in the plague , should put confidence in his succours . chap. xviii . the image of terrour sifted . i have hitherto produced the unheard , of poyson of the pest : to wit , that the soul , and the vital archeus thereof , are powerful in an imagination proper to themselves : but that that power of the a foresaid imagination , is to form idea's ; not indeed , those which may be any longer a being of reason , or a non-being ; but that they have altogether actually , the true entity of a subsisting image : which imagination surely , seeing it is a work of the flesh , and also common to bruits , as to us ; hence indeed , it is framed in the outward man , from which , nothing but [ this somethings ] being far different from a spiritual conception , proceedeth : but for-the obtainment of which subsisting entity , the archeus himself so cloaths his own conception ( which as yet , is a meer and abstracted mental idea ) in his own wrappery , or in a particle of his own air , that what he conceived in himself by an abstracted conception of imagination , that very thing the archeus presently arraieth and cloatheth with the vital air ; so as that afterwards , it is a subsisting being , to wit , an image framed from imagination . moreover , as there are diverse unlikenesses of conceptions and passions , according to the liberty of that protheus ; so undoubtedly there are also , manifold varieties of those same images , far seperated from each other , and the idea's of these , being cloathed with , engraven in , and having made use of the vital spirits , do diametrically utter forth unlike operations in us : and therefore the images of terrour are very poysonsom , and potent to defile the vital spirit bearing a co-resemblance with them , which unhabites as well in the heart and arteries , as in the very family of the solid parts it self ; to wit , the which image , and most powerfull efficacy thereof , i have already before , and many times elsewhere demonstrated as much as i could : i have said also , and demonstrated , that the same image is the essential , formal , and immediate essential thinglinesse of the pest : because that the plague is not unfrequently framed , from a terrour of the plague only , although there fore-existed not a material cause from whence it might be drawn . i have afterwards treated by the way , of the preservation , and curing of the pest by a zenexton , and remedies in times past used in hipocrates his time ; yet ●here hath not as yet been enough spoken for the present age , in order to a cure : for truly , very many difficulties offer themselves , which have not been sufficiently cleered up . first of all , the image of terrour is only one indeed , in its own kind , and therefore it may be difficulty understood , that the pest should be able by the one only and uniforme idea of affrightment , to afflict so diverse things , and not only in distinct emunctories , but equally , so distinct parts throughout the whole body , at its pleasure . secondly , and then , that the same image of terrour should be able only by its beck , to stamp products so different from each other : such as are carbuncles , buboes , escha●s , little bladders , pustu●es , tumours , tokens , &c. thirdly , in that the one only idea of terrour should invade and besiege , not only the external parts , but also the stomach , and likewise the head , &c. fourthly , that a unity of that idea , should sometimes produce a most sharp disease ; at another time , a disease that is slow , and twinkling by degrees ; elsewhere , a disease by degrees decaying of its own accord ; since such effects may seem to accuse , rather a diversity of the poyson , than an identity or sameliness thereof . fifthly , that the archeus of man being sore afraid of the poysonous idea of terrour , and as it were , a run-away , should have the power and courage of producing an eschar in the skin , like unto a bright-burning iron . sixthly , because doatage , i say , and watching , seem not to bud from the same beginning , with a deep sleepy drowsiness . but one only answer , easily blots out every such kind of perplexity : for indeed , every first conception , and the first assaults or violent motions of conceptions , do happen beneath the di●phrag●a or midriff-partition , which therefore are denied to be subject to reason , or to be in our power : wherefore that hypochondriacal passions do grow in the same place , every age hath already granted : and then , that the pest or plague is oftentimes immediately introduced from a pestilent terrour , none doubteth ; which terrour , as it is framed by the imagination of that place ; so also , the image of terrour is stamped , from whence the imagination hath drawn an etymology to it self : but such an image is not idle , or without a faculty of operating ; seeing none is ignorant , that most diseases have took their beginning from naked perturbations or disturbances . in the next place , terrour is not only the dread of the soul of man , and of reason alone ; but also the archeus himself is terrified , and wroth , with a certain natural fervency , and the illurements of passions . furthermore , terrour stamps indeed an image , the effectress of the plague , the mother of confusion and terrour ; but that image assumes not a poyson from an undistinct confusion of terrour , from a confused terrour , and from the fear or flight of the forsaking archeus : but as every serpent , and mad dog , produceth a poyson , by the conception of a furious anger ; so also , the terrour of the archeus is not sufficient for the producement of a pestilent image , unless the fury of the archeus shall bring forth a poysonous image , which also pi●rceth and is married to the image of terrour . hence indeed it comes to pass , that the pest is for the most part bred about the stomach , and doth there manifest it self by loathings , vomiting , lack of appetite , pain of the head , a fever , drowsie evils , and at length deliriums or doating delusions : for truly , i have amply enough demonstrated elsewhere , concerning fevers , and in the treatise of the duumvirate , that this houshold-stuff is conversant about the stomach : for an eschar is not made in a dead body , but only in live ones ; and so , from the life , and archeus himself ( even as concerning sensations elsewhere ) who being wroth , brings forth the image of fury , which was bred to change its self , and the whole spirit of the archeus , and the inflowing spirit of the arterial blood it self , into a corroding alcali : for the vital spirit , which in its first rise , was in the digestion of the stomach , materially sharp , and which in the succeeding digestions , is made salt , and volatile , doth formally degenerate , and is made a corrosive salt , and a volatile alcali , the efficient of the corrosion and eschar : for , for the madness of so strange and forreign a transmutation ( to wit , produced from a strange and forreign image ) whatsoever is vital in the very solid substance of the parts it self , all that , through the wrothful vital principle being angry and enraged , is enflamed , and brings forth divers diseases ( which are plain to be seen in the burning coal , in the persick fire , in a gangren , in an erisipelas , &c. ) it is manifest therefore , that from the same beginning of the archeus being sore affrighted , and enraged into a dog-like madness , it happens , that the plague is ●iversly stirred up , sometimes in the stomach , sometimes in the skin , glandules , emunctory places , and also , now and then , in the very solid family it self , of ●e similar parts , or bowels ; from whence mortal spots , eschars , and combustions do happen , according to the diversity of the parts , whereunto the archeus being full of fury ; and full of terrour , shall divert himself : but that the archeus being terrified , and a run-away , and returning as half in a rage , is made so hostile unto the parts his clients , over which he alone is president , the confirmation thereof is not elsewhere to be fetched , than that a thorn is thrust into the finger , which by the fat or grease of an ha●e , is safely expelled without discommodities , as that remedy asswageth the fury of the archeus : which thorn doth otherwise , stir up a great tragedy of fury : for the archeus brings forth a poyson in his clients , by his own fury , the which otherwise , a simple small wound would willingly be ignorant of . conceive thou , how unlike is the wound of phlebotomy , and the sting of a bee : and likewise the stroak of phlebotomy that is clean , how far doth it differ from the prick of unclean phlebotomy . it s no wonder therefore that the seat where the image of the conceived terrour , and piercing of the combined image of fury shall first happen , is hostilely disturbed , is furiously scorched ; yet oftentimes poysonous , tempests , are transmitted and chased unto the more outward habit of the body , by the implanted spirit of life , unto places i say , whither the latex or liquor of the veins tendeth of its own free accord , in time of health , or they are dismissed unto the external habit of the body : and therefore , whatsoever is to be done in the pest , that is to be cured with speed : for sometimes the image of the pest , is cloathed only with the inflowing spirit , and then medicines that provoke sweat do readily succour : but where the inhering and in-bred archeus conceiveth the image of his terrour , and fury in the solid parts , unless he presently resign up and lay aside the conceived image , unto and in the spermatick nourishment ( i have called that corrupt nourishment the tartar of the blood ) and produce a tumour , there is danger least it presently pass over into the very substance of the solid parts , which contains an unexcusable detriment of death : and therefore , that the plague may not take up for it self a tough inn within the body , we must procure , that the pestilent image do not long float within ; but that the whole houshold-stuff be allured forth , and fall out by sweat : for the carline thistle , is said to have been in times past , shewn unto an emperour , by an angel , for the plague of his army ( perhaps therefore called angel-thistle ) because the first rise of the image of the pest , stirs up drowsie evils , loathings , a fever , vomiting , and head-aches about the stomach ; but the herb ixia or chamilion , drives away sleep , and much more deep drowsinesses against nature ; and therefore they hope , that the extraction of fresh carline thistle , should not be unfruitful for the plague that is newly begun . the end. a table of many of the chief things contained in this book : the rest being referred to the contents of the chapters . a. what accidents properly are , & to what serving , &c. , . &c. acheldamah consumes a d●ad carcasse in one day . . . adam not cursed . . a demonstration of his fall . . what he generated after sin . . . why he and his posterity bearded . . adam's lust arose from a natural property of the apple . . no motion of lust in adam before his fall . . . of adam's understanding . . the praise of agnus castus . . . what kind of knowledge in the apple . . air not reducible into water . . , , . air the reducer of bodies into water . . . air the seperater of the waters . . , , . air is exceeding cold and dry . ibid. . . . air acts on the water without a reaction . . . a vacuity in the air , proved by a manual . . , , . it s magnal or sheath . . , , . it is imprinted with the seal of formes . &c. , . &c. what office it bears in minerals . ibid. . how it joyns to the vital spirit . . . air seperates sulphurs . . . it vola●izeth the blood . . , . air not capable of a vital light . . it doth not nourish the vital spirit . . . how the alkahest of paracelsus operates on bodies . , , , , , , , , . it is compared to the fire mentioned in macchabes . . . it s operation on a coal . ibid. it s aenigmatical description . , . the revealer of the proportion of light &c. . . the operation of the liquor alkahest one the cedar . . aloes hurt by washing . . . alcalies reduced into a meer simple water . . . how alcalies are made . . . the common-wealth of alcalies . . . alcalies why fit for wound drinkes . . , . amber drawes the virtue from vitriol without touching it . . . amber becomes a zenexton against the plague . . , , . amulets act by influence . , . an amulet against the plague . . . antimony in its form better than in its principles . . antimony observes an influence . . . how a sweet anodine workes . . no animal spirit in nature . . . a good angel never appears bearded . . . anasarcha by what produced . . it s cure . . the apoplexy hitherto unknown . , its rise . its seat . apple takes away warts . apostemes how made . . , , aqua fortis , &c. . aqua vitae , see spirit of wine .   how arcanum's do operate . . , , arcanum'● cure all diseases . arcanum's never go into nourishment . arcanum's i● some sort exceed the powers of nature . arsenick though never so well prepar●● is not to be inwardly administred . . . it is fixed by co-melting with salt-peter . . the arterial spirit of life is of the nature of a gas. . arterial blood exhales without a cap●t mortuum . . by what . . how an arterie becomes hard . . the arteries do not atract air . arteries attract spirit of wine , but no juicy things . . the archeus its constitutive parts . .   , its seat . , what it is in the beginning of generation .   , , the manner of its operating . , &c. its defects . archeus sensible of death . archeus receiving of evils the cause of our hurt . archeus hath an imagin●tion of its own differing from the mind . aroph of paracelsus . . , , aristotles four constitutive causes of things condemned . . astrology natural why preferred before the stellar astrology . . its supports or props vain . . &c. condemned by an experiment . . by a review of the attributes they give to the planets . ibid. astronomy slighted . . ascites what . . asarum by boyling lays down its vomitive force . . the difference of ascarides from worms .   its cure . ibid. asthmawhat . . , what the asthma consists of . . fro● whence the ashma ariseth . . ● twofold asthma . . , . . the asthma is a falling sicknesse of the lungs . . , . common remedies for the asthma vain . . the seat of the asthma in the duumvirate . the asthma not cured but by an arcanu●● . . a moist asthma from endemical things drawn in . . the reasons of the schools concerning the asthma rejected . , the grounds thereof . , , , a dry asthma is the falling-sickness of the lungs . . remedies for coughs vain in the dry asthma . ibid. vvhat remedies are fit for both kind of asthma's . ibid. , the ●ume of sulphur profitable in drinks for the asthma . , the authours intent to have burnt this book . . his breeding . . he read about physical authors . . how stird up to be a physitian . . the way he took to attain knowledg : . why he brake down the old received doctrines . . , , . his persecution . . his dream . ibid. . his challenge . the authors observations on his stomach being loaded . . . his visions . . , his vision of generation . his medicines never exhausted though he cured thousands yearly . what happened to the author upon the rasting of wolfsbane . . the author understood wholly in his heart , but not at all in his head . . the authors search into the cause of madnesses . . the authors di●●inctions of the office of a physitian and a chyrurgion . how the author was hurt with the smoak of char-coale . . how two of the authors sons died of the plague . of the search of the author after the tree of life . . of his dream . how the author cured himself of a pleuri●ie . . , b. balsams &c. made with hony . . barrenness from what . the beard bred from the stones . , , , , , . concerning bezoar . the great vertue of its milkie juice . be●s generated from a strangled calf and dew . . , of the virtues of the birch tree . the blas of the heart the fewel of the vita● spirit . blas of government hitherto unknown . . , , , . the binsica of the rabbins . . . the blas of man voluntary . . blas twofold . ibid. what blas is . . . defluxions of the bladder ridiculus . the venal blood exhales without any dead head . . , , , , . it s salt made by a mumial ferment . . . what operation precedes blood-making . . . how it nourisheth . . . out-chased blood the occasional cause of the dropsie . . blood never putrifies in the veins . . blood-making not hindred in the dropsie . . blood of the hemeroyds not putrified . . blood of a bull why poysonable . , . . of the difference between arterial and venal blood . . the spirit of the blood not in the liver . . . the arterial blood exhales without any caput mortuum . . . by what . . . the making of venal and arterial blood are different . in what time the bloud of man is renewed . the best part of the bloud the schools cal● phlegm . , an e●statial power in the bloud . , bloudy flux cured by horse-hoof fried . , of things cast into the body . with the manner thereof . of things breathed into the body . a solid b●dy not changed into another body , without reducement into its first matter . , bones broken cured by comfry . , ● , of the stone for broken bones . bone of the head profitable against the falling-sickness . , the emunctories of the brain . , the defects of the brain ●ise from the midriff . , of bread. , white briony resolves congealed bloud , and profits in the dropsie . butler . his wonderful stone . butler cured the plague . and by what . buboes and glandules terminated by sweat . burial of malefactors why n●cessary . why slain souldiers ought to be buried deeper than usually they are . c. in what respect camphor is said to cool . , the cabal first manifest in sleep . , , what each mans calling properly is . , a new catheter . of the operation of cantharides in th● living and the dead . , the original of a cancer . . its progress and cure. . . a canker in the stomach cured by a fragrant emplaister . , a cancer curable by a reduced frog .   , &c. of a country mans curing the cancer . catarrhs or rheums proved ridiculous . . &c. cauteries what . . the promises of a cautery childish . . nine conclusions against the appointment of cauteries . , a cautery prevents not a catarrhe .   the benefit of cauteries accidental . , whom a cautery may profit . , , causticks act not on the dead as on the living . , no nutriment from clysters . , cli●●ers unprofitable . the prayse due to chastity . why cheese loathsom to many . , chewing food well , necessary . ● , ● child-birth hastened by a potion . , black choler according to hippocrates subsisting in the midriff , if dispersed thorow the body , begetteth the falling-evil ; if into the soul madnesses . ● , what the choler of the schools is . , how it is made . choler wholly an excrement . , the bitterness of the mouth not from choler : the seat of choler not be found . no choler in nature . the incarnation of christ not according to the order of nature . chymistry commended . , it creates things which not before were , &c.   . , what one of its chiefest endeavours is . . it prepares a universal dissolver . chymical medicines adulterated by the cavetous . the degrees of chymical heat . , of that cinnabar whereof half an ounce impregnates a barrel of wine . whence the yellowish spittle of consumptive persons proceeds . , what a consumption is . , the remedies thereof . . of diseasie conceptions . thirteen conclusions from fire , pepper , and causticks proved by handicraft-operation , the power of cold as to reduction of bodies into water . , , , coughs whence . , , , ● purging in coughs condemned . , no true remedies found for coughs .   pose the fore-runner of a cough . , remedies for a cough the same with a pleurisi● . , concerning coral . , the virtue of its tincture coral by what it changeth its colour , and is restored by . coraline secret what . , , its preparation . ibid crabs eyes . their milkie juyce . observations on crabs . their virtues in wounded persons . , the ashes of burnt crabs against the madness occasioned by a dog. , cramps cured by mans fat . , what the crasis of a thing is . , the right way of curing . , d. the virtues of daucus . of desperate diseases . , a description of desire . contemplation of diseases . difference between death and a disease . death began from carnal lust . , in divine things the senses are to be cast off . , what a disease is . the difficulty of curing diseases concluded from the seat of the soul. of diseases according to their occasional cause . their division . how diseases enter the body . most diseases are centrally in the stomach . , diseases concentred in the vital spirit proved by dissection . . of the essence of diseases . , hitherto unknown . , , a disease is a real being . hunger no disease . diseases pierce the formal light. a disease begins from the matter of the archeus . the product of a disease differs from a symptom : how a diseasie occasion augmenteth it self . cure of diseases not furthered by anatomy . diseases varie in respect of a six-fold digestion . what the ground of diseases is . , , , , &c. , : , , , , lunar diseases their symptoms . , diseases produced by concupiscence . cure of diseases . the roots of diseases from the beginning . what the dew is . , . what it abounds with . , decoctions censured . defluxions of the bladder ridiculous . distilling without any caput mortuum remaining . , distilled waters of small force . distillation of vitriol . distillation of urine . observations thereon . ibid. distillation unfolds natural philosophy .   of diet , its uselesness as to curing . , &c. of the nature of diuretick● . , of the dispensatories of the schools . , th●ir hurtfulness . ibid. illustrated by two examples . , things externally applyed , operate under the sixth digestion . , a six fold digeston . , : what a depraved digestion produceth . of the retents of digestions , , , the digestive ferment what . , what things help digestion . ibid of the threefold digestion of the schools . , , there is as many suitable ferments as digestions . , . from whence the force of digestion springs , wh●t helps it . , . the first digestion . the second digestion . , , the second and third digestion are begun at once . , the third digestion where it begins . digestion in the stomach not a formal transmutation of meats . , when digestion may be said to be finished . ibid. the fourth digestion its seat. , the fifth digestion . ibid. the sixth digestion . , our digestions why attributed to the planets . supream of all digestions in the stomach . , death how it comes to ●e . , after what sort death entred the apple . , death followed sin . , death comes not from a dry habit of the body . death is from a decay of vital powers . several occasions of death . , drif what it is , and what required thereto . manner of making it . d●atages observed . , what drinks best in sharp sicknesses . , , the actions of the phansie from the duumvirate . , the power of desire in the duumvirate . , the harmony of life from the duumvirate , , fatness from the duumvirate . , the duumvirate . its power , seat , and works . , , , vnderstanding is formed in the duumvirate . why the spleen and stomach are called the duumvirate . , authority of the duumvirate . the dropsie anasarcha , whence . , its seat . dropsie unknown . not seated in the liver . how stirred up . what the efficient matter thereof is . the cure. a bastard dropsie . ibid what abstinence from drink may effect in the dropsie . of dungs and toads in the dropsie . , why drowned bodies swim after a season . , drowsiness as well artificial as natural helped by lixiviums . , the vanity of drying up superfluities , , of drunkenness . , of being drunk with new wine . , duelech of paracelsus . duelech is made of the urine . , three spirits concur for the nativity of duelech . its manner of making with an observation of the fountains of the spaw . what may be found in duelech . of the savour of dungs . , vvhere the forment of dung resideth . , e. earth , why not reckoned among the primary elements . , , ● , what the oxiginal earth is . ● , . 't is called the foundation of nature . . ibid. it breaks forth to light in some places . , the earth is a fruit of the water . , the various distinct pavements of the earth . , the diversity of soils in the earth . , in the last soil the wa●ers live . of earth-quakes . , , &c. it is alwayes a threatner of punishments . , ear-wax good for pricking of the sinews . eels bred by honey and dew , &c. , , , of the virtue of the liver and gaul of an eele . , an informative simil● of an eg. , , , the prayse of elecampane . , of the elements . the two elements water and air untransmutable . , , , their co-mixture no constitutive principles of bodies . , elements do not fight nor have contrariety . they cannot destroy each other . , electrum of paracelsus against inchantments . elixir proprietatis and its pr●paration . . elixir proprietatis not made without the liquor alkahest . of the embrio of a bull-calf its use . of endemicks . endemical things are drawn in by breathing . , the progress of endemical things . , the epitaph of an emperour . of the ephialtes or night-mare from what stirred up . , epilepsie whence stirred up . , erisipelas its cure. , , , essence what it is . , , and in some things not so effectual when separated . ibid. eve not cursed . , eve not appointed to bring forth in pain . , eve destowred in paradice . , excrementitiousness whence caused . , extracts their invalidity . , f. of the infection of a dead falcon. fasting when easily brooked . , fever not cured by phlebotomy . a fever hitherto unknown . thirst in fevers examined . , drink allowed in fevers . , ● , caution about their food . , flesh to be shun'd . ibid. whence cold and then hot . , : vvhat the sunochus diary and hectick fever are . seat of a p●trid fever . the occassional cause of fevers twofold . , , the cure. a diary and hectick affect onely the vital spirit . essence of fevers discovered . feverish matter swims not in the blood. the essence of fevers not from heat . the seat of intermitting fevers . the original of camp-fevers . the poysonous excrement in fevers included in the midriff . , vvhat a ferment is . , , &c. by what continued . ferments being different , do cause different operations . , , , no transmutation without it . , , why commanded not to be used . , its properties , &c. , , &c. the ferment of the plague . , there are double ferments in nature . , ferments the causes of transmutation . , the ferment of the stomach not from it self . ibid. ferment of th● spleen turns the spirit of wine wholly into a salt. fishes made of water proved . , fishes helpful to chastity . , fishes why long lived . , fishes bring forth without pain . , fire no element . , , , , , , , it receives not its nourishment from the air. , , , it generates nothing . , vvhat its appointed ends are . , its divers inclinations taught by positions . , its being no substantial body , proved by demonstration . , it is the vulcan of arts. , actual fire cannot subsist in a mixt body without consuming it . , what a flatus is , and its kind , , . &c. two irregular ones in us . . whence they arise . where made . . a flint capable of retaining the solar light . , , , the bloody flux how cured . , the quality of food doth not hurt , except where medicines are wanting . what a fog is . , vvhat a form is , and whence . , ● , &c. the distinction 'twixt an essential and substantial form . , , , , , a four-fold form . , fox lungs censured . , of the original of fountains . ●● fountains dispense the seeds of minerals and metals . , fountains not thickned by the air . from whence the best fountains do arise . of the keeper of fountains . ibid vvhy they are called sharp . ibid vvhat the sharpness of fountains proceeds from . , of the fountains of the spaw . , vvhat they contain . , vvhy a vein of iron is invisible in fountains . , . vvhy fountains are different in strength . , of the virtues of the hungry salt of the fountains , and how far they act . . vvhom they do not h●lp . ibid how they profit in the stone . , the qualities of fountains are relolleous and cherionial . ● , advice to those that drink of spaw waters . how the waters may pass to the midriff quickly . ibid how much he ought to drink , and what he is to take with it . , a frog how reducible to its first matter . , g. gas , what it is . , , , , , vvhat it retains . , galen ignorant of the causes of ulcers , , galen no anatomist . , , , ● galen never knew rose-water , aqua vitae , nor quick-silver . ●● galens errors about ulcers . , , ● galen ignorant of the latax . , vvhat the ga●l's use is in the body . , the gaul a vital bowel . , , it performs its digestion by a fermental blas . , the gaul hath the nature of a balsam . , it is taken so in scripture . ibid. , from what the gaul receives a ferment . , the generation of fauns , satyrs , nymphs , &c. , generation of tro●ts . , generation of man described . , , . ginger produceth sweat . , ● . glas turns into water under the earth , &c. , , , the globe is oval . , ● the best manner of drawing forth goats blood . , its wonderful virtue . ibid god made not death . , , , , how it came to be . , ● , , the essential image of god is in the mind . gold distilled over the helm . , its ponderosity is from its seminality compressing the water . , though reduced into the form of butter , r●zin , or vitriol yet useless . , vvhat it is rendred efficacious by . ibid gold and precious stones examined . purging medicines hurtful in the go●errhea . of the original of the gout . , , , the gout sometimes driven away by fear . , gout not from a defluxing catarrh , nor helped by cauteries . , , , gout distinguished not by heat or cold , but by a seminal essence . ● , the original of the gout and its progress . , the seat of the gout . of the curt , with an epitom● of the gout . , ca●teries and drying drinks ●ain in the gout . , , the action of government unknown produceth many errours . , grapes immediately eaten hurtful . , grass roots cannot cool the liver . , of gunpowder . , h. hares fat puls out a ●horn . . being dryed cures the bloody flux ● to what end the motion of the heart is . herbs and ●●rbarists why disesteemed . ● the schoolmen's way of judging of the elementary degrees of herbs , erroneous . . , , ● their sloath and errour in the search of their virtues . ● . . &c. why their preparation requirs much wariness . . , ● . &c. their properties distinguishable by their specifick savour . . , their time of gathering when . . , , the heaven gives neither life nor form , , , ● it doth not cause diseases . , , what is required for healing . ● , heat not the first 〈◊〉 of life . . heat not the proper 〈◊〉 of diges●ion . . ●● heat consumes not radic at moisture . ● heat is not the life . heat fails not for want of moisture . h●●●rhoids . their cure . from whence the pain in the head may arise . . ● what ought to be minded in applying remedies to the head . . of the effect of remedies applied to the head . . hellebor commended for the heal . . also for madnesse . . the defects that manifest themselves in the head cured by stomack remedies . . memory placed in the head . . ● a history of a woman infected with the pox . of count destaires being opened . of cardinal ferdinand . of a hydropical man. . , , of a boy troubled with the iliack passion . of a gas stird up by sal armoniack and aqua ●ortis . , . of a bursten man. . of a noble woman strangled by affects of the womb , . of a sonatours wife in child birth . . of a merchant's ascending the high mountain of the canaries . . ●● of an earth-quake at fa●●agusts . . of thunder . . of an earth-quak● . . of predictions deciphered in the stars . . of the authors chamber-fellows walking by night . . of butler . of several wonderful things . of the author . of a man with a quart an ague . ● history of crabs . of a preacher in england . of a duke being diffected . of a woman whose liver weighed . pounds . ibid. of a boy that a●e this own dung . . ● of a printer of bru●els that lived . days of his own dung . of a chymist that made vi●●gar yearly by the odour of the vessel . several histories of the distasted 〈◊〉 . , history of paracel●us his birth and life . history of groynland fishing . history of a speaking satyr . . , of the bignesse and long life of fishes . history of a young 〈◊〉 that cat much and ●●ded litle . . of the egyptians dead bodies . . , two histories of children troubled with the stone . history of a toad . history of an old man dying of the strangury . history of a man that lost his nose . . history of the authors examining of poysons . . severall histories of drowned persons . . , , several histories of asthmatick persons . . history of amatron that could not swallow . . history of an elder whose lungs were like a stone . . history of a man suddenly strangled by an asthma . . history of a man of sixty years of age troubled with an asthma , withdivers observations thereon . . , , , history of a maid cured of the leprosie and how it budded again . history of a bursten man. . of a lawyer that took henban seeds for dill . . history of the authors getting the itch. history of a snorting old man. . history of one dying of the plague . hony yields no ashes . . , , they that eate hony must abstain from rye bread . a quaternary of humors why suspected . of the weights of humours in diseased bodies . of the deceits of humours . , , it is rashness to suppose separation of humours the ground of health . hippocrates distinction of diseases . hippocrates described in a letter to artaxerxes . artaxerxes lievtenants letter to hipocrates , with his answer thereto . his letter to the men of coo● , and their answer thereunto . ibid hippocrates compared with galen . hippocrates potion commended hippocrates revived . of his remedies against the plague . the several kinds thereof . , i. of the occasional matter of the jaundice . the jaundice not from yellow choler . jaundice demonstrated by anatomy . a double vice in the jaundice . , ● the jaundice i● not from the gaul being stopped . the efficient cause of the jaundice and the cure . ibid there is an unnamed poyson in the jaundice . , the se●● of the jaundice . , the jaundice by a venom proper to it , produceth a dry asthma .   i●e , how caused . , , , it is lighter then when resolved into water . ibid. of the idea's of diseases . their piercing . eight propositions concerning idea's of the archeus . ibid silent idea's do prove an archeal idea . regular idea's are planted in the seed by the corruption of the generater . the birth and original of a diseasie image . idea's brought into the venal blood . the powerful idea's of diseases are framed in the duumvirate . of soulifi'd idea's . exorbitancies imprint lasting idea's : the original of diseasie idea's . the necessity of idea's in a fever proved . of the different effect of idea's . , , idea's of the soul pierce the womb . , the progress of idea's . of several idea's the cure . archeal idea's cured by opiates . what idea's are most lasting . ibid of a mad idea . , the force of mad idea's is from the spirit of the midriff . , the extinction of mad idea's . , , , of the iliack passion . , cured . the illiad of paracelsus what . , , , the image of terrour sifted . the image of the mind . the image of god. of the immortality of adam . imagination how it comes to be . to what to be attributed . and where seated . ibid the distinction of incli●ations . , , &c. remedies against inchantmens . the intellect is a formal light . . the nourishing of an infant for long life . the property of irish oak . . . the faculties of a vein of iron and what it performs . . how it profits in the stone . . issues how they sometimes profit . . how the author got the itch with his practise on himself . . , , thirteen conclusions from the same . . iuyces how preserved uncorrupt . . , ● , k. of the wandring keeper . why so called . . what he performs . . , , . how he erreth . his restoring di●●icult . . how the kings-evil is bred . a remedy for the same . . kidney judge of the dropsie . it conceives the dropsie . kidneys differ the urine from the latex , alone . what it is brings peace to the kidneys . kermes examined . l. latex is not the urine . latex seperated from the venal blood receives the disposition of an excrement . its ordination . latex what it is . , the distinction of the latex from urine and sweat . . the absurdities that follow the ignorance of the latex . ●bid . , of the several uses of the latex . . , the necessity of the latex . . the vices of the latex . ibid. latex easily receives a forreign guest . diseases arising sometimes from the latex , how cured . . laudanum without opium cures several distempers . why the land of promise hot . , lead , how reducible into gas. . leprosie what . what the l●prosie infects by . difficulty of its cure . of the bu●ding of the leprosie after curation . what leff as is . . of the manifold life of man. of the middle life of things , &c. . . &c. impediments of life . how the life of things is changed . . the middle life of things abides with us . . , , , of the spirit of life . what life is . what resembles life . of light , &c. . its beams being united is true and actual fire , ibid. t is to be understood of the suns light . , , , it is no element . ibid. the difference 'twixt it and the formal light . . of its being retained in a flint . . , of the extinction of life . . what places most conduce to long life . . light in us is hot in fishes cold . . of short life . what may occasion it . harmony of life from the duumvirate . the liver never hotter than needfull . . liver not the seat of the dropsie . the shop of sanguification is not in the liver . . it performs its digestion by a fermental blas . ibid. of the different operation of the loadstone . the medicinal faculty of the loadstone . . loadstone dir●cts it self but is not drawn . , , , , the properties of the loadstone laid asleep by garlick . the same performed by mercury . ibid why glassmakers use the loadstone . logick deciphered and condemned . . , &c. long life impeded by milk. what love is . , love is before desire . the excellency of love-desire . . , , a lunar tribute . ● ludus its preparation and where to be found . , the original of the lues venerea . . lues venerea consists not of matter but of a ferm●ntal odour . carnal lust not from the reines . . but from the stomach . ibid. the diseases of the lungs whence they a rise . . with what their ulcers are cured . , why they disburden themselves by spitting . ibid. they are unmoveable . ibid. . &c. their use . , the vanity of ecligmaes in these distempers , . burdened by perfumes . , a corrupt imposthume in them broken attended on by death . , their difficulty of cure . , remedies applyed to the head for the diseases of the lungs unprofitable . . , m. sign of madness . , , concerning madnesses . , the first and second degrees of madness . , , , the occasion of madness in the midriff . , , , , , , , , madness not cured by opiates . , , madness difficult to be understood . , vvhy a mad man feels no cold . , how madness is propagated by biting , &c.   't is not proper to the mind . , of the cure . , , , , , maiden hair good against inchantments . vvhere the magical power in man is seated . the magick of man when most powerful . the first degree of power dwelleth magically in the forms of the three principles , of the magick of bruits . , humane imagination the foundation of natural magick . , magisteries commended . , of the magnetick faculty . marrow more in old creatures then young . vvhat magnum oportet is . the power of magnetism . , , , magnetism not superstitious . ibid. vvhat diseases have been cured by magnetism . , vitriol dies through magnetism . , the magnetism of mummy proved to reach from italy to bruxels . ibid. of the magnetism of the ●●●line thistle ibid. the magnetism of philtrous mummies . the magnetick force of arsmart , comfrey , &c. in curing vlcers . , asarabacca and elder are magnetical . ibid. of the mumial magnetism impressed on a chair . ibid. the saphir an imitater of the magnetick unguent . , magnetism is a heavenly quality . , god approves of the magnetism of the unguent by reliques . , how glass becomes magnetical . , rosin magnetical . ibid. the cause of magnetism in the unguent . , vvhen the magnetick unguent is brought into action . , the magnetism of the eagle . , by what the power of the magnetick unguent becomes efficacious . , magnetism not exercised by satan . ibid. spirits the patrons of magnetism . , , , the magnetism of things are made by a natural sensation . how magnetism differs from other properties . , the virtue of the magnetick unguent from the composition , not the phansie of the composer . , the magnetism of red coral . the definition of a man. man in his whole substance the image of god. how he hath a likeness of the heavens . the medicines of the shops vain . , the property of a true one . , its extent . , medicine the most ●ccult and intricate of sciences . purging deceives the unwary . force of medicines in their odour . in what the virtue of a medicine is seated . , metals , why hard to be reduced , &c. , vvhen reduced , they have in them planetary virtues . , of the internal mercury of metals , and its property , &c. , mercury's wonderful property the outward sulphur being severed from it . , , , it hath an internal preservative sulphur . , the simplicity of the mercury of a metal . , , &c. why mercury is immortal . , , the mouth of the stomach dedicated to mercury . of mercurius vitae . , memory why placed in the head . , memory what . menstrues their description , use , &c. , , , what the material cause of a meteor is . , mettallus massculus described . metals exceed plants and minerals in healing . metals have the internal faculty of glasse . metalline glasses appease the archeus . the original and progresse of metals .   mercurius diaphoreticus though undigested by the stomach stirs up the duumvirate to the expelling diseases . its description . the dignity of mercury . . it cures somethings by glance . ibid. the first conceits of disturbance in the midriff . , , , , the veins of the midriff the s●eath of sanguification . . sleep stirred up in the midriff . . of the corrosive spirits of minerals . . the property of minerals when changed into a saline nature . . they contain in themselves seminal beginnings . . they proceed from water . . mineral electrum of paracelsus exptls sorceries . ● of the stifling in the mine-pits . &c. . the mind is conjoyned to the sensitive soul . . , , , sharpnesse of wit not an operation of the mind . . milk of asses why the best . . the defects of milk. the mind not seated in the heart nor head .   but in the duumvirate proved . ibid. the mind knowes nothing by imagination .   . passions are not from the mind but the sensitive soul . . the mind differs from angels . the mind not sick . . what the mind is . . a ternary in the mind unfolded . . why monarchs want a long life . what the trival line and flinty . mountaine is . of the purity of air on mountains . how a mola comes to be . of the cure of moals and markes made by a woman with child on her young . of the stink of the mouth how it comes to be . . mosse of dead mens skuls how it comes to be so vertnous . , how it answers to the back of the loadstone . ibid. the seed of mosse distills from heaven .   the light of the moon cold . . she hath a light of her own . ibid. capable of changing the hot light into a contrary property . . . &c. her office . ibid. a caus●r of putrefaction . . a reducer to a first matter . . the difference between generating creatures subject to its light and the solar light . . of moistnesse and drying . . radical moisture of the schools . what muck or snivel is and how generated . . , not made of venal blood . nor by a natural digestion . . what it serves for . n. nativities no discov●rers of mans inclinations . , its point uncertain . , nature ignorant of contraries . , , , how she acts . , , , what nature is . , nature not every where circular demonstrated . nature solicitous of generation . , nature understood chiefly by the alchymist . , god in miracles follows nature . , what the torture of the night is . , by what property some creatures see in the night , &c. , what the running at the nose is . , the running at the nose not healthful . , the best nourishment for children . nurses communicate their vices to children that suck them . ● o. of the insect found in the ●ake apple . for obstructions .   what property opening remedies must have . , fermental odours produce seminal effects .   , the great power of odours in healing . , , , , , &c , odours of spices refresh fainting spirits by aspect . ● the odour of quick-silver turns oyl of vitriol into alum . , odours beget ferments . odours work on the archeus . ● putrid odours do not hurt , unless married to a mumial ferment . , old age only from a decay of vital powers , . how opium is said to cool . , of its operation . . , , , in what opium may profit . . a true preparing of opium of great benefit to the sick . . the drowsie evil , sleep , watching , all made in one and the same organ . . orifice of the stomach the centre of the body . . ● oyle easily redu●ible into water . . , , , , why chymical oyles are such weak h●lpers . . , , reducible into volatile salts . . their operativeness wh●n so . , by what ferment oylinesses are made volatile . , oyl , though of spices , nourish not . oyl olive preserves iron from rust . a twofold oyl separable in oyl olive . , , oyl of sulphur per campanam commended for preservation of health . p. palsey what it is . pain where seated . pain of the head from what . , , paracelsus his doctrine of separation of elements rejected . , , his life . , his cures . , the nature and use of his arcanums . their names . his diligent search commended . , his errour about the salt in man. , . , his errours concerning tartar. , paracelsus his doctrine of tartar sum'd up . , paracelsus the monarch of secrets . , his epitaph . , his errours concerning the plague . the secrets of paracelsus takes away diseases , but reach not the root of life . objections against the solving of pearls . , the milk of pearls ; its efficacy . , ● pepper degenerates into iuy . , what meant by a perolede . , their division , &c. , physitians reproved . , . , . . what his property is , or ought to be . , . , their success imputed to natures goodness . , their vanity as to prescriptions of diet . , , &c. , wherein deridable . , the signs of a true physitian . , the author grieved that he learned physick . plague begins always about the stomack . , of what kind the plague is . the plague an infant . the true curing the plague died with hippocrates . , how the plague in egypt varies every seventh year . ibid. the heavens do not produce the plague . some symptomes of the plague not seen till after death . plague not endemieal . plague not helped by diaphoreticks . a plague sent from god despiseth the help of natural remedies . , of a forreign new plague . plague collected into two causes . the division of the plague . , the conjoyned causes of the antients . ibid putrefaction of humours not the cause of the plague . triacle , and other antidotes that resist poyson , profit little in the plague . the matter of the plague what , with its progress . , the seat of the plague . why the plague is frequent in signes . , , excrements do not cause the plague . ibid. sweating is profitable in the plague . , things requisite for the idea of an imagined plague . what the fear of the plague carries with it . the ferment of the plague . plague sometime discerned by an o●uor . of the form and matter of the plague . the first matter of the plague , a hoary putrified poyson , existing in the gas of the earth . , plague sometimes riseth from within ; sometimes from without . , , the image of the plague consists in an archeal air . why the symptomes of the plague are different . ibid. the poyson of the plague more cruel than that of serpents . what antidotes against the plague serve for . the matter and agent of the plague have the same specifical i●entity . the plague comunicated by an unsensible contagion . the property of the plague . the signs of the plague . doubtful signs of the plague removed . the quality of a preservative against the plague . , ● amulets attain preheminence as well in the cure , as preserving from the plague . . toad profitable against the plague . toad a zenexton against the plague . how he comes to cure the plague . , hippocrates his manner of curing the plague . , hippocrates his remedy against the plague , recovered one in six hours . several observations about the plague . carline t●●stle profitable in the plague . phlegm made of the latex . phlegm not in the blood . phlegm not at all rightly distinguished by the schools . pimples and swellings in the face , their cure . , pleurisie its seat . , specificks for it . , phlebotomy hurtful in a pleurisie . , , . , pleuri●ie suddenly cured by sweat . , a definition of a pleurisie according to the schools . , the schools defects in the pleurisie . of the original and progress of a pleurisie . , a remedy for a pleuri●ie how it ought to be gifted . , peripneumonia and pleuri●ie differ neither in their occasional cause , nor remedy . , the thorn in the pleurisie chiefly to be minded . , the cure. , poisons . why the body swells when poisoned . , their great vertue when pr●pared . , what poisons chiefest for medicine when prepared . . the variety of poisons as to their preperty and operativeness . , what they operate by . , . , , of the poison of the meazels . the ferments of poisons never duly weighed by the schools . , the snake a remedy against poison . prayer of silence what it demonstrates . , . , ● the preparation of the praecipiolum of paracelsus . two principles and no more . , what the principles of nature , and the principles of bodies of are . , . , the first rise of the doctrine of three principles . , a principle of the schools cond●mned . , , of the different properties of places . measuring of pulses . , , the framer of pulses . , pulsation how made . , the ends of the pulses . , , the necessity of pulses hitherto unknown . , what a h●rdened pulse doth betoken . , what the use of pulses are . , purges condemned . , . what property they op●rate by . , what the property of a true one is . , . . , putrefaction promotes the odours of some things . , it destroyes others . , why all things soon putrifie under the equinoctial . , what preserves against putrefaction . , what solely promotes it . , pyrotechny commended . . what the pylorus is . of his government . of his blas . ibid. of the diseases he stirs up . , of his shu●ting and opening . , a sense of appetite in the pylorus demonstrated . , his rage and restauration . ibid. the use of the pylorus . with observations thereon . ibid. the vice of the pylorus cured . , the four hot seeds usually pacifie the pylorus . , q qvartans cured by odorous oyntments . , by an emplaister . , seat of a quartane : examination of a quartane . quartane not cured by physitians . , , quick-silver truly prepared , cures the pox. what the quellem is . and where . , , its greatness . , a question propounded to all the learned . , no such thing as a quint-essence . , . , r. what rain is . , , , , , of the rain-bow . , . &c. of the radical moisture of the schools . radical moisture explained . reason condemned . . &c. it is in bruit beasts . , it makes a man unstable . , vvhen reason faileth . reason not ●t he image of god. , , the rel●llum of paracelsus . , what it is . , powerful remedies are not of a foody substance remedies against inchantments . the reins do not stir up lust . , how the reins change the colour of the stone . , of the revelation of several persons . the reins do not cause fatness . , the errours of physitians as touching rheums . , rie meal makes durable morter . roses preserve their fragrant putrefaction . , s. salt of tartar volatilized perfects dissolutions . , it absterg●th . from whence is the first beginning of salts . the vital being is salt. , the various properties of salts . , salt of venal blood cures the falling sickness . , what the chiefest of all is . , how salt ariseth in urine . the operations of simple salts , . , the gas of salts is nothing but water . , volatile salts , their vertues . hermaphroditical salt of metals , sand not transmutable , save only by the artificial hellish fire . , the sea less than the boyling sand , , what the true sea is . ibid it hath its motion in it self . ibid. saphire , its power in the plague . , why church-men wear saphirs . , why saturns kingdoms are wished for . , the mercury of saturn , &c. , its distillation . ibid. against the contemners of science . the schools ignorant of the diseases that arise in the sixth digestion . the schools condemned of ignorance and sloath . , , &c. of blasphemy . , the errour of the schools about the first mover . scorpions produced from bazil . , scurvy unknown to the antients . when it first appeared . how seeds issue from the invisible world . seminal beginnings are from an idea . seeds act as appointed . , no seminal disposition in the soul of man b●fore the fall . , the four lesser hot seeds commended . , the proportion of seed in a body is the . th . part . , , how seeds are made . , the difference betwixt a seed and ferment . ibid. hot seeds are of an easie conception . , seeds in their original void of savour and colour . . of sense and sensation . the sensitive soul not generated by the mind . , it differs from the mind . the knitting of the sensitive soul with the mind . the seat of the sensitive soul . , , it remains always in the vital archeus of the stomack . , . , the sensitive soul is a vital light . ibid. of the power of the sensitive soul when impregnated with the mind . , , in simples there is a perfect cure of all diseases . , the natural power of some simples , the quality of the first sin . , sin hath n●● immediately caused death .   whence the continuation of original sin . ibid. of the difference between actual and original sin . , why sleep was sent in before sin . sleep not from a defect . , when sleep is made . , snow on the mountains melts not . , soul of man not generated from his parent , , soul created by god. its retreat in our first parents . a treatise of the soul . of the immortality of the soul . the seat of the soul not in the heart . , some defects of the stomack cured by sweat . the ferment of the stomack to be regarded . , , &c. why though still moist , yet putrifies not .   twelve properties of the stomack . some diseases inhabit in the life of the stomack . the stomack hath not its ferment in it self . , sharpness not the vital ferment of the stostomack , what it is . , the stomach doth not coct first for it self . , the stomach first sensible of any defect . ; , , , the stomach of the liver . ● , the stomach of the gaul . ibid sobriety commended . , seat of diseases in the sensitive soul confirmed . the seat of the sensitive soul . of specifical savours . , two savours , one of the tongue , the other of the stomach . , spleen the maker of seed . , the scituation of the spleen . it is the fountain of idea's . against black choler in the spleen . , the defect of the spleen is the cause of the strangury in old people . a double ferment in the spleen . the spleen inspires a digestive ferment into the stomack . the spleen most enriched with arteries . ibid. of the stomack of the spleen . , of the external spleen of an infant . , how the soul thinks intellectualy . , it is substantial . , its power when freed from corporeal contagion . , what the sensitive soul is . , soul acts in the body per nutum , , , , the soul generates entities . , soul sits in the duumvirate . , sharpness is the specifical mean in the stomack . , it d●ffers from all other sharpnesses . , stones and rocks reducible into their equal weight of salt. , whence the strangury in old people is . , what the stars shew forth , &c. , how they operate . , how they necessitate . , the difference betwixt the planets and the fixed stars . , how a wise man rules over them . , the stone in man not made by the intention of nature . , of the causes of the stone , according to the antients . , of their intentions to cure , and by what . ibid. their despair . ibid. why they have erred in the cure . , , heat of the reins , not the cause of the stone . an example . ibid how the antients remedies may profit , though not cure the stone . why an expulsion of the stone is not to be intended . the quality of a remedy resolving the stone . , why stones are sometimes white . , whence a three-fold stone is made . , of the stone . the flux of seeds for a stone . , , after what manner a man is made a stone . of the coagulum and runnet of the stone by handicraft operation . salt profitable in the stone . of the occasion of the stone . of the womb of the stone . its scituation . the pain of the stone from a contracture ▪ of the intention to cure the stone . , , its cure . , with testimonies thereof . ibid. of the manner of ministring a remedy for the stone . of the stone that maketh gold , & its projection . , , , the stone that maketh gold , hath not the blessings of the tree of life . sulphur only resists a fermental poyson . in sulphur is the life and death of bodies . , sulphur boiled in linseed oyl . , in oyl of turpentine . the whole band of diseases hearken to some sulphurs . , , the sulphur of copper , hot , stupefactive , yet sweeter then honey . , how floures of sulphur profit those that have a cough . , sulphur commended against the plague . of the gas of sulphur . the sun scorcheth without pain . , is hot . , , , , the gifts of the almighty are placed in the sun. sugar hurtful in most diseases . , loaf-sugar not so good as the common . , swooning from the stomack . , , what that sweat is that accompanies death and swoonings . what the synovia is . , , of sympathetical mediums . the cause of sympathy . , of the sympathy and antipathy of things . t. tast in the midriff . tartar , its distillation . , , , , , why salt of tartar dissolves crude tartar. , how tartar is made . no disease ariseth from tartar. , tartar not in foods . , tartar af●●● digestion in the stomach ceaseth to be a tartar. , tartar not in drinks . , of the tartar of the blood . of the original of the tarantual . the poyson of the tarantula . , what thirst is , and whence . , thorn in the flesh how cured . of thunder . , a preservation against its effects on beer , &c. , the seat of the timpany and by what it is made . why tin is lighter than other metals . , the toad commended against the plague . how prepared for that use . how it kils the ferment of the plague . how quickly he dies with fear . ibid. the toad given by god as a remedy for the poor against the plague . the bone of a toad cures the tooth ach tooth-ach whence caused . . , of the original of the tooth-stone . of the flourishing and decaying of teeth . how the transmutation of bodies is effected . . the tree of good and evil why forbidden . , , , of the tree of life . , , , tree of life what qualities it ought to have . the cedar tree doth signifie the tree of life in this world . of the preparation of the cedar tree . v. valerian good against inchantments . all vegetables not woody , contain a winie spirit . . their archeus hath no anatomical affinity with man. , their whole property from their seed , and not from the heaven . ibid. their degrees whence different . , why vegetables unprofitable to the sick . vervain commended . venal blood wholly turned into nourishment . , venal blood never putrifies in its place . the natural endowment of the veins . an example . ibid. vesicatories more hurtful then phlebotomy . vital spirit is salt . . , , made of arterial blood . , by the ferment of the heart . actuated by a vital light . the virgin earth . the author instructed by visions . , his vision of the soul . a vision of a layick concerning the lues venerea . the spirit of vitriol reduced into an alum by its dissolution of mercury . . the dignity of the sulphur of venus and the nativity of vitriol . the best vitriol where to be had . . , how vitriol may be made . ibid. the preparation of the sulphur of vitriol . . unguents how applicable . , ulcers their principal vice where seated . 〈◊〉 , , of the difference of ulcers . . the cure of ulcers . . , , volatile things fixed by fixed things .   volatiolation caused by ferments . . to provoke urine in lingring fevers . . vvhat true provokers are . . , , urinary salt made by the kidnyes . . observations on distilled urine . of the various actions of the spirit of urine . urine-vessels not enlarged by drink , but by the stone . . , urine not an excrement of the kidneys . of the division of vrines . . of the errours in the circle of urine . . what the circle in the urine is , demonstrated . . what the yellownesse in urine may signifie . . watery urines after yellow ones signifie dotages . vvhat a troubled urine signifies . . vvhat the litle cloud in the urine may signifie . . of the several sediments of urine . examinations of urine by weight . ibid w. warts how cured . , vvater the material cause of things . . , , . proved so by an experiment . . , , likened to the internal mercury of metals . . never radically conjoyned with the earth . &c. the parts of the water . , , , what its unrestable appointment is . . easily putrefiable under the equinoctial . all bodies thereinto reducible . . the great use of that which comes from the quellem . , water doth not always fal in a circular figure . . when waters loose their life . . waters the womb of seeds . . why some waters hurt those that have the stone . wheat changed into mice . &c. . winds whence generated . , , , , , what the wind is . , the vanity of the schools defining it . . violent ones how allayed . . remedies for windinesse . ● . what causeth it . . only in defective persons . . some wind in the ilcon , &c. natural and necessary . &c. . spirit of wine how reducible into water . , , , , vvines hurt by keeping in their gas. . wines profitable to our natures . spirit of wine passeth into the arteries without digestion . . , cold preserveth wines . vvhy wines wax soure . , how wines become troubled . the labor of wisdome . . of witches and witchcraft : the devil how concerned therein . . of the power of witches . . of the nature and extent thereof . how a witch may be bound up in the heart of a horse . , , witchcraft , simpathy , and magnetism do differ . . vvomen why monthly purged . vvomen are subject to double disieases . . vvomen consume not so much blood as men . yet they make more . ibid. vvhy they have so many conceits when with child . , vvomb its overslowings cured by odorus ointments . . remedy for a woman in travel . . vvomb a peculiar monarchy . a twofold monarchy of a woman . . vvomb governs its self . ibid. . vvomb brings forth an alterative blas . ibid. disseases of the womb differ from products . . the progresse of the wombs defects . . its cure . . , sugar stirs up the sleeping fury of the womb . wherein the fruitfulness of the womb consists . where the womb of the urine beginneth . womb warreth under its own banners . . of the force of imagination in women with child . the monarchy of the womb distingisheth a woman from a man. . in words herbs and stones there is great vertue . silk-worms figure out a shadow of the resurrection . . vvounds asswaged by odours , &c. , hurt by the moon-beams : . z. zenexton against the plague . of the uselessness of some zenextons . pretious stones not true zenextons . amber a zenexton and how so made . ibid. the qualities a zenexton ought to have . . toad a zenexton . ibid how the toad is prepared for a zenexton . vvhy he is a true zenexton . a poetical soliloquie of the translatour , harmonizing and sympathizing with the author's genius . when first my friend did ask me to translate , van helmonts works wrapt up in hidden state , of roman dialect ; that 't was a book of med'cine and phylosophy , i took it in good part enough , and did not doubt but to perform what i should set about , by gods asistance ; for i willing stood much pains to take about a publick good . i forth with entred on it and did see , more than my friend , thereof , could tel to me : for why , since something was begot within my inward parts which loved truth , but sin and selfish errour hated , i began to feel and love the spirit of the man , whom i perceived like a gratious son , to build his knowledg on the corner stone ; and out of self to sink in humble wise , as his confession in me testifies . the light of understanding was his guide , from heath'nish books and authors he did slide , and cast them of , that so he might be free , singly to stand , o lord , and wait on thee , and in the pray'r of silence on thee call ; because he knew thee to be all in all. and thou didst teach him that which will conduce to th' profit of his neighbour , be of use , both unto soul and body , as inclin'd to read with lowly and impartial mind : but as for lofty and and self-seeking ones , thou scatter wilt their wisdom , wealth , and bones : because thou art not honour'd in a lye whether of nature or divinity : but in the truth of knowledge of thy life , and of thy wondrous works which men of strife , and alienated , can no whit attain , till from the fall they do return again . helmont , that thou returned'st i believe , thy testimony of it thou dost give , when by the light thou saist ( entring thy dore ) thou changed wast from what thou wert before : and cause thou suffredst by a wicked sort for being good , and once wast poyson'd for 't : that 't was unjustly , i am doubting past , ' cause th' enemies conscience prickt him at the last . and truely'n many places of thy ream words slow forth from thee like a silver stream ; and so , that i at sundry times have found , sweet op'nings from the un'ty in the ground . but did thy life in words alone consist , or art thou to be enrowl'd among the list of stoical notionists , which only spend their time in contemplation , and so end their days ; or were good actions wrought by thee , which ( as the fruits discover do the tree ) did shew that healing virtue forth did start from thy fire-furnace , as love from thy hart . if not , how is it that thou dost us tel thou ceased'st not annually to heal some myriades or ten thousands , yed thy medicines were not diminished : or that thou wert so tender of the poor , ( what if i say that bagd from door to door that thou retiredly didst live at home , and cure them out of charity , not ro●● and gape for gain for visits as do most physitians who unto rich houses post ; floating about even as in a floud , of poysoned purged filths and venal blood ; and so the peoples wealth , health , life do soa● , through the s●ay vi●ard of a doctors cloak : but helmonts hand-pen asit plain appears : their false-paint coverings a funder tears : in room whereof , such practic● , theory , it doth insert , that they as standers by , ( like bibels merchants ) will ven , we●p and wa●● when they shall see their trade begin to fail , and upright artists held up by the ●an of him who owns the good samaritan . yet such school-doctors shall not thus relent , whom grace and goodnesse shall move to repent . this is not utter'd out of spleen but pity , unto the sick in country and in city : no just cause given by these words to hate ; but to be owned by the magistrate . and i my self in former silly times , through school-tradition , and galenick lines , have wrong'd my body , weaken'd my nature , clipping my vitals in their strength and stature ? and though , through grace , to soul and body to , t' was turned to good , yet that 's no thank to you . help chymists help to pul their babel down , builtby the pride of academicks gown ; let theophrastus azoth , helmonts lore , erect an engine such as ne're before . hark chymists , hark , attend baptista's law , he speaks to h's sons , as th' lyon by the paw ; and why as th' eye is opened to look , may y' not discern hercules by his foot ? be it sufficient that he gives a tast , least pretious peat is he unto swine should east . be 't no dishonour to the ghymick school , that some mistakes thereof he doth contro●● : rather a praise unto the masters eye , houshold disorders for to rectifie . strike chymists strike , strike fire out of your 〈◊〉 , and force the fire unto the highest stint of a reverb'ratory , such a heat , as galen back out of the field may beat ; and fetch th' archeal crasis seminum , to keep the field gainst a rololleum . srrive not not by reason if you 'd win the day , p●ice your athanar , as he , another way : aime not at lucre in what ye undertake , your motive love , the spirit your guider make : that day to day in you the word may preach , and night to night unto you knowledge teach : that so elias th' artist , if he come , ye as prepar'd , may bid him welcome home . and all well-wishers unto science , true , unto whose hands't shall come this book to view : see that your hearts are simple to the pure , no filthinesse true wisdom can endure : the milky way must be the paper here , and th'inke nectar from th' olympick sphere : and then 't may open unto you a path , for finding that which long been hiden hath : for there 's a way by simples for to cure , unto simplicity the nearest sure ; if not antiquity , at scriptures note ; solomon for ' n example may be brought . the author opes a gate in that divine chapter , that treats ●'th power of medicine . and not a little of moses c●●●lism he hinteth at that in of magnetism : so truly doth the saviour report , that to the carkas● eagles do resort . in former time , thy younger learning years , thou as a tender heart , yet void of fears ; people that had the plagues infection , didst visit , and by them wert spew'd upon : some breathing forth their life within thy arms , unto thy grief , because thou then their harms wert not so able to repair , untill thou hadst attain'd a great adeptist skill : for thou by revelation dost show , what co-us us'd two thousand years ago . all which supposed , i can freely wink , at some mistakes whereby thine eye did blink , as to religion , because thou wert honest , upright , sincere , and sound in heart : for if the folly of them thou hadst seen , as other things de●y'd by thee , they 'd been . and if in nature thou art ought mistaken , thy many truths are not to be forsaken ; for why ye schools , ye cannot , neither dare ye deny , but that humanum est errare , until the minds perfection in the light , which he believ'd , yet would not claim it quite : and so his candour is to be commended , in not assuming what god had not ended . yet know that where one truth is you among , in helmonts breast there lodged ten for one ; and that not taken up by hear-say trust , as ye are wont , but stamped by the iust : for reason dialectical , he saith , must vail the bonnet unto light in faith ; sith reason savours of an earthly soil , dies with the sense , our parents did beguil : and therefore logick may no longer center within mens minds as sciences inventer . and nat'ralists must needs go to the wall , as those of ath●●s in the daies of paul ; since that four el'ments , humors , and complexions , are proved plain to be but childish fictions : which ethnicans by phansie blind misled , have rashly plac'd in seeds and ferments sted . this is some liquor pour'd out of his bottle , a deadly draught for those of aristotle . astrol'gers also will be soon undon , since herm's and venus circle with the sun : and since the planets common ordination , was to stir up a blas for seasons station : and since the heavens can no forms bestow , to th' prince of life all creatures do them owe. ye theologians , look what will befal ye , since man is not defin'd by [ rationale ] but by a spirit and intellectual light : now every one may see by his own sight ; and living waters out 's own cistern drink , need not ●ew cisterns that do leak and chink : nor tug with pains to dig for earthly wells , the spring 's within him as christ in him dwells : nor run to temples that are made with hands , himself 's the temple , if he contrite stands . and cause a new-birth is requir'd of all , since brutal coupling entred by the fall ; and so your follow'rs can't be reputed christians by birth , nay , but must be transmuted . and since the mind of man may be comp●eated in this lifes time , as sin and self 's defeated . since char'ty not to dwell , by many's known , in those that with the letter up are blown : for as from mud or dung ascends a stink , so pride from leathing sents up like a sink . he did refuse to be a canon great , least ( as saith * b. ) he peoples sins should eat . what will protracting crafty lawyers doe , since christ against them hath denounc'd a woe he would not b● a professor of the law , enough for man to keep 's own self in awe : and what will come of atheists , since 't is true , that there 's a power eternal ( who in ●●e of fallen angels ) did mans soul ereate ( in mortal body an immortal state , ) to live in h's hand in weal or woe , as they his call of grace shall or shall not obey . what of curst hypocrites who in deceit , take up profession for a cloak and cheat ; better for sodom and gomorrah than for such , when christ doth come the world to fan . but stop my genius , run not out too far , although thy shackles much unloosed are , and vitals subtil , while thou tell'st the story , of what concerns mans good and god his glory ; least prince of th' air like poets pegasus , prevail to make thy wit ridiculous , by mounting thee too high upon his wing of fleshly pride , and aeolus thee fling down from the quiet region of his skie , in the icarian waters for to die , or whirl thee higher in his stormy hail , and sting thy conscience with the dragons tail : for if an inch be given ( so they tell ) it is not safe for one to take an ell . wherefore retreat in time of thy accord , least thou incur the anger of the lord : and throw thy self along down at his feet , after the author thou shalt once more greet . i b'lieve thou wert a medel-master made , by the creator of the root and blade of healing virt's , the father of lights ( i sing ) whence every good gift doth descend and spring . thou livedst well , and in the belgick nation , wert a tall cedar in thy generation : a good memorial thou hast left behind , of what in daies now coming , men shall find writ in christ's bosom , and in natures spread , as they are worthy in those books to read . thou diedst in peace in anno forty four , i doubt not but thou liv'st for evermore . my friend is also gone , yet i survive , lord grant that to thine honour i may live : and as my life thou gay●st me for a prey , when in a gloomy and despairing day , i thought i should have died without the fight of thy love-tokens , and thy face so bright ; so i intre●r upon my prostrare knee , that i thy way and cross may never flee : than turn a new unto apostasie . or thee dishonour , ra●ker let me die . than to depart again out of thy fear , better wild horses me in pieces tear : if the remembrance dwell not in me rife , of thy great goodness , pity of my life . but as large mercy is to me extended ; so what is faulty may be fully mended ; that perfect righteousness may cloath my back ; and i to sound thy praises will not slack , in life , or death , or suffering by the world , who in transgression up and down are hurl'd ; and tophe●s pit shall surely help to fill , if they in time repent not of their ill . but as he did for 's en'mies pardon cry . so do all chrictian hearts , and so do i. o holy , holy , holy , holy , god! whos 's name 's exalted in th' ascendant jod ; my self doth tremble , and my flesh doth quake , while i the king of saints my subject make : i dread thee lord , i dread thy sov'raign fame ; i love thee so , i can't express the same ; my spirit 's on site , and my heart doth flame , with a desire to sanctifie thy name : my soul is melted , and my heart is broke , in feeling of the force of thy love-stroke . father i thank thee that thou didst enable me to convey the dish from helmont● table : and if some crums or drops have fell beside , 't was what a careful servant might be tide : it being weighty , full of divers fare , if none should over-fall or flow 't were rare . a corydon i h'd rather some me deem , than t' use dark-phrases that would not be-seem rather a tautologian be dained , than to the meanest , leave words unexplained : rather a home-spun patcher wanting art , than th' authors meaning willingly pervert : and if his tongue could speak out of the dust , hee 'd justifie this translate all almost : for though his learned art i don't comprize , yet in the root our spirits harmonize . the dish lest somewhat of its crums and drops , as it was carried through the printing shops ; yet what the press hath nipt off by the way , it here returns again by this survey . errata . in the authors dedication to the word . pag. lin . read except . in the translators premonition . p l r and is . p l dele other . in the preface to the reader . p l r eternally . p l r the work . p l r world . in the poeticall prophesie . p l r spiting . p of the book l r knowingly . ibid. l r vain . ibid. r give . p l r it with . p l r nuns . p l r first 〈…〉 . p l 〈◊〉 as r is . p l r 〈◊〉 . p l r watchman . p l r whereof they are said to have been the : p l r vital . p l r it is . p l r this [ is ] ●oheaped . p l r efficacy . p l r plato p l r 〈◊〉 p l r [ but ] be sides . p l r lile . p l r anothers cherry . p l r 〈…〉 l r the god. p . l r mols . p l for any r and. p in the title of the disease of the stone , r root . p l r by p. l r voice . p l r worms . ibid. l after terrible , dele and. p l r the plague . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e medicine . aesculapius . hippocrates . pandora . latine , er greek , ro hebr. res errours . notes for div a -e eccles . . . notes for div a -e on psal . . & . notes for div a -e . the essentiall form. . the vitall form. . the substantial form. . the formall substance . notes for div a -e n notes for div a -e lib. . de civitate dei , cap. . lib. . contra jul cap. . lib. of marriages , . flesh of sin. cap. . lib. . cont jul. cap. . lib. . cont. jul. cap. . notes for div a -e * of his testament , chap. . notes for div a -e * the signs of a true physitian . notes for div a -e * bernard . by the mayor the right honourable the lord mayor, and his brethren the aldermen of the city of london, considering how the infection of the plague is dispersed in divers and sundry places neere about this city, doe ... command all manner of persons ... to take notice of, and obserue these seuerall articles ensuing ... city of london (england). lord mayor. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the mayor the right honourable the lord mayor, and his brethren the aldermen of the city of london, considering how the infection of the plague is dispersed in divers and sundry places neere about this city, doe ... command all manner of persons ... to take notice of, and obserue these seuerall articles ensuing ... city of london (england). lord mayor. sheet ([ ] p.). printed by robert young, printer to the honourable citie of london, [london] : . at head of sheet, royal arms, and shield. "guildhall london this xxii. of april. ." reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- prevention. london (england) -- history -- th century. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the mayor . the right honourable the lord mayor , and his brethren the aldermen of the city of london , considering how the infection of the plague is dispersed in diuers and sundry places neere about this city , doe for the better preuention of the increase thereof within the said city , ( so far as it shall please god to blesse mans endeauours ) hereby streightly charge , and in his maiesties name command all manner of persons within the said city and liberties thereof , to take notice of , and obserue these seuerall articles ensuing , viz. first , that all the seuerall inhabitants within this city and liberties thereof , doe from hence forth daily cause their houses to be kept sweet , the streets and lanes before their doores to bee paued , and cleansed of all manner of soile , dung , and noisome things whatsoeuer , and the channels thereof to be kept cleane , and washt , by water to be poured down , or let running into the same . that no vagrants or beggars doe presume to come , or presse together in multitudes to any buriall , or lectures , or other publike meetings , whereby to seeke or gaine reliefe as hath beene lately vsed , but that they and euery of them vpon euery buriall , doe repaire to such places to receiue the almes , charity or reliefe , as they shall haue notice giuen them by the officers of the parish , wherein they doe reside . that no idle vagaband , and vagrant persons doe presume to come , wander or remaine in and about this citie and liberties thereof , either to begge reliefe or otherwise . and if any of them shall be found , or taken to offend therein , then they and euery of them to be apprehended by the constables and warders within this citie , and being punished , to be passed away according to the lawes and statutes of this realme , in that case made and prouided for . that the feasts and meetings at hals , tauernes , or other places within this citie or liberties , vsed to be made by the countrimen of any shire , or other place within this realme , wrastlings , and fencers prises , shewes , or the like , which hath been a cause of gathering multitudes together , be now forborne , and not attempted to be made by any person or persons whatsoeuer , vntill the city and the places adiacent shall bee cleare of the present infection ( which god of his mercy grant . ) that no fruiterer or other seller of fruite , cabbages , rootes or herbes , doe keepe or lay vp in any their houses , warehouses , or other place within this city of liberties thereof , any apples , herbes , roots , cabbages , or other fruite whatsoeuer , other than in the warehouses anciently vsed for such purpose , lying in or about thamestreet , or the places thereunto adioyning . and for the better and more due performance of all and euery the premisses , the said lord mayor and aldermen doe hereby straightly charge and command all constables , scauengers , beadles , and other officers within this citie and liberties thereof , whom these may any way concerne , to vse all possible care and diligence they may , for the due and carefull execution and performance of all and euery the said articles according to the true intent and meaning thereof , & to acquaint the lord mayor of this city , or some other his maiesties iustices of peace within the same of all & euery the parties as shall be found to offend therein , whereby they & euery of them may be punished , & dealt withall according to the qualitie of the offence as the law in such case shall require , as they and euery of them will answer to the contrary at their perils . guildhall london this xxii . of april . . god saue the king. printed by robert young , printer to the honourable citie of london , . certaine statutes especially selected, and commanded by his maiestie to be carefully put in execution by all iustices, and other officers of the peace throughout the realme with his maiesties proclamation for further direction for executing the same. also certaine orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell, to bee put in execution, together with sundry good rules, preseruatiues, and medicines against the infection of the plague, set downe by the colledge of the physicians vpon his maiesties speciall command: as also a decree of the starre-chamber, concerning buildings and in-mates. laws, etc. england and wales. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : ) certaine statutes especially selected, and commanded by his maiestie to be carefully put in execution by all iustices, and other officers of the peace throughout the realme with his maiesties proclamation for further direction for executing the same. also certaine orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell, to bee put in execution, together with sundry good rules, preseruatiues, and medicines against the infection of the plague, set downe by the colledge of the physicians vpon his maiesties speciall command: as also a decree of the starre-chamber, concerning buildings and in-mates. laws, etc. england and wales. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) royal college of physicians of london. [ ] p. printed by robert barker and iohn bill, printers to kings [sic] most excellent maiestie, london : anno dom. m.dc.xxx. [ ] includes the proclamation of april . signatures: pi⁴ a⁴ [par.]a⁴ b-q⁴ r² . variant: mostly composed of a reissue or reimposition of sheets or pages from "foure statutes, specially selected and commanded by his majestie to be carefully put in execution by all justices and other officers of the peace throughout the realme" (stc ); collation pi⁴ a⁴, "a ", b-i⁴, k - , k -n , m -n , p⁴ q² ; pagination [ ], , [ ], - , [ ], - , [ ] p. for derivation of all sheets of this see stc. reproductions of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery and bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- great britain -- th century. public welfare -- law and legislation -- great britain. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - taryn hakala sampled and proofread - taryn hakala text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion certaine statvtes especially selected , and commanded by his maiestie to be carefully put in execution by all iustices , and other officers of the peace throughout the realme ; with his maiesties proclamation for further direction for executing the same . also certaine orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell , to bee put in execution , together with sundry good rules , preseruatiues , and medicines against the infection of the plague , set downe by the colledge of the physicians vpon his maiesties speciall command : as also a decree of the starre-chamber , concerning buildings and in-mates . london printed by robert barker and iohn bill , printers to kings most excellent maiestie . anno dom. m.dc.xxx . royal blazon or coat of arms honi ❀ soit ❀ qvi ❀ mal ❀ y ❀ pense diev· et· mon· droit . ❧ to the iustices of peace . as the want of lawes occasioneth wrongs to be committed wittingly ; and want of knowledge of lawes carieth men into offences ignorantly : so are lawes thēselues a burthen when they are too many , and their very number is a cause that few are executed : where penall lawes haue otherwise no life , but in their execution . and certainely that magistrate who knowes but few , and causeth those to be duely obserued , deserueth better of the common-wealth , then he that knoweth many , and executes but few . therefore is the composition of this volume , that those few lawes , and other ordinances being most needfull for the time , may bee easily had , soone knowne , and duely executed ; which is required by his maiestie . ¶ the contents of this booke . a proclamation for quickning the lawes made for the reliefe of the poore , and the suppressing , punishing , and setling of the sturdy rogues , and vagabonds . an act for the reliefe of the poore . an act for the necessarie reliefe of souldiers and mariners . an act for punishment of rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggars . an act for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons jnfected with the plague . orders concerning health . a decree of starre-chamber against inmates and new buildings . ❧ by the king . ¶ a proclamation for quickning the lawes made for the reliefe of the poore , and the suppressing , punishing , and setling of the sturdie rogues and vagabonds . whereas many excellent lawes and statutes with great iudgement and prouidence haue been made in the times of our late deare and royall father ▪ and of the late queene elizabeth , for the reliefe of the impotent , and indigent poore , and for the punishing , suppressing , and set●ing of the sturdy rogues , and vagabonds , which lawes and statutes , if they were duely obserued would be of exceeding great vse for the peace & plenty of this realme , but the neglect thereof is the occasion of much disorder , and many insufferable abuses . and whereas it is fit at all times , to put in execution those lawes which are of so necessarie , and so continuall vse : yet the apparant and visible danger of the pestilence , ( vnlesse the same by gods gracious mercie , and our prouident endeuours be preuented ) doth much more require the same at this present . we haue therefore thought it fit , by the aduice of our priuie councell , by this our publike proclamation , straightly to charge and command ▪ that all our louing subiects in their seueral places , doe vse all possible ●ate and diligence as a principall meanes to preuent the spreading , and dispersing of that contagious sicknesse , to obserue and put in due execution , all the said lawes made and prouided against rogues and vagabonds , and for the reliefe of the truely poore and impotent people . and in the first place , wee strictly charge and command , that in our cities of london , and westminster , and suburbs thereof ▪ and places adiacent thereunto , and generally throughout the whole kingdome , that there bee carefull watch , and ward , kept for the apprehending and punishing of al rogues and vagabonds , who either in the streets or high wayes , vnder the names of souldiers , or mariners , glasse-men , pot-men ▪ pedlars , or petty-chapmen , or of poore or impotent people , shall bee found either wandring , or begging . and wee doe further strictly charge and command , that all constables , head boroughs , and other officers , doe vse all diligence , to punish , and passe away according to the law , all such wanderers , or beggars , as shall be apprehended ▪ either in the cities , or places aforesaid , or in any other cities , towns , parishes , or places within this realme , and take great care that none passe vnder the colour of counterfeit passes . and that all irish rogues , and vagabonds be forthwith apprehended , wheresoeuer they shall bee found and punished , and sent home according to a former proclamation heretofore published in that behalfe . that all householders of whose persons , or at whose houses , any such vagrants shall bee taken begging , doe apprehend , or cause them to be apprehended , and caryed to the next constable , or other officer to bee punished , according to the lawes . and that they forbeare to relieue them , thereby to giue them incouragement to continue in their wicked course of life . that the iustices of peace in their seuerall places throughout this kingdome be carefull either by prouost marshals , or by the high constables , or otherwise by their good discretions effectually to prouide , that all rogues and vagabonds of all sorts bee searched for , apprehended punished and suppressed according to the law. and that once euery moneth at the least , a conuenient number of the iustices of peace in euery seuerall counti● and diuision , shall meete together in some conuenient place in that diuision , and take account of the high constables , petty constables , and other officers within that diuision , how they haue obserued the lawes and our commandement touching the premisses . and that they seuerely punish all such as shall bee found remisse or negligent in that behalfe . and we doe hereby strictly charge and command as well all and singular iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs , and other our officers and ministers , as also all our louing subiects of what estate or degree soeuer to vse all diligence , that all and euery houses or places which are or shall bee visited or infected with the sicknesse , bee carefully shut vp , and watch and ward kept ouer them that no person or persons within those places doe goe abroad , or depart from thence , during the time of such visitation . and we doe hereby command all and singular our iudges of assize in their seuerall circuits to giue speciall charge , and make speciall inquiry of the defaults of all and euery the iustices of peace who shall not obserue their meetings in the seuerall counties and diuisions aforesaid , or shall not punish such constables or other officers as being informed either by their owne view and knowledge , or otherwise are or shal be found remisse or negligent in the premisses , or in leauying such penalties & forfeitures as the lawes and statutes of this realme require against the parties offending herein . and thereof to informe vs or our priuy councell , to the end that such due course may be taken either by remouing out of the commission such negligent iustices of the peace , or otherwise by inflicting such punishment vpon them as shal be due to such as neglect their owne duties , and our royall command published vpon so important an occasion . and we doe hereby will require and command all and euery our iudges of assize , maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs and other our officers , ministers and subiects whom it may concerne , that they carefully and effectually obserue and performe all and euery the premisses , as they will answere the neglect thereof at their vttermost perils . and whereas wee haue lately commanded a booke to be printed and published containing certaine statutes made and enacted heretofore for the reliefe of the poore , and of souldiers and mariners , and for punishment of rogues and vagabonds , and for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague , and also containing certaine orders heretofore , and now lately conceiued and made concerning health : all which are necessarie to be knowen and obserued by our louing subiects that thereby they may the better auoid those dangers which otherwise may fall vpon their persons or estates by their neglect thereof . wee haue thought it fit hereby to giue notice thereof to all our louing subiects , to the end that none may pretend ignorance for an excuse , in matters of so great importance . and wee doe hereby declare , that whosoeuer shall bee found remisse or negligent in the execution of any part of the premisses , shall receiue such condigne punishment for their offence , as by the lawes of this realme , or by our prerogatiue royall can or may be iustly inflicted vpon them . giuen at our court at whitehal the three and twentieth day of april , in the sixt yeere of our reigne of england , scotland , france and ireland . god saue the king. anno xliij . reginae elizabethae . ❧ an acte for the reliefe of the poore . be it enacted by the authority of this present parliament , that the churchwardens of euery parish , and foure , three , or two substantiall housholders there , as shall be thought meete , hauing respect to the proportion and greatnes of the same parish and parishes , to bee nominated yeerely in easter weeke , or within one moneth after easter , vnder the hand and seale of two or more iustices of the peace in the same countie , whereof one to be of the quorum , dwelling in or neere the same parish or diuision , where the same parish doeth lie , shall bee called ouerseers of the poore of the same parish . and they , or the greater part of them shal take order from time to time , by , and with the consent of two or more such iustices of peace , as is aforesayd , for setting to worke of the children of all such whose parents shal not by the said churchwardens , and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , bee thought able to keepe and maintaine their children . and also for setting to worke all such persons married , or vnmarried , hauing no means to maintaine thē , vse no ordinary & daily trade of life to get their liuing by , and also to raise weekly or otherwise ( by taxation of euery inhabitant , parson , vicar , and other , & of euery occupier of lands , houses , tithes impropriate , or propriations of tithes , colemines , or saleable vnderwoods in the said parish , in such competent summe and sums of money , as they shal thinke fit ) a conuenient stocke of flaxe , hempe , wooll , threed , yron , & other necessary ware & stuffe to set the poore on work , and also competent summes of money , for , and towards the necessary reliefe of the lame , impotēt , old , blind , and such other among them being poore , and not able to worke , & also for the putting out of such children to be apprentices , to bee gathered out of the same parish , according to the ability of the same parish , and to do , and execute all other things , aswell for the disposing of the said stocke , as otherwise concerning the premisses , as to them shal seem conuenient . which said church wardens & ouerseers so to be nominated , or such of them as shall not be let by sicknesse , or other iust excuse , to bee allowed by two such iustices of peace or more , as is aforesaid , shall meete together at the least once euery moneth in the church of the said parish , vpon the sunday in the afternoone , after diuine seruice , there to consider of some good course to bee taken , and of some meet order to be set down in the premisses , & shal within foure daies after the end of their yeere , & after other ouerseers nominated as aforesaid , make & yeeld vp to such two iustices of peace as is aforesaid , a true and perfect account of al summes of money by them receiued , or rated and sessed , and not receiued , and also of such stocke as shal be in their hands , or in the hands of any of the poore to worke , and of all other things concerning their said office , and such summe or summes of money as shall be in their hands , shal pay and deliuer ouer to the said church-wardens and ouerseers , newly nominated and appointed as is aforesaid , vpō paine that euery one of them absenting themselues without lawfull cause as aforesaid , frō such monethly meeting for the purpose aforesaid , or being negligent in their office , or in the execution of the orders aforesaid , being made by and with the assent of the said iustices of peace , or any two of them before mentioned , to forfeit for euery such default of absence , or negligence , twenty shillings . and be it also enacted , that if the said iustices of peace doe perceiue that the inhabitants of any parish are not able to leuy amōg themselues sufficient summes of money for the purposes aforesaid : that then the said two iustices shall and may taxe , rate and assesse , as aforesaid , any other of other parishes , or out of any parish within the hundred where the said parish is to pay such summe and summes of money to the churchwardens & ouerseers of the sayd poore parish , for the said purposes , as the said iustices shal think fit , according to the intent of this law. and if the said hundred shal not be thought to the said iustices , able , and fit to relieue the sayd seuerall parishes not able to prouide for themselues as aforesaid , then the iustices of peace at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater number of them , shal rate and assesse , as aforesayd , any other of other parishes , or out of any parish within the said countie for the purposes aforesaid , as in their discretion shall seeme fit . and that it shall be lawfull aswell for the present as subsequent churchwardens and ouerseers , or any of them , by warrant from any two such iustices of peace as is aforesaid , to leuie aswel the said summes of money and all arrerages of euery one that shall refuse to contribute according as they shall be assessed , by distresse and sale of the offendors goods , as the summes of money , or stock which shal be behind vpon any account to be made as aforesayd , rendring to the parties the ouerplus , and in defect of such distresse , it shal be lawfull for any such two iustices of the peace , to commit him or them to the common gaole of the county , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , vntill paiment of the said sum , arrerages & stocke , and the sayde iustices of peace , or any of them , to send to the house of correction or common gaole such as shall not employ themselues to worke , being appointed therunto as aforesaid : and also any two such iustices of peace , to commit to the said prison , euery one of the sayd churchwardens and ouerseers , which shall refuse to accompt , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , vntill he haue made a true accompt , and satisfied and payd so much as vpon the sayd accompt shall bee remaining in his hands . and be it further enacted , that it shall be lawfull for the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , by the assent of any two iustices of the peace aforesayd , to bind any such children as aforesaid , to be apprentices , where they shall see conuenient , till such man child shall come to the age of foure and twenty yeeres , and such woman childe to the age of one and twentie yeres or the time of her mariage : the same to be as effectuall to all purposes , as if such child were of full age , and by indenture of couenant bound him or her selfe . and to the intent that necessarie places of habitation may more conueniently be prouided for such poore impotent people , be it enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that it shall and may be lawfull for the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , by the leaue of the lord or lords of the mannour , whereof any waste , or common within their parish is or shall be parcell , and vpon agreement before with him or them made in writing vnder the hands and seales of the sayd lord and lords or otherwise , according to any order to be set downe by the iustices of peace of the sayde countie at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater part of them , by like leaue and agreement of the said lord or lords , in writing vnder his or their hands and seales , to erect , builde and set vp in fit and conuenient places of habitation , in such waste or common , at the generall charges of the parish , or otherwise of the hundred or countie as aforesayd , to be taxed , rated and gathered , in maner before expressed , conuenient houses of dwelling for the sayd impotent poore , and also to place inmates or more families then one in one cottage or house , one acte made in the one & thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , intituled , an acte against the erecting and maintaining of cottages , or any thing therein contained to the contrarie notwithstanding . which cottages and places for inmates shal not at any time after be vsed or imployed to or for any other habitation , but only for impotent and poore of the same parish , that shall be there placed from time to time by the churchwardens and ouerseers of the poore of the same parish or the most part of them , vpon the paines and forfeitures contained in the said former acte made in the sayd one and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne . prouided alwayes , that if any person or persons shall finde themselues grieued with any sesse or taxe , or other acte done by the sayde churchwardens and other persons , or by the sayde iustices of peace , that then it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace , at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater number of them , to take such order therein as to them shal be thought conuenient , and the same to conclude and binde all the sayd parties . and be it further enacted , that the father and grandfather , and the mother , and grandmother , and the children of euery poore , olde , blinde , lame , and impotent person , or other poore person , not able to worke , being of a sufficient abilitie , shall at their owne charges relieue and maintaine euery such poore person in that manner , and according to that ra●e , as by the iustices of peace of that countie where such sufficient persons dwell , or the greater number of them , at their generall quarter sessions shall bee assessed , vpon paine that euery one of them shall forfeit twentie shillings for euery moneth which they shall faile therein . and be it further hereby enacted , that the maiors , bayliffes , or other head officers of euery towne and place corporate , and city within this realme , being iustice or iustices of peace , shall haue the same authoritie by vertue of this acte , within the limits and precints of their iurisdictions , aswell out of sessions as at their sessions , if they holde any , as is herein limitted , prescribed , and appointed to iustices of peace of the countie , or any two or more of them , or to the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , to doe and execute for all the vses and purposes in this acte prescribed , and no other iustice or iustices of peace to enter or meddle there . and that euery alderman of the city of london within his ward , shall and may doe and execute in euery respect , so much as is appointed and allowed by this acte to be done and executed by one or two iustices of peace , of any countie within this realme . and be it also enacted , that if it shall happen any parish to extend it selfe into more counties then one , or part to lie within the liberties of any citie , towne , or place corporate , and part without , that then as well the iustices of peace of euery countie , as also the head officers of such city , towne , or place corporate , shall deale and entermeddle onely in so much of the said parish , as lyeth within their liberties , and not any further . and euery of them respectiuely within their seuerall limits , wards and iurisdictions , to execute the ordinances before mentioned concerning the nomination of ouerseers , the consent to binding apprentices , the giuing warrant to leuie taxations vnpayd , the taking accompt of churchwardens and ouerseers , and the committing to prison such as refuse to accompt , or deny to pay the arrerages due vpon their accompts . and yet neuerthelesse , the sayd church-wardens and ouerseers , or the most part of them of the sayd parishes , that doe extend into such seuerall limits and iurisdictions , shall without diuiding themselues , duely execute their office in all places within the sayd parish , in all things to them belonging , and shall duely exhibite and make one accompt before the sayd head officer of the towne or place corporate , and one other before the said iustices of peace , or any such two of them as is aforesaid . and further be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that if in any place within this realme there happen to bee hereafter no such nomination of ouerseers yeerely as is before appointed , that then euery iustice of peace of the county dwelling within the diuision , where such default of nomination shall happen , and euery maior , alderman and head officer , of city , towne , or place corporate , where such default shall happen , shall lose and forfeit for euery such default fiue pound , to bee imployed towards the reliefe of the poore of the sayd parish , or place corporate , and to be leuied as aforesaid of their goods by warrant from the generall sessions of the peace of the sayd countie , or of the same citie , towne , or place corporate , if they kepe sessions . and bee it also enacted by the authority aforesayd , that all penalties and forfeitures , before mentioned in this act to bee forfeited by any person or persons , shall go and be imployed to the vse of the poore of the same parish , and towards a stocke and habitation for them , and other necessary vses and reliefe as before in this act are mentioned and expressed , and shal be leuied by the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or one of them , by warrant from any two such iustices of peace , or maior , alderman , or head officer of citie , town or place corporate , respectiuely within their seuerall limites by distresse and sale therof , as aforesaid , or in defect therof , it shal be lawful for any two such iustices of peace , and the said aldermen and head officers within their seuerall limits , to commit the offendor to the said prison , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , till the said forfeitures shal be satisfied and payed . and be it further enacted by the authoritie aforesayd , that the iustices of peace of euery countie or place corporate , or the more part of them in their general sessions to be holden next after the feast of easter next , and so yeerely as often as they shall thinke meet , shall rate euery parish to such a weekely summe of money as they shall thinke conuenient , so as no parish bee rated aboue the summe of sixe pence , nor vnder the summe of a halfepeny , weekely to bee payd , and so as the totall summe of such taxation of the parishes in euery county , amount not aboue the rate of two pence for euery parish within the said county . which summes so taxed , shall be yeerely assessed by the agreement of the parishioners within themselues , or in default thereof , by the churchwardens and petie constables of the same parish , or the more part of them , or in default of their agreement , by the order of such iustice or iustices of peace , as shal dwell in the same parish , or ( if none be there dwelling ) in the parts next adioyning . and if any person shal refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed , it shall be lawfull for the said churchwardens and constables , or any of them , or in their default for any iustice of peace of the sayd limite , to leuie the same by distresse , and sale of the goods of the party so refusing or neglecting , rendring to the party the ouerplus , and in default of such distresse , it shal be lawful to any iustice of that limite , to commit such person to the sayd prison , there to abide without baile or maineprise , till he haue payed the same . and be it also enaced , that the said iustices of the peace at their generall quarter sessions to bee holden at the time of such taxation , shall set down what competent sums of money shal be sent quarterly out of euery county or place corporate , for the reliefe of the poore prisoners of the kings bench , and marshalsey , & also of such hospitals , and almes houses , as shal be in the said county , and what summes of money shal be sent to euery one of the said hospitals , & almes houses , so as there bee sent out of euery county yerely xx . s. at the least to each of the said prisons of the kings bench , and marshalsey , which summes ratably to be assessed vpon euery parish , the churchwardens of euery parish shall truely collect and pay ouer to the high cōstables in whose diuision such parish shall be scituate , from time to time quarterly ten dayes before the end of euery quarter , and euery such constable at euery such quarter sessions in such county , shall pay ouer the same to such two treasurers , or to one of them , as shall by the more part of the iustices of peace of the county , be elected to be the said treasurers , to be chosen by the iustices of peace of the said county , citie , or towne , or place corporate , or of others which were sessed and taxed at fiue pound lands , or ten pound goods at the least , at the taxe of subsidie next before the time of the said election to be made . and the said treasurers so elected , to continue for the space of one whole yere in their office , and then to giue vp their charge with a due account of their receipts and disbursements , at the quarter sessions to be holden next after the feast of easter in euery yeere , to such others as shall from yeere to yeere in forme aforesayd successiuely be elected treasurers for the said county , citie , towne , or place corporate , which said treasurers or one of them shall pay ouer the same to the lord chiefe iustice of england , and knight marshal for the time being , equally to be diuided to the vse aforesaid , taking their acquittance for the same , or in default of the said chiefe iustice , to the next ancientest iustice of the kings bench as aforesaid . and if any churchwarden or high constable , or his executors or administrators , shall faile to make paiment in forme aboue specified , then euery churchwarden , his executors or administrators , so offending , shall forfeit for euery time the summe of ten shillings , and euery high constable , his executors or administrators , shall forfeit for euery time , the summe of xx . s , the same forfetures together with the summes behinde , to be leuied by the said treasurer and treasurers , by way of distresse and sale of the goods as af●resayd , in forme aforesaid , and by them to bee imployed towards the charitable vses comprised in this act. and be it further enacted , that all the surplusage of money which shall bee remaining in the said stocke , of any county , shal by discretion of the more part of the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , be ordered , distributed and bestowed for the reliefe of the poore hospitals of that countie , and of those that shall sustaine losses by fire , water , the sea , or other casualties , and to such other charitable purposes , for the reliefe of the poore , as to the more part of the said iustices of peace shall seeme conuenient . and bee it further enacted , that if any treasurer elected , shall wilfully refuse to take vpon him the sayd office of treasurership , or refuse to distribute and giue reliefe , or to account according to such forme as shal be appointed by the more part of the sayde iustices of peace , that then it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , or in their default , for the iustices of assize , at the assizes to be holden in the same countie , to fiue the same treasurer by their discretion : the same fiue not to be vnder three pound , and to bee leuied by sale of his goods , and to be prosecuted by any two of the said iustices of peace , whom they shall authorize . prouided alwayes , that this act shall not take effect vntill the feast of easter next . and be it enacted , that the statute made in the nine and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , entituled , an acte for the reliefe of the poore , shall continue and stand in force vntill the feast of easter next , and that all taxations heretofore imposed and not payed , nor that shal be payed before the said feast of easter next , and that all taxes hereafter before the sayd feast , to be taxed by vertue of the sayd former act , which shall not be payed before the sayd feast of easter , shall and may after the said feast of easter , be leuied by the ouerseers and other persons in this act respectiuely appointed , to leuie taxations by distresse , and by such warrant in euery respect , as if they had bene taxed & imposed by vertue of this act , & were not payd . prouided alwayes , that whereas the iland of fowlenesse in the countie of essex , being inuironed with the sea , and hauing a chappell of ease for the inhabitants thereof , and yet the said iland is no parish , but the lands in the same are scituated within diuers parishes , farre distant from the same iland , be it therefore enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that the said iustices of peace shall nominate and appoint inhabitants within the saide iland to be ouerseers for the poore people dwelling within the sayde iland , and that both they the sayd iustices , and the said ouerseers shall haue the same power and authoritie to all intents , considerations and purposes , for the execution of the parts and articles of this acte , and shall be subiect to the same paines and forfeitures , and likewise that the inhabitants and occupyers of lands there , shall be liable and chargeable to the same paiments , charges , expences , and orders in such manner and forme as if the same iland were a parish . in consideration whereof , neither the sayd inhabitants or occupiers of land within the sayd iland , shall not be compelled to contribute towards the reliefe of the poore of those parishes , wherein their houses or landes which they occupy within the sayd iland are situated , for or by reason of their sayd habitations or occupyings , other then for the reliefe of the poore people within the sayd iland , neither yet shall the other inhabitants of the parishes wherein such houses or lands are situated , be compelled , by reason of their resiancie or dwelling , to contribute to the reliefe of the poore inhabitants within the sayd iland . and be it further enacted , that if any action or trespasse , or other suite shal happen to be attempted & brought against any person or persons for taking of any distresse , making of any sale , or any other thing doing , by authority of this present acte : the defendant or defendants in any such action or suit , shall & may either plead not guilty , or otherwise make auowry , cognisance , or iustification , for the taking of the sayd distresses , making of sale , or other thing doing , by vertue of this act , alleaging in such auowry , cognisance , or iustification , that the sayd distresse , sale , trespasse , or other thing whereof the plaintife or plaintifes complained was done by authority of this acte , and according to the tenor , purport , and effect of this acte , without any expressing or rehearsall of any other matter of circumstance contained in this present acte . to which auowrie , cognisance , or iustification , the plaintife shall be admitted to reply , that the defendant did take the sayd distresse , made the said sale , or did any other acte or trespasse , supposed in his declaration of his owne wrong , without any such cause alleaged by the said defendant , whereupon the issue in euery such action shall be ioyned , to be tried by verdict of twelue men , and not otherwise , as is accustomed in other personall actions . and vpon the triall of that issue , the whole matter to be giuen on both parties in euidence , according to the very trueth of the same . and after such issue tryed , for the defendant or non-suite of the plaintife , after appearance , the same defendant to recouer treble dammages , by reason of his wrongfull vexation in that behalfe , with his costes also in that part susteined , and that to be assessed by the same iurie , or writ to enquire of the dammages , as the same shall require . prouided alwayes that this acte shall endure no longer then to the end of the next session of parliament . anno xliij . reginae elizabethae . ❧ an acte for the necessary reliefe of souldiers and mariners . whereas in the fiue and thirtieth yeere of the queenes maiesties reigne that now is , an acte was made , intituled , an acte for the necessary reliefe of souldiers and marriners : and whereas in the nine and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , there was also made another acte , intituled , an acte for the further continuance and explanation of the sayd former : bee it enacted by authority of this present parliament , that both the sayd actes shall be and continue in force vntill the feast of easter next , and shall bee from and after the sayd feast discontinued . and forasmuch as it is now found more needefull then it was at the making of the sayd actes , to prouide reliefe and maintenance to souldiers and marriners , that haue lost their limmes and disabled their bodies in the defence and seruice of her maiestie and the state , in respect the number of the sayd souldiers is so much the greater , by how much her maiesties iust and honourable defensiue warres are increased : to the ende therefore , that they the said souldiers and mariners may reape the fruits of their good deseruings , and others may be incouraged to performe the like endeuours : be it enacted by the authority of this present parliament , that from & after the sayd feast of easter next , euery parish within this realme of england , and wales , shall bee charged to pay weekely , such a summe of money , towards the reliefe of sicke , hurt , and maimed souldiers and mariners , that so haue been as afore is said , or shall lose their limmes , or disable their bodies , hauing been prest , and in pay , for her maiesties seruice , as by the iustices of peace , or the more part of them , in their generall quarter sessions , to be holden in their seuerall counties , next after the feast of easter next , & so from time to time at the like quarter sessions , to be holden next after the feast of easter , yeerely shall be appointed , so as no parish be rated aboue the summe of ten pence , nor vnder the summe of two pence weekely to be payd , and so as the totall summe of such taxation of the parishes , in any county where there shall be aboue fifty parishes , doe not exceede the rate of sixe pence for euery parish in the same countie , which summes so taxed , shall bee yeerely assessed by the agreements of the parishioners within themselues , or in default therof , by the churchwardens and the pety constables of the same parish , or the more part of them , or in default of their agreement , by the order of such iustices , or iustice of peace , as shall dwell in the same parish , or if none be there dwelling , in the parts next adioyning . and if any person shall refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed , it shal be lawfull for the said churchwardens and petie constables , and euery of them , or in their defaults , for the said iustices of peace , or iustice , to leuie such summe by distresse , and sale of the goods or chattels of the party so refusing or neglecting , rendring to the party the ouerplus raised vpon such sale . and for the collecting and custodie of the summes taxed in forme aforesaid , be it enacted , that the churchwardens , & pety constables of euery parish , shal truely collect euery such summe , & the same shall pay ouer vnto the high constable , in whose diuision such parish shall be situate , ten dayes before the quarter sessions , to be holden next before , or about the feast of the natiuity of s. iohn baptist next , in the county where the sayd parish shall be situate , and so from time to time , quarterly within ten dayes before euery quarter sessions . and that euery such high constable , at euery such quarter sessions in such county , shall pay ouer the same , to two such iustices of peace , or to one of them , or to two such other persons , or one of them , as shall be by the more part of the iustices of peace of the same county elected , to be treasurers of the said collection , the same other persons , to bee elected treasurers , to be such , as at the last taxation of the subsidie next before the same election , shall be valued , and sessed at ten pounds in lands yeerely , or at fifteen pounds in goods : which treasurers in euery county so chosen , shall continue but for the space of one whole yere , and then giue vp their charge , with a due account of their receits and disbursements , at their meeting in easter quarter sessions , or within ten dayes after , to such others , as shall from yeere to yeere in the forme aforesayd , successiuely be elected . and if any churchwarden , pety constable , or high constable , or his executors or administrators , shall faile to make payment in forme aboue specified ▪ then euery churchwarden , and petie constable , his executors , or administrators so offending , shall forfeit the summe of twenty shillings , and euery high constable , his executors , or administrators , the summe of fortie shillings , to bee leuied by the treasurers aforesaid , by distresse and sale in maner before expressed , and to be taken by the said treasurers , in augmentation of their stocke , to the vses aforesayd . and if any treasurer , his executors or administrators , shal faile to giue vp his account within the time aforesaid , or shall be otherwise negligent in the execution of his charge , then it shall be lawfull for the more part of the iustices of peace , of the same countie in their sessions , to assesse such fine vpon such treasurer , his executors or administrators , as in their discretion shall seeme conuenient , so it bee not vnder the summe of fiue pounds . and for the true and iust distribution and employment of the summes so receiued , according to the true meaning of this act , be it enacted by the authority aforesayd , that euery souldier or mariner , hauing had his or their limmes lost , or disabled in their bodies by seruice , being in her maiesties pay , as aboue is mentioned , or such as shall hereafter returne into this realme , hurt , or maimed , or grieuously sicke , shall repayre , if he be able to trauell , and make his complaint to the treasurers of the countie , out of which he was pressed , or if he were no prest man , to the treasurers of the countie where hee was borne , or last inhabited , by the space of three yeeres , at his election . and if he be not able to trauell , to the treasurers of the countie where he shall land , or arriue , and shal bring a certificate vnto any of the treasurers aforesaid , vnder the hand and seale of the generall of the campe , or gouernor of the towne wherein hee serued , and of the captaine of the band , vnder whom hee serued , or his lieutenant , or in the absence of the sayde generall or gouernour , from the marshall or deputie of the gouernour , or from any admirall of her maiesties fleete , or in his absence , from any other general of her maiesties shippes at the seas , or in absence of such generall , from the captaine of the ship wherein the sayd mariners or soldiers did serue the queenes maiestie , containing the particulars by his hurts and seruices , which certificate shal be also allowed of the generall muster master , for the time being , resident here within this realm , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , the treasurer and controller of her maiesties nauie , vnder his hand , for the auoyding of all fraud , and counterfeiting : then vpon such certificate , such treasurers as are before expressed , shall according to the nature of his hurt , and commendation of his seruice , assigne vnto him such a portion of reliefe , as in their discretions shall seeme conuenient for his present necessitie , vntill the next quarter sessions , at the which it shall be lawfull for the more part of the iustices of peace vnder their hands , to make an instrument of graunt of the same , or like reliefe , to endure , as long as this acte shall stand or endure in force , if the same souldier or mariner shall so long liue , and the same pension not bee duely reuoked or altered , which shall be a sufficient warrant to all treasurers for the same countie , to make payment of such pension vnto such persons quarterly , except the same shal be afterward by the sayd iustices reuoked or altered . so that such reliefe as shall be assigned by such treasurers or iustices of peace to any such souldier or mariner , hauing not borne office in the said warres , exceed not the summe in grosse nor yeerely pension of ten pounds . nor to any that hath borne office vnder the degree of a lieutenant , the summe of fifteen pounds . nor to any that hath serued in the office of lieutenant , the summe of twentie pounds . and yet neuerthelesse , it shall and may be lawfull to and for the iustices of peace and others , hauing authoritie by this acte , to assigne pensions to souldiers & mariners , vpon any iust cause , to reuoke , diminish , or alter the same from time to time , according to their discretions in the generall quarter sessions of the peace , or general assemblies for cities or townes corporate , where the same pension shall be granted . and whereas it must needs fall out , that many of such hurt and maimed souldiers and mariners , doe arriue in ports , and places farre remote from the counties , whence they are by vertue of this acte , to receiue their yeerely annuities , and pensions , as also they are prescribed by this act , to obtaine the allowance of their certificates from the muster master , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , who commonly is like to abide about the court or london , so as they shall need at the first , prouision for the bearing of their charges , to such places : be it therefore enacted , that it may bee lawfull for the treasurers of the countie where they shall arriue , in their discretion vpon their certificate ( though not allowed ) to giue them any conuenient relief for their iourney , to cary them to the next countie , with a testimoniall of their allowance , to passe on towards such a place . and in like maner shal it be lawfull for the treasurer of the next countie to do the like , and so from countie to countie ( in the direct way ) till they come to the place where they are directed to finde their maintenance , according to the tenure of this statute . and for the better execution of this acte in all the branches thereof , be it enacted , that euery the treasurers , in their seuerall counties , shall keepe a true booke of computation , of all such summes as they leuie , and also a register of the names of euery such person vnto whom they shall haue disbursed any reliefe , and shall also preserue , or enter euery certificate , by warrant whereof , such reliefe hath beene by them disbursed , and also that the muster master , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , shall keepe a booke , wherein shall be entred , the names of all such , whose certificates shall bee by him allowed , with an abstract of their certificates , and that euery treasurer returning , or not accepting the certificate brought vnto him from the sayd muster-master , shall write and subscribe the cause of his not accepting , or not allowing thereof , vnder the said certificate , or on the backe thereof . and bee it further enacted , that if any treasurer shall wilfully refuse to distribute and giue any reliefe , according to the forme of this acte , that it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace , in their quarter sessions , to fine such treasurers , by their discretions , as aforesayd , the same fine to be leuied by distresse and sale thereof , to bee prosecuted by any two of them , whome they shall authorize . and be it also enacted , that euery soldier or mariner that shall be taken begging , in any place within this realme , after the feast of easter next , or any that shall counterfeit any certificate in this acte expressed , shall for euer lose his annuitie or pension , and shall be taken , deemed , and adiudged as a common rogue , or vagabond person , and shall haue , and sustaine the same , and the like paines , imprisonment and punishment , as is appointed and prouided for common rogues and vagabond persons . prouided alwayes and be it enacted , that all the surplusage of money which shall bee remaining in the stocke of any county , shall by ●he discretion of the more part of the iustices of peace , in their quarter sessions be ordered , distributed and bestowed vpon such good and charitable vses , and in such forme as are limited and appointed in the statutes made and now in force , concerning reliefe of the poore , and punishment of rogues and beggers . prouided alwayes that the iustices of peace within any county of this realme or wales , shall not intromit or enter into any city , borough , place , or towne corporate , where is any iustice of peace for any such citie , borough , place , or towne corporate , for the execution of any article of this acte : but that it shal be lawfull to the iustice and iustices of the peace , maiors , bailiffes , and other head officers of those cities , boroughs , places , & towns corporate , where there is any iustice of peace to proceede to the execution of this act , within the precinct and compasse of their liberties , in such maner as the iustices of peace in any county may doe , by vertue of this act. and that euery iustice of peace within euery such citie , borough , place or towne corporate , for euery offence by him committed , contrary to the meaning of this statute , shal be fineable , as other iustices of peace at the large in the counties are in this act appointed to be . and that the maior and iustices of peace in euery such borough , place and towne corporate , shall haue authority by this present acte to appoint any person , for the receiuing of the sayd money , and paying the same within such citie , borough , place or towne corporate , which person so appointed , shal haue authority to do all such things , and be subiect to all such penalties , as high constables , by vertue of this acte should haue or be . and be it enacted , that all forfeitures to bee forfeited by any treasurer , collector , constable , churchwarden , or other person , for any cause mentioned in this act , shal be imployed to the reliefe of such souldiers and mariners , as are by this acte appointed to take and haue reliefe , and after that reliefe satisfied , then the ouerplus thereof , with the ouerplus of the stocke , remaining in any the sayd treasurers hands , shall bee imployed as is before mentioned , to the charitable vses , expressed in the said statutes , concerning the reliefe of poore , and for punishment of rogues and beggers , ( except the sayd iustices , or the more part of them , shall thinke meete to reserue and keepe the same in stocke for the maintenance and reliefe of such souldiers and mariners as out of the same countie may afterward bee appointed , to receiue reliefe and pensions . ) and that the relief appointed to be giuen by this acte , shall be giuen to souldiers and mariners , out of the county or place where they were pressed , so far forth as the taxation limited by this acte , will extend . and if the whole taxation there , shal be before imployed , according to the meaning of this act , or that they shall not be prest men , then out of the place where they were borne or last inhabited , by the space of three yeres , at his or their election . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted , that euery pension assigned heretofore to any souldier or mariner , or that shall be assignen before the said feast of easter next , notwithstanding the discontinuance of the said two former actes , shal stand in force , and shal yeerely from and after the said feast of easter next , be satisfied and payed , out of such taxations and forfeitures , as shall bee made , collected , and leuied by force of this act , so long as the saide pension shall remaine in force , without such reuocation or diminishing , as is before in this acte mentioned . which clause of reuocation or diminishing before mentioned , shall extend aswell to pensions heretofore assigned , as to such as at any time hereafter , before , or after the said feast of easter , shall bee assigned to any person or persons . and be it also enacted , that all arrerages of taxations heretofore made , by vertue of the said former statutes , or any of them , which shall be or remaine , at the said feast of easter next , vncollected , and not receiued , or leuied , shall and may by authoritie of this act , be had , receiued , and leuied , by such persons , and in such maner and forme , as in euery respect , taxations made by vertue of this act , are appointed to be collected , receiued and leuied , and shall be imployed to the vses expressed in this acte , and no otherwise . prouided alwayes , and bee it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that if the sayd rate shall be thought not to bee sufficient for the reliefe of such souldiers , and mariners , as shal be to be relieued within the citie of london , that then it shall bee lawfull for the maior , recorder , & aldermen of london , or the more part of them , to rate and taxe , such reasonable taxe , summe and summes of money , for the sayd reliefe , as shal be to them thought fit and conuenient . so as such summe and summes of money , so to bee rated , doe not exceede three shillings weekely out of any parish , and so as in the totall , the summe shall not exceede , or be vnder twelue pence weekely out of euery parish , one with another , within the said citie and the liberties thereof . this acte to endure to the end of the next session of parliament , and no longer . anno xxxix . reginae elizabethae . an acte for punishment of rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggars . for the suppressing of rogues , vagabonds and sturdie beggers , be it enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that from and after the feast of easter next comming , all statutes heretofore made for the punishment of rogues , vagabonds , or sturdie beggers , or for the erection or maintenance of houses of correction , or touching the same , shall for so much as cōcerneth the same be vtterly repealed : and that from and after the said feast of easter , from time to time it shall and may be lawfull to and for the iustices of peace of any countie or city in this realme or the dominions of wales , assembled at any quarter sessions of the peace within the same county , city , borough , or towne corporate , or the more part of them , to set downe order to erect , & to cause to be erected one or more houses of correctiō within their seueral counties or cities : for the doing & performing wherof , & for the prouiding of stocks of money , and al other things necessary for the same , and for raising and gouerning of the same , and for correction and punishment of offenders thither to be committed , such orders as the same iustices , or the more part of them , shal from time to time take , reform , or set downe in any their sayd quarter sessions in that behalfe , shal be of force , and be duely performed and put in execution . and be it also further enacted by the authoritie aforesayd , that all persons calling themselues schollars , going about begging , all seafaring men , pretending losses of their ships or goods on the sea , going about the countrey begging , all idle persons , going about in any country , either begging or vsing any subtile craft , or vnlawfull games and playes , or faining themselues to haue knowledge in physiognomie , palmestry , or other like craftie science , or pretending that they can tell destinies , fortunes , or such other like fantasticall imaginations : all persons that be , or vtter themselues to be proctors , procurers , patent gatherers , or collettors for gaoles , prisons or hospitals : all fencers , bearewards , common players of interludes , and minstrels , wandering a●road ( other then players of interludes belonging to any baron of this realme , or any other honourable personage of greater degree , to bee authorized to play vnder the hand and seale of armes of such baron or personage ) all iuglers , tinkers , pedlars , and pety chapmen wandering abroad , all wandering persons , and common labourers , being persons able in body , vsing loytering , and refusing to worke for such reasonable wages , as is taxed or commonly giuen in such parts , where such persons doe , or shall happen to dwell or abide , not hauing liuing otherwise to maintaine themselues , all persons deliuered out of gaoles that begge for their fees , or otherwise doe trauaile begging : all such persons as shall wander abroad begging , pretending losses by fire , or otherwise : and all such persons not being felons , wandering and pretending themselues to bee egyptians , or wandering in the habite , forme , or attire of counterfeit egyptians , shal be taken , adiudged , and deemed rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggers , and shall susteine such paine and punishments , as by this acte is in that behalfe appointed . and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that euery person which is by this present act declared to be a rogue , vagabond , or sturdie begger , which shall be at any time after the said feast of easter next comming , taken begging , vagrant , wandering or misordering themselues in any part of this realme , or the dominion of wales , shal vpon their apprehension by the appointment of any iustice of the peace , constable , headborough or tythingman of the same countie , hundred , parish , or tything , where such person shall be taken , the tythingman or headborough , being assisted therein with the aduise of the minister , and one other of that parish , be stripped naked from the middle vpwards , and shall bee openly whipped vntill his or her body be bloodie : and shal be forthwith sent from parish to parish , by the officers of euery the same , the next straight way to the parish where hee was borne , if the same may be knowen by the parties confession or otherwise . and if the same be not knowen , then to the parish where he or shee last dwelt before the same punishment by the space of one whole yeere , there to put him or her selfe to labour , as a true subiect ought to doe : or not being knowen where hee or she was borne or last dwelt , then to the parish through which he or she last passed without punishment . after which whipping , the same person shall haue a testimoniall subscribed with the hand , & sealed with the seale of the same iustice of the peace , constable , headborough or tythingman , & of the minister of the same parish , or of any two of them , testifying that the same person hath beene punished according to this acte , & mentioning the day and place of his or her punishment , and the place whereunto such person is limited to go , and by what time the sayde person is limited to passe thither at his perill . and if the said person through his or her default do not accomplish the order appointed by the said testimoniall , then to be eftsoones taken & whipped , and so as often as any default shal be found in him or her contrary to the forme of this statute , in euery place to bee whipped , till such person be repaired to the place limited : the substance of which testimoniall shall be registred by the minister of that parish , in a booke to be prouided for that purpose , vpon paine to forfeit . shillings for euery default thereof , and the party so whipped , & not knowen where hee or shee was borne , or last dwelt by the space of a yeere , shall by the officers of the sayd village where hee or she so last past thorow without punishment , bee conueyed to the house of correction of the limit wherein the said village standeth , or to the common gaole of that countie or place , there to remaine and be imployed in worke , vntill hee or she shal be placed in some seruice , and so to continue by the space of one yeere , or not being able of body , vntill he or she shall be placed to remaine in some almeshouse in the same countie or place . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted , if any of the sayd rogues shall appeare to be dangerous to the inferiour sort of people where they shall bee taken , or otherwise be such as wil not be reformed of their roguish kind of life by the former prouisiō of this act , that in euery such case it shal & may be lawfull to the said iustices of the limite where any such rogue shall be taken , or any two of them , whereof one to be of the quorum , to commit that rogue to the house of correction , or otherwise to the gaole of the county , there to remaine vntill their next quarter sessions to be holden in that countie , and then such of the same rogues so committed , as by the iustices of the peace then and there present , or the most part of them , shall be thought fit not to be deliuered , shall and may lawfully by the same iustices or the most part of them , bee banished out of this realme , and all other the dominions thereof , and at the charges of that countrey , shal bee conueyed vnto such parts beyond the seas as shall bee at any time hereafter for that purpose assigned by the priuie councell vnto her maiesty , her heires or successors , or by any sixe or more of them , whereof the l. chancellor , or l. keeper of the great seale , or the l. treasurer for the time being to be one , or otherwise be iudged perpetually to the gallies of this realme , as by the same iustices or the most part of them it shall bee thought fit and expedient . and if any such rogue so banished as aforesaid shall returne againe into any part of this realme or dominion of wales without lawfull licence or warrant so to doe , that in euery such case , such offence shall be felony , and the party offending therein suffer death as in case of felonie : the sayd felonie to bee heard and determined in that county of this realme or wales , in which the offender shall be apprehended . and be it also enacted by the authority aforesayd , that if any towne , parish , or village , the constable , headborough or tithingman be negligent & do not his or their best endeuours for the apprehension of such vagabond , rogue or sturdy begger , which there shall be found contrary to the forme of this present act , and to cause euery of them to be punished and conueied according to the true meaning of this present act , that then the said constable , headborough or tithingman in whome such default shall bee , shall lose and forfeite for euery such default ten shillings . and also if any person or persons doe in any wise disturbe or let the execution of this law or any part thereof , concerning the punishment or conueying of rogues , vagabonds , sturdy beggers , or the reliefe or setling of poore impotent persons in any maner of wise , or make rescusse against any officer or person authorized by this present acte for the due execution of any the premisses , the same person so offending , shal forfeit & lose for euery such offence the summe of fiue pound , and shal be bound to the good behauiour . and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that no person or persons hauing charge in any voyage , in passing from the realmes of ireland or scotland , or from the isle of man into this realme of england , doe wittingly or willingly bring or conuey , or suffer to be brought or conueyed in any vessell or boate from and out of the said realme of ireland , scotland , or isle of man , into the realme of england or wales , or any part thereof , any vagabond , rogue or begger , or any such as shall be forced or very like to liue by begging within the realme of england or wales , being borne in the same realms or island , on paine of euery such person so offending , to forfeit and lose for euery such vagabond , rogue , begger or other person like to liue by begging xx . s. to the vse of the poore of the said parish in which they were set on land . and if any such mannisk , scottish or irish rogue , vagabond or begger , be already , or shall at any time hereafter be set on land , or shall come into any part of england or wales , the same after he or she shall be punished as aforesayd , shall be conueyed to the next port or parish in or neere which they were landed or first came , in such sort as rogues are appointed to bee by this present acte , and from thence to bee transported at the common charge of the countrey where they were set on land , into those partes from whence they came or were brought . and that euery constable , headborough , and tythingman , neglecting the due performance therof , shall forfeit for euery such offence ten shillings . bee it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that no diseased or impotent poore person shal at any time resort or repaire from their dwelling places to the citie of bath , or towne of buxton , or either of them to the baths there for the ease of their griefes , vnlesse such person doe forbeare to begge , and be licensed to passe thither by two iustices of the peace of the countie where such person doeth or shall then dwell or remaine , and prouided for to trauaile with such reliefe , for & towards his or her maintenance as shal be necessary for the same person , for the time of such his or her trauell , and abode at the city of bath , and town of buxton , or either of them , and returne thence , and shall returne home againe as shall be limited by the said licence , vpon paine to be reputed , punished and vsed as rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggers declared by this present acte . and that the inhabitants of the same citie of bath , and towne of buxton shall not in any wise be charged by this acte with the finding or reliefe of any such poore people . prouided alwayes that the iustices of peace within any county of this realme or wales , shall not intromit or enter into any citie , borough or towns corporate , where be any iustice or iustices of the peace for any such citie , borough , or towne corporate for the execution of any branch , article or sentence of this acte , for or concerning any offence , matter or cause growing or arising within the precincts , liberties or iurisdictions of such city , borough , or townes corporate , but that it may and shal be lawfull to the iustice and iustices of the peace , maiors , bayliffes , and other head officers of those cities , boroughes , and townes corporate , where there be such iustices of the peace to proceed to the execution of this acte , within the precinct and compasse of their liberties in such maner and forme as the iustices of peace in any countie may or ought to doe within the same countie , by vertue of this acte , any thing in this acte to the contrary thereof notwithstanding . prouided alwayes , that this acte , or any thing therein contained , shall not extend to the poore people for the time being , in the hospitall , called saint thomas hospital , otherwise called the kings hospital , in the borough of southwarke neere adioyning to the citie of london , but that the maior , communaltie and citizens of the sayde citie of london for the time being , shall and may haue the rule , order and gouernment of the sayd hospitall , and of the poore people therein for the time being , any thing in this acte to the contrary notwithstanding . prouided alwayes , that this acte or any thing therein contained or any authority thereby giuen , shall not in any wise extend to disinherite , preiudice or hinder iohn dutton of dutton , in the countie of chester esquire , his heires or assignes , for , touching or concerning any liberty , preeminence , authoritie , iurisdiction or inheritance , which the said iohn dutton now lawfully vseth , or hath , or lawfully may or ought to vse within the county palantine of chester , and the countie of the citie of chester , or either of them by reason of any ancient charters of any kings of this land , or by reason of any prescription , vsage , or title , whatsoeuer . and be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by this present acte , ( except such as are otherwise limited and appointed by this present act ) shall wholly goe and be imployed to the vse of the reparations and maintenance of the said houses of correction , and stocke and store therof , or reliefe of the poore where the offence shall be committed , at the discretion of the iustices of the peace of the same limit , citie , borough , or towne corporate : and that all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by conuiction of any person according to this present act , shall by warrant vnder the hands and seales of any two or more of the iustices of the peace of the same county , citie , borough or towne corporate , bee leuied by distresse and sale of the goods and chattels of the offender , which sale shall be good in the law against such offender . and that if any of the said offences shal be confessed by the offender , or that the same shall bee prooued by two sufficient and lawfull witnesses , before such two or more iustices of the peace , that then euery such person shall forthwith stand and be in the law conuicted thereof . and bee it also further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that any two or more iustices of the peace within all the said seueral shires , cities , boroughs or townes corporate , wherof one to be of the quorum , shall haue full power by authority of this present acte , to heare and determine all causes that shall growe or come in question by reason of this acte . and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that the lord chancellor or keeper of the great seale of england for the time being , shall and may at all times hereafter by vertue of this present act , without further warrant , make , and direct commission or commissions vnder the great seale of england , to any person or persons , giuing them or some of them thereby authority , aswell by the othes of good & lawfull men , as of witnesses or examination of parties , or by any other lawfull wayes or meanes whatsoeuer , to enquire what summes of mony or other things haue been or shall bee collected or gathered for , or towards the erection of any houses of correction , or any stockes or other things to set poore on worke , or for the maintenance therof at any time after the seuenteenth day of nouember , in the eighteenth yeere of the reigne of the queenes most excellent maiestie , and by whom the same were or shall be collected or gathered , and to whose hands commen , and to what vse , and by whose direction the same was or shall bee imployed . and to call all & euery such person & persons , and their suerties , and euery of their executors or administrators to an accompt : and to compell them and euery of them by attachment of their goods or bodies to appeare before them for the same , & to heare and determine the same , and to leuie such money and things as they shal find not to haue been duly imployed vpon the said houses of correction , or stocks , or vpon other like vses , hauing in such other like vses respect of things past by the said commissioners to be allowed of , either by distresse & sale of the goods and chattels of such persons as they shall thinke fit to bee chargeable or answerable for the same , or by imprisonment of their bodies at their discretion : and that the said commissioners shall haue full power and authoritie to execute the same commission according to the tenor and purport thereof : and that all their proceedings , doings , iudgements and executions by force and authority thereof , shall be and remaine good and auaileable in the law : which said money so leuied by the sayd commissioners , shall bee deliuered and employed for the erecting or maintenance of the same . prouided alwayes neuerthelesse , that euery seafaring man suffering shipwracke , not hauing wherewith to relieue himselfe in his trauailes homewards , but hauing a testimoniall vnder the hand of some one iustice of the peace , of , or neere the place where he landed , setting downe therein the place and time , where , and when he landed , and the place of the parties dwelling or birth , vnto which he is to passe , and a conuenient time therein to be limited for his passage , shall and may without incurring the danger and penaltie of this act , in the vsuall wayes directly to the place vnto which he is directed to passe , and within the time in such his testimoniall limited for his passage , aske and receiue such reliefe as shal be necessarie , in , and for his passage . prouided also , that this statute nor any thing therein contained , shall extend to any children vnder the age of seuen yeeres , nor to any such glassemen as shall be of good behauiour , and doe trauaile in or through any countrey without begging , hauing licence for their trauailing vnder the handes and seales of three iustices of the peace of the same countie where they trauell , whereof one to be of the quorum . and be it also further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that this present act shall be proclaimed in the next quarter session or sessions in euery countie , and in such other market townes or places , as by the more part of the iustices of the peace in the sayd sessions shal be agreed and appointed . this acte to endure to the end of the first session of the next parliament . ❧ certaine branches of the statute made in the first yere of the reigne of king iames , concerning rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggars . forasmuch as sithence the making of the acte of . eliz. diuers doubts & questions haue beene mooued and growen by diuersitie of opinions , taken in and vpon the letter of the said act : for a plaine declaration whereof , be it declared and enacted , that from henceforth no authoritie , to be giuen or made by any baron of this realme , or any other honourable personage of greater degree , vnto any other person or persons , shall be auaileable to free and discharge the said persons , or any of them from the paines and punishments in the sayd statute mentioned , but that they shal be taken within 〈◊〉 ●ffence and punishment of the same s●te . and whereas in the sayd statute , there is a prouiso conteined , that the sayd statute , nor any thing therein conteined , shall extend to any such glassemen as shall be of good behauiour , and shall trauell in or thorow any countie without begging , hauing licence for their trauelling , vnder the handes and seales of three iustices of the peace of the same countie , where they trauell , whereof one to be of the quorum , as by the statute more at large appeareth : by reason of which libertie , many notorious rogues and vagabonds , and euill disposed persons haue vndertaken , and doe professe the trade of glassemen , and by colour thereof doe trau●ll vp and downe diuers counties of this realme , and doe commit many pickeries , pettie felonies , and other misdemeanours : for the auoiding of which inconuenience , be it established and enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that from and after two moneths next after the end of this present session of parliament , all such person and persons , as shall wander vp and downe the countrey to sell glasses , shall be adiudged , deemed , and taken as rogues and vagabonds , and shall suffer the like paine and punishment in euery degree , as is appointed to be inflicted vpon rogues , vagabonds and sturdie beggers , by the intent and true meaning of the sayd statute , made in the nine and thirtieth yeere of the reigne of the sayd late queene elizabeth , and shall be set downe , limitted , and appointed by this present acte , any thing in the sayde statute of the nine and thirtieth yeere of her sayde reigne to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding , and forasmuch as one branch of the statute of . eliz. is taken to be somewhat defectiue , for that the sayd rogues hauing no marke vpon them to be knowen by , notwithstanding such iudgement of banishment , may returne or retire themselues into some other parts of this realme where they are not knowen , and so escape the due punishment which the said statute did intend to inflict vpon them : for remedie whereof , be it ordeined and enacted , that such rogues as shall after the ende of two moneths next after the ende of this session of parliament , be adiudged as aforesayd , incorrigible or dangerous , shall also by the iudgement of the same iustices , or the more part of them then present , in their open sessions of the peace , be branded in the left shoulder with an hot burning iron of the breadth of an english shilling with a great romane r vpon the iron , and the branding vpon the shoulder to be so throughly burned , and set on vpon the skinne and flesh , that the letter r bee seene , and remaine for a perpetuall marke vpon such rogue during his or her life , and thereupon bee sent by the same iustices to the place of his dwelling , if he haue any , if not , then to the place where he last dwelt by the space of a yeere , if that can bee knowen by his confession or otherwise : and if that cannot bee knowen , then to the place of his birth , there to be placed in labour as a true subiect ought to doe : and after such punishment of any such rogue as aforesayd , if any rogue so punished shall offend againe , in begging or wandering contrary to the sayd statute , or this present acte , that then in euery such case , the party so offending shall bee iudged a felon , and shall suffer as in cases of felonie without benefite of clergie , the same felony to bee tried in the countie where any such offender shall be taken . anno primo iacobi regis . ❧ an acte for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague . forasmuch as the inhabitants of diuers cities , boroughs , townes corporate , and of other parishes & places being visited with the plague , are found to be vnable to relieue the poorer sort of such people so infected , who of necessitie must be by some charitable course prouided for , lest they should wander abroad , and thereby infect others : and forasmuch as diuers persons infected with that disease , and others inhabiting in places infected , aswell poore people and vnable to relieue themselues , that are carefully prouided for , as other which of themselues are of abilitie , being commanded by the magistrate or officer , of or within the place where the infection shal be , to keepe their houses , or otherwise to separate themselues from company , for the auoiding of further infection , doe notwithstanding very dangerously and disorderly demeane themselues : bee it therefore enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that the maior , bailiffes , head officers , and iustices of the peace , of euery citie , borough , towne corporate , and places priuiledged , where any maior and bailif●es , head officers , or iustices of peace are or shall bee , or any two of them , shall haue power and authoritie from time to time , to taxe and assesse all and euery inhabitant , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements and hereditaments within the sayd citie , borough , towne corporate , and places priuiledged , or the liberties or precincts thereof , at such reasonable taxes and paiments , as they shal thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of such persons infected , or inhabiting in houses and places infected in the same cities , boroughs and townes corporate , and places priuiledged , and from time to time leuie the same taxes , of the goods of euery person refusing or neglecting to pay the sayde taxes , by warrant vnder the hand and seale of the maior and bailiffes , and head officers aforesayd , or two such iustices of peace , to bee directed to any person or persons for the execution thereof . and if the party to whom such warrant is or shal be directed , shall not find any goods to leuie the same , and the party taxed , shall refuse to pay the same taxe , that then vpon returne thereof the sayd maior , bailiffes , head officers or iustices of peace , or any two of them , shall by like warrant vnder their hands and seales , cause the same person so taxed to bee arrested and committed to the gaole , without bayle or maineprise , vntill he shal satisfie the same taxation , and the arrerages thereof . and if the inhabitants of any such citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , shall finde themselues vnable to relieue their said poore infected persons , and others as aforesayd , that then vpon certificate thereof by the maior , bailiffe , head officers , and other the said iustices of peace , or any two of them , to the iustices of peace of the countie of or neere to the sayde citie , borough , towne corporate , or priuiledged place so infected , or any two of them to be made , the said iustices of or neere the sayd county or any two of them , shall or may taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the countie within fiue miles of the sayd place infected , at such reasonable and weekely taxes and rates as they shall thinke fit to be leuied by warrant from any such two iustices of peace , of or neere the countie , by sale of goods , and in default thereof , by imprisonment of the body of the party taxed , as aforesayd . and if any such infection shall bee in any borough , towne corporate , or priuiledged place , where there are or shall be no iustices of peace , or in any village or hamlet within any county , that then it shall and may be lawfull for any two iustices of peace of the said county , wherein the sa●d place infected is or shall be , to taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the said county , within fiue miles of the said place infected , at such reasonable weekely taxes and rates as they shall thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of the said places infected , to bee leuied by warrant from the said iustices of peace of the same county by sale of goods , and in default therof , by imprisonment of the body of euery party so taxed , as aforesaid : the same taxes made by the said iustices of peace of the county , for the reliefe of such cities , boroughs , townes corporate , & places priuiledged , where there are no iustices of peace , to be disposed as they shall thinke fit . and where there are iustices of peace , then in such sort as to the maior , bailifs , head officers , & iustices of peace there , or any two of them shal seeme fit and conuenient . all which taxes and rates made within any such citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , shal be certified at the next quarter sessions to be holden within the same citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , and the said taxes and rates made within any part of the said countie , shall in like sort be certified at the next quarter sessions to bee holden in and for the said countie , and that if the iustices of peace at such quarter sessions respectiuely , or the more part of them shall thinke it fit the sayd taxe or rate should continue , or be enlarged , or extended to any other partes of the countie , or otherwise determined , then the same to bee so enlarged , extended or determined , increased , or taxed and leuied , in maner and forme aforesaid , as to the sayd iustices at the quarter sessions respectiuely shal be thought fit and conuenient , and euery constable , and other officer that shall wilfully make default in leuying such mony as they shal be commanded by the said warrant or warrants , shall forfeit for euery such offence ten shillings , to be employed on the charitable vses aforesaid . and bee it further enacted , that if any person or persons infected , or being or dwelling in any house iniected , shall be by the mayor , bayliffes , constable , or other head officer of any citie , borough , towne corporate , priuiledged place , or market towne , or by any iustice of peace , constable , headborough , or other officer of the countie , ( if any such infection be out of any citie , borough , towne corporate , priuiledged place , or market towne ) commaunded or appointed , as aforesayd , to keepe his or their house , for auoyding of further infection , and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appointment , offering & attempting to breake and goe abroad , and to resist , or going abroad , and resisting such keepers or watchmen as shall bee appointed , as aforesayd , to see them kept in , that then it shall be lawfull for such watchmen , with violence to inforce them to keepe their houses . and if any hurt come by such enforcement to such disobedient persons , that then the sayde keepers , watchmen , and any other their assistants , shall not bee impeached therefore . and if any infected person as aforesayd , so commanded to keepe house , shall contrary to such commaundement , wilfully and contemptuously goe abroad , and shall conuerse in company , hauing any infectious sore vpon him vncured , that then such person and persons shall bee taken , deemed , and adiudged as a felon , and to suffer paines of death , as in case of felonie . but if such person shall not haue any such sore found about him , then for his sayd offence , to be punished as a vagabond in all respects should , or ought to bee , by the statute made in the nine and thirtieth yere of the reigne of our late souereigne lady queene elizabeth , for the punishment of rogues and vagabonds , and further to be bound to his or their good behauiour for one whole yeere . prouided , that no attainder of felonie by vertue of this acte , shall extend to any attainder or corruption of blood , or forfeiture of any goods , chattels , lands , tenements , or hereditaments . and be it further enacted by the authoritie aforesayd , that it shall be lawfull for iustices of peace , mayors , bayliffes , and other head officers aforesayd , to appoynt within the seuerall limits , searchers , watchmen , examiners , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places respectiuely , infected as aforesayd , and to minister vnto them othes for the performance of their offices of searchers , examiners , watchmen , keepers , and buryers , and giue them other directions , as vnto them for the present necessitie shall seeme good in their discretions . and this acte to continue no longer then vntill the end of the first session of the next parliament . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted by authoritie of this present parliament , that no mayor , bayliffes , head officers , or any iustices of peace , shall by force or pretext of any thing in this acte contained , doe or execute any thing before mentioned , within either the vniuersities of cambridge or oxford , or within any cathedrall church , or the liberties or precincts thereof , in this realme of england , or within the colledges of eaton or winchester , but that the vicechancellor of either of the vniuersities for the time being , within either of the same respectiuely , and the bishop and deane of euery such cathedrall church , or one of them , within such cathedrall church , and the prouost or warden of either of the sayd colledges within the same , shall haue all such power and authority , and shall doe and execute all & euery such act and actes , thing and things in this acte before mentioned , within their seuerall precincts and iurisdictions abouesayd , as wholly , absolutely , and fully to all intents and purposes , as any mayor , bayliffes , head officers , or iustices of peace within their seuerall precincts and iurisdictions , may elsewhere by force of this acte doe and execute . ¶ orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell , to be executed throughout the counties of this realme , in such townes , villages , and other places as are , or may be hereafter infected with the plague , for the stay of further increase of the same . also , an aduise set downe by the best learned in physicke within this realme , containing sundry good rules and easie medicines , without charge to the meaner sort of people , aswell for the preseruation of his good subiects from the plague before infection , as for the curing and ordering of them after they shal be infected . as the most louing and gracious care of his maiestie for the preseruation of his people , hath alreadie beene earnestly shewed and declared by such meanes and waies as were thought expedient to suppresse the grieuous infection of the plague , and to preuent the encrease thereof , within the citie of london , and parts about it ; so whatsoeuer other good meanes may be yet remaining which may extend and prooue behoouefull to the countrey abroad ( where his maiestie is sorie to vnderstand that the contagion is also in many places dispersed ) it is likewise his gracious pleasure that the same be carefully prouided and put in practise . and therefore hauing taken knowledge of certaine good orders that were vpon like occasion published in times past ; together with certaine rules and medicines prescribed by the best and most learned physicians ; and finding both of them , to serue well for the present time , his maiestie is pleased that the same shal be renewed and published : and withall straitly commandeth all iustices of the peace and others to whome it may appertaine , to see the said orders duely executed . at the court at hampton court this . of iuly . . infection of the plague . inprimis , all the iustices in euery countie , aswell within the liberties as without , immediatly vpon knowledge to them giuen , shall assemble themselues together at some one generall place accustomed , being cleare from infection of the plague , to consult how these orders following may be duely put in execution , not meaning that any iustices dwelling in or neere places infected , shall come thither , whiles their comming may bee doubtfull . and after their first generall assembly , they shall make a distribution of themselues to sundry limits and diuisions , as in other common seruices of the countie they are accustomed to doe , for the prosecution thereof . first they shall enquire , and presenly informe themselues by all good meanes , what townes and villages are at the time of such assembly infected within euery their counties , and in what hundred or other diuision , the sayde townes and villages are , and how many of the same places so infected are corporate townes , market townes , and villages , and shall consider of what wealth the inhabitants of the same townes and parishes are , to be able to relieue the poore that are or shall be infected , and to be restrained in their houses . item , thereupon after conference vsed according to the necessitie of the cause , they shall deuise and make a generall taxation , either by charging the towne infected with one summe in grosse , or by charging the speciall persons of wealth within the same , to be forthwith collected for the rate of one moneth at the first , and so if the sickenesse shall continue , the collection of the like summe , or of more or of lesse , as time and cause shall require , and the same to be euery first , second , third , or fourth weeke employed to and for the execution of the sayde orders . and in case some of the sayd townes infected , shall manifestly appeare not to bee of sufficient abilitie to contribute sufficient for the charges requisite , then the taxation or collection shall bee made or further extended to other parts , or in any other further limits , as by them shall bee thought requisite where there shall bee any such townes or villages so infected , and vnable to relieue themselues . and if the said townes be situated in the borders and confines of any other shire , then as the iustices shall see cause and neede for the greatnesse of the charge requisite , that the parts of the shire ioyning to the townes infected be not able , they shall write their letters to the next iustices of the other shire so confining , to procure by collection some reliefe , as in like cases they are to relieue them , in respect of neere neighbourhood of the place , and for that the same infection may bee the better stayed from the said adioyning places , thogh they be separated by name of the countie . item , they shall cause to be appointed in euery parish aswell infected as not infected , certaine persons to view the bodies of all such as shall die , before they be suffered to be buried , and to certifie the minister of the church and churchwarden , or other principall officers , or their substitutes of what probable disease the said persons died : and the said viewers , to haue weekely some allowance , & the more large allowance where the townes or parishes bee infected , during the infection , towards their maintenance , to the end they which shal be in places infected , may forbeare to resort into the company of others that are sound : and those persons to be sworne to make true report according to their knowledge , and the choise of them to be made by direction of the curate of the church , with three or foure substantiall men of the parish . and in case the said viewers either through fauour or corruption , shall giue wrong certificate , or shall refuse to serue being thereunto appointed , then to cause them to be punished by imprisonment , in such sort as may serue for a terrour to others . item , the houses of such persons out of the which there shal die any of the plague , being so certified by the viewers , or otherwise knowen , or where it shal be vnderstood , that any person remaineth sicke of the plague , to be closed vp on all parts during the time of restraint , viz. sixe weekes , after the sicknes be ceased in the same house , in case the said houses so infected shall be within any town hauing houses neere adioyning to the same . and if the infection happen in houses dispersed in villages , and separated from other houses , and that of necessitie , for the seruing of their cattell , & manuring of their ground , the said persons cannot continue in their houses , then they be neuerthelesse restrained from resorting in●o company of others , either publikely or priuately during the sayd time of restraint , and to weare some marke in their vppermost garments , or beare white rods in their handes at such time as they shall goe abroad , if there bee any doubt that the masters and owners of the houses infected , will not duely obserue the directions of shutting vp the doores , specially in the night , then shall there be appointed two or three watchmen by turnes , which shall be sworne to attend & watch the house , and to apprehend any person that shall come out of the house contrary to the order , and the same persons by order of the iustices , shall be a competent time imprisoned in the stockes in the high way next to the house infected : and furthermore , some speciall marke shall bee made and fixed to the doores of euery of the infected houses , and where any such houses shal be innes or alehouses , the signes shal be taken downe for the time of the restraint , and some crosse or other marke set vpon the place thereof to be a token of the sickenesse . item , they shall haue good regard to chuse honest persons , that either shall collect the summes assessed , or shall haue the custodie thereof , and out of the sayd collection to allot a weekely proportion for the finding of victuall , or fire , or medicines for the poorer sort , during the time of their restraint . and whereas s●me persons being well disposed to yeeld almes and reliefe , will be more willing to giue some portions of victuall , as corne , bread , or other meate , the same shal be committed to the charge of some speciall persons , that will honestly and truely preserue the same , to be distributed as they shal be appointed for the poore that are infected . item , to appoint certaine persons dwelling within the townes infected , to prouide and deliuer all necessaries of victuals , or any matter of watching or other attendance , to keepe such as are of good wealth being restrained , at their owne proper costs and charges , and the poore at the common charges : and the said persons so appointed to be ordered , not to resort to any publike assembly during the time of such their attendance , as also to weare some marke on their vpper garment , or to beare a white rodde in their hand , to the ende others may auoid their company . item , that in the shire towne in euery countie , and in other great townes meete for that purpose , there may be prouision bespoken and made , of such preseruatiues and other remedies , which otherwise in meaner townes cannot be readily had , as by the physicians shal be prescribed , and is at this present reduced into an aduise made by the physicians , and now printed and sent with the said orders , which may be fixed in market places , vpon places vsuall for such publique matters , and in other townes in the bodies of the parish churches , and chappels : in which aduise onely such things are prescribed , as vsually are to be had and found in all countreys without great charge or cost . item , the ministers and curats , and the churchwardens in euery parish , shal in writing certifie weekely to some of the iustices , residing within the hundred or other limit where they serue , the number of such persons as are infected and doe not die , and also of all such as shall die within their parishes , and their diseases probable whereof they died , and the same to be certified to the rest of the iustices at their assemblies , which during some conuenient time would be euery one and twentie dayes , and thereof a particular booke kept by the clerke of the peace or some such like . item , to appoint some place apart in each parish for the buriall of such persons as shall die of the plague , as also to giue order that they be buried after sunne setting , and yet neuerthelesse by day light , so as the curate be present for the obseruation of the rites and ceremonies prescribed by the law , foreseeing as much as conueniently he may , to be distant from the danger of infection of the person dead , or of the company that shall bring the corpse to the graue . item , the iustices of the whole countie to assemble once in one and twentie dayes , to examine whether those orders be duely executed , and to certifie to the lords of the priuie counsell their proceedings in that behalfe , what townes and villages be infected , as also the numbers of the dead , and the diseases whereof they died , and what summes of money are taxed and collected to this purpose , and how the same are distributed . item , the iustices of the hundred , where any such infection is , or the iustices next adioyning thereunto , to assemble once a weeke , to take accompt of the execution of the sayd orders , and as they finde any lacke or disorder , either to reforme it themselues , or to report it at the generall assembly there , to be by a more common consent reformed . item , for that the contagion of the plague groweth and encreaseth no way more , then by the vse and handling of such clothes , bedding and other stuffe as hath bin worne and occupyed by the infected of this disease , during the time of their disease : the sayd iustices shall in the places infected take such order , that all the sayde clothes and other stuffe , so occupyed by the diseased , so soone as the parties diseased of the plague are all of them either wel recouered or dead , be either burnt and cleane consumed with fire , or else ayred in such sort as is prescribed in an especiall article conteined in the aduise set downe by the physicians . and for that peraduenture the losse of such apparell , bedding , and other stuffe to be burnt , may be greater then the poore estate of the owners of the same may wel beare : it is thought very good and expedient , if it be thought meet it shall be burnt , that then the sayd iustices , out of such collections as are to bee made within their counties for the reliefe of the poorer sort that be infected , allow also them such summe or summes as to them shall be thought reasonable , in recompense of the losse of their sayd stuffe . item , the said iustices may put in execution any other orders that by them at their generall assembly shall be deuised and thought meet , tending to the preseruation of his maiesties subiects from the infection : and to the end their care and diligence may the better appeare , they shall certifie in writing the said orders newly deuised : and if any shall wilfully breake and contemne the same , or any the orders herein specified , they shall either presently punish them by imprisonment , or if the persons so contemning them , shal be of such countenance as the iustices shal think meet to haue their faults knowen to his maiestie , or to the councell , they shall charge and binde them to appeare before vs , and the contempt duely certified , that there may be a more notorious sharpe example made by punishment of the same by order of his maiestie . item , if there be lacke of iustices in some partes of the shire , or if they which are iustices there , shal be for the time absent , in that case the more number of the iustices at their assembly shall make choice of some conuenient persons to supply those places for the better execution hereof . item , if there be any person ecclesiasticall or lay , that shall hold and publish any opinions ( as in some places report is made ) that it is a vaine thing to forbeare to resort to the infected , or that it is not charitable to forbid the same , pretending that no person shall die but at their time prefixed , such persons shall be not onely reprehended , but by order of the bishop , if they be ecclesiasticall , shall be forbidden to preach , and being lay , shal be also enioined to forbeare to vtter such dangerous opinions vpon paine of imprisonment , which shall bee executed , if they shal perseuere in that errour . and yet it shall appeare manifestly by these orders , that according to christian charitie , no persons of the meanest degree shall be left without succour and reliefe . and of these things aboue mentioned , the iustices shall take great care , as of a matter specially directed and commaunded by his maiestie vpon the princely and naturall care he hath conceiued towards the preseruation of his subiects , who by very disorder , and for lacke of direction doe in many partes wilfully procure the increase of this generall contagion . an aduice set downe by the colledge of physitians , by his maiesties speciall command : containing certaine necessary directions , as well for the cure of the plague , as for preuenting the infection : with many easie medicines and of small charge , the vse whereof may be very profitable to his maiesties subiects . that none come from forraine infected places , or bring goods from thence . it is necessarie that there be care taken , that neither men , nor goods may come from any suspected places beyond the seas , or in the land , without a certificate of health , or else either to bee sent suddenly away , or to be put to the pesthouse , or some such like place , till the certaintie of their soundnesse may be discouered . that all established good orders be reuiued . that the statutes and good orders made and formerly published against common beggars , against all manner of playes , bowling-allies , inmates , tipling houses , lestals , against the sale of corrupt flesh or fish , may bee reuiued and strictly executed , and that the scauengers in generall , and euery particular housholder take care for the due and orderly cleansing of the streetes and priuate houses , which will auaile much in this case . that dogs , cats , conies , and tame pigeons bee destroyed about the towne , or to bee kept so sparingly , that no offence may come by them , nor that swine bee permitted to range vp and downe the streetes as they frequently doe ; or rather not to keepe any at all . it were also to bee wished that the slaughter-houses were vtterly put from out the liberties of the citie , being in themselues very offensiue . to be cautulous vpon any suspition . it is to bee feared , that because euery one desireth their libertie , that none will giue notice of any suspition of the plague , against themselues , wherefore it must be the ouerseers care vpon any notice or suspition of infection by the doctors , chirurgions , keepers , or searchers to finde out the trueth thereof , and so to proceede accordingly . the care to be taken when a house is visited . that vpon the discouery of the infection in any house , there bee presently meanes vsed to preserue the whole , as well as to cure the infected , and that no sicke person be remoued out of any house , though to another of his owne , without notice thereof to be giuen to the ouerseers , and be by them approued ; or if the whole be to be remoued , that notice be giuen to the ouerseers of their remoue , and that caution be giuen that they shal not wander about till they be sound . the house that is knowen to bee infected , though none be dead therein , to be shut vp , and carefully kept watched , till a time after the partie be well recouered , and that time to be forty dayes at the least . caution concerning flying into the countrey . because many masters of families , presently vpon the visiting of the houses before any be dead , fly into the countrey to their friends : by which meanes the plague , is often caried into the country , that no man shall depart his house , except it bee to a house not inhabited , and that it bee to a house of such distance , as that hee may conueniently trauell thither without lying by the way , much lesse that hee send his children or seruants ; and this to bee done by the approbation of the ouerseers vnder their hands . that such also as remooue into the countrey before their houses bee visited , haue a certificate from the ouerseers of their parish vnder their hands and seales testifying , that such persons were not visited before their remooue , that by vertue thereof they may the freelier trauell in the countrey , and be more readily entertained . because it is likely that the better sort will not call to them such doctors as are deputed to the cure of the plague , vpon the first falling sicke of any in their houses , least thereby they might draw greater infection vpon themselues : if therefore any house so vsing other doctors shal happen to be visited , that then the doctor who shall vndertake the care of that house , shall presently cause notice of the said infection to be giuen to the ouerseers , that care may be had thereof . buriall of the dead . that one being dead in any house of the plague notice bee giuen to the ouerseers , and that the dead party be buried by night in priuate manner , yet not without the priuity of the minister , clarke , bearers and constable or ouerseers , and that none enter the visited house , but permitted persons , vpon danger to bee presently shut vp themselues , and that there bee a visible marke set vpon the outside of the doore , and so to stand shut vp forty dayes . caution about apparell and houshold stuffe . that no apparell nor houshold-stuffe be remooued or sold , out of the infected house for three moneths after the infection is ceased in the house , and that all the brokers and inferiour cryers for apparell bee restrained in that behalfe . no visited person to be secretly remoued without licence . that no infected person be secretly conuered out of any house , and in any such misdemeanour , the master of the house both from which the sicke party is sent , as also the master of the house , into which the partie shall be receiued without the licence of the ouerseers of both parishes respectiuely , shall be seuerely punished , at the discretion of the ouerseers . doctors , apothecaries , and chirurgions . that by the gouernment of the citie , there bee appointed sixe or foure doctors at the least , who may ioyntly and seuerally apply themselues and their studies to the cure of the infected , and staying of the infection , and that these doctors bee stipendaries to the citie for their liues , and that to each doctor there bee assigned two honest apothecaries , and three chirurgions , who are also to bee stipended by the citie , that so due and true care may be taken in all things that the people perish not without helpe , and that the infection spread not , while none takes particular care to resist it , as in paris , venice , and padua , and many other cities . if any doctor , apothecary , or chirurgion stipended by the citie , shall happen to die in the seruice of the attendance of the plague , that then their widowes suruiuing , shall haue the moitie of their pension during their liues . publique prayers . aboue all things prayers must be publiquely made in euery parish , humbly to intreat god to bee mercifull to his people , and that he will not powre out the vials of his wrath vpon vs , according to our iust deseruings , but in mercie will be pleased to hold his auenging hand , & to stay the destroyer of his people , and that he will be pleased to blesse his maiesties care , and endeauors of the magistrates and inferiour officers for the staying of the infection , and that hee will blesse such good meanes , as are , and shal be directed by the doctors in this so dangerous a visitation . preseruatiues . by correction of the ayre . for the correcting of the infectious ayre , it were good that often bonefires were made in the streetes , and that sometimes the tower-ordnance might bee shot off , as also that there be good fires kept in and about the visited houses , and their neighbours . take rosemary dried , or iuniper , bay-leaues , or frankincense , cast the same vpon a chafendish , and receiue the fume or smoke thereof : some aduise to bee added lauender or sage . also to make fires rather in pannes , to remooue about the chamber , then in chimneys , shall better correct the ayre of the houses . take a quantitie of vineger very strong , and put to it some small quantitie of rose-water , ten branches of rosemary , put them all into a bason , then take fiue or sixe flint-stones heated in the fire till they be burning hote , cast them into the same vineger , and so let the fumes bee receiued from place to place of your house . that the house be often perfumed with rue , angelica , gentian , zedoary , setwall , iuniper wood , or berries , burnt vpon imbers , either simply , or they may be steeped in wine-vineger , and so burnt . greene coppris burnt in an earthen potte , and cast hot into vineger , therewith perfume the house and all therein , or with this slake lime in vineger , and aire the house therewith , burne much tarre , rosen , frankincense , or turpentine , both in priuate houses and in the churches before prayers . by perfuming of apparell . svch apparell as you shall commonly weare , let it be very cleane , and per●ume it often either with some red saunders burned , or with iuniper : and if any shall happen to be with them that are visited , let such persons as soone as they shall come home , shift themselues , and ayre their clothes in open ayre for a time . by carrying about of perfumes . svch as are to goe abroad shall doe well to carry rue , angelica , or zedoarie in their hands to smell to , and of those they may chew a little in their mouthes as they goe in the streete , especially if they bee afraid of any place . it is not good to be ouer fearful ; and it cannot bee but bad to bee ouer presumptuous and bold . take rue one handfull , stamp it in a morter , put thereto wine-vineger enough to moisten it , mixe them well , then straine out the iuyce , wette a piece of spoonge , or a toste of browne bread therein , tye it in a thinne cloth , beare it about to smell to . or this . take the roote of angelica beaten grosly , the weight of sixe pence , of rue and wormewood , of each the weight of foure pence , setwall the weight of three pence , bruise these , then steepe them in a little wine vineger , tye them in a linnen cloth , which they may carrie in their hands , or put it into a iuniper boxe full of holes to smell to . or they may vse this pomander . take angelica , rue , zedoarie , of each halfe a dramme , myrrhe two drammes , camphire sixe graines , waxe and labdanum of each two drammes , more or lesse as shall bee thought fitte to mixe with the other things , make hereof a ball to carrie about you , you may easily make a hole in it , and so weare it about your necke with a string . the richer sort may make vse of this pomander . take citron pils , angelica seeds , zedoarie , red rose leaues of each halfe a dramme , yellow saunders , lignum aloes of each one scruple , galliae moschatae foure scruples , storaxe , calamit , beuzoni , of each one dramme , camphire sixe graines , labdanum three drammes , gum tragaranth dissolued in rose-water enough to make it vp into a pomander , put thereto sixe drops of spirit of roses , enclose it in an iuory boxe , or weare it about your necke . also it is good in going abroad in the open aire in the streets to hold some things of sweet sauour in their hands , or in the corner of a handkerchiefe , as a sponge dipped in vineger and rose-water mixed , or in vineger wherewith wormewood or rue called also herbegrace hath beene boyled . take the roote of enula campana , being laid and steeped in vineger and grosse beaten , put a little of it in a handkerchiefe , and smell to it if you resort to any that is infected . it shall bee good to take a handfull of rue , and as much common wormewood , and bruise them a little , and put them into a pot of earth or tinne , with so much vineger as shall couer the herbes , keepe this pot close couered or stopt , and when you feare any infection , dip into this vineger a piece of a sponge , & carry it in your hand , and smell to it , or else put it into a round ball of yuory or iuniper , made full of holes of the one side , carying it in your hand , vse to smell thereunto , renewing it once a day . by inward medicines . let none goe fasting forth , euery one according to their fortunes , let them eate some such thing as may resist putrefaction . some may eate garlicke with butter , a cloue● two or three according to the abilitie of their bodies ; some may eate fasting some of the electuary with figs and rue hereafter expressed : some may vse london treacle , the weight of eight pence in a morning , taking more or lesse , according to the age of the party after one houre let them eate some other breakefast , as bread and butter with some leaues of rue or sage , ●nd in the heate of summer of sorrell , or wood sorrell . to steepe rue , wormwood , or sage all night in their drinke , and to drinke a good draught in the morning fasting is very wholesome ▪ or to drinke a draught of such drin●e after the taking any of the preseruatiues will be very good . in all summer plagues , it shall bee good to vse sor●ell sauce , to bee eaten in the morning with bread . and in the fall of the leafe to vse the iuice of barberies with bread also . take of the powder of good ba●beries the huske taken away from them , before they be dryed , a spoonefull : let the patient drinke this well mingled in a draught of good stale ale or beere , which is neither sowre nor dead , or with a draught of white wine , and goe to bed , and cast himselfe in a sweat , and forbeare sleepe . take the inward barke of the ash-tree , a pound of walnuts , with the greene outward shels , to the number of fifty , cut these small ; of scabious , of veruen , of petimorel , of housleeke , of euery one a handfull , of saffron halfe an ounce , powre vpon these the strongest vineger you can get foure pints ▪ let them a little boyle together vpon a very soft fire , and then stand in a very close pot well stopt all a night vpon the embers , after distill them with a soft fire , and receiue the water close kept . giue vnto the patient laid in bed and well couered with cloathes two ounces of this water to drinke , and let him be prouoked to sweat , and euery sixe houres during the space of twenty foure houres , giue him the same quantitie to drinke . this medicine for the worthinesse thereof and because it will stand the maner thereof in little charge , it shall be very well done to distill it in summer , when the walnuts h●ng greene vpon the tree , that it may bee ready against the time that occasion serueth to vse it . after infection . forasmuch as the cause of the plague standeth rather in poyson , then in any putr●faction of humours , as other agues doe , the chiefest way is to moue sweatings , and to defend the heart by some cordiall thing . cordials . mithridates medicine of figgs . take of good figgs and walnuts , of each twenty foure , rue picked , two good handfuls , salt halfe an ounce , or some what better , first stampe your figgs and walnuts well together in a stone morter , then adde your rue , and last of all your salt , mixe them exceedingly well , take of this mixture euery morning fasting the weight of sixteen pence : to children and weake bodies lesse . or this will be more effectuall . take twenty walnuts , pill them , figs fifteene , rue a good handful , tormentil roots three drams , iuniper berries two drams , bole-armoniack a dram & a halfe ; first stampe your roots then your figs and seeds , then adde your walnuts , then put to your rue and bole , and with them put thereto sixe drammes of london treacle , and two or three spoonefuls of wine-vineger , mixe them well in a stone morter , and take of this euery morning the quantity of a good nutmeg fasting , they that haue cause to goe much abroad may take as much more in the euening two houres before supper . for women with child , children , and such as cannot take bitter things vse this . take conserue of roses , wood-sorrel , of each two ounces , conserues of borrage , of sage-flowers , of each sixe drams , bole-armoniake , shauings of harts-horn , sorrell-seeds , of each two drams , yellow or white saunders halfe a dramme , saffron one scruple , sirrop of wood-sorrell enough to make it a moist electuary , mixe them well , take so much as a chesnut at a time , once or twice a day as you shall finde cause . take the shauings of harts-horne , magistery of pearl , magistery of coral , tormentil rootes , zedoarie , true terra sigillata , of each one dramme , citron pills , yellow white and red sanders , of each halfe a dramme , white amber , hyacinth-stone prepared , of each two scruples , bezoar stone , of the east vnicornes horne , of each foure and twenty graines , citron and orenge pils canded , of each three drammes , lignum aloes , one scruple , amber-grease and muske , of each eight graines , white sugar candy , twice the weight of all the rest , mixe them well being made into a dredge powder , take the weight of twelue pence at a time euery morning fasting , and also in the euening about fiue a clocke , or an houre before supper . with these powders and sugar there may be made lozenges , or manus christies and with conuenient conserues they may be made into electuaries . all which and many more , for their health they may haue by the aduice and directions of their owne physicians , or at least physicians wil not bee wanting to direct them as they may haue neede . they may also vse bezoar water , or treacle water , or saxonias cold cordiall water , which they may vse simply , or they may mixe them also with all their antidotes as occasion shall require . the vse of london treacle is good both to preserue from the sicknesse , as also to cure the sicknesse , being taken vpon the first apprehension in a greater quantitie , as to a man two drammes , but lesse to a weake body or a child , in cardius or dragon water . take of the finest cleere aloes you can buy , in colour like to a liuer , and therefore called hepatica , of cinamom , of myrrhe , of each of these the weight of three french crownes , or of two and twenty pence of our money , of cloues , maces , lignum aloes , of masticke of bole-oriental , of each of these halfe an ounce , mingle them together , & beat them into a very fine powder , of the which take euery morning fasting the weight of a groat of this in white wine delayed with water , and by the grace of god you shall bee safe from the plague . no man which is learned if hee examine the simples of this medicine whereof it consisteth , and the nature and power of them can deny , but that it is a medicine of great efficacie against the plague , and the simples whereof it is made , are easily to be had in any good apothecaries shop , except bole-orientall , which is vsed in the stead of true bolus armenus . take a dry figge and open it , and put the kernell of a walnut into the same , being cut very small , three or foure leaues of rue commonly called herbegrace , a corne of salt , then roste the figge , and eate it warme , fast three or foure houres after it , and vse this twice in the weeke . take the powder of tormentill the weight of sixe pence with sorrell or scabious water in summer , and in winter with the water of valerian or common drinke . or else , in one day they may take a little wormwood and valerian , with a graine of salt , in another day they may take seuen or eight berries of iuniper dried and put in powder , and taking the same with common drinke , or with drinke in which wormewood and rue hath beene steeped all night . also the treacle called diatessaroum , which is made but of foure things of light price , easie to be had . also the roote of enula campana , either taken in powder with drinke , or hanged about the brest . likewise a piece of arras roote kept in the mouth as men passe in the streets is very good cordiall . take sixe leaues of sorrell , wash them with water and vineger , let them lye in the said water and vineger a while . then eate them fasting , and keepe in your mouth and chew now and then either setwall , or the roote of angelica , or a little cinamom . medicines purgatiue . it is good for preuention to keepe the bodie reasonable open , especially with such things as are easie of operation , and good to resist putrefaction , such are these pils which are vsually to bee had at good apothecaries , and are called pestilentiall pilles . take aloes two ounces , myrrhe and saffron , of each one ounce , ammoniacum halfe an ounce , make them vp into a masse with the iuice of limons , or white wine vineger , to keepe the bodie open , a small pill or two will bee enough taken a little before supper , or before dinner , but to purge the bodie , take the weight of a dramme , made into fiue , or sixe , or more pilles , in the morning fasting , and that day keepe your chamber . if the patient bee costiue and bound in his body , let him take a suppositary made with a little boyled honie , and a little fine powder of salt , and so taken in at the fundament , and kept till it mooue a stoole . for the poore take aloes the weight of sixe pence , put in the pappe of an apple , and for the richer , pilles of rufus to be had in euery apothecaries shop . ¶ blood-letting . if the patient be full of humors which be good , let him immediatly bee let-blood vpon the liuer veine in the right arme , or in the median veine of the same arme ( if no sore appeare ) in the first day . such as are tyed to necessary attendance on the infected , as also such as liue in visited houses , shall doe well to cause issues to be made in their left armes , or right legs , or both , as the doctor shall thinke fit . for blood-letting , purging , and making of issues there must be particular directions had from the doctors , according to the constitution of the parties . these preparations thus vsed , the first day that the patient shall fall sicke , as cause shall be to vse the one or the other ( no sore appearing ) in which case if the sore shal appeare , they are both to be forborne , the next is to vse all meanes to expell the poyson , and to defend the heart by cordials . medicines expulsiue . the poyson is expelled best by sweatings , prouoked by posset-ale , made with fennell and marigolds in winter ; and with sorrell , buglosse , and borage in summer , with the which in both times they must mixe the treacle of diatessaroū , the weight of nine pence , & so to lay themselues with all quietnes to sweat one halfe houre , or an houre , if they bee strong ; for they that be neither full of humors , nor corrupt in humors , neither need purging , nor letting of blood , but at the first plunge may mooue themselues to sweate with cordiall things , mixt with such things as mooue sweat . medicines internall . for the cure of the infected vpon the first apprehension , burre seedes , cucheneely , powder of harts-horne , citron seedes , one or more of them with a few graines of camphire , are good to be giuen in carduus or dragon water , or with some treacle water . as thus . take burre seeds and cucheneely , of each halfe a dramme , or to a weake bodie , of each one scruple , camphire fiue graines , mixe these with two ounces of carduus or dragon water , halfe an ounce of treacle water , sirup of wood-sorrell a spoonefull , mixe these , giue it the patient warme , couer him to sweate , you may giue him a second draught after twelue houres , let him drinke no cold drinke ; this posset drinke or the like will be good to giue the visited liberally . take wood-sorrell halfe a handfull , marigold flowers halfe so much , shauings of harts-horne , three drammes , a figge or two sliced , boile them well in cleare posset-drinke , let them drinke thereof freely ; you may put thereto a little sugar . another . take citron seeds sixe or eight , shauings of harts-horne halfe a dramme , london treacle one drame , mixe them with two ounces of carduus water , or with three ounces of the prescribed posset drinke , drinke it warme , and so lye to sweat . another . take sorrell-water fiue or sixe spoonefuls , treacle-water one spoonefull , london treacle one dramme and a halfe , mixe them well , giue it warme , and so lay the patient to sweat . take tormentil , and celandine roots of each foure ounces , scabious and rue of each one handfull and a halfe , white wine vineger three pints , boyle these till one pinte be wasted , straine out the liquor , which reserue for the vse of the infected : let it be taken thus ; take of this liquor ▪ of c●s water , of each one ounce and a halfe , london treacle one dramme and a halfe , bol●-armoniake halfe a scruple , put thereto a little sugar , mixe them well , let the partie drinke it warme , and couer him to sweat . in summer this is good . take the iuyce of wood-sorrell two ounces ▪ the iuyce of limons one ounce , diascordi●m one dramme , cinamo● sixe graines , vineger halfe an ounce ▪ giue it warme , and lay the ●ic●e part● to sweat . take ●n ●gge and make a hole in the top of it , take out the white and yolke , fill the shell with the weight of two french crownes of saffron , roste the said egge thus ●lled with saffron vnder the embers , vntill the shell begin to wa●e yellow : then take it from the fire , and ●eat the shell and saffron in a morter together , with halfe a spoonefull of mustard seed ▪ take of this powder a french crowne weight , and assoone as you suspect your selfe infected , dissolue it into ten spoonefuls of posset-ale , and drinke it lukewarme , then goe to bed ▪ and prouoke your selfe to sweating . another is to take 〈…〉 of sorrell that groweth in the ●d ▪ or a greater quantity according as you will 〈◊〉 more ●s lesse of the water thereof , a●l●t it lye inf●ed or steeped in good vineger the space of foure & twenty houres , then take it off , and dry it with a linnen cloth , put into a l●mbe●ke , and distill the water thereof : and assoone as you finde your selfe touched with the sicknesse , drinke foure spoonefuls of the said water , with a little sugar , and i● you be able , walke vpon it vntill you sweate , i●●ot , ●epe your bed and be well couered , prouoke your selfe to sweating , and the next day to take as much againe of it a little before supper . to prouoke vomit with two ounces of 〈◊〉 oyle ▪ or 〈◊〉 oyle , a spoonefull of the iuyce of celendi●e , and halfe a spoonefull of the iuyce of ●●dice roote , so that the party infected 〈◊〉 ●alke and not 〈◊〉 , or better then any letting of blood , or any purging : for the disease , neither can suffer agitation of humours , nor when one is 〈◊〉 , hath any time to bleed or to purge . medicines externall . v● 〈◊〉 supplyed to 〈…〉 inside of the thighes , or about the bottome of the 〈…〉 legge ▪ will ●w foorth the 〈…〉 requires the direction of the doctor . for the swelling vnder the c●●es , arme-pits , or in the ●ro●●es , they must be alwayes drawne foorth and ripened , and broke with all speed , to vse any repelling thing is presently to ●ill the patient . these tumors , and more the car●cles and blaynes , doe require the care and skill of the expert chirurgi● : but not to leaue the poorer ●ort 〈◊〉 of good remedies , these following are very good . some pull off the feathers from the tayles of liuing cocks , hens , pigeons or chickens ▪ and holding their bills , they hold them hard to the botch or swelling , and so keepe them at that part till they dye ▪ and by this meanes draw out the poyson . to breake the tumor . take a great onion , hollow it , put into it a figge , rue cut small , and a dramme of venice treacle , put it close stopped in a wet paper , and ro●te it in the embers , apply it hote vnto the tumor , lay three or foure one after another , let one lye three houres . scabious ▪ and sorrell roasted in the embers , mixt with a little 〈◊〉 leaues , and some barrowes grease , and a little salt will draw it , and breake it . take two or three roasted onyons , a lilly roote or two roasted , a handfull of scabious roasted , foure or fiue figges , a piece of leauen , and a little rue , stampe all the●e together , if it be too dry , put to it two ounces of oyle of lillies , or so much salt butter , make a pultesse , apply it hot , after it hath lay●e three or foure houres take it off and burne it ▪ and apply a fresh pultesse of the same , if it proue hard to breake , adde a little burnt copris to the pultesse , which will soone worke his effect . or this . take the flowers of elders , two handfuls , rocket seede bruised one ounce , pigeons dung three drammes : stampe these together , put to them a little oyle of lillies , make thereof a pultesse , apply it , and change it as you did the former . to draw . when it is broken to drawe it and deale it , take the yolke of an egge , one ounce of honey of roses , turpentine halfe an ounce , wheate flower a little , london treacle a dramme and a halfe : mixe these wel● , spread it vpon leather , change it twice a day . you must take care not to heale any of these pestilent sores too soon , for that might breed a new sicknesse , or at least a new sore . for the carbuncle . some put great confidence in a cautery , laying a defensatiue of bole armoniacke , or terra sigillata , mixed with vineger and the white of an egge round about the tumor , but not vpon it . take three or foure cloues of garlicke , rue halfe a handfull , foure figges , strong leauen , and the soote of a chimney in which wood hath been burnt , of each halfe an ounce , mustard seede two drammes , salt a dramme and a halfe , stampe these wel together , and apply it hot to the sore ; you may put thereto a little salt butter if it be too drie . or this . take leauen halfe an ounce , radish rootes , the bigger the better , an ounce and a halfe , mustard seed two drammes ; onions and garlicke rosted , of each two drammes and a halfe , venice treacle or mithridatum , three drammes , mixe these in a morter , applie it hote thrice a day to the sore . but these sores cannot be well ordered and cured , without the personall care of a discreete surgeon . take of scabious two handfuls , stampe it in a stone morter with a pestell of stone if you can get any such , then put vnto it of old swines grease salted two ounces , and the yelke of an egge , stampe them well together , and lay part of this warme to the sore . take of the leaues of mallowes , of camomill flowers , of either of them a handfull , of li●eseed beaten into powder two ounces , boyl● the mallow leaues first cut , and the flowers of camomill in faire water standing aboue a fingers breadth , boile all them together , vntill all the water be almost spent , then put thereunto the lineseede , of wheate flower halfe a handfull , of swines grease , the skins taken away , three ounces , of oyle of roses two ounces , stirre them still with a sticke , and let them all boyle together on a soft fire without smoake , vntill the water bee vtterly spent , beate them all together in a morter vntill they bee well incorporated , and in feeling smooth and not rough ; then make part thereof hot in a dish set vpon a chafendish of coales , and lay it thicke vpon a linnen cloth , applying it to the sore . take a white onion cut in pieces , of fresh butter three ounces , of leauen the weight of twelue pence , of mallowes one handfull , of scabious , if it may bee had , one handfull , of cloues of garlicke the weight of twenty pence ; boyle them on the fire insufficient water , and make a p●●tesse of 〈◊〉 , and lay it 〈◊〉 to the sore . another . to the sore it 〈◊〉 doe thus , 〈◊〉 two handfulls of 〈◊〉 , three roots of da●t ▪ an handful of s●allage or lo● , if you can get it , 〈◊〉 them 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 , and a 〈◊〉 cr●es of bread , an● 〈…〉 thereof , and lay it warme to the so●e till it breake . another . if you cannot haue these herbes , it is good to lay a loafe of bread to it hot , as it commeth out of the ouen ( which afterward shall be burnt , or buried in the earth ) or the leaues of scabious or sorrel rosted , or two or three lilly rootes rosted vnder embers , beaten and applied . a generall medicine for all sorts of people taken with the pl●gue , to bee ●ad without cost . take of the roote butter burre , otherwise called pestilent-wort one ounce , of the roote of great valerian a quarter of an ounce , of sorrell an handfull , boyle all these in a quart of water to a pint , then ●ine it , and put thereto two spoonfuls of vineger , 〈◊〉 ounces of good sugar , boyle all these together vntill they bee well mingled ▪ let the infected drinke of this so ●otes ●e may 〈◊〉 it a good draught , and i● be● chance to 〈◊〉 it vp againe , let him take the same quantity straightway vpon it , and prouoke himselfe to sweat , and hee shall finde great helpe . ¶ orders conceiued and agreed to be published by the lord maior and aldermen of the citie of london , and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey , by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuy councell . whereas in the first yeere of the reigne of our late soueraigne , king iames of happy memory , ouer this realme of england , an act was made , for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague : wherby authoritie is giuen to iustices of peace , maiors , bayliffes , and other head officers , to appoint within their seuerall limits examiners , searchers , watchmen , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places infected , and to minister vnto them oathes for the performance of their offices . and the same statute also authoriseth the giuing of other directions , as vnto them for the present necessity shall seeme good in their discretions . it is therefore vpon speciall consideration thought very expedient , for the preuenting and auoiding of the infection of sicknesse ( if it shall please almighty god ) which is now dangerously dispersed into many places within the city and suburbs of the same : that these officers following bee appointed , and these orders hereafter prescribed bee duely obserued . examiners to be appointed in euery parish . first , it is thought requisite and so ordered , that in euery parish there bee one , two or more persons of good sort and credit , chosen and appointed by the alderman his deputy , and common councell of euery ward , and by the iustices of peace in the counties , by the name of examiners , to continue in that office the space of two moneths at least : and if any fit persons , so appointed as aforesaid , shall refuse to vndertake the same , the said parties so refusing , to be committed to prison vntill they shall conforme themselues accordingly . the examiners office. that these examiners be sworne by the alderman , or by one of the iustices of the county , to enquire & learne from time to time what houses in euery parish be visited , and what persons be sicke , and of what diseases , as neere as they can enforme themselues , and vpon doubt in that case , to command restaint of accesse , vntill it appeare what the disease shall prooue : and if they f●nd any persons sicke of the infection , to giue order to the constable , that the house be shut vp : and if the constable shal be found remisse or negligent , to giue present notice thereof to the alderman , or the iustice of peace respectiuely . watchmen . that to euery infected house there be appointed two watchmen , one for the day , and the other for the night : and that these watchmen haue a speciall care that no person goe in or out of such infected houses , whereof they haue the charge , vpon paine of seuere punishment . and the sayd watchmen to doe such further offices as the sicke house shall neede and require : and if the watchman be sent vpon any busines , to lock vp the house and take the key with him : and the watchman by day to attend vntill ten of the clocke at night : and the watchman by night till sixe in the morning . chirurgions . that there be a speciall care , to appoint women searchers in euery parish , such as are of honest reputation , & of the best sort as can be got in this kinde : and these to be sworne to make due search and true report , to the vtmost of their knowledge , whether the persons , whose bodies they are appoynted to search , doe die of the infection , or of what other diseases , as neere as they can . and for their better assistance herein , forasmuch as there hath beene heretofore great abuse in misreporting the disease , to the further spreading of the infection : it is therfore ordered , that there bee chosen and appointed three able and discreete surgions , besides those three that doe already belong to the pesthouse : amongst whom , the citie and liberties to be quartered , as the places lie most apt and conuenient : and euery of these sixe to haue one quarter for his limit : and the sayde chirurgions in euery of their limits , to ioyne with the searchers for the view of the body , to the end there may be a true report made of the disease . and further , that the sayd chirurgions shall visite and search such like persons as shall either send for them , or bee named and directed vnto them , by the examiners of euery parish , and informe themselues of the disease of the sayd parties . and forasmuch as the sayd chirurgions are to bee sequestred from all other cures , and kept onely to this disease of the infection : it is ordered , that euery of the said chirurgions shall haue twelue pence a bodie searched by them , to be payd out of the goods of the partie searched , if he be able , or otherwise by the parish . orders concerning infected houses and persons sicke of the plague . notice to be giuen of the sickenesse . the master of euery house , assoone as any one in his house complaineth , either of botch , of purple , or swelling in any part of his bodie , or falleth otherwise dangerously sicke , without apparant cause of some other disease , shall giue knowledge thereof to the examiner of health within two houres after the said signe shall appeare . sequestration of the sicke . as soone as any man shall be found by this examiner , chirurgion or searcher , to be sicke of the plague , hee shall the same night be sequestred in the same house . and in case he be so sequestred , then though hee afterwards die not , the house wherein he sickened , shall be shut vp for a moneth , after the vse of due preseruatiues taken by the rest . ayring of the stuffe . for sequestration of the goods and ●●uffe of the infected , their bedding , and apparell , and hangings of chambers , must be well ayred with fire , and such perfumes as are requisite within the infected house before they be taken againe to vse , this to bee done by the appointment of the examiner . shutting vp of the house . if any person shall haue visited any man , knowen to be infected of the plague , or entred willingly into any knowen infected house , being not allowed : the house wherein he inhabiteth shall be shut vp for certaine dayes , by the examiners direction . none to be remooued out of infected houses , but &c. item , that none bee remooued out of the house where he falleth sick of the infection , into any other house in the city , borough , or countie ( except it be to the pesthouse or a tent , or vnto some such house , which the owners of the sayde visited house holdeth in his owne handes , and occupyeth by his owne seruants ) and so as securitie be giuen to the parish , whither such remooue is made , that the attendance and charge about the said visited persons , shall be obserued and charged in all the particularities before expressed , without any cost of that parish , to which any such remoue shall happen to be made , and this remooue to be done by night : and it shall be lawfull to any person that hath two houses , to remooue either his sound or his infected people to his spare house at his choice , so as if he send away first his sound , he may not after send thither the sicke , nor againe vnto the sicke the sound : and that the same which hee sendeth be for one weeke at the least shut vp , and secluded from company for feare of some infection , at the first not appearing . buriall of the dead . that the buriall of the dead by this visitation be at most conuenient houres , alwayes either before sunne rising , or after sunne setting , with the priuitie of the churchwardens or constables , and not otherwise , and that no neighbors nor friends bee suffered to accompanie the coarse to church , or to enter the house visited , vpon paine of hauing his house shut vp or be imprisoned . no infected stuffe to be vttered . that no clothes , stuffe , bedding or garments be suffred to be caried or conueyed out of any infected houses , and that the criers and cariers abroad of bedding or olde apparell , to bee sold or pawned , bee vtterly prohibited and restrained , and no brokers of bedding , or olde apparell bee permitted to make any outward shew , or hang forth on their stalles , shop-boords or windowes , towards any streete , lane , common way or passage , any olde bedding or apparell to bee solde , vpon paine of imprisonment : and if any broker or other person shall buy any bedding , apparell , or other stuffe out of any infected house , within two moneths after the infection hath been there , his house shall be shut vp as infected , and so shall continue shut vp twenty dayes at the least . no person to be conueyed out of any infected house . if any person visited doe fortune , by negligent looking vnto , or by any other meanes , to come , or bee conueyed from a place infected , to any other place , the parish from whence such party hath come , or been conueyed , vpon notice thereof giuen , shall at their charge cause the sayd party so visited and escaped , to bee caried and brought backe againe by night , and the parties in this case offending , to bee punished at the direction of the alderman of the warde , and the iustices of the peace respectiuely : and the house of the receiuer of such visited person , to be shut vp for twentie dayes . euery visited house to be marked . that euery house visited be marked with a redde crosse of a foot long , in the middle of the doore , euident to be seene , and with these vsuall printed wordes , that is to say , lord haue mercy vpon vs , to be set close ouer the same crosse , there to continue vntil lawfull opening of the same house . euery visited house to be watched . that the constables see euery house shut vp , and to be attended with watchmen , which may keepe them in , and minister necessaries vnto them at their owne charges ( if they be able ) or at the common charge if they be vnable : the shutting vp to be for the space of foure weekes after all be whole . that precise order be taken that the searchers , chirurgions , keepers and buriers are not to passe the streets without holding a redde rodde or wand of three foot in length , in their hands , open and euident to bee seene , and are not to goe into any other house , then into their owne , or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for , but to forbeare and abstaine from company , especially when they haue beene lately vsed in any such businesse or attendance . and to this end it is ordered , that a weekly taxe be made in euery parish visited : if in the city or borough , then vnder the hand of the alderman of the ward , where the place is visited : if in either of the counties , then vnder the hands of some of the iustices next to the place visited , who , if there be cause , may extend the taxe into other parishes also , and may giue warrant of distresse against them which shall refuse to pay : and for want of distresse or for assistance , to commit the offenders to prison , according to the statute in that behalfe . orders for cleansing and keeping sweete of the streets . the streets to be kept cleane . first , it is thought very necessary and so ordered , that euery householder doe cause the street to be daily pared before his doore , & so to keepe it cleane swept all the weeke long . that the rakers take it from out the houses . that the sweeping and filth of houses be daily caried away by the rakers , and that the raker shall giue notice of his comming by the blowing of a horne , as heretofore hath beene done . laystals to be made farre off from the citie . that the laystals be remooued as farre as may be out of the citie , and common passages , and that no nightman or other be suffered to emptie a vault into any garden neere about the citie . care to be had of vnwholsome fish or flesh , and of mustie corne. that speciall care be taken , that no stinking fish or vnwholesome flesh , or mustie corne , or other corrupt fruits , of what sort soeuer be suffered to bee sold about the citie or any part of the same . that the bruers and tipling houses be looked vnto , for mustie and vnwholesome caske . that order bee taken , that no hogges , dogges or cattes , or tame pigeons , or conies be suffered to be kept within any part of the citie , or any swine to be or stray in the streetes or lanes , but that such swine be impounded by the beadle or any other officer , and the owner punished according to the acte of common councell , and that the dogges be killed by the dog-killers , appointed for that purpose . orders concerning loose persons , and idle assemblies . beggers . forasmuch as nothing is more complained on , then the multitude of rogues and wandering beggers , that swarme in euery place about the citie , being a great cause of the spreading of the infection , and will not bee auoyded , notwithstanding any order that hath beene giuen to the contrary : it is therefore now ordered , that such constables , and others whom this matter may any way concerne , doe take speciall care , that no wandering begger be suffered in the streetes of this citie , in any fashion or manner whatsoeuer , vpon paine of the penalty prouided by the lawe , to be duely and seuerely executed vpon them . playes . that al plaies , beare-baitings , games , singing of ballads , buckler play , or such like causes of assemblies of people , be vtterly prohibited , and the parties offending , seuerely punished , by any alderman or iustice of the peace . tipling houses . that disorderly tipling in tauernes , alehouses and sellers , be seuerely looked vnto , as the common sinne of this time , and greatest occasiō of dispersing the plague : and where any shall bee found to offend , the penalty of the statute to be laid vpon them with all seuerity . and for the better execution of these orders , as also for such other directions as shal be needfull , it is agreed that the iustices of the citie and the counties adioyning doe meete together once in tenne dayes , either at the sessions house without newgate , or some other conuenient place , to conferre of things as shall be needfull in this behalfe . and euery person neglecting the duetie required , or willingly offending against any article or clause contained in these orders , he to be seuerely punished by imprisonment , or otherwise , as by law he ought . god saue the king. in camera stellata coram concilio ibidem , vicesimo die octobris , anno regni reginae elizabethae quadragesimo , &c. praesentibus . thoma egerton mil. dn̄o custod . magni sigilli angliae . dn̄o north. dn̄o buckhurst . iohanne fortescue milite cancellar . scaccarij . archiepiscopo cantuariens . popham milite capitali iustic . de banco regis . anderson milite capitali iustic . de communi banco . this day rice griffin and iohn scrips were brought to the barre , against whome edward coke esquire , her maiesties attourney generall did enforme , that the said griffin had vnlawfully erected and built one tenement in hog-lane in the countie of middlesex , which hee diuided into two seuerall roumes , wherein were now inhabiting two poore tenants , that onely liued and were maintained by the reliefe of the parishioners there , and begging abroad in other places : and that the said iohn scrips had in like sort diuided a tenement in shordich , into , or about seuenteene tenancies or dwellings , and the same inhabited by diuers persons of very poore and base condition , contrary to the intent and meaning of her highnesse proclamation , published and set out the seuenth day of iuly , in the two and twentieth yeere of her highnesse reigne , whereby the same , and such maner of buildings and diuisions , are altogether forbidden and prohibited , as by her maiesties said proclamation more at large appeareth . moreouer , her highnesse said attourney further informed this honourable court , that sithence the sayd proclamation , sundrie decrees haue been made and taken by this court , aswell for the prostrating , pulling downe , and defacing of diuers new buildings : as also for reformation of diuisions of tenements : all which notwithstanding , sundry wilfull and disobedient persons , continue in their contemptuous maner of buildings & diuisions : by meanes whereof , the city of london , and suburbs therof , are ouercharged , and burdened with sundry sorts of poore , beggerly , and euill disposed persons , to the great hinderance and oppression of the same ; so as the magistrates and officers in and about the citie , to whom the due execution of the aforesayd decrees and orders chiefly appertaineth , cannot performe and doe the same , according to the purport and tenor thereof : and in regard thereof , her highnesse said attourney humbly prayed , that the sayd griffin and scrips might receiue , and haue inflicted on them , some condigne and fit punishment , and that at the humble petition of the lord maior and aldermen of the citie of london , and other the iustices of peace of the countie of middlesex and surrey , the court would bee pleased to set downe and decree , some last and generall order in this and in all other like cases of new buildings , and diuisions of tenements . whereupon the court grauely considering the great growing euils and inconueniences that continually breed and happen by these new erected buildings and diuisions made and diuided contrary to her maiesties sayd proclamation , and well weighing the reasons of the sayd lord maior and aldermen of the sayd citie and iustices of the counties aforesayd in that behalfe , greatly tendering the ouerburdened and distressed estate of the inhabitants that dwell in sundry the parishes where the sayd new buildings and deuided tenements are , being for the most part but of small ability to beare and sustaine the great charge which is to growe there by meanes of the poore placed in sundry of the new erected and diuided tenements , haue therefore by the whole and generall consent of all the honourable presence here sitting , hearing the accusations aforesaid , and the answeres , defences , and allegations of the said griffin and scrips , ordered and decreed , that the sayd griffin and scrips shal be committed to the prison of the fleete , and pay twentie pounds a piece for a fine to her maiestie . and as for the pulling downe , or reforming of any house new built or diuided sithence and contrary to the said proclamation , within the citie of london , or the compasse of three miles thereof , in which any poore or impotent persons now doe or hereafter shall dwell or abide , for that if the same houses should be pulled downe , destroyed , or reformed , other habitations must bee prouided for them at the charge of the parishes where they be or shal be dwelling , the court doeth as yet thinke fit to forbeare and respit the doing thereof , and haue ordered and adiudged that all and euery such poore and impotent persons , which dwel or shall dwell and inhabite in any new buildings , or diuided tenements erected & diuided , contrary to the effect and intent of her highnesse said proclamation , and are or shal in any wise be driuē to liue by begging , or to be relieued by almes within the city of londō or any other place within the compasse of three miles thereof , shall and may during the time of his or their life or liues , abide and dwell in the same , without giuing or paying any maner of rent , seruice or other recompence vnto the landlords or any other , for and in respect of the same , and not be thence remooued , vnlesse they shall after become able to liue of themselues , and that the said landlord , owner , or any other that claimeth interest to or for any rent or rents growing , arising , or payable for any of the said new buildings or diuided tenements , so inhabited or to be inhabited with poore people as aforesaid , shall hereby be enioyned , and vpon this sentence and decree take sufficient notice and warning , that hee or they doe not impleade , encumber , disquiet or molest any of the said poore tenants , for any rents , couenants , conditions , promises or agreements , touching or in any wise concerning the said tenements , new buildings , or any of them , for the leuying or recouering of any rent , seruice , or other consideration in lieu of any rent . and for that the new buildings and diuisions of sundry houses , within the citie of london and three miles compasse thereof contrary to the tenor of the sayd proclamation , hath beene and is the occasion of great charges vnto the parishes of the sayd citie and precinct aforesaid , whereby the said parishes are still ouermuch burdened with poore and impotent persons , it is therefore ordered and decreed , that all such landlords or owners of such buildings or diuisions wheresoeuer they should dwell , shall contribute and giue such like ratable and reasonable allowance with the said parishioners where such buildings and diuisions are , towards the finding and maintaining of the poore of the parish , in which such buildings are , is , or shal be erected or diuided contrary to the said proclamation , as should be apportioned and allotted him or them to pay , if hee or they were dwelling in the said parish . and it is further ordered and decreed by this honourable court , that after the death or departure of such poore people as doe or shall inhabite the same houses or diuided tenements aforesaid , the houses thereby being become voide , then the lord mayor and iustices of peace neere vnto the citie adioyning , hereby are commaunded to reforme the said diuided tenements , and to prostrate , pull downe and deface the said new buildings in such sort , as the same bee no more left fit for habitation , and the timber and wood thereof to be conuerted and disposed in such manner as by the sayd proclamation is required : as also to take order in all other the premisses , that this decree be duely obserued and kept : and if any shall be obstinate , then to binde such landlords as that shall obstinately and wilfully disobey this said decree , to appeare in this honourable court of starre-chamber to answere their contempt therein . this decree was afterward read in the court of starre-chamber the . of nouember . and then confirmed and straitly commanded by all the lords present to be duely put in execution . in camera stellata coram concilio ibidem , vicesimo nono die nouembris , anno septimo iacobi regis . praesentibus . thoma egerton milite dn̄o ellesmere , dn̄o canc. angl. comite sarum dn̄o thesaurario angl. comite northampton . comite exon. dn̄o zouch . iul. caesar milite cancellar . scaccarij . archiepiscopo cant. fleming milite capitali iustic . de banco regis . coke milite capitali iust . de com . banc. yeluerton milit . iustic . de banc. reg. williams milit . iustic . de banc. reg. foster milite iustic . de communi banc. this day sir henry mountague , knight , recorder of london enformed this most honorable court , that where there haue been diuers proclamacions aswell in the time of our late souereigne queene elizabeth , as also since his maiestie most happie reigne , and also diuers orders and decrees taken in this honourable court for the restraining and reforming of the multitude of new erected and diuided tenements and the taking in of inmates , yet neuerthelesse the same doe so daily increase and multiply in euery place in and about this citie of london and the suburbs thereof infinite number of people being pestered together breeding and nourishing infection , so that the same tendeth to the great imminent danger of the gouernment and safetie of the citie , and consequently to the perill of his maiesties sacred person , the queenes maiestie , and their royall issue , and the lords of the state here ordinarily residing , with many other great enormities if the same bee not carefully and speedily preuented . and therefore it was humbly desired , that this honorable court would reuiue a decree of this court , made the twentieth day of october , in the fourtieth yeere of our sayd late souereigne queene elizabeth , taken and established for restraining and reforming of such new erected buildings and diuisions . and that the sayd decree might bee put in present execution for the speedy reformation of the sayd enormities , whereupon the sayd decree being openly read , this honourable court , and all the whole presence here sitting , taking tender care and consideration of the good and safetie of the said citie , and grauely foreseeing the imminent danger and euils which doe growe and increase , and doe chiefly arise through ouermuch neglect in the due execution of those former proclamations , decrees and ordinances which are not looked into as they ought to be , doeth therefore decree and order , that the said former decree taken the sayd twentieth day of october in the sayde fortieth yeere of our late souereigne be presently , and from time to time hereafter , more seuerely looked into , and put in execution . and his maiesties learned councell , and also the lord mayor and aldermen of london , together with all iustices of peace and other his maiesties officers whatsoeuer which the same may any way concerne , are hereby straitly charged and required , that they and euery of them doe from time to time hereafter diligently and strictly cause and see the sayde decree to bee in all points duely obserued and put in execution , and tearmely to make certificate to this honourable court of their proceedings therein , and of such persons as they shall finde to offend in that behalfe , whereupon this court doeth purpose to proceede against them for their contempts with very seuere punishment . imprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie . anno dom. . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e the church-wardens of euery parish , & other substantiall housholders yeerely to be nominated at caster , to be ouerseers for the poore . children of the poore to be set to worke . a stocke of fl●xe , & hemp &c. to be raised . the church-wardens and ouerseere to meete together once euery moneth . account to be giuen by the ouerseers to two iustices of peace . other parishes within the hundred , to be taxed towards the reliefe of poore parishes . how to leuie money of such as refuse to pay . punishment of such as wil not worke . poore children to be put apprentices by the churchwardens and ouerseers . dwelling places for impotent poore to be built . order for such as are grieued with any sesse or taxe . parents , &c. b●ing able , shal maintain their owne poore . maiors , bayliffes , &c. of townes corporate , to haue authoritie as iustices of peace . euery alderman of londō to haue authority as two iustices of peace . iustices &c. to meddle onely in their owne liberties . a double account to be made . forfeiture for not nominating ouerseers . penalties and forfeitures to bee imployed to the poores vse . parishes to be rated at the generall sessions . leuying of summes of money rated . reliefe of the prisoners in the ●ings bench , marshalsey , hospitals , &c. treasurers for a yeere , and to giue vp their account at the yeeres end . l. chiefe iustice , knight marshall . churchwarden or high constable failing paiment . how the surplusage shal be bestowed . refusing to be treasurer to giue the reliefe appointed . a former statute for reliefe of the poore . the iland of fowlenesse . the defendants plea in a suite commenced against him . notes for div a -e euery parish charged with a weekly summe towards the relief of souldiers . the taxation of euery parish . refusing to pay the money taxed . churchwardens shall pay to the high cōstables the money taxed . churchwardens , &c. falling to make payment . a treasurer falling of account , or neglecting his charge . to which treasurer the souldier shall repayre for reliefe . who shall make the soldiers certificate . allowance of the certificate . treasurers shall assigne reliefe to soldiers . iustices shall grant reliefe to souldiers . how much reliefe shal be assigned . the iustices may alter soldiers reliefe . souldiers arriuing far frō the place where they are to haue reliefe . the treasurers booke of computation , and register . a treasurer refusing to giue reliefe . a souldier begging , or counterfe●●ing a certificate . the surplusage of the stocke . chiefe officers in corporate townes . how the forfeitures shal be imployed . pensions assigned , to stand in force , though the statute be repealed . taxations made and not leuied . if the rate be not sufficient for souldiers in london . notes for div a -e all former statutes concerning rogues , &c. repealed . iustices of peace shall se● down order for erection and maintenance of houses of correction . who shall be adiudged rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggers . the punishment of a vagabond . a testimoniall after punishment . rogues which be dangerous , or will not be reformed . rogues to be banished the realme , or committed to the gallies . rogues returning after banishment , to be reputed felons . the forfeiture of a constable &c. not doing his duety . disturbing the execution of this statute . bringing into this realme of irish , scottish or manniske vagabonds . diseased persons resorting to bath and buxton . the iustices within townes corporate shal onely intermeddle . s. thomas hospitall in southwarke . the iurisdiction of iohn dutton of dutton , reserued . in what sort the forfeitures shall bee imployed . iustices of peace may heare and determine the causes of this statute . commissioners to enquire for money gathered . a prouision for poore seafaring men . glassemen not begging . this act to be proclaimed . no authoritie giuen by any baron ▪ &c. shall free others frō the offence and punishment of the statute of . eliz. glassemen brought within the compasse of the statute . rogues branded with an hot yron r. after branding , felony . notes for div a -e taxing others for the reliefe of the sicke of the plague . the inabitants vnable to relieue the infected . an infected person commanded to keep his house , disobeyeth . infected persons , how felons . attendants appointed vpon the infected . the vniuersities , cathedral churches , eaton , winchester . certain orders thought meet to be put in execution against the infection of the plague england and wales. parliament. house of lords. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e c thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) certain orders thought meet to be put in execution against the infection of the plague england and wales. parliament. house of lords. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by richard cotes, printer to the honourable city of london, [london] : . dated at end: die iovis . septemb. . reproduction of the original in the british library. eng plague -- england -- prevention -- early works to . plague -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- civil war, - -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no certain orders thought meet to be put in execution against the infection of the plague england and wales. parliament. a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion certain orders thought meet to be put in executie against the infection of the plague that the bill , lord have mercy upon us , beset upon the door of every house visited with the plague . . that all the stuffe in the house where any have been visited of the plague bee well ayred before they be discharged , or the house opened . . the house visited with the plague to be shut up , whether any person therein doe die or not ; and the persons so shut up to bear their own charge , if they be of ability . . no person to be removed out of any infected house , but by leave of the magistrate . . if any person shall flee out of any house , at the time when the said house shall bee infected with the plague , such persons so fleeing to bee pursued by hue and cry , and the house where they shall bee found to bee shut up , and they restrained in some such place as the magistrate of the place where they shall be found shall think fit . . that the pavements in the streets be made sufficient , and so continued ; the kenels kept sweet and cleane ; the soile of the said streets to be carried away , and all annoyances to be removed : and such inhabitants as shall refuse to pay the reasonable rates assessed on them for payment of the scavingers which shall cleanse and carry away the soil , bee distrained by their goods for payment thereof according to law . . that if any persons shall turn out of their houses any servant or lodger being sick , power to bee given to the magistrate or officer to put them into their said house again , or otherwise the said persons to provide sufficient maintenance for them ; and upon refusing so to doe , ( being able persons ) to distrain the goods of such persons ( for the charge ) that shall so turn them out of doores . . if by order of the magistrate any persons visited be removed out of their house or lodging , to the pest-house or other place , when they bee recovered and in perfect health , the said magistrate to have power and full authority to returne and settle the said persons in their houses or lodging from whence they were so taken out , without contradiction of their landlords or any other . . that all such magistrates or other persons that shal be trusted with this service may be enabled to doe all other things necessary , and pursuing the execution of these orders as occasion shall require . . that all collectors in the severall parishes shall be hereby required to perform their duty in the collecting of the sums assessed upon the said parishes , according to law ; and such as shall faile in the performance of their duties therein , shall be liable to such penalties as shall be inflicted by parliament . die jovis . septemb. . ordered this day by the lords in parliament that the abovesaid order shall be printed and published . printed by richard cotes , printer to the honourable city of london , . london's plague-sore discovered. or, some serious notes and suitable considerations upon the present visitation at london wherein is something by way of lamentation, information, expostulation, exhortation and caution : whereunto is annexed, a never-failing antidote against the plague. e. n. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing n estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) london's plague-sore discovered. or, some serious notes and suitable considerations upon the present visitation at london wherein is something by way of lamentation, information, expostulation, exhortation and caution : whereunto is annexed, a never-failing antidote against the plague. e. n. p. printed for the author, london : . signed at end: e.n. in verse. reproduction of original in bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . plague -- england -- london. london (england) -- history -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion london's plague-sore discovered : or , some serious notes , and suitable considerations upon the present visitation at london : wherein is something by way of lamentation , information , expostulation , exhortation , and caution . whereunto is annexed , a never-failing antidote against the plague . london , printed for the author , anno . reader , these are to give thee notice , that one crouch a printer hapning accidentally of the copy of the antidote at the latter end of this paper , before i had given order for any to print it , he took upon him to print it of his own accord , contrary to my consent or knowledge , and placed it in books and papers according to his pleasure , for his own private advantage , by which means i have suffered some prejudice , and have been censured by some as if i were guilty of that , which indeed is detestable to me . this i thought good to insert , that the truth might be manifested , and further false suggestions in that case might be prevented . e. n. londons plague-sore , discovered . as i of late , about the streets do go , i often hear complainings to and fro : in ev'ry corner , more or less i hear , and many people much surpriz'd with fear ; and still by observation i do find , that cares and fears do grow in peoples mind ; and discontents , do almost ev'ry where , seem to abound within this city here : but what 's the cause ? or , wherefore is it so , that such distractions more , and more should grow , amongst a people , which of late did glory , of gallant times , beyond the reach of story ; for wealth and strength they had so great a share , they scorn'd that any should with them compare . what is the reason such a lofty city , should now be willing to accept of pity ? why several things are urg'd . i pray name one . alas ! that 's easie , trading's almost gone quite out o' th city , whither shall we run ? the cry o' th poor is , we shall be undone ! for why already trading's grown so dead , our present gains will hardly yeeld us bread : our cares are doubled , and our hopes are vain ; say what you will , here 's reason to complain : and this doth greatly add unto our sorrow , we fear each day , it will be worse to morrow . and yet the great ones do oppress the poor : such times as these we never saw before . nay , more than this , the worst is yet to come , we have not yet told all , nor hardly some ; there 's something else , that loads our hearts to think , what dreadful cup is fill'd for us to drink ! alas , the plague , the pestilential plague , which lately made such havock near the hague , hath crost the seas , and found our city out , and put our greatest champions to the rout . our bravest gallants which did swagger most , and with their daring tongues would proudly boast of courage , valour , strength and noble-blood , as if they scorn'd to have their wills withstood , yet when the lord did with a challenge greet them , and sent them word , he did intend to meet them , to see if they against him would prepare , how this strange message did their worships scare ! o how did this perplex and sore affright their lofty minds , and made them take their flight , and run away from god's appointed place , as if they fear'd even to see his face . for when his angry angel did approach , to flee , they strait provide both horse and coach. then learn this lesson from it you that can , 't is vain to trust in any mortal man , for if in danger thou his help shalt crave , alas ! poor worm ! himself he cannot save . but now , alas , the common people say , 't is we must bear the burden of the day ! the mighty god hath singled out our city for wrath and vengeance , casting off all pitty ; in every corner of our famous town he sends his arrows of destruction down ; yea , round about , almost in every place , he leaves the tokens of his angry face . and now our ears are daily fill'd with cryes , and gastly sights , do grieve our woful eyes . yea , father , mother , sister , also brother do daily see the ruine of each other ; and little babes which at the breast do lye , amongst the rest do often gasp and dye , whilst grieved mothers over them do mourn , till angry death do them as good a turn . how many are depriv'd of wonted sleep ? how many eyes have lately learn'd to weep ? how many wringings of the hands for grief , because their sorrows are beyond relief ? for many years it hath not been the like , which to our hearts doth much amazement strike . alas , poor london , for thy sad estate my bowels yearn , how art thou fall'n of late ? but canst thou only of thy sorrows speak , and not discern the door through which they break ? dost thou not know the cause of thy distress to be thy sins and woful wickedness ? have not thy sins been great and manifold , thy provocations more than can be told ! thy lewdness and prophaness , past compare ! thy impudence there 's no man can declare ! thy horrid blasphemies , and cursed swearing , thy ranting , roaring , and thy domineering ! thy great uncleanness and abominations , thy drunkenness , and such like provocations , hath often urg'd the just and righteous god , to fall upon thee with his iron rod ; and then consider , how thou didst requite the god of grace for all his gospel-light that he long time unto thy soul did give , that so thou mightst repent , return and live . hast thou not much despis'd his profered grace ? hast thou not spitted in the glorious face of blessed jesus , when in love he came to wash thee from thy filthiness and shame ? hast thou not love and mercy greatly slighted , his holy spirit also much despighted ? hast thou not patience , also , much abus'd , and god's dear servants wofully misus'd ? in fine , the gospel thou hast cast behind thee , and suffered satan to bewitch and blind thee ; and those that were thy best and truest friends , how hast thou sought to bring them to their ends . examine well , and thou maist find it so ; sin is the cause of this thy present wo , and therefore now , while it is call'd , to day repent , and turn to god without delay : break off thy sins ; let righteousness take place , it may be yet thou mayst partake of grace ; but if thou still retain thy stubborn heart , thou maist expect to feel a greater smart , and this already thou mayst plainly see the bloody sword doth also threaten thee , and famine seems to stare thee in the face , impenitence may bring it on apace . then look in time , before it be too late , lest greater judgment fall upon thy pate . now therefore hark , ye gallants of the time , you that have counted godliness a crime , what do you think , or where do y' mean to stay , that you from london make such hast away ? here this from me ; if that you take along your sins with you , you do your selves but wrong to flee away , for you had better be punish'd at first , than to go longer free : for , don't you know , the longer you provoke the righteous god , the greater is his stroke ; therefore observe , the best and surest way for to escape the danger of the day , is to repent , and set the oppressed free , and then perhaps , god may entreated be . but if i' th country you in sin delight , and god's forbearance and long-suffering slight , he in the country will go search about , and never leave until he find you out , and when the angel takes his journey thither , and findeth you , and all your sins together , the fearful dreggs of this destroying cup shall be your portion , you must drink them up . hence be exhorted , then , to kiss the son , make peace with him before your glass be run , and then in life or death you will be his , and your reward shall be eternal bliss . a sovereign medicine against the plague both preservative and curative . drink a good draught of josiah's a humility next thy heart ; then take a dose of nineveh's b repentance , well soaked or steeped in the vessel of a broken c and a contrite heart , well season'd with d truth & sincerity at the bottom : then let all these boyl well together in a good quantity of david's e tears : and when thou hast done thus , then spread a broad plaister of gods grace , and bind it fast to thy soul with the swaddleband of love and serious f consideration ; then cast away all thy old infectious garments of g sin and iniquity , and put on h the lord jesus christ , as a sure garment of defence and safety : then take up as good a quantity of joshua's i resolution as thou canst well bear , and so walk up and down in those wholesome and pleasant fields , called k newness of life , and follow thy calling in the l fear of god. all which , being truly and carefully observed , will undoubtedly and infallibly preserve thee from the sting and danger of all plagues whatsoever . signatum caeli . e. n. notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e a chron. . . b jona . . c psal . . . d ver . . e psa . . . f eccles . . . g col. . , , , . h rom. . . i josh . . . k rom. . l prov. . . & . a true bill of the whole number that hath died in the cittie of london, the citty of westminster, the citty of norwich, and diuers other places, since the time this last sicknes of the plague began in either of them, to this present month of october the sixt day, with a relation of many visitations by the plague, in sundry other forraine countries. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a true bill of the whole number that hath died in the cittie of london, the citty of westminster, the citty of norwich, and diuers other places, since the time this last sicknes of the plague began in either of them, to this present month of october the sixt day, with a relation of many visitations by the plague, in sundry other forraine countries. chettle, henry, d. ? worshipful company of parish clerks. broadside. printed by i.r. for iohn trundle, and are to be sold at his shop in barbican, neere long lane end, at london : [ ] attributed to the worshipful company of parish clerks by nuc pre- imprints. signed at end: henry chettle. date of publication suggested by stc ( nd ed.) and nuc pre- imprints. text in two columns. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- mortality. london (england) -- statistics, vital. westminster (london, england) -- statistics, vital. norwich (england) -- statistics, vital. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a true bill of the whole number that hath died in the cittie of london , the citty of westminster , the citty of norwich , and diuers other places , since the time this last sicknes of the plague began in either of them , to this present month of october the sixt day , . with a relation of many visitations by the plague , in sundry other forraine countries . it is no doubt that the corruption of the ayre , together with vncleanly and vnwholsome kéeping of dwelling , where many are pestered together , as also the not obseruing to haue fiers priuate & publiquely made as well within houses , as without in the stréets , at times when the ayre is infected , are great occasions to increase corrupt and pestilent diseases . neither can it be denied , that the ouer-boldnes of many preasing into infected places , and the lewdnes of others with sores vppon them , presuming into the open ayre , some of wilfulnes , but truly many of necessitie , contaminateth & corrupteth diuers : as the leprosie , the pocks , and sundry such vncleane diseases doo : as by drinking , lying in company , and other such meanes , where pure complexions and cleane bloods are defiled with such as are putrified : and therefore carefully to be auoyded . but all these are accidentall , and rather effects then the cause . then first this citty of london cannot be denied , to haue had as great blessings as euer had ierusalem , for héere god hath long time béen present by his word and sacraments , yet they haue abounded in all iniquitie , when ierusalem long since had not a stone left vpon a stone . in the yéere of christ , . and in the yere . there continued a great time a plague in rome , of which there daily died two thousand people . in the yéere . fiftéene prouinces of the romaine empire , were in a manner consumed with the pestilence . in the yéere . there died in constantinople fiue thousand a day , and diuers times tenne thousand : and at that time , in some other parts of gréece , there were not sufficient liuing men left to bury their dead . and in the yéere . there fell such a plague in constantinople , that there died in sixe months space , . hundred thousand persons , and the yéere following fell such a famine , that a penny loafe of bread of english mony , was worth a crowne of gold : by reason whereof , the people died as fast then of the famine , as they did before of the plague . in the yéere . there began an vniuersall plague all ouer the world , that continued . yéeres with great violence . in the yéere . in paris in fraunce , there died a hundred thousand people of the plague . in the yéere . so great a pestilence there was in italy , that there were scarce tenne left of a thousand . and in the yéere . there died in rome a hundred thousand of the pestilence . in the yéeres . and . in millan , padua , and uenice , there fell a hundred thousand in euery citty : and in bohemia ( béeing but a small kingdome ) there died thrée hundred thousand the same time . soone after the conquest of king william , duke of normandy , when the people were subdued to him , and the knights fés rated which he had made , and himselfe placed with crowne and scepter , hee tooke number of the acres of land in all the realme , and of all the people , and of all the cattell : after which fell so sore a plague , that the people died in such number that tillage decaied , and famine ensued , with rot of cattell , that men were faine to eate flesh of dogs , cats , & mise . a fearefull example for princes . in the raigne of king edward the third , there fell a very great pestilence in the east-indies , among the tartarians , saracens , & turks , which lasted the space of seauen yéeres : through the feare whereof , many of the heathens willingly offered themselues to become christians . and shortly after , by reason of passengers from one prouince to another , the same pestilence was dispersed in many christian kingdoms , & amongst other places , brought into england : where it was so forcible all ouer the land , that not onely men , but also beasts , birds , and fishes were smitten therewith , and found dead with botches vpon thē . also among men , the number that were left aliue , were scarely sufficient to bury their dead . at which time , with the rest that then died of the plague , henry duke of lancaster , blanch dutchesse of lancaster , and the earle of warwicke ended the liues . so that in one yéere , in a little plot of ground of . acres compasse , then called spittle-croft , and now the charter-house , was buried fifty thousand persons , besides all them that were then buried in the churchyards , and diuers places in the fields . also in barbarie , alexandria , tripolie , and in constantinople , this last yéere . fell so grieuous a plague , that there died thréere thousand a day for a long time together . our visitations , though our sinnes excéede , haue beene more gentle . for in the first great plague in our memory after the losse of newhauen , frō the first of ianuary . to decemb. . there died of the plague , twenty thousand , one hundred , thirtie sixe . and in the last great visitation , from the . of december . to the . of the same month in the yéere . died in all . of the plague in and about london , . and in the yéere before , . god of his mercy , as he did then , hold his heauy hand from vs , and giue vs true repentance , the onely meane to win his grace toward vs. and now in this present visitation which it pleaseth god to strike vs with , there hath died from the . of december . to the . of iuly . the whole number in london and the liberties , . whereof of the plague , . the rest are set downe as they haue followed wéekely . from the of iuly , to the . of the same vvhereof of the plague in the out parishes whereof of the plague buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague . from the of iuly , to the of the same vvhereof of the plague in the out parishes vvhereof of the plague out of the pesthouse buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague . from the of iuly to the . of august , vvherof of the plague in the out parishes vvhereof of the plague pesthouse , buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague . from the of august , to the of the same vvherof of the plague in the out parishes vvhereof of the plague pesthouse , buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague . from the of august , to the of the same , vvherof of the plague in the out parishes , vvhereof of the plague in bridewell . pesthouse , buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague . from the of august , to the of the same , vvherof of the plague in the out parishes , vvhereof of the plague in bridewell . pesthouse , buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague , . from the of august , to the . of september , vvherof of the plague in the out parishes , vvhereof of the plague in bridewell . pesthouse buried in all this weeke , , vvhereof of the plague , . from the of september to the of the same , vvherof of the plague in the out parishes , vvhereof of the plague in bridewell pesthouse buried in all this weeke , whereof , of the plague from the of september to the of the same , wherof of the plague , in the out parishes , vvherof of the plague , in bridewell . pesthouse . buried in all this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . from the of septemb. to the of the same , vvherof of the plague , in the out parishes , vvhereof of the plague , in bridewell pesthouse , buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague , . from the of septemb. to the of the same , wherof of the plague , in the out parishes , vvhereof of the plague , in bridewell . pesthouse , buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague , . from the of septemb. to the of october , vvherof of the plague , in the out parishes , vvherof of the plague , in bridewell . pesthouse , buried in all this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague , . buried in all , within london and the liberties , since the sicknes began , . whereof of the plague , . the number that hath died this weeke in the cittie of westminster and the places following . buried in westminster , this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . buried in the sauoy , this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . buried in stepny parish , this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . buried at newington-buts , this weeke , . vvhereof of the plague , . buried in islington , this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . buried in lambeth , this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . buried in hackny , this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . buried in redrieffe , this weeke , . whereof of the plague , . ¶ the whole number buried within the . seuerall places last before-named , since the sicknes began in them , is . whereof the number of the plague , is . ¶ and the full number that hath beene buried in all , both within london and the liberties , and the eight other seuerall places last before mentioned , is . whereof the number of the plague is , . ¶ the seuerall visitations by the plague in the citty of norwich . ¶ in the yeere of our lord , . from the first of ianuary to the last of iune , there died of the plague within the cittie of norwich , . persons , besides ecclesiasticall mendicants and domanicks . ¶ from the first of iune . to the first of the same month , . there died of the pestilence in the citty of norwich , . persons . ¶ and from the of aprill . ( which was the time that this last visitation beganne in the citty of norwich ) there haue died to the . of iuly , of all diseases , ( as well strangers as others ) . and from the of iuly , to the of september following , the number is set downe weekely . from the of iuly , to the . of august , the whole number is . the number of strangers , is , the number of the plague , is . from the of august to the . in all . strangers . plague from the of august to the . in all . strangers . plague . from the of august to the , in all . strangers . plague from the . to the of septem . in all . stran. . plague . from the of septemb. to the , in all . strang. . plague . from the of septemb. to the , in all , . strang. . plague from the of septemb. to the , in all , strang. . plague from the of septemb. to the . in all , strang. . plague the whole number , is . whereof of the plague , . henry chettle . god saue the king. finis . at london printed by i. r. for iohn trundle , and are to be sold at his shop in barbican , neere long lane end . a lamentation taken up for london that late flourishing city, a bitter, yea a bitter lamentation over all her inhabitants yet living within and about her borders, and over all her rulers and mighty men, who are fled from her as from a murtherer, with good counsel and advice, from the spirit of the lord to all, that they may turn unto him before the vials of his wrath be poured out for their utter destruction. by a lover of truth and righteousness: thomas greene. greene, thomas, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing g estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a lamentation taken up for london that late flourishing city, a bitter, yea a bitter lamentation over all her inhabitants yet living within and about her borders, and over all her rulers and mighty men, who are fled from her as from a murtherer, with good counsel and advice, from the spirit of the lord to all, that they may turn unto him before the vials of his wrath be poured out for their utter destruction. by a lover of truth and righteousness: thomas greene. greene, thomas, ?- . p. s.n.], [london : printed in the year, . place of publication from wing. reproduction of the original in the friends house library, london. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th centurty -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a lamentation taken up for london , that late flourishing city , a bitter , yea a bitter lamentation over all her inhabitants yet living within and about her borders , and over all her rulers and mighty men , who are fled from her as from a murtherer , with good counsel and advice , from the spirit of the lord to all , that they may turn unto him before the vials of his wrath be poured out for their utter destruction . by a lover of truth and righteousness : thomas greene . printed in the year ▪ . a lamentation taken up for london . oh london , london , what lamentation may i take up for thee , who was of late a flourishing city ; whose scituation is by a pleasant river , thorough which great riches in abundance hath been brought to thee , by which thy inhabitants have been made rich ; thy pomp and thy greatness , thy excellency , and variety of treasures , hath allured many to flock unto thee , from one end of the nation to the other ; and many have counted themselves happy , that could get a convenient habitation in or about thy borders : a city that was so joyous and counted a place of delight , and a palace for princes , a meeting place for those called the nobility of the land ; unto thee hath the embassadours from far countries resorted : oh how is this city become solitary that was full of people , she is now left as a widow of youth that was counted the pleasant place of the nation , and as a princess in the province , for how hath thy great men left thee , and are fled as from a monstrous woman ; how are thy inhabitants a dread to the country , because of the plague that is broken out in thee ; oh my heart hath been in sorrow for thee , and a burthen hath layn upon me as concerning thee , ever since the lord began to manifest his displeasure against thee , even ever since the ship called the london was blown up , where more then . persons were torn in pieces , whose graves were in the sea ; this then was the cry of my heart ; saying , think yee they were greater sinners above all men ? and this was the answer from the lord , except they repent they shall likewise perish with a mighty slaughter , though not in the same way . this was signified unto me by the spirit of the lord when i was in his dreadful fear , overshadowed with his heavenly power , and i waited to see it effected , or a return to the lord by cealing from unrighteousness , which most of all i desired , that he might have diverted his intended judgments ; but oh how hast thou dishonoured his name , and walked after thy own hearts lusts , as those that have forgotten the lord dayes without number , and hast not humbled thy self before him , but hast regarded iniquity , and walked in cruelty , against the lord and his poor people , and hast walked proudly , so that many of thy inhabitants scarcely knew what to eat , or to drink , or what to put on , and yet a professing people , having on you the name of christians , but are seen of all those whose eyes are open to be in the nature of heathens , turks , or infidels , who are not found in the nature of christ , who came not to destroy mens lives but to save them ; but on the contrary thy rulers and magistrates with their attendance , have been found persecuting and imprisoning , knocking down , and wounding even some unto death a peaceable people that fear the lord , that he hath raised up in these last dayes to be as signes and wonders , whose residence and dwelling is amongst you ; who have but testified against unrighteousness , and assembled themselves together as the antient christians in the dayes of old , who feared the lord , and thought upon his name ; and when all this cruelty would not do nor bring them down , whom god hath raised up ; then was invented in thee another way , thou didst see thy pomp and greatness would do thee no good while these people called quakers were among you , their laws being divers from thy laws , their worship to thy worship ; then thou hast concluded with the rest of the rulers of the land , even as haman who said , it 's not for the kings profit to let them live among us ; then this cruel edict was invented in thy borders to make such a law as thou might be sure to find these people transgressors of , that thou mightest say as those unworthy jewes , who said , wee have a law , and by our law christ ought to die . oh this your law will not excuse you before the lord who seeth your insides , and will judge you according as your works are , not by the sight of the eye nor by the hearing of the ear , but he will enter into righteous judgement with you , for he is determined to plead with all flesh to bring down the haughty , and to lay the lofty low ; and for all thy transgressions and cruelties god is now risen to plead with thee ; for thou hast been the womb in the which cruelty without mercy hath been conceived , thy rulers with their allies have been examples to all cruel minded men thorough the nation , therefore must thou drink a bitter cup , and into thy hand hath the lord first put it ; for when thou began to banish ( by that late devised law ) those people out of the land that feared the lord , and durst not mak shipwrack of their faith , and of a good conscience ; then did the lord begin with thee , and poured out his plagues upon very few , as thou beganest first to banish two or three of the people of the lord ; oh that thou hadst considered and made a stop then of that woful sin of persecution , but still thou wouldest go on ; and didest send away seven more of the servants of the lord ; and wouldest not take notice of the encrease of the plague , but still thou hast hardened thy heart against gods innocent people , and sent away eight more , though still the plague encreased in thy borders ; and as thou hast multiplyed thy cruelty , so the lord hath caused his plague to encrease ; and now at last thou hast by force carryed near threescore of the servants of the lord both men and women on board , a ship in order to their exilement , even into an inconsiderable vessel where is not convenience as becometh christians ; the deck being so low that they are fain to go double between the decks , where they must be forc'd to be & lodg , as if they were intended to be destroyed . and as thou hast sent near threescore more of the servants of the lord away , so hath his plague encreased to near three thousand by the weekly bill ; though it 's judged to be more ; and by many of the inhabitants of this city here is a cry , saying , this is that which will encrease the plague ; yet still were the hearts of thy rulers hardened against this innocent people : well , they may all know the lords anger is not yet over , but his hand is stretched out still ; for , as thou hast encreased in cruelty , so hath the lord executed his righteous judgments ( and will yet more and more ) yet wouldest thou go on like pharaoh in the dayes of old , though the first born was slain , yet he would pursue israel into the sea , which became a grave for him : oh that thou wouldest have taken notice of the dealings of the lord , and have ceased from all oppression and cruelty ; that those whom you have nothing against but as concerning the law of their god , might have lived peaceable amongst you , being such that loves peace , and can learn war no more ; yet they are assured the lord will plead their cause , who is their reward in the day of tryal , and hath and is with them in the hour of temptation ; oh but thy pride and wantonness and fullness of bread , thy drunkenness , whoredoms , couzenings and cheatings , hath so eaten thee up that thou hast not considered the most high ruleth in the kingdoms of men ; for in seeing thou couldest not see , and in hearing thou hast not considered , but thy heart hath waxed fat thorough the abundance of thy dilicacy ; the voice of musick , and the sound of the organs thou hast delighted in ; but now instead thereof , the voice of sorrow , weeping , and bitter lamentation shall be heard in thee , and none shall comfort thee , because thou hast not regarded the afflictions of the afflicted , but hath added grief unto their sorrow : oh , oh the lord hath seen , the almighty hath taken notice , and is now risen to plead with thee , and as thou hast added affliction to the afflicted by drawing and rending the people of the lord from prison where they have long lay'n to send them by force into exile ; so the lord hath encreased thy plagues , who would have none of his counsel , neither regarded his reproofs in your hearts , but have hardened your selves against gods good spirit that hath reproved you , ( for your good ) but you have rushed into iniquity as a horse into the battle , & have not had so much understanding as balaams asse , who saw the angel of the lord in the way , and those that have you have smote them more then three times , who have warned you that you should not rise up against the lord and his people , but you have done despite unto the spirit of grace , whereby you might have been led into the way everlasting . neither have you regarded the servants of the most high god , which have been sent unto you from several places , who have warned you and exhorted you , and beseeched you in the bowels of gods love that you would give over oppressing the innocent and persecuting the upright , knowing that vengeance belongs to the lord and he will repay it ; and that those might not suffer persecution , imprisonment , or exilement , whom you have nothing against , but as concerning the law of their god ; yet them nor their testimony hath not been regarded , but they have been villified and derided of many , and have been counted as those who have been telling of idle tales . oh , but many may say , why dost thou upbraid us in the day of calamity , or tell us of our iniquities in this day of our sore distress , to which i answer , i do not upbraid you , but rather lay those things before you which you have been guilty of , that you may consider the mercy and justice of the lord , and look back and ponder the long-suffering of the almighty , and of the meanes of grace that he hath afforded thee , and of the light that he hath lighted thee withall , and that thy inhabitants might have been as his pleasant children , and that now whilst thou hast a day to live thou mayest return unto him with unfeigned repentance , for they that repents and turns unto him , they shall finde mercy : oh , but thy priests and false prophets have dealt deceitfully with thee , who have said , peace , peace , none evil shall come upon us ; they have not discovered the iniquity to turn away thy captivity , thy prophets are become fooles , and thy spiritual men mad , for thy breach is great like the sea ; and none of thy prophets can stay it , nor thy spiritual men make it up , though they prophesie smooth things unto thee , and make books to confess thy sins by , for the stoping of this breach , and that you should return to the lord ; yet we see those that do depart from iniquity , are made a prey on ; and while they call for mercy , they are oppressing the up-right ; their feet run swiftly to do evil , their thoughts are thoughts of wickedness against gods people , for which cause desolation and destruction is in their path , the way of peace they know not , there is no equity in their goings , they have made them crooked pathes , whosoever walketh therein shall not finde peace : therefore oh yee inhabitants of london , whether fled away , or yet remaining in her alive , return to the lord with all your hearts , and know his fear placed in you , and take up with me a bitter lamentation ; and as for you that are fled from the city , and have left your outward dwellings , think not that yee are safe or secure , for the lord can finde you out at his pleasure , for the destroying angel goeth forth according to the determination of the lord , and neither hill nor mountain can cover or hide you from his anger and fierce wrath , nor from the stroke of his hand there is none can fly , though thou fly upon the swift , a swifter shall overtake thee , thy riches cannot save thee , nor thy strength deliver thee , neither can the clifts of the rocks hide thee from the lord , who turneth a fruitfull land into a barren wilderness , because of the wickedness that is committed therein ; and you that are yet inhabitants in this city , and cannot well go out of it , fear yee the living god , and wait to feel his power in your hearts to break down the man of sin , that christ the power of god may be known to rule in you , and to be a leader unto you who is the teacher , which shall never be removed into a corner , as others are , who are made after a carnal commandment ; but he after the power of an endless life , who is the lord of lords , and king of kings , whose right it is to rule for ever and ever . and nations shall walk in his light , and kings shall bring their glory unto him . therefore every one return unto the lord by ceasing to do iniquity , and lay aside all cruelty and oppression , release the too long oppressed ones , and let the prisoners go free , who suffer upon the account of tender conscience towards god , or else in vain is all thy formed and framed humiliations and fastings confessing iniquity and hanging down the head like a bull-rush for a day ; this is not the fast that the lord hath chosen while you take not off the heavy burthens , neither let the oppressed go free , for if this was done , then would the hearts of the upright be inlarged to the lord on your behalf , and their mouths opened to cry to the almighty , to stay his judgments and to retain his fury , which begins to burn as an oven , which your wickedness hath procured ; oh let my counsel be accepted , and break off thy sins by righteousness , & thy iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor , if it may be , that the lord may have mercy on thee and lengthen thy tranquility , but if thou like pharaoh hardens thy heart , and repent not by turning speedily to the lord , thou shalt be left as a widdow , and thy babilonish merchants that have made themselves rich in thee , shall run afar off thee , crying , alass , alass , that great city where many were made rich , now is her torment come on a sudden , and they themselves shall not escape , though they have cryed peace , peace , when death was coming in at the door to cut off thy young men from without , and thy children from the streets ; therefore , all you that is living in fleshly tabernacles , that belongs to this great city , whether in it or fled away , this to you i send , expecting that many of you that are gone , may never see this city again , that now you may , be seeking a city and dwelling place whose foundation is the lord , and this you may know if you return to the spirit of the lord , which tryeth all things , and wait to know it to be your leader , then will it witness to your spirits that you are the children of god ; so that then , if you eat the bread of adversity , and drink the water of affliction , and in the world yee have great trouble yet shall you live in the peace of god , and die in his favour that your end may be blessed ; but , if you follow them that teach for doctrines the commandements of men , and obey not the pure spirit of the lord , then will god give over striving with you ; and then everlasting sorrow and wo will be your portion , and he shall say as to ephraim , let him alone , let him alone ; so thy time is almost out and the long suffering of the lord is neer an end to this generation ; therefore none be stout hearted , but fear and tremble all careless ones , before the living god , for the slain of the lord shall be many , and with a stronge hand is he going forth and none can hinder his purpose ; but as all return and humble themselves as the people of niniveb from the greatest unto the least , for then did the lord stay his hand and did a proclamation, for a publick general fast throughout the kingdom of scotland. at edinburgh, the eight day of august, one thousand six hundred and sixty five years. scotland. privy council. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). b wing s a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. b ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a proclamation, for a publick general fast throughout the kingdom of scotland. at edinburgh, the eight day of august, one thousand six hundred and sixty five years. scotland. privy council. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by evan tyler, printer to the king's most excellent majesty, edinburgh : . caption title. royal arms at head of text; initial letter. text in black letter. signed: pet. wedderburne, cl. sti. concilii. imperfect: stained with some loss of text. reproduction of the original in the national library of scotland. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng fasting -- religious aspects -- christianity -- early works to . fasting -- scotland -- early works to . plague -- prevention -- scotland -- early works to . broadsides -- scotland -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion c r honi soit qvi mal y pense royal blazon or coat of arms a proclamation , for a publick general fast throughout the kingdom of scotland . at edinburgh , the eight day of august , one thousand six hundred and sixty five years . forasmuch as it has pleased almighty god to visit the city of london , places adjacent , and several other towns and villages of the kingdom of england with the sore plague of desistence ; so that all commerce and trade with that kingdom has been prohibited and forbidden , lest that by importing of commodities , the plague might be brought into this kingdom , to the great prejudice and danger of the lieges : and seing it has been moved to the council , from the right reverend fathers the archbishops and bishops , that a general fast may be appointed and kept throughout the 〈◊〉 kingdom , for imploring the goodness and protection of almighty god , that in his infinite mercy , he may preserve this kingdom from that con 〈…〉 n , and compassionat the sufferings of those that are visited therewith in england , and 〈◊〉 the spreading thereof in all places , which by his mercy are yet preserved there-from : as likewise , that the lord may bless this kingdom with a fair and seasonable harvest , that the fruits of the ground may be reaped for the comfort and maintenance of the people . therefore , the lords of his majesties privy council , by these presents , command and charge , that a fast be religiously and solemnly kept throughout the whole kingdom , by all subjects and people within the same , upon the second wednesday of september next to come , in this instant year of god , being the thirteenth day of the said moneth ; requiring hereby , the reverend archbishops and bishops to give notice hereof to the ministers in their respective diocesses , that upon the lords-day immediatly preceeding the said thirteenth of september , they make publick intimation thereof in every parish church ; and that they exhort all their parishioners to a sober and devout performance of the said fast and humiliation , as they tender the favour of almighty god , the preservation of their native country , and the suffering condition of their neighbours and fellow subjects in england : certifying all who shall contemn or neglect such a religious and necessary duty , they shall be proceeded against as contemners of authority , neglectees of religious services , and unnatural and profane persons . and ordains these presents to be printed and published , that none pretend ignorance . pet. wedderburne , cl. s ti concilii . edinbvrgh , printed by evan tyler , printer to the king 's most excellent majesty , . a nevv treatise of the pestilence, containing the causes, signes, preseruatiues and cure thereof the like not before this time pubished [sic]. and therefore necessarie for all manner of persons, in this time of contagion. s. h. studious in phisicke. hobbes, stephen. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a nevv treatise of the pestilence, containing the causes, signes, preseruatiues and cure thereof the like not before this time pubished [sic]. and therefore necessarie for all manner of persons, in this time of contagion. s. h. studious in phisicke. hobbes, stephen. [ ] p. printed by iohn windet, for mathew law, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the fox in paules church-yarde, london : . s. h. = stephen hobbes (halkett & laing). signatures: a-b⁴. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a nevv treatise of the pestilence , containing the causes , signes , preseruatiues and cure thereof . the like not before this time pubished . and therefore necessarie for all manner of persons , in this time of contagion . s. h. studious in phisicke . london , printed by iohn windet , for mathew law , and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the fox in paules church-yarde . . a treatise of the pestilence . hauing an intent to write certaine precautions and preseruatiues against the pestilence , i thinke not necessarie to be ouer tedious or so precise as those that write exquisitly and perfectly of the same disease : onely i am determined to set downe such things as shall be necessary for to be knowne by those which in this case shall haue neede . and first , i will make a true description of the pestilence , what it is . secondly , the causes , thou the signes , and lastly precautions and remedies against the same . the pestilence is nothing else then a rotten or pestilent feuer , which being ingendred by a rotten and corruptayre by a hidden and secret propertie which it hath , doth kill and destroy mortal creatures . the causes are said to be foure fold , as the first & chiefest cause is supernaturall , as being immediately sent from god for the punishment of sinne and disobedience of mankind , as doth appeare in deut. ● . . if thou wilt not obey the voice of the lord thy god to keepe and to doe all his commandements and his ordinances which i command thee this day : then all these curses shall come vpon thee , and ouertake thee . cursed shalt thou be in the towne , and cursed in the field , &c. the lord shal make the pestilence cleaue vnto thee vntill he haue consumed thee from the land which thou goest to possesse , &c. moreouer we reade that the sinne of dauid was the cause that the lord sent his angell which did kill the pestilence in a small time threescore and ten thousand soules . now this may be proofe sufficient that sinne is the originall and chiefe cause of this most cruell disease of the pestilence . the second cause is attributed to an euill constellation which astronomers affirme to proceede by the placing of the sunne , moone , and stars , being in the firmament or circles of the heauens by their coniunctions , oppositions , and other aspects the one to the other . the third cause is attributed to the corruption of the ayre , which being corrupted is apt for infection of mans body , for all liuing creatures drawe their breath from the ayre that is round about thē , which if it be stinking , wenomous , and corrupt , the bodie of man liuing therein is in danger to be corrupted : whereby often times the pestilence is ingendred . the fourth cause is the aptnesse of the body of man , through corrupt and rotten humours fitte to receiue the effects of a venomous ayre , putrifying and corrupting the body whereby the pestilence is ingendred . and this aptnsse to infection proceedeth by the abuse of the six things which are called by the phisitions not naturall , which are . ayre . . meate and drinke . . sleepe , and watch . . exercise , and rest . . emptinesse , and repletion . . the perturbations and affections of the minde . now as the true vse of these things that are called not naturall doth maintaine and cherish health , so the abuse thereof is the occasion of disease & sickenesse . for which cause i counsell all manner of persons in this time of contagion to flie surfeting , gurmandizing , and other vnseasonable banketings , whereby the health of the body is at all times impayred , for who knoweth not that great and often feeding breedeth cruditie , and rawe watrish humours in the body ( which cruditie is a fitte sediment or subiect for the venomous and corrupt ayre to worke on . for which cause the learned phisitions as well auncient as moderne giue counsell that in the time of pestilence and contagion , those bodies that are humid and moyst , must bee by all manner of meanes made drie , and those that are dry to be kept and preserued in their drinesse : for by obseruation it is very well knowne that the phiegmaticke and sanguine body is sooner subiect to infection then the choloricke or melancholike , and experience doth dayly teach vs when for the most part women , children , and men of yoong yeares are those that die in this disease of the pestilence as those bodies that are hot and moyst and thereby fittest to receiue putrif●c●ion . but for as much as i promised in the beginning not to be ouer-tedious as those that make a long discourse , i purpose to proceede briefly vnto the signes whereby a man may know and perceiue when the contagion hath taken hold of him , and thereby run speedily vnto such meanes & helps , as by the rules of phisicke shall be to him discribed . the signes to know when the body is infected , are for the most part an apostum or tumor about the eare , necke , vnder the arme holes , or flancke , with a feuer , and sometimes there ariseth in some other parts of the body , a darke greene or euill coloured sore . these signes for the most port doth appeare but not alwaies . but for the more certainty , we must consider these symtomes or signes that follow , there hapneth after infection a great pricking , and shooting in the body and especially in the necke armeholes and flanckes , also extreame heate within the body , and in the hands , knees , and feete very co●d so that there is ioyned with the same a shiuering as in a feuer : also their is heauines of the head , drynesse of the mouth , with extreame thirst ; also a drowsinesse and great desire to sleepe : some againe are so watchfull that they cannot sleepe , so that they ra●e as thought they were in a phrens●e : there happeneth also great paine in the head faintnesse sluggishnesse , weakenesse of the l●mmee , pensiuenesse , no desire of meat with oftē vomiting , the matter being bitter & of diuers colours , the vrine troubled , thicke and stinking & for the most part without residence . these are the principall signes of infection & yet not certaine , for sometimes a man may be infected and yet none of these signes apparant . and in like maner a man may haue these signes , and yet free from infection . some phisitions are of opinion that there is scarsely any disease where the pestilence raigneth , but that it is either of the nature of the pestilence or apt to be turned into the same . and thus much shall suffice as concerning signes of the infection with the pestilence : we will now proceed to the preseruatiues and cure . of the cure of the pestilence . as i haue already declared that there is a fourefolde cause of this cruell disease of the pestilence : so also there is a fourefold meanes to cure the same . the first consisteth in euacuation and mundification of the body . the second , in a due obseruation of diet . the third , in comforting and strengthning of the principall members ; which are the hart , the liuer , and the braine , with asseueration of the potentiall and operati●e powers . the fourth , in giuing and administring of antidots , alexipharmacon , and other preseruatiues against venomous and contagious ayres , with the office of the chirurgian , for phlebotomy , bloud letring , maturation , extraction , and healing of carbuncles . for preseruatiue against the pestilence they must be such as haue faculty of resisting putrifaction , and euen presently from the beginning those bodies ( as i haue before said ) which are humid & moyst , must be by all possible meanes that may be made dry , and those that are dry must be kept & preserued . but in those bodies that doe abound with corrupt , rotten , & hurtfull humours : it shall be needefull for them before infection , to vse purgation and bloud letting by aduice of the skilfull and learned phisition . and whereas the phisition in other feuers are accustomed to vse a longer processe : that is to say , by preparing the body , by digesting of humours offending , and last of all by euacuation and purging out of the same : in this cruell disease which will not ad pacis conditiones descendere ▪ that is , indure no daliance or delay , we must flie foorthwith vnto the cure and remedies for the same . and for because it seldome hapneth that persons which are infected with the pestilence , are visited with the phisitiō , or chirurgiō wherby many wāt cure & remedie which liue & recouer , i am therefore determined by gods assistance to set downe such meanes and remedies as shall be profitable to all those that shall haue neede to vse the same . and first of all for preseruatiue before the body be infected may be vsed this following . take oxysaccharum . syrupe of sorrell . oxymel symplex , of either of them halfe an ounce . waters of endiue , scabios , carduus benedictus , of either one ounce . let all these be mixt togither and taken in the morning fasting , and so continue it euery other day day during the time of the pestilence . pils for the resisting of the pestilence . take aloes elect one ounce . myrrhe . safferne of either ii . dragons . agarick prepared . rhubarbe , elect of either so much . camphere , . dragme , and . scruples . red and yellow saunders . red roses . red corrall of either . dragme . dictamni . gentian roote . z●doarie . tormentil of either . scruples . let all those be made into a masse with the syr●●●●l●ed aeotosi●atis ci●●i , as much as shall be sufficient , and when any will vse thereof , let him take the weight of one scruple made into a ●il in the euening when he entreth into his bed , & so let him continue euery day during the time of the pestilence , if you giue thereof to children halfe a scruple shall suffice , these pils haue a wonderfull propertie in resisting venome , and in euacuating of rotten and corrupt humours with strengthning and confirming of the principall members . an other preseruatiue against the pestilence . take of andromachas treacle of either . dram . of the best mithradate , of either . dram . suger roset . saccharie boraginati , sacchari buglossati , of the citren rinde condite . of either of them one ounce and a halfe . electuari de gemmis . drams . diarhodon abbatis . diatrion santuli of either . ounce . m●xe altogether with the sirup of the rinde of citrens as much as shall suffice , and take of the same electuarie eueryday , or euery other day the quantitie of a chest nutte in the morning foure houres before dinner . and for as much as euery man cannot be at so great a charge as to attaine these former things prescribed , they may vse euery morning fasting one scruple of the pils called pilulae ruffi which doth excellently resist putrifaction , or they may vse euery morning vpon the point of a knife the●iac● diates●aron which also is a preseruatiue against the pestilence . they may also take one ounce of london treacle , with the powder of carduus benedictus , and the roote of angelica of either of them halfe a dramme , and mixe them together , and thereof take euery morning fasting vppon the point of a knife often times in the day . i omit to speake of the vnicornes horne , and bezars stone , because their value is so great , and the graine held at so deare a rate : onely i aduise euery man that will seeke the preseruation of his owne health , to keepe their houses sweete , and cleane , vsing in their common roomes not onely fiers in the chimneyes , but also in earthen pans , with perfumes and sweete vapours , which be not onely pleasant to the sences , but also haue propertie to cleanse and purifie the ayre , such as is rose vineger , red rose water , lignum aloes , olibanum , bengimin , storax calamint , juniper buris ; with the wood and such like besides , to be carefull not to be much out of their owne doores before the sumre haue beene vp for two houres space , or after it is set and gone downe . and thus much briefely by way of precaution and preseruatiue before infection . now it resteth to describe the cure of the pestilence after infection according to the practise and cures of phisicke . of the cure of the pestilence . vve haue already set downe in briefe manner precautions and preseruatiues against the pestilence . now if it happen any man to be infected , let him presently with all the speed that possible may be , take two drams of this powder following in halfe a draught of good white wine . take tormentil . of either . dram . dictamni . of either . dram . zedoari . of either . dram . the roote of gentian , of the roote carlinae , of the roote verbascus , dried in the shade and powdered of either . dragme . make all these into fine powder and as soone as it may be , let the patient that is infected take . dragmes in halfe a draught of good white wine , then let him goe into his bed & be couered warme with cloathes that he may sweate throughly . and to the entent he may sweate the sooner , you may put into the bed earthen bottles filled with hot water , and so let him sweate for the space of two or three houres keeping him from sleepe and drinke , all that while . in like manner this powder may be vsed . take the rootes of pimpinella . of tormentil , of cinamon , of either . ounce . lignum aloes , greeke mynts , of either . ounces . iuniper berries , narde seede , of either so much . make all into fine powder and mixe . drams thereof with andromachus treacle , and of choyse mithradat of either halfe an ounce , with halfe an ounce of sirup de ribes : and giue thereof at one time a dragme or better & so prouoke him to sweat as aforesaid , if you adde to euery dragme or dos . . graynes of bezars stone , you shal see a maruailous effect for it resisteth the pestilence and all maner of venome . an other electuarie to be taken after infection . take bolearmonick washed in red rosewater . two dragmes . terrae sigillatae . red coral , of either . dragme . of the citren rinde , zedoarie . safferne , of either halfe a dragme . suger rosat , of red roses , . ounces . syrupus acetositatis citri , . ounces . let all be made into fine powder , and make an electuarie of this electuarie , the patient shall take one dram , and of andromachas treacle so much , and mixe them together and receiue all presently at one dose , and drinke presently after a draught of scabios water or sorrell water with a little of vineger of roses , or take the foresaid treacle and electuarie and mixe it with the water and so drinke it , presently prouoking sweate as aforesaid . and thus much i thinke to be sufficient at this time , as concerning this cruell disease of the pestilence , i know much more may be written , but for as much as i promised to auoyde prolixitie , i will end onely with aduice vnto such chirurgious as shall be called , or shall aduenture themselues to the cure of this so daungerous a sicknesse . the chiefe matter belonging to the chirurgian is blood letting , extraction , and maturation of carbuncles and apostumes , as for blood-letting , let not the chirurgian draw so much foorth as may be an occasion of fainting , or sowning to the patient , but let him draw foorth blood by degrees , and iterate the same , as if the patient bleed in the morning . ounces , he may bleed at three of the clocke in the after noone , . ounces more , and so againe the next morning if neede shall require . and this is to be noted , that this blood letting is to be vsed at the beginning of infection and not otherwise ; prouided alwaies that there with some one or other of this antidots or electuaries before declared be vsed . and whereas i haue obserued that the patient infected with this disease hauing absessus tumor or carbuncle arising either in the groyne , armeholes or vnder the eares , or in some emunctuarie or clensing place of the body weyting the suppuration and ripening of the same either by nature , or medicine , they haue dyed , which if the chirurgian would either by extirpation , or incision , with present application of some ripening and attractiue plaster , nature would thereby be eased & the venomous and corrupt vapours by nature expelled , for nature being weake , and not able to expell the venome fast enough , if by insensible transpiration , the venome returneth backe to the hart , and so presently destroyeth nature . but if the chirurgian or the patient himselfe doe follow my aduise , he shall presently either with incision , knife , or other instrument remooue that turnor where nature may haue way made to expell that venomous and corrupt matter which is noysome vnto it . and thus by the grace of god and his blessing , whosoeuer shall follow the foresaid precepts , and rules , shall preserue both himselfe and his familie from the pestilence . and i beseech the almightie to hold his holy hand ouer this realme of england which by sinne hath deserued farre greater punishments . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e definition . signes . cure. a collection of seven and fifty approved receipts good against the plague taken out of the five books of that renowned dr. don alexes secrets, for the benefit of the poorer sort of people of these nations. by w. j. gent. w. j. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing j estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a collection of seven and fifty approved receipts good against the plague taken out of the five books of that renowned dr. don alexes secrets, for the benefit of the poorer sort of people of these nations. by w. j. gent. w. j. alessio, piemontese, b. ca. . aut [ ], , [ ] p. printed by peter lillicrap, for john wingfield at the bible and anchor in tower-street near mark-lane end, london : . caption title on p. reads: a collection of seven and fifty receipts good against the plague. final two leaves cropped, affecting pagination. reproduction of the original in the lincoln's inn library, london. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- prevention -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a collection of seven and fifty approved receipts good against the plague . taken out of the five books of that renowned dr. don alexes secrets , for the benefit of the poorer sort of people of these nations . by w. j. gent. london , printed by peter lillicrap , for john wingfield at the bible and anchor in tower-street near mark-lane end , . the author to the reader . courteous reader , i through gods divine providence , have had at severall times , great occasion to make use of medicines for the health of my own body , as namely in the year , for cuts and shots , where then i came acquainted , and into familiarity with master george dunne chyrurgion , master leadbeater the apothecary , master guye , master hicks , and master nicholas culpepper , by whose familiarity i lost nothing , in the end of september our house was visited with the plague , one died before we knew what it was , the family was five in number , i lay in the same bedding the deceased dyed out of , he dyed full of the marks , i had a boyle in my groyne that never brake , but went away by purging and vomiting , my fellow had one that brake , yet none dyed but the first , i helpt to coffin about six persons , in one family at that time , yet by gods providence am yet a live , in the year , i had along sickness from midsomer till christmas , of that miserable disease called the griping or plague of the guts , which caused me to search all publick means for cure , and having spent what means i had upon doctors like the woman that had the bloudy issue : and all gave me over for dead , i betook me to search for directions in books , and after the reading of many providence guided me to light upon the most excellent and approved works of that famous doctor named don alexes , a man well skilled in the latine greek hebrew chaldee and arabick tongues , and of divers other nations and countreys , he being naturally inclined and took a singular pleasure in phylosophy , and in the secrets of nature , he travelled seven and twenty years to gain knowledge , the five books were translated into english by master william ward and master richard andrews and dedicated unto the right honourable francis lord russell earl of bedford , but lest i should make my porch greater then my building , i do refer those that would be further satisfied , unto those five books aforesaid , where they shall finde every one inserted , i gathered them at first for my own perticular private use , but considering the scarcity of the books and altogether at an extraordinary dear rate , i have for the publick benefit of all men exposed them to the care of the printer to serve for publick use . june . . w. j. a collection of seven and fifty receipts good against the plague . chap. i. an approved remedy against the pestilence be it never so vehement . take an ounion and cut him overthwart , then make a little hole in each peece , the which you shall fill with fine triacle , then set the peices together again as they were before , then wrap them in a white linnen cloth . puting it so to roast in the embers and ashes , then when it is roasted enough press out all the juice of it : and give the patient a spoonful thereof to drink , and so by gods help he shall feel ease and most undoubtedly be healed . chap. . a very good perfume against the plague . take mastick , cyprus , incence , mace , wormwood , mirrhe , lignum aloe , tegname musk , ambergreise , timioma , nutmugges , mirtle-tree , bay-tree , rosemary , saige , roses , elder , cloves , juniper , rue , pitch , and a kind of raw-pitch , called in latine rasise , stamp all these together mixe them well set them on the embers , or coles and so perfume the chamber . chap. . another very good remedy against the plague . take the ripe berries of a baytree , then pill off the black skin that is upon them , beat them into powder with a little salt , and as soon as the party perceiveth himself infected with the plague , and that he begin to have a hot fevor , he must take a spoonfull of the said powder , mixt with a little vineger and water , let him heat it a little and drinke it , and then covering himself warm sleep , sleeping soundly by gods help he shall be cured in a short time , but if the fevor come with a cold , instead of vineger he must take wine , and then do as is said before , this hath been experimented on many in the last great plague time . chap. . for him that is sick of the plague . take white dittany , turmentill , white corall , genitine , bole armoniack , terra sigilata , and endive , water of scabius , and the accedent coming upon him , this must be made at least four hours before it be used , take of the said things stamped each one by it self , and put them severally inglasses , and make of all of them a drink at your own discretion , making the vineger mount in the glass a little above the other things , and let the patient take it hot , covering himself hot in his bed untill he sweat , and by gods help he shall undoubtedly be cured . chap. . a marvellous preservative against the plague to make this take white dicany , round aristolochia , with crocodilium otherwise called cardina , or cordua , with voruine , gentian , zeduarise , an hearb called in latine , per muli , of each of them two ounces , stamp all these together with a handful of rue , then take a glass that holdeth at least three quarts , and fill it with the best wine you can find , whereinto you shall put all the foresaid things , and let it stand so in your house , and in dangerous times take every morning a glass full of the said wine before you go out of your house , but first observe to eat a walnut a fige and a branch or two of rue , do this every morning . chap. . an approved good ointment to make an impostume break and the plague sone to fall off . to make this take a quantity of oyl of olive and set it on the fire in some firme vessell , put thereto fine cerus or white lead well stamped together , literage of silver very fine and thine , with a quantity of common wax , set it on the fire untill you may spread it with your finger upon a smooth stone , then take it from the fire and power a little vineger upon it , but have a care of your face , then make a plaister of this ointment , as big as all the sore , and make a hole in the midst thereof the breadth of a penny , make then a little plaister of suppling ointment the bigness of the hole , then make another plaister of the same bigness , and lay it on the suppling plaister , the mortifying plaister be between both , let this lye twenty four hours , then change onely the middle plaister , leting it so lye twenty four hours longer , but remember to annoint the top of the sore with some hogs suite , or hen or capons grease to mollifie it , so it will be hard in the middle , and round about it will be tender flesh , in such sort that the sore will break and come forth about the end of forty and eight hours , take of the foresaid plaisters , and lay upon it another plaister made with fresh hogs grease , then will the dead flesh fall out with the core , like unto a round half ball , but the hole will remain which you must dress with healing ointment , you must strow burnt alum beaten to powder to eat the dead or rather proud flesh away . chap. . another remedy against the plague . take the topes of rue a garlick-head , or half a quarter of a walnut , and a corn of salt , eat this every morning continuing so a moneth together , this is also good against the worms both in young and old . chap. . another very good remedy against the plague . take a quantity of the water of wilde pursley , called in greek melissophillon , melephilo , and melenon , and in latine apiastrum , with plantine water , of each of these a like quantity in several glasses , take daily of this mixing equall quantities together in a small glass , and then you shall drink thereof , so by the blessing of god you shall be preserved and keept safe from the infection of the plague , this water is also good for fistula's and hath been often proved true by experience . chap. . another perfect receipt against the plague . fill a glass a third part full of fine triacle , and one third part with aquavitae , and fill the other third part with the urine of a man childe that is a virgin and healthfull mixe all these well together , and give the patient to drink a glass full three mornings one after another , this was proved in venice in the year . and in london in the last great plague . chap. . another against the plague . as soon as the party feeleth himself infected , let him swallow a quantity of the best triacle , then take of the same triacle the bigness of a chesnut , and lay it on the sore that beginneth to rise , rubbing it well round about with the same triacle , then immediately take a young pegion and cut him in the midst quick feathers and all , lay him to the sore warm as he is in his feathers , let him lye till that part of the pegion become green , and the triacle red , then take it off , and you shall perceive , that out of the pegion will come a green water , which is all the venome that was in the sore , then cure the place with this following plaister , take two parts of fresh barrows greass , and one part of woormwood well stamped and lay it upon the sore and the effect followeth . chap. . a thing often experimented against the plague . take two ounces of mastick , one ounce of euphorbium , five ounces of spignard , beat these into powder and give it the patient to drink , if he be under ten years of age give him but a scruple of it , if betwixt ten and twenty years of age give him half a dram , if above twenty years old give him a dram , then take the hearb called in greek pentaphylon , in latine quinque folium , in english cinkfoil , and wrap it like a round apple in a linnen cloath lay it so under the embers a certain time , and having taken it out , cut it in three pieces in the middle , and lay it upon the sore , this will give immediate ease unto the patient proved and experimented many times . chap. . a preservative against the plague proved oftentimes . in a dangerous time take three branches of rue , a walnut and a fig , eat all this and your stomach shall be fenced against infection . chap. . another take vineger the juce of a white ounion , the juce of rue and of milfoil , yarrow , or nose-bleed , of each of them alike quantity mixe all together , and give the patient a glass full very hot , but let it be before the sixth hour after the pain hath taken him ; then make him sweat in a warm bed , this hath been an approved remedy . chap. . in a suspect time of the plague . take pennirial with suger russet , make an electuary , eat the bigness of a chesnut at breakfast this hath been proved and found good . chap. . another most excellent medicine good against the plague . take wallnuts that are green tender and good to confecture , or preserves , put them in vineger the space of eight days , then take them out again , and break them in pieces , then put them into the limbeck , without vineger , and still the water of them ; the patient shall drink every day a small half glass full and after drinking of this potion , let him sweat well in his bed chap. . a rare and perfect secret against the plague . take an ounce of aloes epaticum , half an ounce of mirrhe , half an ounce of saforne beaten into powder , sift the aloes and mirrhe together , then steep and soake the saforne , or wash it with whine wine that is very strong , so that it be like sauce , put then the other powder to it , and mixe all well together , if need require you may put more wine to it so make thereof a paste , and so make pills of the same , but if you will have it very strong put to every ounce half an ounce of diagridum and half an ounce of camphire , mr. francis albert took three eight parts of the said pills without diagridum , soaking them in good wine and gave them to his patient as soon as he could and caused him to sweat much in his bed and by sweating disolved the venome . chap. . another very rare approved receipt . take the flowers or blosoms of walnuts , dry them in the shadow , and when the nuts be in season to confect , you shall cut part of them into small peices , putting the same into small vineger for three days , then take them out and mingle flowers distilling them through a limbeck of glass , or of earth , well leaded , keep this water diligently , and when any man feeleth himself infected with the plague , give presently to him two ounces or three ounces more or less as the party is in years or strength , and he shall loose his disease by stoole or by vomit , or else it will force the sore to come forth , which you may ripen and break and draw forth the core and so heal the same as is before declared . chap. . to make a carbuncle and all other botches impostumes and plague sores to break , a present remedy and very easie to be made . take bay salt well beaten into powder and serced , incorporate it with the yolk of an egge then lay it on the carbuncle or sore , and be you assured that by gods grace it will take away all the venome and poyson of the plague sore , so that in short time he shall be cured ; this remedy hath been often proved . chap. . a very good remedy against the marks of the plague commonly called gods marks or god tokens . take fresh and green rhopenticum , which is the hearb and root called themore or great centory , it is named of pliny , as bulius doth write ( rhacoma ) with the roots of the hearb called sanguinaria dactillon , of some dens canis , of dioscordious it is called coronopus , that is to say crows foot , some take it to be dandelion , take therewith the roots of turmiltill , and white dittany , of each of these an ounce , stamp all well then put them in a pot or violl with clear water at your discretion , rather too much then too little , till it pass three handfulls above the other things in the pot : then boyle it with a clear fire without smoak , untill one third part be deminished then strain it softly into a clean glass and it will be of the colour of wine , when necessity doth require you may give the patient a glass full in the morning and another at night two hours before supper , but it must be very hot , then cover him well in his bed and make him sweat , when the marks come forth he shall become like a lazer or a lepper and by gods blessing shall recover in a short time and be perfectly whole . chap. . against the mortality of the pestilence an approved remedy . take gentian , seduaria , roots of turmentile of each of them two ounces , red sandal , white and recent , ditany , harts horn burnd , white pearl , bole armoniack round aristolochia , of each of them an ounce , half an ounce of camphere , two ounces of white suger : of all these things beaten together into powder you shall take at every time a dram with three ounces as endive water , or sorrell water , mixe the water and the suger with the bigness of a walnut of fine triacle , you must minister this medicine before the sickness have continued with the person twelve hours for it is the surer , if the patient be an infant then give him but half a dram of it with an ounce and a half of one of the said waters , and with the like quantity of triacle , this drink is neither solvable nor laxative , nor doth cause any grief to the patient but onely killeth the poyson , if any person have drunk or eaten any poyson it is a very good medicine for him , it is also very good against a hot fevor or ague , note also that if it be possible the patient must be let bloud before he take this or suddenly after . chap. . to make little round balls good against the plague . take of labdanum , half an ounce , storax calamica one ounce , diambre , two grains of camphere , fifteen grains of cloves , nutmukes and mace of each of them an eight part , a scruple of damask roses , half a dram of sinamon , fifteen grains of spignard , musk and civit , of each of them eight grains half a dram of fine violets , four grains of lignum aloes the bigness of a bean of calomie aromanticie , four grains of fine amber , the bigness of a bean of mirrhe , first stamp the labdanum with a hot pestle , then stamp well the storax calatimae , and all the other things each by it self and then mixe all together and stamp them still with a pestle ading to it at every time sorax laquide and rose water untill all the said things be well incorporated , and then make round bal's thereof to smell to or use at your own discretion . chap. . a very perfect oyl against the plague and all manner of poyson . take of the oldest oyl you can get , and boyl it the space of an hour , and for every pound of the said oyl put in fifty scorpians or as many as you can get , put all this in a pot uncovered set the pot in a kettle of boyling water untill the third part of the oyl or somewhat less be consumed , then take out the scorpions and strain the oyl into another pot , then stop it close , and set it in the sun three moneths , or by the fire on hot ashes the space of four days , but first put in two ounces of unicorns horn , one ounce of triacle , three ounces of aquavitae , when any person feeleth himself infected with the plague or poyson let him be annointed with the said oyl about the heart and pulses and he shall finde a marvelous effect . chap. . a marvelous secret for to preserve a man from the plague and hath been proved in england of all the physicians in that great and vehement plague in the year , and in the year in london , that in the year crept throughout all the known world , and authors affirm that there was never any person that used this secret but was by gods grace preserved from the plague . take aloe epaticum , or cicotrim , fine sinamon , of each of these three drams , cloves , mace lignum aloe , mastick , bole armoniake of each of them half a dram , let all these things be well stamped together in a morter , then mingle them together , then keep it in a close vessel , and take thereof every morning two penny weight in half a glassfull of white wine , with a little water , drink it in the morning at the dawning of the day , and so you may by the grace of god go hardily into all infection of the aire and receive no damage by the plague . chap. . a very sure and perfect remedy to cure a man of the pestilence . take the berries of ivie , that groweth on trees or walls , and not of them that are found on the ground , you must gather the said berries very ripe and toward the north if it be possible if not take them as you can get them ; although they be not very ripe , dry them in the shadow and keep them in a wooden box as a most precious thing , and if any be infected with the pestilence , beat the said berries to powder in a clean morter , and give the patient the said powder in a glass full of white wine , as much as will lye upon a groat or more ; then cover him in his bed and cause him to sweat , then change his shirt sheets and all the coverings of his bed if it be possible , if not at least change shirt and sheets , some having taken this over night have found themselves well in the morning , and cured . my author affirmeth that in the year he saw in aleppo amilanos that had two plague sores one under his thigh and another under his left arm , and having taken the said powder morning and evening he found that the said sores brake of themselves by virtue of this excellent medicine , sent and blest by god himself who giveth understanding unto man , it is good for all persons to have so easie a thing ready by them . chap. . a present remedy to heal the pestilence by drawing out the venome from the sore approved . take a quick hen and pluck the rump and place where she layeth egges quite bare , then set her so that the bare place may be upon the grief , that she may be held upon the sore , a great while the hen draweth all the poyson to her self , or at least so much as will ease the patient , shortly after she will dye , you may do this with three or four several hens immediately one after another they will draw all the venome from the sore , then anoint the place with good triacle using the ivie and bay berries and other remedies before described to break draw and heal the sore . chap. how to make balls to smell to in time of the plague . take one part of storax one part of libdany halfe a part of cloves , sum camphere , aquavitae of spignard , sum nutmukes of all these make a paste with rose water wherein you must disolve sum gum dragon and gum araback , work them well together , make of this balls to hold in your hands to smell at . chap. . an excellent perfume for a chamber in the time of a plague or pestilence . take of storax , calamica , bengewine , lignie , aloes , of each an ounce , five ounces of coals of willow beaten into powder , mixe these things with aquavitae , as much as will make them into a paste , make thereof little cakes or what forms you please , and so keep them , when you use them put a little of them on a chafing dish and in consuming them by little and little they will make a singular good odour in the place where you burn the same . chap. . against the plague . take three ounces of the liquor of the inner rinde of an ash tree , , and still it with three ounces of white wine , give the patient to drink of it every three hours and by gods help within twenty four hours he shall be well . chap. . another against the plague . take three ounces of walnuts that be not yet full ripe , prepared and distilled at midsomer , and let the patient drink thereof and he shall be whole , but it will be better to take the outward pills of walnuts in september when they be black , so that they be not rotten , and distill them and give the patient a glassfull thereof to drink very warm he being let blood this this will help him much . chap. . a preservative in time of pestilence , and against all venome or poyson , and against the biting of a mad dog. if you eat before meals a wallnut or two two dry figs , and some leaves of garden rue with a corn of salt , it will be a great and good preservative against the plague , and against all poyson that a man eateth , the same being stamped and laid to the byting of a mad dog it healeth it , so do nutmukes work the like effect . chap. . an approved composition as well to preserve as to heal , very good in the time of a contagious plague . take an ounce of the best triacle , half an ounce of the juce of lemons , a scruple of saforne , a little of the two sorts of pearls , red corall and sorrell seed , of each half a dram two grains of camphere , mingle all these together very well with two or three drops of odeferious white wine , and make thereof an ointment , spread a quantity thereof upon a piece of crimson silke lay this hot upon the patients heart and remove it morning and evenning . chap. . another most excellent composition , and a very good preservative against the pestilence often tried and experienced . take a pimpernell dried an ounce and a half of sordii veti , some roots of gentian , imparatory , zedoariae , of each six drams , calamint apiastrum , or citraginie , enuly campanie roots tormentilla , which is a kinde of cinkfoile , bay berries the seed of cardus benedictus , which is one of the kinds of the herb called atriactilie , with an oringe or citron , oxill dis , which is a kind of sorrell , bole armoniack prepared of each three drachmes lickorish scraped , clycanisie seminis the seeds of scatiola , which is mubus sativa , of the kindes of endive and succory , cinamonie , exquisitie , of each two drams gilli-flowers , red roses and coriander , prepared , the seed of basill , cortisis citrie fixie , santuly luteie vel raboi agalochi , that is xilaloe ligni aloes , the scraping of ivory and red coral , pearls of each a dram and a half , and two scruples of saforne beat all these very small mingle them with sugar of equall quantity , or else with oxemelite , or sirupo aceratoe , or oxyfacchata , or rather the sirrup of lemons , but for weak stomacks make like to a lickquid confection , either , opiate vel massee , or else let there be an electuary pertabellas of a dram weight , or four scruples , then adde unto every ounce of suger , a dram of the said powder , then take thereof two or three hours before your meals , if it be in powder take a dram or half a dram at the least , with some convenient liquor of those which are now named if it be opiate , the quantity of a chestnut or a walnut if it be in form of a mass and thick make two or three pills or more very soft for to take at one time drinking after the same sum of the liquors already mentioned when it is in little tablits you may take one or two or more at your discretion . chap. . another composition in powder , but in another manner for the same purpose . take the roots of angilica , gentian , zedoaria , of the roots of tirmentilla the seeds of coxalidas citrie mallie , cinamon , elect with a kind of casia of yellow or red sandall or sanders cardus benedictus of each two drams , a dram and a half of oringe pills , one dram of the scrapings of ivory , half a dram of red corrall the like weight of fine sugar , put to all these things as the powder shall seem pleasant and good , or if you will seek another way as is spoken of in the first preservative , as concerning the quantity of this composition , at every time , and the time of using it let it be as the other before , but if you will have them both let them not be of a like sort , but the one being in powder in tablits the other in opiat , or mass , with pills . chap. . common pills very good for the same . take aloes probae , and lote , two ounces , one ounce of saforne , one ounce of good mirrhe , or else mirrhe and ammoniacum , disolved in white wine of each half an ounce , mixe them together with hony roset , but in winter you may put zedoaria , agallochi , or red sandis of each of them a dram , but in summer take away the mirrhe and amoniacum and put to it bole armoniacke prepared three drams , half a dram of red corrall with a scruple of camphere to take commonly a pill or two before your meals , sometimes a dram after your first sleep as you shall prove by experience . chap. . antidotes or medicines , and comfortable preservative of small cost easie to find that poor people may prepare for themselves . . take garlick and drink a little wine after it , or a fig with a walnut and rue and a little salt specially in winter . . take twenty leaves of rue with two walnuts and as many figs and a grain of salt all being mixt together receive it in the morning . . take six leaves of rue with vineger . . take the root of the herb called in latine imperatora , of sum lascopitium , gallicum . . take the root of angelica . . the roots of gentian . . the root of zedarie . . of cardus benedictus . . of garlina . . take the herb called scordium in small powder the quantity of a dram , either in a soft mass made with sodden honey and vineger , or with some surrup as of lemons or in opiat the bigness of a chesnut , or of a small pease with wine in winter , in summer with rose water , or with the juce of sorrell . . sorrell alone or with pimpernell in vineger and drink of it in the morning . . or the juce of them wherewith you may make a taste in summer . . or juniper berries , the leaves of green pimpernell of bittany of pulegion of sorrell of each a like quantity brayed together and sodden in honey , put thereto a little vineger like a conserve . chap. . another rare medicine . take juniper berries , bole armoniack , of each two drams or of both alike quantity being stamped lay it in sweet oyl and vineger or in oxmillite , in the mean form either opiat or mass . if it be opiat take as much as a chestnut , if it be mass take one great pill , and drink after it a little hidromill or oximill or wine . chap. . it is requisite to speak something of a savour and sweet smell ; as powders balls waters and perfumes , and first of a powder for many purposes . take four ounces of ivise florientiana , of margrom cloves and red roses of each an ounce of millissophilie , nucise odoratee or muscate zedorie , cinamon agallochi , yellow , sanders , mastick storax calamita and bengroin , half an ounce of each , and two scruples of juncus odoratus , calami odoravie , syici nardiradicise one dram of each . make of these a powder to smell , to be beaten of broken , in some piece of fine silke or a peece of fine linnen cloth , beat all these things grosly for to perfume and wash your head and beard , or let them lye a time in white wine and rose water , and strain them , keeping the water to use when you please , or you may still them in a double vessell , that they may be aqua aromatica , this being laid upon the coals is to perfume your chamber twice every day morning and evening , it is good also to wear about you or to put in a little bag and lay it amongst linnen or woollen cloathes . chap. . another sweet smelling ball . take two ounces of pure labdanum , one ounce and a half of bengroine one ounce of willow coals of storax calamita , six drams , two drams , a peece of marjoram , and yellow or red sanders , of red roses and calainus aramaticus , two scruples a peece , then take six drams of oyl of sweet almonds and as much of bengroin , with half an ounce of storax calamita sithe these things together then put thereto six drams of rose water . then strain it , and let that which is strained , be soft made with two ounces of white wax , and put to it of storax liquida , one dram , make it like as cereatum , or plaister incorporate these together with a hot pestle putting thereto a dram and a half of musk . chap. . another sweet ball more sweet for the summer . take three ounces and a half a peece of roses and violets with an ounce a peece of the berries and leaves of mirtle , and the coals of willow , six drams a peece , of juniper berries and oringe pills , two drams of red sanders , one dram of bengroin with two scruples of camphere , make a powder of these , then take an ounce and a half of oyl of roses , with two drams a peece of storax calamita , and bengroine , with an ounce of rose water with two ounces of white wax , beat all the rest together with a hot pestle , put to it a little musk and use it . chap. . of five outward remedies to purge the aire , the presentest and easiest and of smallest price for persons low in estate and condition . first take juniper berries with some of the root cloven asunder and dried with some of the forementioned drugs and make thereof a perfume this is good to purge the air. secondly , sprinkle your chamber with vineger alone or mixed with rose water . thirdly , when you are to go out into company , put into your mouth the pill or seed of a cittorn , or cinamon , or cloves or the roots of angelica , or zedoarie or such as are before mentioned , hold these in your mouth and chaw them for you shall finde that they will give a good odour . fourthly , if you desire to smell to a spunge or to a hancherchief both day and night , malmsey or other strong wine and sweet ; such as are muscadell alone or else with rose water , wherein there hath been tempered some aromaticall drug already spoken of , and also cloves and nutmukes , are very good for this purpose . fifthly , if it be in summer take a little camphere , with a little cold water and twice so much vineger , this is also very good . chap. . eight c●usions for the whole sum of governing of mans body especially in the time of the plague . . it is necessary that you keep every thing neat and clean in your house often washing and cleansing the same , and that as much as in you lyeth you do avoid going into all evil aire . . besure that you flye all excess of riot and superfluity of intemperate eating and drinking , and with all the carnall company of women . when you travell walk moderately and overheat not your self , neither sleep in the day time , but moderately in the night , avoid as much as you may inordinate watching . chap . a soverain powder against the venome of the plague , fit for princes and rich people . take saphire hiacinthe smaragdus , of one or two or of all of these one dram , of pearls bole armoniack of the best , with the seeds of oxalise of each of these two drams , of the scrapings of ivory two scruples of unicorns horn one scruple , of the seed of ocinum , half a scruple , yellow or red sanders agalocchi or xilaloes of the best , doronicie , cinamon , exquisite safforone of each three grains six grains of musk , make of these a fine powder , and leave out the musk for them that love it not , the use of the said powder and others that follow shall be declared hereafter if god permit . chap. . how to make a powder for the poorer sort of people . take two drams of bole armoniack with three drams of the seeds of oxalis , aloes epeticum lotum , and red corrall of each of these a dram , the powder of diatrio santalon , eight scruples with the pills of dry oringes , cloves cinamon and safforone of each of these five drams , make of these a fine powder , you may use the same with conserves or without them , with sirrups or with distilled waters , but much rather with juces and such convenient licquors as is before named . chap. . how with little cost to make a drink for the poor . take of the powder prescribed for the poor , conditirosatie , or conserve of roses , condii boraginis , or rather coraginis of each a dram and a half two ounces of the suck of oxalis , two ounces succi avantii coragares extract with rose water and of good white wine vineger of each an ounce and make thereof a drink . chap , . . a drink that hath been proved good against the plague . take two drams of the powder of mugwort of the first and second sort , the seeds of sanctie or of oringes , of mirrhe of each a dram , the scrapings of harts horn a dram , beat them well and mixe them together , you must drink this of white viniger before a fire ▪ and as soon as there appeareth any swelling in the groine or flank , or under the arm-pits , or any where else the remedy must be ready , for the medicine provoketh great sweat whereby the venome or infection avoideth every part . the patient thus swearing by the fire his infected sweat must be rubed and dried with hot linnen cloathes , which must be always changed untill the savour of the sweat be gone with rubbing . chap. . how opiate is made . take of the first or second powder oringe pills conserved of each an ounce and a half , the conserve of roses the conserve of bugloss , two ounces of each of the sirrup of the juce of cittorns oringes or lemons or else of oxalis , or ●mphacini , sufficient make of it a licquid electuary in form of an opiate , whereof take an ounce or more and drink some of the foresaid liquors and such as here follow , you may mingle an ounce of purslane with the said liquor . chap. . how to make a drink meat after the taking of opiate , or to be mixed with the opiate for the strongest or meanest men according to the time and place . to do this take the juce of cittorne or lemons three ounces of the wine of swore oringes with good white and clear vineger and rose water of each of these an ounce and mixe these all together chap. . how to make a good drink for the poor . take three ounces of the juce of sorrell that is very clear of bitter an● swore oringes , with white and clear vineger and rose water of each of these an ounce make thereof a drink , mixe it with a little suger to make it pleasant . chap. . how to make a drink to cause one to sweat . take a dram of good triacle , or a dram of mithridatum , with hole armoniack of the best of the powder of one of the herbs called cardiacee , described before , half a dram , scabious water two ounces , water of oxalise , bugloss borage of each an ounce and make a drink thereof . chap. . how to to make a drink easie for the poor of low price . take the decoction of scabious , and of the flowers of red pop●ge a glass full with a little suger or a little white vineger , or a ptisane , made with barley and aniseeds and the roots of parsley the roots of suckrey the one or the other decoction with sharp sirrup two ounces or a little white vineger . you must understand that these foresaid drinks be taken hot , the patient being well covered in his bed the triacle and mithridate although they be of great efficacy yet are they not meet for women with childe nor for young children , the use of them ought not to be often nor in great quantities , when the fevor is great , some mens advice is to mingle the medicine for sweating with some distilled water or with the decoction of herbs , concerning the part to which the venomous matter hath its course , now if a man knoweth that the mater goeth to the head , let the patient take it with some distilled waters or with the decoction bitony , but if it go to the vital parts , or to tha brest and heart , with the water of the decoction of borage , which is very bugloss , if it go to the belly and bowels with liquor of wormwood , if to the liver , then with the decoction water of egrimony which is the true and real zupatorium . chap. . how to provoke sweat and heal the plague . take of the herb called rape , with the roots of the lesser planton and knot grass of each half a handfull bray them well and boyle them in vineger then strain them through a linnen cloath , give the sick person of this to drink when he goeth to bed it will cause him to sweat out all the ill humers . chap. . an excellent preseruative against the plague . take one ounce of the juce of green nuts , half an ounce of the juce of agrimony , three drams of the juce of rue , three ounces of the juce of issope four ounces of the juce of hemp mingle them altogether , then take half an ounce of the said mixture with half a dram of mumea and half an ounce of suger candy and one dram of suger of roses , an electuary thereof and dissolve the quantity of a chestnut of it in good wine and drink thereof when you rise and when you go to bed . chap. . another against the plague . take of the roots of turmentill finely powdered , one dram with half a dram of triacle dissolve it in sorrell water and give it the diseased . chap. . how to make another preservative against the plague . take two egges and make a hole upon the top of each of them , then take out the whites put into them so much whole safforne as will half fill up the egge to the middle , cover them with other egge shells boyl them till they become red , then bray them with all the shells , and put thereunto of white diptamue and turmevill of each three drams of vomiting nuts one dram and a half of the seeds of rockit the quantity of the beaten eggs bray them all together the second time , then put thereunto of good triacle the weight of the other things except the eggs and make an electuary of the which give two drams in the morning when the patient riseth before he goes to labour . chap. . another preservative against the plague . take safforne of setwell , of turmentill of diptamus of each of these one ounce of triacle of mithridate of suger of bugloss of each eight drams with the sirrup of the pills of pomecitterns , make a lectuary of the which to preserve the party , according to his age , if he be above the age of fifteen years give him two drams in the morning before meat with white wine , and after it give him two mastick corlander seeds , if he be but years of age give him but one dram , and a half , being under the age of years give him one dram , when he goeth out of the house let him hold in his mouth a little of the electuary ; in the curing the plague the foresaid confection must be given as soon as he feeleth himself to have the ague , within the space of hours with the which the water of sumak , the quantity aforesaid according unto age , it helpeth all cold infirmities or griefs , ministred with wine or with aquavitae having first made the universall remedies of purging letting of blood and such like . chap. how to make a good water against the plague or surfeite . take red sage , celendine rosemary , herbgrass wormwood mugwort , pimpernell , dragons , scabius tyromony , rosasolis , and balm , of each of these a handfull or like quantity by weight , wash and swing them in a linnen cloth , shred them and put them into a galon of white wine with a quarter of an ounce of gentian roots , and of angelica roots the like quantity let it stand two days and two nights close covered and distill it at your pleasure that glass in which you keep it be stopt very close . chap. . how to purifie the air in a plague time . take an ounce of balsum , one ounce of the flower of sulpher with an ounce of mirrhe powder , all these together put thereto as much perno as will make them into a stiffe past then make it into little cakes then in the time of a pestilence every day or every other day put one or two of these upon a chasing dish of coals this is good saith mine author to purifie the air. finis . edinburgh, the . day of july, . forsameikle, as the provost, bailies, and council of this burgh, taking to their consideration the proclamation ... prohibiting and discharging all trade and commerce betwixt this kingdom ... and places of the kingdome of england which are infected or suspected to be infected wth the sicknesse, or plague of pestilence... edinburgh (scotland). town council. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). b wing e c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. b ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) edinburgh, the . day of july, . forsameikle, as the provost, bailies, and council of this burgh, taking to their consideration the proclamation ... prohibiting and discharging all trade and commerce betwixt this kingdom ... and places of the kingdome of england which are infected or suspected to be infected wth the sicknesse, or plague of pestilence... edinburgh (scotland). town council. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by a society of stationers, edinburgh : . title from caption and first lines of text. initial letter. reproduction of the original in the national library of scotland. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- law and legislation -- scotland -- edinburgh -- early works to . public health laws -- scotland -- edinburgh -- th century. broadsides -- scotland -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - paul schaffner sampled and proofread - paul schaffner text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion edinburgh , the . day of july , . forsameikle , as the provest , bailies , and council of this burgh , taking to their consideration the proclamation emitted by his majesties privie council of this kingdom , prohibiting and discharging all trade and commerse betwixt this kingdom , and the merchants and inhabitants of the city of london , suburbs , and places thereabouts , and all other towns , villages , and places of the kingdome of england , which are infected or suspected to be infected with the sicknesse , or plague of pestilence , by sending or bringing of goods or commodities by packs , or any other manner of carriage by sea or land , untill the first day of november next to come ; and ay and while the restraint and prohibition be taken off : and that such persons who are abroad , do not offer to bring home any goods or commodities untill they acquaint the magistrates of the places where they intend to come , from what place they came ; and abide their trial for the space of fourty dayes , and thereafter , till they have the allowance as free-men . and that all such persons who shall come from england to this kingdome , or bring goods or commodities , by packs or other carriage by land , shall stay upon the borders till they acquaint the magistrates from whence they came , and bring sufficient passes and testimonials with them , that the places are free of all suspicion of the plague : with certification , that if any person contraveen , they shall be punished with the losse of their lives , goods , packs and commodities brought by them , either by sea or land , without mercy . therefore , i command and charge , in our soveraigne lords name , and in name and behalf of the lord provest , bailies , and council of this burgh , that all the inhabitants within the same give due and exact obedience to the said proclamation in all points , and to receive no person coming from england within their houses , without warrand of the magistrates of this burgh , under the pain of death , but favour . edinburgh , printed by a society of stationers , . by the king, a proclamation for the avoyding of all intercourse betweene his maiesties royall court and the cities of london and westminster, and places adioyning england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king, a proclamation for the avoyding of all intercourse betweene his maiesties royall court and the cities of london and westminster, and places adioyning england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . broadside. by i.l. and w.t. for bonham norton and iohn bill ..., printed at oxford : . "giuen at our court at salisbury the seuenteenth day of october, in the first yeare of our raigne of great brittaine, france, and ireland." reproduction of original in the harvard university. library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england. proclamations -- great britain. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the king . a proclamation for the avoyding of all intercourse betweene his maiesties royall court , and the cities of london and vvestminster , and places adioyning . his maiesty hauing taken a resolution that himselfe and his royall consort the queene and their courts shall very shortly remoue first to his castle of vvindsor , and after to his honour of hampton-court , and there to settle : and foreseeing that the vicinity of those places to the cities of london and westminster , and the suburbs thereof , and the borough of southwarke & towne of lambeth , which long haue been , and yet are so grievously infected with the plague , is apt to draw an intercourse betweene those cities and places & the court , which may bring extreame perill to the sacred persons of their royall maiesties , vnlesse it be very carefully avoyded . for the preventing therfore of so great & so apparant a danger , wherin all his maiesties good and louing subiects haue so large an interest . his maiesty doth straitly charge and command , that no person or persons of what degree or quality soeuer doe presume to goe or repaire directly or indirectly from the said citie of london or westminster , or either of them , or the suburbs of them , or the borrough of southwarke or towne of lambeth vnto the court , or to goe from the court vnto the said cities of london or westminster , or the suburbs of them , or the said borrough of southwarke , or towne of lambeth , or either , or any of them , and returne backe to the court againe vpon paine of his maiesties heavy displeasure , and of such further punishment as can by law or by his maiesties prerogatiue royall be inflicted vpon them for so high a contempt . and if any servant to his maiesty , or to the queene his royall consort in any office or place whatsoeuer , shall offend herein , and either in their owne person haue recourse to and fro , or wittingly suffer any other to haue recourse or accesse vnto them from those cities or suburbs thereof , or places aforesaid , his maiesty doth hereby signifie and publish his determinate purpose and resolution , that euery such offender shall not onely ipso facto forfeit and loose the office or place he holdeth , without any hope or expectation of favour now or at any time hereafter , but shall also incurre the heaviest and severest punishment which can be inflicted vpon them . and his maiesty doth straitly charge and command all his louing subiects to be carefull in the due execution of his royall will and pleasure herein , not onely in their owne persons , but in all others as much as in them lieth , and this to be strictly observed and continued vntill his maiesty shall see cause to inlarge this restraint againe , giuen at our court at salisbury the seuenteenth day of october , in the first yeare of our raigne of great brittaine , france , and ireland . god saue the king. printed at oxford by i. l. and w. t. for bonham norton and iohn bill , printers to the kings most excellent maiestie . . orders to be vsed in the time of the infection of the plague vvithin the citie and liberties of london, till further charitable prouision may be had for places of receite for the visited with infection city of london (england). court of aldermen. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) orders to be vsed in the time of the infection of the plague vvithin the citie and liberties of london, till further charitable prouision may be had for places of receite for the visited with infection city of london (england). court of aldermen. leaves. by isaac iaggard, printer to the honourable city of london, printed at london : . caption title. imprint from colophon. reproduction of original in: british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- prevention. london (england) -- history -- th century. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion ❧ orders to be vsed in the time of the infection of the plague within the citie and liberties of london , till further charitable prouision may be had for places of receite for the visited with infection . that euery alderman call before him his deputie , and all the church-wardens , constables , parish clarkes , sextons and bedles within his warde , and giue them streight and earnest charge from time to time to inquire what houses in euery parish and precinct of that warde be infected . and that euery constable doe bring euery day true , distinct , and plaine certificate thereof in writing to the alderman or his deputie . and that the alderman or his deputie from time to time send the same certificates to the surueyers of the parishes , to whom it shall appertaine , to the intent that they haue vnderstanding thereby to see the orders in that behalfe executed accordingly . and here is to be noted , that euery house wherein any shall bee sick of the plague , is to be iudged and vsed as infected , as wel as where any dyeth thereof . and likewise euery house from whence any person infected shall be remooued to any house or place , shall bee iudged infected , if any eftsoones fall sicke in the same house . that in euery house infected , the master , mistresse , or gouernour , and the whole family and residents therein at the time of such infection , shall remaine continually without departing out of the same , and with the doores and windowes of the hall , shop , or other nether part of the house shut , by the space of xxviii . dayes from the death of the party dying of infection , and vntill the partie sicke , and not dying thereof , shall bee fully recouered , or their sore fully healed : and such person recouering , or healed , to tarry shut vp xx . dayes from such recouerie , or full healing . and that during all that time , no clothes , linnen , or other like thing , be hanged out , or ouer into the streete . and that none so to be shut vp , shal go abroad out of the said house , during the time aboue appointed , but one certaine person ( and not sundry at sundry times ) to be appointed by the surueyers of that parish , for prouision of necessaries for the said family . which person so to be appointed , shall during all the time of his , or her being abroad out of such house carry in their hand openly , vpright in the plainest manner to be seene , one red wand of the length of iii. foot at the least , to be deliuered to them by the surueyers at the charge of the parish , without carrying it closely , or couering any part of it with their cloke or garment , or otherwise : and in their going in the streetes and lanes shall alway keepe the way close by the chanell side , shunning as much as may be , the meeting and vsuall way of other people . and shall not in any wise come into any throng or presse of publike assembly , on paine of imprisonment by the space of viii . daies without baile or maineprise , in some of the cages next to the house so infected . prouided alway , that it shal be free to the owner of any house so infected , and his said family , residents , or any of them at any time within the said xxviii . dayes , to remoue and depart out of this citie , and the liberties thereof , into any other his , or her house , or abiding in the country , or to any house in the citie , without being shut vp in such house infected , so that euery such person so remouing , or departing , doe abstaine from returning into the said citie , or the liberties thereof , and from going abroad out of such other house in the city , during the said xxviii . daies , and on pain that euery person so returning , or going abroad within the said xxviii . dayes , shall suffer imprisonment , as is aforesaid . that the churchwardens and constable in euery precinct , prouide , and haue in readinesse , one , or moe sober discreet women , as the case shall require to be prouiders and deliuerers of necessaries for the infected houses , and to attend the persons sick and infected , at the charge of such householders of such houses , if they be able : and if not , then at the charge of the parish . and that such women once entring into charge of such prouision and attendance , shall carry red wands , goe by the chanell side , and forbeare assemblies , as is aforesaid . that such as haue welles or pumpes , shall cause euery morning before vi . of the clocke , and euery euening after viii . of the clocke , the same to be drawne , and x. buckets of water at the least to be powred to runne downe the chanell . and that euery morning and euening at the said houres the streets and chanels be made cleane , and swept by some one of euery house against the chanel , but so as the water be not in any wise swept out of the chanel to the sides of the streets nor the stones wet but within the chanel , excepted onely sprinkling for laying of the dust at the sweeping . and that the mud and filth of the streetes be at the said houres taked vp , and swept together in heapes out ▪ of the chanell , and not at any other time of the day . and that it be so drawne vp from the chanell , that the water powred downe the chanels may not carry away , or be mingled with such filth . that the streetes be made cleane by the scauenger and raker euery day , except sunday . that the alderman himselfe , or his deputie , doe often visite the warde to view whether the said orders bee duely obserued , specially touching cleanenesse of the streetes . that ouer the doore of euery house infected , in a place notorious and plaine for them that passe by to see it , the clark or sexton of that parish cause to be set one paper printed with these words , lord haue mercy vpon vs , in such large forme as shall be appointed . and that the constable of the precinct , and bedle of the warde , shall daily view & see that the said paper remaine there during the said terme of xxviii . dayes without taking away , blotting or defacing . and if any be taken away , blotted or defaced , that a new be set in the place thereof . and if the same be taken away , blotted , or defaced , with the consent of the inhabitant of that house , that then a new such paper shall be set in place thereof , and the shutting in of such house with the inhabitants , shall continue xxviii . daies more from such taking away , blotting , or defacing . and whosoeuer shall take away such paper , shall suffer such imprisonment as is aforesaid . that in or for euery parish there shall be appointed two sober ancient women , to be sworne to be viewers of the bodies of such as shall die in time of infection , and two other to be viewers of such as shall be sicke , and suspected of infection , which women shall immediately vpon such their viewes , by vertue of their oath , make true report to the constable of that precinct , where such person shall die , or be infected , to the intent that true notice may bee giuen both to the alderman or his deputie , and to the clarke of the parish , and from him to the clarke of the parish clarkes , that true certificate may be made as hath been vsed . and that euery of the said women , constable , or clarke , failing in the premisses , shall suffer imprisonment as is aforesaid . and euery woman so sworne , and for any corruption , or other respect falsely reporting , shall stand vpon the pillorie , and beare corporall paine by the iudgement of the lord maior and court of aldermen . they at their going abroad to beare red wands , goe neare the chanell , and shun assemblies , as before . that euery woman , or other appointed to any seruice for the infected , and refusing , or fayling to do that seruice , shall not haue any pension out of the hospitall or parish . that the lord maior cause publike proclamation to be made , that no person from the sixth day after such proclamation , shall keepe any dogge , or bitch , but such as they will keepe within their owne dores , without suffering them to go loose in the streets not led in slip or string , nor within their owne doores making howling or other annoyance to their neighbours . and that the common huntsman shall haue speciall charge to kill euery such dogge or bitch , as shall be found loose in any streete or lane of this citie or the suburbes thereof . and for the killing of euery such dog or bitch , and burying the same foure foote deepe at the least in the fields , shall haue two pence allowed by the hands of the chamberlayne of the citie . and if he be remisse and negligent , and wittingly spare and shew fauour in not killing any such dogge or bitch , he shall lose his place and seruice , and suffer imprisonment as is aforesaid . and if any dog or bitch kept within doores shal with howling or noyse be noyous to any neighbour , the alderman of the ward vpon complaint shall commit the offendor to warde , till order be taken vpon his submission by the alderman , and such dog or bitch killed . that no corps dying of infection shall be buried or remaine in any church in time of common prayer , sermon , or lecture . and that no children bee suffered at time of buriall of any corpes in any church , churchyard , or burying place , to come neare the corps , coffin or graue . and that all the graues shall be at the least six foot deepe . and that at the buriall dinners , or attendance on the corps , or other solemnitie of any dying of infection , there shall be no assembly of people in the house where such person shall die , within the time of xxviii . dayes after such death . that during the said terme of xxviii . dayes : no person be admitted to come into any such house infected , other then the persons of the same family , residing therein at the time of the infection , or such as for necessary reliefe of the same family shal be appointed by the surueyers , on paine that the house shall remaine shut in , and the same with the family be in all things vsed as infected , for other xxviii . dayes , from the time of suffering any other so to come into the same . that diligent care be had for amending of the pauements where any holes be wherein any water or filth may stand to increase corruption and infection . that whosoeuer shall go abroad with a sore running , shal be imprisoned in the cage for xxviii . dayes , & further grieuously punished by corporall paine , by the iudgement of the lord maior and court of aldermen . that no dunghils out of stables , brewhouses , or other places be suffered to be made in the street , or other open place of this citie or the suburbes thereof , on paine of imprisonment of the offenders , till the same at the offenders charge be remoued , and the offenders bound to the chamberlaine of this citie , neuer to commit the like offence againe . that restraint be made of enterludes or playes , assemblies of fencers , or other prophane spectacles , and of going with drummes , proclamations , or calling of people to the same within this citie and liberties thereof . and humble sute be made to the most honourable counsell , that the like restraint be in places of other counties adioyning to the said citie . that in euery parish there be appointed two substantiall and discreet citizens , or moe as need shall require , to be chosen monethly by the alderman of the ward , to be surueyers , which surueyers shall daily and diligently see the orders to be obserued , as is aboue said , and the surueyers , clarkes , sextons , and bedles , shall be sworne before the alderman to doe their diligence faithfully therein . and if any such person so appointed , shall refuse or faile to take his oth , or being sworne , shall neglect his duty therein , that forthwith the alderman commit such person to ward , there to remaine , vntill he be discharged from thence by the court of the lord maior and aldermen . that order be taken and treatie had with the colledge of phisicions , that some certaine and conuenient number of phisicions and surgeons be appointed and notified to attend for the counsell and cure of persons infected , and none to deale with the infected but those : and the same to deale with no other patients but the infected , during the time of infection . and for their counsell and trauell to be recompensed by and for the persons of hability at their owne charge : and for the poore at the charge of the parish . that whosoeuer shall by any subtilty or inuention defraud the good intent of any of these orders , shall receiue double as much punishment as he that openly or plainely offendeth . that the housholders of houses infected , be charged to aire the houses and things therein within the said xxviii . dayes , and that no clothes or other things about the persons infected be giuen or sold , but either destroyed , or well and sufficiently purified . on paine of punishment by discretion of the lord maior and aldermen . god saue the king. printed at london by isaac iaggard , printer to the honourable city of london , . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e inquire what houses be infected . certificate daily to the alderman . surueyers of the parish . sicke dying remoued . house shut xxviii . dayes . sicke xx . daies after recouery . prouision . red wand . way by the chanell . assembly . cage . remouing . returning . prouiders . women . charge . housholders or parish . red wands . welles . pumpes . streets . scauenger . alderman visit wardes . lord haue mercy vpon 〈◊〉 . . viewers of bodies dead . . viewers of sicke . pillorie . red wands . pension . hospitall . dogges , &c. corps dying of infection . church , burial resort to houses infected . pauements . goe abroad with sore . dunghils . enterludes , playes , &c. surueyer , clerkes , sextons , beadles sworne . phisisians . defraud order . ayring houses , clothes . [logos alexipharmakos] or, hyperphysicall directions in time of plague collected out of the sole-authentick dispensatory of the chief physitian both of soule and body, and, disposed more particularly, though not without some alteration and addition, according to the method of those physicall directions printed by command of the lords of the counsell at oxford and very requisite to be used with them : also, certain aphorismes, premised, and conclusions from them deduced, concerning the plague, necesiary to be knovvn and observed of all, that would either prevent it, or get it cured / by lionell gatford ... gatford, lionel, d. . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing g ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing g estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; :e , no ) [logos alexipharmakos] or, hyperphysicall directions in time of plague collected out of the sole-authentick dispensatory of the chief physitian both of soule and body, and, disposed more particularly, though not without some alteration and addition, according to the method of those physicall directions printed by command of the lords of the counsell at oxford and very requisite to be used with them : also, certain aphorismes, premised, and conclusions from them deduced, concerning the plague, necesiary to be knovvn and observed of all, that would either prevent it, or get it cured / by lionell gatford ... gatford, lionel, d. . [ ], p. printed by h. hall, oxford : . title transliterated from greek. reproduction of original in thomason collection, british library. eng plague -- england -- early works to . plague -- history -- th century. a r (wing g ). civilwar no logos alexipharmakos, or, hyperphysicall directions in time of plague. collected out of the sole-authentick dispensatory of the chief physit gatford, lionel d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - taryn hakala sampled and proofread - taryn hakala text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , or , hyperphysicall directions in time of plague . collected out of the sole-authentick dispensatory of the chief physitian both of soule and body , and disposed more particularly ( though not without some alteration and addition ) according to the method of those physicall directions printed by command of the lords of the councell at oxford . and very requisite to be used with them . also , certain aphorismes , premised , and conclusions from them deduced , concerning the plague , necessary to be known and observed of all , that would either prevent it , or get it cured . by lionell gatford , bachelor in divinity-physick . in his disease he sought not to the lord , but to the physitians . chron. . . oxford , printed by h. hall . . to the right honourable the lords of the councell , and others his majesties commissioners for the government of the city of oxford , lionell gatford wisheth increase of honour , and the blessing of peace , temporall and eternall . being unjustly forced from that cure , whereunto god had called me , as the most of my ▪ profession are , that will not turne mountebancks and poyson the people ) and not suffered ▪ upon his majesties gracious exchange , ( after seaventeene months imprisonment in london , without any cause shewen in all that time ) either to returne to that care or to practise anywhere else with safety ( though licensed for all parts of this kingdome ) i was necessitated to repair to this city made happy in the midst of miseries by your vigilancy & gods blessing thereupon . i had not beene long here , but i saw and partooke ( praysed be the lord for it ) of one of the greatest mercies ( let others value it as they please ) that ever this city was blessed with : a vast , and in their owne opinion , an invincible army surrounded us , as sometimes the assyrians did jerusalem : their tartaris , their rabsarises and their rabsakehs opened their mouths wide both against our religious hezekiah , and against all his loyall subjects then attending his sacred person , thinking ( as their own bloudy pamphlets did intimate ) instantly to have devoured them all . and without doubt , if the lord himselfe had not been on our side . if the lord himselfe had not beene on our side , when those men thus rose up against us , they had swallowed us up quick when they were so wrathfully displeased at us : but blessed be the lord , he did not give us up as a prey unto their teeth ; but put his hooke in their nose , and his bridle in their lips , and turned them back by the way , not by which they came , but by which they became the object of their soveraign's tender mercy and compassionate pitty , whom they then pursued with their rebellious malice and mercilesse cruelty . this unspeakable mercy of god to this city , or rather to this whole nation , was attended upon ( whether for our unthankfullnesse , or for our other sinnes , or for both ! with that formidable judgement of plague . upon the increasing and spreading whereof , observing , that your honours , in your extraordinary care of this place , had commanded certaine physicall directions in time of plague to be published , i was encouraged to beleeve , that hyper-physicall directions for such a time could not want your patronage , and therefore finding none other of my calling , though farre more able , to have prevented me , i presumed to present you with these : knowing withall , that without your helpe and assistance , both physicall and hyper-physicall prescripts , how excellent soever , will be but of little benefit or profit to the most of men ; all men being naturally prone to reject , at least to neglect that advise which would do them most good : and unlesse the magistrates make them know that they beare not the sword in vaine , but will proceed to severe correction where wholsome instructions are despised , the divine and physitian both may prescribe till they are weary , and all to no purpose . we reade of an aaron needing a calling upon from moses to do what belonged to him in the time of a plague . but as the plague may be ( and , for ought any man knowes to the contrary , this plague may be such ) the magistrates actuall exercising their power in the execution of justice upon some provoking offenders may be so necessarily required , that the raging contagion will not cease without it . this i am confident of , and not without good grounds : that would your honours be pleased but to revive the execution of some of your owne lawes against that one horrid crying sinne of swearing and blaspheming gods name , which so raignes in our streets and houses , the plague of god would not rage so much in them , as now it doth . the lord ( saith the commandement ) will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine 't is swearing ( saith one of the prophets ) that brings the flying rowle of the curse into mens houses , and makes it to remaine there , till it have consumed both them and the very timber and stones thereof . and 't is for swearing amongst other foule crimes ( saith another prophet ) that the land mournes . as therefore ye tender particular mens persons , that have jeoparded their lives , for you , as ye regard the welfare of this city , wherein god hath preserved you , and as ye love this whole land , wherein god hath highly honoured you , suffer not the sacred name of that gracious and glorious god , who hath wrought these and other infinite mercies for you , to be dishonoured and profaned so as it is by cursed oathes and blasphemous cursings . let some sharpe mulcts against cursing and swearing be duly inflicted and required , that if the dread of that name do not terrifie men from so abusing it , yet the feare of that power wherewith god hath intrusted you , and their owne just punishment for disregarding both , may make them affraid to use that name in vaine , which you have found by so often experiment not to be in vaine to those that honour and rely upon it : so shall your names be precious in gods account , your freinds and servants that fly hither for succour be solaced and confirmed in their expectation thereof , your enemies mouthes be stopped in one of their lowdest clamours , and all both freinds and foes , that visit this city , be constrained to acknowledge , that the streets and ordinary places of concourse , under your government are sweeter and better kept , then the churches and pulpits under the rebells tyranny . pardon me ( i humbly beseech you ) for pleading thus earnestly in this cause . the king's , your honours , and this whole kingdomes hopes of deliverance from those sore judgements , under which they still groane , ( as well as those miraculous deliverances that have beene vouchsafed us ) depend wholly upon that great name . and therefore if not my zeale to gods glory , yet my loyalty to my soveraigne , my duty to your honours , and my love to my nation , may excuse my boldnesse in minding you of a speedy vindication of the honour of that name . i know there are many other crimes amongst us , that cry alowde for your more then ordinary care and diligence , zeale and courage , in chastening and correcting the daring actors of them : but ( as chrysostome once-spake ) i conceive this to be the best way of correction , to beginne first with one part of the law , and see that that be observed , and then to go on to the rest . and with what part should ye begin first , if not with that , which is most transgressed , and ( if it be rightly considered ) easiest to be amended : vp , then in the name of god , and sanctify the people by purging out from them this spreading sinne of cursing and swearing ; and proove the lord whether he will not , upon your banishing the plague of god , and other rash curses and oathes out of mens mouthes , banish that judgment of the plague it selfe and other judgements from this city ; the forementioned father was bold to ingage his word & credit to the citizens of antioch , that upon their abstaining from swearing god would free them from that great calamitie which was then upon them . i dare not undertake so farre ; but it were well if you would please to make tryall , whether god would do so much , or not . this you may be assured of , for you have gods owne word and promise for it , whether the plague shall thereupon be removed from others dwellings or not , that love of yours to his name shall keepe you and your owne dwellings safe . as for your honours observing these directions your selves , it were too presumptuous a thought in me to expect , that any advise of mine should be hearkened unto by you who have so many learned and renowned doctors to consult upon all occasions : yet where you find that i speake home to the purpose and god himselfe speakes the same , though not for my sake , yet for his , daigne it the hearing , i and the following too , if you love your owne safety . howsoever if you shall but tolerate and approve these directions so farre , that others under your present charge , who cannot , many of them have accesse to those that are more learned and better able to counsell them , or rather are affraid or ashamed to appeare to such , how willing or ready soever to receive them , may by that your toleration and approbation ( the reverend doctors not dissenting be fully satisfied , that there is nothing herein prescribed , but what is good and wholesome , and will , through gods blessing , conduce much to their health and preservation , this will be ample honour and encouragement to your honours most humbly devoted servant l. g. certaine aphorismes and conclusions from them deduced , concerning the plague , necessary to be knowne of all that would either prevent it , or get it cured . as there is a corporall or bodily plague ; which is by physitians defined to be , a common epidemicall disease , most acute , contagious , and pernicious , that with its secret or close-lurking malignity , and spiritfull poison invades and infects the heart and vitall spirits with all other parts of the body , suddainly and speedily overthrowing them by causing extreame putridnesse and raging distempers therein ; shewing it selfe at the last , and for the most part , in spots , sores , or carbuncles , together with other dangerous and deadly symptomes . so there is also a spirituall or soule-plague a , called sinne , which according to divines , is a transgression of gods law b causing death c temporall and eternall ; and may , for its neare resemblance to the other plague , be further described in the same termes with it : viz. an universall d or epidemicall disease e , most acute f , contagious g , and pernicious h , that with its secret or close-lurking i malignity and spiritfull poison k invades and infects , &c. ( ) the plague of the soule is the originall or principall cause of the plague of the body l . and therefore without all dispute the best and surest , if not the onely course for avoiding or expelling the plague of the body , is to avoid or expell the plague of the soule m . no disease , say physitians , can be taken away , unlesse the cause be taken away ; and the cause being removed , say the naturalists , the effect removes with it ; and the onely way that the scriptures prescribe to get quit of any judgement , is first to get quit of sinne n . ( ) as the plague of the body ( according to physitians in their physicall way ) is caused either by externall causes , such as the consuption of the aire , the contagious touch of some bodies or things , &c. or else by internall causes , such as the putrefaction of the bloud or humours , &c. so the plague of the soule ( according to divines in their theologicall way ) is caused either by externall temptations and provocations , and those principally of the senses o , to some whereof the poison of the temptation is conveyed by the aire , to others by some contagious touch p ; or else by internall corruption q , the seed whereof is derived unto us from our parents r . and therefore if we would be preserved from the one plague as well as the other , we must provide and furnish our selves with such antidotes and preservatives , such cordialls and other approved remedies , as are good and proper for the resisting and expelling of both sorts of corruption and putrefaction , as well externall , as internall . and such you shall finde by and by prescribed in their due order . ( ) not onely the body-plague ſ it selfe , but also all the naturall or physicall causes thereof , are themselves caused by god , as the supreme and hyperphysicall cause t . and therefore as we endeavour by physicall preservatives to keepe and defend our selves against the naturall and second causes of that disease before it seize upon us ; and as we apply to our selves physicall medicines to cure us of it , when it hath taken hold on us : so we must not faile to addresse and apply our selves by hyperphysicall meanes and wayes to the supreme and first cause u , who disposeth and ordereth both that disease it selfe and all its causes as he pleaseth x . ( ) it is acknowledged by the best of physitians ( as a learned doctor in that faculty mathias vntzer y informes me ) that although there are many excellent medicines found out , and by reason , use , and experience of the wisest approved to be very happy and successefull , both for the preventing and curing the plague of the body ; yet it was never said , written , read , nor heard ( they are the authors owne words ) that any mortall man , of all those that have beene , or are , could truly assume so much glory to himselfe , as to say that god had shewne and revealed to him any true certaine antidote or medicine against it , either to preserve man from it , or to expell it from man ; but god reserves that skill to himselfe ; and that , ( as some physitians as well as divines conceive ) because god would not have men to know any sure defence against that his just scourge of sinne , but onely in him and from him . and therefore though we doe and ought to make use of such preservatives and medicines z in time of plague , as god a hath by learned and experienced physitians b imparted unto us ; giving him thankes for them c : yet we cannot and ought not to rely upon them : but we must submit all to the lord and rest upon him d . and if we so doe , and repent truly of our sinnes , and doe that which is just and right ; although the physitian can prescribe no certaine infallible remedy for it ; yet the divine can , so farre as to assure thee that it shall not hurt thee . for thy so doing ( i meane thy repenting truly of all thy sinnes , and relying wholly upon god in and through the merits and mediation of christ , ) will undoubtedly preserve thee e , if not from its stroke , from its venime and poison ; so that , if it kill thee , yet it shall do thee no harme ; for that he will be the death of its death , or the plague to its death for thee f ; and thy death shall be an advantage to thee g . ( ) whatsoever we take or make use of to prevent or expell the plague either of body or soule , must be taken or used speedily , without the least delay h : for the poyson of both plagues is so subtill and spiritfull , that it both infects and kills in a very short time ; oftentimes in a few houres . these aphorismes and conclusions being premised , i hope the following directions will prove the more beneficiall , provided that these two cautions be observed . first , that these directions be look't upon directly as they are , not as the originall prescripts of a divine , for then there had beene lesse of the physitian in them , but as the occasionall meditations of a divine upon the originall prescripts of a physitian , and so there is a kinde of necessity , that they should favour the more both of the physitians {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} and his {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} to , his medicinall confections and his medicinall expressions . secondly , that whereas the director keeping close to the allegory makes use of physicall termes to expresse theologicall graces , the reader be not so gracelesse as to abuse those expressions to the venting of his owne rudenesse and prophanesse . hyperphysicall directions in time of plague , &c. the first and most generall preservative against this infection is not named by the author of the physicall directions ; for that ( as i suppose ) he thought it more dangerous to fly from this city , as the case then was , then to abide in it : it being better to fall into the hands of god , who in wrath remembers mercy ; then into the hands of such mercilesse bloody men , as then did , and still doe lye in waite to devour us : howsoever i shall be bold to mention it , as being altogether requisite in that case that i shall apply it unto . the preservative that i meane , is the flying from such persons and places as are infected . 't is approved of in the letter concerning the body-plague ; provided , that they who would make use of that meanes have no publique or private bond upon them to the contrary , and that they doe not take that course , as an occasion to save their purses from contributing to the releife and support of those who stay behind them , and are in want ; as also , that they do not trust too much upon their flight , as thinking themselves secured thereby . but in the allegory as it concernes the soule plague , the flying from persons and plates infected , is not only a prescript of councell but of command ; and the contagion cannot well be avoyded without it a . whether men fly or not , let as many , as have not done it before , set their houses in order , and settle their estates b making the best provision they are able for their wives and children c , and not forgetting the poore d . have a care what strangers thou receivest and entertainest in thy house . to entertaine strangers especially in times of distresse , is an excellent meanes of preservation to a whole family , for thereby some have entertained angels unawares e , and those such angells as have preserved them and theirs from the universall destruction of that city wherein they have lived f : and 't is a most acceptable thing both to god and christ to entertaine some strangers g , and the excluding or neglecting them most distastfull h . yet 't is good to beware whom thou entertainest , lest otherwise thou chance to entertaine devils in the forme of angels . in particular beware of false prophets , or false teachers , who privily bring in damnable heresies , where e're they come , causing the way of truth by their pernicious wayes to be evill spoken of , and with their fained words make merchandise of mens soules i , you shall know them by those markes , by which saint peter describes them , such as the despising of government , carrying themselves presumptuously and selfe-will'dly ; speaking evill of dignities k , &c. if any such come unto you , or any other that bring any other doctrine then what is consonant to the doctrine of christ and his apostles , receive them not into your house , neither bid them god speed l . beware also of all such as use to creep into houses , and lead captive silly women , whether they be prophets , or not m , you shall know them also by those markes which saint paul sets them out by n , if you be but carefull to observe them . and because you will say 't is impossible to know whether strangers be such , or not , i would advise you to be the more carefull , that those strangers whom you do entertaine be able to shew you some way or other either by the report of others o , or by their owne deportment p , some good testimoniall of their being free from all such infection or contagion . but if they cannot do that for the present . notwithstanding use them humanely and intreat them kindly , so long as thou knowest nothing to the contrary , but that they are cleare and free , and that for his sake who shewed such kindnesse and compassion to thee , when thou wast a stranger to him and stript of all thou hadst that good was , and wounded and cast out into the high way ready to perish , those that knew thee , passing by thee , neither willing nor able to helpe thee . i meane jesus christ himselfe , who tells thee this of himselfe in a parable q , and bids thee do the like r . nay further ; if thou suspect them or know them not to be free from infection , yet if they be in extreme want , make the best provision for them that thou canst with safety to thy selfe and family . and that still for his sake who entertained thee when thou wert a stranger to him and to all worth and goodnesse that might any wayes deserve the least kindnesse from him ſ , viz. their lord and thine ; they being his creatures t and bearing his image u , as well as thy selfe , and standing and falling only to him x . and so i passe on to the preservatives prescribed in the physicall directions . dwelling houses are to be kept cleane , free from filth and ill smells ; in particular , from usury and perjury y , from coveteouousnesse , and idolatry z , from fornication and adultery a , from rioting and drunkenesse b , from chambering and wantonnesse c , from diceing and gameing d , from strife and envying e , from false weights and false wares f , from false measures and false ballances g , from the goods of the poore laid to pledge , and goods stollen or otherwise ill gotten h ; from the wages and hire of servants and labourers unjustly detained and kept backe i , from pride and excesse in ornaments of the body , or furniture of the house k , from sloth and idlenesse l , from swearers and prophane persons m , from lyars and slaunders n , from flatterrers and talecarriers o , and from whatsoever else may bring the wrath of god upon thee or thine p . and i advise thee also to looke to thy out-houses , as thy barnes and grainaries , that there be not found therein either corne hoarded up to make a dearth q , or tithes with-held from these to whom they are due r . and in case thou build thy house or inlarge either it or the borders thereof , ( i meane thy gardens , walkes , and the like , have an especiall care that it be done without oppression or wrong to any , least the violence and injustice done that way pull such plagues and vengeance upon thy house , as will never leave it , till it , or thee , if not thine after thee , be utterly ruined ſ if thou live neere to any infected or suspected houses ( such as are all where-houses and play-houses t , the most tavernes and tippling-houses u and , as thou mayest certainely conclude all such houses as abound with much of that filthinesse and uncleanesse but now mentioned ) keepe thy windowes x and thy doores y towards those places especially , close shut , so close that no ayre infected or corrupted with the putrid and poysonous malignity of such places get into thy house . and give a strict charge to thy family , that none of them presume either to gaze much out of thy windowes z , or to sit long or often at thy doores a ; but let every one of them , as well as thy selfe , retire often to their chambers and other the most private places of thy house , and there fill their eyes with teares , their hearts with groanes , and their mouthes with prayers and strong cries b . in houses farther off from infection , thou mayest use more liberty and set open both windowes and doores more freely , yet not without observing how the winde stands ; for though the southerly windes of ease and prosperity do most please the most of men ; yet the northerly blasts of trouble and adversity are most wholsome : the former generating corruption and putrifaction , or at least disposing thereunto , the latter helping both to preserve and keepe from it , as also to purge and cleanse it c . fires are to be made in houses infected and the neighbouring houses , and in churches as times of publike prayers and preaching , and at all publike meetings , not in the chimnies of houses only , but in moveable pannes . &c. but of all fires in houses the fire of love and charity d , the fire of zeale for gods worship and glory e , fire of fervency in prayer f , the fire of holy indignation against sinne and uncleanesse g , are incomparably the best , and proper for moveable pannes , the breasts and hearts of men . the same fires are also the best that can be used in our churches , and in all our other publike meetings at seasonable opportunities , but beware of strange fire in gods house , 't is most pernicious h . the principall thing whereof these fires are to be made , is the heart of thy best oake , thy selfe i , well dryed , from it 's corrupt sap and moysture k , by the peircing beames of the sunne of righteousnesse l : some strange smelling herbs , or aromaticall plants gathered out of gods owne garden m , and cast into those fires when they are flaming or burning , will make an admirable perfume , and adde much to thy safety . there mayest thou also have such sweet waters n , as are not to be matcht for vertue and efficacy , by the richest distillations or extractions that art can boast of ; and if thou drinke them , or sprinkle them on thy burning heart , thou wilt finde thy animal and vitali spirits exceedingly recreated and refreshed , and so wonderfully strengthened and corroborated in their withstanding and repelling all venime and putrefaction . fayle not of perfuming thy house , chamber or closet ▪ or all of them twice or thrice every day● : ( as much oftner as thou pleasest , or seeft cause p ) with the incense of prayer q , and , if thou be so well stored , with a few drops of penitent teares r cast thereon . besides all this , the richer sort if they regard their health , should make themselves fuming candles or cakes of mercy , and almes to the poore . nothing not already prescribed , burnes or smels better either to rich mens comfort and security , or to poore mens refreshment and preservation a and ● better antidot can scarce be used ſ . an especially care must be had of thy wearing clothes , for that they being of a loose porous spongie substance , are ve●y apt to receive and retaine contagion . and we are told by good authors that have written of the plague , that sometimes the poyson thereof hath layen in clothes , and other things of that nature , which have beene layed aside before they have beene well ayred , not onely divers monthes , but yeares , and then infected all that have medled with them : the experience of divers amongst us can witnesse much in this particular . and 't is further to be noted , that the poysonous seed of this contagion being in a garment , doth passe from thence , not onely into the living bodyes of men , but also into things without life ; as namely , from one garment into another , and doth sometimes so lurke in garments , that it hurteth not him in whose garment it is , and yet infects and kils others that come neere it . it behoveth every one then to be very carefull of his wearing apparell ; as they were of old commanded to be , when the plague of leprousie t was in any place , or other foule diseases u , and to that purpose be advised to avoyd all fantasticall affected fashions of garments x the contagion thereof being very catching . the fashion of open breasts , how common soever amongst women , is very infectious , and some men may with more safety come neere breasts full of plague-spots , then such breasts : for the uncovering of the breasts , is , for the most part , a symptome of excesse of lustfull heate in the body : and the laying open to common view that reserved repose of modest love y , is a strong temptation to immodest desires to take up their lodging there z , as supposing those breasts not unwilling to be bruised a , that are willing so to be exposed . neither is this all the danger ; ( though it be danger enough , one would thinke , to hazard the losse of thine owne , and others soules , by thy fond and wanton attiring thy body ) but thou hast cause to feare , lest thy making naked , and discovering those parts , which thou shouldst not , provoke god to strip thee of all thy apparell and ornaments , and leave thee naked and bare to thy shame and confusion here , as well as to thy condemnation hereafter b . blacke spots and patches , and other paintings and pargetings of the face , as constantly worne by some as any other dresse or attire , are most fouly contagious , & although now ( the more is the pity ) they are become the weare of some honest and honourable personages , yet they are suspected to have had their first originall from that pestilentiall disease , called luet venerea , a very sore infections plague : and notwithstanding that they are by some reputed to render faces the fayrer , yet the more sober and chast judge such faces , and their whole bodyes not alitle the fouler for them c : and let such faces take heed they doe not one day gather other blacknesse d ; therefore weare no more on thy face , then thou wilt be willing to appeare with before the face of thy judge . superfluity and excesse in apparell is also exceeding dangerous , especially in times of gods , wrath . we reade of men threatned to be cut off for it , and that ( as 't is thought by divers of good judgement ) not onely for being effeminate themselves , as too many phantastickes use to be in their unmanly habits and fancies , but for suffering and maintaining their wives and children in that their folly and vanity e . there is no little danger likewise at such times , and more particularly on dayes of publique humiliation , to weare soft rayments or costly apparell , which may be worne by such as are of place and dignity , on other dayes and at other times . our best clothes are then our worst , and our worst , even sackecloth , is then our best f . garments polluted with blood , though but in the very skirts thereof g , or foyled with vomits h , or bespotted with the flesh i , or otherwise defiled with any uncleannesse , are not to be toucht or come neere to with safety , whatsoever garments thou put on , let them be perfumed with some of that myrrhe , aloes and cassia , whereof our saviours garments are sayed to smell k , that is , with humiliation l , mortification m , righteousnesse n , and other graces o wherewith his humane nature was filled and abounded , and of which fulnesse we have all received grace for grace p . when thou goost abroad , it is good to lay thy hand on thy mouth till thou have an opportunity of opening it to some good purpose q , and then when thou doest open it , be sure there be salt in thy mouth , mixt with some herbe of grace r , spices also are very good to hold in thy mouth , so that they be some of those which growe in that inclosed garden before-named ſ . some rootes are excellent to chew on ; but there is no roote that thou mayest confide in , save the roote of jesse t and that i advise thee above all things to trust in ; for it never fayled any that trusted in it u . in thy hand i approve of a spunge dipped in vineger ; so that it minde thee of him , who for thy sake had a spunge filled with vineger given him to drinke x . a toast of the bread of sorrows y so they be not worldly sorrowes , called by one ( though i approve not that apellation ) browne bread , dipped in teares , and held patiently to the nose , proves very often an excellent preservative z . a little a penny-royall in thy hand , or if need require , and thou have it b , a pretty quantity of the best mint fresh gathered c , is admirable good ; when thou meetest with some poore people , or comest neare an hospitall or almes-house , to cast amongst them : it helpes to preserve both them and thy selfe d . persons of better ranke shall do well to use more of these e when they stirre abroad ; but better then these i know not any : the richest pomanders made of lodanum , benzoin , sanders , storax , myrrhe , saffron , amber , camphyre , muske , &c. though excellent in their kinde , are not to be named with them . enter not into the path , and goe not in the way , where in thou knowest any infected or suspected persons use to walke , but avoyde it , passe not neare it , turne from it , and passe away f : more particularly and specially , be carefull to avoyd and not to come neare , the way of the rebell g , the way of the whore h , the way of blood-thirsty i , the way of the coveteous k and the way of the idolater l . be no lesse carefull to shunne an infected and suspected , houses , such as thou wert before advertised of : and if thou happen to come neere any such ere thou art aware , or upon necessary occasion ; and in thy passing by heare any singing and roaring , or ( as they call it ) making merry therein , be thou truly sorry for them , and let fall a teare or sigh at the least in their behalfe , as for men in a desperate condition : for besides that such behaviour at such a time m and in such a place strongly argues that a strange raving giddinesse or light-headednesse hath possessed them , a notorious symptome that the poyson or infection hath gotten into their braines ; such carriage is usually accompanied , or followed at the heeles , with a deep lethargicall senselessenesse , another deadly symptome of the plague , from which very few recover . if thou passe by any house that hath a red crosse , or the lord have mercie upon us on the doore : be ashamed that any doore should be better furnished then thy heart : and therefore let the sight thereof minde thee of getting the doore posts of thy heart marked with the bloud of the lambe , that so the destroying angell , which smote that house , may passe over thine n , and pray thou heartily , what thou findest written on such a doore customarily , that the lord would have mercy upon all that remaine alive within it o . if the magistrates shall obance to forget or neglect their duty and the publike safety so farre as to tolerate any unecessary publique meetings or concourse of people , such as wakes , feasts , theatricall sports , campings , or footballplayes , dauncings , or the like pastimes : have a care thou do not forget or neglect thine owne duty and safety so farre , as to be present at any of them , or to approach neer them , unlesse it be to reprove them p . the forsaking or absenting thy selfe from the publike assemblies in the house of god , as the manner of some is , i can in no wise approve q . but rather i counsell thee to frequent them the oftener ; provided that thou goe prepared with some inward and outward antidotes and preservatives before and after prescribed , taking with thee thy bible in thy hand , and something in thy purse or pocket for the poore . for besides that god hath promised his owne especiall presence at such meetings at all times r ; he hath also declared more then ordinary acceptance of such prayers and other religious performances as are presented to him in that place in a plague-time ſ . and , which is worth our inquiring into , very few , if any , of those who have beene infected with the plague , either in this or in any other contagious time , could say , and say truly , and upon certainty , that they caught the infection , or the infection them , by frequenting the house of god , either to pray unto him , or to heare his word preacht unto them . go not forth early in the morning : to be sure , not before thou have offered up thy morning sacrifice of prayer and praise to god t , both in thy closet u , and with thy family , if thou hast any x . and whensoever thou goest forth , 't is dangerous to goe out fasting , but what i would advise thee to eate , thou shalt heare by and by , when i come to speake of thy dyet . wash thy mouth y every morning with fountaine or spring water z wherein sage , that especially of jerusalem a , hath beene infused : and so keepe it cleane from all filth , particularly from swearing , lying , slandering , ( whereof you were warned before ) murmuring against god , or against those rulers and powers which are ordained by him , principally the supreame power , the king b . and if washing thy mouth will not serve for the through cleansing of thy tongue , scrape it soundly , rather then suffer it to be foule ; for death and life are in the power of the tongue c ; and 't is naturally full of deadly poyson , which unlesse it be well lookt to , instantly setteth on fire the whole course of nature , and is it selfe set on fire of hell d . thy teeth must not be altogether neglected ; for much filth may , and usually doth stick close to them e ; which happily may be one reason why men shal be hereafter so much tormented in them f , as they are not a little here . be not abroad too late at night ; for the pestilence it selfe walketh in darknesse g ; and in the night time of all times else , the most fowly contagious use to stirre abroad h seeking whom they may infect . in the morning before thou goe out of thy house , or whether thou stirre out or not , be sure to breake thy fast : but understand me aright ; i would not have thee to breake the' publike religious fast , if any be appointed by the supreme magistrate , no nor thine owne private religious fast , resolved on for thy selfe alone , or for thine owne family with thee ; for so farre thy power extends ; but that is the utmost extent of a private fast , and they , who goe farther in appoynting a fast , incroach upon the princes royall power , whosoever they are . the taking those things which i prescribe , is no breach , i am sure , of either of these fasts , but an helpe to the better keeping of both ; and , as farre as i yet apprehend , the taking of such things , as are in such times prescribed by the physitians , or otherwise communicated for preservation , is in that respect the like ; the fast , that i advise thee to breake , is that fast whereunto every man , through the aboundance of corruption that is in him , is most naturally inclined , viz. the absteining from all spirituall food and nourishment i , &c. and this fast thou must breake in the time of plague especially . thou needest not eate much in quantity : every morning a little butter made of the sincere milke of gods word k , with some leaves of herbe of grace l , or else a good draught next thy heart of that milke it selfe , warme from the teats of the old or new testament , mixt with faith and love m , is most soveraigne against all infection n . at meales , let thy food be such as may be easily digested ; eate no bread that is gotten by grinding of the faces of the poore o , and let neither bread of secrecies p , especially that which is cut from anothers loafe q , nor bread of deceit r , nor any other bread of wickednesse s come within thy lips . eate nothing that is uncleane or defiled , as all meates are , that are not received with thanksgiving , & so sanctified by the word of god and prayer t . be content with such food as god sends thee u , and lust not for other x : tast not of meat that hath bloud in it z ; and if thou come where dainties are , and be a man given to appetite , put thy knife to thy throat ; and desire them not a . and because i would have thee know as well what to eate , as what to abstaine from , let me assure thee , that the onely bread and flesh , in which thou mayest confide , is that bread which is called the bread of god , or the bread of life , or the bread from heaven , and that flesh which is called flesh and meate indeed b . this bread and flesh if thou canst feed on it by a true and a lively faith , my life for thine , no plague shall hurt thee c . eate thereof every day more or lesse according to that provision which thou hast made ; and as oft d as thou are invited ; if thy appetite be good , doe but examine thy selfe , and eate freely of it at thy lords table e . to prescribe what particular meates every man should , or should not eate , were not onely ridiculous but impossible , so different and contrary are severall mens tempers and constitutions , and so much also , upon occasionall alterations , doth the same mans temper and constitution differ from it selfe . those meates which are wholsome for some , are little lesse then poison to others ; and that which at one time nourisheth a man , may at another time helpe to destroy the same man . wherefore i advise every wise man that regards his health and safety to consult in point of dyet that phisitian who hath fairely taken upon him the care and cure of him f , or ( as our church allowes in such a case ) if need require some other discreet learned physitian g , on whose skill or fidelity he more relies , for sauce , salt and savery discourse is excellent condiment h ; but if to thy sweet meate , god send thee sowre or sharp sauce despise it not i , for although it be unpleasing to many palats , yet 't is undoubtedly the most wholsome k . one sort of milks i prescribed before to be taken next thy heart in the morning , and that milke i here againe recommend to be taken l at thy meales , provided still that it be mixt with faith , and that it be eaten with a good appetite without the least nauseating ; for if it be so eaten , it neither corrupteth in the stomacke , nor causeth any obstructions , ( which are the prime reasons why physitians inhibite milke in time of infection ) but it helps to cleanse m the liver , and scoure n the stomack , and keepes from all intemperate heate of the heart and other parts o , and withall is most incomparably cordiall for comforting the spirits , and strengthening the vitall parts p . fish i approve of , on those daies wherein our lawes require it to be eaten q ; so that it be eaten in obedience to that politicall judicious constitution for the maintenance of our navy , fishermen , and sea-men , and for the preservation of flesh , especially of beefe and veale r : and not in conformity to any superstitious rules or canons , for the maintenance of those fishermen belonging to the see of rome , and for preservation of their calves and other cattle ſ . but it is not safe to adventure upon all fish that comes to the net , no nor upon all that comes to that angle neither . fish that is sound and firme and fairely taken , may be eaten without danger ; but fish taken in other mens waters , or troubled waters , is never such t ; and therefore to be utterly avoided . fish that is taken by poisoning or intoxicating them u , or by the angle of deceit x , or by the net of hypocrisy z , or by the degree of violence and rapine a , ( the prime wayes that those great fishers neare london upon the bankes of thames use in these times ) may perchance be sweet in the mouth , but either they prove very ill of digestion , or being digested , generate onely putrid and corrupt humours , which dispose and expose the eaters thereof to all manner of plagues and diseases b . some fruits are of admirable virtue against all infection , as fruits worthy of repentance c , the fruit of wisedome d , the fruit of righteousnesse e , and all the other fruits of the spirit f : other fruits are as deadly poisonous , as the fruit of the wicked g , the fruit of our owne way h , and all the fruits of the flesh , commonly called , the workes of the flesh i . thou canst not then be too carefull in choosing thy fruits , remembring what the eating but a little fruit that was forbidden , cost thy first parents and their posterity downe to thy very selfe k , as also what super-excellent fruit is to be had , if care be had in the choosing it l . strong wines or strong drinke , unlesse very moderately taken , is exceeding dangerous m ; but excesse in drinke or meate much more n . some kind of emptinesse is very bad , and therefore the contrary is prescribed o : nay'tis not safe to appeare empty-handed before the lord p . but the avoiding all such emptinesse both of heart and hand is most consistent with such fasting as the time of plague calls for and god accepts ; and therefore though i allow not emptinesse , yet i cannot but magnify fasting as one of the best courses that can be taken either to prevent or expell the plague , if it be observed according to the following prescript . when a publique fast is proclaimed or called by the supreame magistrate , ( which in this kingdome is the king ( and the king onely , to whom the constituting and appointing of a fast solely apperteines q ; faile not to keepe it with all due observation , abstaining from all meate and drinke r , except what in case of necessity is prescribed by the physitian , as also from all pleasure and daily labour ſ ; powring out more then ordinary prayers and supplications t , rending thy heart u , and watering thy cheekes with thy teares x , loosing the bands of wickednesse , and shewing mercy to the poore y : for such a fast is most acceptable to god , and prevalent with him z . but when a publique fast is either appointed by such as have not the supreame power , ( like that of jezebell appointed in the kings name a , and as such fasts commonly are ) for the better colour of murdering the innocent , and taking possession of their inheritance b , or else is observed onely for debate and strife , and to smile with the sist of wickednesse c , and not according to those necessary conditions of a truly religious fast but now named ; such a fast , instead of pacifying gods wrath , doth much more incense it d . and o my soule come not thou into their secret : unto their assembly mine honour be not thou united e . private fasting by thy selfe alone or with thy family is of singular vertue f , though not of like force with the publicke g : but be sure thy private fasting be private , otherwise it looseth all it's vertue , and thou all benefit by it h . where there is fulnesse or corruption of bloud in any ; as , in such a plentifull peaceable land , as this lately was , the most mens blouds are too ranke , and too high , too suddainly rising upon small or no occasion , and too often boyling , too much tainted with ease and idlenesse , and divers other wayes foulely corrupted ; in such a case letting bloud is fit and necessary i : but care must he had that too much be not taken away ; for that suddainly ruines the parties that are so dealt with , and brings the guilt of bloud upon them that so deale with them . the bleeding by horseleeches i like not , for that they cry allwayes give , give ; that is , give us more bloud , give us more bloud , or that which is valued by some as their bloud k ; take heed therefore that thou suffer not these to fasten on thee . and if thou make use of a physitian or chirurgion to let thee bloud , beware of those new-upstart quacks at london , notoriously infamous for bloud-letting throughout the christian world l . where the humours are corrupted , and where they much abound , and so are neere to corruption ( as who can say he hath not such humors in him o ) there purging physicke is very necessary p , so that it be not too strong and violent . a pretty quantity of rubarb of patience , infused in wine of cheerfulnesse on the fire of tryall , is approvedly good for the purgeing of all cholericke and melancholy humors q ; or ( where they are to be had ) the quintessence of the one , and the extract of the other , made into such pilles as may well be swallowed , are admirable . aloes of sorrow for sin taken in conserve of amendment of life , is excellent for purgeing both those and all other ill humors whatsoever r . not to perplex thee with multitude of purgations . take the spirit of the feare of the lord ſ holy-thistle of compunctions t , aloes of confession u , wormewood of bitter hatred of sinne x , stampt or beaten together in the mortar of conscience y , then put to them the roote of faith z , infused in the blood of the true vine a , on the fire of gods love to thee b , and thy love to god and thy brother c : and so mixing them all together with the spirit of grace and supplication d , and some sugar or honey of gods promises e drinke a sound draught next thy heart , till the teares stand in thy eyes f , and be confident it will purge thee abundantly . issues or fontinels in the remoter parts of the body , made by some cauterie of externall troubles and afflictions , are very good for keeping the poyson fr●m the more principall parts g , but there is so much danger in the returning of the humors upon the stopping of such issues , and the corruption that is purged out by them , without inward purgations , is so little h , that i advise you by all meanes to keepe to those inward purgatives now mentioned , whether any outward issues be made or not . vomiting , if there be cause , is very necessary , as if any have swallowed ought , that he cannot well digest : or though his stomacke be such that he can digest it for the present , as he thinkes well enough : yet 't is knowne to be such , as if it be not cast up againe , it will trouble the stomack a long while after , and perhaps corrupt his very bloud , and that to his childrens children , as all things that are unjustly gotten or wrongfully detained will do , more or lesse i . in such a case , if thou have swallowed any such thing , never suffer thy selfe to rest till thou have vomited it up againe ; or else be sure god will either make thee to vomit it up and thy children that have eaten of it with thee , or else , if he suffer it to remaine with thee and them , it shall be to bring a curse and a consumption on both k . now to procure vomit in such a case , if the oile of love to god and obedience to his commandement , will not worke with thee as to turne thy stomacke l ; take the extract of severall dreadfull sentences in sacred writ denounced against those who swallowe such things m , mixed with the bitter water of the curse n , and some of the spirit of the feare of the lord before prescribed , boyled together in thy conscience , heate with the sense of gods wrath o , and of thine own appearing before the tribunall p , and so drinke it off as hot as thou canst well endure it ; and if this do not make thee cast it up , i know not what will . exercise with moderation is most healthfull ; as the exercising thy selfe in thy calling , by stirring up that gift which god hath given thee for the enabling thee therein q . this exercise will keepe both thy body and minde from a world of corruption , which would otherwise through idlenesse or bad employment growe upon thee r . but the prime exercise of all , is to exercise thy selfe unto godlynesse ſ , so as to have alwayes a conscience voide of offence towards god and towards men t . and if the plague should feise upon thee whilst thou art thus exercising thy selfe , happy will it be for thee to be found so doing u , whereas to be found idle or ill employed at such a time x , gives the plague the more power over thee , as finding more corruption in thee to lay hold on y , and thee out of that way wherein god hath promised to protect and keepe thee z . the last meanes of preservation according to the common prescrips of physicians , is that which ought to be the first and chiefest in the care and practise of every wise man . namely , the fortifying and defending the heart and vitall parts by cordials , against the venime and poyson of that pernicious disease . for although there be no member , no entrall , no part or particle of the whole body of man , which doth not feele the insulting cruelty and rageing tyranny of this acute destroying disease ; yet of all the rest the heart is the most infected , corrupted , tortured and afflicted with its pestiferous venome ; because the heart is the magazine of active heat , the royall fort of life , and the fountaine of all the vitall spirits ; which being once vanquished and taken , the victory over all the other parts of man is most easie and expedite : and it is the nature and property of all poyson , especially of this most subtle and deadly poyson , chiefely and principally to assault and invade , and so to wast and ruine the native heat , and vitall spirits , and in them life it selfe . it may , and doth make its way to the heart by , or through other parts of the body , and so perhaps shewes it selfe in them first : but 't is the surprising and overcomming the heart which it principally aimes , and drives at . take this either literally of the body-plague , or allegorically of the soule-plague ; you will finde it most true of both . the heart is the principall subject of the plague of the body ; so physitians ; the heart , ( that is , the understanding , will , and affections ) is the principall subject of the plague of the soule , so the scriptures a . above all things then have a care to preserve thy heart b , which is to be done chiefly these two wayes . by purgatives . by cordials . for purgatives i can prescribe no better then those before advised . and for cordials , because there are so many excellent ones , and particular mens , tempers and cases are so different . i advise every one to make his addresse ( as before in point of diet ) to some discreet learned expert divine-physitian of knowne honesty and integrity ; and unlesse there be some very good reason to the contrary , rather to his own physician that hath undertaken the care of him , and best knowes his state , then to any other c : and to be counselled by him , so farre as he shall finde his counsell agreeable to god , revealed in his word d . but in case thou be any danger more then ordinary , and canst not have recourse to any such physitian . take the spirit of wisedome and the feare of the lord e , as before , the spirit of obedience to gods commands f , the spirit of truth righteousnesse and mercy g , the spirit of promise h , the spirit of love and a sound minde i , the spirit of meekenesse and humility k , the spirit of temperance and sobriety l , the spirit of prayer and fasting m , the spirit of zeale n , the spirit of discretion o , the roote of faith , hope and charity p , the seed of gods word q , the flowre of the lilly of purity r . conserve of roses of chastity and modesty ſ , two hands full of bounty and liberality to the poore t . the elixar of patience u , the powder of contempt of the world x , sale of good speech y , the tincture of the meditation of death z judgement a and hell b , and with all these that which is the aurum potabile , bezoar , methridate , diascordium , triacle , quintessence of pearle , of all ingredieuts that can be thought on , viz● sanguis christi , the blood of christ c . mix all these in the wine of cheerfulnesse d , and the water of true repentance e , and take of it dayly more or lesse according as there is cause . it never fayled any . if for want of taking and making use of these preservatives mentioned , thou finde all these or any of these dangerous symptomes following , as first , a payne in thy head , that it is a trouble to thee to lift up thine eyes to heaven f , or to incline thine eares to wholesome instruction g , or to bow thy head to god h ▪ or to thy superiour i . a swimming or dizinesse in thy head , that thou knowest not or regardest not what , or of whom , or to whom thou speakest k ; and thinkest that other things move out of course , when the fault is onely in thine own braines l . overmuch waking when thou shouldest sleepe , either to doe mischiefe to others m , or to scrape together wealth for thy selfe n , or to commit any other iniquity . overmuch drousinesse and sleepinesse , either when thou shouldest be praying o , or hearing the word of god p ; or when thou shouldest be about the workes of thy calling q . fainting or swooning , whether it be at others tribulations r , of under thine owne chastisement and correction ſ ; whether it be in beleiving t or praying u ; or any kind of well-doing x . vomiting or pronenesse thereunto , especially upon the eating of wholesome food y . wearinesse without cause , as with well-doing z , or in suffering for christs sake , or thine owne chastisement a . losse of appetite ; to that which is good b . much thirsting after earthly things c . extraordinary loosenesse , either of body or minde d . upon the finding of any of these symptomes , especially divers of them concurring betake thee to thy preservatives prescribed both evacuative and cordiall ; as thou lovest thy life : and upon the taking thereof , if thou sweat well , though thou labour under it the more for the present , it will very much conduce to thy ease afterwards , and to thy preservation e . it cost him that tooke thy infirmity and bare thy sicknesse f a terrible sweat , g and unlesse the thought of that sweat , the sense of thine owne condition and of gods wrath , together with the virtue and strength of thy physicke doe provoke some sweas in thee , i conceive thee to be in a very ill case , little better then desperate . but in thy sweating observe these rules . i consider that 't is not the violent or long sweating , so as to weaken thee , or oppresse thy spirits overmuch , that will do thee good ; but the kinde free sweating according to thy strength h . doe not thinke all the danger over , upon once or twice sweating ; for the subtetly of the disease is such , that being once or twice ( sometimes oftner ) repelled from the heart and vitall parts , it still lurkes in some secret angle of the body , and will returne againe i unlesse it be more strongly opposed ; and therefore be sure to continue thy preservatives after thy sweats k . take heed of sleeping too soone after a sweat , for it is very dangerous l , have a care of cooling thy selfe , and be content to have it done as the great physitian thinkes fit m . lastly , take of thy cordiall before prescribed , lest otherwise thy strength fayle thee , and indanger thee that way n . thus have i shewen thee the best meanes for preservation that i could recall for the present . and if any doctor , batchelor , or other practitioner in divinity physick , can shew me any errour in any of these prescripts , i shall willingly correct it : or if he shall prescribe any , that are more accurate , i shall amongst others most humbly thanke him for it . now for curation , i observe that that reverend physitian , whose method i have kept the most close to of any's , adds very little for the curing of the plague to what he had prescribed for the preserving from it , except it be for curing the botches , sores , or carbuncles . and as i apprehend , he therefore doth so , first , because the same physicke , especially the cordiall physicke , that is good for preservation , is as good as can be thought on , in ordinary cases , for cure , only where need requires , as it doth in the most , the quantity of the ingredients must be augmented . secondly , because mens tempers and constitutions as i before told you are so different , and in a manner contrary , and the poyson of the disease infecteth and corrupteth in such different wayes and degrees that 't is not good , scarce safe either for physitian or the parties infected to adventure upon any physicke , without the advise ( where 't is to be had and time permits ) of some able physitian , whom they shall please to acquaint with their particular present state and condition . the like course upon the like reasons shall i observe in these my hyperphysicall directions . for generall curative physicke , in generall cases , where any are infected , ( as who can say i am cleane o ? ) i know no better , then what i have acquainted you with , by way of preservatives : onely the quantity of the ingredients , and so of the doses * , is to be increased , as there is cause . and for particular cases i once againe , as before , advise every man that desires to deale safely for himselfe , and would have his physitian to deale so too , by all meanes to repaire ( if he have the liberty ) to some discreet learned divine physitian for his particular counsell concerning his particular state p , and after his prayers to god to direct his physitian aright in his counselling , punctually to follow his counsell , so farre , as his counsell is agreable to gods revealed will q . and for botches and sores , when thy infection and corruption is growne to such tumors r . take for a great onyon , strong detestation ſ of the filchinesse and loathsomenesse of sinne t , and put into it instead of rue , as much bitter sorrow for sinne u , as thou canst possibly crowd it , together with some of that treacle which is made of those vipers which christ himselfe slew , viz , sinne , the divell , death , the grave , and hell ; x ; then heat it well at the fire of the sense of gods indignation against sinne and sinners y and so apply it by the hand of faith z as hot as thou canst endure it to the tumour . i dare warrant thee it will soone draw thy sore to an head and breake it . but then thou must be carefull that thou wash that part well , wherein the sore a is , with some teares of unfeigned repentance b , and bath it throughly in that fountaine , which is set open for sinne and uncleanesse c , and that will both cleanse and heale thy sore , be it never so foule and dangerous d . when thou art made whole , forget not to returne thanks to that great physitian that cured thee e . and sinne no more , left a worse thing happen to thee f . a postscript of gratitude . to the worshipfull master thomas smith the late loyall major of the renowned city of oxford . worthy sir , these directions published for the common good of this city , and therefore dedicated to those superiour powers , which at this time have more then ordinary influence into the government thereof , could not passe quietly from my hand to the presse without giving you some particular interest in them , both because i received ( besides other kindnesses ) the constant food that sustained me all the littletime wherein i was composing them ( as well as before and since ) at your table ; and so 't is but a due returne of that fruit which your bounty and liberality help't to foster ; as also , because 't is conceived by them that know you , that your good example in observing them , will be no small inducement to others , especially of your owne politie , the more readily and willingly to put them in practise . other retribution , though none more cordiall , shall hereafter be made you , if god make me able . let it suffice for the present , that as you forget not to doe good , and to communicate sacrifices with which god is well pleased : heb. . . so that good which you have done , and those good things whereof you have communicated , are not forgotten by all those that have participated of them . by all did i say ? nay i verily beleeve by none at all , that are truly loyall , and such onely , as neare as you could , were the constant partakers of your courtesie and hospitality ; for certainly , they that in such times as these dare be loyall , scorne to be ungratefull . let this poore commemoration of your rich bounty to such be an earnest thereof : and what i and others of his majesties loyall subjects are not able to requite , without doubt , that god , for whose sake and cause you have done it , will abundantly recompence into your bosome . for which purpose saint pauls benediction , that he that ministreth seed to the sower , will both minister bread for your food , and multiply your seed sowen , and increase the fruits of your righteousnes . cor. . . shall be the daily prayers of your much obliged l. g. physicall directions in time of plague . dwelling-houses are to be kept cleane , free from filth , and ill smells , the windowes neare infected houses kept close with glasse , or oyled , waxed paper , that light , but no infected aire , may come in . in houses farther from infection , windowes open sometimes , toward wholsome aire and wind . fires to be made in houses infected , and the neighbouring houses , and in churches , at times of publike prayers and preaching , and at all publique meetings , not in chimnies onely , but in moveable pannes ; the fires made with dry wood , oake , ashe , beech , dry vine-branches , willow , baytree , rosemary sticks , &c. juniper , rosemary , dryed , bay-leaves , angelica , lavender , sage , hyssope , marioram , thyme , mints , balme , pitch , tarre , rosin , turpentine , frankincense ; some of these cast on the coales , to perfume the house . richer persons may have fuming candles or cakes , made with benzoin , storax , muske , &c. for which order shall be given by the physitians , if any please to have them , and be not otherwise provided . oake boughs , ashe , willow , bay leaves , hysope , marioram , thyme , lavander , mints , rosemary , fennell , sage , wormwood , meadsweet , &c. may be laid in the chimnies and windowes . sometimes the fume of vineger , rosewater , and rosemary , and cloves , over the fire . wearing cloathes perfumed with juniper , red sanders , or rosemary hurned . going abroad , or talking with any , it is good to hold in the mouth , a clove or two , a peece of nutmeg , zedoary , angelica , gentian , tormentill , or enulacampana root ; in the hand a sponge dipped in vineger and rosewater , wherein rosemary , sage , angelica , or rue have beene infused , or a toast of browne bread dipped therein , tied up in a linned cloath , or the sponge in a juniper or ivory box with holes . for persons of better ranke , pomanders made of ladanum , benzoin , red and white n , storax , myrrhe , saffron , amber , camphyre , muske , &c. go not forth early in the morning , nor fasting ; eate not much : sage and butter , a potched egge with vineger , or such like will suffice ; be not late abroad at night . in the morning wash the mouth with water wherein sage hath beene boyled or infused , and rub thy teeth with the leaves . take a spoon full of quicke wine vineger , wherein wormewood chopped hath been infused . take figges good and clean thirty , wallnut kernells pilled twenty , ( if to be had ) greene rue picked a good handfull , salt one spoonfull , stampe them , and incorporate them together , take the quantity of a prune , a child as much as a hasell nut . more pleasing ; conserve of wood-sorrell , borage , sage , of each one ounce , harts-horne a dragme , bole-armeniake two drams , yellow sanders halfe a dram , saffron the weight of d , syrupe of wood-sorrell , as much as will make it into a most electuary ; take as much as a good nutmeg , twice or thrice a day . london treacle the weight of d . first in the morning with conserve of roses , fasting one hower after it ; treacle-water two spoonfulls , with one dramme of mithridate , confectio liberaus , or electuary de ovo . dyet , meats of easy digestion , sauce sowre . sharpe , sorrell , lemon , vineger , verjuyce , &c. forbeare milky meats , custard , &c. fish slimy as eeles , &c. raw fruits , and strong wines ; excesse in meat or drinke is dangerous . fasting , or much emptinesse is bad . if there be fulnesse of bloud , letting bloud is fit , but not much , rather repeated . if the body be bound , a suppository with hony and salt . if fulnesse of putrid humours , aloes the weight of d , in the pappe of a roasted apple ; or pilles of ruffus a dram once a weeke . for persons of quality , other proper purges , as the present condition shall require , potion , &c. and an issue or fontanell , in arme or legge , if there be cause ; and vomits proper if need be . vomits easy to be had ; sallet-oyle three spoonfulls , juyce of radish-root one spoonfull , or oxymell of squilles two spoonfulls , oyle and posset drinke . exercise moderate . signes of infection appearing , viz. fainting , swooning , vomiting , or pronenesse thereto , heavinesse , wearinesse without cause , losse of appetite , much thirst , divers of these concurring , let bloud or purge , or both , as cause requireth , the first or second day , no botch or fore appearing . then defend the heart with cordialls formerly prescribed . let the party sweat with carduus , or marigold posset-drinke , london treacle two drams , or with wood sorrell water five spoonfulls , treacle water one spoonfull , and london treacle a dram and a halfe . if a tumor , botch or sore appeare , let the inside of the arme , thigh , or calfe of the legge be blistered with cantharides powder two drammes , with vineger and leaven . take a great onyon , hollow it , put into it venice-treacle one dramme , a figge and a little rue cut small , roast it soft , close stopped , in a wet paper under the embers , apply it hot to the tumour , let one lye three houres . or a pultesse of mallowes two handfulls , two lilly roots cut and bruised , twelve figges sliced , boyle all well in water , stampe them , put to it three spoonfulls of oyle of lillies , apply it , and shift it thrice a day . when it is broken , take the yolke of an egge , hony of roses one ounce , turpentine halfe an ounce , london treacle , or venice , and methridate , and saint johns wort oyle , each one dramme , a little meale flower , mix all together , lay it to the sore , upon leather , changing it twice a day . or a hot loafe out of the oven . or three lilly roots roasted , beaten and applyed ; burne the plaisters , &c. taken off the body . those that escape , are to be purged before they goe abroad ; those that dye , are to be buried in remote places , and deep in the ground . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- king . and . psal. . kings ▪ . numb. ▪ . numb , . . exod. . . zach. . v. , . hose , v. , . hom. . ad pop● antioch . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . joshus . . v. malach. . . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , &c. hom . ad pop. antioch . psal. . . & psal. . notes for div a e- a kings : , . b iohn . c. v. . rom. . v. , . cap. . v. . c rom. . v. , , . cap. . , deut. . ezek. . d rom. . v. , , . , . ● . iohn . c. . v. . . e ez. k. . v. . math. . v. . f gen. ps. . ● . g isa●h● . . cap . . psal. . . revel . . h levit. . deut. . rom. . . cor. . v , . i psal. . . rom. . . k deut. . v. . psal. . james . v. . . l levit. v. . . deut. . v. . jerem. . v. , . ezek , . v. . . numb. . v. . . cap. . v. . . m kings : . v , , . ezek. . v. , , . n jerem. . v. . ezek. . hosea : . v. . luke : . v. , . o genes . . v. , . cap. . . sam , . . prov. . v. , . cap. . . p prov. . . cap. . . co. . q rom. . v. , , , . genes . . matth. . . r psal. . . rom. . . ezek. . . ſ levit . , deut. , . numb. ● . cap. . . sam. . . amos . t psal. . v. , . deut. . v. , . psal. . v. . job . cap. , & . amos . . u kings : . , . sam. v. , , . kings : , v. , . . hosea . . chr. . . x deut. . . psal. . . y lib. . delue pestif●ra . z kings . , . a job . . . james . . cor , . . b coloss . . c ephes. . d deut. . . psal. . v. , . and psal. , v. , , . luk. . , . e ezek. . . psal. ▪ and psal. . . f john : , , cor. . v. , , : hos. . v. . g philip . . . h numb. . . . sam. , joel . . . psal. . v. , . isaiah . . prov. . v. , , , , . notes for div a e- a numb. . . jerem . . rev. . . tit. . . cor. . . cor. . . prov. . . and cap. . . b kings , . c tim. . . d prov. . . and cap. , . psal. . v. , , . dan. . . e heb. . . f gen. . g deutr . v. , . job : . v : . mat. . v : , . epist john v : . isaiah . . . h mat : . , . i pet : . v , , . k p●t : . from v : , to v : . l epist : john v : . m tim: . . n tim: . v : , , . o act : . . and cap. . . heb : . . epist : john v : , . p james . . and cap : . v : , . mat. . . q luke . v : , . &c. r i● : v . ſ ephes : . v : , , &c : t ezek : . . mala : . . u gen : . x rom : . . y deu : . psal. . ezek : . . cap. . . prov. . . zach. . . mal. . . z prov. . . luke . psal. . . tim. . . ephes. . . deut. . . exod. . . . deut. . . a prov. . , , , , &c. cor. . , . cap. , . heb. . . b isaiah . , , . cap. . , , . prov. . . , , , . &c. hos. . . cor : . . rom : . . galat. . . c rom : . . d exod : . . ephes● . , . colos : , . e prov : . . rom. . . james . . . galat. . f deut : . . prov : , , . amos . . micah . . g amos . . micah . . prov. . , . h deut : , . exod : . , . zach : . . micah . prov. . . cap. . . cap : . hab : . . i levit. . . deut : . . . jerem : . . james . . k prov. . . cap. . , . pet. . . isa. . , , &c. kings . , . nahum . . l prov. . , . cap. . . ezek. . . prov. . . tim. . . m exod. . levit. . . hos. . , . zach. . . mat. . , . &c. jam. ● . . tim. . . heb. . . . n psal. . , . prov. . . cap. . . john . . ephes. . . prov. . . james . . rom. . . . o prov. . . cap. . , , , . cap. , levit. . . p ephes. . . q prov. . . r malac. . , , , . ſ isa. . , . jerem. . . . hab. . , , . micah . . . king. . exo. . . t prov. . , . c. . . c. . . c. . . c. . . . ecstes . . . ephes. . . u prov. . cap. . , . . isa , . , , isa. . . x jerem. . . y genes : . . exod : . , . z job : . . m●● : . . sam : . . kings . . a prov : . . . cap : . , . b isa : , , . mat : . . c deut. . , , , cap . , , , &c. cap : . . psal : . . psal. . and . job : . from v : . v . psal : . from v : , v : . hos : . . cap. . . psal : . , . heb : , from v. . to v : . d psal : . . cor . from v : , to v : . mat. . , , . cap : . , . john . . . rom : . . . epist : john a. v : , . cap : . . . cap : . , luk : . . ephe. . , . rom. . pet : . . exod. . . rom. . . e psal. . . psal. . . psal. . . jerem. . . 〈…〉 . . . rome . . . num. . , . king. . from v. . to v. . revel , . . . f james . . rom : . , colos : . pet : . cor. , . rom. . . exod , . . jonah . . heb . . luke . . , &c. g exod. . . num. . v. , . deut. . v. , , . king. . psal. . v. , , , , . jer. . psal. . . and , v. . & , . v . . pro. . v. . h levit. v. , . i pro. . . deut. . ps. . v. . jer. . psal. . . psal. . zach. . . k psal , . pro. , . cap. . . tim. . . james . . l malaki . . . m cant , . v. , , , . n cant. . . p luke , . eph. . . thes. . q psal. . numb. . r psal. . . if. . . heb. . . ſ deut. . v. . , . pro. . . cap. . . cap. . v. . psal , v. , , , dan. . . mat. . acts , . . is . . . phil. . . t levit. cap. . & . u levit. cap. . x zeph . . is . . , , , , , , . y pro. . . z hos. , v. . a ezech. . v. . . b is . . , . ezek. . v. . . cap. v. ▪ , , . hos. , v. . c king. . v. . pro. . . je● . . v. cap. . v. . nalt . . . hos , . sower 〈…〉 that place thus . let her put away her fornications from her face &c. d nahu . , . lam. . . e is . . from v. . . pet. . v. , . tim. , v. . f chron. . . if. . . cap. . . joel . , . jonah . . v. , . g j●. . . lamen . . . h heb. , . pro , . . i epist. jud. . k psal. . v. . l pet. . v. . m rom. . . n job . . v. . o colos . . p john . . . q eccles. . v. . amo. , . pro . v. . . jer. . psal. . . . pro. . . . . r colos. . . pet. . . ephes. . . ſ cant : . . , , . t rom. . . u nahum : . . rom. . , h. b : . , . x mat. . . y psal : . . z james . , , . a mark : , , , . b act . . cor : . . c james . . d prov : . . cor. . from . psal. ● . , , . e mark , , . cor. . . f prov : . . . g numb. . . epist. jud : . prov. . h prov. . , , c. . , , . c. . , , . i epist. jud : . prov. . , . k epist. jud. . prov. , . l deut. . . , cor. . , . m isa : . , . ezek. . . n exod. , , , . john , . o james . . p ephes. . . q heb. , . psal , . r mat , . . ſ sam. . , . kings , c. . , . . t psal : . v : . u math : . . x josh , . genes : . . psal : . , . acts : . . y prov : . . c : . . c : . . z prov : . . a isa : , . b numb : , . cor : . . numb , , . exod. . c. . . c prov. , . d james . , . e job . psal. . psal. . . prov. . . f mat. . . g psal. . . h thes. . . job . . , , , . prov. . . concerning publike and private fasts and the observation thereof . se afterwards in diet. i amos. . . cor. v. , . k pe●. . v. . prov. . v. . l heb. . v. . pet : . v. . m tim. , v. . heb. . . n tim. . v. . , . iohn . . math , . . rom. . . o isa. . . p prov. . v. . q prov. . v. , , , . cap. from v. , to the end . r prov. . v. . s prov. . . t tim. . v. , . u phil , , . . tim , . . x numb. , v. . . z genis . . v. a. , . a prov. . v. , , . b john . c ib. d cor. . v. . . e cor : . v. , , . cap. v. . f ma● : , heb : . v. . pet. . . act. , v. . , , . t 〈…〉 : . . g in the second exhortation before the confession at the communion . h colos. . . ephes. . . i prov : . v. , . k heb. . v. . l pet. . v. . numb. . psal : v. . . m ephes. . . psal. . v. . n psal. . v. . . . o psal. . v. . . . . . p psal : . v. . . . . . . q , & . ed. . cap. . , & . ed. . cap : . eliz. cap. . rom. . . pet. , v. , , &c. r , & . ed . cap. . eliz. cap. . ſ ib. t prov. . . zach. . , . numb. . . act. . v. . , isa. . v. , . zach. . . u sam. , , galat. . . x h●b : , . z ib. a ib. b see the places now cited for every particular . c math : . v. : d prov. . v. . e philip : , . f galat. . v. , . g prov : . . h prov : , v. . i gal. . v. , , . k genes : . l ezek : , . revel. . . m prov : v. . n prov : . v. , . , , &c. eph. . . o col. . . eph . . p exod : , . cap. . deu , v. . q chro● : v. . jonah . v. . ez. . . s●m v. . . r dan. . v. . ſ isa , . v. . t jod : . c. . . u jo●l : . v. . x joel : . v. . y isa : . v. , . z is● : . v. , , , , , . joe● : . from . v. , v. . a king : . b ib. c isa , . . d ib : v. , , . e g●n 〈…〉 : . . f nehem. . . esther : . . psal. ● . dan. . king : v. , . luk : . mat : . v. , . mark : . . g chr : . jonah : . sam : isa : . . . h mat : v. . i rom : . v. . gen. . . deut . num. , . levit. . v. . psa : . . k prov. , . l nahu . . . is . . . zeph. . v. , , , , . ezek , . v. , . macah. . v. , . o pro. . . job . . v. , epist. jo. . , . p cor . . ezek. . . q pro. . . heb. , v. , rom. . , . j●. . v. , , heb. v. . colos. , , pe. . . cap. . . r ez●k. . v. , , , , . cor. . . acts . . ſ is . . . pro. . . cap. , . cap , . . t act. , ps. . . if. . . . cor. , . u ps. . . ps. . . pro . v. . . epis. john . . x pro. . . ps. . v. . ps 〈…〉 , , . y rom. , . joh. v. . z heb. . a john . . john v. b rom , . john . , . c john . v. , . epist. john . from v. . to the end . d zach. . . e ps. . v. . cor. . . f joel . . v. . . g rom. , . heb. , psal. . v. . . h psal. . v. , , , , , . . amos. . from v. . to the . if. . . pet. . v. . pag. prae . i pro. . . ca. . . eccles. . from v. . v. ja. , k ib. & job . from v. . to the end . job . . cap. . v. . , , , , . zach . , l luke . v. . jo. v. . m such as those new cited let i and k. n deut. . . cap. . from v. . to the end zach . . o pro. . . ps. . p cor. . v. . q cor. . , . 〈…〉 . , . exod. . , , , &c. rom. , , , , . r ezek , . . pr. . . sam. . . ti. . . ſ tim. . , . t acts . . u mat. . . x mat. , , , , . y pro. . , . z psa. . , , , psal. , , . psal , , . a k. . . gen. . . mat. . . eccle. . . deut. . . . jer. . . cap. . . b pro. . . deu. ● , . c sc dyet . let . f. g. d john . . . is . . . ma. . . cap. . v. , . act. . . e is . ● . . f sam. . deu. . from v. . to v. . g pro. . v. , . cap. . , . cap. . . cap. . . zach. . . c. . v. . h e●h●s . , i tim. . . k is . . . cap. , , pet. . . mat. . . l galat. . . pet. . . tit. . . thes. . v. , . m zach. , . joel . . . k , . v. , . n num. . , . o pro. , . p cor. . james . . v. . , , , &c. q luke . . . r ma. . . ti. . c. . . ſ pe. . ti. . . mat. . . t d●ut. . , pr● . , . cap. . v. . cor. . . u heb. to , . rom. . v. jam. . v. , , . x philip . . v. , . john . . . y col●s . . z eccles. . v. . a eccles. . v , cap. . , pet. . v. . . b mat. . , ca. . v. . c john . . v. . cap. . v. john . v. , , . rom. . . cap. . v. . eph. . . colos. . . pet . v. . . heb. . , d rom. . . cap. . philip . . v. . e acts ▪ . v. . cap. ezek. : v. . , . f psal , , v. . . john . mat. . , psal. , . g jer , . , , cap. . . cap. . . h chron. . . i genes . . . sa. . genes . . v. . exo , , . k pro. . v. . cap. l iude v. . . nu. . . cap. . . c. . cap. . ja. . . iude v. . . m pro. . . n psal. . eccles. . . cap. . . o mar. . , . p acts . q pro. . , ● . r ephes. . . ſ pro. . h●b. . t luke . . u luke . . x thes . . y num. . . ioh . z galat. . . a pro. . heb. , . . b is . , . pet. . . mat. . v. . c exod . . pr. . . eccles. . . d pet. . v. , . . rom. v. and v. ps. , is . . v. . jere : , cap. . , . amos . . e mat. . . f mat. . . g luke . . . , tim. , . tim. . . pet. . . jam. . . cap. . . h every one that is sensible both of his own sin and gods wrath , cannot make his let swim , nor doth not feele the wrath of god so hot and so heavy upon him , as some doe , ps . ps. , ps. . ps. . ps. . i deut. . from v. . to the end . psal : . k john . . c. . , , , , , , . l mat. . , . m mat. . , , compared with luke , . epist john . . co●os . , cor. . . cor. . . n psal. . , . eph●s . . . philip . . acts. . . pet. . . deut. . . cor. . . ephes. . . pet. . . psal. . genes . . . mat. . , , . o prov. . . john . , . john , ● . * the quantity of the severall ingredients and particular doses both for preservation and curanen , i therefore omitted because their nature is such as cannot be proportioned . p see before diet. let . f. g. q see cordialls let . d r is● . . , psal. . . . ſ psal. . . prov. . . t ez●k , . , , . isa. . . pet : . . psal : . , . ezck : . . , , . u cor : . , . ps. . , . psal. . , . x cor. ● . . . . . y jerem . . isa. , . nahum . . . z mat. . . . psal. . . joel . . . c : . , . mat : . . luke . . a isa. . , . b isa. . . c : . . joel . . . c zach. . . john . . . d john . . e luke . . , , . galat. . , . eph. . . rom. . . f john . . notes for div a e- cordialls . dyet . bleeding . purging . issue . infection . botch . by the king a proclamation to restraine the landing of men, or goods, out of such ships as shall come from the parts of france, or the low-countries now infected with the plague, till they haue warrant from the officers or farmours of his maiesties customes. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king a proclamation to restraine the landing of men, or goods, out of such ships as shall come from the parts of france, or the low-countries now infected with the plague, till they haue warrant from the officers or farmours of his maiesties customes. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) charles i, king of england, - . [ ] leaves. by robert barker, printer to the kings most excellent maiestie: and by the assignes of iohn bill, imprinted at london : . caption title. imprint from colophon. "giuen at the court at hampton-court, the first day of nouember, in the eleuenth yeere of his maiesties reigne." reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- great britain -- prevention. great britain -- history -- charles i, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion diev ◆ eta ◆ mon ◆ droit honi ❀ soit ❀ qvi ❀ mal ❀ y ❀ pense ❀ royal blazon or coat of arms ❧ by the king. ❧ a proclamation to restraine the landing of men , or goods , out of such ships as shall come from the parts of france , or the low-countries now infected with the plague , till they haue warrant from the officers or farmours of his maiesties customes . the kings maiestie being informed , that the infection of the plague is at this present time dispersed into diuers townes and places , both of france , and the low-countries : and weighing the danger that may ensue to his owne kingdomes and people , by the resort of persons , from any infected parts , or the landing of their goods here : hath thought fit , ( with the aduice of his priuie councell ) out of his princely care of the safety of his subiects , and by all prouident meanes to preuent the perill and inconueniences that may arise thereby , to declare and publish his royall will and pleasure in that behalfe : and doth therefore hereby straightly charge and command , that during the time of the infection in those or any other parts , no ships or vessels whatsoeuer , ariuing in any parts of this kingdome , shall land any passenger , or person , or any apparell , houshould-stuffe , wares , or merchandises , vntill such time as they shall haue licence from the officers or farmours of his maiesties customes , or some of them , vpon due consideration by them first taken of the parts and places from whence such shipping shall come : vpon paine of imprisonment of euery person so landing , or otherwise vnlading or sending a shore any such wares or goods , and to be further proceeded against , as high contemners of his maiesties royall commands . and for such ships or vessels , as ( comming from any infected parts ) shall arriue here , his maiesties pleasure is , that the officers and farmours of his customes take speciall care that no licence or warrant be giuen for the comming a shore of any person , or the landing or vnlading of any goods therein , vntill twenty dayes after the arriuall of such ship or vessell here ; whereby it may be knowne , whether the men in such ship shall stand in health or no : and if in such vessell there shall be brought apparell , houshould-stuffe , or wares , that may bee thought fit to bee ayred , that then the same bee conueighed to some conuenient place , neere the water-side , remote from the citie of london , or any other towne or place of much resort . and for the better effecting of his maiesties royall pleasure in the premisses , his maiesties farmours of his customes are hereby required , vpon the arriuall of any ship , barke , or vessell in any part of this kingdome , to send a board one or more waiters or guardians , the better to restraine the landing of goods , or comming a shore of men out of such shipping , vntill due tryall shall bee had , that the same may bee done without perill or danger of infection . and lastly , his maiestie doth hereby require and command all iustices of peace , maiors , bailiffes , sheriffes , constables , headboroughs , and all other his officers and ministers whatsoeuer , to be aiding and assisting in the full accomplishment and execution of his maiesties royall pleasure herein declared , which so much importeth the common good and safety of his kingdomes and people . giuen at the court at hampton-court , the first day of nouember , in the eleuenth yeere of his maiesties reigne . god saue the king. ¶ imprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie : and by the assignes of iohn bill . . consilium anti-pestilentiale, or, seasonable advice concerning sure, safe, specifick, and experimented medicines both for the preservation from, and cure of, this present plague offered for the publick benefit of this afflicted nation by richard barker. barker, richard, sir. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing b estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) consilium anti-pestilentiale, or, seasonable advice concerning sure, safe, specifick, and experimented medicines both for the preservation from, and cure of, this present plague offered for the publick benefit of this afflicted nation by richard barker. barker, richard, sir. [ ], [i.e. ] p. printed for the author, london : . reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- prevention. epidemics -- england. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion consilium anti-pestilentiale : or , seasonable advice , concerning sure , safe , specifick , and experimented medicines , both for the preservation from , and cure of this present plague . offered for the publick benefit of this afflicted nation , by richard barker , med. lond. gloriam da deo pro misericordiâ , & verêre judicia ejus . london , printed for the author , anno . to the right honourable sir john lawrence , knight , lord maior of the city of london : and to the right worshipful , the court of aldermen of the same city . the great abuse of many who pretend the publick good , when as indeed their chief aim is only their private interest , ( multi res suas agunt communium praetextu ) made me for a great while unwilling to appear upon the stage , lest i should incur the censure of some zoilus or other , but that the daily numerous addresses unto me ( for relief not only for the present direful sickness , but also in divers other great distempers ) by those who have been too often frustrated in their expectations from others ; and the love i bear to this famous city , of which i am a member ; as also the late encrease in the weekly bill of mortality , notwithstanding the directions published by the colledge , constrained me at length to cast in this mite , whereby i have been , through the mercy of the almighty , instrumental to many for their recovery . for though those directions , and many other medicines , are reported to have been useful in former days ; yet now failing , there is a general longing and earnest desire for some more powerful and more effectual means ; and if such be not speedily brought forth , a general calamity is seared likely to befall this city . and therefore , spurr'd on by our royal soveraign's most gracious care ; as over all his subjects in general , so especially over this famous city ; as also his majesties princely countenance to all ingenious persons , that are able to lend a helping hand ; and your own ready compliance with his majesties royal care and orders for his majesties subjects health and preservation , i thought good to present this paper to your lordship and worships , out of my tender love and care of the publick welfare , which i did upon mature deliberation and consultation with other very able and understanding physicians , ( plus eni● vident oculi , quà● oculus ) ; for i would not appear before you but with such remedies as are built upon solid grounds of sound reason and manifold experience . i do not intend to enlarge my self in words at this time , the present necessity ( and daily encrease of the sickness , even in the city it self aswell as in the suburbs ) calling rather for deeds and effectual help . it is true , that it is the great judgment of god which afflicts us , our prophaneness and manifold sins , provoking the just indignation of divine justice : however , the lord even in the midst of his anger being not forgetful of his mercy , it behoveth both divines and those of our profession , in the common calamity to stand in the breach , and become instruments to allay his wrath , and procure his mercy , all according to our several stations and sphears of activity ; and that all , of whatever degree , authority or capacity , take heed , that we may not oppress the innocent , lest thereby we exasperate the wrath kindled against us , but rather asswage the same by mercy and mildness . when it shall please god that these afflictions be over , i shall then publish another tract , concerning four diseases predominant in this city , which i indeed intended to be first of all , but that by this present very urgent necessity i am prevented . in the mean time praying for your temporal and eternal bliss , i rest , right honourable and right worshipful , your lordships and worships most faithful humble servant , richard barker . epistle to the reader . loving reader , whereas there hath been a report , that my house is visited , and that divers dyed out of it ; this is to let thee understand that the same is a meer false slander and fiction , maliciously invented by some of my profession , on set-purpose to divert patients from me , and to mar my practice . both my self and family are all in perfect health , ( god be praised for it ) and i hope to live to the comfort of my friends , and conversion of my enemies . in the parish where i live , there hath been as much affliction , by the current epidemical disease , as in other parishes , but that by the use of such medicines as they had from me , they escaped , the almighty in his mercy giving his blessing thereunto . according to the compute of the last weeks bill of mortality there died no more but seven out of it , and all the time before but four ; which i do not doubt but that by the help of god they might have also escaped , if they had not been frighted from coming to my house by that groundless aspersion . it is true , that medicines formerly used , and now prescribed again in the printed directions , have been beneficial in those dayes ; but now a certain malignity , like a furious lion , infesting in the present calamity , will not be curbed by such usual directions , but requireth other helps more astral and powerful , such as those were which the patients in this parish , and divers in the city besides , had from me . variatto temporis ▪ & circumstantiarum indicat variationem remediorum . there have been strange and various faces of the heavens of late years , especially this last , wherein three blazing-stars , or comets , appeared ; the fashion of their appearance i need not describe , it having been obvious unto , and noted by many thousands ; only , it is generally agreed on , that plagues and such like judgments use to follow upon such signs . i have made many observations of the heavens , since i understood something of that learning , and could wish there were more frequent observations made by better understandings than my own , and that the enemies of that learning would be more moderate , and forbear to condemn what they are not skill'd in . for according to the opinion of our physicians if there be any contagion in the air , the same naturally springeth forth from the configuration of the heavens ; which i will not discourse of at this time , nor trouble thy head , when thy heart should mind the one thing necessary . let them that flee from the city , not think themselves the safer from the judgment ; nor let those in the country flatter themselves with vain hopes : for i fear they will taste as deeply of the cup of this indignation , as those in the city . it is a strange time , people are afraid one of another ; yea , even the best friends keep themselves aloof from one another . yea , such a spirit reigns all over the country , that they could be contented to block up all the citizens , and rather let them perish than come forth into the air to refresh themselves . and therefore you which are remaining in the city , have great reason to love one another as you are neighbours , and to make provision of convenient places , where no body can resist you ; as also of fit means , and able men , that may make it their business to study your preservation . you plainly see , that this grievous disease not only endangereth your lives , but also your repute and trading , and marreth your fortunes , insomuch that you lose that esteem and courtship which you were wont to have from those that wanted your goods and moneys ; yea , those that flattered you , do now frown upon you and scarce own you . all which might be easily remedied , and your reputation and trading preserved , if you pleased but to consider of it , and love one another , and take counsel of such as are able to advise . for which end i could wish , that there might be chosen a select number of persons , to advise and direct to the best means conducing to this purpose , in regard that the old and ordinary courses fall far short of what may be devised and advised . i make no question but that having been a practitioner in physick in this city these fifteen years , i may be credited concerning the things i propose ; for , whoever tryeth my medicines , will find them speak for themselves , and need no further commendation from my self or any one else . the ingredients of the medicines here offered are no minerals , though chymically prepared , and i do assure thee that they are very safe even before they are prepared . chymical medicines have been ever , and especially now at this time , found so necessary , and beyond the ordinary usual medicines , that the physicians of the colledge themselves have given order for preparing of a chymical medicine to johnson their chymist in amen-corner . in the next book which i do intend to put forth , i shall give an account of my rise and pedigree , and how i came to the atchievment of these things which i now profess , the late infortunate times obstructing me from aspiring to variety of languages and other acquirements , which else i might have enjoyed . how-ever , as to my abilities in what i profess , my practice and successes upon my patients will speak sufficiently on my behalf . and i would have thee take notice , that my medicines proved very beneficial to divers that came out of prison this last winter , where i suppose ( as my observations upon the said persons induce me to believe ) this plague had its first rise . thus wishing thee health and happiness , i remain , thine ready to serve . r. b. directions to be observed , to prevent this of all most terrible sickness . . in the morning do not go forth with an empty stomach , but first refresh your self by breaking your fast , and filling your stomach ( so far as you can endure it ) with any convenient food , drinking after it a draught of small beer , mixt with two or three drops of true oyle of sulphur , such as is not sophisticated , or else six drops to twelve of the true spirit of salt. . carry about you a ball , made of tobacco-leaf , roll'd up and tyed in some tiffiny or lawn , and so dipt in vinegar : smell often to it , and sometimes clap it to the temples for some few minutes of time . . those that use to smoke tobacco , let them mix it with its fourth part of flower of sulphur , and seven or eight drops of oyl of amber for one pipe , and take three such pipes every day , viz. in the morning , in the afternoon , and at night . . at night , take one scruple of flower of brimstone , in a glass of canary , perfumed with the smoak of brimstone , which is to be done as followeth : take flower of brimstone , melt it in an earthen pan , dip therein some pieces of packthred , or small wooden sticks , that they be covered over with the brimstone , which reserve for use . then take a glass-bottle , holding a quart , or pottle , or gallon , according as you will prepare more or less of the canary , turn it with the nozel downwards : light your match or piece of packthred , or wooden stick covered over with brimstone , and thrust it up into the nozel , that the smoak may ascend up into the bottle ; and when the same is filled with smoak , so that it will receive no more ( the sign whereof is when it bloweth out the fire of the match ) ; then take out your match , and thrust up a funnel , and turn the glass , and fill it half full of canary , and having taken out the funnel , quickly stop the orifice of the glass with your hand , and shake it up and down until it hath drunk up the smoak . then stop the glass close , and keep it for your use as above directed . . be sure to smoke all the rooms of your house every day twice or thrice with brimstone , using half an ounce of it at a time , more or less , according to the bigness of the house , and as far as you can endure it , keeping the brimstone burning with coals kindled in an earthen chafing-dish or pan , or with a red-hot iron ; for this cleareth the air from infection above any thing else : and though by some pretenders the brimstone be altered by the addition of something else , yet the sulphur ( as it is of it self ) being best , that alteration signifieth nothing else but to conceal it from the vulgar , and to make them pay dear for that which they may have at a cheap rate ; for they shall certainly find the brimstone alone of it self to do as well , yea rather better than the other . further direction for preservation , fit for all , as well children as old folks , especially such as are of a weak nature . let them take of the elixir vitae every morning , from half a spoonful to a whole spoonful , which being of a very balsamick nature , will as it were embalm and preserve all the vitals from corruption and infection , and from all other distempers that may give occasion thereunto . note . if this preservative be diligently taken , and yet the party chance to be over-powered by an extraordinary force of the pestilent disease now reigning , they will then be so much the easier cured by the medicine following . directions for the cure of those that are infected . you may know the coming of the disease upon you by a squeamishness of the stomach , faintings , giddiness in the head , yea an universal consternation of all the faculties and functions of your body . which when you perceive , take in hand these medicines following , and you will be infallibly cured ( by the blessing of god ) with two doses , yea sometimes with one ( as it hath often hapned with many ) unless there be an extraordinary commission from divine vengeance to the contrary , which is in no medicines power to resist . . so soon as you find your self ill , take of the clear white liquor so much as is contained in one glass , sealed up with a red thred , and the letters r. b. pour it out in a silver or earthen dish , or in a drinking-glass , and drink it off leisurely , and then lay your self down , and within a quarter or half an hour you will find its operation either by stool , urine , sweat , vomit , bleeding at the nose ; sometimes by most , and sometimes by all these : which operations either by all , or one , or some of them , are a certain sign of your cure. this proportion is for a man or woman at age , but to one of twelve years old give but half a glass ; to a child but a quarter , and so proportionably according to their several ages . note , that when you have taken this medicine , and suspect that it may come up again , then hold in your mouth a bit of sugar-candy , or any other thing you like best . . three hours after the operation , let them take half a spoonful , or one spoonful of the above-mentioned elixir vitae ; which though it be mark'd with the same letters , and sealed up after the fashion of the former medicine , yet you may know it by the colour , it being towards an orange . . twelve hours after the taking of the first dose of the white liquor , let him ●●ke the second half ; and again twelve hours after , another 〈…〉 ; which in all will be two whole doses . . when the patient hath a drowth , let him take some small beer warm'd , in his mouth , and spit it out again . but in case necessity forceth him to drink , let him take posset-drink wherein dandelion hath been boyled , with two or three drops of spirit of sulphur , or six of spirit of salt put into it . and let him be sure to keep himself warm , not only for that day , but also the dayes following ; for its operation will hold on divers dayes after , till he find himself well . . in case he should throw up the medicine presently , or before a quarter of an hour ( after the taking of it ) be past , let him take another dose presently . and in case you judge , that it be not all come up , then give him but half another glass or dose , and twelve hours after the other half . these medicines being so rare and infallible in their effects , all masters of families will do well to provide some quantity of them in time , that they may have them in readiness , and be not to seek for it in time of need ; for they are such jewels for the recovery and preservation of health , as there can be no better ; and all circumstances well considered ; they are the cheapest medicines they can buy for this purpose . the spirit of salt ( not that dropsical one , ushe●'d in under the specious names of [ philosophick , and of the world ] instar asini sub pelle leonis , but the true and genuine ) as also the spirit or oyl of sulphur per campanam , are likewise to be had in the same places where the other medicines are . both of them mightily resist putrifaction . the spirit of salt is diuretick and very balsamick , and of excellent use in most diseases . the spirit of sulphur is the soboles of a most pure vitriol contained in the sulphur , which the same robb'd from the venerial marcasite or oar , when it was melted and severed from it . it is both diuretick and diaphoretick , and mightily strentheneth the stomach ; and as it resisteth all putrifaction , and what ariseth therefrom , so it killeth the worms , preserveth from the scurvy , and all other diseases that have their rise from putrifaction , and so causeth life to hold on to a great age , the party living temperately , and using it two drops twice a day in a little draught of small beer . many other occasions there are , in which the said spirits are very useful ; but being unwilling to be too prolix at present , i forbear , reserving the further speaking of them to another time . whereas there hath been enquiry made by many worthy persons of this city for dr. trigg's medicine ; whereby the said doctor did great cures in the last great plague in london , and preserved himself and his family from it , and continued also thereby free from all sorts of diseases , ( notwithstanding his sedentary life ) to his dying-day , which he spun out to a very great age , to the wonder of all men . i do give you to understand , that the same medicine ( marked and sealed up as the former , onely with this difference , that dr. trigg's hath blue thred , and the others red ) may also be had in those places whither you are directed unto for the former medicines . the said doctor was a man of singular parts and endowments , and greater worth than any man was aware of , or his enemies believed in his life-time . virtutem incolumem odimus , sublatam ex oculis quaerimus invidi — there hath been lately set forth a book , under the name of dr. trigg's secrets , arcana's , and panacaea's ; but let the reader be advertised by me , that they are all wrongfully fathered upon him , not one of them all being his ( as pretended ) nor in the least deserving those glorious names . and that they are none of the doctors , his kinsman timothy woodfield ( to whom he imparted all his secrets ) can testifie , who living now with me , is preparing the said doctor 's medicines , which i intend for the service of the publick when there shall be occasion . the use of dr. trigg's great cordial , or medicine against the plague . for preservation , take half a spoonful of it in the morning before you go forth , and as much at night going to bed . for cure ; so soon as you imagine to be surprized by the malignity of this infection , take two spoonfuls of the said medicine , and go into your warm bed , and sweat upon it , and continue sweating for the space of two hours . and this you may repeat once or twice more ( keeping twelve hours distance betwixt the times of sweating ) according as you shall see occasion . the places where these medicines are to be had . . at the author 's own house in barbican , next door to the three crowns . . at mr. hutchinsons , upholster , in birchin-lane , at that end of the lane which is near the royal exchange . . at mr. devonshires the chyrurgeans house in drury-lane ( next to the earl of clare ) at the sign of the chyrurgean . the price of 〈◊〉 medicines .   l. s. d. a glass of the white liquor , containing two ounces a glass of the elixir vitae , containing two ounces a little glass of spirit of sulphur , containing half an ounce a little glass of the spirit of salt , containing one ounce note . there are that sell the spirits of salt , and of sulphur , at lower rates , but such as are adulterated ; but these which i do expose to sale , are genuine and true . finis . by the king. a proclamation for proroguing the parliament proclamations. - - england and wales. sovereign ( - : james i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king. a proclamation for proroguing the parliament proclamations. - - england and wales. sovereign ( - : james i) james i, king of england, - . sheet ([ ] p.) by robert barker, printer to the kings most excellent maiestie, imprinted at london : anno dom. . plague precautions. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . england -- proclamations -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion royal blazon or coat of arms ❧ by the king. ¶ a proclamation for proroguing the parliament . whereas at the rising of the late session of our parliament , wee prorogued the same vntill the sixteenth day of nouember now next ensuing , for as much as the infection of the plague is now in some parts of our citie of london , so that it is to bee feared that if the terme and parliament should meete together , and thereby draw a double concourse of people from all parts of the realme thither , it might giue occasion both to increase the saide sickenesse thereabouts ( where our most abode is ) and to disperse it into other parts of the realme , wee haue therefore thought it fit to prorogue it further into the winter , that is to say , to the tenth day of february next , at which day our purpose is , god willing , to hold the same ; and doe hereby giue notice to all whom it concerneth , that they may frame their affaires accordingly , and attend at the said tenth day of february to that seruice . giuen at our honour of hampton court the last day of september , in the fifth yeere of our reigne of great britaine , france and ireland . god saue the king. ¶ imprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie . anno dom. . a mite cast into the treasury of the famous city of london being a brief and methodical discourse of the nature, causes, symptomes, remedies and preservation from the plague, in this calamitous year, : digested into aphorismes / by theophilvs garencieres ... garencières, theophilus, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing g estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a mite cast into the treasury of the famous city of london being a brief and methodical discourse of the nature, causes, symptomes, remedies and preservation from the plague, in this calamitous year, : digested into aphorismes / by theophilvs garencieres ... garencières, theophilus, - . [ ], p. printed by thomas ratcliffe, london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a mite cast into the treasury of the famous city of london ; being a brief and methodical discourse of the nature , causes , symptomes , remedies and preservation from the plague , in this calamitous year , . digested into aphorismes , by theophilvs garencieres doctor in physick . london printed by thomas ratcliffe , . to the right honourable sir john lawrence knight , lord maior of the city of london : with the right worshipfull the aldermen his brethren . my lord , it shall not be said of me , that i worship the rising sunne , for this sheet of paper cometh to kisse your hands upon your declination . and as for ye , right worshipfull , my respect hath been alwayes such to your honourable court in general , and to all the worthy members of it in particular , that the truth is , i would have done it sooner , but that i expected god almighty would have been pleased to remember his mercy , and to stay his avenging hand , and that people would have been more carefull of their own preservation ; but seeing the calamity to continue , and the infatuation of the vulgar to be such still , as to suffer themselves to be deluded by every frivolous praescriptions of physick , and perswasion of ignorant men , i have here undertaken to rectifie their understanding , and to shem them , there is means in nature both for the cure , and praeservation from this disease ; and to this purpose i have forced my self to appear upon the stage , and to do that , which no body hath yet attempted , which is , to give some fea , short and perspicuous rules , whereby every one may know how to cure himself , and his family with a small charge . my lord , and right worshipfull , you shall find nothing but truth in this paper , neither would i have been so impudent , as to praefixe so many honourable names to a thing that were illusory , and of this consequence : the only aim i have in it , is the publick good , and that ye may know i am your most humble , and affectionate servant , garencieres . a mite cast into the treasury of the famous city of london , &c. aphorisme i. the plague is an acute , contagious , epidemical and poisonous feaver , accompanied with either a botch , a carbuncle , or red-spotts , like flea-bites , vulgarly called the tokens . ii. that it is acute , is seen by the effects ; for it killeth within foure or five days , at the most ; it is contagious , because its poison is easily imparted , and communicated from one to another ; it is epidemical , because it seazeth upon all kind of people indifferently ; it is poisonous , because it slighteth all remedies by which other diseases are cured , that proceed either from intempery obstruction , or putrefaction . iii. thoughthe plague cometh unawares , and seaseth upon a man on a sudden , yet such is the infinite mercy of god , and the providence of nature , that it giveth alwayes warning enough to any one that will be curious to observe it . iv. the warnings are either a sudden head-ache , or a vomiting , or a faintnesse , with a chilnesse , or a loosenesse . v. each of these symptomes sheweth , what part of the body hath been first infected ; the head-ache indicates the braines ; the vomiting the liver , because of its proximity to the stomach ; the faintnesse , the heart ; and the loosenesse , the stomach and the gutts . vi. when therefore any one upon a sudden , and without evident cause , findeth himself seised with either of these foure symptomes , let him conclude he is in infected , and fly to remedies without the losse of a moment of time , nèserò sapiant phryges . vii . the plague is one of the easiest diseases in the world to be cured , if it be taken within four hours after the first invasion , otherwayes , and for the most part mortal . this is the chief , and principal cause of so many mens losse . if people would observe this rule , i would undertake by the grace of the almighty , and without bragging ( i believe most men that know me , will believe me ) to cure nineteen of twenty ; and therefore i say , that people perish not so much by the difficulty of the cure , as because god almighty hath taken away their judgment , that they should not see , nor believe the means he hath appointed for them : quos perdere vult jupiter , priùs dementat . viii . the causes why so few escape are these . the scarcity of able physitians willing to attend that disease , the inefficacy of common remedies , the want of accommodation , as cloaths , fire , room , dyet , attendants , the wilfullnesse of the patient , his poverty , his neglecting the first invasion , and trifling away the time till it be too late ; a vapouring chymist with his drops , an ignorant apothecary with his blistering plasters , a wilfull surgeon , an impudent mountebanke , an intruding gossip , and a carelesse nurse . ix . is it not a strange infatuation for people so to flight their lives , as to cast them credulously upon the trial of a drop of i know not what ; of a water of i know not whom , and to neglect those remedies , which for the space of or years , have been found grounded upon reason , authorised by the best physitians in all ages , and approved certain by a constant experience ? x. let every one beware of those that set up bills for the curing of this and other diseases ; good wine needs no bush ; the wonders they promise , lay an ambush to your purses , and their care of your health , is lesse then that of your wealth . xi . let no body think that the causes of the plague proceed from any intempery in the elementary qualities of humane bodies , or from any ordinary putrefaction : it is either the immediate will of god , who sendeth us that scourge for the punishment of our sins , as appeareth in the holy scripture , by the aegyptians and the jews ; or from a peculiar and mediate disposition , and configuration of the starrs and planets . xii . he that shall consider that the seasons of the year are not always equal , but some summers are cool , others hot , others moist , and so of the rest of the seasons ; that some years bring forth one kind of vermine , others another ; some a peculiar murrain to horses , others to sheep , which will not hurt mankind ; will not deny but that also some diseases may happen to mankind , which will not be hurtful to beasts ; and that some position of planets and starrs , may bring warrs , others inundations , others pestilences , &c. which changes are most commonly preceded and forewarned by some extraordinary meteor , as this sad plague hath been by the last unhappy comet . xiii . if the starres and planets being in a benigne position do cheer up and preserve the life of all things , why then being in a malignant aspect , shall they not produce and send forth things that are enemies to our lifes ? therefore let it be concluded , that from whence comes first the safety and preservation of all things , from thence also proceeds their death and destruction . xiv . as there is a peculiar disposition in the heavens , which causeth , and sendeth forth the seeds of pestilence ; so there must also be a special preparation in countries , and bodies to receive it . hence it is that some are more apt to receive the infection then others . the causes of both these dispositions , are above the knowledge of humane understanding . xv. this malignant and occult quality of the plague , lieth chiefly in the spirits , or spiritual parts of the blood ; hence it is that the patients are neither thirsty , nor their urine altered , unlesse there be some other distempers joined with it . xvi . in a pestilential constitution of the air , there is scarce any other disease raigneth , but the plague , or some few others that will turn into it , by reason of the contagion and infection : therefore most part of the diseases mentioned in the bills of mortality , as feavers either simple or spotted , griping of the gutts , surfeits , toothaches , and wormes in children , loosenesse , bloody fluxes , &c. let them be accounted pestilential , and so be proceeded against accordingly . xvii . this pestilential feaver being of different nature from all others , and killing only by its malignity , and poisonous quality , and not by any preternatural heat , or intempery ; requireth also a peculiar way of cure , which is by cordials , sudorifick antidotes , all other evacuations , as purging , bleeding , vomiting , clystering , &c. either procured by art , or accidentally happening being mortal . the reason of it is , that the intention of nature for the cure of this disease ( as of all others , which proceed from poisonous qualities ) is to thrust , and expell the disease from the center to the circumference , and so to preserve the heart , which is the fountain of life . what can therefore a physitian ( who is but a minister , and servant of nature ) answer for himself , if while she is busied about her work , he goeth by his revulsions of purging , bleeding , clystering , &c. to disturb her , and take her away from her intention , and so to compell her in a manner , to bring the disease back again from the circumference to the center ? doth not even common experience teach us , that if you broach a barrel of beer whilest it is working , you destroy the intention of nature , and the beer will never be good for any thing ? what i say of the plague , let it be said also of the small pox . xviii . therefore assoon as any one findeth himself stricken with any one of the foresaid symptomes , viz. a head-ake , vomiting , faintnesse , or loosenesse , ( now that the times are contagious ) let him presently repair to a clean and warm roome , and let a light fire of wood be kindled in the chimney , to consume and destroy all the infectious vapours , that proceed both from the air , and the infected party . let the patient be presently put into a warm bed , himself wrapped in a sheet and blanket , having first put off his shirt ; that when he cometh to be dried , you may not be put to the trouble of pulling of his we t shirt , then give him one dragme of our antidote dissolved in four ounces of carduus posset , and covering him with cloaths very warme all over , leaving only his respiration free , and putting a warm brick to the soles of his feet , and another to his knees , let him sweat as long as he is able , or at least for the space of three or four houres , and be not afraid he should faint , if he hath breath enough . xix . if it should happen , as it doth commonly to those that are first taken by a vomiting , that the patient should cast up the antidote , you must give him another dose , and if he should cast this also , give him a third , and so continue still , till he keepeth it once ; for he will never cast it up afterwards , and though he should , yet by having taken it so often , some of the qualities of it will remain behind , that will work their effect . xx. children , that cannot , or will not take the remedy , must be compelled to it by powring it into their throat , with an instrument called by the greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is a kind of a spoon with a cover having a spout to put into the mouth , and powre it down . xxi . the patient having sweated three or four hours , ( the more the better ) you must give him a little more breath , and begin to take off the cloaths by degrees , and when you have dried him very well with warme cloths ( which all this while must hang by the fire with his shirt ) then pull away the wet sheet and blanket from under him , then give him his shirt , and after that drie his head , and take heed by all means , that any cold air should come into the room . after you have dried his head sufficiently , and that the party begins to cool , give him to drink leasurely two ounces of our cordial water , which is of an admirable vertue in this case , and also in all faintnesses , surfettings and poisons . this will refresh him so speedily and wonderfully , that he will presently forget the tiresomnesse of his sweating . xxii . when he is quite cold , give him to eat any thing he hath a mind too , so that it be of good juice , and easie digestion . let his drink be strong beer lukewarm , or some generous claret-wine ; for as we have said before , this feaver differeth from all others , and whereas in others we substract meat , and strong drink as much as we can , we must in this allow them , it being only a malignant quality , in which good meat and drink cannot hurt , but rather allay it ; as also because the patient would not be able to sweat twice a day in this manner ( which of necessiry he must do if he will save his life ) unlesse his strength be repaired with good nutriment . xxiii . this course of sweating twice a day , must be continued for four days together , or five at the most , in which space of times all the pestilential poison will expire , and if this be carefully done , and attended , there is no plague so stubborn of any kind whatsoever , but must yeild . xxiv . seeing therefore that this way of cure is so easy , so cheap , and so quick : i cannot but wonder at the impudence of many , qui impune ladentes de corio humano , promise the cure with a few chymical drops , mineral bezoart , and such like trumperies , and at the credulity of those that believe them . xxv . but because in reprehending others we our selves should not be found faulty , and thought in this publick calamity to seek our own interrest , by concealing what our antidote is , we do ingeniously and publickly declare , that it is nothing but the treacle of andromachus , vulgarly called venice treacle , so much celebrated by galen , and so much authorised by the constant experience of all subsequent ages , to which we have added a little of the tincture of saffron , for their sakes chiefly that have contracted the plague by a fright , and whom we have alwayes found the hardest to be cured , because of the sudden and deep impression it maketh upon the vitals . saffron being one of the most noble cordials , and of the most quick and sudden dilatation . xxvi . this noble remedy , called venice-treacle , being taken in time , is the only antidote against all plagues , poisons , bitings , and stingings of venemous beasts , a present help to the falling-sicknesse , and apoplectical fits , to the palsy , tissick , spitting of blood , jaundies , dropsy , colick , and all kind of melancholy , the gout , madnesse , &c. it procureth the natural courses in women , openeth obstructions , expelleth dead children out of the womb , strengthneth the braines , the liver , the stomack , the heart , and ( in a word ) the whole body , and preserveth it from all contagion and putrefaction . xxvii . our cordial and miraculous water is thus made . take of venice-treacle one pound , of the roots of cypress , tormentill , enula campana , dictamnum , of each one ounce , angelica , and carduus-benedictus , leaves of each one handfull , of the four cordial-flowers , of each a quarter of an ounce , of saffron a quarter of an ounce , cut the roots and leaves small , and dissolve your treacle in a pint of rose-water , then add to all that four quarts and a pint of the best and strongest claret-wine you can get . steepall in a vessel close stopped a whole night , in the morning still it in balneo , and draw two quarts of the first water and keep it for your use ; you may draw the rest of the liquour too if you will , but keep it by it self , and sweeten the first pottle of water with half a pound of loaf sugar , and keep it in a glass well stopped for your use . xxviii . whereas we have said before that the pestilential feaver was alwaies , or most commonly accompanied with either of these three symptomes , to wit , a botch , a carbuncle , or the tokens : we say now , that for the tokens , they require no particular cure , but only the general one of sweating ; but the other two must have a peculiar one for themselves , besides that of sweating ; and therefore first concerning the botch . xxix . a pestilent botch , is a swelling or tumour growing most commonly in the emunctories of the bodie , as behind the ears , in the arm-pits , but most frequently in the groin . it s figure in the beginning is oblong , with ( as it were ) a string or a sinew along in the middle of it , but by degrees it groweth round , and of the breadth of some times . or . or . fingers . the cure of it is first with a cupping-glass to draw it forth as much as you can , and then bring it to maturitie and suppuration , with either a drawing pultis or plaster . xxx . the pultis is thus made . take of roots of cumfrey and lilies , and of onions , of each one ounce , of the leaves of sorrell one handfull , fry them tender with sweet butter , then stamp them altogether , and add some oil of lilies , hoggs grease , mithridate , and yest , and make a pultis to be applied warm upon the botch , and to be renewed once every twelve hours . it will speedily draw forth , maturate , and break the botch . as for a plaster , you shall find none better then that which is made of equal portions , of pitch , galbanum , and diachylon cum gummi , melted together upon a soft fire . the botch being broken , the common ointment called basilicon will suffice for the cure and cicatrization of it , dressing it twice a day , till it be quite whole . xxxi . a pestilential carbuncle appeareth at first like a tumour or pustule , as if the flesh had been burnt in that place , and is at first about the bignesse of a pins head , or a little pease , but sometimes groweth to a fearfull bignesse ; it is of a round and sharp-pointed figure , and sticketh so fast to the part , where it groweth , that the skin cannot be loosened from the flesh . there is a great heat , burning and pain , as if the part was pricked with needles , with an unsufferable itching . when the tumour groweth bigger , there appeareth in the middle of it a pustule , like those that appear where the flesh hath been burnt ; any body would think there is some matter in it , but when it is open no matter cometh out , but the flesh under looketh black and crustie , as if it had been burnt with a hot iron . round about it the flesh is of several colours , as the rain-bow , red , purple , black , and alwaies shining as pitch or seacoles in every carbuncle there is a feeling as it were , of a great weight , as if the part was crushed with a heavie lump of lead , and tied too hard with a string . those that go back again into the bodie after they have appeared , or being brought to suppuration do grow drie on a sudden , are mortal . these carbuncles proceed from an adust ▪ cholerick and melancholick blood , and are more frequent in hot countries , as the botches are in the cold ones . xxxii . the cure of a carbuncle is to bring it to a softnesse and suppur●tion : therefore first take mallowes and violet leafs , the roots of lilies , linseed in powder , figgs sliced , plantain , hemlock and housleeke , boil all in a sufficient quantity of running water , and make a fomentation to be used four or five times a day , and after the fomentation apply this pultis lukewarm ; take of mallowes and violet leafs , sorrell , housleeke , of each two handfulls , fry them in sweet butter , and stamp them afterwards with the yolks of five eggs and and four ounces of honie of roses and make a pultis to be renewed every . hours . pultises in this case are alwayes to be preferred before plaisters ; because plaisters stop the pores of the bodie , and hinder the expiration of the pestilential venome . xxxiii . let it be observed for a most material thing , that the pulse in the plague is always quick , small , obscure and intermittent . xxxiv . having now in a few lines expressed the nature and cure of the plague , and its symptomes , it remaineth also we should give some praeservative against it . therefore take of sage , rue , angelica , and carduus benedictus , of each one good handfull , stamp all , and boil them gently in a close pipkin with three quarts of very good claret , till it cometh to two , adding to it three penny waight of long pepper , three quarters of an ounce of ginger , half an ounce of nutmeggs beaten in powder ; when the liquour is boiled , strain it , and dissolve in it half an ounce of mithridate , and as much of venice treacle , and one dragme of good saffron , and keep it all in a close glasse for your use . the dose is two spoonfulls in a morning , fasting one hour after , and then go to breakfast , which is never to be omitted in infectious times . xxxv . the short compasse of two sheets of paper admitting no more , i shall conclude , assuring all the readers , that i have said nothing here , but what is most true , and i am able to justifie by reason and experience , as those will find , who shall be pleased to employ me . from my house in clerkenwell close , near the church , the . day of septemb. . gakencieres . finis . the true inquisition or the sad soules search preached at newport, may . in the primary visitation of the worshipfull mr. edvvard burbye, archdeacon of winton. dby w. iones, b. of d. preacher to the isle of wight, and vicar of arreton. jones, william, b. or . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the true inquisition or the sad soules search preached at newport, may . in the primary visitation of the worshipfull mr. edvvard burbye, archdeacon of winton. dby w. iones, b. of d. preacher to the isle of wight, and vicar of arreton. jones, william, b. or . [ ], , [ ] p. printed by william iones dwelling in red-crosse-streete, london : . reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- sermons. sermons, english -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the trve inqvisition . or the sad sovles search : preached at newport , may . . in the primary visitation of the worshipfull mr. edvvard bvrbye arch-deacon of winton . by w. iones , b. of d. preacher to the isle of wight , and vicar of arreton . let every man prove his owne worke , gal. . london printed by william jones dwelling in red-crosse-streete , . to the vvorshipfvll , master edvvard bvrbye , arch-deacon of winton sir vpon your word , this sermon was made and preached . and though the importunity of some drew it to the presse beyond my intent : yet it is desirous to returne unto you againe , that under the wings of your protection , it may remaine as a faithfull witnesse of my unfeined desire , of the reformation of the whole deanery of the isle of wight to which if you according to your place , shal put your helping hand , and deale couragiously , the lord shall be with you : and we shall not cease praying , that you may bee an ancient and honorable father in israel . from my studie at arreton , june . . your vvorships at command in the lord iesus , william iones . the trve inqvisition , or the sad sovles search . lamentations . . let us search and try our wayes , and turne againe to the lord. t is very probable that when the iewes were going into captivity , as t is threatned , ierm . . then ieremie made this booke of lamentations ; wherein he first sets downe the greatnesse of gods judgements . secondly , the heinousnesse of their sinnes . thirdly , he exhorts the people to repentance . fourthly , he invites them to lay hold on gods mercy by faith . the words of my text are the summe of the whole booke , which may bee thus rendred in a few more words . yee see , my deere countrymen , how the lord hath afflicted us ; and doubtlesse the cause is our sinnes . it shall therefore be our wisedome to examine our selves narrowly , wherein wee have transgressed ; and then to returne into the path of gods commandements , that hee may have mercy upon us , and remove his judgements from us . now behold the judgements of god have long hovered over our land : wherefore as ieremy then called the iews to search their waies ; so is it seasonable for every minister of the gospell among us , to call his people to examination of their wayes , that the feirce wrath of god may be turned from us . and for my part at this time i am called to make a visitation sermon : yee see the visitors are come to inquire concerning all our wayes . what fitter exhortation then can i make , than this of the wise prophet ? let us search and try our wayes , and turne againe to the lord. in this exhortation i observe two parts ; the first stands in searching and trying our wayes : the second , in turning againe to the lord. concerning the former part in those words , let us search and try our wayes , i note three particulars . first , who be the persons summoned in the particle us . secondly the act , which is twofold , search , and try . thirdly the object to bee searched and tryed , our wayes . touching the first , the persons summoned in the particle , us ; no question but ieremie speakes to the body of the iewes , including himselfe . for though he was a righteous man , yet he knew as david saith , psal . . . that in gods sight , no man living is justified . to the whole congregation of israel therefore doth ieremy speake , including himselfe when he saith , let us search , &c. in like manner at this time , doe i direct my speech to the whole deanery of the isle of wight , not excluding my selfe , or any of my brethren of the ministery . nay more , including you also right worshipfull that are come to visite us , and all your officers from the highest to the lowest ; yea and all that have any hand in this daies visitation , as church-wardens and sidemen , plainetiffes , defendants , and witnesses , all that prove wills , or take upon them the administration of other mens goods : in a word , to you all that heare me this day , as also to my selfe , doe i say in the word of the lord , let us search and try our wayes . for though perhaps some among us are not such heinous sinners as others ; yet we cannot but confesse if wee will speake the truth , that in many things we sinne all : and therefore have just cause every one to search and try our wayes ; wherefore i say againe and againe , let us all and every one of us , search and try our wayes . i doe not deny but it is the part of the magistrate , and the duty of the minister , and church-wardens , and all swornemen , to search and try the wayes of all that are committed to their charge ; and woe be unto them if they doe not : but yet it is laid as a burden upon every particular person to search himselfe , according to that cor. . . let a man , i. every man , examine him selfe , and againe , let every man prove his owne worke , gal. . . neither shall we thinke it strange , that every man is called to the strict examination of himselfe , if we marke the reason . for first , they to whom the care of others is committed , many times are carelesse . secondly , no man can take notice of all anothers wandrings ; the heart is deceit full above measure , who can search it ? ier. , . thirdly , every one of us shall give account to god of himselfe , rom. , . every man shall beare his owne burden , gal. . . t is true , if the magistrate , and minister , and other overseers , warne not the wicked whom they espie , but let them goe on in sinne , god will require their blood at their hands ; but yet they shall dye in their sinnes , and beare their owne punishment , ezec. . . which being so , every one that is wise will ponder his owne paths ; every one that hath understanding will search and try his owne wayes . so ye have the first particular , every man , high or low , rich or poore , learned or unlearned , bond or free , must search and try his owne wayes . the second particular to bee considered is the act , which is twofold , search , and try . by searching , wee must understand a narrow looking into our courses by taking speciall view of them all . david expresses the meaning when hee sayes , psal . . . i considered my wayes , that is , as other translations have it , i thougt on my wayes , or , i called all my wayes to my remembrance . so then being in my text commanded to search our wayes , t is as if we had beene enjoyned to ponder all our wayes , or to call to our remembrance , as much as wee can , all our by-past thoughts , words , and deeds . moreover when we have searched , or taken speciall notice of all our wayes , we are commanded in the second place to try them , that is , to weigh them in the ballance of the sanctuary , and prove them by the touch-stone of gods word , whether they be good and current , or not . behold then thy duty , whosoever thou art . thou must often enter into serious examination and consideration of all thy wayes : thou must every day ponder with thy selfe , whether thy conversation be sutable to gods will or not . concerning this searching and trying in worldly matters , we are for the most part very wise : he that hath a flock of sheepe , will have a shepheard to handle them dayly . he that hath much land , will have a bay liffe to oversee it continually . yee need not bid the merchant try his silver & gold , and search his other commodities . who doth not often talke and inquire concerning the estate of his body ? but concerning the estate of our soules , wee are too too negligent . i may say of our dayes as ieremy . . i hearkned and heard , but they spake not aright , no man repented him of his wickednesse , saying , what have i done ? every one turneth to his course as the horse rusheth into the battell . vnto whom shall i compare the men of this generation ? certainely they are like the people of laish : iudg. . . the children of dan came unto laish , a quiet people and without mistrust , and smote them with the edge of the sword , &c. even so , though wee heare daily , that the divill like a roaring lyon goes about seeking whom hee may devoure , pet. . . and that our lusts daily warre against our soules , pet. . . and that the whole world lyes in wickednesse , ioh. . . yet we lie still snorting in our sinnes . yea more , though it be most apparant that the lord hath whet his sword , and prepared instruments of death , as the plague , famine , and the sword , which have in our country and among our neighbours , devoured many thousands , and ten thousands within these few yeares , yet we are not moved hereby to search and try our wayes : wee sleepe like a man upon the top of a maste . thus much for the second particular , the twofold act , search and try . i come to the third particular , which is the object , or what we must search and try , namely , our wayes . and here by this word wayes , we must understand our thoughts , words , and works : so they are often termed in the scripture , gen. . . all flesh had corrupted his way , i. all mankind had polluted their manners , they were growne dissolute in their thoughts , words , and deeds . now , our thoughts , words and deedes are termed our wayes , because by them we walke as t were to heaven or hel , as by the kings high way we passe from towne to towne . hee that thinkes good thoughts , speakes good words , and doth good workes , is walking in the way to heaven . bona opera sunt via regn : i. good works are the way to the kingdome of heaven ; which god hath ordeined that wee should walke in them , ephe. . . hee that thinkes evill thoughts , speakes evill words , doth evill deeds , is walking in the way to hell . prov. . . salomon saith the house of a whore is the way to hell : i. whoremongers and adulterers are walking in the ready way that leades to hell . the like may bee said of the practise of any sinne , in thought , word , or deed ; t is the way to hell . so then , whereas the prophet sayes , let us search and try our wayes , t is as if he had sayd , let us examine our thoughts , words and deeds ; let us consider wherein we have transgressed the commandements of god , or done ought against his will. and here it is to be noted that he saies our wayes , not other mens wayes : in this search wee must have an eye to our owne thoughts , words and deedes . this is a singular point of wisedome ; but very many of us fayle most grosly therein . we are for the most part like those whom st. august . . confess . calls , curiosum genus hominum ad cognoscendum vitam alienam , desidiosum ad corrigendum suam : wee are curious in searching other mens wayes , negligent in correcting our owne . i doe not deny but a man may take notice of his neighbours wandrings , and rebuke him too ; t is the lords owne commandement , levit. . . thou shalt freely rebuke thy neighbour , and not suffer sinne upon him . and verily we have all much to answere for , because wee have not seasonably reproved our offending neighbours . but the course that i now tax , is , that many are so buysie in searching other mens waies , that they neglect their owne : and yet they thinke themselves wise men . but a wiser than the wisest saith , prov. . . if thou beest wise , thou shalt bee wise for thy selfe . yea the heathen man platarch de curiosit . saith , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 t is the end of philosophy , to know a mans owne evills . and the orator saith very well , ne quicquam sapit qui sibi non sapit , he is wise in vaine , that is not wise for himselfe . wherfore let us carefully hearken to the counsell of the wisedome of god , which saith , prov. . . let thy eye lids direct thy way before thee ; ponder the path of thy feet : and let all thy wayes be ordered aright . and whereas he sayes , let all thy wayes be ordered , it gives me occasiō to put you in mind , that he that will make a true search , must search all his wayes , and try all his thoughts , words , and deeds . t is not sufficient to examine some , or many of our wayes : but we must ponder all our wayes . if a shippe spring three leakes , and onely two bee stopped , the third will sinke the shippe . if a man have two greevous wounds in his body , and take order to cure onely one , that which is neglected will kill him . quidve exempta juvat spinis de pluribus una ? even so if we having divers lusts which fight against our soules , do mortifie but some of them , t is to no purpose . god cannot indure these halfe-services . hee that will be a man after gods owne heart , must with david , ps . . . utterly abhor all falswais . the pharises were very precise in manythings ; yet christ calls them hypocrites , and cryes woe unto them , because they walked not circumspectly in all their wayes . the truth is , he that unfeinedly bends his mind against any one sinne , hates all sinnes ; and hee that favours himselfe in any one sinne never so small , never so secret : this man hates no sinne heartily , what shew soever hee makes . he may perhaps eschew some sinnes , for some sinister respects , as namely because they will not sort with his ordinary courses ; or are not ageeable to his complexion ; or would hinder him more another way ; or because he is taken up of so many other uncleane spirits , that give him no leasure for these . who will contend the covetous crib , for hating prodigality , and excesse in meat , drinke , and apparrell ? who knowes not that he hence reaps no small advantage ? what considerate man will thinke the better of a prodigall spend thrift , because he heares him rayle against this or that miserable churle ? iudas was angry at the waste of the box of precious oyntment , and said it might have bin sold and given to the poore : but t was not because he loved the poore , or hated waste , but because hee carried the bag and was a theefe . the pharises were very strict in tything mint , annise & cummin , but if they had done this sincerely , they would not have neglected the weightier matters of the law. for hee that lookes to some of his waies in obedience unto gods commandement , for the same reason must and will looke unto all : and he that hath not an eye to all his wayes , in truth regards none . so then let all that heare me this day , take speciall notice that we are all summoned this day , to search and try all our wayes : i say againe ; wee are all bound and commanded , to search and try all our wayes . though in regard of some of our courses we are applauded in the world , and know that we have done worthily ; yet wee must proceed further , and narrowly search and examine all our whole conversation , and all the passages of our life . sam. . . when saul returned from the slaughter of the amalekites , he said vnto samuel , thou blessed of the lord , i have performed the commandement of the lord : and yet yee know , he had spared agag the king , and the fat cattell , contrary to the commandement . in like manner there bee very many in these dayes , who thinke themselves good christians , because they have done & do many good things , and eschew many evill wayes : they heare the word preached , they pray , they come to the lords table , they give almes ; they are no murderers , adulterers , theeues ; hereupon they conclude , as saul did , they have performed the commandement of the lord : whereas if they would search and try all their wayes , they would see that they come farre short in other points . for though they heare gods word duly , they hate to be reformed : though they keepe some part of the lords day holy , they spend some other part prophanely : though they often call upon gods name devoutly , they oftner take his name in vain most fearefully . though they steale not their neighbors good , they rob him of his good name : though they will not strike with the sword , their hearts are full fraught with murderous and malicious thoughts . for this cause we must search and try all our wayes ; we must suffer no one to escape without due examination . moreover , if upon sound tryall of our own personall wayes , we be able to say truely with ezechiah , isay . . we have walked before god in truth , and with a perfect heart , and have done that which is good in his sight , & as david saith ps . . . have kept our selves from our owne iniquitie ; yet we must not here cease searching ; we must proceed to searchand try all the wayes of those that are committed unto our charge , because we must answere unto god for them . iob was a man perfect and upright , and one that feared god and eschewed evill , by gods owne testimony , iob . . yet iob thought not this enough , but continued sanctifying his children , and offering sacrifice for them , iob. . . goe thou and doe likewise . thou must bee as carefull in searching and trying all the wayes of thy servants and children , &c. as thine owne ; wherein because eli fayled , hee was fearefully plagued by the lord , sam. . to conclude this point , if thou be a private man , thou must not prie into the wayes of thy neighbours : but concerning those abominations which are openly committed in the land , thou art bound with them , ezech . . to bewaile the same : but if thou art a magistrate , thou must search out and reforme all abuses in thy quarter : thou must not beare the sword in vaine : for thou art the minister of god , a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evill , rom. . . lastly , though this course of searching and trying our waies , must be taken principally when god visiteth us with any plague : or when the civill , or ecclesiasticall magistrate ( as now ) comes to inquire concerning our wayes ; yet ought it to be daily and continually used , because we are apt to go astray continually , & to wander every moment . but the most convenient time , for this searching and trying all our wayes , by st. chrysostome and others , is thought to be every evening . thus have i shewed unto you a point of singular wisdome , to be put in practise every day by all men , all the dayes of their lives . many therefore of this generation , are not so wise as they would be accounted , because either altogether , or in part , they neglect this duty of searching and trying their wayes . some ( let all things go how they will ) passe their dayes in sottish security , and never say to their owne soules so much as , what have i done , untill with the rich glutton , they bee suddenly plunged into hell . others , though they be earnestly exhorted to search and try their wayes , will by no meanes entertaine any counsell in this kind , but go on resolutely as they have done . in this ranke stand , first our recusant papists , who will doe as their fathers and grandfathers have done , tell them what ye can . secondly of this number are very many profane wretches , which seeme to hate instruction , and put off all admonition with a scoffe . thirdly , here also may be ranged much people , men and women , who having entered into some unlawfull course , wherein they find , either pleasure , as herod in his brother philips wife , luk. . or profit , as the craftsmen in making shrines for the temple of diana , acts . . or honour , as naaman in going with his mr. to his idolatrous house , kings . cannot indure to heare , that they must search and try their waies , because they are resolved whatsoever they heare not to change their course . such are in these dayes our common stage-players , gamehousekeepers , ministrells , jesters , typlers , stewes , vsurers , &c. all these abhor this searching and trying of their wayes . they will not indure to have the lawfullnesse of their courses called in question . others there are which performe this duty but onely in part , and of these there are divers sorts ; first , are they which doe but talke of it , as felix , acts . . who when paul preached of righteousnesse , temperance , and judgement to come , trembled , but said , go thy way , and when i have a convenient time , i will send for thee : but hee never sent . even so many in these dayes , when they heare a searching sermon , say here is good doctrine , t is pitty but it should be followed , but after that time never thinke upon it againe . secondly , some are almost perswaded to search their wayes , as agrippa who said to paul , acts . . almost thou perswadest mee to bee a christian . but this almost will not serve the turne . thirdly , some search and try their wayes , but friendly as ahab , kings . . when he heard elias threatning , rent his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted , &c. but as soone as the storme was over , he was the same man : even so now , when god sends any judgement , publicke or private , there be many that will cast downe their countenance , and speake humbly , and mournfully ; but when god ceases the plague , their submission is ended . fourthly some seeme to search and try their wayes soundly , but t is onely some of their waies ; others must not be touched . we have an example in herod , mark. . . herod when hee heard iohn did many things at his preaching : but when iohn told him of his incest with his brothers wife , hee could no longer beare , but cast iohn into prison . even so now , there are not a few which are perswaded to search and try many of their waies , but they will by no meanes examine all : and among these , first , some search onely great and grosse sinnes , as may appeare , because they usually say , i am no whore , nor theefe , i am no murderer , no adulterer ; and yet they abound with lesser sinnes . secondly , some straine at a gnat , and swallow a camell : they are very precise in searching out some small faults , and yet suffer grand sinnes to reigne without controll . thirdly , some are zealous for the first table ; they abhor atheisme , they hate idols , they will not sweare , nor breake the sabbath : but they little regard the second table : for they oppresse , defraud and wrong their neighbours many waies without scruple . fourthly some will stand upon their iustification , that they deale justly and charitably with all men ; but yet make no bones of taking gods name in vaine , or breaking the sabbath . fiftly , some seem so to look to their waies , that they cannot greatly be taxed for the open breach of the first or second table , as they concerne god & their neighbour : but touching their owne persons , they are very irregular ; they walke not soberly , temperately , humbly ; but proudly , wantonly , or riotously . in the fift place , some search and try all their owne wayes , but they are negligent in searching and trying the waies of those that are committed to their charge . in the sixth place , some seeme fully to put this precept in execution ; they search and try all their wayes , and the wayes of their friends and families , and set all in a good course : but on a sudden , upon some temptation of wealth , pleasure or honor , they start backe & with demas embrace this present world . thus yee see how many are defective in the due performance of this maine , and most necessary duty of searching and trying their wayes . what remaines but that i exhort every one of you , to take speciall notice of the sore of his owne heart ; i meane the particular case wherein he hath offended , touching this searching and trying of his wayes , that so for the time to come , he may better performe the same . i presse this duty of searching and trying our waies the rather , because i find that many among the heathen have done it very diligently . cicero de senectute , brings in cato saying , quid quoque die dixerim , audierim , egerim , commemoro vesperi , i. what i have said , heard , done , every day , i recount at evening . seneca lib. . de ira , cap. . saies that sextius was wont every night to call himselfe to a reckoning , saying , quod hodie malum tuum sanasti , i. what evill of thine hast thou cured this day ? againe , seneca saith of himselfe , that he was wont without faile , every night to examine himselfe upon his bed , concerning the foregoing day . i might cite many more , but others have done it ; and these are enough to cry shame upon us christians , if wee will not practise such an excellent duty , which hath so many commandements , promises , and threatnings in the scripture . besides , there is no course in the world which is more avayleable , either to bring us into gods favour , or to keepe us from wandring , than this daily searching and trying of our wayes . for the first , one sayes very well , illam animam diligit deus quae se sinecessatione considerat , et sine simalatione judicat , god loves that soule , which without ceasing searches it selfe , and without guile judges it selfe : and if we would thus judge our selves , we should not be judged of the lord , cor. . . secondly , ther 's no better meanes to keepe us from wandring , than this daily searching & trying our wayes . if wee would stand upon our watch , & daily examine all our thoughts , words and deeds , only concerning these two questions , whence they come , and whither they tend ; t is impossible we should fall into sinne , at least lye in sinne as we commonly doe . for want of this searching and trying their wayes , it is , that all the posterity of adam fall so foully . nay , if eue had tryed the words of the serpent ; or adam considered the gift of his wife ; neither the one , nor the other had eaten the forbidden fruit . if cain had but said to his soule , when he went about to kil abel , what art thou now about to do ? he would never have done it . if david had tryed his strange lust , when hee first saw vriahs wife , he would have made a covenant with his eyes as iob did . all the fearefull falls of the children of god when they were negligent , are so many testimonies , that without this daily searching and trying our wayes , we cannot be safe , and no marvell . for no sinne appeares at the first in its owne proper hue , but masked , and in the likenesse of some vertue . if therefore we neglect this point of wisdome : i meane , if wee doe not daily search and try our wayes , wee must needs entertaine some vice in stead of vertue . for neglect of this searching & trying , it comes to passe that in these dayes , there bee so many drunkards , fornicators swearers , &c. the drunkard saith to his mates , come sirs , shall we goe play the good fellows ? he will not say for shame , shall we goe and be drunke ? then few but would seeme to abhor the motion . the fornicator , that he may compasse his desire , comes to a mayd , and promises her present marriage . how many have beene thus deluded ? and yet few will take heed . the swearer alleages for himselfe , that either he is constrained to sweare , or that hee sweares nothing but the truth . in like manner , all other sinnes come stealing upon us under vertuous names : pride in apparrell and building , will bee stiled neatnesse ; covetousnesse , thrift ; riotous behaviour and filthy talke , merriment ; malice , a good stomach ; revenge , courage ; prodigality , a kinde heart , &c. if therefore we be not carefull to search and try all our wayes , yee see how easily we may be deceived . on the other side , if we daily and truely search & try every course that is propounded to us , before wee adventure upon it , we shall be preserved from many sinnes , as we may see by the example of ioseph , gen. . . iosephs masters wife , an honorable woman , cast her eyes upon ioseph , & shee said , lie with me . ioseph trying and examining the motion , answers v. . how can i do this great wichednesse , and sinne against god ? in like manner if we would try & examine all motions which are made to us , we should be innocent from great offences . but perhaps some will say unto mee as david doth , psal . . . who can understand his errors ? if wee cannot understand them , how shall wee search and try them ? i answere , when i say that every man must search and try all his wayes , i doe not imagine that every one can presently understand all his errors ; satan by his subrilty will so blinde us ; the world by evill customes will so sway us ; the flesh by her sweet allurements will so be witch us , that though we be never so circumspect in searching , some small faults will escape a long time . but if wee heartily pray for the pardon of all secret faults , and continue daily to use all wholesome meanes to find them out , god will accept our honest endeavour . but yee will say further , what meanes must wee use in searching and trying our wayes ? answ . the philosophers make reason , the touchst one of all our actions . to reason also some of the fathers seeme to ascribe too much . but the truth is , humane reason is so corrupt since the fall of adam , that it is not fit to be the cheife in this buisnesse . but thankes be to god wee have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a more sure word , as t is called pet. . . to this if we take heed we doe well . this word was given by inspiration , pet. . . this word is pure , inlightning the eyes , psal . . . t is a light unto our paths , psal . . . t is able to make us wise unto salvation , tim . . t is profitable for doctrine , for reproofe , for correction , for instruction in righteousnesse , v. . in a word , the word of god is quick , and powerfull , and sharper than any two edged sword , peircing even to the deviding asunder of the soule and spirit , and is a discerner of the thoughts & intents of the heart , heb. . . lastly , we shall be judged by the word , at the day of judgement , ioh. . . ro. . . all which considered , t is most plaine , that the word of god is the best light and rule to search and try all our actions . and now if all wee , which are here gathered together , should examine our waies by this word of god , certainly many of them would be found very crooked . it is not possible for me in the short space allotted for this exercise , to touch all our wayes : i will therefore meddle onely with those , which are most properly inquirable at this visitation court. and because the messenger of god , must bee as god himselfe , no respecter of persons , i will begin with the cheife and mine owne coate , and tell them wherein their wayes are thought , not to be agreeable to gods word . and because right worshipfull , you and your officers , come to inquire what fame there goes of us , i thinke it very requisite , to informe you first what fame goes of your selves , that yee may take occasion to search and try your owne wayes , before ye meddle with others . this then is the common fame of the country , that , whether it be through the fault of the cheife magistrate , and his officiall , commissary , or surrogates , or register , or sumners ; offenders are not ordinarily censured , according to the nature of their offence . and that the great and rich , get through your ecclesiastical nets , as easily as hornets through the spiders webbe . but that the poorer sort stand excommunicated a long time , though they be never so penitent , onely because they have no money to pay . moreover , that in your visitation courts , most of you are more greedy of gaine , than sollicitous for reformation , which is the maine end of these assemblies . lastly , that in your consistory , you and the procters prolong trifling causes , for the multiplying of fees : and that factious plaintiffes , which wage law for the vexation of their neighbours , find too favorable entertainement . now for my part , i doe not accuse any man , but if these reports bee true : then i must needes admonish you in the word of the lord , iam. . . that yee clense your hands , and purifie your hearts , & be afflicted , and mourne and weepe . and i pray you remember as saint paul saith , rom. . . that you beare not the sword in vaine . remember also what the rock and god of israel said to david , sam. . . hee that ruleth over men must be just , ruling in the feare of god. wherefore as good iehosaphat said to his iudges , chron. . . take heede what yee doe : for yee judge not for man , but for the lord , who is with you in judgement ; wherefore now let the feare of god bee upon you , take heed and doe it . for there is no iniquity with the lord our god , nor respect of persons , nor taking of gifts . gifts , as god saith , deut. . ; blinde the eyes of the wise . lastly , to all the officers of this court , i say in the name of the lord , as iohn baptist said to the publicans , luke . . exact no more than is appointed you , remembring that extortion is a damnable sinne . and what shall it profit a man to winne the whole world , and loose his owne soule ? sayes christ mat. . . in the second place , touching us ministers , there bee many complaints that wee doe not according to the word of the lord , take heed to our selves , and the flocks , over which the holy ghost hath made us overseers . some of us are carelesse touching our owne lives ; wee are not examples to our people , as the spirit commands , tim. . , in word , in conversation , in charity , in spirit , in faith , in purity . yea t is verified of some of us which was spoken , hos . . . there shall be like people , like priest . againe , though the spirit charge us all , tim. , before god and the lord iesus , to preach the word , and be instant in season , out of season ; to reprove , rebuke , exhort : yet divers of us , are more carefull in feeding our selves , than in feeding our flocks . but above all , we are said to be generally defective , in that most necessarie part of our office , catechising , whereunto wee have of late yeares bene so often exhorted , both by our kings and bishops . i know what most doe alleadge , that parents and masters , will not cause their children and servants to come to bee catechised ; but i know withall , that if we had beene as zealous in the lords cause , as wee are for the most part for our owne commodities , we might have done a great deale more good this way than wee have done . wherefore , my deere brethren , i beseech you all in the name of the lord iesus , who hath committed his lambes , as well as his sheepe to our care ; let us all with one heart , and with all our might , set upon this most laudable and profitable exercise of catechising ; without which , we shall doe little good by our preaching . the third sort of people that are agents in this visitation court , are the church-wardens and sidemen , who are bound by oath to present unto the iudge all offenders . but except there bee some notorious crime which they thinke cannot ly hid , they use to present omnia bene ; and herein they thinke they deale very wisely . for as i have heard some of them say , we shall bring fees to the court , and nothing shall be the better . but i pray you consider , in the meane time ye forsweare your selves , and incurre the heavy wrath of god. for god will not take it for an excuse that ye say , though we should present , the iudge will not reforme . the iudge shall beare his owne burden ; and what a fearfull thing it is for you to fall into the hands of the living god , by that abominable sinne of perjury ? wherefore what conceit soever ye have had here tofore , touching these visitation courts . now i admonish you in the name of him who shall judge both quick and dead , present all offenders against the canons without fear or favour : ye are ordained as the eyes and watchmen of the iudge in every parish . and if yee were carefull according to your oath , wherewith you binde your soules every visitation , to present drunkards , swearers , raylers , scolds , slanderers , ribaudes , sowers of discords , fornicators , adulterers , sabbath breakers , &c. doutlesse iniquity would not abound in every parish as it doth . lastly , i may say to the whole congregation , and to every sort and degree , from the highest to the lowest , that if we would search and try our wayes by the rule of gods word , they will appeare very irregular ▪ yea more , those things wherein we walke most sutable to gods will , t is to be feared , we do them only superficially , & for forme and fashion , rather than for conscience and obedience to god and his word . we which are gods ministers , for the most part preach for forme , and ye which professe your selves to bee gods people , heare for forme . for when the sermon is ended , we all depart , and thinke upon it no more , as if we had fully done our dutie in speaking , and yee in hearing , and there were no more required at our hands . this is the cause why though there be so much preaching in the land daily , yet there is very small progresse in piety . which being so , what remaines , but that i admonish you all and my selfe also , in the words of the second part of my text , to turne againe to the lord ? this is the onely course for all that have gone astray , as you may see , ioel . . . there the lord exhorts the sinnefull iewes , and all that have sinned as they did , saying , turne yee even to mee withall your heart , and with fasting , and with weeping , and with mourning , and rent your hearts & not your garments , and turne to the lord your god : for he is gracious , and mercifull , slow to anger , and of great kindnesse , and repenteth him of the evill . i. if wee weepe and rent our hearts for all our wandrings , and turne from all our by-pathes to serve the lord , in sobriety , righteousnesse , and godlinesse , god will remove from us , all the plagues and judgements which he hath sent or threatned . but if we goe on in our evill wayes , then the lord will powre downe his vialls of indignation upon us : god will wound the hairy scalp of such as go on still in their trespasses , psal . . . wherefore i say againe for a conclusion , let us throughly search and try all our wayes , and whiles t is called to day begin to turne to the lord our god with all our hearts , and with fasting , and with weeping , and with mourning : oh let us rent & teare our soules with godly sorrow for all our transgressions of gods ordinances , and especially at this time , for our formall and perfunctory usage of these visitation courts , which are ordained meerely , for the reformation of the faults of the country ; so shal not iniquity be our destruction : for the lord desires not the death of a sinner , but rather that he should repent and live . this repentance unto life he give us , who gave himselfe for us , even iesus christ our righteousnesse . to whom with the father , and the holy ghost , be honour and power everlasting , amen . finis . certaine rules, directions, or advertisements for this time of pestilentiall contagion with a caveat to those that weare about their neckes impoisoned amulets as a preservative from the plague. first published for the behoofe of the citie of london, in the two visitations, & . and reprinted for the benefit of the said citie now visited, and all other parts of the land that may or shall hereafter be: by francis herring ... whereunto is added certaine directions, for the poorer sort of people when they shall be visited. herring, francis, d. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) certaine rules, directions, or advertisements for this time of pestilentiall contagion with a caveat to those that weare about their neckes impoisoned amulets as a preservative from the plague. first published for the behoofe of the citie of london, in the two visitations, & . and reprinted for the benefit of the said citie now visited, and all other parts of the land that may or shall hereafter be: by francis herring ... whereunto is added certaine directions, for the poorer sort of people when they shall be visited. herring, francis, d. . [ ] p. printed by thomas paine, and are to be sold by mathew simmons at the gilded lyon in ducke lane, london : . signatures: a-c⁴ (-c ). reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- prevention -- early works to . medicine, magic, mystic, and spagiric -- controversial literature. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion certaine rules , directions , or advertisements for this time of pestilentiall contagion . with a caveat to those that weare about their neckes impoisoned amulets as a preservative from the plague . first published for the behoofe of the citie of london , in the two visitations , & . and reprinted for the benefit of the said citie now visited , and all other parts of the land that may or shall hereafter be : by francis herring , d. in physicke , and fellow of the colledge of physitians in london . whereunto is added certaine directions , for the poorer sort of people when they shall be visited . nvmb. . . and aaron tooke as moyses commanded , and ranne into the midst of the congregation : and behold the plague was begun among the people , and he put on incense , and made an atonement for the people . london , printed by thomas paine , and are to be sold by mathew simmons at the gilded lyon in ducke lane , . to the high and potent king , charles king of great britaine , france , and ireland , health and happinesse . ( soveraigne lord , ) they that are to treat with great potentates and personages are inioyned , to be short and sweet . if i faile in the last , i shall not misse of the first , — ne longo sermone morer tua tempora ( caesar . ) the last great mortalitie , i published certaine rules , and directions , for the prevention of the spreading of that contagious , and all devouring sicknesse . those briefe advertisements i have searched out , reviewed , somewhat inlarged , and brought forth againe , to the view and use , and i hope good of my citizens and countrimen . my presumption is , that though i shall purchase neither profit nor praise , yet i shall obtaine pardon of your maiestie , if tendring the common good of my country , i bring one pale-full , or rather dishfull of water , toward the quenching of the common flame . morbi ( ut rectè celsus med. latinorum princeps ) non curantur eloquentia , multò minus loquentia . especially this fierce fury , which is non morbus , sed monstrum , superans saepissime tum artem , tum naturam , not a disease , but a monster , over-matching , and quelling , oft-times both art and nature . the lord of glory and mercy keep your highnesse , with your most honourable councell from the rage of this man-slaying hydra , and all other both open and secret evils and enemies , and make you a wise and skilfull physitian to prevent the dangers , and cure the maladies of common-wealth and state. your maiesties humble subject and suppliant , francis herring . certaine rvles , directions , or advertisements for this time of pestilentiall contagion . the plague ( if you will have his true characterisme and essentiall forme ) is ictus irae divinae pro peccatis hominum , the stroke of gods wrath for the sinnes of mankinde . this is not onely the opinion of divines , but of all learned physitians , and acknowledged by the blinde heathen in all ages , by the light of nature . therefore his appropriate and speciall antidote is seria paenitentia , & conversio ad deum : unfained and heartie repentance and conversion to god. till this be practised , i tell you plainely , i put small confidence in other by-courses . the cause remaining , who can looke for the taking away of the effect ? let me therefore be an humble suitor , that your highnesse would be pleased to command a generall humiliation of the people by prayer and fasting . this action as it would be honourable to your majestie , and such as you would undoubtedly condiscend unto most readily and willingly , if it were but mentioned and moved ; so in my perswasion , there would appeare a most admirable and comfortable effect thereof . and till this be performed , what other wayes soever wee shall follow , wee shall begin at the wrong end : ni deus affuerit , viresque infuderit herbis , quid cedò diptamús , quid panacea juvat ? let not gentlemen and rich citizens by flying ( unlesse they likewise flie from their sinnes ) thinke to escape scotfree . so long as they carry their sinne with them , the lord will find them out , and his hand will reach them wheresoever they are . there should ( in my opinion ) be provided a place of sepulture for the bodies especially of such as die by the sicknes , some good distance from the citie and suburbs . the burying of infected bodies in churches , church-yards , and namely in paules church-yard , where the chiefe magistrates of the citie , and many other citizens meete weekly to heare sermons , must needs be not onely inconvenient , but very dangerous for spreading the contagion , and poisoning the whole citie . for all men that have the least insight in philosophy know that from the dead corps , by force of the sunne , certaine vapours or exhalations are elevated , which partake of the nature of those bodies , and doe undoubtedly taint , corrupt , and poyson the aire with their ill qualitie . for this principall cause , in most well ordered cities of forrein countries , there is a common place of buriall appointed a good distance from the building of the citie . and till this may be procured for our citie , i wish that straight charge be given , that all dead corpses be layd a convenient depth in the ground , and not one coffin heaped upon another , and they layd so neare the top of the earth as ( it is to be feared ) they now are . it were necessarie the place of buriall should be on the south side of the citie , that the sunne may draw the vapours from it . let care be had , that the streets , especially the narrow lanes and allies , be kept from annoyance of dung-hilles , vaults or houses of office , the common sewers and chanels be well purged and scowred , the dung-farmers tyed to their stint of time in winter , and not suffered ( unlesse urgent necessitie require ) to perfume the streets all summer long , especially in this time of contagion . let not the carkasses of horses , dogs , cats , &c. lye rotting and poysoning the ayre ( as they have done ) in more and finsburie fields , and elsewhere round about the citie . let the pipes layd from the new river be often opened , to clense the channels of every streete in the citie . let the ditches towards the suburbs , especially towards islington and pick-hatch , old-streete , and towards shoreditch and white-chappell , be well clensed , and if it might be , the water of the new river to runne through them , as also the like to be done through the burrough of south-worke . let the ayre be purged and corrected , especially in evenings which are somewhat cold , and in places low and neare the river ( as thames street and the allyes there about ) by making fires of oken or ashwood , with some few bundles of iuniper cast into them . let men in their private houses , amend the aire by laying in their windowes sweet herbes , as marjoram , time , rosemarie , balme , fennell , peniroyall , mints , &c. likewise by burning iuniper , rosemarie , time , bay-leaves , cloves , cinamon , or using other compound perfumes . the poorer sort may burne worme-wood , rue , time. let them cast often on the floores of their houses water mingled with vineger . concourse of people to stage-playes , wakes or feasts , and may-pole dauncings , are to be prohibited by publique authoritie , whereby as god is dishonored , the bodies of men and women by surfetting , drunkennes , and other riots and excesses , disposed to infection , and the contagion dangerously scattered both in citie and countrie . let the bells in cities and townes be rung often , and the great ordnance discharged , thereby the aire is purified . touching our regiment and diet , repletion and inanition ( as two dangerous extremities ) are heedfully to be avoyded . those meats are to be used which are of easie digestion and apt to breed good juice . the blankets , matresses , flockbeds , and all bed-clothes of the infected , are to be burned , also leather garments , because they hold the infection very long . alexander benedictus reports , that in venice , a flock-bed used in a contagious time , was after yeares found in an inward roome , the mistris of the house commanded the servants to ayre and beat it , whereupon the servants were instantly infected with the pestilence and died . such as are of hard concoction , and cause obstructions , are to be avoyded : specially those that easily corrupt and putrifie in the stomacke , as the most part of summer fruit , raw cherries , plums , apples , &c. it is not good to be abroad in the ayre , early in the morning before the sunne have purified the ayre , or late in the night after sunne-setting . in rainie , darke , and cloudie weather , keepe your house as much as you can . eschue all perturbations of minde , especially anger and feare . the one by heating the body opens a doore for the enemie to enter : the other by cowardly running away gives him encouragement to tread on the hedge , which lyeth lowest , and maketh least resistance . let your exercise be moderate , ad ruborem , non ad sudorem . the time of exercise is an houre before dinner or supper , not in the heat of the day , or when the stomacke is full . vse seldome familiaritie with venus , for shee enfeebleth the body , and maketh it more obnoxious to externall injuries . you may feede three times in the day , but more sparingly than at other times . shunne varietie of dishes at one meale : perniciosa ciborum varietas , perniciosior condimentorum . and if at any time the rule holdeth , the most simple feeding is the most wholsome feeding ; then it is in force at this time of infection . augenius ( a learned physitian ) thinketh it not possible that hee that liveth temperately and soberly , should be subject to the sicknesse . goe not forth of your house into the ayre , neither willingly speake with any , till you have broken your fast . for breakfast you may use a good draught of wormwood beere or ale , and a few morsels of i read and butter wi●h the leaves of sage , or else a toste with swee● salade oyle , two or three drops of rose vinegar , and a little s●gar . they that have cold stomackes may drinke a draugh● of wormewoodwine or malm-sey , in stead of al● or beere . but take heed ( as you loue your life ) of extreame hot waters , as aqua vitae , rosa solis , or other compound waters of like nature , which emperickes prepare and set out with vaine and boasting words : laudat venales qui vult extrudere merces . of them crato a great and learned physitian pronounceth , that they were inventa ad jugulandos , non ad curandos homines : devised to kill not to cure men . hee speaketh of the daily and continuall use of them : and that is it which i disallow . if you be not accustomed to a breakfast , take the quantitie of a nutmeg or thereabouts of some cordiall electuarie prescribed by the learned physitian , before you set foot out of doores . if you will use both , for greater cautell , then take your electuarie early in the morning , two houres before your breakfast . as you walke in the streets or talke with any ; hold in your moath a clove , a peece of a zodoarie , angelica , or enula campana roote . once in foure of five dayes take three or foure cordiall and stomachicall pilles by direction of your physitian , to fortifie the heart and stomacke against all corruption , and to cleanse your body from such humours as may dispose you to the sicknesse . for agens non agit nisi in pattente disposito : an agent worketh not but upon a fitted and disposed patient . if any man be bound by religion , consanguinitie , office , or any such respect to visite the sicke parties ; let him first provide , that the chamber bee well perfumed with odoriferous trochiskes , or such like , the windowes layd with the herbes afore-named , the floore cleane swept , and sprinkled with rose-water and vineger : that there be a fire of sweet wood burning in the chimney , the windowes being shut for an houre , then open the casements towardes the north. then let him wash his face and hands with rose-water and rose-vineger , and enter into the chamber with a waxe candle in the one hand , and a sponge with rose-vineger and wormewood , or some other pomander , to smell unto . let him hold in his mouth a peece of mastic , cinamon , zedoarie , or citron pill , or a clove . let him desire his sicke friend to speake with his face turned from him . when he goeth forth , let him wash his hands and face with rose vineger and water as before , especially if he have taken his friend by the hand as the manner is : and going presently to his owne house , let him change his garments , and lay those wherein he visited his friend , apart for a good time before he resume them againe . let him not forget upon his returne home or before , to take a convenient quantitie of his cordiall electuarie , and forbeare meat an houre or two after it . that amulets confected of arsenicke , are no good preservatives against the plague . perceiving many in this citie to weare about their necks , upon the region of the heart , certaine placents , or amulets ( as preservatives against the pestilence ) confected of arsenicke a strong poyson , i have thought it needfull ( other men keeping silence ) to declare briefly my opinion touching the said amulets : not ( i professe ) in hatred to any mans person , or envie at their commoditie , wherein i might have shared with them , if i could have brought my judgement to concurre with theirs ; but in conscience , and discharge of my dutie . the rather because i feare greatly , that through vaine confidence in them , other more apposite , convenient and effectuall antidotes , and alexeteries are neglected . my opinion is , that these placents of arsenicke carried about upon the region of the heart , are so farre from effecting any good in that kinde , as a preservative , that they are very dangerous and hurtfull , if not pernicious to those that weare them . it is evident that arsenicke being a confessed poison , is an opposite , professed and perpetuall enemy to our nature . therefore being worne next the skin , as soone as the heart waxeth hot by any vehement motion , labour or stirring ( as it falleth out usually ) it must needs send out venomous vapours to that noble and principall part ; which will either penetrate by their owne force , or be drawne in with the aire ▪ by the dilation of those arteries which are spread about the skin . now these poisonfull vapours being entred or sucked into the body , when they finde no contrarie poison with whom to wrastle as with an enemy ( for if there were any venom in the body , the partie could not enjoy health : but we intend him to be in health , whom we would preserve ) they must needs imprint a malignant venomous qualitie in the spirits and heart , most adverse and pernicious to nature . if by galens doctrine , all alexeteries in a manner , if they be used somewhat too liberally , doe greatly offend and weaken our bodies ; shall wee thinke that ranke poisons and deleteries ( such as arsenicke is ) if they be so applied , as to penetrate into the noblest region of all other , will nothing at all violate , and wast our native , vitall , and radicall heate ? galen and the ancient fathers and masters of physicke , did not use to preserve from the plague or any other poison , either by giving another poison inwardly , or by appointing other poisons to be outwardly applied , but proceeded altogether by antidotes and alexiteries . lib. de theriaca ad pis . cap. . therefore unlesse wee will disclaime these ancient worthies and ring-leaders method , and follow new-found and unsound devises , wee must fight against this monster , not with poisons , but antidotes . poisons are desined to be such : as at no time doe agree with nature , either well , or ill affected . for though there be poisons which if they finde a contratie venom in the body , doe fight so with it , that by the skirmish both poisons die , and the partie by their contention and colluctation escapeth with his life : yet it is agreed on by all , that where they finde no such adversary or opposition , they speed the partie . therefore arsenicke worne by a man in health , finding not onely no contrary poyson to warre upon , but no poyson at all , must necessarily oppose and set upon nature her selfe . gerardus columbus a learned physitian reporteth , that it hath beene observed , that the wearers of these amulets , upon heating their bodies , have fallen into sodaine lypothimies and soounings , with other fearefull accidents , which ceased not till the bagge or placent was remooved : that others , though not instantly , yet after some time , have by late and woefull experience discerned their malignitie , falling into malignate and pestilent feavers , some of them ending with death it selfe . franc. alphanus a physitian of salerne telleth of one , who wearing arsenicke , and heating himselfe at tennise , fell downe sodainly dead . matheus hessus writeth thus : as cordiall bagges or amulets cannot be disallowed , so empoisoned can no way bee commended ; neither doe i remember that any ever received good from them who abstained from other antidotes . this i certainly know , that diverse who carrie about them quick-silver in a nut-shell , by the vaine perswasion of some impostors , have died of the plague : and the counsellers of such like amulets have beene the first that have betaken themselves to their heeles , trusting more in their running than cunning . and yet these good fellowes , perswaded the ignorant with great words , and it may be oaths , that whosoever carried quick-silver or arsenicke about his necke , was as safe as if hee had purchased a protection from the king of heaven . historians report , that caracalla though a wicked emperour , made a publike edict or proclamation , that no man should weare about him superstitious amulets . theophrastus the great , esteemed ( not without cause ) pericles to have a crased braine , because he saw him weare an amulet about his necke . hereunto ( as a corollary ) wee may adde the experience of some london physitians , who have seene foule holes made in the breast of those that have worne them , and observed diverse to die as well as others , who have religiously carried them about their neckes . i omit , for brevitie , to answer their reasons , who allow them , because those that are alledged by emperickes and ignorant persons , are not worthy the answering ; and those that are produced by some few learned men ( the whole streame running against them ) are not comprehensible by the common sort , for whose good i have set forth this short caveat . but if any will contend , i will either answer him , or yeeld up my weapons . in conclusion onely remember , that whereas the sellers and setters out , of these deceiptfull wares , make them as a scout to discover the infection , when it beginneth to seize upon a man , by giving a watch-word , and clapping close to the heart , to guard that part as the chiefe tower : this is a meere deceipt , collusion and abusion . for whensoever the body is heated , this event followeth necessarily , as is before declared , though no other infection be neare but the infectious , poisonfull and venomous arsenicke ; who offereth not at that time , to the heart a friendly salutation or caveat , but rather a iudas kisse , and ioab-like imbracing . certaine directions for the use of the poorer sort of people that shall be visited by the pestilence , how to carrie themselves . since almightie god , by his wise providence hath disposed , that there should be poore among us , that the richer sort might have fit objects whereupon to exercise their mercy and compassion , and hath commanded in the sacred scriptures , both magistrates and others , to take care of them , lest they cry to the lord against us in their misery , and their neglect , and contempt be imputed to us , as one of our haynous and crying sinnes , pulling downe vengeance upon our heads , deuter. . i would intreate the governovrs of the citie of london , and all others in the country , with all richmen , to take speciall notice of their poore brethren , being bone of their bone , and flesh of their flesh , and , as to restraine the idle vagabonds , by whose wandring up and downe , the infection may well be spread and increased , so to provide for the true and honest poore miserable people , that they may be supplyed with food , and convenient physicke if they fall into sicknesse . and because i will not perswade others to charitie , and my selfe remaine altogether uncharitable , i purpose to set downe certaine curative directions , for the poorer sort , with such parable and cheape medicins , as may come within the compasse of their short and meane abilitie . so soone therefore as any of them , apprehend themselves taken with the plague , let them goe to their warme bed , and take this medicine . take of verben with the roote dryed and poudred two dragmes , the juyce of the same herbe three ounces , halfe a small spoonefull of white wine vineger , mixe it , and drinke it warme , and sweate for two or three houres . let them not sleepe during the time of their sweating ; whilst they sweat , let them hold under their arme-pits , and upon the either emunctories , especially the groynes , a radish roote , divided into two parts , the same roote is to be tyed , unto the plants or hollow of their feete , when they have sweat well , for two or three houres , according to the strength , and age of the partie , dry their bodyes well , with warme and cleane linnen clothes , beginning with the arme-pits and groyne , then the breast , whereon after the sweate is well wiped away , lay a fresh and cleane linnen napkin doubled . that done , let them wash their mouth , face , and hands , with water and vineger , and drinke a good draught of mutton broath made with rose-mary , tyme , sorrell , cichory . if their stomacke will give them leave , they may eate a little mutton , or veale at dinner , but they are to forbeare flesh-meate at suppers . in stead of broath , water-grewell with rose-mary , or burnet will doe well , or thinne pannada . for their drinke . let it be the middle or sixe shillings-bee●e , warmed with a tost , or water boyled with cardius seed , and caroway seed , and the roots of scabius , and verben , with a crust of bread . then let them rest , or sleepe , washing their mouth often , if they be awake , with water and vineger . they may likewise make a quilt with balme , mint , rose-mary , sage , sweet marjeram dryed , and sprinkling it with vineger of wormewood or hearb-grace , or ordinary wine vineger , apply it to the region of the heart warme . the second sweating medicine . after eight houres from the first invasion of the pest , let them take another sweating medicine . take of the powder of the roote of diptamne , scabbius , gentian each halfe a dragme , seed of carduus benedictus a scruple , juyce of mary-gold flowers , devils-pit , each two ounces , halfe a spoonfull of vineger , of rue or wormwood , or in want of them , ordinary vineger of white wine . let them drinke this warme , and sweat againe , as at the first time two or three houres , keeping in the meane while a radish roote at the emunctories , as before . then dry off the sweat , wash the mouth , face and hands as before , take some convenient nourishment , and carry themselves as in the first interim of eight houres . the third sweating medicine . againe the third time , after the like pause or intervall , let them take another sweating and cordiall med. in this manner . take of the seed of rue or hearb-grace , a scruple and halfe , that is , ( graines ) of the roots of enula campana , valerian , fullers teasells , aristolochia the round , each halfe a scruple , the juyce of three leaved sorrell called allebia , two ounces ; juyce of rue , scabious , each an ounce , a little of the forenamed vineger . let them take it warme , sweat , as before , and carry themselves in all points as before , and continue this course for foure or five dayes . but if any be in that extreamitie of povertie and misery , that they cannot procure these parable and easie cheape medicins , let them drinke twice in the day , a draught of their owne vrine , in the morning , and five in the after-noone . if in the first , second or third day , the botches or carbuncles appeare , the best and safest way , both for poore and rich , is to commit themselves to be ordred and dressed , by a skilfull chirurgion . there will be ( no doubt ) assigned and maintained , for the meaner and poorer sort , chirurgions ex communi aerario , out of the common purse , especially in london . let those that are wealthy , make choise of their owne chyrurgion , and pay well for their cure . for a little health , is worth a great deale of gold , which a chyrurgion in that case , must fetch out of the fire , and hazard his owne life every day , to save his patient . emis a medico seu chyrurgo rem inestimabilem , vitam , valetudinem , cui quantumcunque dederis , exaequare non potes medicinae beneficia . medico si quidem non 〈◊〉 , set operae pretium solvitur . non domus , aut fundi , non aris acervus & auri , aegroto domini deducunt corpore febres , non animo curas , valeat possessor oportet . si comportatis bene rebus cogitat uti . let me adde this one advertisment , as a corollarie or conclusion , that you tamper not too soone with the botches or blanes , before they be well come forth , and nature well cleered and releeved ; but rather continue in the taking of inward cordials , and sweating medicins . the over hasty applying of topicall and outward remedies , especially , if they be forcible and sharpe , ( which is too usually practised by some physitians , and chyrurgions , and by patients themselves ) doe oft times by causing paine , increasing the fever , and weakening nature , drive backe and scatter the venom into the inward parts , which suddenly , by a second insult , and incounter , surpriseth the fort of life , the heart , and carryeth away the patient . — si quid novisti rictius istis , candidus imperti , si non his utere mecum : en veniam pro laude peto laudatus abundè , non fastiditus , si tibi ( lector ) ero . sit nomen domini benedictem . — si quid novisti rectius istis , candidus imperti : s i non , his utere mecum . the preservatives mentioned in this booke , may be had from mr. iames the apothecarie , at his house in alderman-bury , neere to the conduit , with others of like nature , well approved , and experimented . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e exod. . v. . & cap. . . levit. . . num. . . deut. . . & chron. . v. . inter eth. homerus . iliad . let them likewise rub their windowes often with worm wood and fennell . hist . de pest . varietie of meats is pernicious ; much more varietie of sau●●● . gal. . de temp cap. simp. cap. . lib. de ther. and pamphil. epid ▪ com . . aetius lib. . tetrah . ca. . paulus lib. . cap. . gal . in epid. lib ● de feb . contag . cap. . notes for div a -e vita sinc valetudine 〈◊〉 est , non vita . soranus & seneca . as pesicatoris , and the like . the blacke rod, and the vvhite rod (justice and mercie,) striking, and sparing, [brace] london. dekker, thomas, ca. - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the blacke rod, and the vvhite rod (justice and mercie,) striking, and sparing, [brace] london. dekker, thomas, ca. - . [ ], p. printed by b.a. and t.f. for iohn covvper, london : . running title: the blacke and white rod. attributed to dekker by stc ( nd ed.) and nuc pre- imprints. signatures: a-b⁴ c³. reproduction of original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the blacke rod : and the vvhite rod. ( iustice and mercie . ) striking , and sparing , london . psal. . surely hee will deliver thee from the snare of the hunter . and from the noisome pestilence . hee will couer thee vnder his wings , and thou shalt be sure vnder his feathers . thou shalt not bee afraid of the pestilence , that walketh in the darke , nor of the plague that destroyeth at noone-day . pugna suum finem , cum jacet hostis , habet . london . printed by b.a. and t.f. for iohn covvper . . the blacke and white rod. this world is a royall exchange , where all sorts of men are merchants : kings hold commerce with kings , and their voyages are vpon high negotiations : as , the deare buying of anothers country , with their owne subiects bloud : the purchasing of new crownes , and new scepters , not satisfied with the old . and , as kings , so princes , dukes , earles , lords , clergy-men , iudges , souldiers , haue their trading in particular marchandizes , and walke euery day for that purpose vpon this old royall exchange . they talke in seuerall languages , and ( like the murmuring fall of waters ) in the hum of seuerall businesses : insomuch that the place seemes babell , ( a confusion of tongues . ) the best , ( yet most incertaine ) commodity , which all these merchants striue for , is life : if health begot into the bargaine , he is a made man , into whose hands it comes . yet when these two inestimable treasures are shipped in one bottome , together ; there are winds , and waues , and woes , which still fill the sayles , and hang vpon the tacklings . what 's the end of this voyage . currit mercator ad indos . to heape vp gold. the merchants name i' th indies , is inroll'd . nay , though he casts a girdle about the world , yet , anchor he must in one harbour or another , to come to shore , and proclaime his lading on this ryalta , this burse , or this royall exchange , and when the exchange-bell rings . ( his passing-bell tolles ) that 's the warning-peece to tell him hee must goe off , he must for that time talke there no more of his transitorie commodities , the exchange of this world with him is then done , and home does he hasten to dine with wormes . this earthly spacious building , in which we dwell , ( as tenants onely for life ) is likewise a glorious theater , full of admirable conueyances and curiosities ; the frame or module of it is round , with a siluer mouing roofe ( call'd the heauens ) to couer it by day , and a golden canopy of starres to curtaine about it by night . in stead of arras and tapestrie , ( which commonly doe now , and euer haue adorned , the old amphitheaters , this is richly hung round about with the element of ayre . the beauties of the earth are the stage : furnished bounteously , and set forth in all brauery , with woods , full of trees , gardens full of flowers , orchards full of fruit , fields full of standing corne , ( like so many speares ready for a battaile ) mountaines high in pride , valleys sweet in pleasure . our mothers wombe is the tyring-house , where we make vs ready ; and our cradle , the musicke-roome , for there we are sweetly strung with innocence . nothing ( then ) puts vs out of tune , but a peale of crying , and what 's that ? onely a little note , a little too high ; which being mended , the melodie is heauenly ; for , there is no concord without discord . vpon this goodly stage , all sorts of people ( men , women , and children ) are actors ; some play emperours , some , kings , some beggars , some wise-men , some fooles . the hardest part to play is a good man : and 't is rare to see a long part giuen him to study . on this stage are presented tragedies , and comedies ; the terriblest tragedie is that , of the soule , fighting to get off ( well , ) from the body . the best and most pleasing comedie , is that of a white conscience , and the peace of mind . some haue plaudits , showts and acclamations , and those are such who haue play'd good parts , and play'd them brauely-well . some goe hissed off the stage . and that is for want of being perfect in those good parts , which are put into them . some , play very long parts , ( and they are old men ) some , haue done in the midst of the play , ( and they are young men ) some , being but in a scaene , before they speake , are out , and lost , ( and they are children . ) euery actor hath his entrance , euery one his exit : as one comes out , another goes off , and sometimes meeting on the stage together , they leaue the stage together . but in the conclusion , he that can get angels to sit , in the galleries of heauen , and clap his action with theyr immortall hands , he is the onely roscius of the time , and one of the best actors that euer stept on stage . the sum , vpshot , and cloze of all , is this ▪ that , as many men as that walke on that royall exchange , and seeme rich , doe often breake and are lay'd in prison : so in this world ; when we appeare neuer so strong in body , neuer so stirring in minde ; yet , if health turnes banquerupt once , and that the sergeant with the blacke rod , ( sicknesse ) arrests vs ; if eyther casualties , by sea or land , if losses , vexations , misfortunes or miseries , breake our hearts , whether then are we carried ! to our euerlasting prison the graue . and so , when in this magnificent theater , we haue ietted long on the stage , and borne our heads high ; yet , our parts being done , we are inforced to put off , our gay borrowed garments , and wrapping our selues in poore winding-sheets , hasten to our owne homes , and ( still ) that 's the graue . the graue then , is the rendez-vouz where we all meet ; the market-place where the drum of death beates , to haue vs come together : the towne-hall , where all our brablings are ended : the castle , to appeare at , which at the assizes , the body is bound ouer , and there it is cast : in the feild of dead mens sculs , and fleshlesse bones , must the great army of all mankind muster , on mount caluary , christ lost his life , and in dust and ashes must we leaue ours . we need not read any bookes to proue this : euery man holds a pen in his hand , to write a story of it . to passe ouer the volumes of the graue , ( filled by adam and his children , ) in the first world ; and clasping-vp , those likewise which haue beene euer since , after the deluge , in this second world : let vs cast our eyes onely at that blacke rod , and that white rod , which from time to time , haue first smitten , and then spared , this kingdome of great britaine . in the raignes of william the conquerour , rufus , and hen : . ( his brother , ) death walked vp and downe this land in strange shapes : men , women , and children , fell by the pestilence : so great were the numbers of those who dyed , that the numbers of the liuing could harldy bury them . cattell were stricken in the feild , birds drop'd from the ayre , fishes , perish'd in the waters , famine followed , tillage went to ruine , so that the earth , which wont to feed others , had in the end no meate for her selfe . then , for foure kings together , little mention is made of any deuouring mortality of people by the pestilence ; yet were there blazing starres , earthquakes , stormes of hayle , which kill'd cattell , and beat downe corne : with the apparition of spirits in the ayre , in the likenesse of strange , vgly fowle , flying with fire in theyr beakes , and doing much mischiefe to houses . but presently after in the raigne of hen : . the kingdome in generall was torne in pieces , by two dragons , ( dearth , or want of victuals , and an exceeding great sweeping plague . ) so , edward the second , saw the fall of his people , and the famishing of his countrey by the two fore-named tyrants . so , edw. . in his long raigne of fiftie yeeres , lamented the losse of his then warlike nation , so struck downe by a pestilent contagion , that many who had he●l●h in the morning , lay in their graues at night : forty bodies at one time , crowding in those cold beds together , for want of more and better roome . thirteene yeares after , death spread his cullors againe , and then in that dismall battell henry duke of lancaster , his dutchesse , and the earle of warwicke , fell vnder the cruell conquerours hands . besides in one yeare , in a plot of ground , being at that time in compasse , thirteene acres , ( then called spittle-croft , or the charter-house , founded by gualter manny knight of the garter , who there lyes intoomb'd , ) were buried . persons , besides those who tooke vp their euerlasting lodgings in other places . in this yeare , the blacke rod smarted deeply : the sword of diuine iustice had a sharpe terrible edge , and where it hit , it strucke home . few of the then following kings , but had their subjects snatched from them by these hot and speeding calamities . we will now , ( omitting all the rest ) looke onely , at these two great plagues indeed , ( fresh , too fresh in our memories ) the first , beginning when q. elizabeth left vs , and that k. iames , tooke vs to be his people : the second , when k. iames tooke his way to heauen , and left both all his kingdomes , and their mighty nations , to his royall sonne , our most gracious soueraigne king charles , whose yeares the great arithmetician of heauen , multiply , and blesse the numbers , till they bee all golden ones . but , let vs now draw our arrowes , to the marke we ayme at ; those two last visitations , this hydra-sicknesse with so many heads , the plague ! why carryes it the name of plague ? plaga signifies a stripe , and this sicknesse , comes with a blow , or stripe , giuen by the hand of gods angell , when ( as he did to dauid ) he sends him to strike a people for their sins . our sinnes therefore , were and are the whirlewinds , breaking open iehouahs armory , and forcing him ( the better to keepe vs from further rebellion ) to shoot his fiery and consuming indignation against vs. he hath seuerall sorts of weapons ; seuerall punishments , for seuerall offences . when q. elizabeth departed , and went on her progresse to heauen ; what a traine followed her ! how many thousands of coffins , wayted on her herse ! 't is fit , at the deaths of great princes , that there should be a great number of mourners . and so , at the comming in of new kings , there is a kind of state to be obserued , that multitudes of the old subiects , who haue done seruice to their country before , should giue way to others , to step into their places . at the arriuall therefore of king iames , vpon this , his crowne-land , god beate a path ( narrow at first , though it stretched wider ) to lead vs by the hand as it were , to this funerall ceremony of dying subiects . we were at the coronation of our new king , ( king iames ) not a new nation , but the selfe-same stiffe-necked people we were before . as mighty in our sinnes , as in our multitudes . roome therefore must be made ; for our sins were so ru●●ianly , and such roaring boyes , they did nothing but iustle one another for the wall , to try , which sinne should haue the vpper hand . the thunderer looking downe vpon this , was loath , to shoot his arrowes feathered with lightning , and headed with vengeance , vtterly to confound the mis-dooer . no ; pitty stood in his eyes , and compassion lean'd vpon his bosome . so that spying two rods lying before him , a white one , and a blacke , the blacke he threw by , till he should haue time ( by compulsion ) to vse it ; and then , taking vp the white rod , he lay'd it gently , vpon the head onely of one , who forthwith dyed of the plague : and this was on the thirteenth of ianuary , in the yeare . now almost twenty eight yeares agoe . there dyed then but one of the plague ! o sparing mercy ! from such a huge tree ( as london is , ) so laden with all sorts of fruit , but one apple to drop to the ground ! no more to be shaken downe ! but one windfall ! a mountainous quarry of stony hearts , to haue but one poore pibble , digg'd away ! in the next weeke ( that yeere ) soft mercy forgot the white rod too and strucke none , none at all ; not one ! in the weeke after , foure felt the smart : then . againe . then none againe : then . then none : then . then . then . then . then . then . then . and then . so that in . weekes , which by this time reached to the end of aprill , there dyed of the plague but . this was the rod of mercy , the white rod , the fatherly correction ! it goes on a little quicker ; for then the number swelling vp , and increasing by tens , amounted in iune ( . day ) to . ( the highest ; ) so there dyed in these other . weekes , the full number of . it increased then to hundreds weekely , so that in iuly there dyed . in one weeke here . the white rod , ( no amendment in our liues being seene ) was for a time layd by , and the blacke officer of death , comming abroad , thousands were stricken downe euery weeke : so that from iuly . to october . being . weekes , were buried , twenty fiue thousand , sixe hundred and sixe . here , the diuine iustice , sate in her full throne , roab'd in scarlet , with a face threatning terrors . but mercy then step'd in , and held hands with iustice , so that a retreat was sounded ; the terrible execution , was not so hotly pursued ; the pestilentiall enemy , retyr'd a little , and fell backe , yet so ; that from october the . to decemb. the . being seauen weekes , there dyed . and odde , . and odde , . . . and odde still euery weeke . and then abated againe to tens , ( as at first it did rise by tens , ) the greatest number of the dead , in december . being onely . so that in all these maine battels , seidges , sallyes , batteries , and skyrmishes ; ( continuing for a whole yeare together , * in and about london , ( then the most desolate of cities , ) there dyed , of all diseases , . out of which number the plague challenged , . for her share : yet the yeare immediately following , ( giue thankes ( ô noble troynouant ) giue thankes ) thou then didst freely walke vp , and downe in health , when all thy neighbours and friends ( when all the shires in england ) were mortally beleaguer'd by the same furious enemy . now , as when q. elizabeth resigned her crowne and scepter to king iames , and that he fate in the throne , all these changes were visibly seene : so , when the royall father went to rest , and that his most princely sonne ( charles , our royall succeeding king , and now gracious soueraigne ) was the top-branch , of the tree , ( nay , the caedar it selfe , ) a second angell was sent downe , to turne ouer the audit-bookes of our transgressions . and finding london ( for her part ) to be run out , in deepe arrerages , she was not too suddainly nor too rigorously call'd vpon , but the steward of gods court , ( mercy ) pointing with her white wand , onely at one , set a fine of death vpon his head , and that party was taken from thence on the sixth of ianuary , anno . and this was the first weekes worke of the plague for that yeare . it began at one. death then had little to doe within the walles or without , for his infections , by the space of . weekes following ; in which time there dyed no more but . of the sicknesse . and then for . weekes following the former , it amounted to . the other foure weeks succeeding them , ( wherein they fell by hundreds , ) could shew in their bils , of all diseases , , out of which the plague tooke . and all these three reckonings , grew to this last heighth , from the sixth of ianuary , anno . to the . of iuly , anno . being fully seauen and twenty weekes . but then on the . of iuly , ( being the same moneth ) the dead marches began to come in by thousands in a company . obserue therefore in what dreadfull equipage , the two armies of both our kings , ( i meane king iames , and king charles , ) went along to those fearefull encounters . king iames . . . iuly . . august . . august . . aug. . aug. . septemb. . septemb. . sept. . sept. . sept. . october . . october .   in all . plague   king chrles . . . iuly . . iuly . . iuly . . august . . aug. . aug. . aug. . septemb. . septemb. . sept. . sept.   in all . plague .   so , by this accompt , there fell in that great ouerthrow giuen to king iames his subjects , for . weeks together , ( when they drop'd downe by thousands ) the full number of twenty nine thousand , one hundred and twenty : the terror and cruelty of the plague sweeping from that number , twenty fiue thousand , sixe hundred and sixe . but in that lamentable defeature of bodies , which fell vpon vs in the raigne of k. charles , anno . to the end of that yeere in . there dyed in all , ( within the compasse of eleuen weeks , thirty eight thousand , seauen hundred fourescore and eight : of which the blacke rod of pestilence smote , thirty thousand , eight hundred seauenty and sixe . the difference of the numbers in those twelue weekes in king iames his raigne , and those eleuen in that yeere of king charles , being : . thousand , nine hundred , thirty and eight : the latter exceeding the former ( in a few weekes ) by so much . the number of all the dead for those two yeares of the two kings , amounting to one hundred fifty , eight thousand , fiue hundred and foure . now , if within so small a compasse , as a citty , and the adiacent places , so many went out of the world , how many millions , did the whole kingdome loose ! but note the exceeding , incomprehensible loue of a father to vs his children ; the mildnesse and mercy , of our iudge ! on the . of december , which ended that yeere of . ( going on to . ) there was strucke but one : it began with one , and ended with one . o iust and euen ballance , of the heauenly compassion ! how much are we in thankes indebted ( for more we are not able to pay ) for this wonderfull sparing vs , now , in this third visitation ! in that former yeares iuly , about this time , there dyed . of the sicknesse ; now ( praised be heauen ) the greatest number is but sixty seauen . here was a fall ! there is a fauour . in the end , this fall from such a great number to one , came to nothing , - ( a cypher . ) and so continued a long time . heauen held out a flagge of truce , and all was quiet ; the bils proclaimed no such mortall wars ; the sexton opened some few graues for common diseases , to lye in , and for fiue yeares together , the burning pestilence , had not kindled her fires amongst vs yet in that interim of yeares , other calamities afflicted vs ; warres eate vp many of our gallants , the sea swallowed others ; quarrels tooke away some , by the fatall stabbe or desperate fighting in the feild . we haue but one doore , at which we come into the world , but a thousand gates ( set wide open ) to send vs out of it . for such ill bargaines doe we make with life , that the body and the soule , being deere partners , and setting vp together , doe euery day , by many deuises , plots , and conspiracies vndoe one another . what one sinne , vice or ill custome , since the departure of the last great sicknesse is gone out of the kingdome , or hath forsaken the city ? fasting and prayer , ( whilst gods artillery shot off , and battered downe the wals of our flesh , making breaches into the liues and estates of thousands ) ran euery weeke to the holy temples . much condoling , there was , much crying for mercy , and mercy came downe . but where is fasting now , vnlesse with those that are almost staru'd with hunger ? at how few mens dores sits charity ? yet are there great numbers of religious , godly , and faithfull relieuers of the poore : but take all this city in a lumpe together , and how little true charity , true loue , true christianity , true friendship is there one to another ? what cruelty dwels in our hearts , if we catch a man ( by law ) at aduantage ? how doe we grinde his bones , and gnaw his heart in peeces ? how doe tradesmen enuy one another ? how doe gentlemen vndoe themselues and their posterities by ryots ? how doe an infinite number of schollers complaine of want ? how doe souldiers gape after spoyle ! what couetous farmer , but is glad of a deere yeare ? a dearth of corne makes such cormorants fat ? is not pride , ( which fiue yeares agoe shew'd not her face in the citty , being afraid of the plague ) now to bee seene jetting vp and downe in euery street ! does not the drunkard that was then , haunt still the same tauernes ! the body is both the caroach , in which , the soule ( being the queene of life ) rides , and the coachman too , that driues her from one place to another , from one wickednesse to a worse ; and the horses , that draw vs , are our wilde passions , or our intemperate desires . our sinnes with a dyals motion , leade vs to destruction , in a soft pace , but insensible : our ruines steale vpon vs with woolly feet , all the time it comes after vs , but being ouertaken , it smites home : for , sinne is such a boone companion , it goes to bed with vs , and all night sits waking , on those very pillowes , on which we lay our heads : when we rise , it makes vs ready , waytes when we goe forth , followes vs all day , and is more seruile , more fawning , more flattering then a slaue ; and neuer goes in mourning , till he sees vs going to our graues . the soule is the mistresse , the body the chamber-maid , that rules that mistresse ; if the soule sayes , i will rise , and doe good to day : o sayes the chambermaid you are young enough , lye longer , take your ease , be merry , and care for nothing ; twenty yeeres hence you may doe these pious deeds , and by this wicked councell of the mayd , the mistresse pulls backe her hand . thus from time to time , we deferre doing well , and thus from houre to houre , we headlong run vpon our owne miseries . this being perceiued by him , whose eye measures all mens actions . now againe , ( this yeare ) hath he opened his quiuer , and is still shooting the blacke and dismall arrowes of the pestilence , both at country , and city : in many places of the country , these darts of contagion sticke vp to the very feathers ; some harts haue beene strucke quite through here in the city , yet nothing to that army which fell in the last plague . this began in march last , and then , from the eleuenth day of march , to the eighteenth , it rise to foure . the totall of all that dyed that weeke , being . and of the christenings . so that . came into the world more then went out of it . then , the sicknesse fell , and at the beginning of aprill was but one againe . another weeke dyed . then . then . the highest it hath since mounted to , in any one weeke ( and that was now in august ) being . so that in . of the greatest weekes of sicknesse this summer , ( omitting the rest ) there haue dyed of all diseases , within london ( being . parishes within the walles , ) and the nine out-parishes , and the pest-house . of the plague in those . weekes , . to which adde . of the sicknesse last weeke , and . this bartholmew weeke , it maketh . of children in that short time , . of consumptions some . and to repaire these losses and ruines amongst vs , obserue the numbers of children christened , which in those few weeks amount to . out of which deduct . buried , there remaines . aliue . then take that number from the former . of all diseases , there haue for these . weekes but . departed out of the world more than are come into it : westminster being not reckoned in this accompt , the burials there being very few , neither is the greatest number of dead bodies formerly set downe , so terrible as so to hurt , spartle , and afflict so mighty and populous a city , as we see it does , but that country townes round about , are infected , and for that cause onely are faires and concurses of people forbidden , for feare the contagion by throngs meeting together , ( mingled with some infected persons ) should increase . in the former passages of this yeares sicknesse , note the great mercy of god extended to infants , in calling such a number of them to heauen , because he would haue that place glorified with some white pure , and vnspotted soules , snatched from the societie of the wicked . oh happy fathers and mothers , that are sure you haue so many saints entertained aboue , before they could haue time to offend their maker . you weepe for them when you follow them to their graues , but you should rather call it a tryumph , for they then are going to a coelestiall coronation . if you but looke vpon your childrens cloathes , you call them to mind , and then , beat your breasts , and teare your hayre , but remember , they are cloathed in the roabes of immortality . when you but talke of your little darlings , you tell how beautifull they were , how well-fauoured , how forward : but now , where they are , all the beauty of the world is vglinesse to that sweetnesse which they possesse : they haue faces and formes angelicall , and are play-fellowes and companions with none but blessed creatures . be glad therefore , that they are ridde from the miseries of the world ; that time neuer layd foule hands on them ; they are free from want , hunger , thirst , diseases , cold , heat , weeping and wayling , and all other calamities , which euen rocke vs in our cradles ; they are well and happy , we left behind them , miserable . as therefore here you are counselled , to beare the absence of your little-ones with patience , so comfort you others , with this , that both their children and yours , are gone to that high starre-chamber office , where their names are entred into the booke of life . now albeit in so many set battailes of the pestilence in yeares before , and in the light skyrmislies of this summer , so many haue falne : yet ( blessed be heauen ) wee are a populous nation still ; we haue peace and plenty , and all blessings that heauen and earth can bestow vpon a people : sing therefore hymnes vnto the almighty iehovah ; send vp sacrifices of feare , loue and obedience to him : cry to him , as david did , when he numbred his people , and euery one say , i haue sinned exceedingly , in that i haue done : therefore now lord i beseech thee , take away the trespasse of thy seruant , for i haue done very foolishly , and then , though there dye of the people from dan euen to beer-sheba , seauenty thousand men , in three dayes : yet when the angell , is stretching out his hand vpon ierusalem to destroy it , the lord will repent him of the euill , and say to the angell that destroyeth the people ; it is sufficient , hold now thine hand . and then the blacke warder shall be throwne downe to part death and our kingdome from falling into so terrible a combat . but art thou in feare of an arrest , now that writs are gone out ( from the kings-bench office of heauen , ) to attach seuerall mens bodies ! art thou in doubt to be laid vp ! in danger to be imprisoned in thy graue ! hath sicknesse knock'd at thy doore ! does she sit on thy beds side ! hath infection blowne vpon thee with her contagious , noysome and stinking breath ! hath the pestilence , ( now in this present drooping , and sick-wing'd season ) printed her nayles within thy flesh , and hast thou tokens sent thee to come away ! fall on thy knees , call for mercy , to helpe thee , cry out vpon thy sinnes , send for thy heauenly physitian , to minister good things to thy soule , settle thy minde in peace , shake off the world , looke vp at heauen , thither is thy iourney , prepare for no voyage else ? art thou all-spotted ouer ! they are gods rich ermines ; to inroabe thee like a king , and to set a crowne of glory on thy head. art thou mark'd with tokens , and hast thou thy memory ! make vse of that memory , and seeing those markes are so set vp , that thine eye may shoote at them and hit them , now draw the last arrow home , and winne the game of thy euerlasting saluation . remember why those tokens are sent : to make all the hast thou canst to set forward , for away thou must : hug them therefore , as thy louer ; kisse , and bid them welcome , th●nke that sweet token-sender for his guift , and hauing nothing ( which thou canst call thine ) to send backe to him , leaue thy body with some friend in trust , and bid thy soule goe cheerfully on her journey . cheerfully indeed , and with all alacrity , for now thou art trauailing into a farre country , where all thy friends are . there , thou shalt meet with thy old parents , ( thy old father and mother ) adam and eve . there shalt thou see that great nauigator of the world ( noah ) who in one ship , carried all the people in the world then liuing . there wilt thou find abraham and his sonne isaac ; old iacob , and his twelue sonnes the patriarches . moses and aaron will there receiue thee into gods sanctum sanctorum ; in that glorious pallace , shalt thou behold , all the kings of israel , all the tribes of ivda , all the ancient prophets , all the apostles , all the saints and glorious army of martyrs , with branches of palme-trees in their hands , and golden starres sticking on their fore-heads . nay , there thou shalt see thy redeemer sitting at the right hand of this father ; there ( face to face ) shalt thou see god himselfe , attended on by angels archangels , principalities , and powers , cherubins , and seraphins ; and who would not reioyce , to be setting forward on this blessed iourney , to the end he may at length come to be a fellow-citizen , in the heauenly hiervsalem . all the kingdomes on the earth , are not worth the seeling of that glorious chamber of presence , which is in this court : this is a kingdome , where there are no changes of kings ; no alterations of state : no losse of peeres : no warres : no reuenges : no citizens flying for feare of infection : none dying of them , that stay , no women-keepers to rob you of your goods , nor to hasten you to your end : in this coelestiall kingdome , there is true majestie , true glory , true honour , true beauty , true peace , true liberty , true health : there is all life , all happinesse , all immortality . to this-kingdome , the king of heauen and earth , call vs when it is his pleasure . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * from december . . anno . to december . anno . . sam. ● . londons mourning garment, or funerall teares worne and shed for the death of her wealthy cittizens, and other her inhabitants. to which is added, a zealous and feruent prayer, with a true relation how many haue dyed of all diseases, in euery particuler parish within london, the liberties, and out parishes neere adioyning from the of iuly . to the of nouember. following. muggins, william. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) londons mourning garment, or funerall teares worne and shed for the death of her wealthy cittizens, and other her inhabitants. to which is added, a zealous and feruent prayer, with a true relation how many haue dyed of all diseases, in euery particuler parish within london, the liberties, and out parishes neere adioyning from the of iuly . to the of nouember. following. muggins, william. [ ] p. printed by raph blower, at london : . dedication signed: vvilliam muggins. mostly in verse. signatures: [a]² b-d⁴ e² . "a true relation of al that haue bin buried of all diseases ..", quire e. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- poetry -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century -- poetry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion londons mourning garment , or funerall teares : worne and shed for the death of her wealthy cittizens , and other her inhabitants . to which is added , a zealous and feruent prayer , with a true relation how many haue dyed of all diseases , in euery particuler parish within london , the liberties , and out parishes neere adioyning from the of iuly . to the of nouember . following . at london printed by raph blower . . to the right worshipfull , sir iohn swinnerton knight : one of the worshipfull aldermen , of the honorable citty of london : vv. m. wisheth earths happines , and heauens blessednes . right worshipful and graue senator : if my knowledge and learning , were answerable to my good will and affection : this my poore labour now mourning in a sable weede , should be as great and precious , as to the contrary it is weake , and slender . and knowing that the vertuous minde , respecteth not so much the valewe of the guift , as the good will of the giuer , emboldeneth me to presēt this smal pamphlet to your worships view ; most humbly crauing pardon for my rash attempt , which if to your wonted clemmencie i doe obtaine . i shall liken my selfe to a poore debtor owing much , freely forgiuen of all his large reckonings and dangerous accounts , and bound in duty to pray for your worships long life , with increase of honor . your worships at commaund , vvilliam mvggins ¶ londons mourning garment , and funerall teares . with heauy heart , and sighes of inward cares , with wringing hands● explayning sorrows wo , with blubbered cheekes , bedewde with trickling teares with minde opprest lamenting griefs that flowe , london lament , and all thy losses showe : what al ? nay some , all were too much to tell , the learned homer could not penne it well . ay me poore london , which of late did florish , with springing march , the tidings of a king : and aprill showers , my blossomes so did nourishe , that i in maie , was calde a famous thing , yea townes and cities did my glory ring : nay thorowe the worlde my golden fame so grewe , that princes high , crost seas , my seate to viewe . and like to agamemnons gallant trayne , throughout my streetes , with stately steps did goe , where them with welcomes , i did entertaine ; pleasing their liking , with each seuerall showe , where they in me , much treasure did bestowe , honouring the church with prayers , the change with golde , where princes bought , and beauteous virgins solde . to adde more glory to my prosperous state , my soueraigne lord , most high and mighty king , made oft repayre , both moining , eu'en and late , to me both gainefull , and a pleasant thing : my heart was glad , my voice sol , fa , did sing , my head did muse , not strucke with sorrowes sad , but how to make , my crowned soueraigne glad . and as a bryde , against her nuptiall day , doth deck her selfe , with fayre and rich attyre , accompanide with damsells fresh and gay , to plight her faith , to him she did desire euen so did i with zeale as hot as fyer . prepare my selfe against this day of ioye , to giue him welcome , with vive le roye . my magistrates were all so ready prest in skarlet rich , this potent prince to greet : my wealthy free-men also wrought their best , preparing pageants in each famous street● my marchant-strangers laboured hands and feete , and scattered coyne , like ivpiters showres of golde , hoping with ioy this cesar to behold . and as those men the wealthiest in my bower , was neuer sparing in this good intent , so did my artisauts with all their power , for loue or gaine , to worke were ready bent . pigmalion foorth his skilfull caruers sent ? cunning appelles with his pencill drew prospectious strange , for king and peeres to veiw . but oh , a sudden qualme doth crosse my heart twixt cup and lip are dangers oft we see , vnwelcome death approcheth with his dart , yelping , oh , london , thou must yeeld to mee : i must hau● rootes and branches for my fee. the fruits full ripe and blossomes that might grow are mine , not thine , the fates decree'd it so . drown'd in deepe seas ( poore lady ) thus i lye , vnlesse some speedie helpe a comfort yeeld : is there no wife nor widdow that will hye , and reach a hand that hath some sorrowes felt , my griefes are more then i my selfe can welde , helpe some good woman with your soules-sigh deepe , for you are tender hearted and can weepe . vvhat none ? nay , then i see the prouerbe old is true , the widdowes care is st●dious where to loue , sith women are so fickle , men to you , london laments , will ye her plaints remoue . i heare no eccho ; men like women proue , vvidowers for wiues , widdowes for husbands seeke , before the teares are dryed from their cheekes . to children then i will my sorrowes shew , vvhole parent● lately in the graue were layde ; their hearts with sighs will cause fresh teares to flow , and reach a hand for sorrowing londons ayde . come children mourne , i cry but am denayde , their parents riches so inflames their brest , that they long since did wish them at their rest . vvhere , or to whom , may i my voyce set forth ? men mourne for men , where friendship long hath bred : fye no ( good lady ) there is found small troth , the liuing friend deceiues the friend that 's dead , robbing his children with a subtill head : by reason he executor , made the drowne by wresting law , the riches are his owne . oh ( helplesse lady ) whither shall i ●lye , to find true mourners in this sad lament ? to aged people ; no , their heads are dry , they cannot weepe , long since their teares were spent : to middle age ? ( alas ) their wits are bent to purchase lands and liuings for their heires , or by long life , ●o gainé which other spares . the louing seruant may yet helpe at neede , that now hath lost his master and his stay , sending foorth sithings till the heart doth bleed : oh , london , thou in vaine to him doest pray , his power and wits he bends another way : his masters custome , shoppe , and trade to get , is all the teares , the blithe yong man can let . is there none then , that will take londons part ? and help to sing , a welcome vnto wo ? is there none founde , that feeles a present smart ? nor none a liue , that can c●use teares to flow ? if any be ? then freely them bestow . two mourne together , swage e●h others grief , weepe on a while , and i will be the chiefe . i heare no answere yet in these estates , let me but study , where , and whom to seeke , oh , now i haue bethought me , come on mates , for you and i , must mourne it by the weeke : and neuer will , new teares , be long to seeke● for parents loue , vnto their children deare , in iudgment sounde , nothing can come more neare . the loue of pare●ts , are like graftes that grow , euer encreasing , till it proue a tree : the loue of children , like the melting snow , euer decreasing , till an ende there be , dayly experience , proues this true we see , loue to the children , euermore dependes : but to the parents , seldome re-discendes . and now i haue , with trauel , griefe and paine , founde foorth two mourners , that will agents be : choose which of vs , shal settle to complaine , or if you will , leau● all the chardge to me : onely i with you , to abandon glee . and to my voice , prepare your glowing eares , with sighes and groanes , and sometimes scalding teares . and if to high my warbling notes ascendes , iudge me not bolde but zealous in my loue : if that too lowe , thinke that with sigh●s for friendes , my voice is hoarse , yet i againe will proue , the vtmost power , i can for to remoue , your too forgetfull , sorrowes which are drye , and place them now , a fresh in memory , art thou a father , or a mother deare ? hadst thou a sonne , or daughter of thy side : were not their voice , sweete musicke in thy eare , or from their smiles , could'st thou thy countnance hide . nay , were they not , the glories of thy pride ? i doubt too much , thy loue on them were set , that whilst thou liuest , thou canst not them forget . remember well , you dames of london cittie , as for you men , i le leaue you for a while , because small paines , deserues the lesser pity , and you are stronger , sorrowes to begyle : a space we will , your company exile , and bid you farewell , till another day , when time and place , will giue you cause of stay . and now my harts , olde widdowes and yong wiues , you that in silence , sit so sad and mute : you that wring hands , as weary of your liues , heare london speake , she wil expresse your suite . i know your sighes , is for your tender fruite . fruite in the budde , in blossome ripe and growne , all deare to you , now death hath made his owne . and as the greedy wolfe , from harmeles ewes , robbs them of lambes , sucking their tender tett : and in his rigour , no compassion shewes , but gormondizing , kils them for his meate . euen so deaths fury , now is growne so great , the tender lambe , will not his fury stay . both lambes and ewes , he swalowes for his pray . witnes i ca● , poore london for my part , what palefac't death , within fiue monthes hath wrought● seauen hundred widdowes , wounded to the hart , with their sweet babes , which they full dearely bought● some dead new borne , some neuer forth were brought , you mothers weepe , if euer you bore any , to thinke how sore , death did perplexe so many . not yet content , he rageth vp and downe , and secretly , his heauy visage shewes : in euery streete , and corner of the towne , emptyeing whole hou●es , soone whereas he goes , taking away , both olde and young g●d knowes , the weeping mother , and the infant cleare , the louing brother , and the sister deare . oh , mothers sigh , sit and shed teares a while , expell your idle pleasures , thinke on woes : make not so much as countenance of a smile but with downe lookes , which inward sorrow showes , and now a fresh , remember all your throwes , your g●ipes your panges , your bodies pincht with paine , as if this instant , you did them sustaine let not so much , forgotten be of you , as the least qualme , that then your harts opprest : no nor the smallest , dolor did ensue , as heauy wincks and too too little rest ; remember al , the sorrowes of thy breast , which in the bre●ding , bearing and deliuery , you did indure , with paine yet willing againe bethinke you , at that instant hower , the little diff●r●nce , was twixt li●e and death : when as the insant , with his naked power , laboured for life , to haue his right●ull birth , and with the sickly , mother gaspt for breath , the one ne●e dead , as nigh to death the other , sore to the babe , worse trauell for the mother . if any mother , can forget this smart , her for a woman , i will neuer take : and out of londons , fauor may she part , and all such brutish , strumpets for her sake : for such light hus-wiues , i a wish will make , that neuer any , may approch my citty , euer to want , a●d no hart them to pittie . and now ●eturne i , to you honest wiues , who grieuing sits , and sighing send forth teares , which to your husbands , lyue chast and true liues , and with your children , passeth forth your yeares , to you that londons , lamentations heares . and are true parteners , in my pla●nts and mones , experience shewes it , by your inward gro●es . the child new borne , the mother some de●le well are all the griefes , and sorrows at an end : no cares and troubles , yet i haue to tell , though child be swath'de , and sickly mother mende , the feeble infant , many a fret doth send . which grieues the mother , till she weepe againe , to heare and see , the infant in such paine . and with her seeble , hand and weakely strength , she playes and d●llyes , for the babyes good : and to her milke-white , brestes doth lay at length the prety foole , who learnes to take his foode . his onely meanes , to nourish life and bloud , he fed● , she paynd , he drawes , poore mother yeelds , whose louing brests both shutes and prickings feeles , and when the babe doth gather strength a maine , most strongly labouring at his mothers dugge . she patiently endureth all the paine , su●fering his lipp●s her nipple still to lugge , and with her armes most closely doth it hugge , as she should say , draw childe and spare not mee , my brests are thine , i feele no paine with thee . though that poore heart her brest doth ake full sore , and inwardly sell prickings shee indures , till eyes gush teares , and lippes reach kisses store ; which in true mothers gladsome ioyes procures , and to more a●dent loue them still allures : that toares and kisses greet the babe together , like to sunne-shine when it is dropping weather , ymmagin heere , the pretty lambe doth cry , the mother strong , and times of custome past : will , she then leaue it , to the worldes broad eye , no , whilst her life , and vitall powers last , the mothers loue , to child is fixte so fast . she stills it straight , and layes it to her brest , with kisses more , then venvs could disgest and with h●r armes , she heaues it high and lowe , as if a cradle , it sweete foole lay in : doubt you not to , she kisses did bestow , and if it smile , a fresh she doth begin . on prety looke , a hundred kisses winne my more then sweete , vnto her child she saith , i would not for , a kingdome wish thy death . now is her minde , full straight with inward ioy● as if all things , she thought should come to passe : vttering forth sighes , vnto her prety boy , shall death haue thee , and lay thee in the grasse , i le rather goe , to earth from whence i was , fell death goe seeke , for crooked age and olde , my child is fayre , vnfitting for the molde . i hope to see , more comfort and more ioy , of this sweete babe , which cost my life almost : i pray thee grimme death , doe not him annoy , goe get thee further , to some other coast. to kill an infant giues small cause of boast . there 's many liuing , that would gladly dye , take them away , but spare my childe and i. chast london wiues● me thinkes i see you all , each seuerall mother , hau●ng greefes to shewe , and with your greefes , i see the teares doe fall , the onely phisicke , women can bestow , oh , that i could , but ease your hart sicke woe , london would spare , no labour cost not time , to wipe the water , from your blubbered eyen . but i a skilfull surgeons part will play , first search the sore , then minister things meete : vnto yovr memories , i your plants will lay , causing a fresh your heauie eyes to greet . then gentler salues , i meane perswasions sweete ; this is the surgery wounded london layes to all her patients , that her hests obayes . one tender mother cryeth loude and shrill , wringing her hands , my children both are dead : sweet louing henry , and my eldest gyrle , ah besse , my wench thou hadst thy mother sped with sorrowes , that will neuer from my head . thy forward wit to learning and to awe , a sweeter daughter neuer woman sawe . thy flaxen haire , thy collour red and white , thy yeeres full ten , thy body straight and tall , thy countnance smilling , neither sad nor light , thy pleasant eyes , thy hands with fingers small , thy manners milde , thy reading best of all , with needle pregnant , as thy sampler shewes , patient in death like sucking lambe she goes● my hopes were that i might haue kept thy life to see more yeeres , and be a beutious mayde ; to see thee match't , and be a london wife , to see thy childe-bed , and be safely layde , to see thy children in the streete haue playde : to cheere my age , as should a louing daughter , but thou art gone , and i must follow after . my little henrie , oh , that prety foole ; that oft hath made my sorrowing heart full glad , his words were mamma : sit , here is a stoole , some bread and butter i haue nothing had ; i le busse you well , ( good mamma ) be not sad , vp on cock-high , i will sit in your lappe , where oft ( poore sweeting ) he hath caught a nappe . and if sometimes , he hearde his father chide , as housholde wordes , may passe twixt man and wife : vnto my husbande , presently he hyed as he should say , i will appease the strife ; and with his childish ●hirth , and pleasvres rise . abates the heat , and makes vs both to ioy : to see such nature , in the little boy . but death , oh death , that hater of my wealth hath slaine my d●ughter , and my little sonne : both of them proppes , vnto my wished health both to haue kept . i woulde barefoote haue runne : fel atropos , her fatall stroke hath done ; with the eternall . i beleue they rest , oh , happy babes , for euer they are blest . step after step , i see an other come , casting her handes , abroade , as shee were wood : seeming to tell a heauy tale to some , but silly dame , thou art not vnderstoode ; speake mildely , lowly , not with chafing bloude : for hastie speach , hath seldome reason showne , when soft deliuerance , makes the matter knowne . i am a widdow poore , christ shew me pittie , feeble and weake of yeeres , three score and ten : i had two daughters , married in the cittie , both of them well , & vnto honest men ; they had my loues , and i had ●heirs againe : with them i hop't to spend my aged yeeres , and to be buried , with their funerall teares . to them i gaue , that little i possest , with them to dwel , as long as life ensured : three monthes with one , my custome was to rest , then , with the other , i like space endured : with vs the diuel , no iarres nor brawles procured . but liued and lou'de , as quiet as might be , i bore with them , they dayly honouring me . but now alas , a heauy tale to tell , as with my chickins , i at pleasure slept : comes the great puttocke , with his tallantes fel , and from me quite , my youngest chicken swept ; then to the other , he full nimbly leapt , seazing on her , as hee had done the other , oh greedy death , could'st thou not take their mother ? my age is fitter for the yawning graue , their yeeres more tender in the worlde to stay : my bones are dry , and would their porcions haue , their lymmes were nimble , and a while might play ; my bloude is colde , theires hote , mine weares away . they both were matched , & fruite might bring foorth store i olde and withered , and can yeelde no more . thou cruel leane , and ill deformed death , thou great intruder , and vn-welcomde guest : thou palefac't hog , thou shortner of long breath , thou mighty murdrer , of both man & beast : vvhy doest thou not , inuite me to thy feast ? and on my body , shew thy fury great that lackes house , lodging , sight , & what to eate . vvith lamentations , and with teares good store , ymmagin now , you heare a mothers griefe : shee most of all , her sorrowes doth deplore , vttring foorth woordes , as helples of reliefe , she is depriu'de , of all , both lesse and chiefe ; aswell her children , as her husbande good , vvith labouring seruantes that did earne their foode . ah my sweet babes , what woulde not i haue done ? to yeelde you comfort , & maintaine you heer● : early and late , no labour woulde i shun , to feede your mouthes , though hunger pincht me neere ; all three at once , i woulde your bodies cheere . twaine in my lappe , shoulde sucke their tender mother , and with my foot , i woulde haue rockt the other . me thinkes i see them still , and heare their cryes chiefly a nights when i on bed am layde , which make fresh teares goe from my watry eyes , when i awake and finde i am deceiued ; sweet pretie babes , christ hath your souls receiued ; faire babes to mee , you nere shall come againe , but where you are , i trust aye to remaine . your louing father tooke a great delight , o●ten in armes to haue those children small , and now he hath them euer in his sight , not one or two , the heauens possesse them all , father and babes obayde when christ did call . they all are gone , i onely left with breath , to byde more sorrowes in this wretched earth . poore and in want yong widddow left am i , kindles and friendlesse , lacking meanes to liue , had but my seruants stayde their worke to plye their labour , would some comfort to me giue , my hopes are like to water powrde in syue . onely i trust god will increase my health , that i may worke and hate dishonest wealth . many more sorrowes might i here repeate , of grieued mothers for their children deare , but times are precious and worke too great for my hoarse voice to shew and vtter here , onely i pray you listen and giue eare to londons sorrowes , which so many are , my clacking tongue cannot them hal●e declare . and as with paine i did endure to tell your too too heauie and vnwelcom'd woés , wherein poore london labour'd to do well , but wanting giftes , the best she can she showes the willing minde , that all she hath bestowes , must needes be reconed for a friendly part , deseruing thankes , with as cheerefull a heart , excuse me then , and heare me too , a while , for many sorrowes compasse me throughout : neuer since brvte set footing in this isle , nor nere since it was walled round about : more blessed newes , nor happy spring cold sprout ; then did to london , in this present yeere , when englands cesar came this citie neere . all went as●aunt , happy that marchant was which had rich wares to please his chapmans eyes the finest shagges , wrought stuffes , and purest glasse , rare cloth of gold , and silkes of euery dye : who for his money could know where to buy , both went and sent to fetch in wares good store , not doubting sale for that and three times more . and as they thought a while it did continue , doings waxt quicke , and wares a pace did sell , great men of honours with their retinue , approch't my citie minding here to dwell , houses and chambers were let deare and well , there was no corner in me did remaine , but the true owner might imploy to gaine , with icarvs , i soring then aloft , bathing my limbes in heat of highest sonne , till waxen wings with melting heate were soft , and had no power me from the waues to shunne , downe must i fall , my glorie quite vndone , he sits aboue that looketh downe below , comm●nding powers his iustice here to show . and with king davids chance doth me correct , spreading his plague , where pleaseth him to strike ; because in health his lawes i did reiect , trusting in menes , in man , in horse , and pike : boasting of riches , beautie and such like . neuer redeeming of swift passing times , but still committing new and vgly crimes . and to the ende , none dwelling in my cittie should thinke themselues more safer then the rest , iudging their slights and not gods lasting pittie , to be the cause why they with health are blest ; gods iudgement vpon all degrees are prest , from poorest begger , to the wealthiest squire , from yongest infant , to the oldest syre . for if the aged people hee should spare , they would attribute to themselues too much , and say their bloudes are drye , their bones so bare , the pestilence ●heir bodies cannot touch . if middle age should scape , their wits are such , that through their dyet● or by letting blood , they wonne the victorie , and the plague with-stood . the frolicke youths would iudge the strengths the meane , boasting of ioyntes , armes , legges and sinewes strong , the little infant being weake and leane , wants substance for the plague to worke vpon . these are excuses , but effects haue none ; gods messenger ( the plague ) doth feare no states , but strikes both lowest and the highest mates . now for the rich which haue of golde such store , feeding their bodyes with dilicious fare , keeping great fires , stirre not out of doore , vsing perfumes , shunning infected ayre ; shall they escape ? no , the plague will them not spare : because they shall not thinke their heaped treasure , can keepe them longer then it is gods pl●asure . if rich men dye , and poorer people stay , they will exclame with hate and deadly ire , saying with surfects they cousume the day , wallowing in ease like dirtie swyne in myre , iudging thei● scarcitie and their thinne atyre the onely phisicke , poysons to with stand , but they like others haue giuen death their hand . if any then should scape deathes heauie sight , and claime a pardon for a longer day ; the zealous preacher and the godly wight , which for themselues , and sor their hearers pray , might hau● some fauour in this world to stay : but god saith no , they sh●ll yeeld to their kinde , lest they prooue haughti● which remaine behinde . there are a people that doe leawdly liue , swaggering and swearing , prone to euery sinne , sh●ll those men scape ? no , they account shall giue of all the vices they haue wallowed in . such wretched caytiffes , made the lord beginne , to strike poore london● with thy heauie rod , for pleasing sathan , and offending god. what should i say my sorrowes are so many , one for a thousand i cannot repeate , within my liberties scarce any , which haue no● felt gods wrath and mightie threate , either by death , or sicknesse fell and great , if parents scap'de , the children had their part , if both remaine , their seruants felt some smart . the sicke bequeather of his wealth by will , not onely dead , but his executors too , and eke the scriuener that did make the bill , all in one fort-night haue payde death their due , the like vnto the landlord doth ensue , both wealthy father , and succeeding heire , with their poore tenants ended haue their care . the ioyfull brydegroome married as to day , sicke , weake , and feeble before table layde , and the next morrow dead and wrap't in clay , leauing his bride , a widdow , wife and mayde . which sudden change doth make her so dismayde , that griefes and sorrowes doth perplexe her heart , within three dayes she takes her husbands part , much might i speake of other sad laments , and fill your eares with new and seuerall woes , spending a weeke , repeating discontents , which needlesse is , where all both sees and knowes , how many thousands death and graues inclose : making me ( london ) which long time hath slowrish't scorned of those which i both fed and nourish't . and thos● that haue my glory most set forth , boasting that i for beautie did excell ; now to approch vnto me are so loath , as if my presence were a swallowing hell : within their houses they refuse to dwell , and to the countrey flye like swarmes of bees , where wealth and credite many of them leese . but most of all my sorrowing heart doth grieue , for such as worke and take exceeding care , and by their labour knowe not how to liue , going poore soules in garments thinne and bare , the bellie hungry , of flesh leane and spare . pawning and selling clothes , and what they ●aue , to seed their children which for foode doe craue . and when poore hearts their hunger once is stayed , the day insuing brings the like distresse : the painefull parents working all their trade for new supply , fell famine to suppr●sse , but all in vaine their woes are nere the lesse . their worke being made , abroade poore soules they trott , from morne to noone , from noone to night , god wott . offering their wares , and what they haue to sell , vnto such trades-men as haue small pittie , but they like nabals , will not with them mell , vnlesse for halfe the worth they may it buy : the rich man laughs , the poore in heart doth cry , shedding foorth teares in sorrow to his wife , this world doth make me wearie of my life . the wife doth weepe , the needy seruantes play , the children cry for foode where none is bought : the father saith , i cannot sell to day , one iot of worke , that all of vs haue wrought ; in euery shoppe , i haue for mo●ey sought . and can take none , your hunger to sustaine , teares part from him , the children cry amaine . vvhat shall we doe ? a counsell straight they take , meate must be had , our people must not starue , wi●e , take such thinges , & goe without a loate , in hovvndes ditch , pawne them , our great neede to serue , they wil make sure , if that a day we swa●ue ; all will be lost , our garments are their owne , though for a pound we giue a shilling lone . besides the bill a powling groat will cost , and euery moneth our pawne must be renew'd , so was my lease to griping vsurie lost , the first beginner of my sorrowes brew'd , and euer since want vpon want insew'd . my bedding forfeite for a thing of nought , my brasse and pewter , want of conscience bought . if now our clothes which clad out naked skinne , should thus be lost , as was our other good , alas , ( poore wife ) what case are we then in , such shamefast beggers neuer asked food . if honest labour could this griefe withstood , we would haue reckoned day and night as one , to worke for meate , rather then make such mone . o you of london , now heare london speake , especially you magistrates of might , and wealthy citizens , whose store is great , i gently wooe you to haue good fore-sight , and cast your eyes vpon the needy wight , though feare of sicknesse driue you hence as men , yet leaue your purse , and feeling heart with them . remember all , your riches are but lent , though in this world , you beare such power and sway : remember too , how soone your yeares are spent , remember eke , your bodies are but clay , remember death , that rangeth at this day . remember when , poore lazers woes did end , the full fed glutton , to hell , did discend . remember rulers , of each publycke charge , the seuerall branches , of your priuate oath : remember them , that vse a conscience large , and on themselues , the needyes stocke bestow'th , he robbes his god , and his poore neighbours both . he that graunts blessings , to the poore that lends , giues treble cursings , to those it miss-spends . remember likewise , god hath plac't you heere , to be as nursing , fathers to the poore , let then your kindnes , now to them appeare , giue much and be , no niggards of your store : g●d in his wisedome , gaue it you therefore . put foorth your tallents , and gaine ten for fiue , so shall you in , the heauenly cittie thriue . one other boone , doth mournefull london craue , of you on whom , her weale and woes depende when in the senate , house with counsell graue , you sit debating , causes how to end . make some decree , poore working trades to mend , at least set downe , some order for their good , that each man may , with labour earne his foode . restraine the number , of deuouring drones , that sucks the hunny , from the laboring bees . catching by peece-meale , in their bribes and lones , mens whole estates , which are of poore degrees : and brings them quickly , on their naked knees , fower groates a month , for twenty shillings lent , ys like windes tempest , till the house be rent . the number , numb●rlesse of houses vaine , which beere and ale , forsooth make shewe to sell : vnder which couller , doth such vyces rayne my cheeke doth glowe , my toongue refraines to tell , offending god , and pleasing sathan well , like wicked sodome , doth my subburbs lye , a mighty blemish , to faire londons eye . reforme these things , you heads of london citie , punnish lewd vice , let vertue spring and grow : then gods iust wrath , now hot will turne to pittie , and for his children , you againe doe know : your former health , on you he will bestow , the plague and pestilence , wherewith he visites still , to end or send , are in his holy will. you see the runner , in his race is tript , well when he went , dead ere his iourneyes done : you see how soddaine , beauties blase is nipt , which sought all meanes , deaths danger for to shunne , you heare what successe , followe them that runne : most true report , doth tell vs where and how , the countreys plauge , exceedes the citties now . sith then it resteth , in gods mighty power , who when he please , can bid his angell stay : or if he will , destroy you in an hower a thousand yeares , being with him as one day , why should you not , to him for mercy pray . desiring pardon , with a contryte heart , and from your former , wickednes depart . yf this you will , incontinently doe , the lorde in pittie , will his iudgments cease , and many blessings will he powre on you : health and long life , honour & happie peace , your foes shal quaile , your friendes shall still increase , your vviues shall flourish like a fruitfull vine , your children prosper , and your griefes decline● your termes shall holde , your men of worth shall stay , your marchants trafficke , and great riches gaine , your trades-mens sorrows shall bee done away , true loyall seruants shall with them remaine : your artisants shall neuer more complaine , their honest labour so shall thriue and speede , that they shall giue to others that haue neede . and i that long haue beene a loathed dame , shall frolicke then with myrth and inward glee , renowned lady , now must be my name , o famous london , who is like to thee ; thy god is serude by men of each degree , thy churches filde , thy preachers burne with zeale , thy glory shines , o blessed common-weale . my crowned cesar and his peerlesse queene , comes now tryumphing with their princely sonne , deck●t with rich robes the like was neuer seene , nor neuer none more welcome to london , me thinkes i see the people how they runne , to get them roome this happy sight to see , that this may come say all amen , with mee . finis . a godly and zealous prayer vnto god , for the surceasing of his irefull plague , and grieuous pestilence . o lord god almightie , the father of mercies and god of all consolation , we miserable distressed creatures , wounded with th● multitude of our grieuous sins , repayre vnto thee ( the phisition of our soules ) for balme to cure our sores . o lord , we acknowledge and confesse our owne vnworthinesse : great is thy goodnesse towards vs , and great is our ingratitude towardes thee . thou hast opened the windowes of heauen , and powred out thy blessings vpon vs , as out of a store-house or treasurie : thou hast giuen vs of the fatte of the earth , and fed vs with the dewe of heauen : peace and plentie haue beene our portion , and inheritance these many yeeres : the sword hath not deuoured vs , hunger and famine haue not come neere vs : the knowledge of thy word hath florished amongst vs : and whereas other nations sit in darkenesse , and grope at noone day , being ouerwhelmed with the fogges & mystes of error and supersticion , wee still inioy the fruition of thy glorious gospell , and the sunne of righteousnes still shineth cleerely in our climate : whose sweete influence might hau● caused vs ( had we not bene barren trees ) to haue brought foorth much fruite . but alas , in vaine hath the doctrine of thy sonne christ iesus , dropped as the deaw : in vaine haue the sweet distilling showres of thy mercies beene powred out vpon this land. for we haue not yet brought forth the first fruites of the spirit : we haue had the first , and the latter raine ; but we bring foorth the fruit of righteousnes , neither first nor last : our wine is bitter as the wine of sodom , and our grapes as the grapes of gomorrah : wee are become as the seede of the wicked corrupt children , disobedient seruantes , a rebellious people , & now that we are rich , and are waxen fat , we spurne with the h●ele , like the vnruly heifar , we are sicke of long prosperity , & haue surfeited of peace and plentie : fulnes of bread hath caused vs to ●●n against thre , & we haue wearied thee with our iniquities , they are too sore and heauy a burthen for vs to beare . therfore is thy visitation come amongst vs , & thine hand i● sore against vs : therefore hast th●u armed thy selfe with displeasure , like a man of warre , thou hast prepared thy instruments of wrath , thou hast whet thy sword , thou hast bent thy bow , thou hast put thine hand to the quiuer , thou hast shot ●ut thine arrowes of indignation against vs , like a gyaunt refreshed with wine , hast smitten vs , and wee are wounded at the heart . woe vnto vs , for the voyce of lamentation and mourning is heard in our cities , as when thou slewest the first borne of egypt . our houses are left desolate , and men abhorre their owne inheritance . wee are one afraid of another , men hardly trust themselues , yea , scarcely the clothes of their backes . where are our solemne meetings , and frequent assemblies : men stand a farre off : the streates and high wayes mourne : trafficke ceaseth : marchandize decayeth : the craftes-man and cunning artificer is ashamed of his pouertie . these things doe we iustly suffer for our sinnes , at thy hands ; o god , and yet still we goe forwards in our sinnes , like the swift dromedorie in his ●ourse : or like the asse in the mountaines , which draweth in the ayre at her pleasure , we haue not comforted the weake and feeble knees , we haue not wept with them that weepe . we haue not had that sympathy , and fellow-s●lling of each others miserie , which ought to bee in the members of christ , nay , often times while one prayeth in the bitternesse and anguish of his spirit , another blasphemeth in the pride and presumption of his heart . heare one groueleth on the ground , gasping & gaping after life , there another walloweth in th● sincke of sin , and puddle of iniquitie , vomiting vp his own● shame . o god , how displeasing a spectacle is this to thin● eyes : how harsh musicke ( and distempered harmony ) is it to thine eares . therefore thine hand is stretched out , to smit● off the withered brāches of those trees which are corrupt . o lord , thou knowest that it is not in man to direct his owne wayes . turne vs vnto thee , and we shall be turned . draw thou vs , and we wil run after the smell of thine oyntments . touch our ●linty hearts , and our eyes shall gush out with water , as the stonie rocke which moses smote : then wilt thou repent thee of this euill , when wee haue repented vs of our sinnes : then wilt thou turne from vs thy fierce wrath , when wee haue turned from our iniquities : then will we offer vp with the calues of our lips a sacrifice of prayse and thankesgiuing , when thou hast raised vs vp , out of the pit of our grieued desolatiō , then shalt thou put myrth and gladnesse into our heartes . most mercifull father , let it be ynough that we haue hitherto borne the stormes of thy displeasure , now let thy angry angell hold his destroying hand : let vs not all dye in our sinnes for whom christ dye● , that wee might liue vnto thee , take away thy cup of indignation from vs , and let vs drinke no more of the dreg● of thy furie ; saue the remnant that are left with thy preseruatiues of grace , send thy good angell vnto the ●ings court , and giue him charge ouer his maiestie , that the arrowes that flye by night touch not his sacred pers●n , nor come nere his princely progeny . let treacherie , and conspiracie blush and be ashamed and confounded at their presence : let prosperitie attend them on the right hand and on the left : lord giue vnto the nobles , & senators of this land , the spirit of wisedome , counsell and vnderstanding : the spirit of true fortitiude , courage● and magnanimitie . inspire the ministers of thy gospel with knowledge of thy word , inflame their hearts with a feruent zeale for thy glory : giue vnto all superiors , discretion & moderation : vnto all inferiors , loyalty and obdedience . more perticulerly , for our selues , wee pray thee blesse our downe sitting and our vprising , blesse our going foorth , and our comming in : saue vs from the noysome plague and pestilence , which i● the rod of thy furie , and the hammer of thine indignation , which breakest in peices like a potters vessell irrepentant sinners , therefore suffer vs not , we beseech thee , to walke any longer in the stubburnesse of our owne hearts , least we hoard vp vengeanc● for our selues in the day of wrath . o lord illuminate our vnderstanding● , reforme oure irreguler disordered affections , mortifie our sinnes , let them dye in this nights rest , that to morrow whē we awake , we may shake off sinnes , and liue vnto righteousnesse , neuer fea●ing to goe foreward from grace to grace , from vertue to vertue , vntill we haue arriued at the hauen of rest : whither christ bring vs , which bought vs for his mercies sake : to wh●m with the father and the holy ghost , be all honour , power , and dominion , for euermore . amen . finis . a true relation of al that haue bin buried of all diseases , in euery seuerall parish ; aswell within the cittie of london , & liberties thereof , as also in the out parishes neere therevnto adioyning , from the of iuly last past , , to the . of nouember following . albones in woodstreet alhallowes lumbarstr . alhallowes the great alhallowes the lesse alhallowes bredstreet alhallowes staynings alhallowes the wall . ● alhallowes hony-lane alhallowes barking alphage at cripplegate androwes by the wardrope androwes eastcheape androwes vndershaft annes at aldersgate annes black fryers auntlins parish austines parish bartholmew at the exch : bennets at pauls-wharf . bennets grace-church bennets finck bennets sherhogg buttols billinsgate christ church parish christophers parish clements by east-cheape dennis back-church dunstones in the east edmunds in lumbard-st ethelborow within bishopsg s. faithes s. fosters in foster-lane gabriel fan-church georges buttolph-lane gregories by paules hellens within bishopsg . iames by garlick-hith iohn euangelist iohn zacharies iohns in the walbrooke katherines cree-church katherines colemans laurence in the iury laurence pountney leonards foster-lane leonards eastcheape magnus parish by the bridge margrets new fishstreet margrets pa●tens margrets moyses margrets lothbery martins in the vintry martins orga●s martins iremonger lane martins at ludgate ● martins outwich mary le booe mary bothaw mary at the hill ● mary abchurch mary woolchurch mary colchurch mary woolnoth mary aldermary mary aldermanbery mary stayning● mary mountawe mary sommersets mathew friday-street maudlins in milke-street maudlins by oldfishstreet mighels bassie shaw mighels cornehill mighels in woodstreet mighel● in the ryall mighels in the querne mighels queene-hith mighel crooked lane mildreds poultry mildreds bredstreet nicholas acons nicholas cole-abbay nicholas olaue olaues in the iury olaues in hartstreet olaues in siluer-street pancras by soperlaue pete●s in cornehill peters in cheape peters the poore in broadstr , peters at pauls-wharfe steuens in colman-street steuens in the walbrok swithins at london-stone thomas apostles trinitie parish vvithout the vvals of london . androwes in holborn barthelmew the lesse smith● barthelmew the great smit● brides parish buttols algate buttols bishopsgate buttols without aldersg . dunstones in the west georges in southwarke giles without creeplegate olaues in southwarke sauiours in southwarke sepulchers parish thomas in southwark trinitie in the minories clements without templeb . giles in the fields iames at clarkenwell katherines by the tower leonards shoredich martins in the fields mary whitechappel magdalens in barmondsey — streete . bridewel precinct . at the pest-house the true number of al that haue bin buried , aswel within the cittie of london : as also within the liberties and subburbes thereof , of all diseases , since the first beginning of this uisitation , is . finis . orders conceiued and agreed to be published, by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london, and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey, by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie councell london (england) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) orders conceiued and agreed to be published, by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london, and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey, by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie councell london (england) city of london (england). lord mayor. [ +] p. by iohn vvindet, printer to the honourable citie of london, imprinted at london : [ ?] caption title. "whereas in the first yeare of his maiesties most happy raigne ouer this realme of england, an acte was made, for the charitable reliefe, and ordering of persons infected with the plague ..."--first three lines of text. place of publication and name of publisher taken from colophon; date of imprint suggested by stc ( nd ed.). imperfect: torn with slight loss of print; lacking at least one sheet. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- history -- england -- early works to . public welfare -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion orders conceiued and agreed to be published , by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london , and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey , by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie covncell . whereas in the first yeare of his maiesties most happy raigne ouer this realme of england , an acte was made , for the charitable reliefe , and ordering of persons infected with the plague : whereby authority is giuen to iustices of peace , mayors , bayliffes , and other head officers , to appoint within their seuerall limittes examiners , searchers , watchmen , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places infected , and to minister vnto them oathes for performance of their offices . and the same statute also authorizeth the giuing of other directions , as vnto them for the present necessity , shall seeme good in their discretions . it is therefore vpon speciall consideration thought very expedient , for the preuenting and auoyding of the infection of sickenes ( if it shall please almightie god ) which is now dangerously dispersed into many places within the citie and suburbs of the same : that these officers following be appointed , and these orders hereafter prescribed be duly obserued . first it is thought requisite and so ordered , that in euery parish there be one , two or more persons of good sorte and credite , chosen and appointed by the alderman his deputy , and common counceil of euery ward , and by the iustices of peace in the counties , by the name of examiners , to continue in that office the space of two moneths at least : and if any fit persons , so appointed as aforesaid , shall refuse to vndertake the same , the said parties so refusing , to be committed to prison vntill they shall conforme themselues accordingly . that these examiners be sworne by the alderman , or by one of the iustices of the countie , to enquire and learne from time to time what houses in euery parish be visited , and what persons be sicke , and of what diseases , as neere as they can informe themselues and vpon doubt in that case , to command restraint of accesse , vntill it appeare what the disease shall proue : and if they find any persons sicke of the infection , to giue order to the constable , that the house be shut vp : and if the constable shall be found remisse or negligent , to giue present notice thereof to the alderman , or the iustice of peace respectiuely . that to euery infected house there be appointed two watchmen , one for the day and the other for the night : and that these watchmen haue a speciall care that no person goe in or out of such infected houses , whereof they haue the charge , vpon paine of seuere punishment . and the said watchmen to doe such further offices as the sicke house shall neede and require : and if the watchman be sent vpon any busines , to locke vp the house and take the key with him : and the watchman by day to attend vntill tenne of the clocke at night : and the watchman by night till sixe in the morning . company the coarse to church , or to enter the house visited , vpon paine of hauing his house shut vp or be imprisoned . that no clothes , stuffe , bedding or garments be suffered to be carried or conuayed out of any infected houses , and that the cryers and carriers abroad of bedding or olde apparell , to be solde or pawned , be vtterly prohibited and restrained : and no brokers of bedding , or olde apparell bee permitted to make any outward show , or hang forth on their stalles , shop-boards or windowes , towards any streete , lane , common way or passage , any olde bedding or apparell to be solde , vpon paine of imprisonment : and if any broker or other person shall buy any bedding , apparell or other stuffe out of any infected house , within two moneths after the infection hath beene there , his house shall be shut vp as infected , and so shall continue shut vp twenty daies at the least . if any person visited doe fortuue , by negligent looking vnto , or by any other meanes , to come or be conuayed from a place infected , to any other place , the parish from whence such partie hath come , or beene conuaied , vpon notice thereof giuen , shall at their charge cause the saide party so visited and escaped , to be carried and brought backe againe by night , and the parties in this case offending , to bee punished at the direction of the alderman of the warde , and the iustices of the peace respectiuely : and the house of the receiuer of such visited person , to be shutte vp for twenty daies . that euery house visited be marked with a red crosse of a foote long , in the middle of the doore , euident to be seene , and with these vsuall printed wordes : that is to say , lord haue mercy vpon vs to be set close ouer the same crosse , there to continue vntill lawfull opening of the same house . that the constables see euery house shut vp , and to bee attended with watchmen , which may keepe them in , and minister necessaries vnto them at their owne charges ( if they be able ) or at the common charge if they be vnable : the shutting vp to be for the space of foure weekes after all be whole . that precise order be taken that the searchers , chirurgions , keepers and buriers are not to passe the streetes without holding a redde rodde or wand of three foote in length , in their hands , open and euident to bee seene , and are not to goe into any other house then into their owne , or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for , but to forbeare and abstaine from company , especially when they haue beene lately vsed in any such busines or attendance . and to this end it is ordered , that a weekely taxe be made in euery parish visited , if in the citie or borough then vnder the hand of the alderman of the warde , where the place is visited : if neither of the counties , then vnder the hands of some of the iustices next to the place visited , who , if there be cause , may extend the taxe into other parishes also , and may giue warrant of distresse against them which shall refuse to pay : and for want of distresse or for assistance , to commit the offenders to prison , according to the statute in that behalfe . ❧ orders for clensing and keeping sweete of the stteetes . first it is thought very necessary and so ordered , that euery house-holder doe cause the streete to be daily pared before his doore , and so to keepe it cleane swept all the weeke long . that the sweeping and filth of houses to be daily carried away by the rakers , and that the raker shall giue notice of his comming by the blowing of a horne , as heretofore hath beene done . that the laiestals be remoued as farre as may be out of the citie , and common passages , and that no night-man or other be suffered to emptie a vault into any garden , neere about the citie . that especiall care be taker , that no stinking fish or vnwholsome flesh , or mustie corne or other corrupt fruits , of what sort soeuer be suffered to bee solde about the citie or any part of the same . that the bruers and tipling houses be looked vnto , for musty and vnwholsome caske . that order be taken that no hogges , dogges or cattes , or tame pigeons , or conies be suffred to be kept within any parte of the citie , or any swine to be or stray in the streets or lanes , but that such swine be impounded by the beadle , or any other officer , and the owner punished according to the acte of common councell , and that the dogges be killed by the dog-killers , appointed for that purpose . ❧ orders concerning loose persons and idle assemblies . forasmuch as nothing is more complained on then the multitude of roagues and wandering beggers , that swarme in euery place about the citie , being a great cause of the spreading of the infection , and will not be auoyded , notwithstanding any order that hath beene giuen to the contrary : it is therefore now ordered , that such constables and others , whome this matter may any way concerne , doe take speciall care , that no wandring begger be suffered in the streetes of this citie , in any fashion or manner whatsoeuer , vpon paine of the penaltie prouided by the law , to be duly and seuerely executed vpon them . that all plaies , bearebaitings , games , singing of ballads , buckler-play , or such like causes of assemblies of people , be vtterly prohibited , and the parties offending , seuerely punished , by any alderman or iustice of the peace . that disorderly tippling in tauernes , alehouses and sellers , be seuerely looked vnto , as the common sinne of this time , and greatest occasion of dispersing the plague : and where any shall be found to offend , the penalty of the statute to bee laide vpon them with all seueritie . and for the better execution of these orders , as also for such other directions as shal be needfull , it is agreed that the iustices of the citie and the counties adioyning doe meete together once in tenne dayes , eyther at the sessions house without newgate , or some other conuenient place , to conferre of things as shall be needfull in this behalfe . and euery person neglecting the duety required , or willingly offending against any article or clause , contained in these orders , he to be seuerely punished by imprisonment , or otherwise , as by law he ought . god saue the king. imprinted at london by iohn vvindet , printer to the honourable citie of london . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e examiners be appointed in euery parish . the examiners office . watchmen . no infected stuffe to bee vttered . euery visited house to be marked . euery visited house to bee watched . the streets to bee kept cleane . that the rakers take it from out the houses . laiestals to be made farre off from the citie . care to be had of vnwholsome fish or flesh , and of musty corne. beggers . plaies . tipling houses . londons remembrancer: for the staying of the contagious sicknes of the plague by dauids memoriall. as it vvas follovved in a sermon preached in christs-church in london, the . of ianuarie. . vpon occasion of the publique thanksgiuing, enioyned by his maiesties proclamation. by samson price, doctor of diuinitie, one of his majesties chapleins in ordinarie. price, sampson, or - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) londons remembrancer: for the staying of the contagious sicknes of the plague by dauids memoriall. as it vvas follovved in a sermon preached in christs-church in london, the . of ianuarie. . vpon occasion of the publique thanksgiuing, enioyned by his maiesties proclamation. by samson price, doctor of diuinitie, one of his majesties chapleins in ordinarie. price, sampson, or - . [ ], p. printed by edward all-de, for thomas harper, at london : . date has been changed in ink to read "the . of januarie". british museum catalogue gives this date also.--dfo. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- sermons -- early works to . sermons, english -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion londons remembrancer : for the staying of the contagiovs sicknes of the plagve : by dauids memoriall . as it vvas followed in a sermon preached in christs-church in london , the . of ianuarie . . vpon occasion of the publique thanksgiuing , enioyned by his maiesties proclamation . by samson price , doctor of diuinitie , one of his majesties chapleins in ordinarie . psal. . . . when i remember thee vpon my bed , and meditate on thee in the night watches , because thou hast beene my helpe : therefore in the shadowe of thy wings will i reioyce . at london : printed by edward all-de , for thomas harper . . to the right honorable sir thomas coventrye , knight , lord keeper of the great seale of england . right honourable , it is the great worke of god , to reclaime from their offences , those whom he loueth , by corrections : to this end as he bestoweth fauours vpon some in anger , as he did quailes vpon the israelites : so striketh he others in mercie , that they may be zealous , and repent . the late pestilence amongst vs of this citie , and the other infected parts of the kingdome , bringing wonderfull plagues , and sore sicknesses : came rushing with such violence , because wee did not serue the lord our god with ioyfulnes , hauing aboundance of all things ; and because we did not feare this glorious name , the lord : yet mercie shewed it selfe stronger then iudgement , and vpon our weake and vnworthy humiliation , the destroying angel hath in a great measure stayed his hand : beautie therefore being giuen vnto vs for ashes , the oyle of ioy for mourning , & the garment of praise for the spirit of heauines , the lord is to be praised . to this end hath our royall zealous annointed soueraigne , sent forth a solemne command : this , to fasten as a memorandum in the eares and hearts of those committed to my poore charge , i endeauoured , by king dauids memoriall , of what god had done for him . a subiect fit for an angell from heauen to comment vpon . a thanksgiving : all the workes of the lord praise him : angels , heauens , sunne , moone , starres , showers , dewe , winde , winter , summer : wels , whales , fowles , beasts : all holy and humble men of heart desire to remember the lord. this is here pressed , wherein my only ayme was to speake what was plaine , profitable , necessarie to the glory of god , and good of the people . this mite i now offer to the treasurie ( talents i haue none ) knowing that in a willing minde , it is accepted according to that a man hath , and not according to that hee hath not , . cor. . . whatsoeuer it is , i am emboldened , by your late noble encouragements , to present it to your honours acceptation , protection , perusall . it is the ioy of many , that god hath giuen you a large , iust , and faithfull heart : a desire rather to be an vmpire of equity , then a decreer of seuerity ; and as god hath exalted you , so you remember by your resolute , yet meeke carriage , that god standeth in the congregation of the mighty , he iudgeth among the gods. i shall still rest a continuall peticioner to the throne of grace , that in these slipperie times , all the foundations of the earth being out of course , you may be kept by the power of god , through faith vnto saluation . new rents . febru . . your honours in all dutie to be commanded , samson price . lord iesus begin and end . londons remembrancer by davids memoriall . psal. . . when i remember these things , i powre out my soule in me . it was the confident profession of royall dauid , when some did striue with him , fight against him , and persecute him : many are the afflictions of the righteous , but the lord deliuereth him out of all . the whole psalme was composed when he came to achimelech the priest , crauing bread and armes : a psalme written ( saith cassiodor ) for the times of christians ; a psalme which athanasius perswaded marcellinus to sing vpon any deliuerance : as dauids afflictions were great ; so were his deliuerances ; consider him a caula ad aulam , from the sheep-coate to the scepter ; being sent to follow the ewes great with young , either by his fathers neglect , or his brothers enuious conspiracie , and plotting against him : the day consuming him with heat , and the night with frosts ; in danger of lyons & beares ; his father in law vnkinde , michal his wife froward ; hauing breaches in his family by his thamar , ammon , absalon ; bruises by the pestilence , brunts by warres , which made him water his couch with his teares , and would haue made him mad indeede , as he but feigned when he was before achish , had not the lord deliuered him : but his soule truly wayted vpon god , because his saluation came from him . a text vrged by st. austin against the donatists : prescribed by basil as an antidote , to euery christian against corrupt passions , that the soule be not made a slaue to lewd affections . euery creature is to obey the creator , and may be enforced ; but a voluntary subiection is expected of the reasonable soule of man , that our will follow gods will , that we desire nothing contrary to his will , that wee encline our hearts to his pleasure . for we are the creatures , hee is the creator ; we but clay , he the potter ; wee captiues , hee the commander ; wee seruants , he the master ; we schollers , he the tutour ; and none but the sonne of belial , that cannot endure the lord , will seeke to breake his bands : the life of christ was a life of subiection ; to his parents , to magistrates , to the law , to the baptisme of iohn ; yea , hee who was lord and master , washed his apostles feete , not onely because the diuell had supplanted adam in his feete : or because they were to be his feete to carrie him through the world , and as beautifull feete vpon the mountaines to publish peace , and bring good tydings of good , publishing saluation ; but to giue them an example of humility ; that seeing he washed their feete , they ought also to wash one anothers feete . hee who was god and man , was subiect , that man might learne to submit himselfe wholy to god. anima is quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a breathing : and the tongue of the soule is the zeale of deuotion : our deuout kingly prophet in all humble submission cried out : vnto thee o lord doe i lift vp my soule . happy is hee onely who can say it with the heart of dauid ; sinne doth not ouer-burthen him ; worldly delight draweth him not backe from the seruice of god ; pleasure boweth him not downe ; couetousnesse doth not make him stoope ; opulencie doth not puffe him vp ; ambition doth not carrie him away . his soule made her boast in the lord ; because confirmed , strengthened , and able to endure so wonderfully from his power , by which he was whatsoeuer he was . he prayed that god would say vnto his soule , i am thy saluation : for gods word is his act , and his dixit a fiat : his soule followed hard after god , because his right hand did vphold him : hee followed not the allurements of the world , which by vices draw men from the loue of god. his soule kept gods testimonies ; neuer did burgensis so iustly entitle his booke scrutinium scripturarum , as dauid might his meditations scrutinium praeceptorum . his soule wayted for the lord , more then they that wayte for the morning : hee that hopeth must hope to the end . hee prayed that his soule might not be gathered with sinners ; that his soule which was his darling , might be rescued from destruction and the lyons . this , hath breath breathed into it by the spirit of god , and therefore is euer ready to breath out sighes , groanes , supplications , thanksgiuing vnto god vpon the remembrance of his workes , his mercies , his iudgements , his prouidence , his deliuerances as heere . when i remember these things , i powre out my soule in me . when word came to the king of niniueh , that god had thundred out a iudgement against that citie , by the voyce of ionah , yet forty dayes and niniueh shall be ouerthrowne : hee caused it to be proclaimed : let neither man nor beast taste any thing : let them crie mightily vnto god ; let them turne euery one from his euill way : and god saw their workes , and god repented of the euill that hee had said he would doe vnto them , and hee did it not . that king was as all great ones should be , carbo & lampas , a coale burning to himselfe , a lamp shining to other men . as hee for niniueh : so our gracious king charles , seeing the lord angry with our citie and kingdome , and sending out a preacher vnto vs of the strongest lines to terrifie vs ; by a pestilence ; sent forth a solemne edict for a publique fast through the whole kingdome : wee haue seene a blessed effect : and therefore now our gracious soueraigne with zealous dauid , willing to haue a memoriall kept of that late , suddaine , miraculous stopping of the vyals of gods wrath amongst vs and others , in staying of the plague ; is this day with his nobles and courtiers , assembled to giue publique thankes in the congregation ; and hath commanded a generall & publique thanksgiuing to god throughout this whole realme , for so great and gracious a deliuerance , acknowledging that they are not worthy of future fauors , who are not truly thankfull for benefits already receaued : to this end wee are met . a king hath commanded vs ; and a prophet is his leader . we haue had sad times , as our dauid in this psalme : as the hart hath panted after the water brookes , so hath our soule panted after god : teares haue beene our meate : the multitudes with whom we vsed to goe to the house of god and keepe holy day , haue beene taken away : our soules haue bin cast downe ; wee haue beene disquieted ; deepe hath called vpon deepe ; waues and billowes haue gone ouer vs : god seemed to forget vs , and therefore haue we mourned . yet againe , wee are come to appeare before god , and therefore let vs praise him , who is the health of our countenance , and our god ; let vs remember what is past : as dauid ; when i remember , &c. my text sheweth vs the two hands of god ; the one with a wound , the other with a plaister : the one casting downe , the other raising vp : the one killing , the other making aliue ; both pile vp a beacon to call vs together , to see what god hath done for vs , and what we are bound to doe vnto god : teaching vs , that though our miseries , troubles , feares , infirmities , plagues , be as the hoast of the aramites , a great hoast , yet more are with vs then against vs. doth god send a sore ? he sends a salue also : sorrow for a night ? ioy in the morning : sobs and lamentations sometimes ? but songs & congratulations afterward : we see it in this psalme , in this memoriall : when i remember these things , i powre out my soule in me . the summe of which words is dauids memoriall , of gods mercies , fauours , deliuerances : you may call it , the oblation of the soule : or hope for the saints : or a forme of thanksgiuing : or the refuge of the afflicted : or the safety of gods children : or londons remembrancer by dauids memoriall : shewing vs mercie in the midst of iudgement , by our deliuerance from the late great plague . wherein obserue . a diuine art of memorie : when i remember these things , . a zealous act of piety : i powre out my soule in me . in the . see his commemoration . . his deuotion . when i remember these things . the whole verse is darke , as reuerend caluin obserueth , by reason of the variety of times . it is diuersly rendred : by aug. haec meditatus sum , i haue meditated vpon these things : by st. amb. psalter , haec memoratus sum , i haue remembred , rehearsed , spoken of these things : simmachus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : obseruing , or registring , and recalling in my minde . campensis interprets it of gods prouidence shewed , and his promises made for the deliuerance of the fathers before dauid : folengius of gods promises to all his seruants : valentia of his promise concerning the comming of the messiah . but others , that dauid was recounting with himselfe what troubles he was in , when his enemies reproached him in his miseries , as if god had forsaken him , forgotten to be gracious to him ; and in his aduersitie , the abiects gathered themselues together against him to teare him . hee remembreth that god had brought him out of the horrible pit , of the mirie clay , & set a new song in his mouth . memorie is taken either for an intellectuall habit left by some act , or for some thing that stickes to the soule , comprehending things past , making an act of them : it is a resuming of any thing apprehended in the sense or vnderstanding . sense is for things present ; hope , for things to come ; memory , for things past : memorie , is the lieger booke of the braine ; the ianus that hath an eye behinde ; the storehouse of the minde : but there is a three-fold memorie . beneficiorum , this is to be reteined in vs , exemplorum , this is to be exhibited by vs. iniuriarum , this is to be relinquished from vs. there must be a remembrance of gods blessings and benefits : therefore saith the lord to the church by isai : put mee in remembrance ; let vs plead together : remember what i haue done for thee in creation , redemption , preseruation . the best art of memory is to be humbled at gods threatnings , and comforted at his promises : for exceeding griefes or exceeding ioyes leaue great impressions in vs. but this memory is hindred by worldly prosperity : as the chiefe butler forgat ioseph , a right temporizing courtier , who partly for feare to moue the king , partly addicted to his owne profit , and serue his owne turne , would make no mention of ioseph : so the children of israel called iesurun , waxed fat and kicked , and then forsooke god which made him , and lightly esteemed the rocke of his ▪ saluation . dauid remembred god on his bed , and in the night watches ; whiles others slept and snorted in their sinnes . there is a remembrance of examples : moyses was a mercifull man , which found fauour in the sight of all flesh , beloued of god and men ; his memoriall is blessed . there is a remembrance of iniuries , whereas the best remedy of an iniury is forgetting . and at athens it was enacted a decree obliuionis iniuriarum , of forgetting of iniuries , for when thrasibulus had freed the citie of thirty tyrants , and restored it to peace , hee made a law , that none should remember any iniuries past , which the athenians call the law of obliuion : and this we reade of the emperour augustus , who though of a most tenacious and retentiue memory : iniurias tamen cum primis obliuisceretur , could yet forget wrongs as soone as they were offered : to this end is that remembrance : thou shalt not auenge , nor beare any grudge against the children of thy people : that , remember thy end , and let enmity passe : that as when bees fight , the casting of a little dust vpon them endeth their strife : so the remembrance of our end by common mortality in pestilence or otherwise , still toling for the last gaspe , should ring out the death of malice , & burie all wrongs in the graue of obliuion , neuer to rise vp againe : but i must not forget the remembrance of god , the remembrance of vs here . hee remembreth his mercie and truth towards israel : hee remembreth vs , and visiteth vs , and reuengeth vs of our persecutors : hee taketh vs not away in his long suffering . hee being gracious and full of compassion , hath made his wonderfull workes to be remembred . therefore hee commanded that a golden pot of manna should be kept to remember what bread the children of israel had in the wildernes : the sacrament of the lords supper is a remembrance of the death & passion of our blessed sauiour . all the feasts enioyned israel , required of them a memoriall of gods benefits done vnto them . the twelue cakes on the pure table before the lord , were for a memoriall . dauid appointed the leuites to record , and to thanke and praise the lord god of israel . they that escaped of the sword when they were scattered , were to remember him among the nations . the two stones vpon the shoulder of the ephod , were for a memoriall vnto aaron . ieremie remembring his afflictions , miserie , and wormewood and gall , his soule was humbled , yet he hoped . ionas remembred the lord , and his soule fainted , when no doubtfull earthly naturall helpe , could release him : when his father , mother , friend , land , sea , his soule , all had forsaken him : yet the lord tooke him vp , and gaue him better hope . isai made mention of the louing kindnes of the lord , and the praises of the lord , his great goodnesse , and multitude of louing kindnesses . neuer did dauid more truly remember ierusalem : if i forget thee o ierusalem , let my right hand forget her cunning . if i doe not remember thee , let my tongue cleaue to the roofe of my mouth ; a greater torment hee wished not to his enemie in the poet : nec possis captas inde referre manus . sic fit in exitium lingua proterua tuum . god hath plagues in store for them that forget him : they shall bee deliuered into the hands of their enemies , as the israelites forgetting the lord , were sold into the hands of sisera , they wither in their greenesse before any other hearb , their hope being cut of : they forget god , and stretch out their hands to a strange god , and then god searcheth this out : they shall haue their sins set in order before them , and bee torne in pieces , and none shall deliuer them : they haue forgotten god , and trusted in falshood , therefore their skirts shall bee discouered vpon their face , that their shame may appeare : though then thou forget to take bread for a iourney , as the disciples did : or forget thy friend in thy mind , and be vnmindfull of him in thy riches : remember the lord. thy brethren may be put farre from thee , thine acquaintance estranged , thy kinsfolke may faile , and thy familiar friends forget thee ; thy louers may forget thee and not seeke thee , there may be none to plead thy cause : but the lord remembreth vs : prouoke him not therefore ; forget not the euerlasting god that brought you vp ; grieue not ierusalem that nursed you . there are some things that especially affect the memorie , and we shall find all singular in god. assidnum , mirum , cognatum , dulce , decorum . triste , nouum , munus , amor , aetas , spes , timor , auctor . are we mindfull of things frequent and vsuall : in god wee liue , moue , and haue our being . of things wonderfull ? his name is wonderfull ; the mighty god , the euerlasting father . of things neere vs or persons alyed ? wee are all his off-spring . of pleasant things : o taste and see how the lord is good ! doe wee remember faire , beautifull , goodly things ? he is fayrer then the children of men . sadde and sorrowfull things ? behold and see if there be any sorrow like that of the son of god. gifts ? there is a new-yeeres gift : the lord hath created a new thing in the earth : a woman shall compasse a man. loue ? god so loued the world , that he gaue his onely begotten sonne . carry wee in memorie our age ? wee are his deare children ; as new borne babes . any thing we hope for ? no hope to that for the sauiour , who shall change our vile bodies . any thing we feare ? there is one wise and greatly to be feared , the lord sitting vpon his throne . our benefactours ? euery good and perfect gift is from the father of lights . king dauid had infirmities and did beare them , but this was his supporter : i will remember the yeares of the right hand of the most high. i will remember the workes of the lord : surely , i will remember thy wonders of olde . wonderfull are the workes of nature : but more wonderfull are the workes of grace in our iustification . a wonder it was that the dead was raysed : but a greater wonder that a poore fisherman whose hands were practised in his old torne netts , and feete in the slime and mud of the sea , should haue the power on a suddaine of conuerting soules . a wonder that 's aboue all wonders , that the creator should become a creature ; with his bloud restore the lost sheepe from death to life ; yet thus he hath remembred his holy couenant to deliuer vs from our enemies . can a woman forget her sucking child , that she should not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe ? they may : yet god will not forget vs. he remembreth vs , that wee may remember him . this made those who receiued blessings vnexspected from god , to keepe some speciall memoriall ; as leah conceiuing and bearing a sonne , shee called his name reuben , for shee sayd , the lord hath looked vpon my affliction , now therfore my husband will loue me . she bare another sonne and called him simeon , because the lord hath heard that i was hated , he hath giuen mee this son also . hence the name of immanuel god with vs , isay the helpe of the lord , gabriel the strength of god , gamaliel the reward of god : ieremy the high of the lord ; ioseph the encrease of the lord , israel preuailing in the lord , theodorus the gift of god , nathaniel the gift of god , mathew gods gift , lazarus the helpe of the god , raphael the physicke of god , samuel placed of god , theophylus a louer of god , tobias the lord is good , zachary the memorie of the lord. therefore hagar hauing an angel to come to her by the well , to tell her of ishmael whom shee should bring forth , the name of the well was after beer-lahai-roy . the well of him that liueth and seeth me . by liuing , vnderstanding her selfe , that liued after this glorious sight . by seeing , god who seeth our afflictions . thus abraham called the place of isaacs deliuerance iehouah-ijreh , the lord will see or prouide , which some take to be a prophecie of the temple which should afterward be built at ierusalem , where the lord would manifest and shew himselfe . others collect hence an argument of our confidence : all other meanes fayling ; to cast our care vpon god , as abraham did , who had another sacrifice prouided in stead of his sonne , which he thought not vpon . thus iacob hauing visions of comfort rose in the morning , and set vp the stone that he had vsed as a pillow , for a pillar , calling the place bethel , the house of god ; a pillar not for adoration but commemoration , yet that annointed pillar was a figure of christ , who is so called of his annointing . as now , he testified his thankfulnesse for the vision of the ladder , so afterwards hauing wrastled with an angel , he called a place peniel , the face of god. for , saith he , i haue seene god face to face , and my life is preserued ▪ that his posteritie might remember the place and vision : he spake with him praesens praesentem , he talked with god present , as moses with whom god did speake mouth to mouth , and apparantly , not in darke speeches . thus he being deliuered from esau , erected an altar , and called it el-elohe-israel , god the god of israel ; erecting as it were a chappell vnto god , calling the altar god , the signe by the thing signified ; so the bread in the eucharist is called , the body of christ : so moses built an altar , and called it iehouah nissi , the lord my banner : and dauid here hath his memoriall , when i remember . which is the shame of many in these dayes , and reproueth their dulnesse who are like those cittizens against whom when a great king came and besieged it , and built great bulwarks against it : a poore wise man by his wisedome deliuered that cittie , yet no man remembred that poore man. they are like ioash the king , who remembred not the kindnesse which iehoiada did to him , but slew his sonne zechariah the priest : like syria that forgetting the god of saluation , had a haruest of desperate sorrowe ; like babylon , saying , i shall be a lady for euer , not laying the word to her hart , neither remembring her latter end , and therefore in a moment , had losse of children and widowhood to come vpon her in her perfection ; they drinke and forget the lawe , and peruert the iudgement of any of the afflicted : doe not wee forget the things which our eyes haue seene ? do they not depart from our hearts ? doe we teach them our sonnes ? the righteous perisheth , and no man layeth it to heart . we remember the least wrong of another to vs , and forget the greatest of our sinnes against god. we write iniuries in marble , but benefits in the sand . wee forget our founders , patrons , benefactors . wee remember not the hand , nor the day when we were deliuered from the enemy , from the land of egypt , the house of bondage , the doctrine of rome : the spanish inuasion : wee forget the tossings of the palatinate , bohemia , and those sweet royall princes liuing amongst strangers . euery one may be called manasseh . forgetting . this was the sinne of israel , now of england . wee are like the strange woman that forgat the couenant of her god. it is storied , that in a great battaile , many being slaine , and the bodies vnburied , there followed a great plague ; and this so infected men , that they forgat their fathers names , their childrens , their owne names : i am sure our forgetfulnesse of god , and our idolatrie , brought the last plague among vs. there was a plague in this iland vpon an ecclipse of the sun , anno dom. . when the shauing of the clergie , latine , seruice , inuocations of saints , were added ( with other idolatrous corruptions ) to the church : whereupon the death of the emperor constance followed . haue not we made an idoll of this citie , which hath stood . yeares , and being infected with the number of our people dauids sinne : boasted of the multitude of heads , riches , buildings : that this was the imperiall citie of the kingdome , chamber of the king , that with laodicea wee were rich , encreased with goods , and had need of nothing : that with tytus our citie hath beene replenished , the haruest of the time her reuenue , a ioyous citie : her merchants princes , her traffique the honourable of the earth . haue not parents gloried in the number of their children , and set too much their hearts vpon them ? haue wee not ascribed our peace to the strength of our arme , and not to him , who teacheth as he did dauid , our hands to warre , and our fingers to fight ? for this we had a plague , and as a pestilence followed idolatrie , so often a warre followeth . they chose new gods , there was warre in the gates : as warre followeth ; so famine : when the land sinneth , i will breake the staffe of bread , and will send famine vpon it , and cut off man and beast from it . such is that threat : if yee will not be reformed , i will send the pestilence among you , and yee shall be deliuered into the hand of your enemie . a consumption , a feauer , an extreame burning ; the sword , hunger , thirst , nakednesse , want of all things : all these things for forgetting the lord. yet : how many doe lightly esteeme this great token of gods wrath , the plague which made dauid pray ? remoue thy stroke away from me , i am consumed by the blow of thine hand : o lord thine arrowes sticke fast in mee , and thy hand presseth me sore , when he had the plague . it made ezechias complaine , that as a lyon , so the lord did breake his bones ; that like a crane or a swallow , so did hee chatter ; mourne as a doue : that his eye did faile with looking vpward ; for morbi natura indomita erat a medijs naturalibus , and therefore god challengeth the cure of it to himselfe . i haue heard thy prayer , i haue seene thy teares , behold i will heale thee . hezekiah was sicke to the death , and prayed to the lord : isai prayed , the priests prayed , the courtiers , the people ; yet hee must pray himselfe : then god spake and gaue most comfortable signes of his fauours : so hath hee miraculously , suddenly , most graciously , stopped the current of his fury amongst vs. hee hath not dealt so with others . how fearefull was that plague , in phrygia , galatia , capadocia , cilicia , when no one remedie could be found for any infected ? that among the vandals , when according to the prouerb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , after a famine the pestilence was so great , that the liuing could not burie the dead , and the high wayes were full of carkasses : that vnder iustinian , when in constantinople , and neere there abouts , there dyed at least fiue thousand , and sometimes ten thousand in one day . that mētioned by euagrius , which ran ouer the whole world , when men might haue cōplained , macies & noua febrium terris in cubuit cohors . it continued . yeares : he lost his wife , many of his children , the greatest part of his kindred : whomsoeuer it tooke , it dispatched out of the way . it exceeded all diseases that euer were before . how fearefull was that plague in alexandria described by eusebius ? now all is replenished with lamentations . euery man howleth through the citie : there is no house where a dead carkasse is not found . that in rome , when , saith chronicon fuldense , scarce the tenth man remained aliue ; nay , but ten men in all were preserued , saith chronicon isenacense . i leade you too farre . to keepe in our owne kingdome and neere home . in the reigne of edw. . there was a plague in this kingdome that tooke away more then the halfe of men , and in one yeare of this , in the charter house were buried aboue fifty thousand : and it dispeopled almost vtterly a great towne , wallingford in barkshiere , bringing . churches to . see how much more sparing the lord hath been of vs : your memory may be fresh , in recalling to minde that plague , in the beginning of the reigne of royall king iames , from the . of december , anno . to the . of decem. anno . wherein there dyed thirty thousand fiue hundreth , seuenty eight ; and this to be stayed , that the next yere there dyed in london & the liberties ; but foure thousand , two hundreth , sixty three of all diseases : and in this late visitation , god so manifested his mercie , that from the . of august it decreased , from . to . and then to . and then to . and then to . and then to . and this last weeke but to three ; and lord let thine angel not strike any one more among vs with the plague . let this remembrance euer be written on the dores of our hearts : say not as babylon , i shall be a lady for euer . dauid fore-saw a curse vpon it for that pride of heart . happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth the little ones against the stones : it was fulfilled , the enemie came , natum ante ora patris , patrem obtruncauit ad aras . let not the merchant burthen his memorie only with his creditours , nor the lawyer with his clyents , nor the landlord with his rents , nor the husbandman with his cattell , nor the captaine with his souldiers , nor the physitian with his patients : but let all keepe a register of this blacke plague in red letters , in the ephemerides of their memory , and the staying of it . it was not the season and coldnesse of the weather that stopped it . posseuinus writes , that when hee was ambassadour for the pope in moscouia , the plague which had scarce euer beene heard of before in that country ( ob intensissima frigora ) by reason of extreame colde , yet killed then many thousands . it was not a popish prayer to saint roche . tu qui deo es tam charus , et in luce valde clarus , sana tuos famulos , et a peste nos defende . god alone is our defense ; forget him not . the wicked shall be turned into hell , and all the nations that forget god study not for a vain-glorious commemoration of thy good workes after thy death . set god as a seale vpon thine heart , as a seale vpon thine arme . hee is as a bundle of myrrhe vnto vs , let him lye all night betwixt our breasts ; neuer breath but remember him ; at morning , noone , and night : at thy lying downe , and rising vp : staying at home , or going a iourney . this remembrance shall put vs in minde of our profession and heauenly countrey . it shall shut the dore to all vncleane actions . it shall comfort vs when we are alone : let him bee the α and ο of our remembrance . when the iewes were building in ierusalem , the nations whom noble asnappar brought and set in the cities of samaria , wrote to artaxerxes , telling him ; if this cittie be builded , then will not the iewes pay tole , tribute , and custome , and so thou shalt endamage the reuenue of the kings : because we haue maintenance from the kings palace ; it was not meete for vs to fee the kings dishonour , therefore haue wee sent and certified the king. the greatest dishonour to god is to forget him : and would we but remember what he hath done for vs , wee would not so suffer his word to be despised , ministers wronged , his holy day to be prophaned ; and other sinnes to out-braue authoritie , which in time will pull another plague downe . it was a graue conclusion of the senatours of troy , concerning helena , the worlds wonder for beautie and excellent parts ; that though shee were such a one and vnmatchable , yet rid her hence , say they , rather then to vs and our posteritie ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : she should abide here for a snare and destruction . the counsell was wise , but indulgence refusing it : it brought forth twentie foure bookes of iliads , & an iliad of miseries . the philosopher elegantly applyeth it to any vice , seeme it neuer so delightfull . o that wee would banish from vs the vice of our kingdome , forgetfulnes of god. o that wee would remember that from him , we haue whatsoeuer good thing wee haue , and deliuerance from all euill . he giueth his angels charge of vs , to keepe vs in all our wayes : which charge is not onely begun to be executed in baptisme , as some would haue it , or when there is the vse of reason manifested , but in the birth , yea in the conception . sure it is , they watch ouer vs , and yet all see it not ; and when they see it , it is by the effect of their ministry : for though their ministry be certaine , yet the manifestation of it is extraordinary . he by the heauens giueth vnto vs influences , least we languish with famine . he feedeth vs with the fruits of the earth . he blessed our land by the gouernment of famous queene elizabeth , who with so long , so great wisedome and felicitie gouerned her kingdomes , as the like hath not beene read or heard of ( sayd learned king iames when he reigned in scotland ) either in our time , or since the daies of the roman emperour augustus . lopez was set on to poyson her by holt the iesuit : so was squire by walpoole the iesuite ; parry was authorized by the pope to murther her , commended by him for intending it , absolued from all his sinnes for pursuing it , and assured of merit for performing it . and when armed for the point , was confronted by her , amated with her presence , and preuented by him that keepeth israel and neuer sleepeth . the same right hand of the lord , deliuered king iames himselfe , of blessed and worthy memory , from the blow by the povvder-plot , a designment like those which he spake of , plus samae apud posteros quam fidei habiturae , which are and shall be rather memorable for the singularitie , then credible for the horror . a deliuerance of our whole state , and while we haue pennes to write , tongues to speake , a generation liuing , or a posteritie succeeding , wee will report it , and repeate it to god with dauids memorandum ; remember o lord the children of edom in the day of ierusalem , who sayd , raze it , raze it , euen to the foundation thereof . edom signifieth red , and he was so called , because he desired and longed for the red pottage of iacob . doe not they thirst after our bloud ? a generation spoken of by obadiah : concerning edom. an ambassadour is sent : by isai , a sword is made fat with the bloud of lambes , and a great slaughter in the land of idumaea . by amos , thus saith the lord , for three transgressions of edom and for foure , i will not turne away the punishment thereof ; because he did pursue his brother with the sword , and did cast off all pittie , and his anger did teare perpetually , and kept his wrath for euer . by ieremy , i haue made esau bare , i haue vncouered his secret places , and he shall not be able to hide himselfe ; his seed is spoyled , and his brethren , and his neighbours , and he is not . by ezekiel , i will lay my vengeance vpon edom by the hand of my people israel , and they shall doe in edom according to mine anger , & according to my fury ; and they shall know my vengeance , saith the lord god. by malachy : whereas edom saith , we are impouerished ; but we will returne and build the desolate places : thus saith the lord of hostes , they shall build , but i will throw downe , and they shall call them , the border of wickednes , and the people against whom the lord hath indignation for euer : and king dauid zealously would haue set vpon it , vvho will leade me into edom ? wilt not thou o god ? wilt not thou o god goe forth with our hostes ? let genebrard interprete it of the church oppressed by the turkes ; it shall bee the endeauour of religious kings against rome : there the edomites , esauites , idumeans lurke . esau came out of the wombe red , betokening his bloody disposition ; and all ouer hayrie which was extraordinry ; for children vsually are borne only with haire on the head , eye-lids and eye-browes , and afterward it groweth on other parts ; and such hairy conceptions are not without much griefe & trouble , causing loathsomnes in the stomacke , heart-burning and such like . esau was a cunning hunter . esau had three names , esau of gnaschah to make , which is passiuely to be taken , comming forth with haire as a perfect man : not actiuely , as though he should be prompt in his businesse . it applieth it selfe , to the romanists , whose bloudy , rough , turbulent , equiuocating dispositions are most apparant : hungry hunters after the true church of god. remember those children of edom ; and remember that god , who hitherto hath preserued vs. let vs say , he is our refuge , and our fortresse , our god ; in him will we trust . he deliuereth thee from the snare of the fowler , and from the noysome pestilence . it is a warrant for gods care , prouidence , help , protection , in any thing that may fall out to the body by naturall causes , wicked men , or our owne corruptions . let vs euer remember this : remember not piles of buildings , pictures , paintings , flowers , and other toyes which cannot help , but take that fourefold remembrance . memento peccati vt doleas . memento mortis vt desinas . memento diuinae iustitiae vt timeas . memento misericordiae ne desperes . sinne , death , iudgement , mercie . i powre out my soule in me . it was a comfort that god had deliuered him , and therefore his soule is ( as it were ) melted into ioy , that he was deliuered . god was pacified . he was very glad , his wits were dispersed , and as it were rauished . hee was enlarged , and scarce can containe himselfe , sorrow being driuen away : as sorrow saith , h. de vict . keepeth in the soule , so ioy powreth it out . therefore ( saith dauid ) trust in him at all times , powre out your heart before him : god is a refuge for vs. the soule is the whole inward man , wherewith this masse of clay is quickned and gouerned , hauing seuerall names according to her seuerall offices in the body . quickening the body it is called the soule : hauing an appetite to any thing , it is called the will : for knowledge , the minde : for recordation , memory : for iudging and discerning reason : for giuing breath spirit : for apprehending outwardly , sence . the soule is the life of the body , god is the life of the soule , and as the body is dead , when not vegetated by the fiue senses of the body ; so the soule is dead , that is not truly humbled to god. but god is good to an humble soule ; he meeteth it , embraceth it , and god ouer all , blessed for euer , marrieth it . an humble soule hath two wings , feare , & hope ; feare in iudgement , hope in mercy : so dauid in his soule powred out in him . hee confessed , thy iudgements are good : to the wicked , crosses are curses ; but to the godly , corrections onely of a father , not to destroy , but to try and purge : and as the rod maketh , the scholler learne : so knowledge by affliction is beaten into vs , by pouerty , sicknesse , and the like : and as a woman that hath fore trauaile , when shee is deliuered , reioyceth that a man-childe is brought into the world : so the seruants of god are in sorrow , till by troubles they are made the children of god. through the sea and wildernesse , we must passe , if we would goe to canaan . herein god is our guide ; hee can make vs as water spilt on the ground , which cannot be gathered vp againe , and expecteth the powring out of our soules in vs. there is a bad effusion , when men no faster receiue the word , but they powre it out againe , as he that earneth wages , & putteth it into a bagge with holes , the brand of ruben : vnstable as water : but there is a good effusion of the soule , by confession , prayer , deuotion , humility , and teares . to this end is the beating of the breast , as we see in the publicane . this was the custome of hilarion , to beate his breast in prayer , as if he desired with his hands to take reuenge vpon his sad thoughts : and surely in the godly , obtritio cordis , tuntio pectoris , the smiting of the breast , is the stamping , beating downe , and brusing of the heart . this hath often teares , as in hannah who was in bitternesse of soule , and prayed vnto the lord , and wept sore : which is the foode of the soule , and which feasted christ more then all the prouision of mary magdalen besides : while we eate the bread of sorrow , drinking the wine of compunction , wee hunger and thirst after heauenly things , and shall be comforted . this is the constant alimonie of the righteous , at dinner and supper , in life and death , in prosperity & aduersity . the prouerb is true , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . boni autem valde flebiles viri . in this case was iob , when his life abhorred bread , and his soule dainty meate : when hee complained that his gall was powred out on the ground . thus dauid when his soule was sore vexed , and he cried , thou o lord how long ? when his expectation was not satisfied : how long shall i take counsell in my soule . when hee powred out his complaint before god , and shewed before him his trouble : but now he is deliuered , and his soule is powred out in thanksgiuing . how iustly may this condemne many , who are so foolish and slow of heart , that they neuer stirre vp their soules to the seruice of god , but suffer the body like a thiefe to rob it : the body is deified , but the soule pined and famished : no bread of life is sought to strengthen her : no gospell of peace to comfort her : no deuotion to cherish her . some sell their soules : as couetous & vsurious monsters , who for wealth will commit any rauine , robberie , theft , periurie , false merchandise , simonie . there is not a more wicked thing then a couetous man , for such an one setteth his owne soule to sale . some cast away their soules , as the enuious and furious , for nothing . the couetous man hath wealth : the epicure , pleasure : the ambitious proud vpstart , honour : the glutton , meate and drinke : but the enuious man consumes himselfe in pining , being a thorne-hedge couered with nettels . some lay their soules to pawne to sathan , that they may swimme in the world prosperously and wantonly , running on in sinne so long , being deafe to god , caring neither for words nor iudgements , so soked in sinne , that they cannot redeeme these pawnes , because they can not repent . yet god crieth by his prophets : oh doe not this abominable thing that i hate : but if we encline not our eare to turne from our wickednes , his furie must be powred forth , to cut off man and woman , childe and suckling , and leaue none to remaine . wee may forget : but god remembreth vs , our fathers , our kings , our princes , and the people of the land ; and woe vnto their soule , who declare their sinne as sodome , for they haue rewarded euill vnto themselues . which may teach vs to remember the lord , in powring out our soules in all deuout and humble acknowledgement of his mercies , least our soules abhorring him , his soule loathe vs. it is reported , that at a sermon of vincentius ferr : one was so moued in spirit , that his face shined on the suddaine very glorious . o that when we heare the great workes of the lord , wee would stirre vp the graces of god within vs , that the spirit of god might not be quenched in vs. nothing is more precious , then the soule within vs , which made dauid pray : mine eyes are vnto thee , o god the lord , in thee is my trust . leaue not my soule destitute . arise , o lord , disappoint him , cast him downe : deliuer my soule from the wicked , which is thy sword . o keepe my soule , and deliuer me . let mee not be ashamed , for i put my trust in thee . in a well disposed christian , the body is seruant , the soule is mistris , but in an infected person the body is predominant : take heede of this plague : the body is but the weight and burthen of the soule : while this oppresseth , the soule is in prison . forget not the exhortation which speaketh to you as children . forget not to entertaine strangers , for thereby some haue entertained angels vnawares . if we reiect knowledge , and forget the law of our god , he will also forget our children : o be not as ierusalem , hauing her filthinesse in her skirts ; she remembred not her last end , therefore she came downe wonderfully , she had no comforter , the enemie magnified himselfe . before we be driuen to remember the lord in farre countries : let vs set our heart and our soule to seeke the lord : if we returne to the lord with all our heart , & with all our soule , and pray , our supplications shall bee heard , our cause maintained , and wee shall be forgiuen . remember this late mercy in the midst of iudgement ; extoll the admirable lenity of the lord towards vs , who hath gleaned but some , when all feared to be cut downe . the yeares are not many since the lord with a famine did shake many parts of this land ; a terrible sword , which made iulius caesar in all his warres , to conquer more by famine , then the sword . it made lysimachus in thracia to yeeld himselfe captiue to domitian the emperour ; it brought vp that bloody law amongst the soldiers of cambises , marching toward the aethiopians , that the tenth among themselues should be killed in the army , to asswage hunger : it made the roman mothers eate their owne children : the athenians vexed by sylla , to eat the greene grasse of the fields , and mosse of the walles : alexander to eate his camels , elephants , and other beasts , that carried luggage for the warres : the hymmi to eate their dogges : it made abraham flye from canaan to egypt ; isaack to abimelech king of the philistines ; and all the sonnes of iacob to goe to pharaoh king of egypt : god like the physitian maketh vs fast , to recouer health : vpon famine , haue wee beene so humbled as wee should haue beene ? the yeares are not many therefore , since the the lord threatned vs with another sword ; that of a barbarous nation to deuoure vs ; how soone was it forgotten : this yeare therefore the lord seeing vs wantonly secure , and sleeping , and snorting in our sinnes , drew another sword against many parts of the land , by a plague : this is the snare of the hunter , it catcheth suddenly ; some walking , some feeding , some sporting , some waking , some sleeping : it is the terrour by night , breeding many terrours and feares in the night ; the night being a solitary time , and solitarines increaseth feares ; the night being a time of incendiaries and robbers , which set vpon men vnawares ; a time of feare , in regard of the weaknes of the imagination , or of terrible dreames , or sudden affrights : a time terrible to trauelers , where the least noise amateth them . per noctem metantur agros , sonus omnis , & aura exterrent , pennaque leui commota volucris . it is the arrow that flyeth by day : sagitta angeli mortis quam emittit interdiu , the arrow of the angel of the lord sent forth in the day , cōming swiftly , striking suddenly , wounding deadly : it is the lyon , adder , dragon : no beast for strength cōparable to the lyon ; so no disease so deadly as the plague : such as the aspe biteth , are smitten with a numnes throughout all partes , and there followeth coldnesse , gasping , heauinesse in the head , sometimes heat and burning in the body : are not such symptomes in the plague : a dragon tearing in pieces with all violence , sparing none ; which moued reuerend beza being sicke of the plague at lausanna , not to suffer caluin & viret , those zealous lights to come to him when they offered it freely , least they should bee infected , because hee preferred the benefit of gods church , before his owne particular comforts . the plague is gods hand , iad iehouah , because the might and power of god is more manifested in this then in other punishments . o let not this hand be out of our sight , but as that hand that wrote at balshazars feast ; and thereupon his countenance was changed , his thoughts troubled him , the ioynts of his loyns were loosed , and his knees smote one against another : so let the remembrance of this great late plague humble vs , and make vs mourne ; but vpon the deliuerance , let vs powre out soules in vs , and let vs reioyce . it was a sanctified remedie , which reuerend m. greenham vsed , being often in his publick ministery and priuate conference , troubled with a suddaine failing in his memorie : so as by no means he could recouer himselfe in those things he purposed to speak . he would presently groane in his heart , and humble his soule vnder the holy hand of god. o let vs with groanes lament our dull forgetfulnesse of the great workes of god. socrates complained , that after the vse of letters , the art of memorie decayed ; for the care which before was had in heart and memorie , afterward was put in bookes ; and that which was committed to the minde , was after put in trust in writing . o let that flying rowle of gods iudgement , which lately hath gone ouer the face of the whole earth , and cut off so many , and entred into houses , and remained in the midst of them , and consumed the houses , with the timber and the stones , euer be in our memorie . bookes not vsed gather dust , and memory not imployed , will be dull and heauie . sathan desireth to deale with vs , as heringius did with bamba his predecessour , a king of the gothes ; who gaue him a draught of drinke , whereby he lost his memory . let vs often meditate vpon the workes of god , reade and pray . to reade and not to meditate , is vnfruitfull . to meditate and not to reade , is dangerous for errours . to reade and meditate without prayer , is hurtfull . let vs not be as ephraim , who knew not that god healed them . he it is that hath drawne vs with cords of a man , with bands of loue : hee hath taken off the yoke on our iawes : he hath layde meate vnto vs : he turneth away his anger , is as dew vnto vs : hee maketh israel growe as the lilly : cast forth rootes as lebanon : his branches to spread : his beauty to be as the oliue tree , reuiue as the corne , and growe as the vine . all the wonders he doth , are to confirme our hope , raise vp our faith , and nourish our loue to him . to remember him , is like the delight which the apostles had at the transfiguration of christ . it is sweeter then the hony and the hony-combe . it is sweeter then the remembrance of iosias , which was like the composition of the perfume made by the art of the apothecarie : sweet as musicke at a banquet of wine . if we haue a minde to remember god , comfort will be neere in the mouth and in the heart . nothing is more ready then this remembrance . it is an easie medicine , a speedy cure , a pretious cordiall . it remoueth sadnesse , heauinesse , melancholly , and bringeth with it ioy in the holy ghost . let vs then in the day of our gladnesse offer sacrifices for a memoriall before our god. in the way of gods iudgements , let vs waite for him : let the desire of our soule be to his name , and to the remembrance of him : let vs looke into the perfect law of liberty , and continue therein , not being forgetfull hearers , but doers of the worke , that wee may be blessed in our deedes . and this is the worke of the day , of our whole liues , to powre out our soules in vs. o let vs then enter into a couenant , to seek the lord god of our fathers , with all our heart , and with all our soule . then hee will set his tabernacle among vs , his soule shall not abhorre vs , hee will be our god. then being instructed , his soule shall not depart from vs : wee shall not be left desolate . his soule shall delight in vs : to this end are his mercies offered , and his deliuerances continued . how miraculously hath he of late deliuered many of vs , as he did the three children in the fierie furnace : when some were constrained to flye from this mountaine of moriah , to the little hill of hermon , as dauid , where they could not looke out , but messages of death , and the encrease of the plague in black bills , was brought vnto them : when in this citie the dolefull bell ringing out , there was wringing of hands , & shrieking in the most places : there for a father , here for a mother : there for a husband , here for a wife : there for a master , here for a seruant : there for a mistresse , here for an handmayde : there for children , here for kinred . wee expected triumphes for the coronation , and alas ! in stead of these , had funeralls of dead men , who being weary of the earth , went to triumph in heauen : but behold , men cried vnto the lord in their trouble , and hee brought them out of their distresses ; hee made the storme a calme , and the waters were still . let the redeemed of the lord say so , whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemie , and gathered from the east , from the west , from the north , from the south , when they wandred . hath the lord remoued his anger ? let vs remoue that which was , and is the cause of his anger . the plague of the body being ceased , let not sinne the plague of the soule , continue . sweepe your houses from swearing ; auoyd the company of the vngodly ; get the inward marke of gods spirit , by making your election sure : let your selues bloud , of enuie , hatred , malice , couetousnesse , and all vncharitablenesse . beware of dogges : infidels , as christ calleth the gentiles in his speech to the woman which was a syrophenician by nation . it is not meete to take the childrens bread , and to cast it to dogges . beasts without reason , forsaking the creatour to worship the creature . ignorance of the true god , and blindnesse of heart , were in the gentiles the nurses of infidelity , and brochers of idolatry . these make men runne headlong , like the swine of the gergesits , into the maine ocean of all vncleannes , and filthinesse of fornication . beware of contemners of the gospell , called dogges by christ : giue not that which is holy vnto the dogges , such as will fully resist the truth , and barke at the ministers of the word : beware of schismatickes , who though they be not altogether so dangerous as the bloud-hounds of babylon , yet are they very troublesome , tearing the church , and running themselues , & drawing others from the church , and so from christ : neuer goe abroad , but with the pomander of faith , full of the sweet spices of good workes . god hath beene mindfull of vs , and can encrease you more and more , you and your children : the dead praise him not , but the liuing must blesse him : o therefore that men would praise the lord for his goodnes , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . an eucharistical song , euer to be repeated for any blessing , as bernard presseth it , speaking of the custodie of angels : o that men would praise the lord for his goodnesse , for dauid repeates it , v. . . . let them exalt him in the congregation of the people : not because , as hugo : princes , forget to exalt god , but magnifie themselues : but that all must exalt him , high and lowe , rich and poore , olde and young , princes and subiects : and exalt him with a song in the churches . amongst other songs , take that especially , o giue thankes vnto the lord , for he is good , for his mercie endureth for euer . o giue thankes vnto the god of gods , for his mercie endureth for euer . o giue thankes to the lord of lords , for his mercie endureth for euer . a psalme , which being sung at the consecration of the temple , the fire came downe from heauen , and consumed the burnt offering , and the sacrifices , and the glory of the lord filled the house . a psalme which iehoshaphat appointed singers among the inhabitants of iudah and ierusalem , in the wildernesse of tekoa to sing , and then the lord set ambushments against the children of ammor , moab , and mount seir , which were come against iudah , and they were smitten . let vs not vncharitably censure those that are gone downe into silence , by the arrowe of the plague . learned gesner dyed of the plague ; a little before his death calling for some of his papers in his studie , giuing a charge , that the world should not be depriued of them : he that wrote of stones , gardens , libraries , measures , foure footed beasts , birds , fishes , of hearbs , chirurgerie , measures , medicines . francis iunius , the glory of leyden , the oracle of textuall and schoole diuinitie ; rich in languages , subtill in distinguishing , in argument inuincible , dyed of the plague : a fixed starre in the firmament of that church ; a hammer of heretiques , champion of the truth , the honour of the schooles . i could name some of your owne religious diuines in this citie , who dyed of the plague , for whom the congregation may mourne , and would god the losse could be as easily supplyed , as lamented . resolute camillus , dyed of the plague , hauing saued his vnthankfull country from the veians , and after from the galles . iob had the plague , when he had vl●us ex caliditate , that botch which proceeded from that burning heate in his body ; and as it is probable , beneath the reines , betwixt the thigh , and the belly , or bowels , which is the flanke or graine ; into which place , the confluence of vitious corrupt and malignant humours commonly betake themselues , as being one of natures emunctories , and a part prepared for euacuation of impostumation , by reason of the tendernesse and rarity of the skinne , and other passages : all his body ouer was almost a plague . let vs aboue all sores , fl●● the plague of sinne : it is in vaine to purge our houses , cleanse our streetes , perfume our apparell , vnlesse we beware of the infections of the soule . we haue liued to meete againe our friends ; o let vs not by our corruptions make them gods enemies . wee haue vowed to bee new creatures , in christ iesus , when wee were vnder the rod ; remember that , aegrotus surgit , sed pia vota valent . take this antidote against poyson ; ivstice will strike vs with greater plagues , being deliuered from the former , if we mocke it with broken deuotion . o let our thankfull hearts testifie our contrite spirits . let the house of iudah the royall covrt remember this deliuerance , and acknowledge that god can breake those who will not bowe . let them banish those moaths and mice , of flatterers , epicures , doubling professours , bad counsailours , who clime high to fall foule ; and let not that olde writing vnder the picture of ignatius loyola be forgotten , cauete vobis principes , be wise o yee princes . let moses and aaron , prince and priest , remember that the lord is their helpe and guide : and as the priest hath beene zealous to pray : spare thy people whom thou hast redeemed with thy most pretious bloud , from plague and pestilence ; so now let them sing , glory be to god on high , and in earth peace , good will toward man. let samuel among the prophets , and the young children of the prophets remember this deliuerance ; their buildings haue beene stately , reuenues large , students many ; but they haue beene scared , feared , driuen thence , yet now the voyce of ioy and health is in their dwellings , oxford hath bin visited , and cambridge threatned . let vs of this citie especially remember this : great deliuerances should haue great remembrances . now againe , your ierusalem is as a citie compact againe : now are the tribes come vp againe . now againe , here are the thrones of iudgement , the thrones of the house of dauid ; vpon which , lord let there be euer men of courage , fearing thee , dealing truly , hating couetousnesse , that they may appeare confidently before the great parliament of heauen . let vs all take vp that of our prophet : blessed be the lord , because he hath heard the voyce of our s●pplications . the lord is our strength , and our shield , our heart trusted in him , and we are helped ; therefore our heart greatly reioyceth , and with our song will wee praise him . the lord is our strength , and the sauing strength of his annointed . saue thy people , and blesse thine inheritance : feede them , lift them vp for euer : that so being comforted after our affliction , raised vp after our detection , and cloathed with immortality after this mortality , wee may hereafter with the angels round about his throne worship him , saying amen . blessing , and glorie , and wisedome , and thankesgiuing , and honour , and power , and might be vnto our god , for euer and euer , amen . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e re , . . de. . . . . . sa. . js . . . amb. de theodosio aequitatis iudex nonpaenae arbiter . ps . . . notes for div a -e ps . . . sa. . . euseb . bas . ps . . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . gods hand shooke his house from the foundation . bas . . sa. . . ps . . , . co. lit . potil . c. . bas . hom . ie. . . am. l. . de sac. c. . gre. . mor. c. . js . . . jo. . . bar. se . . in c. ps . . . greg. in ps . vlt. poenit . ps . . . m. ro● . singular . c. . ps . . . ps . . . hil. ps . . . ps . . . aug. ps . . . ps . . . jon. . . gr. in ez. ho. procla . ia. . v. . . . , v. . . . king. . . euth , niceph. hesych . euseb . bas . theo. amb. aug. ruff. cassiod . psal . . . psa . . . gab. biel. d. q. . act . . l. . ar. de mem . . . ge. . . musculus . ps . . . ecc. . . sen. plut. praec . reip. jer. gutter . de treio in euang. l. . ex sueton. le. . . ecc. . . pli. l. . c. . ps . . . ie. . . ps . . . ex. . . lu. . . le. . . . chr. . . ez. . . ex. . . la. . . jo. . . is . . . ps . . . . on. iulbin . . sam. . . iob. . . psal . . . psal . . . ier. . . mat. . . ecc. . . iob. . . ier. . . baruc. . . hugo in psal . . . act. . . isa . . . ib. . psal . . . psal . . . lam. . . ier. . . ioh. . . eph. . . . pet. . . phil. . . eccl. . . iam. . . ps . . . hil. . de trinit . ruffin . lu. . . isa . . . gen. . vers . . philo. gen. . . gen. . . chald. par. calu. gen. . . aug. l. . ciu . . gen. . . mercer . num. . . gen . . exod. . . vse . eccl. . . . chr. . isa . . . isa . . . pro. . . deut. . . is . . . de. . . ge. . . pr. . . vincentius in speculo . histor . c●●tur . . c. since the building of london . re. . . is . . . ps . . . iud. . . ez. . . le. . . de. . . . ps . . . ps . . . . is . . . iun. annot . in . re. . . ki. . . dr. prideaux in a learned sermon on it before king james . . chr. . . euag. l. . c. . cent. . c. . procop. l. . de bello perfico . euagr. l. c. hor. l. . od. . euseb . l. c. anno . sa. dan. anno . cambd. barksh . anno . the red crosse . vse . is . . . ps . . . virg . en. . de rebus moscouieicis fol. . dr. rain . de idol . l. . c. . s . . ps . . . ca : . . ca : . . naz. or. . de theol. ezra . . . homer . iliad . ar. eth. . c. . ps . . . or to : . in mat. primas . heb. c. . mr. greenham in graue couns . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 praef : ad lect , quodl . l . stow : card : com : his letters . liu : dec. . l. . ps . . . ge. . . obad. . is . . . am. . . ie. . . ez. . . mal. . . ps . . . ge. . . perer. ge. . . ps . . . r. salo. l. . c. . dubiorum . scounda pars . vatablus . gen. note . thom. calu. ianfe genebrard . pintus . ps . . . aug. de ecles . dogmatibus c. . bar. sc . . ex minor . id. se , . in ca. id. in sent . ps . . . . sa. . . agg. . . ge. . . cyr. lu. . . hier. in viia. aug. in ps . . . sa. . . luctu anima pascitur , cum ad superna gaudia flendo subleuatur . gr. mor. . job . . . iob . . ps . . ps . . . ps . . . vse . ecc. . . ie. . . is . . . vse . zac. . . lor. in ps . . ps . . . ps . . . ps . . . se ep. . heb. . . he. . . os . . . la. . . zac. . . ch. . . . ch. . . anno . eus . jose . q. curt. anno . &c. psa . . . ps . . . metonimia , ab effectu . euthym. rickel . eugub . geneb . r. kim . silius jtal. v. . chald. v. . pli. . b. depeste . . sa. . . da. . greenh . graue couns . p. . zac. . . sen. os . . . os . . . . . bar. se . . de asc . ecc. . . nu. . . is . . . . ch. . . le. . . ie. . . js . . . application . munster . ps . . . v. . . mar. . . ath. or de idolis . lact. l. . di . inst . mat. . . ansel . ps . . . ps . . . bar. se . . in ps . ● . v. . hugo . bas . theod. ps . . . v. . . cassiodorus . . cb. . . . . cb. . . . thuanus . reuerend bezaes family had the plague foure times . arg in ps . . au. . ciu c. . r. mordechai . gnlen . . c. particula . . de oculis . chrys . tincae & sorices palatij . d hall. dec. . ep. ● . ps . . . ps . . . ps . . . the vveeping lady: or, london like niniuie in sack-cloth describing the mappe of her owne miserie, in this time of her heauy visitation; with her hearty prayers, admonition, and pious meditations, as the occasions of them offer themselues in her passion. written by t.b. t. b. (thomas brewer) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the vveeping lady: or, london like niniuie in sack-cloth describing the mappe of her owne miserie, in this time of her heauy visitation; with her hearty prayers, admonition, and pious meditations, as the occasions of them offer themselues in her passion. written by t.b. t. b. (thomas brewer) [ ] p. : ill. by b[ernard] a[lsop] and t[homas] f[awcet] for mathevv rhodes, and are to be sold by nath: browne, in the long walke, neere christ church, printed at london : . t.b. = thomas brewer. in verse. printers' names from stc. signatures: a-c⁴. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the weeping lady : or , london like ninivie in sack-cloth . describing the mappe of her owne miserie , in this time of her heauy visitation ; with her hearty prayers , admonition , and pious meditations , as the occasions of them offer themselues in her passion . written by t. b. lord , haue mercy on vs. weepe , fast , and pray . printed at london by b. a. and t. f. for mathevv rhodes , and are to be sold by nath : browne , in the long walke , neere christ church . . the epistle to the reader . courteous reader , briefly thus : if looking in my booke , you see men imprison'd in their owne houses , and abroad none ; if heere you see a multitude of crosses , and abroad none ; if heere their equall number of bils , with lord have mercie vpon vs , and abroad none ; and shall say , thus they haue beene , but are not . i answere , that they haue , is enough , why they are not , i know not ; that they yet might be , we all know , in the losse of husbands , wiues , children , seruants , kindred , our neighbours , and common acquaintance . a wound smarts no lesse couer'd , then discouer'd : for some decrease in the number , let vs praise god , and pray to god , for the continuance of this mercy begun , till this sad visitation be ended . my intent in erecting this poore monument of misery , was , to make this ladies teares out-liue her teares : that , when ( by the infinite mercies of god they shall bee wip'd off , and all her sores made whole ; we may ▪ in the view of this , and other ( more worthy ) remembrances of her , re-view them ; in them , those infinite mercies ; and in both , be made mindfull of them , end eternally thankfull for them : which god grant . thine ; tho : brevver . lord , haue mercy on vs. weepe , fast , and pray . to the right worshipfvll , generous , and euer-worthy louer of goodnesse , and pious endeauours , walter leigh , esquire , sword-bearer to the honourable lord-maiors of this famous citie of london . right worthy sir : a sad sharer of the common miseries of these sad times , prompted by his owne sorrowes , ha's , ( though too weak a pencil-man for such a piece ) vndertaken to draw that sorrow to the life , that ha's drawne many thousands to death ; my title speaks my meaning ; the wounds of this vveeping lady . to haue drawne her in her health , the idea or conceptions of the most pure and pregnant vvits might haue been deficient , such was her beauty , her splendor , such were her change of colours , glorious within , and without in embroydered garments . but now , ( such is her change shee ha's no change , wearing only one suit , and that the sad habit of mourning . in thus presenting her , i present you with nothing but grones , sighs , tears , shreaks , folding of armes , bearing of brests , wringing of hands , pale looks , deiected eies , bleeding hearts , & most heauy & bitter condolements . how vnpleasing this might be to many , i am not ignorant ; but imboldned by that of the preacher , the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning , &c. my hopes are faire of her fauorable and gracious receiuing . to whom better to present this lady of so many honourable lords , then to your worthy selfe , i know not ; your worship hauing been to many , & now to this , her last , ( equall in fame with any from her first ) a prime and much respected officer , beating the sword that most impartially guards her , and wounds her enemies . shee is now on the mending hand , and our hope ( in him , that what he wil doe can doe ) is strong for the dayly decrease of her sorrowes ; the speedy returne to her solace , and fulnesse of beauty and lustre . for which among many thousands of her afflicted sons and daughters , incessantly praying ; i rest , euer bound to your vvorshi●● pleasure : t. b. the weeping lady : or london like ninivie in sack-cloth . ierim . . . death is come vp into our windowes , and entered into our houses . like tender plants , beate , with too great a showre , or like a tree that 's blasted ; or a flowre pluckt from the roote ; decembers gloomy shade , the sunne ecclips'd ; youth to disease betraid : or like to any thing , that chance , or time or heauens iust anger , scourges in the prime , disroabing it of ornament , of grace , and seating what 's opponent in their place sits now the mistresse , lady of her kinde ; that queene , whose beauty did attract the minde of all , to see it ; to admire , to loue , and ( in their functions serue it ) to approue her worth , and their owne duties : ó like these , or sadder figures , of her sad disease lies london now ; beate , blasted , wither'd , shooke , of strangers pittied , of her owne forsooke . but , to diuide her sorrowes , and to bring , the wounds , sighes , teares , and each particular sting of her afflicted bosome , to your eye , liues not in my intention . nor if i had such a will , had i the power to speake my griefe ; for hers ( too strong ) makes me too weake . her selfe doe that , for what 's in sorrowes breast , the bearer of it , can decipher best : i onely drawe the curtaine , and thus show , this queene of cities , now , the queene of woe . london , the anatomizer , of her owne miseries , as out of a broken slumber thus speakes . how saine would sorrow sleepe ? but as my head would touch the pillow , of that downy bed the mournfull sound of sighings , of deepe groues , vision of teares , and vniuersall mones that doe present themselues before me , keepe that comfort from me , and command me weepe . her bells , continually towling . o heare the instruments , my soule did loue , my bells , that summon to the spouse , the doue , the oracle of heau'n , now sadly sound nothing but frightfull summons to the ground : nothing but calls to death ; nothing but knells ; all notes of griefe , for all are passing bells . nay more to adde , to my affrights , affright death , will haue all times , minutes ; and by night command this dolefull towling , as by day : we know who sends him , and we must obey . what change there is in all things vnder fate ? how sadly now they found ? and but of late , when their shrill voyces , did proclaime the gaine of englands heart , out of the hate of spaine , what dulcet sounds they had ? — and while they plaid to th'mounting flame of bonfires , that were made ioying his safe arriuing ? since that time what musicke made they , when the pride and prime of all her sex ( maria ) in our land made her most wisht arriuall ; hand in hand ioyning two royall sisters , to aduance the glories of them both : great britaine , france . but i too farre , in this digression goe , my joy ( almost ) made me forget my woe : the woes of my disease ; — the sore , that treads my beauty vnder foot ; — the sore that spreads o're all my happinesse ; — the sore that makes me , to be loath'd and left ; — the sore that takes my sonnes and daughters from me ; and the sore that makes this mournfull musick sound , all o're my spatious circuit , round about my walls ; for round about them , are the dreadfull calls of death , in their sad language . — had we heard their calls vnto the temple , and prepar'd zeale , and diuine affection , that the word sowne in our soules , might ( as it ought ) afford a fruitfull haruest of good workes , no doubt , we had not heard these clangors flye about thus to affright , to wound vs. — but 't is iust those sounds , we would not heare , these sounds we must ; till heau'n be pleas'd to still'em . — that he may le ts flye to meet him ; weepe , and fast , and pray . the graues still greedily gaping . o see , ( like wounds digg'd in my tender side ) my multitude of graues , that gaping wide are hourely fed , with carcasses of men ; those hardly swallowed , they 'le be fed agen , gorg'd with my sonnes and daughters : as if hee all things were made for , were but made , to be a prey to wormes : — as if the end of birth , were 〈◊〉 to cry , to labour , and in earth haue his eternall period : — as if breath were a childes bubble , and the sport of death : for so hee triumphs now ; so now he kills , so empties houses ; so the graue he fills , those tenements of his . — where many lye , ( too many manyes ) not like things that dye assur'd in their redeemer , that they shall rise to a beeing , whence they ne're can fall ; but — i ha' done ; — passion , thy power is strong the rest in weeping ; teares are sorrowes tongue . sleepe , sleepe in peace my children , in your dust wee see what t' is , to brittle life to trust , and her still fayling adjuncts : for thus fades the pompe of flesh : and — enter'd those darke shades from court , or from the village , all are one , degrees in life there are , in death there 's none . her houses , their masters prison . o see my sonnes and daughters , that suruiue their houshold massacr'e , ( halfe dead ) aliue , in their owne houses buried ; or as bad , enjayl'd , imprison'd ; — in that passion clad , that to behold them , makes affection wring my heart to blood , mine eyes into a spring ; ( maternall loues companions ) — see the wife sadly bemone , the losse of halfe her life , i' th' losse of her poore husband . — see her sit , ( while sighes , doe sighes , and teares , doe teares beget ) ready to follow him , from this sad vale to his eternall mansion . — see the pale and gastly seate of death , vpon the face of husbands for their wiues : — behold the race of griefe in parents , for the sad depart of sonnes and daughters ; sonnes and daughters smart , to see the stroake , this strange disease doth giue vpon those liues by which they be , and liue. see them debard all meetings of delight , see them debard society , and sight of kindred , and familiars ; — see them there bard the best pleasure , that doth passion cheare , their recreatiue walkes , losing their share of what all taste , the sweet and wholsome ayre , a poore mans only physicke . — see them loose the benefits of those poore trades they vse : to summe vp all their miseries in one , see them i' th' dongeon , of laments and mone . yet thus it must be , by the lawes , and loue of me , their citie , and of that aboue , for 't is by heau'n commanded . — — thou great god that more delightst in mercy , then thy rod. ( ioyning them both together ) — be to these in their need plenty , in their languor ease . and in the midst of this infectious flame , let thy good angell come , and be the same to them , and me their mother , that he was to those i' th' midst of burning flames did passe vntouch'd , or vnoffended . — in thy hand , is life and death ; all power in thy command . her multitude of crosses . o see me full of crosses ; see , and weepe to see the crosse thus like a gangrene creepe from part to part vpon me . — nor i st strange wee weare these crosses ; they are heau'ns exchange of crosses with 's . — wee crosses had before . the rich-mans crosse vpon the hungry poore , in griping and ingrossing : which to quit , need ha's agen ( with a dexterious wit ) crost them in cheats and theeuing . — woe is me the many crosses of a terme to see ; strange crosses in strange cases : — then a sleight ; the crosse of measure , and the crosse of weight ; the crosse of honest-seeming , to deceiue ; the crosse of swearing , to make men beleeue what truth is rackt to looke on . — and for these crosses of sinne , the crosses of disease sticke like a brand vpon 's ; vpon vs fall the first , on many ; but the last , on all. but to the crosse agen , which doth present in all , ( but in my sorrowes ) all content . saint george his crosse , englands , the badge of ioy , is heere the badge of him that doth destroy , no champion euer like him : — for his power , in thousand places , thousands in one hower turnes to the pit before him. — gainst this losse o lets petition heau'n ; and that this crosse , this viol full of anger may bee staid ; which , till it be ( by the almighty laid ) wee patiently must beare it ; 't is decreed : for hee for vs vpon a crosse did bleed , has told vs plainly we his crosse must beare , or nere ascend his dwelling . — where no care , no chance , no change , time or defection dwels ; but all so full of glory , it excels the compasse of mans thought . — toth' crosse we then add — lord haue mercy vpon vs all. — amen . o see my termes cut off , in them the law , ( that eeuen line , iustice her selle doth draw , guiding to pious dealing ) like a mute ; nor hinder wrong , nor help a rightfull suite , while my infection spreads . woes , woe succeed , of all demurres , heere 's a demurre indeed . ¶ see how the city ha's disturbd the court , how my disease ha's troubled the import and weighty businesses of that high seat , where royall charles and his graue synod treat the grounds of all our safety . — and at last dissolu'd that royall meeting heere , and plac'd mine , and my sisters dignity and grace vpon a handmaid to vs. — ore which place , thou god of mercy all thy mercies spread , and there , and heere , and euery where strike dead this all-deuouring monster . let thy loue , make this an act , in thy great court aboue . ¶ o see how my disease , has seem'd to checke the loue , and dutie , is prepar'd to decke my streetes with stately pageants . things should weare much cost , much art , and in their structures beare the fulnesse of inuention : where the eye , may feast it selfe , on the varity of specious formes , and figures , and the eare , the soule , of all those rich inuentions heare deliuer'd , in choyce language . — i presume that thus they shall be , when they shall assume their costly robes preparing . — but ( alas ) they yet stand bare and naked ; and men passe by them , as by my selfe : for that disease that dyms my lustre , has denyed it these , and all those beauties my large bounds embrace . repaire sweet mercy , what sad frownes deface . o see how thicke , these shafts of vengeance flye , how thicke they fall , how thicke men fall and dye , which way so e're we turne vs ! if your eyes can see for teares , see how this tyrant plyes the cruell part hee 's acting . how he sweepes whole familyes before him , and then keepes ( in dismall emptinesse ) possession there , where life againe would enter , but that feare do's for a time deterre him . for this foe , ( inuisible , inuincible ) a blow giues aboue all resist . — o see my streets to many , death-beds ; for this monster meets men boldly there and strikes 'em : — heere men tread , to sight , in safety ; there o' th' sodaine dead . see , see , o see , how thicke from all my parts gallants in coaches , and their goods in carts flye my poore wounded body : — where before ( that their rich splendor might in mine be more ) they would embrace me , hugge me . — but the flight of these moue little ; that would kill me quite , is , that my sonnes , ( they that vpon my brest haue had repose , ( a long and tender rest ) and from it suck'd the substance made them grow great in the worlds opinion ) in my woe , want and distresse forsake me . these , that hee that was a bond-man , and by me made free ; that tooke his oath to loue me , and submit his best endeuours to mee , to beget , guard and maintaine mine honors . — but no more . thus swallowes winter flye ; the rich , the poore . vpon relation of the many miseries , that many of those that flye the city , doe fall into in the countrey . her teares , sighes , and passion augmented . o my full tyde of anguish ! yet myne eye drops not so fast , so much to see them flye ; as , in that flight , to see them headlong runne to greater dangers , then they flye to shun : in multitudes we finde it ; and still thus deplore their sorrowes , though they mind not vs. heere bils and halberts meete 'em ; — where , ( as one had dar'd the law in some great mischiefe done ) they must be staid , examin'd , and there show what place they came from , to what place they goe ; th' occasions of their trauaile ; and before some constable , can hardly tell three score , must shew their passes . and from place to place , ( passing through villages ) through this disgrace passe till they end their iourney . and what then ? what comfort find they ( poore distressed men ) when ( through these scornes and loathings ) they haue got the place to which they trauaile ? are they not with great suspition , much amaze and feare , ( as if each part about them seem'd to bearo plagues and infections in them ) entertain'd at halberds point , at distance ? and constrain'd ( in their least pitty ) to a priuate roome ? though nere so sound they are ; and in the doome of that imprisonment , some part o' th' load of what they shun at home , they meet abroad . but this is but disgrace : see some poore soules vnder necessities more harsh controules made strangers to acquaintance ; nay , the sonne a stranger to his father ; brothers shun the partners of their blood ; and mothers 〈◊〉 , those they haue hugg'd and dandled , ( as they me . ) o let me weepe , ( weepe blood ) and through that glasse looke yet a little further ; where ( alas ) wee may behold some of my sonnes that here had soft and easie lodging , lodging there in stables , barnes , out-houses ; nay be glad to sleepe in houils ; thinke no roome too bad that had a couering o're it : some be faine to lodge , where neither ' gainst the wind , the raine , nor the suns fury , they could shelter haue ; heau'n only couering them , and they their graue . then , as a sad companion to their woe , ( for miseries doe seldome single goe ) behold them in these lodgings , faint and weake , their purses many may some comfort speake , but purchase none or little ; and that too , but dealt among them , as a man should doe such duties to a lyon , to a beare , or some such sauage creature , in great feare , fling some poore pittance to them , and then flye : heere 's all their tendance , let them liue or dye . see some o're taken with so faint a breath , ere halfe their iourneyes done they inne with death , i' th' common way they tread on ; as they goe fall to the ground and dye : great numbers so in rodes , in ditches , in the open field , the debt of breath , thus to their maker yeeld ; and wher● they dye , are buried . some agen ( so bold we are to sinne to adde more sinne ) on sledges , barrowes , dung-carts , any thing ( the wisedome of those places please to bring ) are borne to places more remote ; and some ( like dogges ) are hal'd with cart-ropes to a tombe fit , but for dogges and caryon : into which , as they are found , th' are tumbled ; poore , and rich : their rich apparell , their rich pockets ; all : nay , gold it selfe they bury ; that must fall to'th' place it came from : so that by this rod , that seemes a diuell now , seem'd once . god. oh , i could weepe my selfe into a stone , or my , as senslesse image , in the mone of my poore sonnes and daughters ; that with me had had farre better vsage : but , in vaine i weepe for them : now to my selfe againe . so , ( as preparing to a bridall bed ) in what a path of hearbs and flowers men tread , which way so ere they wander : for , each street seemes now a garden ; all as greene , as sweet . but oh , my sad my sicke , my bleeding heart ! these are no nuptiall strewings ; heere no part of such a ioye 's appearing : for ( o , see ! ) these paths are for the dead , and such as be the halfe , dead traine attends them . euery where nothing but graues , but coffins , but the beere , and bearing breathlesse bodies to the ground ; delight 's an exile now , pale mourning cround . ¶ see how my streets are emptied , how my trade , ( io which there is another sicknesse made ) lyes as 't were dead and buried . see , ( o , see ) the shops of those are dead and those that flee , so euery where shut vp , a man may say ; what 's all this time ; but grim deaths holiday ? ¶ yet see my emptinesse too 〈…〉 mone , for not a friend , a friend without a groue , sighes and sad language meet . — see death destroy all our expected pleasure , all our ioy , till heau'n shall stop his progresse . vnawares our feasting's turnd to fasting ; play , to prayers . most fit it should bee , and most fit , wee praise that holy king , that made these holy daies . that has commanded , what his god commands , that second god to vs , that vnderstands that the best buckler , to defend the stroake , heau'n layes on sinners , which their sinnes prouoke ; i●●eeping niniuies . that prayers and teares , when hezekiah , was beset with feares , procur'd an angell , in his cause to fight , whose vnresisted power , in one night , a hundred , fourescore , and fiue thousand men laid dead before him ; hee who knowes agen , when god had purpos'd this good king to death , by prayer , he chang'd that purpose , and got breath for fifteene summers longer . he that knowes how ; when the fiery serpents , wounded those murmur'd at moses , when good moses prayed , those serpents lost their stings , that plague was staied . so lord stay this , this serpent , whose sharpe sting has pierc'd to many ; and let mercy spring , in thy good pleasure to vs. — from the deepe 〈◊〉 anguish lord we call , we pray , we weepe , ●nd doe as they did : by this serpent strooke , wee on a second ; on our sauiour looke , expecting cure . — to which be pleas'd to bow , and what their prayers did then , let ours doe now . with this exhortation to her sonnes , in the briefe enumeration , or repetition of some things formerly spoken by way of allusion , shee concludes . heare then my bells , call to the church , and death ; reuiew my graues : there the full point of breath ; know thy proud flesh , a prison to thy soule ; the crosse a badge , did death and hell controuse . 〈…〉 thou the lawe of heau'ns eternall loue , the acts and statutes of that court aboue ; loue thou the sights , the blessed angels see ; serue thou the god , with whom all pleasures be ; obey his royall substitute , thy king ; let loue among you , haue an endlesse spring : leuell your words , and actions to the will of him , has power to pardon , or to spill , and i shall soone be well ; and you in me , and i in you , all our best wishes see . the authors comfortable conclusion and thankfull remembrance of gods great mercies , in the happy surcease of this dangerous contagion , and preseruation of those , who are yet liuing . thus much for this cloude of miserie , now to that gloriou● sunne of gods mercy , which most graciously rising vpon vs , hath begun to dissolue , dissipate , and dispell it , in the decrease of those that dye of this heauily bewayled contagion : vpon which looking , let vs say with dauid , what shall i returne to the lord , &c. withall , make this promise , and zealously striue to performe it ; that that god , that in his anger , remembers mercy ; that desires not the death of a sinner , but rather , than he returne and liue , may continue this mercy to vs ; and speedily ( if it be his blessed will and pleasure ) say as he said , to that destroying angell , in the time of his kingly prophet , it is sufficient ; hold now thy hand . that so , we heere at home , and those abroad , that ( as if they could slye from god ) slew from vs , may againe meete ; he decently merry ; liue louingly , assist one another willingly , and finally that all together , to him that of ●othing , hath made vs ; that lost , hath redeemed vs ; that erring , reduced vs ; that ignorant , hath taught vs ; that sinning hath gently chastised vs ; that dispayring hath comforted vs ; that falling hath raised vs ; that standing hath held vs ; that going hath lead vs , that comming hath receiued vs ; and , that from this and many other dangers hath deliuered vs. wee may shew our selues euermore thankfull : still pray , still praise him , that so this span of life ended , we may , ( falling in death ) rise againe to that life that shall neuer end . foure things euer to bee remembred . thinke on thy sinne , that thou maist grieue : on death , that thou thy sin maist leaue : the last great iudge , that thou maist feare : on mercie , that thou not dispaire . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e towling night and day . digression . the king his returne from spaine the queenes arriuall . the neglect of our duties remembred . her counsell to flye to him , from him we cannot . all things made for man , man for god. deaths triumph . a great helpe to liue , is , to remember we must die . the wife . the husband . parents . children . the summ of their misery yes prayer . our crosse dealing one with another . our sinnes the cause of our fichnesse . these crosses the badge of death . her incitement to prayer and ●oly duties . the necesty of them ¶ her termes . her parament . london , westminst . oxenford . her petition . ¶ her pageants . what they should be . what they shall be . what they are . her briefe petitions of this massacre in generall whole families taken away . the flight of citizens her sons , ●ith her ●ender hearts an●uish for it . . her gree● for them that mind not hers. . met and stayed like fel●ons . . shew their passes like rogues their en●tainmēt . marke 〈◊〉 mise●● . hardly welcome hard ●odging . ● . their miseries in their sicknesse . . the tendance . . many there , as with vs , dye in the common way , 〈◊〉 & ditche the s 〈◊〉 god , a d●uell . her apostrophe in groues & sighing . his proclamation is falling an prayer niniu . buckler . hezekiahs prayer . his life prolonged by prayer 〈…〉 food and physick for every householder & his family during the time of the plague very useful, both for the free and the infected, and necessary for all persons in what condition or quality soever : together with several prayers and meditations before, in, and after infection, very needful in all infectious and contagious times, and fit as well for the country as the city / published by t.d. for the publick good. t. d. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) food and physick for every householder & his family during the time of the plague very useful, both for the free and the infected, and necessary for all persons in what condition or quality soever : together with several prayers and meditations before, in, and after infection, very needful in all infectious and contagious times, and fit as well for the country as the city / published by t.d. for the publick good. t. d. [ ], , [ ] p. printed by t. leach for f. coles ..., london : . reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng medicine -- formulae, receipts, prescriptions. plague -- england -- london. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion food and physick , for every housholder , & his family , during the time of the plagve . very useful , both for the free and the infected . and necessary for all persons , in what condition or quality soever . together with several prayers and meditations , before , in , and after infection . very needful in all infectious and contagious times . and fit as well for the country , as the city . published by t. d. for the publick good. london , printed by t. leach , for f. coles , at the lamb in the old-baily , . an excellent medicine , to prevent the plagve . take sage of vertue , rue ( otherwise called hearb-grace ) elder leaves , red bramble leaves , and vvormwood , of each of them a good handful ; stamp them altogether , and then strain them through a fine linnen cloth ; and put to the juice a quart of perfect good vvhite-vvine , and a good quantity of vvhite-vvine vinegar : mingle them all together , and put thereto a quarter of an ounce of vvhite ginger , beaten to small powder . use to drink this medicine every morning fasting , for the space of nine dayes together , the quantity of a spoonfull at a time , and this will ( by gods help ) preserve you , for the space of a whole year . an approved medicine after infection . if it fortune , that one be stricken with the plague , before he hath taken the former medicine ; then take the things rehearsed , and put thereto a spoonful of bettony vvater , and as much scabios vvater , and a pretty quantity of fine treacle , and temper them well together , and let the patient use to drink it often , and it will expell the venome or poyson forthwith . but if the botch do happen to appear , then take a good quantity of elder leaves , red bramble leaves , and mustard seed ; stamp them well together , and make a plaister thereof ; apply it to the sore , and it will draw forth all the venome and corruption . those that fear the plague , and are not infected , let them take of this drink hereafter following , which is twice in every week , half a spoonful at a time : it hath been observed , that never any one dyed of the sickness , that did take it in time . take three pints of malmsey , a handful of rue , as much of sage ; boyl these to a quart , then strain out the herbs , and then take an ounce of long-pepper , vinegar and nutmegs , all beaten small in a morter , and put into the vvine , and boyl it a little ; then take it off , and put into it one ounce of mithridate , two ounces of the best treacle , and a quarter of a pint of aqua-vitae , and put all into the vvine , and so keep it . the use of it . if any be infected , take one spoonful of it , as soon as the party doth presume himself infected , lukewarm ; and so goe to bed , and sweat two or three hours ; and then dry the body well , and keep warm , and drink no cold drink , but warm drink and caudles , and posset-drink , with marigold leaves and flowers : vvhen the party hath sweat , and is well dryed with warm clothes ; and so long as the party is ill , take a spoonful morning and evening . if you fear you are infected , or feel any kernel rising , or any apostumation burning or pricking , abstain from sleep , for sleep leadeth the venome to the heart . that day that you are infected , eat but little , or no food ; for evil humours so fill you , that they take away your stomack : or if you do eat , then do you covet to sleep , and feel a great burning , with a kind of shuddering , as it were , through cold : you have also a great pain in the fore part of the head : you cannot endure to ride , or to walk , or any motion of the body ; but are dull , lumpish , and given wholly over to-sadness and drowsiness . to prove , that these are arguments , that you are infected ; let any man , finding his body in this distemper , not stir or walk ( which i counsel him to do ; for to goe into the air , and to use motion , keepeth the poyson longer from the heart ) and he shall find within one half day , some impostume rising under his arm-hole , in his groyn , or behind his ear. the first thing therefore ( after you feel your self thus ) is , with all speed , to be let blood ; when you are let blood , sleep not all that day ; you must be let blood on the same side the swelling appears , if so be the impostume arise before you sleep : but if it prick after you have slept , then be let blood on the contrary side : as if there be a swelling under the left arm , then be let blood on the right arm , if thou art saint or weak after letting blood , then sleep a little , yet every half hour stir thy body too and fro . if the impostume wax bigger and bigger , it is a good sign that the venome is driven from the heart , and will come forth . to ripen it , do thus ; stamp leaves of elder , and mix that juice with mustard-seed ; of this make a plaister , and lay it on the swelling . these things ought duly to be looked unto ▪ viz. it is very convenient , that you keep your houses , streets , yards , back-sides , sinks and kennells sweet and clean , from all standing puddles , dunghills , and corrupt moystures , which ingender stinking savours , that may be noysome , or breed infection . nor suffer no doggs to come running into your houses ; neither keep any , except it be backward , in some place of open air ; for they are very dangerous , and not sufferable in time of sickness , by reason they run from place to place , and from one house to another , feeding upon the uncleanest things , that are cast forth in the streets ; and are a most apt cattel to take infection of any sickness , and then to bring it into the house . for ayring your rooms . ayr your several rooms with charcole-fires , made in stone panns or chaffingdishes , and not in chimneys ; set your panns in the middle of the rooms ; ayr every room once a vveek ( at the least ) and put into your fire a little quantity of frankincense , juniper , dryed rosemary , or of bay-leaves . to smell to . the root of enula-campana , steeped in vinegar , and lapped in a handkerchief , is a special thing to smell unto , if you come where the sickness is . to taste or chew in the mouth . the root of angelica , setwall , gencian , valerian , or cinnamon , is a special preservative against the plague , being chewed in the mouth . to eat . eat sorrel , steeped in vinegar , in the morning fasting , with a little bread and butter . sorrel sauce is also very wholesome against the same . to drink . take rue , vvormwood and scabios , steep'd in ale a whole night , and drink it fasting every morning . another . the root of enula-campana , beaten to powder , is a special remedy against the plague , being drank fasting . another . if any feel themselves already infected , take angelica , mixt with mithridatum ; drink it off , then goe to bed , and sweat thereon . another special preservative . take an egge , make a hole in the top of it , take out the white , and the yolk , and fill the shell only with saffron ; roast the shell and saffron together , in embers of charcole , untill the shell wax yellow ; then beat shell and all together in a morter , with half a spoonful of mustard-seed : now so soon as any suspition is had of infection , dissolve the weight of a french crown , in ten spoonfulls of posset-ale , drink it luke-warm , and sweat upon it in your naked bed. drink for ordinary dyet . so near as you can , let the patients ordinary drink , be good small ale , of eight dayes old . for vomiting . vomiting is better than bleeding , in this case ; and therefore provoke to vomit , so near as you can . to provoke vomit . take three leaves of estrabecca , stamp it , & drink it in rhenish vvine , ale , or posset-ale . for purging . if the party be full of gross humours , let him blood immediately upon the right arm , on the liver vein , or in the median vein , in the same arm ; so as no sore appear the first day . a very wholesome water , to be distilled . steep sorrel in vinegar four and twenty hours ; then take it out , and dry it with a linnen cloth ; then still it in a limbeck ; drink four spoonfulls , with a little sugar ; walk upon it till you sweat , if you may : if not , keep your bed , and sweat upon it . use this before supper on any evening . if the patient happen to be troubled with any swellings , botches , carbuncles , let him sweat moderately now and then . outward medicines to ripen the sore . take the root of a white lilly , roast it in a good handful of sorrel ; stamp it , and apply it thereto very hot , let it lye four and twenty hours , and it will break the sore . another . take a small quantity of leaven , a handful of mallows , a little quantity of scabios , cut a white onion into pieces , with half a dozen heads of garlick ; boyl these together in running water , make a poultess of it , and then lay it hot to the sore . another . take a hot loaf , new taken forth of the oven , apply it to the sore , and it will doubtless break the same : but afterward bury the same loaf deep enough in the ground , for fear of any infection ; for if either dogg , ' or any other thing , do feed thereon , it will infect a great many . for ayring apparel . let the apparel of the diseased persons be well and often washed , be it linnen or woollen : or let it be ayred in the sun , or over panns of fire , or over a chaffingdish of coals ; and fume the same with frankincense , juniper , or dryed rosemary . to preserve from the infection of the plague . take garlick , and peel it , and mince it small , put it into new milk , and eat it fasting . to take the infection from a house infected . take large onions , peel them , and lay three or four of them upon the ground ; let them lye ten dayes , and those peeled onions will gather all the infection into them , that is in one of those rooms : but bury those onions afterward deep in the ground . against the new burning feaver . if the parient be in great heat , as most commonly they will ; take of fair running water , a pretty quantity ; put it on a chaffingdish of coals ; then put thereinto a good quantity of saunders , beaten to powder , and let it boyl half an hour , between two dishes ; that done , put a couple of soft linnen clothes into a dish , wet the cloths well in water and saunders , and apply the same , as hot as you can suffer it , to your belly . to procure sleep to the sick persons , that are diseased , either with the plague , or the hot feaver . take of womans breast-milk , a good quantity ; put thereunto the like quantity of aqua-vitae ; stir them well together , and moysten therewith the temples of the patient , and his nostrills ; lay it on with some feather , or some fine thin ragg . butter-milk , in this contagious time , is generally wholesome to be eaten ; and is a good preservative , against either the plague , or the pestilent feaver . a prayer against the plagve . omnipotent god , and most merciful father , bow down thine ear to our requests , and let thy gracious eye look upon the miseries of thy people . a long time have the vials of thy wrath been held open , and have powred thy divine vengeance on our sinful heads . o lord , we confess , that sodom and gomorrah , were never so wicked , as we have been , and are still : the jewes were never so hard-hearted towards thee ( our god ) as we are ; who hourly crucifie thy son jesus christ , in our vile bodies . yet behold , we cry to thee for mercy ; we repent what is past , and are contrite and sorry , that we have been stubborn children , to a father so mild , and ready to pardon . stay therefore thine arm , and let not the arrow of death , strike our young men into their graves , nor our old men to the earth . call home thy angells of wrath , whom thou hast sent forth , and let no more of thy people perish , under the heavy strokes of this dreadful plague , which is now a dweller amongst us . grant this our request , and all other whatsoever , needful to soul or body , for his sake , in whose name thou deniest nothing , amen . a prayer , for those that are not visited . oh most mighty and merciful lord god , in whose hands are health and sickness , who at thy pleasure canst kill and comfort ; i do confess , that my sins call louder for justice , than i can cry for mercy ; and i deserve all plagues and punishments , in this life ▪ and the plague of plagues , in the life to come , damnation both of body and soul : but , o lord , be thou more merciful , than i can be sinful ; and in jesus christ be reconciled unto me , and purge me , and cleanse me from all my sins . and i beseech thee , oh heavenly father , at whose commandement the angells passed over the houses of the israelites , when it struck the egyptians ( if it be thy blessed will ) that this present sickness may pass over me , and my family . we do confess , o lord , that i and others have deserved the plagues of egypt ; but , o lord , howsoever keep us from the greatest plague , which is hardness of heart ; and if it be thy pleasure , withhold thy heavy hand from us . do not correct us in thine anger , nor yet chastise us in thy heavy displeasure ; but in thy mercy release us . and if it be good unto thee , that i and others should taste of this birter cup , strengthen our faith , increase our hope , augment our patience ; that so we may rest in thy peace , rise in thy power , and remain in thy glory ; and that for christ jesus sake , in whose name we further call upon thee , saying , our father , which art in heaven , &c. a prayer , for those that are visited . oh lord god , thou best physician , both of our souls and bodies , who canst bring to the grave , and pull back again , whom thou pleasest ; which wert moved at the prayers of moses for others , of ezekiah for himself ; o lord , hear me for others , others for me , and all of us for thy son ; and look with the eye of mercy upon me , whom it hath pleased thee , at this time , to visit with the plague and sickness : o lord , i am held in thy fetters ; oh thou which hast bound me , loose me ; and , if it tend unto thy glory , and my good , restore my health unto me . o lord , i have been an unprofitable servant all my life time : oh then , let me not then be bereft of the life of nature , when i begin the life of grace ; but if thou hast disposed of me otherwise , increase my patience with my pains ; shew thy strength in sustaining my weakness , and be my strong fortress , in this hour of my trya● ; give me grace to apprehend and apply all the merits and mercies of christ unto my soul ; and , o lord , let thy comforter oppose the tempter , in such a measure , that he may not prevail against me ; but as thou makest me like lazarus , full of sores , so let also thy angells carry me into abrahams bosome . o lord , i intreat , let me obtain , even for his sake , for whom thou hast promised , and bound thy self , to hear and help the afflicted , even thy son , and my saviour , christ jesus : to whom , with thee , and thy blessed spirit , be all praise , &c. meditation . it cannot chuse but be a grief unto a christian , to see how many murmur in this visitation ; some fearing the plague in their persons , others in their purses ; some being loth to lose their goods , others to leave the world , not fearing to say with despairing cain , their punishment is greater than they can bear ; and thus do they undervalue gods mercy in his justice , in whose vial is not only wine , but also oyl : had he delivered us up to famine , it would have been a burthen farr more grievous ; and had he delivered us up into the hands of our enemies , as he hath done some neighbouring nations , it had been likely , that our should not only have been banished from our country , but that all hope should have been banished from us : how much better is it then , as david chose , to fall into the hand of god , than into the hands of men ; and to be visited with this plague , than to be plagued with our enemies : the lord give us grace to repent and amend , that he may cease to afflict us ; and grant , that being once cleansed , we may sin no more , lest a worse evil happen unto us . meditation . it is true indeed , that sin was the first cause of this sickness ; but as god doth not the works of mercy , so he doth not the works of justice , without a means . our sins were the parents of this pestilence , but it is a question , how god brought it in , there is no man can absolutely determine , but many may conjecture , and ( i fear me ) it was the want of charity , and the neglect of the poor , in this city , which partly caused this infection ; for how can it be otherwise , but that , where multitudes are pestered together in a little room , and in it have but little comfort ; as no raggs , to cover their nakedness ; no linnen to shift them from filthiness , it cannot chuse but cause them noysomeness , and by consequence infection : if then the rich men desire to leave to be miserable , let them learn to be merciful , and free the city from the multitudes of poor . meditation . it is a strange thing , to see the difference of men ; and to consider , how the seed of andam , being composed of the same matter , should so differ in manners : for here you may see one so timerous of sickness , that he dares not goe to church , for fear of infection ; being so full of base cowardise , that he is fearful to gather a rose , lest he should prick his fingers ; neglecting his souls welfare , for fear of his bodies sickness ; notwithstanding , he can trudge to westminster , about quarrels and contentions . but on the contrary side , another so audacious and presumptuous , that he seemeth to challenge the pestilence , and seeketh it at playes , searcheth it from one tavern to another , as if he dared gods judgements to encounter with him ; both of which are extreme follies . we must part , viz. from our frail life . i will therefore resolve , not so much to fear the evil of sickness , as to commit the evil of sin ; neither so much sin , as to seek out sickness : the one is a sin against my soul , to deprive it of the food which is offered ; and tantalus like , to starve , it under the means : the other is a sin against my body , to seek to impair the health of it ; but howsoever , both of them against god : the one being timidity , the other timerity ; the one fear , the other folly ; the one shewing himself faint-hearted , the other fool-hardy . a remedy , sent to the lord mayor of london , by king henry the eighth , against the plague . take a handful of sage , a handful of hearb-grace , a handful of elder leaves , a handful of red bramble leaves ; stamp them all , and strain them through a fine cloath , with a quart of vvhite-vvine ; and then take a quantity of ginger , and mingle them together , and take a spoonful of the same , and you shall be safe for twenty four dayes ; nine times taking of it , is sufficient for a whole year , by the grace of god. and if it be so , that the party be stricken with the plague , before he hath drank this medicine , then take the water of scabios a spoonful , of water of bettony a spoonful ▪ and a quantity of fine triacle ; and put them all together , and cause him to drink it , and it will expell all the venome . if the fotch appear , then take the leaves of brambles , elder leaves , mustard seed , and stamp them together , and make a plaister thereof , and lay it to the sore , and that shall draw out the venome , and the party shall be whole , by the grace of god. m. h. receipt against the plague . take setwel root , to the quantity of half a walnut , and gra●e it ; of triacle-jean , one good spoonful ; of wine-vinegar , three good spoonfulls ; of fair water , three spoonfulls : make these more than luke-warm , and so drink them off warm in your bed , and sweat six or seven hours after . drink posset-ale , made with small drink , as your thirst requireth ; so that you expect an hour and a half , after the potion taking , before your first drinking , and it will drive forth the plague . let the posset-ale be luke-warm , at the first draughr , but after as you like it , so it be not quite cold . these two medicines have cured above a thousand people , in this city , the last plague time ; and none hath took it in time , but scaped . finis . the table . an excellent medicine to prevent the plague . pag. an approved medicine after infection . p. a remedy for those that fear the plague . p. things duly to be looked into . p. for ayring rooms . p. things good to smell , taste , eat , drink . p. drink for ordinary dyet . p. outward medicines to ripen ▪ the sore . p. to take the infection from a house infected . p. against the new burning feaver and to procure sleep to the sick persons . p. a prayer against the plague . p. a prayer for those that are not visited . p. a prayer for those that are visited . p. meditations . p. , , . a remedy sent to the lord mayor of london by king henry the th against the plague . p. m. h. his receipt against the plague . p. finis . loimotomia, or, the pest anatomized in these following particulars, viz. . the material cause of the pest, . the efficient cause of the pest, . the subject part of the pest, . the signs of the pest, . an historical account of the dissections of a pestilential body by the author, and the consequences thereof, . reflections and observations on the fore-said dissection, . directions preservative and curative against the pest : together with the authors apology against the calumnies of the galenists, and a word to mr. nath. hodges, concerning his late vindiciae medicinae / by george thomson. thomson, george, th cent. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) loimotomia, or, the pest anatomized in these following particulars, viz. . the material cause of the pest, . the efficient cause of the pest, . the subject part of the pest, . the signs of the pest, . an historical account of the dissections of a pestilential body by the author, and the consequences thereof, . reflections and observations on the fore-said dissection, . directions preservative and curative against the pest : together with the authors apology against the calumnies of the galenists, and a word to mr. nath. hodges, concerning his late vindiciae medicinae / by george thomson. thomson, george, th cent. [ ], , [ ] p., leaf of plates. printed for nath. crouch ..., london : . errata: prelim. p. [ ]. advertisement: p. [ ]-[ ] at end. reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng hodges, nathaniel, - . -- vindiciae medicinae et medicorum. plague. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the manner of dissecting the pestilentiall body . printed for nath : crouch at the rose and crowne in exchang ally ΛΟΙΜΟΤΟΜΙΑ : or the pest anatomized in these following particulars , viz. . the material cause of the pest . . the efficient cause of the pest . . the subject part of the pest . . the signs of the pest . . an historical account of the dissection of a pestilential body by the author ; and the consequents thereof . . reflections and observations on the foresaid dissection . . directions preservative and curative against the pest. together with the authors apology against the calumnies of the galenists : and a word to mr. nath : hodges , concerning his late vindiciae medicinae . by george thomson , m. d. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . dii talem terris avertite pestem . london , printed for nath : crouch , at the rose and crown in exchange-alley near lombard-street , . imprimatur , . to the truly honourable , william earl of craven , vicount of ovington , and baron of hampsted marshall . my lord , you have so obliged this whole nation to love and honour you , for those many eminent graces and virtues conspicuous in you , especially that transcendent charity towards your neighbour in time of extremity ; that should i , conscious of your noble actions , having so fit an opportunity , neglect to render you thanks , and to celebrate your praises , for your bounty and liberality to this miserable city , when the contagion was grassant to the depopulating and depauperating of it , i might deservedly be reckoned among ungratefull men ; augustam animam augusto in pectore gestas ; you have a soul like the image of the great creator , of a vast extent , diffusive , communicative , beneficial to good and bad . sir , you have given such example of charity upon this late exigent , as more powerful to convert this hard-hearted age , than the tongue of men and angels . certainly , the presence of your person , hath been a means to counterpoise the evil effects of fugitive physicians ; so that many probably have evaded the fury of the late pest , through a strong imagination that it was not so contagious and mortal ( as was conceived ) because a person of your dignity did dare to tarry here when it was most outragious . blessed be the wise disposer of all things , who hath preserved you to be an instrument for his further glory , the benefit of your countrey , and the maintenance of fundamental truths against all opposers . and now i draw a little nigher your lordship , offering to you the first-fruits of my difficult labours , collected in the time of the raging pest. the substance of this discourse is practical , no idle dogmatical fancy of a non ens , no necessary directions from hearsaid ; but i have here laid open what i visibly and experimentally have found to be true , what i have handled with these hands , and seen with these eyes . really , noble sir , all that i begg of your honour is , that you would be pleased to favour me so far , as i speak , write , and act according to truth : which i know is so prevalent , that maugre all adversaries , it will at length be triumphant , and bestow upon all honest endeavours an immortal crown of glory . your lordships most humble , and affectionate servant , geo : thomson . to the reader . courteous reader , i know thou art cloy'd with multitude of books that this scribling age is fertil in : thou must needs nauseate cramben millies coctam , the same homely service a thousand times set before thee , the same things still repeated , perhaps false , or little for thy satisfactory instruction : so that it is enough to make thee look askew , and scorn what i have here offered to thy perusal , expecting no other from me than cuculi cantum ; sed siste gradum : if you please to make a halt awhile , i may deliver something thou may'st not repent to spend time to hear , & take pains to read , tending to thy health ; that goddess salus , without which no temporal felicity can be enjoyed , by means of which so long as it favours us , nothing but may be purchased . i have ventured my own life to save thine , passing through a way little trodden , full of bryars and thorns ; and finding a shorter cut , i have given thee such directions , which if thou strictly follow , may make thy passage through this vally of miseries more happy . i have declared in this following treatise , how we are begirt on every side with infinite occasional causes that seek to ruine us ; and what a domestick enemy we carry about us , ready to betray us to the violent power of preternatural things infesting us . i have been above this twenty years sollicitous and sedulous to find out the genuine proper causes and cures of all diseases malignant , but especially the pest ; for which end i visited all sorts of people , the poor as well as the rich , administring to them medicines of my own preparation ; observing from one , what might be useful to another ; yea , i was so eager in the pursuit of therapeutical truth , that i was restless till i had the full view of the inward parts of a pestilential body , whereby my iudgment was confirmed in some things , and my intellectuals instructed in others . i have acted many years formerly , but especially now of late , when there was most need , the part of a physitian , chyrurgion , and apothecary , as becomes every honest able man lawfully called to this noble faculty . take it for an infallible verity ( and i assert it without the least rancour and malice to any person ) that it is impossible , without miraculous inspiration , for a physitian to discharge his duty in this honourable profession , unless he bring to unity that which of late hath been made a trinity , through the laziness , pride and covetousness of a company of dogmatists . i speak not this to disparage or discourage any able professed apothecary or chyrurgion , that is laborious , ingenious , honest , and furnished with competent learning ( as for those that are otherwise qualified , i look upon them as so many iack-alls or lurchers , that hunt up and down for a prey for their masters , that they may have a share and snip with them ) with some of whom i am acquainted , who are an honour to their society , for whom i have no small respect and kindness ; and so much , that i prefer them , without partiality , before many titular prescribers , grandia gradientes , that carry a fair outside , make a great noise in the world ( admired of a company of idiots , that gaze and dote upon them , ut pueri junonis avem ) and yet are grosly ignorant in materia medica , and the right preparation of the same my iudgment is , that it is no such preposterous thing ( as some philo-galenists account it who are as it were riveted into a fond opinion and applause of that sect ) for a physitian that intends to acquire excellency in his science , to begin with pharmacopoea and chyrurgia supposed , that he have some considerable knowledge in the tongues . neither should i have thought it any disparagement to me , if i had been ( as they falsly alledge ) at first professedly instructed and initiated in these manual operations , as doctor bugs , and some others have been had i ( when the distressed patient cryed out for speedy help in the most acute disease ) been to seek to an apothecary or chyrurgion for the preparation and dispensation of my medicines ; or either of them to have made their address to a doctor , many a sick man had in the mean time perished , or at least had suffered much damage . a true physitian alwayes carries an apothecaries shop about him , having in procinctu at hand , what is fitting to pessundate any potent disease suddenly sallying out upon nature . he is unworthy the title of a doctor , the name of a physitian , that labours not with his own hands to attain such remedies sufficient to save his patients life . i question not but the time is at hand , that whosoever is wilfully ignorant in this kind , will be exploded by all understanding men ; for what madness can there be greater , than for an infirm person that truly values health , to pin his life upon the sleeve of such a doctor , that prescribes a composition , the ingredients whereof he knows not , whether they be taken in right , the proportion just ; when , nor perhaps how it was made ; nay , i go farther ( upon good grounds ) that shall not tell you the name of those concretes , and judge of them , laid before his eyes jointly ordained for a medicine ! be wise at length ye mortals , and suffer not a dogmatist to cheat you any longer with a formal recipe , sent i know not whether , to be made up i know not how , nor by whom ; but be ascertain'd , before you meddle with a physitian , that he have an intuitive knowledge of animals , vegetals and minerals ; that he is well versed in the separation of their pure crasis with his own hands , and then thou needest not doubt of a happy event . wishing thou may'st accept of my advice for thy own welfare , i remain thine , whil'st i am , iune . from my house in dukes place nigh aldgate . g. t. the contents of the chapters contained in this treatise . chap. . concerning the name , essence , and material cause of the pest. pag. . chap. . of the formal and efficient cause of the pest. chap. . of the subject part , where the pest doth principally reside , and act these tragical scenes in mans body . chap. . signs of the pest. chap. . an historical account of the dissection of a pestilential body ; and the consequents thereof . chap. . some medicinal reflections , and useful observations made upon this pestilential dissection . chap. . directions preservative and curative against the pest. the author's apology against the calumnies of the galenists . courteous reader , here are a few material faults escaped by the printer , which i would have thee to mend with a pen as thou readest ; 't is possible thou may'st meet with some literal ones too , which i have here omitted , that may be past by . in the prologue , page . line . for orial read trial. p. . l. ult . for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. . l. ult . for amphilogical , read amphibological . p. . l. ult . for perspication , read perspiration , p. . l. . for diapuoick , read diapnoick . p. . l. . for dee , read dey . p. . l. . for senserint , read senserit . p. . l. . for pseudiatori , read pseudiatri . p. . l. . for labore , read labor . ΛΟΙΜΟΤΟΜΙΑ : or , the pest anatomized . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . what that vertuous lady , once afflicted with the leprosie , wrote upon the frontispiece of an hospital , which she erected for the relief of leprous persons : haud ignara mali miseris succurrere disco . that she had learnt experimentally to pity and assist others in the like condition , i do heartily endeavour to put in practice . and certainly none can truly condole anothers unhappy fate , that hath not savourly and feelingly been made sensible of the vexation of the same himself . methinks it should be no small encouragement to a sick man to take down freely that bitter potion for his recovery , which hath often been swallowed by that physitian who hath been himself a patient labouring under the like grief . when i look back , and seriously ponder with my self what an army of diseases have laid siege to this my frail mud-wall , assailing , undermining and battering it with great and small shot , sent flying from hereditary and outward occasional causes ; i stand in admiration , that i have not ere this been laid flat on the ground , insulted over by worms ! i may confidently affirm , that i have felt more or less in my minority , the smart of most diseases that have an existence either traduced from my parents , or contracted by some exorbitancy and irregularity in my course of life . three several times have i been wounded by the venemous arrow of the direful pest , from which i have recovered , being despaired of by my friends . the first arrow stuck deep and long in my groin , even four months , for want of application of appropriate medicaments ( which the galenists alwayes want ) for indeed at that time i conceived nothing could act beyond the usual dispensatory to which i did then too pertinaciously adhere , to my sorrow : but the two last arrows were quickly extracted , and the wounds healed without extraordinary labour and dolour by chymical means : and though i am certain the second scene of this contagious sickness did much transcend the former , in respect of the ingress and egress thereof ; the magnitude of the cause , the atrocity of the symptoms , with the sad signs prognosticating ruine : yet such favour received i from the donor of every good and perfect gift , that those purified remedies which he was pleased to bestow upon me , did in the space of ten dayes , from the time i was taken , enable me to visit some of my patients abroad . certainly had i been so well acquainted about ten years pa● . with those arcana's in my art as now , it is impossible that i should ( being at that time surprized with a malignant feaver ) have been cloystered up seven weeks in my chamber ; extenuated to a sceleton , by no less than six large cruciating vesicatories prescribed by no inferiour galenist , who , as it were , extorted me out of the hands of an able chymist , for the intended repute of his own method ; which ( as soon as i was restored to my right understanding ) i declined , absolutely declaring against bleeding in the arm , which he gave order should be put in execution the next day ; and had i not prevented it by an unmoveable resolution to the contrary , the thread of my life had undoubtedly been cut off ; for i have positively set down , and can make it good by practice , that phlebotomy in the arm in any malignant disease , is absolutely destructive . give ye ear then all that desire to preserve sanity , to be healed of languors and infirmities , to live a long and comfortable life , to one ' that experimentally knows it for a truth , and can verifie it by fact , with sufficient reasons to back it , that the very foundation of the galenical doctrine for the radical cure of any disease , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in general , and in particular this that is called malignant , &c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the pest , is sandy and tottering , not able to stand before a spirituous and fierce orial of that subtile all-searching spagyrick power , which like lightning , penetrates to the center of things , dissolving them into their first principles , destroying what is superfluous in them , and extraneous , keeping entire and untouched that which is pure and defaecate . had i not been passive as well as active to find out the truth of curing , i might have remained to this day in the cimmerian darkness of dogmatical vanities , to which i confess i was too much wedded at first . at length , wholly resigning my self to be led freely by the thred of nature through the manifold tortuosities and meanders of its wonderful operations , i am throughly informed , and shall endeavour to instruct others concerning the being , cause , cure , and event of this late pest , as real experience in my self and others hath taught me , without deviating one tittle wilfully from the truth of things as they are in themselves . chap. i. concerning the name , essence , and material cause of the pest. i very well know the curious linguist will expect the nomenclature of the pest in various terms ; wherefore to satisfie his desire , i shall deliver them thus . the hebrews call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à radice , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 locutus est vel ( ut sumitur in sensu malo ) perdidit , quod sit res à deo edicta vel decreta , vel quasi sit perditio . the greeks , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , corrumpo , to corrupt or spoil ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , percutio , vulnero , to smite , or wound . the latins , pestis , quasi perestis , à peredo , to eat up , or devour , vel plaga . the english , the plague , the pest , the sickness , or disease , per excellentiam , vulgarly the infection , contagion , or distemper . from the name , i pass to the essence and quiddity of the pest ; which is a contagious disease , for the most part very acute , arising from a certain peculiar venemous gas , or subtile poyson , generated within , or entering into us from without : at the access , or bare apprehension of which , the archeus is put into a terror , and forthwith submitting to the aforesaid poyson , invests it with part of its own substance , delineating therein the perfect idea or image of this special kind of sickness distinct from any other . touching the material cause , it is a venemous gas , or wild spirit , produced either inwardly from some degenerate matter conceived within the body , or outwardly received from some fracedinous noisom exhalations contained in the pores of the air , taking their original from several putrid bodies excited to fermentation , rarified and opened by the ambient , altered and moved by celestial influences , and so disposed to this or that condition , whereby an expiration is made of virulent atoms , which sometimes close pent up , and drawn in by the lungs , do by their deletery power put to flight , confound , suffocate and mortifie the archeus , or vital spirits , in as short a times as the strong fume of burning brimstone doth destroy any small living insect held over it . i suppose i may well compare this mortiferous odour to the gas or fume of brimstone , called by the greeks , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , forasmuch as hippocrates calleth that abstruse malignity of which a manifest prompt reason is not to be given , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is something above the elements , difficult for humane capacity to render a cause thereof . to say truth , 't is not for a galenist that is clogged with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of temperaments and humors , to understand the sublime mystery of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; for none can apprehend this , but he that is divinitùs doctus , able to soar aloft by virtue of the nimble wings of mercury , which will by degrees carry him up to a high pitch of the true philosophical knowledge of natural things . this material virulent substance endued with exceeding leptomery , or subtilty of parts , hath free passage through the pores of mans body , which are patent both for admission and emission of minute particles , either friendly and agreeable to nature , or hostile and pernicious , which the vigilant custos , the innate spirit of every part can easily distinguish and judge of , detesting and abhorring the one with a perfect hatred , terror , consternation and confusion ; but embracing and hugging the other with confidence , complacency , and sweet delight . now the concordance and sympathy , the discord and antipathy of all things in the creation is plainly visible ; for natura natura gaudet : whatsoever is symbolical and congruous with another , doth easily unite and shake hands with the same ; what is antibolical and disproportionable to it , is rejected , loathed , and nauseated . thus there is a continual syndrom and concourse with like matter to like ; and naturae bellum inferre , is odious both to the macrocosm and microcosm . water in an instant is conjoined with water , not so easily with that which is heterogeneous : how quickly do the many globes of mercury coincide and couple into one , making a larger spherical body ? how extraordinary fertile do some lands shew themselves by an injection or superaspersion of some matter agreeable and consentaneous to their condition , nature , and inherent property ? behold how greedily the air imbibes and swallows up any body attenuated to a high degree , seeming as it were to be converted into an identity with it ! this doubtless deceived the ancients , supposing from this affinity and parity between each , an absolute essential transmutation of one into the other , which cannot be , sith the primogenial , simple and virgin elements are stable , never capable to undergo an alternate vicissitude of one into another ; so that according to mechanick demonstration , it may be made good , that there is not one grain more or less either of air or water , since the very first moment of the creation of both . 't is certain the air is not only separator aquarum , but likewise a disparter and segregator of all tangible bodies whatsoever , insomuch that the more it appropinquates any thing , the more it breaks it into atomical parts according to its own constitution , and the disposition of that matter it doth surround . now the air being ready , according as it is qualified to admit dilatation and contraction ; and as it is thus modified , so it penetrates , insinuating it self so far as there is the least passage for it , suffurating , and insensibly carrying off whatsoever is capable to be volatilized ; hence all concretes that have the least humidity do continually expire , sending out various emanations sutable to their grosser matter whence they arise , which acquiring an inward ferment , or torn into invisible parts by violent torture of the fire , are all greedily suckt up into the spongy spaces , or magnale of the air , which obnoxious to many changes , from the blas alterativum & motivum of the heavenly bodies , doth accordingly produce different meteors , thick or thin , hot or cold , serene or cloudy constitutions , and consequently healthy or sickly times , diseases malignant or well conditioned , acute or long , gentle or fierce . now when the ambient air shall be crowded full of infinite small particles disagreeing to our nature , in their figure , crasis , power , texture and proportion , making uncessantly a strong impulse upon the vital aura how is it possible but it must needs be affected , altered , and at length subjugated to the dominion of an exotick tyrant , with which it conspires to the subversion of a goodly frame , the obscuration and extinction of this bright and shining light of life , which makes us beautiful , effulgent and radiant , so long as it continues clear and vigorous , but once obscured , or put out , the body becomes dark , deformed , lucid and ghastly to behold ? now the venemous antecedent matter which occasions the pest , takes its original immediately either from within the body , or without ; within the circumference of the skin , an absolute pestiferous poyson is sometimes engendred , which being incubated by the archeus , and fomented by several outward accidents , undergoing manifold alterations , is at last maturated and specified to this hoc aliquid pestilentiale , this kind of virulent matter that occasions the pest ; for without controversie , were a man separated from all society , and lived in never so wholsom air , yet such a pestiferous seed may spring up in the body that may produce the same effect , which an extraneous matter occurring doth frequently introduce . neither ought this to seem strange , sith whatsoever within us degenerates from its native goodness , becoming stagnant and excommunicated from the commonwealth of life , is either in some short time extruded and banished , or rectified , reformed and reduced , if possible , to its pristine goodness ; and if nature cannot perform this , then is it by little and little insensibly graduated to what it is capable of , and disposed unto ; hence by the power of different ferments ariseth such a distinct poyson congruous to that seminal power it was first endued withall . thus the apoplexy , epilepsie , vertigo , lethargy , madness , &c. take their original cause from such a matter that never fails ( where there is a sutable agent to mould it ) to explicate it self in this or that manner , and at last to come to this or that determinate , individual thing it was at first destinated , so certain as a hen-egg , turky , or goose-egg , if not interrupted by some accident , do constantly afford what is appropriated inherently to each kind . for diseases in mans body have as certain a seed , as any mineral , vegetal or animal , and make their beginning , progress , state , declination , period , regularly and uniformly , whatsoever the galenists say to the contrary , asserting , that a disease is only aliquid privativum ; non positivum ; excluding it all the predicaments , when in truth it is contained in all . the outward antecedent occasional matter ariseth from some minute venemous particles , aporrhaeas , or effluviums of several bodies either taken into our stomack , or immediately entering in through the small pores of the skin ; else darted into the ambient air , and there skipping up and down , are ready to be admitted through the large patulous passages of the body , where they play more or less a sad tragedy , according to the capacity of the receiver ; for it falleth out that sometimes a pestilential matter is taken in , and by vertue of a robust innate archeus , is forthwith excluded or tamed , and brought under the laws of nature ; so that what would prove great damage and detriment to one mans health , doth little impair another . now the usual common broad way through which this poyson is conveyed , is for the most part the mouth and nostrils , places obvious for the reception of these virulent atoms ; and needs must it be so , forasmuch as respiration , which consists of inspiration and expiration , being uncessantly performed for the preservation of life , must needs draw in together with the air whatever is therein intermixt . now there is in some topical air a fermenting venom , equivalent , and every way as active as the poyson of a scorpion , phalangium , or viper , which though small in quantity , yet operates stupendiously . this invisible gas , this fracedinous aura lethifera , that fluctuates here and there , once taken into these living houses of clay , bears such a discord and hostility to them , that if it be not in a short time extruded , a certain ruine of the whole fabrick must needs follow ; for there is such an absolute disproportion and disagreement between these opacons , dark and spiss atoms , and the bright luminous beams of life , that this must necessarily be extinguished , if those once take firm possession in us , in the very same manner as subterranean damps , and mephitical exhalations , cause the clear flame of a burning lamp to become dim and dusky , and at length to be annihilated . considering that we are thus beset on every side with such an allogeneous , pernicions matter , that doth frequently infest us , it is almost miraculous , that the thread of our lives is drawn out to any length considerable , sith every thing hath spinas & tribulos in it , somewhat disagreeable to our nature ; yea , certain things are so deletery , that they dispatch us like the basilisk , smiting us down we know not when , or how . what strangely offensive particles are in some places , is well known to any that have often changed their region , and gone out of one climate into another . it is remarkable what iosephus acosta relates of the grievous effects that the air causes in those that ascend the hill pariacaca in america , what violent vomitings even to blood , defection of the spirits , and faintings almost to death do continually disturb them , till such time they have passed over the perolede , or valve of the air about that hill , which without doubt conteins in it those corpuscles , which are altogether incongruous with our spirits . it is reported that such a noxious breathing arises from a certain lake in hungary , that birds that flie over are suddenly surprized with death . notable are the stories of the petrification of tender bodies , by certain corpuscles in the air , endued with such a saxifying power . some tracts of air offend the eyes , some the teeth . some places are scorbutical , others dysenterical , these febriculous , those arthritical , and here and there some are pestilential , which are observed to produce the pest periodically ( as in gran cairo in aegypt ) where the beginning and end of raging plagues may punctually be foretold , the reason of the cause whereof seems very abstruse , only in the general we may probably conclude , that there arises some eminent alteration in the air , and those infinite emanations it hath received into the pores thereof , from a blas or influence of the heavenly bodies : which , although as i have formerly delivered , are of themselves innocent , free from any malignity , venom , or pestiferous property : yet they cause various alterations and motions in the air , whereby it is disposed to be wholsom or unwholsom to us ; for we find experimentally , that the pest is most outragious , when the pores of tangible bodies are most ready to expire by the ambient air , which the nearer the sun approacheth , the hotter it is , and thereby a rarefaction and subtiliation made of those parts which otherwise lie constringed , dormant , benummed as it were , and mortified by extream cold ; for it is the nature of cold to destroy the seminal power of all concretes as moderate heat on the contrary excites the seed of all things , and provokes them to act . we commonly see , that a most putrid and putid substance congeled by violent frost , desists to send forth that horrid ill odour , which the warmth would quickly extract from it ; questionless had not divine providence ordered , that the middle region of the air should be extraordinary cold , on purpose to spoil various exhalations of their ferments and seeds , it were impossible but that all things should have been long ago reduced to their first chaos : so efficacious do we find cold seasons , through the distance of the sun from us , in powerfully restraining this feral disease , the pest , that in this part of the world there hath seldom any great mortality reigned amongst us in a very sharp winter . and i have observed that the late contagion , although it had taken deep root in mans body , and endeavoured to pullulate , and shoot out fresh ; yet was it so curbed and tamed by the autumnal frost , that it could never rise up to any height , or get head , its fermenting power being still kept under by the surrounding cold air ; which is changed according to the remotion , appropinquation , interception , and obscuration of the solar beams ; which though innocuous ; lovely and glorious of themselves , yet shining upon a stinking dunghil or kennel , and opening the body of any putrilaginous substance , do accidentally cause a fermentation in its parts , and thereby an expiration of unsavoury and noysom atoms prejudicial to mans life . hereby not only inanimate things induce a detriment to our health , through a multiplicity of their copious exhalations continually altering , and making impression upon our spirits , weakning their tone , debilitating their vigour , dissipating , confounding , and destroying them by their deletery property ; but likewise the respiration , emanations or effluviums of divers sorts of animals do often prove hurtful to our natures ; especially one mans body doth easily affect and infect another , by reason of a symbolical affinity that is between one mumial ferment and another ; for there is an easie transmigration of virulent particles from body to body , where there is a magnetism , & a capable reception thereof ; and under the guise of a friendly guest , a mortal enemy is sometimes entertained : and doubtless there are some men and women seemingly healthful , whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , breathings , aporrhaea's , or effluviums , are very pernicious to others , causing great inconvenience and disturbance in the archeus , yet perhaps not sensibly to be discovered : sith then we are thus beset on every side with an invisible fracedinous gas , how is it possible that materials should be wanting for the framing the pest , and other innumerable diseases ! thus much concerning the antecedent occasional matter : that which is next to be enquired , is materia conjuncta , or conttnens of the pest , which is part of the archeus contaminated by the pestilential miasm , which primarily seats it self in the privy chamber of the vital spirit , which becomes one , and joins with the occasional , antecedent matter , to dissolve the goodly structure of this microcosm ; for the antecedent matter could do us no harm , were not the continent united to it , so as to become capable to receive the true figure , character or impression of this determinate disease , the pest ; where it remains , till such time the foresaid matter be profligated or proscribed by the strength of the residue of the archeus , as yet untouched and free from contagion , or the image of the pest expunged , and thereby a manumission and redemption of the captivated spirit , from that slavery it was before kept under by a domineering idea . neither ought it to seem strange , that i reckon part of the archeus for the conjunct matter of the pest , contrary to the doctrine of the schools , who never dreamed of any such thing , till that great deliverer of philosophical verity , helmont brought it to light ; forasmuch as nothing exotick or venemous could do us any hurt , did not the archeus , the vital spirit cowardly first yield it self prisoner to the assailing poyson ; and then afterward become confederate to act with it , to the demolition and devastation of that fabrick which otherwise might stand unmoved . chap ii. of the formal and efficient cause of the pest. matter of it self is effete , languid and dead , if it be not quickned and actuated by some spirit , which contrives , moulds and fashions it into such a form , that doth specifie and make it distinct from another by its essential properties , and inseparable accidents . this spirit , archeus , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of all things is chiefly seated in the seed ; for without a seminal power nothing can have production . every thing that acts is furnished with some portion of the universal spirit ; and even those things that seem to be vapid , dull and torpid to our senses have in them latitant a spirit dormant , which gave them , and maintains their being . now there are many different kind of seeds , ferments and spirits ( all derived from the universal ) as there are things in the world which act according to the disposition of the matter , and capacity of the subject : for unumquodque recipitur secundum captum recipientis ; and ex quovis non fit quodlibet : which is to be understood of a secondary , concrete matter , not primary simple elementary ; sith according to helmont , and the best philosophers , all things take their original from water , which transmuted to this or that , according as topical ferments , and innate seeds lead it . however all compound bodies , perfect and imperfect , are confined , and stinted only to bring forth their like , and to act within the sphere of their activity , without interfering , grating , incroaching and intrenching upon anothers commonwealth ; and within these bounds of their monarchy do they still continue , till they have acted the last scene , and taken their exit , and are so resolved again into their first aqueous element , from which daily arise new actors in several dresses . to this do many philosophers subscribe as truth , as it relates to minerals , vegetals and animals , that have a manifest principle of generation ; but they will not allow diseases to be taken into this catalogue , sith they arise from a depravation and distortion of nature , through the fall of the first prevaricator , who by his lapse put the creature in arms against himself and all mankind : so that a disease with them , is only a privation or mutilation of our health , a defection from sanity , proceeding from divers accidents that daily affect us preternaturally . for they think they have spoken enough , in telling us , that some good is exclusively taken from us , but are silent concerning that positive , real evil that infests us , having an absolute entity in it , consisting of a seminal power , a fermental transmutation , an operative spirit , and a lively idea . all which endowments make a disease to be ens reale verum , something in reality . that maladies have in them a spermatick power , is evidently known by some hereditary diseases that are propagated and traduced from the father to the son , and from the grandfather to the grandchild , which lie a long time unseen , unfelt , closely couched in the blood , and at length break forth into act upon some irritating occasion . how is it possible that the small pox should lie above twenty years in our bodies , before it shoot out , if it were not contained in a seed , which according to the disposition of each individual , when the fulness of time comes , breaks forth sooner or later , into buds and branches ? the gowt and stone are sometimes so concorporated with our seminal principles , that it may be thought as difficult to separate light from fire , as to part two such companions fundamentally conjoined in our conception . moreover , as it is the nature of every seed , whether vegetal or animal , in the very moment of breaking forth into act to ferment , that thereby its vertues may be diffused readily into all parts , and likewise an equal distribution of spirits made : in like manner morbos seeds have their fermentation , which though invisible at first , yet at length are plainly apparent by effects . so requisite is fermentation for the production of all things , that without it the spirit remains drowned and overwhelmed in untractable and indisposed matter . did not the poyson of the pest , most contemptible for quantity , ferment and season the whole mass of blood , by altering the position and texture thereof , by coagulating and changing it into a tartarous substance , it could never cause such a tragical catastrophe in mans body , quite subverting its well composed frame . for it is grand ignorance to think that bare qualities , which are transient and momentany , depending upon the influence of substantial forms , which cause a flux and reflux of the heat , cold , moisture , and siccity , according to the motion , collision , exaltation , degradation , indigence and abundance of spirits in the body , should on a sudden cause such a stupendious metamorphôsis in this little admirable world ; wherefore nothing but that which causes a zumôsis , an effervescence , and leavens the whole lump of blood by its deletery , diffusive property , can turn all topsie turvy in this manner , and bring a speedy ruine to this magnificent structure . neither is there wanting in diseases an architectonical spirit , which is the faber and vulcan that hammers out and forges every kind of malady , observing an exact copy , rule and canon which was at first imprinted in it by a vigorous imagination : as this stamp , figure , idea or character doth direct the archeus , so it begins , proceeds , and at last concludes , according as the impression lasteth . this pure , restless spirit , that at first moved upon the waters , is ordained by the great creator of all things to be an exact fabricator of whatsoever hath a being , which alwayes at first pourtrayes and delineates the scheam and fashion of whatsoever is afterwards to be done by it . and although it was never intended by that fountain of this universal spirit , that any thing hurtful or destructive to man should be produced , yet ever since there was brought an ataxy , irregularity and inconformity upon the spirit of man through the disobedience and rebellion of the protoplastes it hath minted and coined exorbitant , monstrous , exotick images , by direction of which it acts to its own calamity and ruine , consuming , spoiling , making havock of that ( through foolish , vain terrours , inquietudes , anxieties and fury ) which ought to be preserved and cherished by regular and peaceable operations . now no sooner is it touched by any thing that is disagreeing and disproportionable to its natural constitution , but it is affrighted , perplexed , fretted , raged and disturbed , and put quite besides it self , if it cannot presently be rid of it ; yea , the very thoughts of an approaching mischief , doth sometimes cause the archeus from a groundless fright to bring that really to an existence , which otherwise would never have been ; as is apparent , when a timerous person hearing a relation of the pest , and the terrible symptoms accompanying it , doth through the power of strong imagination , making somewhat of nothing , sowe a pestilential seed in the blood , which fermenting and swelling up , doth forthwith entertain the vital spirit that makes in it self a perfect idea of that disease which never ceases , as long as it continues , to diminish , and at length to extinguish the bright shining lamp of life . did not the vital spirit at first running away , afterward entertain treacherously , as it were , into its privy chamber , shaking hands , and hugging in its bosom that which is virulent , poysonous and deletery , and thereby appropriate the same to it self , entering into a firm league with that which is tristissima mortis imago , the lurid and dismal picture of lethiferous dissolution , conspiring and co-operating with an irreconcilable enemy to mans health ; neither the venom of any mineral , vegetable or animal , nor the heteroclite poyson of the pest could injure us , or any way damnifie us . but as the case stands , perditio nostra à nobis ; and that which was in the beginning ordained for a sole preservative to us , doth often become our bane and destruction . and spiritus ille vitalis qui actiones sanas etiam morbosas edit : that archeus which is the instrument of sanity , is likewise the author of maladies ; and that saying is too true to our sad experience , nemo laeditur nisi à se ipsa . we are indeed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . self destroyers , and do exactly patrize , daily putting in practice what the first of men taught us . 't is not the outside that simply defiles us , but all our misery flows from within ; 't is this domestick enemy that doth infest us , our familiar friend , with whom we continually converse , that lies in our own bosom , that betrayes us , and delivers us up for a spoil , to the ambient air , diet , and other necessary things we are forced to make use of for a subsistence to support this brittle and friable clod of earth . these poysonous atoms that lurk in the pores of the air , and are wasted up and down with every blast , slighly entering into our bodies unfelt , unseen , cannot of themselves make the pest , unless our archeus become an efficient and formal cause of its quiddity ; so that it hath its immediate being from our vital spirit , which comes to pass in this manner . so soon as these loathsom particles enter in , either through the larger or smaller passages of the skin , the custos or centinel of that part where it first makes an impulse , perceiving that its territories is invaded by a cruel potent adversary , a destroyer of nature , being surprized with horror and confusion , forthwith flies , giving advantage to its foe to take possession of that part , and giving all over for lost : it suffers the fermenting poyson to alter the natural well disposed mumial ferment in our bodies , and to change it into the same condition with it self ; upon this the archeus , the forenamed custos , that keeps guard , & always watches and wards night and day for the preservation of the whole , being full of consternation and terror , throws away the reins of orderly government , and yields it self up captive to the imperious placits of a truculent tyrant , uniting it self intimately with full consent to demolish this beautiful edifice ; and to that end doth immediately frame a seminal idea , and an absolute draught of what it intends to accomplish . then is the first beginning of the pest , and is as it were in ovo , acquiring maturity by degrees , sometimes quickly , sometimes slowly , according to the strength or weakness of imagination , vigorous power , or feebleness of mumial ferments , the subtlety , or dulness of the poyson , the activity or drowsiness of the archeus . so long as the pestiferous occasional cause , whither it arise from within or without , continues not actuated , and as it were not animated by our archeus , it can do us no harm ; but remains like an unpolished mishapen piece of timber , which was never yet brought into a form by a dextrous mechanick . so soon as the architectonical spirit enters into this deletery matter , it informs the same , and brings that into an actual being , of which otherwise it would have been deprived ; once quickned , it never leaves to play a sad tragedy ( unless the venemous matter be suddenly excluded , the idea obliterated , and the archeus highly fortified ) upon the theatre of this microcosm , with variety of dismal scenes , as several individual constitutions admit from the prologue of its birth to the epilogue of its death . chap. iii. of the subject part , where the pest doth principally reside , and act these tragical scenes in mans body . i have not been a little anxious ( but not presumptuous , as the galenists have falsely aspersed me ) to find out the chief palace , or chair of state , where this mortiferous tyrant the pest doth principally sit enthroned ; where by its beck and insolent frowns , it makes this little world , and all that inhabit in it , to crowch , creep , and tremble ! that this poyson doth enter in , and ride in the triumphant chariot of the vital spirit , both innate and influent , is an undoubted truth : for , as i said , by means of it , the pest moves , and hath a being ; and without the same , it is as nothing ; for the pestilential matter whether generated within , or hath an ingress from without , through the hand , the foot , the eye , the nostril , mouth , or any other place ; still the custos , the vital spirit of that part gives it entertainment , by cowardly running from the poyson , and so betraying that trust that was reposed in it , by yielding up treacherously it self , and a strong hold to the fury of a potent enemy , to which the archeus becomes a vassal to perpetrate those things that tend to ruine and desolation . notwithstanding this particular damage and nocument ( that arises from a dedition and timorous submission of the archeus to this pestiferous gas , making an incursion and invasion upon the borders and confines of this flourishing kingdom , mans living body ) were far more tolerable , were not this venom conducted to the very center and metropolis thereof , the stomack , where the soul it self keeps court , which incircled with all necessary officers , sends forth wholsom edicts for the preservation of the body natural . in the bed-chamber of this noble membrane , the stomack , doth this usurping disease take its lodging , darting basilisk-like , his virulent beams into all parts circumjacent in a heteroclite , and anomolous manner , sometimes causing a stupor , and lethargical drowsiness , like opium , sometimes a phtenzy or fury like hemlock , or nuces insanae ; at one time a numness , or paralytical disposition , like the fish torpedo . at another time an inquietude or incessant motion , like the poyson of a tarantula . now an insatiable thirst , and a scorching flaming heat , like one bit by the serpent dypsas ; then again a coldness , rigour and shivering , like the venom of a scorpion ! provoking in one man a hungry appetite a little before death , in another an aversation and loathing of all food ; producing a manifest feaver in this man , and in that none at all , or hardly any sensible ; striking down one , as if he were syderated , or apoplectical , and tenderly handling another , as it were , in a dallying , flattering and sporting way , curiously spinning out the thread of his life for some dayes , yea , weeks , and then at length cutting it off ! thus this raging venom being once ushered by the desponding archeus , into the innermost recesses and closet of life , is by this means become master of the whole , vacua dominatur in aula ; and having quite confounded the eutaxy and good government that was before in the vital ingenite spirit of the stomack , quietly and sedulously working , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , causes the same to be irregular , exorbitant , hair-brain'd , foolish and furious , careless what becomes of itself , and what belongs to its tuition . for the confirmation of what i have delivered , that the region of the hypocondries , especially the stomack , is the principal place where the pest taketh up its abode . we are to take special notice what strange alteration is made in the region epigastrick by violent passions , and how the oeconomy of the whole body thereby is put into a disorder ( perhaps upon an imagination sometimes of that which is not at all real ) as it happens when a panick fear , extraordinary anger , an excessive joy , some sad and dreadful news brought to us doth in a trice distract us , making the first impulse upon the stomack ; and us helmont excellently observes , spoiling an eager appetite to our food in an instant , quite taking off the edge of the stomack , which before was sharp set : and although the galenists are plensed erroneously to separate the irascible and concupiscible appetite , so that they divide them into two distinct stalls , placing the one , i. e. the irascible in the heart , and the other , the concupiscible , in the stomack , the lower adjacent parts ; yet if they weigh the truth of things seriously , they may be better informed , that the orgiastick , as well as the epithymetick are chiefly lodged in the mouth of the ventricle , which the ancients for that excellency they conceived of it , adorned with the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , being of that power and soveraignty , that according to its benigne or maligne aspect , it causes a serenity or obscurity in this little horizon . here is the bench , where the sensitive soul sits as judge , which if rightly tuned , and well composed , censures , and strait puts to an end the manifold conflicts , tumults , broils , and uproars in the body natural ; but if out of order , and have an atony , it embroils all in wars , being the ring-leader , promoter , and efficient cause of all disorder and confusion . now as from this fountain the stomack , and its co-partner , the spleen ( which make according to helmont , a duumvirate ) springs our health , the greatest felicity in this world ; so from the same root arises sickness and infirmity , the bitter ingredient , that marrs all that delicious mess which either nature hath provided , or mans ingenious cookery can invent . in hac olla continentur mors & vita : this is that pandora's box , which adam , to please his brutish appetite , ventured to open for the reception of the forbidden fruit , which was no sooner ingested , but out flew infinite calamitous maladies that vexed him , and torture us his posterity to this day . in this little membranous field was first sown the rebellious seed of all diseases , which ever since never ceased to propagate and multiply it self over the universal face of the globe of mankind in a direful manner . here is the plantation and nursery of all sort of feavers ; for never did i know any afflicted in this kind , but still the digestive ferment of the stomack became impaired , and degenerate from its native goodness ; hence come those multiplicity of sad symptoms which appear , as nauseousness , anorexy , extream thirst , bad sapour , sopour , tedious watchings , dotage , melancholy , madness and the like . here is the mine where the stone and gowt have their ens primum ; are first embrionated , and lie in their rude principles . in this duumvirate is the nest where the asthma , sqinsie , pleurisie , vertigo , epilepsie , apoplexy , lethargy , phrensie , diarrhaea , lienteria , dysuria , stranguria , ischuria , scorbute , and this terrible blow , plaga excellens , the pest are first brooded , hatched , fed , and at length perfected , and able to subsist of themselves . in this admirable cavity is erected the mint royal , where the lively image of sanity and infirmity are stamped , and the lineaments of every languor drawn out as it were with a pencil , that it may act uniformly in one continued series and tenour , according to its kind and various constitution it meets with . for even a vulgar head knows how to distinguish a quartan ague from a quotidian , and both from a tertian ; a continual , from an intermitting feaver ; the spasm or cramp , from a palsie ; the dropsie , from an atrophie , or a macilent consumption ; and several other diseases one from another : and this is deduced from the parts affected , the certain symptoms , accidents and products that inseparably accompany each of them . the silly old women called searchers , can report upon the bare aspect of a pestilential corps , when thy see tumors of the emunctories , cauterizing carbuncles , blains , pustles , and those stigmata nigra , they call the tokens , in the superficies of the skin , that this or that person dyed of the sickness , wherein although they are sometimes mistaken by reason of some intervening outward accidents , which may hinder the eruption of these pestilential blossoms ; yet an expert physitian , that hath a more intuitive knowledge into these things than the common people , will hardly ever be mistaken in the diagnôsis of the disease : and certainly this could never be discovered aright , were not the idea and platform of every grief , as it were shadowed out , limmed and sigillated in the ingenite archeus of the tender , tractable stomack and spleen . neither ought it to seem strange , that the ventricle being a membrane , should have such admirable properties , and rare effects bestowed upon it by power of the sensitive soul , there taking its principal habitation ; sith the womb of the same texture doth sometimes act stupendiously , even to the seeming imitation of a new creation out of nothing , as when the idea of a cherry , mulberry , or the like , is impressed by the uterine imagination upon that part of the infant , according as the hand of the mother shall be directed at that time of her earnest longing ; which fictitious fruit shall afterward flourish sooner or later , as the native soil and climate of that place doth bring real fruit to a speedy or late maturity . now forasmuch as the stomack and its compeer the spleen , the duumvirate of this commonwealth , have such power committed to them , that they are as the key to open the door to health and sickness ; and as it were , the helm that turns and winds this vessel at pleasure : in what ought a true physitian to be more sollicitous , than in preserving them in eutonie , eucrasie , eumetrie , and to have special care of this excellent organ , lest any thing assumed may injure the ferment of these parts , disturb , disquiet and annoy the archeus thereof ? away then with the seculent and dirty medicaments of the galenists , which i can demonstrate to their faces , if they dare to stand a tryal , are not fitting to be received into such a noble part for the cure of any deep rooted disease whatsoever . and were not their patients grosly ignorant in that which concerns their own life , did they but understand the notable damage both present and future that attends those that enter into this wire-drawing galenical course of physick , they would utterly abominate such dreggy stuffe , if more pure and defecate chymical remedies could be obtained . never let any lover of learning harbour a thought , that such an elephant like , gigantical disease the pest , is like to be detruncated and overcome by a galenist , who ( i 'le make it appear , ipso facto ) knows not how to remove a trivial ordinary feaver radically and fundamentally ! and all this proceeds for want of a clear understanding of the right use of the stomack ; the powerful influence it hath upon all parts ; the nature of its ferment , and the tender respect that is to be given to the archeus , the diligent custos , and watchful janitor of the orifice and pylorus . suffer not then any that pretends to cure thee , to exhaust the innocent blood profusely , by opening a vein in the arm for the cure of that malady , whose cause doth only centrally depend upon an exorbitancy , discord , dearticulation , and apostasie of the vital spirit in the duumvirate , from the genuine well-disposed constitution that ought to be in it . chap. iv. signs of the pest. judiciously to dicsern the pest from other diseases , is sometimes a task of no small difficulty , in that it hath no certain , peculiar , proper , pathognomonical inseparable sign emergent with it , not common to others : so that an able physitian may sometimes be puzled at first access positively and absolutely to determine , whether the patient be smitten by this superlative stroke , or afflicted with some other inferiour sickness . he alone that is omniscious , can infallibly tell in what instant time this pestilential poyson is conceived , or enters into mans body ; so closely doth it lie for the most part , that none but he that knows things à priori , can punctually discover that such an one carries about him a mortal arrow shot into his praecordia . to see a man eat and drink liberally , to be jocund , frolick , seemingly enjoying a jubilee , to exercise venery , and several disports , as at other times , and yet to carry about him the very picture of death within , is a plague of the plague . to be undermined by a clandestine enemy little dream't of , digging like a company of pioners into the very bowels of this microcosm , and on a sudden tearing in pieces unawares this strong fortress of life , is that which heightens the malice of this truculent calamity . for had an able physitian opportunity granted him to encounter with this horrid monster upon its first approach , i make no doubt but that by means of the artillery of powerful remedies , it might quickly be overcome , dispossessed and mortified . wherefore the case standing thus with us , it is prudent providence to stand upon our guard , and discreetly suspecting the worst , to fortifie our selves as well as possibly may be , vim vi repellere , and to get such a panoplie of arcanas , that we may not easily be vulnerable , or at least may speedily heal those wounds that are made by its intoxicated arrows : sith we are ignorant a priori , when we are first assaulted with this fermenting poyson , let us strictly observe what may be useful to us à posteriori . yet ought we not to despair ; for some antecedent signs may coniecturally lead us to a fore knowledge and prevision of this venemous arrow that is let flown at us , that thereby we may make the better provision , defending our selves , pro re nara , and thereby take off by art the virulency that attends it ; for praevisa spicuia levius feriunt . how significant the stars are to forewarn us of this grievous wound to be inflicted upon mankind , is best known to astrologers , whose predictions i have always found very uncertain and amphilogical , for want of that syderal knowledge which adam once enjoyed . indeed i am bound to believe that the heavenly bodies were ordained in signa , tempora , dies & annos ; and the reason why we do not foretell what they often preindicate , is to be attributed to the dimness and imbecility of our understanding , which since our lapse is become uncapable of such celestial mysteries . it is confessed , some general obscure notions we may collect from above , yet we for the most part square them , as that crooked line of our own interest guides us ; not according to the strait rule of verity , for every one is willing to put from himself the evil day , and shift it upon another . that comets , or blazing stars do portend some evil to come upon mortals , is confirmed by long observation and sad experience , as likewise phaenomena of a parelios , parasolene , apparitions of draconos volantes & trabes , scintillae , now stars , battles fought , and coffins carried through the air , howlings , screechings , and groans heard about church-yards ; also raining of blood , unwonted matter , &c. all of which having something extra naturam , are portentous and prodigious , ordained by that good philanthropos to advertise us to a timely resipiscence , and prevention of those evils that hang over our heads . moreover , when unseasonable weather , as extream drought , or superfluity of moisture infest us , when waters contract a fracedinous odour and corruption ; when multitude of insects , as toads , froggs , flies , cimires , and divers poysonous creatures appear ; when cattle perish in great numbers by some contagious lues ; when malignant diseases , as small pox , spotted feavers ; scurvy , or the like , are frequent among us , which gave me occasion ( perceiving how grassant the scorbute was in this nation ) to deliver a prediction , that in some short time it would break forth into some terrible symptoms , degenerating into this late acute sickness . let this suffice in general , to give a premonition and caveat of a future ●est for our premunition . touching the signs that attend the pest , that it is present , they are manifold all or most of which are maturely to be considered , that we may attain a perfect diagnôsis of this heteroclite calamity , and withall make a prognôsis for a discovery what is like to be the event thereof . and here i must take notice what a promiscuous complication , contexture and mutual entercourse there is of the signs belonging to the pest , and other maladies , especially the scorbute ; so that he ought to be very quick-sighted , that can sometimes rightly distinguish between one and the other : wherefore in delivering judgment concerning a doubtful matter , all circumstances are strictly to be observed , and a syndrom of symptoms to be mustered together , that what a single cannot , a collective enumeration of signs may instruct us in the nature and essence of that kind of languor which hath seized upon the patient . when therefore an oppression about the praecordia , a loathing , vomiting , a vertigo , great pain of the head , a notable redness in the veins of the conjunctive tunicle , difficult or irregular respiration , a great asperity of the tongue , extream thirst , or no thirst considerable ; a soporous , or lethargical disposition , agrypnie , restlessness and inquietude , a misapprehension , false conception of things ; a delirium or raving , a faintness , palpitation of the heart , and lipothymie ; a stupor and numness in several parts , spontaneous trembling , lassitude , alternate changes of heat and cold , shooting pains especially in the emunctories , eruption of blanes , vesicles , spots , botches , carbuncles , an obscure or manifest feaver , sometimes violent , sometimes gentle , the pulse weak , unequal , intermitting , formicant , or vermiculant ; a laudable well-coloured urine , not at all discovering any evil affect , when many , or most of these signs appear , especially when the disease is dominant , an able physitian may confidently assert , that the sick man hath a pestilential poyson within him . happy is he that meets with such a physitian , that can detect in a seasonable time this subtle serpent that lieth hid in the bosom , that he may bruise his head , before it infect by his noysom breath the greatest part of the vital spirits , hindring a free circulation of the blood , by causing a restagnation , and coagulation of the same ; for while the pest is in fieri , potent remedies being duly administred , do seldom miss or their right scope of curing ; but when it comes to be in facto esse , the recovery becomes very hazardous . for this reason i have urged some persons that would listen to me , whom i have suspected to have received the infection , for 〈◊〉 to take what might give a check to its full career , stopping it in limine , before it entred into the bedchamber of life ; and so successful have i been this way , that in a few hours there hath been by vertue of some active remedies , an epiphany and efflorescence of some spot , tubercule , vesicle , bubo , or the like on the skin , which hath both satisfied the patient , by a timely prevention of future mischief , and confirmed my judgment with credit . in some i have at first so taken off the force of the venom , by the frequent use of purified sulphurs , that it could never so seize upon the blood , as to put any considerable stop to its motion ; so that hereby , not the least cutaneous emersion could be discovered , as it happened to my brother , who had the pest twice , with a feaver , vertigo , oppression at the stomack , and other evident symptoms belonging thereto ; and yet had neither botch , carbuncle , blane , vesicle , pimple , or spot apparent in his whole body : and though , as he told me , he felt about a hundred times for a bubo in his groin , the virulent , tartarous blood tending that way , notwithstanding it could never gather to make any tumor ; forasmuch as it was still ferretted , subtiliated , and dissipated by medicines that were volatile , and capable to be circulated with the blood , and to be carried as far as the sixth digestion ; and there to execute the office of discussing any gross leutous matter , without leaving a caput mort behind . certainly the advice of the poet , principiis obsta , is to be embraced in any disease , but especially this , which being morbus per peracutus , quickly finishes its course , ( when it once sets forth ) and hastens to a period oftentimes in a few hours . seeing therefore it treads so softly within us , that it cannot be heard to walk ; remains sometimes so silent , that it speaks little or nothing that we can understand for our instruction , 't is wisdom to send out some exploratores perspicaces , subtle scouts , i mean , exquisite medicines , that by their leptomery and specifick dowry implanted in them , may search out and discover whatsoever is hostile in our territories , heating up the quarters of that close enemy which lies in perdu to destroy us ex improviso . wherefore if any notable errour be committed by any in diet or any outward thing that is ordained no support our life , let there be a timely prevention of the ill effects thereof . and although 't is true , that there is no sign in the pest which may not appear in another sickness , yet when such a contagion is grassant , and many of the forenamed symptoms shew themselves , though very obscurely , we have just cause to censure it to be of this kind , and to withstand the same with curatives sutable to the magnitude and activity thereof . much likewise is to be gathered from some adjuncts and circumstances annexed to virulent symptoms and products that may specifie their nature from what root they spring , and shew that they are not of the classis of those that are mild and gentle ; for pestilential bubo's , parotites , carbuncles and blanes often break forth before any considerable feaver on a sudden , and are far more painful than others that are well-conditioned . any small cutaneous phaenomenon as a vesicle , or some vexatious pimple , somewhat unusual to us in time of mortal contamination , though no feaver , nor any other bad symptoms shew themselves , ought to dictate to us what may be the worse , that nothing may be neglected conducing to the breaking this cockatrice egg in the beginning . in short , any sudden alteration arising in us in time of contagion , and no solid reason to be given for it , may very well inform us , that we are intoxicated , and our spirits infected by this atrocious arrow . a defect of a customary diaphoresis , and a kindly perspication of the whole body , especially towards morning , ought to make us suspitious , and to move us to use all means to open the pores by diaphoretical and diapuoick alexiteries . whether this poyson entered into us from without by contact or respiration ? and whether it took its original from an inward principle of malignity , is often hard to deem ? yet sometimes there ariseth a manifest change , punction and dolour in that part where it had the first ingress , and some remarkable impression made topically , as it happened in an obscure manner to my hand , which was for some time demerged and souzed in the poysonous liquamen of a pestilent carkass , that had at that time retained a heat in the bowels . expedite and vehement is that pest which is framed by a strong imagination of a fright in the individual , for it often absolves a fatal history in a very short time , but what proceeds from a terrour of the archeus , ingenite in every particular part , although it have more danger in it , yet it begins and makes it progress a little more leisurely for the most part , giving fairer warning , which i ought to have taken more notice of , when those destructive atoms entered into my hand at the time of the dissection of such an infecting cadaver . touching the event of the pest that hath seized upon any person as to make a prognôsis thereof forthwith infallible , is scarce granted to any physician , it being a meer proteus , turning chamaeleon like , into all shapes of life and death ; for where there seems most security , there is most danger ; and when the symptoms are most direful to behold , a happy conclusion of sanity sometimes follows . thus much i have frequently observed , that a very laudable urine , like to one healthy , is oftentimes the worse ; and the more mild the accidents appear to us , in the greater hazard is that mans life ! that which i alwayes principally depend upon , to give a solid judgment what may be the conclusion of this scene , for better or worse , is the strength or weakness of the patient , the maturity or tardity of my access to him ; for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is highly to be prized above all , if he be able and honest . from hence i take my indication to perform my duty , being ascertain'd , that nature sunt morborum medicatrices , nothing where the vital spirits do altogether fail can be done ; wherefore in this case of making a prediction , a good physitian ought to be guided chiefly by the effects of some potent arcana's , which if they be rightly ordered , and seasonably given , will inform him how long , and with what success this universal archeus , governor of this fortress , is able to hold out , and by what wayes sallying forth upon the enemy it can rout , profligate , and cut it off . whosoever is not furnished with extraordinary remedies , shall find that aphorism of hippocrates true , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is , in acute diseases there is no infallible prediction whether the sick man will live or dye ; which i confess trusting to a galenical crisis i have experimentally found to be true : but he that by premature medicines doth anticipate the same , shall seldom err in his prenotion for the honour and credit of this divine art , and confirmation of the faith of the stander by in him that undertakes the cure. i know my countreymen will expect my judgment , what i think concerning the state and condition of this approaching summer , whether the pest be like to break forth in this city in a raging manner again ? to which i answer negatively : so far as i can conjecture by natural reasons , taken from the ordinary course of all things , which i observe have their first rise , an ascent , an utmost height , a descent , and then a setting . i have perceived the late pest to be ambulatory , to make a progress from place to place ; and having made havock in one topical quarter , after some abatement it removed to another ; which signifies plainly , that there are local seminal dispositions prone to produce this peculiar poyson at such a time above others , which as it ripens sooner or later , and finds our bodies inclined to receive an impression , so according to our capacity it breaks forth into act , speedily or slowly , mildly or fiercely . now the pestilent matter being in great part exhausted and spent , the scorbutical malignity somewhat tamed , and the archeus fortified , daring , becomes as it were an old souldier , not ready as formerly to give back upon every terrifying occasion ; i may confidently conclude , that london is like to enjoy this summer the company of the galenists , when there is least need of them ; which will i fear be an ill omen to some , so long as they continue bleeding , and deletery purgation , more destructive to poor mortals , than all the pests that ever reigned since the creation ! an historical account of the dissection of a pestilential body ; and the consequents thereof . chap. v. in the year . a most ruefull lamentable time as ever london suffered in this kinde , when the sickness swept away many thousands in a week in the moneth of august , i visited a lusty proper man , by name mr. wil : pick , living in peticoat-lane , grievously wounded with one of those poisonous arrows that flew thick about poor mortalls : so that his condition seemed to be almost desperate , and finding no relief at all from those frivolous and vain preparations a galenist had exhibited to him usque ad nauseam : was in some short space preserved by chimical remedies : the poison being therewith excluded , and the archeus of the stomack redeemed from captivity . at the same time there lay a servant of mr. picks , a youth about yeares of age , labouring under most horrid symptomes , raving as it were extimulated by some fury ; which tragical interlude was quickly terminated by a mortal catastrophe . upon this , i took occasion to request my then recovering patient his master , to grant me liberty to open this defunct body ; for my own instruction , and the satisfaction of all inquisitive persons , to which , having given him some perswasive reasons to that purpose , he strait condescended , yet not without some jealousie and kind fear least i should do my self injury ; upon his concession i being much exhilarated in my spirits , having obtained that desire which was often denyed me by those who pretended several slight excuses , i girt up my self with all expedition , getting in readiness what instruments were fitting , with a porringer containing sulphur to burn under the corps , which was at that time placed in the open air in a yard there adjacent , which for several respects was very convenient ; and for my better accommodation , a servant by the permission of the foresaid master was ready to afford me his service , in opening the coffin nailed up , and administring some other things necessary for my design . the head of the coffin being taken off , and the linnen cleared away , i could not but admire , to behold a skin so beset with spots black and blew , more remarkable for multitude and magnitude than any that i have yet seen ; some of which being opened , conteined a congealed matter , in one more shallow , and in another more deep . here i conceived something more than of ordinary rarity might be discovered ; wherefore perforating the membrane that involved all the rest , i made entrance into the lowest venter or region , where appeared a virulent ichor , or thin liquor variously coloured , as yellow , greenish , &c. the small guts being much distended with a venemous flatus , did contain a great quantity of a foul scoria or dross in them ; but they were not , as some apprehended , outwardly spotted as the skin ; only some obscure large markes were made in their inward parts , as likewise in the stomach , arising from the poisonous liquamen therein lodged . the vena porta and arteria caeliaca being divided , afforded only a serous liquor , no rubified juice at all ; that which was inclosed in these vessels , was a firmly congealed substance of a very dark colour ; the parenchyma of the liver being separated was very pallid , and did straight weep and send out a thin yellowish excrement . the spleen dissected , appeared more then ordinary obscure , a livid ichorous matter following the incision : the kidneys laid open abounded with a citrine water , but altogether exanguine , as likewise the other viscera ; at length i came to that most excellent usefull part , the stomack , whose tender membranes when i had divided , a black matter like ink did shew it self , to the quantity ( as nigh as i could guess ) of a wine pint , somewhat tenacious and slimy : the inward membrane of the ventricle was much discoloured , but the bottom thereof not perforated , as helmont found in the like case : in such a manner ( sayes he ) as if a potential cautery had been applied therto . having sufficiently lustrated and viewed the lower venter , i ascended to the middle , and making a divulsion of the sterne from the mediastinum , i intentively beheld the superficies of the lungs , stigmatized with several large ill favoured marks much tumified and distended : the inward part of which being pertunded with my knife , a sanious dreggy corruption issued forth , and a pale ichor destitute of any blood , for which i searched by cutting this organ of respiraion into various particles , but could finde none but a dirty coagulation , which hipocrates calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in the branches of vena and arteria pulmonica . after this i disparted the descending trunck of the cava , and the artery called aorta , expecting some considerable emanation of blood there , if any where , that might make a little inundation , but no such thing succeeded , for only some very few spoonfulls of a thin liquor of a pale hew came forth , which might easily be licked up by a small handkerchief . diffecting these pipes secundum rectitudinem , i found them stuffed with a thick curdled blackish substance , which once laid hold on might be drawn out to some length . next i seperated the pericardium , that robust coat that circumvolves the heart , replenished with a deeply tinged yellow liquor : then having opened the right cavity of the heart , i therein found a white congealed matter , extracting which with my fingers , and narrowly viewing it , i could not compare it to any thing more like , than a lamb-stone cut in twain , which the servant beholding , standing nigh , easily assented to in his judgement . to render a sound reason of this albified coagulation in this right ventricle of the heart , may perhaps puzzle a good physiologist . for in all those cadavers i ever saw dissected , this hollow receptacle did still contain a blackish blood condensed , arising from a stopping of the circulation of it first in that place . now the most probable cause ( as i conceive , with submission ) of this unwonted white substance , may come from a sumption of meer crude milk , which an indiscreet nurse had given this youth not long before he died , part of which passing out of the stomach little altered , might be conveyed , upon a pinch and stress to preserve life , through the venae lacteae in the mesenterie , or some shorter passages , into the subclavian vessels , and there entring the right cavity of the heart , be ( for want of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that sanguifying power , and that material transmuting ferment attending it ) changed according to the capacity of the matter by a virulent preternatural ferment , into this seeming glandulous flesh . 't was strange to behold instead of candid , a black fuiiginous matter ; fitting only for the infernal stomach of the dogg cerberus inclosed in one ventricle , that publike shop and treasury of life , that ought to be furnished with all manner of utensils requisite for the sustentation of this little world : and in another a white innocent lamb-like juice lodged , instead of a duskie concreted clot of gore , and all this proceeding from the deletery ferment of this heteroclite poison ; which , that i may give you a further account , had so altered the substance , texture , consistence , and colour of that solar nectar contained in those curiously contrived pipes , veins , and arteries , that i may truly say not one spoonfull of that ruddy liquor properly called blood could be obtained in this pestilential body , being partly congealed , and partly colliquated into a tabum or filthy matter : which i have experimentally found to be the usual effects of those poisons i have given to some creatures , whose carcasses i have afterward dissected . having finished the dissection of this loathsom body , i presently found some little sensible alteration tending to a stiffness and numness in my hand , which had been soaking and dabling in the bowels and entrals then warm , though it was ten or twelve hours after the youth expired ; whereupon having cleansed away that foulness it was besmeared with , i held it for some time over a dish of burning brimstone , and so received the gas thereof , but in vain . seriùs ejicitur , quam non admittitur ; i might better ( had i foreseen what i do now ) kept it out , than thrust it out ; for those slie , insinuating , venemous atoms , excited by the heat of the body , opening the pores of my skin , had quickly free ingress ; the archeus , the porter of my hand , that should have better guarded it , forthwith tergiversating , and taking its flight , being extreamly terrified at the alarum of so fierce and potent an enemy , and afterward in an abject manner conducted it to the principal place of the souls residence , the stomack ; where after this lately entered poyson had dressed and habited it self with that spirit that had the perfect idea and image of this sickness , it was to act a tragical part ( the archeus being obliged to be executioner to bring to pass its own ruine ) and now do i carry about me the very pest , closely spreading like a gangrene , diffusing its malignity into all my members , covered over for some short space as it were in the ashes of silence , while i in the mean time visited , visit others visited , administring that help to them , which i ( then more perplexed at my neighbours calamity , than sollicitous for my own ) suffer my self to want , relating with joy what an inquest i had made into that subject which had made a conquest of me . thus i walked up and down from patient to patient , dum hoc virus membra mea depascitur . i ate , i drank , and slept well till about two of the clock the next morning being saturday , at which hour i waked to sleep for ever , had not divine goodness given me an antidote to rouze and raise me up , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , no sooner had i recollected myself , but i perceived such a kind of stupor in my thighs and legs that was at first in my hand , then i began to ponder what i had done the day before ; and still those large and manifold spots were too lively represented to my eye against my will : without further delay , i forthwith called up my servant , a stripling , nigh fourteen years old , whom i commanded ( having lighted a candle ) strictly to observe those directions i gave him , appointing such remedies to be produced with all speed that i knew were very sufficient and valid by multiplicity of experiments to resist this feral disease . and when i had delivered to him such rules i thought necessary for life ; having taken a large quantity of my best medicaments , i charged him to follow me close , doubling and trebling the ordinary dose i usually gave ; which he so faithfully and sedulously performed with advantage , that i dare assert that five of my patients joined altogether , never did through my whole practice high these twenty years , take so great a portion of such like remedies , as it appeared by his own , and others reports , compared with that great expence of those preparations i had in store ; for i knew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , where nature was so prostrate , and the disease so strong , it was to be supported by extraordinary help ; which course , had it not been vigorously taken , i question ( had there been delay of what was needful for my recovery but two hours ) whether any medicine in nature could have been of any efficacy and validity for my restauration , such was the magnitude , activity and celerity ( pardon my expression , good mr. captious logomachus , and let not one single term without any true saving knowledge breed a quarrel between us ) i say properly , the celerity ( in despight of any self-conceited cavilling galenist ) of the disease that then invaded me , that would admit of no truce or respite : for so soon as i was throughly awakened , i felt a grievous oppression about the midriff , especially in the pit of the stomack ; and such a sudden defection of the spirits , that i had much ado to hold out to advertise my servant how he should menage his business . my head also began to be much out of order , exceedingly dozed ; and whereas three or four ounces of a cordial liquor i took formerly , did commonly put me into a breathing sweat , now ten times so much of the same did hardly cause a heat in the lower parts . perspicuous also was the coagulation of part of my blood , as many small stigmata , spots scattered about my breast and arms , did plainly testifie ; but one above the rest was most remarkable in the bending of my right arm , where there appeared a very large spot of an obscure colour , of the bigness of a single half-penny , which i often took a view of . well , after some hours tedious inquietude , and despondency of spirit , with much reluctancy , and many an agony , a gentle mador at length bedewed my skin , with which i was somewhat relieved ; and persevering in the frequent repetition of polyacaea and some other noble remedies , i began to be much refreshed , sweating liberally cum emphoriâ & dysphoriâ by turnes ; for i frequently sustained 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ah alternate vicissrtude of desperate and hopefull symptomes : there being sometimes an eclampfis , a seeming serenity and clarity in the archeus : then again nothing but cloudiness , storms and tempests . thus i passed over that dolefull morning , inter spemque metumque , earnestly longing for the presence of that excellent expert chymist and legitimate physician , dr. starkey , whom i sent to , being verily perswaded , that he , if any , under god , would be a comforter to me , ( for i knew certainly that the best galenist was a miserable one , and that spiritus antiloimoides was a meer cheat ) sed heu lachrymabile ! ambo morbo laboramus eodem , he was stricken , and had as much need of mine , as i of his succour , and so we might condole , but not conserve each other . however this worthy gentleman came to me , whose very aspect exhilarated and solaced my drooping spirits ; of whom when i had taken something , i was wonderfully composed for some time . this brave man , ( that did , i dare maintain it , more good than all the galenists in england put together ) was that night after he had been with me , forced to yeeld himself prisoner to that insolent conqueror , which did then make spoil of many thousands ; and so i was left destitute of two of my dearest friends in my saddest condition ; for honest and learned dr. d ee , of whom i shall speak further hereafter , could not afford me his assistance , being much afflicted and oppressed ( after a former deliverance ) with the same venemous sickness . wherefore , i resolved to make use of that reason i was then master of , and that outward aid i had then at hand , uniting and mustering up all supplies that i conceived were proper for me , laying aside all peevishness and foolish averseness to take what was fitting ; which fault i often found incident to most of my patients , to their own prejudice . the remedies that i took in a quintuple quantity for what others took , was tinctura polyacaea , and no small portion of pulvis pestifugus . touching the diet i observed , it was good spirituous liquors , as the best wine , and strong beer sweetned with a little sugar , also now and then i drank a draught of white-wine posset : as for galenical juleps , small beer , barly water , muccaginous decoctions , broths , satiated with the crude juice of ingredients , i detested ; for i knew they would annoy my stomach , and so hinder the archeus from conquering the poyson , which upon every irritating occasion was ready to ferment . my whole scope was to keep up the strength of the vital spirits , without which i am sure no maladie can be cured . neither was i wanting to make use of helmonts xenexton , a toad , the powder of which my dear friend dr. starkey gave me , made up in the form of a trochisk of his own ordering : i likewise hung about my neck a large toad dried , prepared not long before in as exquisite a manner as possibly i could , with my own fingers : this toad sowed up in a linnen cloth was placed about the region of my stomach , where after it had remained some hours , became so tumefied , distended , ( as it were blown up ) to that bignesse , that it was an object of wonder to those that beheld it . had i not felt and seen this swollen dead body of the toad , i should very much have doubted by relation the truth thereof ; forasmuch as that great scholar in reality , van helmont , ( who shines with such a bright lustre in his orb , that the galenical bats and owls are not able to look him in the face ) delivers these words ; nam buso exsiccatus utut sex horis maceretur , semper tamen tumefactionis incapax , i. e. a dried toad , though it be steeped in water for six hours together , will not for all that be swollen or puffed up . this he speaks for the confutation of paracelsus , who tells us , that a dried toad macerated and softened in rose-water for six hours together , doth draw the pestilential poyson so into its body , that five or six bufo's laid on one after another upon a botch , will all be wonderfully tumefied : this , saith van helmont , can never be , quod intumescere sit proprietas archei vitalis , quod non nisi occasionaliter tumor à venenis procedat . where the vital archeus is wanting , there can be no swelling from any poyson , quatenus a poyson : for every tumour from poyson happens occasionalitèr , or excitativè , in as much as it excites , exasperates , and causes an indignation in the archesus , which being thus irritated and quite disordered , frets , rages , storms , and in this distracted mad fit produces such or such accidents and symptomes , as the natural idea of the specifick venom shall direct and inform it . again , non tumet ( sayes the acute author ) cadaver ictum à serpente : cadaver namque si non senserint nec tumefaciendi energiam retinuit ; a carckasse for as much as it is deprived of all sense , is uncapable of tumefaction from poyson : which doubtlesse is sound philosophy , never read or heard of from a galenist , for medicinal instruction , till this privy counsellor of nature discovered it . this rightly understood , might serve as a good argument to convince these dogmatists , that poysonous vesicatories do but disturb nature , and take it off from performing a sanative office , ( if rightly assisted by art ) and divert it from that intended scope of profligating the pestilential poyson , to spend it self in opposing another , contrived by a company of impostors , to delude ignorant persons , under a notion of drawing out the disease by these blisters , which are raised in all living bodies , healthfull as well as sick , from a colliquating venome that cantharides have inherent in them , vexing and galling the archeus of the membranous parts , that it even changes the harmlesse and mild blood into such a sharp mischievous ichor , that a dysuria or ischuria , a great pain or stopping of the urine frequently follows ; but this obiter . i shall hereafter make a larger discovery of this daubing with untempered mortar , and those palliating deceitfull courses that are daily imposed upon credulous weak persons . to proceed : when i contemplate the foresaid words of this great philosopher , a man of that transcendent reason , and that clear bright understanding ; i am not a little puzled to find out the efficient & material cause of the vast tumefaction of this bufo incumbent on my breast . that simple water of it self will not puff up a dried bufo to that bulk ready to burst , is plain , by the experiment of the noble author , and my own knowledge : also a dead bufo for want of a vital archeus , cannot suffer such an expansion of parts from a venome never so active and pernicious to it , ( as a spider is reported to be ) considering meer poysons are little considerable in quanto , but in quali : neither is mans pest poysonous to a bufo , no more than it is to a dogg or catt , to whom it is innocuous ; wherefore i suppose ; till i be better informed , that some virulent emanations ( either expelled by nature , strengthened with the presence of the bufo , or attracted by magnetism ) carrying with them a transmutative putrefactive ferment imbibed by the cadaver , might attenuate , rarifie , and hove up the easily dilatable particles of the bufo , and might ( the ambient heat of the bed being coadjuvant ) cause this kind of flatuous extension : which aporrhaa's being afterwards spent , the succeeding application of another bufo of the same magnitude , prepared after the same manner , menaged with the like circumstances , suffered no such tumefied alteration , which doubtlesse could never be , had there been the same adaequate cause present which was before . well , be the cause never so abstruse , i am sufficiently perswaded , that the adjunction of this bufo nigh my stomack , was of wonderful force to master and tame this venom then domineering in me , and thereby subjugate it to the dictates of the vital spirit , somewhat more pacified and freed by degrees from that hotrid , deformed , pestilential idea imprinted in it ; so that it was enabled to proscribe part of that tartarous excrement through a place most opportune ( but not often frequented by such an evacuation ) the fundament , where appeared in some few dayes a very great bubo of the bigness of a tennis-ball , quite stopping up the passage of the anus . my head being now pretty well setled , i was better able than before to reflect upon my self , and to consult more rationally for my own safety ; wherefore after some serious considerations of my present condition , i thought it fitting to give vent to this tumor , and to let out immediately the foul gore conteined therein . for this end i sent to an honest industrious young man ( a great lover of chimistry , one who was lately convinced by fact of the truth therein ) desiring him to apply leeches to this swelling , which he performed with much dexterity , three sanguisugae having filled themselves usque ad nauseam , a filthy , corrupt , blackish , ichorous , staining recrement issued forth , much like that i found in the cadaverous dissection . by this excretion i was exceedingly recreated ; nature discharging every day a great quantity of virulent moisture for the space of nigh three weeks . thus continuing the frequent use of tinctura polyacaea , and good spirituous liquors , i lay in a perpetual large sweat six dayes compleat , sometimes dejected , almost lipothymical , and as it were dead in the nest upon a reflux of the venom to the central parts ; and then again upon its efflux to the peripheria , the circumference of the skin forth-with elevated , chearful and lively . upon the sixth day i arose , and walked about the chamber with so firm a foot , that my brother and others wondred at the strength of my progressive motion ; that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , impetum faciens , the vital spirit being kept up with good liquors , and pure chymical circulated spirits , agreeable to our nature : and i am perswaded , upon the first setting my foot upon the floor after this sickness ( had not that painful swelling in the fundament hindred ) i could firmly have walked a mile out-right ; which thing ( considering the atrocity and outragiousness of the disease , and other circumstances ) if ever it was , or will be performed by meer galenical physick , i will be bound to undergo martyrdom for the approbation and testimony of their way as best . upon the eighth day i went down stairs to visit my landlady mrs. ladyman , most dangerously ill ; who , notwithstanding her abortion , miscarrying , was saved from the grave , by an almighty hand , working by chymical remedies . no sooner was i got up , but my maid-servant , and my apprentice , about thirteen years old , fell down , being wounded with the same arrow , both of which escaped through a blessing upon the means . that four in one house should have the pest about the same time , and all escape when it raged most mortally , is a mercy never to be forgotten by us ! having recovered the ferment of my stomack in great part , enioying a sharp appetite , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , having lost my flesh suddenly , i thought i might according to hippocrates advice , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , get it again as speedily . sed difficile est modum tenere ; i went beyond the bounds of sobriety , eating and drinking too liberally , presuming i could correct a small errour at my pleasure , forgetting hippocrates aphorism , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . and going abroad too soon , out of a zeal to visit my patients , being not throughly rid of a relique of malignity that lay lurking within me , and something more perhaps added by those loathsom expirations of the sick i was conversant with ( a scald head being soon broken ) i fell into a most desperate relapse with great oppression at my stomack , a loosness , difficulty of respiration , exceeding weakness , restlessness , fruitless sweating , &c. so that i thought it not possible to hold out that night ; but this wanzing , and ready to go out spark of life was once more blown up to a flame by that comfortable refreshing blast of former chymical remedies , repeated in great quantity , and so in four dayes i made another evasion from my tedious bed , resolving to be more cautious for the future ; i was fully confirmed in my health , for which benefit i hope i shall be grateful to the most high , dum spiritus hos regit artus . at that very time , whil'st i did undergo many a sad brunt , many a trepidation of the heart , and conflict of spirit , two of my most esteemed consorts , dr. ioseph dey , and dr. george starkey , two pillars of chymical physick , were both reposed in their graves , before i knew of their deaths , concealed on purpose from me , lest upon the apprehension of so great a loss , my calamity should be aggravated , and i swallowed up in the gulph of despair . they are gone , and at rest free from persecution , slanders and obloquies of their enemies , and have left me behind to deal with those that are alwayes supplanting and contradicting the truth . well , i must be content , considering , quicquid patimur venit ab alto : this came not out of the dust , but from the hand of him above , who for our abominable crimes , and our ingratitude , the grand sin of this nation , was pleased to deprive us of two such eminent lights , of which this wicked world is not worthy , unless they could have prized them better . 't is not for my own so much , though great , as for the publick interest , that i heartily lament the translation of these two brave souls into a better place , whose praises all candid and ingenuous men will , i dare say , celebrate ; and none but sordid , envious , ignorant spirits , will ever detract from them . it was , i confess , a most unhappy malevolent juncture of things at that instant , that we should all three fall sick at the same time , neither of us being able to relieve each other ; for , i am perswaded , had divine providence been pleased to have spared any one of us from the severe stroke of his indignation , we might have been at this day all three alive ; for 't is the nature of this fly venome to strike so unawares at the brain , and to cause such an adiathesis , a discomposure , and disturbance in that organ , that a man hath not free libetty of his reason , to act what may be convenient for the securing his own life ; as it was too apparent in these physicians of singular parts . one of whom , i. e. dr. dey i visited in the evening , a little after i had anatomized the body , relating to him what i had done , which he was much delighted to hear . at my departure from him ( that night i was surprized with the pest ) he seemed chearfull , having felt about a fortnight before the smart of this piercing stroak , of which he was healed , and so had likewise upon this second encounter , had he not been too ventrous to save others , rather than his own life : such was the true charity of this worthy honest gentleman towards his neighbour ; for he eviscerated and spent himself in toylsom manual operations , leaving the way of riches , honour , pleasure and ease his colleagues trod in , ( having been admitted one of the colledge of london about twenty years ) whom he deserted , to his prejudice in this world , for conscience-sake , abominating their indirect and destructive manner of practice , knowing the professors thereof ( as he often told me ) to be quite out of the way of curing diseases . he was a learned scholar in deed as well as word ; a pious , modest , charitable , humble man , so farr free from ostentation and vain-glory , that he hid his excellent parts , when other of his brethren , farr inferiour to him , made ten times the glittering shew . he took such laborious pains night and day in his faculty , that i am certain he exhausted his spirits , and thereby disenabled the archeaus to resist the contagion . carendo non fruendo agnoscimus ; he hath his exit with applause , and is wanted by many , that better value him now , than when they enjoyed him . dr. starkey one of the triumvirate , that was then infected when he came to me , having his imagination dislocated , yeelded himself prisoner to this cruel enemy that very night , being wounded in his groin , a bubo appearing there , which i conceive , if rightly ordered , might have been a meanes to have saved him , had he not poured in an unreasonable quantity of small beer . after which understanding what he had done , he told those then present , that all the medicines that he had in possession were of no force to do him any good ; for the natural ferment of the stomach was by this immoderate ingurgitation of dull flat small beer totally subverted , the poyson exalted , the archeus debilitated , the blood made restagnant and congealed , and the pores thereby obstructed , that no considerable diaphaeresis could be made . i have reason to beleeve , that had dr. starkey made use of his own noble chymical preparations in the beginning , and followed them close , as i did , it had been no difficult thing for himself to have escaped , that had an extraordinary gift bestowed on him of curing others in a far worse condition then he was reported to be . but for my part i am perswaded , that being very sensible of the impiety , hypocrisie , dishonesty , the imposture , subtile frauds , disrespect of real worth , odious ingratitude , and other notorious crimes of the times , he was willing to resign himself to death , so that he was not much sollicitous to live . 't is a thousand pitties , that a man of those excellent parts had no better entertainment , and more kind usage here , that he might have composed and setled himself to a further investigation of those chymical mysteries , into which hardly any in this nation had a greater inspection . the spagyrical republike and the professors thereof are not a little obliged to him , and have reason ( if they be not ungracious and ungratefull ) to speak of his memorable name , with respect and honour ; and he that shall do the contrary , will savour of a galenical spirit ; and ought to be reckoned among those his unworthy seeming friends , whom out of a sweet flexible nature , and a hearty desire to do good for mankinde , he taught many philosophical arcana's : for which they rewarded him with persecution , calumnies , and base detracting language . it was his fate , as likewise dr. deys , to be evill entreated , and slighted , because they could not cogg , lye , and flatter ; & haec est ars quâ quivis possit ditescere : and he that cannot do so in this leprous age of the world , wherein mens minds have the greatest plague and miasm , is like to fare no better than they . they scorned that reward which the world could give them , and now enjoy perpetual bliss , while their innocent ashes lie digesting in their urnes , till they attain that maturity of perfection of comming forth diaphanous , splendid , and glorious bodies . there is one thing , the truth whereof i cannot omit to give the world satisfaction in , in reference to these heroes of chymistry . whereas there was a confident report ( the broachers of which it is no difficulty to conjecture ) that dr. dey , and dr. starkey , were both present at the dissection of this pestilent body : it is an absolute untruth , contrived on purpose to represent them presumptuous rash persons , in undertaking such a desperate businesse , which cost them both their lives , as they would have it , that thereby the good estimation and fame of chymical preparations may be eclipsed : and the miscarriage of one of their own sect ( who upon the like occasion lost his life , as i have told them in galeno-pale , for want of a remedie which an helmontist could have given him ) the better excused . i question not , as i have it from their own mouthes , but either of those gentlemen would willingly have joyned with me in this anatomy , had not the opportunity offered to me occured so unexpectedly , that i could not conveniently gain any leisure to send to them . moreover they were both seized upon by this truculent disease , before i entred upon this dissection : so that dr. dey was not capable to assist me therein , being infirm ; and dr. starkey went to and fro with this mortal arrow sticking in his side unfelt : and withall , so great was his employment , and medicinal negotiation at that time , that it was both hard to finde him out , and likewise to divert him from those engagements of visiting his patients he had taken upon him . wherefore i thought good to lay hold alone , of that seasonable sudden occasion then presented of prying into this dead body , which i often sought for , but was still frustrated in obtaining so usefull a discovery , through the peevishnesse and crossenesse of some , and fond foolish fears of others : and now mr. pick my patient then recovering , a rational person , easily condescending to my desires , gave order that his servant should attend me , who was the only man that stood by and looked on ( while i handled this horrid object ) and can at this day testifie the verity of several remarques therein obvious to his eye . thus have i delivered to you the very plain truth of the anatomical 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , transaction of this pestilent cadaver , that the reader may be prevented from those mistakes which malevolent forgers will impose upon him if he be not very cautious . these pseudiatori are prone to corrupt the text , and to de●●●ve the genuine sense of any physical experiment , which through fear , and want of appropriate remedies , they dare not venture upon for the benefit of their distressed countrey . for they enter in at the back-door , and run away at the fore-door , on whom the gift of healing was never bestowed , because they never sought aright ; for that reason they could never obtain such a favour from heaven , to be protected by divine preservatives from the stinking noysom breath of this mortiferous basilisk : wherefore they maliciously backbite those that perform any thing above themselves , calling that a presumption , that tends to the preventing a consumption and devastation of a whole nation . chap. vi. some medicinal reflexions and useful observations made upon this pestilential dissection . stultus est ineptiarum labore ; to take pains , and not to improve it for the benefit of our selves , or our neighbours , may , i confess , be justly termed presumption , folly , vain-glory , and an affection of singularity : but to undertake any dangerous and difficult design , that a particular countrey , nation , yea , the whole world may be meliorated in its condition , and enjoy some comfort therefrom , deserves to be encouraged , promoted , rewarded , and to have better appellations given than some spiteful persons commonly fasten upon it i acknowledge that i cannot acquit my self wholly of philautie , kenodoxie , ostentation , &c. and i cannot help it , for it is inherent and ingenite in me ; homo sum , nihil humanum à me alienum puto . i am as prone as any other , sine gratia dei anticipante , to run into many enormous crimes ; yet if i can judge any thing of my self , and my conscience doth not very much delude me , i have alwayes set before my eyes in my function ( next gods glory ) chiefly , and in the first place , the preservation and sanity of my dear distressed neighbour , endeavouring to make my own by respects to follow in the rear . wherefore i have often abhorred to take those indirect and oblique courses that would advance my own private interest , but debellate and overthrow the publick prosperity of a people . how sollicitous i have been to keep poor afflicted man from falling into the pit of destruction , is only known to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the searcher of all hearts . duram suscepi provinciam , i underwent a very difficult task these late contagious times , performing it not perfunctorily , by fits and girds , by halves , in a trifling manner , expressing ( as some that i know ) such a fear in looks and gestures that was enough to bring the plague into a house free from it : but i followed what i took in hand vigorously , to a purpose not ready to take my flight as soon as i was entered the doors , like the statue of mercury on tiptoe , leaving behind a pitiful recipe of ellec : diascor : methrid : theria : aq : theriar : syr aceto : citri , and such like trash and trumpery ; but i continued oftentimes half an hour , and sometimes an hour , conversing with my patients , and giving them effectual remedies , prepared with my own fingers , opening their bubo's , and cutting out eschars of carbuncles , by the operation of my own hand . all this while , the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , beholding my upright intentions , preserved me in health , even in the height when the pest was most grassant , till such time being desirous to learn what might instruct me farther in the nature and cure of this abstruse sickness , after that i had conversed with the living about it , i entered into more than ordinary familiarity with a dead body ; itum est in viscera , i searched many dark corners thereof to be taught something , but i bought my learning at a dear rate ; and what the cadaver could not teach me of it self , was infused into me to my sad experience : experto credite . i shall now deliver to you the physical observations i made , resulting from both dead , and my own living body . observation i. in the first place , i observe that the punctilio's , pulicar-like spots , those stigmatick marks on the skin with a feaver , do alwayes signifie a stop more or less put to the circulation of the blood , some coagulation or grumosity therein caused , through a malignity , and gorgonian venom that depredates , sacks , and confunds the vital spirits that are the chief instrument of motion ; so that when they become torpid and stupified , part of the blood remains like standing pool , prone in some short time to contract an evil odour . now if this tartarous concretion be dissolved , discussed , or thrown out , and lodged in an emunctory , or some by-place ignoble , through the strength of nature assisted by art , then all things succeed well ; but if this spissitude of the blood increase , that the channels are exceedingly clogged , and nothing is difflated , ventilated , and carried off by universal breathing sweats , nor any morbifique matter discharged into any glandulous or external carnous diverticle ; conclamatum est , that person may be judged in all likelihood to be lost . observation ii. whensoever these cutaneous spots appear , they always signify an endeavor in the archeus to extrude that which is noxious : but failing in the very act by reason of its own impotence , & the force of the virulent untameable matter carried out of the capillary vessels , as far as the skin , it is there condensed by a preternatural coagulative ferment , promoted by the ambient air into this round figure , according as the sperical small drop is capable . the annitence of nature to make an expulsion from the center to the circumference may instruct the physician to use all means to imitate her , to assist her , to keep the blood in continual motion , to weaken the strength of the poison to kill an exotick ferment , to rarifie and attenuate whatsoever is grosse and lentous : and to keep the pores open , that there may be free perspiration of the whole body . observation iii. when the natural ferment of the stomack in the pest is so far lost , that instead of white , a black juice is engendered , it is a certain sign of the abolition of the vital spirit , and consequently of approaching death . for i never knew any afflicted in this kinde , whose strength failed , that vomited an excrement tinged black , did escape : where this blackness is , there must needs be a privation of light , with which our spirits symbolize , they being luminous , if so darkness , the shadow of death must needs follow ; and doubtlesse great is that darknesse that seats it self in the spirit of light and life . observation iv. that which did first occurr most remarkable to my eye in this dissection , was the great alteration i found made principally in the stomack , in respect of the part continent and that which was contained therein : in the continent , certain vibices , stigms , stroaks , of an obscure colour imprinted ; ( the inward coat being stained with colours different from the natural ) and a fluid matter conteined fuliginous , pitch-like , did sufficiently indicate to me , that there the pestilential poyson did take up its chief residence . observation v. when i contemplate what a pure white substance was taken into this youths stomack not long before he died , and how strangely it was transmuted into another hue , as black almost as ink , i cannot but smile to think on the vain conceits of the galenists , that tell us of atra bilis , adusta , & retorrida , black choller made by a meer torrefaction or violent burning heat and adustion , according to their definition of a feaver , as if there were a fire no whit different from a culinary in our bodyes , converting that which is white into black , and black into white , by a strong reverberating heat . suck like fond and foolish opinions have they harboured these sixteen hundred years and upward , for want of the knowledge of the doctrine of ferments ; which can never be so well illustrated , as by chymical experiments ; which those pseudo-chymists boast they are acquainted with ( only ( i am certain ) in a formal manner sufficient to delude the world , otherwise they would not deny the power thereof in their actions . ) if they did really understand how a little leaven doth infect the whole lump , they would forthwith leave their bare beggarly qualities in curing diseases , as hot , cold , &c. ( relollea , as paracelsus calls them ) things transient and momentany , ebbing and flowing every minute , according to the disposition of the subject , and insist more upon substances , whose intrinsecal transmutation depends upon powerfull ferments . observation vi. what a soveraignty and influence the stomack hath over the whole body may be proved by multitude of instances and examples that i could produce ; but this was eminently conspicuous , that when any thing was taken in that disturbed the innate archeus , and required some difficulty to digest , many horrid symptoms did strait break forth , as vertigo , cephalalgie , delicium , phrensie , inquietude , dyspuoea , sopor , defection of the spirits , a cohibition of sweat , and other cutaneous fxcretions , &c. this was plainly apparent in this stripling , who having an indiscreet nurse attending him , suffered much damage , when she offered him that which was by no means to be admitted as tolerable , the natural ferment of the stomack being perverted by the pestilent poyson : and i doubt not but the period of his life was accelerated by the unwitting dose of milk , which though it be the best nutriment where it is well altered , yet it often proves the worse corrupted . hereby we may learn not to ingest any thing into this noble vessel , but what may agree with the innate archeus , may increase the vital spirit , rectifie the enormous ferment , cherishing that which is genuine ; may be quickly altered , and leave very little dross and recrement behind , and such are those things that abound with noble spirits , as good wine , and strong beer or ale well brewed ; as for flesh , broths , gellies , watergruel , ptisans , barley water , and such like dull vapid things , &c. they are all to be abandoned and excluded from entering ( into this palace , where the sensitive soul sits ) so long as such a grand enemy stands in defiance of it , and seeks to destroy it . observation vii . in all parts i took notice of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a great coagulation , and some small colliquation of juyces , except in the stomack , where this negro liquor did flote without any concretion or coaction ; whereby i gather , that the kindly and familiar ferment of the stomack , made to dissolve and open any hard tough food , and to change it into a fluxible white chile , that the nutritive and excrementitious parts may be the better separated , being now degenerate and hostile , did still retain a property like the former , though tending to ruine , tabefying and colliquating what it touched , and changing it into a black , instead of a white juyce . on the other side , the ferments of the fourth and fifth digestions , ordained lightly to incrassate , thicken , and to bring one portion of the blood to a moderate fibrous consistence , and to subtiliate , another becoming exorbitant , and losing that primitive gift with which they were endued , and acquiring a virulent nature , transcending their former bounds of mediocrity and modification of this red balsom to be afterward assimilated , doth now compinge and closely streighten the part thereof , depriving it of that continual circulation which is necessary for the generation of vital spirits , the immediate instrument of the sense and motion of every animal , and turns another small part into a venemous , variegated ichor or serosity . observation viii . that whereas there is a power inherent in the veins and arteries to preserve the blood from congelation even when the body is dead , so great is the concretive force of the pestilential poyson , that the blood is suddenly put to a stop , and becomes grumified , turning into glotts in a living body , with nigh as much expedition as the spirit of urine changes spirit of wine into a white thick lump . observation ix . that a kind of glandulous substance like a lambs stone should be found in the right ventricle of the heart , instead of an obscure clot of blood , doth shew how sollicitous nature ( though violently hurried away by a contrary idea ) is to save it self from destruction ; sith that when the haimopoietick power was lost , she carries out of the stomack a small quantity of a rude chyle , passing a short way through some of the sanguineous vessels , without receiving a rubicund tincture , into this noble cavity , and not able to give it the stamp and signature belonging to this vital nectar , was forced to yield it up to that impression which the exotick ferment did make upon it . observation x. it being granted , that blood doth make blood , as i can demonstrate , that it is in being before the conformation of the liver ; and that when the sanguis , this pure defaecate sublimely graduated crimson juyce stands still , and loses its virtue , then the milky chyle cannot receive a vital character , and be tinged as it ought . how cautious should we be to exhaust and spend prodigally this treasure of life , as the galenists , who to satisfie their erroneous documents , without any solid reason , or approved experiments , rashly let it out in many trivial diseases , which might easily be cured by proper medicaments . observation xi . any artificial evacuation of blood ( except that which is performed by immediate derivation , being degenerate ) in the pest , spotted feaver , small pox , meazils , or any malignant disease whatsoever , that hath alwayes in it , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , aliquid sanguinis congelativum , somthing in it that doth condense and fix the blood , is absolutely pernicious , and brings certain perdition , or at least great calamity , if thee be not present extraordinary vigour of nature whatsoever the perverse galenists pretend to the contrary , that they empty an athletick , full habit of body , and thereby cause motion in the blood , and so hinder the coagulation of it : which opinion ( if rightly cavassed ) is notoriously false ; for they take a meer contrary course that diminish the good blood in this case , which cannot be avoided when vent is given to a large vessell , for out flies the best as well as the worst together , indistinctly , and hereby the archeus must needs be disenabled to resist the poyson , to attenuate , profligate , and tame any pertinacious , viscous , and noxious matter ; for i am sure , if hippocrates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or helmonts archeus , i.e. the vital spirit , the principal author and efficient cause of sanity be wanting , nothing benevalent can be expected . that phlebotomy in the foresaid sense doth cause this inconvenience , i can make appear both logically and optically ; for the more good blood , the more good spirits , and consequently in reason all vital actions must needs be performed the more successively , and a stronger expulsion made of what is offensiue : as on the contrary , defect of blood and spirits causes all manner of mischief . experimentally also and visibly 't is true : for i never saw any deprived of any great quantity of blood , 〈◊〉 with that alacrity , stability , celerity , and safety , as he that was cured dextrously à phlebotomos , without emission of blood and spirits . and through this indirect course i frequently observe , that those that are ordered after the galenical method , fall from acute diseases into chronick , and tedious languors , meerly because their physicians either exhaust their blood , consume their spirits by deletery uncorrected catharticks , torture , crucifie and gaul them with blisterings , cuppings , and scarifyings ; or keep them at a low ebb with their sluggish , flat and spiritlesse julips and potions ; so that hereby the archeus becomes weak and feeble , the blood must necessarily move slowly , and for want of active spirits be retarded in its current , and in many places subsist like a standing pool , clottering and causing great obstructions . whosoever therefore that intends to keep the blood , sine remora , fluent in its channels , free from curdling , let him studie to the utmost to exhibit those specificks that may mortifie and annihilate the inspissative torpedinous poyson , and advance the impulsive spirits by those things that symbolize with , and directly match them . observation xii . those variety of several coloured juices coagulated and colliquated apparent in this body , were not ( as the dogmatists affirm ) so many distinct humours , as choller , phlegm , &c. analagous to the elements , fallen off from their native temperament , ( as they would have it ) but they all arose from the chile and blood disguised and masked in divers forms , according as the protean ferments altered the texture and position of their parts , and so marked them with this or that colour . believe it , there is no real existence of those humours , as choller , phlegm , melancholly , that the galenists frequently mention in most of their writings ; but there is one only primigenious rivulet , i. e. blood , that irrigates all parts of this microcosm , which as it meets with different ferments , so it is subject to divers alterations , and manifold colours . observation xiii . the usual effect of most poysons commonly known to us , is to coagulate the blood , as i have found evident , dissecting divers bodies destroyed by things deletery , which i observed made a stigmatick impression in the stomack , and so condensed the vital red balsom in the vessels , that clodders of four or five inches in length might be extracted . observation xiv . whensoever there is any great concretion of the blood in the pest , no kindly beneficial sweat is to be expected , till such time the constringent venome be overcome , the grosse matter attenuated , rarified , and an apersion made of the pores of the skin . and this was manifest in this youth , who could by no means be brought into a breathing sweat , durable , with allevation , the juices of his body being as it were frozen , made torpid , and indisposed to stir from a narcotick poyson . observation xv. i finde such an indissoluble league , connexion , and coherence between the vital spirit and sanguis pure blood in all perfect animals , insomuch that if they be separated from each other , they both lose their essence and proper denomination ; for this most highly defaecated liquor doth maintain the spirit , and the spirit doth move , agitate , and purifie this liquor , that it may be fit to be changed ▪ into it self . i look upon the chyme or cruor , as upon the sweet juice of grapes , which hath little sensible spirit in it at first , till it comes to be fermented , depurated , and segregated from its lees and foul faeces , and then it explicates its activity in an admirable manner ; likewise this crude juice rubefied , is by long circulation and fermentation of the fourth and fifth digestions so cleansed and rid of all dross and filth , that it attains an homogeneous nature , easily convertible into a gas vitale capable to receive the bright shining beams of the soul , as highly rectified spirit of wine doth the lucid flame . if the blood harbour any thing extraneous , acrimonious , austere , acide , malignant , venemous matter , &c. it forthwith titubates and deviates from its integrity and accomplishment : then the spirit , its individual companion , falls into discontent , peevishnesse , frowardnesse , fury , and rage , and an ilias of diseases follow , and all is brought into confusion : as likewise if the spirits be consumed , disturbed , suffocated , extinguished , by reason of perturbations of the mind , pernicious fumes and odours , great dolours , or the occurse of any thing very violent , altogether disagreeing with them , the blood missing that archeus that should hold the reins of right government , and carry it about in a direct road , where it may receive a just alteration by natural ferments , doth become degenerate , relapsed , colliquated or coagulated , as was visible in this cadaver . observation xvi . sith it is so , ( as it is intuitively conspicuous ) that the pestilential poyson doth principally strike at and deprave the stomack and fistulary vessels , by colliquating the lacteous juice contained in that , and by coagulating the blood in these , what intollerable , non-sensical practice is it , to prescribe any thing either dieterical , or pharmaceutick , that is so far from hindring , that it furthers these sad effects . observation xvii . the extraordinary warmth that was in this body at twelve hours end , from the time it expired , doth sufficiently testifie what a phlogôsis , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and combustion was about the viscera , arising from a fermentation and impetuous collision of exardent atomes , which the fretting and furious archeus had agitated , being exstimulated , and at length enraged , that it had entertained into its very penetralls , such a mortal enemy ; and now the fewell being consumed , the spirits exanclated , and fire extinct , there remains an empyreuma , a relique of heat in the parts defunct , as a sufficient testimony of that notable ebullition and fermentation which was precedent in the living . observation xviii . i am commonly censured by the galenists presumptuous , in venturing to open this contagious body , for no other reason ( as i can conceive ) but that i escaped so great a danger contrary to their expectation ; i confess i was a little careless , in that i did not before fortifie my self as i might have done , being extream eager in the pursuit of knowledge for the publick good . i am perswaded , had i strengthned the archeus of my hand with some appropriate balsamick spirit , and filled up the pores with an oleaginous odorous matter , the pestilential poyson could never have had so free an ingress , and so easily have put to flight the vital spirit , making an inroad into all parts . that the intoxicating atoms did first invade my hand imbrued with that foul gore , i may without doubt conclude from long malaxing and steeping it in the body , and from the perceptible alteration succeeding . for it is very unlikely that i who had sustained so long time before such abominable , loathsom , noysom smells , from sores , carbuncles , the tainting respiration , and faetide expiration of numerous living bodies , and all this while suffered no great detriment in my health , should now receive an infection by a ten times less occasion in that respect , the emanations being little comparatively , and those much weakned by a pan of brimstone burning under the corps . observation xix . the pest that arises from a contrectation of entrals warm , is more active , and breaks out more violently than that which proceeds from the light touch of the same cold ; & either of these are more contagious , than a bare contact of the skin of a carkass . if the skin of a living body suffer discontinity , the contagion of the dead enters more forcibly , as i found once experimentally to my prejudice , in anatomizing one that dyed of a spotted feaver ; for having accidentally cut my finger , and often washed it in that malignant juyce , i was more troubled to cure it than any wound ever inflicted upon me all my life-time . the space that this venom lay cryptick within me , closely and silently working in this subterranean microcosm before it acted publickly was eight hours , and then after a very sound sleep from eleven till two in the morning , a grievous oppression at the stomack , with deep and difficult sighs , seized upon me , which doth still confirm me in this judgment , that the pest never falls to acting a tragical scene openly , till such time it hath taken up its lodging place in the stomack . observation xx. i have very good reason and experiment on my side to believe , that had i forthwith , after the dissection , be taken my self to bed , and liberally made use of those remedies the good creator bestowed upon me , much of the atrocity of this sickness might have been allayed , and perhaps the poyson made effete and feeble ; for i look upon this pestilential virulence , though ( otherwise declined than commonly ) yet to hold such a proportion with ordinary poysons , that they both agree in many circumstances . we find that if an alexiterium , a proper antidote be ready at hand in the very nick of time , and strait be offered to one that hath suffered hurt from any animal , vegetal or mineral that is deletery , there forthwith follows a frustration and annihilation of that pernicious property in it , and the mortiferous effect thereof : but if there be a dilation or procrastination , and no check given to its furious and violent power ( opportunity once slipped ) all the art of man is at a loss to discover any thing medicable as a counterpoyson in such a case . he that expects help from a physitian , when the fermenting poyson hath had its full career without any stop , and hath plaid a game almost to the last period without any bar , having put out the light of the vital spirits , that no foundation is left for their reparation or relumination ; and hath choaked up all the passages of the blood to be circulated as long as there is life , may with as much reason require one without a miracle to raise a dead body from the grave . observation xxi . vis unita fortior ; had i not kept up my spirits with high cordials , and strong liquors ; had i not used specificks , diaphoreticks , those things that lenified and pacified the archeus , the topical application of the bufo , &c. had i not lain in a large sweat continually seven dayes together , sometimes dropping down my skin , had not an extraordinary great botch been thrust out in the fundament , and upon an apertion made by leeches , many ounces of a virulent quitture issued forth . had any of these forementioned been wanting , i could not at this day have sucked in the air , and conversing among the living , have set forth to the world the history of this narrow evasion from the jaws of all devouring fate . observation xxii . for any one to assert that the pest is not contagious or catching , argues either sottish , stupid ignorance , or a perverse obstinate contradiction of truth , out of peevishness , and singularity of opinion . the best reason that these men have to maintain their gross paradox repugnant to sense , is , that some conversant among the sick , have lain in the same bed with them , have held there noses over their running bubo's and carbuncles , yet have escaped the infection . all this while these captious disputants forget the true axiom in philosophy , unumquodque recipitur secundum captum recipientis : there is no man affected like another in every respect , but still every patient hath some disparity , though not discrepable and sensible to us in the reception of the agent . in one the imagination of the whole man is strongly fortified against the infection , and can vigorously resist it , expressing an undaunted resolution ; but the imagination of the archeus may be weak in the same person , and not able to make any resistance or renitence , when it is assaulted by anothers contagious munial ferment , but easily yields to it . on the other side , the phantasie of the archeus , or vital spirit of every part may be couragious and bold , not ready to give way to the occurse of any outward evil : yet the imagination of fear and horrour in the man may be so great , that upon every slight occasion a pestilential impression may be made upon him . if the phantasie of man and the archeus be magnanimous , stout , free from any idea , vain conceit of fear and terrour , having a strong and valiant perswasion that neither can suffer injury in this kind : then the contagious effluviums cannot take place in such a body to offend it , because they are altogether disowned ; and so being not appropriated , are in a short time expulsed and dissipated , before they can settle themselves to produce any act of hostility against nature . now because few have this ingenite gift bestowed upon them so as to be exempted from some pusillaminity and distrustful thoughts either of the mind or the archeus , it is very rare when the pest is very grassant and outragious , that one coming within the sphere of the activity of this poyson , depart without some stain and spot , which sometimes is wiped off by strength of nature , helped by art , without any blemish to the health ; and i am confident many thousands in this city have had a light infection , which passed away per diap●aeam , a transpiration of the whole body , without the least cognizance of it . for my own part , i can avouch by several signs , being very curious and exact in the consideration of my own state , that i often received the scent or tincture of the pest , but quickly washed it off by some balsamical odour , causing a profluence of a kindly sweat. and had i not out of a little too forward zeal thrust my hand without due preparation into the mouth of this cruel tyger , i might have continued invulnerable to this day ; yet none but an unwitting , mad , self-conceited person will deny , that the pest according to its etimon doth peredere , mordere , & devorare , doth bite , tear in pieces , pierce even to the very marrow with its sharp fangs ; though some clad like curassers , with armour of proof from top to toe , have escaped those wounds that were inflicted upon others . one may as well conclude , that the itch or leprosie is not contagious ( contrary to divine writ , and firm experience ) because some coming within the same reach of contaminating emanations with others that were infected , have evaded the pollution . observation xxiii . i have sometimes found the fermenting venom of the pest , especially furthered by large draughts of small beer after aestuation and effervescence of the spirits , so speedily congeal the blood , that the best remedies made use of at the first appearance of the feaver , were bauked , and of no effect ; and being followed close , could only indicate by driving out some stigmata , vibices , spots , and a suffusion of red or blew marks in the skin , what great malignity was within ; and that there was almost a total coagulation of the blood in facto esse , as i observed in divers , who having surfeited themselves , were dispatched in the space of a few hours . i have also seen some remedies made use of for seasonable prevention to keep down and strangle this still pullulating poyson , not suffering it to make any condensation of the vital juyce , insomuch as though a violent feaver did break out , continuing for the space of five or six dayes , yet the blood being kept in its due motion , no efflorescence or cuticular eruption did appear , no not the least pimple or spot ; but such a rarefaction and subtiliation was made by penetrative , active and specifick medicines , that if any coagulation was in fieri , it was immediately prevented from further progress ; or if the blood began to be restagnant , it was forthwith agitated ; if any grumous matter present , it was sent packing , per diapnaeam & diaphaeresin , through the pores of the skin , fine capite mortuo , without any faeces , or sediment left behind . observation xxiv . when i meditate seriously upon the extraordinary occasion that brought this truculent disease upon me , when i contemplate its magnitude , malignity , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the swiftness of its motion , those direful symptoms and products that appeared ; when i consider that three besides my self were sick at the same time , of the same malady , in the same house , the landlady one of the three , being with child , miscarrying , and that all of us recovered by the same means blessed from heaven , i cannot but heartily magnifie the good creator of all things , that hath provided such potent medicines for the restauration of man fallen from his sanity , and withall be firmly resolved concerning the admirable efficacy of chymical preparations , abhorring the laziness , perversness , and ingratitude of those that still resist the truth , obstinately maintaining their own destructive principles , method and medicines . chap. vii . directions preservative and curative against the pest. o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , saith the candid , learned hippocrates ; time is pourtrayed , not without good reason , with a sithe in his hand as keen as any razour ; to signifie to us , that it cuts off those opportunities , which once offered , and neglected , can never afterwards be regained . therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , an able physician that is present in the nick of time , is highly to be prized by the patient : likewise , he that asketh counsell for prevention , or sends for an able chymist , ( as for the galenist , or pseudo-chymist , it matters not much when they are sent for : sith in truth ( i am sure i can make it appear ) some of them are to be avoided as the pest it self ) at the very first onset of a disease , is to be attended with all diligence , and to be supplied with the best remedies possible . for my part i had rather be altogether absent , than be called upon , when all that i can do , is to discover to the standers by , that the disease is mortal . what good can be expected , when nature is extream feeble and prostrate , not able to rise up to make the least conflict with a forcible disease , when the fundamental strength is altogether wanting , 't is impossible to make a reparation and redintegration of that which is abolished , without a miracle . of all diseases , there is none that finishes its course with more expedition than the pest , nor any insinuates more slily , treads more softly , flatters more subtilly , and kills more treacherously ; the more cautelous therefore ought we to be how we give any harbour to it , and through a careless supinity neglect means fitting to expell it . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is an undoubted truth delivered by hippocrates . he that desires to live comfortably , prolong his dayes , and defend himself from the pest , and other grievous infirmities incident to mankinde , next to powerfull medicines , let him embrace temperance in his diet , yet let him rather drink more , so it be spirituos , than eat ; let him rather exceed in sleeping than watching , in motion rather than a sedentary course of life , still discharging any excrementitious superfluity , chiefly through the universal emunctory , the skin , without any notable debilitation of the vital spirits : but above all , let him endeavour after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , magnanimity , brave resolution , and an undaunted firmnesse of minde to resist any vain conceits of infection . let the air , the principal vehiculum , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a nimble conveyer and translater of the fermental poyson from one to another , be defaecated , purified , and ventilated from thsoe diversity of effluviums , and noxious exhalations that conspurcate its magnale , and fill up the pores thereof with soul corrupt hoary atoms that annoy the archeus . for this purpose nothing is more efficacious ( not only to segregate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , whatsoever is unclean , but also to consume and mortify 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , any thing malignant and repugnant to our nature ) then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sulphur , brimstone , which may fitly be so called , both from the giver of it , and likewise from its divine effects . the use hereof i have in short set down in loimologia de elogio sulphuris . for sulphurs highly mundified , made terse and polite , are as it were archei speculum , the looking-glasse wherein the archeus beholds it self with delectation and complacency , being both reflected and illuminated by them ; for whatsoever is luminous and splendid , doth by an emission of socillating beams exhilarate and dilate the vital spirits , and dispose them to audacity , but that which is dark , misty , and opacous , doth cloud them , causing fear and terrour , the harbingers of this unwelcome guest . for this reason anima auri , the clear sulphur of gold , extracted by a friendly menstruum , being of a solar property , doth wonderfully chear up the vital 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from an implanted congruity , and a symbolical affinity between each other . the same is likewise performed by the defaecated sulphur of mars , antimony , vitriol , blood-stone , native cinnabar , without castration of their virtue , which taken into this microcosm , do by their rutilation and glistering rayes , strongly fortifie the spirits against any imminent danger of the pest , and enable them to profligate and protrude by sweat the intoxicating particles generated within , or taken into us from without . whosoever then desires to possesse these arcana's , must labour with his own hands , not thinking it inferiour for him to take pains and toil for a publick good . it is a most infallible truth , that he can never be an absolute philosopher , and an able physitian , that seeketh not after this spagyrical sophy by his own 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , this chirurgia , manual operation must make him compleat , otherwise he is lame , maimed and detruncated in the knowledge of his profession . for i expresly assert ( as i have declared in galeno-pale ) and can prove it , that it is an egregious shame , and an unsufferable abuse in a nation , that a company of drones that can do little but make a humming noise to please the ear , should neglect to gather with their own fingers that aetherial , essential part of every concrete , which hath a soveraign vertue to preserve from , and cure infirmities . he that desires to attain an insight into these mysteries , let him compose himself without wavering , to try what the fire can discover that true philosophical light , which prometheus , i.e. every prudent circumspect physitian endeavours to purchase from heaven , that he may be able to correct and mitigate those many calamities that epimetheus , i. e. an improvident indiscreet man brings upon himself , ever since that once divinely gifted pandora offered to him that box , which he out of a curiosity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , opening , brought innumerable griess of body and mind into the world : let him make use of his own eyes and hands , which are bestowed upon him for speculation and practice . let him intuitively examine the sulphurs , salts , and spirits of animals , vegetables , and minerals , in which he shall finde abscondite most powerfull remedies against the pest , and other stubborn diseases . the saline spirit of blood , bones , and urine well rectified , are of admirable use against the pest ; likewise the spirit of harts-horn , ( the stinking flegm being well separated ) doth powerfully hinder coagulations of the blood , and sweeten the acidity thereof . the sulphures or oyls of any of these forenamed , well mundefied and digested with a very clean fixed alkali , are so united thereto , that they lose their nauseous unctuousity and become saline , volatilizing the fixed alkali . i have often found the spirit of tartar of singular virtue in the pest ; but above all the pure salt of tartar made volatile by a combination of its oyl and spirit , and tinged with the golden sulphur of some minerals , doth effectually resist the pestilential poyson , cleanse away the drosse , and any tartarous tenacious matter , by urine , sweat , expectoration , exhilarates the archeus , pacifying the fury and exorbitance thereof . elixir proprietatis prepared by a menstruum free from corrosion , not with the common oyl of vitriol or brimston , &c. is a very noble medicine to prevent contagion . the legitimate spirit of sulphur and vitriol endued with that leptomerie , that there is a manifest avolation of its parts , gratefull to the smell , pleasant to the taste , friendly to the membranes , leaving no evil impression , where it touches , is none of the inferiour remedies ; to prevent and cure this infection . spirit of salt well deflegm'd , and its much acidity allayed by a benigne spirit familiar to our nature , is highly to be commended in this case . likewise spirit of sal armoniack , well corrected with salt of tartar , is of noble efficacy . common sulphur often sublimed with bay-salt decrepitated , affords an admirable diaphoretick , promoting the circulation of the blood , as i have experimentally found . antimonium diaphoreticum ( whose exquisite preparation is neglected by the galenists , and the approved use thereof much more unknown to them ) is a remedy ( though ordinary in comparison of some chymical elaborate medicines ) far to be preferred before all dreggy obtuse electuaries , opiates , and confactions , as mithridat . theria . elect. de ovo , &c. i dare avouch that any physician throughly acquainted with the due preparation , application , and appropriation of this innocent thing ( for if it be hurtfull , it is because unskilfull men touch it ) may do more service for his king and countrey , toward the cure of any endemical sicknesse , then any meer dogmatist in europe . opium corrected in such a manner , and menaged with that method and discretion , as that pract cally learned dr. starkey hath taught the world , ought to be highly esteemed for the quieting and mitigating the rage of the archeus , and the carrying of malignity diaphoretically . the best oyl of amber , and the pure salt thereof spiritualized , that the archeus may the better hold correspondence with it , strengthens the stomack , womb , all the other membranes and sinews , seasoning the vital spirits with such a specifique odour , that they are not easily affected with a fracide , putrid , pestiferous scent . concerning prevention ; i know not any one thing for inward use , as a more sure staff to lean upon , under god , then the best flowers of ♀ , quite bereaved of their vomitive faculty , and converted into a diaphoretick and a little purgative property ( where the first and second digestions abound with soul and fluid excrements ) without circumcising and robbing them of their virtue by acide violent corrosives , or the torture of the fire . mercury sublimed five or six times , and afterward dissolved in a mild menstruum , gratefull to the smell , and pleasant to the taste , wherein the polite blade of a knife dipped is not denigrated , or sullied with an obscure colour , may safely be taken into the body without the least prejudice , for the dulcifying the latex become eager , acide , or austere , the impulse of the blood in its proper ducts , the prevention of its concretion , and for the protrusion of the venemous atoms from the center to the circumference , as i have tryed with constant desired success . crude mercury well clarified , and clean lune without any alloy , brought to an amalgama , powdered , then cast into coinimon sulphur , liquified in a vessel of mars , and afterward this mass being often sublimed in a very strong close body , with a firm head to it , is at length reduced to a brownish powder , fixed , of extraordinary effect in all ill-conditioned feavers , causing no disturbance at all either by vomit or stool , but by its emicant blas doth animate the archeus , to profligate any thing that is hostile to nature . whosoever purchaseth some of these noble remedies , need not doubt to cure , prevent , and so far as art will permit , that stubborn , chronick disease , the scorbute , which according to my judgment in loimologia , hath furthered and fomented the late pest. and since i wrote that little tract , i have been much confirmed in my opinion therein , by several experiments and instances . for this reason , all those things that resist the malignity of the scurvey , are approved of use also to prevent this acute sickness . wherefore in general the vital strength is to be augmented , the ambient air clarified , an adaptation of mumial ferments prevented , the archeus of the stomack carefully cherished and fortified , the blood purified , and kept freely running in its pipes , the venom mortified , the morbifique idea expunged , and the whole body disposed to a continual transpiration , by that means the good god of nature hath bountifully provided for us ; for this purpose nothing is to be preferred before the richly endowed juyce of that vegetable ( which liber planted to free poor melancholly man in some measure from care and sorrow ) separated into various parts by a skilful analysis of them , each being exalted , mundified , and afterwards united again . in this one concrete lies hid an infinite treasury of secrets , the true value of which for sanation of languors , the pseudochymists do no more understand , than a dunghil cock , the worth of a precious pearl ; if they did , they would never thus prescribe small beer , barley water , posset-drink made with water and ale , and such like poor faint liquors in such a case , when the spirits ( without whose vigour nothing can be done aright ) are subjugated and depauperated by a predominant sickness . among specificks ordained against the pest , i find the viper rightly prepared , discreetly menaged and applied , to be deservedly worthy of praise , as the experiment on my self , as well as others , taught me . now the best way that i always discovered it most effectual , was to dissolve the flesh by digestion in a delectable liquor , conspiring with , and advancing the balsamical alexiterial virtue thereof , likewise ushering it into remote parts , that they might be the better seasoned with its odour , and the terrifying imagination of the archeus the sooner abolished . the more subtile and spiritual part of amber , is endued with incomparable power , both to prevent , and also cure the pest , as i can practically attest : for i must needs subscribe ( being sufficiently instructed by fact ) to that just commendation the profound philosopher van helmont gives of amber : nil sanè ( saith he ) stomachos , intestinis , nervis , imo & cerebro est gratius succino in spiritu vini resoluto : there is not any thing that doth more gratifie the stomack , intestines , sinews , and brain , than amber dissolved in the pure spirit of wine . camphire free from dross , and married to pure spirit of wine tartarized , is , as i can judge of it by some little experience , very beneficial to keep off and destroy by its eminent odoriferous crasis , the poysonous odour of the pest. horse-radish fresh cut into thin slices , and steeped in white-wine , or malago sulphurated in that manner as i have described in loimologia , is very sanative of the scorbute , and a great defensive against the pest. the proper urine of him that hath drank wine , either taken by it self , or made into a clear posset , is without question an excellent defensive , especially taken with confidence , for it attenuates the tartarous blood , and carries it off by sweat and urine . juniper , ivy-berries , ginger bruised , and english saffran steeped in well rectified spirit of wine , that it may be impregnated with the virtue of the foresaid ingredients , is a powerful preservative , if a spoonful be taken thereof morning , noon and night with any other spriteful liquor . some things outwardly applied and worn are much commended , as the emerald and saphire and other precious stones , which often drawn in a circle about a bubo or carbuncle placed directly against the sun-beams or light , as ( helmont advises ) do magnetically extract the virulence and malignity in the body , as is evident by a blackness arising from those fuliginous cauterizing atoms that exhale . as for periapta , amulets , a verse out of david , solomon , or any prophet , superstitious words , characters , signatures , sculptures framed according to the conjunction and aspects of the heavenly bodies , talismanical gamaheus , and such like inventions , they are by no means to be trusted to . neither do i approve of those appendances of quick-silver sublimate auripigment , arsnick uncorrected , &c. which i have observed are very uncertain in answering the expectation of him that hangs them about his neck , or applies them to the pulses as an zenexton . i confess ( what helmont saith ) that the strong conceit of the person that uses the foresaid things , may be of some force to prevent infection for a little while , yet the terrour of the archeus is not taken off , or so much as mitigated by them ; and all that is hereby performed by them , is , that there is for some short time a privative exclusion of any notable perswasion , that an evil effect of contagion can seize upon the person . the forenamed author affirms , that many thousands dyed of the sickness at the siege of ostend , notwithstanding these supposed defensive amulets which they so trusted to , and those blisters which were raised by trochiscks of arsnick , and the like : and , illae sunt ( saith he ) tragoediae medicae , italicae imposturae , sinales periodi iudaei porr● & ethnici . this is the cheating galenical doctrine fetched from padua . sweet smelling spices , perfumes , and several odoriferous things made up into a pomander , a powder quilted in a bag , or contained in a spongy body , continually held at the nose ; when our dogmatists feel the pulse , aversa facie , looking westward , when their hands point eastward , as if conscious of their own guilt , they were ashamed to look their infected patients in the face . these are most ridiculous shifts , under which none but unwitting physitians will ever shelter themselves , as helmont hath it , quasi venenum desineret esse , aromate saturatum ! & non intraret penitius comite grati odoris ! ac quasi ipsa aromata non contagio essent subnoxia ! quasi arsenicum napellus ambari grys●o maritata cessarent nocere ! quasi adoratissimum vinum non statim contaminaretur fracido cado ! i.e. as if that lost its poysonous property , that had good store of spices mixt with it , and was not rather conveyed farther into all parts by the conduct a grateful odour ! as if spices were not liable to be infected ! as if arsnick or woolfsbane copulated with ambergreese , gave over their hurtful nature ! as if the most fragrant wine was not in an instant polluted by a musty vessel ! these are naeniae , pitiful things to put any confidence in . a true zenexton , or outward preservative is quite of another nature ( as the philosopher decides it ) for it depends not upon the meer phantasie excited , or unmoveable belief of the person ; but its ground-work is laid in nature , which hath bestowed upon it this active gift to do so and so . a true zenexton , according to helmont , ought to be no way capable of infection , if any expect it should keep him from the same . and here we may take notice that mans pest differs from brutes , so that theirs is not mortally infectious to us , nor ours to them , by reason of the disproportion of mumial ferments that is between each ; however their skins or flesh may be so contaminated by our pestiferous emanations , that they may be a means to convey it from one man to another . our noble chymical philosopher doth very much commend amber for a zenexton or preservative , from the testimony and experience of gordiola a spanish chyrurgion , master of the pest-house at ostend , who , as he relates , was preserved the space of three years , during the plague there , by means of a piece of red amber his zenexton , which he chafed , till it grew warm upon the seven principal pulses ; to wit , the temples , the wrists , the ankles , and left pap ( i wonder he omitted the strongest beating pulses in the groin ) he , as helmont was an eye-witness , alwayes continued in health , when the rest of his mates miscarried ; and the same author backs this experimental effect with prevalent reasons , taken first from its powerful attractive force manifested and stirred up by frication , next from its first transparency , gummosity , porosity , and rarity of parts , which make it more susceptible of our warmth and mumial odor ; lastly ▪ from the universality of its traction , being not limited as the loadstone to iron , but generally drawing any thing , so it be light and tractable , whereupon he infers , it may abundantly be able to draw the pestilent virulent air to it , sith it attracts light things , especially when it shall acquire an appropriation and adaptation by a mumial ferment . questionless most admirable is the radiant influence of precious stones , and other translucent scintillating bodies ( rightly applied ) upon our spirits , even like the stars of heaven : wherefore it ought not to seem strange , if such a shining concrete as amber , have such an extraordinary gift of preserving from the pest bestowed upon it , by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the good father of lights , for the relief of the poor distressed man , that is not able to purchase costly gems . another most effectual zenexton that he highly extolls , is a creature called by the greeks , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , flatu distendo tumefaceo , from its swelling property in latine , bufo , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod bobus mortifera est ; à rubeta quod in rubis vivat , vel à rubro colore , in english a toad . it seems to be marked out , and to have a stigmatical signature impressed upon it , to denote what a dotal excellency is contained in it against a disease that is often conspersed with variety of spots . the great difficulty to bring this animal to a true zenexton , lies in an exquisite preparation of it , the manner whereof , that great investigator of verity , van helmont , hath thus delivered , as he received instructions from butler an irish man , who ( to helmonts knowledge ) had cured some thousands of the pest at london . he gave directions that a large bufo taken in the afternoon in the month of iune , should be hung up by the legs nigh the fire over a vessel of yellow wax made into the fashion of a dish or platter : after three dayes that the bufo had hung in this manner , it vomited up a terrene matter , and certain insects ; flies of a greenish colour , with wings shining like gold , then the bufo forthwith dyed . this butler told our philosopher , that a bufo ordered aright , was a sufficient remedy for forty thousand persons . but unhappily the right knack of this business was not yet fully discovered to helmont , which he promised he would perform , had he not been suddenly banished , and sent packing away . however , perspicacious helmont proceeded thus with great success ; he took the cadaverous bufo dried and beaten in to powder with that filth it had vomited , and so made it up into trochisks with tragacanth , which he used with good event both for precaution and sanation of the pest. after this he made a further progress thus ; he got in the month of iuly ( the moon decreasing ) a bufo , the oldest he could find , whose eyes standing out , were full of white worms with black heads , insomuch that both the inward parts of the eyes were changed into worms closely joined together in each corner , their heads appearing outward ; and if any attempted to get away , the bufo presently suppressed it with its paw . these he disposed and menaged in the same manner as is set down before , and found them a most incomparable zenexton . gestati autem trochisci , saith he , ad mammam sinistram arcebant contagium & loco infecto alligati statim virus extrahebant . trochisks made of a bufo thus prepared , and applied to the left pap , kept away contagion , and fastened to any place infected , did immediately extract the poyson ; moreover , that which is remarkable , erant trochisci promptiores & validiores si in usum aliquoties recidissent quam recentiores : the oftner they were used , the more speedily and powerfully did they perform their business , beyond those that were fresh , and never used . now adepti gives this philosophical reason of the rare operation of the bufo in this kind ; for being a creature naturally very timorous , that bears a perfect hatred against man , and augmenting the same by an extraordinary fear it conceives at the presence of man ; when it dyes , the whole body is seasoned and distained with such an idea of fear , that even the cadaver retains the impression thereof after death . qui terror ab homine , saith helmont , naturalem energiam sibi acquirit & imprimit , contra imagines territi archei in homine ; siquidem terror bufonis interimit & annihilat ideas territi archei humani : this terrour in the bufo arising from the aspect of man , acquires an energy against the imagination of the terrour of the archeus ; that which is natural , mortifying this which is accidental : and forasmuch as no poyson exerts its violent power without the ferment of mans mumie ( which being different from a brutes , is the reason that our pest doth not annoy them ) neither can the pest infect any , unless there be a symbolical congruity and participation of the ferment ; wherefore it is the nature of this zenexton to hinder the mumial ferment from receiving and appropriating the pestilent poyson to it self , and so disturbs it , that it cannot roost in that immediate subject , or be fitted to it . hence it falls out , that that venemous idea of hatred and terror in the bufo , annihilates the image of the pestilent poyson in the archeus , which strait is corroborated , perceiving not only an extinction of the virulent idea , but also finding an appropinquation of something more desponding and timorous than it self ; for it is observed that the bufo is a creature so extreamly fearful , that if you take the advantage to look upon it with a firmly fixed intentive eye for a quarter of an hour , there being no avoidance of your countenance , it will shortly dye with very terrour , as i have tryed . thus mans archeus beholds as it were in a glass , the picture of the bufo's pusillanimity , with a delectable reflection by means of this applicated zenexton , which by divine institution procures his sanity . divers good topical remedies may be made use of with good success , as water-cresses , garden-cresses , bank-cresses , horse-radish , dittander , napellus , aconitum , figgs stamped and boiled in vinegar , which applied to bubo's and carbuncles , have an excellent faculty to extract the venom , and dissolve any tartarous matter in the part . that which i have found most laudable , and of approved experience in botches and carbuncles , is a plaister made of the balsom of antimony , of the balsom of brimstone , bals. fuliginis , and burgundy pitch , which may be trusted to above any thing i have met with . the authors apology against the calumnies of the galenists . what some men cannot obtain by fair honest upright means they will try to purchase by indirect , unjust , foul courses , by slanders , obloquies , scurrilities , forgeries and detractions . one comfort is , i never knew the contrivers thereof long to prosper , but still at length they drew upon themselves the greater odium from those credulous persons , whose unhappy fate it was to be seduced by them ; and however they might for a while set a good face upon their unhandsome actions , deceiving some indiscreet eyes ; yet in conclusion , when they were discovered in their genuine colours , they alwayes came off with deserved disgrace . certain scurrilous , lying pamphlets have been vented abroad against me , under disguised names , which some subtill slie wits made use of to shelter themselves , being conscious , that if they should come to a chymical tryal , they would be found most dross . now how far this is from candour and integrity , let any impartial man judge . if i have spoken , writ , or done any thing amisse in physick , i am forthwith ready to clear my self ; if i do not , let me suffer any condign punishment . the principal design of the galenists , is to weaken the sinews of truth , by scandalously and falsly disparaging my person , calling me fanatick , one of an anarchical principle ; who have always ( as my friends can testifie ) been loyal to my soveraign . they whisper behind my back , that i am no schollar ; because that i have not spent my time altogether like themselves , a company of pedants , cavillers about lana caprina , captious sophisters , great disputers , or rather wranglers pro & con about quidlibets , and quodlibets , such as study cicero to confute helmont ; who stand more upon a word mis-placed , a grammatical errour , than upon the loss of a mans life . if any of these false impeachers dare appear to my face , i should easily make it out , that the galenists are a company of grand talkative impostors , ignorant in the main thing that belongs to their art , the radical cure of diseases , and this i will maintain , expressing my self in congruous latine , greek , and hebrew terms , not as a parrot or daw , that hath only learnt verba , praeterea nihil ; but intellectually , fruitfully , for the benefit of mankind . as for their endeavours to vilifie my reputation , by making the world believe , that i was at first a practitioner in chirurgery , before i applied my self to physick ( although an untruth ) yet it conduces much to my credit , though otherwise intended by them : for let me tell these men , that are little else but smooth orators , polyglossi , multiloquous doctors , that if they were but truly chirurgi , operators with their own hands , they would have attained ere this a farre greater excellency in that art , in which i am sure they are extreamly deficient , to their remarkable shame . withall i would have my enemies know , that i was so well-grounded , principled , and had acquired such theorems in the profession of physick before i entered upon the practical part , that i was able to give a fair rational account of that fraudulent way , improperly called methodical , as well ( i suppose ) as the best of them : yea directly aiming at this and no other faculty , i made all inquisition possible , that i might be throughly instructed , before i entred upon medicinal action ; and for that end , after long study , i sought for , and by good providence found out a faithfull friend , at first an apothecary , omnibus suis numeris & partibus expletus , every way accomplished in his faculty , afterward an expert knowing physician , one that was persecuted maliciously and wrongfully , to his overthrow , by the dogmatists , for preparing lac sulphuris , an innocent usefull chymical medicine ; for which act doubtlesse divine nemesis will at length bring them to shame . this gentleman conducting me to his patients , and informing me concerning several remarkable things in physick : gave me much light both in galenical and spagyrical practice ; the last whereof , according as i could judge then , above twenty years past , seemed to be most effectual : yet unwilling to forsake the old beaten road of the antients , i did not presently subscribe rashly to that , to which i was forced afterwards by degrees to grant ipso facto to be truth , much inconsistent at that time with my profit . then desiring to do all things , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , decently , and in order , i purchased a doctoral diplôma to justifie my practice legally in any place of the world ; which i would rather burn , than not be worthy . indeed it is an unsufferable shame , and a lamentable calamity to this nation , that idiots , meer dunces in philosophy should take their degrees modo tot annos ( as learned , honest mr. burton saith ) in academia insumpserint ; if they have been of so long standing in the university , it matters not a rush whether they be literatores an litorati , modò pingues , nitidi , ad aspectum speciosi , & pecuniosi : and as he proceeds , philosophastri licentiantur in artibus , artem qui non habent : eosque sapientes esse jubent , qui nulla praediti sunt sapientia , & nihil ad gradum praeterquam velle adferunt . many such kind of medicasters we have , who ought to be degraded , that deserving men , that have a just title and right to this honourable profession , might be better esteemed , and not be so vilified by a company of illiterate pseudo-chymists , who seeing the weakness of these titular doctors in their art , take occasion to slight those that have according to their due merit been thus dignified . thus much for the wiping off those aspersions that they have wrongfully cast upon my own person , next , i shall answer in short to some things thrown in my teeth , and often charged upon me in reference to others , and the noble spagyrick science . they upbraid me , that i frequently meet and join with an illiterate rabble , gunsmiths , heel-makers and botchers , that rail against the universities , and all learning in general . this i confess ingenuously is the worst they can say of me : that once i did for a time associate my self ( for the promotion of that useful chymical art , some learned chymists , as dr. dey , dr. manwaring , &c. true disciples of helmont , being likewise present ) with several unlearned , unexperimented pretenders thereto ; who , not invited , but intruded themselves impudently among us : but perceiving in a short space my self defiled by their heady , high-minded , rude boasting , insolent , preposterous carriage , i strait withdrew , and washed my hands of such dirty companions : and when ever after it was my chance to come into any of their company singly , i sharply reproved them for their bitter invectives against learning . when a pragmatical stickler not long ago did speak in contempt of learning , asserting , that a man might be a sufficient chymist , without the languages ; i replied , that the same person would be far better , had he been qualified with literature as he ought . so much respect have i for some professors of physick , though great oppugners of true chymistry , yet otherwise very well endowed , that did they not abuse the gift of tongues , to maintain the idleness of their hands , that pernicious course of bleeding , colliquating uncorrected purgatives ; did they not defend too obstinately ( against all demonstrative conviction ) fruitless , feculent , dull , nastie medicaments , blisterings , issues , cuppings , and scarifications , &c. and did not mans life stand in competition with these tenents , i should honour , reverence , and admire them above others . but as they have ordered the matter , i may in verity affirm , that it had been happier that they had never known how to have worded it so well , unless they had been more skilful to have worked better for the preservation and cure of mankind ; for so far as i can understand , their knowledge of words , which ought to be an introduction to the right understanding of things , is become a remora , a pull-back to themselves , that they cannot make an effectual progress in what is most necessarily scientifick in physick , and withall , not a little scandalous to others , who have harboured but mean conceits of verbal notions , seeing so few salutary actions proceeding therefrom . i confesse i am not a little ashamed , when i hear of , and am twitted with the great abuses in chymistry , committed by some of those , who have been thought stout defenders of the same . when i am told of an illiterate , impudent fellow , a very shame to the art , that is in fee with midwifes , nurses , busie , prating , wandering women , that cry him up for a brave doctor , who cannot , as the proverb is , say boh to a goose ; being neither truly acquainted with the theory or practick , hath only got a fabrick of fair beautifull furnaces , which speaks more for him , ten to one , than he can for the art , or himself . when , i say , this is objected to me , as undeniable , i cannot but break forth into indignation , that such a divine science should be thus polluted , by every profane idiot . when a sad relation comes to my ear , at length confirmed without further doubt , that an upstart chymist , taking upon him to be a champion of hermes , and writing a copious tract for the defence of this way , ( containing much truth ) should take into his hand a patient , a gentleman of quality , enjoying his health at that time ( according to his friends testimony , better than he had a long space before ) should sequester him into a by-corner , mure him up in a quacks house , separate him from his entire friends , should for prevention of the gout , without the least tincture ( as some knowing physicians affirm ) of the venereal lues , salivate him , ( or , as that gang hath found a new term , nod him ) to the one and twentieth day with mercurius dulcis , often repeated , ( a medicine unworthy to be used by a free-born son of art , if he knew better ) and that against his own judgement , led , as he pretends , by the importunity of his patient into this course : that he should after the exhibition of prepared pearl ( whether galenical or chymical they best know ) prescribe a diet-drink on the th day , and then afterward slop him with syrrup of violets , rose-water , and milk , distilled with spotted lungwort , coltsfoot , sage , wood-sorrell , plantain , succory , ( o brave chymist ! i am perswaded he will write ere long for the galenists ) and then in the conclusion to suffer this distressed gentleman , dying on the th day , to be concealed . dayes after his death , from his dear brothers , ( without admission of other advice ) who at length inquiring of his physician for his corps , was denyed by him the discovery thereof ; and having at length with much ado found it out , summoned the physician and others together , that the body ( pretended to be embalmed , but otherwise manifest upon the inspection ) might fairly be opened for their own satisfaction , and the acquittance of those that were about him : which reasonable desire was denyed by the physician , and afterwards prevented by him ; that this supposed chymist should ( to excuse this foul businesse , ) afterward impeach an honest laborious chymist ( who had given physick to this person the aforesaid pseudo-chymist his patient two years before , and not since ) that he had a hand in this gentlemans death . whereas i heard it attested by one of credit , that there was a gratefull acknowledgement of the patient at that time both by word and deed , that he had received very great benefit by the foresaid falsely accused physician . when , i say such an ugly story comes to my ear , often repeated to me as one concerned , by persons of credit , confirmed by the brothers of this gentleman deceased , men of integrity and good report , who had most of what i deliver here from the pseudo chymists own mouth ; when being upbraided , i am made sensible how this base filthy action ( not to be excused by any , unlesse one of a superlative impudence ) reflects upon the chymical profession , and the honest able professors of this illustrious art , to the diminution of its repute among , those that have not altogether a clear understanding in these things , i cannot conceive otherwise , but some evil spirit of darknesse is changed into an angel of light , and and is become on a sudden a galeno-chymist , a pseudo-chymist , a meer logo-chymist , and a plano chymist , on purpose to bring an infamy upon truth , to delude the world , and to frustrate it of that happinesse it might enjoy by pious , honest , modest , learned , or lovers of learning truly expert laborious spagyrists . but enough of this : i shall leave this antesignanus of confusion and deformity , with some of his complices , to be further examined by justice , that there may be a full discussion of this foul oblique business . i shall return once more to the galenists , at whose doors most of these grand mischiefs in physick may justly be laid . 't is through their idleness , pride , covetousness , negligence , ignorance , egregious insufficiency in their art , that such disguised stentors in chymistry , such scandalous persons , omnium horarum homunciones , nebulones , viles scurrae , idiotae , fungi merum pocus ; such as will sell a mans life , rush into this divine art , and prostitute their souls for gain ! i say , the dogmatists are exceeding culpable herein , that might in due time have prevented most of these iatrical calamities ; for had they followed their function as they ought , candidly , conscientiously , and laboriously , these things had never been . notwithstanding all this , they still persevere in their indirect way , as obstinate as any jew ; whereas if they would ( laying aside their present secular interest ) be so ingenuous to submit to chymical truth , and that no farther than i , with some others , are able to demonstrate visibly the certainty thereof . these meteors in chymistry , these inflated bubbles would come to nothing . but instead of this candor and ingenuity , they still stand upon the justification of their mortiferous principles ; for that end , one of that fraternity , mr. n. h. hath divulged a sophistical treatise , for vindication and assertion of galenical opinions . some little cursory view i chanced to have of it , enough to satisfie me what this juggler and his assistants aim at . in his epistle , i took notice how he importunes his grace to promote the speedy enacting of convenient lawes , whereby illegal practisers may be restrained and punished . i wish with all my soul that this mr. n. h. might have his request : supposed he and his fellows might likewise be forced to undergo a chymical trial , that their foul d●osse in physick might be discovered , and their cut-throat bleeding in the small pox , and other malignant feavers , to the losse of the life of some heroes , might be made apparent ; then i am certain they , as illegal practisers , would be the first that the law would lay hold on to restrain and punish , according to their demerits . to conclude , had leisure been granted me to have strictly perused mr. n. h. his garrulous tract , ( contrived by one of his sophistical wily brethren , lying couched in time of the pest , and garnished with many polite , trimm words , and back'd by specious authority of writers , but mis-applyed , mis-interpreted , nihil ad rhombum , nothing pertinent to the main thing , which every honest able physician is bound to take in hand , i. e. to cure man as he ought . ) i should , perhaps , have given some answer to his egregious folly ; but it is enough that i have challenged this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in galeno-proclosis , to make it appear that he is grosly ignorant in the fundamental cure of any malignant feaver . and once more i propose to him this undeniably equal determination of our controversies by fact , that he would vouchsafe to meet me in any hospital , with competent arbitratours agreed upon by us both ; and according as they shall judge of our actions , so let them proclaim us to the world. if he deny to accept of this , i am resolved to publish him , no other than a meer sounding peece of vacuity . finis . books sold by nathaniel crouch , at the rose and crown in exchange alley , near lombard-street . the compleat bone-setter enlarged , being the method of curing bones , dislocated joints , and ruptures , commonly called broken bellies : to which is added , the perfect oculist , mirrour of health , judgment of urines . treating of the pestilence , and all other diseases , by robert turner med. the history of the life and actions of st. athanasius , together with the rise , growth , and downfall of the arrian heresie . collected from primitive writers , by n. b. p. c. euclids elements , the whole fifteen books , compendiously demonstrated by isaac barrow , in octavo . an exposition , with useful observations , upon the prophesie of ezekiel , delivered at several lectures in london , by william greenhill . the knowledge of christ indispensably required of all men that would be saved ; or demonstrative proofs from scripture , that crucified jesus is the christ , wherein the types , prophesies , genealogies , miracles , humiliation , exaltation , and meditorial office of christ are opened and applied , in sundry sermons on acts . . by iohn davenport of newhaven in new england . the mystery of the marriage song , and mutual spiritual embraces between christ and his spouse : opened in an exposition , with practical notes and observations on the whole forty fifth psalm , by william troughton minister of the gospel , with an epistle commendatory , by ioseph caryl . a treatise of the person of christ , and therein a discourse about the knowledge , . of god , who , and what a one he is . . of the son of god , who , and what a one he is . . of the first promise of christ , and first publication of the mystery of him . . of the times and years of the first fathers . . of the account of years from the creation to the flood , and from both to the first coming of christ , and probably to his second coming . of election . the abrogation of the jewish sabbath , or sabbath of the seventh day of the week , by william aspinwall . an improvement of the sea , upon the nine nautical verses of the th psalm , discovering the great and many hazards mariners meet with in tempestuous seas , and their deliverances . together with a full description of many various objects they behold on sea and land , viz. all sorts of fish , fowl , beasts wild and tame ; all sorts of trees , fruits , peoples , cities , towns and countries . by daniel pell . finis . orders, thought meete by his maiestie, and his priuie counsell, to be executed throughout the counties of this realme, in such townes, villages, and other places, as are, or may be hereafter infected with the plague, for the stay of further increase of the same also, an aduise set downe by the best learned in physicke within this realme, containing sundry good rules and easie medicines, without charge to the meaner sort of people, aswel for the preseruation of his good subiects from the plague before infection, as for the curing and ordering of them after they shalbe infected. england and wales. sovereign ( - : james i) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) orders, thought meete by his maiestie, and his priuie counsell, to be executed throughout the counties of this realme, in such townes, villages, and other places, as are, or may be hereafter infected with the plague, for the stay of further increase of the same also, an aduise set downe by the best learned in physicke within this realme, containing sundry good rules and easie medicines, without charge to the meaner sort of people, aswel for the preseruation of his good subiects from the plague before infection, as for the curing and ordering of them after they shalbe infected. england and wales. sovereign ( - : james i) james i, king of england, - . england and wales. sovereign ( - : elizabeth i). england and wales. privy council. [ ] p. by robert barker, printer to the kings most excellent maiestie, imprinted at london : anno . dated on a v: . of iuly. . signatures: a-c⁴. a reprint of "orders, thought meete by her majestie, and her privie councell, to be executed throughout the counties of this realme, in such townes, villages, and other places, as are, or may be hereafter infected with the plague, for the stay of further increase of the same", [ ?]. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets 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and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- great britain -- early works to . plague -- prevention -- early works to . plague -- treatment -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion ❧ orders , thought meete by his maiestie , and his priuie counsell , to be executed throughout the counties of this realme , in such townes , villages , and other places , as are , or may be hereafter infected with the plague , for the stay of further increase of the same . also , an aduise set downe by the best learned in physicke within this realme , containing sundry good rules and easie medicines , without charge to the meaner sort of people , aswel for the preseruation of his good subiects from the plague before infection , as for the curing and ordering of them after they shal be infected . ¶ jmprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie . anno . ¶ orders , thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell , to be executed throughout the counties of this realme , in such townes , villages , and other places as are , or may be hereafter infected with the plague , for the stay of further increase of the same . as the most louing and gracious care of his maiestie for the preseruation of his people , hath already bene earnestly shewed and declared by such meanes and wayes as were thought expedient to suppresse the grieuous infection of the plague , and to preuent the increase thereof , within the city of london , and parts about it ; so whatsoeuer other good meanes may be yet remayning which may extend and proue behouefull to the countrey abroad ( where his maiestie is sory to vnderstand that the contagion is also in many places dispersed ) it is likewise his gracious pleasure that the same bee carefully prouided and put in practise . and therefore hauing taken knowledge of certaine good orders that were vpon like occasion published in times past ; together with certaine rules and medicines prescribed by the best and most learned physicians ; and finding both of them , to serue well for the present time , his maiestie is pleased that the same shal be renewed and published : and withall straightly commandeth all iustices of the peace & others to whom it may appertaine , to see the said orders duely executed . at the court at hampton court this . of iuly . . in primis , all the iustices in euery countie , aswell within the liberties as without , immediatly vpon knowledge to them giuen , shall assemble themselues together at some one generall place accustomed , being cleare from infection of the plague , to consult howe these orders following may bee duely put in execution , not meaning that any iustices dwelling in or neere places infected , shall come thither , whiles their comming may be doubtfull . and after their first generall assembly , they shall make a distribution of themselues to sundry limits and diuisions , as in other common seruices of the countie they are accustomed to doe , for the prosecution thereof . first they shall inquire , and presently informe themselues by all good meanes , what townes and villages are at the time of such assemblie infected within euery their counties , and in what hundred or other diuision , the sayde townes and villages are , and how many of the same places so infected are corporate townes , market townes and villages , and shall consider of what wealth the inhabitants of the same townes and parishes are , to bee able to relieue the poore that are or shall be infected , and to be restrained in their houses . item , thereupon after conference vsed according to the necessitie of the cause , they shall deuise and make a generall taxation , either by charging the towne infected with one summe in grosse , or by charging the speciall persōs of wealth within the same , to be forthwith collected for the rate of one moneth at the first , and so if the sickenesse shal continue , the collection of y e like summe , or of more or of lesse , as time and cause shall require , and the same to be euery first , second , third , or fourth weeke employed to and for the execution of the sayd orders . and in case some of the said townes infected shall manifestly appeare not to be of sufficient abilitie to contribute sufficient for the charges requisite , then the taxation or collection shall bee made or further extended to other parts , or in any other further limits , as by them shall be thought requisite where there shall bee any such townes or villages so infected , and vnable to relieue themselues . and if the said townes be scituated in the borders and confines of any other shire , then as the iustices shall see cause and neede for the greatnesse of the charge requisite , that the parts of the shire ioyning to the townes infected be not able , they shall write their letters to the next iustices of the other shire so confining , to procure by collection some reliefe , as in like cases they are to relieue them , in respect of neere neighbourhood of the place , and for that the same infection may bee the better stayed from the sayd adioyning places , though they be separated by name of the countie . item , they shall cause to be appointed in euery parish aswell infected as not infected , certaine persons to viewe the bodies of all such as shall die , before they be suffered to be buried , and to certifie the minister of the church and church-warden , or other principall officers , or their substitutes of what probable disease the sayd persons died : and the said viewers , to haue weekely some allowance , & the more large allowance where the townes or parishes bee infected , during the infection , towards their maintenance , to the ende they which shall bee in places infected , may forbeare to resort into the company of others that are sound : and those persons to bee sworne to make true report according to their knowledge , and the choise of them to be made by direction of the curate of the church , with three or foure substantiall men of the parish . and in case the sayde viewers either through fauor or corruption , shall giue wrong certificate , or shall refuse to serue being thereunto appointed , then to cause them to be punished by imprisonment , in such sort as may serue for a terrour to others . item , the houses of such persons out of the which there shall die any of the plague , being so certified by the viewers , or otherwise knowen , or where it shall bee vnderstood , that any person remaineth sicke of the plague , to be closed vp on all parts during the time of restraint , viz. sixe weeks , after the sicknesse be ceased in the same house , in case the said houses so infected shall be within any towne hauing houses neere adioyning to the same . and if the infection happen in houses dispersed in villages , and seperated from other houses , and that of necessitie , for the seruing of their cattell , and manuring of their ground , the saide persons cannot continue in their houses , then they to be neuerthelesse restrained from resorting into company of others , either publikely or priuately during the saide time of restraint , and to weare some marke in their vppermost garments , or beare white rods in their handes at such time as they shall goe abroad , and if there be any doubt that the masters and owners of the houses infected , will not duely obserue the directions of shutting vp their doores , specially in the night , then shal there be appointed two or three watchmen by turnes , which shal be sworne to attend and watch the house , and to apprehend any person that shall come out of the house contrary to the order , and the same persons by order of the iustices , shall be a competent time imprisoned in the stockes in the high way next to the house infected : and furthermore , some speciall marke shall be made and fixed to the doores of euery of the infected houses , and where any such houses shall be iunes or alehouses , the signes shall be taken downe for the time of the restraint , and some crosse or other mark set vpon the place thereof to be a token of the sickenesse . item , they shall haue good regard to chuse honest persons that either shal collect the summes assessed , or shall haue the custodie thereof , and out of the said collection to allot a weekely proportion for the finding of victuall , or fire , or medicines for the poorer sort , during the time of their restraint . and whereas some persons being wel disposed to yeeld almes and reliefe , will be more willing to giue some portions of victual , as corne , bread , or other meate , the same shall be committed to the charge of some special persons , that wil honestly and truely preserue the same , to bee distributed as they shall be appointed for the poore that are infected . item , to appoint certain persons dwelling within the townes infected , to prouide and deliuer all necessaries of victuals , or any matter of watching or other attendance , to keepe such as are of good wealth being restrained , at their own proper costs and charges , and the poore at the common charges : and the sayde persons so appointed to be ordered , not to resort to any publike assembly during the time of such their attēdance , as also to weare some marke on their vpper garment , or to beare a white rod in their hand , to the end others may auoide their company . item , that in the shire towne in euery countie , and in other great townes meete for that purpose , there may bee prouision bespoken and made , of such preseruatiues and other remedies , which otherwise in meaner townes cannot be readily had , as by the physicians shall be prescribed , and is at this present reduced into an aduise made by the physicians , and nowe printed and sent with the sayd orders , which may bee fixed in market places , vpon places vsuall for such publique matters , and in other townes in the bodies of the parish churches , and chappels , in which aduise onely such things are prescribed , as vsually are to bee had and found in all countreys without great charge or cost . item , the ministers and curates , and the churchwardens in euery parish , shall in writing certifie weekely to some of the iustices , residing within the hundred or other limit where they serue , the number of such persons as are infected and do not die , and also of all such as shal die within their parishes , and their diseases probable wherof they died , and the same to be certified to the rest of the iustices at their assemblies , which during some conuenient time would be euery one and twenty dayes , and thereof a particular booke kept by the clerke of the peace or some such like . item , to appoint some place apart in each parish for the buriall of such persons as shall die of the plague , as also to giue order that they bee buried after sunne setting , and yet neuertheles by day light , so as the curate bee present for the obseruation of the rites and ceremonies prescribed by the law , foreseeing as much as conueniently he may , to be distant from the danger of infection of the person dead , or of the company that shall bring the corpse to the graue . item , the iustices of the whole countie to assemble once in one & twenty dayes , to examine whether those orders bee duely executed , and to certifie to the lords of the priuie councell their proceedings in that behalfe , what townes and villages be infected , as also the numbers of the dead , and the diseases whereof they died , and what summes of money are taxed and collected to this purpose , and how the same are distributed . item , the iustices of the hundred , where any such infection is , or the iustices next adioyning thereunto , to assemble once a weeke , to take accompt of the execution of the said orders , & as they finde any lacke or disorder , either to reforme it themselues , or to report it at the generall assemblie there , to bee by a more common consent reformed . item , for that the contagion of the plague groweth and encreaseth no way more , then by the vse and handling of such clothes , bedding and other stuffe as hath been worne and occupied by the infected of this disease , during the time of their disease : the sayd iustices shall in the places infected take such order , that all the said clothes and other stuffe , so occupied by the diseased , so soone as the parties diseased of the plague are all of them either well recouered or dead , be either burnt and cleane consumed with fire , or els ayred in such sort as is prescribed in an especiall article conteined in the aduise set downe by the phisicians . and for that peraduenture the losse of such apparel , bedding and other stuffe to be burnt , may be greater then the poore estate of the owners of the same may well beare : it is thought very good and expedient , if it be thought meete it shall bee burnt , that then the sayd iustices , out of such collections as are to be made within their counties for the reliefe of the poorer sort that bee infected , allow also to them such summe or sums as to them shall be thought reasonable , in recompense of the losse of their sayd stuffe . item , the sayd iustices may put in execution any other orders that by them at their generall assembly shal be deuised and thought meet , tending to the preseruation of his maiesties subiects from the infection : and to the end their care and diligence may the better appeare , they shall certifie in writing the said orders newly deuised : and if any shall wilfully breake and contemne the same or any of the orders herein specified , they shal either presently punish them by imprisonment , or if the persons so contemning them , shall be of such countenance as the iustices shall thinke meete to haue their faults knowen to his maiestie , or to the councell , they shall charge and bind them to appeare before vs , and the contempt duely certified , that there may be a more notorious sharpe example ▪ made by punishment of the same by order of his maiestie . item , if there be lacke of iustices in some parts of the shire , or if they which are iustices there shall be for the time absent , in that case the more number of the iustices at their assembly shall make choice of some conuenient persons to supplie those places for the better executiō hereof . item , if there be any person ecclesiasticall or laye , that shall hold and publish any opinions ( as in some places report is made ) that it is a vain thing to forbeare to resort to the infected , or that it is not charitable to forbid the same , pretending that no person shall die but at their time prefixed , such persons shall be not onely reprehended , but by order of the bishop , if they bee ecclesiasticall , shall be forbidden to preach , and being lay , shall be also enioyned to forbeare to vtter such dangerous opiniōs vpon paine of imprisonment , which shall be executed , if they shall perseuere in that errour . and yet it shall appeare manifestly by these orders , that according to christian charity , no persons of the meanest degree shal be left without succour and reliefe . and of these things aboue mentioned , the iustices shall take great care , as of a matter specially directed and commaunded by his maiestie vpon the princely and naturall care hee hath conceiued towards the preseruation of his subiects , who by very disorder , and for lacke of direction do in many parts wilfully procure the increase of this generall contagion . ❧ an aduise set downe by the best learned in physicke within this realme : conteining sundry good rules and easie medicines , without charge to the meaner sort of people , as well for the preseruation of his good subiects from the plague before infection , as for the curing and ordering of them after they shal be infected . preseruatiue by correcting the aire in houses . take rosemarie dried , or iuniper , bay-leaues , or frankincense , cast the same on a chafendish , and receiue the fume or smoke therof : some aduise to be added lauander , or sage . also to make fires rather in pannes , to remooue about the chamber , then in chimneys , shall better correct the ayre of the houses . take a quantity of vineger very strong , and put to it some small quantitie of rosewater , ten braunches of rosemarie , put them all into a basen , then take fiue or sixe flintstones , heated in the fire till they be burning hote , cast them into the same vineger , and so let the fumes be receiued from place to place of your house . perfuming of apparell . such apparell as you shall commonly weare , let it bee very cleane , and perfume it ofen either with some redde saunders burned , or with iuniper . and if any shall happen to be with them that are visited , let such persons as soone as they shal come home , shift themselues , and aire their clothes , in open aire for a time . preseruation by way of defence in open aire , and common assemblies to be vsed outwardly . it is good in going abroad into the open aire in the streets , to hold some things of sweet sauour in their hands , or in the corner of an handkerchife , as a sponge dipped in vineger and rosewater mixed , or in vineger , wherein wormewood , or rue called also herbegrace , hath bene boyled . preseruatiue by way of inward medicine . take a quantitie of rue , or wormewood , or of both , and put it into a pot of vsuall drink , close stopped , let it lie so in steepe a whole night , and drinke thereof in the morning fasting . in all sommer plagues , it shall be good to vse sorrel sauce to be eaten in the morning with bread . and in the fall of the leafe to vse the iuyce of barberies with bread also . mens bodies are apt to take infection , either by the constitution of the heart , the vital spirits being weake , and the naturall heate feeble , in which case things cordial are to be vsed . by repletion , the body being filled with humors , either good , and then is the party to be let blood . euil , and then is he to be cured w t medicine purgatiue . preseruatiues cordials . mithridates medicine . take of good figges not wormeaten , cleane washed , of walnuts the kernels cleane picked , of either of them an hundred , of the leaues of green rue , otherwise called herbegrace , the weight of ii . s. of common salt the weight of iii. d. cut the figs in pieces , and stampe them & the walnut kernels together in a morter of marble or wood a good space , vntill they be very small , and then put the rue leaues vnto them , stampe and stirre them well together with the rest , last put in the salt and stampe and stirre these things together , vntill they be incorporated and made of one substance . of the which take the quantitie of ii . or iii. figges euery morning fasting , to children the halfe will serue , and hee that listeth to increase or diminish the substance of this medicine , shall easily doe it , by taking of a greater or lesse quantity of the simples according to a due proportion . a well approoued medicine to preserue . take of the finest cleare aloes you can buy , in colour like to a liuer , & therfore called hepatica , of cinamon , of myrrhe , of ech of these the weight of iii. french crownes , or of xxii . d. of our money , of cloues , maces , lignum aloes , of mastick , of bole oriental , of ech of these halfe an ounce : mingle them together and beate them into a very fine powder . of the which take euery morning fasting the weight of a groate of this in white wine delayed with water , and by the grace of god you shall be safe from the plague . no man which is learned , if he examine the simples of this medicine whereof it consisteth , and the nature and power of them , can deny but that it is a medicine of great efficacy against the plague , and the simples whereof it is made , are easily to be had in any good apothecaries shop , except bole oriental , which is vsed in the stead of true bolus armenus . take a drie figge and open it , and put the kernell of a walnut into the same beeing cut very small , three or foure leaues of rue commonly called herbegrace , a corne of salt , then rost the figge and eate it warme , fast iii. or iiii . houres after it , and vse this twise in the weeke . take the powder of turmentil , the weight of vipence with sorrel or scabious water in sommer , and in winter with the water of valerian or common drinke . or else in one day they may take a little wormwood , and valerian with a graine of salt. in another day they may take vii . or viii . berries of iuniper , dryed and put in powder , and taking the same with common drinke , or with drinke in which wormewood & rue hath ben steeped all the night . also the triacle called dietessearoum , which is made but of . things of light price easie to be had . also the roote of enula campana , either taken in powder with drinke , or hanged about the brest . likewise a piece of arras root kept in the mouth as men passe in the streetes , is very good cordiall . take sixe leaues of sorrell , wash them with water and vineger , let them lie to steepe in the said water and vineger a while , then eate them fasting , and keepe in your mouth and chewe now or then either stewall , or the roote of angelica , or a little cinamon . take the roote of enula campana being layde and steeped in vineger , and grosse beaten , put a little of it in a handkerchiefe , and smell to it if you resort to any that is infected . ¶ for women with child , or such as be delicate and tender , and cannot away with taking of medicines . make a tost of white or of the second breade as you thinke good , and sprinkle on it being hotte a litle good wine vineger , made with rose leaues , and for want of it , any good common or vsed vineger , and spread on the tost a little butter , and cast thereon a little powder of cinamon , and eate it in the morning fasting . the poore which cannot get vineger nor buy cinamon , may eate bread and butter alone : for butter is not onely a preseruatiue against the plague , but against all maner of poysons . when one must come into the place where infectious persons are , it is good to smell to the roote of angelica , gentian , or valerian , and to chew any of these in his mouth . another preseruatiue for the poore . it shal be good to take an handfull of rue , and as much common wormewood , and bruse them a little : and put them into a pot of earth or tinne , with so much vineger as shall couer the herdes : keepe this pot close couered or stopt , and when you feare any infection , dippe into this vineger a piece of a sponge , and cary it in your hand & smell to it , or else put it into a round ball of yuorie or iuniper made full of holes of the one side , carying it in your hand vse to smell thereunto , renewing it once in a day . ❧ to be vsed after infection taken . for as much as the cause of the plague standeth rather in poyson , then in any putrifaction of humours as other agues doe , the chiefest way is to mooue sweatings , and to defend the heart by some cordiall thing . suppositarie . if the patient bee costiue and bound in his bodie , let him take a suppositarie made with a litle boyled honie , and a little fine powder of salt , and so taken in at the fundament , and kept till it moue a stoole . an excellent medicine made without charges . take of the powder of good bayberies , the huske taken away from them , before they be dried , a spoonefull : let the patient drinke this , well mingled in a draught of good stale ale or beere , which is neither sowre nor deade , or with a draught of white wine , and goe to bed and cast himselfe into a sweate , and forbeare sleepe as is aforesaid . an other soueraigne remedie , that is a stilled water . take the inward bark of the ashe tree , a pound , of walnuts with the greene outward shelles , to the number of fiftie , cut these smal , of scabious , of veruen , of petimorel , of housleeke , of euery one a handfull , of saffron halfe an ounce , powre vpon these the strongest vineger you can get foure pintes , let them a little boyle together vpon a very soft fire , and then stand in a very close pot well stopt all a night vpon the embers , afterward distill them with a soft fire , and receiue the water close kept . giue vnto the patient laide in bed and well couered with clothes , two ounces of this water to drinke , & let him be prouoked to sweate , and euery sixe houres , during the space of twentie foure houres , giue him the same quantitie to drinke . this medicine for the worthinesse thereof , and because it will stand the maker thereof in little charge , it shall be very well done to distill it in summer when the walnuts hang greene on the tree , that it may be ready against the time that occasion serueth to vse it . . bloodletting . if the patient be ful of humours which be good , let him immediatly be let blood vpon the liuer veine in the right arme , or in the median veine of the same arme ( if no sore appeare ) in the first day . . medicine purgatiue . for the poore take aloes the weight of sixe pence , put in the pappe of an apple : and for the richer pilles of rufus to bee had in euery good apothecaries shop . after letting of blood and purging ( as shall bee needfull ) some of the forenamed cordials are to be vsed . these preparations thus vsed the first day that the patient shall fall sicke , as cause shall be to vse the one or the other ( no sore appearing ) in which case if the sore shall appeare , they are both to bee forborne , the next is to vse all meanes to expel the poyson , and to defend the heart by cordials . . medicament expulsiue . the poyson is expelled best by sweatings prouoked by posset ale , made with fenel and marigolds in winter , and with sorrel , buglosse and borage in summer , with the which in both times they must mixe the triacle of diatessaroum , the weight of ix . d. & so to lay themselues with all quietnesse to sweat one halfe houre , or an houre if they he strong . for they that be neither full of humours nor corrupt in humours , neede neither purging nor letting of blood , but at the first plunge may mooue themselues to sweate with cordiall things mixt with such things as mooue sweate , and are before declared . ❧ what is to be done when there is any rising or swelling in any part . then if by these three meanes the poyson be expelled outward by botches , carbuncles or markes , called gods markes , according as nature doth expell , so must the further proceedings be , prouiding still , that they continue still in the vse of the cordiall and moderate sweating now and then , all the time that the sores be in healing , which must by the surgion bee handled with great discretion . medicines to be vsed in ordinary diet . it is thought that the powder of harts horne hath a speciall prerogatiue , to be vsed all the time of their sicknes in their broths , and supping , which in sommer must euer haue sorrell , borage , buglasse , and in winter , betony , and scabious , or morsus diaboli , and if their habilities do not serue , let them vse it with aleburies made with a little nutmegge , or one cloue , or with cawdels in like maner made with cloues , maces , nutmegs , sanders or such like . both to preserue and cure the sicknesse . take an egge and make a hole in the toppe of it , take out the white and yelke , fill the shell with the weight of two french crownes of saffron , rost the said egge thus filled with saffron vnder the embres , vntil the shell begin to waxe yellow , then take it from the fire , and beate the shell and saffron in a morter together , with halfe a spoonefull of mustard seed , take of this powder a french crown weight , and as soone as you suspect your selfe infected , dissolue it into ten spoonefuls of posset ale , and drinke it luke warme , then goe to bed and prouoke your selfe to sweating . to be vsed in the first time of the sicknesse . another is to take fiue or sixe handfull of sorell , that groweth in the field , or a greater quantity according as you will distill more or lesse of the water thereof , and let it lie infrised or steeped in good vineger the space of foure and twentie houres , then take it off and drie it with a linen cloth put into a limbecke , and distill the water thereof : and assoone as you finde your selfe touched with the sicknesse , drinke foure spoonefuls of the said water with a little sugar , and if you be able , walke vpon it vntill you doe sweate , if not , keepe your bed , and being well couered , prouoke your selfe to sweating , and the next day to take as much againe of it a little before supper . item , to prouoke vomit with two ounces of ranke oyle , or walnut oyle , a spoonefull of the iuice of celendine & halfe a spoonefull of the iuice of radice root , so that the party infected do walke and not sleepe , is better then any letting of blood , or any purging . for the disease neither can suffer agitation of humors , nor when one is infected , hath no time to bleede or to purge . ❧ outwrrd medicines for to be applied to the sore . the first ▪ take of scabious two handfuls , stampe it in a stone morter with a pestell of stone if you can get any such , then put vnto it of olde swines grease salted , two ounces , and the yelke of an egge , stampe them well together , and lay part of this warme to the sore . the second . take of the leaues of mallowes , of camomill flowers , of either of them an handfull , of linseede beaten into powder two ounces , boyle the mallow leaues first cut , and the flowers of the camomill in faire water , standing aboue a fingers breadth , boyle all them together , vntill all the water almost be spent : then put thereunto the linseede , of wheate flower halfe an handfull , of swines grease the skins taken away three ounces , of oyle of roses two ounces , stirre them still with a sticke , and let them all boyle together on a soft fire without smoke , vntill the water be vtterly spent , beate them all together in a morter , vntill they be well encorporated together , and in feeling smooth , and not rough : then make part thereof hot in a dish set vpon a chafindish of coales , and lay it thicke vpon a linnen cloth applying it to the sore . another excellent medicine to ripen and bring out the sore . take a white onion cut in pieces , of fresh butter iii. ounces , of leuen the weight of xii . d. of mallowes one handfull , of scabious if it may be had one handfull , of cloues of garlicke the weight of xx . d. boyle them on the fire in sufficient water , and make a pultesse of it , and lay it warme to the sore . another . to the sore it selfe doe thus . take two handfull of valerian , three rootes of danewort , a handfull of smalledge , or louage , if you can get it , seethe them all in butter and water , and a fewe crummes of bread , and make a pultesse thereof , and lay it warme to the sore vntill it breake . another for the same . if you cannot haue these herbes , it is good to lay a loafe of bread to it hot as it commeth out of the ouen ( which afterward shal be burnt or buried in the earth ) or the leaues of scabious or sorrell rosted , or two or three lillie rootes rosted vnder embers , beaten and applied . a generall m●dicine for all sortes of people taken with the plague to be had without cost . take of the roote of butter burre , otherwise called p●●●●●ent wort , one ounce , of the roote of great valerian a ●●arter of an ounce , of sorrell an handfull , boyle all these in a quart of water to a pint , then straine it and put there to two spoonefuls of vineger two ounces of good sugar , boyle all these together vntill they be well mingled , let the infected drinke of this so hotte as he may suffer it a good draught , and if hee chance to cast it vp againe , let him take the same quantitie straightway vpon it , and prouoke himselfe to sweate , and he shall find great helpe . time of continuance apart from common assemblies . such as haue beene infected , should keepe their house without being conuersant with y e whole , vntill the sores 〈◊〉 haue 〈…〉 and be perfectly whole and sound , which in sanguine and cholericke persons will bee healed sooner , then in melancho●●ke and flegmatike complexions . such persons may not well be conuersant with them which are not infected , for the space of one mo●●th . infected clothes . the contagion suspected to remaine in cloths , either wollen or linnen , cannot wel be auoided by 〈◊〉 meanes , then by fire and water , by often ●●●●ing and ai●ing the same in frostes , and sonne shine , with good discretion , and b●●ning the clothes o● small val●● . finis . the signes that doe declare a person to be infected with the pestilence donne, george. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the signes that doe declare a person to be infected with the pestilence donne, george. sheet ([ ] p.). t. snodham, for n. newbery, [london : ] attributed to donne by stc ( nd ed.). imprint information from stc ( nd ed.). reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the signes that doe declare a person to be infected with the pestilence . great paine and heauinesse in the head . great heat within the body , and the outward parts cold , and ready to shake , being thirsty and dry . some paine and difficultie in breathing . great desire to sleepe , and yet cannot , and sometime is vexed for want of sleepe . swelling in the stomacke with much paine . diuers and heauie lookes of the eyes , seeing all things of one colour , as greene or yellow , and the eyes changed in their colours . losse of appetite , vnsauorie taste , bitternesse of the mouth , sowre and stinking . wambling of the stomacke , and a desire to vomit , and sometime vomiting humors , bitter , and of diuers colours . heauinesse and dulnesse in all the body , and a faintnesse and weakenesse in all the limbs . risings in the necke , vnder the arme , or in the flanke , or in some other part of the body . preseruatiues against this disease . eate euery morning as much as the kernell of a nut ▪ of this electuarie which i shall keepe alwaies ready for you ; or of treacle mixed with conserues of roses , or dioscordium , the quantity of two white peason . likewise eate something euery morning before you goe abroad , as butter , walnuts , rue , a potcht-egge with vinegar , or the like . let your chambers be ayred morning & euening with good fires , wherein put luniper , frankencense , storax , bay-leaues , vinegar , rose-water , rosin , turpentine , pitch , tarre , or brimstone . when you goe abroad , chew in your mouth , the roote of angelica , gentian , ●…edoarie , turmentill , or the like . also i haue prepared tablets to weare about your necke , of which i did see great experience the last great sickenesse : as also pomanders to smell too . remedies after a person is infected . first , be carefull with all speed to vse remedyes betimes , for delay in this sickenesse is dangerous . secondly , if the sickenesse begin hot with paine in the head , and the party be of a full body let him be let bloud in the liuer vaine in the right arme , except he feele any sorenesse , then let him bleed in that arme on the side grieued . thirdly , foure houres after if he be not let bloud , let him take tenne graines ; if it be a childe vnder . yeares old , then take but . graines , of this red powder in a little methridatam , or in the pappe of an apple , and one houre after , drinke some possit-ale , made with medesweet and marigold flowers : keepe the bed , and sweat two or three houres , according to strength , but refraine from sleepe next day let him take white powder , one dramme , in the possit ▪ drinke , and sweat as before ▪ doe this three , foure , and fiue dayes : but be sure he goe to stoole once a day . in the steed of the powders , you may take methridatum one dramme and a halfe ▪ of the best london treacle one dramme ; mixe them with carduus benedictus , or angelica , or scabious waters , or the possit-drinke before mentioned , and sweat well , as before . the methridatam or london ▪ treacle , you may haue the best that i know , at the signe of the angell , ouer against the great conduit in cheape-side , lames rand. fourthly , once in foure or fiue houres , take broth or mase-ale in possit-drinke , wherein boyle as before . if he be very dry , let him take of syrupe of endiue and sorrell , of each three ounces ; water of roses and buglosse , of each one ounce , syrupe of lymons , two ounces ; mixe them , and let him take as often as he is dry one spoonefull . fiftly , if any sore or botch appeare , vse meanes with speed to draw it forth : as this is very good . take a great onion , and cut off the head , and make a hollow place in the middle ▪ fill that full of good treacle , put on the head againe , and rost it in the embers : when it is soft rosted peele it , and stampe it in a morter , & lay it hot vnto the sore , and renew it fresh once in sixe houres : or take this poultes , two lilly-rootes , mallowes two handfuls , cut and bruise them , linseed , foure spoonfuls beaten ; boyle these in water till they be soft & thicke , then put to them , . figs , raysins sliced and stoned one handfull , mixe & work these with the other , in a morter , & put to them oyle of camomile three spoonefuls , warme it , & with a cloth binde it on the sore , shift this twice a day when the sore is broken vse this , turpentine one ounce , & the yolke of an egge , oyle of s. iohn . wort , methridatam , of each half a dram , mixe al these together , & lay it on the soare , this wil heale it sixtly , when they are well , before they goe abroad , take a purge . finis . a most godly sermon preached at st. albons in woodstreet on sunday last being the of october, : shewing the necessity of selfe-denyall and humiliation by prayer and fasting before the lord in regard of the present plague we now lye under : which god in his good time remove from amongst us / by ... henry burton. burton, henry, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing b ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing b estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; :e , no ) a most godly sermon preached at st. albons in woodstreet on sunday last being the of october, : shewing the necessity of selfe-denyall and humiliation by prayer and fasting before the lord in regard of the present plague we now lye under : which god in his good time remove from amongst us / by ... henry burton. burton, henry, - . [ ] p. printed by b. alsop, london : . port. on t.p. reproduction of original in thomason collection, british library. eng self-denial -- sermons. fasts and feasts -- england -- sermons. plague -- england -- sermons. a r (wing b ). civilwar no a most godly sermon: preached at st. albons in woodstreet on sunday last, being the . of october, . shewing the necessity of selfe-den burton, henry c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a most godly sermon : preached at st. albons in woodstreet on sunday last , being the . of october , . shewing the necessity of selfe-denyall and humiliation , by prayer and fasting before the lord ; in regard of the present plague we now lye under . which god , in his good time , remove from amongst us . by that faithfull minister , and witnesse of iesus christ , m. henry burton . london , printed by b. alsop , mdcxli . a godly sermon , luke . . let him deny himselfe . doct. i. the first lesson is the a. b. c. that christ teacheth us in his schoole , is this , for a man to deny himselfe , and so is it also the highest taske that is set to any . these words were spoken to them all , a great many professed christ , and thronged upon him . therfore christ taught them a lesson , that most of them never thought of . if any one will follow me , let him deny himselfe . the condition is , let him deny himselfe , the terms are selfe-denyall . selfe-deniall consisteth , . in denying our selves in all good things . . in all evill things . . in all good things , selfe-denyall ought to be in all good things . . internall . . externall . internall as the understanding , will , and affection . so in morall habits , as temperance , fortitude , wisedome , &c. . in labour of knowledge , even of such as are gotten by study . . selfe-denyall ought to be in externall good things . . in matters of duty . . in objects . . jn matters of duty , that is toward god , where is discovered a main duty between true exercise of piety , and counterfeit , those are true , which are set down in scripture , and none else ; for god will be served of himselfe , he commandeth not as man prescript . here appears the vainnesse of that duty which is prescribed of men . those of men may be knowne like trees by their fruits . that of humane invention , set upon the conscience , those who maintain it , cannot but confesse the superstition which they maintaine . the next thing , is the duty we owe to our neighbor , as of charity , of equity , of mercy : when we have done all that is commanded , we must confesse we are unprofitable servants . here is selfe-denyall ▪ yet there may be duties of piety , where there is a want hereof , as . cor. . . there may bee seeming charity , yet fals . there may be a giving up of the body to be burned , yet want of charity ; because not proceeding from faith . even in these workes a christian must deny himselfe . vse . to condemn all popish charity , and many which they call good works , instead of denying themselvs in those works , they deny christ ; for in those works , they say they deserve the kingdome of heaven . for there is salvation in none other but in christ iesus onely . vse . to condemn another sort of carnall profane men that build their salvation on common duties , works of morality ; who say that they doe all men right ( though perhaps they are compelled so to doe ) this overthrowes the doctrine of christ , this is not to deny themselves , but to deny christ . vse . to put a difference between true charity and false , some men are naturally given to be upright , to doe justice , to deale upright . this is not to deny ones selfe , to build in these ; for this is not of grace : for workes of grace humble a man . this may be a tryall of our grace ; if they be of grace , thou wilt deny thy selfe in them . in the next place , we are to consider of certaine objects , of a threefold relation . . a naturall . . a civill . . a sensitive relation . doct. . and first a naturall relation , as to father , mother , wife , children , kindred , &c. we must deny our selves in all relation , where th●y stand in opposition unto christ , for proofe hereof . luke . . if father , mother , wife , children , &c. call us to stand in opposition to christ , in that respe●t we must hate them . mat. . . no marvell then if the world cry out of christ , and call him a seditious person . for a man to hate his parents , as he is a father ; but to deny obodience to his father , so farre as he is hinder'd from comming to christ . a noteable example is in deutr. . . the sonne must not conceale the father , if he seeke to bring him to idolatry . we must not acknowledge father and mother in bidding us to do that which christ forbiddeth . mat. . . so there is a noteable psalm . deutr. . . this denyall brought a blessing upon them , and it is a type of the gospell . for every true beleever is a priest , and must not in that respect looke upon outward relation , in competition with christ : but deny our selves in those things , which otherwise we are bound to love by the law of nature . trample upon thy father , cast off thy wife and children , saith a father , if they seeke to draw thee from christ . vse . to condemne the papist who hang all their faith and religion on their ancestors ; because they liv'd and dy'd in this religion : this is to set up the parents against christ . vse . to reprove too many papists in this land , that doe propagate their children ▪ and childrens children in that religion . many amongst us , that send their children to monasteries in rome , to make them bondslaves in darknesse for ever . god be thanked we have good lawes , & i hope we shall have them increased by the happy parliament ; but happy were it , if there were good magistrates to put those lawes in practice . vse . for parents that professe religion . when the spirit of christ toucheth the heart , then they see the true way whose heart is so touched . yet how many parents cannot endure that their children doe outstrip their parents in purity , even for this they abhorre their own children , and sometime dispossesse them ; and cannot endure them : this is lamentable : kings in their own thrones , are not above christ , much lesse parents in their families . if god come into their families , into the hearts of their children ; shall parents lift their hands up against christ to abhorre and hate their own children , because of this ? the body is received from the parents , but the soule from god ; parents may instruct their children , but not to keepe them from christ . vse . for children that have received a greater measure of light from christ , then the parents they must be modest and humble , & beare their reproches patiently for christ : but if the parents will keep them from christ , we must hate & deny our parents : but in the mean time to be patient to convince them , and ( if possible ) to perswade them . to perswade these children , that they follow this light , and not let their parents , nor any friend in the world draw them from christ . the . relation is civill , doct. a christian must deny himself in all civill relation , if princes or states make lawes against the law of christ , against his religion , & his pure ordinances , threatning punishment to those that will not observe them . herein a true christian must deny himselfe , both in matter of terrour , and in matter of favour . . in matter of terrour , whatsoever is threatned against a man , mat. . . a christian may say , i am lower then all the terrours of the world can hurt me . we should deny our selves with paul , and be reday , not onely to be bound , but to dye for christ . theodorus ( an heathen man ) was told , that he should rot above ground , i care not ( saith he ) it is all one to me , to rot above , or under ground . thus a christian should resolve against all feares , and terrour whatsoever , for christ . so for matter of favour , as polyc carpus had great promotion promised in the time of persecution , answered , i have served christ , saith he , fourty and he hath alwayes bin a good master to me , and i will not deny him now , this is selfe-denyall . how many have bin overcome with these things for want of selfe-deniall . those that are compelled to popery and popish wayes , are not christs followers , but the followers of antichrist . obj. some may say , what need we to have such a doctrine , as this of selfe-denyall , in respect of civill relation to be taught as now ? ans. god be thanked , it is true , the storme is over of this oppressing : yet this doctrine may be very usefull for this very season , we are in the expectation of a true reformation , and in the very reformation , selfe-denyall is to be used . . if some by reformation be reformed , and not others , will they be quiet ? no , the nearer we come to christ , the more we must looke for persecution , tim. . . let us not looke for a true powerfull reformation of religion without persecution . . the next thing is the consideration of such things as are . doct. . the sensitive part of man , which hath heads , pleasure , profit , honour , these must be deny'd ; they were in great esteeme amongst the heathen , these were all represented to eve , in the forbidden fruit , gen. . . and it tooke such an impression then , that every mothers child of us , have the print of it remaining upon us . i heard a story of a fish in garn●sie , when i was there , by some of the best there , that there is a fish in those sands , that being stuck by the fisher-man , her young , if she hath any in her belly , are all wounded in the very same place . this is a direct emblem of man-kind , iohn . . and with these weapons the divell assailed christ , tempting him , luke . . beginning , these are often in scripture together , phil. . do●● . . a christian must deny himselfe in pleasure and delight , even the delights of meate and drink , and lawfull recreation , which are in themselves lawfull meat & drink in a continuall moderation , keeping himselfe from excesse , and sometime in a totall abstinence for a time . . to avoid excesse at all times , luke . . many reasons there are , why we should deny our selves in the immoderate use of the creature . . it is an enemy to the soule , a enemy to all christian duties , . pet. . . . they doe hinder us in the christian race . . cor. . ▪ when a soule is over-charged , he is more fit to lye downe then to run . . it brings many evils upon a state , luke . swilling in drink brought a deluge . so in lots time ▪ sodome and gomorrah did eat and drink , and swill , till fire came downe from heaven , and burnt them all to ashes , psal. . . it brings a man in the way to hell . luke . dives there , he was so full that he forgot poore lazarus , and now he must pinch for it in hell-flames , burning in torments for ever . a christian may have great occasion of mirth : but then we must have most care of all . as the wise man saith , when thou commest to a full table , if thou hast an appetite , put a knife to thy throat . this duty is requisite for all true christians . . sometime we should wholly abstain from the creature : as for the removeall of some calamity we ly under , or to prevent a calamity comming upon us , or to procure a blessing to be fitter for some good duties examples wee have many . sam. . and ionah . ezra . so cor. . fasting keepes the spirit of prayer awake . vse . here is an heavy charge that lyeth upon many professors , it is to be wished , that the whole kingdome were not to be blamed in this , like the children of israel . isay. . . cramming themselves with a desperate saying , let us eat and drink , for tomorrow we must dye . is this a time of eating and drinking . &c. when the plague is so hot amongst us ? is this a time to be so desperate ? it is true , perhaps tomorrow we shall dye , but is this a time to drink and swill , and feast : no it is rather a time to deny our selves ; for wee may be shut up in our houses before tomorrow night , and perhaps dye tomorrow , and be swept away with the plague : is this a time to gorge our selves with eating and drinking ? what issue may we expect from hence : we had indeed a day of thanksgiving , but we had need , that the next day should have bin a day of humiliation ; for then was the plague amongst us . indeed , when the motion of humiliation was made , one in the city ( & that of great note too ) made answer , that winter was comming on , and then the plague would be stayed . object . we have had many dayes of humiliation , both publick , and private . answ. those that doe so , doe well , ezek. . . if they doe it in sincerity . many that doe it in their private families shall have a blessing on them . but let not this content us , that others doe it ; but let us all , each in our families , humble our selves by fasting and prayer , every parish , and every family . i hope this is not against the law , i am sure it is not against gods law , to have such meetings . the lord stirre up the hearts of all those whom it doth concerne to call for fasting and prayer , in these evill times . finis . certain necessary directions, aswell for the cure of the plague as for preuenting the infection; with many easie medicines of small charge, very profitable to his maiesties subiects / set downe by the colledge of physicians by the kings maiesties speciall command ; with sundry orders thought meet by his maiestie, and his priuie councell, to be carefully executed for preuention of the plague ; also certaine select statutes commanded by his maiestie to be put in execution by all iustices, and other officers of the peace throughout the realme ; together with his maiesties proclamation for further direction therein, and a decree in starre-chamber, concerning buildings and in-mates. royal college of physicians of london. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : ) certain necessary directions, aswell for the cure of the plague as for preuenting the infection; with many easie medicines of small charge, very profitable to his maiesties subiects / set downe by the colledge of physicians by the kings maiesties speciall command ; with sundry orders thought meet by his maiestie, and his priuie councell, to be carefully executed for preuention of the plague ; also certaine select statutes commanded by his maiestie to be put in execution by all iustices, and other officers of the peace throughout the realme ; together with his maiesties proclamation for further direction therein, and a decree in starre-chamber, concerning buildings and in-mates. royal college of physicians of london. [ ] p. by robert barker ... and by the assignes of iohn bill., imprinted at london : . signatures: a (-a ), b-s . c r catchword is "demenour." this item can be found at reels : and : . imperfect: item at reel : stained. reproduction of originals in the british library and harvard university. library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) 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text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion certain necessary directions , aswell for the cure of the plague , as for preuenting the infection ; with many easie medicines of small charge , very profitable to his maiesties subiects . set downe by the colledge of physicians by the kings maiesties speciall command . with sundry orders thought meet by his maiestie , and his priuie councell , to be carefully executed for preuention of the plague . also certaine select statutes commanded by his maiestie to be put in execution by all iustices , and other officers of the peace throughout the realme ; together with his maiesties proclamation for further direction there in : and a decree in starre-chamber , concerning buildings and in-mates . ¶ imprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie : and by the assignes of iohn bill . . ¶ to the iustices of peace . as the want of lawes occasioneth wrongs to be committed wittingly ; and want of knowledge of lawes carieth men into offences ignorantly : so are laws themselues a burthen when they are too many , and their very number is a cause that few are executed : where penall lawes haue otherwise no life , but in their execution . and certainely that magistrate who knowes but few , and causeth those to be duely obserued , deserueth better of the commonwealth , then he that knoweth many , and executes but few . therefore is the composition of this volume , that those few laws , and other ordinances being most needfull for the time , may bee easily had , soone knowne , and duely executed ; which is required by his maiestie . ¶ the contents of this booke . an aduice set downe by the colledge of phisicians , for preuention and cure of the plague . orders concerning health . a proclamation for quickning the lawes made for the reliefe of the poore , and the suppressing , punishing , and setling of the sturdy rogues and vagabonds . an act for the reliefe of the poore . an act for the necessary reliefe of souldiers and mariners . an act for punishment of rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggars . an act for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague . a decree of starre-chamber against inmates and ne● buildings . at whitehall . aprill , . present the kings most excellent majesty . l. archbishop of cant. lord keeper . lo. duke of lenox . l. chamberlain . earle of dorset . earle of salisbury . earle of holland . lord viso . wilmot . lord cottington . lord newburgh . m. treasurer . m. comptroller . m. vicechamberlaine . m. secretary coke . m. secretary wind●ba●● . it was this day ordered , that the iustices of peace of middlesex and surrey , shall forthwith meet together , and shall seriously consider of and set downe such rates as are fit for the raising of moneyes to build pest-houses , or to prouide other convenient habitations , or places of aboade for infected people , and to furnish them with all other necessaries for their reliefe , and shall take order for levying , and collecting the same accordingly . it is likewise thought fit and ordered , that the iustices of peace of middlesex shal repair vnto , and ioine with the lord maior and aldermen of the citie of london , in making additionall orders ( to those heretofore printed ) to bee forthwith printed for preventing , so much as may be , the increase of the infection ; and shall be hereby authorised from time to time hereafter to make such orders as they shall thinke fit and convenient for the purposes aforesaid . also the church wardens and overseers of the poore , and constables of every parish , are hereby required and enioyned to prouide themselues with bookes for their directions . lastly , the physicians of the citie of london are to renew the former booke touching their medicines against the infection , and to adde vnto and alter the same as they finde the present times and occasions to require , and to cause the said booke to be forthwith printed . to the kings most excellent maiestie . whereas it hath pleased your maiestie , out of your royall care of the safety and welfare of your subiects , by your speciall command , as also by order from the lords of your maiesties most honourable priuie councell to enioyne the colledge of physicians to renew their former book touching their medicins against the infection , and to adde vnto and alter the same , as they finde the present times and occasion to require : wee , the president and colledge of physicians , in all obedience to your royal command , haue often met and maturely considered of the premisses , and vpon serious reuiew of our former booke , haue made such additions and alterations as wee iudged most requisite for the present occasion ; which we haue caused to be printed , and now most humbly present vnto your most gracious maiestie . an aduice set downe by the colledge of physicians , by his maiesties speciall command , containing certaine necessary directions , as well for the cure of the plague , as for preuenting the infection ; with many easie medicines and of small charge , the vse wherof may be very profitable to his maiesties subiects . doctors , apothecaries and chirurgions . the church orders for praiers being first obserued as in former times , it is thought necessary that by the gouernment of the city there be appointed sixe or fowre doctors at least , who may apply themselues to the cure of the infected : and that these doctors bee stipendiaries to the city for their liues : and that to each doctor there be assigned two apothecaries and three chirurgions , who are also to be stipended by the city , that so due and true care may be taken in all things , that the people perish not without helpe , and that the infection spread not , while none take particular care to resist it , as in paris , venice , and padua , and many other cities . and if any doctor , apothecary or chirurgion stipended by the city shall happen to die in the seruice of the attendance of the plague , then their widowes suruiuing shall haue their pensions during their liues . men or goods from forreigne infected places . it is likewise necessary that there be care taken that neither men nor goods may come from any suspected places beyond the seas or in the land , without certificate of health , or else either to bee sent suddainely away , or to be put to the pest-house or some such like place for forty daies ( according to the custome of italy , ) till the certainty of their soundnesse may bee discouered . two places for entertainement are to bee prouided ; one for the sound and another for those who are infected . that all established good orders bee reuiued . that the statutes and good orders made and formerly published against common beggars , against all manner of plaies , bowling-allies , inmates , tipling-houses , lestalls , against the sale of corrupt flesh or fish , may be reuiued and strictly executed , and that the skauengers in generall , and euery particular housholder take care for the due and orderly cleansing of the streets and priuate houses , which will auaile much in this case . that dogges , catts , conies and tame pidgeons be destroyed about the towne , or to bee kept so sparingly that no offence may come by them , and that no swine be permitted to range vp and down the streets , as they frequently doe , or rather not to keepe any at all . it were also to bee wished that the slaughter-houses were vtterly put from out the liberties of the city , being in themselues very offensiue , and that tunnells in church-vaults be considered of , and the depth of graues . to be ca●tolous vpon any suspition . it is to be feared , because every one desireth his owne liberty , that none will giue notice of any suspition of the plague against themselues ; wherefore that must be the ouerseers care , vpon any notice or suspition of infection , by the helpe of the doctors , chirurgions , keepers or searchers , to finde out the truth thereof , and so to proceed accordingly , but not to depend vpon the testimony of women searchers alone . the care to be taken when a house is visited . that vpon the discouery of the infection in any house , there bee present meanes vsed to preserue the whole , as well as to cure the infectted . and that no sick person be remoued out of any house , though to another of his owne , without notice thereof to be giuen to the ouerseers and to be by them approued : or if the whole be to be remoued , that notice be giuen to the ouerseers of their remoue , and that caution be giuen that they shall not wander about till they be sound . the house that is known to be infected , though none be dead therein , to be shut vp , and carefully kept watched by more trusty men then ordinary warders , till a time after the partie be well recouered , and that time to be forty dayes at the least . caution concerning flying into the countrey . because many masters of families , presently vpon the visiting of their houses before any be dead , fly into the countrey to their friends , by which meanes the plague is often carried into the countrey : that no man shall depart his house except it be to an house not inhabited , and that it be to an house of such distance as that he may conueniently trauell thither without lying by the way , much lesse that hee send his children or seruants and this to be done , by the approbation of the ouerseers vnder their hands . that such also as remooue into the countrey before their houses bee visited , haue a certificate from the ouerseers of their parish , vnder their hands and seales , testifying , that such persons were not visited before their remoue , that by vertue thereof they may the freeli●r trauell in the countrey , and be more readily entertained . that no infected person be secretly conueied out of any house : and in any such misdemeanour the master of the house , both from which the sicke party is sent , as also the master of the house into which the partie shall be receiued without the licence of the ouerseers of both parishes respectiuely , shall be seuerally punished at the discretion of the ouerseers . because it is likely that the better sort will not call to them such doctors as are deputed to the care of the plague , vpon the first fulling sick of any in their houses , lest thereby they might draw greater infection vpon themselues ▪ if therefore any house so bring other doctors shall happen to be visited , that then the doctor , who shall ordinarily take the care of that house , shall presently cause notice of the said infection to be giuen to the ouerseers , that care may be had thereof by the physicians deputed . buriall of the dead . that one being dead in any house of the plague , notice be giuen to the ouerseers , and that the dead party be buried by night in priuate manner ; yet not without the priuity of the minister , clerk , bearers , and constable or ouerseers , and that none enter the visited house but permitted persons , vpon danger to be presently shut vp themselues , and that there be a visible marke set vpon the outside of the doore , and to stand shut vp fourty dayes , and that there be no tolling or ringing of bells at such priuate burialls . caution about apparell and housholdstuffe . that no apparell nor housholdstuffe be remoued or sold out of the infected house , for six moneths after the infection is ceased in the house , and that all the brokers and inferiour criers for apparell be restrained in that behalfe . preseruatiues . correction of the ayre . for the correcting of the infectious aire , it were good that often bonfires were made in the streets , and that sometime the tower ordnance might be shot off , as also that there be good fiers kept in & about the visited houses and their neighbours . take rosemary dried , or iuniper , baileaues or frankincense : cast thē same vpon a chafingdish , and receiue the fume or smoake thereof . also to make fiers rather in pans to remoue about the chamber , then in chimneies , shall better correct the aire of the houses , adding a piece of old iron to the fire . take a quantity of vineger very strong , and put to it some small quantity of rose-water , ten branches of rosemary , put them all into a bason , then take fiue or six flint stones , heated in the fire till they bee burning hot , cast them into the same vineger , and so let the fumes be receiued from place to place of your house . that the house be often perfumed with rue , angelica , gentian , zedoary , setwall , iuniper wood or berries burnt vpon imbers , either simply , or they may bee steeped in wine vineger , and so burnt . perfume the house and all therein with this : slake lime in vineger , and aire the house therewith , burne much tar , rosen , frankinsence or turpentine , both in the priuate houses , and in the churches before prayers . by perfuming of apparell . svch apparell as you shall commonly weare , let it be very cleane , and perfume it often , either with some virginia cedar burned , or with iuniper , and if any shall happen to be with them that are visited , let such persons , as soone as they shall come home , shift themselues , and ayre their clothes in open ayre for a time . by carrying about of perfumes . svch as are to go abroad shall do well to carry rue , angelica , or zedoarie in their hands to smell to ; and of those they may chew a little in their mouthes as they go in the street , especially if they be afraid of any place . it is not good to be ouer-fearefull , but it cannot be but bad to be ouer-presumptuous and bold . take rue one handfull , stamp it in a morter , put thereto wine vineger enough to moisten it , mixe them well , then straine out the iuyce , wet a piece of spunge , a toast of browne bread therein , tie it in a thin cloth , beare it about to smell to . take the root of angelica beaten grosly the weight of six pence , of rue and wormwood , of each the weight of foure pence , setwall the weight of three pence , bruise these , then steep them in a little wine vineger , tie them in a linen cloth ; which they may carry in their hands , or put it into a iuniper box full of holes to smell to . or they may vse this pomander . take angelica , rue , zedoarie , of each halfe a dram , myrrhe two drams , camphire six graines , wax and labdanum of each two drams , more or lesse as shall be thought fit to mixe with the other things , make hereof a ball to carry about you : you may easily make a hole in it , and so weare it about your neck with a string . the richer sort may make vse of this pomander . take citron pills , angelica seeds , zedoary , red rose leaues , of each halfe a dram , yellow sanders , lignum aloes , of each one scruple , galliae moschatae foure scruples , storax , calamit , beuzoni , of each one dram , camphire six graines , labdanum three drams , gum tragaranth dissolued in rose water enough to make it vp into a pomander , put thereto six drops of spirit of roses , inclose it into an iuory box , or weare it about your neck . by inward medicines . let none go fasting forth , euery one according to their fortunes , let them eat some such thing as may resist putrefaction . some may eat garlike with butter , a cloue two or three , according to the ability of their bodies : some may eat fasting , some of the electuary with figs and rue hereafter expressed : some may vse london treacle , the weight of eight pence in a morning , taking more or lesse , according to the age of the party ; after one houre let them eat some other breakfast , as bread and butter with some leaues of rue or sage , and in the heat of summer of sorreli or wood-sorrrell . to steep rue , wormwood or sage all night in their drink , and to drink a good draught in the morning fasting , is very wholsome , or to drink a draught of such drink after the taking of any of the preseruatiues will be very good . in all summer plagues it shal be good to vse sorrell sawce to be eaten in the morning with bread , and in the fall of the leafe to vse the iuyce of barberies with bread also . by cordialls . mithridates medicine of figs. take of good figs and walnut kirnels of each twenty foure , rue picked two good handfulls , of salt halfe an ounce or somewhat better : first stamp your figs and walnuts well together in a stone morter , then adde your rue , and last of all your salt , mixe them exceedingly well : take of this mixture euery morning fasting the weight of sixteene pence , to children and weake bodies lesse . or this will be effectuall also . take twenty walnuts , pill them , figs , fifteen , rue a good handfull , tormentill roots three drams , iuniper berries two drams , bole armoniack a dram and a halfe . first stamp your roots , then your figs and seeds , then adde your walnuts , then put to your rue and bole , and with them put thereto sixe drams of london treacle , and two or three spoonfuls of wine vineger , mixe them well in a stone motrer , and take of this euery morning the quantitie of a good nutmegg fasting they that haue cause to goe much abroad , may take as much more in the euening two houres before supper . for women with child , children , and such as cannot take bitter things , vse this . take conserue of red roses , conserue of wood-sorrell of each two ounces , conserues of borage , of sage flowers , of each sixe drams , bole armoniack , shauings of harts horne , sorrell seeds , of each two drams , yellow or white sanders halfe a dram , saffron one scruple , sirrupe of wood-sorrell , enough to make it a moist electuary ; mixe them well , take so much as a chesnut at a time , once or twice a day , as you shall finde cause . for the richer sort . take the shauings of harts horne , of pearle , of corall , tormentill rootes , zedoarie , true terra sigillata , of each one dram , citron pills , yellow , white and red sanders , of each halfe a dram , white amber , hyacinth-stone prepared , of each two scruples , bezoar stone , of the east vnicornes horne , of each . graines , citron and orange pills canded , of each three drams , lignum aloes one scruple , white suger candie , twice the weight of all the rest , mixe them well being made into a dredge powder . take the weight of . d. at a time euery morning fasting , and also in the euening about fiue a clocke or an houre before supper . with these powders and sugar there may be made lozenges , or manus christies , and with conuenient conserues they may be made into electuaries . all which and many more for their health they may haue by the aduice and directions of their owne physicians : or at least physicians will not be wanting to direct them as they may haue need to the poore for charities sake . they may also vse bezoar water , or treacle water distilled , compounded by the physicians of london , and known by the name of aqua theriacalis stillatitia , which they may vse simply ; or they may mixe them also with all their antidotes , as occasion shall require . the vse of london treacle is good both to preserue from the sicknesse , as also to cure the sicke , being taken upon the first apprehension in a greater quantitie , as to a man . drams , but lesse to a weake body , or a childe , in carduus , or dragon water . take of the finest cleare aloes you can buy , in colour like to a liuer , and therefore called hepatica , of cinamon , of myrrhe , of each of these the weight of three french crownes , or of two and twentie pence of our money , of cloues , maces , lignum aloes , of mastick , of bole orientall , of each of these halfe an ounce , mingle them together , and beat them into a very fine powder : of the which take every morning fasting the weight of a groat in white wine delayed with water . take a dry figg and open it , and put the kernell of a walnut into the same , being cut very small , three or fower leaues of rue commonly called herbgrace , a corne of salt , then rost the figg and eat it warme , fast three or fower houres after it , and vse this twice in the weeke . take the powder of tormentill , the weight of six pence , with sorrell or scabious water in summer , and in the winter with the water of valerian , or common drincke wherein hath bene infused the fore named herbes . or else , in one day they may take a little wormewood and valerian with a graine of salt , in an other day they may take seuen or eight berries of iuniper , dried and put in powder , and taking the same with common drincke , or with drincke in which wormewood and rue hath been steeped all night . also the treacle called diatessaroum , which is made but of foure things , of light price easie to be had . also the roote of enula campana taken in powder with drinke . likewise a piece of arras roote kept in the mouth as men passe in the streets . take six leaues of sorrell , wash them with water and vineger , let them lie in the said water and vineger a while : then eats them fasting , and keepe in your mouth and chew now and then either setwall or the roote of angelica or a little cinamom , or foure graines of myrrhe or so much of rattle snake roote . by medicines purgatiue : it is good for preuention to keep the bodie reasonable open , especially with such things as are easie of operation and good to resist putrefaction , such are these pills which are vsually to be had at good apothecaries , and are called pestilentiall pills . take aloes two ounces , myrrhe and saffron , of each an ounce , ammoniacum halfe an ounce ; make them vp into a masse with the iuice of limons , or white wine vineger , to keep the bodie open , a small pill or two will be enough taken a little before supper , or before dynner , but to purge the bodie take the weight of a dram made into fiue or six or more pills in the morning fasting , and that day keepe your chamber . if the patient be costine and bound in his body , let him take a suppositary made with a little boiled honey , and a little fine powder of salt , and so taken in at the fundament , and kept till it mooue a stoole . for the poore take aloes the waight of six pence , put in the pappe of an apple : and for the richer , pills of ruffus to be had in euery apothecaries shop . such as are tied to necessarie attendance on the infected , as also such as liue in visited houses shall doe well to cause issues to to be made in their left armes or right legs , or both as the doctor shall thinke fit . blood letting . if the patient be ful of bloud and strong , let him be let bloud vpon the liuer-veine in the right arme , or in the median veine of the same arme ( if no sore appeare . ) for bloud-letting and strong purging there must bee particular directions had from the doctors deputed according to the constitution of the parties . these two last remdies of blood-letting , and strong purgings , are to bee vsed the first day that the patient shall fall sicke as cause shall be to vse the one or the other , ( no sore appearing ) in which case , if any sore or spots shall appeare , they are both to be forborne . vomits . to prouoke vomit , with two ounces of ranck oyle , or walnut oyle , a spoonefull of the iuice of celendine , and halfe a spoonfull of the iuice of radish roote , or two spoonfuls of oxymel of squils with posset drink and oile . medicines expulsiue . the poison is expelled best by sweating prouoked by posset ale made with fennell and marigolds in winter , and with sorrell , buglosse , and borage in summer , with the which in both times they must mingle london treacle , the waight of two drammes : and so to lay themselues with all quietnesse to sweat one halfe houre , or an houre if they be strong . for the cure of the infected vpon the first apprehension , b ur seeds , cucheneely , powder of harts horne , citron seeds one , or more of them , with a few graines of camphire , are good to bee giuen in carduus or dragon water , or with some treacle water . take burre seeds and cucheneely , of each halfe a dramme , or to a weak body of each one scruple , camphire fiue graines , mix these with two ounces of carduus or dragon water , halfe an ounce of treacle water , sirrup of wood sorrell a spoonefull , mix these , giue it the patient warme , couer him to sweat , you may giue him a second draught after twelue houres , let him drinke no cold drinke , this posset drinke or the like will be good to giue the visited liberally . take wood-sorrell halfe a handfull , marigold flowers halfe so much , shavings of harts-horne three drams , a figge or two sliced , boile them well in cleare posset drink , let them drink thereof freely , you may put thereto a little suger . take citron seeds six or eight , shavings of harts-horne halfe a dramme , london treacle one dramme , mix them with two ounces of carduus water , or with three ounces of the prescribed posset drinke . drinke it warme and so lie to sweat . take sorrell-water fiue or sixe spoonfuls , treacle-water one spoonefull , london-treacle one dramme and a halfe , mix them well , giue it warme , and so lay the patient to sweat . take tormentill and celandine roots of each foure ounces , scabious and rue of each one handfull and a halfe , white wine viniger three pints , boile these till one pint be wasted , straine out the liquor , which reserue for the vse of the infected : let it be taken thus . take of this liquor and of carduus water of each one ounce and an halfe , london treacle one dramme and a halfe . bole-armoniak halfe a scruple , put thereto a litte sugar , mix them well , let the partie drinke it warme , and couer him to sweat . in summer this is good . take the iuice of wood-sorrel two ounces , the iuice of lymons one ounce , diascordium one dramme , cinamom sixe grains , viniger halfe an ounce , giue it warme , and lay the sicke party to sweat . vse this in case of fluxes of the belly or want of rest . take an egge and make a hole in the top of it , take out the white and yolke , fill the shell with the weight of two french crownes of saffron , rost the said egge thus filled with saffron vnder the embers , vntill the shell begin to wax yellow . then take it from the fire , and beat the shell and saffron in a morter together with halfe a spoonefull of mustard seed . take of this powder a french crowne waight , and as soone as you suspect your selfe infected , dissolue it into ten spoonfuls of posset ale , and drinke it luke-warme , then go to bed and prouoke your selfe to sweating . or , take one dram of the electuarium de ouo . take fiue or six handfuls of sorrell that groweth in the field , or a greater quantity according as you wil distill more or lesse of the water thereof , and let it lie infused or steeped in good vineger the space of twenty foure houres , then take it off and dry it with a linen cloth , and put it into a limbeck , and distill the water thereof , and as soone as you finde your selfe touched with the sicknesse , drinke foure spoonfuls of the said water with a little sugar , and if you be able walk vpon it vntill you sweat , if not , keep your bed , and being well couered prouoke your selfe to sweating . take of the root butter-burre , otherwise called pestilent ▪ wort one ounce , of the root of great valerian a quarter of an ounce , of sorrell an handfull , boyle all these in a quart of water to a pinte , then straine it , and put thereto two spoonefulls of vineger , two ounces of good sugar , boyle all these together vntill they be well mingled : let the infected drink of this so hot as he may suffer it , a good draught , and if he chance to cast it vp againe , let him take the same quantity straight way vpon it , and prouoke himselfe to sweat . or the infected may take one dram of this powder following . take sugar of roses foure ounces , ginger two ounces , camphire one ounce , make these into fine powder , keep it made vp into balls with wine . take of the powder of good bay-berry , the huske taken away from them , before they be dried , a spoonfull ; let the patient drinke this well mingled in a draught of good stale ale or beere , or with a draught of white wine , and go to bed , and cast himselfe into a sweat , and forbeare sleep . take the inward bark of the ash-tree one pound , of walnuts with the greene outward shels to the number of fiftie , cut these small ; of scabious , of veruin , of euery one a handfull , of saffron two drams , powre vpon these the strongest vineger you can get foure pintes , let them a little boyle together vpon a very soft fire , and then stand in a very close pot well stopt all a night vpon the embers , after distill them with a soft fire , and receiue the water close kept . giue vnto the patient laid in bed and well couered with clothes , two ounces of this water to drinke , and let him bee prouoked to sweat , and euery eight houres during the space of twenty foure houres giue him the same quantitie to drinke . care must bee taken in the vse of these sweating cordialls , that the party infected sweat two or three houres , if hee haue strength , and sleep not till the sweat bee ouer , and that hee haue beene well wiped with warme linen , and when he hath been dried let him wash his mouth with water and vineger warme , and let his face and hands bee washed with the same : when these things are done , giue him a good draught of broath made with chicken or mutton with rosemary , thyme , sorrell , succory and marigolds ; or else water-grewell , with rosemary and winter-sauory , or thyme panado seasoned with veriuyce or iuyce of wood-sorrell . for their drinke let it be small beere warmed with a toste , or water boiled with carraway seed , carduus seed , and a crust of bread , or such posset drinke as is mentioned before in the second medicine ; after some nutriment let them sleepe or rest often washing their mouth with water and vineger . these cordials must be repeated once in eight , ten or twelue houres at the furthest . if the partie infected vomit vp his medicine , then repeat , it presently , or else giue him two or three spoonefuls of vineger of squills , or oxymel of squills with ▪ posset drink , and then after proceed . medicines externall . vesicatories applied to the armes , inside of the thighes , or about the bottome of the calfe of the leg , will draw forth the venome : but the vse of these requires the direction of the doctors deputed . for the swelling vnder the eares , arme-pits , or in the groines , they must bee alwayes drawen forth and ripened , and broke with all speed . these tumors , and much more the carbuncles and blaines doe require the care and skill of the expert chirurgion : but not to leave the poorer sort destitute of good remedies , these following are very good . pull off the feathers from the tailes of liuing cocks , hennes , pigeons , or chickens , and holding their bills , hold them hard to the botch or swelling , and so keepe them at that part vntill they die , and by this meanes draw out the poison . it is good to apply a cupping glasse or embers in a dish , with a handfull of sorrell vpon the embers . to breake the tumor . take a great onion , hollow it , put into it a figge , rue cut small , and a dram of venice treacle , put it close stopped in a wet paper , and roste it in the embers . apply it hot vnto the tumor , lay three or foure one after another , let one lie three houres scabious and sorrell rosted in the embers mixt with a little strong leaven , and some barrowes grease , and a little salt , will draw it and breake it . take two or three rosted onions , a lillie root or two rosted , a handfull of scabious rosted , foure or fiue figs , a piece of leauen and a little rue , stampe all these together , if it be too dry , put to it two ounces of oile of lillies , or so much salt butter , make a pultesse , applie it hot , after it hath lien three or foure houres , take it off and burne it , and apply a fresh pultesse of the same , if it proue hard to breake , adde a little burnt copperasse to the pultesse . or this . take the flowers of elders two handfuls , rocker seed bruised one ounce , pigeons dung three drams : stampe these together , put to them a little oile of lillies , make thereof a pultesse , apply it and change it as you did the former . to draw . vvhen it is broken , to draw it & heale it take the yolke of an egge , one ounce of honey of roses , turpentine halfe an ounce , wheat flowre a little , london treacle a dram and a halfe , mixe these wel , spread it vpon leather , change it twice a day , or take diachylon cum gummis . for the carbuncle . applie an actuall or potentiall cautery , saying a defensatiue of bole ▪ armoniack , or terra sigillata , mixed with vineger and the white of an egge , round about the tumour , but not vpon it . take three or foure cloues of garlick , rue halfe a handfull , foure figges , strong leauen , and the soote of a chymney in which wood hath beene burnt , of each , halfe an ounce , mustard-seed two drams , salt a dram and a halfe , stampe these well together , and applie it hot to the sore : you may put thereto a little salt butter , if it be too dry . or this . take leaven halfe an ounce , radish rootes the bigger the better , an ounce and an halfe , mustard-seed two drams , onions and garlick rosted , of each two drams and a halfe , venice treacle , or mithridatum , three drams , mixe these in a morter , applie it hot thrice a day to the sore . but these sores cannot be well ordered and cured , without the personall care of a discreet surgeon . take of scabious two handfuls , stamp it in a stone morter , with a pestle of stone if you can get any such , then put into it of old swines grease salted two ounces , and the yolke of an egge , stampe them well together , and lay part of this warme to the sore . take of the leaues of mallowes , of camomyll flowers , or either of them a handfull , of linseed beaten into powder two ounces , boyle the mallow leaues first cut , and the flowers of camomyll in faire water , standing about a fingers breadth : boyle all them together , vntill all the water be almost spent , then put thereunto the linseed , of wheat flowre halfe a handfull , of swines grease , the skinnes taken away , three ounces , of oyle of lillies two ounces , stir them still with a stick , and let them all boyle together on a soft fire without smoake , vntill the water bee vtterly spent : beat them altogether in a morter vntill they be well incorporated , and in feeling , smooth and not rough . then take part thereof hot in a dish , set vpon a chafindish of coales , and lay it thick vpon a linen cloth , applying it to the sore . take a white onion cut in pieces , of fresh butter three ounces , of leauen the weight of twelue pence , of mallowes one handfull , of scabious , if it may bee had , one handfull , of cloves of garlick the weight of twenty pence : boyle them on the fire in sufficient water , and make a pultesse of it , and lay it warme to the sore . another . take two handfuls of valerian , three rootes of danewort , an handfull of smallage or lovage . seeth them all in butter and water , and a few crums of bread , and make a pultesse thereof , and lay it warme to the sore till it breake . another . if you cannot haue these hearbes , it is good to lay a loafe of bread to it hot , as it commeth out of the oven ( which afterward shall be burnt or buried in the earth ) or the leaues of scabious or sorrell rosted , or two or three lilly rootes , rosted vnder embers , beated and applied . ¶ orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie councell , to be executed throughout the counties of this realme , in such townes , villages and other places as are , or may be hereafter infected with the plague , for the stay of further increase of the same . as the most louing and gracious care of his maiesty for the preseruation of his people , hath already beene earnestly shewed and declared by such meanes and waies as were thought expedient to suppresse the grieuous infection of the plague , and to preuent the increase thereof , within the city of london , & parts about it ; so whatsoeuer other good meanes may bee yet remaining which may extend and proue behouefull to the countrey abroad ( where his maiestie is sorry to vnderstand that the contagion is also in many places dispersed ) it is likewise his gracious pleasure , that the same be carefully prouided and put in practise . and therefore hauing taken knowledge of certaine good orders that were vpon like occasion published in time past , together with certaine rules and medicines prescribed by the best and most learned physicians , and finding both of them to serue well for the present time , his maiesty is pleased , that the same shall be renewed and published : and withall straitly commandeth all iustices of the peace , and others to whom it may appertaine , to see the said orders duely executed . at the court at hāpton court this . of iuly . . infection of the plague . inprimis , all the iustices in euery county , aswel within the liberties as without , immediately upon knowledge to them giuen , shall assemble themselues together at some one generall place accustomed , being clear from infection of the plague , to consult how these orders following may be duly put in execution : not meaning that any iustices dwelling in or neere places infected , shall come thither , whiles their comming may be doubtfull . and after their first generall assembly , they shall make a distribution of themselves to sundry limits and diuisions , as in other common seruices of the county they are accustomed to doe , for the prosecution thereof . first , they shall enquire , and presently informe themselues by all good meanes , what towns and villages are at the time of such assembly infected within every their counties , and in what hundred or other diuision the said townes and villages are , and how many of the same places so infected are corporate townes , market townes , and villages , and shall consider of what wealth the inhabitants of the same townes and parishes are , to be able to relieue the poore that are or shal be infected , and to be restrained in their houses . item , thereupon after conference vsed according to the necessitie of the cause , they shall deuise and make a general taxation , either by charging the towne infected with one summe in grosse , or by charging the speciall persons of wealth within the same , to be forth with collected for the rate of one moneth at the first , and so if the sicknesse shall continue , the collection of the like summe , or of more or of lesse , as time and cause shall require , and the same to be every first , second , third or fourth weeke employed to and for the execution of the said orders . and in case some of the said townes infected , shall manifestly appeare not to bee of sufficient abilitie to contribute sufficient for the charges requisite , then the taxation or collection shall bee made or further extended to other parts , or in any other further limits , as by them shall bee thought requisite , where there shall be any such townes or villages so infected , and vnable to relieue themselues . and if the said townes be situated in the borders & confines of any other shire , then as the iustices shall see cause and need for the greatnesse of the charge requisite , that the parts of the shire ioyning to the towns infected be not able , they shal write their letters to the next iustices of the other shire so confining , to procure by collection some reliefe , as in like cases they are to relieue them , in respect of neere neighbourhood of the place , & for that the same infection may be the better stayed from the said adioyning places , though they be separated by name of the county . item , they shall cause to be appointed in euery parish aswell infected as not infected , certaine persons to view the bodies of all such as shall die , before they be suffered to be buried , and to certifie the minister of the church and churchwarden , or other principall officers , or their substitutes of what probable disease the said persons died : and the said viewers , to haue weekely some allowance , & the more large allowance where the townes or parishes bee infected , during the infection , towards their maintenance , to the end they which shal be in places infected , may forbeare to resort into the company of others that are sound : and those persons to be sworne to make true report according to their knowledge , & the choise of them to bee made by direction of the curate of the church , with three or foure substantiall men of the parish . and in case the said viewers either through fauour or corruption ▪ shall giue wrong certificate , or shal refuse to serue being thereunto appointed , then to cause them to be punished by imprisonment , in such sort as may serue for a terrour to others . item , the houses of such persons out of the which there shall die any of the plague , beeing so certified by the viewers , or otherwise knowen , or where it shall bee vnderstood , that any person remaineth sicke of the plague , to bee closed vp in all parts during the time of restraint , viz. sixe weekes , after the sicknesse be ceased in the same house , in case the said houses so infected shal be within any towne hauing houses neere adioyning to the same . and if the infection happen in houses dispersed in villages , and separated from other houses , and that of necessitie , for the seruing of their cattell , and manuring of their ground , the said persons cannot continue in their houses , then they bee neuerthelesse restrained from resorting into company of others , either publikely , or priuately during the said time of restraint , and to weare some mark in their vppermost garments , or beare white rods in their hands at such time as they shall goe abroad : yf there be any doubt that the masters and owners of the houses infected , will not duely obserue the directions of shutting vp the doores , specially in the night , then shall there be appointed two or three watchmen by turnes , which shall be sworne to attend & watch the house , and to apprehend any person that shall come out of the house contrary to the order , and the same persons by order of the iustices , shall be a competent time imprisoned in the stockes in the high way next to the house infected : and furthermore , some special marke shall be made and fixed to the doores of euery of the infected houses , and where any such houses shall be innes or alehouses , the signes shall be taken downe for the time of the restraint , and some crosse , or other mark set vpon the place thereof to be a token of the sickenesse . item , they shall haue good regard to chuse honest persons , that either shall collect the summes assessed , or shall haue the custodie thereof , and out of the said collection to allot a weekly proportion for the finding of victuall , or fire , or medicines for the poorer sort , during the time of their restraint . and whereas some persons being well disposed to yeeld almes and reliefe , will be more willing to giue some portions of victuall , as corne , bread , or other meat , the same shall be committed to the charge of some special persons , that will honestly and truely preserue the same , to be distributed as they shall be appointed for the poore that are infected . item , to appoint certaine persons dwelling within the townes infected , to prouide and deliuer all necessaries of victuals , or any matter of watching or other attendance , to keep such as are of good wealth being restrained , at their owne proper costs and charges , and the poore at the common charges : and the said persons so appointed to be ordered , not to resort to any publike assembly during the time of such their attendance , as also to weare some marke on their vpper garment , or to beare a white rod in their hand , to the end others may auoide their company . item , that in the shire towne in euery countie , and in other great townes meete for that purpose , there may be prouision bespoken and made , of such preseruatiues and other remedies , which otherwise in meaner towns cannot be readily had , as by the physicians shall be prescribed , and is at this present reduced into an aduice made by the physicians , and now printed and sent with the said orders , which may be fixed in market-places , vpon places vsuall for such publique matters , and in other townes in the bodies of the parish churches , and chappels : in which aduice only such things are prescribed , as vsually are to be had and found in all countreys without great charge or cost . item , the ministers and curats , and the churchwardens in euery parish , shall in writing certifie weekely to some of the iustices , residing within the hundred or other limit where they serue , the number of such persons as are infected and doe not die , and also of all such as shall die within their parishes , and their diseases probable whereof they died , and the same to be certified to the rest of the iustices at their assemblies , which during some conuenient time would be euery one and twenty dayes , and thereof a particular book kept by the clerk of the peace , or some such like . item , to appoint some place apart in each parish for the buriall of such persons as shall die of the plague , as also to giue order that they be buried after sun setting , and yet neuerthelesse by day light , so as the c●eate be present for the obseruation of the rites and ceremonies prescribed by the law , foreseeing as much as coueniently he may , to be distant from the danger of infection of the person dead , or of the company that shall bring the corpse to the graue . item , the iustices , of the whole countie to assemble once in one and twentie dayes , to examine whether those orders be duely executed , and to certifie to the lords of the priuie councell their proceedings in that behalfe , what townes and villages be infected , as also the numbers of the dead , and the diseases whereof they dyed , and what summes of money are taxed and collected to this purpose , and how the same are distributed . item , the iustices of the hundred , where any such infection is , or the iustices next adioyning thereunto , to assemble once a weeke , to take accompt of the execution of the said orders , and as they finde any lacke or disorder , either to reforme it themselues , or to report it at the generall assembly there , to be by a more common consent reformed . item , for that the contagion of the plague groweth and encreaseth no way more , then by the vse and handling of such clothes , bedding and other stuffe as hath bin worne and occupied by the infected of this disease , during the time of their disease : the said iustices shal in the places infected take such order , that all the said clothes and other stuffe , so occupied by the diseased , so soone as the parties diseased of the plague are all of them either well recouered or dead , be either burnt and cleane consumed with fire , or else aired in such sort as is prescribed in an especiall article contained in the aduice set downe by the physicians . and for that peraduenture the losse of such apparell , bedding , and other stuffe to be burnt , may be greater then the poore estate of the owners of the same may well beare : it is thought very good & expedient , if it be thought meet it shall be burnt , that then the said iustices , out of such collections as are to be made within their counties for the reliefe of the poorer sort that be infected , allow also them such summe or summes as to them shall be thought reasonable , in recompense of the losse of their said stuffe . item , the said iustices may put in execution any other orders that by them at their generall assembly shall be deuised and thought meet , tending to the preseruation of his maiesties subiects from the infection . and to the end their care and diligence may the better appeare , they shall certifie in writing the said orders newly deuised : and if any shall wilfully break and contemne the same , or any the orders herein specified , they shall either presently punish them by imprisonment , or if the persons so contemning them , shall be of such countenance as the iustices shall thinke meet to haue their faults known to his maiestie , or to the councell , they shall charge and binde them to appeare before vs , and the contempt duely certified , that there may be a more notorious sharpe example made by punishment of the same by order of his maiesty . item , if there be lacke of iustices in some parts of the shire , or if they which are iustices there , shall be for the time absent , in that case the more number of the iustices at their assembly shall make choice of some conuenient persons to supply those places for the better execution hereof . item , if there be any person ecclesiasticall or lay , that shall hold and publish any opinions ( as in some places report is made ) that it is a vain thing to forbeare to resort to the infected , or that it is not charitable to forbid the same , pretending that no person shall die but at their time prefixed , such persons shall be not onely reprehended , but by order of the bishop , if they be ecclesiasticall , shall be forbidden to preach , and being lay , shall be also enioyned to forbear to vtter such dangerous opinions vpon pain of imprisonment , which shall be executed , if they shall perseuere in that errour . and yet it shall appeare manifestly by these orders , that according to christian charity , no persons of the meanest degree shall be left without succour and reliefe . and of these things aboue mentioned , the iustices shall take great care , as of a matter specially directed and commanded by his maiesty vpon the princely and natural care he hath conceiued towards the preseruation of his subiects , who by very disorder , and for lacke of direction do in many parts wilfully procure the increase of this generall contagion . ¶ orders conceiued and agreed to bee published by the lord maior and aldermen of the citie of london , and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey , by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable privy councell . whereas in the first yeere of the reigne of our late soueraigne , king iames of happy memory , ouer this realme of england , an acte was made for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague : whereby authority is giuen to iustices of peace , maiors , bayliffes , and other head officers , to appoint within their seuerall limits examiners , searchers , watchmen , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places infected , and to minister unto them oathes for the performance of their offices . and the same statute also authoriseth the giving of other directions , as unto them for the present necessity shall seeme good in their discretions . it is therefore vpon speciall consideration thought very expedient for the preuenting and auoyding of the infection of sicknesse ( if it shal please almighty god ) which is now dangerously dispersed into many places within the city and suburbes of the same : that these officers following bee appointed , and these orders hereafter prescribed bee duely obserued . examiners to be appointed in euery parish . first , it is thought requisite and so ordered , that in euery parish there be one , two , or more persons of good sort and credit , chosen and appointed by the alderman , his deputy , and common councell of euery ward , and by the iustices of peace in the counties , by the name of examiners , to continue in that office the space of two moneths at least : and if any fit persons so appointed as aforesaid , shall refuse to vndertake the same , the said parties so refusing , to bee committed to prison vntill they shall conforme themselues accordingly . the examiners office. that these examiners bee sworne by the alderman , or by one of the iustices of the county , to enquire and learne from time to time what houses in euery parish be visited , and what persons be sicke , and of what diseases , as neere as thy can enforme themselues , and vpon doubt in that case , to command restraint of accesse , vntill it appeare what the disease shall proue : and if they finde any person sicke of the infection , to giue order to the constable that the house be shut vp : and if the constable shal be found remisse or negligent , to giue present notice thereof to the alderman , or the iustice of peace respectiuely . watchmen . that to euery infected house there be appointed two watchmen , one for the day and the other for the night : and that these watchmen haue a speciall care that no person goe in or out of such infected houses , whereof they haue the charge , vpon paine of seuere punishment . and the sayd watchmen to doe such further offices as the sicke house shall neede and require : and if the watchman be sent vpon any busines , to lock vp the house and take the key with him : and the watchman by day to attend vntil ten of the clocke at night : and the watchman by night till sixe in the morning . chirurgions . that there bee a speciall care , to appoint women searchers in euery parish , such as are of honest reputation , & of the best sort as can be got in this kinde : and these to be sworne to make due search and true report , to the vtmost of their knowledge , whether the persons , whose bodies they are appointed to search , doe die of the infection , or of what other diseases , as neere as they can . and for their better assistance herein , forasmuch as there hath beene heretofore great abuse in misreporting the disease , to the further spreading of the infection : it is therefore ordered , that there bee chosen and appointed three able and discreet chirurgions , besides those three , that doe already belong to the pesthouse : amongst whom , the citie and liberties to be quartered , as the places lie most apt and conuenient : and euery of these sixe to haue one quarter for his limit : and the said chirurgions in euery of their limits to ioyne with the searchers for the view of the bodie , to the end there may bee a true report made of the disease . and further , that the said chirurgeons shall visite and search such like persons as shall either send for them , or bee named and directed vnto them , by the examiners of euery parish , and informe themselues of the disease of the said parties . and forasmuch as the said chirurgions are to bee sequestred from all other cures , and kept onely to this disease of the infection : it is ordered , that euery of the said chirurgions shall haue twelue pence a body searched by them , to bee paid out of the goods of the party searched , if he be able , or otherwise by the parish . orders concerning infected houses and persons sicke of the plague . notice to be giuen of the sicknesse . the master of euery house , assoone as any one in his house complaineth , either of botch , or purple , or swelling in any part of his body , or falleth otherwise dangerously sicke , without apparant cause of some other disease , shall giue knowledge thereof to the examiner of health within two houres after the said signe shall appeare . sequestration of the sicke . as soon as any man shal be found by this examiner , chirurgion or searcher , to be sick of the plague , he shall the same night be sequestred in the same house . and in case he be so sequestred , then though he afterwards die not , the house wherein hee sickned , shall be shut vp for a moneth , after the vse of due preseruatiues taken by the rest . ayring the stuffe . for sequestration of the goods and stuffe of the infected , their bedding , and apparell , and hangings of chambers , must be well ayred with fire , and such perfumes as are requisite within the infected house , before they be taken againe to vse : this to be done by the appointment of the examiner . shutting vp of the house . if any person shall haue visited any man , knowne to be infected of the plague , or entred willingly into any knowen infected house , being not allowed : the house wherein he inhabiteth , shall be shut vp for certaine dayes by the examiners direction . none to be remooued out of infected houses , but &c. item , that none bee remooued out of the house where he falleth sick of the infection , into any other house in the citie , borough , or county ( except it be to the pest-house or a tent , or vnto some such house , which the owners of the said visited house holdeth in his owne hands , and occupieth by his owne seruants ) and so as securitie be giuen to the parish whither such remooue is made , that the attendance and charge about the said visited persons , shall be obserued and charged in all the particularities before expressed , without any cost of that parish , to which any such remoue shall happen to be made , and this remoue to be done by night : and it shall be lawfull to any person that hath two houses , to remooue either his sound or his infected people to his spare house at his choice , so as if he send away first his sound , he may not after send thither the sick , nor againe vnto the sick the sound : and that the same which he sendeth , be for one weeke at the least shut vp , and secluded from company for feare of some infection , at the first not appearing . buriall of the dead . that the buriall of the dead by this visitation be at most conuenient houres , alwayes either before sunne rising , or after sunne setting , with the priuitie of the churchwardens or constables , and not otherwise , and that no neighbours nor friends be suffered to accompany the coarse to church , or to enter the house visited , vpon paine of hauing his house shut vp , or bee imprisoned . no infected stuffe to be vttered . that no clothes , stuffe , bedding or garments be suffred to be carried or conueyed out of any infected houses , and that the criers and caries abroad of bedding or olde apparell to be sold or pawned , be vtterly prohibited and restrained , and no brokers of bedding , or olde apparell bee permitted to make any outward shew , or hang forth on their stalles , shop-boords or windowes , towards any streete , lane , common way or passage , any olde bedding or apparell to bee solde , vpon paine of imprisonment : and if any broker or other person shall buy any bedding , apparell , or other stuffe out of any infected house , within two moneths after the infection hath been there , his house shall bee shut vp as infected , and so shall continue shut vp twenty dayes at the least . no person to be conueyed out of any infected house . if any person visited doe fortune , by negligent looking vnto , or by any other meanes , to come or be conueyed from a place infected , to any other place , the parish from whence such party hath come , or beene conueyed , vpon notice thereof giuen , shall at their charge cause the said party so visited and escaped , to bee caried and brought backe againe by night , and the parties in this case offending , to be punished at the direction of the alderman of the ward , and the iustices of the peace respectiuely : and the house of the receiuer of such visited person to be shut vp for twenty dayes . euery visited house to be marked . that euery house visited be marked with a red crosse of a foot long , in the middle of the doore , euident to bee seene , and with these vsuall printed words , that is to say , lord haue mercy vpon vs , to bee set close ouer the same crosse , there to continue vntill lawfull opening of the same house . euery visited house to be watched . that the constables see euery house shut vp , and to be attended with watchmen , which may keepe them in , and minister necessaries vnto them at their own charges ( if they be able ) or at the common charge if they be vnable : the shutting vp to be for the space of foure weekes after all be whole . that precise order be taken that the searchers , chirurgions , keepers and buriers are not to passe the streets without holding a red rod or wand of three foot in length in their hands , open and euident to be seene , and are not to goe into any other house , then into their owne , or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for , but to forbeare and abstaine from company , especially when they haue been lately vsed in any such businesse or attendance . and to this end it is ordered , that a weekely taxe be made in euery parish visited : if in the city or borough , then vnder the hand of the alderman of the ward , where the place is visited : if in either of the counties , then vnder the hands of some of the iustices next to the place visited , who , if there bee cause , may extend the taxe into other parishes also , and may giue warrant of distresse against them which shall refuse to pay : and for want of distresse , or for assistance , to commit the offenders to prison , according to the statute in that behalfe . orders for cleansing and keeping of the streets sweet . the streets to be kept cleane . first , it is thought very necessary and so ordered , that euery house-holder do cause the street to bee daily pared before his doore , and so to keep it cleane sweptall the weeke long . that rakers take it from out the houses . that the sweeping and filth of houses be dayly caried away by the rakers , and that the raker shall giue notice of his comming by the blowing of a horne , as heretofore hath beene done . laystals to be made far off from the city . that the laystals bee remooued as farre as may be out of the city , and common passages , and that no night-man or other be suffered to empty a vault into any garden neere about the citie . care to be had of vnwholsome fish , or flesh , and of mustie corne. that speciall care be taken , that no stinking fish , or vnwholesome flesh , or mustie corne , or other corrupt fruits , of what sort soeuer , be suffered to be sold about the city or any part of the same . that the bruers and tipling houses be looked vnto , for mustie and vnwholesome caske . that order be taken , that no hogs , dogs , or cats , or tame pigeons , or conies be suffered to be kept within any part of the city , or any swine to be , or stray in the streets or lanes , but that such swine bee impounded by the beadle or any other officer , & the owner punished according to the act of common councell , and that the dogs be killed by the dog killers , appointed for that purpose . orders concerning loose persons , and idle assemblies . beggers . for asmuch as nothing is more complained on , then the multitude of rogues and wandering beggers , that swarme in euery place about the city , being a great cause of the spreading of the infection , & will not be auoided , notwithstanding any order that hath been giuen to the contrary : it is therefore now ordered , that such constables , and others whom this matter may any way concerne , doe take speciall care , that no wandering begger be suffered in the streets of this city , in any fashion or manner whatsoeuer vpon paine of the penalty prouided by the law to be duely and seuerely executed vpon them . playes . that all plaies , beare-baitings , games , singing of ballads , buckler-play , or such like causes or assemblies of people , bee vtterly prohibited , and the parties offending , seuerely punished , by any alderman , or iustice of the peace . tipling houses . that disorderly tipling in tauernes ale-houses and cellers , be seuerely looked vnto , as the common sinne of this time , and greatest occasion of dispersing the plague : and where any shall be found to offend , the penalty of the statute to be laid vpon them with all seuerity . and for the better execution of these orders , as also for such other directions as shall be needfull , it is agreed that the iustices of the city and the counties adioyning doe meete together once in ten dayes either at the sessions house without newgate , or some other conuenient place , to conferre of things as shall be needfull in this behalfe . and euery person neglecting the duety required , or willingly offending against any article or clause contained in these orders , he to be seuerely punished by imprisonment , or otherwise , as by the law he ought . god saue the king. ❧ by the king . ¶ a proclamation for quickning the lawes made for the reliefe of the poore , and the suppressing , punishing , and setling of the sturdy rogues and vagabonds . whereas many excellent lawes and statutes with great iudgement and prouidence haue been made in the times of our late deare and royall father , and of the late queene elizabeth , for the reliefe of the impotent and indigent poore , and for the punishing , suppressing , and setling of the sturdy rogues and vagabonds , which lawes and statutes , if they were duely obserued , would be of exceeding great vse for the peace and plenty of this realme , but the neglect thereof is the occasion of much disorder , and many insufferable abuses . and whereas it is fit at all times to put in execution those lawes which are of so necessary , and so continuall vse : yet the apparant aud visible danger of the pestilence , ( vnlesse the same by gods gracious mercie , and our prouident endeuours be preuented ) doth much more require the same at this prsent . we have therefore thought it fit , by the aduice of our priuie councell , by this our publike proclamation , straightly to charge and command , that all our louing subiects in their seuerall places , doe use all possible care and diligence as a principall meanes to preuent the spreading , and dispersing of that contagious sicknesse , to obserue and put in due execution , all the said lawes made and prouided against rogues and vagabonds , and for the reliefe of the truely poore and impotent people . and in the first place , wee strictly charge and command , that in our cities of london , and westminster , and suburbs thereof , and places adiacent thereunto , and generally throughout the whole kingdome , that there bee carefull watch , and ward kept for the apprehending and punishing of all rogues and vagabonds , who either in the streets or high wayes , vnder the names of souldiers , or mariners , glasse-men , pot-men , pedlars , or petty-chapmen , or of poore or impotent people , shall bee found either wandring , or begging . and wee doe further strictly charge and command , that all constables , head-boroughs , and other officers , doe vse all diligence , to punish , and passe away according to the law , all such wanderers , or beggers , as shall be apprehended , either in the cities , or places aforesaid , or in any other cities , towns , parishes , or places within this realme , and take great care that none passe under the colour of counterfeit passes . and that all irish rogues , and vagabonds be forthwith apprehended , wheresoeuer they shall be found , and punished , and sent home according to a former proclamation , heretofore published in that behalfe . that all householders of whose persons , or at whose houses any such vagrants shall be taken begging , doe apprehend , or cause them to be apprehended , and caried to the next constable , or other officer to be punished , according to the lawes . and that they forbeare to relieue them , thereby to giue them incouragement to cōtinue in their wicked course of life . that the iustices of peace in their seuerall places throughout this kingdome be carefull either by prouost marshals , or by the high constables , or otherwise by their good discretions effectually to prouide , that all rogues and vagabonds of all sorts be searched for , apprehended , punished and suppressed according to the law. and that once euery moneth at the least , a conuenient number of the iustices of peace in euery seuerall county and diuision , shall meete together in some conuenient place in that diuiuision , and take account of the high constables , petty constables , and other officers within that diuision , how they haue obserued the lawes and our commandment touching the premisses . and that they seuerely punish all such as shall bee found remisse or negligent in that behalfe . and wee doe hereby strictly charge and command as well all and singular iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs , and other our officers and ministers , as also all our louing subiects of what estate or degree soeuer , to vse all diligence , that all and euery houses or places which are or shall bee visited or infected with the sicknesse , bee carefully shut vp , and watch and ward kept ouer them , that no person or persons within those places doe goe abroad , or depart from thence , during the time of such visitation . and we doe hereby command all and singular our iudges of assize in their seuerall circuits to giue speciall charge , and make speciall enquiry of the defaults of all and euery the iustices of peace who shall not obserue their meetings in the seuerall counties and diuisions aforesaid , or shall not punish such constables or other officers as being informed either by their owne view and knowledge , or otherwise are or shall be found remisse or negligent in the premisses , or in leauying such penalties & forfeitures as the lawes and statutes of this realme require against the parties offending herein . and thereof to informe vs or our priuy councell , to the end that such due course may bee taken either by remouing out of the commission such negligent iustices of the peace , or otherwise by inflicting such punishment upon them as shall be due to such as neglect their owne duties , and our royall command published upon so important an occasion . and we doe hereby will , require and command all and euery our iudges of assize , maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs and other our officers , ministers and subiects whom it may concerne that they carefully and effectually obserue and performe all and euery the premisses , as they will answere the neglect thereof at their vttermost perils . and whereas wee haue lately commanded a booke to be printed and published containing certaine statutes made and enacted heretofore for the reliefe of the poore , and of souldiers and mariners , and for punishment of rogues and vagabonds , and for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague , and also containing certaine orders heretofore and now lately conceiued and made concerning health : all which are necessary to be knowen and obserued by our louing subiects , that thereby they may the better auoid those dangers which otherwise may fall vpon their persons or estates by their neglect thereof : wee haue thought it fit hereby to giue notice thereof to all our louing subiects , to the end that none may pretend ignorance for an excuse in matters of so great importance . and wee doe hereby declare , that whosoeuer shall be found remisse or negligent in the execution of any part of the premisses , shall receiue such condigne punishment for their offence , as by the lawes of this realme , or by our prerogatiue royall can or may be iustly inflicted vpon them . giuen at our court at white-hall the three and twentieth day of april , in the sixt yeere of our reigne of england , scotland , france and ireland . god saue the king. anno xliii . reginae elizebethae . ¶ an act for the reliefe of the poore . be it enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that the churchwardens of euery parish , and foure , three , or two substantiall housholders there , as shall be thought meet , hauing respect to the proportion and greatnes of the same parish and parishes , to be nominated yeerely in easter weeke , or within one moneth after easter , vnder the hand and seale of two or more iustices of the peace in the same countie , whereof one to be of the quorum , dwelling in or neere the same parish or diuision , where the same parish doeth lie , shall be called ouerseers of the poore of the same parish . and they , or the greater part of them shall take order from time to time , by and with the consent of two or more such iustices of peace as is aforesaid , for setting to worke of the children of all such whose parents shall not by the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , bee thought able to keepe and maintaine their children . and also for setting to worke all such persons married , or vnmarried , hauing no means to maintaine them , vse no ordinary and dayly trade of life to get their liuing by , and also to raise weekly or otherwise ( by taxation of euery inhabitant , parson , vicar and other , and of euery occupier of lands , houses , tithes impropriate , or propriations of tithes , cole-mines , or saleable vnderwoods in the said parish , in such competent summe and summes of money , as they shall thinke fit ( a conuenient stocke of flaxe , hemp , wooll , threed , yron , and other necessary ware and stuffe to set the poore on worke , and also competent sums of money , for , and towards the necessary reliefe of the lame , impotent , old , blind , and such other among them being poore , & not able to worke , & also for the putting out of such children to bee apprentices , to be gathered out of the same parish , according to the ability of the same parish and to doe and execute all other things , aswell for the disposing of the said storke , as otherwise concerning the premisses , as to them shall seeme conuenient . which said churchwardens and ouerseers so to be nominated , or such of them as shall not be let by sicknesse , or other iust excuse , to be allowed by two such iustices of peace or more , as is aforesaid , shall meete together at the least once euery moneth in the church of the said parish , vpon the sunday in the afternoone , after diuine seruice , there to consider of some good course to be taken , and of some meet order to be set downe in the premisses , and shal within foure daies after the end of their yere , and after other ouerseers nominated as aforesaid , make and yeeld vp to such two iustices of peace as is aforesaid , a true and perfect account of all summes of money by them receiued , or rated and sessed , and not receiued , and also of such stocke as shall bee in their hands , or in the hands of any of the poore to worke , and of all other things concerning their said office , and such summe or summes of money as shall he in their hands , shal pay and deliuer ouer to the said churchwardens and ouerseers , newly nominated and appointed as is aforesaid , vpon paine that euery one of them absenting themselues without lawful cause as aforefaid , from such monethly meeting for the purpose aforesaid , or being negligent in their office , or in the execution of the orders aforesaid , being made by and with the assent of the said iustices of peace , or any two of them before mentioned , to forfeit for euery such default of absence , or negligence , twenty shillings . and be it also enacted , that if the said iustices of peace doe perceiue that the inhabitants of any parish are not able to leuie among themselues sufficient summes of money for the purposes aforesaid : that then the said two iustices shall and may taxe , rate and assesse , as aforesaid , any other of other parishes , or out of any parish within the hundred where the said parish is to pay such sum and sums of money to the church-wardens and ouerseers of the said poore parish , for the said purposes , as the said iustices shall thinke fit , according to the intent of this law. and if the said hundred shall not be thought to the said iustices , able , and fit to relieue the said seuerall parishes not able to prouide for themselues as aforesaid ; then the iustices of peace at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater number of them , shall rate and assesse , as aforesaid any other of other parishes , or out of any parish within the said county for the purposes aforesaid , as in their discretion shall seeme fit . and that it shall be lawfull aswell for the present as subsequent churchwardens , and ouerseers , or any of them , by warrant from any two such iustices of peace as is aforesaid , to leuie aswell the said sums of money and all arrerages of euery one that shall refuse to contribute according as they shall be assessed , by distresse and sale of the offendors goods , as the summes of money , or stock which shall be behinde vpon any account to be made as aforesaid , rendring to the parties the ouerplus , and in defect of such distresse , it shall be lawfull for any such two iustices of the peace , to commit him or them to the common goale of the countie , there to remaine without baile or mainprise , vntill paiment of the said sum arrerages and stocke . and the said iustices of peace , or any of them , to send to the house of correction or common goale such as shall not employ themselues to worke , being appointed thereunto as aforesaid : and also any two such iustices of peace , to commit to the said prison , euery one of the said churchwardens and ouerseers , which shall refuse to accompt , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , untill he haue made a true accompt , and satisfied and paid so much as vpon the said accompt shall be remaining in his hands . and be it further enacted , that it shall be lawfull for the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , by the assent of any two iustices of the peace aforesaid , to bind any such children as aforesaid , to be apprentices , where they shall see conuenient , till such man child shall come to the age of foure and twenty yeeres , and such woman childe to the age of one and twenty years or the time of her mariage : the same to be as effectuall to all purposes , as if such child were of full age , and by indenture of couenant bound him or herselfe , and to the intent that necessary places of habitation may more conueniently be prouided for such poore impotent people , be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that it shall and may be lawfull for the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , by the leaue of the lord or lords of the mannour , whereof any waste , or common within their parish is or shall be parcell , and vpon agreement before with him or them made in writing vnder the hands and seales of the said lord and lords or otherwise , according to any order to be set downe by the iustices of peace of the said countie at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater part of them , by like leaue and agreement of the said lord or lords , in writing vnder his or their hands and seals . to erect , build and set vp in fit and conuenient places of habitation , in such waste or common , at the generall charges of the parish , or otherwise of the hundred or countie as aforesaid , to be taxed , rated and gathered , in manner before expressed , conuenient houses of dwelling for the said impotent poore , and also to place inmates or more families then one in one cottage or house , one act made in the one & thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , intituled , an act against the erecting and maintaining of cottages , or any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding . which cottages and places for inmates shal not at any time after be vsed or imployed to or for any other habitation , but only for impotent and poore of the same parish , that shall be there placed from time to time by the churchwardens and ouerseers of the poore of the same parish or the most part of them , vpon the paines and forfeitures contained in the said former act made in the said one and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne . prouided alwayes , that if any person or persons shall finde themselues grieued with any sesse or taxe , or other act done by the sayd churchwardens and other persons , or by the sayd iustices of peace , that then it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace , at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater number of them , to take such order therein as to them shal be thought conuenient , and the same to conclude and binde all the sayd parties . and be it further enacted , that the father and grandfather , and the mother , and grandmother , and the children of euery poore , old , blinde , lame , and impotent person , or other poore person , not able to worke , being of a sufficient abilitie , shall at their owne charges relieue and maintaine euery such poore person in that manner , and according to that rate , as by the iustices of peace of that county where such sufficient persons dwell , or the greater number of them , at their generall quarter sessions shall bee assessed , vpon paine that euery one of them shall forfeit twenty shillings for euery moneth which they shal faile therein . and be it further hereby enacted , that the maiors , bailiffes , or other head officers of euery towne , and place corporate , and city within this realme , being iustice or iustices of peace , shall haue the same authority by vertue of this act , within the limits and precincts of their iurisdictions , aswel out of sessions as at their sessions , if they hold any , as is herein limited , prescribed , and appointed to iustices of peace of the county , or any two or more of them , or to the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , to doe and execute for all the vses and purposes in this act prescribed , and no other iustice or iustices of peace to enter or meddle there . and that euery alderman of the citie of london within his ward , shall and may doe and execute in euery respect , so much as is appointed and allowed by this act to be done and executed by one or two iustices of peace of any countie within this realme . and be it also enacted , that if it shall happen , any parish to extend it selfe into more counties then one , or part to lie within the liberties of any city , town , or place corporate , and part without , that then as well the iustices of peace of euery countie , as also the head officers of such city , towne , or place corporate , shall deale and intermeddle onely in so much of the said parish , as lieth within their liberties , and not any further . and euery of them respectiuely within their seuerall limits , wards and iurisdictions , to execute the ordinances before mentioned concerning the nomination of ouerseers , the consent to binding apprentices , the giuing warrant to leuie taxations vnpayed , the taking account of churchwardens and ouerseers , and the committing to prison such as refuse to accompt , or deny to pay the arrerages due vpon their accompts . and yet neuerthelesse , the said church-wardens and ouerseers , or the most part of them of the said parishes , that doe extend into such seuerall limits and iurisdictions , shall without diuiding themselues , duely execute their office in all places within the said parish , in all things to them belonging , and shall duely exhibite and make one accompt before the said head officer of the towne or place corporate , and one other before the said iustices of peace , or any such two of them as is aforesaid . and further be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that if in any place within this realme there happen to bee hereafter no such nomination of ouerseers yeerely as is before appointed , that then euery iustice of peace of the county dwelling within the diuision , where such default of nomination shall happen , and euery maior , alderman , and head officer , of city , towne , or place corporate , where such default shall happen , shall lose and forfeit for euery such default fiue pound , to be imployed towards the reliefe of the poore of the said parish , or place corporate , and to be leuied as aforesaid of their goods by warrant from the generall sessions of the peace of the said countie , or of the same city , towne , or place corporate , if they keepe sessions . and be it also enacted by the authority aforesaid , that all penalties and forfeitures , before mentioned in this act to bee forfeited by any person or persons , shall goe and be imployed to the vse of the poore of the same parish , and towards a stock and habitation for them , and other necessary vses and reliefe as before in this act are mentioned and expressed , and shal be leuied by the said churchwardens and ouerseers ▪ or one of them , by warrant frō any two such iustices of peace , or maior , alderman , or head officer of citie , town or place corporate , respectiuely within their seuerall limites by distresse and sale thereof , as aforesaid , or in defect thereof , it shall be lawfull for any two such iustices of peace , and the said aldermen and head officers within their seuerall limits , to commit the offendor to the said prison , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , till the said forfeitures shal be satisfied and payed . and bee it further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that the iustices of peace of euery county or place corporate , or the more part of them in their generall sessions to be holden next after the feast of easter next , and so yeerely as often as they shall thinke meet , shall rate euery parish to such a weekely summe of money as they shall thinke conuenient , so as no parish bee rated aboue the summe of sixe pence , nor vnder the summe of a halfepeny , weekely to be payed , and so as the totall summe of such taxation of the parishes in euery county , amount not aboue the rate of two pence for euery parish within the said county . which summes so taxed , shall bee yeerely assessed by the agreement of the parishioners within themselues , or in default thereof , by the churchwardens and petie constables of the same parish , or the more part of them , or in default of their agreement , by the order of such iustice or iustices of peace as shall dwell in the same parish , or ( if none bee there dwelling ) in the parts next adioyning . and if any person shal refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed , it shal be lawfull for the said churchwardens and constables , or any of them , or in their default for any iustice of peace of the said limite , to leuie the same by distresse , and sale of the goods of the party so refusing or neglecting , rendring to the party the ouerplus , and in default of such distresse , it shal be lawful to any iustice of that limit , to commit such person to the said prison , there to abide without baile or maine prise , till he haue payed the same . and be it also enacted , that the said iustices of the peace at their generall quarter sessions to bee holden at the time of such taxation , shall set downe , what competent sums of money shall be sent quarterly out of euery county or place corporate , for the releife of the poore prisoners of the kings bench , & marshalsey , and also of such hospitals , and almes houses , as shal be in the said county , & what sums of money shal be sent to euery one of the said hospitals , and almes houses , so as there be sent out of euery countie yeerely xx . s. at the least to each of the said prisons of the kings bench , and marshalsey , which summes ratably to be assessed vpon euery parish , the churchwardens of euery parish shall truely collect & pay ouer to the high constables : in whose diuision such parish shall bee situate , from time to time quarterly ten dayes before the end of euery quarter , and euery such constable at euery such quarter sessions in such county shall pay ouer the same to such two treasurers , or to one of them , as shall by the more part of the iustices of peace of the county , be elected to be the said treasurers , to be chosen by the iustices of peace of the said county , citie , or towne , or place corporate , or of others which were sessed and taxed at fiue pound lands , or ten pound goods at the least , at the taxe of subsidie next before the time of the said election to be made . and the said treasurers so elected to continue for the space of one whole yere in their office , and then to giue vp their charge with a due account of their receipts and disbursements , at the quarter sessions to be holden next after the feast of easter in euery yeere , to such others as shall from yeere to yeere , in forme aforesaid successiuely be elected treasurers , for the said county , citie , towne , or place corporate , which said treasurers or one of them shall pay ouer the same to the lord chiefe iustice of england , and knight marshal for the time being , equally to be diuided to the vse aforesaid , taking their acquittance for the same , or in default of the said chiefe iustice , to the next ancientest iustice of the kings bench as aforesaid . and if any churchwarden or high constable , or his executors or administrators , shall faile to make payment in forme aboue specified , then euery churchwarden , his executors or administrators , so offending , shall forfeit for euery time the summe of ten shillings , and euerp high constable , his executors or administrators , shall forfeit for euery time , the sum of xx . s. the same forfeitures together with the summes behinde , to be leuied by the said treasurer and treasurers , by way of distresse and sale of the goods as aforesaid , in forme aforesaid , and by them to bee imployed towards the charitable vses comprised in this act. and bee it further enacted , that all the surplusage of money which shall be remaining in the said stocke , of any county , shal by discretion of the more part of the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , be ordered , distributed and bestowed for the reliefe of the poore hospitals of that county , and of those that shall sustaine losses by fire , water , the sea , or other casualties , and to such other charitable purposes , for the releife of the poore , as to the more part of the said iustices of peace shall seeme conuenient . and bee it further enacted , that if any treasurer elected , shall wilfully refuse to take vpon him the sayd office of treasurership , or refuse to distribute and giue reliefe , or to account according to such forme as shall be appointed by the more part of the said iustices of peace , that then it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace in their qarter sessions , or in their default , for the iustices of assize , at y e assizes to be holden in the same countie , to fine the same treasurer by their discretion : the same fine not to be vnder three pound , and to be leuied by sale of his goods , and to be prosecuted by any two of the said iustices of peace , whom they shall authorize . prouided alwaies , that this act shall not take effect vntill the feast of easter next . and be it enacted , that the statute made in the nine and thirtieth yere of her maiesties reigne , entituled , an act for the reliefe of the poore , shall continue and stand in force vntill the feast of easter next . and that all taxations heretofore imposed & not payed , nor that shal be payed before the said feast of easter next , and that all taxes hereafter before the said feast , to be taxed by vertue of the said former act , which shal not be payed before the said feast of easter , shall and may after the said feast of easter , be leuied by the ouerseers and other persons in this act respectiuely appointed , to leuy taxations by distresse , & by such warrant in euery respect , as if they had been taxed & imposed by vertue of this act , and were not paid . prouided alwayes , that whereas the iland of fowlenesse in the countie of essex , being inuironed with the sea , and hauing a chappel of ease for the inhabitants thereof , and yet the said iland is no parish , but the lands in the same are situated within diuers parishes , farre distant from the same iland , be it therefore enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that y e said iustices of peace shall nominate and appoint inhabitants within the said iland to be ouerseers for the poore people dwelling within the said iland , and that both they the said iustices , and the said ouerseers shall haue the same power and authority to all intents , considerations and purposes , for the execution of the parts and articles of this act , and shall be subiect to the same paines and forfeitures , & likewise that the inhabitants and occupiers of lands there , shall be lyable and chargeable to the same paiments , charges , expences , and orders in such manner and forme as if the same iland were a parish . in consideration whereof , neither the said inhabitants , or occupiers of land within the said , iland , shall not be compelled to contribute towards the reliefe of the poore of those parishes , wherin their houses or lands which they occupy within the said iland are situated , for , or by reason of their said habitations or occupyings , other then for the reliefe of the poore people within the said iland , neither yet shall the other inhabitants of the parishes wherein such houses or lands are situated , bee compelled , by reason of their resiancie or dwelling , to contribute to the reliefe of the poore inhabitants within the said iland . and bee it further enacted , that if any action or trespasse , or other suite shall happen to bee attempted and brought against any person or persons for taking of any distresse , making of any sale , or any other thing doing , by authoritie of this present act : the defendant or defendants in any such action or suit , shall , and may either plead not guilty , or otherwise make auowry , cognisance , or iustification , for the taking of the said distresses , making of sale , or other thing doing , by vertue of this act , alledging in such auowry , cognisance , or iustification , that the said distresse , sale , trespasse , or other thing whereof the plaintiffe or plaintiffes complained , was done by authoritie of this act , and according to the tenour , purport , and effect of this act , without any expressing or rehearsall of any other matter of circumstance contained in this present act. to which auowrie , cognisance , or iustification , the plaintiffe shall be admitted to reply , that the defendant did take the said distresse , made the said sale , or did any other act or trespasse , supposed in his declaration of his owne worng , without any such cause alledged by the said defendant , whereupon the issue in euery such action shal be ioyned , to be tryed by verdict of twelue men , and not otherwise , as is accustomed in other personall actions . and vpon the triall of that issue , the whole matter to be giuen on both parties in euidence , according to the very truth of the same . and after such issue tryed , for the defendant or non suite of the plaintife , after appearance , the same defendant to recouer treble dammages , by reason of his wrongfull vexation in that behalfe , with his costs also in that part sustained , and that to bee assessed by the same iury , or writ to enquire of the dammages , as the same shall require . prouided alwaies that this act shall endure no longer then to the end of the next session of parliament . anno xliij . reginae elizabethae . an acte for the necessary reliefe of souldiers and mariners . whereas in the fiue and thirtieth yeere of the queenes maiesties reigne that now is , an act was made , intituled , an act for the necessary reliefe of souldiers and mariners : and whereas in the nine and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , there was also made another act , intituled , an act for the further continuance and explanation of the said former : bee it enacted by authority of this present parliament , that both the said acts shall bee , and continue in force vntill the feast of easter next , and shall be from and after the sayd feast discontinued . and forasmuch as it is now found more needfull then it was at the making of the said acts , to prouide reliefe and maintenance to souldiers and mariners , that haue lost their limmes , and disabled their bodies in the defence and seruice of her maiestie and the state , in respect the number of the said souldiers is so much the greater , by how much her maiesties iust and honourable defensiue warres are increased : to the end therefore , that they the said souldiers and mariners may reap the fruits of their good deseruings , and others may be encouraged to performe the like endeauours : be it enacted by the authority of this present parliament that from and after the said feast of easter next , euery parish within this realme of england and wales , shall be charged to pay weekly such a sum of money , towards the reliefe of sick , hurt , and maimed souldiers and mariners , that so haue bin as afore is said , or shal lose their , lims , or disable their bodies , hauing bin prest , and in pay for her maiesties seruice , as by the iustices of peace , or the more part of them , in their general quarter sessions , to be holden in their seuerall counties , next after the feast of easter next , and so from time to time at the like quarter sessions , to bee holden next after the feast of easter , yeerely shall be appointed , so as no parish be rated aboue the summe of ten pence , nor vnder the summe of two pence weekely to be paid , and so as the totall summe of such taxation of the parishes , in any county where there shall be aboue fifty parishes , doe not exceed the rate of sixe pence for euery parish in the same countie , which summes so taxed , shall be yeerely assessed by the agreements of the parishioners within themselues , or in default therof , by the churchwardens and the pety constables of the same parish , or the more part of them , or in default of their agreement , by the order of such iustices , or iustice of peace , as shall dwell in the same parish , or if none bee there dwelling , in the parts next adioyning . and if any person shall refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed , it shall be lawfull for the said churchwardens and pety constables , and euery of them , or in their defaults , for the said iustices of peace , or iustice , to leuy such summe by distresse and sale of the goods or chattels of the party so refusing or neglecting , rendring to the party , the ouerplus raised vpon such sale . and for the collecting and custodie of the summes taxed in forme aforesaid . be it enacted , that the churchwardens , and pety constables of euery parish , shall truely collect euery such sum , and the same shall pay ouer vnto the high constable , in whose diuision such parish shall be situate , ten dayes before the quarter sessions , to be holden next before , or about the feast of the natiuity of s. iohn baptist next , in the county where the said parish shall be situate , and so from time to time , quarterly within ten dayes before euery quarter sessions . and that euery such high constable , at euery such quarter sessions in such county , shall pay ouer the same to two such iustices of peace , or to one of them , or to two such other persons , or one of them , as shall be by the more part of the iustices of peace of the same countey elected , to be treasurers of the said collection , the same other persons , to be elected treasurers , to be such , as at the last taxatiō of , the subsidie next before the same election , shall be valued , & sessed at ten pounds in lands yerely , or at fifteene pounds in goods : which treasurers in euery countey so chosen , shall continue but for the space of one whole yeere , and then giue vp their charge , with a du account of their receits & disbursments , at their meeting in easter quarter sessions ; or within ten daies after , to such others , as shall from yeere to yere in the forme aforesaid , successiuely be elected . and if any church-warden , pettie constable , or high constable , or his executors , or administrators , shall fail to make payment in forme about specified , their euery church-warden , and pettie constable , his executors or administratours so offending ▪ shall forfeit the summe of twenty shillings . and euery high constable , his executors , or administrators , the summe of fourty shillings , to bee leuied by the treasurers aforesaid , by distresse and sale in maner before expressed , and to be taken by the said treasurers , in augmentation of their stock , to the vses aforesaid . and if any treasurer , his executors or administrators , shall faile to giue vp his account within the time aforesaid , or shall bee otherwise negligent in the execution of his charge , then it shall bee lawfull for the more part of the iustices of peace , of the same county in their sessions , to assesse such fine vpon such treasurer , his executors or administrators , as in their discretion shall seeme conuenient , so it bee not vnder the summe of fiue pounds . and for the true and iust distribution and employment of the summes so receiued , according to the true meaning of this act , be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that euery souldier or mariner , hauing had his or their limmes lost , or disabled in their bodies by seruice , being in her maiesties pay , as aboue is mentioned , or such as shall hereafter returne into this realme , hurt , or maimed , or grieuously sick , shall repayre , if he be able to trauell , and make his complaint to the treasurers of the county , out of which he was pressed , or if he were no prest man , to the treasurers of the county where hee was borne , or last inhabited by the space of three yeeres , at his election . and if he be not able to trauell , to the treasurers of the county where hee shall land , or arriue , and shall bring a certificate vnto any of the treasurers aforesaid , vnder the hand and seale of the generall of the campe , or gouernour of the towne wherein hee serued , and of the captaine of the band , vnder whom hee serued , or his lieutenant , or in the absence of the said generall or gouernour , from the marshall or deputie of the gouernour , or from any admirall of her maiesties fleet , or in his absence , from any other generall of her maiesties ships at the seas , or in absence of such generall , from the captaine of the ship wherein the said mariners or souldiers did serue the queenes maiestie , containing the particulars by his hurts and seruices , which certificate shal be also allowed of the generall mustermaster , for the time being , resident here within this realme , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , the treasurer and controller of her maiesties nauie , vnder his hand , for the auoyding of all fraud , and counterfeiting : then vpon such certificate , such treasurers as are before expressed , shall according to the nature of his hurt , and commendation of his seruice , assigne vnto him such a portion of reliefe , as in their discretions shall seeme conuenient for his present necessity , vntill the next quarter sessions , at the which it shall be lawfull for the more part of the iustices of peace vnder their hands , to make an instrument of grant of the same , or like reliefe , to endure , as long as this act shall stand or endure in force , if the same souldier or mariner shall so long liue , and the same pension not bee duly reuoked or altered , which shall be a sufficient warrant to all treasurers for the same countie , to make payment of such pension vnto such persons quarterly , except the same shal be afterward by the said iustices reuoked or altered . so that such reliefe as shall bee assigned by such treasurers or iustices of peace to any such souldier or mariner , hauing not borne office in the said warres , exceed not the summe in grosse nor yeerely pension of ten pounds . nor to any that hath borne office vnder the degree of a lieutenant , the summe of fifteene pounds . nor to any that hath serued in the office of lieutenant , the summe of twentie pounds . and yet neuerthelesse , it shall and may be lawfull to and for the iustices of peace and others , hauing authority by this act , to assigne pensions to souldiers & mariners , vpon any iust cause , to reuoke , diminish , or alter the same from time to time , according to their discretions in the generall quarter sessions of the peace , or generall assemblies for cities or townes corporate , where the same pension shall be granted . and whereas it must needs fall out , that many of such hurt and maimed souldiers and mariners , doe arriue in ports , and places farre remote from the counties , whence they are by vertue of this act , to receiue their yeerely annuities , and pensions , as also they are prescribed by this act , to obtaine the allowance of their certificates from the mustermaster , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , who commonly is like to abide about the court or london , so as they shall need at the first , prouision for the bearing of their charges , to such places : be it therefore enacted , that it may be lawfull for the treasurers of the countie where they shall arriue , in their discretion vpon their certificate ( though not allowed ) to giue them any conuenient reliefe for their iourny , to carry them to the next county , with a testimoniall of their allowance , to passe on towards such a place . and in like manner shall it be lawfull for the treasurer of the next county to doe the like , and so from county to county ( in the direct way ) till they come to the place where they are directed to finde their maintenance , according to the tenure of this statute . and for the better execution of this act in all the branches thereof , bee it enacted , that euery the treasurers , in their seuerall counties , shall keepe a true booke of computation , of all such summes as they leuie , and also a register of the names of euery such person vnto whom they shall haue disbursed any reliefe , and shall also preserue , or enter euery certificate , by warrant whereof , such reliefe hath beene by them disbursed , and also that the mustermaster , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , shall keepe a booke , wherein shall be entred the names of all such , whose certificates shall bee by him allowed , with an abstract of their certificates , and that euery treasurer returning , or not accepting the certificate brought vnto him from the said muster-master , shall write and subscribe the cause of his not accepting , or not allowing thereof , vnder the said certificate , or on the back thereof . and be it further enacted , that if any treasurer shall wilfully refuse to distribute and giue any reliefe , according to the forme of this act , that it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace , in their quarter sessions , to fine such treasurers , by their discretions , as aforesaid , the same fine to bee leuied by distresse and sale thereof , to bee prosecuted by any two of them , whom they shall authorize . and be it also enacted , that euery souldier or mariner that shall be taken begging , in any place within this realme , after the feast of easter next , or any that shall counterfeit any certificate in this act expressed , shall for euer lose his annuitie or pension , and shall be taken , deemed , and adiudged as a common rogue , or vagabond person , and shall haue , and sustaine the same , and the like paines , imprisonment and punishment , as is appointed and prouided for common rogues and vagabond persons . prouided alwayes and be it enacted , that all the surplusage of money which shall bee remaining in the stock of any county , shall by the discretion of the more part of the iustices of peace , in their quarter sessions bee ordered , distributed and bestowed vpon such good and charitable vses , and in such forme as are limited and appointed in the statutes made and now in force , concerning reliefe of the poore , and punishment of rogues and beggars . prouided alwayes that the iustices of peace within any county of this realme or wales , shall not intromit or enter into any city , borough , place , or towne corporate , where is any iustice of peace for any such citie , borough , place or towne corporate , for the execution of any article of this act : but that it shall be lawfull to the iustice and iustices of the peace , maiors , bailiffes , and other head officers of those cities , boroughs , places , & townes corporate where there is any iustice of peace to proceed to the execution of this act , within the precinct and compasse of their liberties , in such manner as the iustice of peace in any county may doe , by vertue of this act. and that euery iustice of peace within euery such citie , borough , place or towne corporate , for euery offence by him committed , contrary to the meaning of this statute , shal be fineable , as other iustices of peace at the large in the counties are in this act appointed to be . and that the maior and iustices of peace in euery such borough , place and towne corporate , shall haue authority by this present act , to appoint any person , for the receiuing of the said money , and paying the same within such citie , borough , place or towne corporate ; which person so appointed , shall haue authority to doe all such things , and be subiect to all such penalties , as high constables , by vertue of this act should haue or be . and be it enacted , that all forfeitures to bee forfeited by any treasurer , collector , constable , church-warden , or other person , for any cause mentioned in this act , shall be imployed to the reliefe of such souldiers and mariners , as are by this act appointed to take and haue reliefe , and after that reliefe satisfied , then the ouerplus thereof , with the ouerplus of the stock , remaining in any the said treasurers hands , shall bee imployed as is before mentioned , to the charitable vses , expressed in the said statutes , concerning the reliefe of poore , and for punishment of rogues and beggers , ( except the said iustices , or the more part of them , shall thinke meet to reserue and keepe the same in stock for the maintenance and reliefe of such souldiers and mariners , as out of the same county may afterward bee appointed , to receiue reliefe and pensions . ) and that the reliefe appointed to bee giuen by this act , shall be giuen to souldiers and mariners , out of the county or place where they were pressed , so far forth as the taxation limited by this act , will extend . and if the whole taxation there , shall be before imployed , according to the meaning of this act , or that they shall not be prest men , then out of the place where they were borne or last inhabited , by the space of three yeeres , at his or their election . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted , that euery pension assigned heretofore to any souldier or mariner , or that shall be assigned before the said feast of easter next , notwithstanding the discontinuance of the said two former acts , shall stand in force , and shall yeerely from and after the said feast of easter next , be satisfied and payed , out of such taxations and forfeitures , as shall be made , collected , and leuied by force of this act , so long as the said pension shall remaine in force , without such reuocation or diminishing , as is before in this act mentioned . which clause of reuocation or diminishing before mentioned , shall extend aswell to pensions heretofore assigned , as to such as at any time hereafter , before , or after the said feast of easter , shall bee assigned to any person or persons . and bee it also enacted , that all arrerages of taxations heretofore made , by vertue of the said former statutes , or any of them , which shall be or remaine , at the said feast of easter next , vncollected , and not receiued , or leuied , shall , and may by authority of this act , be had , receiued , and leuied , by such persons , and in such manner and forme , as in euery respect , taxations made by vertue of this act , are appointed to bee collected , receiued and leuied , and shall be imployed to the vses expressed in this act , and no otherwise . prouided alwaies , and bee it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that if the said rate shall bee thought not to bee sufficient for the reliefe of such souldiers , and mariners , as shall be to be relieued within the city of london , that then it shall bee lawfull for the maior , recorder , and aldermen of london , or the more part of them , to rate and taxe , such reasonable taxe , summe and summes of money , for the said reliefe , as shall be to them thought fit and conuenient . so as such summe and summes of money , so to be rated , doe not exceed three shillings weekely out of any parish , and so as in the totall , the summe shall not exceed , or bee vnder twelue pence weekely out of euery parish , one with another , within the said citie and the liberties thereof . this act to endure to the end of the next session of parliament and no longer . anno xxxix . reginae elizabethae . an act for punishment of rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggers . for the suppressing of rogues , vagabonds & sturdie beggers , be it enacted by the authority of this present parliament , that from , and after the feast of easter next comming , all statutes heretofore made for the punishment of rogues , vagabonds , or sturdie beggers , or for the erection or maintenance of houses of correction , or touching the same , shall for so much as concerneth the same be vtterly repealed : and that from , and after the said feast of easter , from time to time it shall and may be lawfull to , and for the iustices of peace of any county or city in this realme or the dominions of wales , assembled at any quarter sessions of the peace within the same county , city , borough , or towne corporate , or the more part of them , to set downe order to erect , & to cause to be erected one or more houses of correction within their seuerall counties or cities : for the doing and performing whereof , and for the prouiding of stocks of money , and all other things necessary for the same , and for raising and gouerning of the same , and for correction and punishment of offenders thither to be committed , such orders as the same iustices , or the more part of them , shall from time to time take , reforme , or set down in any their said quarter sessions in that behalfe , shall be of force , and be duely performed and put in execution . and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that all persons calling themselues schollars , going about begging , all sea faring men pretending losses of their ships or goods on the sea , going about the countrey begging , all idle persons , going about in any countrey , either begging or vsing any subtile craft , or vnlawfull games and playes , or faining themselues to haue knowledge in physiognomie ; palmestry or other like crafty science , or pretending that they can tell destinies , fortunes , or such other like fantasticall imaginations : all persons that be , or vtter themselues to be proctors , procurers , patent-gatherers , or collectors for gaoles , prisons or hospitals : all fencers , bearewards , common players of interludes , and minstrels , wandering abroad ( other then players of interludes belonging to any baron of this realme , or any other honourable personage of greater degree , to bee authorized to play vnder the hand and seale of armes of such baron or personage ) all iuglers , tinkers , pedlars , and pety chapmen wandering abroad , all wandering persons and common labourers , being persons able in body , vsing loytering , and refusing to worke for such reasonable wages , as is taxed or commonly giuen in such parts , where such persons doe , or shall happen to dwell or abide , not hauing liuing otherwise to maintaine themselues : all persons deliuered out of gaoles that begge for their fees , or otherwise doe trauaile begging : all such persons as shall wander abroad begging , pretending losses by fire , or otherwise : and all such persons not being felons , wandering and pretending themselues to bee egyptians , or wandering in the habit , for●●● , or 〈…〉 counterfeit egyptians , shall be taken , adiudged , and deemed rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggers , and shall susteine such paine and punishments , as by this act is in that behalfe appointed . and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that euery person which is by this present act declared to be a rogue , vagabond , or sturdy begger , which shall be at any time after the said feast of easter next comming , taken begging , vagrant , wandring or misordering themselues in any part of this realme , or the dominion of wales , shall vpon their apprehension by the appointment of any iustice of the peace , constable , headborough or tythingman of the same county , hundred , parish , or tything , where such person shall be taken , the tythingman or headborough being assisted therein with the aduice of the minister , and one other of that parish , be stripped naked from the middle vpwards , and shall bee openly whipped vntill his or her body be bloody ? and shall be forthwith sent from parish to parish , by the officers of euery the same , the next straight way to the parish where hee was borne , if the same may be knowen by the parties confession or otherwise . and if the same be not knowen , then to the parish where hee or shee last dwelt before the same punishment by the space of one whole yeare , there to put him or her selfe to labour , as a true subiect ought to doe : or not being knowen where hee or she was borne , or last dwelt , then to the parish through which he or she last passed without punishment . after which whipping , the same person shall haue a testimoniall subscribed with the hand , & sealed with the seale of the same iustice of the peace , constable , headborough or tythingman , & of the minister of the same parish , or of any two of them , testifying that the same person hath beene punished according to this act , and mentioning the day and place of his or her punishment , and the place wherevnto such person is limited to goe , and by what time the said person is limited to passe thither at his perill . and if the said person through his or her default doe not accomplish the order appointed by the said testimoniall , then to be eftsoones taken , & whipped , and so as often as any default shall be found in him or her contrary to the forme of this statute , in euery place to be whipped , till such person be repaired to the place limited : the substance of which testimoniall shall be registred by the minister of that parish , in a booke to be prouided for that purpose , vpon paine to forfeit . shillings for euery default thereof , and the party so whipped , & not knowen where hee or she was borne , or last dwelt by the space of a yeare , shall by the officers of the said village where he or she so last past thorow without punishment , bee conueied to the house of correction of the limit wherein the said village standeth , or to the common gaole of that county or place , there to remaine and be imployed in worke , vntill hee or she shall be placed in some seruice , and so to continue by the space of one yeare , or not being able of body , vntill he or she shall be placed to remaine in some almeshouse in the same countie or place . prouided alwaies , and bee it enacted , if any of the said rogues shall appeare to bee dangerous to the inferiour sort of people where they shall be taken , or otherwise bee such as will not be reformed of their roguish kinde of life by the former prouision of this act , that in euery such case it shall and may be lawfull to the said iustices of the limit where any such rogue shall be taken , or any two of them , wherof one to be of the quorum to commit that rogue to the house of correction , or otherwise to the gaole of the county , there to remaine vntill their next quarter sessions to be holden in that county , and then such of the same rogues so committed , as by the iustices of the peace then and there present , or the most part of them , shall be thought fit not to be deliuered , shall and may lawfully by the same iustices , or the most part of them , bee banished out of this realme , and all other the dominions thereof , and at the charges of that countrey , shall bee conueyed vnto such parts beyond the seas as shall be at any time hereafter , for that purpose assigned by the priuy councell vnto her maiesty her heires or successors , or by any sixe or more of them , whereof the l. chancellor , or l. keeper of the great seale , or the l. treasurer for the time being to bee one , or otherwise be iudged perpetually to the gallies of this realme , as by the same iustices or the most part of them it shall bee thought fit and expedient . and if any such rogue so banished as aforesaid shall returne againe into any part of this realme or dominion of wales without lawfull licence or warrant so to doe , that in euery such case , such offence shall be felony , and the party offending therein suffer death as in case of felony : the said felony to bee heard and determined in that county of this realme or wales , in which the offender shall be apprehended . and be it also enacted by the authority aforesaid that if any towne , parish , or village , the constable , headborough or tythingman be negligent and doe not his or their best endeauours for the apprehension of such vagabond , rogue or sturdy begger , which there shall bee found contrary to the forme of this present act , and to cause euery of them to bee punished and conueied according to the true meaning of this present act , that then the said constable , headborough , or tithingman , in whom such default shall be , shall lose and forfeit for euery such default ten shillings . and also if any person or persons doe in any wise disturbe or let the execution of this law , or any part thereof , concerning the punishment or conueying of rogues , vagabonds , sturdy beggers , or the reliefe or setling of poore impotent persons in any maner of wise , or make rescous against any officer or person authorised by this present act for the due execution of any the premisses , the same person so offending shal forfeit & lose for euery such offence the summe of fiue pound , and shall be bound to the good behauiour . and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that no person or persons hauing charge in any voyage , in passing from the realmes of ireland or scotland , or from the isle of man into this realme of england , doe wittingly or willingly bring or conuey , or suffer to be brought or conueyed in any vessell or boate from and out of the said realme of ireland , scotland , or isle of man , into the realme of england or wales or any part thereof , any vagabond , rogue , or begger , or any such as shall be forced or very like to liue by begging within the realme of england or wales , being borne in the same realmes or island , on paine of euery such person so offending , to forfeit and lose for euery such vagabond , rogue , begger , or other person like to liue by begging .xx. s. to the vse of the poore of the said parish in which they were set on land . and if any such manniske , scottish , or irish rogue , vagabond , or begger , be already , or shall at any time hereafter be set on land , or shall come into any part of england or wales , the same after he or she shall be punished as aforesaid , shall bee conueyed to the next port or parish in or neere which they were landed or first came , in such sort as rogues are appointed to bee by this present act , and from thence to bee transported at the common charge of the county where they were set on land , into those parts from whence they came or were brought . and that euery constable , headborough , and tythingman , neglecting the due performance thereof , shall forfeit for euery such offence ten shillings . be it further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that no diseased or impotent poore person shal at any time resort or repaire from their dwelling places to the city of bath , or towne of buxton , or either of them to the baths there for the ease of their griefes , vnlesse such person doe forbeare to begge , and bee licensed to passe thither by two iustices of the peace of the county where such person doth or shall then dwell or remaine , and prouided for to trauaile with such reliefe , for & towards his or her maintenance , as shal be necessary for the same person , for the time of such his or her trauaile & abode at the city of bath , and town of buxton , or either of them , and returne thence , and shall returne home againe , as shall be limited by the said licence , vpon paine to be reputed , punished , and vsed as rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggers declared by this present act. and that the inhabitants of the same city of bath , and towne of buxton shall not in any wise be charged by this act with the finding the reliefe of any such poore people . prouided alwayes , that the iustices of peace within any county of this realm or wales , shall not intromit or enter into any city , borough , or towns corporate , where be any iustice or iustices of the peace for any such city , borough , or towne corporate , for the execution of any branch , article or sentence of this act , for or concerning any offence , matter , or cause growing or arising within the precincts , liberties , or iurisdiction of such city , borough , or townes corporate , but that it may and shal be lawfull to the iustice and iustices of the peace , maiors , bailiffes , and other head officers of those cities , boroughes , and townes corporate , where there bee such iustices of the peace , to proceed to the execution of this act , within the precinct and compasse of their liberties , in such maner and forme as the iustices of peace in any county may or ought to doe within the same county , by vertue of this act , any thing in this act to the contrary thereof notwithstanding . prouided alwayes , that this act , or any thing therein contained , shall not extend to the poore people for the time being in the hospitall , called saint thomas hospitall , otherwise called the kings hospitall , in the borough of southwarke neere adioyning to the city of london , but that the maior , commonalty , and citizens of the said city of london for the time being , shall and may haue the rule , order , and gouernment of the said hospitall , and of the poor people therein for the time being , any thing in this act to the contrary notwithstanding . prouided alwayes , that this act or any thing therein contained , or any authority thereby giuen , shall not in any wise extend to dis-inherit , preiudice , or hinder iohn dutton of dutton , in the county of chester esquire his heires or assignes , for , touching or concerning any liberty , preheminence , authority , iurisdiction , or inheritance , which the said iohn dutton now lawfully vseth , or hath , or lawfully may or ought to vse within the county palatine of chester , and the county of the city of chester , or either of them , by reason of any ancient charters of any kings of this land , or by reason of any prescription , vsage , or title whatsoeuer . and be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by this present act , ( except such as are otherwise limited and appointed by this present act shall wholly goe and be unployed to the vse of the reparations and maintenance of the said houses of correction , and stocke and store thereof , or reliefe of the poore where the offence shall be committed , at the discretion of the iustices of the peace of the same limit , city , borough , or towne corporate : and that all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by conuiction of any person according to this present act , shall by warrant vnder the hands and seales of any two or more of the iustices of the peace of the same county , city , borough , or towne corporate , bel●ied by distresse and sale of the goods and chattels of the offender , which sale shall be good in the law against such offender . and that if any of the said offences shal be confessed by the offender , or that the same shall be proued by two sufficient and lawfull witnesses , before such two or more iustices of the peace , that then euery such person shall forthwith stand and be in the law conuicted thereof . and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that any two or more iustices of the peace within all the said seueral shires , cities , boroughes , or townes corporate , whereof one to be of the quorum , shal haue full power by authority of this present act , to heare and determine all causes that shall grow or come in question by reason of this act. and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that the lord chancellor or keeper of the great seale of england for the time being , shall and may at all times hereafter by vertue of this present act , without further warrant , make and direct commission or commissions vnder the great seale of england , to any person or persons , giuing them or some of them thereby authority , as well by the oaths of good & lawfull men , as of witnesses or examination of parties , or by any other lawfull wayes or meanes whatsoeuer , to enquire what summes of money or other things haue been or shall bee collected or gathered for or towards the erection of any houses of correction , or any stockes or other things to set poore on work , or for the maintenance thereof at any time after the seuenteenth day of nouember , in the eighteenth yeere of the reigne of the queenes most excellent maiesty , and by whom the same were or shall be collected or gathered , and to whose hands commen , and to what vse , and by whose direction the same was or shall bee employed . and to call all & euery such person & persons , and their sureties , and euery of their executors or administrators to an accompt : and to compell them and euery of them by attachment of their goods or bodies to appeare before them for the same , and to heare & determine the same , and to leuie such money and things as they shal find not to haue been duly employed vpon the said houses of correction , or stockes , or vpon other like vses , hauing in such other like vses respect of things past by the said commissioners to be allowed of , either by distresse & sale of the goods and chattels of such persons as they shall thinke fit to bee chargeable or answerable for the same , or by imprisonment of their bodies at their discretion : and that the said commissioners shall haue full power and authority to execute the same commission according to the tenor and purport thereof : and that all their proceedings , doings , iudgements , and executions by force and authority thereof , shall be and remaine good and auaileable in the law : which said money so leuied by the said commissioners , shall bee deliuered and employed for the erecting or maintenance of the same . prouided alwayes neuerthelesse , that euery sea-faring man suffering shipwracke , not hauing wherewith to relieue himselfe in his trauailes home wards , but hauing a testimoniall vnder the hand of some one iustice of the peace , of , or neere the place where he landed , setting downe therein the place and time , where , and when he landed , and the place of the parties dwelling or birth , vnto which he is to passe , and a conuenient time therein to be limited for his passage , shall and may without incurring the danger and penalty of this act , in the vsuall wayes directly to the place vnto which he is directed to passe , and within the time in such his testimoniall limited for his passage , aske and receiue such reliefe as shall be necessary , in , and for his passage . prouided also , that this statute , nor any thing therein contained , shall extend to any children vnder the age of seuen yeares , nor to any such glassemen as shall be of good behauiour , and doe trauaile in or through any country , without begging , hauing licence for their trauailing vnder the hands and seales of three iustices of the peace of the same county where they trauaile , whereof one to be of the quorum . and bee it also further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that this present act shall bee proclaimed in the next quarter session or sessions in euery county , and in such other market townes or places , as by the more part of the iustices of the peace in the said sessions shal be agreed and appointed . this act to endure to the end of the first session of the next parliament . ¶ certaine branches of the statute made in the first yeere of the reigne of king iames , concerning rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggars . forasmuch as sithence the making of the act of . eliz. diuers doubts and questions haue been mooued and growen by diuersitie of opinions , taken in and vpon the letter of the said act : for a plaine declaration whereof , be it declared and enacted , that from henceforth no authoritie , to bee giuen or made by any baron of this realme , or any other honourable personage of greater degree , vnto any other person or persons , shall be auaileable to free and discharge the said persons , or any of them from the paines and punishments in the said statute mentioned , but that they shall be taken within the offence and punishment of the same statute . and whereas in the said statute , there is a prouiso conteined , that the said statute , nor any thing therein conteined , shall extend to any such glassemen as shall be of good behauiour , and shall trauell in or thorow any countie without begging , hauing licence for their trauelling , vnder the hands and seales of three iustices of the peace of the same county , where they trauell , whereof one to bee of the quorum , as by the statute more at large appeareth : by reason of which libertie , many notorious rogues and vagabonds , and euill disposed persons haue vndertaken , and doe professe the trade of glassemen ; and by colour thereof doe trauell vp and downe diuers counties of this realme , and doe commit many pickeries , petty felonies , and other misdemeanours : for the auoding of which inconuenience , bee it established and enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that from and after two moneths next after the end of this present session of parliament , all such person and persons , as shall wander vp and downe the countrey to sell glasses , shall be adiudged , deemed , and taken as rogues and vagabonds , and shall suffer the like paine and punishment in euery degree , as is appointed to bee inflicted vpon rogues , vagabonds and sturdy beggers , by the intent and true meaning of the said statute , made in the nine and thirtieth yeere of the reigne of the said late queene elizabeth , and shall be set down limitted , and appointed by this present act , any thing in the said statute of the nine and thirtieth yeere of her said reigne to the contrary therof in any wise notwithstanding . and forasmuch as one branch of the statute of . eliz. is taken to bee some what defectiue , for that the said rogues hauing no marke vpon them to bee knowne by , notwithstanding such iudgement of banishment , may returne or retire themselues into some other parts of this realme where they are not known , and so escape the due punishment which the said statute did intend to inflict vpon them : for remedy whereof , be it ordained and enacted , that such rogues as shall after the end of two moneths next after the end of this session of parliament , be adiudged , as aforesaid , incorrigible or dangerous , shall also by the iudgement of the same iustices , or the more part of them then present , in their open sessions of the peace , bee branded in the left shoulder with an hot burning iron of the breadth of an english shilling with a great romane r vpon the iron , and the branding vpon the shoulder to bee throughly burned , and set on vpon the skinne and flesh , that the letter r bee seene , and remaine for a perpetuall marke vpon such rogue during his or her life , and therevpon bee sent by the same iustices to the place of his dwelling , if he haue any , if not , then to the place where hee last dwelt by the space of a yeere , if that can be knowne by his confession or otherwise : and if that cannot bee knowne , then to the place of his birth , there to bee placed in labour as a true subiect ought to doe : and after such punishment of any such rogue as aforesaid , if any rogue so punished shall offend againe in begging or wandring contrary to the said statute , or this present act , that then in euery such case , the party so offending shall bee iudged a felon , and shall suffer as in cases of felony without benefit of clergie , the same felony to be tried in the county where any such offender shall bee taken . anno primo iacobi regis . ¶ an act for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague . forasmuch as the inhabitants of diuers cities , boroughs , townes corporate , and of other parishes and places being visited with the plague , are found to bee vnable to relieue the poorer sort of such people so infected , who of necessity must be by some charitable course prouided for , lest they should wander abroad , and thereby infect others : and forasmuch as diuers persons infected with that disease , and others inhabiting in places infected , aswell poore people and vnable to relieue themselues , that are carefully prouided for , as other which of themselues are of abilitie , being commanded by the magistrate or officer , of or within the place where the infection shall be , to keepe their houses , or otherwise to separate themselues from company , for the auoiding of further infection , do notwithstanding very dangerously and disorderly demeane themselues : bee it therefore enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that the maior , bailiffes , head officers , and iustices of the peace , of euery city , borough , town corporate , and places priuiledged , where any maior and bailiffes , head officers , or iustices of peace are or shall bee , or any two of them , shall haue power and authority from time to time , to taxe and assesse all and euery inhabitant , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements and hereditaments within the said citie , borough , towne corporate , and places priuiledged , or the liberties or precincts thereof , at such reasonable taxes and paiments , as they shall thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of such persons infected , or inhabiting in houses and places infected in the same cities . boroughs and townes corporate , and places priuiledged , and from time to time leuie the same taxes , of the goods of euery person refusing or neglecting to pay the said taxes , by warrant vnder the hand and seale of the maior and bailiffes , and head officers aforesaid , or two such iustices of peace , to bee directed to any person or persons for the execution thereof . and if the party to whom such warrant is or shall be directed , shall not find any goods to leuy the same , and the party taxed , shall refuse to pay the same taxe , that then vpon returne thereof the said maior , bailiffes , head officers or iustices of peace , or any two of them , shall by like warrant vnder their hands and seales , cause the same person so taxed to bee arrested and committed to the gaole , without bayle or maineprise , vntill he shall satisfie the same taxation , and the arrerages thereof . and if the inhabitants of any such citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , shall finde themselues vnable to relieue their said poore infected persons , and others , as aforesaid , that then vpon certificate thereof by the maior , bayliffe , head officers , and other the said iustices of peace , or any two of them , to the iustices of peace of the countie of , or neere to the sayd citie , borough , towne corporate , or priuiledged place so infected , or any two of them to be made , the said iustices of , or neer the said county or any two of them , shall or may taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the countie within fiue miles of the sayd place infected , at such reasonable and weekely taxes and rates as they shall thinke fit to be leuied by warrant from any such two iustices of peace , of , or neere the countie , by sale of goods , and in default thereof , by imprisonment of the body of the party taxed , as aforesayd . and if any such infection shall bee in any borough , towne corporate , or piuiledged place , where there are or shall be no iustices of peace , or in any village or hamlet within any county , that then it shall and may bee lawfull for any two iustices of peace of the said county , wherein the said place infected is or shall be , to taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the said countie , within fiue miles of the sayd place infected , at such reasonable weekely taxes and rates as they shall thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of the said places infected , to bee leuied by warrant from the said iustices of peace of the same county by sale of goods , and in default therof , by imprisonment of the body of euery partie so taxed , as aforesaid : the same taxes made by the said iustices of peace of the county , for the reliefe of such cities , boroughs , townes corporate , & places priuiledged , where there are no iustices of peace , to be disposed as they shall think fit . and where there are iustices of peace . then in such sort as to the maior , bailifs , head officers , & iustices of peace there or any two of them shall seeme fit & conuenient . all which taxes and rates made within any such citie , borough , town corporate , or place priuiledged , shal be certified at the next quarter sessions to be holden within the same citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged ; and the said taxes and rates made within any part of the said county , shall in like sort be certified at the next quarter sessions to bee holden in and for the said countie , and that if the iustices of peace at such quarter sessions respectiuely , or the more part of them shall thinke it fit , the said tax and rate should continue or be inlarged , or extended to any other parts of the countie , or otherwise determined , then the fame to be so enlarged , extended or determined increased , or taxed and leuied , in manner and forme aforesaid , as to the said iustices at the quarter sessions , respectiuely shall be thought fit and conuenient ▪ and euery constable , and other officer that shall wilfully make default in leuying such money , as they shall be commanded by the said warrant or warrants , shall forfeit for euery such offence ten shillings , to be employed on the charitable vses aforesaid . and be it further enacted , that if any person or persons infected , or being dwelling in any house infected , shall bee by the maior , bayliffes , constable , or other head officer of any citie , borough , towne corporate , priuiledged place , or market towne , or by any iustice of peace ▪ constable , headborough or other officer of the countie , ( if any such infection be out of any citie , borough , towne corporate , priuiledged place , or market towne ) commanded or appointed , as aforesaid , to keepe his or their house , for auoiding of further infection , and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appointment , offering and attempting to breake and goe abroad , and to resist , or going abroad , and resisting such keepers or watchmen as shall be appointed , as aforesaid , to see them kept in , that then it shal be lawful for such watchmen , with violence to inforce them to keepe their houses . and if any hurt come by such enforcement to such disobedient persons , that then the said keepers , watchmen , and any other their assist assistants , shall not bee impeached therefore . and if any infected persons as aforesaid , so commanded to keepe house , shall contrary to such commandement , wilfully and contemptuously go abroad , and shall conuerse in company , hauing any infectious sore vpon him vncured , that then such person and persons shall be taken , deemed , and adiudged as a felon , and to suffer paines of death , as in case of felonie , but if such person shall not haue any such sore found about him . then for his said offence , to be punished as a vagabond in all respects should , or ought to be , by the statute made in the nine and thirtieth yeere of the reigne of our late souereigne lady queene elizabeth , for the punishment of rogues and vagabonds ; and further to be bound to his or their good behauiour for one whole yeere . prouided , that no attainder of felony by vertue of this acte , shall extend to any attainder or corruption of blood , or forfeiture of any goods , chattels , lands , tenements , or hereditaments . and bee it further enacted by the authoritie aforesayd , that it shall be lawfull for iustices of peace , maiors , bayliffes , and other head officers aforesayd , to appoint within the seuerall limits , searchers , watchmen , examiners , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places respectiuely , infected as aforesayd , and to 〈…〉 vnto them oathes for the performance of their offices of searchers , examiners , watchmen , keepers , and buriers , and giue them other directions , as vnto them for the present necessitie shall seeme good in their discretions . and this acte to continue no longer then vntill the end of the first session of the next parliament . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted by authority of this present parliament , that no maior , bayliffes , head officers , or any iustices of peace , shall by force or pretext of any thing in this acte contained , doe or execute any thing before mentioned , within either the vniuersities of cambridge or oxford , or within any cathedrall church or the liberties or precincts thereof , in this realme of england , or within the colledges of eaton or winchester , but that the vicechancellor of either of the vniuersities for the time being , within either of the same respectiuely , and the bishop and deane of such cathedrall church , or one of them , within such cathedrall church , and the prouost or warden of either of the said colledges within the same , shall haue all such power and authority , and shall doe and execute all and euery such act and acts , thing and things in this act before mentioned , within their seuerall precincts and iurisdictions abouesaid , as wholly absolutely , and fully to all intents and purposes , as any maior , bayliffes , head officers , or iustices of peace within their seuerall precincts and iurisdictions , may elsewhere by force of this act doe and execute . in camera stellata coram concilio ibidem , vicesimo die octobris , anno regni reginae elizabethae quadragesimo , &c. praesentibus , thoma egerton mil. dn̄o cultod . magni sigilli angliae . dn̄o north. dn̄o buckhurst . iohanne fortescue milite cancellar , scaccarij . archiepiscopo cantuariens . popham milite capitali iustic . de banco regis . anderson milite capitali iustic . de communi banco . this day rice griffin and iohn scrips were brought to the barre , against whome edward coke esquire , her maiesties attourney generall , did enforme , that the said griffin had vnlawfully erected and built one tenement in hog-lane in the countie of middlesex , which he diuided into two seuerall roomes , wherein were now inhabiting two poore tenants , that onely liued and were maintained by the reliefe of the parishioners there , and begging abroad in other places : and that the said iohn scrips had in like sort diuided a tenement in shordich , into , or about seuenteene tenancies or dwellings , and the same inhabited by diuers persons of very poore and base condition , contrary to the intent and meaning of her highnesse proclamation , published and set out the seuenth day of iuly . in the two and twentieth yeere of her highnesse reigne , whereby the same , and such manner of buildings and diuisions , are altogether forbidden and prohibited , as by her maiesties said proclamation more at large appeareth . moreouer , her highnesse said attourney further informed this honourable court , that sithence the said proclamation , sundry decrees haue beene made and 〈…〉 this court , aswell for the prostrating , pulling downe , and defacing of diuers new buildings : as also for reformation of diuisions of tenements : all which notwithstanding , sundry wilful and disobedient persons , continue in their contemptuous maner of buildings and diuisions : by meanes whereof , the citie of london , and suburbs thereof , are ouercharged , and burdened with sundry sorts of poore , beggerly , and euill disposed persons , to the great hinderance and oppression of the same ; so as the magistrates and officers in and about the citie , to whom the execution of the aforesaid decrees and orders chiefly appertaineth , cannot performe and doe the same , according to the purport and tenour thereof : and in regard thereof : her highnes said attourney humbly prayed , that the said griffin and scrips might receiue , and haue inflicted on them , some condigne and fit punishment , and that at the humble petition of the lord maior and aldermen of the citie of london , and other the iustices of peace of the countie of middlesex and surrey , the court would be pleased to set downe and decree , some last and generall order in this and in all other like cases of new buildings , and diuisions of tenements . whereupon the court grauely considering the great growing euils and inconueniences that continually breed and happen by these new erected buildings and diuisions made and diuided contrary to her maiesties said proclamation , and well weighing the reasons of the said lord maior and aldermen of the said city , and iustices of the counties aforesaid in that behalfe , greatly tendring the ouerburdened and distressed estate of the inhabitants that dwell in sundry the parishes where the said new buildings and diuided tenements are , being for the most part but of small abilitie to beare and sustaine the great charge which is to grow there , by meanes of the poore placed in sundry of the new erected and diuided tenements , haue therefore by the whole and generall consent of all the honourable presence here sitting , hearing the accusations aforesaid , and the answeres , defences , and allegations of the said griffin and scrips , ordered and decreed , that the said griffin and scrips , shall be committed to the prison of the fleet , and pay twentie pounds a piece for a fine to her maiestie . and as for the pulling downe , or reforming of any house new built or diuided sithence and contrarie to the said proclamation , within the citie of london , or the compasse of three miles thereof , in which any poore or impotent persons now doe , or hereafter shall dwell or abide , for that if the same houses should be pulled downe , destroyed , or reformed , other habitations must bee prouided for them at the charge of the parishes where they be , or shall be dwelling . the court doeth as yet think fit to forbeare and respit the doing thereof , and haue ordered and adiudged that all and euery such poore and impotent persons , which dwell or shall dwell & 〈…〉 in any new buildings , or diuided tenements erected & diuided , contrary to the effect and intent of her highnesse said proclamation , and are or shall in any wise be driuen to liue by begging or to be relieued 〈…〉 within the city of london , or any other place within the compasse of three miles thereof , shall and may during the time of his or their life or liues , abide and dwell in the same , without giuing or paying any maner of rent seruice or other recompence vnto the landlords or any other , for , and in respect of the same , and not be thence 〈…〉 they shall after become able to liue of themselues , and that the said landlord , owner , or any other that 〈…〉 to , or for any rent or rents growing , ar●●ng , or payable for any of the said new buildings , or diuided tenements , to inhabited or to bee inhabited with poore people as aforesaid , shall 〈…〉 enioyned , and vpon this 〈…〉 and decree , take sufficient notice and warning , that hee or they doe not 〈…〉 encumber , disquiet , or moldst any of the said poore tenants , for any rents , covenants , conditions , promises or agreements , touching , or in any wise concerning the said tenements , new buildings , or any of them , for the leuying or recouering of any rent , seruice , or other consideration in lieu of any rent . and for that the new , buildings and diuisions of sundry houses , within the citie of london and three miles compasse thereof contrary to the tenor of the said proclamation , hath beene and is the occasion of great charges vnto the parishes of the said city and precinct aforesaid , whereby the said parishes are still ouermuch burdened with poore and impotent persons , it is therefore ordered and decreed , that all such landlords or owners of such buildings or diuisions whersoeuer they should dwell , shall contribute and giue such like ratable and reasonable allowance with the said prishioners where such buildings and diuisions are , towards the finding and maintaining of the poore of the parish , in which such buildings are , is , or shall bee erected or diuided contrary to the said proclamation , as should bee apportioned and allotted him or them to pay , if he or they were dwelling in the said parish . and it is further ordered and decreed by this honourable court , that after the death or departure of such poore people as doe or shall inhabite the same houses or diuided tenements aforesaid , the houses thereby being become void , then the lord maior and iustices of peace neere vnto the city adioyning , hereby are commanded to reforme the said diuided tenements , and to prostrate , pull downe and deface the said new buildings in such sort , as the same be no more left fit for habitation , and the timber and wood therof to be conuerted and disposed in such manner as by the said proclamation is required : as also to take order in all other the premisses , that this decree be duely obserued and kept : and if any shall be obstinate , then to binde such landlords as that shall obstinately and wilfully disobey this sayd decree , to appeare in this honourable court of starre-chamber to answere their contempt therein . this decree was afterward read in the court of starre-chamber the . of nouember . and then confirmed and straitly commanded by all the lords present to be duely put in execution . in camera stellata coram concilio ibidem , vicessimo nono die nouembris , anno septimo iacobi regis . praesentibus , thoma egerton milite dn̄o ellesmere , dn̄o canc. ang. comite sarum dn̄o thesaurario ang. comite northampton . comite exon. dn̄o zouch . iul. caesare milite cancellar . scaccarij . archiepiscopo cant. fleming milite capitali iustic . de banco regis . coke milite capitali . iust . de com . banc. yeluerton milit . iustic . de banc . reg. williams milit , iustic . de banc . reg. foster milite iustic . de communi banc. this day sir henry montague , knight , recorder of london enformed this most honorable court , that where there haue been diuers proclamations as well in the time of our late souereigne queene elizabeth , as also since his maiesties most happy reigne , and also diuers orders and decrees taken in this honourable court for the restraining and reforming of the multitude of new erected and diuided tenements , and taking in of inmates , yet neuerthelesse the same doe so daily increase and multiply in euery place in and about this city of london and the suburbs thereof , infinite number of people being pestered together breeding and nourishing infection , so that the same tendeth to the great imminent danger of the gouernement and safety of this citie , and consequently to the perill of his maiesties sacred person , the queenes maiestie , and their royall issue , and the lords of the state here ordinarily residing , with many other great enormities , if the same bee not carefully and speedily preuented . and therefore it was humbly desired , that this honourable court would reuiue a decree of this court , made the twentieth day of october , in the fourtieth yeere of our said late soueraigne queene elizabeth , taken and established for restraining and reforming of such new erected buildings and diuisions . and that the said decree might bee put in present execution for the speedy refor - of the said enormities , wherupon the said decree being openly read , this honourable court , and all the whole presence here sitting , taking tender care and consideration of the good and safety of the said city , and grauely fore-seeing the imminent danger and euils which doe growe and increase , and doe chiefely arise through ouermuch neglect in due execution of those former proclamations , decrees and ordinances which are not looked into as they ought to bee , doeth therefore decree and order , that the said former decree taken the said twentieth day of october in the said fortieth yeere of our late soueraigne be presently , and from time to time hereafter , more seuerely looked into , and put in execution . and his maiesties learned councell , and also the lord maior , and aldermen of london , together with all iustices of peace , and other his maiesties officers whatsoeuer which the same may any way concerne , are hereby straitly charged and required , that they and euery of them doe from time to time hereafter diligently and strictly cause and see the said decree to bee in all points duely obserued and put in execution , and tearmely to make certificate to his honourable court of their proceedings therein , and of such persons as they shall finde to offend in that behalfe ; whereupon this court doth purpose to proceed against them for their contempts with very seuere punishment . * ⁎ * london , imprinted by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie anno dom. . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e the church-wardens of euery parish , & other substantiall housholders yeerely to be nominated at easter , to be ouerseers for the poore . children of the poore to be set to work . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stocke of 〈…〉 axe & hemp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be raised . the church-wardens and ouerseers to meet together once euery moneth . account to be giuen by the ouerseers to two iustices of peace . other parishes within the hundred , to be taxed towards the reliefe of poore parishes . how to leuie money of such as refuse to pay . punishment of such as will not work . poore children to be put apprentices by the church-wardens and ouerseers . dwelling places for impotent poore to be built . order for such as are geieue with any sesse or taxe . parents , &c. being able , shall maitain their owne poore . 〈…〉 every alderman in the city of londō 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 authority as two iustices of peace . iustices . &c. to meddle onely in their owne liberties . a double account to be made . 〈…〉 for 〈…〉 . penalties and forfeitures to bee employed to poores vse . parishes to be rated at the generall ●●●●ions . leuying of summes of money rated . reliefe of the prisoners in the kings bench , marshalsey , hospitals , &c. treasurers for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 vp their account at the yeeres end . l chiefe iustice ▪ knight marshall . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 surplusage shal be bestowed . refusing to be treasurer to giue the reliefe appointed . a former statute for reliefe of the poore . 〈…〉 . the defendants plea in a suite commenced against him . notes for div a -e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . taxation 〈…〉 parish . refusing to pay the money taxed . churchwardens shall pay to the high constables the money taxed . churchwardens , &c. failing to make payment . a treasurer failing of account , or neglecting his charge . to which treasurer the souldier shall repaire for reliefe . who shall make the souldiers certificate . allowance of the certificate . treasurers shall assigne reliefe to soldiers . iustices shall grant reliefe to souldiers . how much reliefe shall be assigned . the iustices may alter souldiers reliefe . souldiers ariuing far from the place where they are to haue reliefe . the treasurers booke of computation , and register . a treasurer refusing to giue reliefe . a souldier begging , or counterfeiting a certificate . the surplusage of the stock . chiefe officers in corporate townes . how the forfeitures shal be imployed . pensions assigned , to stand in force , though the statutc be repealed . taxations made and not leuied . if the rate be not sufficient for souldiers in london . notes for div a -e all former statutes concerning rogues , &c. reuealed . iustices of peace shall set downe order for erection and maintenance of houses of correction . who shall be adiudged rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggers . the punishment of a vagabond . a testinoniall after punishment . rogues which be dangerous , or will not be reformed . rogues to be banished the realme , or committed to the gallies . rogues returning after banishment , to be reputed felons . the forfeiture of a constable &c. not doing his duty . disturbing the execution of this statute . bringing into this realme of irish , scottish or manniske vagabonds . diseased persons resorting to bath and buxton . the iustices within towns corporate shall only intermeddle . s. thomas hospitall in southwarke . the iurisdiction of iohn dutton of dutton reserued . in what sort the forfeitures shall be imployed . iustices of peace may heare and determine the causes of this statute . commissioners to enquire for mony gathered . a prouision for poore sea-faring men . glassemen not begging . this act to be proclaimed . no authoritie giuen by any baron , &c. shal free others from the offence and punishment of the statute of . eliz. glassemen brought within the compasse of the statute . rogues branded with an hot yron r. glassemen brought within the compasse of the statute . notes for div a -e taxing others for the reliefe of the sicke of the plague . the inhabitants vnable to relieue the infected . an infected person commanded to keep his house , disobeyeth . infected persons how felons . attendants appointed vpon the infected persons . the vniuersities , cathedrall churches , caron , winchester .